Friday foolishness

First of all, I wanted to welcome all of my new followers. I've gotten a little kick in my numbers this week, and I am LOVING it. I was kinda in a rut there for a while. I'm sorry some of you get to start out with this post, but what the hell. It's Friday, right? Cocktails will be served shortly, so pull up a chair.

I have never been very creative, at least I don't think I am. Some recent posts by others have made me think of things I enjoyed doing when I was young. Drawing was not one of them. I'm just not good at it. See?

I tried to draw a dog on there, but that was really pathetic. So I gave up. Color is one thing I have always been fascinated with though. I could color my ass off! Or fingers off. I don't know how many boxes of crayons I went through as a child.

Have you ever seen artwork that looks like this and wondered how the hell it is worth money?

For some reason, as a child, I started making my own creations like this. I don't know if I ran out of coloring books, or if some teacher showed me, or if it was just something some friends and I came up with. But for some reason it came to mind last night. Have any of you ever done this? You just take a piece of paper and a marker and let your hand go crazy on it. Then you color in the spaces. It really looks something like this.

Am I bizarre or just really more creative than I thought I was? Okay, I know I'm bizarre, but I mean about this particular past-time.

My mother called when I was in the middle of this creation last night. As usual the conversation started off with, "Hey, what are you doing?" Ummm, did I really want to tell her I was coloring? I thought for a second about making something up, but then I figured. Okay, why would I waste a lie to my mother over not wanting to admit I was coloring? So I told her. Of course, she laughed at me and somewhere in the conversation she ended up asking, "So are you trying to tell me you want coloring books for your birthday?" Uh, no! And between me and you, I have two coloring books. Yes, I'm that mature!

I told her about this little habit I did when I was young, and she doesn't remember it. Apparently, I was a closet creative artist. Maybe I just got bored with coloring in Mickey Mouse and all the Disney characters over the years.  Who knows? Regardless, I spent 3 hours last night on this masterpiece for you all while I was catching up on some things on my DVR. That's 3 hours I'll never get back, right? Yeah, Mom didn't really understand why I was doing it either.

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Oh, well. Happy Friday, everyone! I get the joy of cleaning house tonight because my family is coming to visit tomorrow to take the old washer and dryer to other family members who need them. So I'm making quesadillas for them. Which means my house has to not just be clean, but "mom clean." Just how I wanted to spend my Friday night! And yes, I know it's my fault for waiting until the last minute, but that's how I roll.

Survey says!

My bloggy friend lyndylou over at The Giggle Fest has an inquiring mind and wanted her stalking victims blogging friends to do this wonderful little survey. I think she's trying to get into my head, but I'll play along... for now. She seems harmless enough, and that Scottish lass is a good distance from me just in case. No seriously, go check her out! I love her to pieces, and I hope to not be cut up into pieces in the future. 

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As an aside, the article that picture was attached to said women over 40 have the best sex. Good news for some of us you. Since I ain't been gettin' any, I guess I don't fit into that category. But I digress...


On with the survey questions...

1. If you have pets, do you see them as merely animals, or are they members of your family? 
Ummm.. Hi, I'm Krissy. Because if you have to ask me that, we apparently have not met. Of course, my baby is Bailey. Now I don't dress her in clothes or anything, but she sleeps with me and is with me more than most people I know. 

How could you not love that face??

2. If you can have a dream to come true, what would it be? Besides my family all staying healthy (yes, I know it's cheesy and not what you read this blog for), I would say to be a published author. It has always been a dream of mine to be able to make a career of writing and owning a ranch with horses and dogs all around me. Did I mention that I haven't gotten any in a while? Wait, what? You don't want to know about that.

3. What is the one thing most hated by you? People who hurt kids or animals, and of course, stupid people. Although stupid people bring me hours of joy sometimes. Oh crap. You said ONE thing. Well then, that was just a stupid question because there are so many things to hate in the world.

4. What would you do with a billion dollars? After I quit my job, I would pay off my student loan which I will be paying for until the day I die. That is my only debt right now. Then I would take all of my friends and family on the vacation of a lifetime. When I got back, I'd build the most amazing no-kill animal shelter, and the ranch that I mentioned above. Of course, I'd have to spoil my parents and probably pay off all of their bills for all they have done for me in my lifetime. And I'd set up college funds  (or help pay off college loans for) all of my nieces and nephews. 

5. What helps to pull you out of a bad mood? I can usually find humor in a lot of things, but sometimes it's just a look that Bailey has when she doesn't even know I'm paying attention to her. It will crack me the hell up! Luckily, I grew up in a family (as you've probably read here somewhere) who can laugh at the strangest things. You have to learn how to laugh at life, or you're going to put yourself in an early grave. Can I add that another thing I hate is serious people?

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If someone can tell me how you "masurbate," that would REALLY amuse me.

6. Which is more blessed, loving someone or being loved by someone? I think people are misunderstanding this question. Yes, it's great to feel loved, but I've been loved by people that I didn't want to be loved by before. But without the crazy-stalkerish-I-would-like-you-to-not-love-me kinda thing, of course it's great to feel loved. Loving someone else is a great feeling, unless they don't love you back or there is loss involved. So... *sigh* .. How to answer this one? I guess it would be great to have it both ways. Yes, I prefer to have my cake or brownies and eat them, too! Call me selfish that way. 

