alychats

Surely I don't have time for this...

2011-03-02T12:30:00.000-08:00

Don't call me Shirley. There... I've updated my blog.

I'm in the mood to paint now.

Am I back?

2009-08-22T10:41:00.001-07:00

Visiting this blog is like returning to a room I haven't been in in a looooong time. It's good to be here again, but I am so busy I know I won't have much time to spend here in the future.

Anyway... if you are visiting enjoy your dip, but don't expect anything new for a while. "Just too many notes"... IF you know what movie that quote comes from I'll be shocked and amazed.

UPDATE...

The stepdaughter is gone to LSU. So far she has locked herself out of her dorm room 4 times... sigh... I miss Sydney. How can I install a spy camera in her jeep to keep an eye on her? She is going through rush this week! Can't wait to see who she pledges!!

Caroline is still modeling and doing well with Michael Turney Agency. She will start back with swim team in a week, that will be an every day commute -whew- So far 8th grade is going well. As always she is CRAZY organized and will have a panic attack if she doesn't get A's!

Big Boy, Pearce, has started back with football, violin and skrewl... I think it is so funny that out of our three this big lug is the one in the gifted classes!

See you later alligator.

Puma!

2009-01-14T20:12:00.000-08:00

I have rediscovered the hilarity of Bugs and Puma!!! Check out this cat's laugh! I guarantee you will be trying to mimic it all day.

I have never heard Big Boy laugh so hard to ANYTHING on TV... Seriously this is what cartoons were suppose to be about. As much as we love Sponge Bob, we were making strange noises we were laughing so hard.

Check back for more cartoons... until this phase passes.

Didjano?

2009-01-06T18:20:00.000-08:00

Did you know Charles M. Scrooge wrote the "Peanuts" comic strip?

Did you know that the yoval office was a like a toilet because they are both yoval and you sit and do your business in them?

More interesting facts from Big Boy

Oh NO! They got one of ours!

2009-01-06T06:56:00.000-08:00

I regret to inform the masses that our buddy, Puckman, has been swallowed whole by the cult of Snugglet. I recommend an intervention.

His frightening new commitment to this group, having a sacred ideology and a set of rituals honoring their sacred symbols, will isolate him from mainstream society! This has to be stopped!

Come back Puckman! Where's Marsha? Why has she let you slip down this surly path of
DOGMA!
I liked that movie. It didn't get stellar reviews but has a strong cult following... Whoa! I almost got sucked in too! One minute you are watching an old Ben Afflack/Matt Damon flick, next thing you know you are PART OF A CULT FOLLOWING wearing a robe and hanging out with people named Azrael and Serendipity.

Remember the cat Azrael? YOu know, Gargamel's cat. On the Smurfs! He always got on my nerves as a child. Did I tell you my favorite Smurf mug has a crack and I can't drink out of it on Saturday's anymore? sigh!

OOoo Have you ever heard THIS version of the Smurfs?

Smurfarna svenska

Wow... My ADD is really kicking today.

What was I saying? I was saying something very important a second ago...

What did he say?

2009-01-05T18:10:00.000-08:00

If a mailman is called a mailman cause he is a man, shouldn't a lady be a femalewoman?
My son asked me this today with a very perplexed look on his face. So, I googled it and found that a lot of people do not know... I mean, to say a female mail carrier sounds like a an overly obvious reference to a woman who is pregnant with a baby boy.

Some refer to them as a female letter carrier, but still that is so wordy. IF you have any ideas on this let her rip...

Also... Pearce has decided to change his name to Zeke.

Jeep used to make a mail carrier truck right?

I love my husband's Jeep. When the weather is nice, I am going out in the woods with my pals and we are going muddin'! Fletcher won't want to do that because of germs. He is NOT a backwoods type guy, but me? Hey, I grew up in Haughton so bring on the mud!

Another buddy of mine bought a jeep recently, I believe from Landers. That is where we got ours. Good deals to be had there... Check them out
LANDERSDODGECHRYSLERJEEP.NET

Welcome! Your Brainwashing Session Begins Now...

2008-12-29T09:54:00.000-08:00

Time to take your vows, chant, and flog thyself. You purchase this garment and it comes with a DVD that sends subconscious messages to you linking the wearers together in a secret cult.

I am seeing these snuggletes or slankets or whatever advertised on TV... "NO MORE COLD ARMS WHEN YOU WANT TO COVER UP!"

Whew! I am so relieved! Because my leisure time has been less than catatonic with the distraction of cold arms.

The TV ad has these people wearing these blankets with arms in their living rooms, in the bed... THEN out at a ball game! Seriously, you would wear this shapeless sac in public? Do they come with NFL logos?

One online ad for the Slanket actually reads...

"It’s also great for gamers, who need their hands free for the controls. Also great for bloggers, who frequently type on their laptops while laying on the couch. I’ve got mine on right now, and I highly recommend it!"

How worthless is your life when you are sitting around in a creepy cult robe playing Playstation 3 til 4 in the morning? It's worse than Costanza giving up on life and wearing warm up pants 24/7!

No I am not the only one to recognize this for what it is... an attempt to colonize the planet from a world far away... to render us a useless clan of followers... prepare us for the inevitable takeover! View and take heed...

It is useless to resist...

Which Cell Phone is Best???

2008-12-04T20:39:00.000-08:00

I am looking at the Blackberry Bold vs the HTC Fuze vs the I-Phone.

Anyone have any of the above and want to share an opinion?

Blackberry Bold

HTC Fuze

I-Phone

Ho Ho Hack!!!

2008-11-27T16:27:00.000-08:00

Have you and your family started this tradition? Taking a photo of everyone in tacky Christmas sweaters? We did our first photo today... Thanksgiving '08. My husband is standing in the middle of everyone... bare chested in a memaw button up cardigan, hair foofed out for show.

I don't know if I will have the stomach to ever do this again.

Why Black Friday is Stupid

2008-11-26T18:08:00.000-08:00

So let me get this straight... After standing in the kitchen for three days straight, cooking, cleaning, cooking, cleaning, cooking, cleaning and eating WAYYY too much the GENEROUS merchants want us to get out at 2am, stand some more, in sub-zero temperatures, then FIGHT through massive angry crowds of other women that feel as miserable as we do to search for Christmas crap for our kids and husbands... that... by the way... will be gone by the time I get there?

Gee thanks.

Think I'll pay full price on the few things I can afford, thanks to our thriving economy and Barney Frank and his affair with the FannieFreddieGuy.

Sigh...

Bail Out Bums!

2008-11-19T09:26:00.000-08:00

Does anything about this car excite you? Is it sexy or fun or powerful or sleek?

The Ford Taurus and many others perhaps are having difficulty because they are the frumpy Librarian of vehicles. Yeah, I know tons of them are sold every year... to rental agencies.

Maybe if these guys were pumping out innovative machines that were as thrilling as new cell phones they would be in the black.

Many of these automobile companies have become fat and lazy. This 2008 Tauras could have been built back in the last century. Every other techy machiney type zing-zongs are evolving, except these things.

This photo is a 1986 Ford Taurus. Not that much has changed in 22 years.

22 years ago the first cordless phones were selling with antenna longer than a pool stick.

22 years ago I was playing Atari and thinking I was futuristic.

22 years ago Tom Cruise was the new heart throb.

I don't see anyone bailing out the small business man that has no shot at competing against these auto giants. So get over it. Be innovative, chic and fun and we will purchase your travel pods. Until then, put your hand back in your pocket and go design something cool.

Where are we going...

2008-11-18T05:29:00.000-08:00

Celente... You probably don't know the name but you should heed his spoken word. He is a researcher that has been able to study economic trends and (key word here) successfully predict major economic events such as...

1987 stock market crash

The fall of the Soviet Union

This man is warning of a depression that is looming in our near future... very near future.

Even our Christmases will suffer? Giving food instead of toys? If this is really where we are headed, how will you protect yourself? Thoughts to ponder on this chilly November day....

No Puppy

2008-11-17T08:27:00.000-08:00

So the Obama girls don't get their dog until 2009? Aww c'mon now! These little girls have been dragged through a presidential campaign! They will never have privacy again. Ever. Even when they are senior citizens they won't be private citizens. They will be the children of Obama, our first black (or brown as my son says) president.

SO... dang it! Give them a puppy already! Give 'em two puppies so they won't have to share. These precious little girls will need a cute cuddly to snuggle... life is going to be hectic for them. I wish them peaceful playtimes and quiet, serene nighttimes.

Maybe Santa will bring them puppies!

Want to take the plunge with me?

2008-11-13T19:12:00.000-08:00

My anniversary is coming up... um around Thanksgiving sometime. I don't know the date, neither does my husband. Both of us aren't too good with dates so we agreed to say it's Thanksgivingish. Honey, if you are reading this, I was thinking of a little trip to Bailey's Jewelers to say hi to Gary and Paul. Sound good? Love you!!!

