Day Thirteen: Rain Kings

In 1993, I was a freshman in high school when I was introduced to the Counting Crows' debut album August and Everything After.  It was almost instantly my favorite and has remained such in the eighteen years that have followed.  Unfortunately, so many people only know the one major hit from August--"Mr. Jones"--which is the most "mainstream" song on the album.  I, on the other hand, absorbed every word, every note, and listened over and over until the CD was in need of being replaced.  Since then, I've owned three more copies not including the deluxe edition in 2007.  I suppose I should download the tracks on Amazon or iTunes, but I feel the need to own the disc. 

Since 1993, I've fallen more and more in love with the Counting Crows with the release of Recovering the Satellites, This Desert Life, Hardy Candy, Across the Wire and Saturday Nights and Sunday Mornings, along with numerous live recordings I've collected along the way.  Something about the music and the lyrics and Adam Duritz's voice combine to speak to my soul.  As years have passed, I've grown with their music.  The lyrics' meanings have shifted and changed as I've gotten older and added to my life's palette of experiences.  Every listen brings something new.   I regret I've only experienced them live five times, but each time has been better than the last. 

So for Day Thirteen--my favorite band--I've chosen my beloved Crows.  Instead of saying anything else about them, I'm just going to share some of my favorite lyrics and a few pictures I've taken at shows.  There's no way I can explain exactly why they are so sacred to me.  You can't talk someone into loving the Crows.  You either get it or you don't.  Hope some of you get it if you haven't before. 

"But the girl on the car in the parking lot?Says, "Man, you should try to take a shot/Can't you see my walls are crumbling?"  ("Rain King")

"This time when kindness falls like rain/It washes her away. And Anna begins to change her mind/These seconds when I'm shaking leave me shuddering for days," she says/And I'm not ready for this sort of thing."
("Anna Begins")

"When I think of heaven (Deliver me in a black-winged bird)/I think of dying/Lay me down in a field of flame and heather/Render up my body into the burning heart of God/In the belly of a black-winged bird...
I belong in the service of the queen/I belong anywhere but in between/She's been dying and I've been drinking/And I am the Rain King."
("Rain King")

"These train conversations are passing me by/And I don't have nothing to say/You get what you pay for/But I just had no intention of living this way...There's things I remember and things I forget/I miss you I guess that I should..."  ("Raining in Baltimore")

"Well, I dreamt I saw you walking up a hillside in the snow/Casting shadows on the winter sky as you stood there counting crows...There's a bird that nests inside you/Sleeping underneath your skin/Yeah, when you open up your wings to speak/I wish you'd let me in..."  ("Murder of One")

"I dream of Michelangelo when I'm lying in my bed/Little angels hang above my head and read me like an open book/Suck my blood, break my nerve offer me their arms /Well, I will not be an enemy of anything I'll only stand here/Waiting for you/All my sins I said that I would pay for them if I could come back to you..." ("Angels of the Silences")

"Get away from me/Get away from me/This isn't gonna be easy/But I don't need you/Believe me/Yeah you got a piece of me/But it's just a little piece of me/And I don't need anyone/These days I feel like I'm fading away..." ("Have You Seen Me Lately")

"So why'd you come home to this faithless town/Where we make a lifetime commitment to recovering the satellites/And all anybody really wants to know is when are you gonna come down." ("Recovering the Satellites")

"She is trapped inside a month of grey/And they take a little every day/She is a victim of her own responses/ Shackled to a heart that wants to settle and then runs away...She'll change so suddenly/She's just like mercury/ But she's alright with me."  ("Mercury")

"I guess the winter makes you laugh a little slower/Makes you talk a little lower/About the things you could not show her..." ("Long December") 

"We spent all day getting sober/Just hiding from daylight?Watching TV (fading away)/We just look a lot better in the blue light/Well, you know I gotta get out/But I'm stuck so tight/Weighed by the chains that keep me hanginaround this town on the corner..." ("Hanginaround")

"If dreams are like movies then memories are films about ghosts" ("Mrs. Potter's Lullaby")

"Well there's a piece of Maria in every song that I sing/And the price of a memory is the memory of the sorrow it brings"  ("Mrs. Potter's Lullaby")  

"And there are people who will say that they knew me so well/I may not go to heaven/I hope you go to hell" ("St. Robinson's Cadillac Dream")

"If I could make it rain today/And wash away this sunny day down to the gutter...I would/Just to get a change of pace..." ("Amy Hit the Atmosphere")

