JuJu's Questions for God

Steven and I were driving home yesterday when we saw a billboard with the words, "If you could ask God one question, what would it be?"

 This began a discussion on just what would we ask.  I had to explain to Steven the Atheist that asking if he actually exists was out of the question, since if you're asking him a question, he probably exists.  He gave in on that one and said he'd probably ask why bad things happen to people.  My major question would be about life after death.  I figure both are questions are pretty standard; ask most people and these will pop up frequently as big questions to ask God.

Over the course of the evening, I thought up quite a few more.  Granted they're not very deep or thought provoking, but they are questions that need asked.  Are you ready?

Why does the watery stuff always come out of the squeeze mustard when you've built the perfect sandwich?

Why doesn't Donald Trump give up the comb-over?

What was Burger King thinking when they got rid of the Cheesy Tater Tots?

Why is the Heath Bar now one big bar, when before it was always in two pieces?

Why does that bad toe cramp always flare up in the middle of the night?

Why do boys think the Three Stooges are funny?

Why must politicians be so full of baloney and hot air?

Why don't dogs recognize when they toot?

Why can't chocolate cake, french fries and cheese be good for you?

Are people who are allergic to nuts allergic to coconut?

Why in the world were bras and panty hose invented?

Where have all the flowers gone?

Is it "vim and vigor" or "vim and vinegar?"

Why do I always find my missing sunglasses with my rear end?

Yeah, we could go on for days.    What would you ask?  (serious and non!)

5

Five Years.

Tami has lived without her son now for five years. 

Five years ago, her son was killed in an auto accident.  He was nineteen years old.  He was in college, on the college golf team, and life was ripe for the picking.  And then it was over.  Just.  Like.  That.

Tami posted on her Facebook page yesterday : “5 years ago today my life was perfect~the next day my life changed forever~thank God for my family and friends”

Tami and I were friends back in the days of high school, in Terre Haute Indiana.  We had chemistry together and discussed anything BUT chemistry during that late afternoon class.  Back then, neither of us had any idea where our lives would end up.

I read the Facebook R.I.P. page for this young man today.   It’s a place where his family and friends can go to speak to him, to let him know he’s on their mind.  I felt his spirit there.  I felt the strength of his family, especially his mother; whose life is changed forever.  

I know that life can change in the blink of an eye.  I know that life is all about learning to live with those changes and to make the most of all we have.  What I don’t know is how she does it, or how any of us moms could/would do it.  I did it as a daughter and granddaughter.  But as a mom?  I just can’t fathom.



So today, I honor Tami and all she has done to just keep going.  For five years. 

Mid Week Mute

Missed Connections

I'm a sucker for a good love story.  Oh, I'm a sucker for any story really.  I was on Craig's List tonight and noticed that in the personals, they have an area known as "missed connections."  That piqued my curiosity, nosiness and romantic nature.  I have no idea what I thought I would find, but certainly none of these:

I was checking out in the garden section buying dog food .....you were in a blue long sleeve shirt and gray sweatpants and bought something worth 6 bucks. I watched you all the way to your white Suburban...with the company name on the back glass. I just wanted you to know how stunning you are. If you read this and might be interested....drop me a line back.

Okay.  Dude didn't want to stand in line.  Chick had on, NOT what I consider to be a stunning sounding outfit? But, then again, what do I know?  And, what did she buy for 6 Bucks?  Oh yeah, and the headline for this one was, "I saw you at the Goose Creek WalMart...."
It looks like a lot of love connections are being made at WalMart; or rather, being missed at WalMart.  This one was titled "WalMart SuperCenter..."

I saw you on the clearance isle this afternoon. You were dressed in black and white shirt and black pants. I can't stop thinking of you. What did I say to you? 


I don't know about you guys, but I'm dying to know what he said.  I can only imagine it was earth shattering and life changing?  Or maybe he discussed the "Isle" of WalMart?

