The Holidays officially start tomorrow. I'm riding seven hours up to my sister's house with my brother to join all the family we have left there. Tim's staying here because he has to be at work by six AM Friday. Massey's remaining behind because her bestie flies into Orlando at nine Friday morning for a visit. Tim and Massey are going to have Thanksgiving with our oldest son, future daughter in law and their two girls who now live in Orlando as well.

We may not be all together but at least will all be with ones we love.

I'm also going up to retrieve all our Christmas decorations we left in the attic in our hurried and harried move to Orlando.

I'm also lugging back all the things Zach left here after hastily departing for his old home only four days into living here. I'm excited to be around both my sibs again, and the rest of our Georgia fam.

I can hardly wait to see Zach again. We've had the most battled relationship of all between the three of my kids but just can't help always worrying about him. I know I shouldn't, he's doing great now and may be why I miss him so much. He doesn't need me to succeed now and is a bittersweet feeling for a mom.

I'm feeling a little better about this huge change, moving out of state. It'll take a minute or maybe a few more months but finally feel like was the best decision.

In four weeks we'll all be celebrating Christmas together here in Orlando and look forward to it very much. We'll be minus my one nephew and his his wife but totally understand as her mother very recently died and know she needs to be with her father.

My crazy self is also feeling much better about my new job here. I know it sounds stupid to be so nervous about starting a new Plate Slinging gig but have been. I've been there a month now and the past week think have proved my worth. I worked a dayshift today. Our parent company corporate offices are located directly in front of the restaurant so always have the big wigs coming in to eat. The owner's nephew (who also works for them) came in today with three others and was seated at my table.

I bet I sweat off five pounds just taking the order. I think I did okay but was sure glad when it was over. Then not one hour later was seated with a party of four, one of them being the executive over food and beverage for the entire company.

Shoot me now.

Once again I think I did okay.

It kind of threw me off when at the end of the meal he said "So what brought you here from Atlanta?"

Crap...he knows who I am?

I had to get my manager to finalize the payment (protocol) and told him I'd been a nervous wreck waiting on them. He said just make sure I hit all the steps of service. I told him thought I had but would most probably hear if I hadn't.

His reply?

"You did, I already asked him."

So guess am getting better. I've decided this is where I want and need to be. I've increased in sales and profit every single shift.

I'm staying here.

So I'm heading back to A-Town, enjoying a day or two with my homies and coming back here to live out the rest of my life.

All I need is a lot more friends and will be fine.

Til next time... COTTON

Feeling Ambiguous

Number one am still pretty ticked off about the way my job transfer to Orlando, allowing me to keep all benefits and seniority was (not) handled and actually still waiting to hear back from the CEO who told me the matter was being looked into.

They certainly didn't make this employee's day better by a long shot.

They keep telling me they are investigating what happened to me in hopes that never happens to anyone else.

I know what happened.

I lost my job.

I want to know why it happened.

I think at the very least owe me an explanation why an employee with unblemished work record and qualifications extremely exceeding the job for which they applied was turned down. The woman who was looking into the matter finally called me back over three weeks later (after I called her again) and said she wasn't sure what happened but they would try and make sure it didn't to anyone else.

That's absolutely an unacceptable answer to me. I had full coverage for myself, Massey and Zach with my employment. Life, medical, vision and dental. That's a tremendous amount to lose for no particular reason.

So guess I'm once again writing the CEO and once again asking as nicely as I can to explain me exactly why this happened.

I've thought about it long and hard. I think at the very least HMS should compensate for me and my two kids to go COBRA until am eligible to sign up for insurance with my new employer.

If they can't tell my why I wasn't hired at least make up for obviously bad judgment on their part regarding how they treated an excellent and dedicated employee.

I'm a die hard Tech fan but can be a Bulldog like you wouldn't believe.

I may never find out what happened but they will find out am not a person to give up easily when I am wronged for no apparent or good reason.


I may be a plate slinger but I have rights too. Maybe it's time to get the Union involved.

Now on to the rest of my ambiguity.

Working at the airport was a logistical nightmare and pretty costly paying three grand a year for parking but the money made was off the chain great. I thought I would transfer with the airport, take a huge pay cut but at least retain great benefits until found a job making enough to afford and put us all on Tim's insurance.

Plot twist.

