Tuesday

After several days out of state, Mom kept the girls while we met Tammy and Greg at Jokers.  We had an awesome time, as usual.  Most folks would find our banter quite boring, but I live for it.  Gosh, great food, cold beer, and great conversation....can I ask for more?  Nope. I love it.

My Friday Memory

My parents often (always?) had music playing.  I'll hear a classic country song that I haven't heard for 20 years, and I know all the lyrics.  It scares me sometimes.  I can't sing for crap...neither can dad.  That's what prompts my Friday memory.

For a couple of years, mom and dad moved closer to Dad's work and our house was rented out.  We lived in a double wide trailer on a small lot.  I know that they didn't like it, but they did it for financial reasons.  Dad decided to build a shed.  It was a necessity for him.  

This venture meant many trips to the lumber yard.  You have to understand that, my entire childhood, I was a Daddy's girl.  I wanted to go everywhere he went, and was usually obliged.  I'll never forget one particular Saturday.

We were headed to the lumber yard in the infamous 1979, black, tough, beautiful Ford pickup truck.  Damn, but that thing looked tough.  A REAL truck.  They don't make trucks anymore, they make wussy things that mock real trucks.  There are no more tough trucs.  I could do an entire Friday memory on that truck, but I digress:

We were headed to the lumber yard, just me and Dad.  The 8-track tape player held Waylon Jennings.  Damn, that was good music.  Dad and I cranked it up and sang at the top of our lungs (both off key) all the way there and back.  It sounded so good to us, we weren't sure how Waylon was able to record without us backing him up.  

As a side note, the truck overheated that day, about 2 miles from home.  That's where I watched Dad, in the summer, cranking the heat.  Crank the heat and roll down the windows and all is good.  I learned much about car care from that man.  Lessons learned by watching; seeing him make it all good.  All WAS good.  All was perfect.  Here is a sample of what we sang:

There only two things in life that make it worth livin'
That's guitars that tune good and firm feelin' women
I don't need my name in the marquis lights
I got my song and I got you with me tonight
Maybe it's time we got back to the basics of love

Chorus:
Let's go to Luckenbach Texas with Waylon and Willie and the boys
This successful life we're livin' got us fueding
like the Hatfield and McCoys
Between Hank Williams pain songs, Newberry's train songs
and blue eyes cryin' in the rain out in Luckenbach Texas
ain't nobody feelin' no pain

So baby let's sell your diamond ring
Buy some boots and faded jeans and go away
This coat and tie is choking me
In your high socitey you cry all day
We've been so busy keepin' up with the Jones
Four car garage and we're still building on
Maby it's time we got back to the basics of love

Chorus:
Let's go to Luckenbach Texas with Waylon and Willie and the boys
This successful life we're livin' got us fueding
like the Hatfield and McCoys
Between Hank Williams pain songs, Newberry's train songs
and blue eyes cryin' in the rain out in Luckenbach Texas
ain't nobody feelin' no pain

Let's go to Luckenbach Texas with Waylon and Willie and the boys
This successful life we're livin' got us fueding
like the Hatfield and McCoys
Between Hank Williams pain songs, Newberry's train songs
and blue eyes cryin' in the rain out in Luckenbach Texas
ain't nobody feelin' no pain

Happy Thanksgiving!

Kevin let me sleep late, and I started breakfast as soon as I woke up.  Bacon, eggs and canned cinnamon rolls, as well as hot coffee.  It was great.  I took Hawkeye with me to tend the critters at mom's, then we all three went back to search for something in Dad's shop.  We weren't sure what Kevin was looking for at first, but his job in landscaping taught him a trick to hanging Christmas lights.  Where there's no gutter, you put a screw most of the way into the eve, then use a zip tie to hook the lights to the house.

We had to take several "warm up" breaks, since it was cold and VERY windy on this hill we live on.  At one point, Kevin was on a wobbly extension ladder perched in his truck bed, trying to reach the high point of the roof.  I was scared to death and had to hold the ladder, so I couldn't take pics, but I managed to get a couple of him on the roof.  Damn, that was scary. The wind was literally howling the whole time.

