Happy Birthday to my Sister

Happy Birthday to one of the most talented, generous, kind hearted, gorgeous, intelligent, charming and enchanting people on planet earth- My little sister.





As a baby, I got to feed you bottles and teach you silly games. I remember playing with you for hours. I would go into your room early in the morning. I was never allowed to get you out of the crib, so I would just put a pillow under your head and cover you up, making sure you were comfy cozy. Then I would talk to you or read to you, until it was time for you to be fed. You were like were my very own "live doll." You always had a smile on your face, so either I was very entertaining to you-or even at a young age you were extremely polite....we'll go with polite. ;) I soooo wanted to drop out of school rather than attend second grade, because I didn't want to be away from you. ( You probably don't remember the conversation we had about that, you were pretty young at the time. ) I guess it's good that I continued my education, cause I had a lot more to teach you....







When you were a youngster, I remember showing you the ropes. I would push your little "eggmobile" around the backyard for you when you couldn't maneuver it very well...until one day you were doing it yourself. We played on the swing set together until you could slide on your own and swing like a pro. And lets not forget the always useful, "how to clean your plate trick." I believe that came in handy more than once. ;)













When I was a teenager, I remember helping you with homework. ( Amazingly, you still passed. :) I also recall giving you much useful advice....okay, advice. As the older sister, I also paved the road of mistakes and wild behavior; thereby, making your teen years much easier by comparison. (No need to thank me. ;) Not that I needed to, you were always a good egg....






You are one of the sweetest memories of childhood that I have. It was an honor to do time with you...I mean spend time with you, while we were doing time...or something like that. Anyway, I'm glad we always had each other's back. I'll always be your wingman-whatever, whenever, forever. Also,...Even though we are grown, you will always be my favorite cellmate,... I mean sibling. :)





Although I am older, you far surpass me in every other aspect. Your prettier, classier, more refined, more generous, more talented, more... well, everything. (except- perhaps funnier....or maybe... not even that! ;) You are extraordinary! I marvel at how exceptional you are....




Your humanitarian nature and efforts are to be applauded. Your talent in your profession is awe inspiring. Your grace under pressure is like none I have ever witnessed before. You are one of the kindest, most generous, loveable people I have ever known. And one of the most beautiful also. Your physical beauty is only rivaled by the beauty of your soul....





Yet, with all that you are...I don't feel even an ounce of sibling rivalry. Nope, not one iota. I Never have. I Never will. I am, as I have always been, honored to call you my sister. Blessed that you are also my friend....






So on this special day, of your 29th year...;)....I wish you for you, what you have given to so many others: happiness, utter joy, peace, bliss, friendship and above all else, I wish you Love. I love you. I will always love you......




Wait!!! Is anyone else singing Whitney Houston in their head about right now? Oh man. That just won't do at all! I would hate to end this beautiful, celebratory blog with that song stuck in your head all day. I couldn't live with myself if I did that. But I could live with myself if I did this.....












Ta.. Ran... Ta... Rah....,Ta....Ran...Ta....Rah....,Ta ran ta rah, Ta ran ta rah,Ta ran ta rah, Ta ran ta raaaah, Ta-Ran-Ta-Rah!!!!




I can definately live with THAT. Yep, Funnier...that's all I've got. ;) Happy Birthday Sweet Sister! I love you!!!

He's Just Not that into You...

Ricardo and I watched a movie on DVD this weeekend. "He's Just not that into You." Over the course of the last several days, I have watched it 2 more times. Can't say enough good things about this flick. It appealed to me on so many different levels. First of all it made me glad that I was no longer dating. For the obvious reasons, as well as the fact that I am so technologically challenged. Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, E-mail, Voicemail, Texting...whew! So many different ways for me to make an ass out of myself, it would be astounding....or perhaps that would be ASStounding.

Then, I had several issues with Scarlett J's character in the film. Actively pursuing a married man?!! Guess it's because I would NEVER make advances towards a married man. NEVER! Oh, and did I happen to mention NEVER?!!! I have always been the kind of girl who would never even date a friend's old ex-boyfriend out of respect for the friend. It's taboo in my book. So a married man?....puhleeeze!

