I Don't Get It

Ok, so maybe I'm watching Gustav with a little more interest than what I had been. Seems like it might maybe brush up against Texas. Not Cool. Anyway, so this morning I'm reading where Mayor Nagin is telling people, "This looks like the storm of the century. It could be worse than Katrina. Get your butts out of town right now." Literally. He said the B word. So why oh WHY are people staying? Looks like they have planes, trains, and automobiles to use to get out. Here's an interesting thing. Many people have said they don't know where they are going. Whoa. Ok, lets think about this. You came through Katrina. You saw how bad it can get. The next time around, wouldn't you have SOME idea of what you were going to do? One of those, "Not if, but when?" type deals? Just saying, is all.

Mom and Dad are in Houston and have already made plans in case they need to get out of dodge. I'll keep you posted!

Dear DM.

This is why I can't get anything done at work. Please understand. Thanks.

Is anyone surprised this girl was a cheerleader?

Poor Blog

It's been so neglected lately. So has Twitter, come to think of it. But, that may be because work has been crazy busy lately!

This weekend was pretty uneventful. Racing, racing, and time at K.'s house, cooling off her pool. The weather is still gorgeous, but I've been reminded lately that it is August in the South. Yuck. They're finally calling for some rain, which might help the river situation!

Poor Britney. The kids had her down in the creek throwing rocks, and she was digging for them. She ripped almost all her front claws down to the quick! They were bleeding, and I felt so bad for her! Baby girl laid down and licked at her paws while whining under her breath. B's oldest did a great job though of getting the mop and cleaning my floor right up though. I'm more and more impressed with how well behaved they are. Still boys, but good kids!

Let's end on a funny note. I was headed up to the track on Friday, and reached for my glove box. I keep Q-tips in there. Don't ask. OK, so ask. You never know when you might need one! Mascara under the eye, itchy ear, or dusty air vent! Anyway, I opened the compartment, and I saw a flash of brown fur move! I also noticed that I no longer have Q-tips, rather, a bunch of sticks and a nest of cotton!!! And yes. It's still in there. It's not that I'm afraid of mice. I happen to think they are kind of cute. However, I'm not so wild about being startled by one. I remember when I was a kid, the houses on my block surrounded a field. What comes with fields? Field mice! Anyway, our babysitter was going to make us some Mac & Cheese, and opened a drawer to get a spoon. The mouse jumped out, ran up her arm, jumped off her shoulder, and took off. I don't think she ever baby sat for us again!!! Have you ever been startled by a critter?

Anniversary

Happy Anniversary to my Mom and Dad!!! Wow . . . all this time together. Pretty amazing in today's environment, but they are the defintion of commitment! See, this is what they looked like when they started out:

And then this is when I went to visit them in April in Houston. I love you guys!!!

Thursday Randomness

Have you ever gotten a song stuck in your head? Well, right now for me, it's "Greatest American Hero". Yeah, as it the theme song from the 80's show. I love that song! Thank goodness for itunes, as I can now listen to it relentlessly and MAYBE get over it!

Speaking of music, has anyone heard the new PCD song, "When I Grow Up"? Has anyone else heard what I've heard? "When I grow up I wanna have boobies?" Thanks to Google, I now know it's "I wanna be in movies" but that is NOT how it sounds!!

Ever have one of those "found something lost" moments? Tonight I was going through an old file folder, and found a letter my brother wrote me the September before he died, begging me to forgive Sarah. Whoa. "I miss you, love your big little brother." How do you preserve pencil written on paper? It's already started to fade, and I really want to save it!! Any tips?

Short, sweet, random. I'm going to go listen to some more GAH!!!

Not her finest moment . . .

Last night, as usual, Britney and I headed down to the river. I didn't have a whole lot going on, and it was a gorgeous evening. She played with her stick for a while, but then started on a new toy. Normally, Britney is a pretty clever mutt. Clearly, however, this was not one of her finer moments.

It took me forever to convince her to come on and go home for dinner! Hey, what can I say. At least she is easily amused!

