Out with the Old

2008 is on its way out. Wow! What a year! I can honestly say that the 1st half of 2008 kind of sucked. I turned 40 in March, had my one and only anxiety attack in May (thanks Lee Academy), and also in May an abcessed tooth.
But the second half was awesome! It's always better to end well, huh? Starting school in August was rough but I have the best kids this year in class. Much, much better than the last TWO years. Discipline works you know. Thanks to Mr. Billy for that. I have all new history books which is great! I killed my first buck a 6 point in October. Another doe in November. And had an absolutely fabulous-o Christmas! I got awesome gifts with money! Who doesn't like to get money????
Now that it's the last day of the year, I would like to take a stab at some New Year's Resolutions. Spoiler alert: I NEVER keep my resolutions so don't expect some magnificent transformation on my end. LOL
Resolution #1: To remember to take my vitamins EVERY day.
Resolution #2: To wean myself down to ONE Diet Coke a day.
Resolution #3: To concentrate on my abs during workouts.
Resolution #4: To have a happy heart. Not to take things too seriously. And continue to care for others more that for myself.
I hope to continue blogging in 2009! Thanks to all my blog readers. I hope you all have a wonderful and blessed New Year! later.......

Twas the morning of Christmas

Twas the morning of Christmas and all through our house
A couple of creatures were stirring....Clifford and me who were not a mouse;
The stockings were hung with loot by the chimney with care
But we weren't for sure yet that St. Nick had been there.
Anthony and Blakely were snug in OUR bed,
while visions of venison and laptops danced in their heads;
Me in my pjs, and Clifford the lazy dog,
Had just had breakfast and were thinking of snoring logs,
When back in the living room there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my computer to see what was the matter.
Away to the room I flew like a flash,
Slipped a few times and almost fell on my a**.
The moon was finally shining off the rain beaten pane
I thought for a minute I might need to eat a candy cane.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a nice new laptop and Moose the Build-a-Bear reindeer,
With a poster of Nick Jonas, and a doggy chewy stick,
I knew finally knew for sure we had been visited by St. Nick.
If only the rest of our family would wake up,
to enjoy the gifts for us and our pup;
But, alas, as usual it's only me and Cliff
We are the only ones silly enough to get up early in a jif.
So back to the computer I find myself going,
I will check my email and facebook before morning.
But I would like to say before I turn on a light,
Merry Christmas to all and may your gifts you receive be out of sight!

2 days and counting

OK...here's the deal. A present I bought for Blakely did not have all its parts and the only place I could get this fixed was in Memphis. I knew this at about 11 this morning. Not a happy camper. I had a hair appt and was expected for my daily Wal-mart visit after that. Well, I am an adjustable kind of gal so I got Wally World out of the way, started my hair appt early, then high tailed it to Mempho SOLO. Let me just say that this was literally a driving nightmare! The area around the mall is bumper to bumper. Nobody feeling the Christmas spirit either if ya know what I mean. The good thing is I have a bigger vehicle than most so I just bullied my way around. Hey, what else is the gas guzzling secret service vehicle good for? LOL I fully expect to have issues with my "return gift" but alas, I am shocked! Not only do they take it but give me a new one for LESS price and I get MONEY back!!!! OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so happy. This NEVER happens to me. I am thinking I need to go to the casino at this point! LOL But instead I head to the bookstore for a leisurely jaunt through my absolute favorite place plus a big, black, strong cup of joe from Starbucks. Life is good.....

I get back home and get my outside lights working. Basically, I am about to freak out. This has been way too good. What's up with that? Nothing so far. I am even enjoying my wine. My husband and kid are still not home. One is with my mom...the other with a friend from high school. I am sure you can figure out which. :) I am alone and so enjoying myself. So Merry Early Christmas to ME! Later.......

Can I get a toot toot? Can I get a beep beep?

I love me some R Kelly! LOL Even if he's a perv. That title sums up my feelings that I am out for Christmas Break!!!! Woo Hoo!!!! Finally! This has got to have been the longest week EVER.

I finally finished all of my Christmas shopping. The only gift I didn't purchase (and I am still mad) is the Wii. I am going to regret that decision but alas, I needed a budget restraint (according to my husband). The REAL reason is he didn't want our tv to be tied up all the time. I think it's also because Blakely and I kicked his butt on Wii Boxing SEVERAL times. Picture me and mini-me punching the daylights out of 6ft manly man. It was hysterical! We weren't good sports either. We really enjoyed this and rubbed it in! He is still trying to figure out what happened. LOL

Something is wrong with me. And not just mentally. LOL I have been invaded by some Martha Stewart alien being. I am baking! Yes, baking! Secretly I love to bake! I "get" the whole mixing and oven thing. It's the stovetop that I am not sure about. I made some ooey gooey butter bars yesterday and they are awesome! I am baking a chocolate pie and a devil's food bundt cake today. I am also trying out a new coconut pie recipe. I am sure those of you that read this blog and actually know me are FREAKING OUT. Seriously, though, I am a very good baker. I don't even eat what I bake most of the time. I just fatten up my husband, child, and neighbors. If I start eating what I cook,I won't fit into any size doorway.

Anthony is going to Memphis today to Christmas shop. I am sure he is getting me a camo backpack and he better be picking up his dad something since he is all that's left on our list.

Tonight we are eating lobster, shrimp, and steak at the Hall's. I am probably the only person that does not like lobster but I LOVE shrimp and steak. It's a texture thing with the lobster. I am bringing the cake. It's always fun to eat with friends.

Tomorrow is our Christmas Breakfast with Santa at church. Baking cookies for that one but am cheating with break and bake. Sorry but they are just as good as homemade and take a lot less time. Work smarter not harder. This is always a fun event to attend especially for the little ones.

What is up with this weather? I actually broke a sweat yesterday. Today feels weird too and tomorrow is like what... 5 below or something! I bet some folks will be getting sick. Christmas is in the 50's supposedly. I just hope we get atleast one snowfall this year and preferably (if I may be so bold as to request) not in March.

I will probably post more this week but if not, Merry Christmas to all my blog readers!!!! Later.....

UPDATE: Christmas lights are d.o.a. The outlet no longer works. I am going to check it out for myself just in case my better half is trying to pull a fast one to save on our electricity. Little does he know but I am going to run another extension cord to ANOTHER outlet and ouila....Lights ON!

Lights,Weather, and Action

Where do I begin? Let's start with the lights. Well, I am officially a Griswold. I blew out a fuse on the entire backside of my light show. Not to mention the landscaping lights along with it. My husband has been "fixing" the problem for 3 days now. Personally, I don't think he's even looked at them. He's just stringing me along so I won't attempt to re-light them. But today if they are not on......I am the new electrician. :)

OK....we did not get any winter weather here. Surprise...Surprise. NOT I really thought we would be out of school on Tuesday. Oh well. Could this week drag on any longer? I finished all my tests yesterday so I have absolutely nothing to do today and tomorrow. I have even finished grading all my tests and entering them into Gradebook. I am sooooo good.:)

Christmas is fast approaching and I am D O N E. I bought the last of my gifts yesterday. I also started and finished my dad's shopping. He gives me his credit card and a list of names only (no idea at all for gifts) and away I go. I have been doing this for 5 years so I must be getting the gifts right or I would hear some complaints. I really like buying his gift for me. It's kind of hard though for me not to go online and order those Ugg boots I want. But I didn't succumb to the pressure. I bought my gift at Edwin Houston and had it wrapped. I am such a good girl. (seriously.....I can be)

I am trying to figure out the days I want to go deer hunting. Looks like after Christmas. It will probably be the last time unless I get a weekend break in January.

And can I say how much I love Facebook??? I love it! I get to reconnect with long lost friends from college as well as others. It's awesome! If you don't have it, get it!

Have a great week and I will hopefully post soon. Later.......

Very Interesting Weekend

I started out my weekend going to see Four Christmases (sp?). I laughed my head off! I love Vince Vaughn and he cracked me up as usual. It was not what I expected to see but I was pleasantly surprised. If you haven't seen it, you should.

Saturday I arrived at the St. Francis County courthouse for Concealed Weapon training and certification. Yes, really. It was an interesting mix of people to say the least. There were about 20 of us from this area. Male, female, black, white, etc. Like I said it was interesting. Most of the class was filling out paperwork. I learned two very important things:
1. Never pull out a gun UNLESS you intend to use it because it escalates an already intense situation.
2. If you shoot an intruder don't maim them, kill them. If you wound them all they are going to do is sue you. Even if they broke into your home or whatever, you will be liable to them more than likely if they are only wounded. I just think that sucks but that's our society and some lawyers.
I got to go to the firing range to shoot my pistol. I am not a bad shot. It was the most fun I have had in a while. I passed. Glad that's over:)

Where do I start with today???? I finally decided to get my outside Christmas lights up. OMG...why? why? why?!?!!? I officially have made our neighborhood very Griswoldish. I've got extension cords running everywhere and lights galore. I have one lousy blowup Santa and I probably won't have him in the morning because of the wind. All my neighbors have very tasteful and simple decorations but not the Griswold's er I mean Davis'. I even think I threw my back out wrestling with all the lights for THREE hours. Ofcourse I had NO help which was probably a good thing. Last year the neighbors heard a "naughtier than nice" shouting match while Anthony "helped" me. :)

And finally, this is our last week of school! Yippee!!!! I am so ready to hang out with my family and enjoy the Christmas season. I was reminded this morning at church what Christmas should feel like. I have been so busy running around paying attention to the little things that I almost missed the big picture. It's about the birth of Jesus.....plus it's when we should look forward to some down time and to enjoy spending time with our families. I am going to do my best to get into the "real" spirit of Christmas. I hope for once I succeed. Later......