Anyway, something always happens around our anniversary. Something bad. It all started with our first... the wedding day. A few days later I was fired from my job.

The second... a 100 year old oak tree fell on our home.

The third... we had a misunderstanding that left us not speaking for almost two weeks!

The forth... well... it's coming up. (Que the impending danger score). Actually, one bad thing already happened. My husband was asked to step down from participating with a holiday promotion for children because... he was helping too much. I know, sounds crazy, but to save you all from a long drawn out story, that is the bottom line and it really upset him. Will that be the only thing to hit for our anniversary curse? Or is something else looming? Stay tuned...

Time To Shed

2008-11-07T07:13:00.001-08:00

Yeah, it is over. No my guy didn't win. Yeah, now it is time to shed.

Not tears, but my frame of mind I walked around in during the race. No more BarAAACCKKK! No more O'Bammy! This man is our president and we should show him respect and support. If I learned anything in JrRotc it is to support this country even when it didn't suit me personally... funny thing is... in a 'round about way that I didn't expect... it does.

I love the bounce in the step, the smiles on the faces and the easier breath that is inhaled by my black neighbors. Finally, maybe we can all feel like FELLOW Americans with a common thread of accomplishment. Sometimes a person needs a shot in the arm of confidence, pride and recognition and I think that is what President Obama gives them. It's a good feeling. I am happy that they are so happy!

Enjoy the day!

Plane OUTRAGE!

2008-11-01T09:58:00.001-07:00

Halloween isn't the only scary thing that happened this week... there was a strangle hold on our free press...

What is free press? A press not restricted or controlled by government censorship regarding politics or ideology.

Oct 29th...
Journalists from three major newspapers that endorsed John McCain -- the Washington Times, the New York Post and the Dallas Morning News -- have been kicked off Obama's plane for the final days of the race and replaced with personnel from Essence and Jett magazine.

What Jett magazine reported the next day...

Thursday, October 30, 2008
By Eric Easter

"...McCain (out of ambition) and the right wing of the GOP (out of habit) went to the dark side, throwing distraction, division and fear in our faces when issues were what the nation was calling for."

Too read the article in entirety click here

Who will deliver our free press when hard news is excluded and editorial/entertainment mags are replacing them?

We are suspicious of the media bias now? Just wait.

Bad Day at King Burger...

2008-10-25T11:14:00.000-07:00

Check the video and tell me that has never happened to you...

Why is it now that I feel like I have to be the nice one to people working at fast food joints? And for some reason they feel like they can talk to me like I don't deserve to be ordering at their grub shack?

Obviously Dumb Stuff

2008-10-21T10:43:00.000-07:00

I love it when I hear people complain about Sarah Palin's experience, because it's one of those "Point your finger at someone and you've got three fingers pointing right back at 'cha!" Palin has much more experience than BarAAAACCCKKK! Doesn't anyone get that? And she is #2 on the ticket... not the main game!

Gotta love Biden. What a ninny. He says if BarAAAACCCKK! gets elected our country will face an international threat because foreign forces will want to test Obammy. Um... Okay. Raise your hand if you are looking for some of that! Why, even if you truly think this, why would you say that?

AND I guarentee if Palin would have made that statement it would have been BLOWN to the moon and back out of preportion. BUT since it came from our left of center pals it was kind of shrugged off.

Good Lord I hope people think twice before voting the Democrats into our most powerful office.

2008-10-18T23:10:00.000-07:00

Please, oh, please click on the bottom link and watch this video. Then tell me it's not the fonkiest thing you have ever seen on your screen...

FONKIEST THING ON YOUR SCREEN... EVER

Lordy Mercy

2008-10-17T21:33:00.000-07:00

Have you ever driven down Youree Dr. in your underwear?

Unfortunately, because of a mishap with an almost subzero temp milkshake, I have.

Have you ever asked your 12 year old to... please go in and buy Mommy a skirt in WalMart, any skirt, so Mommy won't have to drive in her underoos?

Have you ever had to wear bright green, rhinestone-studded sweat pants?

All I know is Byrd won their game Friday night and that made me happy. Apparently, after I drove out of the stadium fate said, "This woman has had WAAYYY too nice of a day. She is due some crazy."

Okee dokee.

-------------------------------------

What's up with Joe the plumber?

I mean, BarAACCKKK! wants us to think his claim to making 250K a year isn't real? BarAACCKKK! thinks if you are a plumber, you are barely scraping by? Hey, I don't know about BarAACCKKK! but the last time I called a plumber out to spend 30 minutes putting a cable down my sink it cost me $150. Didn't have to buy materials to replace anything, just ran a cable down the sink. TA-DA!... gimmie 150 bucks.

$150 per hour x 8 hour day = $1,200 per day
$12,00 per 8 hour day x 5 days = $6,000 per week
$60,00 per week x 4 weeks = $24,000 per month
$24,000 per month x 12 months = $288,000 per year

Um... has OBammy ever had to call a plumber?

AAAAAAAAAACCCKKKKKKKK!

2008-10-16T05:35:00.000-07:00

I love John McCain.

This photo is a shot of him reacting to his realization that he is walking the wrong way on stage. It reminds me of something I would.

Don't you know this photo will be forwarded all over the country today? Yes, crazy old man McCain and slick rick Obamy. Gimmie the crazy cat dude!

The Saga Continues...

2008-10-14T20:43:00.000-07:00

Nice photo, Professer Ayres.

So now you are telling me Ayres gave Obamy his first job? Doling out money (millions) to help liberalize schools? What type of changes did he want in the curriculam? What a nightmare. I wouldn't have this bomb-throwing-home-grown-terrorist share any of his ideas with my children... but is that where we are headed if Obama is elected?

I can't believe Barak thinks that he can basically

DANCE WITH THE DEVIL IN THE PALE MOONLIGHT

then expect us to trust that our nation would be prosperous, safe and righteous in his hands.

In my elementary school there was a teacher that left the school when word got out that she posed in Playboy magazine. I always felt sorry for her. She seemed really nice, although I never had her in class. But she left, I assume because she knew her past would be a BIG distraction to her ability to teach.

Obama, if he ever had an idea he would want to run for higher office, should have watched the company he kept. Isn't that one of the basic things your parents teach you?

Don't hang around trouble... some may stick to you.

Unfortunately that is a lesson Obama never learned.

Obama and his pals

2008-10-13T06:18:00.000-07:00

You know, when I first heard about the whole Rev Wright thing I thought, hmm... I don't think I could have sat in those pews and listened to that. I surely would not have borrowed a passage from the man's ravings to title a book I had penned (Obama's "Audacity of Hope"). I would have felt compelled, from my patriotic upbringing in my school and my home, to find another church. See, my dad and his twin brother are both Vietnam Veterans. My high school had one of the largest Jr ROTC's in the country (which I joined). It would have infuriated me to listen to anything close to anti-Americanism.

With that information surfacing, Obama says he isn't close with the Rev. and doesn't agree with those statements.

Then I hear Bill Ayres hosted a launching event for Obama's political campaign from his living room and eventual Obama gave a rave review for Ayres' book (on the juvenile justice system) in the Chicago Tribune.

With that information surfacing, Obama says Ayres was just a guy that lived in his neighborhood.

There are more of these suspicious links that when uncovered Obama denies involvement in, but I didn't write this to point them all out.

My point is this...

Obama's not sorry for these connections, he is just sorry he got caught. He can't be sorry for them, really, because that is who he is. He is an amiable guy that is so accepting of all different types of people that aaallllll are welcome. No standards, no rules, just acceptance. That sounds nice on paper, but in reality it is scary.

I kinda like people that stand up to others when they are not doing the right thing.

I've been that way throughout my life. It has caused me some trouble and I wish sometimes I could just shut up and get along. But in the long run, when I see things aren't right, I gotta do something.

When I see a woman driving with a toddler in her lap as opposed to strapped into a seat belt I roll my window down and let her know what she is doing could kill the child.

When I hear people cursing loudly when children are around, I'm going to stand up and ask them to be quiet.

I can't help it. I just have to do these things. It doesn't always make me popular, but that is okay by me.

What type of man is Obama? From the people he has been tolerant of I have to wonder if he is one of those that "Doesn't want to get involved." I don't want a president that doesn't have the guts to stand up for the right thing... then again maybe Obama doesn't see his friends' transgressions as being the wrong things.

He's not sorry, he's just sorry he got caught.

George...

2008-10-10T15:23:00.000-07:00

Looking at the smile on this child's face should make every mother, especially the ones that have boys, smile. The mussed up hair, the jersey fresh from a game and that face alight with the joy of victory!

Looking at this photo right now reminds me of why I love little boys... and it breaks my heart. This is George. A beautiful little guy that should still be here... but is not.

George made quite an impression on my daughter. They were classmates and friends. Yesterday, she sat next to an empty desk, and called me crying. She couldn't bare to stay at school. There is a void in that classroom that is as lonely and sad as the void that she feels in her heart.

