When Life Interrupts

I've missed you all so much! SO. MUCH. *Sending many, many, many huge hugs to you all*

Um, I've been so bogged down that I TOTALLY forgot to post the following before Christmas. *hides head in utter shame* So, here's a little pre-holiday-post-holiday post. I know, I know, I'm awful. 

Share your traditions surrounding the Christmas stocking.

We hang our stockings everywhere! Three that my mom made when I was little hang above the fireplace every year; my mom’s stocking from when she was a little girl hangs in the family room; and one my dad got me also hangs in the family room.

We even have one that belonged to my puppy—it’s so tiny and sweet. Every year, he knew when it was time for the “stocking box.” He’d jump on my lap, watch me take each stocking out, and when it got to his, he took it out of the box, ran to the fireplace, and waited for me to hang it up. From then until Christmas morning, he slept, sat, and stared up at it.

In his honor, we still hang it up every year…and I still cry every time I remove it from the box.

On Christmas Eve, Santa fills them with goodies (you know, because it’s ALWAYS Santa), and come Christmas morning, we’ll open them first thing.

How many hours of sleep do you average at night? Is it enough?

*Bwahahahahaha* Oh. Sorry about that. Yeah, me and the old fart Sandman aren’t exactly BFFs. It varies—4, maybe. And no, it’s never enough. But, when I can sleep in—dude, I can crash for 10 hours. Lol

If you had to give up one thing for the remainder of this year what would it be?

BBQ potato chips…and Cheetos…and, well, soda.

I’m going to definitely give this a go…starting on December 31st.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (or Wills and Kate as I like to call them) have announced they're expecting a baby. Do you follow news of the Royals?

Well, I adored Princess Diana, so I do follow Wills, Harry, and Kate a bit, but not overly so. I’m SO happy for them, though! I think Wills and Kate make an absolutely stunning couple!

For me, the sound of childhood is__________________.

Gotta go with laughter.

Fruit cake-yay or boo? What's your favorite dessert made with fruit?

Boo, oh, very big boo!!! I gag if it gets near me. Not kidding.

Uh, well, I’m not much of a dessert-with-fruit kind of gal. I’ll be blunt: I don’t want goody-goody good for me fruit in my dessert. No. Just no. If I’m gettin’ dessert, give me chocolate layer cake, chocolate crème pie, chocolate peanut butter cake…

What is one thing you want to accomplish before 2012 comes to an end?

Honestly, the more you look around, the harsher things appear lately. For some reason, I’ve noticed some pretty ugly things recently, not just in a personal capacity, but universally with friends, family, and people I don’t even know. For those of us who continue to abide by that good old Golden Rule, we can’t allow others to knock us down and keep us down.

So, I’m thinking we learn to adopt the “Sometimes you have to say, ‘WTF,’” mentality. Sticks and stones, remember?

Insert your own random thought here.

I want to fly on Santa’s sleigh. Never claimed I wasn’t dorky enough to wish for these kinds of things. It’s like wishing on a star, Pinocchio-style…until you realize it wasn’t a star…it was a plane. You wouldn’t believe how many times I’ve done this…and, no, I ain’t tellin’ the number.

Happy Holidays!!!

I just had to pop in and wish you all a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy Kwanzaa, and Happy Hanukkah!!!  I LOVE how there are so many wonderful ways to celebrate the holidays! 

I hope you ALL have a magical holiday!!! Much love and many hugs to you ALL~

And remember..."Faith is believing in things when common sense tells you not to." Believe. 

Happy *Almost* Thanksgiving!!!

Okay, I COMPLETELY lost track of time from my last post until now. HOW did it get to be Thanksgiving so quickly?! My head is spinning at how fast time is flying!!!

I'm thinking my schedule (and accompanying stress) has quite literally taken over. :/

NASCAR ended Sunday with Brad Keselowski winning the Championship. I'm really happy for him, especially since Dale Jr. gave him his big chance. It has to mean Dale's championship is around the corner...in fact, I'm sure of it.  :)

I do have some humiliating--albeit hilarious (after the fact)--moments to share in the coming weeks. Oooh, so embarrassing. 

Sooo, for now I just want to wish everyone a VERY, VERY Happy Thanksgiving!!!! Be safe, have fun, enjoy the parade, food, and football, and then...

...we get ready for The Most Wonderful Time of the Year...with cookies. :)

Love and big, cuddly turkey hugs to you all!!!

Truth Is Thursday: The Eyes Have It

Truth Is: I *think* I see the light at the end of the tunnel where my blogging absence is concerned. I CAN'T WAIT to catch up and read blogs again. I MISS YOU ALL.

