Reed All About It..

Ball...Ball....Ball

2010-08-07T18:03:00.000-07:00

Wyatt LOVES to throw the ball, he loves to say "ball" and he recognizes baseball on tv. Must be in his genes! This little boy is a NUT for being outside. I know that is a good thing, so I am not complaining. I like being outside and being active too. (I just like it a little more when it's not 100+ degrees outside). He isn't affected by the heat though! Ah, the joys of youth. He's been teething lately (it seems for the past month) but I am hoping we are coming out on the otherside of it. Today he was an absolute joy, no fussing or carrying on..just a happy little munchkin playing. Not that he's not a joy everyday, but every parent out there knows that fussiness is not fun to be around. :) Today is our wedding anniversary and Brett and I are so thankful to have Wyatt, each other, and, God willing, many more years together!

Time is flying...and we are having fun too!

2010-07-12T10:46:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's has been 3 months since I updated the blog. I guess it's true that you take tons of pictures the first year, then fall off the wagon (so to speak). I have been busy yes, but I need to do better. Wyatt is 15 months now. Can you believe it? I looked at him the other day while he was walking around the kitchen and carrying a cardboard box, talking to himself - and I was overwhelmed by images of him from the day he was born. I hate to admit it, but I teared up. My little boy is growing up so fast. He is walking, talking and being rambunctious as boys are wont to do. He is also going through a hitting phase. But, I am hopeful that will pass as soon as he learns new words to voice his frustrations. So far he says: Mama, Dada, Yia-Yia, Pop, See, Side (outside), Hey and he tries to repeat things that we say too. Which should be evidence to his Daddy to clean up his language around him! Talking on the phone is a new game for him. He loves to hear people on the other end, or just pretend with our old cell phones. If he had his way these days we would be outside 24/7. He LOVES getting in the stroller and going walking. We do it twice a day on weekends and once during the week day. Man, it's HOT..but he loves it. I guess I would do if someone put me in a shaded contraption, gave me ice water and frozen fruit to chew on! People have been commenting on him in random places (read: total strangers) asking how is SHE or saying that the strolling is good for HER. haha!! I don't care. I have a pretty boy and that's ok with me! He gets it honestly because my Daddy was a pretty boy and so is Wyatt's Daddy. Nothing wrong with his big eyes and long eye lashes! Don't let that sweet exterior fool you though. This little man is TOUGH. He carries things all over the house, can throw and kick a ball pretty well. Looks like he may take after the Reed side of the family when it comes to ball sense. There is a long of baseball players on that side. We went to the beach earlier in the summer, just us three and my mother-in-law. We had SUCH a good time and Wyatt absolutely loves the water, beach and everything. We've got a little fish on our hands. Maybe a swim team is in the future. Who knows? He has a mouthful of teeth these days too, which are hard to brush by the way. All he wants to do is eat the toothbrush. Hopefully, a mouthful of cavities aren't in the future! We are enjoying every moment with this little fellow even when he is stepping our our last nerves and trying the patience we didn't even know we had! Hasta Luego!

Happy First Birthday Wyatt!

2010-04-11T19:40:00.000-07:00

We had a good time at Wyatt's party yesterday. It was just a small family party. About all this little Mama could handle. Our esteemed guests included: Yia Yia and Pop (my mama and step-daddy), DeeDee (Brett's Mama), Big Daddy (my Daddy), Natalie (my sister) and Beau (her boyfriend). Wyatt got a lot of fun toys to play with, books to read and summer clothes to wear. Yay!!! He loves his Cozy Coupe and the alligator Chomp Chomp Walker that Mama and Da-Da got him. I am not so sure how he feels about the cake. He ate it up yesterday, but refused a bite of it today, which is fine with me! However, he has taken a shine to the cookies that I made. It's ok though, these sweet treats will not be available to him but once a year. Sugar addiction is not good, believe me...I know this first hand. The cake was/is soooo yummy and turned out just precious. I have to give credit where credit is due, so thank you The Cake Box in Starkville! I can't believe a year has passed since that precious boy came into our lives. He is my heart and I can't imagine life without his precious self in it. I watched him sleep last night and my heart was just so full up of love for him. Now, that's what you call True Love.

T-Minus 10

2010-03-31T06:05:00.000-07:00

Only about 10 more days left until Wyatt turns 1. I don't know where the time has gone or how I ended up with a precocious (yes, PRECOCIOUS not PRECIOUS) and willful 11.9 month old. He is learning things and changing so quickly that I don't have time to keep up with him. I imagine it will be like this for the rest of my life. Watching my child grow up kind of reminds me of a whirlwind in slow motion. Time seems to move so slowly, but in reality, he is changing so fast. Each day he becomes more independent and he's not afraid to make his own way and do his own thing.

