A Few of My Favorite Things #4

I'm digging these 12 Days of Christmas ornaments. I like the set from Crate & Barrel ($39.95) and the set from The Land of Nod ($39.95). If you have kids, it would be fun to hang one ornament on the tree for 12 days, kind of like a countdown. I'm into that kind of stuff.

I really wanted the C&B ones last year, but when I got ready to order them they were sold out. I've been given a second chance!

Too Little, Too Late

I'm really lusting after this enamel ring that J Crew sold last year (only $15). It can be stacked with other colors. They have the enamel bracelets this year, but I already have some. If any of you know where I could find some version of this ring at a price I can afford, help me out!


And...too bad Anthropologie carried this Fuffle ornament last year. It would be perfect for the swap.

In case you're wondering, I found both of these items on archived posts on Oh Happy Day. I told you I love that blog.

A Few of My Favorite Things #3

These quiz books make really cute stocking stuffers. They have other titles too, including a pop culture one. (Barnes & Noble, $5.95).

Ellen Wins!

It seems most of us think it's okay for Ellen to tape her show during the writers' strike. Hey, she's doing it for the fans! Kaaa!

New Show Alert

I'm love, love, lovin' "Samantha Who?" on ABC. It's great to see Melissa McCarthy on TV again too. I loved her on "Gilmore Girls." Anybody else watching this show? I hope the writers can keep it fresh and interesting for more than one season. I've gotta get a new TV before this Monday's episode!

Not Funny...But Sort Of

Okay, I'm not condoning or laughing at vandalism. But this letter we got from the leasing office today made me laugh just a teeny bit. It seems there have been a few incidents recently. I guess some hooligans have cause a little car damage and vandalized some part of the leasing office. Okay. Not cool. But you have to admit, this part is pretty inventive.

"This past weekend a resident's car was maliciously covered in barbecue sauce in the middle of the night."

Barbecue sauce. Really? Whatever happened to eggs? I would be totally ticked off (and beyond) if this had happened to my car though. That can't be good for the car monogram.

A Few of My Favorite Things #2

These letterpressed cards are actually done on a very thin wood, and the cards are eco-friendly. Someone I know from work makes them. I bought these three from our holiday bazaar. I told Katie not to let me buy anything, but luckily she was a total pushover. I'm not sending these to anyone; I'm going to clip them in place card holders and set them out somewhere. Aren't they lovely? Visit www.nightowlpapergoods.com to buy some for yourself or as a gift.

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas

You know the holidays are here when Hershey's rolls out the Cherry Cordial Kisses and Starbucks switches to holiday cups.

Like my photo styling?!

Listening to the TV

That's right. Our TV is fried. The sound? Why, it works perfectly. But there's no picture. Anyone have a recommendation for a good TV and/or the store with the best prices?

A Few of My Favorite Things #1

I sort of stole this idea from the Oh Happy Day blog. I'm going to post some Christmas gift ideas. I mean, you wouldn't read my blog if you weren't a tiny bit interested in my opinion, right? Here's the first one. It's a Thymes Frasier Fir candle. I love this one so much. They are a little pricey ($24.95), but I'm telling you, you've never smelled anything better. I think I'm going to splurge on a big one this year (www.thymes.com).

Someone Tell Santa...

I want this book for Christmas. Real bad.

My New Shoes

You all seem to like the photos, and I don't have any good stories here lately, so here are a couple shots of my new favorite shoes. I got them in California at a store Brooke discovered called In Her Shoes. It was delightful. And, yes, that's a chip on my toe. The only drawback of the Lincoln Park polish. Any of you locals need a pedicure this weekend?

Inner Peace

Um, what the heck are "New Age Beverages?" They sound illegal and highly habit forming. This is the aisle sign I saw at Bruno's today.

Hooray!

My little brother got hired by the Columbus (GA) Fire Department today! This is the career he really wants, and he's worked and trained super hard to achieve his goal. I'm going to pretend like I'm not freaked out (just a little!) because we need good firemen and I shouldn't be selfish. Congratulations, Zach. And remember, only you can prevent wildfires.

My Buddy

Luke and I got in a little quality time last week. He loves me very much. Isn't that why babies spit up on you? Right?

