Here comes '09

The first 9 years of the new millennium have passed by so quickly. It seems like just yesterday we were all waiting with baited breath to see if the world would go berserk and self destruct with the Y2K fiasco. Now it's anything but as all things electronic (particularly the internet) have become THE main form of communication. The world wide web truly has come a long way. Now folks cannot only check email but the latest news, gossip, youtube foolishness (oh how I love it so), and my personal favorite BLOGS!! While I don't know any of you personally...well wait, there is one I can add to the list *waves @ SouthernGal*, I do appreciate you guys letting me (and the rest of the world) have a peek into your lives. You all help me think and laugh at the same time. That's a great combination IMHO. :)

With that being said because I'm not one of the mushy persuasion, be safe wherever and however you choose to celebrate tonight. Z and I will be curled up on the couch watching movies and poppin champagne! Okay well maybe not champagne because I've never really been a fan but something other than hot cocoa that makes me feel all warm and tingly on the inside part.
I'm blabbering so folks from me and mine, have a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Here's a little youtube foolishness to ring the new year in with

You Decide.....

...funny or just mean?



My friends will tell you that AR Gal has quite a twisted sense of humor and finds this quite entertaining. WHAT?! I never said I was nice. I am convinced that this will be a story this kid will share (and laugh about) later in life for years to come. Especially after I read this clip description:

My mom decides to buy my brother an Xbox 360 for christmas. We leave that night and return the next morning to find he has sneaked a look....just as my mom thought he would, this is the result...and yes he did get the game i will try to post the second video

Back to life.....

....back to reality.

Christmas has passed as quickly as it came which seems to be the norm in my adult life. Overall this years holiday season for me has truly been boring. I never quite got into the mood even after going to look at Christmas lights, drinking Nestle's hot chocolate or watching "A Christmas Story" thrice (I did laugh my butt off watching the movie though). There's always next year I suppose.

I did have some fun times watching my niece and nephew open their gifts and talk about their day so all Christmas hope was not lost for me. :-) We ventured over to my aunts house that afternoon to visit with the extremely extended family. There I got to visit with all my older and younger cousins, one of which I didn't know existed until I walked through the door. My mom swears she told me that one of the my younger kin had a baby. She probably did. I'm known to tune out of conversations after about 5 minutes so ummmmmmmmmm yeah......

Anyway, we stayed for a few hours which allowed me to get my yearly update. Yes you read that right yearly...I don't fool with those folks that often. Everyone is still doing about the same but I was privy to a few tidbits of information. One of my other younger cousins (he's my fav out of the bunch) who is gay informed me that he had been living with his boyfriend for about a year. So we sat and talked about relationships and he gave me the inside scoop on what was really going on with everyone. lol After visiting with him, I joined the "old folk" in the kitchen and came upon one of the dumbest and humorous conversations I had heard in a long time. One of my older cousins, who was doing most of the talking, was talking about computers, the internet, and the like. Her sister had just criticized her, i.e. called her out, telling her she wasn't as computer savvy as she thought she was.

Sister: You don't know how to do anything on the computer except for how to turn it on and play games.
Older cousin: (Really loud) Un uhhhh, un uhhhhhh, You know good and well I know how to check my emails. I may not be able to send them but I know how to read them
I proceeded to put my head down to stifle my giggling and conceal the tears that were beginning to fall from my eyes. Once they were done fussing about that, the older cousin then proceeds to tell everyone how men being gay began with incarcerated men in the 70's.











I excused myself from the table and went to join the menfolk in the other room to watch the NBA game after that. I could take no more. She is truly the dumbest 59 year old I know.....no seriously she is.

Anyway, we left a little while after that. My mom and I passed out once we got to the house and went shopping a little the next day. My sis took the kids to their dad's in AR and that's where they will be until it's time for them to go back to school. My other sister wasn't able to travel down due to the weather but she says she may come down next week with the my other two nephews. We'll see.

Ahhh well, that's about it for me. I'm back at home...thank goodness! I hope your Christmas was more exciting and way more spirited than ours. Z just popped in the Dark Knight movie that we are soooooooo late on watching and I just realized that I want a BBQ sandwich. UGH!!!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!

Well this is gonna do it for me for me until at least Christmas so I wanted to wish everyone Season's Greetings! Be safe, have fun, and enjoy yourself. I hope you are with someone you love.....even if you're not in the holiday spirit. And if you're not, I've got just the thing for you....ENJOY!!!

Work Attire.......

Earlier this week, a question was posed in blogdome regarding appropriate work attire. I had no intention of hashing this topic until I saw, what I consider, some inappropriate work threads today.