It didn't happen.

So I scrambled, threw some shit (and myself) together and found a job willing to hire Granny aged Plate Slingers. It's a great job in a slick new ultra chic restaurant in an up and coming area in Orlando.

I took a sixty percent paycut with no insurance benefits for twelve months but the management and corporate are great.

I really miss averaging $300 a shift. We're okay with what I'm making now but keep thinking about what all we could do with that extra money. I could be socking away money for our retirement and socking away money for buying our Forever Home in seven months.

I know where I can go and still make that Phat money in Orlando,  slinging plates.

Disney or Universal.

Do I stay at Chroma and hopefully help them build something great or try and join something already great and immediately reap rewards?

On one hand I absolutely hate starting a new job and just beginning to feel comfortable at my new one. It's only been open since early September and would feel honored to be part of it's seemingly sure success.

Or I can just worry about me and go for the gold I know is Disney/ Universal.


My heart says Chroma, my bank account says Disney/Universal.

I'm a torn Plate Slinger.

Til next time...COTTON

I'm Missing That Techno Gene For Sure

As hip as I think I am (but probably not) for an almost sixty year old woman, for the life of me can't get all this new age techno crap down.

Click here, scroll down, open new window, view in new tab, Snap chat now, hit save, hide options, view best route, start directions now, place call on hold and accept new caller, allow access, deny access, use current location.

It's all the same to me and I'm clueless.

My biggest problem is that none of it really matters to me.

I should have just bought a Jitter Bug.

All I need to do is know how to make a phone call, read my messages, email and take a picture.

My biggest gripe is when I ask one of my (techno savvy) kids to help me with something. They always say, "hand your phone to me" and hand it back with the problem solved or say "move over and let me sit down" and get me to where I needed to be on my computer.

What's that teach me?

Nothing, other than to rely on them.

Of course they try to help but I get irritated and send them away with an always sarcastic "Thanks!"

When I broke down and bought all my kid's cell phones; one in high school and two in middle school they ripped them out of the box, threw away the instructions but immediately knew what and how to do with them.

It kinda ticks me off if you want me to be honest.

Are they all using some secret website they aren't telling me about?

"Settings" really get on my nerves.

Is Blue tooth on? Is Sync on? Use your current location? Storage almost full, control from settings.

Bitch, please.

It's just too much information for me to comprehend without a six week course and seems unnecessary but have to know if you want to use apps, maps and fancier social media than Facebook.

I'm just fine with FB, have it down to a science. My blog... same thing. Try and get me to Snapchat or Instagram or swap faces, am lost and kinda okay with that too.

I  do know how to write letter with an ink pen, put it in an envelope...slap a stamp on it and put it in a mail box. I know how to call someone and actually speak with them.

I do know how to email although attachments throw me off.

Compress, put into a zip folder, modify to make smaller.

Are you kidding me?

Apparently not.

I guess I need to buy the book "New Techno For Dummies" and pretty sure there is one out there.

I'll probably need help finding the book.

My saving salvation is that I had an excellent hair day. Seems to make my wrinkles less noticable. (don't tell me if I'm wrong)

Here's my version of life.

Take the good with the bad. Roll with the punches while throwing out a few of your own.

Make someone smile today.

Always plan on having a better tomorrow and be grateful if you have one.

Til next time...COTTON

Sometimes Life Hurts An Awful Lot

So I get home from work tonight a little before midnight. Tim and Massey were both in bed and the dogs were snoring almost loud enough to drown out Tim's. I sat down at my computer and checked emails and bank accounts. Then I checked my Facebook news feed, because I'm old and that's what hip old people do when aren't savvy enough to grasp the concept of Snapchat, Instagram and Twitter. I could probably do it if I tried but don't want to stress out that hamster in the wheel upstairs, he's got his hands full with me as it is.

I came across a post to a woman I knew from my stint at the Western Sizzler (LongHorn) in Peachtree City. Her husband died this past week.

I found this article on online...

Greg Ballard, a former Hawks assistant coach and scout for nine seasons, died Wednesday at the age of 61 after a battle with prostate cancer.

Ballard was with the Hawks from 2004-13. He served as an assistant coach under Mike Woodson for three seasons from 2004-07. He spent the past two seasons as a scout for the Wizards.

