THAT'S The Way to Do It!

One of my favorite people got married this past weekend. She works with me and thanks to me everyone calls her Little Frenchy. She's originally from Montreal and all her family still live in Canada.

She asked me a while back to be her Matron of Honor. She has been engaged for about six or seven years but finally agreed to set a date. They are just the sweetest couple. He's from Florida and is where they first met. They now live here and she works at the restaurant with me. He's retired Army and a wonderful musician. They are riding Amtrack to New Orleans on their honeymoon and decided on a Madri Gras reception theme.

This is them first entering the reception after the ceremony:

She's so tiny she makes ME look big! She wore her mother's wedding dress from seventy five years ago and was simply beautiful, just like the bride. Sorry I turned my phone sideways but you get the drift.

Her (now) husband had friends of his play at the reception which made it even more special. They hired the chef we work for to cater. We had smoke salmon appetizers, stuffed mushrooms, hummus and pita bread followed by an entire sit down dinner featuring salads, bread, Salmon and Filet Mignon, pasta and vegetables. They had a full open bar with wonderful wines, twelve different beers, and cocktails to boot.

It was flat out one big PARTY! They had invited our entire family and unfortunately our oldest son was called into work but the other four of us went.

I was pretty nervous being the Matron of Honor. I've never been one before and dreaded walking down the aisle. The night before at the rehearsal the wedding coordinator had to tell me to walk more slowly twice.

Before I knew it the wedding was taking place and the coordinator gave me my que. I walked as slowly as I could with a nervous smile on my face. My daughter told me after the wedding that as I walked down the aisle her father leaned over and whispered "You know it's killing your mother to make herself walk slow." (and he was right)

I made it through the ceremony and breathed a sigh of relief. Now I could relax. Then began the most fun reception I've ever had the pleasure of attending. The live band was awesome, complete with disco ball! The food was amazing and the company was fantastic! Her family all came from Canada and were the most fun folks I've ever been around. My son Zach was taken with all the French language going on and introduced himself to all of them right off the bat. I haven't danced in years but sure enjoyed it. I couldn't believe even Zach was dancing! He's not really the type but was made to feel so welcome he jumped right on the party bus with us!

This is him with the bride's sister who was just cute as a button and really took a shine to Zach. She must be in her fifties but was so much fun and had the greatest personality. She even got Zach to wear one of the Mardi Gras masks he had refused to put on for us.  Zach even asked ME to dance! I was dancing with him when the sister saw us from across the room and put her hands on her hips looking at us shaking her head, marched right up and stole my partner. The smile on Zach's face made my heart sing. I haven't seen him laugh that much in a long long time. Believe it or not he even danced with his OWN sister as well.

My kids cleaned up pretty good and it made me happy to be doing something  with them all.

Massey picked out my dress and another co worker loaned me her pearls. Tim even remarked he hadn't had that much fun in a long time...and even danced with me! I can't remember the last time we danced together but am sure it was before we were married.

The groom's family was equally as warm and welcoming. That's his mom and dad dancing together behind us.

The groom even grabbed a sax and played as well. He's a great musician! Click on this link to see him really belting one out.

Even the owner's wife from the restaurant came by to check on how things were going. The band started up another song and she motioned to me to join her on the dance floor! We all danced and partied til almost eleven.

It was a wonderful evening with family, co workers, friends old and new.

I know this was supposed to be the happy couple's special day but sure was for ALL of us. I know they will be happy for years and years to come and appreciate them including us in one of best times any of us had in quite a while.

Never underestimate the value of a friend, good ones are hard to come by.

Til next time...Dancing COTTON!

Glad I Helped

One of my co workers asked me  the other day if I would help her move her stuff out of her house today. My immediate thought was "I dreaded helping people move...they were never prepared and it usually took all day."

This instance was totally different. I  like the woman, she is a hard worker and fanatic about details and cleaning but it's not like we are BFFL's. We've never been out together or even seen each other outside of work and often times she seems stressed out. I knew she was in a rocky relationship and recently it fell totally apart when she found out he had an affair. Let's just leave it at that.

They have a daughter together but my friend got kicked out of the house because the wimp filed a restraining order when she went nuts after she discovered him cheating. She's not much bigger than me and he's ...well a man. (kinda, in my opinion) So he's a cheater AND a wimp.

She had two hours today to get all of her belongings out of the house they had shared. She told me she needed to show a strong front and wanted me there, which of course GOT me there!  I arrived at  nine, in freezing weather and found the house immediately. It was easy to locate with two cop cars and a code enforcement truck sitting out front.

For Pete's sake...we weren't there to rob the place,  just simply move HER possessions out.

I expected to see four or five others waiting to help but it was just me. It took twenty minutes for the dead beat to say yes or no as to what we could take. My  girlfriend had at least fifty boxes ready  to be taped up, tons of paper to wrap fragile items and loads of packing tape and sharpies to mark boxes with. The cop was nice enough but I could tell my friend was stressed to the hilt.

How do you move your life out of a house in two hours with cops and a cheater standing watch over you?  Up drove the answer...another co  worker from work. She is short but a large woman...pretty stinking large but came to help and help we did.  We taped boxes together as he argued over cookie sheets and pots and pans. She said time and time again "I bought every pot and pan in this kitchen and they are going with me." She decided to leave a few for him til he started acting like a jerk and tried to have the whole  thing called off saying he didn't have time to stand around for two hours while we moved her out. I just wanted to slap his  balding head and poke his eyes out for fun. My friend looked at me and said to pack up everything except the one old looking pot in the back of the cabinet...that one was his.

I packed and packed and packed.  I left him with one cheese grater, only because she had three. I commented to my co worker on one trip out loaded with boxes..."When a man has an affair does he not realize you're gonna be really ticked off?"

The thing that struck me the most was although I like this woman we aren't  extremely close. She's called me once on my cell and that was to ask for help moving today. The other girl from work who helped is the same...I've never seen her outside of work either. But a girl needed help and two girls CAME to help. What if WE hadn't  shown up? I loved this girl more immediately and it pulled at my heart.

 We were a good team. We packed so many boxes into the car it was impressive to say the least. As our friend stayed in  the house arguing with the cheater over what bathroom products she could take, I slipped into the back of the SUV with my ninety five pounds and my big friend shoved in the boxes for me to push to the back making room for more. Thank goodness another of her friends showed up and luckily drove an Excursion.  We had maxed out both vehicles, moving what little could fit in my little car. We loaded up that big ole gas sucker from  the floorboard to the roof. She got there late but at least it gave us another vehicle to fill.

The cop told us we had used up all our time as we decided where to squeeze in the small flat screen TV.

Here's the thing. What if I hadn't gone and helped? What if my beautiful large friend hadn't gone and helped? This woman would have been totally screwed over...again!

She came into work tonight and thanked me so sincerely for coming to help her and  replied I was just glad she was moved out of an abusive place.

She cocked her head at me and asked how I knew he was abusive?

