I had the most wonderful Birthday and long week-end - wow it'll take a few posts to highlight it all but first let me say I have the best friends.
I received an early package from Daisy and Manblogger full of goodies - Godiva candy and cocoa among other things.
I thank them so much! It was a nice kick-off to the birthday!
I also have a few messages to be on the look-put for some other gifts so that adds to the fun and excitement and extends the birthday!! Whoo Hoo! I love it!

Our stay in Beaufort exceeded my expectations.
It was as relaxed and romantic and fun as I hoped it would be - and more. THANK YOU SWEET HUSBAND! I have some pics of it too (of course).

Now from wonderful to weird.
I had a dream last night that somehow I was in the Army.
It was AWFUL!
No one would help me find the stuff I was supposed to be wearing (camo, boots etc) this lady kept YELLING at me.
I don't know where in the hell that dream came from.
Any interpreters out there?
I can never make any sense of the dream websites!
Happy Monday - Don't let it get you down!

I was tagged to do this by both Bradley of the Egel's Nest and Lynilu so i'll have it set to go for Friday while i'm lazing around at a Bed and Breakfast in lovely Beaufort, SC. Don't hate! ;)

I don't even care what the weather is like.
If I get one walk around the downtown area, visit the chocolate shop and we get some good seafood - we can stay in and order delivery for the remainder of the time.
It's all about "us" and togetherness this time.
I did mention to him that I want to take a carriage ride if possible though. Okay off to the randomnes........

1) Although I am TERRIFIED of heights I forces myself to go parasailing a few years back and LOVED the experience. It was one of the most peaceful things i've ever done. I do not, however, see myself jumping out of an airplane - ever.

2) In my twilight years I hope to live somewhere in a very old apartment or house. Something about old buildings just "calls" to me. I love crown moulding, hardwood floors, fireplaces, old light fixtures, old doors and doorbells, old windows. Love them.

3) I get such pleasure out of doing things and spending time with my daughter. Sometimes her "babyishness" annoys me. What I mean is, when she whines or babytalks intentionally (and Yes, I know all kids do it).
When we are just sitting - talking about things or she's involved in playing and i'm just watching her, I get a feeling of such joy and pride.
She really is a funny, intelligent kid and I am proud that other people seem to "like" her so much.

4) I am getting a tad nervous about the election. Living in the conservative South I really wonder how people will react if Obama is elected. Will there be rioting in the streets? I really wonder. People down here can be awfully scary. My Mamma and I were talking about this yesterday and she expressed the same concern so I know it's not just me.

5) I am such a clutter-bug. I really wish I could hire someone to come into my house and just remove all of the "crap" and organize it some. No, I don't want to be a "neat freak". That will never be me but I think it would soothe my soul if my house were in better order and I really believe given a clean slate I could keep it in fairly good shape. Alas I just can't seem to do it myself. I really can't. It's too overwhelming.

6) It's amazing how much calmer i've become over my job in the past two weeks. Ever since they gave us a "know by" date of Dec 1st i've felt better and slept better at night. I am ready to accept whatever happens even if it doesn't go the way I want it to. I've prayed for God's Grace and his strength to help me make the right decisions for me and my family. That is all I can really do.

7) If I could have one wish this second for a specific "thing" (not wealth or health but an object) it would be a shiny 2006 black,white or red Dodge Charger. I don't want a brand spanking new one though I would take a 2007 I guess. Any other color is negotiable also. Oh my god I want one of those things like i've never wanted a car in my life. I used to think people were CRAZY to lust after a car and never really understood it but I want one of those cars and with my job situation being what it is, well it's just not in the cards for me. BUT if I met up with a genie in a bottle ~Poof~ Mamma would be stylin' and profilin' *sigh* It's a fun dream!

This is where we'll be staying October 16-18 in Beaufort, SC.

The North Street Inn (www.northstreetinn.com) is an old Victorian Home lovingly restored and the owner cooks gourmet breakfasts for her guests.
I wasn't able to look a LOT of info on the Inn but it did get excellent reviews on tripadvisor.com and I found nothing negative, except one guest complained there wasn't enough lamplight to read by. I think I can deal.
I am super excited because I love Charleston, I adore Savannah and i've wanted to explore Beaufort as well.
It would totally be awesome if I could run into author Pat Conroy and have him autograph one of my two favorite books of his (or both): "The Lords Of Discipline" or "The Prince Of Tides".
They say although he lives on Fripp Island (which is a private island accessible only by ferry and you must be issued a visitors pass), he sometimes does visit the local bookshop and signs autographs.
I'd buy copies of those books just for his autograph. Anyway i'm not getting my hopes up but it COULD happen!
Also there is some kind of specialty chocolate shop and although I am not betting on them having lavender chocolates I am sure I can find something other than your run-of-the-mill pralines and chocolate covered pecans found liberally in Charleston and Savannah.
Fingers crossed.

