Back to the ole less serious Cotton.
I took my daughter, who is turning 13 next month (YIKES)!! to see "Mama Mia" today.
I can't remember a more enjoyable two hours sitting down than we had today.
I don't go to the movies much, but my daughter begged me and ACTUALLY bought my ticket for me.
After she sat listening to me sing along with all the ABBA hits... She asked how I already knew the songs?
I said "Baby, your Mom is A LOT older than you think, and I was out at the disco being a "Dancing Machine" while it was still HIP to "BE" a dancing machine.
I laughed, I cried and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.
What a GREAT movie to see with your daughter!!
It is times like today that make me so very happy that I have a daughter that is my best friend...someone that is not embarrassed to be seen with me, and someone that will always hold my hand when I cry, and scratch my back when I ask (although I HAVE to do it nicely).
The cinematography was gorgeous...I am ACHING to go to Greece now...and the story was almost as beautiful.
I can't wait to take my sister to see it and recommend it highly to my few and loyal readers.
I have another couple of dozen ideas stewing in my empty head, and will spill them out to you as soon as I can.
Right now , I am in mourning for my "John Deere" that is ailing...hopefully my "Next Door Husband " will have me back on track tomorrow.
Then I will have all my yards cut, the front of the subdivision looking good, and will feel relieved enough to come back to my ole "PUTER" sit down and be able to tell you all more about my life, feelings and takes.
I just want to add that I have had over 4700 hits on my blog, and to me that seems to be amazing.
Am I a good writer, or are you just all BORED??
I love to hear comments...good or bad.
To hear praise or condemnation is equally gratifying for me. And think about it...if I EVER make it to a book...YOUR comments will most definitely be included.
I know from my account that I have readers...what I WANT is comments, thoughts and ideas. How long can it take for you to type "You Suck" or "I Like It" ??
This is a BIG HUGE step in my floundering career as a novice writer, and what I need most is some encouragement or maybe "DIS" encouragement.
Let's just put the ball into the other court and see who serves up.
Till next time COTTON
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Ain't Life A Crapshoot ??
I am back home, two days back into work...ignoring the unpacked suitcases, stepping over the $300 worth of fireworks that my two "boys" bought in OLE "BAMA"...and have decided to start yet another book. (I read usually 2 to 3 books a week).
It is about a young woman in her thirties (WHEN did I get old enough to call a woman in her thirties...YOUNG)???? Her boyfriend (at this point in the book) has been diagnosed with terminal brain cancer.
At this point in the book , I put it down on the patio table where I was reading... and began to ponder my life and circumstances.
I am 48 years old. I lost my Mother (I always capitalize my parents..they deserve it) when I was seventeen. I lost my Father when I was...umm... thirty twelve.
I always thought that I got a raw deal .
I lost my Mother when I was a complete "bitch"...no other word for it.
I didn't mean to be that way... it was just the "Way to Be" your senior year in high school.
She took it with grace and a grain of salt.
The day she died... she did it exactly the way that ANN LEACH would want it to happen.
It happened in the span of about thirty seconds. She was with me and my sister one minute, picking out and trying on clothes (only for my sister and me) but would pay for our selection of clothes...then she would go to Cloth World, a discount fabric store and buy herself some nice fabric on sale and go home and sew up an outfit for Sunday church service.
Don't get me wrong...She could have worked for Calvin Klein. Her sewing skills were legendary in our parts of the south west part of Atlanta.
As she fell back onto the floor, I knew in my tinny, whinny 17 year old brain that my Mother had just died on the floor in front of me.
It possessed me for years....I had been cheated !!
I gradually (about 15 years down the road) realized that God had smiled down on my Mother.
He knew what a fabulously talented woman and Mother that she was, and decided that she would not be left in a vegetative or impaired state.
He would just take her then...and WE could deal with the consequences.
As it ended up..the "Consequences" were vast and far reaching.
Our family fell completely apart...rebooted , readjusted and soldiered on.
Although it seems likes six months went by, it was almost twenty five years.
My Father at the age of seventy seven, was diagnosed with West Nile Virus. It was a rapid and unforgiving decline. (read my previous post).
He was healthy and vitally alert on day one...and ten days later he was taken off the ventilator.
I have often thought about these two days in my life.
But I realize that I could have been subjected to visiting my Mother in a nursing home, hoping for miracles that may have never happened. Instead, she went to her Heavenly home....so she could sit on my shoulder every day and be with me in my dreams every night.
As far as my Father was concerned..he HAD reached his late seventies..was sharp as a tack and was as happy as a GRANPA without his GRANMA could be.
He had his "lady friend" (was he OLD school or what)..and we all loved her.
His decline was unexpected and extremely rapid...(God once again smiled on our family).
It was tragic, it was horrendous, but it all happened in the span of ten days.
As I read about these cancer victims, Alzheimer's victims, heart patients... It comes to my mind that God has treated me more than fairly.
I am truly blessed with the fact that I had two amazing parents ; and BOTH of them were spared from the Chemotherapy, the nursing home and the rugged road to a decline that neither of them would have wanted for themselves or for us.
Sometimes I just feel like writing about them. Sometimes I just feel like telling you how I once felt cheated by this "crapshoot" we call life.
And sometimes I feel like looking at my life and saying, "THANK YOU, GOD" for not only giving my the most incredible parents in the world, but for taking them when you did...and for them not having to suffer, or make me suffer over their departing.
It has truly been a battle for me , my brother and sister as well...But to know that their suffering was brief is almost a sigh of relief.
To know that they are out of any discomfort , pain or impairment is just a tremendous amount of comfort to me...and knowing my parents as deeply and profoundly as I did...They would be thrilled with God's decision.
As it is, I have to be content with God's decision to take both of my parents, and live up to the standards and expectations that they not only instilled in but showed me every day of their short but very impressive time in my life.
I used to think I got the "SHORT" stick in life.. but in retrospect...I was a pretty lucky gal.
There are so many people in so many lands that have nothing close to the upbringing and inspiration that I had from my Mother and Father. Although it was brief, although I felt it was snatched from me...at least I HAD it.
It wasn't cancer followed by years and years of unanswered questions or prayers.
It wasn't a fall into the abyss of Alzheimer's that they could never climb back from.
It was simply a loss that I had to eventually learn to accept, and finally realize that I had been spared many years of discomfort not only for me but for one of my parents who may had been labeled to suffer and wither away in front of my eyes...and make their last years not pleasant to remember.
Except for each of my parents unexpected and sudden deaths...all my memories of my family unit as a whole are absolutely the BEST experience a child could ever dream or hope for.
Nothing but good memories(even the few not so good memories were always worth the lesson).
But as the years fly by, as my kids grow older I begin to think how truly blessed I have been.
Although my kids didn't personally know my parents...enough stories have been told and retold and retold. They have all three met my parent's life long friends and love each and every one of them. We have boxes and boxes of old pictures, report cards from first grade and even our "Cradle Roll" certificate from when each of us was enrolled at the church nursery on our first day at church service as a newborn. And know that my Diddy had each of us there on the first Sunday when we were brought home from the hospital; and probably didn't miss more than 3 Sundays over the next twenty years.
Our house was always alive with people , chatter and the hum of my Mother's sewing machine.
Our house was like a magnet for every kid that lived within 2 miles of our house. (Didn't you ALWAYS love to be at THAT house when you were a kid)?
Well that was MY house... and kids, adults and neighbors were always there and there could not be a more wonderful place to be... than to be at 2545 Bayard St.
I had the most fantastic parents that any kid on earth could ever have. I had a secure, loving and safe environment to grow up in, and I thank God for it every day.
Sometimes life IS a crapshoot. But my crapshoot of losing my parents early is totally overshadowed and made all the more bearable knowing that I had Frank and Ann Leach as parents, and that I was truly one of the three luckiest kids on the planet.
Every body loved my folks and that is really not much of an exaggeration.
I was blessed in the short years that I had with them, so many times over that I had to quit counting.
It has taken me till the age of 48 to realize that I may have gotten the short end of the stick...but it was the "best" end of the stick and the end that I needed to grow into the person, wife and mother that I feel like I am continually becoming and aspire to be.
So "Thanks" Momma and Diddy....You were the BEST!! I wish you could be here physically...but know that you are both with me and my kids in our heart and constantly on our shoulder. We are grateful for what we "WERE" able to have...You as grandparents, parents and our personal heroes.
"HEY"!! Maybe life isn't a Crapshoot.... Maybe it is just what WE make of it?
Till next time.............COTTON!!!
It is about a young woman in her thirties (WHEN did I get old enough to call a woman in her thirties...YOUNG)???? Her boyfriend (at this point in the book) has been diagnosed with terminal brain cancer.
At this point in the book , I put it down on the patio table where I was reading... and began to ponder my life and circumstances.
I am 48 years old. I lost my Mother (I always capitalize my parents..they deserve it) when I was seventeen. I lost my Father when I was...umm... thirty twelve.
I always thought that I got a raw deal .
I lost my Mother when I was a complete "bitch"...no other word for it.
I didn't mean to be that way... it was just the "Way to Be" your senior year in high school.
She took it with grace and a grain of salt.
The day she died... she did it exactly the way that ANN LEACH would want it to happen.
It happened in the span of about thirty seconds. She was with me and my sister one minute, picking out and trying on clothes (only for my sister and me) but would pay for our selection of clothes...then she would go to Cloth World, a discount fabric store and buy herself some nice fabric on sale and go home and sew up an outfit for Sunday church service.
Don't get me wrong...She could have worked for Calvin Klein. Her sewing skills were legendary in our parts of the south west part of Atlanta.
As she fell back onto the floor, I knew in my tinny, whinny 17 year old brain that my Mother had just died on the floor in front of me.
It possessed me for years....I had been cheated !!
I gradually (about 15 years down the road) realized that God had smiled down on my Mother.
He knew what a fabulously talented woman and Mother that she was, and decided that she would not be left in a vegetative or impaired state.
He would just take her then...and WE could deal with the consequences.
As it ended up..the "Consequences" were vast and far reaching.
Our family fell completely apart...rebooted , readjusted and soldiered on.
Although it seems likes six months went by, it was almost twenty five years.
My Father at the age of seventy seven, was diagnosed with West Nile Virus. It was a rapid and unforgiving decline. (read my previous post).
He was healthy and vitally alert on day one...and ten days later he was taken off the ventilator.
I have often thought about these two days in my life.
But I realize that I could have been subjected to visiting my Mother in a nursing home, hoping for miracles that may have never happened. Instead, she went to her Heavenly home....so she could sit on my shoulder every day and be with me in my dreams every night.
As far as my Father was concerned..he HAD reached his late seventies..was sharp as a tack and was as happy as a GRANPA without his GRANMA could be.
He had his "lady friend" (was he OLD school or what)..and we all loved her.
His decline was unexpected and extremely rapid...(God once again smiled on our family).
It was tragic, it was horrendous, but it all happened in the span of ten days.
As I read about these cancer victims, Alzheimer's victims, heart patients... It comes to my mind that God has treated me more than fairly.
I am truly blessed with the fact that I had two amazing parents ; and BOTH of them were spared from the Chemotherapy, the nursing home and the rugged road to a decline that neither of them would have wanted for themselves or for us.
Sometimes I just feel like writing about them. Sometimes I just feel like telling you how I once felt cheated by this "crapshoot" we call life.
And sometimes I feel like looking at my life and saying, "THANK YOU, GOD" for not only giving my the most incredible parents in the world, but for taking them when you did...and for them not having to suffer, or make me suffer over their departing.
It has truly been a battle for me , my brother and sister as well...But to know that their suffering was brief is almost a sigh of relief.
To know that they are out of any discomfort , pain or impairment is just a tremendous amount of comfort to me...and knowing my parents as deeply and profoundly as I did...They would be thrilled with God's decision.
As it is, I have to be content with God's decision to take both of my parents, and live up to the standards and expectations that they not only instilled in but showed me every day of their short but very impressive time in my life.
I used to think I got the "SHORT" stick in life.. but in retrospect...I was a pretty lucky gal.
There are so many people in so many lands that have nothing close to the upbringing and inspiration that I had from my Mother and Father. Although it was brief, although I felt it was snatched from me...at least I HAD it.
It wasn't cancer followed by years and years of unanswered questions or prayers.
It wasn't a fall into the abyss of Alzheimer's that they could never climb back from.
It was simply a loss that I had to eventually learn to accept, and finally realize that I had been spared many years of discomfort not only for me but for one of my parents who may had been labeled to suffer and wither away in front of my eyes...and make their last years not pleasant to remember.
Except for each of my parents unexpected and sudden deaths...all my memories of my family unit as a whole are absolutely the BEST experience a child could ever dream or hope for.
Nothing but good memories(even the few not so good memories were always worth the lesson).
But as the years fly by, as my kids grow older I begin to think how truly blessed I have been.
Although my kids didn't personally know my parents...enough stories have been told and retold and retold. They have all three met my parent's life long friends and love each and every one of them. We have boxes and boxes of old pictures, report cards from first grade and even our "Cradle Roll" certificate from when each of us was enrolled at the church nursery on our first day at church service as a newborn. And know that my Diddy had each of us there on the first Sunday when we were brought home from the hospital; and probably didn't miss more than 3 Sundays over the next twenty years.
Our house was always alive with people , chatter and the hum of my Mother's sewing machine.
Our house was like a magnet for every kid that lived within 2 miles of our house. (Didn't you ALWAYS love to be at THAT house when you were a kid)?
Well that was MY house... and kids, adults and neighbors were always there and there could not be a more wonderful place to be... than to be at 2545 Bayard St.
I had the most fantastic parents that any kid on earth could ever have. I had a secure, loving and safe environment to grow up in, and I thank God for it every day.
Sometimes life IS a crapshoot. But my crapshoot of losing my parents early is totally overshadowed and made all the more bearable knowing that I had Frank and Ann Leach as parents, and that I was truly one of the three luckiest kids on the planet.
Every body loved my folks and that is really not much of an exaggeration.
I was blessed in the short years that I had with them, so many times over that I had to quit counting.
It has taken me till the age of 48 to realize that I may have gotten the short end of the stick...but it was the "best" end of the stick and the end that I needed to grow into the person, wife and mother that I feel like I am continually becoming and aspire to be.
So "Thanks" Momma and Diddy....You were the BEST!! I wish you could be here physically...but know that you are both with me and my kids in our heart and constantly on our shoulder. We are grateful for what we "WERE" able to have...You as grandparents, parents and our personal heroes.
"HEY"!! Maybe life isn't a Crapshoot.... Maybe it is just what WE make of it?
Till next time.............COTTON!!!
Monday, July 21, 2008
I Am Back , And My "Back" is Well...
After a week, I feel refreshed and ready to face the world again. It is amazing what a week at the beach can do for you, not to mention how it can make you realize that thirteen relatives can only be together for one week at a time...once a year. "We're OK with that"!
For the other 51 weeks..we try to stay away from each other as much as possible. It makes our family much more "Loving".
Once a year, we tell our brother how much we love him...and "BAM"...he forks out bucks to us lowly sisters...and subjects himself to a week with his siblings and our "CLING ALONG" kids...not to mention their girlfriends, once they reach the "likeable" stage.
