Challenger

Photo credit EPA/NASA

Twenty-five years ago today, I was a senior in high school.  My future was brightly in front of me and I was full of optimism and so ready to face it head on.  Life was good.  It was lunch period.  I remember it distinctly.  I was walking through the front commons of my high school when Julia, the editor of our school newspaper, rushed past me and said breathlessly that the Challenger had exploded.  I stopped and probably looked at her like she had grown horns.  What?! I was a features/editorial writer on the paper and was headed to the classroom.  Julia asked that I turn the television on in the class.  She was going to track down the rest of the newspaper "staff."

I got to class, turned on the t.v., watched, waited and cried.  I remember everyone quietly coming into class, putting down their belongings and sitting on the huge layout table.  All of us unable to turn away. Then our adviser came into the classroom.  She was unaware of the situation and promptly turned the t.v. off and proceeded to start lecturing us about how many times she told us we weren't to be watching during class.  Scott, one of the sports writers and athletes, walked to the television, reached over the teacher's head and turned it back on.  He very quietly said "The Challenger just exploded.  I think this qualifies as a news worthy exception."  Scott wasn't one to openly defy a teacher, so we were all pretty surprised.  The teacher walked over to her desk, set down and stared at the television in shocked silence.

I remember the school being incredibly quiet for the rest of the day.  The normal boisterous vibe was missing.  For a lot of us, I think it was the first time something of this magnitude had every happened.  We all remembered the assassination attempt on Ronald Reagan, but he was fine, he survived.  This was a situation where seven lives were ended abruptly, without warning.  On top of that, the pilot, Michael J. Smith, was a North Carolina native and Ron McNair was a graduate of North Carolina A & T State University and there was a teacher, Christa McAuliffe, on this mission.  So in some way, shape or form, we could all relate.

I guess the thing that affected us all the most was that we realized that nothing is guaranteed. In high school, we have the tendency to think we are indestructible and an event like this makes us realize that we truly aren't and that life can change in a split second.  We all grew up a little bit that day, whether we wanted to or not.

So twenty-five years later, I remember the crew of the space shuttle challenger: Commander Dick Scobee, Pilot Michael J. Smith,  Mission Specialist Ellison Onizuka, Mission Specialist Judy Resnik, Mission Specialist Ron McNair, Payload Specialist Gregory Jarvis, and Payload Specialist and Teacher Christa McAuliffe.  They inadvertently taught me how precious this life and this world is.  Thank you. I wish I could have learned this lesson another way.

What Day Is It?

I wish I could say that I've spent the last few days being incredibly productive and I have...sort of.

First of all, thanks for all the prayers, good vibes and warm fuzzies sent this way.  Our friend is going to make a full recovery and looks like he's going to swear off motorcycles for a while. I understand the allure and they sure are fun, but this is a prime example of why I don't ride them since I've had children.

Now to the fun stuff...

The wrestling tournament was a HUGE success in that Number Two Son came third place in his weight class - Yea!!!! To me, that's the most important thing.  He was pleased, so that means I was too. On the downside, only half the teams that were supposed to be there showed up, so we didn't make the money for the team that we had hoped to make.

Unfortunately, I'm sure due to the crazy hours, I went from having a sniffle to having a full blown bug.  YUK! So I didn't do anything on Sunday but lay around and be pathetic.  I got up Monday, thinking I was doing better and decided that I was actually worse, so after only a couple of hours at work, I came home and went to bed.  I was back at work yesterday and am now feeling some what human. I know this is because I've been living off of chicken soup.  It's one of the best comfort foods in the world.

So that leads me to "What day is it?"  It can't possibly already be Thursday?!?  Where did my week go?  I have two small finished items....

See, they are small.  A lady I work with needed something for a friend who is adopting a baby.  The new mom-to-be is a cardiologist, so my friend wanted to get her something that she couldn't just go out an buy and was special and hand made. Oh my!  This made me feel very special.

And I've made pretty good progress on the baby blanket.  I hope to be able to deliver it to the store by this week end.  I think I'll have enough yarn left over to possibly make a bonnet and booties!







Me and Sue - Isn't she lovely!

Last night was "Last Wednesday" with my dear lady friends.  They are such a wonderful group!  We are talking about getting a group together for a pilates class...my muscles are protesting at the thought!

To the right there is me and my friend Sue.  She's one of the ladies at "Last Wednesday."  Whenever I spend any time with her, I'm reminded of what a truly amazing friend she is.  Not only is she gorgeous on the outside, but she's also such a stunning soul.


