Melissaisms

Christmas Ruffle Apron Giveaway!

2009-12-13T18:50:00.001-08:00

Need a little help getting into the baking spirit?

Would a pretty little festive Christmas ruffle apron help?

I am giving away a handmade ruffle apron to spread a little holiday baking cheer!

Vintage Aviation Inspired Fashion

2009-10-15T13:31:00.000-07:00

Who would have thought that aviation wear would one day become high fashion? Not that I don't understand why. I am pretty much loving the vintage 40s aviation feel that is so in right now. It is the perfect combination of glamour mixed with a whole lot of adventure. Who can resist that? I have to say that {without a doubt} Hermes takes the cake with this vintage aviation inspired collection.

Be still my heart.

All photo credit: Style.com

Sigh. Oh, there's more...

See More...

Weather-proof your Halloween Pennants

2009-10-15T13:29:00.001-07:00

Pennants are a really festive {and inexpensive} way to decorate for Halloween. There is nothing cuter than a welcoming porch decorated with pumpkins and pennants.

The problem:

Most pennants are made with fabric or paper...not exactly the best materials to hold up against the elements. Here is an easy DIY way to make weather-proof (except maybe strong wind) pennants for under $10.

Start with 2 vinyl tablecloths. I got mine for $2.50 each at Big Lots!

Fold the table cloth in half.

Cut a triangle... any size that you desire. Because the tablecloth was folded, you should have two matching triangles.

Use the first triangle as a pattern for the rest.

They don't have to be perfect... sometimes a little wonky can be spooky. ;)

See More...

Scarecrow Festival in Chappell Hill, TX

2009-10-10T09:04:00.000-07:00

Chappell Hill is a tiny historic community in Washington County, Texas. It may be small (approximately 300 people live in the town) but the charm is ginormous. They put on an annual scarecrow festival in which all of the store fronts and homes display a scarecrow of sorts.

It was so festive to drive through.

My favorite display was in front of the church.

See More...

Cheesy Corn Potato Chowder

2009-10-09T18:52:00.001-07:00

We finally are having our first day of "Fall" weather here in South Texas. Accordingly, I am finally in the mood to make some cool weather food! Cheesy corn potato chowder is my idea of good comfort food and is just perfect with homemade bread or corn muffins.

Ingredients:

24 oz Chicken Broth

3 medium to large potatoes, peeled and cubed

3/4 cup diced carrots

1/2 cup diced celery

1/4 cup chopped green onion

1/4 cup butter

2 cups milk

1/3 cup flour

1 15 oz whole kernel corn

1 15 oz sweet cream of corn

2 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

Directions:

Peel and cube potatoes. Chop carrots, celery and onions. In a large pot, add vegetables to 24 ounces of chicken broth.

Bring to a boil and then reduce to low heat. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

While vegetables are simmering, combine milk and butter in small sauce pan. Stir constantly, melting butter. Combine flour and stir until thick and smooth.

After vegetables are done simmering and once butter, milk and flour mixture is smooth and thick, pour mixture into vegetables.

Stir mixture into vegetables and broth.

Add corn to mixture.

Add 2 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese.

Stir cheese until completely melted.

Add pepper to taste.

Serve hot!

This chowder will warm you right up! This recipe makes a whole pot of chowder... enough for the family... or leftovers for the next day.

Enjoy!

Southern Rose Ranch Bed and Breakfast

2009-10-09T09:49:00.001-07:00

I have to show you around the bed and breakfast that we stayed at during our antique extravaganza. It is situated off a little dirt road in the tiny little historic town of Chappell Hill, TX... tucked away in the serene countryside.

Southern Rose Ranch

Inside the Rose Suite.

Blue Bell ice cream is delivered to your room nightly.

See More...

Magnolia Pearl at Round Top, TX

2009-10-08T20:41:00.001-07:00

Y'all know I love me some originality. I was blown away by Magnolia Pearl at Marburger Farms. Not only was the booth completely enchanting, the clothes were completely unique... completely wearable pieces of art.

A little about Magnolia Pearl's creator, Robin Pearl Brown.

Every piece is reminiscent of another era... so pretty, flowy and feminine. Part hippie, part Victorian, part a style of it's own. All images are click-able and will take you back to the Magnolia Pearl website. Enjoy!

: source: MagnoliaPearl.com

: source: MagnoliaPearl.com

: source: MagnoliaPearl.com

See More...

Zapp Hall, Junk Gypsy and Blue Bell Ice Cream

2009-10-08T13:38:00.001-07:00

Day 2: First stop Zapp Hall in Warrenton.

This was even bigger than Marburger Farms.

Overwhelming, but in a good way.

This lady sells cupcakes from her cute-as-a-button trailer. I overheard her (I don't mean to be nosy... I just hear things! haha) telling one of her customers that she purchased the trailer on eBay!

Sounds like something I would do. haha

But who are we kidding? I am here to see the Junk Gypsies!

The anticipation was killing me!

Their booth {and everything in it} was seriously adorable.

It certainly did not disappoint.

Yes. This is the face of one happy girl.

We took a little break from the antiquing, mostly just to stop our head from spinning. Being so close to Brenhem, there was just no way we could not visit the Blue Bell Ice Cream Factory.

See More...

Halloween Decor Home Tour

2009-10-08T10:55:00.001-07:00

Halloween is quickly approaching and I thought it would be fun to share a few of the decorations making Huckleberry Prairie festive. I have more Halloween craft ideas than my hands (or time) are capable of producing but I will surely be highlighting several more DIY Halloween craft projects before the season is over. Without further ado, here is what's brewing around the Huckleberry Prairie homestead:

Halloween Hoedown Wreath tutorial here.

Also in etsy shop here.

I try to work with the decor that I already have year around. For instance, I replaced the lace table cloth with spooky ripped cheese cloth.

See More...

My Favorite Marburger Farms Jeweler: Skip 2 My Lou

2009-10-07T08:51:00.000-07:00

There are so many skilled craftsmen (and craftswomen) at Marburger Farms, it's ridiculous. I appreciate originality. I am delighted when I see someone use their artistic talent and birth something completely new. That is exactly what I found with a particular jewelry artist at Marburger Farms and boy oh boy was I tickled pink!

Skip 2 My Lou

Skip 2 My Lou booth at Marburger Farms

The jeweler, Janet Waldrop, creates jewelry (everything from necklaces to bracelets to earrings and beyond) out of vintage-found pieces.

I loved her idea of displaying the jewelry on old photographs. I collect old photos myself and thought that was such an adorable way to show off vintage jewelry.

The most random vintage pieces are strung together perfectly to tell a story.

You could literally spend all day in this one booth looking at each individual piece. Every necklace is different; no piece is used twice.

Some of my favorites:

All of the pieces on this necklace are old vintage clock faces.

Every single necklace is a conversation piece. And the best part? She writes out on the back of the photograph details about the necklace such as what each piece is, where it was found, etc. You, then, become knowledgeable about the uniqueness of the special necklace that you are wearing.

You can look at the same general area ten times and each time see something that you didn't see before. Her booth is the definition of eye candy.

We loved it all but decided to keep walking around to other booths.

It only took approximately 15 minutes before we were back.

We knew we would regret not purchasing something this fun and unique.

On my second visit, I saw a necklace that I didn't see before.

It was as if it was calling my name and made perfectly for me.

Halloween Hoedown Wreath

2009-10-06T12:56:00.001-07:00

Have I mentioned that Halloween is my favorite time of the year? Oh I have? Right. Well it is. I love when I see people incorporate their own style into holiday decorating. It makes a home feel a little less "bought" and a little more personal. After all, isn't it so much more enjoyable coming home to a place filled with all of the things that you love?

I suppose it is no secret that I love all things western. I couldn't wait to incorporate a little western flair into my Halloween decorating. I started with a fun Halloween Hoedown Wreath.

It is a collection of gingham and bandana... the perfect western touch for your Halloween door.

DIY tutorial:

Materials needed:

1 straw wreath (14 inch wreath shown here)

2 orange bandanas

2 black bandanas

.25 yard of black and white gingham fabric

.25 yard of orange and white gingham fabric

Jute rope

Screw Driver

Step 1:

Cut the fabric with pinking sheers into 1-2 inch x 3-4 inch strips. Place the strips into piles.

Step 2:

Punch the center of the strip into the straw wreath with the screw driver.

The Junk Gypsy Prom

2009-10-06T08:49:00.001-07:00

After a day at Marburger Farms in Round Top, we headed back to our bed and breakfast in Chappell Hill to get ready for a fun night out at the Junk Gypsy prom. We had never been but had seen pictures and knew that everyone is supposed to dress up in some sort of funky junk chic outfit. Armed with this snippet of information, I headed to the Goodwill to see what I could get my hands on. I wasn't having too much luck finding a balance between cute vintage and junk chic... so I decided to go really junky and get outfits for the three of us as "Queens of the Trailer Park". Now THAT is something you can find in the Goodwill.

Yep. These will do. Vintage flowy robes... it has "refined trailer park" written all over it!

Next... we needed to round up some classy accessories.

Every trailer park queen needs a crown, right?

Thank you, Burger King, for your generosity in donating crowns to a couple of trailer park queens.

We glued. We bedazzled. We decorated.

And three ridiculous crowns were born. Perfect.

My crown had a tractor front and center.

Who needs gems when you have googly eyes?

Add some trashy makeup and we were believably from the trailer park.

Oh, did I forget to mention that we had Queen of the Trailer Park sashes?

Yeah, yeah. Pipe it down. I know I look like a pirate. In cowboy boots.

It is Miss Trailer Park, herself.

Arrrrr! Tis the trailer park scalleywaggle... shiver me timbers... under the likes of a giant chandelier!

Aye, whar is her matey?

Ahoy! Thar is the lil lady!

Off to the prom we go!

Butterscotch Peanut Butter Drops

2009-10-05T14:15:00.000-07:00

Peanut Butter and Butterscotch. Need I say more?

This is SO easy... you can whip it up in minutes.

It is very similar to the popular haystacks but with an easier crunch.

You will see what I mean.

Ingredients:

1/2 bag of butterscotch chips (approximately 5.5 oz )

1/2 cup of peanut butter (smooth or chunky, whichever your prefer)

3 cups of Corn Flakes

Directions:

Combine butterscotch chips and peanut butter in a saucepan over low heat.

Stir until well blended.

Add Corn Flakes.

Stir until completely coated.

On wax or parchment paper lined cookie sheet, drop by the spoonful.

They don't have to be neat or perfectly round. They will glue themselves together as they dry.

Day 1: Marburger Farms Antique Show

2009-10-05T12:12:00.001-07:00

I am back from my Texas Antique Week adventure!...and I can't wait to show y'all the goodies and delights that Round Top had in store for us!

We stayed in Austin on Wednesday night... and headed out Thursday morning to our first stop... Marburger Farms!

They had several old historic buildings filled with antiques along with a gazillion ginormous tents. There was so much goodness that it was borderline overwhelming.

My shopping accomplices: My sister, Emily, and my Mom... both of whom flew in from California to attend this antique extravaganza!

Emily has a fashion blog called Le Quaintrelle.

You'll always find something stylish there...

As for me... I have my shopping boots on and I'm ready to rock and roll.

Lets DO THIS.

Now if only we had one of these cute shopping carts...

I suppose this old thing would do the trick, too...

Into tent city, we go.

Texas Antique Week

2009-09-30T07:42:00.000-07:00

I am SO excited that I get to go to my first Texas Antique Week! I am picking up my mom and sister from the airport today and we are making a girls trip up to Round Top! In case you missed my post on why I am so excited to go to this antique/junktique paradise... let me fill you in:

There are some things in life that constitute a want; however, this is not one of them. I NEED to go to Texas Antique Week! Allow me to explain:

Antique week is a ginormous antique and junker extravaganza with all sorts of different shops and shows all going on in the general vicinity of Round Top, Texas! (Round Top is half way between Houston and Austin) Some of the surrounding towns that participate are Warrenton, Fayetteville, Carmine, Shelby and Burton! For a complete list of shows and details... AntiqueWeekend.com is a great place to find all the information you need.

Marburger Farm boasts a show with over 350 vendors from all over the country, on 43 acres with 10 huge tents and 12 historic buildings full of antique goodies and one-of-a-kind finds! Here are a few pictures I found around the internet... the pictures will take you back to their sources which will provide even more insight on this must-go event. :)

Roundtop.org

Cactuscreekdaily.com

Going Ga-Ga at the Goodwill.

2009-09-29T17:59:00.000-07:00

First things first. Allow me to apologize for the quality pictures you are about to see. We only have one camera in our family and my husband took it today. What you are about to witness is the poor quality of a camera phone. But I lost my marbles at the Goodwill today and thought it would be inappropriate if I didn't share my loot for y'all to see. :) And no, I couldn't wait for the camera. Shall we?

Guess Shirt Dress.

Never you mind those wrinkles.

I love the Indiana Jones-ishness.

Or perhaps a preppy safari?

Forget I said preppy. I'm wearing this baby with boots!

Try to stop me.

Guess. I know!

Similar to this Guess dress:

Which is ON SALE at the Guess website for $89.99.

I purchased my similar Guess shirt dress for...

Drum roll please!

Price $3.35

NEXT!

A white slip to go under my Guess shirt dress.

Price $1.59

Braided belt to wear over shirt dress.

Price $1.59

Gap Shirt

This shirt fits like a glove. And it's practically brand new! I love it!

Price $3.35

See More Fabulous Deals...

Wedding Week: Trash the Dress

2009-09-28T22:34:00.000-07:00

The day after the wedding, we did a fun shoot aka "trash the dress".

It is pretty much summed up as artsy, fun and sometimes crazy pictures in your wedding dress... you'll see why.

Yes, we really did go in the Brazos River. I was relieved that my dress dry cleaned perfectly. Good as new... not that I will be wearing it again. ;)

About a month later, we were invited by our wedding photographers, White Haute Photography, to be models/subjects for different photographers doing a Trash the Dress shoot at the March Air Reserve Base Museum.

Where do I sign up?

We traveled back to California for the shoot and since we already had pictures of my wedding dress the day after, I decided to change it up.

I wore my grandmother's wedding dress. There was absolutely NO trashing of the dress here. I was always very close to my grandma until she passed away in 2005. I really wish she could have seen me get married; I would have loved to have her be a part of it. In a way, I felt like wearing her dress for this shoot let me be close to her again... if that makes sense. I know I will see her again in heaven one day, but it doesn't make me miss her any less in the meantime.

I absolutely loved her dress. I was shocked to see how similar it was to my own. The lace was almost identical, ivory with sweetheart neckline. Grandma and I must think alike. ;)

Wedding Week: The Reception

2009-09-27T22:20:00.001-07:00

I just married the love of my life. Now, it is time to celebrate!!

In the barn!!

Bridal party walking in...

Cowbells are a ringin'!

Mr. and Mrs. Farley!

Wedding Week: The Ceremony

2009-09-27T21:00:00.000-07:00

It is finally time for the wedding! I had the pleasure with working with both White Haute Photography and Eric Hegwer Photography...two amazing photographers. I've linked back to their sites according to their pictures.

I think the pictures tell a pretty accurate story... so I will keep my commentary down to a minimum.

Wedding Week: Morning of the Wedding

2009-09-26T22:58:00.000-07:00

Emily and I woke up early on Saturday and sat on the porch swing for a while... just enjoying the calmness of the morning.

Today was the day I had been planning for the last 9 months.

Today was the day I dreamed of all my life.

I gave the girls their gifts from me... to say thank you for all of their help and support. We all had matching cowboy robes and boot slippers to get ready in.

Emily gave me a gift of my own.

Couldn't be more true...

or perfect.

Wedding Week: Decorations, Cake and Flowers

2009-09-26T17:30:00.000-07:00

Photo by Eric Hegwer

We made a "wedding today" heart sign for the entrance of the church with our initials.

