Gobbling and Squabbling

As I'm sitting here, straight up in bed, Indian style, playing Candy Crush at 3:00am, waiting for my wave of heartburn to pass, I'm pondering the depth of my sanity.

I am quite silly, I know that. But hey, look who I came from, live with, and birthed. You've heard the old saying, "It's hard to soar with the eagles, when you are surrounded by turkeys"? (I love how my auto correct just tried to capitalize "Eagles", my all time favorite band!) 

I don't mean all my family are turkeys, and I'm some majestic bird, trapped in the gobble pen. I just mean to say they are all pretty funny, life loving folks. They are very decent and proper when appropriate (mostly), but not over "politically correct"ly stiff and serious all the time. Therefore, even if I had a desire fly that way, it ain't gonna happen. They'd quickly tether my talons back to the real world that I know and love. 

That being said, from time to time, and really very little time between, I realize that in a vote by those near and dear to me, of my rafter (that's turkey talk for flock) I should say, I would probably be elected "Most Likely to Gobble."

So, here I am, at now 3:09am, thinking about my wobbling, gobbling personality. Wondering as I'm hanging out with my turkeys,  should really be with the flock of gooniebirds.

Earlier this evening, Dicky and the kids are sitting in a quite, not so playful, too much fun the previous night, "I'm tired and really just want to sit here", dazed, it's been a long day, but we really want to hang out kind of mood. But me? Nope. Celebrating my dvd player set up success in interpretive dance. Football style "excessive celebration" toss of the remote control. Singing an impromptu diddy for whatever I need to say, so it will make Halle smile. Best come-backs, put downs in a favorite family competition, that I didn't even notice no one was playing but me. 

Never did it occur to me that they may be wondering if this was when ole Swannie Bob was finally going to keep going straight off the deep end. 

Not until now, at 3:20 am. I'm fighting off the wave of nausea from too many corn chips with my Mexican dinner. When many people take the opportunity to mull over the days happenings, or wonder what morning will bring.  I'm thinking about and worrying about the same things, but...it's 3 in the flippin morning. I have the "Happy" song playing in my head. And I'm tapping my foot and wiggling my head dancing to it. Dicky is snoozing quietly (for s change) beside me, Gracie has taken over my pillow, since I'm not using it at the moment, and I'm all "clap(ping) along if (I)feel like a room without a roof". (only makes sense if you know the song.)

Sorry, now I know I've got you singing it. But is it 3 in the morning? And even if you are up at this time, are you ACTUALLY singing, clapping, or dancing? 

I know, I know, I'm being a bit over dramatic about the deterioration of my sanity. But I am wondering, are they really worried that Swannie's going crazy? Or rather I'm worried. 

I've been thinking a lot lately about how fast we age. As kids we can't wait till our next birthday, as young adults we could really care less, and as middle aged fogies, we start to wish they'd slow down  and not come around quite so often. 

And of course with age, comes the slow, or fast, breakdown of our youthful qualities. Both physical and mental. 

I think about the people with Alzheimer's.  How horrible it must be to be trapped in a mind with its own will, letting you out only for brief periods, and eventually none at all. 

But then there are those "crazies" you see out living on the streets. I'm using the word "crazies", only because that's what so many of us, of sound mind (or so we assume) think of them. You know who I mean. They scream and argue with the invisible foe in the trees. They tell strange tales that no one seems to understand. They dance and sing in public to songs no one can hear but them....

That last one is what gets me. I do that! Not just at 3:00am. Not just to make my grand baby smile. Not just when I'm being silly. But ALL THE TIME! 

I catch myself dancing while I'm crafting and things are going together well. Music actually playing or not. I shake my bootie when I'm cleaning the kitchen, I have been known to bust a move brushing my teeth in the morning. Or just moving from room to room, doing regular ordinary, not especially exciting kind of things, all turkeys do. (Ever wondered why it's not spelled turkies?)

