So, Just Kidding

We didn't close on the house today...looong story. But, hopefully we'll close within the next week before Hubby J returns to AK. God's still good, but my patience isn't really; gotta work on that. We got a lot done today regarding necessary errands that needed running in the midst of the moving, so that's a positive, and I shouldn't complain...so, I won't. Tomorrow is another day, and maybe that'll be the day we finally close...here's hoping.

Closing to Open

It's June 30th, and Hubby J and I are closing on the house today...the last day of the contract. His dad, who is a general foreman and skilled carpenter just happens to be in town this week, and he's offered to "help" with a few things. Mom, Ash and Aunt T are going to help with the unpacking and watching of Baby Girl, so we'll be unpacked in no time!! God is good, ya know?

Fishin' Fun

Yesterday I went to B'port Lake with my step-dad and step-sister. We were fishing for crappie, and of course they caught a few, but my reel adventure consisted of half a dozen nibbling perch and one drum. First, perch are cute, but after they took my bait for the 20th time I wasn't feelin' the love anymore. Second, getting one's line hung up on the bottom feels an awful lot like hooking a fish at first. Third, the life of a minnow is sad. I am kind of a girly girl when it comes to some things...hair, makeup, clothes (at times), but I'm not afraid to get dirty, and it's actually a welcome change now and then. Not to mention, if I can handle poopy diapers by gosh I can handle some worm and fish guts...no offense Baby Girl. Captain Ahab has nothin' on me:)

Okay, Okay, Okay

We're supposed to close on our house today or Monday, which is the last day in the present contract, lovely. But, I have faith we'll close soooon. Hubby J is flying in from Alaska to stay a week...just in time to help unpack...hehe! He's assured me he'll have "lots of work" to do:) That's alright...he knows I'm uber picky about the placement of things:) To sum it up: It's Friday, we're about to get a new home, my hubby's flying in, and my family has been awesome and supportive through the entire process; I'm a happy girl.

Guitar Heroine

My brother is pretty darn good at the X-Box Guitar Hero game. I'm not a huge fan of video games, although, I wouldn't mind having a Wii, but I digress. I don't usually play video games, but I love challenging my brother to a few rounds of Guitar Hero...whether I present much of a challenge is moot. So, what if he plays on expert, and I play on medium...at least I've graduated from beginner!! And, so what if he beats me every stinkin' time...I still love to play:) And, for the record, I beat him TWICE at Heart's "Barracuda"...I think he's embarassed to practice that one...HA!

Angels Among Us

Angels fascinate me. Frank Peretti's books, "This Present Darkness" and "Piercing the Darkness" delve into spiritual warfare, and he is able to portray the spiritual realm in a way I've never thought about it before. Angels and Demons are all around us, fighting it out for our sakes. Demons of depression, anger and suffering are fought off by our guardian angels who are made stronger by our faith. The Bible leaves no question...angels are real, and I believe they're all around us...some we may see and don't know we're seeing...others are hovering and protecting.

I decorated my daughter's room with angels, and I pray always that God keeps her angel strong and close to her. Thanks, Mom, for the angel e-mail...got me to thinking!

I Would Like to Recommend...

a great book for anyone out there wondering what all the fuss is about regarding literature. This book, in an easy to read format, explains why some literature is thought by so many to be great and how to dissect and examine it in order to determine what it really means. At the end Foster gives a rather lengthy suggested reading list, which comes in handy when you just want to browse at B&N or Half Price and aren't sure what to look for. Try it, and like Stephen King says...[give the author a few hours of your time, and if you don't like him, wish him well and move on].

Speaking of King, his "On Writing" is fantastic and contains a suggested reading list at the end as well.

Leasing Luxury

I've always loved luxury cars...never owned one and not sure if I ever will. But, Hubby J and I have been talking about leasing a car, which makes luxury more affordable, and I'd for sure stay within my mileage limits living close to work. We've test driven an Infiniti FX45 before, and the windows were a bit too squinty from the driving perspective, but man, they are sweeet lookin' cars. Now, there's the Infiniti FX50 (bottom pic) They're loaded with everything...power, safety, beauty, you name it. I may try them again, because...well, just look at it!! But, I'd also be happy with the new Mazda CX-9 (middle pic) or Lincoln MKX (top pic)...car dreaming is so much fun:)

Kermit Love...Whatta Name!

