Math Equations

Law & Order:  Criminal Intent - Bobby Goran = Crap.

Pollen + Springtime = Dirty Dusty Cars

Two glasses of water + appetizer + entree = VERY FULL JUJU

Facebook + Wine = True Confessions

PMS + Month End = Lots of swear words

Wine + Cheese = My Planned Wednesday Evening

4 Hairy Cats - All Their Shedding Hair = Tumbleweeds in my house

Massive Attack + NYC = Possible trip for us?

Taylor + Best Buy = A good fit

Chips + Salsa = Joy

Chips + Salsa + Cheese Dip = Perfection

Margarita - Salt = Just Plain Wrong

Me + Mel + Sandie + Cath = YaYas

Project Runway - Anthony = not nearly as interesting

Me + Steven + Taylor + Jake + Rockett + Cats = Family

You + Comments = Me Happy

Hodge Podge 200

Milestone Sunday!  This is my 200th post.  WooHoo!  Can you hear the fireworks?  In honor of this momentous day, I will hodgepodge this post away. 

This tree is the bane of my existence right now.  All day Friday was filled with sneezes, coughs, loads of water running out of my nose, and a sexy strained voice from a bit of post nasal drip.  It's bloom time in the south, and that means the pollen has come to take over the world.  Ah-Choo!

Last night, we went to a friend's house for their Supper Club.  Now, our friends do this on a regular basis, but they invited the "soccer folks" to their event.  Soccer and Supper don't mingle so well.  But, the food was sooooooooo delicious, and the company even better.  I spent a good bit of time talking to the lovely CiCi.  She is Swedish, so we discussed Stieg Larsson's books, liverwurst, how to pronounce Swedish words, and the country itself.  She used a baggy to show me where Stockholm is, where her hometown is, and where most of the population of Sweden resides.  She's so interesting, so gorgeous, and so nice.  And, she is the mother of the cutest twins.  How did so much niceness get wrapped up in one package, I say?

The bathroom in our rental house in Arizona was humongous.  There was a long vanity with two sinks, a huge tub, huge shower and a huge closet.  (are you getting the idea that it was huge?)  Seriously, the bathroom was bigger than our bedroom at home.  The best part were the light swithces.  First of all, there were SIX of them.  And, they were all clearly marked.  Now, THAT is my idea of luxury.  I might need those in my house.

I watched the last 45 minutes of Shawshank again yesterday.  Man, it gets me every time.  It doesn't matter where I start that movie, I end up crying every time.  Today, I'm watching Sixth Sense.  Again, another movie that gets me every time.  How did I not see all the clues the first time I watched this movie??

It's Palm Sunday.  Did you used to braid your palms and hang them on your crucifix or behind a framed picture? 

Steven wants to see his favorite band, Massive Attack, in concert.  They are playing in NYC, Boston and on the west coast.  It looks like we'll be traveling again soon.  This is an English band, and they haven't toured much in the states.  I figure he's about due, having traipsed to so many DAVE concerts with me over the years. 

It's been a fun 200 posts.  I made the mistake of re-reading a few of them, and I do apologize for a lot of self indulgent boring content.  I'm glad you're still coming around and catching up on my tales.  I look forward to hanging out with you for the next 200! 

TGIF

I'm currently doing my favorite thing.  I'm sitting on my couch, in my normal spot and watching a Grey's rerun.  (Even if I forget that it's my favorite spot, I'll know it's my favorite spot because the cushion is starting to lose its shape...)

It's Friday night, and I don't have to work for two days.  I can do nothing tonight, or I can do everything.  I can read my book  (currently reading, "The Help")  or I can just go to sleep.  There's nothing I HAVE to do. 

Tomorrow and Sunday will be busier.  We are going to a supper club thingy tomorrow night.  (we are NOT the type of people who get invited to supper clubs, so this is going to be interesting!)  Sunday is a couples baby shower.  I love the folks who are having the baby, but Lordy, I do hate a baby shower.  And, then, all of a sudden, the weekend is over again.  They all go quickly, even more so at this time of year when the weather just seems to be perfect.

