This morning I woke up with the urge to listen to Andy Griffith and sing at the top of my lungs, so that is just what I did, I am sure if they neighbors heard me they would have called the police and reported me for noise pollution. However, I don’t care, I was making a joyful noise up to the Lord.
Isn’t it funny how a song or group of songs can take us back, my soul wasn’t here, it was in every FreeWill Baptist Church I ever attended as a child. Sunnylane, the one off of Blackwelder and of course the First FreeWill Baptist Church of Owasso. Those old songs tend to take me back, I am suddenly standing next to my grandma and grandpa singing my heart out. Or next to my best friend Tammi, knowing my voice was horrible and not caring, I know God does not care how badly I sing as long as I am singing praises to Him.
I am reminded today how fortunate I am, I have amazing family and friends, and a non-stop supply of coffee, it is a good time to be alive.
I didn’t get any responses to my question of the day, not surprising, I am going to tell all right here and now, I would want to know. I may, at the time, “shoot” the messenger, however in the long run I would thank them.
I am still mulling over my visit with my cousins Cindy and Paula, I hope they come down here to visit, I would love to take them around and show my kids off to them. Take them to see Jeffrey and Alex, then to the farm to see Elizabeth and all of her animals. I know they would enjoy it, I would even cook for them. Yes, it would be that big a deal.
Well it is Friday and I have enjoyed not being at work, I hope everyone has had a great day and has a fantastic weekend.
Renegades, Rebels and Rogues
Well here we are people the last day of 2012, I cannot say this year has been kind to me, however some really amazing things have happened. I am on the radio! Can you believe that! I still cannot believe my friend Shanon asked me to do the show with her. I am awestruck that someone had that much confidence in my ability to talk. Thank you so much Shanon for giving me such an amazing opportunity, I don’t have the words to express how much your belief in me means.
The Irishman was sick for almost all of 2012, we go into 2013 hopeful for continued recovery, it has been a rough year in that respect. But God is good and ever present and I believe led him to the right doctor to get him on the road to recovery.
My children are all healthy and doing well, I am so proud of all three, Jeffrey, Elizabeth and Alex; I literally do not know what kind of life I would have without them. They make everything better, when I see a text or call from one of them I smile and happily answer, except when I am at work Alex! I could not resist that, he knows what I mean.
As I look back at the past year I not only see the struggles, I see where I have been blessed beyond measure, I have my health, I have my wits, most of the time and I have amazing friends. I still do not understand what I ever did to deserve such amazing people in my life I am just grateful God saw fit to bring them to me.
I go into 2013 ever hopeful, not only for my life and the lives of my children, but for my friends and for the world. I go into 2013 with a positive attitude, with prayer for a better life and for continued growth, spiritually not physically, and with a renewed determination to make myself the best I can be. Without going into the Marines.
In my family the number 13 is a good luck number, we never really bought into the whole superstitious thing; we like to turn things around. I can only imagine what a whole year of 13 will bring.
So for Christmas Elizabeth gave me an ITunes gift card to download my two favorite albums that she stole. Tracey Lawrence and Kiss, well I have downloaded Tracey Lawrence and I cannot stop listening to it. I know what you are thinking, isn’t this the same singer that beat his wife in a hotel room in the ‘90’s. Yes, yes it is, however if the world can forgive Chris Brown the week after he beat the living daylights out of Rhianna, I figure it is time for us to forgive Tracey.
There is one song in particular that I love, Rebels, Renegades and Rogues, I have always considered myself a rebel and renegade, not so much a rogue. But what truly makes me a rebel, you ask, that is a good question. Well I have always gone against societal norms, as in I was and continue to be a girl nerd who knows fashion. An unusual combination, or used to be, not so much anymore, turns out I was a trail blazer, who knew. As for the renegade, well, I have never done what was expected, I drive fast, I rail against authority, not really, the last part, the first yes. Anyway if you are a country music fan I highly suggest you give Tracey Lawrence a try, some of my favorites are Alibis, Texas Tornado and If the Good Die Young.
