Saturday, 30 August 2008

WAR EAGLE!

Since today is the first day of football season, I changed the colors of my blog to orange and blue. War Eagle everyone. I won't be able to watch the game today since it is on Pay-Per-View. I think I'll listen to it on the radio. Today, I have on navy twill shorts and an orange with navy polo man Polo T-shirt. I think my navy Keds are too much, but I wore them because they were comfortable.

It's starting out sort of busy at the store. I hope we are really busy today. This is our last good holiday until Thanksgiving. We do get a good bit of traffic on Saturdays when Alabama and Auburn play on TV.

As I said on Thursday, I'm on vacation next week. (I'm on vacation next month when I go to Williamsburg) I'm hanging around the hometown and may not have access to the computer every day. I'll be checking in and out throughout the week.

I hope everyone has a great Labor Day and a great week.

WAR EAGLE!!!

Thursday, 28 August 2008

I went to a Neighborhood Watch meeting tonight. I did not get home until 8:40. I had not eaten dinner. I was starving. A lot of issues were addressed.

Today, I walked into the kitchen across from Queenie's desk. Her head was down, her eyes were closed and her hands were folded on her desk. I think she was asleep. I think I woke her up when I opened my can of TaB. When I walked out, she was looking at her computer screen. As I walked away, I turned around and she was staring at me. I almost started laughing.

I will be on vacation next week. I will be checking in off and on.

Have a good Friday!

Tuesday, 26 August 2008

I haven't had too many Queenie stories lately. She was on vacation last week, plus she has been acting almost normal, until today. This afternoon, we had a visit from a very top executive from the Toronto office. He's a very nice man, but he is a top executive. As she was passing the Vice-Chairman's area, she announced in a very loud voice, "I ate something today that has messed up my stomach." Yes, let the entire floor know. Ever since the mail guy told my boss that "something he ate gave him the runs", I don't even think about digestive systems. It seems like Queenie lost all of what little decorum that she had. She left early so she didn't have to repeat her story. Earlier she kept trying to talk to this other assistant, but the assistant would not turn around. Turns out the assistant was on a phone call. I'm thinking that she may be out sick tomorrow. I almost forgot. Yesterday, she was wearing a low cut tank top that had bedazzling around the neckline. It wasn't cute, it was trashy looking.

It has finally stopped raining, but not before several of our buildings started leaking. The operations center was leaking really bad. The ceiling fell in some areas. It hasn't rain like that in over 2 years.

Have a happy Wednesday.

Monday, 25 August 2008

Diamond Award






Thank you! Thank you!


Sweet Pink Putter and Preppy Engineer gave me this Diamond Award. How cool is that?


Here are the rules:

1. When you receive a diamond, make a post about it on your blog

2. Name the blogger from whom you got it

3. Award the diamonds to seven other bloggers

4. Link them and tell them that they got one.

I award the diamond to:








Cheers to you all! I have really enjoyed reading your blogs.
We have gotten so much rain in the past couple of days. It has rained all day long, sometimes very hard. I talked to my mother a few minutes ago, and she said that it has poured all day long. I have a touch of a headache. I think it is from this nasty weather. I hate to complain about the rain because we really need it.

About 10 minutes ago, they broke in on the news and said that they have arrested several people in connection with the 5 dead bodies in the apartment. They also have a few people that are persons of interest. That was quick work. I figured that whoever did it was long gone. They arrested them on the other side of town. They never have said anything about the person that is the actual tenant of the apartment. I heard that no one has seen him in a couple of weeks. He may be on a long vacation. How creepy.

Saturday, 23 August 2008

I'm sorry that I haven't posted in a few days. I had planned to come home on Wednesday and brag to all of you about my new Stephen Bonanno sandals. I just love the color. I ordered the Chelsea in ermine with sable whipstitch. I wanted something neutral.

