I still have sand in my shoes

Not here for catch up

2007-08-01T19:45:00.000-07:00

It's been so long since I've posted that it will take too long for me to type and too long for you to read about everything that's been going on. I will just occasionally reflect on things when they strike my fancy. So, that being said...How the hell are you??? I've checked in every now and then on many of you. I guess I can go ahead and at least explain the absence. In a suite meant for five people, we were housing seven. Now, this blog is my secret spot. I have a public MySpace for everyone else. But I don't want this one to be known so that when I want to vent, I can.

...Anyway, one of the seven people in the room was my Sweety's 18 year old daughter who is a royal pain in my ass. This kid has pretty much caused nothing but grief since the day I met her. The typical 'My-parents-divorced-when-I-was-young-and-any-woman-my-dad-likes-is-taking-him-away-from-me!' I'm sure you have heard of the type. She makes up stuff to cause fights between us and she watched every move I made on the computer. It drove me nuts!!!!!!!!! So I couldn't log in. It's like she never even slept. I even tried to get up in the night and she would hop up too and come to the computer. Finally I asked her, "Is there a reason you are constantly over my shoulder?" She said no and stayed right there. AAAUUUUGGGHHHH!!!!!

Anyway, I'm back at the house now. We are planning to move to another town. The Realtors are coming look at the house and hopefully we will be in a house (or apartment ) by the end of the month...before school starts. We will be closer to both of our families. The main reason for this because Vinnie will be traveling so much and I have no one in this town if I needed something. He's gone so much that we weren't even home for two days and he got a call to go on another job. He was planning to take a few weeks off, but this one was too good to pass up. Have you ever seen the movie Armageddon, with Bruce Willis and all of the roughnecks? Well, that's what it's like for Vin. There is this group that he is now in and when there is a job that's needing a crane crew...he's on the list. And they come from all over the states to one place and get the job done. He got a call around 4 pm to head to a job. Two hours and three calls from other guys later I was booking him a ticket to fly out at 7 the next morning. I have no idea how long he will be gone. When we find out if we are getting the house we really want, I will just hire some movers.

Well I took a few pics to send to Vin of myself...I'll try them out on you first...

Wacky Wednesday

2007-06-22T22:19:00.000-07:00

I know it isn't wednesday but I had to tell you about the one that I just had. You could say it was a red letter day on the calendar. I started the morning with a really high high and a really low low.

Vinnie called me from work and said that he won tickets to the Angels/Astros baseball game for that evening (really cool because we had already planned to go and got FREE tickets for way better seats than what we would have been able to get when we arrived). So we were really excited. Boomer's first ball game, as you can see I made a little slide show for your viewing pleasure. The baby loved it, he just sat and watched the whole game. It was great.

So, about that low low the same morning. My mom called. She had just left the courthouse and my parents were officially divorced. I had no idea that they were this far along. I thought they had discussed it...hell they've been discussing it for a few years. But, it's a done deal now. It's really kind of weird though. It's like I don't know what to say to my dad now. See, he's my adoptive father, not biological. And I was 12 when that happened. I know my biological father and have a relationship with him, so I have a few issues to work out.

Anyway, the day ended on a high note though. When we got home from the game, my precious little man used his potty for the very first time. Here's a picture of it. If you didn't want to see it I'm sorry, but, this is where I post personal stuff. I didn't say it would all be pretty. At least I didn't put up a pic of the first use!!
He was very excited when it played the songs for him!!! Yeah, baby boy!!! You're growing up so fast!!!

Making things again...

2007-06-17T09:36:00.000-07:00

I know the word 'doily' instantly makes you think of grandmas. At least it does for me. But I saw an idea on making beaded ones and I had to try it. The directions were not helpful at all so I just went at it on my own and mine was waaaayyyyyyy better than theirs! Way better!

See for yourself...

It is about 9 inches across and took total about 7 hours to make. I sent the pics to my mom and she already has a special order put in. I called my dad for Father's Day and she had already sent them to him. He said, Your mom sent me the pictures of the doily you made, that's nice. I was like " good Lord news travels fast!!!" She hadn't had the picture for 10 minutes before I called him and she had replied to me, forwarded it to him and he had opened it and called her. Technology!!!

update on previous post...

2007-06-14T15:36:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I posted before about the word verification I got when commenting on another sight. This is too weird...try to follow me on this.

My friend (who's blog the original w/v was on) left a comment on said posting regarding the humor. So I was going to say something in return by commenting back on his blog. When I did, this is the w/v I got that time...

Are you pure? Is a higher power speaking to me? Somehow testing me? I say this light-heartedly...but one has to wonder, what's really going?

Nothing in particular, just

2007-06-12T15:25:00.000-07:00

Here are a few random thoughts...

I was shown just what a spoiled area I am in today at lunch. I was at a light that had four lane going each way. On my side of the intersection, I was in the third lane. In the first lane was a Porsche convertible, second lane was a mercedes convertible, in front of me was a BMW convertible and the fourth lane had a Brand new Jaguar. I wish I could have gotten my camera out fast enough. Madi would have loved to see that. If this were to happen in my small town back home, it would make the front page of the paper!

I saw a Pepsi delivery truck that had spinners on it. If you don't know what spinners are, they are the rims that people spend rediculous amounts of money on that make the car look like the wheels are still spinning once the car has stopped. See below. Normally the people who purchase these items are trying to be cool. Personally I think they are silly. Anywho, they were actually on a real Pepsi truck here in LA.

My absolute favorite song in the whole wide world is Escape by Rupert Holmes. I used to think that I knew the song when I was younger...which meant I could sing the chorus. But have you ever listened to all of the words? If you haven't, you need to. If you have, just listen again for old times sake.

Pardon your french...

2007-06-11T15:26:00.000-07:00

Okay, I try to not have too dirty of a mind as I walk through life. But some things are just in your face. Like today, I'm commenting on my friend Mark's blog and the word verification pops up as always. And for some OCD reason, I always have to try to pronounce them or see if they are an acronym for something. So...It comes up and here it is...

What phrase does this sound like at first glance to you?

We had spaghetti for dinner

2007-06-10T10:50:00.000-07:00

I just had to show you how my almost two year-old eats his isth-getti.

Don't you wish you could be this messy sometimes?