During our breaks, we watched some food history stuff on the History Channel.  It was fun.  KFC's history, cereal's history, BBQ's history (KC was featured!  WooHoo) and the like.  My dearest bought the newest Trace Adkins CD for me recently, so we listened to that some as well.  We called all family members for a "Happy Thanksgiving" talk throughout the day.  The girls are having fun, so we're happy.

When the lights were finally hung (we're about 2 strands short, and I'll pick those up tomorrow) we went to chore at mom's again.  It takes less than 10 minutes, and the animals are so happy to see us.  Ok, they're happy to see the food, but let me live my fantasy, ok?  Coming back home, we watched Napoleon Dynamite.  Wow, what a train wreck.  I couldn't quit watching, but wasn't sure why.  Was I entertained for an hour and a half, or did I lose an hour and a half of my life?  I'm still not sure.

After that, we watched Survivor.  I'm so sad that Gary is gone.  I'd like to see Judd get eaten by a monkey or something, but we were cozy on the couch with blankets, and life is comfy and good.  Tomorrow, it's backto work.  Glad that Mom and Dad got to Aunt Rena's safe...since Pat drove 85 all the way there.  Sheesh.  Anyway, they have snow for mom, and everyone's happy.  I hope you are all safe and happy as well!

Thanksgiving Eve

Well, it's Thanksgiving Eve.  The night before.  We still have no plans for tomorrow.  It's ok, and we'll deal with it.  Tonight, I'd like to take some time to thank some folks:

I'm thankful for my husband.  He works his butt off every day for those things we need and those things we want.  He is a great dad and a great husband...thanks, Kevin.

I'm thankful for my kids.  They are smart and funny and sweet.  I never lack for hugs around here, and their warped sense of humor is a perfect image of my own.  I love you, kids.

I'm thankful for my parents.  The perfect balance of discipline and love.  The folks who kiss me and hug me and tell me how important I am...EVERY time I visit. I love you guys.

I'm thankful for my mother-in-law.  She is an incredible person who accepts me for who I am, and loves her family unconditionally.  She'd shoot someone for faulting her family.

I'm thankful for my job.  There are many folks who are looking for work and wondering how to feed their families.  I have a job.

I'm thankful for my house.  It has problems and faults and issues, but it's mine.  It's MINE, dammit.  I love my house.

Oh, and I'm thankful for my online buddies.  Many different views and insights.  I'm OK with that.  I love you guys.  You help define me.

I have a lot to be thankful for.  God Bless you all.  If you have  1/3 the blessings I've had, then you're blessed indeed.

Weirdness

I'm feeling weird.  My girls are gone to S. MO for the holiday.  They'll go to Little Rock with grammy for Thanksgiving, and they'll have fun and be happy and eat well.  Brett is spending the night with a friend, from where his dad will pick him up for the holiday where he'll have fun and be happy and eat well.  Mom and Dad are going to Wisconsin where they'll have fun and be happy and eat well.  I'll be here.

Kevin and I have nowhere to go for Thanksgiving.  I'm 36.  I've ALWAYS been at mom's, or Kevin's mom's, or cooked for family on Thanksgiving.  This year, nothing.  The kids are gone, the family is gone....we're batching it.  Yeah, we'll keep busy with putting lights on the house, etc, but damn...I'm bummin' a bit.

It'll be OK.  I have to work Friday and Saturday.  I'll busy myself with decorating the house with Kevin.  We've never owned a house before, so we're looking forward to it.  It'll be fun...Right?  RIGHT?

Yeah, Fun.

Sticking around

Well, I called AOL last night and told them I wanted to cancel service.  She told me how much I'd be losing, with the firewall and antivirus and yadda yadda.  I told her that I have all of that through my employer, and that I never even launch the program.  I have AOL ONLY for the journal, and now I could get that for free.

She informed me that, if I didn't need any of that stuff, and I had hi speed internet, I could get AOL for $4.95.  WHAT???  I've been getting hosed!  I've been paying $14.95 a month for a year!  Well, Monica signs on sometimes, so I guess I'll keep it...for $5.  For now.

