Saturday, May 21, 2005


you know it's summer when... Posted by Hello

Wednesday, May 11, 2005

Eek -- it's wedding season again! According to industry research, there are approximately 2.4 million weddings each year, and 82% occur between May and October. When you're single, you know what that means: a never-ending siege of nuptial nonsense that you are required to:
1. Attend (on your own).
2. Buy a dress for (on your own).
3. Buy an expensive gift for (on your own).
4. Navigate toasts, intrusive questioning by well-meaning relatives and friends, and bouquet-tossing silliness -- on your own.

In short, wedding season is as taxing as it gets. To ensure that you make it through this season in one piece, I've come up with the Single Woman's Wedding Survival Guide. Don't go to a ceremony without it.

Part 1: Supplies
Normally you wouldn't need to carry much more than lipstick and car keys in your bag, but come wedding time, be prepared like a good scout. Tote along:
--Advil
--Tissues
--A cell phone (so you can call friends for moral support)
--Business cards (in case you meet someone cute)
--A spare pair of comfy shoes (so you can kick up your heels and get funky)
--A good excuse to leave early
--A list of fun things to do afterward (rent "Pirates of the Caribbean," enjoy a bubble bath, take Schedule 1 drugs)

Part 2: Appearance
I hardly need to remind you that looking good is no substitute for feeling good -- but looking fabulous will compensate quite nicely. So pay extra attention to your hair, nails, etc. And if you have to choose between buying a ho-hum frock that seems sensible because you'll wear it again and a stunner you may wear only three more times in your life, spring for the dress that will make people swear they saw you in the pages of InStyle magazine.

Part 3: Handy phrases
Nothing is worse than waking up at 3 a.m. after the wedding and thinking of all the things you should have said to those "well-meaning" friends and relatives who "unconsciously" say things that make you want to kill them. Here are a few excellent responses to have in your pocket:
When they ask whether you're seeing anyone yet (they always have to throw in the yet, don't they?), you can say:

"I was dating a shipping magnate from Cyprus, but he hated the fact that my Norwegian lover, Lars, was so possessive. So, theoretically, I'm single. You?"

Or:"Oh, let's not talk about me. Aunt Ellen was just telling me that you suffer from hemorrhoids."

Or:"You know, I've decided to quit dating. It's completely unrewarding, and where does it all end? Here, in a dreary reception room with all your relatives getting drunk."

When they comment on how happy the bride is and how lucky she is and that her sister is pregnant, you can say:
"God bless -- they do make a perfect match! Now what about you? I hear from Aunt Ellen that you've got shingles."

Or:"Her sister is pregnant? That's so wonderful. I just couldn't bear being saddled with a kid right now, not when Lars, my Norwegian lover, is so passionate about our time together. He's planning to take me abroad for a year."

Part 4: Proper behavior
Wedding etiquette is slightly different for us single gals. A few tips:
1. Cry your eyes out. If bitter melancholy overwhelms you as your friend/cousin/sister walks down the aisle, let the tears flow as you murmur, "Isn't she beautiful?" Sob. Repeat at the reception as needed.
2. Drink lightly. Nothing is more depressing than a drunk single woman. Besides, you need to be able to fend off the bride's Uncle Vic.
3. Rock on. Most weddings have an open dance floor, so there's no need to wait for anyone to ask you to dance. Grab a friend and boogie. Dancing lets off steam and brings an attractive glow to your complexion.
4. Flirt. They say that a wedding is a great place to meet someone. I think this is a lie manufactured by the wedding industry to keep singles from boycotting these events. But if there is a cute guy, chat him up. So what if he's 16?
5. Don't be alone. Single or married, there are plenty of folks who find weddings as uncomfortable as you do, for whatever reason. Find 'em.
Part 5: Your private mantrasIf you accidentally stumble onto the trapdoor that sends you spiraling down into how depressing it all is and how alone you feel, step outside, clear your head and repeat after me:
"This is only a few hours out of my life."
"I'm gorgeous."
"Married people aren't happier; they're just married."
"She has to have sex with him forever, while my options are still open."
Now dig up that good excuse to leave early (see Part 1: Supplies) and get outta there! Wedding season is like the NBA play-offs: You need time to recharge between games.

Friday, April 22, 2005

Your always seventeen in your hometown...

