Sea Legs and Airplane Arms

Here's the trip as best i can remember.... (i took a journal, but of course, didn't write in it past the 1st or 2nd day)

(who went): Me, Mom, Dad, Sister (Ellen), Brother-in-law (Mike), Nieces (Ashley (11 - turned 12 on our last day), Sydney (10), Mackenzie (9)) ... The Clayton's (Jim, Nancye, their Daughter and husband (Lisa and David), Daughter and Boyfriend - after the trip: Fiance - (Carole and Matt) her daughter (Kayleigh), his mom (Barbara)

Sunday, Oct. 10: Flew out of Nash. around 11:am to Charlotte, NC. (this was the worst flight i have ever been on. I am seriously stunned that i didn't 'puke' as Kayleigh later, very loudly and proudly professed. Sweating profusely, clammy, shaking, pale and literally choking back the strong urge to 'puke'. Both myself and the guy next to me are glad that didn't happen) Then we flew to Rome. Arrived in Rome on Monday morning around 9:30? i think. We were picked up by 2 drivers (for the 16 of us) we got the non-english speaking driver. Which was a bit of a bummer entering Rome (he couldn't tell us anything) but he tried very hard and even drew pictures trying to explain things ..... The traffic and driving in Rome is BEYOND CRAZY! (I had forgotten that)

Monday, Oct. 11: We got to our hotel, settled our things and wandered around. EXHAUSTED. but stayed awake . we looked at the squares around, and shops and a few INCREDIBLY BEAUTIFUL churches. we were really close to the Spanish Steps but, unfortunately didn't know that at the time. We went for our first pizzas :) haa haa.... and our first experience of what they think is a small, one-person pizza ....

(we later found out that both my parents had had the stomach bug right before the trip. My mom all Friday night and my Dad all Saturday night before we left on Sunday - they were really worn out and exhausted - we didn't find this out until later Tuesday - my dad had been real stressed about the trip - trying to straighten out or flights (we were all scattered throughout the plane not sitting together - and you can't have little kids sitting alone) .. and he had been worried and felt responsible taking his whole family on the trip (anyone wonder where i get my worrying and responsibility from?) i felt really bad for them, it made tired travels even worse.

We went to sleep early but not too early ..... i think we wandered until we found a grocery and just had cheese, crackers and cookies for dinner.... hee hee yum.

Tuesday, Oct. 12: We got up, got ready and i burned up my flat iron. first day of the trip. and when i say burned up. i mean, i plugged it in, went to the other room to get something and when i came back there was dark grey smoke billowing out of it, i quickly unplugged it, picked it up and watched the ceramic plates literally melt and hang off of it (well, the glue-type backing on them) and ran it under the water. The fumes, i am sure, were toxic and unhealthy to breathe in, so i quickly woke my 2 nieces and hurried them to get clothes on and get out and over to my parents room to get ready. (not a great way to start the day).

So, we then went down for a good breakfast (blood red orange juice = DELISH!) and off on a private tour of Rome. Today our driver was Ricardo. A young Italian (stallion ;)) who could speak english pretty well. We went to the Coliseum and walked inside and out. The Forum (Roman ruins) - i am not going to remember all the places here, my sister wrote them down - we went to the Vatican but ran out of time to get into St. Peter and see Michelangelo's Pieta (BIG BUMMER - maybe I'll get to see it on my next trip to Rome)- had my 2nd pizza in Rome for lunch . the waiter was very funny and flirty (older man) - we went to where they ran chariot races (like in Ben Hurr), we went to the Trevi Fountain - Ricardo told us that legend says 'Throw ONE coin in to come back to Rome, TWO coins in to get Married, and THREE coins in for a Divorce'.... So, when we got down there (and it was PACKED!) everyone threw their coins in and i said loudly, while throwing mine in, THIS ONE IS TO COME BACK TO ROME.... AND THIS ONE IS TO GET MARRIED!!!!! and we laughed and then this woman holding a 6-8 mo. old baby say, 'OH NO!! Don't say it loud!! Start over, you have to throw in more coins!!" ... and we were laughing (as was she) and I said 'I can't then there will be a divorce' and we all laughed .... her baby was not overly cute (i know that is mean to say - he looked a bit like the Shoney's big boy, but with blond hair) HOWEVER, when we all laughed, HE LAUGHED and he had the CUTEST, CHEESIEST BIG LAUGH-Y GRIN across his face and my heart melted - HE WAS BEAUTIFUL!!! It was GREAT! we went to the Vatican (said above - before St. peter - which we missed) and we saw the Sistine Chapel...... BEAUTIFUL and incredible..... awesome to see, in person, something i have seen in books for years ... The Pantheon, at the end of out day we caught the Spanish steps (but only a drive by)

Wednesday, Oct. 13: We got up and had a quick breakfast and went out to a few shops my nieces wanted to hit and get souviners.(sp)we were then picked up by a different driver (i can't remember his name) who took us to the port in Civitavecchia (Italy)... he was nice, spoke english but not a whole lot so, there was some confusion, but we worked things out. He drove past St. Peters Square and WE SAW THE POPE!!!!!! he was conducting a Mass and we saw him. Our driver stopped (even though he wasn't supposed to) and my dad got a photo of him .. (the pope) ... of course he was about the size of 2 corn nibblets stacked on top of each other, but still cool)... then off to the boat... we hung out on the boat, wandered around. had dinner during the late dinner (8pm) and found it was going to be WAY too late for us (we finished after 10... too late for the girls ... and us, too :)..)

Thursday, Oct 14: Sorrento, Italy. We had another private driver, His name was Rodolpho (sp). We liked him. He took us through Sorrento (we just drove through (another BUMMER, i SO LOVED Sorrento the last time i was there, but we didn't have a lot of time and we had a lot we wanted to squeeze in)... we drove along the coast to Positano, Amalfi, Ravello (stopping along the way for photos, and 30 min here and there)we had lunch in Ravello, then off to Pompeii Where he set us up with a guide. Giovanni. Giovanni was fully dressed in a 3 piece suit with an over coat and an 'extra-extra' hat. He had on his italian leather dress shoes and BIG glasses. Giovanni, later we would find out, was 80 years old. He kept trying to get us up in front of the line (we would find this trend throughout our trip - alter to be called - 'Italian-style') .... we had to walk up a BIG hill and there was a big group of people. we thought we lost Giovanni and were trying to keep up. When we got to the top, we hear someone yell out - HEY! I'm here .. that is when he told us he was 80 years old and not as young as he used to be . haa haa . he was VERY dramatic and cute and that was a great experience ....we only had and hour or so there and he apologized for not doing a better job, but he was great and it was fun .... then back on our way to Sorrento. our driver took my back up the hill so i could wander the streets a little more. i took pictures but didn't stay long at all (BUMMER) i could tell my dad was worried i would miss getting back on the boat (we had to take a boat to get onto the boat) . so i hurried. (next time I am in italy, i will spend more time in Sorrento) - we saw olive trees, lemon trees, persimmon trees, and chessnut trees -Back on the boat, earlier dinner, etc.