“He was a wonderful person and a great friend of mine,” Dominique Wilkins said. “That’s a big loss. What a wonderful person. One of the nicest people you ever want to meet. He will be missed.”

Ballard played 10 NBA seasons with the Bullets and Warriors from 1977-87. After a season away, he came back to play two games with the SuperSonics before ending his career. He played in 802 games and averaged 12.4 points and 6.1 rebounds. He helped the Bullets to an NBA title as a rookie in 1977. His best season came in 1981-82 when he averaged 18.8 points and 8.0 rebounds.

Ballard was the No. 4 overall pick in the 1977 NBA Draft out of Oregon. He remains the school’s all-time leading rebounder with 1,114 boards.

The Hawks held a moment of silence for Ballard before Wednesday’s game against the Bulls. They later issued the following statement: “The Atlanta Hawks organization would like to offer our deepest condolences to Donna, Lawrence, Gabrielle, Greg Jr. and their extended family. Greg was a terrific player and gifted athlete who later mentored an endless number of players around the league as a coach. His ever-present smile and joy for life were contagious and he will be missed by the Hawks family and the entire NBA.”

This woman was one of my absolute favorites to wait on. Sometimes she was with her husband and sometimes with one or both of her two kids. Sometimes they were all four there. It was always the highlight of my shift.

We shared mostly (many) of the same views and was always interesting conversation. I know for a fact have known her since well before 2008. She was one of the prettiest women I ever met, inside and out.

I'm not sure how she came to follow my blog (it's late and the hamster's asleep) but did. After I got fired from LongHorn she continued to follow my journey/blog and probably shared it more times than any one else. (I get notifications when someone shares it)

That's  one good thing about this fancy dancy new age techno savvy Jetson's world. You keep in touch when never close enough to see or touch.

We messaged back and forth a few times after I started at the airport and kept promising to get together...but never did.

Our big move to another state came up and once again planned to plan a time to plan to see each other...but never did.

The word "To" is best when changed to "Do" and I waited too late.

They were the perfect family. She is elegant, well spoken and beautiful. Her husband was handsome, tall and quiet (the perfect man). Their two kids were delightful, smart and a perfect blend of mom and dad.

I'm gonna go ahead and say with absolutely no disrespect whatsoever but instead with intentions of praise... they were my LongHorn Obamas. A family to be proud of and a family I felt proud to know.

I know for a fact, this will make Donna smile, if only for a moment in her grief.

As I type, know have let down people I know and care about. My own Diddy's last companion, Elizabeth, living in assisted living only because her body's broken but mind is sharper than my own.

Yes I've (we've) been through a lot, but millions are going through even tougher times than us.

Never forget about other people's problems while being consumed by your own.

To my (now cyber) friend. You were a wonderful wife and are a great mother. I am a better person for having met you and Thank You from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to get to know you all.

Time heals all wounds.

You never get over a loss like this but simply learn to live with it. You can live, I just know it.

I know you, Donna. You can do it.

Thank you for loving and following me over the years.

With more than heartfelt emotion and a kick in the head to tell everyone dear to me (including you) how much they mean to my life.

Til next time...COTTON

Let The Good Times Roll (and roll and roll)

I'm not making near the money I did at the airport but lucky for us isn't a necessity anymore. It was a great job but a logistical nightmare and sometimes more work just getting to than doing, not to mention paying twelve bucks a day to park and even with doing so was still a shuttle ride away from the security checkpoint and another ten minutes away from even clocking in. Yes it was great and absolutely hated having to give it up but is almost a relief. I now drive ten minutes up the interstate, park my car (for free) and clock in three minutes later. Those are a lot of bonus points when you're my age.

I'm starting to get tired. I've been slinging plates since 1980.

Having to work to get to work isn't on an almost fifty seven year old woman's list of most wanted things in life.

I'm good now.

It wasn't easy starting over, especially at a new job in a new city, state and tiny rental house but only have five months more before being able to actively pursue purchasing our "Forever Home."

It took this ole gal a minute (or almost month) but have settled in nicely and can say with almost certainity the management knows they picked the right old hag to hire. Just as I did at the airport, I'm on time, look as sharp as an over half century old woman can look but work circles around the younguns and need a lot less supervision or correction.

I'm no longer the woman server who was "strange in nature and seemed off."

Bitch please...the bitch is back!

