Friends-Drinking-Franzia-Saturday.

This might sound weird.  And maybe it is... but for some of you who don't have friends close by, it'll make sense and it may appeal to you.  Who knows?  For me??  It's better than wine-ing it up on your own, only to drunk dial someone who may not appreciate your consideration post-midnight.

I drink and message with one of my good friends.  It's a planned event.  Really.  Repeat after me:  "This is a planned event".  There's only a couple of steps involved and then, voila!!  Are you interested??  Follow these directions:

1. Find one of your good friends who may be in the same predicament as you.  They could be in a new area (with no friends to hang out with), in an area where drinking is frowned upon (the debbil you say!!), friends that don't drink (my idea of horror), or maybe they are home with the kids or family or in-laws and such (and therefore; they NEED to drink).  Make contact.  Set a date and time.
2. Determine what you're going to drink.  Tonight, I enjoyed a cool 3-litre box of Franzia's Famous "Sunset Blush" - on sale for $8.00 at my local Winn-Dick-Me (AKA "Winn Dixie").  My drinking buddy's husby picked her up the same thing.  
3. At set time, start messaging, texting, Skyping, or whatever.  Get silly and funny and take pictures and laugh.  Get snockered.  Enjoy each other's company.  Do the Girl's Night thing from miles and miles away.  Best of all... hang out with someone you adore and don't be lonely.  

Start the fun with this:

You're merely $8.00 to fun with one of your besties online!!!

Then, just start sending pics to each other.  I took a pic of my favorite wine slurping cup... a Dr Seuss holographic tumbler, along with my favorite movie character, The Dude (from 'The Big Lebowski') and a finger puppet of Dali.  This is what I sent (because my Sunset Blush Buddy gave me The Dude early for my birthday):

So, it's a little dark... but can you FEEL the happy????  I can!!!

I'm not going to bore you with the rest of our conversation, but I enjoyed my time with her immensely.  Of course, it's not going to be as awesome as hanging out in person with someone... but if you're wanting company and you're on your own, this is a pretty good solution.  It's been a great night!!

Road Tripping. New Orleans. Popping In.

***Sorry about picture sizes... they are a bit blurry***

I left on Saturday to head back to New Orleans.  Sadly, I don't think that I expected the reaction I had... once I drove into the city proper, I cried.  The Super Dome, the Smoothie Center, the Crescent City Connection, the mighty Mississippi River, and of course, my old "barn" of a house (L & N live there now, so it's like having family living in a multiple-generation home).  

***The sign on |10 directing me to the Westbank (AKA "The Bestbank")

Of course, we front-porched it.  That was after going to eat at this excellent hibachi and sushi restaurant in Metairie...  Shogun.  My host and hostess (S & L) have been going there for 17 years, and let me tell you, that restaurant did NOT disappoint.  A large hot sake, soup, salad (ginger dressing to die for), special hibachi rice, spicy noodles, and I had the seafood combination (lobster, sea scallops, and shrimp).  Veggies included zucchini, onions, mushrooms, and sprouts... the mushrooms were my favorite (they just absorbed all the sauces and spices).  Nothing was bad.  Highly recommend and I'll do a Yelp review tomorrow.  

Grabbed lunch with L on the go... she had a ton of errands to run, and guess what??  I did, too!!  Husby is in St Louis for the rest of the week, and I kept getting texts.  So... Abita Beer party pack, Cafe du Monde chicory coffee, sweet and salty honeyed cashews, Richard's fresh green pepper (read "spicy") smoked sausage, NOLA potato salad, and comic book store items.  And... delicious soaps from a soap maker that's local.  They smell almost like a fresh French milled soap, but the price was right and I picked myself up some and picked out two additional for a VERY good friend of mine.  I didn't find a tee-shirt that struck my fancy at the comic place, so I ended up getting the new "Fight Club 2" comic.  Honestly, I could go wild in Crescent City Comics... they had some of the best graphic novels ever and I could've blown a whole lot of money in there.