Georgia vs. Auburn

Kids Say the Darndest Things

Yesterday, while I was in Columbus, the kids my sister, brother, and I have babysat and half-raised walked into the same restaurant where we were eating lunch. Kennedy, my not-so-secret favorite, was patiently putting up with my tight hugs and hundreds of kisses. I finally said, "I can't believe this! I haven't seen you in so long!" He looked at me, kind of rolled his eyes, and said, "Well, I've really just had a lot going on."

Gotta say, it kind of hurt my feelings a little bit that a 7-year-old is too busy for me!

Well, Well, Well

Looks like we did it again. 45 to 20.

Pictures to come. I took a bunch. The black jerseys were awesome. I didn't get into any fights this year, and I still have my voice. It went away last night but is back today. And my dad totally let me rack up at the bookstore. Sweet.

I'm So Immature

So tonight I went to hot yoga with Sara for the first time. You do regular yoga in a room that's heated to 85 degrees. During a particularly hard pose, where our butts were in the air and then more advanced people went into a headstand, a man (I'm assuming) let out a little pffft. That is my worst nightmare! Everyone but me, of course, carried on business as usual. I giggled like a 12-year-old.

And at the end, during the relaxation period, someone fell asleep and started snoring. ha ha ha. I don't know if I can go back!

Jammin'

These aren't exactly opinions, but I thought I'd let you know the last couple of songs I downloaded off iTunes. I guess that means, in my opinion, that these are good songs.

1. 4 In the Morning (Gwen Stefani)
2. If Looks Could Kill (Camera Obscura...thanks, Brooke!)
3. Stronger (Kanye West)
4. California (Phantom Planet)
5. Fall (Clay Walker)
6. So Small (Carrie Underwood...I know, I know)
7. Apologize (Timbaland)
8. Never Wanted Nothing More (Kenny Chesney...mmm, love him)
9. Pre-purchased the new Killers CD

What does this mix say about me? I lose points for titling this post "Jammin'" don't I?

The Golden Gate Bridge

This structure is magnificent! Thanks to the sweet man who took our photo and perfectly captured the pooch my shirt and the wind are making. That's my story.

Lovely Napa

It truly is like a postcard. Enjoy. I hope to post a slideshow soon, but I want to use iPhoto and that's only available at work.

Still Rocking the Lincoln Park After Dark

That's right. I went all the way to Cali for a pedi. It was fantastic. Brooke and I went for the long pedicure. The only odd thing was the drill-like tool they used on our feet. Huh.

Anyway, don't I look wildly relaxed? I wasn't even thinking about work. I'd had too much three-cheese fondue at this great French place around the corner. Course after the pedi I did something very Alabama: I wore those fake flip-flops right on into Wal-Mart...with my jeans rolled halfway up my legs. Hey, it was raining!

Ready for Christmas!

I can't wait to put out all my Christmas stuff! I even got a few new things this week. This is my absolute favorite holiday. And, of course, I already have one tree up (as you know). This is a photo of the wreath I'm going to make soon. We ran it in one of our magazines. I bought more traditional colors for the wrapping paper. I'll post a photo of the finished product.

Serial Killer

Check this dude out. I snapped his photo with my camera phone because I thought he was sketchy, and I thought if I saw him on Crime Stoppers later I could turn him in. He was at the bar at Coles Chop House in Napa, and he just drank this scotch (?) and left. It was just weird because of the way he was staring at everyone, yet he was all alone. So creepy.

Georgia/Florida

I'm back...I'm not even going to be subtle. We killed the Gators last Saturday, and it was so awesome. Brooke and I celebrated with s'mores. I think even she was happy for the Dawgs!! Good way to start the trip. Who doesn't hate the Florida Gators?!?

Sorry, Guys!

Been out of town since Friday. I promise to post great photos soon!

Let Me Address the Fanny Pack

Brooke posted a question in the comments section of the last post, and I feel the need to answer her in an actual post for fear that everyone won't see my thoughts on this subject.

Fanny packs are NEVER EVER a good choice, designer or not. A spade's a spade, so let's call it.

Remember the skinny jeans? They only looked good on, like, 12 people. But fanny packs? Have you ever seen them look "good" on anyone? I think not.

My suggestion: a backpack. It's a more appropriate choice. And it holds more. If you're just toting around money, and you worry about someone unzipping you from behind and running away with all your cash, then get one of those little money things that straps on under your clothes. Now, will you look silly trying to get out your money in public? Sure. But I still think the fanny pack is worse.

