1. Miley Cyrus~~If I never see her tongue again, I'd be ok with it.
2. Johnny Manziel~~Talented no doubt but he is the subject of EVERY football game even when he's not playng.
3. Mack Brown~~Hit the road, Jack
4. Twerking~~See #1
5. Kate Gosselin. She really did not do much in 2013 but this is a dislike that goes on and on.
6. Anchorman II~Will Farrell...Anything involving this movie. Every promo. Every commercial. They all suck.
7. The princess who lives next door to me. Constantly barking dog. Trash on her porch. Elephant like arrival at home at midnight. Ready to move on.
8. Kathy Griffin or Jenny McCarthy ringing in New Years Eve. Yep they are probably on now but I'm not watching because neither are funny and both apparently have something to blackmail Anderson Cooper with because why else would they be on TV? Ever?
9. Cold weather. I hate being cold and need a warmer place to live.
10. My apartment, including #7. I live in a box with a stove that doesn't work well, too much noise, too little room, stairs, garage a block away. Come June, goodbye box!!
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
The Chair
I was at a friend's house yesterday and he had a chair I absolutely loved and I went out today to find one similar. Not exactly the same although if I could have gotten his chair out of his house and into my car yesterday without him noticing, I would have done it. Today I found this one at Haverty's and probably would have bought it today but they had no one even offer to help me so maybe it's a sign. What do you think?
End of Year Thoughts
Well, we made it through another year. A good thing. It's been fairly eventful. I quit my practically volunteer, non-paying job. I sold my nice house. I got a really good job that I really like. I live in a box that I hate. I have a little savings. I'm practically debt free. I may never again own another house. I gained a little weight and now have lost back to where I was. My job has blessed me with several new friends I made it through the holidays in mostly one piece. Like every other year of my life, I have done the best I can.
So what will 2014 bring? There is a commercial on TV with a cute little boy making New Year's Revolutions. His main revolution is to eat more jelly beans. Not a bad choice at all.
You can go back on this blog and find that I have made resolutions in the past. I have goals, things I want to do but I've decided that formal resolutions are kinda pointless. Again, my goal is to do the best I can.
I want to plan a special vacation although my plans have already changed. I wanted to go to London or Hawaii this year but my boys want to go too and Kyle has an odd feeling about 2014 and I respect that. So my vacation will probably be meeting my niece Hope in Las Vegas and next year, 2015, will lead to somewhere more exotic. Who knows...things may change.
In June of 2014 I will find another place to live...out of the box, into somewhere bigger. 6 more months.
Sadly, in 2014 I will probably be a little less trusting. I have a friend, that for a specific reason, I have lost faith in and feel really disrespected by. This person has taken something from me literally and spiritually. My heart will be less trusting.
It's not midnight here yet and the fireworks are already going off.
I saw this on my cousin's Facebook page and swiped it. I hope this is how I can face 2014.
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
It's a Wonderful Life
I've seen it about 100 times. It's on TV practically every day. I can stream it on Netflix 24/7. I own it on DVD. And on Sunday, I went to the theater to see it on the big screen and it was about the coolest thing I've ever seen. I had asked my friend John if he wanted to go and he laughed and said no. He also said it would only be girls but he was wrong. I saw several men there. Granted, none were alone or with other guys. Basically, their girls drug them, but they were there.
This movie was made in 1947 and was mostly a critical and financial failure. Jimmy Stewart is George Bailey, a man from a small town with big dreams of seeing the world. His dad owns the Bailey Savings & Loan, a small bank that today would be a credit union. His father's sudden death delays his plans of college as George takes over the business to keep it open. Without the Savings & Loan, the only person loaning money is evil Mr Potter. George stays and sends his brother to college. The plan is that brother Harry will come back and take over the business but Harry ends up with better offers. George's marriage to Mary, the great depression, babies and extended family obligations keep George in town. getting by, not getting rich. Then his uncle loses $8000 and George fears he faces jail over the missing money. He goes to Potter who laughs him out of his office and tells George he is worth more dead than alive. In desperation, George thinks of suicide. But George has many praying for him--Mary & his kids, his mom, childhood friends, people whose lives he's touched over the years and God sends Clarence, an angel out to earn his wings, to save George. Clarence's plan is to show George what it would be like if he was never born. Harry had died in an accident because George was not there to save him. Many men died on a ship because Harry was not there to save them. Their mom had to take in boarders. Childhood friend Violet was a prostitute (implied only of course). Mr Gower the druggist was a drunk. The local bar was owned by a thug. Mary was the town librarian. George had made all of their lives better and Clarence finally makes George realize that. He decides he wants to live after all and goes home to face the music. When he gets there, the bank examiner and the sheriff are waiting but George is so happy to see his family that he doesn't care. Then a miracle happens...all of his friends come to his rescue. Not one has $8000 but his friends come together to raise it. Harry salutes his big brother George, the richest man in town. And Clarence gets his wings!!
I almost know the story by heart and there were scenes where I had tears in my eyes. The movie was even more powerful on the large screen. And at the end, people in the theater were cheering so I thing they agreed. I remember seeing a movie that had Martin Landau as an old theater owner and about his theater he asked, why would people want to stay home and watch a box when they could come here? I know sometimes that the theater is not the coolest place...cell phones, crying babies, too much crap before the show...but I actually agree with Martin here. I still love it and I especially loved seeing this movie on Sunday.
This movie was made in 1947 and was mostly a critical and financial failure. Jimmy Stewart is George Bailey, a man from a small town with big dreams of seeing the world. His dad owns the Bailey Savings & Loan, a small bank that today would be a credit union. His father's sudden death delays his plans of college as George takes over the business to keep it open. Without the Savings & Loan, the only person loaning money is evil Mr Potter. George stays and sends his brother to college. The plan is that brother Harry will come back and take over the business but Harry ends up with better offers. George's marriage to Mary, the great depression, babies and extended family obligations keep George in town. getting by, not getting rich. Then his uncle loses $8000 and George fears he faces jail over the missing money. He goes to Potter who laughs him out of his office and tells George he is worth more dead than alive. In desperation, George thinks of suicide. But George has many praying for him--Mary & his kids, his mom, childhood friends, people whose lives he's touched over the years and God sends Clarence, an angel out to earn his wings, to save George. Clarence's plan is to show George what it would be like if he was never born. Harry had died in an accident because George was not there to save him. Many men died on a ship because Harry was not there to save them. Their mom had to take in boarders. Childhood friend Violet was a prostitute (implied only of course). Mr Gower the druggist was a drunk. The local bar was owned by a thug. Mary was the town librarian. George had made all of their lives better and Clarence finally makes George realize that. He decides he wants to live after all and goes home to face the music. When he gets there, the bank examiner and the sheriff are waiting but George is so happy to see his family that he doesn't care. Then a miracle happens...all of his friends come to his rescue. Not one has $8000 but his friends come together to raise it. Harry salutes his big brother George, the richest man in town. And Clarence gets his wings!!
I almost know the story by heart and there were scenes where I had tears in my eyes. The movie was even more powerful on the large screen. And at the end, people in the theater were cheering so I thing they agreed. I remember seeing a movie that had Martin Landau as an old theater owner and about his theater he asked, why would people want to stay home and watch a box when they could come here? I know sometimes that the theater is not the coolest place...cell phones, crying babies, too much crap before the show...but I actually agree with Martin here. I still love it and I especially loved seeing this movie on Sunday.
A chump and a fool
Yep, I am both and both are me.
I have spent my life pretty much alone. At 56, I don't trust many. I always care more for people than they care form me. And I know this. Yet I get my feelings hurt sometimes anyway. Say when your nephew gets engaged and you find out on Facebook. A nephew you loved from day one and who grew up in your house. I saw it this morning and I called and asked why he didn't tell and his response was it just happened and he had not told anyone. And I told him I didn't think I was just anyone. He said he was sorry but he was on the spot. And I hung up and I cried. I would have told him before I posted on Facebook. But I would want him to share my joy first and I would tell him first because he's important in my life. Obviously that feeling is one sided. And I have to wonder how I am always in this situation. And it's because I'm a chump and a fool
For the record, I like the girl and I am happy for him and think he deserves to be happy. Obviously, he does not need me. At all.
Wallowing in self pity here. Not a pretty sight. And I'll be over it soon. But right now, I hurt.