"You send your lover off to China/Then you wait for her to call /You put your girl up on a pedestal/Then you wait for her to fall..." ("Hard Candy")

"She waits another week to fall apart?She couldn't make another day/I wish it was anyone but me/I could have been anyone you see/She had something breakable just under her skin..." ("American Girls")

If I could give all my love to you/I could justify myself/but I'm just not coming through/You're a pill to ease the pain of all the stupid things I do" ("Richard Manuel is Dead")

"I love like a fountain/and it left me like nothing/just the memories of walking through Washington Square/"  ("Washington Square")

"I watched all of the same parades/As they passed on the days that you wish you'd stayed/All this pain gets me high/And I get off and you know why..." ("You Can't Count on Me")

"Let's go dance to siren's song/Come now/Leave your damage behind and gone/Some are lost to you/Wasted time running scared///Leave your damage behind and gone/Just come now/Let's go to the dance floor/Come now/Lose your mind at Le Ballet d'Or"  ("Le Ballet d'Or")

Day Twelve: Chomp Chomp

Since I was a little girl, I have loved eating ice.  My grandmother used to tell me I'd break my teeth out, but it never happened.  In fact, every dentist I've ever seen said my teeth are as hard as nails.  When I was a kid, I would sit in front of the television with a big glass of crushed ice and chew, chew, chew.  Now that I'm grown, I hit Sonic as often as possible to get my fix.  I will eat cubed ice if that's all I have, but I prefer crushed, especially the "soft" ice some restaurants have. 

As I've gotten older, I don't eat quite as much ice as I once did, but I still crave it on a daily basis.  I recently found out that doctors consider this a form of pica since ice--like clay or dirt--has no nutritional value.  This type of pica even has a name--pagophagia.  When I was younger, people would tell me that chewing ice would cause anemia.  Since I was anemic (and still have issues with it), I thought they were right.  Turns out that the ice eating is a symptom of the anemia. No one really knows why, though I did read an article recently that suggested that ice tastes different to people who are iron deficient. 

So it turns out my ice chomping may be a two-part problem.  If it is pica, I wouldn't be terribly surprised since it's sometimes linked with anxiety, a problem I've struggled with for years.  I'm just glad that I crave ice and not dirt, clay, paper or feces (yes, I said feces).  Since I also have a history of low iron, it's possible that my deficiency has contributed to my craving.  Regardless of the reason, I love ice.

Today's "30 Day Challenge" is to post a picture of something I love.  Since it says thing and not one, I'm going to choose ice, more specifically my five favorite places in my city to get ice. 

5.  Jackson-Madison County General Hospital Delicious ice of the "nugget" variety, but larger pieces than what I find at restaurants.  I don't know anyone else who has this exact ice.  It's soft and has a good texture.  Unfortunately, unless you're a patient on one of the floors, the only other place I know to get it is around the corner from Subway in the basement.  This ice would actually rank higher on my list if it weren't such a hassle to acquire.

                                 

                                                      4.  Abbays

Abbays has the smaller nugget ice that is very easy on the teeth and actually seems to make drinks even colder. They are new to Jackson and a recent addition to my list of best ice places. Abbays has decent unsweet tea which is a big plus since I stopped drinking sweet tea when I lived in STL.  In non-ice related areas, I could replace one meal every day with their sweet potato casserole.  If Abbay's had larger cups, I would probably rank them higher. 

3. Zaxby's

Zaxby's has decent chicken, but everyone knows I'm all about some Chick-fil-a.  What the Christian Chicken doesn't have however are Zax dipping sauce and nugget ice.  I love the ice at Zaxby's, especially since it is served in a Styrofoam-type cup.  As an added bonus, Zaxby's has Mr. Pibb (which is far superior to Dr. Pepper) and freshly sliced lemons.  If you haven't had a Mr. Pibb and lemon, your life is a little less meaningful.  I rarely drink soda, but there are times I crave a drink from Zaxby's.  Since their ice is small and soft, the lemon can work its way down into the Mr. Pibb and infiltrate the syrupy carbonated goodness with a zest of citrus.  And nothing quite beats the way the ice tastes after I finish chugging down the drink. 