Let's get real. Very few women actually need the pooch that a fanny pack adds.

Just for You, Bo

Hey, Bo. I'm sorry to hear you didn't think my blog was very good because there are no pictures. I don't have any cute babies or children living at my house like your Aunt Katie. But, here are a few pictures I do have. I hope you like them.

Clockwise from top, left: me with my cousin Jessica; me with Sean; my sister, Laurie, with my brother, Zach; me with my cousin Caitlyn; and me with my brother.

I'm wearing the same shirt in most of them because we took these one night at the beach.

Yes, I'm a Loser

I know, I know. I'm disappointed in myself too. It's crunch time, people. I am so busy at work, and in addition to my regular job, I have four stories due next week; a hair appointment; a meeting for some volunteer stuff; work to do for the volunteer stuff; I'm leaving for more than a week on Friday; and I'm trying to get ready for a big holiday show, so I'm making ornaments like crazy. Once I leave for California on Friday, I won't have time to make any more before the show the next Thursday.

And now, a five-year-old has criticized my blog. I mean, if I can't please a kid, what hope is there? Yes, Bo, lately my blog has been a rip-off. Sigh.

It's going to get better. I promise.

Fashion Police

Y'all. I really almost rolled right off the treadmill when I saw this last night.

I was trying to get in a short workout before my class at the Y, just walking along, listening to a little Kenny Chesney on my iPod, when this tiny man caught my eye.

By "tiny," I mean he wasn't anywhere near 5 feet tall.

He was wearing a little black shirt that had been cut off above the waist. And some short hot pink shorts. I mean Nair commercial we-wear-short-shorts short. Seriously, he looked like Richard Simmons's kid, only much older, and without the hair.

This man was fo' real about his fitness. His waist was cinched real tight with one of those exercise belts. And, bless his heart, he stayed in the Mystic Tan booth one session too many.

I think the Y is gonna have to start enforcing a dress code because there are just too many folks out there with no home training. Remember the elementary school rule that stated that the hem of your skirt/shorts had to be below your fingertips? That doesn't seem so lame anymore.

FYI

I bought Berry Burst Cheerios at Super Target Tuesday night. $3.19. Take that, Publix. Now, is this a huge difference from $4? No, not really. But $.81 is $.81. Back in third grade, that would've bought lunch with six pennies to spare.

The Cleaning Lady is Packin' Heat

We have a fairly new lady on the cleaning staff at work. She empties the trash cans every night, and she starts pretty early (a little before 5) so I am usually at work when she comes by. She's very nice and friendly.

Tonight when she came down the hallway, however, she was loudly chatting on her Bluetooth about some strange men that she had seen around her home. And then I hear her say this.

"I got protection, and it ain't where I can't get to it. I got a license to carry it. Don't be messin' with me. I've been having one since I worked at the service station."

Ummmm...the cleaning lady has a gun.

I think she thought the place was empty, but a couple of my coworkers heard her too. We're gonna develop a little neighborhood watch. I mean, this lady seems really nice, but if she's packin' heat, I don't want to tick her off. She sounded serious on the phone. I think she was embarrassed that we heard her, but I got the message.

Besides, I'd have no way to defend myself. I've only shot a gun once, an itty-bitty Colt .45, and I didn't like it. Guns scare me. And now the cleaning lady scares me too.

Disclaimer: This story is actually more amusing than scary. I do not think guns are funny. But the thought of this little old lady (who, as our intern said, looks a lot like Harriet from "Family Matters") trying to shoot some sketchy men loitering outside her house is quite a mental image.

Pretty Cool

I was watching Private Practice the other night, and one of the actresses was totally carrying the same purse I have! I feel so stylish right now. I can't take full credit, though, because my sister actually found this purse and bought it. Then she decided it was too big and heavy. Now it's mine. I love nothing more than a huge bag to tote around all my stuff. It's heavy, yes, but I make some serious sacrifices for fashion. I switch arms, too, because I'm pretty sure I get a good workout carrying this purse.

A Few Thoughts

I haven't really been giving my opinions about much lately, and because that is the name of the blog, I figured I should. And also I don't have much else to blog about right now. Here goes. (And, yeah, some of these are more random musings than opinions. Deal.)