I hope everyone has had a wonderful week!  We have another wrestling tournament this weekend, but things are starting to wind down.  We'll get a couple of weeks off and then spring sport try outs start.  Number One Son is trying out for Lacrosse. This should be interesting : ) Lots of bruises and sore muscles. I'll be sure to post the blanket when it's done. We're off to a wrestling match and to eat some yummy hot dogs.  Have a great evening!

Update

So it's 10:30 on a Friday night and I don't have my pictures ready for you.

Here's why....I'm lazy...Ha Ha...not. The Boys have a wrestling tournament tomorrow and our school is hosting it. As the hosts, we have to provide a hospitality room with meals for the referees and visiting coaches. This means that I have made a HUGE pot of Chili for the crock pot and just finished frying bacon and scrambling eggs that will go into biscuits tomorrow. Don't worry, I won't be serving my traditional "hockey pucks." I was smart and bought a mix that I've used before and haven't messed up yet. Those will be baked in the morning and have to be at the school at 6:45 am. UGH!

So I'm sitting here looking at the complete wreck my kitchen is and having a glass of wine when I should be cleaning everything up and going to bed.

I also just found out that a friend's fiancee was just in a motorcycle accident and was airlifted to a major hospital. Please send thoughts, prayers, well wishes, healing vibes or anything else this way that you think might be helpful. It's greatly appreciated. I'll touch base tomorrow and will hopefully be able to post pictures tomorrow evening.

I must go, the mess and then my bed awaits...Anyone want to come help clean? I pay with food and wine. I'll try not to snore too loudly...sigh. Oh well, it was worth a shot.

Family Resemblances

Just a little something that I think is cool.  This is a picture of my maternal grandmother.  The genes run strong in our family because if you look at this picture of her and then look at this picture of her daughter....

 And then look at this picture....

You can definitely see a family resemblance...between all the women....No way am I insinuating that my Sainted Mother or Grandmother resemble Car Guy and his goatee....Oh dear! He is rather cute though....Back to the topic at hand.  I think it's the smile.  What do you think?

***Just a little FYI - I have a couple of FO's and an update that I'll try to post tomorrow.  The Boys have wrestling matches tonight, tomorrow night AND a tournament Saturday.  Busy, busy, busy!***

Flattering!

OH!  I feel a gushing moment coming on!  I'm so flattered! Denise over at Knitting Kitties just awarded me the Stylish Blogger award - in a totally random way that suits me just fine....TaDa!

 So now I have to tell you seven things about me that you don't know......Hmmm....

1.) I have an older sister that is a make up artist in LA.  My family calls her Ni because Number One Son called her that as a toddler and she is totally cool.  She gets to meet famous people and make them gorgeous.  I live vicariously through her when I feel like my "Mommy" life is a little dull. She's worked on several well known movies and television shows and my one brush with fame is due to her work...that's a story for another time.
2.) I HATE housework. I think it's because it's never done.  Once you finish, you turn around and there is more to do - like laundry.  Fortunately for me, Car Guy cleans or we'd be in a world of hurt.
3.) When I was younger, I wanted to become a Cordon Bleu Chef.....I wanted to go to Paris and learn how to make all that delicious froufrou food that has tons of butter in it.  I LOVE food of all kinds.
4.)  I'm a frustrated musician.  Like all good southern girls, I took piano lessons growing up.  I took for 10 years and was quite good, but I'm an acrobat of the key board and am just shy of being tone deaf.  Playing by ear is out for me and I can't write music to save my life....OK.  I could write some music to try and save my life.  It would just be really BAD music.....It would probably end my life.....Dogs would be crying....
5.) Speaking of crying dogs, I can't sing.  I try on a regular basis and I'm terrible.  Silly me keeps trying and my family keeps asking me to stop.....such love! There is no karaoke in my future, no matter how much alcohol is poured down my gullet.
6.) I love to read...everything.  Suspense, romance, historical, factual, fictional.  I love that you can take a trip and not leave the house.
7.) I have an unhealthy obsession with the store Anthropologie....Oh wait, you know that...hmmm.......just one more thing.....Oh, the pressure.......I know!  I can make glass beads...with a torch and glass rods.  I love doing it, but I have to do it in Car Guy's garage...which currently has a Porsche 914 in it with the transmission being replaced. Lot's of car parts all over the place, so there's no room for a crazy woman and her torch :) Time permitting, I'd like to get back to making them.  It's a very therapeutic hobby.

Now I'm supposed to name fifteen blogs that deserve this award.......talk about pressure!  There are so many out there and as I go peak at them, I see that so many of them have already won this award, so I'm going to be lazy and only name a few.....let's see......here they are, in no particular order (I'm using my deep, important announcer voice now)......

