Santa IS Real

How can a parent convince their kid that Santa is fake when they can go sit in his lap???

See Haley, I knew she would forget that you told her Santa isn't real :)

[ just wait til you have kids ]

A Blog About Nothing

Should I change my name to Jerry? I've realized lately that I don't blog about anything important...or even anything that people want to read. I read some blogs where the author may as well list what all they did that day by bullets, or make an outline. I always said I didn't want my blog to be like that. So I've tried to make it interesting, funny. I want to say things in my blog that I would really say, in real life. Not a bunch of fluff that no one would believe. Like how happy I am, and how easy my life is. I'm not always happy, not even every day...and my life is anything but easy.

Tonight is the "Grand Illumination" in Chattanooga. I think the last time I went to that was right before I found out I was pregnant with Lily...so that was a while ago. This is Ben's weekend, and so I assumed that he would be picking her up today before we leave for Chattanooga. Well, I called to ask him when he would be here and mentioned the Grand Illumination tonight. He invited himself to come. I don't mind him coming, we do lots of things as a "family" (me, him, and Lily), but I think its weird that he just assumed he was coming. I'm actually glad he's coming. I hate the idea of the holidays...getting out the decorations we picked out, putting them on the tree we bought, having to share Lily on Christmas. It somehow makes it easier for my mind to handle if I know that he's willing to spend time with us. But why should I care if he spends time with us? I should be concerned about him spending time with Lily. But for some reason, I have it in my head that he should meet a quota of "family" activities: me, him, and Lily...together. I wonder if this time of year is hard on him too...I can't even think about putting up the tree without picturing us in our great room having hot cocoa or a glass of wine, admiring the tree we just decorated after Lily went to bed. I've never said that before...this is a first for me. I think that one day I'll get over that...and stop remembering.
Well, this blog has gone to that uncomfortable place that people don't want to know about. But I'm proud of this post because its real. These are all real things that I would say. I recently read that people should have a diary, not a blog...because you can't be honest on a blog. You wouldn't want to bare your soul online, even for people you know to read. I agree that you don't want to be honest on a blog...why would you want all your friends to know how you really feel? Its easier to just let them think that your life is perfect, and you are happy and blessed, blah blah blah. I am happy and blessed, but I don't always feel that way. But just as I think that people don't always want to hear about how "perfect" my life is, they don't want to be overloaded with how imperfect it is. So, maybe next time I'll have some "perfect" material.

Some Things Suck

The subject matter might belie the title of this post...but I'll get around to how things suck. Yesterday afternoon, I logged onto myspace. This is not something I do very often, I really only set up a MS page to look at Stephen McCloud's pictures. But anyway, I logged on and saw that I had a message. I figured it was from Stephen - he's the only one that sends me myspace emails - but it wasn't. The subject line of this email was "Jeremy from 1999". While the computer was opening the message, I was mentally going through all the guys I've known (and remembered), I was hoping it wasn't the Jeremy that used to live down the street from me. I can't imagine he's very good looking these days (picture the guy that lives in his parents' basement...that's a Trekkie). Well...there staring back at me was the face of a Jeremy I haven't seen in 7 years. The Jeremy that I worked at Ingles with, who was - and is - painfully hot, but not in that conceited way. Down to earth, nice, shy, and HOT. So, ok...I've got this email here from this Jeremy, oh my. The first line of the email goes something like this, "Wow, I hope you remember me, I've been looking for you for like....seven years." Oh shit...that's right...the last time I saw him was in the doorway of mine and Ben's first apartment. He lived in the same complex as me, and saw me carrying in laundry that night. We talked, and then a few minutes later he's knocking on my door. Needless to say, he was shocked to find Ben there and he didn't even really get in the door before he excused himself. [Now, be patient...I'm getting to the sucking part] I was so shocked to hear from him, and find him just as HOT as he was 7 years ago...I got a bad case of the giggles, and kept saying, "I just can't believe this!!!"
The reason this situation sucks so bad is this: he hasn't seen me in 7 years. Ya'll know I don't look like I did the last time he saw me. I am blown away by the potention in this situation: for all kinds of things (love, a reason to get on the treadmill, even a really good new friend); but good grief, he can't see me like this!!! So, I've made a decision that I'm going to do something about it. I want to see him, and I kinda want to know what it would be like to kiss him...cause I've always wanted to. For seven years. Not consciously, but now that its dangling before my face like a carrot on a string, I remember that I'd always wanted to 7 years ago. Even that night at my apartment, in the stairwell. And that makes me wonder...if he had, what would have happened? Where would I be now? That's why some things suck, because you can't turn off your brain...and you can't make it stop.
Something else that really sucks is: when the guy upstairs takes a shower, the "runoff" bubbles up in my kitchen sink. I have had Ray ass-water in my sink!!!!! Gross...

Musings Of a "Stay @ Home" Mom

The other day, I was at work and I heard the DJ talking about Sugarland's new video for "Stay"...she was saying that Jennifer Nettles should win an award for the video. Well, I've been watching GAC for days (because we all know CMT doesn't play music videos anymore), trying to see that video. So, I've been wearing out GAC, waiting for "Stay"...well, I just saw it. And it freakin' broke my heart. I heard JN got a divorce. She's either really good at making herself cry, or her ex is a cheating bastard. I'm voting for option #2. [men suck]

I went to Covenant today, to have lunch with Carla. It was good to see all my old co-workers, but its hard to believe I ever worked there, and liked it. Management is laying off people left and right. Yesterday, they laid off the Sales Analyst Manager. I mean, WHY??? Its obvious, if you read the business section, or check the stock prices of Covenant...I've heard rumors they're going private again, and it looks like Parker's running the stock prices into the ground in order to buy out shareholders real cheap. Shit, I'll probably get sued for writing this...oh well...at least I'm not on company time!
So, today - I'm proud to say - I dressed up in a decent fashion, fixed my hair, and actually [hold onto your seats folks] put on MAKEUP !!! Yey me!!! Well, I planned my lunch with Carla so that it would fall on the day of Lily's Fall Festival. This way, I don't have to haul my butt out of bed at noon and MAKE myself get dressed and made up to go watch her play on inflatable toys (unlimited rides for ONLY $12). I am excited about this festival, and to tell the truth I am hoping I'll meet some hunky single Dad. Hehehe...sounds just like the plot-line of a Mary Kay Andrews book to me.
By the way, her books are AWESOME!!! Hissy Fit should be made into a movie, and I think that Julia Roberts should star as Keeley. Let's see, who could be Will??? Gotta be hot, free-spirited and real. Not anyone like Brad Pitt. Her philandering fiance could be Ben Affleck: he's got the right look to pull off the role as a member of one Madison GA's untouchable families (not in the mobster way, in the small town politics way-they can get away with anything because of who their daddy is and who their granddaddy was).
Will would need to be someone heroic...cause he's got to ride into town in his yellow Caddy and literally save Keeley (not her life, but her reputation-sort of). So he should be someone like, um...totally STUMPED. Somebody read the book and suggest someone. If you're into reading, you could easily read it in a day. So, make a Saturday of it.
Well, I have 25 minutes until works starts (and I'm not talking about the paying kind, ya'll). I need to get psyched up for this Festival. Sheesh, I'm going to be spending my hard earned box painting money on inflatable rides and face paint. Oh well...... some people aren't so lucky. :)

The Song of My Life

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

You parents out there will totally LOVE and appreciate this...and for those of you that aren't, this is what you have to look forward to.

