The New Black.

Come in & stay awhile......

2010-07-19T20:48:00.002-05:00

Come in & stay awhile......
Originally uploaded by kelly-bell

We've spent the last few weeks moving into Grandmother's house... and having pool parties. And no worries, Grandmother's fine, she just prefers to live in her studio apartment above her barn. Seriously.

I've GOT to get my other house in order & on the market, like, yesterday! I'm so slow, just like last time (when I also swore I would never move again). But I must admit, I think we're gonna be really happy here. :)

Dealership cat, Jet, definitely not working too hard on the showroom floor...

2010-06-09T20:15:00.001-05:00

Dealership cat, Jet, not working too hard on the showroom floor...
Originally uploaded by kelly-bell

Here is the co-worker of whom I am most jealous. Just look at him -- not a care in the world.

Just don't pet his tail, or prepare to be smacked!

Washington Needs a Lesson in Car 101...

2010-05-24T10:37:00.003-05:00

Optimism usually grows on trees for dealers.

But what's happening in Washington these days has even the most optimistic dealers doubting the system.

At an American International Automobile Dealers Association's event here last week, a different "O" word surfaced more than once: Obama.

Just a year after the administration saved Chrysler and General Motors, there is growing concern that the president is letting the usual suspects hammer away at dealers, this time using the context of financial reform legislation aimed at Wall Street.

The president's recent statements and the subsequent back-and-forth over an amendment to protect dealers, proposed by Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., added fuel to the fire.

"Auto dealer-lenders make nearly 80 percent of the automobile loans in our country," the president said in a statement, "and these lenders should be subject to the same standards as any local or community bank that provides loans."

Forgive those "auto dealer-lenders," but being lumped in with Morgan Stanley didn't exactly feel like a perfect fit.

"Pure fiction," Ed Tonkin, chairman of the National Automobile Dealers Association, said in a statement last week.

From financial reform to black boxes to fuel economy standards, there is the distinct feeling that the Beltway is tightening around the throats of automakers and dealers.

"It makes you wonder," AIADA Chairman Rick DeSilva told me, "whether someone in the administration got into a bad car one day or something."

While it's unknown right now how the financial overhaul ultimately will affect dealers -- some believe it could restrict the financing terms dealers can offer or possibly restrict margins -- what is certain is that the landscape is changing.

The trouble is that auto executives have a sense that legislators don't understand the first thing about the car business.

One AIADA member recently had to explain floorplanning to a congressional staffer.

"You mean you actually own the cars?" the staffer asked the dealer.

There's a lot of work to do in this recovery. Educating Washington is one element that shouldn't be forgotten. Or maybe I'm being too optimistic.

2010-05-24T10:36:00.001-05:00

Bath Time!

2010-05-12T22:08:00.001-05:00

Bath Time!
Originally uploaded by kelly-bell

Seriously, Kitty, it's totally unnecessary that you keep this up! This is the FOURTH live chipmunk she's brought into the house alive & let loose in just as many weeks!

Does anyone realize how hard it is to catch a terrified chipmunk? Ugh.

my favorites are in bold...

2010-04-15T14:12:00.002-05:00

1. I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.

2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.

3. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

4. There is great need for a sarcasm font.

5. How the heck are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

6. Was learning cursive really necessary?

7. MapQuest really needs to start their directions on #5. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

8. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.

9. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.

10. Bad decisions make good stories.

11. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.

12. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blu Ray? I don't want to have to restart my collection... again.

13. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Microsoft Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page research paper that I swear I did not make any changes to.

14. "Do not machine wash or tumble dry" means I will never wash this - ever.

15. I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello?), but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and goes to voice mail. What did you do after I didn't answer? Drop the phone and run away?

16. I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste.

17. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

18. I think the freezer deserves a light as well.

19. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night - more kisses begin with Miller Lite than Kay.

20. I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option.

21. Sometimes, I'll watch a movie that I watched when I was younger and suddenly realize I had no idea what the heck was going on when I first saw it.

22. I would rather try to carry 10 plastic grocery bags in each hand than take 2 trips to bring my groceries in.

23. The only time I look forward to a red light is when I'm trying to finish a text.

24. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.

25. How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear or understand a word they said?

26. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers and sisters!

27. Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.

28. Is it just me or do high school kids get dumber & dumber every year?

29. There's no worse feeling than that millisecond you're sure you are going to die after leaning your chair back a little too far.

30. As a driver I hate pedestrians, and as a pedestrian I hate drivers, but no matter what the mode of transportation, I always hate cyclists.

31. Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.

32. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey - but I'd bet everyone can find and push the snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time!

Friday Night.

2010-04-09T19:04:00.004-05:00

7 pm... Husband gets home, sits down in chair & sighs just as Wife hits 'Play' on the DVR...

Me: Wanna watch a movie?
Him: What is it?
Me: "Zodiac". It's about the serial killer. {reads film synopsis} Geesh, it's 2 and a half hours long.
Him: {gets up with a grunt} Nah. I got sh*t to do. I'll be outside in the garage.

Exit Husband.

Won't Get Fooled Again...

2010-03-24T21:52:00.009-05:00

On the morning after the Presidential election in 2008, my sweet & oh-so-wise friend Molly e-mailed me these lyrics from The Who's "Won't Get Fooled Again":

"I'll tip my hat to the new constitution
Take a bow for the new revolution
Smile and grin at the change all around
Pick up my guitar and play
Just like yesterday
Then I'll get on my knees and pray
We don't get fooled again"

Perfect... but I didn't know just how perfect until now. Beyond the obvious political reference(s), I'm currently reading a book on The Who's late drummer Keith Moon... and then, of course, The Who played at the Saints-winning Superbowl! Signs, people. Signs.

kitty porn?

2010-03-14T23:24:00.001-05:00

kitty porn?
Originally uploaded by kelly-bell

Jon cannot be held responsible for anything viewed, shared, downloaded, uploaded or any mish-mash of the above, as his computer was left unattended this afternoon and subsequently hijacked.

Perfect example of why I like animals more than people...

2010-03-09T16:10:00.005-06:00

These comments pertain to the article that can be accessed by clicking the link above, or by going to http://www.wtok.com/news/headlines/85886292.html?storySection=comments. (Click on the image below to make it larger.) You have to read from the bottom up, beginning with the post by "Anonymous", then the post by "Jane", and then my reply (obviously, "Kelly"). Aside from the man who just doesn't like animals so he sees no need for any legislation at all (probably a cat-killer, ha!), this woman just burned me up. I couldn't help but resond. Some people, I swear.....

Congrats, Canada...

2010-03-01T00:47:00.001-06:00

Congrats, Canada...
Originally uploaded by kelly-bell

Hats off to America's Hat for winning the hockey gold medal today to end the Winter Olympics in Vancouver...

Cough, cough...

2010-02-25T12:18:00.005-06:00

The Damn Smoking Ordinance. I only say it like that because of the response(s) it has elicited, both positive and negative (click on the title above for a link to the ordinance itself). It's one of those things that started out as a good idea (no smoking inside public buildings, restaurants, etc.) that was taken entirely too far (must be at least 20 feet from any door or ventilation system, etc.). So, YOU pay your exhorbitant property taxes for YOUR business in the City of Meridian, yet YOU can be fined for smoking OUTSIDE YOUR OWN DOOR? Ridiculous. And I'm not saying that as a smoker or a non-smoker, but rather as a taxpaying citizen.

(It's worth noting that our mayor conveniently left town for this vote and handed off mayoral duties to a man who has been trying to get it passed for years, then they decided not to even allow the public in the meeting for the vote. Really? I mean, REALLY? Guess we don't care about transparency in government here in Meridian, huh?)

Now, the best part. A cop just pulled up to our business, gets out of his cruiser smoking, walks PAST our cigarette disposal receptable and right up to our door, where he stubs his cigarette out... right in front of the owner, who can be fined if ANYONE breaks the rules on his property, including himself. And you really expect US to observe and respect your smoking ordinance when you can't even make your own law enforcement do it!? And, btw, the ordinance clearly states, "All enclosed facilites, including vehicles owned, leased, or operated by the City of Meridian shall be subject to the provisions of this Article". Way to set an example. Bravo.

Birthday Fleur-de-Lis...

2010-02-21T00:52:00.001-06:00

Birthday Fleur-de-Lis...
Originally uploaded by kelly-bell

A bit belated in posting this since my birthday (33 y/o -- eek!) was a full 2 weeks ago.. Superbowl Sunday, to be exact! The Saints gave me a fab birthday present, and Dad got to go to the game...

This painting was one of my presents from Jon (painted by Julie Walker) -- PERFECT!!!

Heads Up, South Beach!

2010-02-02T12:02:00.002-06:00

Dear Miami,

The Saints are coming. And so are we, their loyal, long-suffering and slightly discombobulated Super Bowl-bound fans.

While there's still time to prepare -- although a few hard-core Who Dats will begin trickling in Monday, most of us won't arrive until Thursday or Friday -- we thought we'd give you a heads-up about what you should expect.

First things first: You need more beer.

Yeah, we know. You ordered extra. You think you have more than any group of humans could possibly consume in one week. Trust us. You don't.

New Orleans was a drinking town long before the Saints drove us to drink. But it turns out beer tastes better when you're winning. (Who knew?) So let's just say we're thirsty for more than a championship; adjust your stockpiles accordingly.

And look. When we ask you for a go-cup, be nice to us. We don't even know what "open container law" means. Is that anything like "last call"?

It's Carnival season in New Orleans (that's Mardi Gras to you), and we'll be taking the celebration on the road. So don't be startled if you walk past us and we throw stuff at you; that's just our way of saying hello.

Oh, and sorry in advance about those beads we leave dangling from your palm trees. We just can't help ourselves.

February is also crawfish season, and you can be sure that more than one enterprising tailgater will figure out a way to transport a couple sacks of live mudbugs and a boiling pot to Miami.

When the dude in the 'Who Dat' T-shirt asks if you want to suck da head and pinch da tail, resist the urge to punch him. He's not propositioning you. He's inviting you to dinner.

And if you see a big Cajun guy who looks exactly like an old Saints quarterback walking around town in a dress ... don't ask. It's a long story.

We know that crowd control is a major concern for any Super Bowl host city. Our advice? Put away the riot gear.

Reason No. 1: Indianapolis is going to lose, and their fans are way too dull to start a riot.

Reason No. 2: New Orleans showed the world on Sunday that we know how to throw a victory party. We don't burn cars. We dance on them.