Truth Is: My printer ran out of ink at the absolute worst moment. Here's the thing: it didn't even let me know it was running low. Usually, the print will look lighter or something. Nope, nothing. It looked fabulous, then just stopped and said, "Black Ink Out." I pushed the on/off about a zillion times because I didn't trust the whole "black ink out" thing. Still, nothing. I'm convinced there's black ink still in there somewhere.

Truth Is: Wilderness Guy wanted to teach me how to pluck a chicken.  I can't emphasize the "no" enough, here.

Truth Is:  Never, ever have a cheesy nacho snack at night. Made this mistake. Won't make it again. There's a reason I'm not a snack person, apart from cereal. Must stick to cereal.

Truth Is: Mom was all excited about some diner-like mustard and ketchup bottles she found. She said they were super cute...with faces. Sadly, I didn't remember this little detail over the weekend. Had I remembered, I might have avoided a rather spastic me moment.

I walked into the kitchen, opened the fridge for some milk, and was face-to face with this:

My reaction: Funky-freaked face, yelp, stumble, and butt-slam into the dishwasher. I swear, for a second, I thought something had possessed the contents of the fridge, like some Poltergeist movie.

The next time I face the blinking duo will be Memorial Day Weekend, and though I will not be spooked again, I'm pretty sure they will take great pleasure in mocking me...don't they have a mocking kind of look? Don't get me wrong, they're cute and all, but...they are a little creepy when you're not expecting them. lol

Anyway, I hope everyone has a WONDERFUL Memorial Day! God Bless all of our brave men and women, past, present, and future.

Checking In...With An Award Announcement!

So, it's still holiday time until the last bowl game is over (a bowl game that may very well make me sick to my stomach by game's end--I really don't know how I'm going to get through it. Geaux). 

Dallas Cowboys: However, my Dallas Cowboys failed to make the playoffs.  They lost to the Giants.  Bad.  It wasn't a huge surprise, to be honest.  Frankly, until the Cowboys go back to the formula that worked in the 1990s, I'm not confident we will ever see another playoff run or Super Bowl.  What is shocking (and, yet, not so much) is how our owner/GM can't see what's wrong with this team. 

The formula that worked in the 1990s is the same formula that the last 15 Super Bowl Champions have had and continue to have. Just look at the Packers, Patriots, and Saints! It's not rocket science.

I miss my Cowboys of old.  

Dallas Mavericks: However, I am ELATED to report my Dallas Mavericks are coming together! I tell you, I'm seeing some major growth in a very short period of time. The Mavs are going to be just fine.  I knew they would--it takes time for a team with new players to create a chemistry that turns into something magical.  Um, they beat the Thunder (almost twice--dang that buzzer shot in the first meeting)!

Never count out the Mavs...actually, I kind-of hope the talking heads count 'em out because they sure as heck did last year and we all saw how that turned out. ;)

Award Announcement: Tomorrow will be an award day! Hurray! I'd like to give one award to the wonderful new bloggers who found my blog--thank you so much and I can't wait to get to know y'all! 

Yeah, this was a boring post, I know.  I'm sorry. 

Um, here are some fun-facts to cut down the bore factor:

1. Mom keeps singing Write This Down by George Strait, only she totally butchers the lyrics: "Write this down, send me a little letter, put it on the fridge..."

2. BFF is so pissed at the Cowboys that he's pulling for the Saints. WHO DAT? WHO DAT? WHO DAT SAY DEY GONNA BEAT DEM SAINTS? Yep, he's all in. Saints are doing it right--from management down, they've got the formula.

3. Dad has been adding Worcestershire sauce to his tomato juice--very bad and against doctor's orders.  He's in big trouble with Mom.

4.  Did you know that it's good luck to keep your Christmas tree up until February 2nd? I heard this the other day and was pretty floored. I guess some believe if you take it down beforehand, you put a hex on your family and if you keep it up past this date, it could be bring back luck.  If you have a real tree, you can just break off a branch and keep it until February 2nd.  Interesting, huh?

5. Oh! I saw a couple of Christmas facts that I had to share!!

* In 1930, Minnie and Mickey Mouse handkerchiefs were the number one Christmas present. How simple and sweet is that?!

* In Hungary, the Christmas Eve feast cannot be served until they see a twinkling star in the sky. Now I'm singing When You Wish Upon A Star.

No, It Doesn't Mean Love

Saddest day of the year: December 26th. I miss Christmas. What can I say? I'm a holiday person and I feel really sad when it ends. But it was a wonderful, wonderful Christmas that I wish I could rewind! I hope everyone had the best Christmas imaginable!

I have so much to share--including a truly mortifying me moment on Christmas day. *shakes head*

But, for now, I just wanted to check in and, well, basically gripe.  I'm sorry in advance.

Gripe #1: Romo injured.

I know I run hot and cold when it comes to Romo, but an injury to his hand could have been avoided.  Cowboys lost what turned out to be a meaningless Christmas Eve game. Not great, but not major...so long as his hand is okay, which they *think* it will be. The big showdown will be this weekend in New York. Winner takes all. Puke.

