Ponytail Pressure

And time just keeps on moving

2009-09-12T22:58:00.000-07:00

Its been a year now that I've come home - and just a little longer since I've taken the time to even think about writing anything here. Weird. Might just have to try this one out again.

Its about freakin time

2008-08-20T15:34:00.000-07:00

It has taken about 3 and a half years BUT it looks like I am finally coming home. Miracle beyond miracle. Only half of the curse many of you tried to lay on me has really come true = I am coming back with a country bumpkin but I am NOT bringing the bible with me. It was difficult at first but as soon as these people learned more about my true evil soul they left me alone. I am hoping the "y'all" will go with the crap we are getting rid of this weekend at the garage sale.

So if you happen to be in the Ventura area sometime after September the 4th - come by and see me and G - and we just might introduce you to the boy and the new girl T.

13 days and counting. I cant believe I have to do this drive again...

See you all soon - LITERALLY!
V

DMB Rockin Memphis

2008-08-03T15:03:00.000-07:00

Wen took us to see DMB in concert last night. I believe the only truely unscripted thing Dave had to say was "HHHHAAAAUUUUTTTT" like ten times. It was freakin miserable out there. The concert was held in the Redbird's baseball statium so we were all outside and basiscally melting - if Im not mistaken the heat index yesterday was 111. All that said - Dave Matthews rocked -- his band rocked -- the covers he did rocked (Burning Down the House!). I almost forgot where I was until the moment he mentioned that he was just attacked by a huge bug. God love Memphis and the brave brave souls that dare come here to play a concert, crazy mo-fo's.

hellllllllooooooooooo

2008-07-22T19:48:00.000-07:00

Good god. No one is writting anymore. Have we all finally found something better to do? I think not.

I need you people to post crap so I know your alive! I need to know how big your kids are and what color your hair is these days. How will I ever figure out if your dogs are still alive or the cat is now a town whore! What if you have done something to your house that I want to steal and use as my own?? What if you are going to be featured on the next episode of "Secret Lives of Women" = do I really need to learn about this stuff with the rest of America? I need stories damn it - I have even started reading more strangers crap and its just not the same.

So now that Ive said all that - yes, I do know that I suck too. I feel like the universe is trying to send me a message lately and I am getting a static-y line. Things have been good and even progressing in a positive forward motion. I would give more details but I fear that it would only curse things. More to come - hopefully something worth posting.

I miss you my internet friends.

PS - Our house is actually being visited daily by a handyman - for improvements - not leaks. All 3 humans and 3 dogs are still alive. No one is unemployed. I am still amazingly in school. No one I am related to or sleeping with has been to jail lately. My iphone arrives in 2 days. And all this can only lead to world disaster within the next few weeks.

Visiting Y'all

2008-06-15T11:18:00.000-07:00

Sup peps! Its that time again - time to come and get a dose of reality from the west coast. Its been much to long and this thing they refer to as "summer" here has arrived . I like to think of it as a preview of what hell will be like in the future.

Anyway, me and my bumpkin will be arriving July 1 and heading back to our misery on the 8th. We are going to spend the first 3 days in Solvang drowning in wine and the rest in Ventura. Will ANYONE be home during this time? I know the Mansfield clan is offering a wicked bounce house and street band on the 4th. What about the rest of y'all?

15 days and counting...

FanTESTICAL

2008-03-13T16:23:00.000-07:00

So its a Thursday evening and Im sitting on the sun porch, the sun is about an hour from setting, its a perfect 70 degrees with a slight breeze - could it get much better than this? Well sure - but not anytime soon and for now Im pretty freakin content.

I cant believe the last time I wrote anything here it was Halloween. I never believed people when they told me the years would go by faster as I got older but its not joke. How did I miss Chritsmas and New Years? So many things have happened since the last I wrote out to the web of endlessness... where do you start?

Yesterday I saved a baby squirrel from doggy demise. It was a rather strange event - something I've personally never done before (have you?). Did you know there are squirrel rescues out there? For-reals! I mocked Wendy when she told me to look it up --- but they are really there! Did you know its illeagal to keep a squirrel for more than 48 hours unless you are licenced by the wildlife police??? I swear, I didnt make this stuff up. - So back to Gary Jr (that what we call him) - I happened to be walking by the back window when I saw Jack doing some crazy dog dance around something in the middle of the yard - this is no everyday dance - its reserve for true diabolical plans I tell you... he's evil at heart (Wendy knows it even if she will never admit it) - anyway = so I run out back and see what I think is another baby bird (those are his very favorite to mudilate). As I get closer I see its little limps trying to cover its face - ACK! - its a baby squirrel!!! So I start yelling and Jack keeps dancing his happy little death dance and Spencer comes to scoop him up. SAVED! Now what do we do -= freak out! We took him out front to see if he would try and move - nope he just sat there looking pitiful with Jack slobber still on him. It was so helpless looking sitting in Spencers hand all lovey hugging his fingers (see photo). In comes the fanTESTICAL internet ... oh how I love the internet... We found a lady that is the wildlife commish-something and she called someone else - and in a matter of a couple hours someone was ready to pick lil'Gary up and take care of him until he is ready to go back into the wild once more. Hooray = one less carcass in our yard this month.

So on that happy little note - I just wanted to post a story for those of you that are still looking for something to read while your avoiding doing something important. Miss you all! V

Halloween is DeLISH!

2007-10-31T17:32:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween Everyone!

Our little vampire bat Tallulah thinks green pumpkins are especially tastey.

Time to come home again!

2007-09-30T07:24:00.000-07:00

It seems that the only time I really sit down and blog anything is right before a trip home.... I have no idea why. Plenty of interesting things seem to be happening - like last month when I was in a freakin plane crash - yet I never took the 2 minutes to sit and write about it.

Needless to say Im coming home next week (for a visit). Heading up tp Santa Ynez for a couple days of wine tasting, then over to Westlake for Snoozanne's wedding, and a couple days in Ventura for Wen's b-day. Oh - and dont forget the night at Ojai Valley Inn for some damn fine massages.