Work Sucks

As I sit here at my desk I ask myself the following:

Exactly why on Earth am I working???????

Not that I don't need to work but hey, I could find something less "drama"tizing to do with many talents. Working with a bunch of women has its drawbacks with few perks. I am a woman so I can effectively comment on this situation. It must be "hormone" week here. Everywhere people are on the verge of snapping. Ofcourse if you really get lucky, they just snap "at" ya. Few will snap to your face with most snapping behind your back. For others, it could bring on a full on nervous breakdown. Even the copy guy is in on the act. Long story. If anybody anywhere ever needed a holiday break.....now's the time. I need to get to meditating before I go all crazy psycho on somebody. Probably the copy guy. Seriously too long of a story.

Anyhoo, this is my post. Later......

Bah Humbug

OMG! I left my home at 8 yesterday morning to Christmas shop in Memphis. I got back home at 9 last night! Hor-ri-ble. Christmas shopping nightmare. It was not that the stores were crowded or anything but the people that were there were rude. Ofcourse I can't blame them. I didn't want to be there either. There were some good deals although none of them were on my shopping list. I hit the mall (all major stores PLUS some), target, best buy, wal-mart (yes, freakin' walmart!), sports authority, bass pro, and garden ridge. I got the bulk of my list checked off but still have some to go. This is when I wish I was 10years old again with no responsibilities and I didn't have to buy anybody anything. Bah! OK, I really do love buying for Blakely though. She loves a present. Any present. She has her particulars but really enjoys the gift getting AND giving. Much better person than me.
After I got home, I picked up my kid who kept telling me her stomach hurt. Well, ALL night (and I do mean all night) she went to the bathroom. Around 5 this morning, she hurled all over our bedroom floor. Bless her heart. She was sick. However, miraculously I think it's just a tummy thing. She is tired but finally asleep. I hope I am right about it not being much of anything to worry about. I am trying to catnap off and on just in case I am wrong.
This is our last full week of school. We go all next week but only half days after Tuesday. You have no idea how much I need this break. Will try to post later in the week. Ta-Ta

Blakely the Diva

Sorry it has taken me a couple of days to get to this post but I tried yesterday morning. It was a disaster. I will not be uploading the video of Blakely's solo. It's awesome but eats up too much space.

She was absolutely Oscar worthy at the FUMC Christmas program! She did an awesome job AND sang like an angel. Normally all I get to hear are her imitations of Radio Disney songs but her "real" voice is really nice. She sounds sooooo sweet. It's hard to believe if ya know what I mean. LOL She is so independent. I didn't practice her parts or songs with her.....she does it on her own. I think she could basically do without me. (I hope not yet). I am uploading some pics of the cast so you can kind of see that this was a "production". Thanks to Paige Laws, Sarah Jumper, and Carla Nimocks.

I have got to consider making some serious changes to my diet. Basically, I eat junk. I like poptarts, oatmeal creme pies, sonic burgers, diet coke, and that's just the tip of the iceberg. I have got to realize that I am no longer a kid that can eat kid food. It's not a weight issue at all. I am a good weight. It's a health issue. I am 40. I am 40. I am 40. I have got to get a grip on that! I need a multi-vitamin and GREEN food. Why you may ask? Just let me tell you. Last night Blakely and I were on our way to my yoga class. As I drive down my hill I get an absolutely debilatating foot cramp. I mean one where you foot draws up and 3 toes stick straight up in the air. It was painful. I think labor may have been less painful. I am serious. It would NOT go away no matter what I did. Blakely (the child) asked me (the adult) if I wanted her to drive? OK, I actually considered letting her. I manage to get to the gym where I can get to Lisa Douglas (my friend, yoga instructor, AND massage therapist). I have no shoe on my right foot and I stick it out to her and just say "Fix it". She grabs my foot and I seriously consider passing out. It hurt that badly. She gets that concerned look so I immediately think cancer. She feels knots in my foot and my calf. Tumors? Uh, no she replies. Just tension knots and she says we have to go into the "parlor" to sit down. As she is torturing me with a foot massage (seriously, it did NOT feel good), I break out into a sweat. Feel sick. She talks to me about the importance of a good diet (blah, blah) and if I won't listen (which I obviously am not) she told me to at least take a multi-vitamin with potassium. I can DO that! The verdict: no yoga class that night. My foot can't handle it. The cramp tentatively subsides and I go to Wendy's and eat a baked potato with the skin. This morning as I write this, my foot is not cramping but is still sore. FYI-thank goodness I have that hot stone massage this pm! Love my life!

OK, well that's about it for my post today. I will probably update on Sunday because I am going to Mempho (by myself unless I get any volunteers) to Christmas shop. Should be horrible. Have a wonderful Friday! Later.......

Technology is hard on a 40 year old

If you read my last post you know that I washed my cell phone. Went to Cingular (I know it's AT&T now but I still say Cingular) to ask how to get a replacement phone. I actually had insurance. Ofcourse I can't just pick one up at the store. I have to call a number and pay 50 bucks. But hey, 50 is better than 350 which is what it would cost to replace my Blackjack II without insurance. Worth every penny. This is 2nd phone I have washed. Idiot, I know. Meanwhile, I am eligible for an upgrade. However, I give it my hubby who desperately needs a new phone. OK, he trumps MY phone. He gets the new Blackberry. What?!? He can't even turn it on!!!!!!!! LOL It's been fun watching him try to figure the thing out without reading the book with the directions. Helloooo, directions? Men don't do directions. But who am I to talk???LOL See last post.:) Anyhoo, my phone will be here tomorrow WITHOUT all my phone numbers which were stored to my "clean" phone NOT this sim card. Great. And I lost all my cool music. Good thing I hang out with techno savvy teens all day. They are already working on my playlist! Thanks guys.

Ipod issues. When my computer crashed so did my Itunes with my ipod jam. I am now trying to figure out how to reload. In process of downloading new itunes. Really hope this works. Not too sure.

Tomorrow Blakely is in our church Christmas program. She has a solo! I can hardly wait! She is really excited about it. Last year's was awesome! I will hopefully update with pics and the story on Thursday.

Later.....

Last Week

Being out of school last week only made me want to be out of school THIS week. I had a great time. On Tuesday, I took my Aunt Goo (Louise but I call her Goo) to Tunica. She is at a casino at least 3 times a week but she won't go to Tunica unless I take her. She always gives me gas money AND gambling money. Who wouldn't go?!? I sat at a poker table for about 6 hours and lost all HER money but had F U N. It's always cool to play poker and meet all the people around you. My dad (Goo's brother) met us down there. I had to pick Anthony up at the airport at 9p so he took her home. Now anybody who really knows me, knows that I could not find my way out of a paper bag. I am absolutely "blond" when it comes to directions. I don't know my north from my south, barely my left from my right (kidding), and for pete's sake don't give me directions by "landmarks". Ex- big tree turn left. If you do the landmark thing, I need to know what they look like at night bc for me they look totally different than they do in the day. Seriously, I am developmentally delayed in the direction dept. Soooo, I take off for the airport in Mempho from Tunica. I take a wrong turn (do not even ask me how) and ended up in the "bad" part of town. I call my dad and he freaks out, my aunt freaks out, and I am cool as usual. I mean this is what I "do". I am used to it and don't have the good sense to be scared. It's nighttime and I don't even see well at night. Probably why I wasn't that scared. Anyhoo, I stop at a KFC and the nice drive-thru man points in the direction I should go ( I "get" pointing:)) and I miraculously am off to the airport. Dad and Aunt still aren't comfy and want me to pull over on 240 and wait on them to "escort" me to the airport. My family is well aware of my directional defect. So much that my dad gave me his GPS for the woods. And yes, I have been lost in the woods. That WAS scary.

