Just call me Peach

New TV

2011-09-19T21:24:00.002-05:00

I have finally entered the digital age. My old big box analog television finally gave up the ghost. I did some research on Amazon and found a LCD flat screen that fit both my armoire and my budget. I ended up getting a 40" Samsung. It has enough inputs/outputs for me to hook up my stereo receiver (I haven't quite gotten to the home theater upgrade), my Roku, my DVD player and my thumb drive for the shows that I have learned how to download.

I must say, I LOVE my new TV. I've never been one to go gaga over tekky devices, but OMG....the clarity and shear size of this thing is making me giddy. I know, most of my friends have 60"+ plasma TVs that are wall mounted and I am waaaay late to this party, but I am so proud of myself. I picked it out by myself and actually got a TV that I can grow with.

My good friend, John, helped me hook up the TV to all the equipment that I have. He also taught me the art of downloading shows. He suggested that I put the home theater on my wishlist, for a future purchase when the funds allow.

The funny thing is, the TV that died, I didn't pay for. The stereo receiver and DVD player that I have, I didn't pay for. The latter were a gift from Fred. The old TV belonged to an old boyfriend who never came to reclaim it. So, I guess spending the money on this new TV, is something that I shouldn't complain about. I got it from Amazon because I'm a Prime member, therefore, shipping was free and there was no tax. The reviews on the set were great and I can't be happier.

I finally ordered an antenna, also from Amazon. It arrived today and now I get most of my local channels except for the local NBC affiliate. Normally, that wouldn't be a big deal since I don't watch a lot of shows on that network, but it's college football season. Notre Dame usually has it's games televised on NBC. I guess I will have to live without watching the Irish play. My Dawgs will usually be on Jefferson Pilot/Lincoln Financial if they are not on the big 4. Now, if they play on ESPN, then I'm screwed. I can try to stream via the web or watch the little green football field with the dots moving up and down the virtual field.

At least with the Titans, I get both CBS and Fox. I must say, with my antenna, Netflix and the downloading, I am quite happy with my new television situation, especially considering I'm only paying $8 a month for Netflix and the internet fee of less than $30 a month, I can actually watch everything I want.

Also, I have to praise Amazon. When the TV first got delivered, the screen was damaged. We didn't figure that out until it was totally hooked up. I emailed Amazon and got a return label (at no cost) and they shipped a new TV to me with next day delivery (at no cost), on a Saturday, no less. That TV is the one that is in my house. It was really no big deal to ship the other one back since I live a mile from the UPS Store and that is where I get my mail anyway. The peeps there were kind enough to pack it up for me. They felt bad since I had just picked the damn thing up not two hours prior.

So, now here I sit, with my laptop on my coffee table and my TV working wonderfully. In fact, I'm watching old episodes of Dr. Who on Netflix while I'm downloading 10 Gig worth of different shows.

Happy, happy Peach!!!

Happy 4th of July

2011-07-04T12:41:00.003-05:00

Hope everyone has a wonderful 4th of July!!! I'm heading to Mt. Juliet this evening to watch the fireworks display with Brett and his girls.

The weather here is absolutely gorgeous! I've washed my car and cleaned the leather seats and steering wheel. It looks soooo good. Shame it's supposed to rain the rest of the week. Boo hiss!

Roku

2011-06-12T12:48:00.002-05:00

I have just found the niftiest little device. It's called a Roku. I have never been one to be familiar with technology, so I realize that I'm behind a lot of people.

I decided to give up Comcast due to cost savings. My monthly bill was over $100 for both internet and cable (including DVR). I started doing some research and found out that there are services out there like Hulu and Netflix that offer television shows for less that $10 a month. I got internet service through AT&T. My good buddy, John, helped set up my wireless router and my new Roku.

It's basically a video streaming device that allows access to Hulu, Netflix, Amazon and other movie and music providers. It is tiny and acts just like a DVR. Once I find the show I want to watch, I can pause, rewind and fast forward. I love it!!!! I have chosen to subscribe to both Hulu and Netflix. I don't watch a lot of movies but I do have certain television shows that I enjoy. Between the two carriers, I can basically watch anything I want. The best part is, my monthly expense is less than $50 for both tv and internet.

I'm not sure what I will do when football season rolls around. I guess I'll have to watch the games at work, like I always do unless I can find a way to access them from the Roku.

I can't believe it took me this long to find out about this nifty little device. Better late than never, I suppose.

Memorial Day

2011-05-30T09:54:00.003-05:00

This Memorial Day, let's never forget all the men and women who have fought for the freedoms that we tend to take for granted. Some of those brave souls made the ultimate sacrifice with their lives.

Today is in memory of them.

Thank you all for your bravery and service.

Peach's Pony

2011-05-14T12:39:00.002-05:00

I got my new car last night. It's a silver convertible Mustang GT. I just can't seem to get away from these silver cars!! This is my third one in a row. It's no BMW but I think I will become accustomed to it.

It's got gray leather interior and a rockin sound system. It's a 5 speed and getting used to that has been slightly challenging. I'm so paranoid about accidentally throwing it into reverse after having that 6 speed all these years.

The weather has been pretty crappy with all the rain so I haven't been able to take it out "topless" yet but maybe on my days off this week. I'm also hoping to let that V8 loose and see how my new pony runs on the open road. ;)

White Christmas

2011-02-15T13:19:00.003-06:00

While I am very late in making this post, I just had to post pics from Christmas 2010. It's the first white Christmas Nashville has seen in 17 years. Ho! Ho! Ho!

Karma

2010-08-17T18:31:00.002-05:00

I don't know why I bother. I have never been able to get away with anything bad in my adult life. About a month ago, I broke my right ankle in two places and also dislocated it. Classic overachiever, I am.

My next door neighbour made me ill over something so trivial but I thought that I would show him and in doing so, I fell and broke my ankle. Ain't karma a bitch?

I've been staying with my Mom since she has a one story house and it's easier for me to hobble along at her place than it would be at my two story condo where all of the bedrooms are upstairs. In two weeks, I'll be able to put 50% of my weight on my ankle. Maybe then, I'll be able to actually get out of the house and go somewhere, anywhere that does not require a physician involved.

My doc says that the thing should heal in two months. I had surgery about three weeks ago. I haven't seen my four legged kids since I did this to myself. My other next door neighbour who I love to death has been taking excellent care of them and sends me pics. I hoping on one of my outings, I can go by my place and see my furballs!

Just Because

2010-07-19T02:07:00.001-05:00

Nashville Flood of 2010

2010-05-02T17:52:00.004-05:00

I have lived in this town since 1975 and have never seen anything like this. This video is from Cool Springs Mall which is about 10 minutes south of where I live in Brentwood. The other video is of interstate 24. As of right now that freeway is still shut down. Hopefully will re-open on Monday if the water receeds. My townhome is fine. The Mayor of Nashville has declared a state of emergency since so many streets and homes are underwater and thousands are without power.

My New Bedroom

2009-10-17T17:54:00.002-05:00

A few weeks ago my Aunt Susan was in town and she arrived with my new bedding. I bought the fabric nearly six years ago and she finally got around to finishing my drapes and coordinating bedding. It looks fabulous!!!

All my friends kept wondering why I had painted my bedroom and bath this particular shade of blue. Now it all makes sense. See what you think. I know it's very girlie, but it is so me.

Thank you, Aunt Susan!!

New Meme

2009-04-30T01:07:00.003-05:00

My favourite colour: Red

Dad's genealogy: English (thankfully, I've met family)

Mom's genealogy: Mutt (not so much with the family legacy, but maybe after this)

My home town: Athens, GA

Favourite college: UGA (sadly, I didn't attend that school)

Favourite musical genre: 80's

Most memorable boy: I would like to say.... the guy I met at an Opryland party on the
General Jackson in '86. Sadly, there is not much to say.....

Most memorable girl: Jamie....my best friend from jr. high....we even went on my Senior trip together.....sometimes I miss her......sometimes....not so much...

My date at Senior Prom: Brett

Can I be lucky enough to find love again? I don't know...I was so young to determine the answer to the question...but how cool would that be for me to know the answer now????

Meet Missy

2009-04-10T00:04:00.003-05:00

I'm only about a month late in posting these pics. Meet my new four legged kid that I adopted from a rescue in Memphis. She is way sweet but slightly neurotic. ;)

One Word Answers

2009-03-02T01:56:00.003-06:00

I saw this on Barbara's blog and since I love these Meme's so much, I just had to share. Oh yeah, and the answers have to be one word only. Holy crap!!

1. Where is your cell phone? Charging

2. Your significant other? Huh?

3. Your hair? Blonde

4. Your mother? Loved

5. Your father? Loved

6. Your favorite thing? Music

7. Your dream last night? Non-existent

8. Your favorite drink? Beer

9. Your dream/goal? Happiness

10. The room you’re in? Office

11. Your fear? Cancer

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Travelling

13. Where were you last night? Home

14. What you’re not? Ignorant

15. Muffins? Blueberry

16. One of your wish list items? DVD

17. Where you grew up? Nashville

18. The last thing you did? Facebook

19. What are you wearing? Sleepwear

20. Your TV? Paused

21. Your pet? Memphis?

22. Your computer? Dell

23. Your life? Eventful

24. Your mood? Relaxed

25. Missing someone? Always

26. Your car? BMW

27. Something you’re not wearing? Undies

28. Favorite store? Talbots

29. Summer? Sun

30. Favorite color? Red

31. When did you laugh last? Yesterday

32. When did you cry last? February

33. Who will re post this? Unknown

34. A place I go over and over: Europe

35. Someone who emails me: Sean

36. Place I would rather be right now: Bed

Julie's 40th

2009-02-26T21:29:00.005-06:00

I've been meaning to post these photos since my last post. Here are the pics from Julie's birthday. We are doing a group celebration for Frank, Tracy and myself in April. Oh, the fun and debauchery that will ensue!!

The Big Four Oh

2009-02-04T20:26:00.002-06:00

I've still got a couple of months before I have to face the dreaded birthday. However, the roller coaster ride has begun. The majority of my friends are turning 29 again. One of my best friends from high school is hitting that milestone this weekend. Several of us are getting together to celebrate and get highly intoxicated!!

It should be way fun and I am really looking forward to seeing old friends and drinking large quantities of alcohol. I'll be sure to take plently of photos as proof.

Speaking of old friends. I've had one enter my life recently and I've got to say, it's pretty cool. I'll go into more detail about that at a later date.

Hope everyone is having a great week!!

Bye bye Katie

2009-01-13T23:43:00.003-06:00

I'm sure that I mentioned that I lost my "kid" before the new year. I just got the phone call from my vet, the very nice lady who had cremated my other two "kids", delivered my last one to his office.

Honestly, I'm a wreck. I've already got two urns in my office. I think not having her would hurt worse, but somehow, knowing that I will have yet another, is just breaking my soul. I'm pretty sure that if I decide to get another, it cannot be a blonde Cocker Spaniel. I think I need to branch out to another breed. These dogs are killing me.

Anyhoo, this is my tribute to the sweetest dog I have ever had. Unlike Brandi, Katie loved everyone and everything. Poor Brandi, was terrified of everyone and everything. Hailey, loved people but wasn't crazy about other dogs. Katie, just was so happy about life. She always made me smile. Everyone that came to my house (in her mind, came to see her). Even the pizza delivery guys loved her. It's been a very quiet house without her.

I'll get past the grief. We all do. But until then, this is for her.

So Very True

2009-01-13T19:45:00.000-06:00

Amen!!

Thanks Boss

2009-01-12T00:11:00.002-06:00

This is for all of the men in my life...

Old Friends

2009-01-11T23:48:00.002-06:00

The past few weeks have been kind of strange for me. My "kid" passed away. It's weird not having her here. I'm not really sure if, or when I will be ready for another. The pain, right now, is just too raw.

Anyhoo, I got in contact with an old boyfriend of mine. I hadn't seen him for more than 20 years. We met for drinks this past Thursday and then he invited me over for dinner at his place on Friday evening. The whole thing is just kind of strange. I guess it's like meeting an old friend. Both of us have changed, somewhat, but maybe not so much. I will say, that it was way fun hanging with him and re-hashing the old memories.

I just don't want us to become some sort of blast from the past. I'm not saying that would happen. There is just so much unfinished business between both of us. I would like us to start a new chapter in our lives, without the past.

Is that even possible?

Merry Christmas

2008-12-24T12:55:00.002-06:00

Merry Christmas to all of family and my friends!! I hope that you have a wonderful holiday!

Sister Golden Hair

2008-12-21T19:59:00.002-06:00

List of 10 Things

2008-12-21T19:16:00.004-06:00

I got this off of my friend Barbara's blog. She didn't tag anyone, but I thought I would play along anyway. So here goes:

List 10 honest things about yourself (TRUE and interesting things - not just the color of your socks!)

1. I have to admit that I stole this first answer from Barbara. It's not exactly me, but close enough. I often feel ashamed or embarrassed of my good qualities because I think they make me appear weak or so I think, so I make light of them.

2. Music is like another language to me – it speaks to my soul. I embrace a song based solely on the lyrics, the music is a bonus for me. Must be due to the many hours I spent in English Lit and my Creative Writing classes. I didn't stand in that line when I was being created, but I can certainly appreciate the works of those that had that luxury.