Just a swingin'

2010-02-28T18:40:00.000-08:00

Since it was a beautiful and warm this weekend we took our first trip to the local park. We didn't stay long because it was a little windier and cooler than it was at our house, but Wyatt still got to swing a little. (Not that he seemed overly impressed by it). His attitude was more aloof and apathetic about the swing. (As you can see). Can a 10 month old be jaded by life already? I wanted to help him down the slide, but there were other children around, being rowdy as children are wont to do, so I decided sliding probably wasn't the best idea. Maybe next time! Can't wait til it's much warmer so we can go spend a bit longer. He may be walking by then!

Nothing is safe any more....

2010-02-22T18:48:00.000-08:00

Da Da Da

2010-02-14T17:55:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

2010-02-14T10:54:00.000-08:00

2010-02-09T18:36:00.000-08:00

This handsome little boy is growing more active and curious everyday. He's sitting up on his own, making all kinds of noises and singing his own little songs.

Farm Town

2010-02-06T20:50:00.000-08:00

I've been remiss in posting new videos. This is actually from December (post-Christmas). I haven't made any new ones recently. Life has been so hectic for us that there seems to be no time. I know - bad Mommy. I vow to try better. No, that's a lie. I may try to do better, if I have time or get a maid, which of neither shall happen (so there probably won't be an influx of new videos). I'm sure a snippet or two of time may appear in which I can grab a shot or two of this sweet little man and his most recent shenanigans.

Three Months and Counting...

2010-01-16T18:29:00.001-08:00

That's how long it is to Wyatt's FIRST birthday. 84 days til my baby boy is 12 months old. Each day he looks more and more like a little boy and less like a baby. He's sweet, rough, quiet, loud, stubborn, etc. He's always revealing new facets of his personality to us. He had his 9 month check up this past week. 23 pounds and 28 1/4 inches tall. He's in the 90% for weight (haha..I can hear the fat jokes now) and 50% for height. His head is 47 cm which is the in the 95%! That's why I've been struggling to put his clothes on over his head! He is getting a Bretthead for sure. He also got dry skin and eczema from Brett. That was his only issue at the check up. I've never had to deal with dry skin so it's a new battle for me. I think we are winning it now though. He looks much better. It's been a busy time for us lately with some adjustments, but we're making it through. I'll try to post some new pictures soon. :)

First Christmas

2009-12-26T18:45:00.000-08:00

We had a busy and wonderful first Christmas with Wyatt. Santa was good to us this year! Wyatt got many toys that should last him through a few stages. If he doesn't tear them up first. Right now the main objective is to take the toy apart, pick it up, or throw it across the room, whichever he can manage to do first. A little boy is nature's bulldozer. He's starting to explore so much and with that comes the bumps and bruises (which I hate). We've bruised our forehead and landed on our face (slightly busted lip) so far. Daddy is pushing for a helmet. :)

Who needs Graco?

2009-12-13T09:13:00.000-08:00

Standing at Attention.

2009-11-19T17:06:00.000-08:00

My little man is standing up now with just a little help. He doesn't take any steps yet, but he is so proud of himself that he can stand and he loves to do it. I don't know if he will ever crawl, he doesn't like being on his belly, we may just go from standing, to cruising, to walking!

Play Time!

2009-11-12T19:34:00.000-08:00

He loves sitting in his pack-n-play and playing with all his toys. His newest is a learn and play piano.

In the big tub!

2009-11-03T16:20:00.000-08:00

2009-11-01T16:01:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween!

Wyatt is in the big bath tub now! Sitting like a big boy. I had (or so I thought) a video of it, but being airheaded, I forgot to press record!! I'll try again soon. :)

Total Concentration

2009-10-20T16:21:00.000-07:00

6 months believe it or not!

2009-10-12T20:18:00.000-07:00

My little angel is 6 months old. It has gone by so fast and he makes us smile more everyday. I have to give kudos to my parents as I understand more everyday the trepidation you felt as you watched me grow up. How do you take care of someone day in and day out for so long, then have the courage to let them go? It takes my breath away to hold his soft, little hand knowing that one day (God willing) it will be the hand of a grown man. The miracle of it all humbles me.

He had his 6 month visit/shots today. That went as well as can be expected. He clocks in at 20 lbs and 26 3/4 inches long. The Monster Baby is slowing down. :)

Fun with Daddy

2009-10-07T20:57:00.000-07:00

2009-09-28T19:56:00.000-07:00

He's rolling over like a champ these days. So much that it disturbs his sleep. He can't get enough. This boy is going to be hard to keep up with once he gets those legs working. I need to enjoy this while I can! I have a feeling he will run me ragged!! :)

More laughter

2009-09-21T14:31:00.000-07:00

This is for you, Grandparents! You can see his face a little bit better in this video. It's short but sweet!

My little Giggle Box.

