Domino

I just typed these words into Google:

Why is my cat pooping in my bathroom?

I have to find it amusing.  Really.  I do.  Regardless of why, one thing I know for sure is that it is very intentional on his part.

For the last few days, Domino (#3 of 4 cats) has decided to poop on the bath mat in our bathroom.  Last night, it woke me from a dead sleep at 4:30 am.  People.  NOT the way one wants to be woken.

Domino is about 9 years old.  He's never done anything like this.  He's actually the litter box tidier.  If anything is able to be seen, he takes care of it.  He's like the flusher for everyone else. 

 I don't know.  Maybe he's on strike.  Maybe he's tired of the other three cats not pulling their weight, or rather, pulling their litter.  Maybe he doesn't like the new bath mat and is sharing his opinion with us?  Steven bought them brand new boxes and new litter, so I'm hoping that cures what ails him.  (Other than this, his behavior is completely normal.  Well, normal for him.)

Either way, I'm a tad bit afraid to go to sleep tonight.  It's not real pleasant to wake up to reconstituted Friskies.

And, what did you type into Google today?


[picture by Steven]

Jigglin JuJu

I'm trying to think up my Roller Derby name.

You see, we went to a Roller Derby bout last night, and all the gals had the best names.  Back Stabbath.  Red Dread.  Goldee Headlocks.  Tranquilliza.  So, it's only natural that I think up a name for myself.

Even though there's no way I could do what these girls did.  They skated and skated and skated.  And pushed and pushed and fell down and got up again, and didn't ONCE lose their cool.  Me?  I would have been po'ed after the first lap!  Not the Low Country High Rollers.  They were cool as cucumbers.  No fighting, clean skating, and no trash talking that I could see or hear.

The bout was held at McCalister Fieldhouse, which is where Citadel basketball games are played.  Do you know anything about the Citadel?  (Lords of Discipline, Pat Conroy novels?)  Well, it's a military college steeped in tradition.  I had a little giggle thinking about what the founding fathers would say about the "Debutante Brawl."

It was actually a very interesting evening, and the bout was very family friendly.  The kids seemed to love it and ran the track during halftime.  (WHY do kids do this?  It made me tired just watching them)  The ladies were good athletes, great entertainers, and really played to the crowd. 

And, after all the skating, the falling and the bumping, the local team was victorious.  Was there bad blood between the teams?  Not at all.  They posed for a picture with both teams.  With smiles.  And all their teeth.  And pride at a job well done.  And some kind of female bonding that men would never do.

So, what would YOUR Roller Derby name be?

Rats, Part 2

Crap!

Remember that part about how I was going to get to go to Atlanta to see Jonny Lang at the Botanical Gardens and then see my friends, Darla and Jeff?

Not happening. 

Crap.  Double Crap.

Seems JL's wife decided to HAVE A BABY.  How rude.

I found out this morning.  I had heard rumors that there was a "family emergency" and shows all around my show were being postponed.  I called the Atlanta Botanical Garden and asked the very nice receptionist lady if the show was still on.  Her response?  "It better be."  I then explained what I had heard, and she then spoke to someone in her room.  And, then she put me on HOLD.

I knew I was screwed at this point.

She gets back on and says she was just speaking with "Marketing" and that an "announcement" would be made in a couple hours on their website.  Yeah, I knew what that meant.  I told her that sucked and she agreed, stating that she was the receptionist and would have to speak to person after person today calling in with disappointment like myself .  I agreed with her, her day was going to suck worse.

BUT.  Oh, the agony.  The disappointment.  I must have sighed about 486 times today.  I have really really really looked forward to this.  And, not only is mine postponed, it's flat out canceled.  Get your money back.  It aint gonna happen.

We originally thought about still going to Atlanta for the weekend, but soon realized we'd end up spending much more money than we needed to, considering we are going on vacation next weekend.  As much as we want to see D&J, we will have to plan another trip and coordinate the two.  Luckily, Darla is a very understanding and gracious kinda gal.

So, mark this on your calendar:  I was sensible today.  We're staying home.

Tap.  Tap.  Tap.

Commence Pity Party.

Jonny Lang

Going to see JL in Atlanta Friday.  Can't wait!!

Brain Picking

Everyone is back to school now.  Taylor started back today, and Jake starts law school on Wednesday.  Is it just me, or did this summer fly by in a blink?  I honestly feel like I just posted my Memorial Day post, and here we are one week away from Labor Day.

