Hearing their voice can make a tough day suddenly feel good. Hearing their voice instantaneously makes me feel like I’m on cloud nine (like I’m “a number one, top of the list, king of the hill, a number one…these little town blues…are melting away”)! Immediately.
Two of my dearest girlfriends have re-located, moved, vacated the California premises. I miss them so much. A part of me is empty. Paula moved almost 6 months ago; Michelle moved almost 9 months ago. When I see vehicles around town that look like theirs I still, STILL, even after all of this time, for a split second, think that it could be them in their vehicle. I guess old habits are hard to break.
SIGH
Jennifer, Paula, Michelle, Robin.
We’re a force to be reckoned with! HA!
Between the 5 of us, we have thousands of dollars invested in scrapbooking. Between the 5 of us, we’ve probably only scrapbooked once in the last year! Ah, but we used to have scrapbooking marathons where we would stay up until the wee small hours of the morning talking, laughing and eating.
Between the 5 of us there’s a lot of love, a lot of history, a lot of talking, a lot of listening, a lot of helping, a lot of supporting, a lot of fun and a lot of eating!
Paula always keeps us on our toes, challenging us to expand our horizons. Horseback riding on the beach, check! Dancing in night clubs, check! Day trips to Marine World, day trips to San Francisco, shopping trips, check/check/check! Scrapbooking, check! Forcing us to dress-up for Halloween…every year, CHECK! Pushing us to take the time to decorate for parties…which, in the end, were always well-worth it, check! Helping us move, helping us organize, helping us…whatever, check! Now, Paula wants to do hot-air-ballooning. Like everything else, some of us chickens are all very hesitant. Like everything else…I’m sure Paula will get her way eventually! OMG!
Michelle is game for anything. She is the busiest person I know. If her body didn’t require her to sleep, I think she would be up 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, always on the go! Michelle has been known to start water fights, to tickle the ticklish, to play along with just about any practical joke. We once had her fake going into labor to occupy Paula so we could bring Paula’s surprise party to fruition! One of Michelle’s greatest qualities is that she’s not afraid to share her thoughts and feelings on any subject matter. She sticks up for what she believes in. In that aspect, she keeps us all on our toes.
Jennifer has been referred to as our “Group Mom.” Whenever we take trips, she invariably gets tasked with being the guide (she always knows how to get from here to there and she always has a good idea about what event we should conquer next). She handles all of this with grace and aplomb. When she sees us, Jennifer makes it a point to ‘catch up’ with what is going on in our lives. She listens attentively and caringly. Jennifer is very honest, with herself and with others. That keeps us on our toes! She has a fun sense of humor, and when she lets loose, we are all ensured a good time!
Robin once climbed from the front seat of a moving vehicle into the back seat where I sat crying just to give me a hug. She is nurturing; she lets you know she cares through her actions. Robin helps keep us all young at heart. She’s a go-getter and a planner…she likes to do things just like we do! I don’t think Robin is scared of anything; she’ll try anything at least once. Robin can be quiet; but, don’t let that fool you; she packs a mean punch and a good one-liner…which, if you haven’t guessed by now, keeps us on our toes!
There is a history. There is a bond. We are a self-made family. There have been fights, there have been hurt-feelings, and there have been tears- of laughter, joy, sorrow and pain.
When we get together, it is inevitable that something memorable is going to occur...and I can’t wait for the next get-together!
Here's to girlfriends that I just can't say enough good things about! I miss ya!
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Family Dinner Faux Pas
FYI: Faux Pas: A violation of accepted social norms (I 'Googled' it!)
It was time for dessert. There are some picky eaters in my family who will not touch a dessert if it has nuts in it. Works for me, just slide that piece-o-sweet-goodness my way! Oh, yes!