The Church

Daisy wreaths on the church doors.

And a daisy wreath on the center cross. The unity candle stand was decorated in cream polo roses...

...As were all of the pews.

I just LOVE polo roses.

Outside the church.

Eric Hegwer Photography

We had simple mason jars with wild flowers hung by garden hooks.

A refreshment table awaited the arriving guests.

Eric Hegwer Photography

The Barn

Our Fall Display... complete with various pumpkins in different shades and size. We also brought in corn stalks, hay bales and giant lanterns.

White Haute Photography

Wedding Week: The Dress

2009-09-26T14:33:00.001-07:00

The wedding dress.

This is the one part of the wedding I looked forward to the most.

You get to go with your mom, sisters and friends...

Try on dresses. Feel beautiful.

Allow me to burst this euphoric bubble with a big, fat dose of reality.

Trying on wedding dresses was fun for the first 30 minutes.

Shop after shop... I didn't like anything.

My experience with dress shop employees was a complete lack in the customer service department. No one seemed genuine or sincere. They told you what would make you buy the dress... with the exaggerated "Oh my goodness. You are the most beautiful bride I've ever seen in that dress. This feels like the one!" Yeah. They say that to everyone. And even worse, they play on your emotions and react accordingly. If you come out of the dressing room (because mom insists on seeing every single one) with a scowl on your face... then it won't be their "favorite" on you. However, if you come out with slightly greater than apathy expression on your face... it is their mission in life to convince you that you've found your dress. UGH.

I originally wanted a big ol' ball gown. Not necessarily because it reflected me or the style of my wedding...but because it was what I always wanted. So a ball gown was all that I was really looking for.

That, and a sweetheart neckline.

Everyone said this was the one. I disagreed. I felt like a big ol' fat marshmallow. I didn't like how I felt in it. This was NOT the one.

A Pumpkin with a Weave.

2009-09-25T12:18:00.000-07:00

Yes. I am serious.

My pumpkin has a weave.

A ribbon weave.

And yours can too!

Just follow this easy DIY tutorial and give your pumpkin a little ribbon weave! (It looks kind of difficult...don't be fooled! Its not!)

Wedding Week: Rehearsal

2009-09-25T11:10:00.001-07:00

We got to Moon River Ranch bright and early on Friday morning to start decorating and get everything set up the way we wanted it.

As I had previously mentioned, I just had to incorporate the boat house into the wedding festivities somehow. We decided it would be the perfect place to have our rehearsal dinner. This suggestion was met with some gentle opposition... as the ranch had never had an event in the boat house being that it was kind of "rustic". However, I had a vision... and just knew it would be perfect for us. I am all about rustic and authentic... and it didn't get much better than this.

My mom, Emily and I started the set up for the rehearsal dinner which included setting up tables and chairs, rearranging furniture already in the boat house and decorating with a few of our touches.

The boat house is right on the Brazos river, so we thought a "Bayou" theme would be the perfect fit.

There is a big porch deck that sits over the river.

Wedding Week: Bachelorette Night and a Surprise

2009-09-24T15:05:00.000-07:00

I guess it may be an understatement to say I'm not the "traditional" bachelorette party type person. I certainly enjoy a night out with the girls... and that is just what was up Jessica's sleeve...

A night out to my favorite restaurant Lucille's (the best BBQ west of the Mississippi... or so the saying goes) and a trip to Los Angeles to see Wicked at the Pantageas theater. What a great way to spend a night out with the girls!

Wedding Week: Bridal Shower

2009-09-24T13:25:00.001-07:00

Every girl dreams about her wedding day... and all of the celebrations leading up to it; I was no exception. Growing up, I was always under the assumption that I would be married fresh out of high school. I look back on that and laugh now... but there were days when I thought my fate was set on being an old maid. Luckily, God's timing is infinitely better than my own... and everything fell into place exactly when it should have. Now, I usually feel very uncomfortable with people making any sort of fuss over me... especially at birthdays or holidays... but I would be lying if I said I wasn't terribly excited for my bridal shower. :)

My sisters planned a day that I would always remember...down to every last thought-out detail.

Since my shower was in August, they had bright oranges and hot pinks for the color palette. Everything had feminine touches... from ribbons and bows to floral arrangements. So cute.

Jon and His Jet.

2009-09-24T09:56:00.001-07:00

Jon is heading out to the boat today.

Let the nervous breakdown begin.

Did I mention he was landing on a boat?

That moves. Sways back and forth. Up and down.

In the middle of the ocean.

And did I mention that he is going to approach this flailing deck in the water at over 135 mph in attempt to catch a wire with a 6 inch hook that hangs four feet off the tail of his jet?

And I signed up for this level 10 panic attack?

I did, however, calm a little bit of my nerves today. I got up excruciatingly early... and sat in the LSO shack on the end of runway and watched Jon do touch and go's... in preparation for the boat.

Yep, I sat in this tiny little room with the LSO (Landing Signals Officer) a few feet from the runway. It was a hoot! Talk about smelling some jet fuel in the morning!

Wedding Week: White Haute Photography

2009-09-23T14:05:00.001-07:00

Wedding week continues with another engagement photo session. :)

Our wedding photographers and friends, husband and wife team of White Haute Photography Chris and Erinn, offered to do a "fun shoot" at the Salton Sea the weekend before our wedding. We were completely game for that! Let me just say... Chris and Erinn are two of the most talented photographers ever... their work is literally art. I was so excited to do the photo shoot...because I knew it would be something totally different than what Jon and I would normally do. Their style is modern, fresh and fun. I can't rave enough about them. Don't believe me? Go see for yourself.

Here is a little sample of our fun shoot.

Wedding Week: Engagement Photos

2009-09-23T10:39:00.001-07:00

Since Jon was training in Florida and I was still living in California, one of us would have to travel in order to get our engagement photos taken. We figured we might as well both travel and get them done where we have always wanted to go. Remember how I said I would love to have a wedding under the majesty of this:

Well, we had already picked Moon River Ranch in Texas for our wedding venue...so the wedding part was out of the question. However, we wanted to incorporate this gorgeous mountain scenery somehow. We decided to have our engagement pictures taken in The Grand Tetons in Wyoming! :)

Read (and see) More...

Wedding Week: Invitations

2009-09-22T19:24:00.000-07:00

I am not the type of person that needs the most expensive things to make me happy. In fact, I get more satisfaction out of finding a bargain or making something myself. I like to give 110% to everything I do. I can't help it; I may have a problem. ;) This neurotic attention to detail wasn't an exception with my wedding invitations. But before you see my OCD, I'll show you my save the dates.

I did my fair searching for cute save the dates. I wanted something different than just our picture on a magnet (again, there is nothing wrong with those. I just wanted something more my style.) I finally came across Sprinkles Invitations and found a simple little card... with a bride, groom and a chapel. I loved them!

Wedding Week: Venue- Moon River Ranch

2009-09-22T12:15:00.000-07:00

For me, finding the perfect venue was one of the most crucial aspects of planning the whole wedding. It sets the style in which every other detail and decoration will accentuate. When you find the "one"--the place in which you will be marrying the love of your life-- you just know. That is exactly how I felt when I came to Moon River Ranch for the first time. It was everything I wanted, everything I hoped for... a place that I thought I would never find on our budget.

Allow me to show you exactly what we fell in love with at

Moon River Ranch...

Read (and see) More...

Wedding Week: Engagement and Venue Hunting

2009-09-21T17:38:00.000-07:00

January 5, 2008

I can't say that I wasn't expecting to get engaged at some point to Jon, but I can honestly say that I didn't expect it when it happened. It was a cold, gloomy, rainy January morning. Jon handed me a card which led me on a scavenger hunt... and with each clue that I found was a rose and another card leading to the next clue... and eventually to him holding a ring.

At the point that I started the hunt... I had a pretty good idea what was happening. ;) I was so excited!

Wedding Week!

2009-09-21T17:37:00.001-07:00

I can't believe that it has already been ONE YEAR for Jon and me. It seems like it has gone by so fast and so slow all at the same time. In celebration of our upcoming anniversary... I am going to celebrate all week long with Wedding Week! There will be a different feature (or two) every day... highlighting some of my fabulous vendors, DIY projects, wedding ideas and one special day. :)

Hope you will join me for a year of planning and events (minus the stress and money) wrapped up into one fun week!

Happy Wedding Week,

An Aviation Love Story...Part 2

2009-09-20T11:51:00.000-07:00

Hindsight is always 20/20.

There are some things in life that just don't make sense until you look back in hindsight. Certain dreams or aspirations may not work out as planned; unforeseen obstacles may be set in your path and detour you down another road. All the meanwhile we get frustrated, angry even, and throw all of the "whys" at God. Surely we know best, right? As difficult as it is to trust God through all of the trials set before us, it is important to realize that He is an all-knowing God and has a plan for us.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

Read More...

An Aviation Love Story...

2009-09-19T12:42:00.001-07:00

Every dog has her day; today was mine.

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out the Farley house loves aviation and all that it entails. Many assume that I love aviation because Jon is a pilot. Do I love that I get to hear all about his flying every day? You bet! Do I love that he can speak airplane fluently to me? Absolutely. Do I live vicariously through his flying? You better believe it. God generously blessed me with Jon's dream of flying... because it was my dream too.

August 18, 2007. My first solo in an airplane.

A Trip to the San Antonio Zoo

2009-09-16T10:26:00.001-07:00

Off we go to the San Antonio Zoo!

Hill Country Adventure Part 2: Gruene

2009-09-15T18:16:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Gruene, Texas! Home of the oldest dance hall in the state! Gruene is technically a ghost town; historically, it was an old cotton-producing town along the Guadalupe river that was revived in the 1970s for the sake of tourism. It lies completely within the city limits of New Braunfels... but has enough charm and character for you not to know the difference.

Two of the most recognized landmarks of Gruene are the water tower and dance hall.

Turquoise Fever!

2009-09-15T14:10:00.001-07:00

I am just IN LOVE with Turquoise! I have never really used it in my decorating color palate... but I have a feeling that is about to change! I can't get enough of Turqoise home decor!

As always, click on the images to take you back to their source. :) And, in case you are wondering... yes, as a matter of fact I am head over boots in love with LoneStar Western Decor and King Ranch Saddle Shop. ;)

Hill Country Adventure Part 1: Fredericksburg

2009-09-14T23:42:00.000-07:00

Jon very rarely gets time off... so when we found out that he wasn't going to be flying Friday or Saturday... we quickly put together some plans to get the heck out of dodge. Despite the looming nasty weather, we were on a mission to have some Texas Hill Country fun. :)

Off to Fredericksburg we went!

Read the full story at Huckleberry Prairie.com

Battle of the Boots!

2009-09-14T13:01:00.001-07:00

Help me choose a new pair of Tony Lama Boots at the New Huckleberry Prairie!

Surprise Party at the Winery!!

2009-08-24T14:44:00.001-07:00

I'm back in California! This time I came for my sister's 30th birthday "surprise party". We had her party in the Temecula Wine country at Ponte Winery...

Read the full story and see the pictures over at Huckleberry Prairie!

BIG NEWS!!!

2009-08-21T00:31:00.001-07:00

It is finally time!!!

After a long and careful consideration, I am bidding farewell to blogger. (We had some great memories... but it is time to move on...ha. )

I have been working for quite a while on designing a new blog (Jon deserves a ton of credit for helping me)...and it is finally ready to be introduced!

Here is a sneak peak at the new design:

Ladies and Gentleman! I present to you...

HuckleberryPrairie.com!!

Please note: I will no longer be using my blogspot accounts (Huckleberry Prairie or Melissaisms). If you have me on your blogroll will you please correct the address to reflect http://www.huckleberryprairie.com.

If you follow me now, I would love for you to subscribe to my RSS feed or put me on your blogroll so you can see when I post new things...and can keep following me at Huckleberry Prairie. I'm so grateful for all of the blog friends I have made and hope you guys will come visit me at my new home. :)

See you over at the new place,

Melissa

PS... I am so sorry I have been on a blogging hiatus... trust me when I say A LOT of work goes into a website... especially when you don't know what you are doing and are learning as you go. ;) I will be following up and replying with comments and emails this weekend! I promise I have not been neglecting you. It feels so good to be finally DONE (or mostly done, rather) and back to blogging. :)

Go on now! Nothing to see here anymore.

Mosey on over to the new Huckleberry Prairie and let me know what you think... or if you have any constructive criticism about the design. I would like to know if it is user friendly and easy to navigate around. One thing is for sure, I promise the new site will be a heck of a lot faster. Yippee!! :) Toodaloo.

Selection!

2009-08-14T10:29:00.000-07:00

So if you just read my last post, you will know that I am working on my mindfulness.

Which, I've discovered, is really easy to stay focused when you are discovering your fate!

Well, Jon's fate actually...which in turn is my fate, too.

Today he will find out if he will be flying E2s or Cods or flying Hornets or Prowlers. He obviously wants to get back to the Hornet community... so you know what we are hoping for.

But! It is all in God's hands. God is in control and will put us where He wants us. Wherever that might be. It is scary and exciting all rolled into one. Mostly just exciting.

Awww... here he goes. Off to his panel interview.

And here I am. Waiting. Mindful of the phone that isn't ringing... yet.

Mindfulness

2009-08-14T09:08:00.000-07:00

I had read a book recently about mindfulness. By definition, mindfulness is an adjective used to describe a person being "attentive, aware, or careful" and the book focused on the applicability of this in your life.

This concept isn't new. It is what every cliche saying reminds us of in a manner of unmistakable urgency:

"Live life to the fullest every moment, no one is promised tomorrow."

Better yet, my personal favorite:

"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift... that is why they call it the present"

...haha cheeeeesy. Yes. I know.

But the concept has a point.

And I don't mean this from a "you could die tomorrow" sort of way. If that were the case, you would be living each moment with an attempt to fill it with the best memories, experiences and once-in-a-lifetime activities. If that were actually the case, I would hope you would have a little more on your mind than riding a bull named fu man chu.

I'm talking about just being in the moment. Even when doing mundane activities. I don't know about you, but this is contrary to every aspect of my life. And I wish it weren't. It seems as though I tune every sense out except those that present themselves with some sort of urgency...like the oven timer beeping or my phone ringing. By doing so, I am depriving myself of the simple pleasures... birds singing, wind chimes blowing...the evening breeze. Often times, I don't even notice these things! How sad, huh?

So I decided to do an experiment. Well the book wanted you to eat a raisin in "the moment"... but I chose an egg sandwich instead. (Get off my back, I was hungry) First bite... success! I tasted my food. I listened to the sound of my crunching. I heard the refrigerator humming. I saw Dolly staring at me from under the table, dreaming of the day that I drop my entire sandwich onto the floor. The next thing I remember was my last bite! I couldn't believe it. I couldn't even stay in the moment without my mind wandering for more than one bite! No wonder the book recommended you start with a raisin!

Side note: Have you ever heard of Intuitive Eating? I was reading about this and think this is a perfect example of mindfulness. It is supposed to completely change your relationship with food. Lets face it, most chronic dieters don't have a good relationship with food. Either, you love food a little too much (guilty as charged) or you have emotional issues that you avoid facing through eating food. Intuitive Eating is more for the people that just enjoy food too much. It teaches you to eat slowly, to enjoy every bite instead of just wolfing your food down. It also emphasizes listening to your body to know when to put the fork down. Eating, then, becomes a more fulfilling experience...which, in turn, makes you eat less. People swear this works....and I'd love to give it a try if I could get passed the first bite without regaining consciousness in the aftermath, wondering what happened to the contents on my plate. haha

Getting back on track... mindfulness...

But it just proved my point: most of my living in the "present"... I completely miss....because my mind is somewhere else! The book teaches you meditation to help you to become more "aware" of your surroundings in the present. I'm not really a meditation kind of girl... I'm more of the prayer type. Not saying that meditation is wrong... but I just feel more productive talking to God or being silent in His presence, than I do just sitting there trying with great effort to think about nothing.