This ain't my first rodeo. I'm an old chica. I know stress when I see it...been there done that. I also know  the frightened look on a woman's face when having to  live with a monster.

Guess what? Now the monster has one pot to cook in and a cheese grater. (I left the crappy one for him) There are  many forms of abuse.  Mental, psychological, emotional, sexual and physical. I think this turd may have hit on a few of them. (small pun)

"Enjoy your crappy cheese grater!" I wanted to yell out my car window as I drove off.

Kudos to my friend for being smart enough to escape.

I came home and felt like kicking myself for ever dreading to offer and help. So I get depressed, so we are broke as a joke. My husband has never raised a hand to me, he has never cheated on me and he has never called the cops on me. (which only guilty wimps do)

I have new respect for this woman , co worker and now good friend. She could have ended up like Nicole Brown Simpson but made the right decision and I was lucky enough to be able to help when she did.

And I thought MY life was tough sometimes. Boy was I wrong.  Counting those blessings again and putting an icy/ hot on my aching back...but it's a good kind of ache this time!

Til next  time...COTTON

Mother's Day is Looking Good!

I am a firm believer in not giving in or giving up. Sometimes I falter and just like anyone else sometimes get depressed. If you don't have a depressing day every once in a while how would you know when you are having an awesome day?

Today was an awesome day. I went in to do a catering for the restaurant at ten this morning. I was back home well before noon. Got a few  things done around the house and took a nice hour nap. Zach was originally supposed to get out Monday morning we thought but the Major talked to Tim and said he might be released Saturday morning.

That kind of put a small kink in my otherwise perfect day. Zach had gotten paid on Tuesday and after I picked him up and took him to the bank I returned him to the "Po key." When he got out of the car he took enough money to pay off the remainder of his "Rent" in the big house, asked me to take the rest home and put it in his bedroom.

I stopped by  the store on the way home and bought some groceries. I used some of Zach's money but thought I had til Monday to replace it. Now I owed Zach eighty bucks and made a mental note.

Tim got up to leave for work at midnight and needed gas money so I pulled another twenty out of Zach's cash...telling myself Monday was a ways  off and I would bank on Mother's Day at work. The next  day I was off which means although I get to rest , I don't make any money. Tim left for work again that night and needed money for gas. I guess by  now you know what I did.

I did a catering job  this morning but don't get paid til the restaurant gets paid. My gas light came on as I pulled into the catering job...thank goodness I had been smart enough to bring a bit more of Zach's money with me!

I had also used another twenty  to pay Verizon some money so they would quit texting me. I had most of the payment but that extra twenty got me current. I reminded myself once again that I had Friday night, Saturday night and Mother's Day to make all the money back plus some. (I can rationalize like no body's bidness when I gotta)

Today when I picked Zach up for work he said "The Major filled out all my paper work today. All I have to do is sign it in the morning and it's a done deal...I'm out."

As I smiled at him, patted his knee and rubbed his little shaved bald prison head I was thinking on the inside "Holy Crap" I gotta have his money back by tomorrow morning! Like the positive thinker I am I just thought "Okay...if I bust my butt at work I can make at least $150.00 tonight and I'll throw Tim under the bus and say he needed gas money and I'll replace it with Saturday night's tips.

We got to work early so Zach could eat something other than the cheese sandwich he had been served for lunch and I got all my dinner napkins folded. I was talking with some of the other servers about Massey having trouble in Algebra III and remarked I had tried to contact one of my former co workers from the Western Sizzler where I used to work. This particular girl is one of the few I miss. Her mom died when she was around the same age I was when I lost my own mother. Unlike me...she is smart as a whip and was voted "Most Likely To Succeed" her senior year at ECHS where Massey now attends. She put herself through Georgia Tech working as a waitress and I developed a close bond with her. She is a beautiful person with the prettiest eyes I have ever seen and the sweetest face I have ever wanted to hold between my hands.  She has cute almond shaped eyes that almost look Asian and as I have followed her tremendous success at Georgia Tech I felt like a proud Mama. Actually she often called me "Mama" and I took it as a huge compliment. After graduating she got a job with Tech, completed her Masters and has traveled all over the world with her job.

I tried to call her yesterday learning via FB she had moved back to Newnan for a while (another blog altogether) to ask her if she could help Massey out with her Algebra. I never got a call back and wondered if she was once again out of the country.

It took forever for me to get my first table at work tonight and I was getting worried about replacing the money I had "Borrowed" from Zach. I knew when he got released he had to go straight to his probation officer and wanted to give his entire paycheck to start paying off his fine.

I  finally got my first table and walked up to greet it. Who was sitting  there but my buddy "Pater" with her cute Asian looking eyes and her sweet daddy sitting with her. I thought she had gotten my message about Massey but learned she had changed her cell number. I believe God sent her to me. I got her new cell number and she said to have Massey text her anytime...take a photo of the problem or they could skype and she would help Massey any way she could.

Once again...Am I a lucky woman or what?

It was so slow at work tonight and I was getting nervous.  I know Zach owes me more than I could possibly ever owe him but he has been working 12 hour shifts to pay off his fine and I never once mentioned I had been pinching from his paycheck.

Pater reads my blog so she and her dad got a free dessert and since it was slow I got to sit and chat with them.

I got a couple more tables but had time to hug her neck before she left. I seriously love this girl as if she was one of my own.  I know she lost her mother at an early age...but let me guarantee you that her momma is in Heaven bursting the seams of her angelic robe with pride over the accomplishments this young woman has made.

I went to clear off their table. The whole while still fretting over it not being busy  when I NEEDED it to be. That's the way when you are a server. It's a crap shoot. You either bank big or go home broke.

I picked up the bill. I had to put my glasses on. Through tears I saw a 230% tip.

She had tipped me most of the balance I owed  Zach. I only had a few other tables but it was like they all secretly knew I needed money. It was a slow night but I walked out  of the door climbing the steps in the above photo. There were no hand rails to balance me and I felt dizzy but still climbed.

I felt like a thief entering her huge tip into the credit card machine but knew it would get me to the top of the staircase. Zach would get released in the morning. Almost half of his fine would be paid when I took him the money from his paycheck and he would be closer to being done with this entire mess.

To my dear friend "Pater" I fully intend to pay back the exorbitant tip...keeping only 15%. That's all I wanted but what you left me once again changed my life.

I may sound like a broken record but "Pay it Forward" has gotten me through the past year. The other two years I was too broke to "Pay behind or even on time."

Picking my boy up in the morning and picking myself up again tomorrow afternoon to do it all again.

God is Good. Life is good...True Friends are hard to live without.

I will be having the best Mother's Day I have ever had.

Til next time...COTTON

Miracles...

"When you speak from your heart and say the words your soul has only dared to whisper...that's when miracles happen."

I woke with Massey leaving for band camp. Her being at camp for 12 hours and me being at work for twelve hours. I know she is in good hands..the guard moms are incredible to her (and me.)

Worked a hard lunch shift, got off too late to go by the school but early enough to come home and check my email and let the dogs out.