I have spent my life pretty much alone. At 56, I don't trust many. I always care more for people than they care form me. And I know this. Yet I get my feelings hurt sometimes anyway. Say when your nephew gets engaged and you find out on Facebook. A nephew you loved from day one and who grew up in your house. I saw it this morning and I called and asked why he didn't tell and his response was it just happened and he had not told anyone. And I told him I didn't think I was just anyone. He said he was sorry but he was on the spot. And I hung up and I cried. I would have told him before I posted on Facebook. But I would want him to share my joy first and I would tell him first because he's important in my life. Obviously that feeling is one sided. And I have to wonder how I am always in this situation. And it's because I'm a chump and a fool
For the record, I like the girl and I am happy for him and think he deserves to be happy. Obviously, he does not need me. At all.
Wallowing in self pity here. Not a pretty sight. And I'll be over it soon. But right now, I hurt.
Friday, November 15, 2013
Christmas name
I found a list on Facebook, the new authority for all things cool, of Santa names. So, from now until Christmas, I will only answer to my Christmas name: BoBunny Crazy-Pants.
Baylor
The first football game I ever saw in person, above a high
school level, was the Texas Tech-Baylor game in 1974. A doctor who had a hunting lease at the ranch
had box seats season tickets and gave them to us. It was not my dad’s thing but he and I drove
up to see the game because I wanted to come.
And boy oh boy I was impressed. The
stadium, the 50 yard line (only time ever I think), the game, the spirit, the
band. It all sealed my Texas Tech
future. Oh, yeah, there was the school
part…! I remember it was Veterans day
weekend and the band did a patriotic show and I thought it was great! I don’t remember who won…
This weekend I am headed for Arlington to see the same game. Now someone above my level has decided that
Tech never again gets to go to Waco and Baylor isn’t coming here…now it’s a Dallas
shootout. It’s all about money of course
but it also gets me a road trip so I guess it’s good. I don’t like losing home games and Lubbock
revenue to Dallas but I obviously don’t hate it too much. This time I will meet my friend Holly from my
college days and her daughter Lindsey and we are wearing our “our coach is
hotter than your coach” shirts like triplets and we will be at Cowboys Stadium
instead of the Jones. And we will eat
somewhere fun and stay in a cool hotel.
I guess, technically, I have come up in the world. And our hopes for a win are a wing and a
prayer but a good time will be had by all.
I guess I’ve come up in the world but that first game, with
my daddy, will live in my heart forever.
Monday, November 11, 2013
Happy Veteran's Day 2013
ARLINGTON CEMETERY
Jeopardy Question:
On Jeopardy the other night, the final question was:
"How many steps does the guard take during his walk across the tomb of the Unknowns" ----
All three contestants missed it! --
This is really an awesome sight to watch if you've never had the chance.
Very fascinating.
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
1. How many steps does the guard take during his walk across the tomb of the Unknowns and why? 21 steps:
It alludes to the twenty-one gun salute which is the highest honor given any military or foreign dignitary.
2. How long does he hesitate after his about face to begin his return walk and why?
21 seconds for the same reason as answer number 1
3. Why are his gloves wet? His gloves are moistened to prevent his losing his grip on the rifle.
4. Does he carry his rifle on the same shoulder all the time and, if not, why not? He
carries the rifle on the shoulder away from the tomb. After his march across the path, he executes an about face and moves the rifle to the outside shoulder.
5. How often are the guards changed? Guards are changed every thirty minutes, twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year.
6. What are the physical traits of the guard limited to? For a person to apply for guard duty at the tomb, he must be between 5' 10' and 6' 2' tall and his waist size cannot exceed 30.
They must commit 2 years of life to guard the tomb, live in a barracks under the tomb, and cannot drink any alcohol on or off duty for the rest of their lives. They cannot swear in public for the rest of their lives and cannot disgrace the uniform or the tomb in any way.
After two years, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on their lapel signifying they served as guard of the tomb. There are only 400 presently worn. The guard must obey these rules for the rest of their lives or give up the wreath pin.
The shoes are specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat and cold from their feet. There are metal heel plates that extend to the top of the shoe in order to make the loud click as they come to a halt.
There are no wrinkles, folds or lint on the uniform. Guards dress for duty in front of a full-length mirror.
The first six months of duty a guard cannot talk to anyone nor watch TV.
All off duty time is spent studying the 175 notable people laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery.
A guard must memorize who they are and where they are interred. Among the notables are:
President Taft,
Joe Lewis {the boxer}
Medal of Honor winner Audie L. Murphy, the most decorated soldier of WWII and of Hollywood fame.
Every guard spends five hours a day getting his uniforms ready for guard duty..
ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM.
In 2003 as Hurricane Isabelle was approaching Washington, DC, our US Senate/House took 2 days off with anticipation of the storm. On the ABC evening news, it was reported that because of the dangers from the hurricane, the military
members assigned the duty of guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier were given permission to suspend the assignment. They respectfully declined the offer, "No way,
Sir!" Soaked to the skin, marching in the pelting rain of a tropical storm, they said that
guarding the Tomb was not just an assignment, it was the highest honor that can be
afforded to a service person. The tomb has been patrolled continuously, 24/7, since 1930.
God Bless and keep them.
I'd be very proud if this post reaches as many as possible. We can be very proud of our young men and women in the service no matter where they serve.
God Bless America
Jeopardy Question:
On Jeopardy the other night, the final question was:
"How many steps does the guard take during his walk across the tomb of the Unknowns" ----
All three contestants missed it! --
This is really an awesome sight to watch if you've never had the chance.
Very fascinating.
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
1. How many steps does the guard take during his walk across the tomb of the Unknowns and why? 21 steps:
It alludes to the twenty-one gun salute which is the highest honor given any military or foreign dignitary.
2. How long does he hesitate after his about face to begin his return walk and why?
21 seconds for the same reason as answer number 1
3. Why are his gloves wet? His gloves are moistened to prevent his losing his grip on the rifle.
4. Does he carry his rifle on the same shoulder all the time and, if not, why not? He
carries the rifle on the shoulder away from the tomb. After his march across the path, he executes an about face and moves the rifle to the outside shoulder.
5. How often are the guards changed? Guards are changed every thirty minutes, twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year.
6. What are the physical traits of the guard limited to? For a person to apply for guard duty at the tomb, he must be between 5' 10' and 6' 2' tall and his waist size cannot exceed 30.
They must commit 2 years of life to guard the tomb, live in a barracks under the tomb, and cannot drink any alcohol on or off duty for the rest of their lives. They cannot swear in public for the rest of their lives and cannot disgrace the uniform or the tomb in any way.
After two years, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on their lapel signifying they served as guard of the tomb. There are only 400 presently worn. The guard must obey these rules for the rest of their lives or give up the wreath pin.
The shoes are specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat and cold from their feet. There are metal heel plates that extend to the top of the shoe in order to make the loud click as they come to a halt.
There are no wrinkles, folds or lint on the uniform. Guards dress for duty in front of a full-length mirror.
The first six months of duty a guard cannot talk to anyone nor watch TV.
All off duty time is spent studying the 175 notable people laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery.
A guard must memorize who they are and where they are interred. Among the notables are:
President Taft,
Joe Lewis {the boxer}
Medal of Honor winner Audie L. Murphy, the most decorated soldier of WWII and of Hollywood fame.
Every guard spends five hours a day getting his uniforms ready for guard duty..
ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM.
In 2003 as Hurricane Isabelle was approaching Washington, DC, our US Senate/House took 2 days off with anticipation of the storm. On the ABC evening news, it was reported that because of the dangers from the hurricane, the military
members assigned the duty of guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier were given permission to suspend the assignment. They respectfully declined the offer, "No way,
Sir!" Soaked to the skin, marching in the pelting rain of a tropical storm, they said that
guarding the Tomb was not just an assignment, it was the highest honor that can be
afforded to a service person. The tomb has been patrolled continuously, 24/7, since 1930.
God Bless and keep them.
I'd be very proud if this post reaches as many as possible. We can be very proud of our young men and women in the service no matter where they serve.
God Bless America
*********************************************************************************
This was posted on Facebook and I am assuming it's true. It's cool either way.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Today I smiled. Several times.
I'm normally a pretty content person, Not too many ups or downs, just level. But today, several things just made me smile.
1. The theme from Rawhide. I'm listening to Pandora radio during the day and I'm on Marty Robbins radio and there it was. It makes me think of Las Vegas and the Dealertainers. They had Jake & Elwood Blues and they sang it for our table.