I've spent the last thirty minutes perusing these ads.  I've learned a few lessons tonight.  Most of them are harmless.  Some are pathetic.  A few of them are a bit creepy.  (do people really answer those creepy ones?)  I was very relieved not to see Taylor described on there anywhere.  There's a lot of guys looking for guys.  A lot of eye contact is made while people are pumping gas, standing in line, and ordering food.  WalMart, grocery stores and fitness clubs are where it's happening folks.  So, if you're looking for a hookup, try one of those spots?

I'll leave you with my favorite; once again, this took place at WalMart.  (who'd have thunk it?)

You were ahead of me in quick checkout at Walmart, wore white shorts and casual blouse; I started whistling an "old tune" you recognized and you started dancing right there. We spoke briefly and shared oldies music memories. I said 'you have a great memory for music' and you smiled then walked away. If you have rhythm in your soul and are looking for fun, contact me here. I hope we meet again. Alex

Oh Alex.  You slay me.

Blogger Stress

I truly enjoy blogging.  Most times, something will happen during my day that I want to share, dissect, vent, relive, etc.    My hope is to blog at least four times a week, with five being the ultimate in disciplined. 

Either I'm having a dull couple weeks, or I'm not feeling motivated.  I think it's a bit of both?  I'm not coming up with many good ideas and I'm boring myself as I write.

This lethargy has invaded  a few areas of my life.  I think the only thing I accomplished this weekend was cleaning two toilets.  Barely.  Well, I did make a salad, a dip and visited with friends and family.  I guess that counts for something, eh?

Okay, maybe I accomplished a few things, maybe it's that I'm overwhelmed by all there is to do?  The furniture is dusty.  Taylor's room needs to be reorganized.  All the rooms need to be painted. I should be going through drawers and emptying all the junk.   And on and on and on.  I know we all have these lists.  Why do they never get shorter?  Finish one thing and another needs attention.  There's always something or someone that needs attention.  Ack!

In addition to all that kind of stuff, I have to remember to be a good wife, mom, sister, friend, boss and woman.  I don't know about you, but sometimes I'm not very good at doing all this stuff.  My multi-tasking is multi-sucking.  Maybe spending the weekend accomplishing nothing will regenerate my batteries?

At least I got a blog post out of it all.  Here's to a blog-post-filled, get a lot of things done week for all of us.

Hi There Saturday!

Man, I love the weekends. 

No bras.
No alarms.
No makeup.
No having to be "on" and thinking.
No pressure. 
No check writing (unless for fun!), no decision making and no darn work.

Naps.
Doing something fun.
Doing nothing.
Reading
Not reading.
Hanging out with friends.
Forgetting about the stress of the week that was and the week to come.

Rainy Saturday sleep ins.
Sunny Saturday afternoons.
The Gilmore Girls
Crap Movie Sunday
Catching up on DVR'd shows for the week
Taking a second to appreciate all the good things in my life.

Better prepared food.
Wine
More naps
Watching English Premier League Soccer
Planning trips
Hearing the wind chimes ring

Yeah, weekends are the BEST.  Hope yours is!

Apology

It's totally from left field and Adele induced...

I am so sorry I wasn't there when you passed.  I didn't know any better.  But, to me, I was there.

Not a day goes by that you don't pass my mind or my heart.

Mid Week Mute

Tuesday Randoms

Did we all have a nice long weekend?  It was awfully difficult to drag my butt out of bed this morning and head into the office.  I sure enjoyed all my sleeping I did this weekend.

We went out to lunch yesterday.  There was a really cute toddler girl sitting in a high chair at the table next to us.  She was wearing a cute little poncho, had pigtails (my favorite) and her nails were painted.  She ate from the time we sat down until the time they left. At one point, she was licking the cup that contained her Ranch dressing.  I told the mother how much I enjoyed watching her, you know, I was complimenting her child, and she kind of blew me off.   Even Steven thought she was being rude.  I was having so much fun until then.  But mom's ugliness was a turn off.