The phone rang and I almost didn't pick up. I'm not too big on toll free numbers these days...it's never good news. I decided for some reason to pick up.

"May I speak to Kelly Cotton?"

Geez...here we go again, I thought. I said "This is Kelly." It was the friendliest woman I have spoken to on our land line in almost a year. She said " This is (Blah Blah) from Wells Fargo, how are you doing today?"
I told her I've been better.

She launched right in with how she was just giving me a "Welcome" call to tell me the name of the person who had been assigned to our loan modification case and wanted to give me her number , extension and office hours.

DO WHAT? This is the same company that threatened my husband with horrible news on Monday?

I asked if we were still in consideration for a loan modification and she said cheerily "Certainly." I told her we have spoken to a different person every time we called and she said that was the reason for her call...to tell us our case had been assigned and we should directly contact that person from here on out.

After the dogs put smelling salts (I hope that's what they were) under my nose and I regained conscientiousness I told her my husband had been told a totally different story on Monday.

She happily (and still cheerily) said "Oh no, you still qualify for a loan modification and I just wanted to tell you who to contact for future reference."

I am beginning to think the loan industry is run by BP.

It was the greatest phone conversation I have ever had..hands down.

I am not sure what has happened...not sure who made it happen but know that I feel like an elephant has been lifted off my scrawny shoulders and once again I only weigh 90 pounds.

When you pray, when you are loved and when you are blessed..right before the boat sinks into the foamy waters someone throws you a life vest.

Unbelievable turn of events and I am not sure who to thank...I know God had His hand in the entire time, but I wonder who else played a part? I think I have some "Thank You" notes to buy.

After I got off work tonight I drove straight to the high school to catch the "Ms. Band Camp" pageant.

The girls dress the boys in drag and they all compete for the title of "Ms. Band Camp." It was hilarious and I am so glad I got there in time to see these kids who sweated in this ridiculous heat all day sitting in an air conditioned room laughing their heads off and having the time of their lives.

I am a lucky woman. I have taken some knocks and stumbles and quite a few tumbles . I am also loved by God and a myriad of friends and family.

"When you speak from your heart and say the words your soul has only dared to whisper...That is when miracles happen."

You know you are a guard mom when you look forward to spending tomorrow in searing heat watching your child learn lessons of diligence, commitment and having the time of their young lives all at the same time. I wouldn't want to be any other place.

Thank You God...Thank You family and friends. I have never been more thankful than I am this day...this week... this hour. I turn fifty on Saturday...a few months ago I didn't know if I would even see the day.

God bless you all as I have been blessed!

Wait til tomorrow for the "Ms. Band Camp" photos...

Til next time....COTTON

The True Meaning of Christmas

If you follow my ramblings at all, you know that I am a sever in a restaurant.

Every year we choose a family to collect money for to help them out with their Christmas. Last year...embarrassing as it may be...it was my family.

Not that I wasn't eternally grateful, but it is hard to accept such a gift from the people closest to you, that you see every day working hard for their dollar as well.

Without their help, we would have had a very difficult Christmas...which is hard to explain to your kids!

This year, my bossy friend at work and I (who is probably bossier) decided to keep it once again in our restaurant family.

He was a single father of two who recently remarried. His new wife is expecting, and with the economy in the tank...things just weren't going his way.

I think everyone in America can identify with this.

It wasn't easy collecting money this year...there IS none.

But my faithful fellow employees stepped right up to the plate. Some gave a dollar...some gave ten...some gave twenty...the fives count too!!

This is a man that is the day cook. He is there when we first get to work to set up the store for opening. Sometimes he comes in at 5AM to unload the truck delivering product...rotating all the old product, staying in the cooler for hours on end...and STILL comes out of the cooler at 10:30 when we servers clock in, with a smile on his face.

He makes us grill cheese sandwiches, DELICIOUS patty melts, and pretty much anything we ask for.

I bring in leftovers every Tuesday, because Monday is my only day off and when I cook for my family, I always make extra so we can heat something up to eat on my Tuesday day shift.

He is on the line busy cooking, char grilling and frying...but never refuses when I ask him to heat up our leftovers.

He is a worthy, WORTHY recipient . He puts up with 50 annoying servers wanting HIM to fix THEIR mistakes on a daily basis.

I took the Christmas money to him today in an envelope...took him in the back and gave it to him quietly. He was BEYOND touched.

I think that some of my fellow servers may have been upset that I didn't give the money to him in front of a whole group.

But being the recipient from the previous year, I know how hard it is to accept what seems like charity...but is ACTUALLY a gift. Who do we want to make feel good, him or us?

If I had been given my Christmas gift last year in front of everyone... I think I would have fainted...which I almost did anyway...but at least only a couple of people saw me break down into tears, and sob like a baby.

Giving is the ABSOLUTE and true meaning of Christmas.

We gave...he received... WE ALL WON!!

I know for a fact that I will have a greater Christmas knowing that we at our store have once again helped one of our own. I can personally attest to fact that it is a marvelous feeling to know that your co workers care THAT much about you...especially in these hard and trying times.

"THANKS CO WORKERS"....You not only made his Christmas...you made mine!! (Once again)

Til next time...Have a MERRY one...COTTON

"Hoke" and "Miz Daisy"

When at my restaurant...there is a couple that come in at least twice a week.

A young African American, guiding his eighty something year old charge. An elderly white woman, who always looks as sharp as a tack...shuffling one foot after another, taking forever to get to her table. She takes an eternity to just get to the women's room and another eternity to get out. The nurse stands by the door patiently, and we have started to joke with him about hanging outside of the restroom door trying to pick up women.

Last week, I stopped to talk with him. I told him how I admired how he treated this woman. He is so respectful and thoughtful with her. He never rolls his eyes or gets agitated with her slow walk or demeanor.

I remarked to him the other day, that when they walk in, I say "Here comes Hoke with Miss Daisy".

He said that he has heard it all.

He said that he has been with this woman for ten years, moved down here from the north with her. Her husband had died, leaving her with a 300 acre Arabian horse farm out on Smoky Road. (An exclusive...still rural area that I would LOVE to live in).

It just strikes a cord in my heart that she is left with nothing now but money and an African American nurse that seems to genuinely and compassionately care for this tottering, feeble and fragile person.

The horses and farmland are gone, she has moved into a condo with her "Hoke".

She acknowledges my comments to her, but it is obvious that she is in her last years.

I wonder if she even knows or grasps what gracious and capable hands she has been lucky enough to fall into?

He never seems to waver in his devotion or care of this woman. He never acts exhausted by his role or short in his temper with her slowness or lack of awareness.

She , in my mind is as lucky as "Miss Daisy" was in the movie. This man genuinely cares about this woman, doesn't care if she realizes his compassion or attentiveness, but just does his job.

He treats this woman like royalty, gives her the respect that I am sure she deserves and is giving her the quality of life that she has earned...right up to the end!

I do not know who I admire more...HIM or HER?

