Talladega, Baby!

This is one of the weekends that I look forward to the most over the course of the year. Me, Jenny, Fran, Rachel, and Sean are all making the trip to the Talladega Super Speedway. Fran, Rachel, and Sean are all newbies to NASCAR and I think they are all in for a big surprise. Now, I am not a psychic but I think I can predict the events of the weekend:
We will leave around 3 a.m., drive to the track, take a bit of a nap, proceed to the hospitality area, eat, drink copious amounts of beer, and watch the race. Only in America, people, only in America.

Rumor has it

From several celeb sites that Britney Spears is pregnant. Five months pregnant. Her son is seven months old. Good Lord. Kevin Federline has SUPER SPERM. Really? Kevin? He is someone that has the ability to produce children without effort? Finally, a sign definite sign that the world is ending.

Access Hollywood

Perez Hilton

MSNBC

There are bad moods and then there is what I was

I was in FOUL mood today and God have mercy on the people that crossed my path at work this morning. I try to be a fun person to work with and be a fairly good worker while I'm there, but today was just not it. I took a nap at my desk in the morning, cried in the back room in the afternoon, and sat on the counter at night and watched someone else work while I bitched. It really is a wonder that I haven't found another job, isn't it? I am in a better mood right now and hope it lasts into tomorrow. Part of the reason I feel better is reading the encouraging comments people have left on this blog and that I really will find the right job for me.

On a side note, something has really been bothering me lately. People who back into parking places. These individuals will spend five minutes or more trying to back into a space so that they will be able to whip out of the space with lightning speed at a future time. They will struggle to straighten their car and back in and pull out and on and on until they park somewhat straight. Sometimes I just want to say "park like a normal person and get out of the g.d. car!"

I'll end the suspense

I didn't get the job. I know I shouldn't be upset because I really wasn't qualified, but I am and that's all I can say about it. Whatever. I don't want to talk about it, so if I haven't called or emailed to discuss it personally, that's why.

On to another topic: Have you ever wanted something and not gotten it and it turned out to be a blessing?

I have and that is why I am trying to put all of this job nonsense into perspective. Some of you ladies who read this blog were in the very same sorority that I was in. Well, when I got my bid, I was miserable. I didn't want to be in that sorority because all of my friends were in another one. I felt sorry for myself and probably worried the actives because they could tell I was less than thrilled. The thing is, it was one of the best things that happened to me in college. I met a lot of people that I remain friends with to this day and I think I had a much better time in the group that I ended up in than any other sorority I could have been in. It was a good fit for me. There are other examples of me not getting what I want and everything turning out for the best, but this is my favorite example because it was one of the most rewarding. With that said, sappy girl time is officially over for 2006.

The Interview

I think it went well. Initially, I met with four people and they asked me typical interview questions, which were fine. They asked me if I had questions for them and I struggled a bit on that one, but I came up with a couple of fairly intelligent questions. After I left, I went and visited Jenny's parent's house and got a call from one of the ladies I interviewed with and she asked me to come back because another lady wanted to meet with me (she had gotten held up in traffic) so I did and that went well. I think it went pretty well and I will let ya'll know if I get any news. Now I am going to sit on my couch and enjoy not being in a suit. They really are just ridiculous.

I have an interview this afternoon

I wasn't nervous this morning, but now I am. I look awful in the pinstripe suit I am wearing and the top I picked is unflattering to say the least. I am leaving my house in eleven minutes and then I will head to my interview and hopefully be calm and fool these people that I am a capable and confident person. It is a technique I used to employ when giving presentations in school. Regardless of how nervous I would feel, I tried to give off an air of being relaxed. Its all in the body posture and making sure they can't see your hands shaking. I am going to go throw up and head out. Updates later.