3. I didn't have any major physical problems with my body until I turned 32 and I was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer. I never broke a bone (which is amazing, considering what a dare devil, I was).

4. I have a very difficult time trusting people. That is a huge downfall of mine. I guess, I've been burned too many times. It is now me just being in survivor mode with all the people that I meet on a daily basis. If you earn my trust, that is huge!!

5. I’m independent and don’t mind being by myself. Some people have a hard time with that. I've been an only child my entire life. There is a difference between being alone and being lonely. I can honestly say that I've never been lonely.

6. On the other hand, sometimes I do wish that I had someone to spend certain things with. That would be nice. And I don't mean just a friend. ;)

7. I really need to learn how to play the piano. I've always wanted to learn, but we never had the money for me to take lessons as a child. I would really like to fulfill that dream.

8. If I could take vocal lessons, that would truly be the icing on the cake. Both of my parents have beautiful voices. For sure, my Dad's Mother had an incredible soprano. If I could just be a third of their voices, I feel that I would be blessed.

9. No surprise, I don't, can't and won't do kids. I'm not really sure how that came to be, other than I've never felt the urge or longing that a lot of women do. I'm just not wired that way. I can totally appreciate my girlfriends for their "families", but do not ever ask me to babysit. LOL.

10. I believe that I do not need a man to make me happy. That job is mine and if I find a man that can "handle" me, then the best of luck to him. Otherwise, I'm very happy with my life and I don't need someone else to fulfill me. I wish some of my girlfriends, felt the same way.

Happy Belated Bday, Mike

2008-12-20T04:26:00.003-06:00

I feel so bad that I wasn't able to wish Mike Beziat a wonderful 39th bday. I do so hope that he and Paige had a wonderful day. Somehow, something always seems to get in the way, but hopefully, the day was special for them both. These are two of my best blogger buddies, and I hope that both them and their families have a wonderful Christmas and definitely a fantastic new year.

Mike, maybe next year. I will be a much better hostess. And perhaps, I will buy you a funnel for the keg. :)

And Paige, we still owe each other a game. :)

Take care, my good friends.

Much love to you both!!!

Tagged

2008-12-13T00:39:00.008-06:00

My good friend, Amy, tagged me last week or so. I've been putting off doing this, just because I've done it before. But, since she was kind enough to tag me. I feel like it is the least I can do.

I've done these so many times that I'm not really sure where to start. But here's goes:

1. I guess for a job, I've only ever done sales. Whether it be food, clothes or a house. It's what I know. I hope that I can continue down that path, or at least a path that helps people. That is my ultimate motivation. Does that make me weird?

2. Like Amy, I absolutely, hate to shop. Oh yeah, I can't forget, Linda. She hates it too.

3. I can't have kids. That should not come as a big surprise for those of you that read my blog. Never wanted them. Then, when it became physically impossible for me to have them, well, it just is what it is.

4. I'm blonde. Dad is a red-head, Mom is a brunette. I somehow got stuck with the stereo-typical nonsense. Whatever. Anyhoo, until a grey hair shows up on my head, no colourest for me. And believe me, I know the best in town. When the time is right, she will be "colouring", my hair.

5. Like, Amy, I'm weird about my food too. I can't have any food touching. And, for certain, I cannot eat at a buffet. Just the thought of someone touching what could be my food, just makes me want to gag.

6. You know that I am lying when I say that, "I am fine". Sure, that means that I am just the opposite. Only, my best friends know that detail. Funny?

7. Barbara's MeMe asked me....."If I were a character in Shakespeare I'd be".....Katharina Minola.

I'm not sure who to tag for this..but I'm going for Barbara, Linda, Paige, Breazy and anyone else who wantsto play along.

Taking Chances

2008-12-12T06:56:00.002-06:00

Considering what I am going through right now, I thought this song was very appropriate. Maybe not a FGF, but I just love this song.

Christmas Meme

2008-12-11T02:44:00.005-06:00

Since, I honestly have nothing positive to blog about, I thought that I would steal this idea from Barbara.

1. Are there any songs that make you cry (this question inspired by Nik) Yeah, actually, quite a few.

2. Do you have any irrational fears? Snakes, I can't explain it. Oh, and my cancer returning.

3. How often to you talk to your parents (if they are living) Mom, at least once a week. Dad, maybe once a month. Did much better with him during football season and the election. He's big into economics/politics and for sure, football.

4. Name five foods you don't like. Okra, black eyed peas, cooked cabbage, turnips, raw onions

5. If Santa were real what would you want him to bring you this year? Health, happiness and I suppose, a new job. Is that too much to wish for?

I'm Lost

2008-12-08T01:24:00.002-06:00

I think I got the pink slip today. I will know for sure tomorrow, when I go in for a 'meeting.'

Honestly, I'm not sure what to do or how to feel. I love the peeps that I work with, but I do have some misgivings. Is that normal? Especially in these times? Should I just keep my mouth shut and hope for the best?

I don't, honestly, think I am that person. I would like to be. But, if I can't trust the people that I work for, then, where does that leave me?

Nine Layers

2008-12-03T17:32:00.000-06:00

I didn't know what to blog about today, so I found this on Ginger's blog. These are always fun and this one is a little different from others I've done in the past. Here is a meme to peel away the layers of you.

LAYER ONE:
Name: Lara
Birth date: April 19th
Birthplace: Athens, GA
Current Location: Nashville
Eye Color: Green
Hair Color: Blonde
Height: 5′ 6"
Righty or Lefty: Righty
Zodiac Sign: Aries

LAYER TWO:
Your heritage: English
The shoes you wore today: Black boots
Your weakness: Beer
Your fears: Cancer
Your perfect pizza: White
Goal you’d like to achieve: Pure health

LAYER THREE:
Your most overused phrase on AIM: :)
Your first waking thoughts: Got to make the coffee!!
Your best physical feature: My teeth?
Your most missed memory: Too many

LAYER FOUR:
Pepsi or Coke: Diet Coke
McDonald’s or Burger King: McD's
Single or group dates: Right now, I'd take either!!
Adidas or Nike: Neither
Lipton Ice Tea or Nestea: Long Island!
Chocolate or vanilla: Chocolate
Cappuccino or coffee: French Roast coffee w/Bailey's

LAYER FIVE:
Smoke: Cloves, when large amounts of alcohol are involved
Cuss: Hell yeah!
Sing: With the radio
Take a shower everyday: Certainly try
Do you think you’ve been in love: Yeah
Want to go to college: Not again!
Liked high school: Very much
Want to get married: Been there, done that…not doing it again
Believe in yourself: Yes.
Get motion sickness: No
Think you’re attractive: Relatively so
Think you’re a health freak: No, just a freak.
Get along with your parent(s): Yes
Like thunderstorms: Scare the hell out of me
Play an instrument: I wish

LAYER SIX:
In the past month…have you?
Drank alcohol: Definitely
Smoked: No
Done a drug: Only the kind my Rx will allow
Made Out: With who?
Gone on a date: I wish!
Gone to the mall?: Thankfully, no
Eaten an entire box of Oreos?: No
Eaten sushi: Yes!
Been on stage: No
Been dumped: By who?
Gone skating: No.
Made homemade cookies: No
Gone skinny dipping: These questions are getting old!
Dyed your hair: No
Stolen Anything: No

LAYER SEVEN:
Ever…
Played a game that required removal of clothing: Yes, a very long time ago
Been trashed or extremely intoxicated: More than once!
Been caught “doing something”: er, yeah!
Been called a tease: Probably
Gotten beaten up: No
Shoplifted: Gosh, in Jr. High, I think?
Changed who you were to fit in: Nah

LAYER EIGHT:
Age you hope to be married: Did it when I was 27
Names of Children: No actual kids, just the four legged kind
Describe your Dream Wedding: I had a fairy tale wedding…it was beautiful.
How do you want to die: Peacefully
Where do you want to go to college: I did, at Austin-Peay and at Lambuth University
What do you want to be when you grow up: Healthy
What country would you most like to visit: England, again. And see my relatives!

LAYER NINE:
Number of drugs taken illegally: I tried smoking pot years ago
Number of people I could trust with my life: I can count them on one hand
Number of CDs that I own: Geez, too many
Number of piercings: 2, one in each ear
Number of tattoos: 0ne
Number of times my name has appeared in the newspaper?: I'm not even sure, if you count press releases
Number of scars on my body: Too many
Number of things in my past that I regret: Only one, really

Etiquette

2008-12-01T22:53:00.007-06:00

I'll never forget, when I was 14 maybe 15, I went to spend a week with my Grandmother. That is my paternal grandmother. Her name was, Opal. She was a wonderful woman. My Dad's side of the family was always kind of snooty. I don't mean that in any disrespectful kind of way. It's just where the families were at the time.

It's funny, Mom's family came from nothing. And I truly mean, nothing. The best I can tell, we were share croppers. That is as close to white trash as you can get. Now, don't me wrong, my family is and never has been trash. But, to come from such humble beginnings, we all have achieved great things.

I hope that I am part of that legacy. The point of my post is this. Dad's family was, well, different from my Mom's. Dad's, father's heritage is from the UK. Anyone who knows anything, will tell you the Brits' are very stoic, proper, and for sure, well mannered.

The one great thing I learned from, Opal, (Dad's Mom), was that one week in the Summer I spent with her. She taught me how to truly set a table. Now, don't get me wrong. My parents (yeah, both) taught me at a very early age how to set a table. But not the way Grandmother, taught me. I learned that, there was more than just a salad fork and a dinner fork. Dear gravy, she taught me how to set a "formal", place setting.

I'm so thankful to her. When I went to London, and had "High Tea" at the Ritz, I actually knew what to do. I knew which utensils to use and not be embarrassed.

It's an art that has somewhat gotten lost in our society. I'm not trying to say that we should all know how to behave at a "black-tie" affair. Hell, even I get nervous, going to those "swanky" things. But, somehow, shouldn't we all learn, just common etiquette?

Or, is that the Southern part of me waxing nostalgic for my memories as a kid?

Old Friends

2008-12-01T04:50:00.009-06:00

Holy cow. I just got off the phone with one of my best friends from high school. We were going through the Facebook thing together. Again, I'm challenged in that area. He found a friend that I had my 9th and 10th grade years with.

Actually, I think we were supposed to "fight" at a party my freshman year. You know, stupid kid (girl) stuff. Well, neither one of us had the stomach for it, hence, no fight. However, we became very good friends. She was one of the kids at Hume-Fogg that chose not to continue. She ended up graduating from the school that she was zoned for. Nothing wrong with that, it's just that I hated that she missed what we had. She was a cheerleader (not my kind of thing, but whatever), and I know she ended up going to a school where she was a small fish in a very large pond. As opposed to being a somewhat big fish in a small pond. I'm sure, it was the right decision for her at the time. It's funny, we worked in the same "area" at Opryland, the summer of my Junior year.

I hadn't seen Stacey, since she left HF. It was kind of cool and kind of a "who is the cool chick, now?" kind of thing. It was weird, because I never considered us to be competition. Maybe that's naive of me, but for the short time she was at HF, we never had boy issues.Years later, when I was working retail, at a store that is no longer around, Stacey, came strolling in. I about fell out. It must have been '90/91, I'm thinking.

She looked great. She was always a beautiful girl. Tall, thin, model type...you know, the kind you love to hate (I have a lot of those..lol), but honestly, she looked fabulous.I haven't seen her since that day and have always wondered what happened to her. I spent so much time with her, those first two years at HF. Funny, that through freaking Facebook, I would find her. I would love to know how she is. And what she is doing.

The photo I have posted is from our Freshman year. It was taken at Centennial Park. Some random guy stopped and asked if we minded him taking our photo. He made another Polaroid for us. Yeah, that's how old I am. To have a Polaroid photo. It's one I've never forgotten. She and I both signed the back of it and dated it. Goodness, how times have changed.

The even funnier thing is, I was watching PBS tonight. They did a show about Opryland. OMG. There is a clip of a girl that I went to HF with, Leslie. She lives in Australia now, if she could see this, she would DIE!!! Must find it on YouTube!!! To send to her, way across the "pond". :)

The Freakshow

2008-11-24T20:04:00.005-06:00

I have a confession to make. I am clumsy. Always have been and it doesn't look like anything is going to change anytime soon.

Here's what happened. Over the weekend, I made the bright decision to change both of my heating/air conditioning filters. I've got one downstairs and one upstairs, since I have two separate units. The one downstairs is easy. It's the one upstairs that gets a little tricky. First of all, it's in the ceiling. Secondly, I didn't have my step ladder because I've loaned it to Mom, so I had to use a chair. Well, I'm trying to move the two clips on the upstairs grille and the damn thing pops down and whacks me straight in the face. Then the f**king filter falls out and also hits me.

I've got these allergy free filter inserts that fit into a metal frame. Yeah, it's the frame that really got me. The corner of the frame hit me between my eyes and clipped part of my right eye. Honestly, right now, I look like Mike Tyson beat the shit out of me. Part of my right eye is swollen and is slowly turning black and blue. The rest of my face is a wreck. There is blood all over my carpet and my guest bath where I was trying to fix myself.

I got to work and my co-workers were totally freaking out. I was apparently the topic of conversation, because I got a call from my boss. He heard from one of the girls in the office about my weekend fun. He stopped by to see me before I left work, and he couldn't believe it either.

