After seeing my awesome art masterpiece in the previous blog, I'm getting the feeling that many of you are wondering where I get my talent from, where I get my inspiration, how can I be so talented? Its a curse, really.
But I will share with you my most recent amazing internet obsession-- where I get lots of inspiration.
Pinterest is a new site, like an on-line pinboard-- for you to "pin" your favorites on-line. You open an account, and it becomes a virtual bulletin board. You drag this little "pin it" icon to your internet browser dashboard thingy, and then, next time you are surfing the web, and you see a recipe you want to try or a pair of shoes you want to buy when you get paid, you click "pin it" and you can pin the link and the picture to your board. Then, you go back to Pinterest and its all there, in one place, so you won't forget where you read about that cool DIY project you wanted to try. You can label your different "boards" to be more organized, and you can "follow" other people's boards and see what inspires them or what they like. You can even "re-pin" something someone else pinned. Whenever you log onto the home page, it shows all the things other people have just pinned. Its really cool to get to look at different projects or recipes or whatever that other people have found on-line-- things you might never have seen on-line.
For example, my boards are "What's for Dinner" (recipes), "Get Crafty" (projects I want to do), "My Style" (cute outfits to think about), "Words to Live By" (great quotes), "Books Make My Heart Happy", "Hotty Toddy Tailgating" (for cute things to bring to the Grove), "Things not to get lost in my bookmarks" (websites or good ideas that I want to remember), "On the Road Again" (travel stuff-- places to go, things to do, etc.) and a few more.
Today, while being at home, under the influence, I got on-line and checked out some of my favorite websites and blogs that I don't get to check out very often. I found this really cool recipe for a "sushi roll in a bowl"-- and I pinned it to my "What's For Dinner" board, so that whenever I have the time and the money to make this, I can just log on and get the recipe. I don't have to try to remember which site that was on, and scroll through weeks of posting to find one thing. Its all at my fingertips.
I love cutting things out of magazines-- clothes to buy, looks to try, recipes to make, decorations to get, etc. I have entire notebooks and boxes full of things I've printed off the internet or town out of a magazine. I love putting up pictures of things I love and people I love in my house-- I have about a million pictures just stuck everywhere in my house. And I love this because its the same thing-- an inspiration board on-line. I'm following a few people-- a couple people I know personally and a couple bloggers whose blogs I adore. Its so interesting to see what people find inspiring. One girl has a board all about "colors" and she has all sorts of beautiful pictures of random things that have one thing in common-- they are colorful and gorgeous. One girl I follow has lots of ideas for babies-- gifts, birthday ideas, baby food recipes, how to make baby clothes, ideas of baby pictures, etc. She has a small child and now she has all these cute ideas that she can refer back to when it comes time for the kid's birthday party or one-year pictures.
So, everyone should quit reading my blog, and head over to Pinterest, and start your account. Be sure to follow me!!!
Thursday, July 7, 2011
# 165 Art knows no limits...
"One should either wear a work of art or be a work of art."
--- Oscar Wilde
By now, you've all seen the 80s party pictures. And, I'm sure, are sufficiently impressed at the creativity of my friends. As you should be. The coolest thing about getting dressed up was that each person dressed exactly as their personality-- Katie was preppy, Pretty in Pink princess, Courtney was edgy flash-dance cool, Mindy was punky, spunky, relaxed and perfect. And I, well, I was crazy Punky Brewster-DIY, neon colored, crazy, nutty, out there. Also a bit eclectic. Eclectic is a nice word for spastic.
While I think that each of the girls looked fabulous and did a great job with their outfits, I'd like to point out that, with the exception of Mindy's Phi Mu sorority swap authentic leg warmers, no one went to as much realistic, and artistic effort as I did. A lot of people were seriously impressed with my outfit. I don't know any of those people, but obviously, they have dead-on taste.
Now, most artists don't like to share their secrets with the world-- their influences, their techniques, their inspirations. Lucky for you, this blog is all about openness and honestly and today I'm going to share with you how an artist, namely, myself, makes a masterpiece, namely, my shirt. That's right, my shirt. What's that? The sound of gasping out loud when you read that last sentence? Yes, it is hard to believe, but I did MAKE my shirt. I did not buy it like that. I know its hard to believe, but I wouldn't lie to you, would I?
Growing up as a child in the 80s, I loved to be creative and do all sorts of things. I get this from my mom. She made those paper machie earrings and ribbon hairbows and cross-stiched things and all. And one of the most fun things we did was puff paint t-shirts. We did this all the time. My favorite was a soft green colored one-- I wore it all the time with my white leggings and my buckle tying the shirt up on one side. I was super cute.
