End of the Week

The end of the week was very welcomed.  Thursday was so frustrating....and that was before I even got to work.  I realized earlier this week that the doctor back in July at Benjamin's annual visit didn't give him more than one inhaler of his asthma medicine. Usually we get enough for a whole year.

What doctor only gives one inhaler to last a year???!! 

So, I called on Monday to get the prescription renewed and the nurse called me back on Wednesday as I was driving back from helping my parents. I almost went by the pharmacy then, but a nap was calling my name loud and clear.

First thing Thursday was to swing by the main pharmacy on the base  take care of this....but I realized that only one med was taken care of, but not the asthma one. I tried to take care of it then and there, but it was taking too long and I had to leave for work.

I was so frustrated!! 

Then I went to work.  (I do enjoy my job, but waiting around for people is not my best forte.  But the right people showed up and payroll was taken care of.)

Today we went back to the problem of Ben's meds... After a call to the pharmacy, I had to call family practice. Again.  Late today a nurse called me back  She is just as baffled as I am.  She said she talked to the doctor and he agreed to approved the inhaler. But when she went to check on it after I called again, she saw that he cancelled the order. And of course, he was gone for the weekend when she realized this. 

urgggg..

Good thing Ben has enough for the weekend.

She'll deal with it first thing Monday morning.  Still it just doesn't make sense that the doctor this summer didn't get us enough meds for a whole year.

But we did have some good news today - Melissa got her official acceptance letter from her first choice of colleges.  Well....actually, her only choice....she had no back-up plan...not that she needed one.  So, next year she'll be off to Ole Miss....following in her parents' footsteps. 

We're ending the day with magic.  We typically go out for dinner on Friday nights, but Drew worked late...and liked what I cooked for the kids, so we ate at home.  Now we're watching magic shows on the DVR.  There's several magic shows on TV now and Drew loves them all. He watches a trick then rewinds it so see how it was done.  For the most part he can figure the trick out.

Tomorrow is all about sleeping late.  And the start of rec soccer....I'm sure it'll be close to 100 degrees on that field....but Benjamin is looking forward to playing.  I'll be the one covered in sunblock and sitting under an umbrella.

Alive and Well

Yes, it's been awhile since I've posted...we are alive and well.  We really enjoyed our holidays....we really didn't do anything major....just stayed at home and enjoyed family and life. 

I've already posted on how our holiday started: by learning that Melissa earned a 29 on the ACT. She was pretty much on a high from that for all of Christmas break!  Still in - in fact yesterday when she went back to school, she made sure to stop by a few of her teacher's room to let them know. 

My parents came over and spend several nights with us.  My brother and his family came over for several hours Christmas Day.  I have to admit: it was extremely nice not to travel.  We all got to be good and lazy!

We did see several movies.  Drew and I saw Unbroken.  Very good!  But I would say, read the book before you go.  Of course, the book is better, but, also, it explains the change in Louie's life.  He met Jesus and his life was changed. The movie glossed over that...sadly....but not surprising as Hollywood doesn't even want to admit there's a God much less that His name is Jesus.

We, also, saw Night at the Museum Three. I enjoyed it.  We thought the kids would go with us, but they all found some reason not to be seen with their parents in public.  Yes, they are teenagers!  I did take Melissa and a friend to see Into the Woods (but Melissa asked me NOT to sit with them - like a dagger to my heart, I tell ya!!).  I enjoyed it as well - neither of these two movies will probably win any awards, but they were fun to see.

We, also, watched lots of TV...movies....cooking shows....football (but not Ole Miss as they seemed to have NOT SHOWN UP TO PLAY....very, very frustrating!).  Melissa and I did do a little after Christmas shopping but not much...I didn't brave the mall.....too much craziness for me.

The kids seemed happy with their Christmas presents.  William got a video camera, Melissa concert tickets, Ben got some Minecraft stuff , and they all got a small Ping-Pong table.  Of course, the boys are enjoying that more than Melissa!

The other big event is Melissa getting her driving license.  She has had her permit since the summer and as of January 3rd was eligible to get her full license.  Which, of course, she wanted!  My plan was for her and William to share a car for several months to six months before we bought another car.  Well....I got out voted.  Drew bought himself a new Toyota Camry.  It's a very nice car!!  So, that means William got the blue Camry and Melissa got the white little Matrix that William had been driving.  They all are very, very happy!!