I just know that it makes me smile to see them walk through our doors, see that "Miss DAISY" is still with us, and has this awesome companion to not only take care of her , but to make her waning days as important and meaningful as all the other years that have come her way.

If I am as lucky as our "Miss Daisy"... I will truly be a blessed person.

"GODSPEED" Miss Daisy...and thank you "HOKE".

Won't You Meet My Neighbor !!

I have a neighbor that I met over ten years ago when we first moved into our neighborhood.

She is a feisty woman... a hard worker and a wonderful person.

She has fallen ill. She has been sick since January but I did not learn of her misfortune until her boss came into my restaurant over a month ago.

She is not the type to send out an email or call neighbors.

She has raised two kids... not always to a happy note. But when is raising kids ever a breeze?

I have three kids of my own and they have tormented me from the time every one of them reached middle school.

She has always been a rock.
She has always been the most lucid and focused person in her house hold.

She has five dogs in residence (don't let the county know) and loves them as her kids... at least they have always behaved, and don't talk back much.

She is someone that would not ask for help, even if she was in dire straits or incapacitated totally.

I have been trying to cook for her a couple of times a week...tromping over with my meager offerings.

I wish she would let me do more, but she won't.

I have always admired this woman that I feel lucky to call my friend. She lost her parents early on, and after marrying her husband ...moved on to "raising" him.

She is a devout christian, and I often wonder why God has chosen for her recent life to be so stressful?

We talk on the phone, while I try my best to bring her over to the Democratic side... she shares her Republican views with me as well.

It is a friendship that I treasure dearly and I pray that all the tons of doctors she currently sees , figure out EXACTLY what she is facing and bring her health back to her.

Her family is like mine... without us women...they would be SCREWED!! She is a superwoman like I am and every one of her family members rely on her for support, encouragement and discipline.

It is truly a tough job being a woman.

But being a woman facing uncertainty about her health, future and prognosis is almost too much for me to think about.

I have faith in God that everything will turn out okay for my dear friend.

I have faith that her family will rise to the occasion and help her through this trying and draining time.

I have faith that I can be the friend to her that she needs, and the friend that she can count on.

I have faith that she will let me help her in ANY way that I can, and that she will know that it is TOTALLY my honor to do the small things that I can to make her journey back to a healthy life easier.

As a request to all my faithful readers... PRAY for this wonderful woman and pray for a rapid and full recovery.

I know that it will happen...but extra prayers going up to the big "GUY" won't hurt and will let her know how much she is loved and thought of by friends... even ones she has never met.

My Yankee Connection

One of my faithful blog readers is a wonderful friend that has escaped the heat and humidity of the south, to return to her New York roots. She has three young kids and a wonderful husband.

She and I became acquainted when we worked together in a restaurant as the dayshift waitresses of a local restaurant. I had worked for the company for over ten years...moving from one store to another...managed one store for several years, and came to a new store that had opened since the owners had started to sell franchises.

We worked for a boss that can be summed up in two words..."BIN LADEN". He suffered from the Napoleon complex in a HUGE way (no pun intended....well, maybe a "little"...another pun)!!

He could be as sweet as silk..and then BAM!!! He could sling on that turban and seem to have an M-16 hanging over his shoulder in a matter of a few seconds.

Talk about a hot head!!

Needless to say, I enjoyed pushing his buttons more than I should have, and bore the brunt of his temper quite often.

We had liquor permits that we had to have on display...a drivers license size card that showed your picture and name.

I found a picture of ole Ossama Bin Laden one day in the paper that was the exact size of our liquor permit picture. I taped it over our boss's picture on his permit card.

Everyone that worked there thought it was not only hilarious, but VERY appropriate.

Our tyrant of a boss (who actually COULD be very nice, but had a fuse as short as his stature) took five dollars out of my paycheck for "tampering with the permits".

He should have known better, having known me for almost fifteen years.

I went right back to the newspaper, and found a picture of the pop star "prince" who was at the time going by a symbol instead of his name. When the press referred to him , they called him "The Artist Formerly Known As". By the way....How ridiculous was THAT?

So I find me a pic of Prince that exactly matched the size of my liquor permit photo...taped it over my own picture, and in the exact print that had shown my name on the card...taped over my name "The Waitress Formerly Known As".

BAM!! He took fifteen dollars out of my paycheck. And threatened to fire me if I touched another permit on the wall.

My friend and I had many , many hours of fun tormenting our "little" Napoleon. It was always on the sly and always just under the radar, so that we couldn't be fired.

She and I "ran" that place...we just let him "THINK" he was the boss. The bond that we formed in that short period of time will last a lifetime, and although she has moved miles and miles away from me...she will be close to my heart forever.

We had nicknames for all the regulars and other employees (only known to us) and shared a million laughs together.

She had a baby...moved back to New York...had two more babies...and is living out her dream of being a MOM...one that she was born for. She is a compassionate, articulate and intelligent woman, and I feel proud to call her my friend.

We speak to each other only once every year or so, but thanks to the internet, we have been keeping in touch more and more.

The years that I worked with and spent with her are precious to me. I can bust a gut thinking of some of our antics...and sometimes wonder if "OLE" Napoleon ever got over the anxiety that we inflicted on him on an almost daily basis.

Friends are a treasure to me that I will never take for granted. If you are my friend...you will be my friend for life. You will always be in my heart and soul.

If you are my friend...know that I will always love you and that I will always be there for you...now, tomorrow or ten years from tomorrow.

To my sweet "JO JO"... Thanks for the memories, thanks for loving me and thanks for reading my petty blog. You of all people know how much my writing means to me, how it fills me with satisfaction and gives me a place to show my heart.

I hope that every one has an outlet that they enjoy as much as I enjoy ... relish and appreciate... this vehicle, vice, space of my own, "my baby"...my BLOG.

Because of my friends, because of my family, because of my wacky interpretation of life... I am here...writing all of this to all of you!

And HEY !! Thanks for reading it. It means a lot to me...more than you could ever imagine.

Till next time...COTTON

Another Bullet Dodged

Made another trip up to Piedmont Hospital today. My daughter went with me...She said they have "GREAT" food in the cafeteria, and she wanted some of it.

One of my favorite customers at work, as well as a good friend...had a procedure done to see if he needed to have stints put in his heart .

We all commandeered the waiting room. His wife was there, along with his parents and siblings, his son and a few close friends. We all chatted and joked (mostly me joking...but HEY that seems to be my Forte).

A group huddled together hoping for the best outcome to what could possibly be bad news all around.

We pretty much filled the waiting room up ourselves. A few people that dared join us, were subjected to our running the place...having taken over the room as our own.

After a nail biting hour and a half, we were greeted with the news that all was well.

Another bullet dodged...another happy outcome...another reason to thank God.

These were wonderful people that I was surrounded by and I could not be happier for them to have received good news about their loved one.

I ran into one of the nurses that took care of my brother in law when he had his open heart surgery and she was sweet to ask about how he was doing since his big "CRACK IT OPEN".