2. Chick Fil A for lunch.
3 I had an envelope with 5 $20 bills and I could not find it in my purse or bag this morning. I thought maybe I'd left it in the car. I found it--money intact--on the ground outside my passenger door. It had been there all night.
4. The team dance on Dancing With The Stars to "What Does the Fox Say" was too cute not to smile.
5. I had 2 texts from people out of nowhere...and I had to add them back to contacts afterI said 'Who is this?". My new phone has been an adventure without a doubt.
6. I have 3 of 9 scarves finished for Christmas and found my bags and tags today. Things are looking good to be finished.
I had others...I'll have to think!
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Random stuff of today.
Tomorrow would have been my parents 68th wedding anniversary.
Kanye West bought Kim Kardashian an 8 million dollar engagement ring. It's estimated that 20% of the children and the elderly will go to bed hungry tonight and a woman with no obvious talent or skills, with an ass the size of Kansas, proudly wears that ring.
I'm watching the Untouchables, a tv show that ran from 1959 to 1963. It's in black and white, which I love,
and was a Desilu production and apparently they had a stable of young actors that played several parts over the years. I've seen a young Peter Falk, Leslie Nielson, Nita Talbot, Anne Francis, General Hospital's John Beradino (Steve Hardy) and Larry Gates (Guiding Light's HB Lewis) and more and more and more.
My Red Raiders lost their first game of the season today. I'm not really surprised because while we have had a blast and have the great record, no one expected us to win but the truth is our young team with a brand new coach held their own against the might Oklahoma today. And next year, we will take them to chapel.
Another Untouchable observation. Robert Stack had great hair.
Where were you?
In the AARP magazine this month, there is the Bob Schieffer story about where he was when Kennedy died. It's about the coolest story ever. I'm not going to repeat it here but look it up. Trust me. It got me to thinking about the events that I will always remember where I was when it happened.
First, the Kennedy assassination: The 50 year anniversary is in about a month. I was in the first grade in Bagdad, AZ. I remember the principal coming over the loudspeaker, telling us that our president had been shot. The teachers were supposed to keep us inside until someone came for us. I remember Cathy & Jo, senior and junior in high school, coming for me. I didn't understand what was going on because I was a protected 6.
When Martin Luther King was assassinated, I don't remember where I was at the time but I do remember the girl I was walking home with telling me her parents were very happy about it. I remember thinking how sad that was. I don't remember hearing about it at home. I was a protected 10 year old.
I remember May 30, 1970 going with my sister Jo and her husband Art to a baseball game that Art was umping and because they had been arguing all morning, I wanted to go home. Right after dark the sheriff came to our door to tell us that Jo had been shot and killed accidentally. I remember going to the emergency room at the Bagdad hospital and my daddy having to be held back so he would not go after Art. After it was ruled an accident, and the funeral held, Art took everything out of their house that could be sold and not sold, including Jo's hair curlers and Bible and my parents Mastercard and left town forever. They had been married 4 months. Today I think a different investigation would have netted a different result.
I remember the American POW's coming home from Vietnam. They had to come home in the middle of the night to avoid the protesters. I was a senior in high school. A little less protected.
In August 1977, I was in Miami Beach and I remember stepping out of the shower to hear the announcement on the radio that Elvis had died. So sad.
On December 8, 1980 I remember Howard Cosell, Frank Gifford and Dandy Don Meredith announcing on Monday Night Football that someone had shot John Lennon. So confusing why someone would shoot such a gentle man.
On May 31, 1997 my sister Cathy died of breast cancer after a long and ugly battle. I remember talking to her about 2 weeks before and she was coughing. She said she was going to come to Texas to rest and let mom take care of her. I remember telling her it was a good idea. In the meantime, mom & I went to Uncle T's and Aunt B's for Memorial weekend. We ate Boston Market chicken at a roadside park on the way home. My mom liked traveling with me and I with her. The next morning, they got a call that Cathy was in the hospital. They drove to Arizona and one of them sat with her 24 hours a day until she died on that Saturday. My dad was 83, mom was 68. It broke their hearts.
September 11,2001 goes without saying. I was at work when my friend Jason came in to tell us that a plane had crashed into one of the twin towers. We were watching in the lounge when the 2nd plane it. We stayed at work all day but didn't have any calls.
My mom died in the middle of the night on February 3,2003. She's been a coma in the hospital for a month and the doctor had told me she was not going to get better. I remember the day before sitting with her and telling her that it was ok if she was tired. I think that was all she needed.
On February 21, 2009 my daddy died in the nursing home in Jayton. He'd been in there 1 week. I had always said he wouldn't live for 2 weeks in a nursing home and he proved me right. He was tired too.
A lot has happened since then. AT&T Retirement, Walgreens, Wright Elementary, Unemployed, house sale, Texas Tech University, apartment. And maybe some future memories.
With friends like these...
Last week I watched a movie called ‘The Last Ride’ about the
last 2 days of the life of Hank Williams.
It’s New Year’s Eve and his caretaker of the moment hires a young
mechanic named Silas to drive ‘Mr Wells’ to West Virginia for a show. At the first of the show it is apparent the
kid does not know who his passenger really is and I wasn’t clear if he even
knew until the end of the movie. Early
on, the passenger asks Silas to call him Luke.
It’s pretty apparent that Hank is in bad shape. He’s tired and sick. Silas is warned not to let him drink any
whiskey or he won’t be paid. His
drinking has affected every part of his life—his reputation, his performances,
his marriage. It appears if there was
not money involved, everyone would have left him to his own devices. But money has a way of attracting
‘friends’.
What a sad man he appeared to be. Betrayed by his wife, scorned by his
handlers, he was painfully alone with a stranger when he died. If his music reflects his life, he must have
hurt badly. I realize his behavior
caused others to be react, and I in general try to find the best of people, but
I have to wonder if he had someone to trust, someone who had his back, if his
life would have be different. Like so
many celebrities, he had employees and hangers on but I’m not sure he had
genuine friends. Very sad movie. It starred Henry Thomas from ET fame as Hank.
It makes me really sad sometimes to think of the people who
died too young because they had hangers on instead of friends:
Elvis. Colonel
Parker. Priscilla. Need we say more?
Whitney Houston. Such
a talent.
Marilyn Monroe.
Cory Monteith. He’d
been to rehab and seemed on track but he had a demon inside of him.
Keith Whitley. I
remember Lorrie Morgan saying she’d tie herself to him with her robe tie at
night so she’d know when he got up because he could not stay out of the liquor
cabinet.
Heath Ledger. I have
never seen a more heartbreaking performance in my life that his Ennis in
Brokeback Mountain. Such a talent.
And there are those in the making: Lindsey Lohan, Amanda
Bynes, Miley Cyrus. It would be so
good to have someone take them by the
hand and try to show them a life that doesn’t involve drinking, drugs, more
money than they need or twerking while sticking out their tongue.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Oh, my eyes!!
I made a huge mistake on Saturday.
Last week, I placed an order with Amazon.com that was
supposed to be delivered on Saturday.
But I did not remember to change my One-Click option with my new address
when I moved so basically, the order had my old address on it. And though it started out with UPS, and was in Lubbock on Friday, for some reason
the new trend is to UPS it to a post office so USPS employee can deliver it. Bottom line, the post office knows I’ve moved
and instead of forwarding it, they returned it.
That was not the huge mistake.
I was hoping maybe the post office had delivered it to the
old house so I went by an rang the bell at my old house to see if they had by
some chance left the package. They had
not. But I introduced myself to the new
owner and she asked if I wanted to come in to see the house. I said sure.
HUGE mistake.
My former house was filthy.
Not just messy. The woman has 4
cats and 2 dogs in there. Who apparently
don’t go outside or to a litter box. The
carpet was nasty. There was stuff piled
in every square inch. The smell gagged
me. And she wants to take out my gas
cooktop that I would kill for if I could have in my apartment. And she hates the glass in the cabinets. And I’d had the carpets cleaned before I
left—something I did not have to do—and she wanted to know if I’d scotchguarded
them to help alleviate the cat
problems. I did not pay the extra
money. Sorry.
It breaks my heart and it something I cannot unsee. Ever.
