Christmas came and went

You: possible readers, me: bad blogger who hasn't updated. The holidays are always hectic and Christmas passed so fast. Let me go over things that have happened:

• New fridge in kitchen, other one kicked the bucket
• Refinished kitchen ceiling, no more popcorn
• Volunteering with Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and attending the reveal
• Christmas shopping and parties
• New over-the-range microwave installed
• Making and baking goodies for gifts and parties
• Running between families on Christmas Eve
• Toy package explosion in my house

I know I still have New Year's before the holiday season is over but I feel a major stress relief once Christmas has passed. Yes, I enjoy spending time with family. I wish it didn't take a major holiday to get everyone together.

Family photos tomorrow

My workplace recently had a silent auction as a fundraiser as part of its annual charitable contributions campaign. Guess who won a photo session and a 20x24 canvas ? Me, of course! I spent the last hour of the auction in a bid war with someone.

I have been stressing over what to wear. Steven wanted to do dressy. I insisted that we were casual folks. When I made the appointment, I asked if we could do both and they agreed. As of tonight, I still don't know what shirts Steven will wear tomorrow. At least Audrey and I will coordinate. I forgot to make an appointment to get my hair done but someone is coming to my house to do my make-up. I am super excited!

Intimidation

Do you ever tell yourself you aren't good enough? That nothing you do will ever be right? I feel this way more than I care to admit, especially when it comes to new situations. My best friend recently described me as outgoing and that really surprised me. I never would consider myself in that way.

What does any of this stuff have to do with intimidation? I felt intimidated tonight for probably no reason at all. This was brought on by looking at a website. Yes, a website. I think most people are familiar with the show "Extreme Home Makeover". The show is coming to my town to build a home. This is something I would love to volunteer for. I was looking at the design needs list and volunteer application when I could feel the self-doubt building up in my system. I have performance anxiety over something I haven't even signed up for, the uneasy feeling telling me I wouldn't be good enough at anything to be of help. Does this sound like someone outgoing?

I have been a fan of Ty Pennington since he was on "Trading Spaces" what seemed like ages ago. Maybe before the weekend is done, I might actually get the nerve to complete a volunteer application for the show, not just stare at it. The thought of possibly being near Ty may help.

Birthday party

This week, my baby who is the most diva-licious turned seven. Today, we are having her birthday party. This is one of the first times we have invited anyone other than close friends and family. My kitchen has been jacked up. I didn't have running water in my kitchen until yesterday. So I have been cleaning up like crazy. I only hope people don't inspect my house. I am one of those folks who would rather spend my life enjoying it, not cleaning all the time.

If I survive today, I may need a week off to recover.

I have counters, but......

I have no water in my kitchen. My new counters made it in but I cannot say it was easy. The installers came and couldn't do it because our cabinets weren't level. I am thankful we have friends with all kind of skills because one of them came out and leveled the counters for us. The next day, the installer called and asked could they come. OF COURSE! My new counters look so nice but the rest of my kitchen is another story. We had to let the new sink set for 24 hours before hooking water back up. That was yesterday. Water should be hooked back up today. Washing what dishes we use in the bathtub is no fun. NOPE, NOT FUN.

Steven is supposed to put up the backer board for the glass tiles this afternoon. Did I mention my daughter's birthday party is this Sunday? And I am still putting the contents of my cabinets back in? My to-do list keep getting longer and longer.

Kitchen in process

I am in the middle of remodeling my kitchen. After living in my house for twelve years,it is about time. Sunday, we had a friend at our house helping with removing old countertops and moving appliances. When our friend unplugged the range, electricity shot out the plug.

Luckily, he wasn't injured. We had to call another friend to check out the receptacle. There were loose metal wires bouncing around in it. The person who installed the plug receptacle is here now. They said it was faulty. Thanks DUDE. You installed it, you fix it. 

Soon, the installers will be here putting in my new countertops. YAY for a somwhat updated kitchen!

Britney music on Glee, Can you feel my excitement?

When tonight's Glee episode comes on, I will be watching because I almost hate to admit this. I am a fan of Britney Spears' music. I wonder how much the other cast members other than Heather Morris (Brittany) will be dancing. She used to be a back up dancer for Beyonce and the girl can definitely get her groove on. 

No witty stuff here

I have been sick for over four weeks. I have been to the doctor two times during the time and received an antibiotic and other medicine each time. Today, it was time to call the doctor back. I finished the second round of antibiotics and another decongestant. Yet, I am still coughing and congested. My doctor finally called me back and we talked about what was going on. He then said I had chronic bronchitis. I don't know why he couldn't figure this out two weeks ago when I was there. Guess what? More medicine. I am hopeful this will finally help me get over this crud.