So am I becoming a tree curser crazy lady? Have I been one all along, and I'm experiencing one of those moments of mental clarity and am only briefly realizing it? Am I crazy for even putting this out there and (semi)publicly questioning it. 

Therein brings another question, that I also often wonder. Are yall reading because you like my style of silly, or is it the proverbial train wreck you are watching for?

******
I went back to sleep. Slept til 10:30 as a matter of fact. I've changed my mind. I'm not crazy. No worries. (Yes, I'm sure you beg to differ.)I'm just a little eccentric....Yeah, that's it...I'm eccentric. I like that word. 

OOOOHHHH I really like this explanation! 

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I just found this awesome blog...I think this person is inside my head!! 

Sorry for the plagiarism, but I had to steal...
I'm eccentric. No, i mean it comes to me very naturally. I think of people i haven't met for along time and make up imaginary conversations in my mind, envisaging what it would be like to have bumped into them all of a sudden. I fall in love with people without knowing, buy them things for the sake of nothing and then at times stop and tell myself that may have been too silly.

That takes me to another issue. I think i have forgotten how to make friends. I mean close friends. Remember when we could sit with someone, chat with her and then realise that we were made for each other and would go back to one another for everything. Well, even if that could be a short stayed relationship and we may realise that we arent actually pieces of the same jig saw puzzle, at least the initial part of socializing came naturally. Now, i have to painfully make it up. Sigh!

There was a time when I did not know anything about myself and was really happy. (well not necessarily happy that i was clueless about it, am pointing towards the blissfulness of now knowing about the not knowing). Years later, I am still trying to understand myself and now since i know about the not knowing, im not happy. Get the point?

Guess it's time to go for a shrink. My poor new blog has become a garbage bin of sorts. :)

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Did I really just pay $3 to finally pass level 765 on Candy Crush? I'm officially one of THOSE people. It was only 99cents for more lives. That's all I needed to get that ONE jelly block. And I've been on this level for-ev-er! But then I realized those 5 lives were not going to give me the moves I needed either. So $2 more bought me some lollipop hammers to take that sucka out!

Don't judge. If you could have seen that little blue candy just sitting there tormenting me with that one little bit of jelly behind it, you would have done the same! It HAD to be done, even if it cost me $3 to do it.

True confessions! :(

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Is it time to change my choice in music? One of my new favs..."Shawty, I don't mind if you dance on a pole. That don't make you a ho." Is it bad if I sing this to Halle to get her to sleep, since she doesn't know the words? I do love Usher, and though I am a little disappointed with his lyrics, I still can't help but like it.  Here's the Youtube, incase you haven't heard it. I think you will be quite impressed.

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Well, I didn't quite succeed in my same day publishing goal this time. That was all from last week. Since then, I earned the title of "Most Comments on a Facebook Post IN Post Poster". Just a little drama episode over this Chris Kyle movie. 
 
It was a good movie. Did I "like" it? No. I don't like to be reminded that there is a not so pretty world out there. But it was a good one. And I think everyone should see it to be reminded what's going on right now...as we sit stuffing our faces, watching the Superbowl and laughing at the commercials. 

But I wonder, when they decided to make it, if they knew what kind of friendships would be lost and tested over conversations about it. I won't get into it all again here. Or I might..here I can have the last say! But it doesn't really matter, in my mind I'm right. And since this is my blog, unless you can hack in and change my story, CHRIS KYLE IS A HERO!

 I do not "worship" him. But he is a hero in my eyes. He didn't choose to go to war. He didn't want to kill another human being (I hope), but he was given a job to do and he did it. He could have put out his less than best effort, been given a poop job, and hid out from the action. But he didn't. Nor do so many other military heros! 

I think a few of us have this handy on the top shelf. 

That seemed to be the most contested opinion on my little facebook post. Hero, or not? Well, what started out as a friendly little debate of opinions between a few, turned into a good ole West Texas throwdown threat! 