2009-09-10T20:22:00.000-07:00

Ignore the annoying voice in the background and just enjoy the sweet sound of Wyatt's laughter! It's hard to catch on video, but I got it today!

Little Charmer

2009-09-05T21:12:00.000-07:00

Rolling over!

2009-09-05T20:55:00.000-07:00

20 Weeks Old!

2009-08-29T07:53:00.000-07:00

Wyatt can "tripod" now. He's still a little wobbly but he is getting the hang of holding himself up with his arms. Still not rolling over, but he does weigh almost 19 lbs! I imagine that's a hard load to move. :) b

Have to love a Man in Uniform

2009-08-08T07:30:00.000-07:00

Ol Blue Eyes...Maybe

2009-07-28T20:14:00.000-07:00

We aren't yet certain about the color of his eyes, but for now they are blue. Maybe they will stay that way. His Daddy's eyes are a pretty blue and my Grandfather had gorgeous blue eyes too. It'll be interesting to see what they turn out to be. * This is Wyatt giving his Daddy a look while he waits for me to get his bath ready. He loves bath time!

Such a big boy..

2009-07-13T12:56:00.000-07:00

We quickly learned after time and $$$ spent that Wyatt is not a fan of bottles. This was a momentary cause of concern b/c I was heading back to work and Brett would need to feed him once while I was gone. I was meandering in Kroger one day and what do I see but sippy cups! Yes! This will work I thought! No problem. We'll just start him early on the sippy cup. (Now, before you go wondering how this works, this cup is a 'transition' cup. The 'sippy' part is soft latex not hard plastic. ) He likes it MUCH better than a bottle! Now he's wanting to handle the cup himself. haha!

Sounds like Mama to me.

2009-07-03T12:49:00.000-07:00

Push ups.

2009-06-27T13:52:00.000-07:00

Wyatt's is helping Mommy with her exercises by doing them along with her.

2009-06-23T18:25:00.001-07:00

Back away from my Mama!

2009-06-20T09:56:00.000-07:00

Cannot believe he is 10 weeks old now! He is such a big boy too! He's a very sweet and laid back baby. I need to enjoy that while I can! :) He's getting good at going down for naps (or we are finally figuring out the trick) and he likes to be on a schedule that's for sure! He must be like his Mama, goodness knows his Daddy has no inner time clock!

Talking Heads

2009-06-16T11:35:00.000-07:00

2009-06-13T13:36:00.000-07:00

Poor Baby...

2009-06-11T19:30:00.001-07:00

Today was Wyatt's appointment for his 2 month check-up / first round of shots. I was dreading all those shots. One shot in each thigh, I think about 4 different vaccinations and 1 oral vac. So much for such a tiny thing. It has been a rough evening that's for sure. My usually sweet and content baby isn't feeling well. He screamed and cried like I've never heard him scream and cry before. I am NOT looking forward to the next rounds of shots!

As far as everything else goes, he's doing well. He weights 14 pounds and 14 ounces and he's 23 3/4 inches long. So, he's in the 95% for weight and the 75% percentile for height. He's definitely chubby!

Have I changed?

2009-06-06T21:40:00.000-07:00

The little angel is 8 weeks old. He's cooing and smiling and looking at everything. Such a sweet boy! He's definitely my favorite person to be with at all times! Pray for my sanity as I have to go back to work Monday. I wonder how we both will fare.

Going on 8 weeks..

2009-06-01T12:31:00.000-07:00

For people who asked how Gauge would be with the baby, see for yourself. :) He's his baby brother's protector and pillow! Then there's Wyatt hanging out in one of his favorite places, the Cooshee Changer. Can you tell he's my only child?

FaCeS

2009-05-30T20:48:00.000-07:00

Superman!

2009-05-30T08:51:00.001-07:00

He's always in such a good mood in the mornings. I love it!

Smiles..

2009-05-25T18:54:00.000-07:00

Bath Time!

2009-05-25T18:52:00.000-07:00

6 weeks....

2009-05-22T14:40:00.000-07:00

My 6 week check up was today. I cannot believe it has been that long already. Only 2 more weeks and I go back to work and it will also be time for Wyatt's 8 week check up. The nurses loved him at the doctor's today. He charmed them with his smiles! Everyone commented on how big he is and how he doesn't look like a newborn. He was so handsome in his bluejeans!

2009-05-20T10:02:00.001-07:00

Charles Wyatt Reed

2009-05-20T08:35:00.003-07:00

He was born at 8.03 lbs and is now almost 13 pounds at barely 6 weeks! We've been blessed with a healthy baby so far. Let's hope he stays that way. If he keeps growing as quickly as he has been Mama is going to need a crane to pick him up!

I decided to bring the old blog back out to save myself countless emails sending pictures to the Grandparents. I'll update this as much as I can with new pictures and maybe some video. He's grown so much already it's amazing.

