Tuesdays...

Today was meetings and fine-tuning of the presentation. My work buddy "L" came in and wanted all the deets of the weekend.  Everyone is giving me a bad time about the "glow" to my face, etc.  Really People?  Ok, maybe there's a little one, but we're working here!

I had coffee with my Marine friend from work.  I told him about the weekend (which I think is a good thing because it keeps his crush in check) and he seemed cool with it.  He's in the process of buying a house so he has his own place and a place for his daughter. Lots of positive changes for this man.  I think his confidence is growing and he's understanding his self worth.

My next project is starting to heat up a little.  Nothing I can't handle and nothing over the top.  If I'm lucky, I'll be able to call my own schedule till the new year, then hit the ground running. This presentation thing is getting bigger.  Apparently only about 140 public sector employees will be attending, which this company doesn't like...they want more.  So they're thinking about holding a 1 day conference in Sacramento just for the public sector...and would like me to repeat my speech.  Great...All my buddies will be there to see me crash and burn.  It's so funny.  I can present like no body's business to complete strangers, but when people I know are in the audience, I get a little verklempt!

I did receive the coolest text from my guy. He let me know how much separating on Sunday affected him (so I guess I'm not the only one!) and that just confirms that he's into me as much as I am into him. I don't know why I keep questioning that.  Why is it so hard to believe that a man could be that into me...despite our age difference? I think it was those years of being heavy and convinced that no man would ever think of me as attractive, smart, funny, etc.

My Niece FaceTimed me again.  She's looking forward to tomorrow and wants to know what we're going to do.  I'm not really sure. Of course I'll feed her, preferably somewhere outside in the wonderful evening air. I don't want to go too far because I need to get my sorry ass home and in bed! But I want it to be memorable...not expensive or anything like that.  I just want it to mean something so she'll feel it days later when she's hurting and alone.  Something to sustain her spirit.  Yeah, I know...I'm asking for the moon, but she is so worth it!

Ok Peeps.  Heading to bed. 3:15 comes too soon, and I need to be on top of the exercising since vacation isn't that far away.

Detoxing

Yeah, coming off the euphoria of the weekend is like detoxing! You're tired as hell, but still elated at what a wonderful weekend you had.  You day dream hoping to bring back a split second of the feeling.  Even worse, I had a hard time sleeping because I could smell that damned Versace cologne of his on my pillows and it was driving me insane!  I'm willing to bet he sprayed some on before he left!!!

I really need to pull my head out of my ass and put it where it belongs....with the presentation and the details for next week.  I have to trust that this will all be here when my head comes back and that it's not a dream or mirage that will vanish if I take my eyes from it. It's hard because many things are pulling at my attention right now.

My Niece FaceTimed me last night with a plea to come get her.  She hates living with her Mom, and misses me and wants me right next to her.  Trying to use logic on her isn't working.  I promised her that I would talk to her Mother about picking her up from school on Wednesday and spending a couple of quality hours with her.  Her Mom consented, so we're on. I'm between a rock and a hard place with this one. Anything I say to my sister will not be taken well, and I can't let on that my Niece confides in me. My poor little Angel feels like its the end of the world and nothing will get better.  I know the feeling, but she doesn't understand that I do.  I'm still wracking my brains for a plan though.

I'm also missing my guy.  I didn't realize how much I would.  I figured with our "love trip" right around the corner that it wouldn't be so bad, but it is.  Yeah...I'm spun too!

Happy

Morning comes too soon to those who want the moments to stretch on forever.  We got up and I fought with ATT about shutting off my phone. We snoozed a bit and then headed to the airport. We had the discussion…and I didn’t cry, just like I promised him. As a matter of fact, I think I did pretty good at hiding exactly what I was feeling.  But man oh man, I hated watching him walk away…Although he looked mighty fine in those jeans of his!!  I came home and couldn’t find my remotes to the television in the living room. Turns out that when we wrestled around on the sofa, they slipped through the divider cushions to the floor below.  Ha ha!

