Charlotta's got a lotta thoughts

Being Smart Smarts

2011-05-21T17:30:00.000-04:00

I have spent this past week looking for a summer job. I finally broke down and went to a temp agency. As part of the application process, I had to write a paragraph about my most recent experience with technology using 100 words or less. I decided I would write about my new purchase of a smart phone even though I decided to return it as I balanced my finances. I wrote something like this:

I recently bought a smart phone. What makes a smart phone smart? I was able to track expenses, email, listen to music, and flip through hundreds of photos with just the swipe of a finger. My connection to the world literally fit in my back pocket. The only dumb part was my timing. I purchased the phone after my job with the University ended. As I reviewed my finances, I realized I had to return the phone. How has my week without my smart phone gone? It really smarts.

I was particularly pleased with my usage of the verb 'smarts' at the end. I felt it really tied the paragraph together. The agent reviewed my writing sample and called me to her desk.

"Charlotta, let's review your last sentence. I think you meant to say 'It was really smart'."
"No. I was actually going for a play on words. See, the word 'smarts' actually means to sting or to hurt."
"So, it should read 'It was smart'?"
"No. 'It smarts.' You know, 'it hurts, it stings'."
"Oh. Do you want to change it to 'It hurts'?"
"No. Does it not make sense that I'm making a play on words?"
"I just think you need a verb. 'It is smart'."
"Okay, let's change it."

We changed it to "Taking it back was smart."

I find it funny that I was made to feel dumb over the word smart.

And that, my friends, really smarts.

I Had A Dream

2011-01-23T12:24:00.001-05:00

Friday started like any other normal day.

I attended class, drove home, met up with Mama Mia, and we left town for the evening. My right eye was a little itchy.

Around 9:30pm both of my eyes were itching like crazy. I leaned over to Mama Mia and asked her how my eyes looked. She responded, "You look awful. Both your eyes are swollen and pink. Just smile. It will make your eyes smaller."

Awesome. So I look like a freak. A smiling freak. A smiling freak with itchy eyes. What is wrong with me?

We arrived back in Athens a little after 1am. I opted to not drive home since my eyes looked like pink marsh mellows attached to my face. I hoped my eyes would magically be okay in the morning. I certainly didn't have time for an eye infection.

I went to bed in the guest room. ...I dreamed about a wedding. I was one of the bridesmaids. A makeup artist was doing the eye makeup for others in the wedding party. Their eyes looked lovely. And I was next in line! I sat in the chair and closed my eyes. She brushed color after color onto my eyelids. The effect must have been gorgeous. I could hear the others around me ohhhing and ahhhing over my eye makeup. They were commenting about the beautiful shimmer and shine on my eyelids. I could feel her brush gently stroking powder on my lids. The brush was so soft. I couldn't wait to see the results. I decided to peek. I wanted to see how it looked. I waited until the brush stroke stopped, but my eyes hesitated. I wanted to see what she was doing but my eye muscles would not respond. OPEN! Eyes, open!! I just wanted to see. My eyes, I couldn't open them! Just open! I started to panic. Eyes, open now! Nothing. Just darkness! 1, 2, 3 open! Why.Can't.I.Open.My.Eyes?!...

And then I woke up. A crusty layer of eye goop had sealed both eyes shut. I stumbled to the bathroom and washed my eyes. When I finally could open them, I saw sleep had not helped them. Both were completely pink and so puffy that I could just see through a slit. A call to our doctor confirmed I had conjunctivitis - pink eye - in both eyes.

I picked up the medicated eye drops prescribed to me and drove home. Julia Gulia happened to text me later and ask how I was doing. I snapped a picture on my phone of my swollen eyelids as a response. I laughed at her return text, "Well, you can put on more eye shadow this way."

Perhaps. If only I'd been able to watch the makeup artist in my dream...

Two Feet and Half a Foot

2010-03-23T23:30:00.002-04:00

Julia Gulia gets married in a few weeks and I'm one of her bridesmaids. She wants us each to wear matching shoes and selected an ivory pair. I ordered them online and they arrived today. I was excited.

Then I tried them on.

Oh my golly goodness. These suckers have a small platform and a heel half a foot high. While Julia-Gulia has practice walking in heels this tall and actually looks natural in the process, my normally long stride immediately turns to an awkward shuffle the moment I put on these shoes.

I'm more into flats.

I like long walks on the beach. Heels don't allow for long walks.
I like leisurely strolls through parks. Heels don't allow for leisurely strolls.

I like fashion, don't get me wrong, but I also like comfort.

I'm not even really opposed to heels. I enjoy wearing them here and there.

It's just, well, wearing these shoes is going to be one, tall order.

One Track Mind

2010-02-27T22:20:00.003-05:00

I know I haven't blogged much this semester. I've been pretty busy. In fact, I admitted to some friends that I may have bit off more than I can chew what with 15 credit hours and working part time. It seems the minute I get one thing done, five more assignments demand my attention. I stay up late to get more reading done - which makes me tired during lecture - which requires more reading on my part to understand my notes - which leads to, well, you see where this is headed. A typical day might start at 6:45 am and end the following morning at 1am. I yawn a lot. I'm sooo sleepy.

It rained in Athens on Wednesday. This meant I took the bus instead of riding my bike. The bus crosses a train track - one I've never seen used during my career at UGA. I was surprised to see some actual train cars 'parked' on the track that particular afternoon. I noticed one of the cars had been tagged by a graffiti artist. My yawn was interrupted by a chuckle as I read what the paint said.

My train of thought preciously. Seems the graffiti artist is having a tough semester as well.

Call Me Fun Dip

2010-02-18T16:22:00.007-05:00

I attended a baby shower in January. For those of you who have never attended a baby shower (the male readers of this blog) and have always wondered what one does at a baby shower, this post is about to answer all your questions.

We eat. We talk. We play games. The mom opens presents. and if I'm invited, you'll probably laugh. AT me.

So at said baby shower, we were playing the classic game Memory. You know the one - there's a board with a grid. In each square is a word or saying and each person takes a turn uncovering two squares to see if they match. If they don't, the paper is returned and the next person attempts to uncover a match. If the two items are identical, the person gets a point - or in this version, a candy to match the phrase.

This grid had phrases associated with babies such as 'Daddy's little girl', 'Delivery fee', 'Bottle', and 'Mommy time'. It came to be my turn and I turned over 'Nap time'. The match had just been identified a few turns previously and I tried to remember where it had been. I selected a number but instead of a match, it was the phrase 'pregnancy brain'. This is the phenomenon that pregnant women experience that seems to wipe away their memory. Trying to make a joke, and not thinking before I spoke, I blurted, "Pregnancy brain? I guess that's what I have right now!"

The party seemed to stop. Slowly all eyes looked at me. Finally someone asked, "Are you making an announcement?"

"Huh? An announc...oh, NO. No, no, no, no, no. I'm not pregnant. I'm not even married!"

Fortunately I was able to establish the truth and the game resumed. My slip-up became a joke for the remainder of the party. I eventually got a match: 'Baby's first laugh' which was a Snickers bar.

Snickers indeed. I'm thinking more along the lines of Airhead.

The Char-Lettes

2009-12-22T10:15:00.000-05:00

My church hosts an annual Oscar Night. Any member can submit a video 5 minutes or less in length to be judged. The audience views all the entries and votes for the standard categories: best actor, best actress, best music, best animation, etc.

I decided to enter a video this year (because I'm in graduate school and have an abundance of free time...cough, cough). I wanted to make a music video featuring music from The Trans Siberian Orchestra. I love their music. I have been known to listen to their songs in the summer. I know, I know, shame on me. Anyway, I filmed the video (which took awhile) and handed the clips to my fantastic film friend Janet who did the editing, cropping, and designing. The video won Best Actress and Best Costume/Make up.

Here are the Char-Lettes performing Queen of the Winter Night.

Untitled from JanetFelosi on Vimeo.

List Noted

2009-12-05T17:55:00.000-05:00

I received an email from P-Squared regarding Little Boy Blue's Christmas list.

Little Boy Blue revealed his wish list a few weeks ago when in Target. I took notes. Some of the Lego toys are under $20. He tore the pictures out of a catalog and keeps them handy to look at and covet. Er, I mean, dream.

P-Squared then listed five different Lego sets.

I noticed he'd copied all the siblings minus Little boy. I took the opportunity to respond first.

Dad, since I wasn't at Target with you, my wish list is unknown. To be helpful, I've responded with my list. I like
- a new car
- a road bike (I'll even settle for one that's only $1,000)
- tuition paid in full

Then the email responses snow-balled. First from TheDeanInc.

Since we are all laying this out there, I want:
- a 3 year old BMW M3 (not as picky on the 'new' part that Charlotta wants)
- some new jeans, preferably True Religions.
Scratch that...just get me some very high valued Nordstrom gift cards.

Next from P-Squared himself:
Well, if we're revealing, I want
- a new truck. Then Johnny can drive my truck.
- some new shirts and slacks.
- a replacement of the Acura for (me) mama mia

- a new garage door
- or shingles for the house.
Nothing TOO costly.

Then Johnny commented:
That's an ugly truck, no offense, but if you're the one driving it, then SURE, go for it!

And finally Smelly Shelly wrote:
I need these. (She's enrolled in Dental Hygiene school) They range from $700 - 900 but I don't know if that includes a prescription.

- this car
...or the SUV
...or a black Range Rover

______________________________________________

I hope Mama Mia wants a new four car garage...

Weddings are for Normal People

2009-11-13T08:30:00.000-05:00

Question: What do normal people do at weddings?

Answer: I suppose they sit politely, stand/sing/clap/pray at the appropriate times, and socialize/dance during the reception.

I wouldn't know. I'm not 'normal'.

Question: What do I do at weddings?

Oh, I'm so glad you asked. I sneak away with Little Boy Blue, find naked statue gardens, and take pictures. I think my way is waaaaaay more fun.

Dear Josh and Danielle ~ Congratulations! Thanks for inviting my family to your special day. You mentioned I was missing from the pictures the photographer took. Hmm, that's weird. I guess the photographer and I always just missed each other. I mean, I was there. Regardless, Little Boy Blue and I had lots of fun. It's certainly a wedding he and I will never forget. Much love ~ Charlottalove

The Wreckiest Night Ever

2009-11-10T21:20:00.014-05:00

I got to meet Jen Yates on Monday night!

What? You don't know who she is?

Oh.

Well, I suppose I need to tell you about her.

Jen Yates is the Mastermind behind the funniest 'food' blog I've ever read. It's called Cake Wrecks and you should be ashamed of yourself if you've never read it. But, your personal mistakes aside, her blog makes my day. I literally "LOL" at each post.

When she mentioned she was writing a book, I knew it would be something I'd enjoy. To add icing to the, erm, cake, she announced a book tour with a stop in Atlanta.

And she mentioned there would be cake.

(A fra-reaking awesome cake!)

Um, Sign. Me. Up!

Now, as part of the book tour, each stop has a contest. Anyone attending is welcome to submit a cupcake replica of one of the cake disasters on her website.

I opted for 'I want sprinkles' cake. Here is the original cake posted on her blog.

Here's my cupcake replica. Mine actually had sprinkles. (I didn't win.)

It was to be me and Julia-Gulia. We invited Mama Mia to join us but, unfortunately, she had previous obligations and told us to have fun. We couldn't just leave her out of the evening though. What could we do to help Mama Mia experience the full wreckiness of our evening?

We made a cake.

The ugliest cake we could create.

(Julia-Gulia and I are torn: is it the back of Oscar the Grouch's head or a moldy football? We can't decide.)

And we had Jen autograph it.

She admitted this was the first time she'd ever been asked to autograph a cake.

I'm glad we could make her first experience so ...wrecky.

Thankful Comma For Little Boys

2009-10-09T08:47:00.002-04:00

December 2008: Sunday dinner ~ Our guest, John, was seated and it was time to bless the food. My dad asked Little Boy Blue to offer the prayer. Although he meant to indicate two separate phrases, he didn't pause between the words 'came' and 'for' so his prayer sounded like this:

We are thankful that John came for the food.

We each chuckled. Even Little Boy Blue appreciated the mistake.

September 2009: Sunday dinner ~ Our guest, John, is again seated and it's time to bless the food. Little Boy, an emerging prankster like the rest of us, offered to say grace.

We are thankful that John came comma for the food.

My chuckle - during the prayer - was quite audible and soon joined by others.

I sure hope God has a sense of humor.

Otherwise comma I'm in big trouble.

Time is Money

2009-09-10T14:00:00.001-04:00

It's been a long time since I blogged!

Speaking of time, I needed a clock in the bathroom. I was tired of not knowing how long I had to get ready and inevitably getting to places late.* I looked online for some clocks and was surprised at how expensive most were. I didn't want something round and 'normal' but the further away from a standard clock I looked, the higher the price tag rose. I decided I would make my own clock and I figured I could do it for under $20.

I started with a picture frame I found on sale for $8. **

Clock components were $6.

My dad gave me a piece of spare plywood and even cut it to fit the middle of the frame. Free!

I wanted to paint the plywood the same color of the bathroom - key lime pie. The spare paint from the bathroom had long been used so I went and bought a pint of paint. I was completely unprepared for the going rate of paint.

I don't want to talk about this anymore.

The hands that came with the clock components were brass and little and, well, just too plain. I found some that I loved for $3.

And now I know what time it is when I'm doing my hair or putting on my makeup.