My daughter got her "fix" from the hospital cafeteria, and my friends got the "fix" that they had all been hoping for...another bullet dodged.

I wish nothing but happiness and well being for my friends...and they truly deserve it.

It was a day well spent. Everyone that has this kind of trauma in their lives need to be surrounded and supported by the ones that love and care about them.

That feeling was definitely alive in that waiting room...he was supported to the "Max " and that support system carried his wife through a couple of truly frightening hours.

Now I can feel free to pick on him again when he comes into my restaurant...maybe even tell him about the "Coronary" specials of the day...and tell him that with every double cheeseburger you can get free defibrillator for only a $300,000 up charge.

Another bullet dodged...another happy ending for some friends that can certainly use a break.

I am glad that it all turned out well for them, and that it turned out well for me...I got to do another amusing post instead of another tragic story of life.

Till next time COTTON

GOOD NIGHT, "IRENE"

My friend will know who I am talking about if she reads this post. I was thrilled to hear that she has read part of my blog. I have known this woman since as long as I can remember. She was the first person to EVER get me on a roller coaster (the "Star Liner") at the Miracle Strip In Panama City. It was the most exhilarating and terrifying moment in my ten year old life... and believe me...it set me hooked to roller coasters forever and hooked to the fact that I could NOT trust "Irene" when she said "Everything will be just fine." I had never been as scared as I was when that rickety ole coaster climbed that first hill. That "clack, clack ,clack ,clack, clack,clack ,clack" of that fifty year old wooden cart cranking up a seemingly 90 degree angle...only to send us all flying to our immediate death. But the ride ended...and I actually LIVED to tell the story. It was a night that is embellished in my memory...the night that "Coasters" replaced "SKEE-BALL" in my world of fun. I felt like I had become an adult. Granted, you didn't have fifty "Skee" Ball tickets that you could turn in for "MINI" dice or a deck of "mini" cards to play hearts with...but the excitement that I felt that night is still a very vivid and profound memory in my mind.

Being a kid is such a tremendous and happy memory for me. I know that it is not for many...and that breaks my heart and certainly puts a damper on my day.

My advice to every person on this Earth is to make a difference...if not in your own life...most definitely in someone's that deserve or really need it.

Our kids are the future...we can help the world by showing, helping or teaching...or sit idly by, wondering why our society is in such a mess.

A roller coaster ride may seem insignificant... but I was a blessed child and it still stands out as a highlight of my youth. SO many are not blessed.

What does it take to make a difference? In my opinion...NOT very much.

ACCOUNTABILITY... that is the key to a successful and prosperous future.

When everything else is tallied, when everything else comes to pass...Will you be able to say that you feel like you have been accountable for not only your actions...but your reactions?

It is a big question...but one that we ALL need to think about.

The world today greatly worries me. Are there enough of us caring? Are there enough of us to make a difference?

I truly believe that we WILL succeed... and if we begin to all pitch in, all give a little...we will reap "REWARDS UNTOLD".

And wouldn't that be a GOOD thing?

Till next time....COTTON

Looks Like We Picked A "Renner" !!

Another post about co-workers...(my kids are obviously in a slump).We have a bartender that is HANDS DOWN the best bartender that I have ever worked with or known... And in 30 years of being a sever, I have met quite a few! He handles himself with precision and grace behind the bar, and is the favorite of every regular we have or sometimes the favorite of our first time guests. He reminds me of Bon Jovi ... and to me that is a GOOD thing. Not the Bon Jovi from the eighties, but the current one. Remember when he was a regular on Ally McBeal? Our barkeep is a sexy mix of an outdoors man, with David Letterman humor (without the gray balding look, spaced out teeth and 30 year age difference) and an all round great guy that holds no bias or bigotry against anyone... the first person to tell you when you do something wrong, and the last person to admit his mistakes...granted they are far and few between. You never wait for a drink when he is behind the bar ; and if you are smart you help him out when he needs it(which is rarely). The servers that are slack make themselves an open target for his sharp tongue and even sharper observations of who is working hard and who is not. If you dare to challenge him on a point... you should really stop and reconsider the repercussions of crossing into an area that you may never make it back from alive. I have to give it to him... He is 99.9% right in almost every battle he is "Shoved" in to. Some of the younger servers that we have...#ONE don't all care about their job like he and I do. #TWO they don't realize that like me , he has been in this business a LONG time...and #THREE don't realize that they are fighting a battle that they can never win. Management will back him up EVERY TIME. I will be the first to say that is one of the things our managers do best...recognize who is making our store the best and supporting them 100%. He is married to an obviously Saint of a woman that not only puts up with him, but has bore him two beautiful little girls....That will be his penance in life...living with three women!! No wonder he always has to be right at work, he is under the wrath of three women at home... He probably likes to come to work just so he can BE right. He has begun a new career of "Land surveying" that has been put on hold due to our wonderful economy at this point in time. I for one; am grateful that due to it he is still with us. When he leaves us it will leave a huge and massive void in not only our staff family, but in our customer family as well...It will be hard to decide who will miss him most. Actually it won't be...It will be me!! I have enjoyed working with him every shift that I have, and on the rare occasion that he has made me angry... I just tuck my tail under me and skulk away far enough for him not to hear me and gripe quietly. One night when cleaning up the bar after close, he found a wallet on the floor. It was right around Christmas when people were coming in constantly to buy gift cards as presents. The wallet was filled with several hundred dollars in cash and several credit cards. Do you know how many places that this woman could have left her wallet and never seen it again? Or woken up to hundreds of dollars worth of charges on her cards? But she left it at "Renner's" bar and it was returned to her completely as she had left it. She wrote a very nice letter to the local newspaper about her "Christmas Angel" . I don't know if I would call him an angel...but I consider it a mighty privilege to call him not only one of my favorite co workers but a dear friend. Thankfully for me the way the economy is going, I will be able to enjoy his friendship, humor and banter for a while yet! But when he goes it will be a huge part of our heart , soul and family that will be sorely and surely missed. I am glad that I have known him for the past ten years...and will remember him fondly for the rest of my life. Truly one of the most interesting, and honest men that I have ever met....even though he can be a "Baby"... He's OUR baby...and BABY DO WE LOVE HIM!!

P.S. (My first blog with a post script)!! I went into work tonight..after posting this last night, to a flurry of complaints from my co workers. Let's see what some of the comments were.."You are a suck up" " Renner is a big fat baby" "You were WAY too nice about him" The list went on and on...much to Renner's delight! He could care less what people think about him, and it only makes him laugh when he hears their complaints. I guess that is why we get along so well...I am the same way. I am sure that there are many, many co workers that don't like me for a variety of reasons.I can understand my co workers gripes... He CAN be a baby; and is QUITE often. But I am one of the smart ones that knows when to leave him alone, or when to move FAR away from him and complain in a quiet voice ( Which is ALMOST humanly impossible for me and my big trap). But I know which side my bread is buttered on with him, and I tend to slather it with the butter of my kindness and therefore frequently avoid the sharp acerbic darts that he verbally throws at us. Actually, he is a lot like me... you know what they say..."Birds of a feather flock together." Call me a "suck up" call me a "baby enabler".... Just keep reading my blog and remember that is what the "COMMENTS" tool is for! Let's hear back from all you disgruntled readers....or are you just ALL scared of "The Big Fat Baby"??

