Truth Is Thursday: True Blood, Sweat, & Soda

Truth Is: I've stopped soda cold turkey. 3 days and counting. It doesn't sound like much, I know, but for me, it's an achievement. lol I'm sure the twitching will stop eventually. ;) And the headaches...

Truth Is: True Blood returns this weekend! Vampires, weres, and shifters, oh my!

Truth Is: Dale Jr. is having a seriously awesome season. Consistency is absolutely key, and he's just cruising right along. The wins are around the corner. Patience and consistency will lead to winner's circle.

Truth Is: Congrats to the Thunder! After the way they played the Mavs last year, I knew they would be a huge force in no time.

Truth Is: Okay, Celtics...win it. Win it for Eva and BFF! GO BOSTON!

Truth Is: My mom loves her Kindle...you know, the thing you read on...except she uses it to play games. LOL

Truth Is: I'm just going to leave y'all with a little True Blood preview...and a pic to, well, wet your appetite (all puns totally intended).

Trailer One: 



Trailer Two: 



"Must be Thursday!"

Joe Manganiello; Photo Credit: Men's Health UK

Truth Is Thursday: Life Is Quite Nosy

Truth Is: Dear Willoughby, I have so much to say to you, but I'm not going to whisper a single syllable. You simply cannot see what you do. It's okay. Humans are beautifully complex that way. But I cannot, and will not, be your Marianne. No, this Marianne needs her Colonel Brandon.

Truth Is: CSI: Miami was cancelled! Very sad. No more Horatio. :(

Truth Is: I miss my Mavs. When I think back on this time last year…the stress, nausea, pacing, heart pounding, and rocking back and forth on the edge of my seat; the highs and lows of wins and losses; the utter thrill of victory…it's a great feeling. Good luck to all you fans whose teams are still in the hunt--enjoy every single second, good, bad, and in between. There's nothing like it.

Truth Is: Mom got her Kindle for Mother's Day…with "wee-fee." She's hilarious with it. At first, she was completely clueless. Now, she's zooming around the thing like she's had it for years. Dad and I are very proud of her.

Truth Is: Life sent me a message on Mother's Day. Not joking.

Woke up Sunday to a little text jingle.

"Hmm, wonder who that is," I said, checking the number. "Don't recognize that number, but it is local. Maybe BFF got another new number."

I clicked on the text and very nearly fell out of bed.

"HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! Love, Life"

"Screw you, Life. Screw you." Yep, that was my spontaneous reaction.

Being single doesn't suck--beats being alone in a relationship. Still, Life needs to stay the hell out of it and shut the blank-ity-blank up.

So Much For Regular Blogging...

I really thought I'd be able to return to regular blogging.  So wrong.  I'm trying, y'all, I promise. 

Updates and random things:

* My Mavs got the big bad sweep handed to them by the Thunder. :( Sigh. Kind of a tough way to end the season. On the bright side, the first two games could have easily been wins for the Mavs. Yeah, I'll look ANYWHERE for that stupid bright side.

* Dale Jr. snagged another top ten finish! Whoop! One thing I don't get: When you have a man who is completely brilliant on restrictor plate tracks, why won't drivers work with him? (his teammates, for the most part, were out of the race) I don't get it. If there's anyone I'd want pushing my butt around the track, it's him. Or vice versa. Um. I didn't mean that the way it sounded. *big time blushes*

* Explain this to me: WHY is it when life gets hectic in one area of your life, the other area of your life suddenly and inexplicably decides to get interesting...right when you have the least amount of time to, you know, be interested in the interest? Hmm. Did that make sense?

* Have you ever met Wilderness Guy? I have. Known him for years.  Didn't really realize the extent of his load-the-gun-and-bow ways.  Wilderness Guy is showing an increasing interest. Have I mentioned I'm not Wilderness Girl? Yeah. I like my food de-feathered, you know? And he likes fish. I hate fish. Fish + me = copious amounts of embarrassing badness.

* Oh, Lord, my dad pulled one on my mom. Just to mess with her, he started skip-hopping along the porch smack dab where their new neighbors could see him. LOL My mom was mortified. She said the neighbors probably think he's out of his mind. My dad's response? "That's the point." LOL The funniest part? My mom thought he looked a little like E.T. when he scurries. LOL

Okay, that's it for now. I just wanted to check in. I have tons to write up--I just need to carve out some time. And please know I love you all, and I'm not trying to go all invisible woman or anything--it's just hectic right now.

