Pampered Princesses

Meet the two biggest divas in my family: my niece, Hope, and my grandmother.

At 85, my grandmother still drives 80 miles every Friday to have her hair done. And Hope has been all girl since the day she was born.

So I volunteered to take them both for mani-pedis tomorrow afternoon. This should be interesting. Hope's already informed me she'll be getting pink fingernails and red toenails.

Give me patience.

Turkey Day

Eck and I have been in Texas for two days, most of which have been spent in the kitchen. Jen, Memaw and I cooked for hours to prepare our Thanksgiving feast (turkey, roast, mashed potatoes, wild rice casserole, sweet potato casserole, dressing, green bean casserole, homemade mac and cheese, hot rolls, cheesecake, chocolate sin, and pumpkin pie) and when everyone ate lunch and then dinner, we still haven't made a dent in it. I spent most of my life with no clue how much work and time goes into preparation for such a meal, so to all of those who slaved away and didn't feel the love, let me say, thanks for your work on Thanksgiving dinner!

Tomorrow I have big plans of napping (got four hours' sleep last night) and maybe exercising a bit, then we're headed home on Saturday. I'm looking forward to seeing my brother and his family on the way home.

Lucky girl

I'm finally back in the land of the living. I exercised today for the first time in two weeks. No activity + increased caloric intake = 5 new pounds. Or 5 returning pounds. Now I have 15 to go instead of 10. Ugh.

I was so depressed this morning after stepping on the scale that I threw away the Oreos, did yoga and then walked three miles.

I threw away my fat clothes. Gaining back the weight is not an option.

Thank goodness I'm feeling like working out again since my life these days revolves around food. Ok, that's no different than usual. But I am finding it difficult to find the time to see all of my friends while I'm in Central Arkansas this week.

Tomorrow and Tuesday I'm lunching with some of my UCA friends. I'm meeting guy friends for dinner at my favorite place the next two nights. (I'm here to work... need to make that happen, too!)

Tonight I had dinner with Vickie, Brad, and the kids in Fort Smith. It was so great to see them all. I got to see Brad's crew last weekend, but I haven't seen V in a long time. (And I forgot to say so, but you look really fabulous, V!)

I stopped to see my grandmother on my way out of town, and attempted to explain to her how my cousins Carrie, Jen and I can keep up with each other without actually seeing or talking to one another. She doesn't get it. Mostly, she's just mad that I know stuff that she doesn't. Useless Facebook updates? I don't think so!

I love that my job gives me the chance to travel and see friends and family, but sometimes I get overwhelmed by trying to fit everything in. Then I feel grateful that so many people want to see me. Or at least pretend to.

Seriously, I am so very lucky. This afternoon I stopped in Van Buren to go to the bathroom and some dude stopped me and asked if I could spare a dollar so that he could buy some gas to get to Georgia. My first (smart alleck) thought was that it would take a lot more than a buck to get to Georgia, but then I felt humbled. So I took three dollars out of my $400 handbag for him.

I confess that I usually refuse to give money to people who ask for it because I'm skeptical. I assume they're too lazy to work. Or are making a lot of money from the generosity of others.

But today I started thinking about what Jesus would do. And I decided that giving isn't as much about the receiver as it is about the giver. And the spirit in which things are given. I am blessed so far beyond what I deserve. I should take the time more often to remember that, and to help others.

Heh. Consider my attitude adjusted.

This really blows. No, I do not accept this rose.

I've always been fascinated by "The Bachelor" as social commentary. Who are these women who are dating the same man as 24 other beautiful girls, when not given a rose after a 30-second encounter, cry on camera in utter shock? Really? There were 24 other hot chicks and you thought your split-second meeting was meaningful? That's why so many of them make really poor first impressions. They're so afraid Andy/Aaron/Alan/Alex won't remember them come thorn time, they get drunk/talk about feet/boil a rabbit and get shut in the limo, their dreams of falling in love while the world watches dashed.

Granted, that show flies in the face of feminism. What self-respecting woman would subject herself to that cattle call? Most of us get rejected enough on our own when the men in our lives are only dating one or two other people. And then you're pretty much alone in your rejection. Ocassionally there's a waiter who witnesses your shame, but he'll usually avert his eyes and pretend not to notice that the boy can't wait to get out of there and on to his next victim. I don't think I want to be the girl less attractive than 20 other women while my grandmother and first grade teacher watch. With popcorn. Humiliation: film at 11.