The beds at this Inn look like clouds and I have all sorts of snuggling and carnal delights in store for my loved one.
We don't get alot of "alone time" with an almost four-year old so we intend to spend our time wisely.
I told him i'm not dragging him around at break-neck speed to see this and that.
We plan to stroll leisurely. I do want to take a carriage ride and hear some of the local lore, and he wants some good old boiled shrimp and some oysters, so that is manageable.
My sweet sister is letting me borrow her camera so i'll have pics to share as well! I can't wait!

THIS my friends is a "Palmetto Bug" aka "Water Bug" aka "Super Roach".

Somebody asked me what it was... OMG can I just say how terrified I am of these things?
They are an ugly reddish brown color and usually an adult ranges in size from 2 to 3 inches long and some can even FLY.
When we sold our place w/ 25 acres out in Plum Nearly and moved beside my parents before Madison was born we stayed in my Grandparents old house which was infested with them.
No amount of spraying, bombing anything could get rid of them. Now there weren't hundreds or anything but we'd see at least one dang near every day.
It has nothing to do with how "clean" your house is, I think it's dampness that attracts them.
I don't know but damn if I didn't live in a constant state of fear in seeing one of those things.
One night I was lying in bed and Stacy was watching TV. If I lifted my head I could look straight down the hall at him.
Well I was laying there and suddenly something comes whizzing by my head.
I thought he threw something at me (although to be realistic it was logistically not possible) and I looked to my left above me and it was a Palmetto Bug.
Holy Shit! I FLEW out of that bed and down the Hall screaming like a banshee.
Did I mention I was 8 months pregnant?
It's a wonder Madison wasn't born right there.
I about gave poor Stacy a heart attack!
When I still lived at home we would occasionally see one in the bathroom and i'd scream and my Dad would get SO mad.
He would yell "ja-eez-zus christ you about gave me a G-D heart attack - quit being such an idiot about those G-D bugs!".
Did I mention my Daddy cusses on occasion? Well he does!
When Madison was just toddling around if i'd see one i'd give her a shoe and tell her to run it down and whack it with the shoe.
She'd do it too!
But now - we don't have them where we live but I guarantee you she'd scream like I do.
She's scared of most all bugs poor thing. She gets it honest!

I am just unloading some thoughts swirling around in my brain...... bear with me and forgive me for this not being my usual *cough* witty *cough* post!

I am so glad the Sweet Potato Festival is this week-end and Madison is dancing. After the beginning of my week I need something happy and positive. If you're local and can go, she will be dancing between 10:45 - 11:00 am with Patsy Hathcock.

Not going to get into details (sorry) but someone I love is facing 8 years in prison and it's very, very hard to accept.
People - please, remember every choice has a consequence and be aware of who your friends really are.

I am getting slightly depressed about my birthday. STUPID - I know.
Aren't I the one always bragging how i'm going to be an eccentric old lady and live to be 100
but 42.... when did I get to be 42? In my mind i'm still TEN YEARS OLD for crying out loud!

My sweet, sweet hubby is taking me away next week-end. We are leaving around Noon Thursday and coming back Sunday. I will tell more about it later but let's say this trip couldn't come at a better time for me!

Okay that's enough crap. I better get to work, but before I go
THANK GOD IT'S FRIDAY!

My sis bought me these super-comfy super-cute Ballet Crocs for my birthday (gave them to me early so I could enjoy them) and they can be accented with different ribbon! I love them!

Here is a simple grapvine wreath me & Stacy spruced up! It is made of corn shucks dried and spray painted black with some orange glitter thrown in and then some black roses added into the mix!

A little close-up so you can better see... do you like it or not? (I've gotten a mixed reaction to it) Hope you are getting the Spooky Spirit cos' it's not long now!

She had to try on her halloween costume and add the bratz sunglasses.......

THEN she added the blinking reindeer nose! I asked her "Who are you, Rudolph the Rednosed Butterfly?". She sniffed "No I am STILL a Princess"!

Sorry I wasn't around yesterday I had to go offer some family support and was off work. Sometimes you don't want to do things but when a girl's Daddy asks how can she say No? Hope your week started off on the right foot!

