Pure Smiles

If you ever need to smile, I can't imagine anything else doing the trick.  This is one of my very favorite songs set to scenes I bet y'all will recognize.  The video is truly beautifully done. 

Welcome to Pure Imagination.

Want To Laugh?

I know my blogging has been sporadic at best. I'm thinking it's the change of seasons--if the weather isn't attacking my sinuses, it's distracting my brain cells.  Of course, it doesn't help that my free time is sort of limited right now.

Just have to have a GO DALE moment--he finished 3rd Sunday at Martinsville, placing him 2nd in Cup Standings. Whoop! Truthfully, I thought Hendrick would finish first, second, and third...until a completely avoidable caution set off a series of unfortunate events, including one that took out Jimmie and Jeff.  Dale made it through, but not without pretty significant damage.  Awesome job by Dale getting through that mess and finishing 3rd.

My mom is a big fan of the Food Network, and, over the years, she has introduced me to some awesome shows, including Chopped, Restaurant Impossible, The Next Iron Chef, Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives, and Paula Deen.  Yes, I watch Food Network about as much as I do HGTV.  What can I say?  I like watching people cook up yummy food and house hunt.

Anyway, my mom showed me this spoof of Paula Deen, and I about lost it.  If you're in need of a good laugh, tears and all, then this just might do the trick. Hope you enjoy.

Here's Melanie Hutsell, of Saturday Night Live fame, as Paula Deen (who was a great sport during this segment.) 

Truth Is Thursday: Single Gal Mind Dump and M&M's

Truth Is: What’s up with the wedding marathons on television?  Seriously.  Channels like Hallmark and Lifetime and, I don’t know, others, have had wedding weekends since January. 

Pretty sure one of them begged viewers to celebrate “Wedding Month.” Huh, what, and more huh?  June is the official wedding month.  Not January, not February (apart from V-Day, which is like engagement day), not March, April, or May—June, and ONLY June. 

And I know this isn’t just annoying to me as a single because even my mom said it was ridiculously obnoxious.  Now, when my fairytale-happy, loves-to-watch-happy, happy, joy, joy-movies mom says as much, you know it must be white-dress and butter cream icing overkill.

Sorry.  Had to just, you know, get that off my mind because…

Truth Is: …my brain is standing room only.  I’m surprised I don’t have to WD-40 the dang thing.  It’s just going and going and going and going. It won’t shut the heck up and let me be, much less sleep.  

Truth Is:  Kind of getting sick of the: “You’ll need x-y-z when you have kids one day…if you have them, I mean.”  Oh, the “Your clock must be ticking about now, right?” is always pleasant.  And let’s not forget the classically annoying, “Well, you’ll probably find him someday.”

Anyone have ANY suggestions for how to respond to those statements?  I'm getting tired of responding with the plastered smile and resigned nod.  I don’t think they’re trying to be mean or anything—it’s more like they forgot about their stay in Singletonville.

These same women HATED when the Marrieds made those kinds of statements/questions.  Yet, here they are, cuddling up to the ideology they once loathed, while busily inserting it in my life. 

I sometimes wonder if marriage acts as a partial lobotomy on the single gal mindset for some women.  

Truth Is: My Mavs play the Heat tonight. *Hurl* If we hadn't annihilated them in the Championship last year *bliss*, I'd be much more nervous.  Jason Terry is rumored to be breaking out the gold shoes for the match up. lol Gotta love Jet. 

Truth Is: And, lastly, one of my favorite commercials right now is this M&M ad. Totally makes me laugh every single time. 

Getting To Know You Tag

I received this tag from the wonderful, inspiring Barsola.  If you haven't visited her blog, please do so--she is quite an inspiration, and I just think the world of her.

If you would like to play along, please take these questions and have fun--would love to read everyone's answers. 

How big is your fabric stash? (i.e., how many boxes, bins or pounds? You determine the measurement)

Yeah, I’m not a fabric-y kind of person, really.  I do have a small container of ribbons I like to use on presents.  May not be able to wrap very well, but I can tie a mean bow.  Hey, it’s something anyway.

Are you an early bird or night owl?

Oh, I fly with the owls.  The “early bird gets the worm” never appealed to me.  Maybe it’s the worm thing. Ew.

Do you speak any other languages? If not what other language do you wish you knew?

I’m pretty good with French, but I would love to speak so many languages, like Mandarin and Spanish. 

 
What store do you have a hard time leaving empty-handed (online or bricks and sticks)?

