You Asked - Round 4, Part 3

McD was a high school wrestling coach, not a teacher just a contract coach. He also coached the PeeWee wrestlers too. He started wrestling in the PeeWee's and finished his wrestling career in college. He was even a State Champion! Yes, I am proud! The boys wrestled too! I watched friends wrestle before we met and I loved it. I really loved learning more about it, the moves, the holds, the Cross-Face!! If you are a wrestling fan you will know that is pretty much an illegal move now, but then it wasn't. The three-in-one hold always got me out of trouble. (That is not a "real" hold. Just one I named when "Uncle" wouldn't work.) So most of our dating life we were wrestling, day and night.

Right before Christmas McD proposed, December 19th, 1991. We had only been dating 9 months, but I knew he was the one. I said YES! I was excited, my parents were excited, but my Grandparents were not excited. Actually, they were against it - completely against it. My Grandad made a really rude comment about our engagement, "Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?" Well, I found out. McD was with me when I found out. We called my Grandad on the phone to ask him about it and it got a little hairy. He asked us to come to the house to talk about it in person. So we did. When we got there, they had company. He had invited us to finish the conversation in front of company. McD didn't want to go in the house to hold the conversation in front of an audience so he asked me to bring my Grandad outside. I went in the house and told my Grandad that McD would like to talk to him outside instead of in front of everyone. I said it kind of quietly because I didn't think anyone needed to know our business. But I am sure they already knew. Grandad says, quite loudly I might add, "I'm not going out to the yard so some young whippersnapper can beat me up." I asked him what he was talking about, and told him that McD didn't want to fight him. Really, McD wanted to kick his old arse but tried to be the bigger person here. I ended up getting kicked out of the house, he took my keys, and told me I could pick up my stuff the next day and we left.

I immediately called my parents because I knew as soon as their company left my Grandad would be on the horn to my Dad. And sure enough. My Mom and I were discussing the whole ordeal and he beeped in. (I can't stand call waiting by the way.) So she clicked over, told him my Dad wasn't there right now and she would have him return the call. We talked for probably two hours or more, and he beeped in several times. Mom never told him that we were on the phone, but the last time he beeped in she told him that she had already talked to me.

During our conversation she asked me why McD and I didn't just go ahead and get married since we were going to get married later anyway. So much for a long engagement. I didn't want to tell McD what Mom had said, but somehow it got brought up and he agreed. So we planned our wedding. Since he had been divorced we had to go to the preacher so he could determine whether McD was right in getting his divorce (he was), and then went over the vows we wanted and set up a date and time.

Setting the date was pretty easy. It was the only day we didn't have something going with Wrestling. January 8th, 1992. We picked our best man and bride's maid, and they were happy to stand up with us. Then we started calling everyone. We didn't even have invitations, it was kind of a word of mouth kind of deal. But the grandparents were not invited. They weren't even told about it. My parents got off easy on my wedding, they paid the preacher $40. WooHoo! Hey, the preacher said that was the norm.

I told you all about the wrestling thing so I could tell you about McD's bachelor party. The night before we had a dual to go to. The wrestlers decided that they would have his bachelor's party on the bus on the way home. So they stopped at a convenience store and bought him some goodies. Pop and candy, it was a school event you know. I didn't get a bachelorette party, hmmm. Think I can throw one in now? The day of my wedding I woke up with the Flu! Yep, I coughed and hacked all the way through my wedding. I leaned on my Dad while he walked me down the aisle. Then I leaned on McD while we stood in front of the preacher and congregation (about 20 people). I didn't have a wedding dress, I wore jeans, a sweater and cowboy boots. He wore about the same thing just not a sweater, a regular button-down shirt. Our best man's son, the one that noticed me in church, and his sister shoe polished my new pick-up. Had to get a new ride since he wrecked my Beretta (that's for you SW). The boys shoe polished the glass on the screen door of the house and windows. Crazy kids! We were pulling in the driveway and there was Granny driving by our house! She honked like she was happy for us, but she was lucky we didn't flip her the bird. We were still pretty sour about the whole thing. Our wedding night, I slept on the couch and said, "Don't touch me!" several times. I always followed it up with, "I'm sorry."

That is the story about how we met, dated and got married. If you have questions about it feel free to ask. I might answer, I might not. LOL Just kidding. I will!

But I wanted to make sure you all know that all the problems with my Grandparents just went away. I don't think my Granny ever really started liking McD, but he never really started liking her either - but you couldn't tell. They get along mainly because they have to. Everyone is okay with it, and everyone acts like they like each other. LOL This is one of the things that floated under the bridge. We are all fine, and happy. Forgiveness is a great thing. Forgetting is the hard part.

You Asked - Round 4, Part 2

If you are just joining us you should at least read the previous post to kind of catch up. On we go.

At our church we had these groups called Brothers Keepers Groups. And our group did Pie Ministries. We would pick a person to go and visit that might need encouragement or support and take a few pies to their house. While we were there we would eat pie, duh!, play a little game that someone came up with to kind of help get to know different things about each other. I am reaching here, because for the life of me I can't remember the game. Sunday evening came around and we were supposed to be doing a pie ministry that night but the people we had chosen were not home. Right then a little light bulb went off above my head, like in the cartoons. :) I thought, I am sure McD needs a little encouragement since he is going through a divorce and all. Plus I wanted to see where he lived. I know, sneaky, but it got me in the door. He lived in an apartment above one of our friends' Funeral Home. Really!

My birthday was a few days away. And guess who showed up to my birthday party, my 20th birthday party. Oh and he bought me a card. The cheesiest card ever! With all kinds of glitter. It was such a "girly" card, I thought, "Wow, this guy has a lot to learn about me." LOL And he did. I am so NOT a girly girl. He played all the lame games and even smiled and laughed, and acted like he had a good time. He wore his Levi's, a red long-sleeve Nike t-shirt (the nike and swoosh were navy blue), and Reebok tennis shoes (it wasn't cool to call them athletic shoes back then).

After the party we started talking on the phone more, seeing more of each other, yada yada yada. You know, the typical dating stuff. Going out to eat, movies, baseball games, football games, concerts, etc.

After the Joe Walsh concert he totaled my New car. Then I cut my really long hair off. I am talking shaved in the back. I loved it! But I knew my Dad wouldn't. And my Dad hadn't met McD yet, seen my hair or been told about it, but HAD heard that he had totaled my car. My Dad was not the friendly sort. He was a pretty buff man, and I am not just saying that because he is my Dad. He was pretty scary looking, that is what McD said. But with all that stuff mentioned earlier going against him, he met my Dad anyway. I am a Big Daddy's Girl! I just knew Dad wouldn't talk to him, might acknowledge him, but hold a conversation - No way! We were going to meet my family at a restaurant, so everyone could meet him. When we arrived they (he and my Dad) said hello, shook hands, sat across from each other at the table and then it started. The stare down. No, not really. The conversations! I was shocked! This is the first time my Dad had "talked" to a guy that I brought around. I dated a guy for almost 3 years and Dad hardly ever spoke to him. So I knew that this one was special. I knew I had to keep him around, for a little while anyway.

Okay guys, don't hunt me down and kill me! Please!! If you do how will you ever be able to read Part 3. I have to get to bed. We are leaving to go see the kids in the morning and I will try to get up early enough to post the Rest of The Story (I love Paul Harvey).

Good Night! Or G'Day to you WT!

WOOHOO!!! HAPPY DANCE TIME!!!

Check it out!!! I got Blog, or Glob, of the Day ON BlogDay!!! WooHoo!!! Okay, I never win anything! So I HAD to toot my own horn! Pat myself on the back! You get the idea!!! Check it out!! Blog of the Day

Cheeky - sing something for this special occasion!!!

Blog Day 2006

I almost forgot to publish my Blog Day 2006 post.

Here's my list of Five Blogs:

1) Anne Nahm is one funny chick!! She goes from talking about babies to putting altoids in between her buttcheeks. How could you not want to head to her site and check it out?

2) Cheeky and I see a lot of things in the same light. Storms, make-up, music, grits. I can't go one day without checking out Cheeky. But beware, she doesn't do a lot of blogging on the weekends. And Teenage Daughter just turned 14, drop by and wish her a Belated Happy Birthday!

3)Mocha is probably the best looking Literary Coach in the whole world wide web!!! If you aren't sure what a literary coach does you need to head over there. This girl has great takes in clothes and shoes, but do not buy the same thing she does - BIG No No! And she has the sweetest story about her daughter, Mallory, and her new tattoo. It is the coolest story!

The next two are new globbers. And they aren't half bad. :)

4) SwampWitch is a former teacher. She makes assignments and you will be tested. :) She has a hottie for a husband, Hans. Beautiful photos. And More! Check out the buff blonde driving the motorcycle. You have to check out SwampWitch, you will be missing out if you don't.

5) The Nekkid Lady, I mean the Nekkid Lizard Lady. She and SW are quite new so it won't take too terribly long to catch up. You have to read Nekkid Lady's - Nekkid Lizard Ranch story. Here's a teaser - she lived in Ohio put an ad in a Colorado newspaper and found Mr. Right. Head over there and read the rest of the story.

Hope you all enjoy these blogs.
Be sure to come back for the Rest of My Story.

Do you know?

In Round 3 of You Asked, I answered Shauna's question with a quote from a movie.