My 84-year-old grandmother is obsessed with the show. She and her spry 82-year-old sister watch it faithfully, then call early the next day to discuss the rose ceremony. A few months ago, before the last couple got engaged and subsequently broke up, she was discussing the show with me. (Sidenote: three years ago I met Andy Baldwin at Pearl Harbor, found out Tessa was going to win, and told her before the finale. Now she thinks I've got Bachelor clairvoyancy.)

She says to me, "You think it's terrible that I watch that, don't you?" I responded that while I watched trashier shows than that (read The Hills), I just don't get the Bachelor appeal. Further, I said, "I'm surprised you like that show. Doesn't it bother you that he's sleeping with all of those women at the same time?"

"Not all of 'em," she replied. "Just three."

People, how desensitized has this show made us that my Baptist church preacher's wife grandmother thinks that three concurrent intimate relationships is appropriate? The sky is falling, chicken little.

The reason for this rant is because I've been thinking today about the value of the one-on-one date versus the group date on that show. One-on-one time is better, right?

So why am I so bummed to find out that LB can't come to my birthday party next week? Sure, I get that it's a mandatory work thing and I get that he feels really, really bad about it, but it makes me sad. Consolation is that I get a private dinner instead, but it somehow seems tainted now. Rather than dinner and dancing on a Friday night with all of our friends, I get Tuesday night after work. But at least I'll still be 36 for that outing.

This never happened when I was dating mechanics.

I told him that next time I'd try to be born on a more convenient day for him. Then I let him off the hook. This had better be the most dramatic Tuesday ever, Chris Harrison.

Weekend update

First of all, Happy belated Mother's Day to all of the special women in my life. Yesterday was a sad day for me because I've really, really been missing my Mom lately. Mostly when I need to vent. Or when I need someone to tell me I'm really special, even if I don't feel special. So yesterday I was bummed because I miss Mom, but I was also grateful for all of the outstanding women God's given me to pick up the slack. My grandmother, who tells me to take care of myself (and makes me crazy). My aunt Kathy, who tells me what to do, but only when I ask. My surrogate Mom Estella, who teaches me how to cook and gives me work advice. Even friends like Sorne, Kelly, Alisa and Shauna, who are loyal to me, even when I'm a jerk. I am supremely blessed!

LB and I haven't kissed, but we did make up. We're making our way back to being really good friends and figuring out what that means for us. He's really an amazing, wonderful person and I'm lucky to have him in my life in any capacity. I mean that. (Of course, that doesn't mean I'm ready to go to his wedding, but I'll get there.) If nothing else, this past week has proven to me how much I mean to him, which is flattering.

Work continues to be a big struggle, but I'm trying to learn my lessons. I've made a lot of mistakes these past few months and some of the things I've had to do haven't been easy. But sometimes you have to speak out, even if it's hard. Sometimes you have to be silent, even when you don't want to be. And sometimes you have to take the blame for things that aren't your fault. I suppose that's part of being an adult.

Ugh. I can't believe it's Monday. Long week ahead! And five days of more rain is really gonna suck.

Back in the Natural State

After nearly 10 hours in the car yesterday, I finally made it home and back to my own bed. It was so great to spend time with my family, but I'm happy to be home. I managed to drive over 900 miles with a mere warning ticket for speeding, so I'm thankful for that, especially since I couldn't manage to find my proof of insurance.

We had turkey, dressing and all the trimmings on Thursday in Temple. Unfortunately, Jen wasn't able to join us since she worked 7 a.m. 'til 7 a.m., but Lon and I did take her a take-out box and watched part of the Cowboys game with her and her cowboy-boot-wearing doctor friend. Oh, and I saw a 900-pound woman. Made me wish I'd eaten less pumpkin pie and whipped cream.

Brady spent Wednesday night in the hotel with Granny and me, with Peyton taking his turn on Thursday. I was shocked, but Peyt made it the entire night with no tears and no requests to go home.

I've spent most of the day in bed, sleeping in and then taking a nap. Dinner's in the crock pot, but with the house cleaned and the halls decked, all there really is to do is laundry. And rest.