LOL, I'm so fickle.

To leave, or not to leave?

Heck, I don't know.  I hate to pay for what others get for free.  I may leave.  I'm prepared, just in case I decide to go.  Sorry, Mom.  I am so stubborn, I hate getting it "put to me" in any way.  I'll be over there in the corner, humming along with one of MANY great Travis Tritt songs.  Thanks.

My Friday Memory

My idea for a Friday memory was complete.  I had the whole entry planned out in my head.  Then I realized it was Veteran's Day today.  Change of plans/Change of entries.

I hated my brother. How much more blunt can you get than that?  He was/is two years older than me, and was meaner than shit.  He teased me, annoyed me, sneezed on me (remember, Jim?) and was cruel at every turn.  Damn, I hated him.  He pre-enlisted in the army and I couldn't wait for him to leave.  Get out, dammit.  JUST. LEAVE.

He did leave.  He left good.  It started to sink in that he would fight in wars.  OK, I wanted him gone, but not GONE!  He was getting in great shape and learning things, and about to get out of basic, so Mom and I drove down to see him graduate.  I cried.  It was beautiful. 

My brother has spent time in a God-forsaken desert, defending your freedom...defending MY freedom.  He did without the comforts of home.  He lived a life I can't imagine, and don't want to.  He was there, on the line, making sure I was free to bitch about a hard day at work (wah wah).

God Bless my brother, Jim.  God bless everyone who's ever served their country.  I salute you.  It's a job that must be done, and that I'm not willing to do.  You stand up to make sure I can sit my fat ass down.  I watch Survivor and ER and drink my beer, while folks like my brother sleep in the sand, insuring that those shows have another season. 

I love you, Jim.  I don't tell you that, but I feel it.  I love you more than you can ever imagine, and would like to take this time to stand up, salute, and cry for everyone who has ever served in ANY branch of the armed service.  I am a spoiled rotten, white, married woman with opportunities that exist NOWHERE but here.  Thanks. 

Lost updates, N stuff

Well, I posted once, and it's gone.  I'll try again, but I'm pissed, so it'll be the short version (ok, go ahead and breath a sigh of relief).

Mom was gracious enough to let us go out for an hour tonight, although it wasn't planned in advance.  I promised we'd always plan in advance, but K and I had miscommunication, so it was to be tonight.  Mom (God bless her) agreed, and I saw my best friend for an hour or so.

Brett's girlfriend broke up with him.  I hurt so bad for him.  The problem is this:  he came home to an empty house.  Damn latchkey working-mother shit.  He was so upset he punched a hole in the wall.  I wish I could be here for my kid's heartaches.  I'm not.  Damn.

Brett will patch and repaint the wall, he knows we love him, and he will think more clearly in the future (I hope).  I love my home, and love my family.  Brett, there are other girls.  Brett, there are other things to do. Brett, I love you.  You deserve better...you ARE better.  You rock.  Patch my wall and move on.  I love you.

Tuesday N Stuff

Well, it's Tuesday.  Yup...Tuesday.  Hmmm, isn't that interesting?  Should I leave it at that?  Here's a boring entry for you, but an entry nontheless.

A couple of times in my life before adulthood, I would go to sleep in my bed and wake up somewhere else.  Often I would wake up in the wee hours and put myself back to bed.  Other times, mom would find me and tell me to "quit sleeping on the couch."  "huh?  I'm where?"  I think she finally believed me, but I'm not sure.  Mom?  This happened for a while before I was 10 (9ish?) and again as a teen.  It hasn't happened since.  Until last night.

I woke up this morning with something digging into my ribs.  I reached down and picked up a baseball.  A baseball?  Huh?  I put it on the floor and started trying to come to my senses....yeah, it takes a while.  The lights under the door were in the wrong place.  The music was distant, and not loud enough to be my alarm.  I finally figured it out about 3 hours (a couple of minutes?) later.  I was in Brett's spare bed.  Brett's room?  WTH?