Total Price: $33.75

So I blew my budget of $20 but I also have a clock I enjoy.

Oh, and on a side note, if you need anything painted a greenish color similar to key lime pie, anything at all, I've got a whole pint of paint left.

*I'm still late but now I have a cool clock that tells me exactly how late I'll be.

** Excuse the picture quality. I'm guessing my camera was on the wrong setting. Normally my pictures aren't so grainy.

Hindsight is $20 $20

2009-07-22T15:00:00.000-04:00

I wanted glasses when I was younger. So badly, in fact, that I popped out the tinted lenses from a pair of sunglasses and wore just the frames.

Everywhere. To school, to the grocery store, around the house, while playing outside...

I remember riding my bicycle in the street one day while wearing my glasses. The neighbors were remodeling their home and a construction crew was busy at work. I rode up then down the street; up and back again. I'm not sure if I hit a small rock or shifted my balance but one moment I was riding high and the next found me on the asphalt next to my fallen bike. I laid there for what seemed like only a second before a construction member rushed to my side to help me. He picked up my bike and I dusted my knees. He then retrieved my blue frames and handed them to me.

I was humiliated.

He knew! He knew my adorable, cute frames were fake! Never mind that I'd just crashed my bike in front of him, he knew my glasses were plastic, empty frames.

I went in the house and waited until they left before I rode my bike again.

Little did I know that I would actually need glasses in 8th grade.

---------------------------

I wanted braces when I was younger. So badly, in fact, that I carefully unbent a paper clip until it resembled my top row of teeth. I crumbled small bits of aluminum foil around the paper clip to form makeshift brackets. I connected the paperclip and brackets to my teeth with a rubber band. It was a nuisance to keep in my mouth (I laugh now at how dedicated I was to this endeavor) but I would put it in my mouth each afternoon as soon as I got home from school.

Little did I know that I would actually need braces during high school.

--------------------------

I wish I'd recognized the trend when I was little.

* Wear fake glasses, get real glasses

* Wear fake braces, get real braces

I sure wish I'd carried around a pocketful of Monopoly money.

My Blnkng Car

2009-07-20T16:35:00.000-04:00

My car is a keeper. I bought her after I graduated from college in 2002 and she's been my trusty sidekick since. She and I have been to various states, run over a few nails, blown a tire on the interstate, and been pulled over for going a little too fast.

As cool cars go, I think mine's the coolest. I mean, she blinks.

BLINKS, I tell ya!

I bet your car doesn't blink.

Please ignore the check engine light. I ran out of electrical tape. Oh, and ignore the fact that every time I shift, the car clunks like a cheap casino machine. Most car owners can only wish to be that cool.

I Tri-ed

2009-07-10T13:31:00.010-04:00

A few months ago, a friend mentioned she was training for a triathlon. Being the great friend that I am, I decided to invite myself. We trained on our own and shared a few concerns / tips / achievements when we saw each other. Then the week of the event came.

I couldn't sleep.

Every night was a dream about the event. I dreamt I forgot my socks. My shoes. My hat. One night I actually dreamt that someone stole the front tire from my bike. It was a long week.

And then Saturday came.

Four of us traveled to Hilton Head, SC the day before. We ate dinner, went for a leisurely swim at the hotel, and packed the car for the next day. 5:15 on a Saturday comes quickly!

We left the hotel and got to the beach at 6:15. This is my 'remind me why I'm here so early and why are you taking pictures of me' face. Cute. I know.

We registered. Got our race numbers. They put your registration number on your arm and your age on your leg. I'm telling you...there's nothing like nearly running out of energy during the running portion - you want to quit - and then you see some lady pass you and she has a '59' written on her calf to get you moving again!

It was my second sprint triathlon. I'm not brave enough to try longer distances yet.

And ladies, um, ladies...let me give you six reasons why you should compete in a triathlon.

Did you find all six abs? Um, hello!

Oh, hi mom. ahem.

As I was saying... what was I saying?!

Oh, right, 6 reasons why you should compete in a triathlon.

1. It's fun.

2. You get to swim in the ocean.

3. You get a tan.

4. You get a t-shirt.

5. You are done by 10 in the morning and can spend the rest of the day on the beach.

6. You can blog about it.

Try it!

A Preview

2009-06-29T16:38:00.002-04:00

Hint: There was water. There was a bike. There was running.

And there was a farmer's tan.

Whirlpool of Trouble

2009-06-26T08:27:00.004-04:00

A bit of trouble - that's what seems to happen when three bored siblings are left alone* at my house. What happened at your house when you got in trouble?A swat with a wooden spoon or belt? A bar of soap in the mouth? A night with no dinner?

Well, it's a bit different for Little Boy Blue and Johnny Cherie. You don't even want to know what they did.

Alright you two, you may come out of the dryer now.

Let that be a lesson to you.

If this behavior continues, you know what happens...it's the fluff cycle for you!

*Always a fun day at the house when there is a camera phone, and empty dryer, and three bored siblings. I may or may not have tried to get in the dryer but something about my legs being waaaaaaaay too long and awkward to fit.

My Dad

2009-06-23T10:51:00.005-04:00

I made this at the beginning of the year.

I prepped four cork boards.

I shopped and bought material. I covered the cork boards. I sanded.
I stained.
I glued reinforcement tabs on the back.

And I finished.

Oh, I forgot to mention that P2 helped. In fact, he cut the wood and drilled all the necessary holes. (It was freezing that morning if you can't tell.) So basically I'd just have some covered cork boards and a 10 foot 2x4 without his help.
P2, I love you. Thanks for the structure and framing you give to my life.

Happy (late) Father's Day. I'm glad I have you to call Dad!

Bugged

2009-05-21T22:30:00.000-04:00

Dear Lego Corporation,

My name is Charlottalove.

I happen to like Volkswagen Bugs.

Well, like is an understatement.

I guess I love VWs. Okay, okay, I'm obsessed.
Anyway, I noticed you have a new set available.
...titled CHARLOTTE
Are you kidding me?
A Volkswagen beetle set called Charlotte?!?
Did I just die and go to VW heaven?
Lego, I think I love you. We were meant to be together. Just like two connecting pieces.

Signed, Charlottalove

Angels and Demon

2009-05-13T22:59:00.000-04:00

Happy (belated) Mother's Day to all you moms reading this. I hope those loved ones in your life did something to let you know how appreciated you really are.

Shelly Belly certainly made Mama Mia's day when this arrived.
It's 6 angels sitting on a bench. How fitting since Mama Mia and P2 have 6 of us chill'en.

I took a good look and, from what I can figure, this angelic group represents us fairly accurately. The first angel is Johnny-Cherie. She's always leaning on someone with her arm linked through theirs. Although this angel isn't linking arms but it's cuddly, just like Johnny.

The next angel is me. I'm sitting next to Smelly-Shelly. I've linked my arm and I seem to have a concerned face as I look at Shelly ~ an almost eldest-sister type of concern and love. ...but it's all a show. If anyone in the family is going to 'sympathize' with sarcasm, it's me. I feel that this angel is a bit of a prankster. Meanwhile, Smelly-Shelly, the mature sister at times, seems to look at me with a 'oh, won't you ever grow up?' look. Just like real life in a way.
(Isn't that right Smelly-Shelly?)

Which brings me to Julia Gulia. She and Smelly are the closest in age. They were always together when they were young girls and formed a tight sisterly bond. These two angels are smack dab in the center and seem to share a history.

Now, one thing I've never mentioned on this blog is Julia Gulia and her hugs. Man, the girl loves hugs. Especially from Little Boy Blue. Oh, I should mention that Little Boy Blue doesn't really like hugs. Especially ones from Julia Gulia. Which is fitting that Julia Gulia's angel is trying to embrace Little Boy Blue as he tries desperately to push her away from him.

Just one angel left. Looks to me like this angel is bored. He's looking at his fingers as if to imply his cuticles are more important than this silly group activity. The only sibling left is TheDeanInc ...but he couldn't care less about his cuticles. Surely this isn't TheDeanInc. In fact, something's just not right about this angel. It's like it's almost TheDeanInc and yet...something's just...I don't know, I can't put my finger on it.

TheDeanInc? Is that you? TheDeeeeeeeeeeeeeanInnnnnnnnnnnc? Where are you?

Oh! There you are! Yes, that's TheDeanInc I know.

There you are Mama Mia. Happy Mother's Day from all your angels.
And your son.

Sense: This Post Makes None

2009-04-10T16:20:00.001-04:00

I saw this picture again today.

And then I saw this.

I can just hear the conversation. Darth Vader is at a party of some sort. The host comes to him and says, "DV, hey man, there's someone I want you to meet. This is Kitty."

[loud inhale and exhale] "Hello Kitty."

"Hello, Darth."

And while I'm making no sense,

Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeere's Chewbacca!

The Mother of All Pranks

2009-04-03T09:00:00.001-04:00

I brought my lunch to school nearly every day when I was young. Mama Mia taught me and TheDeanInc to pack our own lunch the night before a school day. In the morning, all we had to do was grab our lunch box and head to school. TheDeanInc and I hated making our lunches and would try to negotiate this task back to Mama Mia. She rarely consented.

One night she offered.

TheDeanInc and I were thrilled. Mama Mia was going to make our lunch. Yipee!

As if making my lunch weren't already enough, I opened my bag the next day to find chips, some chocolate, yogurt, and a sandwich. I'd hit the jackpot. Yogurt was only for special occasions. Oh I loved yogurt. And chips? February 29th was more common at my house. We never had chips. Ever. And chocolate? My mom's idea of a treat was an apple slice dipped in peanut butter. Chocolate was more unusual than chips.

I ignored the questions surrounding my mom's sudden mental state and started eating.

The sandwich, probably peanut butter, was fine. I grabbed my bag of Cheetoh chips. I couldn't wait to lick the orange powder off each finger. I opened the bag.

Doritos? That was odd.

Doritos would be fine, I guess. I couldn't believe the chip company had mixed the bag.

Next was the yogurt. My flavor was bubble gum - yes, bubble gum. I opened the container. The plastic seal was missing but I was more concerned with gobbling yummy yogurt than worrying about a silly seal. The flavor was a bit off, though. It tasted more like strawberry than bubble gum.

Finally, the chocolate! This was the best lunch ever! I opened my box of Raisinets. They looked different than I remembered but, it'd been awhile. I popped one in my mouth and

Milkduds?

What was this lunch?

After school I discussed some things with TheDeanInc. He'd had a weird lunch as well. In fact, he had Cheetos in his Doritos bag, bubble gum flavored yogurt in his strawberry container, and Raisinets in his MilkDud box.

Was he thinking what I was thinking...?

We grabbed some paper. We brainstormed our letter to Frito Lay and Nestle. They needed to know they'd made a mistake. Who knew how many bags and boxes were affected. Due to our kindness in alerting them to this mistake, would they consider offering us a year supply of chips and chocolate. Sincerely, us.

We proudly showed our work to Mama Mia. She'd be so happy that we worked a solution on our own. And maybe, just maybe, we'd share a bag or two with her.

"Guys, do you know what the date is today?"
"...no..."
"It's the 1st of April. In other words, April Fools!"

She'd taken the time to carefully open the chip bags, swap them, and glue the bag shut again. Mama Mia had taken a spatula, completely scrapped each yogurt container into a small cup, and switched the flavors. She'd also opened the chocolate boxes, replaced them with the wrong chocolate, and glued the ends together.

She got us. She got us good.

A Thank You Letter

2009-04-01T08:34:00.002-04:00

Blogger Friends,

Have I ever told you why I’m hesitant to start projects or goals? It’s ‘the end’ that scares me. The unknown that accompanies any completed task. Sure there is a sense of satisfaction but …what now? Sometimes I fear the end so much that I don’t begin. Take blogging for example. I hesitated for so long before I starting a blog because I didn’t know if I could sustain it. What if I ran out of things to say? What if life got so busy that I neglected what was once my favorite hobby? Those thoughts crippled me.

I began a blog anyway.

It’s been a wonderful aspect of my life for the past few years. Honestly, I never expected it to last this long. And so, with much sadness, I face a fear.

The end of my blog is here.

What now? I don’t know. I do know this, if you ever are near Athens, Georgia and you want a face to face, real time update of my life, give me a call. I’d love to thank my blog-friends in person for blessing my life.

~Charlotte

867-5309

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The joke's over. I'm not leaving.

3:1

2009-03-10T13:10:00.000-04:00

I think I'm the luckiest sister in the world. I don't just have one or two sisters but I have three of the most gorgeous sisters in the world. We like to keep things in balance. In fact, we have a good 3 to 1 trend most of the time.

1 lives in Texas; 3 live in Georgia.

3 wear corrective lenses of some sort; 1 has perfect vision.

1 is a teenager; 3 have graduated to the 20s or 30s.

3 are in relationships; 1 is single.

1 is a tomboy; 3 are various stages of girly girls.

3 own cars; 1 just got her license.

3 were ready for this picture; 1 was caught off guard.

1 will probably die tonight when another sister realizes this picture was posted.

The Answer is Blowing in the Wind

2009-03-04T19:45:00.001-05:00

We had quite a surprise this weekend. Athens received 6 inches of snow. I realize this isn’t much for those that live in snow country, but understand that this is the first time I’ve seen snow since moving here in 2005. It just doesn’t snow in Georgia. Especially not half a foot!

The snow was beautiful. It was refreshing.