As Mondays go, this one was pretty good.  No one called in sick at work, the a/c worked at the office, I got to see Taylor for a few minutes, and dinner was yummy.  I will take that as a win.

We are going to Atlanta this weekend to see Jonny Lang play at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens.  There are so many things right about that.  In addition, I'll be seeing my friends, Darla and Jeff.  We went to high school together in Indiana, and haven't seen each other for thirty years.  How fun is that!!

Anjeanette brought India to work today.  This child just makes me smile.  I played the, "don't you dare smile" game with her, and she won.  I always broke into a smile with that one, and it would make me SO mad!!!  That young lady is going to cause some heartache in her life!!


The finale of RHONJ is tonight.  Thank goodness.  The reunion show is upcoming, but at least I won't be watching that horrible Danielle anymore. 


Taylor has another tattoo.  A little background for you---my grandmother's name is Amelia.  Taylor is named for her.  (Taylor Amelia)  She also has many nicknames, Miki, Mimi, Milcha...  Well, Taylor now has "Milcha" on the side of her hand.    I'd love to see my grandma's take on that!

How was your Monday?

Stop, Oh Yes, Wait a Minute Mr. Postman!

Remember when we used to have things called "Pen Pals?"   When I was in 6th grade, I had a pen pal who lived in England.  I loved getting his letters, his handwriting was so pretty!  And, there was something special about getting a letter in the mail.


Nowadays, the only thing I get in the mailbox is bills, bills, bills.    Every blue moon, I get thank you cards, or wedding invites.  I know it takes time, and .44 to write a letter. But, think of the joy you get when you have something in your mailbox; something that says, "I thought of you today and wanted to let you know; non electronically."

So,I have an idea, and I need your help.  If you're interested in playing my game with me, all I need is your address.  I will send you a postcard or letter so that you receive something handwritten and happy in your mailbox.  If it does, indeed, make you happy, and if you feel inspired, then maybe you can send one back to me?  And, if you know someone who would enjoy receiving a letter or postcard, send me their address as well.  Just like Justin Timberlake, "I'm bringing letters back...."

I can even create a compilation of anything I receive and use it in a later blog post.  (another positive side effect!)  I need a project, and I'm kinda hankering for a way to spread some good juju. 

If you want to  play, you can leave your address in a comment, or you can email me at judi@bill-green.com

Slugville

I have done nothing today.  NOTHING.  Typing this is the most energy I've used all day. 

I woke up early, but went back to sleep.  I woke up again, and then went back to sleep again.

I watched some English Football from bed. 

Yawn.

I slept some more.

At one point, I looked on line for a recipe for White Lasagna. 

I even thought about going to the grocery store to get the ingredients. 

That hasn't happened.

Steven is playing BopIt.  I'm going to have to Bop him.

Even Rockett is lazy today.  She's asleep on the couch.

Bailey is asleep on my pillow.

This is life in Slugville on a Saturday afternoon.

And I love it. 

Whew, I'm tired now.

TGIF

Happy Friday to one and all!!  I hope your weekend is spent with your best friend in the whole world!!

TP

Right now, we have 14 rolls of toilet paper in our house.  EMERGENCY!  EMERGENCY!!

I am always afraid of running out of the stuff.  I don't care how much we have on hand, it's never enough.  I would prefer to buy it every time I went to the store, but to be honest, we don't have much storage room in our bathrooms.  When I have the house of my dreams, I will be sure to designate a closet as the Toilet Paper closet.  Ahhhh.  What can I say.  I'm a dreamer.

Did you ever put much thought into this roll of squares?  I have.  I think about it A LOT.  And, where else to share my TP thoughts?  BLOGGERVILLE.

*  One ply should be made illegal.

*  Why is it so hard to start a roll of TP?  They must use industrial strength glue to fasten that bit of TP to itself.  I waste half the roll getting it going.  Heyyyyyyyyyy.  That's why they do it!!  (NOTE:  Northern has started making a kind of "pull tab" on their rolls to facilitate the unrolling.  Heaven!)

*  Roll OVER, not under.  (Sorry Sandie.  But, I still love ya!)  I've been known to switch rolls in my time; but only in my own house.

*  How about the person that leaves you with just a couple squares?  WHO uses just two squares?  Please use it all and replace the roll.  I think it's better to err on the side of using too much than too little.  If you know what I mean.