It was an amazingly pleasant week...not ONE family fight...(We are famous for THAT one).
I only have a brother and a sister left in my "OLE" family tree. They are my "safe" place , my refuge and my saving salvation. They grew up with me, saw the same things that I did, and remember more things about my early youth than I do....although I can kick their butt in the memory department once I hit about 1970....both of them had a life then...my only life was to watch, admire and fantasize about what it would be like to be in their teenage shoes.I remember every detail of their high school years, and remember how excited I was to have them as an older brother and sister.
They have not let me down yet, and I am pushing fifty!!
We are all three from the same Mom and Dad...yet all different in our own way. I feel that we are pleasing blend of "tough", "mothering" "fumbling"...me being the obvious "latter".
It was week filled with kids, kids, kids...sun, sun, sun...and cocktails,cocktails,cocktails.
We all survived and feel better than we did when we left for the beach.
It can only be done ONCE a year...but ONCE a year we do the unthinkable...cram 13 or so people into a house for a week, and still come out loving each other, knowing each other a little better...and still feeling like a family. Actually, a pretty good stinkin family...if I may say so myself.
I will wait while the next 51 weeks go by until I go back to spend a cluttered, crazy and wonderful week with my family. It will probably take that long just to laugh at all the things that happened THIS trip and to save up for the next one.
Let's just hope my brother keeps his "PHAT" job....maybe next year, he can afford to fund the WHOLE SheBang!! (Hope he doesn't read this) !!!
Till next time..."SUNKIST" COTTON
For the other 51 weeks..we try to stay away from each other as much as possible. It makes our family much more "Loving".
Once a year, we tell our brother how much we love him...and "BAM"...he forks out bucks to us lowly sisters...and subjects himself to a week with his siblings and our "CLING ALONG" kids...not to mention their girlfriends, once they reach the "likeable" stage.
It was an amazingly pleasant week...not ONE family fight...(We are famous for THAT one).
I only have a brother and a sister left in my "OLE" family tree. They are my "safe" place , my refuge and my saving salvation. They grew up with me, saw the same things that I did, and remember more things about my early youth than I do....although I can kick their butt in the memory department once I hit about 1970....both of them had a life then...my only life was to watch, admire and fantasize about what it would be like to be in their teenage shoes.I remember every detail of their high school years, and remember how excited I was to have them as an older brother and sister.
They have not let me down yet, and I am pushing fifty!!
We are all three from the same Mom and Dad...yet all different in our own way. I feel that we are pleasing blend of "tough", "mothering" "fumbling"...me being the obvious "latter".
It was week filled with kids, kids, kids...sun, sun, sun...and cocktails,cocktails,cocktails.
We all survived and feel better than we did when we left for the beach.
It can only be done ONCE a year...but ONCE a year we do the unthinkable...cram 13 or so people into a house for a week, and still come out loving each other, knowing each other a little better...and still feeling like a family. Actually, a pretty good stinkin family...if I may say so myself.
I will wait while the next 51 weeks go by until I go back to spend a cluttered, crazy and wonderful week with my family. It will probably take that long just to laugh at all the things that happened THIS trip and to save up for the next one.
Let's just hope my brother keeps his "PHAT" job....maybe next year, he can afford to fund the WHOLE SheBang!! (Hope he doesn't read this) !!!
Till next time..."SUNKIST" COTTON
Saturday, July 12, 2008
I am OUTTA here!!
Got home from work, folded laundry, watered the dogs, packed a few items...and I am fixing (a southern term) to fall into bed.
I have worked seven days a week for the last month, just to save enough money to drag my tired ole self and two of my kids to the beach for a week.
I don't know exactly what I have packed, or what I have left out..but come hell or high water ...we are leaving in a few hours for a week of RELAXATION. Leaving the hubby at home...if I knew how to do a frowny face I would do that ..but my daughter, who is my "Textnology" expert is asleep.
I leave you all you faithful readers knowing that I am taking my daughter's lap top with me, in hopes that I can post from the beach.
I have become "hooked" on my posts, and believe me when I tell you that going to the beach with 3 teenagers, and four kids in their early twenties...is PLENTY of material for me to write about.
Look for me to post..because with MY family...there is ALWAYS a lot to talk about.
I have packed my compression hose, my back brace and my corn pads... and my sister is bringing the vodka for bloody marys.
I will end for now...I am too week to type on the key pad anymore.
But tomorrow you will hear from a hopefully rejuvenated , relaxed and sunburned middle aged woman that has never needed a vacation more in her life...and one that is going to enjoy it to the "MAX".
Till next time...COTTON
I have worked seven days a week for the last month, just to save enough money to drag my tired ole self and two of my kids to the beach for a week.
I don't know exactly what I have packed, or what I have left out..but come hell or high water ...we are leaving in a few hours for a week of RELAXATION. Leaving the hubby at home...if I knew how to do a frowny face I would do that ..but my daughter, who is my "Textnology" expert is asleep.
I leave you all you faithful readers knowing that I am taking my daughter's lap top with me, in hopes that I can post from the beach.
I have become "hooked" on my posts, and believe me when I tell you that going to the beach with 3 teenagers, and four kids in their early twenties...is PLENTY of material for me to write about.
Look for me to post..because with MY family...there is ALWAYS a lot to talk about.
I have packed my compression hose, my back brace and my corn pads... and my sister is bringing the vodka for bloody marys.
I will end for now...I am too week to type on the key pad anymore.
But tomorrow you will hear from a hopefully rejuvenated , relaxed and sunburned middle aged woman that has never needed a vacation more in her life...and one that is going to enjoy it to the "MAX".
Till next time...COTTON
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
How Attractive AM I ?....REALLY
I came home from work tonight...Back killing me, worn out from working seven days a week.
I was sitting out back with the dogs reading my book..(the new David Sedaris book).
My husband came out back to talk to me when I started my lament.
I told him I was going to get a back brace to wear under my shirt at work. I said that between the corn pad I was wearing on the corn of my right pinkie toe (it's the size of a football field...at least it feels that way)...the compression knee highs that I wear because of my varicose veins in my calf's...and the knee brace that I have to sometimes wear because of a skating injury that I incurred during a race for mothers at a skate night for the elementary school that my kids attended (I came in second)...I was feeling OK about myself.
His reply was "You have never looked more attractive to me.You just need to get a hair cut".
I informed him that I had gotten my hair cut just today...to which he replied "I was kidding about the haircut".
How can this good looking man stay with a woman that is falling apart in every limb of her body?
Of course comes the next question... Who in the heck would take care of everybody?
Granted, I will be limping and crawling before you know it...but limp and crawl I will, until someone has me put away.
I am 48...I have been on my feet as a server for thirty years, and it is beginning to show...in every joint, bone and muscle.
Luckily, I am going to the beach for a week with my brother and sister in four days... all the kids, and hopefully a lot of bloody marys.
Gotta remember to pack my back brace, heating pad, corn pads, knee brace and compression hose...Vodka can only do "SO" much!
Yet, my husband for some unknown reason loves this broken down, worn down body that I wear...and I remain in his heart...remain in his life (who else is going to SHOVE" him down the path of life?) and he remains in my heart and soul as well.
Maybe I will get another haircut in Florida, maybe my joints and limbs will begin to mend. Maybe I will come back rejuvenated ...but at least I know I have my husband to come back to...and for some reason he seems to want me back. Beside the fact that the grass will be overgrown and the laundry will be piled up.
If he can take me with all my flaws...I feel lucky to have him.
Till next time...COTTON
I was sitting out back with the dogs reading my book..(the new David Sedaris book).
My husband came out back to talk to me when I started my lament.
I told him I was going to get a back brace to wear under my shirt at work. I said that between the corn pad I was wearing on the corn of my right pinkie toe (it's the size of a football field...at least it feels that way)...the compression knee highs that I wear because of my varicose veins in my calf's...and the knee brace that I have to sometimes wear because of a skating injury that I incurred during a race for mothers at a skate night for the elementary school that my kids attended (I came in second)...I was feeling OK about myself.
His reply was "You have never looked more attractive to me.You just need to get a hair cut".
I informed him that I had gotten my hair cut just today...to which he replied "I was kidding about the haircut".
How can this good looking man stay with a woman that is falling apart in every limb of her body?
Of course comes the next question... Who in the heck would take care of everybody?
Granted, I will be limping and crawling before you know it...but limp and crawl I will, until someone has me put away.
I am 48...I have been on my feet as a server for thirty years, and it is beginning to show...in every joint, bone and muscle.
Luckily, I am going to the beach for a week with my brother and sister in four days... all the kids, and hopefully a lot of bloody marys.
Gotta remember to pack my back brace, heating pad, corn pads, knee brace and compression hose...Vodka can only do "SO" much!
Yet, my husband for some unknown reason loves this broken down, worn down body that I wear...and I remain in his heart...remain in his life (who else is going to SHOVE" him down the path of life?) and he remains in my heart and soul as well.
Maybe I will get another haircut in Florida, maybe my joints and limbs will begin to mend. Maybe I will come back rejuvenated ...but at least I know I have my husband to come back to...and for some reason he seems to want me back. Beside the fact that the grass will be overgrown and the laundry will be piled up.
If he can take me with all my flaws...I feel lucky to have him.
Till next time...COTTON
Monday, July 7, 2008
My Girl is BACK...and my BACK is OUT!!
My sweet little girl came home tonight, after an eight day vacation with her friend and their family.
My back went out yesterday...Painfully so, after a 12 hour double at work on Saturday... carrying probably 30 racks of glasses and about at least 30 buckets of ice during my shift. I guess that I am not as young as I used to be.
I regretfully had to call out of work on Sunday. The spasms in my lower back were almost bringing tears to my eyes.
I went to WalMart and bought a heating pad, came home and ran the hottest bath I could...added a two quart pot of boiling water to it..and scalded myself silly.
After sleeping on the heating pad and repeating the scalding bath routine..I felt well enough to go back to work.
I take the good with the bad...My girl is back..but my back is killing me!
She remarked that I should let all the lazy young people at work do the heavy lifting....I believe her comment was "MAMA...you are OLD"!
Number one..they aren't going to do it...Number two..don't call me OLD to my face!!
She said she meant it in a good way.
Exactly what "GOOD" way was she talking about?
I guess she meant that I was still in shape, had a funky haircut and can still stand to listen to
STAR 94. (our local top 40 radio station)
My girl is finally back...and my back is finally better.
It freaks me out when I have a physical ailment that could possibly stop me from doing my job.
I have worked since the age of fourteen. I have never been without a job.
My husband is on the edge of making his dream come true. He has started his own air freight business...and is working relentlessly to make it ALL come together. It may take a couple of years for it to come to fruition...but I have complete and total faith in him.
If only my old tired body can make it that far. I am going to start taking it easier on myself...stop doing what others should and WILL start helping me with...and start making other "Young Farts" at work pull their own weight. I think that we will be OK..By that, I mean "I" will be OK.
At least I have my girl back...my husband has my back...and hopefully I will keep my OWN back!
If only these young people that I work with knew what I know...knew what I have done and experienced; and knew what lay ahead of them in life.
OOOHHH!! The magic word is "ONLY".
I guess that it is lesson that is learned by experience, trial and error.
But for Pete's sake...don't break "MY" back by learning it !!
Gotta go scald my back again...Till next time COTTON
My back went out yesterday...Painfully so, after a 12 hour double at work on Saturday... carrying probably 30 racks of glasses and about at least 30 buckets of ice during my shift. I guess that I am not as young as I used to be.
I regretfully had to call out of work on Sunday. The spasms in my lower back were almost bringing tears to my eyes.
I went to WalMart and bought a heating pad, came home and ran the hottest bath I could...added a two quart pot of boiling water to it..and scalded myself silly.
After sleeping on the heating pad and repeating the scalding bath routine..I felt well enough to go back to work.
I take the good with the bad...My girl is back..but my back is killing me!
She remarked that I should let all the lazy young people at work do the heavy lifting....I believe her comment was "MAMA...you are OLD"!
Number one..they aren't going to do it...Number two..don't call me OLD to my face!!
She said she meant it in a good way.
Exactly what "GOOD" way was she talking about?
I guess she meant that I was still in shape, had a funky haircut and can still stand to listen to
STAR 94. (our local top 40 radio station)
My girl is finally back...and my back is finally better.
It freaks me out when I have a physical ailment that could possibly stop me from doing my job.
I have worked since the age of fourteen. I have never been without a job.
My husband is on the edge of making his dream come true. He has started his own air freight business...and is working relentlessly to make it ALL come together. It may take a couple of years for it to come to fruition...but I have complete and total faith in him.
If only my old tired body can make it that far. I am going to start taking it easier on myself...stop doing what others should and WILL start helping me with...and start making other "Young Farts" at work pull their own weight. I think that we will be OK..By that, I mean "I" will be OK.
At least I have my girl back...my husband has my back...and hopefully I will keep my OWN back!
If only these young people that I work with knew what I know...knew what I have done and experienced; and knew what lay ahead of them in life.
OOOHHH!! The magic word is "ONLY".
I guess that it is lesson that is learned by experience, trial and error.
But for Pete's sake...don't break "MY" back by learning it !!
Gotta go scald my back again...Till next time COTTON
Friday, July 4, 2008
Happy Fourth!!
I had to work today. (UGGH) I was at work when one of my favorite servers came in. She was the subject of one of my posts. My African American friend that we will call "Tiffany". Her boyfriend is a football player at Clemson. She text him to tell him "Happy Fourth of July". He responded that he didn't celebrate "WHITE" people's holidays. She was fuming when she sent a text back that the first man to die in the revolution was a black man.
Even I was astounded. I had no idea that the first man to die in the revolution was a black man. She could only remember his first name "Nat".
I told her that it was really nice of our men to send him on out front...."Just let us know what is going on, and we will be RIGHT back here waiting to hear back from you".
All kidding aside (not really) Happy Fourth to every one of my faithful blog readers.
We live in a great Nation...the greatest in the world. We just need to take control and take stock in what the entire country needs...not just the select few. We need to Thank God that we are blessed enough to not only be Americans; but to take charge and command of the situation at hand..retuning this nation to a stable economy, and getting out of Iraq.
Although this is only MY view, I feel that it is beginning to be a broader and more practical view.
Now off the soap box..I hope you all had a happy and safe Fourth.
I hope that every person looks into their heart...and thinks "What can I do to help another person...what can I do to help make a change...what can I do to make a difference"?
Each one of us has an opportunity every day to make a difference. Whether we choose to do it is up to each individual..and more importantly up to the ones of us that have a conscience and a drive to make this country the "America The Beautiful" that is can be if we all take the initiative. Baby steps is all we need ...baby steps is all I am asking for..baby steps can be all that it takes. We can move mountains... we can CHANGE the world.
I have faith that there are enough of us that genuinely care and enough of us that could have an impact.
Think what a wonderful world we could create if we all "JUST TRIED".
I am an optimist...I am a believer...I am a participant...I am a person that cares.
ARE YOU?
Till next time...COTTON
Even I was astounded. I had no idea that the first man to die in the revolution was a black man. She could only remember his first name "Nat".