For dinner on Sunday, S made homemade ricotta and Italian sausage raviolis with a sauce to DIE FOR.  Deliciously excellent.  :0))  I need to pick up on some of his tips and tricks and start using my Kitchen Aid professional mixer far more often.  Seriously!!  Plus, it's relatively easy but looks FABULOUS when finished.  

**Disclaimer:  I did not take food porn pics.  Apologies.** 

Monday was nothing but appointments.  I've been deemed healthy by my internist.  YAY!!!  Met a friend for lunch (between appointments) and went to Manhattan Jack - she was craving bagels with lox.  I pouted, because I was too late for an everything bagel that I wanted (sold out) and they stopped making their Monte Cristo sandwiches (one of my utter and absolutely favorite nom-nom-nom foods).  Haven't found a replacement since they took theirs off the menu.  Definitely can't find them here in Florida, so....  boo!!

Spent an uneventful night because I was planning on stopping at Rouses AGAIN and I was wiped out by all the go-go-geaux!!!  pace that we went with all weekend.  So, I ended up leaving NOLA around noon-ish on Tuesday, but there was a great reason.... I could spend some down time with Cat!!!!!

I was, indeed, able to stop in her area on the way home... bearing gifts of candy cashews AND peanut-brittle type peanuts.  She shocked me by giving me my birthday gift early...  it is THE DUDE from the 'Big Lebowski'.  Check it out!!

She knows me and put a lot of thought into it.  :D

Her husband, M, found me two of my obsoleted favorite cartoon shows... 'The Oblongs' and 'Moral Orel' and burned them to disk for me.  HAPPINESS!!  So, with that awesomeness, I'm going to sign off for now.  Thank you so much, Cat!!!  Treasured forever!!!  x0x0

Shrinkage.

Interesting reading.  Flipping through some of my psychology and sociology textbooks in order to decide what I'm going to keep and what I'm going to get rid of.  This was a chapter that grabbed my attention - in regards to the "type" of men in Western society.  Reading this certainly made me far less depressed about a situation in which I had to make an ugly decision.  Sadly, I'm still dealing with residual guilt, even though I knew that severing ties with this person was the healthiest thing for me at the time.

“The introspective, the unusual, the unattractive, and all too often the bitter. Gammas are often intelligent, usually unsuccessful with women, and not uncommonly all but invisible to them, the gamma alternates between placing women on pedestals and hating the entire sex. This mostly depends upon whether an attractive woman happened to notice his existence or not that day. Too introspective for their own good, gammas are the men who obsess over individual women for extended periods of time and supply the ranks of stalkers, psycho-jealous ex-boyfriends, and the authors of excruciatingly romantic rhyming doggerel. In the unlikely event they are at the party, they are probably in the corner muttering darkly about the behavior of everyone else there… sometimes to themselves. Gammas tend to have have a worship/hate relationship with women, the current direction of which is directly tied to their present situation. However, they are sexual rejects, not social rejects.  They identify with women as being friends, but usually jealousy, manipulation, and outright 'twisting of words' will force those friendships to come to an unpleasant end.  The Gamma wants attention and when he finds people that do provide for his needs, he will eventually emotionally strangle them.  He is needy and can be very unpleasant when certain expectations set by him are not met by others.  They are also known to compartmentalize certain aspects of their life by avoiding overlap completely.  This makes it nearly impossible to maintain a friendship status with a Gamma male, as he will only be as honest as necessary.  The Gamma cannot be expected to be relied on for much if it isn't in his interest or if it will not further his agenda as these males are as selfish as those around them allow them to be.” - Donall & Stephens, 2008 (textbook edit/Modern Psychology)

Any spelling errors are mine and mine alone.  

Oh, and I think I'm going to keep this textbook.

Visitors. Happy Time!!

Yesterday, I had some old friends pop into town.  It was crazy because they've been doing shows all across the US and had some gigs lined up in Pensacola and in another nearby area. I was thrilled because I hadn't seen Nikki or Jason for almost a year.  The last time they visited was when we were living in NOLA last summer.  Naturally, I invited them over to hang out and stay overnight if they wanted and we had a blast!!  They also have the distinction of being my very first company from out-of-state.  My apologies if my phone went unanswered and messages were left unread.  I'll catch up with you today.  :0))

Ordered out Chinese delivery, got into some wine, caught up on our families, mutual friends, and some interesting stories.  The dog was even over the moon to have them here!!  :0))  We figured out that we've been friends for 10+ years... and I love them because no matter how long it's been between visits, it's like no time has passed when we're finally together.