Anyway, we had a family dinner last night. Dessert was unusual in that not all 70 fingers that were present were grabbing and pawing ruthlessly for their sweet treat. This so perplexed one family member for she had provided the ultimate sweet treat, Mini Chocolate Tarts! Let me say that again, Mini Chocolate Tarts! Mmmm boy! This family member was SURE that the Mini Chocolate Tarts would disappear as fast as ice water on a scorching hot day. But, instead, the Mini Chocolate Tarts just sat there, basically untouched. Said family member was perplexed. “Have some tarts, guys,” said family member insisted.
Now, a few family members were generously helping themselves to mass quantities of all the sweet treats that were available, and there were a lot; there was Apple Pie, Cookies n Cream ice cream, Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream, Chocolate Sundae Sauce and of course, Mini Chocolate Tarts. The relatives that were digging-in like dessert was going out of style began referring to the decadent Mini Chocolate Tarts as Chocolate Balls.
When no one obliged said family member's urgings to try the Mini Chocolate Tarts, she became confused. Said family member must have concluded that her picky relatives were not eating the Chocolate Balls because they thought there were nuts in them. So, with out even thinking, said family member exclaimed, “THEY’RE NOT NUTTY BALLS!”
The entire table froze...then erupted in laughter.
Have a good day! :)
It was time for dessert. There are some picky eaters in my family who will not touch a dessert if it has nuts in it. Works for me, just slide that piece-o-sweet-goodness my way! Oh, yes!
Anyway, we had a family dinner last night. Dessert was unusual in that not all 70 fingers that were present were grabbing and pawing ruthlessly for their sweet treat. This so perplexed one family member for she had provided the ultimate sweet treat, Mini Chocolate Tarts! Let me say that again, Mini Chocolate Tarts! Mmmm boy! This family member was SURE that the Mini Chocolate Tarts would disappear as fast as ice water on a scorching hot day. But, instead, the Mini Chocolate Tarts just sat there, basically untouched. Said family member was perplexed. “Have some tarts, guys,” said family member insisted.
Now, a few family members were generously helping themselves to mass quantities of all the sweet treats that were available, and there were a lot; there was Apple Pie, Cookies n Cream ice cream, Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream, Chocolate Sundae Sauce and of course, Mini Chocolate Tarts. The relatives that were digging-in like dessert was going out of style began referring to the decadent Mini Chocolate Tarts as Chocolate Balls.
When no one obliged said family member's urgings to try the Mini Chocolate Tarts, she became confused. Said family member must have concluded that her picky relatives were not eating the Chocolate Balls because they thought there were nuts in them. So, with out even thinking, said family member exclaimed, “THEY’RE NOT NUTTY BALLS!”
The entire table froze...then erupted in laughter.
Have a good day! :)
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Conversation between Husband and Wife
This is a conversation between a husband and a wife during a multi-hour, all encompassing, curtain install.
UGH.
Husband (standing on ladder when a curtain-install mishap occurs…a few hours into curtain-install Heaven…I hope you taste the sarcasm!): SHOOT! Can you get me the Phillips screw driver?
Wife (eager to help and stay calm for her frustrated husband…all she needed was a dress, apron and high heels and she would be perfect!): Is that the flat one?
Husband: No.
Wife (is walking away to get Phillips screw driver): Oh, OK, it’s the star one, where is it?
Husband: On the couch
Wife (comes back into the room): It’s not on the couch.
Husband: It has to be.
Wife: Well, it’s not.
Husband (he actually stops what he is doing): Hmmm…
Wife: Maybe it’s on the kitchen island.
Husband: Yea, check the island.
Wife (comes back into the room with screw driver): It was on the island.
She hands the screw driver to distracted husband.
Wife (not distracted by the curtain-install because all she is doing is a lot of hurry-up-and-wait, starts thinking): What did you say the one I just handed you is called?
Husband (still distracted, up on a ladder, working intently on curtain-install): Phillips
Wife: That makes no sense…it should be called the star one.
Husband snorts.
If women ruled the world!
Curtain-install hit a wall head-on when the first two, not one but two, attempts to hem sheer curtains failed miserably. Husband and wife decided to pay a professional to hem the curtains.