Friday, Oct. 15: La Goulette, Tunisia. (north Africa) Well, first, we got off the boat, toured and made it back. (hee hee) We took a bus tour (and then walked) of the Souks. The Souks are the shops/markets of Tunisia. The area was described as Arab Islamic culture meets African Spice.I would say it was heavy on the Arab Islamic side of that statement. we all stuck together like glue. there were MANY many shops... and all selling the same things, strange how anyone can make any money . like we were in the 'gold' district.. all shop selling similar gold jewely . shop after shop after shop..... we went to a run shop, too. that was really cool, there they told us how they made the rugs by hand, some loomed, some set to a loom but each strand individually attached and trimmed... how long it took to make them, etc. as the man talked he would roll out rug after rug. one on top of the other . he rolled out one and i thought 'THAT is the most beautiful rug, by far' ... (later i found out my dad and sister thought so too).. my dad asked how much it was. and the negotiations started from there, my brother-in-law helped negotiate it further and we walked out with a heavy, beautiful rug. and the 'gave' my nieces each a bracelet (which my dad then ha to pay for - stinkers) ... haa haa but the experience was fun ..... we then walked through more markets and saw a belly dance show ..... 2 different women . it was cool, but hot in there .. they gave us treats : green tea and dates din honey and with a pastry around them. then back on the bus and to the boat. Over all i would say i am glad we saw it, but Tunisia would not be a travel destination of choice. The men, within, the Souks were very 'leer-y' and some vocal - we had a tight hold of the girls. the area was pretty run down - kind of like parts of Mexico. homes would be built up until they ran out of money and then just stopped. where as Rome etc. was somewhat dirty because it was old and a bigger city, Tunisia was dirty in a trashy way.... (p.s. I called 'dibs' on the rug at dinner ;)..)

Saturday, Oct 16: ALL DAY AT SEA. We were at sea for the day and the seas were rough. We visited the Clayton's, in their room up front (which was really rocky hitting the waves) by the time we left, my youngest niece got sick (or 'puked' as Kayleigh announced) and my sister got motion sick . they were down for the rest of the day. the rest of us had lunch, some played shuffle board on top deck (that was a mistake) i went up there for a bit but when the boat was rocking front to back an i could keep seeing the back of the boat coming way up, i went downstairs)We made it to dinner, to find out that many on the boat didn't. and when i say 'we', out of the 8 at our table only 3 had a full meal... the others dropped like flies. Kayleigh came to our table and announced that she had 'puked' earlier . haa haa (that was all the puking talk) and it was BLACK (she has had a dark chocolate gelatto -- haa haa) Ended up, through the night, we were hitting swells (waves) that were 8-12 feet - many in the 10-12 range. I felt like i was going to be thrown from my bed some of the time. the chairs and tables on our balcony were being thrown around and it tore one of the balcony dividers off it's hinges. ROUGH night.

Sunday, Oct. 17. Barcelona, Spain. (they speak Catalan, they are in the region of Catalonia) we got off the boat and went in for a bus tour. we weren't in this port for real long, during the day (BUMMER) Barcelona is a BIG city, there were many sail boats in the marina, very artistic city (sculptures, etc. all over town - way cool. We drove past Las Ramblas (a long road of art/market/merchandise booths - i was hoping we would get to walk it, but we did not)we drove past other areas .... we went to La Familia de Segradia. (The Holy Family Church started by famous artist/Architect Gaudi)IT WAS INCREDIBLE!!!!! we were able to go inside this time. BEAUTIFUL. The pope will be there next month to bless it. The church is 65% done ...Gaudi was 70-something when he was hit by a bus and killed while working on it. People didn't recognize him when he was hit because he looked like a poor man. He had given ALL the money he made into building the church, It is a privately funded church, built through donations.Barcelona id 99% Catholic (not all practicing, as our guide said) - back to the boat.

Monday, Oct. 18: Nice, France (Monaco and Monte Carlo). We took a tour bus here. this tour was longer and nice. we drove throughout the city (along the coast and up into Nice) stopping at points for photos. We went to Monaco, walked around, saw their homes (from the outside) saw the Jaques Cousteau (sp) aquarium (didn't go inside :(.you all KNOW how much i like aquariums!....) saw the changing of the guards at the palace. grabbed a sandwich (tomato, basil, mozzarella YUM)when into the church where Grace Kelly was buried .... the church was beautiful . the prince will marry there in june (or july) .. went to the beautiful, fancy Casino and shops and saw how the other side lives (fancy fancy) :)..... you could really tell which ones of us were the tourists (and i am not just talking about the 'group #2' stickers we were wearing)Drove back on towards the ship and stopped at Fragonard (perfumery - went there on my last trip, too - too bad we couldn't stop at that little village nearby) - back to the boat.

Tuesday, Oct. 19: Livorno, Italy (Pisa and Florence)We had a private tour of Florence and Pisa. Our driver this day was Francesco ... he was great .. he took us through the countryside (instead of interstate) to get to Florence. Once there we stopped at several places to take photos. we stopped at one area and i ran up to see what was in michelangelo's square . there were artists, but i couldn't find the one selling the watercolors and we ran out of time (REAL BUMMER - i would have liked to have bought one),Found out that Leonardo de Vinci was 'Leonardo OF Vinci' .. his mother was lower class and, at the time, he took on the name of the city he was from (something like that) we drove through the Chianti region (chianti grapes) and found out that italians go buy their wine and live oil from the farmers to get it cheaper. (a bottle of Chianti for 1.50 euro)and they get pure extra virgin olive oil, where-as when you buy it at the store,you get a percentage of extra virgin olive oil in your bottle mixed with, i don't know. the extra virgin part of the oil is the first squeeze of the olive, and is more bitter.While in Florence we went to the Academy Museum and saw David (which my nieces still thought was disgusting, since he was naked) that said - it really was incredible.... beautiful statue.fortunate to see it in person .... strange after seeing it in books for years. We also went to the Uffizi museum and saw Botocelli's the Birth of Venus and many other pieces i have studied. Incredible and truly overwhelming seeing SO many beautiful paintings that are SO incredibly old and survived through the years. AMAZING. The on to the leaning tower of Pisa. and it was leaning. and YES i had my picture taken of me holding it up . though i actually look like i was waiting to catch it .... i also took pictures of all the bozos, like me, standing there with my arms out trying to catch it . funny .... back to the boat.