7. What is your bedtime routine?  First I put on a sexy negligee, and I cuddle up to my man. Oh crap. You all already know that he doesn't exist. Why didn't I keep this blog all fantasy again? I normally take Bailey out, then I shower (on weeknights because I end up hitting the snooze so much that it prevents me from being late for work in the morning if I'm already clean-like). Then I curl up in the bed on as much space as Bailey will allow, and I go to sleep, normally to comedies or Law and Order type shows. You're turned on now just thinking about it, aren't you?

8. If you are currently in a relationship, how did you meet your partner? Since you all know there is no man in my life, I met my significant other at the animal shelter. How pitiful is this questioning to you so far?

9. If you could watch a creative person in the act of the creative process, who would it be? Hmmm.. I'm not really creative, so that's a hard question. I think it would be my mom who has the greatest ideas that just come out of nowhere. Was that lame?

10. What kinds of books do you read? I read so many different types of things. Right now in my Kindle I have anything from Jennifer Crusie to James Patterson to I don't know what else. Sometimes I like fun-loving stuff, and sometimes I like things that make me think. It just depends on what kind of mood I'm in. 



11. How would you see yourself in ten years time? You mean if my billions don't come in or if I'm not a published author by then? Then I guess, I hope I am in a better position with the company I work for (or at another one) with a much higher status than what I have now. Oh, and I better have found the right sexual partner by then to have fulfilled the article I mentioned earlier!

12. What’s your fear? Finally, an easy question! I am petrified of snakes! They wouldn't even have to be poisonous because I would die of a heart attack if they got close enough to me. Dammit! Now I'm going to have a nightmare about snakes tonight. Thanks for that question!

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13. Would you give up all junk food for the rest of your life for the opportunity to visit outer space? What the...?? Are you out of your mind as well as this atmosphere? Hell no! 

14. Would you rather be single and rich or married but poor? Am I getting sex on a regular basis in that rich scenario? And I don't mean Charlie Sheen kinda paid-for sex. What the hell? I have enjoyed being single, so I would say single and rich. If I were rich, I could surely find someone to have a friends with benefits situation, right? I've been married and poor (long ago) before, so I am over that romantic notion.

15. What’s the first thing you do when you wake up? Is it a weekday or not? During my work week, the first thing I do is hit the snooze button, repeatedly. After that or on the weekends, it's going to the bathroom and brushing my teeth because I can't stand a yucky mouth. Did that excite you to know? Are you complete now?

16. If you could change one thing about your spouse/partner what would it be? I would like him to exist. Can you make that happen?

17. If you could pick a new name for yourself what would it be? I don't know why, but Tori. My best friend in junior high and I used to write creative stories about each other, and I was always Tori in the stories she wrote about me. Other than that, it would require too much brain power to think of.

18. Would you forgive and forget no matter how horrible a thing that special someone has done? Hell no! Why would he have done something that horrible that I'd still want to be with him? Especially if it was something he did to hurt me or someone I love. I am fiercely loyal to those I care about. Hello! I'm a Taurus! Again, have we not met before?

19. If you could only eat one thing for the next 6 months, what would it be? Italian food, specifically Olive Garden. We don't have one here, but I could eat there every freakin' day! 



Now, do you feel educated about me? I sure hope so. Geez, that took a lot of brain power. Hey! Wake the hell up! That was supposed to be entertaining and informative. Now go answer those questions on your blog so I can make fun of your answers like I know some of you will here. 

My world has gone to the birds

This morning as I was waiting for Bailey to do her business, I noticed there was a flock of birds flying north the entire time I was standing outside. This was about 10 minutes, or longer. I might have nodded off. I'm not much of a morning person so I'm not very alert after climbing out of bed. Anyway...

I tried to get a picture of them flying overhead, but oddly enough my cell phone doesn't take good pictures of birds in flight. What is wrong with technology nowadays? But I did manage to get this picture of a shit ton of them in the tree behind my house... if you can see them.

The funny thing is that it's been in the 70's during the day for several days now, but these birds waited until the coldest morning we've had to fly north? Did they just get the memo that it's getting warmer or what? I just found it very strange that they picked this morning. Obviously their mail service uses snail mail and not air mail. Yes, I had to go there.

This reminded me of a story I've been meaning to tell you all. Have you ever watched a baby woodpecker try to learn how to peck? My mother and I had this humorous view once when I was visiting. She noticed a baby woodpecker on the wooden post they have planted in the back yard that holds the bug light. It was a beautiful bird that looked something like this.

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Momma bird was nowhere in sight, so we assumed he had decided he was ready to branch out into the world. Unfortunately, I think he had a bit of brain damage from the way he was pecking this piece of wood. Ya know how normally it's a steady sounding "peck, peck, peck, peck, peck, peck, peck" when a woodpecker is at work? Well, this was more of a "peck, peck, bang!"  After every two pecks, he would slam his head into the post. "Peck, peck, bang! Peck, peck, bang!" It was really pitiful. I don't think he was the brightest student in his class, but I imagine after the 30 minutes we watched him trying to get it right, he probably felt a bit like this. 