If any of you are around I would love to see ya!

I love you and your shiny pants

2007-08-12T17:55:00.000-07:00

We saw Chris Issac in concert last night - OMG - seriously. He is just a hot hot man, no matter how wacky he was on that damn show that ran awhile back. He is so talented I barely noticed his weird blue pant suit he had on. The man has a wicked sense of humor and a talent that never ends. It really is not all that often anymore you see a band that sounds as good live as they do on disk.

Have I mentioned that we saw Al Green earlier this month and he didn't even bother trying to sing "Aint no sunshine"? Loser. Bill Withers totally owns that song anyway.

Bitter - party of one?!?

Anywho - if you need to know why Chris is such a genius you just much watch his commentary for the Wicked Game video. The man is a god, and I love him and his shiny pants.
(Yes Bethma he wore the mirrored suit for the last couple songs even though it was like 95 degrees at 10pm)

http://chrisisaak.com/index_v.html

Famous People

2007-07-18T06:54:00.000-07:00

After living in the LA area is it not often you are star-struck - but that never stops you from enjoying other people's faces fall to the floor when they see them. I was shipping a package yesterday at that purple place that pays my bills when a man walked in, making the man next to me fall all over himself.

Man 1 - "hey - your Joe Theisman"
Joe - "hey man, what's up", handshake and walks out
Man 1 - "that was JOE THEISMAN"
Guy behind the counter - "yeah"
Man 1 - in disbelief "does he come in here a lot?"
Guy behind the counter - "yeah"
Man 1 - "JOE THEISMAN"
Guy behind the counter - "yeah"

You would have thought the guy was going to actually fall down. Well worth the wait time just to watch this man's face.

ps - Joe was shipping to a secret government office... hell yeah I looked! ;)

Mantra for the week

2007-06-26T20:06:00.000-07:00

Just five more days.
Just four more days.
Just three more days.

As of today - just two more days (actually alot less if I want to break it down into hours, but Im taking math right now and extra math is just ridiculous) and I will be be home for a break from muggy Memphis. I get to see the ocean, I get to eat real mexican food, I get to go shopping without make-up, and I get to SQUISH a kid whether she likes it or not.

I really do need to come home more often.

Just 2 more days.

I Love Pearl

2007-04-15T11:41:00.000-07:00

Thank you Venturamom for freakin making my morning. Why would I sit here and do my homework when I could be studing the art of being Pearl.

Good stuff...

Check out The Landlord at http://funnyordie.com/v1/view_video.php?viewkey=3efbc24c7d2583be6925 - it's on http://funnyordie.com/

Where does the time go?

2007-01-27T17:39:00.000-08:00

I was doing so good for that week or so (ha!) ... now its been more than a month from my last post. OH WELL.

Things are good, apparently you suckas in CA got the winter weather. Its been in the 60's most days and I think I only broke out a jacket one day so far. I'm thinking of planning a trip home in May - DRIVING HOME that is (I may have lost my mind). I want to bring Georgia and Tallulah with me so a plane isn't going to fly (yes I do think I'm funny thank you!). As things progress and I will make more plans and I'll let ya'll know.

School update - next week is my final week for my first 2 classes - and I have A's! I'm rather impressed with myself in case you cant tell. I've only been saying I'm going to so this forever and now not only am I doing it - I'm liking it! Who would have thought - not me.

Hope you guys are good out there - keep your updates coming. I love the pictures - it makes me feel like I'm not so far away.

XOXOX - V

Lumber Jack Ladies

2006-12-05T20:03:00.000-08:00

I just thought I'd stop by and let you know how TUFF we are in this house. Just last night we had a load of firewood delivered - broke out the chainsaw and made our own kindling in the front yard - thats right BITCHES - us ladies using serious power tools and shit in the front yard.

And yes, I do believe ALL our neighbors think we are lesbians. I can't imagine why.

Damn you taggers!

2006-11-23T08:51:00.000-08:00

I hope you know I only do these cause I love you bethma - not cuz they are fun - cuz they are NOT!!!

1. When you looked at yourself in the mirror today, what was the first thing you thought? I really should take my makeup off at nighttime.
2. How much cash do you have on you? Maybe $7
3. What’s a word that rhymes with “DOOR?” Whore
4. Favorite planet? Is the moon a planet?
5. Who is the 4th person on your missed call list on your cell phone? Probably Pam
6. What is your favorite ring tone? It would be dueling banjos if I could find it.
7. What shirt are you wearing? Geek t-shirt.
8. Do you “label” yourself? Yes. Californian.
9. Name the brand of the shoes you’re currently wearing? Uggs - slippers
10. Bright or Dark Room? Midway between
11. What do you think about the person who took this survey before you? She is one of my most favorite people EVER.
12. What does your watch look like? Silver, square with black face.
13. What were you doing at midnight last night? Moving the puppy off my face Im sure.
14. What did your last text message you received on your cell say? My mom complaining about all the people spitting at the courthouse.
15. Where is your nearest 7-11? That I know of – CA – in TO
16. What's a word that you say a lot? Shut up! Seriously!
17. Who told you he/she loved you last? Bethma!
18. Last furry thing you touched? Blackie – Tallulah the devil puppy
19. How many drugs have you done in the last three days? 22!
20. How many rolls of film do you need developed? Do they still make film?
21. Favorite age you have been so far? Mid 20’s – although I didn’t know it at the time.
22. Your worst enemy? Myself – I don’t let anyone else be that mean to me.
23. What is your current desktop picture? Downtown Ventura.
24. What was the last thing you said to someone? You can toss that.
25. If you had to choose between a million bucks or to be able to fly what would it be? DUH – who needs to fly when cash can buy you a plane and so many shiny things!
26. Do you like someone? Sure – but not “like like” them – I wish.
27. The last song you listened to? Louis Armstrong – What a Wonderful World (Im listening to satellite radio
28. What time of day were you born? Around 8:00 PM
29. What’s your favorite number? 20
30. Where did you live in 1987? Moreno Valley, CA
31. Are you jealous of anyone? All kinds of people.
32. Is anyone jealous of you? Probably – cuz they don’t know any better.
33. Where were you when 9/11 happened? Getting ready for work and happen to have the TV on.
34. What do you do when vending machines steal your money? Stare at it in amazement wondering if it’s a sign.
35. Do you consider yourself kind? Sometimes.
36. If you had to get a tattoo, where would it be? My arm – I love Mom with a knife thru the heart!
37. If you could be fluent in any other language, what would it be? Totally Spanish.
38. Would you move for the person you loved? Probably.
39. Are you touchy feely? I think so.
40. What’s your life motto? It used to be “what would Oprah do?” – now probably more like “why not try”
41. Name three things that you have on you at all times? At all times? Nothing! I’ll go with Chapstick, a credit card and a bra
42. What’s your favourite town/city? Ventura, and I wish I were there now.
43. What was the last thing you paid for with cash? Jean Day stickers at work.
44. When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper and mailed it? Thank you cards at my b-day and I letter to my bro in the pen!
45. you change the oil on a car? Why would I?
46. Your first love: what is the last thing you heard about him/her? That he is still an ass, even to his new wife.
47. How far back do you know about your ancestry? Some about my grandparents – we aren’t people that share good details until we pass away and the younger folks dig through your stuff.
48. The last time you dressed fancy, what did you wear and why did you dress fancy? DUDE – I couldn’t tell you, it was like a million years ago.
49. Does anything hurt on your body right now? My back.
50. Have you been burned by love? Sure, hasn’t everyone?

