Hello June

What the heck happened to May?

Well, things are slowly slowing down. School is out this coming Wednesday, and we'll have all our school photos out by then. I've slowed down some in the restoration department. I've got enough to keep me steadily busy. To be honest, I hate working on quick deadlines when really bad photos need restoring. I feel as if I don't do the work justice.

Things with Al are really good. I found some old journals I kept back in 1998-2000. This was the era of our bad break-up and the fallout from it. I wept after reading some of it... alot of the entries were 'Al called last night. He was drunk and irate." Or "Al called a while ago. He was drunk and crying, begging me to get back together." I really believe that if you give love a chance to breathe and find it's proper place, it will reward you to the fullest. I can't say it's perfect between us, because he is a literal person and I'm not. I think in shades of gray, he sees only black and white. But we've created a balance that works for us. And I think I fall deeper in love with him every moment we spend together. He's made me cry in the past but he's made me laugh more in the present. If anyone appreciates that second chance at love, we do.

His birthday is June 11. He'll be 47. I guess I should start birthday shopping... hmmm Victoria's Secret seems like the perfect place to look...lol.. and No, Al doesn't wear ladies lingerie... though once he had on my sheer black nightgown as a goof... talk about funny... a man with a 'stache and hairy legs wearing a sheer nightgown... priceless.

Anyways, back to work... thanks for hanging in here, gang.

PS... K... email me your photos and I'll see if I can touch them up.. NO Charge for you.

The Secret Old Folk Driving School

I believe when you hit 70 years-old or so that there's a secret old folk driving school that you're sent to, which teaches the elderly how to drive ...crazy...

On the way from office depot, I have to hit at least 8 traffic lights...and the old blue hair lady in the caddy in front of me, stopped at every red light, every yellow light and yes, every green light....

I prayed for patience because I'm figuring if I don't lose my temper with senior citizen driving, then I've earned the right to drive the young folk drivers crazy when I'm over 70 with blue hair, driving a caddy where I can barely see over the steering wheel!!!

Amendment to the previous post

...if you do go see the Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End movie...make sure you stick around for "Easter Egg"...after the credits roll a scene appears which adds to the ending... so don't forget to watch it. I didn't know about it until another person told me about it.

If you don't know what an Easter Egg is... click here

Fizzle of the Caribbean (spoiler alert)

Went to see Pirates of the Caribbean: World's End (#3)... and left out of the theatre, saying to the ticket taker guy, "The ending sucks eggs, dude." He said, "I'm just the ticket guy. Not the writer."

All that hype about Keith Richards playing Jack's dad...and he's on for about 5 mins or so, and acts subdued. Didn't he do his homework???? His makeup gave him a doughboy face. I was disappointed.

There were a lot of moments when I laughed out loud, and there were some great fight scenes...and some shocking moments, like at the beginning with the gallows scene. At one time there was a Mexican standoff where even the monkey had a gun... now that was priceless. I guess if I have to give it a grade it would be a B-. Too many subplots, too much betrayal and some personal agendas that seemed pointless most of the time...

Surprisingly it seemed to be Keira Knightley's movie...I'll stop there... I'm about to write waaaaaaaaaaaaay too much.

All I can say for now...is that if there is a 4th, they need to get better writers.

Yeppers

I know...those quizzes I just posted don't make up for all the days, I've been neglecting this blog...and other things.

Life's been hectic this month...at the studio, we're in the last few days of our school pictures and are working on a tight deadline. Plus I got in kegger of work and had to get it done by some tight deadlines... and home life has been fairly busy too...

life... how it get's in the way of online stuff. But I don't complain, a few years ago, I spent entirely too many hours online and caught up in too much online drama.

I wouldn't give up my life now for the past...for any amount of money offerred.

Al and I are getting along really great. We have our up and down moments, but both of us work hard to keep them up. We listen to each other and try to compromise when we disagree and if we can't... I remind him that it's ok to have opposing opinions, as long at they don't crush our relationship and they won't if we don't let them.

William and Ben are excited that school will be out less than 2 weeks. They've done great this year and I will have to come up with some sort of reward..maybe a day trip or something.

Been working on articles for a June issue of the magazine... that's right... a June issue. I've decided to limit the issues to Bi-yearly: June and Dec. I just don't have time to work on a monthly issue.

I spent the whole week working really hard on retouching and restoration. I bet I finished 30 or more sets of photos. All turned out great. I figured if I got ahead of the game, then I could take a 3 day weekend and get back to the grind on Tuesday without the frantic feeling of falling behind and never catching up. Going to Al's and hanging out. He may have to work but that's ok. I've got a wading pool that the boys have outgrown but I can fit in comfortably. I'm taking it to Al's. If he's not around, I'll fill it with water and have a lounge about in the coolnes of it. The weather has been rather warm lately. Maybe I'll sip some brewskies or wine coolers... and contemplate perfecting the perfect kiss....

if there is ever such a thing... I like to keep trying...

You are a Great Girlfriend

When it comes to your guy, you're very thoughtful But you also haven't stopped thinking of yourself You're the perfect blend of independent and caring You're a total catch - make sure your guy knows it too!

Are You a Good Girlfriend?

Your Love Song Is

Yellow by Coldplay "Look at the stars, Look how they shine for you, And everything you do, Yeah they were all yellow" You're so in love, it's like a drug.

What Love Song Are You?

Your Beauty Element is Fire

Wild and sexy, you keep your beauty style smokin' hot. You're not afraid of glamour or showing off your assets!

What's Your Beauty Element?

Your Love Life is Like Casablanca

"Kiss me. Kiss me as if it were the last time." For you, love is never finished. If you've loved someone once, you'll always love them. You're an old fashioned romantic... even if your relationships don't end up as romantic as you'd like. Your love style: Traditional and understated Your Hollywood Ending Will Be: Complicated and ambiguous

What Movie Is Your Love Life Like?

Al and his Kitties

Al's cat "Slick" (I call her Mamma) had 4 kittens about 6 weeks ago. She brought the kittens to him a week ago. Here's a picture of him in the hall holding two of them. The other two were in the closet. He's found homes for them. My favorite was a little tiger tabby. It followed me everywhere. If I had a place to keep it, I would have but it will make a nice pet for a child. All of them will.

Things to write ...later

I am way behind in blogging. Here are some posts to look for this week:

1. Pictures of the beach trip.
2. Pictures and thoughts on the zoo trip.
3. An update on my writing and upcoming projects.
4. Al and his new kittens. He's such the cat daddy.
5. Birds
6. And other groovy cool stuff.

Happy Birthday to J... The lumberyard guy

I was going to bake you a cake but figured you might some hot crossed buns better.

Enjoy your day, J.

Happy Birthday!

Another Hump Day

Where did the last few days go???? I thought I had blogged but I guess I was daydreaming.

I've had to work on the Bridal Portraits from hell these last few days. Dad tossed the files at me Friday as I was leaving work. So I came in Sat and worked on them for 5 hours...then Monday and Tuesday, I invested another 14 hours (total) and just now have finished--that's another hour. Basically, these photos (5 in all) have sucked the life out of four days! Now I'm behind in my own work and...on top of it... I promised William I would go on his field trip to the Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia SC tomorrow.

Al and I finally went on our fishing trip. Our plan was too leave at midnight and fish the incoming tide. I thought to myself, 'Hmmm... better check the tide charts.' So I discreetly went online while he talked to one of his Lumberton friends. High tide wasn't in the am, it was at noon. I kept the page open and when he was done with his conversation, I called him into the computer room and showed him the chart. He wouldn't have believed me otherwise...lol..he would have accused me of faking it so I could sleep in. He knows me too well... heh heh.