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It was a bit like watching a drunk trying to do something that requires precision and not being able to figure out why he can't do it right, yet going back for more even though it was painful because he forgot what happened just seconds before. 

Mom's Adventures on Noah's Ark

It's been a while since I entertained you all with some of the adventures my mother has been through so I thought I would start the week off with that. If you missed the prior stories, you should go check them out to find out what Mom can do with a reindeer and how she likes to hang out on the roof. Everyone seemed to enjoy them, so I figured I needed to spread them out a bit.

By the way, to any new folks who are popping in and/or deciding to stick around, I say, "Howdy!" Okay, I don't normally use that word, but I'm so glad you're here! Feel free to grab a drink at the bar and pull up a seat. Hey, this is a friendly atmosphere around here so once you've been here to visit, you are considered family and you serve yourself.

On with Mom's next adventure... On a trip to Pittsburgh a couple of years ago, Mom and Dad wanted to take me to Kennywood, which is an amusement park not too far from the downtown area. I had never been, at least not that I remembered, and they had such fond memories of the place growing up.

In case you didn't know, I absolutely LOVE amusement parks. I used to hate roller coasters, until my mother taught me the proper way to enjoy scary rides. I'll save that story for another day, but she has always been the Queen of amusement parks. Now that she's getting a bit older, she can't handle the jarring of many of the rides anymore, which is a shame. She used to always tell us if she died on a roller coaster, we would know she went doing what she loved.

So while they are telling me stories of growing up with the occasional trip to Kennywood, I wanted to ride some things. Well, being with just my parents and uncle, there were a few things that I just rode by myself. My uncle suggested we at least go on Noah's Ark together.

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Doesn't this ride look petrifying? Dad decided to wait in the shade, and the 3 of us go get into line. As the cut-off's happened for each group to enter, me and Mom ended up the first to get in the elevator which would take us down into the Ark. This would mean we would be the last ones going into the elevator to come back out later.

We walk through looking at all of the animals and things, just a typical, very tame amusement park event. Of course, they have areas where things are triggered as you walk through, but not anything that's really scary. Then we get to this area where there are shaking and moving floors. I guess it's supposed to simulate the rocky seas and landing on the rocks. My uncle goes through first and then me. I stop as soon as I get off of the "bouncing section" to look back and make sure Mom is behind me. I tell her to just come on and not to stop. Of course, she stops, right in the middle of this section!

She ends up getting in a hysterical giggling fit because her boobs are bouncing. She's trying to hold them down with one hand and hold onto the handrail with the other hand. She ends up on her ass, bouncing on this floor, laughing like a crazy person. Now I couldn't reach her without getting on the floor myself, but I was afraid I'd end up stuck right there beside her. Not to mention, I'm laughing my head off at this crazy old woman who could get stuck on Noah's Ark! You know when you are laughing that hard, it's hard to get anything accomplished, especially helping someone up off of the floor.

Luckily, when the rest of the group got to the elevator they noticed they were missing two, so my uncle came back for us. He came around the corner, busted out laughing, and managed to reach my mother to pull her right up and clear to safety. I love that man! You have to know this particular uncle. He's very much the funny man in the family, so he got a huge kick out of this whole situation. Needless to say, Dad got an earful when we came off of this "terrifying" ride, and I don't think we'll be talking Mom into going on any more rides, tame or not.

If you are ever in the Pittsburgh area, you should check out Kennywood. They have some pretty fun stuff, and   a lot of history on the grounds too, including some Revolutionary War stuff.

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Everyone is sick.. and my pocketbook hurts, too!

Last weekend, my nephew's wife called me sounding thoroughly pitiful. It appears someone showed up at the Super Bowl party sick so the majority of my family ended up sick, too. She asked me to come to town to keep the baby overnight in the hopes that he wouldn't get sick. I told her I would keep him at Mom and Dad's so I go home to grab Bailey and off we go. Now, I love this little tyke to pieces so even though the evening reminded me I'm too damn old to have a baby, I enjoyed cuddling with him and spending the time with him.

I must say I was super proud of him that he didn't decide to poop in the bathtub since that seems to be something he does on a regular basis, but of course, after I get him all cleaned up and dressed in his pajamas he throws up all the down the front of them. Thanks, Dimples! Aunt Krissy really appreciated that one.

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But he never pooped and I managed to change diapers without getting peed on, so I'll take it! He even slept through the night, which I was thrilled about since I was told he would probably be up around 6 or 7 a.m. I had made myself go to sleep on the couch shortly after I put him to bed since I figured I was getting up with the sun. However, even though he slept well, Bailey did not. She is apparently the canine version of the nervous nanny. I think she heard him at 5 a.m. so she went into the room and barked at him. Luckily, I was able to give him his pacifier back, turn on the glow worm, and he went right back to sleep.

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After that, she ended up waking me every 20 minutes as she bounded back into his room to check on him. I'm thinking that she's so used to seeing people hold him that she didn't like him being left in there alone. I personally wasn't thrilled with the whole waking me up just because she's nervous thing, but I understand her jitters.

So the parents come to get Dimples because Daddy was feeling better, and we all threatened the mommy to not touch the baby! Of course, he ended up getting sick later in the weekend. *sigh* Well, I tried! And Lord knows, Bailey tried to make sure he was okay.