So, being at home with the whole evening ahead of me, with no commitments, is so darn great.  I might watch Real Housewives of NYC.  I might watch my DVR'd Project Runways.  I might scan and browse blogs.   I'll probably watch basketball at some point, but I'm not deciding anything until it's right for me on this gorgeous Friday in March.

I hope your Friday, and the remainder of the weekend, will be as relaxing and peaceful as mine is! 

A Classic

Thanks Gary Larson.  This always makes me laugh.

Western Ho!

If you ever want to celebrate a 40th wedding anniversary, may I recommend doing it in Arizona?  We had perfect weather, perfect company, perfect food, and a perfect time.  Kathi is my dad's baby sister.  She and Ron have always been there in our lives, and even more so since my parents died.  They used to babysit me.  They changed my diapers, played with me, and 40 years ago, I was the flower girl in their wedding.  They are fun, funny, and very loving.  We were so happy to be with them, my brother and two sisters-in-law (Tim couldn't make it due to baseball), their wonderful kids and spouses and our Arizona cousin. 

This blog is heavy on photos, so sorry, but it's so rare that we are all together, I needed to document it.  I honestly think we should celebrate this way every single day of our lives. 

SIL #1 and I on the back porch of Kathi and Ron's house.

Brother Jeff (not in the biblical term) and Kathy.

Brother Jeff and Cousin Bridget.  Honestly, one of the nicest girls you would ever meet.

Cousin Jeff and his wife, Anna.  The only ones in our family that appreciate soccer the way we do!

We had the BEST breakfast at "The Good Egg."  Eggs Benedict + Family = Perfection.

(SIL #2, Steven, SIL #1 and Bro)

I loved looking at all the artwork.  Everything is soooo different from my little Southern home.  You don't find magnolia trees and azaleas portrayed in art out there.

Cousins Brad and Jeff.  They were my ring bearers in Wedding #1.  And, they're just as cute as they were 25 years ago!

It was one giant paparazzi-kind-of-weekend.

Steven was in hog heaven as there were so many photo ops.  I believe he might have taken close to 750 pictures.  He and Cousins Bridget's husband, Aaron, enjoyed snapping together.

Then it came time for us all to clean up, dress up a bit, and truly celebrate this wonderful couple and all they've meant to us.  You see, they brought us together, and they keep us together.

They reunite us with people we haven't seen for much too long.

And remind us what life is really all about. 

Family.

Cactus, Cactus, Everywhere!

If I were a really good blogger, I'd be putting a picture of a cactus up to go along with this post.  But, it's way too early in the morning for me to even think about downloading, resizing, and all that jazz.  So, just pretend there is a really great pic of a big tall prickly thing right here:

We are having a great time out here, and I plan a longer post upon my return.  But, before these thoughts slip away into the black abyss of my aging mind, I wanted to share them with all of you. 

• I love the houses out here.  The adobe, the roofs, the outdoor living spaces; all are so beautiful.
• My aunt and uncle are so darn nice. 
• My cousins are so darn nice.  How does that happen?  How do so many nice people end up in one family?
• How is it that every cactus looks different?   I need to do some research about why they grow the way they do.
• I had the best Eggs Benedict at at restaurant called, "The Good Egg."  I also had the best "to go" iced tea.  The cup was enormous.

• They sell my cider out here.  Ahhhhhhh.

• The bathroom in our rental house is bigger than my bedroom at home.
• I haven't seen one single basketball game this weekend.  This is the first time in my life that I've missed March Madness.  And, I'm okay.  Whoda thunk it?
• I haven't seen a squirrel for a few days, and I really miss that.
• The sunsets and sunrises are awfully pretty out here.  And the stars?  So bright.
• I sure am enjoying spending time with  my family.  Too few and far between.

Happy Weekend Everyone! 

I Heart Target

This dreary winter has been a long one.  But I truly think spring is just around the corner.  I say this, because it's all over my favorite store!  I love the spring-iness of these pitchers and bowls.  They just scream tulips to me.  And, I LOVE tulips!

I don't know about your town, but ours has more potholes than pavement lately.  Our car's shocks are just about to retire.  So, going into Target and seeing all the fun items for sale made me forget about the bumpity-bump-bumps in the roads.

