My eyes! My eyes!

Do I sound like Phoebe from "Friends"? LOL! Well, today I'm referring to the sun! Yes, the sun is out! Thank God! I honestly didn't know what was going on this morning when the sunlight woke me up! WOW! Now our eyes have to adjust a bit to something that we've seen maybe 3 times over the last 2 months! Richard's been couped up with the flu for the better part of 3 days, so we are going out today.....even if it's just for a drive around town. We've had cabin fever for too long!

Here's your amusing tidbit for the day. This day back in 1990.....

Time Magazine quotes Milli Vanilli "singer" Rob Pilatus as saying, "musically, we're more talented than any Bob Dylan or Paul McCartney. Mick Jagger can't produce a sound. I'm the new Elvis."

Dukes of Hazzard.....

So my dad picked the wrong weekend to go out of town. CMT is having a Dukes Of Hazzard marathon this weekend! LOL! Someone gave him the 1st season on DVD for Christmas. That was his favorite show back in the day and we watched it with him when we were kids. He also likes Sanford and Son! LOL! At least that's on Nick At Nite every once in a while so he can get his fix!

So, the Dukes of Hazzard movie is coming out this year. It's starring Johnny Knoxville and Sean William Scott as the Duke boys. Jessica Simpson will play Daisy Duke (um, I just don't see it), Burt Reynolds will play Boss Hogg and Willie Nelson will play Uncle Jesse (Go Willie!). It's going to be one of those movies that won't have much entertainment value. But, people will go see it because there are so many big stars in it. Heck, I'll go see it if Willie Nelson is in it! I wonder if Willie had to get some white hair for that part!

The more I watch the Dukes of Hazzard, the more I realize that it really was a boring and redundant show. Sheriff Roscoe was always after the Duke boys. Boss Hogg was always eating. Daisy was always "around" to help out her cousins if need be. If there was a kidnapping, Daisy was the victim. Uncle Jesse was there for the Duke boys too....mostly on a CB radio. Enus was the good cop and always had a crush on Daisy. Cooter was there for the maintenance of the General Lee. The "bad guys" always got caught at the end. I wonder how many roads they actually used to tape all of those scenes. Because from the looks of the show, Hazzard County was about as big as the state of Texas! The roads never ended! If they really put that many miles on the General Lee, it would NOT have been in that great of shape! Of course, I'm being sarcastic. I know that it was just a show and that stunts were set up on purpose. But, it's fun to speculate. But if anyone knows of a REAL Boar's Nest, tell me where it's at! I wanna go!

Pet peeves....

There are a few things that I just don't understand.

Yesterday, I was at the gym and this lady walks in and Eric tells her that the Spin class is full (you have to sign up to Spin and once spaces are gone, that's it). Instead of opting to do another workout in the gym, she just walks out and says that she'll try again tomorrow. Um, what? OK, I just DO NOT understand how you'd pay for a gym membership to take a Spin class and that's it? There are a TON of other things to do (I was teaching Flow) and of course, *I* know that she should have just done another workout for the day. Your body and your mind NEED to cross-train! Some people can't get that through their thick skulls though! You'll see more results with a variety of workouts! Sheesh! Eric and I laughed and said that instead she probably walked across the street to eat a 2,000 calorie Schlotzsky's sandwich. Ugh.

There was hardly any gas in the suburban the other day and guess who drove it around on "E"? My lovely husband. The next day, I get in it and it's STILL on "E" when I have to go somewhere! Ugh! Fill the dang thing up! Obviously he doesn't care if I were to run out of gas. I know that I'm not the only one that this has happened to because I had a friend tell me that her husband does the same thing! Hmmmm.....

Another thing I honestly do not understand is these people that pass others up only to have to stop at a RED light?! Um, you're gonna have to stop anyway! Why not leisurely stroll to the red light? You might just save yourself from killing someone!

Oh, and did anyone watch American Idol this week when they voted off 4 contestants (2 girls and 2 guys)? I think the entire hour was FULL of drama and the way they voted off that last dude was ridiculous. Usually, they ask the ones that are gonna go to step forward on the stage. Instead, they panned the camera to a guy sitting down who we all thought was "safe" and said that he'd be leaving tonight. That's just cruel. Poor guy. The look on his face was one of disbelief and sadness. The other contestants looked just as shocked that they went about it the way that they did. It sucked.

I'm sure I have a lot more, but these are the ones that are coming to mind right now. It's been quite a week so far.....

