tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36384033724773572342024-02-19T02:37:37.168-06:00A Yankee's Guide to TexasWhen is a southern belle a yankee? When she is in Texas!MaryBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12149988691082431580noreply@blogger.comBlogger253125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3638403372477357234.post-43270465366902937262009-05-26T09:18:00.007-06:002009-05-26T09:55:14.781-06:00Thus My Lack of Posting....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhURsDuDYr1MCgcOR4tNABj30ruUYWfqfzLsyncoWN8CJI3ywiGzl8jPMFyYexeSor87TdgELGYdklrxMgxA0gwq9-8NSyWmnmUaGcv5Nv3DKowh2m4HHE_rg4BeF01Fhdr2LGPNvWbh-k/s1600-h/moving+may09+012.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhURsDuDYr1MCgcOR4tNABj30ruUYWfqfzLsyncoWN8CJI3ywiGzl8jPMFyYexeSor87TdgELGYdklrxMgxA0gwq9-8NSyWmnmUaGcv5Nv3DKowh2m4HHE_rg4BeF01Fhdr2LGPNvWbh-k/s320/moving+may09+012.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340161430609637346" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9mqDlQeVbIo9qEA91lUc89EGhfFoW9j2Qk9w-8SpQjMWqO_YjbAvMEPhA42c6Tzw5SJfiDxCW8cweHePqhvPdKkBQFArBilK1fZXqZPQTSr52jmXNLG6iIJpRyuTaR3O2daLWS7bV3EM/s1600-h/moving+may09+010.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9mqDlQeVbIo9qEA91lUc89EGhfFoW9j2Qk9w-8SpQjMWqO_YjbAvMEPhA42c6Tzw5SJfiDxCW8cweHePqhvPdKkBQFArBilK1fZXqZPQTSr52jmXNLG6iIJpRyuTaR3O2daLWS7bV3EM/s320/moving+may09+010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340161152956645906" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOC0U7fhAfFEkdhSlSuM656ESvIYHioXbMpo0in3CFd_BBWx93SfYuIw3lQycasnE7FF70y7MCJ-pKRIPZqxt6kWZ3vcn5gz_lG-ig5illDhiL8btY7Y32iYjGQH_hm5tsTIVAwgk4QDo/s1600-h/moving+may09+006.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOC0U7fhAfFEkdhSlSuM656ESvIYHioXbMpo0in3CFd_BBWx93SfYuIw3lQycasnE7FF70y7MCJ-pKRIPZqxt6kWZ3vcn5gz_lG-ig5illDhiL8btY7Y32iYjGQH_hm5tsTIVAwgk4QDo/s320/moving+may09+006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340160383902558194" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvRJs5lhY1tUUMB5BOGzcB1zB9id-OVKr8KQshH_bGaeC_gYpD9fxXj_G9sUmIuvsfgl62p-cEz5VmZIfBXDiUPlj7zEhDfBtco5GiNmd1Yhd1UzxauFa9CyPXf-iU8rS3-fiTJAmMEyE/s1600-h/moving+may09+003.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvRJs5lhY1tUUMB5BOGzcB1zB9id-OVKr8KQshH_bGaeC_gYpD9fxXj_G9sUmIuvsfgl62p-cEz5VmZIfBXDiUPlj7zEhDfBtco5GiNmd1Yhd1UzxauFa9CyPXf-iU8rS3-fiTJAmMEyE/s320/moving+may09+003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340159926226926818" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>MaryBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12149988691082431580noreply@blogger.com343tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3638403372477357234.post-48092747386995179882009-05-19T22:07:00.002-06:002009-05-19T22:12:38.914-06:00This Luch SucksI'm tired of making lemonade. I have had my effing fill of lemonade. Just keep your damn lemons to yourself or ask someone else to make lemonade out of them because I, for one, am not doing it anymore. And, that shit sandwich you're serving? I'm eating it alright. But if you expect me to eat it politely with a knife and fork - well, then - just hell no. I won't.<br /><br /><br /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>MaryBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12149988691082431580noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3638403372477357234.post-89792965424213364802009-04-09T08:54:00.003-06:002009-04-09T09:04:50.655-06:00As If You Care.......Which I'm sure you don't. here is our brick...<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkmTiKv0I883ZH4bL0vscKJZ37oTj28TWskchSW6riYfxAaGR_4q3Rnrfzz_PNMrY607_pc9gEp168ean8u9fh-1dXNSHo_trt7SnSyR1_-gkCjT5ndftxo2v5123SoU2qZ1v3Osvxr2A/s1600-h/brick.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkmTiKv0I883ZH4bL0vscKJZ37oTj28TWskchSW6riYfxAaGR_4q3Rnrfzz_PNMrY607_pc9gEp168ean8u9fh-1dXNSHo_trt7SnSyR1_-gkCjT5ndftxo2v5123SoU2qZ1v3Osvxr2A/s320/brick.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322706356227146338" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNBTAvcCy2q57uvMLWJVuxM8A5y-mZOSmfWbwNLLf8eqj9PGVQYJo7a_iB5p-gAFt4gI9cz0dNQWmMLmOUCk-_AgPncs8mXlraF7G1PyHAoWHIqPTp3w-1u1VftNZxs8oUFA-n4TAD-ck/s1600-h/houses+09+111.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNBTAvcCy2q57uvMLWJVuxM8A5y-mZOSmfWbwNLLf8eqj9PGVQYJo7a_iB5p-gAFt4gI9cz0dNQWmMLmOUCk-_AgPncs8mXlraF7G1PyHAoWHIqPTp3w-1u1VftNZxs8oUFA-n4TAD-ck/s320/houses+09+111.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322707644168300770" border="0" /></a>MaryBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12149988691082431580noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3638403372477357234.post-58223062682241335222009-04-08T22:11:00.003-06:002009-04-08T22:14:58.099-06:00Still. Not one tear. Yet right at the brink all of the time.<br /><br />ANNOYING!<br /><br />On the bright side. Have a brick selected for new house.<br /><br />The new house that won't ever get finished because they still haven't started!MaryBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12149988691082431580noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3638403372477357234.post-15601209124227546182009-04-05T18:57:00.003-06:002009-04-05T19:09:56.957-06:00It's Kinda Like When You Drink Too Much And Know You'd Feel Better If You Just Gagged Yourself and Got It OverwithNot that I'd know anything about that...<br /><br />Moving on...<br /><br />So, have you seen <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0457939/">The Holiday</a> with Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslett? If you haven't, its pretty good as chic fliks go...good enough that Ive seen it three times and have not wanted to gouge my eyes out yet. Anywho, Cameron's character, Amanda, can NOT cry. She wants to. She tries. There is a funny sequence of her trying all sorts of ways to bring on the tears to no avail. THIS IS ME, PEOPLE! WHAT is WRONG with me? I feel like I am on the teetering brink of a nuclear, crying meltdown about 96% of the time and yet, NOTHING. Nada. Zilch. I set aside a whole entire day alone last week to indulge myself. Read a sad book, have wine with lunch in the middle of the day by myself. Watch a sad movie. Wear my jammies and have myself a good, long, pitiful crying gag. NOTHING I tell you.