Funny how that works. I've had the priviledge (and it truly is a priviledge to ever see the inner workings of Paradise - aka Henderson, Texas) to spend some time at home. Now - "home" is actually a sub-suburb of Henderson, Texas (pop. 12,000). Work with me here, okay? You've got Henderson which is where everyone grocery shops, tans, and gets their eyes checked. Then, you've got Laneville (pop. 500'ish) which is much smaller and has the all important social venues of every small town: a post office and a feed store. Then you've got Bethel (pop.50 on a good day - when my brother, sister and I are all home!). You've got a cemetary and a Methodist church. Now, I don't have anything against the Methodists... but I do wish the Baptists would've moved a little quicker. Regardless - I make my home in Bethel. (Keep in mind that home in this context means "where your heart is" not "where you lay your head".)

So... to make sense of this post's title I have a little story to tell you. It seems funny to me how every small town idolizes their high school students. Or - in my case, high school aged students. (I never attended the local high school.) I'm in a wedding in June that has mandated most of these trips home. Dress fittings... addressing invitations... yada yada yada. So, at the most recent dress fitting the following dialogue takes place:

me: "Hi, Mrs. So-and-So... how are you?"
Mrs. So-and-So: "good... good... you look like you've lost weight!"

*I chuckle because I know that this isn't true. It's the standard greeting to all single women. Instead of the Married Woman "how's John & the kids?" comment - single women, it's assumed, work out constantly so that they may some day posses "John and the kids".

me: "oh... thanks! I've cut out Cokes - and you know it's worked wonders!"
*Notice very fake words like "wonders" thrown in! I'm such a genious!!!

Mrs. So-and-So: "You won't believe who was just in! You'll just never guess...."
me: "who?"
Mrs. So-and-So: "Well, Mr. Big came by the other day and had his trousers mended! I can't believe that you guys are almost 24! Oh my laaaaaaaaands.
*she really does say laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaands. Just like I spelled it too.

me: "Really?"
Mrs. So-and-So: "Yep, yep. When did you go and get so old on me? I keep thinking you're seventeen. I mean - look at you all grown up. A job - a car - a husband. Oh - you aren't married yet. Nevermind about that part."


Anyway - she went on and on and on and on about me, Mr. Big, The-Bride-Who's-Bridesmaids-Dress-I-Was-Getting-Fitted-For and Mr. Big's Friends ('cause I had the lowdown on all of them like any small town girl should). So... guys & gals - I think we'll always be little guys in someone's eyes.

Wednesday, March 09, 2005

Who needs pictures..... anyway....?

::cue Beth ascending to her soapbox throne::

I tried to get the country song "Who Needs Pictures" to play in the background - but you'll just have to hum it to yourself, for effect, instead. It really would have made the perfect backdrop for the title of this post - and whether you realize it (or more like get it....) the title to each post isn't just random.

Anyway - it all starts off with me wanting a camera. I was thinking about graduation and how the last of my friends at LETU are graduating. I wanted to take pictures and didn't want to look like a loser with one of those disposable cameras that have the retarded reaaaaa-reaaaaa-reaaaa noise when you wind them. That then led me to argue with myself the pros and cons of a "regular" film camera versus a digital. I like the fact that you can have tangible pictures with a regular camera. While you can possess tangible prints with a digital - you'll probably have to do it yourself. That would mean a printer... software... lots of ink... the grocery list could go on for miles. I'm all about outsourcing! Why do it myself when I can pay someone else to? Buy the film, use the film, take the film to Wal-Mart/Walgreens. Bam! Pictures in as little as an hour. And pretty much painless on my part, right?

THEN... I started thinking about what I'd do with all these pictures. There's no way to even display all the pictures I possess now - much less ones I'll add to my collection. So why do we even take pictures to begin with? I've never quite understood why a picture doesn't truly capture the moment. Kodak claims they are able... but they haven't come through for me yet. When I look back at pictures I think, "hummm..... I really don't remember it quite like it was captured... I remember it as being different, better."

So should I keep taking pictures? My mind captures things much better, but others can't see into my mind (praise the Lord! I would've been ex-communicated from the Southern Baptist Convention otherwise!) and so I can't share with them my pictures! It really is quite a predicament wouldn't you say? Well, folks... as usual - keep me posted on what you think.