"Shrek" Ya Later, Alligator !

ANOTHER manager of mine is flying our little coop. I call him "Shrek" because # 1 he is a pretty massive man...# 2, he has a pretty massive head. Big heads don't bother me, my daughter has one of the biggest noggins I have ever seen, and she is one of the most beautiful people that I know. Back to "Shrek." He literally fell into our lives at the restaurant. He knows exactly what I mean... and because I love him, and have already essentially called him a fat head (a fat head that I completely adore) I will let my last little comment just be known between him, me and all the employees that read my little blog. After he fell into our lives, took a few days off for recovery...he was back with a vengeance. He , like all of my other managers...is hard working and dedicated to our store and the company. He has an EXTREMELY quick wit...(and this coming from the Queen of wit). He has a beautiful wife and two kids that drive him as nuts as mine do...DON'T THEY ALL? He has the opportunity to move up in the company, and is abandoning us...at least that's the way that I feel. My twelve year old daughter seems to be more upset than anyone...she LOVES our "Shrek" and even bought him a Shrek antennae topper for his car. He SAYS the "DUNkey" took it, but we just aren't sure. But what I am sure of is that we will ALL miss this man more than he could ever possibly know. He has been a bright spot in my day many, many times. He has been on my butt when I needed it, yet always had my back. He is a hard working , honest man that I respect and admire totally. My daughter actually wrote a letter to our corporate office, demanding they keep him here. It was written on purple notebook paper with a pink pen, in her "swirliest" writing. Thankfully I intercepted that one, and explained that this was a step up for him and his family. We will not be the same without him, he will leave a hole in our hearts and a memory of another great boss that we will miss. Good luck my friend... and I call you my friend because you ARE!! That is the great thing about you; you boss us around when we need it, are concerned for us when we need it, and lift us up when we need it. Plus, I will lose A LOT of good material when you leave, and that just plain HURTS!! Always keep in touch, and know that my voice expresses the voice of MANY,MANY people. You have always taken my kidding so well...although you are pretty darn good at it yourself. I wish everyone had a boss like my "SHREK" ... I know he means the world to us, and I hope he takes that thought with him on his journey to a greater opportunity, and greater things for his family. I want nothing less for him, and he deserves even more... especially after putting up with me for all this time.... maybe I am the reason he is leaving! I love you, and may you have a "RICH" and fulfilling life . Come back to see us or we will hunt you down and make you climb a fireman's ladder...BLINDFOLDED!!! Till next time...COTTON

Angels Take Care of Their Own...

My sister and her husband have not only been smacked in the face with reality of "open heart surgery", but have been wrapped in the arms of Angels. Their church has done the most amazing thing I have ever seen a group of Christians do... think of the best way to help a person who is down and out... and step up to the plate... swing the bat and knock a home run for my sister and her husband. Maybe I should call it a grand slam. She called me at work tonight to tell me that her church had helped them out... above and totally beyond the call of duty. Let me insert here, that my sister has helped hundreds of people out over the years, and continues to on a daily basis. She is my mentor, my best friend, and the only MOM that I have. She would do anything for any one, and often has. But in her time of need... she has been taken care of by genuine love, care and concern that boggles the mind... at least my small mind (which ain't too much). Her weight has been lifted by the love of people that truly and deeply love her, as I do. My appreciation for these "Angels" is probably as great as hers ... although she is a MUCH better person than I am, and deserves it EVERY BIT ... it has made her aware of just how much friends CAN and DO make an impact in our lives. God has blessed my sister not only with her husband's good recovery, but with the knowledge that she is appreciated for the wonderful woman, person and Christian that she is. Thank you "Angels" not only for loving my family, but for giving us peace of mind and some relief in one of the most traumatic times of our lives.God bless you each and every one, as you have surely blessed us. Till next time... COTTON

My Next Door Husband...

I have been with my husband for twenty years; I have been with my second husband for seven. I say this kiddingly. I am talking about my next door neighbor. He is a single father, raising a tween, and two teens ... and believe it or not, he still has a full head of hair! Of course he has pretty terrific kids, great students and all round good people. You know what they say "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree." He can fix anything... and I speak from experience. He has probably fixed more things in my house than my husband has. From the water heater to the dryer, to my dishwasher, oven and my car and lawn mower. He is always happy to oblige...or at least he always ACTS that way when I ask him for help. I keep wondering when he is going to build a ten foot privacy fence around his entire house so that I can't pester him anymore.I secretly hope that he never remarries...I don't think that I want to share him. I probably owe him thousands of dollars by now, but he will rarely ever take money from me... only an occasional twelve pack of beer, or a meal that I have to force on him. He is always willing to lend a hand or help out with anything we need, and always acts like it is nothing. But it IS something to me. Having him be our friend has not only saved us tons of money, but helped us out of some pretty tight jams. I hope one day to be able to repay him for his countless favors and kindness. Of course I can't see that happening until all my kids are grown and gone... they seem to be great at sucking me and my husband dry... and have perfected their technique almost flawlessly. For now I will just have to hope that he doesn't move or change his phone number to a private one, and that he knows how much we love and appreciate his unselfish help any time we have called on him. You single women reading my posts; don't get any ideas... "HE'S MINE...ALL MINE" !!! But just to rub a little salt in your single wounds; he is not only handy, but smart, good looking and an absolutely terrific father. My kids keep trying to move in next door, but I told them they are stuck with us...unless they can convince "Mr. Ron" to take us all as a family package! He wouldn't save any money, but at least he wouldn't have to walk as far. Till next time... COTTON

Took A Licking and Kept on Ticking!