And I'm still driving a mini-van.  Oh, well.  A few more years of driving soccer plays and giggly girls around, then I can down-size. 

One of the gifts I was excited about was fabric. Yes,  I got fabric for Christmas and I was very happy with it all.  In the last week I have pieced a quilt together for William.  It's green.  No surprise there for anyone who knows how much that boy likes green.  Today I was able to piece the back together, but not quilt it as I need to get some green thread.  Hopefully, I'll be able to buy that tomorrow and if I don't work on Friday, then get to the actually quilting.  So, now I'm looking at patterns for my next quilt....fun stuff!

OH!!!! The Screaming!!!!

This morning as I was reading (or maybe just playing on the phone or computer) Melissa screamed at me. "MOM!!!!!"  It was the kind of scream that made me think she saw a bug or a mouse (not totally out of the realm of possibilities!) Then I heard some like "twenty" and I thought she wanted twenty dollars.

Then my slow brain computed what she said, "I MADE A 29 ON THE ACT!!!!!"

Then she ran into my room and jumped on me like she was two - legs and arms wrapped around me in a full body hug (of course, since she's my size, she ended up dropping because I couldn't hold her up!!!)

Oh, how proud and happy she is!!  Through-out the day she was come up to my side and say, "Hey, mom...guess what??  I made a 29 on the ACT." 

Thrilled, thrilled, thrilled!!! 

We even when out to dinner to celebrate at one of her favorite places to eat.  What a happy girl we have!!!

She will have to take the test again.  Every spring the school gives the ACT during school hours to all juniors (and whatever seniors that want/need to take it again).  She's already planning to study even more then than she did this time around - after all: she wants to score higher than Big Brother William with his 32.

Sibling rivalry.  I love it when it works in favor of my checkbook!

(From what we can gather without a formal visit to the school of her choice, this test score along with our alumni status should knock-out about 75% of her college expenses.) 

All for Safety Sake...Really???

I'm all for safety.  I tell my kids that most of the rules in our house revolve around safety.  We don't throw a ball (more like kick the soccer ball in this family) in the house, because I want to keep our possessions safe.  I want them to wear a helmet while biking or a seat-belt in the car all for safety reasons.

But I think there comes a time in our world that we have taken safety way too seriously.  Currently, in Washington State insurance companies want schools to pull down their swing sets. Really?  I think it's a bit ridiculous. Yes, there are times people - small kids even - get knocked over from someone on a swing.  But can't we watch our little ones better?  Can't we teach the older kids to watch out for the toddlers instead of taking a part of childhood away?

Then there's football.  This weekend after BIG wins, Ole Miss and Kentucky students and fans stormed the fields.  Both schools were fined. The reason? Safety.   But yet Baylor wasn't fined during their annual Baylor Line Run as the current freshman class run out of the tunnel. As you can see from the video it's total chaos! They were lucky than those students that fell down were not trampled to death!

Compared that "run" to the almost cooperative spirit at Ole Miss and Kentucky, where people (security guards!) were helping people down from the stands, which is more dangerous??

We just need to step away from fear and the law suits and let people have fun!

Today's This and That

Never did get the audiobook program to work....my personal Geek-On-Call (Drew) has had a cold this week.  So....I'm sort of staying away from him. I really don't want that cold...it seems nasty.

For the last few days I have gotten lots of sewing done....now I have lots of hand sewing to do.

Today I got my hair cut.  I'm having to break-in a new hair dresser. Again.   The first one I really liked here, moved away last summer, so I started seeing a mother of one of Melissa's friends.  The last haircut I felt like she was finally getting use to my hair and I was happy with the end product.

And now she's going into real estate.

So.  I'm now seeing another mother of a teen I know. She's in the same salon - which is close to the house and I love that. I think she did a good job.  I'll know for sure after I wash and style it myself.

Just like EVERY other hair dresser, she tried to straighten my hair. It looked good...for about an hour.  Then it falls.  And starts to curl.  I just go straight to the curl.  Anyway....we'll see in the morning what I think.

