Blogsitting

Richmond and I are blogsitting for VWBug while she is playing in the Mouse House and Fish Tank.

So, I'm hanging out over there since the eight people that read my blog are out of town this weekend partying either in Texas or Florida.

Warped Reality

Somebody shrank all my clothes. I bet it was that bloated, evil woman with homicidal thoughts staring at me in the mirror this morning. Gott I hate her.

Ouch, I tagged Myself.

I found this Meme at Richmonds and tagged myself. Because I'm vain and had nothing else to talk about.

1. Were you named after anyone?Yes, but unintentionally, at least on my mother's part. My mother intended on naming me Suzanne Marie. When she woke up several days after a very rough c-section, she found out my father had named me after her. Well, first name only. Where my middle name came from one can only guess. She said she was soooooooo mad at him. She found out when the nurse brought her the birth certificate to sign.

2. Do you wish on stars?Absolutely, but I think they are someone else's.

3. Do you like your hand writing?When I take my time.

4. What is your favorite meat?Seafood. Any kind. Cooked anyway.

5. What is the most embarrassing CD on your shelf?CD? No, folks, it's a cassette. Disney's Little Mermaid and Friends. I don't even know where it came from or why I still have it. I have all boys. This just doesn't fit.

6. If you were another person, would YOU be friends with you?Definitely. I am a great friend to have.

7. Are you a daredevil?If taking calculated risks count. And it doesn't involve heights, fast drops or going upside down.

8. When was the last time you cried?Full on boo-hooing?? When my best friend died in February. The little pools behind the eyes? Once a month.

9. Did you ever tell a secret you weren't supposed to?Depends on your point of view. I didn't know it was supposed to be a secret. I thought it was just a fact. Evidently, she didn't see it that way. Opps.

10. How do you release anger?Go on longs walks by myself and rant and rave like a lunatic. After that, I can be rational and discuss things.

11. Where is your second home?In the Bahamas with my Sweetie.

12. Do you trust others easily?Yes and no. I give people the benefit of the doubt but I will take a while to get to know you on a personal level. Therefore, I have long and dear friends but not many acquaintances.

13. What class in college do you think is totally useless?I have found that I use most of them as I gravitate through my life. I just wish I could remember the details. I'll encounter a situation and go, "Oh, yeah. I remember something about that."

14. Have you ever been in a mosh pit?No. And for the love of Mike, why would you ever?

15. What do you look for in a guy?Someone kind and considerate. Honest. Affectionate. And has a great laugh.

16. Would you do a bungee jump?Not a chance.

17. What's your favorite ice cream flavor?Turtle Tracks.

18. What is your least favorite thing?Mosquitoes.

19. How many people do you have a crush on right now?Just my Sweetie. And of course my 3 boys. But, that's a given.

20. What do you miss most right now?Daily companionship. My Sweetie and I have a long distance relationship right now. We only spend time with each other every couple of months. This is just how things have to be right now and I accept that and usually it doesn't bother me. But, after spending time with him, I miss the little things. Drinking coffee and reading the paper together. Evening walks and holding hands. Those sort of things. The distance is temporary so I can handle it.

21. What are you listening to right now?One of my best friends. She's on the phone rambling and rambling. I don't get to talk much but that's okay. Love ya Linnaya :)

22. What is the weather like right now?Sunny and 85. Gorgeous!

23. Last person you talked to on the phone?See #21. She laughed when I told her what I wrote.

24. The first thing you notice about the opposite sex?Depends. Is he walking towards me or away from me?

25.Favorite drink non-alcoholic?Virgin Strawberry daiquiris.

26.Favorite alcoholic drink?I haven't had a drink in two years.

27. Haircolor?Blonde (Though it is getting darker as I get older...) And now, it's getting lighter thanks to Ms. Clairol.

28. Eyecolor?Blue

29. Wear contacts?No. I should wear glasses all the time except for reading. But, I usually don't. You really don't want to be on the road with me. I have limited depth perception.

30. Last movie you watched?Flight Plan.

31. Favorite day of the year?My Birthday. Because it's my day!

32. How many people have a crush on you right now?The only one that counts is my Sweetie.

33. Scary movies or happy endings?Happy endings. I am a sap, and an optimist. And I just can't do scary movies (nor do I want to).

