So many stories, so little time...

Life gets so crazy sometimes. Work, surgeries, family health scares, new twins, graduations, etc. etc. etc. I feel like I go from one thing to the next, sleep, get up and do it all again, with no release in between. I have so many stories to tell. Lola - I think it is time to resurrect our plans to do a podcast so I can download all these stories I've collected over the last few years. I can think of a few stories from back in the day that might be fun to tell as well (and maybe a little scandalous to boot!!! Stir it up!) What do you say? You in?

Spring Fever

The weather is so beautiful outside, yet here I am trapped in the office. I definitely feel a case of Spring Fever coming on. I feel the need for a trip to the river, or a picnic, or something outdoors, with friends and cocktails! Lola, what do you say?

Well, things are just crazy.

Where to begin, where to begin. Let's see...B'Gosh is in Charlottesville again, this time for pre-op work ups for his upcoming procedure - which I lovingly call a spine replacement. He'll be back tomorrow afternoon, and then we head back up to UVA at the end of the month. His surgery date is 10/25. Please send all the positive energy you can for him. This is a major procedure.

Our dishwasher died a few days ago. To be frugal, we opted to install the dishwasher ourselves to avoid the $99 installation charge. What was I thinking??? Apparently I wasn't because now I get to go home tonite and try to install this thing. Eh, I can do it. Just don't want to.

Speaking of installation, I found out this afternoon that the new front door we have been waiting for will be installed tomorrow. I wasn't expecting it, but I am happy to finally get it in! The last time we tried this, the door I bought wasn't going to fit the front and ended up replacing our old patio slide in the back. The new door being installed tomorrow was custom built, so we know it will fit. Just not sure what damage is going to be found when the old door comes out. We know it has water damage from an old roof leak. We just don't know the extent of damage to the surrounding lumber. Fingers crossed it isn't much. We'll find out.

Giggles

Anderson Cooper is so dang cute! Sorry about the quality, can't imbed the good videos for this.

Happy Birthday, Handsome!

Lots of special days pass unmentioned, but we never seem to miss Uncle Jessie's Birthday! Happy Birthday John Stamos! You are looking better than ever!!! YUM!

Corning the Dog, by Michelle Bachmann

I hope she chokes on it.

Move past it.

I have been getting messages from the universe, by way of Facebook, that I should forgive anyone and everyone who has ever done anything that I took as harm against me or someone I love. I have to admit, I find it very hard to do. The most thought-provoking message was posted by CaliKim (my made up name for her - those who know her will know who I mean). I am pretty sure she was posting the message for herself, but it felt like it was written specifically for me. "Forgiveness frees the forgiver..."

It seems like it would be this profound sense of weight lifted off my shoulders if I forgive. I suppose I will let it go at some point, but right now I don't want to forgive. The particular recipient of said forgiveness continues to cause grief, and I just don't think forgiveness is in anyway due at this point in time.

As far as others that I have never forgiven for past wrongs, I'll think about it... =)

Time is fleeting...

It has been too long!

Funny how things just fall to the way side. This has been a year of realizations for me, and I have been in the process of thinking things through, and preparing for major changes. Off to a rocky start, but at least I am thinking...and plotting and planning...

In other news...

Lulu Belle is graduating from Eckerd College - my alma mater - this weekend! So happy for her, and proud of her accomplishments - as I am sure Momma Lola is as well!!! Congrats, Miss Thang! Can't wait to see you walk across the stage and collect your degrees

B'Gosh is off to Wisconsin this afternoon for his yearly appointment with his Primary Care Physician. He will be back Saturday afternoon. Next weekend, we are heading to another graduation in Savannah. B'Gosh's nephew is graduating from high school, and preparing to head off to college. Congrats, Jake!! We'll see you next weekend.

Yummy!

In the interest of better eating habits, I have been trying some new low-cal, low-fat, low-carb, and otherwise bland-sounding entrees. Today, I tried Kashi's Mayan Harvest Bake. Not only was it not bland, it was actually quite delicious AND satisfying. Not only that, it is vegan! Go figure! Any way, I am sure it isn't as good as having Adam Levine for lunch, but check it out, if you are so inclined!

Yes, yes, yes, YES!!!!!

Andrea Zuckerman is 50???

Say it isn't so???

I'll never be able to watch The Little Mermaid again!!!!

