Just Snoozing

The snooze button is a bittersweet invention.  I actually love it!  My alarm goes off every morning at 5:00 am, BUT that beautiful snooze button allows me to "sleep" until 6 or sometimes 6:30....ah, so sweet!!!!  The "bitter" part comes into play due to the fact that we leave at 7.  Many times my 12 year old son, Connor, actually comes in to wake me because I accidentally turn the alarm off instead of hitting the snooze button.  Jeez!  I just want my day to start at 9ish or 10ish....I really don't think that is too much to ask. 

I'm not a morning person....it's not my fault; it is just how God made me.  I have tried repeatedly to be happy and cheerful at 5/6 in the morning, but it just doesn't work!  It is the round peg in a square hole theory...it doesn't fit no matter how many times you try!

I did a little research to see who invented the snooze button, but I have not found any answers yet!  All I can say is that whoever you are, THANK YOU!!!

Carpe diem,
Brandi

Reese is not a morning person either

What I woke up to this morning

The Goodness of Pride

My class is reading Antigone, the amazing Greek tragedy.  One of the major themes in the play is "pride."  Teenagers deal with so much in their lives, so I thought this would be an amazing topic for them to explore within the depths of their developing minds.  The assignment was for them to discuss whether they believe "pride" was a good or bad thing, and I thought I would throw in my own opinion (since I am much older and wiser) before I read their comments.

Nancy Lopez, the amazing female golfer, who is married to the baseball legend, Ray Knight, has a unique look on pride in the sports world.  She states, " A competitor will find a way to win. Competitors take bad breaks and use them to drive themselves just that much harder. Quitters take bad breaks and use them as reasons to give up. It's all a matter of pride."  That just rendered me speechless for a few minutes.  This quote drips with the truth of life.  

I, myself, have never been a quitter, and I am trying to teach my own children the same concept.  Sports is just one area, but it mimics life in the way of strength, tenacity, and willpower.  If you quit one thing, it is so much easier to continue that downward spiral into the loser abyss.  In Proverbs it discusses the fact that when Christians are knocked down, they continue to get back up and prosper....no matter how many times they fall.  (Even though pride is considered one of the seven deadly sins...)

The lesson in pride is that when it is used to build character, it is a phenomenal attribute to possess.  Too much pride can weaken anyone...just like greed, wrath, envy, and etc. 

My question that I want you to ask yourself today is:  "Am I a competitor or a quitter and what does that say about my character and to those around me?"

Carpe Diem,
Brandi 

Mom! We Don't Have Any Diapers!

Huh?  Reese prances into my room and announces that we have no diapers for her baby.  I was grading quizzes and halfway watching Million Dollar Baby, so I informed her that we would definitely get some the next time we went to Walmart.  I thought that would suffice my little mini me....I should have known better.  I mean she walked out of the room like everything was fine...jeez, I don't why I thought I had satisfied her request.  The next thing I know she prances back in there with a smile on her face....and a pad.  Yes, the kids were cleaning out the garage, and we had a box full of stuff which included some Kotex that I keep under the sink for any female visitors...I'm definitely not going to write in my blog that I have two older daughters that might need them...they would be mortified!  (HUGE smile plastered on my face)  Someone just placed the basket on top of the bathroom counter, and Reese thought she was in "diaper" heaven.  OMG!!!!  To top it off, she found some "feminine wipes" and was using those as baby wipes.  I have to give it to the little peanut...she can definitely improvise with the best of them.  When I saw her, she looked at me with those big, beautiful, blue eyes practically begging for permission (and afraid she was about to get ripped), and I said, "Knock yourself out, chica!"

That girl keeps me entertained and laughing all the time!!!  God knew what he was doing when He blessed me with that little "oopsie!"  Thank the Lord the birth control didn't work!!!    

Pandora's Secret Revealed

Curiosity got the best of me, so I emailed Pandora Radio about why they chose their name.  Jesse was ready, willing, and eager to answer my question....not only answer it, but answer it with a passionate voice.  Here is the reply I received:

The name Pandora means "all gifted" in Greek. In ancient Greek mythology, Pandora received many gifts from the Gods, including the gift of music, from Apollo. She was also, as we all know, insatiably curious.

Unlike those Gods of old, however, we celebrate that virtue and have made it our mission to reward the musically curious among us with a never-ending experience of music discovery.

It's also important to note that at the bottom of Pandora's box was Hope...

Isn't that awesome? I can honestly say that I will be a Pandora fan for life with that kind of depth for a name.  I can finally admit that I am truly, madly, and deeply in love with Pandora Radio!!!  The two words that stuck out to me the most in his reply were "insatiably" and "hope."  I have always loved the word hope.  No one can live without hope and music has saved numerous people....only God knows how many.  Now, the other word, "insatiable"....it means "impossible to satisfy."  I have felt that way many times in my life....due to my addictive personality, and I love the word.  A friend of mine uses it a lot for different reasons, and it has become one of my favorite words.  So, seeing Jesse use it by saying "insatiably curious," well, I LOVE IT!!!!!

