Month: March 2011

Does anyone out there remember Urban Cowboy? I remember the first time I saw the movie; I was dating a cowboy at the time. It was the best movie ever, so romantic, so simple in its story, every girl’s fantasy.
What was not to love? You had John Travolta, not singing but dancing and looking so hot in his cowboy clothes. He was literally fresh off the farm when he was spotted by Sissy, who was looking for love in all the wrong places. She just wanted a real cowboy and she found him in Bud. Their whirlwind courtship, their country wedding in Gilley’s, what girl at that point in history did not want to wear cowboy boots with their wedding dress? I believe my mothers soul died a little the day I told her I was going to do that (I did not by the way). Then the symbolic placing of the name plates in the back window of the truck. Bud and Sissy, you just knew they were going to be together forever.
The honeymoon! One can only wish that they could honeymoon near a prison so you can go to the prison rodeo! OMG perfection! Then spotting the one riding the bull, seriously, I don’t think they could have found an uglier man. There was nothing cute about that man. You just knew he was going to show up later and he did.
Cue the coming of the bull, Sissy just had to take lessons; she wants to be a cowgirl so bad. But the one she is taking lessons from is the newly released prison bull rider. Now mind you she took those lessons to surprise Bud, she wanted to please him so bad. But she was not a good wife, she didn’t cook, she didn’t clean, she did not take care of her man in a classic Texas way. According to Bud the only thing she was good at was the lovin’.
Bud was not pleased to see Sissy ride that bull, he was furious. But let’s be honest, what girl did not want to ride like Sissy? I know I did. When the state fair came around that year I admit, I went to the mechanical bull and said “slow it down Sissy style!” I was not very good at it. But it was fun!
We all wanted the Bud and Sissy love story, but things went horribly wrong, his pride got in the way. He had oodles of cowboy pride. What is that one asks, well, it is hard to define if you are not from a cowboy kind of culture, I am from Oklahoma, so close to Texas and we all understand the mentality. You don’t shame your cowboy in public and that display on the bull, well, Sissy was just flaunting it. It was as if she were cheating on him.
Then that classic fight in the parking lot of the Waffle House (I think it was a Waffle House could be wrong about the location) wow! But once again, girls wanted that kind of perceived passion. I have to say I for one never want to fight with a man like that. EVER! But still, very exciting to see Bud and Sissy go at it. However you knew it was not going to end well for them. And it did not. He told her not to come back to the trailer. Is there nothing worse knowing you are not welcome at a trailer?
But Bud, Bud, shame on you, you cheated first with Pam, she was not as cute as Sissy, and however she did have more class. And she didn’t care that Bud was married, she wanted a cowboy as well! Her motives were more suspect, you see she had daddy issues and she just wanted to stick it to her rich daddy. And Bud fit the bill perfectly.
Pam was sneaky, she sabotaged Sissy at every turn, Sissy came and cleaned the trailer and Pam took credit that was low. We all knew Bud and Sissy belonged together, why was Pam keeping them apart? But by now Sissy was deep in it with ugly parolee, man; you know she had to keep their little trailer dark. And what was it with all of those trailers? Where there no houses in Texas at that time? I don’t know all I know is in Oklahoma, not a lot of trailers. At least in Owasso, I think there was one trailer park, ironically enough, the Owasso Pam lived there.
I digress, eventually our star crossed lovers reunite, Bud rescues Sissy in an incredibly cowboy way, beating up the convict, who BTW had beaten Sissy, Bud beat the snot out of him, the audience cheers! Sissy got her man, name plates back where they belong in the back of the truck, cue country music. Everyone lives happily ever after. And the whole world wants to ride a mechanical bull like Sissy.

This is not a happy day, it is a sad day and I will not be saying why, it is not the right time to tell it. Later. Maybe.
With all of the catastrophic things happening in the world today, the big news I wake up to is who the bachelor chose. Really? How did we come to this as a society? Who actually watches this show? Well apparently everyone but me. From what I hear on the radio, there is a man who makes out with a bunch of women then proposes to one? Seriously? I despise these shows; I am not big on reality shows in general. I do not watch Survivor, Dancing with the Stars, American Idol or any of the others. The only “reality” shows I watch are the ones on E that are completely scripted, Holly’s World, Kendra, the old Girls Next Door. That is it. The rest of these, I believe they take work away from actors and writers. Give me a well written, well acted television show. Just say no to reality, I want fantasy, escapism.
Don’t we all want escapism? Life can be brutal, I know that I have had my share of a brutal life, things happen that are beyond our control, things that we need to escape from. I don’t want reality to escape to, away from reality. See it just doesn’t work, I want fantasy to escape to, a world that is better than mine, a world where I don’t have to worry about anything, think about anything, do anything but sit back and enjoy the snappy dialogue, special effects if that type of show, the acting, and yes even the costuming.
I have several standbys that I use when I am need of serious escapism, what are yours?

