Blog Challenge: Day 29: Top Things On My Bucket List

Bucket, bucket, bucket list. Ok, this is gonna be a LONG ass post, so, I hope you are ready for it. My bucket list is long. I want to do so much before I kick it. I can't pick just the top items on the list, so, I thought I would grace you all with my ENTIRE bucket list. I doubt I will get to accomplish a lot of it, but, it's on the list, so if I do, YAY for me!

Let's get down to business. Starting with the most attainable things on the list first.

• See the Texas Bluebonnets. Photograph them. Be happy.
• Put together a family cookbook. Started on this once, need to restart. Somehow I lost the notebook that had all my shit in it. Damnit.
• Make a crochet granny square blanket.
• Knit myself a pair of socks. Might take the rest of my life, but, hopefully I will accomplish this one day!
• Vacation in Gatlinburg, TN. It's beautiful there.
• Make bath salts. Not the kind that make you crazy, the kind you actually soak your body in.
• Start and continue a gratitude journal.
• Keep a daily journal for at least one year.
• Can foods. All kinds. Master the art.
• Figure out how to mold my children into amazing adults.
• Do a photo a day for a entire year.
• Stay just one night at the Ritz Carlton. Just to experience it.
• Go to the Bonaventure Cemetary in Savannah, Georgia.
• Take time to photograph the Bell Gable in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
• See the big Jesus and the Thorncrown Chapel in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.
• See the Proxy Falls and Multnoma Falls in Oregon.
• Have a love that lasts a lifetime. A love that actually follows vows. A love that is REAL.
• Watch my babies get married, and start lives of their own.
• Have grandbabies. Love them. Play with them. Laugh at them.
• Live on my family compound. (That comes with a whole bucket list of it's own.)

Now, on to the hopes and dreams. Because let's be honest, it's gonna cost a LOT of money for me to actually make these things attainable.

• Trampoline bridge in France. Why? Because I would LOVE to pee my pants while crossing a trampoline bridge over a river in France. That's why.
• Visit Jerusalem. Walk where Jesus walked. (I went to Memphis and walked where Elvis walked. I stood in the studio he recorded in. I got chills. It was amazing. I can't imagine how much more amazing it would be to experience where Jesus was.)
• Go to Germany. EAT. DRINK. Be merry.
• Go to Greece. Eat some more and take some AMAZING photos.
• Go to England. Visit London, where my Daddy was born.
• Head over to Whales while I'm there. Rumor has it, we have some family roots in Whales.
• Tour Scotland. Because it's pretty.
• Visit the Fairy Pools in Isle of Skye, Scotland while I am there.
• Tour Ireland. Because it's pretty too. And I want to dance naked under the full moon with the fairies. (If you have to ask, clearly, you don't get it.)
• Find some of the most amazing castles and ruins in Europe and photograph them. For my own personal happiness.
• See the pink lake in Australia.
• Go to the Glass Beach in Hawaii.
• Visit the Crimson Forrest in Poland. Just because it's gorgeous!!!
• Go on an Alaskan Cruise. See the Northern Lights. Just once.

There you have it. The beginnings of my bucket list. Maybe one day will cheerfully announce that I have accomplished EVERYTHING on my list. I'm gonna plan for that.

Shoot for the moon and I will at least land among the stars, RIGHT? Right. I thought you would see it my way.

Off to survive the rest of my Saturday.

Love, hugs and smooches....to most of you.

~Lou~

Blog Challenge: Day 28: Last Time I Cried

I'm seriously over the personal aspect of this blogging challenge. I don't really want to go into the last time I cried and why. So, I'm not. For this particular day, I am bowing out gracefully. With my head held high. That's my business and frankly no one else needs to know those personal details. So, dear stalker, you lose on this particular day. Take yourself and your stalking ways and stay the fuck off of my blog, BITCH. I don't mess with you, and I expect the same fucking courtesy from your skank ass. Now, act your age, not your fetus' age. 

With that being said, have a wonderful Friday everyone!

~Lou~

Blog Challenge: Day 27: What Makes Me Feel Better, Always

Well, I could say a whole bunch of things here. I could say that she always makes me feel better, or he used to always make me feel better, or my dogs always make me feel better, or chocolate always makes me feel better. I could say that revenge, or watching Karma work always makes me feel better. But, you know what? I'm not. I'm not elaborating on that. Not on any of that. I am going this route instead.

PEPSI. A nice, ice cold Pepsi always makes me feel better. Feel the Pepsi love. Feel it. FEEL IT. Do you? DO YOU?? I thought so.

