Happy Valentine's Day!

Well I missed "Flashback Friday" which this week is "Love, look at the two of us".

I had picked one of my very favorite photos of my husband, and me. It was one of the very first photos of us together, taken sometime in January 1997. I can't post the photo now because the stupid scanner is dead.

It's a candid shot, taken at Darllng Hubby's bachelor pad by one of our friends. We were getting ready to go dancing. He had just given me a vase with yellow roses in it. He didn't know those were my favorites, he picked them because they were pretty. He is wearing blue jeans and a hunter green button-down.I am wearing a black t-shirt and size 10 blue jeans (really miss those jeans..lol!). He is sitting on the couch, I am sitting on the coffee table facing him, singing. He has his hand on my cheek. It is obvious we are in love.

I'm singing "Head Over Feet" by Alanis Morrisette. It's one of two songs that we call "our song."
It's sentiment was close to home, for both of us. Both of us left scarred by our first marriages. Left to believe that we would never find love again.
Neither of us looking.

These are the words:

I had no choice
but to hear you
You stated your case
time and again
I thought about it

You treat me like
Im a princess
Im not used to liking that
You ask how my day was

Youve already won me over
in spite of me
Dont be alarmed if I fall
head over feet
Dont be surprised if I love you
for all that you are
I couldnt help it
Its all your fault

Your love is thick
and it swallowed me whole
Youre so much braver
than I gave you credit for
Thats not lip service

You are the bearer
of unconditional things
You held your breath
and the door for me
Thanks for your patience

Youre the best listener that Ive ever met
Youre my best friend
Best friend with benefits
What took me so long

I've never felt
this healthy before
Ive never wanted something rational
I am aware now
I am aware now

You've already won me over
in spite of me
Don't be alarmed if I fall
head over feet
Don't be surprised if I love you
For all that you are
I couldn't help it
It's all your fault

We've just began our 13th year together and will be celebrating 10 years of marriage this May.

We've had our ups and downs, like most couples.

And I'm still head over feet.

Movie Night: "He's Just Not That Into You"

A group of us from work had a girl's nite and went to see the new movie "He's Just Not That Into You" last night. Very interesting movie. I was surprised that it was rated PG-13, given the subject matter, it could have been much more.

I had a hard time paying attention to the movie, because I kept getting distracted by my own thoughts. I could "see" people that I know in each of the characters (myself included) and I'd think "oh, that reminds me of so-and-so," or "hey, that happened to such-and-such" or the most telling, "well. I'VE been THERE!"

Writers/Stand-up comedians Liz Tuccillo and Greg Behrendt (who makes a small cameo) hit the nail on the head with this one.

According to my husband, I am not the best person to go to the movies with, because I'm a talker. You know, the person who talks throughout the movie about "oh, I like that sweater" or "isn't that the guy that was in that show with the girl that did that thing..." or " NO STUPID, DON'T OPEN THAT DOOR!" I also like to figure out plots and subplots and invent my own dialouge. (Hmm...it never seemed like much to me, but here, written out, I can see where it might be annoying.) Because of this, when I go to the movies, I try to sit next to the other "talkers" and let the 'non-talkers" sit on the ends.

When I'm with other "talkers" it's okay, because we talk to each other. My mother and I, for example, do quite well together. We sit together and share information throughout the movie, and still enjoy ourselves. My brother is another. Guess that was just the way we grew up, going to movies with Mother.

My husband, however, hates to take me to/watch a movie with me, simply because, he wants to watch the movie in silence. It's very annoying to have something to say, but no one with which to share it.

While discussing the movie, one of my co-workers told me about a theater in Huntsville, the Monaco, that offers an upscale viewing experience for those over 21. Apparently for a few dollars more, you can sit in a large, reclining seat, eat, drink, and socialize, all while enjoying the movie. It sounds like it might be worth the drive to Huntsville.

Here's the blurb from their website:

ELEVATE YOUR EXPERIENCE AT PRIVE' A private glass elevator awaits the Prive' guest, taking them to the exclusive 21 and over Prive' level of Monaco. Prive' guests will enjoy an elevated lounge featuring a Wine Tasting Bar, appetizer dining, and upscale concessions. Enjoy a glass of wine while watching the show along with reserved seating in our custom-designed high back leather recliners. Prive' VIP delivers the ultimate luxurious experience.

Of course, I could also wait for the movie to come out on video and do the same thing at home.
The floor won't be sticky and there's no line for the bathroom.

Flashback Friday: It's Inner Beauty that Counts

A blogger I adore..."Anne Glamore" over in My Tiny Kingdom http://www.mytinykingdom.com/ does this thing every Friday that she calls Flashback Friday.

This week, she tells about her boys school photos and reminisces on her own jr.high school photos and the awkwardness of those delicate years.

I can relate to the feeling of having one's prepubesent body suddenly having a mind all it's own and the hapless, hopeless feeling that things were about to get ugly.

