Maury passed away this past weekend and although hospice had already been on site for a while, I still cannot imagine what his wife, Judy, and his children must be feeling so close to Christmas. Christmas is a time to celebrate and be with family. To reminisce of holidays past, over eat, and reconnect with those family members who live to far to see any other time of the year. It shouldn’t be a time to say goodbye to loved ones.
For us, Christmas night is usually spent at Maury’s over dinner and conversation. An added bonus has been the home that he and Judy invited us too for the festivities. To say that Maury was an antique collector would be the largest understatement of 2009. Their home is live-in museum. Literally. I wish I had pictures, but his place had an actual old time general store in it where you could spend hours exploring if you wanted. Every room had a theme and could most likely tell many stories without any words spoken. People toured his home with antique groups, but for us it was just tradition to spend Christmas night there taking it all in and singing off-key Christmas carols.
This year with his passing, I can’t help but think that although we won’t be heading to his home for tours and dinner, he will still be the reason that everyone is together on my dad’s side of the family, even if for one day of the year. I wish it were under different circumstances, but I’m still thankful for the chance to be there with everyone and celebrate once more. This time we will celebrate him, Maury Gambrel.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Thank God I Wasn't Born in Jersey!
Although I'm sure it's a lovely place with many lovely people, the new MTV show "Jersey Shore" has completely ruined that state for me. I knew the overly tan, tight t-shirt and spiked hair was never my thing but those guys and gals completely terrify me. Watching muscle junkies "Fist pumpin like champs" and girls who truly believe they invited the hair poof (and i'm guessing the bump-it as well) is a little too much for this southern transplant to handle.
Granted I've never been there so I could totally be missing out, but the sheer guido-ness of the commercials alone for that show are enough to give me a panic attack. I cannot imagine watching an entire episode of the junk. That'd rate right up there on my fun scale with having to sit through another Widespread Panic concert in my lifetime. No thanks, MTV. That is one reality show you can keep.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Freedom of Speech or Freedom of Idiocy?
Now I know some people say stupid things and mean nothing by it, often talking just to hear themselves talk, but when what you're saying is completely offensive, it's often best to keep your mouth shut.
As I'm checking out at the grocery store last night, minding my own, I unfortunately became a fly on the wall for the conversation between the cashier and the bagger. They apparently were discussing coupons, freebies, etc... when the cashier (who is usually obnoxious anyway) went off an a tangent. In his usual loud fashion, he began voicing his opinion on how Americans always want something for free and he can't stand it. "Americans need to work for everything they deserve period. Nothing should be free" he stated. At this point I'm thinking nothing of their conversation, other than "I totally wish I had coupons right now to slightly annoy this guy."
A few seconds later the young cashier, who is always friendly and professional (can you tell I visit that BiLo at least 3 times a week) replies "not everyone can work though. What if someone is sick? Or what if it's an American soldier who is now paralyzed after serving his country? What about those incidents?" (Side note, here is when I almost threw my sweet potatoes at said cashier) "Well then we should put them to sleep" confidently and disgustingly replies the cashier. Are you kidding me? Am I on one of those Dateline specials where they see just how much customers will tolerate??? As if this guy hadn't already hit rock bottom in terms of customer service he opens his mouth one more time. Bagger asks "What if this woman's (bagger points to me) husband or family member is paralyzed or injured from battle?" Cashier replies "well then I just invoke my freedom of speech for saying that they should be put down." No apologizes, no remorse, no "I'm a huge idiot", nothing. Just smugness.
I wanted to say something and I should have said something, but I wanted to throw something even more, so I kept my mouth shut until I had calmed down. I drove home in disgust and then decided to call the Manager. I don't like confrontation, but in an effort to shut him up before he does say that to someone who does have a sick or paralyzed loved one, I didn't want to not speak up. He is correct in his right to freedom of speech, but when you are working among customers, that freedom pretty much flies out of the window. You cannot say whatever you feel and if you do, you better make sure you say it in front of a 5'5 female and not someone who will invoke their freedom to punch.