So we left at 7 am instead and got to Holden Beach around 10 am (Al is a pitstop kinda guy--while I'm a let's hurry and get there girl). We had a lot of fun. Didn't catch anything because the water was too cold. I was so excited that I drove Al crazy every time the tip of our poles bent, mainly from the surf. He sent me on a 'snipe hunt'--at the beach aka as a shark tooth hunt. I let him think I wasn't aware of it and enjoyed a long walk down the strand and back. We left around 2 pm and drove to Myrtle Beach. I think we got home around 10 pm. Both of us were tired. I got a slight sunburn on the back of my neck and the tops of my feet. While I was lathering 45 SF lotion on my skin, Al asked me to do something for him and I forgot to finish applying the sunscreen. Yikes! It's a lot better today.

We had a lot of laughs. The Swamp Fox rollercoaster in Myrtle Beach is gone now. But there are still a lot of other famous sites still up. I took a few photos and will get them posted in the next few days.

The Jukebox in my Head

Taking turns playing on the jukebox in my head today are: The Curly Shuffle and the music that plays when the cowboys get together in Brokeback Mountain...lol.. what's up with that???

I watched it the other night...was in the mood to see it from start to finish..I think it's one of those movies that you can't watch for enjoyment... you have to be in a solemn or intense mood to watch it.. Heath Ledger sure does play a great role. I have to say it's his movie for sure. And he plays the role of Ennis Del Mar with an intensity of emotion that leaves me feeling his loss and grief.

...which is probably why the Curly Shuffle keeps interrupting the music for Brokeback.. it's hard to think about a doomed love affair when Curly interrupts with "look at the grouse" .."Woof woof"

Windy today Chilly Tonight

Boy, did we get some rain and wind this weekend. The rain was very heavy and the wind was so strong I feared the trees around the house would fall over. Didn't get to go fishing like planned. We're shooting for this weekend.

I'm horrified over the shootings at Virginia Tech. From what I've read online, the guy had been exhibiting disturbing behavior. It saddens me that he resorted to murdering people. I tried to imagine getting a gun and shooting people but I can't see myself in that role. I would have to be deranged and out of my mind to do something like that. Innocent people have died and many are wounded. Families are grieving and the jerk is dead. He doesn't have to deal with the aftermath. But his family does. They are victims too.

I agree with what J wrote in his blog. We should hug not only our children but all whom we love, tell them how much we care and that no matter what is going on with them, we're there to listen and to help if we possibly can and if not, maybe help them find a solution to whatever their problem is.

Will Ferrell Movie Generator

This is a hoot!

Will Ferrell Movie


an example:

Will Ferrell plays Matt Simmons, an egotistical, obnoxious drill sergeant at the top of his profession. He and his sidekick, played by Jack Black, seem invincible until their dominance is threatened by a new rival. Matt Simmons's excessive pride causes him to spiral downward to comical lows. When he is at the depths of despair, he removes his shirt and bellows,

Your tree is a marmalade, a languid marmalade!

After a wacky training process featuring a surprise cameo by Jon Heder and a marginally-developed romantic subplot, he enters into a climactic showdown with his rival and emerges victorious - but not without learning a thing or two about friendship.

Estimated Opening Weekend Box Office Returns: $54.3 million

You Are a Mermaid

You are a total daydreamer, and people tend to think you're flakier than you actually are. While your head is often in the clouds, you'll always come back to earth to help someone in need. Beyond being a caring person, you are also very intelligent and rational. You understand the connections of the universe better than almost anyone else.

What Mythological Creature Are You?

I knew I would be a Mermaid!

You are 47% Taurus

How Taurus Are You?

This was sort of a shocker! But I've heard that Taurus is opposite Scorpio on the astrology scale, so I guess it makes sense.

The Curler Shuffle

Do you remember the Curly Shuffle song from the 80's?At the Old Rafter's bar in Greenville, DJ Jeff Diamond played it at the end of the night. I had a copy of it but heaven knows what happened to it.

Well me and my friends we all love to see

Comedy classics on late night TV

Those knuckleheads love to get in a scuffle

They push and they shove doing the Curly shuffle

Hey Moe hey Moe

hey Moe hey Moe

Well nyuk nyuk nyuk nyuk

nyuk nyuk nyuk nyuk

(Look at the grouse look at the grouse)

Look at the grouse look at the grouse

(Woof woof)

woof woof

Well we never miss a chance we get up and dance and do the Curly shuffle

Anyways, that has nothing to do with this post. Just thought of it when I wrote the title.

My hair is mainly straight, but as it gets long it has body and wave to it. The problem I encounter is getting it to wave like I want. I hate hot curlers and curling irons. The logical option to me is ...velcro curlers/rollers. I have a gazillion of them in three sizes for different lenghts I like to wear: Long in the winter, medium in the spring and fall and short in the summer.

Al called last night to discuss our plans for the weekend--we're going to surf fish at the beach. During the middle of the conversation, he said, "Hey I meant to tell you. I found something on my coat the other day. Guess what I found?"

Oh my, I love guessing games. I silently said 'Whee', clapped my hands and shook with excitement. I jumped right in with guesses, rapidly firing them. "A stain you can't get out? Lint? Lipstick? Melted chocolate? Cat hair? Fleas?"

"No, no, no... stop," he said, "I found two of your curlers things. No, let me correct myself...a lady in the line behind me at Food Lion found your curler things. They were stuck to the back of my coat. Do you know what she said?"

"Hmmm...'You're losing your curlers?' That's what people tell me when I've got one stuck somewhere."

In his sternest voice he said, "Yes, that's what she said. And she didn't bother to hide the laughter. Talk about embarrassing. Sherbears, you've got to keep up with them better than you have been. I find these things all over the place. There were some in the yard last month."

"Well Al, put them in that drawer in the bathroom where I keep my girl stuff. I don't need them. I've got a bushel of 'em here."

And that conversation got me to thinking... I believe some of the curlers are trying to run away. I find them everywhere: on my sleeve, on my pants leg, on the seat of the truck or the back of the seat of the truck, on the floor of the studio, once in the parking lot beside my truck, in Al's truck... the list goes on. Mom finds them...so do the nephews. Most of the time they find them outside. Mom found one close to the street in front of the house. I ponder over this sometimes..."Just where are they trying to go?"

To some obscure region where velcro runs free?

I've thought about numbering them, so I can figure out if it's the same ones that are trying to escape or if it's a collective whole. I make jokes about this to Mom and Al, but on the inside I'm sort of serious. Course if they knew this, I think they would take the velcro curlers away from me and I would never solve the mystery.

Shortest Fairy Tale Ever

Thanks DJ JD

William loses his...eggs

Every time William found an egg, he would run off towards the next one. And promptly lose 4 to 5 eggs. In this photo, he's picking up eggs and the candy has fallen out of them. Mom's there to the rescue.

Chipper and Ben

He's looking a bit rough due to needing a grooming, but I still think he's a pretty colt. I whistled and he came over to the fence. Ben surprised me by putting his hand out to touch Chipper. I think it makes a charming photo.

whoa

Yahoo finally fixed their avatar feature. I confess, when I get bored I changed my avatar. Today I'm footloose and fancy free...

who knows about tomorrow!

1408

I'm a big Stephen King fan..it's no secret. His novels are awesome (ok, most of them are...some of the ones after his auto accident sorta suck). But his short stories..they freaking rule! I own every short story collection King's had published.

One of my favorite stories is 1408. It's in his Everything's Eventual colletion. There are 14 dark tales. This one is about a room in a hotel that goes beyond hauntings. 1408 added together is 13. As we all know there are no 13 floors, although 14 is really the 13th. So in this case..the story is about room 13 on floor 13. A writer who likes to debaunch haunted places spends the night (sorta) in the room and all kinds of things happen to him. Here's a spoiler on the Wikipedia site.

About two years ago, I found one of Stephen King's audio CD's on sale.

Blood and Smoke Audio CD Three tales all tied to smoking and ...blood. 1408 is the second tale and the longest. Stephen reads all the stories. He does an ok job, but if you're used to performance artists or actors reading CD novels, you probably won't like Stephens rendition. The first time I listed to 1408, I wasn't really frightened. I was in bed with the lights out. My headphones securely in my ear. And on the last few sentences of the story, a sax starts squealing and I swear it scared me so badly that I jumped ten feet off the bed and hit my head on the ceiling.