"George used to stand his pencils up on the edge, on his desk and I would lean over and knock them down." My quiet daughter revealed to me later that night, with a huge grin. "He would just turn his head and give me this look! He was so funny!" Caroline, my daughter, has shared quit a few of these little glimpses into how their lives were every day at school. Then, quickly, like a curtain falling across a window, her face will loose expression and she will stare. Remembering that he is gone. She is mourning, the way none of his classmates should have to, the way his parents and family should never have to.

Heartless and cruel, these turns of events are. Without a thought of how those who knew this boy will begin to heal. The boy with the smiling face in this photo... they will never forget him... nor should they... they don't want to... he meant too much to too many...

I didn't know George, but I know he will be missed. God bless his friends and family. May God hold him close and love him, keeping him safe, warm and happy until he is reunited with those left behind.

Look what I found...

2008-09-25T20:41:00.000-07:00

My daughter is going to be an extra in a movie this weekend set in the 80's. The casting peps sent us info on what to wear and hair... Um, I was a teen of the 80's man, step back and allow me!

BUT just to be on the safe side, I went back and looked at a couple of videos, old commercials and old movies. It was fun until I dug up...

THE WORLD'S WORST VIDEO EVER... NO REALLY... EVER... THE WORST.

Since I can't figure how to put it here in the bloggy thingy you can click up there (on world's worst video) to see it.

See. I told you. I don't know what it's about, I just know its heinous.

Let's discuss 80's next time, shall we?

I think this speaks for it's self... I will be reading this aloud on my husband's radio show to educate the local neanderthals... your welcome.

2008-09-25T06:10:00.000-07:00

(1) Fine: This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.

(2) Five Minutes: If she is getting dressed, this means a half an hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.

(3) Nothing: This is the calm before the storm. This means something, and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with nothing usually end in fine.

(4) Go Ahead: This is a dare, not permission. Don't Do It!

(5) Loud Sigh: This is actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about nothing. (Refer back to # 3 for the meaning of nothing.)

(6) That's Okay: This is one of the most dangerous statements a woman can make to a man. That's okay means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.

(7) Thanks: A woman is thanking you, do not question, or faint. Just say you're welcome. (I want to add in a clause here - This is true, unless she says 'Thanks a lot' - that is PURE sarcasm and she is not thanking you at all. DO NOT say 'you're welcome' ... that will bring on a 'whatever').

(8) Whatever: Is a woman's way of saying #%*&$!

(9) Don't worry about it, I got it: Another dangerous statement, meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do several times, but is now doing it herself. This will later result in a man asking 'What's wrong?' For the woman's response refer to # 3.

An American Carol!!!

2008-09-17T18:43:00.000-07:00

Oh, I think this is going to be a winner winner chicken dinner! The movie "An American Carol" comes out Oct 3 and I can't wait to see it! It is this country's first openly politically conservative movie... Lefties beware!

Is that important? YES!

Why? How many times have you sat in a theater and thought, that was unnecessary to the plot, why did "they" put that in the movie? Because Hollywood wants to influence the rest of America.

Some of their values are in the toilette.
Some are hard leftwing nutters.
Some don't have a clue.

"They" are people who think we will swallow our entertainment like a dose of medicine... pinch our nose and just take it. And sometimes we do. But what they don't understand is so many more of us would buy those tickets if we didn't have to "pinch our noses."

Wouldn't it be nice to get more family friendly movies that are more than talking animals and animated bugs? How will that happen? If movies with CONSERVATIVE values make MONEY!

WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Go see "An American Carol."
Even if it stinks, see it twice! Let's show Hollywood that what mainstream America is more conservative than they think!

True Blood

2008-09-16T20:20:00.000-07:00

Yes, I slammed the first installment of the HBO series. I couldn't help it! I was fresh from a combo of Charlaine Harris' books and my imagination and... well... I don't think anything would have measured up.

But, the second episode was a little better. So maybe this will be one of those series that starts off slow then accelerates until everyone is hopelessly addicted. Kind of like Seinfeld.

Give it a try and let me know what you think.

Man, I am pumped about fall football! Especially the 8-year old type. Yep, big boy is playing and so of course I'm all stooopid about it. Go EAGLES!!!

What to do with his appetite though? He wants Big Macs, he wants Big Everything. Did you guys actually do this as a child? Then, after football practice, his equipment STINKS! I try to Oust with the spray before I close the door to my vehicle, but not much helps. Tips?

Then the daughter is dance teaming, getting older, little boys helping her with books, wanting to talk to her... hmm. She's 12 and getting to "that age." I tried to ease into the whole "talk" with her by starting waaaayyy back when she was 6 or 7 giving her innocent, yet informative, glimpses of how babies are made and born. We have worked up to the more serious talk now... only problem is... she doesn't want to talk about it.

I know, they all do it. They are beyond embarrassed that "Mom is trying to talk to me about WHAT?!?!" Of course my darling dear takes it to the extreme and pretends to faint. She will actually fall out on the floor and lay unresponsive with her eyes closed until I leave the room.

I don't remember going to those lengths to avoid talking to my Mom. Of course our talk consisted of her leaving a brown book on my bed one day titled, "11 to 13 year olds."

Whatever. I hear UFOs are a hot topic nowadays. Maybe she will talk to me about that?

Hurricanes... Not just a red, frozen drink.

2008-09-12T20:52:00.000-07:00

But some must think so. I mean, the National Weather Service releases a statement:

LEAVE NOW OR DIE!

And still you've got "dudes" walking around the Galveston levee wall with blow up rings in the shape of ducks?

At what point in life do you shrug and go, "UhhIdoncare! I'm stayin! It'll be great!" Mmmhmm. Good luck with the 25 foot wall of water.

Have you read any of the Charlaine Harris books... Sukie Stackhouse collection? Last Sunday HBO turned them into TRUEBLOOD the series. I thoroughly enjoyed the books. The writing style is not intelligent: and that is the beauty of it. Saywha? Well, it's like this...

The stories take place in a small rural town in north Louisiana where most of the characters (no college grad sissies here folks!) find themselves just getting by in the southern backwoods! Throw in some blood suckers and the fun and hi jinx begins! It really is a clever, down home place to visit in your moments of leisure.

BUT... I am disappointed in the HBO show. MOST of the southern accents are over done and a BIG distraction And I know what I'm writing about because I live in Shreveport Louisiana! Some of the characters are such concentrated versions of themselves that I can only take a little at a time. Ouch, that hurts.

AND (the biggest disappointment of them all) the lead love for Sukie, Vampire Bill, is atrocious! (the actor is handsome but made up to look like trailer trash!) In the book, Bill, is a refined gentleman from the past with a silent grace that (along with his polished good looks) make quite an impression on Sukie.

So why do this...

when this fits and is so much more pleasant? Fix it TrueBlood peoples! Please! I want to like this series. There is so little on the telly that I enjoy.

Black Holes... what did you say?

2008-09-10T06:42:00.000-07:00

Is that where my son's Math workbook has disappeared to (after only three long weeks of school)? Yeah, the world's most advanced scientists are doing this BIG BANG experiment. Looks like an extravagant Super Wheel of Fortune!

"We're gonna take these lasers, ram 'em together and see what happens!"

It's such a dude's experiment. I remember my cousin Tommy doing pretty much the same thing with bottle rockets at my Memaws. (Plus I can't get the image of this trigger-happy vest-wearing Tropic Thunder guy out of my psche when it comes to this experiment... as he yells "Mother Nature just 'tinkled' in her pants suit!")

Apparently, they will be able to tell why the universe formed the way it did and why matter has mass... Really? With a few collisions and explosions? Scare-dy cats say it could create a gynormous black hole that will suck us all up.

Which begs the question... if this is possibly the end of humanity and our planet, why wasn't this shown somewhere on TV as they were flipping the switch?

I mean, last night I actually had a nightmare about black holes (and screeching, fighting cats... I think that was my husband snoring) and woke up shuddering! That's when it hit me! I felt ticky! Nervous! Like electricity was zapping through my bod! I turned on the tele and... nothing. NO WORD on if the black hole was forming! When hurricanes hit they are front and center with the cameras... what about this hurricane? The Granddaddy of all swirling masses?

Apparently all is well. But they are just getting started! How many more sleepless nights will I suffer not knowing when this Wheel Of Future will spin out of control and eat us? I would like a little heads up if the world is disintegrating. For what? Um... kiss the kids... eat a chocolate bar?

HooDeeeHoooDat!

2008-09-07T21:05:00.000-07:00

Oh yeah baby! The Saints is hea'! Yes they won, will it continue? Ask Shockey.

Where does LSU think THEY are going? Okay, Baton Rouge is still nursing the beating they got from big dude Gustav so they may not be able to pull it off, so come on up brothers! We've got a stadium here in Shreveport... Texas? You are taking the LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY TIGERS to TEXAS?