As I'm checking out at the grocery store last night, minding my own, I unfortunately became a fly on the wall for the conversation between the cashier and the bagger. They apparently were discussing coupons, freebies, etc... when the cashier (who is usually obnoxious anyway) went off an a tangent. In his usual loud fashion, he began voicing his opinion on how Americans always want something for free and he can't stand it. "Americans need to work for everything they deserve period. Nothing should be free" he stated. At this point I'm thinking nothing of their conversation, other than "I totally wish I had coupons right now to slightly annoy this guy."
A few seconds later the young cashier, who is always friendly and professional (can you tell I visit that BiLo at least 3 times a week) replies "not everyone can work though. What if someone is sick? Or what if it's an American soldier who is now paralyzed after serving his country? What about those incidents?" (Side note, here is when I almost threw my sweet potatoes at said cashier) "Well then we should put them to sleep" confidently and disgustingly replies the cashier. Are you kidding me? Am I on one of those Dateline specials where they see just how much customers will tolerate??? As if this guy hadn't already hit rock bottom in terms of customer service he opens his mouth one more time. Bagger asks "What if this woman's (bagger points to me) husband or family member is paralyzed or injured from battle?" Cashier replies "well then I just invoke my freedom of speech for saying that they should be put down." No apologizes, no remorse, no "I'm a huge idiot", nothing. Just smugness.
I wanted to say something and I should have said something, but I wanted to throw something even more, so I kept my mouth shut until I had calmed down. I drove home in disgust and then decided to call the Manager. I don't like confrontation, but in an effort to shut him up before he does say that to someone who does have a sick or paralyzed loved one, I didn't want to not speak up. He is correct in his right to freedom of speech, but when you are working among customers, that freedom pretty much flies out of the window. You cannot say whatever you feel and if you do, you better make sure you say it in front of a 5'5 female and not someone who will invoke their freedom to punch.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Home Sweet Home
Ahh, home sweet home for 5 days and now I’m back to the reality of work, housework, etc… For the time being though, while my mind is still somewhat in Rockford with my fam, here are my top ten reasons why I love being home for the holidays:
10. Thanksgiving meals. Yep, that’s right. I said plural meals on Thanksgiving!
9. My parent’s couch is so inviting. Especially with the big fleece blanket and Falalala Lifetime drifting me in and out of dreamland.
8. Eating someone else’s groceries for a change.
7. Decorating the tree, Christmas music, and sparkling cider was a nice little treat.
6. Meeting up with old friends always has a sort of “Cheers” feeling to it. Everyone already knows you, where you came from, and why you are the way you are. There’s something freeing about that. Plus some of your friends just feel like home. Even after all these years.
5. Hugs from family members.
4. Cut throat board games always rock! I love that my family loves to play games.
3. Hanging out with my parents and brother never gets old (unless my brother is a crab).
2. Not having a set schedule is a nice break from my routine. Especially this fall.
1. Knowing that you can, in fact, “go home”. Regardless of what they say.
10. Thanksgiving meals. Yep, that’s right. I said plural meals on Thanksgiving!
9. My parent’s couch is so inviting. Especially with the big fleece blanket and Falalala Lifetime drifting me in and out of dreamland.
8. Eating someone else’s groceries for a change.
7. Decorating the tree, Christmas music, and sparkling cider was a nice little treat.
6. Meeting up with old friends always has a sort of “Cheers” feeling to it. Everyone already knows you, where you came from, and why you are the way you are. There’s something freeing about that. Plus some of your friends just feel like home. Even after all these years.
5. Hugs from family members.
4. Cut throat board games always rock! I love that my family loves to play games.
3. Hanging out with my parents and brother never gets old (unless my brother is a crab).
2. Not having a set schedule is a nice break from my routine. Especially this fall.
1. Knowing that you can, in fact, “go home”. Regardless of what they say.
Monday, November 23, 2009
I Dreamed of Africa
Have you ever had something stir inside your heart and no matter how many times you try and tuck it away it pops back up in the most unexpected ways? That is pretty much where I am right now. Heart stirring, mind racing, and soul searching. All of those combined usually mean that God is at work, like it or not.