Mindfulness affects so many aspects of your life. Think about how many times you are engaged in conversation with someone...but your mind is elsewhere. Even though you nod and appear to be listening, you only give the person 50% of your attention. How sad is that? What would happen if you gave someone 100% of your attention? For me, I think I have just ingrained it in myself that productivity comes from multitasking. I know this stems from my previous job... it was so fast paced that if you weren't doing 5 things at once, you were way behind. This mentality just carried on into my personal life. Which is one of the reasons I hate the phone; I feel so trapped. I can't just talk on the phone for an extended period of time. I am either browsing the Internet or pacing all around the house, thus, giving the person on the phone about 25% of my attention. I recognize this and am open about the fact that I don't enjoy phone conversations; I'd much rather talk face to face (or text). I can concentrate then... or at least won't be tempted to multitask in front of you. haha

It's funny, I will drive by houses and see people just sitting outside on their porch. In theory, I'd love to go sit on a porch...that sounds like a good idea, but I don't really believe it is a good idea. I secretly think to myself, what are they doing? Don't they get bored? Where is their preoccupation! They should be inside making dinner or doing the dishes or running errands... Or doing all 3 of those things at once! I am beginning to realize that I have it all wrong. Life is so much more than "doing" things or "going" places...or constantly finding ways to busy ourselves. Sometimes it is ok to slow down and soak in all that is around you... You may just find joy in the most unexpected places.

The "psychology lover" in me knows the importance of taking personal inventory and being self aware of your emotions and behavior. Mindfulness is just an extension of this. It sounds great in theory, but it is not easy. Quite the contrary.

Just for fun... challenge yourself today. Be mindful of "the present". Give everyone you talk to 100% of your attention. Better yet, give God 100% of your attention when you pray or read the Bible. Be mindful when you walk outside to get the mail. What do you hear? What do you see? Are you overlooking the blooming flowers? Or the butterflies fluttering by? Or the big, puffy clouds hanging overhead? Or the sound of jet engines blazing through the sky? (I am always mindful to that noise. haha It brings joy to my soul.) Wasn't this so much easier as a child? Didn't you notice everything back then? When did we lose that quality? Maybe it's not too late to get it back. :)

I can't stop laughing at this....

2009-08-13T15:19:00.000-07:00

Tag. I'm it.

2009-07-31T00:13:00.000-07:00

Emily from Le Quaintrelle has passed the "Kreativ Award" to me and now I have to tell you 7 little known things about myself...and pass it on to other "Kreativ" bloggers. I guess the spelling Kreativ... is supposed to be an example of being creative? mmm.

Here goes nothing:

1. I was a few centimeters away from losing my eye as a child...I fell and hit the corner of my eye on a park bench. Luckily, I just have a scar from the stitches... and still have a perfectly good eyeball.
2. I was in Miss Teen California Scholarship Pageant when I was 13 representing "Elsinore Valley". Yeah. I didn't stand a chance.
3. My favorite food in the world are donuts. I've never met a donut that I didn't like.
4. I hate all seafood. Except for tuna sandwiches.
5. I diagnose myself with a different ailment daily. Thank you Web MD.
6. I am deathly afraid of those giant mosquito eaters that flop around your ceiling.
7. I have every Saved by the Bell episode memorized...and could act out most dances, songs and other such dramatic nonsense.

I nominate:

Maria
DeBran
Jessica
Carlie

You know who you are.

A Birthday for Jon!

2009-07-20T19:40:00.000-07:00

It was Jon's birthday on Sunday... we had a dinner party with friends on Saturday night in celebration of his birthday...

so Sunday was more of a low-key, Jon gets to pick wherever he wants to go and whatever he wants to do kind of day. :)

We started out with church... and then off to his favorite Mexican restaurant, La Playa. He orders the same exact thing every single time we go. He lives on the edge. ;)

Happy tummy... full of fajitas.

Next stop... the bookstore! (AKA Jon's idea of a good time. I can't argue with that.)

And then to... Guitar center! (AKA Jon's idea of heaven on earth. I CAN argue with that. But today he can choose whatever he likes and I will be a good sport. Really. I even played the drums and made an arse out of myself.)

Jon...live in concert.

Oh, be still my heart! A man with a banjo!

Keep those sweet banjo strings a playin'!

Moving on to the drums...

Which concluded our hands on experience in the Guitar Center.

What is that, you ask? Did we stop for gas?

Yes. Yes we did.

Speak up... You want to see a picture of Jon squeegeeing the windows?

Naturally.

haha. He loves it.

Want to know what I love?

The Thirst Universe. That looks like a picture I would have drawn on my folder in high school. Or on my bedroom walls when I painted a mural of the night sky. Does it count as a "mural" if you painted all of the walls? True story. Don't make me bust out the pictures as evidence.

And we came home to be lazy and eat cake. The end.

One more thing... please participate in my poll on the right sidebar... ---> Over here.
I'm considering doing away with Melissaisms and just blogging all of my nonsense on Huckleberry Prairie. Thoughts please. Would that greatly offend anyone? Anyone in support of it? Anyone even care? Is anyone even reading this? hello. hello? Is this thing on?

Zip lines and Helicopter Rides... (and other such nonsense)

2009-07-15T14:21:00.000-07:00

Seriously, shouldn't we get to vote on a new name for the Bachelorette? My nomination is Zip Lines and Helicopter Rides (and other such nonsense). I mean, right? Is anyone else observing this obnoxious repeat theme? What is their obsession with aerial tours and kiddie camp adventure activities? Miss Melissa, in the played-out-everybody's-been-there-prime-family-vacation-spot-excuse-for-an-"exotic"-island-that-is-Maui...with a zip line. Prove me wrong.

Oh. Hello Bachelorette. Did you run out of crazy-creative, over-the-top locations? Maui? Really?
I'm thinking ABC is running a little low on the budget... those fantasy suites looked like something you would find in a luxurious Hampton Inn. And what's up with Reid getting the short end of the stick? Allow me to explain. But not yet... hold your horses, we will evaluate Kiptyn first. We'll call him Kip... mostly because hearing the name Kiptyn is like nails on a chalkboard for me... don't know why. That, and it reminds me of Lipton Iced Tea. And, quite frankly, Kippy Kip is not that refreshing to me. So Kip it is. Let's recap, shall we?

Kip and Jillian reunite via Indiana Jones bridge. How convenient.

Jillian really needs to put their "trust" to the test since it is "hugely, hugely important to her"... and she "wants to make sure that when things get tough or there is challenges (You mean ARE challenges, Jillian! Sheesh.)...that [Kip] is there for me and today will be a great indication how [Kip] works in teams."

So, in other words, the optimal way to test "trust" and to see how a potential mate will react to real life difficulties and challenges... would be on a ropes course! Duh. Completely logical...makes perfect sense... totally realistic. Good call, Jillian.

Using Jillian logic, we have learned that when the going gets tough... Jillian turns into a total sissy-la la. If I were Kippy Kip, I would have just unhooked my rope and jumped. I couldn't imagine having to withstand a minute more of her nasely...whiny...pretend damsel-in-distress...help-me-I'm-just-a-girl-and-therefore-can't-have-any-athletic-ability ridonkulousness. Kip is a man with saint like patience.

So the last obstacle on the ropes course is "the leap of faith"... where they have to climb a sawed off telephone pole, stand there like a gymnast on a balance beam... and dismount onto a trapeze 36 feet away. More whine from Jillian. More regret from Kipper. Count down... they jump... she flails her body like a flounder out of water... maybe getting 2 feet of air. Kipster leaps in the most graceful arch (toes pointed and all) I've ever seen... easily grabbing the trapeze and dangling like a Ukrainian gymnast on the uneven bars. The scores are in... 9.5...9.5....9.2...8.0 (darn Chinese judge with unhuman expectations that only the Chinese can perform!)...9.7... and a perfect 10!! from Melissa!

He dangles ever so gracefully while she declares, " I was so close, did you see that?" Then looks up... "Oh you grabbed it!" I hope that she watches the instant replay and realizes how stupid she looks for even entertaining the idea that she was "so close". She looked like a toddler proudly retelling a tall tale of how death-defying and mind-boggling her "jump" was. Coming from a grown woman, it isn't cute; it is shameful.

Might as well dust off your bruised ego by... gasp!!... a zip line!! What? That has never been done before! I'm telling you... what an adventurer she is! She's a regular Muppet Baby! Too bad nanny's green and white striped stockings won't be waiting for you with soothing words and milk and cookies at the end of your zip line. Shucks.

Next, we have Kiparoo feeding Jillian strawberries. Why?? Who ever came up with the idea that feeding one another is romantic? I dare Jon to try to feed me something... he would be lucky if he didn't pull back a nubb for a hand. haha You can't bed fed gracefully; you will always look like an uncoordinated mule being fed a carrot at the petting zoo.

The mule and Kipapotomus then engage in a toast... "To 2nd chances at a leap of faith".
How very clever, Kip. You're a regular toastmaster.

Then comes dinner. Well, let me back up... then comes Jillian's one-piece pantsuit... and then comes dinner.

Blah, blah, blah... b.o.r.i.n.g. She asks him about his flaws... he tells her that he can be impatient (False, Kippo. We already saw your saint like patience on the ropes course.) and that he usually has "one foot in and one foot out" in relationships. Thanks for the honesty and total red flag... but Jillian likes red and she likes flags... so she will respond with an undeserved compliment... followed by a master-of-the-obvious question: "She trusts him the most... but what if you decide I'm not the one?" Well, if that's the case Jillian... I'm going to guess you won't live happily ever after with Prince Kipperoni.

She feels this is the most opportune time to pull out the loosey goosey fantasy suite card from her napkin (which Kiply called her out on. Good for you!) and reads the invitation... signed, Chris... to enjoy a night in an average looking Hawaii hotel room. Goooo romance! If I'm not mistaking... Chris either writes like a woman... or this invitation isn't really from Chris at all!! Dun. Dun. Duuuuun!!!

Jillian bestows yet another statement of depth and insight... "I have concerns, but I have to struggle to find those concerns"... and, therefore, that morsel of confession gives the go-ahead for loosey goosey night number 1.

K-dawg is just ok to me. There is nothing that really bugs me about him... but he doesn't really have a striking personality that makes me think he is anything great. I'll give him a B+ for existing without getting on my nerves.

Next up... Mr. Reid.

So, while Kipmeister arrived via Indiana Jones bridge... Reid arrives via Dodge Durango.

Which completely foreshadows the rest of Reid's jipped out date. Jillian awaits him, awkwardly holding a beach ball that, evidently, served no purpose and had no significance as to a clue of what they would be doing on their date. They walk across a grassy field with beautiful mobile home buildings gracing the scenic horizon. Jip number two.

He declares that he is "really, really happy to see her"... to which she responds, "ditto" or "me too"... you can't really tell... but I'll go with ditto for affect. Lo and behold... a squirrely chopper appears over the treeline...

Reid gets all excited since it is his first helicopter ride and Jillian gives him a high-5. Jip number three.

Jillian commentates that... "[a helicopter ride] is a great way for them to reconnect again." Really? Loud chopper blades... an echoing headset that even the pilot can partake in (or eavesdrop) on your conversation... or the fact that you just want to look out the windows at the scenery below... what part of that spells out "reconnect"?

Captain Pilot asks, "Is everyone ready?"
Jillian responds, "10-4".
Really? That is not an affirmative, Jillian. 10-4 is an acknowledgment.
Example... Mr. pilot gives a command, "buckle up your seat belts!"
Appropriate use: "10-4!" meaning... I heard you, I'm acknowledging what you've said and I'm doing it.
So... lets replay this:
Captain: "Is everyone ready?"
Jillian: "Acknowledged and doing it."
WHAT!?
Fool. Pilots, although mysterious creatures, use and understand a "yes" and "no" response. I know. It baffles me, too.

When the pilot explains that he is also an ordained minister and can perform aerial weddings, Jillian responds (to the minister!), "let's get this SH*T done!"
TO THE MINISTER!
He should have turned around and washed her potty mouth out with soap and holy water! Who says that to clergy!?
They land... and she reveals that she has a very special date planned for Reid.
Oh boy! Something new and exciting!
Nope, another picnic. Really? Special? A picnic for the zillionth time?

They have a serious conversation... Reid tells her that he is afraid of the time frame. While he is steadily developing feelings and things are moving in the right direction, it is all very fast and sort of rushed...and for someone like him (who needs time) it is hard.

Back to reality... this is the most normal thing that could be said on the show. And for that, he will be punished!

He continues to open up and show some vulnerability by admitting that he is not good at voicing emotion... that he is good at showing it.

She commentates, "Reid makes me feel different than any of the other guys... the feeling that I didn't think existed anymore." ... "I'm head over heels for Reid"... "Of all the guys here, I can relate to Reid the most".

He explains that he may be ready to propose and starts talking about everything Jillian is fishing to hear...and she cuts him off to make some stupid crack about him resembling the totem pole face. What a weird cookie.

Anyway, loosey goosey card comes and she "takes Chris up on his offer." Do you really think Chris... THE HOST... cares if you hussy it up in the loosey goosey room?! Anyway, Jillian is now 2 for 2. But who is keeping score?

So they go. And dump an entire bottle of Dawn dish soap into the bathtub, to the point that they can't even see each other. Gooo romance. Reid later calls it "One of the best nights of his life"... and probably one of the cleanest.

I like Reid the best. He is normal and isn't playing along with the "tell Jillian what she wants to hear" crap. He needs to go back to Philly, eat a steak sandwich and find a girl who isn't looking to get engaged in 12 weeks, no matter what the cost. Amen.

On to E.D.
The new tool.
So... Ed arrives to the Sailboat... as Jillian is staring off into the distance like she is a cotton pickin' Ralph Lauren model. No, sweetheart, this is not Martha's Vineyard... back to reality.

Ed, romantically and lovingly... and completely admiring Jillian's personality exclaims, "Jillian looked so tan and hot. I just wanted to attack her." Oh. Yes. The words every woman dreams of hearing. What a smooth operator.

I interrupt this analysis...we cannot go on any longer without talking about the elephant in the room. The Mankini. Seriously. Oh. My. Freaking. Gosh. What the EFF was going through his mind? Did he think he looked good? What. A. Tool.

And when I thought he couldn't get any more tool-y... he crossed his legs.
That's all I can say. I couldn't even pay attention because I was so nauseous... it was like a train wreck... you just couldn't look away. You hated what you saw (old man legs that were cut and bruised and hairless like a 94 year old man, but on a 29 year old's body) but were so in awe that he thought he was all that... and a bag of chips. (yeah. I said it. Bring you back to 7th grade, eh?)

So she meets the parents. And I LOVE that she has a total copplesaurus when meeting them. You know, the ted copple comb-over? The one strand of bang that just dangles across her sweaty forehead? Perfect.

She tells the parents that Ed is everything that she is looking for... which Mrs. Bear asks, "which is...?"
She responds, "Tall... dark, handsome...and beautiful eyes (nothing shallow here, right?)... and quickly corrects to his sense of humor (has anyone seen him laugh??), he is incredibly intelligent (as demonstrated... how?) and passionate about his job (the very thing he chose over you and left you for... and the very thing that you are so insecure about... all of a sudden becomes a good thing).

She goes outside to talk to mama bear.

Meanwhile, inside, Ed's dad says, "What the hell are we doing here? What is going on?!"
haha Love it. He's my new favorite. Go dad! Give your half-disappointed, half-ashamed tone to little Eddy bear.