Wednesday, Oct. 20: ASHLEY'S 12TH BIRTHDAY!!!!!!! we got up at 5 am for breakfast and to get off the boat. 6 of us got into a private van set for the airport (my parents stayed for 5 more days) I cried when leaving them (because i am sensitive - read way back in the blogs and you can learn about that).. there was much confusion, we had to go back to get the rest of the Clayton's (there were 2 vans, one for 6 one for 8 and then a car for my parents . luckily the did get picked up) Anywho, we made it to the airport, got checked in, etc. once on our plane from Rome, it was delayed 2 hours because of the French strike. they rerouted us 4 times and we finally took off (2 hours sitting in the plane and being fussed at by the flight attendants if we were standing - nice). we got to Philly with VERY little time to spare . running through customs, running through security, running to get our luggage, running to recheck our luggage, running to catch the flight AT THE OTHER END OF THE TERMINAL .. only to have the lady tell us we missed it. (By the way it was sitting there at the gate) .. we said 'you're kidding' and a little more . and she then went down and told us to come on.... so WE MADE IT on our flight . then sat on that plane another 15 min or so ...... finally we arrived in Nashville and found that 2 of our suitcases did not ..... they did arrive later yesterday (whewie).....

that might be about it. the boat was nice (except for that rough seas day and nights) ... it was all an experience.. the places, the people .... it was a great family trip ..... i am grateful, glad to be home and look forward to my parents return soon :)

I'll post photos later, maybe on FB

The Night Before

Well, that's it. I have finished packing. If I haven't packed it, then I don't need it. If I need it, then I'll have to buy it. If I can't buy it, then I am shit-out-of-luck!

Fingers crossed that my suitcase weighs less than 50 pounds. If it doesn't, I'll be tossing things at the last minute, and then I may be trying to buy things when there ... vicious cycle.

See the itinerary below as to where we will be. If I am able, I'll get back on here and try and update a little as to our adventures ..... the first, the flight. We are finally sitting together .... so, fingers crossed on that working out - ha! :)

I am excited! I think we all are .... and a little nervous and just ready to get going. :)

So, I guess that's about it ..... hope all goes well the next couple of weeks, on both sides of the ocean.

Take care and talk soon :)
mike ann

trip itinerary

Here is the trip (and where we will be) ..... i didn't want to create another blog, so i just attached to this one ....... i don't see myself adding to this while on the trip, but will let you all know if i do :) ...


Fly to Rome on Sunday and have a couple of days there :) before the cruise

Wed 13
Oct ROME (CIVITAVECCHIA), ITALY 1:00PM 6:00PM CHECK-IN 1PM - 5PM. ARRIVE AFTER 2:00PM
FOR A FASTER CHECK IN
Thu 14
Oct NAPLES/CAPRI (SORRENTO), ITALY 7:00AM 5:30PM 6:00PM TR TENDER REQUIRED
Fri 15
Oct CARTHAGE/TUNIS (LA GOULETTE), TUNIS 1:00PM 6:30PM 7:00PM
Sat 16
Oct AT SEA
Sun 17
Oct BARCELONA, SPAIN 7:00AM 3:30PM 4:00PM
Mon 18
Oct NICE, FRANCE 10:00AM 7:30PM 8:00PM
Tue 19
Oct FLORENCE/PISA (LIVORNO), ITALY 7:00AM 6:30PM 7:00PM
Wed 20
OctROME (CIVITAVECCHIA), ITALY 4:00AM

WOO-WOO!! :) see you all later :)

The BIG Trip

Here is where we will be going: (I am not sure what order, other than we start and end in Rome)

ITALY
Rome
*Vatican City
Sorrento
Amalfi Coast
Pompeii
Florence
Pisa

NORTHERN AFRICA
Tunisia

FRANCE
Nice
*Monaco/Monte Carlo

SPAIN
Barcelona

:)

*their own countries.

The.End.

Happy Birthday Cake Breakfast!!!!!!!! yum!

Well, this is it. The end of the blog and if this one is numbered 29 (which it is) I definitely have difficulties with math. (remember it was going to be 40 days) This is all well and good, though, because I was really running out of things to say. I think I will miss this a bit. It has been fun and a good experience, if for anything, then to get my brain to thinking and remembering. So, on to today's blog .....

On this 40th birthday of my life I would like to say ...

I am thankful for my family. My parents and sister (brother-in-law and nieces ... grandparents and beyond) I am very blessed, fortunate, lucky to have been 'given' them. I know I am. I appreciate them and love them more than I could believe possible. Thank you.

I am thankful for my friends I have made throughout my life. I believe in quality, not quantity. The quality of my friends is GREAT. I am blessed, fortunate and lucky to have you all in my life.Thank you for choosing me as your friend, as well.

I am thankful for my life. Life IS Good. I am blessed, fortunate and lucky. It may not go as I would always like it to, the path may be rocky at times and may seem to change course without warning, but overall it really is a wonderful life. Thank you for being a part of it.

I hope the next 40 years are as blessed, fortunate and lucky as the past. In their way, I am sure they will be. The occasional rocky path will find it's way in, I am sure, but with my family and friends, the journey will be worth it.

I love you all and have a HAPPY DAY!
mike ann

YEE-HAW! Almost Done.

Well, this is about it. And that's good. While I have really enjoyed rambling on, I am running out of things to say. I do that .... often ..... like if I am talking with someone (esp. if I may like them, but don't know them very well) Then I think 'Say something!!' and then I can't think of ANYTHING! and I mean NOTHING! a TOTAL BLANK! - seriously, not a thing! and then I think I look like I am uninterested, dull or a moron ..... but I digress :)

I have had fun with this and maybe someone has learned a little something about me, or at the very least has had a laugh. Since I am not there, laughing at me is ok .. I am sure it is deserved.

Let's see .... what else can I tell you?

random likes: (in no particular order)

-walking on the beach
-architecture (decorating)
-shoes
-home depot/art store (could spend hours in either)
-a carnival
-a walk around nature (not a crazy hike, but out there)
-kids giggles
-spending time with people I care about - doing nothing ... the best way to learn about someone
-laughing with friends
-painting my nails
-going to movies/watching movies at home
-cooking (I forget about this, but I enjoy it)
-a 'before&after' (people makeover, home makeover etc.)
-going to art fairs/craft fairs/shows


what I would like to do:

-drive/ride in a race car
-go to a drive-in-movie
-pick apples/blueberries/etc. and then go home and make pies
-go on a picnic
-learn to do something someone else likes to do
-take more art classes(find my craft)- workshop
-more cooking (learn how to make different dishes)- maybe a class
-go to art fairs/craft fairs/shows with someone special


dreams:

-getting married - finding someone who loves me and who I love back. Someone who thinks I am worth the effort. someone to share life's ups and downs. the good times are better when you have someone to share them with. a forever friend to spend the rest of my life with. someone to grow old with. Life is short, but I am still young ... and a catch! wink ;)
-kids (still have some time and would still like them)
-being an artist full-time ...
-getting a 'fixer-upper' and fixing it up
-little more traveling
-having someone welcome me home
-going to an artist workshop away somewhere
-go to art fairs/craft fairs/shows with someone special (still want it)


random thinks:

-people look better/prettier/younger when wearing a smile
-your heart smiles BIG when you help someone else or do something nice
-people need to hear the good things about themselves (things they do, accomplish, etc)- I am not as good about this as I should be
-if you give someone a chance and listen carefully you may hear their heart sing
-at the end of the day, it's the people in my life I cherish the most

Almost.The.End.