The good news is that at this point, I like it. So, here it is. After 2 trips to Nicaragua, and although I told myself I couldn't do another trip next year as it was too hard thus needing a break, I've started to change my mind. I am pretty sure Africa is calling and I really want to answer her. With that being said, I also know that the scenes from the movie "I Dreamed of Africa" that I love so much, will most likely not be the majority of what I'd experience. On the contrary, where I would be would be cut off from the world, and a very desolate place. Sure the people will be the reason to go and they will be the light there, but I want to be sure my heart is ready. I'm certain that a trip of that magnitude doesn't just fade away after you've been back to the states for a month. Trips like that most likely haunt you for longer than I am used too, as I've heard this will be more challenging than where I've been. People in Nicaragua are malnourished, but the ones I have met or seen are not starving to death, nor are they dying of AIDS, etc... They need medical help, but for the most part they are not terminal patients like they are in Africa.
I am going to keep praying over this stirring for the next 2 months. However, if she keeps calling and God keeps leading, I won't just be dreaming of Africa, I'll be heading there myself.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Living in the New Reality
In August I had the pleasure of hearing Bill Hybels speak at the 2009 leadership Summit, and even more so the pleasure of experiencing an “ah ha” moment thanks to him. In short he was amazing; along with almost all of the speakers, and his topic made me think the most and for that I am giving him a shout out blog-style.
As we head into another holiday season, many thoughts are running through my head. “How am I going to afford gifts this year?” “How is anyone, especially families with little ones, going to afford gifts this year?” “What do I usually spend money on this time of year that I could save and put into gifts for my family?” And so on, and so on…
As I selfishly try to ponder the financial aspect of the holidays and how they’re going to impact my bank account, Bill’s words keep ringing in my ears, “this is the new reality. Not just a phase”. The light bulb went off in my head as I heard him describe the times that we are facing right now, because up until that point I had the mentality that what we are facing was a phase, a bump in our economic road if you will. The harsh reality is that this phase is not going anywhere anytime soon. And really once it does start to turn around, we’ll all have lived through it and learned to manipulate our lives to survive in it. Is that not a new “reality”?
Knowing what I do, thanks in part to hitting rocky times in ’08 when I was laid off as a new homeowner, I hope to have grown and begun to thrive in our new reality. I’ve learned to look at what I spend and examine what’s really necessary and what I can do without. I’ve learned in my career that some of the things we think we need to do, we do not, and we’ve all learned to do more with less. I’ve seen families enjoy stay-cations without spending thousands of dollars. I’ve seen my friend’s excitement levels increase as they found new ways to have a swanky date night without breaking the bank by uncovering “specials” nights at downtown restaurants, and I myself have enjoyed searching my city for new adventures that I never would’ve known about had I not been thrust into this new reality.
And as I bring my mind back to the holidays, I am going to focus more on where I am and who I am with, and what everything really means during this time of year. Sure the presents are awesome (who doesn’t want a new iPod or sweater), but having to do more with less makes me want to give things that mean something to those I love and not just what’s flashy. And although this new reality hasn’t been the easiest, I am thankful for being forced to slow down, re-examine, adapt, and even thrive at times. I hope I never lose the lessons I am being taught as we head into whatever realities await us.
As we head into another holiday season, many thoughts are running through my head. “How am I going to afford gifts this year?” “How is anyone, especially families with little ones, going to afford gifts this year?” “What do I usually spend money on this time of year that I could save and put into gifts for my family?” And so on, and so on…
As I selfishly try to ponder the financial aspect of the holidays and how they’re going to impact my bank account, Bill’s words keep ringing in my ears, “this is the new reality. Not just a phase”. The light bulb went off in my head as I heard him describe the times that we are facing right now, because up until that point I had the mentality that what we are facing was a phase, a bump in our economic road if you will. The harsh reality is that this phase is not going anywhere anytime soon. And really once it does start to turn around, we’ll all have lived through it and learned to manipulate our lives to survive in it. Is that not a new “reality”?
Knowing what I do, thanks in part to hitting rocky times in ’08 when I was laid off as a new homeowner, I hope to have grown and begun to thrive in our new reality. I’ve learned to look at what I spend and examine what’s really necessary and what I can do without. I’ve learned in my career that some of the things we think we need to do, we do not, and we’ve all learned to do more with less. I’ve seen families enjoy stay-cations without spending thousands of dollars. I’ve seen my friend’s excitement levels increase as they found new ways to have a swanky date night without breaking the bank by uncovering “specials” nights at downtown restaurants, and I myself have enjoyed searching my city for new adventures that I never would’ve known about had I not been thrust into this new reality.