I was wondering what do you plan on dressing up as for Halloween or what are your Halloween plans?
We are going to Summerville to the MIL's early on Friday and will take Madison out to a few people we know.
We are also planning to go the Halloween Extravaganza in Hollywood, SC. I just hope we make it. My plans have been know to get skewed from time to time BUT as long as my baby gets to trick or treat a little bit and dress up that will be enough for me.

PLUS the Coastal Carolina Fair starts that week and we will be going. She loved it last year so it should only be better this year since she is a whole year older. Remember we rode the elephant? I want to do it again! I love love love the Fair!
I want to eat a deep fried twinkie or deep fried candy bar. I've saw those for two years now and been too chicken to try one! This is the year!

If you could be a ghost... what would you do? Who would you haunt?
I am nosey so I would probably snoop around a good bit.
I would DEFINITELY play some tricks on people. Hide their glasses, move obvious things around, that sort of thing.
Some of the PITA's that I work with hmmmm.......... I would probably be kind of mean to them. Mess up some projects, misplace important files/papers. Not nice, I know but i'm being truthful.
The only negative thing is I would be sad not to be able to hug and kiss the people I love and sad that they could (most likely) not see me.
Oh and one question, do ghosts poop? That one is nagging at me!
Have a fabby week-end!
a.k.a. the Ghostest with the Mostest!

The above says IT ALL. I've always been a tad bit crabby about things. I come from a long line of crabby women. It's in my genes. Can't help it. If I am pissed - whoah unto those around me because EVERYBODY is going to know it.
However I don't LIKE to be negative or ugly so I try to snap out of it as quickly as possible and I always try to look on the positive side. I just can't let my inner-crabby overtake me.
Work is driving out of my ever-loving SKULL. I always used to say if I hit the lottery I would do the right thing and stay, with two weeks notice, make sure all my duties were property dispersed to others.
NOW - HA. All they would see was a puff of smoke as I cleaned out the personal items of my desk and got the hell outta Dodge.
Not nice, I know, but absolutely TRUE.
*Sigh* The Monogram Queen would give you the shirt off her back if you ask but she is crabby. Such is life.

TO: Guy in my lab Monday night. Don't ask me for some cashews and then STICK YOUR HAND in my bag! I don't mind sharing but I don't know where your hand has been. That's the equivalent of double-dipping. Ewwww... just Ewwwww.....

TO: QC bitch at whatever-the-hell our banks name is now. HOW can you do quality control on a job you have... never done... know nothing about? Makes ZERO sense to me but what do I know? I have only been here almost twenty years.

TO: DD aka HBIC here: Don't come through here grinning and glad-handing so people won't haul ass off to Monster.com and greener pastures. When the peeps from New Bank come flying through here like Forrest Gump on a cross-country mission we don't exactly feel all warm n' fuzzy, like they are here for a meet n' greet. Let's just be realistic okay? We're all adults here. Or most of us are.

To: Cow-Worker whom I hate with the heat of 1,000 suns. You sincerely are a soul-sucking piece of crap and I hope with all of my black heart that karma lands on you with a THUD. A resounding thud. You make me want to vomit.

***Can I just also say in regards to the velociraptor test below, if they put a mask of my bosses face on that Raptor I would SO kick his ass! I'm not kidding!

I just like to say the word "Tinkle". "Tinkle" "Tinkle" "Tinkle". It makes me giggle.

Anyway here it is Tuesday. I did have a pretty good week-end. We went to visit the Mother In Law.
I know I get aggravated at her because she is not a pet-lover and she can be kind of controlling at times (not with me, others) but she is really a blessing in our family.
She loves my little girl so much and she loves me and Stacy too and is always so happy to have us visit. You can literally feel the love radiate off of her. Chad, too.
I am so glad he is living with his Grandmother because it is less for us to worry about. She is in good health but still, she has arthritis and some health problems and you just would tend to worry about an older woman living alone. Chad is a good boy, he always lets her know where he is (WHEN he goes out anywhere which isnt' alot) and they are just a very good team! He works 40+ hours a week and is just a really really good kid. Madison and he are crazy about each other too. They pick and play constantly! LOL It's very sweet.

Me, Stacy & Chad went to eat at the Noisy Oyster and I had an oyster sampler (Oysters Rockefeller, Oysters Remington & Buffalo Oysters). They were DELICIOUS. I also had 1/4lb of boiled shrimp. Yum. I'm ready for more!

Did a little bit of retail therapy (probably spent more than i'll wish I did but what the hell). I am in a better frame of mind and that is what really matters!
Happy Tinkle Tuesday all!!!!!