Peace and quiet? Not quite.

I'll admit it... I can be a bit neurotic. I cherish my privacy. I adore my peace and quiet. Don't get me wrong... I love being around people. I can be the belle of the ball (hence my "woo" gift), but when it's time to go to sleep, I need stillness, coolness, and zero noise.

A mere 60 minutes or so into our Avery sleepover last night, he awoke screaming. I don't mean mere crying. I mean tantrum-level, please-don't -call-the-cops-I'm-not-beating-him, screaming. After trying to get him to calm down for a few moments, I gave up and hauled the drama queen off to his mom.

This morning, after six hours of sleep, I decided to indulge in solitude, taking a bath and reading a book while my grandmother slept in. Should've locked the door, because my GM barged right in and carried on a conversation. Mostly about what time I'm getting up (do I look like I'm still in bed?). All modesty aside, who thinks it's okay to enter into my sanctuary while I'm unclothed? Just because she changed my diapers doesn't mean I'm okay with that. I'm really, really not.

Luckily I found a way to go to Wal-Mart alone. Those 2 minutes in the car were sheer bliss. Yeah, it's gonna be a long three days.

Now I'm off to roll some dough and make my cousin Lon some chicken rigatoni so he'll stop whining about it.

Tuesday in Texas

After several hours in the car, we finally made it to Temple. The trip didn't seem quite as long as last time. I'm not sure if I had clearer expectations, or if listening to my grandmother tell the same stories over and over again made it seem shorter, but I'm guessing the detour to Cheesecake Factory helped a lot.

All three boys wanted to come back to the hotel and spend the night for some reason, and since I'm not insane, I told them that they could take turns and one of them come over each of the three nights that we're here. Peyton disqualified himself from the who-can-act-the-best competition early, so Peep finally flipped a coin and Avery won the right to spend the night in a mediocre Hampton Inn with an 84-year-old and a spinster. Brady and Peyt were both crying when we left. It's been awhile since boys fought over me.

My GM has been riveted to the TV for hours, awaiting the results of Dancing with the Stars. Interestingly enough, I doubt she watched five minutes of presidential election coverage, but these results were quite important to her. Guess the oval office is not quite the prize that a mirrored disco ball is.

Jen took Memaw to the ER about an hour ago to have her weird puss-filled eye checked. Pink eye. Guess I need to wash my hands...

Countdown to Monday

Another weekend has come and gone. Thankfully I have a mere 40 hours to work before nine blessed days of vacation. Hopefully Jen can perform an extraction of my Blackberry when I'm in Texas so I won't check my e-mail incessantly. I have a serious problem with that thing.

The other good news? No traveling this week, unless you count Rogers. But I don't, because I spend more time there than I do in Siloam most weeks.

On Friday I met with a loan officer and then made an offer on my house. The bank has until 5 p.m. tomorrow to respond (it's in foreclosure, and I offered $27K less than it was listed for a year ago), so my fingers are crossed. My mortgage would be about the same as my rent has been, and I won't have to move. I'm sure the roof will blow off or a toilet will explore mere moments after signing on the dotted line, but oh the joy of taking the interest off my taxes and not watching my hard-earned money (okay, my money) being flushed down the toilet every month in rent for five more years.

After a marathon work lunch, I headed south to meet Paige and we went to the Miss UCA pageant to cheer on our friend Erin. She was the interview winner and third runner-up.

Taylor had a game in Fort Smith Saturday morning, so Eck and I went to watch. They have a great team, and it was fun to see Hope and Chance, too. Hope was in an especially good mood and was generous with the hugs and kisses and declarations of love. Not quite sure what that was about.

Five days. 40 hours. Then sweet freedom.

Bring on Turkey Day!

Belated update

Sorry I haven't posted anything personal in the past week. I suppose my excuses are numerous: (1) sleep deprivation due to late night dinners and too much Olympic fever; (2) extreme frustration from work stress; and (3) sheer laziness and lack of anything interesting to say.

Last week was one of the most stressful I've had in awhile. I had a total breakdown on Thursday night, crying for an hour and a half for no good reason. Seriously. I worked a 13-hour day, drove home and took off my shoes, and started just bawling because I was so worn out and fed up. So I dealt with my freak out the way any good American woman would... retail therapy. I paid off my credit card last Monday and now there's a Coach bag that will appear on my statement as a reminder of how shallow I am. But I feel better. And I look totally chic with my new hot handbag.