Can any of you tell me 1)What movie it was? and 2)Who said it? (Can be either character or actors name.)

I am just curious.

You Asked - Round 4

First of all I need to apologize. Earlier today I posted Round 3. I was in a bit of a hurry and I forgot to add links to you guys. I do apologize.

Now, last time I said I would answer Mrs. CPA's question:
How did you meet your husband? I was afraid this one might get a little lengthy so I wanted to give it it's own post. Plus is it just, you know, special! :)

After I graduated high school I went to college, met a guy, dropped out of college, moved out of state and in with my fiance and his family. I just knew that we were meant to be. My grandparents kept asking me to come and see them. So I did. They lived 5 hours away so it wasn't going to be a day trip, I had planned to be there for two weeks. When I arrived my Granny, the world traveller, asked me if I would like to go on a cruise with her. Ummm, Yes!!! So I called him and told him that she had asked me to go on the cruise and I wanted to go. The cruise was going to be in October and this is all happening in January. I told him that I was going to help them out at their store while I was there, all in all I was just excited as all get out. (Let me just say, I wasn't around my grandparents when I was a kid so I really wanted to catch up. I thought he would understand.) A few days later he called and told me that he was coming to see me. I was thrilled!! He showed up with ALL of my stuff! Not ALL of it but most of it. (I went back and got the rest - that is another story!) He reason for bringing all my stuff - he thought I might want it. We are talking about everything from all my clothes to the entertainment center and television I had. I didn't want to argue so I just went on and enjoyed his company. On Sunday he left. On Monday, the Dear Julie letter came. (Here is where the other story comes in, so I won't go there.)

I was devastated. My grandparents told me that I could just live with them and work for them at their store until I decided what I wanted to do. About a month after the Dear Julie letter, I spotted McD. Okay. I spotted McD's Levi's. Yep. Right in church. It was a Sunday evening. We came in a little late and didn't get our regular pew. (My Granny and I were in a play and we had to practice on Sunday afternoons.) So we snuck in and grabbed the first available pew. It just so happened to be right behind McD and his boys. I nudged my Granny and asked, "Who is that?" She said, "Oh it is the saddest thing. That is McD (okay just pretend she said McD). His wife left him for another man. But he makes sure he and his boys are at church everytime the doors open." My response. "Look at his, um, Levi's." Then we giggled. For some reason we stood three times during that evening service. I was just glad I knew all the words to the songs we sang. I was not looking at the hymn book. The second time we stood I leaned over to Granny and said, "I am going to go out with him." She just looked at me and laughed. Later I got the spill about how he is older than me and he has two boys AND he is going through a divorce. I just listened.

McD had seen me in church but didn't really "notice" me until one night when he brought a friend of the family to church with them, Newt. Newt was just a kid, but he was a few years older than the boys. Newt noticed me and asked who I was. That is how McD really "noticed" me. He asked one of our mutual friends about me and she filled him in. My name, where I lived, where I worked, etc. Then she decided to hook us up. Her family owns a business and the home and garden show was going on that weekend. So she asked me to register to win something, I don't even remember what it was. I filled it out and then she asked me to fill out another one. After I wrote down my name, address and phone number again she took it and put it in her pocket. She just grinned from ear to ear and said, that one is going to McD (pretend she said that instead of his name). I just laughed and told her how sly she was. Then I left.

Mazzio's was the big hangout for our church crowd. So every, yes every, Sunday night after church we would go to Mazzio's. He didn't usually go with the dinner crowd, but he didn't have the boys that night. He asked me if I would like to ride with him to dinner. I said yes, and calmly went and told my Granny in a very laid back kind of way that I was riding with McD to dinner. Whatever! I nearly skipped over to my Granny and then could hardly get the words out that I was going to dinner with him. She got the jest of it, and then we showed up for dinner. Then he drove me home. Awww!

That was really the first time we did anything. (Get your minds out of that gutter!!!)

Crud, this is going to be longer than I thought. It does get better. Or to me it does. So stay tuned, Round 4 - Part 2 will be posted tomorrow sometime.

You Asked - Round 3

Round 3 (Ding Ding) (the bell at a boxing match)

Shauna asked:
What is your biggest pet peeve? I hate rude behavior in a man. Won't tolerate it.

CPA Mom asked:
What is the one thing that you want to accomplish before you leave this earth? I am working on it right now. I wanted to go to OSU and get an education. I am doing that. After I graduate I will come up with something else. I don't think I could ever just have one thing I want to accomplish. Sorry, I know it is a lame answer.

Has that changed since your near-death experience? No, it was my main goal. Go to college. I will be the first person in my family to graduate from college with a Bachelor's degree.

Where in the world do you want to travel? Hmm. I have been many places in my life, thanks to my Granny. I think I am going to be lame again. Sorry. I don't have much time here. I hope you don't feel short changed. I want to go to New York. I want to take my Dad. And we will go to as many Yankees games as possible during our stay. I would also love to take McD to Europe. I loved it the first time but think it would be much better with him. Oh and he said something about taking me to Costa Rica. How can I have just one place I want to go?

Where is the most exciting place you've been? I guess Austria or Germany. I don't know how exciting that would be for other people. But I loved it. Being German I loved being able to see where my family came from.

How did you meet your husband? Were you ever married before? Well, I am going to answer the second question here. Again. LOL As noted in Round 1, I have not been married before and do not ever plan on being married to anyone else. I have told McD the same thing. I just wouldn't want to have to train anyone else. :)

I will answer the How I met I husband question tomorrow in Round 4!

You Asked - Round 2

Everyone ready for Round 2?

Pamela asked:
Do you remember anything while you"died" that day? This is a hard one. Have you ever been told a story so many times that you don't know if you are remembering the event or just the story? That is how it is for me at this point. Believe it or not I am still learning about things that happened. I "think" I remember us driving to OKC. But I know a lot of people told me that later. I guess it is best that I don't remember the events of that week. I do remember getting my hair cut after I got home from the hospital. It was nearly a flat-top. I loved it! What really stinks is that after that "episode" I have problems remembering a lot of my past. If someone helps jog my memory I can remember some things, but others are lost forever. Oh well, I can make new memories. Right?

Has that experience changed your personality? or just your outlook on life? Well, I don't think it permanently changed my personality. (One day I will share my Dad's story, his personality changed.) McD says that it did for a little while. I became super sweet. I am talking sweeter than any person should be. Then one day I just reverted back to my old brazen hussie ways. :) My outlook on life? My outlook on life has changed. I decided to quit "thinking" about going back to college and just went. I don't put off stuff like I used to. Gosh, if I can think of more I will add it later. :) Sorry, going blank.

MJ asked:
Who was the first boy you kissed? Was it good, bad, or ugly? The first boy I kissed. I think the first boy I kissed was a guy named Jared. He was a skateboarder and BMXer. He was HOT, or so I thought. I don't remember the kiss, memory issues noted above, but he was my first boyfriend.

What movie do you watch over and over? Marnie, you silly girl! There are too many to name! But I will name a few. Monte Walsh, if you haven't seen it - you need to; Tombstone - I'm your Huckleberry; Lonesome Dove (nuf said); Dirty Dancing; Grease, Pretty Woman, Sweet Home Alabama, Shrek (both), The Santa Clause. Enough? Or do you want more? Men in Black (Both). Okay I will stop. I love movies!!!

Lets just assume that molecular transport has been made a reality. Where in the world or universe would you have Scotty beam you? Man Marnie, I hate to break it to ya but Scotty beams me up all the time. Where have you been? Okay, okay! That is a hard one. I would love to beamed to Creede, Colorado so I could see the kids and G-kids without having to drive 10 hours. But on the other hand, I would love to have Scotty beam me to Stillwater everyday so I wouldn't have to drive 3 hours a day just for school.

SillyHily asked:
What is the one thing that McD does that wrecks your last nerve? I am being completely honest here, it will be hard to believe, but I am. McD and I get along great!! There isn't too much that he does that gets on my nerves. I can tell when something is bothering him and when I ask him what it is he tells me, "Nothing." Sometimes to try to convince me that nothing is wrong he will say, "You asking me what is wrong is bothering me!" I am like WHATEVER! Then a little later if I ask him again he will tell me. He just has to do it in his own time. But I worry that I did something to upset him until he tells me, and I HATE that feeling.

Debs asked:
Since you are so busy, what do you do to relax? Okay, if you are the Debs I think you are you probably already know one of the things I do to relax. Cross Stitch. I make things for other people. LOL I have been stitching for probably 16 years and I have not made myself anything. But I am a giver, what can I say? I also read, ride horses (which I will be doing more of now that McD has relaxed a little and thinks that I can ride by myself again - no one in my family wanted me riding by myself after my "episode"), FISHING - I love to fish, watch movies, etc. I could go on and on. Just getting on the four-wheeler and riding around our place with McD is pretty relaxing too.

Last one for this Round.
Swampwitch asked:
How do you have time to do this? Oh, you know that is a good question. I use time management, I guess. I am on the road a lot, at least 3 hours a day, so I have a lot of time to think of things to blog about (I make lists) or make phone calls, go through catalogs (only once in a while), study (from notecards), eat, etc. I make time for things I want to do, and just make it work. Like this weekend, we are going to Creede. Leaving Friday and coming home Sunday. Where is Scotty when I need him? I will do my homework and projects on the road. Read to McD. Probably finish Angels & Demons (I can't believe it has taken this long). You just do what you have to do! I get tired of hearing how busy some people are, you know the ones that go on and on about what they have to do. Like we don't have things that we have to do. So I won't dwell on this one. any. more. (Oh wait, that one was a bonus. You didn't ask about that now did ya?)