Piranha Puppy

2006-11-20T18:19:00.000-08:00

If any of you are ever in a spot where you think it would be sooo much fun to have a puppy. Stop, breathe - and take another look at my Piranha Puppy.

Everyone in this house has puncture wounds in the tops of our big toes and the vet says she wont lose the major fangs for a couple months. Damn you Piranha Puppy.

Stranger than Fiction

2006-11-19T17:04:00.000-08:00

Just got back from watching Stranger than Fiction - it was interesting. Not interesting in the "she is nice" sort of way, more in the "my head is still swirling from strange thought" sort of way. Im a huge Will Ferrell fan so I would have probably gone to see it even if it were a dumb looking movie - I did go watch Elf after all and am not too proud to admit it, but this time he played a completely different role than anything I had ever seen him in and for the first time I felt like I could completely relate to his character. I think that's what baffled me. I personally have nothing in common with his character yet I knew exactly where he was coming from. Weird - just weird. Maybe tomorrow I will be more clear about what Im thinking. If you have a chance to see it = you should. Its not his usual comedy but its Will Ferrell and I would totally fight you if you say he doesn't rule. And, if that were not enough the music in it didn't suck either.

Speaking of stranger than fiction - I have to get my reading - for I start my first day of school tomorrow. Freak Out. Seriously. Freak Out. Who would have thunk it, I've only been talking about it forever, and now its finally going to happen, tomorrow. And for those of you that love my awful grammar - run on sentences - and completely made up use of punctuation, you will be happy to know that my first 2 classes are Effective Persuasive Writing and Skills for Learning in an Information Age. The classes following that will continue to try and sneak in ways to make me write more correctly - but screw that - they are not grading my blog and you all know how I love the dot dot dots...

Halloween Keg-er

2006-11-19T09:50:00.000-08:00

I'm trying to get some thing organized and realized that I totally forgot to post this after Halloween - this was one of the last kids that came to our door. We had pretty minimal trick-or-treaters since we live in the bible belt and they do events at all the churches in the area to keep the kids from worshiping the devil and candy. We had a baby chicken, a hunter, a couple princess', pretty much the normal stuff and then this kid showed up....

It was one of the first things in months that gave me any hope that the south may have some redeeming qualities. Rock on keg-er kid.

For a good time...

2006-10-18T05:31:00.000-07:00

My face and gut still ache. I'd pay for his services again and again...

Georgia Foreman

2006-10-11T18:48:00.000-07:00

Georgia turned 6 yesterday. I cant believe it. I feel like it was just a couple months ago that she was an insane little pup running around, doing burnouts in her sleep and taking out small children... but she not, she great and turned into the coolest dog I could have ever asked for.

I dont care how old you are - you'll always be Baby G to me.

Happy Birthday Wendy

2006-10-08T09:46:00.000-07:00

Today is Wendy's 41st Birthday ... if only we all could look good!

Dear Wendy,

I sometimes wonder if you know what a difference you make in so many people's lives. You are by far one of the most humble people I know. You are always there when anyone needs you (whether they deserve you or not) and put just about everyone's needs before yours and never think twice about doing it. You have opened your heart and home to us and we just want to make sure you know today and always just how much your loved.

So, this year for your birthday we want to make sure you do something that is all about you. You have a trip booked to Ventura at the end of the month, you will have 3 full days to enjoy yourself and do all the wonderful things your heart desires. Your friends know your coming, your dad is planning on picking you up, and Dave will be waiting at the Bowl for your listening pleasure.

PS - I made Kyle sign a contract that says you have the days off.

Happy Birthday girlie, never forget how much your loved.

XOXOX

I guess its time...

2006-10-07T09:05:00.000-07:00

I havent felt like Ive had much to say so I havent bothered to sit still and visit this place. And, after looking around - its not just me - no one has written too much lately... even if they have fun things to post like being married or having babies ... seriously.

So - my plan is to upload some stuff from my recent trip to CA - which Im missing more this time than any time before (damn you friends that made my trip so much fun).

The end.

Tennessee Sucks

2006-07-23T16:28:00.000-07:00

It's a Ryan Adam's song - the main verse is " Tennessee sucks in the summertime" - which could not be more true.

Yesterday was the wedding - I wasnt there... sad sad day. Hope everyone had a great time. The phone calls from the event were a crack up. I hope J&P happiness forever and then some.

OK - so some of you MUST SEND ME MORE PHOTOS. I got a couple this AM from bethma, titled "Jo looked HOT", mostly cleavage shots. God I love you guys.