Yesterday was our monthly Ladies that Lunch, well, lunch; this month was at Mariposa in Neiman Marcus. I have to give huge kudos to the staff, amazing food, amazing service, they made our luncheon special, complete with our own menus.
When we started in January we had five for lunch, the next time was seven this time we had eleven in our group along with a visitor from Switzerland. Good conversation, good food, good company, all equals an amazing time. We are women who are all involved in Mary Kay, all ages, all walks of life. I am so happy to be involved with such an amazing group of women.
This weekend went by fast; we were able to actually pick up the Irishman’s children on Saturday instead of Sunday. First stop, Mars needs Moms, cute movie. Yesterday the Irishman got to spend time with just him and the kiddoes while I was lunching. Then I came home and fixed them Strawberry Shortcake, a huge hit I have to say. They will go back to their mom this evening.
I so did not want to get up at 3:00 this morning, my bed was so snuggly, and the wind was howling, perfect day to stay in. However, I did not; I hauled myself up and had my coffee, shower and cute outfit, now I am human.
I still have this lingering cough, it is more annoying than anything, the congestion is slightly still there, but I feel good. No more fever or achy bones, I hate that feeling, the achiness.
Alright people a very disjointed Monday has begun, I hope you all have a great beginning to your week!

I have been sicker than a dog. Sicker than a dog? I wonder where that expression came from. Interesting, well that is how sick I have been. I am still coughing but my fever is gone. This is good however I wish the cough would go away. I would pay someone to go get me breakfast this morning. I find myself hungry. I really want a breakfast burrito. I can’t even explain it.
I don’t even have any cash to get anything out of the vending machine; I am in a sad state this morning. Watching the news kind of makes my whining for food look pathetic and selfish. Those poor people in Japan, I cannot even imagine. Living here in North Texas gives us a sense of security, I believe. We don’t have Earthquakes or tsunami’s we do have tornadoes and heat waves, but really, nothing like this. It does make one wonder, is the end near? With all of the dying fish and birds and the natural disasters and the horrible happenings in the Middle East. Can the end be near? And are we ready for it? I have to admit I was looking forward to reaching the ripe old age of 110. That is my goal. But we all know, the best laid plans of mice and men.
I do believe I will be going for some hot passion tea at Starbucks on my lunch. I am very much looking forward to that, and something to eat. Perhaps some Greek yogurt if they have any left. I am really craving that, it has honey in it. Very soothing for the throat.
I got to drive 90 to work today, I love driving fast when no one else is on the road. There is nothing like it, the feeling of all of that power and speed. I would love to be a formula 1 driver, can you imagine? Going that fast and getting paid for it! Driving fast is in my blood, my dad was a fast driver, I am not sure about my grandfather, I don’t remember driving on any highways with him. My dad, however, was greatness; he used to tell me that speed limit signs were simply suggestions. You should gauge for yourself how fast you can go, and trust me when I tell you, he could go fast. The only bad thing about my dad’s driving was when my mom would say “Daddio, look at that.” She would point and he would start driving towards whatever it was! Veering this way and that, I would yell “DAD! Look at the road!” I seriously don’t know what those two did before I came along to be their backseat driver.
Well folks that’s all I got for now, how’d ya like that?

There is one thing I love doing more than anything else, I have done it all of my life, I do it in the car, in the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, living room, EVERYWHERE. However, I do not do it in front of people. It is singing, I love to sing, in a loud booming voice. God did not bless me with a singing voice, as a matter of fact I sound like a frog, in heat. I am not really sure what that sounds like, but I am sure it is very close to the sound that comes out of my mouth.
I used to sing to my children, until they got to the age where they begged me not to; I used to sing to Tessa until Alex walked in the living room Friday night and said you sound like crap, stop singing. In a not so nice tone. I have to admit, it hurt my feelings. Even though I know I do not possess that talent to be told so brutally that I am horrible is just, well, hurtful.
I have vowed to never ever sing in front of anyone ever again, and I mean to keep that vow. I seriously don’t understand how I have such a bad singing voice; I mean my speaking voice is nothing short of amazing. I have customers all the time telling me they love my voice, they say I have an accent, however, I don’t hear that. But for me to have such a great speaking voice and a horrible singing voice, well it is a cruel joke. Add that to the fact I love singing, I love music, and well it is just beyond cruel.
The Irishman and Alex are sick, they have the flu, I do not have the flu but my throat hurts, hopefully it is just drainage from allergies. I do have to say, and I hope it does not jinx me, I never get the flu. Perhaps I should call the dr and get a flu shot, just to be on the safe side.