*  TP Lint?  How annoying is that?  It goes everywhere in the bathroom. 

*  I can't blow my nose on TP, it has to be Kleenex.  I think it goes along with the theory that I don't like to drink water from the bathroom tap. 

*  How annoying is the big roll in public restrooms?  They rip after one square, and you have to stick your hand up inside that monstrosity to even get ahold of the stuff.

*  How comical is the toilet paper stuck to the shoe?  giggle giggle

*  Me and Taylor are "wrappers."  We wrap A LOT of TP around our hands before the wipe.  This often leads to use of the plunger...

AND, I'm sure you're all been wondering:

*  My personal preference:  Northern Ultra Soft.  3 Ply and that starter thing.  Making my life comfy and easy.

Some of your thoughts on the white roll of joy???  What is your emergency level?  Your favorite brand?  Any good stories??  Share with me!!

Grrrrrrrrrr. WARNING: Men, don't read. You can't handle it.

I'll be back to blogging as soon as these horrible despicable cramps let go of me.

They grabbed on yesterday and won't let go.  They are really pissing me off.  Excuse my French.

As soon as these cramps and my mood get better, I have a great post planned.  Here's a hint:

Toilet Paper.

(I bet you're on the edge of your seat now, eh?)

70's Party

You know, fashion wasn't so great in the 70's.

And, 70's fashion redone in 2010, for a 40th birthday celebration, is even worse. 

My formative years were the 70's, and I had my share of polyester in the closet.  But, I don't think I ever owned anything like what I saw last night!

We attended a surprise 40th birthday celebration, and all guests were asked to dress in 70's garb, ala Studio 54.  Our hostess had the house (which happened to be at the beach) decked out nicely with disco balls, lights and lots of Gloria Gaynor blaring.  It was a fun night and a great way to welcome someone into their 40's.

I did not embarrass anyone (including myself) by doing the Hustle.   Gitta did her best to teach some of the boys how to disco dance.  They just couldn't grasp this most basic move!  I guess they're too young.

I wanted to wear some blue eyeliner, but didn't have any.

There were way too many creepy mustaches in attendance. However, I am happy to report that Steven shaved his first thing this morning.  And, I aint "Jive Talking."

Yolanda Be Cool

Steven and I hear this song daily while listening to BBC Radio One.  As soon as it comes on, it makes me start moving my shoulders in my very silly little dance move.  It makes me smile!  See if you can resist getting up and moving????



ENJOY!!

The MonyTail

Steven and I were on the way to work this morning and I saw a dude on a motorcycle.  He had extremely long hair, done up in a ponytail.  Seeing him led to a discussion of hair on men, and Steven suggested I devote a post to it.  Thank you dear! 

[by the way, Steven is looking for a nickname for himself here on my blog.   Any suggestions?  PW has Marlboro Man, Angie has the Captain.  He suggested "the foreigner" but I don't really like that one.  Besides, it has too many letters and too much of a chance for a misspelling.  Anyway, if you have a suggestions, lemme know!]

Okay, so I'm not normally a fan of long hair on a man.  I usually like a very short clean cut, if not completely bald.  I do like the bald look.   But, if a man is going to have a ponytail, I think there are some that work, and some that don't.  Here's my version of what works and doesn't. 

I guess this is the mini pony; kind of a Shetland Pony of ponytails?  To me, it's a bad version of the rat tail.  No Likey.

Frankly, it doesn't matter what he does with his hair.  Long, short, bald, spiked, colored, or ponytailed, it always works. 

No.   No.   No.  I'm not buying it.

I like dreds.  Usually they are accompanied by an athletic person, so I appreciate that as well.  I will presume he takes good care of his dreds and that they dont' smell, and I'll give it a like!

To me, this screams arrogance and insecurity.  Oh, and wannabe.

I might be alone on this one, but I like.  I think it's whimsical.  And, I'm a bit jealous.  I wish I had hair long enough for this one.   This look is a tricky one though, I'm not sure the average Joe could pull it off.

And, finally, the Hall of Famer:

Never.  Never.  Never. 

I Have a New Phone, and I Don't Know How To Work It

Yep.  That's right.  I have a new touch phone.

For the past few years, I've had my trusty pink Blackberry.  It was a nice solid phone.  It was pink.  It had a very dirty trackball.

I decided to join the human race and bought a touch phone. Sigh. Why did I join the human race? Here's my new phone, the Droid Incredible:

Does it look complicated?  Well, it IS. 