I now know how to operate a tractor

2006-07-16T10:59:00.000-07:00

FOR REALS. You know you've hit that all time low when you start a sentence like that. For all of you that have been worried about what I've been up too = you now know and should be more frightened than ever.

Yesterday, I was out and about with a new friend from work who took me out to some property she has in the middle of no-mans land - the country- on steroids.... anyway as we were looking over the land (41 acres to be exact) we came upon a building in the middle. This was a monster building with a normal door and then like 4 double garage doors. Inside it was filled with all kinds of stuff I have seen in movies but never had the opportunity to actually crawl all over. Have you ever even heard of a "Bush Hogger"? What the hell? - There were backhoes and trench digging stuff - riding lawn mowers - 2 boats - a car - a couple 4 wheelers - storage galore (and yes Wen - plenty of space to hide the dead bodies) - and then the tractor. I was fascinated - and had to know how to operate them all!! Within a couple hours we had tried them all - S was there too and wasn't left out - he was totally mocking me but didn't flinch at the opportunity to try them out either. I figured my insurance was paid up until the end of the month - this would be the time.

I've never thought I would find any use for the massive country land around us = other than it makes for great motorcycle riding roads. Most the time when I drive through these areas I cant imagine why anyone in their right minds would want to live out there = but it was pretty clear by the end of the day - a little piece of your private paradise... its all about what you make of it.

It makes me wonder what this could mean - could I be one of these people one day that will be saying things like "Ima headin into town for some supplies - ya need anything?"

Steady, As She Goes

2006-05-26T08:41:00.000-07:00

Great song - if you haven't heard it - you should.

Well as much as I'd like to say that I haven't updated this damn thing for sake of how freakin busy I've been = well - that would just be a lie. There is absolutely nothing fun or thrilling happening and its making me think about taking some serious leaps and bounds to make something happen. Last month I had convinced myself that I needed a motorcycle - lets be honest - NO ONE needs a motorcycle. I've thought about all the norm - cut my hair - dye it some crazy color - new tattoos - gold fronts - going to the gym - join a cult... but nothing seems to be just what I need for a kick in the butt.

Im open for suggestions - send em on people!

PS - is anyone else freakin out with the knowledge that Grey's Anatomy wont have a new episode for months??? I miss Denny.

A list because Beth tagged me into it

2006-05-06T17:51:00.000-07:00

I AM: a skinny girl trapped in a fat girl’s body, which is odd because it was the opposite when I was younger.
I WANT: a hobby that might help with that.
I WISH: I had more dreams and the money to make them come true.
I HATE: whinny people and slow talkers.
I MISS: my friends, family and driving near the ocean.
I HEAR: the sound of thunder all the time lately.
I WONDER: what tomorrow will bring.
I REGRET: not telling more people thank you.
I AM NOT: sure of anything anymore.
I DANCE: when Im making fun of myself.
I CRY: when Im frustrated – usually at myself.
I AM NOT ALWAYS: as nice as I should be.
I MAKE WITH MY HANDS: a mean cocktail.
I WRITE: because its so much easier than picking up the phone.
I CONFUSE: what I want and what I need.
I NEED: to make a plan and do it.
I SHOULD: be feeding my dogs right now.
I START: cleaning my room but never seem to finish.
I FINISH: -ed this tag email which is a small miracle in itself!
I TAG: Becca and Jo, mostly because I know you’ll do it.

Hello Spring

2006-04-07T06:25:00.000-07:00

I know its been FOREVER since I've done any updating - seems like everyone has been busy lately or maybe just run out of stuff to blog about.

We are in the middle of bloom central right now - its pretty awesome. We are having plants and flowers pop up all over the yard that we didn't even know were there. The trees have been naked for what seems like forever and have overnight sprung leaves before our very eyes. I decided to try and document some of the growth so I know what not to pull from the ground like I've been wanting to for the past month or so... example of what I thought was a dead twig thing now looks like this :

Hope I have something more thrilling to write about soon... missing you all!

ARG

2006-02-28T11:24:00.000-08:00

Ok - its been 2 days and Im still reeling about that damn Grey's McJerky story. It was torturus (and not in the good way). It left me with an awful feeling - Im not even looking forward to the next episode. Everyone is mad at Meredith - fine - she was being stupid - - BUT what about George? How stupid was that? EHEW. EHEW. EHEW. I now how no respect for any of them.

PS - still loving the TV Squad .com

I think Im gonna just focus on my crime shows, they may be focused on the real sick and twisted but for some reason seem to not hit as close to home.

I aint afraid of no snow

2006-02-10T14:37:00.000-08:00

Snowed Under

2006-02-10T13:35:00.000-08:00

Keane - Somewhere Only We Know

Ok - so I've been mocking the weather channel and everyone in this town all day about "Snow Warnings". People are everywhere stocking up on bread and milk as if we are all gonna be stuck in our homes for the next couple weeks with no chance of digging ourselves out. COME ON. Ive heard this story before and I have come to the conclusion that if they say it on the news - its not gonna happen. I went to get gas and people were coming out of the gas station with cartons of cigs and diet cokes - heaven forbid they run out! Big freakin babies. The TV is sending out warnings that schools are closing early and all activities will be canceled until Sunday. They are even sending people home from work for fear of the traffic.

Did I bother to mention that they are predicting maybe an INCH to accumulate and that the temp is 33 degrees... thats too warm to even let it stick you wusses!

Anyhow - thought I'd share a couple pics of the house since it does make quite a pretty picture with the white stuff.

We Used to be Friends

2006-02-07T07:47:00.000-08:00

- The Dandy Warhols ... Welcome to the Monkey House

Im not sure who Im more mad at right now - The Stupid Bowl or TiVo. How could they mess up my once a week obession with Grey's Anatomy! Its become a sickness - I HEART Scared Heart and everyone that works there. Ive started talking about them by first names as if we were all friends. Im constantly on edge trying to figure out whats going to happen and I definetly saying "SERIOUSLY" way too often.