34. Summer or winter?Spring, Summer, Fall. Winter, sucks. And I live in Florida. You people up North are nuts.

35. What book/magazine are you reading at the moment?Fundamentals of Inventory Management and Control. Sounds fun, huh?!

36. What's on your mouse pad?Water ripples.

37. What did you watch on TV last night?Nothing. There's never anything on.

37.Favorite Smell?Fresh, clean, pillow cases. Walking pass The Yankee Candle. Driving pass The Maxwell House Plant.

38. Do you regret ever breaking up with someone?I regret that I broke someone's heart. But, I don't regret moving on. We just weren't in the same place at the same time and probably never would have been.

39.Favorite actor/actress?I don't really have a favorite.

Not ready to say Goodbye

I did a quick trip home to P'cola this weekend. My first time home since my best friend, Dawn, died in February. I had time and intentions to visit her gravesite. I couldn't bring myself to do it. I wasn't able to attend the funeral so going to her gravesite will make it final in my mind. I guess. I don't know. I just know I couldn't do it. I didn't call her family or anything. It was hard enough not picking up the phone and calling her the second I got in. Maybe next time I'll be able to do it. Now evidently just isn't the time.

Seasons of Love and the Sound of Music

Seasons of Love (from the musical RENT)


Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes,
Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Moments so dear.
Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes
How do you measure, measure a year?

In daylights, in sunsets, in midnights
In cups of coffee
In inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife.

In five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes
How do you measure
A year in the life?

How about love?
How about love?
How about love? Measure in love

Seasons of love. Seasons of love

Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes!
Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Journeys to plan.

Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes
How do you measure the life
Of a woman or a man?

In truths that she learned,
Or in times that he cried.
In bridges he burned,
Or the way that she died.

It's time now to sing out,
Tho' the story never ends
Let's celebrate
Remember a year in the life of friends
Remember the love!
Remember the love!
Seasons of love!

Oh you got to got to Remember the love! remember the love,
You Measure in love know that love is a gift from up above Seasons of love.
Share love, give love spread love Measure measure you life in love.
______________________________

I love this song. Absolutely love it! I heard it for the first time tonight. Our School chorus sang it. Our music director presented it to them two days ago. Just two days ago. I can't remember a song if I hear it for two months let only two days. I was impressed. Beautiful voices. They will sing this for Graduation. What a group of kids. These boys and girls range in age from 11 to 18. Yes, we are a combined middle/senior high school. Not only are some of them very young, our Chorus program is small and our band director is now teaching the Chorus because of cutbacks. I don't think he ever sees his own wife and kids because he is always with ours. I was so proud of this Chorus and I don't even have kids in it. Mine can't sing. That's why they're in the band.

This was part of our annual Spring Concert. This is a time for parents to see why they have sacrificed all their hard earned money and eardrums. The beginning band played the standard Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, Go Tell Aunt Rhodie and Kookaburra.

This took me back to Chowhound's beginning year. He started in music in the 5th grade. It was the first and last year they had a music program at that Elementary School. I have MTV to thank for directing Chowhound into music. They gave a one year grant for a teacher and instruments to the elementary school. Unfortunately, further funding wasn't available and the instructor was let go and the instruments donated to the Middle/Senior High School. But, the music bug had bitten Chowhound and his soul was infected with the sweet rhythm. At age ten, he began playing the Tenor Sax. That was the instrument he chose. He later confessed that he didn't know the names of the instruments and what he really wanted to play was the Tuba. This was fate. I love the sax and am sooooooooo glad I didn't have to listen to a beginning Tuba player. It was bad enough when he started, it sounded like a cruise ship departing. His brothers ran around yelling, "All Aboard!".

It's hard to believe he has been doing this for six years now. Tonight he played the bass clarinet for the High School Band Selections. Then he played his Sax for the Jazz Band performance. They played My Funny Valentine and 25 or 6 to 4. I didn't recognize the last song until they played. Then it was like, Hey! That's Chicago! Wow, I love it when I recognize the songs. Chowhound played a solo on the Sax. I was so proud.

