A Dangerous Situation

Ok, so you know that we all do stupid stuff when we are young. I mean REALLY STUPID stuff. This I think was one of my blue ribbon moments for stupidity and danger.

A friend and I decided to go fishing on a whim. We were young, I guess probably 17 or 18. Didn't have a car so we walked to the river close to the house and were going to climb down the dam and fish from the dam. Well he neglected to tell me that there was a 6 foot fence to climb. We throw our poles over the fence and climb down on the other side. No sweat until I jump down and twist my ankle. I really do like this guy so I don't want to complain. "I am all right", I say. "Come on its getting dark', he said. We walk down the road to the dam and over to the ladder and notice that it has a top on it. With a lock I might add. Well, how are we gonna get down? "No sweat", he says. "We just climb around the cage and then onto the ladder." This might not be scary to a lot of people, but this chick is scared of heights. I did it though and with a sprained ankle. Climbed back up too. Caught the biggest catfish I have ever landed. Impressed the boy and didn't fall from the top of that really high dam. Man, that was dangerous and stupid.I could have gotten swashed like a bug! Every time I drive by that dam I think about that. Lol, young and dumb really is true!

If I Could Make an Appearance on Any TV Show

Tup island sea beach

Fantasy Island….."The plane boss, the plane". I bet nobody even remembers that show. Aah, yes to live a fantasy for a week…..Yea, Fantasy Island!!

A Food I Was Surprised to Like

There are lots of foods in the world that we all say we would never eat, but what if someone kinda slipped it in on you and you didn't know it. You might be surprised with what you do like.

Turtles

Ok……now everybody is going to know that I am the hick that they already think I am. My answer to this question is Turtle meat. It really has a lot of different flavors in it. I tasted it at a friends house when the kids where small. That was a long time ago. I don't know of any place around here that you can buy it. Lol, I can just see me walking up to the meat counter at the local market and asking if they sell turtle meat. That would start up a whole new story…..hehe! I actually cooked it once. The same friend lived on the river and gave us some of the meat and I cooked it in gravy and served it over biscuits. We had other friends over and their kids were ugly like all kids are when someone else is eating. She had her little girl in the highchair and was feeding her and took a bite. "Wow, this is good. What kind of meat is it?" "Turtle", I said. She went running the the bathroom. Well you can guess what happened in there. I don't believe that I will cook it again. I really would like to keep the friends that I have. Lol

A Fear I'm Working to Overcome

Girl On A Bicycle

This may sound really stupid to some folks but the fear that I am working on is lock in shoes. For those of you that don’t ride bicycles, these are shoes that lock your feet to the pedals of the bicycle to give you more power. They produce a full circle, allowing you to push down and pull up on the pedal at the same time. Well, it all sounds good if you are really coordinated and you can remember that you are locked in before you stop….because if you don’t unlock…..well you just fall over and this involves pain! If you haven’t guessed already I know just a little bit about the pain part of it. Have a scar from road burn on my left leg and a sore right knee from another mishap. I am working on it though and I will not quit until I have conquered it. They scare me though. Maybe that is a good thing because I am very alert when I have them on…..Well, as alert as an old, clumsy woman can be!

Architecture I Appreciate

What is the most beautiful building in the world to you? We all have our favorite…..I am dying to hear your thoughts!

The White House (Washington DC)

I believe that one of the most beautiful buildings to me is the White house. Have you ever read about the changes that have been made to this building over the years by all the Presidents and their wives. Its breath taking architecture!

Its also crazy the money that has been spent in this building. Did you know that some of the Presidents wives have even ordered all new china just because they didn't like the patterns on the present china. I believe that the White House is probably one of the most cared for buildings in the world.

It is a very regal building to me and stands by lots of things. It is a sign of our Liberty and how much we value it. I think that it puts a good face on for visitors from other countries. It tells the world how important we feel the office of Presidency is. How much we value our government and the people that we elect to serve for any given time. Yes the White House is it for me.

My Favorite Food Spot….from down home in the South!!

What is it about food that makes us all think that we have eaten the most glorious dish on the planet ?