Which brings me to Bradley Cooper's Character, he was the married man. (Wonderfully acted by the way.) I watched the film 2 more times to try to get a grasp on whether he was really torn about cheating on his wife, really in love with Scarlett, or just using any means necessary to get out of a marriage he felt trapped in.

Which brings me to Brad's film wife, Jennifer Connolly. Wow! She did great in this role. Thought she nailed the whole suspicious thing perfectly. I think you do just know instinctively when something is going on. And her emotions were acted out so honestly. I loved it.

And Ginnifer Goodwin,....forgetaboutit!!! She was a scream! Who hasn't been THAT girl?!!! Loved her!!!

I wish this book had been out when I was dating. Could have saved me so many anxious hours of waiting by the phone, rehashing conversations over and over in my mind until I could just scream, and wondering in general WHY things didn't work out. "He's just not that into you", such a simple statement; yet, sooooo enlightening !!!

The movie itself was great to sit and watch with your significant other. It opens up all kinds of dialogue. I laughed out loud when the two friends sitting on a bench were talking about getting dumped so skillfully that you thought it was your own idea. Haaaa! I told Ricardo how I had guys say: "You're just too nice." "You're the kind of girl that a guy marries, and I'm just not ready for that yet." and misc. other b.s. He told me, how guys say all kinds of things so that they don't appear rude, or hurt a girl's feelings. The whole "It's not you, it's me" thing. It was cool to see both sides of the same situation. We had a good laugh or two. And some serious conversation arose as well....

Believe you me, we had a looooong talk when Ricardo innocently said "The girlfriend is waaaay hotter than the wife." Exxxxsqueeze me?!! WTF?!! You better believe I pushed pause and got to the bottom of THAT comment right then and there. Was he condoning cheating as long as the girlfriend was hotter? Did he realize he was so utterly close to meeting his maker?! I'm glad to report that he was NOT condoning any such thing. He saw the gigantic, ginormous error of that comment. His thought/don't speak filter has been tuned up and his manhood is still intact and in good working order. Although he will have to leave it at home with me in the future when ever he is out on his own. ;) LOL!

Anyway, give me your opinion of this film? What did you like best about it? What could you relate to? Or if you haven't seen it, do yourself a favor and watch it. Better yet, watch it with someone you're dating, thinking about dating, or married to. It's great to see what conversation develops. In case you haven't seen it, I've attatched the movie trailor below. Enjoy....


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Been hoping around on one foot since last week. Using the other foot to kick myself in the ass. "Lost" my camera during last week's road trip. "Misplaced" would be a better word I guess. I know I had it at my Dad's house. I got it out, the battery died, and then it all gets a little fuzzy. I'm sure the camera is in the house somewhere. I just set it somewhere creative. It will still be in it's hiding spot (wherever that may be) come November when I journey back. However, it's a long time between now and then.

I feel as if I am missing an appendage or something. Not being able to take photos when I want to. Not being able to load the one's I have stored onto my computer. Ugh. It's going to be a long 4 months.

4 months of berating myself for being so irresponsible. Not to mention, 4 months of no photos on the blog. I don't know who the 4 months will be longer for- me or you! So, pardon the lack of photos in the meantime. (I'm sorry! ) I'll TRY to be creative without photos. And trust me, when I find my camera- I shall NEVER lose it again! The guilt is too encompassing. Now if you will excuse me, I gotta hop on downstairs for dinner.

Hop...."stupid, stupid girl"...Hop...."so friggin' irresponsible"....Hop...."should take better care of your belongings".....Hop, Hop....

Disturbia

We have a neighbor who peeks through the blinds of their upstairs window when we are at the pool. Not every time, but often enough. We will go out for a swim, and soon afterwards the blinds next door will creep open. Not all the way, just enough for someone to peer out and not be seen.







A twist to this already disturbing tale, the wife plays for both teams. I'm not judging, I'm just saying. I used to think it was her watching us. I thought she would get bored quick enough. Now, the husband is home all the time too on medical disability. I honestly don't know which one is watching us. Yet someone definitely is lurking on occasion.