This new chick moved into the cubicle across from me last week. She used to work at the plantation a few years ago and and just came back. She's a bit older, which is not outside the norm especially working at the non-profit I'm at, and nice enough I suppose. I've always admired nice frocks and such and have noticed that her wardrobe was pretty on point......until today. I didn't notice anything at first because I was busy working and just popped my head up to greet her as she settled in at her desk. A few hours pass and I get up to walk around to stretch my legs. I glance over and notice she has on a sweater jacket and with a top underneath. I return to my desk and then turn around a few moments later to get back up as I remember I need to go visit with a co-worker when I see it....a halter top. Dun Dun Duuuuuuuuuuun *gasp* She had taken off the jacket to reveal her shirt in all its glory.

My first thought........Ummmm, is this old ass lady for real? I mean for real for real??!! Her back was out, her almost non-existent boobs where somewhere in the mix annnnnnnnnnd I'm still not convinced she had on anybodies bra. Just because the girls are lacking in volume doesn't mean they still don't need some support. Just ewwwww. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for taking advantage of the super casual dress environment we have. We can wear just about anything we like at work, jeans everyday, shorts in the summer, flip flops (our CEO will sometimes have them on), birkentstocks (there is one lady that wears those everyday during the summer), hats, whatever. I guess I should add halter tops to the list.

I dunno, maybe I'm a prude....then again, no I'm not. You don't wear that type of shit to anyone's place of business regardless of the dress code unless you work for yourself, especially if it's damn near winter. We had a spike in temps around this area and it made it to close to 70 degrees. That is no excuse IMO. There was ice and snow on the ground not two days before. People kill me with that shit by the way....not dressing for the season. That's how you end up sick. Anyway, I showed a lot of self restraint because I promise there were times I just wanted to turn around and ask her what the fuck she was thinking but I didn't and just kept those thoughts to myself. lol I'm not sure if anything was said to her (my guess is probably not). By the time I returned to my desk she had put the sweater jacket back on but it came off again no less than 5 more times while at work.

To each his/her own I suppose but I just view stuff a bit differently. I just hope I never have to see that top again.

Shouldn't this child be watching Dora....

.......instead of videos?



Ok, so the kid is cute but her actions are not. I was highly disturbed by her trying to gyrate like Bianca Lucretia Knowles. People...do better.

SNOW DAY!!!

I am currently at home on my couch....the best place in the world!!

Free snow days are the greatest!!!

This is Pinnacle Mountain.....

view from the very top!



and this is me (and Emma) at the very top!!


WHAT?! You didn't actually think I'd show my face! lol This was actually the best pic of me. Z is not the greatest photographer and kept snapping my pic when I was taking pics or when I had crazy facial expressions. I have advised him not to quit his day job! lol

I did actually go all the way this time and it wasn't that far from where I stopped the last time we climbed. I will have to keep that in mind when and if I feel like throwing in the towel next go round. It was very windy as you can see by my hair whipping around but the cooler weather seemed to be to my benefit. I'm SO not a tropical person and prefer cold temps -vs- walking around sweating in the heat all day. Anyway, we stayed up there for about 10 or 15 minutes and headed back down, came home, and crashed hard.

All and all, it was a good way to spend part of the day. I can honestly say, I look forward to doing it again.......while it's cold. lol

One monkey don't stop no show....

.....but they sure do move mighty quick. Z called me into the den to see the video clip of a journalist chunkin a shoe at ya'lls soon to be former (THANK GOODNESS!!) President Bush's head.

Him: Come look at this dude!
Me: What dude?
Him: Bush
Me: Ehhhh, I'll pass
Him: No this guy just threw his shoes at him. Hurry about they are about to replay it.
Me: *running into the den*
Him: (while laughing) Boy those chimpanzee's (referring to Bush) sure do know how to move fast
Me: Bwahahahahahahahahaha

I only wish one of those shoes had molly whopped him upside the head. That would have truly made my day.

Week in Review

This has been a rather sucky week for AR Gal. I'll do an overview of this weeks events.

Sunday-Wednesday
Bruised Bone in foot

Wednesday evening-the wee hours of Thursday morning
Foot returns to normal but receive perm burn from hell that kept me up practically all night.

Later on Thursday morning
Accidentally backed into someones car door at work *sigh* Both cars were just slightly scratched and the scratches coul have been buffed out. Offered to pay to avoid insurance claim. Other driver declined. Oh well...it was their choice. I accept responsiblity.

Friday
Rather uneventful....thank gawd!! Went to see "The Day the Earth Stood Still". AR Gal rates the movie a firm "I Could Have waited to See that on Cable".

Saturday morning
Going to climb the mountain for sure today. Wish me luck!

