Friday, July 31, 2009
Always a Good Day When:
-- You are down with back issues, your husband is sick and you still manage to have a great time on the lake with friends. Those were the events of last weekend. I could barely walk or move and Blaine had a snotty nose and cough. But we toughed it out and hosted 6 friends on our boat including 2 year old Addison for her first boat adventure. The day was great - although Candi lost her cell phone in the water....
-- Walk in to your office at work and part of your furniture is missing - the ugly filing cabinet that I despised. My co-workers moved it one evening while I was gone. I loved that surprise.
-- You arrive at work and start off your morning with coffee AND chocolate chip cookies.
-- You know that you are going to see your family sooner than later. If not next week, Mom, Dad and Shania will be visiting me while I am at the State Fair. We are headed to see Brooks and Dunn in concert. Let's hope it is not 110 degrees that day!!
-- You know as soon as you leave the office, you are headed home to pack for another weekend at the lake.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Raise Your Hand....
RIP Michael Jackson but for pete's sake, give it a rest! I know it is sad that this icon passed away and there are so many unanswer questions. But until you have an answer to why the King of Pop died and where his kids are going to land, give it up.
I work with the media everyday and know the hype that they put on things. I understand that breaking news sells headlines which means more money from advertisers and more money in the media's greedy pockets - I get it, I really do. But for the sake of humanity and the sake of my insanity, put issues that aren't major issues anymore to rest for a while.
We all expect you to pick up the story again when it is a story. Heck, even Octomom said yesterday on TMZ that Michael Jackson had given her a break. Lord knows she needs a break so she can go back to pretending she knows how to take care of her 14 kids. What a nutjob she is?!?!
Poor Farrah Fawcett and Ed McMahaon have barely been mentioned in the passing weeks and look what they did as stars - Farrah brought sexy back to the screen and I waited endless hours for ole Ed to show up my doorstep with my million bucks. I think that beats the silver shiny glove any day!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Como Estes!
For those who I have spoken to recently...a couple of notes:
** I survived the 6 seater plane ride both days and can truly say I had two thoughts about the whole ordeal......(excuse my French) 1. Holy shit and 2. Holy shit that was cool. Since I am not a huge fan of flying, I was unsure if I needed to bring a helmet and full body gear or a vomit bag. I hyped up on Midol, Imodium, a large Dr. Pepper and a big ole maple covered cinnamon roll the first day. Shear exhaustion got me through the second day.
God has a funny way of taking your mind off of things - and just as soon as I got to the airport on day one, my top flew open. 3 of the buttons on my shirt just came undone! I was mortified to say the very least.....I was with some real dignitaries and didn't need this embarrassment. No one seemed to notice and I went on my way - just long enough for it to happen again. Two wardrobe malfunctions in 15 minutes?!?!? I thank God for this distraction....between my shirt and my intake of food and meds, I wasn't thinking about that flight anymore.
** Blaine and I have decided to stay in Jefferson City! Choosing between your current life and what your life could be is a decision that I don't wish upon anyone. The past month or two of thinking, analyzing, thinking some more, discussing and tearing up has been one heck of a roller coaster ride. After we realized what Tulsa spelled backwards, we knew it was not for us. (No...that was not our real deciding factor.) Our real deciding factors were many things: good jobs, a house we love but most importantly all of the awesome friends we have in our lives right now that has taken us 30 years to find. We love our family too, but Tulsa and Jeff City are the same distance apart from our family (and I should say too far, but that's another story.) So we are here to stay mid-Missouri.
** Ike has survived and is feeling like a champ. Ike is our 11 year old lab that was given a death sentence about a month ago. He has severe arthritis and developed kennel cough. After 3 vet visits, he was given 1 to 6 months to live - before we would be forced to put him down. After several days of 14 pills a day, Ike is down to 1 measly pill a day and is our little rock star dog. Sure - he acted loopy and drunk for two weeks. But now he is back to normal.
** Katie, my Yorkie, got to attend Take Your Dog To Work Day and was featured on the local news. Her bright pink and black blinged shirt was adorable. Although we didn't enter the contest, Katie and I won the Dog/Owner Look-a-Like Contest.....oh my...I will post pictures at another time.
That's my updates in a nutshell.
Happy 4th to all!!
Monday, June 8, 2009
Saturday, June 6, 2009
A 12 Hour Ride...well worth it!
I always dread a long car ride. But I can tell you that one week ago today when Blaine and I hit the highway for Gulf Shores, it was like heaven. My anticipation nearly got the best of me. Just knowing that my fellow beach-goers were there already made me jittery all over.
Today the 12 hour drive back to Missouri hasn't been all that bad either. It has been a great time to reflect on the fabulous time I had. I just love this yearly vacation with my family. Maybe it is just knowing that I will get to see them for a full week. Maybe it is not needing to check my phone because everyone that might need me is there with me. But mostly its the giggles, full blown laughter and relaxation.
We did it all this week:
- me and Mom got burnt and recovered to a tan at least 4 times.
- we watched dolphins and sting rays from our condo balcony.
- we took family photos on the beach - I can't wait to get these.
- the guys went deep sea fishing; the girls enjoyed the day of nothing. We had fish for dinner...yum!
- we toured Fort Morgan (very cool) and enjoyed lunch at Tacky Jack's.
- we hung out at the Hangout and me, Julie and Nia danced to the band. Rock on, Cupid Shuffle.
- Pink Pony...yep went there too.
Today Blaine and I decided to step up our souvenirs a notch. Blaine bought a Kubota lawn mower (a good deal so I am told.) I am traveling home with an antique curio-like cabinet for our basement bar. (Great deal for me). I am certain my family thinks we are officially nuts for these purchases....Some people pack extra suitcases for souvenirs; we rent U-Hauls!
As our Gulf Shores journey comes to an end (for this year), I know I am truly blessed to be able to spend these days with some of my favorite people in the world.
Tomorrow we are back to Jeff City and back to work on Monday. But we all have tans, our stomach muscles have to be more toned from the laughter, sand is still all over everything and we are already planning for next year. Can't wait for another Moore family adventure!!
(* photos will be coming soon.)
Monday, June 1, 2009
Dolphins, Sting Rays and Baywatch Babes