1. I continue to see grown men at the Y in biker shorts and t-shirts. I think this is wrong. Please stop it.
2. LSU deserved to win last night. Because I hate Florida. I wore a purple shirt yesterday.
3. It's really dumb that the weather in October is the same as the weather in August. It makes me grumpy.
4. I bought some leggings to wear this fall but I really am not sure I should bust them out. Ever.
5. I think that show "Rules of Engagement" is pretty funny. I am getting tired of Grey's Anatomy.
6. The new "improved" version of Blueberry Morning is not tasty. Post has messed up my favorite cereal.
7. I've started eating Berry Burst Cheerios instead. They are delicious. I only buy them at Wal-Mart, though, because Publix is charging $4, and this is too much to pay for cereal.

Reunited...and It Feels So Good

Well, praise the Lord Jesus. Britney has called in her mama for support. I think we can all agree that this is a good thing. Brit's a nut, and that girl needs a serious talking-to. And nobody can do that like mama can. People is reporting that she "really needed her mom." Duh. We've all been knowin' this for months.

Confession

I'm going to admit something. I totally still have a Christmas tree up. That's right. Yeah, you think it's ridiculous but, I swear, seems like I put it up just yesterday.

This isn't a live tree. It's not in my living room or anything. Last year I got a little (snicker) behind putting up decorations. I go overboard at Christmastime (stop snorting, I know I'm predictable) so the clean-up is a real chore. I was out of room to store stuff, it was cold and dreary outside, and, to be honest, I really just didn't feel like undoing the elaborate tree in my bedroom. So it's still there.

I kept meaning to put it away, but I just never did. And you know what? I'm not taking it down now either. It's October--only about six weeks before I'd drag it all out again. What a waste of energy. And it's decorated in lime green and black, the same colors as the bedroom, so it's not too Christmasy. Except for the whole "Christmas tree" part. Oh, and the glittery silver tree ornaments. Besides, I haven't plugged it in since December 2006. I mean, please. I'm not a total freak.

Tripped Up

Okay. This is rather embarrassing. On the way home from Athens Sunday, I stopped at a QT for some gas. After I got the pump going, I stepped over the hose and put my debit card back inside the car. For some reason I was going to look at something on the back of my car, and as I went to step over the hose again, I got tangled in it somehow. I don't know what happened, but I couldn't seem to get both feet over the hose. I did the less-than-graceful almost-fall, bent at the waist with arms midair, then I kind of skipped with the caught leg high up in the air behind me. You know exactly what I'm talking about. Then I looked around to see who caught my move. Some dude totally saw me. I briefly made eye contact, then crouched down and pretended to be really interested in tightening the "G" plug on my trailer hitch.

This was a low point. Total humiliation.

Too Cute!

Okay, I know this isn't a normal post, but how cute is this gown and diaper bag my sister monogrammed? We're going to a baby shower Friday night. The baby's name is going to be Hill, which is a family name, and I really like it.

I bought a hot pink shirt at Target Sunday, and I'm going to have Laurie monogram it for me. I'm trying to decide if I want a three-letter black monogram or just an "S" with circles around it, probably in turquoise to match a necklace I already have. Feel free to post your vote. Do not feel free to make fun of me for my addiction.

Excellent Weekend

Except for the sun beating down on my back, which left a burn in the shape of the keyhole cutout on my shirt, Saturday was a great football day.

Back to the burn. After the game we went out for pizza, and later we ended up at the Athens mall. Still wearing my game-day clothes and tattoo, I was minding my own business, looking around at The Gap. And then the sales associates, while laughing, point to me and say to my sister, "That's a funny looking burn on her back."

Actually, I don't know what they said. My sister just turned to me while we were trying on jeans and said, "Those girls are laughing at your sunburn."

Hmph. There will be NO photos of the burn. See previous post for a look at the haircut.

Look Who I Had Lunch With

On Friday Julia and I met Katie and Luke for lunch. It's too bad Luke isn't old enough to try one of Little Professor's delicious cheeseburgers just yet, but I think he had fun anyway. That's what I gathered from all the drool on his shirt.

Disclaimer: The orange shirt is in honor of fall approaching. The color in no way endorses any SEC team. I'm all red and black on the inside.