Erica - Crochet by Day - She uses lots of pretty colors. Her latest project is mind boggling.
Teddy and Bunny -  Lots of great old photos, vintage items and a wonderful sense of humor.
Amanda - Manda's Challenge - She makes some of the most beautiful squares for SIBOL.
Sandi - Sandiart - Sandi knits and is just learning how to crochet (quite well, I might add) and makes beautiful paper crafts.

Well, that's all for now.  I've got lots of paper work waiting on me...Such a glamorous life!  Have a wonderful week!

Crazy!

Holy Cow!  How is everyone?  We have had some crazy weather! Snow and ice and so much of it that my office was closed yesterday! I've worked for the same company for the past 5 years and this is the first time that they have ever closed due to weather. I had a wonderful day at home with My Boys and Car Guy doing a lot of nothing.

I did crochet the Go West Wrap from Crochet Today.  It turned out to be a very pretty and warm wrap/scarf.  (I wore it today, just to make sure.) I used the "All Spice" color of the Curly Q yarn and it's a very beautiful autumnal mix of golds, maroons and greens.  The yarn has a lot of stretch to it, so you have to watch your tension.   This is one that would be a great gift for someone because it looks so impressive but is so easy. I literally worked this one up in a few hours.

I've started working on a baby blanket for my friend's store.  She sold that last one and needs a replacement.  I'm trying something a little different and working in a star pattern that increases with each round. I think it will be pretty when it's done, but I also think that this one is going to take longer than the standard baby blanket.  I chose gender neutral yellow and green and I do like the way the compliment each other. Since this picture was taken, I've completed another green section.  I'm afraid that this is moving so slow that I might switch from double crochet to triple crochet. What do you think?

Well, it's late and I need to go to bed.  Work tomorrow at the "normal time."  Yay! Back to the ol' eight to five.  Stay warm!

2010 Year in Review and Pay it Forward

First, let me start by saying that I'm not one to dwell in the past.  Full steam ahead - that's me. But I felt compelled to look back briefly because of...well...you.  I started this blog this last year as just a place to put down thoughts, nothing fancy - thus the name - Random Thoughts of a Crazy Woman (I'm a self professed Crazy Woman). It wasn't going to be a great production.  I figured I wouldn't put any pictures in here because I can't take a good picture to save my life.  Just a place to vent, if you will.  I was already a member of Ravelry and from Ravelry, I found Alice and her beautiful crochet. Then, through Alice, I discovered Elizabeth Cat, which led me to Lucy. This all sounds wonderful because, as you all know, these are some very talented, creative women that share their talent and creativity with us - Yay! But I kept finding other creative, talented women - Sandi, Denise, Teresa, Erica, Amanda, and so many more. And from you all, I've received encouragement, humor, inspiration and friendship, none of which I expected.  I went from a Random Thought to 1154 page views last year!  I know, compared to most of you, that's not a lot.  But for me, it's absolutely amazing!  I never expected anyone, other than Car Guy and a few friends, to ever read this or find my life the least bit interesting. I mean, I've had people from Thailand, Slovenia, Russia, and South Africa stop by.  I'm sure some of it's just a fluke, but it still boggles my mind......Thailand?  Really?  But you have listened to me whine, brag and laugh so I won't cry and I can't tell you how much that means to me. It just goes to show when you think no one is listening, someone out there does hear you.

So, because of your support, I am making ONE New Year's Resolution.  This is a pretty big deal because I typically don't make them...I don't like to disappoint myself, so I try to keep life simple. At least once a month, I'm going to post a link to a blog that I find interesting.  If it's a good month, I might post more, but I'm going to start with once a month.  I might know the author of the blog, or it might be one I've stumbled upon while cruising, but I encourage you all to visit and enjoy.  Leave a comment because those make a blogger's day.  Trust me, I know (as I'm sure you do) that your comments will brighten someone's day and that's where the pay it forward comes in.  A kind random comment might help someone get through a really bad day.

This is the banner for Sight of Morning - So pretty!

So, my first suggested blog is The Sight of Morning by Alice. I don't know Alice personally, but she has a wonderful irreverent, self deprecating sense of humor and I thoroughly enjoy her outlook on life. She's one of those ladies that down plays how incredible she is because I don't really think that she knows.  She also has some really beautiful pictures.  Go check her out, tell her how amazing she is and say "Hi." Let me know what you think.

Now I'm going to pack away 2010 and say farewell to the good, the bad and the ugly of it.  I hope that you all have a truly blessed 2011 that brings you much happiness, good will and hope, because we can all use a little hope!