So this weekend firmly established that I have a long distance boyfriend. He’s good with it and doesn’t mind the distance (he calls it deployment), he just wants to make sure that my head is in the same place his is at.  I find that kind of funny since I didn’t know where his head was at for the longest time, i.e. until his birthday!

Definite lack of communication, but I have the feeling that he’s just one of those guys that has to finish off the old stuff before he can attack the new.  The things he says and does are not “Playah” things.  They are serious and thoughtful.  It may have taken awhile, but I’m not trading what I have right now.  I know my friends have misgivings and they make their comments...Even my Mother's flippant "Oh, you do exist " (as if to say he's one of those damned M&Ms in the Christmas commercial) kinda set me off. 

I really do get where they're coming from, especially after all the damned soap opera stuff.  And a lot of this was my fault.  I couldn't get this man out of my head and everyone around me could see that! I didn't do a very good job at hiding my feelings (and I used to be so fucking good at it!!!).  My friends love me and want to make sure that I'm not hurt.  But life is hurt, it's pain, it's taking chances and hoping that you finally do get that once-in-a-lifetime shot at being happy.  This man makes me happy.

We Go Together Like Peas and Carrots!

We woke up and he was harassing me about sleeping in…What???  It’s only 7:30 a.m., really? I get up but need coffee badly, so I made some.  He made me breakfast and started talking about how to spend our day. Unfortunately, he also noticed that I took a chunk out of my big toe nail and said that I needed a pedicure….”Where are your clippers?” Yes, he clipped my toe nails for me, would you believe it?  

I asked him what he wanted to do and he said that he’d let me decide.  I knew he hadn’t seen much of SacTown or the surrounding areas, so I told him that I’d take him for a drive.  I took him into Rocklin, and drove up Taylor Road (Historic Route 40) through Loomis, Penryn, Newcastle, Ophir and up into Auburn.  I told him that I used to make this commute every day for work, which he couldn't believe. But I love to drive, so I didn't really see it as a hardship (now the gas expenditure was definitely a hardship!!). We crossed the Foresthill Bridge and got out of the truck to walk the span.

As we started walking, he asked me the question again…you know the one…”After the ex and you broke up, did you ever hook up?”  I was frustrated because it seemed like he didn’t believe me.  I stopped walking and he went about 20 feet ahead and realized that I wasn’t with him.  He turned around and I lowered my sunglasses and gave him ‘the glare’.  He came back and said that he found it hard to believe since we’d been together for so long.  I couldn’t figure out what was so difficult about my answer.  I explained again “I worked really hard at my marriage.  I gave it everything till I didn’t have anything left to give. When I got to the point where it was irrevocably broken, I got out and didn’t look back. I just could not get back on the rollercoaster any longer.  Yes, I still love him, but I’m not in love with him. We have a Son and so we’re friends to keep everything on an even keel. I’m never going back, nothing has changed.”

I understand being a little unsure since I’d been in a relationship for so long. It would be horrible to put your heart into a relationship, only to have the person go back to their ex and leave you stranded and hurting.  You’d feel like you risked it all for nothing. I wouldn’t want that.  However, I can’t go back…it would kill me. Nothing has changed and the circumstances of my exit are still the same. I think we’re cool now.

We came home and he made me lunch and we got ready for my Niece’s birthday party.  Yes, he volunteered to go and meet my Mother, Sister and Niece. It was so cool.  There was chaos brewing between the girls at the party (Beanie invited 6 girls to spend the night) and one of the girls called the others ugly and fat, so there was crying.  My guy said he would handle it, went upstairs and a half hour later, the girls are all laughing, dancing and having fun.  We’ll just call him the “pre-teen whisperer”.  Mom likes him and I think the jury is still out for my sister…but I expected that. He called her on her stuff and that never goes over well on her. We had a nice time and some laughs, but after a couple of hours, I needed to escape, so we headed to “On The Border” in Roseville and sat on their patio.  Afterward we headed home.