Kermit Love has died, and no, I didn't know who the guy was either. But I do now and would be happy to share. He created the Big Bird costume on Sesame Street, along with other popular characters. He did a fantastic job! I've always thought that Big Bird's feathers were just right:) He left behind quite a legacy. And between you and me, Elmo gets way too much screen time on the Street.

Candy, Memories and Soap

I seem to always have favorite, random things that I love about someone's home. For example, my Nanny used to keep orange slice candy on her coffee table, yum. My Aunt has a wall of pics of various members of her immediate and extended family; I look at them every time. Among the many things I love about my Mom's is the kind of soap she puts out in her bathrooms and kitchen. She's crazy about them, and there have been times that I've picked them up for her, you know, since I was already going to be at the mall:) PearBerry is my fav during the summer...LOVE it.

Family-Part II

Adam- He's my "little" brother, and we've pretty much always gotten along; no sibling rivalry here. Since I can remember I've always respected and loved him. He's a headstrong, goal-oriented, hard working guy who deserves the best life has to give. Funny tidbit about him, to me at least, is that instead of saying "I beg to differ", he used to say "I beg thee differ". He's 21 now and has since corrected that. It's just nice to know that even if noone else did, he would have my back.

Ashley - She's my first cousin, and she really, really does have a heart of gold. I told her the other day that she's probably the nicest person I know, but she can still hold her own. She's been helping me pack for the move, and not only is she crazy fast, but she does it with a smile. We grew up together, and riding to school when we were younger consisted of singing all the commercials on the radio..."KRJT, Radar Weather"! Anyway, she's one of my favorite people in this world, and I'm blessed to know her.

Proud...Always

With all of the "not so proud to be an American" syndrome going on lately, I just wanted to take this moment to say that I am and have always been proud to be an American and a Texan. I respect people from all walks of life in every different country in this world, and if they do not return that respect, so be it. Too many people seem to be basing their pride on how others view them/us as a country. It doesn't make sense. As I see it, those who have given their lives over the past 230 years to keep this country free did not do so in order for other countries to like us. They fought for proud Americans wanting to live in this country freely. So, ladies and gents, we should suck it up in the bad times, keeping our heads held high... not looking for someone who promises an overnight Utopia. Sorry, Will.

So Over Oprah

I used to be one that would defend the Oprah against her haters. I pointed out how giving she was, and hey, at least tried to relate to her fellow man. However, I'm over it. Consider me a part of the throng of Oprah-poo-pooers. Here's why: After packing all afternoon I sat down to do some laundry...fun times. Anyway, switched to Oprah, and the topic of her show was how discovering one's past life can lead to overcoming phobias in one's present life...what the what? A New Earth is bad enough, now reincarnation...seriously? So, I'm done. Will I watch her show again? "O-prah-bably-not:)

Best Professor...Ever.

Dr. Paul Menzer teaches Shakespeare at the University of North Texas. I had the outstanding opportunity to take two of his classes within the same semester, and it was my favorite semester out of the entire four years. Before I present to you a profound Menzer quote, let me give you my top five reasons for lovin' this guy:

1. He reminds me of Hugh Grant, without the accent.
2. He makes puns and jokes with students' names upon having them introduce themselves to the class. (i.e. girl introduced herself as Natalie and claimed she hated to be called Nat...for the rest of the year, she was known as "Not Nat".)
3. He drinks, or did at the time, espresso from a little cup, never sure quite how to hold it.
4. He's brilliant and hilarious.
5. I took his classes four years ago and still talk about him.

Famous Menzer Quote: "Shakespeare is like sex. All your life you hear about how great it is and then the first time you're all like 'this is it?', and you're confused and looking up words... but over time it gets better and better."

Official Jason Mraz - I'm Yours video

Nice summer lilt.

"The Great Debaters" Indeed

Not to echo Anobiter's in depth review of the movie, but man, was it great!! I cried a little and internally "Amen-ed" a lot! The acting was flawless, and the fact that it was based on a true story made it all the more captivating. Throughout the movie, I kept thinking, ignorance is such a dangerous thing. And there are a lot of ignorant people in the world wearing masks of intelligence...the two not being mutually exclusive. I'm just thankful that the Professor Tulson's and Dr. James Farmer's of our country existed so my child and others aren't exposed to such ridiculous hatred, or should I say, as much.