Also, in the 80s, I spent a lot of time at my friend Laura's house. We did a lot together and I would literally spend weeks at her house, if I could, only coming home to get clothes when necessary. I loved Laura. But mostly I loved her house. See, she had an OLDER brother. Not a younger sister and brother like I had. And her OLDER brother, Greg, was much cooler than either of my siblings, combined. And he didn't bother us. Which is way more than I can say for Betsy (and Nick, when he was born in 1990). So I spent tons of time at Laura's house over on Wansley and one thing I remember doing was puff painting t-shirts in her laundry room. We both had an extensive collection and we liked to paint shirts that looked similar, so that everyone would know we were BFFs. We were cool like that.
Flashforward to 2011 and I'm thinking about my 80s costume and I just knew it had to involved puff paint. Unfortunately I didn't have the time before I left for Corinth to get the shirt finished, so I brought all my supplies with me.
First, a huge, obnoxious yellow t-shirt-- all the better for cutting off the neck and tying in a knot on my hip. Someone, I think Katherine, had the genius idea of putting it over an old bulletin board so I could stand it up while I painted.
My awesome media.
A work-in-progress. Don't get me wrong, I adore my friends. But they don't really "get" me as an artist. There were a lot of snarky comments made from the peanut gallery while I was working on my masterpiece. And yes, I believe there was a LOT of jealously in the room.
My hostess, Courtney, was nice enough to bring me a plate of bacon and eggs and toast and some oj, so I wouldn't have to disrupt my creative juices. In the meantime, Katie and Mindy sat in the living room, heckling me and my art. Some people just don't "understand" art. Its sad for them, really.
Someone likened it to not bothering William Faulkner while he was in the middle of writing "Intruder in the Dust". That person may or may not have been me, but the sentiment is clear. Masterpeices like these don't just "happen" by accident. They are made.
The final product:
And in case you cannot read all that shirt, it says things like "I pity the fool" and "That's my name, don't wear it out..." and "Frankie Says Relax" and "Simply Irresistible". Also? We had a hard time spelling "Irresistible".
--- Oscar Wilde
By now, you've all seen the 80s party pictures. And, I'm sure, are sufficiently impressed at the creativity of my friends. As you should be. The coolest thing about getting dressed up was that each person dressed exactly as their personality-- Katie was preppy, Pretty in Pink princess, Courtney was edgy flash-dance cool, Mindy was punky, spunky, relaxed and perfect. And I, well, I was crazy Punky Brewster-DIY, neon colored, crazy, nutty, out there. Also a bit eclectic. Eclectic is a nice word for spastic.
While I think that each of the girls looked fabulous and did a great job with their outfits, I'd like to point out that, with the exception of Mindy's Phi Mu sorority swap authentic leg warmers, no one went to as much realistic, and artistic effort as I did. A lot of people were seriously impressed with my outfit. I don't know any of those people, but obviously, they have dead-on taste.
Now, most artists don't like to share their secrets with the world-- their influences, their techniques, their inspirations. Lucky for you, this blog is all about openness and honestly and today I'm going to share with you how an artist, namely, myself, makes a masterpiece, namely, my shirt. That's right, my shirt. What's that? The sound of gasping out loud when you read that last sentence? Yes, it is hard to believe, but I did MAKE my shirt. I did not buy it like that. I know its hard to believe, but I wouldn't lie to you, would I?
Growing up as a child in the 80s, I loved to be creative and do all sorts of things. I get this from my mom. She made those paper machie earrings and ribbon hairbows and cross-stiched things and all. And one of the most fun things we did was puff paint t-shirts. We did this all the time. My favorite was a soft green colored one-- I wore it all the time with my white leggings and my buckle tying the shirt up on one side. I was super cute.
Also, in the 80s, I spent a lot of time at my friend Laura's house. We did a lot together and I would literally spend weeks at her house, if I could, only coming home to get clothes when necessary. I loved Laura. But mostly I loved her house. See, she had an OLDER brother. Not a younger sister and brother like I had. And her OLDER brother, Greg, was much cooler than either of my siblings, combined. And he didn't bother us. Which is way more than I can say for Betsy (and Nick, when he was born in 1990). So I spent tons of time at Laura's house over on Wansley and one thing I remember doing was puff painting t-shirts in her laundry room. We both had an extensive collection and we liked to paint shirts that looked similar, so that everyone would know we were BFFs. We were cool like that.