It blanketed everything with a perfectly white cover. It was wonderful. It did make driving a bit difficult. ...and it was also heavy. The snow weighed down branches causing full grown limbs to snap like toothpicks. Entire trees blocked roads or fell on roofs. Most of the city lost power for a day.
This confused me. I lived in Utah for 8 years. It always snowed yet this level of damage never occurred. What was the difference? I decided since the trees in Utah face snow each year, their branches grow stronger to withstand the weight and harsh weather conditions. I realize different types of trees grow out west and it's obvious why. I thought of life. How is it that situations can affect people so differently? How is it that one person can handle pressure from life where another person buckles and breaks? The answer is with the trees. The trees that grow where the weather is harsh are stronger. The trees that grow where the weather is usually nice and fair grow but never have to prove their strength. People face storms that will test their very character whether they are ready or not. It's these life storms that show how strong a person really is.

There are days when I feel weighted down and broken like the tree,
and there are other days I choose to see the beauty in the storm. Thank you, Mother Nature, for the snow. And thank you, God, for the storms.

(I don't know who these people are. And don't make fun of Southerners. When it snows, we have to use whatever we have as sleds.)

* My camera is MIA right now. I did NOT take any of these pictures. All are courtesy of Mama Mia, a neighbor, and a coworker.

Virginia is for Lovers. So I went to D.C. instead.

2009-02-18T08:00:00.001-05:00

Question: When are broken hearts a good thing?
Answer: Why, on Valentine's Day, of course!

Two weeks ago I received a text from Scottie the Hottie: What are you doing for Valentines?
'I'm single... nothing special. Maybe a movie. You?'
"Going to D.C. Want to come?"
'Driving or flying?'
"Flying. You can use my buddy pass."
'SURE!'

And so the adventure began. Scottie the Hottie needed a break from the city, especially since his most recent ex-girlfriend lives in town. Valentine's Day is tough if you're single but especially rough when a place sparks so many memories - which can be avoided if you travel to a different state and do some sight seeing.

Mission: Get Out of Town
Destination: Washington, D.C.

We spent Saturday walking. The weather was perfect. While walking, a sculpture garden caught my attention.

First there was this guy. Or gal. I'm not really sure of the gender, just that s/he seems to be missing something.

This piece was at the intersection of Peel and Banana.

The Wizard from Emerald City was there.

So was this funky, uh, thing. I loved the curves.

Oh, more curves! I really like how the tree curves to the dirt symbolizing creation and strength...

Speaking of trees, this is the National Christmas Tree. It was planted a few months before I was born. Tell me, which one of us makes 30 look good?!

(Hint: there is one correct answer and it doesn't rhyme with Fashional Mistress Key.)

Oh, and Obama was there. He didn't say much though. I thought he was a bit flat and 2 dimensional, but that's just me. All in all, Mission Get-Out-of-Town was a success. Thank goodness for friends who work for airlines, for buddy passes, but mostly, thank goodness for ex girlfriends!

The Great Generation Gap

2009-02-13T08:00:00.005-05:00

I have the most fun with my major. Really, I do. One of my classes, Teaching Elementary Children P.E., has a lab each Friday where we participate in physical activities catered to children. This means I'm encouraged to act like a child. It's no wonder why I enjoy grad school.

One particular morning we learned how to teach and demonstrate different types of traveling. The professor would yell a verb such as jumping, running, skipping, crawling, etc and as a class, we traveled around the gym for 20 or 30 seconds.

"Gallop like a horse."

I began to 'gallop'. To complete the demonstration, I cupped my hands and clapped to imitate hoof sounds.

The undergrads just stared at me.

Oh come on! Just because you were born in 1990 shouldn't mean you don't get a Monty Python reference!

Right?

Right?!?

Never mind.

Come back and I'll taunt you again. Yeah, that's right! I'm talking to you! Icky icky icky pikang zoop boing. You heard me!

P.S. I decided Friday the 13th had to be the luckiest day to start blogging again.

Sooner or Gator

2009-01-08T14:15:00.001-05:00

Football season is, well, over.

Until the fall, that is.

Same thing with this blog. Sooner or later, graduate school was bound to demand more of my time.

Don't think of me as gone.

I'm just in the off season.

Milk: It Does A Body Good

2008-12-31T09:15:00.001-05:00

A couple at church got engaged the week before Christmas.

Julia-Gulia got engaged Christmas Eve.

A co-worker got engaged Christmas Day.

Another friend got engaged two weeks ago.

Is there something in the water?!?

I'll have a glass of milk, please.

Home for the Holidays

2008-12-24T12:25:00.000-05:00

Whether home is a house,

a high rise apartment building,

a house with lots of land,

a house with lots of water,

or a house on wheels,

May you have a very merry (and sweet) Christmas!

A Christmas Poem

2008-12-17T10:00:00.001-05:00

Twas the week before Christmas;
Lists ran through my head,
Of tasks not yet finished.
My heart filled with dread.

There were stockings to stuff,
And presents to buy,
Cookies to bake,
And ribbons to tie.

Parties yet to attend,
Christmas cards not addressed,
Everything must be perfect;
I was rather obsessed.

When what to my open inbox did appear?
Yet another email wishing me holiday cheer.

Bah Humbug! I'm busy!
No time for your fun.
Contact me next week,
By then I'll be done.

My time is all scheduled.
I've no time to stop.
I must stay focused,
Or all plans will flop.

No phone calls,
No emails,
No letters,
No eating.

No carols,
No blogging,
No Facebook,
No reading.

To the store, then home, and back to the mall.
Dash this way, dash that way, dash away all.

The store clerk said 'Thank you'
And gave me a smile.
I began to feel...festive.
Boy, that took awhile!

Christmas was coming
And I'd nearly missed it!
I'd been too busy rushing
To stop and enjoy it.

The family and friends
With which I'd been blessed,
Had true Christmas spirit
While I sat and stressed.

I had fresh perspective;
A new Christmas goal:
I'd be friendly and nice -
Earn no stocking coal.

It's people like you
That I hold so dear.
You're a present to me
As Christmas comes near.

So to all of my friends,
In cyber space or near,
Merry Christmas to all,
And a Happy New Year!

That Bites

2008-12-10T11:00:00.002-05:00

While I was in New York, I spent several hours at the Museum of Natural History. I was there for at least five hours and I didn't even see everything. Be glad that my camera batteries died halfway through or this blog would just be one picture after another of documented history. That place was amazing. The reptile and snake room was very enjoyable.

In fact, I learned how to get bitten by a snake.

What!? Don't you want to know this kind of stuff?

It's very handy information.

Handy.

Because it's with your hand.

Get it?

Why would they make a display case with detailed models and instructions if they didn't want you to get bitten?

New York is friendly like that.

I mean, look, they even tell you how to lie after the snake bite. How informative is that?!

Speaking of bites...

I looked everywhere for this exhibit.

Anyone know how to get bitten by a vampire?

Weighty Issues

2008-12-03T08:30:00.005-05:00

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I love that we set aside a day to truly reflect on our blessings...while eating a delicious meal.

Gratitude and food - can't go wrong with those two ingredients!

This year I was lucky enough to spend my holiday with a former roommate who now lives in New York. I spent my week in Manhattan visiting all the tourist spots. In addition to a fantastic Thanksgiving dinner, I tried lots of pastries from various bakeries.

Lots of pastries.

I really like New York pastries.

Perhaps a little too much.

On Friday, I visited the Museum of Natural History. One floor had scales that calibrated a person's weight as if they were on galactic stars or planets. On Halley's Comet I don't even weigh a pound.

0.193?! Bring me a black and white cookie! I need to eat, eat, eat!

0.043??? I'm losing, not gaining! MORE FOOD! Give me a Chinese cookie!

Extra chocolate in the middle!

58 pounds - okay, that's a little better. I still need sugar though.

Bring me a tri-colored bar.

3626?! GACK! Too much, too much! Suddenly I need to undo my belt.

2.13?! I'm back to wasting away...

hey, wait a second...

2.13 TRILLION POUNDS?!

*thud*

I just fainted. All 2.13 trillion pounds of me just hit the floor.

Excuse me while I go cry.

And start a diet.

Is there such a thing as a pastry diet? I really think I'd be successful at that one.

Are Your Eyes Watering or Is It Just Me?

2008-11-20T17:00:00.002-05:00

I'm still amazed that people can't spell my name.

I was downtown running some errands one day and decided to get a bite to eat. I placed my order and gave my name to the cashier.

I sat and waited. Looked around at the other customers. Watched some television.

And heard my name butchered over the intercom.

“Sure-la? Cher? Shauna?”

I turned and clarified, “Charlotte?”

“Oh, yeah. That’s what this says.”

I got my food and looked at the receipt.

Shalot?

As in the onion?

Hi. My name is Shalot. Don't come too close. I'll make you cry.

Election Payne

2008-11-03T08:00:00.001-05:00

I was driving through a neighborhood and stumbled upon a house with not only an Obama sign but also a McCain banner as well. I'm happy that they each are voting for who they think will do best, but I think this couple is about to begin a 4 year-long "I told you so..." debate.

They each are taking a stance, and that's what's important. In the words of T.I., it's America - you can vote however you like.

Don't Make Me Laugh

2008-10-22T08:30:00.004-04:00

I enjoyed a weekend getaway to Six Flags with the family and some friends. Three of us - Julia-Gulia, her friend, and I - decided to ride the Devil Dive.

Oh. My. Goodness.

No visit to Six Flags should be considered complete without this ride. In one word, it was awesome.

Unfortunately, it was also hilarious. Typically I like laughing. Typically I'm standing or sitting on the ground while I'm laughing. Typically I don't struggle with bladder control.

Ew! No I did not wet my pants.

All I'm saying is this: when you are strapped to a body suit, which is dangling from a large structure, it's no time for a sister to scream at full capacity - because I'll quiet her long enough to ask, "Do you really want to do this?" and she'll answer, "I have to now! We're up in the air already. It's like being pregnant... I have to have the baby* whether I want to or not. Let's have the baby!" ...to which I'll start laughing uncontrollably.

And uncontrollable laughter at 125 feet in the air is not advisable. It's impossible to take a break to the Ladies Room. This ride isn't for the light minded or silly. In fact, the next time I go, I'm bringing my boring friends.

ps. no body suits were soiled in the making of this post.

*Julia Gulia is not pregnant. It was only an analogy.

Which Witch?

2008-10-08T10:20:00.002-04:00

It’s October.
That means Halloween.
And Halloween decorations.
Someone around here loves Halloween decorations. In particular, witches. Can you guess who?
Me? Well, no. Pumpkins are more my thing.
Little Boy Blue? No. Not him.
P2? No. Here’s a clue, SHE really likes witches.
Johnny Cherie? Nope.
Julia Gulia? Witches really aren’t her thing either.
Shelly Belly? Nah, not so much.
You get one more guess and if you get it wrong, MAMA MIA (hint, hint) is going to summon her ‘friends’ to put a hex on you.
You guessed Mama Mia! Yes. And just in time I might add…
A main ingredient for her potion includes the boot from a witch. She was halfway there!Lucky you!

Adieu, I Do

2008-10-01T08:00:00.003-04:00

I think there was something in the water this summer. Every weekend, it seemed, was some one's wedding, engagement, bridal shower, or rehearsal dinner. No matter which direction I looked, it was wedding, wedding, wedding.

Speaking of weddings, I received a proposal.

Yes, the marriage kind!

When am I getting married? Well, there's a few complications.

Complications? For starters, I need to know his name.

No, I don't know his name. It happened so quickly.

No! I didn't meet him on some random dating website. Just listen...

Look, do you want to hear the story or not?

Okay then. So a few years ago my sister, Johnny Cherie, gave me a paper weight for my birthday. It looks just like a solitaire engagement ring. I took it to work and it proved to be a great conversation starter. One weekend, one of the office suites next to us had an attempted robbery. The county sent over two police men to check for damage. Since our office shares a back hallway with our neighbors, the cops came to our suite as well. I assured them that we had looked through the office and nothing was damaged or missing. As the cops turned to leave, the ring caught the attention of one officer.

"Wow, that's a nice ring!"
"It is, thank you. I'm just waiting for the guy that comes with it."

To my surprise, he picked up the ring, dropped to one knee, and proposed.

I was speechless.

I usually have, as the name suggests, a lotta thoughts sprinting through my mind but at that moment, I had absolutely no thought, no idea, and no clue how to respond.

So I blushed.

And he laughed. He put the ring back on my desk and walked out. Out of the office and out of my life.

Um, Mr. Officer? Hello? Were you serious? Hello? "I do." Can you hear me? Mr. Officer?

...adieu.

Unhinged

2008-09-24T08:00:00.000-04:00

Little Boy Blue: Have you seen a key?

Me: A key? No. What is the key for?

Little Boy Blue: My treasure box.

Me: Oh. Your treasure box is locked?

Little Boy Blue: Of course!

Me: Well what's in your treasure box?

Little Boy Blue: My pants.

Me: Your what?!

Little Boy Blue: My pants. The ones I'm supposed to wear on Sundays.

Me: Your church pants are in your treasure chest?

Little Boy Blue: Yes.

Me: What did you wear to church on Sunday?

Little Boy Blue: Some other pants that weren't church pants.

Me: (laughing) I see.

Little Boy Blue: So have you seen the key?