When I got home, the cable and the internet were both down. I watched a recording of "Mad Men" and walked on the treadmill. I got bored and went to bed early. Before I went to bed, I kept hearing my neighbors running up and down the stairs. I kept looking out the window, but couldn't see what was going on. I did see people that lived down the street walking, but I didn't think anything of it. Then I heard a noise that sounded like a large diesel vehicle. I looked out the window and saw what looked like an RV with a lot of cars behind it. I thought, "I bet those cars wish that RV would hurry and get out of their way." Then I went to bed. When I was getting ready for work on Thursday, I turned the TV to the only channel that I could pick up without cable and listened to the news. I heard them talking about 5 bodies in an apartment in the county where I live. I walked in to listen and recognized the background as the apartments where I live. Every time they would talk about I would run into the living room. Yes, Wednesday evening about 5:00, someone called the sheriff's department asking them to check on a friend that they were unable to contact. The deputy went to the apartment and could not get anyone to the door. He went to the office and got their key. When he tried it, it didn't work. At about 6:00, they finally got into the apartment and found 5 Hispanic men with their throats cut lying in the living room floor. From what I understand, they had been there for several days. None of the men lived in the apartment. The entire complex was under lock down. No one could leave or come onto the property. There were about 100 law enforcement officers on the premises. That's what all the noise was about. All my neighbors were outside waiting on details. I later said, "Why didn't you come get me?" The maintenance man told me that the men were killed elsewhere and their bodies moved to the apartment (how do you move 5 dead bodies into an apartment at right off one of the busiest roads in this part of the country?). He said that they had been there about a week. GROSS!! The door was locked and bolted, and someone had changed the locks. It wasn't until yesterday afternoon that they were able to identify 3 of the 5 victims. It's awful to think that someone could do something like this. My apartment is in an upper middle class section of town. Lately the management of our apartments has been renting to some questionable looking folks, but they don't bother anyone. My neighbor made a comment that we have a good group in our section. Everyone is decent and we all work different schedules so that someone is there 24 hours a day. I usually don't tell my neighbors when I go away for a while. I need to start notifying some of them, so that they don't think something happened to me. The reason that the cable and internet are out is the cable company had it down for a few hours to bury cable and the sheriff's deputy told them to leave the property immediately.

On a brighter note, I finally got my Stephen Bonanna sandals, and this morning when I weighed, I had finally reached my goal. Yay me! I am going to try to lose a few more pounds (no more than 5) before I go on vacation in 6 weeks. I want to be able to eat whatever I want without worry.

I hope everyone enjoys the rest of the weekend.

Tuesday, 19 August 2008

Can you believe that JLo said this?

Lopez, who appeared on "Good Morning America" Aug. 18 to discuss her preparations for the Malibu Triathlon, was overheard saying after the segment that she “couldn’t understand why everyone is talking about that swimmer,” according to a GMA source. “She couldn’t come up with (eight-time gold-medal winner Michael) Phelps’ name, and then she yammered on about how she was the one training for a triathlon just six months after giving birth, and how that was the big story right now, not ‘the swimmer.’ ” (this was on msn.msnbc.com)

I hope it isn't true. How can anyone be so self-absorbed? I know they are about to wear out Michael Phelps, but he did just win 8 gold medals. How many has she won? I never criticize athletes' performance. I know that they are in the Olympics and I'm not. I can barely swim a lap, much less 200m or 400m in world record time.

Monday, 18 August 2008

I was so lazy yesterday. I was too lazy to blog. I laid around and watched TV and read.

Saturday, I went to my women's club picnic at noon. The food was good and we had fun. We had a white elephant auction to raise money for the children's programs at the YWCA. Our auction was smaller this year but we raised twice as much money. That evening, my BFF took me to Shula's for my birthday. It was soooooo goooood. I had the small filet and a caesar salad. We shared a piece of 7-layer chocolate cake. It was sinful. The two of us together could only eat half. I can't believe that huge piece of cake was for one. After we finished, we sat in the lobby of the Wynfrey Hotel and watched the people. I wish I had my camera. I saw some outfits that were unbelievable. What kills me is this is a 4 diamond hotel and the lobby looks like it hasn't been redecorated since 1985. It is so 80's looking.