The little thing in life

2008-09-18T18:55:00.000-07:00

An email conversation with a friend today prompted me to think about "Things That Should Not Be Done." Now, keep in mind, that this list is not exclusive and may only apply in the South or maybe just in my head. I, however; feel that these things are important.

1. Do not have a wedding on a Friday, football game weekend or during the opening day of ANY hunting season. Fridays are for REHEARSAL dinners and with the others you run the risk of having only two guests at the wedding. You and the groom.
2. Do not think for one second that I care about how "DONE" you are with him or how "TRASHED" you got last night. I do not like being an innocent bystander of your conversational assault. You and I aren't speaking. Your conversation partner is three feet away from you, not three miles. Keep your voice down or shut the heck up.
3. Do not imagine, even for a brief moment, that anyone - (other than chester molesters and sex crazed boys) wants to see your cleavage or overly exposed thighs and midriffs. Yay for body confidence, but keep it covered hooker.
4. Do not enter an elevator to only go up or down ONE floor, beware...I may be in there and I WILL hurt you. If you aren't disabled, elderly or injured or helping someone who is, you are just a pathetic lazy blob.
5. Do not touch a pregnant woman's stomach. Would you like someone constantly rubbing your ass (for example) and talking to it?
6. Do NOT wear white tennis shoes with jeans. Better yet, just don't wear white tennis shoes. This is no longer the 80's and Reebok's don't rule.
7. Do not send me an email threatening bad luck or doom and gloom if I don't forward it. I think Jesus will forgive me and not take offense if I don't perpetuate your insanity.
8. Do not say SUPPOSEBLY. Man oh man, you'll be lucky if I don't rip your lips off. It is SUPPOSEDLY. With a D people.
9. Do not chew with your mouth open and smack your food. I beg of you. If you do, don't be surprised if I look at you with utter disgust in my eyes.
10. Do not use the phrase "GIT 'ER DONE." It just makes you sound stupid and the rest of us southerners look bad too.
11. Do not proclaim to be a fan of Ole Miss AND MSU. That is just not possible. Pick a dang side.
12. Do not admit that you didn't watch the game on Saturday, you may lose friends and will definitely lose respect.

Hmmm..Maybe more later. I am tired.

2008-09-13T20:23:00.000-07:00

Wow...my normally extremely dog aggressive FurChild (the black one) has made a new friend. Brett took Gauge out for a walk Friday night and was tracked by this little beagle who decided he was coming home with them. Poor thing is a little worse for wear. He has cuts and scraps and scratches and fleas..(ewwww.) And he needs to gain some major weight. You can feel his spine. Whoever had him before didn't take care of him (the bastards) and don't deserve to have him back. He's really shy, but really sweet. I've bathed him more than once, put some flea meds on him, we've bandaged up his leg and cleaned out his ears. He eats like there is no tomorrow. Brett just has to housetrain him now! Gauge is doing well, considering the fact that he usually tries to murder any and all animal in his path. He's a little jealous and there has been a growl or two, but I think it's because Gauge is a grumpy old man and doesn't want to be sniffed by the little whipper snapper.

I do remember....

2008-09-11T08:30:00.000-07:00

Everywhere I look today there is a reminder of what happened on 9/11/01 and the question asking where one was or what one was doing. I don't think that the ones who remember will ever forget. I was in college and asleep at 7:30 in the morning when one of my roommates screamed. She was a bit on the crazy side herself, so this annoyed me, rather than alarmed me. I did however; get out of bed and ask her what the heck she thought she was screaming about at that hour. All she could do was point at her tv and stammer that a plane had flown into the WTC. I was dumbfounded, and for a second I had to think on where the twin towers actually were located geographically. It was right after the first plane hit. My dad has been flying since he was 18 and I have been in airplanes large and small since i was 6 weeks old, so I knew without a shadow of a doubt that this was no accident. That no plane would be flying at the altitude over NYC with the FAA having a cow. That no pilot in his right mind would ram his plane into a building, no matter what the issue was. I missed my first class that day because I couldn't imagine listening to my teacher talk about the Geography of Latin America. I did make it to my second class, HR Mgt, but even my teacher said he didn't know why we were even there and to go home. Even though we were in MS, everyone was wandering around in a fog of disbelief. It seems as if that vulnerabilty we felt at that time has worn off and most americans are back to being the arrogant s.o.b.s that they always were, impervious to attack, only worried about frivolous issues.