There was a point during the day where he'd asked me a question. I don't remember the question, but I answered it right off, and he looked at me funny.  He said that he was amazed that I just answered it...like we'd been together for years and it just was.  But that's how this visit went. It just clicked. It was like we knew what we were doing and used to being together.  It just felt right.   

When my Mom saw us together, she said that he reminded her of...me.  That I'm outgoing, willing to introduce myself to people and just have fun.  Personally, I think he's better at it than I am, but we are alike in that sense, and it doesn't bother me that he introduces me to everyone he runs into.  Like I tell everyone...This Marine could charm the panties off a Nun!  Shhh...he's Catholic, so he might not like that reference....

Awaiting the Cowboy

So my guy was scheduled to arrive at 9:19 a.m. But due to the torrential rains in Colorado, he had to re-route his way to the airport which caused him to miss his flight. He got into Sacramento around 11:45 a.m….and wanting to bust my chops about traveling on Friday the 13^th!  Whatever!  It was so awesome to see him! It was like we were never apart.  After hugs and kisses, he took my hand in his and away we went.

We headed to Chevy’s on the river because he was hungry.  I swear, it doesn’t matter where we are…this guy can make friends with anyone.  He razzed one guy behind the counter because he had a bunch of hickeys on his neck.  It was too funny! The people behind the bar were just cracking up! We got our munchies and drink on, and then headed out.  

We did a little grocery shopping and got separated when he needed to use the restroom.  I said that I'd be shopping and didn't see him for about 15 minutes.  He came up behind me when I was checking out cards.  Apparently, he hit up a display lady (she was giving samples of bread) and asked her if she'd seen me.  When I was in the checkout line, I hear this.."Baby!!  Baby!!"  I lean my head out and there he is pointing me out to the lady and she's waving at me like we're long lost friends.  I was cracking up!  We headed home for a nice, long, cleansing shower.  Not sure how long we were in there (1/2 hour? 45 minutes?), but by the time we were out…we were dirt free…just sayin!  Hey!!!  We got a hell of a shower!  Who wouldn't want to be in there for awhile!!!

We relaxed a little bit and I made some dinner. Afterward, we went out and stirred up a little trouble.  We decided to go dancing at Toby Keith’s Bar and Grill.  I expected it to be busier, but we had a blast.  I have to learn how to let my man lead…Yeah, I was married to a man that didn’t dance, so how would I know how to do that?  I’m getting better though and it was so fun to be twirled around the dance floor.

Some ladies were scoping on my man and when we went to leave, he settled the bill and I walked ahead.  The ladies started picking up on my guy, asking where he was going. He said that he was leaving with his girlfriend and pointed to me, and they just stared at me.  Ha ha….so fun! We came home and the night ended extremely late!

9/11

I've already posted on FB, so I'm going to leave the diatribe off of this post.  You all know how I feel about this day, and I know the feeling is shared, so...

The Memorial at work was nice and the speeches heart-felt.  I'm a little tired of the choir only singing "America the Beautiful" and "God Bless America".  How come they never sing our National Anthem? I'm throwing that in the suggestion box for next year!

Today the Ex came by and I broke the news to him that I was giving the earrings I wear everyday to my Niece for her birthday.  These earrings are  probably the only jewelry his given that he chose himself and I actually wore them. This includes my wedding ring (which I bought).

But I've been thinking a lot about it and I think it's time to let them go.  They are as much a symbol as my wedding ring and the bottom line is, we're never getting back together. So my Niece is the logical choice to hand them off to.  She loves her Uncle and she would treasure them, so they will be hers come Saturday.

He took the news well. He paused and said ok.  He didn't ask any questions, other than why wasn't Serene wearing the earrings he already gave her.  I told him that they were posts and sometimes sleeping with posts on can be uncomfortable. My hoop gold earrings with a diamond in each are comfortable and don't dig into the side of your head, so she can leave them on all of the time and forget about them.  He replied "Oh yeah...you're right". And left it at that.