Hello, Posh, Sir

Well I got a hair cut Wednesday during lunch, and I think it's a teeny bit short. I know that in a week or so it will be grown in better, and my hair grows super-fast anyway, but for now I'm feeling a little less Posh Spice, a little more Boy Posh. I don't think we need a photo here because I feel a little odd about taking another shot of myself and my hair, but I'm just sayin'.

Totally unrelated: While I'm still enamored with After Dark in Lincoln Park, you really can't lapse on the pedicures with this color. It starts to chip and it's really noticeable and then it looks like Britney Spears's nails always do: nasty.

Seat Belt Chafing

My only complaint about my (sort of) new car is the seat belt. It is attached to the seat, not the side of the car, so it can't be adjusted, and the edge of it rubs my neck. It really kind of hurts. I usually just stretch my shirt up over my neck, which looks ridiculous but stops the pain.

Not anymore.

Yesterday on the way back to work after lunch, I saw an old couple driving by in their Caddy. The old lady had this big pad/cushion thing that wrapped around her seat belt, preventing it from cutting into her neck.

Brilliant. Wouldn't I look so cool with one of those? Anybody know where to buy old-people car accessories? No telling what else is out there! And I'm totally sure I could get it monogrammed. Score.

Boys Are Weird

Last night we went to a party for a friend. Somehow Sean and two other guys started talking about losing weight and, before I knew it, they had hammered out a little bet. They are weighing in this Monday. The next weigh-in will be January 7, I think, and they are judging by percentage of weight lost, not actual pounds.

The winner gets dinner for himself and his spouse, paid for by the two losers who didn't lose quite enough. I have no problem with this bet because, either way, I'm going out with friends.

But here's the kicker. They were going to weigh in after church this Sunday, and one of the guys was bringing a scale with him. This in itself was funny enough, but now one guy won't be there on Sunday, so they are meeting at a BP station Monday morning and bringing the scale. I swear, I've really got to go so I can get a photo of this.

Surely there is an easier way.

Solicitation

Yesterday I stopped at a gas station by Wildwood (an area down the road from work) before heading over to The Hob to kill time before a party I was going to. I pretty much know to avoid Wildwood after dark, especially Wal-Mart (or during the day, for that matter), but it was only 6:15 and still light out. Besides, I was running on fumes so I really had no choice.

Anyway, as I swiped my debit card, I could hear this lady on the other side of my pump telling some mumbling dude, "No." And then, with an overwhelming feeling of dread, I realized the dude was asking for money. Except he was pretending he wasn't. He approached me next, and his first statement was, "I'm not asking for any money." But he did want me to pump gas into his Buick while he washed my windshield. Okay? Because that's different from flat-out asking, I suppose.

I said no. And I sort of feel bad because he was young and seemed innocent and he really did have a Buick at a pump nearby—and he gave me a "God bless you, ma'am" even after I said no. But I just didn't believe him. What? He got all the to the pump and suddenly realized he was out of gas and money? I don't think so. After he walked away I heard some lady with an accent yelling, "I call the police!" But I didn't see her and I don't know who she was yelling at. The next person the dude approached clearly had a heart, and he got a few dollars.

I clicked off the pump at $15 and drove to the safety of the crafts store. And, yeah, I checked the rearview mirror. Twice.

Ouch, That Was Flesh

Today I snipped my skin with a pair of scissors. It really hurt! But it didn't even draw blood, so I feel a little bit like a weenie. I might wear a Band-Aid just for show. It sure felt like there should have been blood.

Oh, and I have a little blister on my thumb, from flicking my cigarette lighter so many times. Don't worry, I'm not a smoker. I was burning the ends of ribbon to avoid fraying. I did put a Band-Aid on that.

I'm such a wuss.

My Monogrammed Car

I finally got my decal on. Ha ha. Some of you probably think I've finally gone over the edge, but I love it! I hope it isn't crooked; I put the sticker on straight (I'm so anal about this), but the monogram font itself isn't straight, so I think it looks like it's supposed to. These are all over my hometown now, but I think I'm the first in B'ham. A trendsetter, I am. So, here's a close-up and one a little farther back. (Did I use that correctly? I have a hard time with "further" and "farther.")

Notice the Bill Heard sign is crooked. I actually lose sleep over this. I mean, how hard can it be to stick that thing on straight?

GO DAWGS!

