Panama

I was driving home from work yesterday and Van Halen came on the radio. I'm referring to the real Van Halen with David Lee Roth. I don't really acknowledge the years with Sammy Hagar.



I enjoyed Sammy as a solo artist, but felt that it just wasn't the same once good ol' Dave left the band. He's just got so much flare! Toe touches, seriously?! The man is incredible and 55 years old.



Anyway, I laughed to myself when I realize that while I'm very familiar with the song "Panama", and clearly know the title, I have gotten the lyrics wrong for years. Where the song sings, "Panama, Pana-ma-ah", I would sing "Had Enough! Had En-uh-ough!"

Well, this got me to thinking about other songs in which I misinterpreted the lyrics. Another good example is "Don't Bring Me Down" by Electric Light Orchestra.



What a great song! I wonder whatever happened to those guys. I specifically remember riding around, with my buddy's dad one day, when this song started playing on the radio. So, of course, I start to sing along, "Don't bring me doooowwwwnnnn, Woosh." And the next thing I know my friend's dad is berating me, "It says don't bring me down, BRUCE, you jackass!"

Walden and I are tight like that though, so it was more comical than insulting.

In summary: Today's musical moral is simply this, next time you're belting out Stairway to Heaven, and you're not sure if there is such a thing as a hedgerow; or if their singing sprinkling or spring clean, just go with it. It's the feeling that matters. And as Matthew McConaughey would say, Just keep livin'...L-I-V-I-N."

Who Put The Bomp?

"Who put the bomp
In the bomp bah bomp bah bomp?
Who put the ram
In the rama lama ding dong?
Who put the bop
In the bop shoo bop shoo bop?
Who put the dip
In the dip da dip da dip?
Who was that man?
I'd like to shake his hand
He made my baby
Fall in love with me!"



That was for all you Barry Mann and du-wop lovers out there. And if you're not...well then you should be.

It's just good, old fashioned, can't get that song outta my head, clean fun!



It's the holidays and I know things can hectic and crazy and tense. So, if you're in situation where you feel your temperature rising, and you know you're about to lose it, or just break down and cry...



Oh, shut up! I love Timmy T., but c'mon, you gotta suck it up buttercup!

...anyway, the meltdowns happen a lot durning this season...especially with our loved ones, but I digress...so when you reach that pivotal moment...just turn to your spouse, mother, brother, or other brother, and sing...



"Who put the bomp
In the bomp bah bomp bah bomp?
Who put the ram
In the rama lama ding dong?
Who put the bop
In the bop shoo bop shoo bop?
Who put the dip
In the dip da dip da dip?
Who was that man?
I'd like to shake his hand
He made my baby
Fall in love with me!"

I promise you'll feel better and everyone will have a good laugh.

Merry Thurday!

I Thank You

Can you believe Thanksgiving has already come and gone?!?! It's like we didn't even have a November. I certainly hope that the time between here and Christmas doesn't move that quickly!

That being said, I love this time of the year because it reminds us to be thankful; and it makes us think about what's really important in life...like deviled eggs, turkey n' dressing, and grandma's homemade apple pie. Don't forget the ice cream!



And now that we've stuffed ourselves silly, it's time to pull out the Christmas tree and the tinsel and crank up Jingle Bell Rock. So, as you're hanging up the Christmas stockings remember, "He sees you when you're sleeping. He knows when you're awake. He knows when you've been bad or good, so be good for goodness sake!"



Please remember to blow out all those candles before bedtime. We can't have Santa getting third degree burns on his buns, now can we?



Aye, chi-hua-hua!

And Santa, in case you're wondering...here's my list:

For my friend Reagan, Bradley Cooper.



I bet you thought this would be all about me....
For those of you who know me, I am a very giving individual.

Merry Christmas, Rea!

Don't you just want to unbutton his shirt? Muy caliente!

For my friend, Stephanie, Taylor Lautner.



I'm sorry...I'm dizzy...and speechless. ...where was I?

Aunt Sean would like Matthew McConaughey.



I think he's the reason she took up running...

Kendra would love Rob Lowe. And for that matter, so would I!



Seriously though, I always give thanks daily, but this time of year makes me pause...and think a little longer and a little harder, about all the blessings God has given me. For I am truly blessed.

I am so blessed to have such incredible family and friends; and all my needs are met. So please, enjoy all that comes with the holidays, but take time and remember the real reason for the season, Jesus Christ, because without him nothing would be possible. Amen!

Take Me Away

Do you remember the 1980's Calgon commercial? The one with the gal whose kids are screaming, there is all sorts of chaos going on, and she starts to scream, "Calgon, take me away!" The next image you see, is her soaking in a bubble bath full of Calgon, all relaxed and happy.



I've been having a "Calgon, take me away" moment for the last week. I'm sure you can relate. You aren't sure whether you're coming or going. You feel like you're "running around like a chicken with it's head cut off". Or, if you're not a Southerner and that just seems weird to you, you might prefer "running around like your hair is on fire".



Either way, I could use some down time and a cocktail. Bottom's up!



Fortunately for me, my husband went to the Oklahoma State game last night and I stayed home with the boys. It was stressful to watch and Zac didn't play, but we were able to pull off the win. Go Pokes!



And I say fortunately, because by letting my husband go to the game last night, he's letting my buddy Reagan, and me, go out for some cocktails, sushi, and Twilight tonight.

Hello, Taylor Lautner!