Starting a New "Primitive" Life

Boy, its been a while!!! Since I blogged last, I had a birthday, sent my baby off to school, and have discovered that there is a lot more to do at home during the day that I ever thought possible. I had a crummy part-time job for 3 weeks, then the new Goody's opened and I quit...I hated it. Thankfully I've been able to make it on child support, and odd jobs for my parents (I am proud to say that I now know how to weed-eat). But still, every few weeks I have an obsession party about my need to get off my ass and find a "real" job. I was in the middle of my obsession on Friday night, around midnight (couldn't turn my brain off, couldn't sleep...thank you bills); and I found myself going over job possibilies in my head. I ticked off the places I would go the next day to put in applications, and I said my little job prayer, "please God help me find a good job". Finally, thankfully-mercifully-I fell asleep; but was awakened the next morning at 8:30 by a call from my Aunt Nelda. At first I was worried b/c Aunt Nelda hasn't ever called my house before. My parents were out of town, and I had no idea what the call was about. She quickly eased my mind by telling me that she had called Nikki to get my number b/c she needed help with her business (Plum Nellie Primitives). Talk about God smacking me upside the head...like, "HELLO...I DO hear you". Needless to say, I was pretty excited, thankful, etc. I will be helping to create the boxes and other "primitive" items that people go nuts over. I, personally, and not a fan of this type of decor...but painting is right up my alley. So, I'm excited about my new job...it will work well with Lily's school schedule, I can wear whatever the heck I want, and if I work late I can drink beer. How 'bout them apples, Clyde??
Hopefully, I'll be able to keep up with my blog a little better than I have in the past 3 months...but I've been busy being a mom, mowing the yard, cooking-yes, I said cooking-, and helping with homework.
So...so long for now.

Its Been a While

Update, in case ya'll facebookers wanna know (I know how depressing it must be for all of you to see my lack of online activity during the last 4 weeks) Hehehehehe!

Lily turned 5 on Monday, and starts kindergarten next week. She went to the doctor today for her 5 year check up and is 42in tall and weighs 42 lbs.
I am working at the second worst job ever now (ya'll know what my first worst job is...). Its Goody's in my hometown, and we're in the process right now of staging and merchandising the new store. I think I will like it once the staging is done...its not easy work, especially for someone that's been working in an office for 6 years solid.
I'm sitting at Ben's "new" trailer, that he's going to be sharing with Lewis, using his new DSL. I dropped Lily off with his parents and decided to drop by and see him.
Well...I'm super excited that my parents are coming home in 3 weeks, and hopefully I'll be able to get the lawnmower fixed and returned so the yard can be mowed by the time they get home.
Otherwise, I'll have to get someone to bush hog it.

Well...better sign off now. No deep, emotional post this time. Maybe next time, my faithful readers.

Homeward Bound

Well, since last Thursday I've been obsessing over this problem I have: I am not married to Lily's dad anymore, therefore we have to "share" her (WTF...who wants to have to share a kid?). Since I up and moved 500 miles away in February, Ben and I decided that Lily would stay with him approximately 2 months out of the year. Well...I thought I would be fine with this, but I am not. I am so NOT fine with not seeing her for 6 weeks, and her not seeing her daddy 10 months out of the year that I decided on Friday (6/16) that I'm moving home. I actually got teary eyed when I told Andy...It made me realize how close I've gotten to my people down here (and some of it was the fear of disappointing him, I think).
I am not sure what I'll be doing in the way of employment...there is not an opening at Covenant, but I did find an opening in Collections at Covenant's "sister" (more like most hated step-sister) company, US Xpress. My former manager, Janette, said I should apply there...and I had actually already done that. I feel certain I am very qualified, although I am not sure if that's the job I want. I have the opportunity to work part time in Jasper, while Lily goes to school. She will be in school, so I won't have to worry with daycare. If I'm around in town, working part time, I can fix my schedule so I can get her when she's out of school. I feel much better about this solution...and that is why I'm not sure I want to work for USX. Plus, its a lot further than Covenant from Jasper.
I think that being here was something necessary for me to decide that family (married parents or not) need to be together. And Ben, Lily, and I are family. That in itself makes me sad too...but that's another blog for another day.
Yippieee!!!

You Are: 30% Dog, 70% Cat

You and cats have a lot in common. You're both smart and in charge - with a good amount of attitude. However, you do have a very playful side that occasionally comes out!

Are You More Cat or Dog?

Your Candy Heart Says "Get Real"

You're a bit of a cynic when it comes to love. You don't lose your head, and hardly anyone penetrates your heart. Your ideal Valentine's Day date: is all about the person you're seeing (with no mentions of v-day!) Your flirting style: honest and even slightly sarcastic What turns you off: romantic expectations and "greeting card" holidays Why you're hot: you don't just play hard to get - you are hard to get

What Does Your Candy Heart Say?

Rudy & The Dilema

I am allergic to this sweet, cuddly kitty...I love him though. Lily and I got him from the Waveland animal shelter in March. I have a guy named Dennis that will take him, but Rudy will have to live outside...which raises some questions: what if he get run over? Where will he sleep? Will the other cats Dennis has like Rudy? What if something happens to him? I feel like I made a commitment to Rudy when we adopted him, and now I'm letting him down. I've also thought about asking Ben to take him...then he could live in the house, and sleep in the bed (like he likes to do). I love Rudy-Tudy.....and I don't know what do to. I'm very sad (although I suspect Rudy will be glad to get away - FAR away - from Lily).