Me: No.

~~~~~

5 minutes later

Little Boy Blue: Do you know where I can find a toolbox?

Me: Um, why do you need a toolbox?

Little Boy Blue: Because I am going to unscrew the hinges on the treasure chest.

Me: Smart idea! Although, I don't think you have the safest treasure chest considering you don't need a key to open it...

Moral of the story: Always have a toolbox nearby. Especially if you plan to attend church.

What Goes Around, Comes Around

2008-09-17T08:00:00.001-04:00

Fool me once, shame on you...
A young man once came to the office where I work. His face was so badly beaten that one eye was swollen shut. He told me he was out of gas money and had resorted to selling his possessions so he could get home. He pulled a gold watch from his pocket and said I could have it for $5. The watch was hideous. I told him I didn't want the watch but would give him two dollars. He took my money and turned. Before he could leave, a cop entered the office. I watched this man get frisked, handcuffed, and taken to the back seat of the police car. The officer came back to tell me that the young man had robbed a woman earlier that morning and was selling her items to make money. I thanked him for coming (obviously) and went on with my day. My money was never returned but I consider $2 a small price for a life lesson.

Fool me twice, shame on me...
A week later a guy came to the office. His car had run out of gas up the road and did I have a couple of bucks he could have? I pointed across the road to a gas station. "Sir, just last week I gave some cash to a guy - said he needed gas money - he happened to have a warrant out for his arrest. I don't give cash out anymore but I'll make you a deal. Get your car to the gas station across the road and I'll put in $10 worth of gas." He complained that his car was up the road and wouldn't make it to the gas station. "Sir, you are asking for my money. You need to meet me halfway - which is that gas station across the road." He left and I never saw him again.

Open mouth, insert foot...
Sometime last year I was sitting in my car in a parking lot. I heard a tap-tap on my window. I looked and a woman was standing next to my door. I rolled down the window. She explained that her car was out of gas and she needed to get home. I checked my rear view mirror. I wondered if I had a sign on my head telling people to ask me for money. Again, I pointed across the street. "Ma'am, I won't give you cash but I'll meet you over at that gas station and put $10 worth of fuel in your car." She smiled and thanked me. I watched her get into her car and drive to the gas station.

D'oh!

So I put in a few gallons.

Karma? I'm getting low on fuel. Can you loan me $10?

Take Another One Just In Case

2008-09-10T08:00:00.001-04:00

Thanks to a friend who sold me a ticket for face value, I was able to attend the football game this past weekend. I wanted pictures to document the occasion so I asked Little Boy Blue to take one.

*click

"Well, that's nice but you cut off the top of my head. Take another one but get my whole face this time."

*click

"Okay...you got my head but I don't need the rest of the hallway and bedroom in the shot. This is better but take another picture and this time zoom in a bit."

*click

"Okay, I know I said zoom in but I didn't mean like this. Take another picture but, see this area I'm outlining with my fingers, that's what needs to be in the picture."

*click

"Thank you. It's sideways but it will work."

Little Boy Blue is smart. He knew exactly what he was doing each time. I think he just likes my camera.

Oh! and can you believe this is another post regarding sports?! This won't be routine - trust me.

Seeing Red

2008-09-03T08:00:00.002-04:00

Athens is home to the University of Georgia. The college crowd brings plenty of commerce to the city but nothing compares to a weekend when the mighty Bulldogs play.

This past weekend was the first game of the season. We played (and beat) Georgia Southern. I tried to get tickets but had to walk away when the price exceeded my budget. I still wanted to be involved so I went downtown and documented the energy as best I could with my camera.

Someone once told me that in the South, football is religion. As you can see, Sunday dress certainly applies.

Well, okay, maybe not everyone was dressed in their Sunday best.

But here at the Sanford Stadium Ministry, we don't discriminate. Come as you are!

No shoes? No problem.

No shirt? No problem.

No barber... um, we can help.

No fashion sense, come anyway!

Goooo Dawgs!

Golf = ROFL

2008-08-27T08:30:00.002-04:00

I am going back to school with the intent of becoming a P.E./Health teacher. Since I'll evenutally be responsible for teaching different sports, part of my education is learning these sports. This semester I'm in a class that focuses on golf for the first several weeks then switches to handball for the last half.

Friday was the first day our class went to the driving range. Now, I have been to a driving range before but I'm not very good. Period. I couldn't even remember which club to use. In fact, until Friday, I defined golf very differently.

Golf according to Charlottalove:

Club: Where a UGA student goes to par-tay.
Ball: A traditional dance requiring dresses or tuxes.
Mulligan: Gilligan's cousin. I picture him with a mullet.
Course: A class offered by UGA.
18 holes: What an 18-wheeler will get if it drives over a pile of nails.
Iron: Element on the periodic table represented by the letters Fe.
Wedge: A style of shoe.
Putter: A vehicle with starting difficulties.
Tiger Woods: Sequel to Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Birdie: Lunch for a cat.
Greens: Vegetables at dinner time.
Stroke: A swimming maneuver.
Driving Range: Area a teenager is allowed to take the car without consequences.
Slice: An order of pizza.
Swing: Type of equipment at the park.

As you can see, I have lots to learn. It should be fun though. Part of my grade requires me to play a round of 9 holes. Wish me luck ~ I'm off to the driving ran...

FORE!

oops...sorry about that.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You have probably noticed but I thought I but I thought I should explain. Due to my new schedule, my blog posts and comments to your blogs have been and will be a bit erratic. This graduate school idea was a bit harder than I anticipated.

A Master Degree

2008-08-20T08:30:00.001-04:00

Graduate school is in session. Although I plan to earn my Masters, I also plan to master a few areas: the bus and my watch.

On the first day of orientation I opted to ride the bus to class instead of dealing with parking passes and limited spaces. I mapped the route I'd ride. That morning - a drizzly morning - I arrived at 7:30. Orientation began at 8:30 - plenty of time. What I didn't realize was that UGA and the Athens Transit both stopped at my stop. I hopped on the first bus that came - the Athens City Transit. The route followed the UGA route for a few minutes but then turned away from campus. Uh oh... In the end, I rode the bus to downtown Athens, swapped to the UGA bus, rode back to a connecting stop, and got to orientation at 8:45.

Sigh...the first day of orientation. I will master the bus system.

The second item is my watch. I'm not a watch person. I own watches - I just don't wear them. My 'watch' is my cell phone. The phone method isn't very convenient though in class so I wore a watch the first day of class. At 12:45 I heard a faint beepbeep. beepbeep. beepbeep. coming from my wrist. I had no idea the alarm was set. How would I know? I'm typically at work or at lunch during that time. The alarm would have only had my jewelry as an audience. Not knowing anything about the buttons on the watch, I hit several until I found one to silence the alarm.

5 minutes later I heard beepbeep. beepbeep. beepbeep. My alarm had a snooze?! Again I hit several buttons and the alarm paused. Class would continue for another hour. Taking notes in 5 minute intervals just wouldn't work. I fiddled around and changed the alarm for several hours later.

5 minutes later: beepbeep. beepbe. I was prepared this time. I quickly hit what obviously was the snooze button. Realizing that the new alarm time hadn't worked, I changed the actual clock time. The alarm didn't sound again.

I can just see some student approaching me in the morning to find out the time. "Well, I'm sure it's around 9 although my watch indicates 7:22 pm."

Sigh...the first day of class. I will master my watch.

Rewind Button

2008-08-13T08:30:00.000-04:00

One of my coworkers just moved with her husband to Florida. Her daughter had 5 fish that were not able to go. I offered to take the fish and add them to my tank. Her daughter was happy to know her fish had a new home and I brought the fish to the house on Monday. The fish tank I currently have in my room takes up half my desk. I knew another tank was out of the question. I mentioned a few ideas to Little Boy Blue.

"Little Boy, we can either combine these new fish with those in my large tank or put the small tank in your room. Which would you like?"
"I want the new fish in my room."

Done. We set up the tank and he has been great at taking care of his five new pets. Tuesday morning he came to my room and explained what each fish was doing. One was near the castle, another just swimming, one was behind a rock, and two were busy chasing each other. He was thrilled.

We went downstairs for breakfast. As I sat to eat my cereal, Little Boy Blue contemplated, then spoke. "I like my new fish... but, now I want a puppy."

He looked at me with puppy eyes.

Oh dear. I think I started something.

I don't want to be the bad guy that says no to a puppy!

Does life have a rewind button?

The Never Ending Story

2008-08-11T08:30:00.001-04:00

It's been well over six months since I learned I was accepted to the University of Georgia and set up an online student account. The semester begins next Monday so it's come time to pay tuition. In an attempt to tie up all loose ends before class starts, I went online to pay. I guessed at my username and password. The first attempt failed which wasn't too much of a surprise.

Username: Charlottalove
Password: ******
Username and or password is not correct.

Hmm, I thought. I should make sure this is my username. I clicked on the ‘Forget Your Username?’ link.

Social Security Number: 123-45-6789
Birthday: **/**/****
Your username is ‘_____’

Okay, that wasn’t what I tried originally. Here I go for round 2.

Username: ‘_____’
Password: ******
Username and or password is not correct.

Hmm. This is frustrating. I guess I need to click the ‘Forget Your Password’ link.

To receive your password, you must answer your secret question.

Oh, this should be fun. Wonder which secret question I picked.

You have not selected a secret question. Click here to set up secret question.

Click.

Enter your username and password.

I don’t know my password!

Click here if you do not know your password.

Click.

Answer your secret question.

...ulg.

You have not selected a secret question. Click here to set up secret question.

Click.

Enter your username and password.

ARGH!

Dear UGA,
I have some money I want to give to you. All I ask for in return is my online password. Meet me behind the stadium at 5. I’ll have the money. Tell no one. This is top secret – much like the question I’ve yet to select.
Sincerely,
Charlottalove

Back to the Future

2008-08-08T09:00:00.000-04:00

I found this list the other day.

Obviously it's a list of what some one wants for Christmas. Initially I assumed the list belonged to Little Boy Blue since he's the only one that would ask for Time Machine parts.

Then I read chocolate as the second item. I certainly understand why chocolate would be listed as top priority. Is chocolate also that important to Little Boy Blue or is this a list I wrote when I was younger? ...oh the mysteries.

And one more thought. The first item specifically asks for a Time Machine Clock. This indicates, to me, that the writer already owns a Time Machine but wants to accessorize with a new clock, similar to someone purchasing a new stereo for their car. If my theory is correct, time travel could be more than just a concept at my house. Which begs the question, is this list from the future? or the past?

A Wedding Story

2008-08-06T08:30:00.001-04:00

Mama Mia and P2 have always said they would pay me to elope. Sure a wedding is traditional and beautiful but eloping is much less expensive. Until this weekend, I was open to their suggestion, male suitor still pending of course.

After seeing my best friend of 20+ years walk down the isle, the stress associated with weddings suddenly seemed fun.

In fact, I'm starting to rethink the whole 'eloping' bit.

I'm open to red hair extensions.

I'm open to graffiti backdrops in my bridal portrait.

I'm open to sitting down and relaxing.

I'm certainly open to a limo ride!

P2, Mama Mia...How much do you love me?

One word of advice: Don't leave your camera at the table if an older wedding guest asks you to dance. Shelly Belly decided she would play paparazzi.

What is this? Am I yawning?

Okay, enough with the camera.

Shelly Belly! I know where you live...

While You Were Out...

2008-07-30T14:43:00.002-04:00

Mama Mia, P2,

While you were away, I, uh, changed a few things.

Welcome back!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I actually will miss their reactions. I arrived in Texas on Tuesday evening and the parental unit arrives home from California today. I'll find out their reaction when I return next week. In the meantime, I'm helping my bestest friend with some pre-wedding details. The wedding is on Saturday and there are a few more items to finalize. I'll see you all next week!

All.Most.Done.

2008-07-28T08:30:00.002-04:00

The bathroom is nearly done.

Meanwhile...

The Little Mermaid called. She wanted her sea shells back. She was very upset that anyone would think to use her shells as light fixtures in the first place.

I was happy to be rid of them.

I didn't stay happy for long. Seems those shells covered more wall space than the new fixture I chose. Back to patching, spackling, sanding, and painting.

It's been an adventure to say the least and I anticipate a long, long break before I try any more projects around the house. I am happy to report that, despite a few setbacks, I still seem to be level headed. This could change if I don't finish soon!

Excuse Me

2008-07-25T09:55:00.004-04:00

Today is Friday?!

That's impossible. I haven't written a blog post for Wednesday yet.

And what about Thursday? When was Thursday? ...no... I was here all day yesterday and it wasn't Thursday.

Does anyone have a few days I can borrow? I have way too much to accomplish before next week. My bestest friend is getting married next Saturday and I still need to figure out what I'm wearing. My family returns from California on Wednesday and the bathroom isn't quite finished.

Life! Slow down, you move too fast. You've got to let the morning last...

The Record of Charlottalove

2008-07-21T11:00:00.003-04:00

While blog surfing once, I stumbled upon a blog documenting some home repairs. The writer likened remodeling projects to the 'begat' chapters in Genesis. Just as the genealogical list goes on verse after verse, home repairs seem to never end. Introducing, The Record of Charlottalove.

1. For behold, I, Charlottalove, did desire a new bathroom.

2. And the family left for the land of California last Wednesday.

