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More Prune Juice, Ma’am?

Saturday, March 6th, 2010

Not that I’ve ever tried it (prune juice, that is). Though, I love prunes so I may actually enjoy it. Alas, I’m feeling old this week. Not that one week from another makes a huge difference. But things that have happened in the past few days make me feel… “seasoned” (That doesn’t sound as harsh as “old” right?)

A few nights ago I was driving and surfing radio stations when I ended up settling on “The Delilah Show” which airs on our local B98.5 station. She’s the 40-something who has nothing but positive things to say in her lovey, soothing, mellow dramatic voice. And I left it there. On the station I wouldn’t have even considered listening to just 3 years ago. I left it there and I enjoyed it.

I periodically get out of bed in the morn with some sort of pain. I notice people passing me on the interstate more often. No matter the time of day or which direction I’m driving. *This could be a good thing and the result of my past speeding tickets teaching me a lesson.

I called my Maw to say hello. She was “putting on her face” After a few minutes of small talk, she told me “…Don’t do any burlesque shows.” HA! Thank you, Maw, for the advice. I hadn’t planned on it. I asked her how she’s feeling and she replied “Well, I can tell I’ve had a few birthdays…”

I reminded her that it’s almost time for the annual Jonquil Festival at Old Washington State Park and I have fond memories of being there with her and Paw. I’m anticipating a visit home soon, which will include a few hours at her house. I wonder if she likes prune juice.

Jonquils. We call them Buttercups where I come from.

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That’s Not Spring Cleaning…That’s Leaving Cleaning

Friday, March 5th, 2010

I’m sitting here with the sunshine shining outside and work plans for tonight but “tonight” is not here so I must keep busy til it’s time to leave for my evening party pics. But I interrupt this afternoon to bring you a quick note. The people around me are not completely engulfed in work, I witness. One of them is Shannon. She is the talented photographer who has been at Sync since its inception. And she’s cleaning out her desk. She’s moving on. She’s going to  New York City, y’all. (Go ahead and say it in that country accent from the salsa commercial “NEW YORK CITY?!”)  Well, not NYC but Brooklyn. Like, she’s leaving tomorrow. She just passed off some Saltine crackers and oatmeal she found in her desk to fellow coworkers. (Hey, where’s mine?)

Hey, I'm cleaning out my desk. Hungry?

A special lunch at Iriana’s Pizza in the Rivermarket was held to say “farewell and good luck” today. We just now reminisced about the first day we ever met: at a restaurant, just a few days before I joined the Sync staff… awkward and funny. Now she’s laughing at the unused office supplies that have been in her desk since 2007. What’s that smell? Ohhh the cleaning wipes to make her desk spic and span. Nearby trashcan is packed with, obviously, unimportant papers and documents.

I don’t know who’ll occupy that desk in the next few weeks, nor do I know what my soon-to-be-ex-coworker will be doing when she says farewell to Little Rock. But I know these two things for sure: 1. She’s added to my itch to do some cleaning of my own, and 2. I hope she finds NY is as cool a place as Little Rock to explore, enjoy and share her talent. Because that’s what she’s going for in the first place.

Oh, and maybe she’ll send me one of these. But I doubt it.

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At the End of the Day 03.02

Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010

Perhaps my readers (yes, all 3 of you) might enjoy a  little update on me. If not, grin and bear it, or just click that little “x” in the top right corner of this screen.

I’ve been busy with work as usual. That tends to be my motto, but I also firmly believe we make time for what we want to make time for. We’ve all got the same amount of time in a week as everybody else. And the past few weeks I can’t help but think of that saying (and song) that says “All work and no play make Jack a dull boy.” Soooo, I’m purposely and accidentally adding spice to my life in ways that I can. If you have suggestions, please send them my way.