Wife: Dumping curtains off and paying someone to hem them, totally worth it.
Husband: NO KIDDING!
Wife: Can we hire a cook?
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Let me introduce you to a part of me that does not exist.
Does that make sense? How can I introduce you to a part of me that doesn't exist? If it doesn't exist, there is nothing to introduce. Ah, but there is; let me explain!
My sister-in-law has been doing her own home re-model. They’re putting up their own dry-wall (don’t ask me what that is or means because even with as many times as it’s been explained to me and shown to me, I still don’t know what dry-wall is or means) adding walls, roofs, rooms, bathrooms, expanding kitchens, changing closets, taking out windows, putting in windows, laying tile…you name it, they’re doing it to their house. They’re also adding an enclosed porch/patio.
They would make HGTV and the DIY Network very proud!
My friend, Jennifer, just bought a house. She and her husband put up chair rails (I hope I have the correct term…again, it’s been said to me many a time but for some reason this brain-o-mine just won’t remember) throughout their whole house. They did all of the measuring, cutting and installing themselves. Their next project will be building their own little courtyard in the privacy area of their front yard.
They would make HGTV and the DIY Network very proud!
As I am writing this, thoughts are flooding my mind of all the other people in my life who are do-it-yourselfers; my step-dad, Paul, who is building his own deck, my friend Paula and her family who laid and grouted all their own tile, installed their own cabinets, etc.
They would make HGTV and the DIY Network very proud!
So, one would naturally venture to think that since I am surrounded by a bunch of do-it-yourselfers that I might be inclined to take on a similar feat.
HA!
Unfortunately, I have absolutely no desire, none, zero, zilch, to be a do-it-yourselfer!
I look at these people and am so utterly perplexed. How do they know how to do that, I wonder? Of course I have asked them. They watch HGTV, get ideas, get books, check out how-to videos, etc. But, still I wonder, how do they know how to do that?!?!?!
I am the girl who could not get a mop-head attached to a mop! I am the girl who, when trying to put together a stool, screwed through the top of the beautiful wooden seat, leaving a nice hole in the middle of it. How do you hide a hole in the middle of a seat? I am the girl who, when trying to move an entertainment center with my friend, Michelle, spilled a candle full of hot red wax all over the carpet and wall...and Dave's new surround sound system! I am the girl who, when decorating for parties, would tire of it after just 10 or 15 minutes and be ready to quit! I am the girl who watches her husband assemble a desk, amazed that he knows how to do that and thinks, “I could never do that?!?!” I am the girl who goes to IKEA and buys sliding panels for the window, and doesn’t buy the things that make them hang from the wall and slide! I am the girl who, albeit tries, cannot follow directions to put stuff together to save her life!
You see, that part of my brain which allows a person to look at something, or watch something, and then understand how to do it…is just not there! The part of the brain that allows one to envision what something will look like (a re-arranged living room, a remodeled kitchen) is hidden behind walls and walls and walls in my brain. (Walls of what, you may wonder. That's a good question, and I do not know the answer! I just know there's a blockage!) It’s such a struggle for me to visualize end results in my head. You know what’s funny, though? I can picture outfits and clothes in my head beautifully! I just can’t picture what a room is going to look like when you add these cabinets, that tile, and those counters! HA!
I have absolutely no desire to be a do-it-yourselfer! Just like I have no desire to be on the TV show, “The Apprentice.” The thought of being a participant on the TV show, "The Apprentice," gives me anxiety to no end! So does the thought of being a do-it-yourselfer! Seriously, fear (honest to goodness real fear) and dread fill that part of my stomach where emotion exists just at the mere thought of even attempting to take on a do-it-yourself project.
That's what great about this world of ours. We have do-it-yourselfers...and then we have people who pay people to be do-it-yourselfers...and that's what makes this world go round...so really, I'm just actively contributing to society by not being a do-it-yourselfer! Ahhh, I can put a positive spin on anything, I tell ya!