Whenever I was sick as a child, my PawPaw used to bring me an ice cold Pepsi Cola to make me feel better. I don't know, it stuck. It works for moods, it works for sick tummies and SOMETIMES it works for migraines. It is what it is, and it works for me.

I'm out for the night.

~Lou~

Blog Challenge: Day 26: 5 Favorite Blogs

Let me be completely, 100% honest for a few minutes. Yes, I am a blogger. No, I really DON'T read a lot of blogs. I'm too busy gathering awesomeness for my next blog. It's just the way it is. I don't read other people's blogs to get ideas on what to blog. That's not how I roll. I will go long periods of time just simply NOT blogging, and then something happens, and I have to share it with my tiny section of the blogosphere. Right now is a little different, only because I am doing this blog challenge. Something I have bitched about, BUT, I have really, secretly enjoyed. I don't really like all the PERSONAL shit I have had to put out there, but, it is what it is, and now you know it.

I do have some blogs that I read on a regular basis. But FIVE? Hell no. I don't have time to regularly read five blogs. The ones I do read are blogs of friends. Pretty much, this is how it goes. I read those blogs because I am nosey, they are my friends, and I want to know what they are doing, and blogging about. That's pretty much it. So, here are the THREE blogs that I read on a regular basis.

www.peanutsandsticks.blogspot.com

www.amessyindulgence.blogspot.com

http://www.heatherhildenbrand.blogspot.com/

Three of my favorite blogs. Besides my own. Now, if you know me, and your blog is not listed. Freaking tell me that you read my blog and I should read yours!!! Just sayin'.

I'm out. Going to start my Aca-Amazingness for the day.

~Lou~

Blog Challenge: Day 25: Best Physical Feature

I am not one to go around calling myself gorgeous. Most of the time, I feel like a frumpy, dumpy, lumpy wad. I'm pretty hard on myself as far as looks go. I don't see much beauty in myself. INSIDE, I see a lot of beauty, outside, not so much. It's a flaw. A big, fat, ugly flaw in me. I can't help it. I've tried to change, and sometimes, I have really good days with it. Most of the time, it is a struggle.

Everyone has always told me I am beautiful. I have a hard time believing it. Beautiful people don't struggle in relationships. Beautiful people don't lose their family. Beautiful people don't get cheated on. Repeatedly. Beautiful people don't think of themselves as ugly, and worthless.

Here we go with the personal shit again. I really am beginning to hate this blog challenge. It's bringing up way too many issues and feelings for my liking.

Once upon a time, I would have said that my best personal feature would have been my legs and my ass. Yes, once upon a time, those bitches were BANGIN'! Now, they are fat, and ugly.

Maybe I will pick the one thing that my sister, Kim, says she LOVES. She is super pissed about my eyebrows. She loves the shape of them. The arch. Of course, I have to have them WAXED ALL TO HELL TO GET THAT PERFECT ARCH, but, none the less, according to her, they are perfect. (Without the waxing, I look like mix between Steven Segal and Groucho Marx. As a matter of fact, blame the soon to be ex for my waxing/plucking obsession. He decided to call me Manny....you know, the big fat ass Mammoth from Ice Age? Yeah. Because he was THAT kind of husband.) She is also extremely impressed (and laughs hysterically) when I raise my ONE eyebrow.

But, I am supposed to be picking MY favorite physical feature about myself, right? I would have to say, if it were ONE thing, I would choose my eyes. I have big, brown eyes. They sparkle and shine and a lot of the time radiate happiness, laughter and love.

So, there you have it. My eyes (and my eyebrows according to Kim).

Done for today. Post surgery baby is not feeling so well today, not sleeping, and is feverish. Gotta pump some more popsicles in her little body. Fluids, fluids, fluids.

Later. Potate if you can!

~Lou~

Blog Challenge: Day 24: A Difficult Time In My Life

This is quickly becoming super personal. I'm not really sure I want to share my difficulties in such a raw, real format. See, I tend to do this thing....where I mask my difficulties with humor. It helps me cope, it makes life seem not quite so shitty. Also, I have noticed that this particular blog challenge is turning into a repetitive bitch. Or maybe it's me that's the repetitive bitch. Oh well, whatever.

I have been ordered to blog about a difficult time in my life. I could blog about my first love and losing that love. I could blog about the 14 years of anger I carried. I could blog about my marriage falling to shit. I could blog about losing my grandfather. I could blog about the teenage angst that I endured. I could blog about lost friends. I could blog about being bullied. I could blog about losing pets. I could blog about all kinds of shit. I just don't exactly know where to go with this. **SIGH** I believe I am going to have to think on this one for quite some time. It's 8:14 in the fucking morning and I am not so sure that I appreciate this day's blog being quite so challenging. Yes, I understand, it's a BLOG CHALLENGE. Not the point I am making here.