Okay! Time for a little homework. See you tomorrow for Round 3. Looks like there will be 5 Rounds.

You Asked - Round 1

Here we go. I want to let everyone know that there are quite a few questions and more coming in (Marnie) so I will answer the questions in the order in which they were received. There will be a few rounds because I don't want the posts to be too long (just for you Pete). So here goes:

Willowtree asked:
Where did you grow up? I grew up in Seminole, Oklahoma. Not really IN Seminole, but out in the country.

Is this your first marriage? YES!!! First and last.

Who is your oldest (longest time) friend? My oldest (longest time) friend would be my friend Gertrude. Not her real name, but we met in the 5th grade and have been friends ever since. She was Gertrude and I was Hildegarde, that way if any of our notes were found no one would know who we were. hee hee

Karmyn asked:
Who was/is your favorite animal/pet and why? Wow, that is a hard one. Do I have to pick just one? I would say my baby Hoss. I got him when he was 4 weeks old and this is the longest I have ever had one pet, he is 10 years old. Yes, I know when his birthdate is - April 27, 1996 and he gets pancakes with butter and syrup on most of his birthdays. He won't eat them without the butter or syrup. I really liked my St. Bernard that I had when I was in kindergarten, Cindy, she would follow me to school and wait for me to leave if they didn't call my Mom to come and get her. :)

What is the last thing you do before going to bed at night? I take my eyes out. Yep! I wear contacts and I wear them up until I am headed to bed. I take that back, I wash my face right after I take my eyes out.

Songbird asked:
Where did you and McDreamy meet? Heehee. Church. You know, I rarely hear about couples that meet at church. But we did. I will go into more detail in another round when I answer another question. Stay tuned.

What movie is the quote about Elvis from? Men in Black. Tommy Lee Jones says it as he is playing Promised Land.

Okay! That is all for Round 1. Can't make these posts too long. See, I am not as interesting as you thought. :)

Weekend Wrap-Up

What a weekend! We got rain!! WooHoo!!!

Saturday we worked hard, and then we laughed hard. We started the day gathering and sorting cattle. Then we took some calves to sale. I did some homework, catching up on a class that I just added and will attend for the first time this afternoon. Then we went to see Bill Engvall! Oh. Man. He was funny! We had heard some of his stuff before but it was still funny. Then he did some new stuff that was even funnier. There were a few times that he cracked himself up. He was laughing so hard a couple of times that I wasn't sure if he was gonna be able to get it out. It was great!! If you don't know who he is look him up on iTunes. He is cleaner than most, but he.is.funny.

We have a friend that really, really wanted to see Bill Engvall. So we all made sure she made it there, (Slick & his wife Slickess and McD & I). She was told last week that she has a couple of years to live. I have only known her for a little more than a year, but this is the sweetest lady I know. She is an amazing woman. She has lung cancer. I will rarely ask for prayers, but I hope each of you will pray for her. I will only refer to her as D. God knows who she is, that is all that matters. D had a great time.

Sunday, it rained some more. YEAH!! McD took advantage of the rain to watch a movie or two. I had to work on the homework I mentioned earlier. Then, after watching BB-Allstars I asked McD to flip it over to the Emmy's. Isn't that what the awards were that were on last night? We came in on it right as Simon Cowell was introducing Dick Clark. I have to just say this.

I.Loved.American.Bandstand! I soo wanted to dance on that show!!!

Anyway, Dick was there. I seriously almost cried. If I knew he had a stroke, I had forgotten. Oh, that was the saddest thing. When Simon announced him he said that there aren't many people that all generations know. But he is one of them. Thinking about that still makes me tear up. Now the American Bandstand theme song is stuck in my head!!! Oh well!

Speaking of Songs...The contest is going to be Lyrics! I will post the first contest next Tuesday. Details to follow.

Thank you to everyone that has left questions for me. This is going to be so much fun! I will begin answering them this evening when I return from school. Oh how I am dreading that drive. Oh well, it's almost over.

Hope everyone has a great week!!!

You Have Got To See This

Kellyf has a post that every woman should read. And, men should read so they can get an idea of what women go through to look good. Oh, and I guess the men will like the whole woman having her hands all over another womans hoo-ha too. This post will seriously make you laugh. If you don't, please seek professional help because something has got to be wrong with you. So check it out: Kelly's Wax experience.

You Ask - I Tell

Thanks to SillyHily the You Ask - I Tell posts have begun popping up on other blogs. Silly has invited everyone to ask her whatever questions they would like answered and she will answer them, honestly. And there are some pretty good questions and really good answers.

Silly has also asked others to do the same thing. I am going to do just that. So - if you have a question or two or three, however many you have - ask and I will answer. I hope it is as much fun here as it has been on her blog.

Thanks Silly!!!

Oh and I think What the Hell is This? is doing this as well. Join in! It should be fun!!

You Ask - I Tell

Lyrics or Photos?

It looks like it is going to be a Name That Tune kind of contest. Lyrics are ahead by a couple of votes. There is a little more time to vote if you haven't voted yet. You can vote here or on the original post. I will announce what and when the first contest will be. I will not be announcing the prizes though, they will be surprises!!

This IS an equal opportunity contest! :) So join in the fun!

Decisions Decisions

My "Baby" Cousin got a new ride. Whatcha think about that?

My family has a thing about Vettes. Corvettes that is.

Although they strayed for a bit and drove the other Vette as well. When we just thought gas prices were high, they started driving CheVETTES.

My parents picked my first car and then I paid for it. It was a 1985 Red Chevy cheVETTE, two door, with AC and a radio/cassette player. I was uptown!!

We, of course, called it the Vette. I made good memories with that car! The best memory being the day I sold it to a family of Mexicans. I always wondered how they were all going to fit in that little car.

Now that I pick my own cars/vehicles I do not go for the economy sort. Give me a gas guzzler and I am happy! One of these days, when they pave our road, or I turn 65 whichever happens first - I will have a real Vette. Mine will be Red though.

Now my cousin, Darsha, has to decide every morning which car she should drive to class. The Trans Am or the Corvette? Decisions, decisions. (I guess she could color coordinate her outfits with her cars.)

Why We Love Cats

1. Noses that twitch
2. Supersoft pink paws

3. Their love affair with open boxes (or luggage)...

4. ...and rubber bands
5. Their vigilant surveillance of the front walk
6. Rhythmic purrs
7. Full body stretches
8. They curl up on your chest-and-even put a paw to your cheek
9. Their slow eye blinks
10. Their ability to find the only square of sunshine on the carpet - and fall asleep in it
11. "Pet me now" nudges or nibbles
12. Their haughty independence...
13. ...combined with their constant need to be near you
14. Their attention-seeking stunts
15. The way they curl their tails around their feet so tidily
16. The warmth of their bodies
17. Sandpaper kisses
18. Their cranky meows when you keep them waiting
19. They daintily step all over the newspaper you're reading (he is on my econ book)

20. Whenever you look up, they're there.

Too Many Tomatoes?

Do you have too many tomatoes? This is a true story.

This past weekend I was cleaning house and I went through all my old magazines that I kept meaning to go through. Here's what I do. I go through each magazine and tear out any recipe I like, or anything that I think I might like to put in the new house (you know, to add to my notebook). I was going through all the magazines (Better Homes and Gardens, Martha Stewart Living and Real Simple) finding all kinds of goodies when I found a recipe for Ancho Chile Tomato Sauce. As soon as I read the recipe I thought of Jessie and Ree with all of there tomatoes.

Then this morning I read Jessie's blog this morning and she needs recipes.
So Jessie, this one's for you!

Ancho Chile Tomato Sauce

Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes

2 1/4 lb. tomatoes (5 or 6)
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tablespoon Ancho Chile powder
1/4 cup snipped fresh basil or cilantro (Basil in your case Jessie)
3/4 teaspoon salt

1. Core tomatoes and cut in half; squeeze out and discard seeds. Cut tomatoes in chunks. One-third at a time, place tomato chunks in food processor bowl or blender container. Process with several on/off turns; tomatoes should remain chunky. Transfer to medium bowl. You should have about 3 1/4 cups tomatoes. Set aside.

2. In a medium saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion; cook and stir until tender but not brown (3 minutes). Stir in garlic and chile powder; cook and stir for 1 minute. Stir in tomatoes. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer gently, uncovered, about 15 minutes or until sauce is thickened. Stir in basil and salt; heat through. Makes 3 cups.

Test Kitchen tip: Double the recipe and make several batches of sauce to store. Cover and refrigerate up to 1 week, or freeze up to 3 months.

Each serving (1/4 cup): 40 cal, 3g fat (0g sat. fat), 0 mg chol, 150 mg sodium, 4g carbo, 1 g fiber, 1 g protein.
Daily Values: 17% vit. A, 16% vit. C, 1% calcium, 2% iron.

(Taken from the Better Homes and Gardens September 2006 Issue.)