Wednesday, May 27, 2009
I just love these quizzes.
Have you ever made up/sang a song for someone you cared about? I sing “Potty Like a Rock Star” when I take my dog, Katie, outside – does that count?
Ever had a song sang about/for you? Oh….I am so not going to go there.
Do you know how to dance? Like nobody is watchin”!!
Where do you sing the most, in the car, the shower or other? Whenever and wherever the tune hits me. Like right now - Poker Face by Lady Gaga is going through my mind. P-p-p-poker face.
What is your favorite thing that is green? The popular thing to say is money – which I love. But I also love my landscaping right now too. When it is green – it’s alive – and I love that I haven’t killed it yet.....yes I said yet.
What is the way to your heart? Food most definitely – or jewelry from Tiffany’s. I am shallow like that. Hee hee.
What do you smell like? Right now – like Mango Sorbetto lip gloss. I just put some on.
What's in your pocket? Nothing but lint.
Ever hurt yourself playing Wii? I hate to admit this but yes! I have hurt my arm on baseball and my leg hurts after about 10 songs on the Rock Band drums.
How many languages can you say "Hello" in? I think just three – Hello and Hola and "valley girl" hhhheeeellllo???(stupid)
What's the last movie you saw in the theater? Twilight – gotta love a pale vampire
Ever jumped/fallen/been pushed in a pool with your clothes on? Maybe not a pool but the lake for sure. I have had bruises to prove it.
Can you do the alphabet in sign language? Almost...I can at least yell profanities in sign language.
What word do you use when people pass gas? Oooohhhhgross…didyoujustdothat?Blagh! Long word I know.
What was your favorite childhood show? Fraggle Rock - Red was my favorite.
What was your first job? My first real job was Sno Biz – boy could I really create a snow cone.
Do you sleep well at night? With or without my hubby next to me? With or without the snoring? With or without the dog barking? Okay fine....with earplugs I sleep like a baby.
Friday, May 22, 2009
I post - like never!
** In less than a week, Blaine and I are joining the Moore clan in Gulf Shores for our much needed, severely anticipated, family traditional summer vacation. Bring on the sand, the salt and rim (of my margarita glass!!)
Friday, May 1, 2009
Seriously...does it get any better than this?

Thursday, April 30, 2009
Eat More Pork!

Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Miss USA - one hot mess!
But if you saw the pageant, read the headlines or saw the latest on every morning show in America, you know by now that a contestant, Miss California, answered a very controversial question regarding gay marriage. Carrie Prejean answered her question stating that "We live in a land where you can choose same-sex marriage or opposite. And you know what, I think in my country, in my family, I think that I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman. No offense to anybody out there, but that’s how I was raised.”
I agree with Miss California (and President Obama for that matter) that marriage should be between a man and a woman - BUT what Miss Cali failed to do was answer her question in an eloquent way. Fear got the best of her and she clearly was not prepared to stand up to the D-lister, Perez Hilton. Perez's question clearly was self-gratifying and a way to get his name out there more - as if we haven't heard it enough already......anyone that mimics their name after Paris Hilton needs help anyway - in my opinion.
The ONLY thing I agree with Perez on is - she was MISS CALIFORNIA - from the state that legalized and now dethroned legalization of gay marriage (hello...proposition 8). Miss California should have had a canned answer for this. Besides, the whole pageant industry is full of gay men – I have met and become friends with many over the years.
Before I jump off of the soapbox - let me just say - GIVE IT A REST!! This girl did not say, “I hate gays!” and did not line up all of the gays across America and put bullet holes in them. She clearly stated her opinion at a beauty pageant about the union between gays - for crying out loud. Quit listening to drama queens such as Perez Hilton who are trying to make a buck (or lots of bucks) on someone else's misfortune.
Although Miss Cali didn't give the best answer in pageant history - it clearly wasn't the worst either. She is a beautiful girl that stood on a stage in a gown way too tight sucking in every inch of gut she may have (believe me I know), trying to overcome the increasing anxiety that has been building over the past 14 days while she was there and gave a 20 second answer to a VERY controversial question.
Good for her for standing up for what she believes in. Now Miss Cali - keep your mouth shut, let it rest, quit granting interviews and it will be gone tomorrow. Stay under a rock for a week - and you will be WAY better off. To Perez - just shut up.....you have stated your opinion, we get it, we don't want to hear you cry anymore!
** On a side note - I was a pageant contestant once. And I managed to tell a judge that I had no respect for defense attorneys - and they were clearly out for money when they could defend murderers, child molesters and people that shouldn't be walking on this earth. That judge just so happened to be a defense attorney....but he loved me. He actually respected the fact that I stood up for what I believed in - in a way that was eloquent, professional and I fully explained myself and my belief.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
April 15

Put the binoculars down, Dad! There is no need to search for your youth..... Lucille Ball once said, "“The secret to staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age.”
That's what I intend on doing - brilliant idea! (And if anyone asks, I am only 28.)
Happy, Happy Birthday,
Dan the Man!
Landscaping

The first photo is our main flower garden. I swear we had this tree placed about 45 different places in the yard before it found its permanent home right in front of the laundry room window. Decisions should be this hard. As you can see - some of the other plants are not in the ground - and aren't strategically placed yet. They too are roamers.

These are two of three of our Cleveland Pears between us and the neighbors. Yep - they have a pool. No we do not. I am not sure why I felt compelled to put a tree boundary between us - it kind of sends a message of "stay away." But I am certain that is the message that they should be sending me - since I love pools especially other people's pools that I don't have to clean.
Blainer worked very hard on building all of the retainer walls in our yard.
Blaine said I should take a picture of my teeny tiny blisters on my hands - since that has never happened before - and may never again. Blaine also says, "you are just like a blister - you show up when the work is done!" (That actually comes from Mr. Sherrow, our pal from the lake.) For the record, I showed up every single day - okay...maybe I didn't lift a finger too many times except to say "Put that there bush over there" (pointing). But I was there, by golly!!
Monday, April 13, 2009
Nursery Shopping

Wednesday, April 8, 2009
47 days & counting...
Other than work, life has been all about the house. Blaine and I have been working tirelessly (okay...fine....Blaine has been working; I have been bossing) on the yard. We now have a retaining wall for a flower bed, what I call an island flower bed with small retaining wall and two out of three small retainers where I am putting Cleveland Pears between me and the neighbors. Things are looking fabulous.....thanks to Blainer. (Just don't tell him I am praising him too much!) I will post photos when we are done - in about a month.
We are also beginning the planning process of designing our bar for the basement. I have lots of ideas - so we will see who wins this one: me - the spend thrifty one OR Blaine - the stingy one. Either way - I will just be happy to get it complete!
So here's to beaches, flowers and bars - all things I need very much right now! Cheers!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Moderation? What's that?