I’ve scored a small part in a movie and this is my first official movie role. The movie is “Step Away from the Stone” locally produced and shot in Central Arkansas. Their facebook page is here should you want info and to keep up with the production. I’m honored and excited to be part of the magic. And I dare say, I’ve been bitten by “the bug”. I didn’t want Director Bill to call “scene” when he did last week… :)

So, I’ve officially informed you. You may see updates from now on. Who knows? I’m so glad March is here. Unlike January, I actually enjoy February, but never get tired of that fresh feeling of changing the calendar to a new month. This month I’m looking forward to the following: Singing the National Anthem at the Diamonds football game, having dinner or at least sofa-talk with my great friend Heather, going home to see my new niece Sophia who I have not seen since the day she was born, buying some land, making progress on a personal website and not wearing a jacket when I leave the house.

Some things I’ve learned recently:

I’ve learned bananas reduce joint pain. I love and regularly eat bananas and don’t really notice joint pain…but also can’t say I have joint pain when I don’t eat them, because they’re part of my weekly diet.

Human fetuses are considered a delicacy in Vietnam. Yes, this came up in a conversation I had with some new friends last week. We just happened to be talking about…odd…things.

Sometimes I agree with that “right place, right time” thing… I went from being a nurse to a brain surgeon in the time it took a movie producer to make a phone call :)

Signing off now. I’ve got to make a Kroger run before I start my night… at the end of the day.

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The Bachelor Ep. 5

Friday, February 12th, 2010

What a doozy!

The episode faithful viewers always find helpful to see more into each relationship= the home town dates. The final 4 take the Bachelor to their hometowns, each to meet her family, tour and get a day to see what it’s like where she comes from.

Gia’s mom was too intuitive. Yeah right, do you feel he loves Gia because she’s your daughter and you have a mother’s love for her and don’t live in the mansion and can’t see his relationship with the other girls? Probably so.

I approved of Jake’s time with Tenley’s family. So did her dad. He reminded me of how my dad might act when (if) I ever bring home that “special boy”.  I can’t believe we’re already to the point where Jake is asking the fathers for permission to marry them! And no doubt (coming from this old-fashioned gal) my boy will ask my Daddy for permission. Plus, her dance choreographed personally for Jake was (cheesy) and very sweet. Encore! Encore!

Vienna has been nothing but up front about her relationship with her father since the beginning of the show. Truly a “Daddy’s girl” But come on. I’d be scared if I were a guy dating her. It would take too much to compete with her dad for her attention. Plus, he’s just a wee bit too much into her love life. In an icky way.

Ali had a tough week, poor girl. Like someone else I know. Choosing between staying on the show (and possibly Jake’s love) or her job back home? Truly a tough decision for a young woman. I love to work and I know how “boys” can be. And I confess here and now I’d go home to work. Laugh or scold me if you want.

Her choice results in a no-stress rose ceremony because the remaining 3 raise a toast and a rose to their possible future with Jake.

My predictions: Vienna’s going home. Gia is mature, sexy, exotic which makes it a tough choice for Jake. Tenley is too cute, honest and makes one think “Is there anything negative about you? No!” He’s going to propose to her. But wait, Gia is a jewel. Maybe it’s her. Ahhhh!

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It’s Frosting In My Sweet World!

Monday, February 8th, 2010

“And they’re saying 10-15 more inches before it’s over!”

“Who said that?”

“Twitter!” (imagine embarrassed face with voice inflection on that second syllable)

This was part of a conversation I had this morning regarding the snow storm which so lovingly hit our state in the past 24 hours. Heck, the past 12 hours. Wow. These cars I see with their 5 inches of white fluff on top look like huge, mobile cupcakes with a perfect layer of icing atop. Yum. Imagine a cupcake that big. I’m a girl who loves her sweets and think I could probably take it down (if I had no other food) within a few days. Might take longer to get rid of the resulting tummyache though! Speaking of cupcakes, I know Little Rock has some great locally owned bakeries. The Sync staff regularly indulges in the tiny cups of heaven from Cupcakes on Kavanaugh. Whether it be a staff member’s birthday or just an afternoon pick-me-up. Their Razorback Red Velvet is worthy of the red carpet and their Peanut Butter Cup with a Reese’s Cup garnish is enough to make even this girl who doesn’t eat peanut butter want to devour one. I have a friend who started an at-home cupcake biz last summer. She has no store (yet) and I don’t know how often she fills orders. But something that makes her different from the others? Her cupcakes are vegan. Yes, vegan. Should you be interested in some help on your next vegan-catered event or reception or birthday gift, I’d be glad to give you her information.