10 Reasons I Hate Ben

10. I am his ex-wife...I'm supposed to hate him
9. He gets to do whatever he wants to, whenever he wants to
8. All his friends think I'm mean
7. He only cares about himself
6. He isn't helpful in any way
5. He hardly ever answers his phone
4. Belinda raised him
3. He isn't "sure" what happened to the money in his account (sorry Mike)
2. Lily misses him (see reason #5)
1. He's a totally selfish person (see reasons 2-10)

Class of 1999

I have never fancied myself to be very internet savvy...I am great with office programs (word, excel, outlook, etc), but when it comes to things online I am really behind the times. I know myspace and facebook have been around for a while, but I just recently discovered them (recently: in the past year). On Friday, I went to Andy & Cammie's house to "babysit" with Amanda...I put Lily to bed there, and Amanda and started cruising the internet (she is savvy). I created the beginnings of a myspace page a while ago b/c I wanted to look at Stephen McCloud's profile; but I never added any pictures, etc. Well, while I was with Amanda I started searching for people from my class in high school. I found several. It was strange to me, to see them "all grown up". For some reason, in my mind I still pictured them the age we were when we graduated. Its hard to believe that these "friends" of mine are now just as "grown up" as me, and many of them have kids of their own too. I don't know why my mind thinks time is standing still for everyone else, while I continue to get older. Just really strange to me...makes me wonder if we'll have a 10 year reunion. I hope we do, I would love to see everyone from the class of 1999.

On another note: There is a guy outside my office blowing off cut grass from the sidewalk. It is sooo irritating. I'm glad I'm not working on anything that require immense concentration (like applying an Alcoa payment, or sorting out a BASF spreadsheet). Hey, I don't have to do that stuff anymore! Yay me! No, I do have to concentrate some of the time...thank you EMMA (email marketing my a$$...hehehehe).

Seeing my old friends' profiles makes me wish that I could get together with all of them, let our kids play together and talk about "that time in high school". It would be really something.

Ok...better get back to work now!

WTF

I never knew anything about abbreviating things with letters...other than LOL, and some others. But Andy's introduced me to WTF: what the F&$@. I love it. I feel like its the slogan of my life, it could also be why the F&$@, which works too; especially for my life. Like WhyTF and I living in freakin Bay St. Louis??? WhyTF do I miss people I'm not supposed to miss???? I like that it can be WhyTF, instead of WhatTF...that works a lot better for me, why instead of what.

I wonder about so many things...wonder why about them. I guess it will always be like that.

Cammie's been in Fairhope, AL (aka Heaven) pretty much this whole week. I was supposed to join her, but Ben didn't send the entire amount of money he was supposed to. WTF!? So, tonight I'm "babysitting" Kate; while Andy is somewhere. My lagniappe for allowing my boss to party is a half a bottle of pinot grigio (which is weird b/c Cammie likes chardonnay...chilled), and the use of their dishwasher. Yes, I am that lazy. I would rather cart my enumerable dirty dishes to someone else's house and use their dishwasher, than wash them myself. WTF??? :)
But someday, I'll have a house with a dishwasher, a yard, a pool, and a great husband to mow it. Or maybe my great husband could wash the dishes for me, then I wouldn't need a dishwasher.
I put 3 red gummy bears in my pinot grigio...wonder if it will make it taste better. Probably not...WTF?

Well "Medium" is on, and thankfully its one of those shows that you don't have to religiously follow to understand. So, I'm going to watch it.

Stephens out.....

Flat Tire, Bridge Fest & Mother's Day

Mother's Day has come and gone...Lily was in TN with her Dad, so I hung out with Haley and Joe. We went to Slidell and ate at the worst restaurant in the world. This place gives you a 12oz NY Strip if its your birthday. Yuck...why can't they give you free drinks, or cake? It was right around the corner from Copeland's (the best), but it was packed and we thought that O'Henry's would be good. It wasn't. There wasn't anything wrong with it really, the food was just shitty; and so was the service; and it was just yucky.
Joe really wanted to go to Hobby Lobby (HobLob), because he'd never been there (still hasn't). I wanted to go too, to check out their yarn selection. It has to be better than Michael's!! We didn't go. Joe fell asleep, and Haley and I left him in the car while we shopped at Target (we left the car running, of course). He slept the whole way home, he was like a big floppy bear in the backseat. He's a doll. I got a new pair of shorts, and a new shirt...Haley bought some shirts, a skirt, and a dress. I love the shorts, its been so long since I've had shorts that weren't cut-off sweat pants! Yay! I am going to wear them to work tomorrow.
After that, Haley and Joe went home and took at nap...I watched the E!THS of Britney Spears, and then Hip Hop Wives. I went to Haley's house around 5:00, and on the way thereI heard this sound...I thought the back window might be cracked, and when it wasn't I knew I had a flat tire. That sucks...I got to Haley's started getting all the junk out of the back of my car, got the jack, and the other tools (I don't know what they're called) out. Looked up the "procedure" in my owner's manual...by that time Joe was there, and he kinda took over. The spare was under the car, in the back. "We" got it changed, and then went inside and had a beer. Once they started watching "Shawn of the Dead" I left...I don't/ didn't get it. Mom does get that stuff either.

Today is Bridge Fest. The Bay Bridge is opening, finally...nearly 2 years after Katrina. It seems rediculous that its taken this long...but I guess that's the government for you. I asked Andy what we were going to do, and he said drink. So, I guess I'll be having a beer or two. Haley is having a cookout at her house tonight (Club Suebe), and Mom actually tried to make me promise that I'd go. I will go, but I have to leave and watch Grey's Anatomy. I just wonder how many people will be there. She might cancel it...we'll see.

Lily isn't coming home until Sunday. I miss her so much, I don't even know what to do with myself. I can't wait to see her, and I don't see how I'm going to make it a month without her this summer.

I guess I better get back to work...I started this blog on Monday, and I was waiting on Haley to send me a picture she took of me jacking up my car. I never got it, probably was rejected as spam.
Oh well...adios

Surfs Up!

This picture was taken from the third story balcony of St Stanislaus College located next door to Our Lady of the Gulf church in Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi on the morning of August 29th, 2005. This is believed to be the initial tidal wave from Hurricane Katrina. The tidal wave was approximately 35 to 40 feet high. When it slammed into the beach front communities of Bay Saint Louis and Waveland Mississippi to completely destroy 99% of every structure along the beach for 9 miles and over ? of a mile inland. The destruction only started there. The flooding that continued inland destr oyed the contents of all but 35 homes in these two communities of approximately 14,000 people.


Isn't this creepy??? I can't imagine being the person that took this picture. I wonder what they were thinking? I haven't ever really seen anything regarding Katrina like this, it gave me chills.

I was going to copy and post the picture and me, Cammie, and Susan at Pat O'Brien's on Satruday; but I haven't gotten a copy yet. Cammie said she posted a better one on her blog...I looked at it, and I have the fattest head in the world! Thanks Cam!