I haven't been in a picture taking mood since I have been sick. Let's be honest. I haven't been in the mood to do much at all. This weekend, I will attempt to break out of my fear of new experiences and interacting with new people by attending a photography meet. Wish me luck that my anxiety doesn't get the best of me.


And so you don't think my Carlos R. Norris love from last week was a fleeting interest, enjoy the Chuck below.

Sick and still showing Carlos R. Norris love

I hate sinus problems and I hate my sinus cavities. I hate sinusitis. I hate anything involving sinuses right now. Steven knew this today while we were working and he sent me this this article referencing Carlos R. Norris thinking it might make me laugh. This hockey dude has the right idea. Wearing Carlos R. Norris on your head is like it being surrounded by the strongest force field ever times infinity.

Don't know who Carlos R. Norris is? You can read up on this wonderful man here or his Wikipedia entry. I prefer you read the first one because a lot of hard work went into it. Wikipedia is just a bunch of random people adding crap therefore not as great. 

What does this picture have to do with all this? NOT A THING! But if you haven't seen this face from my daughter, you haven't seen her true diva attitude. 

GOOD NIGHT, FOLKS! I am ambiened up and anxiously awaiting the sleep that follows.

Break for a day

I was all prepared to type up another Chuck Norris entry but then life happens. I just need to take a break for the day since it doesn't seem right to do this today.

So this is all you get today. For much more Chuck fun, read  yesterday's post.

Carlos R. "Chuck" Norris facts Wikipedia

Okay, I have to admit I am up to no good tonight. I recently started reading Aunt Becky's blog and she is freakin' HILARIOUS. She went on a John Mayer rant a couple of days ago and found herself unintentionally moving up the Google search results list thanks to the wonders of SEO. Don't ask me about this junk because I have no intention of trying to explain it. Today her blog followers, known as pranksters, were challenged. Choose someone to talk about and catapult your entry to the front page of Google Search. So that is why you will be reading an entry about the infamous Chuck Norris.

I have somewhat of an obsession with Chuck Norris facts. Tonight before taking on this mighty Google quest, I did a search for Chuck. The first page that came up was this Wikipedia page for Chuck Norris facts. I clicked and was really mad to see there were only a few of the facts listed on the page. Yes, I do live in reality and know these "facts" are not true. But why not include more of the facts on the page? Instead of trying to improve the Wikipedia entry, I will just add some to my blog entry. Wikipedia has plenty of people that can change their page and I have better ways to spend my time. Like doing some housework and going into Lupron-induced tirades. Here commences the fun.

• Chuck Norris will never have a heart attack. His heart isn't nearly foolish enough to attack him.
• Chuck Norris does not wear a condom. Because there is no such thing as protection from Chuck Norris.
• Chuck Norris can set ants on fire with a magnifying glass. At night.
• When Chuck Norris crosses the street, the cars have to look both ways.
• When the boogeyman goes to sleep, he checks his closet for Chuck Norris.
• The grass is always greener on the other side, unless Chuck Norris has been there. In that case the grass is most likely soaked in blood and tears.
• Chuck Norris' tears cure cancer. Too bad he has never cried.
• Chuck Norris does not hunt because the word hunting infers the probability of failure. Chuck Norris goes killing.
• If you can see Chuck Norris, he can see you. If you can't see Chuck Norris you may be only seconds away from death.
• Chuck Norris sold his soul to the devil for his rugged good looks and unparalleled martial arts ability. Shortly after the transaction was finalized, Chuck roundhouse kicked the devil in the face and took his soul back. The devil, who appreciates irony, couldn't stay mad and admitted he should have seen it coming. They now play poker every second Wednesday of the month.
• If you have five dollars and Chuck Norris has five dollars, Chuck Norris has more money than you.
• Chuck Norris sent Jesus a birthday card on December 25th and it wasn't Jesus’ birthday. Jesus was to scared to correct Chuck Norris and to this day December 25th is known as Jesus' birthday.
• Filming on location for Walker: Texas Ranger, Chuck Norris brought a stillborn baby lamb back to life by giving it a prolonged beard rub. Shortly after the farm animal sprang back to life and a crowd had gathered, Chuck Norris roundhouse kicked the animal, breaking its neck, to remind the crew once more that Chuck giveth, and the good Chuck, he taketh away.
• Chuck Norris destroyed the periodic table, because he only recognizes the element of surprise.

Considered yourself enlightened by the knowledge of the power of Chuck Norris and pray that he lets you live another day.