Nikki also gave me a copy of her newest album (I have them all, now!!) and I'm probably going to see them next week after I get back from New Orleans (I'm heading there on Saturday morning).  This week has been far better than I ever expected and I must've had some weird premonition, because I cleaned my house (seriously deep-cleaned to get rid of the shitty germs from the crap-tastic cold that I had for almost 10 days) and things were back to (what my version of) normal (is).

So... I had great friends come to visit and on Saturday I'm headed out to visit some of my favorite people and be the guest instead of the hostess.  It's like the best karma trip ever.

You can find this by contacting Nikki directly through her website...

If you mention Juggsy or JuggsBunny, she'll autograph it for you.  :0))

I'll be taking some pics of my meanderings through Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana, and I'm going to try and blog while in NOLA.

It's amazing how a surprise visit can really lift your spirits.  x0x0

Dragging.

I have got to get over this hot chest mess.  Everything in my house is cray-cray and cluttered.  I'm expecting guests on the 14th, 15th, and 16th, husby comes home on the 19th, I leave for NOLA on the 20th... oh, and husby leaves again on the 21st.  June is spoken for.  And I'm sick - yet don't really have any time to be sick.  GAH.

The scripts that I'm on are really kicking my ass.  I don't do well with codeine - but liquid cough-syrup codeine???  Gross.  And I have to eat something before I take it, or I'll be talking with Ralph on the big white porcelain phone.  And sleeping... I feel like a narcoleptic of sorts.  Gabbing on the phone with a sudden "I'll call you back... in a few hours."

I kind of feel like that right now, actually.  So much for blogging.

Sick.

On Wednesday night the hubs came home sick.  How do I know this?  He stopped at the store on the way home and picked up NyQuil and DayQuil - along with cough drops - for himself.  One of his funny quirks is how he'll pick this stuff up and never give me a hint of a warning.  On Thursday, he worked half a day, and on Friday, was feeling back up to snuff.  Yeah.  My immune system used to be like that when I interacted with other humans on a regular basis.  Hahaha.

Friday night, I started feeling off.  Saturday, it was like my throat was lined with needles.  I *knew* the love of my life was feeling guilty when he offered to take me out to lunch and then I slept for 14 hours straight.  Sunday, the husband left to go New Mexico on a two week business trip.  Trust me, the dog cannot read and is not good with fetching meds.  I dragged myself out early on Sunday morning and picked up all the get-well crap I'd need.  Nothing like blowing a shit-ton of money you don't want to over at your local CVS!!! 

Slept on and off all day Sunday.  All the OTC stuff I picked up didn't work.  Today is Monday and I *knew* I had to get in to see a doc in a box (Urgent Care) - but good luck with that if you're too fucked up sick (fever of 102+) to drive.  No taxi service to be found.  Shuttle service to the aiport would've taken me the 8 miles to the doctor - for the kindly fee of $83.  Fuck.  That.  I finally had an epiphany... call my doctor/pharmacy in NOLA and get a script.  They managed (from their end) to call it in to some local pharmacy that delivers (for $10 extra).  Antibiotics.  Cough syrup with codeine - which made me have to eat something or I would've been praying to the toilet god.  I took the doses that a good girl should, and slept for another 4 hours.  However, I don't feel like a gorilla is sitting on my chest and the crap that I'm hacking up is not tinged with blood.  Winning!!

The worst feeling in the world???  Knowing that there's not one person in less than 250 miles of you that can actually help.  Fuck YOLO in my life... there's only YOYO - You're On Your Own. 

This is not an adventure.  This is my life.  Let's give a big ol' Kermit Wave that I'm surviving!!  Better yet, wonder if Life Alert is available at any age...

Not Giving A Fuck. And... Giving A Fuck.