I Am Sensitive.

This isn't anything that anyone who knows me doesn't already know. I am sensitive, Not overly (I don't think). I believe that if I weren't as sensitive as I am, then I wouldn't be as thoughtful. I think they go fairly hand-in-hand.(does that sound full of myself that I say I am thoughtful? I don't mean it that way, it's just what I have been told) ... But while we are at it on being 'thoughtful' ... I don't understand why one wouldn't want to be.

I am by no means, always thoughtful, nor as nice as I should be. But why would we ever think so little of others as to be thoughtless. For if I am not thoughtful, am I thoughtless? I would hate to be thought of as thoughtless. Though I may think a little too much on it all at times.

While talking of these qualities let me throw in another one. One that often bugs me. (and again, I am not perfect with these, and am not fooled into thinking I am) - however- .. Caring. That's the one I am talking about. I have never understood someone saying they care, when their actions show so obviously that they do not. Know this. If I say I care, I do. I'd never say it if I didn't mean it. That, to me, is a very basic level of cruelty. Maybe because I am sensitive.

P.s. Here is something else I learned early on. ALL gifts should be thoughtful (and I am not saying this with my upcoming Birthday - I want nor need anything). I once worked for an upscale children's toy store. Someone called and asked that we pick out a gift for their 10 year old daughter for X amount of $$ and could we have it wrapped up so they could pick it up after work.

How sad, I thought. To care so little as to not pick out your own child's gift. To think you are too busy and it is unimportant. To care -- less. From that moment on I vowed to always put thought in every gift I give, make, etc. I may not give the right thing, but I always put thought into it. I don't know. ... I am learning I should expect less. The only one disappointed with expectations is you (me) ..... I guess it is the sensitivity. I'll have to work on that. :)

Be Mine

Love is an irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired. ~Robert Frost


I LOVE Valentine's Day. Maybe it is all the GLITTER and RED and PINK! (twinkle lights - hint-hint) Maybe the sweets, the cards, the flowers. Little tokens to show those we care about, that we do.

Actually, I think that stuff is just the icing on the cake. I think it's the smile, the laugh, the joy, the happiness. It's the look, the touch the flutter of the heart. The thought, the selflessness... the things we do for the ones we love.

All the stuff in the world is nothing if you aren't with the one you love. So, love the ones you're with.



Love is the greatest refreshment in life. ~Pablo Picasso

Lazy Saturdays

I like the idea of a lazy Saturday (hence the late blog).

But they don't really work as I get older. While being lazy all I can think about is all that needs to be done ... laundry, cleaning the kitchen, floors, bathrooms, pick up all the stuff make some stuff ..... really just too much to do.

Maybe, if I get it done .... I can have a lazy Sunday :)

I Dream of Jeannie

When I was little my gmom had a salad dressing bottle (or maybe it was a vinegar bottle) that looked a LOT like the I Dream of Jeannie Bottle. It had circular 'windows' and looked real ornate. So, when I was at her house, I would play I Dream of Jeannie. Guess who I was?

:)

When she passed away I got that bottle. It is now on my bookshelf and when I see it I think of her and Jeannie.

p.s. I found out tonight that my cousin and her husband will be selling my gmom's old house. I haven't been in it since she passed away. It was just too hard. They sent a 'virtual tour' of the house. It looks good. It looks different and that is good. I know my gmom would be happy they are moving along to something a little bigger for their new life together. All is good.

(Happy Birthday Sissy!)

You Don't Like Steak, You Like Chicken.

(First, this photo is both sick and funny all at the same time)

I once had a guy tell me that I didn't like steak, I liked chicken. This was after he was telling me how to cook a steak. Something like, "You cook it for about 2 minutes on each side - blah, blah" to which I said something like "Is it still bleeding at that point?" And he said something like "Well you can cook it for a couple more minutes" and I said something like "Is it still moo-ing?" and he said "You don't like steak, you like chicken."

To a degree he was right, but to another degree he was WAY wrong. I made myself a steak tonight and it was DELISH! (I write these the night before, my brain doesn't work that early in the morning) Anywho, I did a really good job. It wasn't bleeding. It wasn't moo-ing. It was yummy. I thought it might help my headache, but it didn't.

It did, however, smoke up the house so much I could hardly see AND the smoke alarm didn't (yup, I said DID NOT) go off - that may be a problem. But, it wasn't actually burnt. It was quite tasty with some asparagus and corn. I am quite the cook. - ha!


Speaking of chicken - I AM A CHICKEN. scared of heights (told that one) bugs ESP. roaches, bees, spiders ... don't really care for worms or pretty much anything else .... the dark (Like out in the middle of nowhere dark)- having that feeling of someone coming up behind you in the dark - Haunted houses --

I ONCE went to a haunted house (a good 22 years ago). As we were finally getting to the end of that stupid scary house -(I had already survived the part where I was sitting on the back of the hay truck as it drove up to the house, where people jumped out of the woods and grabbed me (don't like that))- we were walking along and I could see a little sliver of light in the distance (creeping in the top of the door) and all of a sudden people started grabbing our legs!!!!! (I really don't like that)

SO, I ran full force ahead shoving the girl in front of me out through the door. As we were falling out of the door, I lost my balance grabbing her to help break my fall. Grabbing her as I was falling. From behind....OK, I grabbed her boobs - one in each hand - as I shoved her out of that damn pitch black haunted house just to get the hell out! And let me just say, I'd do it again, in a heartbeat! That is, if I'd go back in a haunted house, which I won't. Thank you, very much!

:) the.end.

Fish & Art & Valentine's Day

I LOVE Aquariums! LOVE them! I love seeing all the different, beautiful, strange fish swimming around. How cool would it be to travel all over going to all the different aquariums? (well, I think it would be)

I LOVE ART/CRAFT shows! LOVE them! Not Crap shows... CRAFT shows - By real artisans. I find it super inspiring and really gets my creative juices going. It makes me want to get home and make something. (It also makes me want to be dating someone because there are always couples there and .... well, it just does - :)...)

Speaking of LOVIN' ... I used to get confused. Was my birthday Feb. 14 or 17? ..... One day was about LOVE and one day was about ME. After experiencing many days that weren't about LOVE, I have figured out which one was about ME. (no more CORNfusion-ha!)

the.end.

Pet Peeves .......

--When someone wears their sunglasses (at night) in stores. You are not that important. Unless you have 'eye issues' take them off. You look like a fool and snobby, to boot.

