Sunday, June 14, 2009
But all I have is this goat....
My husband and I recently vacationed in the Caribbean with my brother-in-law and sister-in-crime....I mean, sister-in-law. Let's just say she has an adventurous spirit!
This was technically a 'working vacation' which is great as long as I am not the one actually working! And I was not. So one my SIL suggests that we venture out on our own and do some sight-seeing while the while the guys work. Sounds easy enough except for the fact that I have never driven on the opposite side of the road much less in a foreign country. Apparently, on the island, the yellow line down the middle of the road is simply for decoration!
Nevertheless...we were on our way....map in her hand, steering wheel in mine. Two girls with no sense of direction but the assurance of the concierge that all roads eventually lead you back to the beginning. Kiss, kiss to the boys and we were ready for adventure.
There are so many stories I could share....backing the car onto the ferry (another first), coming face to face with a herd of wild goats on a walking path, snorkeling with stingrays and sea turtles, going behind a wall that said "DO NOT ENTER" because curiosity just got the best of us (and it was well worth the peek I might add!). But I just want to share the story of a man and his goat named Madonna.
As we were on our way back home we rounded a corner on the two lane road and there, on the side of the road, stood a tall, thin, raggedly dressed man with the biggest toothless smile I'd ever seen waving us over, offering us a parking space beside the most breathtaking view of the ocean. And he was holding a tiny goat. Yes...a goat. There were other people already there taking in the scene so we figured it was safe. Besides...he had a goat!
As we got out of our car he handed me his goat and said, 'her name is Madonna...let me take your picture with her". Who could resist? He then began enthusiastically sharing with us the history of the island....where Sir Francis Drake had sailed, he pointed to a house across the way where President Bill Clinton had stayed, he shared his first hand knowledge and years of story of his island. And when he finished my SIL and I tipped him generously and thanked him for his time.
We drove away thinking....wow, this is how this man makes his living. The more I thought about that man and his goat the more I admired his sense of entrepreneurship. While people complain about their circumstances and think of all they DON'T have and how unfair life can be, this man said 'if all I have is a goat and a story I can make a living'. And honestly, at least in my mind, I think if you asked him would he like to trade what he does for a high paying job in a cement-city he would say...."Are you crazy? Madonna and I wouldn't trade our little piece of peace in paradise for anything. Life is good, mon."
Yes indeed....life IS good, mon.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Saturday, May 2, 2009
The Secret to a Great Marriage? Great SOCKS!
You may be saying..."I'm not even going to read any further because everyone wears socks and that is a lame reason to say you love someone - socks....whatever. And besides....I thought you meant SEX." BUT...last night as we were getting into bed I simply said "my feet are so cold" and without hesitation my hubby said "ok, I'll wear my socks".
The thing is - even if I wear socks my feet don't get warm but if HE wears them then my feet get to snuggle up with his and for some reason they just get toasty warm. He knows that....he knows me!
As silly and insignificant as it may seem these are the things that love causes you to do. It's the wink he gives you across the room that says 'you look so good', it's the note left on the mirror, it's choosing his favorite steak restaurant when you really want Mexican......and it's definitely good socks!
Friday, May 1, 2009
Morning People....or Not!
I think I'm a pretty nice person. I get along with almost everyone and just love life in general. But it takes a little time in the morning before "I" actually come to life and this generally 'nice person' wakes up. I am NOT what people refer to as a 'Morning Person'. I'm not mean - at least I don't think I am. The real problem is I can't form complete sentences before I have my coffee. Yes...I'm one of those, thanks to my grandmother who started letting me have 'coffee milk' at her house when I was about three years old. It was about 2/3 cup of milk and 1/3 cup coffee and lots of sugar!!
My incredibly thoughtful (and wise) hubby gets the coffee ready before we even go to bed at night so all I have to do is push a button and coffee begins brewing. OR...if we know for sure what time we're getting up he will even set the timer and I awaken to the wonderful aroma of freshly brewed coffee. I know he does this because he loves (or maybe it's purely out of self-defense but I'm going to say it's the love thing,)
Here's my issue - I like French Vanilla creamer in my coffee. So, if the people who make this wonderful product know it is for people who will be putting it in their coffee AND that a lot of their customer base cosists of people who are NOT 'morning people' WHY OH WHY OH WHY would they change their container design WITHOUT attaching some kind of warning on the label? A simple statement that says "Hey friends...before you pour that first cup in the morning please take notice that we have redesigned this bottle and you will now have to open it in the complete OPPOSITE direction than you have been doing for years." I am a nice person....I am a nice person....I must remember....I am a nice person....please put the knife down....I am really a nice person!Monday, April 27, 2009
He still makes my heart race!