Childhood nostalgia.....

I read one of those "You're a child of the 80's if......" lists the other day. Wow. Those were the days.

There were so many places in my hometown that we frequented that aren't there anymore. One that comes to mind was the big waterslide out on the Houston Hwy. That thing was HUGE! Just think of one of those slides at Schlitterbahn. That's what this thing looked like. My cousins would come and we'd all go up there and slide down. It was the best! Too bad it's not there anymore.

Another place that *is* still there that we frequented is the skating rink. My nephew had his birthday party there the other weekend. We couldn't go this year, but we went last year. That place hasn't changed much. They still do the "Hokey Pokey" and they still do the Limbo. I had some of my best birthday parties there. I even held hands with a boyfriend there while skating. Ahhhhh....memories.

I remember when the bowling alley would have "teen night" on Sunday nights during the summer. You could bowl for $1 per game and the shoe rental was just $1 too! You never knew who you might see there, so all of the girls were primped up! Looking back, I find that hilarious! It's a smoke-filled bowling alley for goodness sakes! It was fun though.

Gosh, the 80's. Some of the things that come to mind from that list are wearing jams, rolling up jeans, those clips that held your shirt in a knot on the side, Kaepa sneakers, big bangs, banana clips, birthday parties at McDonald's, jelly shoes, friendship bracelets, spokey dokes on my bicycle, Garbage Pail Kids, Slip N' Slides, "Not", and slap bracelets.

Those were the days....some of the best of my life. I wonder if Kyra will look back on her childhood and remember certain toys/fads like I did. I hope that there are one-of-a-kind toys/fads out there right now that kids will appreciate. They won't last forever, but the memories sure will.

Ugh. Nascar.

The Daytona 500 is tomorrow. Lovely. I don't like Nascar at all. I just don't understand the whole concept of grown men racing around the track as fast as they can with their "holier than thou" attitudes. I guess that they felt the need to create a sport that would appeal to rednecks around the country and Nascar seemed to fit the bill. With sponsors like Budweiser, Miller Lite, Jack Daniel's, and Jim Beam how could it not be?

I have to admit that it might be fun to be a spectator in the stands though. I bet there are some really heated arguments or even some fights to see if you're lucky. You know that half of the crowd is "drinking up the sponsorship" anyway. With so many drivers to root for, there's gotta be tension. It's not like going to a football game or a baseball game where you root for one team or the other. So, it's gotta be somewhat interesting.

I was so happy that football season ended and now 2 weeks later, all I hear is "Nascar this and nascar that...." Ugh.

Is it BASEBALL season yet? Now there's something to smile about!

A wicked obsession.....

My husband's obsession is starting to grate on my nerves. Is it fishing? No. Is it RC helis and airplanes? No. Is it endlessly working on cars? No. My husband's latest obsession is none other than Kenny Chesney. Ugh.

He checks CMT daily to record any show that he might be on. He listens to his music nonstop. He brags about this and he brags about that......

I DON'T CARE! I don't like Kenny Chesney! Granted, he's A TON better than Big and Rich or Gretchen Wilson (don't even get me started on her), but I really don't care for Kenny at all. Richard tries to convince me that he's a good guy....he writes his own songs, he's down to earth, yada, yada, yada. Yeah....whatever.

What really got on my nerves was the way he went on and on about his fans and how they are the best and they are set apart from all the rest. Yeah those fans are probably fans to other artists as well. You aren't the ONLY one out there buddy! It cracks me up how he's in his own little world. Um, not everyone bows down to you!

To Richard he can do no wrong though. *sigh* I'm starting to think that Richard likes Kenny more than he likes me! LOL!

Things you didn't know about me....

I stole this idea from Jen's blog. Thanks Jen!

-I hate, hate, hate Watermelon. Hate is a pretty strong word too. Can't stand any watermelon candy or gum either. The smell makes me want to vomit. Ugh.

-In February of '99, I cut my leg open on a license plate. Richard was at work. I crawled to the neighbor's house. It was bad. I had to have 15 stitches. It was my first trip to the ER EVER. Richard passed out while they were given me shots to deaden it. It was crazy in there!

-My mom's birthday is on October 12th (which USED to be when Columbus Day was observed), my dad's birthday is on December 25th, and their anniversary is October 31st. Yeah, who in their right mind gets married on Halloween?

-I was a very clumsy kid. I had 3 black eyes at one time or another. One was right when my sister was born, so all of the pics of me with her as an infant show my shiner!