I only thought I was beaming. Then, he played his solo on the MarimbaHe played Yellow after the Rain. Last month, he performed this for the state competition and received an excellent. It was the first time he had ever gone to State. As he was walking up on stage, the woman sitting next to me commented to her husband, "What a handsome young man he is." I about came out of my chair with excitement going "THAT'S MY SON!" She gave me that look like ok lady, settle down. I think she even scooted her chair further from mine.

It was great night. Unfortunately, Daredevil had to work so he didn't get to perform tonight. He plays anything they let him beat on. But, he is headed to Tallahassee in the morning for the Regional Track competition. He is pumped about it. I wish I could be there to watch but Improviser and I are headed to Pensacola to pick up his car he is buying from his Grandmother. Then, Sunday Chowhound is performing at one of the Universities here. Busy, busy weekend.

Job Opening

Position: Mother, Mom, Mama, Mommy

Job Description: Long term, team players needed, for challenging permanent work in an, often chaotic environment. Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts on call. Some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities. Travel expenses not reimbursed. Extensive courier duties also required.

Responsibilities: The rest of your life. Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until someone needs $5. Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly. Also, must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf. Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges, such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets and stuck zippers. Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and coordinate production of multiple homework projects. Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks. Must be willing to be indispensable one minute, an embarrassment the next. Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a half million cheap, plastic toys, and battery operated devices. Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. Must assume final, complete accountability for the quality of the end product. Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility.

Possibility For Advancement & Promotion: Virtually none. Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills, so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you.

Previous Experience: None required unfortunately. On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.

Wages And Compensation: Get this! You pay them! Offering frequent raises and bonuses. A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because of the assumption that college will help them become financially independent. When you die, you give them whatever is left. The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that you actually enjoy it and then wish you could only do more.

Benefits: While no health or dental insurance, no pension, no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and no stock options are offered; this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth and free hugs for life if you play your cards right.

Incredible Photos

If you haven't been over to look at the Photographs of the Year International yet and viewed their Winner's Gallery you really should. There are some awesome photos there.

This is the First Place Winner in Newspaper Division for General News Reporting.

First Place Todd Heisler The Rocky Mountain News

When 2nd Lt. James Cathey's body arrived at the Reno Airport, Marines climbed into the cargo hold of the plane and draped the flag over his casket as passengers watched the family gather on the tarmac. During the arrival of another Marine's casket last year at Denver International Airport, Major Steve Beck described the scene as one of the most powerful in the process: "See the people in the windows? They'll sit right there in the plane, watching those Marines. You gotta wonder what's going through their minds, knowing that they're on the plane that brought him home," he said. "They're going to remember being on that plane for the rest of their lives. They're going to remember bringing that Marine home. And they should."

This is the second place winner in the same category:

Second Place Todd Heisler The Rocky Mountain News

The night before the burial of her husband's body, Katherine Cathey refused to leave the casket, asking to sleep next to his body for the last time. The Marines made a bed for her, tucking in the sheets below the flag. Before she fell asleep, she opened her laptop computer and played songs that reminded her of 'Cat,' and one of the Marines asked if she wanted them to continue standing watch as she slept. "I think it would be kind of nice if you kept doing it," she said. "I think that's what he would have wanted."

I was overwhelmed when I saw these photographs. A personal glimpse into the lives of those protecting our freedom and what they have endured and sacrificed. It really makes it hit home.

Who do you look like?

Ever wonder which celebrity you look like? Me neither. But, actually this was fun. Hat tip to Sadie and Oddybobo for providing the link to My Heritage. Down load a photo and it scans it and compares it to a celebrity database.

My results were interesting. I actually did three different photos to see if I had the same results in any of them. Nope. Not once. Once it scans the pictures, it presents you with male and female celebrities. There was a huge difference in my look alikes there.

Here's what I got:

In the female category:

Photo 1:
53% Nancy Sinatra
48% Elle Macpherson

Photo 2:
55% Sally Field
54% Reese Witherspoon
52% Britney Spears

Photo 3:
I only had 2 female matches. One was an older lady and the other was an African-American. I must have had a bad hair day and wasn't photogenic this day.

In the male category I got
67% Gordon Cooper
64% George W. Bush
54% Lee Harvey Oswald
53% Gene Hackman

I am so glad I was born female.

My Sweetie was 60% Tom Selleck and 59% John Travolta.

Who do you look like?