This. This is a difficult time in my life. I'll start by giving you a short run down of what is happening. I am getting a divorce. I am reconnecting with family that I haven't spoken to in 15 and 16 years. I am raising 3 kids by my damn self. I am determining who is real, who is fake and who needs to fuck off permanently. I am exhausted. I am irritated, aggravated, and feel like my head is going to spin completely around spewing split pea soup on an hourly basis. I am volatile. I am torn. I am broken. I am burnt. I am scarred. I am ANGRY. And, rightly so.

Will I overcome this difficult time? You bet your ass I will. I've overcome everything else that's been thrown in my fucking happy road. It will take time, and perseverance, but perseverance is not something I lack. This being said, you are either riding in the wagon with me, or you are left behind in the dust trail. If you want to come, come on, but make no mistake....I take no shit. So, don't start trying to add bullshit on top of the crazy crap pile I already have going on, because I WILL drop your ass like a bad habit. I have no time for excess drama in my life.

Guess that turned out to be a little bitchier than I meant for it to be. Oh well. My blog. Don't like it? Tough shit. Don't read it. I need coffee, a shower and to hit the road. I'm so tired, I can barely keep my eyes open. Hopefully this surgery is quick and I will be home before too terribly late.

Wish me luck, pray for Littlest Little.

~Lou~

Blog Challenge: Day 23: Pet Peeves

Right now, my major pet peeve is my littlest little that is screaming that no one cares if she dies, and she is keeping her tonsils and adenoids that are scheduled to be removed in the morning. She says, and I quote “I don't care if I have sleep acnea (Yes, I know this is wrong, but it is how she pronounces it.). I'm keeping these tonsils and adenoids. I am a worthless squirrel!” Clearly the child is lacking in the sleep department at the moment and has some anxiety about the surgery scheduled for in the morning. I do feel bad for her, broken foot, surgery....summer is a bummer for her. Oh well, it has to be done. I'd rather have her pissy and alive than dead in her sleep because she stopped breathing.

Another pet peeve I have is my tiniest puppy. Her freakishly long tongue can reach places it shouldn't. She also hops around like a rabbit. YOU ARE A FUCKING DOG....ACT LIKE ONE.

Does anyone else have an issue with people trying to control them? Maybe not, maybe it's just me, but, let me tell you....I LOATHE that. This shit happens to me on a continual basis with me. If it's not one person, it's another. Just leave me the fuck alone people! I am 35 and a grown ass woman. I'm pretty sure I earned the right to make my own decisions. I appreciate concern and guidance, but, I do NOT appreciate someone telling me WHAT to do, or expecting me to answer for the decisions I make. Guess what? You have your own life. Go live it. Don't try to live mine.

I can not stand it when someone walks in front of my camera. When you see the camera out, and pointed, DON'T FUCKING WALK IN FRONT OF ME ASSHOLES. JUST DON'T. It's rude, inconsiderate, and downright hateful. Next time someone does it, I'm posting the picture, with a big fat red arrow pointing at the person that says ASSHAT ALERT.

My dogs play a good, healthy, LENGTHLY game of grab ass on my bed....NIGHTLY. It gets old, and annoying, and now it just plain pisses me off when they do it.

None of my kids pay one lick of attention to what I say at any point in time. I could say... “Hey, don't go outside, there is a meteor shower, and you WILL get hit in the head and DIE.” OR “There is a car driving down the street, don't walk out there.” OR “A chicken shit in the sidewalk, make sure you look where you are walking.” OR “If you keep doing THAT, you are gonna get hurt.” OR “I SAID GET YOUR ASS IN BED!!!” No matter what, they act like I am mute. All. The. Time. Whatever, one day they will want my advice, my help, to hear my voice.....and guess what? I'm gonna be MUTE. HA! Take that bitches!

I am also peeved by people who think they are better than others because of money, or education, or status, or who their parents are. FUCK THAT SHIT. Be real. People are people. It's time we all start realizing that, and acting civilized.

Spitting. Spitting is fucking gross. If you do it, stop. Seriously. It's nasty. No one wants to be be-bopping down the street and step in your SPIT. GAG. Really, spit in private, in a trash can, sink or toilet. Not in public. No one wants to see that shit. ((SHUDDER))

Ok, I could go on for hours, days and pages with this shit. Alas, it's just ONE blog. I should stop. Before you ALL hate me. That's just a smattering of the things that pet my peeve.