Enjoy! And let us know how it turns out, if you decide to make it.

It's Over! I Made It!

WOOHOO!!!!!




As you can see. I have less than 4 months to go before graduating! Gotta love those tickers!

I made it through my classes today. I wondered about the first two. I was a bit concerned, but now I feel much better. Here are my classes with a brief bit about today.

1) Cost Accounting. Dr. LiLi Eng, from Thailand.
She speaks English fairly well. Have heard her class is fairly easy. Lots of homework! But each homework is only worth 5 points.

2) Futures & Options - and for a couple of readers out there - NO! I am not going to invest in the soybeans! You know who you are, and there is no need for further explanation. No more Beans! (Especially if they do to you what they do to Willowtree!) (I know, I know - different kind of bean!)

Now this professor walked in wearing deck shoes, khaki pants and a peachy orange linen shirt unbuttoned to the middle of his chest (maybe an inch above his man boobs). Not an attractive guy. We thought he was gay. Seriously. Then we saw his ring and thought maybe he is straight. Then he announced he is married and has two kids. He is Portuguese. The only way to describe him is to say that half the time he sounded Portuguese. One quarter of the time he sounded Scottish (he lived there for three years). And the other quarter of the time he sounds like Julia Childs. Yes, you read that right! My friend Mrs. S and I tried really hard not to laugh. He is kind of hard to understand. This guys homeworks are only worth 1 point each. And the minimum is three questions per homework.

3) General Insurance - Funny American Professor. Big Guy. Likes to laugh! Gotta love that.

4) International Finance - Nice, nice lady. This is the first semester she has began making her classes write a term paper, instead of taking POP quizzes. How cool is that? I would much rather write a paper.

5) Health Insurance and Social Security Issues. This is an Economics class and it sounds really, really interesting. I am being serious here. He is an older guy, very short (has hair), but you can tell he was a looker in his day! Sweet man, and funny too!

I think it is going to be a good semester! Everything seems to be fairly interesting so far. So I know when I complain about how uninteresting it is or something like that, I am going to look at my little ladybug ticker (Did I mention I love ladybugs?) and see that I am almost out of there. And then I will probably read several comments telling me to shut it. I am counting on those comments. :)

You Get to Decide

For weeks I have been trying to come up with a (creative) fun contest to change things up a bit. I will be taking votes until next Sunday night (August 27) at 8 pm PST. The contest will be either on Tuesday or Wednesday (29th or 31st) depending on which contest is chosen.

Here are your choices:

1) Name that Tune (Lyrics only, sorry no tunes).

2) Photo Contest - Name the object or Where's Waldo type of game.

Okay, a bit of info on each contest.
First of all - I do NOT sing. Yes. That is a fib. I do sing, but only in the car when I am by myself. The reason I only sing when I am in the car by myself is because I sound SO much like the original artists that I am afraid people would swarm. That could cause a lot of problems. Okay. I guess that is a story too. I can't carry a tune in a bucket. (Who came up with that saying anyway?) Also, I do not have a microphone hooked up to my computer. There is a reason it is not hooked up. I. cannot. sing.

Second - The photo contest could be a Where's Waldo type thing one time and a What the heck is this kind of thing the next time. So this one would keep you guessing what will be next.

And if it makes a difference to you which day the contest is going to be held.
Name That Tune would be on Tuesdays.
Photo Contests would be on Wednesdays.
(Will explain all of that later. If I can come up with something creative. I am not the most creative person. It might take a while.)

So get your votes in while you can.
There will be prizes. They won't be nearly as good as Ree's prizes, but there will be a little something.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PETE!!!

Everyone sing-a-long!

Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday to you!

Happy Birthday Dear Pete (WT)!
Happy Birthhhhhdayyyyy tooooo yyoouuuu!!!

And many more!

(I honestly do not know Pete's exact birthdate, but it has to be close. But we might sing it again tomorrow just for kicks!)

Some Helpful Information - Really

Before you place a call to customer service, let your fingers do the walking on the Web. The free database at www.paulenglish.com tells you how to reach a real person quickly when you dial a business, such as a cell-phone provider. (The site it updated weekly, but company information can change without warning.) Follow instructions like "Ignore prompt for Social Security Number and enter ###" and you'll get all the benefits of curring the line - without getting the evil eye.

A Comment - A Question - & - An Achievement

A Comment
My summer is officially over. My final semester of my college years is here. I think most of you know, but for the newbies I am a student at Oklahoma State University majoring in Finance and minoring in Accounting and Economics. GO COWBOYS!!! I am taking 15 credit hours, 5 classes, all of which are supposed to be very challenging. Oh boy! I hope to keep up on my blogging regularly. If not, contact me and give me a good (proverbial) kick in the seat.

A Question
Am I the only one that wonders about Willowtree and his wife living separately. Hmmm, why is that? It really isn't any of my business, but I do wonder. He is beginning to open up a bit, so maybe he will indulge us one day.

An Achievement
We finally finalized our house plans! I am so excited. I put together my notebook full of the plans, items I want in the house (lights, refrigerator, etc). We are meeting with the builder tomorrow to kind of make sure we are all on the same page. I am sure he will think I am a complete freak when I show him "The" notebook. I just like to be organized.

Extra
And the song that has been stuck in my head all day is: Whip It by Devo.

Crack that whip...Give the past the slip...
Step on a crack...Break your momma's back
When a problem comes along...You must whip it
Before the cream sits out too long...You must whip it
When somethings going wrong...You must whip it

Now whip it - into shape - Shape it up - Get straight - Go Forward - Move ahead - try to detect it - It's not too late
To whip it - Whip it good

Adventures with Granny - What fun!

Granny and I always have so much fun! No matter what we do!

Yesterday I decided that I was going to take the two and a half hour drive to see my grandparents one last time before school starts. It starts Tuesday for me, so I am trying to squeeze in as much "fun" as I can. I arrived here at their house (I am still here) at around 9:45 am. Granny fixed me some bacon and tomatoes for breakfast. Then she received a call from my Grandad saying that she had an appointment waiting on her. (I will explain her job in a later post.) When I called and told her that I could come down I told her that I would have to bring my laundry with me so I could get it done. So she left for her appointment and I got the laundry started.

I met her at their store so we could visit some and I could see my Grandad. We were headed out to lunch and guess what she did. LOL She walked out that door with all kinds of determination. I think she was hungry, and we were headed to her favorite restaurant, mexican food. She took off. I barely caught her. She was about to get in the wrong van. Now this would be the second time, but I caught her in time. We chuckled about that for a while.

We ate. We had our nails done. I got a manicure. She got a color change and a pedicure. Then we went to our favorite place to shop. Wall's! It is a store that gets name brand stuff and sells it at a great discount. Sometimes their stuff if damaged, but most of the time you can find some good stuff. Today I got some earrings that were originally from Macy's. I will take a photo when I get home. Granny bought me a new skirt too! $13. How can you beat that?

Then we went to dinner with my Grandad. We went to a restaurant that is right off of one of the main interstates in our state. I promise you they knew everyone in there. And there were a lot of old people there. My grandparents are only in their 70s so they aren't that old. But some of the people there.were.old. It was a blast. I told them about my blogging addiction and about some of the things people blog about, including myself. Some how the fart stories came up. I had to tell them some of the stories some of you had written. Of course, Granny was staying with me telling stories of her own. This brought up stories about me that I had forgotten about. Then as we were leaving, it happened. I needed to let one go. Sorry, but I couldn't hold it in. You know it gives you Crappy thoughts if you don't let them go. So I did. It was another SBD. But not near as bad as my other SBD I have posted about. The funniest thing about it all was that we were in Granny's brand new HHR and she isn't too familiar with the windows. She was trying to find the button to roll down the window while we were all laughing. I, of course, began laughing right after it happened and it smelled!

The only other thing that happened is when my Grandad came out from taking a shower he turned on the television and put it on Grease!

My 100th Post!!!!

I am not really sure why I felt I needed to announce this, but it could be because Willowtree had the special OUAB awards for his 100th post. So I guess I am here to tell ya that you aren't getting any stinkin' awards here!

The reason you will not be getting any awards here is because I am not that creative. Ree aka Pioneer Woman has wonderful Name that Photo contests. I am not that creative either. I am working on a contest though. But have a lot of work yet to do. I can't explain. MJ will even send you to another site if she isn't feeling creative one day. Or could it be that she just didn't have anything to say. Jessie aka Mrs. Ca steals stuff (memes) from other people when nothing is happening around her place. But with two homicides in a month (or so, I don't remember) how can she say nothing happens there. I should clarify, Jessie steals stuff from other's blogs. Not actual stuff. Sorry Jessie. Oh and I cannot forget the nice photos Pamela has posted. I really like her new water feature and the photo of the hummingbird perched on a limb. Good job Pamela!

These are just some of my creative friends. Sorry to all of those creative people that I have left off. I am at my grandparents house and don't have access to my favorites list. I had to change my password just to get in to post. AAGGGHHH!

So if you have not had the chance to check out some of these peoples blogs - get busy! They are pretty darn good!!

My McDreamy

I guess this is post photos of family time now. Willowtree has posted an old wedding photo - Hubba Hubba! What a good looking couple!