Later Jillian and papa bear have a one on one. He says he wants to know about her. She responds with, "I'm from a small town. I've worked SO HARD in my life to go to school and to prove myself..." Waahh. Waahh. Shut. the. eff. up. Seriously, stop acting like you fought your way out of the projects, living a life of oppression... "proving" yourself along the way.
Seriously? Everything about her response... how cliche it is, how unauthentic it is, how she is just trying to say what she thinks is "right"...just needs to be retaliated against. She needs to be slapped.

They forego dinner to meet the parents... and end up out on the beach... shorty shorts and all.

She says, "today was perfect..." and he responds, "Yeah, I had a lot of fun."
And Reid has a hard time expressing his feelings?? You had a lot of.... FUN? So romantic.

Now, it may be shocking, but Jillian decides to go 3 for 3 with the loosey goosey room.

They go back... Ed declares that he is really "nervous" like ten times.

She goes into the bathroom and changes into this matronly, anything-but-sexy, long sleeved, over sized t-shirt looking ensemble with a deep V down to her navel. She prances out thinking she looks a little more enticing than what she really does.

He thinks it is "blazing hot... and the hottest thing he has ever seen". Apparently he doesn't get out much.

Tell me her leg doesn't look like an orange hot dog? Tell me! You can't. Either that is an incredible spray tan gone horribly wrong... or there is awful lighting... or she is a descendant of the Oompa Loompa tribe.

They continue to rub an obnoxious amount of goopy oil on each other and then... fade out...
lights off.... lights back on... camera back on... Ed looks like a dead animal on the bed.

He commentates, "I was very nervous. It just didn't happen. I wanted to show her I loved her and I just couldn't." Ok, Mr. Ed... you did this to yourself. All of America is watching... and those were the words you chose. Did I forget to mention that his parents call him Richie... but he chooses to be called ED? Was that a self-fulfilling prophecy or what? Anyone?

That is all I'm going to say about that. I'm seriously not making fun of him if this is a legitimate condition... but somehow I have a feeling this is all staged anyway. Like, why were the cameras still rolling all night for them but not for Reid and Kipso? Poor Ed... who would even sign themselves up for this scrutiny?

Regardless, she keeps Ed... and lets Reid go home! Seriously? With that ill-fitted, heinous selection of a suit??

I love the way Kipalot and Reid look at him when he arrives. Classic.

Sidenote: Am I the only one that noticed her getting ready and putting on these shoes...

...and then later shown wearing these flats? This observation serves no point... but I thought I'd point it out anyway.

Boo. Hoo. What a pouty face. Anyway. Back to Reid.

So she is sending him home. With this smug look on her face!!

Ugh! What did the hand say to the face?? SLLLLAAAPPPP!
That's what she needs.

So she sends Reid home via limo (heck, beats the Dodge Durango that he arrived in) and mourns on the bench. Mourns her stupidity.

Meanwhile, Mr. Ed comes to find her... while Kipsy waits where she left him in the grass...

Go away E.D.!! She needs to experience regret and remorse! She doesn't want to see you!

Anyway, next week there will be a startling confession. I think Ed is going to reveal that he is gay and that she does nothing for him. And then she will pick Kippy and Ed will ride home in the limo exclaiming... "first time ever... that someone has gotten to the top 2 on the Bachelorette... with a BOYFRIEND!"

Oh boy! Can't wait!

Weekend Recap: Going to the Big Top!

2009-07-13T10:22:00.000-07:00

Well... sort of. The circus came to town!!! I'm talking Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey circus!!!
I could hardly contain myself... here we go:

Jon hates when I take his picture when he squeegees the windows. haha It makes me want to do it even more...

Trying to escape... haha... why does this picture look like I've just caught a rare snippet of a mythical creature... like Bigfoot or Sasquatch? Not that he looks like one... but just his positioning trying to get away from the camera. haha

Extending an olive branch via pre-circus picture. Ok... we are ready!

Did you know that the circus still arrives via train?? Like just on the Animal Crackers package!! No joke... here it is!! It is one of the longest trains in America... over a mile long! (That's what Jon told me anyway... I'll double check this fact later.)

Giddy as a school girl.

Bring on the show!

Intermission:

I think this guy enjoys the tighty tight tights and spandex tiger shirt unbuttoned down to his navel... he considers this one of the best "perks" of the job.

I love to watch the Trapeze artists! I want to wear glittery tights. :(

The elephants were my favorite!

Jon... leaving the circus... as giddy as a school girl.

Then we stopped at Chick-fil-a....to refuel... and off to Michaels. I caught word that they may have put Spooky Town out. Ok, I might have a mild obsession with Halloween. I can't help it; it is my favorite time of year. And, technically, I believe it is fair game to start putting up fall/Halloween decorations on September 1st. Needless to say, it just about made my day to see Spooky Town displayed in all of its spooky glory!! I looked. I admired. I wanted. But, I didn't get anything... I didn't have my coupon and I certainly would not pay full spooky town prices. Instead, I took the 2009 Spooky Town brochure home to study. ;) Don't you remember when the Sears Catalog came out right around Christmas time when you were a kid? You'd lose your mind... circling everything that you just had to have? This is the modern day Sears catalog for me. ;) One day... one day I will collect the whole village and be the freak lady in the neighborhood with half of the living room set up to display Spooky Town during Halloween. haha Yep, that will be me; I have big aspirations for my life.

After a quick lap around Best Buy (I think that is Jon's way of detoxing all of the craftiness he digested while in Michaels)... we headed over to JoAnn's to get some fabric for a couple projects that I'm working on. And, when exiting the store, lo and behold... the orange light was on in all of it's beautiful Krispy Kreme glory!!!

How do you make a good day perfect? Answer: One warm glazed donut!

No. Thank YOU Krispy Kreme!

And we drove off into a beautiful Texas sunset and lived happily ever after.

Oh, yeah. One more thing. Dolly got a BIG bone. haha... She guarded it with her LIFE!

Saturday 9... Wedding Bell Blues

2009-07-11T21:21:00.000-07:00

1. If you have been or are married, tell us about your wedding. If you are not, tell us how would you want it to be.
Our wedding was at Moon River Ranch... in Satin, Texas. It was a "destination wedding" as neither of us (or our families) lived in Texas at the time. I saw this venue on the Internet... we drove cross-country to see it... and we fell in love. It was absolutely gorgeous. We were married in a hundred year old little white chapel and had our reception in a barn. All of our guests stayed for the weekend at the ranch in a big bed and breakfast style Texas chic lodge. It was miles from civilization... located right on the Brazos river. It really was the perfect setting for us. Our "theme" was naturally a western chic style being on a working ranch...mixed with aviation (as we both fly). We loved it and wouldn't have changed a thing.

2. What age would you encourage your children to get married?
Mid to late 20s... old enough to know who you are and what you want in a partner and out of life, finished with your education, starting a career... but still young enough to enjoy each others company for a little while without the biological clock pressure of starting a family right away.

3. Who got married at the last wedding that you attended?
We did... our wedding was the last one I went to.

4. Do you enjoy weddings and receptions?
Depends... I really enjoy weddings when I know the couple well. I generally enjoy the wedding ceremony regardless... with that being said, many receptions are just flat out awkward. I don't necessarily enjoy being in a room with 500 other people that don't know each other... especially when you are seat assigned at a table of people that you have nothing in common with.

5. Have you cried at a wedding?
Yes... at my sister's wedding and I got a little misty eyed at my own. ;)

6. Would you prefer a lavish event or a intimate ceremony?
Intimate ceremony... there is no better way to celebrate such an important decision and event than with the company of those whom you are closest to.

7. Have you ever been in some one’s wedding party? If yes, do tell.
I was the maid of honor in my sister's wedding... 8 years ago. I enjoyed every minute of the planning and participating in my role as maid of honor. However, I can understand how that role would be "less than exciting" if you are a bridesmaid in a very large wedding party or are not super close to the bride.

8. Does a wedding make you happy and sentimental or grouchy and skeptical?
If it is ridiculously apparent that the couple are joyously in love, meant-to-be soul mates... then I am overjoyed and happy. If it is a wedding where the couple is just taking "the next step"... then I suppose I am a little skeptical and saddened for them.

9. Why do you think our divorce rate is so high?
Because it is socially acceptable in our society to give up, trade in, trade up, quit and move on when we are no longer "happy". We have lost our value in "hard work" especially when it comes to relationships. As soon as there is trouble... we flee instead of fight. We put our own happiness before that of our family... and make decisions based on how we feel instead of what we know to be the right decision. (I am aware that divorce is necessary in certain situations... IE abuse, cheating, etc) I think the prevalence of divorce allows people to view it as an "option" and feel as though there is always a way out, should they change their mind at any time after they say "I do". Accordingly, I feel that many marriages (especially young marriages) are not carefully considered or fully understood as to the weight of "until death do you part". If divorce was made illegal and no longer an option (not that doing so wouldn't cause a plethora of even bigger problems... but just hypothetically)... I think the percentage of marriages would drop dramatically as people would really have to consider the permanency and certainty of their decision. Just sayin'.

Visit the Saturday 9 to see more of this meme. That is all. ;)

Remembering my Grandma...

2009-07-10T19:39:00.000-07:00

Betty Jo... aka Grandma :)

Today would have been my Grandma's 82nd birthday...

She passed away 4 years ago (this September) but I couldn't pass up an opportunity to celebrate her... and her life. Anyone who loses a loved one that they were close to knows this truth: it doesn't get easier. You don't miss them less today than the day before or the year before. There will always be a certain void in your heart and sometimes you still feel the shock and permanency that she is really gone...all over again. She was the best Grandma ever and I certainly look forward to being with her again in heaven one day.

But today, I just want to celebrate the woman she was... the Grandmother she was and the full life she lived... making everyone feel loved and accepted, exactly as they are.

My Grandma made pie like nobody's business. Pumpkin pie, Apple pie, Cherry pie... but the family favorite was, without a doubt, Sugar pie. She never wrote down how she made it, nor did she follow a recipe. She just knew the right ingredients to make a slice of heaven. And believe you me, I have tried every sugar pie recipe I have found... nothing tastes like Grandma's sugar pie.
And, my oh my... her magic cookie bars during Christmas. Or her pinwheel date cookies. Or her chocolate chip cookies. My Grandma could bake like no one I have ever met... and you were always guaranteed a dessert after a delicious home-cooked meal. She loved when people were eating...it was her way of taking care of you. It was an act of service to her and one of my fondest memories of her giving character. I have found so much inspiration through her to bake and to cook. My mom has recipe boxes full of her old recipes... which I have photo copied onto my own recipe cards. They are so special to me... not only because they are her recipes... but because they are written in her distinctive handwriting. Any time I want to try something new... I always go to her recipes...they never disappoint.

I remember spending weeks during childhood summers at my grandparents house. I used to love to go pick fresh vegetables from their garden so my grandma could use it in our lunch or dinner. I especially loved pulling any root vegetable out of the ground... I have no idea why, but I just found extreme enjoyment out of pulling something out of dirt. I make my tuna with hard boiled egg and green onion on toasted bread... because that is how she made it. I always add green bell pepper to my spaghetti sauce... because it reminds me of her spaghetti... I wouldn't even think of making any other carrot cake recipe than hers... surely nothing would even come close to measuring up. (I can't make the carrot cake very often, however. Lack of discipline has taught me that I can very easily eat the whole cake in a matter of two days. haha) Certain things... like beans and a ham hock in a crock-pot... will always remind me of Grandma's house.

I am thankful that my Grandma took the time to teach me how to crochet and knit... I remember cuddling next to her on cold winter days while we crocheted away together. My grandma never lacked hugs or cuddles. She was very affectionate, very loving. I started an afghan when I was 7 years old... and every winter I would pull it out and crochet it with her on the days she would come and visit. I rarely worked on it by myself. I finished it when I was 18 years old... and every row that was crocheted reminds me of a different year that I crocheted with her. It is now in my guest bedroom... and will always be very special to me.

There is never a lack of afghans or sweaters... my Grandma made so many... she was so good at it. You could always look forward to a new afghan or sweater for Christmas... and it was always so appreciated as it was a labor of her love. If any of you have read The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman... you will understand her love language as a true Acts of Service.

There was nothing you could say or do to make her love you any less. She supported you no matter what. She was always on your side. She was loyal, caring, sincere and genuine. Somehow, situations always seemed a little less "bad" after talking to her. You were certain that things would be okay. She defined the word nurturing.

Sure, my Grandma accomplished plenty in her lifetime... but that is not what I remember. I remember the way she made me feel. A true example of love... always had a kind, reassuring word... always had something baked to make a good day extra sweet... always had a hug waiting for you at the end of the day.

The older I get... the more my outlook on life changes. Who cares if I don't pursue my doctorate. Who cares if I don't even get a masters. The adventurous life I dreamed about...flying commercial jets and having a career... doesn't really matter as much to me anymore. Life isn't about how much you can accumulate... how prestigious your career is... how happy YOU are. If I've learned anything from my Grandma...it would be that life isn't about YOU at all. It is about loving God and loving others. That is the "secret" of life... not that it is a secret at all. I think Jesus knew what He was talking about when He said love the Lord your God with all of your heart, mind, soul and strength and love your neighbor as yourself. (Mark 12:28-31). Notice He never mentioned to love the Lord and then to love yourself. No, the bible teaches quite the opposite. Loving and serving other people sincerely will result in your own happiness. This was so evident in my Grandma's life; she had this concept mastered. She served others joyfully... and what an inspiration that is to me. No, I may never have the career I dreamed about... but a career will certainly not bring you joy. I don't want to be remembered for all the ways I seeked to make myself happy, but how I served others and loved them more than I loved myself.

Yes, I will miss my Grandma for the remainder of my life... but more than that, I will celebrate the wonderful woman she was... for the remainder of my life. She was such a humble woman... and would probably never believe what an impact her life has had on so many... Again, just one more reason to admire her character and be inspired by the person she was.

Half Marathon Progress... and Inspiration Board!!

2009-07-09T16:53:00.000-07:00

So... I'm kind of losing my motivation to keep running. Or, more accurately, I'm coming to the realization that the half marathon race is less than two months away and I am freaking out. haha... I'm not sure what I expected considering I hated running to begin with... and have never been good at it. I must admit though, I am improving and I am beginning to enjoy those improvements. ;) I don't dread running anymore (at least not the act of running)... but I really needed to get "A Plan" in motion for the remaining two months.

I feel like I am so behind schedule... mostly due to health issues...not major ones, but just little roadblocks. For instance, I had been having off and on stomach pains for the past year. They weren't debilitating just annoying... and every time I thought I should go to the doctor about it... they would go away within a few days. I thought perhaps it was an ulcer... and the more that I stewed on it... the more I was certain that I had a ginormous stomach tumor that would aggressively eat all of my vital organs if I didn't get it checked out. So I went to the doctor, had blood work done... not an ulcer, not anemic... white blood cell count looked good... everything was normal. So, of course... I had to get an Upper GI. OK. Has anyone ever had one of these? Seriously, it was so awful. They make you drink this fizzy crap that makes your stomach feel like someone just filled it up like a helium balloon.... then they make you swallow this sludgy metal crap that tastes like... like... crap while they make you do log rolls (round and round in circles) while they snap xrays. And that's not it... they make you gulp this metal crap continuously for like 45 seconds. It was awful. And I'm probably a big baby. ;)

Anyway, so I ended up having a hiatal hernia in my stomach... which they were either going to prescribe me medicine to reduce the pain... or do surgery (that they couldn't guarantee would fix it anyway). So during the whole process of this ordeal (several weeks)... I wasn't really running out of fear that I would be making a bad situation worse. I finally got the OK from the doctor to exercise as normal... so I'm back in action.