And now that there's someone else, do I really want to be wearing jewelry given by the ex?  How would the Cowboy feel about that?  I know how I would feel if the circumstances were switched, so...

It's late...I'm having trouble sleeping, so here I am.  I better get some beauty rest or hope my guy is blinded by lust.

Anticipation

Today was all about getting shit done!  Need to feel good about taking Friday off, so it was everything I could do to keep my hands off my phone and not text my Man.

I updated my presentation, but still working on the speech part.  Also working on outside approvals.  UGH, really???  I never thought I'd be this person...detail oriented, analytical, etc.  Should've known that my life experiences pretty much lead me to this point in my life.

Had a hell of a sing-song with my brother in Omaha.  It was good to connect and just talk.  He totally gets me, and as he says..."We've known each other the longest".  I'm responsible for him flunking Kindergarten. I spoke for him for the first 5 years of his life.  He gets to school and there's no one there to speak for him.  Poor guy.  See??? I am a control freak bitches!!!

We're only 14 months apart, so we're pretty much connected.  He gets it. He gets me, even though I'm extremely flawed and have issues.  He knows what they are and why. He told me that I taught him a lesson about letting the past go, and I almost vomited in my mouth.  When the hell did I teach him that???  I'm so bad about letting things go!  I want my pound of flesh, and I'm gonna make you eat it!  Don't get me wrong...I'm not like this to most people...just two that I can think of off the top of my head.

Most of my friends have seen my dark side and know it's there, so no one pushes the limit of it. But really, it's only reserved for the most heinous offenders and like I said...there's only two that I hold grudges against.

Anyway...I've been up too long.  Tomorrow is September 11th. A time to pray, remember and give thanks to our heroes and our patriots....get ready!!!

I Hear Crickets.....

I think this is the first morning since July 11^th that I haven’t heard from my man.  Extremely quiet, which is rare for the past couple of months.  I didn’t stress about it, but was curious and I figured something was up.  Turns out…he left his phone at home.  Well, that’ll do it.  When I told him about the “July 11^th” thing, he apologized, but that wasn’t why I told him.  It was an observation.  

Maybe for me, it was more of a realization that I’m depending upon hearing from him first thing.  I’m almost expecting it, which isn’t really a good thing.  Once you start expecting things, you can be disappointed, and that’s not what I want.  I don’t want to take him for granted, or take the morning stuff for granted.  Each day is a gift, and I have to remember that.  Each morning text is a gift.  He is a gift.

I really am happy and so looking forward to his arrival this weekend.  I'm almost giddy with anticipation and can't wipe the "shit eating grin" off my face at work.  I even got compliments from Security about how I'm always smiling and happy...if they knew my guy...they'd know why!

Hello Cowboy!!!

Strangest Dream

I fell asleep on the sofa this afternoon and had the strangest dream.

I dreamed that I was sleeping in my old bed in Foresthill and I was in that stage where you're not quite awake but not quite asleep.  My ex-husband rolled over and put his arm around my waist.  I shrugged it off and started crying...I mean really sobbing, with those chest heaving sobs and I could feel the tears running down my face.  In my head, I was asking myself "what the hell are you doing here?" I was telling myself that I have a home, and I have my own bed, and I need to get out of here because I don't belong here. I was telling myself that I was with the wrong man and the right one won't be happy that I'm here.  I woke up crying, and it was the weirdest thing. But when I woke up and realized where I was, I was relieved. I did not want to be back in that situation. I did not want to be back with him.

Given that last week was divorce day, I'm thinking that I just have a lot on my mind. With the relatives coming into town, and the ex's Uncle Bob dying...I know where I need to be, and I know who I need to be with. While I'll always be there to support my ex and the family, he is not the man for me. Just an odd afternoon.

My Beanster isn't happy and I'm conflicted about what to do about it. Plus, things are about to get damned stressful.  I'm really looking forward to the weekend when my guy will be here. Friday Morning!!! Lots to do before then.