I hope everyone has a good Tuesday.

Saturday, 16 August 2008

I hope everyone is enjoying the Olympics. What about that Michael Phelps? I didn't think he made it, but the touch pad says it all. Former hometown girl, Margaret Hoelzer won silver. She was beaten by her former roommate, Kirsty Coventry (but I guess you already know that). As I was watching, 3 Auburn folks won medals in about 30 minutes, Coventry, Margaret and Cesar (from Brazil). I've never seen anyone as excited as Cesar was. I don't think he could believe it. I'm not going to be at home this evening, so I'll have to record it so I can watch it when I get back. Maybe the swimming won't happen until I get home.

BFF MAB is taking me out to eat for my birthday. At noon, I have to go to a picnic. I am going to have to work hard to stay on my diet. I am going to take MAB some of my cheese straws. I won't take her a lot, because I don't want to ruin her diet. A few won't hurt.

I am a very paranoid person. If I hear a car horn blow, I automatically think they are blowing at me because I did something wrong. It could be somebody blowing at a friend. Monday, on the way to work, my "Service Engine Soon" light came on. The owner's manual says that either something is wrong with my fuel injection or my gas cap is not on properly. When I got to work, I took off my gas cap and screwed it back on. That was what it was. My light did not reset. Finally last night when I was leaving McAllistar's, I noticed that it was off. I was starting to worry that something was wrong with my fuel injection. I have been a nervous wreck all week. I was really at a loss as to where to take it to get it serviced. I bought my SUV in South Pittsburg, TN. I can't take it there. There is not a GMC dealership in Birmingham that is convenient for me or those that would have to give me a ride, and the one where my mother lives is not all that good. Believe it or not, I take my GMC to the Ford dealership when I need something. They offer good service. I'm going to take it there in a few weeks to have them check everything before I drive to Virginia.

Only two weeks from today until Auburn Football. WAR EAGLE!!


I hope everyone enjoys the remainder of their weekend.

Thursday, 14 August 2008

I was going to walk on my treadmill tonight, but when I went to plug it in, a big spark came out of the plug. Didn't want to risk getting electricuted, so I decided to not walk.

The other day, I walked over to Queenie's desk and said, "Whatcha doing?" She was reading the paper. She asked me about a food mart. I looked down and she was reading the Help Wanted ads in the Want Ads. She told me that she was looking for an additional job. She said that things were getting so expensive that she needed another job to help with the bills. Hello! What's wrong with your dead beat husband? Can he not get a job? Why does she have to work 3 jobs while he stays home? I told my coworker and all she had to say was "UNBELIEVABLE". Sometimes I feel a little bit guilty because I have extra money from the store, but I have worked hard for that money and my late father worked hard so that we would have the opportunity. I use it for the extras. I think if her husband would get off his a$$ and get a job, things wouldn't be so bad. I've worked with her for 14 years, and her husband hasn't "hit a lick at a snake" in all those years. He's been out of work so long, he probably can't get a job. That's sorry.

I hope everyone has a Happy Friday.

Wednesday, 13 August 2008

I've been bad the past few days about posting. Not much has happened. I've been watching the Olympics every night. I am really cheering for Michael Phelps. Even if he doesn't win the remaining 3 gold medals, he is still an incredible athlete. Today Queenie asked me, "Why are there so many athletes from Auburn and not many from Alabama?" Duh, Auburn has always been been tops in swimming and track and field. It's not just about football.

My former boss's wife came to see me today. I do her bank account transfers for her. She brought me a tin of cheese straws from a local bakery. I would rather have homemade than some from a bakery, but these were the best cheese straws that I've ever had...period. I had to control myself. I still need to stay on my diet. I figure that I can substitute a few for the mixed nuts that I usually eat for my afternoon snack. Now to keep my little paws out of the tin tomorrow. I tried to share, but I didn't have any takers.

