Bell Biv Devoe, Now You Know

I was watching something yesterday, I can't remember what, and they mentioned Bell Biv Devoe. (probably Scrubs now that I think about it. Surprise!) Anyway, this reminded me of a really funny story. My friend Heather was at Walgreens or something waiting for a prescription to be filled. I'm guessing she had already checked her blood pressure and skimmed the covers of all of the gossip rags, because she found herself perusing the CDs over by the check-out. She pulled Bell Biv Devoe out to look at it, and as she looked up she noticed that a friend-of-a-friend from years before had walked in. They exchanged pleasantries, but hadn't seen each other in years, so it wasn't like running into your BFF while engaged in what may be considered an embarrassing pastime. She stood there talking to him as the cashier rang up her purchases and she paid, and they parted ways. She got in the car and reached into the bag, only to come out with... The Bell Biv Devoe CD. She had TOTALLY JUST PURCHASED A BELL BIV DEVOE CD IN FRONT OF SOMEONE SHE KNEW BUT DIDN'T KNOW. The only reason I know this story is because she told it to me when I made fun of her for playing it while I was riding in her car.
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Happy Birfday Jen!!

Today is Jen's birthday, and so I decided to announce it to the blog world. And I'll tell you all the story of how I've come to know and adore dearest Jen Keen. A few years ago Jen was working at the same place as one of my good friends from high school. When I would go in to visit Amy, I'd get to see Jen too. Eventually Jen moved on to bigger and better things, but we stayed in touch. It took a good year and a half or so for us to actually meet up after she moved to her new job, but ever since we've been hanging out on a regular basis. And I'm real, real glad. Because she's awesome and fun and sweet and good like that. So Happy Birthday Lady J! I'm so glad to know you!
And Annie is too (but this is not her. but check out this blog, because it's really weird!)

Toooosday

Today is the day of my last test for the semester. I am confident that I can pull off this test without having to eat my words and take the final. Since it's a statistics test, perhaps I should say, I am 95% confident that my score will be within the range of 90% and 98%. And if not, boohoo. I don't feel like taking a final.

Today is also the day that I plan to attend the Happy's Running Club weekly run for the first time. I am hopeful that I make it and that it is as fun as promised. I'm not overly concerned that I won't make it or it will suck, because I've had several people tell me about how much fun it is.

Today is also Dave C.'s birthday, (Happy Birthday Dave C.!!) and I am hopeful that he and his posse might still be having drinks and oysters following the run downtown. I guess we'll just have to see about that one.

Yesterday was the day that I submitted my final estimated value of items stolen from my house earlier this month. Which means that some time next week, I should get a settlement check and be able to replace my beloved laptop. Yea! I've been carrying all of that crap around with me since the break-in, and I am very happy to not be carrying it around with me anymore.

Tomorrow is the day of Lady J., Jen Keen, Princess Jennifer Elizabeth Keen, I'm Keen on Jen, HiJenks, Jenanigans, etc. And to answer your question, Lady J... I did not get sick from eating ancient reunion food. I basically had some chips and maybe some dip that was questionable. Not nearly as alarming as the pimento cheese sandwich I had at a shower recently when I thought it was a turkey sandwich. blech!

and a math nerd image...

Dang!

Can you believe I almost forgot to post? Well I did. This morning Annie and I went for her semi-annual check-up with Dr. H. All went well, he gave me some stuff to spray on her hot spot and took a glance at her ear. He said that as long as she wasn't messing with it he wasn't going to otherwise there'd be blood all over the ceiling and walls. I concur with his assessment. So we left there at least a traditional 27" tv poorer (all will be considered in television prices until I buy a new one), but I am pleased to report that Annie is healthy and we are stocked up on Capstar, Sentinel, and Gentamicin spray.

I headed to work after stopping by Amy and Jason's to pick up my sunglasses that I had left there Saturday evening. Work was work, but I took a break to have lunch with my sister and Peggums, which was definitely a treat. I had a chicken salad sandwich, and was pretty pleased with it. Though I did ask them if they put anything weird in their chicken salad, and they said "Like what?" Peggums said, "Raisins" and I said, "Nuts or something" "Oh, pecans on top" they said. I'd say pecans in chicken salad is pretty weird and might stand out. But they were able to do it without pecans for me. It was good. Back to work, and cut out a few minutes early so I could run by the bank. I also stopped by KK & DD's to steal a tv. Yes, Anonymous! It's true! I borrowed a small television set from my parents because mine died! Horrors!

I went on a nice run with -a., and then scrambled around trying to figure out what I should make for dinner. Turns out it was pasta with some tomato sauce and a small spinach salad. Not my favorite meal, but I've had worse. Now I'm all clean, my hair smells deliciously clean, and I am totally not paying attention to Intervention. So I think I'll turn it off and go read until it is time to retire for the evening. Good Night.

