Friday 5 - Saving

 I cannot believe it is the very last day of 2010.  How about some Friday 5 to celebrate?  Please feel free to play along in comment or on your blog!  It's fun!

1. When dining out, do you usually save room for dessert?  No, not usually.  The desserts at restaurants always look so good, but I generally manage to stuff myself pretty fully on the main course.

2. In what way did you recently save the best for last?   I think finally getting together with DR is saving the best for last :-)

3. How do you feel about saving places in line or saving seats in theaters?  I don't object, really, when people do it.  I hate being the one to have to try and save seats though.  I feel so bad telling people they can't sit there!  Awkward. 

4. What’s one thing you did to save money this past year?  I don't know.  I'm not very good at saving money.  I sort of feel like that is a function of just not MAKING enough money though.  Where's that sudden, previously unknown, dead, rich, benevolent relative when you need them?  Or that lottery winning?  Or perhaps, just that drive to be successful :-)  Where's that?  haha!

5. Besides money, what’s something you’re saving for later?  Again, not so good at saving.  I am a fan of Daylight Savings Time!  Well.. but seriously, while DR is away, I have put my non-solo sexitimes on hold.  I'm saving all that for later.

Happy 2011 to all of my Blogging Friends!  Let's just go ahead and spend it all doing what we want and finding all the joy life has to offer.

 xoxo's from Fresh Hell. 

Now I'm a Jet Fuel Genius

Happy Wednesday, Blog Friends!  This week's Choose and Defend has been inspired by my current vacation situation.  Let me get your take on it, in Choose and Defend Wednesday fashion.  Which would you rather have?

Too Much Free Time

OR

Not Enough Free Time

Now, I grant you that "too much" and "not enough" are very relative terms.  Still, I imagine you get the idea.  Which works better for you and  your well being, if balance is not an option :-)  Choose and Defend!

Settle Down, Missy.

Whew!  Breathing my usual sigh of relief that Christmas is over.  It turned out to be a wonderful day, as usual, and I worried for nothing...but that is better than having your worries confirmed!

Friday evening, Christmas Eve, Girlie Girl, Handsome Lad and I went out for Thai food.  The place was pretty deserted, but the food was delicious.  After that we took a tour of the best lit neighborhoods in Glendora.  There is one place that has that set up that corresponds to a radio station.  It was pretty amazing.  We even drove way  up GMR to where it is completely dark and wilderness-y to look down on the lights of the city.  Views like that are beautiful, but somehow make me feel a little lost, too.

Christmas itself, on Saturday, was really lovely.  We all met at WTG's house around 1 pm.  The little guys had opened presents earlier at their house, so they were able to eat a nice big lunch before we started working on the pile of stuff at this gathering.  There were so many gifts, that even working at a nice steady pace it probably took us a good 90 minutes to get through them all.  I had already open my presents from DR...this is what he got me:

Just what I wanted!

I also got lots of socks, some perfume, a new comforter and sheets, a necklace, slippers, Bear Paw boots, and several gift cards.  I couldn't have been happier and I don't think anyone else could have been either!  

Here I am braiding Miss Personality's fake blue hair.  

Out of everything the girls got, those little hairpiece things, which were part of a dress-up set that Girlie Girl got them, were their absolute favorites.  Miss Personality was genuinely thrilled by the idea that someone would really think she had some blue hair.  And Love Bug loves what Miss Personality loves :-)   Little Prince got a new ride on toy, seen in the background on one of the few occasions he was parted from it.

Sunday was super quiet, but yesterday, Monday, I ended up having to take my mom to urgent care.  She's been under the weather for probably three weeks.  Finally, she tried to make a doctor's appt. yesterday, but couldn't get in.  So I said that as long as we both had time, why didn't I just take her to urgent care and deal with this.  I mean, my mom is almost 72.  I don't think we need to mess around when she's sick.  So we got there about 2:30 and they said they couldn't see her...we'd have to come back at 6.  Fine, yes.  So we went back at 6 and they took her right in.  She was in there about an hour, which sort of worried me, but she was mostly just waiting I guess.  I had been real worried about her breathing, but they said her lungs weren't bad.  They didn't seem too concerned...they gave her a prophylactic influenza shot, measured her bone density and gave her the little mail in kit for a colon cancer test.  Pretty much the things they probably do when an older person comes in.  I was glad they didn't think she is seriously ill, but worried because she's has been not feeling well for so long....it didn't seem like something that is just going to go away.  But we'll see, I guess.  I told her if she wasn't well in a few days, we'd show up again.