I recently found out that there is a movie that will be released this summer. John Cusack is playing the writer. Samuel L. Jackson is playing the Hotel Manager who tries to talk in out of staying in the room.

1408 movie

I will probably wait until it comes out on DVD to view it. I really hope they don't add to much junk to make the short story tale into a movie version length. If they do...may the thing in the wall find them.

American Idol

I resent how Yahoo forces it down my throat when I log on to the homepage. I don't give a rat's ass, tail or ear about the show. I've yet to watch an episode. It amazes me how people are shocked when I say I don't watch the show. And never will, unless tied to a chair with my eyelids superglued open.

Every morning when I log online, it's the first thing I see on Yahoo. A picture of that really ugly boy with wild hair and a caption about how he 'survived' another show. Or there's a caption about who made Paula cry.

Ok... enough of that... please put a picture of Vin Disel or some other hot male... PLEASE...YAHOO... PLEASE...

Nacho Baby

Looks like my dad isn't Anna Nicole Smith's baby's daddy! I figured it would be the photographer guy--cuz photographers know how to aim and where to shoot...

Easter Bunnies, Egg Salad and... poop

Well, I hope everyone had a decent Holiday weekend. Mine was very groovy and cool..literally. We had on coats Sunday during the Easter egg hunt. Which was fun. Though the boys got too excited to hide a bunch of eggs for me. They did hide one..and promptly forgot where it was. My sister and I spent half an hour trying to find it. Ben told us it was in front of the house and we spent a while there looking until I remember the guys skulking around the side of the house...so we looked there and I found it.

I was a bit worried that Al wouldn't have fun. He's not used to being around kids or doing 'family stuff' since he's estranged from most of his family. Yea..he's got a bad case of "Black sheep" syndrome. But he had a blast. He helped hide the eggs. Kept the boys from charging out the door before we were ready. Spent some time playing with them and when he wasn't playing with them, he was talking to my brother and Mom's John.

When I had free moments, I would go to the fence and whistle for Chipper, the super horse. Ben says Chipper has super hero horse powers. Ben knows all about Super Heroes so I'm taking it as truth. lol... but seriously, the colt is pretty. He needs a good grooming but until he's more used to John F, he won't get it for now. The previous owner didn't work with Chipper, just left him in a roped off section of a fence under an oak tree. The poor horse had to stay out during all sorts of weather. Mom says he won't come to her. She came out while I was at the fence, whistling for him. And was shocked to see him come to me. She went inside and told John that I was charming the horse. Can't say I was doing that. I just know horses. He'll be a good one if John works with him. I hope he does. Nothing is worse than a mean stallion.

Al and I went to see one of his friends after we left the Easter Egg party. Poor William cried, wanting to come with us. He told my sister that I was his "momma." I would have taken him with us, but he would have gotten bored fast. So last night I let him stay with me. He was happy as a flea on a hound.

Anyway, back to Al's friends. What a sad pair! They have no ambition except to party. The house was a total mess. I was afraid to sit anywhere and there was dog poop in the kitchen. Once I saw it, I was ready to go! I'm sorry, but if you don't respect where you live and don't try to keep it clean, I have no use for you. Al thinks that he can talk this guy into making his life better. I told Al as we drove home that the guy is happy in his pig sty with his other piggie party friends and until he's ready for a change, Al's just wasting his time and breath...and I'm not going back. Sorry, but that's just how I am.

Al's cousin came by after we got back to Al's house. He's funny. Al got a call from someone and while he talked, his cousin and I discussed childhood stuff... like the time I almost blew up the smokehouse with a bottle of moonshine, a rag and some matches. Hmm...I think I was about 9. The only thing that saved it, was that I couldn't figure out where to strike the match. I hated that smokehouse. There were other stories I told and we laughed. Then he told some and we laughed. After he left, I told Al that I wished his other friends were like Dennis... good-natured, funny and working. I can respect that about him.

I had egg salad last night. I really don't care much for boiled eggs that have dye on their fleshy white parts. So I cut them out and used what looked good to make egg salad.

Today has been a strange day. Had a disagreement with Dad over family matters and he's been gone most of the day. One of my cousins says that we should never disagree with out parents. I think that's a crock. Every person is an individual and should stand up for themselves when they have an opinion that means something to them. Just because I disagree with my father doesn't mean that I don't honor and respect him. I'm just being an adult and standing up for my rights to have an opinion--that's my own. Not his!

Think Al and I are going fishing at the beach this coming up weekend. At least I hope so. Need a break for the city life.

Oh, I do have photos to post. Will try to do so tonight.

Yahoo Avatar

I decided to add my avatar to my blog page. But alas, the silly thing won't update. I'm still in a bunny outfit. Not the cool Mermaid one that shows on the avatar home.

Yahoo... it's a love/hate relationship. There are many things I love about it, and it seems when I really fall in love with a feature. The damn thing gets freaky.

It's free...so I'm not gonna complain ...

too much.

You Are Funky Panties

You're stylish, trendy, but not over the top. You know how to look good - without looking like you're trying too hard. Men think that you're cute, friendly, and approachable. And you've got a spunky, feisty side that comes out after a while!

What Kind of Panties Are You?

Easter ...and other things

This week has been sort of hectic. The bright spot of the week was Wednesday...when I chatted with J for a while. Always a smile from that man. :)

Today I've been working on some really hard restorations. I've finished up the easy stuff, so I have no choice but to work on the hard ones. It's quiet today at work. Though there is a Prom tonight at one of the county high schools. We've got a few appointments for later. The courthouse is closed and so are most of the lawyer offices. I went out a bit ago and counted a total of 6 cars down the street. Guess everyone is at Walmart-vegas buying up Easter stuff.

I'm hoping I'll get home before 8 tonight. I'm burned out today. The hard restorations tend to be the culprit.

The boys will at my house in the morning. I promised Lisa I would watch them while she went to town to get some things. They want to make a hip hop video. So I guess I'll have to get the web cam up and see if I can get sound. It should be a hoot. If we do it, I may put it on You Tube. If I do, I'll link it here.

Since Doug and I made up and are now email friends, he's been emailing me once or twice a week with updates on Emily. He promised to bring her by soon. I really would love to see that child. She still has a place in my heart. It was sort of awkward at first...writing to him, but we're back to the way we were before--discussing Survivor, movies and some current events. I thought Al would be worried about our friendship becoming more but he hasn't shown any jealousy so far. Maybe because its only online and Al's not worried about it. Or maybe because I reassure him that he's the main object of my heart's attention and that I have no desire to go beyond friendship with Doug.

Sometimes I think back to the days when I spent so much time online, investing heart and soul into an 'online relationship' and I realize now, that though I did and still do love a few of these old 'loves' that nothing can take the place of a real flesh and blood relationship that is built on trust, love and passion. I don't lose sleep over drama online anymore. Instead I dream of the kisses I have before I sleep and the promise of more when I wake. That's the difference between online love and real life love--the touch of flesh as well as the touching of souls.

Hoppy Easter, Bunnies

Tattoo?

You Should Get a Tattoo of Initials

Modern and expressive You're proud of who you are (or who you love)!

What Tattoo Should You Get?

I'm surprised the result wasn't a flower or butterfly, because when I doodle I doodle flowers and butterflies and sometimes widdle bunnies.

Tuesday ..Already???

Can't say I'm surprised Florida won ... I watched for a while and ended up going to bed before it was over. Still feeling a bit seedy. But alot of the congestion is gone and so is the pressure in my sinuses. Another day or so and I should be back to being me.

Had an ok weekend. Since I didn't feel all that great, Al and I stayed in. We cooked some catfish nuggets and I made some homemade baked beans and cole slaw. We watched the games and went to bed fairly early.

I slept in Sunday while Al got up at 6:30 am for some crazy reason. I'm glad in a way...he tends to toss and turn when he's restless. He's one of those people who can't do it quietly. He has to make the bed shake. Bed-shaking is good but not when you're trying to sleep.