<br /><br />What does this say about me? How do I fix it? Should I fix it? AAARGH!MaryBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12149988691082431580noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3638403372477357234.post-38779027382110077452009-04-01T21:51:00.001-06:002009-04-01T21:53:06.980-06:00Excuse me.....But what the hell is this?????<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigCq4scb5lRXRBEJYHWiRcBP_F5m2FLNZ6qTyCy7Xk_aFs36_UhrhM2pOWP3tNvuWnQT3ruw6xBAQSZ2i8CCsUl1ApeJqcgmocQ3-9PpJB6xmwtHO_AQDacVCQ-YKo3A6rVX_q4G3IBtI/s1600-h/229311_5701_lrg254x296.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 254px; height: 296px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigCq4scb5lRXRBEJYHWiRcBP_F5m2FLNZ6qTyCy7Xk_aFs36_UhrhM2pOWP3tNvuWnQT3ruw6xBAQSZ2i8CCsUl1ApeJqcgmocQ3-9PpJB6xmwtHO_AQDacVCQ-YKo3A6rVX_q4G3IBtI/s320/229311_5701_lrg254x296.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319936902824774866" border="0" /></a>MaryBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12149988691082431580noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3638403372477357234.post-89925248256363153812009-03-30T15:44:00.002-06:002009-03-30T15:48:22.651-06:00Free Advice<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv4T9UxcKVuUs9_lpRbRicqrPugBO2H78NfJm1Lfs7oVO8E_jnSLIXzh-6jSx2nZKo4T02cqfFFZA7P5YrVIis3JMMh7A_UwM7sPFv1PZbKdJJGnAfcwrUdn5atoEBsvT3wze_4g6M4rw/s1600-h/n562395747_1683804_4098120.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319100596176963378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv4T9UxcKVuUs9_lpRbRicqrPugBO2H78NfJm1Lfs7oVO8E_jnSLIXzh-6jSx2nZKo4T02cqfFFZA7P5YrVIis3JMMh7A_UwM7sPFv1PZbKdJJGnAfcwrUdn5atoEBsvT3wze_4g6M4rw/s320/n562395747_1683804_4098120.jpg" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><div><strong>This is not the method I would prescribe if you want to sell your house quickly. Despite the popularity of the contrary saying, honesty is NOT ALWAYS the best policy.</strong></div>MaryBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12149988691082431580noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3638403372477357234.post-61008887471417366652009-03-30T06:50:00.011-06:002009-03-30T07:17:45.504-06:00What I Have Been Up To...I have been baking 2 -3 dozen oatmeal chocolate chips cookies per day. I have been running to Target to buy more Tahitian Vanilla votives and cucumber mint tealights. I have been reprinting fliers and disclosures. I have been answering the phone, fielding the questions, and scheduling the showings. I let them in. I left them to look and snoop while I drove around to my special hidden spot where I could see how long they were there, but I knew they could not see me. Basically, I have been running a 12 hour per day, 7 day a week open house. I have been keeping my house looking like this every minute of every day...Do you know how hard that is while still trying to live a life with three children and an absent husband????<br /><br /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxnLkPNenUqe8xuKuFbaRyMcW0n3vgm5Ro5cTsTnxNWSZGV_QdyJHKfPiKcE0qnlXy3lV6dl-PPhwSUKzVN_DlWUNTVs4etreZNwG_VvWHjmZ3DBK35NujNjJePFPyDb7LQJyY5Iibbvw/s320/houses+09+003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318966471702498802" border="0" /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLf6mRkdkKbh58m_oo-DWcKy8Cc8JRxbIyobCx0tJQ3o1yNXp8-dBQ2yBIBgduj3y16bGbRz651JTma1drdtem9tRKWengFkXSB8OxfC4C8ZFqmuLLIQ19q191avJ0x1i4xKvFW9jKn4I/s1600-h/houses+09+001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLf6mRkdkKbh58m_oo-DWcKy8Cc8JRxbIyobCx0tJQ3o1yNXp8-dBQ2yBIBgduj3y16bGbRz651JTma1drdtem9tRKWengFkXSB8OxfC4C8ZFqmuLLIQ19q191avJ0x1i4xKvFW9jKn4I/s320/houses+09+001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318965166268050610" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr4OAT1_ROnTYUUelZUxAG429y-_iinXV9bWesz8Voom3Fmrt9e2XmVulFfI9NRiFqOX_MotyBu4fGMVvbsTNd6PsIXaDkQnXutg401AZ85pMOom7pTotFDThEFHUvrBh4oz-B7wb19yc/s1600-h/houses+09+024.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 179px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr4OAT1_ROnTYUUelZUxAG429y-_iinXV9bWesz8Voom3Fmrt9e2XmVulFfI9NRiFqOX_MotyBu4fGMVvbsTNd6PsIXaDkQnXutg401AZ85pMOom7pTotFDThEFHUvrBh4oz-B7wb19yc/s320/houses+09+024.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318964845372154898" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUpNiL0I7SUqsNqaKYFYmnalFkLGWI1jCmzMdjatDzXB0I12rEPfVgedDi4_gzpQTh2sn-8PL86D5F7QreyjbjYl-OxRKMPcND0kmFSW8S3rRWKjN7LX-KYqB8b5Q20Qjfr9DwjKRpTCM/s1600-h/houses+09+022.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 179px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUpNiL0I7SUqsNqaKYFYmnalFkLGWI1jCmzMdjatDzXB0I12rEPfVgedDi4_gzpQTh2sn-8PL86D5F7QreyjbjYl-OxRKMPcND0kmFSW8S3rRWKjN7LX-KYqB8b5Q20Qjfr9DwjKRpTCM/s320/houses+09+022.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318964490877677394" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoeaDMP8KUTJAQvpdf2QqG1QbN5n0o84Vk6B_FIWJci90fog8RZleFZu5Ah17kWXkxw1oqC1BTv0KZSn3R66iSIUA24KSXRwzk-kafFwUzku6BhaF30NYoLmmNlt_e425ibkOCDP2kSsY/s1600-h/houses+09+012.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 179px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoeaDMP8KUTJAQvpdf2QqG1QbN5n0o84Vk6B_FIWJci90fog8RZleFZu5Ah17kWXkxw1oqC1BTv0KZSn3R66iSIUA24KSXRwzk-kafFwUzku6BhaF30NYoLmmNlt_e425ibkOCDP2kSsY/s320/houses+09+012.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318964138809080242" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlMjvREK-E8TucfCLhycmYWoO1wXVbU9_2Y5HWSnB8i2_alslFGeR3Y69KLObnGTTYo70CGKNic3WXSmaQvGfcOnUiUA_XaTzY9N7eRTej14zUpy-S84Z1hBvpZKryHfJLBXmuB-Zn7L0/s1600-h/houses+09.