Now it is Tuesday and I am hoping for relaxation.  I don't have my car, since Kick Back Dude had to borrow it, so that might actually help :-)  

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas.  From what I've read so far on blogs, signs are good!  Now on to a bright, shiny New Year!  2011, here we come....

My babies.  

I hardly have any photos with all of them together!  They are a slippery bunch like that.

This Musical Message is For I Never Lost Control

Festivus, A Holiday for the Rest of Us

"The Festivus Song"

written in 2003 by three people who got it: 

by Rockyhors (DR),

Wildblue (me),

We store it in our crawl space when we aren't using it!

Poppaspank,

And two people who didn't:

Lyonheart

and John H. Spencer.

Now it's time for Festivus

a holiday for the rest of us

no dreidel to spin

or fat guy creepin' in

a season that quickly ends

gather your family and friends

this part is the most fun

tell each and every one

how this last trip round the sun

every wrong thing that they've done

has really let you down

but no need to wear a frown

beeeee--caaaaaause

---- now it's time for Festivus ...

Now it's time for Festivus

A holiday for the rest of us.

No big ticket items

Or games of gelt hide 'ems

Its no festival of unity

But you'll speak with impunity

Call your dad and mother

Invite your sis and brother

Tell 'em what you REALLY think

Bottoms up, lets have a drink

Spread the ugly truth around

Cry, if you must, without a sound

Beeeeeeeee-caaaaaaause

---Now its time for Festivus.....

Now it's time for Festivus

a Holiday for the rest of us

We'll gather round the festive pole

an icon of majestic length

and stretch and flex as we prepare

the challenge of the feats of strength

We'll feast as friends who hate us

are preparing to berate us

we gather for this yearly meal

with family we'd like not to see

why subject ourselves to this ordeal?

because, you putz, the chow is free

Beeeeeeeeeeee-caaaaaaaaaause (gasp)

----- now it's time for Festivus!......

Note: Goes wildly off course here ---

Now is the time for Festivus

a holiday for the rest of us

but keep us far away from mistletoe

because we really don't trust Uncle Joe

and big expensive gifts for kids are poxes

ecause they end up playing with the boxes

you know that you can count on sweetie's mom

to tell you why your turkey was a bomb

while in the den Ed, Bill and Walter stare

as if a football game were on the air

you're tired of each other -- that much is clear

and so you smile and wave "Same Time Next Year"

beeeeeeeeee-cauuuuuuuuuuse

---- now it's time for Festivus! . . .

And now, it is the time for Festivus,

A holiday made for the rest of us.

Blow out the pilot light and crank up the stove,

Insert your head and reunite with Jove.

Beware the cars careening to and fro,

don't sin too much, and don't eat yellow snow.

The carolers evoke a thoughtful grin--

One well aimed .22 will damp their din.

The yule log burns, it is a merry light

It's Presto scent's like smoking Samsonite.

The guests are gussied up, so no one knows

hat Uncle Fred has cankers on his nose.

And all those joys abound with little fuss

Because it is the time of Festivus

**********************************************************************************

I guess posting The Festivus Song each year is my longest standing tradtion here at What Fresh Hell is This?  Makes me all warm inside. 

Now...in the past year, you have disappointed me in the following ways....

(Said in my awesome and loud Frank Costanza voice, of course.)

Happy Festivus, one and all!