Get Well Soon my Little Rue

My sweet little Bahama Mama Rue was attacked by another dog today (she lives in the Bahamas with my Sweetie). She is home and recovering. She needed stitches in four different places (puncture wounds). Poor little cutie. The vet said she will be fine. Traumatized but fine.

The stupid, mean dive shop dog snatched her out of the truck by her head and started shaking her. As soon as my Sweetie got her out of the other dogs mouth, he had to hold her back because she was going after the stupid mutt. She was going to tear him to bits. She's little but she's tough.

Sweetie said he's going to get her an earring now that she has a hole in her ear. Good thing the other dog didn't grab her by the mid-section, she'd be getting a belly ring. I think she needs extra treats and attention.

Get well soon Rue.

Not Good

Teenagers.

Boxing Gloves.

Both in my house.

I will be gone all day.

This can't be good.

And the winner is...

There is another winner of the Darwin Award. Did you see this? Another stupid criminal is killed and they question what should happen to the dogs who mauled him.

COMPTON, Calif. -- A man was mauled to death by
three GUARD dogs after he jumped the
fence at a metalworking company in Compton Sunday.

The dogs are at a shelter. They'll be quarantined until county
animal control officers decide their fate. (emphasis mine)

Hello. What did I miss here? A man jumps a fence. He did not walk through a gate. He. Jumped. It. Which tells me it was locked and he didn't have permission to be there. The GUARD dogs attacked him. They are GUARD dogs. Duh! It's their job. They did their job. He did not steal anything and we don't have to pay any court or jail fees. Now they quarantine the dogs until they can determine their fate. Give them a steak. Reward them and let them get back to work. They didn't have to use force to make the dogs stop. "They ordered the dogs away without using weapons". The stupid idiot got what he deserved. It doesn't state that there were signs posted but it doesn't matter. If you have to jump a fence to get in somewhere you obviously aren't supposed to be there. They should just return the dogs to the company. I bet no one else ever jumps the fence there again. The sad part is that they will probably destroy the dogs and the idiot's family will sue the company and get a bunch of money. It's terrible that he was killed but he shouldn't have been doing it in the first place.

The Beast is Loose

Chowhound is now the Sexy Beast. At least that is his description of himself. It seems that girls have discovered Chowhound and his ego is so inflated you can't stand in the room with him.

Chowhound is in the band as well as crosscountry and track. So he stays busy and is involved but has always been extremely shy. He has had a few "girlfriends". You know, the kind that last from 2nd period to 5th and then they are "going out" with someone else. Well, last week at an away trackmeet two girls were flirting with him. Pump, Pump, Pump. Let's start inflating the ego. Then a few days later two girls in the neighborhood stopped him as he walked down the street and were flirting with him. He ran into them again Friday evening. One of the girls told him he was HOT and asked for his phone number! OMG what a monster she created. He was doing Charles Atlas poses in front of the sliding glass doors that night admiring his reflection and calling himself a sexy beast.

Then it got worse. Yesterday, he spent the day up at this school helping his Band Director rearrange equipment and build shelves and such. There were a group of the band kids up there on a Saturday volunteering their time so the Band Director decided to treat them to dinner at a local BBQ place. The Director went to the counter to pay and all the kids went outside to wait on him. Well, he came outside snickering and grinning. It seems the waitress, who was 16, gave him her phone number. FOR CHOWHOUND. She thought the Director was Chowhound's father and asked him if she could give him her number and ask Chowhound to call her. Now, you can't stand in the same room with him.

This is my baby. He just turned 16. He is 5'11" and weighs about 150. He does work out some with weights and does push ups, situps and jogs about 10 -15 miles per week. He has the washboard abs. But, his ribs poke out and you can watch his heartbeat. Apparently, 16 year old girls find this attractive.

I thought I was ready for my boys to grow up. But, not my baby. He has always been the one to help me out without asking and quick to give me a hug. I can't believe what a wonderful young man he has become. All my boys for that matter. I guess in a mother's eyes her boys always look like toddlers. It's hard to think that in just a few short years they will be exploring the world and trying to figure out their lives. So scary. It's scary letting them make mistakes. You know they are being stupid but there is nothing you can do but let them learn for themselves. But, there is pride too. A whole lot of pride. I beamed like the sun last year when Improviser walked across the stage in his cap and gown. Now, he is applying to colleges and starting to move on. Next year Daredevil will graduate and he wants to go into the military. That is scary for me. Then, it will be Chowhound's turn. He is already researching music scholarships. And now girls are coming into the picture. Oh, I feel old suddenly.