I've been taking Advil to help with the pain and the swelling. I've already warned Paige, since we are having lunch and her 3 year old will be with us. I don't want to scare the crap out the child!! I haven't told Mom yet. I'll just wait until Wednesday, when we make the Costco trip. Hopefully, I will look somewhat better by then. I don't want my poor Mom to flip out. Of course, she will. That's what Mom's do.

Three Days Off

2008-11-24T17:35:00.004-06:00

Well, my day is almost over. I'm off for the next three days since Thanksgiving is in the mix. My co-worker, Kirk, asked me to swap days off with him, so I worked today for him. He had to take a real estate class this morning.

My Tuesday is looking rather busy. I'm having lunch with the Beziat family. I was supposed to do that last week, but I ended up working instead. I've got to go get the smoked turkey for Thursday. I've got to run to Franklin to the title company to try to get paid for a closing I had two weeks ago and take that check to my real estate office. Of course, the keg is out, so got to make a run for the Honeybrown I ordered. And various and other sundry nonsense errands.

Wednesday will be spent in the kitchen doing the prep work for Thursday. Oh, and Mom wants to make a Costco run also. The Red Cross just called, so I'm giving blood too!

I'm hoping Thursday will be a relatively quiet day. Just Mom and I eating like pigs and watching some football.

I hope everyone has a very Happy Thanksgiving.

Flickr Meme

2008-11-24T12:24:00.004-06:00

I stole this idea from Amy's blog. Type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr's search. Using only the images that appear on the first page, choose your favourite and copy and paste each of the URLs into the Mosiac Maker (3 columns, 4 rows). Have fun!!!

1. What is your first name? Lara

2. What is your favourite food? Sushi

3. What high school did you attend? Hume-Fogg

4. What is your favourite colour? Red

5. Who is your celebrity crush? I went with my UGA Coach, Mark Richt

6. Favourite drink? Beer

7. Dream vacation? I answered, Europe, but I love this photo of the London Eye

8. Favourite dessert? Bailey's and coffee (usually after dinner, but this photo is giving me a new idea)

9. What do you want to be when you grow up? Healthy

10. What do you love most in life? I answered, every day. I love this photo.

11. One word to describe you? Blonde.

12. Your Flickr name? Peachsz didn't work, so I just used peach

Photo Credits:

1. Lara Croft, 2. Maguro Tataki Sashimi, 3. Alma Mater, 4. Sun on the west, 5. 040508_GDAY_RICHT, 6. After beer..., 7. London Eye Red Colors, 8. Coffee & Baileys Jello Cubes, 9. Apple cakes!, 10. For you / Para vosotras (Sant Jordi), 11. One Secret, 12. dupla

Welcome to the Jungle

2008-11-21T13:16:00.000-06:00

The Persuader

2008-11-20T14:12:00.000-06:00

I found this personality test on Ginger's blog. I think these are so much fun!! It always cracks me up to learn some little nuance about myself. ESTP stands for Extroverted, Sensing, Thinking and Perceiving.

ESTPs are action-loving, "here and now" realists with excellent people skills. Informal, risk-taking, fast-paced and adaptable, they are not always in agreeance with rules and regulations. They are tactical problem solvers that desire quick results. ESTPs, who present a friendly and enthusiastic face, are straightshooters that are able to handle criticism.

About the ESTP

Expert Quotes & Links

"These are the ultimate realists. Extraverted Sensors are at one with objects and experiences now, in the only living, pulsing moment that ever really exists. The Sensor is compelled to see, touch, taste, smell and feel all that moves, wafts, tingles, tinkles, scintillates, vibrates or resonates"
- ESTP Profile (TypeLogic)

"Promoters are men and women of action. When someone of this personality is present, things begin to happen: the lights come on, the music plays, the game begins."
- The Portrait of the Promoter Artisan (eStP) (Keirsey)

"likes to lead, likes sports, risk taker, tends to dominate conversations, fearless, can handle criticism"
- Jung Type Descriptions (ESTP) (similarminds.com)

"Enthusiastic and excitable, ESTPs are "doers" who live in the world of action. Blunt, straight-forward risk-takers, they are willing to plunge right into things and get their hands dirty. They live in the here-and-now, and place little importance on introspection or theory. The look at the facts of a situation, quickly decide what should be done, execute the action, and move on to the next thing."
- Portrait of an ESTP (The Personality Page)

"At work, ESTPs contribute a straightforward attitude that calls on people to make things happen quickly. They keep things lively and are willing to take personal and organizational risks. They enjoy crises and like to dive right in and skillfully negotiate through them."
- ESTP - The Adventurer (Lifexplore)

ESTP Career Matches

ESTPs are often happy with the following jobs which tend to match well with the Persuader/Creator personality.

Agent
Auditor
Carpenter (I can barely use a hammer.)
Comedian
Computer Tech Support (Uh, don't think so. Just learned how to post YouTube on the blog.)
Computer Technician (Definitely not. Still learning the "link" thing.)
Craftsman (Back to the hammer comment.)
Detective (Well, I am nosey by nature.)
Driver
Engineer (This just makes me laugh! I'm not nearly analytical enough for that gig.)
Entrepreneur
Farmer (Yeah, can barely keep my two plants alive inside my house.)
Firefighter
Laborer
Marketer
Military (Now, honestly, can you see me in the Armed Forces? Please!!)
Network Specialist (Back to the computer challenged business.)
Paramedic/EMT
Police
Project Manager
Sales Representative (Finally, something I know how to do and honestly, love to do!)

You Got the Peaches?

2008-11-19T17:14:00.003-06:00

I was reading, Barbara's, blog earlier about 80's hair bands. This is one of my all time faves. I just had to put it up here. Now that I know how. ;)

The Fateful Day

2008-11-18T00:53:00.003-06:00

Here is the photo with all of my friends in it. If I can stomach it, I will post more photos of our wedding.

Here is to all of my friends, Fred's friends, and family that stood with us on that magical day.

Can you imagine all of friends and family there with us?

Wonderful day.

And yet another with just the parents. See what a large production this was? And this was just the bridal party. Can you even imagine how much this party cost?

It was well worth it. Wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.

In My Life

2008-11-18T00:23:00.004-06:00

This is one of my favourite Beatles songs of all time. Again, just a little insight as to who I am as a person.

Wait, am I sharing just a little too much about myself?

The Journey

2008-11-17T19:57:00.002-06:00

I was reading my posts from yesterday. I love my life. I don't regret the decisions that I have made.

Ultimately, it is because of those decisions, that I am the person, I am. Much like the famous Frost, poem states...the path least travelled. Whatever road or path one chooses to take, makes us who we are.

I don't blame my parents for the paths that I have taken in my life. Those decisions are mine. And mine alone.

I continue to make my own decisions, whether good or bad.

I guess, when the day is over and I am laying my head on my pillow, I have no true regrets.

Yeah, the Fred thing still gets to me. But, I made that choice. I know that it was the right choice. For me, anyway.

I just have to figure out where I want to go in this journey called life.

I Guess We're All Getting Older

2008-11-17T02:15:00.007-06:00

I have to admit, some of my friends in High School have already hit the milestone that I will hit come April.

We are turning 40. Is that a bad thing or yet, another milestone?

I will know, in the next few months.

I honestly, don't know. Will the number 40, really affect me?

I guess we will see.

I have the great honour of celebrating, one of my best friends, hitting that milestone, next month.

To me, it's just another day. I don't really think that 40 is that big of a deal.

Is it?

Maybe, so. I made the comment on my friend's, Amy's blog. I have made mistakes in my life. Haven't we all?

I guess the one mistake that I made, that sometimes, I regret, was the dissolution of my marriage. Fred, was and is one of the best people I have ever had enter my life. I met him when I was maybe, 16. He was the best friend of my then boyfriend. We started dating when I was 19, I think. We were together for approximately, 13 years. Five of which, we were married.

Sadly, we were just not meant to be together. The comment I made on Amy's blog was this; the song, Landslide, by Fleetwood Mac, best sums up how I felt when I made the hard choice to leave him. It's the only way I know to explain that relationship.

Complex, mostly due to me. He loved me unconditionally. I somehow, never could return that same love. I honestly did try. Maybe, it's my upbringing with my parents. Maybe it's just me, being fucked up in my own kind of way. All I know, is that, Fred, is now the standard that I hold all men to. So, when I meet a man, I constantly compare him to Fred. It's not fair, but you just have to know Fred. He is a very unique person. I may never meet another man like him. If I don't, then I'm okay with that.

The way that I look at our relationship is this. He was the best thing to happen to me at the time. I just thought that at the time, he wanted, expected more of me than what I was able to offer. Maybe it was my age. Maybe, it was just me not wanting to be tied down. I can psycho-analyze it all day long. At the end of the day, it really doesn't matter. I broke his heart. That can never be repaired. I don't expect forgiveness for that. Somehow, that wonderful man, has forgiven me and I'm very proud to say that we are still great friends. That's how we ultimately got started; as friends.

Maybe, I'm just destined to be alone for the rest of my life. If that is true, then I'm okay with that. My Grandmother (Dad's mom did the same thing when my Grandfather, passed.) The way I look at it is this, if you have one great love in your life, then you are blessed. The problem is trying to find someone to fill those shoes. Fred, has left me with some huge shoes to try to attempt to fill. I honestly, don't know if that is possible. Again, I'm okay with that. Because, it was me that made that happen.

I wish him the greatest happiness on this earth. He, of all people, deserve it. Much more so, than I could ever give him. I hope that he can find someone who is willing to open up and love him the way that he needs and is worthy to be loved. I'm just sorry that I wasn't able to do that. He deserves better. I hate that I wasn't/isn't that person. I have faith that he will find the right girl to bring him the joy and happiness that he truly is worthy of. Part of me, wishes that I didn't waste so much of his life, dealing with my craziness.

He doesn't have kids, because of me. Maybe, now he doesn't want them. But, at one time he did and he stood by my decision not to have them, because he loved me. I feel guilty that I took that choice from him. Our relationship was always complicated. Again, not because of him. I'm just fucked up in my own kind of way. He still loved me, faults and all. As I did him. And in someways, still do. Just not in the way to reconcile the mistakes that I made.

Ultimately, he deserves the love that he so willing gave to me. Hopefully, he will find that. I truly hope that he does. I don't know another man that should receive that gift. Maybe that should be on my Christmas list to Santa. Or maybe, that's my Catholic guilt talking. Either way, he deserves to be happy. Goodness, knows that I will/would be the first to wish him the best that this world has to offer. He brought me such great joy for so many years. I only wish that I could have done the same for him.

I look back on those days with him with great memories. But, somehow, I lost myself. Not because of him, but because of me. I made the choices and I live with those same choices.

As I face this milestone, I ponder...

What if?

Do I Look Like Her?

2008-11-17T00:54:00.004-06:00

I was having a conversation with a girlfriend, and the subject came up. When my Dad was here, two years ago, he made the comment to me that I looked so much like my Mother. When both she and I were younger, we used to get those comments a lot. And, I do mean a lot.

I thought when Dad said it, though, he was somehow going down memory lane. Maybe that's true, maybe it's not. I will really never know for sure.

I do know that I have both of my parents in me. Whether it's DNA, or whatever. I am truly their child. I have both of their tendencies and sadly, their family cancer history. Either way, I am blessed to be on this earth and to have them both as my parents.

They really were both "kids" when they had me. I think back to when I was their age, and dear lord...there really is a reason that I have never had children. Aside, from the fact that I got cancer....I truly do believe that was God's way of confirming what I already knew. Of all the plans that the great Creator had for me, having kids was not one of them.

Look at the photo and see what you think. Do I look like Mom? She must have been 20, maybe 21 when this photo was taken. I was partying like a rock star at that age. And she had me. WOW!!!!!

I'm So Excited

2008-11-16T20:27:00.004-06:00

I'm having lunch with two of my blogger buddies on Tuesday. Michael and his sweet wife, Paige and I are meeting for the first time. I just can't wait to meet them both. We've been blog friends for what seems like forever.

My good friend, Amy, sent me the instructions on how to create links. I hope that I have done this correctly. I am challenged in this way. Always have been. Probably will continue to be. Heh, I am blonde afterall.

Considering, that I live in what can be at times a small town, but in reality is a very large city, it's an honour to meet people that live here too. Funny, that we became friends because of our blogs.

It will be fun to see them both in person for the first time and actually have a conversation, face to face. Honestly, I can't wait.

What more can a girl ask? I've already had the luxury of meeting, Brian, this past summer. That was so cool. I got to show him my town and visit with a new friend.

I just love friends, don't you?!

Five Questions

2008-11-14T15:45:00.003-06:00

My friend, Barbara, asked these questions. Funny, though she didn't answer them. Hmmm.

1. Which do you like better, your eyes or your smile?

My smile. My Mom spent a fortune on it.

2. Have you seen any good movies lately or are there any coming out that you are looking forward to seeing?

The last movie I saw was SATC. I'm not a big movie kind of chick.

3. What are three words to describe your personality?

I had to look at an old blog post from a personality test I took. Here's what it said; fun, charming and persuasive.

4. If you were in a rock band would you want to be Lead Vocals, Lead Guitar, Bass or Drummer?

Drummer.

5. Have you ever read "Interview with a Vampire" or seen the movie?

Yes, to both. Although it has been years ago.