This week I only got about 25 minutes of the episode before it stopped recording = I couldnt believe the anger that overwhelmed me as the delete screen popped up. WTF!!!! You can take my booze and french fries from me - but not my Mc Dreamy!

Angry Fist to the Heavens!

Anyone see the whole thing? Help me - send me a fix = if your my friends you will... its what good friends do. Seriously.

The love the rain the most

2006-02-02T10:37:00.000-08:00

The song actually goes "I love the rain, the most - when it stops", which is what Im feeling like today. Joe Purdy (musical genius)

I woke up this morning to the rain - thinking it wasnt such a bad thing since I had the day off and nothing better to do than read the paper and drink my coffee. Afterwards I caught up on emails which is when I got the news. My Uncle in Oregan tracted me down to let me know my Yaya had passed away yesterday morning.

Growing up I had spent most my summers with her and she has been a huge influence on who I am today. A strong and amazing woman who through it all came across with grace and just a wee bit of spitfire. She said what was on her mind and didnt let the things she had no control of control her. She intruduced me to make-up and the fun of being a girl - she taught me about shoes and thread count, and at a fairly young age brought me to the world of Nordstom's as apposed to that "no-good Penny's" (my mom could have killed her for that one). I remember so many times laughing until we were crying and then starting all over again. She called me her baby but never treating me like one, every year it was like a slumber party with my best friend - who happened to be my grandmother - my yaya.

This is the last photo I have of us, I havent seen her in many years and will always regret that. She hated her photo taken (as you can see from the pinching she was giving me because of it).

I will always miss and love you Yaya.

Awake is the New Sleep

2006-01-07T21:54:00.000-08:00

After FAR too many days playing on iTunes I have decided that I should share some of my new pleasures with you. I have found what may have been my true calling... naming albums. I know many of us (mostly girls ... and a few guys I know) have said while looking at a bottle of nail polish or fancy lipstick "who gets paid to name these things?" ... well have you ever truly paid any attention to the naming of albums??? NO you say? Well I think you should! Or maybe just make up song titles and then have someone else figure out the freakin lyrics. I have decided that I, myself listen to songs or will read up on an album if the title is catchy enough.

I seriously have spent at least 4 hours a day for the last 5 days looking at stupid music online. I have found what could be a new awful pastime for myself that just may consume me and any chance of me seeing the light of day again. Its a sickness and I need help.

Whats great is how many seem to apply to my life right now - the title of this post is a perfect example. I couldnt even tell you who the artist is at this moment but because I thought it was genius I couldnt help myself - Ive decide that all my entries should have to start with a song or album title - JUST CUZ.

Awake is "my" new sleep - which sucks... I am going back to work this next week so maybe I will get on a more normal schedule and have less time for this nonsense - but until then Im gonna keep listening to songs from iMix's that have something about "drinking before noon".

Wrapping Up Another Year

2005-12-31T19:18:00.000-08:00

Just wanted everyone at home (and around the states we have all wandered off to) - know that we are thinking of you all, wishing we were together. So instead, I send you all a virtual toast to the New Year, Fabulous Friends and if we have any luck at all we will see each other again soon.

A Toast - LITERALLY!

A New Years Resolution - the past 2005 to the new 2006

And of course no such thing as alcohol abuse in this house ... the Booze Hounds send their love too!

Its only on for 24 hours...

2005-12-24T17:48:00.000-08:00

Are you watching it?

Really?

2005-12-20T16:35:00.000-08:00

So I had my first follow-up appt today to see how I was healing. Who knew just how many things I did not know... nor did my Dr...

Apparently I have a hiatal hernia to top off my other complications - I swear no one told me of this. I know there were a few hours of confusion - but not once was I told of this. She asked how my stiches were and I was like "what stiches"? She had asked if I had raised the head of my bed and I was like "for what"? She asked when my appt was with my surgeon and I was like "dont think I have one". She asked how the pain was and I was like "fine - as long Im not breathing".

She sent me home - with a new RX - Oxi-cot-something or other... ;)

FOOLS!

So far Im not impressed, maybe I'll try and kick it up with some fancy eggnog.

And just cuz Im in a sharin mood - and happen to be sitting next to this camera - and cuz I happen to be on the "stuff"....

Im working on a Santa Belly full of Jelly!

Missing Organ

2005-12-18T08:01:00.000-08:00

Dear Gallbladder,

It has only been one and a half days that you have been gone and I have to say I don't miss you so much but apparently the other organs that were you neighbors do. There is a strange void and even stranger pressure rumbling around my insides. I understand it was your intention to give me many precious little stones for Christmas but Im afraid my doctor wished you be kicked to the curb instead. Im not sure why there was this misunderstanding - most girls would love this sort of gift but I was unaware of the pain is would cause. Im a little hurt that you would put me through such heartache at this time of year - was it really necessary for you to mess with my poor liver the way you did? You know Im hard enough on that little guy. And then there were all the other awful tests I had to endure ... why would you make them think I had a blood clot? And where the cat scans, x rays and ultrasounds your way of getting back at me? Im not even sure what is was that I did to you? They kept me in the hospital for 3 days damn it! There was no need for that... I wish you the best in whatever toxic dump you end up in... as for me I will continue to take these stupid narcotics they gave me to forget you, but lets be honest the scars will never let me forget you completely.