I do love West Texas! Here you are more than entitled to your opinion...but you better keep it to yourself, or you might get a bootie whoopin! God. Country. Family. Mess with ours, you're gonna answer to the toe of our cowboy boots. 

I do think it was mostly in fun. There may have been a few that got real "bootie feelings". But I bet most are over it by today. But the fact that we are able to post and comment publicly our disagreement or displeasure of a choice made by our government, is proof enough that our military are heros! Were it not for them, we could be hiding our Bibles and keeping our opinions to ourselves. 

Those freedoms have opened up a few loopholes for the extremists, though. A country based on God, but it's not fair to the atheists that we celebrate Him. Just one example, and I don't want to start another debate. But I think a few of us provided some good entertainment for several Saturday morning. 
***
Why do people get so irate over a difference of opinions? It's not like either of your opinions are going to make a difference in what's already happened. Just share your views, agree to disagree, and move on. 

We "simple" folk aren't impressed with yer fancy werds and Googled facts. I don't care if you can properly use the word "supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" in a sentence.  (dum, diddle diddle diddle dum diddle dee,...singing again!) (Google THAT...all you young uns, and stick THAT in your pipe and smoke it!)

Do you want to know what impresses me? Have a REAL conversation about what's the best sewing machine, do you prefer canned biscuits or tortillas for chicken and dumplings, do these socks go with my eyeshadow. Give me a REAL conversation, with useful information I can take back to the real world with me and actually use. THEN I'll be impressed. 

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On a much more serious note...my grandbaby has TWO teeth now! We got to baby sit her last night while her momma and daddy went out for a while. She asked me if she could just live here, but I don't think her parents are going to let her. Her momma won't let her have tea. I won't say how I know, but it is one of her favorite drinks! She does think it's quite yummy, right out of the cup!
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Other than the drama, Saturday morning. I've sewn my brains out. I'm making more throw pillows for the old Hag Wagon. The more the better...when I'm done it's going to look like a pillow ball pit! 

Ok, this is getting a little long, and out of control. A little to much seriousness for my liking. So I'll sign off and get ready for the new work week!! 

Toodleoooooooo....Go make something crafty cool!! 

Rollin with my homies..and a REAL Glamper update!!

What?? An update so soon?  

Why yes! Of course! I've been quite the busy bee as you will see in a few! 

But first I've go to shout out to my three favorite girls! I had the best time on a quick run to Hobby Lobby with Bailey, Halle and that woman who gave birth to me, of whom I am not allowed to mention her by name or title in my blog any more. All because of a little personal story I shared last post. Some people are so touchy. (not sure if I practiced the proper use of the whole "who/whom" business. I've always had trouble with that one. But it felt right, and that's what my bloggy is about, so I'm going with it.)

I will say, though, that the trip wasn't quite as quick as intended, and wasn't really all that exciting. But as usual, when you go anywhere with my family, it is never without incident. I won't be able to mention a little run in that someone had with a rolling sock display, because I'm not allowed to use her name here. So I also can't tell you that it mysteriously became securely attached to someone's cart, and was drug halfway through Target before I came to the rescue and detached it. Nor will I tell you that we, or rather someone nameless, did cause quite a stir throughout the rest of the store. For some strange reason, Bailey didn't shop "with" us, but did her own thing. She assured us that she didn't miss a thing, though, that she could hear us from the other side of the store. (They really do need to play some music on the speakers in there.)

If any of you come across the "Biggest Bloopers of Target" video one of these days, please pick a copy up for me. I've no doubt someone I know might be included. Still not naming any names. The shelf corners, building columns, and sock rack will never be the same. 

I really wish I could tell you what happened, but I wouldn't want to get in trouble again! Like she's the boss of me...hmmmph!

Halle Louya sat up the basket all by herself!! Such a big girl already! 

*******

Real world problems this morning.

Clean and then make stuff? Make stuff then clean?

Curtains for my glamper, or catch up on name block orders. 