I finally picked up Anthony (without the help of family I might add!) who was not surprised at all of my escapade. We finally get home around 11p. We decide to leave the following morning for deer camp. We pack up everything plus Blakely and Clifford and head down in separate cars. I take Cliffy bc I want to stop at Mack's in Stuttgart. If you have never been to Mack's, it's kind of like going into a Toys R Us for hunters. I spent WAY too much time in there and bought way too much. Merry Christmas to me! Being at deer camp for Thanksgiving was very cool. We all had a wonderful time. I was the only girl hunter there. 2 others brought their wives, but they don't hunt. I try to stay away from the menfolk as much as I can. They like to tease me. I swear I am bullied. Anthony swears they love me and like that I am there, but I remember that deer camp is for guys and sometimes girls are not all that welcome. Either way, I like to hang out in the camper. They usually send Anthony to get me out. This is what they "tease" me about:

1. They know I am not a very big person so when they see me in all my hunting attire with size 6 boots they laugh and make references to the Michelin man. Like "are you in there" and "what all did you eat last night"?
2. They all know about my direction issues. I am not even going there. I think they tease Anthony more for having to take me to deerstands. And if he doesn't take me, I have to text him as soon as I get there so he won't send out the posse to find me.
3. I hear and see things in the woods that the men swear is my imagination. This really pees me off. I may be directionally challenged, but I watch Animal Planet and I KNOW things. Here's a rundown:
a. black and white fuzzy spiders. they are everywhere. ya'll know i don't like spiders. apparently, they only show themselves to me. next time i am going to snap a pic.
b. there are chipmunks in arkansas. i know the difference btw a squirrel and a chipmunk. hello, alvin and simon? there was one under jimmy's stand (which i was hunting). the guys say there are no chipmunks down there. What EVER.
c. at dark on jimmy's stand on friday, i heard 4 consecutive sounds that reminded me of a lady screaming. i have heard plenty of screech owls and this was not one. i am thinking panther. seriously, and let me tell you why. i heard it running and then i heard it chomp on an animal. the poor animal was a rabbit i think. it sounded like the sound a rabbit makes when being chomped. i know this bc i have seen and heard a dog do this to a rabbit. it was pitch black and STEPH was NOT coming down from the stand. No way. It was spooky. The guys made fun of me but I think I scared Jimmy a little.:)

I decide that Blakely, Clifford, and me are coming home on Saturday whether I kill a deer or not. I'd seen deer on the stands, but either couldn't get a shot or didn't want to shoot. Saturday morning, Anthony and Blakely slept in so Ron Hall took me to my stand. He's a great guy. He has to have his Diet Coke just like I do so when he'd forgotten it (and me my cushy seat) we had to reverse back to camp. He slams into a pole. What a way to start the day. We finally get to where we were hunting so we split up. I head to my favorite stand. It's actually "my" stand. I love it! It's been moved out to the road so I can really see in all directions. I am up there eating my oatmeal creme pie and drinking my diet coke when I hear a deer. Ron texts me as says buck is headed my way. I look to the feeder and there is a very large doe eating corn. I wait on the buck. After 30 minutes of watching this deer eat all my corn I decide the buck is not coming. I text ron and he says shoot. I did. Great shot. Ron didn't believe me when I told him she was pretty large. But guys, she was big. I think she was an older doe. So in under one hour, I had my power breakfast, killed my deer, and headed back to the camper. Now that's the way to hunt! LOL I immediately packed all of our stuff and we headed home at 10.

In my haste to get a "real" shower when I got home, I managed to forget I had my cell in my pants. Which I put in the washing machine. Needless to say, i need a new cell phone. At least I have insurance.:)
OK, this was a very long post. Hope you enjoyed it. Will update sometime next week. Later.....

Christmas before Thanksgiving

OK, I am in the process of putting up not one, not two, but THREE trees! Insanity. Ofcourse one has remained up all year. Long story. However, I am about to run screaming "Bah Humbug" down Knight St. Why on Earth would one familyhave 3 trees? Insanity?
A few homes in my immediate area and on my street have had "suspicious" activity including a vehicle break-in two doors down. I am hoping we look "redneck" enough with the camper and my deer antlers hanging in the garage to scare off any hoodlums. If not, I have been schooled well enough in handguns, rifles, and assault weaponry to hopefully become their worst nightmare if stupid enough to try stealing at this residence. Not to mention the guarddog Clifford. Yeah, right. LOL It's pretty rough here in FC. I have lived here all of my life (except 7 wonderful years in Little Rock) and I have watched it slowly go down the tubes. It used to be a pretty cool place to live. Perfect distance from LR, Mempho, and Jonesboro. Now it's just crap. I don't know what anyone can do to turn it back into the city I lovingly remember. Oh well.
Back to Christmas.....I have to go back to WallyWorld this evening to finish buying outside lights. i just could not stomach it this morning. It's supposed to rain but maybe it will hold off until I finish the Davis version of the Griswold's light show.:)
I really want to know how the Twilight movie came out. If you have seen it, please comment on what you thought. I am debating on seeing the show tomorrow.
I hope all have an absolutely wondeful Thanksgiving. We have so much to be thankful for in our family. Although life has its ups and downs, really, it's an awesome world. I am glad to be a part of it. Later......

Camp

I took off Friday at school to go to deer camp. Anthony was tired of spending money at the Holiday Inn Express in Monticello so he bought a top of the line (i'm serious) camper. I was kind of skeptical of the whole thing. I don't camp if ya know what I mean. However, I was pleasantly surprised. This camper thing is neato. We went to WallyWorld and loaded up to make the thing as close to home as possible. It truly has everything you need to make your whole "experience" comfy.
We got to camp on Thursday pm. Blakely and Anthony got there early pm but me and Clifford (the french bulldog) didn't make it until that evening. As most of ya'll know, I am pretty short. Well, Clifford is even shorter. This camper is jacked up so even Jolly the Green Giant would need assistance to get up in it. My butt, abs, and legs got a total workout from those freakin' steps. Clifford, on the other hand, was not as lucky. Before we could pick him up to get him down the steps to go potty, he bolts. Hangs his toenail in one of the little round holes on the steps (a perfect fit) and RIPS his ENTIRE toenail OUT of his paw. DIS-GUST-ING. OMG there was blood everywhere. I am upset, Blakely is upset, and Anthony just says, "he'll be fine. i've done that before" (What?!?) While Clifford is bleeding like a stuck hog (which he also just happens to look like and sound like), I am busy cleaning up the blood he has drug across the new camper carpet. Ahhh, it's feeling just like home.
The really fun part is there were a lot of people there we knew. We hunted on Friday. I didn't see anything and managed to get lost going to my stand only once. Then we had a cookout. I ate a hamburger on the grill. It was good until about 1 hour later. Hence my next story..... the camper potty. Now this bathroom is clean and all but it's still like a porta-potty(sp?). I had stomach issues (thought I'd been poisoned) and the potty experience just made me sicker. I managed to trump Cliffo on the DIS-GUST-ING. I managed to get through it but you know when you feel really bad you feel better just sleeping on the couch....so I traded beds with Blakely. I did feel better on Saturday stomachwise but neck/back/arms wise I was broken. I swear that couch broke every bone in my upper body. I could barely move. I was a trooper though and went on to my stand. If I thought it was difficult moving when I first got up, boy did I have fun getting down from the stand. I literally thought this is what I have to look forward to when I am 50? Alas, this dark cloud did have a silver lining. I discovered Advil Liquid Gels. They are my new wonder drug. I popped two of those and ouila! NO PAIN! I could get up to hunt another day:)
Last day, Sunday morning. I had seen exactly TWO whole deer in 2 days. Boring...Boring! My fabulous hunting family slept in so I had to do everything myself and get to my stand on my own. I am notoriously known for getting lost so Anthony (to say the least) was nervous. I actually made it to my stand by 530. I did not get off my stand until 1045. I had the absolute best time! I saw 15 plus deer. I stopped counting. I had whiplash from looking so fast from side to side just to keep up with them (no worry I have Advil!). Most all were button and spike bucks. One actually came up to my stand and looked at me. Too cute! I didn't fire a single shot. Not because I didn't have a shot to take. I could have killed several, but I truly enjoyed watching. Not to mention not all were legal to harvest. I went home deerless but happy.
Sidebar:
1. Although I did not get lost n Sunday, I could not figure out how to start the 4 wheeler. Embarassing.
2. The real reason I didn't kill a spike deer was because they looked just like our pet deer Roscoe. With Blakely in camp, I didn't even go there.
3. I can hardly wait to go back at Thanksgiving. Anthony may make a "camper" out of me yet!
4. What on Earth did we do without cell phones?????
This week is the last week before Thanksgiving break. I can hardly wait to be out ONE entire week! I so need it! Will try and post later this week.
JAKE: thanks for posting daily. I've missed you!

Good things come to those who wait

I did not kill a deer this weekend. I only saw one itty bitty buck (3pt) and that was it! However, I had a great time! I enjoyed sitting on my stand watching a gazillion squirrels. I kind of freaked myself out when I spied a very large (about the size of a nickel!!!) gray/black fuzzy spider crawling on my stand. I screamed and killed it. This is probably why I didn't see any deer! LOL But whatever....the only good spider is a dead spider.
After a full weekend of stand sitting I am in need of a serious massage. I think my back is broken. So, I have my one hour "therapy" scheduled for this afternoon.
Our house was shown by a realtor today. I doubt it will sell in this economy but you never know. Keeping my fingers crossed. Where will we go? Hot Springs. When will we go? Who knows.
I have a lot I want to write on this post but it will have to wait until much later. Hope all are having a stellar Monday!

Now the rest of the story.....

