Tis Better to Give

I've been picking out Christmas gifts for some of my blogger friends. Some items may require an explanation, some may not. And if your name isn't on here, don't fret. It just means I haven't found yours yet.

Black Betty

Ben

MsBlondie

Cardinallady

Chas

Airwolfe

Choclablover

Clucky

Coop

or maybe...

MSUDeere

Grammargirl



LegalEagle

MargieMagnolie

JB

Mark



Marshall

MrsH (Well this would actually be more for her daughters even though I don't think she would let them wear this)

OldBopper

Rexi

Supermom

Stacey, because she sings this to Ace...or Ace sings it to her since she can't sing.

DHSturd

Susanq

Watercolor (click on the link if it is too small to read)

These items can be found at http://www.catalogfavorites.com/

Has Someone Hired a Hit Man on Me?

The one thing I fear the most on this earth is…SPIDERS. They are the creepiest, most gruesome creatures that God created. I hate to question His wisdom but I just don’t know what He was thinking.

Last night I went to close the blinds in the den and when I reached up there was a HUGE brown spider right there on the curtains. I screamed until my husband came running. So he grabbed the fly swatter and wham, gave it a good lick. But alas, we didn’t see a spider, dead or alive. I would not rest until I had proof that spider was dead. It took him about five minutes and a flashlight but he found the dead creature under the tv. Some relief. But I knew I’d still have visions of that spider for days.

But what’s even worse than a spider on the curtain is a SPIDER IN THE SHOWER AT 2:30 IN THE MORNING. I got up at that time this morning to get ready for black Friday shopping. I got into the shower and THEN I saw the hideous, huge thing just sitting there, waiting to kill me. I don’t know how I didn’t break a leg getting out of there but somehow I made it out safely. I went and woke my husband up to destroy the creature. I will have nightmares from that forever now. Those types of spider episodes NEVER leave my mind. I remember instances of spider encounters from years back that still scare me.

So now I'm wondering, is someone trying to kill me? Has someone gone around and planted spiders in our house? Because I will die of fear or kill myself quicker from spiders than a bullet. Why all of a sudden are they showing up? I’m gonna check around to see if anyone has taken out a new insurance policy on me.

Back in Black

Happy Black Friday people. I’ve already did my thing. I left home at 3:00 AM and got to Hattiesburg about 4:08 AM. I’m not a big shopper so I pretty much knew what I was after. I like to get what I need and get outta there.

I went Kohls first. I parked in the last row in the last spot by the road. I went straight to the children’s department and got a couple of items, browsed the home goods and then to the junior department. I guess while I was browsing the other departments every size small in the junior area was wiped out. No big deal. Their sale actually wasn’t that great. I’m sure we can go back next weekend and find the same prices on other items. It did take me about 20 minutes to check out there.

I headed to Sears and waited about 5 minutes to ask where a particular item was. Grabbed two of those and went to the check out. No one was in the line so that went fast.

I did walk out into the mall to see what else was open. Not much. So I headed back to my car. My biggest disappointment was getting to Columbia and the stupid Burger King was not open. I had a cheesy tot craving like mad too. Opted for a biscuit from Hardees. It just didn’t do the trick.

In the meantime I had got my husband to go to Fred’s in our local town for a couple of things. He had to go to both stores to find what we needed but he did get them.

All this and back home by 7:00 AM. Not bad.

So I still have a lot of shopping to do but it’ll get done. Right now I hear my husband snoring in the recliner. I think I’m ready for a nap myself.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Weekend Wrap Up

It was an extremely busy weekend.

Friday night – Since this was the first time in weeks we haven’t had a football game, my daughter went out to eat with a friend and my husband went to bed early so me and the redheads had girl time. They were in a great mood. They played and giggled for hours. We all went to sleep in one bed. I got up and eased them into their baby beds and then went to bed myself.