I cooked a late breakfast and we decided to do a bit of house cleaning...or rather I ended up doing it. He went outside to trim the hedges and ended up edging his drive. Which took longer than my sweeping and mopping did! So I sat on the couch, ate some grapes and drank a Hornsby ale...and watched a SNL show on some obscure channel. It featured Will F skits. Some were really funny.

Cooked a beer-butt chicken. Made my secret lentil bean soup and some roasted potatoes. Al devoured it. He kept talking with his mouth full...but it was acceptable...because he kept saying 'Yummm... you've out done yourself this time, SherBears.'

We watched a little TV and then went to bed. I know this sounds boring but there were some X-rated moments that I'll keep secret.

Talked to Lisa for a while Sunday about Easter. I guess we'll go to Mom's John's farm. She said that William and Ben are going to have a special Easter Egg hunt just for me. I laughed. They're going to hide the eggs and I have to find them. Hmmmm...how hard should that be???

Mom's John bought a colt this weekend. His name is Chipper. He's 11 months old. The person who had him didn't talk great care of him. When we would go to Mom's John's house, we drove by the man's farm. The colt would be in a pen by itself, standing under an oak tree. But he's got a good home now. John takes care of his animals. The colt's name is Chipper because his mom's name was Chocolate. Ben's very excited. So am I. We had ponies and horses on the farm when I was growing up. It's been a long time since I've been around a horse and I've missed it. John had an old horse, Miss Dot but she died when Ben was about 2. She would let you pet her but she wasn't riding material. John has some work cut out for him, regarding Chipper but I know he'll do it right.

I'm sure there will be pictures here soon...

Last night Ben and I played 'Go Fish.' He won both games. Then William joined us and I was the one who lost. So my 'punishment' (I guess this is the latest way to play the game---if you lose you're punished)--is that I have to "live with the fishes."
I don't mind so much...as long as I'm not mistaken for sushi.

Your Psyche is Yellow

You have a ton of energy - both physical and mental endurance. You are rational and logical, and you can help almost anyone think clearly. Optimistic and bright, you also have a secret side that's a little darker. When you are too yellow: You will do anything to get your way, and no one will be the wiser When you don't have enough yellow: you lack confidence, drive, and humor

What Color Is Your Psyche?

(This one surprised me.. I thought it would be blue or pink. And to think I don't look that great in yellow!!!)

You Are 7: The Enthusiast

You are outgoing and playful - always seeing the happy side to life. You're enthusiastic and excitable. You love anything new. Multi-talented, you do many things well... and find success easy. You prefer to keep things light with others. Opening up is hard for you.

What Number Are You?

Guys Like That You're Fun

You're the type of girl guys brag about knowing That's because you're cool, funny, and laid back You're smart enough to know how to be one of the guys But flirty enough to know how to make them all want you

What Do Guys Like About You?

You are Bettie Page

Girl next door with a wild streak You're a famous beauty - with unique look And the people like you are cultish about it

What Famous Pinup Are You?

The Misery of the Sinuses

Yes... I have my springly sinus infection. Went by the doctor's office this morning and the waiting room was full of people with allergy/sinus related problems. It occurred to me that maybe it would be fun to have a Sinus Idol contest, to see who had the worse case.

I'm on meds. And was told to take a few days off. I think I'll take tomorrow off. But not today. I have too many things to finish up.


We had a lot of rain yesterday and it washed away some of the pollen. But the dogwoods, wisteria, azealas and other flowers are beginning to bloom. It's not over yet.

SO I'll drink my green tea and have a sip of sympathy.

Dressed to Stress

That sounds like a romance novel title... well, maybe not.

Today and yesterday have been very hectic at work. I've got a bunch of orders to finish by Sat... Made good headway today. Let's hope tomorrow is just as good.

I'm grounded. William caught me playing with a toy of his and said I couldn't get on the computer, play music or read for fun for a whole year.

So don't tell on me...ok?

My brother is treating me to dinner at a cool restaurant that has buffet and also menu items. He'll get a T-bone steak--well done, fries and yeast rolls. I'll get the buffet, but will only have salad and veggies. I'm hoping it's not some sort of 'meat' night. Last time we went they were having BBQ...everything, chicken, pork chops, beef ribs...you name it...they lathered it in BBQ sauce. Which means there weren't as many veggie items to choose from.

Survivor comes on tonight..I think it's jumped the shark and will probably channel surf through most of it. But on the bright side, a new CSI episode follows.

Now that Rome (HBO) is finished, I don't have much to look forward too...on TV that is. There are the final NCAA games this weekend..so TV isn't lost for now.

Rome was one of the better HBO series. I may write about it soon. Depends on how ambitious I am...

and today..blog wise...it ain't happen'.

Text Messaging

My cell phone can text message. Course it has to use my fingers and my brain to compose the messages but it can do it.

William and Ben asked if I would play a game with them yesterday afternoon. They had their toy cell phones and asked me to get mine. So I did. (Kept it off though) and we played "Text Messaging and Cell Phone talking." William's phone number consists of at least 30 digits, so I put him on pretend speed dial.

Mom came in and thought we were nuts, but I think it was good practice for them. I made them say courteous pleasant things when they texted me or called me.

On their toy shelf sat Power Ranger, Batman and Spiderman Action figures...and yet, we played "technology games." Times really have changed...

Kathleen Restored

This is Kathleen. A customer who is probably in her mid-to-late 60's. She's a trip. Always have fun when she drops by. I restored this picture of her to color yesterday. She wanted the button and the pin removed. She said her lipstick was called "Cherries in the mist." I tried to picture what cherries looked like in the mist and realized that in that time era, it meant pink.

She just left and is happy. I got the lipstick right!

It Ain't Easy Bein' Sneezy!

I have one word for today:

Pollen.

Say it over and over...

Everything is a yukky color of yellow. When I woke up Sunday morning, I knew it was springtime. My head was so stuffy. My eyes burning and puffy. My nose sneezy. And of course there is no rain in sight to wash it away.

The UNC Tarheels mascot died today. He was involved in a traffic accident. An SUV hit him while he was walking. So not only do the Tarheels have to contend with losing Sunday's game. They suffer this loss too.

Speaking of the game, I have to say I knew UNC was gonna lose, but I didn't tell Al. After the game, he sat in stunned silence. Shocked and then angry about the Tarheels losing--their own faulk. Georgetown outplayed them. But I didn't say much. Only that I was sorry they lost. He went outside and tried to trim his hedge in the dark. When he came back in, I heard him mumbling a few times about UNC losing. So I went into the kitchen and cooked him a cake. I think that eased some of his pain.

The weekend wasn't too bad, inspite of UNC losing and me slowly being murdered by pollen.

I've...

Whiled away the hours..consulting with the flowers...

and it's time to hit F-ville... I see the Heels squeaked through last night.
That means I'll get laid!

Go HEELS!

A Disturbing Article

Published on Saturday, March 24, 2007

I hope that these dogs are eventually found and destroyed. I'm not much on Pit bulls. When I was a girl, a neighbor raised pit bulls for dog fights. Our dog, Prince a poodle and spaniel mix was almost killed by one of them. My sister at the age of 11 fought the dog. It didn't release Prince until a friend of the family came running up with a 2x4 and hit the pit bull in the head. Prince survived ...barely.

Go ahead Peta Heads... try to explain this away.

Pit bulls tear up schnauzer


By Laura Arenschield
Staff writer

Bobo, a miniature schnauzer, died a violent death Wednesday, ripped apart by two pit bulls nearly four times his size.

But the attack on the little dog is not the worst that could have happened. About 40 children were asleep in a day-care center next to Bobo’s house. Now parents, day-care providers and Bobo’s owners can’t stop thinking: What if the toddlers would have been in their yard? What if the dogs would have gone after the children?

“My children play out there every day,” said Tia Nobles, whose twin 3-year-olds go to the Simon Temple Day Care Center on Adobe Court. “I’m terrified right now.”