I have waited almost 24 hours to write this post. The last few times I blogged in anger it may not have been for the best. Live and learn I tell ya.
Here is my complete presidential voting record from 1988-present. My gift to you:
1. 88: George Bush vs. Walter Mondale. I voted Mondale. Lost vote.
2. 92: George Bush vs. Bill Clinton. I voted for Bush. Even being from Arkansas I could not nor would I ever vote for Bill. He made a pass at my mother. I didn't/don't trust him. Lost vote.
3. 96: Bob Dole vs. Bill. See above. Lost vote.
4. 2000: Al Gore vs. GW. I voted for GW because I didn't like anyone connected with Clinton. A trust issue again. Technically, I lost this vote. But thanks to the Constitution and the Supreme Court I ended up winning. Wow.
5. 2004: GW vs. John Kerry. I voted for GW again because there was really no choice. John Kerry is an elitist. I legitimately won this vote.
6. 2008: Obama vs. McCain. I actually voted for McCain but only because of a trust issue. Lost vote.
I have never liked EITHER choice for the presidency in ANY election I have voted. There is always a loser (usually me). What I can not (or ever) understand is why people resort to fear and hatred. Adults and least of all children should be going around spouting off hate. I hate n******, I hate Obama, I hope Obama dies. Are we the same people living in the bible belt? And if he is the Anti-Christ so what? As Christians should we be afraid or should we be excited because the end is near? How's that for an ironic twist.
And just because some blacks preach hate does that give us license to do the same? Remember our parents asking us if so and so jumps off a bridge are you going to follow? I was raised to think for myself and always try to do the right thing. I know the right thing is not filled with hatred or fear. We live in the greatest country in the world where ANYONE from ANY RACE or BACKGROUND can achieve their DREAMS. It's a win/win situation. In four years if we don't like how things are going guess what...we can try to change them. That's the best part. So sit back, relax, and enjoy your life. And if the Democrats (and understand it's the group not just one man) totally stink up the next 4 years we can sit back and say, I told you so!

Field trip, pancakes, hair, and rubdown

Today was an absolutely awesome, productive day. Here's the rundown:
1. 1st thing I met my senior government class at the Forrest City Civic Center. We were on a field trip! To watch me vote! All 15 of them got to meet my former city councilman (Chris Oswalt), and my current city councilman (Steve Hollowell). The boys even helped Steve put up some McCain/Palin signs. The line was not too long, but the ballot sure was. Did you know that there are SEVEN candidates for President listed on Arkansas' ballots?!? It was taking a really long time to electronic vote so I opted for the tried and true paper. I will not share my votes as that would be un-American of me.
2. After voting, we went to the First Baptist Church for Kiwanis pancake day. It was all you can eat! We really enjoyed ourselves. I am extremely proud of my group. They were polite, well-mannered, and cleaned up their mess (even though they didn't have to). I love 'em.
3. My students had to go back to class, but I got to go to Russ Lee's funeral. I have mixed emotions which are too personal to share, but let's just say it was a funeral.
4. Afterwards, I got my hair cut and colored. Looks smashing!
5. And the BEST part of the day: a ONE hour massage at the health club! I have had WAY too good a day (except for see#3). But I think I deserve it.
ELECTION sidebar: I think it will be closer than some think. We shall see.
Personal note: I will return to work tomorrow. Hopefully in a much better mood than previous days. Sometimes all you really need is a day off.

Sad

Our computer bit the dust one week ago today. I have had to use my work computer (when I could) to check my email, facebook, blog, etc. so I haven't been too up on this blog. However, we bought a brand spankin' new Dell yesterday! Happy Early Christmas to us! LOL
Yesterday brought some sad news. An old friend of ours, Russ Lee, from Palestine died. He had a heart attack in his sleep at his parent's home. Russ was only 38. I will attend the funeral this week. I haven't seen or spoke with Russ in years, but my prayers go out to his family.
Not that anyone needs reminding, but go vote on Tuesday! I will update my blog after my field trip that morning. I am taking my senior government class to the polls with me, and then we are eating breakfast at the Kiwanis pancake day. I think they are looking most forward to that! Surprise, surprise!
Glad the Hogs won!
Unbelievable update: I made homemade potato soup. Yes, you heard me, HOMEMADE! It is awesome if I do say so myself! Anthony is wondering what's up with that. It's because my baby is sick and that's what she wanted. Of course I let him think it's for him too. I am so bad.
Later......

What's the use?

Is there a reason to get mad? If so, should you open your mouth to speak when you are mad? I think the answer to both is YES. I can not help wonder how some people manage to keep their mouths shut? I am so impressed by those who can actually do that? What is their secret???? I, for one, have always managed to speak up and/or put my foot in my mouth. Is this because of my mom, dad, or aunt? or even farther back a grandma or a papaw? I am positive it has to be a passed on gene from one of these. Should you always think before you speak? I actually tend to do this (i happen to think quickly), but usually it's what I think I can get away with. I think I should have been an activist of some kind. I probably would have been assassinated, but I would atleast have been doing SOMETHING.
Is Blakely going to be like me? If she is I haven't decided if that's a good thing or not.

Deer Hunter

I left for our deer camp in Monticello with my hubby at noon on Thursday. We arrived around 3p and went straight to my new stand. It's a 20foot double man stand at an awesome location. It rained on us the entire time! I was miserable. More so because Anthony sat with me. LOL He had to eat an apple, chew redman, etc. It actually was fun though! At around dark, I saw a very large buck cross the railroad track across from me. I immediately got buck fever. He was so smart. I never saw him come to the feeder. I could hardly wait to return to my stand on Friday morning.

Friday morning I got to my stand (alone!) with my crossbow.

At 8 a.m., here he comes. All I see is deer and antlers. I am beyond excited. I have my bow ready. But he is sooooo much smarter than me! LOL He came in low and stayed behind a thicket. I could not get a clear shot. He toyed with me for a few minutes then flitted off to the tracks where (I SWEAR) he looked back at me and smiled! I was not amused. After lunch, I went back to my stand where I proceeded to have an allergy attack. I was not feeling well at all. I loaded up on Benadryl and went back to my hotel room deerless. I had decided that I would not hunt Saturday morning. I wanted to feel better. I also decided to forget the crossbow. I wanted to kill a deer so I got my muzzleloader. That way if/when my buck returned I could take a good shot.

Saturday afternoon I get to my stand about an hour earlier than I needed to. 2 cute baby deer show up. They were so small. Their ribs showed. I wish all people that hate hunting would understand that it's necessary for just this reason. These two would starve to death. I let them eat as much corn as they wanted. I really enjoyed watching those guys. They were pretty. They were graceful and smart. Something spooked them after about 30 minutes. It wasn't me. I look up and see a very large doe at the railroad tracks. She is mature AND fat. She immediately sees me and flits away. I was disappointed. I won't shoot a doe if she has her babies with her, but this one was all alone and perfect. No sooner had I watched her flit away, a buck shows up. This is not my buck, but he will do. He was not bright. He didn't even sniff the air. He came just right on in and posed broadside in front of my stand. I shot him. It was an absolutely perfect shot. He ran 30 yards. I heard him fall. I was so excited. He was a big bodied deer for down there and a 6 point. I don't know who was more excited, me or Anthony.

Because I killed a deer, I got to sleep in Sunday. I am ready to go back though. I really want to use my crossbow. I think it is way more difficult; a challenge for sure.

Back at home, I find that my computer has crashed. That's just great. I am looking forward to a full week at school. I need to work just to keep my mind off deer. LOL

Sidenote1: We almost beat MB Nutt. I am over it.

Sidenote2: What the crap is up with school shooting at my alma mater UCA?!?!?!? How awful!

Calmer

OK, I have cooled off since my last post. I really was a little upset. Sorry if I made anyone angry. Sometimes you just have to say what's on your mind, ya know?
I am sitting here at school waiting on parents to show up to get their kid's report card. I have to be here until SIX pm! I am sooo bored. All of us are. But I am not going to complain because at least the kids are not here.
I got my hair cut today. Same old style.
I also went shopping this morning. Bought a few things for the fall season. I really need a couple of new pairs of boots. I LOVE to shop for shoes!
Well, this is a totally lame and boring post. I will probably not post again until Sunday. Have a good rest of the week blog readers!

Sick and Tired

Here's the deal:
1. Don't ask me my weight.
2. Don't ask me who I am voting for.
3. Don't discuss religion and/or politics with me if you are in my family OR you consider me a friend.
I do not care who you vote for. I am not going to try and scare you into voting for one candidate or the other by suggesting that they are evil and we will all go to hell if they get elected. 4 years and possibly 8 years of this mess. Then we start all over again. Welcome to the American political system.
I will no longer state who I will be voting for: McCain? Obama? Nader? or will I write in Mickey Mouse????? Please don't ask me. I promise I will NOT ask you.
And for God's sake, do not forward me any half truth/half fact/ridiculous/scary/etc. political emails about McCain OR Obama OR Biden OR Palin. I am unmoved. Thanks!