Playboy mogul Hugh Hefner, 84, popped the question to girlfriend Crystal Harris, 24, on Christmas Eve. Was it a romantic proposal? Yes, if "The Little Mermaid" fits that bill for you.

"We were up in the bedroom, and my favorite movie is "The Little Mermaid," Harris told People. "So he had the ring in a "Little Mermaid" box, and that was so special. I opened it and the first thing he said to me was, 'I hope it fits!'"

Harris said she cried with happiness, but "there wasn't any 'down on one knee' or anything like that, because we are not traditional."

A Hole of the Week

Yes, A Hole of the Week. I could probably do it daily, but we'll start out slow.

Alexa Prisco, or as I not-so-affectionately call her, The Glam Ferret, from Jerseylicious needs to get over herself. A lesson in humility is desperately needed. Confidence is one thing. An obnoxious, over-inflated sense of self is another. I wonder if she ever listens to the things that come out of her mouth and regrets them? Probably not.

She's not even entertaining.

Am I getting to emotionally involved in these stupid reality shows?

Long time, no see!

So life gets crazy (in good and bad ways), and things get lost in the shuffle. Neither Lola nor I have posted anything here in a while. I am going to make an effort to post something here every day. I hope Lola will too (Lola?) As with all other things I start, I guess we will see how long it lasts! LOL

Happy New Year, bitches!

Brilliant!

This is the best video I have seen in a long time!! Boy got skills!



If you enjoyed this video as much as I did, he is taking donations on Skiddo

Remembering Johnny Cash...

Thank you Adam Curry for playing this song on your Daily Source Code podcast and for introducing me to Samantha Murphy. Love your podcast. The music you play brings back a lot of memories.

And thank you Samantha Murphy for your wonderful rendition of "Ring of Fire". I think I like your music very much...

Two more days!

I cannot wait!

Caroline called it...she is a CLOWN!

I would call her an ASS CLOWN, but that is just me. Do they really take them selves seriously? Really bad.

 

Happy Birthday, beautiful man!

Lola, I can't believe you almost let it slip by!!! Happy Birthday to one of our favorites - Uncle Jesse. Better known as John Stamos! Mr. Stamos is 47 today, and he is still smokin'!!!

Eight days and counting!

Guess where we're going.

Welcome to Lulu's Future

One more year. Lulu has only one more year before she graduates from college. Geez, I can't believe it.

Replace Sarge with Lulu and here's a sneak preview of her future career:

Just say No!!!

I'm a lover of vodka, but I will NOT be sampling this variety...

Three reasons to see Sex and the City 2...

#1 Michael T Weiss - most people will remember him as either The Pretender or The Profiler, but I remember him as Mike Horton from Days of Our Lives. Although he doesn't have a big part in the movie, it was great to see him.


#2 Max Ryan - Whoa! Don't know where he came from, but he is hot hot hot! He's perfectly cast. Me likey!

and #3, it's a really good movie! Lulu, Drum, B'Gosh and I enjoyed it. Thanks to Lulu's friend who's a manager at the theatre, we received free tickets. Thanks Lulu for coordinating our night!

Go see Sex and the City 2. It's a good time.

Oh yeah, keep your eye out for the Australian Rugby Team...

The Phantom Hand Appears in Pasco County Florida!

The Phantom Hand followed us around Orlando for years. Mostly, when we visited Pleasure Island. The Phantom Hand would dance with us, point us in the right direction and occasionally grope us. We have many pictures of Mr. Hand.

Well, it's been years since we've seen him and voile', it appears he works for the Pasco County Sheriff's Department! He seems to have a very important job, holding up the criminal's head when they cannot do so themselves.

Way to go, Hand! Glad to see you around...

Batman is 81? BATMAN is 81?!$%^

Watching TMZ this evening, they had an interview with Adam West, the Batman. At the end of the interview, they mentioned that Adam West was 81. 81? WTF. When did Adam West become so old?

Or maybe I should ask, when did I get so old?

Ahhh, a ray of sunshine in an otherwise gloomy day...

Whew, my oh my...

Damn!

Wow, in addition to being in a funk, now I feel old...

I'm in a funk.

Lulu and GI Joe are no more, which isn't exactly a bad thing and certainly isn't the reason for my funk. GI Joe was asked to leave not only because he and Lulu are no longer a couple, but because he failed to appreciate Lulu's generosity. And for that reason, I'm in the funk. The best thing about this is that I have my house back to myself!!