Belated Happy New Year!

I hope everyone had a wonderful New Year!  I know I did.  I was surrounded by family and friends.  There is an old saying to the effect of how you spend your New Year is how you will spend the rest of the year.  If this is true, I will be a very fortunate woman.

As usual, things have been busy around here. My Boys are back in school and Car Guy and I are back at work.  We keep hoping we'll win the latest Mega Million Lottery so we won't have to work.  It's now over 300 Million Dollars....No, that is not a typo.  We even bought tickets this time - Ha Ha! Since we've gotten back to our regular duties, Smokey and Oreo have been extremely lazy. It looks like they want the same place to relax too......

 I guess, since it's been so cold recently, Oreo wants a little wooly warmness.  I can't say that I blame him.  Evidently he was able to arrange the hats and scarves into a really comfortable pile because when he got up.......

Smokey took his place.  What funny kitties.  Why can't they do this at night instead of tearing through the house like crazy kitties?

In my last post, I mentioned the pretty bowls that I received from my Mother-in-Law.  They are from the store Anthropologie.  I so love this store. They have the most amazing merchandise....Car Guy swears I'm obsessed and I think he might be correct. It's my happy place.  Anyway, these are the bowls.  Aren't they gorgeous? There are dishes to match, but they will be added a piece at a time.  My dad gives me money for Christmas every year (yes, he still does this, even though I'm 42...I'm not complaining) and I almost bought the dishes, but changed my mind and bought the quilt and pillow shams that Car Guy and I fell in love with. (this is the bedroom makeover in the works I was talking about Alice)  Get your sunglasses out because it's kind of bright!

 Isn't it beautiful? And cheerful.  (please ignore the clutter) I smile every time I see it. Now I just need to decide what color to paint the walls and I need to make some pretty pillows to go with it. I'll also need to make a dust ruffle for the bottom of the bed.  They have one at the store, but it won't fit our bed properly and I don't want to spend the money it costs, only to bring it home, cut it up to fit and possibly mess it up. So now I need some suggestions/ideas for wall colors and all that other good stuff to complete my bedroom make over.  Since I know how creative everyone is, I thought I'd ask what you thought. I can't wait to hear what you have to say!  Thanks for stopping by!

White Christmas and Other Fun Stuff

Well, as some of you know, I had a WONDERFUL Christmas.....Just look!  There it is, in all it's glory - complete with finger smudges on the screen!  My very own iPad! Car Guy and My Boys got it for me and then my Sainted Mother bought me the case with the blue tooth keyboard.  Aren't they just the best?!  I was not expecting this at all so you can imagined how shocked and pleased I am.  Do you like the screen saver?  There is this drawing program on the iPad and Number Two Son drew that up form me real quick.  Isn't it so cheery? Once I figure out how to get the pictures from the camera to the iPad without using the computer, I'll be able to do all my blogging from it and I won't have to stand in line behind the family for my computer time....Life will be good!

I also got this amazing pocketbook.  It's the perfect size to carry the iPad and it's totally groovy, man!  I received so many wonderful gifts from my amazing family -  Some bowls and a blouse from Anthropologie, a Fossil pocketbook, some bath salts....I'm so overwhelmed by it all, that I can't remember everything.  I was totally spoiled.

And then there was this..........SNOW!!!  We had a White Christmas.  The last time this happened in North Carolina (with decent accumulation) was 1969.  I can honestly say, I don't remember it. There have been a few Christmases where we've had some dustings, but nothing like what we got this year.  We received six inches and it was beautiful.

I thought I'd make this a nearly perfect post by adding some pretty crochet.  This is the shawl that I made for my mother-in-law.  She was very happy with it.

And then I decided to make this a perfect post...here is a little something for the ladies.....a man washing dishes.  This is probably a fantasy for some woman, but this is Car Guy washing the dishes at his mother's house.  Isn't that the sweetest?  I think I'll keep him.



I hope everyone had an amazing Holiday - be it Christmas, Hannukkah or whatever you celebrate and that you were as fortunate as I was and were able to spend this time with family and loved ones.

I'm off to get ready for the New Year.  We always have a party here and there is much to do.  I hope the New Year finds you happy and well and that your hopes and dreams come true!  Until next year......

Merry Christmas!!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Christmas. I'm taking a quick break to say hi and show off my new iPad, which I'm using right now! This was my gift from Car Guy & The Boys! We are going to have a late diner with my Sainted Mother after our crazy day of travel. I'll post all the crazy details tomorrow! Have a great night!