Flying Cars, No...Really

Hubby J is a tech freak, and I say that lovingly;) He has been talking forever about Moller's "vertical take-off and landing aircraft", named the "Volantor", a.k.a., a flying car. I've checked out the website, and the technology does definitely seem to be there, and one can obtain a pilot's license in a relatively short period. Although, I believe a huge portion of our population will decline to own, ride in, or even approve of them, due to the outrageousness of the concept. If it does happen in my lifetime I'll at least ride in one; just call me Mrs. Jetson.

Hymn vs. Praise

As a modern day churchgoer I am privy to the argument, or should I say, discussion, among many regarding whether praise songs (i.e. contemporary songs from radio and the like) or hymns ("Victory in Jesus", "Nothing but the Blood", etc.) should be sung during the song service. I went to my dad's church this morning, and they sing nothing but hymns. However, their youth group led us in a praise song by one of my favorite groups, Casting Crowns...my spiritual mood immediately was uplifted. All a matter of opinion, I suppose. For the record, I vote for a mixture.

Testing Time

[photo obtained by googling "calvin and hobbes"]
Well, I'm going to take a test tomorrow afternoon to add, if I pass, to my teaching certifications. There are 5 hours alotted for the test, and I ate up at least 80% of that time during the last one. My brain feels fried afterward, but in a good way, ya know? Dad always told me that I would end up a professional student, and in a way, being a teacher is just that...forever learning. I'm cool with that.

Michael Bublé - Feeling Good

I saw this hunky crooner in March, and he did not disappoint...amazing, amazing show! He sounded and looked very Buble...Frankie woulda been proud! My husband informed me he'd never heard me scream like that:) I will see him again!!

Jessica Simpson - Come On Over new single!

Whew! Took me a while to figure out how to post YouTube videos...if I click and type enough I usually get there! Anyway, someone with great musical taste alerted me to this one...I like it!! Enjoy.

Moving Day Approaches

Hubby J and I are buying a home in Decatur, and we're getting reeeally close to our closing date. The closer we get, the more excited we get, obviously!! I have tons of decorating ideas, and I can't wait to get started! However, the organized chaos that is moving is definitely in full swing...call the painter, call the movers, call utilities, transfer mail, oh yeah, and finish packing...not necessarily in that order. This is our, let's see, 6th move since we've been married so we've become close to pro at the whole thing. And luckily I have a wonderful family who have pitched in and volunteered to help with so much. Ash...love ya girlie:) And, my "little" brother, who claimed he would "not be voluntold" to do anything, has offered his assistance...whatta guy! So, let the move-in countdown commence...

Franklin's Lasting Effects

I made a Wal-Mart run with Baby Girl this morning...marshmallows, fruit and waffles were needed! It's not my favorite grocery store, however, going around 9a.m. isn't so bad. As we were walking in I saw a woman set her 12 pk. of DP's down on the pavement in order to pick up a penny. That's dedicated superstition. I, on the other hand, after grocery shopping for an hour, wouldn't stoop down to pick up a dollar bill. Call me crazy.

Step 1

I'm signing up Baby Girl for a Mother's Day Out this morning so I can get packing done for the move. She has been around other children...she has lots of cousins. But, for the most part she's with me all day, every day. I'm a little apprehensive but also excited because her little personality is just so darn sweet. She's like bottled up sunshine; I should share! Besides, I think she will love playing for half a day with other littluns...they'll learn a lot from each other! I still don't know if I'll make it out of there without a tear or two.

Mark Twain

was the pseudonym for Samuel Clemens, whose output of quality, hilarious and poignant literature is extensive as well as, I believe, timeless. You know that question, if you could have dinner with any person, dead or alive...? My answer would definitely include Twain...we would've gotten along. Below is a handful of his quotes; some I knew, others I did not. Regardless, they still made me think and smile.

- "Education: that which reveals to the wise, and conceals from the stupid, the vast limits of their knowledge."

- "I didn't attend the funeral, but I sent a nice letter saying that I approved of it."

- "I am opposed to millionaires, but it would be dangerous to offer me the position."

- "It is easier to stay out than get out."

- "Suppose you were an idiot and suppose you were a member of Congress. But I repeat myself."

- "The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug."

- "The man who doesn't read good books has no advantage over the man who can't read them."