I married a Yankee - I know.....what was I thinking? I guess I was thinking...."hey...this guy totally speaks my language (minus the Texan drawl)".
But then the differences became obvious. He like the Cleveland Browns, I was a die-hard Dallas Cowboy fan. He's 6'5" - I'm 5'2". He wore suits to work.....I lived in jeans and flip flops. Rest assured, they were always cute jeans and fancy flips ....you know, the kind with sparkly things and bright colors. But as newlyweds you don't necessarily notice those differences at first....well, I did notice the height difference but the other things we just so cute. **sigh**
I'm here to tell you what true love is all about. Adapting. Not so much compromising because that pretty much means meeting in the middle somewhere - but learning what the other one likes and making some changes. WHAT ( I hear you !) ?? Isn't that just a slap in the face of the 21st century woman? Haven't we worked our tightly toned tushes off to achieve equality? Why would we want to start giving in to what the man likes again?? Well.....maybe because HE LIKES IT!!
But it's a two way street. There were things I liked too. And then one day it happened. My suit wearing, northern boy came struttin' out of our bedroom wearing (oh...I can hardly think about it without my heart racing) blue jeans, a white button down shirt and cowboy boots!! And I was smitten all over again....not just because he looked SO DARN GOOD but because I knew he did it just for me. Now that's what true love is all about.
Friday, April 24, 2009
I say "Let the Sun Shine"!
I love the south but I must confess that the heat can be a bit of a challenge at times. Southern Belles don't say we 'sweat'...we say 'we're glistening'. And we like to have a mint julep in our hands if we are.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Is there such thing as "Too much of a Good Thing"?
So I was listening to a radio program (Ok..it was on NPR - yes, sometimes I listen to NPR and so do you and you know it!) where they were interviewing Paula Deen - I woman I admire because she loves real butter and uses it not sparingly which is why her Pound Cake will be served in heaven. BUT... I heard her describe something that I'm pretty sure even if I did my "Hip Hop Abs Cardio Burn" workout DVD four times a day for an entire month I would still not be able to work off the calorie packed, carb filled, deep-fried damage. It's called "The Lady's Brunch Burger". And here is the recipe just in case you're having the girls over soon:
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
3 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley leaves
2 tablespoons grated onion
House Seasoning, recipe follows
2 tablespoons butter
3 eggs
6 slices bacon, cooked
3 KRISPY KREME DONUTS (YES...you read correctly)
Mix the ground beef, chopped parsley and grated onion together in a large mixing bowl. Season liberally, with House Seasoning. Form 3 hamburger patties.
Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and spray with non-stick cooking spray.
While burgers are cooking, heat a non-stick pan, over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons butter. Crack 3 eggs into the pan. Cook until the yolks are just set and still slightly runny and remove.
Place burger patties on glazed donuts, as the buns. Top each burger with 2 pieces of bacon and a fried egg.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Judge NOT!
So as I sit here in my beautiful condo with every amenity a person could ever want, I am inconvenienced by the fact that they stock the cabinets with small coffee cups and now I actually have to get up to get a refill.....myself. Gees.
The point to my rambling today is....be careful who you judge and for what. Or better yet...just don't do it at all. Because that same woman with the designer shoes and 4 carat diamond earrings just might be the very same woman who just donated a pint of blood that saves your life...or that she gives anonymously so children in the inner city can have clothes for school.
Now....who wants more coffee? :-)
Friday, March 13, 2009
My Favorite Bra
My mind began to ping-pong thinking ‘should I inform him that his feeble attempt at solving my dilemma bordered on insanity or smile innocently and say “thank you baby for that suggestion…why didn’t I think of that?”’ How could I let him know that variety is the spice of life and how incredibly boring it would be to have one choice even if it was wonderful? Didn’t he love that I worked tirelessly to choose colors and designs that were functional, when necessary, but impractical….when necessary *wink wink*?