Here is Ike looking on - making sure everything goes smoothly. He was also instrumental in chasing the black Ford around making sure it parked the trailor in the right spot.
How much does a tree weigh anyway? Not a good question to ask - but won't this be a beautiful Cleveland Pear in my yard?
Friday, March 27, 2009
M-I-Z
Z-O-U! Although admittedly I slept through most of the Mizzou game and also switched between the game and reruns of Sex in the City, I did have dreams similar to this video last night.
I didn't go to Mizzou - I am a Drury University grad - but since I have been living in mid-MO, you either grow to love the tigers and wear stripes or get out. I have succumbed to the pressure and LOVE a good ball game. I have learned the songs, the chants, have a Mizzou wardrobe.....for the love of the game and now the love of the Tigers! Grrrrr........
Go Mizzou - beat UConn!!!!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Isn't it Ironic...don't ya think?
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? Not today - so that's always good news!!
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? I sure do. One time in college, my printer quit working at like 2 a.m. My health class major paper was due the next morning at 8 a.m. So instead of going out to party my blues away, I sat and hand jotted my entire term paper to perfection. My instructor was so impressed she gave me an "A" and kept it as evidence. Word has it she shows it to her classes to this day and says, "if you can print like this, I will let you handwrite your papers. If not - type them!"
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Smoked Turkey (with a little avocado spread....yummy!)
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? I have dogs - Katie and Ike.
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? I am not sure....I forget birthdays, I forget to call or text, I fall down often due to clumsiness and I am opinionated....I hate those type of people!
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM? No....not me! :-)
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Not a one of them since I was 4 years old.
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Oh hell no!
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? ooohhh....Frosted Flakes. OR what about some honey nut shredded wheat with orange juice.
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Why would I? Then I would just have to retie them later - work smarter not harder, my friends!
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? I have to be one of the only women that I know that can pass on ice cream - not a big fan Isn't it Ironic? About as ironic as alanis morissette. 14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Do they have any teeth? I do live in Missouri and I do work in rural parts, folks. Teeth are a huge indicator....and shoes too. Crappy shoes = you don't like to take care of yourself. There is such a thing as shoe polish!
15. RED OR PINK? Pink!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
16. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? That my closet isn't bigger.....Oh wait....you asked about myself. Well....hmmmm let's see..... my ugly toenails. Now don't go looking at them because then I will have another least favorite thing - my complex.
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? MawMaw.......enough said.
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO COMPLETE THIS LIST? Certainly...it is kind of fun.
19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? I am a skirt kind of girl - black and ivory skirt and some fabulous heels.
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? A dog barking out the window.
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Take all of the crayons and mix them together....go ahead....draw all over that sheet of paper. What color do you have? Turd-muckeldy-dum....that's me. The color of my eyes.
23. FAVORITE SMELLS? Fresh, clean laundry
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? Blainer
25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?I got this from my pal, Steve Lyle in California. Great guy!
26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? Go Kansas City Chiefs....bring it home to momma!
27. HAIR COLOR? brown and blonde
28. EYE COLOR? Turd-muckeldy-dum - see #22
29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? No...but I probably should. Maybe I can get some of those cat eye contacts for Halloween.
30. FAVORITE FOOD? Nakato's in Springfield!
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Happy Endings - hey that was a band in Springfield, I think.
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? I can't remember.....was it Forgetting Sarah Marshall?
33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Black.
34. Summer or winter? SUMMER.......on the boat with friends!
35. HUGS OR KISSES? Both - I am a woman you know.
37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? No one - this is a blog.
38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? You....yes, you....all of you!
39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? Are you kidding - when would I find time to read?
40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?Sunflowers.
41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? I caught up on Grey's Anatomy and Brothers & Sisters.....gosh I love my DVR.
42. FAVORITE SOUND(S)? A boat engine!!
43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Who are they? Just kidding (Cari!) Rolling Stones.
44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? Not far enough!!
45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? I can say all 50 states in alphabetical order in less than 30 seconds.
46 WHERE WERE U BORN? Oklahoma - where the wind goes sweeping down the plains.....
Schick Quattro TrimStyle For Women
Interesting advertisement for Schick!
I was doing a little research on advertisements....and came across this commercial. It took me a while to "get it" (because the bleach from highlighting my hair has gotten to my brain) ,but I finally caught on. I thought it was interesting enough to share - little hidden messages everywhere!!