Tomorrow will be busy with the littlest little's surgery. I will do my best to get a blog pounded out. It all depends on how well she handles the anesthesia.

Hugs and Kisses,

~Lou~

Blog Challenge: Day 22: 10 Favorite Songs

You know what? This is ridiculous. If you know me at all, picking 10 favorite songs is virtually impossible. But, I am going to give it my best shot. I am sure that most of my songs will be newer songs on this list. By no means does this indicate that these are the top 10 of all time. Just my current top 10.

1. Blurred Lines by Robin Thicke.....SEXY.
2. Clarity by Zedd Ft. Foxes.....Hits the nail on the head.
3. Night Train by Jason Aldean....He's my country music boyfriend. I love all his songs.
4. I Love It by Icona Pop.....Best summer song in a long time. Probably due to everything I am personally going through. Whatever, it's making my summer '13 FUCKING EPIC.
5. Mama's Broken Heart by Miranda Lambert.....This song is making perfect sense to me. It also helps that my littlest little mishears the lyrics and thinks she is talking about “Fix Your Bacon Baby!”
6. Treasure by Bruno Mars.....Because he is amazing and I could eat his face off he's so damn adorable. I love all his songs.
7. Here's To Never Growing Up by Avril Lavigne....It's a good song. For reals.
8. Suit And Tie by Justin Timberlake Ft. Jay Z...DISCLAIMER....I dislike Jay Z. With a passion. With that being stated, JT is effing sexy as hell. Sing it to me baby.
9. Lego House by Ed Sheeran.....because he's British, and a red head, and looks like Prince Harry, AND he is one of my guilty pleasures. So....suck it. I love him.
10. Downtown by Lady Antebellum....Let's be honest for a second. Who DOESN'T like Lady A? I love them, and all their songs. Because they are amazing, and awesome, and sound lovely.

There you have it. My top 10 current hits. If you DON'T know one, I beg of you to go listen to them on Spotify, or YouTube. NOW. Thank you. They are all by amazing artists who speak to my heart with their lyrics. Except of course Robin Thicke and JT. They are just flat out sexy. They could be singing about shit on a shingle and snakes eating mice and it would STILL sound sexy as hell.

Carry on. Blog for this day's challenge is DONE.

~Lou~

Blog Challenge: Day 21: Something I Miss

I mostly miss my childhood. Being footloose and fancy free. You know, back in the good old days. Before cell phones, computers, internet, 1,000 cable channels, DVR's, all that technological jumble-fuck that has infiltrated our society and pretty much turned us to shit.

Life was simpler then. When we were bored, we went outside and played. If we went somewhere, you would hear from us when we got back. There was no keep in touch 24/7, no telling the world what you were doing, when you were doing it, how you were doing it and how long you would be doing it for, no instant messaging, no status updates, tweets or instagram photos. Cameras took this really archaic stuff called FILM, not a memory card. You couldn't load your pictures on a computer and edit them, you had to take them to a photo lab and get them developed. No editing there either, you either took good pictures, or you sucked. There was no happy medium. Letters were a form of communication. LETTERS. You know, the things you used to do when you wanted to talk to someone far away but didn't quite have the money for that long distance call?? Paper, pen, envelope, stamp. HANDWRITING. I know, odd, not normal, how old fashioned!

How ironic that I am posting all of this HERE, in the mighty, mighty blogosphere for all of the world to read. Just as soon as I hit that post button.

I miss the simplicity. Unless something catostrophic happens, I won't have as much simplicity as I would like, unless of course, I go off grid. Maybe I will one day. Maybe.

Potatin' on for the rest of my day!!

Enjoy yours :)

~Lou~

Blog Challenge: Day 20: Where I Want To Be In 10 Years

This challenge has turned out to be rather loaded. Loaded with all kinds of ammunition. Whatever, moving forward. 

I have so much that I want to do with my life. 10 years is not that far away. Actually, it will be here before I know it. 

Within 10 years I can see myself right where I want to be. Living on my family compound, with my parents, my sister & brother in law, my niece, my kiddos, maybe a new husband if I am blessed enough to be granted one. Acres and acres of cleared land, wooded land, a stocked lake, sheds, chickens, maybe some livestock, learning to hunt, clean the things I kill, properly cook them, use their hides. You know, I'll turn into a real country redneck girl. I'll wear blue jeans and t shirts (wow, so different from my normal wardrobe today), ballcaps, maybe a cowboy hat, boots, sneakers, but make no mistake, flip flops will abound in my compound. Even though my family compound will be far inland, I will make sure that I make it back to the coast. One annual trip to the beach. Sand must be between my toes at least once a year. I was born and raised at the oceanfront. Saltwater runs in my veins. I will have a big old farm truck, painted pink. Just because. I will have lots of purple flowers. All different kinds. I will can, preserve, cook, fuck shit up, laugh, be happy, love, and continue my awesomeness. Because let's be honest, even when I am 10 years older, I will STILL be amazing and awesome and someone that everyone wants to be part of. Just a true statement, true story. Life. I can't wait to get to living the rest of mine!!!