But that's not all. So... I start running again and I have really bad knee pain now. So I diagnosed myself with Iliotibial Band Syndrome (just because I don't have an MD after my name, doesn't mean I don't know what I'm talking about. ;) You want a diagnoses? I'll give you one, all right!)
So it is basically excessive friction of your Iliotibial Band against your knee bone... which obviously causes major irritation and inflammation... and hurts to high heaven. You can't "run it off"... the more you continue to run the more inflamed it gets. The only remedy is to rest it for a few days... ice it, compress it and elevate it. And then stretch it. So I feel like I've been taking so many in between running days to rest the pain away... just for it to come back. UGH.

So, as a result, I have come to the conclusion that this half marathon business will be a "run/walk"... emphasis on the walk haha... instead of the other way around. Oh well. So anyway, I guess you can say I've been a little discouraged. I thought... if I just channel this frustration... maybe I will motivate myself. I'm a very visual person. I hate not having a plan I can see. I like checklists. I like to mark things off, cross things out... add things up to get a total. I'm a weirdo.

So what did I do? I made me an inspiration board!! With a plan!! That I can visualize! And I can write on and cross out and total up miles and stuff! Yeehaw. ;)

Here it is in all of it's glory. Jon will be lucky if he comes home and doesn't find it hanging in the living room. haha (Oh, don't you worry, the thought has already crossed my mind.)

Oh, you thought you would get away without touring my board? Oh you did, did you? Okay. Okay. haha... think again...I didn't spend 2 hours and half my glue stick for this thing not to be adored by the 3 of you who read my blog... ;)

So I cut out things that would motivate me. I made a daily schedule for myself... so I figured if I had to look at the board to see my schedule for the day... then I might as well like what I see... and if I like what I see, I'll be excited to come see the board every morning... which, in turn, will make me excited to go run....henceforth, giving me the motivation that I am desperately lacking. Yeah, that is Melissa-logic. You aren't the only one that doesn't get it. haha ;)

And I tied it with some pretty ribbon... Yes, those are thumb tacks. Get off my back, that's all I could find without going outside into the hot garage looking for a hammer that is probably misplaced anyway.

I added some inspiring bible verses all around... I like the run and not get tired part. Yes, allow me to translate that literally for reasons of the inspiration board. ;) You know... I have had reoccurring dreams for as long as I can remember about being able to run and run and run and never get tired. I wake up just craving a run...so I go and after .25 miles I am angry. and hot. and sweaty. and out of breath. and wondering why I am not more like the me in my dream. ;)

OK, so the whole board is themed Disney... obviously because I am running the Disneyland Half Marathon... so here is the castle... which we get to run through (hence, motivation! this isn't rocket science here. You following me, camera guy?)

More scripture... oh, oh... and the big A. I am so excited because the marathon trail goes into Angel stadium and you get to run the bases. I think I am more excited about that than running through Disneyland!

OK, so the girl in the orange doing those stretches is NOT me. I am sorry girl in the orange that I cut you out and put you on my board... but I need to see how you are stretching your Iliotibial Band...so I can do it, too... complete with instruction. :) PS girl in the orange... did you really paint those walls peachy salmon? I'll give you the benefit of the doubt...perhaps you are like me whose landlord won't allow you to paint over the ugly choice of color... poor, poor girl. I hope you negotiated that into the rent price.

I say this to myself when I run. Partly to reinforce it and meditate upon it in my head, partly because I think they may be my last thoughts before I pass out and die.

Another verse that you probably can't even read. Nevermind that. It's good, take my word for it.

So that is my progress. And that is my Marathon Inspiration Board. Now ask me in a week if I'm motivated and still following the schedule.

PS...be proud of me...I went to the gym on base all by myself today. haha I have no idea why...but going on base by myself scares me. I feel like I am doing everything wrong and I am going places I'm not supposed to be. I'm sure I will eventually get used to it but this whole military life is very new to me. And it doesn't help that there is nothing to do in town. I feel like such a hermit. A hermit that stays locked up in the house... making friggin inspiration boards and gets excited that I don't have to leave and go to Walmart when I find an unused glue stick in the craft room. I mean, who even uses a glue stick? I don't have kids. I don't have a reason. It must have been my lucky day. ha! Alright. I suppose Jon will want some dinner when he gets I home. I better go get his bowl of cereal ready... haha I kid. I kid. Maybe he'll get a hot dog. ;)

Toodaloo!

I Think We Should...actually.

2009-07-07T09:58:00.001-07:00

HAHA! PLEEEEEEEEAASE tell me y'all saw the Bachelorette last night! And PLEASE tell me it wasn't the funniest thing you've ever seen when Wes got the "Fantasy Suite" invitation...

What a tool.

Recap if you didn't see it.

Wes = Schmuck.
Jillian = Reinforced the stereotype that girls (in general) choose the bad boy/arrogant/self-consumed jerks and don't have any desire to give the "good guys" a chance.

PS. No. I am still not bitter about her sending Jake home.

Guy on the right... his name is tool.

Everyone can see through Wes... and really, I think she can, too. But she is going to prove everyone wrong... with a little bit of time, she is going to be the one girl that is able to make Wes like her more than he likes himself. (And boy isn't that a tall order!) There is something about "the chase" of a so-called bad boy that most girls just can't resist. When you have 20 other guys swooning over you... and one that plays it cool, most girls enthusiastically accept the challenge. But that can only last so long... at some point, defeat must be admitted. But not yet.

They meet in Barcelona. Jillian is quick with "I miiiissssed you!". Wes responds with, "Yeah, whatever. You say that to all the boys." hahaha 1 point to Wes!

"Wes and I have always had a special bond. I brought Wes here because I chose to trust him on his hometown date." Yeah. And what? Mr. Perfect Jake is all of a sudden a liar? (Gasp! at the thought!)

Why is it that you trust a person that EVERYONE warns you about? Oh, right. Answer: "I want Wes to be that man that I think he is. I adore him, I want to give him that chance..."

BINGO!!

I've got BINGO here!!! She has already made assumptions of what she wants Wes to be, what she hopes Wes will become. In other words, she is having a non-existent relationship in her head with a man that is imaginary. Isn't it fun when people create the reality they want and then act like it is real life?

"...and even if I do trust Wes, I am here to figure out if me and Wes are right together. And I need to spend time together with Wes to make my own decision."

Such a big girl. You make your own decision.

Side note... was I the only one that wanted to throw a rock at the TV when she said "Weehhh-eeessssssssssssssss" like 400 times? Is that the only flirtatious retort you can come up with against forced banter from a city slickin', wanna-be cowboy?

Unauthentic Country singing...Tool.

So anyway... they coincidentally pulled up their cruisers to a random gazebo and found a picnic spread awaiting them. That probably wasn't planned. And it was probably someone else's food. ;)

Bike ridin Tool.

Jillian sat most uncomfortably with her legs in a perfect L-stretch, pre-run position while Wes sat so far from her he had to raise his voice to be heard. Meanwhile Jillian notably analyzed every word that came out of his mouth. She posed the question of him being the "one"... and asked him how it would work out in terms of relocating. He gracefully answered, "That bird has no foot!! What's wrong with me? #$*@#!"

Then after a painfully long pause... and reassured her with, "I think we'll be just fine". Translation: We'll be just fine, because I'm not the one and my pretty boy self belongs in the city with my girlfriend. (Who I must say, must have some major self-respect issues. I couldn't imagine dating a guy who had the audacity to even suggest a thing like going on a reality dating show for publicity. Talk about desperate! Could you imagine all of your friends... and your parents!! (gasp!) watching Mr. Schmuck kiss another woman and fight for her affections?! Pretend or not, I would never want to show my face around town with that sneaky snake again!)

It doesn't require a PhD in body language to come to the conclusion that Wes isn't into Jillian... AT ALL. Remarkably, Jillian just figured this out. (Perhaps her PhD in naive counteracted her PhD in body language... which was also evident when she willingly allowed Mr. Tanner-foot-fetish-creep to get his jollies with her feet. Why did she keep some weirdo deviant around for so long? Oh, that's right... they both enjoyed the knowledge they shared of nail polish colors. Mango Mango, anyone?)

Creep.

But that's not the good part. So they go to dinner... He goes ahead of her to pull out her chair an announces in a mumble something about being a "gentleman here". hahaha UMMM... HELLO?? If you have to point out that your actions are gentlemanly, the odds are... you are NOT a gentleman! Real gentleman perform thoughtful actions like pulling out chairs and opening doors... without even thinking about it! It is natural. They don't draw attention to it because they don't have to!! What an idiot.

Awkward. Tool.

So they sit down... and the conversation is the only thing more awkward than the body language.
He took charge of making things right with, "I'd like to clear the table... clear the air... whatever." Yeah, Mr. Smooth. You do that. You clear that table... you clear the air... clear the room...do what you gotta do.

He boldly revealed that his manager thought it would be a great idea to come on the show... so long as he did not leave after the first episode.

Tool.

And he made perfect sense when he logically explained, "If I came here to sell records, I've already played you a song. I've already did the full band thing... I've already showed you what I do... why would I still be here?" Ummm... What is a free trip to Spain?? DING. DING. Correct answer, Melissa! You are a true master of the obvious! And our new Jeopardy! champion! Johnny! Tell her what she's won!

Oh...hi girlfriend in Austin. I'm a tool.

Then... when Jillian starts calling him out on his obvious behavior and confronts why he has shown her NO affection all day... including not even a single kiss... he responds with... "I am thinking... what if she doesn't want to kiss me? What if I try to kiss her and she turns away! *while physically demonstrating with a turn of the cheek*" hahaha! Yeah, buddy. She picked you to be in her final FOUR in Spain... because she is afraid to kiss you. Never mind the fact that you've ALREADY kissed in previous episodes. That was a good one. You are really quick on your feet.

Oh hey! Tool.

He then swooned her with sweet nothings like, "I'm not here to hurt you, but I have to be true to myself. Numero uno is most important here."
Number one is most important here?? What does that even mean? I will marvel at the philosophical weight and significance of such an eloquent morsel of claptrap for many a days.

I'm thinking of a word... and it begins with T... Oh yeah! Tool.

Then Jillian starts grilling him about this so-called girlfriend named Laurel. She asks why she broke up with him... because of our...uh... differences. It took Laurel six years to realize that you two had differences??

I didn't really get the next part... she asks him to pretend that she is Jake and to replay exactly what he told him... word for word. So he starts out, I told him... "My girlfriend.... I mean ex girlfriend..." And that completed his sentence. So... was he trying to reenact how Jake could have misinterpreted his "slip up" by calling his ex-girlfriend his girlfriend? OR did he slip up to Jillian? I think it was the first scenario... but the continuous previews and replays of those few words seem to be some huge revelation. I thought it was overacted and overplayed. And quite corny. And part of me (or, more accurately, MOST of me) feels like this is all set up anyway. So he "supposedly" slips up that he has a girlfriend... pauses... and says nothing further.

No, no... it gets better!!

I KNOW!

This is my favorite part... EVER. The waiter (or stage hand... or whoever) delivers the envelope which contains the loosey goosey fantasy suite room key. He reads the invitation out loud... la dee dah... this and that... if you should decide to forego your individual rooms... you have the option of spending the night together in the loosey goosey fantasy suite room.

Looky who we have here... a tool.

So the whole night of awkwardness rests upon this moment. So obvious that he is going home at this point... so obvious that he is a schmuck... but just in case there was even a single person with any doubt... Wes pauses, deep in thought... and says (in a voice that could only resemble Bill Clinton, himself):

I THINK WE SHOULD.... Actually.

hahahaha!!!! Seriously? It was the most weird, uncomfortable, gauche, uncouth, bizarre, perplexing, unfathomable and completely perfect response... one you can only expect from Mr. Schmuck face himself.

haha... that's right. Tool.

Needless to say, she decided to "skip" that invitation... suddenly realizing that "it was really clear that he has something to hide." She continued to commentate that she knows he has a girlfriend but more than anything... she really just feels sorry for him. And to evidence that, she held his hand all the way to the cab. Awww... well that was sweet.

I suppose I do commend her for choosing to NOT partake in the fantasy room invitation (One of the things I hate most about the show... I have a major opposition with this, morally.) Except of course with Ed... who I have a bad feeling about, too. I'll tell you what... I think he is a sneaky snake, too. Not in terms of having a girlfriend... but in terms of being completely self-absorbed. Test me, you will see. Although none of them particularly stand out to me... I think my vote is for Reid. He seems to be the most genuine, sincere guy of the bunch. And I "get" his humor. Even if he is a little goofy. I loved how Jillian got so "turned off" by Kipton saying that an engagement might be far off. What? 12 weeks... or however long this show goes on for... isn't long enough? And out of those weeks... you have MAYBE 4 one-on-one dates?

Seriously though, wouldn't you LOVE to see a bachelorette where they made these guys plan, choose and fund their own dates with her? I mean... isn't that reality? And isn't this a reality show? Forget a 12 day train ride through the rocky mountains... or enjoying a view of the world from an ice lounge... or frolicking around in a public fountain in Spain (with disgusted bystanders watching in horror).

I want to see every single guy take her out to Outback (yes, this is a special occasion!) and then to a movie or some putt putt. And that is as creative as it ever gets. Or having to choose real love... between a guy that can only afford dinner and a movie... or enjoy the fabulous lifestyle of a guy that can afford to jet away to an exotic island. Lets see where these girls hearts really are. I'm pretty sure it is easy to fall in love with just about anyone when your time is occupied with over-the-top activities and globe-trotting. What happens when the big bucks of Hollywood aren't making these average guys seem so cool? And seriously... why does every home town date display fabulous mansion homes for their families? Do they pre-screen these guys to make sure their family is wealthy?? I mean, c'mon. Where's the reality?
Should we keep watching this unrealistic circus of a show upon which nothing is grounded in reality and everything is filled with forced drama that is probably scripted anyway?!?

I think we should... actually. ;)

Death Is Not Dying

2009-06-28T21:03:00.001-07:00

If you haven't seen this... watch it! SO AMAZING!

more about "Death Is Not Dying", posted with vodpod

Outdoor Wednesday: A Picnic by the Creek

2009-06-24T10:30:00.001-07:00

I decided on whim to have a picnic dinner yesterday (as I've been wanting to do a picnic tablescape for a while now...figured this would be a good time to do it)... so once Jon got home from work... we headed to the park. We found a cute little picnic bench by the creek... under a nice shade tree.

Here is a sneak peak into my tablescape:

The whole tablescape (plus a delicious salad recipe and a watermelon salsa recipe) will be posted on my Huckleberry Prairie blog this evening. :)

Jon and I... AFTER I discovered that Jon does not like Pumpernickel bread and could not bear to eat the rest of his sandwich. Note to self: Do not try new breads when you have a picky eater for a husband. ;)

After dinner, we took a walk by the creek.

YIKES!
And I snapped a shot of our town's water tower at sunset... on our way home. :)

That was our "Outdoor" adventure so far this week. :) For more outdoor pictures check out A Southern Daydreamer for Outdoor Wednesday.

Weekend Recap: Family Fun and Not so Fun Flat Tire

2009-06-22T09:51:00.000-07:00

This weekend Jon's family took a road trip from Arkansas and paid us a visit. :) Here are a few pictures from the weekend:

Jon showing the family around the jet he flies...

Family shot...

Jon, his Mom and Granny...

Jon and Granny
Jim and Sherrie
Granny
After a little sight seeing around town... and a little bit of shopping, we headed down to see the water.
It was SO, SO windy! Exhibit A:

Jon taking advantage of the wind blowing through his shirt; he felt this was the perfect opportunity to demonstrate his flexing ability...and the fact he has been hitting the gym. haha

The family left early Sunday morning (as they had a long drive ahead of them)... so we headed off to church. Unfortunately, we got a flat tire along the way!! Don't you just hate that? :(

Our donut tire. Awww so sad.

Wally World to the rescue!!