I present this as proof.....a photo collage of my 6th, 7th, an 8th grade school photos.

I refer to this work as "The Awkward Years."

My 6th grade year, despite my best efforts, my hair would fix itself. I am wearing my favorite drawstring-neck peasant shirt, that unfortunately, didn't photograph very well. To the people who always tell me that I look like my mom...here is proof that I look more like my dad. I think that it was taken just after gym, which is why I look somewhat dishevealed. Note that my ears are covered, because they stuck out....a lot. But not quite as much as a tooth on the bottom right side of my mouth. It stuck out like the bulldog on the Looney Toon cartoons. I had become a pro at only smiling with my top teeth to cover this very embarrasing flaw. Not a one of these photos were given out. I have every last one of them.

7th grade, I was beginning to get control of my hair. My "wings" were still a little wayward thanks to the wicked cowlick I have right up front, but you can at least tell they are supposed to be wings. I loved this outfit...a jade green color-block sweater and matching jade green pants. Despite my numerous insecurities, when I wore this outfit, I thought I was the bomb. Make note of the jade cloisonne' necklace. They were all the rage that year, and I was the first one who had one. I loved saying cloisonne' because it sounded expensive. It was such an improvement over the previous years photo, I actually gave this one to my family. Ears still conveniently covered.

8th grade, as you can tell, I am getting more confident. It awas never as evident before, but with the three photos together, it is very obvious, as my smile is getting bigger, though still covering that off-set tooth. Mother let me wear some make up. Look how much confidence the Bonne Bell lipgloss and the Pink Cheekers blush seem to give me! The hair is much improved, (though still covering my ears). I was getting up at 4:30 a.m to acheive this look and I was darn proud of it. This was the year I got my braces and thus the last year I only smiled with my top teeth. I loved this photo so much, I'm quite surprised I have this one.

I Thick I Hab A Code....

Zits by Jerry Scott & Jim Borgman...courtesey of http://www.arcamax.com/zits/

I feel like crap... but I'm here.

Anyday above ground...right?

Who'd have thunk it...?!

Well I may finally get published in a major national magazine...but not for my writing....no, I will be published in a section none of my family or freinds will be able to believe.

I will be published for something I cook.

More specifically, one of my "lazy day" recipes, a throw-it-together pasta bake that me and my kids make.

I once was an avid reader. Now, my life is so busy and complicated, that all I have time for is an ocassional magazine.

I grew up reading everything I could get my hands on, which included whatever magazines were laying around the house. My mother routinely purchased "Reader's Digest," "Family Circle," and "Woman's Day," so naturally, those are among my favorites. In college I became a fan of a magazine called "First for Women" and most recently, a new magazine called "All You."

Now that everyone has a website (even R.D.!) , naturally I decided to check them out, where I learned about what's known as a "reader's panel." Each magazine wants to learn about it's readers, so they invite them to join the reader's panel, where they periodically answer surveys, share opinions and ocassionally get free samples (score!) They typically keep in contact by email.

I read the emails, but rarely feel I have something to contribute....until an email last week from "All You" had a question for which I actually had an answer!

What's your favorite "emergency" no-shop weeknight dinner -- the one you make with ingredients from your pantry/freezer?

So I clicked the corresponding link and wrote about our pasta bake, made from staples I keep in my pantry...pasta, spaghetti sauce from a jar, shredded cheese and whatever meat I may have on hand. It's quick and easy, I don't have to think about it, and my family loves it. We eat it at least once a week.

Two days later, I recieve an email that they loved the recipe and are considering it for publication! They even asked for a headshot to publish with it!

Who'd have thunk it..?!

Redneck Mecca

(artist rendering courtesy of www.bassproshop.com)

It's finally here...the official redneck Mecca.

The Bass Pro-Shop in Leeds has opened, just in time for Christmas!

Not since home-town boy Charles Barkley told Jay Leno that he was running for mayor, has Leeds had so much media coverage.

Every mud-splashed, four-wheel drive with deer antler hood ornament and bull-balled trailer hitch had I-20 Eastbound hopelessly gridlocked as thousands of eager outdoorsmen (and women!) made their way to marvel at what is said to be one of the largest stores in the BPS chain. Many stood in line for up to two hours on opening day to check it out. I have heard that any item that one could think of in camoflauge print is sold there. Really, just how badly does one need a camo-covered dining room set?

It's been open a month and I am yet to darken the door.

First of all, I think it's kinda over-rated. Yes, ours has a food court, but it would have to. The next nearest food (save the hot dog counter at the Interstate Chevron) is a good mile into town. I doubt the imcomperable, but tiny, Ole' Smokey Barbeque could hold more than 10 people at a time. All of the other restaurants and fast food joints are at the Moody exit, 4 miles further up the interstate.