Grace Woolard, Bobo’s owner, said she heard her fence shaking and rattling around lunchtime Wednesday. She walked onto her deck and saw the two pit bulls — one dark brown, one a rusty red — with their jaws locked on Bobo’s neck.

Woolard said she started screaming for her husband. She grabbed a lawn chair and threw it at the dogs. She pulled the top off her grill and threw that, too. She grabbed a stick. Nothing made them stop.

“They were grabbing him like a piece of meat they were fighting over,” she said. “I just can’t get that out of my mind.”

The pit bulls dragged the schnauzer around the side of the Woolards’ house. Woolard’s husband, Herman, was looking for his shotgun. He looked out the back window in time to see a man pulling the dogs over the fence and into a small green car. Then the car took off.

LaToya McGirt, who has worked at the day-care center for four years, said she heard Bobo whimpering around noon. The toddlers McGirt watches were napping, and she was in the kitchen getting something to drink. Then she heard Grace Woolard scream.

McGirt said she looked out the kitchen window and saw the pit bulls attacking the schnauzer.

McGirt called 911. Then she ran outside.

“I didn’t hear the dog whimpering anymore,” McGirt said. “And so I knew that he was unconscious or dead.”

By the time police and an animal control officer got to the Woolards’ house, the car with the pit bulls had driven away.

Sue Nicholson, director of Cumberland County Animal Control, said an officer is investigating the attack, but said there are few details. No one could provide a clear description of the man or his car. No one is sure where the man came from or where he went. Still, she said, the office will continue to investigate the attack.

The Woolards buried Bobo in their backyard with his toys. The children at the day-care center have been asking all week why Bobo can’t come out and play.

It breaks Grace Woolard’s heart when they ask, and it scares all the adults to think of what could have happened.

“If it would have been an hour earlier, my kids would have been outside,” McGirt said. “That could have been one of my children, or myself, trying to protect them.”

You Aren't Cutthroat

You definitely have ambitions and drive, but you also have integrity. You'll get where you want to in life, and you'll do it the right way. For you, the ends never justify the means.

Are You Cutthroat?

My week!

I didn't get a chance to blog all week due to work and other thingies.
Al and I spent the weekend watching the NCAA turney. It was fun. Mainly because Al gets so animated. I laughed a lot.

Monday and Tuesday were very very hectic. I had some heavy deadlines to meet and managed to do so. Tues night there was a fire at the old Blackmon Furniture building. It was gutted and much of downtown was without phone service Wednesday. You would think I would have gotten a lot of work done but I didn't. The smell of cinder kept seeping into the building and gave me a headache.

Thurs and Friday were spent on photo orders. I did manage to get online and read J's blog, go to my space and write to some of my friends. (Hang in there, Jo)

Going to Al's later and staying until Monday morning. Then it's back to the grinding stone.

What a boring blog this is!

Granny at her Birthday party

Granny enjoyed her party. Just my family went... I think if too many people had of been there it would have overwhelmed her. She was in good spirits. The boys played nicely and didn't get too loud. After our beach trip, Granny and I went into her room and looked at old family photos. She remembered a lot of them. After we finished, we had cake and ice cream. She blew out her candles without help. William ran off when he saw that she didn't have any toys but Ben stuck around to watch her open her gifts. She didn't show much interest in them until she opened the present I gave her--a box of candy. She said, "OOOOoooh Candy!" Ben came over and said, "Candy's always good, Granny." Which made her laugh and I caught it on camera.

Yes...it was a good day!

Trip to Granny's

We had a nice time at Granny's. It was windy and chilly but Lisa and I took the boys over to Holden Beach and let them run around and toss shells at the sea gulls. Here are a few photos:





One's of Lisa, another's of the boys under the pier and of course one's of the ocean.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Music

I've been listening to songs in my head. Ever done that? Have a songlist that your brain picks out and plays it over and over, no matter what you do you can't stop hearing it????

That's the way my day's been today.
The list is:

1) The I Dream of Jeanie theme song.
2) "Insane in the Membrane"
3) I want Candy
4) Nothing could be finer than to be in Carolina...in the morning...
5) We're not the Jetset... (from the Chevy commerical)

There are a few others but at the moment they seem to be off the list, so I'm not going to press my luck and mention them...my brain may hear and start playing them again.

Maybe my sinus meds are causing this... hell, I don't know. This crazy hazy weather we're having isn't helping any. Cool at night, warm during the day and rainy..today.

This week has been very busy. I've got a million photo orders to restore or touch up. A good thing..every time I think of finding other work, I get a mass mob bringing me orders, telling me that someone referred them. I know I'm good at what I do and if I were in a different area, I could charge a whole heap more for my work. But I'm not..I'm still in L'ton and there's no plan to move anytime soon. Though I know Al would love it if I did make it over to Fayetteville. I probably would be happier in some ways..but in many I would miss my boys.

Was talking to Sam yesterday. Haven't talked much to him in ages. In fact, when we do talk it's ususally for a few minutes--hit and runs I call them. He mentioned that an old online friend from the yahoo groups we write in, joined myspace and wrote to him. She said she had written a few times and I failed to reply. At first I denied not replying, then I remembered that maybe I didn't. Sometimes life gets in the way. I don't email as much as I once did. Nor do I chat much, just as King John. When I get online at work, I usually download photos emailed to me and other things work-related. I check my email. Log on messenger when I have time to chat. Which hasn't been often lately. In fact, the thing's off now.

The past year, I've found that my online habits have changed. I don't log on after work much at all. I don't write poetry like I did. Nor do I blog as much as I once felt driven to do. I don't email everyone in my address book. Sometimes I forget to reply to emails. It's not that I don't care for that person, it's just that I feel overwhelmed with what I should write. I've drifted to a more private era/area and I know I'm shutting out friends who care but I can't help it. The Scorpio side of me deems that I do this.

So if I haven't been writing here much and if you're one of the ones I've always emailed once or twice a week, please forgive me. I don't mean to ignore you. Maybe one day soon, I'll break free of this shell I've woven around myself.

Changing my name to...

Your Uncommon Name Is:

September Roselia Wooding

What Very Uncommon Name Should You Have?

Have some...Cake!

You Are a Chocolate Cake

Fun, comforting, and friendly. You are a true classic, and while you're not super cutting edge, you're high quality. People love your company - and have even been known to get addicted to you.

What Kind of Cake Are You?

Leroy Parnell

My Great-Uncle Leroy Parnell died this weekend. NO not the country singer guy.
Since Dad wasn't around much when I was growing up and also, since his own father died when he was just 15, we never knew much about the Parnell side of the family.

The sad part is that no one called Dad. It's his uncle. He's gone to a cousin's house to find out more details.

I remember seeing him a few times. My Grandfather Parnell and his siblings were very musical. Every time they got together they would pull out their guitars and have a jam session. I saw Uncle Leroy in 91 at a reunion and he placed the guitar for us.

Too bad none of my family has musical skills. Wait, I can play the radio.. I think that sort of counts.

Build A Bear?

I went with Lisa and the boys to the build-a-bear workshop at Cross Creek Mall on Saturday. William picked out a bear that looks like curious George and clothed him in a spiderman outfit. He called him "Curious Spiderman George."
In case you've never heard of Build-a-Bear-Workshops, here's how it goes. You pick out an unstuffed animal form. Bring it to the check out area and give it to someone who looks like they know what they're doing. One of the employees holds the bear form against the stuffing machine and the kid who wants to own the precious toy preses his foot down on a peddle that makes the stuffing fly into the toy. After it's stuffed, the kid takes a fabric star, makes a wish, kisses it and the employee puts it inside the toy. Well, when it came time for William to make his wish...he made a long one. At least 30 seconds. People waiting in line to stuff their
animals began to laugh. Lisa finally said, "William, I think your wish is long enough." And the employee girl (who had bright orange toenails) said, "It's ok. Some kids need extra long wishes." Ben went with a wolf and put a superman type outfit on it. Lisa spent over $60. It was fun. I enjoyed it even if it's expensive. But I don't see myself getting me one anytime soon.