Veteran's Day

2008-11-11T22:10:00.000-06:00

I have to admit that I stole this image from Barbara's blog.

My Dad, is a Veteran of the Vietnam War. He won't talk much about his experience there. I can't say that I blame him.

What little bit I do know is this. His father was a Naval Officer during WWII. Dad, went through ROTC when he was in college. When he graduated from UGA and entered graduate school, also at UGA, his draft number came up.

He entered the Marines and went through Officer Candidacy School and was a Lieutenant. His job was an ambulance driver. I can only imagine the horror that he must have seen. I know that is why he won't talk about it. Hell, I wouldn't either.

I am so grateful that he made it home safely to both Mom and I. He was overseas, when I was born. Dad and I have never been very close. We have grown closer over the years and I am very blessed to have that opportunity. There are so many families out there who can't say that.

Fred and I went to Washington, DC in 1999. Seeing the Wall just made me sob. Fred, has a photo of me there touching someone's name. I'm so thankful that my Dad's name is not there.

Both of my grandfather's served in WWII. My uncles served in both WWII and in Korea. I am forever grateful and thankful for the brave men and women who sacrifice their families and sometimes, ultimately their lives for the freedom that we, as Americans tend to take for granted. This day is for all of them. God Bless them all!

**Correction..My Dad just informed me that my memory is not what I thought that it was. Here is what he said. "I was in charge of the motor pool for the 1st Medical Battalion, 1st Marine Division for half of my tour in country. I had ambulances, jeeps, duce and a half trucks, and wreckers; and a dozen or so drivers and mechanics and NCO's under me. For the other half of my tour I was a platoon leader for Charlie Co., 1st Motors. I took convoys of duce and a half's loaded with beans, bullets and band aids out to fire support bases throughout I Corps. I had 27 drivers plus NCO's under me."**

Thanks, Dad. My love to you, always.

Kid. :)

What a Small World

2008-11-10T16:26:00.003-06:00

I was on Facebook a few minutes ago, because I got a "friend" request. I have to admit that I don't use Facebook often. What I saw today was just too funny. Well, to me anyway.

An old friend of mine that I call, Izzy, has been on my mind lately and I called her last night. I left her a voice mail message. She was my "friend" request that I received today. As I'm scrolling through her "friends", I recognize a very familiar name. It's the husband of one of my best friends. I knew that they both went to high school together and graduated the same year, but somehow, I never put two and two together until today.

I'm having lunch with Linda, tomorrow. She'll get a kick out of this. I honestly can't remember if Linda and Izzy ever met each other. I'm thinking they would have had to at one of the many parties Fred and I had. Linda has a mind like an elephant, so she'll remember. Hell, she remembers everything.

The truly funny thing about this is, Linda was convinced that Joe and I had to know each other or at least some of the same people. This was before they got married. He and I did not attend the same high school, but we did go to the same college, initially. He and I were talking and we just could not come up with any common thread and it was driving Linda insane. How could we grow up in the same city, attend the same college and not know some of the same people?

It's nearly three years later and I have found the common thread, Izzy. Izzy, was one of my bridesmaids and she also sang at my wedding. I'll have to find our pictures and put her happy, shiny face on my blog.

I Think I'm In Love

2008-11-09T16:16:00.004-06:00

My good friend, Alan, and I have worked out a most excellent system for our kegs. He finally got his filled. It's been empty for over a year.

This past Wednesday, we met up with another friend that has had Alan's spare keg for nearly three years. Of course, mine blew on Election night....great timing. While all three of us are having our beers, Alan and I devise our plan. I'll get a spare key to my house made for him and he'll keep the spare keg on hand for emergencies. Like the one I had Tuesday night.

The way it's been working in the past is this, when my keg blows, I call Alan. We work out what would be convenient for both our schedules to meet up at my house to get the empty keg and take it to the keg store and exchange it out. It's kind of a pain in the ass with my wacky schedule. That is especially true if the damn CO2 tank runs out.

Back to the plan. We now have a spare empty keg and a spare full CO2 tank. Friday, Alan, takes the empty spare keg to the keg store and exchanges it for a full one that I had reserved. He then goes to my house to replace my empty keg with the new one and takes my empty one back to his house as the empty spare. He did all of that while I was at work. We created this plan because if you don't have an empty keg to exchange then you have to pay a keg deposit of $75. That's insane.

We both now have full kegs. He has Hardcore Cider and I've got Mich Light. Of course, I will drain mine before the end of the month. When I called to reserve my keg, I asked the guy about the lead time on JW Dundee's Honeybrown. That will be the next keg. Perfect for the month of December.

Election Day

2008-11-04T23:36:00.003-06:00

I've never expressed my political views on my blog. I was always taught to never discuss politics or religion.

However, I have to admit, for the first time in my adult life I truly am afraid of where my country is now headed. I am a student of history. Not knocking, Obama, I'm sure he is a fine man. I just remember from childhood what happened when Jimmy Carter was in office. You have to know enough about me to know that I am from the great state of Georgia. I was very proud of him when he was elected.

I also remember what happened when the Iranian Embassy was taken over and our great men and women were held captive for over a year. I am truly afraid of something terrible like that happening again. I'm not saying that it will. I just remember when it did. I was only 10 or 11 years old at that time. I can honestly say, that memory is etched in my brain. If nothing else, I have learned that history does have a terrible way of repeating itself, if someone, or something doesn't change it.

We, as Americans, have made our choice and we have to live with it. Good or bad. I'm not saying the decision we made is a bad one. I'm just saying because of the actions that we have made, we will have to live with the consequences of our actions. Let's just hope that we are willing to live with those decisions.

I'm not exactly happy with the outcome, but we, as Americans have spoken. Let's just hope that in the coming months and years that we don't regret what happened this evening. If we do, then in 4 years, we will have another opportunity to express our opinion.

I just sincerely hope, that we do not regret what has happened tonight. I want our nation to continue to be strong and to be the best that we know how to be. We cannot always continue to save the rest of the world.

Somehow, being the modern day "super-power" is a very difficult burden to bear. Perhaps, like the Roman Empire, the Grecian Empire and the British Empire; eventually, all empires reach a breaking point.

I truly hope that, Obama, is up to the challenge. Or at least, he will do what Bush the latter, did. That was to surround himself with people that know more than he does and will help guide this nation to continue to be the nation that I am proud of.

If nothing else, at the end of the day, I am proud to call myself an American Citizen. I believe in the principles that our Founding Fathers, set forth to develop this brand new endeavor, called The United States of America.

This nation is facing a crisis unlike anything that I have ever seen with my own eyes. All I can do, is hope and pray, that we will unite together against party lines and do what is best for our Country and the people that live here and work hard to achieve the American dream. I am one of those people.

History will show how our next President will perform. All I can do, is hope for the best. And hope that we have not made the greatest mistake of our lives. Only time will tell.

Here is to optimism and good judgement by Senator Obama. I am hoping that he and his future staff will make me proud. Hopefully, more so than I have ever been.

Wow

2008-11-03T20:31:00.002-06:00

I got a phone call this evening from my Mom, that I really wasn't expecting. She has worked for a company, here in Nashville for over 30 years. They gave her the pink slip today. She is being laid off.

She says that she knew it was coming and maybe that is true. I am just in complete and total shock. I'm trying to imagine how the person that I know that is my Mother, is going to be able to find a job in today's market. Yeah, she has a severance and all. But, she barely knows how to work a PC, she is execllent at bookkeeping and math, but without a college degree; I honestly don't know how she is going to fare.

For the first time in my life, I am scared for her. Mostly, because I cannot take care of her. That is my job, I am the adult now, I earn the big bucks (well, at least in theory) so, it's my turn. I am ready for the challenge. I just wish I had all the tools.

The Nightmare Cocktail Party

2008-11-02T20:21:00.003-06:00

I can honestly say for the first time that I can remember, I did not watch the UGA v. FL football game. Paige, texted me during the last quarter (I think) to tell me how bad the game was unfolding. I was out showing property and was unable to keep track of the score during the entire day.

I had TiVo'd the game, per my usual Saturday routine. When I finally was able to sit down in front of my laptop at work and see the score, I about came unglued. After watching the ass kicking that we received from AL, I just didn't have it in me to see another one.

I got home, changed clothes, walked the dog, poured myself a pitcher of beer and sat down on the sofa. I turned on the TV and hit the DVR. I made the conscious decision to delete the game. I just could not torture myself to endure watching it.

This morning while reading the sports page and having coffee, CSS aired the Dawg Report. It was a special edition taped in Jacksonville. That show, in and of itself, was depressing as hell to watch. I'm glad that I didn't watch the game. It just confirmed what I already knew. We did not play our best.

Don't get me wrong. In any sport, someone has to win and someone has to lose. I just hate that it had to be us that lost and it was fucking FL that won. There was such media hype regarding UGA prior to the season beginning and that makes this loss even more stinging.

We will play out the last three regular season games and I'm sure we will go to a bowl game. Just not the SEC Championship.

Oh well, there's always next year.

It's About Time to Show Your UGA Pride

2008-10-22T16:05:00.006-05:00

Dawg Tags

Show your Georgia pride on your ride! If your vehicle is already registered and you wish to have a non-personalized (the DMV puts a random number on your UGA tag) collegiate license plate the cost is $35 plus a $5 processing fee for a total of $40. Make your check payable to the UGA Alumni Association. If your vehicle is already registered and you wish to have a UGA license plate that you personalize by selecting your own tag number / word / phrase, the cost is $35 plus $35 plus a $5.00 processing fee for a total of $75. Make your check payable to the UGA Alumni Association.

The deadline to apply is April 3, 2009 .

I received this email from my Mom. The State of TN, must have 1,000 requests in order for those of us who live here to get a UGA plate. Paige, I need your help on this one, girl!! Spread the word. Let's finally get our Dawg plate in the great state of Tennessee!

Busy Monday

2008-10-19T13:53:00.002-05:00

This week was better than last week, thankfully. I missed watching my Dawgs play online at work because I was with customers until around 4pm. I did TiVo the game and was able to watch most of it after I got home from having drinks at E.

Last night was so much fun. One of the ex-bartenders stopped by with his wife and their baby. It's the first time I have seen Jake. He is so cute! Looks a lot like his dad. Saw some other "regulars" and played catch up with them. If that place would get trivia back....

My Monday is going to be a busy day. I've got to take the car in for it's oil change and routine maintenance. It tells me when it's time for that sort of thing. I'm doing that first thing and the dealership is giving me a courtesy car. I'll have to take advantage of having a backseat and real trunk by doing some necessary but dreaded shopping.

I've got a doctor's appointment in the afternoon. So not looking forward to that! But a girl has to do what a girl has to do.

I've got my Catholic group meeting in the evening. All in all, should be a good day. Assuming work leaves me alone.

In Memory of Lee

2008-10-13T21:15:00.003-05:00

I seem to be doing way too many of these lately. I just got back from the visitation of one of my dearest friends from my first new home sales gig. John, and I go way back. We ended up working together again when I came back to where I started (after the "buyout" of the original company that I first came to work for). Actually, there were several of us that did that. Anyway, I digress.

John, and I were always close. He is quite a bit older than I am, but we have so much in common. He is from Hickman County, TN (which is basically BFE) and he is a great guy. He loves GA ball and loves Larry Munson. I bought him a DVD/CD (I can't remember...too many years ago, and too many brain cells killed since) of Larry calling his favourite games.

His wife, Lee, passed on Thursday, and since I am no longer with that company, I had no idea. He called me this morning to tell me. Bless his heart. He reminded me that I and another lady that we worked with were instrumental in getting him to truly get involved with Lee. Like me, John has commitment issues. At the time, I knew that he loved her. Yeah, they had their differences, like their backgrounds, finances, etc. But, after many conversations and I guess a lot of soul searching on his part, he finally decided that, Lee, was worth the risk. That was 10 years ago. He is a better man for that. He knows that and so do I. Even with all the pain that he is going through right now, those 10 years, were some of the best that he has ever had and nothing will ever take that away from him. I just hate that he only had 10. I wish that he could have had more.

The funeral is tomorrow. I will be there for him. I just wish that I knew what else I could do for him. He is so much like me, that he won't ask for help. So, I am trying to figure out what I can do. I'm thinking that once, Lee's, family leaves then maybe myself and those of us that are closest to him can step up and surround him and give him the support and the love that he will most assuredly need.

It was so hard to see my friends, Susan and Holly, tonight at that same funeral home (where their Mother, Sarah, was 2-3 weeks ago). Goodness, I cried all over again, just seeing them. All they could do was apologize for not sending out thank you notes for the flowers I sent for Sarah. How crazy is that?

This Freaking Week

2008-10-10T17:11:00.002-05:00

This has been the week from hell. Every single day (including my two "days off") has been an absolute nightmare. It seems that everything I have touched has turned to shit.

I had the great fortune of pissing off the owner of the company that I work for. Thankfully, I am still employed.

I am meeting a friend for drinks when I finally get to leave this place. At what time, I honestly don't know. Hopefully, the booze will make me feel better.

The Way Around My Guilt

2008-10-06T00:08:00.003-05:00

I was raised a Methodist. When I met Fred, I converted to Catholicism. I had to go to classes and stuff. Since, my major in college was in Theology/Philosophy, it was not that big of a deal. I, honestly, embraced it. In a lot of ways, felt that I should have been born a Catholic. I do truly do believe that. I know that may sound weird. But, I have my differences with the "church", but at the end of the day, when I actually do go to Mass, I really do feel that I am "blessed".