G'nite peeps.

Beanster in Distress

I took the Beanster to lunch at Johnny Garlic’s (Guy Fieri’s restaurant) and we had a discussion.  She’s just not happy at home and doesn’t understand why she can’t come live with me. She’s come up with all kinds of schemes to make it work, including me kidnapping her, framing her Mom for shoplifting…among other things.  I’m really conflicted about this and I’m not sure how to discuss counseling with my sister. She usually fights anything I say and our past history just doesn’t help matters.  I’m really stressed about it. Ah well.

I drop her off at her new home and head home to get ready for my Girlie J’s wedding reception.  While I’m trying to get ready, I receive numerous texts and 2 movies from the Beanster begging and crying for me to come get her and save her.  We also FaceTimed, and man oh man…it was heartbreaking. 

On top of that, I’m texting with the Cowboy (same as the Marine…yeah, I’m confusing things) and he is sharing the most wonderful stuff about his family and including pictures and writings from his Grandfather.  It was really emotionally moving.  If I had doubts about what he sees in our future, I really don’t have them any longer.  What man shares that kind of personal, intense stuff with someone he doesn’t intend on having a future with?  Whether or not we have that future is one thing, but where his head is and his heart is at is what I care about and it’s clear where it is…it’s with me!

My date C shows up, and I have to tell her I’m running late.  UGH, but we finally get there and it’s awesome.  It was one of those casual, laid back affairs and everyone was comfortable and having fun. No stress, just fun.  If I ever get married again, I think this would be the way to go, i.e. elope with only your family and a few close friends and come back and throw a fun reception.  They even had a porta-potty (which was extremely clean) which I think was a smart move!  We had fun chatting up a couple of people from work and just hanging out.

Afterward we headed to “D’s” crib and did some swimming and wine drinking. All and all a revealing, fun-filled day (with some elements of drama).  It’s all good.

Shower Doors and the Beanster!

The shower door got installed.  Yes, it’s been a long time coming, and I’m totally excited about the whole thing.  Damned expensive, but the final results are well worth it. 

The Beanster came over to stay the night and we made BBQ Beef ribs and salad.  She was having fun because she kept hearing my text message song (Give it all we got tonight – George Strait) with the chorus “Baby fall into my kiss, It should just happen like this, trust it so much that there’s no one else but us…” every time my guy texted.  When she realized that it was the Marine, she wanted to send a video.  After that…it was on! Now I think she has a crush on him, and he definitely has one on her.  He calls her “Lady Devil Dog” and “Little Miss Devil Dog” because my Beanster says she wants to be a Marine, almost has the Marine song memorized, and talked her counselor into giving her the physical  exercise requirements to join the corps (at which she says, “Auntie, you’ll do it with me right?” How could I say no?).

We had makeup night...the goal is to see who could make the other more horrific.  I think my Beanie won, because I look pretty bad!  She could never look awful, so she wins!  Who wants to kiss me???

Beanster tells me the next morning that she thinks I made a good choice because my Marine would be good to have by my side in the event of the Zombie Apocalypse.  I laughed and told her that she’s right and it’s one of the reasons I like him.  She’s extremely excited that he’ll be coming to her birthday party and she’ll actually get to meet him.  Peeps…I may have some serious competition here.  If it wasn’t for her age, I’d be totally blown out of the water.  She’s beautiful , smart, stubborn…she’s everything that girl!  The man that lands her will be damned lucky.  But they have to wait a few years or they’ll have me (and now the Marine) to deal with. 

Forever Love

Where to begin...well, I will blog about my trip to Georgia this weekend, so consider that forthcoming.  However, tonight's blog is about me and my Marine...so suck it up bitches.

First let me say that I'm pretty "lit up wicked" so whatever I say will be truthful...if somewhat misspelled...because frakking spell-check didn't catch it. Ah...where to begin....