Flashforward to 2011 and I'm thinking about my 80s costume and I just knew it had to involved puff paint. Unfortunately I didn't have the time before I left for Corinth to get the shirt finished, so I brought all my supplies with me.
First, a huge, obnoxious yellow t-shirt-- all the better for cutting off the neck and tying in a knot on my hip. Someone, I think Katherine, had the genius idea of putting it over an old bulletin board so I could stand it up while I painted.
My awesome media.
A work-in-progress. Don't get me wrong, I adore my friends. But they don't really "get" me as an artist. There were a lot of snarky comments made from the peanut gallery while I was working on my masterpiece. And yes, I believe there was a LOT of jealously in the room.
My hostess, Courtney, was nice enough to bring me a plate of bacon and eggs and toast and some oj, so I wouldn't have to disrupt my creative juices. In the meantime, Katie and Mindy sat in the living room, heckling me and my art. Some people just don't "understand" art. Its sad for them, really.
Someone likened it to not bothering William Faulkner while he was in the middle of writing "Intruder in the Dust". That person may or may not have been me, but the sentiment is clear. Masterpeices like these don't just "happen" by accident. They are made.
The final product:
And in case you cannot read all that shirt, it says things like "I pity the fool" and "That's my name, don't wear it out..." and "Frankie Says Relax" and "Simply Irresistible". Also? We had a hard time spelling "Irresistible".
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
# 164 I Guess a Change, a Change, Would Do You Good...
One year ago today, a lot in my life changed. Technically, it all really changed one year ago yesterday but I didn't get the memo until one year ago today, July 6th. Regardless, life as I know it changed. I'm not going to go into the gory, boring details, but many of you know most of the details. My family has always been the closest thing in the world to me-- I love them. They drive me crazy, but I love them. They get me. Thank goodness someone does! And last year, at this time, someone in my family made a life-changing decision which affected everyone I care about. This started off a domino-effect in my life, until everything that once was, is now different. Pretty much everything in my life is entirely different than one year ago.
Anyway, last year, on July 4th, I had a great time with my entire family, or at least most of my entire family. Right after this, a lot changed. Its kinda amazing when I think back to one year ago. Lots of things have changed in the last year.
-- My sister has moved to Franklin, TN and has a brand new job.
-- I've gotten to know Peter, my sister's better half, a whole lot better and I adore him!
-- I've finally admitted to myself and to the world that I really disliked being a solo attorney. This was something I knew for a long time, but never said out loud!
-- I've found a new job which I really, really like.
-- I've left my homes in Laurel and Newton and Parker and I moved several hours away to the Mississippi Delta.
-- I've decided I LOVE the Delta and all its elements.
-- My brother moved into a house in Oxford, and is all grown up and mature and all.
-- I've gotten health insurance, and dental and optical insurance-- I can totally get sick now!!!
-- I've found the world's most amazing piece of art on television-- My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding.
-- I've lost a good friend, someone who was a part of my family, and watched as his decisions hurt my entire family.
-- I've quit the LRMA Guild and Laurel Junior Auxiliary, both organizations I loved.
-- I've left FBC, Laurel, and all my sweet GA girls, whom I love dearly and miss incredibly.
-- I've made some new friends, and have lost a few older ones.
-- I went to the happiest place on Earth-- Disneyworld!
-- I've made myself stick to a budget (sorta stick to one, anyway!)
-- I've realized how incredibly loved I am. My friends have gone above and beyond all expectations of friendships.
-- I've gotten out of a really negative relationship.
-- I was able to go back to Gatlinburg with my family for Christmas.
-- I've learned so much about myself-- both good and bad. (I know, its surprising that there is anything bad about me, but its true. Not many bad things, but some!!)
-- I've battled depression and won. Mostly.
-- I've tried to blog everyday.
-- I've not blogged everyday.
-- I've watched as a lot of things changed in my families' lives-- both good and bad.
I'm not the same as I was a year ago. I'm sure none of you readers are, but it seems to me that this last year has brought more changes to my life than any other one-year period before. Generally, I hate change. I hate it. I like things to stay the same way, no matter what. I've resisted change in jobs, family, friendships, life, etc., as hard as I could and yet this year, there was nothing I could do to stop these changes! Someone once said that she hates change and she "waits and waits to make a change until its under the worst possible circumstances." She was entirely right. I made a lot of these changes in the last year only because I had to-- I was literally at the bottom and changes had to be made or else I'd never get back up.