I'm Not a Present for Your Friends to Open

Our last Choose and Defend Wednesday before the holiday that we are all preoccupied with...that's right...Festivus!  haha!  Okay, not really, although I am going to repost the Festivus song tomorrow in celebration of the great event.  But today, I turn one last time to my preoccupation with packaging.  More?  Could there really be more?  There is!  There really is!  So, let me ask you...do you prefer to open gifts:

Quickly

OR

Slowly

This doesn't have to be about Christmas.  Let's say it is about gifts.  And wrapping.  And how you want to take the wrapping off.  Choose and Defend!

Thank You (Faletinme Be Mice Elf Agin)

I just wanted to thank you guys for all the nice responses to last Friday's post.  I blog seeking reassurance and kind words and you guys have never let me down.  I really do appreciate it and am relieved to say that things have calmed down over the past few days.

I do still have a couple of last minute things to pick up in the way of gifts, but at this point it is going to be very last minute, as I will need to wait on this week's check :-)  I love living close to the edge!  Well, let's just say I do. 

The rain seems unending, but on the positive side, I have a car that doesn't leak!  I really don't like the rain, though.  Maybe I just need proper raingear...although I wouldn't need it that often...another positive, right?

After today, I have only two more days to work before having TEN DAYS off!  I am so excited...no special plans, but not being at work sounds nice :-)  I can get some extra sleep, spend some extra time with the kids, and get some extra sleep...did I mention extra sleep? 

To finish off my post for today, won't you join me in singing Happy Birthday to one of our dear Blog Brothers?

Happy Birthday to you!

Happy Birthday to you!

Happy Birthday, dear Alien!

Happy Birthday to you!

(And many mooorrrrre....)

This Musical Message is For Christmas is Creepy

Read at Your Own Peril

I have been feeling a bit overwhelmed lately.   Part of it is just seasonal.  Every year I end up berating myself for somehow lacking the joy of the season.  There is no genuine reason to be stressed as far as Christmas goes, but still...I am stressed.  I just am.  And yet in the end, I've never had a bad or even disappointing Christmas.  So, it is hard to explain. 

Also, there seems to be a lot going on in the family right now.  Kick Back Dude doesn't have a car right now, so he's been driving Girlie Girl's, while the rest of us are trying to figure out a way to get him a new car.  Yet look at me.  A couple of months ago, my mom had to save me when I needed a car.  How are any of us still functioning! 

Handsome Lad is in some kind of feud with his dad.  This leads to more time with me and I enjoy that, but there is some anxiousness about it.  He gets very clingy and it is difficult when he doesn't want to talk to his dad sometimes. 

Everything is making me feel sort of nervous.  I find myself seeking reassurances from DR..and instead of just asking for what I need, I tend towards saying stupid things trying to get his attention.  He doesn't have much patience for it, refuses to react the way I wish he would, and I end up just feeling worse. 

To top it all off, Princess Diva seems to be having a nervous breakdown, literally.  Last night, Kick Back Dude had to call for help because she was threatening to hurt herself.  She was taken to the hospital and we thought they were going to observe her for 72 hours, but she was released awhile ago.  I don't know what's going on, but of course it is upsetting for everyone.  

So, there are my complaints.  My worries.  My tiny hells.   I feel like a cat laying a gross dead mouse at your feet and wanting something from you, but I couldn't say what.  Possibly just getting it all out there is enough.  Thanks, blog friends.  I do appreciate you being out there.

I've Been an Awfully Good Girl, Santa Baby.

This week has been so busy!  That is good, because it is going fast...but given that I am not QUITE through with my Xmas shopping, it becomes a bit bad for time to fly by like this.

I guess I am going to stay obsessed with the packaging of things.  Seems normal enough for the season, right?  Right?  Right :-)  So this week's Choose and Defend Wednesday concerns your gift wrapping preferences.  How do you like to present your presents? 

Wrapped

OR

Bagged

Tell us how you like it and why!  Choose and Defend.  And thank you for your patience as I work through my packaging issues.

This Musical Message is For You Say You're Coming Home

Friday 5 - Raaaaain!