Before heading home I decided I needed some things while I was in the "big city" as Mom likes to call it. (For those who don't remember, I don't even have a Walmart in my town.) On the way to pick up some things, I decide to just pop into a furniture store to see what they have. Of course, this led to a long afternoon of shopping and calling my parents for advice on my findings, but I ended up buying myself a new reclining sofa and love seat. This led to having to go buy new matching pillows, which reminded me I needed new towels, which caused me to buy a new shower curtain. I think you are getting the picture. Fifteen hundred dollars later, I manage to be on my way back out of town with Bailey, the exhausted nanny. That was a pretty expensive baby sitting trip if you ask me.

It cost me something else since this week I ended up sick, of course. Tuesday I had to leave work because I was basically green and Wednesday I didn't make it in to work either. However, something good came out of this week. My appliances came Tuesday!

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These are not mine because I forgot to take a photo for you fine people, but it's the same model I think. And I ended up stacking mine. But they were right. I literally dried a load of towels in less time than it took the next load of clothes to wash. How awesome is that?! Loving these steam units, and pretty much everything in my house will probably have been washed and dried by the weekend.

Then yesterday, my new furniture came!

And though I was going to keep Bailey off of the new furniture, I decided I couldn't rob her of her favorite spot looking out of the window. So I bought her one of those dog blankets to put on the love seat, and she was thrilled as you can tell.

As you can tell, her tail is blurry because it was wagging like crazy the whole time. That was pretty much her view all night, as I was kicked back on the reclining sofa. I'll probably have to sleep there either Friday or Saturday night just to break it in properly.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

White lies don't count, right?

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Yesterday, I listed 5 things and told you to figure out which one was true. Well, they all had some level of truth to them, so I didn't TOTALLY lie to you. Your comments were cracking me the hell up though! It took everything I had not to comment back, but I was afraid I would give something away. I'm really surprised more of you didn't pick the correct one, but I think you were all concentrating on the one answer a little more than I expected. I see how you all are, and that's why I love each and every one of you!

I think I am going to be like Mynx and just say, if you haven't done this one yet then go steal the button for the award off of my post yesterday and consider it gifted to you. So many of you have already done it that I don't want to make you repeat it.

On with the answers!

1. I own 3 guns and plan to take the class to be able to carry a concealed weapon.

I actually own 2 guns, a shotgun and a pistol. The shotgun was a gift from my ex-husband. Yes, he's a hopeless romantic. Do you see why I couldn't bear to be with him anymore? The pistol I bought myself, but I do plan on going to get the license to be able to carry a concealed weapon. Pretty much my whole family is going to do it.


2. I once dropped a pickle jar on my foot and my sister came in to help but passed out from seeing all of the blood.

This was the most popular selection for all of you. This did really happen, but not to me. Sister #1 passed out when she found Sister #3 with her foot bleeding from dropping a pickle jar on it. Mom came in and had to take both of them to the hospital.


3. I was pregnant once.

I was actually pregnant twice when I was married a LONG time ago. I had two miscarriages. Long story, but they think it was because of my husband's "contribution." Anyway, no sympathy needed as it ended up being a blessing of sorts since I didn't have to spend the rest of my life dealing with the jerk-wad and his crazy ass family!


4. I performed the wedding ceremony to marry my nephew to his wife.

This is actually the one that is true. I am a notary public, and in the state of South Carolina that's all you need to be able to marry a couple. They wanted to get married 2 years ago before Christmas so I offered to do it to save them some money. 


5. I have been caught by the cops having sex in a car 3 times.

I am so sorry to disappoint you all, but this only happened 2 times. This was the second most popular answer, but really the first if I went with what you all WANTED the answer to be. So you all wanted me to be this wanton woman who has sex in a car all the time? I see! It actually happened both times with my ex when we were engaged. Hey, we both lived with our parents so where else were we supposed to do it? The really embarrassing part was that his best friend's Mom heard about the first time on the police scanner the night it happened. I was MORTIFIED to be around that woman for the longest time after that. But it's kinda sorta true, so are you happy with that? 

I wouldn't lie to you!

I got this little ditty from lyndylou over at The Giggle Fest on Friday. Ain't it cute? She is a funny Scottish lass who you will really enjoy so go check her out. Wait, now. After you read this, and comment. Then you should go check her out. Sometimes she doesn't wear anything under her kilt, fellas. Honest!

Now I have to tell you 4 lies about myself and 1 truth, and it's your job to figure out which one is the truth. This immediately got my evil mind to working. Hmmmm... Oh, the web of lies I could weave. Wait, I hate spiders. Get that out of my head now! Awwww.. Look at the cute bear on the picture. Much better... Ahem.

So here I go with the lies... or are they lies?

1. I own 3 guns and plan to take the class to be able to carry a concealed weapon.

2. I once dropped a pickle jar on my foot and my sister came in to help but passed out from seeing all of the blood.

3. I was pregnant once.

4. I performed the wedding ceremony to marry my nephew to his wife.

5. I have been caught by the cops having sex in a car 3 times.

Which one is the truth? I hope I made it hard enough for you to throw you off the scent. I'll pass this on tomorrow, but feel free to tell me if you haven't received this one so I'm not making people repeat the same award they've just gotten.