I just thought he was so cute. But only in the process of eating it. When he gets full and starts playing...that's a whole different ball game! I always have mixed feelings about making it because I know what a mess I will have to clean up. But he loves it so...I guess the little shit is worth it! Only cuz I love him so much!!!

This is home for now

2007-06-09T08:21:00.000-07:00

Well, as it turns out, this suite will be our home for as long as we are here. I'll have to tske some picks to show you our luxurious home. (haha) As I was trying to fall asleep last night I thought of a really neat way to photograph our room to give you the Full Monty. I think I might try it today, to see if it works out.

It also seems that this is going to be a bit longer than expected and I'm at a loss for what to do. Vinnie came home yesterday and tells me that this job (that was supposed to be 6 to 8 weeks) might be 10 weeks. Okay, if it is 8 weeks then he was going to get a two week break and we were going to go on vacation with the kids. (like we're not already!) We would go home and he would come back for another 85 days. Then...whatever, on to the next job, blah, blah, blah...

Well, it seems that my sweetheart has done such a jam up job here, and impressed just the right people, that they love him. He came here to be an operator. Sit in the crane and move things. Now he's a foreman that escorts cranes around the plant, does lift plans and tells them how to set up. They want him to stay at least through the shutdowns they have planned through next spring. Uh, okay. This means if this job takes 10 weeks (like it looks), then no break. He will go straight to the next job here in the same plant and then the next one after that...that's supposed to be until next Springish. What do I do?

I've considered us staying here and letting the girls spend a year in California. I know Madi would love that...Little Miss "I don't want to move" says she would jump at the chance to stay here. I have no idea how custody would work though.

So we shall see. I have to go for now. I have a dog howling to go to the dog park!!

This is different

2007-06-02T14:29:00.000-07:00

I have never experienced anything like this place. I'm a small town Texas girl. But not southern enough to have this much Mexican flavor. I LOVE IT HERE!!! I'll share some of the stuff I've been up to...

Riziki chillin' in the kitchen in the suite. This is one of her favorite spots.

The big man checking out the fish at the pet store when we dropped Riziki off at the Poochie salon. She got a massage and 30 extra minutes of brushing. Both of which I could use!

This is a place across the street from the hotel. I just love the name, so I thought I'd share! It's an ice cream, coffee and martini bar. All of my favorites!!

This is a perfect example of the haze over the town. Of course it is cloudy at the time too.

This is downtown LA. Looks just like any other downtown. Same asshole drivers :-)

Cool mural of basketball on the side of three buildings. There seem to be murals everywhere you turn!

These are the world's greatest quesadillas. I feel embarrassed of my own. They were so good, I wanted to hurt myself and eat all of them. But I couldn't...I gave them my all though!! We ate on the street in the Fashion District. It's amazing that this food came from a tiny hole in the wall. But the area smelled so good!! Below are Vinnie's tacos. This is exactly what they look like when he makes them. I could eat at this place everyday!!!

This is part of the Fashion district. I got so many great deals on purses, glasses, perfumes/colognes, CD's, shoes, clothes and toys. It's a-ma-za-zing! The pics don't do it justice though. You have to imagine the smells of fresh fruit and food vendors cooking in their pushcarts. And the loud sounds of people yelling out their low prices and bartering in english and spanish, reggae/tejano music blaring from different booths all along with the sounds of downtown. I just can't say enough what a great time we had. And came back with a huge loot!! When in Rome...

Check out the ta-ta's on this manniquin!

Another view of the streets.

And to wrap up the day, the best fruit parfait! Another little something from a street vendor. It was mango smoothie with canteloup, apples, bananas and topped with granola and strawberries. All in a 20 oz cup.

Well, Boomer's up from his nap. So, it's back to being a mom!!

Call before you pack next time

2007-05-31T05:56:00.000-07:00

Remember how I had said we were moving to a different hotel? Well, we didn't...and that's great. See, when we arrived on Sunday evening they only had space for us for two nights. We loved the suite and checked back with them on Monday to see if it was possible to extend...they said the were booked all through the month of June. This is why I love it here.

This is the layout of our suite, except there is a dividing wall between the pull-out couch and the bed. It's about three and a half to four foot tall and about seven foot wide.

So, Tuesday morning I'm packing like a mad woman, trying to get all of our crap packed just right back into the truck, by myself.

Not easy. Remember, the kid and the dog have to follow every step I make.

I breathlessly walk into the lobby to return the keycards and check out, a few minutes past check-out time...as if I'd just run a race. The pleasant young man at the front desk asks how my stay was, I say "Wonderful, we hope to return to your establishment as soon as there are any available suites. We will be in the area for about two months and we wish this was our home while we were here." He says, "Let me check for cancellations real quick." Long story short. We will be here at least until next Sunday. At which time I am told I need to call before I pack the truck. By the way, as I was typing this, the temp outside was 56 degrees.

What the hell? It's cold here!

2007-05-29T09:22:00.000-07:00

Hey, Ya'll!! 'Member me?

We are moving hotels this morning...well, not the whole thing, just us. We made it to CA on Sunday afternoon with an overnight stay in Tucson. It was quite an interesting drive to get here. Here are a few highlights...

This was a lunch stop in Texas.

The banana faced monkey giving kisses to momma.

They say everything is bigger in Texas. Here's a roadrunner to prove it.

I must say that AZ had the prettiest underpasses and highway art (photo above and below)

That's all I have time for now..I'll show you more pics of the journey in the coming days.

BTW...the title is such because it is in the low 60's here. It should warm up in the coming days but I was not expecting this. We have to wear jackets...Uh, hello??

Leaving at 7

2007-05-25T06:45:00.000-07:00

We pull out of the driva at 7 am sat. morning. Hopefully I will post again on tues or wed of next week. Keep us in your prayers as we will be driving a long way on a holiday weekend. That means if something happens, it counts in the statistics!!

See you guys in a few days!!

See ya'll in a few days!

2007-05-24T07:06:00.000-07:00

I know that there have been plenty of times that I have gone MIA with this blog, but I can say that lately I have really been making an effort. I'm sure you will be disappointed that I will be absent for a little while.

As I mentioned in the previous post, I will be leaving for California. However I got a call yesterday that I will be leaving sooner than I thought...as in, I will be leaving in less than 48 hours!!! Uh, YEP...that's what I said!