Well my friends...I NEVER thought I'd be here, and blogging this stuff. My Marine has taken it to a whole nuther level and I actually....LOVE IT!  OK, I'm not gonna lie, I'm confused and bewildered by it all, but I promised I was not going to analyze it...and I'm not.

Yesterday was my birthday.  And my Marine asked "It's my 'Forever Love's' birthday?  I replied "I'm your 'Forever Love'?" and he replied..."You have to ask?"  When I shared that with my BFF "K" she said "Words you've never heard and always should have." And she totally got it.  What's funny is that she knows that I haven't heard those words, but my Marine finds it hard to believe that I didn't.

Worse...today is 'D' day...that's right, Divorce Day.  And it was official two years from today (I had to beg and plead for them to move it a day).  It's bittersweet, but I don't look back with regret. On the contrary, my Marine has taken this to a different level and I'm not wishing for a different result. As a matter of fact, I'm really happy with where I am and not knowing or analyzing this moment.  It's two years today, but we were apart for a year and a half before that, so it isn't like this is new or anything.

Yes, I wish my Marine was here this weekend to help me over the "B-day and "D-day" crap, but this is a man that says that he is trying to "Woo me every day" and when I thanked him for it, he said "Oh no it's my pleasure. It's what makes my day!!"  OMG, really?  If this guy is providing the top-notch "CON" then he is the ultimate master!  He is a GOD of CON!!!

But you know me...I always run this crap past my "Sista's from anutha Mutha".  The consensus is that my Marine is NOT talking crap cuz the stuff he says is not bullshit.  He would have to be the effing 'AntiChrist', and he isn't.

Seriously, sitting in front of my keyboard, and even though I'm lit up on whipped creamed Meyer lemon drop martini's...I'm still humbled by a man that says to me that he thinks of my name, combined with his last name.  REALLY???  I'd never thought I'd marry again, and this man makes me think it could be a possibility. Am I worthy? Do I deserve this? But he is a man that I'd never willingly let go of!

On that Note.  G'nite my friends.   You remind me that no matter where we come from or what we do, things are not always what they seem to be.  I appreciate that my man loves me from afar. Thinks  of me and seems to be one step ahead.  And I really need that right now.  I'm not analyzing this my friends.  I'm just happy to be and to feel.  And he has me doing both.  Ok...I'm gonna say it...Geez...here it goes..I am in love. I fucking love the feeling!!!  I like that he has me off-kilter. I like that he knows that I over analyze...and he still loves me!!! ME!!!  He wants ME!!!  There are other men out there, but they are not him...and I don't want them.  I want him! And OMFG, he wants me.

Peace Out!!!

Geezer!!!

Happy Birthday to me!!!  My butt was totally dragging and I knew that I needed to be in to work. I was only working in the office one day this week, and the 5h is a class (I'm off the sixth), so into work I go. UGH.  After some considerable coffee and working on the presentation, I go by to see my fellow Virgo K...and she chases me away! Whatup with that? Seems she didn't expect me to be into work...hmmmm.  What do you think I am people...a slacker?  Hey, Don't answer that!!!

She finally does come by my desk with a bag of loot.  What’s inside the bag?  Only a cookie for every year of my life!  REALLY???  That girl is trying to do annihilate my every effort to look hot in the swimsuits I have for Cabo.  But, God Love Her, she baked them herself and they are mighty tasty.  Gonna have to freeze some of this stuff!  I also received a couple of coffee certificates, which goes along with the cookies.  She knows me too well.  Of course the best thing is always the fun stuff she draws on the card.  The girl has serious talent, and its’ totally wasted on our work environment.

After lunch and work, I head out to my waxing appointment.  I know what you’re thinking.  Who gets waxed on their birthday?  Well, I timed it right so that my next appointment is the day before my vacation.  Yeah, I do think of these things.  After the appointment, I take myself out to a Sashimi and soy roll dinner.  YUM!  Susumu is a really great place to eat, not too expensive and they really cater to your tastes.  Plus, the Sushi Master likes me because I don’t order the standard rolls.  I really like less rice and more fresh fish, and he appreciates that. I hear that rolls in Japan are like hamburgers to Americans, so he likes that I don’t order the hamburgers.  They even brought me out a little cupcake with an ice cream scoop on top with a candle!  It was awesome.

