Word Verification - Gone

I did it! I successfully turned off that awful, pesky, and no one really likes it, Word Verification!

I've read rants about word verification on others blogs, more than a few times. Some have beseeched the rest of us to follow suit, and banish it. I would have gotten rid of it a long time ago... if I just knew how.

Lee, The Hot Flash Queen, helped me big time, with step by step instructions. She promised, by making the change, a HUGE increase in comments would follow. I'm holding you to it Lee. Feeling generous, or sorry for the rest of us, Lee also, posted instructions on how to enable a separate window for comments. Wow, I feel like I'm growing up.

If you've been longing to ditch word verification, and like me, didn't have a clue, run on over to Lee's. You know you want to.

Panini's Anyone?

Recently, I went to the Dr. carrying a grocery list of concerns, needs, and things I wanted to either check or discuss.

When the nurse asked "What are you being seen for today?" I pulled out my handy dandy notebook, and rattled off...


Chest pains
Lingering cough
Blood pressure
Mammogram
Colonoscopy
Pelvic Arthritis

Without saying a word her look said, "You must be kidding."

And I returned a look, "Nope. I'm so serious!" Her expression was priceless.

It's been a while since I had a check-up, and my last Dr. left town. I found another Dr. I think I'm going to really like her. Most importantly, I need to stay on top of my health. By the time I left that office, I had an EKG, received instructions and prescriptions, as well as scheduled lab work, a mammogram, and another appointment for a colonoscopy. Talk about getting your co-pay's worth!

Last week I had the mammogram. It had been a few years, and I kinda sorta remembered how things went. I wasn't concerned at all. The radiologist put my left boob on the plate/shelf (I don't know what to call it), and squeeze, squeeze, squeeze real tight. I don't have a lot, had to get really close in order to get all of my boob on it. Hold my breath, and release.

Right boob, squeeze, squeeze, squeeze real tight, hold by breath. And done. I was amazed at how flat she could get my boobs... like panini's. For some reason, that was so funny! While holding my breath, I was trying my best not to laugh.

The nurse thought that was funny as well. Mr. Husband didn't find the humor. Oh well, lets see how funny his prostate exam will be.

I Opted For Distraction

This morning my hair was fighting mad! Mr. Husband said I looked like 'The Heat Mizer,' from an old, but popular Christmas cartoon.

At 5:30 a.m., I was planning, plotting and pondering what to do, with this stuff on my head called hair. It's Homecoming week on campus, I could get away with a ball cap, and polo shirt, both with the school's mascot.

After taking my son to school, something finally came to me. I could either dress to accent my hair, or dress to distract attention away from it. But how was I to do either?! Time was running out, it was 20 minutes and counting before I had to leave for work.

On a whim I thought about calling in sick. I couldn't do that either. Tonight is Coronation, and my daughter is singing the 'National Anthem.' I can't show up on campus later, after being "sick," all day.

Dashing into the closet like Super Man, into a phone booth, I emerged dressed to distract. I put on slacks, a nice dressy sweater, and boots. I curled my hair, as much as two minutes would allow, making sure crucial sections were curled. I was out the door and headed to work, on time.

This trying to grow my hair out is For.The.Birds! I don't know why I agreed to it! As soon as my stylist can fit me in, it's back to my pixie do.

I know you didn't think I'd actually post a picture of my hair now did you?! HA!

It's Our Race To Win!

Me before the race

Saturday, was Little Rock's, Sweet 16, Race For The Cure. The fourth largest in the country, 45,000 women participated! It was an amazing sea of pink. I was encouraged, inspired and motivated by all the hoopla, as well as the efforts to find a cure for breast cancer.

Shortly after the race got started, we spotted these three hanging out with the 3 Miles of Men. Of course, I had to make my way to them and take a picture. Guess what... I got caught by one of the local news cameras, and make the evening news, although it was brief.

My girls and I stopped to take a picture with my Dad, who was also in the 3 Miles of Men. He, along with his fraternity, Omega Psi Phi, Inc. supported and cheered women on.

My friend Yaminah, baby girl, and I came across a couple of really cool bikers for the cause. Who's rockin' the pink?!

Just like I said I would, I wore my pink wig. Initially, my girls were embarrassed by it. Mr. Husband didn't make the 3 Miles of Men this year, due to a meeting. Our 13-year-old middle daughter called him after the race to give her report. Once making it to the race, they were no longer embarrassed by me. There were women, and men dressed worse.

I want my children to see me getting involved, and even being a little crazy. It's important that we rally, stand for, and support the things we believe in. And because I/we race for a cure, I want them to continue when they have children of their own.

Wouldn't it be great if a cure for breast cancer is found during our lifetime? You bet it would.

'It's Our Race To Win!'