Happy Happy Friday! Has everyone been watching the debacle that is Charlie Sheen? I am not going to rehash the craziness here; there is just one thing that he said that really struck a chord with me. “I’m tired of pretending I’m not special.” It really made me think, I’m special, I don’t pretend I am not special, however society tells us to downplay our specialness. I believe we all have attributes that make us unique, special. I believe we should celebrate those differences that make us special.
I will get the ball rolling, here are the things I believe are special about me, I have an unique sense of humor, I can read over 1000 words a minute and type 95 words a minute, I have the ability to see a situation from all sides, I am willing to put up with a little pain for fashions sake. These are just a few things that make me special. Please feel free to tell me what makes you special.
I have begun the dieting process, I don’t know how well I will do on Sunday, I am going to a baby shower and there will be cake! It is hard to resist cake, however, I shall try, I’ll let you know if I succeed or succumb.
I am extremely tired today; I am looking forward to sleeping tonight, how crazy is that. A Friday night and all I want to do is go home and crawl into bed. On the upside my new comforter should be in today! I cannot wait to tear into that and make my bed! I have been looking for a new comforter for a long time and finally found the one I am in love with and I got it! It was available only online not in the store, so I have ordered it and it should be here today, so I am very excited.

I want to expound on yesterdays ranting, I fully believe that women are equal to men and that God created them that way. The bible clearly states that woman was created from Adam’s rib, not his heel, not his head. His rib. Side by side, that is the way it is supposed to be. Is it too much to ask that women be treated with respect and equality in a religious setting? When did it become acceptable to treat women as second class citizens? We are the ones that carry life, the ones that nurture it, the ones that teach, the ones that are, let’s face it the backbone of the church. I don’t see men volunteering a whole heck of a lot, at least not in a Baptist setting, well, Southern Baptist. I grew up in a Freewill Baptist church; I don’t remember an instant where women were treated as second class citizens.
I remember several years back reading an article on the Southern Baptist convention, there was a lecture for the women. One guess on what it was on, anyone? No? Coupon clipping, yes, that was the most important subject for Southern Baptist women to learn.
I want to find a church where women are respected, are viewed as being equal to men. Everyone realizes that God does not differentiate between the sexes, right? That when he looks at us he sees our soul, sees our heart, not our gender, everyone realizes that right? I fully believe some people are in for a shock when they die and stand in front of their maker.
I want to find a new church home; however, I believe that Southern Baptist is not a good fit for me, as I believe I am equal with men. That God can use me to do his works just as well as he can use a man. If anyone knows of a church where this is put into practice please let me know! I am incredibly Baptist in my beliefs, well Freewill Baptist, well, Oklahoma Freewill Baptist. I have found they are different down here.
All suggestions welcome!

I’m so glad I’m not famous. When I am full on crazy at least no one sees it, well, at least it’s not on television. I do believe, however, I will be adopting at least one now infamous quote. “I’m tired of pretending I’m not special.” I love that!
I know I have not posted in a while; I have been under the weather. I was able to make it to the doctor on Monday and now have antibiotics and feel much better today. Not exactly 100% better but 100% better than I was. I went to the doctor to find that my doctor had retired! I had to see someone new, I felt much better when I saw he was a graduate of the University of Oklahoma. He was very nice, and I found out via FB that my daughter in law sees him. I liked him. I think I will stick with him.
So now I am back to all of you.
I read something on facebook last week that made me think. Someone had gotten tickets to see a televangelist. If you are not familiar with that that is, it is a preacher that is on television. She had gotten tickets to see Joel Osteen, he writes books, he is on television, and he is a self proclaimed man of God. It made me think I have seen this person, seriously, who hasn’t at this point, he saturates the media with his awe shucks approach and look at me I’m humble attitude. I am not a fan.
Growing up the only man of God allowed in our home via the television was Billy Graham, now he was a true man of God. He was humble; he didn’t have to advertise that aspect of his personality, his wife, Ruth, was equally as amazing as he is. He actually lived the life he preached on television. When the world began taking a closer look at the men on television begging for you to send your money to them, he opened his ministry’s books. He took a modest salary, everything else went into helping people and paying for the locations he would go travel to, to speak to people. He and his wife built their log cabin themselves. That always impressed me, no mansion for these two and their children, a very humble, nice home that they built themselves.
I have only known two ministers in real life that I would recommend to anyone in the world to go to their churches. One was DeArthur Yandale in Oklahoma City and the other was Leonard Pirtle in Owasso. Both men are Freewill Baptist ministers, well Brother Yandale was an old fashioned preacher, he was passionate in his sermons, while Brother Pirtle was more calm and used humor to make his point. Both amazing, both compassionate and caring about the people that trusted them, making home visits to those in need. Making sure that the neediest of their flock taken care of, quietly asking other members to fill in any gaps they themselves could not handle.
I have yet to find any other minister that is like that here in the state of Texas; I have been here since the late 1980’s. And yes, I have attended churches here in Plano, one of them I was a member for 17 years. I made some good friends, however, I felt lost there, never really fitting in. The minister there was not a compassionate man, not very caring and I always felt he looked down on me. The longer I stayed, the more I began to realize he looked down on women in general. The last straw for me was when he demoted women Sunday School teachers saying that the bible said they should not teach men. Well the bible says a lot of things Mr. Plano Preacher Man; it also says that divorced people should not remarry unless their former spouse has died. However, you officiated a lot of weddings where one or both parties had been divorced. Now I am all for following the bible, believe me I am, however, you don’t get to pick and choose what you are going to do. If you follow one, follow all. That is all I am saying.