Have a Happy Thursday!

Monday, 11 August 2008

Saturday night, my mother and I went to the National Guard reunion. We got there too early. We were so bored. After the meal, a trio sang a few songs. They were really good. After the reunion, we went to a going away party for a friend of the family that has been deployed to Iraq. Sunday, we went to Huntsville shopping. After we went to Sam's and Staple's, we headed to Belk's. Clinique is having gift with purchase right now. I got makeup and concealer. I also bought a Lilly white tee for $7.99. I thought that was a good deal. My mother bought my sister a pair of capris and two tees and paid less than $20 for all three pieces.

I've been addicted to the Olympics this year. Tonight, I'm going to watch the swimming. Margaret Hoezler and Kirsty Coventry both went to Auburn (my alma mater). War Eagle, girls! Rowdy Gaines, the commentator for the swimming was at Auburn when I was there, but I never met him. I did go a few times to watch him swim at meets. I read where there are 27 athletes with Auburn ties. We'll have to see how well they do. I'm also cheering for Michael Phelps. I hope he wins all gold medals.

Saturday, 9 August 2008

I watched the opening ceremonies of the Olympics last night. I was impressed as was everyone that came in the store. I like the Ralph Lauren outfits that the US team wore. They looked very classic. The outfits the Chinese wore did not look as bad as the news led you to believe. I think Yao Ming is a cool guy. He seemed to be in the spotlight at the end (of course, how could anyone miss him, he's so tall). I was very touched by the little boy that walked in with him. He'll remember last night for the rest of his life.

Tonight my mother and I have to go to the reunion of the National Guard company that my late father was in. They invite families and widows. It is really boring. We go so they don't think we have abandoned them. My mother said she is doing it for my father. I don't think he would care if we continued to go or not, but I know the others would talk about us if we didn't.

There is some man sitting at the end of the parking lot of our store. He has a truck load of watermelons. So far, he has not had the first customer.

I ordered some leather Tretorns last week. They were on sale. I got the white on white. I would have liked to had the navy on white, but they did not have them in my size. They are a tad loose, but I'm going to keep them. I may have to wear a little thicker sock with them. Go to Tretorn's website and click on sale. They only have the leather on sale. I did see some canvas in children's sizes. I usually visit about once a week to see if there is anything that I am interested in on sale.

Enjoy the remainder of your weekend.

Wednesday, 6 August 2008

I wish I had an interesting post, but I had a boring day. I was going to watch a recording of "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" tonight, but I just wasn't in the mood.

Has anyone read "Brideshead Revisited"? I've never read the book, but thought since the movie is coming out, now would be a good time. I never saw the mini-series back in the 80's. There's not much out right now that I'm interesting in reading.

I have to go to a meeting tomorrow night. Another lady and I are responsible for refreshments. I'm taking drinks and paper products and she's bringing pretzels, mixed nuts and birthday cake. I am psyching myself up to have only a bite or two of cake. I really don't want to ruin my diet. I know that y'all hate for me to obsess about my diet, but I have had problems with my weight all my life. When I'm successful, I can't help but obsess about it.

Have a great Thursday.

Tuesday, 5 August 2008

Today at lunch I finished "Ham Biscuits, Hostess Gowns, and Other Southern Specialties" by Julia Reed. Thanks to A Whale of a Time for recommending it. I have read one of Julia Reed's other books, "Queen of the Turtle Derby". I highly recommend both books. "Ham Biscuits, Hostess Gowns" about starved me to death. When I go off my diet, I'm going to have to have a ham biscuit, a pimento cheese sandwich, red velvet cake, and some ice cream. I had some eggs in the refrigerator that I didn't know what to do with, so like any southern lady, I made deviled eggs. I used dill pickles instead of sweet pickletts because I can't have the sugar on my diet. I will eat the last of them tomorrow for lunch. YUM! I can eat an entire deviled egg plate full of deviled eggs. There is an article and except from the book in the recent issue of "Taste of the South".