Reason No. 3: Even if we did lose, which we won't, leaving the stadium would be like leaving a funeral, and our typical response to that is to have a parade.

Speaking of which: If you happen to see a brass band roll by, followed by a line of folks waving their handkerchiefs, you're not supposed to just stand there and watch. As our own Irma Thomas would say, get your backfield in motion.

And hey, Mister DJ! Yes, we know you've already played that stupid Ying Yang Twins song 10 times tonight, but indulge us just one more time.

To us, "Halftime (Stand Up and Get Crunk)" isn't just a song; it's 576 points of good memories. It's the sound of a Drew Brees touchdown pass to Devery Henderson, a Pierre Thomas dive for first down on 4th-and-1, a Garrett Hartley field goal sailing through the uprights in overtime.

It's what a championship sounds like. You may get sick of hearing it. We won't. Encore, dammit.

Inside Sun Life Stadium, you may find your ears ringing more than usual. We're louder than other fans. Seven thousand of ours sound like 70,000 of theirs.

Don't believe us? Ask the 12th man in the Vikings huddle.

Some people think it's just the Dome that heightens our volume. But you're about to discover a little secret: We can scream loud enough to make your head explode, indoors or out.

It's not the roof. It's the heart.

Well, OK, and the beer.

Don't be surprised if there are more Saints fans outside the stadium than inside. A lot of us are coming just to say we were part of history, even if we can't witness it up close. The Saints are family to us, and you know how it is with family: We want to be there for them, whether they really need us or not. Because we know our presence will mean something to them, whether they can see us or not.

Come to think of it, seeing as how you're taking us in for the week, we pretty much regard you as family, too. So we're warning you now: If you're within hugging distance, you're fair game.

Hugging strangers is a proud Who Dat tradition, right up there with crying when we win.

Most sports fans cry when their teams lose. Not us. We've been losing gracefully and with good humor for 43 years. Tragedy and disappointment don't faze us. It's success that makes us go to pieces.

Hurricane Katrina? We got that under control. The Saints in the Super Bowl? SOMEBODY CALL A PARAMEDIC!!!

So anyway, don't let the tears of joy freak you out. We're just... disoriented.

OK. Let's review:

Order more beer. Throw me something, mister. Suck da heads. Wear da dress. Stand up. Get crunk. Hug it out. Protect your eardrums. Pass the Kleenex. Hoist the trophy.

See you at the victory party.

Faithfully yours,

The Who Dat Nation

This article makes me want to slap Ed Whitacre broadside across the face (and a few others, too)...

2010-01-27T14:34:00.004-06:00

Defending Their Dealerships

Mark Calisi says he believes he lost his Chrysler-Jeep dealership on Long Island because he irritated a company executive.

“This was just a vendetta,” said Mark Calisi, who owns Eagle Auto Mall on Long Island.

Yale King was told that his Jeep and Buick-Pontiac-GMC stores near Denver were no longer wanted, even though he regularly doubled the carmakers’ sales goals.

James Painter and his 10 children cannot understand why Chrysler eliminated the two Utah dealerships they ran successfully for decades, particularly since the company allowed their immediate neighbor to open a new Chrysler dealership this month.

They are among the hundreds of dealers from all corners of the United States fighting to get back their businesses — and in many cases their good names, tarnished by implications of poor performance — through an arbitration process that will begin next week.

Chrysler and General Motors cut loose more than 2,000 dealers last year as part of their bankruptcy reorganization, but Congress is now forcing them to justify the closures after hearing so many stories of devastated families and communities.

G.M.’s top executive, Edward E. Whitacre Jr., recently said he expected “hundreds” of G.M. dealers to be reinstated.

“They’ve taken everything we own,” said Patrick Painter, one of James Painter’s sons. All three of the family’s dealerships — the Chrysler store that three generations ran for 65 years, the Chevrolet-Buick store nearby and the Chrysler store that James Painter opened 200 miles away at Chrysler’s request, spending two years away from his family to do so — were terminated over the course of two days last May, despite being profitable and debt-free.

“My mom and dad want their honor back as much as anything,” Patrick Painter said. “It’s the ultimate showing of disloyalty, after all the years we’ve been loyal to them, to take our stores.”

As of Friday afternoon, 915 dealers had filed to contest their termination, according to an executive with the American Arbitration Association, which is overseeing the review process. More than 400 were filed since Thursday and more were expected before the deadline of midnight Monday.

Leonard Bellavia, a lawyer in Mineola, N.Y., who represents about 40 dealers who have filed for arbitration, said each dealer could expect to spend at least $30,000 challenging the companies’ decisions unless a settlement was reached before arbitration. The process must finish by mid-June.

Those who lose will be out even more money and will have no further chance to appeal; winners can rejoin a company that didn’t want them any longer.

G.M. terminated about 1,300 dealers, most of which are still open because they were given until next October to wind down operations. An additional 700 dealers lost the rights to sell one or more brands but remain with G.M.

Many have been encouraged by Mr. Whitacre’s recent comments suggesting that the company might have been too aggressive in cutting dealerships and probably made some mistakes in its selections.

Chrysler, though, has taken a much harder line, insisting that large numbers of reinstatements could throw its recovery off track and hurt current dealers.

Chrysler eliminated 789 dealers, about a quarter of its network, and forced them to close last June on about four weeks’ notice. Because the cuts were made in bankruptcy, Chrysler avoided having to compensate those dealers for the franchises they lost, whereas G.M. agreed to pay an average of more than $400,000 to each dealer.

Chrysler’s chief executive, Sergio Marchionne, who was not involved in the company when the cuts were made, nonetheless defended them this month during a speech to an industry conference.

“The decision that we made, I think it was made with diligence, it was made equitably, and I think it was done fairly,” Mr. Marchionne said. “What I cannot do is unwind the last seven months of history, during which Chrysler went on and started rebuilding a distribution network on the assumption that the ruling of the bankruptcy judge was final.”

He added, “My conscience is clear.”

But former dealers hope to show arbitrators that the decisions were anything but fair. Letters that Congress required the carmakers to send dealers this month explaining the criteria used to select them have fueled claims that Chrysler was more subjective, because it provided less specific information than G.M. offered.

Hmmm... anyone ready for bed?

2010-01-20T01:23:00.001-06:00

Hmmm... anyone ready for bed?
Originally uploaded by kelly-bell

I simply cannot begin to express how much I loveLoveLOVE this picture... I did what I could with it, but it's still a shame I only had the iPhone camera handy. Regardless, this shot pretty much sums up our lives... and I wouldn't trade it for anything!

R.I.P. 2009 (Better Late Than Never)

2010-01-16T17:39:00.013-06:00

Just to name a few:

• Patrick Swayze
• Michael Jackson
• Bea Arthur
• Farrah Fawcett
• Walter Conkrite
• DJ AM
• Sen. Ted Kennedy
• BILLY MAYS!!!
• Steve McNair
• Natasha Richardson
• Ed McMahon
• Brittany Murphy
• Dom DeLuise
• Jett Travolta
• David Carradine

An important message from our President regarding HEALTH CARE and YOU...

2010-01-14T16:42:00.002-06:00

people can be so pleasant...

2010-01-13T15:33:00.003-06:00

Me: "Hello, {Company Name}, may I help you?"
Bitch: "Someone called me from there."
Me: "Okay, have you been talking to anyone in Sales or Service?"
Bitch: [disgustedly] "Umm, NO."
Me: "Well, then I don't know, maybe it was a misdial."
Bitch: [even more disgustedly] "You don't make outgoing calls?"
Me: "I do, but so do the other 30 people who work here and I didn't call you."
Bitch: "Ugh. What-ever." Click.

Mattie's "Deborah Harry" Phase...

2010-01-10T01:13:00.003-06:00

Mattie's "Deborah Harry" Phase...
Originally uploaded by kelly-bell

Album cover-worthy posing, or just long overdue for a good haircut? Sadly, better go with the latter. And good heavens, a teeth-cleaning is IMPERATIVE!!! Peee-yewwwww! I mean, it's bad.
Bless her sweet little heart. 

Ummm, Brrrrr???

2010-01-05T12:09:00.003-06:00

"it's fricking freezing in here, mr. bigglesworth...
Originally uploaded by kelly-bell

I'm sorry, but I was under the impression that I lived in Mississippi, not on the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field...

Doesn't Mother Nature know that Mississippians freak out completely when cold weather -- or God forbid, SNOW -- hits us? Stores shut down, pipes burst, cars drive into ditches, schools let out early... we cannot handle it.

And lastly, why can't this ever happen DURING Christmas!?

Julio, All Cuddled Up...

2010-01-04T00:04:00.001-06:00

Julio, All Cuddled Up...
Originally uploaded by kelly-bell

For a dog who shivers in the 100-degree Mississippi summers, winter can be rough!

He recently went to the vet (weighed in under 3.5 lbs.) and turns out he has arthritis, mostly In his spine, and he was hurting all the time. Now he's on pain pills and Mom says he's been a totally different dog -- jumping, playing, bouncing & eating like a pig.

My step-brother, the pillhead.

Wednesday Nighters' Fantasy Football :: Quaterfinals :: Week 14

2009-12-18T23:52:00.007-06:00

Wednesday Nighters' Fantasy Football League
Originally uploaded by kelly-bell

Don't count The Bitches out just yet, guys...

Okay, now that's enough!

2009-12-12T22:22:00.005-06:00

"Michelle Duggar, star of the TLC show "18 Kids and Counting," gave birth to her 19th child Thursday, according to a statement from TLC, which airs the program.

Josie Brooklyn arrived three months prematurely and weighed only 1 pound, 6 ounces. She was due March 18, according to the Duggar Family Web site."

Okay, I think this is a pretty clear sign that your reproductive system is telling you to FUCKING STOP (literally). I mean, how much can one uterus take!?!?

Santa Babies...

2009-12-08T16:20:00.011-06:00

I am proud of Winston & Mattie for being selected as December's Rescued Pets for the Rescued Pets group on Flickr!!! Such good little posers they are... This picture was taken as a part of a fundraiser for East Mississippi Animal Rescue (EMAR) here in Meridian, MS.

Please take a moment to peruse EMAR's website, view upcoming events, make a donation, or perhaps even find your new best friend!!!

(And just to clarify, no, the holiday "accessories" that the pups are wearing did not last for very long... of course, I expected nothing less from these two.)

Ho. Ho. Ho.

Say My Name...