Fried catfish

I think that we all have our favorite spot to eat in our home towns. I myself have the best one of course. This is something that we all can say about the one spot in our town that we would recommend to any one folks on the block. Mine is the local catfish joint called Ezell's….now if you are not from the South you really don't know what a melt in your mouth experience you can have if the catfish is cooked just right. Of course there has to be cheese grits on the side. Grits as you all know are also a "South Thing". Tell me your thoughts….what's your fav? Oh, I almost forgot about the fried pickles….hush puppies and cole slaw…..gosh, now I gotta make a visit!

My Most Memorable Birthday

Birthday Cake

I believe that I would have to say that my most memorable birthday is my 13th. We never had lots of money when I was a kid. Mom worked at the local meat packing plant and Dad drove a backhoe. Not high paying jobs, but we got by. Well I never had a big party because of that and Mom decided since I was turning into a teen that year I could have a really big party. I had to work really hard for that party too. Dad made me cut the whole front field because I wanted to have a softball game with all my cousins and friends. This may not seem like much to you but I was only twelve and the front field was 2 acres and I had to push it. Took me all day on Saturday, but I got it done. I think that is the first time that I remember being really proud of something that I done.

Sunday rolled around and I had the best time. I got a big old cake. Homemade of course and Dad made homemade chocolate ice cream. All my cousins and school friends came over and we had that softball game. I don't remember who won but I sure remember the good time! Momma even bought me a really nice Kodak camera. Daddy's gift to me was pierced ears. Momma bought the white gold earrings and Dad froze my ears with ice cubes then stuck them through. Lol, one of them is still a little off but that just adds character to my ears.

This may not seem like a really exciting time to others but we had a simple life with simple things. It taught me to appreciate the small added things that were done for me. I think that is the best way to grow up. When you are grown and get something really nice you appreciate it a lot more then someone would that has groovy stuff all their lives.

Maybe it also stuck in my mind because I had to work really hard to get that day. I hope that everyone is as fortunate as me to have such a wonderful birthday!

I'm sorry I don't remember you!

Conversation, NYC, 1970

I really do have a problem with remembering people and names. I mean some of the people I grew up with and we went to school together and for the life of me….I just can't remember them. It used to embarrass me. They would walk up to me in the store and start up a conversation and I begin talking to them and all the time I am trying to remember who they are. It's really stupid….do I have the beginning signs of Alzheimer's or something. The whole time I am talking with them, I am praying that at no time am I required to say their names. I know that I know them because they know me, but dang-it! I just can't remember! The really embarrassing moment comes when they catch me, maybe it's the look on my face. "You don't remember me, do you?" Then I have to say, "I am sorry, no I don't". Then they have to explain to me who they are for me to remember. Then of course I have to ask their name!

I have no advice to people that have the same problem with names and faces that I do, except to learn a really good poker face. Go with the flow and pray that you remember before you stick your foot in your mouth!

When Do We Step Back?

You know as mothers we all have those I don’t know moments…..the moments where we just don’t know how it’s all going to turn out. I had lots of these moments when my children where growing up and still have them now. I wonder if they are going to make it in this tough world that we live in. I want to take them in my arms and shelter them from all of the hard times, even though they are grown now and have families of their own. Do we ever get over that? Is it a feeling that will be there forever? Is it something that is breed into us at birth? This feeling that I must protect them at all costs. Sometimes I think that this feeling gets in the way. Do I need to loosen up? Pull back and not help so much?

The budget is tight at my daughter’s house. Her husband is the one with the job, while she is going to college. Sometimes ends don’t meet and stuff happens. These are the times that they turn to Mom and Dad to help. We always help. Is this wrong? Should I step back and say, “No?” I don’t think so. I believe that once you have children you put yourself there for always. It doesn’t stop when they grow up and leave home. It doesn’t stop when they get a job and can support themselves. It doesn’t stop until I breathe my last breath!

Some of the people I know tell me that we help them too much. I am proud of my daughter. She is trying to make a better life for her family. If I can help her achieve this is some small way I intend to continue doing it. Things will get better for them, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. She just called me to say that she made an A on her Entrance exam for an advanced program in Radiology. Awesome!

I guess what I am saying is……never distance yourself from your children. When they grow up and move out of the home, continue to keep them close in your hearts. They still need you, even if they say they don’t. Make it a point to call them and check in. If they don’t answer call back. Continue to show them your love just like you did when they were children and you picked them up off the ground and brushed their knees off. Never step completely back and let go. Even when all you hear is, “Ahh…Mom!” They need you!