This Week

This week was busy...Andy was out of town Tuesday & Wednesday. Tuesday was extremely uneventful - Amanda says you're either going 90 miles an hour, or at a dead stop - Wednesday, I barely had time to go to the bathroom. I love it when its like that, and when Andy's out of town it usually takes a day or two for things to "trickle down". I'm excited about Team Dixie-James...I stand to learn a lot from this job, and I am ready. I have started to really get a feel for what I do, how to "read" Andy, and what kinds of important info he's likely to leave out.

I really don't know how many people, or who all reads this blog. I wish it was more than it is. I wish that I "rated" enough for some of the LPC staffers to read this blog, however meaningless it is. It is a "window" to my thoughts, and that's something that I want people to have, but can't directly give them a ladder for them to get up to that window. I've felt much more introverted since I've been here...I think its partly b/c I am outside the LPC "clique", and because I tend to act like a turtle when I am out of my comfort zone. Dan gave Lily a sunflower, and its blooming...mom suggested that I invite Dan over to see it. Now, I know that she didn't mean to imply that I was inviting Dan over for any other reason than to see that sunflower; but the notion that it might be taken that way just is to much for me to handle. I feel like I "sympathize" with the "overweight, single woman"...that I'm invisible.

~~BOY, this blog is really all over the place!!!~~

But, sometimes I look at myself and think...I am pretty. I know I am a great person, and that my "looks" will fade. I just wonder about the person that God might have chosen for me: what do they like, how will we meet, what will be the deciding factor that makes us like each other? You meet people - men - and you sometimes don't think much of it...until you realize that you like that person. Oh well... just some left over bullshit from my last relationship.

I read Cammie's blog, and think...why don't I think like this? She's so thoughtful, and thankful. She seems well-rounded, and gets all her chores done. I remember when I used to do all that stuff. Except the laundry...I NEVER did the laundry. Until Lily and I lived alone, in Jasper. I always did the laundry there. I didn't have a washer and dryer to pile clean clothes on top of. Another tangent.......

Long story, short...I am happy, and satisfied here. I have grown to understand that I am different. My life is different, my family is different, and me and Lily and different from other mother/ daughter pairs. We're unique, and special...and we are making our own way.

So, from Cammie's borrowed laptop...I say "goodnight". And, Andy, if you read this...I sure do like having a laptop at home. :)

Rules of Mississippi

1. Pull your droopy pants up. You look like an idiot.

2. Let's get this straight; it's called a "gravel road." I drive a pickup truck because I want to. No matter how slow you drive, you're going to get dust on your Lexus. Drive it or get out of the way.

3. They are cattle. That's what they smell like to you. They smell like money to us. Get over it.

4. So you have a $60,000 car. We're impressed. We have $250,000 cotton strippers that are driven only 3 weeks a year.

5. So every person in every pickup waves. It's called being friendly. Try to understand the concept.

6. If that cell phone rings while a bunch of doves are coming in, we WILL shoot it out of your hand. You better hope you don't have it up to your ear at the time.

7. Yeah, we eat catfish &; crawfish. You really want sushi &; caviar? It's available at the corner bait shop.

8. The "Opener" refers to the first day of deer season. It's a religious holiday held the closest Saturday to the first of November.

9. Men open doors for women. That is applied to all women, regardless of age.

10. No, there's no "vegetarian special" on the menu. Order steak. Or you can order the Chef's Salad and pick off the 2 pounds of ham &; turkey.

11. When we fill out a table, there are three main dishes: meats, vegetables, and breads. We use three spices: salt, pepper, and Picante Sauce! ! Oh, yeah.... We don't care what you folks in Cincinnati call that stuff you eat... IT AIN'T REAL CHILI!! real chili never met a tomato!

12. You bring "coke" into my house, it better be brown, wet, and served over ice. You bring "Mary Jane" into my house, she better be cute, know how to shoot, drive a truck, and have long hair.

13. College and High School Football is as important here as the Lakers and the Knicks, and a dang site more fun to watch.

14. Yeah, we have golf courses. But don't hit the water hazards -- it spooks the fish.

15. Colleges? Try Mississippi State, Univesity of Mississippi or University of Southern Mississippi. They come outta there with an education plus a love for God and country, and they still wave at passing pickups when they come for the holidays.

16 We have more folks in the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines, than any other state, so don't mess with us. If you do, you will get whipped by the best.

17. Mississippi is the greatest state ever!! If you are from Mississippi you are bad dude !!!

Fun Times

I've been hanging out with Cammie...we've gotten together the past 2 nights. Its been really fun, and something I don't usually get to do. I went to the beach today with Cammie and Missy [Valesco], and our kids. It was really fun. I actually got some sun!!! And yes - mom - I wore sunscreen...spf 50. It was fun...Lily even got into the ocean, something she's NEVER done before. I was proud of her, she actually loosened up and had fun with Savannah. She's in the cloud bed at Cammie's right now. Andy is somewhere. He was supposed to go to New Orleans with Jordan, Erica, and Holly; but they ditched him. I think that sucks!!!!

Well, I'm watching "Intervention" with Cammie. I know I never blogged about 10 things you can only do in the Bay, but I can't think of anything good.

I've Still Got It!

Last night I was pondering the different men that have expressed interest in me...and wondering if I would ever meet a "good man". I've changed a lot since I was a teenager, not just my personality either. I've gained a lot of weight...a lot. So, of course, I'm always wondering if men find me attractive, in spite of my obvious addition to food. I've had no shortage of men in my life...but I guess now, that there's not a man in my life, I feel more like a blob.
But at lunch today, at Los Tres, I discovered that I've still got IT. Our waiter, Hector, came up to our table and told me that "chin-strap" chip server-dude likes me. I thought...oh, that guy...the flirt. Called me muy bonita the first time I was in there...and I've heard he's hit on several LPC people. Maybe not hit on them, but its known that he's a flirt. Hector tells us that dude is a little younger than he is...so we ask Hector, how old dude is. Seventeen, Hector said.

SEVENTEEN!!!!!

Holy Shit, that's nearly 9 years younger than me! I felt really old, and laughed to myself thinking...yeah, he wishes he could date me. And then I thought...doesn't he know that's illegal???? So, maybe I don't really have "it"...but I have something, something that attracts all the wrong men. I have idiot radar...if there's an idiot around, I must date him. So, this is my proclaimation, that I may be getting "old", and fatter every day...but I've still got it! [whatever "it" is]

Celebrities Have Cellulite Too!

Someone forgot to airbrush this photo...wonder if she got them fired??

Huh?

Is that Cammie's hat on Britney? So nice of you to share, Cam, since Brit's head is probably feeling a little cold these days.
Please tell me that is has Kate boogers in it! heheheheee!!!!

Life is Happening...