Release and Torch

Back around Earth Day, my county government was having a butterfly release along with other Earth Day events. My family kept talking about it. I finally came up with a solution. I told them I was going to torch the butterflies. Yep, you read that right.

Here was my plan. Buy some hairspray and get a lighter. Wait for the release. Time for death and destruction. Burning butterflies fluttering through the air? AWESOME!

Oh yeah, don't hate my genius art skills.I went to a fine arts school. Don't question my expertise.

So, everyone thought I was insane. Until the day we brought our truck. We were at the car dealership during the time of the butterfly release when my husband mentioned it. The sales guy and finance guy were apologetic. I told them of my plan to torch the flying demons, watch their burning wings attempting to fly. They both looked at my strange. Then, the finance dude said, "Yeah, that would be kinda awesome." I could have hugged him. He really understood me. Not really, but at least he saw the potential beauty of the flames.

Butterflies

I went to Aiken's Makin today and saw this one vendor I really had a problem with. I think this picture speaks for itself. See me in the left corner?

The End of a Friendship?

"Have ... have any of you ... lost that one friend ... that person who you thought will ALWAYS be there. Who said they would always be there, but, then, they got tired of you, or fed up with you, or just stopped caring about you, and they just left? After promising you they would never leave they break that promise? You have other friends, people who are your best friends, but that person just meant something to you, something really special, and while those other best friends of yours are people who you would die for in a minute, and they are still there and you know they always will be, you just feel .. empty because they take that specialness away because they just don't care anymore. They accuse their leaving of being your fault. They say it's because you stopped caring. Because you pushed them away farther then they could take. Because you just weren't good enough. Because you just didn't try hard enough. They say that if you care, that if you didn't push them away, that if you were good enough, that if you tried harder, then they would still be there. But, what I don't understand is why they can't understand that the only reason I push someone away was because I loved them so much, and that they meant so much to me, and that I got scared. I was frightened that they would take that love away. And I was right. They did. Why can't they understand?" - Jacqueline Kelly

I don't believe I pushed away. I chose to help a dying friend. I am at a loss for words of my own right now. This was the closest I could come to expressing how I feel.

My grandmother

Many people who know me might not realize my grandmother has schizophrenia. She comes up with some weird ideas she truly sees as real in her eyes even though you know they aren't true. The bad thing is you can argue the validity of your point all day long and it won't make a difference. I believe this is a highly misunderstood disease, even to me.

It can be difficult to know how to respond to someone with schizophrenia who makes strange or clearly false statements. Remember that these beliefs or hallucinations seem very real to the person. It is not helpful to say they are wrong or imaginary. But going along with the delusions is not helpful, either. Instead, calmly say that you see things differently. Tell them that you acknowledge that everyone has the right to see things his or her own way. In addition, it is important to understand that schizophrenia is a biological illness. Being respectful, supportive, and kind without tolerating dangerous or inappropriate behavior is the best way to approach people with this disorder.
-How you can help a person with schizophrenia from the NIMH website

I know I probably shouldn't but I find myself highly amused yet aggravated at times with some of the things she says and believes. I hope my mom doesn't mind me posting these "Granny-isms". Most of them revolve around my grandfather James who passed away fifteen years ago. The ones in quotation marks are her actual words.

• Well, the strangest one is she believes my grandfather is still alive. She has fought with my mom about it.
  
• We stopped to get her a caramel Frappé after an appointment today. "I sure wish James could have come with us. He would have liked some coffee."
  
• "I saw some pears in the cabinet. I want you to serve me and your dad some with dinner." This was directed at my mom one night.
  
• My grandfather recently bought her a car, specifically my car. My mom hasn't heard enough about that so make sure you mention the PF Cruiser (not PT) to her.
  
• We lost our family place at the lake because the town flooded. DIDN'T HAPPEN
  
• My grandfather is coming home every night and almost every day. My grandmother barely sleeps for going to look for him out the door. This has been one of the major issues for my mom.
  

I could bore everyone death with this stuff, but I won't. I applaud my mother for her patience in dealing with my grandmother. I only worry about her health as I know this is a big strain. Mom, don't worry. Maybe I will get some patience of my own so you won't end up at a nursing home.

Purse Love

Here I am, home on a Saturday night blogging from a new app on my cell phone. I am currently taking a break from doing something long overdue, cleaning out my purse collection. Purses have been a love of mine for years. Yes, I may buy purses some consider expensive but they stay with me for a long time. My first love is in the picture and has been with me since probably ninth grade. It was many of Liz Claiborne's. I may get rid of other purses, but I don't think I can part with my first love.

