I'm Going to See Jesus Today!

I have rarely been more excited. Tonight Jon and I are going to see Jesus Christ Superstar at Johnny Mercer Theatre (http://www.thejcstour.com/).

Not only are we going to see my all time favorite show, but Ted Neely (the original Jesus from the 70s film version as well as multiple Broadway and tour versions) is going to be playing Jesus.

I hope I don't die before tonight. I'd be pretty upset if I did.

I'm just so excited and I wanted to share.

Hello Pudu!

I had never heard of this delightful animal until I stumbled across it at cuteoverload.com today.

According to the always accurate and well regarded Wikipedia:

"The pudú (Pudu spp.), considered to be the world's smallest deer, is a native of Argentina and Chile in South America.

The pudú has several interesting characteristics that distinguish it from other deer. It is able to climb fallen trees, and it is sometimes forced to do so, both to escape predators and reach food. Because of its small size, it is often forced to balance on its hind legs to reach foliage. When threatened, it barks in alarm.

Because it lives in the dense forests of South America, it requires an efficient way to travel throughout the undergrowth. Pudú maintain a complex system of paths and trails that allow them to quickly get from one place to another. Such paths often lead to excellent places to rest or find food.

It mates April to June, its gestation takes 200 to 220 days, and one (occasionally two) fawns are born."

Intriguing. You learn something new everyday. When it's something about cute animals, I'm always open to more knowledge.

Is This Child Abuse?

My cousin is anxious about an upcoming three hour plane ride that she'll be taking with her infant son. I realize this is a long time and a confined space in which a baby might not be at his happiest.

I suggested giving him something to make him sleep. I doubt she will do this. I think most of the people I know with babies probably wouldn't do this.

I SO would.

I've given my dogs "calming pills" for long car rides. (Ella gets so bent out of shape when we go anywhere in the car I thought it would be best for an eight hour trip.)

So weigh in on this: Is it child abuse to give a kid something to make it sleepy so it will benefit both you and the people around you?

Savannah Market Bazaar

Today I was at New Moon of Savannah's (http://www.newmoonofsavannah.com/) Savannah Market Bazaar. I've never shown my jewelry in a public setting before and I was so nervous. I kept trying to back out at the last minute, but Jon wouldn't let me. I'm glad I went through with it.

Due to the fact that it's been a while since I've had to be a "sales person," I was too quiet at first and Jon had to pick up the slack. Once I became more comfortrable, I became a bit more outgoing, but I think being a seller is going to take a bit more practice and getting back into the swing of things.

I didn't sell a ton of stuff, but I consider this a learning experience. Because my arms and chest are lobster red, I know to bring a tent and sunscreen next time!

I met a lot of nice people who also make jewelry/pottery/accessories. I've also learned of some possible wholesale ventures for my jewelry. Overall, I learned a lot and am grateful for the

expereince.

Total Freak Out Mode

I'm going to be selling my jewelry publicly at the Savannah Market Bazaar (http://new.savannahnow.com/node/505365) tomorrow and have never been more nervous. I don't know anyone who will be there and I'm so worried that my stuff won't be received favorably. What if nobody buys/likes my stuff? I'll feel like such a loser!

More to come tomorrow. Jon's coming with me to help me set up and get going, so I'll have him take some pics of my "booth."

Maybe I'm Missing Something

You know the thing on myspace where you can update what you’re doing and how you feel? Well, one of my friends said “need more sleepy.” A 27-year-old woman actually said “need more sleepy.”

Why do grown people feel the need to talk like babies? It instantly made me think of Anna Nicole (RIP) and the baby voice she used constantly on her wacktastic reality show. “Want taters. Don’t like.” Why would any grown person speak in incomplete sentences in a baby voice? Some people are high, but that’s another story.

I talk like a lunatic to my dogs, but I just can’t bring myself to speak that way to a coworker or someone else my age.

Try it and see. Say aloud in a baby voice to someone near you, “need more sleepy.” See if you don’t feel like a gigantic, creepy loser. Or do you feel cute and sexy?

Sweet Mary! Where Have You Been All My Life?