CARPE DIEM!!!

Skyler Diaz and Unconditional Love

I met Skyler Diaz when he came into my class as a freshman.  That kid was loaded with energy and surprises.  I can honestly say that since he graduated last year, I miss him....tremendously.  His unique laughter used to fill the hallways and would always bring a smile to my face.  The kid (now a young college man) seriously made me laugh every day!


This morning I noticed that I had a tag from Skyler on Facebook, and my heart melted and made me want to cry.

"Kids you are in high school what the he'll do u know about love? Did y'all not listen in Brandi Tyson Enriquez class when she taught Shakespeare. Now that is love to die for someone to put someone before yourself. That ia love. So until y'all can do this I could care less. And the only real unconditional love now days is from a mother!"

 I have seen that kid mature into a very intelligent young man where life is concerned.  He made me think about the subject of love and how important it is in our lives.

What is unconditional love?  It is the type of love where you love someone no matter their faults or mistakes.  Everyone screws up in life, but it is the people who love them unconditionally that give them the hope to keep moving, living, and dreaming..  There are numerous people in this world who have never been loved in such a way, so I feel extremely blessed to have quite a few people in my life that love me through my failures. Only God knows the number of mistakes I have made....and I really hope he lost count!  

 True, unconditional love can be a scary concept, but it should never scare us enough to stop loving.  If you think about it, most of our hearts are very fragile....whether we care to admit to it or not.  Believe it or not, mine is very sensitive....I hate to admit it to everyone, but I have a soft, kind heart and sometimes it gets me into trouble.  Minerva/Clairee/Mere likes to remind me that I wear my heart on my sleeve, and I hate to admit it, but she is right...and it SUCKS!  I can be a real superb*tch, but underneath the tough exterior lies sensitivity.  UGH!

Of course, I love my family unconditionally, but I can also tell you that I love my two soul sisters unconditionally as well.  God puts people in our lives for certain reasons, and he wants us to love.  Remember what it says in the Bible:

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.  

1 Corinthians 13:13

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails  1 Corinthians 4-8


So, do me a favor....give someone a hug and tell them you love them today.  Hugs release the good endorphins and telling them that you love them is the icing on cake!


CARPE DIEM!!!

Pandora Continues....

Pandora has caused quite the comments among my two soul sisters, Minerva/Clairee (Meredith) and Aphrodite/Superb*tch (Toni).  For the record Pandora is not new to me, but the school decided to block it awhile back for some reason.  This year they decided to remove the censorship and let us have it....I pray that it continues!  The ap has been present on my phone for a few years, and I used it occasionally, but I just totally forgot about it when the school denied us the privilege!

Minerva reminded me of Pandora being a huge part of the Music Genome Project....so I decided to include a brief synopsis of the the kick arse website....http://www.pandora.com/corporate/....check it out everyone...pretty cool concept!

Something else that I just LOVE about Pandora is that I play music for my amazing students on Fridays while they do their SSR (Sustained Silent Reading)....you know what I have learned from doing this for the last 3 weeks?  They stay more focused!  Who would have ever believed that music could have such mesmerizing power over teenagers?  Bwahahahaha!!!  Duh!  They have earbuds permanently implanted in their ears!  The thing that cracks me up is that it really doesn't matter what type of music is playing.....mine is "school friendly," but I play all type of genres:  reggae, alternative, country, 80's (Vanilla Ice Ice Baby), rock, and etc...

AND I am going to email my new love right now and ask who was the lucky person to draw this cool name out of the hat.....I'll keep you posted!

So now that I have reintroduced you to the power of music....get out there and dance and sing!  Live life to the fullest....and remember that positive attitudes are contagious.....I would have to say dancing and singing are as well! 

SHAKE IT UP, BABY!

Opening Pandora's Box

PANDORA RADIO!!!  I am in love with Pandora Radio....I said I would never get married again, but Pandora is pretty irresistible.  If you don't have it as an ap on your smart phone (if you have a dumb phone, you are screwed), then do so now or go to www.pandora.com.  F-R-E-E music on demand....what is your listening pleasure?  Johnny Cash?  Ludacris?  Kenny Rogers?  Metallica?  Type in the name, song, or genre, and you are hooked!  Pandora actually plays the type of music YOU want to hear...

Now, who IS Pandora?  Did the creators throw random names in a hat and draw?  I have no idea....maybe I will email them and ask.  Anywho, I am going to assume (since this is a free country) that Pandora is a reference to mythology.  According to Edith Hamilton's Mythology, Pandora was the name given to a woman who was extremely beautiful and lavished with gifts.  Her name actually meant "the gift of all." 

All of you love music, and you can't deny it.  It toys with our emotions on a daily basis, and we love it for that.  It possesses the power to make us dance, sing, cry, punch a wall (woah....maybe that is just me), or feel an absolute peace.  I am musically challenged, but that doesn't mean I can't enjoy the beauty of lyrics, harmony, and rhythm....