And...as always... to nap, or not to nap. 

I LOVE naps. But there is such bittersweetness that comes with them. HAPPY when I lay down with full intentions of having a nap. SAD when I wake up and realize I've wasted my day. But if I choose not to nap...HAPPY with the feeling of all I accomplished while not napping. SAD about the fact that I go to work tomorrow and it will be another week until I can have a good nap. What do to, what to do. 

The struggle is real, people. The. Stru. Ggle. Is. REAL!

Oh, yeah? I had a tuna sandwich on a hamburger bun last week. 

*****************   Nap won. But, I think I deserved it. 

OK...Guess what I did yesterday...and this morning??? REAL progress on Ye Ole Hagatha Wagatha!! 

I'm getting really excited! I still have lots to do, but here are some peeks at what I accomplished this weekend!!! 

My Nanny's old cookie jar! Now is Swannie Bob's. Won't be long til it's full of goodies for Miss Halle Bob! 

Back wall curtain and cushions. (still gotta do a little hand sewing. and make more curtains.)

She looks a little creepy here, but I do so love her! Her name is Rose. 

Major progress in the kitchen. Fridge is cold, but not yet stocked.

Wooden cabinet for the bathroom. (Still have some rust work on the stove to do)

"H" for Hag Wagon, of course! 

Dicky Boo Boo came through with some help to finish putting glass in windows and hung a couple of shelves for me. Gotsta have somewhere to put all my goodies! 

I replaced a couple of screens. Front screen door to go and the ceiling vent screen. Not as simple as it looks, but not terribly difficult, either. 

My little baby chandelier is hung. So cutie wootie! Couldnt' get a good picture yet. I'll post it later. 

 I'm saving the floor for last. Still debating on what needs to go there. I'm open for suggestions.

I still have some painting on the outside to do, and a few other things. But Rome wasn't built in a day...nor will my little get-away be. 

Well, time for dinner. Dicky made some awesome shrimp something another...OMGoodness...delish. I need to give this my full attention. Then on to the the workshop to get some blocks done before bedtime. 

Hate to end on a negative note, but word of advice...Don't bad mouth the hand that feeds you it's really bad taste and makes you look like an *donkey*.

Go do something crafty...still a few hours left in the day! 

Toodlooo!

(started finished blog post on the same day!! If only I were still working on my resolution list!)

Resolutions...what a Gas!

Well, well, well...January 5th, and so far I have accomplished #24 and 25 of my resolution list. I did start my 365 day Bible study...yesterday. So I am already behind on that.

I always thought the resolution thing was a big mistake, but I got to thinking about it. Actually you say "This year I resolve to..." I still have 360 days to get it all done! So the fact that I have two accomplished, really puts me ahead of most of you!! :)

Know what else? I'm kinda sick of being back in the groove already. Not because of anyone or thing in particular, but it was really nice sitting at home, no fixing my hair, getting dressed, or not, not talking to anyone all day.

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Day 6 (January 6, that is). I still have 359 days to get it all done! I washed a load of laundry this morning. Was that on my list?

I'm buying some fur coats from garage sale to make some pillows. Who doesn't like a nice fur pillow? Dicky, obviously, because he thinks I'm crazy. But what does he know? HE's crazy. So BOOO!

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Day 9 (January 9). Hair doesn't look so bad today. I put out an effort, so #25 is still in effect. I stopped myself from saying a naughty word today, once. So #6 is in the works.
Practiced on #3,7,13,19 and 20, all at one time. Well...that backfired. I'm not giving up on those, just on the subject that I tried to use them on. Some people don't want love, just attention. It's sad, huh?

My fur didn't come through yet. Boo....

Now...I have a REAL delima. I took my wedding ring off one day during the holidays, when I had to go to the doctor. Put it back on, and now I'm wondering...wasn't the engagement ring part supposed to go closest to your heart? Or is it the other way. It just looks funny. Any help out there? Also...how do you spell delimma? I could GOOGLE for both answers, but I'm really trying to get this to be more of an interactive blog.