--To the person in the checkout line - do not fold and stuff my 'gift bag' into the purchase/sales bag. If I wanted bent up crappy paper to wrap on my odd shaped gift, I would have saved myself the cost of the gift bag and just wrapped the miss-shaped thing at home.

--If you're driving slow, move out of the fast lane.

--While we are at it, please don't take your Sunday drive on Tuesday. Many of us have somewhere to be.

--I don't like to take the front thing off the shelf. Meaning, if I am buying a box of something off the shelf, I usually take one from further back.

--Do not pick up my drink and drink from it without asking. I need time to mentally prepare.

--When people are rude to old people.

--When I have met someone a good 5-7 times and they still don't have a clue who I am. :(

The.End.Of.My.Rant.

Life's Observation

The Setup: Going through the cafeteria line. Exiting the door with tray in hand. Entering the crowded lunchroom full of teenagers.

The Feeling: Panic. Who likes me? Who won't make fun of me? Who accepts me - just as I am?

This is how I feel on any given day. Walking into a meeting. Entering a store/etc. I have never been to. Seeing someone I haven't seen in a long while. Talking to strangers. Meeting people in large groups. Even talking on the phone. It's a shy thing. Something I push away on a regular basis. Something that is always there, but at various levels. I hope I hide it, but don't think I hide it very well.

It's funny, though. Sometimes I don't feel this way at all. :)

the end.

Randoms .. because, really, that's about all I can think of right now.

Fall is my favorite time of year (have I said that already?)

My parents bought me a birthday cake one year and I cried. (I wanted my special request cake - yellow with pink icing)

I wanted a dog so bad, I named my duck (from the easter bunny) after my cousin's dog.

I like to mix (stir) my regular ice cream around until it is 'soft serve' (And chocolate is best when it starts out as vanilla with chocolate sauce mixed in)

I like peanut butter and potato chip sandwiches. But I don't often but peanut butter
because it also tastes great on a spoon.

I like to get a little piece of art from the art shows I go to, to remember it by -- therefore, I am a little Knick-knacky.

My first car was a Yellow and black convertible super beetle - I LOVED THAT CAR! - It was very me!

We had a slumber party at the girl scout house when I was little (in B'Ham). I watched a jumping cricket crawl across a girls face ..... scared the crap outta me and I had to pull my sleeping bag over my head. I am not keen on bugs!

I like a lazy Sunday but then I feel like I should have done something. (I'm going to do something today)

Done Before I Start

(this one will be short)

Often times, with art projects(things other people have made that interest me) - I see something and think ... How did they do that? I think I could do that .... How would I be able to do that? .. and once I figure it out ...... I am done.

the.end.

Sometimes ....

.... I feel like fighting but sometimes I feel like crying. It is what it is. It happens.

Most times I am pretty even keeled. I'd say 'generally happy with moments of sadness.' And when I get mad, it doesn't usually last for very long. (Take note, those of you who choose to cross my path - ha!) I get snappy, more than mad, I think. And I'll defend someone else quicker and easier than myself (remember the soccer story - LESSON: Do NOT be mean to someone I care about in front of me! - 'nuff said)

But today, I feel like laughing! (and posting a random weird photo)

:)

the.end.

Hay is for Horses!

I LOVE round hay bales scattered across a field. Every time I drive past them I smile ... they make me happy :). They make me want to pull over, jump out of the car, then run and dance around them. Skipping. Jumping. Laughing.

I Like A KIDS Meal ....

... it's plenty! :)

If they have a kids meal and they'll let me order it, I will. I'm not afraid .... even when I have to say 'I'd like a Moo Moo Mr. Cow, please' (really can they not just give them normal names? - I mean seriously) I like a kids meal. Sometimes the toys are pretty neat, too.

While we're talking about it ... I don't like people talking about my food. I don't know why, but I don't. This mainly applies to the work environment, I've noticed. I think it is the whole sitting in a cubicle and someone walking by and then they talk about my food. Why? I mean, I am sure it is just 'making conversation' ... but I plain don't care for it. :) Don't talk about my food. When you do, what are you really saying? Leave it alone. ;)

I'm just sayin'.

:)

Requested

MY Gmom.

She was my mother's mother. I never knew my mother's father (my granddaddy) - he passed away two years before I was born, when my mom was in her early 20s and my uncle was a teenager. I believe my gmom was about 50 years old. She never remarried. She went to work when he was sick and worked to raise and send my uncle to school and take care of herself.

She was a very strong, smart, funny lady. I miss her every day. We spent every Saturday night with her (while we lived in B'ham)- we thought for us, and in part, it was - but also for her and so my parents could have a break. She would let us pick out whatever we wanted for dinner, knowing we would have a balanced meal at home. we'd usually pick out frozen pizza, chips, dip, cucumbers and tv dinners.. WHAT A TREAT! :)

She would tell us stories - she was a GREAT story teller. We would stay up late to watch the late, late movie (that may have been around 9pm) If I forgot my baby doll, she would make me one out of a bath towel. She was very creative and talented, but didn't give herself credit.

We would spend forever drawing pictures of each other, not looking at the paper until we were done - then laugh hysterically at the end results. :) We would make Christmas ornaments with her each year.

It was with her that I went 'down home'. Where she came from, to see all her sisters . She was one of 6 children. Four girls and 2 boys. Her mother passed away when she was 37 and all 6 children had to be separated among relatives because her father could not take care of them all.

The story goes, that after my great grandmother passed away, my great grandfather's brother tried to set him up with a lady who was part of the Coke family. My grandmother and her sisters and brothers wanted none of that. So they would intercept the woman's letters and once, when the lady sent a tin with a cake in it - they ate the cake, filled the tin with mud and gave it to their father. He was like 'What the?' and that was pretty much the end of it. - then the kids went to live with other relatives.

My grandmother and her sisters all had similar personalities. They were all very funny. Laughing all the time. Very loving and caring. Very 'family'.

I miss her every day. She knew me best. I always felt loved, liked, accepted .... happy with her.

I love her a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck. (just like she always said)

I Should Be Italian!

But instead I am Scottish, Irish, English, American Indian (just a little) and a whole lotta German...

I LOVE the music! (It makes me smile) I LOVE the architecture! (It is So beautiful) I LOVE the scenery/atmosphere! (It makes me want to skip and play) I LOVE the food (Followed by the limoncello) The people are so friendly. (Some of the men aren't so bad ;) - wink) and the gelatto is 'delizioso'

Along with this I really think I was born at the wrong time . I LOVE the old BIG band music of Frank Sinatra and the like ..... it makes me want to dance and sing and laugh and smile and TWIRL! ...... (somehow they go hand-in-hand, I think)


l'estremitÃ

Making Art

I dream of making a living making art. I am still on the journey, trying to figure out what it is that I am good at. Continuing down the path while searching along the way. By this I mean, what is my medium? What is my style? I feel like I am still exploring, trying to find my kismet. I wonder, if in the end, I will find it or maybe the journey is my destiny, the path my passion.