Lessons Learned Early

Children at play, N.Y. (LOC)

We lived with my three cousins for a couple of years when I was 12 and we were always exploring the neighborhood. Clara was the oldest at 16 so she was kinda in charge of us in the summer time when we were out of school. Like I said we roamed the neighborhood, went to the park and then went to a friends house. On this day Clara forgot to tell anyone where we were going and we were gone all day. When her Dad found us….well lets just say we were punished….really punished. They were whipped really bad and I was suppose to go to camp for two weeks which was taken away from me…..I am 48 and I still remember the screaming and crying that day. I learned that you always tell someone where you are going….this will help to keep you safe…because someone will always know where to find you. Ooh yes, that day stuck with me!

The Cops Caught Me

Old Police Car

Ooh my! That does bring back memories….bad ones too!! Lol, well I was dating a really wild guy. I was really young, just turned 18. We were with his friend, in his car and they had been drinking a little….well heck…a lot and decided that it was time to get something to eat. We stopped at a local eat-in restaurant and got out of the car. Out walked two couples from the restaurant dressed in Hawaiian outfits and my boyfriend preceded to call them names, a fight broke out and a gun was pulled….did I mention this was a really wild guy. I was trying to stop the fight. The law was called and I was talked into hiding the gun on me because I wasnt involved in the fight. Everything was going good when the police arrived until someone said, “Whats that in her shirt?” Well that is how I landed myself in the back of a police car the first and last time. Ooh, I dropped the guy like a hot potato and never looked back! Shh! Please dont tell anyone!

Value the One’s You Love!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You know we never really know how precious someone is to us until something happens….maybe an accident or in my case a surgery. I knew that I loved my husband, loved him with all my heart, but in the day to day times we seem to….I don’t know, I guess I want to say “take it for granite”….even though I really don’t want to admit that I did that. My husband is a wonderful man and he takes good care of me and tends to spoil me, really. He takes care of things for me, like the garbage, the oil in the truck, making sure that the doors are locked, and making sure that I have my hat on when its cold outside…..these may seem like small things to other people but they show me that he loves me. I was raised simply and taught to appreciate the small things in life, so it doesn’t take a huge diamond ring like with maybe it would with someone else.

We have been together for years, the kids are grown and we are really enjoying the fact that they aren’t there all the time, if you know what I mean…..well Jeff has arthritis really bad. He has had one hip replacement six years ago and yesterday he had the other hip done. The first time we didn’t prepare like we did this time, we are a little older now and have those I don’t want to talk about dying thoughts. And I really didn’t want to talk about it, so this past week has really opened my eyes and made me think just how much this big old teddy bear means to me….

I guess what I am trying to say is don’t let the ones you love be taken for granted. Things can get out of hand slowly or just smack you on the back of the head all at once. I promise myself that I am going to do this…..I promise to show my husband the love that he deserves and to tell him daily and not just in passing…… really put some showing into it. Maybe if I put it into words for the world to see I will keep the promise…..

Being On Stage Once Was Enough!

Angry Monkey

Ooh…My Gosh, you are not going to believe what just popped into my head….Junior High School! Freak, I have not thought about the most embarrassing moment in my entire life in years! OK, here it goes….A magician came to the school and like all kids we are all excited and everybody wants to get in on the action. Me and everybody else in the auditorium reach our hands to the sky….pick me, pick me…..I get picked to help with the trick….Oh, is he gonna make me disappear in that big box? I get up on stage and he does this stupid trick where he puts something on my head. Of course I can't see it…..it's on my head! Everybody laughs……and the idiot that I am…standing there……I laugh and clap with this thing on my head! I find out later from a friend that it had a ridiculous monkey face on it! Ooh, yeah I have been on stage………but I wish that you didn't make me remember it!

Dude! I Love Slang

This is my excited expression

I think that I am gonna have to say that "What's Up" has got to be my favorite….Lol, I must used it 50 times a day when I text……some times I even attach a "Hey You" to it….."Hey You, Whats Up!" This is used for phone calls that I receive. Yeah, I probably do use it too much…..but it's better then some of the slang that I hear coming out of some folks mouths……who need to give the F word a rest……..Then last but not least is "Cool Beans"……this one is used for things that I get really excited about……I don't know if this one is used by lots of folks………..kinda like thinking that it's all mine……He he!

Stressed No…….Pissed Yes!

i’m madder than you.