Today is NO HOUSE WORK DAY!

In honor of NO HOUSEWORK DAY, I think every woman should have the cleaning hunk. (Oh Man, I could watch him work alllllllllllllllllll day long.)

We all know what happens when we just quit for the day.

A man came home from work and found his three children outside, still in their pajamas, playing in the mud, with empty food boxes and wrappers strewn all around the front yard. The door of his wife's car was open, as was the front door to the house and there was no sign of the dog. Proceeding into the entry, he found an even bigger mess. A lamp had been knocked over, and the throw rug was wadded against one wall. In the front room the TV was loudly blaring a cartoon channel, and the family room was strewn with toys and various items of clothing. In the kitchen, dishes filled the sink, breakfast food was spilled on the counter, the fridge door was open wide, dog food was spilled on the floor, a broken glass lay under the table, and a small pile of sand was spread by the back door. He quickly headed up the stairs, stepping over toys and more piles of clothes, looking for his wife. He was worried she may be ill, or that something serious had happened.He was met with a small trickle of water as it made its way out the bathroom door. As he peered inside he found wet towels, scummy soap and more toys strewn over the floor. Miles of toilet paper lay in a heap and toothpaste had been smeared over the mirror and walls. As he rushed to the bedroom, he found his wife still curled up in the bed in her pajamas, reading a novel. She looked up at him, smiled, and asked how his day went. He looked at her bewildered and asked, "What happened here today?" She again smiled and answered, "You know every day when you come home from work and you ask me what in the world did I do today?" "Yes," was his incredulous reply. She answered, "Well, today I didn't do it."

O.R.E.O. Gone in sixty seconds

That's about how long it take for two teenagers to devour a package of oreo cookies and a half gallon of milk.

Chowhound enlightened me on the art of dunking oreos in milk. I stood there in awe of his technique. A master oreo eater. He should be in commercials.

Apparently, the rules state that first you drown them. He holds them under the milk until all the air bubbles are gone. Then, the procedure gets tricky. He quickly but precisely got the dripping cookies in his mouth without any milk getting on the counter. Oh, did I mention he eats them two at a time. That makes them Double Double stuffed oreos. Then came the challenge round. A three dunker. Yes. He did it. He managed to get three drowning, dripping oreos in his mouth without making a mess. He isn't called Chowhound for nothing.

Urgent Holiday Alert!!!

URGENT! URGENT! EMERGENCY NOTICE!

I'm late in spreading the word but this holiday desperately needs to be recognized.

Tomorrow, April 7, is NO HOUSEWORK DAY!

Yes, it's official. You have the excuse to say NO and not feel guilty.

There's two ways to celebrate this day:

If you normally do the housework around the house, cease and desist for this day. Instead, kick back and enjoy the day. Relax and do anything, except housework.

If you are a spouse or significant other, do the housework for your mate. It gives her (or him) a break from the housework. And, you just might get an appreciation of how much work it takes to keep up the house.

Quickly, spread the word. Send out notices. Burn your brooms. No housework tomorrow!

What's the proper response?

Men always talk about women and the dreaded "Does this make me look fat?" question and how to respond with the most positive results. Well, I have a question. Why do men always seem to ask "So where were you, with your other boyfriend?" Why do they ask that? Is it supposed to be comical? Is it suspicion hidden in jest? Is it insecurity? What is the best way to answer the stupid question?

I hate this question. I hate it with a passion. It irritates the hell out of me. I don't know if maybe I just read too much into it or what. I take it as a personal attack on my integrity and trust. Maybe I take it too personally. Every man I have had a serious relationship with ask this at some point. And of course, the truthful answer is I don't have another boyfriend. It is not even in my thoughts. I usually answer it with the rolling my eyes and a whatever or I start telling every little detail of my day so he doesn't think I'm lying.

Do men just need this reassurance or are they just making a joke? Is it just me that this bothers? How do other people respond to this question?