Potatin' the rest of my day away!!

~Lou~

Blog Challenge: Day 19: My Worst Habits

Hang on to your seats, cuz this is gonna be one hell of a blog.

I have a lot of bad habits. Shall I list them?

1. Smoking: Nasty little habit, however, it prevents me from becoming homicidal, so, tobacco will continue to be my friend.
2. Cursing: Can't really fucking stop that shit, now can I? It's just too damn hard. Been doing it too damn long. It is what it fucking is. Like it or don't. I don't fucking care.
3. Taking too much shit: That's pretty self explanatory. I take too much shit from people and I stuff it all down until I explode. That's all about to stop. From now on, you piss me off? FUCK YOU. I'm gonna say something. If I think you are being an asshole, I am gonna tell your ass. You can like it, lump it or stick it where the sun don't shine for all I care. I am DONE taking shit.
4. Trying too hard to make everyone else happy: I'm pretty much done with this one too. I don't give a shit if I make you happy, sad, angry, livid, pissy, butt hurt or anything else for that matter. Because NEWSFLASH MOTHER FUCKERS, this is MY life, and I'm gonna do with it what I damn well please. Don't like it? Fuck off. I don't give a shit.

I'm sure there are many, many more bad habits that I have, however, I'm done trying to figure them all out. I am sure that others could list countless more habits that they find absolutely abhorrent about me, but, this isn't their blog, now is it?? Anything you want to add? Add it to your own fucking blog.

Done with this one and almost caught up!!

~Lou~

Blog Challenge: Day 18: What Am I Afraid Of?

Nothing. I am afraid of not a damn thing. Ok, that's a lie.

There are lots of things that I am afraid of. Snakes, mice, rats, things that go bump in the night. You know, typical girlie fears.

There are other things that I am afraid of. My pending divorce, starting a new life, losing the people I love, growing old, moving forward. I'm guessing that I should be elaborating on these fears for you.

I'm screaming afraid of the snakes, mice, and rats. SERIOUSLY. I SCREAM. They scare me. I realize that generally speaking they won't hurt me, and they are more afraid of me than I am of them. But, none the less, still, scared shitless of them.

On to the bigger and badder fears.

My pending divorce. You see, it's not so much that I am afraid of this. It is a grieving process. I am grieving the loss of a relationship. A 12 and a half year relationship, and almost 11 year marriage. It's sad, it hurts, it's lonely and no matter who says it, it was never a waste of time. Period. It was time well spent. Living, learning, laughing, growing, building, crying, fighting, overcoming, rejoicing, making tiny humans, building friendships, losing friendships, regaining friendships, and creating a family. So, wasted time? No. Not at all.

Starting a new life. This is a daunting task. It's scary and unknown and lonely and disturbing and it makes me cry and scream trying to build something alone. But, I have learned this....I can and will do it. Because I am THEIR mom. I will do it for them, and them only. Because I have learned that in this huge picture, I don't matter, he doesn't matter, THEY matter. They are the reason that I get up everyday. They are what keeps me chugging along. When it hurts so bad I want to just crawl away in a hole and never surface again, THEY smile, laugh, tell me they love me, and then life is worth it again.

Losing the people I love. No lie, this scares the shit out of me. I can 't bear the thought of losing my grandparents, my parents, my family. I've lost one grandparent, and that alone nearly tore me apart. I can't imagine how much worse it will be the more loss I encounter. I can't talk about this anymore. It makes me want to cry.

Growing old. I don't want to get old, and it's happening. It's happening people. It's scary. I'm getting gray hairs, creaky bones, sore joints and my brain no longer functions like it used to. Don't like it. I just don't like it.

Moving forward. Moving forward is a daunting task. It is difficult, and painful and terrifying. But, I will do it. I will manage to make it. I may feel as if my feet are cemented to the ground, but, I know that once I get moving, I will break into a run that will be so fast, no one will be able to catch me.

Because I am awesome, and amazing, and I don't give a shit if you choose to move forward with me or not. Because, where I am going, it will be sure to be epic.