Homecoming

Finally Homecoming Week is OVER! It has been exhausting. I left my home with hubby and child at 6p. I walked into my home without my hubby or child (who got to come home after the game) at 12:50pm. I sponsor the LA Student Council. We sponsor the Homecoming Dance. This year we paid for the dj, and donated all door entries to the Junior Class to help with prom.
I am very disappointed in the Senior Class. They have always been my favorites, but I honestly think they dropped the ball here. I am very thankful for the few that did come. They will always be tops in my book. It's really not that big a deal, but I can't understand why they would not want to support the school for a whole 1 1/2 hours. So what if it is a lame dance for the 9th-11th grades. Particularly, the 9th and 10th. I mean come on, you can't cut a little time out of the schedule? Last year EVERY senior came. EVERY single one. THEN they went to the after party. AND they didn't even complain. But maybe kids really don't care. There will not be a dance next year unless someone else takes up the cross. I am out of it.
Other than that, it was an awesome game. LA finally won one! And quite convincingly too.
This week is a short week for me. Wednesday we have parent/teacher conferences and I am off to the deer woods on Thursday and Friday. I need a break. I am close to a come apart. That's just what teaching does to you sometimes. Later....

Shaq, Me, and Kobe

I think this picture is hysterical! It says it ALL. I am sooooooo short. But not as short as I look in this pic! I am scrunched down so they look wayyy taller. Cool, huh? It was twinkie day and these guys picked Laker shirts and donned masks. Not a whole lot of effort, but pretty funny.
Did I mention that I am ready for this week to be O V E R!? It won't be over for me until 1am Saturday. I have to chaperone the Homecoming Dance--oh yippee.
Tomorrow is Holiday or School Colors day. I just want to wear my bathrobe and houseshoes. Not gonna happen. Blakely, of course, wants to super dress up. Which means, I have to be creative. I am not feeling creative. However, I am going to drink a beer and voila! I will become creative. Hope all are having an absolutely stellar week. Later....

Sarah (me) and Barack

I had an absolute BLAST at school today! It was so fun NOT being ME. I freaked the kids out. They did not even recognize me. I have to say I didn't recognize myself. Most of the staff enjoyed laughing with me (at me). Some even suggested that I go "dark". Been there, done that, NO way. I am a blonde through and through. Those that know me can vouch that's true. FYI-Not dumb by any means, but feisty.
We had several politicians in house today. Bill and Hill were there, along with John McCain, Dick Cheney (I am pretty sure they just like saying his name down the hall--LOL), and my personal fave Barack. See above pic for my favorite Obama. It's Spencer Loeb and he played the part to the hilt. What a hoot!
Tomorrow is nerd/twinkie day. It is WAY too much of a stretch for me to play a nerd (i am so cool ya know), so I am twinking out with the rest of the high school staff. We are all wearing black shirts with jeans. I am ready for this week to be O V E R. It's fun but exhausting.

Spoiler Alert

As ya'll know, this week is Lee's homecoming. As if last week's 9 week testing wasn't disruptive enough, THIS week we have total chaos! It is fun, though! Today was camo or pink day. I have no idea why we are given an option.
Tomorrow is celebrity or college day. SPOILER: I am dressing up as Sarah Palin. I have a dark wig, a power suit, some pumps, and rimless glasses. My Mom came over and helped me with my wig hair. What should have taken 5 minutes took ONE hour! I had flashbacks to when she learned to french braid on my hair. NOT a good memory. And no the Palin wig is not french braided. LOL
Even with my wig and props I look absolutely NOTHING like her, so I should get lots of laughs! LOL Why am I putting myself through such ridicule? Because it's FUN! Life is way too short to take yourself so seriously. If I can brighten someone's day by acting/looking like a total idiot, then game on. Er, I mean I am shaping young minds..come on! There will be pics posted on the blog (if I can figure it out). I am basically insuring that I can NEVER run for political office.
Bonus blog:
Our preacher talked a LOT about taking/receiving criticism. How to handle the Debbie Downer's and Negative Nellie's of the world. How to stand up for what you know is true and/or right. It was an awesome sermon. Then I get to school, and teach out of the Speech book on taking/receiving criticism. Weird. Totally helped me out. God often tries to tell me things, and for once I just might have gotten the message. Thanks!

For the record, I am a ScarletNeck!

Just because I like guns, crossbows, and fishing poles I have of late been titled a (gasp!) REDneck! Yes, I have my very own crossbow and it is SW-EET!!! I can hardly wait to kill my big buck (or doe, or both! LOL). I have lots of camo and an awesome pair of Realtree boots. But for the record, I am NO redneck. I like to read, work crossword puzzles, do yoga, AND drink wine. So, I have upgraded my title to ScarletNeck. Sounds swanky, huh! LOL
This is turning out to be a great weekend! The Hogs beat Auburn 25-22! We WILL beat Kentucky and Ole Miss for sure! Yes, I am THAT confident! GO HOGS!!!! I tweaked my Fantasy Football team so maybe I will get lucky there as well.
This upcoming week is Homecoming at LA. I will update with pics from my new digital camera.
I hope everyone is having a great weekend! I will update blog with more exciting stuff next week! Until then......

Point? Do I have one?

I think I have a tapeworm. You know where you eat a lot but are still hungry? I swear. If it's not a tapeworm, it's the weather. Cool weather makes me hungry. Weird, huh?
My kids are really into the presidential election! I am so excited that they are excited! They are actually watching the debates! I thought at first they were just trying to butter me up and/or score some bonus points, but they know their stuff. Impressive! They are very opinionated (like me) about politicians/the usa/ANY subject! I have a bunch of mini-me's in class! This makes for an awesome teaching experience! Am I vain, or what? LOL
I will be a loser yet again on Fantasy Football this weekend. My team is in the toilet. Maybe it will turn around, but I seriously doubt it. EVEN I am betting against ME!
I want a vacation. A REAL vacation. I want margaritas, sun, ocean, margaritas (oh I said that already), and I don't want to understand a word anyone is saying (except for the words una mas margarita senora?) I would absolutely love to be in Cabo right now. Or Beliz. It's hard to complain about the economy AND take a vacation. A little hypocritical don't cha think?
I would like to personally thank Jake for getting me into blogging. No one may actually read this rant, but it makes me feel better just writing it all down in the first place. I also recruited 2 bloggers of my own and can not wait to read their posts (Dickie and Gina!).
Actually, I do not have a point today. I may not have one tomorrow. Heck, I may not ever have a point to this blog! So freakin' what! Enjoy!

Stuff

As I sit here drinking ONE beer and eating deer meat ( I am STARVING), I am pondering life's little questions.
1. Why do I even have a 401K/annuity? The stock market is in the toilet. BIG surprise there. That bailout really made it all worth it, huh? Not to mention the feds are now talking about freeing up 900 million to assist failing banks. Here's a thought: I think this all goes back to 9/11 and what the terrorists were REALLY trying to do to us. Hit us financially. They knew it could take years but that it would work. Voila!
2. Why do I even care if I am boozing it up at 4p? And don't think I am not going to eat supper either! Anthony is cooking fresh hog meat. We are soooo redneck.
3. What's the real purpose of 9weeks testing? I think to make my job harder!
4. Why bother to vote on November 7th? I am sooooo losing my votes. I am fired up and all about change. And NO this does not mean Obama. Don't panic. And NO this does not mean McCain either. Now you can panic.
5. Can you really get away with mixing stripes with patterns? I have seen it lately, and am not entirely sure of the concept. I was raised by a "matcher" if you know what I mean.
These are my top five issues at this very moment. Love them or hate them, it's so me right now.
Sidebar#1: this weekend sucked for me and my football. Lee Academy lost. Hogs lost. Bills lost. Fantasy Football team lost. I'm a LOSER. Enough said.
Sidebar#2: feeling confused about a certain blogger's interview today. I think he is a bit on the gun shy/pessimistic side. What's there not to love?
Sidebar#3: with this economy should I really be spending money on a crossbow? did I mention I was eating deer meat?

Bologna

Note to self: Only eat bbq bologna 1 time/year. I could become seriously overweight if Ihad unlimited access to this food. It is beyond good. On a bun with slaw. Geez! I am so glad I fought the urge to sneak some home. Then again I am really mad that I didn't!
Watched the debate. I felt both did well. Sort of made me wish they were the ones running for President instead of the other two. I can't help but like and admire Governor Palin. I love it that Blakely can watch a woman hold her own with a seasoned male politician on national/international tv. I think she would be fun at parties. She is loud and kind of funky. She says "darn right" a lot. I was waiting for "darn tootin'"! Her accent reminds me of Frances McDormand in the movie Fargo. She tried hard to calm her nerves, but she was definitely nervous. Who wouldn't be? I LOVED her shoes. I am fairly positive they were Cole Haan patent leather pumps with Nike tennis shoe technology. They run around 450.00. I WILL have a pair before I die! As for Senator Biden, I thought he was a gentleman. I think he did what he needed to do and came off like a regular guy. I wish they would hold a second debate with gloves off.
I think the only person I actually like (but still am unsure about) is Palin. I am so frustrated and irritated with the powers that be in Congress. McCain, Obama, and Biden are ALL Senators. I don't really like Senators right now. My Friday afternoon and evening will be spent watching the House on CSPAN. Hopefully, I will see a glimmer of hope.
I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. I am going to try! Later....