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 179px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlMjvREK-E8TucfCLhycmYWoO1wXVbU9_2Y5HWSnB8i2_alslFGeR3Y69KLObnGTTYo70CGKNic3WXSmaQvGfcOnUiUA_XaTzY9N7eRTej14zUpy-S84Z1hBvpZKryHfJLBXmuB-Zn7L0/s320/houses+09.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318963975063026514" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0hpiHJdCPczYhBUTGAzRMuBvlNFqCCGtbO4JQDfiLfCof-NXRYc5PR074M1COZ96EDDRpit3EUtav6ET8xg53ACrYuMCxdonAXiUT2KcBeeTmMGyO2txMyktfl0gAwvRmPm8k3b8jiLo/s1600-h/House+Photos+%28new+and+old%29+Mar+09+083.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0hpiHJdCPczYhBUTGAzRMuBvlNFqCCGtbO4JQDfiLfCof-NXRYc5PR074M1COZ96EDDRpit3EUtav6ET8xg53ACrYuMCxdonAXiUT2KcBeeTmMGyO2txMyktfl0gAwvRmPm8k3b8jiLo/s320/House+Photos+%28new+and+old%29+Mar+09+083.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318963549041519842" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbhLnPap5hPszaMlZ0c1o7L_h5nxDzd_Wf7U1a5A06SwtYVCx_e0GJJ4hvmzpIT5flmiMLSfDegEASgNy6k4Ssc_kNmL0sgfTSRDV88zJLDDaShApWMBSh7StUaUqB39GBvK1qWVPbuIw/s1600-h/House+Photos+%28new+and+old%29+Mar+09+079.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbhLnPap5hPszaMlZ0c1o7L_h5nxDzd_Wf7U1a5A06SwtYVCx_e0GJJ4hvmzpIT5flmiMLSfDegEASgNy6k4Ssc_kNmL0sgfTSRDV88zJLDDaShApWMBSh7StUaUqB39GBvK1qWVPbuIw/s320/House+Photos+%28new+and+old%29+Mar+09+079.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318962684659959154" border="0" /></a><br /><br />BUUUT it all paid off. We received three offers this weekend, and one of them came with the the most perfect closing/leaseback timeline we could have only dreamed of. And they accepted our counter offer without a second thought. We are beside ourselves with excitement and total disbelief! Now, I need to go start researching new refrigerators because the new owners are getting our current one. Any suggestions???<br /><br />The builder got our last permit on Friday. We are ready to go! Will schedule a pre-build meeting with builder this week. So, in my best Sarah Palin imitation, "BUILD, BABY, BUILD!"<br /><br />However, underneath all of this happiness and excitement, we are well aware that we will cry like babies when it is actually time to leave.MaryBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12149988691082431580noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3638403372477357234.post-48315075159136771812009-03-11T07:50:00.002-06:002009-03-11T08:01:59.226-06:00The Third Little PigNow, the third little pig was a smart little pig and knew he wanted to make his house out of brick. The big bad wolf could not blow down a house made of durable, beautiful brick. The third little pig looked and looked for a brick that was just right. He even called Goldilocks because she is the expert of "just right." The Pig and Goldilocks drove through countless neighborhoods, took hundreds of pictures, and looked at interesting houses in different times of day and sunlight. None of the bricks were just right. But, then, one day, they found the brick that was "just right!"<br /><br /> So, they called the house builder and said, <span style="font-style: italic;">"We have found the just right brick. We are so excited!" </span><br /><br />And the builder said, <span style="font-style: italic;">"I know it is just right. BUT, I am so sorry. You cannot have it because the house right next door to you thought it was 'just right' too."</span><br /><br />The <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Little Pig</span> will have to keep looking.MaryBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12149988691082431580noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3638403372477357234.post-18687505749805994822009-03-04T23:51:00.004-06:002009-03-05T08:24:59.136-06:00In Which Grant Tells You Why MaryB Has Had No Time to Post<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsWTw11CaFcKxD5u-IYi_uuDX892VG_LYgN8MnKcf1kyruoxPQYhHQmUEOHaN08utoN-FElVj7W-DS6o3HV3Ylenxq1GMuLKBWnhlYbhRD9IQnOzmwa4YCCijJvnhHu_qz2ssvuJqBRYI/s1600-h/houses+09+104.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsWTw11CaFcKxD5u-IYi_uuDX892VG_LYgN8MnKcf1kyruoxPQYhHQmUEOHaN08utoN-FElVj7W-DS6o3HV3Ylenxq1GMuLKBWnhlYbhRD9IQnOzmwa4YCCijJvnhHu_qz2ssvuJqBRYI/s320/houses+09+104.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309708148507851810" border="0" /></a>That there dirt is now OUR dirt....the very beginning of a long, long road.MaryBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12149988691082431580noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3638403372477357234.post-29588377287370170642009-02-15T17:49:00.002-06:002009-02-15T18:07:10.247-06:00Grant FunniesGrant was a hoot this weekend. First of all, I REALLY wish I had pictures of him dancing at the school dance on Friday. SO SO SO funny! He did bring two balloons home from the dance. He was feeling artsy on Saturday morning after the dance.<br /><br />Meet Harry Popper and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Pinky</span>:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP4c4Iw2ZsmHTXIsW60WBFsNFx7t5y7Ey0Hr1wr0OKzO8X2QY3jgZw-eQ37UNbkZidGMUyDvVRFVPSZ2N_PanMiTZNGXn7J3pEYco9dHVR1ht7SZGWwABF96hMYMke498PyLVhji9YRWo/s1600-h/IMG_2211[1]"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303176547475024498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP4c4Iw2ZsmHTXIsW60WBFsNFx7t5y7Ey0Hr1wr0OKzO8X2QY3jgZw-eQ37UNbkZidGMUyDvVRFVPSZ2N_PanMiTZNGXn7J3pEYco9dHVR1ht7SZGWwABF96hMYMke498PyLVhji9YRWo/s320/IMG_2211%5B1%5D" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbN1d6kAKzLfKCzlYOlsiauONWeebP9yKoik1WSb3egzri6dyLRtgFPbONrBA4gycrMsNDVRpq9JnCpFqbXoMxHj3lPkAPz5_HYyNuwDXC7ApVAuI_YQBZzHiHS6BXJW6SkvH_OZ__gwU/s1600-h/IMG_2209[1]"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303176078325550434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbN1d6kAKzLfKCzlYOlsiauONWeebP9yKoik1WSb3egzri6dyLRtgFPbONrBA4gycrMsNDVRpq9JnCpFqbXoMxHj3lPkAPz5_HYyNuwDXC7ApVAuI_YQBZzHiHS6BXJW6SkvH_OZ__gwU/s320/IMG_2209%5B1%5D" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Grant says that they are in love and like to kiss <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">alot</span> - especially on Valentine's Day. And, can we just stop for a moment and realize how <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">adorable</span>, smart, witty and clever he is that he gave the boy balloon round spectacles and named him "Harry <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Popper</span>" all on his own. I know I am his mother and therefore biased but I'm just gonna say that I think it is awfully clever for a five year old to come up with that kind of play on words.