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Burn Notice
The finale was a few weeks ago but I just got around to watching the last 3 episodes today. This was the end of 7 seasons. I don't normally start watching a show until it's been on for a year or so because the networks have taken to cancelling them after a week or so. Luckily, USA is better in letting their audience develop a friendship with their shows. I did not watch the first 2 seasons when they happened but with the help of Netflix I got to watch them in about a week. Then I got into the routine of recording and watching every year. I got to know Michael, Fiona, Sam, Maddie and Jessie over the years and even though I am not sure their world is real (or at least I hope not!) their adventures were exciting & I enjoyed every minute. I especially loved Sharon Gless as Maddie, Michael's mom. I remember her as Christine Cagney and her Maddie is so full of layers and I'll bet she showed these kids a thing or two about everything!
The ending left it open for a spinoff for Sam and Jesse and USA if you are in, I'm in. And I do so hope Michael and Fi do live happy ever after in a land of plenty of C3 and Yogurt!!
Thanks for the fun ride. I'm going to miss you all.
Saturday, September 7, 2013
Les Miserables in Graham
Back in June, my friend Deb and I headed to Graham, Texas to see our friend Jimmy sing Jean Valjean in the Graham Community Theater production of my favorite musical Les Miserables. Graham is Jimmy's hometown. He came to Tech and met Deb and I met him through her. He is a tenor with the Lyric Opera in Chicago among other accomplishments. He was the only professional singer who performed with several really talented and moderately talented local performers and they did a good job. It is an ambitious production if you are not familiar...it is mostly sung start to finish. The stage was at the Graham High School auditorium an it was a very nice facility. All in all, everyone involved had a lot to be proud of. Along the road in Megargal, TX we saw a really pretty church and I had to stop and take a few pictures.
I had to laugh at their sign. 7 AM. Seriously?
We also saw some buffalo in a field and I tried to take their picture too but they were not very cooperative.
And then it was on to the show:
I was too slow on the draw with my camera. By the time I realized I could take a picture it was too late.
 |
| And here is Jimmy. And Cosette and Marius. This photo was taken by Jimmy's friend Randy Black and I'm using it with his generous permission. |
And on the way home, we had to laugh at the "Guthrie Bypass". Guthrie is a town with about 50 people in it and TXDOT built a bypass around it because they have a lot of truck traffic go through and I think there was a curve that was a little dangerous. We pulled off to see if the old rock service station that had been there forever was still there. It isn't. There was a time it was the only place to stop over a long road from Vernon to Dickens. Now there is basically nowhere to stop. Not progress. Anyway, at the overpass, TXDOT put brands on the wall and they look pretty cool:
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| 6666 brand in the middle. Largest ranch in King County. |
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| Pitchfork in the middle. Also in King County and Dickens County |
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| Don't know K or JT but I liked the placement |
We had a nice little road trip!!
A few random thoughts.
1. I really like the Marsha Sharp Freeway but why oh why would they build a brand new freeway with only 2 lanes each way? If you are going to inconvenience an entire city for 5 years, build 3 lanes.
2. Speaking of that freeway, I wish the drivers who aren't getting off at whatever exit would get in the other lane so those of us that need off at whatever exit can get off there.
3. I've tried to eat yogurt over the years but have decided I just don't like it much.
4. I love my new job but loved my old schedule better. Don't like working til 5pm. And liked being at work at 730 to avoid traffic. See thought 1 & 2.
5. Kliff Kingsbury is adorably cute. I am excited about Texas Tech football again.
6. Why does a girl bring her chocolate lab to college with her, then make him live in a 700 sq ft and a 8x8 patio? She takes him out to do his business and right back up the stairs. She leave him and another dog on the patio all day...in the heat, in the rain. She doesn't exercise him. The other dog barks all the time when he's out. Her dog just looks sad.
7. I know tv is big business but afternoon games at the first of September in the south are cruel. They showed the thermometer today at the Baylor game...it was about 2 pm and it was 117 degrees on the field.
No one should have to play in that heat.
8. I love the school colors of Stephen F Austin University. Purple and white.
9. No one has a prettier symbol of a university than the horse at Texas Tech.
2. Speaking of that freeway, I wish the drivers who aren't getting off at whatever exit would get in the other lane so those of us that need off at whatever exit can get off there.
3. I've tried to eat yogurt over the years but have decided I just don't like it much.
4. I love my new job but loved my old schedule better. Don't like working til 5pm. And liked being at work at 730 to avoid traffic. See thought 1 & 2.
5. Kliff Kingsbury is adorably cute. I am excited about Texas Tech football again.
6. Why does a girl bring her chocolate lab to college with her, then make him live in a 700 sq ft and a 8x8 patio? She takes him out to do his business and right back up the stairs. She leave him and another dog on the patio all day...in the heat, in the rain. She doesn't exercise him. The other dog barks all the time when he's out. Her dog just looks sad.
7. I know tv is big business but afternoon games at the first of September in the south are cruel. They showed the thermometer today at the Baylor game...it was about 2 pm and it was 117 degrees on the field.
No one should have to play in that heat.
8. I love the school colors of Stephen F Austin University. Purple and white.
9. No one has a prettier symbol of a university than the horse at Texas Tech.
Fast Food~~Not sure what it hurts most: Butt or Blood Pressure
I am not really a big fast food person. My standby place to eat when I'm too tired to make a decision is a west Texas place called Taco Villa. I think they started in Odessa and they have a few stores between Odessa and Lubbock and they are familiar and comforting. And I eat at Scholtzkys some because I walk out the back door and cross the alley from my office and I'm there. And I love Chic Fil A and there is one in my neighborhood that I've been to one time since I've lived here. I have always, for some reason, liked Egg McMuffins so occasionally I will stop at McDonalds in the morning but actually find the rest of their food disgusting. Which brings me to my rant, which is not about food but fast food employees.
One morning last week, while on my way to work, I went through the drive thru and I heard the employee say "it's not wrapped in the right paper" but he handed me sack anyway. So I pulled over in the lot and sure enough, it was the wrong thing. I pulled back around where I had to wait in line again for them to replace it. It actually annoyed me enough that I put a complaint in on their website when I got to work. 4 calls form corporate, offering me a free meal which I declined. I was not needing a free meal. I just wanted someone to know that my valuable morning time was wasted. They all assured me they would discuss with manager. Normally, I would have just not gone back. But last Sunday morning, there was one person in line and I figured they could handle handing me a Diet Coke out the window. But I was wrong. I got to the window and paid and then had to pull up behind the only other car in the lot where I sat for 12 full minutes. By the time I'd been there a couple I was boxed in or I would have left. So at 12 minutes, I called the number I still had in my call log in my cell phone from the manager calling me last week and they were surprised there was someone else in line. I saw a little head come out the window to look to find not just me 2nd but several cars behind me. When I finally got to the window they said they did not realize someone else was in line. I asked them to make me fresh drink so I could see that no one spit in it. I should have filed another complaint but whatever. That particular store cannot be making a ton of $$ because I rarely see anyone there. Someone needs to Undercover Boss that place.
And then on the way home earlier this week I stopped at Chicken Express and watched as people behind me went to the newly opened lane 2 and got their food before I did. And again, I was boxed in. Being trapped in a line is an annoying trend among fast food joints these days.
My bigger problem is the employees at these places. No doubt they are uneducated. They can't take an order, they can't count change. In my experience they are also don't care about doing a quality job, they are rude to each other and their customers and they need constant supervision from some who has a stake in the store. Sadly, they are probably graduates of our public school system where...well, I'm not sure what is stressed but it's not math, reading or problem solving. And I guess in some of their minds minimum wage deserves minimum effort. No pride in a job. I know I'm generalizing but these are my experiences and they happen every time I eat fast food. So I guess I need to stop...for my butt and my blood pressure.
One morning last week, while on my way to work, I went through the drive thru and I heard the employee say "it's not wrapped in the right paper" but he handed me sack anyway. So I pulled over in the lot and sure enough, it was the wrong thing. I pulled back around where I had to wait in line again for them to replace it. It actually annoyed me enough that I put a complaint in on their website when I got to work. 4 calls form corporate, offering me a free meal which I declined. I was not needing a free meal. I just wanted someone to know that my valuable morning time was wasted. They all assured me they would discuss with manager. Normally, I would have just not gone back. But last Sunday morning, there was one person in line and I figured they could handle handing me a Diet Coke out the window. But I was wrong. I got to the window and paid and then had to pull up behind the only other car in the lot where I sat for 12 full minutes. By the time I'd been there a couple I was boxed in or I would have left. So at 12 minutes, I called the number I still had in my call log in my cell phone from the manager calling me last week and they were surprised there was someone else in line. I saw a little head come out the window to look to find not just me 2nd but several cars behind me. When I finally got to the window they said they did not realize someone else was in line. I asked them to make me fresh drink so I could see that no one spit in it. I should have filed another complaint but whatever. That particular store cannot be making a ton of $$ because I rarely see anyone there. Someone needs to Undercover Boss that place.