And Ms. Sister-of-My-Roommate's-Boyfriend, pray tell, I would imagine you are playing quite the role of shutterfly in Londontown...

Monday, March 07, 2005

Sweet 16...

So it's been sixteen days since my last post. ::sigh:: I swore to myself that I wouldn't become a "fairweather poster" - meaning that I would fight to the death in blog land. I'd post when no one else posted, comment even though I never receive comments and continue this beautiful thing we call... well, blogging. To my disdain - I've really stunk at it. But here I am again--- tryin' to revive it.

As for funny stories... I dropped some things off at the drycleaner's on Mobberly oh, say... FOUR MONTHS AGO. It had been so long that I was embarrassed to even go by and see if it was still there. But... I pulled my bootstraps up, drove up, smiled coquetishly, flashed a twenty and BAM! My dry cleaning appeared. The guy at the counter and I had a good laugh. I should really take better care of things.

Sunday, February 20, 2005

I remember runnin' through the wet grass...

Wow. So - I really should update more than just once a week! (..and a hearty "Hear! Hear!" is heard from the crowd...)

Where to begin? Oh, let's see - I usually post about my obscenely funny - yet not - love life. So, most of you know about my little experiment with eHarmony. About a year ago - a friend and I decided that we'd post a mutual friend on this "Christian" dating site. Well, it was impossible because of a HUMONGOUS five hundred question "personality profile" - so as usual - who gets nominated to be the guinea pig? Yep - yours truly. Now - REMEMBER THE GUINEA PIG, it'll be important later on! :-)

So....... I met Mr. eHarmony (see Lawyer/City Boy) and the rest is history, right? Oh... no no no. Not if you're kickin' it with me - it's not. I have a knack, for...well.... how do you say... spice? Yeah - so I'm looking for his law firm's website and I Google his name to get there quicker and the son-of-a-gun is ENGAGED! Yikes-o-bee! Hysterical. Then, I get really scared because what if that WAS ME? Scary, huh?

So - REMEMBER THE GUINEA PIG? Yes, it's important now because I had a wonderful visit to the porno store this weekend. What? You say... you don't visit the porn store every Saturday afternoon for kicks? And why not I ask? Ok - the guinea pig part ties in here...

Once again - I'm in on hostessing a shower for a friend. Being the practical jokester that I am (it's inherited - I claim no responsibility for the actions that directly result from the genes I had no say in receiving) I decide that we need - practical joke things. I call a friend who's equally demented and ask if she would know the location of a questionable establishment that I could enter and not feel as if I had lost my religion. She gives me two options and off I go with my wingman (should I say wingwoman? or wingperson? Please comment and let me know as there is an ongoing discussion at The House of Redmon as to what is proper these days...) in tow. Now, usually I think the title guinea pig would be bestowed upon her - but not this time. We can't find Said Establishment #1 so we go with Less Desirable Said Establishment #2. Not good. Not good at all. Let's just say.... not only did I bathe in Purell I drank it too. All of this has happened over and above WORK and before I roll over, get tangled in the mosquito-web thing (cause I sooooooooo live in Africa and need one!) above my bed, and it promptly ensnares me for the greater part of Sunday morning. Yes, folks - I'm certifiably crazy.

So - pour you a glass of milk folks, it's gonna be a good one!

Monday, February 14, 2005

Meaning

Hail to the light that my baby watches me
In the darkness of the window
I can hardly get to sleep
Wish for the hour that
The nighttime soon shall pass
And the morning dew will bring us
To a day our souls can last
Love has a reason
There's a meaning to the world
We're giving love
Situation candlelight
Enough to see the bits around you
But it's never very bright
Stare at a memory
You, through the grapevine, heard the truth
It's good to learn from your mistakes
But that only works in youth
Love has a reason
There's a meaning to the world
We're giving love
Restless minds; curtain calls follow fanfares
Troubled hearts; just a walk down the hall
Restless hearts; you take a punch just to land one
Troubled minds; it's only fair after all
Mountin, the trail, but you've got it in sight
Sometimes the only way is jumping
I hope you're not afraid of heights
Reach in my pocket for a bill that isn't there
And to face all of the undoings
Still isn't more than I can bear
Love has a reason
There's a meaning to the world
We're giving love
Giving love
Love, love
It's all been good to me
Love has reason
There's a meaning to the world
We're giving love

Thursday, February 03, 2005

It's all about ME!