Today was filled with back-to-school chapel and meetings and lunches and e-mails and phone calls. Tomorrow's my only real day to "work" this week since I have a book discussion all day on Wednesday and a leadership retreat on Thursday and Friday. My life is filled with worthwhile events that cram my calendar and keep me from getting ahead on my to-do list.

I remember being in high school and dreaming about what I wanted to be when I grew up, and I distinctly remember wanting to manage people and make lots of money to buy $300 handbags, but nowhere in all of my daydreaming did I think I wanted to have meetings 80% of the time. This time last year I was stuck wasting six hours a day reading random stuff on the Internet, wishing I had a meeting to attend, and now I'm griping about meetings. The grass is always greener, I suppose, but there's got to be a happy medium in there someplace.

The good news is that my work stress is so much better and I'm not crying for no reason anymore. Plus, I have a really cute handbag.

There you go, Dad. Now you don't have to worry about me anymore.

Oh, and happy belated birthday to Shannon and to Granny Eck.

Have bags, will travel

This marks the fourth week in a row that I've spent multiple nights out of town. And I'm tired.

This weekend I have major plans of doing nothing and lying around watching movies. I just have to get through the next two days of work.

Today was a pretty uneventful day in the Fort, but I did get to go see Emma and Parker after work. Sweet little E let me hold her while she took a short nap. Yesterday I got to hang out with my dad, brother, niece and nephew for lunch, then I had dinner with my grandmother and aunt. My aunt's from Germany and my grandmother wanted to know if she spoke Vietnamese in addition to German, English and French. Vietnam's in Europe, right?

Happy birthday to me

I am in official birthday countdown mode (it's a mere five hours for those of you who still need to overnight my presents).

I love any day when others realize that the world revolves around me. All kidding aside, I don't need presents. I just demand that everyone acknowledge my natal anniversary. I've already gotten five birthday cards (thank you Granny, Memaw Kat, Estella, Paige and Kelly), and that makes me so happy.

Tomorrow three guys from work are taking me to lunch. Granted, I dropped hints for about a week to get a lunch invite, but still... there will be frivolity and hopefully some singing. Then Dad and Vickie are meeting me in Fayetteville for dinner. This weekend I'm headed up to Mount Nebo to spend a couple of nights with Scott and Alisa, so I'm managing to stretch this birthday into several days.

Only 366 more days 'til the next one.

Sunday/Monday recap

Ok, this is about the cutest thing EVER! My grandmother and I stopped to visit Parker and Emma (and Larry and Ashley) last night after dinner. They are growing like weeds! They're now smiling and laughing and really responding. Ashley took this pic a couple of weeks ago (I bought them the outfits!). Don't you just want to squeeze them?



My grandmother asked if they were identical. I said, "No, one of them has a pee pee."

After surviving the strong winds last night that knocked out the power and downed power lines and tree limbs all over the Fort, I met my friend Susan at the country club to work at a golf tournament. Thankfully no one had a video camera on us as we, quite comically, struggled to put up a tent in the rain. Then it stopped raining just after we were done. By that time I had frizzy hair and two inches of mud on the bottom of my pants. The rest of the day was pleasant, and we got to visit in between guys stopping by for our bananas, cereal bars, and bottled water.

I dropped $113 on running gear at Academy Sports this afternoon. You may recall that Lonnie, Jen and I are going to "run" in a 5K this Saturday (the quotes are for Lon and me, who will probably walk 90% of it). Needless to say, if I'm going to run five feet I need to look good. So I bought new shorts, two shirts, running socks, and an industrial strength sports bra.

After a pedicure at my favorite nail place (yes, I'm a brat), I came back to Siloam and met my friends John and Tricia for dinner. Now I'm just unloading my car and thinking I need to get on the treadmill. But I probably won't.

Yesterday, after Sunday School, I headed to the big city of Midland (pop. 221) to celebrate Dad's day with my dad, stepmom, brother, nephews, and niece. I also got to see the famous Uncle Cecil Missouri, who's evidently forgiven me for deserting her five months ago. We ate burgers and watched Chance try out his new golf club while Hope played with her imaginary baby sister. When we left, Hope told Brad, "Bye, Daddy. Happy Fodders Day." It was cute.