2009-09-28T11:51:00.002-05:00

File this one under: "One of the DUMBEST Things I've Ever Heard"

2009-09-19T19:46:00.007-05:00

An excerpt from Star Magazine:
As the final weeks before the birth of her second child ticked away, a walk down the aisle was the furthest thing from Nicole Richie's mind.

"Right now, we're really, really focused on our family. We're focused on our foundation," the 27-year old mom told a TV interviewer."

Seriously? What a dumbass.

Our little huntress...

2009-09-16T15:14:00.006-05:00

Allow me to explain... Yesterday morning, I was walking into the kitchen, only to be greeted by our sweet little black cat, Kitty Bug. Upon closer inspection, I noticed that she had something furry dangling out of her mouth. Given past experiences, I assumed it was a poor little dead mole she was bringing to us, but I was wrong. Turns out it was poor little chipmunk instead.

I hurried up to her and she gladly let me grab it from her mouth, so proud of herself for her "catch". As I was running for the door while holding the chipmunk by its tail as it dangled limply, I could see that its little cheeks were packed full of food. Well, that made me feel even worse, that my Kitty would prey on this poor little creature while it was just innocently hunting & gathering!

I rushed to get the poor thing outside and away from Kitty, lest I return home later from work to find a half-eaten chipmunk on my bed. As I laid it out on the deck, a little green acorn rolled out of its mouth.... and then it raised its head and started looking around! Within moments, it quickly scampered off back into the backyard, alive and well! I was so excited to find that my murderous Kitty had not struck once again -- yet (guess she was just going to bat the little guy around & torture it until it bit the dust).

I bet I know one little chipmunk who won't be back to our yard.

Touche'.

2009-08-31T11:19:00.000-05:00

Think about this:
1. Cows
2. The Constitution
3. The Ten Commandments

COWS
Is it just me, or does anyone else find it amazing that during the mad cow epidemic our government could track a single cow, born in Canada almost three years ago, right to the stall where she slept in the state of Washington? And, they tracked her calves to their stalls. But they are unable to locate 11 million illegal aliens wandering around our country. Maybe we should give each of them a cow..

THE CONSTITUTION
They keep talking about drafting a Constitution for Iraq .... why don't we just give them ours? It was written by a lot of really smart guys, it has worked for over 200 years, and we're not using it anymore.

THE 10 COMMANDMENTS
The real reason that we can't have the Ten Commandments posted in a courthouse is this -- you cannot post 'Thou Shalt Not Steal' 'Thou Shalt Not Commit Adultery' and 'Thou Shall Not Lie' in a building full of lawyers, judges and politicians ... it creates a hostile work environment.

hope & change, my friends...

2009-08-26T18:34:00.010-05:00

Long story short, we have some customers who just went from a car to an SUV and think something is wrong with the SUV (mind you, it's highly possible that they just aren't used to how one drives compared to a car). We have had it tested it for EVERYTHING -- both internally AND by a third-party dealer. Prognosis by all? "Operating as designed". (Obviously we want to help, but there really appears to be nothing wrong that anyone can find!) So anyway, one evening the customer calls and one of our salesmen is calmly & kindly trying to help her and calm her down (mind you, not HER salesman as she had already been so ugly to him that he was done) when out of nowhere she starts calling him a racist -- then goes on to say, and I quote, "All you just mad because Obama got elected."

Hold the f-ing phone. Really? I mean, REALLY!? The reality could not be further from the truth and it makes me utterly sick to my stomach just to have it said at all, no matter its validity (or in this case, INvalidity). Is this what our society is stooping to now? Sad...

The kicker? We come to work the next morning to find a rock thrown through our front window and glass everywhere. Coincidence? Perhaps, but you tell me.

random email from mere...

2009-08-25T11:09:00.000-05:00

song just came on my pandora...

Don't Marry Her by The Beautiful South

says: don't marry her, fuck me.

i about choked on my drink. hilarious.

Yes Ma'am.

2009-08-13T14:49:00.000-05:00

Many saw Barbara Boxer as she admonished a brigadier general because he addressed her as "ma'am" and not "Senator" before a Senate hearing. This letter is from a National Guard aviator and Captain for Alaska Airlines. I wonder what he would have said if he was really angry.

Dear Senator Boxer:

You were so right on when you scolded the general on TV for using the term, "ma'am," instead of "Senator". After all, in the military, "ma'am" is a term of respect when addressing a female of superior rank or position. The general was totally wrong. You are not a person of superior rank or position. You are a member of one of the world's most corrupt organizations, the U.S. Senate, equalled only by the U.S. House of Representatives.

Congress is a cesspool of liars, thieves, inside traders, traitors, drunks (one who killed a staffer, yet is still revered), criminals, and other low level swine who, as individuals (not all, but many), will do anything to enhance their lives, fortunes and power, all at the expense of the People of the United States and its Constitution, in order to be continually re-elected. Many democrats even want American troops killed by releasing photographs. How many of you could honestly say, "We pledge our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor"? None? One? Two?

Your reaction to the general shows several things. First is your abysmal ignorance of all things military. Your treatment of the general shows you to be an elitist of the worst kind. When the general entered the military (as most of us who served) he wrote the government a blank check, offering his life to protect your derriere, now safely and comfortably ensconced in a 20 thousand dollar leather chair, paid for by the general's taxes. You repaid him for this by humiliating him in front of millions.

Second is your puerile character, lack of sophistication, and arrogance which borders on the hubristic. This display of brattish behavior shows you to be a virago, termagant, harridan, nag, scold or shrew, unfit for your position, regardless of the support of the unwashed, uneducated masses who have made California into the laughing stock of the nation.

What I am writing, Senator, are the same thoughts countless millions of Americans have toward Congress, but who lack the energy, ability or time to convey them. Under the democrats, some don't even have the 44 cents to buy the stamp. Regardless of their thoughts, most realize that politicians are pretty much the same, and will vote for the one who will bring home the most bacon, even if they do consider how corrupt that person is. Lord Acton (1834-1902) so aptly charged, "Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely." Unbeknownst to you and your colleagues, "Mr. Power" has had his way with all of you, and we are all the worse for it.

Finally Senator, I, too, have a title. It is "Right Wing Extremist Potential Terrorist Threat." It is not of my choosing, but was given to me by your Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano. And you were offended by "ma'am"?

Have a fine day. Cheers!

Jim Hill
16808 - 103rd Avenue Court East
South Hill, WA 98374

Prozac Nation.

2009-08-10T21:18:00.002-05:00

It's funny, but when I was little, before I'd go to sleep my mom would do this routine with me where she'd tell me to think of pretty things. I would close my eyes & she would run her fingers over my cheeks & across my brow. And we'd go through this list. I think it was a way of preventing nightmares -- & it would always be, you know, pussycats & puppy dogs & balloons at the zoo. Sometimes she'd mention yellow submarines, stars in the sky, blackbirds flying overhead, trees in Central Park & even -- believe it or not -- that on Saturday I would get to see Daddy. Nothing that extraordinary, but when you're 4 years old, it's cats & dogs that make life worth living. And I kind of think it's maybe not so different now.

~ Elizabeth Wurtzel

The alarm went off months ago already, but there's still time to wake up...

2009-07-16T11:58:00.004-05:00

If George W. Bush had given Gordon Brown a set of inexpensive and incorrectly formatted DVDs, when Gordon Brown had given him a thoughtful and historically significant gift, would you have approved?

If George W. Bush had given the Queen of England an iPod containing videos of his speeches, would you have thought this embarrassingly narcissistic and tacky?

If George W. Bush had bowed to the King of Saudi Arabia, would you have approved?

If George W. Bush had visited Austria and made reference to the non-existent "Austrian language," would you have brushed it off as a minor slip?

If George W. Bush had filled his cabinet and circle of advisers with people who cannot seem to keep current on their income taxes, would you have approved?

If George W. Bush had been so Spanish illiterate as to refer to “Cinco de Cuatro” in front of the Mexican ambassador when it was the fourth of May (Cuatro de Mayo), and continued to flub it when he tried again, would you have winced in embarrassment?

If George W. Bush had misspelled the word "advice" would you have hammered him for it for years like Dan Quayle and "potatoe" as “proof” of what a dunce he is?

If George W. Bush had burned 9,000 gallons of jet fuel to go plant a single tree on “Earth Day”, would you have concluded he’s a hypocrite?

If George W. Bush’s administration had okayed Air Force One 20 flying low over millions of people followed by a jet fighter in downtown Manhattan causing widespread panic, would you have wondered whether they actually “get” what happened on 9-11?

If George W. Bush had been the first President to need a teleprompter installed to be able to get through a press conference, would you have laughed and said this is more proof of how he inept he is on his own and is really controlled by smarter men behind the scenes?

If George W. Bush had failed to send relief aid to flood victims throughout the Midwest with more people killed or made homeless than in New Orleans, would you want it made into a major ongoing political issue with claims of racism and incompetence?

If George W. Bush had ordered the firing of the CEO of a major corporation, even though he had no constitutional authority to do so, would you have approved?

If George W. Bush had proposed to double the national debt, which had taken more than two centuries to accumulate, in one year, would you have approved?

If George W. Bush had then proposed to double the debt again within 10 years, would you have approved?

If George W. Bush had reduced your retirement plan’s holdings of GM stock by 90% and given the unions a majority stake in GM, would you have approved?

If George W. Bush had spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to take Laura Bush to a play in NYC, would you have approved?

So, tell me again, what is it about Obama that makes him so brilliant and impressive? Can't think of anything? Don't worry. He's done all this in 5 months -- so you'll have three years and seven months to come up with an answer. Insanity is wide spread. Real Americans are waking up.

Hmmm, interesting...

2009-07-11T23:48:00.003-05:00

Results taken from the "Compare People" application on Facebook... (of course, this does not include the categories in which I am waaaay for down on the list!)

"Dear" Obama...

2009-07-08T10:45:00.004-05:00

Mr. President, the longer you are in office, the less confidence I have in our government, economy, communities and country as a whole and the worse my life becomes. While I readily -- and proudly -- admit that I did NOT vote for you, I held out the highest hopes that you would be able to do good things for this country, for the good of ALL of us. However, in less than 6 months, those hopes have been mercilessly dashed beyond my wildest imagination.