On another note, thank you to everyone who's been asking about Dad. They sent him home yesterday with an, "Eh, well, we don't really know WHAT happened." It's still scary, and I really hope he follows up to find out what is going on! I do appreciate all the thoughts and prayers!

This week is turning out to be a pretty ordinary week. That's ok, those are nice to have, too!! Oh, but we did pick up our tickets for the "World of Outlaws" race in October. That should be a great event . . . and something new to see! Heck, any time spent with LCalmostP is guaranteed to be good times.

Dental Thoughts

4 days since I last posted? What's up with that? I can do better, I will do better!

This weekend was good, as far as weekends go. I'd give it about a 6.5, since there wasn't anything WAY out of the norm, and there were no tragedies.

Friday night we rained out of the track. Well, now what? B. was hunting, so I got in touch with #1G, and we went to see Batman: The Dark Knight at the cheapie theater in BV. What did I think? Well, I liked the movie. I did NOT like the "sound" that came up every time the Joker did. I hated Batman's voice. It was a decent movie, but I didn't see the "wow" factor that everyone else did. Joker was creepie, but not overly so. I know I'm in the minority here, so don't bash me, but it's JMO. Came home just in time to see Mr. Phelps win by 1/100th of a second. Whoa. Yeah. THAT's racing! Good schtuff right there.

Saturday was spent cleaning, being a little lazy, and then heading up to the dirt track. I woke up with my knee aching. Not sure what I did, but even today, it hurts! I've been doing the heat/ice thing, and it is helping.

Sunday, well, I cooked! Apple Dumplings, Oatmeal Cake, and Zucchini bread. Took 2 out of 3 to A. house for the cookout they were having for her young'un. See, he's headed east, way East, to have sandburgers. Yes, he's being deployed for 400 days. YUCK. I can't even imagine being in her shoes. It was nice to see everyone there for the support of him, and I really liked what the woman said when she prayed, "Let the time pass by quickly for us, safely for him, so that we may again join each other just as we are tonight." I agree - I'm ready for the next cookout! Still . . . Pray for Annette and Sidney, k?

And, while you're doing the prayer thing. Yesterday, I got a call. "Hey, Kiddo. . . . . . . . . silence." Then Mom picked up. "We're taking your dad to the ER, something with his heart." See, when Dad called to tell me about Brad, he did the same thing, so I instantly knew something was wrong. I don't like that. Anyway, they kept him overnight, and he's going home today. No heart attack, but still, there is something going on that's not quite right. Scary stuff, people.

Oh, and since this is titled "Dental Thoughts" as I was laying there last night I was trying to remember what nails on a chalkboard sounds like, because it has GOT to be better than that sound of the dental chick scratching away on my teeth! Ugh. I hate that sound!! Also, I'm still trying to figure out why they talk to you while you have a mouthful of gadgets. I mean, really, don't they cover that in basic training?

Tonight is another quiet night for me . . . not on call, and no adventures planned. Well, other than folding clothes. Yeah, that's got to happen. Oh, and maybe clean a little. Depends on the knee. My floor has GOT to have some attention!

What about you? Anything exciting going on this week for you?

Dinner for One

So, I've enjoyed everyone's posts that are all step-by-step, so I decided to join in the fun. First of all, you should know that I'm lactose intolerant, so this is NOT normally food for me. But, it's what I had in the house, and what I really wanted, so . . . this was a dish that a guy I dated introduced me to, and easy. It's very popular for get-togethers, and well, yummy! Healthy? Eh, not so much. Hey, why are you being so picky? Come on, a guy taught me this . . . of course you can do it!

Anyway, the cast of characters. This is really difficult, eh? Velveeta cheese and Ro-Tel tomatoes and chilies. I used the mild this time, 'cause believe me when I tell you the hot is hot.

Again, difficult. Don't even have to drain them . . . just dump the Ro-Tel into the cubed up cheese.

Melt in in the microwave. I usually do a minute at a time, then stir.

See? Still awfully lumpy!