Here we go. It seems like everyone in town is heading to Tuscaloosa today. My brother and his friend spent last night with us, and they are heading down there now. The UGA team stayed up the street from us. I wish I'd remembered this last night because I would have made plans to stalk them. I'm watching the game from the privacy (and enemy-free safety) of my own home. There will probably be pizza. Don't call me after 6:45pm.

Thought of Another Time

I've had one other bad experience with a truck driver. On my way back to school once, I was stuck in some traffic just north of Atlanta. I needed to get over because my lane was going to close, so I put on my blinker. There was an open spot and I had a fairly small car, so I slid in. Well, evidently some trucker was waiting to get in that spot, and he thought I took it from him on purpose. My sunroof was open, and he hung out that truck window and starting cussing me up and down. It was actually very terrifying. I got mad and called, who else, my dad. He told me to get him the truck company's number. So I made a big production of pulling alongside this guy in traffic (sunroof now closed) and pulling out my pen and paper with a flourish. I wrote down a number from the mudflaps.

My dad called the number and lit in to some supervisor about what had happened. After he took a breath, the guy on the other line said, "Sir, we just manufacture the mudflaps for that trucking company, but I'm very sorry for what happened. Is your daughter okay?" Ha ha. Oops.

A Semi Tried to Run Me Over

That's right. Heading home last night, I was in a far left lane to turn, you guessed it, left. There was a semi next to me, also turning left. When the light changed (you can see where this is going), we both turned. But before I could get very far going straight, the truck was moving over to my lane. There's no way the driver thought he had room to do this. I was right beside him. He was coming over at an angle, and I was forced to slam on the brakes to avoid being hit by the entire back half of his truck. I was so mad (and scared). I laid on the horn, and as I passed him, he looked at me, and then pulled on the cord to honk his horn. Whatev, dude. I know he didn't. Then he started YELLING at me. I couldn't hear what he said, but I had to sit next to him at another red light waiting to get on I65. Then I hightailed it outta there.

Muchos Tacos, Por Favor

Last night we went to Taco Casa for dinner. We walked in just in time to hear the guy behind the counter give this really young couple their total: $73 and some change.

Excuse me?

I remember being a little shocked when a male coworker went to lunch with us girls a few years ago and his total was $12. I mean, TC is a place where you can order lunch and get change from your $5.

Back to my story. These people had ordered 75 tacos. Seventy-five tacos. Unbelievable. Such bad timing. And, oh Lord, she was paying with cash and a credit card. But it gets worse.

We sat down and waited TWENTY minutes (this is fast food, people)! Finally we stopped talking long enough to look around and realize the 75-tacos couple was gone, and another couple who came in after us was throwing away their trash. And another man at the counter was getting his to-go order.

They lost our order. But we got a free bag of sopapillas, so I got over it.

Showering the Babies

We had a baby shower for Julia last week. It was a lot of fun and, as always, we had great food. Here are a few pictures. I kind of hogged Luke the whole time but I just couldn't help it. The kid loves me. And don't you worry about that mullet. I'm getting my hair cut next Thursday. And here is a picture of me, Julia, and Layton. He's really excited about becoming a big brother! And, of course, a shot of our two newest moms: Libby with Jack and Katie with Luke.

A Couple Photos

These are from the new camera. Here are Laurie and I at the UGA/South Carolina game and Laurie, Zach, and I at the beach. I haven't really taken too many pictures yet, but this is to prove that I did get a camera for my birthday!

Oh, Mindy. What Happened?

Poor Mindy McCready. Just a few years ago she was topping the country music charts and engaged to Dean Cain. She seemed so sweet and cute.

Then, a bunch of crap happened. And her crazy boyfriend/baby daddy tried to kill her.

And now she's going to prison for one year. She violated her probation, which stemmed from a little prescription she forged back in 2004. Girlfriend looks rough too. Just check out her mug on TMZ.

She needs 10,000 angels. (Remember that song?)

Return of the Rednecks

Oh I can't believe I keep forgetting to post about this.

At the beach a couple of weeks ago, my family and I had an unfortunate view of the ickiest makeout session ever. This couple was total redneck all the way. Here's why.

1. She sported the requisite bleached blonde hair with extra dark roots, curly in a way that says, "I've been letting my perm grow out for a good six months." (I seriously think this must cost extra because what hairstylist in her right mind lets someone walk out looking like this?) And why do these women always pull their hair in a too-high ponytail and secure it with a scrunchie? A scrunchie?