I honestly don't think they are watching my kids. They have children themselves. And if I thought for an instant they were watching my kids, I would have simply and methodically taken them out. Those of you who know me, know that is true. Also true, it is common knowledge that I definitely don't think "I'm all that. " I have a body that only a husband could love. My husband-not someone else's. And I prefer to get him liqueured up first before he sees me naked. ;) I can't imagine being eye candy to another woman either. So, I just don't get the fascination with peeking through the blinds.....







Here, judge for yourselves- I took these pictures of me in my suit to show you.

I get it. I've got a good tan going. Firm enough looking at first glance. Perhaps I do look appealing enough....FROM A DISTANCE!!!! Lots of things look good from a distance. But they are not always as they appear. Let's face it, I'm a middle age woman in a bikini. My glory days are long gone. The truth be known... THIS is what I look like close up:













It's not pretty. Definitely not anything worth watching. Not even if I slathered mustard all over my body and floated around the pool on a hotdog bun. Okay, maybe THAT would be worth watching for the giggle factor.













We have planted trees in between the houses. It will take another couple of years before we get any real privacy. Until then, Any suggestions? Should I too just keep on ignoring it? Should I just hope that the fascination wears off? Start waving? Give them them the charming Roadtrip Stacy gesture? Invite them over to grill sausages and talk about how things are not always what they seem??!!!

Sign of the Times

Been an interesting week here. Hubby has had layoffs at his place of employment. Again. The second round so far this year. Another round next week. In addition to the layoffs, the people who were lucky enough not to make the pink slip list got surprises of their own. They will have to take a week off (all at once) with no pay. Also, there will be a 10% pay cut. In addition to the week without pay. Wow!



Now, I know times are hard. Perhaps I shouldn't be complaining....but I will. A week without pay. That's 1/2 a paycheck. (Am I a mathematical wizard or what?!) And a 10% paycut on top of that?! Are ya serious?! I'm sure the mortgage company will understand when I only pay 1/2 my mortgage. Or how about at the pharmacy when I say "It may cost $40, but I'm going to pay 10% less." Everything else is going up in price and our paycheck is going down. Doesn't seem fair.



Makes me wonder what is next. Will it be like school? Will my husband be required to bring his own office supplies? Pens, paper, laptop? Will he have to pitch in for the office utility bill? What is too much and when will it stop?



And may I say, when times were good-there was no 10% pay increase. Or 10% of the total profits for anyone. Oh nay! Hubby has gone over 2 years without a raise. So have a lot of other fine folks at this establishment. My favorite part is how "they" said, "when times are good again we will reinstate the 10% we have taken away." I feel quite certain that "they" will. I also feel quite certain when it happens, "they" will consider it a raise.


We are trying to be proactive. Resumes have been sent to companies. We shall see what transpires. Just some interesting times my friends. Thank goodness I have "the boots." Cause momma may have to go to work.

We will hope for the best and plan for the worst I guess. I know there are a lot of folks who have it worse than us. Who have gone through much tougher times than this and survived just fine. I shall use them for inspiration. At least we have employment. We still have our house. We have our health and each other. In the meantime, we will just try to make more with less. Or make less seem like more. Or something like that.

Hubby says it's not personal. It's business. He just turns the other cheek. I wish I were as understanding as him. But as a wife and a mother, I'm taking it a bit personal. And my cheeks are a wee bit chapped. So I guess my question is, am I right to be a tad irritated? Nervous? Or should I only be counting my blessings? And trusting all will work out?

On the bright side, all that has transpired this week has given me another grand idea. I shall be contacting Mattel....yes, again. This time with my "Destitute Dolly" line idea. She comes with a carboard box...and little else. She may not be a popular toy; but, I'm sure everyone could relate to her.

More Road Trip Stacy Pals and Accessories

Dear Mattel,


I still haven't heard from you. However, I am not deterred in my idea of the Roadtrip Stacy Doll. After the road trip I have worked out a few kinks and been inspired to add more pals and accessories to the Road Trip Stacy Doll line.