While I was working on my hand sewing, we watched another game in the soccer World Cup.  Yikes! Some of these teams are very aggressive and physical!!  That was Greece today as they tied with Japan. While I like cheering for William's 2nd home country, they just could not get it together enough win - even when Greece was playing with one less player due to getting a red card (that's where you get thrown out due to aggressive and physical playing!)  I'm looking forward to watch the US play again on Sunday when I can watch the game with my two favorite soccer player.

Now we are watching baseball...which I think is pretty boring...even if it is Ole Miss. Love Ole Miss....baseball is just NOT my sport.

Camp Day One....

Today was the first day the kids were gone to camp...and it was a lot like the first day they were gone on the mission trip during Spring Break:  I cleaned. Thankfully, nothing was as dirty as it was during that Spring Break cleaning spree.

Not sure why I'm like this. I think better when my house is clean. Also, I now have five days to play.

I have several sewing/quilting projects I would like to work on.....errands one day.....finish a book start another one.....

Last night we watched Ole Miss play in the baseball College World Series....tough loss.  Tonight we are watching the USA play in the World Cup (that's soccer if you're living under a rock or just don't care about soccer). At the moment we are winning....but that second half is a long one.... We scored within 37 SECONDS!!  Amazing!!  May it happen again!!!

Just Over Lunch

Today I went to my mom's to get Melissa. She had been with my aunt and niece at Ole Miss for the weekend. They had a blast!  She talked just about non-stop over lunch. I think she's already planning to return next year for the yearly event.  She even went to a baseball game....and now likes baseball.

And of course, she is even more sure she wants to attend Ole Miss.

After lunch I dropped her off at a cyber/robotic camp for the week.  It's a small group - 3 boys and 3 girls, I think she'll have fun.  And learn a lot. William went two years ago.....he left with a lot of knowledge about the cyber world....and with the knowledge he doesn't want to work in that field.  Good to know.  So, while this is a camp, she'll be working this week  - I don't think there's much "fun" involved.

The teacher in charge was concerned about her food allergies, but I'm not.  She usually is very careful (her run in with a nut in February was an odd moment....or a blond moment for her) about her food.  But he knows what to do....and she knows what to do....I'm not concerned.  For the most part they will be eating at the college's cafeteria.   Knowing my teen, I see a lot of pizza and hamburgers this week for her.

I missed her this weekend.  It was good to see her - even if it was only just for lunch.

First Full Week of Summer

We are all enjoying our first full week of summer.  We have gotten to sleep in, hang out....and yes, probably already have watched way too much tv and played too many video games. The kids have had several youth-get-togethers....so that keeps them a little busy.  Of course, we love ones that are at the church or at some one's house where its just games and FREE!!  Free is good....saving money is good!.

I have been able to go walking with my friend and neighbor, Alice.  Our goal is to walk three mornings a week...maybe in the evenings as well.  She joined a gym and has been great at exercising for awhile now, but for me, I just trying to get back into the routine.  I did so well last year, then then Drew moved to DC and I got lazy. I'm trying to not be lazy this summer.

This morning on our walk neither of us looked at the weather before hand. So.  We got a little wet.....not too bad. Just a light mist.....reminded me of being in Guam! Thankfully, it wasn't a down-pour!

Yesterday I took  Melissa over to West Monroe, so my brother could take her over to meet my aunt.  Aunt Trish is taking her and my niece, Ramsey, to Ole Miss for the yearly Ladies Forum. Melissa and Ramsey both are beyond thrilled to attend!!  After all, a weekend away from the family, being spoiled by an aunt, and being at Ole Miss???  Heaven!!!

After I dropped Melissa off, I meet my friend Janean for dinner.  We've known each other since second grade.  Love spending time with her!  We exchange stories about our kids.....two of them have some of the same issues (shyness)....nice to get another perspective on things.

Other than a few chores, I have nothing too much on the agenda today....may by a little time playing with fabric....that always makes for a great day.

Onward

We're on to another week around here. Last week was all about recovering from the Memphis trip...all normal stuff.  Melissa babysitting...William had soccer games (tied one, won two - got one goal)...Benjamin had cross country practice...normal stuff.