I told her that it was really nice of our men to send him on out front...."Just let us know what is going on, and we will be RIGHT back here waiting to hear back from you".
All kidding aside (not really) Happy Fourth to every one of my faithful blog readers.
We live in a great Nation...the greatest in the world. We just need to take control and take stock in what the entire country needs...not just the select few. We need to Thank God that we are blessed enough to not only be Americans; but to take charge and command of the situation at hand..retuning this nation to a stable economy, and getting out of Iraq.
Although this is only MY view, I feel that it is beginning to be a broader and more practical view.
Now off the soap box..I hope you all had a happy and safe Fourth.
I hope that every person looks into their heart...and thinks "What can I do to help another person...what can I do to help make a change...what can I do to make a difference"?
Each one of us has an opportunity every day to make a difference. Whether we choose to do it is up to each individual..and more importantly up to the ones of us that have a conscience and a drive to make this country the "America The Beautiful" that is can be if we all take the initiative. Baby steps is all we need ...baby steps is all I am asking for..baby steps can be all that it takes. We can move mountains... we can CHANGE the world.
I have faith that there are enough of us that genuinely care and enough of us that could have an impact.
Think what a wonderful world we could create if we all "JUST TRIED".
I am an optimist...I am a believer...I am a participant...I am a person that cares.
ARE YOU?
Till next time...COTTON
Thursday, July 3, 2008
For Pete's Sake, I am Tired
Just got home from work...but I am HOOKED on my blog. I just wanted to give my latest update on my life, feelings and situation.
My daughter is sill away with friends... If I knew how to create one of those little frowning faces with my keyboard I would. (:):) >... Who discovered how to use colons, hyphens and semi colons to create "MOODS"?... And how much spare time did THEY have?
I am left with my dogs..my sons aren't much for the "HUGGY" type. But when I come in from work... my three pooches are all hovered by the door...waiting for "MOMMA".
I go upstairs and they are beating me by at least a step. I go back downstairs and they are flying in front of me..oomffing down every step. I go out back to read my book (currently "Angels And Demons"...don't even get me started on THAT book) and they are scratching at the door.
I come back inside to switch the laundry and they are all three laying by my feet in a pile. I go to the restroom..and all three tumble in right behind me...like they are seeing which of them can get closest to me.
I guess that they all know I am in "Massey" withdrawals.
It is extremely sweet of them to notice...and I appreciate their effort..but after working a ten hour shift... For Pete's Sake!! just give me a minute!!
But they don't..and I have to remember that they are JUST dogs... although in my house, that isn't a bad thing to be.
As I type this post all three are gathered at my feet....snoring away...just happy that "MOMMA" is home....and waiting for me to get up and put another load of clothes in the dryer, so that they can all three get up and follow me to the laundry room , just to make sure that I make it there okay.
My husband says they hear me when I pull into the subdivision and I don't much doubt that.
But they are keeping me company while my girl is away, and will lick her face silly when she comes back.
People that do not have dogs, just do not know what kind of companionship, dedication and loyalty they are missing...(and they don't even have to go to Teacher conferences, or look at disappointing progress reports).
All you do is love them, treat them to food, fresh water and a huge back yard to explore. They require nothing else, expect nothing else and want nothing else.
DANG....Why can't kids be that easy?
I wouldn't trade my kids for anything thing in the world...but I would have a hard time trading my pups as well.
It is all relevant... In my house..FAMILY is FAMILY. Yes I love my kids the most by any sense of the word "MOST"... but my pups are pretty important to me as well. They may come in second to my kids..but they are a close second...albeit they are definitely second...my kids would be devastated without these three dogs that are currently curled around my feet..snoring and farting and making me feel secure.
My two boys are out somewhere together...my daughter is 300 miles away. But my pups are at my feet...loving me now. Somehow they JUST know that I need them, while my "youngins" are away. And they don't even mind when the kids come back.
They actually act happier than me when the boys come back. And to me..that only means we have raised our pets right...or maybe We have just been blessed with the greatest dogs on Earth that know how to realize when they themselves have been blessed...and they just want to THANK US.
Till next Time...Cotton
My daughter is sill away with friends... If I knew how to create one of those little frowning faces with my keyboard I would. (:):) >... Who discovered how to use colons, hyphens and semi colons to create "MOODS"?... And how much spare time did THEY have?
I am left with my dogs..my sons aren't much for the "HUGGY" type. But when I come in from work... my three pooches are all hovered by the door...waiting for "MOMMA".
I go upstairs and they are beating me by at least a step. I go back downstairs and they are flying in front of me..oomffing down every step. I go out back to read my book (currently "Angels And Demons"...don't even get me started on THAT book) and they are scratching at the door.
I come back inside to switch the laundry and they are all three laying by my feet in a pile. I go to the restroom..and all three tumble in right behind me...like they are seeing which of them can get closest to me.
I guess that they all know I am in "Massey" withdrawals.
It is extremely sweet of them to notice...and I appreciate their effort..but after working a ten hour shift... For Pete's Sake!! just give me a minute!!
But they don't..and I have to remember that they are JUST dogs... although in my house, that isn't a bad thing to be.
As I type this post all three are gathered at my feet....snoring away...just happy that "MOMMA" is home....and waiting for me to get up and put another load of clothes in the dryer, so that they can all three get up and follow me to the laundry room , just to make sure that I make it there okay.
My husband says they hear me when I pull into the subdivision and I don't much doubt that.
But they are keeping me company while my girl is away, and will lick her face silly when she comes back.
People that do not have dogs, just do not know what kind of companionship, dedication and loyalty they are missing...(and they don't even have to go to Teacher conferences, or look at disappointing progress reports).
All you do is love them, treat them to food, fresh water and a huge back yard to explore. They require nothing else, expect nothing else and want nothing else.
DANG....Why can't kids be that easy?
I wouldn't trade my kids for anything thing in the world...but I would have a hard time trading my pups as well.
It is all relevant... In my house..FAMILY is FAMILY. Yes I love my kids the most by any sense of the word "MOST"... but my pups are pretty important to me as well. They may come in second to my kids..but they are a close second...albeit they are definitely second...my kids would be devastated without these three dogs that are currently curled around my feet..snoring and farting and making me feel secure.
My two boys are out somewhere together...my daughter is 300 miles away. But my pups are at my feet...loving me now. Somehow they JUST know that I need them, while my "youngins" are away. And they don't even mind when the kids come back.
They actually act happier than me when the boys come back. And to me..that only means we have raised our pets right...or maybe We have just been blessed with the greatest dogs on Earth that know how to realize when they themselves have been blessed...and they just want to THANK US.
Till next Time...Cotton
Monday, June 30, 2008
How Can I Last a Week Without My Girl?
My daughter, my youngest is going on vacation with one of her friends to South Carolina for a week.
This will be the longest time I have ever spent apart from her...a week that I am NOT looking forward to.
My girl is so tremendously special to me, that the love I feel for her is an actual ache.
She was born eighteen years to the day that my Mother died. Her first name is my Mother's maiden name...Massey.
I love all three of my children equally and deeply...but my "girl" is my best friend...and a connection and link to my Mother that I realize God gave me when he sent her into my life on the same day that he took my Mother out of my physical life.
She scratches my back when I ask her. She makes me my glass of Nestle's Quik every morning, and she kisses me every night before she goes to bed. If I am working at night, she always sends me a text saying "G NITE...LUV U"
I am terrified of her driving in a car with someone for such a long distance...once I receive a text that she has gotten to South Carolina, I think that I will feel better. But who knows?
I know that both of my sons are envious of the close bond that she and I share,
but us women HAVE to stick together....we are totally outnumbered by the testosterone in our house.
I can honestly say that everyone who has ever met my daughter has been totally sucked in by her. She is a delightful girl...wise beyond her years (although her report cards do not show it) and has a heart that is full, joyous and giving.
She chooses her friends not because they are pretty or popular...but because she likes them. She will befriend someone that others are cruel to, because it is part of who she is, and she knows that it is the right thing to do. For a twelve year old girl to have that quality is amazing to me (if you have ever had any experience with middle school age girls, you know of what I speak).
I am sure that the week will go by fine, with no problems...but it is hard to let your youngest go so far away for such a long period of time.
It is hard to let them grow up...for when they grow up, they seem to grow away. And again, she is my youngest...my last "BABY".
How did my kids grow up so quickly, and how am I going to deal with them leaving the nest, leaving my home, and leaving me with an empty feeling as I watch them all grow into young adults and begin to create their own life on their own?
Granted, she is only twelve, but she will be thirteen next month...and before I know it she will be twenty!!
My boys are easier...they will meet a woman one day that will shove them down the path of life. I am just hoping that Massey has the right man to shove down the path of life. But if her childhood choice of friends has been any indication...she should be alright. And if she happens to make a bad choice...Thank God she HAS two brothers.
I only have six days left before she comes back...and I will be marking them off the kitchen calendar with a big "X " , as if I was sitting in a prison cell counting down my days to freedom.
Who in the heck is going to bring me my glass of chocolate milk in the morning?
It is going to be a long, long week!!
Till next time COTTON
This will be the longest time I have ever spent apart from her...a week that I am NOT looking forward to.
My girl is so tremendously special to me, that the love I feel for her is an actual ache.
She was born eighteen years to the day that my Mother died. Her first name is my Mother's maiden name...Massey.
I love all three of my children equally and deeply...but my "girl" is my best friend...and a connection and link to my Mother that I realize God gave me when he sent her into my life on the same day that he took my Mother out of my physical life.
She scratches my back when I ask her. She makes me my glass of Nestle's Quik every morning, and she kisses me every night before she goes to bed. If I am working at night, she always sends me a text saying "G NITE...LUV U"
I am terrified of her driving in a car with someone for such a long distance...once I receive a text that she has gotten to South Carolina, I think that I will feel better. But who knows?
I know that both of my sons are envious of the close bond that she and I share,
but us women HAVE to stick together....we are totally outnumbered by the testosterone in our house.
I can honestly say that everyone who has ever met my daughter has been totally sucked in by her. She is a delightful girl...wise beyond her years (although her report cards do not show it) and has a heart that is full, joyous and giving.
She chooses her friends not because they are pretty or popular...but because she likes them. She will befriend someone that others are cruel to, because it is part of who she is, and she knows that it is the right thing to do. For a twelve year old girl to have that quality is amazing to me (if you have ever had any experience with middle school age girls, you know of what I speak).
I am sure that the week will go by fine, with no problems...but it is hard to let your youngest go so far away for such a long period of time.
It is hard to let them grow up...for when they grow up, they seem to grow away. And again, she is my youngest...my last "BABY".
How did my kids grow up so quickly, and how am I going to deal with them leaving the nest, leaving my home, and leaving me with an empty feeling as I watch them all grow into young adults and begin to create their own life on their own?
Granted, she is only twelve, but she will be thirteen next month...and before I know it she will be twenty!!
My boys are easier...they will meet a woman one day that will shove them down the path of life. I am just hoping that Massey has the right man to shove down the path of life. But if her childhood choice of friends has been any indication...she should be alright. And if she happens to make a bad choice...Thank God she HAS two brothers.
I only have six days left before she comes back...and I will be marking them off the kitchen calendar with a big "X " , as if I was sitting in a prison cell counting down my days to freedom.
Who in the heck is going to bring me my glass of chocolate milk in the morning?
It is going to be a long, long week!!
Till next time COTTON
Sunday, June 29, 2008
My Big Left Wing Mouth
As I have said in many posts... I AM A DEMOCRAT !!! I stand by my politics like I stand by my faith.
We have a family website that includes cousins, aunts, uncles...no grandparents left on this earth. Just us "UPSTARTS" with a distant cousin thrown into the mix (she is currently our Matriarch).
I came home from work last night ...checked my email...checked my blog... and began to type. I shot off my big mouth..and was sorry that I inflicted my political views on the website.
I guess that I should monitor myself when not typing on my blog. I am a person that will tell every part of her being , thought and soul to anyone that will listen.
Many (most of) my friends at work are Republicans.
They will be disappointed in this post. Or maybe if they can be open minded they will listen to my rant.
The United States is in the toilet. Every One hates us. Our dollar couldn't buy you half of a "happy meal" in another country...except maybe Mexico, where almost half of their country is already here sending their pittance back home to relatives hoping to join us with a fake social security number and a job washing dishes.
In my opinion....(I get to have this on my blog)... Dick Cheney is a crook and a cheat...and has been running the country.
We need to have a "Change"...not to steal Obama's thunder..but to enhance and stand behind it.
Our men and women are dying overseas...we are increasingly "Pissing" off not only the Muslim community, but the entire world with our "WE'LL TAKE OVER" attitude.
We need DESPERATELY to make a "CHANGE" and make it pretty quick.
We need to have someone that realizes the needs of this country, the needs for change, and the need for action.
Thank the Lord, my husband does not read my blog. He is a staunch Republican. In other words...he is in denial.
This country needs a swift kick in the ass...a realization that we have invaded a country, torn them apart, albeit...they are screwed up anyway.
We need to focus on US...GET IT? "U" "S" . UNITED STATES.
We need to get our own economy, gas prices, grocery prices and insurance premiums under control...before we set out to change the world.
Let's start with our own back yard.
You know what? They may try to bomb us again, but if money was kept here in the states, focused on homeland security...maybe we could do more good at protecting ourselves than at protecting people that are half way around the world, and are already ticked off at us being in their country anyway.
In my opinion (which is small and probably disregarded)
Let's TAKE CARE OF OUR OWN...Let's bring our men and women home...let's focus on "US" for a while. Let's let someone new, fresh and excited try to give it a shot at making us a country that I can feel comfortable about and a country that I will not only feel more secure in...but a country that I will have FAITH in and one that I can be proud of. Till next time...COTTON (sorry Lisa)
We have a family website that includes cousins, aunts, uncles...no grandparents left on this earth. Just us "UPSTARTS" with a distant cousin thrown into the mix (she is currently our Matriarch).
I came home from work last night ...checked my email...checked my blog... and began to type. I shot off my big mouth..and was sorry that I inflicted my political views on the website.
I guess that I should monitor myself when not typing on my blog. I am a person that will tell every part of her being , thought and soul to anyone that will listen.
Many (most of) my friends at work are Republicans.
They will be disappointed in this post. Or maybe if they can be open minded they will listen to my rant.
The United States is in the toilet. Every One hates us. Our dollar couldn't buy you half of a "happy meal" in another country...except maybe Mexico, where almost half of their country is already here sending their pittance back home to relatives hoping to join us with a fake social security number and a job washing dishes.
In my opinion....(I get to have this on my blog)... Dick Cheney is a crook and a cheat...and has been running the country.
We need to have a "Change"...not to steal Obama's thunder..but to enhance and stand behind it.
Our men and women are dying overseas...we are increasingly "Pissing" off not only the Muslim community, but the entire world with our "WE'LL TAKE OVER" attitude.
We need DESPERATELY to make a "CHANGE" and make it pretty quick.
We need to have someone that realizes the needs of this country, the needs for change, and the need for action.
Thank the Lord, my husband does not read my blog. He is a staunch Republican. In other words...he is in denial.