If I had to pick one, I’d say Sephora.  I love that place—all your favorite beauty products in one stop…can we say dream?!  And they accept returns.  *squeal* It’s not just make-up, either—you have skin care, hair care, bath & body products…oooh, it’s so much fun, and I always find something to try out. 

What are your favorite blogs to read?

Everyone that I have met on here is so special and unique and wonderful that I couldn’t possibly name favorites because I love them all.

What is your favorite book or movie?

Again, so many.  Harry Potter, to me, is just perfection for all ages, both book and film.  

Where do you sew?

I don’t sew.  I tried...it didn't end well.  Wish I really knew how to sew, but I don’t.  Maybe one day. 

When did you make your first quilt?

I’ve never made one, but I’ve always loved them. When I think of a quilt, I think, “Made with Love.”

How many hours per week (per day?) do you spend on Pinterest? What, if anything have you made/acquired/acted on that you pinned?

I literally just heard about Pinterest, but I know nothing about it.

What’s your favorite quilting tip?

Since I don’t quilt myself, the only tip I can give is to cherish those that are made for you or those you find, knowing each stitch is made with love. Quilts, to me, tell a story--one you can't see, but one you can feel. 

Did you make a New Years resolution? Have you kept it?

I try not to make resolutions, but instead create a new or modified set of goals.  Resolutions never work. They just don’t.

For example, “I resolve to not drink soda.” For a while, this resolution works, until said resolution sucks so bad you break it.  Then, you realize resolutions as a whole just plain suck, are a complete waste of time, and end up making you feel bad about yourself when you break them. 

So, yeah, goals are a much better way to go—like, I will slowly begin cutting back on soda, until I’m only drinking it during, say, an LSU game (which is just so necessary…I would be frightened to see myself sans soda during an LSU game *shivers*).  See? Much more manageable, minus the suck and guilt parts.

***** 

With my sinuses finally easing up, I was able to thoroughly enjoy the NASCAR race yesterday...until rain caused an abrupt ending. Sigh. BUT...Dale finished 3rd!!! He was methodically ripping it up all race long. Another amazing finish for the 88, lifting him to 3rd in Sprint Cup Standings. 

 

Truth Is Thursday--Sinuses Suck

Truth Is: I know I haven’t been blogging much this week.  I’ve been fighting a ferocious sinus infection.  We’re talking the ice bag on face, Anbesol on gums, Advil every chance you get kind of thing. Honestly, I haven’t had one this bad in a long, long time. 

                                                                                                    

Truth Is: If someone cancels a date due to a sinus infection, please know it’s actually in your best interest.  Please don’t respond with the following: “Really?  You’re bailing over a sinus flare up?  If you don’t want to go out with me, just tell me.” 

Here’s the thing:  Unless you would like your date carrying a drippy ice bag, downing Advil, snotting, drooling from a numb mouth thanks to copious amounts of Anbesol, and likely face-planting in her food, be happy about a cancellation.

Truth Is: I’m really looking forward to seeing The Hunger Games, but I would love for people to stop saying it’s the next Harry Potter. No, it isn’t. They’re two completely different stories set in two totally different worlds. Besides, Harry Potter stands alone. 

Truth Is: Tim Tebow is now a Jet, not Bennie (B-B-B-Bennie and the Jets…sorry.  Great song, though).

I’ve heard people say that Tim “needs to change to fit the NFL.  He needs to act more like a football player.” These folks aren’t talking about his game; they’re talking about him as a person.  Ooh, it really boils my blood!

Change to fit in? Well, bah on them!  I say dare to be different.  No one should ever, ever, ever make you feel like you have to fit some absurd standard “they” deem appropriate.

Tim Tebow is a true role model, and if people don’t like it, then maybe that reveals a little something about their true selves. I hope more than anything Tim has the chance to shine in New York. 

Truth Is: My dad is hilarious.  He brought out his fan and there were two big “X’s” drawn in Sharpie marker over two of the buttons.

Me: “Um, Dad?  Why are there two big X’s on your fan?”

Dad: “Because they remind me those two buttons are evil.”

Me: “Evil?”

Dad: “Yeah, well, they screw up my settings, make the thing go WHOOOOOSH, and then it just stops.  Thought it was broken a time or two.  And you know I always end up pushing one of those two stupid buttons.  Not anymore,” he said grinning like the Cheshire Cat.

Classic.

Eleven, Part Three

Okay, here's the final set of questions, this time from Catherine. I wanted to keep her questions in the original colors she selected for them. 