For those of you that are sick and twisted enough to want and see what they did to me (as all my friends would), here is a pic:

I was lucky enough to avoid the open procedure so the recovery shouldn't be so bad - thank goodness - this means I still get to hold on to my claim of never having stitches. The whole ordeal has been very strange. I woke up one night week before last with an awful pain in the center of my chest right under my ribs - I couldn't get a breath to save my life and the pain was unreal. I stood in my room for about an hour or so until I could relax enough to lay back down and go back to sleep. The next day I had these little spasms all day and felt a little sick to my stomach, I don't think I would have ever though anything of it if I hadn't had my first doctors appt the day after. My insurance had just started on the 1st of December and I just wanted to establish a regular doctor since I hadn't had one since we've moved here. The timing was quite unbelievable. The new Dr ordered a ultrasound a couple days later and when the tech started taking pictures you could see in her face that she couldn't believe I had not had an "episode" before ... I didn't have one, two or even seven... apparently I had stones that lines my whole gallbadder. I was told that I would likely need surgery but should wait for more tests to come back. Almost one week later (this last Wednesday) I woke up about the same time with the same pain only it lasted longer and I had to go to work. I went by the Dr office on my way home and she sent me over to the hospital for a chest xray and blood work since I couldn't seem to catch my breath. I left the hospital and came home and feel asleep. I guess I heard the phone ring a couple times and finally got up to see who it was - they had already had me checked in and a room waiting for me. The panicky messages were kinda funny now that it is over. I guess my tests came back really abnormal (isnt that weird for me? - NOT) and they showed I had a blood clot and my liver levels were all over the place. So I went back to the hospital where they were waiting for me with plenty of tests and no one to tell me what was going on. It took 5 sticks just to get my IV in ... bastards. I think those bruises are the worst.

Needless to say - its all over - my gallbladder is gone. I feel like Ive been hit by a truck and Im out of work through Christmas (which would normally be cool had I had anywhere to go!). They gave me some crazy drugs that make me pretty dumb but Im here so I guess its all good.

I wonder what I can do to myself next... esperiments esperiments....

Signs of the Season

2005-12-12T18:50:00.000-08:00

Every year there are only certain things that always remind me of this special time of year, here are some of my favorites.

The perfectly UNtinsled tree...

The torturing of all creatures big and small...

And of course there is the SIGN that puts it all in perspective...

Missing you all this Christmas.

Innocence

2005-12-10T10:13:00.000-08:00

We have a thief in the house... he's not the normal kind, he doesnt still things like jewels or anything truely vauluable - but he does have a way of making his point.

I found this in the backyard yesterday - its a paint swatch for one of the colors I was thinking of using in the kitchen.

Makes you wonder if he's as mentally chanllenged as I think he is ...

THE HOUSE

2005-12-08T19:45:00.000-08:00

For those of you that cant seem to WAIT to see it... here it is... the "before" photos - enjoy.

The front - aint it purty!

The Kitchen... (did we mention the previous owners refused a redecorating fee???)

More reason to remove wallpaper... (your eyes are not messing with you)

And then there was the dining area (can you say acid trip?)

Things that dont suck, like the great wood burning fireplace with wonderful bookcases for all of the great novels no one in our house will ever read (but damn pretty none the less).

(Im guessing whomever tool this photo didnt realize there was a girl getting felt-up on TV)

A door from the living room leads to the amazing sunporch - one of the only rooms that doesnt need paint and a favorite part of the house...

Did I mention that we REALLy like this room?

I have no idea why we have no pictures of the backyard (which p.s. ROCKS) but Im sure we will soon - I do know why there are no pictures of anything upstairs = because we are too freakin lazy to take the camera up there... the only reason we have these is because Mo (Wen's sis-in-law took them)... there has been updates so I promise more photos to come. Hope this makes you all happy - now come freakin visit and bring your workin clothes!

XOXOX - V, W, G and J

home sweet home???

2005-11-29T20:06:00.000-08:00

We are in. Not anywhere near done - hell - we cant even find the TV trays right now = you would think they would have shown up but no.

Pictures of the kitchen were taken and when I know where they are I promise to post them so you can ehew and awww - that's right - ehew. We had a surprise visitor (Mo - wen's sister-in-law) and she immediately tore the wallpaper down in the kitchen - god love her. My mom will be here this Thursday and Im sure she will kick ass and make us get all kinds of stuff done.

All and all - its great - really - ugly wallpaper and all. Its a real home - its where you want to hurry home to and we are the luckiest ever.

Pics to come - promise!

Is it that obvious?

2005-11-14T18:15:00.000-08:00

So, when I work the "day" job Im considered a contractor or "temp" - I come and go as I please and that's really the way I like it. It has come up many times recently about making me a full time employee - as we had talked about originally when I was brought in... but let's be honest... much like many of the relationships I have been in "I've seen what you've got to offer and the truth is that package your offering aint all that". Why dont they just make the move and fool you before they show you their cards??? When your still hoping you they have got to be great - after all look at the size of those shoes...

So I found this on my desk today and couldnt help but wonder...

How well do these people know me??? And do they know more about me then I thought they were smart enough to catch on to... hummmm...

Nothing new

2005-11-10T15:08:00.000-08:00

So I've decided to try and at least ATTEMPT to get to my blog more than once a month... its a reasonable idea = we will see how it goes.

We move in 11 days and I havent packed a damn thing. I believe in packing fairies. I believe in packing fairies. I believe in packing fairies. I believe in packing fairies. (why dont I own any sparkly red shoes).

Other than that - not much new - I'd share the latest boy story but it even bores me so Im not going to. The *$ place is going pretty good - did the holiday set up until 4 am this morning - I now hate red ( but you should totally drop by your local shop and check it out)... as for Becca - Im stocking up for you anyway... you need to come visit. (Have you seen her HNT??? - shes now a freakin internet celeb! ... or at least parts of her are - either way - power on rock star)

A reason to like Tennessee

2005-10-27T09:51:00.000-07:00

Tennessee has real season changes... and its pretty cool. This is a photo from our balcony that does no justice as to how amazing the trees look right now - but I was sitting here drinking my coffee and thought I should share. Fuzzy sweaters and comfy plush socks - you gotta love this kind of stuff. My drive to work is no longer a tree lined street but more of a tunnel of gold flicker I pass through. Its good stuff and a real good reason to like Tennessee ( for now anyway).

Im not dead

2005-10-24T16:08:00.000-07:00

So I know it seems easy enough to just sit and type but for some strange reason MY blog seems to be the last one I ever get around too. So much going on I cant blame the craziness - its always crazy.