Welcome to Friday and Friday 5!  The guy who creates this meme lives in Hawaii and they are expecting a MASSIVE storm this weekend, so of course rain is on his mind.  Here in Southern California we are expecting a beautiful and unusually warm weekend, so I can answer these questions without feeling sad.  Please feel free to play along in comments or on your blog!

1.What’s the worst thing about really bad rainstorms?  It floods really quickly here.  One hard downpour and you are wading through rivers and driving becomes a water sport. 

2.What’s the best thing about really bad rainstorms?  Rainstorms are only good if you have no obligation to go out anywhere and can just stay inside and listen to the pounding rain on the roof.  It can be a very cozy and relaxing feeling...but you MUST not have getting somewhere on the back of your mind.

3.What’s your favorite (be honest!) way to pass the time when the power’s out?  Hm.  Well, there is my private little fantasy about what I'd like to be doing to pass the time...and then there is what really happens most often.  If there is any sort of light from outside, might as well do some reading.  When it gets too dark for that, read by candlelight.  We also like to just talk in the dark.  Sometimes more interesting things get said when no one is looking.

4.In what ways are you always prepared for a bad storm?  Honestly, I am pretty much in no way ever really prepared for a bad storm.  You read it here, so when it happens you can all remind me that I shoulda done something to prepare!

5.What’s your favorite song with the word “rain” in the title?  You know, there are actually many good "rain" songs!  I know this is not terribly kewl of me, but I have always really liked "Rain King" by Counting Crows.

I hope you all have a safe, warm weekend, whatever your weather! 

It's In the Bag, Buddy

Wednesday Choose and Defend.  Simple.  You know the way it goes.   You're shopping, you're ready to check out, you get the question....

Paper

OR

Plastic

OR

B.Y.O.B.

How do you roll?  Choose and Defend!

Waiting Month

December is a waiting month.  As the last month of the year and host month to arguably the biggest cultural and religious holiday of the year, December is a time when not much happens that doesn't have to do with those things.  There is a nice long school break and some companies basically shut down, at least for the week between Christmas and the New Year.  December tends to feel like a sort of break from real time in some ways.  I find that I am learning to appreciate it in new ways as I get older, as my kids get older, and my heart feels safer than it has....probably ever.   So today's Talk Talk Tuesday is me getting in the mood :-)  The mood for waiting.  The mood for planning.  The mood to celebrate!

Here is a photo that Princess Diva sent me with Little Prince and Love Bug

on Santa's lap at some other, inferior library :-)  Aw! 

And here is one of my favorite Christmas poems:

Somehow not only for Christmas

But all the long year through,

The joy that you give to others

Is the joy that comes back to you.

And the more you spend in blessing

The poor and lonely and sad,

The more of your heart's possessing

Returns to make you glad.

-- John Greenleaf Whittier

So there we go!  I am beginning to be in the right frame of mind :-)   Do you have to prepare yourself for all the glad tidings?  Or were you born ready?  Talk Talk!

This Musical Message is For My, Oh, My

Le Sigh

I love him.

I've Got to Pin You Down, Under Lock and Key

Feeling very random today, so you are getting a very random Choose and Defend Wednesday.  It happens.  A lot.   So, guess what!  You get to start a collection!  Maybe you already have a collection or multiple collections.  I think we've talked about that a bit...like hoarders vs. purgers, right?  But today, we are all collecting.  And since it is Choose and Defend, you must Choose between a couple of different things that you may or may not ever want to actually collect.  Just play along anyway, wouldja?  Will you collect....

Bobbleheads

OR

Snow Globes

Yeah, random :-)  But what will it be?  Choose, and don't forget to Defend your choice!  Thanks.

Ketchup, Catch-Up

Want to play catch-up?  I haven't talked about my day-to-days in a few days and I feel the need to unburden myself of the good and bad stuff.  So.