Thursday night Melissa met up with her aunt and a cousin and went to Natchez for the weekend for a  hot air balloon race.  As usual, she had a wonderful time! I had originally planed not to go because I thought I would be working, but it ended up I didn't get scheduled to work. Ben and I really thought about going...but we both thought we would rain on Melissa's parade. I know how much she loves these weekends away from us and getting spoiled by her aunts and older cousins and grandparents. And she did. She's already planning next year's balloon race weekend. (But the rest of us may just crash that one!!)

The highlight of the weekend was Ole Miss beating lsu in football.  That win was a long time coming!! I think it's been since 2009 since we beat them. It was a sweet win!  Hopefully, we'll win a few more (despite many of our players being injured) and get a bowl game! Lots of the season is left...we'll see. We still have a few more tough games ahead.

Drew is doing well still in DC...and we're still not sure when he'll get to move home. All the background paper work that needs to be done in order for him to start the local job is moving ahead. Last week he requested official transcripts to be sent in and this week he'll have a physical and a drug test done.  We would love for him to be home around Thanksgiving, but not sure...that may be too optimistic....Christmas for sure, I think.

Last week William took the PSAT. Overall, he felt like he did well. He said the math was easy, but he didn't not finish the last question. It was fill-in the blank, so he couldn't even guess.  He thinks he did well on the reading comprehension - which he usually does. But then there was the grammar part....yeah....not so well there.  We (Drew and I with William consenting) have decided to look into him taking a class to improve his grammar.   This is where our school doing a "4 by 4" block schedule is a problem. He took English last fall and will has it this year beginning in January, so that means he has gone a whole year without any grammar.   We'll get the results of the PSAT sometime in December, I think.

Today while Drew was at the laundry-mat, his (MINE!!) laundry basket, hangers, and dryer sheets were stolen as his back was turned to switch one of his loads.  He said he couldn't believe someone would steal it!  But then felt sad for them....if you're that bad off you need to steal a laundry basket - then take it! Of course, it would have been nice if you asked first.....

If you know of a cloning machine, please, send it my way before Thursday afternoon.  All four of us need to be in four different locations at the same time.  Not sure how this will play out......

Quotes From the Weekend

Melissa to William as she was explaining that we would have two hotel rooms -one for the kids and the second for the parents because "you know what they DO!!!"  Ah, yes. What the parents "DO"....kids learning about the facts of life wreck that part of your life!!

William as we were an hour or so outside of Little Rock, "Why are we going to Georgia by way of Arkansas??"  Me: "Where do you think we're going?" Him: "Atlanta" Me: "Hmmm...no. We're going to Memphis to pick up your father from the airport then we're going to Ole Miss.  Not Atlanta. Not  Georgia - or anywhere near there. Where did you get that idea?"  Him, "I don't know. Just thought we were going to Atlanta."  Crazy kid.  And to think he made a near perfect grade in geography.

Melissa at the ice skating rink, "I'm the best dressed person here!"  Yes, Princess, you are. (She had a skirt that twirled and tights.)

William as we were pulling into Danver's for dinner, "You think it's a nice restaurant...until you see the drive-thru...."  Not sure what he expected when we said it had sandwiches and a nice salad bar.

Usually, it's Benjamin that makes the funny comments....he's been on the quiet side this weekend...I'm sure that won't last long!

Not Having Good Luck ....

I was trying to watch the Ole Miss game, but the rain starts & knocks out direct tv. Hate direct tv.....

Very Glad it Wasn't a Bar

Many Ole Miss fans were disappointed this past weekend because the game was aired by a local network in Texas instead of a nationally one. Friday my brother told me about a restaurant here in our area that would be playing the game. I researched the place and it sounded nice - but I was really hoping it wasn't a bar.

Not that it wouldn't be the first time we have accidentally taken them to a bar.....there was that time in Guam.

This local place looked nice from the pictures and the menu seemed more detailed than a typical bar. But on the way I warned the kids....not sure what we'll find...But hey! Life's an adventure!

So, we went.  And had a blast! I will say that for the first half of the game, the other fans were very quiet....I think I called them civilized.  Even when we would score, they seemed very dignified in their cheering. After the second half started, the other fans got a little more rowdy.  Of course, we were winning by then and alcohol had kicked in.

