Mid Week Mute

What a Lovely Evening

I officiated a wedding this past Saturday evening.

 No, I'm not ordained by the internet.

 Here, in South Carolina, a Notary Public can marry folks.

The wedding was held at Boone Hall Plantation.

How gorgeous is this?

 And get this??!!  The bride's name was JUDI.

Spelled right and everything.

 

The only negatives were the bugs that swarmed my head and body during the entire ceremony.

I wasn't alone though, they were annoying everyone.

I'm just grateful one didn't fly up my nose, or down my throat.

 

I do love a wedding.  

These folks aren't crying.  They're swiping at the dang bugs.

Congrats to Ryan and Judi!

Retro Turkey Day

Well, did we all have a nice Thanksgiving?  I know I feel well rested and filled to the gills!  I've eaten a LOT of food in the past few days, and taken many naps.  It's been loverly!

In years past we've spent the day at friend's houses or we've had some friends over to ours.  This year, it was just Steven, Taylor and myself.  It was so nice and low key. 

Since I had the time, I chose to use some of the things that I don't get around to using often enough.  I pulled out my grandmother's china.  I need to use these more often, as Steven and Taylor seemed stunned to see a "gravy boat."   At one point in my life, I had my own china, given to me at my first wedding.  But, that stayed with the ex when we split (apparently, he had an affinity for pink china...).  Having my grandmother's china is much more special. 

I also used my mom's silver . Although, I can't remember if it's silver, or silver plate.  Either way, my mom had it for years, and now it's mine.  All the pieces have a cursive "J" on them for Jamieson.  I'm pleased that they still go with JuJu.  And man, the knives are L O N G. 

So, we had the traditional fare, and we ate it on Grandma's china, scooped it up with Mom's utensils, and we all sat down to eat at Grandma's Pseudo Table.  When I made my annual Party Mix, I stored it in Grandma's yellow tupperware bowl.  The family was represented!

Granted, I would have much rather had them all here with me. (for one, the food would have been much better!)  But, since they were spending the holiday (and all holidays) in Heaven, it was just nice to have them here via the china, the forks and the tupperware.  For that, I was really really thankful.

And now, it's on to Christmas people.  Twenty Eight Shopping Days.  Ugh.

2011 List of Most Appreciated Things

Yep, this blog is just what it says.  I'm THANKFUL for:

• the kids, the husband, the brothers, the grandmother, the SIL's, the nephews, the inlaws and the extended fam
• friends, near and far
• cream cheese
• Manchester United, Missouri Tigers and the St. Louis Cardinals
• DMB, Jonny Lang, Adele, and all music that moves me
• the Broadway channel
• my Kindle
• Rockett and the cats
• even though it frustrates the everliving daylights out of me:  my job
• puppies
• the margarona
• Rose Jackson and fam
• this blog and all my blogging friends
• the yayas
• Grandma's blanky
• Avondale Wine and Cheese
• JR Martinez
• all veterans, past and present
• comfy PJ pants
• no bra/no makeup days
• sleeping in
• napping
• going to bed early
• long epic novels
• Chex Party Mix
• cul de sac cat  (aka Esmerelda)
• newborn babies that aren't mine
• women
• good ex husbands
• clean sheets
• flushing toilets
• food in the fridge
• food in the belly
• and love in the heart.

YOU?  Throw five of yours at me?

Kicking it Old School

You know how I like and prefer a lazy Sunday, right?  Well, yesterday, I got my duff out of the bed and went out into the real world for a change.

I had read about an art awareness/fundraiser in town; one that featured outdoor art. They were painting outdoor murals on walls in a fun area of Charleston. 

They featured different artists painting during the day, and their art was available for sale and on the silent auction.  They featured some graffiti artists, and we were able to watch them create.

There were Food Trucks. 

And there was break dancing.  OH MY.  There was break dancing.  Take us back to the day!  Steven loves break dancing.  His favorite movie is Electric Boogaloo.  So, this was right up his alley.  I felt VERY cool as I sat there and watched them "battle."  I seriously felt like Eminem was going to show up at any moment.  I have no idea how they make their bodies do the things they do.

  

Kids were dancing.  People were cheering.  Sweat was running down my backside and into my nether region.  That kind of killed my cool factor.

It was a great day, and I ended up realizing that the whole world can be a canvas!  

Even a baby in a belly!

Blast from the Past

Well, it's Friday night, and I've just watched back to back episodes of the $25,000 Pyramid. 

I'm in Retro TV Heaven.

This is Dick Clark at his finest.  The man leaned on his podium and led the contestants through the subjects, the Lucky 7, and the tiebreaker.  (Choose a letter?)  He gave great suggestions when they didn't make it to the top of the pyramid.  He gave great advice on how to play the game better. He suffered when the contestants didn't win.  He rejoiced when they did!!

Oh, the guest stars.  Just tonight, I've seen Florence Henderson, Bill Cullen, Earl Holliman and Elaine Joyce.  (funny, I bet they were all on Love Boat at one time...)   Some of them were really good.  Some were really bad.  But no matter, they all seemed truly pleased when a contestant beat that dreaded pyramid!  By the way, the 70s were NOT a good fashion era for game shows.  Just saying.