I am taking this time to close up the house. The girls leave tomorrow afternoon to go with their dad for 2 months and I will leave with Vinnie, David and Riziki to head west in the wee hours on Saturday morning.

I called to have the utilities suspended this morning as of next tuesday, until we return at the end of July.

I still can't believe I will be summering in California. Being a native Texan, I'm not a big fan of the way they do things in California, but I am an open minded person, so we shall see.

I wanted to put up a few pics from this past weekend when we went to the coast. The beach had a huge seaweed pile we had to get across to get to the shore, so it isn't the most beautiful beach. But it is the beach I grew up going to anytime I wanted some sand in my shoes.

This is Madifish and the Boomer walking together.

Here's my pretty girl Madi at sunset.
What am I going to do when she turns into a teenager?

This is my mom and her friend Steve.

If I have anything else I need to share before I leave I will be back this afternoon. If I don't get back with you then...Have a great weekend!

pictures from a stay at home mom

2007-05-23T12:44:00.000-07:00

Remember the cross stitch project I told you about? Well, it's completed...now what the hell do I do with it? I guess I'll find a frame and proudly display it somewhere.

I took a picture of Boomer and Riziki this morning and thought I would share it too..along with a picture of Boomer by himself.

BTW...I learned this morning that I will be going on a months vacation at the beginning of June. I will be in Los Angeles for that time. Stay tuned for more details...

And...We made a 100 on our Science Project...that kid owes me big time.

I hope I make a good grade

2007-05-21T21:45:00.000-07:00

My daughter needs a swift kick in the butt. She put off her science project until the very last minute. This is the last week of school and her project was due today. I knew it was this week, just not today. When do I find out it's today? When she was on her floor crying this morning, wailing that she didn't want to go to school. This is so not my little social butterfly.

So I saved the day and let her stay home half a day and get it done. It was actually pretty fun, and I wish we hadn't been quite as rushed. Wanna know what her project was? Read on..If not, I'll post about something else again soon, check back later...

Now that they're gone...Her hypothesis was that popping time effects the number of kernels left in the bag of microwave popcorn. It was proven correct but we learned a few things along the way...

This is looking into the eye of the fire, the popcorn fire. This was intentionally done...I really am a wonderful cook, even if it is just popcorn, see...

Here's what we did (I'll share this easy, yet impressive project)...We bought four different brands of popcorn and popped one bag of each at the minimum recommended time, one bag each until it slowed to two seconds between pops (and documented what that time was), and one bag each at the maximum recommended time. We then recorded how full each bag was, the appearance of the popcorn (if any burned), and counted how many kernels were left.

Something I learned about with this little project is - to never trust the time on the box! Two of them burned at the minimum time recommended. One only popped about ten kernels and we had 512 left unpopped and another was almost perfect.

I won't bore you with all of the gorey details but I will say this...Of the brands Pop Secret, Act II, Orville Redenbacher and a generic, always buy Pop Secret. I now know it cooks up fluffier, tastes better and has the least amount of leftover kernels.

Here something cool...

2007-05-18T21:06:00.000-07:00

I am a fan of the reality show Survivor. Not a crazy fan but I have rearranged schedules to follow about four of the seasons. The most recent 'Fiji' was one of those.

I realized on the next to the last episode that one of the final five was a guy that dated my best friend in High School. No shit! I had this 'aha' moment while watching it and told Madi, "I know that guy!"

I have searched for my yearbooks and pics from high school which are all together in a box somewhere. I cannot find them...which really worries me, for reasons other than this. But my sophomore yearbook says, "Trina loves Boo" all over it!! I called Trina, who had not watched any of the show and she tuned in for the last one. She was so surprised! It was definitely him.

I have pictures of him, he was a really cool guy back them, and I had a huge crush on him, But Trina was the beautiful, dim-witted blonde bombshell and I was her cute, funny, but smart, brunette friend.

I just thought this was all too cool, I had to share.

Oh, how the horizons are broadening...

2007-05-15T14:16:00.000-07:00

We have decided to take a summer trip. My new project is to plan a road trip to Virginia. We have nine days to fill. Sometimes I wonder if that will be enough time...other times I think this is going to be a long trip.

I think it will be pretty neat though. We are going to visit Washington D.C. as well. Madi is really excited. It's not going to be easy to plan a trip for so many diverse interests. Vinnie's son could care less about anything that will increase his intelligence, and my little students are already researching which monuments they want to see. We are going to throw in a theme park for one day in VA.

Does anyone have any suggestions on must see place to go through on a road trip from Austin, Texas to the coast of Virginia?

BTW...I have to brag real quick. I am happy to say that I have learned how to knit. This may not be some wild new thing to you but I always thought it was something I would like to figure out. And TADA!!!! I figured it out with a 96 cent flier, a skein of yarn and two knitting needles. I must say I'm proud of me. And by the way, I've almost completed my cross-stitch project.

Crap--this post makes me sound middle-aged. I need to assess a few things...

You can't blame me for trying!

2007-05-10T20:32:00.000-07:00

Since I've been at home (a.k.a.: stay-at-home-mom) I've been trying all kinds of new things on la familia. Taking up new crafts, new adventures with the kids, new foods...really opening things up and trying to broaden all of our horizons.

This evenings adventure was a Chinese dish sans recipe. I'm a pretty good cook and can throw together a balanced meal with whatever is in the kitchen. When I was food shopping the other day, in our one little market, I came across some new rice products. I decided we would try the Black Rice, it had some Asian country name on the label. Perfect for tonights dinner.

The package said to rinse the rice first until the water was clear. I rinsed several times...until it appeared to be clear. The water was deep plum colored to begin with. My daughter said it looked like the Sangria I like to drink (of which I was wanting at that point, wondering what I had gotten myself into). I cooked it according to directions and it came out tasting great. My wooden spoon is now purple though.

As the meal went on and my daughter said something, I said, "Smile for me." She did and her teeth were purple. We went around the table showing off our purple teeth. It's one of the most colorful and lively meals we have had in a while. They loved it! And the meal, I'd have to say was a huge success. No one noticed the extra veggies in the dish that normally they would refuse to eat. They even asked for seconds!

Times like this make me so happy I left my job. I will never have these years back again, and too much time was being consumed by work.

It's magic!!!