For others -not me! I was the designated parent and driver!

A little after the second half, Melissa was ready to go home. She was tired...ready for bed....she's always has loved her sleep. Since we were watching the game outside on a patio, I let her go and lay down in the van. (I could see the van from where we were and it was the perfect temperature- so she was safe.)  Ben even went to the van for a little while, but couldn't sleep.

William and I were too involved in the game....we didn't want to leave. We stayed to the end.  It was a great game!! Well...at least for us since we won.  Three wins so far this year.....we're off this next Saturday, but then we face the number one team, Alabama.  Hopefully, we can at least do well and not embarrass ourselves.

THE Weekend

Well,  it happened. I knew it would.  I tried to make it slow down, but that never really works.  THE weekend that I had been looking forward to for most of the summer came and, sadly, went. But it was a great weekend....it was just so much fun!

It started with Ole Miss winning their football game Thursday night. Late Thursday night. VERY LATE Thursday night. Which made a few people a tad grumpy due to the lack of sleep. But it was so very worth it.  Last year Vanderbilt came to our campus and beat us in the last few minutes of the game. This year the cleat was on the other foot, so to speak, and we were the ones to win in the last few minutes. It was NOT a perfect game.  Those Rebels have a lot of work to do to get ready for the next game - and all those other SEC teams that are top ranked.  We Rebel fans would prefer to win early  - and decisively, would help! These come-from-behind and win in the last few minutes (more like seconds!) are really, really bad for our hearts.....I'm sure a few of us just about "threw a stroke" as one family member said.

But a win is a win and we will take it!! On to next week!! And hopefully, another win!!

Friday night I got to pick Drew up from the airport. It was just so nice to have my other half around again.  We did get to go out by ourselves Sunday night, but other than that we were with family the whole time. And it was so nice!  I know most of my friends don't get along with their in-laws or their spouse doesn't like their family, but Drew and I have never had issues.  Family is family. We love them all and it's great to all be together.  Drew's parents came in town for the festivities. We really do love having them all together.

Saturday was the fiftieth anniversary party for my parents.  I had decided to set out pictures of my parents  through-out the years as well as my brother and his family, and my family.  Also, pictures of my grandparents  at their fiftieth anniversary for guest to see were set out.  As I discovered going the old photos, I have a set of great-grandparents on each of my parents' families that, also, celebrated their fiftieth anniversary as well. Wow. What a legacy....three generations on both sides.  On top of that, my in-laws are into their sixtieth-two year of marriage. Just an incredible legacy for my kids.  Drew and I have a lot to live up to.

To celebrate, we had a nice reception Saturday afternoon and a family dinner out Saturday night.  I was so happy to see some of my father's family drive in town for the reception.  My father still has one uncle living. He came with his wife,  as well as two of his three children with their spouses.  So many times we only see these extended family members at funerals. It was nice to get to visit with them at a happy occasion.

Sunday was a lazy day of cooking out hamburgers, kids swimming, adults getting naps in and eating more cake. We had lots of cake left....but since it's got to be the best cake in the world, we don't mind left-overs!

Sadly, Monday came....time to pack up and take Drew back to the airport. None of the kids nor I were really ready for him to leave. But at least I get start a new count-down to the next visit.

The Weekly Run Down

The days just keep going by, don't they?  Saturday I did next to nothing other than laundry and reading books and watching tv. Since the heat has arrived, it was a good day to be inside and lazy.

This week has been good. The luncheon I was to have last week I held on Tuesday. It went very well!  I think all had a great time. One lady said she that we should have luncheons every month! I hope so! One lady offered her house for next time.  It was just a relaxing time to sit and chat.

My highlight of the week (so far - because the true highlight will be seeing Drew tomorrow night!) was getting my new iphone.  When we moved back to the States three years ago, I bought an iphone 4 - top of the line back then. But lately I have had so many issues with dropped calls, that I finally quit answering calls and just letting everything go to voice mail. Not ideal when you have three teens you have to keep up with. I ordered a new one last week and it was to come in on Thursday. By Friday I had not seen it yet, so I called. Walmart, basically, said they lost my order and it would need to be bumped up to her supervisor  - and that would take 2-5 business days to be settled.