Then it occurred to me how perfect it is that he thinks that way. I’m thankful that variety isn’t the spice of his life and that it makes perfect sense to him that when you find that one thing that ‘fits’ just right….you stick with it. That’s good news for me. Maybe not such good news for him because my love of lingerie is probably not going away any time soon. But somehow….I don’t think he minds. :-)
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Waxing Philosophical Y'all
Here comes the 'deep thought' portion of the show...seriously, and you know I'm not all that into 'seriously'. A woman was trying to take a picture of the skyline of the city off in the distance and I heard her say "I'm trying to get the big picture and the camera's auto-focus is focusing on the tree in front of me". Kind of like....I can't see the forest for the trees? Here....cool picture for visual effect.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Jury Duty and a few laws you may NOT know about
Hubby has jury duty this week. Now while it may not be the most fun activity one can imagine it is, indeed, a responsiblity and a privilege. This is truly a great country we live in. THAT BEING SAID...I thought it would be fun to share with you some of the lesser known laws that have been established "in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty...etc.".
Alabama - It is unlawful to wear a false mustache in church and cause "unseemly laughter.
California (Berkeley) - it is illegal to whistle for a lost canary before 7:00 A.M.
(Costa Mesa, Ca) - it is illegal to enter a movie theatre within four hours of eating garlic.
Connecticut - According to state law, in order for a pickle to be qualified as a pickle, it must bounce.
Delaware- It is against the law to pawn a wooden leg.
Georgia (Conyers) - an ordinance was passed that prohibits saying the phrase "two fried eggs and a fritter for a quarter" in an attempt to prohibit slang talkin'.
Illinois (This one may be my FAVORITE!)- it is illegal to make love while hunting or fishing on your wedding day.
Indiana (South Bend) - it is illegal for a monkey to smoke cigarettes. Violators are fined 25 dollars.
(Elkhart, In.) - it is against the law for a barber to threaten to cut off a youngster's ears.
Mississippi (Canton) - it is illegal to kill a squirrel in a courtroom with a gun.
Missouri (St. Louis) - it is against the law to drink beer from a bucket on any street curb.
Ohio (Bexley) - Ordinance #223 prohibits the installation and usage of slot machines in outhouses.
Tennesse (Memphis) - it is illegal for a woman to drive a car unless there is a man running or walking in front of it, waving a red flag to warn approachingmotorists and pedestrians.
And last on this list but certainly not least....
Wyoming (Newcastle) - It is against the law "to make love in a meat freezer."
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
The Newlywed Game returns to TV
Hmmm...who needs marriage therapy when we will soon have The Newlywed Game!
The new edition of "The Newlywed Game" premieres April 6. It will feature an updated set and a new bonus round with couples who have remained married since appearing on the show."
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Commercials WORK!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
An Entire Month Dedicated to PANCAKES!
I like mine smothered with Mrs. Butterworth's syrup and not the light variety. If you're going to have a pancake, this is not the time to make any type of compromise or try to justify the binge by using 'sugar free' syrup or anything less than the thickest, most buttery syrup you can find. And speaking of butter - please, sir, may I have another! Lots of butter is a must and don't even dare try a non-butter substitute that promises to lower your cholesterol. NOT TODAY! Today - we celebrate the people of ancient times who, perhaps by sheer accident because of the lack of a non-stick skillet, created a delicacy that we honor with, not just a single day, but an entire month! So here's to you - Flapjack, Fritter, or just plain o' Pancake....today I lift my fork to you in shameless, sweet, syrupy celebration!
Friday, February 13, 2009
Happy Engagement Anniversary to ME (oh..and him)
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Is it just me or are addicted to Cash Cab too?
I've never really been a Game Show Junkie but I do love one in particular – Cash Cab!! I am addicted to this one. It's become a ritual for me and the hubby - which means it's scheduled fun - so that counts as a date, right? HA!
Anyway...it makes me happy – like, strangely happy. Unsuspecting passengers get in, what looks like, a typical New York yellow cab. Ben Bailey, the taxi driver, ducks his head a bit making him appear to a hunched over old man, greets them in one of his many fake accents and right when they are settled in for the ride….BAM – flashing lights come on overhead and Ben turns around and cheerfully announces “You’re in the Cash Cab….a game show that takes place right here in my Taxi!” And I can’t wait to see their reactions. Some know the show well and are just giddy with excitement while others look suspicious and question the validity of this bizarre situation. It’s these skeptics that I enjoy watching the most. At times they look guarded and even annoyed but agree, sometimes condescendingly, to play Ben’s little game. The questions start off easy and the captured contestant typically answers the first few correctly and…”well, that was easy”, you can see them say to themselves but they are not yet fully engaged to the point of outright fun. Yet, as they weave through the city traffic and the random trivia questions proceed to get a little more challenging their body begins to engage with their minds. Their expressions turn from sophisticated to silly and then they’re hooked! They’re happy…I’m happy…it’s another win/win. Even when they lose….Ben manages to make them see that the FUN was the game itself. I love fun!! :-)
For more fun check out the other BLOGS
Saturday, January 31, 2009
The Votes are in...I'm OFF the Charts!