Not only does my family own a General Motors car dealership who had no Democratic Congressman to go plead my case to in an effort to get our dealership "cut" reversed ("gangster government") -- something which I find absolutely DEPLORABLE -- but now we are dealing with this new COBRA policy you have put into effect. I would call it laughable if it wasn't going to cost our already suffering business a pretty penny. Do you really think that people will pay their premiums when they are given 45 days to do so!? You basically just set it up so that they can seamlessly work the system! Get on COBRA, get your illness taken care of, let your former employer pay the premium, don't pay the employer, get your insurance canceled, and guess who is sitting pretty after that? Most definitely not the former employer. And we even have to pay for people who were terminated for wrongdoing, be it stealing, lying, whatever? Ridiculous.

I'm not sure what world you live in up in D.C., but you apparently have no idea how the rest of us live -- or since you took over, TRY to live. We joke about our "Obama pile" of changes that you have made and that most everyone and every business I know and have spoken to cannot keep up with, even though nothing about what you have done is funny. You are setting us up for a liability not out of negligence, but out of our of not being able to understand and keep up with all of these preposterous policy changes, all the while trying to keep a business up and running and people employed.

I am not sure that I could be more disappointed in my President. This country is much worse off than before you took office and we are fast becoming a laughing stock around the world (why do you think Putin gave you a dissertation on the Cold War?). Perhaps you should listen to people around you who have more expertise in the fields in which you are making these decisions. And if you are already doing so, then, sir, you have the wrong people around you.

Skirting Congress with the appointment of "czars" borders on dictatorship and you should be ashamed -- this is not just YOUR country, this is OUR country. It would be nice if you would start to recognize that. I sincerely question your judgment and am fearful of where we will all be in 3.5 years, given where we have gone in just 6 months. It is a scary, scary thought, and I can assure you that I am not the only one who thinks this way -- I'm just not sure you listen to us. It sure doesn't seem like you do.

Thank you for making my life a living, breathing hell. I can assure you that nothing about you has been a pleasure for me. Please start putting some thought -- or rather, RATIONAL thought -- into your decisons and not just how it will affect one group. We live in a democracy, I think someone needs to remind you of that.

Dinner with Obama: A Parable

2009-06-29T14:30:00.002-05:00

Once upon a time, I was invited to the White House for a private dinner with the President. I am a respected businessman, with a factory that produces memory chips for computers and portable electronics. There was some talk that my industry was being scrutinized by the administration, but I paid it no mind. I live in a free country. There's nothing that the government can do to me if I've broken no laws. My wealth was earned honestly, and an invitation to dinner with an American President is an honor.

I checked my coat, was greeted by the Chief of Staff, and joined the President in a yellow dining room. We sat across from each other at a table draped in white linen. The Great Seal was embossed on the china. Uniformed staff served our dinner.The meal was served, and I was startled when my waiter suddenly reached out, plucked a dinner roll off my plate, and began nibbling it as he walked back to the kitchen.

"Sorry about that," said the President. "Andrew is very hungry."

"I don't appreciate..." I began, but as I looked into the calm brown eyes across from me, I felt immediately guilty and petty. It was just a dinner roll. "Of course," I concluded, and reached for my glass. Before I could, however, another waiter reached forward, took the glass away and swallowed the wine in a single gulp.

"And his brother Eric is very thirsty," said the President.

I didn't say anything. The President is testing my compassion, I thought. I will play along. I don't want to seem unkind. My plate was whisked away before I had tasted a bite.

"Eric's children are also quite hungry."

With a lurch, I crashed to the floor. My chair had been pulled out from under me. I stood, brushing myself off angrily, and watched as it was carried from the room.

"And their grandmother can't stand for long."

I excused myself, smiling outwardly, but inside feeling like a fool. Obviously I had been invited to the White House to be sport for some game. I reached for my coat, to find that it had been taken. I turned back to the President.

"Their grandfather doesn't like the cold."

I wanted to shout- that was my coat! But again, I looked at the placid smiling face of my host and decided I was being a poor sport. I spread my hands helplessly and chuckled. Then I felt my hip pocket and realized my wallet was gone. I excused myself and walked to a phone on an elegant side table. I learned shortly that my credit cards had been maxed out, my bank accounts emptied, my retirement and equity portfolios had vanished, and my wife had been thrown out of our home. Apparently, the waiters and their families were moving in. The President hadn't moved or spoken as I learned all this, but finally I lowered the phone into its cradle and turned to face him.

"Andrew's whole family has made bad financial decisions. They haven't planned for retirement, and they need a house. They recently defaulted on a sub-prime mortgage. I told them they could have your home. They need it more than you do."

My hands were shaking. I felt faint. I stumbled back to the table and knelt on the floor. The President cheerfully cut his meat, ate his steak and drank his wine. I lowered my eyes and stared at the small grey circles on the tablecloth that were water drops.

"By the way," He added, "I have just signed an Executive Order nationalizing your factories. I'm firing you as head of your business. I'll be operating the firm now for the benefit of all mankind. There's a whole bunch of Eric’s and Andrews out there and they can't come to you for jobs groveling like beggars."

I looked up. The President dropped his spoon into the empty ramekin which had been his Crème Brule. He drained the last drops of his wine. As the table was cleared, he lit a cigarette and leaned back in his chair. He stared at me. I clung to the edge of the table as if were a ledge and I were a man hanging over an abyss. I thought of the years behind me, of the life I had lived. The life I had earned with a lifetime of work, risk and struggle. Why was I punished? How had I allowed it to be taken? What game had I played and lost? I looked across the table and noticed with some surprise that there was no game board between us.

What had I done wrong?

As if answering the unspoken thought, the President suddenly cocked his head, locked his empty eyes to mine, and bared a million teeth, chuckling wryly as he folded his hands.

"You should have stopped me at the dinner roll," he said.

a word FROM the wise...

2009-06-16T13:14:00.001-05:00

"You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich. You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong. You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift. You cannot lift the wage earner up by pulling the wage payer down. You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred. You cannot build character and courage by taking away people's initiative and independence. You cannot help people permanently by doing for them, what they could and should do for themselves."

~ Abraham Lincoln ~

I'm still here, Robert...

2009-06-11T10:21:00.003-05:00

Women want Robert Pattinson and men want to be him. But there's at least one lady who's not falling all over herself to be with the well-coifed idol — "Twilight" co-star Kristen Stewart.

According to LimeLife, Pattinson, has given Stewart a "love ultimatum." Ditch her real life boyfriend, or Pattinson's going to, well, we're not exactly sure what he'll do. Stop pining and move on? Write some bad poetry? Start dating Megan Fox? When we know, you'll know.

French Polynesian Honeymoon Photos...

2009-06-04T12:28:00.002-05:00

Click here to view these pictures larger

I agree 110%...

2009-06-03T13:17:00.002-05:00

The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington , DC 20500

Mr. Obama:

I have had it with you and your administration, sir. Your conduct on your recent trip overseas has convinced me that you are not an adequate representative of the United States of America collectively or of me personally.

You are so obsessed with appeasing the Europeans and the Muslim world that you have abdicated the responsibilities of the President of the United States of America. You are responsible to the citizens of the United States.

You are not responsible to the peoples of any other country on earth. I personally resent that you go around the world apologizing for the United States telling Europeans that we are arrogant and do not care about their status in the world. Sir, what do you think the First World War and the Second World War were all about if not the consideration of the peoples of Europe? Are you brain dead? What do you think the Marshall Plan was all about?

Do you not understand or know the history of the 20th century? Where do you get off telling a Muslim country that the United States does not consider itself a Christian country? Have you not read the Declaration of Independence or the Constitution of the United States? This country was founded on Judeo-Christian ethics and the principles governing this country, at least until you came along, come directly from this heritage. Do you not understand this?

Your bowing to the king of Saudi Arabia is an affront to all Americans. Our President does not bow down to anyone, let alone the king of Saudi Arabia. You don't show Great Britain, our best and one of our oldest allies, the respect they deserve yet you bow down to the king of Saudi Arabia. How dare you, sir! How dare you!

You can't find the time to visit the graves of our greatest generation because you don't want to offend the Germans but make time to visit a mosque in Turkey. You offended our dead and every veteran when you give the Germans more respect than the people who saved the German people from themselves. What's the matter with you?

I am convinced that you and the members of your administration have the historical and intellectual depth of a mud puddle and should be ashamed of yourselves, all of you. You are so self-righteously offended by the big bankers and the American automobile manufacturers yet do nothing about the real thieves in this situation, Mr.. Dodd, Mr. Frank, Franklin Raines, Jamie Gorelic, the Fannie Mae bonuses, and the Freddie Mac bonuses. What do you intend to do about them? Anything? I seriously doubt it.

What about the U.S. House members passing out $9.1 million in bonuses to their staff members -- on top of the $2.5 million in automatic pay raises that lawmakers gave themselves? I understand the average House aide got a 17% bonus. I took a 5% cut in my pay to save jobs with my employer.

You haven't said anything about that. Who authorized that? I surely didn't! Executives at Fannie Mae and Fredd ie Mac will be receiving $210 million in bonuses over an eighteen-month period, that's $45 million more than the AIG bonuses. In fact, Fannie and Freddie executives have already been awarded $51 million -- not a bad take. Who authorized that and why haven't you expressed your outrage at this group who are largely responsible for the economic mess we have right now.

I resent that you take me and my fellow citizens as brain-dead and not caring about what you idiots do. We are watching what you are doing and we are getting increasingly fed up with all of you. I also want you to know that I personally find just about everything you do and say to be offensive to every one of my sensibilities. I promise you that I will work tirelessly to see that you do not get a chance to spend two terms destroying my beautiful country.

Sincerely,

Every Real American

Welcome to Married Life!

2009-05-12T11:19:00.002-05:00

Absotively, posilutely exhausted...

2009-04-11T23:30:00.004-05:00

Trying to get so many things done before the wedding in 6 days... Work, home, packing, all the arrangements, etc. -- I am utterly pooped. I can now confirm to anyone who wants/needs to know that, just because it is a small wedding, "simple & easy" is still not possible. Of course, I know it is going to be fabulous and Tahiti awaits, so I think I can stick it out. ;)

T-minus 13 Days & 20 Minutes...

2009-04-05T18:34:00.006-05:00

Less than two weeks... Less than two weeks... LESS THAN TWO WEEKS!!!

Anxiety levels are high. Blood pressure is through the roof. I can't sleep (but damn if I can't eat!). I'm a total basketcase! Not about getting married or Jon moving in, but about the wedding details! The flowers, the food, the cakes! Ugh! And I'm not even doing the hard work (thank heavens -- again! -- for Mom & Grandmother!!!)

Keep your fingers crossed for my SANITY!!!