Urggggggg


Monday I called to cancel the order as there was a Walmart in town that had one in stock, but I was told they worked it out and it was already in  shipping. YEA!!! It was delivered Tuesday afternoon. Of course, the biggest surprise was that I was able to get it turned on, my account transferred to a new company and synced to my lap-top all without having a melt down and having to call Drew.

I was quite proud of myself!  A very non-blond moment!

Today was the first day of a new Bible at church. I'm actually the teacher this time around.  Well, teaching is a strong word....I push the play button the DV and during discussion I make sure we stay on topic and watch the  clock. It's not rocket science, but I do enjoy it.  Today went well.  It's a good study - we're looking into the Old Testament judge Gideon.

Benjamin has cross country practice today....I'm praying he doesn't have a heat stroke as it'll be close or over 100 degrees.... I did take him an extra water bottle...not too sure he appreciated it....but he will come 3 o'clock.

Tonight I play to watch the Ole Miss game -first of the season! Fins up & hotty toddy!!  So, hope we win....and not embarrass ourselves.....

Tomorrow Drew arrives and Saturday is the big 50th anniversary party. Should be a great weekend. And yes, I already know it'll go way too fast for me.

The Long Weekend

We all enjoyed our long weekend. We went to Oxford, MS to watch the Ole Miss football game. We went two years ago, but this trip was much better in that the game was a night - so it was sooo much cooler and we won.

Winning always makes the trip better.

After the game was over, we stayed in the stadium a little while listening to the band. When they were through, they played a song from the radio over the loud-system and I discovered a marvelous thing:  Embarrassing my teenagers.

What a joy!!

I started to dance to the song since we all were in a good mood due to the win and the song had such a bouncy beat - how could you NOT dance?? 

William looked at me - "Stop dancing!! Please, stop! People are starting to stare!!"

Which, of course, just made me want to dance more.  Yes, I have an evil bone or two.

He and Melissa quickly ran up the seats to get away from me....of course, then that made me yell at them  - "Come dance with me!!!"

"NOOOOOO!!"

"Oh, how I love to embarrass my teens!!!" I yelled!  One lady looked at me and laughed, then said, "I can't wait until I can do that!"

"Yep - they're such easy marks!"

And the ironic thing: I never set out to embarrass them. But oh, the joy!

Hate Speech

A popular quote when I was in college was "I do not agree with what you have to say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it." by Voltaire. In fact, it was at the top of the front page of the college newspaper often (if not every day). Back then I seem to remember it being more in thought of race relations and, as well, if the Rebel flag should be flown (I did go to university in the Deep South, after all).  But I also, remember it being talked about in reference to the burning of the US flag.

These days, disagreeing is no longer an option. Why, I ask?? Last week actor Kirk Cameron was on Piers Morgan's show promoting his new movie, Monumental. During the interview, Mr. Morgan asked Mr. Cameron if he was against gay marriage (which has nothing to do with the movie they were suppose to be talking about.) Mr. Cameron gave a very calm, soft spoken response in which he stated his belief against the homosexual lifestyle based on his faith in the Bible.

Kirk Cameron, of course, was BLASTED by many in the media for his "hate speech". I've seen his response. Nowhere did he tell people to go and hurt gays. So, why was it called "hate speech"?  Why can't he have a different point of view?  Isn't that allowed under our Constitution? By him having a difference of opinion, that does not stop people from living the way they want to. Why do they care what he says, anyway???

But it's not just this issue that the media and Hollywood lambaste outspoken Christians and Conservatives over. Where it's abortion, illegal immigrants, the tax code, health care or voter identification cards, it seems to me that people no longer what to discuss issues - they just want to call others names. No longer is it okay to have many views on an issue. And I'm talking about both sides of the aisle in Congress!

The message we are sending to the next generation is "We must all think alike".  WHY?? I ask!  What are we producing? Robots to run the country in the upcoming years? This country has always been a light to the world to show that "a mixing bowl" can live in harmony.  Sadly, I think those days are over.

But you can disagree with me. I'm okay with that. I'm strong enough in my own views that I don't need your approval or for you to agree with me.