Every day, whether we like it or not. I stole my title from Andy's blog...but it seemed appropriate given what today has brought on. One of my very best friends had surgery today for ovarian cancer. I do not know the details, but I am sure doctors removed her ovaries and also took some of the tumor from her abdomen. Her sister emailed several of us this news today. I knew that she was going for tests yesterday, her doctor found that her liver and spleen were enlarged...I just couldn't imagine something this terrible. I know everything happens for a reason, and that God is in control; but I am selfish and I don't want to lose my friend and I don't want her to suffer. I couldn't take my eyes off the word "chemotherapy", in the email from her sister...just sat and stared and thought about the effects it will have on her body, and the way she will feel, and how scared she must be. I wish I could be there with her to encourage her. But I'm not. I guess that's what I'm struggling with the most, knowing that I can't just drive downtown to Parkridge and see her. I had to shut myself in the bathroom here...then Andy came to see what was wrong, I could hardly tell him. I didn't want to say it, it would make me cry more (ya'll who know me, know I hate to cry)...but I finally got it out. Then it was over...I started to calm down, to realize that God is in control.
Sometimes its just so hard to be a grown-up...Lily has no clue why her uncle Terry died, or what cancer is. She has no clue right now that one of my best friends in laid up in the hospital, scared that she's going to die. She is thinking about Tom Davis, how short the time was before he was gone...all I can do is pray, because life is happening.

Was I in the Hospital?

Nothing says "I love you" quite like a big bouquet of hospital flowers! Did I miss something? Did I have outpatient surgery??? Please tell me I had my stomach stapled!

I received these flowers from my "ex" boyfriend Jason...he ordered them on Monday, but failed to tell the florist anything but the name of the company I work for, and the city we're in. So, no surprise that I didn't get them Monday! Its not that they aren't pretty...they are...its that Jason always sends roses, and to get these is like a step down. Several steps down from roses. I don't even prefer roses...that's just what he sends! I am a creature of habit...and I am used to - when I get flowers from Jason - getting roses. If I was the one sending the flowers, and I sent him anything other than what I always send, he would be suspicious. They are pretty...the more I sit here and look at the picture, I do like them. They're just not what I'm used to. It would be like me going to Big River Grille, and the waiter telling me they are out of pepperjack nachos!
Yes, I am whining about the flowers, because they're not what I always get. How dumb is that?! Pretty dumb...


Stay tuned...for 10 things that you can only do in the Bay.

Ru Ru

This is Rudy, the clone of George. He's 10 months old, and weighs 7 lbs. Yeah, I'm his proud momma! He's such a good kitty!

Ho Hum...

Its just another day in the Bay...I'm the only one in the office, the doors are open so there's a nice breeze. Lori refuses to let us turn on the AC...I mean, we're allowed too, but she complains and turns it off. She thinks she is the queen of the world. I like her a lot, but she is loud and opinionated. But, we can all be loud and opinionated sometimes. The breeze is nice though...its been looking like it might rain, and the weather channel said scattered thunderstorms. I haven't seen a drop of rain yet though.
Kelly Conwell posted on my last blog. I've emailed her twice...but no response. I'm starting to think that my comment about missing talking to her [about her] may have offended her???? No, not Kelly! :)
I adopted a kitty today. I know Mom's gonna be pissed, but Lily and I have wanted a cat so long; but couldn't have one b/c we lived under my parents' jurisdiction. I thought, Haley has a house...we can all get together over there. I don't want them to stop coming over, but I can't keep telling Lily she can't have a cat. I want her to have a pet here...and the goldfish I got that time didn't work out. Plus, we're rescuing this sweet little guy from an animal shelter. We were going to get a puppy...but the more I thought about it, I realized that I don't have the time or the desire to have another "baby". And that's exactly what puppies are; they're like having another baby! Besides, I can make sure the cat is brushed all the time, and they make anti-dander shampoo.

Mom picked up my other phone, the one Jason had. He's a crazy person, nuf said. If you are my friend, you know what happened. Wait...do other people besides my friends/ family read my blog??? Nah...but once someone from Canada read a post of mine. I was so proud! :)

Better get to work.

Monday Monday...

Back in the Bay after a trip to Tennessee over the weekend...I was so anxious to get to TN (really Ft. O), and the drive up was nothing. But the drive back was so freakin long! I still haven't unpacked everything, it sucked to come home to things in boxes. Good new, Dad got my dryer hooked up and put up my new mailbox. I even got one piece of mail, but it wasn't addressed to me.

Here's the best part of my day: Celebs are just as fat and stupid looking when they're pregnant!!!! Tori Spelling could at least wear something cute, instead of this over-sized looking polo shirt and other crap. Geeze! I have better fashion sense!

My Beachy Bean

Lily in Gulf Shores, AL

Gulf Shores & All Kinds of Stuff

Last night was our first night in Maralago, the swanky house we're staying in. I say its swanky b/c I don't think I've ever stayed ina vacation house this nice. Its got 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and a golf cart you can drive to the beach. We all went to the beach today, and we were having a a great time until Lily tripped running from a wave and fell on her face in the surf. It was pitiful, she got all wet and we had to leave the beach for the day. She got her jacket wet, that's why we had to stay off the beach for the day...its so cold and windy.
Lily is enjoying being with Kate, and the other baby, also named Lily. Cammie and I went on a little bike ride last night; it was probably really late...didn't look at the time. Of course, I've been fighting non-stop with Jason since I've been down here. Funny how all that stuff he promised (supporting me, standing behind me, trusting me) went out the window when I got here. I guess he is just showing his true colors. He was all bent out of shape about me coming here, wanted to know what the sleeping arragements were/ are. I told him there were 3 bedrooms, but that wasn't good enough. He wanted to know who I was going to be sleeping with. He is so screwed up in the head...its so sad. Hard to believe that this is the person that was so wonderful, not 2 weeks ago. He just doesn't believe that I could possibly be faithful to him. I guess he's better off alone. I bought and sent him a cell phone, added a line to my plan. The phone was free, so its not like I'm out money on that...I sent it yesterday, so he should have it today. I haven't heard from him, but we didn't have the best conversation last night. I was a little tipsy and he (as usual) was being an asshole.
Lily is swimming...Andy and Kate were here, but they ditched us when Kate pooped her pants. Lily has befriended 2 older ladies, she is officially introducing herself to them now...getting their names, and sharing hers. I remember being like that when I was a kid...she's so sweet and cute. Her teacher at school told Mom that the studies were a little elementary for her. She's a freakin genius!!
We're about to go back to Maralago and I'm going to get a beer. Lily's gonna take a bath.

Thinking of you, during my first vacation in 3 years!