Secondly, I doubt that they would have anything I would need. I am NOT the outdoorsey type. My idea of "roughing it" is 5 people in a hotel room with only one bathroom. Before I agree to go anywhere with "camp" in the name, I must know if there is indoor plumbing. Anything without is more "adventure" than I care to deal with. When I was a kid, I wasn't quite as particular, but I'm not a kid anymore. My last "camping adventure" was last Thanksgiving when we went to the hunting camp in South Alabama with the in-laws. I've seen hunting camps before...little shacks with woodburning stoves and big screen tv's. And usually, if you were lucky, an outhouse rather than finding yourself a nice tree. I was so relieved as we pulled up to my in-laws place, a lovely two bedroom trailer with electricity and running water....Praise the Lord! Unfortunately, the hot water tank was barely large enough for one decent shower, let alone showers for 4 smelly men, 1 perpetually sweaty teenage boy and 6 females, 4 with long hair. Thank goodness for ponytail holders!

That being said, it's a pretty safe bet that I may never see the inside of the most anticipated business in my area. However, like many things, morbid curiosity may get the better of me. I've been told by many that there is more than just hunting and fishing gear. One friend was showing me a really nice , roomy, canvas tote bag she got there. And it's not camo. "Just check it out for yourself" she said.

I may do that, sometime around March when some of the "new" has worn off.

Carboholics Annonymous

Hello, my name is Joy and I'm a Carboholic...

November and December are the hardest months of the year for me. Most people call it "the holiday season" but I call it the "carb-a-day season." Between the football playoff parties and the holiday food, my expanding waistline doesn't stand a chance.

While I enjoy all holiday food, cornbread dressing with cream-of-chicken soup gravy is by far my favorite (followed closely by creamed potatoes and brown gravy). My mother makes the most amazing cornbread dressing, a skill learned from my grandmother Clara. It is always moist and seasoned to perfection. I can't do it (though I've never given it much effort either) and my mother knows this. She always makes an extra pan so that I have one to carry home to enjoy later.

Unfortunately, now that I am diabetic, upsetting my delicate carb/protein balance results in an ailment my family and friends have jokingly begun referring to as a "carb coma." It's true..an extra spoonful of potatoes knocks me out within 30 minutes of consumption. I am usually out for about 2 hours, afterwhich I awake with a blinding headache, an a hankering for more carbs. The fact that I get to eat each holiday meal at least 3 times means I am pretty much in a carb coma from late November to the first of the new year.

If Auburn continues to play like they have been, I may need an extra pan of dressing this year.

You would think that I would know better, and keep my protein in check, but I can't help myself. The carbs call to me and I must consume them. I know how alcoholics must feel, yearning for that next drink.

Is there such a thing as Carboholics Annonymous??
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I gotta love my girl Angela! Leave it to her to have some extra fun in blogdom.
I've been tagged. I'm about a month late, but here it is. I, unfortunately, have the same I don't have anyone else to tag, but I will answer the questions just the same.

Here are the rules:
Post rules on your blog.
Answer the six "8" items.
Let each person know they have been tagged by leaving them a comment.

8 Favorite TV Shows:
Holy Crap...can I come up with 8? Okay, no particular order here
1)Law & Order (All of them)
2)The Biggest Loser ( I find myself cheering during the weigh ins)
3)America's Next Top Model (I don't know why...but somehow I'm hooked)
4)Wife Swap (corny yeah I know, but it is nice to see how weird other folks are)
5) Desperate Housewives
6) Stylista (follows ANTM...that's how I got hooked on it)
7) Grey's Anatomy
8) ER

8 Things I did yesterday:
1) showered
2) worked
3) went on an errand with Vicky
4) worked some more
5) drove to the Dollar Tree
6) ate
7) watched Law & Order SVU
8) went to sleep
(boring life huh?)

8 Things I look forward to:

1) Dressing at our Thanksgiving meal at the in-laws
2) Dressing at our Thanksgiving meal at my Mother's
3) Dressing from our Thanksgiving left-overs
4) The Iron Bowl (anyone interested in hosting a party?)
5) Dressing at our Christmas meal at the in-laws
6) Dressing at our Christmas meal at Mothers
7) Dressing balls wrapped in bacon at my Dad's
8) Dressing from our Christmas left-overs
(yes...I love it that much)

8 Favorite Restaurants:
(technically, anywhere I don't have to cook qualifies as a favorite, but here are 8 that I frequent)
1) Olive Garden
2) El Cazador Mexican in Leeds
3) Arby's
4) Waffle House
5) Krystal's
6) Cracker Barrel
7) Chili's
8) Does Dominoes count?

8 Things on my wish list:
1) Dressing
2) for my family to be healthy, & happy
3) for my husband's car to be repaired
4) Dressing
5) For Auburn to win #7
6) for my blog to be picked up for weekly publication (hey..I can dream, right?)
7) for an annonymous benefactor to pay off my car and my house
8) Dressing

8 people I'm tagging:
(...like I said...no one to tag...)

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I'm really looking forward to the holidays..

Let the madness begin!