Give up...dilemma. Ok there. A lot of help you were. 

Have you noticed the duckface selfie is making a come back? I'm soooo happy! I was embarrassed before, not quite the outgoing hipster that I am now. So I never got to participate. But now, I've decided if all those little hip chicks can do it, why can't I? After all, 46 is the new 26, right? 

Which do you like better? The pooched duck, or the flat mallard? I think both look pretty awesome. 

(For all you young chickadees, you may be younger than me, but you do look every bit as ducky. Might want to rethink that profile pic.) Random act of kindness for the day!! 

*****

Day 13...forget this resolution mess. 352 days to enjoy myself. And I'll warn you before you read any further, I'm feeling rather random today. 

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You know what I've decided...the Centers for Disease Control are Freak Flag Instigators. 

They say the "proper" way to wash your hands is to scrub through the time it takes to sing the "Happy Birthday" song twice. Have you heard that?  OK...I do that. But I seem to be the only one. 

First of all, when I get to the part where you insert the birthday person's name, I get stuck trying to remember whose birthday it might be that day. Secondly (because if you have a first, you HAVE to have at least a second.), my hands get all pruned by the time I get through it twice, since I waste that extra time thinking of names. And I say nameS, because if I'm going to sing it twice, it may as well be for two different people. I don't want to waste a song on the same person twice. 

And third...people look at me like I'm a major weirdo singing (and dancing, because that's how I roll when I sing the happy birthday song) in the bathroom in Hobby Lobby, Cotton Patch, Lowes, or where ever. Then I have to face them again when I come out of the bathroom, at which time they have already gotten back with the rest of their party and told them about the weirdo in the bathroom, and they've gathered close by to point me out as I come out of the door. 

OR...at the doctor's office, when there is only a one seater, and it's located in the lobby. It's not my fault the walls are paper thin. It's not like I pooted loudly or anything. I was just washing my hands.

Although...what's the deal about pooting in the bathroom. Name one person that doesn't pass gas. Where are you supposed to go when you have gas? (If you are my dad...you crop dust right behind my mother, then rush ahead of her when there are people coming around the corner.) (Sorry parentals, but he did get a kick out of that one.) (Or how about the time Dicky and I were shopping for ties in JC Penny and a LOUD one escaped, then I couldn't help buy laugh, which only allowed more to escape. The poor little lady shopping beside us almost broke her neck hurrying away!) (TMI again?) Sorry, I have no filter today.

So, anyway, I'll start my letter of complaint...

Dear CDC,
  Please find another song for us to sing while washing our hands. The general public does not seem to enjoy "Happy Birthday to You."

OH...it says hum. So I'm an over achiever. 

Speaking of pooting. Am I the only one that still gets tickled when I hear the name Vladimir Putin? Poor guy. How hard it must have been to grow up with the other boys teasing him, "Ha ha! Your name means fart in English!" 

Ok, I'm a tween age boy. But you know you laugh, too! Whew! That's enough gas talk for a while. Or for ever! Sorry. I got a little carried away. 

*****

I've decided flamingos aren't my favorite anymore. Ostriches are! Because I'm bad axx like this guy! 

*****

OH...I got the fur coats in! I'm trying to decide if I want to make pillows, a throw, or some nice winter shorts for Dicky for his birthday. 

Maybe they whole outfit. I can picture him in this, can't you?

******

I've got to share my recent crafties, then I'll stop the randomness for today. 

And my precious grandbaby finished her first craft project. She was HA-PPY! She's a natural! 

Toodloo for now! Go do something crafty! 

Wavin', Wrappin', and Wishin' a Happy New Year.

(Going to immediately insert another episode of That's just Wrong...hereafter known as TJW...)

Ok, when you are in the shower and you use up, or lose down the drain, the last bit of the paper thin sliver of soap, please have the decency to replace it with a new bar. 