This coming weekend is Brady's birthday party, so I called to find out what he wanted. He wants cash to buy a big screen TV. Lucky thing his mom's a doctor.

I hope everyone had a happy Fodders Day and sustained little or no wind damage. Is it too early to go to bed?!?

Photo album

My pal LiLar has been asking to see some old pageant pics. And since I'm working on a belated Mother's Day present, I thought I'd share some fun photos I found tonight.

This is my grandfather with my cousins, Lonnie and Woody. I'm sure Lon still has this shirt (he rescued it from a garage sale).



This is my senior Homecoming. I'm not sure what was bigger, my hair or my sleeves. Scary!



Mom and me, at Miss Tech (a pageant pic, Lindsay!)

Balancing act

Life, like an ecosystem, is a delicate balance. Too much of any one thing throws the whole thing off. It's a series of give and take, this and that, and trying to keep all your balls in the air. While riding a unicycle. On roller skates. In the rain.

{Disclaimer: I made a "C" in each of my two science classes in college, so I'm not quite sure about the ecosystem analogy. But I'm sure Jen can correct me if I'm wrong. Or Lon can get out his "Science for dummies" book he reads to prepare to teach Biology.}

Perhaps this is the reason I have a love/hate relationship with traveling for work. I love that we have offices near friends and family. I hate that many of my trips are so tightly scheduled that I feel like the Pope. It would be much easier if I had a personal assistant who could call everyone and make them grateful for 15 minutes of Lori time.

In a few moments I'm leaving for Little Rock. My plan is to have dinner tonight with Lon, Jen, Huey, Dewie and Louie; coffee after that with Joe; a lunch meeting tomorrow for work; dinner tomorrow night with Brent and Dave after a work meeting at 5 p.m.; lunch on Tuesday with Alisa, Shauna and Amy; a Tuesday afternoon visit with Ashley and the twins; stop by the Fort Smith office to check on things; dinner with my grandmother; and Chance's baseball game at 7:30. After that I'll come back home in time to unpack and fall into bed, exhausted. Oh, and somewhere in that time I need to figure out how to get some work done.

Anyone else want a piece of me?

P.S. Dad, lest you feel left out, remember that I'll be seeing you for hours next weekend. Aren't you lucky?

Thursday Recap

5 a.m. I've been awake for at least an hour. Perhaps that nap I snuck in at 4:30 yesterday afternoon wasn't such a good idea after all. Or, more likely, it has something to do with the fact that I've been really lazy about my morning quiet time as of late. I'm listening, God. I'm up. I'm reading.

7 a.m. Leave the house and detour around the closed streets downtown (due to flooding) to get to City Coffee for an amazing raspberry white chocolate scone and non-fat latte (I think that offsets, right?). Bummer... cinnamon scones are all they have.

7:45 a.m. Finish quiet time and latte and start plan to take over the world (AKA my 60-day assessment for my boss).

8:30 a.m. Forget 'til last minute about weekly breakfast at work (you'd think after 8 Thursdays I'd figure it out), so I miss out on made-to-order waffles and omelets because I already ate that stupid cinnamon scone.

9:05 a.m. Leave Siloam Springs for Rogers.

9:45 a.m. Stop by NW Arkansas Toyota to check out the new Camry's. Test drive white one. Buy silver one.



11:25 a.m. Talk to Ashley, who's bored on bedrest, while navigating the Rogers traffic in the new car. Not used to being so low to ground, or getting decent gas mileage.

11:45 a.m. Have lunch meeting at P.F. Chang's. Order kung pao shrimp and a tiramasu dessert shooter. Yum!

2 p.m. Marketing meeting at the Rogers Center. Gaze out the window at the new car and decide she needs a name. My friend Lindsay suggested "Lola." I'm thinking more "Barbara" or "Celine." I think a silver Camry is more boardroom than bedroom. The red Audi convertible I really wanted could have been a Lola. But Celine makes me think of that annoying Titanic song, and I'm not sure my new Toyota makes my heart go on and on and on. So baby will go home unnamed.

3:20 p.m. Call Jen to congratulate her on getting her first residency choice... Texas A&M in Temple, TX. Wonder how much it will cost to fly round-trip from XNA to Austin. Think about repercussions of Jen being a blonde Aggie.