The Senate

I came home yesterday afternoon and stayed glued to CSPAN. I watched as the Senate debated the "bailout bill", and the subsequent vote. I found it fascinating. I am trying to get a grip on just what the proposal determines. It is being sold as assistance for the middle class because if it is not passed (according to Congress) we are the ones that will suffer. Big freaking surprise there! Of course Senators Lincoln and Pryor both voted Yea. I just wonder how many Arkansans voiced their wishes for them to vote Nay? Now it goes to the House. I will stay tuned FOR SURE.
Yesterday was picture day at Lee. It went much smoother this year. I had to get my pic made yet again. I always flashback to my school years sitting in that chair with the big light and the weird guy taking the pic. The only good thing now is that there is no weird guy. LOL I was always the shortest in my class (no comment) so I got to hold the beloved class board identifier. You know the one that said whose class you were in and what grade. My classmates were so jealous! And tall! LOL
Blakely is going to Parker Homestead today on a field trip. She is riding with Vivi and Barrett. I am not going. It is almost impossible to get a sub for me. NOBODY wants to help the teacher who has Seniors THREE times/day! Except Jake who no longer lives here! It's okay though. I really hate missing a day at school. I'm weird.
Tonight we get to go to the Vo-Tech for family night. Tomorrow is the big BBQ. Every year on the night before the family of staff get to eat a LOT of goodies outside by the bbq pit. I am always all over the bbq'd bologna! I can hardly wait! So sad, I know.
Have a good Thursday!

The pen is mightier than the sword

Dear Senator Lincoln:
I am extremely frustrated with our lawmakers at this time. And yes, this means you. I realize you are not in the House of Representatives, but you are in the equally important Senate. This $700 billion bailout is a crock. This should NOT even be considered. What have you guys been doing?! Let me try to explain our situation (the middle class a.k.a. the middle child)to you.
1. We struggle to pay for health insurance. We actually pay for ours (which is almost worthless) instead of racking up unpaid medical bills like a lot of other Americans.
2. We both work out of the home because we have to and want to. WE paid over 20,000 to the IRS alone this year. No tax loopholes for us and no economic stimulus check either.
3. We struggle under escalating gas prices while watching Gas Companies take in record profits.
4. We watch as BOTH candidates for President b...s... the American public. Those of us who actually pay attention to politics are losing faith. Which one to vote for and does it really matter?
5. We live in the greatest country on earth and are ridiculed by the gross mismanagement of our funds/resources/foreign relations, etc. This is NOT all President Bush's fault. Take the time to read the Constitution. WE have separation of powers AND checks and balances to ensure that!
6. Who checks our media's integrity? Where is good faith reporting? The average Americans do not get their news from newspapers which are held to a higher standard. They watch TV! Why should they report the truth? It's like the blind leading the blind.
7. Who gets paid from all the credit card interest rates? If it's the credit card companies (or banks), they are obviously NOT broke. Why not take a little donation from their coffers instead of out of the accounts of hard working Americans. Welfare is necessary, but how about cutting back a little on Medicaid? Our previous Governor Huckabee wanted to insure every child in Arkansas EXCEPT the children of parents who beg, borrow, and actually WORK to cover their children.
I could obviously go on and on but I will spare you. One final thought, why don't members of Congress (both houses) pledge this years salary toward our $700 BILLION bailout in a show of good faith toward the American people?
If you would like to share my frustrations with anyone you think might listen (probably noone), please feel free.
Sincerely, Stephanie Davis (American, Arkansan, Mom, Wife, Daughter, tax payer, teacher, friend, CONCERNED citizen)

P.S.
Please forgive any typos, grammatical errors, syntax, etc. I typed this from the heart.

To my blog readers: I sent this to Senator Blanche Lambert Lincoln and to Senator Mark Pryor this afternoon. I realize it has flaws, but on the whole I am proud of the content. I hope this can inspire you to do the same, but it's OK if it doesn't. :)

My Saturday AND Sunday

SATURDAY
About the debate: I think both candidates performed quite well. Basically they both bs'd. I think McCain actually got Obama a little peeved. Obama irritated McCain as well, but not as much I don't think. I really can not wait to see Palin and Biden on Thursday. We shall see. Are you as shocked as me to learn that we OWE China 500 million (or billion)! !! ??? What has our DEMOCRATic Congress been doing?
About the Hogs: I really am having a hard time finding something positive to say about Saturday's game against Texas. Oh yeah, Bill Murray was there.
About Houston "MB" Nutt: I am positively nauseated that he beat Florida. I must not be living right!
SUNDAY
I would have to say that this is absolutely my most favorite day of this week. My laundry is all done, church was great, I took an afternoon nap, and tonight Anthony is cooking on the grill. What a life!

My Friday

TGIF! I mean I REALLY, REALLY LOVE Friday! I always have a little time to myself on Friday afternoon and I enjoy it! Blakely goes to MawMaw's to spend the night and Anthony is always flying this time of year. It's nice! I usually surf the net, have a cocktail, and read the newspaper. Heaven I tell ya!
School was great today. It's Football Friday and we had a pep rally. Today's pep rally was really well done. The cheerleaders are all really good this year, and they used black lights for their program. It was cool and the kids loved it. They all had glow sticks which made it especially fun for the elementary. I had every intention of going to the game tonight but I forgot that the presidential debate was on. SO, being a civics teacher and all, I could NOT miss the first debate. The kids will never miss me.
As usual, I will be watching the Hogs at the Vaccaro's tomorrow. I really hope we play well. And if not, I hope the snacks are as good as last Saturday. LOL Haley and Jeff will be there. I have not seen them in forever, so I am looking most forward to that. They have been married almost one year. Honeymooners. So sweet. No, really they are!
Note to Jake: Your life has to be more exciting than mine......so BLOG already! AND post the hair.

My Thursday

I am following the 700 billion dollar bail out. Ridiculous doesn't begin to express how I really feel. AnnClaire shared with me an excellent idea. There are around 300 million residents of the USA. Give each person 200,000 each and watch the economy get stimulated! I really like this idea! Beats the heck out of giving it back to the boobs that screwed it up in the first place.
School flew by again today. I think something must be wrong with me.
Can anyone tell me what gives a person an innate sense of responsibility, and explain just how two children raised by the same parents manage to pass on the responsibility gene to only ONE sibling? I am an only child so I just am flabbergasted when it comes to this phenomenon. I could write a whole book on this subject from observation alone, but I will spare you the torture for now.
I am thinking my Saturday is going to be a rough one football-wise. I will be watching the game. I am still holding out the possibility of a major upset. I am a glass half-full kind of gal when it comes to the Hogs. I started going to the games when I was 8 years old. My family had season tickets to all of the games including several out of state. I have sat through the worst of seasons and through the best. Been to more Cotton Bowls than I even remember (especially the ones when I was over 21! LOL) I even was a pen pal to a little known kicker named Ish Ordonez in the late 70's. I still have his hog wrist band. Cheezy, I know. I even grew up and got season tickets of my own. However, I married a non-Hog/non-football fan (gasp) and eventually gave up my tickets the year I got pregnant. I actually regret it from time to time. I had pretty good seats on the 35 yard line. I know I could always re-up my tickets, but it's no fun going alone. Either way, I am a strong Hog fan (especially now that Nutt is gone). Here's wishing all of the pundits are wrong about Saturday. Go Hogs!
Enough rambling. Good night.

My Wednesday

I have had a pretty good day. Yes, I said it. It's been a good day. When a day starts out fun it just makes the whole day better. Here's why: my husband is really cool. Now he usually doesn't fall into the "cool" category but this morning he really showed out. On our way to school in the big black Armada (aka gas guzzler) with the sunroof open, Blakely and I spot Anthony in the air. We flash our lights at him which is the signal to let him know we see him. Cheezy, I know. He banks a steep left turn and flies over us across the highway really low. It probably doesn't impress you guys, but it always thrills the heck out of me and Blake. He really made our day. Most people I know ask me how I manage with him being a cropduster. It's a very dangerous job they say. (like I don't know that) We have buried more friends than we would care to remember. However, I have NEVER worried about him. He is an awesome pilot and a very conscientious one. He doesn't hot dog. I truly expect him home every night. It's his job. He is very lucky to have a job he actually loves. How many of us can say the same?
School flew by today. Weird. LOVED it!
I am debating on cooking a full course meal tonight. I am not much of a cook. THAT is truly an understatement. However, tonight I think I will attempt a culinary masterpiece. Or maybe just some Hamburger Helper. Later....

My Tuesday

Note to self: NEVER, I repeat NEVER schedule yourself to give FOUR tests in one day. EVER. Giving the test actually makes for an easy day, but grading them is an entirely different story. Good grief!
I won my Fantasy Football matchup by one measley point. It's a win though. I have one manager emailing me. Not too sure about that. He seems kind of desperate. This is not Pick Up Fantasy Football. LOL He's probably 12 years old.
Well, that's about it for my blog today. Nothing to write about at ALL. I am off to yoga.....Have a good Wednesday!