We bought a new toaster oven yesterday.  It's more complicated than the space shuttle. 


Oh!  We've booked a trip to Seattle in April.  I am thrilled!  I'm still finalizing details, but for now, we have a cottage booked and will be taking the train to Vancouver for a three day stay.  I also understand I'll be doing some kind of ceremony for my friend, Mel, to put some ghosts to rest.  I look forward to seeing the West Coast (haven't been there!), seeing the Pacific Ocean and trying some local wines.  If any of you have been there, please tell me what to see and what not to see!

I think I need to watch Downton Abbey.  I'm hearing some great things about it.

We went to a new bar Saturday night.  It's actually right across the street from Taylor's apartment.  It was AWFUL.  The staff was very nice, but the crowd was young and loud.  I felt like an old fart.  I don't like feeling like an old fart. 

I read a horrible book last week.  Well, I listened to it.  I kept waiting for it to get better, but it never did.  It was about three sisters.  Maybe because I don't have a sister, I just didn't get it?  Nah.  It was crap.

Remember the joy of reading the "Little House" books for the first time?  I always wanted to be Laura.  I never cared for the TV series, but I sure did like reading those books. 

I hate spending money on:  sunglasses, insurance, bras and sheets.  How crazy is that?  Because I really like my eyes, my life, my boobs and sleeping comfortably.

Have a good Wednesday everyone!

Lest We Forget

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.

Jan Jan Big Fat Pan

Today is the last day I get to work with my buddy Jan. 

After thirteen years, she’s had enough and is moving on to greener pastures; mommydom.  Well, she’s already a mommy, but now she’s doing that hardest of jobs, staying at home with the little princesses.

Jan and I have never worked in the same office, as we live in two different cities.  Our friendship was born and blossomed via emails and occasional work gatherings.  She has become one of my very best friends and while I’m terribly happy for her, I’m wondering just how I’m going to do this day in and day out, without her.

You see, we’ve been through a few things together.  Things like.....

Employees with Monday-itis
Co workers with aliases
Co workers with checkered pasts
Mass Exodus of employees
My first DAVE concert (Lover Lay Down!)
Hearing about the 20 or so that followed
Divorce
Birth (twice)
Thirteen years of hirings, firings and everything in between
My Empty Nest
Guilty Mother Syndrome
Gas, Heartburn, and bodily function stories.  Daily.
What’s for lunch?
Marriage and all that goes with it
Real Housewives Recaps
Any Deposits Today?
Elastic waists versus any other kind
Sharting
Pat
Short Men with Clunky Heels playing the guitar with Dave
BW, B–W, PKW, KGB, CJ, CJ’s MOM, QB
That made me laugh out loud
Rose-isms, Grace-isms, Taylor
Men and all their.....loveliness
Heartbreak
Seeing someone we admire elected as President
Animals are better than humans
9/11

    I am sure we will remain friends always, but our friendship will change.  That’s just a fact. And that’s okay.  Knowing that she is happy makes it all okay.

  For thirteen years, I’ve started and ended my day with an email to Jan, and today is my last day to do that.  So, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go make some more memories.

Cheers Jan!  Be Happy!

Mid Week Mute

Kicking it Up a Notch

You know how I've thrown/tossed water at the guy on the off ramp?  Well, I have a cool new idea that is helping me to take it to a new level.

My friend, Mary, sent me a link with an idea for a thing called a "blessing bag."  I think it's a great idea.  It's such an easy thing to make and took me very little time.  Granted, I didn't have a party, or invite small children over to teach important lessons, but I did make my own bag. 

And, granted, I've been calling it a Hobo Bag, and that's really not right.

But, tonight when I was at Target buying some frivolous crap for myself, I detoured to the travel aisle and bought a few things for someone who needs them. I thought about this man for a few minutes and I hope that maybe I sent him some good energy.   Here's my bag:

I'm especially happy that I remembered to include the sunscreen.  And the wipes.  And the deodorant.  And the toothbrush/paste.  Oh heck,all of it. 