Comfort Food

Have you ever had a bad day and you know that a certain meal will make you feel better? Well, I'm having one of those days.  It started with a stupid mistake on my part that almost crashed a system at work...oops!  Not good! Fortunately for me, the powers that be were really nice.  They didn't blow up, didn't chew me out and better still, they didn't fire me...not that I think they would, but it could happen. Then there is the whole Christmas gift fiasco.  I order a REALLY nice gift for someone and it cost quite a bit of money.  I'm not saying what or for whom just in case they might pop in and visit and spoil the surprise. Anyway, I know that the shipping address was spot on.  I double triple checked it when I ordered the item.  FedEx (and here I am naming names) delivered it to the wrong address and I have no clue where.  Their Proof of Delivery system doesn't provide the actual address that the package was delivered to.  So I called FedEx.

Melissa's call log:

"Thank you for calling FedEx, this is Michelle, how can I help you?" (Way too chipper)
"Hi Michelle,  This is Melissa and my package was delivered to the wrong address."
"What's that tracking number please?"
"XXXXXXX"
"Yes ma'am.  That package was delivered this morning." (All smiley voice.)
*BIG sigh* "Yes, I know, but it wasn't delivered to the address on the package"
"It was signed for by a T. XXXXXX."
Another *BIG sigh* "Yes ma'am, I know that.  However, I work in an office of 35 people and T. XXXXX doesn't work here and the package was not delivered here."
Long pause "Oh.  What was that tracking number again?"
Thump - that was my head hitting my desk. "XXXXXX."
"What did the package contain?"
"A fkjshdfskjdfh."
"Oh dear, umm. Can I get your last name please?"
"Johnson."
"A phone number I can reach you at."
"336-XXX-XXXX"
"Where was the package being shipped to?"
ARGH!!!! politely said "8203-L XXXXXXXXX, Greensboro, NC 27XXX"
"And where was the package delivered?"
REALLY?!?! "Michelle, please don't take this the wrong way when I say this, but if I knew that I would have gotten in my car and picked it up myself and we would never be having this conversation."
"Oh, right. Sorry.  Your case number is 1XXXXXX. I've put a tracer on the package and someone will be calling you about this shortly."
"Thank you Michelle."
"Thank you Ms. Johnson. Have a wonderful afternoon."

The sound you now hear is my head repeatedly being beaten against a brick wall.  The scabs will look really great in the Christmas pictures.

Now what does comfort food have to do with all this you ask?  Well after a morning like this, I promptly went out and bought this.....

Photo courtesy of Bojangles website.

That's right.  Bojangles Chicken Supreme Meal .  Fried Chicken, Seasoned Fries, a big ol' fluffy biscuit (I buy them since I can't make them) and a giant Dr. Pepper....Comfort food.  My hips and thighs are eternally grateful.  They weren't jiggling enough...WRONG.   So the system is up and running beautifully and T. XXXXXX still has my package.  But guess what?  I feel better....and ready for a nap. Maybe when I wake up, everything will be fixed.  What do you think?


3:03 - Package update.  Package was shipped next door and is now safely in my grubby little paws.  Yea!  *Big Sigh*

A Christmas Story

It's starting to feel like Christmas.  We actually had some snow flurries last night!  We don't typically see snow until January or February.

We had a wonderful weekend complete with the obligatory wrestling tournament, Christmas party and shopping.  Whew!  I'm tired!


We know that Christmas is in full swing at my house when the infamous "Leg Lamp" is displayed in the front window.  It's fragile, so it must be Italian. That's pronounced Fra-gi-le.  If you have no clue what I'm talking about, go rent the movie "A Christmas Story."  It's a family favorite and I promise you will laugh. Pay close attention to the father when he's working on the furnace.  It reminds me of Car Guy when he's working on something that isn't going his way.

I'll catch up later this week when I have a chance to download some pictures!  Happy Monday!

My Baby!

I can't believe it.  My baby...my youngest... turned 15 today!  I wasn't ready for this.  I'd hoped he'd stay little forever.  He has always been so sweet. Seriously, look at that face!  He was, and still is, such a happy child. 

He was fifteen days old on his first Christmas.  We took him everywhere - my mother-in-law's house, my father-in-law's house, my aunt's house and my mother's house - all in one day.  The only time he fussed was when he was hungry and even then, he wasn't a screaming baby. My point here is that he's never been one to complain. 


He makes my heart swell.

He makes me smile.

He has a kind heart, but he's not a pushover.

To this day, when I get home, I know I can count on a hug from him. I understand him because he's so much like me. He even argues like me....that's worrisome. He also has my temper....that's worrisome too. But he's a good boy. Only now......

