I definitely made the "nice list"

Well, from the looks of it, I was the only bum who didn’t get on and write anything during the week of Christmas. I think I’m finally caught up on reading everyone else’s stuff, so now I’ll attempt a post of my own.

Man, last week FLEW by! It was a whirlwind of driving, laughing, family, presents and foam NERF darts (given to my brother as a gag gift from his girlfriend’s family, but the object of a very interesting night – as Sean tried to make a suction dart stick to his forehead. Yes… he’s 17. But it was hilarious.)

I had a wonderful time in Mobile with Mama’s family. We ate, laughed and exchanged presents – then played an impromptu game of poker. I learned that it’s really easy to bet big when you’re playing with imaginary money. “Yes, I’ll see your dollar and raise you a million.”

Then it was off to Mississippi for a few days (that’s where the NERF darts come into play.) It was great to see everyone over there again. I wish the drive wasn’t so long. I’d love to be able to visit more often.

Toby was a champ. He had a strenuous week of car trips and being shuffled around from house to house. Overall, I think he handled it pretty well. We both slept like babies last night. (Although, I’m not sure that’s an accurate depiction, because I hear babies wake up all the time. Who came up with the saying, anyway? How about ‘slept like someone who drank a bottle of NyQuil?’)

We got home last night to find that a stray cat had taken up residence in Toby’s dog house. Needless to say, he was NOT happy. Although he rarely, if ever, actually gets in it, he became extremely territorial. I think the whole neighborhood knew he was upset. I literally had to go pull him away from the door of the dog house so the cat could get out. He had her blocked in, barking incessantly, with every hair on his body standing straight up. I don’t think he realizes that the cat could have shredded his face if she wanted to. I’ve never heard a cat hiss that loud – more like a scream, really. And guess what? She was back in there this morning. Apparently Toby didn’t scare her very much.

Kevin came by last night and cooked me supper before we exchanged Christmas presents. He grilled steaks, made green beans and squash and cooked garlic toast. It was de-lish. And he gave me the PRETTIEST pair of Sorrelli earrings. I LOVE them! He did an excellent job picking them out.

Overall, I racked up this Christmas. I guess I must have been really good this year! No coal for me. Included in all of the loot was an Amazon Kindle, a Magellan GPS system, seasons 2-4 of House (best show EVER), Burberry Brit Red perfume, my guitar, a Jimi Hendrix strap for my guitar, an AWESOME houndstooth, fitted Alabama tee, some really good kitchen utensils, a pretty scarf, more Mitch Hedberg and a book and DVD set to teach me basic guitar skills. Cha-ching! My family was too good to me.

Ooh, and Sean gave me a box of guitar picks, new strings and some stuff to put on the strings so my fingers won’t hurt so bad. I’m looking forward to trying that out. I didn’t realize how painful it would be at first. Totally worth it though.

Anyway, that is the brief run-down of a very busy week.

What about y’all? Get (or give) anything cool this year?? I’d love to hear about it!

Countdown to Christmas

I saw a “Countdown to Christmas” sign yesterday that informed me there were exactly 11 days left until the 25th. Really? I mean I guess I knew that – but seeing it in big green and red font with flashing colors really made it official.

I guess it’s hard to feel Christmasy when the temps are expected to reach the high 70s this week. I could be wrong, but I don’t think the elves wear t-shirts and flip-flops while they’re making toys. Isn’t it supposed to be cold by now? Technically, I guess it’s summer for some folks, depending on where they live and all, but here, in the U.S., isn’t it supposed to be cold?

I did do some traditional Christmas things this weekend that should have really put me in the spirit. Saturday night I went to see the Nutcracker. For a small town, I was pleasantly surprised at the size of the production. Who knew so many people would turn up for a ballet? The senior company was really good and they brought in a few dancers from Montgomery and New York. It was a nice change from the bon fires and dirt roads that make up a normal Andalusian Saturday night. (Just sayin’.)

Yesterday, Kevin and I went to Destin to finish some Christmas shopping and celebrate our birthdays. We ate entirely too much at McGuire’s, then he treated me to a couple of grown-up work outfits. He was so sweet and patient walking around the stores. And I had no idea he was so fashion forward. He was picking out outfits, y’all. He went all Clinton Kelly on me, matching things up. I was kind of shocked.