Dogs are like babies, but babies get to wear diapers

Teddy can be such a bitch sometimes. Let me set the scene for you: Teddy was very thirsty when I got home today and I fed him and gave him water and took him on a walk and he did his business. I took him back inside and he swatted at his water bowl (his oh so subtle sign that he would like a refill) so I filled it to the top and he sucked the bowl dry. Soon he whined at the door and I took him out again and he peed on a bush. We returned indoors and I watched a little Dr. Phil and filled up the dishwasher. During this time, Teddy was whining again and I was ignoring him because he had just been outside and I thought he was faking it. I guess I was wrong. While I have my head down loading dishes, I hear a strange sound and I look up and see Teddy PEEING on the floor not FIVE FEET AWAY FROM ME. Now, this dog has been housetrained for at least two and a half years and he is popping a squat on my living room floor. I was so mad. Don't worry he is still alive, but it was close. Although I did raise my voice and ask "what the HELL is wrong with you?" I didn't beat him or freak out. I took him outside for a longer than usual walk and he is balefully looking at me from the couch at this moment while I give him the silent treatment. Unfortunately, the silent treatment is not all that effective with animals and his baleful look could be sleepiness. Oh well.

Yummy

My new obsession:

vine-ripened tomatoes. I can't get enough. In the past three days I have eaten six and have two more left. I love the taste keep wanting more of them. I guess it's better than craving fried foods or hamburgers. The tomatoes I am currently munching on are grown in Trussville and they are some of my favorites. They are called Blackjack tomatoes and everyone who can get their hands on some should run out and get them. Yum-yum.

The Party

Was fun. There was great food. Anyplace that serves gourmet hamburgers and french fries is awesome in my book. There were also other kinds of great food and these really cool "oyster shooters" which contained a shelled oyster, cocktail sauce, horseradish, and some other stuff and it was DELICIOUS. There were plenty of kegs and other drinks and a great band. It was certainly a lovely party and props to my friend Jenny R. (not the usual Jenny I talk about on here) for a great time.

Hope everybody had a great weekend.

I'm goin' to a party....

I'll let you know all about it when I get back. Yeah!

And?

What do you think about the new template? I felt a need for change. Let me know if you think it is a thumbs up or down.

Sarah mentioned this before

The guy that wanted a Roe v. Wade for men? I saw the guy on television who was arguing that he did not want to be a father and he claims that the woman who got pregnant with HIS baby lied to him and told him she couldn't get pregnant and she was on the pill. He was ordered by a court to pay child support and he is taking her to court because he believes that the law is treating him differently because of his sex.

Well, this guy was on Dr. Phil.

He said that the woman was given choices and he wasn't. She could give her baby up for adoption, abort it, or just abandon it (based on Safe Haven laws that allow a mother to give up her baby at a safe place such as a police station or hospital) and he was not given these choices. Apparently, his ex-girlfriend does not live in a state where her reproductive rights are being erroded on a consistent basis. He is also discounting the bond that a woman often develops while carrying a baby. He also claimed that the baby was not his. He didn't deny that the child was his biologically, but he said that since he was forced into parenthood that the child wasn't
"really" his. Did I mention that he quit wearing a condom during the relationship? That the mother contends that she really believed that she couldn't get pregnant?

I was so mad watching this show because it was the first time I really saw this guy arguing his BULLSHIT point. His lawyer and a representative from the National Organization of Men (hmm) insisted that they believed he would be an "excellent" father at a future date, but he was forced into this situation and that is why he is fighting this so adamantly.

You want to calculate the population of the world if only planned babies were born? I certainly wouldn't be here, as I was a late in life surprise. Sorry to rant, but this just drives me crazy. This guy is trying to assert his rights after hundreds of years of women being relegated to second class citizenry and abuse, but this worm wants to have sex without considering the consequences. Hate to be graphic, but if you are going to stick your dick in something you better be willing to pay the price.

She was.

Rain, rain, go away

No, not really. I LOVE thunderstorms as long as I can relax in my house and watch from my living room window. We have had several really strong storms of late, but I haven't had to be out in them too much. I find them soothing and a great way to spend my down time away from work. I think this is a true sign of being a homebody. Well, I better hit the couch 'cause times a wastin' ;)

Some days I'm Tom Cruise and other days I'm Dustin Hoffman

I refer, of course, to the movie Rainman. Sometimes I feel extremely uncaring and opportunistic and other days I feel autistic because I hate having my routine messed with. I guess I'm more Hoffman than Cruise, but it is really a toss-up which one is better or worse. I know change is supposed to be good for you, but I think it is often unnecessary and just plain disruptive. Sometimes I even want to change my stick-in-the-mood ways, but it is generally more of a fleeting thought and not something I take too seriously. I have pretty much accepted my boring ways...it's no big surprise I want to work someplace like a library.