Gripe #2:  Idiot people who claim to know basketball, but don't.

Mavs. Sigh. Lost. Bad. Two nights in a row. Very bad.  Here's the thing: they are not the same team as last year's championship group; they have new players now. Everyone who knows basketball understands it will take time for the team to mesh, and without any real preseason, it's going to take a while.

Still, immediately following the Christmas loss to Miami, you see a headline calling the Mavericks' championship a fluke, a claim which, according to the "sports writer," was substantiated by the way the Heat defeated the Mavs in the first game of the season.

Honestly, how asinine do you have to be? The Miami Heat have the same team they had last year, so of course they're going to be good; the Mavs are, essentially, a new team and will need time to come together as a group.

As for calling their championship a fluke: Go on, say it if it makes you feel better.  Mavs' fans will just sit back and smile...with our Championship team, trophy, and banner. 

Gripe #3: Saying Merry Christmas does not mean "I Love You."

...nor does it mean any of the following:

* I want to have your baby

* Will you marry me?

* I have a crush on you

* You are my soul mate.

Merry Christmas simply means...wait for it...MERRY CHRISTMAS, Happy Holidays, Joy to the world, and all those good holly jolly, peace on earth things.

Oh, and to the men (believe me, there are a few) who think if they say Merry Christmas the women will somehow take it to mean you love them, want to marry them, and want them to have your baby...please, get over yourselves.

Okay, done griping now.

Sorry for that.

Feel much better though.

Christmas Fun Facts Friday!

Well, here we have our last set of Christmas Fun Facts before Santa boards his sleigh to bring presents and cheer tomorrow night!

1. The feast of St. Nicholas Day is celebrated on December 6th.

2. Candles were placed on trees before electric lights were invented. Um, I'd be afraid of the fire hazard!

3. Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer almost had a different name! In fact, Rollo and Reginald topped the list before Robert L. May decided on Rudolph. Hmm. Rollo/Reginald the Red-Nosed Reindeer just doesn't have the same ring to it.

4. What we know as 'Twas the Night Before Christmas has a very different title.  The original poem is titled An Account of a Visit from St. Nicholas or, simply, A Visit from St. Nicholas. 

5. When the screenplay for Elf first emerged in 1993, Jim Carrey was cast in the lead!

6. On December 24th, 1926, the first ever singing jingle premiered on the radio.  What was the commercial for? Wheaties!

7.  Thomas Edison's business assistant, Edward Johnson, is credited with inventing the first string of Christmas tree lights in 1882.

8.  It is tradition in Sweden for the oldest daughter to dress in white, wear a crown of lighted candles, and awaken her parents by singing Santa Lucia. 

9. Christmas tree angels were introduced in the 1850s.

10. In Italy, children place shoes by the door before Epiphany and the next morning they awaken to find presents!

11. In Greek culture, kissing under the mistletoe was interpreted as a promise to marry your mate.

And finally...

12. What sports-loving blogger will likely have to resort to one of the following to keep from swearing when her Cowboys battle the Eagles on Christmas Eve and Mavericks face-off against the Heat on Christmas Day: a.) shoving her mouth with cookies, b.) placing a strip of tape over her mouth, c.) sticking a bow on mouth, or d.) all of the above?  Yep, that would be me, The Frisky Virgin. Should be interesting.

Happy Holidays, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy Hanukkah and...

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

Holiday Wishes for an Asshat

Some men are like the abominable snowman in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer--mean, arrogant, and slightly stupid...until you play on said stupidity and yank out all of their teeth.  Only then will they finally see how far up their own anus they've been.

Consider the following my cosmic attempt at tooth extraction of a truly first class asshat.  And, since it's Christmas, this shall be done in fine holiday style, complete with iconic movie references. 

Holiday Wishes for an Asshat:

While in NYC, I wish for you to hit on a Rockette, who will see through your inflated ego and promptly high-kick your butt to 34th street, where you will ask Santa for a pair of balls.

After a good stare-down, Santa sarcastically does the "Ho-Ho-Ho," before shoving you down a nearby slide, which will deliver you to a grand, empty home in Chicago...empty apart from an eight-year-old boy.

Convinced you're a burglar, the boy will put one heck of a hurting on you, equipped with burning door handles, blow torches, and flying paint cans, one of which will knock you unconscious.

When you awaken, you find yourself under a chair in the form of a cat with a string of Christmas lights in your mouth. The ghost of Christmas future indicates a future as pitiful as this, should you continue your jackassy ways.  And just to make sure you get the point, the homeowner plugs in the lights and POUF! Your fried kitty self is dumped with the chair next to the gutter where Cousin Eddie emptied the full shi*!er. 

What a sad, smelly way to go.