My Monday

Monday....the day filled with possibilities....the start of a brand new week......occasional holiDAY and...the crappiest day of the week! Oh yeah, I think I will keep that final description. Mondays just blow. They are always long. Always boring. Always Monday. Every other Monday I have morning duty. I hate duty. There is always one duty Nazi that just is entirely too serious about duty. Go figure.
During the day I had to listen to the guys lament over the lost football game. Whiny Whiny Whiny. They seriously need a reality check as to what it means to be a "team". You win as a team and you lose as a team. Now that's not to say that some did not play their level best BUT at least talk about their shortcomings to their face so they can defend their position. I called them out on that but as usual they acted like they didn't hear me. LOL
The Hogs had a rough game. I am sure plenty of blame to go around there as well. I wonder if Coach Petrino feels the same way I do? I bet he points out all that was wrong about Saturday (that should take up atleast TWO days of talk!) but I also bet he points out what was right. They NEVER gave up. They did play their hardest. We still would not have won the game, but the score should have been 35-7. Like I said in an earlier post, "it's going to be a long year."
What's up with adult acne? Why is it that I have reached the big 4-0 but still manage to score pimples? This is sooooo not fair. I have pretty good skin but these mid-month breakouts are becoming a nuisance. And where did these "laugh" lines a.k.a wrinkles come from?
When would be a good time to suggest to my boss a 3 day work week? I am thinking this would really improve the morale of teachers AND students. Not to mention saving gas and/or gas money. I like Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday school. This totally eliminates crappy Monday, and just as crappy Tuesday. I like it! I'll let ya know how this turns out. Later......

Yoga and stuff

OK, I have to admit that I have not been to the gym in over ONE month. I just have not felt like making the time to go, even though my face is on their billboard for advertisement. That alone should make me go! I have to admit it IS pretty cool to be on a billboard. I am on there with several others but I am representing the 40 something crowd. That's a downer! Everybody always wants to know who the young blonde is holding the basketball? Note to all that are reading::: I am NOT the YOUNG blonde. LOL She is the size of godzilla (tall, that is) where I am the size of a munchkin on the billboard (no comments please). She is also in her 20's. It is nice to be included though. :)
I am really into yoga and there were no classes offered UNTIL this week. Believe it or not yoga is TOUGH. I mean it makes you sweat. It works parts of your body you seriously did not know existed. Needless to say I am sore. I mean I can barely get up or down. I sometimes totally realize that I am 40. I swear your body knows this but your mind is still in its 20's.
This week at school was actually a good one. It seemed like a short week to me. I worked the kids butts off. That makes the time fly and me happy. LOL They gripe and complain but in the end it's all good. I am going to miss these kids when they graduate next year. They are a good group. I had no drama this week at all except for the announcement of the Homecoming court. It was a big surprise for a lot of girls. Some were NOT happy. Which translates into some of the MOMMAS were not happy. Thank goodness I am not involved in that snakepit! LOL It all settled down though.
I am headed to the Vaccaro's to watch the Hogs take on the Tide this morning. I am trying to remain optimistic. The thing I love most about Arkansas is that we can NEVER be counted out, and they can surprise ANY team. We shall see...GO HOGS!
This weekend is shaping up to be much, much better than the last. Yeah!

Mood

Do you ever have one of those days where you feel disconnected? Disaffected? You know the kind of day you question your Maker as to just what IS your purpose in life? A glass half full kind of day. A torch song, whiskey and blue sort of day. This is that kind of day for me. I know the sun will come out tomorrow and all that jazz, but it's still a funky day.

The Weekend from H***!

We got up early Saturday to drive to Hot Springs to meet a realtor. We have been thinking of moving out of the Delta for a while, and I picked Hot Springs. Anthony would still work here but I would work there. Well, we spent all day looking at totally FABULOUS houses/neighborhoods/lakes/schools! If we could have bought a house that day... we so would have. Loved the realtor, loved the properties, ...just a freaking love fest all around. Fast forward to 7p. We (me, Anthony, and B) get back to our hotel which is brand spanking new and we are HUNGRY! I mean the kind of hungry where you are on the verge of a meltdown. All THREE of us were at that point. So we get in the car and head to Fisherman's Wharf where Anthony loves to eat. It is packed so Anthony of course does not want to wait. This is not good. Also, Ike has arrived in the area. It is pretty rainy and windy but not so bad just yet. 5 minutes later......We are in an all out family brawl in the parking lot of a restaurant. I will spare the details but it is ON. We continue the fight in the car for about 20 minutes before we screech into Red Lobster ( i hate rl). I, being 40 and soooo mature, sulk during the entire meal which I do not eat. We drive through hurricane force wind and rain back to the hotel which I forgot to mention that we were sharing with around 350 Hell's Angels. We get on the elevator with a motorcycle bride (in white no less) with a Miller Lite in her hand. She cursed... a LOT. Blakely was amused. Me not so much. She was with her husband (who looked scared and old) and 2 other very tatooed people (that were very polite). It's around 9p now and Anthony and I are no longer speaking which is a good thing. Outside Ike is bearing down and 45 minutes later we lose electricity. Then it got scary. I will never understand people that do not leave when a hurricane is coming to their area. Hot Springs got hammered. We were on the top floor and between me and Anthony we got maybe 1 hour sleep. It sounded like a tornado all night. We got ready to take a shower (in the dark, hot room) and discovered the hot water heater was electric as well. Great. We had to go down the UNLIT stairway using our cell phones for light to check out. The hotel gave us the night for free (which actually surprised me) and informed us that 41,000 were without power in the area. We just wanted to get something to eat (seeing how i missed supper i really wanted this) but discovered that nobody was cooking anything in HS! 1/2 way to little rock, Blakely realizes that she has left Orchard (her stuffed rabbit she always sleeps with). Are you freaking kidding me??????????? Oh, and I forgot to mention she started throwing up at the hotel that morning. I make Anthony turn around and take us back to get it. This was not a popular decision but moms just know when something MUST be done. I marched back into the hotel rescued Orchard then we headed home. Now around 10am we were nearing the hunger danger zone AGAIN. We stopped at Brown's in Benton for what we thought would be a late breakfast... wrong.... lunch time for Browns. Blakely picked at her food and then threw it up. Nice. At least she made it to the restroom. We left without really getting to eat what we paid for. I was never so glad to be back at home in my life. Funny how things work out.

Random

OK, what the freak EVER! That totally sums up my whole week. I feel like I am living in the wrong time period. I totally should have been born in the early 50's so I could have come of age during the 60's. Peace, love, and happiness man! Can we just lose the negativity AND attitude? The worse thing of all is that it actually rubs off on me. I have been so Negative Nellie. I am quite ashamed of myself. I tell my kids daily that life is not fair so get over it. I, of course, do not follow my own advice. I am pledging today to make my life better and if that means major changes then so be it. Now don't freak out. I am not going to leave my awesome (seriously he is) hubby and strike out for some hippy commune but I AM going to shake things up a bit.
Also, I uttered aloud for the first time today that I am voting for McCain. I plan on shouting it out in the middle of the Forrest City Wal-Mart. I am so brave! I can guarantee that looks will not be the only things thrown my way! LOL
Stay tuned......

HOGS

Note to Hog fans: I ordered pay per view for the game last night. I am a little disappointed in the quality of the ppv, so if you are thinking of ordering the arkansas vs texas game be aware that the feed may have problems. Also, the announcers on the radio are MUCH MUCH better than ppv. Not to mention that the radio broadcast is occuring in real time vs. delayed for ppv.
I am not shocked by our performance so far. I think Bobby Petrino has a big job on his hands. I am going to remember all year long that this is definitely a REBUILDING year. Honestly, I do not expect us to win another game (except ONE) but I do expect us to compete. The ONE game I expect/want/NEED for us to win is against Houston "MB" Nutt. I don't care how we do it but we BETTER do it. If you want to know what the MB stands for, you will need to ask me or any of my Lee Academy students. It is a name I chose for him last year, and it is not very nice of me.
I am going to enjoy today. Laundry is almost done, and my Aunt is coming for a visit. Always a good time. Hope everyone has a wonderful week---especially Jake.

I've been tagged!

OK, I have no idea actually what being tagged means but I am always game for something new. Thanks Jake!
My understanding of the rules are as follows:
1. Link to the person who tagged you
2. Mention the rules
3. Tell six unspectacular quirks about yours
4. Tag six bloggers by linking
5. Leave a comment for each blogger
Here go my quirks which I find to be spectacular!
1. I have bat-like hearing. It freaks me out sometimes. I really hear things/pitches/sounds etc. that others can not. It is weird. Not hearing voices yet, but it wouldn't surprise me. LOL
2. I can not stand for dishes to be left in my sink. They must be in the dishwasher. This really irritates me. Would it kill my family to actually put a utensil in the dishwasher?!?!?
3. I can tie a knot in a cherry stem with my tongue. Really it's not that hard to do. I learned how to in a bar in the Buffalo airport when I was layed over there for EIGHT hours.
4. My home must be picked up a.k.a. neat before I go to bed. This drives my family crazy but I swear I can not rest with a cluttered house. It doesn't have to be clean if you know what I mean..but picked up.
5. I only need 5 hours of sleep. This worked really well for me when in my youth I partied at night, and still managed to get to work on time. If I get more than 8 hours I tend to be cranky.
6. I work crossword puzzles daily. I usually work, and complete, the New York Times. It relaxes me.
I would love to tag someone but I have only ONE blogger friend. More people should do this--it's fun!