My doctor has some piece of equipment that looks like it's right out of Star Trek. She starts scanning my back and I hear beep after beep. Then she says...and I quote:
"Let's look at your scan. We're looking at the amount of swelling in the areas you're feeling pain. Yellow means moderate, green means mild and red means severe. Yours are black....off the charts".
I'd love to tell you this pain came because I had attempted some amazing atheletic feat and, while I may have come away with a few bumps and bruises or even a broken bone or two, it was totally worth it - that it was, in fact, just the price of victory. Sadly, it is not the least bit glamorous. So here it is - my words of warning...MAKE SURE YOUR COMPUTER MONITOR IS DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF YOU. You force your muscles to their limits by twisting in an unnatural position for hours on end....and you too can be told you are "off the charts". I don't advise it. Move the monitor!
The good news is...I've gotten some pretty nice neck messages from hubby. At this point I'm not sure I'll tell him when the pain is gone. :-)
Saturday, January 24, 2009
It Clearly Says "Omelet Pan"
So – here’s the point…..we decided to go shopping for a bona-fide omelet pan. Sure, you can cook them in a traditional non-stick pan that you’d use for grilled cheese sandwiches or salmon fillet but what if we had a pan that was made specifically for cooking omelets? How distinguished we would feel and how magnificent those omelets would surely taste. SO…off to “Kitchen Gadget Store” (I love the store but am not so sure the employees are the sharpest knives in the drawer – kitchen humor – ha!). Hubby and I walk the aisles in search of the HOLY GRAIL of omelet pans since we have committed to less carbs, more protein. Alas – there it was. I picked it up and it said in big, bold letters “Omelet Pan”. It was beautiful and shiny and EXPENSIVE which had to mean something wonderful. As mentioned previously, hubby doesn’t love (abhors) shopping so this meant our trip to said store had come to an end. We proceed to the checkout counter with treasure in hand. The young man, whose job was to scan item, collect money, and bid us a heart-felt “have a good day”, says “Yea…this is a ‘good pan’ but I hear EGGS STICK TO IT”. I looked around to see if we were on one of those hidden camera shows – or if Ashton Kutcher was crouched behind the register!! I’m thinking about contacting Alanis Morissette to ask her to re-write her song….”Isn’t it Ironic”?
Thursday, January 22, 2009
He's Tall, I'm Short...It just works!
I'm 5'2" and that's with my Texas hair - he's 6'5". We gets "looks" when we walk through the mall...which is rare because hubby hates to shop!! But we are a "sight" and people ask strange questions - well, some they never really come out and ask but they certainly imply that they are wondering. I just stop them and say...."we're the same height laying down".
There are several advantages to being married to a tall guy....I don't have to keep a step stool in the kitchen, he can clean the ceiling fans without standing on a chair and we are pretty awesome at vollyeball. Ok - he's awesome but I have a pretty good serve - alright fine....it's not all that great but whatever! But - I discovered that his height is not always a blessing - at least not to ME because I had NO IDEA what was on the top of my refrigerator!! Do you know what's on top of yours? Let me tell you....if you haven't looked in over a year, well.... I'll just say that if hubby and I are coming over to your house - I'll give you fair warning!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
A Swim With The Opposite Sex Could Lead to Scrabble
So when it came time for 'girls' swim' (because who knows what mischief would have happened if 12 and 13 year old boys and girls swam together under the watchful eye of 10 camp counselors…..well, then again – maybe they did know ) I quickly scurried up the TREE (yes, tree…..we swam in the river) and headed for the diving platform. That’s when the shouting began….."You can’t go up there….that's the BOY'S diving platform". “OH NO YOU DIDN’T just say that!!”
Years later I became an excellent diver, I parasailed UPSIDE DOWN, and I still play a pretty wicked game of ping-pong. Yes….I still have a competitive streak but today when my husband asks if I want to play ping-pong or tennis or Scrabble (our own version - yea...you know what I mean!) it’s because it’s just want to have fun. And quite frankly, you’d be surprised how MUCH fun it can be….. when you just use that imagination.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Lights, Video Cam, Action!
The fun was catching the brides-to-be by surprise and asking them a certain question - if you want to see their reactions and answers I'll just let the video do the talking!