Superhero? Me? Um, okay!

My Mavs lost in the last second of the game against the Thunder. Tough loss, but they played super hard, and OK got a really lucky bounce at the end.

Dale Jr. finished 2nd this weekend at Richmond!!! When he drove up to second, the crowd went absolutely nuts! It was awesome. He drove a brilliant race.

Now, are y'all ready for some fun? Jay, a.k.a. The Awesome Quiz Finder, posted this little gem a while back:  Which Superhero are you?

So, I took the quiz, and...

Your results:
You are Wonder Woman

You are a beautiful princess with great strength of character.

Wonder Woman 75% Spider-Man 70% Robin 65% The Flash 60% Green Lantern 60% Superman 55% Supergirl 50% Hulk 40% Catwoman 20% Iron Man 10% Batman 0%

I'M WONDER WOMAN!!! How cool is that?! I get the super cute accessories, which, let's face it, is reason alone to be Wonder Woman. 

Looks like Spidey was a close second. Maybe I could invent a new one...Wonder-Spider-Woman or something. Maybe not.

Anyway, I am going to totally think of myself as Wonder Woman for the rest of the week (why not, right?). 

I hope y'all will take this quiz and let me know your secret superhero identity!

Truth Is Thursday: Empty Words, Scum, and An Odd Crush

Truth Is: I've been getting quality sleep...yay...just not enough...boo.

Truth Is: I know I didn't get to mention this earlier, but my Mavs are back in the playoffs! Whoop!

Truth Is: Dear Sorta Friend, if you truly want a forever kind of love, as you claim, then you are going to have to learn to keep your word.  Women cannot possibly fully trust you if you maintain the practice of empty words.  I'm not sure why this is so difficult for you to see, and why you insist on blaming the women for not handing over the keys to their heart.  Trust is earned.  Empty words?  So not the way to earn it. I should know, since you pulled that act on me a time or two.

Truth Is:  Dale Jr. finished 7th this past Sunday. So loving the consistently good finishes.

Truth Is:  Have y'all heard about the website that encourages married people to cheat on their spouses?  Scummy.  Yeah, well, now it's apparently offering $1 million to any woman who can prove she has had sex with Tim Tebow.  Double scummy.  As you may know, Tim has stated he is waiting until marriage to have sex.

Why do this?  I mean, he is who he is.  Let him be.  Let him live HIS life the way HE sees fit.  Perhaps some people on the opposite end of the moral spectrum--like those who encourage infidelity--feel threatened by people like Tim Tebow. And why?  He's not bothering them. He made a choice--we ALL make choices that are best for us, for our lives, and no one, not a single person on this planet, has the right to make you feel bad about it. 

Truth Is: So, my mom wants a Kindle with--are you ready?--"Wee Fee" capability.  Wee Fee instead of Wi-Fi (why, fye--rhymes with eye).  lol

Truth Is: I have some unusual crushes.  My latest one? Horatio Caine on CSI: Miami.  *blushes*  He's just so manly man-man, totally protective, with a great voice, and super one-liners.  Of course, I totally wouldn't turn away Eric Delko from CSI: Miami, either. ;)

Truth Is Thursday--Zzzzz

Truth Is:  Need sleep.  Dear Upcoming Weekend:  Kindly deliver the relaxation.  The past couple of weeks have kicked my rear from the first minute of daylight on Monday.  What is it about the start of Spring that triggers the mouth of hell to grin and open wide?  Ugh.  Can I get a “Thank goodness it’s almost Friday?”

Truth Is: My Mavs are one win away from a playoff lock.  I know they are the defending champs, and last season was a dream come true, so I'm not greedy--I just really want them in the playoffs. 

Truth Is: Dale finished 10th in Texas last weekend.  Top 10 ranks as consistently solid finishes, though I do wish Texas had served him up a win. 

Truth Is: Zzzzzz...oops...sorry...dozed off for a sec. 

Truth Is:  Friend confessed to me that a woman he had been dating completely fooled him, i.e. She wasn't a very nice person...AT ALL.  Guess who told him as much over a year ago? Yep, that would be me.  Read her like a book.  Although, I will say, some of the things she did and said even surpassed my rather unfavorable impression of her.  Piece. Of. Work.