Would New York ship out the Times' Square New Year's Eve celebration to Maryland?

Would Florida roll up their white sand beaches and give them to Utah for a weekend trist?

Would Tennessee jack up Graceland and move it to Michigan?

NO!

I am a Louisiana Tech Girl... love Tech... graduated from Tech. And even I LOVE LSU FOOTBALL enough to feel betrayed at the thought of them playing somewhere else.

I don't know. Maybe I am wrong. Maybe I should see it as us spreading our Tigerness around for the more unfortunate that has never had the chance to experience it. Like sharing... hmm...

Nope. I don't want to share. The LSU Tigers are a state treasure and they belong here... stormy weather or blue skies. For better or for worse.

Till Death Valley do us part.

McCAIN IS ABLE

2008-09-04T20:13:00.000-07:00

Wow, the dude's speech was just down right impressive. I mean, you look at John McCain, you hear his voice, you shrug and go... what else is on TV? But if you pause... for a moment... and take in what this man is saying you suddenly lean in and want to hear more.

It's every child's civil right to get a good education... 'bout damn time someone stood up and said it like that. VOUCHERS! Let's finally do it! These children that are stuck in run down schools with a lack of supplies, books, computers, the best teachers, over crowding conditions, violence... these children are AMERICAN CITIZENS that have RIGHTS! A right not to be imprisoned in a failing institution! A right to be able to find a place of peace and understanding and accomplishment! ENOUGH WITH LET'S JUST LET THE SCHOOL BOARD FIX IT!!! They aren't going to! They can't! THE PROBLEM IS TOO OVERWHELMING!!

Give these families a choice to go to the best schools in our area even though they can't afford a house in the nice neighborhoods. What will happen to the failing schools? They will close, be demolished and new ones will be built as the good schools grow and split carrying on the success they have enjoyed.

And that is only one message I heard echoing from the man that isn't debonair, that isn't a rock star, that doesn't whip out his sax to show how "cool" he is. For once, people, let's not vote on emotion. Let's look at integrity, experience, history, backbone!

BACKBONE... Did Obama stand up and speak out when his minister began preaching Anti-American sentiments? No. Imagine what John McCain would do if he would have been in the crowd! Now THAT would have been some riveting video! Sic 'em McCain!

There is much more to say about McCain's speech. For me much more to learn about the man that has given me hope for the Republican party tonight. And... I am intrigued with Sarah Palin. So let the race begin, I challenge you to carve out a little time to figure out who this man is. It's tough, I know. I would like to discuss more of this with you now, but I have to clean the kitchen and eventually take a shower.

We got it all wrong folks!!!

2008-09-03T17:24:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I will walk. With a friend. For exercise. gross. I love getting exercise, but I want to dance in a class or play with the electronic weight things so that it doesn't feel like real work. Walking for no reason when you are going nowhere seems weird.

Speaking of... do you all realize what is going on here? Why we are all fighting fat? It's because we have made our life too convenient! It's nuts, really. Used to, we would walk to a friend's house (cardio), wash our clothes by hand on a board (upper body), hang wash from down in a basket to up on the line (abs, waist), dig a garden and plant the veggies, pick the veggies, walk to church and school, blahblahblah! Now we have all these machines to help us, save us time and make our life easier.

How stupid we are! Now we have to schedule in fitness!! It's moronic! All the time we saved we are using back up to exercise! All the effort we preserve is spent lifting dumbells or walking in circles around our blocks. How many bike riders do you know spend HOURS each week just riding! How crazy do we look to the alien spies? (My idea of the outside perception of humankind)

Really, if you want to loose weight, why not work as a stocker in a grocery store? Something physical so you will get paid to exercise instead of paying a gym to go exercise. I should do that. As an experiment. Really! Would you guys be interested in the results? "I got paid to loose weight!" Picture me on an infomercial!

Sigh... Anyway, I am going to walk in the morning. Not to school, not to work just... around. Because I am posting this blog instead of walking to your house to tell you what I just wrote.

The aliens will laugh at me.

Suspicious of Carpool?

2008-08-25T06:54:00.000-07:00

How do you feel about carpool? School carpool. Like, instead of having pure chaos, everyone just line up your cars and the children will walk out when their parent pulls up. Does that upset you? Do you think there are any conspiracies involved with the concept? Does it make you angry that you are moving in mass to a common location with other parents?

I recently had a man say to me, "Nah... I don't buy that. I just don't buy carpool. I park and walk in to the school to get my kid." Huh?

I really didn't know what to say. It was like hearing suspicions about the government or global warming or the Adkins diet. You don't "buy" carpool? What's not to buy?

But this is what I enjoy. I thoroughly enjoy the odd, random things of life that give me pause, so bring it. Anyone else not buyin' something? How bout lunch meat? Easter eggs? Crane machines that dole out stuffed animals? Let's just get it all out in the open people!

yyYYYAAAAAHHHHHHHUUuuhh!

2008-08-22T16:13:00.000-07:00

Whoa... I just had a brush with DEATH! Should have known better! Just when I start thinking (as the dogs cross their legs and refuse to pee in the back yard) it won't happen to me...

"Yeah, it's thundering... and lightning... but what are the odds that anything will actually hit me? I mean, here I am among all of the people in Shreveport, strolling through the yard, what are the chances of a bolt landing on top of my head? Mmm... I better hurry up. The thunder is one right after the other... Nah- I'm just being paranoid. I'll sing one more verse of 'Tinkle in the Grass' to motivate the doggies and then I'll go in."

I approach the back door, reach out and grab the doorknob and
SHAZAAAM!

A burst of light exploded around me! Reflecting off the glass in the door in front of me! Flashing on either side of my eye sockets! ELECTRICITY zapped the hand that held the doorknob and I yelped and jumped through the doorway. Thank God above I was under a cover!!! Gracie-dog took off running through the house and I just stood there shaking uncontrollably.

When I was around 9 years old I was riding on the "Swings" ride at a local amusement park and was a little afraid thinking what if I fall? I remember looking down at my shadow keeping up with me on the ground and I thought... "Oh, it's silly to be afraid. Nothing is going to happen to me on this ride. Just think of how many people ride the swings every day, every year!" Just then, the ride malfunctioned and began lurching to the side and dropped us all, dragging us along the ground.

So, I should have known better... just when I think it won't happen to me...

To stand against the deep dread-bolted thunder?
In the most terrible and nimble stroke
Of quick, cross lightning?
(Wm. Shakespeare, "King Lear", Act 4, Scene 7)

I'm Alive...

2008-07-14T19:08:00.001-07:00

Wow... the allergic reaction or whatever, to the steroid shot just got worse and worse. I really thought I was losing my mind for a while AND it was my 20th HS Reonion this weekend! (if you click on the link your coworkers might begin assuming you are "family")

That was fun, although I wasn't at full capacity until Saturday night. Fletcher actually did the sports live from the HAUGHTON CLASS of 88 RE. That was interesting! Of course we all lined up behind him and acted like total jack-knives.

How bout the New Yorker's OBAMA cover? I thought the media was on HIS side!? I haven't seen a blatant cry for attention through controversy since this BURT AND ERNIE episode aired on our favorite street show. If I were his wife, I would be furious... I mean did you see the way they drew her hair? Not attractive. She is much prettier than that. What a low blow.

BTW... Funny guy on this link... Ian Robinson... (where I got Burt and Ernie) and great movie and comic reviews!

I love Doats. Took a little boy to the movies with my son and he walks up to the candy case and says, "I'll take the Doats." Love it. Love Doats.

I WISH BILLY MAYS WOULD LOOSE HIS VOICE FOR LIFE...
Who is this person? Why is he screeming at me to purchase this crap? America, take a stand with me! Let's NOT purchase anything this guy yells about until he lowers his voice! Give me a break, man!

I am Poison Ivy... Female Superhero!

2008-07-09T06:37:00.000-07:00

Some men give diamond tennis bracelets (Bailey's Jewelry! Two locations serving you!), my man puts me to work in the yard and I get a rosy bracelet of poison ivy around my arm for a week. I've had it twice this summer and I toughed it out fine with the first go-round. BUT the red nastiness around my wrist was more than I could take. I found myself vigorously rubbing my arm on the edge of my desk... and snorting!

I even had a dream that I was a SUPERHERO... I was...

***POISON IVY!***

I would put villains in a head lock with my left arm and rub my poison rash under their neck in a sawing motion... two days later they would break out in an ugly, itchy rash! That'll show 'em!

Seriously, though, I went to the old doc to get a steroid shot to dry up this mess and ended up in a brier patch. I had an adverse reaction to the injection that left me slurring my words, unable to walk straight, unable to eat, and seeing stars occasionally.

My sister told me to get the shot. She said I would feel great! She said I would have whopping amounts of energy and get a ton done... not so much.

Fletcher talked about it on the radio today and had a male caller say his steroid shot was like a three day Viagra high... huh? What went wrong with my shot? Did they give me the wrong medicine? I hate shots... I still feel lousy.