<br /><br />In a more disturbing turn of events...Saturday morning found us sleeping in late and Grant finally came in and crawled in the bed. He was chatting with mom and dad when he remembered that it was Valentine's Day. Rich asked him if he knew what Valentine's Day was about. Grant said, "yes. it is when you pull your pants down and spread your love around the whole world." <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">WTH</span>? WHO the heck are this kid's parents? They must be some seriously effed-up people. I'm just <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">sayin</span>.<br /></div>MaryBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12149988691082431580noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3638403372477357234.post-2858886286271328682009-02-12T22:10:00.006-06:002009-02-12T23:44:16.993-06:00What Do You Do When You Haven't Blogged in Weeks? You Ask For Opinions!Most of you are well aware that I haven't been posting because I am completely overwhelmed by my life right now. Crazytown gets crazier and crazier. We are still house hunting and mulling over moving. I think we are pretty sure that we are going to forge ahead. I think we are pretty surprised to discover WHERE we most enjoyed being while house shopping (Oh my! will there ever be a lot of crow to be be eaten by yours truly! Roasted, fried, grilled, broiled, all of it. SO. MUCH. CROW.)<br /><br />So, we, at the moment, have two houses in mind. One is the clear front runner, but there will have to be much negotiating of the price and terms. The dilemna you get to guide me about comes into play with house the second choice....<br /><br />Remember these peeps?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijPmuM2CI2viNtZgxWr7en97YBCL2Lwkbi1bupBs0mjZKs1SIP3SW0-uS-KzkYs8OkjuzrQNUkzo1Rcz3CTZUXRQ8STyvupeXADtZmPnmINkg2pZp3r0z3UgS1s9xMRLqkqnPhIyQ9YCE/s1600-h/rein.cason+wedding.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 146px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijPmuM2CI2viNtZgxWr7en97YBCL2Lwkbi1bupBs0mjZKs1SIP3SW0-uS-KzkYs8OkjuzrQNUkzo1Rcz3CTZUXRQ8STyvupeXADtZmPnmINkg2pZp3r0z3UgS1s9xMRLqkqnPhIyQ9YCE/s200/rein.cason+wedding.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302133783500299570" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Obviously, we are good friends, yes? They are fabulous. Their kids? Adorable and fabulous.<br /><br />Well, they just bought a new house. Guess where it is? One over from our house choice #2. Is that weird? On the one hand it sounds like a blast! John Daly's in the driveway and by the pool and fire pit when-the-heck-ever. Kids can play when ever. Pilot/reservist hubs gone? Built in company for the gals/moms! Sounds awesome! They think it would be awesome too. (or so they tell us!)<br /><br />So, why does it feel so weird to me? Like we are crazy, stalker friends? Maybe they wont like us so much when they live one house over...that would make me sad.<br /><br />WHAT DO YOU THINK? I NEED TO KNOW!<br /><br />Also, I'm hoping all the worry will be for naught and that seller's of house choice the first** will be desperate to sell and meet our offer (if we ever get the nerve to actually MAKE the offer!)<br /><br />**It should be noted for the discussion's sake that the first choice house is also technically in "the neighborhood." When I say "neighborhood" I mean a HUGEASS community that is now technically its own city and,in fact, has its own zip code. The first choice house is in a separate section/neighborhood of the masterplanned community. Probably in the section the furthest away from them actually. It should also be noted that often when we discuss pros/cons of each of the houses we always know which one is the first choice, but always end the conversation with, "BUT it's not one door down from G&K."MaryBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12149988691082431580noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3638403372477357234.post-217351500670391592009-02-03T14:32:00.002-06:002009-02-03T14:41:33.244-06:00Crazytown is still crazy, but we eat well!Okay, so when the going gets tough, the tough get eating (or drinking, or maybe both!)! I have absolutely no business being at this computer blogging AT ALL, but this was SO good that I'd feel guilty to not share it - especially since it is Tuesday!<br /><br />Use the <a href="http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1694203">this link</a> to find the recipe, but just go buy yourself a grocery rotisserie chicken. Also, I only used two tablespoons of the curry paste (I use the Madras hot blend). I added just a touch of soy to the sauce. I only sprinkled cilantro over Rich's and Jamie's as they actually like the stuff (I obvs don't!) I served it over, what else? Of course I served it over jasmine rice cooked in half coconut milk/half water in place of whatever amount of liquid you need. Make this now! It is so good. Total comfort food!!!!<br /><br /><br />Call me when you make it - Ill be right over with some Firefly and lemons!MaryBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12149988691082431580noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3638403372477357234.post-89622655574954453972009-01-07T16:22:00.008-06:002009-01-07T17:06:50.034-06:00A Quick Bullet Point Tour of Crazytown* Leaving my beloved new kitchen to move to the burbs. Is that sudden or what <a href="mailto:?@$">?@$</a>&#!?<br />* Subsequent freaking out about staging of this house and OBSESSING about neighborhoods, schools, houses and prices in the new place...