Unless there's a stuff a GI workshop... I'm all for that.

Rumba on the Lumba

We're having a blues/chilli/5K run festival thingie downtown this weekend, starting this afternoon at Black Water.

There was a large crowd last year...since the weather will be fantastic (in the upper 60's) the crowd should be great.

I'm ready to Rumba...

(Fayetteville O article)

News and other odds n ends

Uncle Jerry retired yesterday. He came by the house to share his news. I asked if he was going to take up an old man hobby like model trains, wood carving or chasing younger women. He laughed and hugged me. "Now Sherrie Rose, it's too soon to think about hobbies."

yea right!

~~~
Dad got his name on the front page of yesterday's paper. I looked to see if the article was online but it wasn't. A photograph he took of a local American American Leader was donated to the Local Musuem. He's happy about it. I'm glad he got the recognition. Sometimes he feels lost in the new era of photography.

~~
Like most of America, I'm on myspace. It's ok. I have a mix of old yahoo friends, real life friends and unknown 'friends.' I don't understand why people add you and never message or anything. I usually clear off my friends list once every few weeks. My buddy DJ Jeff is on it. We were chatting yesterday about it. He laughed and said, "And when you delete them they get pissed. Would make a good comedy routine."

So flippin' true.

~~~
Keep hearing the SNL song "Choppin' Broccoli" in my head.

There's a lady I know
If I didn't know her
She'd be the lady I didn't know.

And my lady, she went downtown
She bought some broccoli
She brought it home.

She's chopping broccoli
Chopping broccoli
Chopping broccoli
Chopping broccoli

She's chopping broccoli
She's chopping broccoli
She's chop.. ooh!
She's chopping broccola-ah-ie!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Shes cold as ice
paradice
and the feelin
wasa nice
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
New beginnings
New beginnings
New beginnings
New beginnings
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Going to the club, gotta work out, work out
Going to the club, gotta work out, work out
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
shes my lady shes my girl
shes my little little girl
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
dead dog lyin in the ditch
cigarette smoker has an itch
secret hoars with ancient vices
lucky has the lowest prices
im gettin higher...im gettin higher...in the world

Is it in your head now????

Dinner any one?

Al caught a oppossum in his cat trap last night. He's been hearing something under the house near the bathtub for months. He thought it was a cat. But I knew better. During November, he had some plumbing issues and when they opened the hatch to the back of the bathtub, there was a nest of leaves, insulation and pine straw. Cats don't make nests. Al figured the leaves and straw came from being stuck in fur. I think he knew it wasn't a cat but wanted to believe it.

The lady who he does home repair work for part-time lent him a cat trap. I should have made a bet that he would catch a oppossum but I didn't. So when he called last night, I refrained from saying I told you so. He was so proud he caught it. Said it was huge and took up most of the space inside the cage. Naturally it was angry and hissed at him. I asked, "So...what are you going to do with it?"

Total silence for 5 seconds. "Damn, I don't know. Guess I'll take it out to the country and release it."

"It needs to be a long ways off, dearie. Those things are territorial and will return."

"Damn, it's big. I think I'll call animal control tomorrow morning."

I said, "Brilliant idea, sweetie.'

Later I told Mom (who spent the night with me because her boyfriend is out of town). She asked, "What's he going to do with it?"

Not missing a beat, I said, "Oppossum au Gratin. It's a French dish. Al says it's delicious."

Her face was priceless. You would think after knowing me for 44 years, she would know when I was joking. So I quickly said, "He's calling animal control in the morning."

He called at 9 am and said they were on the way. I told him what I told Mom and he laughed. "You're a nut, but that's not a bad idea." I knew he was joking.

At least I hope so...

Beauty is the Night

Tonight I watched the moon rise, glowing like a beacon of winter.

I couldn't help but wish that I could ride up on a moonbeam,

touch the craters that live on her surface.

Miles away I would be from everything around me.

I don't think I would mind the solitude...

at all.

happy Nooner

Wow, for a moment I was distracted by David Cassidy. Naturally the song "I think I love you" is playing in my head. Let's wish for the best that I'll be able to blog coherently with his voice making whoopie in my brain.

Jeezzz... how dramatic is that?

It's been a nice for days here in ole L'ton. Mild weather and the buttercups are blooming. So far no tulips but give them another week. I feel alive today. And am happy no winter storms are raging. According to our Mayor...who dropped by to pick up his photo order this morning..there will be March storms. I wanted to point out that the ground hog had predicted an early spring, but figured I shouldn't contradick..I mean dict the leading political figure in L'ton...especially before he hands me his check.

I dropped my cell phone in the parking lot this morning ..it came apart. I put it together but fear I will have to purchase a new one. Guess that's one way to find an excuse to buy a new one.

The courthouse is a block from the studio. I can hear part of phone conversations from people who have just gotten out of court, discussing their 'trash' with someone on their cell phones. Right now there's a chick dissing her baby's daddy for not paying child support. She's sitting in her car parked in front of the studio and talking loudly to someone on the phone. The door's open and every word she says or rather semi-screams because her cell phone reception sucks floats through the glass and into the studio.

Been rather busy this past week and weekend, so I haven't had time to blog. Sorry about that. I'm sort of happy that life keeps me busy. I remember a time when all I did was spend time online goofing off.

I'm a member of an adult community that has blogs. When I feel sexy, I blog something erotic. Since I suffer from time restraints, I don't go through all the blogs, just the ones that are sexy. As with any community, there are clutters of bloggers who regularly comment on each others' posts and discuss each other between them. So far, I've managed to stay out of that, because as usual with opinionated people there is arguing and fighting. It reminds me of some of my early yahoo days and I look back now and am a bit ashamed. Makes me want to email one person whom I had hard feelings at for years and apologize. I bet she would shit, so I won't do it, but then again, I just may if I feel an urgency to do so. I do think that if we hadn't of gotten off on the wrong foot, we might have been friends.

There is one thing I did do a few weeks ago. Made peace with Doug. It's part of forgiving others who have caused pain. How else will you be able to enjoy a life rich with love, if you don't purge your soul of bad karma? We're not friends, but we arent' enemies either. I think we can co-exist in this world knowing that there is proper closure to the end of our 'relationship/friendship'.

I think I love you...

Heard a radio interview with David Cassidy yesterday morning...and I can't get this song out of my head.


I think I love you...

David Cassidy

Just don't tell Donny Osmond!

Toothless in L'ton

Ben lost his first baby tooth.

Clearing the Skies

This morning my brother and I went to breakfast. It was very cloudy and gray. I was afraid it would be like this all day but in the last few hours the clouds and mist were burned off by the sun, shining so brightly. I'm glad. Have to drive to Fayetteville after work and hate to do it in messy weather.

Feel bad for a friend of mine who got word today that the girl he was madly in love with over a year ago had gotten married this past weekend. He wrote me about it. It's always awkward when you hear news like that...you can't help but feel some sort of sorrow because that's a chapter in your life that's closed now. He said "Well, Happy Valentine's to me!" when he heard the news. I told him not to let it ruin his day. That is was her lost that she didn't realize the gem she held.

There's always a special place in your heart for old loves. And if the love is meant to be, it will return. I know this for a fact.

The Candy Heart You Should Give Is:

To: John From: Sherrie

What Candy Heart Should You Give?

Hey J...looks like my Candy Heart has a mind of its own. Happy Valentine's Day.

Pre-V Day

I had a great weekend. The weather was mild. ACC Basketball was on. Al and I watched some games. I cooked some great tasting food.

And he and I talked. We discussed a lot of things that have been going on with us and came to some conclusions--that we love each other deeply. And no problem was too difficult to overcome. He made me cry, because I never thought he would ever get on 'that' level of intimacy--the level where you can open up and say what matters without fear of rejection or fear of revealing too much of your soul. He did.

I called him on my way to work this morning to say hi and to see how he was feeling. His diverticulitis was acting up last night. He asked what I wanted for Valentine's Day. I told him that I already had it. I had him and I had love. That's all I wanted.
We said some mushy stuff to each other and then hung up.