Catherine's Questions:

1. What is your biggest fear and why?

                                              

Not having my parents with me one day.  I know it’s the way life goes, but I can’t even think about it, to be honest.  We are so close—our family is small, but good (Lilo & Stitch reference there). 

Really can’t think about any of this…so…moving on…

2. What are your plans for the future?

“Plan” is a four-letter word in my world.  Every single solitary time I use that word, everything falls magnificently to pieces.  So, I try not to “plan” anything.  I just set goals, hold tight to dreams, and try my best.

3. Do you prefer a nice stomach or a nice butt on the opposite sex?

Hmm. Reckon I’d go with stomach.  Truthfully, I really love strong arms and big hands.

4. What are your opinions on gay marriage?

I’m a hopeless romantic, so maybe this is going to sound embarrassingly simple-minded, but here it goes:  Love is about two people, two hearts, two souls, united as one.  Marriage is supposed to be about two people in love who want to spend the rest of their lives together.   When it comes down to it, shouldn’t it be all about love?  And when you look around this big old world, I reckon it could use a little more love.

5. What do you think about Rebecca Black?

*Crickets* I don’t know who she is.

6. How many pairs of heels do you own?

Ha!  A few, but I'm more of a sneaker/boot/espadrille girl. 

7. Share the experience of your first kiss.

It was awkward, but sweet.  He was older than me and had more experience than I had, which made me crazy nervous.  What’s funny is that he was as anxious as I was nervous because he really liked me, and I, apparently, “intimidated” him, which was just completely weird to me since I’m so not intimidating.

Anyway, when he finally made his move, he asked, “May I?” I actually really liked that.  The kiss was gentle, sweet, and, um, I drove him crazy (he told me as much). It was nice to know the kissing thing came naturally.  Gives me a bit of confidence that other things will just come naturally as well. ;)

8. List 3 things you like about yourself, and 3 things you don't like.

Like: 1. If I could, I’d be a real life Santa, just so I could see people happy and help them see that dreams do come true; 2. My night owl ways; 3.My inner strength.

Dislike: 1. I can be really tough on myself, particularly with work and goals—it’s part of that perfectionist thing; 2. I hate that I allow doubt to creep into my mind from time to time; 3. My long-term relationship with stress.

9. What is the worst pickup line you've ever heard? (check out my last post titled - Pickup lines at their worst, for ideas if your stuck)

“Your lips look like pillows…I’d love to lay one on them.”

10. How many hours a day or week do you spend blogging?

I’m not sure, actually—yeah, that’s a boring non-answer.

11. Would you rather have eternal health, wealth or love? Explain.

Love.  Eternal wealth is intangible and cold.  Eternal health means nothing without love.  Love makes the world go ‘round.

As for my tags, I decided to pick seven fellow bloggers, but feel free to snatch these questions up and have fun, if you feel like it:

1.  J. Day
2. Ms. Caboo
3. Anna
4. Hazel
5. PurpleMist
6. Yvonne
7. Janie Junebug

My Questions (I’m going with whimsy, here):

1. If you could have the choice of one superpower, what would it be and why?
2. Which Harry Potter movie is your favorite?  Why?
3. Which Harry Potter book is your favorite?  Why?
4. Do you believe in parallel universes? Why or why not?
5. Do you think aliens exist?  If so, are they E.T. kind or Independence Day mean?
6. What’s the first thought that jumps into your mind when you see the word Disney?
7. Assuming it’s true, and we only know about 10-15% of the ocean’s inhabitants, what do you hope is down there that we have yet to find?
8. What is your favorite movie score?
9. If you found yourself living with seven tiny men, what would their names be?
10.  A big blue genie grants you one particular wish: Change the world into any imaginary world you’ve either read in a book or seen in a film.  Which world would you choose and why?
11. If you could pick one literary or film character and bring him to life to be your soul mate, who would it be and why?

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!

Eleven, Part One

Since there a few of these to do, I thought it would be better to split them up over a few days. Otherwise, this would be a very loooooong post. ;) 

The Rules

1) Post these rules.  
2) Post 11 random things about yourself. (I'm splitting these up over several posts).
3) Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post. (Again, split up)
4) Create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer. (Will do in the last post)
5) Go to their blog and tell them they've been tagged.
6) No cop-outs in the tagging section like “if you are reading this/follow me,” blah blah blah. you have to legitimately tag people. (Last post, again)

So, today, we have Jay's Questions. 

Jay's Questions:

1) Do you like staying in hotels?                