*Notice how I’ve nicely changed the subject from the terrible weather? :)   I hate this kind of weather and know if I talk about it, nothing good will come from my mouth, so I pretend I’m oblivious.

So, with dangerous road conditions, not much gas in my cupcake and a sweet tooth aching for some sweet comfort food, it looks like tonight’s forecast calls for another layer of the white stuff and more icing…and I’m not even talking about what’s going on outside.

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What’s in There?

Friday, February 5th, 2010

The fridge at our office is just like one of those you read about in internet articles. Or see on tv shows. You know what I’m talking about. Half eaten slices of pizza. Green beans growing mold in the Tupperware container. Expired cheese. The 6 bottles of ketchup because people bring their own and the “I bring one of these every day but sometimes don’t eat it (or forgot it) so now I’m growing a collection” (usually this is yogurt, sodas or ham sandwiches.)

I went to retrieve my Big K Diet Citrus Drop (a.k.a. Diet Mt. Dew Wanna-Be) this afternoon and decided to peek into some of those grocery sacks. Yes I did. I saw an orange, chocolate mousse, and discolored deli meat.  I don’t consider myself a nosey person, but what’s so intriguing about looking at what people have forgotten in the shared refrigerator? Consider the to-go boxes. The owners have good intentions. They go to lunch and spend hard-earned dollars on a nice fajita platter, too-big-to-eat-at-one-sitting sandwich, or a huge salad that will make a tasty snack later. But then they forget it. And it gives me something to laugh at and share with you.

For those of you who have returned to your leftovers only to find them missing or –even worse– nibbled on, I give you this jewel: an entertaining website of passive aggressive notes you may want to use! Hilarious. In case you find yourself with a shared-but oft forgotten-fridge full of…wait, is that…what is that?

So, err, uhmm, you gonna eat that?

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Snow. And Now You Know.

Sunday, January 31st, 2010

Never asked for it. Didn’t pray for it. Hoped it would not fall on us. But, sure enough, Arkansas got that snow so many kids hoped for, adults prepared for, and meteorologists cautiously forecasted. I usually keep my mouth shut about things I don’t like because there’s no need to gripe. So this entry is short and sweet since the winter white flurries are not my best friend.

With a little more quiet, and downtime, with no kids to take care of, no cable channels to aimlessly flip through for hours, no private hill or yard to play in (not that you would have found me doing that anyway) I had a lot of time to think. In the midst of that daydreaming I made note of a few things. I leave you with my list of Snow Day Observations. And hope I don’t have another Snow Day for a lonnnnnng time.

-Be careful should you decide to make a joke to someone about their arrival or entrance. Example: “Did you have fun slipping/sliding in?” (to work, to the house, whatever the location may be) You might say it to someone who has actually fallen and hurt themselves just minutes before, leaving them in a terrible mood.

-Should you find yourself in the situation where you did, in fact, fall on the ice and hurt yourself, calling on the need for an ice pack, the bags of frozen veggies from Kroger work well on the boo-boo. Not whole okra, but the 3 Pepper and Onion blend or English Peas. I mean, of course, I would think those would be good ones. Not speaking from experience…uhmm

-Just because other vehicles are driving quickly with no problems (from your perspective) it’s always smart to play it safe. You don’t know how much experience those other drivers have in these conditions, nor how their vehicle compares to yours. Nor can you honestly foresee exactly where that hidden spot of ice is waiting just ahead of you.