No one glistens as well as a Belle

2008-09-10T19:22:00.000-07:00

Or so Hollywood seems to think. It's not just the genteel Steel Magnolias who appear shiny and sweaty in all southern bred movies, it's the entire population of the region. I was flipping the channels tonight and happened upon A Time to Kill. An enjoyable movie mind you, I don't discount that, but Yankees...please read carefully - We have air conditioning. It's too hot not to. It's life threatening. Even most of the poor have a/c available to them. I don't get angry at these stereotypes being propagated in the media. Really, they amuse me. I just wish more research went into the southern culture and lifestyle before someone decided to make a movie and base it down here in Mississippi or our sister state Alabama. In movies and on television we fall into pretty specific categories. The Southern Bitch. She's wealthy, married well, and most likely a widow or cheating on her husband. She's vindictive and will stop at nothing to get what she wants. Then there's Bubba. Bubba is really sweet, but really stupid. He "don't talk real well." There is always the crooked sheriff or corrupt man who controls the whole town. Apparently, according to the media, none of us wear shoes or have any education to speak of. We are all racist, ignorant bigots without teeth, who rant and rave about change and anything different in our lives. Many of the men have greasy mullets and the women don't know that platinum blond is not a good color for a brunette. We can barely read or say our alphabet and may not even know the name of the current president. We are all bible-thumping, gun toting morons. Why does the media cling to their old ideas of what "The South" really is? It's because they cannot handle the truth. Their fiction is not our reality. Most want to feel a superiority over us. Not that we care. We don't particularly want more strangers poking around, feeling all enlightened and cultured because they have experienced something of what the true south is. The south the world won't let you see.

A Wrinkle in Time

2008-09-09T07:31:00.000-07:00

We're always told that at age 18 we are adults, legally responsible for ourselves. Although, one isn't allowed to drink or rent a car or condo, at this age the government deems that we are grown. A grown-up. An adult. It's just a word without meaning until you give it one. I'm nearly 29 years old, I graduated from college many moons ago and I've been taking care of myself. Except, I always felt like I was floating along, not really able to join the adult world and standing on the sidelines, watching the younger crowd play. In between two worlds I stood, confused and scattered, not knowing which way to turn. My career is non-existent despite years of study in University, time spent in Foreign countries. I have come to the conclusion that I am missing some important adult, ambition gene. But, now NOW there is more on the line for me. I have experienced that moment in life that indelibly crosses you over the line from childhood to adulthood whether you like it or not. It can happen at any age. Despite your educational advances, level of social and economic responsibility, once God says it's time for you to have and take charge of another life. Game on. Grow up. There's no looking back.

Life does imitate art....

2008-09-03T17:01:00.000-07:00

I decided the other day that I should email GEICO so they could use me as inspiration for their next commercial. Then I realized they only sold auto insurance. Maybe I should hit up Blue Cross/Blue Shield and see what they think. In my head I could see the commercial and like Tone Loc says....It go a little somethin like dis...Hit it.

Scene 1: She walks into the conference room dressed confidently in a fierce black dress. Sitting down, she faces the other two occupying the table. It's hard to decipher the words that are being spoken. She feels like a fish in a bowl looking out, only seeing distorted faces and lips moving. She does manage to grasp the meaning of the words. We're so sorry. You were the last hired....

Scene 2: Fast forward a week later. Still dealing with the blow of being laid off, she floats through the week stressing about jobs and her financial future. Where to live? What to do? The economy sucks. She notices that something is off, wrong. Pretty soon she is staring at the word that will change her life forever.

Life comes at You fast. You dern right.

The only thing constant is change...

2008-08-13T19:03:00.000-07:00

Some people love change. Some people hate it. When I say "change" I don't mean that stuff jingling in your pocket. I mean to experience an upheaval. A difference in your day to day life. Many BIG BAD differences. I can't think of many synonyms of change at the moment. How embarassing. I usually have a working thesaurus in my head. It must have powered down. Lately, I have experienced mucho change. A BIG upheaval. First a budget cut, then a lay off, now I am looking for something new. No luck so far. It seems that my life goes really well for 2-3 years and then BAM BAM the stuff hits the fan, the other shoe drops and the whole damn house falls around me. Why is that? Am I cosmically challenged? Is God trying to tell me I haven't followed his plan closely so he's going to push me in the right direction? Am I being punished? Really, what is it? There are many more changes to come. So much crap has happened that I still hope my sense of humor is intact when this ride comes to an end.

Dear Gym,

2008-08-07T17:16:00.000-07:00

I haven't been to see you much this week. Frankly, I am not saddened by this. I haven't had the physical or mental wherewithal to deal with you. You demand too much of my time and attention. It's very frustrating. Sometimes, I feel like it's a give-take relationship. I give my time and dedication and you just take it. I rarely feel the benefits of visiting you often, yet I persevere in hopes that it will change. I will probably change my mind soon and want to see you again. But, right now, I can do without you. You force me to compare myself to others and see my flaws. It's really not what one would call a fun time. For now, I need some space from you. I really don't care if you understand or not. I'll see you when I see you.

2008-08-06T18:59:00.000-07:00

He was licking the push up nicely....up until this. ha!