Honey & the Moon...

2009-04-02T10:52:00.004-05:00

French Polynesia - Tahiti, Moorea & Bora Bora
Famous for its picturesque landscapes -- French painter Gaugin created his most famous works in Tahiti -- and overwater fares (thatched-roof bungalows), French Polynesia consists of 118 motus (small islands) and coral atolls midway between Australia and South America. The postcard-pretty scenery is filled with palms, coconut plantations, fragrant vanilla farms, colorful blooms, citrus trees...and relatively few tourists. According to Tahiti Tourism, more people visit Hawaii in 10 days than come to Tahiti in an entire year. Most visitors travel to the Society island chain, one of five archipelagos that make up French Polynesia, which includes Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora.

In a Word: Stilts
First built in Bora Bora, overwater fares ("fa-RAYS") are a honeymoon must. Suspended on stilts over the water, these dreamy huts feature all the modern amenities of marine life, including plexiglass floors or coffee tables through which you can watch your fellow fish swim beneath your feet (slide a door open to share a bit of croissant from your canoe-delivered breakfast). Many even have lights to illuminate your in-room aquarium at night! Connected by wooden walkways, Christmas-light strings of fares can stretch several hundred feet out into the gentle water. When you're ready to swim, just dive out your doorway.

Why We'd Go: Five Features You'll Never Forget

Black pearls: Polynesia is the capital of these sultry members of the demure pearl family, which are cultivated in the indigenous black pearl oyster. Tour pearl farms, learn how they are cultivated, and choose your own little beauty on the islands of Mahini, Tahaa, and Rangiroa.
Surfing: Hail the surfing gods in Tahiti, the sport's birthplace. Popular spots include Papenoo, Punaauia, and Paea. Huahine and Moorea offer clockwork swells and fewer crowds.
Music: Traditional Polynesian instruments include omnipresent ukuleles, pahu and toere drums, conch shells, nose flutes, and guitars. The lilting island-country tunes are happy and relaxing.
Friendly fish: In the multiblue lagoons of Polynesia, you can swim with dolphins, sleek moray eels, sea turtles, and docile manta rays who practically glide into your arms looking for treats. Feeling brave? Feed the sharks. Small reef sharks, that is.
Coconut shell bras: Need we say more?

Pucker Up: Island Aphrodisiac
Missing your mojo? Sip a little noni, a bitter local juice believed to stroke your libido. If that doesn't work, mai tais are always a surefire solution.

Tahiti

Most visitors to French Polynesia land in Tahiti, where the islands' main airport is located, but spend the majority of their trip elsewhere in the islands. Not so fast! Consider spending a day at either end of your trip exploring "The Island of Dreams." The big island's interior is deep green valley covered in rain forest, waterfalls, lava tubes, and fields of flowers. Put a fragrant white tiare, Tahiti's national bloom, behind your left ear (that means you're taken) and explore by foot or Jeep.

In the capital city of Papeete ("pa-pee-AY-tee"), don't miss the Marche du Papeete (central market) to browse black pearls, wood carvings, pareus (sarongs), mother-of-pearl shells, vanilla, coconut oil, coffee, and French perfume. (Knot Note: Haggling is considered rude.) At night, take in a Polynesian show, featuring traditional music and dance plus manly majorettes twirling flaming torches; hit the discos; or head for Rue des Ecoles, the main drag for Polynesian transvestites, known as mahus. The Piano Bar is the best place to people watch and catch a cabaret.

Moorea

The sight of Moorea's jagged volcanic peaks, just 11 miles from Tahiti, proves irresistible to most visitors. Tahiti's hustle and bustle gives way to a quiet isle boasting beautiful bays, lagoons, and pineapple plantation-draped mountain slopes. Moorea means "yellow lizard" and you can reach it by plane (10 minutes) or ferry (30 minutes) from Tahiti.

Rent a Jeep or bikes to see Moorea, and follow the coastal road to ogle the stunning interior mountain range. Be sure to visit Belvedere Lookout, surrounded by mountains save for spectacular vistas over Cook's and Opunohu bays. At night, feast your eyes and stomach at the Tiki Village Theatre. The evening begins with a tamaara feast, in which food -- usually an entire pig -- is wrapped in banana leaves and cooked in a pit oven in the ground. Next, drum-beating dance and fire breathing enhance the effects of that punch you're sipping!

Bora Bora

A 45-minute flight from Tahiti, Bora Bora is a majestic island with three verdant volcanic peaks and offshore islets inside a protective necklace of coral. Famous for its starring role in the 1950's film South Pacific, Bora Bora is French Polynesia's most exclusive island and considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Expect to pay top dollar for accommodations and enjoy the amenities to match. Don't miss dinner at Bloody Mary's, a celeb hangout and island mainstay, where the menu revolves around the catch of the day.

When We'd Go: French Polynesia at its Best

Best weather: Dry season runs May to October; evenings are sometimes cool enough to necessitate a light sweater.
Best prices: Rates are consistent year-round
Festival highlights: The first highlight of the Polynesian calendar is the month-long Heiva i Tahiti festival in July, a festival of music, dancing, sports, arts and crafts that crescendos on July 14, France's Bastille Day. The second big event is the three-day, four-island Hawaiki Nui canoe race. Sixty six-man teams -- often bedecked in traditional tattoos -- from all over the territory and abroad compete against each other. The race ends in Bora Bora to the rhythm of drummers and cheering spectators.

Before You Go: Need-to-Know Info

Entry requirements: Passport, return ticket
Language: French, Tahitian, English
Currency: French Pacific Franc (CFP)
Flight time: 14 hrs from NYC, 7.5 hrs from LA, 11 hrs from Dallas
Hotel tax: 9%
Tipping: Not expected
Getting around: Le Truck (the public bus service); taxis (very expensive); rental cars; scooters; bikes; inter-island boats, catamarans, or charter flights
Homework: Read Tales of the South Pacific, Return to Paradise, or Rascals in Paradise, all by James Michener
More info: Tahiti Tourism, (800) 365-4949

FINALLY -- it's not ALL bad!!!

2009-03-26T16:42:00.001-05:00

Changes in your [Facebook Compare People application] ranks:

#1 best to be stuck in handcuffs with (gained 8 places)
#1 merriest (gained 10 places)
#2 most likely to succeed (gained 5 places)
#3 most artistic (gained 18 places)
#5 most adventurous (gained 9 places)

Sweet Viv in her "Wedding" Dress...

2009-03-19T11:50:00.003-05:00

Doesn't she look so precious modeling her dress for our wedding? So delicious, I just want to eat her up!!! What a doll... Love it.

500 Posts & 37 Days...

2009-03-11T22:24:00.009-05:00

My 500th post, really? A genuine milestone. I mean, I guess it has been almost 4 years since I started this blog/brain vent (and I have Kimberly to thank for being my inspiration -- she must be so very proud)... My, how time flies...

Wedding Update... 37 days left (deep breaths)... I'm excited and scared and anxious and thrilled, all at the same time!

We got sooooo much done today -- from finishing up registering (The Point, Dement's & Plant the Earth) -- true to form, waiting until the last minute! Also, I have to thank Liz at Plant the Earth for her help and FAB ideas that fit my bohemian tastes! I am so in loooove with what we/she came up with! Having the wedding at home (or actually, at my grandmother's house) and with just family has given us so much freedom to do things EXACTLY the way we want -- from tiramisu to bagpipes! And goodness knows we could not do any of this without my mom & grandmother!!!

We're both gearing up for our bachelor/bachelorette weekends in a couple days -- Jon to the horse races in New Orleans (with a pretty raucous bunch, complete with derby hats & jackets!) and me to Orange Beach with friends. I made them promise that I would not have to wear any penis paraphanelia &/or costumery and I'm holding them to it. Dammit!

So... just over a month. Yay & yikes.

Facebook Compare People Application...

2009-03-09T10:12:00.005-05:00

Your [Facebook] friends have voted on your strengths and weaknesses:

STRENGTHS:
best to be stuck in handcuffs with
best shopping companion
most powerful

WEAKNESSES:
most outgoing
best public speaker

***********************

I guess I can live with this (do I really have a choice?). At least it's better than being at the bottom with "best sense of humor" like I have been for months & months & months! Not to mention, when I try to speak in public, my chest tightens up & I can't breathe, so that one is true! But "outgoing" -- am I that bad!?

pretty baby.

2009-03-06T11:23:00.004-06:00

So, she may upstage me at the wedding, but I just could not resist this gorgeous silk dress for my niece, little miss Vivien (and no, she is not the baby in that photo)... I did check with her mama before I bought the frock, lest she think it was just too much... The boys have handsome little black suits, so their sister needed a pretty dress as well! And she will be soooo adorable in it...

Not too sure about the bonnet, but it comes with ruffled bloomers! The kicker, the dress style is called the "Vivienne"! Perfecto!

Little Miss Perfect.

2009-03-04T23:51:00.015-06:00

Has anyone else been watching this horrifying show "Little Miss Perfect" about child pageantry? These momzillas (and the one "pageant dad") are INTENSE!!! Some of these poor little girls are already visibly fucked-up -- crying in the corner after accidentally coloring outside the lines, dancing like a total stripper, blatant & encouraged OCD behavior, and some with attitudes you wouldn't believe! I mean, there is a swimsuit category, the oft-repeated advice, "put some sass in that frass" (I'm serious), spray tans, flippers (big, white dentures!), a little girl with a python, and of course the ENTIRELY too-excited male host... Insane! I seriously cannot believe I'm watching this! I'm appalled. And now I simply cannot...... look...... away.

Registries...

2009-03-04T10:52:00.016-06:00

Why am I putting this on my blog, you ask? Lest you think it's a completely tacky move (believe me, without further explanation, I totally would!), it's really for me & Jon, so we both can keep up with these with just the click of a button -- not a gift solicitation, I promise! We didn't register many places because, let's face it, when you're not having a big blowout wedding, really, should you?

So, again, please be advised that this is not a solicitation for presents. I repeat, this is NOT a solicitation!!! It's just a personal reference guide for us. Kind of like the Honeymooners entry.

My 3 favorite kids in the whole wide world!!!

2009-02-27T16:05:00.010-06:00

Matthew (3.5 yrs.), Vivien (almost 3 mos.) & Thomas (almost 6 yrs.)