As with anyone, ya gotta remove the wool and look for that person's true nature.  You'll either find a sweet (or saucy, but sweet)  little lamb, or a manipulating wolf-beast.  If the latter, run.  Immediately. 

Truth Is: I'm hoping for all it's worth to return to regularly scheduled blogging next week.  I've missed everyone. 

Truth Is: I was watching Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason.  It was in the DVD player, and, well, I was too dang lazy to get up and change it out.  You know what I totally overlooked about the film?  The song Like A Virgin makes a big appearance.  Like A Virgin...in a film about a perpetually single, 30-something dating disaster.  On the plus side, she does end up with Mr. Darcy, right?  So...bright side....look on the bright side.  We won't talk about the fact that when I turned off the DVD and flicked to the Big Band music station, Bing Crosby (crush of mine) was singing Have You Met Miss Jones?" No joke.  Sometimes the bright side is a little too bright.

Truth Is: Zzzzz...huh?  Oh.  Must have nodded off...again. 

Eleven, Part Two

Today, we have questions from my dear friend Jewels, along with a few more random facts. I knew Jewels would have some awesome questions--she didn't disappoint.

Jewels' Questions:

1. What side of the bed do you sleep on? 

Middle. Yep, I’m that single.

2. Do you believe in ghosts? 

Absolutely, no question. 

3. Would you be willing to go on a cross country (driving) trip with me? 

As willing as I’d be to accept an invite to a Mavs game or NASCAR race. (Translation: Absolutely.)

4. If you could only watch one show for the rest of your life what would it be?

Wow.  Tough.  Friends, I think.  Laughing is what it's all about.

5. If you could only read one author until the end of time who would it be?  

J.K Rowling.  I love her writing style.  Her words move like movies in your mind.  Can’t wait for her upcoming novel for adults!

6. If you HAD to get something pierced what would it be?

I have my ears pierced, so I guess I’d get ‘em done again.  

7. Given a choice of a mystery meaning Chinese symbol, butterfly, or zodiac tattoo which would you pick? (You HAVE to pick one)

Butterfly. I love butterflies.

8. Would you rather have sex with Wilford Brimley/Susan Boyle or give up sex for good?

Well, since this is so not applicable to me, I think it’s safe to say I’d stay the course—no sex.

9. What would you pay for a vaccination that prevents kids from being bitchy, sassy, dickheads?

LOL--So long as there aren't any dangerous side effects...or, you know, so long as it doesn't turn them into zombies *shivers*...I reckon I'd cough up a good amount of dough to ensure we don't release any more asshats into society. 

10. Would you rather serve a week in prison or try and survive for a year alone in a jungle?

I’m going to the jungle--swing on a vine, sing a little Phil Collins, and hope for a half-naked Tarzan.

11. What is it about nice people that attract total idiots?

Would LOVE to crystal ball this answer somehow—in other words, not a friggin clue.  

Random facts: 

6) I keep a box of Lucky Charms in the pantry at all times because it reminds me of my childhood.

                                                                                             
7)  I love watching Murder She Wrote.  Stop laughing.  It has always been a Mom & me kind of show, along with Love Boat and Little House on the Prairie.   Really, stop laughing. ;)

8)   Top Gun is supposed to be a manly-man’s movie, right?  I respectfully and hormonally disagree.  Let’s see: Fighter jets, sexy men in bum-hugging uniforms, and, hello, volleyball scene.  Yeah, it’s eye-candy for women.  "Maverick, you big stud..."

Credit: Paramount Pictures Promotional Images

Tomorrow we have questions from Catherine!

Truth Is Thursday--Emotional Dweeb, Yoda Dale, & Random Life Stuff

Truth Is:  I read something that suggested meditating on feelings as a way to de-stress.  WTH?  Feelings are the things that send us into orbit!  How the frig can that calm me down? See, a little irked right now…

Truth Is: Dale Jr. ripped it up in the Duels today, finishing second. 

Truth Is: Dale Jr. ripped it up in the Budweiser Shootout, but was unfortunately collected in a foolish wreck.  And, I gotta say, I think Jeff Gordon’s a great driver and all, but he seems to get a little wobbly-kneed when Dale pushes him.  During the shootout, radio communication reports said that Jeff asked Dale to back off.  Thing is, when Dale was pushing him, they were up front.  If the Yoda of restrictor plate racing was on my rear end, I’d let him Jedi my butt all the way around the track, no questions.  If there was ever someone to trust, it’s him.