Fowl Play

2008-08-01T15:56:00.000-07:00

I decided to undertake the task of roasting a whole chicken. I have never before delved into this culinary act. I didn't trust my skills. I should have stuck with that instinct. It was survival. SURVIVAL I TELL YOU. There was a neck and giblets to be removed. Giblets??? WTF? I didn't even know what giblets were until I looked it up. I should never have done that. Damn the dictionary. I almost gave up. It was a trial in testing my will power that I trudged through this task. I am used to the nameless faceless frozen chicken breasts sitting in my freezer. What demon possessed me to buy that thing? What was I thinking? I had to remove the giblets, which are, by the way, the heart, liver and all the other goodies left inside the chicken. THEN I discover that it's not the safest thing to freeze these chickens full of innards b/c it can promote bacterial growth. I am hoping since it was only frozen for a couple of days, we'll be ok. If not, I am just making my own contribution to the salmonela outbreak of the US. I triumphed over the chicken. It almost, almost made it's way into the garbage, but alas I wrestled it into a pan and covered it in olive oil, rosemary and garlic salt. Pray for my chicken, we worked hard to get him in the oven. I am thinking about becoming a vegetarian now.

Gauge Sings

2008-08-01T12:16:00.000-07:00

Excuse me, that's mine...

2008-07-31T15:35:00.000-07:00

On my way home from work today, my boyfriend calls to inform me that my porch is now empty. Apparently, the ladies who were cleaning the apartment next door for the new tenant decided my 2 chairs and 2 tables should belong on their very own porch. Granted, the property manager gave them permission to take stuff off the porch, (which I unfortunately share with my neighbors) but my stuff was cleary on MY side. Near the entrance to MY apartment. This has not been the best week for me, so I was a bit miffed to say the least. I like to sit on my porch and relax at times and I need a chair to do that in. Upon getting home, I verbally accosted two of the cleaning ladies demanding to know how/where/why my property walked off my damn porch. They hemmed and hawed and said she didn't realize that someone lived there and blah blah blah. Apparently, the one who scampered off with it, lives out in BFE and won't be returning to town today. How would she feel if I went to her house and decided that I wanted her very own patio furniture? Maybe I should have left my dog on the porch and she could have taken that too. Or my wallet? People are so stupid. I wonder how they make it through the day. But, that's another thread.

My SweetAngel Bunny Rabbit Dog

2008-07-30T07:50:00.000-07:00

He is the reason I get up early in the morning and walk outside half asleep and stumbling. My real-live teddy bear. Who makes me feel better when I am sad or sick. Who makes me laugh without trying. Who trys to kick me out of my own bed. Who loves me more than anything, and the feeling is mutual. Who follows me around no matter what I am doing. Who protects me from the cold. Who is afraid of plastic bags.

He likes to steal. It's an old habit from his street days. If someone leaves something behind, it's his. That bunny rabbit you see wasn't bought by me. He loves it though. Ironically enough, he got his nickname sweet angel bunny rabbit dog months ago, but only lifted that toy a day ago. He's so silly and so spoiled. I wouldn't know what to do without him.

The Sixth Sense

2008-07-29T10:11:00.000-07:00

Maybe I am psyhcic. Maybe I can see into the future. All I know is that I knew this was coming. I think I knew because I am not a blithering idiot and I can read body langauge and oh...maybe I have ears that hear. I took a job back in November that I thought would be perfecto for me. I could actually use my education, helps kids, etc etc. Not so much. It's been one crazy thing after another. A month or so ago we had a severe pay cut, today I got let go because of another budget cut. Last hired, first sent packing. I know it's not a reflection against me as a person or an employee becuase I have given alot of myself to this job even though I didn't trust anything involved. I kept hoping that things would turn around and we'd all ride off into the sunset happily with our budget in place. Not to be. The prospect of looking for another job in this economy is a daunting task. I don't want to just take anything. I do have an education. Gotta pay those bills though.

Seriously?