Yes, but not the creepy ones with doors on the outside, facing the street.  Yeah, I saw Psycho.  Never.  Again.

2) Beach or swimming pool?

Beach.  I love standing in front of the ocean and feeling so tiny, like a little action figure.  The sound of the sea is like a lullaby. Plus, sand is a great natural exfoliant.

3) Which movie can you watch over and over and over again? 

Honestly, probably too many to count.  Right now, it’s been Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part II.  I just think it’s an exquisite film.

4) Why do people do these tags?

They’re fun and really good for a brain that just refuses to think on its own.

5) Have you ever seen an eclipse? 

Not really sure.  I vaguely remember seeing one, I think, but that could have been a dream or something.  I do remember seeing comets.  Awesome.

 
6) What is your favorite word? 

Christmas—it encompasses everything: love, family, tradition, hope, miracles, and the list goes on. It’s just such a happy word. :)

7) What is your least favorite word?

It’s more like a category—cruel, hurtful words, across the board.

8) What sound or noise do you love?

My mom and dad laughing—cutest thing ever.

The LSU Tiger Marching Band would be a very close second. The Golden Band from Tigerland. :)

9) What sound or noise do you hate? 

Nails on a chalkboard.

10) What profession other than yours would you like to attempt?

Sideline reporter for ESPN or Fox Sports…or an imagineer for Disney.

11) What is your favorite curse word?

Sh*&  It just sums things up so nicely. 

Random facts: (Part one)

1) I can drink apple cider vinegar straight.

                                                                                
2) Favorite salad dressing is my papaw’s garlic vinegar dressing (my mom makes it now—it’s so yum).  Would not recommend prior to a date. 

3) I don’t like wind storms.  They make the trees crackle and the house makes shifty, popping sounds...oh, and the branches slam onto the roof.  Scary stuff.

4) Absolutely loathe drying my hair right after I get out of the shower.  It takes so long!  So, I try to let it air dry as much as possible.

5)  When I was little, I used to think I could fly. 

Tomorrow, we'll have questions from the wonderful Jewels!

Just Another Spastic Sunday

Sunday

Wake up: roll around, relax, lazy it up.   

After a while, race time was rapidly approaching, so I gathered my stuff to settle into my very favorite chair and…BOOM!

No power.

Thus:  No race.  No Internet.  No computer.  No microwave. 

Enter cranky me.

Although I could have broken out the trusty pen and paper, my brain was much too consumed with the race I couldn’t see.  Now, my cell has internet, but I rarely use it. Honestly, I have no idea if it charges extra for each minute online or whatever.  I’m kind of museum-like when it comes to my phone.   

So, I just sat and read a Sookie book. 

Eventually, curiosity got the better of me and I just had to check the race on my phone.  Reckon I’ll find out how they charge on my next bill.  Super fun. 

Power comes back in time to see Tony Stewart celebrating a win.  Dale finished 10^th and moved to 4^th in points. Consistency is the name of the game in this sport.  Win when you can, but having consistently good finishes sets you up nicely for the chase. I know he probably wanted more, but steady wins these races in my book, and he’s got that going.

Consistency, however, is somewhat of a misfire when it comes to the rest of the day…unless we consider it consistently screwy.

With the power fueling my viewing pleasure and food-making technology, I’m back to my relaxed, lazy mode.  Until…

Pow!  No cable. 

Thus: No television.  No Internet. 

And this is where we call it a day, curl up, and put on a movie that will de-stress and demolish the annoyances…like Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part II. 

No clue what was in the air yesterday, but everything was just completely spastic.  

Truth Is Thursday--Rant Time

Truth Is: Yeah, yesterday didn’t happen.  At least, that’s how it felt. It was one of those days where every hour passes by so fast, you think you’re in Doctor Who’s TARDIS. 

Truth Is:  The state of customer service is for crap today, and I’m especially ticked because this circus of elephant crap involves my parents. 

My parents found a spiffy new dishwasher on sale at Best Buy.  Upon purchasing it, BB scheduled a delivery for Tuesday, with installation to occur on Wednesday.  My parents waited around all damn day (from 6:45 a.m., mind you) for nothing.  Never showed. 

Dad called.  Now, it could come Wednesday, and, if not, for sure on Thursday between 8 a.m.-6 p.m. 

Can you guess?  Another no show. 

Dad called and he keeps getting the same response: “I’ll check and get back to you.” Predictably, there’s no “get back to you.”

I’ve had it up to here (indicating over my hair).  It’s not so much the no-shows, but the lack of communication that infuriates me.  Can’t make it?  Call/e-mail/text.  Have to reschedule?  Call/e-mail/text.  It’s really very simple and requires very little effort, and even less time. 