<br />* Science Fair<br />* Cleaning out closets, garage, and EVERYTHING and staging it all and painting and finishing all remodeling projects to get ready to put house on market<br />* Rich left for his detachment<br />* But not before some idiot stole his bag with credit cards, passports, his freakin' FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT BADGE! etc, etc, etc You cannot imagine the disaster that was his last night home<br />* Thankfully, said idiots appeared to have ditched the bag on side of the road, minus credit cards and RayBans, when they discovered aforementioned badge.<br />* Speeding ticket issued to me on way home from dropping Rich at airport for 3 week det when I TOTALLY WAS NOT SPEEDING - WTF WTF WTF?<br />* The fact that I , very nicely, respectfully, and politely, pointed this fact out to Officer NumNuts pissed him off so that he also gave me a citation for be "uninsured" because my proof of insurance card expired last week...He totally refused to look me up in the system or to let me call USAA and let them tell him.<br />* Rich texted from plane/airport asking me to bid for him and I totally do not know how to do that. THANK the good Lord for friends who I can call and then just start to cry and then their wonderful, wonderful husbands take care of it for me. Dear G and K - i love you!MaryBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12149988691082431580noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3638403372477357234.post-21099751066132992592009-01-05T10:44:00.003-06:002009-01-05T10:47:06.045-06:00NO WAY!So, I was out running errands and someone stopped me to ask about my blog. Apparently I have a blog?<br /><br />Sorry to be a tease. Ill be back I promise. Lots and lots going on over here in Crazyville.<br /><br />If all of you would get your butts on fb and be my friend we could keep up even when Im neglecting the blog!MaryBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12149988691082431580noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3638403372477357234.post-51822116401283677142008-12-15T08:03:00.003-06:002008-12-15T08:07:02.240-06:000800 Status Report0745 - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">MaryB</span> in pajamas helping load kids into the carpool driver's car.<br /><br />0746 - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">MaryB</span> is locked out of her house<br /><br />Current Weather conditions: 27 degrees and gusty winds.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">MaryB</span> is wearing what? Oh yes, her <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">jammies</span>.<br /><br />Lovely start to a week that was already looking like hell...MaryBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12149988691082431580noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3638403372477357234.post-11449818040316746872008-12-10T21:29:00.004-06:002008-12-10T21:55:45.760-06:00Fail....But Then Success...And Then Maybe More FailSo, my beloved <a href="http://www.whitehouseblackmarket.com/store/home.jsp"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">WHBM</span></a> failed me. They will not be getting that cute, white, tiered top in stores, in a size that will fit me, and I do not have time to order one. The good news is that I will now be wearing an outfit that cost me exactly <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ZE</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">RO</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">dol</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">lah</span>! Yea!<br /><br />For those of you who may care (very very few and I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">don't</span> know why even they would care) I'll be wearing the <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/BANANA-REPUBLIC-SILK-TOP-NWT_W0QQitemZ330290988639QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_CSA_WC_Shirts_Tops?hash=item330290988639&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A0%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50">red strapless top </a><span style="font-size:85%;">(but with the velvet sash tied in the back)</span>borrowed from <a href="http://ayankeesguidetotexas.blogspot.com/2008/08/friend-unexpected.html">Jennifer</a>, and my very favorite black pants ever. The wide legs could NOT be worn with such a gathered, full top! The other good news is that someone, an angel possibly, returned the necklace I have been lusting after at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">WHBM</span>... and I still had my trusty, dusty gift card! So, now I have two <a href="http://www.whitehouseblackmarket.com/store/browse/product.jsp?maxRec=39&pageId=4&productId=300112230&viewAll=&prd=Crystal+Cluster+Necklace&subCatId=cat210037&color=&fromSearch=&inSeam=&posId=9&catId=cat210005&cat=Accessories+Jewelry&colorFamily=&maxPg=5&size=">pretty</a> <a href="http://www.stylehive.com/bookmark/White-House--Black-Market--HematiteFinished-Flower-Pendant-503010"><span style="color:#33cc00;">necklaces</span> </a>to choose from on Saturday, and the the one I do not wear will get prettily wrapped and hidden in a stocking by Santa himself on Christmas Eve! Win-win all around. So, yeah! (But, SOMEONE please buy that white top - it is bee-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">ooo</span>-ti-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">ful</span>!)<br /><br />So, how are all of you <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Santas</span> doing checking off your lists???? I need to sit down and re-assess the status of the lists after I get all the nosey children into their beds! I am usually D.O.N.E. by now. And, by done, I mean bought, wrapped, hidden, separated, and Ready To Go! And all out of town gifts, wrapped, packed, and shipped. The big sickness of 2008 really took a toll and I am so so far behind this year! I do not even have a Christmas card picture taken! <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">I'm</span> thinking we will all wear black and white and send out one of those fun silvery New Year's cards this year. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">OMG</span> - that will ROYALLY piss off my husband! But, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">seriously</span>, did you notice up there how I fill my own stocking??? I do EVERYTHING in terms of the holidays with the exception of hanging the outside lights. So, he should just shut it, right????? Speaking of this, I've been meaning to ask you girls... Do you select and buy the gifts for your spouse's parents/family? I mean SERIOUSLY, doesn't it stand to reason that HE would have a better idea of what to get his father than I would???<br /><br />Am I loser if I really do send out New Year's Cards? People must do it, since they make them now. Ill make them really cute, I promise!MaryBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12149988691082431580noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3638403372477357234.post-48946982329565172992008-12-09T22:52:00.006-06:002008-12-09T23:09:52.220-06:00Another Cost Cutting Measure I would AvoidForever 21. Holy Crap. That stuff looks sooooo cute online. In person - total C.R.A.P.!!! As if the prices shouldnt have told me this BEFORE venturing there. Fabrics = crap. Construction = crap. Size regulation = crap.<br /><br /><br /><br />The winning outfit for the holiday party for which it will be FREEZING and we will be venturing outside (basically glorified bar hopping for grown ups):<br /><br /><br /><br />NECKLACE:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ufKCQ5xWz_EmMtmZZqybbZPVBML5tCmXzEHt-BdyWfMPUXkTToAoDEt110xnPPq0IrtoQ1v9njngGQEKKFx_tv5ATsm2SqGpYghLMw4ASGl7D2fzsXPhfV2KFEDffSUnSsyMZsno1qw/s1600-h/172981_9079.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278022579029107650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 278px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ufKCQ5xWz_EmMtmZZqybbZPVBML5tCmXzEHt-BdyWfMPUXkTToAoDEt110xnPPq0IrtoQ1v9njngGQEKKFx_tv5ATsm2SqGpYghLMw4ASGl7D2fzsXPhfV2KFEDffSUnSsyMZsno1qw/s320/172981_9079.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />TOP: ( I think I have finally used up all of my WHBM gift certificate with this purchase!)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqrp2vzJypS-tlJYAwyQ-94hOtBd8f8DuuY3679v0W53fdHV4oR6gET0ddlijC-Q14tnxB-2tF1AQUHqMsJATqSqyG4XT5h5GULPgu-XeFXTK6zJaNkgsh643Tr8YAhOfQRRVYfUpf__o/s1600-h/300111946_190_normal.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278022843441789074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 256px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqrp2vzJypS-tlJYAwyQ-94hOtBd8f8DuuY3679v0W53fdHV4oR6gET0ddlijC-Q14tnxB-2tF1AQUHqMsJATqSqyG4XT5h5GULPgu-XeFXTK6zJaNkgsh643Tr8YAhOfQRRVYfUpf__o/s320/300111946_190_normal.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />PANTS: (this picure doesnt accurately portray just how WIDE-leg they really are...)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhktiJykNGPOznE44TzxBKr4e8X0MyVRByMGLatUNqUVqKwNE5rFNlQamh7A-emRNLrmTfSWRDZXRabvRYDgBQgwf_aO1cHe-lZv4bGVzzTmrHyJVyge5be1kAFF-OLsDx4cybr5SwG9iQ/s1600-h/223433_6600.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278023089468824498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 278px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhktiJykNGPOznE44TzxBKr4e8X0MyVRByMGLatUNqUVqKwNE5rFNlQamh7A-emRNLrmTfSWRDZXRabvRYDgBQgwf_aO1cHe-lZv4bGVzzTmrHyJVyge5be1kAFF-OLsDx4cybr5SwG9iQ/s320/223433_6600.jpg" border="0" /></a>MaryBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12149988691082431580noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3638403372477357234.post-50854965344209335752008-12-09T22:40:00.003-06:002008-12-09T22:52:16.737-06:00A Public Service AnnouncementLet me give you some advice. The economy is kicking all of our arses right now. We all need to cut corners, trim the fat, reign in the spending, etc, etc, (Pick your own colloquialism)<br /><br />Here are two ideas I will save you from trying:<br /><br />1. Do not wax your own legs. It is a total PIA and the wax does not peel off in big, nice strips. It flakes off in little pieces. I have a darn high threshold for pain when it comes to waxing. So, don't go assuming it was because I lacked the fortitude to really do it right. No, home waxing just has a steep learning curve and is NOT NOT NOT worth the effort. By the time you spend money for wax and other supplies and then see how long it takes to do it right, you realize that a leg wax at European Skin Care isn't so expensive <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">after all</span>.<br /><br />2. Aquafresh White Trays work like a dream. All the strip style home whiteners have been dismal failures for me. They do not git in my mouth, they slide around and generally annoy the crap out of me. The Aquafresh trays stay put. they mold to fit. They are perfect. HOWEVER, my teeth and gums have been suffering weird, painful twinges all day long. Strangest, most unpleasant sensation. Maybe I should just try giving up the coffee and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">thus</span> reduce my need for whitening. HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA... AS IF!!!! <em>Oh Holy Sheet!!! As I am sitting here, RIGHT THE HECK NOW typing this, a commercial just popped up on the telly for "NEW Aquafresh Gentle Care Whitening Trays" that comes with a special toothpaste to prepare your teeth and gums in case the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">whitening</span> agent bothers you.....Something that would have been nice to know about YES-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">TER</span>-DAY!!!!!</em>MaryBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12149988691082431580noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3638403372477357234.post-89811784709790528972008-12-08T11:50:00.004-06:002008-12-08T13:37:46.788-06:00In the Mood....No not for THAT! For Christmas spirit and joy.