This country needs a swift kick in the ass...a realization that we have invaded a country, torn them apart, albeit...they are screwed up anyway.
We need to focus on US...GET IT? "U" "S" . UNITED STATES.
We need to get our own economy, gas prices, grocery prices and insurance premiums under control...before we set out to change the world.
Let's start with our own back yard.
You know what? They may try to bomb us again, but if money was kept here in the states, focused on homeland security...maybe we could do more good at protecting ourselves than at protecting people that are half way around the world, and are already ticked off at us being in their country anyway.
In my opinion (which is small and probably disregarded)
Let's TAKE CARE OF OUR OWN...Let's bring our men and women home...let's focus on "US" for a while. Let's let someone new, fresh and excited try to give it a shot at making us a country that I can feel comfortable about and a country that I will not only feel more secure in...but a country that I will have FAITH in and one that I can be proud of. Till next time...COTTON (sorry Lisa)
Thursday, June 26, 2008
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
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
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Racially Ridiculous
One of the servers that work with me is amazing, smart and and African American.
She has recently started law school and is worked to death for no pay, with her internships. She works with us "PEONS" on the weekends...and whenever she can squeeze in a shift so that she can earn some money .
She is an absolute delight. I have only known her for a short time, but consider her my friend.
I work in a city that has their nose so far up in the air, it is a wonder that they can see where they are walking.
She is not your light skinned variety of an African American . She is TRULY a Black woman...a wonderful, intelligent and sophisticated woman that will undoubtedly go very, very far in her life and leave a huge mark on the world. When she does, I will be excited to say that I knew her when she was "just" a server.
Since she has been at our store, I know of two occasions that she has been so horrifically and unjustly treated by "White" people...YES I can call them that, because I am WHITE myself..and on these two occasions, I was embarrassed for my race and the way that they behaved.
The first guy, just DIDN'T like her. It was obvious from the beginning. He berated her for no reason, found fault with her service where there was none...yet when one of us "white" servers went by his table he was exceptionally polite and kind. It made me sick to my stomach.
The second was even worse.
We were all standing in the alley way of our service area where we prepare drinks and expedite the food out of the kitchen. This man came almost "storming" into the face of my friend and quite loudly demanded "Can I HAVE my credit card back"? She looked at him inquisitively and said "sir"? She asked wasn't it in the book with the check that she had placed back on his table ? He VERY rudely said that it wasn't there and he would like to have it back.
God bless her, she sweetly said that she would be right over to his table to help him.
His demeanor and attitude told every one of us that heard, that he felt she had either taken his card, lost it or was copying the numbers down for her later use.
When she went back to his table ...it was RIGHT THERE...behind his receipt in the book that she had left on the table.
I asked her what his response or apology was? He had neither. He walked out the door in a huff, acting like it was her fault he was too stupid to look through the entire book before he came to challenge her in front of all her fellow employees , and make her look like some kind of con artist or cheat.
He left her a crappy tip, and he left me with a foul, bitter taste in my mouth and in my heart.
How can people blatantly be so biased that they actually spend their time creating and manufacturing problems where they don't exist...just to try to make someone look bad, to justify their obvious total racism?
I have complete faith in this young woman. She rises above it EVERY time, and always says.."They are just showing their stupidity."
Her ability to ignore the ignorance, to ignore the bias, to ignore the slights... she takes it all in stride...with AMAZING grace and humility.
When she gets her law degree...I will not only give her a party...but probably a retainer as well.
She is as good a person as I have ever had the honor to know and call my friend.
Look out!! You racist, crooked , dishonest slime balls!! I have a friend on the way to her future that is going to kick your ASS!!!
Till next time WHITE COTTON!!
She has recently started law school and is worked to death for no pay, with her internships. She works with us "PEONS" on the weekends...and whenever she can squeeze in a shift so that she can earn some money .
She is an absolute delight. I have only known her for a short time, but consider her my friend.
I work in a city that has their nose so far up in the air, it is a wonder that they can see where they are walking.
She is not your light skinned variety of an African American . She is TRULY a Black woman...a wonderful, intelligent and sophisticated woman that will undoubtedly go very, very far in her life and leave a huge mark on the world. When she does, I will be excited to say that I knew her when she was "just" a server.
Since she has been at our store, I know of two occasions that she has been so horrifically and unjustly treated by "White" people...YES I can call them that, because I am WHITE myself..and on these two occasions, I was embarrassed for my race and the way that they behaved.
The first guy, just DIDN'T like her. It was obvious from the beginning. He berated her for no reason, found fault with her service where there was none...yet when one of us "white" servers went by his table he was exceptionally polite and kind. It made me sick to my stomach.
The second was even worse.
We were all standing in the alley way of our service area where we prepare drinks and expedite the food out of the kitchen. This man came almost "storming" into the face of my friend and quite loudly demanded "Can I HAVE my credit card back"? She looked at him inquisitively and said "sir"? She asked wasn't it in the book with the check that she had placed back on his table ? He VERY rudely said that it wasn't there and he would like to have it back.
God bless her, she sweetly said that she would be right over to his table to help him.
His demeanor and attitude told every one of us that heard, that he felt she had either taken his card, lost it or was copying the numbers down for her later use.
When she went back to his table ...it was RIGHT THERE...behind his receipt in the book that she had left on the table.
I asked her what his response or apology was? He had neither. He walked out the door in a huff, acting like it was her fault he was too stupid to look through the entire book before he came to challenge her in front of all her fellow employees , and make her look like some kind of con artist or cheat.
He left her a crappy tip, and he left me with a foul, bitter taste in my mouth and in my heart.
How can people blatantly be so biased that they actually spend their time creating and manufacturing problems where they don't exist...just to try to make someone look bad, to justify their obvious total racism?
I have complete faith in this young woman. She rises above it EVERY time, and always says.."They are just showing their stupidity."
Her ability to ignore the ignorance, to ignore the bias, to ignore the slights... she takes it all in stride...with AMAZING grace and humility.
When she gets her law degree...I will not only give her a party...but probably a retainer as well.
She is as good a person as I have ever had the honor to know and call my friend.
Look out!! You racist, crooked , dishonest slime balls!! I have a friend on the way to her future that is going to kick your ASS!!!
Till next time WHITE COTTON!!
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
You ordered chopped steak...but what am I ? Chopped Liver?
I ran a plate of food to a table the other night at work. It went to a pretty young guy...sitting by himself. I sat the chop steak down and he began to explode.
"I ORDERED this WITHOUT onions, I told her I didn't want onion!!". I replied calmly that I would take it back and that it would be no problem to bring him the correct steak.
The young waitress that had taken his order told me that the man wanted to see me, and I told her to tell him I wasn't there. She replied that he could see that I was still there...I guess my two inch spiked hair and Melanoma inducing dark tan gave me away.
After her saying that he was still asking to see me, she said that she thought he wanted to apologize .
I approached the table hesitantly, and told him that I was almost scared to come back to his table.
He said that as soon as I had walked off from his table he had felt terrible about the way he had spoken to and treated me.
I gently patted him on the shoulder and said "Don't worry about it...as soon as I turned to walk away, I called you an ass hole in my head".
Let me inject here that I KNOW what customers I can joke with, and this young guy actually found me quite humorous.
He said "Did you really"? I said "no", and then said "Yeah, I really did." But I told him that I had been a server for thirty years, and he would be pressed to a point to insult me...I had heard it all by this stage in my career. I told him that it was our fault his order was wrong and that I was sorry he had been served the wrong food.
He ended up leaving the server a ten dollar tip on a fifteen dollar meal.
Sometimes you just have to stand up and say "What am I?...Chopped Liver"?
For Pete's sake...it's a piece of meat!! It is not like that was the last piece of Chopped Steak left on the planet.
We made him happy in the end, and I made him laugh at not only himself, but at me as well.
Granted you can't treat every person this way, but I pick and choose carefully who I joke with...and he took it exceptionally well.
I believe it was one of my finer moments as a server....don't you?
Till next time COTTON
"I ORDERED this WITHOUT onions, I told her I didn't want onion!!". I replied calmly that I would take it back and that it would be no problem to bring him the correct steak.
The young waitress that had taken his order told me that the man wanted to see me, and I told her to tell him I wasn't there. She replied that he could see that I was still there...I guess my two inch spiked hair and Melanoma inducing dark tan gave me away.
After her saying that he was still asking to see me, she said that she thought he wanted to apologize .
I approached the table hesitantly, and told him that I was almost scared to come back to his table.
He said that as soon as I had walked off from his table he had felt terrible about the way he had spoken to and treated me.
I gently patted him on the shoulder and said "Don't worry about it...as soon as I turned to walk away, I called you an ass hole in my head".
Let me inject here that I KNOW what customers I can joke with, and this young guy actually found me quite humorous.
He said "Did you really"? I said "no", and then said "Yeah, I really did." But I told him that I had been a server for thirty years, and he would be pressed to a point to insult me...I had heard it all by this stage in my career. I told him that it was our fault his order was wrong and that I was sorry he had been served the wrong food.
He ended up leaving the server a ten dollar tip on a fifteen dollar meal.
Sometimes you just have to stand up and say "What am I?...Chopped Liver"?
For Pete's sake...it's a piece of meat!! It is not like that was the last piece of Chopped Steak left on the planet.
We made him happy in the end, and I made him laugh at not only himself, but at me as well.
Granted you can't treat every person this way, but I pick and choose carefully who I joke with...and he took it exceptionally well.
I believe it was one of my finer moments as a server....don't you?
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
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
Saturday, June 21, 2008
THANKS For NOTHING!!
I went into work today at 10 AM. I was scheduled to work until 10 PM. I had parked my car in a last space of the back parking lot so that if someone hit my car...it could only be from one side. Around 3PM...knowing that I would be leaving after dark with a pocket full of cash by myself...I moved my car to a spot beside the handicap parking..right outside the side door I would be leaving . Around 4Pm...my coworkers coming in for the evening shift told me that my car had been hit by someone, and that they had left my rear hubcap leaned against my tire.
I went outside to discover that not only had they scraped and dented the entire driver side of my car , knocked my hubcap off...left the mark of the "RED" paint of their vehicle on my silver Passat...but had been gracious enough to get out of their own car and lean my hubcap against my car, get back into their own car and drive away. " KUDOS to YOU... "A" HOLE" !!
THANKS FOR NOTHING!!
If I had left my car where it was originally...I could have saved my deductible...but would have been nervous about walking out the door with $200 in my pocket.
As it is...I am now going to have to pay a deductible, take my car to the shop, have it repaired...and take a hit on my OWN policy.
No note on the windshield...no one coming back inside to see who's car it was.
Just "ME"...having to take 30 minutes out of the "busy" time in my profession..to go outside, give a statement to an officer...come BACK in the restaurant to an already filled section of tables.
I lost about $50 just staying outside giving a statement , while the people that hit my car, laughed their way on to the next stop.
How can you be so callous? How can you care so little for other people's property or possessions?
Granted they didn't kill one of my children or hurt me physically. But they still took money from my pocket while I stood out side with an officer taking all the information down.
WHAT IN THE "HELL" IS WRONG WITH PEOPLE?
I work six days a week...seven shifts, just to try to help take care of my own family. In one act of carelessness, they have cost me the expense of losing money, a deductible and a banged up....previously good looking, "PAID FOR" Passat .
Get a grip, people!! Own up to your mistakes...Don't let someone else have to pay for your own careless acts.
I just hope that it wasn't someone that I had waited on...because they sure as hell didn't leave me a big enough tip!
Thanks for the "VENT"....till next time COTTON
I went outside to discover that not only had they scraped and dented the entire driver side of my car , knocked my hubcap off...left the mark of the "RED" paint of their vehicle on my silver Passat...but had been gracious enough to get out of their own car and lean my hubcap against my car, get back into their own car and drive away. " KUDOS to YOU... "A" HOLE" !!
THANKS FOR NOTHING!!
If I had left my car where it was originally...I could have saved my deductible...but would have been nervous about walking out the door with $200 in my pocket.
As it is...I am now going to have to pay a deductible, take my car to the shop, have it repaired...and take a hit on my OWN policy.
No note on the windshield...no one coming back inside to see who's car it was.
Just "ME"...having to take 30 minutes out of the "busy" time in my profession..to go outside, give a statement to an officer...come BACK in the restaurant to an already filled section of tables.
I lost about $50 just staying outside giving a statement , while the people that hit my car, laughed their way on to the next stop.
How can you be so callous? How can you care so little for other people's property or possessions?
Granted they didn't kill one of my children or hurt me physically. But they still took money from my pocket while I stood out side with an officer taking all the information down.
WHAT IN THE "HELL" IS WRONG WITH PEOPLE?
I work six days a week...seven shifts, just to try to help take care of my own family. In one act of carelessness, they have cost me the expense of losing money, a deductible and a banged up....previously good looking, "PAID FOR" Passat .
Get a grip, people!! Own up to your mistakes...Don't let someone else have to pay for your own careless acts.
I just hope that it wasn't someone that I had waited on...because they sure as hell didn't leave me a big enough tip!
Thanks for the "VENT"....till next time COTTON
Thursday, June 19, 2008
The Good, The Bad...and The Lazy
Last night my house was filled as usual with not only my three kids, but the neighbor's kids as well. I was going up the steps in the living room with an armload of clothes that were clean and folded. I remarked to my soon to be sixteen year old son that I wanted all of the clothes that I held to be properly put in drawers or hung in the closet. I remarked that I felt sometimes they just let them sit around so long that they eventually got shoved back into the hamper before they had even been worn...much less put up at all. Sometimes I find them back in the dirty clothes again...STILL FOLDED!!
My next door neighbor's son made the remark...let me see if I can remember it correctly.
"DUDE !! Are you too lazy to unfold them before you throw them in the basket? THAT is a dead give away"!!
I don't know what bothered me more...the fact that they are recycling clean clothes just so they don't have to put them up...or the fact that my neighbor's kid thought that my son was so dense that he didn't know that you UNFOLD the clothes before you throw them back into the laundry pile.
SURELY.....maybe I mean HOPEFULLY, my kids aren't the only ones doing this (besides my neighbor's son).
What in the world are kids thinking , when they work harder at a plan to not put up clean clothes...than just taking the small effort to do the job at hand?
AND MY KIDS WONDER WHY THEY DON'T GET AN ALLOWANCE!!
Instead of an allowance...I have thought about charging them when they are lazy. Charging them when they don't load the dishwasher. But of course they would have to borrow the money to pay me with from their father.
My solution has been this. If you want clean clothes...take them to the laundry room and do them yourself.
I am on strike in the laundry department (even as I type this post...the dryer is humming behind me with my 22 year old son's clothes that he did himself , spinning to my satisfaction).
For the most part, my kids are GOOD, some of the time they can be BAD...and a LOT of the time they can be LAZY.
Unfortunately...I seem to be stuck with them, and have had to make some MAJOR changes in regard to my title of "She'll Do Everything if We Let Her."
Things seem to be looking up, the kids are responding fairly well. I guess that running out of "undies" has it's good points when you are a mother of three.
When pushed...it is AMAZING what the Good, the Bad and the Lazy can accomplish.