On the bright side, after my shampoo bath, my leg hair has never been so bouncy and full of body! (Oops, it's not No Shave November anymore is it.) (I officially declare DON'T shave December! Jinx on Razors January) I'm saving for Locks of Love. What's your excuse?

You can decide what part of that little story is just wrong...not replacing the soap? Or not shaving? 

I'm thinking about changing the name of my blog, since I'm slow on the glamper  project. Any suggestion? I'm thinking Swannie's Freak Flag, since I seem to use this as an outlet to fly mine high and proud.

Speaking of flags...I finally got in all my cute little kerchief flags for my glamper banner. 

I planned on working on the glamper this vaca, but got the flu, and now it's COLDDDDD. Maybe this weekend. 

*****

So I was so proud. Tree up and gifts bought fairly early. But I couldn't even brag about it. Dang thieves are lurking everywhere. You know they had to be snooping on FB to see who bought the best gifts so they can go all robbin' people and stuff.

Well guess what...I'm planning the "Let's make a Deal" security system. 

We bought new security equipment. And a gun. Cameras. Alarms. Mace. Pepper spray. A new high powered BB gun. And some long range wasp spray. 

Or did we? Maybe we bought some of that, but not all. Maybe we didn't buy any. Hummmm...makes you think now , doesn't it, you bandit, burglar, cat burglar, cheat, clip, criminal, crook, defalcator, heister, highway robber, hijacker, holdup artist, housebreaker, kleptomaniac, larcener, larcenist, lifter, moonlighter, owl, pickpocket, pilferer, pirate, plunderer, porch climber, prowler, punk,  purloiner, robber, scrounger, sniper, spider, stealer, stickup artist, swindler. 

Door Number 1....525g13 pistol. (Sounds like a bad A88 gun, huh?)

Door Number 2...Fierce watch dogs.

Door Number 3 ... High falutin' super sonic wireless, bluetooth, 55megapixel security camera system with automatic handcuffer. 

and maybe a Door Number 4...nothing. 

Which door do you think...Crookers? 

Ok...for real. We DID buy SOMETHING! But not telling what. 

Just kidding. We didn't really. 

Yes we did. 

No we didn't. 

Yes we did...

Bwwwaaahhhh haaahhhaaaa haaaa !!!! Only one way to find out, and I wouldn't try it if I were you. 

(We really didn't.) (yeah...we did!) 

This is like the song that never ends!! 

*****

So Dicky had a dr appt last week. The waiting room is full. The only place there are two seats together are in a "u" shaped setting area with a lady sitting in the bottom of the U alone, and two seats to each side of her. We choose a side that has 3 seats, and leave one between her and us. (or is it "she and us")(or "she and we", LOL) The other side of the U is empty. She sits a little while, constantly swinging and shaking her leg, pretending she didn't see us. Pretending I didn't nicely smile a greeting, because I'm such a nice person. Then suddenly she proceeds to  collect her bags and moves one seat over. Excuse me? Do I smell? 

Or...I was screen shot-ing some things on my phone. Maybe she thought I was taking her picture. Maybe she wanted to move so I could get her in full form. Maybe she's a freak that doesn't like to sit by fat redneck chicks in the dr office. 

Well, I, myself, and karma showed her. Another couple soon came in and took their side of the U, which was even closer to her. She again rearranged her bags so they wouldn't be infected by strangers' looks. Swung the leg even harder. 

And then....I took her picture. 

Ha! I guess I showed her. Who says I can't be mean? I hope she's not trying to be an elf with those green leggings, cause she's missing her hat! And she doesn't look very elfy. And She has big feet anyway. . So there. Boo! (Boy I hope no one that reads this knows this lady! Lol) 

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Oh yeah, randomness...but there was a lady in the office named Carne Garcia! Made me hungry for mexican food for some reason...hummm.