As I'm flipping through the pages of my Vogue magazine, I came across this add for Express. I noticed in the upper right corner, "30 Years of Fashion". First thing I thought was there's no way Express is 30 years old. Then I started to remember how old I was when I shopped at Express in Clearwater Mall. I was a sophmore in high school. That's where I bought my 'Madonna' inspired black rubber bracelets, my favorite zebra print shirt and all my day glow colored accessories.

So, now not only am I in a funk, but I'm also feeling old.

The cheeseman returns!

B'Gosh arrived home from Wisconsin late last night. We have more cheese, and all seems right with the world! Welcome home Kid. I missed you!

If at first you don't succeed, try, try again!

Very interesting.

As if we need ANOTHER reason to love dogs...

***Warning - This may bring a tear to your eye...

And the long haired blonde goobers running around at the beginning of the clip, that's just like our Lily! She's just as blonde, just as happy and probably even goofier!

We will miss you Julia!

The world lost Dixie Carter last night. A beautiful and talented woman. May she rest in peace.

This commercial both makes me happy and freaks me out a little at the same time...

I can't help but watch it everytime it comes on.

But I still wouldn't buy a Kia...

Mugshots O' the Day

Gurl, you need to get yo shit back to Rent-a-Center so you can get home and do something with that doo. Oooh child!


She's 28. 28. Twenty-eight!!!!

Bye Charlie.

John Forsythe died today at 92. He was a staple on 70s and 80s television, and I can still here his voice. We'll miss you Charlie/Blake/John! Rest in peace.

A Tacky and Tasteless Parody

Those of us who live in the Tampa Bay area heard more than we ever wanted to about Terri Schiavo. She was incapacitated after collapsing and in a vegetative state, and was kept alive with a feeding tube in the facilities of a local palliative care organization, which shall remain nameless. Nearly five years ago the feeding tube was removed, and Terri died. This was a political and polarizing event.

Seth McFarlane and the folks at Family Guy aired an episode last week that featured a school show called Terri Schiavo The Musical. In poor taste, perhaps. But a little bit funny.

This is most likely not safe for work or for children. If you are easily upset by the whole Terri Schiavo story, you might want to skip this...

This song has been stuck in my head for days!!

I guess it could be worse. It could be Lady Gaga or Beyonce or heaven forbid, Lady Gaga AND Beyonce!!!

Lulu, Drum, B'Gosh, Taylor and Rodan...you are in good company!!!

Not only is Dennis Lehane (the author of "Shutter Island") an alumni of Eckerd College, but so is Michael from Oxygen's Love Games - Bad Girls Need Love, Too!!!!

Michael actually did very well on his first date with Amber, Kendra and Sarah. He's still in the house and a contender for their hearts.

Not that I actually watched the show or anything...

Mug Shot o' the Day

Girl! Or should I say, Other!

It's an age old question I'm not sure will ever be answered...

Was this guy used as the model for Pervy McPervmiester in "The Lovely Bones"?

The Cheese Head is on the road again...

B'Gosh is in Charlottesville, Virginia again. This time, he is getting his staples removed from his back, and a follow-up visit with the surgeon, Dr. Arlet. He reports that the weather is nice in VA this time - in the 60s. Safe travels, kid! I miss you.

Congratulations Genesis!

It's about time you were inducted into the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame! You are more than deserving.

Now, if we can just get Rush and Yes inducted, all will be as it should be.



Rock On, men!!!

Just Sayin' Drum, Just Sayin...

RIP Lost Boy...

Corey Haim, a 1980s teen heartthrob for his roles in “Lucas” and “The Lost Boys” whose career was blighted by drug abuse, has died. He was 38.

Haim died at 2:15 a.m. Wednesday at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Burbank, Los Angeles County coroner’s Lt. Cheryl MacWillie said.

An autopsy will determine Haim’s cause of death. There was no evidence of foul play, police Sgt. Michael Kammert said.

Haim, who gained attention for his roles in “Lucas” and “The Lost Boys,” had flulike symptoms before he died and was getting over-the-counter and prescription medications, police Sgt. William Mann said.

“He could have succumbed to whatever (illness) he had or it could have been drugs,” Mann said. “He has had a drug problem in the past.”

Haim was taken by ambulance to the hospital from an apartment in Los Angeles near Burbank. The enormous complex is known as Oakwood and is popular with young actors, Kammert said.

Behind every black cloud, a little sun is shining...