BSL

Well, I'm officially moved to the Bay...in 'my' house, and working. Lily started her new pre-k yesterday, and she really likes it. She played with a girl named Anna Marie yesterday-that's a good French, Catholic name.

Jason's been flaky...I've been going out with some women (Haley, and some Lagniappe women, and Cammie); so he has been really pissed about that. Saying, he knows how I am when I drink. I'm NOT getting blizted at Outback, ok! And yes, we did go thru a drive-thru daquiri hut; but I drank my daquiri when I got home. Well...some of it. It was frozen and too cold. Its in my fridge right now. Jason would DIE if he knew that I went to a drive thru daquiri hut! Hehehehe. I bought him a cell phone, added him to my plan; but now I'm rethinking whether or not I should send it to him. He's being such a moron...and he knows it too!

I am going to Gulf Shores with Andy, Cammie, and our girls...we're meeting up with his brother and sis-in-law and their daughter, Lily. Cammie and I bought the girls matching bikini's from Target. They're so cute! I am looking forward to having fun with friends.

Well, its time [probably] to get back to work. Andy is letting me off today at 2:00 so I can pack.

Is This a Chick?

nuf said...

The Kitchen of My "New" House

This is the kitchen of the house I'm renting...for $450/mo. Its about 900 sq/ft, and its SO cute. I paid a deposit on it today.

Among other news, I found out that I've been divorced since November, so I can marry! I am so thankful for the way things are turning out. Things are really falling into place for me [and Jason] living here. I am headed back to TN tomorrow to pack up my house and make my home in BSL!

The Realtors Down Here SUCK!!!!!

They don't give 2 shits about helping me find a place. I looked at a house in BSL that is cute, [smelled funny]...the realtor didn't really act like she cared one way or the other about showing it. Probably b/c she doesn't make any money from rentals. It is brick, 3/4 bedrooms, ONE bathroom...a "jack & jill" style bathroom. It has tile all through the house, which I don't like. I guess it would be easy to keep clean with 2 kids. I told the realtor that Jason and Kara would be moving down, called him my boyfriend...Mom was quick to interject that we were getting married.
She doesn't seem to like the idea of us getting married, and commented that I just can't wait [can I]. Its like parents don't remember that they went out on a limb when they got married. Jason and I know its going to be work, not every day, not ever week...but we will have to work at it. I haven't even felt like I understood before, or that the person that I was with understood that married/ longterm relationship would take WORK. It is very assuring to me. I am happy and I am confident. But still,"it feels right" isn't an acceptable reason to get married...not even I love him, he loves me, we want to have a family, BE a family.
I sent Jason flowers today, I guess he hasn't gotten them b/c he hasn't said anything about them. He called as I was pulling out of yet another apartment complex that didn't have anything available. I was/ am stressed and a little irritable and I know he could tell...I really miss him. I was walking on the beach yesterday and kept thinking how much better it would be to be walking while the girls played; with his arm around my shoulders. I can't hardly stand it!!! He is coming at the end of March.
Well...I'm sitting with Cammie and I'm done.
Later Gators!

My Beautiful [not that kind] Ring

Isn't it gorgeous!!! I love it. The only terrible thing is, I've lost a diamond! Jason is going to take it back tomorrow and do I don't know what with it. He's talked about another ring he says he should have bought. So, who knows...Thursday I may be posting a picture of a different ring! He was pretty ticked, since we've only had it a week. But I don't blame him. I couldn't help but laugh when I noticed the missing diamond...knowing he would be mad. He wants to make sure I have the best.

Things have really been great this week. We made a pact to have a great week. I am going to miss him so much! I don't even want to think about not being able to see him every day. Mom said it was good for her and Dad when they were in college. I just can't imaging much I'll miss him if he doesn't move.

Ok, enough mushy BS...geeze! Who has thrown up over my barfy blog??? :)

Yey for me!!!

Well...the countdown has begun, this morning when I clocked in. I currently have 33 hrs & 50 [work hours] minutes until I am FREE from Covenant!!!

I have been upset about leaving Jason behind, but we seem to have come to agreement on how to remedy that problem: He will move! Its gonna be big, for him and me. This is much more of a commitment than just "being boyfriend & girlfriend", for him to move all the way down there for me. I can't keep worrying that people will think we're rushing. I have to keep telling myself, I can't expect people to understand how we feel; I don't need people to understand how we feel. I just can't shake that thought...why do I crave approval? I really hope that instead of wondering what people will think, that I can just soke up the fact that I have something that few people find: someone who loves me, makes me laugh a million times a day, makes me feel beautiful, smart, funny, etc. Yes, we argue [over really dumb stuff], but who doesn't argue??? We always apologize, make up, and try as hard as we can not to do it again. He has made such progress and come so far, since this summer. He told me last night he would support and stand behind me not matter what. I don't think that's something he could have told Kallie. She didn't love him and respect him enough to have his love and respect. I just feel really good about it, and really happy. We're going to stay in our little bubble as long as we can...hope this bubble is stretchy!

Ick

Ohmiga....why are these people famous?
She's orange, and he's red (and has old man body going on). Jon Bon Jovi should kick him out of the band!















Denise Richards & Richie Sambora

Poor Doc-Man

Well, Mom & Dad decided while they were in town they should take Doc to the Vet and get his mega-roid checked out. Turns out, it was stage 4 inoperable cancer. Dootsie said Doc was in pain and there was nothing he could do for him. So, I guess Doc's already been put to sleep. Poor thing. I really never thought he would last this long, after Ivy died in the summer. But he actually seemed to enjoy being a widower. I don't know, maybe she nagged him a lot. Mom was upset about it, but so were Haley and I. I'm sure Dad is bummed too.

Jason told me last night that he returned the Valentine's gift he got me. I asked him what it was, and at first he wouldn't tell me. Then he told me it was a ring. NOT an engagement ring, but a big silver ring ("like the kind you wear" he said) with about 40 diamonds. It didn't bother me then, but he said that he could bear to give it to me knowing that I'm leaving for MS. Now that I think about it, seems like he should want me to have it in MS...to remind me. Not that I'm gonna forget that I have boyfriend until I look at my hand, but to remind me how we feel and what we have. I guess he doesn't think like that.

I found the cutest house in BSL! I love it, and can totally imagine me and the Bean living there.

Its 2 bedroom, 1 bath, hardwood floors. Its nice. Its listed with one real estate company, but the lady I'm working with - Sessie Manieri - can probably help me out and still get commission.

Lily is staying - alternately - with Ben and his parents until next Friday...I talked to him today, and he said that Lily has "enough on her mind right now" (he didn't want to tell her about Doc). I asked him what he meant; he said she is nervous about moving and going to a new school. I said that she will be going to a new school anyway...b/c she can't go to daycare forever. I think they are doing that on purpose. They're freaks.