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Ok, so Christmas was awesome. It was fast and frantic, because we had three get togethers and spent time with both our families. But it was an easy fun day. Parents, kids, grandbaby, sisters, brothers, cousins, great cousins (OK I'll call yall Aunt and Uncle, Linda. LOL), neices, nephews, etc. Ate too much, laughed a LOT!

Dicky bought me the prettiest Pandora and actually put some thought into the charms he bought for it. I love it...and him....mush mush mush...ok ok. (But I do!)

Halle's first Christmas. The little bugger is spoiled rotten already. But you know...that's ok. I figure that's why God gave her to us!  She's, without a doubt, the best gift ever! 

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Oh...second randomness, but I need you all to chime in on this. New Year's get togethers have a way of bringing out some very thought provoking questions. Please be honest and either comment on the comments below, or on FB. 

Do you, or have you ever, peed in a hot tub, shower, or bathtub? 

Swimming pools and other bodies of water don't count. Just the three above. We (naming no names) really need to know who are the real freaks. The Pee-ers or the non-pee-ers? 

*****

So now, it's 2015. Snuck up on me. Happy new year. 

I guess I'm expected to make a resolution or two. I've gotten by the last couple of years making my resolution:

"I will not put any undue pressure on myself this year by making resolutions." (AKA, I'm not making resolutions because I don't wanna.)

I really like that one. And I think I'll keep it as a rule of sorts...but something HAS to be done about this extra weight. His cholesterol is too high and it's really not healthy for him. 

OH. You thought I meant MY weight? 

Ok. so I do have one or two REAL resolutions (yes, in addition to the weight thing, blah, blah, blah). 

1. Start my new One Year Bible. Loved Jesus Calling and been through it twice. I'll still count on it, but I think it's time to add to it. 

2. De-clutter...Dicky really has waaayyy too much junk. 

3. Be more positive. 

4. Form my own judgement about people. 

5. Quit listening to gossip. 

6. Quit cussing, dammit!

7. Do at least random niceness everyday.

8. Sew up all my extra material and use up all my craft supplies! 

9. Quit buying clothes that I don't try on first. (REALLY...cause I'm never as, um, BIG as I think I am...LOL) 

10. Quit buying clothes at all. (Because all the clothes I buy that do fit, shrink so stinking fast!)

11. OH.....FINISH THE HAG WAGON!!!!

12. SOON!

13. Make more time for family and friends. 

14. Put down my cell before the battery dies. EVERYDAY.

15. Cook more often, as long as Dicky still goes to the store. 

16. Quit putting so much stock in what others think of me.

17. Keep a neater house, but fret about it less. 

18. Buy a new cell phone with a better battery.(see #14)

19. Be a better friend. 

20. Appreciate my loves more. 

21. Quit eating onions.(I currently have a little heartburn going on.)

22. Come up with a bitchin new password that will work for ALL my needs. 

23. Start the cool little savings jar list. (double duty...if I 

quit on this resolution, at least I will have a little Sonic money built up by mid Feburary)

24. Stop fixing my hair everyday. It looks the same at the end of the day as it does before I wash it in the morning, so why mess with it. (See previous years' resolution.) Besides, Dicky likes my au naturale look...right Babe? (Ok, maybe don't ask him. But I saw how he looked at me this week off, in my no hair fixed, no make up, jammies and blankee on the couch all week) (Ok...maybe I was sick a few of those days and didn't actually look at him to see him admiring me. And maybe he did make a small little eye roll when he came in after the flu days and saw I was continuing my vacation look.) 

25. Forget #24 after January 4th. (Co-workers might not be as appreciative of my natural look as Hubs. 

26. Ride my bike...a lot. 

27. Use phrases and terms as they are meant to be, regardless of what my kids tell me they "really" mean.

28. Publish my blog update on the same day I start it. Even if it's short. 

29. Fly my freak flag higher and be proud! 

30. Love more, worry less, and try to be the best me. 

I hope your look back on your year brought all your good memories and overshadowed the bad. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

Dude. That's just wrong...