Miss Ma'am - Half-Assed Weekend post

I haven't done one in a while, so I'm going to do one of Simple Dude's Half-Assed Weekend Posts. Feel free to go steal his button and do the same.

I went to the store the other day, and this guy who was probably my age or older tried to go around me and said, "Excuse me, Miss." I smiled and moved to let him by me. I looked at the women behind the registers, and this is the conversation that took place.

Me (smiling real big): Well, that made me feel good.

Them: What did?

Me: He just said, "Excuse me, Miss." Not excuse me, Ma'am.

Them: Who?

Me: That guy who just asked you that question. You know, the one who just walked away?

Them: Yes, Ma'am.

I laughed and looked at them waiting for them to catch what they had just said. They didn't get it.

Me: He just made me feel good by calling me Miss and then you go and call me Ma'am again.

They finally caught on and both of them laughed. Of course, we talked about how much southerners are raised to say Ma'am and Sir from the time they are little so it's just second nature. The "Miss" just made me feel so much younger. And they, of course, thanked me with an added "Ma'am" as I was leaving. *sigh* Wait, what? Okay, now they are just messing with me, right?

It took me a long time to get used to the Ma'am and Sir thing down here, being raised by two Yankees. Before moving here, Sir and Ma'am were things I only heard in reference to officers in the military. I know it's a respect thing, but it makes me feel old when it's aimed at me. One of my sisters just truly HATES the whole thing. But you have to love how (for the most part) they are about manners in the south. Like Miranda Lambert says, we can pretty much compliment you and cut you down by saying, "Bless your heart!"

I will say I absolutely love that most men down here are gentlemen and will give up a seat and open a door for any woman, no matter her shape, size, ethnic background, or class. It's refreshing to know chivalry isn't dead. The south gets a lot of knocks, but not having manners is NOT usually one of them.

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Feel free to go read my post the other day about whether or not I am truly a Southerner or a Yankee.

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Hmmmmm, Rhett Butler. A scoundrel, but still a gentleman!

A little history, anyone?

Since we had a couple of questions come up about the whole flag thing because of my Southerner or Yankee post yesterday, I thought I'd look some things up. For those who don't know, our South Carolina flag looks like this.

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It was actually officially adopted right before the start of the Civil War in 1861. Before that, it looked like this.

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I found it interesting to discover there are many debates about the crescent shape, but one is thought to be due to those who came from England to find their fortunes. It is believed that most of those men were second and third sons who had no hope of inheritance in England, and those sons had a coat of arms to distinguish them from first sons that bore a crescent shape like this. So it's thought that the state adopted the crescent to honor those sons who came to settle here.

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Jimmy was partially right when he said that the Palmetto tree was added because the forts that were defended were built out of palmetto logs. However, it wasn't the Civil War forts that were defended, it was the Revolutionary War fort on Sullivan's Island that later became known as Fort Moultrie, named for the man who commanded the troops in its defense. The palmetto logs were softer wood so they didn't shatter when the cannonballs hit them.

Anyway, when we were talking about the Confederate flag, it was asked why South Carolina never adopted it as our state flag. That's what got me to looking up the history. When SC seceded from the Union, they flew this flag for a while to show their support of the action.

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This flag was never actually adopted as a state flag, but it was used as the inspiration for the designing of Confederate Flag we all know. So it's kind of ironic that our flag basically caused the design for that one. What I didn't know was that the Confederate flag was never actually the flag of the Confederate States of America either. It was only a battle flag that was adopted by the military to distinguish the Confederate troops from the Union troops. During their initial battles, the Confederate Flag looked like this and was often confused on the battle field for the United States flag.

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Also, many states adopted their own flags during the Civil War so it got a bit confusing to figure out who was who. This flag made it much easier to distinguish in battle, and the generals decided to adopt it as the official battle flag so that they all flew the same one no matter what state they were from. 

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By the way, for those who didn't know, the Confederate Flag flew on the South Carolina State House from 1961 until 2000 when a bill was passed to remove it. However, it is still on the grounds next to a statue honoring the Confederate soldiers. Honestly, pulling it off the State House only draws more attention to it because it's more visible now on the ground. 

I didn't know that our State House has 6 Bronze stars on it that symbolize the cannonballs Sherman's troops fired on it. I really need to get out and see more in this state. It's like our sight-seeing stopped when we stopped moving with the military.  

Anyway, I found some of that pretty interesting. I hope I didn't bore you all to death with my little fact finding mission. There is really a lot of history in this state that could be investigated for quite some time.

In case you missed it, my Bailey did a fun guest post over at Bruce and Tuck's place last night. I also have a Half-Assed Weekend post set up for tomorrow, so if you are around that will be up. Otherwise, have a great weekend, everyone!

Bailey has a Playdate!

Bruce and Tucker over at JADIP have been nice enough to let Bailey go over there for a playdate this evening! I think Bailey was getting a bit jealous that Tucker always got to have so much fun with Bruce's followers so she was excited about getting a chance to participate. Head over and check it out!

Isn't Tucker's new button cool?!