Well, it snowed here. I didn't come in to work until about 11:30. I have been working on one wire all day. I am going to pack up my desk today. I have been thinking all day about what I'm going to eat for dinner tonight. I want something good.
Ok, break is WAY over...I actually started my break at 10 til 3:00! I'm not dedicated anymore...Carla is now!

Where Can I Get One of These?

Who Knew...

That sending invoices to UPS via FedEx was a bad idea???!!! Oh, the earth-shattering things that happen here!

Turned in my notice today!

BSL, here I come! ...well, in 2 weeks...

The Dora 'Do

This is Lily's new "Dora 'Do" (minus the dorky bangs). Haley cut it, and I asked her to "bob" it...Lily screwed up her face, and asked incredulously... "Like Bob the Builder???!!!" It was so funny! She was worried that Haley was going to cut her hair like Bob the Builder! Bless her. She loves it. It looks great on her. It lays really great, and stayed turned under even after her sleeping on it all night (in MY bed).

I am Dumb...

For saying this: "but I have Jason. He has pledged to help me out if I have surgery on my ankle. Such a sweet man, a good man."

By "good" & "sweet", I really meant "distrusting" and "irrational". Silly me!

For the record, NO I would NOT let a male friend kiss me. Wait...I don't have male friends! So, there is no way anyone [but Jason] would have a chance to kiss me. I am starting to think maybe I should find someone else to kiss though. Oh, I have Bean...I love her sugar (see previous post).

Thank God I'm Southern!

Only a Southerner knows the difference between a hissie fit And a conniption fit, and that you don't "HAVE" them, you "PITCH" Them.

Only a Southerner knows how many fish, collard greens, Turnip greens, peas, beans, etc., make up "a mess."

Only a Southerner can show or point out to you the general Direction of "yonder."

Only a Southerner knows exactly how long "directly" is, As in: "Going to town, be back directly."

Even Southern babies know that "Gimme some sugar" Is not a request for the white, granular sweet substance that Sits in a pretty little bowl in the middle of the table.

All Southerners know exactly when "by and by" is. They might not Use the term, but they know the concept well.

Only Southerners grow up knowing the difference between "right Near" and "a right far piece." They also know that "just down the road" Can be 1 mile or 20.

Only a Southerner, both knows and understands, the difference Between a redneck, a good ol' boy, and Powhite trash.

No true Southerner would ever assume that the car with the Flashing turn signal is actually going to make a turn.

A Southerner knows that "fixin" can be used as a noun, a verb, Or an adverb.

Only Southerners make friends while standing in lines, .... And when we're "in line," . We talk to everybody!

Put 100 Southerners in a room and half of them will discover They're related, even if only by marriage.

In the South, y'all is singular, .... All y'all is plural.

Southerners know grits come from corn and how to eat them.

Every Southerner knows tomatoes with eggs, bacon, grits, and Coffee are perfectly wonderful; that red eye gravy is also a breakfast Food; and that fried green tomatoes are not a breakfast food.

When you hear someone say, "Well, I caught myself lookin'," You know you are in the presence of a genuine Southerner!

Only true Southerners say "sweet tea" and "sweet milk." Sweet tea indicates the need for sugar and lots of it -- we do not Like our tea unsweetened. "Sweet milk" means you don't want buttermilk.

And a true Southerner knows you don't scream obscenities at Little old ladies who drive 30 MPH on the freeway. You just say ,"Bless Her heart" .... And go your own way.

New Bill of Rights

ARTICLE I:You do not have the right to a new car, big screen TV or any other form ofwealth. More power to you if you can legally acquire them, but no one isguaranteeing anything.

ARTICLE II:You do not have the right to never be offended. This country is based onfreedom, and that means freedom for everyone -- not just you! You may leavethe room, turn the channel, express a different opinion, etc., but the worldis full of idiots, and probably always will be...and like the rest of us youneed to simply deal with it.

ARTICLE III:You do not have the right to be free from harm. If you stick a screwdriverin your eye, learn to be more careful; do not expect the tool manufacturerto make you and all your relatives independently wealthy.

ARTICLE IV:You do not have the right to free food and housing. Americans are the mostcharitable people to be found, and will gladly help anyone in need, but weare quickly growing weary of subsidizing generation after generation ofprofessional couch potatoes who achieve nothing more than the creation ofanother generation of professional couch potatoes.

ARTICLE V:You do not have the right to free health care. That would be nice, butfrom the looks of public housing, we're just not interested in public healthcare.

ARTICLE VI:You do not have the right to physically harm other people. If you kidnap,rape, intentionally maim, or kill someone, don't be surprised if the rest ofus want to see you fry in the electric chair.

ARTICLE VII:You do not have the right to the possessions of others. If you cheat orcoerce away the goods or services of other citizens, don't be surprised ifthe rest of us get together and lock you away in a place where you stillwon't have the right to a big screen color TV, pool tables, weight rooms, ora life of leisure.

ARTICLE VIII:You don't have the right to a job. All of us sure want you to have a job,and will gladly help you along during hard times, but we expect you to takeadvantage of the opportunities of part time jobs, education and vocationaltraining laid before you to make yourself useful.

ARTICLE IX:You do not have the right to happiness. Being an American means that youhave the right to PURSUE happiness--which by the way, is a lot easier if youare unencumbered by an over abundance of idiotic laws created by those ofyou who were confused by the Bill of Rights.

My Week

Yesterday I got some new lipstick from Avon. I LOVE it!!! I also got Lily a "Little Mermaid" night gown, to which she proclaimed that "Avon has great stuff"! Bringing her up right! :)

Haley's in town, staying at mom and dad's. They're in Mississippi...its nice to have the feeling of being on my own, just cause I've never been on my own. I will probably crumble soon...but I have Jason. He has pledged to help me out if I have surgery on my ankle. Such a sweet man, a good man. Still going to therapy, I only have to go 2 more times after today. I'm glad, it sucks and I don't like it. Yesterday I came in and had to sit by a smelly girl until it was my turn. Ick...
Tonji's freaking about our over 60. Its gone up a million since last month...I only have a few accounts in my Q today, but its Wal-Mart and will probably take all day. But I've been told to work my over 60...we'll see how it looks when I print it. Another day in paradise. Jason didn't win the lotto last night, so I'll have to keep working.
A girl Ben used to date was on the news last night. She graduated from "Drug Court" in Chattanooga. Its a program where felony drug offenders can go thru rehab & counseling to get straight. Davina lost her kids, and was doing all kinds of drugs. I didn't get to watch the report, I forgot about it. I was disappointed b/c I wanted to see what she looked like. She used to look all hagged out...but Ben still dated her! Ick...