Here are a couple of photos of my McD. It is true, he has Alopecia Areata Monolocularis. As you can tell in this next photo. Punky says she likes his soft head. My nephew, who is now 11, wanted to be bald just like his Uncle. Nowadays he is pretty fond of his hair, my nephew that is. McD has hair, just none on top. I have told him time and time again. If he ever feels the need to get a rug/toupee it will be grounds for divorce. But I don't have anything to worry about, he doesn't want hair.



So there ya go Pamela! I do like bald guys. You must have missed my story about the HOT cop in AZ. He was bald too. Don't get me wrong, there are some pretty good looking guys out there with hair. I could name a few if I had to, but let's not go there.

Random Thoughts

Yesterday McD and I spent some time with Chuckles, Ree's FIL. He is one of my favorite people. That whole family is gold, really. I am not sure how Ree's name came up but it did. Chuckles just beamed! He said he didn't know how Ree does everything that she does. He listed off a bunch of stuff that she does and then he listed off some things I did not know she does. He sat there for a minute like he was just thinking of her and then he said, "She does our newsletter too!" Earlier that day he had given me one of their newsletters to look over. It is a really nice newsletter. Very well done. Good job Ree!!! It was pretty touching to see him beam like that when talking about his DIL.

Re: Beware of the SBD post.
Okay people. I stated that I do not snort when I laugh. I just thought it would be funny to add it. That is why I stated at the end of the post that I don't really snort. I am surprised Shauna, you know me and I have never snorted in your presence. We have laughed pretty hard at some things too. Sorry to disappoint. I don't snort!

Another thing about that post. My McDreamy brought it to my attention that when I was luring him in for the smell I was laughing the whole time. I had forgotten that part. Another part I had forgotten was that he told me to tell him the next time I farted. He really did ask for it. Really!!

Today was my buddy PM2's first day of school! I hope to get a photo of him sometime to put up here. He is adorable, as is his sister. Why do I think it is harder for the parents to send their kids to school than it is for the kids to go? I called him Mom to check on her and she said she was literally sick, stomach cramps and all. This is Slick's family, for all that have been with me for a while.

Oh. I almost forgot. I went to the post office today to pick up some mail. For some reason our mail never fits in the PO Box, so I have to go get the bundle. Anyway, I was standing in line behind a man who was also there to get a bundle. He had the same piece of paper I had, I did not ask. The first thing I noticed was his brand spankin' new tennis shoes. Is it tennis shoe, tennie shoe, or what? Sorry, back to the story. This man had no hair on his body. None! Zilch! Zero! Okay. Wait. He had hair on his head and he had clothes on so I can't vouch for there. But he was hairless. I have seen hairless men before. I even know a man that used to shave for bodybuilding competitions, so it wasn't completely weird. What was weird was that he was in no shape, no shape whatsoever for a bodybuilding competition. Eeewwww!

That is it for my random thoughts of the day.

Changing my ways

Well, not really. I am just going to post more at night instead of each morning. That way when classes start I won't be late getting to class because I am blogging. I can honestly see that happening. So evening posts start now. But you never know, I may throw some in during the day too. Gotta keep you all on your toes!!

Beware of the SBD!

Okay, I wasn't going to go there. But Pamela is working on a fart post, Willowtree has already posted one, and Ree just doesn't do it!! Really, honest. She said so! Why do we find so much humor in farts? I don't know but I am giggling just thinking about this post!

Several years ago McD and I traveled to Colorado for one of his meetings. I can't remember for sure where it was in Colorado, I think it was Vail. Not that it matters. Anyway, we had been married for quite a few years and we had this big discussion on the way to the meeting about how I hadn't ever farted in front of him. I tried to tell him that I just didn't do it. I think he kind of believed me. giggle. snort. giggle. Silly man!

I hadn't been feeling very well that day. Gut issues. But I hadn't said anything. McD was laying on the bed watching a little television before we had to go down to the reception and dinner. I was getting ready - changing my clothes, fixing my hair, yada yada yada. When I felt it coming on. I clinched my butt checks hoping that it would muffle the sound. lol snort lol It worked!! It was a silent one. Silent But Deadly!! I told McD that he had to come over there so I could show him something. And to hurry! He jumped up off the bed, not realizing what was awaiting him. I can't believe the air didn't turn green from the putrid smell! He got right up to me and it hit him! The smell almost knocked him off his feet!! It was HILARIOUS!!! I almost died laughing!! LOL snort LOL Oh, I am laughing so hard right now as I type this that I am tearing up. Oh. My. Heck. He cursed and cursed again! He could not believe I could produce something that rank!

Okay, I don't really snort when I laugh, but typing it in this post made me laugh even more! LOL

Remaining Tidbits of Not My Day to Die

After reading my two previous posts Part I and Part II I realized that I left some little things out that should be said.

First of all, Frank is my HERO!! I have had people ask me, "So, who would your hero be?" Well, I have a hero and his name is Frank. The day I dropped dead Frank was right behind me. Things happen for a reason, I believe this. If we had left the farm show we would have been on the road going to my birthday party and I wouldn't be here today. If Frank had not have been there I believe I wouldn't be here. The other guy that helped with CPR had to run to his car to get his little CPR mouthpiece. I know he ran, but I could have been a vegetable by the time he got back. Frank had taken the CPR training. Frank had used CPR on two other people before me. Both of them died. One of them was his Uncle. They said he left the booth at the farm show and went to the hospital. He was pretty shaken up. We now have "Our Anniversary." I will never forget April 17, 1999 and the man that saved my life. Every year I at least send him a card. The first 5 years I made sure he received a gift of some sort. Sometimes I send a plant but it will probably be cards for the most part. It got to be kind of hard to come up with creative gifts for him. (If you have a good idea, please comment.)

The day I left the hospital was my 29th birthday. Oh no - I guess you all know how old I am now! Please don't hold it against me Pamela. Apparently, while we were cruisin' the farm show I found a bracelet that I really liked. McD told one of the people I worked with to get the bracelet so he could get it without me knowing it. While I was in the hospital he, my whole family, and friends had a blast giving me that gift. I call it cruelty but I guess I played right along. But I wasn't playing. Here is how it went (or as I was told):

McD: Happy Early Birthday!!! Here's your gift. (I don't know if it was in a box or gift bag or anything.)

ME: Oh I love it!!! Thank you!

(Less than 5 minutes later...or when another person arrived that had not witnessed the cruelty.)

McD: Happy Early Birthday!!!! Here's your gift.

ME: Oh I love it!!! Thank you!!

I couldn't remember crap! If someone walked out of the room and then back in I greeted them like I hadn't seen them yet. :) Needless to say, they had too much fun with that and today they still laugh about it. Of course how could you not laugh at that. I do. I shouldn't say this, but since McD already knows this (although he will act like he didn't) I can't figure out what I liked about the bracelet. When I recovered I asked him if I REALLY wanted it, or if I was just being nice when I said I liked it. I hardly ever wear the bracelet, but will keep it forever!

My life now with my heart condition. Since I do have the implanted defibrillator I have to go in every 6 months for them to check the battery, wires, and to see if I had any more episodes aka shocks. After years of wondering I was finally told that "more than likely" it was a virus in my heart. They actually said, more than likely. Oh my! I was told that my battery would last around 8 to 10 years. It depends on how many times it shocks me. I will probably have it for 9 or 10 years. Hopefully they are smaller next time. I have an exact replica (minus all the wires and computer chips) that I will take a photo of so you can see one. I am not on any medication, thank goodness! The only thing that is a pain is the airport thing I mentioned in an earlier post. And magnets! I cannot wear magnet nametags or get a magnet close to my chest or my chest starts beeping. It is just one constant beeeeeeeeeeeep, but it is embarrasing. I am not supposed to ride roller coasters (which I love) or anything too adventurous. That is okay. I will take the life or roller coaster trade off.

And since I received emails and comments on how I shouldn't start posts about something like this and then stop midstream. I am finishing this one. I apologize in advance for it being too long. WT - I understand if you don't read it all in one sitting.

The Shock of my life! Cheeky commented that she knew someone in school that had a defibrillator and that they could tell when he got his little shocks. I know nothing of a little shock. Apparently they had my settings different than his. A few months after everything happened McD and I went to the lake with his family. I LOVE going to the lake!!! I was raised going to the lake. McD and I took our SeaDoo and away we went. We cruised the lake several times before I finally told him that I wished he would at least drive the thing. He was putting around like an old person. Inner tube floaters were passing us!! Okay, it wasn't that bad, but it was slow. I like going fast! Doing 360ºs. All of it! He decided that I should drive because I would know better what I could handle. My wound was still healing, and I think he was just afraid he would hurt me. (I was pretty thin and fragile looking, but felt okay.)

I jumped at the chance to drive the SeaDoo. I hadn't been able to for months, this was our first trip back to the lake. I kicked it up to about 45 mph and hit a 360º. As the nose of the SeaDoo was coming out of the water (coming out of the donut) my defibrillator shocked me. The shock knocked me to the back of the SeaDoo (a three-seater) and McD was having to hang on. It nearly knocked him off of it, he was on the edge. He felt the shock through both of our life jackets. This was the first time I realized that there really was something wrong with my heart. I couldn't remember any thing that happened to cause me to get the defib. So this was my eye opener. The shock took a lot out of me. Probably because I was so weak still. McD left me in front of him and I was just kind of limp. I was bent over with my head resting kind of on the handlebars. Then I remembered that McD's oldest brother was there. He had just lost his son in a car wreck. I didn't want him to see me all limp laying over the handlebars so I leaned back against McD. I tried my hardest not to lose it (cry) but when I saw his face I couldn't hold it in. He was white as a sheet. I felt so bad for scarying him. But I was okay. We went to the doctor the next day and they just had my settings too low. They increased the settings so now my heartrate has to get up to 214 beats before I get a shock, or it has to get really, really low. I haven't had a shock since. Thank goodness. It felt like I was kicked by a horse, I hope I never get shocked again.