3. And the bathroom project commenced Wednesday night.

4. And behold the family did not know and the bathroom would be a surprise when they returned.

5. And I did have confidence that I could finish before they returned and I began.

6. And I did remove the wallpaper.

7. Removing the wallpaper begat spackling the wall.

8. Spackling begat sanding.

9. Sanding begat (cough, cough) lots of dust and a scratchy throat.

10. Dust begat sweeping.

11. And the wall paper could not be removed behind the toilet.

12. And the toilet was moved.

13. And the water and not been completely drained. The water begat mopping.

14. And I began to like the new chair in the kitchen and had a vision. Behold, the bathroom would be an unfinished pantry.

15. And I calmed down.

16. And I saw the pile of colors on the counter top. And behold I did begin to have a headache.

17. And it came to pass that I could not decide on a color. And the colors were many. And I still have not decided.

18. And behold, I have taken time to rethink my decision to redo the bathroom and I will not redo the floor.

19. For behold, my mind can not comprehend what that will begat.

20. And I, Charlottalove, make an end of this record until tonight after work.

21. For behold, that is when the project will continue.

22. And I shall begin painting which, in the beginning, was my only desire.

Magic Eye

2008-07-18T08:30:00.000-04:00

Several years ago, I became hooked to Magic Eye books. At first glace, the picture appears to be a page full of random shapes, colors, and lines. After staring for awhile - and going cross eyed in some cases - a 3D picture emerges. I loved those books!

One day while thinking in the guest bathroom downstairs, I found myself staring at the wallpaper.

GACK!!!

It's Magic Eye art. Can you see the message? Look closely.

The word TACKY practically screams as it jumps off the wall.

TACKY, TACKY, TACKY...

Well no more.

Abracadabra! TACKY Magic Eye bathroom, your trick will soon be over.

Sticky Situation

2008-07-16T10:20:00.000-04:00

“Duct tape is like The Force – it has a light side and a dark side, and it binds the Universe together.”

…or in this case, vintage orange pews with cracks.

From the (Soft) Lips of Babes

2008-07-14T11:00:00.000-04:00

I attended a facial party recently. The pampering was wonderful and I decided to purchase two products. A few days later Little Boy Blue noticed me applying some lotion.

"What is that?"
"It's lotion for your lips."
"Why are you using it?

Always loving an opportunity to tease my younger brother with the topic of cooties, I responded, "It makes my lips soft and kissable. Want some?"
"Ew, no."
"You sure...?"
"Why are you using that anyway? You're not dating anyone. You aren't even close to dating anyone."

Thanks Little Boy Blue. Now all I want to do is watch a chick flick and eat ice cream from the container.

Eat it with my soft lips, that is!

A Final Love Letter: Part III

2008-07-11T08:30:00.003-04:00

Although I didn't realize at the time, November 1995 was a sad month. Bill Watterson announced his retirement from writing the comic strip Calvin & Hobbes.

Moment of silence please.

Thank you.

I think this is why I love this mural. If I didn't know better, I'd say our Calvin friend is desperately trying to escape the grasp of some evil monster below. The monster attempts dialogue with Calvin boy but the 'eeps' and 'orps' go unanswered.

Until you look around the corner.

Seems someone understood the monsters and answered back in foreign tongue. Anyone versed in graffiti? I'd sure like to know if I'm posting something vulgar.

You say it could be gang related?!

Eep! Orp! Gotta jet! Calvin...wait!

A Love Letter: Part II

2008-07-09T09:30:00.000-04:00

I had a roommate in college who loved this pickup line. “Wanna come over to my place for pizza and a make-out?” She would wait for a reply in the affirmative then say, “Well, I actually don’t like pizza but come over anyway.”

Every time I drive by a mural that marks the entrance to a pizza joint in town, that pick up line comes to mind. At first glace one sees a group of people running towards a common location. Someone holds a sign for PIZZA and other for SUBS.

But look again. Closer this time...

Is that a pregnant woman next to a bride and groom? And what’s with the boy dressed as Robin? A broken leg; an umpire; and what is that nurse holding? I don’t know what type of pizza/sub party this is but I’m not hungry anymore. Suddenly I don’t like pizza. And please don’t come over anyway.

...and lest you forget what town you are in, where is everyone running?

To see the gator leashed by the bulldog of course!

That’s right. Go DAWGS.

A Love Letter: Part I

2008-07-07T08:50:00.001-04:00

The first few months after I moved to Athens, Georgia, I tried, unsuccessfully, to find people exactly like my friends in Utah and Texas. The restaurants just weren't the same. The street names were funny. I did not like Georgia. The transition wasn't overnight. Little by little I figured out the roads. I tried new foods. I met some wonderful people. I started to enjoy Georgia. Of course, it would never be home but, at least it was bearable.

Athens is a fantastic city. It has a way of helping the most stubborn person fall head over heels in love with the culture and idiosyncrasies of the city. I found these jazz murals tucked on a side road near my office. The man with his harmonica, a hand strumming a guitar, and the woman clutching the microphone seem to wash away my Monday blues each time I drive to work. It's little details like this that make this city come alive.

I never thought I'd say this ~ Athens Georgia, I love you!

IMDb Files

2008-07-02T09:00:00.001-04:00

In a recent post, I admitted that I'm not the best when it comes to filing. Well, I've had several opportunities at work to practice. Two of my coworkers, Ted and Bo, are overseeing a project. Occasionally they need to buy additional items to ensure a quality building. The project manager asked me to make a file for their receipts.

Consider it done.

Who says filing is boring?

I secretly wish Bo's name was 'Bill' but the joke still works. I'm patiently waiting for the day someone notices my system.

And The Award Goes To...

2008-06-30T10:00:00.001-04:00

Kirie, a friend and former coworker from my Utah days, gifted my blog with an academy award. Thank you Kirie!

Receiving awards is always fun. The hardest part for me is selecting which blog(s) to pass the award to. I thought of all the blogs I read and finally decided to honor my friend Rexbasior.

Rexbasior is a friend I met several years ago. He had a blog before blogging was cool. In fact, he had a blog before ‘blog’ was a word. I always enjoyed reading the website he updated. He always said he would help me code a website but the idea didn’t interest me. I wanted to read what he had to say but doubted anyone would enjoy my silly stories.

When I moved to Georgia, I needed a way to keep in touch with my former coworkers and friends. I opted to send out mass emails periodically that focused on new southern cultures and experiences. One email in particular (later adapted for my blog) received several responses suggesting I submit my writing to a local newspaper. Although I was flattered, I never took any action.

Until the evening of October 31, 2006. I’d gone downtown to enjoy the Halloween costumes. In a college town, Halloween is the best night to people watch. The costumes are brilliant. I arrived downtown but was unable to find a parking spot. I called some friends hoping to meet up with them but they were at a different party. I cruised through the streets for awhile then left for home. Still wide awake with plenty of energy, I turned on the computer.

I checked my email.

I played a card game.

I was still bored. What to do? What to do? Then the words of Rexbasior came to my mind: you could start a blog.

So I did. Blogging has become a highlight in my life. I never thought a simple entry about a dead fish named Elvis could change my life but that decision is one of the best I’ve ever made. Thank you, Rexbasior, for encouraging me to write. This post’s for you.

Dancing Around The Truth

2008-06-27T10:00:00.000-04:00

Work like you don't need money,
Love like you've never been hurt,
And dance like no one's watching.

Dance like no one’s watching.

Back in my college days, I didn’t think I was busy enough so I joined the Student Activity Association. One of the events I helped plan included a homecoming dance. Homecoming didn’t consist of just one dance venue. Friday and Saturday each had several locations students could attend. One of the perks of helping the committee included tickets to any venue. My friend, Jorj, and I each received a pair. We decided to go to one location on Friday using my set and another location on Saturday using his tickets.

I dressed to the nines on Friday. I wore a purple dress that flowed when I twirled. I spun so much that the strap shoes I’d worn began to cut my feet. I told Jorj that I was dressing down for the dance the following night. I didn’t need more blisters. Saturday I wore a classic black skirt, a loosely knitted pale blue top, and flip flops.

The venue we chose for Saturday was a two story museum converted into a dance hall. The top floor was decorated in crazy colors and lit with a black light. The room was reserved for upbeat music and the latest Top 20. The ground floor - the subdued floor - played slower, more romantic songs and invited couples to linger longer in the dim light.

Jorj and I were casual friends and the ground level bored us so we ventured upstairs to dance to faster tempos. I found a spot and we began to boogie.

Let me explain one fact: While I enjoy dancing, I’m not great at it. My sisters always mocked my dancing style when I was younger but nothing they said ever stopped me from trying.

This being said, I wasn't surprised to see some of the dancers in the room looking my direction. I know I look funny when I dance but must they really stare at me? I let Jorj know we were being watched. I suggested we try some dance moves since we had an audience. Now they are smiling. Why don’t they stop looking at us? Rude!

"Look Charlotte, we are glowing."
"I know. It's because of the black light."
Duh Jorj. Have you never stood near a black light before?!
"We are white."
"Yes. Your shirt is and I'm sure my teeth are glowing."
What a silly conversation. And why are those other people still looking at us. My dancing is funny but I don't appreciate their giggles.
"You are glowing too."
"Well, not as much as you. I'm not wearing anything white. Oh, but my nails are white!"
Jorj, change the subject already!
"You are glowing Charlotte."
What is he getting at?!
"Jorj, I'm wearing black and bluu..."

I glanced down and froze. Black light. White bra. Loosely knitted top.

Yes, I was glowing. The stares from the other dancers suddenly made sense. I clutched the small amount of dignity I still had and ran from the room.

"JORJ! My bra is glowing! Why didn't you say something?!"
"I was trying. It's not your average conversation. I didn't know what to say."
"You say, "YOUR BRA IS GLOWING!"
"Okay, then. Charlotte, your bra was glowing."
"Thaaanks. And I'm going to need your jacket the rest of the evening."

Blistered feet and a glowing bra ~ I hope to never have a more memorable homecoming.

Hit Me

2008-06-25T09:00:00.002-04:00

Have a card. Have two or three cards. In fact, have as many cards as you like. I have 500.

Business cards that is.

Each and every last one with my name and email spelled incorrectly.

I've worked for this construction agency nearly three years so when I learned I would finally receive business cards, I was giddy. I was on the phone with corporate a week later verifying my name and company information. All was correct.

The cards came while I was away at camp and I was excited to receive them on Monday. A coworker and I were discussing feedback on a recent situation when I realized all 500 cards were worthless. I bit my lip and stopped my comment mid sentence.

I've had more trouble with my last name. My passport came back twice with my last name misspelled, clients will call 2 and sometimes 3 times to say their emails to me - which includes my last name - bounce back, and now 500 business cards.

If only I could find a guy with the same wrong last name. I could marry into my business card.

What's in a name? Obviously not the right letters.

My Little Mistake

2008-06-23T08:30:00.004-04:00

I survived camp!

I suffered from bug bites in areas we won't discuss, lack of sleep due to late late nights and early early mornings, a general disregard for personal appearance as the week wore on, and developed some mysterious bruises.

It was fantastic!

The weather was perfect. The days were bearable and the evenings cool. We did get rain on the last night which made packing a muddy job but otherwise camping was better than I expected.

As I packed the previous Saturday, I made a list of items I would need to buy which included a camping chair. I drove to Wal-Mart and headed to the camping area. I wanted a light chair so hiking wouldn't be awkward. I found a few styles I liked then lifted each one to compare weight. The one I chose in the end was rather easy to carry. The $4.94 price tag certainly fit my style as well.

Word to the wise: Test items before leaving on a week long camping trip where quick trips to the store don't exist.

Camping, like I said, was great. And my Junior Sized Chair was easy to carry.

This is the only picture with me and the little chair. Yikes! A week of camping does not make for glamour shots.

Boot Camp

2008-06-16T08:30:00.002-04:00

I leave today for a week long camping adventure. The theme for the week is Boot Camp. I'm really excited. I have carefully selected some cute outfits and I can't wait to see what designer boots the other girls bring!

Hang on, Mama Mia is saying something...

Yes Mama Mia?

That's my pile of clothes to take to camp. Do you like the stilettos?

Of course I'm taking those to camp ~ the theme is boot camp. D'uh!

What do you mean it's not designer boot camp?!

Ohhhh...

Blogging friends, seems there was a slight miscommunication. I need to go, um, repack.

Army. Armani. Really, anyone could make that mistake!

(See ya next week!)

Expensive Taste

2008-06-13T10:30:00.001-04:00

To celebrate the end of my second quarter in school, my friend ‘Mellow Yellow’ and I decided to bike a trail in Athens. After completing the trail, we secured our bikes to the back of Mellow’s car and drove downtown for a bite to eat. At my suggestion we parked the car at the local newspaper lot and walked a block for sushi.

I’m sure we were a sight to see. Two hours on a mountain bike in the Georgia heat left us both glistening. I’d brought a shirt to throw over my tank and swapped my helmet for a baseball cap but it was obvious we’d been outside awhile. We ordered, again at my suggestion, a particular sushi roll with eel. Our plate came. The roll was so delicious that Mellow flagged the waitress and asked that an additional eel roll be added to our order.

We finished and headed back to the car. I’d been hesitant to leave the bikes. Although they were securely fastened to the car, neither of us had brought a lock. Any passerby could have easily loosened the straps. As we neared the lot, I didn't see the bikes.

Or the car.