He's not a boy anymore.  He's a young man. He makes his mom very proud and I love him dearly. I can't even begin to express how much he's enriched my life and made me a better person for being a part of it.  He teaches me something new about myself, and this life, everyday.

Now please excuse me.  There's a box of tissue around here somewhere and I need to find it *sniff* because that loud noise you hear is my heart shattering into a million little pieces.

Winter Wonderland

Hello All!!  I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! As you can see, we did get that snow on Saturday.  It was so pretty and gone by Sunday.  I have to apologize for the blurry picture, but it was so cold that my hands were shaking...that's my story and I'm sticking to it!  Also, you may notice that we're missing a couple of shutters.  We had a storm last week with really strong winds.  They were so strong that the shutters ended up in the yard.  They are now in the garage, waiting on the purchase of the clips to reattach them.

Our weekend was very busy.  We went to the Mike Raybon and Kathy Dick Invitational Wrestling Tournament.  The Mike Raybon Invitational is the Varsity Tournament and the Kathy Dick Invitational is the Junior Varsity Tournament. These tournaments are probably my favorite tournaments because I have a personal connection to the name sakes.

A million years ago (according to my boys) when I was in high school, Mike Raybon was our wrestling coach and Kathy Dick was our wrestlette advisor. Those of you who have never been involved in wrestling are probably wondering what a wrestlette is.  No, wrestlettes are not female wrestlers, they are score keepers, statisticians, clock workers, runners, etc. I was a wrestlette my sophomore, junior and senior years in High School.  I developed a very healthy respect for the sport and for Coach and Kathy. Coach was awarded the Wrestling Coach of the Year Award while I was in high school and he retired in 1984 with a 216-45-2 record that included 14 conference championships and 3 state championships. He was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1997 and is also in the North Carolina High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame and Guilford County Sports Hall of Fame.  Kathy was also a guidance counselor and was a rock for me during those awkward high school years.  She helped teach us the importance of hard work and a job well done.  She is the only woman to be inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. As you can see, they've had amazing careers and continue to be very involved with wrestling even though they've both retired.  I love these tournaments because it gives me a chance to see these two wonderful people.

Here is Number Two Son.  He wrestled in the Kathy Dick Invitational.  He won his first round with a pin! He lost his second round and was very upset because we all thought he had his opponent pinned......doesn't that look like a pin to you?  Evidently it wasn't and he was pinned in the next period.  He went to the consolation round and lost by points. This was his first tournament and I was so very proud of him because he did his best and worked really hard. 

Number One Son wrestled in the Mike Raybon Invitational.  He also won his first round with a pin.  He lost his second round, so he went to consolations and a chance for third place.  He wasn't too happy about this, but he brushed it off and ate a biscuit and drank some Gatorade.  Then he was up for his third match....while is brother is wrestling on another mat.....ARGH!!! I looked like a crazy woman who couldn't decide which direction to go in.  Number One Son wrestled his little heart out and........

CAME IN THIRD FOR HIS WEIGHT CLASS FOR THE WHOLE TOURNAMENT!!!!!  Woohoo!  He wants to make it to States this year and if he keeps this up, I think he'll do it. Can you tell how disgustingly proud I am of these two boys?







Sunday, we went to the Christmas Parade for my home town.  I forgot my camera, so there are no pictures of marching bands, girl scout troops or Santa. It's probably just as well as it was freezing cold and all the pictures would probably have been blurry.  

I didn't get a lot of crocheting done this weekend.  I took it with me to the wrestling tournament, but with two boys wrestling, I didn't do anything but make a mess. So I'll leave you with one more blurry Chirstmassy Picture...Here are the neighbors' decorations up the street.  Makes me think of the Griswold's from the movie "Christmas Vacation."  You can never have too many lights.....which is really sad, since I haven't gotten my outdoor decorations up yet.

Good Morning!

Good Morning Everyone!  I thought it was time to put on a little holiday cheer.  The new banner picture is actually about 8 years old.  It's my kitty Oreo as a kitten.  He's really an overweight curmudgeon now...he also hates when I tell people that.  He's quite self-conscious of his weight.  If you try to talk to him about it, he starts twitching his tail furiously and occasionally he'll actually talk back.  He's not as vocal as our friend Raymond, but he can be quite talkative.  Anyway, that is one of my favorite pictures of him.  Car Guy took it the first Christmas we had Oreo.