Sweaty and panicked, you wake up and vow to hang up your asshat forever. 

The end. 

The beginning.

So, if you have a fellow asshat in your life (male or female), do them a favor by wishing them a cosmic tooth extraction. 'Tis the season, after all. 

 

Nothing Like A Little Frosting

Well, so much for catching up on blogs over the weekend. Slowly, but surely, I’ll catch up. Hate when I fall behind on reading.

When Mom and I get going on a topic, we tend to resemble Lucy and Ethel (of I Love Lucy).  This weekend was no exception.

During the holidays, Mom’s kitchen most closely resembles what you would envision Mrs. Santa’s cooking domain to look like: cookies, candies, cakes, and, on this particular weekend, cupcakes.

There were only a few cupcakes left (Dad inhaled them, very bad) when Mom said to grab one while I could.

The cupcake had the cutest Frosty the Snowman ornament adorning the icing. Except it wasn’t an ornament. Oh, no.  It was a ring. Now, this might not seem like much, but with literally everyone, everywhere getting engaged, it’s a little…ironic. 

This is where Lucy and Ethel took over.

Me: “It’s a ring.”

Mom: “Fine catch.”

Me, not missing a beat: “Isn’t it beautiful,” I said, slipping it on my left ring finger. “So lucky.”

Mom: “There are many benefits to marrying a snowman.  He’ll never forget your birthday.”

Me: “Hell, he’ll think my birthday is everyday—could be beneficial in the present department—and I’ll never appear to age.”  Pause. “If he ticks me off, all I have to do is take off the hat and hide it.”

Mom: “Or stick him in a greenhouse.”

Me: “I’ll always have an ‘in’ with Santa.”

Mom: “The best part?  He goes away at least nine months out of the year. Honey, it’s a dream marriage.”

Laughter-snorts followed.

Behold my lovely ring—note the delicate blue and pink plastic. Bit narcissistic that he had to have his face on said ring, but, you know, you make concessions. ;)

Christmas Fun Facts Friday...On Saturday!

Here's the next batch of Christmas Fun Facts that appear on my television holiday music station!

1. The first Hot Wheels appeared in 1968. Car Models included the Corvette, Mustang, and Firebird.

2. BMX bikes were the hottest selling gifts in 1982.

3. "Toy" comes from the old English word for "tool."

4. Who was almost cast in the role of Ralphie's potty-mouthed father in A Christmas Story? Jack Nicholson!

5. In Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer, Rudolph has his antlers through the winter. In reality, only the females keep their antlers in the winter.

6.  The National Christmas Tree Association has given a tree to every president since 1966.

7.  Early Christmas trees were actually hung upside down from the ceiling! Um, can you imagine the mess?

8.  Jingle Bells a Thanksgiving song?! Apparently so! The iconic Christmas song was originally written to celebrate Thanksgiving in 1857.

9.  Italians start Christmas on December 17th.  A date they refer to as Novena.

10. Hyvaa Joulua means "Merry Christmas" in Finnish!


11.  Did you know there was a ban on Christmas in England? Many people celebrated Christmas in secret until the ban was repealed in 1660.


12. Japan once banned Hula Hoops because they thought the hip rotating was indecent. 


Hope you enjoyed this batch! More to come!

Truth Is Thursday...On Friday.

Truth Is: Stress was the main ingredient this week. It's like everything lands on your shoulders all at once.

Truth Is: Last weekend was traditional decorating time with the family! I took care of the family room, while Mom was in the kitchen setting up a wrapping station and Dad was hanging stuff around her (like fun Christmas signs and wreaths).  All was fairly quiet, apart from the occasional giggle or Mom telling Dad where to hang stuff.  Next thing I know, both Mom and Dad start singing like two holly jolly reindeer...to Mariah Carey's All I Want For Christmas. We're talking duet.  It was the most adorable thing--I only wish I could have recorded it. 

Truth Is: Fate is trying to put me on Santa's Naughty List indefinitely. You know how I can kind-of, sort-of have a potty mouth while watching sports. Lord help me I try, but when those referees cut loose, so does my mouth.

Christmas Day...the holiest day of the year...and the Dallas Mavericks will play the Miami Heat.  Really? Christmas Day? Really? Have you ANY idea how badly I'm going to have to bite my tongue? Sigh. Having said that, GO MAVS!!!! SO happy to have them back!

Truth Is: Ah, well, while helping my parents decorate I sort-of had one mishap after the other.

1. The little train set that sits by the fireplace EVERY year might be ruined because I forgot to remove the battery. Yeah. When I removed it from the box, a blue goop oozed into my hand.

Brought it to Dad to fix.

Me to Dad: "Bet you never thought you'd still be tinkering with batteries and toys..."

Dad, with a chuckle: "Not at this stage in the game."