TEN Random Things About Me:
1o) I organize dirty dishes in the sink.
o9) I wear contacts.
o8) I was Vice President of my 3rd grade class.
o7) When I was in the 3rd grade (it was a big year!) and was co-lead in the school play, I fainted and fell on the 2nd graders in front of me.
o6) My sister and I are nothing alike... and have a TON in common
o5) Even though I'm 23, I still have bad dreams
o4) If Dr. Pepper and sweet tea were to cease to exist - I would as well
o3) I don't feel like I'm old enough to be 23...
o2) I can build a campfire better than any boy I've ever dated... (that should say something about they guys I've dated!)
o1) I'm allergic to grape juice

NINE Places I've Visited: (in no particular order)
o9) Belize
o8) Key West, FL
o7) Washington DC
o6) Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico
5) Los Angeles, CA
o4) San Diego, CA
o3) Mexia, TX
o2) NYC
o1) Niagra Falls!

EIGHT Things I Want To Do Before I Die:
o8) Build my own home
o7) attend an NFL game
o6) visit Europe
o5) obtain my MBA
o4) see U2 in concert
o3) become a really good cook
o2) pay off my college loans!
o1) have my own family

SEVEN Ways to Win my Heart:
o7) Like who you are
o6) Like who I am
o5) Know what you want... and go for it
o4) Remember the little things...
o3) Watch Bachelorette with me
o2) Know who's #1 in your life...
o1) You'll have to figure the last one out!

SIX Things I Believe In:
o6) Jesus Christ's supremacy
o5) People really are good
o4) soulmates
o3) friends really do last forever
o2) joy
o1) M&M's melt in your mouth... not in your hand!

FIVE Things I'm Afraid Of:
o5) snakes! YIKES!
o4) Missing an opportunity to show Christ's love to others
o3) never leaving East Texas
o2) breast cancer
o1) losing my parents

FOUR of my Favorite Items in my Bedroom:
o4) my down comforter
o3) my cool mosquito netting mesh thing...
o2) my desk!
o1) my newly organized closet (Thanks potcake!)

THREE Things I Do Everyday:
o3) drink coffee
o2) think about my work
o1) check my e-mail

TWO Things I'm Trying Not to do Right Now:
o2) think about the weekend's events
o1) shiver! It's cold in my house right now!

ONE Person I Want to See Right Now
o1) oh gosh. This is a hard one... I'd rather not say...

Tuesday, February 01, 2005

Four Letter Words

Yeah, I know what four letter words you were thinking about. No- I'm not talking about that kind! Shame on you! Although, I do have a strong aversion to those four letter words; I'm thinking of other four letter words which are unrelated but often grouped together this time of year. As I twisted the ring on my left hand that has these three words inscribed I started thinking. (Note: that's usually when it gets a little scary!)

I knew what the phrase meant ? but what did the words meant?


So, LeNerdo Beth got out her dictionary. I am part of a generation that has a difficult time with these words individually - not to mention the phrase. It's tough to have all three plates spinning.

True- Wow!I have a hard time being true. I'd like to think that it's because I "don't want to hurt anyone's feelings", but in reality I'm just protecting myself from the hurt I might feel if I'm truthfully true.

true: truthful, real, genuine, faithful (as to a friend), to vow as to a cause; loyal.


Love- :cue laughing: Examples of love are few in this carnal world. The definition of love is best shown in Christ's death for us. We humans attempt to show love in our families and friendships - but it always seems to fall short somehow.

love: a feeling of intense desire and attraction toward a person with whom one is disposed [willing] to make a pair

Wait- Are you KIDDING ME? Wait on what? I have a microwave, the internet and a cell phone. I can't remember the last time I had to wait. Actually - I did have to wait a meager 7.5 minutes at the bank today because the elderly lady in front of me had a question about her checking account. I was all upset because the one time I needed to actually enter the bank (and ::gasp:: interact with a real live bank teller!) I had to wait! Imagine that! I don't know how to wait! I hate to drive anywhere further than Houston, TX because I'll have to wait to get there!

wait: to remain or rest in expectation, to remain temporarily neglected or to postpone

So - as I climb down from my soapbox please realize that I'm not trying to say I've conquered these issues. By no means! I just want to encourage you to renew your commitment not only in the typical abstinence based "True Love Waits" way that we traditionally think of, but also in the true-love-waits-before-throwing-a-big-hissy-fit-because-things-aren't-going-
my-way sense as well. 'Cause doesn't love make the world go 'round? It sure makes
the boy at Bodacious a lot easier on the eyes when he's not making my Mel-Man quick enough*!