I've been a loyal customer of Overstock.com for quite a few years now; however, JP told me of another online outlet type website: smartbargains.com

While it doesn't have the selection Overstock does, it does have better quality merchandise for better prices. Score!

Can't Have Nothin' Nice

I've gone eleven years without having my windshield cracked and now two times in a week?

Baroo?

I couldn't resist. My little boy is so precious!

Not All Kids Are Bad

Jon works closely with Karen Wilkins, the president of Maranatha Farm, an animal rescue in Ridgeland, SC. (It's where we adopted Max from!) She told Jon who in turn told me of this heartwarming story. This is an excerpt taken from Karen's website maranathafarm.org :

"Two fourth-graders from Hilton Head Prep School have sacrificed their birthday presents to benefit homeless animals, and their gifts have resulted in an unexpectedly wide-ranging benefit. Maranatha Farm is using the money the boys are raising to purchase aluminum welding equipment to build free wheelchairs for handicapped pets.

Animal wheelchairs can cost $400 to $800, but the custom-fitted models from Maranatha Farm will be provided free of charge.

Chase Dillon, son of Teri and Jon Dillon of Yorkshire Drive on Hilton Head Island, was in the 4th Grade class of Mrs. Joanne Calvarese when school counselor Marilyn Calore invited Karen Wilkins, President of Maranatha Farm, to address the class. Wilkins brought “Buckshot”, a 4-month old puppy with her to meet the children. “Buckshot” had been shot in his back with an air rifle the day after Christmas. Although surgery by Dr Chris Hill at Coastal Veterinary Clinic saved his spinal cord, the puppy cannot yet use his hind legs well enough to walk.

When Chase Dillon recently celebrated his birthday with a party, instead of presents, he requested donation checks made out to Maranatha Farm to benefit “Buckshot” and the other special needs animals rescued by the Wilkins. On April 26th Chase presented the Wilkins with over $300 at their Pet Adoption Fair at Bluffton’s new PetCo store. PetCo manager Jonathan Mullis praised Chase’s donation and gave him a PetCo gift certificate. Wilkins then presented Chase with a framed Certificate of Appreciation and a Maranatha Farm “Lamb of God” logo teeshirt.

Zachary June, son of Pamela and Mark June, is having his birthday party May 9th and is also forgoing his presents to benefit Maranatha Farm. Zachary was in Mrs. Deak’s 4th Grade class at Hilton Head Prep School."

I hope if I ever have an accident that it will be as selfless and loving toward animals as these children.

Bursting With Pride

I have to brag about my nephews.

Jared (10) was chosen to be a part of People to People, a student ambassador organization. Next year he will get to go to Washington, DC for a week and take part in discussions and visit all the sites. He will even get a uniform to wear. What an outstanding young man. Have I mentioned he’s in the gifted program?

Stevie (16) received a letter from Yale University saying they are scouting him for football. Of course, he is blasé about the whole thing while I almost bounced out of my chair with excitement. I think it’s safe to say that nobody from Ludowici, GA has ever gone to Yale and this is a great opportunity for him.

Life Before Death

This piece moved me in ways I can't explain. I saw the link on another blogger's site (http://www.dooce.com/) and knew I had to repost on my own blog. Be aware this series does show images of dead people; however, it's strangely peaceful and gives one an appreciation for life. Don't forget to read the blurbs to the right of the images.

"This sombre series of portraits taken of people before and after they had died is a challenging and poignant study. The work by German photographer Walter Schels and his partner Beate Lakotta, who recorded interviews with the subjects in their final days, reveals much about dying."

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/gallery/2008/mar/31/lifebeforedeath?picture=333325401

Meeting Ben

Last Thursday Jon and I left for VA to visit my sister, her husband, and my newest cherubic nephew, Ben. We had a lovely visit of rest, family, and special aunt and uncle bonding time with Ben.

I did not wear make-up the majority of the time up there; thus, you won't see any pictures of my face.

My Beautiful Nephew and His Pretty Girlfriend Dressed for Prom

Petting Zoo

We had a petting zoo come to our church last night. I was supposed to work late, but Jj was kind enough to change schedules with me so I could attend the petting zoo. There were bunnies, guinea pigs, baby rats, baby chicks, turtles, hedgehogs, lizards, and a big snake. The best part was the baby wallaby though. I got to hold it and snuggle it like a baby. I think I'll get a wallaby after I get my horse.