-I used to take piano. I never practiced and wasn't that into it, so my parents eventually sold it. I could KICK myself now for not sticking with it.

-My sister and I had those embarrassing "bowl" haircuts as kids. Our mailman used to walk by and say, "How you boys doing today?" Ugh.

-Mia is my first dog. We were never allowed to have pets when we were kids. Now my dad LOVES Mia and we SWEAR that he'll eventually get a dog too. *sigh*

-I don't drink coffee....never have and probably never will.

-I don't really care for tea with sugar in it. I like it plain. We drank tea like this when we were little and it just stayed with me.

-I have flown on a plane ONCE. In August of '99, Richard and I flew to Vegas. I didn't really care for it, but I'd do it again if I had to.

Grocery tales...part 2

Went to the grocery store last night to pick up a few things. Yes, it was Valentine's Day. I wasn't picking anything up for that. I just needed some groceries for the week. But boy was I in for it. There were so many people there! It was a madhouse. The parking lot was worse. Forget Thanksgiving. The WORST day to go to the store is Valentine's Day. I had to laugh though because there's something about men waiting till the last minute to buy gifts that tickles my funny bone. There they were....some with flowers, some with chocolates, and some with balloons (which I thought was the funniest yet). Seeing grown men carrying little heart balloons is a sight to be seen. With the way some of these men looked, you could tell that there were NO PLANS to go out to dinner for Heart Day. I guess they were hoping for other things to happen. ;)

On the flip side, I wonder what their ladies look like. I hope some of them appreciated the one, lonely, single rose that was given to them. I saw a few guys with just that. That makes me laugh too. I know it's the thought that counts. But, what are the chances of that rose making it home in one piece? It's destined to get smushed in the car or ripped apart by Fido at the door. Poor roses.

Then there's the guy at the store that it blantantly proud of who he is. He's full of tattoos with a ripped up shirt that says, "101% Redneck" on it. Oy vay! I had to look twice to make sure it said what it said. Don't know what he came in there for, but I'll bet money that it for for some Budweiser or Miller Lite. Even more so, I wondered if he had a valentine. Now that's scary.

The week has gotten off to a rotten start. Kyra is sick with a full blown stomach bug. Let me just say that seeing your child sick is the WORST FEELING in the world. You are helpless. There's nothing you can do to make them feel better. It sucks. They have this sad, puppy dog look on their face. All she wants is mommy. Mommy DOES NOT want to get what she has. My washer and dryer are working overtime. Lisa, Richard, and I were all up with her last night. I hope that she's feeling better by the end of the day. My heart is breaking for her right now.

On a positive note, I had some flowers and a cute mug and balloon waiting for me when I got home yesterday. ;)

Valentine woes.....

Yep it's that time of year again and every year, I have the same feelings as I did the year before. Valentine's Day is not extraordinarily special at our house. It's a day that comes and goes. If I get something, then I'll consider myself lucky. Usually, I do not. I don't think it's because I'm not loved. I just think it's because "cards get thrown away" and "flowers die". Ugh. Excuses. It's really the thought that counts. Today, Kyra made us a card at school and I love it. It's simple and it's her art. I could see how proud she was when she presented it to me. Her little scribbles mean the world to me. I think that's enough. Or is it?

Why is Valentine's Day so publicized? The minute the Christmas decorations come down, the hearts and cupids come up. Sure it's nice to celebrate love, but why does every radio station, TV show, store, and restaurant have to shove it in my face? To me, it's a prized competition. Good thing I don't work in a big office or I'd have to send myself something just to look good. Ladies thrive on how their guy did. Was the gift big enough or was the restaurant expensive enough? I feel sorry for the guys that have HUGE expectations to meet. I'm easy to please. If I don't get something, so what. If I do get something, then it's a pleasant surprise.

In a few months, my family will be complete. My heart will be overflowing with enough joy and love to last a lifetime. I can't wait.

Grocery store fun....

Kyra and I went to the grocery store last night. I know.....BAD night to go. Yes, people were stocking up on all the Super Bowl goodies. It was a madhouse. You know, I'd really like to work the checkout counter for a day to see what the heck people buy. Yesterday would have been really fun because I bet over 50% of the people walking out the door had alcohol in their possession. I'm very nosey at the grocery store. I look in people's carts just out of curiosity. I know that's mean, but to me it's interesting. I laugh at the mommies because they are in the same boat I am. Their kid is BEGGING them to buy something and in order to avoid a full blown temper tantrum, the mommy buys the kid what they want and opens it in the store so the kid can have it immediately. Welcome to my world! :)

This one lady was checking out ahead of us and she nudged past us to go back into the store. I thought that she had forgotten to get something. Nope. She and her 10 year old kid come back to the checkout line and as she nudges past me she says, "I'm sorry, but I thought I lost my kid again." Niiiiiice.