I Am Shy ...

... and I don't feel very comfortable talking about it.
BAA! HA!

Actually, I am, though I am much better than I used to be. It is difficult and it crosses over all aspects of my life. It is the biggest thing about myself that I don't like. If I could change one thing, that would be it.

So, I try not to be and sometimes it is a struggle. In time, once I know you, I won't be as shy... but it is my general demeanor. I am more of an observer than the one being observed. I am not the center or life of the party (and I am ok with that) though I'm not the bump on the log, either (I don't think). I have had people tell me they thought I was bored or snobby because I was shy and not as outgoing. I hate to throw it on another person, but I am less shy if the other person has a comfortable and accepting vibe that they put out there. It just is what it is.

The more comfortable I am around you, the more I am me. Sometimes it just takes a little time ... some people think I am worth it, some people think I'm not (of course, they are mistaken - ha!) ;)

I think it all started very early on - when I was little (story goes) my parents laughed at some funny something I said/did (I believe I already blogged how funny I am :)....) and I yelled 'Don't laugh at me!' -- and there it is. They were just laughing at the funny little thing a funny little kid said and I felt like it was at me not with me. There is still a little of that there .... but in time and with effort it goes away.

so, in a nutshell ... mike ann = shy = that's ok! :)

And Still, MORE Random Ramblings ...

-- I once super glued rhinestones in my hair for St. Pat's Day. - it was a good idea, at the time. (sober)

-- We used to take off work on St. Pat's day, go to the pub around 11:00 or so, stay until around 11:pm or so and make a full, fun day of it. I miss those days.

-- I have gotten 2 tickets and gotten out of 2 tickets. I liked getting out of them better.

-- My first car was a 1973 convertible black and yellow VW Super Beetle ... I miss it.

-- As a kid, I loved the snow. As an adult, it stresses me out (but it's real pretty :)..)

-- I once had a girl we met in Florida tell me I didn't look like a Michael Ann, so she would call me Susie. I think that's weird.

-- Every summer we used to go 'down home' ... it was fun. My gmom's sisters were really funny... I miss that.

-- I hum a little tune when I enjoy what I am eating. (So I've been told ... I never really noticed)

-- I used to sit at the table, watch everyone eat and then have to eat my dinner cold, alone - (well my poor mom would sit there with me)

-- I was once in a nice clothing store with my mom and gmom, being very quiet. I then walked up to them and held out my hand and said 'Look at these' ... My hand full of a big stack of price tags I had pulled off the dresses. We left the store immediately.

-- I hold my head down while walking (a shy thing) but as a result, I have found a diamond ring, diamond earring, pearl necklace and money ... so, maybe it pays to be shy :)

-- I have met many famous people (thanks Brad)- the coolest (and friendliest) was Johnny Cash.

-- My gmom was at our house babysitting one time and told me to do something. I told her I didn't have to because it wasn't her house. She said that was fine, she would just tell my mom. To which I replied 'Can't you take a tease??' - with a sly grin :)

-- My best friend Davis and I played barber (minds out of the gutter). I cut his hair for him (with those rounded kid scissors) He went home and told his parents that I gave the best haircuts ever! ... He had to go have his head shaved. His parents didn't tell mine until after his real haircut .. I guess I got in trouble. :)

A Few More Randoms

-- I am scared of heights, but I bungee jumped the equivalent of a SEVEN story building BECAUSE I was scared. (still scared)

-- I am afraid of BIG dogs. (A little dog bit me when I was little. That was my fault.) The BIG dog fear is because our neighbors dog would charge and try and attack me when I would leave the house. Only me. And I was a kid and so I like to see if they are friendly first.

-- I am allergic to cats, therefore if they are around they will always try and sit with me.

-- I LOVE going to the beach, but am not real keen on the sand or ocean. (Have I said this one before?) - and sometimes it is really HOT! :) ... But I do love going, it brings back wonderful childhood memories. A feeling of calm, safety, carefree living, peace and joy. I LOVE IT!

-- Apparently, on my recent trip to H.H. I unwittingly killed about 70 sand dollars. They were washed ashore! Their fur wasn't moving! And many of them were on their backs! How was I supposed to know they were still alive?! :( If I had known, I certainly wouldn't have picked up 70 of them. :)

-- If I have the flat iron (hair) or regular iron plugged in, I have to unplug it and say 'UNPLUGGED' out loud. I typically look a couple more times to make sure it is unplugged before I leave the house.

-- I LOVE having slumber parties with my nieces. I miss the little girls they used to be but love the little girls they are.

-- I don't care where we eat/where we go/what we do - as long as I am with the people I care about.

-- If I have a bad meal, it's ok. There will be another one. no worries.

-- My favorite bouquet of flowers would be a bouquet of wild flowers in an old mason jar - maybe a ribbon tied around it.

-- If I could wrap presents and make gift baskets all day long, and get paid for it, I would. (In a heartbeat)

-- I don't like gravy or anything that is gravy-like.

-- The first time I ever got a massage the girl said 'Wow you're really tense' and I thought 'Heck-yeah, you're a stranger and I'm naked!' :)

-- I like to sleep. If I'm tired, I'm sleeping. :)

-- I have had 3 minor fender benders - Oh, 4 ..... ALL MY FAULT. :)

the.end.

Laugh BIG and LOUD (btw I AM FUNNY!)

My motto: if it's funny... laugh out LOUD!

First: I am funny. I don't just think this, I know this. As my niece once said "I didn't say I knowed it, I said I knewed it!" ... and it is true. I can't necessarily be funny on the spot, but I am in the moment. :) I'm not even bragging. It is what it is. :)

As far as laughing out loud... why be secretive about how funny you think something is? .. let it out, be free! I actually don't have a whole lot of control over it, it just happens. But I do have a few different laughs that we (friends and I ) have noticed.
They are as follows:

1. regular laugh
2. giggle
3. BIG OUT LOUD, MOUTH WIDE OPEN LAUGH. (but in an attractive way - I was told- hmm)
4. EXPLODING LAUGH - bursts out before I can reign it in.
5. The Scooby-doo or 'courtesy' laugh : this one happens when I have heard the funny thing you have said, but am not really giving full attention. My brain is aware that I need to laugh, so that you'll know I heard the funny thing you said and so as not to leave you hanging - and so I laugh. And it comes out sounding like Scooby-doo. Honest. Then, of course, we laugh like #3, because I've just been busted.

I laugh when I am nervous or feel shy. I laugh at inopportune times (church, the library,during a wedding, during a movie when it isn't a funny scene, during someone's speech, when people fall (that one is terrible, very inappropriate - but it's a nervous thing, and I don't always do it, just sometimes)

So, I may not always laugh at the right time, but at least I'm laughing :)

Random Thinks and Other Ramblings

-- My first cigarette was between the ages of 6 and 9. I know this because it was in the alley near our house and before we moved to Nashville. My sister told me she would rat me out about something else I had done if I didn't try it with her. And so I did.