Between this picture and the weather, I'm starting to get into the spirit of things.  There is a chance for some precipitation this weekend....and it could come in the form of, dare I say it, snow?!?!  Not in North Carolina!  Not where I live!  We hardly ever get snow, just ask Erica.  I know that Teresa and Manda have already had some snow and that Sandi and Alice are heading into spring, so no snow there.  Denise had some chilly weather, but the she said the birds must of complained so the city paid the heating bill.  I love hearing and seeing how the weather is around the world. Around here, we are always crossing our fingers for a "White Christmas."  And once in a blue moon we might get a dusting, but not often. So I'm like a little kid watching the weather reports and crossing my fingers that we get a little of the white stuff.

I added the links above in hopes that anyone who should stumble upon my blog will go visit these lovely ladies.  I've only been blogging for a few months and these ladies have been wonderful support, leaving comments and making me feel welcome.  So thanks!  And please, if you're new and drifting through (and I know you do)  leave a comment, stay a while, meet some lovely ladies and make new friends. Spread a little Christmas Cheer with me!

A New Week

I hope everyone had a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving!  For those of you not in the US, I hope you had a wonderful weekend!  I'm finally back amongst the real world after a lovely long week-end! Since I've been away for a while, you get a "No Picture" post.  I just haven't had time to get the pictures uploaded to the computer.

We had a nice relaxing Thanksgiving at my Sainted Mother's house.  Long time family friends Brenda and Dick were there too.  For the first time in 17 years, we only went to one house on Thanksgiving, so I actually got to bake a couple of chocolate pies and make some stuffing to take over. We had the obligatory turkey, green bean casserole, candied yams, stuffing...all the fixings.  Brenda made the most amazing sweet potato salad with sweet potatoes, onions, pineapples...all kinds of yummy goodness. I'm waiting on the recipe.  It was divine.  We had a wonderful time and halfway through the day I realized that I'd left the camera at home......Argh!  I guess it was better to forget the camera instead of the food.

Friday morning we got up bright and early, grabbed some breakfast and headed over to the coliseum for the Craftsman's Fair.  I wish I could have taken the camera so that I could show you all the talent that was on display, but that's not allowed.  I'm afraid I didn't get any gifts.  Nothing really jumped out at me that seemed appropriate.  I did get some WONDERFUL tea from a company called Blessed Botanicals.  They make the most amazing organic, herbal  teas.  I purchased Full Moon Winter Chai, Lemon Mint, and My Last Nerve Teas, all of which are delicious. They are also a North Carolina company, which I love.

Saturday was spent at the Bandys Duel Wrestling Tournament.  Six High School wrestling teams meet in Catawba, NC at Bandys High School.  The schools are from North and South Carolina and there was some amazing and talented kids there.  Both boys wrestled and did pretty well, each getting a victory with a pin and each getting pinned - Ugh!  There were a lot of screaming Moms there supporting each other and our boys.  It's a long day and everyone comes away bone tired...including the parents.  We get to spend the next three weekends doing this.  It's crazy, but when it's over, we miss it.

Sunday was spent quietly at home.  Boy, were we tired!  We ate brunch, watched a movie and then went to church for the Hanging of the Greens Ceremony.  This is the first service of the Advent season when we light the Christmon Tree and hang the evergreen garlands in the Sanctuary.  It is probably one of my most favorite services with candle light and Christmas carols. It's also wonderful because you get to see people that you haven't seen in while.  I saw my fifth grade teacher! How cool is that?!

Christmas is fast approaching and there is so much to do! Lots and lots of blocking...Sigh...why can't these things block themselves?  I also thought I'd try to do some baking this year, but with all the wrestling, I don't know if there will be time.  I also have to sit down and have a meeting with Santa AFTER I pry wish lists from The Boys. AND I  have no clue what to get Car Guy and he's not helping! I'm glad the rest of my family isn't so difficult!

Well I hope everyone's week is going well.  I'll try to get a little more organized so that you have something to look at next time :)

First of the Week

Hello everyone!  First I want to let you know that I had a wonderful evening Friday. Thanks for all the suggestions.  I tried to work everything into one evening so I had a glass (or two) of wine, crocheted some Christmas gifts and watched the "Man Shops Globe" shows that I had recorded.  Have you ever watched that show?  It's on the Sundance Channel and is about Keith Johnson.  He's the "Buyer at Large" for my FAVORITE store, Anthropologie.  He travels all over the place and finds all the beautiful and unique items that decorate and are sold in the stores.  He has my dream job. *Sigh*  After looking at all the beautiful places he goes and things he buys, I went to bed at 10:00 pm and feel asleep reading a smut novel.  It was perfect!