Hubby and I got up very early and went to Hattiesburg. We went to Chik-Fil-A and had breakfast then went to Target. Since I found everything I needed in Target we didn’t have to go anywhere else. We had planned to stop by Walmart in Columbia and pick up milk and a few items but on the spur of the moment we decided to check out the new Corner Market in Bellvue. It was a really nice grocery. We found a few items that they don’t carry at Walmart. There was a little Asian guy making fresh sushi. I’ve never had sushi so I thought I’d give it a try. Maybe the grocery isn’t the best place to try it for the first time but I did. I got the spicy crab. We ate that for lunch when we got home. It was okay but not something I’ll probably buy again. My husband actually really liked it though.

After lunch we rearranged furniture and then put up the Christmas tree. Now I’ve never put the tree up this early before, never before Thanksgiving, but I was so anxious to see how the redheads would react. They were very curious. They say “tree” as they grab the branches. We’ve said “no” so many times now they look at us before they touch it because they know what’s coming. They are minding pretty well though.

My daughter had to work Saturday night so hubby, me and the girls went to town and had supper at Wendy’s. We also went to Rite Aid and Walmart. Apparently somewhere along the way Lil Sis picked up a germ. I got up to get ready for church Sunday morn and when she woke up I noticed she was burning up with fever. It was anywhere from 102.3 to 102.9 all day and night Sunday. Needless to say, none of us got much sleep last night. My daughter was to have her at the doctor at 2:00 today. Just waiting on the call now to see what it is. I hate it when my babies are sick.

So I’m back at work but am looking forward to a long weekend and shopping on black Friday...if all my family is well.

24: Redemption

Awesome. Intense. Edge of Your Seat Nail biter.

Jack is back.

NFL Score

Jets 34

Titans 13

Things that made me happy today:

And in order...

1. Cheesy Tots. ha!

2. The smiles and good mornings from co-workers. That's why I enjoy working where I do.

3. Good news from a friend that had received an unexpected financial gift. God watches over His children.

4. A junior cheeseburger dressed with mustard from the Sonic.

5. Filling up my gas tank which was on empty for $23.

6. The realization that I get paid on black Friday! Yes! We get paid the 15th and last day of the month. I had been pinching on this last check so I'd have money to shop with on black Friday. It just hit me that the last day of the month will be on a Sunday which means our money will go in the bank on the Friday before! Yeehaw!

7. Me time. I'm home by myself right now. I found myself rushing to do several things that I usually can't do each evening. I ate in peace. I read the newspaper (I usually end up taking it to work). I am writing a blog post. I dearly love my family but it is good to have some alone time. The redheads require a lot of attention and I usually spend all my time doing their thing, not mine. I am beginning to get lonesome though...

Early Morning Shopping

I don’t know why but every day is like Christmas Eve at this local Walmart. It is always packed. You have to park out by the highway and walk a half mile (don’t say “you need the exercise” either), wait for a buggy to be brought in half the time, fight the crowds in the aisles, picked over aisled I might add, stand in the checkout line for thirty minutes, then make the half mile trek back to your vehicle. This is the only store I’ve been in that’s like this. It has to be a extreme emergency for me to go to that store after work. I’d prefer to drive home and then drive to another neighboring town to that Walmart. It is always calm and pleasant in there.

Since I work nearby, I’ve found the best time to shop there is the early morning, before I come to work. Good parking. Stocked shelves. Clear aisles except for the people putting out stock. And everyone is friendlier that time of day for some reason. The greeter, the stockers, the cashier, even the other customers. Most everyone will exchange a smile and a hello.

I’m not a morning person but I will force myself to get up a bit earlier so I can take advantage of that early morning shopping. I made my run by there this morning, grabbed my few items and was out in a jiffy.

Of course, Burger King is just right across the road so I just couldn’t…resist….those…blasted...
Oh, you know. I am so weak.

Kicking the Habit - Day Three

Passed.

I am totless today.

Drive Thru Rage

I only have thirty minutes for lunch so I am usually hurry scurrying to grab something and get back. So why do I always get behind a jughead in the drive thru?