Thanksgiving - Went to my dad and step-mom's house in Malibu, about a 90 minute drive.  Secret Agent Man, Social Animal, and Girlie Girl all had to work.  Handsome Lad was at his Uncle Nurse's house.  So it was just me and Kick Back Dude & family.   I was assigned to take Little Prince in my car, since they had over booked by inviting Princess Diva's questionable brother along.  Little Prince was a fine companion, although very quiet as he slept the whole way there. 
Anyway, we had a nice time there.  My dad seemed to love the questionable brother.  To me, as he gets older, he is harder and harder to talk to.  He probably enjoyed a fresh audience for his ramblin's.  Here are some of us at the groaning board:

We left my dad's about 4:30 and headed back towards home.  WTG was putting on his own working man's meal.  This meant that some of us got 2 turkey dinners!  Plus, I got to see the working kids and be thankful with them.  I'm going to be honest and say, my dad's turkey was better, but the atmosphere was definitely more relaxing at WTG's gathering.  Here are a few characters hanging out in the kitchen:

To summarize ( too late?), I had 2 Thanksgiving meals, didn't have to cook for either one, and ended up seeing everyone I cared to see!  Good day.

Friday - I got up early and went over to Kick Back Dude's house to babysit.  He didn't get that day off and since Princess Diva is in retail, she was strongly urged to work.  I ended up having a nice time with the kids.  Fortunately, it was pleasant and we could spend some time outside.  I, personally, have always found it so much easier to manage little kids outdoors.  I'm not sure how that trait would work if I lived anywhere besides Southern California.  I might have gotten myself into trouble...not really!  Um, not really.  After that adventure in babysitting, which included live tweeting (#thingstoamuselittlekids), I went home and relaxed for the rest of the afternoon and evening.  I also got in a very long talk with DR.  As I've mentioned, we talk quite regularly and at length, but this was an extra long treat.  Really helps me to remain feeling connected to him, in spite of other uncertainties.

Saturday - Hung out with Handsome Lad all day.  He finally returned from Uncle Nurse's house late Friday.  He'd been gone since Monday, so I was really happy to see him.  He, Girlie Girl and I decided to go see 127 Hours.  I, in honesty, wasn't that into seeing it.  Plus, it is still playing in limited release, I think, and we had to go to Pasadena.  Parking is always a nightmare and going to a late afternoon show on a Saturday was expensive.  But there are not that many things that both of them really want to see (albeit for different reasons).  Now, having seen it, I guess I'm glad I did.  I mean, it was very well acted, extremely well done.  But people keep asking me if I liked it.  And it isn't really a movie you can "like"...but it did make me think I might like to read the book. 

Sunday - The last day of my 4 day weekend.  Didn't do much.  Felt good :-)  Still...was not ready to return to work, but of course I did and here I am!
I didn't get a chance to post yesterday, but I did get around to reading and seeing how your weekends went.  I always look forward to seeing how everyone else spends their time.  Now you know, at length (sorry), how I spent mine.   Thanks for reading.

This Musical Message is For Now Be Thankful

Happy Thanksgiving

Leaving aside the darker implications of the day 

(ie. sorry we stole your land and killed so many of you off, Native Americans)

it is still a wonderful opportunity to give thanks.  

 Happy Thanksgiving to my fellow USians and Happy Thursday to my friends elsewhere :-)

Congratulations to Our Three Winners!

Season 11 Winners - Jennifer Grey and Derek Hough

Congratulations to Churlita, NoRegrets, and AlienCG, who all chose Jennifer Grey as the winner for this season's Dancing with the Stars!  You have each won a $25 Target gift card...if you prefer another retailer, just let me know :-)  And tell me where you want me to send your card.  lalaura.b@gmail.com 

Thanks for playing!!!

An Attitude of Gratitude

Seems an approprite time of year to have a Thankful Talk Talk Tuesday, doesn't it?  If you and I were going to sit down to a meal together on Thursday, we might have a chance to mention the things we're feeling thankful for this year.  Since our time is in the here and now...well, why not mention those things in the here and now? 