Little Fish, the image is for you

Busy Saturday/Slow Sunday

Saturday morning I volunteered at the Hospice Decorator's Show Home. It is a lovely event, and the house looks beautiful. I was scheduled to be there from 10:00-12:00, but ended up staying a bit longer. I was enjoying the company of the people I was working with, and really didn't need to be anywhere else, so I stayed until about 2:30. I left there with 30 minutes to go before Caroline C.'s 6th birthday party, which was pretty much right across the street. So I started driving, looking for a store nearby where I could get her a present. I finally sucked it up and resigned to going to Wal Mart. I have very strict policies regarding Wal Mart. I don't go. At all. Every time I get lured into being there because it's convenient, I wind up regretting my decision immensely. This time was no different. I scoured the toy department for probably a good 15 minutes before finally giving up. Then I spied Hungry Hungry Hippos and picked it up. Then I went and got a gift bag and a card, and headed to check out. There were like 4 cashiers working, and each one had a line of 2-4 people with jam-packed carts and screaming babies. As I stood there in misery, I realized how much I must truly love Caroline C. Happy Birthday Caroline!

I headed to the Woodstone Clubhouse for the party, and my god, was I ever so small that I actually thought that the Woodstone Clubhouse was large? Jeez! After that I picked Lisa (her blog debuts today!)from work and we headed to my house. When Rocky arrived, we were splitting the last of the 3 beers I had in my refrigerator. Since we didn't have anything to offer Rocky, we decided to go to Chelsea's for a drink before going over to Amy & Jason's house for dinner. Jason cooked some awesome burgers on the grill, and Amy even got out real dishes and had veggies and dip and stuff! Muy impressed Amy! Thanks for din-din!!! It was fun. I cut out of dinner early and took a cab downtown to meet Jen at Red Star. We did the usual Red Star thing of hogging a booth and general Tom Foolery, then eventually calling it a night. Long day for Nanny!

I got up this morning and decided to indulge in a double feature in the pleasantness which is my living room. I started out with Juno, which as before was awesome. Then I threw in Superbad, and was enjoying it thoroughly when the picture went out on my TV. My DVD player has been acting strange lately, so I figured it was the player, and spent the remainder of the movie listening but not watching. Then my sister came in town and I went over to my parents house to visit. And then I came home and did some tooling around with the TV, and good god! My TV died! Dang! So I cooked some dinner and for once ate at the dining room table listening to some music. And now I'm blogging, and then plan to put on my pjs and read before retiring early. So that's my weekend! Busy/Not Busy.

Photo courtesy of Jen

Tail Wagger

I love it when Annie wags her tail in her sleep! I LOVE IT!

Whilst I Was Out

I just like saying whilst... but today when I was out and about in my neighborhood, I saw some interesting things. I saw a neighbor that may be having a heck of a time lately. A roofer with a small yappy dog. Haven't seen him walking his small yappy dog, but have twice in the past week seen him through his front window looking really rough. Like maybe on a really bad bender rough. I also saw a squirrel that probably just got hit by a car, but appeared to be just awakening from an afternoon nap. I saw a good friend from my childhood's mother's new dog waiting for her outside of the gate after a walk. I feel like I saw so much more. Oh yeah, at Target I saw an alarmingly attentive boyfriend of a teenage girl who stopped her because there was a thread hanging from her shirt. "We can take it to maw-maw" he said. His hair was bleach-blond. He was too attentive. He noticed a thread was hanging. Disappointment is what I see in the future of this relationship. So some of the things I saw made me smile, some made me sad, some made me chuckle, and some made me a little worried. All in all, it was an okay day. Just overly observant. Oh yeah, and Annie got mauled on a walk. I saw that too. Her ear looks like hamburger. Poor baby.

poor squirrel, too.

What To Read...

I finished Tweak last night, it was a good book. I have to say though, I wish Nic Sheff had a blog so I could check in and see how he's doing. For those of you who don't know what I'm talking about, Nic Sheff is a 20-something kid with a methamphetamine addiction. His father wrote an article about his experience as a father to a drug addicted child for the New York Times (I think it was the NYT) and there was such a huge outcry for more on the subject that he wrote an entire book. His book is called Beautiful Boy. If I'm not mistaken, Nic's book and his father's book came out at the same time. I read Beautiful Boy right before reading the book on raising adolescent girls, and it was good. So I guess the point of this post is to let you know that they are both good books. Go read them if drug addiction tickles your fancy.

Oh, and looky here, he does have a MySpace page with some blog entries.
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Getting Back to Normal

Today at work, my trusty sidekick and myself headed to Office Depot. We had done some research, and found a nice replacement for my recently retired/deceased computer. Can I tell you how nice it is to be able to actually do some work? Things will surely run much more smoothly with two working computers rather than the two of us fighting over the only working one. There's stuff we can do that doesn't require the help of a computer, but we'd probably have to work out a formal schedule in order to get things done on a semi-reasonable basis. So now we are all set! If I can get my insurance claim together, hopefully I can replace my missing limb that was so rudely stolen from me. Soon. I really never imagined how hard I would take it to lose regular computer access. I'm really feeling a lot better now, and have even pledged to re-initiate my exercise routine. The heat and allergy season has shortened my running capacity, but I need to just suck it up and take a break when I need it. I tend to get discouraged if I get wiped out earlier than usual. So then I just quit altogether, which doesn't help at all. My stomach is VERY sore from reestablishing the ab workout. This is only day 2. But I do know that as I keep it up it gets a lot better. So that is that. The semester is coming to a close, I will have the whole summer free from classes, and I'm looking forward to it. Okay, the end. Congrats Lady J. for your raise!!!
achoo!