Yesterday I got behind this hunter green SUV as I was pulling in to KFC. It takes them forever just to pull into the drive and get to the speaker. And there is no line, just us two vehicles. The cashier says “may I take your order”. Silence. In a couple of minutes she says again “may I take your order”. The jughead says “hold on”. Not “hold on please”. After a couple more minutes he finally starts babbling off an order. It takes the cashier about five minutes to get it all straight. He pulls around, finally. I order. Get back in behind him. The lady gives him his drinks, then his bag. He sits there a couple of minutes and then starts banging on the window. It opens. I cannot hear the dialogue but he pulls up, finally. I pay, take my order and pull up…and get behind him again. He is still sitting in the drive. We pull out into the four lane and I floor it just to get past him. I was tired of looking at the rear end of that jughead.

The other day I got behind a car that placed…THREE separate orders. Please, if you have more than one order, okay, I’ll let you slide with two at the max, GO INSIDE.

And don’t even let me see someone yakking on a cell phone trying to place, pay for and pick up an order. I know we have emergencies and there will be times we’ll have to grab the phone no matter where we are, but if you are having a simple conversation with your BFF or your boyfriend or spouse, PULL OVER! Get out of the line! I love the sign they have in the local grocery lunch line. It says “If you are on your cell phone please step aside. People who are not on phones will be served first”. I think EVERYBODY should have that policy.

Kicking the Habit - Day Two

Failed.

I had no cash so I had to go to the ATM and my bank is just right there at BK so there just wasn't a good reason for me NOT to get my cheesy tots...right?

Resistance is futile. I will be assimilated and become a Borgtot.

...and if there are any Trekkies reading and understand what I just said, I'll give you a cookie! We are so few and far between. Why aren't there any good Sci-fi shows on any more? Ah well, I'll save it for another post.

Kicking the Habit

Is it a bad sign when you pull in to Burger King and the voice simply says “$2.56 mam”?

I’m trying so hard to break the cheesy tot habit. At least I do get a DIET coke. I can’t remember how long it’s been since I’ve been getting that breakfast, pretty much every day. It’s hot, tasty and affordable. But for some reason it has made my pants shrink. I just don’t know how it does that. Kinda like the way Nutrisystem makes you lose weight AND makes you tan, or how Cialis makes you a good dancer (they are always dancing on those commercials).

So last week I only got it twice. Monday. It was the beginning of the week so I felt like I just NEEDED it. And Friday. The last day of the work week, just a few people at work on our laid back, dress even more comfortable and slouchy than jeans day. So, it was a special treat.

So I’ve started this week out with tots. Tomorrow is day two. We’ll see what happens.

Monday Morning Ritual

I don’t get online much over the weekends because I usually have two little girls right up under me and they want to “key” if I sit down at the pc. I love reading a good blog so on Monday mornings, in between working, I try to get caught up on all my blog reading. There were some very good ones out there this morning. Here are a few if you need a good read or just need to kill some time:

http://cakewrecks.blogspot.com/2008/11/sooo-corny.html

http://horriblelicenseplates.blogspot.com/2008/11/mr-personality-youre-so-ugly.html

http://blackbettysbizkits.wordpress.com/2008/11/17/the-terrible-threes-are-upon-me/

http://markwilliamslive.typepad.com/a_day_in_the_life/2008/11/i-saw-something-yesterday.html

http://felineobservations.blogspot.com/2008/11/art-worth-viewing.html

http://dhcoop.blogspot.com/2008/11/deaf-innocence.html

http://andrasnamelessblog.blogspot.com/2008/11/brrr.html

http://johnnybeaver.wordpress.com/2008/11/15/my-hero/

http://traversaloflife.blogspot.com/2008/11/remi.html

This time of year I also look forward to checking my inbox for any new black Friday ads. This site, http://www.bfads.net/, posts black Friday advertisements and sale papers so people can start making their lists and getting an early start on their shopping plans. Some stores won’t allow them to post their ads (Walmart) so we’ll have to wait until the store releases it just before Thanksgiving. I will go shopping that day only if I see some really good bargains. I’ll make my list and know exactly where I need to go. We’ll get those things and then go eat a good breakfast somewhere. I’m a fast and frugal shopper.