And then on the way home earlier this week I stopped at Chicken Express and watched as people behind me went to the newly opened lane 2 and got their food before I did. And again, I was boxed in. Being trapped in a line is an annoying trend among fast food joints these days.
My bigger problem is the employees at these places. No doubt they are uneducated. They can't take an order, they can't count change. In my experience they are also don't care about doing a quality job, they are rude to each other and their customers and they need constant supervision from some who has a stake in the store. Sadly, they are probably graduates of our public school system where...well, I'm not sure what is stressed but it's not math, reading or problem solving. And I guess in some of their minds minimum wage deserves minimum effort. No pride in a job. I know I'm generalizing but these are my experiences and they happen every time I eat fast food. So I guess I need to stop...for my butt and my blood pressure.
Monday, August 19, 2013
House Pros and Cons
At the end of May, I was in a funk. I knew I was not going back to school. I'd had enough of cafeteria duty. The principal, secretary and nurse was leaving and they weren't leaving me there alone. I was making diddly money. I was ready for a change. I had thought maybe I'd move out of town. Then the house sold. I got an apartment. And I thought I could live here for awhile. I was wrong.
So now it's house time again. And I don't know exactly what I want but I don't want much yard. I want as little yard as possible. So I've been looking at garden homes. I've decided that a garden home is a smaller house than normal but $50,000 more. Today I saw 2. The first is in a great neighborhood and beautiful on the outside. And butt ugly on the inside. I don't know where they got the pictures but this house did not look like the pictures. The second one was much better. I really liked it. But why? Do I love it because I love it or because I hated the first one so much. Because the apartment is such a poof fit? There are definite pros and cons on the 2nd one.
Pros:
Very well kept up house.
Great pantry.
Very little yard.
Plantation shutters.
Huge bedrrooms
Huge master bath with separate shower
Good carpet
2 car, rear entry garage
$2500 less than ugly first one.
Realtor thinks we can offer $5500 less than asking price.
Pretty neighborhood
Gas logs.
Great laundry room.
Cons:\
Across from Frenship football field. Loud Friday nights.
Corner lot, side backs up to commercial property for sale. Potential dumpsters next door. If sells to restaurant, potentially even smellier.
All inside needs paint.
Only 2 bedrooms.
All kitchen appliances need to be replaced. Horrible dishwasher, Stove with coils. ICK!!
Gas in house but not sure if in kitchen. Is in fireplace so may get lucky.
For now.
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Bathing Suits
No, folks, it's not a pretty site but I don't care!! I own one bathing suit and on some days, when I get home from work, I put it on and I go spend some time in my apartment pool. Yesterday, I was anxious to jump in and it was closed for cleaning and chemical-ing. Bummer!! And it was cooler today so I did not go but I will go again and often!! Here is my pool:
And today, I ordered 2 new bathing suits and less than 1/2 price!! And they are pretty. And I'm going to wear them!! Ok, not on the weekend when all of the hard bodies are out but on the days after work. And when I go on vacation, they are going with me.
And today, I ordered 2 new bathing suits and less than 1/2 price!! And they are pretty. And I'm going to wear them!! Ok, not on the weekend when all of the hard bodies are out but on the days after work. And when I go on vacation, they are going with me.
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| First one, with black skirt bottom |
2nd one, navy blue w/white
I found the pics on Google images and the other one said it was "fat chic'. I've never been chic before.
I have suffered from poor body image all of my life and if you've seen me you'd know why. Weight is now and always has been a problem. I've fought it all of my life and I've had some victories (50lbs gone) but it is probably not a fight I'll ever win fully. But yesterday I turned 56 years old and I have figured out in the last few years that what other people think is not something I can control. But it is still hard with out with 20 year olds in bikinis at the pool.
And I found this on Pinterest and it's true:
Monday, August 5, 2013
Blogging is dead. But I'm not going anywhere.
My posts have been sporadic at best lately with much going on but I am still here. And according to Jenny the Bloggess (One of the best on the internet), Time Magazine has declared blogging dead. Apparently there are too many other medias that take attention and I can kind of agree with that. I Facebook some. I tweet, mostly about the Rangers or Real Housewives. But guess what? I cannot even think about or care about anything that anyone in NY or whatever big city Time is in has to say even if they get paid a lot to say it. Basically, no one really reads this blog anyway but I enjoy writing it and if I get really brilliant I can use FB or Twitter to direct someone this way.
So Good, Bad or Ugly, I'm still here.
So Good, Bad or Ugly, I'm still here.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Reta's Broccoli Salad
Reta's Broccoli Salad
4-6 Cups Broccoli Florets (Fresh)
1 Cup Miracle Whip
1/4 Cup sugar
1/4 Cup Onion
1 TBS White Vinegar
5 Slices of bacon, fried and made into bits
2 oz sunflower seeds
4-8 oz cheddar cheese, finely shredded
Prepare salad dressing by mixing Miracle Whip, sugar, onion & vinegar. Mix well with broccoli and refrigerate overnight. Add bacon bits 2-4 hours before serving. Then right before serving, add cheese and sunflower seeds and mix thoroughly.
This is my favorite salad ever and it's really easy. Cutting the broccoli takes the most time.
My dear friend Reta used to bring this to work functions by the big Thanksgiving roaster-full. It always goes fast!!
My dear friend Reta used to bring this to work functions by the big Thanksgiving roaster-full. It always goes fast!!
Monday, June 10, 2013
What would robin do?
robin is a friend I used to work with. I start her name and this sentence with a small "R" because that/s what she does. I've never seen it any other way. She is, hands down, the coolest person I know. She is a couple of years older than I am. She is also, hands down, the smartest person I know. She has an easy, common sense intelligence that amazes me. She married the love of her life--Pat--in her 20's and by about age 29 she was a widow with 2 kids. I don't know the details but I think Pat had a heart problem and I know he died on a ski slope. Jack was about 3 and Maggie was about 1 at the time.
robin was a manager but never got the manager attitude. It was just a natural place for her to be. She has a degree in Spanish. And a couple of my fondest memories were of Friday afternoons in the office as she read the lonely hearts ads from the newspaper or she was cleaning out the refrigerator, trying to figure out what she was throwing out once was. She always made me laugh.
After Pat, she dated some but always ended up with guys who turned very needy, very quickly. Mostly, their neediness amounted to their need to sit on their butts while she went to work every day and brought home the paycheck. She married 1 more time to a fireman but it did not last long. And she left the company once to follow a guy who actually sold doors for a living to a podunk town in New Mexico to live in an unfinished cabin. I remember when she left I tried to talk her into taking a leave of absence instead of quitting but she thought that would indicate she thought that someday the relationship might fail. Sadly, a little over a year later, when doorman had quit his job and was counting on her almost minimum wage job in a bank to support them, she was back at the company. She paid her dues and was eventually made management again a couple of years later only to be laid off when her department closed. In the meantime, she suffered through some really ugly breast cancer and a double mastectomy. She is now a consultant for the company and living in Austin. Today, she posted a great picture of herself on Facebook and she looks wonderful.
I will always think of robin as a person who never gave up on love. I don't know about her love life now because neither of us are great communicators but I can tell you she always followed her heart. No fear. Not in anything. My friend Leslee is like that too. I sometimes think of them as blow up clowns that get knocked down and just bounce back up, ready for another round. And I think of this because my friend Kim just moved from her house into a house with her husband of about a year. Both had houses when they got married and wanted a house that is theirs. Makes sense, sorta. And it makes me think of my friend Deb who told me the night she left town to move to New York with her husband "You are the only person I know who would understand when I say I quit my job and sold my house to move all the away across the country with a man I have only been married to for 10 years". And she's right.
Unlike robin and Leslee and Kim and Deb, I'm not sure if I am capable of "all in". I'm not sure I could take the chance of losing everything I have worked for in a marriage that has a 50% chance of failure. And that percentage would be even worse if you don't have the ability to trust, like I do. We all can guess that opportunity is never going to come up because I am closed off. I wish I could find a way--and a good man--to open my heart. Not to sound pathetic (though it will) I live with a loneliness that cripples me sometimes. And I am about to make move (probably) to a town where I basically know no one. But the truth is, even though i have friends here, we don't hang out that much, so I cannot even think there will be that big of difference in my life. We still have the phone!!