High School Football

Last Friday night Drew and I went to William's high school football game.    We did go to one game last year, but it was not a home game. Several things was very interesting.....

1- Melissa and her friends were all about looking cute and who they could see. I honestly don't think Melissa sat and watched one play of the game. Too many people to see!! Too many people to talk to!!!

2- Ben watched the game intently....until he realized we would not be winning....or scoring...at all.

3 - Purple cow bells make no sense to me.

4 - Melissa was not the only one who was there to socialize.   I just hope all those young adults (couldn't tell if they were currently seniors or had graduated and were now in college) behaved after the game. 

5 - Love how my boys have no problems wearing their Ole Miss shirts anywhere!  Hotty Toddy!!

Weekend Thoughts

A few thoughts from our weekend....

*It's so nice to be living in a place that you can drive five hours...without driving in a circle.

*New Orleans is a great place to visit...not sure if I would want to live there.

*Beignets are really a great breakfast...even if there's no protein and I'll be hungry again in an hour.

*A robotic competition is a crazy place to be...while being there for several hours, I'm still not sure what all I saw.

*So very thankful my team did not embarrass themselves this weekend...unlike last weekend...or the weekend before that...and the weekend before...oh, heck! Every week they have played this year!! We need a defense!!

*But mainly at the end of this weekend my thoughts are on the wonderful week ahead where I get to spend time with family as well as my in-laws. It's gonna be a great week.

Losing the Game, But Winning the Party

This weekend we took the kids to their first Ole Miss football game (William went when he was just baby, but we're not counting that).  It still amazes me that we have not taken them before.. .I grew up going to just about every game every year...but for us it's been just too far away for a weekend in Mississippi. But not anymore.

I think they enjoyed the game.....even if it was hot. Poor Ben was just melting.  At one point  he laid down on the concrete by my feet to try to stay in the shade. Of course, we all would have enjoyed the game if we had won the dumb thing!  But all I can is "typical".

If the very definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over, but excepting  a different outcome, then that's Ole Miss football. While is should not be tradition, it is.  Part of me was not surprised at the lost. Frustrated, yes. Surprised? Not really.

But. A good time was still had by all.

Tailgating is art at Ole Miss. Perfected over time. Since I have been gone, things have progressed far beyond anything we had when Drew and I attended.  Now every one has tents (or rather rents thems  - the companies that rents and sets up the tents, tables, and chairs are making a BUNDLE!!). Most tables are covered in a tablecloths with center pieces and/or flowers. Several even had small satellites with Direct-TV and big screens TVs!! Amazing!  Then there's the food. Let's just say - yummy! And yes, I need to be walking extra to work it all off!

Then there was the dress. We actually had an unwritten dress code while we were there. Who knows when it started, but "back in the day" we all dressed like we were going to church. The ladies in a Sunday  best-dress with heels and panty-hose, the guys in blue blazers, white button-down shirts, red or blue tie with khaki pants.

It seems that the boys still dress the same, but the girls? Oh. My. They are no longer dressing like they are going to church. More like they are going out on a Friday night looking for a "hot" time. Or for some "work".  The skirts were shorter and the heels were higher. No pany-hoses in sight! But on several occasions, you could see what type  - and color - of underwear the co-ed was wearing.

Oh. My.

I'm convinced that several dresses were actually shirts....yes, they were that short.

I have to tell you about one guy - he was over the top!  Yes, he was in the right "uniform" for the boys  - white button down, red and blue stripe tie, khaki pants - but he also wore a baseball cap and his belt buckle was a HUGE Conderate flag that really belonged on Wranglers!  I just had to laugh.

One part of tailgating I  love is seeing friends and family. We tailgated with my aunt and two friends. One of my college roommates drove down from Memphis to visit. So nice to see her!! I don't think we had seen each other since graduation, even though we have been able to keep in touch now through facebook.  I also, was able to visit with one of my cousins and his wife.  I had not seen them since my grandmother's funeral in the early 90's.  Such fun catching up with people!

The kids were I think a little shocked at some parts of the game..like our cheer. Ole Miss fans yell the "Hotty Toddy" cheer. Let's just say it has several words that we don't use in our house.  The kids were a little shocked at such free use of words deemed "not Jesus loving".