<br /><br /><br /><br />Its share time. I'll tell you my favorite Christmas CDs/music...you all do the same in the comments or on your blog. If on your blog, then leave a comment/link in the comments. My list of favorites is likely to give away my true old-lady, mellow nature...<br /><br /><strong><em>1. All-purpose wonderful, beautiful music:<br /></em></strong><br />*<a href="http://cdbaby.com/cd/tombaroco">Christmas Blessings by Tom Baroco</a> - All I can tell you is that it is just BEAUTIFUL. It will lift your spirits, and put you in the spirit of the season. Seriously, if you only own one album- this is THE ONE! Buy it now!<br /><br />*<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Winters-Solstice-Windham-Hill-Artists/dp/B000000NGH">A Winter's Solstice by Windam Hill</a> - no description or reason necessary, right?<br /><br />* <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Miracles-Holiday-Album-Kenny-G/dp/B000002VOI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1228755750&sr=1-1">Miracle by Kenny G</a> - yes, I like it - you do too, you just wont admit it out loud. Funny note about this one: we have a good friend who refuses to listen to this anytime or anywhere because he finds it truly offensive to listen to Christmas music from a Jewish artist. I think its STOOPID, but find it hilarious for some inexplicable reason.<br /><br />* <a href="http://www.amazon.com/October-Road-James-Taylor/dp/B00006ADZD/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1228755843&sr=1-1">October Road by James Taylor </a>- Its not all Christmas, but its a fab album and his rendition of "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" is PERFECTION for keeping the materialism in check. Something about they way he sings of "precious friends" really gets the message into your heart.<br /><br /><strong><em>2. My Favorite fun Albums:</em></strong><br /><br />* Harry Connick - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Harry-Holidays-Jr-Connick/dp/B000BCE98G/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1228756050&sr=8-2">Harry For the Holidays </a>(Really, do you need a reason for this one?)<br /><br />* <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Diana-Krall-Christmas-Songs/dp/B000B7BRMM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1228755350&sr=1-2">Diana Krall's Christmas Songs </a>- We all know that I LOVE and ADORE her. Sophisticated, Fun, and at times Sultry. End of story. I do not care if you are a jazz snob who thinks she is a sell-out. Give it a chance, you will fall in love with her when your Grinch heart grows as you listen.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Elf-Music-Major-Motion-Picture/dp/B0000DIZT4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1228755910&sr=1-1">Elf soundtrack </a>- MOST ESPECIALLY the Zooey Deschanel and Will Ferrell version of "Baby, Its Cold Outside." In some ways, this song is "our song." It is THE SONG that everything in the house stops for. Everyone sings, mom and dad dance in the kitchen. Its fabulous, happy and fun! I would say that this songs loops on continuous play at our house far more than once during the holidays. It kind of defines the MaryB Christmas Experience.<br /><br />On a related note, I would like to thank the cantor at the Cathedral, or the music director, or whoever is responsible for the fact that they sing <em>Veni, Veni, Emmanuel</em> - all the verses, in the Latin. A moving Advent reflection!MaryBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12149988691082431580noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3638403372477357234.post-8337879579794500992008-12-06T21:04:00.007-06:002008-12-06T21:16:57.899-06:00Unfortunately I Am NOT Forever 21Do you have to be under 30 to get away with wearing opaque tights with a party dress? I think the trend is totally adorable, but am thinking that a girl my age might look like she is trying too hard to be younger than she is. And, ironically, people who try to dress too young for their age tend to look OLDER than their age, doncha think?<br /><br />The root cause of this dilemma??? This dress...The second I saw it, I just knew it would be perfect with opaque black tights and some black, very tall, ankle-strap heels...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT0ysHF5IN-IcuJEeKLwD7pIri8cG85x1lXqI_RoxcCmDQON9-1IuuKi-KP5BKl571yCb1m6XqoRmduRTppFkNfyqtvyKi_DS-bqI2q553b6Oq9UcxLGxHgnosMTGzE2J_AE7-dJpOc4A/s1600-h/56370301-02.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276880065603784226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 262px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT0ysHF5IN-IcuJEeKLwD7pIri8cG85x1lXqI_RoxcCmDQON9-1IuuKi-KP5BKl571yCb1m6XqoRmduRTppFkNfyqtvyKi_DS-bqI2q553b6Oq9UcxLGxHgnosMTGzE2J_AE7-dJpOc4A/s320/56370301-02.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />That is what I WANT to wear. In reality, Ill probably end up wearing <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/BANANA-REPUBLIC-SILK-TOP-NWT_W0QQitemZ330290988639QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_CSA_WC_Shirts_Tops?hash=item330290988639&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A0%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50">this top </a>(because I already have it) with some wide leg back crepe trousers....UNLESS any of you can convince me otherwise!MaryBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12149988691082431580noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3638403372477357234.post-3065448828249041442008-12-02T09:30:00.004-06:002008-12-02T09:46:02.386-06:00Is This Thing Still On?Well, hello there. How are you? I've missed you all so!<br /><br />Where <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">I've</span> been:<br /><br /><ul><li>some crappy stuff that was non-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">bloggable</span>, yet brain consuming so that I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">couldnt blog</span> about anything else.