There you have it.

Later,

~Lou~

Blog Challenge: Day 17: Favorite Childhood Book

Jelly Beans For Breakfast.

Don't know it? Tough shit. It's out of print. I can't even share it with my kids. Whatever.

That's all you get today. I'm tired, and stressed, and worried about my niece.

Goodnight Blogosphere.

~Lou~

Blog Challenge: Day 16: Dream Job

This is such a loaded question. I mean, really, really loaded. Since I am beyond exhausted, have a new family photo shoot to edit and put together, AND this blog to write, I am going to try to make this a brief one. (It also doesn't hurt one bit that my dream job ties in with a little gloating today.)

When I was 4, someone asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. Well, my answer was simply this: “A nurse. A nurse that helps babies be born.”

That has been my dream ever since. To work with laboring moms, coach them through, and witness the miracle of new life every day. To steal away moments in the nursery and snuggle all the sweet, soft, oh so amazing smelling babies. Well, life takes funny turns and twists along the way, and, well, my dream never became a reality. Oh well. Maybe in my next life?

Even though my dream never came true, it's ok. I have 3 babies of my own, 5 nephews, 4 nieces and 1 brand new great niece. I am so in love with every single one of them. Especially our brand new edition. Sweet baby Lydia. Born yesterday. She is beautiful, and perfect, and tiny, and squeaky, and just plain amazing. I snuggled her today. I kissed on her sweet, fat cheeks. She loves her Auntie MeMe. I know she does. She was so content in my arms. (I'm claiming this, and the first one of you jackasses that tries to say she DOESN'T love her Auntie MeMe, well, your ass is going down. [I can talk like this, I'm not around her tiny little perfect, innocent ears.])

Here is OUR debut in the blogosphere. A perfectly content Lydia, and a super proud, happy, gloating Auntie MeMe.

Look at it. Be amazed at our beauty. Now, carry on and be sad and sorry that you aren't as amazing as we are.

Hugs and Love!

~Lou~

Blog Challenge: Day 15: Timeline Of My Day

Bear with me. It's Sunday. I was supposed to blog this on Saturday. I know, bad blogger. I'm sorry. I won't do it again. Time slipped away from me and before I knew it, it was midnight, and I seriously needed to go to sleep. So, catching up I go.

Saturday:

Get up.

Eat homemade doughnuts, drink coffee.

Receive phone call. My niece is in labor! Baby watch begins.

Drive around hunting for the picture perfect castle...

Send text message to my sister in law to check on my niece.

Snap some random shots.

Send another text message to my sister in law to check on my niece.

Arrive back at house.

Send yet another text message to my sister in law to check on my niece.

Sit around discussing randomness.

Send ANOTHER text message to my sister in law to check on my niece.

Start assisting with dinner preparations.

Finish assisting with dinner preparations.

Receive text from my sister in law...SHE'S HERE!! My Great niece arrived at 4:45 pm weighing in at 7 lbs. 4 oz., and measuring 20” long.

Picture received. OMG. Beautiful baby! SO EXCITED. Pretty sure I did some kind of happy dance.

Ate dinner.

Called sister in law to check on my niece and my great niece. There were some issues, my niece had some serious complications. Prayers were lifted up and updates would be made. I was told that baby was well, mom was hanging in there.

Sat outside watching children jump on trampoline and blow bubbles.

Received phone call from sister in law telling me my niece was ok for the night, but they were keeping an eye on her.

Watched fireworks show.

Watched kids blowing more bubbles and jumping on the trampoline again.

Talked for a little while.

Retired for the evening.

There you go. My crazy Saturday. I loved every minute of it.

Going to attempt to write my blog for today. Not promising anything at this point. I just had a LONG conversation on the phone that was HIGHLY unexpected. Whatever. Such is my life these days. HIGHLY UNEXPECTED.

~Lou~

Blog Challenge: Day 14: What Is In My Handbag?

Easy peasy blog for today! I am not currently carrying a handbag. I am currently carrying a little clutch wallet. Therefore, the contents are as follows: Bank cards, ID, Reward cards, Receipts and my cell phone. That is it. WOOHOO!!

Off to start my day!

Later Taters!

~Lou~

Blog Challenge: Day 13: Favorite Quote

Well, since you asked....if you have ever listened to me talk, or read my blog, you will notice that there is an abundance of Fuck You, Fuck That, Fuck 'Em, and Fuck 'Em All. Yep. That's about how I feel most days. Thanks to a very old and dear friend for finally driving that concept into my stubborn, scattered and mostly inattentive brain. (Insert heart here, since blogger seems to think that I am trying to insert some fucked up html bullshit.)