This blog is a mix of reminiscing and nostalgia, plus some pain medicine, I'm sure. Regardless, one year ago, a lot changed, and it was some pretty painful changes. But, looking back, I know this is exactly where God wanted me to be this year. God has taught me more this year than ever before, and I am REALLY excited to see where I will be one year from today. I can only imagine. Perhaps it will be anyone of these things:
-- My parents will get a new dog and Parker will get an aunt or an uncle.
-- I will get my couch recovered in green velvet.
-- I will get a huge raise.
-- I will be able to pay off all my debt.
-- I will adopt a Korean baby girl.
-- I will go to Disneyworld.
-- I will have enough money to rent my own cabin for Gatlinburg so my family can stay somewhere else.
-- I will learn more about the Blues!
-- I will do really good at my new job.
-- My blog will become super huge and I will be able to quit my day job!
So readers, thanks for sticking with me this year. I'm excited to see what new things this next year brings.
Anyway, last year, on July 4th, I had a great time with my entire family, or at least most of my entire family. Right after this, a lot changed. Its kinda amazing when I think back to one year ago. Lots of things have changed in the last year.
-- My sister has moved to Franklin, TN and has a brand new job.
-- I've gotten to know Peter, my sister's better half, a whole lot better and I adore him!
-- I've finally admitted to myself and to the world that I really disliked being a solo attorney. This was something I knew for a long time, but never said out loud!
-- I've found a new job which I really, really like.
-- I've left my homes in Laurel and Newton and Parker and I moved several hours away to the Mississippi Delta.
-- I've decided I LOVE the Delta and all its elements.
-- My brother moved into a house in Oxford, and is all grown up and mature and all.
-- I've gotten health insurance, and dental and optical insurance-- I can totally get sick now!!!
-- I've found the world's most amazing piece of art on television-- My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding.
-- I've lost a good friend, someone who was a part of my family, and watched as his decisions hurt my entire family.
-- I've quit the LRMA Guild and Laurel Junior Auxiliary, both organizations I loved.
-- I've left FBC, Laurel, and all my sweet GA girls, whom I love dearly and miss incredibly.
-- I've made some new friends, and have lost a few older ones.
-- I went to the happiest place on Earth-- Disneyworld!
-- I've made myself stick to a budget (sorta stick to one, anyway!)
-- I've realized how incredibly loved I am. My friends have gone above and beyond all expectations of friendships.
-- I've gotten out of a really negative relationship.
-- I was able to go back to Gatlinburg with my family for Christmas.
-- I've learned so much about myself-- both good and bad. (I know, its surprising that there is anything bad about me, but its true. Not many bad things, but some!!)
-- I've battled depression and won. Mostly.
-- I've tried to blog everyday.
-- I've not blogged everyday.
-- I've watched as a lot of things changed in my families' lives-- both good and bad.
I'm not the same as I was a year ago. I'm sure none of you readers are, but it seems to me that this last year has brought more changes to my life than any other one-year period before. Generally, I hate change. I hate it. I like things to stay the same way, no matter what. I've resisted change in jobs, family, friendships, life, etc., as hard as I could and yet this year, there was nothing I could do to stop these changes! Someone once said that she hates change and she "waits and waits to make a change until its under the worst possible circumstances." She was entirely right. I made a lot of these changes in the last year only because I had to-- I was literally at the bottom and changes had to be made or else I'd never get back up.
This blog is a mix of reminiscing and nostalgia, plus some pain medicine, I'm sure. Regardless, one year ago, a lot changed, and it was some pretty painful changes. But, looking back, I know this is exactly where God wanted me to be this year. God has taught me more this year than ever before, and I am REALLY excited to see where I will be one year from today. I can only imagine. Perhaps it will be anyone of these things:
-- My parents will get a new dog and Parker will get an aunt or an uncle.
-- I will get my couch recovered in green velvet.
-- I will get a huge raise.
-- I will be able to pay off all my debt.
-- I will adopt a Korean baby girl.
-- I will go to Disneyworld.
-- I will have enough money to rent my own cabin for Gatlinburg so my family can stay somewhere else.
-- I will learn more about the Blues!
-- I will do really good at my new job.
-- My blog will become super huge and I will be able to quit my day job!
So readers, thanks for sticking with me this year. I'm excited to see what new things this next year brings.
# 163 80's Party Part Two...
You've all seen the pictures from the 80s party, but I took even more pictures of all the accessories and 80s "things" we had. After all, you cannot have a fabulous look without at least a few accessories on.