Kevin had found me missing and looked in the places that I flee to when his snoring gets to be too much.  Couch?  nope.  Guest room?  nope.  Hmmmm, he finally found me, after much worry.  I am going to believe that this is an isolated incident, and won't happen again.  It'll scare me too much to think that I may start sleep walking again.

I have many sleeping issues:  I drool, I talk chinese, I toss and turn, and occassionally snore.  Don't ask me about chili nights, ok?  I don't need "sleep walking" added to the list.  What if I leave the house?  What if I try to drive?  What if I get on the computer and join a lesbian chat room?  ARRRGGGGGG!

Who knows?  I'll just wait and see what happens.  It's probably an isolated incident.  Oh, and I filled my tank for $1.95 a gallon today.  Lowest in a long time....or was I dreaming?  I better go check my fuel guage....or am I dreaming now?  ACK!  Who are you people!?!?

What a weekend!

Friday night, I was invited to share a room at a local casino with my best friend.  I was going to decline, since Kevin's mom was coming to town, but Tammy said that Linda was welcome to join us.  Linda loves that kind of stuff.  By the time Friday rolled around, it was Tammy, me, Linda, Linda's mom, "GG".  We all headed to the casino.

We started with a great dinner there, then headed to the casino floor.  None of us did very well, we all managed to lose the money we brought to gamble, but we were smart enough to only take what we could afford to lose (not much!).  Tammy and I got to the room after 1am and crashed.

We awoke early to head home, and I was beat.  I tried to make a good effort to do the weekend mommy thing, but was failing fast.  I finally took a 2 hour nap.  When I woke up, I was ready to start preparing food for Brett's movie night/sleepover.  Within 10 minutes, my cell phone was ringing.  I answered to hear dad asking "how much do you love your Daddy?"  Ruh Roh.

Seems they were stuck in Branson.  There are many many chapters of this story, so I linked to the whole journal.  Scroll down, it's worth it.  Anyway, Kevin went to Dad's to let some air out of the shocks and rear tires, for a smoother ride.  At 6, I headed out.  It was an uneventful trip (PHEW!) and I arrived at 10, after refueling the beast.  We laughed and I got the whole story while we watched some TV.  Up until 1am again.

Sunday, we got the bike loaded (NOT EASY) and headed out.  It was a good trip, and I enjoyed the time with Mom and Dad.  We got home in time for me to tell Linda and GG goodbye, then wen't to Mom's to watch the Chiefs game (GO CHIEFS!)

I was so dead last night that I pretty much collapsed after Grey's Anatomy (good show) and got a great night's sleep.  Wow, I'm ready for a boring weekend.

All that being said:  I do love a good road trip.  Call me any time, Daddy.  Never again let me complain about mediocrity...NEVER!

My Friday Memory

My Friday memory, this week, is about bicycles.  I can't say it's about "my bike", since I went through so many.  My parents were cool about bikes.  We were allowed to disassemble, reassemble, paint and apply stickers to our 2-wheeled modes of transportation.

I had one bike that had at least 3 layers of spray paint on it!  The seats were changed out, the handle bars adjusted.  We got new hand grips or fancy add-ons with our allowance.  We rode up and down that gravel road like it was new territory.

We rode to town (about 2 miles) and got a soda at the fountain there.  Real, old time cherry Cokes.  Mmmmmm.  We were on one such ride when our dog was hit by a car and killed.  That was a very upsetting day.  We ruled the world when we were on our bikes, though...ruled the damn world.

Yeah, I miss my bike(s).

Treading lightly

I'm so very tired, and have such a story to tell.  Here's the problem:  Anyone can read this journal.  I can't tell the funny/sad/pathetic details here.  I need to get it out, though, so I came up with a plan.  Anyone who wants to read the long details should email me at fierro6@cebridge.net or comment here.  I will email the word document that tells the tale.  Fair enough?  I can't take chances in this journal, but if you email me, or leave a comment, and I recognize your user name, I'll send you the story.  Gotta crash now.  Good night, friends.