One down, one to go

You're Welcome. After discussing Katie's never-ending pregnancy she finally went ahead and had her baby. Now, if Angelina Jolie would have her baby all would be right with the world.

The early bird catches the worm...eh, whatever

Well, kids, grandma (me) went to bed at 7:45 last night and she got up at 5:45 this morning. I know that I am supposed to feel refreshed and all that after a long night of rest, but I just want to hop back in bed and sleep some more. I know that it makes sense to stay up and be productive, but why? I have never been all that keen on that 'early to bed and early to rise' mentality. Generally, my attitude has been 'late to bed and get up when I have to'. I don't have to be at work until noon so I really don't have to be up right now. Hmmm. Waking up early does bring me to another topic though and that is my neighbor.

I haven't dicussed him yet in the blog, but he has one strange habit that I have noticed in almost a year of living here. HE NEVER GOES TO BED or HE'S AFRAID OF THE DARK. His light is ALWAYS on. I have been up at all hours while living here. Sometimes I have to get up in the middle of the night for work, or I will be getting in really late from partying, or going to bed really late for some other reason, or getting up fairly early like today...and the light is always on. Jenny proposed that he could be afraid of the dark and that is the reason the light is always on. I don't know about this. He is a grown man with a steady job (a professor at a local conservative college - not the one I went to, the other one) and he seems normal when I have spoken to him. Not like some sleep deprived scaredy-cat. I'm not sure about this one. Anyone have any theories? Vampire, perhaps?

Just do it, already!

I am absolutely sick of hearing about Katie and Angelina's babies. I wish they would just have them already. Is it just me or have they been pregnant way past nine months? From the media storm you would think that they were hatching the next savior. Well, I guess Tom Cruise probably believes that.

ugh.

"Reality" Addiction

I love reality television. I don't want anyone to get the impression that I actually believe that what takes place on these shows is real, but I still think they are interesting. There are four shows right now that are on my Tivo roster:

Cheerleader Nation (Lifetime)
Tuckerville (TLC)
Little People, Big World (TLC)
48 Hours: Mystery (CBS)

Each of these shows focus on people and their lives. 48 Hours: Mystery focuses on true crime and the fascinating aspects of a mystery. Some may call it trash, but I call it entertainment. Check out these shows if you are looking for something interesting and care free to watch and let me know what you think.

The week that was

Thanks to everyone that participated in "first time" week. I had a good time making up the questions and reading everyone's answers. I hope you had fun, too. Now, I will fill you in on the week that I wasn't posting about my exciting life...haha.

I worked out twice this week and I felt really good about it. I had a super hard workout with my friend Fran (he would be mortified if he knew I even mentioned his name on 'da blog) and he put me through hell. I was so sore the next two days that it was ridiculous. I limped around my house and could barely sit down (just picture the problems that presents in ALL sorts of situations). Aside from the soreness, I felt better than I have in a long time and I plan on hitting the gym again this week. On the job front, I have had several job leads this week so I am feeling more hopeful about that as well. All in all, the week was fine. I had several bumps with people at work and a couple of friends, but that has all been resolved and I feel pretty good about next week.

When was the first time you...: Thursday Night (afternoon)

This one is reader's choice. I'm thinking something along the lines of (thanks to some suggestions from a friend) first car, first time you felt like an adult, first time you got your heartbroken, first time you lost a friend, etc. Let's make this interesting folks. It's your pick.

Here's my pick: First time I felt like an adult.

The first time I felt like an adult was when I moved into my first apartment with two other girls (Sarah F. I'm talking to you). Dorm living allowed me to be pretty independent, but this was the first time I was paying for most of my bills and I felt pretty good about it. It was also the first time I had a full-time job and my own health insurance...all the works. The first night we moved in felt like we were in a condo. Everything was really new and most of the furniture wasn't mine. I had a lot of fun that year despite some bumps along the way. I am still friends with one of the girls and I learned the importance of give and take and taking out the trash when it's "your turn" (something that one of the roomies never quite grasped).