Saturday we got up early and headed up to Virginia to the Virginia International Raceway, also known as VIR. The Porsche Club was having a driving event so that everyone gets a chance to play Speed Racer. Since our car isn't ready yet, we went up to observe.




Car Guy and Number One Son had a great day.  They were able to see a lot of unique cars and meet people that were also car lovers.  Car Guy also got to talk to some very experienced people that were a wealth of information for the restoration of our car. 

Number One Son was busy taking pictures all day.  Here are a couple of cars he liked:

What a colorful paint job!



Aren't the teeth great!

I also had a great time.  I was a little concerned about being bored, so I took my crochet with me.  I figured I'd be the only one there crocheting.  But I was so pleasantly surprised to sit down with the group from the Carolina Region PCA and meet Robin, BJ and Valie.  Robin was working on a crocheted blanket that BJ designed.  I had such a wonderful afternoon talking with these woman while the hooks flew. It was a very enjoyable time spent with like minded women. Who'd of thunk?


As we were leaving the race track to head back home the moon was coming up over the trees.

Sunday was spent quietly at home recovering from a day away from home in the sun. My nose was a little pink!

Last night had my nerves stretched tight.  We had the first wrestling match of the year.  When your son wrestles, that is the longest, most intense six minutes of your life.  Here are some pictures from Number One Son's match - He's the one in the Black and Green:

Come on, work it!

Hold onto him!

Get him on his back!

UGH!  This whole process is enough to send a mother over the edge!  I'm a nervous wreck the whole time.  You can always tell when a woman's child is wrestling.  Just look into the crowd and find the woman with the most intense, worried glare and that would be her.  She may be the most polite, dainty, ladylike woman you've ever met, but wait until her son is on that mat.  She will become the fiercest and loudest woman ever - screaming like a crazy person...PIN HIM!!  Because that is HER BABY!  A male friend once said that people "don't mess with the Mommas" at wrestling matches and tournaments...We're just a little intense.

Here's Number Two Son watching intently - so cute! He didn't get to wrestle last night because he didn't have an opponent on the other team in his weight class.

The rest of this week will be crazy busy.  We have Thanksgiving on Thursday, shopping on Friday (am I insane?!?!) and then Saturday we will be gone all day at a wrestling tournament.....Hopefully, I'll be able to show some winning pictures!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving!  I have so much to be thankful for...Car Guy, My Boys, my Sainted Mother, the rest of my family and friends, my job and all my blog friends!  Thanks so much for enriching my life by allowing me into yours!

What To Do?

I'm a little bemused.  Tonight, Car Guy and Number One Son are going to the Duke basketball game.  Number Two Son is having a friend sleep over, so he'll be occupied.  I'll be free and clear for a few hours to do WHATEVER I WANT?!?!  Now I'm trying to decide.  I have TONS of laundry that needs to be done and I do have to stay at home so the boys have some supervision....but who wants to do laundry on a Friday night? Not me.  I'll also have the remote control all to myself.  I can watch anything on TV that I want to....maybe I'll have a chick flick marathon, while I work on my crochet projects.  Maybe I'll get the completed projects blocked.  Maybe I'll read a smut novel while eating way too much chocolate while having a glass of wine...Hmmm.  Oh the possibilities!  Any suggestions?

Not Enough Time!

Where does the time go?  I only asked because I noticed that one of my neighbors actually has a Christmas Tree up.  What?  Did I miss Thanksgiving?  Oh, I hope not because I'm really looking forward to that L Tryptophan nap caused by the Turkey and all the other wonderful food. I'm also looking forward to the Craftsman's Fair and, dare I say it, completing most of my Christmas shopping.....gasp! You know my Sainted Mother always told me to dream big.....and finishing my Christmas shopping early is a real big dream.

I'm afraid that life is going to be getting very busy here.  Both of The Boys are on the wrestling team this year and the season is starting to gear up.  The first match is next week and then it will be non stop - matches during the week and tournaments on the week ends.  Add the holidays to that and I'm going to be busier than a one armed paper hanger.  I'll try not to bore everyone with pictures of The Boys at their wrestling matches - Two wrestlers, twice the pictures....as long as I can remain calm enough to take them.  I have a tendency to get a little antsy when they wrestle.  Please note - This is Number One Son pinning his opponent, not rolling around on the mat.  This picture is also a couple of years old.  He's grown so much since then.

So please bear with me.  I haven't dropped off the face of the earth.  And please continue to come by because I do enjoy the visits!

Veterans' Day - a day late, but still sincere

'Nuff said.  A heart felt thanks to all the veterans out there - Friends, Family and Strangers - that allow me to have the privileges I have.