We can always find something to be thankful for, and there may be reasons why we ought to be thankful for even those dispensations which appear dark and frowning. ~Albert Barnes

I am willing to start the Talk Talk.   I am above all, thankful for the health and strength of my family...my children, my mom, my sister and nephew, my dad.   You all know I can be a moody SOB, but thinking with gratitude on what I have always helps me, and my family is always what comes to mind first.  When I look at that quote I feel lucky that nothing so terrible has happened to me yet in life.  My troubles have been ordinary and unremarkable and I am thankful.  Stepping outside of the family realm, which I think we are all lucky enough here to be thankful for, I am also thankful for lessons I've learned in the past couple of years about myself.  Even though, more and more, I think it isn't going to work out, I did experience real love for DR.  I think it is true, also, that it isn't who loves you, but who you love.  Being able to love is a great gift.  It quite literally made me feel like a different person.  I am thankful to have felt that and hopeful that I will feel it again one day. 

So, I've done all this blabbing.  Will you Talk Talk too?  What makes you feel thankful? 

This Musical Message is For They Don't Speak For Us

Friday 5 on Saturday - Literally Figurative

Even though it is Saturday, I thought I'd go ahead with this week's Friday 5, because it is as cute as a bug in a rug.  Literally?  Figuratively? 

1.Do you prefer to be in the driver’s seat or in the co-pilot’s chair, literally and figuratively?  As long as their is a pilot I trust on board, I tend to prefer the co-pilot's chair.  I am not a natural born leader.  I am happy to chime in with my opinion, but not as comfortable being the final word. 


2.Do you have a lot of baggage, literally and figuratively?  If figurative baggage is people and experiences that you must consider before making a move in life, then figurtively I guess I have a bit of baggage.  It doesn't feel cumbersome to me.  I think it is mostly (but not exclusively) good baggage.  Literally, I have practically no baggage at all!

3.How much junk have you got in the trunk, literally and figuratively?  Literally, my car trunk is empty, except when I put in the grocery bags.  The trunk at the foot of my bed, however, is literally stuffed.  What is figurative junk in my trunk?  My booty?  More than enough junk in that trunk, for sure.

4.At celebrations where people are drinking, are you more likely to be literally or figuratively drunk as a skunk?  Neither one.  I'm don't abstain from alcohol, but I'm not much of a partier like that.  I am far more likely to eat too many of the party snacks.

5.What’s something you enjoy that’s literally cheesy, and what’s something you enjoy that’s figuratively cheesy?  Something that I enjoy that is literally cheesy is this pasta with four cheese sauce that I can get frozen at Albertsons.  On the carton it says 4 servings, but I hang my head and admit that I will sit and eat it all for dinner.  I'm sure they mean 4 sides!  haha!  Well, and I only eat it as a special treat, maybe once a month or so.  Don't judge me!  As for the figurative cheese, you all know of my fondness for some competition based reality shows, such as So You Think You Can Dance, American Idol, and Dancing with the Stars.  All very cheesy offerings.


Thanks for participating, and may you literally and figuratively get the whole enchilada this weekend!   ◄ Thanks for the Friday 5 guy for that line.  It was so cute, I had to keep it.

It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

Welcome to Choose and Defend Wednesday.  Today it is all about the neighbors.  We are all sort of like neighbors in the bloggerhood, aren't we?  My neighbors IRL, range from rather mean to perfectly friendly to a bit mysterious.  But, I'm sure we can all agree that everything is more interesting on TV, even neighbors.  Okay, not strictly true...many of you are MUCH more interesting than anything on TV...nonetheless...  There are lots of sitcom neighbors out there, but I chose these two because many people know who they are and they are sort of like opposite types.  So, of these two wacky sitcom neighbors, who is your favorite - Choose.  And why? - Defend!

Wilson (Home Improvement)

OR

Kramer (Seinfeld)

There you go...Choose and Defend!  If you wish to throw in a little anecdote about one of your neighbors, please feel empowered to do so.  Thanks, Neighbor!

Yes, We're Going to a Party, Party!