So, check it out, download the ap to your phone, and save it as a favorite on your computer....it may just change your outlook on your day, week, month, or year!  And would you all do me a favor?  Venture out in your music selections.  Toni finally convinced me to listen to some country music, and I have to admit there are some good songs....the music may suck sometimes, but the lyrics can be extremely powerful.  You may be missing out on a great opportunity in life by being conservative.....CARPE DIEM!

Peace is Not Overrated

Many of the things I love begin with the words fresh or new....newborn, fresh sheets, freshly bathed children, freshly baked bread, new roses, and a new beginning.  Thursday, September 1, Connor, Jameson, Reese, and I made a huge pallet of blankets in the living room floor and watched movies in our (once again) new house.

There is something unique and surreal about that house that brings peace and tranquility to my soul and to my children as well.  Maybe it is because it is quiet (well, the neighborhood is) or maybe it is because there is plenty of room to spread out and allow the children's imaginations to run wild OR maybe it is because I can sit in my favorite chair (the first piece of new furniture my grandmother and grandfather ever bought) on the screened-in back porch with a glass of red wine and a book in nothing but my panties and a cami!  Awwwww....the serenity of freedom!!!!

We are still adjusting to our routines, but once we master that concept, it will be nothing but gravy!!!!  The boys are truly enjoying Early, and it makes my heart fill with pride....Longhorn pride!  The only thing that would make everything perfect would be if Peyton and Brooklyn joined the herd, but I am carefree with their choice as long as they are happy. 

Seems to be that everyone is extremely happy at the house....even Sophie and Artemis.  Sophie is our German Shepherd (big) puppy who had to fight parvo to stay alive a few months ago, and she races back in forth in that backyard like nobody's business!!!  Artemis is a tiny kitten who loves to hunt bugs and sneak around, and she has gone from a scrawny kitty to a roly poly in no time!  Her Garfield belly basically drags the floor...

I have a plaque on my nightstand that says, "Life is Good."  And you know what, Life IS Good!

CARPE DIEM!!!!

July 10 Blog...Just a Wee Bit Late

(This blog was created while flying to London, but I never had a chance to send it.)

At this very moment it is 1:38 am, and we are traveling at an altitude of 33,000 ft and are over the Grand Banks.  Ricky is sleeping, and I am wide awake.  WTH????  I am very tired, but that stupid hamster in my head won't get off his stupid wheel!  Plus, have you ever tried sleeping in an airplane seat....I'm thinking the flight attendant chica or chico needs to make an alcohol run down our aisle!  It hasn't been too eventful so far, but I know we have a lot in store.  Patience was never my virtue...right Mom?  I wore my A.D.D. shirt just for this flight in case anyone wants to question my antsy behavior and why everyone is asleep on this ginormous plane except me.  I am thankful that Ricky has his computer so that I can at least type out some of my thoughts...I can't give them all away though...might get me in some trouble!  I just finished watching Hall Pass (a bit crude, but that is me) which is hilarious.  And I have listened to tons of music....U2, Love and Rockets, Coolio, Lady Antebellum, 50 Cent, Adele, Joss Stone, Pat Green, and jamming to Tupac right now!  Yes, my ipod is full of an array of music....

I'm giving a shout out to Bojana from Croatia...we all three entertained one another on the flight from Dallas to Atlanta.  She is a chemist who double majored in Chemistry and German, and she lives in Pittsburgh with her Croatian sweetheart whom she will marry in two weeks.  I would have never guessed in a million years that she was a chemist....I need to be slapped for thinking they all look geeky.  I hate (sorry , Mom, "dislike") when people stereotype, and then what did I go and do?  It's okay though because my therapist says that I am too honest all the time anyway.  I had my Chelsea book, and she commented on how she loves her....so, of course, we hit it off right away and ragged on our husband/soon-to-be-husband about being Chelsea haters.  She was an interesting chica who is fluent in four languages...seriously, I'm trying really hard right now not to stereotype because she was so down to earth.  She also told us that Croatia was voted to have some of the best beaches in the world....guess what place I'm googling when I get a chance?  Dang right...let's go to Croatia!  It's very close to Italy....win-win situation for me, baby!!!!

Speaking of Chelsea, I am on page 48 of her latest book, and I had to stop reading because my freaking cheeks hurt too bad from laughing.  She HAS to be one of the funniest chicas on the planet!  I know she is not for everyone, but my warped sense of humor loves her immensely.  If you have not heard of Chelsea Lately (on E!), go check her out...NOW!!  I will warn you that she is a bit crude (is that a hyperbole or an understatement...well, that statement right there is a paradox...and, yes, I am a nerdy English teacher and that is why you ALL love me) and speaks her mind, but the woman is hilarious!!!  You can pull her up on youtube to see if you like her...uh...hmmmm...let's see...unique form of wit (that's politically correct I think).  I would say she is like Golden Girl funny multiplied times 100...all the Golden Girls rolled into one!!!  Sprinkle in a little Dorothy for intellect, a dash of Rose for the blonde hair, two handfuls of Sophia and Blanche for obvious reasons...and the final product is Chelsea Handler!