Truth Is: Very happy that the two-car tandem stuff seems to have diminished at Daytona.  Give me pack racing any day. 

Truth Is:  Dad.  Sigh.  Yeah, he apparently decided to “lightly drizzle” queso (cheese/salsa) on tater tots. 

My response to Dad: “E. R.  I. C. U. Do those letters ring a really loud bell, by chance?” 

Dad, totally playing coy: “Huh, can’t say they do at the moment.”

*Shakes head*

Truth Is: I love my Mavs.  Just had to say that.  They fight so hard.

Truth Is:  Harry Potter better bring home an Academy Award this Sunday.  It will be a travesty in the film world if this series doesn’t have an Oscar to its name. 

Truth Is: Moisturizer update!  The smell—same.  The result—vast improvement already.  I’m shocked.  Obviously, I’ll need to give it more time, but the drastic difference in my skin has me cautiously optimistic that this stuff will abolish the dryness entirely.  

Truth Is:  AMC is showing Sleepless in Seattle later today.  I should have added it to my top five movies.  Anything Tom Hanks & Meg Ryan, I adore, and this is one of my favorites.  Cry every single time.  I know, I'm a romantic dweeb. I accept this.

The Fab Fives!

Once again, Jay has come up with a super fun tag for us!  It's called the fab five.  All you have to do is name your favorite top fives in each category.  I'm pretty sure I've missed favorites that should be in my fab fives. lol

Anyway, here are my fab fives, in no particular order!

Actors

1) Tom Hanks

2) Johnny Depp

3) Colin Firth

4) Gary Oldman

5a) Harrison Ford

5b) Alan Rickman (okay, so I added one)

 

Actresses

1) Kate Winslet

2) Meryl Streep

3) Meg Ryan

4) Anne Hathaway

5) Sandra Bullock

Movies (so impossible)

1) Beauty and the Beast

2) The Harry Potter Films (specifically, Sorcerer’s Stone, Prisoner of Azkaban, Goblet of Fire, and Deathly Hallows, Part II)

3) Titanic

4) Gone With the Wind

5a) Miracle on 34^th Street (original)

5b) White Christmas 

Books (more impossible)

1) Harry Potter (all)

2) Bridget Jones’s Diary

3) Pride & Prejudice

4) The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

5) Charlotte’s Web

Moments that inspire me

1) The ocean

2) Shooting stars

3) Sunrise/Sunset

4) Characters that jump off the page

5) Heroism and bravery…having courage.

 Places to go (in a city)

1) Local, family owned bookstores/businesses, as well as Barnes & Noble, basically any bookstore lol

2) Passionate sporting venues (like Cowboys Stadium, American Airlines Center for the Mavs, LSU, race tracks for NASCAR, or Yankee Stadium, etc.)

3) Anywhere there’s food, whether it’s BBQ, corndogs, or Tex-Mex

4) Famous landmarks or places of historical significance

5) Museums

Places to go in the world (that you’ve been to)

1) Disneyland

2) Williamsburg, Virginia

3) Melbourne, Australia

4) New Zealand

5) Big Sur, California

Best live shows you’ve seen

1) Carole King (my first real concert when I was little)

2) Janet Jackson (for her Janet. album)

3) Paula Abdul (yep, back in the early 90s, and it was awesome)

4) Whitney Houston

5) The Sleeping Beauty, New York City Ballet

People I could do without

1) Mean, cruel folks

2) Those with grossly inflated egos.

3) People who think THEY know how best YOU should live YOUR life

4) Those lacking accountability

5) Plastic people

If you would like to participate in the fab fives, please have fun and go for it! Can’t wait to read your fab fives!

Truth Is Thursday--Puppies Bark It, Mom Says It, & Whitney Sings It

Truth Is: Little Malachy, the darling, wobbly Pekingese, won Best In Show at Westminster this week.  This was his 115^th best in show title.  He’s such a precious little peanut!

Credit: Craig Ruttle/AP

Truth Is: Me: “Just once, I’d like to be a dog handler at Westminster.”

Mom: “You’d be great.  Animals love you.  But—”

Me: “But what?”

Mom: “Well, you’d look lovely out there…until you trip and face-plant on the carpet in front of the judge.” 

Me: “Great.  Thanks.”

Mom laughs.  I sulk…then laugh at the mental imagery.  