My sales continue to increase and so do my tips. I waited on just four tables tonight and made over $167.00.

The managers started a contest three weeks ago for getting customers to sign up for emails. If they sign up will recieve a twenty five dollar certificate off any seventy five dollar purchase. Heck that's thirty percent savings. The first week I did terrible because was 'still strange in nature and seemed off' and just trying to get the job down. Week two I got over forty sign ups (more than anyone) and last week beat my own record getting fifty.

I was almost (not really but acted) embarassed when at our pre shift meeting the general manager singled me out by name and said "This server is our newest hire and doing better than all of you."

I've said it before and say it again. If I was as good a wife and mother as I am a server would be one outstanding individual. Once I get the menu and wine list into my head enough to know how to sell ... can and do.

I did it because they asked me to but in return has served me well.

Bonus points the winning team (four on a team) split a $100 gift card and single best selling server wins a $25 gift card.

That's $50 for me if I keep it up... and will.

I was kinda worried about Thanksgiving. We're having it at my sister's house in Georgia and having Christmas here in Orlando. I knew being a (albiet old)newbie seemed brash to request time off this soon but went into work tonight and simply asked if was possible?

They totally revised my schedule and can now drive up with my brother on Wednesday afternoon after working a day shift and don't have to be back until Sunday afternoon.

The best of both worlds.

Tim and Massey are staying here because Tim has to work Friday morning at seven and Massey's bestie is flying in at nine AM for a visit. TJ and Chelsea are both having to stay here because TJ has to work.

I get to ride up with Chris Wednesday afternoon, hang out with my Georgia fam including my Lost Boy (who've missed more than thought I  ever would) on Thanksgiving Day. Drive back on Friday and still have Saturday off to enjoy a belated Orlando Thanksgiving with Tim, Massey, her bestie, TJ, Chelsea and the two G babes.

I'm going to get to see and be with them all.

At this point in my way over half way done life am more concerned about adding life to my years than adding money to my bank account.

I'm just fine with this new job and is seeming to be fine with me.

Would I like to be still raking money in hand over foot?

Yes.

Do I enjoy being with family more?

Absolutely.

Sometimes life isn't about where you're going but where you're from.

Til next time...COTTON

The Fat Lady Sang

It's over.

Move on.

I'll still keep my own opinions and agenda but the decision of President has been made. The Fat Lady sang.

There's enough negativity in this world without (now) useless complaining which seems to only inspire even more hatred and bad behaviour.

I'm going back to being me.

I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed but can swing one like no body's business.

We'll all be okay if take this election and learn from it. Ranting does absolutely nothing.

Voting does.

So my guy didn't win, but least I  voted.

If every single person voted, would be a totally different nation and world.

Enough said.

I was lucky enough to be raised by these two. Fantastic parents.

I wish everyone could be so lucky but unfortunately aren't.

Once again, am an extremely lucky person and literally one of billions.

My life hasn't been perfect but was blessed with a fantastic start. If every kid born had my two parents, we'd be all living in Utopia.

But they didn't and we aren't.

Our best bet now is rely on and trust each other to do the right thing.


I think this says it best, and  even from 1972. Before beepers, cell phones or even MTV.

We have to come together and need to rely on each other.


Okay, now let's play the devil's advocate too for all the haters and peeps holding our nation back as well with narrow minds and even more narrow mind sets.

We all have a friend... but they can't shake your hand unless you hold yours out as well.

It's not rocket science.

It's called life being lived to its fullest. Who's not for that?


Til next time... Crazy Ass Old Lady Called Cotton

A Taste of Home

 The chef at work had a special for dinner tonight. Meatloaf made from our ground in house short rib, creamed potatoes with mushroom gravy and fried onion straws. I could hardly wait to be cut from the floor and order mine. It was so delicious I ordered another one to go and took it home for Massey.

One of the things I miss most about living in Georgia is all the great home cooking restaurants; have yet to find one here in Orlando.

The executive chef where I work was one of two finalist's on Food Network's "Chopped."

The dude sure knows how to create and cook, that's for sure. I haven't talked with him much at length, am still a newbie but every dish he's created for the menu is top notch and melt in your mouth good.

I told Massey today after we tried yet again another supposed home cooking restaurant, "We gotta quit wasting money looking for good food when I get it for fifty percent off at Chroma."