I am pretty sure I am rambling at this point, but I am bored and NOT sleepy at 2:30 am Tejas time!  My cheeks are back to normal now, so I guess it is time for some more Chelsea...I still have three and a half hours until I meet the Queen!!!

When All is Lost, Faith is Found

Friday, June 17, was a horrible day for my husband.  Around 4 pm his new shop caught fire and burned to the ground.  Everyone escaped with not even a scratch, but much was lost.  Not only did he and his workers lose all their tools, but Ricky also lost his new iphone, laptop, and a bag full of cash that he was going to use for payroll.  Three vehicles were also burned to nothing including one that belonged to one of his best friends.  The place looks like a bombed out war zone.  That shop was Ricky’s pride and joy, for he invested everything he had into that place….blood, sweat, and money.   To make matters just a little worse, he had not put insurance on the shop yet.  He and his good friend, Frank, had been discussing quotes and such, but nothing had been etched in stone.

But my husband is an optimist.  I know it shocked the hell out of him, but he has been through a lot in his lifetime.  He has learned to persevere in the face of adversity, and it has made him into an extremely strong person.  The outpouring of support from everyone truly amazes me.  I always knew that everyone loved Ricky, and the community has rallied around him in such an incredible way.  Ricky said on Saturday that he wants to start going to church again and make it a priority.  The preacher discussed the loss and how an account has been set up to help Ricky (and his co-workers) get back on their feet.  Everyone in the church was just showering him with offers to help, and I know it made him feel extremely loved and appreciated.

Yesterday I watched as Ricky, Matthew, James, and Wesley worked to try and get back on their feet.  The shop at our house is smaller, but it will work in a pinch.  They were trying to clean some tools (to see if anything was salvageable), working on cars, and just doing a little bit of everything.  Ricky lost so much in that fire, but he did not lose his determination, pride, or hard work ethic.  He is a rock through and through. 

I truly believe that something good will prevail in this tragedy because God has a way of turning lemons into lemonade when we allow Him.

Proverbs 3: 5-6

My Pride and Joy

Lesleigh Conway.  Six years ago I was blessed with a student who changed my life.  Honestly, I don't remember a whole lot about her freshmen year (other than she was a hard worker), but she became my aide her senior year and a bond was formed.  There is no one in this world like Lesleigh.  One of her favorite quotes is:  "Well behaved women rarely make history."  This is Lesleigh.  She speaks her mind....all the time.  It is refreshing to see someone so young who is not afraid to say exactly what she is thinking.  This is a woman who knows what she wants in life and jumps on it.  She is a double major in Spanish and Communications and is currently in Pamplona, Spain studying for five weeks.  Now, we are talking about a small town girl from Comanche, Texas, who has never even left Texas, jumping on a plane for a new world.  Proud is an understatement. 

I truly believe the world would be a better place if we had more Lesleighs.  Her never say die attitude is genuine and honest.  My life will forever be enriched because of her, and she will always be my pride and joy.

Check out her blog:  http://lesleighconway.blogspot.com/

Back With a Vengeance

Someone informed me today...very rudely I may add...that I have NOT posted since June 1.  I guess this certain person assumes that teachers actually receive a holiday when the kids do as well.....hmmmm....NOPE!  This "vacationing" teacher has been so busy it would make your head spin.  Scrubbing baseboards.  Rearranging furniture.  Removing a year's worth of dust.  Hanging pictures.  Playing referee to a four year old and 12 year old.  Laundry.  Sweeping.  Mopping.  Drinking cerveza....yes, I do occasionally during the summer during the day because it is so hot....not going to lie.  Plus, Ricky said today to Jameson, "Now, I know why your mom is drinking by the time I get home."  HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!  I'm not a good housewife.  I do not like staying home and cleaning...never have.  I feel as though housework is montonous and never ending!  I would much rather be out and about doing.....well, anything else.  BUT I do love a clean house, so I will suffer through it.  I love the smell of Pledge, bleach, and fresh sheets.  My mom's house always smells like a fresh spring day, and I strive for mine to at least smell....fresh. 

So, my life has revolved around making my house back into a home, but I do take frequent breaks.  I am the master of my own domain, and I love it!  No bells.  No lesson plans.  No grading!!!!!  But, I will start missing it about the time I return from England and will be refreshed for another school year.  As for now, I will be my own boss and drink in every part of life.

Cheers!

Oops

4:30 am?  Really?  I have no earthly idea why my brain decided it was time to get up so dang early in the morning!!  BUT I decided to make the best of it...made some coffee, checked my email, played some "words with friends," and facebooked a bit.  I finally decided to pull on my clothes and head to work.  There was such a breathtaking sunrise this morning with hints of lavendar, orange, and yellow.  As I was soaking in the brushstrokes of God, something happened....