                                                                                    2. Pilot gas station

When the only Pilot gas station in my town was built a couple of miles from my place of employment, I was absolutely beside myself.  About ten years ago, I discovered that Pilot coffee is delectable.  Laugh if you want as I drink my gas station coffee while you pay for some overpriced beverage at Fourbucks, but it is delicious.  The Sumatra blend released a few years ago is rich, bold and just the kick in the arse that I need on an early morning.  But this blog isn't about coffee; it's about ice.  And as much as I love Pilot's coffee, I could dang near stalk their ice and take it behind the bleachers.  They have a soft ice that is a bit more solid and textured that most nugget ice.  And to make it even better, they have huge 44 ounce Styrofoam cups and freshly brewed unsweet tea.  To make it even better, it costs about a buck.  If I'm feeling naughty, Pilot's soda fountains feature a wide variety of choices in addition to cherry and vanilla syrup.  Pilot is literally a one-stop drink factory. 

1.  Sonic

Not nearly enough ice, but it'll do

The self-proclaimed "ultimate drink stop" with over 168,000 different drink combinations.  And from 2 to 4 each day, all drinks are half price.  I am all about an establishment that encourages customers to get creative with their drinks.  It's easy with me, though--just keep adding the ice.  Sonic may quite possibly be the only restaurant who understand the true meaning of "extra ice."  Their drinks are great, including the tea, but 90% of the time, I order either ice or water with extra ice.  And always in a Route 44 cup with a giant red straw.  I am literally addicted to Sonic ice and there is rarely a day that passes without me ordering at least one cup.  My students at three different schools all started associating me with Sonic cups since rarely a day goes by that I didn't walk onto campus with one in my hand.  Even the days I didn't have time to stop at Sonic, I at least took the time to rinse on the previous day's cup and fill it with my own (inferior) ice.  When my neighbor threw me a "favorite things" baby shower, she bought a stack of Route 44 cups and bags of Sonic ice for me.  Sometimes I wonder if I should seek out a sponsorship from Sonic.  I'm actually sitting here salivating just thinking about a cup of their ice.  Mmmm.

Honorable Mention

Growing up, we had very few places to eat in my hometown.  At one point, there wasn't even a McDonald's.  We did, however, have a Jack's Hamburgers, a fast food restaurant found throughout Alabama and in a few locations in Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia.  The food at Jack's is so-so, but they always had the best ice.  It was the tiny nugget ice that they heaped into big cups and filled with freshly brewed sugary sweet tea (this was in my sweet tea days).  I craved Jack's ice and tea, especially paired with a chicken biscuit for breakfast.  At some point several years ago, they changed their ice to "normal" ice.  I have no idea why they'd do such a thing since there are people who would come through the drive-thru just for drinks.  I guess those people go to Sonic now (I do).  For all my Hen-town folks who remember the "old" Jack's ice, though, you know why I have such fond memories. 

Day Eleven: Shades of Hate

It's Day 11 of the "30-Day Challenge" and I'm supposed to post something I hate.  I'm not fond of the word hate, so I've decided to focus on something I loathe.  ToMAYto, toMAHto, yeah, yeah.

There are different levels of disgust a person can have.  For example, just the thought of eating a pickle makes me gag, but I have no desire to firebomb the Vlasic factory.  The urge to commit a felony is much stronger, however, when I see news footage of Westboro "Church" protesting at the funerals of American soldiers.  That being said, I present my "loathe list" with the understanding that each item registers at a different levels of revulsion on my hostility meter.

Spiders - There's no need to revisit this one since I dedicated an entire blog to the little eight-legged demons recently.  All I have to say is if this picture doesn't make you flip on the bathroom lights at night, something is wrong with you, my friend. 

Lousy parents - This category covers a multitude of sins and situations that get under my skin.  Here's a partial list in no particular order.  It may get lengthy.  That's what nine years of teaching will do to you. 

• Don't attempt to discipline their kids or teach them responsibility
• Use their kids as bargaining chips/ammunition against spouses, exes, in-laws, etc.
• Choose not to pay child support just to get back at their ex
• Constantly allow their children to be disrespectful to them or to other adults (or other kids for that matter)
• Don't tend to their child's hygiene or clothe them appropriately
• Have money for frivolous things but mysteriously can't provide for their kids' needs
• Scream and fight in front of their kids (I know parents argue, but there are some things a kid should never hear parents say to each other)
• Allow their kids to bully
• Abuse their kids physically, verbally, emotionally, etc.  This includes neglect
• Cover for their kids when they mess up instead of letting them face the consequences, e.g., doing a project for them that they forgot or lying for them when they're late, absent, etc.
• Abandon their kids
• Disown their child for being gay
• Show blatant favoritism toward one child, especially in the area of discipline.
• Force their kids to be like everyone else
• Try to be their kid's pal instead of parent (even worse when the parent tries to act like a kid)
• Fights with daughter over the same man (you think I'm kidding)
• Teaches their child to be bigots
• Forces the child to be the parent
• Constantly worries they'll make their child "mad"
• Berate their kids from the stands while they're on the field, court, etc.
• Defend their kid's behavior, even when it is blatantly rude, wrong or dangerous
• Don't provide for their children, including emotionally
• Refuse to have difficult conversations (I should not have to talk to your son about hygiene)
• Those who just give up or never try in the first place, especially if they treat the child like it's his fault for being born 

One good soaking away from evil.