I felt drunk for a whole day, now I feel hung over... ridiculous. I'm tired and I need to lay down.

What Are They Hearing?

2008-07-01T07:31:00.000-07:00

I have a question for you... What do people hear when they THINK they sing well, but don't? My husband swears he sounds just like "Bronski Beat" (yea, that group from the 80's). And will try to prove it too! LIVE ON RADIO! For the longest time he thought (really believed) he could impersonate professional singers... wow.

Eventually I tried to gently suggest that he didn't quite sound like these people he was hearing... He accused me of being jealous and petty! Hardly! I was trying to save him the embarrassment of this unfounded pride! But now it was on!

Every opportunity he has, now, he sings! Oh boy does he SING... to SPITE me! And really, there are some songs that are in his range that sound just fine... the problem is his ego that leads him to believe that he can sing anything... and it sounds great... kind of like the dancer that brazenly takes the dance floor with all the confidence in the world that it is SOLID GOLD!

So... my question is... what is he hearing? Like a person with no rhythm... they look like a marionette puppet, except the person moving the strings is listening to a different song. What are those people hearing? What is moving their bodies? Just like them, what is my husband hearing?

Recently he played a recording of what the satellites pick up from Earth, a mixture of screeching, beeping, random words, phrases... basically chaos. Maybe people with no rhythm and people that THINK they can sing are tuned into a different wave length than the rest of us.

A wave where sounds, beats and noise all collide in an unrecognizable mish mash medley! Considering that, THAT is what they may be hearing I guess they're doing pretty good. I guess we should feel lucky that they aren't acting out in violence.

So flail on rhythmless dancers, wave and swing vigorously; thrash! Honey, caterwaul till your heart gives out, cry and screech like a cat in heat! Just don't hurt anyone.

Soccer Soap Operas... A Flop

2008-06-23T12:08:00.000-07:00

Flop... Floppin'... Apparently it is a sporting term I was unfamiliar with, which isn't a shock considering I've referred to the middle of a football game as "parttime."

A FLOP is what soccer players do when they are fouled. They "fall out," so to speak, in a dramatic way so as to capture the referee's attention. I remember the last time someone I knew "fell out." A girlfriend of mine tipped over in her chair and ripped her pants while laughing... she laughed so hard she "fell out."

It's also what some people do in church when they are overwhelmed by the Spirit... or being "slain in the Spirit."

Considering what "fall out" means (to me) and what "flop" means when referring to a bad movie I'd say calling what European soccer players do when fouled makes all the sense in the world.

I also use the term as the definition of my son's attempt at a dive which further reinforces my belief that this term is accurate when referring to Soccer.

BUT it is the reason, sadly, I do not like to watch European Soccer. I wish I could. I feel so left out when most of the planet is rallying around a sport and I can't stomach it. But I can't. It gives me the same feeling as watching soap operas on Telemundo.

Too much drama in a foreign language. It's just weird to me. Kind of like some of the shows on BBC. Can't do it. The people look so goofy with their over-acting. EVERYTHING is over the top... over the tippity top! I can't stand it.

So enjoy your Soccer, flopping, and Telemundo... I'll be watching the O'Reilly Factor... now that is high drama.

I DIDN'T HEX LSU!!!

2008-06-21T08:10:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, out at East Ridge CC I walked over to the refreshment table to order a soda and entered into a conversation, with one of the cabana boys, that I would soon regret. He asked me about LSU baseball. I've already spoken out on the reality of how spoiled baseball players are, so it should come to no one's surprise that I didn't have glowing words. But then I really stepped in it...

I made one harmless remark... One small utterance to the tune of "I don't want them to win AGAIN!" I quickly added, "Only because I am ready for my husband to stop chasing them and come home for a day or so!"

Oh, it was ON! People came out of the woodwork! Accusing! Fingers pointed! Aghast at what I had said! "She wants LSU to LOSE!!" I tried to plead my case, but no one would hear me! Suddenly I was a witch in Salem! I was the hunted! (It didn't help that I had on a giant floppy black sun hat either.)

"You're going to HEX them!"

"She HEXED LSU!"

"No one should ever say such a thing!"

"Let's get her!"

The angry voices rang out (except for the last line, that was just in my imagination)! Mother's shied their children from me, life guards eyed me with contempt as I walked back to my lounge chair with my Diet Coke.

I spoke out loud trying to settle the unruley mob, "I really love to watch LSU baseball, it's just that ALL baseball players are spoiled... they get to chew bubble gum and play and never mess their hair up... you know what I mean?"

They weren't buying it!

"Plus I like their coach, a lot! He looks so nice! Kind of like Newt Gingrich! I love Newt Gingrich! Don't you guys?"

Still angry grimaces where nice, polite faces were just 15 short minutes ago! What had I done?

"I am a huge LSU FAN!" I yelled at them all. "I just want a husband for a while!"

The vast majority had not heard my first explaination and didn't quite understand the gist of my complaint, but I was past caring. Let them tie me to a stake and burn me! If LSU lost, then OK! They had plenty of turns to play! (each player gets three tries to hit the dang ball with the bat! Now that is just excessive!) I'M THE HEXER! I'LL WEAR IT LIKE A SCARLET LETTER!

Mexican Train!

2008-06-05T23:00:00.000-07:00

To heck with baseball... I have found a new past time that everyone should be playing! Mexican Train! I could usually care less about bones, but this dominoes game has a sharp hook! It is so addictive. I have stayed up the past two nights playing with some buddies like we are college students with no classes tomorrow. Idiots, I know. It's so much fun! Check it out!

Come on ride the train... ride it! It's a choo choo train!

Introducing Loreto Fest!!

Apparently I am not the only poor soul taken with the clink of the dominoes... The famous Loreto Fest, held at Puerto Escondido, enjoys a galloping game with as much zest as you would find in any cantina!

Here is a photo of the winners for the 2005 season...

One of the games at Loreto Fest is the ever popular "Name those Knees!" As a matter of fact, we have the photo here today! If you can identify this set of knees it's worth a free beer at Loreto Fest!

The Spam Art contest is always a rebel rousing event at the FEST...
Marilyn "Tortuga" an expert with her spam high kudos presides over the "Spam Art Contest" (Spam may wear many faces)


2007 Winner "Spamateur Weathermen"	3rd year appearance "Spam Marley"	"Spami"

These are the Committee Heads they have so far for the Fest...

Program: Lesley

Tickets: Merry - "Airops"

Beer Sales: Fred "Casa Anuja"

Swap Meet: Connie "Sunlover"

Chili Cook - Off: Dave "Carlota"

Spaghetti Dinner: Kenny "Brandywine"

Dinghy Races: Carlos "Mango Mambo"

Horseshoes: Don "No Se"

50/50 Draw: "Sealover"

Face Painting: "Mystical"

Theme: Vicki & Joe "Cat house"

Prizes: Karen "Bella"

Membership - T-Shirts: Peggy "Interlude - Connie "Sunlover

Baked Items & Sales: Mary "Lee Ann" - Joe "Amigo Joe"

Thursday Appetizers: Marilyn "Tortuga"

Spam Contest: Marilyn "Tortuga"

Dinghy Parade: Ginny "Renege"

Over the Line: "Neka"

Silent Auction: Patty's opal

Should be a hum dinger this year! See you there!

Sex in the Shreveport

2008-06-04T12:02:00.001-07:00

Are there any women in Shreveport that are remotely like the four on Sex in the City? I really don't know. I do know, however, that IF there aren't it's because they've already gotten married and are living in the suburbs. Am I the only one to notice how young everyone gets married in northwest LA?

Why do people do that? My theory is the "Hurry before all the good ones are gone" mentality reigns here. See, everyone needs to stick to the new "Let's be adults first" plan, but everyone has to play or it doesn't work... people get panicky. It's like playing chicken... the first one that jumps looses (by settling too soon) but at least their settled. No one wants to be the last man standing when teams are being selected, right? That is just basic playground rules. But can't we at least try, people? Try to have some real, live single grown-ups here in Shreveport?

Alas, I was a young jumper, which may be the reason I'm on husband number 2. Why did I take the plunge at the ripe old age of 23? Um... I can't remember. Seemed like the right thing to do at the time, I guess. See... that is the problem! If it seemed like a dumb move to get hitched that early, more young 20's wouldn't. They would have time to figure out who they are as an adult instead of living through the teen crisis years, just reaching adulthood and making a decision based on their experience, mainly as a teen, that will drastically change their lives (and possibly their children's lives) forever. If they stuck to the "Let's be adults first" plan they would develop their career, maybe acquire more schooling to enhance their career, and mature in their personal life and be better functioning members of society. Shreveport could use a flood of 20 and 30's like that...

That is sexy!

Baseball Players are Spoiled

2008-06-01T21:57:00.000-07:00

What sport can progress at the leisure of the players with no limit of time? Baseball.