This post is dedicated to my brother in law who is currently in the ICU at Piedmont hospital, recovering from open heart surgery. He was diagnosed yesterday afternoon at 2 PM with a massive tumor in his left ventricle. He was wheeled into the operating room today before noon...by 4 PM he was in the recovery room. We got to go back and see him after about an hour. The tumor was over HALF the size of his entire heart. We saw pictures of the tumor, and it totally amazed me that he had survived this long. He began to feel bad in December, just short of breath and feeling tired. By January he was no better... in fact much worse. Trips to several different doctors told us a few things. He had a bleeding ulcer, which accounted for the anemia. After transfusions, he rebounded slightly, only to be knocked down again by the tiredness and shortness of breath. A trip to yet another doctor yesterday included an echo cardiogram. It showed a tumor, and he was immediately admitted to the hospital. After 4 hours of surgery, the nurse came out to say all had gone well. We went back to see him, and pictures of the tumor they had removed. It covered the entire left chamber of his heart. It was the size of a "hacky sack" those little bean bag type balls you kick around. The doctors in the ICU were all looking at the tumor, the films, and commenting on how large in size the tumor was. It was a benign tumor, one of the doctors said he may have had it since birth. But in the last six months it had grown to swallow up half of his heart. His prognosis is good... other than having a 12 inch incision made down his chest, his ribs split apart, put on a bypass machine, tumor removed, heart repaired, sewn up again and put on a ventilator... he HAS SURVIVED!! He had grown so weary of being sick, not feeling well at all and on top of that, not knowing why ; that it had also taken quite an emotional toll on him as well. The doctor said that once the intubation tube was taken out, his first words would most likely be how much better he felt already. No other blockages, the tumor was benign.. we are just praying for a quick recovery and rebound. God bless Harvey, and God bless us for him still being a part of our lives. It was an extremely stressful day, but more so for Harve... we are glad to have him back, pray for his successful recovery, and thank all of you that have thought of, and prayed for us.. and to have had all of the prayers come to fruition. We are all still in the "waiting" mode, but feel a huge sigh of relief that this section of his journey to recovery is over, and all that is left is a good healing process, and more good luck in the coming days. He took a HUGE licking... but "BY GOD" he has kept on ticking. Thank you Jesus, and Thank you doctors!! We had a great support team of my sister's two great friends , and me as comedic relief. You know that if ANYBODY could get us through this, it would be three bossy, headstrong, women... who supported, helped and carried all four of us through this traumatic day, made it bearable, and probably kept us all sane. Ole Harve owes us one; but we are just thrilled that he is here still, to remind him of how lucky he is, not only to have his life back, but his wife back, his sons back.. and the three musketeers that spent a day in hell; just to be able to call it all HEAVEN at the end of the day. It was truly "GOOD FRIDAY."...and one that I will never forget.... The tomb was rolled back early, and as I saw the full moon rise on the way home, I knew that there was surely a GOD, and that he had not only listened to, but mightily answered our prayers, that we had so feverishly asked for in the Good Friday service in the chapel of the hospital. It is turning out to be the BEST Friday that I can remember in a long while... let's hope for an even better Saturday!!

Andre The Giant... "Doofus"

Here comes another one.. the people that I work with are JUST too good of material not to use for my blog. Hopefully this will all lead to my career as a stand up comedienne or a book of essays about my life. Andre IS a giant... at about six foot four , to me he is a giant; and no matter what my height is ... he will always be a doofus to me. My spell check just flagged the word DOOFUS, but if you knew Dre, you would know that spell check was wrong. He started as a server in our restaurant, moved up to a bartender... which in our store is like working in another realm altogether. It is an entire different entity from the rest of the store. Of course with it being a bar, there are people on their phones to their bookies, while watching the games on the wide screen above their tottering heads. The bartenders are probably calculating their own losses, while licking the wounds of the losers with another shot of booze... Thus is the life of a bartender. My Giant is a man that I have always loved and respected.... even though he can be as slow as Granny Smith to get me a drink for my table. He is the ONLY person that the phrase DOOFUS has been been appreciated and laughed at. My husband becomes furious when I call him that... it may be too close to home, or it might just be one of the many things that I do that ticks him off. ... Although I am off only one day a week, on the Tuesday that I come back in to start my work week again... Dre always says... "What did you bring us today?" I always cook for my family on Monday nights, and my co-workers are foaming at the mouth for my leftovers, which I always bring them. I could come in and say " it was rutabagas and Liver" ; and Dre would say "Let's give it a try!" He does so much for our company from service at the bar to contractor skills behind the scenes. He is married to a woman that I admire completely... mainly because She wears his butt out!! But what amazes me even more is that he is SO in love with her... he would probably walk over hot coals for her(maybe he already has). She is cute as a button, and as hot as a firecracker.Our once life long bachelor (and doofus) has been transformed in a husband, father, and provider in one big swoop. He is constantly smiling, always upbeat and willing to lend a hand. He's just such a big, goofy lovable guy, that I am surprised he managed to stay single for as long as he did. As with many other workers at our store, he has recently gone back to school ( I guess he wants to finally dispel the "Doofus" label.) But he will always be my cute, big ole Doofus.... it is one of his most endearing qualities, and one of the many reasons he is just so easy to like and hard to get mad at! He will be missed when he leaves; but will probably come back to visit every Tuesday morning with a fork in his hand... looking for another left over hand out!

The "Dean" Of Our Culinary Arts Department

We have a cook at work; that is probably hands down, the nicest guy that I have ever had the good fortune of meeting. He is absolutely the most mild mannered, laid back UN-rattled cook that I have ever met; in a profession that seems to thrive on giving out headaches, heart palpitations and high blood pressure like candy. I have known him for almost ten years, and can honestly say that I have never ONCE seen him lose his cool. You can ask any favor of him for the guest's dinner, or even a request for something not on the menu for your employee meal... and always receive the answer that you are looking for... "Yeah, I think I can do that." He gives "meek" a whole new meaning.. and it totally amazes me... How can he work in this high pressure, always demanding job and make it look like a walk in the park? He is a consummate professional, on time, ready to work, ready to always go the extra mile. It is truly a pleasure to work with him, and it always makes my day to see him back in the kitchen. He is married to a terrific woman, and they have an absolute "Doll" of a daughter. They all came over to our house on Christmas Day, and it was such a treat to not only have my immediate family, but part of my restaurant family with me as well. He is never in a bad mood, never complains... just does his job to the best of his ability... a tremendous ability, which in my opinion he is WAY under paid for. But you know what? He has a wife and child to support.. and like me, he knows that if you give your best performance while doing your job, the managers will ALWAYS have your back, and treat you with respect. In today's economical times, you have to be grateful that you HAVE a job to support your family with... and his family is most certainly blessed to have this wonderful man to call their own. If anybody I know could hit the lottery, I would want it to be him. Of course he is too frugal, conscientious, and dedicated to his family to ever waste money on a lottery ticket... maybe I will start buying him one every week! He is not only a co worker, but an amazing , pleasant, incredible person to have as a friend. We are lucky to have him in our company as an employee, and even luckier that he is such a terrific guy to have as a friend.... And HEY... his English is impeccable !! I love my Latino cooks too.. actually I love most all of them... from Captain Cunningham to General Norman of the day shift. But I can always write about them too, and most probably will. But this one is for my "Dean" . I just want everyone that bothers to read this blog to know what an incredible person he is, and how lucky I feel to just call him my friend ( not to mention he makes the best shrimp and chicken chimichanga ever made by a Gringo!) I hope everyone I know is lucky enough to have at least one person like my "Dean" in their life as well. Isn't it great to have wonderful people let you be a part of their life? It just makes life so much sweeter and enjoyable , when you are compensated with being surrounded by care, love and friendship in even your workplace environment. If he'd JUST shut up every once in a while.... TOTALLY kidding... his nickname could be "Silent Sam"..... of course working with 30 women, he doesn't have much time for input .. just an occasional nod of the head, and a mental reminder to himself that at least the company won't let him go in to overtime. Forty hours with us, and he gets a 24 hour reprieve. Till next time... COTTON