You might want to stick around if you don't already follow Bruce. He's got several blogs so he has something for many different tastes, and Tuck posts every Tuesday. I think this is the first playdate they've had in "puppydise", so I was thrilled that Bailey got to be a part of it. Thanks so much, Bruce and Tuck!

Southerner or Yankee?

As some of you know, I was a military brat. Some say I'm still a brat, but that's okay. I wear the title proudly. My dad was in the Air Force and retired a Chief after 26 years in the military. Both of my parents were born and raised in Pittsburgh, and I am the youngest of four girls. I was actually born in Panama, where I think I've mentioned before that I plan to retire someday. Most of you weren't around my blog back then. It's a beautiful place, and especially after the winter we all have had, I could handle living somewhere that's pretty much not below the 70's all year round.

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I could handle this being my view every day!

I am all about my biggest worry being whether to go to the Pacific or the Atlantic on any given day. They have a rainy season, but I can handle that without the cold. They have awesome perks for Americans to come down there and retire, too. I just have to find out if the perks are the same for me, because I'd hate to go down there and not be allowed back! I mean, they have daily flights back home, but with me being born down there I want to make sure I don't give up my US citizenship by moving down there.

Anyway, we have lived many places since I was born including Virginia, Germany, New Mexico, and then here to South Carolina where my dad decided to retire. At the time most of our family were still in Pittsburgh, and my mom's brothers had moved to Florida so this was in the middle. I was a late attempt at a boy so I didn't move as much as my sisters did. We moved to SC when I was 12, and Dad retired when I was 15. 

When we go home to Pittsburgh, people up there say I have a southern accent. People down here say I'm a Damn Yankee. Most of you know the difference between a Yankee and a Damn Yankee, right? Well, for my foreign friends, a Yankee is someone who comes down here to visit while a Damn Yankee is someone who comes down here to live. Yes, there is still a bit of a Civil War undertone to the statement, but most of the time it doesn't bother me.

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Many down here still think that though I am not one of them.

One night in a bar, I won a bet because someone kept calling me a Damn Yankee. I threw $20 on the pool table and told him that I bet I was born farther south than he was. Of course, it wasn't a very fair fight, but he was a dumbass, so what did you expect me to do? He was being an ass. He threw his money down and asked where I was born. When I told him Panama, he said, "Ha! Panama City! I was born in Key West." And he tried to scoop the money up. I slammed my hand down and told him that, "I said Panama, as in the Panama Canal Zone, genius!" He swore up and down to me that Key West was still farther south. I told him if he could ever show me a map where Key West was farther south, I'd give him his money back with interest. He not only lost the bet but had to buy me a drink because I beat him at pool. He was NOT a happy camper. 

Many people down here get a kick out of seeing what I'll eat and what I won't. Like I refuse to eat grits. I'm sorry, but grit is a state of mind and not a food! It's like eating Cream of Wheat, and I'm not eating that either.

There are many things that I love about the south, and many things I like to separate myself from. I'll address the elephant that is usually in the room when people from other states think of South Carolina. Personally, I think everyone needs to get over the damn Confederate flag being up in our state capital. Jesse Jackson can picket our borders forever, but it's not stopping tourism from coming here. We are basically the golf center of the US in many ways. Hell, my uncle who lives in PA goes to the beach down here more than I do. Unfortunately, they put the least literate people on the national news to talk about the flag. It's not coming down, people. And I don't think it should. To most people down here, it's simply a symbol of this state's history and them wanting to preserve state's rights and has nothing to do with slavery. There are proud people in this state, and they don't want to let it go. That's the way I see it anyway, and so do most of the people I know. (Oh, please tell me I'm not going to lose followers over this, but I had to tell my opinion! If you feel differently, feel free to say so. This isn't a debate I haven't had with others in my own state before. I respect your opinions so please respect mine.)

Okay, I really didn't mean to get off on that tangent. But you tell me... Am I a southerner because I've lived most of my life down here? Or am I a Yankee because I've lived so many other places and I was raised by two Yankees? Maybe I'm a Damn Southerner? Wait, that doesn't sound right either. I am proud either way. I couldn't believe how many down here had never been farther than Myrtle Beach, let alone outside of the state. But I guess it comes from being around the military for most of my life, even after moving here.

Stay tuned for a guest post I'm doing elsewhere later today. I think you'll enjoy it. I'm thinking tomorrow needs to be another Blast from the Past post or another funny Mom story. We'll see!

Some Linkage and Giveaways!

Okay, now that I wasted so much time trying to do something simple like set up a Facebook account, I think I got it done finally! Geez, Facebook was being testy about verifying my email address. It's hard enough to keep my personal, work, and blog emails straight without them messing with me about it! Anyway, you can go here to follow me there now.

If you aren't following me on Twitter, you should! I've been having some fun conversations over there lately with Canadian Blogger Girl, Amber, and Simple Dude. Well, it's mostly been us picking on him, but it's been fun anyway! So click on this to follow me so you don't miss out!

Speaking of CBG, she is having a giveaway on her blog, and she's got a bunch of exciting things going on over there. Go check her out and today you can even read a guest post by the crazy Simple Dude, too.