Food, silly string, and glow in the dark jewelry. The silly string was a bad idea, as Courtney found out when I sprayed her. Sorry about that Courtney Jane!
Glow in the dark neon jewelry-- so much fun!
Jelly bracelets and friendship bracelets my friends made me at camp. HA!
Slap bracelets
Wild nails!
Pop rocks-- no one was brave enough to try these and drink a coke too. Wimps.
The 80s were a great time for a lot of things. Fashion, maybe not one of those things. Regardless, we had a great time and we looked really, really good. It takes a lot of accessories to get into the mood!
Food, silly string, and glow in the dark jewelry. The silly string was a bad idea, as Courtney found out when I sprayed her. Sorry about that Courtney Jane!
Glow in the dark neon jewelry-- so much fun!
Jelly bracelets and friendship bracelets my friends made me at camp. HA!
Slap bracelets
Wild nails!
Pop rocks-- no one was brave enough to try these and drink a coke too. Wimps.
The 80s were a great time for a lot of things. Fashion, maybe not one of those things. Regardless, we had a great time and we looked really, really good. It takes a lot of accessories to get into the mood!
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
# 162 Take me out to the ballgame...
Let me start this post by saying this: I am still on meds. I went to work today because I had court and by lunchtime, I was all wacky. Like, halfway in pain and halfway not feeling anything because I was so loopy. It was interesting-- I'm sure that in a few days, when I'm feeling better, I will look back on my work done in court today and will be finding a lot of mistakes. Great!
But, no matter what, the blog must go on. Rain, snow, sleet, shine, lortab, muscle relaxer, etc. So I've pulled myself up off the couch (really, I've pulled myself up to where I am SITTING on the couch, not lying) and am bring you this blog.
A couple weeks ago, Cleveland and I got a special treat-- a visit from one of our favorite people, Uncle Bobby-- Bobby Glaze. For all you not in the know (aww, how sad for you), Uncle Bobby is not actually my uncle-- he is my dad's BFF (!) and I've grown up calling him Uncle Bobby and I still do. I think its such a good way to portray a person who isn't technically family, but might as well be. I always like it when my friends kids call me "Aunt Jess" for the same reason.
My dad grew up in Newton in the 1950s and 60s, and things were a lot different than they are now. He had a group of friends who he was very close to, and they still spend a lot of time together even now. For years, they always got together, with their wives and/or families on New Years Eve or around that time. Its about 5 or 6 men and their wives, and when we were younger, that was really the only time they got together because everyone was so busy and so spread out, but the last few years, they've been trying to get together once every month or two and go eat dinner, catch up, etc. Each year at the party, they have a white elephant gift exchange-- lots of the presents have been passed around through the years, and each year I love helping mom figure out what to bring. The best gifts are the ones that involved pictures of the guys from the 70s-- complete with long hair and hippie glasses. Or from the 80s with even bigger glasses, short athletic shorts and white knee socks.
Several of these men live in or around Newton, and they'd see each other occasionally, but I think it was really nice for them to make a point of meeting up at least once each year-- I'd love to do this with my friends-- so in many years, it will be a tradition. I think its so cool that they do this.
Anyway, this group, as my dad would say are a bunch of "chuckleheads". They really are. They grew up together and have all sorts of hilarious stories about things they did growing up, in high school, and even in college. Heck, some of their silliest stories took place well after college when they had real jobs and real responsibilities!
Betsy, Nick and I grew up hearing these tales as bedtime stories all our lives. And I'd like to think our lives were all the more enriched for that. Like the time when they pantsed a local eye doctor after dinner in Meridian. Or the time the cops were called on NYE because of all the fireworks they were blasting in the middle of town. Or when they convinced their college professor (sister-in-law to one of the group) that her clock was wrong and she let them out of class 45 minutes early.
Those stories were the heart of my childhood-- I love it that my dad has such good friends that he is still close to. And I love that they are crazy enough to do all these silly things. And I love, even more, the fact that these crazy guys did a bunch of crazy things but there was never anything illegal or inappropriate involved. Just a bunch of crazy guys and the crazy things they did.
So, a couple weeks ago, I found out that Uncle Bobby was headed to Cleveland for a baseball tournament with his son Jonathan. He tried to convince my dad to come, but the Mayor had to be at a rodeo in Newton (you know how he never misses a local rodeo!). Saturday morning, I headed over to the Delta State baseball field (which is very nice), and watched Jon's summer league team (ironically, they were playing a team from Hattiesburg. So, the Laurel area team and the Hattiesburg area team drove to Cleveland to play each other!).