Even though money is tight, I am really looking forward to the holiday season. Christmas shouldn’t be about money and gifts anyway. It should be about celebrating the life of Christ.

It amazes me how early the stores put out their Christmas items but…we may put our tree up next weekend. Is it too early for that? I’m sure it’ll only be decorated from about halfway up. It’ll be hard keeping those two sets of little hands off of it.

Season Ender

We lost last night.

NE Jones 28
Lawrence County 13

But congratulations on a very good year guys. And congratulations to Kendrick Hardy for being selected to play in the MS/AL All Star game on December 13th and the US Army All American Bowl in San Antonio, TX on January 4th.

Best of luck for next year Cougars!

Happy Happy Joy Joy

Happy Happy Joy...

Sister #2 turns the big SIX-OH today! Have a great day Sis!

Thank You Daddy

On this Veteran's Day I'd like to say a sincere "Thank You" to all who fought for our rights and freedom.

My daddy was one of those. He was a WWII army vet. He didn't talk much about the war. I now wish I had asked him more questions though. I do know he fought in the battle of Leyte.

I had this collage made just before he passed away in 2001. We used it at his funeral. That is the brown bible that was issued to him by the army and that he carried his entire tour. Tucked inside the bible is a small card with a scripture on it (and I can't remember what, wish I had written it down before it was framed) and a "lipstick" kiss on the back from my mother.

Lucky

Got this email this morning and thought I'd share:

Mary and her husband Jim had a dog named Lucky. Lucky was a real character. Whenever Mary and Jim had company come for a weekend visit they would warn their friends to not leave their luggage open because Lucky would help himself to whatever struck his fancy. Inevitably, someone would forget and something would come up missing. Mary or Jim would go to Lucky's toy box in the basement and there the treasure would be, amid all of Lucky's other favorite toys. Lucky always stashed his finds in his toy box and he was very particular that his toys stay in the box.

It happened that Mary found out she had breast cancer. Something told her she was going to die of this disease...in fact, she was just sure it was fatal. She scheduled the double mastectomy, fear riding her shoulders. The night before she was to go to thehospital she cuddled with Lucky. A thought struck her...what would happen to Lucky? Although the three-year-old dog liked Jim, he was Mary's dog through and through. If I die, Lucky will be abandoned, Mary thought. He won't understand that I didn't want to leave him! The thought made her sadder than thinking of her own death.

The double mastectomy was harder on Mary than her doctors had anticipated and Mary was hospitalized for over two weeks. Jim took Lucky for his evening walk faithfully, but the little dog just drooped, whining and miserable.

Finally the day came for Mary to leave the hospital. When she arrived home, Mary was so exhausted she couldn't even make it up the steps to her bedroom. Jim made his wife comfortable on the couch and left her to nap. Lucky stood watching Mary but he didn't come to her when she called. It made Mary sad but sleep soon overcame her and she dozed.

When Mary woke for a second she couldn't understand what was wrong. She couldn't move her head and her body felt heavy and hot. But panic soon gave way to laughter when Mary realized the problem. She was covered, literally blanketed, with every treasure Lucky owned! While she had slept, the sorrowing dog had made trip after trip to the basement bringing his beloved mistress all his favorite things in life. He had covered her with his love.

Mary forgot about dying. Instead she and Lucky began living again, walking further and further together every day. It's been 12 years now and Mary is still cancer-free. Lucky? He still steals treasures and stashes them in his toy box but Mary remains his greatest treasure.

Remember...live every day to the fullest. Each minute is a blessing from God. And never forget...the people who make a difference in our lives are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care for us.

If you see someone without a smile today give them one of yours! Live simply. Love seriously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.

Score

Lawrence County 51
Bay High 14

On to the next round!
Next Friday we'll be taking on Northeast Jones.
Go Cougars!

Give Me Your Eyes

One of my favorite songs right now is by Brandon Heath, “Give Me Your Eyes”. Brandon said this “is a song about my own convictions for wanting to see the world with compassionate eyes”.