Joshua Bell, At Home With Friends

I've always enjoyed what stringed instruments added to a musical piece. But I can't say I was a fan of violins, until my girls started playing a few years ago. Always associating violins with orchestra, my perception was BORING!

With the opportunity to review 'Joshua Bells, At Home With Friends,' I found myself really enjoying it. My favorite cut is #1, 'I Loves You Porgy.' It features Chris Botti, on trumpet. Sitting in "my chair," listening to this CD, I caught myself, closing my eyes and smiling. This CD is far from boring.

Other friends joining Josh on this project include Regina Spektor, Josh Groban, Sting, Kristin Chenoweth, Marvin Hamlisch, and more, for an awesome mix of genres.

Although, this CD won't make the 'walking play list' on my mp3, it's great for a nice relaxing evening by the fireplace. It will also make a great stocking stuffer, Christmas is right around the corner.

To learn more about Josh, and his friends, along with tour dates visit his website.

Post-it

Post-it note Tuesday, hosted by Supah Mommy. For more info. check her out.

The Count Down Is On!

This is the ninth week of school, and next Monday is the second breakation since school started. We have only 24 more weeks until SPRING BREAK!!!


It's cooling down, and lately, we're almost in need of a boat it's rained so much. Already I'm missing summer, and the warm weather, seasonal fruit, and day light till late, it brings with it.

The closest thing to summer is Spring Break, and I'm counting down. I don't know what I want to do, or where I want to go yet. I've got my eyes open, and ear to the ground for ideas. My plans are on lock down, it will be a surprise for the whole family. Even if we just go 45 minutes away, for only three days, it has to be the BEST time EVER!

Ideas are welcome!

So, for the next 24 weeks/168 days, I'll continue to count down, and pine for Spring Break, while making the best of Fall and Winter.

Random Thoughts

Where in the world are my socks? In the Spring, I bought socks so that when I needed them I would have a pair to wear. My children have confiscated all of my socks. Now, I have to wear Mr. Husband's. That means the heels are on the on the back of my leg. Not a good look with capri warm-up pants.

I started saving the slithers of soap again. If I don't want Mr. Husband to throw them away I have to come up with something to do with them. I know it sounds a little pack rat-ish, but it's soap. Maybe if I melted them and pour it into a mold, we could save a little money on soap. I don't want to make lye soap or anything... Shoot, I don't know what I want to do with the stuff.

Come on... If I wasn't looking for a pink wig, they'd be all over the place! It's Halloween season for Pete's sake! Wal-Mart has green, purple, orange and blue. NO PINK! I can't wear any of those in the Race For The Cure. I went to a wig store. They had the UGLIEST long pink wig, for $25. Are you kidding me? I WILL have pink hair on Oct. 17, if I have to spray it pink!

Camo is for hunting, NOT softball uniforms. Since it's fall, they're not as concerned about real 'uniforms.' They are wearing a camouflage shirt with the teams name, with black shorts. I always thought it was not cute. It was already decided, and no one asked me ANYWAY. Last Saturday, we go to a softball tournament, and all the other teams looked like semi-pro teams that came to 'PLAY BALL.' Our girls looked like HILL BILLIES! I was so embarrassed.

Feelin' A Little Pink!

Although it's cloudy, and a little rainy out, I'm all PINK!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and today, I'm showing my support by wearing pink. In just 12 days, October 17, I will walk in my third Susan G. Komen, 'Race For The Cure.'

In 2006, I participated for the very first time. Although surrounded by thousands of other women, I walked alone. It was an amazing experience, and I knew I had to do it again. Last year, my friend Yaminah and I walked with our daughters. Mr. Husband cheered us on from the side lines, with the other 3 miles of men.

We raced with our girls not only to share the experience, but to encourage them to make a difference.

This year, I will walk with, and for Anita. Since last years race, she was diagnosed, fought and beat breast cancer. I celebrate her, and the many women who have been touched by this disease.

Actually, the idea to wear pink today, came from the NFL's effort to bring attention to breast cancer awareness. Last night during the Pittsburgh Steelers, and San Diego Chargers game, they wore pink wrist bands, and pink was incorporated in their shoes, gloves, and caps that were worn on the side line.

I encourage you to get in the pink of things!

I Don't Run

This has been my second week walking, in preparation for the Race For The Cure, as well as to lose weight. Each time I've walked in my neighborhood, I'm greeted by the same little yelping dog, on the next block.

I know the dog is there, but he startles me none-the-less. Yesterday was no exception. Walking across the street from little yelping dog's domain, against traffic, I was caught off guard. He hit that gate, barking like he's four feet tall.

Did he smell me coming, or what!

One of these days, he's going to run into to that gate, and it's going to SWING wide open, causing him to run down the drive way, across the street, and stop at my feet. Then, we'll see just how bad he really is.

I don't run... And I'm not scared!