We’d been towed. I don’t know the words to adequately describe the pit that formed in my stomach. Guilt mixed with anger; the realization of the monetary consequences dominated my attempt to apologize. Mellow, who remained completely reasonable throughout the entire ordeal, simply called the tow company to ask about the car. We walked the several blocks to the tow yard which allowed me time to calm down.

Mellow was just that - mellow. By calmly talking with the tow yard attendant, the bill was reduced $25. I tried to sweet talk another $25 discount but was met with a curt “no”. $120 later, we were on our way with bikes in tow... no pun intended.

Life has a way of giving the test first and then the lesson. This is what I now know:
Listen to me when I suggest food.
Don’t listen to me when I suggest a parking spot.

Also, if I ever see two pedestrians walking through downtown Athens dressed in biking attire, I’m pulling over to see if they need a ride.

Isn't Athen's beautiful! I love this city.

A Series of Unfortunate Events

2008-06-09T10:00:00.002-04:00

Saturday was a series of events.

Fortunately I saved fuel by biking to the grocery store.
Unfortunately I didn't bring enough water and suffered from dehydration all afternoon and evening.

Fortunately I carpooled with three friends to Atlanta. We had an enjoyable afternoon.
Unfortunately the car radiator cracked 15 minutes after we started our drive home to Athens.

Fortunately the split was near the surface and the driver had a tire repair kit in the trunk. The super glue, rubber strip, and duct tape seal held together for the remaining 2 hour drive.
Unfortunately we had to drive with the heater on high the entire ride to help cool the engine.

Fortunately I don't mind having the windows down.
Unfortunately we wouldn't arrive home till after midnight.

Fortunately my car was still at Lowes where I had parked it for the day.
Unfortunately Lowe's locks their parking lots when they close.

Fortunately my car radiator was fine.
Unfortunately my car was locked for the evening.

Fortunately Lowe's is open on Sunday.

What a weekend...fortunately it's over!

Chew On This

2008-06-06T08:30:00.002-04:00

This is my current favorite flavor of gum. I am a gum addict. I typically have a least one pack at work, in my purse, at home, and in my car. I really like gum. This particular flavor has a new marketing approach. Inside each pack is printed: What do you plan to do before you finish that piece of stride? Let us know!

A website is given and anyone can submit their idea. The gum is arranged in the package so when a piece is removed, five suggestions from the website are printed. In the past two weeks I've purchased, well, several packs of gum and I haven't seen the same list twice.

A sampling of submissions includes:
Find Nessle
Be a rodeo clown
Become a certified jump master
Coin a phrase
Live with the wild llamas of Peru
Discover an element to add to the periodic table
Get into a break dance battle
Live in a tee-pee
Learn to luge
Teach belly dancing at a retirement community
Create a zip line across the state of New Hampshire
Create a life size replica of a yacht using toothpicks
Get a class D driver's license
Walk the Appalachian trail blindfolded
Watch the world's longest movie

These are all items someone wants to accomplish while chewing a piece of Stride gum.

Let's do some math. On average, I can chew one piece of gum for two hours before my jaw hurts, the flavor disappears, or I decide I want a snack. I googled 'world's longest movie' and was directed to The Longest List of the Longest Stuff at the Longest Domain Name at Long Last.com.

Longest Movie:
Movie Title: None

Director: Buracz Bosnitz

Country: Czech Republic

Length: 908 hours

I would need 454 pieces of gum.

"Hi. I need one ticket for the 9:15 showing of None. And can I get a box of Milkduds, a small drink, and 33 packs of Stride please."

I think I would need the world's longest nap after the credits rolled!

Flashback to Reality

2008-06-04T08:30:00.001-04:00

Night school will put a damper on your social life. Not only have I neglected friends and family, I missed the final episodes of The Office, Lost, American Idol, and The Bachelor. While this doesn't bother me now, I was a reality show junkie several years ago. I learned business strategy with The Apprentice. I found courage to sing out loud with American Idol. I cringed during Fear Factor.

...and I fell in love every season with The Bachelor. In spring of 2004, a football player by the name of Jesse Palmer won my heart. I didn't receive the final rose but we bonded. Uh, well, kind of...

Journal Entry dated April 20, 2004

Yesterday I came home from work sick at 2:30. I feel asleep from 3-6:30. And this is how I know I am way too addicted to reality shows...The Bachelor especially. Since I was sick when I went to sleep, in my dream I was sick also. In my dream, I was a contestant on The Bachelor. I missed the rose ceremony because I was sick and couldn't get out of bed. When I woke up (in my dream), Jesse had placed a bouquet of roses by my door inviting me to stay for the next round.

Jesse, whatdaya say we give our love another go around. I finish school next Thursday. You free on Friday? I can even pretend to like football.

Hello?

Jesse?

I'm Serious

2008-06-02T10:30:00.002-04:00

Disclaimer: I've got a lotta thoughts. Most are silly but occasionaly one causes me to stop and really ponder...

I received a forward last week about outrageous shoe fashions. The pictures showed heels so high that the individual wearing the shoe was practically on tippy toe. The email compared the trend to the Geisha custom of wrapping a girl's feet. The pictures disturbed me greatly yet intrigued me to research the topic.

Innocence is bliss.

I read many reasons for the custom but overall, it came down to what the culture defined as beauty. A woman with bound feet was much more desirable than a woman with 'clown feet'. The fact that a woman with bound feet was not able to walk far or very long unassisted ensured that she would be faithful to her family and displayed her tolerance of pain.

This knowledge upset me so much that I wrote my thoughts in my journal. I could not understand how a culture could dictate a custom that was so warped and perverted. Could these women not see that 'beauty' was crippling?

The scary realization came when I recognized some customs I have endured in the name of beauty. I have:

* waxed or plucked my eyebrows for years

* had electrolysis treatments monthly for one year

* had my ears pierced

* own spandex underclothes to help me suck in so I fit in tight outfits

* worn heel shoes so high my arches hurt at each step

* burned my forehead, neck, and fingers various times while curling/straightening my hair

* laid in a tanning booth and burned

I know others who:

* have had botox

* are anorexic or bulimic

* have had chest implants

* have had tummy tucks or liposuction

Why? I don't like wearing heels that make my feet hurt. I don't like wearing clothes so tight I can hardly breath. During one electrolysis appointment, the needle hit a small blood vessel near my eye and it ruptured. I had a bruise near my eyebrow for a week. A friend once told me in confidence that she was anorexic. I asked her what she had eaten that day. She suggested I rephrase the question to what she had eaten that week. It was a Thursday and she had eaten one spoonful of applesauce and three baby carrots since Monday.

This is beauty? No thanks.

I plan on being me. I will wear shoes and styles that are comfortable to me. This does not mean I will only wear sack cloth robes and sandals...I still plan to be feminine but in a way that is comfortable and acceptable to me.

Whew. Now I can step down from the soap box.

step, step, step.

This blog written wearing shorts, a tee shirt, and my new sketchers.

Right vs Left

2008-05-30T08:50:00.002-04:00

I went to lunch with two friends who are both left handed. That meant I was the odd man out, or the right-handed woman out, or the goofy handed girl out - however you define it. We discussed several topics during lunch and somehow ended on a conversation about computers. Ironically, I'm the only one who places the computer mouse on the left. I have done this for years.

Last night in class, I was bored. My mind wandered back to lunch and I wondered what life would be like if I were left handed. One thought lead to another and soon I was more interested in left-hand doodles than the Krebs Cycle. I took out a sheet of paper and wrote "I like blogging" with my right hand. I repositioned the paper and copied the phrase with my left hand. I continued this for several more phrases. I share a table with a classmate and I think I caught him glancing over a few times trying to see what I was writing. Nothing to see here buddy. Just practicing my penmanship.

If someone could please explain the Krebs Cycle to me...neither my right or left side was paying attention.

Fuel for the Memory

2008-05-28T08:30:00.001-04:00

It's no secret that gas prices are rising. I filled my tank last Wednesday at $3.79 a gallon. Two days later, the price had risen to $3.97. In an effort to pinch a few pennies, I've limited my driving to only include work, school, or church. If an errand is en route I will stop but otherwise, I bike or walk.

Friday evening after dinner, I cleared the table and set my books out to study.

*Please stop reading if you are looking for an adventurous post. Friday night - studying for a test? My life doesn't get any more exciting. I hope you can handle the adrenaline rush.

Still here? Okay, but I warned you.

I got my books out to study. Then the craving came. Chocolate. I needed chocolate to study properly. I knew I didn't have any stashed away. I clearly would need to make a quick trip to the store.

Little Boy Blue seemed bored so I asked if he wanted to ride his bike next to me as I walked. He was so excited and quickly put on his boots. Right as we stepped outside, a few rain drops fell. Little Boy Blue groaned and asked, "What will we do if it rains?" I replied, "I guess we will get wet." "Really?! You are the coolest sister ever!" (I know.)

So we walked. And it rained. And we got wet.

And I haven't had that much fun on a Friday night in a long time. We talked about school, and bugs, and books, and camping, and candy, and games, and friends. Eventually we arrived at the store. I got my chocolate and he got some gum.

And then we were home. The event was so simple - just a walk with my brother - but the conversation and laughs we had will always be a fond memory.

Yes fuel prices are rising but I'm not worried. I saved 18 cents to the gallon by walking and was rewarded with an experience worth much more.

Turns out walking with a loved one is priceless.

Botox Alternative

2008-05-23T09:15:00.003-04:00

The University of Georgia requires all new students to update their immunization records. Since my last shot was administered in 1990, I was past due on several accounts. I took care of that on Tuesday. So now, if you sit by me, I may bite but at least I'm not contagious.

While I waited to be a human pin cushion, I noticed an advertisement poster for Botox on the wall. The pictures showed a before and after picture of two individuals who'd had injections. The after pictures showed full, plump, smiling faces. The before showed the sad, wrinkled state the faces had once been.

Wait a minute...

Is it just me or does the before picture look like the model simply scrunched up his/her forehead by scowling?

That forehead wrinkle seems so familiar... as if I've seen it before... but where?

Oh yes, now I know!

Introducing needle-less botox: Are you nervous to visit a doctor? Do needles make you cringe? Try new 'Zam-Tox. Even the biggest skeptic will find 'Zam-Tox straightforward. Simply enroll in a local college, attend class, and wait. Results may take a few weeks but are guaranteed by the first exam. See for yourself.

Before an exam:

After an exam:

"I've used 'Zam-Tox for two semesters and the results are visible to all. Thank you 'Zam-Tox. If I knew I could be wrinkle free, I'd have gone back to school years ago!"

'Zam-Tox: The Smart Botox

Life Happens

2008-05-21T08:30:00.000-04:00

I'll be back on Friday!

I Am Thankful

2008-05-19T08:30:00.003-04:00

I am thankful for no social life.
It means school occupies four nights out of every week and I'm closer to my goal of becoming a teacher.

I am thankful for my final coming up in three weeks.
It means I will be done with school in three weeks.

I am thankful for sore muscles.
It means I got to work out.

I am thankful for dirty dishes.
It means I have enough food to eat.

I am thankful for piles of laundry to fold.
It means I have clothes to wear and a washing machine nearby.

I am thankful for car repairs.
It means I am able to travel to school, work, and home. It's not the fanciest car on the block but that means thieves know I'm not hiding any money within.

I am thankful for my stress fracture.
It means I take life a little slower. I get to stop and smell the roses.

I am thankful for Friday evening.
It means the weekend is just around the corner.

Is it Monday already?! sigh...

I am grateful for Monday.
It means Friday is only 4 days away.

Twenty Buckaroos

2008-05-16T09:45:00.000-04:00

Twenty Dollars: How would I spend $20? I'd go to one of my favorite stores and purchase some fish. Not the type to cook but the colorful living type to go in my fish tank. Did you know that I've had my fish tank running for a month with no fish? Of course not...I didn't blog that information.

I really enjoy watching fish. I could spend hours sitting in front of an aquarium and have spent entire lunch breaks at the fish shop just enjoying the colors and movements of my marine friends. I purchased two frogs and some fish after my move to Georgia and chronicled their deaths in earlier posts.

After taking a little break, I decided to try my hands at fish again. I bought a new filter, poured in gallons of purified water, and purchased gold fish to acclimate the tank. By the end of two weeks, I'd flushed each fish down the porcelain slide to their final destination.

I'm beginning to worry. It seems I kill everything I touch. And remember last years attempt at gardening? I harvested a total of three beans. Three beans! I think my green thumb is laced with cyanide. It's a good thing I don't have children.

Hey wait...today's post isn't supposed to be about me! I am to announce the winner of the random drawing. Drum roll please.....

I entered the range 1 - 31 for a random number. It spit out 12. So Mona, you are the lucky winner of a $20 giftcard. Email me at charlottalove (at) gmail (dot) com to claim your prize. Oh, and I noticed you wanted to spend the money at a book store. If you get a chance, look to see if they sell Keeping Pet Fish Alive for Dummies. I have a, uh, friend, who needs that book.

Wake-Up Call

2008-05-14T08:30:00.002-04:00

I am tired!

Going to school part time while working full time has started to take a toll on my body. I won't complain though. There are others with far more demanding schedules than mine that still manage to balance school and life. But boy, I am tired!

Yesterday morning was a daze. I answered phones and gave information but my mind was too tired to concentrate. Menial tasks I typically finish quickly took additional time and effort to complete. I was struggling. Noon finally arrived. Since someone has to man the phones, or in my case woman the phones, while the guys are at lunch, I stay in the office until they return at 1. The phone rang around 12:15. Groggily I answered:

Good Afternoon. This is Charlotte.
Hi Charlotte. This is ___ calling for Mark.
He's at lunch right now. Could I help you?
Perhaps. I wanted to send a construction quote for the project you have open right now.
No problem. Let me get your full name and company information.

He provided the company information.

Sir, what was your name again?
Oh right. What were we talking about? You making me dinner?
Not until I know your name.
Right. It's ___.
Thanks. I'll let Mark know you called when he returns from lunch.
Well I'm going to call back anyway. ...that means I'll get to talk to you again.

Riiiight. In a way, he was exactly what I needed. His comments jolted me awake. I didn't have time to think about being tired for the remainder of the afternoon. Thank you stranger for calling. My employer appreciated the results.

Remember to enter your name for the 200th post contest.

A 15 Minute Call

2008-05-12T08:30:00.005-04:00

We had an eventful Mother's Day, in fact, we had an unexpected visitor: Mr. Gecko from Geico dropped by and decided to make my bedroom a temporary residence. While I think his commercials are humorous and goofy, I don't find him as pleasant in person. His visit lasted much longer than fifteen minutes and I don't think I saved any money.

A few weeks ago Johnny Cherie and I were talking in my room when she suddenly got quiet and whispered, "Kill it! Kill it!" I looked and saw a little teeny tiny spider in the corner. I took care of our friend and teased Johnny for being so afraid. It's just a little bug!

Johnny likes to think that the roles were reversed yesterday. I admit, a high pitched yelp escaped my mouth each time our little gecko friend jetted across my bedroom floor but I wasn't scared. I was merely trying to help the little guy find the door leading outside. If he would have followed my not-scared yelp, we all would have been happier.

For your viewing pleasure, Little Boy Blue, Johnny Cherie, and me attempting to save Mr. Gecko. Disclaimer: the video is sideways. Also, I did not realize my attempts to help Mr. Gecko would sound so similar to a scared school girl. I assure you, I was in control of my emotions the entire time. Repeat: I was not afraid. I was not afraid. I was not afraid.

Continued viewing pleasure: Me allowing Little Boy Blue to be the hero. I would have caught our friend myself but I believe in sharing opportunities with my younger siblings. Little Boy Blue has never caught a gecko before and I wanted him to have a chance. I've like, sooo been there done that.

Mr. Gecko, I really enjoy your commercials but next time just pick up the phone. A 15 minute phone call could save us all.

Celebrate Good Times, Come On

2008-05-09T08:30:00.001-04:00

Today is a day to celebrate. Sure it's Friday but it's also my 200th post which means I accomplished one of my New Year Resolutions!

Truth be told, this post almost didn't happen. Shortly after my 1 year blogiversary I got bored with my blog. Writing wasn't fun and I felt no motivation to keep it going. I decided I would continue posting until the new year then call it quits. It was during this period that you, that's right, you made a difference. I saw that people were actually interesting in my random thoughts; more readers started commenting; the blog became a hobby again.

Thank you to each reader!

And now to celebrate...Although this blog is a collection of my random thoughts, I want to know more about you. I want to know where you would spend a $20.00 gift card. Oh, did I mention I was giving away 200 dimes to help celebrate? Well, I am ~ in the form of a gift card. Twenty dollars. It's like a stimulus check except it's not $300, I don't care if you filed your taxes last year, and you don't have to be a US citizen. Twenty dollars. That's almost 3 gallons of gas. That's a night at the movies for two. That's 20 items from McDonald's $1 menu. It's a pair of socks on clearance at Abercrombie.

Okay, so $20 isn't much anymore but I'm still curious where you would spend it. Leave your store of choice in the comments. (One entry per person). Next Friday I'll pick a winner using random.org. Lurkers, now is the time to shine...that means you Mama Mia.

Riesens to be Healthy

2008-05-07T08:30:00.001-04:00

I went to a series of workshops on Saturday where I learned about diabetes, exercise, women's health, and total body health. Lunch was a salad bar with dozens of various toppings, wheat rolls and fruit cups.

And dessert.

On each table was a little dish full of chocolate. I didn't want to offend any of the hosts or guest speakers from the area so I took a piece.

And another.

Oh, and one more.

I finally had to push the dish past my reach so I would stop. I remarked to those seated nearby that - starting right then and there - I had a new health goal involving chocolate. Since I struggle with chocolate temptations and could never not eat it, I would moderate my consumption to allow one piece a day. They agreed with me that the goal was obtainable.

On Saturday I purchased a small bag of Riesens. 'One piece' I told myself. Today is Wednesday. I finished the bag yesterday. I could be disappointed in my lack of control but that's just depressing. I prefer to think I'm 12 days ahead of schedule. Early is good, right?

Bed Head

2008-05-05T08:30:00.002-04:00

I had several assignments and responsibilities last week which took their toll on me. By the time Saturday finally rolled around, I was worn out. This weekend was a rare ~ I got to sleep in. Ah, sleep...my friend.

I judge a good rest by my tangled covers and my tangled hair.

As you can see, I slept great.

Good Morning Little Boy Blue.

I see you also slept well.

The Bucket List

2008-05-02T08:30:00.002-04:00

Recently a friend and I watched The Bucket List starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. The basic plot involves two men, Nicholson and Freeman, who are assigned a hospital room together. Upon learning news that each is terminally ill, they make a wish list of to-dos before they kick the bucket. The movie chronicles their last adventures.

After the movie was over my friend and I discussed our own Bucket Lists. Since I am the self appointed queen of lists, I'd written one previously. Naturally.

Random Fact #1: I don't like clutter on my desk so I filed this list. Naturally.

Random Fact #2: I have no system with my personal files. I can't find my list. Naturally.

Going by memory, here are a few I wrote down:

Compete in a triathlon ~ Done! I plan on competing again.
Grow a rose garden ~ I attempted a vegetable garden last year and cultivated a total of three, read it again, three (3) beans. I have a long way to go with this goal.
Visit all 50 states ~ I've got 23 out of the way.
Own some pearl jewelry ~ Done!
Play a musical number on the piano at church ~ Let me stop to say I don't know how to play the piano. Yikes! Why did I write that?
Play on a city soft ball team ~ Done!
Purchase a home ~ This will need to wait.
Read all of Shakespeare's work ~ Friends, Romans, Bloggers, lend me your ears. For 'tis a goal that shall take a long while. I shall get to this tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow.
Attend and comment at a school board meeting ~ Along with purchasing the home, this goal will need to wait.

My next task is to find my Bucket List so I can remember the rest. What would you put on your Bucket List?

R.I.P.

2008-04-30T08:30:00.002-04:00

Julia Gulia received a class assignment to have a family member write her obituary. I’m not sure why she asked me given my ability to be serious for, oh, about 2.68 seconds. I was limited to just a few lines and by the requirement that all information be factual.

This is what she turned in:

My sister, known as Julia~Gulia to family and friends, has left this world to be with her Creator. J~G was a woman of many words and frequently exceeded her daily quota of chatter*. She read the dictionary for fun and always had the perfect way to describe any situation. Although not one for reading maps, she has found her way home. Julia~Gulia is survived by her 2 parents, 5 siblings, 27 purses, and 38 pairs of shoes.

She informed me that no other classmate died so fashionably.

Coincidentally, I was searching through some pictures and came across a tombstone I saw in Charleston last year. Seems the author of the tombstone had a real eye for detail.

He was born about 1675, came to Carolina before 1706, and married, about 1707, Sarah, daughter of Captain John Croft and Katherine Childermass. He was buried near this spot 2nd September 1727.

I can only hope my legacy is less ambiguous.

*Julia~Gulia, I miss your chatter...love ya!

My Cuban Blog Friend

2008-04-28T08:50:00.000-04:00

I get a fairly standard response when I tell certain friends that I blog.

"Why do you blog? You don't even get to know who reads your blog."
"I know a little about them. I read who they are on their blog."
"Still sounds silly. Blogging doesn't provide any type of personal interaction."

Well guess what doubting friends...I met someone. That right. All due to this blog.

Remember the hula hoop in the tree? Well, while I was documenting that picture, I noticed several beautiful flowers next to a mailbox. The purple-pink buds were small and simple yet lovely. I took a few shots...but I wanted even closer. I looked around, saw I was alone, and knelt down to zoom in.

That's when the car backed out of the driveway.
She saw me kneeling at her mailbox and rolled down the window. "What are you doing?"
"I'm out taking pictures of spring flowers and I love these next to your mailbox."
"Oh! Those are wonderful!"

Nancy introduced herself and her daughter in the back seat. We talked for several minutes. Nancy was headed out to run some errands but would be back soon. She invited me to stay and take pictures of her backyard. During this time, a small, hunched woman shuffled to join the conversation. Olga was Nancy's mother.

I was over there for nearly two hours. Olga told me story after story. She told me about her childhood in Cuba; how she immigrated to America to earn money to send to her family; how she met her husband; the struggles of the depression; why she never returned to Cuba. I learned Nancy had other siblings - one of which lived next door in the house with the hula hoop tree. I was given a tour of the backyard and invited to come back when more flowers would bloom. Olga even offered to teach me Spanish. What a wonderful old woman.

Olga and I said goodbye and I promised to return. On my walk back home, I realized I'd met a woman full of stories and experiences simply because I wanted a picture for a blog post.

And people say blogging doesn't provide personal interaction. Ha!

Ring Around The Rosy

2008-04-25T08:45:00.000-04:00

I was driving the other day and turned down a road I don't use very often. I'm certainly glad I did. As I passed a row of trees with purple buds, an orange hula hoop hanging from a limb caught my eye. I giggled to myself and starting repeating Ring Around The Rosy.

Ring Around the Rosy. Mmmpff.

Signs of Spring

2008-04-23T08:50:00.000-04:00

Spring is here! Glorious, beautifu... uh, UH, sniff.

Sorry about that. I thought I was going to sneeze.

As I was saying, I love spring. The flowers and blossoms are everywh...ere, ERE, Ahh. sniff. Whew. Too much pollen in the air.

One Sunday I went on a walk and took some pictures. My favorite signs of spring.

The colors were amaz.. ih, ih
aCHOoo! aCHOoo!
Sniff. Ah, I feel better.

Uh oh.

ACHOO!

ACHOO!

Cough, cough.

I’m sorry. I need a tissue?

Achoo-achoo-achoo-achoo ohhhhhhhh.

Cough, cough. Sniff.

As I wad saying, I hade spring. Da pollen. Id’s eberywhere. Cough.

Pollen Graffiti?

Nebermind. Dis is my faborite sign of spring.

aCHOo!

A Little Turned Around

2008-04-21T09:15:00.002-04:00

Sometimes it's hard for a growing boy to get up early in the morning. Sometimes the routine seems familiar yet different.

This past week I heard some giggling coming from Little Boy Blue's room. He announced, "I put my pants on backwards!" He has such a skinny frame, he can slip his jeans on without unbuttoning. Which he did. By the time I got to his room, he'd corrected his mistake. I sighed and said, "Oh, I could have blogged that." "Oh! Let me put them on backwards again! Hang on..."

How Nice

2008-04-18T08:30:00.004-04:00

Michelle Johnson over at Shades of MJ told me something nice. Nice Matters. She even gave me a little banner to put on my sidebar. How nice.

Thank you Michelle!

Originally I didn't know who should receive this award, but since I've taken two weeks to think about it, I finally narrowed it down to Trevor's Blog. I found Trevor's Blog after the 2008 Bloggies. (Best Kept Secret Weblog Nominee) Trevor is an artist. Each blog is a story and picture - both by Trevor. He has used his talent to help children in South Africa and Central Africa. He has uplifted children who have cancer in the United States and entertained children of officers stationed at Guantanamo Bay.

So Trevor, this is for you because Nice Matters!

I See...Laughter

2008-04-16T08:45:00.001-04:00

Eleven years ago, when I left for college, someone told me to enjoy every minute. College would be some of the best years of my life. Although the tests and the papers added pressure, I found the advice to be very true.

One day some friends and I each sat down with a sheet of paper, wrote where we thought we'd be in 10 years and pass the sheet to the person sitting to our right. They then wrote a prediction based on how well they knew the person. Each sheet was passed around until it came back to the original person. It was fun to see where we thought each other would be. I found my list last night and boy, oh boy, did I have people fooled...including myself. Here's what I wrote:

I will be married and living in Hawaii with my twin daughter and son. I will be able to play the guitar well. Um, since when can I order the gender of my children and specify they come as a set? Since when did I want twins?! As for the guitar, I was taking a beginner's class that semester. Haven't picked up the instrument since.

Here are other samples:

Charlotte will be married to a professional basketball player and will run a cooking company in her spare time. Have you seen my cooking?!

Charlotte will have 5 kids and be married to a professional basketball player that is 7'4". So I had a little crush on tall guys. The secret is out. Wait...5 kids?! I don't think we can be friends anymore!

Charlotte will be famous for her high grade in anatomy - never to be equaled. Riiiight. Tell me again why I'm currently taking that class over?

Charlotte will publish a health book directed toward early risers. *Cough, cough. ahem. I think I hit snooze 4 times this morning.

Charlotte will be fashion editor for Vogue Magazine. ha ha. he he. Aha. BWAHAHAHA

Charlotte will be a pediatrician. Husband is international sales rep for Jelly Belly. Will being a pediatrician require me to go to even more college? If so, I'm not interested. Oh, did someone say Jelly Belly? Where?!

Charlotte will be selling jumping rope and chewing gum on an Amtrak train. Chewing gum - that doesn't surprise me. Jump ropes - maybe. Amtrak Train? I'd have to find a station first!