Me, a little embarrassed: "Well, it has to be kind-of...refreshing."

Dad began belly laughing.

2. Removed a little musical ornament that plays It's A Small World, pressed the button, and...no song.  But, I did get an incredibly loud, non-stop buzzing sound.

Brought it to Dad to fix.

Me: "Um, it won't stop buzzing."

Dad just looked at me. He was still working on trying to get the battery out of the train. Mom eventually shoved something up under the bottom of it and stopped the thing from making any sound...possibly forever.

3. While trying to vacuum the area around the tree, the hose thing detached from the suck-part thing...as in, it broke. Um, I hid it.  Dad doesn't know yet. Thank God they have two.

Well, my eyes are beginning to glaze over--I'll catch up on blog reading over the weekend. I apologize if there are any mistakes in this post, but I'm seriously zombie-like...even though I really do hate zombies.

Oh, and I'll post the Christmas fun facts tomorrow. :) 

Happiness Survey!

Jay had this survey on his blog and his answers were so much fun to read, he said we could do the same. So, here we go!

What makes you happy?

* Christmas makes me sublimely happy. Christmas music, movies, shows, decorations, food…everything.

* My parents, who mean the world to me.

* Football, NASCAR, Basketball, Baseball, etc.

* Soda. Yeah, I know. Bad for me makes me happy.

* Dreams.

What was your childhood like? Honestly, I couldn’t ask for a better childhood. It was a childhood full of love, laughter, and so many traditions. I miss it everyday.

What was your first crush like? Mind-numbing.  It’s actually funny to think back on it now—how every little look held a hidden message or how every “and, the, huh, uh, and um” he uttered just had to mean something.

Did you ever have a celebrity crush? What was that like? Troy Aikman was my big crush in the 90s. Well, and The Right Kind of Love singer, Jeremy Jordan.  Honestly, especially with Troy, the crush filled a void…it kept me company. I guess, while others had boyfriends, I had an unrealistic crush—the best kind, really, because they can’t hurt you—which is why I’ll be hanging on to my Bing Crosby crush for eternity. ;)

Do you like sports? Um, do we remember how I was during the Mavericks’ run for the Championship? Need I say more?

Have you ever done sports? Yeah, no. I watch, not play.

What music do you like? Everything, really. From Indie and instrumental to R&B and country, I listen to it all.  I love American Standards (Big Band) as well—it’s something I grew up with and hold very close to my heart.

What instruments do you play? Yeah, none, unless you count tapping out songs with your nails on the keyboard when boredom sets in? Yeah, didn’t think so.

Did you like school?  I didn't like how cruel kids could be growing up.  As I got older, it became more about grades than anything else, especially in college and beyond. People didn’t call me Hermione for nothing. I was obsessed with getting A’s. To this day, I have dreams (nightmares?) that I’ve forgotten to study for an exam. I’m very glad to awaken from those dreams, I tell you.

                            

What is your favorite color and why? Pink! I have no idea why, but I just love it!

Do you like where you are living? Yes, it’s a great little town.

                                     

If you could live anywhere else in the world, where would it be? Ooh, that’s tough. I would say Diagon Alley or maybe Santa’s village. ;)

What was your favorite book growing up and what is your favorite now? Growing up, I loved the classics like Charlotte’s Web, Anne of Greene Gables, and The Boxcar Children. I also loved the Nancy Drew books and Babysitter’s Club series. Today, I love the True Blood series.  Until I find a new book love, my present day favorite must go to the Harry Potter series. 

               

What is the answer to life, the universe, and everything else? Not sure there is an answer, but if I had to guess, I would say: do the best you can, be the best person you can, remember The Golden Rule, have faith, be true to yourself, love and cherish your family…oh, and count your blessings instead of sheep. ;)

Do you know where your towel is? Um, huh? I feel stupid. Am I missing something with this one? Anyone know what this means? Uh, it’s hanging in the bathroom. I feel off the charts on the stupid meter right now.  Do they mean the kind you whoosh around during a football game??? 

Anchor

I wanted to share one of my new very favorite songs with you. It’s so beautiful and speaks to those who may feel left out of the reindeer games (had to work some holiday in here somehow) or who may be viewed as just a little different from the rest.

The song was also recently featured on Bones—thought it fit the love between Booth and Bones perfectly.   

Hope you like it as much as I do.

Christmas Fun Facts Friday

On this television Christmas music channel I listen to, they post random holiday facts. They are so interesting and fun and, well, jolly, that I thought y'all might like them too. So, from now through Christmas, I thought I would post as many as I can for you. :)

Here we go! 

1. Evergreen, holly, ivy, and mistletoe are important plants in the Yule celebration, which symbolizes everlasting life.

2. The children of Poland receive presents twice during the holiday season. (might not want to tell the little ones this fun fact...you might not hear the end of it). 