Pickles - As I've mentioned in previous posts, I abhor pickles.  It's not the core of the pickle I don't like since I eat cucumbers (and enjoy them in water).  It's the vinegar in which the pickle is soaked.  Just the smell of vinegar triggers my gag reflex.  Pickles are evil and I wouldn't care if they ceased to exist.  I have at least reached the point in my life where I will eat something that comes on the plate with a pickle, but I still cannot eat anything that's touched a pickle.  I don't even like to watch other people eat pickles and have to resist the urge to say, "Don't put that in your mouth" every time I see someone eat one.  And don't get me started on people who drink pickle juice.  When I worked in after school care and the kids were given pickles as snacks, I made them sit in the arts and crafts closet if they wanted to drink the juice. 

Stray dogs - Don't get me wrong, it's not the dogs I can't stand.  Two of my favorite dogs were strays. My Lady was found wandering down Airways in Memphis and my father-in-law found Abbie on the side of a country road in Arkansas.  As the mommy to two fur babies, I just can't comprehend what would make people just throw away a dog.  How can someone adopt (or buy) a furry family member and then just drop them on the side of the road or set them loose and forget about them?   And on a related note, nothing set me off faster while I was pregnant than all the people who told me how my dogs wouldn't matter once Amelia was born (it didn't happen).  Obviously, this isn't the case with everyone.  I've ran into quite a few people whose inside dogs were banned to the backyard once the baby came along.  In one case, the dog was surrendered to a rescue--not because the dog was a threat to the child but because the parents "didn't want to mess with it."  A dog is not a pair of shoes or a jacket that you toss aside when you outgrow them or they don't "fit your style" anymore.  A dog is a living creation and a commitment.   I won't even address how I feel about those who abuse dogs.  My keyboard might not survive.

Poor grammar in certain situations- I don't get all crazy about people using poor grammar (unless it's following a lesson i just taught), but when something cost money, it should be correct.  One of my biggest pet peeves is when advertisements use fewer and less incorrectly.  Three or four times in the past month alone, I've seen television or print ads that used less instead of fewer.  I know that at the least a company paid to run the ad, and they also quite possibly paid someone to develop the ad.  There's also a sign in the parking lot of the local mall that tempts me to pull out the spray paint every time I go shopping [see picture].    It also bugs me when the news tickers have mistakes.  I can forgive it the first time, but when it loops over and over and no one catches it, it drives me crazy.    As for everyday grammar use, the only thing that makes my ears bleed is the misuse of me after the word and.  I would never in a million years say anything to another adult, but I can't stand when people say, "Would you like to go to dinner with Jim and I?"  It literally makes my jaw start clicking. 

Fred Phelps and his cult - I honestly can't even start writing about this.  I get too angry.   I'll just present this picture and assume that you have the same reaction I do.  If not, maybe this isn't the blog for you. 

Tornadoes - I'm not going to discuss this one at length now since I plan to dedicate an entire blog to them in the future.  One of my two phobias, though. 

Finishing blogs at midnight - Once again, here I am typing on a blog that I started hours ago.  It's very frustrating to me, especially since I'm exhausted.  I enjoy writing so much more when I'm not rushed or stressed.  I really have no one to blame but myself, though.  I feel like I owe you more, kind reader. Hopefully you're enjoying this little experiment, though, and won't be adding Bad with Conviction to your personal "Day 11." 

Day Nine: Double Duty

I claim there ain't

Another Saint

As great as Valentine.