Of course they are probably having secret meetings behind my back to come up with another plan of action....lucky for me; they are too lazy to come up with an idea that could fool me. You know what they say..."FOOL ME ONCE..."
Till next time ...COTTON
My next door neighbor's son made the remark...let me see if I can remember it correctly.
"DUDE !! Are you too lazy to unfold them before you throw them in the basket? THAT is a dead give away"!!
I don't know what bothered me more...the fact that they are recycling clean clothes just so they don't have to put them up...or the fact that my neighbor's kid thought that my son was so dense that he didn't know that you UNFOLD the clothes before you throw them back into the laundry pile.
SURELY.....maybe I mean HOPEFULLY, my kids aren't the only ones doing this (besides my neighbor's son).
What in the world are kids thinking , when they work harder at a plan to not put up clean clothes...than just taking the small effort to do the job at hand?
AND MY KIDS WONDER WHY THEY DON'T GET AN ALLOWANCE!!
Instead of an allowance...I have thought about charging them when they are lazy. Charging them when they don't load the dishwasher. But of course they would have to borrow the money to pay me with from their father.
My solution has been this. If you want clean clothes...take them to the laundry room and do them yourself.
I am on strike in the laundry department (even as I type this post...the dryer is humming behind me with my 22 year old son's clothes that he did himself , spinning to my satisfaction).
For the most part, my kids are GOOD, some of the time they can be BAD...and a LOT of the time they can be LAZY.
Unfortunately...I seem to be stuck with them, and have had to make some MAJOR changes in regard to my title of "She'll Do Everything if We Let Her."
Things seem to be looking up, the kids are responding fairly well. I guess that running out of "undies" has it's good points when you are a mother of three.
When pushed...it is AMAZING what the Good, the Bad and the Lazy can accomplish.
Of course they are probably having secret meetings behind my back to come up with another plan of action....lucky for me; they are too lazy to come up with an idea that could fool me. You know what they say..."FOOL ME ONCE..."
Till next time ...COTTON
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
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
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
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Living the Dream...Even Though it Can Sometimes Be a Nightmare
I have been emailing my Mother's best friend for a few months on a semi regular basis.
My Mother died when I was seventeen...It still can devastate me at any given moment in my life...She was THAT great of a person.
Her best friend is another great person. (My Mom knew how to pick them). I know that I shouldn't capitalize the word "mother"...but in MY book, she is definitely an ALL CAPS TYPE OF WOMAN!!
After my Mother died in August of 1977, I fell into a fog that grew thick around me for about twenty years (at least it seemed that long).
But in December of that same year, my Mom's friend came to take me to see the "Nutcracker" at the fabulous FOX Theatre in Atlanta. It was a wonderful night and when taking me back home,we sat in her car for at least an hour talking, crying and hugging ....and most importantly leaving me with the feeling that my Mom had left me in quite capable hands.
We spoke rarely after that, only at get-togethers, weddings and unfortunately funerals.
Sometimes I felt jealous that this woman still had all three of her girls and a husband to boot. Why couldn't I be SO lucky?
In the past few months of emails and a marvelous visit to her house one Sunday, I realized what she had on what I considered her "Silver Platter." Her husband ...her sweetheart...her soul mate, was fading away from her...she had gone from girlfriend to wife to mother, a grand mother...and back to a mother. She is the primary care giver to her husband. He has suffered a heart attack, Diabetes, memory loss, and the ability to drive a car.
She coddles him and corrects him...she is the total reason that he can live in the comfort of their home and enjoy what little peace he can sometimes find and can always have at his disposal whenever it will come to his welcome mind.
Growing old isn't easy...I can attest to that fact only being in my late forties. But the total immense feeling of love and most definite admiration for this woman absolutely bowl me over.
She still looks amazing, dresses to the nines and has a better memory than mine (and I pride myself on my memory). She is as sharp as a tack...and has even let me call her "MOM" in my emails to her.
Maybe that is why God took my Mom so early...so I wouldn't have to watch any demise of the GRAND vision that I had of her. Maybe that is why God took my Dad so quickly...he knew that my Mother wasn't there to take care of him. Maybe that is why my Mother's best friend is here...fully aware, full of life...able to take care of her husband and to take care of me.
She has been handed quite a load and has handled it most magnificently. Her husband will most probably last many more years (If my prayers do ANY good)...but even if he doesn't...thanks to her it has been a dignified, happy and content life... and one that he wouldn't change one bit.
She is a saint in my eyes and a MOTHER in my heart. Like I said before...my Mom could "Pick"Em".
So I have lost both of my parents; that IS a tragedy... but this family is helping their Dad have the best love care and devotion that a family can provide. I can see the love in his eyes...I can see the ole "GLINT" in his eye when he talks to me.
What I will always see is a family that is more my own that they would probably like. They are my back up, they are my saving grace on this Earth.
The memories and recollections are too vast and numerous...they flood my mind like a a bitter sweet swollen river...let the waters of my time with them always wash over me like a cool refreshing memory of childhood and my lifetime of knowing and loving these special people in my life.
You never know what the next year may bring...advancement in technology, miraculous improvements or just the smiling face of GOD telling us it will be OK...or not.
But you know what? We will deal whatever hand we are dealt. Do we really have a choice?
This woman, this friend of mine...is an inspiration to me. She is up for the battle and she is there for the fight. I hope...no I KNOW , that her husband knows that he is the luckiest man on Earth. I feel fortunate to come in right behind him, his daughters and the grandkids. Right now it feels like one lucky place to be... IN HER HEART! My gracious thanks go out to her...and to my Mom for knowing where to leave me. Till next time....COTTON
My Mother died when I was seventeen...It still can devastate me at any given moment in my life...She was THAT great of a person.
Her best friend is another great person. (My Mom knew how to pick them). I know that I shouldn't capitalize the word "mother"...but in MY book, she is definitely an ALL CAPS TYPE OF WOMAN!!
After my Mother died in August of 1977, I fell into a fog that grew thick around me for about twenty years (at least it seemed that long).
But in December of that same year, my Mom's friend came to take me to see the "Nutcracker" at the fabulous FOX Theatre in Atlanta. It was a wonderful night and when taking me back home,we sat in her car for at least an hour talking, crying and hugging ....and most importantly leaving me with the feeling that my Mom had left me in quite capable hands.
We spoke rarely after that, only at get-togethers, weddings and unfortunately funerals.
Sometimes I felt jealous that this woman still had all three of her girls and a husband to boot. Why couldn't I be SO lucky?
In the past few months of emails and a marvelous visit to her house one Sunday, I realized what she had on what I considered her "Silver Platter." Her husband ...her sweetheart...her soul mate, was fading away from her...she had gone from girlfriend to wife to mother, a grand mother...and back to a mother. She is the primary care giver to her husband. He has suffered a heart attack, Diabetes, memory loss, and the ability to drive a car.
She coddles him and corrects him...she is the total reason that he can live in the comfort of their home and enjoy what little peace he can sometimes find and can always have at his disposal whenever it will come to his welcome mind.
Growing old isn't easy...I can attest to that fact only being in my late forties. But the total immense feeling of love and most definite admiration for this woman absolutely bowl me over.
She still looks amazing, dresses to the nines and has a better memory than mine (and I pride myself on my memory). She is as sharp as a tack...and has even let me call her "MOM" in my emails to her.
Maybe that is why God took my Mom so early...so I wouldn't have to watch any demise of the GRAND vision that I had of her. Maybe that is why God took my Dad so quickly...he knew that my Mother wasn't there to take care of him. Maybe that is why my Mother's best friend is here...fully aware, full of life...able to take care of her husband and to take care of me.
She has been handed quite a load and has handled it most magnificently. Her husband will most probably last many more years (If my prayers do ANY good)...but even if he doesn't...thanks to her it has been a dignified, happy and content life... and one that he wouldn't change one bit.
She is a saint in my eyes and a MOTHER in my heart. Like I said before...my Mom could "Pick"Em".
So I have lost both of my parents; that IS a tragedy... but this family is helping their Dad have the best love care and devotion that a family can provide. I can see the love in his eyes...I can see the ole "GLINT" in his eye when he talks to me.
What I will always see is a family that is more my own that they would probably like. They are my back up, they are my saving grace on this Earth.
The memories and recollections are too vast and numerous...they flood my mind like a a bitter sweet swollen river...let the waters of my time with them always wash over me like a cool refreshing memory of childhood and my lifetime of knowing and loving these special people in my life.
You never know what the next year may bring...advancement in technology, miraculous improvements or just the smiling face of GOD telling us it will be OK...or not.
But you know what? We will deal whatever hand we are dealt. Do we really have a choice?
This woman, this friend of mine...is an inspiration to me. She is up for the battle and she is there for the fight. I hope...no I KNOW , that her husband knows that he is the luckiest man on Earth. I feel fortunate to come in right behind him, his daughters and the grandkids. Right now it feels like one lucky place to be... IN HER HEART! My gracious thanks go out to her...and to my Mom for knowing where to leave me. Till next time....COTTON
Monday, June 9, 2008
"Cyber" Stalkers... or ARE They ?
Went into work yesterday...just as normal. (WELL, as normal as I get). I was training another new server, and she had three tables, so I took the next one. He had walked into the store, blew past the hostess stand and landed himself in a booth by the bar. He had no menu or silverware, since he seated himself. I walked up to the table, and he immediately asked "Are you Kelly"?
I replied that I was, and he continued with "The famous KELLY from the internet"? I asked what he meant, and he said "The one with the website"?
By this time, I was just freakin out...Am I being paranoid, or am I gettin my "WORD" out a little TOO quickly"?
The rest of his meal went smoothly, he told me he was a soldier, recently assigned to Ft. Mac.
MANY doubts, many wild ideas that people out "THERE" might be actually watching and reading my life !!! Some body call "SOME" one. Then it came to me...
I put it out there, I chose to do this.
But to write, to express my thoughts and feelings... is worth any price I might have to pay (OR write a thank you note for).
Continue reading... I have two blogs in the "EDIT" stage....one about my three kids...entitled "The Good, the Bad and the Lazy."
Another is about the workplace....TUNE in for that one!!!
Till next time...COTTON
I replied that I was, and he continued with "The famous KELLY from the internet"? I asked what he meant, and he said "The one with the website"?
By this time, I was just freakin out...Am I being paranoid, or am I gettin my "WORD" out a little TOO quickly"?
The rest of his meal went smoothly, he told me he was a soldier, recently assigned to Ft. Mac.
MANY doubts, many wild ideas that people out "THERE" might be actually watching and reading my life !!! Some body call "SOME" one. Then it came to me...
I put it out there, I chose to do this.
But to write, to express my thoughts and feelings... is worth any price I might have to pay (OR write a thank you note for).
Continue reading... I have two blogs in the "EDIT" stage....one about my three kids...entitled "The Good, the Bad and the Lazy."
Another is about the workplace....TUNE in for that one!!!
Till next time...COTTON
Monday, June 2, 2008
"E" Leeza "Beth" This is my Birthday Present To You
One of the most favorite people in my life is "Elizabeth". She pronounces it just like I wrote it in the title of this blog. She is a SOUTHERN woman through and through...MY KINDA GAL!! She was my father's companion, friend and love in his last days. I love her dearly, call her not enough, but when I do... she responds with all the love in her heart, and never gives me grief for not calling sooner. My kids all think of her as their grandmother.....and I don't think she would want it any other way.
She may be in her eighties (I hope you are...Cin told me you were but I found it hard to believe) , but she is sharp as a tack, on top of her game and someone that I love
My Dad was pretty smart. He knew once my MOM died, she would never, ever be replaced. But after almost a quarter of a decade went by, he settled into a wonderful and comfortable life with his choice..."ELIZABETH".
They were friends, they were fellow Christians and they were in love. It seems strange to me to call them lovers but they were...they were in love . I KNOW that my Dad loved her , she was an intimate part of his being, and a soul mate...something he never thought he would ever find after my Mother died.
She came to know all of us ..love all of us and wormed her way easily into all of our lives. I sometimes think that she may miss him more than us, and that breaks my heart because I know how much I miss him and if it hurts her more...it must be almost unbearable for her.
But we try to still include her..NO, not try, but WANT to include her in our lives. She is the last thing that we have to connect us on this Earth with our Dad (DIDDY) as we called him and always will.
She sat at the hospital for almost ten days as we all did, waiting for my "Diddy" to get better...which unfortunately he did not. But we stuck it through, we laughed, we cried, we remembered and we hoped.
I almost feel that she suffered a loss greater than we did.
I feel it a great honor to have her call me a friend... for my kids to call her a grandparent, and for her not ever being upset that I have taken too long to call and check on her, but to always be happy to receive my call and for her loving me the way I know my "Diddy" knew she always would .
You are stuck with us, Elizabeth, you are one of us, and my "DIDDY" would want it no other way. He knew what he was doing when he brought you into our family...he was keeping the love that he had given us as children alive, he was giving you to us...and what a gift you have been.
She may be in her eighties (I hope you are...Cin told me you were but I found it hard to believe) , but she is sharp as a tack, on top of her game and someone that I love
My Dad was pretty smart. He knew once my MOM died, she would never, ever be replaced. But after almost a quarter of a decade went by, he settled into a wonderful and comfortable life with his choice..."ELIZABETH".
They were friends, they were fellow Christians and they were in love. It seems strange to me to call them lovers but they were...they were in love . I KNOW that my Dad loved her , she was an intimate part of his being, and a soul mate...something he never thought he would ever find after my Mother died.
She came to know all of us ..love all of us and wormed her way easily into all of our lives. I sometimes think that she may miss him more than us, and that breaks my heart because I know how much I miss him and if it hurts her more...it must be almost unbearable for her.
But we try to still include her..NO, not try, but WANT to include her in our lives. She is the last thing that we have to connect us on this Earth with our Dad (DIDDY) as we called him and always will.
She sat at the hospital for almost ten days as we all did, waiting for my "Diddy" to get better...which unfortunately he did not. But we stuck it through, we laughed, we cried, we remembered and we hoped.
I almost feel that she suffered a loss greater than we did.
I feel it a great honor to have her call me a friend... for my kids to call her a grandparent, and for her not ever being upset that I have taken too long to call and check on her, but to always be happy to receive my call and for her loving me the way I know my "Diddy" knew she always would .
You are stuck with us, Elizabeth, you are one of us, and my "DIDDY" would want it no other way. He knew what he was doing when he brought you into our family...he was keeping the love that he had given us as children alive, he was giving you to us...and what a gift you have been.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
When Will Kids Stop Being Kids?
I was talking to my sister tonight, as we commiserated about our similar situations. I am forty eight, she is "fifty" something. I have raised and sent one son off...only to have him fly back into the nest at the age of 22...bringing back with him a dog that I now take care of and feed.
My sister has a 26 year old still living with her, having flown out of the nest, back into the nest, out once more and now home to roost!
Neither pay us rent, nor contribute to the household chores or care what their room looks like or what dishes or laundry is scattered within our eyesight.
Not speaking for my sister, but I have become hardened to the point that I have to MAKE myself be nice to my son...a "MAN" that I do indeed love dearly...but constantly am in awe at his lack of gratitude or sense of duty.