2007-05-06T19:22:00.000-07:00

This is too funny not to see...if you have ever seen any of David Blaine's tv shows or specials, you have to watch this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYxu_MQSTTY

The new girl in my life

2007-05-01T19:05:00.000-07:00

I always heard blondes have more fun. I just had to show off my new running buddy. She's so perfect it's crazy. I put a pick of her on my other blog but I wanted to share here too. This is Momma's girl and wherever I go, Riziki goes.

On something else...I saw two Board Members at the grocery store this evening. They had no idea I was no longer at the Chamber. One of them told me I was glowing, that being away from my old boss was good for me, unfortunately she's making the Chamber look just as bad as she made me. Draining the lifeblood out. The second lady that I saw asked me a question about a meeting she had missed right after I left. She hadn't heard the news. She said, "Oh my gosh!! What are they going to do without you? You were the pulse, the driving force of that Chamber. Everybody knows that." She actually cried right there, which caused a few tears on my part. It made me feel good, the things they had to say. I was beginning the think I hadn't mattered to anyone. I haven't heard from anyone, like a calm before the storm, because they are keeping it hush, hush. Even on the radio shows, it is short and sweet. Nothing has been said about me being gone. Not that I want a parade, but Jesus, after all I did for them. This is what I get. A pointed boot in the ass on my way out the door. She will get her own someday, from what I was told earlier at the store, it may be sooner than we think.

Monday...seems like a good place to start

2007-04-30T10:51:00.000-07:00

So today is the first day of the rest of my life. Seems kind of "Is this it?"

I spent a while this morning looking at random blogs, seeing what others are doing with the first day of the rest of their lives. I kept clicking next blog, again and again. Either it was in a different language, a teenager speaking in IM, porn, or techy stuff. Where are the regular people? Oh, did I mention the overachieving moms with the tons of baby pics? So I ended up on ebay. I am currently the high bidder on something I never should have bid on! Has anyone price graphic software lately? Lord! I have about 45 minutes until I find out. Honestly I hope someone else outbids me, I thought they would. I'm getting it at a great price but I didn't talk to Vinnie about such a major purchase. Yikes!

I also started a cross stitch project. We'll see how that turns out...Did I mention I'm not a 'cross-stitcher'?

Wish me luck!

I did it!!!

2007-04-29T18:58:00.000-07:00

It's time for the resignation celebration!!!

Once everything exept one project had been removed from me, once again, I decided that the 'yo-yo, psycho boss' shit had to come to an end!! Working for that woman was like working for five different people all in the same body...She truly is the weirdest, most unstable person that I have ever seen or been around. She would be really nice for a few days and then here came Mr. Hyde again!

So I submitted my letter of resignation for two weeks from that day. Written in a very positive manner and very upbeat offering any help during the transition that may be neccesary. I even had Vinnie, my mom (who is a business guru), and two close friends (one is the staff director for a major medical center and the other owns a large insurance company with many employees) read the letter before submitting it to her. I had to make sure I hadn't inadvertantly slipped in anything negative or mean about her personally. It sounded great to all of them and they all felt I was doing the right thing.

Well, she flipped and said "then you need to go immediately" I said okay. I got downstairs and thought surely she means end of the day so that I can show the new girl in the office where some things are. I called to her office and said do you mean end of day or right now? She said right now! and hung up real loud. (I could hear it slam from my office) So I packed my stuff and left.

It's been kind of weird not going to work in the morning, when that's all I've done for so long. I was lost for the first couple of days. But my yard is now the best it has ever looked. I got a new laptop, updated my internet services at home and have a few projects in mind. I plan to stay at home as long as I can. I've already been offered four jobs since this happened. But I'm able to do this financially and right now I think I deserve to take advantage of it!

You know this means you will be hearing from me alot more often. My brain has to keep getting some type of stimuli. I plan to go explore and I will share what I can!!!

Happy Easter

2007-04-03T08:24:00.000-07:00

Mowin' the yard

2007-01-29T07:46:00.000-08:00

This may not be anything to most people but it is to me. I have been married before and the purchases of yard equipment fell into the 'His' category. Well, those purchases all fell into the 'His' category in the divorce. So, since then I have just paid someone to take care of the yard. And now, I got tired of doing that. Being the strong independant women I am, I decided it was time to buy my on lawn mower.

I went mower shopping this weekend and purchased my very own. It is a nice machine, I am proud of it and myself.

I feel that I am getting older and more mature when I am excited by the purchase of a lawn mower (and the warranty it has).

That's really not such a bad thing.

Mo' Money

2007-01-26T11:59:00.000-08:00

Got my first paycheck with my raise on it today!!! Wow! It's amazing what a difference it makes.

I am going to Houston this evening to go to dinner and will stay in a hotel overnight. It's so hard to get a peaceful meal when you work in the public eye. I have to go out of town so I don't have to make the rounds...because if you don't, you're being a snob and think you are too good to talk to other people.

Anyway, I just need a break. Work is really starting to stress me.

Here's a pic of the icicles on my house from last week (something we never get here). I hear we will be getting temps in the teens next week. What the...?

Bizarre Driving Laws

2006-10-25T08:36:00.000-07:00

While researching something for a member, I came across these on the TxDot (Texas Dept of Transportation) website. I linked the title so you can see for yourself. They are Bizarre Driving Laws from other states in the Union. I actually laughed out loud in the office at some of these...

While reading this here is a color guide...

**Favorites

**What the F*ck?

"The Greek sage Aristotle once penned, "Even when the laws have been written down, they ought not always remain unchanged." Not only is this wise advice, but also prophetic. Especially when you focus on some of the driving laws that loiter on the pages of state statutes.
Tennessee, for example, has a law that bans motorists from shooting guns at any animal other than whales. Apparently, this law was authored during an unusually high tide or after too many dizzying spins on a Tilt-a-Whirl at Dollyworld. Chances of any whale finding its way into Tennessee via the Cumblerand River are about as likely as Tony Danza winning a lifetime achievement award at the Cannes Film Festival. Yet, it exists.

So as to assure that your next cross-country vacation does not get pricked by the thorns of legality, we at DMV.ORG have organized a list of arcane state laws that you should be aware of. For nothing can be more embarrassing than having to phone your attorney from Kentucky for help in escaping a fine for trying to transport an ice cream cone in your back pocket."

Sad thing is, someone had to do this to require a law...

Alabama

It is illegal for a driver to be blindfolded while operating a vehicle.
It is legal to drive the wrong way down a one-way street as long as a lantern is attached to the front of your car.
Driving barefoot is illegal.