For the record let me say that I never thought I would like driving a car....I love big vehicles - trucks, suburbans, hummers - but I am really enjoying my car.  I forgot how fun it was to drive a five speed.  I probably should have been a race car driver due to my driving skills (or lack thereof according to my friend, Lisa).  The adrenalin rush from zipping around corners, passing the turtle cars, shifting gears with intensity...LOVE IT!  My little car will actually hit 120 mph....I had to personally test its efficiency in case of an emergency....hello! 

Now, with that being said, I must tell you this is a sad day....my zoom zoom car will be in the hospital for awhile.  A fawn and a skunk lost their lives today in a head on collision with my fender.  Actually, the fender was nearly ripped off the front of my little speed demon.  My heart went out to the baby deer, but the skunk can rot for all I care.  Whitey stinks now...ugh! 

My husband is the best guy I know.  I called him, and he said to drive it back home....I guess he didn't really care that my fender was dragging the ground like a lifeless body.  When I returned home, my knight in shining armor was already up and ready to access the damage (an hour or so before he usually wakes).  Yep, my little speed demon was hurt alright....poor thing.  BUT Ricky will be my saving grace and have her looking good as new in no time.  My Renaissance Man!

But we had another problem.  My joy riding teenager, Brooklyn Janai Allen, ran nearly all of the gas out of my car this weekend, SO my sweet hubby used his emergency gas (remember we live in May...10 miles from the nearest station) to save me.

Although my morning was a train wreck, I still have a smile on my face, for I know it is going to be a wonderful day!!!!  Carpe diem, baby!

To Be or Not to Be...

Isn't that the question?  Hamlet pondered this complex idea while contemplating suicide.  Individuals who have studied the play know that his famous lines were about his struggle with the death of his father and the betrayal of his uncle.  He did not know whether to avenge his father's murder or just end his own life.  Such a powerful tragedy...

Those who have NOT been blessed with this literary jewel in their reading repertoire usually think the famous lines refer to living life to the fullest or just existing.  I, for one, believe that "to be" is the answer.  Life can be so mundane, but it can hold such wildness and intrigue.  You have a choice...either settle or live....pretty much the same choice that Shakespeare gave Hamlet....more or less.  Yes, we all have responsibilities - jobs, families, obligations, bills - BUT that should not stop you from throwing caution to the wind.

Have you ever played in the warm, summer rain with your kids?  I love it!!!  Their contagious laughter warms my heart and soul.

When is the last time you really stopped and smelled the roses?  My husband does all the time.  He loves roses and is very good at growing them.  It doesn't matter what he is doing; he will literally stop and inhale the sweet scent of a rose.

Are you spontaneous?  Spontaneity is the honeysuckle of life.  A small taste will leave you wanting more, but it is the sparsity of it that makes it so inviting.

Hamlet is an intense drama that ends in death, but isn't that our fate as well?  No one can live our lives for us, so we need to make the best of EVERY day, for we never know when it will be our last.

What's in a Name?

Christopher Connor Allen. 

I named my oldest son after my cousin, Christopher Allen Dutton.  12 years ago when I was pregnant with Connor, I asked my Aunt Vic if it would be okay to name my baby Christopher if it was a boy.  I told her that we would call the baby Connor, but I wanted him to have the name. 

Chris was a huge chunk of my heart.  We were born nine days apart, and we loved each other more like brother and sister than cousins.  When he drowned 15 years ago, my heart shattered into pieces, but I don't want to dwell on his physical absence....I prefer to explain why I feel his legacy lives on in my son.

Connor and I have always had a special bond, and I think a huge part of that is due to Chris.  When Connor was little, he didn't have a security blanket...he slept with a flannel shirt....Chris' shirt.  It kind of freaked me out at first that he chose that shirt of all things, but I loved the idea that he wanted THAT shirt.  I knew from that moment on that Chris would be with me every day through the presence of my son.

There are so many things I could write about Connor because I am a very proud mother who likes to brag on all her kids...his athleticisim, intelligence, and etc.  Yesterday he and I were sitting on the couch while I was writing, and I showed him my blog.  He said he would like to put something on my blog, and I told him to go for it.  This morning I woke up to find this entry:

FRIENDSHIP

Friendship is a way of life.  It soothes the human soul in a fire never extinguished.  It comes in many shapes and sizes.  It exists in people's homes, schools, and families.  We work together like family members helping in the kitchen.  To be a friend you have to be like a true friend.  You need a pack of wolves to not be a lone wolf.  Friendship needs to be in everyone's life.  Why not you?

I love it.  It is raw, young writing that can blossom as he grows.  I can't wait to see where this road leads.  And although Chris wasn't a writer, I am (however amateur it may be), and it brings tears to my eyes to see our hearts joined in Connor.

 

Thoughts and Jots

Although I have been very busy lately, I haven't been very busy lately.  Ah, the paradox of life!  School is out for the kiddos, but the masterminds who instruct the little darlings are left behind.  That's right, Bush....LEFT BEHIND!!!  So, my mind is in a different state of "busy."  I'm as bad as the students as far as wanting to get out and play for the summer....so much fun ahead and so much work!

June will be full of workshops and agendas, but we will also throw in some camping, fishing, and road trips!!!  All work and no play makes this woman cranky!