{{{See next Truth Is for the conclusion to this little drama}}}

Truth Is:  Major miscommunication, not a lack of customer service.  Dad gave them two numbers: home (required local number) and cell.  Dad thought they were going to call the cell, but they kept calling the home phone.  Problem?  Mom and Dad keep the ringer off on the home phone, since they mostly use cells. 

So, as Best Buy kept calling the home phone, and Dad kept staring at his non-ringing cell, a big wad of stress built up inside my mom, which, of course, reached me.  And y’all know how I protect my parents, so, naturally I didn’t like anyone messing with them.

The big wad of stress soon turned into an enormous wad of duh when Dad realized what had happened. I can’t even begin to tell you my mom’s reaction. lol

Eventually, everything was sorted and the rep from BB showed up, installed, and even talked a little LSU.  He was a great guy, my parents have a dishwasher, and all is well.  The End...until the next.

Truth Is: BFF got all territorial on me.  He and I were in the middle of a text-fest when, to one of his jokes, I mentioned a guys name.  Enter crickets.  No more texts for a while.  The catch is he should have known EXACTLY what I was talking about—it wasn’t a guy; it was the name of a team mascot.  Later, I get a text asking who this guy is—Dear God Almighty, BFF!  When I texted the obvious answer back, he was all, “ugggggghh.” 

Mom says she’s not sure how he’s going to handle it when I find someone.  And it’s not because he has feelings any deeper than friendship—I think sometimes he’s afraid the friendship will vanish when I find the one, marry, etc.  I’ve seen that happen too much to ever let that happen.  He’s part of my life, always will be. Convincing him of that is a whole other matter.

Truth Is:  I hate the Yoplait swapportunity ad (or however you spell it).  I really just want to take that spoon and smack her on the head.  They need to stop that ad immediately.

Brosiery: No, Just No.

Look, I’m all for the modern man.  You like opera?  Cool, Niles.  Fancy museums?  Who doesn’t, Frasier?  But this just screams ridiculous. 

Apparently, pantyhose for men is a growing trend. Designer Emilio Cavallini designed a line of unisex tights, and they’re being snatched up by men.

Please, tell me how any woman could seriously go all ooh-ooh, ahh-ahh with a man wearing these.  I’m sorry, but if he revealed these under his pants, I’d burst out laughing, tears, snorts, gags and all. 

I can tell you, if this is in fact a growing trend, then I’m going to be a virgin forever because there’s no way my cherry’s gettin’ popped by a man wearing mantyhose.  Mantyhose?! Good friggin’ grief! 

Credit: Emilio Cavallini

Credit: Emilio Cavallini

So, what do you think? Check box “Sexy,” box “Um, huh?” or box “Hell no.”

Funny for you

Thought I'd share this with y'all. 

During the enormous explosion delay during the Daytona 500, some drivers decided to "race" to the...wait for it...porta-potty.  Lucky for fans (and people looking for a laugh), someone caught it all on video. 

What you'll see here is Dale Earnhardt Jr. (in the white/green) racing Brad Keselowski (in the blue).  They're as fast on their feet as they are in the car! Gotta love the late surge and shove Dale gives Brad at the very end. lol  Guess who wins? ;)

Sweet As Pie, That's Me...

…when not watching, you know, the Mavs or NASCAR...or sports in general.   

Janie Junebug (love the name, plus Junebug is a nickname of Dale Jr.’s, so how could I not love it?) was kind enough to award me this yummy looking pie, er, award, and I couldn’t be hungrier, uh, happier.  Seriously, though, Janie is an absolute love, thank you darlin’. 

So, seven random things about me…I’m going to try and go REALLY random.

1. Not so much a fan of songs with people’s names in them.  I mean, how can you really relate to a song when it’s about someone named whatever?  Used to like Help Me Rhonda by the Beach Boys, mainly because the Beach Boys are awesome and a favorite of my parents.  But, then, Troy Aikman married Rhonda (not the one in the song. ;)) and I couldn’t quite like it as much, strictly due to a young girl’s crush and, you know, hormones.  Since he divorced Rhonda, I find it totally enjoyable again.  Go figure.  ;)

2. Okay, so you know about my irrational zombie fear.  Well, someone asked when it started, and I’m pretty sure it was when I first saw Michael Jackson’s Thriller video.  Yeah, that video scared the crud out of me.  Love the song, though. Total Halloween classic.