I shall sign off for now, the next time I talk to you all it will be 2013, a new year, a new beginning, a new hope. See what I did there, I snuck a Star Wars reference in there, BBFF that was for you.
Terrific Thursday
Today is Monday/Thursday, yesterday was a mini weekend, and it was good, so strange being off in the middle of the week without taking a vacation day. I think I am going to like this. I went to Bonham and saw Jeffrey and Elizabeth Anne yesterday, so nice, and came home and got caught up on laundry. Oh and it was clean sheet day, wow, it just could not have gotten any better!
Tuesday’s Zumba just about killed me, that instructor was a beast, in a really good way, going back for more today. I think my body is changing due to the zumba dancing, I feel different in my clothes, like they fit different. I am loving it!
I am very excited to go back today and be tortured all over again, I know I am going to sleep well tonight! Just one more week until my huge Avengers event, I am so way beyond excited about this. I have seriously never done anything this geeky in my entire life and it feels good. Ok, dressing up as Wonder Woman, that was pretty geeky, no wait, that was just cool. Yup, still nothing as geeky as next week will be.
I hope everyone has a great, geeky Thursday!
Let the Good Times Roll
My son is doing well, which is good, heard from Alex, he is about ready to come home, which makes me one happy mom. I got to see Elizabeth this past weekend and spend time with Jeffrey and Tessa, that makes me incredibly happy.
Ok, so, here is my new problem, I bought the girls fancy dresses, I got them new socks, and Carolion got new shoes, Lauren did not. Not because we didn’t look, because it was pouring rain and the first place we had, well all the dress shoes were too wide for her feet. I need suggestions for places to look for youth size shoes that are not wide, she has a narrow foot. I want to get her some nice dress shoes, to go with her new dress and fancy socks. So any help would be appreciated.
The dress is navy, so a lighter color shoe is what I am thinking, ecru, maybe, I don’t know.
So now that everyone has survived Mardi Gras, how are you doing the day after? What are you giving up? I need to know these things.
I am in a quandary, Nocona is lonely, she is getting into the trash more than when Chewie was with us. She is really not good with other dogs at first, one has to be there to facilitate the meeting and getting to know you phase. I took her to Jeffrey’s on Friday so she could play with Russ (Jeffrey’s dog) and play they did. When I told her it was time to leave, she really didn’t want to go. It may be time for her to go to the farm for a visit, not forever mind you, just for a visit. I would miss her terribly if she were to go live there, I still miss Arthur and Mickey.
Here is my quandary, I don’t want another dog, I could not go through that again, and I didn’t have Chewie that long. I don’t know what I am going to do when Nocona goes, I cannot even begin to imagine.
So, I guess it is not a quandary after all, take Nocona for visits with other pups to satisfy her need for play. Play with her myself, and let her know I love her.
Casual Saturday, Dress Sunday
I love coffee mornings, oh, wait, that is every morning for me. Today is the beginning of my birthday week. Well, in actuality, I take the whole month for me and Elizabeth. Did everyone notice the weather changing? You’re welcome.
So yesterday was the first day I have cooked bacon since Chewie left us, man I miss that dog, he could beg better than anyone! Nocona is a poor second in the begging department. The bacon was good though, if anyone is wondering, bacon and pancakes. I have to tell you all something, I make the best pancakes ever. It is the only thing that I cook really well. I love my pancakes, that’s all. I allow myself one, sans syrup, with two strips of bacon, add coffee and you have a feast.
I have a lot on my mind right now, I am still forming the words, when I am ready to share, you all will be the first to know.
I do want to confess something, I have a new addiction, Scramble with Friends, I cannot stop playing it! I love it! Everyone should play this game, you will become addicted as well, yes, I know, I am a pusher.
Yesterday I was totally incognito, curly hair, no makeup and tennis shoes, I know, right! So unlike me, however today, since I will be around people that I know and some I don’t know, it will be straight hair, full makeup and heels. Must have armor on, must not show chinks in armor.