2008-07-26T05:21:00.000-07:00

More and more these days I see things that make me wonder about people. Just yesterday I took an innocent trip to THE Kroger to procure the makings for a whole wheat pizza. I entered the automatic doors into the grocery cart area, only to be faced with a cart jam. A woman was trying to strap her toddler into the cart seat. You may wonder why this was irritating? Well, she decided to undertake this seemingly arduous chore right smack dab in the way of the entrance into the actual store. People were having to maneuver around her. I'm patient most of the time, so I shrugged this off and grabbed my own cart with the intent of going around her myself. Right at this exact moment, she apparently finished what she was doing and began making her way into through the doors. Ugh...she was a slow walker and so was her daughter. It was like they were walking through syrup with waders on. I had to trudge behind them for a good minute before I could make my escape around them into the produce section. From the looks of them they were making their way to the processed foods aisle. However; before I could take leave of my lumberous escorts another thing caught my attention. The daughter, bless her heart, was wearing a pair of shorts (I only caught a quick glimpse of them) that were so short they might as well have been her underpants. Granted, she couldn't have been older that 10, so it was innocent enough, but still. Why would that mother let her out of the house like that? What the hell? Her shirt covered up the shorts and it was a little too tight for comfort. Wow...way to encourage your daughter NOT to dress like a tramp in training. That was only the first two minutes in the store. The produce section proved obstacle free, except for avoiding eye contact with the young man who works in that area. He always has a stare and a smile for me and sometimes a comment about me "getting my workout on." The kicker of the trip, the crown of glory if you will happened upon check out. I experienced the phenomenon of everyone in the store converging upon the poor cashiers, which isn't unusal and not what made me go huh? I was standing in a long line, behind women who must work for a shelter or have a gaggle of kids, perusing the titles of the oh-so classic magazines. When what does appear? But a shiny, little cashier opening up another register. According to the rules of checking out, it would have been ME who got the chance to get into the other line. But, before I could make my move. The mother/daughter/grandson trio behind me took off for the register like Earnheardt JR takes off at the races. They were laughing manically at their coup. I was stunned. Did that seriously just happen? No one teaches manners anymore. I would say that girl's mama would be ashamed of her, but she was right there leading the obnoxious charge. I think I said aloud, (as I am wont to do when incredulous) "You are so rude." They didn't hear me though, which is all well and good..they probably could have kicked my ass anyway.

Elevator People

2008-07-24T07:11:00.000-07:00

One of my very favorite authors, Laurie Notaro, once dedicated a chapter in one of her many hilarious books, aptly named, "Elevator People." (at least if my memory serves) At the point in my life when I read this, I wasn't blessed with employment in a building that bosted an elevator. It was either one story or I could take the stairs. I forget. However; these days I do enter an elevator numerous times a day to get to my office. I guess I could take the stairs, but I am lazy. I digress.... Elevator People are real! My definitions might vary from Ms. Notaro's but really, what does that matter? There are the people who had garlic pizza for lunch, or didn't take a bath, ones who insist on trying to have a conversation with you, ones who hold the doors open to talk to their friend who is in fact NOT entering the elevator too, and people who insist on standing a little too close for comfort. At the moment, I am concerned about my own elevatory behavior. It is just me, or do you try to make yourself invisible on the elevator, shrinking into the utmost back corner and holding your breath? I don't know why I do this. I think I do it so I won't breathe on anyone else or have them breathe on me. I also don't make eye contact with those who have entered before me or after me. No one else does either. It is the most uncomfortable silence for a few seconds until you reach your destination. When I push that up button or down button, I breath a sigh of relief if the doors open and it's the holy grail...an empty elevator.

Remember When....

2008-07-23T09:54:00.000-07:00

Thirty seemed so old. Driving was fun. You hairsprayed your bangs. You rode around for fun (through Sonic). A six pack of beer had to be gained by bribing the oldest looking boy in your 9th grade class. You trusted people. You had no bills to pay. You played outside in 100 degree heat and didn't notice it. Your job was babysitting. You could spend the hours between 10am-6pm in the country club pool every day in the summer if you felt like it. You had to ask your parents permission to do anything. When Grunge was cool and Nirvana had videos on MTV. When Like a Prayer debuted on MTV and the Southern Baptists had a fit. Teddy Ruxpin. Gloworms. FraggleRock. Saved by the Bell. Cosby Show. Who's the Boss. 90210. Hypercolor T-shirts were cool.

Now. Thirty is coming towards me like a flat bed truck stuck on grease. Driving is too expensive. Hairspray gives me a headache, besides I have bangs no longer. I don't drink. (for many known and unknown reasons). I don't trust most people. Bills are everywhere. It's hot as hell. I won't even touch the job subject. The pool is full of 12 year old college students. My parents don't care what I do anymore. Fashion is insane and MTV only puts idiots on the telly. Southern Baptists still find things to go apoplectic about. There isn't crap to watch on tv. But, in my opinion hypercolor t-shirts are still cool. Just where to get one?

Spinster Sister

2008-07-22T08:34:00.001-07:00

I have.. attained two undergradutate degrees, traveled to foreign countries, learned a new language, moved 5 times, lived in a big city, and adopted a dog.

I don't have...a husband, a house, or a baby.

Southern Society says I should. Lemmings, all for one and one for all...