The Cadbury Creme Egg

Inspired by Kari’s blog of Lucas “fixing” himself breakfast on the counter top.

As posted in a comment on Kari’s page, I remember one Easter when my mother bought herself a Cadbury Crème Egg. It was sitting on the counter to the left of our harvest gold stove. I didn’t realize it at the time, but we didn’t have a lot of money and this was a real treat for her to have something of her own that she didn’t have to share with me and my brother. However, my brother, being the bad boy he was, climbed on the counter—he used to climb on everything—and ate her cherished egg, smearing chocolate and crème filling all over his stupid face. I remember when my mother caught him she was kind of sad that she didn’t’ get to eat her egg herself.

It makes me sad that my mother didn’t get to eat her coveted egg. It makes me sad that she sacrificed so much for her kids and had an awful marriage. She deserved better and I wish she had a better life than hers was before it ended.

Now, every Easter, I get really excited about Cadbury Crème Eggs. It’s not that I love the taste of them—they’re alright. It’s the memory of my mother that I get excited about. I always buy an egg and eat it for her.

I find myself doing other things in her memory. Things that I’ve heard from other people she liked. When I find out we liked the same things, especially our taste in music and movies, I feel like we still have a connection. It’s a nice feeling.

ABC....

A- Attached or Single? Married almost 7 years
B- Best Friend? My sister
C- Cake or Pie? Cake with cream cheese frosting
D- Day of Choice? Friday because it brings the promise of the weekend.
E- Essential Item? Cell. I feel naked without it and think someone might steal me and I won’t be able to call anyone for help.
F- Favorite Color? I’m in a green phase right now.
G- Gummy Bears or Worms? I heart gummy worms. The neon ones.
I- Favorite Indulgence? Ranch Doritos. But it’s not an indulgence; it’s more of a dietary staple
J- January or July? January. I love cold weather and January is good since it’s a new year full of promise.
K- Kids? Probably one. But later. Much later.
L- Life is not complete without? music
M- Marriage date? 5/19/01
N- Number of brothers and sisters? 1 brother, 2 step-sister, 1 step-brother, and 2 half-sisters
O- Oranges or Apples? Apples. Green ones.
P- Phobias and Fears? I hate roaches.
Q- quainte. (Alicia, you know what this means)
R- Reason to smile? Family, friends, and animals
S- Season of choice? Fall. Christmas is coming and the weather is cooling off. I hate the heat. (yet I live in GA?)
T- Tag five people? Jon, Kasey, Brandi, Alicia, and JJ
U- Unknown fact about me? I took gymnastics. Ha! No lie.
V- Vegetable I heart black eye peas and corn. I also love onions. I don’t care for brusselsprouts, but Brandi’s going to cook them for me a special way that she swears I will love. We’ll see about that.
W- Worst Habit? Procrastinating.
X-ray or Ultrasound? I prefer an invasive scope. At least you can see the inside of your body that way. It’s really cool, although I’ve only ever seen my bladder before. I guess if I had to pick between the two listed, I would say x-ray since I think the human skeleton looks cool.
Y- Your favorite food? Ranch Doritos.
Z- Zodiac Sign? Sagittarius.

Bald Max

We had Max shaved since the weather's warming up. He's really proud of his "new do."

Let's Go Fly a Kite

Yesterday Jon called me while on his way to work and said he saw a grandfather in our neighborhood out in the park with his granddaughter. They were trying to fly a Barbie kite.

I'm sure this reminded Jon of the time his father bought a kite for the two of them to fly.

For some reason, this story of the grandfather and his granddaughter spending quality time together made me want a child of my own.

I asked Jon later that evening if he felt the same way, knowing that he did. He tried to siddle around the question, but I know his vague answer meant yes. Not for a few years, but still, yes.

Everybody's Working for the Weekend

Sometimes it really makes me mad that we have to work for 5+ days only to get two days off. Why can't we at least have a four day work week? Furthermore, why don't we get more vacation time like the Europeans do? Don't they get a buttload of vaca time? Like 2 months or something? It doesn't seem fair.