*this is a disclaimer. I am in no way attracted [love] to the boy over at Bodacious. I was just trying to lighten up my post with a little humor. Geez... folks. I'll get married one day. I wouldn't complain if it was to Mr. Bodacious either! He'd come home smelling soooo scrumptious! But... that's another post on another day. Geez... folks. Always thinking I'm all about the men! Sheesh!

Thursday, January 27, 2005

stop....look... and listen

It's really a simple concept. Most of us learned it when we were little and were learning to cross the street.... or in my case, the oil top road. It became different when I went to college. The phrase is also used in Marketing when one is determining the next course of action. Then, our country went to war with Iraq and the "Stop, Look & Listen" catch phrase became a staple of organizations encouraging "Peace in the Middle East". But... it means even more after today.

Wanna know something else? (Keep in mind that I have FIVE DAYS worth of blogs stored up in my little noggin!) I really am against the rat race. I'm so tired of being busy. I cannot tell you how nice it is to just sit here and type. In fact, it's a bit idyllic. People are so busy. Do we ever really STOP, LOOK and LISTEN to each other? I don't. I think if we did, we'd be shocked. To really stop though, you must do just that. STOP. Not slow down. I'm talking a slam-on-the-brakes-quit-cold-turkey S-T-O-P. When you're about to rear end some one, do you casually place your foot over the brake pedal and then just apply pressure? Heck no! You slam on those brakes because you and I know that we are not above looking like idiots to keep our insurance premiums down. Stopping is best done without thinking about it. In the words of NIKE- Just Do It.

I did that IT tonight. I STOPPED. And guess what? I'm still okay. I was driving home from work and saw a lady standing on the side of the road. Without even thinking... I literally stopped in the middle of the road and turned my flashers on. (The stopping I was ranting about earlier was theoretical, but the event is a great tie-in) I didn't even know what she needed. So I opened my passenger door and asked her to get in. She said that she had just gotten into a fight with her boyfriend and he had put her out on the side of the road. Now-- it's about 37 degrees and misting rain. She tells me where she needs to go and I head that direction. I ask her a few questions and start to tell her about the Lord. I stopped thinking about what she would think about me and more importantly--- if I was going to be the next Megan Holdenand just listened to her. We had maybe 5 minutes together, but I can't place a dollar value on the feeling that I got from stopping. I began to think about the people I dealt with today. I was able to STOP and spend time with a mom who really wanted to share some things with me.

I would go so far as to say that it's biblical to STOP. Yep, quit all the worrying about whether or not the house is clean or all my other "important" stuff had been done... and just S-T-O-P in the name of L-O-V-E.

Wednesday, January 26, 2005

I like people....

(the title is better heard than read.... especially if Jessi Hardy Scherm is saying it!)

So... I was listening to my way-old school Jagged Little Pill CD and realized how sensitized I am. It happened earlier today, too, when Brad and I were leaving MSC. But back to Alanis. I usually only hear her stuff on the radio - which is the edited version. Can you imagine my disdain when I re-remembered (I'll explain that in a second...) that there are swear words on her CD! GASP!

When I was leaving MSC today - smoke was in the air and Brad and I immediately looked at each other and said, "Ewwww.....what's that?"

We're not used to smelling good 'ol Marlboro cigarette smoke. Once again, I was just taken aback. Then I realized that I'm a sissy. How am I ever going to make it in the real world if some smoke and a few curse words cause me to scrunch my face? I've got to get tough.

On to other, more fascinating topics. It's funny how much you take with you. When I say that - I'm talking about relationships that have ended or grown stagnant. Regardless of the terms that it ended on, you'll always have a piece of that person with you. Remember-- I'm not talking about just boyfriend/girlfriend stuff either. Yes, most of the nuances are from significant others. But not always. For example: I have this friend. I can't eat tater tots without thinking about her. It's hysterical. I'll probably always think about her everytime I eat tater tots. Now-- I know this sounds rediculous, but think of this in the opposite sense. Who might eat tater tots and be reminded of ME? Weird, huh?