I am making this post because, I got this email from Cathedral. The church that I "belong" to. They are offering these classes or meetings or groups, whatever you want to call them. I signed up for one. It starts Monday night. It lasts for six weeks. I picked a group that is on my day off (Monday) and meets right around my house. It lasts for about two hours and I think that we talk about the same things that we discussed when I was going through my conversion. I am hoping to learn more about my faith and honestly to assuage my guilt for not going to church.

At least, Fred, goes to church. Not necessarily, a Catholic church, but at least he goes. That is much more than what I can say for myself. Which is why I signed up for the group. I'm hoping that, maybe this will inspire me to get my lazy butt out of bed on Sunday morning and go to Mass. I know that I will feel so much better for going. I just wish that I had someone to go with me. Going alone is not so much fun.

Update on the Pig Fest

2008-10-05T23:31:00.002-05:00

Upon popular demand, here the report of the "pig fest". I can't say that, without a smile on my face. The day, actually was not as bad as I what thought it was going to be. Not so many "rednecks", mostly just families. Surprisingly enough. Huh? In Spring Hill? I kind of felt like, Dorothy, in "The Wizard of Oz", it just wasn't what I had expected. I guess that is a good thing.

Don't get me wrong. There was plenty of good ol' country stuff at this thing. Like hog calling and the pig race (that I totally missed...plus the betting...damn it). And I didn't have to baby-sit too long with the kids like I thought that I would have to (thank goodness), so the day was not all lost. All in all, next year I'm actually looking forward to it. That should tell you something.

I got home just in time to see the last 9 minutes of the Auburn vs. Vandy game Sunday night. OMG!! What a game. I still can't believe that Vandy beat Auburn! Holy cow! I'm actually scared of them coming to Athens in two weeks to play us. Good grief!! They must be on cloud nine right now. Honestly, I don't blame them. They deserve it.

I just hope that we can get through UT on Saturday and then show Vandy who really is the boss of the SEC East.:) Mike, that is totally for you, oh and for you too, Ames. :) Hugs all around.

The Pig Fest

2008-10-03T16:48:00.004-05:00

I've got to admit, this will be a first for me. Apparently, there is a festival in the city of Spring Hill every year called the Country Ham Festival. I have been jokingly calling it the "pig fest". I have visions of every redneck in Middle Tennessee showing up for this thing. I also discovered that the builder that I work for is the title sponsor for the "pig fest". That means that I get to go and spend the day with the pigs. Yea, for me.

In our sales meeting this morning, I got the great news that my sales colleague and I get to man some bean bag corn game thing. For those of you who know me and know me well, you know that me spending an entire day dealing with kids is definitely not my idea of a good time. My wonderful colleague just had the great idea of us betting on the pig race that will be occurring. That means I need to go to the store to get some money. :) This day may not turn out to be all bad, afterall.

The saving grace of this whole thing is that I get to wear shorts, my company's t-shirt and a baseball cap. Oh yeah, and obviously I won't have to sit in the model all day. So, if you have nothing better to do on Saturday, come on down to the "pig fest" and stop by our tent and say hi.

Happy Belated Bday

2008-09-29T23:52:00.002-05:00

One of my best friends from high school, just sent me an email to inform me that his birth was on the 24th. I will freely admit that I suck at the bday dates. I always have and always will.

Apparently, the 24th was my best freind's bday.

Happy bday, Rick!!!

Did not mean to leave you out. I'm just a stupid blone.

Hope you had a wonderful day.

Sorry, that I over looked it.

I will try to do better next yer.

Anyway, happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear, Rick, happy birthday to you.

Just sorry, that I am so late in posting this for you.

You have always been, and will always continue to be a big part of my life. I hope that your bday was wonderful and everything that you expected and hoped for.

Much love always.

Happy Birthday Paige

2008-09-28T14:58:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday to my good friend, Paige!! One of these days, we really will have to make a road trip to Athens for a ball game.

Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear, Paige, happy birthday to you!

My Worst Nightmare

2008-09-28T13:34:00.002-05:00

Well, this photo pretty much speaks for itself. That game was a nightmare to watch. Paige and I were texting each other all night long. I'm still pissed and it's a day later.

We're off this next week then we wait for Tennessee to come to town. We best be ready for them. They lost yesterday too. They'll be gunning for us.

Wish Me Luck

2008-09-27T17:51:00.003-05:00

Well, it's almost time for me to go home. That also means that it almost game time. UGA plays AL tonight and I am freaking terrified! They are pissed at us for beating them in overtime last year. They've been making stupid comments about a funeral due to the fact that we have called for a "blackout" at Sanford Stadium. I mean, come on. Both teams' colours are red. It only makes sense after we did it for the first time in history against Auburn last year.

I'm nervous for many reasons, which I don't have time to blog about now. Suffice it to say that AL has a good team. I just hope that we have a better one.

To make things worse, USC got beat by a team that never should have beaten them. Then today, FL got beat by yet another team that should not have won. Do not misunderstand me, I hate both USC and FL, but I'm thinking those losses could be an omen for us.

See, I need beer. NOW. Probably, in large quantities. Much more so than last week's game.

5 Random Questions

2008-09-24T17:09:00.002-05:00

The birthday girl, Barbara, asked me and a few others to answer the following:

1. What length is the longest your hair has ever been? Based on some old photos, down to my waist.

2. Have you ever been really hooked on a game (solitare, Pac-Man, Spyro, Rock Band? Chess? etc.) Well, back when I was roller skating (in grammar school) Pac-Man and Ms. Pac-Man were all the rage, so I wasted a lot of quarters. Also played a lot of Galaga (sp?) and Centipede too.

3. What's your favorite kind of bird? Hummingbirds.

4. Have you ever sang Karokee? Would you? Not just no, but hell no!!

5. When is the last time you visited someone in the hospital? I took my next door neighbour to the emergency room. Does that count?

Happy Birthday Barbara

2008-09-24T16:54:00.002-05:00

Today is Barbara's birthday!!! I'm not going to reveal which one, but let's just say that next year will be a biggie. :)

I hope that today is a wonderful day for my friend on the west coast!

Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear, Barbara, happy birthday to you!!!

In Memory of Sarah

2008-09-23T21:00:00.002-05:00

I got some devastating news this evening. My good friend, Holly's Mom, Sarah, passed away today. She had been diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer a couple of years ago and it was advanced when they found it. Ironically, Sarah's initial Oncologist was the same as mine. She went through hell with chemo and clinical trials, but finally her body just gave out.

My heart goes out to Holly and her sister, Susan, who I also know well. We all used to work together years ago at a home building company that is no longer around. I first met them back in 1998. Somehow, Holly, and I just got to be great friends. Susan, was very instrumental in helping me get my second job and she and I worked very closely together there.

Over the past two years, Holly, and I have drifted apart, but she will always have a very special place in my heart. I know those two girls are in terrible pain right now because they were so close to their mother. I can't even begin to imagine. Jack, their father must be going through absolute hell.

I will see them at the visitation on Friday. I tried to help out by making some necessary calls to real estate friends and the "cheers" group. My thoughts and prayers are with them and their family.

It seems way too many people close to me are passing away. I guess that is a true sign of my aging. Just like with Jay, tears are flowing and my heart is very heavy.

Near Heart Failure

2008-09-21T17:10:00.002-05:00

Last night was so very stressful for me. I got home late from work and since I had to make my Kroger run, it put me even further behind. Thankfully, I TiVo'd the UGA game. Thankfully, I had plenty of beer on hand.

Paige, did a much better blog post that I can ever attempt to do as far as summarizing the game. Just suffice it to say that watching that game about gave me a heart attack. I'm so passionate about UGA football anyway, but last night's game was a nail biter. For a while there, I wasn't sure that we were going to be able to pull out a win. Ultimately, we did. But damn it, when we got those two personal foul calls right in a row, I about came unglued.

We absolutely can NOT play like that next week against Alabama. My friend, John, who is a huge Auburn fan is putting the pressure on me and my team to beat his enemy. We've got to step it up if we expect to do just that.

Happy Birthday Fred

2008-09-20T17:35:00.002-05:00

Today is Fred's 44th birthday. He had a photo shoot this morning but sounds like he is doing the sibling thing tonight. I hope they have fun.

Sadly, Notre Dame did not beat Michigan State like we were hoping. I was kind of thinking that would be a nice present for Fred. Guess I'll actually have to buy him something. :)

My Love Affair With Beer

2008-09-20T17:23:00.003-05:00

I was just on the phone with my Dad. I was telling him that I was going to stop by Kroger on the way home to get some laundry supplies and beer for the UGA v. AZ St. game tonight on my way home from work. He asked if my keg was empty. I said no, but in case I do drain it watching the game, I will have back up.

He then asks me if I remember my first experience with my favorite fermented beverage. I absolutely do!! I was three years old and Dad was watching a ball game and left his beer next to his chair in the den. I got a hold of that beer and just started going at it. I did have to ask Dad, if I got a beating for doing that. He laughed and said, nah.

So, yeah. I guess I got started earlier than most. I do have to confess, it's a love affair that's never ending. I'm just trying to decide what flavor to buy at Kroger. I'm thinking about J.W. Dundee's Honeybrown or maybe Pete's Wicked Pale Ale. I've got Michelob Light in the keg.

It's Friday

2008-09-19T12:55:00.003-05:00

While Friday's don't really mean much to me. They are just another day in the week, but to most people they represent the end of a typical work week. I always have a sales meeting on Fridays, so my Friday's hardly ever start out well. This week has been especially bad. Well, actually the last two weeks have been not so good.

I had to do my weekly traffic report last night for today's sales meeting. It's a report where we keep track of the leads that we get and where we get them from and who we meet. That sort of thing. Mine was really not so hot, so I chose to take my laptop home and have a nice cold beer while doing that report. About two hours later, and more than one beer later, I finished the report.

We got some training on Photoshop in our meeting this morning. That was actually very useful and almost fun. Since I am very IT challenged, Photoshop, is going to be tricky for me to pick up. That's okay, I'll get there. I just got confirmation that I will be writing a contract this afternoon to email it to a gentleman moving here from Tempe, AZ. In fact, he will be at the UGA v. AZ. St. game tomorrow. Funny, huh? I also got confirmation that another contract I wrote in being overnighted to me from a gal in Florida. So, my day is looking brighter.

More Random Thoughts

2008-09-17T00:39:00.006-05:00

I just have to say how much I love my job. I've been very lucky in my life. When I graduated from High School, I really had no direction in life. I went to college with three other girl friends of mine. We all decided to be suite mates. It worked out for a while. Back then, we were on the quarter system (this is how old I am showing myself to be..). Anyhoo, the first girl left after the first quarter and then my best friend from high school and I had a falling out and I moved in with the other girl from high school and then she left after second quarter.

Fortunately, I met this fabulous girl who lived across the hall in our dorm. She needed a roomie and we decided to give it a try. It worked out a great. I even pledged her sorority. Due to circumstances that I'm really not ready to reveal here, things kind of changed. Barbara, knows the whole story as does Fred, but let's just suffice it to say that I ended up leaving that school my sophomore year.

My grand mother was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer that same year and I took some time off from school to take care of her. At the time, I really resented having to do that, but I look back on those times now, and I wouldn't take a moment of that back. Yeah, sure it was hard and ugly at times, but I got to know her on such a different level than I ever had before. I think it is because of her that when my cancer scare came, that honestly I was not afraid to die. Again, not looking forward to it, just not fearing it, like most people.

But I'm getting off topic. I guess the reason of this crazy post is this. Somehow things have a way of working out. When my grandmother got sick, I didn't want to go back to the same school where ,Maria, was killed, for obvious reasons, so I had to pick another school. It took me a while, but I finally found one. Ironically, it was through a two year school where they held classes at a local high school and I decided to enroll in a Biblical Studies class. I'm so grateful that I did. That is truly what changed my life. I've always been intrigued with why people believe what they believe, because I think that is what makes them the core of who they are. Maybe not consiously, but definitely, deep down inside it always comes out in what we say or what we do, or ultimately how we live our lives.

I have always found that intriguing, but until Dr. Shriver, gave me a since of hope, my journey began. I started checking out schools. Even living in Nashville (which is known as the Athens of the South because we have so many higher institutions of learning in our fair city), I wanted to truly study Theology, not just church doctrine. That in and of itself ruled out many schools. I finally found this private liberal arts school half way between Nashville and Memphis. It's a Methodist school. I was raised Methodist, and since I converted to Catholicism, it's not that big of a leap and thought I could handle it. Which I really had no problem doing.

The thing is, my Advisor was great. He sat me down one day and asked me my plans for my future and I basically told him that I wanted his job. Well, that's when reality hit me square in the face. He was open and honest with me and told me what he made for a living. Hell, I could never ever have even begun to pay back my student loans on what he was making and for goodness sake he had his PhD and was a published author.

So, I never made it to Duke or Notre Dame for my Masters. I figured at the time, what the hell. So, I start looking for a "real" job and found a job for a receptionist in the paper. Well, what a small world this is. I go in for the interview and the President of the company is looking at my resume and apparently went to the same college as me. I didn't know him since he was a year ahead of me and played football. Don't get me wrong, I do love football, but not necessarily on that level. Kind of like watching high school football. Anyhoo, his ex-girlfriend was also a sorority sister of mine. At that time, I really didn't know if I had totally blown the interview, or if I had an advantage. You never really know in those situations.