To expand upon"Wonderful Worm", who's beauty is enchanting and who's wholesomeness is like that of Mother Earth. I think we should make her a professional. Perhaps a photographer. Her accessories will be numerous cameras, tripods, etc. We will have her go to beautiful locales and capture great images. Also, I think her clothing should be ultrachic. And we should make her an animal lover. Perhaps have lots of pets that you can adopt. . . . I think this line should have a "Genuine Ginny" doll as well. ( I have taken the liberty to change her name spelling for marketing purposes.) Genuine Ginny will be the knowledgeable, thoughtful, humanitarian friend. The true blue, steadfast kind of doll everyone aspires to be like. She will have brown hair, an endearing smile, and beautiful hazel colored eyes with a shinny twinkle in them. Oh, I know! Perhaps we should make her a nurse. Then she can come with all kinds of cool accessories as well like a stethoscope, nurses bag, x-ray machine etc. And we can have her travel to remote destinations as well, on humanitarian missions.


The line should have boy dolls as well. There is of course the beautiful blue-eyed and brown eyed Stacy Roadtrip Doll children. But there should be other boys as well. Perhaps the "Multi-Faceted Matt Doll" He will be the artist. His talent will only be rivaled by his knowledge and his kindness towards others. He should wear glasses. Perhaps a cool mustache and beard hip kinda look. The Roadtrip Stacy children should have another friend as well. I suggest naming him "Gorgeous Garrett." He is a friend to all. Everyone wants to play toys and spend time with him. He is kind, very blonde and we should make him with lush, full, dark lashes. The kind that all the girls swoon over. Of course, the "Greatest Granpa" doll will be included in the line. His features will be as wonderful as the man...um, doll. He will be kind, giving and inspiring. He will have a big grin and infectious laugh. This doll will give the best hugs simply by pushing a button located on his back.




The "Greatest Granpa" doll should come with accessories like a magical white house.In the house you can have treasures hidden behind furniture items that you lift up. Furniture should include fans. With buttons. LOOOOOTS of buttons. Also, a petite white cat with beautiful markings. This cat should meoow...alot, with a turn of the knob. I suggest having lots of backup batteries for this doll as well. She is a talker! Perhaps we could do a whole small town accessory line as well. With parks, grocery stores, lakes, pastures full of animals, etc.







Oh, and Roadtrip Stacy should have a husband as well. To maintain our fun quirkiness of the line, we will name him "Ravishing Ricardo." He will put the Ken doll to shame. He will be anatomically correct of course. Hung like Trigger :) All the girls will spend hours changing his clothes just to get a peek. (hee hee) At least, that is what I have HEARD little girls like to do and giggle over. Not that I ever did that myself....





Ahem, anyway. I think perhaps we should include Mastiffs in this toy line too. (Wouldn't that be fun?!) Fashioned much like the Baby Alive doll in nature. For example, they should eat tons and then minutes later piles of poo will come out the posterior. They will come with shovels. Large shovels and baggies to put it in. (I think boys will really like this particular toy.)







The ideas are numerous and endless. I'm just getting started here. The tip of the iceberg so to speak. If I were a child, I would definitely enjoy playing with this line of toys. I would spend hours making up fun adventures for all. Not to mention dressing/undressing Ricardo. (more giggles inserted here.) So, I will keep the ideas coming...you REALLY should have your agent call me. I'd hate to have you lose this wonderful opportunity to your rivals over at Fisher Price. ;)

P.S.

When we returned home last night, my husband was asking about the trip.

He asked little brown eyes, "What was your favorite part about Granpa's?" My youngest thought he meant "What is your favorite part about Granpa?" Brown eyes replied, "Probably...How everytime you look at him, he just smiles."..... No truer words were ever spoken. It made me cry. Still does.

Miles, Smiles and Memories

Well, we are home from our road trip. It is a bittersweet thing. While it feels good to be home, it is sad to have the trip behind us. Sadder still to have to part from loved ones. Family and friends. Withdrawal,...severe. Ache,.. acute.

While we had a great time in Kaaaansas. I type it that way because that is how my boys pronounce it. Great emphasis on the first syllable. Kaaaansas. As if it is a magical state that requires much reverence. I guess it does. That is where "granpa" lives. If you think my boys put great emphasis on the pronunciation of Kansas, you should hear them say the word "granpa." They love that man beyond reason. We all do. He just makes everything better. Everything. He can take the simplest thing and turn it into something wonderful. A rock found in a driveway becomes a cherished, treasured artifact. A trip to the grocery store, a magical experience. Granpa's meat department, why it is the holy grail of excitement.