Hamster in the Wheel

2008-07-21T10:25:00.001-07:00

Once again, Monday has rolled around to torture us with it's endless hours and nagging back of the head ache. I wish we could do away with Mondays altogether, but then Tuesday would be Monday and it would just be an ugly cycle. Every Sunday night I (surely it's not just me though) fall into a deep dark depression about returning to the office (cell) the next day. I don't have a bad job either...it's stressful at times, but relatively it's sane work. I think it's just the repetiveness of it all. The fact that I am obligated to show up day in and day out at this place with a semblance of a smile. There is no end in sight. Sure, I can leave this job, but inevitably it must be replaced with a different one. That never ending need of paying the bills will get you everytime. If only winning the lottery, hitting the Jackpot at the Silverstar, or becoming the wife of an Italian billionaire was truly an option. *sigh*

Looking Out

2008-07-20T17:56:00.000-07:00

One might think, after reading my first few forays into the blogging world, that I am a depressed, cynical Generation X-Yer. One might imagine that I while away my hours in a dark room, lit only by my laptop. Alas, that isn't true. I may be a cynic, and sometimes I do have my down days, but I like to think that I live a relatively normal existence. I go to work, the gym, the grocery store, I walk my dog, I pay my bills, I stay out of jail and the bars. I actually heard the words "crass commercialism" a week or so ago whilst walking on the university campus where I work. I guffawed inwardly. I really wanted to run after the two girls and ask them what they meant by that. I doubt that they even know what it means. I don't even KNOW if I know what it means. Those two words invoked in me a feeling of longing. Longing for the days that I could spout of idealistic ideas that I didn't properly understand. Longing for the time when I had so little responsibility that my conversations with friends consisted of meaningless words and titterings about our lives. Now, well...now...things are so serious. We are still children in our minds, facing adult problems. A failing economy, pay cuts, divorce, infertility, raising children...the list could go on. Erm, I got off track there. My point is that I am not a miserable person constantly lamenting on the way things were and should be. I do smile and laugh and linger over the sight of sunsets. I just keep watch out for those wasps that sting you in the face.

One Hand in My Pocket

2008-07-19T07:04:00.000-07:00

Have you heard the lateset accoustic version of this song. I guess, in an effort to ressurect her career, Alanis Morrisette decided to release this hit again. It's not a bothersome re-do, but an unnecessary one. I like the older version better. Maybe because it's a bit nostalgic and I see myself bopping along to it in my cherry red grand prix. That was 1996. Wow...

I actually listened to the lyrics yesterday whilst walking my dog. Have you done that? Not walked your dog, but actually paid attention to the lyrics of a song. Maybe it's the reader in me. I look for meaning and symbolism in way too many things. Those advanced comp courses in college..that's what I blame. Anyway, these lyrics should be the anthem for my generation. Especially the words.."nobody's got it figured out just yet." An anthem for those of us who can't crawl out of the black hole that is our existence after graduation and starting the rest of our lives. Who else is sick of waiting for that to happen?

Quarterlife Crisis

2008-07-11T09:08:00.000-07:00

I just want to know when it ends. I mean really. I will be 30 too soon, my hair is turning grey, I complain about younger people and I have no desire to stay out all hours of the night. I'm getting older and reluctantly maturing. The bills keep coming, the responsibilites pile up and yet, I wonder, HOW in the world could I function if I had children or a husband to take care of. When does one really FEEL like an adult and quit feeling like they are playing dress up and one day someone will find out and send them promptly back to the children's table? We make all these life changing decisions in our early 20's when we have no business even being let out of the house. I am just now to the point where I feel like my head is screwed on tightly enough to pick out a decent outfit in the morning. The tornadic existence I have been in since graduating college needs to dissipate. Seriously, when do we feel settled?

Sunday Rambling

2008-07-06T09:46:00.000-07:00

I just finished Jane Eyre last night or early this morning rather. It took me about a week to read it which is quite slow for me. The langauge, twists and turns of this book had me putting it down to give my brain a rest. Since graduating college I feel as if my brain is slowly disengrating due to lack of use. I find it harder and harder to concentrate. Maybe it's the overload of real-life stresses or the senior senlility that runs in my family has caught me in it's grasps early. (Grammar sticklers: please ignore my disregard of the rules of the English language. Most of my sentences will never have a comma, semi-colon or period in its correct place). Oh, back to Jane. Reading this Bronte sister novel was a stab at false intellectualism. I really enjoy reading grocery store, brain candy novels, so in an attempt to make myself feel less pedantic I throw in a classic every now and then. Many times this plan backfires b/c I can't seem to really enjoy them (or at least not all that I attempt). I have made several attempts and have partially read, highly regarded, novels in my past. Atlas Shrugged, Rebecca, Cat's Cradle... I vow to actually finish these one day. Jane Eyre was the best that I have read in a long time. (It will never overshadow my true favorites, East of Eden, Catcher in the Rye, Farenheit 451...etc etc...) However; Jane, herself, is inspiring. I wish I was that unwavering in my opinions and attached to my own morals. Instead, I am influenced (maybe) by our confusing, waffling, lax society.