Even the artwork looks so fun.   I can't decide which picture I like best in this group, probably the birds or the paisley looking thing?

I turned another corner, and I saw this:

I think it's already too late for me to get in shape for bikini season.

And at Target, you always find so many RED things.  I love love love red.

Did you ever see the Malcolm in the Middle where the man lived behind the balls in the Lucky Aide?  Malcolm was working the night shift and noticed that strange things were occuring.  I love MinthM, so you will see many references to that show on here.  Anyway, I digress.  Every time I see these balls I always wonder if anyone is living behind them.

How cute is this dress? 

But, THIS is the real reason I love Target.  If I buy this, I'll never run out again.  And, THAT is my goal in life.  I Heart You Target.  xxx

Sunday Thoughts

Just a few thoughts I'm having on a Sunday evening, sprinkled with some pictures of the St. Patrick's Day Block Party, held outside Madra Rua Pub in North Charleston, SC.

(Dang, that was a long run on sentence!)

People sure do love to be Irish for one day every year in the middle of March.

Those same people love to do strange stuff with the color green.

I am really looking forward to going to Arizona Thursday.  We are going to celebrate my favorite aunt/uncle's 40th wedding anniversary.  I do love to celebrate.

I started reading the newest Mitch Albom book, "Have A Little Faith."  I think it's going to be as good as all his other books. 

Crab Legs are always good; especially when enjoyed with friends.

I am constantly amazed at the strength of women.

I wish I lived in Stars Hollow, CT; the town where the Gilmore Girls live.  I would love to have coffee at Luke's, even though I don't drink coffee.

Zappos.com makes me happy.

Taylor started a new job yesterday.  I hope it will be good fun for her.  It seems that in the last month she's grown tremendously.

Jake has been accepted to a few more law schools.  Now he has to decide which is the best fit for him.  Mom thinks the full ride at the University of Illinois would be a good choice, but it's not my call.

I never liked the "Payday" candy bar.  And, when I was younger, it seems that was the only one they ever had in the vending machine at the pool. 

There is no Law and Order: Criminal Intent on Bravo tonight.  I am going through Bobby Goran withdrawls.  I'm also in denial that he is being phased out of the show. 

I have some really great friends.

I am getting addicted to asparagus roasted in the oven with some olive oil and sea salt. 

I've never won a trophy of any kind. 

And finally, when I look out my bedroom window lately, I'm seeing one of Rockett's babies.  For some reason, the thought of the Pink Possum lying there all alone just makes me sad.  He's been rained on so much lately.  Rockett, get your baby inside!!!

I hope we all have a great week!

Along Came Rockett

Ya know, there’s just some stories people keep to themselves, and should keep to themselves. I’ve never been one of those people. In case you don't believe me, check out this example

Here’s the way I justify it all---if I had to go through something, be totally embarrassed, and I survived the whole ordeal, I figure it’s my duty to inform others. That way, should it ever happen to them, they know they are not alone in the world of shame and blushing.


And, that is why, today, I am here to tell you about a spring day a few years ago, and the mortifying events of a Saturday afternoon.

As many of you know, I love to do crossword puzzles. I have them piled up in the bathroom, and they are my means of relaxation, mind exercises and escape. On this particular Saturday afternoon, I planned to “spend some time on the throne” while doing my crossword, and then follow up with a bubble bath or shower. Since I was planning on the bathing part after conducting business, I was naked as I entered the bathroom.

Okay, the scene is now set for you.


As I entered the bathroom, I realized my crossword book was in the family room. ( No problem. I’m not shy, I’ll walk around the house sans clothes. ) So, I walk out to the family room, and as I return down the hall to the tiny little bathroom, I feel a bit gassy. Again, no problem. Steven is in the shower. If I choose to let things “go,” there will be no feedback. And, so I did.


Except, it wasn’t just wind that came out. I sharted. (Luckily, I had watched, “Along Came Polly” just that morning and had learned this term. Seriously!) Right there in the hall Right there on my hideous green carpet. Right there on my leg. Panic sets in. How in the world did I do this? What is wrong with me, as a human being, that I am 46 years old and try to pass gas, and make this horrible mistake??