I guess my answer is that robin would go for it. A new adventure. She'd certainly go out with a more open heart, ready for her next love, but at least I'm going for the change. I pray everyday for the ability and the man to love in my life and maybe it will happen and maybe it won't but I'm going to give it a try.
robin was a manager but never got the manager attitude. It was just a natural place for her to be. She has a degree in Spanish. And a couple of my fondest memories were of Friday afternoons in the office as she read the lonely hearts ads from the newspaper or she was cleaning out the refrigerator, trying to figure out what she was throwing out once was. She always made me laugh.
After Pat, she dated some but always ended up with guys who turned very needy, very quickly. Mostly, their neediness amounted to their need to sit on their butts while she went to work every day and brought home the paycheck. She married 1 more time to a fireman but it did not last long. And she left the company once to follow a guy who actually sold doors for a living to a podunk town in New Mexico to live in an unfinished cabin. I remember when she left I tried to talk her into taking a leave of absence instead of quitting but she thought that would indicate she thought that someday the relationship might fail. Sadly, a little over a year later, when doorman had quit his job and was counting on her almost minimum wage job in a bank to support them, she was back at the company. She paid her dues and was eventually made management again a couple of years later only to be laid off when her department closed. In the meantime, she suffered through some really ugly breast cancer and a double mastectomy. She is now a consultant for the company and living in Austin. Today, she posted a great picture of herself on Facebook and she looks wonderful.
I will always think of robin as a person who never gave up on love. I don't know about her love life now because neither of us are great communicators but I can tell you she always followed her heart. No fear. Not in anything. My friend Leslee is like that too. I sometimes think of them as blow up clowns that get knocked down and just bounce back up, ready for another round. And I think of this because my friend Kim just moved from her house into a house with her husband of about a year. Both had houses when they got married and wanted a house that is theirs. Makes sense, sorta. And it makes me think of my friend Deb who told me the night she left town to move to New York with her husband "You are the only person I know who would understand when I say I quit my job and sold my house to move all the away across the country with a man I have only been married to for 10 years". And she's right.
Unlike robin and Leslee and Kim and Deb, I'm not sure if I am capable of "all in". I'm not sure I could take the chance of losing everything I have worked for in a marriage that has a 50% chance of failure. And that percentage would be even worse if you don't have the ability to trust, like I do. We all can guess that opportunity is never going to come up because I am closed off. I wish I could find a way--and a good man--to open my heart. Not to sound pathetic (though it will) I live with a loneliness that cripples me sometimes. And I am about to make move (probably) to a town where I basically know no one. But the truth is, even though i have friends here, we don't hang out that much, so I cannot even think there will be that big of difference in my life. We still have the phone!!
I guess my answer is that robin would go for it. A new adventure. She'd certainly go out with a more open heart, ready for her next love, but at least I'm going for the change. I pray everyday for the ability and the man to love in my life and maybe it will happen and maybe it won't but I'm going to give it a try.
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Six Weeks?
Wow, where have I been?
Let's see. I put my house on the market a few weeks ago so I spend a lot of time trying to make the house look like I don't live here. Bed is always made. Dishes are always in the dishwasher. Boring, boring boring.
I finally had an offer yesterday, $5000 lower than my asking price and they want me to spend money to fix a crack in the driveway. Dream on on both counts. There is probably not a driveway in this neighbor WITHOUT a crack. Ground settles. Concrete cracks. It does not affect the structure of the house. It's cosmetic. Not happening. I countered down $1000 from original offer, they are holding firm to original. I hope they find what they are looking for.
Four more weeks of school. Well, with kids. Then one more week buttoning up the year. I'm ready for a break, big time.
I've had a bug this past week that has knocked me to my knees. I had a fever Wednesday-Friday, calling in sick Thursday and Friday. Still feel rough and weak. Hoping things will pick up tomorrow.
I had to go to high risk home owners insurance because I filed 2 claims in a 3 year period. Not in the last 3 years...one in 2009, other in 2012. How dare I have hail damage and a burglary? What was I thinking? I can guarantee I have, over the years, paid insurance a lot more than they have paid me. But it's done and I won't have to deal with any of it for another year. My car insurance is reasonable but higher than it should be because I lost a multi-policy discount. But, again, done for another year.
I had a house showing today and had to leave for a few even though I did not feel like going anywhere. I hit 2 neighborhood garage sales, returned an movie and bought an overpriced lemonade from a kid with a pretty snazzy stand at the Walgreens. My life is exciting, no doubt. Oh, and I was not sure if the realtor had been here when I got back and was asleep on the couch when they showed up. Oops. It's not really my fault ...I needed a nap after my ultra busy afternoon.
I'm watching the Rangers-Red Sox game as I write this and wonder how they got Saltalamachia on that skinny kid's back. And after him? Middlebrooks. Another skinny kid. I'll bet all of the uni sewers wish for Ross to put on the back of a jersey.
So there is my six weeks or all I remember in my weak and sleep deprived brain. When laundry is finished and game over I plan on trying to sleep early. Hope it works!!
Let's see. I put my house on the market a few weeks ago so I spend a lot of time trying to make the house look like I don't live here. Bed is always made. Dishes are always in the dishwasher. Boring, boring boring.
I finally had an offer yesterday, $5000 lower than my asking price and they want me to spend money to fix a crack in the driveway. Dream on on both counts. There is probably not a driveway in this neighbor WITHOUT a crack. Ground settles. Concrete cracks. It does not affect the structure of the house. It's cosmetic. Not happening. I countered down $1000 from original offer, they are holding firm to original. I hope they find what they are looking for.
Four more weeks of school. Well, with kids. Then one more week buttoning up the year. I'm ready for a break, big time.
I've had a bug this past week that has knocked me to my knees. I had a fever Wednesday-Friday, calling in sick Thursday and Friday. Still feel rough and weak. Hoping things will pick up tomorrow.
I had to go to high risk home owners insurance because I filed 2 claims in a 3 year period. Not in the last 3 years...one in 2009, other in 2012. How dare I have hail damage and a burglary? What was I thinking? I can guarantee I have, over the years, paid insurance a lot more than they have paid me. But it's done and I won't have to deal with any of it for another year. My car insurance is reasonable but higher than it should be because I lost a multi-policy discount. But, again, done for another year.
I had a house showing today and had to leave for a few even though I did not feel like going anywhere. I hit 2 neighborhood garage sales, returned an movie and bought an overpriced lemonade from a kid with a pretty snazzy stand at the Walgreens. My life is exciting, no doubt. Oh, and I was not sure if the realtor had been here when I got back and was asleep on the couch when they showed up. Oops. It's not really my fault ...I needed a nap after my ultra busy afternoon.
I'm watching the Rangers-Red Sox game as I write this and wonder how they got Saltalamachia on that skinny kid's back. And after him? Middlebrooks. Another skinny kid. I'll bet all of the uni sewers wish for Ross to put on the back of a jersey.
So there is my six weeks or all I remember in my weak and sleep deprived brain. When laundry is finished and game over I plan on trying to sleep early. Hope it works!!
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Laundry Room Re-Do
My laundry room was not a disaster but I wanted it to have a face lift. There was a time when I would have paid someone to do it but I am poor (alas, poor, poor me) and I also wanted to see what I could do myself and I have to say, I love it. I had been been planning this for spring break for several months and so I started on Sunday. I had finally decided on a color called High Noon. I do have to resist humming "Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling" when I think of it!! It dried a little darker...
So first I painted:
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| Valspar High Noon |
Then I added knobs and light switches and a picture and the cross stitch I found a a garage sale several years ago and the key car that is the only thing my mom EVER bought at a craft show and it is perfect. Maybe not perfect in everyone's world but perfect for me.
On another "yep, I'm proud of me moment," I also got touch up paint at Home Depot for the rest of the house and it's all done too!!
Good spring break!!
Monday, March 11, 2013
Never Before
Today I had my haircut but a person in a leopard skin dress named Laila and I was a little suspicious that all was not as it seemed. She was really tall, with long dark hair and big hands. She talked about her boyfriend. She was very sweet and she gave me a pretty good haircut. And her license said her name was
Isaac.
Isaac.
Out of touch and seriously time for a change
On March 1st, some spending cuts went into effect for our country and instead of real change, what it seems to me they did was cut some things just enough to pee a line in the snow that says "see what happens when you question us?". They cut some Head Start money and some Meals on Wheels money and some unemployment benefits. Today they are telling marines to "save every bullet, every drop of gas" to scare the American public more into believing since we want them accountable, they'll show us. We are not safe anymore. See what we've done?