Welcome to the Month of Angie
So now that Elizabeth’s birthday is over we can all focus on mine, last years was not the best I have ever had, for multiple reasons, I am hoping this year is vastly different.
I have often said the whole month of February should be declared Angie month, perhaps I should issue a decree and rename the month to honor, well, me. In all the land there would be celebrations, food, dancing, disco balls and lots of coffee for everyone! Wow, sounds just about perfect. Oh, and new shoes for all, there, that makes it perfection.
What would you have for your celebratory month? I sometimes wonder what other people do to celebrate themselves. I do believe we should all celebrate who we are, unless you are a bad person, the list of what makes one bad is long, so I wont do that here, but you know who you are. I could name a lot of the women that I know of that do not deserve anything in the realm of celebratory anything, but I wont. You know who you are, and you know you should just go hide in a basement and wait for the apocalypse.
Speaking of apocalypse, did anyone see Ringer? Buffy came out to play in the last episode! So good to see Sarah Michelle Gellar kicking behind! Oh how I miss Buffy, Angel, Cordy and well the whole Scooby gang.
Must go, just wanted to pop in and say hello, like Punxsutawney Phil. Let’s all lift our glasses to six more weeks of winter!
Saturday
Today is Saturday, who is shocked by that revelation? Appears no one is. I am still not feeling all that great, maybe the doctor meant I would feel good later in the day. We shall see.
I am so very excited, it has happened later than I had hoped, but the high heel bug has bitten Elizabeth Anne. I have never been happier in my entire life, perhaps now she will not hurry me along when I start salivating over a pair of heel! Hmmmm?
I am loving Friday night television, Grimm is wonderful fun, Blue Bloods is so intense, and well, Sanctuary is downright compelling. I also recorded Dateline last night as they were talking about Michael Jackson’s last days. So very sad for his children.
I have not eaten today, just had a pot of coffee, which I love, I have discovered a new coffee, well new to me. Dunkin Donuts coffee, their turbo blend rocks! Woweee, I am buzzing like crazy, buzzing more than off of Starbucks coffee, and that is saying something. So excited I tried it, I will continue to try it. I bought their peppermint mocha flavor, I did not make that today, I will have it tomorrow and report back. I love all of the fall and winter flavors, pumpkin spice, cinnamon, peppermint mocha, and no points! because it is brewed coffee, not coffee treats, I am not sure how they get the flavoring in there, but God love them, I am happy the scientists are on top of coffee issues.
Well I must go now, Elizabeth has suggested Christmas presents for herself and they go on sale in one minute! Have to get there fast before her size is gone!
Peace out homies!
Empress Poblems
I have been sick all week and today has been the worst, I am hoping tomorrow is the best. I had to venture out as I was out of food, so there was nothing to do but get some groceries. There was a Starbucks in the grocery store, so I got my very first peppermint mocha of the season, probably my last. It was a whopping 11 points just for the drink, too much for just a drink, however, I might splurge once more during the season, I don’t know yet. I know what you are thinking, why didn’t you get the skinny version, well, I left of the whipped cream, what more do you people want from me.
I have a new twitter account, it is @EmpressProblems, I have decided to chronicle all of the issues an Empress of the universe has. You know deciding between boots or pumps when conquering the universe is a huge decision. One that cannot be taken lightly, and then it is serious boots, or girly heel boots, sparkly pumps or Anne Klein business pumps. It is exhausting being an Empress, and I am going to tell everyone about it in my new twitter feed.
I have a new addiction, it is a shameful addiction really, it is a show on ABC Family called the Lying Game, it is a total teenage show and I cannot help myself. The saving grace is that Helen Slater is in it, yes, Supergirl, so that is my redeeming fact.