Case in point.

Charred apple and spinach salad with stringed beets and citrus vinaigrette.

Lamb ribs with Korean barbecue glaze, shredded Daikon radishes and sprouts.

The concept is awesome. Small sharable plates. Usually when you go to really nice restaurant choose maybe an appetizer and one entree. A group of four at Chroma can spend less to try and share eight to ten different things.

I'm still on the fence about this drastic change in my life after being in Georgia for fifty six years. I feel better after finally learning which interstates go south/north and east/west. I can now drive to the bank and get back home without GPS turned on and have actually made a few friends.

My next door Boy Toy, Justin living with his girlfriend, Ashley who replaced my Georgia next door Husband, Ron with his wife, Felicia. I quickly bonded with a few servers who would absolutely invite over to my own tiny cracker box of a rental house for dinner and drinks. Antonia and Maria, a wonderful combination of my dear Ana from work at Ecco. Tyler, the cutest guy ever who helped train my spastic self when sinking in self doubt. He's Massey's bestie, Michael's doppelganger. Theresa, "T" who reminds me of  two of my favorite LHorn servers, Teresa and Andrea. Kelsey, who Massey always refers to as "The girl you made cry?" (another blog altogether).

The point is at least I'm making friends.

It made my heart warm the other night at work when I got my lunch box out of my locker at work and tossed a handful of chocolate candy onto the table where all these peeps were polishing and rolling silverware. Antonia smiled and said "We love you, Kelly."

It feels good to be loved, even if chocolate initiated.

Massey has met a few of these peeps on our two times having lunch there on my day off and every one of them has commented what a delightful young woman I have for a daughter.

Seems they are perceptive too.

I'm gonna be okay now.

I don't know why I keep saying this, other than trying to reassure myself but that's okay too.

Baby steps it is...and shall be.

I rocked tonight's shift. It was slow for a Monday, only sold $745 but made over $140. You do the math.

As soon as I get in a real house...our own house will feel a million times better. It won't be long. I waited five years to be able to just pay utilities on time.

I can wait five more months to purchase our exactly right and forever home.

It will be a "Par Tay" and then some.

Til next time...COTTON

It's The One

I knew after moving to Orlando would never find a job as lucrative as the one I'd had in Atlanta but just hoped to find one I love. I think I've found it with Chroma. I still have a lot to learn but think have proved myself to be an asset. I've totally bonded with about five servers who actually now consider friends. The management is awesome and has a knock it out of the park back of house staff. I still don't know every one's name but they seem to  know mine, and is a good sign.

My sales have consistently gone up with every shift worked and so have my tips.

Another good sign.

I figure (once I have it all down) will at least double what I am making now and is plenty to get by on and then some.

I've started in earnest to look for our 'forever home' to purchase here and think may have hit the jackpot. The house has been on the market since July and the price has already dropped once. We've been in this rental house since the end of September and will be ready to make an offer on a house in a few short months.

With fingers and toes crossed, including some way overdue luck am hoping this will be the one.

It's not huge but the rooms are spacious, with lots of windows, light and's been recently renovated. The yard is exactly what I want. Great front yard and big back yard fenced for the pups.

I just feel like this is the one.

Our house back in Georgia will be paid off before we (hopefully) put an offer on this one and with the down payment we can make with the payoff will be paying less for this house.

I'm not getting my hopes up (really am) but think this is the perfect house for us. If it's not, it's not and will simply have to find another...and will.

I'm going to have to give a shout out to my daughter, Massey for keeping me sane during this entire insanity of moving to another state thinking I had a job, then didn't have one ...then had to find one.

 I've cried. I've made her cry and without her support would have been lost in the depths of depression and totally given up.

I feel like I'm coming back and into my own.


It took a minute, maybe a million but here's the thing...

I'm in a new place, having to find a new job, new friends and a new house.

My new village is expanding and like what I'm finding.

I'm lucky to have Massey here with me. She's just like me... out of sorts and in a new place too but has been my champion every day in every way since moving here.

This tiny, premature four pound bundle came into this world to help her momma out twenty one years later.

We may not get this house but will get one just as grand. It's our time now and deserve it, well earned.

Sometimes you have to get over the bad times, know they happened for a reason and know better things are ahead.

Til next time...COTTON