My "OCD" " BFF"

One of the girls that I work with, a server with our restaurant since it opened.. is one of the most amazing, determined and goal oriented people that I have ever met. YES, she has a touch of the OCD... maybe more than a touch, but we'll let her slide on that one... for now ! She is two years older than me, which means we are both "OLE FARTS". Recently she has gone back to school. At first she was going for ex-ray technology... which turned out to be two years of core studies before she could start on th "X" ray part. My manager joked to her that by the time she received her degree, X-rays would be obsolete. Her new goal is to be an Esthetician... facials, skin abrasion treatments, and a lot of stuff that rich women want and can afford. (sounds like a perfect job for the town we work in ) She has been at our store since before Jesus was born... well maybe not that long, but it seems that way. The old women love her, the freaks, odd balls and cranky old men will wait for her to have a table open. Her regulars (the freaks) come in asking for her. I have told more than one that she is enrolled in school again, and only works Sundays now. Some of them ask what she is going to school for... and I wittily reply... "she decided to get that GED she always wanted." All the ole women say to me (very emphatically)...GOOD FOR HER !! I don't think any of them have a clue as to the humor that I am trying to use. They all just think that their favorite server is really going out on a limb, climbing the ladder... and reaching out to grab that golden egg... although I make it seem like she is reaching out the window of the "Short Bus" ... and all of us that went to public schools know what a "short" bus means. But so far, all of the regulars of hers that I have waited on, are so immensely proud of "Their Girl" ... that I feel like I just need to leave them to their illusions of grandeur about their favorite waitress. I guess I will have to throw her a graduation party with all her regulars piling up their walkers in a corner, and waiting to pat their girl on the head... telling her how proud they are of her achievement, and how proud they are of her finally receiving her GED... obviously a PHD in their minds. But you know what? She makes these wacky, weird, hard to wait on people happy... and is probably the best friend that any of them have left in this world. They come to our restaurant to see her; and ONLY her. They are loyal(although nutty loyals) that come in to see, visit and just relax with their favorite waitress, and in some instances, she is the only person in the world that they have to listen to them, understand and care about their gripes, concerns and complaints. To me, she is not only a friend... she is a saving salvation to these "odd" ducks... and probably the reason that they get out of bed each day, shuffle their way to our store.... just to see my "OCD" "BFF" , a woman that could probably run the Happiest Nursing Home in the world. I know that if I was 80, I would want to live in HER nursing home. She is one in a million ... and as always... I feel it a tremendous privilege to not only know her, but to call her my friend ( even if she IS short Bus material). God will surely Bless you Terri.. as you have not only blessed me, but many others as well. I love ya,....COTTON

My Wonderful Mexican Friends

As I have already told you, I work in a restaurant. I don't know about other places in the country, but here in suburban Atlanta, Mexicans are the life blood of the kitchen in a restaurant. Some come and go; some are here to stay , and unfortunately... some are deported. Some are dishwashers... the ones that speak very little English, some are prep guys in the kitchen... we have recipes in Spanish... and some are cooks... that are pretty fluent with the English language. They are ABSOLUTELY the hardest working guys that I have ever met. One case in point. We have two dishwashers on a weekend night... one gets off around ten, and the other closes the store, finishing up the dishes and cleaning up. One night, I got off at midnight, went to my local Walmart to pick up a few groceries, and when I got out of my car, I saw the "early out" dishwasher pressure washing the parking lot at Walmart . He of course said 'HOLA" to me, I treat these guys with a lot of respect.. most of them work about 70 hours a week, for minimum wage, or a little over if they have been with us for a while. Some of them look like they are kids, but are all at least eighteen. I remember when I first started at my restaurant. One of the more brash girls peered through the dish pit window to tell the dishwasher to come and change the garbage cans. She said " I know you can speak English ! " She repeated for him to come change the cans.. he continued to ignore her.. she said once again... CHANGE THE GARBAGE CANS !! He looked through his little view spot from his position in the kitchen with dirty dishes piled all around him , and said (may I quote)... suck my *&#% !! I turned to her and replied.. "hey, you're right!! He CAN speak English." But I am a champion of these guys. They are hard workers, happy to be in America, and working harder than most of the Americans that I work with or see in other low paying jobs. One of my favorite guys is a host with us, seating people and busing tables. As I always chat them up, and inquire as to how they are doing.. He told me that he was in fact very tired that day.... To which I replied.. "Mi Dos" I thought that I had said "me too" but in fact , I said "me two" , which to him was saying the equivalent of " me forty seven ." He just laughed at me, and probably went straight to the back to make fun of me with the other Latinos. Their work ethic is admirable, the country that they come from is dirt poor. Yet they all need to come here in a responsible fashion, and take advantage of what America has to offer.... legally. A lot of my co-workers "poo-poo" these guys. But I always take time out of my shift to ask if they want or need a drink, try to learn some of their language ( which I have learned more of from them , than from my 8 years of Spanish in school). We have nick names for all of them, and listen to their music on their boom boxes that they have cranked up in the kitchen... I did not know that the accordion was still used at all, except in Polka music, but the Latinos seem to live and die by it. Some mornings when I come into work, I will hear a really slow, mellow song; and I will remark to one of the American cooks.. "Is that what they play in a Mexican Dentist office? " But these guys love me.. I respect them, try to have an interest in their day, and more than anything... try to be their friend (amiga). We are truly a melting pot society, and a mix of every race and religion that I can think of. But these guys are my friends, they are my co-workers, and they are part of my life.. which makes me once again realize how lucky and blessed that I am to not only live here, but to have all my papers in order. My biggest fear is who's going to be in the White House next!!

My Sister

I am currently forty seven years old, zooming down the path to forty eight. My sister is fifty "something" (just in case she reads this blog.) She is my best friend (sorry Lisa), she is my mentor, she is my gravitational device on this Earth. Our Mother died when I was seventeen, my sister was in her early twenties. We were both completely lost without our mother.. she was one in a million.. and that is a mild statement to make; especially if you knew our Mother. In the years that have passed, we have grown closer and closer. If there is one thing that I am sure of in my life; it is that my sister will ALWAYS have my back. She supports me, corrects me when I need it, and guides me when she knows I need guidance. She is ABSOLUTELY the most fascinating, inspired, and enigmatic person that I have ever had the fortune of knowing. How she does all the things I admire and love her for totally amaze me, and make me Thank God every day that He blessed me with such a marvelous person as Cin for a sister. She raised two boys as a single mother, helped raise me, and totally took care of my father in his quick decline into Alzheimer's. Without her I would not be even half the person that I am today; nor would be, all the people who's live's she has touched and changed. I hope that every person that reads this has a sister or a relative, or a friend that means to them what Cindy means to me. From the bottom of my heart, and the depths of my soul.. I Thank God every day that I have my sister, and Thank God above the He gave her to me of all people.. I hope that you can be as lucky one day. And Hey Cin... Thanks for loving me !! Till next time... COTTON