But it's true. I know Valentine's Day is the day to proclaim your love to others. But shouldn't every day be like this... I think so.

What Sherrie Means

S is for Spiritual H is for Heavenly E is for Earthy R is for Revolutionary R is for Rare I is for Intelligent E is for Energetic

What Does Your Name Mean?

story running around

..in my head.

while I was in the shower, I had a mental image of white geese wearing bonnets. I know that's crazy and a boy hiding in a weeping willow tree while a woman yells at the geese.

As I lathered my hair with vivid scents of spring flowers, I wondered what made the woman yell at the geese and why were they wearing bonnets. And the boy, was he her son or just a kid hiding in the tree watching her and the geese?

As I got ready for work, a story formed. And I realized I have a novel for this Nov. So I took notes while I sipped my morning coffee and ate a bran muffin.

My muse works best when wet.

Blue Winter

The night heralds windsong,
the breath of frost on skin.
I sit quiet and listen
to the majestic promise
of icy fingers on flesh.

I have woven summer's rays
of lust and sunlight
into a blanket of salty kisses
to trail over the curves
of your shoulder, erasing chills.

Winter sings loud the defeat of
a hot spicy day; mere memories now.
But I believe that if you
kiss me, man of cinnamon and fire,
winter will sing spring eternal

Wow

Anna Nicole Smith Died today!!!!
I feel sorry for her new baby... and the battle over her that will take place now.

The J-Man on Air

Plug time... (trumpet sounds)

If you're diggin' some groovy tunes, register to listen online to Oldies 107.9 WNCT,
especially from 9 am to 2 pm. That's when my buddy Jeff Diamond is on air.
He's all that and a cookie!

To register, click on the listen live link of the homepage and follow the prompts in the script window. Once you register your info, you'll be asked to sign in and once you do that, you've got two options: to listen online or to check out the contests.

It's so easy a Caveman can do it... (sorry geico)

What Your Dreams Mean...

Your dreams seem to show that you're a very well adjusted and happy person. Overall, you are very content in your life. You have a very vivid imagination and a rich creative mind. You secretly want to hide your dreams from your waking mind.

What Do Your Dreams Mean?

Wow..not the answer I thought I would get

(when did I become so mature???)

You Follow Your Head

You're rational, collected, and logical. Generally, it takes you quite a while to fall in love. In fact, you've even been accused of being very picky. While you're cool, you're not ice cold. You just know what you want, and don't mind waiting to get it.

Do You Follow Your Head or Your Heart?

The Big Game

I've been told by several people that Duke vs Carolina is the big ACC game of the week. When it comes to the ACC basketball, I'm promiscuous. I go with whatever team catches my fancy. Tonight, I think I'll go with Carolina. Don't tell my brother, the die-hard Duke fan.

Potter 7 Book wars

As most of us who are Harry Potter fans know...they've set a release date for the book. July 21, 2007.

And so the pre-order wars begin. I got the first email from Barnes and Noble. I can a pre-ordered copy for $20.99 and save 40% off the cover price. The next email was from Amazon. I can get a pre-ordered copy for $18.89 and save 40% off the cover price. I think I'll hold out for $17.99. That's not too much to ask. I'm betting Walmart will email me with that price.

I sort of dread reading the book. It probably won't end like I want it too. And if it doesn't end with style, there will be a bad taste in my mouth that will ruin the series for me for ever and ever...

Amen.

Rain

We've got cold rain. Fayetteville had snow this morning. Al called early to inform me. He had on the weather channel and told me that Lumberton was on the cusp and probably wouldn't get any snow or ice. We haven't.

But...the public schools in Robeson county are closed. I'm like...WHY? It's only cold rain. Yes, it could have turned into ice easily but it didn't. What are we going to do if it snows? Migrate to Mexico?

I've been depressed this week over a personal issue. Some of you know about it and those that are by chance reading this and are wondering what it is...well, it's ...personal.

But I'm feeling better today, inspite of the wet weather.

I hope da Bears kick Colt Ass on Sunday. Going to hang out with Al. Guess we'll cook wings or something..watch the game. I'll probably miss the next segment of HBO's Rome. I told my brother this week that it looks like the main characters will be killed off one by one, since this is the last season and we all know how it ends.

Found a notebook of pieces of stories I've written..little segments of a greater story waiting to unfold. I amaze myself sometimes at how well I write. As I was reading, I kept wondering how I found the voices that speak from the story. I really believe these voices are lurking in the shadows, waiting for an ear to whisper into. Glad mine was the chosen one.

Mom made an Eggnog cake last night. She was at the house for a while. And she left 80% of it there. I ate a piece this morning with my coffe. When my sister came by to drop William off (like I said earlier, school's out and she needed to find a place for him to hang out...he's hanging with Uncle John), I gave her a big chunk of it. My brother won't eat it. He hates anything beyond plain vanilla. It's not a bad cake. Good with a decent cup of java. Not my choice to make but hey, I'm not gonna complain. Thanks Mom.

I thought Robert would pop in my mind frequently, but he hasn't. John said a guy called over the weekend and I'm guessing it was him. I asked John what he told the guy. He said, "I told him you rarely were here on weekends and to call back Monday after 7 pm." Funny, but he ususally tells any male that calls that I'm "at Al, her boyfriend's house." I didn't ask why he didn't this time. Its not that I want to talk to Robert. Part of me wants to see him...to put closure to the old feelings of longing he left behind. But what good would it do... I can't do anything about it in reality. No amount of explanations or excuses could remove the hollow that lived in my heart for so long. It's not there anymore. Al's pretty well filled it. But still, something lives where he used to...just can't place it yet. Maybe I'll let it slip away before a label can be tagged to it.

Work's been ok. I'm staying busy and the studio is starting to get more settings and weddings. Dad's still driving me nuts but I'm able to ignore it and continue working at a steady pace. Trying not to let myself get bogged down again with useless dribble like I have this past year.

Today is...

Thursday...

I thought it was Friday, imagine my surprise when I realized I was... WRONG.
Been fairly busy this week with restorations. Did drive up to see Al Tuesday after work. We cooked some beef short ribs and enjoyed a few games of Rummy while waiting for the Cash and Treasure show to come on the Travel Channel. We're both addicted to that show. I bet we've planned 10 vacations based on places to find gems and other goodies. Just for the adventure.

William's home sick. His teacher called Lisa yesterday and said he had a high fever. I kept him last night and this morning it was down some. My brother's watching him. William's a Disney channel freak. His favor parts of it are the videos from the movies like "High School Musical" and "Jump it" or whatever the name is.. actually I have to say the videos are very lively. Usually William jumps around and tries to do the dances but last night he didn't. I knew then that he was a sick boy.

To cheer him up this morning I made green pancakes. His favorite color. Which made me think of crepes. I had a recipe for crepes once. A real simple one and can't find it now. I'm thinking of making some this weekend for Al.

Had a strange thing to happen... a call from an old flame. Guess who? Robert--the GI. I swear, threw me off when I heard his voice and for the first time, I didn't feel anything, other than relief that he was alive. He's back at Bragg, teaching. And wanted to pick up where we left off. Funny how he forgot that he ended things because I was a "distraction to his Army career." I really didn't have much to say to him. He gave me his email address, his phone numbers--made me write them down and call them back to him a few times. We hung up and that was that...

then I realized I didn't tell him I was dating Al again. I think the shock of hearing from him froze my brain. Al and I have talked about some of the people we saw while apart. I mentioned Robert to him but never really told him everything. Do I tell him about Robert calling? I don't know ...maybe. This morning I tried to throw away his info, but put the paper in my jewelry box.

It's not that I'm going to contact him... it's ..well... hmmm... on the chance something happens with Al and me... I think you can figure out the rest.

I'm in the Wrong Country

Your Slanguage Profile

Aussie Slang: 100% Canadian Slang: 75% Prison Slang: 75% British Slang: 50% New England Slang: 25% Southern Slang: 25%

What Slanguage Do You Speak?