And as I bring my mind back to the holidays, I am going to focus more on where I am and who I am with, and what everything really means during this time of year. Sure the presents are awesome (who doesn’t want a new iPod or sweater), but having to do more with less makes me want to give things that mean something to those I love and not just what’s flashy. And although this new reality hasn’t been the easiest, I am thankful for being forced to slow down, re-examine, adapt, and even thrive at times. I hope I never lose the lessons I am being taught as we head into whatever realities await us.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Saving Money Can be Fun, Who Knew?
Did you know that trying to not spend money could actually be fun?! Thanks to a few savvy friends and their ideas/new hobbies, my eyes have been opened to a whole new world of saving in our not so ideal economy. If you would’ve told me one month ago that I’d be a coupon clipper I would’ve laughed at you, but now I LOVE it. And I mean, almost in a sad way, love it. I realized last night as I drifted off to sleep counting down the days until the grocery stores unveil their new weekly deals (which comes out every Wednesday) that I am quite possibly a saving junkie. Side note…if you hear me discuss or see me post anything about registering for a coupon workshop, or catch me in a “Couponing is my life t-shirt” please intervene immediately! That would just be disturbing.
Thanks to my Coupon Guru’s instructions, I’ve fallen in love the site www.southernsavers.com. This woman saves me at least $32.00 a grocery trip and at times has helped me save 60% off my grocery bill! Who doesn’t love saving money, especially right now?! Plus it’s almost become a game to see if I can beat the store and save more than I spend. I’ve seriously left stores feeling like I just won the lottery and when everyone is trying to do more with less right now, I’ll take a high like that any day. Look out BiLo, I’ve got some manufacturer’s coupons and I’m not afraid to use ‘em.
Last but not least, is my love for the new found style swap party. One of my friends hosted about 11 of us girls over for wine, cheese, brownies (hello, where do I sign?), and a style exchange night. Each girl brings gently used clothing and accessories that they no longer wear and trades them in for tickets. For example, I brought 32 items and received 32 tickets to “shop” with that evening. After we all perused the “boutique” and wrote down our top pics, we settled in for the swap rounds. Each person drew a number and was able to select their favorite item when their turn came around. This went on for three rounds (numbers were drawn each round to even the playing field), with a final open swap session following where you got to grab anything you loved that was still up for grabs. It was seriously one of the coolest ideas I’ve ever seen. What still had tags but never fit me just right, fit someone next to me like a glove. Why not share that with the girl who can rock it while also getting your hands on some really cute stuff yourself?! Plus if you do it right, like our Diva friend did, you don’t even feel like your swapping but instead feel as though you’re in an intimate little boutique shopping with wine and good friends and everything is FREE. Yet again, hello, where do I sign?
Retail therapy has always been one of my favorite pick me ups but the spend hangover can easily knock you right back down to where you started. Free-tail therapy however is the new black and looks great on everyone. Indulge yourself. You know you want too!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
The FAIR is Here!
As I always do this time of year, here are my top 10 reasons why I am super pumped about going to my happy place in 2 days…aka…the Coastal Carolina Fair:
10. FREE PASSES AND RIDE PASSES! Thank you Mr. Schupp for saving me almost $50!
9. The faint smell of fair food is slowly wafting towards my house, I swear.
8. AC/DC. Enough said.
7. Nothing says “livin on the edge” like having a dirt caked under your finger nails, breath-wrecking of vodka Carnie lock your humble life into a ride that was most likely built in 1976. Oh Dear Lord.
6. Yay for petting zoo’s and baby pigs.
5. The bright lights of the Ladson Fair Grounds just make me smile.
4. Laughing while eating an elephant ear and having powder sugar explode all over your face.
3. Having my stomach drop to my knees on the Giant Drop and the Pirate Ship!!!! (Seriously my heart rate just went up 2 notches simply typing that sentence)
2. Hanging out with friends and realizing that your life is pretty darn fantastic based on the appearances of the average fair go-er. Mean, but so true and you know it.
1. Getting to be a kid again for 3 hours! Smiles from ear to ear, mirrors that make me look like I’m 187lbs and 3 feet tall, and laughing until it hurts.