To make a long story short. I got the job and was there for four years. I loved the people and I loved my boss. I just hated the job. When it came time for Fred and I to build our second house, my boss, whose Mom had taken me under her wing told me that I really should get my real estate licence. She had done it years before and made plenty of money doing it and thought I could do the same. Well, my boss did just that when he bought his first house for he and my sorority sis (they ended up getting married). So, I thought, what the hell. How hard can it be?

Sure enough, I went to the series of classes and took the exam. After a few weeks, I see an ad in the paper for an on-site sales assistant. I apply just for the hell of it, never thinking I'm ever going to get the job. Come to find out the chick who interviewed me was the twin sister of a girl that I went to high school with. Again, you never know if these things work in your favour or against you. Anyway, I got the position but took a major hit in pay. Fortunately, Fred, stood behind me 100% and I guess now the rest is history.

I guess I look at real estate as my true career path, just like doctors or lawyers do. I know that they go to school for a lot longer than I ever did, but I honestly can never imagine doing anything else for a living. I help people achieve a dream. They want to own a home. For most people, it's the largest investment they are ever going to make. How could I not love helping people achieve that dream? I've been on both sides of that situation. I got screwed with the first house that Fred and I built and I made a promise that if I ever got into the industry I would never do that to another person. So far, I have been able to keep that promise and I hope that I always will. Because, the day that I can't, then I need to get out.

Anyway, enough about me and my crazy thoughts, what's going on with you?

Rambling Thoughts

2008-09-15T18:01:00.002-05:00

Today was a beautiful day in Nashville. Autumn is usually not my favourite time of the year (Spring is, actually) but the weather was great, nice and cool. I've been cooped up in my house all day. They are sealing the streets in the community where I live and they did my street today and I can't drive until tomorrow. I've been going a little stir crazy not being able to go anywhere. I've been cleaning and doing laundry. Sitting on my deck and enjoying the beautiful day. Can't complain about that! And besides, it's football season!! Woo-hoo!!

My Mom and Aunt Susan's birthday is tomorrow. It's hard to believe they will both be 58. It just doesn't seem possible. I guess in my head they will always be in their 30's, like I remember them being as a kid. Probably in the same way I will always be in my 20's. I know that I'm getting older too, but in my head I'm still twenty-something. How crazy is that?

Not that I want to relive my 20's. Don't get me wrong, they were great. I had some wonderful times. Gosh, sometimes I wonder how in the world I lived through them. When I think back to some of the stunts that ,Linda, and I pulled. Good gosh!! But that friendship has meant so much to me over the years.

I guess today has had me thinking a lot today about life and the road that we take every day and where we all are now. Funny, I guess back then I never thought I would end up where I am now. Don't get me wrong, I love my life and every day that I get to walk this planet is truly a gift and I do not take that for granted. I'm just feeling pensive. That's what being cooped up will do to a hyper blonde, I suppose.

I Just Love Football

2008-09-14T16:28:00.003-05:00

Yesterday was just a glorious day in the college football world for me. My Dawgs beat South Carolina. It wasn't pretty, but we won. Who cares if we dropped to #3 in the polls. As long as we keep winning, I really don't care what our ranking is.

Notre Dame beat Michigan!! I couldn't believe it. For those of you who don't know, I'm a big ND fan. I'm an Athens, GA girl and my whole family went to UGA, so that's my first love. When I met Fred, he was a huge ND fan. And since we're both Catholic and were together for so long, they are now my team too. As long as they don't play UGA. But with as badly as they played last year, I was so proud to see them beat one of their biggest rivals. Too bad Charlie Weis got his knee blown out by one of his players.

Auburn beat Mississippi State. That game was brutal to watch. The guy I'm sort of kind of seeing is an Auburn fan, so I watched the game with him last night. Auburn plays LSU next week and if they play liked they played last night, LSU will eat them alive.

And finally, I just saw that the Titans beat Cincinnati. Yippee!!

Seven Years Ago Today

2008-09-11T13:21:00.003-05:00

I have to confess that I borrowed this photo from Barbara. I hope you don't mind.

Let us all never forget what happened to this great nation of ours on such a tragic day in our history!! God bless the United States of America.

MeMe of Odd Things

2008-09-11T11:06:00.005-05:00

Linda, tagged me with this. I think I have done one similar to this before, but here goes.

1. Do you like blue cheese? Yes I do. Especially on a salad.

2. Have you ever smoked? Yep. Cloves, when large amounts of alcohol are involved.

3. Do you own a gun? Lord no. I'd be afraid I would hurt myself as opposed to someone else.

4. What flavor of Kool-Aid was your favorite? I honestly don't remember. Cherry, maybe?

5. Do you get nervous before a doctor appointment? With all of my health issues, you betcha.

6. What do you think of hot dogs? I crave them from time to time.

7. Favorite Christmas movie? Miracle on 34th Street.

8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Coffee with Splenda or Green Tea.

9. Can you do push ups!? The girlie kind.

10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? Ultimately my wedding ring, next the wedding ring that my Dad gave to my Mom which I wear on my right hand.

11. Favorite hobby? Golf, which I need to play more of.

12. Do you have A.D.D.? I don't think so, do I?

13. What's one trait you dislike about yourself. My lack of patience.

14. Middle name? Anne.

15. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment - 1) It's 9/11, so that's on my brain. 2) I'm writing a contract at 4pm. 3) A contract that I wrote a month ago just cancelled, damn it.

16. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink? Coffee, diet coke, beer.

17. Current worry? Making my monthly bonus.

18. Favorite place to be? Europe.

19. Who did you bring in the New Year with? A bunch of people at my next door neighbour's annual kick ass party.

20. Where would you like to go? Back to Italy.

21. Name three people who will complete this. Not a clue.

22. Do you own slippers? No, I wear socks.

23. What color shirt are you wearing right now? I'm wearing a red short sleeve sweater with a stars and stripes cardigan folded over.

24. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? No. Too slippery.

25. Can you whistle? No, but my Dad does a fabulous job.

26. Would you be a pirate? No. Unless we were on a luxury yacht with full facilities and a bar. :o)

27. What songs do you sing in the shower? I don't sing in the shower. I tend to think a lot in the shower.

28. Favorite Girls Name? Not really a relevant question for me, but I kind of like the name Joy.

29. Favorite boy's name? No clue on this one.

30. What's in your pocket right now? No pockets on the slacks I'm wearing.

31. Last thing that made you laugh? An email I got this morning.

32. Best bed sheets as a child? I don't freaking remember what sheets I had as a kid.

33. Worst injury you've ever had? Toss up. The Ovarian Cancer was bad, but the broken shoulder and torn rotator cuff hurt like hell.

34. Do you love where you live? Yes, I do love where I live.

35. How many TVs do you have in your house? I'm down to two.

36. Who is your loudest friend? Julie

37. How many dogs do you have? One, Katie.

38. Does someone have a crush on you? I think so.

39. What is your favorite book? I'm going with the Bible on this one.

40. What is your favorite candy? Don't really do sweets.

41. Favorite Sports Team? UGA Football, baby!!

42. What song do you want played at your funeral? Not planning on having a funeral.

43. What is your all time favorite movie? Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.

44. Who was the first serious love in your life? Fred

A Sad Day

2008-09-08T21:44:00.005-05:00

My Mom called me this morning with some heat breaking news. An old friend of ours passed away last night. He worked with her for as long as I can remember. Ironically, he died of liver failure (since I'm Catholic, I drink like a fish.....maybe I should re-think that idea).

Jay, was the first gay person I ever knew. Not that it matters. But I guess in a way it does. Being Southern, Mom, did a very good job of keeping me from my stero-typed roots. She never allowed my "family" to use the "N" word around me when I was in Athens for the summer. She also raised me to be not be biased when it came to gender relations.

I think I met Jay when I was 8 or 9. I had no idea what gay or straight was back then nor did I care. Hell, back then I just thought that he was good looking. I don't think I really knew until I was in high school, but I had known him for so long and then it made since because he lived with a guy and well, duh!

I guess because of him, I've always had an understanding of gay people. My step-sis is gay. My Dad and step-mom are not thrilled with her decision but it's her life and I love her no matter what. I know that they wish that she would meet a nice boy and get married and give them grandkids (which I cannot do), but that is really not going to happen. I think they are coming around.

My prayers are with John and with Jay's family now. I don't yet know when the memorial service is going to be held for him. I just know that my heart is very heavy now. And my tears are flowing.

Another MeMe

2008-09-07T17:51:00.005-05:00

I stole this meme from Barbara. Here are the rules. You finish the first half of the sentence (in red) with a true statement about your life. I tag anyone who wants to play along:

1. My uncle once caught me making out with the neighbour up the street.

2. Never in my life have I snow skied.

3. When I was five my parents decided to get divorced.

4. High school was a nightmare and a blast all rolled up into one big package.

5. I will never forget to count my blessings.

6. Once I met my first true love.

7. There’s this boy I know who has turned into a man.

8. Once, at a bar, I celebrated my 35th birthday with all of my friends.

9. By noon, I’m ready to go.

10. Last night I had drinks with a great friend at that same bar.

11. If only I had more patience.

12. Next time I go to church will be soon, I hope.

13. What worries me most is my cancer returning.

14. When I turn my head left I look out my window at a beautiful day.

15. When I turn my head right I see my cluttered office.

16. You know I’m lying when I say I'm fine.

17. What I miss most about the Eighties is how carefree and easy life seemed.

18. If I were a character in Shakespeare I’d be Katharina Minola.

19. By this time next year I will be selling houses, as opposed to this year.

20. A better name for me would be ??? Hell, I've already got more than the average bear. One given and three nick names. Lara, Peach, Drew, LaLa

21. I have a hard time understanding how people can be so ignorant.

22. If I ever go back to school, I'll finish.

23. You know I like you if I trust you.

24. If I ever won an award, the first person I would thank would be who ever gave it to me.

25. Take my advice, never let people get too close.

My Secret Crush

2008-09-07T13:54:00.003-05:00

I must admit that UGA has got one of the most attractive coaches in college ball. Well, at least in my eyes. I never really noticed that fact until I was in the hospital back in 2002.

I had a tumor that turned out to be cancerous and I was hospitalized for several days. My surgery was on September 10th. I have no idea who we played that week (Paige, I'm sure you will let me know). I was hooked up to a morphine drip and was a little out of it. Anyway, one of my co-workers came to visit me and happened to notice my coach. At the time, she was seeing a guy that looked strikingly familiar to Mark Richt. She made the comment about what a "hottie" my coach was. I had never thought about it until then.

Over the years I've learned more about the kind of person he is. In college football it's hard to coach a winning team and still keep your integrity. Somehow, Mark has managed to do that. His family always comes first and I admire him for that. I think it's cool that his wife is the water girl. How many coach's wives can you say that about?

I know some girls have crushes on rock stars (Paige....lol) but mine happens to be my coach. Does that make me weird? Well, more than I already am, I mean.

First Game of the Season

2008-08-30T14:50:00.000-05:00

Here is Loran's Best or better known as UGA VII. He made his first appearance today at Georgia's first game of the season against Georgia Southern. I'm sad to say that I have yet to see any of this wonderful footage, since none of it is being televised here in Nashville. One of the cable channels will run the game on Sunday, so my TiVo will be taping it for me while I am working. I will get to watch the whole thing Sunday night.

Just saw the final score of 45-21 on Espn.com. Glad to see that we won, but will really be glad to see it with my own eyes. Watching it on the net just isn't quite the same.

Go Dawgs!!

My Personality

2008-08-29T16:30:00.007-05:00

You Have A Type A Personality
You are hyper and energetic - your mind is always active. You tend to succeed at everything you attempt. And if you don't succeed at first, you quickly climb your way to the top! You could be called a workaholic, but you also make time for fun. As long as something is competitive, you're interested. You have the perfect personality for success in business and athletics.

I found this personality quiz on Barbara's blog and tried it out. I kind of already knew how it was going to turn out since I've taken so many personality tests for work, but they are always fun.

I have always considered myself successful in my line of work. Of course, with the real estate market being where it is currently, I don't think any of us are feeling particularly successful. That will change and those of us that are willing to tough it out will be the better for it.

Now when it comes to athletics, I've never considered myself to be very athletic. I do try, but I'm no natural athlete. I do think that hard work and determination are key. Maybe that's why I enjoy golf so much. I just wish I had more time to be able to play. I'm sure my game would show the rewards of those efforts.

So Long Joanna

2008-08-28T18:19:00.003-05:00

I have to say so long to my buddy, Joanna. Today is her last day here at JMB. I hate to see her go. She has been invaluable to me and I will miss her terribly.

I know that she is moving on to greener pastures and I hope she will be happy. I know for sure that she will enjoy the work commute much better.

We had a little going away thing for her and she was kind enough to help me with a couple of projects before she took off. She's heading to the lake with her boyfriend this weekend, so I know that she will have a blast.

Good luck, sweetie and stay in touch!