Tomorrow, I will blog early, because I will be MIA for a little over 24 hours. Don't ask. I will tell you all about it later.

Kisses!

~Lou~

Blog Challenge: Day 12: If I Won The Lottery

The lottery you say? Oh HELL YES. If I won the lottery, I'd be one rich bitch. I mean, I'm just sayin', if I were to WIN the lottery, it would be the Mega Millions, because, honestly, that's the only one I ever play, and I really only play when the jackpot is ginormous.

First thing I would do is set up a trust account for each of my children. (They need a secure future.) The second thing I would do is pay off this damn mortgage! The third thing I would do is go get a brand new vehicle. Then, I would spread my wealth by getting homes for family members. Because, I am nice like that. With what is left, I would put into some kind of investment so that I could just live off of the interest.

I will give you a warning. The first butthead that asks me for money is getting CUT OUT. DONE. Don't ask me, I will eventually know your situation, and if I find you deserving enough, you will be granted some of my fortune.

And, that's a wrap.

I am off to elevate my ankle as per my Dr. Tattoo Artist J-Love prescribed.

~Lou~

Blog Challenge: Day 11: Most Proud Moment

Today we are supposed to blog about our most proud moment. You know, I don't really think I have ONE moment that I am most proud of. I have several. Perhaps I should share them with everyone? Yes? That's what I thought you would say. Well, let's start from the beginning.

1. I learned how to walk. Yep, THAT was a proud moment in my life. I don't remember it, but, I bet you any amount of money I thought I was the SHIT. I can STILL walk. Sometimes I stumble a little, but, that learning curve is a BITCH. Just sayin'.
2. I started school teeniney and adorable, and finished smokin' hot. Yep. Just a few awkward years thrown in the middle. Overall, I was either the cutest thing, or the most GAWGEOUS. Looking back on it now, I realize, DAMN, I was HOT. What the hell was wrong with all those asshole boys in my school? Oh, that's right, they were intimidated by me. I was the “untouchable”. Yeah, we are going with that. Dispute it, I dare you.
3. I fell in love, and was fallen in love with. More than once. Those stories are best reserved for a different blog, a different time and most likely in a different universe.
4. I had my heart shattered, and repaired it. It took years, but, I did it.
5. I have learned countless life lessons. Currently working on letting go. Again, previous blog. Read it or continue to be lost on this analogy. You choose. Be informed, or be ignorant.
6. I have 3 children that are AMAZING little humans. They may be crazy, out of control little monsters now, but, I KNOW they will be AWESOME adults.
7. I made my mark in the world of Secretaries. No one will EVER measure up to me. Just ask my previous boss. She loves me. Every time she talks to me, she says how much she misses me. No one has ever held a candle to me. (Insert inflated head here.)
8. I have been an excellent friend. Sometimes I suck at it, but overall, I'm pretty a amazing friend.
9. I have learned how to stand up for myself. (If you know me at all, you will know this is no small feat. I have been a doormat since day 1.)
10. I am a pretty awesome sister, daughter and grand daughter. At least that's what I have been told. It may be that they love me and want me to feel good, but, I think I am, and that's what is important right?

There you have it. Most proud moments of my 35 years of life. Boiled down to 10. I'm sure I could have gone on and on, but, I will spare you the boredom of me bragging about myself.

I wish you all an amazing, wonderful, fantastical day. I know I will have one!

Summer trip planning in the works. Can't wait.

LATERS!

~Lou~

Blog Challenge: Day 10: First Celebrity Crush

I decided I am going to be brutally honest here and tell you that I have absolutely NO idea who my first celebrity crush was. Since I was limited as to what I was allowed to watch on the TV, it was probably Captain Kangaroo, but, since I really don't want to own that, I am gonna go with Kirk Cameron. Face it, he was a hottie. He may be the damn conductor of the crazy train now, but, back then, he was adorable. I was probably plotting to marry him and have his crazy caboose babies. Whatever.

This topic has brought about a whole plethora of celebrity crushes. As a young girl, they were as follows:

Joey McIntyre

Chad Allen

Rob Lowe

Judd Nelson

and probably countless others. Those are the ones I remember off the top of my head.

NOW, I have several celebrity crushes. I have a whole pinterest board dedicated to them. It's titled: You Can't Have Him, I Licked Him First. They are Mark Salling (I heard he is gay, however, I am still denying this.), Chris Hemsworth, Jason Aldean (My official country music boyfriend.), Tyler Florence (My official Food Network boyfriend.), Matthew McConaughey, Eric Dane, Ryan Reynolds, Patrick Dempsey, Josh Lucas, Shemar Moore, Vin Diesel (Just to lick his ripply muscles.) and Will FREAKIN' Smith.