Spring Fever

The fact that my computer at work has died is not helping my severe case of Spring Fever at all. I'm tired of my class. I'm tempted to just blow off the lab and go home. I won't, of course; but the temptation is strong. Next Tuesday is my next test, and if I do well on it I won't have to take the final. I must be a statistics nerd or something, though I'm sure that Jimmy Dean remembers the days of yore when we tried to take statistics. Didn't come out so rosy back then. I feel lazy and sleepy and kind of would like to lay down with a book and nap for the rest of the day. However, it is Tuesday, which means it's time once again for me to go to Hair It Is! Yesterday the Gilmore Girls was not on, and instead was treated to Mean Girls. I don't know if Hair It Is would agree to watching ABC Family movies, so lets hope that the GGs are back on as regularly scheduled.
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Today's Post is Rated R, for Raunchy

Someone just told me about this woman yesterday, and now I would like to share with you.

What Was I Thinking???

I was looking forward to attending Sunday in the park this afternoon, but my sister called me and told me she was coming over to pick me up so I could join her and her two friends on a run in Tunica Hills. I told her that since I had hosted drinks in my backyard and later gone to the Happy Note, it probably would not be a good idea. She twisted my arm though, neglecting to tell me that the place we were going was an hour and a half away. But it was a really pretty, peaceful, naturey place, and super hilly. Needless to say, I did not make it too far. I walked back to the car and read for a while until the real runners returned. We didn't get back to Baton Rouge until at least 3:00, maybe closer to 4:00, so I totally missed Sunday in the park! We headed over to KK & DDs house where I was pretty antisocial,on account of I'm enjoying the book I am reading. Then at 7:00 we met up with Pegs for dinner at Zippy's. And now I'm home, and I think I may turn off the tv and continue reading.

image of Tunica Hills from the St. Francisville blog. Who knew?

So Much To Yammer On About!

First and most importantly. HAPPY BIRTHDAY SISTER!!!!! I LOVE YOU!!!!!
On to the picture. Last night I went over to J-Ro's to hang out with Swiss Family Oliver and Lisa & Rocky. There were many, many shows put on by the younger Olivers, and they were SO GOOD! I remember putting on similar shows of the same variety when I was a wee tot. I just didn't have fancy costumes or as many siblings, how fun would it have been to have THREE sisters? When it came time to go, I gave Lady J. a call to see what she was up to. I met her and her work friends at Happy's, where we secured some spots at the bar. There are little plaques all along the edge of the bar, and I happened to sit right in front of a plaque honoring old friend I don't talk to anymore Eel. Texted him, and a flurry of text activity ensued. Then I'm pretty sure I had my phone in my hand as we left, and the phone did not make it to Red Star. Perhaps it is in Jen's boss's car? Cross yo fingers. So we went to Red Star, and Lady J. says to me, "Remember Andrea Zuckerman from 90210? She's right behind us!" I thought she was just commenting that someone looked like her, but she was speaking pure truth! And look at the picture! And realize that my appearance probably has more to do with my lack of a boyfriend than my choice of deodorant. Andrea Zuckerman-Vasquez was REALLY nice, and completely tolerated my rambling about 90210 before she hit the wall and had to be escorted home (not like she got kicked out, but her posse escorted her). She was loaded! Then we went to the wine loft and farted around like silly people until we eventually called it a night. The End. Amen. Photo courtesy of Jen.

15 Years

So my post recounting my 15 year high school reunion has been preempted by computer woes and personal attacks on my character, but now I'm ready. On Friday night, there was an engagement party for longtime friend S., who lives in Nashville and I don't get to see very often. I had never met her husband-to-be, so I was excited about seeing both of them, and also seeing the handful of people who were in town for both the engagement party and the reunion. Knarf and Kat came by before hand for a glass of wine or 8, and then Mandie came over with her dog because she was locked out of her house. MM met up with us and we headed out for the party. The night was not the prettiest of nights, lots of rain and general weather woes, so what I believe was meant to be a nice garden party/indoor event turned into a crammed into the living areas of the downstairs of the house. I'm not saying anything like the house was small, perhaps I should clarify that this was a party hosted by 24 couples (that's 48 people alone hosting) and was held in honor of 2 couples. So there were a boatload of people sharing ample, ample space; but it was probably planned with the backyard in mind. But then again, I have no idea. It could have been 100% planned to be an indoor party. Just speculating. I got to see a lot of friends, friends parents, and parents friends, which was great. Apparently there was some sort of huge confrontation between myself and my friend's boyfriend where I spoke to him very nastily in front of all of those people! Never mind that the people who were with me all night have no recollection of any such thing. Nor do I. But anyway, I digress. The party was, as crazy boyfriend put it, "lovely". We departed from there and headed to the Happy Note where we were silly until it was time to go home. Apparently there were more confrontations between myself and my tormentee at this location as well. Mandie stayed over and Annie successfully bullied Phil (Mandie's dog) all night.