Two weeks of July will be filled with Ricky and I traveling to England and Ireland....I CAN'T WAIT!!!  I'm going to miss my kids as always, but the traveling just renews my spirit and soul.  Something I desperately need....

The Universal Love of Coffee

Coffee is one of my best friends in the world!  It lifts me up when I am down and comforts me in times of stress and times I would rather not mention in a public blog.  Almost everyone I know is in love with coffee.  And the love of it does not stop at the American borders...oh no...it is universal, baby!

It seems like almost everyone is a slave to this little concoction.  In Mexico they usually drink Nescafe instant coffee.  The coffee in Italy and France is so potent that one sip of the thick sludge will have you pumped for hours.  If you happen to find yourself in Europe, ask for AMERICAN coffee...guess we aren't as tough as the Italians and French.  Haitian coffee is also amazingly strong....I'm beginning to think the Americans need to toughen up a bit.  When I was in Haiti eight years ago, they didn't have coffee shops/cafes.  Women sold the coffee from huge pots (like we cook soup/stew in) on the streets and ladled it into a cup....in fact this was the "profession" of Peyton's birth mom.

Ethiopia + Kaldi Legend + Goats = COFFEE!!!  Kaldi, a goatherder from Ethiopia, was chilling with his goats and noticed them eating certain berries from a tree.  After indulging in the berries, the goats would be bouncing off the walls.  Kaldi applied some deductive reasoning and came to the conclusion that the berries were powerful.  He reported this finding to his superiors (aka...some monks), and they in turn told the Arabs.  Everyone was stoked because the "brew" they created kept them awake for prayers and such.  You see, alcohol was banned by the Koran, but coffe was not....guess the Muslims haven't figured out that caffeine is a drug...just a legal one for all ages.  (We will keep that our secret...) 

We were the last ones to discover this awesome revelation....probably the reason our coffee is so weak.  The process has been filtered through many cultures, and we received the bottom of the barrel.  Oh well, I love it, love it, LOVE IT!!!!!  Cream and sugar with my cup of Joe, please....or if you want to be super nice, bring me a vanilla latte from Starbucks, and I will love you forever!!!

Source:  http://www.ncausa.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=68

Unique Redheads

Started thinking about the power of redheads today...you know, since I AM one.  Less than FOUR percent of the world's population has red hair!!!  4%!!!!  The blondes and brunettes are a dime a dozen, but the redheads are the rarest of jewels!  I knew we were unique, but check out some of these facts:

1.  We will never get gray hair...YES!!!!!
2.  Red hair is a genetic mutation...meaning it was a beautiful "oops."
3.  Most redheads live in Ireland, England, and Australia...hence the reason I need to move!
4.  It takes 20% more drugs to sedate us for surgery...that was proven during my "surgery" after Reese.
5.  In the early 30's, 40's, and 50's there was a WOMEN'S basketball team called the redheads...for obvious reasons! 
6.  Eve had red hair!!!
7.  Redheads used to be seen as witches, but we now know the "w" in that word has been replaced with a "b."
8.  Hitler banned the marriage of two redheads because he thought they would produce "deviant offspring!"  What a freaking hypocrite!!!
9.  In France, being a redhead puts you on a pedestal.
10.  We happen to get stung by bees more often....that is why I always try to show love to the bees...
11.  If I believed in Greek mythology, I would become a vampire when I die.

Crazy stuff, right?  More facts exist, but I try to keep this blog as family friendly as possible, so you guys will have to do your own research to learn more about the power of redheads.

Break the Monotony

About eight years ago I was diagnosed with an addictive personality.  Although I could dwell on the negative side, I prefer to ponder the positive side of this "disease."

Adventure is my biggest addiction.  I was never one for the rat race of life....never wanted to go with the flow....not my style.  I truly believe that God did not intend for human beings to just exist in this world....He wants us to live life and experience all that He has set forth for us. 

Have you ever been to Italy?  Words do not give justice to its beauty nor the scrumptious food that teases the pallate with every bite.  And the churches?  I was born and raised Baptist, but when I stepped into the most gorgeous Catholic church in Milan, it took my breath away....literally.  I felt His presence of peace like no other...God's omnipotent power wraps around you like a familiar blanket.  And I felt the same feeling in almost every church we visited....I had never experienced that before in any church.

Venice was a maze of "water streets," and it portrayed a unique life like no other.  Florence.  Ah, Florence cannot escape any artist's eye due to the elegance and charm seeping from its core.  Verona.  Verona will always remain my favorite due to Romeo and Juliet.  It is a smaller town with a huge history, and it just blushes with love and adoration.  Verona can be described as an elegant woman who does not realize the beauty she possesses....humble beauty is the most powerful of all.

So many adventures await us all....the world is not contained within the United States.  And, yes, Italy and Paris were absolutely astounding but spending nine weeks in Haiti humbled me for eternity.  Adventure doesn't have to be about spending tons of money.  Adventure is supposed to be about educating yourself about the world and in the process finding out new things about yourself.