This is truly my favorite all time game show.  I enjoyed a lot of them along the way--- (Jeopardy, Price is Right, and Match Game)  and there were many that annoyed the living daylights out of me---( Press Your Luck [no more WHAMMIES], Family Feud with anyone other than Richard Dawson or Steve Harvey, and Hollywood Squares.  I STILL shudder when I think of Paul Lynde. YIKES!!) But for sheer strategy, smarts and reaction time?  It was and is the Pyramid.

They gave away great prizes.  Tonight, alone, they gave away a VIDEO CASSETTE RECORDER, a trip to Tahiti, and $1100 in the Lucky Seven segment.  They graphics were nice and simple.  The sweaters were hideous and the hair was BIG.  Ahhhh.  Those were the days. 

Thanks for the memories Dick Clark.

 

Mid Week Mute

Trying To Be Glad

I'm reading everyone's thankful blogs, posts and Facebook statuses.  I love these blogs, because people are really taking time to be thankful and think about all the good in their life.  I'm hoping I can get to the thankful spirit by Thanksgiving.  Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, and all because of that focus on the good things in life.

As I've moaned about of late, I'm struggling to find the good right now.  In an attempt to get on the right track, I'm going to do the "Things I'm Glad I'm Not" or "At least I'm not" kind of post today.  I apologize in advance.

At least I'm not Rick Perry, Herman Cain, or anyone running for office.

At least I'm not associated with the Penn State Football Program.

At least I've been married longer than 72 days.  (170 to be exact!)

I may have all sorts of drama in my life, but at least I don't have the shouting matches that the Real Housewives have.  Any city.

Real glad I'm not pregnant.

At least I can look at myself in the mirror at the end of the day, and I'm okay with that person looking back at me.  Although, she really needs to invest in a good eye cream.

Real glad that husband of mine finally saw the light after twelve years.

Real glad that leggings are in style.  They are the most comfortable things on the planet.

I am missing my babies, but at least they are doing well in their lives and working hard toward their goals.

Real glad I live with a fellow animal lover, and that fellow animal lover understands how important it is that we all sleep in the same bed together.  Meow and Woof.

At least we have a short work week next week.  For that, I am already THANKFUL. 

And, I'm real glad you're reading this.  My hat's off to you!

Just What the Doctor Ordered

Steven and I decided a few days ago that we were going to go to the beach today.  The temperatures were forecast to drop, but we planned to take provisions so we would be comfortable.  We are both listening to books so the plan was to sit and listen and chill.

We both dressed in layers.  I even wore socks.  (I hate socks)  I packed a hat, scarf, and blanket.  I wore my big old white hoodie.  I even dried my hair before we left the house.  We packed ourselves into the car and took off, having to make THREE stops prior to the beach.
1.  Subway for lunches
2.  WalMart for Steven's chair (it made me physically sick to step inside a WalMart, just so you know, but since we threw away our chairs at the end of last season, and didn't remember that until today, we had no choice)

3.  Beach Shop to get a REAL beach chair.  (I like to sit low to the ground)  They had ONE chair  It looked beachy enough, but also awfully teeny tiny.
.

After all this, we make it to the beach.  The weather was glorious.  After the short walk to the water, I realized how very warm it actually was.  Off came the hoodie.  Off came the shoes.  Off came the socks.  I squeezed my extra beautiful derriere into my beach chair (designed for sexy nubile young ladies), turned on my book and escaped to 1917 England for a couple hours.


I watched dogs on the beach, kids throwing rocks, lots of bike riders, those crazy people who run, and even a plane doing loop D loops.  Steven listened to his book right next to me, and it was honestly the perfect afternoon.  I hope yours was just as wonderful!

Mid Week Mute

Still the Best

 Best Song Ever




Gotta make a change
For once in my life
It's gonna feel real good
Gonna make a difference
Gonna make it right

As I turned up the collar on
A favorite winter coat
This wind is blowin' my mind
I see the kids in the street
With not enough to eat
Who am I to be blind
Pretending not to see their needs

A summer's disregard
A broken bottle top
And a one man's soul
They follow each other
On the wind ya' know
'Cause they got nowhere to go
That's why I want you to know

I'm starting with the man in the mirror
I'm asking him to change his ways
And no message could have been any clearer
If you wanna make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself and then make a change

I've been a victim of
A selfish kinda love
It's time that I realize
There are some with no home
Not a nickel to loan
Could it be really pretending that they're not alone

A willow deeply scarred
Somebody's broken heart
And a washed out dream
They follow the pattern of the wind ya' see
'Cause they got no place to be
That's why I'm starting with me

I'm starting with the man in the mirror
I'm asking him to change his ways
And no message could have been any clearer
If you wanna make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself and then make a change

I'm starting with the man in the mirror
I'm asking him to change his ways
And no message could have been any clearer
If you wanna make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself and then make that change

You gotta get it right, while you got the time
'Cause when you close your heart
(You can't close your, your mind)
Then you close your mind

RUFF

It's been a rough couple days. (weeks?  months?)  I know from my last few posts you've figured out that my job has posed quite the challenge for me of late.  Without going into specifics, I'll just stick with the fact that it's been R O U G H.