-On the subject of driving: think twice before you honk at the car stopped in front of you at a traffic light after it turns green. They may be stuck and can’t go anywhere. And as sure as you honk rudely at them, a pox on you and you start to slide.

-Hey! Lack of traffic = no need to worry about looking both ways before crossing the street!

-Finally, if you must drive on bad/icy roads and find yourself frowning all the way to your destination, notice the funeral procession and remember how good you really have it. Snow day or no snow day.

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People on my Mind

Friday, January 15th, 2010

I’ve got others on my mind. Before you dismiss this post thinking it’s a sappy, lovey, all-we-need-is-love ramble, hear me out?

Checking my mailbox this morn I smiled as soon as I saw it: a “Reader’s Digest”.  I like this little mag. But that’s not why I smiled. The smile was for my grandmother. Maw gave me a subscription to this mag a few years ago. When it ran out, she asked me if I liked it or wanted to get a different magazine. Then I began receiving “Better Homes and Gardens”. Funny, because I have neither a “house”- home nor a garden but I quickly grew to adore the monthly treat. So I received that for two years. My grandmother is getting “up there” in age. And what she’s gaining in years, she’s losing in sanity. I don’t mean that disrespectfully. It’s just the truth. Just this week she got some appointments and places mixed up on her “trip to town” (what us country people call it) It broke my heart to hear. But she’s still my grandmother and she’s still loving every one of us just the same. So if she forgot and signed me up for the wrong subscription, it’s ok. I’ll enjoy it more because it’s from her…even if she doesn’t remember it.

Those Haitians. We all know the devastation they are facing right now. I speak only for myself: I think about, donate to, pray for and blog about them…but I don’t REALLY try to imagine what it’s like to be one of them. And I think that a bit selfish of me. Do you?

Lady GaGa. She had to cancel a concert his week in Indiana due to exhaustion. Poor girl. I could imagine it IS exhausting trying to find a wardrobe like hers every day. 265

My sister-in-law and brother. She is due to have Baby #3 on January 30. The last report says baby’s not going to wait that long! A healthy labor and delivery for SIL and a healthy, happy life for my 5th niece are on my mind!

A neighbor. In the parking lot of my apartment this morn an Indian neighbor asked if I could purchase some tickets for her. She needed to get somewhere (home? I didn’t understand exactly what she asked.) She’d walked to the library which wasn’t opened yet. She had problems on another computer somewhere else, etc. I didn’t understand her and not sure I could have or even should have helped her right then. But she’s on my mind because: wow. La-di-dahhh I live my  life running around going to work, going to play, going to church, eating, going shopping, working out, socializing, getting in my car when I want… She was asking desperately for me to help her get somewhere. Maybe to see her family in another country? Maybe there’s a problem I can’t imagine? Maybe I’m over analyzing, but it still makes me think of her. And the other millions just like her.

Conan O’Brien. No matter what happens, where he goes, which network gives him a desk and a paycheck, he’ll keep entertaining and life will go on. But he’s definitely on my mind since I love his humor and crazy red hair. No go CoCo!

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The Bachelor Ep. 2

Tuesday, January 12th, 2010

I can’t keep it til the end. Somebody got busted! …for acting innappropriately with someone on the production crew. Seriously? “Hello. My name is ____. I am on a reality show to win a man’s heart. I am ready to fall in love and get married. Oooh, but in the meantime who’s that cutie over there?” Are you kidding me?!

Week two of this season’s “The Bachelor” started off with the group date.  I commend how the producers continue to mix it up, finding fun and entertaining dates for them. We’ve gone to museums, snow skiing and the making of a western movie. Last night’s date gave 6 girls VIP access to Six Flags(the park was open just for them!) Elizabeth from Nebraska (must clarify since there are 2 Elizabeths) reads a mushy-gushy old-fashioned letter asking Jake not to kiss her until he’s ready. I’m old-fashioned anyone who knows me can attest, but this letter was in a “really I’m just tempting you by bringing your attention to it: I really do want to kiss you” type tone. Anyway, it worked, as she walked away with the rose, leaving the other girls to envy. *This gale reminds me of my friend Heather. I usually tend to find at least 3 connections from the competitors to my personal group of acquaintances.