--Ogden Nash

As some of you know, I don't personally celebrate Valentine's Day.  It's not that it offends me or anything silly like that, and I have nothing against other people celebrating it (though I do think some people go grossly overboard and place entirely too much importance on the day).  It's just a personal thing for me.  If someone loves me, he shouldn't have to buy me something to prove it.  Now, I'm not saying that you can't express your feelings for someone through a gift, especially one that's thoughtful.   John has bought me things before that made me feel truly special.   I simply find it more meaningful when  such gifts are presented "just because," not "just because it's expected."  I suppose one could argue that Christmas is no different since we buy gifts because it's Christmas.  It's not the same to me, though, since I see Christmas gifts as more a tradition and not as some sort of proof of our love.  Heck, I've bought Christmas gifts for people I didn't even like that much.   

Another issue is the type of gifts that are so predominant around February 14th.  Balloons.  Flowers. Stuffed animals. Candy.  When it comes down to it, they are all fairly worthless gifts (though I hesitate to badmouth all candy).  Balloons deflate, flowers wilt, stuffed animals...well, they sit there and collect dust mites whose droppings make our allergies flare.  All of these gifts can be bought at practically any store this time of year, including gas stations, and the markup on them is obnoxious.  When I worked at Walgreens, I was appalled at how much people would spend on Valentine's Day merchandise, especially at the last minute (but that's another issue).   I realize that some people are more creative with their gift buying, but the vast majority are buying the stereotypical products, otherwise they wouldn't be mass produced and sold in every big box retailer and "mom-n-pop" place from coast to coast.

The intention behind buying a Valentine's gift also bothers me.  As I mentioned earlier, it doesn't mean much to me if you buy me something to say "I love you" only because it's the 14th.  But some people go past buying out of obligation.  What about the ones who are afraid not  to buy something?  When I hear a guy standing in the line at Kroger saying, "I'm glad I remembered to get her these roses or she'd still be bitching next February," I have to wonder if it's just an attempt to be funny or if he's really buying just to avoid the repercussions of a giftless Valentine's Day.  Now before you accuse me of being hard on the guys, let me make clear that I think the woman is at fault here.  Perhaps these ladies are okay with "fear giving," but I personally don't want a pretty package containing a dose of "shut the hell up."  It's one thing for someone to give because he feels he's supposed to, but it's quite another when he's practically forced into giving. 

Finally, I'm totally against the entire concept of "buying love" or of money being a gauge of how much a person is loved.  I remember in high school when they would deliver Valentine's gifts to the classrooms at the end of the day.  It was a tense time for everyone.  Who would get a gift? Who wouldn't?  Would she like it?  Whose is the biggest?  I can remember girls complaining about their gifts ("Why did he only send me a half dozen roses?") and others boasting ("I told y'all he was crazy about me.")  And while that could all be chalked up to teenage immaturity, I've come across grown women who aren't much different. 

"I don't care how much he spent on this.  I'm totally worth it.

"I can't believe he waited until I got home to give me my roses. He   could have sent them to work so everyone could see them."

"He wrote me a letter.  A letter.  Letters don't sparkle."
 
I suppose it all comes down to this for me:  it doesn't feel sincere.  A holiday supposedly rooted in love shouldn't be so stressful and superficial and expensive.  And there are people I know who celebrate Valentine's without all of the hoopla. I supposed I could do the same, but I just can't get into it.  I love getting gifts and being told how much I am loved, but I want it to be for the right reasons.

By now, those of you who are big fans of Valentine's are probably miffed at me (if you're even still reading).  Please know, that I'm not judging you.  I don't think you're wasteful or shallow.  I'm sure many of you have your heart in the right place and see Valentine's as a day to truly celebrate the love you have for your sweetheart.  If February 14th just does it for you and you enjoy the day and all of its trappings, more power to you!  I'm not saying I think the entire holiday is a waste.  I just personally can't get into it and have a hard time understanding why everyone else gets excited.

With all of that being said, I have decided to pay a little tribute to my husband today--my "valentine" if  you will.  See, Day Nine of the "30 Day Challenge" is to post a picture of someone who has gotten me through the most.  My parents and friends have been a great support and encouragement to me over the years, but I've been blessed to spend the last ten years with the love of my life.  So the remainder of this blog is for my husband, John, who has seen me through the highs and (very) lows of life for a decade.  If you want to see this as my Valentine to him, I can live with that.  ;)

If you've been reading my blog for awhile, you'll remember that I wrote about John back in the Fall. That post focused mostly on his support during my labor and the time period shortly following.  I want to add a little more about my feelings for him here, though, as well as share some pictures of him/us.