Saturday I headed out to the good old EHS campus to attend the reunion picnic. I wasn't planning on attending it, but L. said that she fully intended on going, and since I don't get to hang out with her too often, I figured why not? Plus, I got to drive the new car- whose name is still a matter of debate- which is SO MUCH FUN! I LOVE IT! I met up with S., D., and L., and we headed toward what appeared to be the fun area. There was a spacewalk and some sort of inflatable slide thing, and a train! After eating some jambalaya and some SO NOT EHS rolls (sub-par), we decided to board the crazy train and go for a ride. We decided that the crazy train's engineer was crazy and fun, and refused to detrain and went for another ride. He yelled out "woo-wooooo" and "all aboard!" and drove the train in crazy swerves all over the front lawn of the school, narrowly missing trees and the chapel. Also attending the picnic were M. & T., M.A. & B., M.&.S., V.& wife, and A.&J. When the train packed up, we all headed in separate directions. I went to see A.J., killing two birds with one stone as her child was actually wandering the baseball field at EHS, I picked him and some other hooligans up and drove them home.

On to the main event (or if we want to talk about hair salons again... The Mane Event). I showed up at Lisa's early to help do stuff, which basically means I showed up early to watch her put make-up on and sit around wondering who all was going to show up. Jennifer showed up (not Jen Keen) shortly after me, and we all sat on the back porch speculating about how the evening would unfold, until Lisa subtley informed me that if I wanted to gussy up I needed to get to gussying. Eventually, former classmates began to arrive. There wasn't too much excitement, other than just seeing people we haven't seen in a long time. At one point a crabby cracked-out neighbor called the cops, who arrived and said that they couldn't hear any noise but that they had to come out so they could make a report. What can you do? It's not a high school party until the cops show up to break things up. Only one person yacked, and overall it was a successful reunion. Way better than our 10 year if you ask me. From now on, I vote all parties should be held at Lisa's house, as long as I've got a spot in one of her spare bedrooms.

Sunday morning was exciting in that we watched some Rock of Love and visited Clegg's a local nursery. Lisa was kind enough to purchase me a variety of sage called lambs ears. It is soft and fuzzy, and is now potted and residing on my coffee table, looking very nice and soft. Presently, I'm realizing that I need to go change my shoes, because it smells like I may have stepped in some Annie-poo while gardening this afternoon. I hope that my delayed recount of the festivities was worth the wait. Once I get a replacement computer (provided by insurance, sorry anonymous...) I can upload my pictures and you can see them, if it's not ancient history by then. For now I'll take a picture that someone emailed me from the party Friday night. Enjoy! and credit to whoever took the photo- Not sure who it will be yet!

Okay, photo by Mandie, at the Happy Note.
The End.

Letting It Go

After obsessing over a not-so-nice comment someone left on a previous post nearly all day, I have decided to quit pointing mental fingers at suspects. I'm just going to let it go. (After I write about it, that is...) If a person chooses to take cheap shots at me on my blog while posting under Anonymous, have at it. If you have nothing better to do than spend time reading the blog of a person you obviously hold contempt for, I feel some pity towards you. And you know what? The last thing I ever want is for someone to feel pity towards me. I decided that many years ago, and have grown exponentially since I made the decision. I may rant about things that I think are unfair, or are frustrating to me, but I'm generally just blowing off some steam. If you wish to comment on my family's support for me, my choice of deodorant, or my lack of a boyfriend, I suggest you step up to the plate and use your name. Amen!

Meanie-Pie

You have GOT to be kidding me!

I came into work this morning to find that my computer had died again! I thought I was going to go crazy-lady crazy. Like running through the streets screaming. I checked my email on Missy's computer and left the office immediately before I started throwing things. I drove downtown to pick up the yarn from Jen, and by the time I returned to the office a very kind friend had promised to loan me a laptop. I did the things that I was able to do without a computer, and a few computer tasks on Missy's computer, and then headed to meet T and H for lunch. H lives in Alabama, and I rarely get to see her. Her child is now almost 4 and the last time I saw her she had just been born. It was really good to see her, though a bit difficult to catch up what with all of the kids running around and getting over the weirdness of not seeing each other in so long. Still, I'm glad I got to see her. Perhaps what with the new ride, a trip to visit is in the cards. After lunch we went to T's house, where I was loaned the laptop (praise be to Apple)and got to visit briefly before T headed out to her tennis lesson. Then I went back to the office, did some dictation on Missy's computer, did some filing, and then headed home. I went for a nice run, took a bath, and am now preparing to tutor Jesse before we all go to Chelsea's for din-din. It's been a harrowing first half of a week, let's hope tomorrow things make a complete 180. Whooooooosh! Cross your fingers for time and computer access for a reunion recount tomorrow.....

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Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!