I noticed no one mentioned I'd be living in Georgia, employed by a construction agency, or working on my graduate degree. While Georgia is hot, work is boring, and school eats away at my social life, I'd still say I have a great life. At times I'm glad we don't get to know how life turns out. I'm also glad life takes us down unexpected paths. I might have chickened out if I knew too many details.

Here's to the next 10 years!

A Hallmark Moment

2008-04-14T08:30:00.003-04:00

The question foremost on my mind since being accepted to UGA concerns the cost and how I'll be able to pay. I applied, albeit late, for an assistantship but all the positions are filled. While I wait to apply again, I've found several sites that list scholarship opportunities for graduate students. One in particular caught my attention. Applicants submit greeting messages or pictures for an online card company. The winner(s) will receive school funding and their idea becomes a virtual reality.

A few years ago, my bestest friend Elke went to the doctor for some pain in her wrists. The doctor said she was suffering from carpal tunnel. Since we live a few states away, I couldn't physically help her with tasks around the house but I tried to show sympathy with a card. In case you were wondering, there's not much of a market catered to carpal tunnel. I had to make my own.

What do you say? Should I give this company a call? Really, who can say no to talent like that?!

Dreaming Double

2008-04-11T08:30:00.001-04:00

It was a typical night. I went to bed, pulled up the covers, and quietly slipped into REM.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I was on a bus.
Talking to friends.
There was a wreck.
The bus would have to wait.
I got off the bus.
The friends also got off.
We walked.

I glanced behind and saw another friend. It was Greg, who, in my dream, had sprouted another head. *

I yelled out, “Hi Greg!”

Both heads turned and smiled, the sets of white teeth shining.

“Charlotte,” replied one head, “I don’t go by Greg anymore.”

I tilted my head and furrowed my brow.

In response to my confusion, one of the heads started, “I’m Miley,”

"...and I’m Smiley!”

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I woke up laughing.

And confused. How did that dream come about? Why two heads? Miley? Isn't that a girl name? And Smiley?! What were his parents thinking? So many questions.

Though it's no question now why Greg has a new nickname.

__________________________________
* 10 Charlottalove points** to the first person to correctly identify this character and movie title.
** Points may not be redeemed. Bragging rights only.

Living with the President

2008-04-09T08:45:00.002-04:00

I realize you don't have to look hard to find politics in the news. One practically stumbles over the constant updates just by turning on the radio. And yet, here's another post about politics but I assure you, this you haven't heard.

The neighborhood I live in has several get-togethers throughout the year. December is the month we choose a new president to oversee the following year's activities. Guess who didn't duck fast enough...

Meet the new neighborhood President and his First Lady.

(This picture is from a previous, much earlier campaign.)

Which makes this character the Speaker of the House.

Not so rare photograph of me doing what I do best - talking.

Let's Chat

2008-03-31T10:30:00.001-04:00

Blogger Friend! I have good news and bad news.
Good news first.
I received my letter of acceptance to the University of Georgia!
That is wonderful! Is this for your undergrad or masters degree?
Masters. My undergrad was in Recreation Management.
What will be your program of study?
Kinesiology.
Bless you.
No, that is the major. My emphasis will be on physical and health education.
Wait, I thought you already were taking classes.
I took the first half of Anatomy last quarter. It fulfills some general classes needed for my Masters. The second half of the class starts tomorrow.
On April 1st?
I know. Lame April Fool’s joke if you ask me.
Weren’t you supposed to get married?
Oh. Right. That will have to wait.
Well, what’s the bad news?
I’m going to take a blogging break this week.
Just this week?
Well, until I get some new To-Do items off my list. I need to get an academic advisor and discuss possibilities of an assistanceship. Unless you want to fund my graduate school…
Um, I’ll get back to you on that.

The break shouldn’t be too long. I'll miss you guys...I’ll be back soon!

Read Between the Lines

2008-03-28T07:00:00.002-04:00

I haven't mentioned any books I'm reading on this blog. This is not because I don't read but more so because I only read when I have a spare moment. This doesn't happen frequently so the books I was reading last December are the books I'm still currently reading.

This week I received an email forward from a former roommate. It was the Get-To-Know-You type. The forward contained approximately 20 questions that had been answered by the sender. I was to replace her answers with mine, send it back, and continue the forward. The end result is learning interesting facts about each other.

I started my answers. Nearing the end, I came to this question: "What book are you currently reading?" I quickly thought of the 2 on my nightstand. One is a relationship guide and the other - written specifically for women - focuses on understanding and expanding one's personal finances.

The titles?

First Comes Love and Prince Charming isn't Coming

I don't think I could have been more ironic if I'd tried.

Waste Not, Want Not

2008-03-26T08:30:00.003-04:00

What the... is that a bus coming towards me?

No. It's actually three buses cut and welded together to form a bus stop.

I don't know who decided to turn the bus stops into works of recycled trash but that's the trend here in Athens, Georgia.

This one, I'm sure, made the local skateboarders upset. Look at all this perfect rail ~ practically screaming to be used except that only a few inches exists between each piece.

I can't figure out if this is an old Tetris game or the TV set from Barney.

Just be careful what you throw away. Who knows ~ one day our stop signs might be old, unfinished ring pops!

Scrambled Eggs Super

2008-03-24T08:31:00.004-04:00

Mama Mia has an Easter tradition that involves a regular egg carton filled with 12 plastic eggs. Each egg contains an item that helps explain the Easter holiday to a young child. (See post below if you are interested in the egg carton contents). This year, Mama Mia told a few people about the tradition who really liked the concept.

Have I ever mentioned that Mama Mia is one of the sweetest people I know? She gathered all the supplies for those interested and made them their own Easter kit.

Including the egg cartons.

Guess what I'll be eating for awhile.

Easter Egg Lesson

2008-03-24T08:30:00.001-04:00

1. And he went a little further and fell on his face and prayer, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. Matthew 26:39 (sacrament cup)

2. Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, and said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver. Matthew 26:14-15. This fulfilled the prophecy in Zachariah 11:12 – 14 that Jesus would be sold for 30 pieces of silver. (3 dimes)

3. When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death: And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor. Matthew 27:1-2 (knotted twine)

4. When Pilate saw that he could prevail northing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person; see ye to it. Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children. Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified. Matthew 27:24-26 Do we also wash our hands? (Chunk of hand soap)

5. And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand; and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him saying, Hail, King of Jews! And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head. Matthew 27:28-30 (square of red velvet)

6. And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him. And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross. Matthew 2:31-32. And He was crucified… nailed to the cross. Press this nail into your hand… feel how it must have hurt. (toothpick cross, tiny nail)

7. And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet… And sitting down they watched him there. Matthew 27:35-36 (small pair of dice)

8. Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent: Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God Matthew 27:50, 54 (tiny bag of crushed rock or potting soil)

9. (Then Joseph, a rich man) went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. And when Joseph had taken the body he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock. Matthew 27:58 – 60 (strip of white cloth)

10. And he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulcher, and departed. Pilate said unto them (the chief priests and Pharisees), Ye have a watch: go your way; make it as sure as ye can. So they went, and made the sepulcher sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch. Matthew 27:60, 65-66 (a stone)

11. And when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary, the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. And the angel… said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. (mark 16:1, Matthew 28:2, 5 (Bay leaf or other herb)

12. He is not here: for He is risen, as He said. Matthew 28:6 (egg is empty)

I've been Googled

2008-03-21T08:30:00.003-04:00

"Mammogrammed Jewelry"

Someone typed that phrase into a search engine and wound up on my blog. Mammogrammed Jewelry, huh. As in bracelets? How does the sizing work? Hypothetically speaking, say I have petite wrists. ...just pretend okay. So, should I order the "Almost A" or "Barely B"? What about guys? Is this jewelry only for women? Will $1 of all bracelet proceeds go to support Breast Cancer Research? And where does one buy this jewelry? Sooo many questions.

Goodness, a post about bras and now mammogrammed jewelry. I'd say this blog just hit a new low.

...and no, mammogrammed is not a word. I'm just reported the word as it came to me.

Reality Bites

2008-03-19T08:44:00.004-04:00

I went to the gym yesterday for the first time since January. I was quite excited since I’ve had two major interruptions to my workout routine. There was my Anatomy class, which took more of my social life than I anticipated, followed by a brief encounter with a stress fracture. I waited until the doctor said I could run again but realized since my final was approaching with little less than three weeks to prepare, I should wait a little longer to test the healed foot.

The final was yesterday therefore last night was my anticipated gym night. I’m sure normal people would celebrate by going to dinner, or a movie, or not going out but I’m different. I wanted to go running.

My gym has 10 - 12 TVs mounted to the wall so runners, stair steppers, or cyclists can watch programs while they exercise. Last night, it seemed that each TV was tuned to a different reality show. I thought the networks would run out of ideas years ago. Survivor, Big Brother, Real World, and the Bachelor grabbed the media’s attention. Oh, it's just a fad. But years later we’ve gone through Newly Weds, Till Death Do Us Part, The Osmonds, Iron Chef, Wife Swap, Dancing with the Stars, and countless others. I’m not good at predicting fads apparently. And I thought…

What if I had a reality TV show? I ruled out the relationship theme. Bachelor, Bachelorette, Average Joe, and A Shot at Love have covered every angle. I also don’t want to drink pureed pig feet, lie in a vat of mice, or eat a live spider so Survivor won’t, shall we say, survive. And my last name isn’t Simpson so I’m not forcing anyone to watch my family assist my band career or my first attempt at marriage.

The reality is that I go to work Monday through Friday. I’m a secretary for a construction agency and I’m bored at work. I check facebook. I blog. I balance my checkbook. I email.

So here’s my idea for the show: I take 5 contestants. They each get one day of the week. Whoever can make it through the day without dying of boredom wins. The catch, of course, is that they will not have access to the internet. The computer will only have three screens to switch between: Word, Excel, and the Standard or Scientific Calculator.

The winner gets my job. How's that for reality.

Stop, Look, & Listen

2008-03-17T08:30:00.004-04:00

Today you are treated to more of my grade school art. These papers were stapled together thus making the weight too heavy to hang on the fridge. My art is just that good. No fridge. Just memory books. Stuffed in a box. Shoved in the basement.

Anyway, the lesson must have been on safety since I'd glued red, yellow, and green dots to a stoplight on the first page. The next three drawings, as you will see, indicate the safe way to cross a street.

I Stop: If I had to choose which limbs to go without, the picture indicates I'd keep my legs. This means I'd have to learn to type with my toes but that's an entirely different post.

I Look: A rare self drawing done during my jack-o-lantern days. Oh, and I like to think outside the line.

I Listen: Whew, good thing I grew into those ears. Good thing I gave up wearing bandanas. And good thing I'm no longer bald.

Next lesson: asking friends to jump out at red lights and hit the pedestrian crossing button so the light will turn green.

The Bro

2008-03-14T08:30:00.002-04:00

Today is my last official day of class (yippee) for the quarter. Although I don't have much to type before I leave for lab, I did want to share a photo from an email I received yesterday. Now, I realize I live in the South and therefore breathe redneck but really, must you send me this picture?

And pray tell, just who is going to alert this individual that while Hanes does have an array of colors, Fruit of the Loom chafes less.

Charlotta's got a lotta thoughts

Being Smart Smarts

I Had A Dream

Top Ten Posts from 2010

Two Feet and Half a Foot

One Track Mind

Call Me Fun Dip

The Char-Lettes

List Noted

Weddings are for Normal People

The Wreckiest Night Ever

Thankful Comma For Little Boys

Time is Money

Hindsight is $20 $20

My Bl*nk*ng Car

I Tri-ed

A Preview

Whirlpool of Trouble

My Dad

Bugged

Angels and Demon

Sense: This Post Makes None

The Mother of All Pranks

A Thank You Letter

3:1

The Answer is Blowing in the Wind

Virginia is for Lovers. So I went to D.C. instead.

The Great Generation Gap

Sooner or Gator

Milk: It Does A Body Good

Home for the Holidays

A Christmas Poem

That Bites

Weighty Issues

Are Your Eyes Watering or Is It Just Me?

Election Payne

Don't Make Me Laugh

Which Witch?

Adieu, I Do

Unhinged

What Goes Around, Comes Around

Take Another One Just In Case

Seeing Red

Golf = ROFL

A Master Degree

Rewind Button

The Never Ending Story

Back to the Future

A Wedding Story

While You Were Out...

All.Most.Done.

Excuse Me

The Record of Charlottalove

Magic Eye

Sticky Situation

From the (Soft) Lips of Babes

A Final Love Letter: Part III

A Love Letter: Part II

A Love Letter: Part I

IMDb Files

And The Award Goes To...

Dancing Around The Truth

Hit Me

My Little Mistake

Boot Camp

Expensive Taste

A Series of Unfortunate Events

Chew On This

Flashback to Reality

I'm Serious

Right vs Left

Fuel for the Memory

Botox Alternative

Life Happens

I Am Thankful

Twenty Buckaroos

Wake-Up Call

A 15 Minute Call

Celebrate Good Times, Come On

Riesens to be Healthy

My Blnkng Car