Alaska

It is illegal to tie a dog to the roof of your car.

Arkansas

It is illegal for a person to blare the horn on a vehicle at any place where cold drinks or sandwiches are served after 9 p.m.

California

Any woman dressed in a housecoat is prohibited from driving a car.
It is illegal in San Francisco to buff or dry your car with used underwear.
No unoccupied vehicle may exceed 60 miles per hour.

Florida

If an elephant is tied to a parking meter, the owner or attendant must deposit money in the meter.

Georgia

State Assembly members are immune from being ticketed for speeding while the State Assembly is in session.
In Marietta, Georgia it is illegal to spit from a moving car or bus, but is okay from a moving truck.

Illinois

In Evanston, Illinois it is unlawful to change clothes while inside a car with the curtains drawn, except during a fire.

Kansas

In Derby, Kansas, it is considered a misdemeanor to screech your tires while driving.

Kentucky

If you stop for ice cream while driving, be aware that it is considered unlawful to transport an ice cream cone in your back pocket.

Massachusetts

You will be ticketed if you drive with a gorilla in the backseat of your car.

Michigan

If you car breaks down in Detroit and you are waiting for assistance, be aware that sitting in the middle of the street to read a newspaper is illegal.

Minnesota

It is illegal to cross state lines, regardless if you are walking or driving, with a duck on your head. And, if you're crossing into Wisconsin, the law also applies to chickens.
In Minnetonka, Minnesota, if you drive a truck that leaves mud, dirt or sticky substances on any road, you will be considered a public nuisance who is harming the peace, safety, and general welfare of the town.
You cannot ride a motorcycle without a shirt.

Montana

In Whitehall, Montana, vehicles are prohibited from driving with ice picks attached to the wheels.

Nevada

It is illegal to drive a camel on the highway.

New Jersey

Drivers are required to beep their car horns before passing another vehicle.
If convicted of driving while intoxicated, you permanently lose the option of registering for a vanity license plate.

North Carolina

In Dunn, North Carolina, it is illegal to drive on a sidewalk.

Ohio

In Oxford, Ohio, authorities will ticket you if you consecutively drive around the town square more than 100 times.
Keep in mind that if your car breaks down and you phone for a cab, you will be ticketed if you opt to ride on the cab's roof.

Oklahoma

It is considered illegal to read a comic book while driving.

Oregon

You will be ticketed if you leave your car door open longer than is deemed necessary.
You will be slapped with a Class A traffic violation if you use your car on an Oregon highway to prove your physical endurance.
It is illegal to pump your own gas.

Pennsylvania

If you spy a team of approaching horses, you are required by law to pull to the side of the road and cover your car with a blanket or dust cover that has been painted or sewn to blend into the scenery. But, if the horses react skittish to your efforts, you are then required to disassemble your car and hide the parts in the nearby underbrush.

South Carolina

In Hilton Head, South Carolina, you cannot leave trash in your vehicle out of fear of attracting rats.

Tennessee

It is illegal to fire a gun at any wild game other than whales from a moving car.

West Virginia

It is perfectly legal, for road maintenance purposes, to scavenge road kill.

2006-10-23T14:30:00.000-07:00

Life is sweet.

How retarded can you get?

2006-09-15T07:58:00.000-07:00

Don't get me wrong...Routines are good. But one little deviation and things go to hell in a handbasket.

I got up late this morning and it was downhill from there.

With the layout of my bathroom being the way it is, and hating clothes being on the floor...I always take off my gown and toss it on the toilet. (I grew up with a cat and because of that,I always close the lid.)

Well, in running late, I didn't after my morning trip to the powder room. Soooooo, when I took off my gown and tossed it over on to the toilet it went right in. DUH! Of course I can't just leave it and wait to deal with it later...It had to go immediately to the washing machine. I had to get it started so it would be finished in time to put in the dryer before I leave.

What did that do to my shower you ask. Well let's just say I had to step away from the water a few times, which really ticks me off.

I hope my day gets better than this...at least it's Friday. Well that's really no consolation actually, because I have to work tomorrow morning at the Texas Heroes Day celebration up at Monument Hill on the Bluff. They have a reinactment and the whole nine yards...

Anyway, hope your day goes better than mine.

Ready or Not.....TADA!!!!

2006-09-11T20:22:00.000-07:00

Okay...this is not my idea of good photography. I need some props to display the jewelry for a proper showing, but since there was such a demand for viewing...

Some of them are my more versitile necklaces that you can wear at many different lengths, depending on the outfit. I call them my 9 foot necklaces, some really are nine foot. These are just a few of what I've made. I have actually been making jewelry since I was in high school. Any time I had an outfit that needed accessories, I didn't buy them, I made them. All of these sets have an outfit that coordinates.

Click to enlarge...(if you want)

Tell me what you think...honestly...

RE: Jewelry

2006-09-11T07:00:00.000-07:00

Apparently there are millions of people awaiting the photos of my latest jewelry pieces. I will try to take some photos this evening and post them.

Busy little bee

2006-09-09T13:21:00.000-07:00

I've been keeping busy with work lately, I have alot going on there. My nights have been occupied with jewelry. I've felt creative lately and made 3 sets (necklace and earrings) this week.

I know not many people read this right now, so I haven't felt like I'm neglecting alot of people by staying away from my home computer. I just spend so much time at work in front of the screen that I'm a little tired of it by the time I'm home.

I just went and got some beer and stuff to cook for tonight...Can't miss my Horns playing. Our town is all abuzz with people in burnt orange. My friend is coming to watch the game with me. Not sure if we will win, but I'll try to yell loud enough for them to hear my in Austin...Hey, it's only an hour away!!!

Hook 'em Horns!!!!

A little bit of funny...

2006-08-28T10:43:00.000-07:00

Mark...This is for you...

A woman went to a K-Mart service counter and told the clerk she wanted a refund for the toaster she bought because it won't work. The clerk told her that he can't give her a refund because she bought it on special.

Suddenly, the woman threw her arms up in the air and started screaming,

"PINCH MY NIPPLES, PINCH MY NIPPLES, PINCH MY NIPPLES!!!!!!"

The befuddled clerk ran away to get the store manager in front of a growing crowd of customers.