I preach about this every few months....it's time to clean house. It's time for some real changes in the way our government spends. I can't say I know too much about government spending guidelines but I see it every day in our school. We can't buy whatever from Sam's because they are not on an approved vendor list. The approved vendor's price is 2 times what Sam's is but ...blah, blah, blah. It's time for people to be responsible for finding the best price, not sucking up to whichever approved vendor that has lined their pockets.
I think the fact that they all think we are stupid is what really annoys me.
I preach about this every few months....it's time to clean house. It's time for some real changes in the way our government spends. I can't say I know too much about government spending guidelines but I see it every day in our school. We can't buy whatever from Sam's because they are not on an approved vendor list. The approved vendor's price is 2 times what Sam's is but ...blah, blah, blah. It's time for people to be responsible for finding the best price, not sucking up to whichever approved vendor that has lined their pockets.
I think the fact that they all think we are stupid is what really annoys me.
Sunday, February 24, 2013
It's not every day or every place...
That can have a blizzard warning when it's 64 degrees outside. But we do. Apparently by 9pm...less than 2 hours away...snow sould start. Part of me would love a snow day but it will cost us the Monday after Easter so...whatever!! Bring it on!!
2 AM Ramblings...
I can't sleep. Nothing unusual there. I normally can't without a sleeping pill, no matter how tired I am. Most of the time they work but even with the pill, sometimes I can't sleep. It's just OTC stuff and I only take one even though the box says I can take two. Two puts me in a coma that is hell to wake up from so I don't. And I try not to take them on the weekends but I need to. So here I am.
I'm playing a game on CNN while I write this. I check out Pinterest. Sometimes I watch TV. Sometimes I do laundry or clean house but I did that last night. I read for awhile tonight but lost concentration after awhile.
In the book I was reading there is a continuity error that has nothing to do with the story but it bugs me. The guy picks the girl up in his car and then wakes up to find that she has gone home. Ok, so did she walk the 15 miles to town or steal his truck? It's called an EDITOR, Author!! Look into one!!
I've been hooked on 'The Rifleman' for a couple of months now. It's on METV & AMC. I have to be close to seeing every episode but I'm not yet. I like the show although I lived with a cowboy for a long time and 2 things don't ring true there. My dad never wore a short sleeved shirt and would never sit around the house or work outside without a shirt on. I'm just saying.
I decided on a color for my laundry room. It's called High Noon. I cannot help humming 'Do Not Forsake Me...' when i look at it. It's going to look great.
Tomorrow night is the Academy Awards hosted by Seth McFarlane. I thought he was on Saturday Night Live but then read he does something with The Simpsons so basically, I have no clue who he is.
Here is Jimmy Fallon doing the "Mom Dance" with First Lady Michelle Obama. Love it.
It's too cold to stay up so I'm back off to bed. Hopefully with better results.
I'm playing a game on CNN while I write this. I check out Pinterest. Sometimes I watch TV. Sometimes I do laundry or clean house but I did that last night. I read for awhile tonight but lost concentration after awhile.
In the book I was reading there is a continuity error that has nothing to do with the story but it bugs me. The guy picks the girl up in his car and then wakes up to find that she has gone home. Ok, so did she walk the 15 miles to town or steal his truck? It's called an EDITOR, Author!! Look into one!!
I've been hooked on 'The Rifleman' for a couple of months now. It's on METV & AMC. I have to be close to seeing every episode but I'm not yet. I like the show although I lived with a cowboy for a long time and 2 things don't ring true there. My dad never wore a short sleeved shirt and would never sit around the house or work outside without a shirt on. I'm just saying.
I decided on a color for my laundry room. It's called High Noon. I cannot help humming 'Do Not Forsake Me...' when i look at it. It's going to look great.
Tomorrow night is the Academy Awards hosted by Seth McFarlane. I thought he was on Saturday Night Live but then read he does something with The Simpsons so basically, I have no clue who he is.
Here is Jimmy Fallon doing the "Mom Dance" with First Lady Michelle Obama. Love it.
It's too cold to stay up so I'm back off to bed. Hopefully with better results.
Sunday, February 17, 2013
20 Years Later
Today at the United Spirit Arena the Texas Tech Lady Raiders beat the Whorns of UT which is always a good thing. And at half time, they celebrated the 1993 National Championship team's 20th anniversary, I did not go to the game so I got what I deserved but Fox Sport SW only showed part of the team introductions but I'd read that they were all going to be there. And that idiot Rick Gilbert mispronounced every other name. It was pretty cool that they were all here to celebrate.
In 1992-1993, Tech basketball was still played in the bubble. I had gone to a few late games in the previous season and had gotten a gander at Sheryl Swoopes and thought, HOLY COW, that girl is good!! She only played 2 seasons at Tech total. She had signed with the Whorns but got to Austin and felt she did not fit in with the same sex oriented locker room there. She was still professing to be straight at the time. So she came back to west Texas and went to school in Levelland. Then, lucky for us, to Tech. And I was so impressed, that for her senior year I bought season tickets. Then the 1st game, Swoopes hit the pylon thingy that holds the backboard and crumbled like a rag doll. She laid there a minute and then Linden Weese went out to get her. He picked her up and she had her arms around his neck and her face buried in his neck and then he sat her down on the bench and they surrounded her. And then, a few minutes later, she got up and scored a ton of points. And she continued to score and score. And she scored 47 points in the championship game. They only won by 2 points but it was really not that close throughout the game. It was a wonderful moment to be a Tech fan.
The thing about this team is that they were girls. They were graceful and talented and seemed to really like each other. Sheryl Swoopes was the most talented, no doubt but everyone one of them had a place on the team and played very well. They didn't dunk or grunt or cold cock anyone. They weren't selfish. And it was beautiful.
For a little while, recruiting boomed and while the teams were good, they weren't great. The USA was built for the Lady Raider fans. And when Marsha Sharp had a great recruiting class, one of her players got pregnant and rumor has it that St Marsha turned on the 19 year old and the rest of the team took it personally and while they played well, it appeared their hearts were not in it. And recruiting dropped. And Marsha retired. And Kristi Curry came aboard. And winning teams are a thing of the past.
But today, we got to relive a moment.
In 1992-1993, Tech basketball was still played in the bubble. I had gone to a few late games in the previous season and had gotten a gander at Sheryl Swoopes and thought, HOLY COW, that girl is good!! She only played 2 seasons at Tech total. She had signed with the Whorns but got to Austin and felt she did not fit in with the same sex oriented locker room there. She was still professing to be straight at the time. So she came back to west Texas and went to school in Levelland. Then, lucky for us, to Tech. And I was so impressed, that for her senior year I bought season tickets. Then the 1st game, Swoopes hit the pylon thingy that holds the backboard and crumbled like a rag doll. She laid there a minute and then Linden Weese went out to get her. He picked her up and she had her arms around his neck and her face buried in his neck and then he sat her down on the bench and they surrounded her. And then, a few minutes later, she got up and scored a ton of points. And she continued to score and score. And she scored 47 points in the championship game. They only won by 2 points but it was really not that close throughout the game. It was a wonderful moment to be a Tech fan.
The thing about this team is that they were girls. They were graceful and talented and seemed to really like each other. Sheryl Swoopes was the most talented, no doubt but everyone one of them had a place on the team and played very well. They didn't dunk or grunt or cold cock anyone. They weren't selfish. And it was beautiful.
For a little while, recruiting boomed and while the teams were good, they weren't great. The USA was built for the Lady Raider fans. And when Marsha Sharp had a great recruiting class, one of her players got pregnant and rumor has it that St Marsha turned on the 19 year old and the rest of the team took it personally and while they played well, it appeared their hearts were not in it. And recruiting dropped. And Marsha retired. And Kristi Curry came aboard. And winning teams are a thing of the past.
But today, we got to relive a moment.
Monday, February 4, 2013
Hearts full of hate
I don't watch the Super Bowl, not even for the commercials but I heard about 'America the Beautiful' performed by a choir made up of Sandy Hook students and Jennifer and I went to find it. It's here:
It is indeed beautiful. To take the kids who were around for this tragedy and mix their voices with Jennifer Hudson's (one of the best of her generation) and have them sing one of my favorite songs was a thing of beauty. But then I read the comments on the video and I was stunned. Granted, there are only a few commentators and they tend to hide behind their anonymous computer screens and spew their hatred in droves but WOW. I could not read much but what I read goes from simple accusations of exploitation all the way up to a conspiracy theory that Obama had kinder gardeners killed to pass a gun control agenda. Um, really? And the posters are hateful in general and to each other especially. I hate when something this beautiful cannot be enjoyed for what it is.