HaHaHa

Here's the deal: I have been totally depressed/down/whatever for the entire Labor Day weekend PLUS today. I have no idea what the deal is so I am going to blame it on Gustav. Sounds like a good idea to me!
I joined a Fantasy Football League. I am aware that I am a girl, but I swear I know more about football than most guys I know. My first game is this week and I am feeling good about my team....the Sweathogs! Yes, I lived through the 70's.
On a lighter note, I received a hysterical email. Miraculously this brought me out of my funk. I would love to forward it to anybody who reads this so feel free to leave your email in comments.
On the lightest note, tomorrow is Wednesday!!!!! So close to Friday I can hardly wait!

Black & White

Today I got into an interesting discussion with my junior lit class. I do not like discussing this particular topic with them, but it really means a lot to them. All I will say is this topic generally is never agreed upon. You either believe one way or the other. And you seldom (never) can convince either side into conceding anything for the other. But this is a good group and I let them talk. I did participate as well, and this I know for sure: you either see things as black and white, or gray. I am a gray, but in my youth I was a black/white. None of this matters. I love the fact that a group of teens can feel so passionately about a topic. As I said in a previous post, this is our future and it is looking brighter all the time.
I also got a treat today. I got to visit with my last year's Civics class (now big sophomores!). My how they have grown. 10th grade can be rough, and for some this year will be tough.
I can hardly wait for the weekend. I need a day off! Sad, but true.
And NO I will not tell you the title of the topic, but feel free to guess. :)

Tuesday

Today is just Tuesday. I can not for the life of me figure out how time is actually standing still! Why is it that during the summer time flies, but the school year is d r a g g i n g ????
I did have a pretty good day with only a few minor bumps. A couple of my senior boys were working my nerve today. They should know better by now. I try to remember what it was like to be a senior in high school. 22 years is a LONG time ago but I think I can still grasp the concept. They know everything. I know nothing. They are cool. I am old and lame. This is a waste of their time. I am just in a bad mood. Yada, yada, yada.....Teenagers!
Actually all the kids are great this year, and I am really enjoying teaching. If I didn't do this, what WOULD I DO?
Not that I am wishing my life away, but come on Friday... HURRY!

Old Friends

I had an absolutely "mahvelous" Saturday! If you don't know, I am an Arbonne consultant. I spent all day yesterday at 2 parties hosted by Mrs. Trish Oxner and Dr. Martha Gore. I co-sell with one of my oldest friends from grade school (1st grade as a matter of fact), Marla McCrary. We grew up southside FC (the Hills before it was a popular MTV show). Marla introduced me to Arbonne (thank you!) and it has been a blast! The best part, other than the products, is that I get to spend time with a friend I have had virtually no contact with in YEARS. Growing apart is a natural process from high school to college to adulthood. We have always kept up with each other, but never in a million years would I have thought we'd be working together (and well I might add).
After two exhausting and successful parties, it was cocktail time. It was after 5p as if it really mattered! We were joined by two other high school buds, Wen Carman and Chris Morledge. Spending time with these two has NEVER been dull, and yesterday was NO exception!
One of the two has gained a little bit of weight (I won't say which one--CM--LOL). But it looks great on him! He has always been so little. I can remember underweighing him only ONCE in my life, and I so enjoyed finding out that it's now TWICE! Woohoo! Catching up (aka gossiping) was the highlight of my day! What a hoot! Thanks guys! I love ya!
Well, now I have to go ready myself for another week of teen angst. Have a good Monday!

Random

I am soooo not feeling creative today. The kids have literally worn me out. The room is full, the mouths are ON, and Ms. Steph is not. Whoever thinks that teaching is easy really needs to sub for one week (not just one day). Whether it be teaching elementary sweeties or secondary mouthies, it's a HARD J.O.B.! I love it though. When a kid finally "gets" it, there is no better feeling in the world. When you can keep a "too cool for school" teen's interest for 25 minutes of a 50 minute class, you have had a successful day! It's kind of like wrangling rattlesnakes except teenagers wrangle in packs. They are very smart. NEVER underestimate them. They can love you one minute, and loathe you the next. The trick is to never take it personally. They are full of surprises (not all of them pleasant) and are quite impressive when they want to be. They are our future--full of hope, wonder, knowledge, and possibility. Scary, huh? LOL
To Jake--- thank you for subbing because we will miss you when St. Jude calls. Also, politically I am in Switzerland for now.
Later..........

Politics

OK, enough blogging from me about courtship and marriage. Not really my style but I was trying it out for fun. Here I go....
What is it about friendship and politics? Can anybody really agree to disagree when it comes to basic fundamentals in THIS election? I try never to talk "real" politics or the nitty-gritty (as I like to say) with friends/family/or co-workers. Same goes for religion, social issues like same-sex marriage, abortion and/or capital punishment. That's not to say that I won't give an opinion. I am very opinionated--it's one of my crosses I bear. I like to play devil's advocate a LOT. Some people can take me, some can not. (and no, I didn't mean to rhyme)
However, I find myself truly torn between the left and the right this year. Where can you find the REAL story? Journalism is not on the internet. Depending on the news source, one story actually ends up becoming two. How on Earth are we going to sort it all out? Any ideas?

The Courtship

After our second "first" date I was off the market. I told my best girlfriends that this was IT. They made fun of me, and told me to have some more wine! But I knew.
Less than 3 months later I would transfer my job from Little Rock back home to Forrest City. I regretted that decision almost immediately. Let me just say this... I said I would never, and I repeat NEVER, live in Forrest City. This would be the first of MANY words I would eat. I had a job, but no engagement ring. It was just on faith that I knew we would marry. He asked, but without a ring who really knew?
Finally, on May 16th of 1997, we married. I had no idea I would marry on this day. We had applied for a license, bought the rings (which means nothing unless you actually go through with it), and had 30 days. He called me at 9pm on a Friday after he got off work and told me to get ready. I was like ready for what? To get married he said. We actually forgot our gold bands and had to go back to Forrest City to get them. We drove to retired justice-of-the-peace Mr. Floyd French's home in Goodwin. It was 10pm and we had to wait for him to finish watching the news. He married us in between the weather and sports (I kid you not). I had on a brown suit that Anthony hates to this day and no makeup. He had on stinky chemical work clothes and was filthy. We have no pictures--thank goodness!!! I am telling ya that although we didn't look pretty it was the most beautiful ceremony I have ever been a part of----awwwww.
We didn't tell anyone until the next day including our parents. Boy was that interesting. LOL
Oh, and my maiden name (Davis) just happened to be the same as my betrothed's (Davis!). No relation I swear! Convenient, huh? And they said it wouldn't last......

How I Met My Husband

I have known my husband since we were juniors in high school. I, the Forrest City girl, did not date boys from Palestine. I know it's snobby sounding but that's just the way it worked. However, Anthony drove a corvette. I liked corvettes! He asked me out and of course I said, YES (especially to the corvette)! He was too cute but a little on the skinny side. Somehow I managed to convince him to let me drive. He did..... and the car broke down. I swear I did NOTHING but drive the car. Our date ended pretty much after that, and his car sat in my parent's yard for almost THREE weeks! I never went out with him again.
He swears that during the next two years he came to every party at my house (there were quite a lot!) and would try to talk to me. I truly do not remember ever seeing him again after our first date. Over the course of the next TEN years, he would ask my Mom about me and for my phone number. She would update him AND give him my number. She nicknamed him "loverboy". My mom did not tell me this until about one year ago. I had no idea.
Long story short. He called and asked me to MEET him at BJ's Star Studded Honkytonk one Thursday. I already lived in Little Rock, and my picture was on the wall of BJ's (don't ask). I had been out late the night before but I said I would try to meet him there. I didn't. Felt bad about it and called him a couple of days later. The rest is history.... I knew from the moment I met him, albeit 11 years later, that he was "the one".

1st day of school

The day I dread so much finally arrives. I usually get a headache by 8:30 which I manage to keep ALL day. The second day my headache arrives a little later, and by the end of the week I am pain free! I love all of my classes. Jury is still out on the students. LOL No, really, they are good compared to what they could be! It is weird for me this year because I am not senior sponsor, the hat I wore 2 years in a row. I LIKE it!!!! No pressure. Just a regular school year.

Blakely started 4th grade and loved it! I can not believe that she is actually in the 4th grade! It truly seems just like yesterday I shipped her off to Kindergarten. Time truly does fly.

Well, with this headache I am keeping this entry short. Will update later......