Granpa's house is the coolest. While small in square footage, it is enormous in excitement. They just don't make houses like that anymore. Around every corner is something wonderful. And as luck would have it, he has the worlds' most cutest, sweetest, wonderful cat to share his homestead with. My eldest is allergic to cats. But, he thinks it is worth a little stuffiness just to be around her. My youngest looooves her. He says her name too as if it is the most beautiful name in the world.

It is amazing to me how being in this state, around this great man, in these hallowed halls can make you feel so relaxed, tranquil, blessed, loved.





We had a great time!!! Whether seeing the local hot spots (Some of us didn't want to leave....EVER! ) or...
Visiting with extended family members and close friends. We are truly blessed to have so many wonderful people in our lives. People we have so many wonderful memories with. People who help us in making more cherished memories with every trip.With every talk. With every moment together. People who make us laugh. Who open their hearts, homes and share their wealth of valuable knowledge with us. People who know us like no others. Who love us despite our flaws. Who make us feel special.


They welcome us no matter how long we have been away. They long to see us again the moment we leave. And visa versa. Ohhhh, how very visa versa.

The boys were the ones who cried when it was time for their friends to leave. But, we all wanted to. We are counting down the days until our next trip. Until we make more wonderful memories with everyone again. Until then, these photos will help to get us by.

I'll be back tomorrow with more humorous thoughts, insights and ideas. As for today, I'm feeling a little sentimental and melancholy.

Dear Mattel

Dear Mattel,

I have a great idea for you. It's an addition to your Barbie line. I like to call my creation, "Road Trip Stacy Doll." Unlike Barbie, the roadtrip doll is more realistic. She's shorter, less curves...more rolls. Stacy's not so "plactic looking." She's got a few wrinkles around her brow and laughlines.

Unlike glamorous Barbie, Roadtrip Stacy is more.."down home looking" shall we say. She comes with clothes of course. Cut off shorts and oversized tees. She can wear flip-flops, sneakers or star-spangled knee high boots. She doesn't wear make-up. But you can make the circles under her eyes darker by a quick swoop of your "Stacy Road Trip black washable marker." Stacy will also come with a comb. Because the longer Stacy is on the road, the more humidity plays havoc with her hair. It can get quite chaotic. Why, by the end of the trip it will be standing on end without maintenance.

Roadtrip Stacy is Navigationally challenged. She is always getting lost. You will have to read the roadmap for her and keep her from taking the wrong exits. Roadtrip Stacy will also come with her own SUV. As a bonus, each time you honk on the horn while Stacy is in the SUV, you will get a different catchy phrase. Honk once, you'll hear: "Are you KIDDING ME???!!!" Honk again and hear: "Get the (bleep) out of the way!!!" Honk 3 times and you'll hear: "Don't be an A**hole!" See, Road-trip Stacy is queen of the road. She fears no one. You can even maneuver her fingers to display a charming little roadtrip gesture.

Roadtrip Stacy should have her own line of friends. For instance, "Worm" who unlike her nickname, is very glamorous. She will have long, beautiful flowing hair, and tiny doll like features. ( A vast difference to our more girl next door from the hood looking Stacy doll.) Whenever these two girls get in the SUV they will chatter non-stop. (Be sure to have plenty of back up batteries for the dolls on hand.) You can also have Road Trip children to add to your collection. One who needs to potty every 15 minutes and has no patience. This little fella will come with his own potty seat, dvd player and assorted snacks. Another larger version child will also be available. While this doll is lower maintenance, he gets queasy. So of course he will come standard with a barfbag. More fun, quirky characters can be added in the future. The accessories can be endless as well.

I think this doll could be just what has been missing from your collection. Please have your agents contact me ASAP. Until then, I shall be "road testing" out this little collective creation this weekend. Working out any kinks and thinking of more options for the line.

Catch you next week.

'Til then,
This is Road Trip Stacy bidding you many happy travel miles!