I've heard some blogging friends getting frustrated with losing followers lately. I have been lucky and haven't had that problem (and please tell me I didn't just jinx myself!), but I was wondering. What makes you leave someone you're following? Do they say things that offend you? I mean Average Girl had a FANTASTIC idea that involved a battle of the sexes on posts and she lost followers for it. What the ...? I didn't think any of my followers were that sensitive, but I could be wrong. Honestly, the only ones I think I've ever left are ones that I started following when I first got onto Blogger, and they just didn't interest me anymore. Seriously, you all aren't picky people, right? If so, I'm sure I'll offend you at some point. This is my stress free zone!

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I finished up my classes last night. Yay! Unfortunately, I only get one week off before I have to start three more though. Geez, is it June yet? I am sooooo ready to be done with school. Now, if my slow ass professors will post my grades, I will be a bit happier.

Oh, Studio30Plus is having a giveaway for reaching 500 members, too. So click on my button over there, join us, and go sign up for the giveaway! It's a great little community that's coming together nicely.

Tomorrow, Bailey and I have a little surprise for ya. I think you'll all enjoy it, and we got a little help from Bruce and Tuck.

Final thought.. I think the Frito Lay guy who put these signs up in a store near me knew the Super Bowl was going to be shitty. What do you think?

 Honestly, it was a good game. It was just not a good outcome for me and those who love me. *sigh*

Super Bowl Sunday!

For those who don't like football, bear with me. It's a big day, and the season is almost over. But I have to say....

It's finally here! The Super Bowl is upon us as my Pittsburgh Steelers face the Green Bay Packers in what I'm sure will be a fantastic game. This has been a horribly long week, but I'm glad the day is here. It's time for me to start making my signature dips to take to the party and get ready to go.

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At this point, it doesn't matter what any of us think of players on either team. It doesn't matter that the commissioner is a douche and has tried everything he can to get in the minds and wallets of the Steelers this season. All that matters is who walks into that stadium the most prepared mentally and physically and who can play with the heart of a champion. At least, I hope that's all that matters. Let's NOT let this game be something that comes down to a bad call, for the love of God!

I've noticed a few of the players tweeting that they are starting to get moving today. I hope they all slept well and play hard today. Here we go, Steelers. Here we go!

For those who are going to be home or at parties today to watch the big game, please be safe. Even if you aren't doing something crazy, there will be a lot of idiots who are tonight. Enjoy the game!

Also, feel free to stop by Studio30Plus today. I was featured yesterday, and Simple Dude was featured today among others. There are some great posts, so go check out the Weekend Spotlights. You might find some great new people to follow, and I hope those who pop in here decide to stick around!

Update for Steelers fans: My nephew shared this video with me on Facebook, so I thought I'd share it here.

6 Million Dollar Man vs. Captain Kirk

Okay, this is an impromptu post on a Friday night to ask a very serious question. If you didn't see $..! My Dad Says last night, then you should go watch it. But in that episode, William Shatner gets the girl over Lee Majors. Now tell me, people. Would that happen in real life? Over Lee Majors? We are talking about the 6 Million Dollar Man vs. Captain Kirk here.

This is the 6 Million Dollar Man intro... It still gives me goose bumps...

And his highlights...

Could Youtube pick a worse thumbnail for those videos?? (Who knew Sandra Bullock was on that show?)

And Captain Kirk....

I am curious to see what you all think. We had a pretty interesting debate on Facebook and in texts tonight about it. By the way, the Bionic Woman was always my hero! Anyone who slams me for that will never get my "Stop the Madness" award. :)

There is a poll to the right of this post for you all to vote on the two men. Go do it!

It's Friday before the Super Bowl! Look Up...

Did you look up? Okay, if you are in your Reader, come to my site. C'mon! I said DO IT!

Okay what do you think? New layout and my official dot com address. My address without the www isn't working yet, but I'm told that will fix itself in a couple of days. So if you have my blog bookmarked, you can enter it the old way and be redirected or change it to my official new address. I feel all grown up! Be honest about the layout though. If you don't like the new headers, etc.... Speak up.

Now my Steelers are going to be in the Super Bowl Sunday, and I'm soooo glad it's finally Friday! This has been the longest damn week of my life. Okay, maybe not of my whole life, but one of the longest EVER. For other Steelers Nation members, please go to www.visitpittburgh.com to sign up. They are having a challenge to see who has more fans, the Steelers or Packers. For you Packers fan, you can find the link to yours by yourself. I will love you again on Monday. After we win. I won't even discuss an option to that. I mean, loving you or the winning part.

There has been a lot of fun stuff on Facebook this week for my boys. Like this...

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We are "Knocking on Seven's Door!" I know it's corny, but I damn sure can't call it cheesy because of who we are playing now can I? Please Dear Football Gods, help my boys win this! There are so many things running through my head, but some of them I can't say or type for worry of doing something to change the outcome.

If you didn't know, I am very superstitious! My family makes sure that certain things are done, and when we win we remember what we did to help get that win. Some people may call it stupid, but it's our way of contributing. So bite me if you don't like it. I will be wearing my Jerome Bettis "Bus Route to Canton" shirt that I wore last weekend to help the running game burn the clock with my Heath Miller jersey over it. I will also make sure I put my left shoe on first, shave only one leg, and use my hula hoop before kickoff for 30 minutes. No, I'm kidding about that part. But the attire is true.