Dump Your Purse Challenge

2008-08-27T14:43:00.004-05:00

My blogger buddy, Barbara, put this on her blog so I've accepted her challenge. Here are the rules:

1. Dump the contents of your purse in a pile.

2. Take a photo of your purse and the contents.

3. Be brave and explain to your fellow bloggers what lurks inside the purse.

4. I dare you to find a story in the pile.

Describe the contents of your purse.
Well, there's gum, a mirror, calculator, rosary beads, numerous things of lipstick/gloss, pen, highlighter, measuring tape, bottle opener, notepad, perfume, lotion, eye drops, and business card holder

What's the most important thing in your purse?
I've got to say my calculator. With what I do for a living, I would be lost without it

What's the most embarrassing thing in your purse?
Probably the bottle opener....but you never know when you might need one

What's the smallest thing in your purse?
I think it's the container of Bobbi Brown lip balm

Is there anything illegal in your purse?
Not to my knowledge

What is the most sentimental item in your purse?
Definitely, my rosary beads

Tagged Again

2008-08-27T10:32:00.003-05:00

My blogger friend Breazy has tagged me to reveal 6 weird things about myself. I feel quite confident that there are more than just six things that are strange about me, but I will attempt to compile a list that would make her proud. My friend, Linda, did this to me back in 2006, so I am basically copying that post.

1) I hate to shop. Malls, grocery stores, Target, the whole bit. If I could literally order everything that I need online and have it delivered to my house, I would. Of course, I have a post office box that I don't check as often as I should, so there is already a flaw in that plan.

2) I don't do sweets.

3) I don't let anyone drive my car. I don't even valet.

4) My lingerie always matches what I am wearing.

5) I can't eat at buffets. The whole idea of having other people touching the food that I may eat or even worse, sneezing on it just makes me ill. You just don't know where those people's hands have been or if they are clean. Jeez!

6) I've never had Chicken Pox

Oh, Breazy, said I have to tag others. Since I don't know how to link, I'm just calling them out and I'll comment on your blogs.

Mike
Brian
Paige
Bill

Starbucks

2008-08-24T13:30:00.002-05:00

Last night, John and I had agreed to meet up after I got off work. I see him walking the dog as I'm pulling into my garage and he informs me that our neighbours would like to join for a walk with their dogs. No big deal. I thought we were going to take a stroll through the neighborhood and maybe back into where the single family houses are built.

Well, Grant and Jenny thought it would be a great idea to walk down to Starbucks and sit outside for awhile. I was cool with the whole thing. I neglected to think how this 2+ mile walk was going to effect my little Katie. She's not used to such strenuous exercise. I take her for walks, but not like this.

So, off we go heading down Old Hickory Boulevard trying not to get run over with the four dogs. Honestly, they were very well behaved and they did great at Starbucks. We got our drinks and sat around and chatted for a good hour or so. It dawns on me that the Panera is actually closer to our house and maybe next time we should think about going there. Probably a safer walk and not as long either. I suspect that will be in the near future.

It was fun hanging out with them. I really only knew Jenny when they first moved in and have always enjoyed her company. It was fun getting to know Grant better and just hang out and chat. They are on some sort of diet for the next several weeks, so they are laying off the booze otherwise I would have invited them over for a nice cold beer.

I definitely needed one after that walk!

My Neighbour

2008-08-23T11:26:00.004-05:00

I've mentioned before that I have this neighbour up the street who is a great guy. He also happens to be my new keg boy. Lately, he's been picking at me because I'm not mentioning him at all on my blog. This is to basically shut him up.

I got home Thursday night from work around 8pm and had changed clothes and opened the door to take the dog for her walk and out falls the edition of Sports Illustrated with my Dawgs on the cover. I had just posted that edition on my blog, so I figured there was only one person who would deliver that to me. It was my neighbour, John. Of course, I laughed myself silly and finally called him to confirm that he was indeed the one that dropped the magazine off at my house.

He was kind enough to offer to set me up with a wireless router for my house and make it password protected and whatever else goes with.

It's funny, how some people come into your lives and you never really know what part they play or are going to play. I guess that's where I am with John. We have talked about it and we're just going to play it by ear and see where the road takes us.

Football season is approaching quickly and he is a huge Auburn fan. Fortunately, when my Dawgs play Auburn it will be an afternoon game and I will be at work. I'd hate to think what the two of us would look like watching a game together. I can't imagine it would be a pretty sight!

I Just Couldn't Help Myself

2008-08-20T14:52:00.002-05:00

I just found this and had to post it. I know that I shouldn't, but I can't help it.

Please, please don't let this come back to haunt me!

Family Week Wrap Up

2008-08-20T13:55:00.004-05:00

Well, we got my Mom mostly moved out of her old house. There are still some things left in there, but it shouldn't take much longer. My Aunt Susan, cousin Scott and step-brother Jim, were a huge help!! Her new place looks so good and I am so happy for her.

It was so good to see Susan and Scott again. We just had the best time. I forget how funny they are. We went to the Titans vs. Oakland game Friday night and thankfully we won. Barely, but we won. It was the first pro game Susan had ever been to, so that was fun. Scott and I had a fun time catching up on what's been going on with each other. He really is such a hoot. I hate that he lives so far away. But hey, that's what email is for.

Fred wanted to see the family while they were here, so we all went out to dinner Saturday night before they departed on Sunday. Even though he and I have been divorced for six years, we were a part of each others lives for so long, I guess in some way, we will always be family. Probably sounds strange to some but it works for us. Anyway, Scott and Fred are both big into photography and had a large time talking things I had no clue about. We came back to Mom's and got to watch the history making of Michael Phelps as he won his 8th gold medal. That is one amazing athlete!

I also got the news that the AP Poll came out about my Dawgs. Still fearful about this #1 business. Especially after Scott informed me that six kids have been suspended for the first game against GA Southern. I really, really do not want a repeat of the Michigan v. Appl. St. game of last year. Coach Richt may have to put a ban on the boys going downtown if this trend continues.

Anyhoo, spoke with the Aunt yesterday and everyone made it home safe and sound. Just glad they could stop in and visit our fair city. Silly me didn't think to take any pictures of them while they were here.

Family Week

2008-08-13T12:29:00.002-05:00

My Aunt Susan arrived in town Monday afternoon. She is my Mother's twin and she is staying for a week to help get Mom moved into the new house. We worked like crazy yesterday. I went through a bunch of my old stuff that I had left behind in my old bedroom when I moved out. I can't believe how many books I had. I boxed up several including one from my freshman year of high school called, "30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary". I figure I need to go back through that book to remember words that I used to know but have long since forgotten.

I didn't make it past that bookshelf. I still have stuffed animals and old sorority stuff and goodness knows what else packed away. I know my old roller skates are there somewhere. I have a feeling that my garage is about to have a whole lot more company. I know I've got some old vinyl albums there too. I don't even own a turntable to play them on! lol :)

My cousin, Scott, will be driving down on Thursday. We all are going to the Titans game on Friday night. He will be helping with the move on Saturday. Fortunately for me, I will be working and will be missing out on most of the action. I've already made up the guest room for his arrival. I haven't seen him in about 4 years, so it will be nice to have a few beers and catch up with what's been going on with him.

Update on the Poser and Other Ramblings

2008-08-06T13:01:00.004-05:00

I had dinner with Fred and Bega last night. My social life seems to be on the rise here lately. :) They both brought to my attention that my post on the threatening of Bega's life to take great wedding photos was done by me and by me alone. I had apparently remembered incorrectly that the threatening was done by both Fred and myself. I just want to clear that up for the record.

Now, about last night. Bega had seen an article in the Nashville Scene regarding our old favourite sushi restaurant, Koto. Apparently, it's now re-opened and relocated to Union Street. Fred and I had agreed to meet up and go see our old friend, Haji. Fred called to see if I would mind if Bega joined in. I was thrilled due to the fact that I haven't seen Bega since their Mom passed back in April.

Fred came by my house and picked me up and then we drove across town to get Bega and then headed downtown. Haji, did a great job with the decor of the new restaurant. The quality of the fish was wonderful. I had fresh salmon, sea scallops, tuna sushi and a couple of rolls. Yeah, I pigged out. It was fun sitting at the bar eating great fish and catching up with Haji. It's hard to believe that his 3 kids are all in their 20's now. We've known him for way too long.

After we stuffed ourselves silly, we tried to go have ice cream at this very hip and trendy shop at 5 points in East Nashville but we missed closing time by five freaking minutes!! So, we ended up back at Bega's and hung out and talked.

I did get a bag of peaches to take home with me. I didn't know that Fred and Bega's dad had planted a peach tree some years back in the side yard. This is the first year that it has born fruit. Bega has peaches coming out of his ears. Since my nickname is Peach, they thought it was only fitting for me to take some home. Sweet, sweet guys they are.

Bega had to start his first day at school today. Fred and I are brainstorming about starting a blog for an Opryland food service reunion. Any ideas? I'll freely accept any help.

Renewing Friendships

2008-08-06T11:28:00.002-05:00

After my post about Opryland, I got to thinking about one guy that I worked with that I haven't seen in years. I called Fred to see if he had Reggie's number and thankfully, he did. I took a chance, and called Reggie. I think I about gave Reggie a heart attack.

We talked and talked and he mentioned that he works at a bar that we used to go to after work sometimes in Madison. Gay, who was our Area Manager in those days, her brother owns this particular bar and she helps run it. He mentioned that I should stop in sometime and see them both. I said that I would and that maybe Fred would like to join in next week.

Well, I got a wild hair and decided to call after leaving work Monday evening to see if Reggie was working. I knew that my neighbor had walked my dog and it made perfect since to cruise straight up I-65 from Spring Hill to Madison. Sure enough, he was working and so was Gay and he told me to come on.

I got there and holy smokes, he hasn't changed a bit!! He said the same thing about me, but I really mean that he has not changed, at all. He still looks the same, acts the same, and is still funny as hell. Gay looked good too.

I stayed for about 3 hours to catch up and Fred and I are going to go back next week to spend some more time. It was so good to see old friends. It's funny, even though I haven't seen Reggie in I don't even know how long, it's like time stood still. We just picked up right where we left off. I guess that's the way friendships are.

A Trip Down Memory Lane

2008-08-04T11:54:00.004-05:00

I got a phone call from my very sweet ex last night informing me that he had found a website devoted to our beloved theme park, Opryland. That park holds so many memories for me.

As a child, my Mom would buy me a Good Times Pass and I would go with my best friend and spend the entire weekend with maybe $5 and we would just have the times of our lives. I'm sure it was a great way to get us out of our parents hair too. Back then it was safe enough for our parents to drop us off for the day and not be worried that something would happen to us. We were probably 9 or 10. We did this until I hit Junior High School.

When I was 15, I started working there. That was my very first job. That park was the best place in the world for a teenager to work. It was fun and and we were with 2,000 other teenagers. Don't get me wrong, the work was hard, very hard but I made a ton of friends and learned a lot.

I worked in food service. I started out as a peon in the New Orleans area and then worked my way up to being a Lead. Then eventually into Management. I'll be the first to tell you that I am not Management material.

The Opryland employee parties are stuff legends are made of. They would shut the park down so that we could enjoy the rides and have food and inevitably someone would sneak in some booze. One year the party was on the General Jackson. That was one hell of a party. I met a guy on that boat and dated him for a year and a half. I met my future husband through that guy.

To think, there is a freaking mall there now just kills me. There is no good place for kids to work nowdays. Not with the fringe benefits that came with working at that park.

Oh, I almost forgot about the 5am softball games. Now those were good times. Got up at the crack of dawn to play softball and then go into work to open at 7am and work a 10-12 hour shift.

Man, those were the days.....

Girls Night Out

2008-08-03T13:26:00.002-05:00

I met a girl friend of mine for dinner last night. I've known Marilyn for 18 years. She is one of the kindest, sweetest people that I know. Last night turned into one of the funniest evenings I've had in a LONG time.

She lives down here in Spring Hill, so I met her at her house when I got off work. I've never been to her house, so I got to take the tour and meet her sweet Jack Russel named Presley. I drove us to the restaurant because she wanted to go for a ride in the convertible. We decided to go to Logan's. There really aren't a lot of choices when it comes to dining experiences in Spring Hill (yet). We get there and put our names on the list and wait about 15 minutes for our table. No big deal. We're talking and catching up. The usual girl stuff.

Our buzzer goes off and they seat us and our server comes to take our drink order. Marilyn orders a glass of wine and I have a beer. She comes back and takes our dinner order. We're still talking and talking and her salad arrives.

Then the strangest thing happens. At 8pm her cell goes off to remind her to take her medication. 45 minutes later, we have no food and we haven't seen our server. A guy stops by our table to ask if we need anything. I tell him that I could use another beer. When he brings it, we keep talking and finally start to wonder what in the world is going on. I say to Marilyn that maybe they fired our server. Having worked in the food and beverage world as well as retail, stranger things have happened.

Marilyn stops another server to see if she can find our server and tells her about us sitting there for nearly an hour with no food. The server goes to find the manager. The manager goes to the wrong booth. He finally finds us. By this time, we are absolutely cracking up. I flat out ask the manager if they did in fact fire our server. According to him, she just up and walked out. He apologized profusely and took our order. We were joking the whole time about killing the cow and plucking the chicken and just generally having a good time about the situation. The manager was great and got our food out to us in record time. He comped our meal which really wasn't necessary.