Oh, right-- thanks for reminding me. I was supposed to tell you what "re-remembered" meant. It's when you remember something you'd previously forgotten and remembered. In essence, you'd forgotten it before and not learned your lesson the first time, which was to remember it the second time around. Sounds like and answer to one of my old professor's (Roller, anyone?) Intro to Management tests.


Monday, January 24, 2005

I don't wanna grow up....

So.... who's the PSYCHO that invented MLK Blvd???? Here I am- just driving up to the church and decide to take a little short cut (that's where the MLK Blvd comes in) and the next thing I know... I'm petrified a la The Village.

I promise you, it was like I was in a TOTALLY DIFFERENT COUNTRY. Now, don't go making this about race (I'm talking to you VANESSA!). It has nothing to do with that. But, it totally has something to do with the fact that I live in a completely URBAN area that should have paved roads. And employed citizens, but that's another story.

So, to give you the start to finish run down (in case you want to personally experience the joy ride): I leave work (good 'ol LETU) and head east on Birdsong. Now, last time I checked Eastman and MLK were parallel... and in theory they are, to a point. I arrive at the Cotton/MLK intersection and instead of going east like a NORMAL person would do I think to myself,

"Hum.... the street sign says 'MLK' so I guess it keeps going..."

It's not like I had time to waste so I'm not quite sure why I thought I could be adventuresome. That kind of thing is reserved for trips with Laura. Anyway, I go straight... and whaddya know? Hello scaryness. I'm talking gimme-a-read-suit-and-put-me-on-the-Walker-Reserve scary. So, I was late to the church... but alive. Glory Be to Jesus.

Oh, yeah I almost forgot. Not only was I in a time crunch because of my detour and subsequent re-navigation, but MLK has THREE school zones. Yeah baby. How d'ya like me now? HUH? Bring some more 'o that 20 MPH spirit. So, for future reference MLK if off limits!

Friday, January 21, 2005

Thursday, January 20, 2005

Clarity is such a splendid thing...

There are many who seek knowledge for the sake of knowledge: that is curiosity.

There are others who desire to know in order that they themselves be known: that is vanity.

But there are those who seek knowledge in order to teach and edify others: that is love.
-St. Bernard of Clairvaux

Friday, January 14, 2005

I choose...

Courage is not something you are given or are gifted with.

Courage is something you choose, much like love.

The decision to make yourself move when you are totally frozen by fear is painfully difficult and the response of your body is often incredibly slow, however, at that moment that you choose to move, you have chosen courage over fear. At the time it seems like a miniscule detail in a dire situation that is rapidly spiraling out of control, but looking back you can see the moment of courage shining bright. If you are examining a memory and see that courage, it is one of the most reassuring and inspirational realizations in your life.

Monday, January 10, 2005

I am at a new LOW...

"I will chew him up like a piece of garbage!"

"I will fight for her heart, every single day, for the rest of my life."

"When they fry chicken and put it in a bucket, you know, and you pull it out - that's how HOT you are."

"Have you ever been on a tin roof in Arkansas in July? That's how HOT you are."

THESE ARE REAL QUOTES from The Bachelorette! I can't believe that I succumbed to the madness that America calls "entertainment". To make things worse.... meaning- like I didn't feel like a dumb, silly girl enough-- my roommate received SEVENTEEN magazine in the mail today. It was SO hilarious! I haven't read SEVENTEEN since I was, well, seventeen.

BUT- before all of the Bachelorette/Seventeen drama I was returning a missing man purse to a not-so-missing man and was doing what most automobile operators do: listening to the radio! A somber advertisement comes on encouraging families to PLAN FOR A TERRORIST ATTACK. That's right kids, no more of this buy-a-ladder-for-every-second-story-bedroom-window, no have-a-shiny-sticker-on-every-kids-bedroom-window or the have-a-meeting-place-if-there's-a fire.... NOPE! PLAN FOR A TERRORIST ATTACK, KIDS!

OH WAIT.... BREAKING NEWS! (I'm watching the 10 o'clock news as I write this....) Carnie Wilson was in town today! IN LONGVIEW, TEXAS!