- "A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes."

Cartoons

My mom and I were watching cartoons with Baby Girl yesterday. We tuned in to a couple of classic cartoon families, The Jetsons and Flintstones. Watching from an adult perspective is quite different. For example, in the Jetsons intro I noticed that daughter Judy gave Dad George a smoking pipe as he came home from work. That'd never show up in today's cartoons, kiddie or tween. Then, on the Flintstones, Barney and Betty were so upset because they couldn't have a baby, and the entire episode was centered around that and their attempt to adopt Bam-Bam. Sidenote: I, for one, didn't know Bam-Bam was adopted. Point being, they don't make them like they used to, and well, maybe that's a good thing. Baby Girl is pretty much a PBS/KERA girl...Clifford, Sesame Street and SuperWhy, those are her favs...sharing, reading and counting; that'll do for now:)

The Putt Heard 'Round the World

(ROBYN BECK/AFP / Getty Images)

I'm not a huge golf fan. J and I play the occasional round, but by the 10th or 11th hole I'm ready to call it a day. But even I'm amazed at watching Tiger Woods, who tied with Rocco Mediate at this year's U.S. Open. They'll play 18 holes to break the tie. As I was reading through an article about Tiger's anticipated, yet still astonishing comeback I was baffled by a quote from him: "A little wobbly down there," [Tiger] said of the poa greens, a grass that gets bumpier in the afternoon sun..." Grass gets bumpier? No wonder I'm always over par:)

I Don't

As I was perusing over msn.com, barely keeping my eyes open because I should be in bed, I came across an article that made me say, "Well, I declare...I never..." ;) But really, some brides are requiring their bridesmaids to sign a prenup stating that they will not gain weight, get pregnant or get a haircut before the big day. Yuck! I would tell my bridefriend to find another chick willing to shell out tons of bucks for a wear once dress and pair of shoes...I'll be just fine observing from the pews...jeezlouiz.

Classy Nostalgia

Earlier today, at my family reunion, we were looking at a slideshow of old pictures. One of them was a picture, circa 1950's probably, of a cousin-in-law. She wore rhinestone glasses, the poofy dress and all. Regarding her picture, she embarassingly commented that back then she thought she was, "the cat's meow". I love sayings like that...they sound so much better than, "the bomb" or "hot"...ya know?

Also, while walking behind some wise women on my way into the baby shower they were pointing out some flowers to one another, rose moss, actually, and one of their sentences began, "Well, I declare..."! Again, sounds so much better than..."Dude" or "Sweet"!

Whattaday

Whew! As stated before, dropped J off @ aiport around 6:30, then went to a family reunion on Dad's side, then went to cousin's baby shower, then went to Aunt's, the mother of aforementioned cousin, birthday dinner!! Baby girl was zonked and now, so is Mommy!

Hubby J

Well, J is now in Alaska and will be working there for a while. He left at 7:30 this morning, which meant getting up at 5:30 on a Saturday...yuck. He had a layover in Seattle and arrived in Alaska about 45 minutes ago. The flights went smoothly, but he doesn't know what the weather is like yet. Whatever it is, it's gotta be cooler than here. I'm gonna miss him like mad.

F-A-M-I-L-Y

Those who know me best know how very family oriented I am. I am blessed to have a closeknit family who truly love one another through the good, bad and ugly. I love them all so much and have listed a little diddy about two of them that, to me, encompasses some of who they are to me.

Mom- a strong woman with a press onward kind of soul, who has battled and overcome so much in order to be the most amazing parent and friend a girl could ask for. Also, she lets me raid her jewelry box and perfume collection anytime I want:)

Dad- an equally strong man with that dry, yet hilarious sense of humor that will forever be instilled in me. Allow me to list a few Dad"isms": "that was funner'n stompin' baby chickens", or "hold on there, longhair", or when giving directions, "do you know where so and so is, well, it's nowhere near there", or finally, after a HS choir or band concert he would tell me, "You were the best one in your row". I love this guy!

More family descriptions to come...

Rodney King...

is going to appear on the upcoming season of VH1's 'Celebrity Rehab'. I can understand if the man has had substance issues in the past, being beaten for all the world to eventually see. However, that was in 1991, and the uproar was horrific. I just wonder if it's wise of VH1 to put this man into the spotlight once again, especially during this election year when the fragile issue of race, right or wrong, has come to the forefront of America's thoughts.