</li><li>PTO <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">craziness</span> - meetings and happenings and planning galore...</li><li>Informal interview RE teaching 8<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">th</span> grade <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">pre</span>-algebra at boys' school next year. Still <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">dont</span> know if I want to do that or not...lean towards yes, but not sure..</li><li>having friends over for Cajun feast only to have a MAJOR plumbing disaster flood my kitchen with black sludge when they were on their way here from the burbs up north in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">DFW</span> rush-hour hell. Had to tell them to turn around and go home.</li><li>Plumbing fixed, had them come the next day.</li><li>The day after that was cooking and cleaning for Turkey day.</li><li>then, it was Turkey day and I the food and company were fabulous, but <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">later</span> that night i started to come down with something and so did Grant and Connor.</li><li>next day, Grant and i were sick as dogs. Grant ended up with a z-pack and a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">nebulizer</span>. i thought I could just kick it the natural way...ha ha ha ha ha.. it is now Tuesday and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">I'm</span> crying uncle. headed to doctor to BEG for help and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">meds</span>.</li><li>My mom gets here tonight for our annual shopping and wrapping extravaganza. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Have</span> b<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">een</span> making lists upon sub-lists, upon cross-referenced lists to prepare....</li><li>Having more party fashion crises. Need personal, live in advice giver. What is with all the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">catalogues</span> and the almost opaque tights with <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">cocktail</span> dresses and open-toed shoes???? Are colored stockings back in?? December nights roaming downtown are too cold for bare legs, right?</li></ul><p>Okay, so much more to tell you, but the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">shutter</span> installation people will be here any minute and i am still in my snowman <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">jammies</span> ... we'll talk more soon. i promise...I wont be gone so long this time! Hope you are all well...be ready to tell me all the things you and your kids have on your Christmas lists, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">mkay</span>? <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">I'm</span> always looking for great ideas an deals!</p>MaryBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12149988691082431580noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3638403372477357234.post-85584295801480474702008-11-11T21:14:00.005-06:002008-11-11T21:42:15.434-06:00Documented for Posterity11/11/2008 9:08pm<br /><br />Rich said to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">MaryB</span>:<br /><br /><em><strong>" You have all the freedom and flexibility in the world. You have no schedule, no job, and no boss. You aren't tied down to anything."<img class="gl_bold" alt="Bold" src="http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif" border="0" /></strong></em><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br />Absolutely NOTHING <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">MaryB</span> said in reply can be reproduced here. This is a prime-time, non-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">skinemax</span>, PG rated blog.MaryBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12149988691082431580noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3638403372477357234.post-55354113424645769452008-11-10T11:36:00.003-06:002008-11-10T11:43:40.127-06:00A New PlanI swear. I'm going to stop writing anything here and just start right clicking those copy and paste buttons to entertain you all with the <a href="http://ayankeesguidetotexas.blogspot.com/2008/11/friends.html"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">correspondence</span></a>. Just when <a href="http://ayankeesguidetotexas.blogspot.com/2008/11/let-me-count-reasons.html">you feel all <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">barfy</span> (props to Tessie) that you are mean</a>, and that people have changed...No, they just disguise their<br />ass-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">hattedness</span> better with age and experience.MaryBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12149988691082431580noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3638403372477357234.post-65318709045577663732008-11-05T09:47:00.004-06:002008-11-05T09:59:49.754-06:00Let Me Count the Reasons......That I will be going to Hell.<br /><br />1. I am a bitch. After writing <a href="http://ayankeesguidetotexas.blogspot.com/2008/11/friends.html">this</a>, I got a lovely, sweet, long email from him. He even remebered to call me "Larry." Now who's the ass-hat?<br />2. I am selfish. Friday is Rich's birthday and I'm seriously considering leaving for the weekend because I know he'll actually be in town to manage the kids and I need to to GET AWAY FROM HERE! I almost do not even care if I find a girlfriend to come with, Ill go by my damn self. SERENITY NOW!!!<br />3. I am vengeful. As revenge for Rich being an utterly unreasonable asshole, I am exacting my revenge by wielding my credit card all over the internet. He may be an ass, but my ass is going to look damn cute in those jeans.<br />4. My frined had a baby, and when I met the baby my first reaction was to recoil in shock. It was a scary, ugly baby. WHO reacts that way to a baby? People going to hell, that's who.MaryBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12149988691082431580noreply@blogger.com9