Alright...now I'm on hold with Wal-Mart, and probably will be until the afternoon. You always have to wait forever when you call the supplier hotline. Boooring!!!

Does she look like a Bratz Doll? Lily said she does...

Good Grief

Sometimes I get so frustrated with my job...week after week, sending the same invoices to the same pay agents, and week after week seeing they are still not on the web! Today Tonji coded all the dedicated accounts to me, coded my "baby" [Alcoa] to Cindy; along with a few others. Now I have 2 accounts that - by themselves - each take a day to work. Wondering how I'm going to do learning - once again - new accounts, contacts, website, etc. I know I'll do fine, that I'll get it...but I feel very stuck in a rut. I think its just today b/c I'm tired. So tired...I'm totally going to bed when Lily does, tonight.

I have my 2nd therapy appt today. I am already tired of going, really tired of the aircast and tennis shoes too. My ankle has been so sore since I started working it, but it feels better. I am getting over the limp, that I thought I'd always have. Starting to realize that its just weak...

Still haven't heard about the layoffs...Janette said Mary keeps putting her off. I'm not worried about it. Praying for God to make the choices I need to make very obvious to me...like smack me in the head. Told Andy that I was praying, and "confused" but that I might need a job by the end of the week. I don't know why I'm writing in incomplete sentences...so tired....yawn.

Cable, Cable, where for art thou Cable

Mom emailed me on Friday and said that Charter came and cut off Ray's cable. That meant my cable was also cut off...the thing is, cable is expensive! I thought about calling and asking how much it would be to get the cable turned back on (how much does Ray owe); and then thought, "what if Ray owes TONS of money?!". Anyway, I called Charter today and the cheapest package doesn't include Lily's favorite channel, and there's the "one time" set up/ installation fee of $40, plus the first month's bill in advance! I can't afford that! I know that's sad, but cable is not high on my list of things to pay for...so, for now we have no tv at all. It totally sucks!!! Since Ray started dating Princess, he's really let himself slide.

Jason is getting his taxes done today. He estimates he will be getting back $6000! That doesn't include Kallie's refund, that he gets b/c she's a loser "mom". I freaked out and asked him, how does he get that much back?! He files single/ zero all year, then claims Kara when he files. OOOHHHHH.....that explains it. I can't file like that. I have to claim exemptions, or I wouldn't get a pay check! :) He and I had a good weekend. Went to Stevarino's on Fridcay, and Big River Grille on Saturday with Bean. He called and said he wanted to take Mommy & the Bean out...so sweet! I started an afghan for him yesterday, which I'll probably finish quickly since I have nothing else to do once Lily goes to bed. That sucks out loud. Ray sucks!

Break is over, and I'm slacking.

Wednesday

This is the watch that Jason gave me for xmas...the watch that I lost/ smashed on my patio. He won't stop asking me about it, or bringing it up. I found one online, and I'm going to buy it. Worth it to me, so I can stop talking about it. [mom, learned my lesson OK]

He and Kara are coming over tonight, and I have to cook homemade pizza. I don't want to. I would rather him just take us to Stevarino's, but I made a big deal out of me cooking. Stupid me! I am still not really in the mood to have company tonight, really just want to go home and get in bed ASAP. Very tired...

Covenant is going through another lay off...this time its our Reefer Div that is getting "cut". Covenant, in essence, "traded" 200 trucks and drivers to SRT; who we just happen to own. There were people laid off in ops this AM that have been here 10 years! And my friend Ally gets her choice of 2 newly created jobs to choose from. Twisted, I know... Turns out that lots of my dedicated customers are reefer. I'm not worried though.

Chatt State-Kimball called me today...there is an opening starting today in cosmetology. Too bad I need insurance!

Tomorrow is my first physical therapy appointment. Wondering how that will go, and if it will hurt. I'm a wimp, I guess. Janet goes tomorrow too.

Well, break is over. Jason doesn't understand why I blog. Tried to explain its a way to vent w/out having to actually face someone, or get any input back.

Why do CNA's think that 6 weeks of butt-whiping makes them "nurses"???

Mom took Lily back to the doctor with another boil today. He lanced it, and reported to my mom that [in the future] no one should should squeeze, poke, or otherwise bother her boils. This doesn't come as news to me, but it will to Belinda. I immediately called Ben after speaking to Mom, to explain that any future boils she has cannot be rubbed with the long part of a needle, squeezed, etc. He countered..."what's the difference with Dr. Meredith 'lancing' it, and Mom squeezing it?". I explained that Meredith is a medical professional, and Belinda is not, he is not, and I am not. That is why we took her to the Doctor. If we could know what to do in all medical situations, just by taking classes for 6 weeks...there wouldn't be doctors!
I am going to call her tonight, just to make sure my point is clear. Ben said he would call her, but he is so self-absorbed, he'll probably forget.

Another day in the life of Ben's ex-wife!

Good News Update: tomorrow I get to have lunch with Jason. Who, glad to say, handled hearing about Stephen McCloud very well...even when the replays of our conversations got weird.

Break is over, and I'm breaking the rules...so later!

How cute is this?? !!

Caity & Sydney Phillips...aren't they cute? Well, I guess I should say Caity is pretty; since she's almost 17!

Syd's so TINY!

I can't think of anything else to blog...

Sorry, I'm a loser. :)

What's Gonna Happen in 2007?

Our New Year's weekend was nice. Lily and I hardly did anything; she wasn't feeling good. Her Doctor's office called in some nose spray, and she took it so well. She is such a good girl.
Had some Champaign with Jason, toasted this new year...watched the ball drop and felt sorry for Dick Clark.

Mom & Dad are leaving for Mississippi this week. Dad "won" the bid on Toni Larroux's house...not sure how long they'll be gone. Mom said she was going to driver her car and come back in a few days. Made me wonder why she's even going with him this time? I haven't heard anything from Jean about this job at Lagniappe. Dad keeps telling me to sit tight, but I'm not planning anything b/c I don't know what the "plan" is yet.

Things between me and Jason are smooth now, since Diane kicked some sense into him last week. I know that if/ when I decide to move to MS, he will flip out. I am feeling very unsure about the future...where I will live, who I will be close to, what my job will be. My leg is another thing that is weighing on my mind. I am going back to Chandra on the 4th, but I really feel like he's taken a more conservative approach...but what do I know. I just wish it would get better, I worry about breaking it again. It was so painful.

Found out some things at work last week that were hurtful...thankful it was on Friday that I found out, and that Friday was a short day.

Well, I have 4 minutes till lunch is over...I need to go get water.
[CLICK ON THE BALL LINK TO READ HISTORY OF THE NYE BALL]