I was a whiz on my Blackberry.  I could text as fast as lightning!  I could have won texting competitions for speed and accuracy.  I could easily type a smiley face of any kind, and used the exclamation point excessively.

But, now, I have FAT FINGER problems.  Let me introduce you to Little Miss Fat Fingers:

She looks a bit angry.   I am guessing that's because her fingers are so fat.

Anyway, if you text me,  please be patient with my responses.  I   G O  V E R Y  S L O W.

And, I look like this:

The Mystery Purple Flowers

Each morning, I drive the same way to work.  I pass the same gas station, stoplights, houses, schools, trees and plants.  I have my favorite everything.  I look forward to seeing them change throughout the seasons.  I love seeing decorations on the houses during different seasons.  But, there's one thing I see on my drive that tickles me.

I have been meaning to take a picture of this little gem for a couple years now.  When I go to work in the morning, I see these cute little purple flowers.  Hello purple flowers!

But when I leave for the day, this is what I see:

They are gone!  Where do they go?  Do they go out for coffee? 

I love these mysterious little blooms. 

Last Batch of Beach Pix (until September)

Just a few more pictures to share with you that reflect my time at Folly with my wonderful nephews, my brother and sister in law.  Viva la Jellyfish!

How cool is this shark?  It was actually a mini swimming pool thing.  I love the smile.

Some family shots.  Steven had chips in his mouth for both of these pictures.  :-)

This is probably my favorite picture I took the entire trip.  Ty was reading on the beach with his cool hat and shades.

The top of my ultra favorite beach tent.

Here's the house where we stayed.  I think this picture looks like a postcard!

The obligatory feet picture...

And, finally, my surfer dude nephew/godson.  I love him more than my luggage.

It was a great beach week!

One of My New Favorite Things

Hi Friends.  I'm at the beach for a couple days.  It is HOT HOT HOT.  But, I have my new most favorite thing  in the world making my life better.  Here it is:

Okay, mine isn't blue, it's gold.  And, yeah, we don't have a table.  Oh, and we don't have that perfect family sitting under the tent.  But, we do have a cooler, and it's keeping my skin from frying like bacon. 

Canopy Tent, will you marry me?

Love, Ju

The Young Bucks Band

Oh boy.  Here we go again.

My 30th high school reunion is scheduled for June, 2011.  Now, I went to two high schools, I moved my senior year.  For my 20th reunion, I went to the reunion for the school from which I actually graduated.  (even though I only attended one year there)  So, for this occasion, I plan to go to the other school.  (sidenote:  my senior picture does not appear in any yearbook.  This is a fact that bothers me more than it should.) 

This high school is in Terre Haute, Indiana.  I haven't been there in close to 30 years.  It's not really the kind of place one goes to for vacation, if you know what I mean.

I digress. 

I was on Facebook the other day when an Instant Message popped up from someone from that high school.  This fella was in the "Young Bucks Band" with myself and two others. [ Remember, this is the band that played civic events and was infamous in my life for the dedication to Pete Grimes.  ]

Mike asked if I was up for a reunion of the band, while at the reunion.  And, he thought we would bring the house down if we played, "You're No Good."  Heh Heh Heh.  Of all songs for him to mention.  One guy in the band is now a grammy award winner, the other is a music producer.  You know, they're still "in the business." 

I work at a law firm.   Ahem.  Double Ahem.  Crickets chirping Ahem.

Of course, I said yes; false bravado and all that.  So, now I figure I have one year to get myself in shape and get my nerve up to sing that song in public again.  Thirty years older.  Oh boy.

And Lordy be, someone better warn Pete Grimes.  Judi Jamieson is BACK!

Family at the Beach

Normally on Sundays, I do nothing.  I take great pride in this nothingness.

But, today, I did something.  I spent the day with my brother, sister-in-law and nephews.  (and Steven!)  They are here visiting from Missouri, they've rented a house at Folly Beach for the week.  We will go out there toward the end of this week to stay with them, but we were lucky enough to spend the day with them today. 

On the way to the beach, I saw this great sign---  (the one below the American Storage sign)

These are my nephews, I call them Frick and Frack.  (not really)

Mickey was stung by a jellyfish today.  I took a picture.  I'm helpful like that.

This is my OLDER brother and sister in law.  heh heh heh

And, here's the view from their beach house's porch.  Not shabby.

Have a good week one and all!  More beach stuff to follow.