The manager comes to the woman and asks,"Ma'am what's wrong?" She explained the problem with the toaster, and he also told her that he can't give her a refund because she bought it on special.

Once again, the woman throws her arms up in the air and screamed,

"PINCH MY NIPPLES, PINCH MY NIPPLES, PINCH MY NIPPLES!!!"

and doing so draws an even bigger crowd!

In shock, the store manager pleads, "Ma'am, why are you saying that?"

In a huff, the woman says,

"BECAUSE, I LIKE TO HAVE MY NIPPLES PINCHED WHEN I'M BEING SCREWED!!"

The crowd broke into applause and her money was quickly refunded!!

Nada

2006-08-25T15:00:00.000-07:00

I have absolutely nothing to say... well maybe one thing...TGIF!

I just wanted you to know that I do check this on a regular basis.

Here's a question...Is anyone considering going Beta? Have you seen this option on the home page for Blogger? What is it?

Sex and Ghosts

2006-08-19T10:50:00.000-07:00

Last night was a wonderful success in the bedroom. He brought this little thing that works AMAZINGLY!!! The cost is low enough and it works so good that I am considering purchasing one for everybody I know. At least every woman. No one should live with out one of these things. I considered posting a picture of it because it looks innocent, but I don't know...what do you think? (Like someone reads this to answer)

Right now I am tidying up a little before I leave tonight. We have a couple of groups coming to have an overnight tour of our haunted jail and I'm the guide. It should be a lot of fun. I've had weird stuff happen to me up there, so hopefully they will find something. My office is located in the Old Jail (in case you didn't know that). In 1913 some people died in a flood trapped in the basement, 1932 a woman starved herself to death in her cell over 4 months time, and we have the original hanging rope for the county actually hanging from the ceiling in the room where the men's cells were. I have taken pictures in the jail and had what some people call orbs in them, but I always just thought it was dust or light. After a little explanation on two of the photos, and the way they had moved from frame to frame while I was not moving, I kind of think it might be something. Who knows...I'm just going to be open-minded tonight and have a good time. I'll tell you all about it tomorrow or Monday. Sancho might come back to stay again tomorrow.

Since no one reads this...

2006-08-18T12:12:00.000-07:00

I guess I can gripe since I am talking in to thin air. I feel like the tree in the forest no one hears fall. I guess I'm the neglected step-child.

I'll update no one on my personal life. When it rains it pours. My sex life was a desert and now the clouds won't go away. Not that it's a bad thing. Last weekend I had my little retreat thing happen, Paul is calling and wants to come see me and my sancho is coming tonight with a surprise for me. Lord only knows what that will be.

Tomorrow I will be spending the night at work. We have a paranormal group coming to investigate the building. It should prove to be interesting, to say the least. If anyone is paying attention to this...Tune in Sunday for the update.

Very Gross!!!!!

2006-08-14T21:02:00.000-07:00

Every since I got back this weekend there has been this weird smell in my house. Yesterday I had it pinned down to the kitchen area. Now, I have a large kitchen, fit for entertaining, so that's not saying much that it was confined to that area. It still needed some research. This morning I sniffed around and though it might be coming from the pantry, maybe I had some potatoes go bad...Nope. I thought it might be the garbage disposal. The last thing I put down it was a lemon and some salt to clean it, so it wasn't that. This evening I got to sniffing around and zoned in to the stove. After much investigating and dismantling the majority of my stove (I mean I got out the power tools on that bad boy)...I discovered the dead mouse in my stove. How in the hell he got in there is a great mystery. I have a gas stove. It is not possible to lift the range top. I had to take off the front where the knobs are to get him out. I was totally grossed out and I don't know how I will overcome this nasty occurrence. I got physically ill from this, and it takes a lot to get me queasy. Cooking in my kitchen will be put off for a while. I have gone through and cleaned everything with clorox clean-up and then sprayed it all down with clorox hard surface spray. I am completely repulsed that there was a mouse in my home. I have no idea how I will sleep tonight.

It's times like this that I desperately need a man around. I would have had someone help me take care of the problem, then protect me from all of the other mice of the world. Maybe we could have had some great sex and it would make me completely forget about it all together.

Hmph......
Of mice & men.....
Why can't I have the men instead of the mice.
Figures.

the perfect tree

2006-08-03T20:45:00.000-07:00

When I was a little girl, all of the kids I knew wanted to be

doctors, ballerinas, cowboys and policemen...Stuff like

that...When they grew up. I have always been different. I

have never gone with what everyone else wanted. When

people would ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up,

I would tell them..."I want to look all over the world for

the perfect tree." I still have what it looks like in my

head. I'm sure you know what I'm talking about. As a

child you draw the tree with the thick, solid, perfect,

brown base, and the perfectly proportionate round green

top. Sometimes it bore fruit and other times it was just

there as a place for the birds in the picture to sit.

I wanted to find it,

and you know something

funny, I still want to find

it. Anytime I travel I

look for it. An adult

once asked me what I

would do when I found

it. I told them I would

take a picture. Maybe I

was an aspiring photo-

grapher as a child. That

must be why I carry my camera

with me everywhere I go. I will find it someday.

Our Life Cycle

2006-07-29T15:04:00.000-07:00

I think the life cycle is all backwards...

You should start out dead and get it out of the way.

Then, you wake up in an old age home feeling better every day.

You get kicked out for being too healthy; go collect your pension,

then when you start work, you get a gold watch on your first day.

You work 40 years until you're young enough to enjoy your retirement.

You drink alcohol, you party, you're generally promiscuous and

you get ready for High School.

You go to primary school, you become a kid , you play, you have

no responsibilities, you become a baby, and then...

You spend your last 9 months floating peacefully in luxury, in

spa-like conditions; central heating, room service on tap, larger

quarters every day, and then, you finish off as an orgasm.

I rest my case.

A little humor...

2006-07-28T04:32:00.000-07:00

Remember, it takes a college degree to fly a plane but only a high school diploma to fix one.

After every flight, Qantas pilots fill out a form, called a "gripe sheet," which tells mechanics about problems with the aircraft. The mechanics correct the problems, document their repairs on the form, and then pilots review the gripe sheets before the next flight. Never let it be said that ground crews lack a sense of humor.

Here are some actual maintenance complaints submitted by Qantas' pilots (marked with a P) and the solutions recorded (marked with an S) by maintenance engineers.
By the way, Qantas is the only major airline that has never had an accident.