I hate not having my laptop! I'm posting right now because I won't have another opportunity later today. I don't really have much to say, other than the fact that I really like the Subway promotional "5$ footlong" song. I'm at skool, and then will head over to Hair It Is when I'm through here. Then I'm going by -a's before I go pick up some yarn from Jen. Back to work tomorrow, which should give me ample time to check email obsessively and figure out interesting blog posts. I should even be able to get a good wrap-up of the reunion in. This is not going to work, me being without my laptop. I'm going to have to remedy it immediately. The old desktop is too finicky and I need my computer access. I NEED it! I'm hoping that tomorrow I can call the people at Adobe and have them not allow the thief or the thief's buddy use my CS3, because that's one ding-dang (thanks Malla) expensive program. I called in my serial numbers yesterday, so if the laptop and camera lenses get pawned, there's a good chance I may get them back. Oh! Here's a good story! I realized as I got dressed this morning that the thief also stole an unopened schtick of deodorant. So he or she smells Degree shower clean. How considerate! no image posting from this computer. Booooooooo!

Bear with Me

Without the laptop, blogging is difficult. I've been locked up in my house all day while the handyman fixed my door frame. Now I'm VERY secure. Just wait until tomorrow when the alarm system gets hooked up. So yeah, it's difficult to check email or blog due to the fact that the desktops mouse suffers from paralysis shortly after the computer is turned on. Right now I'm down the street borrowing a neighbors computer, so I'm not going to make this long. Just let y'all know that all is okay here in the red stick. Back to skool in the am.

Motherfucker Stole My Laptop!

Stayed out in Denham Springs for the reunion last night and when I got home today, I found that my door had been pried open and my laptop and an old camera and some lenses for it had been stolen! I'm really, really, really sad to lose my laptop. Crazy sad.

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Interesting Email

Got this email from a friend's boyfriend this morning. He's crazy.

"I don;t know who the hell you think you are talking to me the way you did tonight 3 times! First at the lovely party in front of everyone. Well you got what you wanted! So I hope you are you happy, but it's sad to me with all those scars on your face!"

Nice! We are all wondering what I said and what these scars are he's talking about.

Oh. My. Michael.

Check this out. Scary!

Jasmine

Yesterday when my friend asked me what my new car's name would be, "I was thinking maybe Jasmine..." popped out of my mouth. No matter that the thought had not crossed my mind at any point prior to the posing of the question. So anyway, I began to mull it over at that point. Then today, when I was talking to Liz, she said, "What are you going to call it? Is it a boy or a girl?" Then later today when I spoke to Knarf he asked, "What's it's name? Mine is Christophe." So apparently I'm not the only one who names inanimate objects. I honestly didn't think about naming her anything before the first time I was asked, but all of the office products at work are named and are labeled appropriately... so it stands to reason that the car should be named too.

Jasmine is a really cute, really pretty black Jetta. It is the Wolfsburg edition, which I'm not really sure what that means. It is turbo, it has satellite radio, and it has gray "leatherette" interior. I love her. She clings to the road, and though I'm still getting used to the turbo, resulting in sometimes hiccup-like takeoffs, I know that we will get along wonderfully. It has the triptronic transmission, which means it's automatic, but when I feel like pretending I'm in a manual car I can scoot it into the other mode and shift without the hassle of that pesky clutch. Honestly, the way it drives and hugs the road, I don't think I could get bored enough to have to use this feature. Because I have been spending all of my spare time driving around enjoying my new toy, I still haven't taken any pictures of her. I will post some this weekend, I promise.

In other exciting news, this weekend is my 15 year high school reunion! Tonight I'm attending the engagement party of my friend S., and afterwards we are supposed to head to the Happy Note to meet up with some classmates of yore. Tomorrow is a picnic at our school, and then in the evening a party at Ela's house. (Who happens to be the first one to ask me what Jasmine's name would be...) So, there should be all kinds of exciting and interesting things to write about this weekend!

The Wait is Over

I'm running behind this afternoon, so I didn't have time to take a photo, but will grab one from the internets! After driving the little bugger, Deeds could not resist. Yea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Do You Think This Could Be It?

YOU WILL JUST HAVE TO WAIT AND SEEEEEEE!

Cars

No, not the animated movie. The things we drive. I thought I'd do a review of my past vehicles for everyone's enjoyment. When I first got my license, spoiled brat got herself ever teenager's dream car. A red convertible. wheeeeeeeeeee!

After I drove that one into the ground, I opted for a much larger vehicle. The Toyota 4-Runner. It was great for hauling stuff and people around, though it did get a great amount of glitter embedded into it in the time that I had it.

Then when mom got her new car, I got the Millenia. Which is a great car. But it is dying. So it is time for a new one. I will post a photo of the new one LATER. AFTER I DRIVE IT HOME!!!!

Press Release

If all goes as planned, I will be able to announce the final decision on the purchase of a new car. I will give some information that you could probably have figured out on your own already: The Mazda 3 and Toyota Corolla are out of the running. Once the keys are in hand I will update! Exciting!

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I KNEW IT!!!!

Wee Kitteh went in to get spayed today. Couldn't be done. Wee Kitteh is a BOY! So he got neutered.

Another Hospice Request

Anyone want to help out?

I received a request from nurse yesterday for crochet yarn for patient. She is 83 with Breast CA. Needs 6 of each color: red, baby blue and bright white. She is Medicare patient and would not be unable to reimburse you. Would you like to help?
Thank you!