Jon surveying the other tires... in case they were in need of repair. ;) May I mention that the drink Jon was sipping was compliments of the 16 year old boy clerk at the Whataburger counter? I'd like to think I "still have it" haha... but the more probable reality is he saw us struggling to change a tire in the Texas heat in their parking lot... and was trying to be a good Whataburger Samaritan. Yeah, just take all of my ego glory away. ;)
So we had an unexpected detour on the way to church. Good news is: tire is fixed, we made it to church (a later service) and we saw the coolest car in Corpus Christi... or at least this owner thinks so.

Some said it was a myth...a legend even... but I captured photographic evidence that it IS possible to get this much "cool" into one vehicle. I couldn't get a good picture without being completely obvious... this car is ALL tricked out... I think it is an Oldsmobile or a Lincoln... something like that... the rims stuck out about 10 inches off the tire on each side... and had two blade like propellers on the end of the rim. I'm telling you, they were weapons of mass destruction. These propeller rims, if positioned close enough to the curb while the car is moving, could take out an entire sidewalk, street light, telephone pole... whatever gets in it's path. Be on the look out for this dangerously cool car...if you ever find yourself on the roads of South Texas.
And tell your eyes "you're welcome" for allowing it to feast on this absurd amount of crazy cool.

My Dad

2009-06-21T18:37:00.001-07:00

I have the best dad in the world, I really do. And in honor of Father's Day, I am making him a top 10 list.

Top 10 things I've learned From My Dad

1. My Dad is also known as Mr. Wizard. He knows everything. Go ahead, test him. And, in the event that he doesn't know the answer, he will make up the perfect mixture of BS, total crap, hogwash, bologna and poppycock... with just a dash of truth, but enough to make you certain that he is an expert on ~~any subject~~ every subject. Accordingly, I have learned that if you say something with enough confidence, people will believe just about anything. Yes, I've learned this lesson all too well.

2. Until you become an adult and call him out on it. And when you do he will either a) make a face that fervently attempts to conceal a smug grin, proud that he took you well into adulthood with the belief that a PhD in every subject, from Molecular Biology to Ancient History, should be automatically mandated to him, as a reward for his level of brilliance... or b) give 8 seconds of silence (the longest 8 seconds of your life), strategically allowing you sufficient time to regret the audacity of your challenge to his intellect. This 8 seconds is usually followed by a well-thought out, cleverly devised word to describe the absurdity of your defiance; a word such as butt-nut, rabbit or turkey. I've learned that questioning his knowledge is punished by stare. And rightfully so.

3. My dad is too cool for brakes. In fact, he is the only person I know who accelerates faster than an aircraft carrier catapult while exiting a freeway off ramp. Only when his truck has successfully achieved mach 1 and is satisfied with the sonic boom he has just created will he slam on his brakes and come to a dramatic halt before reaching the off ramp intersection. Logic and reason always lead me to believe that it is mathematically impossible to stop in time, as it defies basic laws of physics. However, each time this happens I close my eyes (as we pull 3.5 Gs) and we stop. Like Willy Wonka's boat going through the Slugworth tunnel. We just stop. Henceforth, I have learned from my dad's driving to live by faith... Faith big enough to move mountains. Faith big enough to successfully stop a Dodge Ram accelerating off a freeway exit at Mach 1.

4. My dad, if given the opportunity, will make spaghetti 5 nights a week. There is no reason to ask him what he would like for dinner; we already know. There is no reason for him to ask us what we would like for dinner... any opposition to spaghetti will be given the 8 second stare. I have learned that when dad cooks, we will be having spaghetti... with a slice of buttered bread... folded up into a spaghetti sandwich. I have also learned that when dad asks what we want him to make for dinner, the correct answer is always spaghetti.

5. When he is feeling particularly spunky we will deviate from the spaghetti sandwich and replace it with a meal combination that was probably created sometime in the mid 1970s while he was on a backpacking trip. Hot dogs. Beans. And an egg. And if things are going just right, sometimes a slice of tomato, with a little pepper. It is a family meal staple. And it is what you will be served on the nights when spaghetti is absent from the menu. I have learned that this combination is not what the other kids were eating growing up. But who am I to turn down any combination of hot dog?

6. My dad is bilingual. He speaks English and Puns fluently. Shame on you for thinking only one pun is sufficient for any and every situation. You will get at least 4 or 5 different examples so as to provide a demonstration of wit and an uncanny ability to stretch to the outer limits of what is acceptable and deemed "pun-worthy". If you don't understand the pun, it will be explained. If you do understand the pun, but do not give the reaction that it rightfully deserves, it will be explained. If you do get the pun, give it the deserving reaction, the puns will be encouraged and you will guarantee yourself at least 5 or 6 more puns on the same subject. I have learned that puns are more than just a figure of speech; they are a talent, they are an art and they are inevitable in the company of my dad. Respect the pun.

7. My dad knows every hiking trail, bike path, back road, dirt road, mountain road, mountain peak, switch back, stream, creek, pond, ghost town and campground in the western United States. If you want a history lesson, detailed description, a review or a story about any of them, he is the person for the job. And while you are at it, he can give you an accurate account of the wildlife... creatures, critters, feathered friends, fauna and fungus you may encounter while in the area. I have learned that a hiking trip is more than just exercise; it is an opportunity to interpret nature, bond with the environment and to gain a history lesson or two along the way.

8. My dad befriends and bonds with animals unlike anyone I've ever seen. Animals flock to him. He undoubtedly has an animal-attracting, gentle spirit. That, or the animals (more specifically their dogs) remember the hot dogs, turkey sandwiches and chicken that he feeds them. When he fixes a meal, they get a plate. They are a part of the family after all, aren't they? I have learned that dogs will follow you around if you feed them bird, cow or pig.

9. My dad has the ability to watch a PBS telethon for an astonishingly mind-boggling amount of time. Regardless of the performer, it is the best he has ever seen. He will watch. He will laugh. He will love. And don't even think about changing the channel when Huell Howser is on. That is asking for a retaliation as to why whatever you have changed the channel to is absolute crap, all the while, name dropping certain reality star, tabloid names from 3 years ago as exhibit A. Somehow, someway... this subject will always end up with a critique of the atrocity that is rap music. Which rabbit trails to a display of mock gang signs, an interpretation of hip hop dancing... and ends up with the Mr. Peanut dance. Completely unrelated, but infinitely entertaining. Picture this:My dad... feet moving inward so fast, side to side, that all you see is a blur. I have learned to not change the channel unless I am in the need for a good laugh.

10. Lastly, my dad is the happiest, friendliest man you will ever meet. He can befriend a person he just met... has conversations with all of the neighbors...sees the good in everybody. He honors God, loves his neighbors, goes out of his way to help people in binds, sacrifices for the good of others, hard worker, all-around handyman, walking encyclopedia, a good example of what it means to be a good husband, father and most importantly, follower of Christ. The foundation of my biblical knowledge is credited to my dad... Not only is he well versed in scripture, but he also stressed the importance of practical application of scripture into all our (my siblings and my) lives. I always had a God-fearing believer to look up to, learn from and be encouraged by. I am, without a doubt, a better person because of my dad. I am not "fortunate" as I do not believe in luck or fate; I am, instead, truly blessed as God purposely placed us in the hands of my parents. It was not an accident. For that I am thankful to the Lord for being ever so gracious to me, and thankful to my dad for being ever so obedient to the Lord.

To all of the dads out there: may you know that every unique quality that makes you you, will be appreciated, laughed at with, cherished and remembered by your children. May you strive to be a man of God, leading your family by example with honor and integrity, live understanding the importance of the father role within the family and cherish the positive impact that will forever be remembered by your children.

Happy Father's Day,

Saturday 9.

2009-06-12T19:31:00.000-07:00

1. What was your favorite active game as a child?
I loved playing the tag game "Rocks"... Handball and Tether ball.

2. What was your favorite board game as a child?
Candyland or Clue.

3. Tell us about a friend you played these games with in your youth.
I would play mostly with my siblings... However, I vividly remember playing Monopoly with my childhood best friend Angela... for HOURS... days even. It was ridiculous.

4. What is your favorite card game?
Old Maid or Go Fish as a kid... now I like solitaire. Don't leave me alone with a game of computer spider solitaire...nothing good will come from it.

5. What board games do you enjoy now?
SCRABBLE!!!

6. Do you play video games? Which ones?
Not really... I do enjoy a good game of Tetris every now and then. ;)

7. Tell us about the friends you play games with now.
Mostly just my hubby. We have been known to take our Scrabble playing quite seriously. ;)

8. Do you play any sports now?
Hubby and I play Tennis and Racquetball...maybe a game of handball if we are feeling really crazy.

9. What’s your favorite sport to watch?
RODEO! Followed by baseball, gymnastics and competitive cheerleading. I dare you to say cheerleading isn't a sport...I might get a little bit rowdy... R-O-W...D-Y! ;)

That's all folks! Check out other participants' Saturday 9 here!

Church, Dinner and a Movie

2009-06-07T19:03:00.000-07:00

A recap of this weekend's events:

This week at church we had the privilege of listening to a testimony from Michael Franzese, an ex mob captain turned follower of Christ. His story is amazing... and it is unreal to see how God has used this man. Take a look for yourself:

His story left you wanting to hear more... with both a curiosity and fascination into such a high profile life of crime, transformed into a life serving the Lord. Needless to say, I will be reading his book.

After church we headed to the Olive Garden... where I proceeded to lose my marbles with the breadsticks. Why do I like carbs so cotton pickin' much? Anyway, we had a $25 gift certificate which we were all excited about... and guess how much our bill was? $24.95! HA! We didn't even calculate it or order being price conscious... that is just how it worked out. Must have been our lucky day. ;)

And finally, my last order of blog business: UP!

Oh, I loved this movie! I didn't expect it to be quite so sad... but it had an overall good underlying message.

SQUIRREL!
What a good doggie... I couldn't help but be reminded of my own poochies... how lovable they are and how much they desire to please their owners.

My Dolly and Dallas are such good doggies. I love them to pieces.

Now who is ready to watch some bachelorette tomorrow? Gosh, I was admantly opposed to getting sucked into this again... and here I am. Waiting for Mondays.

Til next time...

Oh Snap... I've Been Tagged...

2009-06-06T09:19:00.000-07:00

I was tagged by Lorna at Lace and Ivy Cottage for the "8" tag as well as "photo" tagged.
I'll do the 8s first! Here are the rules:

1. Mention the person (or people) who tagged you.

2. Complete the list of 8's.

3. Tag 8 other bloggers and let them know they have been tagged.

vek87r3g6j
Ok, here it goes.

8 things I am looking forward to:

1. Going to church tonight to hear the testimony of an ex-mob boss
2. Seeing Up
3. Eating at the Olive Garden tonight with our gift certificate! Yahoo!
4. Dusting off the beach cruiser and taking it for a spin
5. Making a few more ruffle aprons
6. Going to the Beach
7. Finishing up my rag wreath
8. Hosting my first blog party

8 things I did yesterday:

1. Went to Corpus
2. Updated the ol' Huckleberry Prairie blog
3. Laundry
4. Organized the office
5. Watered the flowers
6. Took pictures
7. Ate strawberry blueberry pie
8. Played with the poochies

8 things I wish I could do:

1. Run 13.1 miles without stopping
2. Go flying
3. Take a vacation to Wyoming
4. Win the lotto ;)
5. Take a historical Southern Plantation Mansion tour
6. and cruise along the might Mississippi on a steamboat
7. eat donuts every morning without gaining a pound
8. be on the beach reading a book in Cabo or Hawaii...

8 Shows I watch:

1. Forensic Files
2. House Hunters
3. Alf
4. The Office
5. So You Think You Can Dance
6. Bachelorette (even though I said I wouldn't)
7. Biggest Loser (while it was on)
8. American Idol (while it was on)

8 favorite fruits:

1. Strawberries
2. Watermelon
3. Cherries
4. Pineapple
5. Plums
6. Pears
7. Bananas
8. Grapes

8 Places I'd Like to Travel

1. Yellowstone
2. Grand Tetons
3. Greece
4. Prince Edward Island
5. All through the South
6. England
7. Belize
8. Vermont in Fall

8. Places I've Lived

1. Anaheim, CA
2. Lake Elsinore, CA
3. Salt Lake City, UT
4. Palm Springs, CA
5. Murrieta, CA
6. Winchester, CA
7. Kingsville, TX
8. And soon to be Hanford, CA

That's all for that one.

8 People I've Tagged

1. Maria @ MJs Daily Happenins
2. Jessica @ Our Happily Ever After
3. Emily @ Le Quaintrelle
4. Sarah @ Towe's Corner
5. Carlie @ La Famille Roncada
6. DeBran @ The Taradiddle and Twaddle of Motherhood
7. Danielle @ Positive Quotations Words to Live By
8. Molly @ The Story of Us

And for the second one...

The next tag is a photo tag and is also from Lorna at Lace and Ivy Cottage. Here are the rules:

Go to your photo files...
Select the 6th photo folder...
Select the 6th photo in that folder...
Post that photo along with the story behind it.
Then challenge 6 blog friends to do the same!

My 6th folder, 6th picture is:

hahaha! This was taken on our honeymoon... in St. Croix... and could have very easily been one of the most joyous days of my life! Allow me to explain... Checked weather forecasts for Virgin Islands before we leave for the airport... sunny. Fantastic. Upon arrival to the island, it was a little rainy... but that's ok we think... it is probably normal to get a daily tropical shower or two. Arrive at the hotel... with the weather channel on in the lobby talking about the hurricane that is on a straight path to St. Croix! WHAT! So, freaking out like anyone in their right mind would do... we talk to the lobby clerk as to what to do. Oh... no big deal... take your keys and enjoy the view of the ocean from your ocean-facing room, 30 feet away from the water, on ground level! And they will give further instruction tomorrow before the hurricane hits. Nice.
So tomorrow comes... stormy but the hurricane wasn't going to hit until that night. Hotel says we will be perfectly safe in our room... and if things get really bad to come up to the lobby. Like I'm going to leave my room and walk a 1/2 mile in 100+ mph winds and torrential downpour in the middle of a hurricane! So, we are under a mandatory curfew after 5pm to stay in the room... they bring us lukewarm dinner (we were happy to eat anything at that point) and we lose power at about 9. And telephone. We have no internet, no radio, no television, no cell phone coverage, no lights, no way to contact anyone... no way to get information about the hurricane. We sit. In the dark. 30 feet away from the water. With a direct hit coming. Luckily, we were on the opposite side of the island where the hurricane was coming from... so at least we knew the water level probably wouldn't rise too much on our side. A few hours later... everything you could imagine a hurricane to be like...happened. Pouring rain, winds like you've never heard... trees falling... branches snapping... Our screen blew in... but other than that, no damage to our little bungalow. :) We made it... woke up to sunshine. Still no power to the island... no internet, etc.
The island was in shambles...but praise the Lord... there were no fatalities. They don't exactly have the resources to get the island up and running again in a jiffy. We couldn't really leave the resort in our rental car... there were live wires and trees down all over the roads. And besides being dangerous, we didn't want to get in the way of the clean up and repair efforts on the roadways. So the majority of our week long honeymoon was eating appetizer bar food at the hotel (the restaurant was closed since they couldn't get deliveries or have the staff help to open it). After the 4th or 5th day of bar food... we decided venture out into the town to see if we could find anything... a grocery store... a convenient store... a cafe... ANYTHING. And lo and behold... in all of its yellow arched glory.... MCDONALDS! And it was open!!! I never thought I would see the day that the sight of McDonalds would make my heart skip a beat... or incline me to take a picture. Needless to say, we ate at McDonalds everyday for the rest of the honeymoon... and couldn't be more thankful for it. :) And that is the 6th picture in my 6th folder... what a McBlessing.

And that is all folks!