Just because I was thinking about it, decided to do a small non-camper related blog. 

So here are a couple of things that are just wrong...

I love getting pedicures. I love the feel of my chronically crusty heels all smooth and soft. I love the pretty fresh polish on my toes, because I can never get them so smooth and nice looking. I love the hot wax on my legs and feet, so soothing. 

What I don't love? The sweet, smiling oriental girls/guys making small talk across the salon, in their native tongue. 

OK, now before you attack me for dissing these girls for not speaking English, I do realize that some do not know English. I understand that. I am ok with that. And I do think it's cool the way they can talk to each other across a large room with very quiet, little "...ting", "cha-ta...", "...nih..." noises that they can both hear and understand, in spite of the room full of people between them. 

But when this sweet, smiling, cute little girl is sitting, working on my feet with the cheese grater that she's already had to empty twice on the first toe and "ching, ta, crusti, he he heels, ya ya, ooo, ooo, yuk ee woo...he he he", to her co-worker across the room, I start feeling a little self-conscience. 

I think there should be a translation chart on back of the pedi menu card. Or a set of earphones that connects to an auto translator. I know that there is no way they are not talking about the condition of my feet. I mean, come on...they are MY feet. I know they are crusty. Why do you think I'm here. 

That's just wrong. 

YEP...wrong.

Something else that's just wrong...

Mother, Bailey and I had a booth at Trade Days today. We didn't have a ton of customers, but we had a good time. The weather was nice, A little sunny at times, a little cloudy at times, but really very nice. We were on the "good" side of the street, so we got just enough sun to keep us warm. Again...a really nice day. 

Like the good little rule followers we are, we waited until after 5:00 to shut down. That's the rules. So that's what we did. Mother and I were tired and wanted to head on home, but Bailey and Brant were going to stay for the parade. By the time we got though packing up, it was almost time for it, so we decided to stay, too. 

It was a lighted parade, so it was right at dark when it started. The fire engine blares the sirens to signal the start of the procession, so I'm ready! I was surprised, and even mentioned it to someone that was sitting beside me, that while the floats had lights on them, they were not lit up very well. You couldn't see anyone on them very well, or tell how they were dressed, or who they were. 

Over all, a good parade. Lots of entries, lots of people there to watch. 

So it's over, and I finally get to back out of my parking place and head home, I remember that I'm supposed to go by and check a friend's mail for them. I'm driving around thinking...dang, I really don't see so well at night anymore. Maybe it's just because I was downtown in the sun all day. Almost missed friends' house. It was so dark, and their porch light wasn't on. But I found it, nonetheless, and headed home. 

I walked in the house and set my stuff down. Went to the bathroom to check myself out in the mirror. You know, to see how wild my hair was, how good or bad it looked while I was out in public donning it all day. Did I look like a goof all day, or was I still feeling ok with morning primping efforts? (Yeah...smirk if you want, but you know you do it, too.)(Pants on fire if you say you don't!)

Anyway, I'm walking in and look into the mirror..................

 Really???? You don't have a problem joking and teasing about anything else. You didn't mind telling me I didn't need to be dancing to the Christmas music earlier in the day. You didn't mind telling me I did NOT need to be singing along as loudly as I had been. You didn't mind making me take my naked-Southern-Bell-between-the-toe-cigarette-holder ashtray off the table of sale items.

But to question me about why I might feel the need to wear sunglasses at 8:00 in the evening didn't cross your mind?  No one bothered. No one. Although they did tell me the asked each other why the other thought I was still wearing them. They discussed it, more than once, looking at me dancing and waving to Santa on the firetruck, but didn't think they might want to mention it to me. 

ON SO MANY LEVELS...that's just wrong! 

OK, maybe not wrong, but definitely awkward. 

I'm sure there will be more on this topic later...but right now, these are some of my top wrongs...today.