Hubba, Hubba! And don't forget Robert Pattison.



He looks very wolverine-ish here, don't you think? Sometimes I find him incredibly handsome, and other times, not so much. I think tonight will probably be one of those, "yes, I do" moments.

T.G.I.F. Ladies! Enjoy your weekend!

New Moon On Monday

This is for all you Twilight fans out there, myself included. I know New Moon is not coming out on Monday, but it's just around the corner.



Oh, Edward!

Now, I fought this whole series saga for as long as humanly possible. I poo poo-ed my friends when they went on and on about how addictive it was. "I can't put it down!" So, one afternoon this summer, I caved. Alright already, give me the first book so we can read what all the hype is about. I just knew I would be disappointed. The first chapter was aight. Then came chapter two. By chapter three I was hooked line, and sinker.



I read the entire book over the course of the weekend and begged for number two. Why, you ask? Because it's a love story and we all love a little romance. (Big Sigh)



Hey, these books are G-rated folks. No nudity here. Keep it movin'.



New Moon will release in theatres November 20th. So, for all my ladies, here's a little something to get you by.



J-J-Jacob! Ju-Just remember...he's only seventeen. Perhaps that's why I couldn't find any photos with his shirt off? Damn the luck!



MMmmmmm, Emmett.



Edddddddddward. (Insert soft purring) You're welcome, and goodnight.

Don't forget your nightcap.



Sweet dreams! "He's only seventeen... Seventeen! Gives me love like I've never seen. Seventeen!"

Who doesn't love a little Winger?!

Peace, I'm out! Good night!

New York, New York

Start spreadin' the news...the World Series wrapped up last night and the Yankess took home the penant for the 27th time.

Go Yanks!

I won't bore you with stats or analysis. If you're anything of a sports fan, you watched it all for yourself. Instead, I'd like to give tribute to a few of our favorite New York Yankee men.

Now, where to begin. Ah, but of course, Derek Jeter.



Hello, Mr. November!



And then there's A-rod. Kate, you're one lucky gal!



I don't know about the rest of you, but I think Jorge Posada is just adorable.



And Mariano Rivera, a.k.a King Closer, a.k.a. The Panama Express. Seriously, the man is 40 and he can still bring the thunder!



Then there's Andy Pettitte. I find him ruggedly handsome. Love that dimpled chin! Did you know he was born in Louisiana? Woo-whee!



Don't forget our M.V.P and now free agent, Hideki "Godzilla" Matsui. Now, there's some power for ya.



Oh! I almost forgot Johnny Damon. Look at that smile!



And finally, there's Derek Jeter.



What?!?! Did I mention him already? Well...I think he's worth mentioning again.



Ok, that was the last time... Really!

Now get back to work! Happy Thursday!

Things Ain't Like They Used To Be

The other night, my husband and I, took our boys to an Oklahoma City Thunder game. As we were walking, I noticed all these young, shiny people in hip designer clothes; and all I could think about was...that used to be us.



Ok, so I wouldn't be wearing leather pants to any sporting event, but you're missing my point here people. It was like looking in a rear view mirror. For a brief moment, I let myself be jealous of their cool clothes and their ability to go out at a moment's notice without having to find a babysitter first.



But then I jumped back into my reality and realized it was so much better.



We grabbed the kids, some peanuts and our seats. We danced, picked out our favorite Thunder girl (Yes, he's only five, but he is his father's son), cheered when our team made a basket, and yelled when it was time to "D-up!".



Today's lesson is a simple one. Enjoy your life. The one you're living.

There's a great quote by Albert Einstein, written on a sticky note, I keep on my desk. It says, "There are only two ways to live your life: One, as though nothing is a miracle; the other, as though everything is a miracle."



Which way are you headed?

I Was Made For Lovin' You

Why are the trials and tribulations of marriage not explained before you enter into this sacred, eternal union? Marriage is a secret society, where only after you say "I Do" forever, that you discover it is not all about romance and bliss.



But instead is about give and take and sacrifice.



I think our friend's are afraid, and accurately so, that if we knew just how difficult marriage really was...we would run like hell in the other direction.



Now don't get me wrong, I love my husband and I love being married.



I firmly believe God designs someone special for each of us, that we were "made for lovin'", because anyone else would kill them. In fact, we just celebrated our 9th anniversary; or tour, as I like to call it. And by tour I'm not referring to the rock concert kind, but in fact, the war kind.



And this battle is animalistic in nature. Survival of the fittest!



Now, I don't know if the hippos are fighting or kissing here, but marriage is basically the same. Your fights usually start over something ridiculous, and before it's all over with, you have no idea what you were fighting about in the first place.



Hopefully one, or both of you, are big enough to call truce, kiss, and make up.



At our house, things are a little more competitive. It's a competition of wills to see who can hold out the longest. Because if you win, then obviously you are not the weaker sex.



When I say it like that, it sounds so immature. And rightly so.

P.S. In marriage, there is no one winner or loser. You either both win or you both lose. As corny as it sounds, you are officially a team. And a team that plays together...say it with me..."stays together". ...or something like that.

Fortunately for us, we like to take turns making an ass of ourselves.



You know, share the wealth. And we love each other enough to get over ourselves, laugh about it, kiss, and make up.



What is the point to all this you ask? I guess to tell you to be kind to your spouse, laugh...a lot, and never hesitate to say I'm sorry. In the long run, it doesn't really matter who's right, or who's wrong. What matters is that you finish the race.