What sport gives it's players multiple chances to succeed during their given turn? Baseball.

What sport allows the players ample time for standing, sitting, chewing, spitting? Baseball.

What sport pays their players the most money? Baseball.

So, do I watch? Um... yep. Well, I watch when it's LSU Baseball. Have I mentioned these guys just broke the SEC record for winning games in a row? So,

GO TIGERS!

BTW: Rebecca and I will be hosting the radio show (supertalk1340.com) tomorrow morning so you knuckle draggers tune in. We compiled a list of observations and quotes of interest to share with the listeners. Here is a sample...

"Monks live in a Monkery... right?"

You are allowed to show your pleasure.

Shane and the Coyotes...

2008-05-23T11:41:00.000-07:00

Many of you have been curious how the tradition of "Running With the Coyotes" all began.

It all started with a brave trek into the wilderness (a field on the side of the road, down Bellevue) to visit the future home site of the brother-in-law Shane and my sister, Yecats. Alas, it ended sadly when I drove my new SUV into a bog. Many tried to pull it out, many failed.

A 4-wheel drive with a wench - got stuck.

A tractor - sunk like a rock.

A tow truck - refused to try.

Finally, after the sun had retired for the evening, a bull dozer saved the day... but what happened during the quiet moments before the dozer's arrival, is what we are here to discuss. The inspiration that created the frantic joy and celebration that is...
"Running With the Coyotes"

The sunken vehicle was a far piece off the road and it was, like I stated earlier, dark (country dark, not city dark... reference the two obviously different photos if you are unfamiliar with the two terms). Yecats, Shane (alias Stain) and I were sitting in another vehicle (in a neighboring home's driveway) awaiting rescue when I noticed I had forgotten my cell phone. Shane offered to retrieve my purse from the SUV. He left the safety of the car and disappeared into the dark... I wondered, then, if we would ever see him again.

But those thoughts were quickly dismissed as my sister turned up the song "One Night in Bangkok." Soon, Yecats and I were engaging in talk of delightful childhood memories (like when I told her sea shells were candy and she ate a handful) when her cell phone rang.

"Hello?"
"PANT PANT HUFF HUFF!"
"Hello?" Asked in a higher octave.
"MEET ME AT THE ROAD!!! PANT PANT! DRIVE THE CAR.. HUFF HUFF! DOWN THE ROAD! PANT PANT! HURRY! HUFF HUFF!"
"Shane?"

The line went dead. In a panic we realized something had gone terribly wrong! Shane was in trouble! Yecats fired up the engine and we sped out of the driveway turning in the direction of the sunken SUV. Understand, it was impossible to see through the inky blackness so we coasted slowly along Bodcau with our heads out the window craning to spot the obviously fleeing man, but what he was running from? We did not know!

In no time at all a bobbing white glow materialized... Shane's dress shirt! (he had come from work) Then his face faded into view. He was moving fast, and yelling incoherently. We stopped and Yecats leaned back across the seat to open the door. With one swooping dive Shane landed in a full body flop across the back seat, spun around, grabbed the door and slammed it, as he yelled "Roll up the windows! Roll up the windows!"

"What is it?" 'Cats asked as she hit the gas to escape the threat.
"Just roll up the window!" Shane replied, exasperated and exhausted.

We let the silence fall around us as we sped away. Shane's fevered heaves slowed.

"What happened?" Yecats asked.
"Coyotes." Shane answered.
"What?"
"Yeah, they were after me... I- I think."
"Chasing you?" 'Cats asked to confirm.
"Yeah. I heard them howling first. Then it sounded like they were getting closer, so I started walking faster, away from the truck, then I heard them running."

We didn't return that night. Shane's buddy came with the bulldozer and fished out my truck. By dawn, the fright was fading into a beautiful inspiration... Running With the Coyotes!

Years Later: Here is a pic of Shane
with his new-fangled head-light just about to happen on a coyote pup waiting for the games to begin!! Boy, I bet that was a good chase!

If you would like to be a part of H-Town's grandest celebration "Running With the Coyotes," simply contact the festival's headquarters and ask for Shane. He'll hook you up. (Please be up to date on your rabies vaccinations. The Running With the Coyotes festival is not responsible for any scarring, emotional or physical.)

As for the future home site, well yes, they proceeded with the construction of their home, despite the horrifying memories and possibility of further encounters with rogue wildlife. You can see a coyote on the actual land this event took place... Bellevue Coyote. This is the creature that started it all (along with my brother-in-law, Shane, whom I lovingly call Stain).

Running with the Coyotes

2008-05-22T07:44:00.001-07:00

It's a time honored tradition in Haughton, Louisiana that have many scurrying through the back woods with adrenaline and excitement unmatched by most modern-day activities... It's
RUNNING WITH THE COYOTES.
My brother in law, SHANE WALLACE, (featured in the untouched photo) is revered and respected in the pastime due to his experience off of Bodcau Road.

More on this story coming soon...

Perilous ADD

2008-05-22T05:03:00.000-07:00

LSU's wonderboy is no more... you all already know the ill fated Perrilloux story, here is my theory why he fell from grace in the first place. Sources have reported he was diagnosed with OCD (yeah you know me) but never took his medicine because he and his Mother did not think he had the disorder... so was he too busy washing his hands to keep his commitments? Probably not, especially if there were doubts that he had it.

What sounds familiar to me is the dismissive way he let his fame and fortune slip away... that so smacks of mental problems that run in the OCD family, such as ADD, anxiety, etc. Many of the following issues you read you will say, "Everyone has some struggles with this stuff. Sounds like an excuse." But what you have to remember is the OBSESSIVE factor in these personalities that make normal struggles impossibilities...

Top ten issues ADD/ADHD people struggle with:
Memory problems
Boredom ( I am talking fear of boredom that perpetuates an uncontrollable urge for change and stimulation)
Time management problems
1- Hyperfocusing - Oh, no! It's what time? I should have left 20 minutes ago!
2- Running late. Also often known as "just-one-more-thing-itis"
3- Over-commitment. Many ADD adults tend to cram far too many things into each day. This leads them to be highly stressed and usually late to each of the day's commitments.
Procrastination
Difficulty with Long-term projects
Detailed Work Requires organization, self-discipline to complete boring tasks, and attention to detail - all of which are typically difficult for those with ADD... aka meetings, training, practice
Interpersonal difficulties
Distractibility
Impulsivity
Hyperactivity

His slights to the team were just that... slight. I mean, what kind of person lets an obviously successful future die on the vine because of seemingly simple responsibilities? I'll tell you who... people with ADDish disorders. He may be lazy and spoiled... but I am suspicious of the mental thing as well... am I wrong?

Another Audition Audacity!

2008-05-15T19:00:00.000-07:00

What is up with this? Please give me your take because I am wondering if I am off base here...

My daughter tried out for the "Show Choir" where she must sing and dance. I found out she and the other two girls in her group were the only three that did not make it. My daughter told me she made mistakes. I wasn't surprised because they learned the dance at 3:00pm and tried out at about 3:30pm. Not a lot of practice time.

But here is the kicker...

She told me her group was the only one that did not get a live audition. Their song and dance was video taped because the judge was late. The judge came in, watched the rest of the groups live then viewed the first group (my daughter's) on video. She judged them on pitch, dance, personality, positive attitude and overall appearance.

I called foul on this because live singing is much different than an amateur video tape, especially if the singer is not mic'd. Am I wrong???

6 Turds

2008-05-12T12:11:00.000-07:00

Whoa... What a weekend. Friday and Saturday I had the privilege of chaperoning the 6th grade choir on a trip to Dallas for a competition and jaunt through 6 Flags... or as I would later come to refer to it as 6 Turds. The kids did an awesome job! Won gigantic trophies and were very entertaining kids!!!

Really, they were mostly great. They were excited, hyper and sillyness was out of hand, but that is to be expected. What I didn't expect were a few subtle habits that concerned me. One was TEXT MESSAGING ADDICTION! There was a precious girl that had every reason in the world to be chatting, goofing around and having the time of her life, but could not pull her head up and actually see where she was because she was texting constantly. I haven't seen this type of addition before, and have even scoffed at others that said it was a problem... not any more. This kid had it bad. I am talking never, NEVER, put it away... always looking at it... always had the thumbs going. It really saddened me. Here she is in 6Flags with her buddies and can't break away from this device. There is no telling how much life she is missing due to this habit. Parents beware!

Then there was 6Turds... Wow... what can I say? I rode the Titan and literally almost blacked out twice. I saw stars and billowy black clouds closing in on my eyesight... then nothing... then came out of it... then more stars and clouds. I read later that it had a tunnel... never saw it... NO- I mean I kept my eyes open the whole time and never saw it. It was scary, but I expect to be freaked on this country's 3rd most intense roller coaster.