Here's Jon Jon playing-- he did a great job and had several amazing defensive plays. See, I know a little something about sports!!
I love watching any kind of sports, so I was excited to get to go to the game! It was super hot, and I got a hilarious tan line on my arms, but it was a fun day! Uncle Bobby had a cooler full of ice cold DC's, so you know that hit the spot. It was really nice to get to see him and talk to him and get the gossip about people we know in common. Uncle Bobby lives in Ellisville and used to coach baseball at JCJC, so we know a lot of people in common. I also got to see Jon and catch up with Mariana and Christopher, his other two child, and his wife, Mrs. Linda. I love Mrs. Linda- she's so pretty and so sweet! Uncle Bobby really lucked up on that one!
It was a nice, laid back day and it was really nice to get to see someone from home and just enjoy being there. Uncle Bobby has been in my life as long as I can remember (he had two adorable flower girls in his wedding-- his niece Jamanda, a friend of mine in high school, and yours truly!). I think he is even an occasional blog reader! We talked about the good old days and all the crazy things they used to do-- like when they canceled Sunday night church, or when they'd play jokes on Uncle Bobby's baseball players, or when Uncle Bobby, this big, tough guy, would start crying in the middle of class when he dropped a book. Just to freak everyone out!!!
Sometime soon I will get out some of the old pictures of Dad's gang and post them on here so you all can laugh, er, look at them. They are hilarious. I love hearing those stories and I loved seeing Uncle Bobby in Cleveland. Perhaps next time Dad will come with him-- they are a lot of fun together!!!
But, no matter what, the blog must go on. Rain, snow, sleet, shine, lortab, muscle relaxer, etc. So I've pulled myself up off the couch (really, I've pulled myself up to where I am SITTING on the couch, not lying) and am bring you this blog.
A couple weeks ago, Cleveland and I got a special treat-- a visit from one of our favorite people, Uncle Bobby-- Bobby Glaze. For all you not in the know (aww, how sad for you), Uncle Bobby is not actually my uncle-- he is my dad's BFF (!) and I've grown up calling him Uncle Bobby and I still do. I think its such a good way to portray a person who isn't technically family, but might as well be. I always like it when my friends kids call me "Aunt Jess" for the same reason.
My dad grew up in Newton in the 1950s and 60s, and things were a lot different than they are now. He had a group of friends who he was very close to, and they still spend a lot of time together even now. For years, they always got together, with their wives and/or families on New Years Eve or around that time. Its about 5 or 6 men and their wives, and when we were younger, that was really the only time they got together because everyone was so busy and so spread out, but the last few years, they've been trying to get together once every month or two and go eat dinner, catch up, etc. Each year at the party, they have a white elephant gift exchange-- lots of the presents have been passed around through the years, and each year I love helping mom figure out what to bring. The best gifts are the ones that involved pictures of the guys from the 70s-- complete with long hair and hippie glasses. Or from the 80s with even bigger glasses, short athletic shorts and white knee socks.
Several of these men live in or around Newton, and they'd see each other occasionally, but I think it was really nice for them to make a point of meeting up at least once each year-- I'd love to do this with my friends-- so in many years, it will be a tradition. I think its so cool that they do this.
Anyway, this group, as my dad would say are a bunch of "chuckleheads". They really are. They grew up together and have all sorts of hilarious stories about things they did growing up, in high school, and even in college. Heck, some of their silliest stories took place well after college when they had real jobs and real responsibilities!
Betsy, Nick and I grew up hearing these tales as bedtime stories all our lives. And I'd like to think our lives were all the more enriched for that. Like the time when they pantsed a local eye doctor after dinner in Meridian. Or the time the cops were called on NYE because of all the fireworks they were blasting in the middle of town. Or when they convinced their college professor (sister-in-law to one of the group) that her clock was wrong and she let them out of class 45 minutes early.
Those stories were the heart of my childhood-- I love it that my dad has such good friends that he is still close to. And I love that they are crazy enough to do all these silly things. And I love, even more, the fact that these crazy guys did a bunch of crazy things but there was never anything illegal or inappropriate involved. Just a bunch of crazy guys and the crazy things they did.
So, a couple weeks ago, I found out that Uncle Bobby was headed to Cleveland for a baseball tournament with his son Jonathan. He tried to convince my dad to come, but the Mayor had to be at a rodeo in Newton (you know how he never misses a local rodeo!). Saturday morning, I headed over to the Delta State baseball field (which is very nice), and watched Jon's summer league team (ironically, they were playing a team from Hattiesburg. So, the Laurel area team and the Hattiesburg area team drove to Cleveland to play each other!).