While it was a lot of fun, shopping is still a little frustrating. I know all you short folks who read this can identify. Why do they make pants for women who are so dang tall? And shirts… don’t get me started on shirts. If you have any chest at all, finding a good fit up top almost certainly means it won’t fit around the waist. It will hang there all baggy, looking like a potato sack. I’m going to start designing clothes for women shaped like me. Everyone who’s not can shop somewhere else. It’s going to be called “Short and curvy” or something catchier when I’m feeling more creative. Anyone want in? There have to be more people built like me out there than there are stick-thin giants. Right? I think so.

Anyway, enough of that. I’m off my soap box.

For now.

726 pounds of love

Sometimes guys can be so sweet. And other times? Well, other times, not so much. Here's just a sample of a conversation Kevin and I had the other night.

K: I love you.
Me: How much?
K: Umm… 726 pounds?
Me: 726 pounds? That’s not very much.
K: Sure it is. That’s like five of me. If I was five times bigger, wouldn’t you think that was a lot?
Me: Yeah, but… that’s not even as much as a tree. There are lots of trees out there that weigh waaay more than 726 pounds.
K: Yeah, but there are some that weigh less.
Me: So you love me more than some, but not as much as others? Think about it! One tree in the WHOLE universe?? That’s not very much.
K: What universe?
Me: OUR universe. What do you mean "what universe?"
K: Well, how do you know it’s really out there? Have you ever seen it?
Me: Don’t try to change the subject! 726 pounds isn’t even as much as one of your cows. You love me less than a cow?
K: Well, if I had compared you to a cow, you would’ve said, “Are you calling me fat?”
Me: That’s so not the point!
K: Sure it is.
Me: UHG!!

What a sweetheart, right? At least he keeps things interesting.

Tis the season to be thankful

Well, it’s finally Wednesday…it’s just not the right time of Wednesday. But, a few more hours (which I’m sure will fly by) and I’ll be on my way to Ridgeland.

I realized this morning how dependent I’ve become on Wednesday’s writing prompts. With it being Thanksgiving this week, I can understand why Kat wouldn’t want (or have time) to read all of them. But seriously…I have to come up with my own post today?

I guess I’ll be a little cheesy here and do an “I’m thankful for” list. While it might not be the most creative idea, it does seem to fit the season.

I’m thankful for all of the people in my life who love and support me. Yes, Mama and I had our moments of hell throughout my adolescence, but at the end of the day, I knew she loved me. Not everyone can say that. At least I had a mom to argue with, you know? And I am so thankful that we finally understand each other after many years of fussing.

Yes, my parents got divorced when I was young, but I am so thankful that they both found someone else to make them happy.

I’m thankful that I have a step-dad who has NEVER treated me like a step-daughter (he always said the word "step" implied a lesser love.) He has always been there for me and Mama, and has sacrificed so much for me.

Daddy and I didn’t get to see each other much over the years, but I’m so thankful that I always knew he was just a phone call away, willing to hear me out and calm me down. He used to be my safe harbor, when the arguments with Mama got too heated, but I know now that he is much more than that. I'm so thankful that I feel closer to him now than I ever have before.

I am thankful that he found my step-mom and that through all of the struggles and hardships they’ve endured, their love has grown stronger. I’m thankful that over the years, she and I have bonded and become friends. I’m so thankful that she continues to make my Daddy and my little brother so happy.

And that brings me to Chase and Sean. I am SO thankful that they are both growing up to be such wonderful young men. They each have their own special talents and such sweet, sweet hearts. Chase is so smart and creative. Although he’s still very young, I know he has a brilliant future ahead of him. Sean continues to make me so proud. He stands firm in his faith and sets a great example for those around him. I know being a teenager is tough, but he is pulling it off remarkably well.

I’m thankful for Kevin. While our relationship has been tried and doubted, he has always, always been there for me. He is truly the best friend I could ask for. He believes in me and encourages me to be the best person I can possibly be. He brightens my day and makes me smile. He endures my cranky moments and honestly likes me best in jeans and no make-up. I’m so thankful that he actually loves me for who I am. There’s no pretending.

There is so much more. How do you narrow it down to a single post? I’m thankful for my job and my home. For having food to eat and being able to pay my bills. I’m thankful for my idiot dog, who makes me smile and keeps me company.

I’m thankful for all of you who read my blog and leave me encouraging comments; for all of the friendships I’ve made with complete strangers.

I have been so very blessed.

Thank you.