Wasn't it him that said "I AM OUTTA HERE" with a defiance that I thought would never find him creeping back to his own bedroom ? He doesn't help us with the bills, but manages to find the one item in the refrigerator that I truly want...and scarf it down (leaving the empty plate in the floor of his room).
He has his good points...he is pleasant to look at, very handsome and witty. He isn't into drugs or an alcoholic. His main bad vice is driving me and my husband insane (which he is extremely talented at).
He lives in his "cave"..his room which is so handily supplied with a wireless laptop (that we bought him ) cable TV, and quick access to the kitchen and a bathroom..(he is on the bottom floor of the house, with all of the other bedrooms on the third floor).
It can be 1:30 in the afternoon, and my daughter and her friends will be chatting (albeit) loudly...and he will crack the door to his cave and tell them to "SHUT UP"!!
Luckily my sister's son sleeps till about 4 or 5...and has no pesky sisters to bother him.
My point being..."WHAT IN THE HELL ARE THESE KIDS DOING TO US"?
I would have never done to my parents the kind of abuse that my kids are doing to me . Of course I grew up with "BUTT WHIPPINGS" so severe that they made a lasting and profound impression . But today, it is called child abuse...it ought to be called child REARING!!
My middle son is not much better. He is so smart that I find it hard to believe he is mine! But he refuses to put any of his talent into his school work, and with very little effort has "PUTZ" his way into the ninth grade. He can talk to you about anything...and is almost always right... but ask him to pass algebra and you would think that I asked him to go out back and dig an eight foot hole with a garden spade.
I know that I have spoiled my kids, and that is part of their problem...but how could I have created such monsters with no sense of remorse or sense of accountability?
Let's blame it on modern technology. Let's blame it on cell phones, myspace, texting, Blockbuster, video games, internet...ANY thing but ME!!
But regrettably, it all comes down to me. I am their mother, and I am the one that raised them. My only saving salvation is that one day they will have children of their own...(NOT living in my house) and will say to themselves....while their kids are scooting across the sky in a "JETSON'S" type car......"WHAT did I do to deserve this"?
If I had it to do over again, there would be a LOT more "butt" whippings, and a LOT less "BUT MOM"!!
I can only hope that as time passes, they will eventually realize that I really DID know what I was talking about when they weren't listening...and will be glad to repeat it, or once again show them the way.
I love my kids (to a fault) and only want the best for them... But don't kill me while you are finding out I was right all along.
My sister has a 26 year old still living with her, having flown out of the nest, back into the nest, out once more and now home to roost!
Neither pay us rent, nor contribute to the household chores or care what their room looks like or what dishes or laundry is scattered within our eyesight.
Not speaking for my sister, but I have become hardened to the point that I have to MAKE myself be nice to my son...a "MAN" that I do indeed love dearly...but constantly am in awe at his lack of gratitude or sense of duty.
Wasn't it him that said "I AM OUTTA HERE" with a defiance that I thought would never find him creeping back to his own bedroom ? He doesn't help us with the bills, but manages to find the one item in the refrigerator that I truly want...and scarf it down (leaving the empty plate in the floor of his room).
He has his good points...he is pleasant to look at, very handsome and witty. He isn't into drugs or an alcoholic. His main bad vice is driving me and my husband insane (which he is extremely talented at).
He lives in his "cave"..his room which is so handily supplied with a wireless laptop (that we bought him ) cable TV, and quick access to the kitchen and a bathroom..(he is on the bottom floor of the house, with all of the other bedrooms on the third floor).
It can be 1:30 in the afternoon, and my daughter and her friends will be chatting (albeit) loudly...and he will crack the door to his cave and tell them to "SHUT UP"!!
Luckily my sister's son sleeps till about 4 or 5...and has no pesky sisters to bother him.
My point being..."WHAT IN THE HELL ARE THESE KIDS DOING TO US"?
I would have never done to my parents the kind of abuse that my kids are doing to me . Of course I grew up with "BUTT WHIPPINGS" so severe that they made a lasting and profound impression . But today, it is called child abuse...it ought to be called child REARING!!
My middle son is not much better. He is so smart that I find it hard to believe he is mine! But he refuses to put any of his talent into his school work, and with very little effort has "PUTZ" his way into the ninth grade. He can talk to you about anything...and is almost always right... but ask him to pass algebra and you would think that I asked him to go out back and dig an eight foot hole with a garden spade.
I know that I have spoiled my kids, and that is part of their problem...but how could I have created such monsters with no sense of remorse or sense of accountability?
Let's blame it on modern technology. Let's blame it on cell phones, myspace, texting, Blockbuster, video games, internet...ANY thing but ME!!
But regrettably, it all comes down to me. I am their mother, and I am the one that raised them. My only saving salvation is that one day they will have children of their own...(NOT living in my house) and will say to themselves....while their kids are scooting across the sky in a "JETSON'S" type car......"WHAT did I do to deserve this"?
If I had it to do over again, there would be a LOT more "butt" whippings, and a LOT less "BUT MOM"!!
I can only hope that as time passes, they will eventually realize that I really DID know what I was talking about when they weren't listening...and will be glad to repeat it, or once again show them the way.
I love my kids (to a fault) and only want the best for them... But don't kill me while you are finding out I was right all along.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Hope You Missed Me!!
Busy, busy, busy I have been! It is graduation time and I have many nieces and nephews. I attended one of my favorite niece's graduation last night...or shall I call it a "GRAD GEE ATION". To begin with, when we got there...to watch a class of over 400 graduate....It began with hearing all kind of people on their cell phone..and hearing their conversations and comments over and over again. "I am in McDonough"...at my nephew's "Grad U ATION". YEAH.... "I'm Here... IN Mc Donough". He still kept talking..still kept screaming into his his cell phone as the Valedictorian gave the speech and as long as we could stand the whistles from the air horns that were blown every second... If my child was giving a speech, if my child was a speaker...I would be pretty ticked off. I turned to look at this older gentleman a couple of times, but he was so engrossed in his "loud"conversation that he didn't even notice me. He continued through the entire speech...speaking almost as loudly as the speaker.
People kill me with their horrible manners and lack of respect. Parents were letting their kids run all over the place. Granted, we WERE in a football stadium...but we were at a graduation...not a game!
Then there were the people that hooted and hollered at the time their student's name was called...and continued to whoop it up through the next two names that were called...drowning out any applause those two students may have had. It embarrassed me to think that these were adults acting this way.
I hope these graduates turn out to be better adults than the ones we were surrounded by. If they don't....God help us!!
People kill me with their horrible manners and lack of respect. Parents were letting their kids run all over the place. Granted, we WERE in a football stadium...but we were at a graduation...not a game!
Then there were the people that hooted and hollered at the time their student's name was called...and continued to whoop it up through the next two names that were called...drowning out any applause those two students may have had. It embarrassed me to think that these were adults acting this way.
I hope these graduates turn out to be better adults than the ones we were surrounded by. If they don't....God help us!!
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Server or "Servant"?
I had a table tonight at work that exhausted me beyond belief. A couple with their two young sons.
Another server ran the salads to the table..came back and said that the woman had wanted more onions for her salad...so she took her a small oval plate with some red onions on it. When she sat it down by the woman, she replied (not sweetly) "I didn't want THAT many"! Let me point out that we did not put them on her salad ourself or force her to eat every one of them.
Next came when I asked her sons if they would like some more tea. Her quick response was that they had plenty. She flagged me down not 2 minutes later , had both of their kid cups, tops off and sitting right on the edge of the table...and said "Can you get them some more tea"?
After refilling their drinks, the food arrived at the table. I asked if everything cooked perfectly and was there anything else they needed, they shooed me away saying it was perfect. Two minutes later the husband came up to me in the hall, saying to come to the table. His steak just "had a smell". I said I would be more than happy to have another steak started immediately...and did just that. I came back to the table to check on them, when the wife stated that her two sons steaks were not seasoned enough...(Didn't I JUST ask them if everything was OK?) They were all eating sirloins...our toughest steak (and cheapest). We put a seasoning on them that is similar to a Lawry's seasoning salt. It is quite salty so we don't use a lot of it on kids meals or on their french fries (like we do adult orders). I told her I would be happy to bring the boys some more of the seasoning that we use, and her husband said that would be fine. When I returned with the spice, the wife said "You know it won't be the same thing". I told her that in fact it was the same seasoning that we cook that particular steak in. She continued to test me by saying "I don't want to sprinkle it on...I want it cooked in it". I said to just let me have the boys two more steaks cooked, but she said it would be okay. Her husband's second steak was already on the grill, so I took it upon myself to go ahead and order two more steaks for the boys...telling the cooks to go heavy on the salt.
At this point I got a manager involved and sent him to the table (I felt she should have a shot at him as well). Once we had fed the three males again...and it was perfect this time...the mother said "Well, it is my son's birthday and this was really disappointing." I am not sure what was disappointing to her, the fact that my manager bought all three steaks ($30) or the fact that we bought them an $8 dessert for their son's birthday...and let me say that at no point in the evening did either son seem upset OR disappointed...neither did the husband. But the wife got what she wanted...a $58 meal for TWENTY BUCKS.
We KOW TOW, pamper and bend over backwards to please our public..and yet they smugly shake their heads like they are letting us do them a favor by our store biting the bullet of eating $38. The economy isn't THAT good. Of course I feel like she knew that as well...and decided if she picked apart the meal and made a huge deal out of everything...they could save enough money to buy the boy a present.
So "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BUDDY."...hope ya liked your present...and if you didn't...your Mama will take it back...don't worry!!
Till next time...COTTON
Another server ran the salads to the table..came back and said that the woman had wanted more onions for her salad...so she took her a small oval plate with some red onions on it. When she sat it down by the woman, she replied (not sweetly) "I didn't want THAT many"! Let me point out that we did not put them on her salad ourself or force her to eat every one of them.
Next came when I asked her sons if they would like some more tea. Her quick response was that they had plenty. She flagged me down not 2 minutes later , had both of their kid cups, tops off and sitting right on the edge of the table...and said "Can you get them some more tea"?
After refilling their drinks, the food arrived at the table. I asked if everything cooked perfectly and was there anything else they needed, they shooed me away saying it was perfect. Two minutes later the husband came up to me in the hall, saying to come to the table. His steak just "had a smell". I said I would be more than happy to have another steak started immediately...and did just that. I came back to the table to check on them, when the wife stated that her two sons steaks were not seasoned enough...(Didn't I JUST ask them if everything was OK?) They were all eating sirloins...our toughest steak (and cheapest). We put a seasoning on them that is similar to a Lawry's seasoning salt. It is quite salty so we don't use a lot of it on kids meals or on their french fries (like we do adult orders). I told her I would be happy to bring the boys some more of the seasoning that we use, and her husband said that would be fine. When I returned with the spice, the wife said "You know it won't be the same thing". I told her that in fact it was the same seasoning that we cook that particular steak in. She continued to test me by saying "I don't want to sprinkle it on...I want it cooked in it". I said to just let me have the boys two more steaks cooked, but she said it would be okay. Her husband's second steak was already on the grill, so I took it upon myself to go ahead and order two more steaks for the boys...telling the cooks to go heavy on the salt.
At this point I got a manager involved and sent him to the table (I felt she should have a shot at him as well). Once we had fed the three males again...and it was perfect this time...the mother said "Well, it is my son's birthday and this was really disappointing." I am not sure what was disappointing to her, the fact that my manager bought all three steaks ($30) or the fact that we bought them an $8 dessert for their son's birthday...and let me say that at no point in the evening did either son seem upset OR disappointed...neither did the husband. But the wife got what she wanted...a $58 meal for TWENTY BUCKS.
We KOW TOW, pamper and bend over backwards to please our public..and yet they smugly shake their heads like they are letting us do them a favor by our store biting the bullet of eating $38. The economy isn't THAT good. Of course I feel like she knew that as well...and decided if she picked apart the meal and made a huge deal out of everything...they could save enough money to buy the boy a present.
So "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BUDDY."...hope ya liked your present...and if you didn't...your Mama will take it back...don't worry!!
Till next time...COTTON
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Can't Wait Any Longer!!
A good friend of mine from work was going to set up search engines on my blog, so that people could bounce from my blog to a site that may interest them. But she has taken too long and I HAVE to write!! I have been informed by my sister that some of my family members read my blog (Thanks Frances and Elizabeth).
It is storming here...I almost turned off the computer, but the storm has passed, and my fingers are eager to type.
My enemy from high school has decided that I am her new "BEST" friend..I think because I never responded negatively to her comments or joined her in her "I HATE KELLY" battle.
Life is a funny thing..things that are unimportant to me are so very important to others..but that is why it is called "The Game of Life". Throw the dice and just see what comes up...I was dealt a horrible hand when I was younger...I lost my mom when I was seventeen, and my dad six years ago....HEY!!! Who dealt me THAT hand?
But I am one of the fortunate ones. I have a sister that is not only my best friend, but my mentor, my rock and my saving grace.
I also have a brother that is so kind to not call me a lot, but sends GREAT presents to my kids on their birthday and at Christmas. They think their "UNCLE" is a millionaire...and by our standards he IS!!
I have another GREAT network of love in my extended family, Frances, Elizabeth and my former co worker from New York that faithfully read my blog every day. (Shout out to YOU, JoJo).
I have enjoyed writing this blog more than anyone could ever imagine...and it has made me happier than anything....for people to read my drivel, to keep coming back for more....and let me tell you...I HAVE PLENTY TO COME.
Hopefully by the next time I post I will have a lot of different options and choices on my site. I do not plan to ever quit this blog...but to enhance, add to and make it my profession. I have made myself happy, and I think a few others as well.
I have had comments from the UK and comments from a New York Times Best Selling author.
What I want MOST...is comments from YOU...the encouragement to continue, and the feeling that I am actually not only entertaining you, but have made you want to read all my ramblings, observations and "TAKES" on life.
Next time you check in, it should be a whole new website, one with tools and engines to give you even more of the "VERBAL" views on life that I have "THOUSANDS" of.
Keep reading if you enjoy, and if you DO enjoy...tell a friend. Till next time...COTTON
It is storming here...I almost turned off the computer, but the storm has passed, and my fingers are eager to type.
My enemy from high school has decided that I am her new "BEST" friend..I think because I never responded negatively to her comments or joined her in her "I HATE KELLY" battle.
Life is a funny thing..things that are unimportant to me are so very important to others..but that is why it is called "The Game of Life". Throw the dice and just see what comes up...I was dealt a horrible hand when I was younger...I lost my mom when I was seventeen, and my dad six years ago....HEY!!! Who dealt me THAT hand?
But I am one of the fortunate ones. I have a sister that is not only my best friend, but my mentor, my rock and my saving grace.
I also have a brother that is so kind to not call me a lot, but sends GREAT presents to my kids on their birthday and at Christmas. They think their "UNCLE" is a millionaire...and by our standards he IS!!
I have another GREAT network of love in my extended family, Frances, Elizabeth and my former co worker from New York that faithfully read my blog every day. (Shout out to YOU, JoJo).
I have enjoyed writing this blog more than anyone could ever imagine...and it has made me happier than anything....for people to read my drivel, to keep coming back for more....and let me tell you...I HAVE PLENTY TO COME.