Grab a backpack.  Book your ticket.  And get the heck out of dodge.  If you want some advice on how to travel cheaply, email me.  It doesn't take an arm and a leg to bring some life into your existence.

Metaphorical Bridges

Writer's block.  What the heck?  Usually I can flow with ease...usually my hands can't type fast enough to keep up with my mind, but now my thoughts are just jumping back and forth....feels like someone is playing ping pong with my brain.

Bridges keep popping to my mind, so maybe the ping pong game will cease for a bit.

I firmly believe that friendship bridges are essential to life.  Where would anyone be without friends?  Lonely planet is where they would call home.  Just like physical bridges, friendships have to be constructed on a solid foundation.  Trust is that foundation.  Break the trust and you have just burned the bridge, and some bridges and friendships take years to build.  Constructing a bridge is like building a relationship.  If planned and constructed carefully, it will last for numerous years.  BUT if any defects exist in the foundation, the structure will weaken the flawed bridge over time, and eventually it will come crashing to the ground.  Sound familiar with the trust factor?  Ever been betrayed by a friend?  Have YOU ever betrayed someone?  It is a sick feeling that weighs heavily on one's heart.  Those friendship bridges are created with the nails of love.  Love and trust go hand in hand, and those bridges will sustain you through the hardest of times and have you rolling in the floor laughing your ba-donka-donk off during the good times.

Do your best not to burn any bridges...just shower those friends with love!!!

Just Can't Do It

I have started this blog numerous times today, and I just can't do it.  I can't write.  My mind hurts because my heart is in pain.  My childhood buddy...no, my brother, will be buried tomorrow.  The sorrow hangs on me like a weighted cloak....my shoulders slump, my muscles ache, my head pounds.

And if I feel this way, what about Shellye, Laura, and Loretta?  What about their children?  How many lives did Bobby Jack Hunt, Jr. actually touch?  Thousands?  Tens of thousands?  Hundreds of thousands?

Depression will not allow me to attend the funeral.  It will twist my mind and body and render me lifeless.  Closure does not come for me at funerals, for the memories live on forever.  I will honor Bobby in my own way and keep his memory alive through stories and laughter.  As long as I am alive, Bobby Jack Hunt, Jr. will never be forgotten.

Ad Worthy

It just thrills my heart to know my blog is ad worthy of Playtex Tampons! 

Is it because I am female?  No.
Because I have daughters?  Nope.
Maybe because it is random?  Nah.

The ads are supposed to be based on my material in my blog....hmmmmm....I guess Jameson's misunderstanding of the word POM POM has me marked for tampon ads for the rest of my blogging career!  Woohoo!  The ironic thing is that every time I say "tampon," I will receive more ads on "feminine products." 

Reckless mind +  vastly shallow vocabulary = a whole new craziness to Lady Loca's World!!!

I can't stop laughing.....

A New Look on Pigs

(A disclaimer for my son's use of vernacular in this post....I SURELY did not teach him to speak in this manner.)

My husband should have been a teacher.....very patient and knowledgeable in every aspect of life. He absolutely adores teaching my kids (and everyone else who wants to learn), and THAT is one of the things I adore about him........99% of the time.

Now let's discuss the other 1%.  And, yes, it involves Jameson.

A few weeks ago, Jameson and Connor were riding with Papa Ricky in his car while I was riding with the girls (and my new 16 year old chauffer, Brooklyn).  We were "sharing" the five blessings of our life with Hubba and Gramsy while we spent a little quality time on our anniversary.  Little did I know that Papa Ricky would pick this time to educate my boys on pigs.  It went a little something like this:

The boys and Papa Ricky were discussing hog hunting. 

Papa Ricky:  "Yes, when I was younger, my dad would get a pig.  We would cut off his balls and fatten him up."

Connor was busting a gut laughing while Jameson had a perplexed look on his face. 

Jameson:  "So, Papa Ricky, all the fat people don't have balls?"

Oh, now both Papa Ricky and Connor were about to cry from laughing so hard.  Papa Ricky had to explain the whole concept to Jameson, and I think the light bulb eventually did come on....however dim it might have been.

Papa Ricky went on to explain that what was said in the car was "boy talk" and did not need to be discussed with anyone else....especially their three sisters and Gramsy!!!

Jameson Blaise Pierre Allen:  My Muse

Bobby Jack

Thousands of heavy hearts awoke to a cloudy morning.  I usually love these days, but today I am finding it extremely hard to smile.  A light was extinguished yesterday, and no one will ever be able to replace Bobby Jack Hunt.  Sadness and depression could be my constant companions right now, but I know without a shadow of a doubt that if Bobby was sitting right here beside me, he would be cracking jokes....and probably talk about farting!

"I am ready to meet my Maker.  Whether my Maker is prepared for the ordeal of meeting me is another matter." - Winston Churchill 

Is this a quote for Bobby or what?  I can only imagine what he said to God when he made it to the gates of Heaven.  Probably went something like this:

Bobby:  "Knock, knock"
God:  "Who's there?"
Bobby:  "Bobby."
God:  "Bobby who?"
Bobby:  "Bobby Jack Hunt."
God:  "Bobby Jack Hunt who?"