As I've mentioned before, John and I met, dated and married within a period of nine months.  I know for certain that we had our share of doubters and I have to wonder if there have been times he's wondered if he made a huge mistake the day he agreed to marry me.  I'm not even going to sit here and pretend that I'm the easiest person with which to live.  If you've known me for five minutes, you know I'm a wee bit on the dramatic side.  Over the years, we've had our share of trials and heartache, but we've made it through it because we took our vows seriously and made a conscious decision to always stay together and work through our problems. 

Since this post is getting rather lengthy (and I can go on and on and on about why I love my husband), I've decided to do a sort of top ten list.  These won't be in any particular order and won't necessarily even be my top ten.  They're what I'm feeling now, though.

10.  I love that my husband is smart.  And he's not just smart in his field.  I kind of thought he was a  "science nerd" when I met him, but it turns out he is also quite well read.  Not only does he know all about pharmacy, he can also hold his own when it comes to classic literature and mythology.  On top of book smarts, he also has common sense.  This is all terribly important to me.  It's not that I consider myself to be some sort of brainiac, but I'm not a dummy and I don't want to be with a dummy.    I want to be challenged, and I want someone who brings something to the table intellectually.  John knows so much about things that I know so little about, so it works very well. 

9.  I love that my husband likes most of the same shows and movies that I do.   I know this may seem unimportant and some may wonder why I'd include it on here, but I know people who don't share any of the same shows or like totally different movies.  They go to separate rooms to watch their shows, and that's kind of sad to me.  I guess John and I probably watch too much television, but we aren't much for going out.  Our TV time is our time together each night.  We watch our shows and laugh or analyze the characters or make predictions about future plot twists.  It's fun and we enjoy it.  I would hate to be holed up in the bedroom alone while he sat in the living room watching something else.  Watching TV with him is just more fun than watching it alone.  We also like most of the same movies, especially when it comes to comedy (which I'll discuss more below).  This is great because when we pick a movie to go see, we both enjoy it.  It's none of this, "Well, I guess you can pick this time."  Who wants to spend eight bucks to be bored?

8.  I love that my husband is handsome.  I know that looks are subjective, so if you don't agree with me that's okay (just keep your stinking mouth shut about it--heh heh).  I know that love can't be based on looks, but it sure doesn't hurt if you're attracted to your sweetheart.  I don't love John because I'm attracted to him, but I do love being attracted to him.  I love his red hair (that is now turning brown).  I love his brown eyes.  I love his smile.  I love his long back and even his short legs. I love the freckles on his arms.  I love his monkey toes.  My husband is so sexy to me.

7.  I love that my husband has a heart for animals, especially dogs.  He loves our two furry girls as much as if not more than I do.  He can't stand to see an animal suffer or even one that is homeless.  Going to the shelter is difficult for him because he has to leave the dogs there when he goes.  When I see a dog walking down the side of the Interstate and get upset, John doesn't laugh at me or think I'm silly.  He totally understands that I worry about the dog getting back to his home safely.   John also likes animals in general, and we both love going to zoos and aquariums.  Some guys would think that is "kid stuff," but we have so much fun together when we go.

6.  I love how kind my husband is to me.  He's never yelled at me or cussed me.  He doesn't drag up all the things I've done in the past and use them against me.  He's considerate of my feelings and doesn't think my little neuroses and hangups are totally nuts.  He puts up with my constant talking and even acts interested most of the time.  ;)  He doesn't complain when I want him to call me so I don't worry.  He doesn't belittle me or talk down to me.  He doesn't pick fights or make accusations or try to play games.He's considerate and supportive and affectionate.  He always asks me how my day went and actually listens when I tell him.  He invites me to have lunch with him almost every day.  He wants me to be a part of things he enjoys.    He always kisses me goodbye and tells me he loves me before he leaves.  He always says he loves me before we hang up.  He always kisses me goodnight. 

5.  I love that my husband makes me laugh and shares my sense of humor.  Many people don't get to see the silly side of John, but he definitely has one.  I never know when it's going to show up or just how silly and goofy it's going to be.  My favorite times with John are the times when we're laughing.  We have a very similar sense of humor, too.  We like smart funny and absurd funny and even mean funny.  There are times we laugh at something and wonder if anyone else would find it funny (or think we were totally wrong for laughing).  I love that when I laugh at something, John doesn't look at me like I'm off my rocker.  After ten years, we have our share of inside jokes and can hold conversations using primarily movie quotes.  It's almost like some sort of twin speak.  I love when we hear or see something and both crack up while everyone else wonders what's so funny.  Laughter is one of our strongest bonds.