3. Woolworth's five-and-dime is credited with originating the whole wonderful idea of giving a Christmas bonus to employees. (I knew I loved Woolworth's!)

4. What are the top Christmas tree producing states? Oregon, Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and California!

5. The real St. Nicholas was a bishop in the town of Myra during the 4th century. He became known for his supreme generosity, his love of children, and protecting and helping those in need. He also had a reputation for secret gift-giving. Hello, Santa!

6. Gene Autry was the first to record Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.

7. Early versions of candy canes were actually straight. Later, they were bent to resemble a shepherd's staff.

8. The Christmas classic White Christmas has over 500 recorded versions in many different languages.

9. In 2009, the traditional Neiman Marcus Christmas book listed a giant motorized cupcake for $25,000.

10. When Santa first delivered Mr. Potato Head toys in 1952, they were simply plastic parts that could be stuck inside real potatoes.

11. The Charlie Brown Christmas special has been televised EVERY year since 1965.

12. The Pet Rock made creator Gary Dahl millions when it became a hugely popular gift in 1975.

Have a holly jolly weekend!!! (I need to cut back on the sugar!)

Truth Is Thursday!

 Truth Is: Mom always says the best things, like this one: “Now I know it’s the holidays when I’m eating chocolate chip cookies and drinking soda.”

And this one came after Dad wanted to talk about sad news stuff and Mom interrupted, simply saying: “I want to curl up in my own little euphoric world and pretend.”

Truth Is: This time of year especially, I tend to think there is so much more to this world than we can see with our eyes. (A little whimsical, I know, but where’s the fun in reality all the time?)

Truth Is: The brightened, surprised looks on the faces of elderly couples when I smile at them should make me happy, but really it makes me want to cry; it’s like they don’t get those smiles very often. My dad confirmed this when he once helped an elderly veteran and the gentleman’s chin started quivering. Simple things mean the world.

Truth Is: The Dallas Cowboys sit atop the NFC East!!! BFF is practically giddy (this is saying a great deal, considering he’s a grumpy Grinch this time of year and usually cheers for the Abominable Snowman in Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer).

Truth Is: I get to create a superhero alter-ego, thanks to Lex. And I get to draw me as a superhero! So excited! Not sure what powers I’ll have yet. I’m open to suggestions—what kind-of powers should I have? I like the power of invisibility, but, as otherworldly as it may seem, I’m pretty sure I already have that one…and I don’t even need a cloak. :/ I’m aiming for Monday to reveal my secret superhero identity because, you know, we all have one and Monday's usually suck.

Truth Is Thursday, Thanksgiving Themed!

First and foremost, I hope EVERYONE is having a wonderful Thanksgiving!!!

Truth is: COWBOYS WON! Whoop-Whoop!!! Turkey Day with a Cowboys win makes digesting much easier.

Truth is: After the game, CBS did a little tribute to all who work behind the scenes. They show pictures of everyone and their families while playing a song. It’s really nice.  Anyway, this year, they played Keith Urban’s Without You, which he wrote for his wife, Nicole Kidman.  I LOVE that song—who doesn’t want a man who loves like that?! I’ll post the video below.

Truth is: This morning, the Christmas music station I listen to did something that even made my mom’s jaw drop. 

In between songs, the DJ started talking about random stuff and then mentioned something about wish lists. I thought she was going to talk about the top toys kids are asking for this season, like they normally do. I couldn’t have been more wrong.  

DJ Lady: “…I’ll let you know what single people  are wishing for this holiday season.”

Really? We now have single-people specific wish lists for Santa? And here I always thought wish lists were specific to the individual, regardless of social status.

Couldn’t stick around and find out what topped the single person’s wish list, but I bet whatever it was didn’t match my wish list, since my #1 is sports related.  So…there…you sorta not nice DJ Lady person. *sticking tongue out*

Truth is: I really, really want to ride a float in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. 

Truth is: My mom’s kitchen smells so good…and the fridge with all the leftovers is the best smelling fridge this side of the moon.

Truth is: Will not be Black Friday shopping.  Will be sitting in front of television for football.  Must be ready for football.  Watching football right now, actually. I do love football.  Can I possibly type football any more times?  Probably. ;)

Truth is:  Think I over-stuffed my tummy.  It’s tradition to over-stuff on Thanksgiving. Definitely lived up to said tradition. 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!!

Here’s the video I mentioned above:

The Annual Thanksgiving Grocery Trip

I know I'm way behind on reading. Ugh, I feel so bad when I fall behind. I will be working through blogs, I promise.

Late today was our annual Griswold Family Thanksgiving Grocery Trip. Every year you can usually count on at least one completely humiliating instance...and this year didn't disappoint.

This year, my mom could go, which was wonderful.  And she had her moments...which I'm not at liberty to share...but really want to. 