7 Years!

7 years ago I drove across the lake to Folsom, LA. I went through the back roads and the single stoplight. I met a woman that I like to describe as "the kind of woman who brings her cigarettes (100s or 120s in a lame case) with her to answer the door, because SHE MIGHT JUST NEED ANOTHER". She took me to the back yard and I looked at all of the puppies in the kennel. One was particularly quiet and came up to me and sat at my feet calmly while all of the others jumped around rambunctiously. (I would later learn that this was a sign of eye problems, not serenity) I picked her up, wrote a check, and drove back home. Happy come home with your new Mama day anniversary Annie! Even though I grumble sometimes, and even though sometimes you eat my underwear, I don't know what I'd do without you!

I've Really Got a Problem With This:

Free Speech Alley. It's where you can go and speak whatever is on your mind. But it's also where you have to walk through to get to the Union. And there are always Jesus freaks ranting and raving and thrusting literature at you and yelling about how you will go to hell. And today, I couldn't help but take a photo (with my phone, so pardon the quality) of this CHILD that is out there "spreading the word" I think that this should be considered child abuse. Seriously.

Intervention Disappointment

I've already seen both episodes of Intervention that are on tonight. I'm kind of feeling less than stellar this evening, so I might just lie down and continue reading my nightime book. I ran after work today, for the first time in a week or so. It is MFing hot outside! I'm thinking I need to alter my sleep patterns so I can wake up early and run before the sun is up. In other news, the Mazda rattles on...hopefully I won't get pulled over for listening to headphones in the car. Then I'd also get a ticket for having an expired inspection sticker! I'm a rebel! But really, why go get a new inspection sticker if it's only going to die on me?

I made some delicious chicken for dinner and enjoyed it. I've been eating like a hog lately, and I don't really know why. I'm just constantly hungry. Maybe I'm sleep running and need extra energy. I'm going to try and cut down on my high fructose corn syrup consumption...not that I think I eat a ton of it, but I think it is a good thing to keep an eye on. So that's that.

image, and some info on HFCS

Diff'rent Strokes

There was a Diff'rent Strokes marathon on BET all day today, and I am not ashamed to admit that the channel did not stray once throughout the day. Anyway. I went to dinner with Amy J. last night, then headed downtown to meet up with Jen at Red Star. We stayed there for a bit, happily ensconced in a booth. I'm not a regular over there like Jen and her posse, so I kind of just sit back and watch what's going on. I will say this: Ever since I've started hanging out with her, I've met a ton of new people, which is a very.good.thing. I'm starting to be less hermit-like, and while that leads to spending more money and being hungover more often, it is better on my social life. So anyway. After a while, it was decided that we would walk around the corner to The Roux House. There was a band playing, and when I went inside to find the restroom, I ran smack into Cle & Shane! Okay, I haven't seen the likes of Shane in like 300 years. I occasionally bump into Cle when I'm in New Orleans, but it's a pretty rare occurrence. To see them in Baton Rouge was simply insane! I also ran into Eel's sister and got to talk to her a little bit, which was nice. Then we trotted over to Avoyelle's but it was closed. So we hopped in someone's vehicle and headed to.... the casino. I hate casinos. Gambling bores the crap out of me. And when we get there, I learn that the casinos in Baton Rouge quit serving alcohol at 2:00. Your choices are: soda, coffee, or HOT CHOCOLATE. HOT CHOCOLATE? Are you KIDDING me? It took me quite a while to get over that one. I eventually convinced a polite and kind 12 year old to drive me home. I made it home safely, and this morning had to ride my bike (thanks Amy B.!) downtown and pick up my car. I was a bit worried that it may have been towed because it was in a pay-lot and a. I hadn't paid, and b. I left it there overnight. After biking through the masses of people walking to their cars after CHURCH, I made it to the lot. And the car was there. With the leftovers from dinner on the passenger seat. P.U.!

After I got home from that adventure, I settled in for some Diff'rent Strokes, and later met up with Amy J., Li'l Jess, Brian, Jen, and several hundred of my closest friends at the season's first Sundays in the Park event. I got there pretty late, but I brought Annie, and Amy brought Petunia, Bekah, and Kobe; so there was a small Weimaraner reunion, and a good time was had by all. We all splintered after the concert and Annie and I headed home for an afternoon of Diff'rent Strokes and lots of snacking.

So for a quiet weekend, I managed to make some noise...
image

Impromptu Delurking Day

Was discussing with Jen K. last night about how frustrating it is when we know that people read our blogs on a regular basis, yet NEVER comment. I'm not asking for a comment every day, but at least once in a while! Man, I'm pouring my life out to the internets, and I get a report of how many people view my blog, and there are LOADS of people out there who aren't saying a thing. SO SPEAK UP AND SAY HI!

Surrounded by Crap

Well, my weekend of peace and hanging around the house turned into weekend of going to my parents house and packing up all of the crap that has been housed there for the past 20 or so years. Now I've got all of these boxes of things that I'm not really sure what to do with. In case you didn't already know, I have a real problem with hoarding crap. Any little thing that holds any shred of a memory to it seems like something of great importance. I've already shed quite a bit of crap today, and now that I'm down to the last two boxes filled with little things, it's getting really tough. Obviously, if I'm going to take to procrastinating, things are moving slowly. sigh. Dinner with Amy J. tonight, and I may call up Jen K. to see what she's up to when we are finished. Annie is snoozin' after her day of rambunctiousness with her Uncle Buddy.

image, and what looks like an interesting site...