Ironically my previous post is about not complaining about simple shit and most of this stuff is so I won't BUT this has definitely NOT been my Best Week Ever. lol

AR Gal PSA.......

..............please stop complaining about simple shit. Life could be much worse.

That is all.

Christmas Meme

Have you been naughty or nice this year?
I've been nicety!

What do you want most for Christmas?
Ummmm, world peace. My boots are on the way so I'm good otherwise but world peace would be nice. If only in a perfect world.

Do you believe in Father Christmas?
I don't think I've ever actually heard this term used before? Is this proper talk for Santa Claus? If so, nope I haven't believed in that since I was like 7 or 8.

What is your favorite food at Christmas?
I love love love those Hickory Farms meat things and cheese balls. Yummy!!

Have you started your Christmas shopping yet?
Yes, I bought my niece a watch on Black Friday. Hey it's a start!

Have you finished your Christmas shopping yet?
Nerp, not even close. See answer above for details

What is your favorite Christmas song?
"Let It Snow" by Boyz II Men. I know so cliche' but I like it a lot.

What is your favorite Christmas movie?
Hands down... A Christmas Story. What's not to love?!

What is your best memory of Christmas?

I was going to say something else but I copied and pasted this from Freaky's blog with his answers and he mentioned the Winter Wonderland exhibit that he visited growing up. They had one in Memphis @ Goldsmiths downtown that I went to every year with my Mama and Granny. The first time I remember going was when I was about 4 or 5. It was the neatest thing ever!!!! And yes Freaky you're right, it really was beautiful. We took my niece and nephew to it about 5 years ago. The location has sinced changed and while the exhibit was not as vast as it was when I was younger, I swear the same sense of excitement and euphoria set in. I think I got a little teary eyed because of the memories it brought back to me. WHAT?! Yes I can be a lush!! SHUT IT!

What do you look forward to most at Christmas?

During this time in my life. Honestly, it's the time off from work. Sad I know but it's the truth. lol

What are you doing for Christmas this year?

I'll be between home and Memphis.

What kind of Christmas tree do you have?

It's a regular old 6 1/2 inch green artificial tree.

Do you take part in a secret Santa?

I have in the past

Do you go to any Christmas parties? It depends on whose hosting it.

Have you ever had a white Christmas?

When I was younger yes but not so much during adulthood. I do remember a nice ice storm back in '04 though. lol

How early do you wake up on Christmas morning?

I have no set time. I just get up whenever the spirit moves me.

Do you still get a stocking?

I purchased stockings last year on clearance after the holidays so this is the first time we have some to hang. There's nothing in them though. I'm putting lumps of doo doo balls in Emma's if she doesn't cease and desist with the poo poo platters. lol I asked Z what he was putting in mine and he said my present was already in there. I looked over to the mantle and told him it looked rather empty. He says its full of air...something we all need. I HATE HIM!! LMAO!

How many Christmas cards do you normally send out?

Zero. It's funny because I used to send them out all the time when I was in college but I just stopped. Oh well....

How much money do you spend on Christmas gifts for family members?

It varies.

What is the best Christmas gift you have ever received?

It's a toss-up between my Easy Bake Oven and my first Cabbage Patch Doll.

Prefer to open gifts on Christmas Eve or Day? It honestly makes me no difference. I always know what I'm getting anyway. lol

Does December 25 feel too short or too long usually? I wouldn't say too long but it does seem to last forever.

How many gifts do you think you will get this year?

Just a few. Times ain't what they used to be when I was a little girl. It's a good thing I don't mind.

Are artificial trees or real trees better?

I can't say, I've only dealt with fake trees.

Decorate the Christmas tree with popcorn strings?

We did that a couple of years when I was little. I poked my finger a lot trying to thread the popcorn.

Put up the Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving?

I normally try to get it up the day or weekend following Thanksgiving.

Should a Christmas tree be shorter or taller than 5 feet?

I like bigger trees so yes I say taller than 5 feet.

What color of lights look best on trees?

White lights IMO.

What does your stocking look like?

Gold with beading

Should stockings be hung on the fireplace mantle?Where else would you hang them? If you have a mantle then yeah I hang them there. Otherwise, I guess you could tack them on the wall.

Does your dog have its own stocking?

Yes, my furbabies have stockings.

Have you ever used a real sock for a stocking?

Nerp. Wouldn't it make sense to not have one if a regular sock was your only option?

Prefer fruit or nuts in your stocking?

I think I'd rather have air in it. LMAO!!

Do you buy stuff to put in your family’s stockings?

This is the first year for it so we shall see.

What’s the weirdest thing you ever got in a stocking?

Air. Lemme quit. LMAO! These stocking questions are killin me softly....for real.

How many parties do you usually go to during the holidays?