What I didn't expect was that it was going to take me 2 hours to stand in line to get a drink!!! Yes. Nothing says fun like standing in a hot, miserable line for 45 mins just so you can get to the window and have the food girl say "Um... we're out of drinks." What is this? A school carnival? Am I at Field Day? NO! IT'S FREAKIN' 6 FLAGS! THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE FILTER THROUGH THIS WORLD OF WHIRL EVERY STINKIN DAY! ARE YOU JOKING? no. no, they weren't joking. So I had to stand in another line for a long, long, long, long time, to get a drink. Best part about it was this park sponsored this "event" we were at and new how many people were coming ahead of time! Guess they were just messing with us! ha! Well, it was funny. Very very very funny.

Then there was the child on the trip (not mine) that wanted to take over... knew everything and argued with literally everything I said,
"Well, it's 6:45 now..."
child "No it's not, it's 6:46!"
I would open my purse to get out something, she would reach in and try and snatch it away from me saying "I'll do it!". She insisted on walking beside me and veering into me, stepping on my feet, bumping me, etc, because she would walk in a diagonal line. AND she was the only one with no cell phone, but kept running off! I had to go looking for her several times. That was also a fun way to enjoy 6 turds.

The bus ride home was an assault on my senses... Alvin and the Chipmunks playing for 2 hours, sub-zero temperatures after sweating all day, and the scent of raw sewage wafting through from the bathroom. I was hysterical by the time I got home. I really felt like I needed some sort of therapy.

When my husband picked me up at the drop off place three hours later, he had the dogs with him... my chiweenie bites (everyone) so with 90 kids running around looking for parents in the dark it was a brand new level of stress that was reached by yours truly. THEN my husband joins me in the vehicle and explains that the reason he brought the dogs (maltese and chiweenie) is because they had been through a harrowing ordeal that day.

That's when my man stops being my man and puts on his "news hat". Blow by blow, detail by detail a riveting story of how the chiweenie's dog tag got hooked through my little maltese's eye lid...

Hold it! Stop right there!

Good bye everybody! Aly's mental and emotional fortitude has left the building! Nighty night!

I'm otta here!

A Shot at an STD? Yikes!

2008-05-07T13:10:00.001-07:00

Uh... Does anyone understand why this chick is grinding and licking all over other women and men at 2:30 in the afternoon?

I rarely turn on the TV in the daytime, but did looking for a radar loop and accidentally flipped by MTV. Did not realize MTV had a new meaning... Mo' Trash Viewing.

This woman's name is Tila Tequila and apparently there are so many people watching her sex-romp on daytime tv that MTV awarded her a second show. "A Shot at Love 2 with Tila Tequila " Reality show, of course, where this bi-sexual brat stomps and jiggles around looking for "love." Gross. AND (here is where these people really make me sick because the kids jump on the computer and google this) if her reality show leaves you with an urge for more Tila-cowbell just check out her myspace! It is choc full of filth juust for ewww! Grossness.

She is an adult and it's her business which sex (male, female, whatever) she chooses, I don't care that she and the, obviously desperate, competitors on the show would waste their lives (and dignity) to chase this woman... what I DO CARE about is the TIME OF DAY this is being shown AND who is watching this... YOUR TWEENAGERS! Tween - as in 12,13,14... not quite teen. How do I know? Look at the top members on the show's message boards. Check the next link... The majority are Jonas Bros. fans, and that group is the tweens. They come home from school, turn on the tv and plug into this crap... What happened to watching Lavern and Shirley? How bout Bewitched?

What I don't get is every wholesome movie that comes out makes TONS more $ than the filth-flicks... one would think the TV-heads would at least get that. But instead our children are being sexualized at a scary age... but for what? What is the motivation? What is the agenda? It doesn't translate into a bumped bottom line... so what is the fascination?

AND we wonder what's wrong with our society? DUH. What are your kids watching on TV when you aren't home?

Who needs Aly-Nanny?

2008-04-30T19:43:00.000-07:00

Just got finished watching Super Nanny. I just don't get some of these push-over parents! "I don't want her (8 year old daughter) to be mad at me so I am apologizing for making her get dressed for school!" Waaa! The sad thing is these "parents" are cowards... cheating their children out of a good upbringing which ultimately prepares them for life, society, career, etc! They need a swift kick in the rear... the parents not the kids.

Parenting tip... don't argue with your child. That is the danger zone of the power struggle. Just stick to the core message you are trying to get through to them...

Kid "Can I have some Sour Skittles?"
Parent "Not right now."
Kid "But I want them! I'm hungry!"
Parent "It is right before supper."
Kid "So! I'll still eat my supper! I promise!"
Parent "No you won't, and it's not good for you to fill up on candy."
Kid "I wouldn't fill up... just some! I ate good at lunch! Please!"
Parent "No. "
Kid "You never let me have what I want!"
Parent "Now you know that is not true!...
and on and on and on... gross.

Or the convo could have gone like this...
Kid "Can I have some Sour Skittles?"
Parent "Not right now."
Kid "But I want them! I'm hungry!"
Parent "The answer is no and if you ask me again you will have no TV or video games tonight. Say 'Yes Mam' to Mommy."
Kid "Yes Mam."
Parent "Good job!"
done.

Pretty soon your children will accept your "no" as "no." My kids actually have fun with it... I say no and they have this funny way they say, "darn." And we giggle and that is it. You don't argue with the parental unit in this house.

WANT TO ENTERTAIN YOUR SELF WHILE DEALING WITH MUNDANE PARENTING SITUATIONS? ... Try answering all the kiddies questions with 8-Ball answers...

Kid "Mommy, can I watch Sponge Bob?"
Parent "Outlook cloudy."

Kid "Are we having chicken for supper tonight?"
Parent "My sources say yes."

Gotta have some fun with this stuff.

---------------------------------------

Ooo I can't stand that commercial where the little boy wakes up his parents to stand in their doorway and scold them about their investing... how smug. Guess if you aren't doing everything the little big-head boy is saying then you are just an idiot. But what do I know... my 12 year old daughter has been bugging me about teaching her about investing for 3 years . Check out this site... KID MONEY FUN!

Where are you Vera?

2008-04-23T22:14:00.000-07:00

When is the last time you watched reruns of "In Living Color"? Every Sunday night my sister and I would tune in to desperately try to mimic the "Fly Girls" moves, watch Homey the Clown, Fire Marshal Bill, Vera D'milo, Men on Film and... my favorite ("I said I got 'chu!")... Wanda. Could we still have a hilarious show like that now? In the day and age of politically correct? Don't know, but would like to think the bonus of a good belly laugh would trump any hurt feelings.

Enjoy the videos... Vera's stretch is especially... um... heinous?

OOOOoooo that SMELL!!

2008-04-20T20:45:00.000-07:00

If you want the whole story behind this grizley photo... click on...
MY MAN WAS SKEERED SO I HAD TO MAN UP AND TCB!

(please sing the following with the tune of Me and my Shadow from Peter Pan...)

Me and my Possum! My Possum and ME! We all fit together as close as can be! We make pictures on the floor and the wall, like rabbits and dogs... and that's not all! Where ever we go we have com-pa-ny! Me and my Possum! (da, da, da, da, da, da, daa!)
My Possum and ME!

New to You Tunes

2008-04-14T20:49:00.000-07:00

Went to Noble Savage this weekend to hear "Dirt Foot" play... wow! What a good band! Enjoyed them... probably too much. If you have an opportunity, gather your friends and have a listen! When is the last time you tried out a new kind of music? There are some of us that are still stuck in the 80's, some of us that are still thinking the radio is the only place to hear music... top 40! Woo Hoo! No... stop it.

Here is some off brand-ness that I really like... Pete Yorn, The Editors, Muse, and Coconut Records.

Just because we aren't in high school and college (our kids are) doesn't mean we can't continue to develop our fav's. In fact, with MySpace, Youtube, etc, there is more new, interesting music choices than ever! Share some of your new finds with me...

Reply to Bookston!

2008-04-07T23:37:00.000-07:00

Recently this man... MIKE BOOKSTON...
wrote a silly opinion piece in the Shreveport Times that I strongly disagreed with. Here is my reply which the Times will be printing this week sometime...

I read that Mike Bookston lives in Dubberly… that couldn’t be more obvious from his recent opinion piece titled, “The Louisiana Boardwalk policy takes a dark turn.” Take it from me, Mike, a resident that lives less than 10 minutes away from the Boardwalk and frequents that area, it is nothing but common sense that the management decided to make another rule concerning teen patronage there.

Try taking your family of five down there on a Saturday night see what kind of crowd you have to fight through to get to your destination. Have you, Mike, ever tried to walk through a sea of teens under no supervision with small children in tow? There were times I literally could not get through the mass, had to back out and find another route. It is dangerous and scary. They are impressing each other with free flowing vulgar language including vivid descriptions of various genitalia, sexual positions and other creative, foul uses of language. They are bumping into you AND your small children as they chase each other. They will push you or your child if you don’t move fast enough to get out of their way.