Car Shoppin'

So Deeds and I hit the car lots today, looking for a replacement for the old Mazda. We initially set out for Price LeBlanc Toyota to view the Corollas. When I asked why we were going to Price LeBlanc (we bought the 4-runner from Team Toyota many moons ago), Deeds said; "Oh, I don't know. If we go to Price LeBlanc, we'll get some free sausage!" So we headed out there, only to realize we went past it on the interstate, so we had to make a U-turn on Airline and head back towards town. So we see it up in the distance, but I catch out of the corner of my eye Southpoint Volkswagen. STOP! So I screeched to an appropriate speed to make another U-turn and headed in to fawn over my coveted favorite. We drove the Jetta, we drove a Rabbit. We had a jittery sales guy who reminded me a lot of a fellow some of us know as Squirrelly. But he was very nice, and gave us some glossy booklets to peruse in our free time.

On to Price LeBlanc. We arrived just in time for the mayhem of crazy construction, high traffic, tight parking lots, and lawn maintenance. We found a spot, parked and began meandering about. As an older gentleman approached us asking if we had been helped already, I said to Deeds, "Look! It's George Hamilton!" He didn't really get it until after we had spoken to him a couple of times, and Deeds was very disappointed when I said in reference to him (the salesman) "I think he might be dead." Mind you, by the end of the day, Deeds was referring to him as "The Crypt Keeper." So we drove a standard Corolla. It was okay. Then we drove an automatic, because Deeds is convinced that I really DON'T want a standard...and it was just about the MOST BORING CAR I'VE DRIVEN IN MY LIFE! Seriously, I might fall asleep at the wheel if forced to drive it for extended periods of time. We high-tailed it out of there, and stopped at the Honda place before lunch and Mazda.

I didn't even want to look at the Hondas. The Civic is what Deeds is pushing for, but I am not overly fond of the shape of it. This salesman was nice, not too pushy, and not dead or squirrelly. We drove the standard first, and... I LIKED IT! It's very space-aged inside, I kind of felt like I was driving The Jetson's car, and that would take some getting used to, but I LIKED IT! We also drove an automatic, which was alright, but the standard is way better. After lunch, we headed over to Mazda.

My very first car was a Mazda RX-7 convertible. I loved that car, and in fact still dream about it from time to time. I currently drive a Mazda Millenia, and enjoy it a lot too. Both Mazdas were maintained by Hollingsworth Mazda, but recently there has been a Mazda Merger of Marriage, and Hollingsworth has been relocated to the other dealership, and it's smack in the middle of another construction/terror zone. This time, we had a salesWOMAN, who was really nice. We drove the M3, in standard and automatic, and while I was convinced that this was what I was going to wind up with, I didn't really like it very much. There's so much talk about how the M3 is "sporty". I do not agree. I didn't care for it, and I don't like the way the radio/air conditioning stuff is set up. I'm sure that could be remedied with a little bit of time, but I just wasn't feeling it.

So that is my day of car shopping. It's all in Deeds' hands. I'm hoping for a change of heart on the Jetta front, but I'm not going to hold my breath. He did confess that the Jetta was indeed the nicest car we had driven all day...I guess we'll just have to wait and see. Thanks to all for your great advice, I didn't even drive the FJ Cruiser, because to be honest, after the 4-runner, I'm not really ready for another big vehicle. I loved it, but I rarely took advantage of its perks, and with gas the price it is right now, there's really not much point in cruising around in a gas guzzler just because it looks fun.

Jetta
The End.
Amen.
Hot Dogs,
Natalie Depp

P.S.

watching the opening to CSI and they show Grissom's dog. His dog has jowls. This reminds me that last night I dreamed that I had jowls. That and that I was up in PA with Carey, Boob, and Tacy. Good times.

My Hooptie

I took ye olde mazda in to Wild's today to see what's wrong with it. Guess what? Their diagnostic machine doesn't diagnose cars as mature as mine. How very funny! So it's revealed that it's probably something electric, which is what is probably going to kill the old bat anyway. So tomorrow Deeds and I have a date to go look at cars. I need something that is dog resistant, inexpensive, reliable, gets good mileage, and all of that good stuff. I would really like a Jetta, but Deeds says that in order for me to get a German car I need to be totally self-sufficient, and it's not going to be at a time when he is still helping me with my expenses. So I guess my next choice is the Mazda 3, followed by the corolla. They're all similar in size, and I've had 2 mazdas and a toyota, so I know that we get along okay. My only other off-the-top-of-my-head pick is the toyota fj cruiser, but I think that is just a bit big for me and Annie at this point. Though it would be very dog resistant. Any input blog world? Any at all?