I could survive for 57 seconds chained to a bunk bed with a velociraptor

Boo Yah!

I had to add something light-hearted after my whining post late Friday. Sorry about that but again your comments moved me. I am so lucky to have met each and every one of you and please know you are very special to me! Whatever the future holds I am ready to face it head on!

I'm home... we're about to go to Summerville and i'm very glad to get away. Ever since i've gotten home i've fought back tears.
I guess stress and strain. I dunno... anyway I sat here and read all of your sweet comments below and finally busted out crying.
Thank you all so much for all you do and say. Like I told Lynilu in an email today I don't have alot of IRL friends so my friends I meet through blogging are very precious to me!
May you all have a fantastical week-end...
Go Gamecocks! Roll Tide! Go Nittany Lions!

Look what Daddy brought home as a surprise today.....

She's cruising and styling.... notice the zebra print seat!

It's a Groovy Girls Scooter! You can't get much groovier than THIS girl!


(AND it doesn't take as long to charge as the Barbie Bug! and we can take it to Ma's in the trunk of Mommy's car! which is why I suspect he got it!) Way to go Daddy!

******* NOTE the wait is over. Crying Cow Bank has been bought out.... don't know what this means for me but i'm taking as a GOOD sign from the man upstairs :)

We decided to take a trip to

Mcleod Farms

in Mcbee,SC (that's pronounced Mac-Bee ok?). After buying some fruits and vegetables including a pumpkin roll for yours truly Madison and Daddy sat down in the comfy rocking chairs out front to enjoy some ice cream!

Look at that sweet face peeking through the gorgeous Lantana ....

Mommy - can I just eat my ice cream in peace now???!!!

Even a shot of Mommy sitting on the porch. Of course, true to my I-Love-Lucy Life when I hopped down off the railing I ripped my favorite pair of hippie jeans on a nail. Yep right in the ol' behind! Now i'm in the market for a patch!

We stopped by Stacy's friend Tommy's (who lives about two miles from Mcleod Farms) and Madison got to check out his horses. He has about 5 or 6 large horses but her favorite was this Pony aptly named "Midget".


She says next time she's wearing her cowgirl boots and riding Midget. I don't doubt it a BIT!


******** Just wanted to say I am busy at work for a few days but I may get caught up and be able to visit your blogs soon. Thank God for pre-posting!!!

Daddy had some shocks to replace on his truck so...........

Naturally "Lil' Missy" had to follow his lead... Wouldja hand me a wrench Daddy?

Yeah i'm down here getting dirty - so what? (that's what she LOOKS like she's saying - she didn't SAY IT)

Yep I think i've got my hands full with this one. A ballerina/princess that can work on a car. A redneck boys dream come true! LOL

Pink Owl

sent me my winning prize from her Gold Medal Gifts drawing. The box as it arrived....


Wow now I can teach Stacy to give me a serious pedi! I love it!

Almost FAINTED when I saw it was the Vera Bradley Pink Elephant pattern. How awesome of you Pink Owl! These will REALLY come in handy for me. A mini jewelry box, and although the other is billed as a lunch bag I will use it to store hair/beauty products when I travel I think. Also the little wooden box is darling too and really looks like a Vera pattern!!


Thank you so much for your sweet generosity. You really made my day and I feel like a real "winner"!!! I am even inspired to try such a contest myself.... soon!

But nobody was hardly there... no FUG's (sorry Manblogger!) Unless you count me and Stacy *snicker*

Stacy was spotting for our friend Bo's son Timmy #72 ! Timmy lost oil pressure and had to come in early. Boo Hoo!

This little man is ALWAYS there, we've dubbed him "the turtle". He looks so feeble and fragile though and I have always wondered how in the world he gets up that steep, steep hill but somehow he does. I guess you do what you have to when you love something and I believe he is a true blue dyed-in-the-wool racefan!

The car count was even pitiful but of course there was drama. Always drama!

Little Miss Maddie is too! I know, I need to find that child some black socks but she's had those orange shoes for over a year and can just now wear them! She's cute anyway! Rockin' the humongo hairbow too.
She has a orange/white polka dot one but I put my foot down - there IS such a think as too much polka dots!!!!
I really really REALLY want to get one more beach trip in, just a few nights would be great.
Madison has been asking me if we can't go "just one more time Momma".
"One more time Momma, indeed!"

** In case you can't tell or your eyesight is slightly shot like mine those black blobs on her shirt are black kitty cat heads!