Matthew & Thomas have both gotten black suits for our wedding, and Thomas (the oldest) called the other night to tell me how handsome he looked in his and asked me what he would be doing in the wedding. When I told him he would be the ringbearer, he asked what his little brother Matthew would be doing. After some hesitation, I told him I wasn't sure what Matthew would be doing, it sort of depended on his attention span and if there was anything else to do, blah, blah, blah... Well, before I could even finish my explanation, the little shit is maniacally laughing and screaming, "Matthew, you don't get to do anything! Mu-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!!!!"

We don't know HOW the child can be SO much like my grandaddy when he never even met the man, but I am officially giving over the title of "Little Buck" to my much more-deserving nephew, Mr. Thomas Morenzi. The little shit. God, I love him!!!

Honeymooners...

2009-02-25T11:35:00.005-06:00

With less than 2 months left until D-Day (i.e. the wedding day), I thought I would post websites for the French Polynesian hotels & resorts where we will be staying for 11-12 honeymoon days -- soooo excited!!!

Overwater bungalows & lazing around on the beach, here we come!!! Woo-hoo! (not that anyone else cares as much as we do, but that's not the point now, is it?)

Found Me a Weddin' Dress...

2009-02-20T22:54:00.006-06:00

I know I have been very remiss about documenting the wedding-planning... Why? It's not for lack of excitement, but rather because I pretty much handed over all the little frou-frou details to my mom. Well, not pretty much. Completely. (btw, she's doing a fabulous job!) And true to my nature of waiting until the [almost] last minute, with less that 2 months until the wedding (April 18th), just yesterday, I actually found the greatest & perfect dress -- in just one day -- and was able to buy right off the rack! How lucky was that? Nothing like positive reinforcement for bad behavior!

It's getting more official by the day.......

2009-02-12T09:59:00.004-06:00

Justice, Pollard

Mr. and Mrs. Rickter Scott Justice of Meridian, Miss., announce the engagement of their daughter, Kelly Lynn, to Jon Lamar Pollard, son of Ms. Cheryl Smith of Lauderdale, Miss., and the late Mr. Jerry Lamar Pollard of Hattiesburg, Miss.

A family wedding will be held Saturday, April 18, 2009, at the home of the grandmother of the bride in Meridian, officiated by the Rev. Tom Sikes.

Miss Justice is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Norman D. Justice of Covington, Tex., and Mrs. Madge Glenn and the late Mr. James F. “Buck” Glenn of Meridian.

The bride-elect graduated cum laude with a bachelor of business administration degree from Millsaps College. She is an honors graduate of Lamar High School. While attending Millsaps College, she was a member of Kappa Delta sorority.

Miss Justice is the Vice-President at Rick Justice Automotive.

Mr. Pollard is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. C.T. Pollard of Hattiesburg, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Garland W. “Rusty” Smith, also of Hattiesburg.

The bridegroom-elect attended Meridian Community College and Mississippi State University and went on to receive an applied sciences degree. He is a graduate of Northeast Lauderdale High School.

While attending Mississippi State, he was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity.

Mr. Pollard is the Regional Sales Manager at WTOK-TV and the managing partner of PS & P Properties.

A reception for the family will be held at the home of the bride’s grandmother following the ceremony.

Baby Vivien (25 days old)

2009-01-07T00:27:00.009-06:00

Tiny little fingers...
Originally uploaded by kelly-bell

Well, I FINALLY met my new niece, sweet little Vivien Olivia Morenzi... Cat, Viv & the boys came to visit for a few days right after Christmas and I swear, I hardly put that child down! She is just deliciously precious...

My Vote for BEST Christmas Card 2008

2009-01-05T22:12:00.004-06:00

Many thanks to you, Matthew... Sadly, you know me well! ;)

Ironic Advertising...

2008-11-24T16:58:00.004-06:00

While reading an article in the Detroit Free Press online, I came across this story, and the advertisement that just happened to be placed on the page made me giggle, the irony was so hilarious. And as a car dealer, it's hard to make me giggle about this auto bailout stuff right now!

(Click on the photo to make it larger if necessary as the headline and the ad together are what make this humorous...)

In-COMPARE-able...

2008-11-22T21:49:00.004-06:00

My beloved Compare People application on Facebook has once again done its duty and stomped on the my self-worth & confidence... And even sadder? That I am letting it. So a hearty thanks to all who have helped to contribute to my totally hollow and selfish online "profile"! Yay.

Anyway, basically it's like this: If not shopping, I might be USEFUL if I would help you out, but I am more specifically unhelpful (and not funny about it) instead. With authority.

Your friends have voted on your strengths and weaknesses:

STRENGTHS:
best shopping companion
most powerful
most useful

WEAKNESSES:
most helpful
person with the best sense of humor

Thanks, Facebook...

2008-11-06T20:04:00.006-06:00

... for giving me that last little boost of confidence for the day right there, uninvited, at the top of my page when I log on. And I don't even live in Newton! Yep, I feel much better now. ;)

On a side note, I am not currently discussing the election and its results as I am still in a deep state of mourning, disappointment, sadness and shock. Hmph.

Youniverse VisualDNA Profile

2008-10-31T14:48:00.001-05:00

Keeping My Mouth Shut... or Trying.

2008-10-21T11:10:00.002-05:00

Why haven't I been posting to the blog lately? Well, aside from being insanely busy, I've also been trying to keep my political ramblings to a minimum -- otherwise, it could get out of control very quickly! However, since it is coming down to a matter of days before the election (aka "D-Day"), I just can't resist sharing some of what I have come across... Enjoy or ignore, your choice...

Jack Wheeler is a brilliant man who was the author of Reagan's strategy to break the back of the Soviet Union with the star wars race and expose their inner weakness. For years he wrote a weekly intelligence update that was extremely interesting and well structured and informed. He consults(ed) with several mega-corporations on global trends and the future, etc. I think he is in semi-retirement now. He is a true patriot with a no-nonsense approach to everything. He is also a somewhat well-known mountain climber and adventurer.

Subject: Dr. Jack Wheeler Regarding Obama
Written by Dr. Jack Wheeler

The O-man, Barack Hussein Obama, is an eloquently tailored empty suit. No resume, no accomplishments, no experience, no original ideas, no understanding of how the economy works, no understanding of how the world works, no balls, nothing but abstract empty rhetoric devoid of real substance.

He has no real identity. He is half-white, which he rejects. The rest of him is mostly Arab, which he hides but is disclosed by his non-African Arabic surname and his Arabic first and middle names as a way to triply proclaim his Arabic parentage to people in Kenya . Only a small part of him is African Black from his Luo grandmother, which he pretends he is exclusively.

What he isn't, not a genetic drop of, is 'African-American,' the descendant of enslaved Africans brought to America chained in slave ships. He hasn't a single ancestor who was a slave. Instead, his Arab ancestors were slave owners. Slave-trading was the main Arab business in East Africa for centuries until the British ended it. Let that sink in: Obama is not the descendant of slaves, he is the descendant of slave owners. Thus he makes the perfect Liberal Messiah.

It's something Hillary doesn't understand - how some complete neophyte came out of the blue and stole the Dem nomination from her. Obama mania is beyond politics and reason. It is a true religious cult, whose adherents reject Christianity yet still believe in Original Sin, transferring it from the evil of being human to the evil of being white.

Thus Obama has become the white liberals' Christ, offering absolution from the Sin of Being White. There is no reason or logic behind it, no faults or flaws of his can diminish it, no arguments Hillary could make of any kind can be effective against it. The absurdity of Hypocrisy Clothed In Human Flesh being their Savior is all the more cause for liberals to worship him: Credo quia absurdum, I believe it because it is absurd.

Thank heavens that the voting majority of Americans remain Christian and are in no desperate need of a phony savior. His candidacy is ridiculous and should not be taken seriously by any thinking American.

Mississippi October Sky...

2008-10-06T00:22:00.001-05:00

October Sky...
Originally uploaded by kelly-bell

Oh, how I looooove this time of year -- the cooling temps, the football games, the grilling-out, the holidays on the horizon, all of it! Fall even has a SMELL about it, doesn't it? So, take a deep breath!!!

late-night haiku of boredom...

2008-10-02T02:57:00.001-05:00

i am wide awake
snoring pets all around me
why them and not me?

I may be looking left, but I'm still leaning right!

2008-09-30T20:34:00.006-05:00

Broken-Hearted...

2008-09-22T11:52:00.002-05:00

I received an email last week from a fellow animal-lover/rescuer about some 2-3 week old kittens that had been found without a mother asking me if I knew of anyone who had a nursing mama cat. Well, after several days of asking around, I found one who was nursing kittens almost the very same age! I was so excited! And then my balloon burst...

Turns out the girl who had found the kittens also had a 3-year old child and trying to take care of ALL of them was just too much, so she took them to the local pound (of which I'm not a big fan) on Friday. When I heard that, my heart & gut just sank. I asked if maybe we could get them back, but after we called, turns out they put the sweet little babies to sleep immediately. My heart is just completely broken, and I do not know how people can even work there!

I'm not saying do not adopt from the pound by any means (you're likely to save a life, for sure!). PLEASE ADOPT -- from wherever!!! I guess I'm sort of playing activist here with this story, but THIS is exactly why I give my money to "no-kill" shelters, and why I support East Mississippi Animal Rescue -- because they actually care!

"How It Happened"...

2008-09-11T21:04:00.008-05:00

As written to a very good friend as part of an email:

"He [Jon] really did so good -- told me in the middle of the week to just be ready to getup EARLY Saturday morning to fly "somewhere", but wouldn't tell mewhere... Well, turns out it was Cincinnati, where we have really good memories from a trip 2 years ago... He had the whole deal set up with Morton's (my all-time favorite restaurant) & the hotel (the Westin) & after dinner had the waitress "recommend" a little bejeweled frog box to me on the dessert tray (I thought she was pointing to the carrot cake -- ha!) -- I NEVER thought he would do it in public at a restaurant! Sounds cheesy, but it was SO sweet... He had flowers, champagne, wine, chocolate-covered strawberries, etc., in the room waiting afterwards..."

I have to give the boy credit -- he made quite the memorable experience for me... despite my frets & worries beforehand that I might come home completely disappointed, of which I made him quite aware (tsk, tsk! on my part, but we have been quite open discussing marriage -- it's not as bad as it sounds!)... But it was wonderful & sweet & thoughtful & loving -- AND he still somehow managed to surprise beyond my wildest imagination! I'm a happy, happy girl, to put it quite simply... Bless his heart... ;)

*BIG smile*

Just a few things have happened lately, but let's get to the good stuff...