Hopefully by the next time I post I will have a lot of different options and choices on my site. I do not plan to ever quit this blog...but to enhance, add to and make it my profession. I have made myself happy, and I think a few others as well.
I have had comments from the UK and comments from a New York Times Best Selling author.
What I want MOST...is comments from YOU...the encouragement to continue, and the feeling that I am actually not only entertaining you, but have made you want to read all my ramblings, observations and "TAKES" on life.
Next time you check in, it should be a whole new website, one with tools and engines to give you even more of the "VERBAL" views on life that I have "THOUSANDS" of.
Keep reading if you enjoy, and if you DO enjoy...tell a friend. Till next time...COTTON
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
My Trophy Husband
Here we go!! My sister and her husband come over every Friday night for dinner (my daughter says we are JUST like The GILMORE GIRLS)!! I told her that in fact we were, except that none of us are rich or on a TV series...and we are two sisters, not a daughter and her mother (although I consider my sis my only MOM that I have in my immediate life). Hey It's kinda cool to have a mom that is only seven years older than me!!
My husband justed walked by the computer, and after looking at the title of my blog... just gave a snort as he went back upstairs to watch the Braves and put some Aloe on the sunburn he got in the golf tournament he played in today.
Here is a good place for the story to begin. He is HANDSOME..I'll give him that. He is a sweet guy, honest and hard working (except at home). He is good to look at, good in bed (is the best snorer I ever heard) or good on a softball field or golf course...or ANY sports "STAT" that you want to know about.
What bugs me is the fact that I have spoiled him BEYOND repair. I met him as he was coming out of a horrible marriage, he was cheated on and bankrupted by the supposed "Love of His Life". I came swooping in...as I do in any situation, and took him not only into my life but into my heart. He had retained possession of the house and had told her to take every thing that she wanted... She ended up taking EVERYTHING..his toothbrush and most of his clothes.
He was my new project...and I took to it like stink on "#$*&". He and his brothers...there are six brothers and two sisters...had been coming into the restaurant that I worked at for a beer after work for months, before I really noticed him. Actually one of the waitresses that I worked with commented on how beautiful his legs were (I guess she took all his long pants too)... and I looked at him and thought..."He is pretty cute". He asked me out for a date...and he asked me to marry him after a month. We waited a year, had a fabulous wedding at the home of his parents...by the pool and shuffle board courts..which were above the tennis courts. Had our reception in the two story pool house that had a dance floor, kitchen and bathrooms. Needless to say "WE THREW DOWN AT THE WEDDING". I did the entire reception myself, and off we went to California for a honeymoon.
Once at home again... I began to slowly realize the MONSTER that I had one handedly created. Once I met him, I just TOOK over, and he let me. Once we started having kids, he obviously realized that he had won the lottery.
After 20 years of marriage, I still do all the yard work (which I actually DO love), the laundry, cooking and cleaning and still work full time.
I remember when my kitchen sink totally stopped working and I knew the whole system had to be replaced, I went to Home Depot and bought new pipes, spigots and a sprayer. I asked the guy if it was easy to do, and he said "SURE, your husband can do it". My reply was a startled "You can replace this from a recliner"??? He asked me what tools I had and I told him I had two big wrenches and a bottle of wine. His reply was "That outta do it".
The sink still works fine, my husband is still the best ball player or all round good guy you would ever want to meet.
One night at the dinner table, I mentioned to my kids that every one liked their Dad. The kids said "Yeah, he's nice to everyone but us... he's nice to Massey (my only daughter) but THAT will wear off. And Whada U know?? It did!! As easy as he is in the rest of his life, he is hard on his kids (GOD bless him) and he is hard on himself as far as being the provider. He is the provider and I am the caretaker. Every once in awhile when I crack under pressure, he pitches in and helps.
He is a creature that I nurtured and brought forth, so I have no one to blame but myself. One time , when talking to my brother about what would happen to my kids if I were to die...his response was "Don't worry about it... Tim will remarry before you know it". Talk about AN INSPIRATION FOR LIVING!!!
We have had many ups and downs...good times and bad times...but you know what? At the end of the day...I love him and he loves me....and at least he is truly gorgeous to look at....Inside AND out!
My husband justed walked by the computer, and after looking at the title of my blog... just gave a snort as he went back upstairs to watch the Braves and put some Aloe on the sunburn he got in the golf tournament he played in today.
Here is a good place for the story to begin. He is HANDSOME..I'll give him that. He is a sweet guy, honest and hard working (except at home). He is good to look at, good in bed (is the best snorer I ever heard) or good on a softball field or golf course...or ANY sports "STAT" that you want to know about.
What bugs me is the fact that I have spoiled him BEYOND repair. I met him as he was coming out of a horrible marriage, he was cheated on and bankrupted by the supposed "Love of His Life". I came swooping in...as I do in any situation, and took him not only into my life but into my heart. He had retained possession of the house and had told her to take every thing that she wanted... She ended up taking EVERYTHING..his toothbrush and most of his clothes.
He was my new project...and I took to it like stink on "#$*&". He and his brothers...there are six brothers and two sisters...had been coming into the restaurant that I worked at for a beer after work for months, before I really noticed him. Actually one of the waitresses that I worked with commented on how beautiful his legs were (I guess she took all his long pants too)... and I looked at him and thought..."He is pretty cute". He asked me out for a date...and he asked me to marry him after a month. We waited a year, had a fabulous wedding at the home of his parents...by the pool and shuffle board courts..which were above the tennis courts. Had our reception in the two story pool house that had a dance floor, kitchen and bathrooms. Needless to say "WE THREW DOWN AT THE WEDDING". I did the entire reception myself, and off we went to California for a honeymoon.
Once at home again... I began to slowly realize the MONSTER that I had one handedly created. Once I met him, I just TOOK over, and he let me. Once we started having kids, he obviously realized that he had won the lottery.
After 20 years of marriage, I still do all the yard work (which I actually DO love), the laundry, cooking and cleaning and still work full time.
I remember when my kitchen sink totally stopped working and I knew the whole system had to be replaced, I went to Home Depot and bought new pipes, spigots and a sprayer. I asked the guy if it was easy to do, and he said "SURE, your husband can do it". My reply was a startled "You can replace this from a recliner"??? He asked me what tools I had and I told him I had two big wrenches and a bottle of wine. His reply was "That outta do it".
The sink still works fine, my husband is still the best ball player or all round good guy you would ever want to meet.
One night at the dinner table, I mentioned to my kids that every one liked their Dad. The kids said "Yeah, he's nice to everyone but us... he's nice to Massey (my only daughter) but THAT will wear off. And Whada U know?? It did!! As easy as he is in the rest of his life, he is hard on his kids (GOD bless him) and he is hard on himself as far as being the provider. He is the provider and I am the caretaker. Every once in awhile when I crack under pressure, he pitches in and helps.
He is a creature that I nurtured and brought forth, so I have no one to blame but myself. One time , when talking to my brother about what would happen to my kids if I were to die...his response was "Don't worry about it... Tim will remarry before you know it". Talk about AN INSPIRATION FOR LIVING!!!
We have had many ups and downs...good times and bad times...but you know what? At the end of the day...I love him and he loves me....and at least he is truly gorgeous to look at....Inside AND out!
Monday, May 12, 2008
The Funeral
I recently attended the funeral of a dear lady that had worked for me in the After School Program that I was the asst.coordinator for. She was only 56...fought a three year battle with colon cancer and unfortunately lost. This was the first African American funeral that I have ever been to.
Let me begin by saying that is is a good thing that I had taken the whole day off from work...after three hours, I was sitting on the pew wondering if I needed to perhaps get someone to cover my next day as well.
It was a very spiritual and moving service. It was also the most fascinating event that I have ever been to. It began with several very lengthy selections from the choir...all swaying to the beat and clapping to keep time.There were four ministers who spoke (at great length as well). Then we moved on to a couple of solo's. After a prayer was sent up in the family's behalf, a female evangelist took the microphone. She was before the five other people that were listed in the program scheduled to speak.
By this point, I stopped looking at my program...because these people were flying this train to Heaven by the seat of their pants. When the minister began his eulogy...twenty minutes in I realized that this was going to be a full out sermon (and it was).
The funeral started at 1:00. I got home at 4:00. And when I left, the entire cortege was preparing to go to the grave site to (in the word's of the minister) " Continue the service".
The funeral directors all wore tux, with tails and white gloves. They stood by the front of the church the entire service without so much as moving a muscle. I heard more "AMEN" "YES, JESUS"..."GLORY BE TO GOD" than I think I have heard in my entire life....and I grew up in the church.
It seems to me that this group in fact did not WANT this service to end...and peacefully spent an entire afternoon in the company of each other, the bereaved family, and their Lord.
Being a Caucasian...I have only experienced funerals of my relatives or other church members. When we send them on, it with the briefest of services, and before the hour is out we are all back in our own cars headed back to our own life.
It was a cultural eye opener for me...and a marvelous send off for this wonderful woman. How can I have lived 48 years and never attended one of these affairs? I have many African American friends...they are just all still alive.
After the grave side service... they were all coming back to the church for "The Repast". They were probably still at the church while I was cleaning up my dinner dishes.
I was impressed beyond words at the incredible amount of time and devotion that went into saying goodbye to their loved one. I left the church a little numbed (and not just my backside that I had been sitting on for three hours).
Ms. Rosa had herself a humdinger of a send off and one that I felt privileged to be able to witness. God bless Rosa and her son left behind. I am confident that her congregation will take him under their wing...and he will be okay.
Till next time...COTTON
Let me begin by saying that is is a good thing that I had taken the whole day off from work...after three hours, I was sitting on the pew wondering if I needed to perhaps get someone to cover my next day as well.
It was a very spiritual and moving service. It was also the most fascinating event that I have ever been to. It began with several very lengthy selections from the choir...all swaying to the beat and clapping to keep time.There were four ministers who spoke (at great length as well). Then we moved on to a couple of solo's. After a prayer was sent up in the family's behalf, a female evangelist took the microphone. She was before the five other people that were listed in the program scheduled to speak.
By this point, I stopped looking at my program...because these people were flying this train to Heaven by the seat of their pants. When the minister began his eulogy...twenty minutes in I realized that this was going to be a full out sermon (and it was).
The funeral started at 1:00. I got home at 4:00. And when I left, the entire cortege was preparing to go to the grave site to (in the word's of the minister) " Continue the service".
The funeral directors all wore tux, with tails and white gloves. They stood by the front of the church the entire service without so much as moving a muscle. I heard more "AMEN" "YES, JESUS"..."GLORY BE TO GOD" than I think I have heard in my entire life....and I grew up in the church.
It seems to me that this group in fact did not WANT this service to end...and peacefully spent an entire afternoon in the company of each other, the bereaved family, and their Lord.
Being a Caucasian...I have only experienced funerals of my relatives or other church members. When we send them on, it with the briefest of services, and before the hour is out we are all back in our own cars headed back to our own life.
It was a cultural eye opener for me...and a marvelous send off for this wonderful woman. How can I have lived 48 years and never attended one of these affairs? I have many African American friends...they are just all still alive.
After the grave side service... they were all coming back to the church for "The Repast". They were probably still at the church while I was cleaning up my dinner dishes.
I was impressed beyond words at the incredible amount of time and devotion that went into saying goodbye to their loved one. I left the church a little numbed (and not just my backside that I had been sitting on for three hours).
Ms. Rosa had herself a humdinger of a send off and one that I felt privileged to be able to witness. God bless Rosa and her son left behind. I am confident that her congregation will take him under their wing...and he will be okay.
Till next time...COTTON
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Twenty Minutes Left to Post
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!! Just got home from work (Talk about a fun night).Just wanted to tell all Mothers out her in the "CYBER" world that not only do I tremendously enjoy being a mother, but respect each and every other mother out there. It can be a tough demanding job...but one filled with so many rewards and fond memories that I would have my life be no other way. My kids and husband were GREAT to me today. My daughter made me breakfast in bed, my oldest son gave me a dozen roses, my husband gave me two more books to read and a sweet card..AND he even ironed my shirt for work. My middle son simply said "I love you, MOM". And you know what? That is all I want from my family...to be loved. They are my reason for being, my reason to carry on and my inspiration on a daily basis. They can drive me crazy, but in another instant fill my heart with joy. I am proud so much more than simple words can say about my kids, and hope that they remember me fondly for the rest of their days.
Although I realize that they will never fully comprehend my love for them until they have children of their own...I hope that I have raised them to believe in them selves and to be the BEST person they can possibly be on this earth. THAT will be the greatest gift any of them can give me...and the greatest gift that I could have ever given to another person...to realize that they actually HAVE been listening to me for the past twenty two years.
I have terrific kids, a husband that I love as much as I love to make fun of...and a life that is TRULY, TRULY blessed.
To my mom up in Heaven, (AND I KNOW THAT IS WHERE SHE IS) ...Thanks for raising me to be the person and mother that I am today...and for being my inspiration every single step of the way. Without a MOM like you, I wouldn't be the MOM I am!!!
Enjoy every moment with your children...they flash by in the wink of an eye...and can NEVER be replaced. I had my "Day in The SUN'" and enjoyed every moment of being with my family. I hope that I have years and years yet to come with you...and know that I will love you even more EVERY step of the way. Until next time...with a FULL heart...COTTON
Although I realize that they will never fully comprehend my love for them until they have children of their own...I hope that I have raised them to believe in them selves and to be the BEST person they can possibly be on this earth. THAT will be the greatest gift any of them can give me...and the greatest gift that I could have ever given to another person...to realize that they actually HAVE been listening to me for the past twenty two years.
I have terrific kids, a husband that I love as much as I love to make fun of...and a life that is TRULY, TRULY blessed.
To my mom up in Heaven, (AND I KNOW THAT IS WHERE SHE IS) ...Thanks for raising me to be the person and mother that I am today...and for being my inspiration every single step of the way. Without a MOM like you, I wouldn't be the MOM I am!!!
Enjoy every moment with your children...they flash by in the wink of an eye...and can NEVER be replaced. I had my "Day in The SUN'" and enjoyed every moment of being with my family. I hope that I have years and years yet to come with you...and know that I will love you even more EVERY step of the way. Until next time...with a FULL heart...COTTON
Thursday, May 8, 2008
My Victims "Du Jour"
I have decided to pick on my nephews for a bit. I have quite a few nephews, but these two are close to my heart and my roots. Casey was the first born... looking like a papoose...a native American infant...he had the most amazing dark complexion that I have ever seen. Unusual for a little "Whitey". He grew up to be an amazing ball player at the tender age of five. He is a sensitive, "THINKY" type(is that a word?) He is extremely talented in quite a few areas...graphic arts, singing, baseball, golf; making you love him ..and staying in the home nest as long as he can. My brother did not move out of our childhood home until he was almost thirty . Obviously my nephew has followed his uncle's lead..."MAN, living at home is a DREAM come true...don't rush yourself into having to buy your own food or pay for utilities when they are just sittin there..waiting to be used." He has made "BABY" steps....gotten his own car, is working at not only driving my sister nuts, but helping her with her painting business (he is an awesome painter). He is a pleasure to be around..and I love him dearly (but he ain't in MY house, at the age of 25). He will eventually become something GREAT... I have no doubt in my mind.