1 minute later, still not s m o o t h. Don't worry, the guy never was very smooth, either!

1 minute later, and a good whisking, smooth, baby, smooth!

And, while any chip is good, I like the scoop-a-bility of these. Delish! And, with enough Lactaid and little green pills, not even torture on my poor insides.

Trees and Monkeys

Last night was wonderful. Want to know why? B. called and said that he and the kids were coming over, and they were coming to work! B. got the bed upstairs fixed (it had needed some support under the mattress since there's no box spring), and then there was some pruning work. The back yard has a fantastic creek for turtle, frog and minnow hunting, but the trees are slightly out of control. RS had done a beautiful job of whacking down all the green stuff growing back there, and by getting that stuff out of there, it looks like my yard is twice the size that it was! It actually looks like someone lives there and cares about how it looks! See this first picture?

See the monkey in there? No? Well, let me zoom in a bit!

That's the oldest monkey, and he scrambled right up in there! It was dusky when I took this picture, but isn't it a great improvement? Of course, not so easy for monkeys to get in there, but . . . .

I love it! And, this one? Had branches all way down low that made it all look a mess and very difficult to mow around.

That corner of the porch there used to have an out of control cedar tree that would drop sliver/pricky things that would be awful to try to dig out of my feet, as well as poor Britney's paws. So, it had to go! I wish I had before pictures to put with this, but . . . . see? Doesn't it look nice and clean? Ahhh, happiness.

Faked

Ok, I admit . . . I was floored by the Opening Ceremonies. They were spectacular, amazing, breathtaking, and I loved every minute. However, today, on CNN, they were saying that the adorable little girl that sang . . . didn't really sing! They deemed that the girl that did sing "wasn't cute enough." Well, I'm sorry, but that just bugs me. Aren't the Olympics about having your BEST foot forward, not how well you can fake it? And, on top of that, the fireworks were enhanced! They said that some of the footage was shot ahead of time and then put in for the viewers at home!!! What the heck?!?!?! I feel cheated! And they want to talk about athletes and their scandals, what, you felt like you had to enhance the experience to show what'cha got? Oh baby . . . does that ever tick me off!!! It just was a dump truck load of water on my excited-ness of the Games. As Stacey would say . . . bummer, dude!

Golden Sleep

Well, kind of. I remember telling someone recently that one of the advantages of growing older that I don't have to justify my bedtime. If I want to go to bed at 7p, that's just fine. However, the flip side of growing up, is that you really ought to know better than to stay awake way later than is appropriate. I mean, really. Did I NEED to stay up to watch Mr. Phelps get that gold medal. Oh, who am I fooling. Of COURSE I did! And the worst part? The newspaper posted the exact times of each of his next meet . . . all after 10p EST, of course. Sheesh. Thank goodness for DVR. I can't keep this up!

This week is c r a z y at work. My boss is out with a sick kid, and my counterpart is on vacation. So that leaves me. Just me. And, last night B. said that the kids wanted to know if they could eat at my house tonight. Uh, sure? So, on top of being slammed at work, at some point I have to get by Wally World and pick up kid appropriate dinner! Ugh. The good side is, I love having them there, and they wear my puppy out!

This past weekend was good, as far as weekends go. Drag Strip on Friday night, dirt track on Saturday. And, B. parked his truck where I could sit on the back and actually SEE all of the race! A whole lot more fun than just turn 2! I worked late last night, and just enjoyed the evening with my puppy. It's been absolutely gorgeous weather lately, 80's and breezy during the day, high 50's/low 60's at night . . . which is perfect sleeping weather! I can't believe it's August and I'm loving it! I'm on call tonight, so shhhh . . . hopefully it'll be another good night of snoozing!

Whoa

I haven't posted since Tuesday? What's up with that? I've been such a bad blogger! Actually, I've been getting a life, and that doesn't leave much room for blogging!

Tues. night we had a celebration evening at work. What is a celebration night? Well, basically, it's where we get together, have yummy food, meet people who are usually just names and voices on the phone, and celebrate our various successes. This one was on the other side of the mountain, and we all rode over with the big boss. Dinner was spectacular, steak and shrimp, but on the ride back? This is Stacey, stone cold sober. Yes, really.