Brrrrr

I'm cold. We've got cold rain and I tell ya...this old building isn't built for warmth. The ceilings are at least 20 feet. I bet if I got a ladder and stood on the top of it, I would feel where all the heat has gone.

Had an ok weekend. My Bears won. I had given up on the Colt/Patriots game at the 2nd quarter and changed the channel over to HBO and watched the latest Rome episode. After it was over, I switched to something else and I heard my brother John say, "Hey the Colts have come back." (He had been on the PC goofing off). SO I watched the last 2 minutes and watched the Colts win. Little Manning had his head down, afraid to watch. But when the Colt interception occurred, he looked happy. I think of all the people I know who follow the NFL (I'm talking in Real Life here), I'm the only Bears fan(CORRECTION: my DJ friend Jeff is too). One of my friends told me that she and her boyfriend are hoping the Colts win because Peyton Manning makes funny television commericals. I can't help but think, "yeah, I dig him in his bad wig and fake moustache, trying to coax us into buying a new Cell phone." Yes, that's a good reason to pull for a team.

Something came up and I didn't get to see Al this weekend. We both realized how much we've come to rely on the weekend--how we look forward to the moment that I arrive and he pulls me into his arms.... I feel as if I didn't have a real weekend. The reason I didn't go is that my cousin Lee gave my truck a tune-up. I believe he's on permenant football time. What should take a couple of hours to do took 2 days. I'm no complaining...he saved me a couple of hundred bucks...

Ben lost his first tooth this past Friday morning. It was a little loose when he woke up and when he realized this, he began to work it with his tongue, fingers until he had it so loose that Lisa pulled it so he wouldn't end up swallowing it. He did this within a two hour period. I swear that kid is part bull-dog. It's just one of the many differences between Ben and William. Ben couldn't leave it alone until it came out and William won't touch his loose teeth, he let's them hang by a thread until they fall out.

I remember the first tooth I lost. I was at my Great-Grandmother Kinlaw's house. I showed it to her and she jerked it out before I knew what she was doing. It bled a little but I didn't cry. I was about 5 or maybe 6. I don't remember the other teeth. I guess they came out ok. LOL.. at least I don't still have them.

For those of you who message me on yahoo messenger. It's been colliding with my photo program today... when it's logged in, the program won't work. And we all know which is more important. So...if you don't see me and think I might be online, send an email...and if I can, I'll pop on for a chat.

Just A Quicky

Nutty day..today.
Things happening that aren't ...well, nutty.

So I'll make this brief. Thanks to all who sent well wishes to me regarding Uncle Red. The viewing was really hard for me. I didn't stay more than 5 minutes and couldn't take the funeral. I ran out and cried in my truck for a while. Then came back to work to work off the grief.

I forgot to mention that William's party was fun. The kids did great and he got some fun gifts. I took photos and will have to remember to post a few next week.

My DJ friend Jeff has been sick this week. Get well, DJ JD...we miss you.

Been chatting with the lovely Jo some this week. I've missed my friend and it's been nice to laugh with her.

Before I forget...hope all have a great weekend. Go BEARS!

Uncle Red

I've mentioned him in this blog on several occasions...my Great-Uncle Red died Sunday at the age of 81. He's been ill--kidney problems, eye trouble and difficulity breathing. I'll miss him. He was a bright spot in my day when he popped in to bring me an orange or an apple and sometimes some peppermint. I'm really sad and trying not get work done. He's funeral is today.

He may be missed but he won't be forgotten.

A Golf Club Walks Into a Bar

A golf club walks into a local bar and asks the barman for a pint of beer.

The barman refuses to serve him. "Why not," asks the golf club.

"You'll be driving later," replies the bartender.

Candy Land

I'm the Queen of Candyland... William and I played 5 games last night and I won 4.



Remember to keep your head lower than mine and to pay tribute with candy...



lol



all day suckers are the best.

Thirst day

For some insane reason, I'm thirsty today. I've consumed 3 bottled waters already. I guess we all know where I'll be spending most of the afternoon....

peeing my brains out.

Saturday is William's birthday. He'll be 8. I kept him last night and told him the story of the first time I saw him and how he flew into my hard. He looked solemnly for a moment and then asked, "How did I do that?"

Lisa called me a few minutes ago and asked if we could have the party at my house, because she waited too long to book the Bowling Alley. I'm really pissed at her. He's been saying since September that he wanted his party there. She accuses me of favoring William over Ben and I shot that finger right back at her, reminding her that she had booked Ben's party two months in advanced and asked why did she wait so long... she got angry and hung up on me.

Mom will be upset that I upset Lisa but hell, I think Lisa needs to get her head out of her ass and think about William more than she does. How's the poor kid ever gonna have friends if she doesn't encourage him... this is the main area where his autism cripples him. He doesn't have the social skills to interact without prompts...and the best way to learn is to jump right in there.

Ok...rant is over.

On to a different topic..Sunday Jan 14, will be the offical day that Al and I got back together. Sometimes it feels as if we've never been apart and this year has been one of the best, even if there have been hardships, I've never been happier.

You Are More Yin

Feminine Devoted Forgiving Fall Winter Afternoon Moon Time Passive Metal Honey

Are You More Yin or Yang?

The Holidays

I know I haven't written much about them. So I'll take a moment to write a little more. Granny stayed almost a week. She did great. There's a difference in her but at most times, she was still Granny--just at tad bit quieter. Once you got her interested in a topic, she warmed up.

The nephews got way too much. I'm to blame as well as Mom and Lisa. But I could do it this year and they deserve it.

The studio did okay over the holidays. We can tell that the digital era is hurting us a little. Not as many people came in this year for photo sessions, but I did get an overflow of photo retouching and restorations--in fact, it's still floating in. Everyone who comes in says, "Someone told me about you..." Which is awesome. After 17 years, my name is strong in this county and a few of the surrounding ones. I've begun to break into Fayetteville and it looks good on that end. I'm blessed with talent and thank God nightly for it.

The Japanese Ink Brush kit is great. I did a few pieces last week and once I get a chance I'll probably take some photos. Next year I think I'll give some as Christmas presents.

I've gotten lazy with my writing. I think of blog topics and write them in my head but when I pull up the site, I feel that it's too much of an effort to write. So I need to make an attempt, even if it's a shorty, or I'll lose my writing touch.

And touch is what gets us through the day. ;)

Condoms

Do I have your attention???

Since I'm legally off the pill now, I've invested in a variety of condoms.
Glow-in-the-dark, banana flavored ones, those ripply tickler kind, the desensitizing ones and...a style that has warming effects.

Gosh, I hope I don't go through all of them in one night.

And if I did...man, I think I deserve an award.

And Al... he would be impossible to live with. He walks around thumping his chest already.

I have to say... I'm not complaining.

AOL

Well, AOL is now free. What took them so long??? I've had a messenger profile with them for ages but rarely use it. Got an email from aol regarding a free email account and begging me to check out their new site.

So I did... not that impressed. I guess since they have to compete with yahoo, msn and you tube, regarding videos and other wonderful things that it seemed fitting to become a freebie. The advert on TV regarding their new video feature slays me... at first I thought it was a plug to feed the poor, and having "Al Bundy" as the spokesman: Priceless.. then I realized it was for AOL and some of the humor evaporated.

Sarah HB

My email addy is the same..would love to hear from you.

Hope your holidays have been pleasant.

xxoo

Life

Another year gone...

My new year was pretty good...stayed out of trouble. No wild nekkid end of the year partying for this girl... I decided to start off the year being good. After all, I want Santa to cum back again next year, so I'll get every thing I want, like I did this year...except my day2day calendar...

It was the only thing on my Santa list that I didn't get.. guess, I'll wait a week for them to go on sale and then get one...

when it comes to being cheap... I can be cheap.


I've decided not to make any resolutions this year...only to stay positive and to hold on to the belief that I can make any realistic dream come true...


so I guess the one about me buying a third world nation and proclaiming myself "Queen" will have to be shelved...

this year.