Today is Talk Talk Tuesday AND Ananda Girl's birthday, so I got her a cake in the shape of a helmet from her favorite team.  I think there is enough for everyone, so help yourselves!  And what is better with cake and coffee than some Talk Talk?  Nothing.  Nothing is better with cake and coffee than Talk Talk.   

Every year on your birthday, you get a chance to start new.

- Sammy Hagar

Is that true?  Do birthdays feel like a fresh start to you?  Or do you feel the pressure of another year having gone by?  What do birthdays mean to you?  Talk Talk!  And Happy Birthday, Ananda Girl :-)

All the Small Things

Another week has begun.  Feeling optimistic about managing it, at this point...mainly because next week has that lovely long Thanksgiving weekend.  Yay!  Along with the extra day off last week, it seems manageable.

On Thursday, since I was off, I went out shopping with my mom and sister.  I don't care to shop, but we don't get to hang out much, so when they wanted to shop I said "sure".  I didn't actually make any purchases, but I did get some ideas for Xmas. 
Also on Thursday, Little Prince went in to have his ear tube things re-inserted.  It is a simple procedure, but I still feel bad for how confusing it must be for him to be put under.  Here are his before and after photos:




Before...happily playing in his little gown.

After...looking quite cross with dad.

At least now it is over, he is back to his own cheerful self, and hopefully, his hearing will continue to improve.

On Friday, I did very little.  Laundry, bill paying, groceries.  I know how to live it up on my days off!  It was, as I've mentioned, DR's birthday.  Being a sappy sentimentalist it felt like I missed him more that usual on this particular day.   

Saturday, work.  And it was sooo busy.  But time certainly flew.  When I got home I found that Handsome Lad had spent the afternoon watching his nieces and nephew.  Their parents did turn up to collect them eventually, and we all had dinner together.

Sunday, I went to my friend Milly's house for lunch.  Another friend of ours, KK, there too.  It was really nice to have some girl time.  Again, it felt like the day flew by.  Had a nice relaxing evening watching Dexter with Handsome Lad.

Brings us on back to Monday!  Hi!  See you tomorrow for Talk Talk Tuesday :-)

This Musical Message is For a Happy Birthday, DR

Girl Power

Just wanted to show off a few cool photos of a couple of my favorite ladies. 

If this was a Saturday Scavenger Hunt post, the theme could be Girls or Fun or Fierce :-) 

Girlie Girl and D showing us some raditude GHS style.

 

 Clowning with 38 of their closest friends in their group photo.  Do you see them, bottom right?

Miss Personality stalking her prey on the soccer field.  Super star!

In the middle, on one knee.  You shouldn't bother telling her how to pose, thank you very much.

Hope you guys are having a great weekend.  Just made myself miss Saturday Scavenger Hunts :-)

Next Year Will Be Better

Happy Birthday, Dear Richard DR!  

Doctor, Doctor Gimme the News!

Guess what is happening on this fine Choose and Defend Wednesday?  You are all getting a Degree in Medicine!  The only thing to do now is to determine what kind of physician you want to be.  As always, you get two choices...but hey, how you choose to specialize is fully up to you!  So, which would you prefer to do for a living?

MD

OR

DVM

Will you be tending to the peoples or the critters?  And please do feel free to talk about any special area of interest you might be perusing in your field in comments.  Choose and Defend!

I Am Grateful, At Peace, Happy....

Talk Talk Tuesday is here with an invitation for you to...you know...talk about things!  Sitting at my desk yesterday, I was struck again by how much stuff I have around me and it seemed like a natural subject for Talk Talk Tuesday.  Some of it is clutter, but a good deal of it is really helpful in reminding me of what is important.  My inspiration is all around me, in the form of photos of my sweetheart, my kids, and my grandkids.  I also have these:

My motivational, inspirational beverage containers.

I know it seems silly, but I like being reminded to be grateful, peaceful and happy!  I am also pretty certain I have mentioned one of my favorite quotes that I have had hanging up at my desk since I came to work here over 8 years ago.  Here it is again, as too much good stuff is never enough :-)

Best not to concentrate altogether on the sycophany, cowardice, and fraudulence of a society

that feels as if it's in decompostion.  Better to think instead of beautiful children in concentrated

play, of Mozart's music for oboe and harp and flute, of Winesap apples and cold green grapes,

of large hearted men and women who refused to be daunted in much darker times than ours.