When was the first time you...:Wednesday Night

Ever fell in love

Ha! This is an easy one for me. I have never been in love before. I told you I was a late bloomer. I have had major crushes and interests, but I have never been in love. I know this is a cop-out for today's topic, but I'm really tired so this was the best I could come up with. Maybe I will tell you about someone who was in love with me...hmmm, I'll have to think about that one.

P.S. Just a note about tomorrow, I will be posting the last topic of the week early b/c Friday's are not a very big blogging day.

When was the first time you...: Tuesday Night

Ever were kissed (a real one, not something from kindergarten)

I shall admit that I was a bit of a late bloomer (I'm not too sure I have fully bloomed yet, but I digress) and my first kiss came right after my fifteenth birthday - it was a big year. I was at a cousin's wedding and met one of his little brother's friends who was very flirty with me. It was the first time an older guy had ever been interested in me and I thought it was great...um, did I mention he was 23? I know, I know, at the time I thought it was sooooo cool, but as I got older I realized it was kind of icky. I don't care, I still think of it in my fifteen year-old way and it was dreamy. He asked me if I would ride with him to get cigarettes (I know, I hate smoking, but I wasn't as adamantly opposed at the time) and I said "sure!" We drove around and he got his smokes and when he got back in the car he asked me to kiss him! I was so nervous, but I leaned in and had my first kiss...with a 23 child molester. Whatever, it didn't seem so bad at the time. Ahhhh, memories...

When was the first time you...: Monday Night

Okay, so it's not technically Monday night, but I had a request from a bored reader to post early so here goes:

You ever got drunk?

The first time I ever got drunk was at my brother's rehearsal dinner (the first one, as it turns out) and I was 15 (about a month shy of 16) and there was an open bar. My brother's friends kept sneaking me drinks -although, looking back I am pretty sure my parents knew what was going on. By the time I sat down for the dinner I had four different drinks sitting in front of me (I have never been a half-assed drinker) and I was starting to feel the effects of the adult beverages. As I had never been drunk before, it took me a couple of minutes to figure out what was wrong with me and then I got really paranoid and worried that my parents would freak out. My brother happened to get up and in some sort of drunken, slurred "whisper" I told my brother I needed help. He was a little annoyed (being part of his special day and all) and I informed him that I thought I "might" be intoxicated. He escorted me to the bathroom where I splashed some water on my face and I sobered up a bit after walking around. That's about it for the first time being drunk. Incidentally, the second time I got drunk was the next night at the reception :)

When was the first time you...: Sunday Night

When was the first time you realized your parents didn't know it all (i.e. made a bad/wrong decision, expressed doubt, acted "human")?

The first time I realized that my parents might not have all the right answers was about the time I was in fifth grade. My mother, father and I were out shopping one day and we ran into some family friends. I was impatient to move on, but my parents were discussing various things and one of the friends asked how the "move and house hunt was going." I looked at my parents in confusion and asked what was going on and they said that we would talk about it later. I got really upset and stalked off while they finished their conversation. Long story short, it turned out that my father was offered a promotion and we were supposed to move from Nashville to Charlotte, NC over the summer. They had known for months and had never said anything because they thought I was going to be upset. Umm, yeah, I was. The end of this story is that my parents never said they were sorry and never thought they had done anything wrong. We didn't end up moving and I wasn't forced to leave my friends, but I never forgot that my parents were planning a whole new life for us and never mentioned it to me. I know it seems like a small thing, but it really made me doubt their honesty. Generally, I trusted my parents, but after this incident things were different. Sometimes the small things leave long memories.

Note about next week

I have deemed next week "First Time" week. Get your mind out of the gutter...I am going post five questions over the course of the week (Sunday night through Thursday night) and I would like a reader response to the question of the day. In the spirit of fairness, I will share my own memories. Let your imagination run wild...see you Sunday night.

A National Embarassment

Nope, not talking about the prez, but someone who has got to reach rock bottom at some point. Upon the urging of my close friend Peyton I have been frequenting the Perez Hilton blog/site and I came across one of the most horrifying pictures of the person I am focusing on for the day.
I present to you:

Tara Reid

Ha!