Very few.

Have you ever spiked the eggnog at a party?

I hate eggnog. There is no good way to drink it, I don't care what anyone else says. That stuff is gross!

Better to play holiday music or pop music at a holiday party?

I think a good mix of both is okay

Rather go to an office holiday party or the dentist?

To the dentist.

Ever gone to a party dressed up as Santa Claus?

Hell no! I'm a lady!

Put lights up on the house or not?

Z does.

Prefer icicle lights or traditional lights?C’mon!

Traditional lights with the big bulbs. Those icicle lights have always looked funny to me.

Outline the roof with lights or cover the bushes with lights? Both

Prefer decorating with all white lights or colored lights? White

Ever plugged more than 3 strings of lights in one socket?

This is a really dumb question

Rather spend the holidays with family or friends?

Both if possible because my friends are like my family

Are there certain family members you only ever see during the holidays?

My aunt and cousins that live around the corner from my Grandmama's house. I don't fool with them folks that much. lol

Are there any family members that you miss during the holidays?

My grandmama Virgie *pours out a lil liquor*

Do you have any holiday traditions?

Driving around looking at Christmas lights. It's a must for me.

Already??!!

It seriously just dawned on me that it's December, 7 whole days into the month. It's official, I'm slowly but surely losing my marbles.

This weekend has been rather uneventful. Z and I had plans of going to climb Pinnacle Mountain again Saturday but that fell through. I remember him telling me he had a dentist appt. Friday afternoon but what he neglected to tell me (or what I may have tuned out) is that he was having his wisdom teeth pulled. I knew as soon as I got home from work that climbing the mountain was out of the question. I'm still surprised he drove himself home. I remember being extremely sleepy after having mine removed. I would probably still be @ the doctor's office had he not been there to drive me. lol Oh well, there's always this weekend. Hopefully the weather will hold up.

The baddest bitch aka Emma has been giving us fits this past week. She's reverted back to her puppy ways and days by pooping in the house. Can you say NASTY??!! Most times have been on a towel we leave on the floor by the door to the backyard, but she also hit up the Christmas tree skirt one day (RME) and an area right by the bedroom door Saturday morning. I'm still hot about the tree skirt and Z is just pissed in general but oh well, this is what we signed up for. Anyway, we've gone back to basic training with her this weekend. Out every two hours on a leash (because she sometimes likes to just play instead of handling her business outside when we know she has to go), repeating the poop/potty keywords outside, and kenneling her up at night until she gets on the good foot. Hopefully her temporary bout of amnesia will go away soon so that we can be free of in home doo doo balls. BLECH!

I have phlucked up yet another body part. I took the dogs walking early Saturday morning since we weren't going to the mountain. The walk was great but when we returned home, I noticed the side of my right foot was hurting something awful. After sitting down to rest, it dawned on me what was wrong. A bruised bone. I've had one before in my big toe and the pain is quite similar. There's nothing honestly that can be done about it except to rest, apply ice, and wear flat shoes for awhile. Booooo!! That sucks because ya'll know how I love me some heels! Thankfully I still have some of my pain meds leftover from my prescription for my muscle spasm thing I had in my back which I'm sure will reappear just as soon as the bruising in my foot goes away. Trust me...my luck is just like that. I need to get on the good foot myself and explore different ways and techniques to strengthen my body so that I'm not as susceptible to injury. At the rate I'm going I will be the old lady hollering "I've fallen and I can't get up". lol

That's pretty much the weekend in a nutshell. Hope yours was better! :-)

All the single ladies…….

…..all the married ladies, all the divorced ladies, hell all the ladies. If you are on the lookout for a VERY cute and more importantly REASONABLE pair of boots look no further than this sweet pair right here.



http://www.naturalizer.com/shop_online/item_detl.asp?CID=boots&PID=hottie&variant_id=22554250&Size=%25%25%25%2D%25


I remember seeing these on someone’s blog once before (sorry can’t remember who) and admiring them. Being the budget conscious (ie cheap) shopper that I am, I stopped (ie fought) my trigger finger from clicking the buy button at the time and chilled out. Good thing I did because these sap suckas are on sale for $100 less than the original price! SCORE!!! They have been bought and paid for thanks to my Big Poppa and there is no longer a tightrope between me and my boots. All is well in my world of shoedome.

Now I know some folks may turn their noses up to something from Naturalizer, I know I did for a long time. Anytime I saw or heard that name I automatically thought “old folks shoes” and it is anything but. Well, I take that back. They do have some selections that still scream granny but you can find some great and comfortable selections from this place and even catch a cute purse or two. My eyes just feasted on one before I started typing this post. Damn you innernets!!!! *shakes fists*