2. He had the permed mullet going on.

3. They were both enjoying a beer wrapped in one of those NASCAR koozies that's shaped like a bottle and zips up the side. Neon orange.

4. He was way skinny and favored cut-off blue jean shorts instead of a bathing suit. Okay, this is never a good look, guys. Ever.

5. She was much plumper, definitely too plump for that skin-baring bikini she wore. But the enormous tattoo on her forearm was lovely.

6. They were for real making out in the pool. And she had her legs wrapped around him.

I hope you all ate dinner before you read this post. And I hope that dinner is still in your stomach. Just imagine the live show.

New Nail Polish

Random little post. I got a pedicure Thursday night, and I went with a totally different color than usual. I always get OPI Dutch Tulips, a nice red-pink color, but I've really been wanting to try one of the purplish-black colors. Only on my toes, though. I don't need that rock-star look on my hands. With a little help from Sara, I picked OPI After Dark in Lincoln Park. I love it!

I was going to take a picture and post for you guys to see, but then I decided a photo of my toes was kind of gross. Yes?

Hair Die

This happened to me a few weeks ago while I was in Columbus. I went to Wal-mart to return something. I pulled into a parking space, got out of the car, and walked around to the other side to get out my return. And there I saw it. I was parked on top of someone's really bad wig/weave/something. I'm talking Britney bad. I mean, how does one lose a whole head of hair in the parking lot and not even notice. And, also, how did it happen? Was there a big girl fight over something from the bargain bin? And how come no one grabbed this poor girl's hair for her?

I'm SO Fired

Okay, to appease my friends (Katie!) who are giving me such a hard time, I'm posting at work. I'll probably lose my job, but at least my blog readers will be happy. Priority number one, no?

Before we went to the game in Athens on Saturday, we stopped at a clothing store in Atlanta. It was the first anniversary of the shop's opening, so the owner had cupcakes, Champagne, and 15% off all day. There are only two dressing rooms and there was a long wait, so my sister and I went in together. I had just gotten a little plastic cup of Champagne, and as I walked into the dressing room, I dumped some of it down my shirt. Nice. I smelled like I'd already been tailgating for hours.

Anyway, finished trying on the clothes, decided what I wanted to purchase, and as I was walking out of the dressing room, I turned the cup upside down and spilled the rest of the Champagne. OMG. I looked like a total drunk! But I never actually drank anything.

Likely story, those shoppers probably thought.

That's all for now. Sniff. I think I'm getting a cold.

Ready for Kick-off

We sold our tickets and are watching the UGA/OK State game down here. We're not even going out for seafood tonight. It's pizza at Frankie D's across the street, then back to our respective condos. We have to eat at, like, 5:00. That way, in case we, well, you know, don't win, we don't have to get out and see people. I'm serious.

We don't mingle for the games. The Rickey Gibsons and the Ken Gibsons (my dad & family and my uncle & family) do not watch with other people, especially if there are children present. We need quiet. We have to focus. And we have to stay away from those other members of our family, otherwise known as Auburn fans. Mostly they married in. I have one cousin who is a defector, and she's taking her two kids down with her. Oh, and my cousin's new girlfriend graduated from Florida. Boo. Hiss. Strike one. She better work hard to make up for that one.

Yes, We're ALL Together

I'm at the beach again, this time with TWENTY-SEVEN members of my family. Yes, we are that family. Four siblings and their spouses; eight adult cousins plus various spouses, boyfriends, and girlfriends; and six children. We are a sight. We're obnoxious to other people, I'm sure, but it's so fun. Because I'm childless, I thought it was a good idea to loan out my two spray bottles to the kids. We're very loud, and we all like goofing off in the pool. You know, we toss in kids, dunk adults, and push in anyone at the perimeter. We jump waves together in the ocean. My poor grandmother feels sure someone is going to get eaten by a shark. The kids are hopped up on sugar and the football smack talk is going strong.

And my oldest cousin brought his new girlfriend and her 3-year-old son. Bless her heart. I hope she's still around at Christmastime. We've had quite a few first-timers. Lots of them don't come back.

And I hope no one sees us mercilessly tossing little children into the pool and calls DFCS (dee-fax, as we Georgians say). Because the best argument probably isn't that the kids started it. Hey, they know how to swim. We're not that cruel.