I realize I have few precious moments in which to clean up the evidence. I’m seriously mortified and contemplating that THIS is the most embarrassing moment of my life.

OH, HOW VERY WRONG I WAS.


At that particular moment, my sweet little doggy comes prancing down the hall. And then it happened. Without hesitation, she sniffed, sniffed again, and then rolled on her back right in the middle of my embarrassment. She was happy as a pig in .....well, you know the answer there. I looked at her in shock, still thinking I had a chance to blame this whole thing on her. (sorry Rockett!) But, then she hopped up, and jumped on my bed. Yes, fully covered in ick. Now, both of us were covered.


And, at that point, I heard the shower water turn off. Please imagine Steven’s face as he entered the bedroom and saw what was standing before him.


Folks, THAT was the most embarrassing moment of my life. Because you see, I then had to go on and explain just what had happened. (kind of like putting it in writing today) I had never felt so UNcool, UNsexy and just flat out gross. As the case is with most horrible situations, I felt utterly alone in my shame.


But a funny thing happened. Steven shared his sharting story with me. And, over the years, I’ve heard more sharting stories than I ever imagined were out there. They are all horrifying, yet hilarious. Disgusting but yet delightful.

And, so I come to share the story of the shart with you today in hopes that you’ll realize you are never really alone.


ESPECIALLY at the times you might need it the most. :-)

FFFFFrazzled

Mom, why are you so frazzled?  Work was a *&^(* today?  I still love you.  Even when you stink.  As a matter of fact, I love you even more when you stink.

Love,
Rockett




(Photo by Steven.  Of course.)

Some of My Favorites

I'm feeling nostalgic tonight.  These are some of my favorite pictures of me and the boy.  The funny (and ironic?) thing is that most of them were taken at weddings, and one was taken at a 25th anniversary party.  Go figure. 

This first is from my friend, Brandy's wedding.  They had a 70's theme wedding, just in case you were wondering.  It was great fun.  She wore her mom's wedding dress, and the bridesmaid dresses were designed from Mom's prom dress.  Guests dressed in 70's attire.  Yes, that is my real hair.  It was set on perm rods.  My 'fro was too cool for skool!!

I guess everyone is happy at weddings and that transcends to photos. 

Loads of hugging, kissing and dancing.

Life is good!

I love you dear.

Refreshed

It sure has been a sucky winter.  We've had tons of rain, many cold days, and most of these have fallen on the weekends.  Now, I do enjoy napping during a thunderstorm, but this rain has started to take a toll on the folks down here in South Carolina.

But, today was LOVELY!  The sun was shining, and there was a hint of warmth in the air.  It actually felt good in the sun.  We decided to head to the beach today.  Just driving along with the windows open felt fantastic!  We did see this little gem on the way...

On the way to the beach is an old boat.  It's been there as long as I've lived in Charleston.  People paint it with all sorts of things.  I've seen birth announcements, marriage proposals, obits, and political commentary.  Today's message was a request for a prom date.  I sure hope she said yes after all this trouble.

My favorite part about the beach is the breeze you feel as you walk on the crossover.  It's the most refreshing feeling when it's hot outside, and it's still pleasant on a cool March day.  It's your first view of the water, and it's one of the best parts of the beach experience.

As you know, Steven is doing a photo a day for 365 days.  (you can see his pictures here!)  This is one of his most favorite things to photograph.  (not himself, but underneath the pier!)

It's great to walk on the pier.  It is a GREAT place for people watching. 

I love watching people fish.  I loved these two young lovebirds.  They were enjoying the sunny day and a nice cold beer.  I wonder what they talked about while they waited for the fish to bite.

There were kids, dogs, couples, coolers, surfers, sand buried kids, girls doing handstands, old folks, bike riders and all other sorts of folks at the beach today.  Everyone was soaking up the gorgeous day.  Oh, how I love a palm tree.  It just says, "RELAX a while" to me.

Oops, I meant to put this picture in earlier.  This is Taylor's all time favorite restaurant, "Taco Boy."  I know she loves the food, but I'm thinking another thing she loves about it is the fact that it's at the beach.

So many great things about today.  But, THIS was the best:

Toes in the sand and water.  Ahhhhhhhh.