hooptie

Quiz Time

1. What time did you get up this morning? Prolly like 7:00 am
2. Diamonds or pearls? Diamonds?
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Juno!
4. What is your favorite TV show? Intervention
5. What do you usually have for breakfast? Honey Nut Cheerios or Cherry Yoplait with a banana
6. What is your middle name? Andrea
7. What food do you dislike? Cheese
8. What is your favorite CD at moment? The Killers: Sawdust
9. What kind of car do you drive? Mazda Millenia
10. Favorite sandwich? Turkey on oatnut
11. What characteristic do you despise? lies
12. Favorite item of clothing? Something cute and comfy
13. If you could go anywhere in the world, on vacation, where would you go? Philadelphia, then Stone Harbor, NJ and back to Philly
14. Favorite brand of clothing? ???
15. Where would you retire to? New Orleans?
16. What was your most recent memorable birthday? I think I went to bed early this year… and that was my most recent birthday
17. Favorite sport to watch? Boxing is good!
18. Furthest place you are sending this? The internets
19. Person you expect to send it back first? I would say Khaki or Kristin, but not now… I don’t know?
20. When is your birthday? December 24
21. Are you a morning person or a night person? Morning
22. What is your shoe size? 8-8.5
23. Pets? Annie, Mr. TT, Gus
24. Most despised Pet Peeve? Misspelling the names of people you know and love
25. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share with us? Annie farted!
26. What did you want to be when you were little? A veterinarian
27. How are you today? Just fine, thanks for asking
28. What is your favorite candy? OOOOOH, Rebecca. Try the Take-5!
29. What is your favorite flower? Hydrangeas, Daffodils, Lilies, Iris
30. What day on the calendar are you looking forward to most? July 19
32. What is your full name? Natalie Andrea Foley Holmes De Los Angeles Anita Strongita Stanley Steemer Carpet Cleener Depp
33. What are you listening to right now? Law & Order: CI
34. What was the last thing you ate? Some pasta
35. Do you wish on stars? Not stars, but other things yes.
36. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? blue
37. How is the weather right now? Night like. It rained a lot today
38. Last person you spoke to on the phone? Mi Mama
39. Favorite soft drink? Coke from Sonic
40. Favorite restaurant? Chelsea’s?
41. Hair color? mostly dark brown with a good bit of gray
42. What was your favorite toy as a child? Howard, my blankie
43. Summer or winter? Summer!
44. Hugs or Kisses? both
45. Chocolate or Vanilla? vanilla
46. Coffee or Tea? TEA, TEA, TEA!
47. Do you want your friends to email you back? yes
48. The last time you cried? Hmmmmmmm. Can’t say.
49. What is under your bed? Dust bunnies, Annie tumble-weeds
50. What did you do last night? Finished the bell jar and slept like a baby
51. What are you afraid of? Fire, heights
52 Salty or Sweet? both
53. How many keys on your key ring ? 7
54. How many years at your current job? 5
55. Favorite day of the week? Friday
56. How many towns have you lived in? 4
57. Do you make friends easily? Not too easily
58. How many people will you send this to? The internets
59. How many will respond? As many are able



questions? comments?

The Sound of Silence

Today at lunchtime I went to visit Khaki, Weebs, and Baby E. On the way back to the office (I say that like I have a legitimate job!) my radio suddenly cut out and my check engine light came on! My car is now 13 years old. My mom handed it down to me about 4 years ago when she got a new car, and it was like new. It had been driven by a mom without young'uns and the extent of mess that it ever acquired was just a box of kleenex and one of those cardboard things you spread across your windshield so it doesn't get so hot.

I may not have young'uns riding in my car with me, but I do have a 70+ pound dog with LONG, THICK, SHARP toenails that likes to surf while I drive. By surf I mean that she likes to stand on the seat and lean this way and that way trying not to slip and bust her face on the dashboard. She's pretty good at it, but the toenails have definitely taken their toll. Add to that the fact that I actually use the sunroof that came with the car, so stuff gets clogged in the drain holes, so there is some leaking action. A few years ago, the drivers side door lock got jammed, so you can't lock or unlock the door without waltzing around to the passenger side. This was fine, until the car suddenly started acting like I never take the key out of the ignition. You can't lock the door from inside the car with the door open, because it doesn't want you to lock your keys in the car. (which is why I've had to call AAA twice in the past 3 months...when it rains the dinging of the *lights on* warning is overwhelmed by the dinging of the *keys in ignition* warning and I just ignore it...) There's not too much wrong with that, because if I had the doors locked, my window probably would have been busted last week when someone rifled through it.

So basically my mom gave me a perfectly nice vehicle and I killed it. I'm going to see about changing some fuses out tomorrow, and I'll take it in to the nice guys over at Wild's Car Care, and hopefully it will be good to go for a few more miles. But then again, it is 13 years old. So yeah. The sound of silence. That is what I'm grooving to in the Mazda these days. I don't know how long I'll be able to handle that. I need my music!

zoom zoom!

Google Custom Time

This morning when I checked my email, I saw the Google Custom Time thing, and went to check it out. I was all- that's really funny! I'm so going to use that to trick someone, but I'm going to save it up since I only get 10 of them. How witty they are over at Google. So I spent some time thinking about what I was going to use my time-machine inspired emails on, and finally realized that Duh! it's April 1st! A few other people tried to get me, but I was on to them from the get-go. The Google Custom Time thing was almost as good as when Taco Bell took out full-page ads in the major newspapers saying that they had bought the Liberty Bell in 1996. That was good stuff. Anyway, happy April Fools Day!