The really funny thing was, the server that Marilyn stopped to inquire about our server, just happened to be the sister of our original server that quit. Marilyn had made a comment about the physical appearance of our server (we couldn't remember her name, so a physical description was the best we could do). Marilyn was mortified when she found out about the server being the sister. Trust me, Marilyn didn't say anything bad, but Marilyn being the kind soul that she is felt that she could have been a little kinder (please..).

At any rate, we ended up closing the place down. Drinking like fish and trying to solve each other's problems with the male race. That's what life is all about. Good friends and good times.

Holy Crap

2008-08-01T17:45:00.002-05:00

I just got off the phone with a friend of mine and he told me that the USA Today Coaches Poll came out for 2008 pre-season football. My Bulldogs are ranked #1!! In the NATION!!!

I'm not sure if I should be doing the happy dance or if I should be scared to death. It seems like when they (the pollsters) do this, we always seem to cheat ourselves. I certainly do hope that is not the case. I would love for my guys to go to the National Championship and bring home that crystal football trophy. We haven't done that since 1980. I'd say we're way overdue.

Here is what USA Today had to say about my Dawgs. "This could be the Bulldogs' best team and best chance for a national title since the Herschel Walker era in the early 1980's. QB Matthew Stafford seeks to take the next step in his career, and RB Knowshon Moreno looks like a budding star. The schedule could be difficult, however, with trips to South Carolina, Arizona State, LSU, and Auburn, along with the Florida game in Jacksonville."

Yeah, I hope Mark Richt has those black jerseys ready. I think we're going to need them.

The Poser

2008-08-01T16:39:00.004-05:00

On yesterday's post about my Michael's birthday, I made the comment that he had become quite the poser. I figure I should probably explain what that means to those of you who don't know.

When Fred (that's not his real name, but the nickname I call him) and I were doing the preparations for the wedding, we had gotten down to selecting the photographer. At the time, it was our brother-in-law's family. They are pretty famous in the photography world and really do great work. Anyhoo, Michael was very well known for always having some goofy facial expression every time his picture was taken. Fred and I both threatened him with his life if our wedding photos didn't turn out well due to his lack of being able to pose. He was, Fred's best man, after all. And we spent a bloody fortune on that wedding.

To Michael's credit, I have yet to see a bad photo of him since. I don't know if he practiced himself to death prior to the wedding or what. Every wedding photo that he was in was wonderful. In the photo that Fred took of the siblings at the beach, Michael looked great. Actually, they all look wonderful. I just have to give special credit to the "poser".

You've come a long way, Bega.

Happy Birthday Michael

2008-07-31T18:37:00.003-05:00

I just realized that today is my ex-BIL's 39th birthday!!

Hey, Mikey, have a kickin' birthday!! You've turned into quite the poser! That's another story for another time. :)

My Days Off

2008-07-31T13:50:00.002-05:00

Well, Monday was a busy day. Comcast came out to do something with my phone line to have it talk to my security system. My security system keypad then decided it needed a new battery (for electrical back-up purposes).

When my neighbor showed up to assist with the keg situation, we also went by Batteries Plus to get the battery for the security system. The freaking thing weighed a ton. We then went to the keg store and got a full one. Yea!!!

Later on, we went to Office Depot so that I could invest in an external hard drive. John has all these TV shows and movies that he was willing to give me and he transferred them onto my computer attachment. He was also kind enough to back up everything on my laptop, just in case I ever crash. The hard drive is about the size of a Blackberry, so it's not too inconvenient to deal with. I haven't had time to watch anything yet, but I thought it was nice of him to do. I'm sure I will take advantage this weekend while I am bored at work.

Tuesday, I ran some errands and started to feel not so good. I thought maybe I had imbibed a little too much with the fresh keg and all, so I really didn't think much of it. Then Wednesday hit.

I woke up Wednesday with a fever and the chills and feeling really not so great. I called into work and called my doc to see if she could take a look at me. Being the wonderful person that she is, she fit me in and gave me some good drugs. Turns out, I just have a bug (thank goodness). So, I spent yesterday slugging around on the sofa and catching up on all my shows that I had saved to my DVR.

I'm feeling somewhat better today and am back at work. Hope everyone is having a great week.

In Honour of Lindsay

2008-07-26T23:37:00.004-05:00

I've got to say ever since my friend, Linda, introduced me to the blogging world, I never really took it seriously. That was back in 2004, I think. Linda is an IT chick by trade, so she knows more about computers than I will ever profess to begin to know.

The thing is that I have begun to meet people that I never would have met had it not been through Blogger (the internet....whatever). I've met some great people and have established some great relationships along the way.

Which leads me down this path. There is a fantastic blog post called Suburban Turmoil that you really need to check out. Sorry, that I can't link you there, but maybe one day. The thing is, that Lindsay, is just so fucking funny! I don't even have kids and I am laughing my ass off reading the stories that she writes.

If I were only that talented. But you know, God puts us all here for a reason. My reason is not to be a writer. My job is to help people get into a home.

What greater joy is there in life? With the exception of giving birth, of course?

Survey By Sean

2008-07-26T17:50:00.000-05:00

My good friend, Sean, sent this to me and I have nothing better to do at work so I get to bore you with the results of yet another survey.

What time is it? 5:40pm.

What's your full name? Lara Anne

What are you most afraid of? My cancer coming back

What is the most recent movie that you have seen? Sex and the City

Place of birth? Athens, GA

What is your Favorite food? Sushi

What's your natural hair color? Blonde

Ever been a Neat Freak? No, just a freak

Ever been skinny dipping? Yeah

Love someone so much it made you cry? Absolutely

Been in a car accident? More than one

Croutons or bacon bits? Both

Favorite day of the week? Any day I’m off work

Favorite restaurant? Sunset Grille, Flemmings, Saki, The Yellow Porch

Favorite Flower? Calla Lillies and Orchids

Favorite sport to watch? College Football

Favorite drink? Beer

Favorite ice cream? Ben & Jerry's Phish Food

Warner Brothers/Disney? Disney's old stuff

Ever been on a ship? Oh, yes

What color is your bedroom carpet? Cream

How many times did you fail your driver's test? I didn't

Before this one, from whom did you get your last e-mail? Kirk

What do you do when you are bored? Blog, apparently

Bedtime? Usually around midnight

Favorite TV shows? How I Met Your Mother, Doctor Who, Saving Grace, Damages

Last person you went to dinner with? My Mother

Park or Zoo? Park

What are your favorite colors? Red

How many tattoos do you have? One

How many pets do you have? One, my Cocker Spaniel, Katie

Which came first, the chicken or the egg? How should I know? I’m not a scientist.

What do you want to do before you die? Live every day like it's my last

Have you ever been to Hawaii ? Not yet

Have you been to countries outside the U.S.? Yes

New Keg Boy

2008-07-25T14:30:00.000-05:00

Woo-hoo!! Yipee!! I called my neighbor on my way home from work last night to ask if he would be willing to assist with my drained keg situation. He very kindly said, yes! So, I have a date with a new keg on Monday.

I'll call J. Barleycorn tomorrow to reserve one. Is it Monday yet?

The Election Commission

2008-07-24T13:00:00.001-05:00

Well, I know that I am a dork. I have looked high and low for my voter registration card. I have looked in every single purse that I own. Let me tell you, that is a lot of purses. I have looked in the wasteland that is my home office and that little piece of card stock is nowhere to be found.

I get online yesterday to find the website for the commission to see about ordering a new card. All I can find is how to fill out a new registration form. I didn't want to do that, since I am already a registered voter, I just need a new card. I thought I could simplify matters by calling the phone number on the website.

Here is how that conversation went:

"Thank you for calling the Tennessee Election Commission, how may I help you?"

Me: "Hi, My name is........., with whom am I speaking, please?"

Her: "Ms. Jordan."

Me: "Hi, Ms. Jordan, I'm hoping you can assist me, I seem to have lost my voter registration card and I'm wondering if you can mail me another."

Her: "Can you verify the spelling of your name?"

Me: "Sure, it's L*** R****"

Her: "And you reside at 6** Blah Blah Blah, Brentwood, TN"

Me: "Yes, Ma'am"

Her: "And your mailing address is 5*** Blah Blah Blah, Nashville, TN"

Me: "Yes, Ma'am"

Her: "Can you verify the last four digits of your SS#?"

Me: "Yes, Ma'am, they are....####"

Her: "Okay, Ms. R***, you are in our system."

Me: "Um, Ms. Jordan, I think we already knew that, I'm wondering if you can mail me a new registration card, since I've lost mine? I do need the card to vote in the November election, don't I?"

Her: "Well, we would like for you to have the card, since it does make it easier on the staff members. But I can't mail you out a card."

Me: "I'm sorry?"

Her: "You'll have to fill out a form for that."

Me: "I'm on your website now. Do I fill out the Adobe form for a new registration, even though I'm already a registered voter?"

Her: "Yes, you do. Just be sure to put your mailing address on the form."

Me: "Okay, thanks, Ms. Jordan. You've been a great help. Have a great day."

So, that's what I did. I printed off the form, filled it out and put the sucker in the mail. When I receive the card, I will put it in a safe place so that I do not have to go through this nonsense again.

Dealing with the Real Estate Commission every two years is bad enough.

But this, this had me shaking my blonde head.

The Rental Car Part Deux

2008-07-23T16:02:00.000-05:00

I took my car to the body shop on Monday and got my rental. This one is not so bad. It's a Saturn Aura and it's got some pretty nice bells and whistles. It's got the in the rear view mirror compass thingy, heated seats (not that I am using them, but nice to have if needed....I use mine alot in the winter), automatic headlights (woo-hoo...no dead battery for me) and a number of other niceties. It's too long to fit into my garage, so it is living in the driveway until it makes it's way back to Enterprise.

I did take advantage of the extra room and went shopping. Yeah, the dreaded shopping. I figured since I had a backseat and a trunk that I might as well suck it up and get it over with. I went to Costco, Target, the UPS Store (to check my mail), Walgreens and Kroger. I must say, at times like that, I realize how totally impractical my car is.

Impractical, yeah but it sure is a hell of a lot of fun! I can't wait to get it back.....

Time to Get the Keg Filled

2008-07-19T18:24:00.000-05:00

I feel like the guy on the old Dunkin' Donuts commercial. You remember the semi-balding guy that would schlep around with his eyes half open saying, "Time to make the donuts."

I drained my keg the other night. *sigh* It's an awful thing to hear the tap spitting and sputtering at you. I hate having to call my good friend in Spring Hill to get me a new one. It's not exactly convenient for him. I'm thinking of asking my neighbor across the street to help me out. He's got a SUV and is currently unemployed, so I know his schedule is flexible. Of course, I can't do it by myself. I'm not strong enough to lift the thing for one, and I would look retardedly goofy driving around town with the keg in the passenger seat of my car! Might attract a few stares.....but I don't want strange men following me home...not a good thing, not a good thing at all.

I think I shall work on that after I deal with getting my car to the body shop on Monday. Going hunting for a new keg boy. Wish me luck!

Random Thoughts

2008-07-15T20:16:00.000-05:00

I'm not really sure where I'm going with this post, but somehow I am remembering my early days of getting into the Magnet program of the Nashville, Davidson County school system. Maybe, I am recalling a conversation I had with Brian while he was in town.

He is a high school assistant principal in OK, and we had a pretty in depth conversation regarding our educational situation. I don't pretend to know anything about anything. All I know is what I remember, was when I was 11 years old (I think) and Nashville was trying to start the first Magnet school in the city. My Mom was so involved with the whole process (I, of course, had no clue what was going on until many years later). The program was delayed due to equal rights/segregation issues. At the time, I had no clue what that meant.

What happened was, Nashville, tried to put that particular school in a predominately white (affluent) part of town. Well, that turned into the biggest cluster f**k you have ever seen. Consequently, the program was delayed for two years and I spent my junior high years at the school I was zoned for.

When it came time for me to actually go to the Magnet school, quite frankly, I didn't want to go. I had already established my core base of friends and I always spent the summer with my grandparents in Athens, GA. My Mom, called me to let me know that she had enrolled me in my classes ( Yeah, had no freaking clue...) anywho, I had to take classes that I didn't want to take, but I will never forget the experience.

I guess, the point of my post is this. When I went to Hume-Fogg, we were the first class to go through this experience. And, an experience it was. By the time I got to college, hell, college was a breeze. We had to go thorough so much and I guess, had I gone to Harvard, then things might have been different. By the time I got to college, it was a walk in the park.

I am forever grateful to my Mom for making me go to this school who made me become the person that I am. The teachers who challenged me to be more than what I thought that I could be.

I had a rare opportunity to see some of my teachers at my 20th reunion last year. One in particular, Ms. Bell, she taught me all of my math. She apparently lives close to a community that I used to sell in. I always loved her, because I struggled in math and she knew that I could do it and she never gave up on me. Anywho, I had the joy of telling her that I never have used all of the knowledge that she tried so hard to give me. Bless her heart.

I have a handful of teachers that have touched me over the years. Some were in grammar school, some were in high school. One in particular was in college. Those people are the reason that I am who I am. I know that I make my own decisions and that has lead me down a certain path.

I truly believe that God brings people into my (your) life for a reason. I say this because, the conversation that I had with Brian, reminded me of where I come from and how much I am grateful for. I tend to take things for granted, the things that I have, the things that I want, until I step back and take a breath.....