Imagine how exciting the staff meeting was when trying to handle this hot situation: Rozlyn is caught hooking up with a staff member, calling for her to be kicked off the show. Host Chris had a tough task to confront her. I’m glad they shared the moment with the viewers instead of just telling us what happened! I could see it in her eyes–she knew she was guilty. She didn’t really deny it, but said she didn’t think it “was wrong.” Hmmm. It’s been labeled “The biggest scandal in ‘Bachelor’ history…

The claws are starting to come out (yes, just two weeks into it) and Michelle even starts to pack her bags blaming the lack of attention she’s got. Good thing she stuck around because she ended up getting a rose at the rose ceremony. I like her. My mom thinks she was “too serious” in last week’s premiere.

Group date #2 lets the gals shine: a photo shoot for InStyle mag! How cool and yes–stressful. Christina says she is sweating like a 5YO at recess. Gross and funny. But they all do fine and I gotta pick up this month’s issue of InStyle to see the results from the shoot!

Final words: Jake is amazed at what Rozlyn did to him. He felt vulnerable and, I imagine a bit embarrassed too. He asked to get back the rose he’d given her (he can’t get back that kiss though!) His one on one date with Ali was cute with it ending in a private concert by Chicago. If their relationship doesn’t work out, I bet she’ll never want to hear those songs they danced to again!

Til next week…

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Housesitter for Hire

Friday, January 8th, 2010

Last week, I did something I’d never done before. I was a house sitter.

I’d visited prior to this weekend and even received email instructions/reminders. But it was still different when the time came.  Since many of you may not follow me on Twitter (act now! don’t delay! there’s still time!) I thought I’d share my tweets below. *Note for non-Tweeters: if there is a # in front of something, it just means “sidenote” or it’s a popular topic on Twitter. Wow, more confused? Anyway…

1:29 PM Jan 2nd housesitting. just got here and already set off the alarm. and met the other dog. #offtoagreatstart

4:40 PM Jan 2nd man near me has been coughing his lungs up for more than 5 minutes. all I have to offer is a #TootsieRoll . might make it worse.

4:55 PM Jan 2nd Mom? Pop? Wow #HappyPalindromeDay ! (and the #TootsieRoll is still in my purse) re: last tweet

6:58 PM Jan 2nd #GoHogs ! “give me Liberty or give me death” …well maybe not THAT serious…but go team! from mobile web

7:07 PM Jan 2nd #housesitting update: back at the house, dog knows I’m not her mama. but least she’s quiet. #hopeimakeitthroughthenight from mobile web

10:15 PM Jan 2nd #housesitting update: the dogs are not scary anymore. saw end of #Hogs game (yay!) and can’t find a blanket. from mobile web

7:53 AM Jan 3rd #housesitting update: had wierd dreams, put dogs outside at 5:30, don’t need to think too much about the bed I just slet in #justsayin from mobile web

8:38 AM Jan 3rd #housesitting update: do people in nice neighborhoogds really have a prob with having their Sunday paper stolen? owners always say get paper. from mobile web

9:02 AM Jan 3rd owners will be glad to find I didn’t even touch the beer in the fridge she offered. but the deli-sliced turkey? ehh it was expired anyway ;) from mobile web

9:23 AM Jan 3rd #housesitting words of wisdom: tis OK to update and humor virtual friends, notice I haven’t said where/whose house. from mobile web

10:30 AM Jan 3rd final #housesitting update: no fires. no deaths. I’m outta here. Church time. Success. Call if you need me. from mobile web

I enjoyed the experience. The homeowners made it back safely and I even got a few follow up thank you texts (yay! I didn’t leave anything discriminating behind!) You can go ahead and add housesitting to the “new year, new opportunities” thing. Just please let me meet your dogs first.

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