Lets see………….I just worked twelve hours in a cotton mill on a day when Mother Nature can’t decide whether she wants to pour us with rain, snow or ice. Shoot she may even try for all three before its over with. Needless to say cotton doesn’t behave well under those conditions! It was not a good twelve! The crazy company that I work for wants us to come to work in the morning with the roads iced over…….they don’t care if I wreck (here in the south we aren’t used to that kind of driving). Haven’t laid out but once in the past three years, tomorrow may be number two! I don’t really think that I am stressed…tired, aggravated or pissed…those are more the words that I would use at this moment. I try not to get stressed about too much. Things just seem to always work out……it may not be the way that I want them to be, but they always do…………Stressing about them never helped anything…..Nope no stress here!

Let Me Text Them…………

20090623-201622

Five years ago I would have told ya……… “that looks kinda stupid to me, why don’t you just call um?”. Why mash a letter three times to get a “c”, when you can call um on speed dial with one push? Well those days are gone honey….this little hick from Alabama is no longer toting that old Nokia….or living in the sticks! Like most women today……I AM BUSY……don’t have time for the phone……..chances are I won’t hear it anyway…….I work in a really loud environment and you wouldn’t be able to hear me if I did pick it up. This chick totes a berry……which I might add….is my pacifier (at least that is what my husband says)! Who knows……maybe the person on the other end of the phone is just as busy as me……it might be considered rude if I interrupt them! Let me just Text Um……..then they can answer me when they have time! Yea……they might just love me for not bothering them right now! With my berry in hand……I would have to say…..TEXT is my favorite!

How I Stay Focused

To Do List

Staying focused sometimes can be hard. My husband says that I put too many things on my plate sometimes and I lose track of what really needs to be done. I don’t think that is true. I just have lots of stuff that I would like to get accomplished and I usually do it. I am not a very organized person and I will be the first one to admit it. I like to make a list and stick to it until I have accomplished everything on it. It also helps me to tell someone. So then if I don’t do it and they ask me about it, I get embarrassed. Must of the time when I set my mind to something I stay focused. Remember I said, “most of the time”!

A Memorable Job Interview

sad face

Ok, this is kinda embarrassing but here it goes. I went to a interview with a company that I had previously worked for. Lets just say that I was young and dumb when I worked there the first time and didn’t follow the attendance rules and got fired. Well, I really needed a job and they advertised in the local paper so I figured I would give it a shot. I remember it so vividly because it is the only job interview that I actually begged for a position. The personnel manager was the same one that was there when I worked there and he made me feel like I was an inch high. I explained to him that previously I was immature and that I had grown up since then and had responsibilities. I begged him to consider me since I did have the experience that he needed. We talked for a bit and I thought that things were going in the right direction. He asked me to wait for a moment while he checked some things. When he came back, he looked at me and point blank told me that he would not hire me if I was the only person to apply. He said that he thought I was lying and that I hadn’t changed a bit. I have never been so embarrassed in my life. I cried after that. I learned a valuable lesson that day. We must live with our mistakes, no matter how small they seem they will come back and bite you in the tail at the most awful times. Employers have rules that we must follow and sometimes there are no second chances!

Christmas Day

I think that this Christmas was one of the best that we have had. I took it upon myself to open up some of the toys that we purchased for the grandkids and put them under the tree like that. They were able to come into the house and immediately start to play with these. I don’t know why I haven’t ever thought of this before. It gave the grownups time to chat and laugh while the kids played outside. Not to mention the fun that I had playing with the remote controls before they did. Hehe, all in all it was a wonderful Christmas. Granny even got what she wanted for Christmas. A gas fireplace. Wow, does it work great!

Shawn, he's 19 months old and this is the best shot of him I have even gotten. He's enjoying the action!

Grandpa and me went all out this year. We had the extra money to spend and enjoyed ourselves shopping. Toys R Us really liked us this year. We made their pockets just a little fatter. We were all truly blessed this year with good health, fortune and a wonderful family.

Traffic Jam in the front yard!

After we got all played out in the front yard we moved inside the house and opened the rest of the presents. They had a blast and so did we. The only thing is, Granny didn’t know that Barbie’s come in all shapes and sizes now. The outfits all fit, but the feet on their Barbie dolls must be a size 10 because they wouldn’t work. Lol, Life is grand!

Wow, did we really use up all those trees for this mess! Recycle, recycle!