My last cigarette was puffed on while dancing on top of a table at a fraternity party when I was around 21. I don't recall there being any in between these two times, though there might have been. I am happy to say that was my first and last (though not the last time I danced on a table - hee hee - but all innocent fun :)

-- I used to sleep with my new shoes. I wouldn't wear them, but wanted to sleep with them in the bed - hugging them. When I was real little I yelled in the store 'It's no fair, NO FAIR, I don't want two pairs of shoes, I only want one!' (I believe this is where the math problems may have started)

-- When people would come over to visit (grown ups) I would run off to my room and make them something.

-- I used to love making mud pies.

-- I miss my gmom every day. She was the best

-- Fall is my favorite time of year.

-- I once begged my daddy to 'please shave his beard' - I just wanted 'my daddy's old face back' ... and so he did. And I watched. And I cried the whole time. We then went to pick my sister up from swimming and I stood in the back of the car - back in the days when kids were human missals, legally - crying the whole way there and back home. I then sat at the dinner table and cried, while staring at him the whole time, until I finally threw up and went to bed.

-- The only pets I have had, when I was little, were a fish and a duck. And we babysat a bunny for a while. My fishy was named Sylvester. He was silver - while he lived in the little bowl. Then we put him in a pond and he turned black. hhmmmm (I did have a few fish later on, when I was older - I accidentally killed them with cold water ... oops.. (it really was terrible, I cried for hours r.i.p. max and erma)

My duck's name was 'Muggsy' (after my cousin's dog) - my sister had a duck named Skipper - The easter bunny brought them to us, anywho, I was really little and my dad traveled all the time. (he would be gone all week and home on weekends)I don't really remember them other than the time there were terrible rain storms (Tornado watches) and my sister and I were crying and my dad was out of town and my mom had to go outside and get the ducks and bring them inside- during the storm. - I don't remember that part, just that they were running around the living room. :)

So, at a later date, the ducks came down with some sort of disease and 'died'. My dad would call from out of town and I would always say - every night when he called 'Daddy - Did you know my duckies died?' And of course he did.

Years later - like when my sister and I were both done with school - adults - my dad said something about having to hit one of the ducks over the head with a shovel and kill it because they were diseased and flopping around all over the yard.

We were horrified! and he was like 'I had to, they were really sick, it was terrible watching them like that'

To this day, I am sure it was Skipper, he had to hit with the shovel. :)

-- My first words (besides momma and daddy) GO BAMA, GO!! which I kept yelling long after they lost the game.

-- I used to play dress up all the time. if i could wear it tied around me or on my head, I did and it was an 'outfit'.


To be continued ...

I Dream A Dream .....

... of having my own art studio-space, one day. Nothing fancy or spectacular (though, I'll take that, too :) ...) I would just like a house with a basement or a garage I could convert. Enough space to spread everything out and not worry about spilling paint or making a mess. Wall and floor space BIG enough to create large paintings etc. Shelves for all my art stuff and counters and BIG tables to work on. A work sink for clean up.

Plus space to store all my paintings painted, all my makings made. (since they didn't make it into the show) - ha! -- Oh well, anyone have a birthday coming up? ;)wink

That's My Name, Don't Wear It Out!

I have many nicknames.

I have always had many many nicknames. So many, that- at one point when I was little- I didn't know my real name.

My mom was calling me in for dinner from playing outside, and, when calling my real name .. I didn't answer or come running. As soon as she called a nickname, I came home. - She then told my dad that she didn't think I knew my name and they had better start using it.

Another time, I came home crying after Sunday school and saying I never wanted to go back because the kids were teasing me. What about? Well they kept calling me by my nickname - how did they know it? (my parents asked) -- I TOLD THEM :)

And so, in this quest of you all knowing me a little better ... here they are (the ones I remember):

Mic
Mickey
Mikie
Mickey-mouse
jones-bones (this was the one told at Sunday school)
dirt-magurt
maz
ma
mike ann

So, I guess that's it .... so, call me what you will - as long as it's nice. :) - and really, what's in a name? :)

Sniff! Sniff! -- Someone's pants are on fire ...

... and they aren't mine. I am a TERRIBLE liar!

I've been told this by a few, though it is something I already knew.

First: I can't really think up a good lie. (no comments)- i really can't. My mind goes blank. I can't think of anything that would sound good. I see/hear some people do this and I am amazed that they can come up with something so quickly.

Second: I get all flustered and flushed (I blush)- nervous, twitchy. Panic sets in (which I believe is a pretty good give-away)

So, I typically try and steer clear of situations where I might have to lie. I mean, an occasional white lie .."Yes, those are nice shoes ... Yes, I like your hair like that ... Mmmmm that salad dressing was DE-LISH!: ;) wink

So, as Abe would say 'I cannot tell a lie, and that's the truth!"

Now THIS is MY KIND OF BIKE!

Here's one that most of you already know. I don't know how to ride a bike. There. I said it. I never learned how. I tried, it just didn't 'take'.

Blow-by-blow (that I remember):
I ran into a fence (while riding down the alley near our house)and fell off the bike.

I was riding on a tennis court: sans the net being up : and ran into one of the two posts(that hold the net) on the court. After the direct hit I flipped over the handle bars and off the bike.

I was thrown underneath a parked car in our driveway while on the back of my sisters bike. We hit a muddy-slippery- dip in the drive and the bike spun around and i was thrown under the car. She said, and I quote 'They would have never found us if you hadn't screamed so loud' ... and for sure they wouldn't have. :)

So, the.end for me.... I did get a bike for Christmas, one year, after we moved here. (I would guess '79 or '80) There's a picture of me on it somewhere at my parents. I believe that was one of the two times I was on that bike. It might still be at my parents.. or it was sold at a garage sale - can't remember. :)

I kind of wish I knew how to ride one. It looks fun ... Maybe one day I'll get one like the bike above .. that might be more my speed + plus + I'd like to keep all my teeth. :)

My FAVORITE Book (Plus it has pictures!)

A Quiet Place
By Lynn Wheeling

One sunny day a child named Grace was looking for A QUIET PLACE.

She looked behind the violet in the hall, but that QUIET PLACE was very small.

She looked in the parlor behind the chair, but the clock ticked too loud ... and someone was there.

She looked upstairs under the bed, but that QUIET PLACE was for rainy days instead.

So she took a sugar bun and a cup of tea and went behind the lilac tree. She sipped the tea and nibbled the bun ... And THE QUIET PLACE was filled with sun!


Suddenly she saw a face. She was not alone in THE QUIET PLACE. It was a boy ... and boys will be boys ...THE QUIET PLACE was filled with noise!


So she broke the bun and gave him part ... and THE QUIET PLACE was in her heart.



the.end. (I think this speaks volumes)

p.s. good thing it wasn't War and Peace (that's a long one, yeah?)