So.... break free, break free from the chains!

Saturday, January 08, 2005

THE BEST OF Chronicles starts TODAY!

With the new year now well behind me and and an un-updated Xanga/Blog that is absolutely unbearable.... I decided to just start another series instead of updating you on my oh-so-on-the edge-of-my-seat life. The series Best Of's are limited to 25 nominees each. So here goes nothing! Feel free to contribute your own. Yes, I realize the likes of Barry White, Harry Connick, Santana, Three Dog Night and 38 Special aren't on this list.


ALL TIME GREATEST ALBUMS
*Now, I must put a disclaimer here. You would be mystified if I didn't. To be worthy of the honor of All Time Greatest Album an album must be great as a whole. That means the ENTIRE album. Not one bad song allowed, no not one. It also can't be a compilation album. Compilation albums, theoretically, are the best of, right? Also, no self titled albums. All that means is that it took all the writer's creative juices to write & compose the songs and there wasn't any "creative energy" left to title the album with and, in my opinion - it should subsequently be discredited as an ATGA. So... no self titled albums. These are listed in no specific order. Also, if you have any chance of ever scoring with a girl - you own 90% of these albums. They are staples of any resemblance of a collection.

  1. Daydream - Mariah Carey
  2. The Beautiful Letdown - Switchfoot
  3. Soul Gravy - Cross Canadian Ragweed
  4. Brushfire Fairytales - Jack Johnson
  5. Be Here - Keith Urban
  6. Jagged Little Pill - Alanis Morissette
  7. Friction, Baby - Better Than Ezra
  8. Now in a Minute - Donna Lewis
  9. Breathless - Kenny G
  10. Evolution - Boyz II Men
  11. Jars of Clay - Jars of Clay
  12. I Wanna Be There - Blessed Union of Souls
  13. Licensed to Ill - Beastie Boys
  14. Love Always - KC & JoJo (not the girl JoJo... another one)
  15. I Belong to You - ROME
  16. The Joshua Tree - U2
  17. Hotel California - The Eagles
  18. At Last - Etta James
  19. Rocks - Aerosmith
  20. Ghost in the Machine - The Police
  21. My Private Nation - Train
  22. A Rush of Blood to the Head - Coldplay
  23. Any Given Thursday - John Mayer
  24. Come Away With Me - Norah Jones
  25. Live Songs & Stories - David Wilcox





Friday, December 31, 2004

Hot Chocolate Kisses and Summertime Wishes

As I sit here at my laptop and think over the past week- I laugh! Today it's 70 degrees and I'm dressed in summertime sttire (hence the summertime wishes title). Just last week though... it was FREEZING!! Just ask gettin'flossy!

Here are some post-birthday/Christmas notable events:

-an ostrich loose on Redmon Road (yes!! The ghetto has live ostriches!!)
-BUNKO!
-Pat Green& Billy Bob's!
-Rockin' New Year @ The House of Redmon
-lots of movies...
-even more Scrabble (I finally beat Laura for the first time in 23 years!!)

Wednesday, December 15, 2004

Some Things Never Change...

I was operating the microwave last night and I realized that somethings WILL NEVER change regardless of where you live or how old you get:

-I still don't cover my plate with a paper towel when I heat things up in the microwave! (That's for you, Mom!)

-I still use a new towel EVERY TIME I take a shower. (Which is really silly... and since I do my own laundry, you'd think I would've caught on by now...)

-I still forget to crank my car and let it warm up on really cold mornings. (I did remember this morning though!)

-I still forget to set out the chicken to defrost before I leave for work in the mornings.

-I still can't remember to take Rx's. (Yes, Mom-- I've tried doing it when I take my contacts out just like you said... but it STILL doesn't work!)

-I still "shop for FIVE" at the grocery store...

-I still won't drink the last bit of milk in the jug--- cause Dad might get mad if he doesn't have enough for his GrapeNuts! (Actually, now it's so Dre will have enough milk for her Special K)





Tuesday, December 14, 2004

1 Corinthians 13-Christmas Style

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing.

If I trim the tree with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir's cantata, but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.

Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband.

Love is kind, though harried and tired.

Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.

Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way.

Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return, but rejoices in giving to those who can't.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never fails.

Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust. But giving the gift of love will endure.

"He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." (Proverbs 11:25)