I have a twitter account and the people I follow and that follow me are mostly harmless...Texas humor, Texas Tech fans, Downton Abbey fans...but I followed a guy for about 3 days after a retweet from one of my Techies and he is a mean conservative who picks fights and apparently never sleeps. I unfollowed him and the crap on my twitter feed went down 99%. Just saying the haters are everywhere and will say things on the computer that we hope they would not say to anyone's actual face. Dr Phil says people around contribute or contaminate and I try to block out the contaminators in my life. But dang, they are everwhere!!
I do have to agree with one negative comment I read...Jennifer has a beautiful Weight Watchers body and she can wear anything she likes but that skirt? Eek!!
Sunday, February 3, 2013
February 3, 2003
I got a call from the hospital in the middle of the night from a nice nurse telling that my mom had died peacefully in her sleep. I think that there is a class in that middle of the nightcall because the nurse who called me about daddy said the exact same thing. Mom had been in a coma for over a month and was not going to get better and it was here time. And I had told her the day before it was ok if she was tired and didn't want to fight anymore. It still hurt beyond reason.
The years have eased the pain. The good memories take over. I know how lucky I am to have the mom I had. She was a simple woman who loved her family and her simple life. She could be counted on by everyone who knew her. I miss her.
The years have eased the pain. The good memories take over. I know how lucky I am to have the mom I had. She was a simple woman who loved her family and her simple life. She could be counted on by everyone who knew her. I miss her.
Potato Chowder
I found a recipe on Pinterest that sounded really good, Paula Deen's Crock Pot Potato Soup. That was the plan...but as usual, it didn't actually go as planned. Here is the original recipe:
1 30 oz pkg of frozen hash browns
1/2 cup onion
28 ounces of chicken broth
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/3 tsp of black pepper
Put in crockpot on low for 5 hours. Then add:
1 8 oz pkg softened cream cheese.
Cook for 30 more minutes until the cream cheese is melted.
Before the cream cheese, I thought it had a lot of extra liquid so I decided to modify...because it's what I do. I had bought a store roasted chicken last week and only used part and so pulled the rest out of the freezer and added it. Then I added a can of whole kernel corn and a can of green peas. And some bell pepper. And some salt. And I crumbled a little bacon on top. And some cheese might be good but I don't think cheese is normally worth the calories. And it tastes pretty darn good!! I made a pan of cornbread and I have soup for thousands. Ok, maybe just 8. I sent 2 to Sarjim & Rick, will take lunch for all to work tomorrow and will still be eating for awhile. In fact, I ran out of bowls and the one I pictured is in an old refrigerator bowl!!
If you have not seen them, there are frozen packages of pre-diced onions and bell peppers so basically there was no chopping. This is an extremely easy and tasty soup. And I have never cooked much with cream cheese but I am quickly becoming a great fan. I'll be embracing it more. Here is the picture of my soup:
1 30 oz pkg of frozen hash browns
1/2 cup onion
28 ounces of chicken broth
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/3 tsp of black pepper
Put in crockpot on low for 5 hours. Then add:
1 8 oz pkg softened cream cheese.
Cook for 30 more minutes until the cream cheese is melted.
Before the cream cheese, I thought it had a lot of extra liquid so I decided to modify...because it's what I do. I had bought a store roasted chicken last week and only used part and so pulled the rest out of the freezer and added it. Then I added a can of whole kernel corn and a can of green peas. And some bell pepper. And some salt. And I crumbled a little bacon on top. And some cheese might be good but I don't think cheese is normally worth the calories. And it tastes pretty darn good!! I made a pan of cornbread and I have soup for thousands. Ok, maybe just 8. I sent 2 to Sarjim & Rick, will take lunch for all to work tomorrow and will still be eating for awhile. In fact, I ran out of bowls and the one I pictured is in an old refrigerator bowl!!
If you have not seen them, there are frozen packages of pre-diced onions and bell peppers so basically there was no chopping. This is an extremely easy and tasty soup. And I have never cooked much with cream cheese but I am quickly becoming a great fan. I'll be embracing it more. Here is the picture of my soup:
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Oprah Magazine
A couple of weeks ago I got a pop up ad to win something fun...a trip I think...and I did not read all of things and the next thing I know, I am signed up for Oprah's magazine. I tried immediately to cancel but it would not let me without an account number so it was the next day when I got it cancelled. I never received a bill or anything else so I thought we were a done deal. Then a couple of days ago, I got a February 2013 magazine. I think this is a bi-monthly magazine. And I am not a fan. This issue is about simplifying my life and finding more peace. I always find it totally amusing when Oprah talks about crap like this. The woman is RICH. Her life is simplified because she has lackeys at her beck and call to make it simple. Life is simple when you can sleep to noon every day and then have a cook bring you breakfast in bed. Life is peaceful at your 50,000 ft home in Hawaii. Whatever.
I actually used Coke rewards to subscribe one time a few years ago and after they sent me 3 back issues to cover the year with 3 new issues I was ticked off. Apparently they'd found a way to get rid of them. And then...Oprah puts HER picture on each and every cover. I guess a mirror is not enough. She probably has all of the covers framed so she can admire herself at every turn.
I don't really hate rich people or even Oprah but I obviously get way annoyed when people with endless means tell me how to run my life. And I resent companies who lure me in with sweepstakes only to push a magazine I didn't want. And I especially hate when they ignore my cancel requests because they can.
I'll have to keep you posted. Hopefully no additional magazine and way hope no bill because it will not be pleasant.
I actually used Coke rewards to subscribe one time a few years ago and after they sent me 3 back issues to cover the year with 3 new issues I was ticked off. Apparently they'd found a way to get rid of them. And then...Oprah puts HER picture on each and every cover. I guess a mirror is not enough. She probably has all of the covers framed so she can admire herself at every turn.
I don't really hate rich people or even Oprah but I obviously get way annoyed when people with endless means tell me how to run my life. And I resent companies who lure me in with sweepstakes only to push a magazine I didn't want. And I especially hate when they ignore my cancel requests because they can.
I'll have to keep you posted. Hopefully no additional magazine and way hope no bill because it will not be pleasant.
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Interesting Statistic
Last week we had a workshop that featured an educator with impressive credentials talking about standardized testing and public vs private schools and teaching practical applications more in public schools. He sounded like our district is going to make some changes toward that but of course we'll see. He did make a point that our public education is maligned all over the world and shown to be lacking but he pointed out that we have "no child left behind" (another subject for another time) while other countries take their top students and leave the others to poverty. Good point. But he gave us one more statistic that stunned us: 70% of young adults between the ages of 18 & 23 would not qualify for the military!! Here are the reasons he cited:
1. Lack of high school diploma
2. Cannot pass a proficiency test. Basic lack of reading and math skills.
3. Obesity
4. Trouble with the law
4. Drug problems
When I was a kid, the military was the place kids in trouble went to get straightened out. Now it's necessary that they know how to work a computer and read a manual, among other things. 70 PERCENT!!
His other observation is that the general lack of proficiency will be reflected in the type of jobs the kids leaving school can get and will be reflected in our welfare system.
I'm not a teacher but I do work in a school and am stunned by the reading, writing and math skills of our elementary students. I am scared for our future, pure and simple. And I work in a lower performing school where our teachers can do their best but there is nothing going on at home to help. We do have parents who call for help because they care but don't have the education to help their kids with their homework and a circle begins.
I hope changes are on the horizon.
1. Lack of high school diploma
2. Cannot pass a proficiency test. Basic lack of reading and math skills.
3. Obesity
4. Trouble with the law
4. Drug problems
When I was a kid, the military was the place kids in trouble went to get straightened out. Now it's necessary that they know how to work a computer and read a manual, among other things. 70 PERCENT!!
His other observation is that the general lack of proficiency will be reflected in the type of jobs the kids leaving school can get and will be reflected in our welfare system.
I'm not a teacher but I do work in a school and am stunned by the reading, writing and math skills of our elementary students. I am scared for our future, pure and simple. And I work in a lower performing school where our teachers can do their best but there is nothing going on at home to help. We do have parents who call for help because they care but don't have the education to help their kids with their homework and a circle begins.
I hope changes are on the horizon.
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