Here's Jon Jon playing-- he did a great job and had several amazing defensive plays. See, I know a little something about sports!!
I love watching any kind of sports, so I was excited to get to go to the game! It was super hot, and I got a hilarious tan line on my arms, but it was a fun day! Uncle Bobby had a cooler full of ice cold DC's, so you know that hit the spot. It was really nice to get to see him and talk to him and get the gossip about people we know in common. Uncle Bobby lives in Ellisville and used to coach baseball at JCJC, so we know a lot of people in common. I also got to see Jon and catch up with Mariana and Christopher, his other two child, and his wife, Mrs. Linda. I love Mrs. Linda- she's so pretty and so sweet! Uncle Bobby really lucked up on that one!
It was a nice, laid back day and it was really nice to get to see someone from home and just enjoy being there. Uncle Bobby has been in my life as long as I can remember (he had two adorable flower girls in his wedding-- his niece Jamanda, a friend of mine in high school, and yours truly!). I think he is even an occasional blog reader! We talked about the good old days and all the crazy things they used to do-- like when they canceled Sunday night church, or when they'd play jokes on Uncle Bobby's baseball players, or when Uncle Bobby, this big, tough guy, would start crying in the middle of class when he dropped a book. Just to freak everyone out!!!
Sometime soon I will get out some of the old pictures of Dad's gang and post them on here so you all can laugh, er, look at them. They are hilarious. I love hearing those stories and I loved seeing Uncle Bobby in Cleveland. Perhaps next time Dad will come with him-- they are a lot of fun together!!!
Monday, July 4, 2011
# 161 Its runs in the family...
One of my favorite things in life is when my mom, Sweet Deb, takes medicine. Pretty much any type of medicine. When she's "under the influence", she is hilarious. Can barely form sentences or never makes any sense. Whenever she has to go to the dentist, I make sure to call her to check up on her several times. Partly because I care and partly because I want to laugh at her. With her. Whichever.
This weekend I got a taste of my own medicine. Quite literally. I've been having some back problems, mostly minor, for a week or so, but Thursday things took a turn for the worst, and this old grandma headed to the doctor first thing Friday morning. Seems I've got a pulled muscle spasm or something or other. Basically, my back hurts and the doctor gave me some pain meds. It didn't help that I basically didn't sleep at all Thursday night.
I went on to Pickwick Lake with some friends and tried to have a good time. I did have a good time. Just not as good a time as they had with me. Laughing at me. Pointing at me. Taking pictures of me passed out on the boat in the middle of the day. To their credit, they did make sure I had sunscreen on me and put a towel over me as a blanket (actually, this was mostly David-- I'm pretty sure my other friends were too busy laughing at me). Unfortunately, after they did those things, then they took obnoxious pictures of me with their hands on my face and my mouth open, drooling. I didn't see the pictures till today and I promise, you will never see those pictures on this blog! I looked like Bernie on vacation.
The whole weekend was lots of fun but it all seemed to go by very quickly and I don't really remember much of Saturday evening or Sunday. That was when the cortizone shot wore off and I took more of my muscle relaxers to compensate. I didn't get to go see the Rose family or Dr. Adam in Muscle Shoals like I'd planned, but I felt it was a lot safer for me to stay off the road as much as possible. I've refrained from taking medicine today since I was driving and I'm about to hit the pill bottles and head to bed. Its not even 7 p.m.!
I'm home now and I'm braving muscle spasms to bring you this blog. Here's the main lesson you should get out of this story-- don't mix pills and fingernail polish. Or you get this:
I only vaguely remember painting my nails one night. I'm pretty sure this was Katherine's idea. She's sneaky like that. At least they are sorta funky and patriotic!
This weekend I got a taste of my own medicine. Quite literally. I've been having some back problems, mostly minor, for a week or so, but Thursday things took a turn for the worst, and this old grandma headed to the doctor first thing Friday morning. Seems I've got a pulled muscle spasm or something or other. Basically, my back hurts and the doctor gave me some pain meds. It didn't help that I basically didn't sleep at all Thursday night.