2008-09-03T16:28:00.002-05:00

Yep, Jon proposed. WE'RE GETTING MARRIED!!! Can you believe it!? So I guess I have a little 'splaining to do, huh? Yeah, yeah... I will tell all the guts of the story later, but suffice to say that he did really, really, really well!!! Surprise trip, flowers, champagne, wine, the whole shabang... I'm a happy, happy girl! :)

Lest We Forget...

2008-08-29T11:06:00.002-05:00

With Gustav approaching on this, the 3rd anniversary of Hurricane Katrina making landfall, I am posting a link to my photos collected of the Katrina devastation... Good Luck to everyone as we prepare to ride out Gustav!!!
http://flickr.com/photos/kellyj2777/sets/72157594392117088/

Ohhhhh, hell to the NO!!!!!

2008-08-18T14:41:00.002-05:00

Cop tells couple 'You can get another dog' as theirs dies in the backseat
Aug 18, 2008 12:32 PM CDT

Yesterday, we told you about the traffic stop in San Marcos that may have cost a dog his life.
Now officials have released the dash cam video of that traffic stop, and say it was a rookie mistake.

"It's a dog, okay? you can get another one, relax. This is not your driver's license."

"He said, man you need to chill out, it's just a dog. And I said, what do you mean, it's just a dog? it's not just a dog, it's, it's, it's my family."

It was on August 5th that Michael Gonzalez and girlfriend were pulled over for driving 95 miles an hour. They were taking their poodle to the emergency vet.

The officer who pulled them over took 20 minutes to issue the ticket, despite their pleas that their dog was in trouble. The dog then died in the backseat of the car.

The San Marcos police chief said that while the incident was not handled properly he does not know if it violated their policy.

Gonzalez says he's told the ticket will be dropped.

READ: Out of Sight, Out of Mind...

2008-08-15T13:39:00.005-05:00

Denver's Homeless Provided Options During DNC
Section: Denver 2008 DNC Convention Section
Written by Paul Day

DENVER (CBS4) ― Denver's homeless population will have options to staying on the street during the Democratic National Convention.

"If they don't want to get caught up in the protests or demonstrations, we'll find other activities that will keep them busy," said John Parvensky, President of the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless.

A plan has been developed to provide interested homeless people with free access to cultural activities. They include the Denver Zoo and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and they won't have to worry about paying for transportation."We'll have bus tokens if they need them," Parvensky said.

Also five, big screen TVs are being donated to a teen day shelter. One hope is to engage some of the homeless children in the political process by allowing them to see convention unfold on television. But another purpose is to draw them away from the streets while the Convention is underway.

Chad is a disheveled young man who recently arrived from Indiana. He was panhandling Wednesday at a busy street corner just a couple blocks from the Pepsi Center where the delegates will gather. Panhandling is legal in Denver but the panhandler can't be aggressive. Nobody had given him any money by noon and Chad told CBS4 he hopes the convention will increase donations.

"There sure is a lot of homeless that I've seen," Chad said.

Right now Denver's homeless population is estimated at 3,900 people.

Parevensky said nobody knows how the convention will impact Denver's homeless population. He thinks some participants may arrive in town without reservations and will discover they can't get a hotel room. Others who come "don't mind where they end up staying and maybe think they'll be able to camp out." They won't.

The plan for the homeless during the convention is being developed by Denver Department of Human Services, Denver Police Department and the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless.

It's been a rough few days...

2008-08-10T21:51:00.002-05:00

R.I.P. to Rudy (Nathan's cool little chihuahua), Isaac Hayes & Bernie Mac...

Mr. B gets down & dirty...

2008-08-05T13:40:00.003-05:00

Thanks must once again go out to Matt for bringing 2 of my all-time favorite things to my attention: TMZ.com and Mr. Belding (or anyone, for that matter) from 'Saved By The Bell'.

Please CLICK HERE for the more... and more... and more... Party on, Mr. B.!

The Politics of Bread...

2008-07-29T12:52:00.003-05:00

The little red hen called all of her Democrat neighbors together and said, 'If we plant this wheat, we shall have bread to eat. Who will help me plant it?''

'Not I,' said the cow.
'Not I,' said the duck.
'Not I,' said the pig.
'Not I,' said the goose.

'Then I will do it by myself,' said the little red hen, and so she did. The wheat grew very tall and ripened into golden grain.'Who will help me reap my wheat?' asked the little red hen.

'Not I,' said the duck.
'Out of my classification,' said the pig.
'I'd lose my seniority,' said the cow.
'I'd lose my unemployment compensation,' said the goose.

'Then I will do it by myself,' said the little red hen, and so she did. At last it came time to bake the bread. 'Who will help me bake the bread?' asked the little red hen.

'That would be overtime for me,' said the cow.
'I'd lose my welfare benefits,' said the duck.
'I'm a dropout and never learned how,' said the pig.
'If I'm to be the only helper, that's discrimination,' said the goose.

'Then I will do it by myself,' said the little red hen. She baked five loaves and held them up for all of her neighbors to see. They wanted some and, in fact, demanded a share. But the little red hen said, 'No, I shall eat all five loaves.'

''Excess profits!' cried the cow. (Nancy Pelosi)
'Capitalist leech!' screamed the duck. (Barbara Boxer)
'I demand equal rights!' yelled the goose. (Jesse Jackson)
The pig just grunted in disdain. (Ted Kennedy)

And they all painted 'Unfair!' picket signs and marched around and around the little red hen, shouting obscenities. Then the farmer (Obama) came. He said to the little red hen, 'You must not be so greedy.' 'But I earned the bread,' said the little red hen. 'Exactly,' said Barack the farmer. 'That is what makes our free enterprise system so wonderful. Anyone in the barnyard can earn as much as he wants. But under our modern government regulations, the productive workers must divide the fruits of their labor with those who are lazy and idle.'

And they all lived happily ever after, including the little red hen, who smiled and clucked, 'I am grateful, for now I truly understand.' But her neighbors became quite disappointed in her. She never again baked bread because she joined the 'party' and got her bread free. And all the Democrats smiled. 'Fairness' had been established. Individual initiative had died, but nobody noticed; perhaps no one cared...so long as there was free bread that 'the rich' were paying for.

People Can Be Scary...

2008-07-16T12:52:00.001-05:00

~ A Shrine for the Brandeloonies ~

Small Town Gay Bar

2008-07-14T13:29:00.004-05:00

Apparently there was a movie made about living as a gay person in my hometown of Meridian, Mississippi (and another Mississippi town), where they are "forced to deal with the struggles of ignorance, hypocrisy and oppression." The movie is called "Small Town Gay Bar" and I had never even heard of it until today. (I have, however, heard of the bar the movie is featuring.)

Kevin Smith was the producer, and he actually has the audacity to say, "It's a film that is a portrait of small-town gay bars in rural Mississippi," Smith said, straightening up. "Which is probably the hardest place in the world to be gay. It's a portrait of how people will create their own community, even in the middle of a community that ostracizes them and wants nothing to do with them. They can still collectively come together and create an oasis for themselves to just chill out and be themselves and be who they can't be in this particular buckle of the Bible Belt."

1. As one of the larger cities in the state, we are not exactly "rural Mississippi". Shockingly, we have paved roads and we don't all live on farms or ride tractors everywhere we go. I even shop at places OTHER than Wal-Mart.

2. I have some gay friends and never once have I heard them complain about being so oppressed, ostracized or anything else by the people or society in our hometown (nor do they act like it). Even if someone did have a problem with it, I have certainly never seen them act on it!

3. After reading the movie description on Wikipedia, I am now completely offended by the comments made by those involved with the film. I mean, I'm glad that homosexuals have their own place to go if they feel so inclined, but it's not like we ban them from all other bars and "oases"!!!

Yet another stereotypical strike against Mississippi in the eyes of those who do not live here, have never visited or just don't care to educate themselves about who we really are. So tell me, who is the one who is really being unfairly judged here?

Talk about writing your own version of history... Grrrr... (I did, however, add it to my Netflix queue so I can at least see for myself.)

i absolutely adore this picture -- that genuine smile! good stuff, good stuff...

2008-07-11T00:24:00.004-05:00

Jon, quite pleased with his surroundings...
Originally uploaded by kelly-bell

2008-07-06T23:51:00.013-05:00

I have been so swamped, overwhelmed and just plain busy as hell since returning from Belize LAST weekend (for example, we just got in from Panama City for the 4th and it's almost midnight). Since I have not had a chance to give a detailed account of our *fabulous* week on Ambergris Caye, chock full of hilarity, good times & relaxation -- which was capped off with being delayed overnight in ATL and being physically assaulted by a waiter at the hotel's restaurant (I kid you not), I can at least link to the photo set I uploaded to Flickr... Still, I have some good stories to come, but I'm just too exhausted right now... Belize ~ June 2008

* one of my favorite shots *

2008-07-01T01:52:00.001-05:00

It's a beautiful day in Belize!!!
Originally uploaded by kelly-bell

Isn't it beautiful? Ahh, deliciously so!!! I miss it already. Good thing Jon is already talking in terms of, "...when we go back..."

More Belize, Please...

2008-06-29T19:15:00.000-05:00

The Resort? Amazing. The Beach? Gorgeous. The Food? Scrumptious. The Snorkeling? Brilliant. The Mayan Ruins? Spectacular. The Atmosphere? Like No Other. The Companionship? Ideal. The Pictures? On Their Way...

Text-Messaging

2008-06-16T19:07:00.018-05:00

Kelly: I bet you miss me. I would if I were you.
Meredith: Like no other. So much it hurts sometimes.
Kelly: Yeah, I get that a lot.
Meredith: Not according to Facebook. [referring to the Compare People application -- see above photo]
Kelly: Ahh, touché. Except that I am #2 Most Useful. Let's not forget that little jewel.
Meredith: So you are almost the biggest doormat, but not quite.

A Sweet & Happy Irony This Time...

2008-06-12T21:00:00.012-05:00

Gimme a Break!
Originally uploaded by kelly-bell

Last year, Jon & I just happened to be visiting my grandmother when this pretty lady here, Kentucky Sunshine (pic from 2007), went into labor and had a darling red & white-spotted foal... We literally watched a baby being born, stand up (albeit clumsily), nurse, and begin a new life -- all so quickly! It's really such an amazing thing to witness, I must admit. God is truly an artist...

Well, last night, we all ate dinner at my parents' house and, when my grandmother got home, she called us to say a brand-new baby girl was waiting for her when she got back -- had just been born... and guess who the lucky mother was? Yep, Kentucky Sunshine!!! Of course we ran right over to see the new baby girl!