No worries, all of you knew that I was in GA, and that planning something on my birthday was pretty much out.  So I don’t want to hear any crap from you guys!  Of course, this is the day that my Marine called me his “Forever Love”, but that’s in the next installment!!!!

Going Home

The end of the trip came too soon.  Most of us were a bit hung over (I drink lots of water so I escape that fate), but I was up early and showered, packed and ready to go. I came out of the bathroom and headed to the room that I occupied for my visit.  Sasha (the dog) was there and let out a bark which had me jumping out of my skin…too freaking funny, and there was P, sitting Indian style on the floor.  So I copped a squat and we jawed together until the rest of the house came to life. 

It was so nice to just enjoy her.  I miss her conversations and the fun we had when she was a Californian.  And I’m so appreciative of her giving me my kitty (whom I miss horribly).  It’s funny, but the Virgo ladies of my life are pretty much cut from the same cloth I am.  It doesn’t matter what our ages are, we pretty much roll the same way, and I love that.  Of course there is that Capricorn and Taurus that roll with me too, but I’d swear that they have a little Virgo in them.

We ended up stopping at Panera Bakery and getting something to eat. L came up with the smart idea to purchase sandwiches for the flight since it’s difficult to find something worth eating that isn’t too expensive.  On the way to the airport, P admired my stainless steel water bottle, so I left it in the car for her when we got out.  M gave us a big hug, but you could tell he was getting verklempt so he hurried up and got back in the car. P hugged us and explained that ritual that goes with M getting in the car and her being upset, so he calms her.  Those two were meant to be together, that’s for damned sure.

Flight back was pretty uneventful, but I didn’t get into my own bed until sometime between 11 and midnight…not to mention being hyped up and couldn’t drop off to sleep right away.

Being Spoiled...

So M was our caterer and slave the entire trip.  P has got herself a righteous husband.  You know about Chili night and all that other great stuff, but one night he outdid himself.

He made us homemade sangria with fresh fruit; Ceviche with scallops, shrimp, etc. Asparagus, homemade salsa....It was a feast!!! My pictures do not do this justice...and this is just one of the meals.  M...YOU ROCK!!!

Juliette

Looks like we ended up making the wrong decision.  We called the range and it was closed due to the holiday…DOH!!!  So we had a choice we could go to Juliette (where they filmed Fried Green Tomatoes) with M, or we could leave him home and he’d smoke ribs for us.  His sister-in-law instantly pipes in “smoked ribs” so obviously there’s no hesitation about where M’s skills lie..at least for us.

We head off in P’s Dodge Charger (with a Hemi) for our little field trip.  First stop in Juliette was the old grave yard.  Totally cool…I love looking at old headstones.  There’s so much history wrapped up in cemeteries but not everyone get’s to see it because the dead creeps them out.  It doesn’t bother me, and I’d like to think that if I was planted 6 feet under, that my headstone might be of interest to someone (no worries on that score peeps…still working toward the Viking funeral with the party afterward).

We then roll into town and park.  We head to some antique stores where the ladies score some serious finds for their cribs. My house theme is too earthy for the things found in these stores.  We had a good time laughing and having fun. We decide to actually have Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café and had a 20 minute wait out on the porch.  This was our opportunity to check our phones, etc and get some quick texting in.  I ended up having a nice revelation from my guy.  I spoke in terms of the future and us and he replied back that it made him extremely happy when I talk that way.  I asked if it didn’t scare him a little since he just got out of a long term relationship and now he’s kind of being cornered into a long distance relationship.  He set me straight and said that it was NOT a relationship and that and that he was very happy…”long distance, short distance, I’m a happy man and when you’re smiling, everything else is second to me!!”  WOW!!! You could not wipe the stupid, goofy, lovestruck smile from my face.