See, how could anyone NOT have a good time with this girl around? I tell you . . . she sure spices things up! On the way over, she asked if the steaks would be grilled . . . or cooked. Uh, er . . . . Anyway, we got home after 830, and those of you who know me know that is WAY too late to be doing anything.

Wed. night I went over to K's house to feed the kitties, and met B. and the boys there for some pizza and swimming. I'm not quite sure WHO had the better time, but it was another "after 9" gettin' home night for me!

Last night, the oldest rug rat called. "We're coming for dinner at your house." Oh really? Did ya think to see if I was going to BE there? After a fantastic day in sales, I was working late. But, I'm game . . . I love having them over! Part way home, G. text'ed me, and he ended up with an invite for dinner. So, whip back to town to pick up more supplies, and then back home. Oh, but I did have to stop and put more air in my tire. Daggone thing, you'd think by now I would have found a tire store! Got home, walked the dog, (which she desperately needed) then got home to find everyone here. I did Stroganoff and steamed broccoli for dinner. The kids were convinced they didn't like broccoli, but I told them they had to eat at least 3 bites. And you know what? They liked the broccoli! They really liked the stroganoff though. Dessert was root beer floats, because out of the 4 boy-people in my kitchen, none of them had ever had a root beer float! The worst part? None of them were really blown away! What the heck?!?! Who doesn't like root beer floats?? Wow. Poor kids! Oh well. Today will be another busy day, and then tonight is back to the grind at the Drag Strip. Yay . . . and stuff. Do you have any big plans this weekend?

25 Things

Hi, me again. I just read Melissa at Stretch Marks, and she has 25 things that Inspire you. I couldn't help but want to play along, so here's 2 posts today for the price of one!

1. My puppy snuggling with me. I love cuddle time!
2. River time, every day with the mutt. So relaxing, and reminds me to appreciate the simple things in life.
3. Cooking. I'm not so much on the clean up part, but I love preparing food!
4. Music. Anything that's happy, upbeat, that I can sing along to, I love!
5. Springtime. Seeing all the new green, and flowers poking through, reminds me that life is spectacular.
6. Flipside of that, Fall. I love seeing the leaves change, and the air turn crisp and refreshing.
7. Water. Especially when I can be in it. I feel so free, and being in it, near it, around it, resets my soul.
8. Fresh baked bread. Even better with fresh applesauce.
9. Hugs from my dad. And my mom. Way too infrequent for my tastes, and now when I do get them, I immediately cry! It's usually because one of us is coming or going.
10. Calls from friends that I haven't talked to in forever. Even ones that I've talked to recently. The kind that are, "Hi, just thinking about you".
11. This one is very new, but seeing Msh with her baby girl. She's an amazing woman who has been through so much and is still an inspiration to me.
12. Getting L. Love. Seeing that little girl come flying at me, warms my heart.
13. Seeing my house clean, yard clean, everything organized. And my flowers blooming!
14. Getting flowers for no reason.
15. Helping someone. The only thing that keeps me on the rescue squad, is knowing that someday, I might make a difference.
16. Yummy smelling candles. Esp. the Tahitian flower one from Yankee Candle.
17. Laying in my hammock on a gorgeous day, reading a great book
18. Playing with kids. They are always discovering something new, and reminding me how magical the world can be.
19. Traveling. I love to see new places, and new things. The tiny taste of Africa I got wasn't nearly enough!
20. Hearing family stories from "back when". Grandpa used to tell the best indian stories!
21. Having my hair behave and look just right. Superficial, I know, but when the hair is good, the day is good!
22. Finding that perfect pair of shoes. Right price, right fit, right, right, right. Again, superficial, but I love when it happens!
23. Along with the perfect pair of shoes, the perfect jeans. Right Fit from LB has hit it dead on. Super comfy, and I get to claim I wear a size 2!
24. Having a successful day at work. I love my job, and it's even better when I have a good day!
25. Comments! I love comments, and am no where near a "power blogger", but I love the ones I get anyway. So, if you decide to play along, let me know so I can come read!