Say 'cheese' ... and SMILE!!!!!

I have a strange fear that my teeth are going to get knocked out. Not fall out, knocked out. The first time I realized this fear was while riding in the car with a good friend (we'll call her 'the one who shall remain nameless' or nameless for short). She drove a zippy little car with no AC and we had the windows all the way down. I remember exactly where we were the first time I thought it. (I think we were in our early to mid 20s at this point) We were zipping down Woodlawn near my parents street. I don't know what was said, or which one of us said it, but IT WAS FUNNY and I WAS LAUGHING! BIG LAUGH - OUT LOUD - MOUTH WIDE OPEN -HEE-HAW! and then it hit me (the THOUGHT/FEAR) ...... No doubt a rock is going to fly up here and knock out my teeth!.

I remember it like it was yesterday (except that I have no idea what we were laughing at or why in the world it crossed my mind that a rock was going to fly up and knock my teeth out) ... Truth be told, i think 'nameless' scared me a little when she drove :) it wasn't just the car that was zippy :)

I still have the strange fear/thought that hits me every once in a while .... though it is not with the 'nameless' driver .. it is more random ..... Like when I was recently walking around Savannah on the cobblestone streets in heels, on my tippy toes. (btw, they weren't just cobblestone roads, they were like these BIG ball shaped rocks on the ground with a little cement or whatever in between that they were calling cobblestone - just saying) :) .... (hmmm wonder what 'cobble' means .. I'll look that up ... maybe round :)...) Anywho .... this is my fear, it's weird and irrational (I guess) but it is what it is ...... maybe I'll look up what it means .... :)

the. end.

p.s. well I looked it up and found this: Dreams of losing teeth are often dreams of embarrassment or potentially embarrassing situations. I also found that a LOT of people have a fear of their teeth falling out and feel like they are loose and when they brush their teeth they have to double check in the mirror that they are still there. I do NOT have this fear. (I'm not that weird) :) jk ... Anywho, mine isn't really a dream, just a random thought. So I will go with the Dreams of losing teeth are often dreams of embarrassment or potentially embarrassing situations. That sounds logical and fairly fitting. :)

All that Glitters is .... WOO-HOO! I LOVE GLITTER AND TWINKLE LIGHTS!

Really I could end this blog right here. I mean it really says it all ... and yet it doesn't, so I will continue.

When I say that I LOVE glitter and twinkle lights, I am not kidding. There is something SO magical about it all.

The white TWINKLE LIGHTS at Christmas (and all year long for that matter, i mean - why take them down? seriously!)make me happy (and when I say 'twinkle lights' let me explain, that they don't have to actually blink - they twinkle all on their own, just by being what they are - themselves. little white twinkle lights) .... I watched Bridget Jone's Diary this weekend and, at one point, Mr. Darcy - which was Collin Firth's name in that Mr. Darcy movie, which wasn't the name of that movie but I can't remember what was . OH, Pride and Prejudice? - anywho - says 'I like you JUST AS YOU ARE' Well, that's how I feel about twinkle lights :) I like them JUST AS THEY ARE! All sparkle-y and crisp and bright and magical and beautiful and happy.

If I had a yard, I would string up the trees with white twinkle lights. Winding them on the branches and draping them from tree to tree .... the more the BETTER! ... Wait for dark, turn on some music and dance among the twinkle lights ... like no one was watching - (of course I would prefer this to be in the back yard) :) ... I would also lay out a blanket and lay under my very own 'starry night' - soaking it all in ... ahhh it makes me SMILE just thinking about it.... one day :)


As for GLITTER, I feel pretty much the same .... I mean, most everything is better with a little glitter on it :) shoes, paintings/artwork, purses/wallets, cars, cards... EVERYTHING! When I see glitter I smile .... How happy I would be wearing glitter under a 'sky' of twinkle lights ... hee hee WOWZA! ha! .....

It is simple, really, and funny how something so small and seemingly insignificant can bring about a happiness and joy that, when explaining, seems kind of strange ...... but it does ... twinkle lights and glitter .. that's all it takes. (or at the very least a good foundation) :)


Side note: I must confess, I fear that one day - in my old age - you will come across me and I will be wearing gold glittery shoes. I said this to my sister and she told me that she was sure of it and, basically, I should let the fear go and embrace it ... because there was no doubt in her mind that it would happen....so, I EMBRACE IT!!!! One day I WILL WEAR GLITTER SHOES (maybe not gold) and FOR SURE while I AM DANCING UNDER THE TWINKLE LIGHTS!

40 days ..... well, that was the plan.

WELCOME

Originally I had planned to write for 40 days, 40 things about myself that some may or may not know. In my almost 40 years, I have been told, by many, that it takes a while to get know me - that I don't tell too much too soon - and I don't. It does take a while to get to know me, but to know me is to love me (ha!). So, please, come along for the ride! Take your time, take the time..... and read on. It's worth the investment (ha!)... or maybe not, you'll decide.

So, here we go. I can't guarantee that any of these blogs will be life altering or very exciting. And I will not be giving you back your wasted time spent reading my ramblings. It is just a little glimpse at me. Read if you like, pass if you'd rather. And - fair warning - don't you be whining to me about how you don't like me if you aren't willing to put forth the effort to read along and fall in like/love with me. (ha!) - just saying. (p.s. - there will be a blog about my sense of humor - don't take this too seriously, I don't)


The BIG 4-0 is just around the corner: February 17. Which means, I am not 40 days out. So you will not learn 40 new things about me, there aren't enough days. You will, however, not be surprised by the first revelation.



I AM TERRIBLE AT MATH: (surprise!)- and obviously, counting.

I still count on my fingers, and twice when leaving a tip (for fear I will gyp someone). I do better writing it down (not in my head - ok, insert blond joke here) Adding and Subtracting = ok. multiplication and division = not so great ... esp. when the numbers get bigger :) ha!

Forget fractions(I have). And I really don't understand the point of having 'x' and 'y' in a math problem . Those are letters, not numbers and the two should be separate! (while we are at it, i am not a great speller, either)

I prefer to guess the answer to the math problem. While this is not an accurate way to solve a problem, it seems quicker (the other person helping usually grows tired of this game and yells out the answer - at some point... i know this to be true).

I seem to recall liking word problems. Is that what they were called? The ones that usually started with .... If a train is going 75 mph and a car is traveling the opposite direction at 82 mph ... blah, blah, blah .... - I am not sure I got many of those correct either, but I enjoyed the story (esp. if there were pictures).

So, that's it in a nutshell. Mike Ann + Math = No Go.


Riveting! I KNOW! :) ..... More tidbits like this to come... How many more? Well, as many days as there are left before the BIG 4-0! ... Don't ask me, it's like math!


Ohhhhh HAPPY DAY! :)

(could someone post something just so I'll know I have done this correctly? - thanks!)