I truly believe God has a sense of humor, and I am sure He and  Bobby are laughing so hard about, well, everything while Joy sits there shaking her head and saying, "BOBBY JACK!" 

I am going to miss Bobby with every ounce of my being.  After Bundy's funeral, he lightened the mood significantly!  I think most of us were still in such shock and pain, and Bobby, being Bobby, had us all laughing so hard that we were just about peeing our pants!!!  No one else in this world could do that....just Bobby.

I love you, Bobby.

Definition of Happiness

Let's pretend I am a shrink for all of about 2 minutes.  This profession truly enjoys using word association games which are pretty easy....or at least it seems to be a simple task for the patient.  They basically give you a word, and you say the first thing that comes to mind.  For example, he/she may say dog.  You say cat.  Very simple.

Here we go:  I say happiness, and you say....Money?  Family?  Friends?  Impossible?

Reality = happiness for me.  Debby Doss (a strong, amazing woman and my ex-mother-in-law) once gave me the best advice I have ever received.  She said, "You can't be happy with anyone else until you are happy with yourself."  THAT is the  REALITY of HAPPINESS!  I am a realist, and I'm not ashamed to admit it.  There have been numerous times when I have wished to be more like my mother and be able to sprinkle sunshine every place I go.  Positive vibes ooze from her every pore, and that is why I think she is an earthly angel.  BUT God created me differently, and I embrace my differences.

Am I full of happiness all the time?  Nope, but I am happy and extremely blessed.  I'm sure I looked like something that crawled out of Dante's Inferno for quite a few years due to a few rough roads I traveled.  BUT now I have so many people telling me how happy I look....well, that just makes me grin from ear to ear!  The reality is that I found happiness within myself, and I share it with my wonderful husband and kids! 

How do you find happiness within yourself?  Dig, baby, dig!  Here are a few of my guidelines:
1.  God must be the foundation - NO EXCEPTIONS!
2.  Don't take anyone you love for granted
3.  Pick your battles
4.  Love your kids, spouse, family, and friends unconditionally
5.  Take risks
6.  Have no regrets

Now, how are YOU going to apply this to your life?

The Importance of Pronunciation

Jameson.  I love my son SO much, and I really believe he is going to provide a tremendous amount of material for my writing (well, he and Reese).

Yesterday I was sitting in the bathroom watching Reese take a bath and "make me some coffee" with her bath water.  Jameson was in the process of collecting all the trash in the house (his contribution to the chore load).  As he was bringing in the bathroom trash can, he said, "Mom, do you have anymore tampons?"  No, surely my 12 YEAR OLD SON did NOT just ask me for tampons..."Jameson, what did you just say?"  "Do you have some tampons?"  I still thought my years of blaring music into my ears deceived me, so I asked him to repeat it a THIRD time.  Again, "Uh, I was wondering if you have tampons?"  So, I finally asked him, "Jameson, why do you need tampons?"  He said, "I want to give them to Reese to play with." 

I will give you a few minutes to let that one sink in....thoroughly....

I had to ask him what he thought a tampon was because I was just sitting there looking dumbfounded at his request!  He replied, "You know so she can use them to cheer."  OOOOOOHHHHHHHH!!!  I tried so hard not to laugh, but I just couldn't help it!  He wanted POM-POMS!!! 

I briefly fiddled with the idea of explaining the difference, but Jameson would need a whole day for the information....8 pm at night was not the right time to explain all of THAT!!!!

Vernacular

An elementary teacher friend of mine sent out an email asking for our favorite word for her class project.  Believe it or not, I really struggled with this assignment.  My favorite word?  I usually have 3 - 4 books going at one time, so choosing one word for my favorite is like trying to choose a favorite snowflake.

Personally, my most beloved word is faith.  I adore this word so much that I even had it tattooed on the inside of my left wrist.  Of course, my friend and I teach in a public school, so I have to leave God out of the equation.  BOO!!!  We will save this topic for another day....

Vernacular.  My favorite (noncontroversial) word is vernacular.  It is a cool word for "slang," and I enjoy it because every language on earth has its own vernacular.  Spanish has numerous dialects throughout the world...just depends on which country you happen to call home for the day. 

Dante Aligheri is the perfect example for the explanation of this amazing word.  Dante wrote The Divine Comedy (which includes the famous Inferno), and in turn basically created the beautiful Italian language spoken today in the elegant country of Italy.  During Dante's time, numerous dialects were spoken in Italy, and it was extremely difficult for the multitude of areas to communicate.  So, instead of writing in Latin and following the road of all the other writers, he jumped outside the box and created the Italian language in the process.  I LOVE Dante!!!  What a genius!!!!

 

A Few Love Nuggets

Cloudy days with the potential for rain.  Inhaling the scent of my kids after their baths.  Laughing until my side hurts.  The adrenalin rush of riding a crotch rocket. 

These are just a few of the things in my world that I love.