Then there's the 300+ lb. man behind us who is trying to make Kyra laugh and he's making comments about EVERYTHING that I take out of the basket to put on the belt. He told Kyra, "Yeah hon, I bet you'll be eating good tonight!" Dude must have been hungry. I was waiting for him to be like a kid and take something from my basket and open it right then and there and start eating away. SHEESH! One can't get a moment's peace at the grocery store anymore!

Honestly though, the drama cracks me up. I could see the horrid looks on faces last night as there were too many baskets in an aisle and people had to zig-zag around others to get through. It was tense!

Now everytime you go to the grocery store, you'll start looking in others' baskets, right? hehe!

Grown Up?.....

So what exactly constitutes being "grown up"? I was thinking about this earlier today. Are you grown up when you graduate high school, college, move out, get married, have a baby? A lot of people will say yes. I beg to differ. I can name people in their 20's and beyond that I don't think have fully grown up yet. Heck, I've done most of those things listed above and I don't even consider myself grown up. Why? Because life is a learning process. You live and learn. You make mistakes and you pick up and move on. It doesn't matter how "old" you are. Age is just a number. I've seen more lively 50 year olds than 30 year olds. Life is just what you make of it. Just because you look old doesn't mean you are. I guess I'm starting to think about things like this since I'll be turning 30 in two years. I think the best years of my life are yet to come. So, I embrace getting older. I'm very positive and keep thinking that things HAVE to get better with time. I'll take whatever God gives me.

I am glad that I'm having my kids when I'm in my 20's though. My mom passed away when I was 14 and my sister was 11. My parents had been married for 12 years before I came along. I would have loved to have an extra 10 years with my mom. She had me when she was 30. I had Kyra when I was 24. 6 years is a LONG time....especially when it comes to childhood growth. I just hope that I have a LOT of years with my girls. I want to see them do things that my mom didn't get to see me do. That's why I pray to God everyday for my health and those that I love.

I don't remember my mom's voice anymore. It's been so long since I've heard it. Am I upset about it? Not really. With time, things that were so fresh on your mind fade away. I think it's all part of the healing process. I still hear Granny's voice though. I can imagine what she'd say if I picked up the phone right now and called her. She just had that unmistakable tone. I miss her. The last time I visited with her, she told me that Kyra would never remember her. Kyra STILL asks about her. We prayed a lot for her when she was sick. Kyra is coming to terms with the fact that Granny "isn't sick anymore and is in Heaven." That's A LOT for a 3 1/2 year old to comprehend, so I'm shocked and proud all at the same time.

I'm sorry about such a downer of a blog, but that's my mood today. It's yet another weekend and the sun is not shining. It's going to rain for the umpteenth time. I just feel blue. I don't feel well today either. Must be hormones. I just want to go to sleep...which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Being pregnant brings on the most WONDERFUL dreams! Ahhhhhhhh!

Brush with "reality".......

Well it was bound to happen and today it did. I had not one, not two, but THREE Real World girls in my Body Flow class downtown today. At almost 12 noon, I walked out of the women's locker room and I see about 5 people....two with cameras. I go into the aerobic room to greet everyone and 3 girls come in....mics and all! YIKES! The camera guy stayed outside of the room and taped from outside the windows. Since I didn't sign a consent form, my face will surely be blurred *if* they end up showing footage from today. I hope that they do A LOT of editing though. hehe! I'll bet that only 25% of what they tape actually makes it on TV.

They were in the gym last night too, so I'm sure they'll be back. Next time, I'll wear some makeup. I don't think that a 7 month pregnant woman with no makeup who is sweating up a storm makes for some good reality TV, do you? hehe!

For what it's worth, *I* don't think that the girls were very cute. Neither did my "pimp daddy", Eric who works the front desk. He'll find a way to get on the show, I'm sure. He's already signed a consent form, so he's good to go! Today, he told one of the girls that he was her "soulmate". Yeah, he REALLY wants to get on TV!

So, the gym was abuzz today and I was less than thrilled. The thought of being on TV scares the heck out of me.