I am hoping I have the discipline to do these monthly. (because it's not the money issue, it's the remembering, the shopping and the doing)   Do you have any suggestions on items to include? 

I hope I don't bop him in the head with this thing when I toss it at him. 

Corey

About five weeks ago, Steven bought me a little treat and brought it to me at the office.  Actually, he bought me two treats that day, but I'm only discussing one in this post.

Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce you to Corey:

For years, I've been talking about getting a fish for my office. I like the idea of having a little friend there to keep me company.  But, like most things in my life, I'm all talk and no action. 

 Steven stopped by Petsmart for dog and cat food one day, and he stumbled across the fishies.  He tells me the story of the nice fish salesman who helped him with his purchase.  Apparently, fish deliveries are made on Thursdays, so he didn't have to select one of the fish left in the inventory.  But, Steven, being Steven, (and one of the reasons I love him so) was perfectly happy with the "runt of the litter."  So, Corey was selected, his bowl, food and water treatment purchased, and he was transported to Rivers Avenue.   (by the way, he was named Corey after the nice salesman)

So, now Corey spends his days listening to me sigh, growl and moan.  He seems to really enjoy show tunes, so I let him listen to the Broadway channel.  He has been welcomed with open arms by my co-workers, and our cleaning crew feeds him for me on the weekends.  He came home with me for Christmas vacation, and spent good quality time staring at our cats.  He has lived past his two week guarantee time.  Are we on borrowed time?

It's amazing what another living "thing"  can do for your mood.  My little friend is with me throughout my day, and I feel like he's on my side.  I wish I'd done this long ago, but am so happy to be coexisting with Corey now.  As Ethel Merman would say,

"With you for me and me for you

We'll muddle through whatever we do

Together, wherever we go!"

***fish and photo by Steven

Grocery Store Fashion and Other Randoms

Have you ever purchased clothes from the grocery store?    Well, I can add another notch to my belt.  I was in the BiLo today (NOT one of our nicer stores) and I spied something that looked really comfy.  I bought the two piece velour set.  In black.  Extra beautiful.   $19.99

And now I'm sitting here in my grocery store loungewear.  Can't touch this.


I saw my hobo friend yesterday.  (I wish I had a better name for him.  He's the guy who sits on the off ramp?)  Anyway, I'm so glad to see him.  That means the last time I tossed/threw the water at him, I didn't hit him and hurt him. I gave him another water, without injury, and he blessed me.  Thanks Mr. Hobo.


It's been colder here in Goose Creek this week (oh, that rhymed!) than it was in the mountains over New Years.

One of my bestest buddies at work resigned her position yesterday.  We've worked together for thirteen years, and we email constantly throughout the day, and have shared every major life event together.    I am so happy for her, and so sad for me.  So so sad for me.  I'm in the midst of a big pity party as we speak.

I really like Patron Tequila Margaritas.

I'm very excited about Project Runway Allstars.  Team Mondo.

In my head, I'm already planning my next vacation.  I just need my bank account to catch up.  Where should we go?

Katy Perry and Russell Brand are splitsville.  Huh.

Oh!  Beauty and the Beast in 3D is coming out next week.  I LOVE THAT MOVIE.  I think it's one of my all time faves.  I want Mrs. Potts to be my mom.

Since I'm having a pity party, I'm going out for sushi tomorrow night.  Since Steven doesn't like sushi, this means we will go to one restaurant where he can eat something he likes, pay and then go to my place for sushi.  Folks, that's what we call C O M P R O M I S E.

I'm glad to report that my Christmas decorations are down and put away.  (thanks to Steven)  It came and went like a whirleybird this year.

Me and my grocery store clothes wish you a happy weekend!  Velour rules!

Mid Week Mute

Moving SLOW

I'm still in vacation mode.


But, I'll be back soon.

Just as soon as I wake up.

Yawwwwwnnnnnnnnnnn.