There were some near misses:

* Mom, needing my help, unwittingly brought me too close to the fish station. Not a good place for my nose and gag reflex. When the unmistakable scent of fish guts burned the tip of my screaming nostrils, I felt it.  It always begins the same: a wave flows up my throat, sending a quiver to my chin and a curl to the bottom lip, ending with a rather remarkable sound effect and, I would imagine, an unforgettable sight. Luckily, I hauled it from the fish and managed to stop the effect somewhere between chin quiver and lip curl.

* I asked my dad if cut green beans were the same as sliced green beans. Dad laughed. Loudly.  Shopper Lady started laughing.  I felt like an idiot.  Did I miss the green bean category day in kindergarten or something?

* Near disaster: Heading for the crazy long checkout lines, I just had to spot some Holiday DVDs. So, while walking, I craned my neck to scan them because...well...I don't know why. Curiosity? Stupidity? *thinking* Yeah, it had to be stupidity. Anyway, when I turned back around, I was less than a half step from slamming into one of those displays in the middle aisle of the store. I kind of stutter-stepped around it, but didn't go far enough and had to kind of hug it. I wanted to disapparate. So, there I was, kind-of frozen, hugging a round display thing. Lord help me. On the plus side, I didn't knock it over--been there, done that already anyway.

Now, for the humiliating moment of the day. While trying to slip away to purchase, um, a package of, ahem, the feminine sort (re: for the monthly visitor), Dad, of course, caught me.

Dad: "Where ya goin'?"

Me: "Oh, just down there. Be back."

Dad: "Gotcha. You might want my help, though."

Me: "Huh?"

Dad: "Well, things like toilet paper and those women things are price traps. If you don't check those unit prices carefully, they'll nail you. Actually, let me just come show you what I'm talking about."

Me, trying to scurry away: "What? No. That's okay, really."

Dad: "It's good information to have for your future buys. Plus, women don't look at that stuff--they just grab and buy. I can probably save you a couple bucks."

He started kind of following me down the aisle, before he stopped, turned, and said rather loudly: "Hon, we're just going to be down there with the female pads and stuff.  Daughter needs my help."

Me, exclaiming at the same time he's saying what he's saying: "No! No. Shhh. Aw...you know...really?"

Dad, the light dawning on him: "Oh, oops. Sorry about that."

Two men were standing right there by the milk. In his defense, I don't think he really saw the two guys and no one else was in that part of the store. Still, could he not show me the whole unit price thing (which I'm pretty sure he did already some years ago...that I kinda forgot over time) over some Bounty towels or Kleenex or something? I'm darn sure not going to forget now, I can tell you that.

All was quiet as we headed down the aisle...until Dad started his Cheshire cat laughing. Terrific.

All in all, it was a minor humiliation compared to years past. Next chance for catastrophic embarrassment: The Griswold Family Christmas Shopping Trip.
 

On the plus side:

1. Dale Jr. ended the NASCAR season 7th in points! He had an awesome year, especially with it being his first season with Steve.  Those wins may have escaped his grasp this season, but I think it just means they're storing up for next season.  Proud to be a Dale Jr. fan. Go Dale! (Awesome Chase finale, too. Tony Stewart's run was incredible. Epic final race).

2. Cowboys won in OT over the Redskins. Phew!

3. College football (minus names for fear of jinxing): Geaux.

An Owl-O-Ween Tale

There once was a tiny baby owl.  He had no family, no home, and no name.  He spent his days hiding, shivering and scared, in the base of a large oak tree, which stood behind a pretty yellow house where Mrs. Mama, Mr. Daddy, and Little Darling lived. 

The little owlet waited all day to smell the yummy food Mrs. Mama cooks, hear the hearty laugh of Mr. Daddy, and watch Little Darling giggle and play with her dolls.

The baby owl spent most evenings simply watching the small family, but what he loved most was story time. Mrs. Mama spent every night reading to Little Darling about a wonderful, magical world where owls are messengers, friends, and heroes. This place is called Hogwarts. 

Night after night, the owlet curled up to Little Darling’s window and listened to stories of three-headed dogs, giant, moving chess sets, and fantastic broom games.  Sometimes, Little Darling would play music from Hogwarts--the tune was haunting, beautiful, and spoke to him unlike anything else.

Finally, this Halloween night, he realized what he must do.

“I must go to Hogwarts,” said the little owl, his angelic voice strong and decided.  “That must be where I belong.”  He stomped his little foot and turned to leave, but something stopped him.  A small pain in his tummy made him turn to look at Little Darling one last time.   

“My Little Darling! Time to get ready for trick or treating!” he heard Mrs. Mama say in a singsong voice.

The owlet knew she wouldn’t be able to go trick or treating this Halloween, for Little Darling had not been well. But Mrs. Mama made sure to get her a surprise costume and let her hand out candy at the door. 