Does that make sense? How can I introduce you to a part of me that doesn't exist? If it doesn't exist, there is nothing to introduce. Ah, but there is; let me explain!
My sister-in-law has been doing her own home re-model. They’re putting up their own dry-wall (don’t ask me what that is or means because even with as many times as it’s been explained to me and shown to me, I still don’t know what dry-wall is or means) adding walls, roofs, rooms, bathrooms, expanding kitchens, changing closets, taking out windows, putting in windows, laying tile…you name it, they’re doing it to their house. They’re also adding an enclosed porch/patio.
They would make HGTV and the DIY Network very proud!
My friend, Jennifer, just bought a house. She and her husband put up chair rails (I hope I have the correct term…again, it’s been said to me many a time but for some reason this brain-o-mine just won’t remember) throughout their whole house. They did all of the measuring, cutting and installing themselves. Their next project will be building their own little courtyard in the privacy area of their front yard.
They would make HGTV and the DIY Network very proud!
As I am writing this, thoughts are flooding my mind of all the other people in my life who are do-it-yourselfers; my step-dad, Paul, who is building his own deck, my friend Paula and her family who laid and grouted all their own tile, installed their own cabinets, etc.
They would make HGTV and the DIY Network very proud!
So, one would naturally venture to think that since I am surrounded by a bunch of do-it-yourselfers that I might be inclined to take on a similar feat.
HA!
Unfortunately, I have absolutely no desire, none, zero, zilch, to be a do-it-yourselfer!
I look at these people and am so utterly perplexed. How do they know how to do that, I wonder? Of course I have asked them. They watch HGTV, get ideas, get books, check out how-to videos, etc. But, still I wonder, how do they know how to do that?!?!?!
I am the girl who could not get a mop-head attached to a mop! I am the girl who, when trying to put together a stool, screwed through the top of the beautiful wooden seat, leaving a nice hole in the middle of it. How do you hide a hole in the middle of a seat? I am the girl who, when trying to move an entertainment center with my friend, Michelle, spilled a candle full of hot red wax all over the carpet and wall...and Dave's new surround sound system! I am the girl who, when decorating for parties, would tire of it after just 10 or 15 minutes and be ready to quit! I am the girl who watches her husband assemble a desk, amazed that he knows how to do that and thinks, “I could never do that?!?!” I am the girl who goes to IKEA and buys sliding panels for the window, and doesn’t buy the things that make them hang from the wall and slide! I am the girl who, albeit tries, cannot follow directions to put stuff together to save her life!
You see, that part of my brain which allows a person to look at something, or watch something, and then understand how to do it…is just not there! The part of the brain that allows one to envision what something will look like (a re-arranged living room, a remodeled kitchen) is hidden behind walls and walls and walls in my brain. (Walls of what, you may wonder. That's a good question, and I do not know the answer! I just know there's a blockage!) It’s such a struggle for me to visualize end results in my head. You know what’s funny, though? I can picture outfits and clothes in my head beautifully! I just can’t picture what a room is going to look like when you add these cabinets, that tile, and those counters! HA!
I have absolutely no desire to be a do-it-yourselfer! Just like I have no desire to be on the TV show, “The Apprentice.” The thought of being a participant on the TV show, "The Apprentice," gives me anxiety to no end! So does the thought of being a do-it-yourselfer! Seriously, fear (honest to goodness real fear) and dread fill that part of my stomach where emotion exists just at the mere thought of even attempting to take on a do-it-yourself project.