                                                                                                

Truth Is: The weather is seriously screwing with my sinuses.  Can Mother Nature kindly make up her mind on what season this is?

Truth Is: Mom never ceases to amaze me with some of her out-of-the-blue sayings.  The other day, in the middle of conversation, she blurts out, “Oh, holy Jiminy Crickets, I forgot to make my Jell-O.” Holy Jiminy Crickets?! She has never said that a day in her life! LOL  

Truth Is: My Mavs are on a roll!!!!!!! Whoop! Whoop! Love watching them play!

Truth Is:  NASCAR.  Budweiser Shootout.  Saturday night.  I’m so there.  Let’s go 88—rip it up.

Truth Is:  Last weekend, music lost a legend.  Whitney Houston’s voice was a once in a lifetime phenomenon.  I’ll never forget the time my mom, dad, and I went to see her live in concert.  She still had that powerhouse voice and put on quite a show, singing all her classics.  I even remember our section winning the “shoop-shoop” contest.  It was a great night with my family, watching a musical icon.  

She personified talent--no gimmicks, no publicity stunts...just one massively powerful voice.  

Though Whitney’s gone, her music will live on.  I hope she has found peace. 

I remember watching this performance live on MTV with my mom—it was probably my favorite LIVE performance she gave (apart from the National Anthem).  If you haven’t seen it, take a listen when you have a second, and remember her for her God-given talent.  Peace to you, Whitney.

Whitney Houston, Why Does It Hurt So Bad

             

Defining Insanity

These things are completely insane in different ways:

• Staying up all night and well into the next morning to watch the men’s tennis final at the Australian Open.  (in an epic way)

• Two men playing tennis for nearly six solid hours…and both are still able to stand when it’s over. (in a superhero way)

• Um, even without sleep, I was still totally able to cheer on my Mavs with gusto.  I inherited my mom’s night owl gene big time. (in an awesome way)

• Shaun White. (in a really good way)  

• Sinus attacks. (in a really bad way)

• Wind that sounds like it’s coming through the windows. (in a freaky way)

• How my mom can totally read my mind. (in a groovy-Sookie Stackhouse way)

• The man who wants happily ever after, but doesn’t want to put the effort into finding it and expects it to just fall in his lap. (in a sad way)

• The woman who believes sex will lure a husband away from his wife.  No joke. (in a completely pathetic way)

• Mother Nature. (in a scary way)

Unexpected Insanity: While watching the marathon tennis showdown, I began noticing things that I never noticed during the average length match.  Thus, I had some unusual observations, due in large part to sleep deprivation. 

• Nadal’s butt-hugger shorts gave him loads of wedgies. 

• The ball chasers had to maintain a specific crouching position which might have been unfortunate if they had developed gas.

• The towel holders had to have felt ewy.  After nearly six hours of wiping sweat, spit, and possibly nose drips, imagine how germy and stinky those towels must have been…and they had to touch them.  Maybe they changed towels, but they looked the same.  Either way…ick.

Diamonds Are A Man's Best Friend

Who said diamonds are only a girl's best friend?

Tonight, prior to the game against Minnesota (where J.J. Barea now plays), the Dallas Mavericks will receive their championship rings. 

How's this for a championship ring?

Credit: Dallas Mavericks/ESPN

Now THAT'S a ring!!! Wow! How gorgeous is that?  I knew Mark Cuban would go all out for the team's first championship! 

Each player's diamond encrusted ring will feature their name above the team logo and their jersey number. 

You can read the whole article and watch the teaser video of the ring's making on ESPN. 

FOREVER PROUD!!!!!!!!!!!! GO MAVS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Truth Is Thursday On Friday: People Shock Me.

Truth Is: Sleepy now...yet not. My eyes must have invisible toothpicks holding them up, while my brain must have found another gear.

Truth Is: The Sandman is clearly playing favorites these days.  I'm not one of them. 

Truth Is:  Couples only parties should be against the law--discrimination against singles or something.

Truth Is: My Mavs won last night.  Very glad about this, since they've lost some serious heart-breakers lately...like at the buzzer. Still, the more games they play, the more formidable they will become.

Truth Is: Dirk Nowitzki became only the 23rd player in NBA history to reach 23,000 career points. I think most people would agree he's one of the best to ever play the game.  Yet, he is likely not going to get his first start in the upcoming All Star Game.  He's currently 3rd behind Blake Griffin and Kevin Durant.  It's a shame because if anyone deserves to start an All Star Game, it's an all star player like Dirk Nowitzki. 