“Okay, Mama,” she said sweetly before scooping her teddy bear into her arms and singing the sweetest song the baby owl had ever heard.

It had the strangest impact on him, however: he cried.

“Why do I cry?” he wondered, wiping the tears from his worried amber eyes.  “I will miss this little family, but this is not my family.” He sniffled a bit, hopped off the window, took one last longing look at the house, and left to find Hogwarts. 

Since he was too young to fly, the owlet stayed masked within the shadows, not wishing to confront a scary fox or hungry hawk. 

“Owlet, owlet, where do you travel?” A gray squirrel had jumped out from a nearby bush.

“I’m going home to Hogwarts.”

Laughing, the squirrel choked, “There is no Hogwarts, you silly little owl!”

“There is so, and I’m going to find it,” said the owlet, marching on. 

Soon, swooshing sounds filled the air and a moving shadow flew around the owlet.

“Now, where might a tiny little owl be heading all alone on Halloween night?” said the big bat, smiling devilishly.

Frightened, the owlet muttered, “T-to Hogwarts. My home.”

“Impossible.  There is no Hogwarts.  You don’t have a home, owlet, and you never will.”

“Y-yes I do! I will! Once I find Hogwarts!”

“Poor little pitiful one,” said the bat, shaking his head, baring his fangs.  “I shall not drink your blood, young one.  You are too sad to drink.”

The owlet scurried off into the night.  He knew not where he was or where he was going, but he believed more than anything he would find Hogwarts, his home...his family.  As tears fell faster and harder, the owlet began to hum the Hogwarts melody. 

Then, from somewhere in the distance, he heard it…that familiar tune, the one he hums to keep himself company. 

“Hogwarts!” he cried, running as fast as his little feet would go. 

As the music grew louder, he could see hanging candles, a small plush house elf, and a large cutout figure of a boy with black hair, glasses, and a lightning-bolt shaped scar.

He hopped up the steps, fluttered his wings, and feverishly tapped his beak against the door until it opened.

“Why, hello there! How did you get here?”

When the owlet looked up to greet who he thought was a professor, he stumbled and nearly fell backwards down the steps: it was Mrs. Mama!

“What is it Mama?” Little Darling rounded the corner and she was dressed as a snowy white owl.  “Oh, Mama, it’s a baby owl! Can we keep him? Can we, Mama? Please?” begged Little Darling.

“I don’t think owls can be pets, Little Darling,” said Mrs. Mama gently.

The owlet began hopping up and down and hurried to cuddle against Mrs. Mama’s ankle.

“Oh, please, Mama, please! Besides, he wouldn’t be a pet. He’d be family.”

At these words, the little owl turned his glistening eyes to Little Darling. 

“He does appear to need a home…and some food,” said Mrs. Mama, with a wink and a grin. 

“Oh, thank you, thank you!” said Little Darling, scooping the owlet into her arms, softly cradling him as he happily snuggled against her. “Shh, it’s okay now, my Love Bug.  You’re home.”

And that is how Love Bug the owlet found a name, a home, and, most importantly, a family, for love doesn’t exist in some imaginary world far, far away…it’s a magic that lives all around us, if only we choose to see it.  

*Just a little story I wrote on Halloween and wanted to share. I sure get nervous sharing my little stories like this one, but I thought it would be something fun. I hope you enjoyed it.

Mopey Mavericks Fan, NASCAR Needs, and Bunny Wishes

Mavs: I am never eating nuts the night before a Mavs game again. My Mavs lost last night, Mark Cuban was hit in the face by some airborne object, and the refs robbed Jason Kidd of a three-point shot. Sigh.

Dear robbing refs, please note: When the big black line stays solid on replay, it means the player's foot is not on it or over it, but BEHIND it.  If there had been a break in the big-bad-black line, it would mean the player's foot was....wait for it...on or over it.  Perhaps it would not have made a difference in the end, but fair is fair, and Kidd hit a 3. Plus, you totally devalued my Tigger-like bouncing after he made that basket. *said in slightly whiny voice*

My impersonation of an inanimate object post-game rant was quite impressive, if I do say so myself.

It's okay...next game. 

NASCAR: Off weekend for Cup racing. What will I do without a full weekend of revving engines, the vroom-vroom, and those nifty little firesuits?

Happy Easter, my friends: May bunny day bring you much happiness and a boatload of Cadbury eggs (or whatever your favorite Easter candy may be). ;)

Smile Time

I had a whole Stereotype Slayer post planned for today, but, well, it seems we need some smiles these days.  

I like to go back to things that remind me of times where life/society was far less complicated, far less stomach-churning. Don't you just love those warm and fuzzy feelings of yesteryear?

I double-dog dare you not to smile, even a little. ;) You know, sometimes I can so relate to that tree. ;)