I spent Friday hiding away from the world.

It didn't work.  The world kept on spinning, and with it, all the things making my life rough.  

It doesn't work when we try to avoid our problems, or hope they go away.  Clamming up and not letting out my emotions isn't too bright either.  I've been doing a lot of both lately.  And, last week, I felt like I hit Rock Bottom.

That didn't feel very good.  I must admit.

But, a few things have started happening, and I am choosing to believe they are signs that things are going to start getting better. 


I went out with a dear friend Thursday night, ate a ton of sushi and drank a lot of wine and talked and talked and talked.  It was cathartic.  Later that night, I found this View Master Slide on the ground.  I'm going to carry it around with me to symbolize that things are on the upswing.  Little things.  Little Steps.  Happy Birthday Mickey Mouse.

We went to Waffle House today and the service and food was absolutely perfect.  Again, another sign that things are looking up, as the service and food are NEVER both right in our WH location.  I felt the cloud lifting a bit in that crazy Waffle House, and for some reason this ketchup bottle spoke to me.

I know I'm really searching for signs here. 


I spent the weekend with my very supportive husband and good friends, and feel ready to face the world again.   I know it's going to be another difficult, challenging week, but at least I now feel that I'll come out okay on the other side. 

Thanks Mickey Mouse.  Thanks Waffle House.

Dreams

A friend asked me last night, "if money were no object, what would be your dream job?"

Have you pondered this question lately?  I mean, as an adult with an established life? 

I think the last time I spent thinking about this question was when I was in college trying to decide my major.  (By the way, I decided my major based on foreign language requirements.  GREAT thinking on my part)  But, with her question, that's all I've been able to think about this morning.

When I was young, I wanted to be a Broadway singer.  I just  knew it was going to happen.  I think I believed this well into college.  I sincerely thought I could support myself through music.  But, obviously that didn't happen.  Part of it was lack of effort, part having a family, part getting comfortable in the secure life I was building. 

So, it's been a long while since I've really pondered this.  What do I want to be when I grow up? 

I think I'd like to make a difference somewhere.  That's all I've got.
Oh, I'd love to work with animals, or the elderly. 
I'd love to work with Project Innocence.
I'd also love to open a bar with Steven and live above it.  We would have a cozy little place and enjoy all our regulars. 
I'd also love to work as a bank teller again, I loved that job.  Balance at the end of the day, and that's it.  Nice and neat.
Dog walker?  Forensic psychologist?  Author?
Bump on a log?


I'm 48 years old and still trying to figure out my niche in the world. 

If money were no object, what would YOU be doing?

Mid Week Mute

Things I've Been Wrong About In Life

And just like that, it's November.
Before we know it, we'll be Ho Ho Ho-ing and ringing in the new year.  In an attempt to totally ignore the speed of time passing , I thought I'd treat you with a few things I've been wrong about in my lifetime.

Store bought costumes are better than homemade.  As a kid, I always thought the costumes at the store were so much cooler.  There was something about the mask and the outfit looking so official.  But, then I'd get it home, and the  mask made me sweat, the rubber band always broke, and that flimsy thing never looked as good as the hobo or gypsy costume.  Nowadays, most of the fun I have is preparing and shopping for the costume.  (it's all about the journey?)

Football is the best sport.  I grew up with this mantra.  Every weekend meant football.  Life revolved around football.  While I still enjoy watching it, it is no longer the central focus of my life.  I also realize that I enjoy soccer and baseball much more.  The traditions intrigue me, the games excite me, and they don't leave me feeling stressed.

If I say no, people won't like me.  Boy, this was a hard one.  I'm a Libra, and try, desperately, to make people happy, to keep them harmonious.  If asked to do something, I would always say yes, to the detriment of my family and my  happiness.  Once I learned to say no, I was much happier and had more time for the really important things in life.  And the best side effect was seeing that your real friends like you, yes or no.

Red wine sucks.  Uh yeah, really glad I found out how wrong I was about this one.

Going out is more fun than staying home.  I used to live to go out as often as possible.  I never wanted to miss a social event or opportunity.  I've since come to realize that my funnest times are at my home with my husband, children and a few friends. 

I have to start my day with a Diet Coke.  I've broken this habit of over twenty years, and I'm thrilled about it.  Okay, I'm still loading up on caffeine with my unsweet tea, but I no longer depend on that soda to get me going.  I will still enjoy a fountain soda from time to time, but reserve it for a treat nowadays.

I must be super skinny to be attractive.    Granted, I'm way too heavy at this point in my life, but I worry now for health reasons, rather than for how alluring it makes me.  I understand that my insides are the skinny/attractive part.  That's the part I need to work out on a daily basis, being pretty on the inside.

Rides are Fun!  Pshaw.  I was WAY wrong on this one.  Rides suck.

What are some of yours?? Please share??!!