A beautiful, healthy, & strong sorrel filly, brand-new to the world, makes this a sweet irony this time! Ahhh, finally...

Hot Stuff.

2008-06-07T18:56:00.003-05:00

If you never hear from me again, in all likelihood it's because I either a.) died of a heat stroke; b.) melted; or c.) evaporated into thin (yet hot & humid!) air... If this is any indication of what kind of summer we're gonna have, then it's gonna be brutal!

"What dreadful hot weather we have! It keeps me in a continual state of inelegance." --Jane Austen, 'Letters'

"It's a beautiful daaaaaaaay..." -- Bono

2008-06-05T18:32:00.008-05:00

~ a lovely day in mississippi ~
Originally uploaded by kelly-bell

We have had some really beautiful (though scorchingly hot ALREADY) days here in Mississippi this past week or so... Now, ask my grass, shrubbery, and plants and you may get a totally different answer!!!

I pass by this pasture every day on the way to work and have been kicking myself for not taking a picture already. So voilà! Today I did...

Mattie Update (Post-Surgery)

2008-06-05T18:20:00.003-05:00

She is resting comfortably on a soft blanket on a soft couch after her surgery today to remove what turned out to be just as diagnosed: a fatty cyst that had herniated on her spotted little belly... I'm just thankful it wasn't anything worse! Not sure what I would do without my girl!!!

come on baby, knock me a kiss...

2008-06-04T01:59:00.003-05:00

knock me a kiss... (day one sixty-six)
Originally uploaded by kelly-bell

I took Mattie to the vet last Friday concerning a lump on her tummy that seems to be gettng larger (as she gets fatter)... 2 of her vets agreed it's most likely a fatty cyst that herniated.... So she is scheduled for surgery on Thursday --please think of & pray for her/me!!! I love this little stubby-nosed dog so much!!!

Turtle Dreams...

2008-05-28T14:08:00.003-05:00

If you have no idea what I am referring to from the title of this post, then you need to read the entry below this one. But here are some dream meanings I found concerning TURTLES:

To dream of seeing turtles, signifies that an unusual incident will cause you enjoyment, and improve your business conditions.
The turtle seen in a dream indicates an unusual improvement. This would be a positive omen. Turtles in a negative aspect means fear of facing responsibility or reality. However, a turtle can represent long life because turtles live a long time. They also have quiet strength.
These animals hold interesting symbolism. Most people loved turtles in childhood and some do in adulthood. The ideas that they convey are those of steadfastness and caution. They move and change very slowly, and in your dream about them, you may be expressing some of your reluctance to forge ahead. The turtles have strong protective shells, which may also be symbolic of your defense mechanisms or real life protection with which you have surrounded yourself.
To see a tortoise in your dream, suggests that you need to take some chances in order to get ahead in life. The opportunities for advancement are opened to you, but you need to take the next step. Alternatively, the tortoise may represent the need to be sheltered or protected from life's problems.
To see turtles in your dream, suggests that you will make slow but steady progress. You need to slow down and pace yourself. Alternatively, it indicates that you are sheltering yourself from the realities of life.
Protection, patience, needing to build stable foundations before launching a project, needing to ground yoursel, having the ability to adapt to circumstances, or somebody who withdraws easily, and tends to be defensive or sensitive...

weird, weird stuff...

2008-05-21T19:33:00.025-05:00

Very strange things have been happening to me lately. I mean, freak-me-out-a-little-bit strange. A few examples:

1. I sat down the other night and randomly decided to write a letter to my friend Matthew in Savannah, not something that happens often. I mail it the next day, come home, check my mail, and lo & behold, what do I find but a postcard from Matthew!!! Just as I'm telling this story to someone at work, Matthew's dad (a good family friend) pops his head in the door! Kinda odd, right?

2. The other day, Dad & I were riding in the car and I started telling him about how I haven't seen any turtles in the road this year at all (he & I are notorious for stopping & getting turtles out of the road). This conversation went on for a good 5 or 10 minutes, mind you. So I get up and start driving to work the next morning and what do I see? Of course, a turtle. I was even on the SAME ROAD where I'd been talking about it the night before!!! Then....that same night on the way home but on a different road, you guessed it -- another freaking turtle!!! 2 turtles in 1 day!!!

This time, I couldn't resist and had to turn around and try to help the little guy (he wasn't even close to being out of the road). What I got, however, was more upsetting than expected -- the red-eared slider had already been "knicked" by a car and about 1/8 of the front left quarter of his shell was gone and there was a gaping hole, but he otherwise seemed alert and able to move. Next thing you know, I'm nearly in tears calling my dad asking what I should do, bleeding turtle at my feet and turtle blood on my fingers, when a sheriff's deputy pulls up. Great, lights a-flashin'... But together we decide that the little guy had a good chance of making it and it was worth giving him a fair shot (I just didn't want him to suffer unnecessarily, you know?), so I let him go in a much safer ditch/culvert that goes UNDER the road!

Not to mention (or rather TO mention), I have this recurring dream about "taking in" an unnaturally enormouse tortoise in my backyard (always at my old house), and sometimes he even talks & communicates. Thing is, in the dream, I often forget to feed him and go outside when I finally remember and he's just gone. I mean, really, can you blame him?
(note to self: look up meaning of turtle dreams)

3. A few weeks ago, I dreamed that Lindsay Lohan stole all my stuff just to be a bitch (in the dream, "my stuff" is not necessarily my real stuff), including a fur coat. And of all the stuff, the fur coat was what REALLY upset me the most for some reason... Cut to a few weeks later and I read in one of my gossip rags that the little skank really is being sued for allegedly stealing some girl's fur coat from a party!!! I mean, WTF!?

****************

Seriously, I could go on and on with all these coincidences and odd occurrences, it's just bizarre. I think of someone, they call. I daydream about something, someone else starts talking about it. It's cRaZy, I tell you, just plain weird... Or, ahem, umm, maybe I am!!! :)

life is a little out of focus.

2008-05-16T22:29:00.002-05:00

life is a little out of focus. (day one-sixty)
Originally uploaded by kelly-bell

That pretty much sums it up. Busy. A whirlwind. Work & sleep, eat occasionally. Ugh. I'm tired. Calgon???

Scribblings...

2008-05-10T00:54:00.003-05:00

Scribblings... (day one fifty-six)
Originally uploaded by kelly-bell

Like Picasso, I'm going through a "Blue Period" (which probably just means most of the clothes I've bought lately were some shade of blue)... it was just a random little haiku. But truer words may never have been spoken... ;)

(note the quote at the top taken from one of my gossip rags regarding Jamie Lynn Spears that was just too good not to document.)

Back to BELIZE!!!!

2008-05-05T21:07:00.011-05:00

Ambergris Caye, Belize
Originally uploaded by kelly-bell

Today, Jon & I booked a fabulous vacation week in Ambergris Caye (San Pedro), Belize in June! I am so thrilled to go back, and to finally be able to go with Jon! (and he can finally see & experience all the spectacular things I have been telling him about so long.)

On top of that, I'm getting to stay in a new place just north of San Pedro: Belizean Shores... Take a peek -- doesn't it look lovely and relaxing? I'm already in love...

Oh, and Feliz Cinco de Mayo, amigos, btw...

R.I.P. Eight Belles

2008-05-03T23:24:00.009-05:00

I am just sick as can be about what happened to Eight Belles at the Kentucky Derby today... And after Barbaro a few years back? Yuck...

That being said, congrats to winner Big Brown...

a little teaser...

2008-05-02T01:14:00.003-05:00

mmmm, tasty...
Originally uploaded by kelly-bell

splittin' the vote...

2008-04-24T15:21:00.002-05:00

T minus 2 days until the Flora-Bama Mullet Toss...
T minus 3 days until the Talladega NASCAR race...

The redneck vote is split here as I will be attending one event and Jon will be attending the other... Details & photos to come, undoubtedly!

my heart feels all warm & fuzzy...

2008-04-22T20:40:00.005-05:00

My mom called me from the beach Saturday morning to tell me that she had gotten out my dad's Bible to do her study on the balcony when she found something tucked away inside: a letter I wrote to my parents in 1999 (my senior year of college/first real job year) telling them how much I love them and appreciate all that they have done for me, etc. Funny thing is, almost 10 years later, I still remember writing that particular letter.

But that he saved it? And in his Bible? Let's just say my heart grinned from ear to ear when she told me that. :-)

Bellies & Buttons...

2008-04-21T19:06:00.006-05:00

I had a MAJOR outtie when I was little...
Originally uploaded by kelly-bell

I think this photo of me (circa late 70's, mind you) and my Grammy's artwork says it all. My mom was pretty pissed (it was my paternal grandmother).

Maybe that is where I got the odd phobia of people or things touching, poking or getting near my belly button. I still remember people poking it all the time when I was a kid, like it was cute. (my mom even asked the doctor if it was normal/will it go away?, etc. and he said yes.... and oh, how correct he was as it's now a major innie!)

how could you NOT adore that sweet face!?

2008-04-15T01:21:00.001-05:00

sweet little matthew...
Originally uploaded by kelly-bell

I had such a good time with Catherine, Thomas & Mattew (who were in town for the Queen City Classic Miniature Horse Show and to just visit) this past weekend.... That liitle one has some kind of spunky personality, I tell you!!!!

the recurring dream is back...

2008-04-13T23:19:00.005-05:00

That recurring dream I have about missing school and entire classes is back (I think it's symbolism for feeling behind at work):
psychoanalytic babbleI'm completely overwhelmed right now with EVERYTHING -- mentally, physically, emotionally, the whole shebang... Work, family, just my own self... Jon has been about the only thing keeping me sane, I swear, bless his sweet heart!!!

Kitty, Kitty, Kitty...

2008-04-07T20:48:00.007-05:00

The Elusive Purple-Collared Deciduous Jungle Cat of Mississippi?
Originally uploaded by kelly-bell

My adorable Kitty Bug [aka "porch kitty"]... You can't help but fall in love with her -- she's actually such a tiny little thing (even at a year old)... She and I went on a little "nature walk" in the woods behind my house and I tell you, I could not have asked for a better companion -- energetic, spunky, curious... even followed me and came when called like a dog.

Every night when I pull into my driveway from work, she sprints off the porch and runs across the sidewalk to greet me. And I can't help it, it brings a silly smile to my face every single time...

Can you tell I just adore her? Oh, to bits & pieces...