I went on to Pickwick Lake with some friends and tried to have a good time. I did have a good time. Just not as good a time as they had with me. Laughing at me. Pointing at me. Taking pictures of me passed out on the boat in the middle of the day. To their credit, they did make sure I had sunscreen on me and put a towel over me as a blanket (actually, this was mostly David-- I'm pretty sure my other friends were too busy laughing at me). Unfortunately, after they did those things, then they took obnoxious pictures of me with their hands on my face and my mouth open, drooling. I didn't see the pictures till today and I promise, you will never see those pictures on this blog! I looked like Bernie on vacation.
The whole weekend was lots of fun but it all seemed to go by very quickly and I don't really remember much of Saturday evening or Sunday. That was when the cortizone shot wore off and I took more of my muscle relaxers to compensate. I didn't get to go see the Rose family or Dr. Adam in Muscle Shoals like I'd planned, but I felt it was a lot safer for me to stay off the road as much as possible. I've refrained from taking medicine today since I was driving and I'm about to hit the pill bottles and head to bed. Its not even 7 p.m.!
I'm home now and I'm braving muscle spasms to bring you this blog. Here's the main lesson you should get out of this story-- don't mix pills and fingernail polish. Or you get this:
I only vaguely remember painting my nails one night. I'm pretty sure this was Katherine's idea. She's sneaky like that. At least they are sorta funky and patriotic!
Friday, July 1, 2011
# 160 Halfway down the line...
Its exactly halfway through the year- 182.5 days down, 182.5 to go. As you can see, I'm not doing so great on my "post everyday" pledge. But since I only made that pledge to myself and not in writing anyway, its not like its really legally binding. But I'm trying- really I am- but it seems that when I post short blogs without pics and witty comments, I get lots of negative feedback. Mostly from my family. They are really hard on me- always saying how disappointed they were that I didn't go to pharmacy school. Also? They like to push little old ladies down and kick kittens.
Anyway, the point is that this year is halfway over. And I'm glad. Its been a tough year. Technically my 25th year (read- 31st) year was the toughest year thus far. Except for kindergarten- I never caught on to the whole "shapes and finger-painting thing". Just kidding!
But right around my 25th birthday ( read 32nd) back in March, lots of things changed- I moved, I changed jobs, I rid my life of lots of toxic influences, stopped watching Real Housewives of Anything, blah blah blah, etc. But seriously, lots of changes. Lots of good changes. I'm adoring my job, my new home, my new town, my nre life. Today I really miss my homes in both Laurel and Newton- a lot, for some reason. So on a day when this year is halfway over, its kinda nice to reflect on the changes and Gods influence in my life and where he's brought me from. A couple days ago, I referred to it as a "rebuilding" year- kinda like Ole Miss lately. But its a very apropo phrase- I'm rebuilding a lot of what I let get broken over the past couple years! This is probably all boring to most of you, but its my blog and I'm sticking to it. Thanks to all of you who read and comment and compliment me and my blog. This has been one of the best things this year- blogging. Its helped me "find myself". Apparently I as lost somewhere around Oprah Winfrey Drive and Obnoxious-cliche Highway. But I found myself. And then both of myselves went to grab lunch, cause, you know, all this blogging makes lost girls hungry!
Hope you all have a happy half year day and that the rest of the year is even better that the first half! I have a good feeling that it will be!
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone
Anyway, the point is that this year is halfway over. And I'm glad. Its been a tough year. Technically my 25th year (read- 31st) year was the toughest year thus far. Except for kindergarten- I never caught on to the whole "shapes and finger-painting thing". Just kidding!
But right around my 25th birthday ( read 32nd) back in March, lots of things changed- I moved, I changed jobs, I rid my life of lots of toxic influences, stopped watching Real Housewives of Anything, blah blah blah, etc. But seriously, lots of changes. Lots of good changes. I'm adoring my job, my new home, my new town, my nre life. Today I really miss my homes in both Laurel and Newton- a lot, for some reason. So on a day when this year is halfway over, its kinda nice to reflect on the changes and Gods influence in my life and where he's brought me from. A couple days ago, I referred to it as a "rebuilding" year- kinda like Ole Miss lately. But its a very apropo phrase- I'm rebuilding a lot of what I let get broken over the past couple years! This is probably all boring to most of you, but its my blog and I'm sticking to it. Thanks to all of you who read and comment and compliment me and my blog. This has been one of the best things this year- blogging. Its helped me "find myself". Apparently I as lost somewhere around Oprah Winfrey Drive and Obnoxious-cliche Highway. But I found myself. And then both of myselves went to grab lunch, cause, you know, all this blogging makes lost girls hungry!
Hope you all have a happy half year day and that the rest of the year is even better that the first half! I have a good feeling that it will be!
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone
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