4 p.m. Arrive back at the dealership to sign life away. Get free Diet Coke in the "customer center" and read a magazine. Sign on the dotted line 26 times and think about death, but refuse the casualty payoff. Hey... I'm dead. What do I care if it ruins my credit rating?

5:30 p.m. Finally get in what's-her-name after she gets a bath and a fill-up (I spent $52 filling up the ol' TrailBlazer yesterday... bummer) and they try to sell me other options which would bring my payment to about $1,200 a month, like in the event that I should lose my right eye in a skiing accident while wearing a pink bikini, my car will be paid for, provided I get the oil changed at the dealership every two weeks. Um, no.

5:37 p.m. Visit with my grandmother, who's excited I now have a "Camera" like hers. She describes her day, telling me that "The Village People" put on a style show. Turns out it's not as exciting as I thought; she lives in Methodist Village, so the Village people are merely other residents, and they modeled clothes from their closet. Evidently one dude modeled overalls and carried a potato for "farm wear." Hmmm....

6:00 p.m. Talk to my aunt Kathy, who's watching Dewie and Louie while Huey practices soccer. While on the phone, I hear her tell Ave, "If you do that again, I will yank your arm off." Not sure what that's about; he's always a perfect angel around me.

6:40 p.m. After a short stop at Hobby Lobby, arrive home. Leave car in driveway to take pics for blog. Neighbors think I'm mental.

6:50 p.m. Call Pizza Hut to order a pizza. Dude answers, "Thank you for calling Pizza Hut; will it be carryout or delivery?" I say, "Delivery." He says, "Sorry, we're not delivering right now."

6:52 p.m. Eat a half a bag of chips and decide to blog.

Spring has sprung. Are you ready? Vacation tomorrow. Wahoo!

Oh, and vote for the new car's new name. I'm leaning toward Audrey Hepburn... it's classic, right?

Holiday Recap

Today's the first day that I've felt any respite from the hustle and bustle of the holidays. It's been crazy since I got here, but I've finally caught my breath and have the opportunity to update you all on the exciting happenings in my life.

On Saturday, I met Ashley for lunch at Rolando's, then I went down to spend the evening in Hartford at Memaw and Pepaw's house. Since the Cowboys game was on NFL network, we went up to Woo and Amanda's to watch. Then we came back to Memaw's where 8 of us spent the night. I slept on the couch.

On Sunday morning, Kathy and I started cooking for the Plunkett fiesta. We made enchiladas, tacos, creamy taco, guacamole, pico de gallo, and cheese dip. My mom's family came down for lunch, then we had a rousing game of Dirty Santa (I got a mani/pedi set).

Here's Hewey, Dewie and Louie playing football with Chance in the mud.



And this is Taylor and me at the party.



Hope and MaKenzie, my cousin Carrie's little girl, got new purses from Granny Eck.



On Sunday evening, I stayed at my brother's house with the kids, where Chance, Taylor and I enjoyed a wild night of RockBand. Then I slept on the bottom bunk with Hope, who talked incessantly.

On Monday (Christmas Eve), we opened presents at Brad's early that morning, then went to Dad and Vickie's for brunch and more present opening. After that I ventured back to Fort Smith to my grandmother's for a nap prior to attending the candlelight service at church. Then I went to my aunt and uncle's house for German food. And I spent the night on my grandmother's couch.

Chance put the bow from his sister's present on his head.



I got Taylor a Romo jersey.



Hope got care bears from Grandpa and "Mickie."



On Tuesday (Christmas Day), I stopped at Vance and Sorne's to see what the boys got from Santa, then I picked up Taylor, Chance and Hope and we went to Memaw and Pepaw's to eat fish with the Hester brood. After dropping them off and coming back to the Gregory's for a nap, Amanda and I went to the movies.

Today (Wednesday) I slept in 'til after 10 a.m., then Vance cooked breakfast. Sorne and I went for coffee, then I took a nap. Tonight I met John and Tricia at Chili's for dinner.

Tomorrow (Thursday) Ashley and I are headed to Siloam Springs. I'm meeting with a realtor to find a place to live, then I'm having dinner tomorrow night with my dad, stepmom, brother, his GF, and my grandmother. Guess I'll head back to C-way on Friday to start packing.