4.  I love that John has not only stayed with me but forgiven me for the stupid or hurtful stuff I've said and done.  I don't really want to elaborate any more than that since those aren't happy memories.  John has the most forgiving nature, though, and I am so grateful.  I love how big his heart is.

3.  I love how much John loves his mother.   Girls are raised being told to pay attention to how a man treats his mother because that is how he will treat you.  I was immediately impressed with how well he treated his mom and how much he respected her. 

2.  I love that John cares about my family and friends.  There are very few things I personally consider "dealbreakers," but I can't imagine being in a relationship where my husband tried to come between me and those I love.  I don't ever have to worry about that with John.  He gets to know my friends and spends time with my family.  He cares about the people I care about and that is so important to me. 

1.  I love how much John adores our daughter.  From the moment he saw her, he has been in love with her.  I love the way he plays with her and how he talks to her.  I love the way he looks at her when he doesn't know anyone is watching.  As wonderful as he is as a husband, I honestly think he may end up being an even more wonderful father.  All the things I love about him will make him an incredible daddy.  She and I are both so very blessed.

Even though I don't celebrate Valentine's Day, I do celebrate love.  Today and every day.  I love you,  John, and I look forward to another ten years.  And ten after that.  And another ten...

Day Eight: Giggle Triggers

Apologies for last night's totally random post.  Today's will be pretty silly, too, but I'm already working on tomorrow's blog which will respond to the "30-Day Challenge" and will also incorporate Valentine's Day.  I'm sure those of you who know me will be expecting a diatribe, but I promise not to rant.  You may actually be pleasantly surprised. 

But I've said too much...

Today's challenge is to post a picture that makes me laugh.  As you've probably figured out by now, I'm not much for just posting one picture.  I've ended up with about a dozen that tickle the proverbial funny bone--at least for me.  Some of them are personal pictures and some are kind of inside jokes.   I'm well aware that these pictures may not make anyone else laugh and that's okay.  Please don't feel the need to blow smoke up my rear end and tell me how funny they are if you don't find them to be so.  I won't be at all offended.  Everyone has a different giggle trigger, and to be honest, some of these will only be funny to me because I know the story behind them.  I do hope that at least one or two makes you smile, loyal reader.  I will go ahead and warn you that about a third of the pictures involve my child.  Yes, I'm that  mother.  If you are curious, feel free to leave a comment.  I'll tell the stories if needs be.  They still may only be funny to me, though.  :)



I was sitting on a public toilet when I took this. 



Wocka, wocka, wocka!

 

I can't find my crackers!

Zombie Attack

Don't even think about touching my cupcake.

Interracial double shocker



Does this really need a caption?



The only picture of myself that has ever made me laugh.  What is wrong with my face???

 I am shocked!

God bless Texas

I know why we're laughing which makes me laugh

If you'ver played with "Yearbook Yourself," it's worth at least an hour of uncontrolled giggling. This is my hubby during his Lyle Lovett phase.   



By election day, even Amelia was sick of it all. 



Hey mom, smell my finger.





Day Seven: Stuff and Things

It's Day 7 and once again I'm sitting here with less than an hour until midnight, trying to figure out where I'm going with this blog.  My challenge today is to post my prized possession.  

Since I'm a bit of a worrier, I have actually thought about this topic before in the form of "what would I grab if the house were on fire?"  My priority would of course be the living members of my household--John, Amelia, Lady and Abbie.  But if everyone were safe and I had a few moments to grab STUFF, what would I take with me? What can't be replaced?   Technically, my wedding ring and anniversary rings can be replaced though not with the exact same pieces (and new ones wouldn't have the emotional value either).  Besides that, the only items that are irreplaceable are my pictures.  I have a massive crate stacked full of pictures, as well as a computer with approximately 7,000.  In fact, the pictures (and all of my other files) are backed up on an external hard drive just to be safe.  I had a close call once and learned my lesson. 

Pictures have always been of great importance to me.  There have been few times in my life when I wasn't the girl with a camera around her neck or wrist.  I started with my Mickey Mouse 110 and graduated to 35 MM (including the talking one my dad found for $1 that I lost in NOLA).  I eventually moved on to digital and sacrificed quality for the comfort of KNOWING I got a decent picture.  I would love a better digital camera, but for now I need something I can drag around with me and not worry about possibly destroying. 

Back to the challenge (it's 11:37!)...

I suppose I could take a picture of my crate of pictures, but what fun is that?  I've decided instead to just TELL you about my prized possession and then spend the remainder of the blog showing you pictures I took of other random crap around my house.  Essentially, it means this blog is a total waste of time, but after crying through last night's blog, I need lighter fare.