P: Left inside main tire almost needs replacement.
S: Almost replaced left inside main tire.

P: Test flight OK, except auto-land very rough.
S: Auto-land not installed on this aircraft.

P: Something loose in cockpit.
S: Something tightened in cockpit.

P: Dead bugs on windshield.
S: Live bugs on back-order.

P: Autopilot in altitude-hold mode produces a 200 feet per minute descent.
S: Cannot reproduce problem on ground.

P: Evidence of leak on right main landing gear.
S: Evidence removed.

P: DME volume unbelievably loud.
S: DME volume set to more believable level.

P: Friction locks cause throttle levers to stick.
S: That's what they're for.

P: IFF inoperative.
S: IFF always inoperative in OFF mode.

P: Suspected crack in windshield.
S: Suspect you're right.

P: Number 3 engine missing.
S: Engine found on right wing after brief search.

P: Aircraft handles funny. (I love this one!)
S: Aircraft warned to straighten up, fly right, and be serious.

P: Target radar hums.
S: Reprogrammed target radar with lyrics.

P: Mouse in cockpit.
S: Cat installed.

P: Noise coming from under instrument panel. Sounds like a midget pounding on something with a hammer.
S: Took hammer away from midget

Have a happy day!

Took hammer away from midget....LOL

Just trying to do something...a little experimenting.

2006-07-27T20:18:00.001-07:00

I'm trying to do something with this photo. This is not an actual post. I just need to know its properties. But, feel free to use it as a desktop background...or print it out and get a frame.

(snicker...snicker...snicker)

Pictures from the Trail...in addition to the others

2006-07-27T12:40:00.000-07:00

Passion flowers in the vines along the ground.
A view of the Colorado River from the deer runs we were following.

The vines stretched overhead like an archway.

Looking out through the trees into the rolling hills.

Another view of the Colorado

I call this one "Perspective".

After the fact, headed to work to show off my dirty clothes.

I took so many photos that I would need to have 6 or 7 posts for them all. So I hope you enjoy the ones I have shared. And I hope they didn't take too long to come up.

Trail meeting photos

2006-07-27T12:08:00.000-07:00

These were the weather conditions as we headed out into the woods. There is actually a river flowing through down there.

The old road leading us back into the pecan trees.

I thought this was neat where a vine had wrapped itself around a tree and the tree has grown around it.

One of the views of the Colorado river from the deer runs.

A Passion flower in a clearing. There were many growing wild. One of natures more ornate flowers. It's actually a little more purple in color, but it was such a gray day. I don't know if you can see the vine behind it but it's a beautiful fuschia color.

The Birding Trail Meeting

2006-07-26T22:27:00.000-07:00

Our CEO got called out of town unexpectedly. She told me to go to the Birding Trail meeting this morning to represent the chamber. I've been to many different trail meetings and museum meetings, council...etc. She tells me it's out at our outdoor amphitheater at 8:30 a.m. I get dressed to go to an outdoor meeting...cargo capris, tank top, button down short-sleeve shirt, sandals (not dainty, but more like a dressed up river shoe), make-up and hair just blown out all messy (we were going to be outside and I figured I would just go for the windblown look in advance.)

On my way there it is drizzling. I get there and two of the group were talking and I notice they are in jeans and hiking boots, with rain jackets. Well...aren't they prepared. The other three to be in attendance show up and they ask if we are ready to go see what the terrain looks like. At this moment I realize I am going on a hike. I pull the hair back in a ponytail, put on the ball cap from the backseat (rain is still slowly coming down...sideways), grab my camera and a pen and fold up some paper for my pocket.

I had the best time. I found out that this meeting was to have an expert tell us how hard he thought it would be for us to put in a birding and nature trail down along the river. It was unchartered territory for me...and I loved it. I had no idea it was all down there.

See, it used to be a pecan orchard/grove. Some of the trees still have the tags on them. We saw some really interesting grafting on some of the trees. We got offof the main trail and got back into some deer runs that were beautiful. I felt kinda bad when we scared a group of deer off. Didn't have my camera ready for that, it was raining and I had to protect it. (need some underwater casing or something) Four of the group are naturalists & birding enthusiasts and I learned so much. Like immediately shut up when a bird starts singing. (Caught on to that real early)

He said he thought it could work, and we think so too.

I called my CEO and thanked her for allowing me to go on an early morning hike in the rain in my work clothes. She apologized and said you really didn't think we were just meeting outside to sit around and talk...

I guess if I'd had an agenda I would have known. Oh well, I had a great time, for real. I am actually planning to canoe that part of the river so that I can see from the other angle.

I've made many attempts to post the pictures in this. I'll try to post them separate.

Tagged...

2006-07-25T18:09:00.000-07:00

I have issues with blogger. I just typed up a post and was completely finished. I went to do spell check, it said it blocked a pop-up, would I allow it, I said yes and my damn screen went blank. Grrr...

So here it is again...

Thanks to my buddy MarkD60 for tagging me. I know he's dieing to find out what's in my.........purse, fridge, closet & truck. Right Mark (wink, wink).

In my purse...

SD card reader, phone, keys, 3 Wal-mart receipts, reading glasses, cash & change, checkbook, datebook, rolodex card holder (for 24 others & mine), small make-up bag (lip tint, mascara & compact), Aleve, brush & clip, small Coconut Lime body cream, 2 pens, DL, debit card, Capital One Platinum card

In my fridge...

bacon, eggs, 4 different kinds of cheese, ham, ribeye for dinner, potatoes, lots of raw veggies, butter, SKYY Vodka, pasta sauces, red wine for cooking, cookie dough, lemon juice, several different salsas, half & half, Propel, biscuits in a can, any condiment you could possibly want for mexican, italian, chinese, salads or barbecue

In my closet...

Clothes (winter & summer), my old letter jacket, shoes and boots, jewelry shelves with jewelry, drawers for my supplies for making jewelry, 2-drawer filing cabinet, Bear-bear (I got him when I was 4 from my dad), boxes from various electronic devices, luggage, photo boxes, puzzles, the original 1932 blueprints to my house (before the remodel), a window to the outside (because of the remodel)

In my truck...