We go into the café and we’re seated at the exact same booth that was featured in the movie! We ordered the tomatoes, chicken planks, tea and lemonade.  OMG, fried food heaven! Those tomatoes were awesome and the lemonade was definitely fresh squeezed.  This was fun (Good thing I’ve been exercising every day…).

We head home and sample the ribs…Another OMG!  They fell off the bone and melted in your mouth.  M is a culinary GOD!  Afterward, we headed over to the neighbors and I got to meet them.  So cool, and again, they didn’t mind hanging with a cray-cray Brown-eyed Cali Girl!  We sat around for a couple of hours laughing then headed home. Once there, we opened up the garage, cranked on the music and Dance Fest 2013 commenced.  The neighbors walked over and we all drank, danced and had a hell of a time.  Around 11, I went in to call my guy but couldn’t reach him (he was busy entertaining his Mom), so I jumped in the shower.  When I was in the bathroom, M came looking for me.  He wasn’t sure what happened to me (although I did announce where I was going), but I thought it was the sweetest thing.  

Once again, I’m blessed to have a guy that is like my brother.  How lucky can I be???  I have my blood brother M, my brothers-from-another-mother R and M, and my work husband M (Ok, I know…too many brothers with the same name!).  I put on some clothes and came out and danced some more!  Soon it was time to go to bed because we knew we’re headed home the next day.  Darn it!

No Pole for Miles......

Sept. 1^st – We had some decisions to make.  Do we throw lead down range, or do we visit some friends and do some general shopping.  We decide to go shooting tomorrow and opt for shopping today.  Which finds us at some cowboy superstore shopping for boots and hats.  I had told my guy that his hat is mine and I’d get him another one…which I do.  L picks out some seriously righteous boots and a gift for her guy. It was just fun.  And I LOVE the smell of leather, which totally permeated the store.  YUM!  

We also head into Macon and visit the Ulta store.  Let me first state that before I left the house that morning, I had my outfit inspected by men and women to make sure it would pass southern sensibilities.  I wore black Capri shorts with brown cowboy boots and a brown Victoria Secret bra top.  It was relatively tame except for the cutout above the “twins”.  Nothing major and more was covered than a bathing suit top. 

So we’re in Ulta and L is talking with a customer service rep in her late 20s.  When P and I come walking up, this dirtbag says “Ya’ll aren’t from around here are ya?”  We replied, “No, we’re from California”.  And she says…while looking at me “I thought so, cuz there ain’t a pole for miles around here”.  WHAT????  DID I JUST HALUCINATE WHAT SHE JUST SAID???  I walk away because I’m really not sure I heard her right.  But then P says to me…”Did you just hear what she said?” and I said that I thought I imagined the whole “pole”thing, and she said…”No, you didn’t.” She expected me to totally rip that chick a new one.  But I am a stranger in a strange land and a guest of P’s so I was being a good girl.  I did however; throw the final comment while leaving.  

The customer service rep said “come back and see us again” and I replied “will do, and I’ll bring  my pole with me, like the professional I am”.  I didn’t know whether to be complimented by the fact that I look as good as a stripper (but who knows what southern strippers look like), or to be insulted that I’m a mindless idiot that can’t make a living any other way. 

We then visit the packing store (liquor store) to pick up some Fireball.  Would you believe….they have drive thru liquor stores!!!!  These Southerners really know how to roll.

Afterward, we headed to P’s friend L’s (L #2) home. Her daughter K and granddaughter M lives with her.  P and L thought for sure that L2 wouldn’t like me and see me as a threat.  Turns out…we get along just fine.  She even said I was part of the family.  It was an extremely cool visit and she has a beautiful home.  

We then head home for TOMBSTONE Night!!!  That’s right.  M has made us ceviche and we’re gonna mow down on nachos with home made chili and cheese.  Finally…I meet another group of people who appreciate the fine movie that Tombstone is!  It was so much fun.  We were repeating lines with the actors and having a heck of a time!