Again, sorry this is so long!

Tag - I'm IT

Thanks WillowTree!! I wondered how long it would take for me to get tagged!

Here goes:
1. A friend who has blessed me: Muncy. She is one of my bestest friends. I can't even go into how she has blessed me. We are exactly one year apart in age, she is the year older. We are closer than we are with our sisters, sad but true. We even think alike, scary I know!

2. An unexpected gift: Being a "Step"mother I never expected any type of Mother's day gifts. I get them every year and I truly never expected to. I love and appreciate each gift.

3. A kind word shared with me recently: On our most recent trip to CO the kids drove over to see us and got to the zoo. The night before the zoo trip we met for dinner. As we were leaving for our hotel rooms Punky yelled, "Grandma Julie, I LOVE YOU!!" Of course I yelled back! "I LOVE YOU TOO!!!"

5. Something I'm looking forward to: December 16! Graduation, baby!!

6. A particular part of me I'm pleased with: My Smile. It's a habit! I smile a lot. I sometimes don't even realize I am smiling, until some pervert smiles back with a hubba hubba kind of look.

7. Something in my life that I wanted but never expected: Oh, I have a few. A successful almost 15 year marriage to an amazing man. A college education from Oklahoma State University. Go Cowboys!! And a little bit of land to call home.

8. A place that moved/moves me: I don't really have just one place that has moved me. I could be anywhere and find a reason that it moves me. Okay, almost anywhere.

9. One thing/person that always makes me smile: There isn't just one person that makes me smile. a) My Dad - if my Dad is laughing you have to be dead if you are not laughing with him, his laughter is so contagious. I would love to bottle his laughter and keep it with me always. b) Poohs - his laugh is also contagious. It is the best kid laugh ever. c) my McDreamy - what is it about people laughing that I love? I love to hear him laugh, or just to see him laugh. He knows when to tell me I am beautiful, or reach for my hand and kiss it. He just always makes me smile. A thing that makes me smile? My furrbabies - all of them - Hoss, Mordecai and Mia.

10. Most recent "love note" from God: ??? My Second Chance at life. WillowTree - you can't be serious that I am the most religious person you know. PL-EASE!

11. Do I win anything? (OK, I know that WT added that one, but do I?)

I'm tagging: Ree (she hasn't been tagged yet that I know of, and her answers are sure to be good), Cheeky (who is always good about being tagged, and I love singing along), and Jessie (just because I love her blog).

(Yes, I realize #4 is missing, but this is how it was when I received it!)

Not My Day to Die - Part II

If you are just joining us, you will want to read Part I to catch up.

I finally woke up in the emergency room at the hospital, but had no clue where I was or what had happened. McD said he had never seen me so scared. I tried and tried to re-make the face but it never worked. Apparently when I am really, really scared I thrash about. As I was thrashing about I kicked my Granny in the head, flashed my whole family (all of my clothes were gone at this point), and tried to remove the tubes that were down my throat. Needless to say, they had to restrain me. It took 3 or 4 people to hold me down. I don't know for sure, because I don't remember any of this, and I have heard it both ways - 3 and 4. When the restraints did not work completely, I still tried to pull the tubes out of my mouth, they gave me an injection to induce a coma state.

I was taken to the Critical Care Unit and stayed there in a coma state for a few days. During all this time the doctors are running tests and trying to figure out what happened. My chart says I had a Sudden Cardiac Death. Basically, I just dropped dead. That happened on Saturday. Thank goodness I don't remember anything. My medical chart says I had several blood gasses, where they test how much oxygen is in your blood. They are really, really painful! But I don't remember them. On Wednesday they moved me to a regular room. Then on Thursday they took me to surgery and implanted an internal defibrillator. If you are not familliar with the defibrillator they are what you see on television on like ER on the crash cart. It has the paddles that they put on you and yell, "Clear" and then shock you with volts of electricity. Mine is smaller and is implanted in my chest on the left side. It has two leads that are connected to my heart and if my heart rate gets too high or too low then it will shock it back into a normal rhythm. It also has a pacemaker, but mine is turned off.

They determined that my heart began beating so fast that it stopped pumping and was basically quivering. Thanks to this little device, I call it my battery back-up, I don't worry much about it happening again. I cannot go through metal detectors or have the wand used on me at airports. So I am frisked each time. People wonder why I would rather drive, now they know.

The day after my surgery I was able to go home. It was my birthday, and the best birthday present I could ever receive. Although McD gave me a nice gift while I was in the hospital. I will touch on that another time. This is getting rather long again, so I will tell ya about getting shocked another time.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

I completely forgot one of the best parts of our trip to Colorado Springs was our trip to the zoo. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is supposed to be a really neat zoo. It was a good zoo. But I think my expectations were kind of high since we had just been to San Diego Zoo earlier this year. We still had fun though!

One of the best parts of the whole day was getting to pet the 6 month old Kangaroo. Yep! I got to pet it! So did Poohs and Punky, and their Mom and Dad. I don't think McD did. I was too busy trying to get photos of the kids petting the little baby, but those other annoying kids wouldn't get out of the way! So no photos of that. Sorry! Then as we were leaving the Kangaroo/Wallabee area a Wallabee came right at me. None of us realized that they were hopping loose (running loose, hopping loose - get it?). It was kind of neat too.

I even got to feed a giraffe and pet one of them too! I had to be kind of sneaky about it because the giraffes would not let you pet them if you weren't feeding them. And I had my camera in one hand and the cracker in the other so I asked a little boy if he would feed the giraffe the cracker so I could pet it. He did it. One bonus for him, he was with two other kids so their mom or whoever was with them had only given them one cracker each, so he got to feed the giraffe again. I think he liked feeding it as much as I liked petting it!

Not My Day to Die - Part I

April 17, 1999 was not my day to die.

Here is a little background information to set the scene. At the time I worked for an ag related company and this company had a booth at the big farm show in the big City. Being a loyal employee, I wanted to go by the farm show and see some of the people we did business with. I was a buyer's assistant and our suppliers were going to be there. Some of them I had only talked to on the phone and I was anxious to put a face to their names. This was also the day that my family had decided to have our big "celebrate all the April birthdays" party. Mine just happens to be in April.

McD and I get ready and head to the City. I don't remember much about this day. I remember having an argument with McD on the way to the city but I don't remember what about. I remember what I was wearing that day, but only because it hung shredded in my closet for years. The rest of this story are details I have obtained from McD and the rest of my family and friends.

We stopped at the farm show and then we were headed to my Grandparents house (another hour and a half drive) for the big party. We (McD and I) had looked at my office's booth and we decided to look around. We were in the Kitchen's of America building and were headed to look at some of the other buildings. As we were walking away from the booth I squeezed McD's arm really tight (he later said he didn't know I was that strong) and told him that I was dizzy and started falling forward. He thought I was playing around but realized I wasn't when he had to catch me before I hit the cement floor. A co-worker of mine, Frank, was approximately 10 steps behind us and he rushed to my side as well!

Frank immediately began giving me CPR and McD was feeling for a pulse. Frank had already felt for a pulse and did not find one. So when McD told him he found it and that it was really fast. Frank didn't have tell him that he was feeling his own pulse. Someone called 911 and the ambulance came, but they didn't have a defibrillator so they continued CPR until another ambulance came.

With this being a farm show there were lots and lots of farmers there. Just my luck. The paramedics cut my shirt and bra off and got to work. Yep, me in all my glory, or almost all my glory. Then they stuck the paddles to me and shocked me. Not just once, but three times. They were able to get a rhythm. Put me on a gurney and off to the hospital we went. Another of my co-workers thought he should drive McD because he was pretty shaken up. But he wasn't having that. He told Ken he could just ride with him. So he did. And they beat the ambulance to the hospital. Later Ken told me that they were flying low and running stop lights. He was praying for them to get there safely as well as for me to be okay.

This all happened before everyone in my family purchased cell phones. There was no way to get in contact with my parents because they were also on the road to my Grandparents house. I am not sure who called my Grandparents but they had to stay there at their house until my parents arrived. Then they all headed to the hospital.

For fear of this being too long of a post, I will continue it a bit later! That and McD just came in and asked me to go horseback riding with him. How could I say no?

A Recipe for Willowtree

Corn Bread
This is just a simple recipe for corn bread. For some reason I am not able to find my cookbook with my favorite recipe but will post it when I find it. I might have loaned it out.

1 cup corn meal
1/2 cup flour
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 teaspoons baking powder
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup shortening

Mix it all together. Pour into a well-greased baking pan. Bake in hot oven (425º) for 20 to 25 minutes.

There ya go Pete! Next time you have beans try some cornbread with 'em.

If It's Not One Thing...

it's another.