...that reminds me of one of those Sunday morning holy roller church shows from the seventies that was called Above the Clouds. The theme song started, "Above the clouds, the sun is always shining!" I wonder if that is on Youtube anywhere?

I digress. As an update to yesterday's post about bad customer service, and the fact that I rarely receive good customer service...B'Gosh spoke to the store manager for Costco at Clearwater Mall today, and she agreed that I should have been offered the Transition lenses for the eyeglasses as I originally ordered them, and without any additional charge. That boy can sweet talk anyone!!! She has already placed the new order herself, and even put a rush on the order. I am still aggrivated that we had to go through this to get what I wanted, but all is well that ends well, I suppose!

A black cloud over my head...

...at least that is what it feels like when it comes to getting even minimal customer service. Yesterday, we had brunch at the Silver Diner in Fairfax, VA. The hostess was very friendly, but I knew something wasn't quite right when we didn't have the same waitress as all of the other tables in our area, and then our waitress - Minxing - came running up to our table out of no where. She was very nice, took our order, and then disappeared. She brought our drinks a little while later, and then disappeared again. I watched everyone who arrived when we did, and even others who arrived after we did, get their food and consume it. Minxing was no where to be found. About ten minutes later, Minxing came running up to our table again, and said, "I am so sorry. I have to apologize. I am so sorry. I forgot to put your order in...". I put my head in my hands, and she put her hand on my shoulder and said something that didn't even register.

This is a good time for me to tell you that bad service is not an isolated instance for me. It seems that almost everywhere I go, I get bad service, or something is otherwise wrong. A black cloud over my head...

I was not feeling well yesterday (and feeling worse today), so I thought it best to leave the complaining up to B'Gosh and Lola. B'Gosh asked Minxing to send the manager over. A few minutes later, the manager came over, apologized, and offered us discounts off our NEXT meal at Silver Diner. Lola explained that we don't live in the area, and the manager immediately said that the meal was on her. Good resolution, but why did we have to deal with this at all?!?!?

Cut to today. I ordered a new pair of eyeglasses at Costco three weeks ago. The glasses came in while we were traveling, so we went to pick them up today. As soon as Tom at the optical counter took the glasses out of the case, I knew we had a problem. They were clearly made into sunglasses with permanent tinting on the lenses, instead of the Transitions darkening shades I ordered. Not only did I order transitions, he suggested them. He even went as far to ask me if I understood that Transitions do not darken in the car. I did know that because I have had many pairs with Transitions.

When asked what he was going to do to rectify the situation, he said he could reorder the frames with the correct lenses, and that there would be an additional $40 charge. I told him that I wouldn't pay anymore, and that I would like to have a refund. B'gosh asked Tom how the mistake was made. Tom said it was a type on his part. B'gosh asked him what he was doing do to rectify the situtation. Tom said, "Nothing." That was it for me. Normally, I would stay and fight the fight. HOwever, because I feel like crap today, I just asked for the refund again because I wasn't up for the battle today.

B'Gosh has since written a scathing email (he is GOOD at that!) to the store manager, and will be calling her tomorrow. I suspect the situation will be rectified in my favor. But once again, why does everything have to be a battle?

Yet another guilty pleasure website...

First, there was www.peopleofwalmart.com. Then, there was www.youdrivewhat.com. After www.lamebook.com, I didn't think I would find another addictive website, until...

www.peopleofthepark.com!!!!!

Yes, all the lovelies that frequent the Disney Parks!!!

I think I like this lady at the Guest Servies desk with the baby stroller full of stuffed animals the best...so far...

Woman Says Her Love Handles Saved Her Life

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. - A Florida woman said her love handles saved her life when she was shot entering an Atlantic City bar. Samantha Lynn Frazier said she heard two pops when she walked into Herman's Place early Saturday. The 35-year-old then felt pain and saw blood on her hand after she grabbed her left side. Atlantic City police said Frazier was an innocent bystander.

Detective Lt. Charles Love said the gunman was aiming for a man who escaped with a bullet hole in his down jacket.

The suspect remains at large.

Frazier told The Press of Atlantic City that "I could have been dead. They said my love handles saved my life."

Frazier also told the newspaper that she had been "hollering" that she wanted to lose weight. She now said "I want to be as big as I can if it's going to stop a bullet."

I lived this commercial during our road trip to and from Chateau Mountain Woman!

All I can say is thank goodness for the extensive junk food section at Fred's and knock-off Girl Scout cookies from Dollar General.