1 Peter 3:8 tells us “Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble”.

We are fast approaching the busiest time of the year. It seems as though once Thanksgiving hits, the next few weeks that follow go by in a blur. I hope we all can take time to be compassionate and tender hearted to those less fortunate and in need. I know it seems like everyone is “pinching” in the money department right now so maybe we can give our time. Rake a yard for an elderly neighbor, visit someone in a nursing home, bake some cookies, help serve food in a shelter or clean out closets and give to a charity, lend an ear just to listen if someone needs to talk. Sometimes the simple things are appreciated the most.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OihvG607W-c

(Please go take a listen because the embedding had been disabled.)

Looked down from a broken sky
Traced out by the city lights
My world from a mile high
Best seat in the house tonight
Touched down on the cold black tile
Hold on for the sudden stop
Breath in the familiar shock
Of confusion and chaos
Are those people going somewhere?
Why have I never cared?

Give me your eyes for just one second
Give me your eyes so I can see
Everything that I keep missing
Give me your love for humanity
Give me your arms for the broken hearted
Wasn’t it far beyond my reach?
Give me your heart for the once forgotten
Give me your eyes so I can see
again
again
yeah
yeah

Step out on a busy street
See a girl and our eyes meet
Does her best to smile at me
To hide what’s underneath
There’s a man just to her right
Black suit and a bright red tie
Too ashamed to tell his wife
He’s out of work
He’s buying time
Are those people going somewhere?
Why have I never cared?

Give me your eyes for just one second
Give me your eyes so I can see
Everything that I keep missing
Give me your love for humanity
Give me your arms for the broken hearted
Wasn’t it far beyond my reach?
Give me your heart for the once forgotten
Give me your eyes so I can see
again
again
yeah
yeah

I’ve Been there a million times
A couple of million eyes
Just moving past me by
I swear I never thought that I was wrong
Well I want a second glance
So give me a second chance
To see the way you see the people all alone

Give me your eyes for just one second
Give me your eyes so I can see
Everything that I keep missing
Give me your love for humanity
Give me your arms for the broken hearted
Wasn’t it far beyond my reach?
Give me your heart for the once forgotten
Give me your eyes so I can see
Give me your eyes yeah.

Scrabble

These are some interesting things I've found out since I've been playing online Scrabble. Now I didn't pull up the dictionary to check all these out and see what these words mean. These are just some words stuck back in my own little brain.

Words it will let you use:

Blimey – I'll say Ol' Chap.

Mojo – Who would have guessed it.

Gam – I thought this was slang for legs or thighs or something. I’ve seen the entertainment mags use this term in the same sentence with Britney Spears.

Geez – So that is a “good” slang word?

Fag – Enough said.

Bros – Ebonics at it’s finest.

Coke – Isn’t that a proper noun?

Tween – Only in the 21st century.

Woof – An approved doggie word.


Words it will not let you use:

Jew – I thought this was a verb also. Not on the approved slang list apparently.

Negro – It’s in the dictionary. I didn’t look but I’ve heard that said hundreds and hundreds of times as justification.

Peed – So what is the past tense of pee then?

Turd, Terd or Tird – Yes, I tried them all.

Lovey – So Lovey Dovey is not a real word?

Yoyo - I thought a yoyo was a...yoyo. It's not a brand name.


And just for black betty, when I get the chance I'm gonna see if it'll accept "fart".

Happy Birthday Mother!

My beautiful mother turns 85 today! And yes, we do call her "Mother". Not very common I know. She is one tough lady. She has an artificial heart valve, takes two insulin shots a day, has glaucoma and is legally blind, has had both knees replaced and a replacement replaced, has a pin in her hip, has arthritis, is a stroke victim which left her with numbness on her left side and major speech loss. She was even hit by a dually pick-up in the mall parking lot and was only bruised and banged up! (We still pick at my oldest sister for letting our mother get run over.) She still lives by herself, cooks for my brother as often as she can (he's married but he's the only boy out of five kids so he's SPOILED), has a garden, tons of flowers and walks to my house almost every day to play with the redheads. I hope I inherited some of her genes.




Happy Birthday Mother and I hope you have many more. Love, Your Youngest Daughter.