For some reason Flickr is not cooperating today so I will have to do posts with photos after we get home.
Just FYI, now on with the post.

Last night we, a friend and I, decided that we would join the group of ladies that were going on a tour of the hotel this morning. It started at 9 a.m. and was supposed to last an hour. It wasn't what we expected, but it was a lot of fun and we did learn some interesting things about the hotel and about some of the ladies taking the tour with us. Most of these ladies we have known for some time now but you never really know someone, lol.

(Just have to say - the band outside of my balcony is playing my song...Brown-eyed Girl! Yes, Cheeky, I am dancing around. I kicked the chair back (literally) and am dancing as I type. I want to just hang off of the balcony and help them out!)

Okay back to the post. After the tour we decided to do a little shopping. Red flags were popping up every where. Why? The only piece of clothing that had a price tag on it was a pair of the jeans I had bought right before the trip and the original price on them was less than the price back home. BUT, I bargained on mine and got them at a discount. A small discount, but it was still a discount. The dress I tried on was adorable! BUT, it didn't have a price tag and the lady was pushing me too hard. I just walked away. Walked right into a make-up store. I won't say names, but if you really want to know you can email me. I don't know what kind of make-up you all use, but I would be anxious to know because I am in the market for new make-up. Do you like what you use? My good friend had been by the shop yesterday and had told them we would be coming in to have our faces done. We walked in. Took our seats. Was offered glasses of water, accepted. Then the fun began. I love having someone put make-up on me. Why? I don't know.

Keep in mind this little girl is trying to sell the product. Everything from the cleanser to the brushes. Not that it was unusual, just setting the scene. When we were finished she decided to ring up everything that I wanted. Keep in mind that they did not discuss prices with you. They just assume you will leave your arm and leg there as you pay. They rang it all up. I had a figure in my head of what it would cost, but the total was much more. Just shy of $600. Make-up. $600. Those should not be in the same sentence. Well, after the small stroke, I asked them if I could think about it and come back later with my list. I told them that I refused to spend that much money on make-up today. That wasn't even everything she used on me. This crap better look good all night long!

After we left the make-up store we went back to the Bee. Well, we had lunch there and it was delicious. But there wasn't a piano player at lunch time. Then it was back to the shops. We didn't buy, just browsed.

Then it was time for the reception and the dinner. It was good. We started with Lobster Ravioli. Then a Spinach Salad with dried cranberries and golden raisins and a sweet and sour dressing. Next was the entree' which was steak, salmon, asparagus, carrots, and an interesting pillar of mashed potatoes. It was very good. I don't do dessert, so I skipped out. :) I believe they had several things but the only thing I can remember is the Creme' Brulee.

We were all going to go back to the Bee to see if the private party was over but we were not able to get it. We didn't try too hard though. Several of us went and hung out at one of the bars in our hotel. Now we are ready for bed! It has been a long day!

I am so glad that we get to go home tomorrow!!

The Golden Bee Part I

We went to the Golden Bee tonight! It was so much fun! We all had a few drinks, some more than others but I will not mention any names. :) We sang, and sang, and sang!! We had so much fun! I could not believe that we left right in the middle of Proud Mary! But we did a small train out of the restaurant singing the whole way!

Oh and we are going back tomorrow and I WILL be taking my camera!

And the beotch wasn't there. Dang it. Just kidding, we had a blast. Will post more later!

The New Me

Okay - so I don't look that different. Except for the fact that the first photo was done by my friend Muncy, the pro, and it has been touched up/air brushed whatever you want to call it. And the second one was taken by McD.



As you can tell, my hair is shorter. The main difference is that I am back to my natural color. It is amazing how close they can actually get to your natural color. I love highlights. On. Other. People. To me - they just wash me out. So far, I have had many compliments on going back to my dark hair. I love it! I am so glad I did it.

As for the length, I just wanted to do something different. It will grow out again. No worries here. This is nothing compared to my near flat-top. Hmmm, yet another story. :)

Cat Fight!

Well, I wanted to post a photo of the restaurant/pub where this happened but nothing has gone as planned today. So, while I sit here waiting for Flickr to actually upload my new photo I am going to tell you about the near cat fight with the beotch at the bar.

A few years ago we were here at the breadwinner for one of McDreamy's meetings. There is a restaurant/pub called The Golden Bee. This place is great!!! When you sit down the waiter/waitress comes over and throws a Bee on you. Okay, not a real one but one could be sewn on clothing. It is an embroidered bee with sticky on the back of it so it will stick to your clothes. The first time we went there I could not figure out what that chick was throwing at me. I just happened to be the first to get attacked by the bee. It was great! The laughs we got out of where bees landed, etc.

Each table has a songbook on it. You can pick a song and ask the piano player to play the song. Then the whole bar sings that song. Oh it was a hoot!!! We did not request any songs but had a ton of fun singing along. (Cheeky you would LOVE it!!)

I don't drink a lot of alcohol. I just so happened to be the only person not drinking that night. Let me tell you the beer was flowing that night, along with a few stronger drinks as well. Our group had probably 3 full tables. We had been there quite a while and water flows through me like a river so I excused myself to go to the restroom. As I was washing up one of my good friends came in and said, "Get your butt out there." I said, "Why, what is going on?" She proceeded to tell me how there was a platinum blonde whore putting her hands all over McDreamy. I said, "Excuse me?" She just pointed at the door and out I went.

As I came out of the restroom McD was heading to the Men's restroom. He was bright red. I mean bright RED and he was pissed. All I said was, "Which one was it?" He told me and I went straight for her. Okay, not really. I had a few people telling me to kick her a$$ along the way, and I think I gave a couple of them high fives. I am telling you - the beer was flowing.

I walked over to her and told her she needed to keep her hands off of my husband. She seemed to have forgotten she was rubbing her hands all over him. She had been rubbing her hands on his back, chest, shoulders and his bald head. First of all, I am not the kind of girly girl that sits there and let's this crap happen. So I confronted her. Was pretty nice about it too. To keep this story short. I only had to ask her once if she wanted to go outside. She didn't feel it was necessary. She wanted me to know she was a Christian. I laughed in her face.

This creature came to the bar with another man. He was standing at the bar. Drunk. Watching her. I told her to stay with the guy that brought her. Oh I am keeping this pretty tame. I was MAD! I don't handle other people hanging all over my husband. And it had to be pretty bad for him to get up and leave the room. He said later that he knew if I had walked out of the restroom and she was still rubbing all over him that I wouldn't have been so nice. And I will admit it. I would have kicked her a$$. I would have gotten thrown out of the bar. (Yes, I am a big tomboy. Yes, I fought when I was a kid. Nothing to be proud of. But I don't hit like a girl. Just ask McD - not that I beat him or anything. I love my punching bag!)

I embarrassed one man, Howell. But his wife came up and patted me on the back and told me that she was glad to see me stand up for my husband that way. Think she was serious? I wasn't sure. But the next morning at breakfast the news had spread and there were several people patting me on the back. It got kind of embarrassing. Oh well!

I went to the gift shop and bought McD a beer glass that says "Golden Bee" Just so he will always have a laugh. :) It is funny now. But we are going back tomorrow and that beotch better not be there. bwahahahaha (Oh yea, she was a local!)

We made it!!

I had such big plans about this trip to the Broadmoor. I wanted to take photos on the way here and have all kinds of cool things to blog about. But instead, I read a book. Outloud. When we travel a lot of the times I will read a book outloud to my McDreamy. The last trip we read the last Harry Potter book. This time we began reading the book Myths, Lies & Downright Stupidity: Get Out the Shovel - Why everything you know is wrong by John Stossel of 20/20. It is really good. One of those that you really don't want to put down. We are almost half way through it, so hopefully we will be able to finish it on the way home.

We are getting ready to go to dinner with the kids so I will post the "ME" post a little later this evening. (It really isn't that big of deal!)

Edited to say: Now I am sounding a bit like Mocha Momma.

I'm Leaving On A Jet Plane

Don't know when I'll be back again.

Okay, so I'm not going anywhere on a jet plane but I love that song and we are headed out of town. McD has a business meeting to attend in Colorado Springs so we are hitting the road. It really is easier to drive there from here, only 10 hours (give or take).

I do plan on posting while we are there. Today was a "Me" day so I might, just might post some photos of the new me. Oh and feel free to print the photos and use them as scarecrows in your garden! Really, I don't mind.

I will try to take some photos and fill everyone in on our exciting adventure. It was really exciting last time. Had to tell a little be-otch whose man she was rubbing on. LOL One day I might tell the story.

Quote of the Day, August 7

Cover me with axel grease and call me Slick!
-- Mater

What a Weekend

We had fun this weekend! Now I know my definition of fun and yours may be completely different. But we had fun!

Friday we rented movies - The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada with Tommy Lee Jones and Dwight Yoakum. I really like Tommy Lee Jones, a lot! I know a guy that met him and drank a beer with him. He says he was kind of a dork. I still like him though. That was not a good movie. It was dumb. It is a modern day western and the whole story was kind of good but it would have been better as a book.

We also rented - Eight Below. You know, the Disney movie about the dogs getting left behind. It was an okay movie. I couldn't watch it all. I must be a wuss! It made me mad. I didn't like the fact that they left the dogs behind in the first place so I didn't have a good mindset when we started watching. So I did laundry and attended the BC Carnival. It ended okay though. Won't be watching it again that is for sure.