New - fun - and a little interesting....
- Wen is signing her papers on the house she bought as I type this.
- We move in just about one month (again) - this means you better visit while the weather is better.
- I got a raise and promotion today.
- Newer dog Jack is much better dog since I brought another one home that I found on the side of the road and then gave away (we think he thinks he's next).
- We are living in a state that you actually see the leaves turn colors - so weird!

Not so new
- Missing you all

HOME

2005-09-16T08:54:00.000-07:00

I flew into LAX yesterday and cant even begin to describe how weird it was to be back to a place so familiar and yet to different. The people sitting behind me on the plane were making their first trip to CA and were talking a million miles a minute (well not really - cuz they are from the south - but pretty fast for them). I find that the only time is have the southern "twang" is when Im around those twangy bastards - so I choose to stay mute hoping that when we landed I would sound normal again. So far so good.

I totally lucked out and the rental car place hooked me up - got a PT Cruiser Turbo convertible - happy birthday to me!!! It was great, I took the coast home and found a appreciation for the ocean I don't think I've had in a really long time. Also found that I should appreciate sunscreen more now that I have burnt forehead, nose and arms.

I got into town and went straight to the Mansfield house to see the girls. The baby is SO big and such a doll, I feel like Im missing so much fun stuff with her - but she can make you feel like a million bucks in nothing flat and that's a wonderful thing. She was telling me about the zoo and making great animal sounds - shes got the cheetah down cold! GRRROOOWWWLLLLLLLL in the most deep chest devil voice you can imagine... the kids got skills. B is such a good mommy - and Im so lucky to have you all in my life.

After a pitcher of maragritas, a trip to the Teva/Ugg/ Simple outlet and then Casa's (duh) - I finally made it back to JT's where walking into his house is like coming home all over again. Its so great to be here and to know that this will always be home - where my favorite people are - where 70 degrees is a normal day - where they actually drive the speed limit on the freeway - where no one uses the word "reckon".

oh yeah...

2005-09-07T12:56:00.000-07:00

and Im coming home next week. Anyone need something from the god-forsaken South??? Maybe Cugo (aka the new dog Jack - who has now caused a dog to have to get 4 staples!) - he kicks ass - might be useful to one of you? No?

Katrina has always been a crazy bitch name...

2005-09-07T12:34:00.000-07:00

Ok - so I knew one little girl Katrina that was too little to be a bitch - but dont get me wrong - she had potential! Living in Memphis is a little too close to the disaster than I like (not that there is a right place or anything). We are getting a lot of the evacuees in town and we even have a girl that is gonna work in our *$ (Starbucks) since the one she worked at in New Orleans is no longer. The weekends have been the only time I have had much interaction with them - it hurts your heart to even look them in the eye... I feel guilty everyday that we are so lucky and have so much.

I got an email the other day that Suzanne made a donation to the Louisianna SPCA in Georgia's name. My friends rock. Everyone doing something adds up to ALOT.

I was reading Dooce.com this am and if you dont read her your just dumb. This is her entry for the day - an email sent to her from someone in TX - thought you should all see it.
.............................................................................................................................................
Email: I salute you, Texas
Wednesday, 07 September 2005
Dear Heather,
I just returned from the Austin Convention Center after working all day with Katrina Evacuees. Austin is hosting 5,000 people and all I can say is that after seeing what 5,000 clean and safe evacuees look like, I can’t even begin to imagine what the Superdome or even the initial arrival at the Astrodome looked like. Anyway, I wanted to tell you that in Houston, whenever a family finds each other or is brought together, they ring a bell — chants of “More Cowbell” have been heard.
I thought that might make you smile.
Cheers,A faithful reader….

Alive

2005-08-16T18:45:00.000-07:00

...mostly.

I have been working ALOT. The past couple weeks more than anyone should. Stupid work. Next week should start to get more normal. This week alone I have only been at one job and already have almost 40 hours in (its freakin TUESDAY).

I have so many things to write about - Ive been keeping notes cuz I know I'll be pissed if I forget to share them with you.
- been to my first hospital/urgent care visit in the south
- my car has been hit twice in the parking lot at work (within 2 weeks)
- ID'ed a woman with a Drivers Lic that had "Valid to Carry Firearm" written across the top (from the DMV)
- new dog Jack has bit a man in our complex
- eaten sushi from a gas station

Just wanted to stop - drop a line - and request that burrito that was offered!

missing you all ~ V

What has kept me busy...

2005-07-25T15:21:00.000-07:00

... for this past weekend anyway. More info to come. www.dogster.com/?173481. Will you catch on to the secret message???

By god do I have some stories for you when I have a chance to sit here for more than five minutes... the best being about the offering "a pygmy goat and five chickens".

Herbie rides again

2005-07-10T19:54:00.000-07:00

So somehow another week has passed. Its weird to look at a calendar and realize "holey crap" we've been here 6 months now! It really doesn't seem like we've been gone more than a month - I think that's mostly because we have good friends = and most of them are kinda nerdy and have done some bloggin which makes us feel like we talk to you more than we do.

This weekend, I took advantage of a cool thing they still have out here - The Drive-In. I went with Kaley (who's a whoppin 5 years old) to go see Herbie for her first ever drive-in experience. I think I got more out of it than she did, but she had a good time none the less. I believe her favorite part was watching the movie while standing out the sunroof of my car. It was so strange to be taken back to such a very young age when my mom used to take us, other than for the fact that we now listened to a radio station rather than that crazy speaker box that hung on the window, it was exactly the same. The lot was tore up - the snack bar was all jacked up - people were totally getto setting up tents for the kids so the parents could make out in the car. Good stuff. Props to my mom for wonderful memories that still make me feel warm and fuzzy 25+ years later.

Signs my life is taking a new turn...

2005-07-06T19:45:00.000-07:00

I am not proud to admit this, but feel it necessary to confess:
I have just watched 4 episodes of "Dog the Bounty Hunter" - back to back and TiVo'ed mind you.

Some turn to drugs and booze = for me its bad bad bad TV. Sure for awhile CSI filled the void, but since I've been in the house alone for the past couple days I've found that A&E has taken control of my life. When its not "The Dog" its "Intervention". I found that I can relate to almost every one of this people - the ones being arrested - the ones addicted to video games - and now "The Dog".