A Little Comedy...and some Teshy Tesh

2009-05-29T09:13:00.000-07:00

Last night we went to a "Christian Comedy" show at our church called Thou Shalt Laugh. It was hosted by THE John Tesh...
and featured Michael Jr., Taylor Mason, Isaac Witty, Dana Daniels, Joe Wong and Rex Havens. It was actually very funny. One of the things I hate about going to Improv type comedy shows... is that 99% of the material is completely crass and totally over the line. What kind of people enjoy that humor?? I guess quite a few or they wouldn't keep doing it. This show was family friendly and it just goes to show that you don't have to throw your morals out the door to be funny. Here are a couple clips of my favorites:

Obviously, this isn't from last night... but were two of the comedians there. I love Michael Jr.'s oversaved... it is just so true... the whole skit was hilarious, but I can't find it on youtube. I will leave you with an oversized dose of randomness... John Tesh tickling the ivories as his mane blows in the wind... and the gymnast Nadia Comaneci performing along side him.

Marathon Training: Day 2

2009-05-27T23:06:00.000-07:00

Day 2: Fail.

I need to be featured on Fail Blog. Seriously though, it wasn't my fault. I had such good intentions! We had to drop my car off for an oil change...so we were already going to be in Corpus Christi. What better place to do day 2 of training than on the trail by the water?? Surely it would be much cooler in Corpus... and guaranteed to have some wind off the water to cool us down while we ran. So I packed my running shoes, got my water bottle and headed out! We left our house, 90 something degrees, blue skies and get to Corpus...71 degrees, torrential down pour and lightning. Seriously? Is God sending me a message? "Don't run two days in a row my child, for you will surely die". I heeded His warning and went to Chick-Fil-A instead. This is now officially my "rest" day so get off my back. ;) Besides, I just HAD to do a tablescape when I got home for Tablescape Thursday...and then fix dinner...and by the time I was done with all of that, it was really too late to go run.

BUT!!! I will go tomorrow. I promise. Today = Rest day.

I promise I won't update the marathon thing everyday... I won't do that to the few of you that are kind enough to read my ramblings. haha

Anyway, enough about that. Do you want to see some lightning?? I swear Texas has the weirdest, craziest weather!! Driving home from Church on Sunday... I swore our car was going to be struck. There were bolts of lightning hitting the farm fields all around us! It was scary. Jon and I debated what would happen if our giant heap of metal, lightning bolt attracting car was struck... would we die? I mean, airplanes get struck all of the time and they are usually just fine. I have heard that the rubber on the tires prevents you from being fatally affected. Jon disagreed and his resolve was to drive near the telephone poles since they would be struck first. I was certain if this were to happen that the pole would fall onto our car and we would die anyway, so it didn't matter either way. Nevertheless, we made it home without incident.

Later that evening, we watched the most incredible lightning show I've ever seen on land. The only topper was being above a storm (in an airplane) over the Arizona desert and looking down on a lightning storm... (if the mere sight of that kind of power doesn't convince you that God exists... I don't know what will). The evening sky was lit up (literally) by continuous lightning bolts... but without thunder. Very strange. It is a phenomenon known as heat lightning... called that because it usually happens in summer storms, especially with humidity. Air molecules will scatter and bend the sound waves upward, leaving virtually no sound to anyone farther than 8 miles away (give or take) .

I took a few pictures... kind of hard to see in the dark and it certainly doesn't give any justice to what we saw in real life... but something tells me that you haven't had your daily dose of weather pictures today. I'm here to remedy that. You're welcome. Now enjoy.

There you are. 'til next time my friends...

Marathon Training: Day 1

2009-05-26T22:31:00.000-07:00

As promised... I am reporting in that I have OFFICIALLY started my half-marathon training.
Jon was gracious enough to run with me today... We ran the track on base... mind you it was like 150 degrees outside with 99% Texas humidity... already a recipe for death. And then I get the bright idea to run outside. At the 1 mile mark my brain started to scramble like an egg and I was certain I was going to induce a stroke. Or a heart attack. Or pop a lung. Or suffocate to death from lack of oxygen. haha I'm in terrific shape, can't you tell? I made it a mile, which was both joyously shocking and completely discouraging, all rolled into one.
Conclusion after Day 1: Confirmed. I still hate running. Still out of shape. But not ready to quit just yet. I have decided that high noon is not the optimal time to go running in Texas. I know, right? I'm a master of the obvious? Yes, as a matter of fact I DO have a PhD in Common Sense. Perhaps tomorrow I will put the common sense to good use and run at the break of dawn. ;)

I need a miracle. And motivation. And a piece of pie.

Goodnight all.

California Trip

2009-05-26T22:22:00.000-07:00

I am finally back to the Motherland (Texas)... still have yet to unpack. I hate unpacking more than I hate packing. Doesn't it always feel like it takes a month to catch up after you go on vacation? Yeah, that's where I'm at... getting back into the swing of things. ;) I thought I would share a few pictures from my trip... because I have such an exciting life that y'all are dying to see. (haha, right.)

Here we are at the Airport Cafe... it is a small little restaurant at a little airport by my parent's house. My first flying lesson was out of this airport... so it will always hold a special little place in my heart. :)

Might as well keep the ol' noodle sharp with a little arithmetic:

Me + Airplanes + Food + Good Company = A GREAT DAY.

My sisters and me. (above)

My niece Ella and me. (below)

My Nephew Luke and me (left).
Carlie's son Luka, me, Jessica and Luke (right).

Spent a lot of quality time with Toby and Charlie, my mom's Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

Charlie loses his marbles when the bubbles come out!!

A little play time in the backyard...

Had lunch with my Grandpa... and went to "see the animals". There is a place near my grandpa's house that has the most random animals... I guess as pets. They have lots of goats and sheep as well as zebra, buffalo, horses... probably among other beasts of the land that were hiding in the hills behind their house. ;) My grandparents would always take my siblings and me to see the animals when we were little kids staying at their house. This was obviously years and years ago. Anyway, we decided to drive by this place on a whim and to our delight.... ANIMALS! :)

Grandpa, Ella and Me.

This goat really wanted to befriend me. I had no opposition to that.

Poor Mr. Buffalo was so lonely. I surely would have befriended him too if I wasn't certain that he would pummel me on approach.

And, finally, Mr. Charlie Dog again. He LOVES his horse... takes it all around the house. Just so happens I caught him sleeping with it like it was his Teddy Bear. It was too cute. Of course he had to open his eyes when I tried to get a picture of him sleeping.

Such a good visit... it is always nice to go "home" and visit with the family, especially when you don't have to option of seeing them very often. :( Of course, it is nice to come back home, too...two weeks is a long time to be away from hubby and the poochies... maybe I can convince my family to come visit me so I can have the best of both worlds. Yoohoo!!... I know you guys are reading this... start planning your visit now! :)

Disneyland Half Marathon

2009-05-19T22:39:00.000-07:00

I can't tell you how much I hate running. Scratch that...how much I hate exercise in general, however, I hate running the most. With some deep introspection and my own version of psychoanalysis, I have concluded that my loathe for running stems from me completely sucking at it. Even in the days when I was in tip top shape... I still had a hard time finishing a mile without being completely winded. I had plenty of endurance to dance, stunt and do cheer routines for hours on end in high school...no problem. I could hike up mountains all day long or play a good game of tennis without hesitation. And nevermind short distance running, I would challenge anyone to a foot race. But when it came to long-distance running (yeah...anything over a mile is long-distance in my book), forget about it.
Accordingly, it may come as a complete shock that I have signed myself up to run a half marathon. THAT IS 13.1 MILES PEOPLE!!! I have actually been considering starting a running routine for quite some time (the thought usually only lasts momentarily haha)... my logic... -hear me out- is if I actually keep running consistently then I will naturally get better at it... and if I become good at running, then I surely will start to enjoy it. Right? As much as I tried to justify this wonky logic... I hadn't quite convinced myself to the point that I would get outside and start running.
THEN!!! My sister told me about the Disneyland Half Marathon that she was considering participating in. It goes all throughout Disneyland, through the castle, California Adventure, Downtown Disney, out to the streets of Anaheim, around the Honda Center...down the Santa Ana River...through the Big A...and back to Disneyland. And you are cheered on by characters along the way! How fun does that sound?? (minus the running part, haha)

Being born in Anaheim and raised in Southern California (not to mention owning a season pass to Disneyland for several years)...I have always had a soft spot for all things Disney. Both of my sisters have decided to do the marathon as well as a couple of our friends. PERFECT! Not only will this actually be the motivation that I need to get myself to start running but I can't make excuses for myself NOT to run. How embarrassing would it be to be the only one out of the group that can't keep up? And, even worse, having to get picked up by the lag wagon?? haha Seriously, if you can't keep up they pick you up in a cart and drop you off at the "family reunion" area at the end of the race. I think I would rather sneak off course into a back alley and call a cab to come pick me up and take me straight back to the hotel, than to accept a ride of shame on the lag wagon. But, considering you have to maintain a 16 minute mile (which I can easily walk), the only way that would happen is if I snapped an ankle or something. Then I would gladly accept a ride on the lag wagon to display what a warrior I was! I ran so hard I snapped my ankles. haha

Seriously, I was sold with the pyrotechnics at the start line.

I mean, Disneyland has yet to disappoint... but fire to start the race?
Even Mr. Walt Disney would nod in approval.

Look at these cute running outfits! Probably not the most practical, but I give them an A+ for having the Disney spirit! Too cute!

Even with all of this excitement and as much as I am looking forward to accomplishing such a huge goal... I am still scared to death that I am not going to be able to do it... or, even worse, that I will give up trying when I inevitably get frustrated at how hard I have to work at it. Considering I will be training by myself when I get home to Texas and don't have the social support that everyone has back home in California... I need to hold myself accountable somehow. So I have decided to post my weekly progress on my blog. Nothing like a little social shaming to get my butt in gear! ;) I promise to be honest... and if I don't have a post about running each week, from now until September 6th... feel free to give my a kick in the pants. :)

Right now... I am looking up at what seems like Mt Everest. For me, this is my impossible challenge...one that not even I can convince myself that I can achieve.

I love this guy at the Chicago marathon... how encouraging!

"I can do all things through HIM who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13

Can I get an Amen??

New Hair!!

2009-05-18T00:49:00.001-07:00

So I did it!!! I was tired of complaining that I didn't have any style to my hair... it was long and boring. I couldn't stand the Corpus Christi wind anymore with long hair. I would walk from the house to the car and would have such windblown hair that I would just put it in a pony tail. Some days I even resorted to a french braid. Yes, the 4th grade french braid. That's when I knew I had to take action. ;) So here it is!!

Before and After:

You can find the whole hair cutting journey on my Huckleberry Prairie blog here.

Girls Night / Fondue Party

2009-05-14T10:16:00.000-07:00

My sister, Jessica, hosted a Girl's Night / Fondue Party at her house the other night... and, I am proud to say, she made her first tablescape!! More pics can be found here. It was a delightful black and white theme with a burst of cheery yellow!

Here I am making a Strawberry Salad with Candied Pecans.

Carlie and Debran getting the warmers started...

Maria posing while warming up the chocolate. ;)

My cute table setting...

Jessica and Me.

Carlie and Me.

Debran and Maria.

Another sister shot.

We had a visitor! A creepy claw hand!!

Ella couldn't resist coming downstairs to see all of the marshmallows and chocolatey goodness...

To good friends and good conversation.

Such a fun night. :)

Since I had a few requests for the recipe to the strawberry salad... and I don't really have a recipe (I kind of made it up as an excuse to eat candied pecans without feeling quite as guilty haha)... Here is how I make it:

First, make your candied pecans.

-Preheat oven to 275 degrees.
-Line a baking sheet with wax paper and spray cooking spray generously on the wax paper.
-Combine one egg white, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar and a dash of vanilla. Mix.
-Add 3 cups of whole pecans (or chopped if you prefer bit size pieces)
-Lay out across greased wax paper and bake for 10 minutes.
-In a separate bowl mix some cinnamon and white sugar together... after removing pecans from oven, slide pecans off wax paper and into cinnamon and sugar mixture. Coat. Place pecans back on wax paper on baking sheet and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
-Remove from oven and set aside.

Make the salad.
-Combine a spring mix with spinach leaves.
-Add sliced cucumbers.
-Add shredded carrots.
-Add sliced Strawberries.
-Add Pecans.
-Add shredded cheddar cheese to top.
-Raisins and sunflower seeds are optional.
-Individually add a vinaigrette dressing... I think a berry blend is the most complimentary...ie Strawberry or Raspberry Vinaigrette Dressing.

Serve extra chilly. I usually make the salad as I'm making dinner and put the bowls (with all the salad ingredients minus the pecans and dressing) into the freezer. When dinner is ready, I pull them out, add the pecans and dressing and serve. I don't know what it is... but an extra cold, crisp salad makes such a difference to me. I especially like to make this on hot days... something about the cold salad and strawberries is the perfect summer salad to me. :)

Hope y'all enjoy!

Adventures with my Dad...

2009-05-13T19:23:00.000-07:00

I'm still in California visiting my family. :) On Monday my dad and I decided to do a little "mountain" biking. The trails that we rode would probably be considered easy to moderate by most people's standards, however, riding a bike across soft sand, rocks and multiple inclines and descents is considered living on the edge to me. Not only did this excursion prove that I am incredibly out of shape...but more saddening than that is I am getting old. And I'm not even that old. My thoughts were "I'm going to fall"... "remember to breathe"..."please don't have a heart attack"... "I hope no one sees me getting off my bike and walking it up this hill"..."I'm going to be lunch for a mountain lion at any moment"..."is that the sound of a rattle snake?"..."Is it possible for a rattle snake to leap out of the tall grass, just as I ride by, and bite my leg?"..."Did I put enough sun block on?"... "How much farther again?".
What happened to the days when I thought I was invincible? When I actually could get on a bike, ride over rocks and sand without batting an eye, and deal with situations as they came? Now-a-days, I seem to mentally prepare for a million different crises in advance...and with certainty that the worst will inevitably happen, and it will happen to me. Nevertheless, I enjoyed a day outside in the great outdoors.

Come along... I'll show you what I saw!

Big, open prairies... with tall grass and oak trees.

There were pretty yellow flower plants... that colored the fields yellow.

And pretty little wild flowers.

And Oak Trees...

As we stopped for a rest (imagine that)... we saw a woodpecker!

Kind of blurry since I had to zoom in... but he was there... perched in all of his pecking glory.

Here I am.

I just loved the long wheat-looking grass. So prairie-ish. :)

My dad...

Anyone who knows my dad... will completely nod with understanding in this next picture.

We finally made it back to the truck... and decided to take a little drive through the country for a little exploring... like the old days. ;)

Away we went down the old dirt roads.

Look at this old wonky house!! Built on a platform rock foundation... twig railings... amazing on all levels.

On the same old, abandoned property was this good looking barn...

A bathtub in the middle of a field...

Look at all of those dandelions!

That's like a gazillion wishes right there! Jackpot!

So we came across this old abandoned house...

We got out of the truck to get a closer look... just wondering how long it may have been abandoned... who might have lived there... looking at the porch and the surrounding structures. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary... BUT!! When I got home and went through my digital pictures... I saw something on the porch that wasn't there when we were looking at it earlier that day...

Isn't that weird? I'm just saying... call it what you want... but I didn't see those there in person.

A windmill... and a well. My dad was such a good sport... I wanted to see some water... so he pumped the well for me. haha

That pretty much concludes our day of adventure... we were tuckered out! ;)

Mother's Day

2009-05-10T22:33:00.000-07:00

So today was Mother's Day... and I flew in just in time to spend the day with my Mom! :) You never realize how much you miss your Mom's company... or appreciate the time you spend together... until you move states away. Sure, we still talk often... but nothing replaces the weekend shopping trips or just hanging out at home together. Which is exactly what we did today.

We started the day off with me making breakfast for her... we had breakfast burritos (get off my back, I was working with what was in the refrigerator ;) haha It's the thought that counts anyway, right?).