Oh and we got a sno-cone. McDreamy likes the sugar-free Sweettart, and I like cajun red hot with silver fox. MMMM!

Saturday McD had to go and help Slick doctor some cattle and I ran errands in town like going to Wal-Mart. McD cannot stand going there so I try to go when he is busy. When he got home that afternoon he asked me out on a date. Yes, he did!! He wanted to take me to dinner and to a movie. I hate HATE having to decide which movie to go see. I want to make sure I pick one that he will like too. I have girlfriends that love to go to the movies so the chick flicks are covered. I ended up giving him two choices - Cars and Talladega Nights. He chose Cars. (Sorry, Cheeky! Now that we have heard your review we are going to that one next! Thanks!) We liked Cars though. Doc Hudson (Paul Newman) was the best in our opinion. :) But we are Paul Newman fans.

Oh and we got a sno-cone. (Did I mention I have an addiction?)

Sunday we got up and went to check cattle, we are expecting quite a few calves and with this heat we are checking them a little more often. So we missed Sunday School Class, but made it in time for the worship service. The gentleman that gave the opening prayer almost made me laugh out loud - during the opening prayer. He read the prayer list during his prayer. At our church this is usually during the closing prayer. But he threw it in. He knew one of the people on the list and this is how he prayed for him. "So-and-so is not doing well, and he is a really good guy. Please be with him Lord." Okay - so he didn't say So-and-so, but he did tell God that he was a good guy. I thought to myself, wouldn't God already know he is a good guy. Then he did it again with someone else. I tried not to giggle.

You are going to think I am a horrible person but it was funny. There is a guy that we call Snaggletooth (I can never remember his name). Well, he doesn't have but one or two teeth and he is always messing with them. He uses his tongue to mess with them. One of the teeth is kind of loose and he will mess with it in front of you. It is gross!!! He is an old guy, and is kind of the annoying sort. But he is very faithful. I am sure he is a good man. He is the kind of man that sits in his pew looking at others with a look that seems disapproving. I don't even want to know what is going through his mind. He usually dresses fairly nice. But this time he wore a shirt that looked like a jersey. Athletic jersey. You know - that shiny material. He is kind of big, so the jersey was kind of tight. That was funnier than the guy praying. But again, we tried not to giggle. Now instead of Snaggletooth, he is Jersey Boy!!! I know that is horrible. None of this should be going through our minds while we are at church. But it did, and it was funny! We got a good giggle after we left.

Oh and we got a sno-cone. (McD is addicted now too!)

Hope everyone enjoyed their weekend.

Blog - Blog - Blog

This week's BloggingChicks Carnival theme is "What I Love About Blogging." I really had to think about this one. This is what I came up with...

Blogging is like an internet reality television show. When a reality show comes on television I tell myself I am not going to watch it. Then I get sucked in!! Well, that is how I see blogging. I can go to all these different blogs and get a peek into other people's lives. How sick is that? But we all do it. If we didn't - there wouldn't be all those television shows, or magazines that tell what all the celebrities are doing or wearing. (I can't wait for the Amazing Race to start!!)

Sometimes it makes you feel almost normal because there is usually someone out there either going through what you are going through, or they have already written about it. Or you find that your family isn't near as dysfunctional as you thought they were. Because they are all like that.

I really liked my friend, Willowtree's post about why he likes blogging. (I thought it would be nice to put a reference here since he, well - HE can't join the blogging CHICKs carnival.) I would not have know there was this really cool bloke in the outback if I didn't blog!!! Now I have a new friend. There are a lot of other new friends as well, and a couple of old friends too.

I love blogging because sometimes it can be a bit of a release. Of stress, anxiety, or whatever. I am glad I joined the blogging world! Aren't you?

It's Almost Carnival Time!!

Okay all you BloggingChicks! This Carnival is open to all chicks that blog. Even if you are not on the blogroll! So go to BloggingChicks and check it out.

This Carnival's theme is "What I Love About Blogging." This will give everyone that has thought about joining a chance to check it out!

Hope you enjoy the Carnival Sunday. I know I will!!

Feeling Froggy

The drought has killed some turtles, but I found lots of frogs.

Yesterday I was checking some of the cows and I always go by the spring fed pond to make sure there aren't any calves, cows or horses stuck in the mud. I took my camera with me because I wanted to get some photos of the frogs and turtles before this pond goes completely dry. The spring has gone dry so now it is only a matter of time.

Some of the frogs cooperated, but some seemed to hop on water. The only turtles I found were deceased. I found a skeleton of the insides of a turtle. That was something I hadn't seen before. But my memory card was already full! I am trigger happy when it comes to photos.

Here are a few of the frogs...






There are more photos on my Flickr site.

Thanks Cheeky!!!

I don't know if any of you are familiar with Cheeky over at Snow Trapped Southern Girl, but she is to blame for getting all of these great hits stuck in my head today. I am still stuck on Tainted Love by Soft Cell. But check out her Thirteen Thursday post. It is a good one!!

Thanks Cheeky!!

Now I just have to figure out how to get involved in that!

Mia Update

Mia - Mia - Mia

It seems Mia has a fan (Willowtree)!

She just keeps getting more and more comfortable at her new home. Just last night McD told her how fat she was compared to when she found us. And she is!

She has discovered the swinging bench. It is a two-seat bench that glides. She can be found laying on it most of the time. Catching her on it for a photo is impossible. As soon as she sees one of us she jumps off. Wanting petting.


Our farrier was out this past weekend to trim the horses hooves. When he is finished there are hoof remanents scattered about. Forget the rawhides from the store. She wants the hoof trimmings. (In the photos above she is chewing on them.) She will chew on them all day long. I thought it was kind of yucky. I mean you wouldn't want your child to chew on trimmings from your toenails. YUCK! And I am not the only one. Hoss looks at her like she is crazy while she chews on her new found treasure. (WT - I know some posts have been too cutesy for ya, so here's something gross to even it out.)

Going Back in Time

Back to Wednesday, July 2, 1958.

As I thumbed through this mess of an old newspaper this morning I found an article that you just don't see in today's papers. Here it is:

Welcome Mat
Now making their home on Harvey Road are Mr. & Mrs. Ernest Crain and children, Sarah, 13 years old; Eddie, 15; and Carolyn, 16, former residents of Shidler, Oklahoma.
Welder for Kerr-McGee Oil Industries, Mr. Crain and his family attend the Methodist church.
-------------------------------------------------

There was also this little bit of information tossed in the mix of this paper. It was located at the end of an article that is about a Farewell party given to honor someone moving. Do they really still do that? Here is the information they found interesting then:

Families with an annual income averaging $4,000-5,000 purchase one-fifth of all consumer goods in the country.

I found it interesting anyway. More from 1958 another day!

Monday Monday

(Okay - now that song is stuck in my head!)
Monday morning - monday morning couldn't guarantee
that Monday evening you would still be here with me...
=================================

When I first started blogging I told myself I would not blog about my boring everyday life. But sometimes things must be done.

Yesterday, Monday, I had planned on driving 80 miles to the University that I will only be attending for one more semester. YEAH!!! Getting my textbooks for the next semester is not one of my favorite things to do. But there are a few good restaurants so I was going to at least enjoy lunch. A friend was going to go with me but that wasn't going to work, so I headed out on my own.

McD asked me to stop by his office. That was first on my list. I stopped by and was completely surprised! He wanted to go with me. Isn't that sweet!? That made my day!! So we headed out together!

We stopped and gathered my textbooks first. Five classes. Five hundred dollars. That is only because one of the classes did not have a real textbook required. It required a tiny little book that only cost $14.95. Oh well! Glad that purchase is over.

Then we headed to lunch. Some of you might have heard of Eskimo Joe's. The EJ t-shirts are very popular - world wide! When I was in Europe I actually saw someone wearing their EJ shirt. EJ has the best cheese fries!! So that is where we went. We ordered the cheese fries with bacon - super fattening - and we split a burger. It was delicious!!

While we were waiting on our meal we noticed a young couple (in their 20s) thumb wrestling. I thought how sweet!! You never see anyone thumb wrestling anymore. That reminded me of a phone call I received from McD one evening when he was out of town on business. He was having to eat alone, but had me on the phone for company. He was standing in line at Braum's and noticed an older gentleman with what seemed to be his grandson. The Grandpa had a single scoop of ice cream in a cup and the Grandson had a scoop in a cone. He said they were talking and laughing and having a grand ol' time. Aww! I thought! How sweet!!!

We finished eating. Did some shopping at Joe's Clothes. Then to the car to head home. We noticed that the same diesel Ford truck that was running when we arrived was still there. Still running. That reminded us both of something that had happened just last week...

McD met a friend at a restaurant for a late lunch as he was headed home from a meeting. When he parked next to the guys truck he saw that it was running. Why was it running? Because little Suzie was in there and it was hot outside. McD said he worried about the truck being stolen more than Chuckles did. Chuckles told him that if someone stole the truck that would be fine...as long as they left his saddle and Suzie.

...We laughed out loud when we noticed a small dog, smaller than Suzie - a Jack Russell, sitting on the very top of the front seat. It was waiting patiently. It was also very sweet!

Normally Monday's just aren't that sweet! But yesterday was certainly an exception!