And for those of you who are curious, my friends and family were generous this year. I got a beautiful bowl for my new office, a fabulous leopard throw, a cute coffee mug, and gift cards to Starbucks, Williams Sonoma, Best Buy, and Ann Taylor. Pretty cool, huh?

Merry Christmas!

Wow... can't believe it's finally Christmas Day. To steal Jen's schtick, it seems like this has been the holiday that never ended. I'm currently sleeping in my fourth bed in as many nights. Correction: this is only the second bed I've slept on; I've been on two couches and the bottom bunk with my niece the other three nights. Tonight I'm on a trundle bed and sleeping alone. And I have Internet service for the first time in four days.

I've decided the nomadic life just doesn't suit me. I'm living out of the back of my car. And when you're constantly packing and unpacking, you're bound to leave a few things at other places. Sunday I left my shampoo at my aunt's house, which wouldn't be a big deal if I were showering at anyone's house except my grandmother's, who hasn't washed her own hair since the 40s. So she had to go next door to a neighbor's apartment in her retirement village to borrow some. And while I hate to look a gift horse in the mouth, the commandeered shampoo was meant to make your silver hair shinier, and I spend a lot of time and money to make my silver go away. There was also no conditioner, so imagine how flyaway my hair was for church last night. But at least my gray hair looked better than usual.

Tonight Amanda and I went to see "P.S. I Love You." It lasted about two and a half hours, and I cried for about two hours of that. It was a good flick (Gerard Butler, Harry Connick Jr and Jeffrey Dean Morgan... yummy x 3), but Hilary Swank just wasn't meant to do romantic comedies. She's a great actress, but it's weird to see her cry. I kept expecting her to shave her head or break out the boxing gloves.

It's been a great holiday and I've really enjoyed catching up with family and friends. More tomorrow (including pics) about Christmas.

BTW, a friend of mine has a son who asked her the other day why we always had to talk about Jesus at Christmastime. And it made me think about how crazy everything gets this time of year, and how often we forget why we celebrate the season. What a blessing God gave us more than 2,000 years ago when He sent His son to be born in a manger. To live a perfect life and to die on a cross so that we might have salvation. May we never forget His perfect gift.

Happy birthday, Jesus. Let us honor you not only this day, but all year through.

xoxo,
Lori

Lessons from Branson

As someone committed to education, I try to learn something new everyday. This is what I've learned today...

1. The average age in Branson is 72.
2. Looking at Christmas lights is no longer cheap entertainment... it's now quite a racket.
3. Any Branson show, regardless of genre, will include corny jokes, a patriotic medley, and a singer flirting with an old lady.
4. I will always be seated next to the fattest woman/man in the theatre, who will always hog the armrest.
5. Memaw will never fail to embarrass me by trying to get her cheap thrills by finding free stuff (tonight she forced me to go into Bath & Body Works so that she could use three coupons for free lotion.... they were not original coupons and there was a limit of one per customer... her response was to point to each of us and insist that we are indeed three separate people... I was cowering behind a display at that point).
6. Although the population of Branson is less than 10,000, there are more than half a million who try to drive down Hwy 76 at any given moment, most of whom are trying to turn left.
7. Granny really, really likes apple butter.
8. The average wait time in Branson restaurants is 45 minutes.
9. Lonnie and Jennifer are cookie thieves.
10. Hell must have frozen over, because I'm rooting for OU to win a football game.

Dear Diary,

My family has made fun of my grandmother for years for keeping a diary. Sample entry, circa 1938... "I shan't go to school today. I shall stay home and help mother wash clothing."

Fast forward to me in junior high. My crush on one of my classmates. My argument with my best friend. All preserved for eternity on the pages of my diary.

And now? The premise is the same. Oh, I seldom share things I don't want the world to see. But I do publish the events of my daily life in cyberspace. Gone are the days of hoping my mom doesn't read my diary... replaced by the days of site tracking to figure out how many people are reading my random thoughts.

Turns out she and I are not that different. Every day she writes down the temperature and what she ate for lunch. And most days I share my activities or, at worst, thoughts.

I guess we're not that different after all. And I suppose everyone's fascination with reading someone's diary has turned into an acceptable pastime... blog browsing.