'The Courage to Teach'

[larkandkeygallery]

I'm currently on page 35 of Parker J. Palmer's book. I was meant to read this book now, at this point in my very young career. Already, the man has clarified and even defined so many of the doubts, uncertainties and fears I've had regarding teaching students who deserve the best. And speaking of whispering revelations, the following excerpt is amazing: "...the salvation of this human world lies nowhere else than in the human heart, in the human power to reflect, in human meekness and in human responsibility. Without a global revolution in...human conciousness, nothing will change for the better, and the catastrophe toward which this world is headed...will be unavoidable." These aren't Parker's words, but those of Vaclav Havel, former president of the Czech Republic. Something to think about.

Not So "Funny Games"

We (J and me) were both a bit iffy at first before renting the movie, "Funny Games" online tonight. With names like Tim Roth, Naomi Watts, and Michael Pitt, we thought it stood a hefty chance of being a good flick. Boy, were we wrong. It wasn't even artsy good. Don't waste your $4...that's a gallon o' gas.

Check out this website that halfway defends it, then spouts a 'what Putin could be to the West' allegory that, well, is just scary.

Pondered Points

-The above poem excerpt is how my husband won my heart; altogether now....awwww!

-Why is it that we as a society rarely even say hello to each other in the grocery line, much less strike up a conversation? YET, when one or the other has a baby the smiles are a given, and the conversation is sometimes downright uplifiting!

-When our little girl sneezes my husband tells her, "Skat Cat"...I love that.

-I'm 26 and have been of voting age for the past two, going on three, elections. I still don't know if I'm Republican or Democrat. In fact, I don't think I'll label myself as either. Can either candidate possibly make a positive impact on our nation? There doesn't have to be radical change at every turn, but betterment. That's how I'll decide.

-I'm a teacher by profession and strive to better myself each year. Reading any kind of publication by fellow teachers helps me feel that "I'm not the only one". I picked up "The Courage to Teach" by Parker J. Palmer today at Half-Price Books; we'll see.

Summer Spritzers

I've always loved perfume. I can deal with a bad hair day...lots of excuses and lots of remedies. However, there is no excuse to stink. Estee Lauder's Pleasures Exotic and Victoria Secret's Body By Victoria are light, lovely scents for this hot, wear extra deodorant kinda weather!!

If You Ain't First...Well, You Still Win

As is true for David Archuleta, the 17 year old that sang his heart out all season on "American Idol". The guy can sing, however, I just couldn't get past those deep breaths that seemed to echo through the mic when he sang. Hopefully they can edit out the breaths over at Jive Records because they, according to MSN.com, gave him a record deal. Cook deserved the win, but I'm happy for Archuleta.

Stein had Style

I miss this show...Jeopardy with a very dry sense of humor. Ben Stein is monotone genius. The only drawback to the game was Jimmy Kimmel's reading of the questions...don't like the guy.

Vet Bills

I took my dog to the vet a couple of weeks ago. Cadi is a 4 year old dachsund who happened to have a herniated disc in her back. I was given three choices: a). get her to a surgeon to operate on and repair the disc b). give her steroid pills and hope they work and continue giving them to her for-ev-er or c). euthanization:( Husband and I discussed...Cadi had the surgery and is doing much better. But, I can almost hear our credit card crying.

Lingering Subconcious

I woke up this morning very angry with my husband. I dreamed that he drug out everything in every closet and piled it up high, all to find a "nice folder"...go figure. No big deal, except when you're a huge clean freak, like I am (thanks, Mom). It took me an hour or so to come out of it. Dreams are crazy things.

"The Closer"

I've watched so many television shows about crime...committing it, fighting it and solving it. I'm a Sherlock Holmes kinda gal, and I love the mystery. My new, favorite Sherlock Holm"ess" is Deputy Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson, LAPD. Georgia accent, addicted to sweets, super smart and a bit lost when it comes to her personal life. I laugh in every episode. July 15th, season 4, go ahead, watch it:)

Here Goes Nothin'!

Hello All! After reading, for a couple of years now, the blogs of others, I have decided to fully immerse myself in what the world refers to as the blogosphere. Heck, it's the closest I'll probably ever come to publishing anything:) Wish me luck.