ETA: Just got notice that they are moving some of the missionaries where Mom and Dad are serving. Moving them to where M&D ARE, but still . . . keep them in your thoughts, ok? Silly Tropical Storms! You just never know what could happen!

Shopping . . . also known as cruel and unusual

Last night B. called. "We're on our way to your place, see ya in about 30 minutes." I think he likes "dropping" in on me to see how I handle it. Whatever! It's not like I had major plans or anything. Took Britney to the river really quick, then got home to put the groceries away. He wanted to go to Super Shoes to get a new pair of hunting boots. Shoe store? I'm always up for shoe shopping! We got there, and I promptly disappeared to the happy section . . . aka, strappy sandals. Lots of yeah, kinda cute, but nothing that really blew my socks off until I found the one pair of red shoes. Cute, peep toe pumps with a strap across the ankle, in red suede. Oh, but they would look PERFECT with my new black and white outfit. Clearanced, too! Of course, they DIDN'T have them in my size . . . why would they? That's just my luck! Cute flip flops, cute river shoes, but I didn't really NEED those. So, be proud of me. I left with only the flip flops I wore in. Sigh. Better luck next time!

After a quick stop at Mickey D's to get his boys a snack, we headed back to my house. I made taco salad (yummy!) for dinner, and tried to convince them that avocado's are GOOD. Yeah, that didn't happen either. But, they did a good job of wearing themselves and Britney out, and I've learned that doing dinner for more than one wreck havoc with me being in bed with the chickens! You know what though? It was so worth it! Lots more fun to have company around . . . .

Oh, and next time I'll make the taco salad, I'll make sure I get photos and a recipe up!

What I did

This weekend:

Cleaned my house

Made Gravy -n- Biscuits, eggs, and bacon. Slurp.
Cleaned my car, inside and out.
Did laundry. Lots of laundry.
Weeded flower beds.
Walked my dog.
Washed my dog.
Watched racing.
Took a luxurious, 2 hour nap with my puppy in my lap. Neither of us moved!
Announced at the Truck Pull.

The what? The Interstate Truck and Tractor Pull. What an adventure. And a fun one, at that! Initially, I was nervous as anything. I mean, all these people? But then I realized, are they really going to be listening? Turns out, yes. I learned that Swoope, VA, is actually pronounces Swoap. Like, soap with a "w" in it. And, if the front of the truck has F O R D on it, it is NOT a Chevy, contrary to what the registration form says. Dude needs better friends! But, at no point in my life, would I have thought the following words would have come out of my mouth. Mama would be so proud! (Lots of sarcasm in that!) "And now, Redneck Hooker coming at you and looking good." Yup. I said it. On a PA system so I got to hear myself say it. It's a new low of Redneck-dom. Still, I had a couple of people tell me I did good, so I guess it wasn't a complete disaster, and I had fun doing it! Kids again came to the house and played with Britney. I think B. is right: She's finally met her match in energy levels! How about you? Did you do anything fun this weekend? What kind of last hurrahs do you have planned before summer ends?

Urgh.

I hate being sick. Have I mentioned this? Last night, all I wanted to do was crawl into bed the second I got home. Instead, I had 70 lbs of fur begging to go walking. So, down to the river we went. And, to be fair, I did feel ok while we were out. Came home, cooked up some chicken so it wouldn't go bad, then did a quick manicure. Laid down (big mistake!) on the couch to catch up on some episodes, and the next thing I knew, it was 9p! Got up, turned everything off, took a shower to clear my head a bit, then crashed back into the sack. How the heck do Mom's out there do it? I wouldn't have been able to keep with with any rugrats last night! Serious sinus pressure going on here! Today I'm leaving early and going to take a nap before racing this evening. How pitiful is that? I really am getting old! Tomorrow is the Tractor Pull, so hopefully I can get some rest afterwards. Summer colds are NO FUN!