3. Speaking of zombies, if you show up on Halloween dressed as a flesh-eating beastie, please don’t be offended if I throw candy in your face and slam the door shut.  Should you try and practical joke me, prepare for a butt-kicking.  This is how serious a phobia I have over the rotted-skin-lot.

4.  Public bathrooms are like giant germ monsters to me.  I wouldn’t be surprised if they sprouted teeth and squirted paralyzing plague venom.  To say I take extra precautions when using said bathrooms would be an understatement.  Let’s just say no sitting is ever involved (squatting only), and there is always an abundance of paper towels and hand sanitizer present and accounted for.

5. Sometimes, when I’m cold, I’ll say, “Brr donkeys!”  No idea why, and no clue where it comes from.

6. I have an addiction to King’s Cake—traditional kind, no filling.  One year, I got the baby from four different cakes.

7. One of my all time favorite songs is Bobby Darin’s Beyond the Sea. 

Okay, now it’s your turn! I’m going to pass this one to my 7 newest blogging friends, but everyone, please, take it and have fun. :)

* The Daily Ramblings of an Eccentric

*  In A World of Her Own

* Blue Sky Gazing

* Another Rambling One

* Humble Inspirations

* Pokey at Live, Love, Forget

* Rants, Nerdiness, & Quirks from a Random Screamager

Truth Is Tuesday: A Wacky Special Daytona 500 Edition, GO DALE JR.!!!

Truth Is: If you can handle the cuteness…my mom baked a cake for the Daytona 500.  She iced it, putting “Go Dale, #88” on top.  I wanted to take a picture, but she got all Bashful Dwarf on me, saying it wasn’t good enough.  It was so adorable—I told her Dale would probably think that was really nice.

Truth Is:  For the first time, the Daytona 500 was postponed due to rain.  

It should have been a sign. 

Truth Is:  Love the 88 paint job.

Truth Is:  Monday night—Daytona 500 time.  And right off the bat, Jimmie Johnson was in a frightening crash. Y’all, you save the craziness for the end of the race, not the first lap (Jimmie wasn't acting crazy, but others were.  Danica was collected in the mess, too. I was sad for her). 

Truth Is: Jeff Gordon’s engine blew up without any warning whatsoever.  Bizarre, right?  It was about to get more bizarre (bizarrer should totally be a word.  It’s fun to say.  Bizarrer.  Sorry.)

Incredible as it was, Truth Is: Let me just say this as plainly as possible—Car broke.  Driver (Juan Pablo Montoya) lost control.  Driver slams into jet dryer.  BOOM.  Say hello to a huge fury of flames. 

Fortunately, everyone is okay. 

It was UNREAL, though. Seriously, the wackiest thing I’ve ever seen during a race. 

Insert red flag...for a fire delay.  Start waiting game.  Start goofiness.

Truth Is: If they called the race at this point, Dale Jr. would finish 6^th. Whoop!

Truth Is:  Tide apparently cleans tracks.  Seriously—they were bringing out boxes of Tide to clean the track.  It was very Mary Poppins, all of them with their little brooms and stuff.  Betcha the sales for Tide will go up. 

               

Truth Is:  Would you ever think the song All By Myself would be mentioned during the Daytona 500 broadcast?  Yeah, me either.  But it was.  Thanks.  

Truth Is: Commercial—Fox is going to have college football September 1^st.  How many months ’til September?  Oh, right.  Needed a moment to let that resonate.

Truth Is:  They actually started up again at about 12:09 a.m., EST.  And I was every bit as nervous as I was when the dang thing started. So bajiggity. Yeah, I brought out the bajiggity.

Truth Is: The number of commercials during the Daytona 500 is atrocious!  And, then, they promise us side-by-side, but STOP once the race re-starts.  WTH?! 

Truth Is: They must have heard my not-so-silent-plea to bring back the side-by-side during commercials…because they did.  My heart rate thanks you.

Truth Is:  The chunks are rising as I watch the last 15 laps.

Truth Is: Dale has no friends now; Jeff and Jimmie are out, Kasey…just wrecked.  He’s the Lone Ranger, here, folks. Frankly, I like when he controls his own destiny…because good things usually happen.

Truth Is:  Another wreck, and I’m gonna hurl.

Truth Is: DALE JR. FINISHES 2^nd!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHOO HOO!!!!!!!! No teammate to help, no help from anyone else, and he finished second!!!!!!!!!!!!! YES SIR!!!!

GO DALE!!!!!!!!!!!!  

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.