There are certain things that I have just quit caring about.  I don't think that I really gave too much of a fuck to begin with (it's in my nature), but some things in life just are not worth worrying about.  At this point, I just don't want to be bothered with:

• How some people feel.  Too bad, so sad.  Go find someone to shrink your head.  I'm not it.
• How some people attempt to make me feel.  Quit.  Go guilt some other person.  Go away.
• Behaving much like an adult.  Being the grown-up in a situation sucks. 
• Having to keep my atomic pie-hole shut.  Because that's what the adults do.  See???
• Being baited.
• Not putting people in the middle of shit.  Leaving things alone.
• Gamma*, don't go away mad.  Gamma*, just go away.

Now, here are the things that I do care very much about.  And some of the things that I care about might be a bit materialistic, but it is what it is.  :0))

• My friends.  J, C, CLV, AS, CS, KLD, JS, JB, LF, and (Mom)RL... thank you all for being there for me continuously.  Even though everyone is weathering their own storms at times, I have never hesitated to pick up the phone and call any of you.  And vice-versa.  Most of you have been there for me since before I graduated high school (some have come along in recent years), but even over a span of time, I can pick up the phone and call... and you're there. 
• My derby family.  From Shreveport, to New Orleans, and now in Florida... all of you are truly amazing and brilliant women.  Polly and Shootzie (Shreveport) - it was so good to see you both and hang out for a couple of nights.  Minute Maid, Holly, Darko, Marie LaFreaux, Strangler, and Amity... you made me part of the NOLA derby scene and I miss you all.  Can't wait to go back and see you bull run!!!
• Awesome friends and neighbors, S&L, who were gracious and wonderful to all the friends I introduced to the NOLA way of life... and who made sure we were there for Christmas Eve, NYE, and all the crawfish boils... working out doggie day care and helping out with letting me crash over there when our AC went out one weekend (and letting me stay while I finished up with our house).  L&N live in our old house and I can't wait to see them, either.  L is one of the sweetest people I've ever met and I'm so proud and happy to be her friend.
• Choggie.  I love her so much and she's the sweetest, most loveable pup-dog ever.  I'm thankful for every day that she's with us (she's 12 and has had some health problems as of late) and I make sure that I do something for her every single day that makes her happy.  Note:  I can't catch a squirrel, so that's out.  But chew-eez and belly rubs and walks are not.  :0))
• My husband.  Everyone who knows who we are understands.  Nothing more to be said - except I love him more than anything.
• The opportunities that will be happening over the next year.  Travel to interesting places across the United States, Europe, and Japan.  Possibly some road trips to see extended family and friends who live nearby and further away.  Looking forward to catching up with Nikki Talley and Jason Sharp... two of my favorite musicians (they're touring now - Google!!).
• Having people come to visit me.  :0))  This makes me really, really dangerously happy.  I enjoy company and introducing them to where I live.  Oh, I get a bit excited, but I don't juggle with butcher knives or anything.  Instead, I use the knives to get appetizers ready, cut veggies, make cheese trays, and sliced fruit prepared.  Wine and beer and sweet malt beverages are chilled, the guest room and bath prepared, and a fun visit is guaranteed. 

I guess that's all for now.  I think I had to vent the bad before I could post the good.  Thanks for reading.  Send comments if you'd like.  x0x0

*Gamma - Google (Urban Dictionary is quite interesting on the subject also).

A List: Stream Of Consciousness.

Just some of my thoughts this morning (I'm not a morning person) - some of these are just utterly random, others more specific, but none are really lingering:

• Why did I opt to take the Vee Dubs in so damned early for her checkup appointment?
• Wait!!  The dude driving the shuttle van looks like Usher!!  Sounds like Usher!! 
• When did Usher go broke??  Should I call TMZ??  Maybe the local news??
• At home without a car.  I don't like this feeling when I live in the 'burbs.
• The Duggar family are a bunch of savages.  Gag-inducing.
• Christians are being persecuted??  So few lions nowadays.
• Come on, Maury.  You have the most ghetto show on TV now.
• Is Maury worse than that teen knocked-up show on MTV?? 
• That would make a good poll.  Really.  Probably better than the presidential race.
• Chog-Dog wants part of my "healthy breakfast" of leftover pizza.  The drool!!
• One of my friends is joking about my being **dangerous** on FB.
• I'm to the point where I just laugh at where this statement originated.  If there's one thing I'll remember, it'll be just how over-the-top drama Gamma boy can be.  No longer my problem!!
• And I picture myself on the Muppet Show. 
• What kind of conversion plugs do they use in Japan??
• Should I do laundry now or later??  The husby leaves on Sunday.  Later, then.
• How long will it take to break in my white Chucks??  Too white!!
• I can't wait for my Mac (iMac Daddy) to be back home.
• Where is my package tracking number?? 
• Wedding in DC.  Dress.  Get jewelry cleaned.
• I HAVE NO SALON HERE.  Fuck.
• Iron Man is my favorite Avenger.  He drives my dream Audi.
• He can keep the suit.  I'll keep the car.
• I can't find my baby potted Groot.  I can't find all the funky stuff that belongs on my desk.
• B picked me up the first Groot comic yesterday.
• Time to step away from this and try and be productive.

...which means, take a nap until the Volkswagen Service Department calls and sends Usher to pick me up.  Which sounds so racy.  But, it really isn't.

ZOMG. Overseas!!!

Short but sweet:

Just found out this afternoon that two (if not more) business trips that my husband will be going on this fall are to bases overseas!!!  :)  Visits to Japan and Germany are in my future.  I'm so excited!!!  It'll be so nice to go back to Europe and to expand my world travels to the Far East.

Lots to look forward to.  I'm spoiled and stupidly excited.

This (almost) makes up for the husband giving me his most recent acquisition - a head cold and sinus infection.  ;)

On My Own.

This is definitely not a *pity party*, so don't mistake it for one.  I was simply looking at my husby's work calendar and it looks like he'll be home for a grand total of 31 days out of the next 90 (and that includes the 4 days that we'll be flying to DC for a wedding in July).  It's not me that I'm worried about - it's him.  Speaking from experience, it utterly sucks to have to live in hotels for 2 - 3 weeks on end, although I will concede that the housekeeping and room services are nice. 

Previous to moving here (and while getting settled in), I was looking forward to inviting friends from different areas of the country to come and spend some time with me while the husband was gone, you know, just to have company and enjoy the beautiful beaches (and delicious seafood, shopping, and amenities).  Now??  Only a handful of people have made the invite list thanks to a "real" eye-opening experience during my move.  There's really only a small handful of friends I want to entertain (CR, JL, LF, S&L, L&N)... and after I make my solid schedules with them, I will be traveling instead of being the hostess. 

In June, I'll be heading back to New Orleans for a long weekend.  I'm so excited to go - I can't wait to see my friends and do the "front porching" thang!!  Since L&N moved into our old house, I can stay there also, if I want to.  There's a list of restaurants that I want to go to and I'm looking forward to seeing some of my favorite co-workers.  I love NOLA!!  :D

Hopefully, on my way home, I can stop and see another bestie - and we can hang out in Gulfport for a night or two.  I'm looking forward to firming plans up and grabbing some Franzia and room service.  Lounging by the pool on the top of the hotel would be cool - seeing the ocean as we swim.  Laughing and having a good time and not having a worry in the world. 

In July, we'll be attending my niece's wedding in DC.  She's actually getting married in Chevy Chase, MD (which makes me laugh - considering how much I love the "National Lampoon's Vacation" movies.  It's going to be a quick jaunt, but we should be able to throw in a little sightseeing.  I'd like to go to the Smithsonian - but with the time constraints??  I should probably lower my expectations.

Since husby is gone for most of the month of August, I may go to New England.  I'll probably skip most of Massachusetts (except to stop and see JL and two of my favorite cousins) and then head straight to Maine.  I don't want to run into anyone - considering how dangerous I can be!!!  ;)

Those are my plans for now... of course, things are subject to change.  I'm On My Own for a little while, but I'm going to take advantage of that and check off a bunch of stuff on my list.  Arizona and California are on the short list also... just depends on how much time I do have and what the flight prices look like. 

Compared to what March, April, and May looked like... summer is gleaming like a gem!!