Truth Is: Okay, on behalf of a friend of mine: People, if you don't work hard, you can't expect to have things handed to you simply because you think you deserve it.  There are no shortcuts.  It's called earning it.

Truth Is:  I'm disgusted.  Truly, deeply disgusted.  I get being a fan. I get celebrating a win.  I get friendly competitive conversation--operative word being friendly.  What I don't get is how one fan can treat another fan so appallingly.

After the LSU-Bama Championship game, a 32-year old Bama fan performed lewd acts upon an unconscious LSU fan.  If you really want to know the details, simply visit ESPN or google it, but be prepared for a stomach-turning story.  Oh, and apparently someone caught it all on video, which went viral following the game.  I haven't watched it and will never watch it.  The man has since been arrested. 

There is so much I'd like to say to this guy (sooooo much), but I think I'll just leave it at this: Mike's waiting for you--good luck with that. GEAUX TIGERS!!!!!!!!

Credit: LSU Sports, Steve Franz.

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.

Truth Is Thursday!

Truth Is: I don't like when Christmas ends. It's just so depressing. I mean, what do we have to look forward to, holiday-wise?

*New Year's Eve? Eh. A digit changes. Shock. (Okay, okay, so it is kind-of a festive, hope-filled evening. Reckon if I actually had a good NYE, I'd think of it like I do Christmas...but until then, eh). 

*Vomit, er, Valentine's Day? Ooh, yeah, can't wait for the manufactured faux-holiday that tosses singles the middle finger. It's such a Christmas wannabe. Barf.

* St. Patrick's Day? Not bad. I mean, I like luck and four leaf clovers and leprechauns (the cute kind...not the creepy kind). Still, it doesn't have the same magical feeling (could change if leprechauns flew around, sprinkling gold a la the Quidditch World Cup).  ;)

* Easter? Bunnies and baskets and lots of pastel colors and Cadbury Eggs. Ooh, I quite like this one. ;)

So, in conclusion, Cadbury Eggs make all things better. 

Truth Is: One of the best things about the holidays is indulging. Eat without guilt.  Drink soda without guilt. Snack without guilt. Exercise? Nah, not the routine stuff, anyway. I stick with fun, like dancing (believe me, it works you like there's no tomorrow...but it's FUN).

Truth Is: The guilt-free indulging lasts through the Bowl games. Why, you ask? Um, because Mama said so, and you know she's always right. Who am I to question Mom? *sipping Dr. Pepper*

Truth Is: My local Christmas music station stopped playing holiday tunes immediately after Christmas. Now, I know this seems pretty par for the course.  However, in years past they played carols straight through New Year's.  People loved it. 

They didn't this year. Butts.

It's okay, though, because I have my Bing-a-ling White Christmas CD...

...although...

...I have been blasting The Zac Brown Band as well. Love them.

Truth Is: Drum roll, please--During both the Christmas Eve Cowboys' loss and the Christmas Day Mavs' loss, I did NOT swear once, not even a partial swear. So proud. Of course, I did have soda on standby and promptly turned to it whenever I felt the urge to drop a few colorful metaphors.

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.

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. :) 

Attack of the Moth

It was night of BBQ, football, family and fun.  After stuffing our faces, we settled in to watch the game.  My mom worked on her Christmas blanket, taking breaks to shout at the refs, while my dad tinkered with his netbook, grumbling about the offense.

Even the kitchen work seemed more enjoyable.  That is, until I attempted to throw some icky packaging away and found that the garbage bag was too full.  No biggie. 

Next up: a new garbage bag.

Spinning (I like twirling) across the kitchen and into the mudroom, I flipped on the light, started tugging out a garbage bag, and...

FLAP! FLAP! FLAP! Zoooooooooooom! SLAM!

Freaking Mothra started attacking me in my neck, head, ear, and back.

It must have been a sight: me, doing my best imitation of a demented screech owl, with arms flailing, and hair whipping about in waves, while hunching my body over like Quasimodo, all in an attempt to avoid the BIGGEST BUG EVER.

No joke, this thing was like the size of a freaking bird. In fact, at first, I almost thought it was a bird. I tried to usher it out the door, but it kept attacking me. Aren’t they supposed to hibernate or something? Have you ever had a moth stick itself in your ear?  So not fun.