10. FREE PASSES AND RIDE PASSES! Thank you Mr. Schupp for saving me almost $50!
9. The faint smell of fair food is slowly wafting towards my house, I swear.
8. AC/DC. Enough said.
7. Nothing says “livin on the edge” like having a dirt caked under your finger nails, breath-wrecking of vodka Carnie lock your humble life into a ride that was most likely built in 1976. Oh Dear Lord.
6. Yay for petting zoo’s and baby pigs.
5. The bright lights of the Ladson Fair Grounds just make me smile.
4. Laughing while eating an elephant ear and having powder sugar explode all over your face.
3. Having my stomach drop to my knees on the Giant Drop and the Pirate Ship!!!! (Seriously my heart rate just went up 2 notches simply typing that sentence)
2. Hanging out with friends and realizing that your life is pretty darn fantastic based on the appearances of the average fair go-er. Mean, but so true and you know it.
1. Getting to be a kid again for 3 hours! Smiles from ear to ear, mirrors that make me look like I’m 187lbs and 3 feet tall, and laughing until it hurts.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Oh, Facebook...
Although Facebook has opened up a world of connections to long lost friends, family members, etc… it has also opened up the opportunity to see into lives that we might not really want to see into but are not stronger enough to look away from.
Exhibit A: I should not be able to see my exes’ wedding photos no matter how long ago we broke up. I am not strong enough to not look and therefore spend 20 minutes critiquing the bride’s dress, flower selection, whether or not he’s gained weight, etc… I definitely have better things to do like change the ink in my pens and count the cracks in my driveway.
Exhibit B: It’s down right depressing seeing how many people I went to high school and college with who are getting divorced already. How does this happen at 28, 29, and 30 year old?! And with the option of “went from being married to single” on FB, it makes it just so simple and final. Now I know there is a lot that leads up to the “single” status change on FB, but for those of us who are not privy to any closeness to said relationship, it almost makes it appear as nonchalant as so and so just “became a fan of Jello Pudding Cups”. So sad and slightly discouraging.
Exhibit C: Farmville updates= annoying. Enough said here.
Oh, Facebook…some days I love to hate you.
Exhibit A: I should not be able to see my exes’ wedding photos no matter how long ago we broke up. I am not strong enough to not look and therefore spend 20 minutes critiquing the bride’s dress, flower selection, whether or not he’s gained weight, etc… I definitely have better things to do like change the ink in my pens and count the cracks in my driveway.
Exhibit B: It’s down right depressing seeing how many people I went to high school and college with who are getting divorced already. How does this happen at 28, 29, and 30 year old?! And with the option of “went from being married to single” on FB, it makes it just so simple and final. Now I know there is a lot that leads up to the “single” status change on FB, but for those of us who are not privy to any closeness to said relationship, it almost makes it appear as nonchalant as so and so just “became a fan of Jello Pudding Cups”. So sad and slightly discouraging.
Exhibit C: Farmville updates= annoying. Enough said here.
Oh, Facebook…some days I love to hate you.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Jam Bands...Ugh
Jam Bands and I are not friends. Don’t get me wrong, I love live music and I often love the songs at the beginning of a jam session, however I DO NOT, and I repeat, do not love to listen to a 20 minute song. It’s all a bit excessive if you ask me. Especially when it’s 50 degrees and raining.
Although this past weekend was nothing compared to my dreaded time at a Widespread Panic concert, I knew I was in trouble when half of the band stopped playing, grabbed a beer and light up their cigarettes. We, along with the rest of the band, proceeded to then watch the 2 musicians jam out for about 15 minutes repeatedly at the end of almost every song. No thank you. Next song please.
When I saw the first hippie twirl ensue, that should’ve been my cue that we were in for a long one.
Although this past weekend was nothing compared to my dreaded time at a Widespread Panic concert, I knew I was in trouble when half of the band stopped playing, grabbed a beer and light up their cigarettes. We, along with the rest of the band, proceeded to then watch the 2 musicians jam out for about 15 minutes repeatedly at the end of almost every song. No thank you. Next song please.
When I saw the first hippie twirl ensue, that should’ve been my cue that we were in for a long one.
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