Before the “Youth Pick-Up Zone” was put into effect that is exactly what it was like. The new rule helped quite a bit, but further enforcement was clearly needed so The Boardwalk wouldn’t end up like Shreveport’s Downtown entertainment district… a failure.

Here is another hint, Mike... I spend more money on myself and my family than a teen with their "$20 of spending money." Management at the Boardwalk no doubt considers this when trying to maintain a pleasant and welcome atmosphere.

If you don’t approve of the new rules and feel these teens deserve an all access freedom, maybe you could volunteer to be at the Boardwalk on Friday and Saturday nights to look after them… because their parents aren’t doing it. Until then, do not knock Boardwalk management for dealing with a huge problem that has been dumped in their laps.

What do you think, Oh Blog reader? Leave your message at the tone... Yes, I mean comment. sheish, you try to be creative and look what happens.

Am I sick or...

2008-04-03T22:07:00.000-07:00

Am I the only one that thinks Benjamin Netanyahu is one sexy man? He is the former prime minister of Israel also! See... it's safe to think he is dreamy because he is completely unreachable. If he were the mayor of Haughton, or someone, you know, local, it would not be prudent to admire him so.

Who is your famous "the only dude I think is hot besides my husband?" And don't be trashy and talk about dancing with the stars fairies! Leave your message at the beep...

April Bools!

2008-04-01T19:54:00.000-07:00

Bool is a made up word from the cavern of spook that is Stephan King's mind. He uses in a few of his books and explains it has the same meaning of a "Gotcha!" moment. BOOL! There is something about that word that creeps me out. It just has a feeling to it... like something I might hear a scary clown say to me one night... after I find him standing in my closet.

help

Just creeped myself out again.

Speaking of creepy, we have had yet another ghost sighting. Oh, you don't know about our ghost? The first sighting was, unfortunately, by my daughter. She woke up one morning, sat up in bed and looked in the reflection of the mirror that hung on the wall across from her. She saw a little girl hunched over the head board behind her. Spook-diddley. We have all heard things also. Fletcher and I have both had instances where the "ghost" used the other's voice to call our name (I heard Fletcher's voice call my name when he claims he did not and vice versa... when we were the only ones home).

The most recent incident happened last week. We had a friend walk up to our home and ask who the girl with the long dark hair was sitting in a chair in our front room... we don't have any furniture in our front room. It's empty because I teach dance there. Plus, no one in our family has long dark hair. Um... yikes again.

SO... at this point we have a ghost hunter team that wants to come down from Arkansas to evaluate our home. Bool? Are we just freaks if we do this? Should we wait until Halloween?

Anything happen to you on April Bool's Day?

Get up and leave... if you want to lead!

2008-03-24T18:12:00.000-07:00

I left a church I had grown to love once. I had a healthy amount admiration for the preacher, loved many of the members, but just couldn't stomach some of the flaunting of money and power that went hand in hand with this church. Like Rev. Jeremiah Wright's church, this church has done some wonderful things serving it's people. These congregations wouldn't have grown to begin with if they hadn't been doing something right, but when they veer off track and there isn't any correction in sight, what then?

I sat on the church pew and watched a photo of a beautiful new ski boat flash up on the two mega screens as the choir sang happy birthday and it was announced that we (including me?) were giving our pastor a boat for his birthday. I was shopping at Goodwill and garage sales for my church dresses at the time, and yes I tithed, and obviously my money wasn't going to the poor or suffering. It was going to purchase an expensive ski boat for an already abundantly paid man of God. Later, this display was followed by an envelope in the mail sent to me from said church asking for my tax refund.

In other words, I saw that the things Jesus preached and put first were being put aside, so I left. It was a horrible time in my life and their were ramifications, but I made the right decision. I stood up for what I thought was right and now am in a church home where I feel very comfortable.

So, why did Barack Obama stay in a church listening to hateful (and flat out crazy) talk for years on end? I understand he felt close to his preacher, a spiritual leader and guide that is tied to his family through major religious events throughout his 20 year history as a Christian... but... still...

Barack claims this man is like an uncle to him. A king in the old testament, Asa, went against his own father and grandfather and years of his society being deeply rooted in heathenism and turned to God. Isn't that the kind of leader we are looking for? Someone who will buck the "system" when he or she sees it is wrong? Isn't that who Obama wanted us to believe he was? His poster promises PROGRESS but his church's teachings sound like the same old backward rant that tries to divide our diverse and precious races that make us so flavorful!

So, Obama, when your church leader stands in the pulpit and says...
"The government lied about inventing the HIV virus as a means of genocide against people of color" and "[t]he government gives them the drugs, builds bigger prisons, passes a three-strike law and then wants us to sing 'God Bless America.' No, no, no, God damn America, that's in the Bible for killing innocent people...God damn America for treating our citizens as less than human. God damn America for as long as she acts like she is God and she is supreme". (excerpt taken from Wikipedia) ... if you want to be the President of our United States... you need to stand up and leave... or you can't stand up and lead!

Can I get an Amen? (comment)

Bad Economy to Blame for Cuts on Cheerleading Squad?

2008-03-22T15:11:00.000-07:00

What do you do... What do you say when your daughter doesn't make cheerleader? She was good enough last year, but this year, 7th grade, is a no-go. After hugging I launched into the meaningful, but not all that helpful to a preteen "God wants you to do something else." mantra. She replies with the typical, "But Mommy, it's not fair." "I know how you feel, Sweetie, but you won't always get everything you try for, you need to learn that now. You see, Sweetie, many times in life..." "But Mommy, the 8th grade cheerleaders have 33 on their squad, now we only have 27!"

(Make the scratching sound a needle makes when swiftly leaving a record.) (yes I am old) Say what?

Last year there were 32 on the squad, this year we are cutting back to 27? Why? Uniform shortage? (I always measure to make sure there isn't too much breeze blowing through the brief area!) Not enough poms? Why would someone suddenly decide that between 6th and 7th grade we need to scale down? Do they need less cheer then? Less spirit? What the hey?

There had to be 5 girls that didn't make it that were on the squad last year, so of course, I get on the phone with the other mothers to join in with the vast conspiracies swirling... That was somewhat therapeutic. We basically vented to each other, stating the blatant disregard for our girls' talent, knowing nothing would come of it. I mean, what could we do? Storm the principal's office? Take the administration hostage and demand reinstatement?

I let the night pass thinking I would sleep on it and awaken with a new perspective and insight to share with my daughter. Instead I woke up the next morning remembering a dream of me chasing and shouting at a mob of cheerleaders... as I waved lightning bolts... I don't know what that means.

I still felt rotten about the idea about 5 spaces being trashed... 5 opportunities being doused... I just couldn't see the sense. Even if it wasn't my child reinstated, I felt some 7th grade girl should have the chance. The PTA prez is a friend of mine so I decided to give her a call. After her obligatory, "I'm sorry but the scores..." talk I brought up the ol' "Okay, I understand, but why cut the squad?" More talk of scores, numbers, statistics... blah blah blah.

Basically cheerleading tryouts are like lots of things in life. Even though you may try really hard and be pretty good, you have little control over the outcome. Isn't it like that with jobs? Circle of friends? Husbands? Presidential elections? Investing? Having children? And people say cheerleading is superficial. It's a life lesson, from tryouts to cutbacks...

It's a rush when you make it and it stinks when you don't.

Right? What do you think? Leave your message at the beep... (comment)

Yes... Here I Go

2008-03-19T21:55:00.000-07:00

"Everyone else is doing it..." So I'm blogging. Are you supposed to just yack about stuff you do e'day? Okay... Today I took my children and my doggies to the park and discovered that they like to slide down the kiddie slide... no, the dogs. (really, it was like I was at a DOGSHOW!... picture Will Ferrell and Molly Shannon beating a snare drum) . Baxter (Chaweenie pictured at rt) was whole hog, but it took Gracie (maltese) FOREVER to get the nerve to slide down! Baxter was jumping around at the bottom of the slide like he was yelling, "Go! Go! C'mon, already! Just Go!"

I ate a salad from Jason's Deli tonight. Someone told me they put serious preservatives on their lettuce leaves, which gives you noxious gases. Um... no comment.

Someone I know was at a Haughton/Bossier girl's softball game last night and reported back to me that the Bossier coach sat down in the middle of the field to stop the play of the game because he didn't like the refs. Wow... I love it when coaches pitch fits! My personal favorite is this little number (yes, click on the link)... Hand Grenade Coach!

Earlier, while the kids were in school, I drove down behind these scary railroad tracks to find a warehouse-type structure for a business I want to start. I had visions of my tire going flat and being abducted, cause no one knew I was there! Ever found yourself in that situation? Hey... leave your story at the beep! (comment)

While you are at it, visit my husband's blog... FLETCHCETERA That way when he neurotically checks his analytics report he will see a jump in his hits today. Thank you for visiting my first blog! Check back and find out... um... stuff?

Aly Fletcher