I finally escaped the mud room, turned off the light, and closed the door.  I then did what any single gal in her right mind would do...

Go back in armed with hairspray, shoe, and paper towel? Nah. We save that gear for very special wasps and bees.

Call for boyfriend? Well, since I don't have one of those, no.

Call for Dad? Ding, ding, ding, ding! Yep! Heck, he was there, watching the game, and just messing around with his netbook; he could take a minute to save his daughter from a monster.


I'm not sure how he got rid of it, but I can tell you he made no noise (very unlike my spastic dance) and it took literally two seconds.

Me: "You already got it?"

Dad: "Yeah, no problem."

Me: "Did it attack you?"

Dad: "Sure did. Landed right here on my neck."

Me, shuddering: "Didn't you, I don't know, freak out?"

Dad, smirking: "No.  It's a moth."

Okay, that didn't make me feel too stupid or anything. 

Me: "THAT was not a moth.  That was like Mothra's long lost baby or something."

Dad, laughing: "I've seen 'em bigger."

I couldn't reply.  Bigger?!  As in, what, Daddy Mothra?  King size Mothra? Super size Mothra?

Really. Don’t. Like. Bugs.

On the plus side:

*Cowboys won BIG against the impressive Bills. Hurray!

*Dale Jr. had a blah day, but it seemed all the Hendrick cars struggled. One race left and only 3 points separate Carl Edwards and Tony Stewart for the Championship. Should be a good one!

*I’m thinking there won’t be an NBA season…sucks…but it means the Mavericks remain the champions for another season (looking on the bright side can be so much fun sometimes).

Happy Monday!

Gems, Smurfs, & Racing

Wonderful Jewels was kind enough to officially name me one of her "Gems," and I couldn't be happier. If you haven't visited her blog, you are in for something special. I'm so grateful to have met her during this adventure in blogging. Hop on over to her site, say "hi," and you'll find a dear friend.

So, I promised to share a picture of Panicky Smurf with y'all. Here he is. And, yes, it's an expression I wear well. In fact, I'm fairly certain this is how I looked during the majority of the Dallas Mavericks run for the Championship.

After last weekend's (well, Monday morning's race, since there was a rain delay) road course race (not a "Dale" track), I'm convinced my AMP shirt is working.  He finished 15th (although I believe he was robbed a position or two--he fought for those points, but to no avail. Kinda boo on you, NASCAR) and moved up a spot in points.  Anyway, this weekend is definitely a "Dale" track, so here's hoping my shirt is in extra fine form.

Reckon that's it for this Friday. I hope y'all have a wonderful weekend!!!

Rowdy, Proud, & Loud--It's Award/Thank You Time

As you know, for months, I've been consumed with my Dallas Mavericks run for the championship.  I've loved them for as long as I can remember, so with each game, each win, the anticipation, excitement, and nervousness increased to levels I can only assume reached some unknown stratosphere.

Sunday night, the run ended in spectacular fashion with the Dallas Mavs winning their very first NBA Championship.  It was truly a dream season.

I've been so incredibly touched by how many of you supported my devotion to my team, which included some hot-under-the-collar posts about, oh, you know, one-sided announcers, people who constantly put my Mavs down, etc. From the seriously giddy to the rather emotional moments, y'all were there, supporting me and my Mavs, and I want to thank you.

The fact that you even pulled for my Mavs...well, that just meant the world to me. As corny as it sounds, I kinda like to think the Mavs could feel all of the support coming their way.

So, for all of you who put up with my Mavs-sporty-gal posts...this is just a little something for you. The Rowdy, Proud, & Loud Award...well, really it's just a thank you.

With love from a Mavericks' fan.

Somnia, Jewels, Eva (even though you don't accept awards...since this is really just a big thank you, I figured you might not mind too much), Aubree, Chanel, Yvonne, Oilfield Trash, Carole, kitkat, Mrs. B, Chocolateangel, Jack of Diamonds, Not The Hero, George, David (even though he didn't pull for my Mavs, he's a basketball fan and a good sport).

If I missed anyone, I'm sorry--you know who you are and you know I love ya to bits!

Rules? None. This is simply a thank you...a blogging hug of sorts. There are no rules with thank yous. Hugs to you all...

...and, one last time this season...

GO MAVS!!!!!!!!!!!