This is my Cutco vegetable peeler.  I bought it when I lived in Memphis and temporarily lost my mind.  A former student was selling Cutco and I agreed to listen to his pitch.  I felt bad for him, so I agreed to make a purchase.  Now don't get me wrong, Cutco makes excellent products but they are very expensive--way more than a public school teacher supporting two people can afford.  I ended up buying a small block with a few pieces.  As a bonus I got the vegetable peeler.  This thing has saved me so much time and trips to the ER to sew on fingers.  I have no idea how much they cost to buy  a la carte, but I will pay out the nose to have another one if this one ever breaks.

Cavenders All Purpose Greek Seasoning makes everything taste better.  Well, maybe not everything. I wouldn't suggest sprinkling it on ice cream.  Or Cap'n Crunch.  Probably wouldn't do much for a peanut butter and banana sandwich either.  Hell, now I can think of at least 100 things that would be rendered practically inedible by Cavenders.   But it's really good on meat.  And most vegetables.  I sprinkle it in casseroles and in quiche and it's the secret ingredient in my meatballs.  Good stuff. 



If you do any amount of laundry, I'm sure you have a preferred stain remover.  This one is mine.  The list so far?  Pureed peas, formula. spit up formula, vomit, chocolate, grease, poop, yellow poop, green poop, liquid poop, explosive poop, mold, juice, butt juice (if you have a dog, you know this one), makeup, deodorant, mud, ink, dirt, tomato sauce, coffee, and hot pink puff paint.   (Wow.  I feel kind of disgusting now.)  This stuff doesn't work miracles; it still takes some scrubbing.  But I haven't found another product that takes out stains like Zout.  I love this stuff so much I want to take it behind the football bleachers.  Go ahead, you young whipper snappers. Laugh all you want about my love affair with a stain remover.  Someday you'll understand. 




I really like milk.  Especially in big, cheap, plastic cups.  The bigger and cheaper and more plasticky, the better. 



 This is my lullaby.  No, really.  It seems I lack the ability to sleep if I don't have some sort of "colored" noise (white, brown, whatever) roaring in my ear.  It started when I was a kid and had frequent respiratory/sinus issues.  I slept with an old school cool mist vaporizer that made my room sound like I was camping out underneath a Mack truck.  I'm not sure the contraption helped me one bit, but it did completely disable the part of my brain that allows me to sleep in a quiet room.  I can use one of those noise machines, but I prefer a big roaring fan.  When our apartment flooded once, the cleaning crew brought in an industrial size fan that sounded like a small freight train.  I slept beside it in the living room for two days.  Pure bliss.  When John and I married, I had a big box fan that I kept on high.  John likes a quiet room, so over the years we've done the compromise thing.  Now I sleep with a small tabletop  fan set on low.  

 

I have a nice collection of Willow Tree figurines.  I've loved them for years, before they because popular.  I've never bought myself one, but my friends and family have added to my little resin family.  My most recent addition and current favorite is "Guardian."  John gave me this as a late Christmas gift. I love how something so simple can show such powerful emotion.  There are a few pieces I would currently like to receive, but I will wait patiently for them.  Just to be safe, though, would someone please tell a certain younger brother of mine that he should really get me the "Brother and Sister" figurine?  I've given up on dropping subtle hints. 

Nothing beats packing for a mini-vacation every time I leave my house.  Instead of my normal "keys, phone, wallet" check, I now have to plan for every possible scenario that might take place with my little one.  Formula? Check.  Bottles?  Check.  Extra pacifier?  Check.  Diapers, wipes and emergency outfits?  Got em.  Toys?  Sure.  Baggies for poop?  Why not.  Teething rings.  Extra socks.  Sanitizer.  The list goes on and on.  I've given up on carrying a purse most of the time and just cram everything into one of the pockets in my cavernous diaper bag.  At least I have a great bag.  My Kalencom is roomy, sturdy, vomit-proof and brown.  

For those of you who haven't read my blog until today, I apologize for the random nature of what I've written.  Feel free to go back and read some earlier posts if you want something more meaty.  I'm just doing what the "challenge" instructs me to do.   Unfortunately, I'm an hour-and-a-half late posting this since I lost half my blog during an auto save.  Gotta start working on these earlier in the day.

As always, thanks for reading.  Make sure you appreciate the random crap in your house today.  It could be gone tomorrow and you might not even notice.