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New Blessing

Diva-child and her newest cousin born today

Homemade Ice Cream

I am at home today sick. I wasn't hungry until I read this deliciousness of a blog entry. I curse and praise Amanda in the same sentence. Here I am, feeling awful yet I find myself craving ice cream so bad. Krispy Kreme ice cream, I may want to marry you. Cinnamon Bun, YES PLEASE!

If anyone feels sorry for me, you know what would make me feel better? I'll be patiently waiting for the ingredients after I make an attempt to get out of bed.

Gin and Berries

Audrey and I had an interesting conversation at the store tonight.

Her: Momma, we need to get some of that stuff.
Me: What stuff?
Her: Jen and Barry's.
Me: HUH?
Her: Jen and Barry's.
Me: Gin and berries?? Where in the world did you hear about this?
Her: You know, the ice cream. JEN & BARRY'S.

I couldn't stop laughing when I realized she wanted some Ben & Jerry's ice cream. She knew she hadn't said it correct when I was laughing and wouldn't repeat it for Steven.

Myrtle Beach

We are at Myrtle Beach this week on family vacation with Steven's family. I am surprised at how quick nineteen of us can be seated and fed at restaurants. We are taking a little break from the beach right now to shower and get ready for seafood dinner buffet.

Lax again

Once again, I have been lax about blogging. What is getting me back again? My best friend just started her own blog. I can't have her out-performing me! That, of course, is a joke because she seems to excel at everything she does while I cannot say the same.

I have been in a funk recently. I am having a pelvic laparoscopy on Wednesday. I have been having pelvic pain on my ovary-less side. The doctor said could be endometriosis. The only way to find out is to get inside and check it out. If he finds anything while performing the procedure, he will either laser or cut it off. Sounds like fun, right? Don't be too jealous, ya'll.

I hope everyone has a great day tomorrow. I'll be attending diva-child's kindergarten graduation.

May-May

One of my oldest friends (we'll just call her May-May) is coming to town for a couple of days. When I say we grew up together, this is not an understatement. Our mothers have been friends since before we were born. She and her sister are the ones responsible for giving me the nickname Jupiter many years ago. Over time, it has been shortened to Jup. We know some of each other's most kept secrets and would never dare to tell.

May-May moved away a couple of years ago to live with her father and help him with her ailing grandfather. I miss being able to spend as much time with her as I used to, especially now that she has a little baby of her own. I hate that I feel like we have inevitably grown apart. Even though we are not as close as we used to be, I still love her dearly. She is truly like a sister to me. I hope she reads this when it posts to my facebook page. I love ya, girl!

The autograph book made it home

My last blog entry talked about the loss of the autograph book at Disney. I finally received their direct phone number from an online form submitted on their website. It took nine days for Guest Communications to respond. This was quicker than the fourteen to twenty-one days their automated e-mail had originally suggested so I was happy. I called the same evening and a nice lady answered the phone. I proceeded to tell her my story and all the details about the book. I held for a few minutes while she looked. Thankfully, it was turned in at their Lost & Found. I almost cried when she told me they had it and would mail it to me. We received it and the special pen we bought was still attached on the book's pen loop. Two thumbs up for the magic of Walt Disney World!

Walt Disney World

My family got home tonight from a trip to Disney World. We left last Thursday afternoon and spent four action-filled days at the parks. We had a great time. I am upset though. Some time in our last afternoon, we lost Audrey's autograph book where we collected the signatures of bunches of characters. I am going to attempt to contact Guest Services tomorrow and hopefully locate it. If we can't locate it, Audrey is going to be very upset. At least I have pictures to document the experience. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE SOMEONE NICE OUT THERE, TURN IN THE AUTOGRAPH BOOK TO LOST AND FOUND! I feel like such an awful mom. I am making myself sick worrying about this.

Bed

We are in the process of building diva-child a bed. Recently I discovered the Knock-Off Wood website and now I have lots of future projects. The blog owner Ana is a rockin' lady who admits to being obsessed with furniture. She looks to Pottery Barn and such places at their expensive items then designs a plan to build similar pieces. This is the bed we are building. I hope we are going to finish this weekend. I'll post pics when we're done. Have a great weekend, ya'll!

Lazy Saturday morning

This morning, I wanted to sleep more but someone else had other plans. She turned on the living room tv and ate chips for breakfast. You know you have done it at least once. Don't hate a girl for wanting more sleep!

Bad Blogger

So I just haven't been in a blogging mood. I hope the funk is lifting. At my house, we settled with the D.O.T.. Christmas came and went. I bought a new Nikon D5000, which I think will take me forever to learn. I promise to start typing more now that my attitude seems to be improving. Have a great Friday everyone!