That's what great about this world of ours. We have do-it-yourselfers...and then we have people who pay people to be do-it-yourselfers...and that's what makes this world go round...so really, I'm just actively contributing to society by not being a do-it-yourselfer! Ahhh, I can put a positive spin on anything, I tell ya!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
All My Canine Children
Frisco making love to the camera
Isn't he precious?!?! (above)
Angel
She's pretty photogenic...too bad she's got a mind of her own! My friend, Jennifer came over the other day and I felt like I was hollering at Angel the whole time! "OFF!" "WRONG!" "LAY DOWN!" "BACK UP!" GO ON!" Do ya think she listened to me? Not once! She totally ignored all of my commands! Angel seriously makes me doubt my ability to be a mother if and when that should ever occur. What frustrates me the most is that Dave will walk into the room, give one command, and the dog listens! She obeys immediately! Maybe I need to have my voice changed!
Here she is being relflective and serious
She looks so wise. (above)Food is the secret to getting pictures of dogs...at least for me it is!
Duke is wondering if he stares at me long enough will he get a piece of popcorn???
Duke pouting.
And, that's our canine family.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
IKEA!
When my mom and I first moved to California we would take epic day trips to Sacramento. Mom and Grandma would shop til they dropped, scoping out the best deals in town and papa would entertain me. When I was younger, that was easy; he just took me to the nearest Chucky Cheese. When I got older, I divided my time between shopping with the girls and getting ice cream with the Papa! As school and work got busier, our trips to Sac town lessened…but, with great gusto and ambition, we decided to conquer the great store of IKEA last weekend…and, I’ll buy anyone an ice cream cone if they can guess the correct amount of time that we spent in IKEA…the amount of time that we spent in one single solitary store. All I can say is, thank goodness IKEA has a food shop!
My mission: CURTAINS
My victim: Grandma
My poor Grandma. I don’t know how she gets stuck with me! There is a running joke in my family that Missy can get a lil cranky when she gets a lil hungry. By a lil cranky I mean a lil cranky like The Hulk gets a lil angry…just a lil bit.
Everyone thought we were in good shape. We toured the second floor of IKEA. By the way, the 2nd floor of IKEA is where everything in my mind clicked and HGTV synapses and connections fired in my brain all at once like a…like a…like a sonic decorating boom going off in my head! The 2nd floor of IKEA is where I discovered that all of my HGTV watching paid off. So much sonic booming was going on in my head that it hurt, folks! So, anyways, we thought we were in good shape because we all had full bellies. After what felt like half a day spent on the 2nd floor of IKEA, we finally made our way down to the first floor. The place where dreams come true and decorating magic is brought to life.
I got pillow covers.
I got pillows.
I got more pillow covers.
I made my way to the curtains.
I got some curtains that I fell in love with on the 2nd floor of IKEA. (Decorating dreams do come true, folks!)
Then, I started “MISSION: BEDROOM CURTAINS.”
I don’t know at what point I enlisted my Grandma’s help.
I don’t know at what point I realized that IKEA was not as magical as I thought and that curtains that I liked were not going to magically appear right before my eyes.
I do know that at some point I became quite stressed. (OK, so maybe I still have some things to learn from HGTV!)
I also know that I became even more stressed when I realized that everyone was finished walking through the whole entire store except for me…and my grandma who got stuck with me!
Frustrated, and after hours of looking for curtains that did not exist, I gave up and moved on, leaving the store with out the curtains I originally set out to buy.
So, lessons learned:
Don’t try to buy bedroom curtains when you don’t have a comforter for your bed…buy the comforter first.
Always make a return trip to IKEA after you’ve shown your husband everything you bought so you can go back and buy everything you didn’t buy that is required to assemble everything you did buy! Kapeesh? Kapeesh!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Misc. Pics.
This is what was left of our reindeer after evil, bad, fat, ugly, scrooge-elves messed with our Christmas yard decor...if you look closely enough, you can see a faint tear drop rolling down poor Dave's cheek:
He's sorely mistaken...or is he?!?!
Poor Reindeer
The most beautiful and brightest perfectly arch shaped rainbow recently shone above our house:
Dave recently had a Birthday where he danced the night away!
YES! That is what I call, "dancing!" Others may call it, "air surfing...with a wingman!"
Duke thinks that he's a lap dog.
He's sorely mistaken...or is he?!?!
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