And the rest of the day... we spent swinging on the patio swing... chit chatting about little things and big things... admiring the weather and the view of the mountains and just completely taking the day off to do nothing...

We stopped to smell the roses...

No, literally... we really did go around and smell all of my Mom's blooming roses. :) And they were deeee-lightful!

We enjoyed the company of Mr. Charlie Brown Bucket...

...and Mr. Toby.

My mom also has two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels... a Blenheim and a Black and Tan (mine are two Blenheims).

And we wrapped up the evening with my dad grilling some steaks... to celebrate Mom's Day. (Because for some odd reason... she was craving steak.) I am so grateful to have been a part of this "do-nothing" day... Sometimes it is when we really stop and just appreciate the blessings set before us...and really just cherish the moment, that we truly appreciate the people who are most important to us. For me, that is my Mom.

Happy Mother's Day to all of the Mommies!

Going Solo...

2009-05-08T21:51:00.000-07:00

As most of you know... my husband is a Navy pilot currently going through an NFO (think Goose) to pilot (think Maverick, or Iceman if you prefer) transition...hence, being stationed in Texas right now. Well!! He did his first jet solo today!! I am so proud of him!!! We live close enough to the base where I can see the jets taking off... he let me know via text that he was walking to the jet... so I watched his first solo take off from the backyard!!

I wasn't aware that he was taking off so soon (after a two hour power outage delay), but all of a sudden I heard the engines spool up for takeoff. And (of course) I couldn't find the cotton pickin' camera anywhere! So I was scrambling to take pictures with my camera phone... let the quality of this picture serve as exhibit A. But at least I was able to watch...
It is kind of funny... I'm a student pilot (I think I'll be a student pilot forever haha) and have soloed a plane myself before(a Cessna, nothing near as cool as Jon's jet)... so I completely know what it is like to be in the cockpit, alone, for the first time. Yes, Jon has soloed other planes before... but this was his first time alone in "THE JET". I am completely confident in Jon's knowledge and competence as a pilot... and in his ability to fly safely... but I still thought I was going to have a heart attack! haha I was so excited for him (who wouldn't be? he is living his dream)...so proud of him... and scared to death, all at the same time. I'm not usually a big worrier but today I think my level of anxiety merited breathing into a paper bag. ;)

Flying, Flying, Flying!

And yes, he landed safely. Because he is a champ!

I made him pose for a picture as soon as he walked through the door... such a milestone for him! Did I mention that I am so proud?? ;)

This is the jet he flies... Ella (my neice and future pilot) is posing by it... taken when the Fanzo's came for a visit a few months ago.

And here we are by the runway during that visit.

So, to celebrate... Jon had two choices: The Sirloin Stockade (haha) or a baseball game. Guess which one he picked.

So here we are at the baseball game (I bet you guessed Sirloin Stockade, didn't you?).
The Corpus Christi Hooks... a minor baseball league....was having a Freaky Friday Spooktacular... I'm assuming because of the full moon. Everything was Halloween themed (nothing wrong with that!) including people dressed in costumes (again, nothing wrong with that). You guys KNOW how much a LOVE Halloween! Take a look at the moon above! It was the perfect Halloween moon... in May! I zoomed in to take a picture of the moon.

And then zoomed in to take a picture of Jon.

And here is Jon not amused. haha

And here Jon IS delighted... he is at a baseball game. And I am delighted because they are playing the Monster Mash. And Thriller. And some fiddle music that was neither appropriate nor fitting with the spooky theme...but it still delighted me.

And the full moon kept rising! And! The Hooks won. AND!!!! There was a post-game fireworks show to boot!

Not quite this spectacular... but who am I to complain? The wind was blowing at a steady 30 mph with gusts and the show still went on! haha I was certain I was going to see a spectacular disaster... something was sure to catch on fire! To my partial dismay and partial relief... I cannot report a firework gone awry.

But for now, I must go pack... leaving for California tomorrow and I haven't even pulled out the suitcase. Typical me.

Adventures at the Rodeo and Carnival

2009-05-05T13:40:00.000-07:00

It may come as a total shock, but I have been doing other things besides trying to get my Huckleberry Prairie blog up and running. I know. It is Shocking. For instance, Jon and I went to the Rodeo... a BBQ cook-off competition and a carnival... all in one day! Not to mention I rode the public bus for the first time in my life! (I mean the REAL bus... not a trolley or tour bus).

One thing that is really unfortunate when you go out with just one other person...is the fact that you will never get really good pictures...no candid shots... no action shots. It is always just Jon and me going out... and there are only so many "stretch out your arm and take a pic of the two of us" kind of pictures that you can take. You can never see the background and they all look the same. Booo. It doesn't stop us from at least trying though... so give us some credit, eh?

Enjoying a fantastic rodeo. What I wouldn't give to barrel race. ;)

I promise I brushed my hair although the above picture is tying to tell you another tale. Let me explain. We live in the windiest region in the universe. There is never a moment without wind... and I'm not just talking a gentle breeze that would work in your favor like the Finesse Shampoo commercial ... I'm talking constant gusts. What does one even do to control their hair in this type of environment? I may have to resort to the 3rd grade french braid.

Here is Jon. Not a care in the world. Happy to be at the Carnival. Happy that the wind doesn't mock his hair.

Oh! What do you know... a couple more "hold out your arm and take a pic of yourself" pictures. These aren't just any pictures, however; these are celebratory pictures. For we looked death straight in the face and escaped! No. I'm not talking about the rides that operate with a few missing nuts and bolts here and there. That is just living on the edge. I'm talking about escaping the wrath of a very angry carnie.

So, here's what happened. We were jubilantly strolling by the game booths, admiring the lights, smells of cotton candy and kettle corn... when out of nowhere we get a "Pssst". You know, the half whistle, half hiss to get your attention. Mr. Carnie operating the "throw the ball into a Rubbermaid tub (literally, a Rubbermaid tub) and win this 4 inch neon snake with tiger stripes" game booth, wanted to tell us something! Scared, but more scared not to obey his whistle, we make our way over there. He leans in... looks around, makes sure the coast is clear...and then gives us information we never asked to hear. We now know things that can't be erased from our minds... he revealed TOP SECRET Carnie information to us!
"Want to know how to always win the Rubbermade bin game? I'll show you." So he does.
"Oh ok, cool" we say. "Thanks".
I observe the amount of tear drops that he has tattooed to the corner of his eye.
I also observe the well-placed, well-thought out spider web tattoo in the corner of his other eye.

We had no idea that he was luring us into an unspoken transaction. He tells us a secret we never asked to hear... and, in exchange we play his stupid game and win the tiger snake.

"But we don't have any tokens," we reply.
No words...just a filthy finger pointing over our shoulder. We turn around to see a token machine conveniently positioned in front of his booth.
"No thanks, but thanks for showing us how to win."

Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. Not the right thing to say to a man who has obviously 1) just escaped prison 2) is attracted to the carnie lifestyle and 3) has earned every single tear drop on his face.

Needless to say, the judge-ordered anger management program served him no justice... as he began to murmur and mutter things that, at the very least, could merit a restraining order.

Ok, ok. He didn't threaten us. But he was angry and frustrated and felt entirely betrayed. We betrayed his trust, took advantage of his carnie knowledge, didn't play by the rules of the unspoken transaction... and wasted 15 seconds of his life that he will never get back. And that was a tall list of accusations that I was terrified we would have to pay the consequences for. So we did the only thing we knew to do... walked away and walked away quickly. My only goal was to get out of the reach of his hand so he could automatically rule out shanking us. And by the time he reached for his carnie revolver, lead pipe, candle stick, rope or whatever other weapon he had behind that booth...we would be out range to get an accurate shot.

So I watch too much Forensic Files and have a vivid interpretation of events. At least we were able to document the fact that we cheated death....by carnie.

So back aboard the finest public transportation that Corpus Christi has to offer. Yes, I took a picture of the bus in case I had to prove that I was on board. haha AND... to mark my first public bus ride. I remember as a child... maybe 11 or 12... my friend Angela and I wanted to take the public bus to go to the movies...but mostly just to ride the bus. I couldn't fathom the big, fat NO that I got from my mom when I asked if I could go. Unbelievable... does she just want to take ALL my fun away from me? Doesn't she understand that I will be perfectly safe on board the public bus?? Umm...yeah. I didn't realize how rough a bus station could be. Thanks mom. haha

A Feast For My Eyes... A Pictoral Sample of My Favorite Things :)

2009-04-03T21:42:00.000-07:00

Unspoken Traffic Rules... Texas vs California

2009-02-11T08:10:00.000-08:00

VS

One thing that I have noticed since I moved to Texas is the rules of the road are completely different. Coming from Southern California to Farmland, USA has been a refreshing adjustment...until you get in your car. I had no idea the things you are expected to know. I will give a few examples of my observational Texas driving... but I am mostly still like a deer in the head lights while learning these unspoken rules. Why didn't my Texas license come with a handbook??

Rule #1
All 3 lanes must yield (or, more appropriately, stop the flow of all traffic for two miles) on the service road for vehicles exiting the highway. Sounds easy enough, right? That is until you are driving 50 mph and can only determine if someone is exiting the highway when you approach the exit and are required to cock your head 180 degrees behind you like an owl. Holy collision, Batman!

Rule #2
Never drive less than 80 mph on a two-lane, back country farm road. You will be angrily passed by very large farm trucks, tractors, horses, cows, a flock of sheep...Nothing would shock me. If you want to drive like a grandma, do it on the highway.

Rule #3
Never question the abundance of troopers that lurk in the grasslands off of the highway. When they have only seen one car pass in the last 15 minutes... you WILL be doing something wrong. They will make sure of it... and light you up like the 4th of July.

Rule #4
Texans LOOOOVE their horns. And I'm not talking the casual slight toot of the horn when you are not paying attention with the red light turns green. I am talking about 8 cars trying to merge onto a service road, at one time, and you have the audacity to let another car into traffic. HONK. Socially shamed. Never make a mistake while driving. You WILL be called out. You WILL be honked at. And it will most likely be from my husband.(He's learned this rule remarkably fast and seems to enjoy it thoroughly.)

Rule #5
When you hear sirens blazing behind you, keep with the flow of traffic. No one pulls over for emergency vehicles here!! I am flabbergasted by this! My instinct is to always pull over to the right... but when I look around, I'm the only idiot doing it! Unbelievable!

Oh, how I miss the days of having it all figured out! Southern California driving was brutal at times, but at least I felt like I understood and could abide by the unspoken rules of the road. For those of you that haven't "figured out" Southern California driving...let me assist you with what I like to call:

Southern California Rules of the Road: A Crash Course (No pun intended) in Unspoken, but Much Understood, Traffic Rules… MELISSA'S TOP TEN LIST

#10
When two vehicles on different roadways reach an uncontrolled intersection at the same time, the vehicle with less bling must yield. For example, if you pull up to a stop sign and you are cruising your tricked out Honda Sedan on very respectable Dubs… and an Escalade on Dub Ochos happens to roll up at the same time… you must yield to the Ochos, for they are more worthy of the right-of-way. If your ochos are spinners, you need not stop at all… roll down your window as you cruise through the intersection, point to your wheels, and all will be excused.

#9
If, at any distance, you see a pedestrian approaching a crosswalk, accelerate immediately. It may not be too late. You still may have a chance to beat the pedestrian to the crosswalk. If the pedestrian insists on taking the risk and presents their body as a moving target in front of your vehicle, slam on your brakes until you are within inches of clipping their heels. Not only will that give them a good scare, but it will teach them a lesson for the next time they think they are invincible. This technique is applicable to any and all situations involving pedestrians... including, but not limited to, intersections, crosswalks, parking lots, and neighborhoods.

#8
During a lane change: Never, and I mean NEVER use your blinker. A blinker is an invitation to be mocked. When another car signals their desire for a lane change, Southern California drivers are programmed to automatically speed up while murmuring to themselves “I don’t think so, Buddy”. A proper lane change can be best compared to a “sneak attack”. Do not look over your shoulder. Do not give any other driver a suspicion of your intention. Through subtle glances in your side mirror, take note of the amount of inches between you and the vehicle in the next lane. If you can convince yourself beyond a reasonable doubt that you will not scratch metal… make your move. (Objects may be closer than they appear does not apply to Southern California.)

#7
There is no such thing as a passing lane. Pass in whatever direction gives you an opportunity, and pass as often as you would like. Time is our most prized possession in Southern California. If weaving in and out of traffic and changing lanes 28 times can shave off 3 minutes on your morning commute… that is time well spent. And there really is no comparison to the feeling of watching a car weave in and out of traffic and not save any time. The only indisputable topper… is watching the same car get lit up by the POOOO-leeece. This may very well define euphoria.
#6
Driving is a menial chore that we haphazardly perform while we multitask. Nothing is more appalling than the thought of wasting precious time doing useless activities, such as watching the road, during our time in the car. Southern Californians have an exceptional ability to prioritize a maximum amount of tasks in a minimal amount of time. Unfortunately, driving is not usually very high on the priority list. It is not uncommon to simultaneously be changing the tune on your ipod and eating lunch, all while safely talking on your Bluetooth. From reading the paper over a cup of coffee to applying makeup or shaving… there really is not a multi-tasking activity that would be considered “shocking” to witness during your morning commute.

#5
Everything and anything are grounds for rubbernecking. A fender-bender accident, flat tire, sirens 4 miles off of the freeway…smoke vaguely in the distance… a train… a bicyclist…Cal trans… Orange-suited, fine quality citizens picking up trash for community service (chuckling to self, “sucks to be them”.)…someone getting pulled over by the 5-0 (again, sucks to be them)…any event, circumstance, situation or distraction that could possibly be more interesting than what is currently going on inside our vehicle will cause immediate slowing, if not stopping, to visually investigate the scene. Once we realize that we can’t see anything and curse the car next to us for also slowing, thus, blocking our view… we carry on with whatever activity we were previously engaged in.

#4
When we are unfortunate enough to have a flat tire or car trouble, we are immediately on the phone with AAA or a tow truck. All the while, praying that someone doesn’t stop to try to help. We’ve seen horror movies. We know what happens to the stranded motorist when a car pulls over to help; they are never seen again. Then we chuckle to ourselves, “who are we kidding?” This is Southern California. Your car could be on fire, blocking three lanes on the freeway and everyone would drive around you…inevitably slowing to rubberneck at your misfortune with a “sucks for them”. Of course you can expect an occasional horn blow to let you know what an inconvenience you’ve been. Rest assured, not one car will stop to help. Even our creeps don’t have that kind of time.

#3
Word association is an important part of drivers education in Southern California. 91 Freeway= Parking Lot. Pedestrian= Accelerate. Cyclist= Get on the side walk. Speed Limit= Suggestion. Freeway interchange= learn to merge. Yellow light= hold on tight. Stop sign= Roll through. Giving the bird= invitation for road rage and/or murder. Seatbelt= duh. Safety device= packing heat. Temecula Red light= 10 more cars drive through. Interstate 15= Auto baun.

#2
The abominable vehicular sin, which so happens to also be a blatant invitation for road rage and/or retaliation: Failure to give a courtesy wave after mercifully being let into a line of traffic. There is no other single action that will provoke an incalculable amount of rage combined with a psychotic level of wrath. It is inescapably a recipe for disaster.

#1
Finally, the most important rule to heed in Southern California….. There is nothing more dangerous than an insured Kia Rio. Avoid them at all costs. Easily replaceable, completely disposable, utterly dispensable… and costs approximately the same as a nice meal, minus dessert. They truly have nothing to lose. Anyone who would make a conscious decision, and feel good about the purchase of this portable death trap must operate with few, if any, marbles. And they drive accordingly.

Extra Credit Bonus Points: Our motorcycle cops have the best posture in the country. Only those with the sub human ability to sit in a perfect 90 degree angle can attain the prestigious status of MotoCop.

Anyone with additional observations... please share! :)