I finally took everyone's advice and watched "Mad Men". I really liked it. Now I need to buy season one on DVD and catch up. I'll check at Sam's this weekend and see if they have it.

Monday, 4 August 2008

Queenie got a new haircut and highlights over the weekend. Her hair looks so much better. It is now a dishwater blonde. It looks so much better than the overprocessed blonde that she had. To tell you the truth, I've never seen hair that color on anybody else. And it looks so much healthier. She had gotten better about her attire, but today she had on a low cut v-neck sleeveless sweater. She's large busted and needed to wear a better support bra. When she walked the sisters bounced back and forth.

I need to go through all my gifts and cards and make a list for thank you notes. I am trying to get motivated to write them.

Instead of walking on the treadmill, I exercised along with a recording of "Bodies in Motion with Gilad". I know he can be kind of cheesy, but it works. I need to tone areas that walking doesn't touch. Believe it or not, it wasn't that difficult tonight. I haven't exercised with Gilad in about a year. Some of his shows are from the late 80's. The women have fluffy, crunchy hair. Now that's cheesy.

Sunday, 3 August 2008

Thanks to everyone for the birthday wishes. I had a great day. Today, my sister and brother-in-law were supposed to take my mother and I out for an early dinner. My cousin was going with us. About 10 minutes before my sister was to pick us up, my cousin came over and said that my sister called her and said my brother-in-law had just gotten in the shower and we were just going to meet over at their house. My cousin drove us over there. When we got there, just my sister's car was in the drive, but we could hear people laughing and talking in the back yard. When we went in there were about 50 people there. They had thrown us a surprise party. My mother and I sort of suspected something. My sister's BFF's brother let it slip. He saw the invitation at his parent's house. We went along with him. I was really surprised to see BFF MAB there. She drove up from Birmingham. I didn't think my sister knew how to get in touch with her, but she said that she had old emails from me where I had forwarded things to people. Most of the people were friends of my parents. There were a few relatives. It was a fun party. I think my sister said she invited 125 people. Many had conflicts and some she didn't hear back from. I even went off my diet and ate some party cookies from a local bakery. YUM! My sister had two cakes, one for me and one for my mother. They were beautiful. Mine was a three tiered white cake with white frosting with green decorations. My mother's was a two tiered chocolate cake with light chocolate frosting. I took a bite of each. They were both good. I just wish my father could have been there. He would not have been able to keep it a secret.

Have a good Monday.

Saturday, 2 August 2008

I am having trouble getting into my blog today. I get a message the "Internet Explorer has aborted this site". I finally got in through Tres Posh Preppy's blog. I get the same message on other people's blogs. I don't know what the deal is.

I have a funny Queenie story. By the way, she has been fairly friendly the past couple of days. Yesterday, I was standing in front of her desk and she was rambling about getting confused with her calendar. Then she said, "I was surprised to see that Labor Day in on September 1, it's usually around the 5th". I walked away before I laughed. I told a friend of mine, and she said that if I could have kept a straight face I should have said, "Oh, it's because it's Leap Year", and then walked away. My mother and sister both laughed about it. They are aware of how she is. Then, I get home and my mother and I go to eat at my brother-in-law's restaurant. My mother wasn't very hungry and ordered the "Children's Chicken Fingers". The waitress says, " Do you mean the Kid's Chicken Fingers". We had another laugh.

Today is my birthday and tomorrow is my mother's birthday. We told my sister that we don't want her and her husband to do anything. We don't even want a cake. My sister's mother-in-law broke her ankle and hit her head in a fall a couple of weeks ago. She is in rehab for the next few weeks. They have been traveling to Huntsville a lot to visit her. With gasoline the way it is, it has been a strain on their finances and they don't need to spend the extra money for us a party. Plus, I'm still trying to stick to South Beach and I can't eat cake. I want to lose about 5-8 pounds before October 1. I hope I can do it.

I hope everyone enjoys the remainder of their weekend.