-Joseph Epstein "Decline & Blumenthal" With My Trousers Rolled

So tell me, what do you like to have around you for inspiration during the course of your day?  If not things, what thoughts do you keep around?   I love hearing the things that matter to people.  Talk Talk!

This Musical Message is For It's Between You and I

Friday 5 - Packing

Friday, Friday, Friday!  I'm so glad it is Friday!  Yeah, I'm ready for the weekend.  Not that I have any great plans, but the downtime will be good.  I thought I'd celebrate with a bit of Friday 5.  I mean, I really know it is Friday when I get to do the Friday 5 meme.  So....

1. How far ahead of time do you begin packing for a weekend trip?  Goodness.  When is the last time I took a weekend trip?  A good long while, for sure.  But I can say that packing, as with most things that require preparation, is worked out ahead of time mentally.  I tend to go over things in my mind, maybe make lists, but do the actual physical preparations pretty last minute. 


2. What was your most recent purchase of a six-pack?  Another thing I haven't done in a good long while.  Can't recall the last time I bought a six-pack of beer...and even when I buy soda I generally buy the 12-pack.  Every couple of weeks I need another 12-pack of Super Chill cola.

3. What do you look for in a good everyday backpack?  Good, sturdy straps and zippers.  A dark, neutral color.  There, set to go.  Boring, but reliable.  I guess that is me and my everyday backpack. 

4. Among people you know, who’s the worst packrat?  I know a few packrats.  I think I have a sort of inclination towards it, but over the years I have learned to let things go quite well.   DR is one of the worst packrats I know, but I think he is trying to reform :-)

5. How do you know when it’s time to pack it in each evening?  When my eyes refuse to remain open any longer, I pack it in.  Otherwise, I just go on watching tv or reading.  I have to almost literally pass out before I can pack it in!

Hope you are all able to pack lots of fun and relaxation into your weekend!  Don't forget to Fall Back on Sunday!

He Sings the Songs That Remind Him of the Better Times

So glad the mid-term elections are over and done.  And no matter how things went for you, don't you feel we could all use a drink?  It is Wednesday, so let's Choose and Defend!  Make a toast and raise a glass...what are you drinking?

Beer / Wine 

OR

Hard Liquor

Pick your poison...feel free to get specific in comments.  Choose and Defend!

Oh....alright...here's one for the non-drinkers -

No Alcohol for Me!

There!  Happy Wednesday Choose and Defend!

PS - Don't forget to tip your server.

Yo, Bum Rush the Show

I thought maybe we could use this Talk Talk Tuesday to get all political and stuff!  No, not really...I love you all too much for that.  But I am curious about your thoughts on voting, in general.

The vote is the most powerful instrument ever devised by man for breaking down injustice and destroying the terrible walls wich imprison men because they are different from other men.

- Lyndon B. Johnson

It makes no difference who you vote for - the two parties are really one party

 representing four percet of the people.

- Gore Vidal

What do you think of the process, generally?  Does it work or do we need to do some serious revamping?  Talk Talk!

Halloweenie Pictures

Trick or Treat at the Library Wed. 10/27.  I am trying to get started, but parents be mad picture takin' lunatics.



Lt. Dangle (aka Social Animal) of Reno Sheriffs Station.  About to arrest a lady of the evening, looks like.



Cap'n Handsome Lad contemplating fishing for treats.



This pixie always looks rather threatening when she asks a question.  I call that fierce intelligence!



Here is a kitty called Socks.  Not Love Bug.  Socks.



Puppy who doesn't like to wear his little hood.  Woof!



Girlie Girl and her friend/date looking cute for Homecoming on Saturday night. 

Hope you all had a great weekend.  Mine was fun, busy, and full of interesting clothing.  Now, onward to Thankful Feasting Day and beyond!!!