What the hell.

I've really got to concentrate on finding a shrink. This crap is getting scary.

(W - you better come home soon - who knows what shape I'll be in by the time you get back! - and Becca - dont think I have seen that freakin Bridezilla freakfess in your honor)

We should all look this good

2005-07-04T20:41:00.000-07:00

I opened the door this morning to a wave of humid heat that was just waiting to attack. I hate humidity.

Of course Georgia doesn't seem to mind this weather and takes every opportunity to bake in the sun. How am I supposed to make her understand that the same thing that makes her so happy makes me so miserable... could you look this dog in the face and and get mad because she wont come back inside with you? And, to make it worse, if you try to grab her she chucks that damn squirrel at you and does a burnout only to land looking exactly the same about 5 feet from where she started. Its what makes her day complete. Its what makes her happy. Its what I need to remember every time I feel crappy.

We should all look this good = we should all be this easily pleased.

Happy Independence Day - Southern Style

2005-07-03T15:31:00.000-07:00

So apparently when the 4th doesn't land on a day these people here care for - they simply change it. All the big fireworks shows were last night - Happy 2nd of July... and the truth is if you think about it, I guess these people have their freakin independence if they change the rules as they please. Saturdays do make a more convenient holiday.

W (the roomie) has gone back to Cali for the next week so Georgia (the dog) and I cruised the apartment complex looking to see if we could find a place where we could see the works without having to drive anywhere. We live right next to a huge park where they shoot them off. We rounded a corner to find a group of neighbors boozing it up on the steps and trying to burn some sort of meat on a BBQ (these are the things I have found to love about the south - the party is never planned). I was offered a beer in under 5 seconds flat (isn't that the sweetest), but already had one in hand (duh). We have a great building of people who are all very friendly and all know Georgia by name, Im just the girl from California who owns Georgia. We ended up sitting out there for I don't know how many hours or how many pitchers of margarita, there was even some "moonshine" or "homemade wine" as they chose to call it. I got to listen to the debate of the differences between hillbillies and rednecks (sorry - still cant tell you the difference), I got to see a boy pee on the tree (which was future than just walking inside!), I got to see some real-life "wrasslin" in the grass by the drunks and I got to listen to a debate on which handguns are easier to keep in your car. Why do I leave home without a notepad?

A good buzz and 40 mosquito bites later, I was home. I think I'll wander out again this evening.

Trying to get on track

2005-07-02T17:20:00.000-07:00

So I have been telling all kinds of fun stories to the kids back home (in CA) about all the great "new" things Ive learned since moving to the South. Ive been promising to start writing them down and Im finally getting around to it. Here it is people - you wanted it - you got it.

First of all - I can not tell you the amount of times Ive heard "your not from aroun here ar ya"?
You would think these people were looking at an alien when I speak sometimes. I got a job at a resturant when we first got here, do what you gotta do. It was great for getting me out of the house and meeting some locals. Damn. It took me a week or so to catch the speed I needed to slow down to so that people could figure out what I was saying when I got to their tables. I think the worst part is - I used to have bad dreams about shit like this. Im so not kidding. Did you ever have a dream where everyone in your dream is speaking at the speed of a snail crawling??? Where the words actually take soooo long to come out of their mouths that it is physically painful? - will I did - alot, and now Im living it. It hurts. It hurts alot. Ive always talked too fast - too fast for people that talk fast. I truley believe I was brought to this for a reason and one day, when I figure out what that is I will have some peace - and until then - DAMN YOU SLOW TALKIN SOUTHERN MOFOS!

Spooky

2005-06-17T20:24:00.001-07:00

Evidence... things that can look normal - but usually aren't. Im not saying, Im just stating. Can you imagine this little girl threating to take your lunch money?

who knew...
Thats right bitches - Im 7 and Im gonna kick some ass.
Never be fooled by perfect hair.

Starting from the beginning... not sure where its ending

2005-06-17T19:08:00.000-07:00

So I suppose I should begin with the stupid title. It came up in a conversation I was having with my roommate - explaining how "this one time" when I was like in 2nd grade I was almost suspended for beating up these two boys on the playground (they were bleeding all over the place - I refused to admit to having anything to do with it - ps - I was the only one there and pretty sure I had blood on my shirt!) ... and how I think it was that same year I remember threatening a kid on the bus that if he didn't bring me ice cream the next day he would be next. And Im pretty sure that was the same year someone shot up are apartment complex (which was just bad neighbors and nothing to do with me - I swear!) ... Did I mention I was Maypole queen that year???

Anyhow, my roomie W loves these stories. You just never know when your gonna get a good one. I think mostly because most people who have known me would NEVER think any of these things could have really happened in my life, and the truth is sometimes I wonder too. I will be having a conversation or watching movie and suddenly realize - hey that happened to me once... and suddenly Im remembering some crazyass part of my life that was so long ago it seemed like something I watched - not lived. But oh yeah - that was me, and damn I was/am a mess! But amusing none the less.

So Ponytail Pressure. This is what I came up with as my excuse.

Sure, sure you have your own twisted image but anyone who had a mom that believed it should be illegal to have a kid with messy hair will understand. It all started with her - it will probably all lead back to her... and for that Im more grateful than I could even start to explain.

To this day I still look at little girls with ponytails hanging off each side of there head and can instantly feel the pressure on my scalp. Those damn little rubber bands with the giant marble things on the end... the ones that if they came loose when your mom was trying to put them in would take out an eye - god I hated those things. BUT, when you took them out at the end of the day and the relief that came with the hair going back into a natural place on your head, AND the blinking... the normal blinking that you could finally do now that you are no longer looking through slanted eyes - that was good stuff. Moms beware - its this kinda tension on a kids head can drive a kid mad (have I mentioned Im a blamer?).

My mom (ps - the bestest mom ever - she could TOTALLY kick your moms ass) was obsessed with tidy hair. Mine in particular. I had those damn ponytails everyday.