And then there is "GRIFFIN" He came into the world screaming, and continued that practice for the first three years of his life. I am not sure what he was screaming about...but he wanted it to be heard..BY EVERY ONE!! Every picture of him that I have when he was a toddler...is a pic of him with a grimace on his face, and a tantrum waiting to be be expelled. He was cute to look at; but a tyrant in diapers that demanded to be "Immediately " recognized and sucked up to! He followed his ( I mean Our) traumatic period by becoming the most "laid back" and "WHATEVER" individual that you could ever want to know. He is also a ball player, and an athlete. He has a girlfriend that could kick his butt on a daily basis if the need arises, and I think that is what he may love about her the most.
They are two TOTALLY different people; but I love them equally, get on to them equally, and want the best for both of them on a daily basis. How my sister raised two boys on her own is beyond my comprehension...and something that I would never want to attempt. When I wait on families that have young boys when I am at work, and they stumble over just ordering "CHICKEN FINGERS" ... I tell them that "One day you will get married...and you won't have to THINK again for the REST of your life." We shove our men down the path of life...WHO ELSE IS GOING TO DO IT? I love my husband beyond belief, but how did he make it until he met me? How will my nephews make it without a female telling them what to do? How will my two sons make it? I guess That "EVE" took control in the Garden of Eden, and said "LOOK....THIS IS THE WAY THINGS ARE GOING TO GO"!! Just make it easy on us all, and do what we tell you.... You may be the head of the family, but I am the neck... I will tell you which way to turn. Granted In hindsight, I should have not pushed the "APPLE" thing...but cut me some slack...I have those two boys, Cain and Abel to look after". We are a bossy bunch... but BABY, we can "GET 'ER DONE." We love you men, we respect you, but women are the epitome of "The Heart of a Family"...EXCUSE ME.... CAN YOU HAVE A BABY???" Get back to me when you can!! I love my nephews and my sons dearly..but when it comes to reality...There is nothing better than having a good woman shoving you down the right path of life!
I absolutely adore my nephews, and want them to succeed in life...and I KNOW that they will. I want them to know that I love them beyond belief, and have faith in them more than they could ever know... But I believe in them...and they can ALWAYS believe in me. Till next time... COTTON
And then there is "GRIFFIN" He came into the world screaming, and continued that practice for the first three years of his life. I am not sure what he was screaming about...but he wanted it to be heard..BY EVERY ONE!! Every picture of him that I have when he was a toddler...is a pic of him with a grimace on his face, and a tantrum waiting to be be expelled. He was cute to look at; but a tyrant in diapers that demanded to be "Immediately " recognized and sucked up to! He followed his ( I mean Our) traumatic period by becoming the most "laid back" and "WHATEVER" individual that you could ever want to know. He is also a ball player, and an athlete. He has a girlfriend that could kick his butt on a daily basis if the need arises, and I think that is what he may love about her the most.
They are two TOTALLY different people; but I love them equally, get on to them equally, and want the best for both of them on a daily basis. How my sister raised two boys on her own is beyond my comprehension...and something that I would never want to attempt. When I wait on families that have young boys when I am at work, and they stumble over just ordering "CHICKEN FINGERS" ... I tell them that "One day you will get married...and you won't have to THINK again for the REST of your life." We shove our men down the path of life...WHO ELSE IS GOING TO DO IT? I love my husband beyond belief, but how did he make it until he met me? How will my nephews make it without a female telling them what to do? How will my two sons make it? I guess That "EVE" took control in the Garden of Eden, and said "LOOK....THIS IS THE WAY THINGS ARE GOING TO GO"!! Just make it easy on us all, and do what we tell you.... You may be the head of the family, but I am the neck... I will tell you which way to turn. Granted In hindsight, I should have not pushed the "APPLE" thing...but cut me some slack...I have those two boys, Cain and Abel to look after". We are a bossy bunch... but BABY, we can "GET 'ER DONE." We love you men, we respect you, but women are the epitome of "The Heart of a Family"...EXCUSE ME.... CAN YOU HAVE A BABY???" Get back to me when you can!! I love my nephews and my sons dearly..but when it comes to reality...There is nothing better than having a good woman shoving you down the right path of life!
I absolutely adore my nephews, and want them to succeed in life...and I KNOW that they will. I want them to know that I love them beyond belief, and have faith in them more than they could ever know... But I believe in them...and they can ALWAYS believe in me. Till next time... COTTON
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
I Am At Your "Beck" and Call
My sister... my mentor...my saving salvation in my life...had been in dire need of help. Her husband had open heart surgery, out of work for six months total...from the time he got sick, was finally diagnosed and till he is released from the doctors care. The entire time this has been going on...two amazing friends have saved my sister time and time again. Actually they were her friends to begin with, but now I consider them mine as well. The wife went to the high school that my sister taught at....also the school my college room mate went to. The husband (I don't know where he went to school...I just know he came with the package of friendship). They live across the street from my sister. They have brought meals, they have visited at the hospital, they have visited since Harvey came home...They have been there "Literally" EVERY step of the way. They also attend the same church as my sister (I tend to home school my kids in religion). They organized for love offerings to be taken at the church to help my sister in the one way she needed most...financially.It was an amazing outpouring of love that the church showed...and one that was RIGHT ON TIME. Beside that, they are incredibly funny people (MY KIND OF PEOPLE). I thought that I was pretty funny until I heard some of their stories. They are genuine, they are honest...and they are true Christians and true friends. They stepped in and totally SAVED my sister when I couldn't. They took a burden off of her that was entirely overwhelming her and distracting her from the medical issues at hand. They will FOREVER be my heroes (and my sister's)....and they will always be considered some of my most valued friends and acquaintances. Friendship is a marvelous "PERK" to have in your life...and one not to be taken lightly or for granted. I value my friends, they are the foundation of a secure and stabilized life. They are your safety net, they are your back up....and they ALWAYS have your back. It would be a sad existence to live without knowing that you had people that love you so much...that they would , and DO help you in any spot, situation, or time of need. My sister is such a GOOD person that she has people falling over backwards to help her. And if the situation was reversed...she would be (and has quite often) the first person to lend a hand or help in any way that she could. But I want to express my gratitude to these two "ANGELS" that have pulled my sister through, and done it with "AMAZING GRACE".......How sweet is THAT sound? To my sister...and me....it is a beautiful melody...and a memory for a lifetime...Thanks Julie and Danny...(sorry that I used your names...but you deserve it) and know that you both mean the world to me, Cin, and the bills that you got paid by your selfless acts of love and friendship. Come on over next time we get together...and I will be the first to hug your necks, and the first to tell you how much I love you. Thanks for loving my sister...But she makes it easy to love her, doesn't she? I love you both, and just wanted to let you know how much you mean to my sister...and to me! God bless you both, as you have so richly blessed my sister. Till next time...COTTON
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Don't Go "POSTAL" on me!!
I was working a Saturday day shift...standing at the hostess stand chatting with the host, when the mailman came in the door with the mail. It was the middle of summer, it was about 100 degrees outside. The mailman came literally dripping into the front door of the restaurant...holding a bundle of mail for us. I of course was quick with my witty rendition , singing lightly.."WAIT A MINUTE MR. POSTMAN"!! His response was to stare at me like he was getting ready to pull out an M-16 and leave me in a puddle of blood that would be a lot more impressive than the sweat that he was drenched in, coming from every sweat gland that he had in his big ole body. He continued to stare at me, not saying ONE word. As the awkward silence seemed to last forever, I bantered back with a sweet "How are you doing today? It sure is hot out there, isn't it"? This once again got nothing but a stare, and I had the feeling that he was fixing to pull a missile launcher out of his bag and take me out right there in the lobby of the restaurant. So I just meekly replied...."I guess I will just mosey on now..nice to see you". I scurried away from the host stand...not daring to look over my shoulder into the barrel of a missile launcher. The host came up to me and told me I had another table, and I was grateful to have somewhere else to go. I went up the steps to my station of tables...and there he was...seated at my table....our "POSTAL" worker had decided to eat with us, and fate sat him at my table. I began by saying there would be no more singing from this point on, and what could I bring him? He said, as nicely as if he was Charles Manson coming in to eat " I want a cheeseburger, medium, no tomato...I repeat, NO TOMATO..do you have that part? I want a coke with a lot of ice ..I repeat a lot of ice...did you get that part"? I said that I certainly did, and began to give this "HAPPY" guy the best service that I could muster up...all the while shaking in my work shoes. The coke never got empty, the burger was served exactly right. He never got any happier acting with me, but he ended up leaving me a decent tip. A couple of months down the road, I had a man, his wife and their daughter at my table. I kept thinking "where do I know this guy from"? And then he ordered a cheeseburger with "no tomato"....and it struck me like a two by four in the forehead....IT WAS CHARLIE MANSON AGAIN!!!! I once again made sure that everything went as smooth as silk...another flawless meal!! Tonight, we were in a twenty minute wait, the manager told me there were three parties up front that wanted my table...how fast could I turn my tables? About that time, "CHARLIE" the mail man came stomping through the dining room and ran into me. He said "Can we get you to wait on us"? I was FLOORED!! I told him I had several people waiting on my tables, but if he asked a manager, he could request my section. He looked at me with his "DEATH" stare, and replied..."What's your name"? I told him to ask for Cotton..and he stomped back up to the lobby. I waited on him and his family again (another flawless performance....I AIN'T stupid)..and he left me an $11.00 tip on a forty dollar tab. Isn't it crazy how things happen...He Hated me when he met me, but now requests me when he comes in. So my lesson is this....maybe I am not the comedienne that I think I am, but obviously I am the server that I have spent thirty years becoming...and I suppose have succeeded at doing. Who would ever think this grumpy ole guy would ask for my table? It is an honor to have someone recognize my skills as a server (If not my skills as a singer or joker). That is my favorite thing about being a server...a good server. People might not want my singing or jokes, but it amazes me that they want ME to wait on them...and will wait for my table to come open. HEY!! I didn't go to college for NOTHING!!! Till next time....COTTON
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Lived To Tell
Over 150 class mates came together as a whole..lots of comments on my "stalker" lots of good times remembered. I feel compelled to say that I once again feel complete as not only a person, but a class mate that is welcomed by my peers....ones that hate me were obviously absent...classmates that I were never close to in school...(ROXIE) thanks for coming..and I feel proud to call you my friend ..and I hope that you consider me a friend as well. It was a group of red necks, politicians and blue collar workers....all coming together for an evening of unbridled and unchallenged lifestyles. We at RUSSELL are an eclectic and unassuming bunch of people that continue to connect and keep in contact over a fifty year span of time. When our school gets together...the house is "ROCKIN" we are a fired up, crazy mix of white, black, rich, poor, middle class people that make ANY party a party to remember! I LOVE my class mates, I love my childhood, and I love the life that I was so graciously given. When my husband and I left tonight, they were moving on to another club....and are still partying as I write this post. To have a school that WANTS to get together, WANTS to remember, WANTS to keep in touch...It makes me feel satisfied that I am a part of a school that not only remembers the past..but wants to keep in touch for the future...and who knows how long that may be? We "WILDCATS" were aptly named...and we hold true to our name. It was a pleasure to be surrounded by these people from my past, look at them in the present, and hope to see them in my future. And I didn't even get attacked by my stalker.... NOT YET!!! Till next time...COTTON
PS Thanks for all the compliments from one guy that I don't think I ever talked to before, that I have known since I was ten....WHO KNEW that he thought I was cute? I guess that 48 , and skinny is HIS kind of gal...but anyway...It was nice to hear, and it made my husband laugh (I need to ask my husband EXACTLY what he was laughing at). At least Tim is married to 105 lb's of grief...as opposed to 200 lb's of grief. That HAS to be a heck of a lot more crap to put up with.
PS Thanks for all the compliments from one guy that I don't think I ever talked to before, that I have known since I was ten....WHO KNEW that he thought I was cute? I guess that 48 , and skinny is HIS kind of gal...but anyway...It was nice to hear, and it made my husband laugh (I need to ask my husband EXACTLY what he was laughing at). At least Tim is married to 105 lb's of grief...as opposed to 200 lb's of grief. That HAS to be a heck of a lot more crap to put up with.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
My Haircut....
I only have ten minutes to post..then my frozen pizza will be ready, my laundry will be done...and so will I..for the night! I was at work tonight and ran some food to a table. It was a woman with her teenage daughter. I went to place their food down and the woman commented "I LOVE your hair"! Let me begin by saying that for years and years I had long hair, which I always wore in a French braid because I work in food service. Once I began to go gray (much quicker than I would have EVER dreamed) I started to color it. I didn't like the way it looked...I LIKED my natural color..it reminded me of my mother and no "BOXED" color matched. So at the age of (about) 47, I went into a "Great Clips" and told them to chop it off. I was extremely lucky that day...the owner of the shop was there(she owns 6 franchises) and I sat down in my lucky chair. I told her I was tired of coloring, tired of the gray..and decided that if I had shorter hair, I would have LESS gray hair. Let me also interject that my 15 year old son went with me. He stayed in the car and probably would not have gone with me at all except for the fact that he wanted me to take him to Blockbuster for a video game and that was the only way he would get there. So I chopped off my locks...looked in the mirror..and once they gave me some product that I could spike my hair on end with...I liked what I saw! I returned to my car, and the first remark my son made was "You look like a lesbian". I told him that he could assure himself, his sister, his brother and his father that indeed I was not gay....although at some point in all of their lives, that may have made my life easier...because they were all "KILLING ME SOFTLY" as Roberta Flack once stated in one of my favorite songs. My husband; now when seeing a picture of me from a few years back will say to one of the kids "Here's a picture of your mother when she HAD hair". I JUST like it. It takes me about 30 seconds to do my hair(on a slow day) and I can barely see the gray at all!! If I begin to see it...I know that it is time for a hair cut. Or if my best friend at work says "You are starting to look straight" I head back to the Great Clips and tell them to chop it off again. I feel that it suits my personality and my general attitude of life..."GO GO GO. DO DO DO...get it done NOW"!! If my husband's hairstyle reflected his attitude... he would have a mullet bigger than "JOE DIRT" . I Guess what they say is true...opposites attract. But I have more comments on this hairstyle than I have had on ANY of my others (and I have had quite a few). It just suits me, it expresses my personality and zest for life...and more importantly DRIVES my husband nuts!! But I do that to him anyway...so at least I am happy with my spiky, short cropped hair...cut 15 minutes off of the time I need to get ready for work...and tell the whole world..just by my hair..that I am absolutely crazy, impetuous , bizarre and loaded with so much enthusiasm and energy for life that sometimes it scares even me! But HEY...Who knows how much time any of us have left? I will leave my mark as a woman with a crazy haircut, a house full of kids that I adore, and a husband that I drive crazy on a daily basis. But I love my life, with it's ups and downs....and wouldn't trade places with anyone else on this Earth. I am blessed beyond belief..and if you take a true look at your own life...you may also be more blessed that you have ever thought you were...HEY...we're breathing aren't we? Till next time...COTTON
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