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That's my boy, Heath Miller for those who don't know him. I prayed the Steelers would draft him years ago, and that was before I ever saw how damn gorgeous he is. Honest! He has become an unsung hero on the team, and he is greatly missed on the rare occasions that he can't play. There's a great article that was written about him in December on that source button under the picture for those who care.

We have all kinds of food planned, of course. That will include Roethlisburgers, pizza dip (my contribution), all kinds of other dips, and I'm sure Mom will get a Steelers cake again. Last time we had balloons, plates and napkins that were Steelers, too. I should have gotten the pictures off of my old laptop to show you. We go all out! No one is allowed in the house without wearing black and gold, much to the dismay of my one nephew who was present who has the misfortune of having been brainwashed by his father into being a Raiders fan. I keep telling him to get away from the cheap silver, and get with the gold.

On a side note, I submitted my Blonde moments post to Studio30Plus for their Sunday Spotlight so I hope it gets picked, although they announced today that they had so many entries this week they are doing Weekend Spotlights instead. I hope I'm on one of the two days! If you are on that site and haven't added me as a friend, then click on the button below. If you haven't joined and you are a blogger who is "over thirty and wordy" then what are you waiting for?

I hope everyone has a great weekend enjoying the Super Bowl! I know I will be glued to the set. I'm sure it will be a great game. Now repeat after me... Here we go, Steelers. Here we go!

I'm afflicted

I have always had problems with my ankles. Pretty much my whole family was blessed with these wonderful ankles that are missing a tendon or something according to the doctors. I even had to have surgery on my foot years ago because a bone decided it wanted to just keep growing and it hurt like hell. I mean, bring me to my knees if something even brushed up against that bone kinda pain. Good times!

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Of course, the surgery ended up causing another problem with my ankle that developed while it was in a cast for about 11 weeks. They wanted to do surgery again, and when they told me I'd have to be in a cast that long again, I basically told them where they could shove it. If you've never been on crutches before, it is NOT fun. When you can't even go get yourself something to drink because you can't carry it back to where you were sitting, it gets to be pretty aggravating.

Well, I am pretty sure I have carpal tunnel in both of my wrists because they are pretty much shot. Working on a computer your whole life will accomplish that goal. Although I don't ever remember putting that on my bucket list. The main times that it bothers me is when I have to do something strenuous like trying to use a screwdriver or trying to mix something in a bowl by hand. Having no leverage in the wrist area doesn't help there.

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So the day before yesterday, I somehow managed to pinch a nerve in my right hand around my thumb while getting into my car. Don't ask me how I did it. I'm just coordinated that way. Hello?! Have you met me or is this your first visit? I am talented at hurting myself in the oddest ways.

Ever since it happened my thumb and forefinger have a life all of their own. When I have my hand on the mouse, my finger and thumb just jump on their own at strange intervals. It's very strange to look at your hand and see this happening when you just have it laying on the counter. It happened yesterday at a meeting and the woman sitting next to me was looking at me like I was an alien being. It's not like I can help it. Well, not this time! I mean, sometimes I do strange things that make people look at me that way, but this isn't something I could stop doing. I really wish it would quit because it's freaking me out! 

See, I told you I was afflicted! Getting old really sucks. I guess I'm just having one of those days when I'm feeling my age. I really hate it when that happens. So someone make me laugh. M'kay? Is it Super Bowl Sunday yet??? 

Blonde Moments

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Happy, guys? Boobage just for you!

A friend and I were discussing things you do that make you want to slap yourself in the forehead the second after to say, "What the hell were you thinking? That was about a dumbass thing to do!" The other night I was getting Bailey some water, of course in her Steelers bowl. I had the remote in my other hand when I picked up her bowl. Instead of setting the remote on the counter, which would have been the smart thing to do, I put it in the crook of the arm I was holding the bowl in. I turned on the water and filled the bowl. Just as I turned off the water, the remote started to slip. What did my brilliant mind decide to do? I snatched that arm close to me to catch it and threw about half of the bowl of water right down the front of my shirt. Brilliant! Bailey even jumped back away from me and gave me a look that said, "Are you epileptic or what?"

So of course, this friend had to share something she had done the night before that was equally as stupid. Her boyfriend had stayed the night the night before and she was in the hurry to get to work that morning. She asked him to let the dog out for her, but he had decided to sleep in. When she got home, she took her shoes off and went walking across the kitchen only to step on a throw rug that had been pissed on.

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Why is it that stepping in piss with a sock on is so much more gross than even stepping in it with a bare foot? Is that just me? My friend whole-heartedly agreed with me on that one.

Anyway, the blonde moment came after that. She took the rug outside to clean it. Did she lay it down and put something on it to scrub it clean? No, that would have been the logical move. Instead she proceeded to shake it out. I'm sorry but that beats my water thing. Of course, she ended up with pee all over her and had to go shower after she finished cleaning the rug. I laughed so hard when she told me, and she'd probably be mortified that I wrote about it here. Good thing she doesn't know about this blog. 

I often have these blonde moments, but I'm allowed. I am a natural blonde, so I have an excuse. Plus, it's an easy excuse for doing something that is just really damn stupid. Have a blonde moment story you want to share with my followers? Let me know!