I will be going to Target this weekend, all of the Christmas decorations are out and I love, love, love Christmas. I love the sights, the sounds, the smells, everything about it. I cannot wait to put a tree up and the lights and everything. Last year was a sparsely decorated year as we were moving and trying to get things organized. This year will be full blown decorations, baking and everything that goes with Christmas. I cannot wait to shop and get everything in order. I look forward the tradition of shopping with Elizabeth Anne. It is my favorite part of the holiday, one that I am so happy she and I began so many years ago. Elizabeth you are my favorite shopping partner.
A Good Start to a Bad Month
Today I participated in the MK5K, it was for the Mary Kay Foundation that provides money for cancer research to cure cancer in women, and also to fight against domestic violence. I walked in memory of my friend Sandi. This month marks the first anniversary of her passing. I still cannot believe she is gone, after a 20 year battle with breast cancer. I still say she won in the end, she fought a courageous battle, with dignity and grace. I can only hope if something happens to me I will behave in the same manner. I still miss her every day, I cried for about half of the walk, such a huge part of my life is missing. She was my rock, my cheerleader, my mentor, my life coach, and simply a friend.
This month also marks the anniversary of my son’s passing, on the date it will be 27 years, I still miss him as well. I look at my remaining children and think, which one would he look like? He and Elizabeth looked so much alike, but then Jeffrey and Michael looked so much alike, when Tess was born she looked exactly like Michael, it literally took my breath away. It was almost like God gave him back to us in her.
October is a hard month, this year is harder than last, for so many reasons, I am searching for something positive in my life. I have a fantastic daughter, Elizabeth, who amazes every day with her humor, her beauty, her brains and her very existence. Plus she is the only one of my children who reads this, so she gets extra brownie points. I wish I had more to be positive about, I am normally a positive person, I enjoy being positive. I have never let anything get me down for too long, so I hope this apathy passes soon.
Today was positive, it was exactly what I needed to take myself outside, well me, and not think about anything, just walk. I finished the 5K in 58 minutes, not too bad for no training, and me being an old woman. I am kinda proud of that. I am also proud that I could contribute some funds to the Mary Kay foundation. Every dollar helps.
Amazing Happenings
So yesterday I took Tessa to have her picture taken at JC Penney Portrait Studio, huge shout out to those people. They were fantastic, they got such amazing shots of her, not just regular poses, they allowed Tessa to well be Tessa. I spent way too much, but it is the first time I have gotten to take her to do something like that, that is my excuse. I am sticking with it!
I had a ball with my beautiful granddaughter, she is so amazing, she is not only beautiful, but bright, funny and has such great comedic timing! I think it must be a trait on my side, I have it, Elizabeth has it, my mother had it, now Tess. Proof that beauty, brains and humor can coexist harmoniously.
Today is going to be an easy day, the Irishman and I have a few errands to run, I don’t want to go to Costco by myself, and I need help in that store or else I will spend everything! I know what you are thinking, go with a list, well I do, however it is all so tempting!
I have a confession to make, I am severely craving Kentucky Fried Chicken, original recipe to be exact, I have looked it up and one whole wing is 3 Weight Watcher points. I could make a meal on two of those that would only be six points, not cheating at all. I am thinking we may go by and get a bucket for lunch/dinner today. After all it is football day, what goes better with football games than fried chicken??? I know, beer, we already have that, which I don’t drink. You know for someone who, um, well, loved to indulge in such things in high school, I hardly ever drink alcohol these days. Once in a while I will get a margarita, but that is about it, unless I am at Gladys’ house, she somehow has a way of convincing me I need to drink with her.
I have to tell you I have the bravest and best daughter in the entire world, Elizabeth Anne partook in the warrior dash in Tulsa this weekend, and it was her first time doing something of this nature. She came in 3711 out of 6612 of all racers male and female and 220 out of 801 in her age/gender group. I am so amazingly in awe of her. Every day she amazes me more, Elizabeth you are the best daughter a mother could ask for. Smart, funny, beautiful, strong and independent, I like to think I had a little to do with your amazingness, however, in reality you were probably born with all of it! I love you sweetheart!
Angie World 