Katie isn't paying attention to me right now so I decided to post a little something while she's watching tivo. I know she talks about all the "secrets" she shares with the blog world and how "honest" she is, but I am here to tell you that that bitch lies. Here is how it really is:

I don't tear things up. I don't eat things I'm not supposed to. I don't make messes. Actually, I tidy up after myself. Sometimes, when I have helped myself to a snack I make sure that ALL the crumbs are cleaned up so that she won't get mad. After all of my effort she just yells at me and says "bad boy." Heh. I'm a man, not a boy. I will have you know in people years I am 25! Another thing she complains about is my mess. Ahem. You know that glass house? She sure is throwing stones from it. When Grandpa was here over the weekend he looked all over the house and just shuddered and got out a sponge and some 409. SHE sat on the couch and watched tv. I sat next to him while he was at work in case he needed me to pick up any crumbs off the floor.

Uh-oh. She's coming over here. Gotta go....just wanted ya'll to know the truth. Post more later.

Seacrest out,
Teddy

It drives me crazy and I guess it shouldn't

Sad news to report and I know I should have mentioned it earlier, but Lucy Goosey and her owner have moved. I was really sad to see them go, but over the last few weeks her owner dressed her up in all kinds of super cute outfits (maybe showcasing the best of her work) and it was bittersweet. Now that the lady and her goose are gone there is a handicapped space in front of the apartment that isn't being used. My downstairs neighbor (the semi-loud one) has taken it upon herself to start parking there - even when there are several other perfectly good parking places available. I know that the lady that the space was intended for is no longer there, but it totally irks me. This twit is already on my bad side and now she is making it worse by parking in spaces reserved for the physically handicapped (which, by being forced to listen to the antics that take place in her bedroom when her boyfriend is over, is clearly not an issue). I realize that there is no one who needs that spot and that the apartment people will probably turn it into a regular spot - the fact remains that there is still a little blue handicapped man painted on the cement and she should back off.

I am so petty.

Poll the audience

I have been thinking over the last few weeks that I want to write something. I'm not sure what, but I feel like I have something to say. I have toyed with the idea for the last few years, but these past few months of working a dead end job has left my mind somewhat idle and I feel like I want to do something mentally productive. Although I read a lot of romance novels, I just want to write something, not romance. You are supposed to write what you know and that is certainly not something I know. Maybe something more autobiographical. I'm not sure. Any ideas?

Holy Crap, Batman!

It has occured to me in the last few days that I need a full body/life makeover. Now, I know that I keep harping on this topic, but I really need to get serious because I have a little over a year to lose 1 million pounds (or so) and look fabulous for two extremely important events: my brother's wedding and my 10 year high school reunion. I can't believe I am so old that I will be having a 10 year reunion, but that really has nothing to do with my task. So I'm old? I'll get over it. There have to be at least two or three other people older than me, right? Aside from that...I also want to look good in my god-awful bridesmaid dress. If I have to get dressed up, I will damn sure look fabulous in my chosen frock. I figure I will rejoin WW (weight watchers) because it works and it is affordable and I just can't seem to make an eating disorder stick.

2 Years

April 3rd is the two year mark of the day my mom passed away. I have talked alot about my mom on this blog. Most of the time I like to mention her quirks and other crazy things she did, but I wanted to give ya'll a more well rounded picture of my mom. Some of the people who read this blog met her, but most of you haven't and that is why I am giving you a glimpse of her.

My mom:
- lived all over the south, including her favorite place, Key West.
- she went to LSU, Northwestern (the one in Louisiana), University of Texas, and Ole Miss. She got a Masters in History and was all but dissertation in her Ph.D program (also in history)
- She got her pilots license when she was in her 20s
- She was 31 when she got married - my dad was 23 ;) - cradle robber...
- She worked as a social worker and teacher and she was great at both
- If you wanted to know anything about history she ALWAYS had the answer
- She was scared of babies and got full body hives after she had my brother and 9 years later when she had me
- She was really proud of her kids and NEVER hesitated to tell us
- She loved my dad and never hesitated to tell him
- She was really funny and witty (I like to think I got that from her)
- Most of my friends thought she was a pretty cool lady
- I could always tell when she was getting dressed up to go out because she put on her Chanel No. 5
- I still miss her alot, but truly believe that she is happier where she is.

And that was my mom.