CDs, phone charger, insurance papers, air freshener, UT Horns ball cap, and because of the ribbon cutting and Business After Hours meeting I just came from...enormous pair of scissors, green ribbon and two bows, raffle tickets, name tags, Directories, the 1st place trophy from theTCCE media contest for our amazing directories, and my camera that I need to go get.

5 people to pass it on to...

This is the end of the line for this one, everyone I know has already done it. Sorry.

Now Mark, you do know that I can now say that I've been tagged by you. You can also say that you were tagged by three women at the same time.

What a man!

My favorite poet

2006-07-24T04:27:00.000-07:00

I had a friend who knew me very well where I used to live. He was like a best friend. We had alot in common. Our blindness to one another included...if that makes any sense. I sometimes reflect on how much fun we had and wonder why we didn't end up together as a couple, then I read my favorite poem and the reason is clear. I just appreciate the good times we had.

While I was decorating his deck area around the pool to look like a Mexican beer joint (FYI...It Rocked!) he brought me a poem that was in a book he was reading. He said, "I thought you might like this, it's about people like us." He was right.

It has remained a favorite since then...

The Double Life

by Don Blanding

How very simple life would be
If only there were two of me
A Restless Me to drift and roam
A Quiet Me to stay at home.
A Searching One to find his fill
Of varied skies and newfound thrill
While sane and homely things are done
By the domestic Other One.

And that's just where the trouble lies;
There is a Restless Me that cries
For chancy risks and changing scene,
For arctic blue and tropic green,
For deserts with their mystic spell,
For lusty fun and raising Hell,

But shackled to that Restless Me
My Other Self rebelliously
Resists the frantic urge to move.
It seeks the old familiar groove
That habits make. It finds content
With hearth and home -- dear prisonment,
With candlelight and well-loved books
And treasured loot in dusty nooks,

With puttering and garden things
And dreaming while a cricket sings
And all the while the Restless One

Insists on more exciting fun,
It wants to go with every tide,
No matter where...just for the ride.
Like yowling cats the two selves brawl
Until I have no peace at all.

One eye turns to the forward track,
The other eye looks sadly back.
I'm getting wall-eyed from the strain,
(It's tough to have an idle brain)
But One says "Stay" and One says "Go"
And One says "Yes," and One says "No,"
And One Self wants a home and wife
And One Self craves the drifter's life.

The Restless Fellow always wins
I wish my folks had made me twins.

Here's some entertainment...

2006-07-21T05:12:00.000-07:00

His name is Todd Fritsch. While you are on his website, please vote for him for new male vocalist. The link for it is on the left side of his site. He has a jukebok at the bottom of his homepage. My favorite of his songs is "I don't live here anymore" It's great. I also like "Small Town Radio"...which was written about our hometown radio station, and "First date for the last time"

Let me know what you think.

Well that didn't go as planned

2006-07-20T21:34:00.000-07:00

So I finished and posted the last blog and had just begun the reinactment of this morning when the phone rings. Of course like a ding-dong I answer it. Called in to work.

But my called in to work isn't too bad. There's this guy from our county named Todd that's a singer and is really kick ass. He's about to go on his second European tour. Cute as can be, with a voice that makes your heart melt when he's singing a love song. He writes most of his own and they rival anything you hear on the big radio stations. He's like the next George Strait. I've helped his mom Betty out alot with publicity in our area. Totally blitzed everyone for the past week about his concert.

The phone call was my CEO...what are you doing? The music was too loud...she couldn't hear me. She keeps asking "where are you at...I'll come to you." She thought I was out there. I just really didn't feel up to it this evening. But she was so sweet on the phone. She says she has my seat reserved in the front row and some CD's and a shirt set aside for me. I told her I was in my pajamas. (now remember I know her really well...) She says, in a funny smart ass way, "I don't give a shit what your wearing...just get out here!!"

I put my clothes on and went, kinda glad I did. Had a good visit with him before he left the country. He's already played the Grand Ole Opry and has sang the anthem at Minute Maid Park in Houston before an Astros game.

I don't know if this job perk is a blessing or a curse. I'm pooped and going to bed!

Good help is so hard to find

2006-07-20T17:15:00.000-07:00

So I ask a friend of mine to show me how to link something in my blog. I never hear a response about it. Well, this morning I get up and I know what I'm going to write about...and I'm putiin' a link in it. How hard can it be?

Well...apparently you have to know all the little tricks. I wrote my blog...edited my colors...made it look just how I wanted it. And then I went to do my link. Highlighted the text I wanted...hit the link button... and then I made the fatal mistake. To get the URL for the site, I navigated away from the post. (Without saving anything mind you) I copied my link went back to my post creation screen and SURPRISE!!! Clean slate...

I was not a happy camper, but...I learned something and now I know.

With that being said, I will now reinact this mornings events with a few changes...

(1) There will be a Lemondrop Martini instead of Coffee,

(2) I will not make the same mistake that I did this morning...hopefully.

See you in the next post...

Pajamas

2006-07-19T05:13:00.000-07:00

Sometimes my brain just thinks of off the wall stuff. I'm sitting here this morning thinking of something to post...I have kinda made a general rule to myself that I will post what first comes to mind, no filtering it so that it sounds politically correct (that's what my daily job is). And I think, "wonder what people blog in?" Like clothes wise. I look down at my attire. T-shirt and panties...what I slept in. Then I wonder what people really sleep in? So that's my question...

What do you really sleep in? Pajamas, whatever is clean, just your undies, nothing...

In order to get you to answer, I must first throw myself out there...

Mostly what I have on now...T-shirt and panties, but sometimes without the t-shirt. If I have a friend over though, it's all cute nighties.

There, that felt great saying something I couldn't tell an elected official!

And away we go...

2006-07-18T20:40:00.000-07:00

Wow...the first post of my blog about myself.

A new friend of mine...I guess I can call him a friend, I read his blog everyday and post comments like I've met him in person. Anyway, he told me that I needed to get my own blog so that I could post naked pictures of myself...haha, just kidding...(really I'm not, but you would've had to be there.)

I pondered on it for a while. I have a "space" that was set up for family to keep abreast of what's up in my life. I haven't posted as often as I should because I get tired of putting bullshit up there of what people want to hear, not what's really going on. They don't want to know how I am...they just want to know that the perfect image is being kept up in the family.

But I want someone out there to know who I am.

I'll try to post each morning over coffee, this way the rants won't get too long. And I'll know that I can start everyday with a clean slate.