If any of you fine men are SINGLE and looking (really, I don't care if you are looking or not), I'm right here. I will be more than willing to allow you to take me out to dinner. Just my humble offer. After all, I am a princess, and who doesn't want to take a princess to the ball?

I'm outtie. Lots to do, little time to do it in. Preparing for the summer of #epic13!!!

~Lou~

Blog Challenge: Day 9: Piercings and Tattoos?

     Yes please!!! I have my ears pierced and I have 4 tattoos. 4 of the most amazing, awesomesauce tattoos                    you have ever in your life seen. I have one on my back, one on each wrist and one on my ankle. I have some pictures. They aren't the best, they were taken with my phone tonight after a LONG day. Just go with it.

1. First tattoo ever. Back tat. Hip to hip, half way up my spine. AMAZING. I ADORE IT. If you don't, FUCK YOU.
   
   
   
2. Second Tattoo. Let go with a dandelion blowing in the breeze and a heart. I got this because I harbor so much hate, anger and resentment, and at 35, I had a major cathartic moment. Go back and read that blog. You missed some serious shit.
   
   
   
3. My friendship bracelet tattoo on my ankle. I got bestie tattoos with the Banana that I blogged about, if you didn't read that blog, I'm not sure why you are here. Shame on you if you haven't read that blog.
   
   
   
4. Semi colon. I got this to remind me that my story is not over. God is not finished with me yet. Keep chugging along, the story WILL get better.
   

   

   
   
   
   
   
   
   There they are. All courtesy of my amazing artist, J-Love. Now, the Anklet and the semi colon need to be fixed, and I am planning on getting that done this week. So, that's my story. Like them or not, they are permanent.
   
   
   Later taters,
   
   
   ~Lou~

Blog Challenge: Day 8: Old Photo Of Me

Well, well, well. Since my mom has almost all of my old photos, I had to go with one that I recently was tagged in on Facebook. It isn't THAT old, but, old enough. This was taken about 13 years ago. I was young, and cute, and a new mom. We were doing a scrap day at my sisters house. I am on the left, Bebe is in the middle and on the end is my dear friend Mari.

There you go. The oldest photo of me you are gonna get. Eat it up.

Love and Kisses on a dreary, stormy day.

~Lou~

Blog Challenge: Day 7: 10 Favorite Foods and an Impromptu Trip to the Mall.

I need to start this blog with a short story about an adventure I had today with Preener and Tinkerbell.

Preener sends me a text asking what I am up to today. My reply was absolutely nothing. So, she says “Mall, 11:30, be there.” Ok. So, off to the mall I go to meet the Preener and Tinkerbell for some serious shopping. See, Preener is this amazing author, and she just so happens to be nominated for EIGHT, yes, EIGHT awards this year!!! She needed clothes for this amazing weekend of awesomeness. We found the perfect dress, another super cute dress that will be for another day, and had our normal hysterical behaviors. While we were getting a drink upstairs in the food court, I said “See this? This is how I know I am getting old. I am freaking HOT.” Preener turns to me and says: “I'm hot too.” “Yes, Preener, I know you are hot, you didn't have to remind me.” “No, I meant I am hot in my body. Write that down. Now I feel like Banana.” Tinkerbell points out the weenie dogs that are sitting nearby. “Why do they have the one standing up behind the one that is on all fours?” Me: “I don't know, but, that shit is going on the blog!” Here it is.....you decide exactly what the owner of this establishment was trying to portray here.

Walking to the escalator, Preener grabs a bite of a sandwich. “It's warm in my mouth.” I'm not sure how I actually feel about that statement there. But, it fit the moment. Not only is Preener hot in her body, she is warm in her mouth. Good to know!

We make our way back downstairs to a store. Browsing around. Find leather shorts. "Preener! You need these. Right now." Tinkerbell walks up. “Hey! I have those!” “Lou says I need these.” “Yes, you do.” They found some other amazing things, and headed to the dressing rooms to try on the said awesomeness. Preener looked amazing in her leather shorts and lace tank. Totally got that outfit!! YES! Bad ass and soft. Perfect!! Tinkerbell found the PERFECT shirt. It looked just like Lisa Frank stuff from our childhood, and let's face it, she rocked that shit out.

It was time for us all to head home to collect our children from school busses, so, as we were departing, here comes this woman. She was LARGE. I mean, really LARGE. Now, let me tell you, I am a big girl, but this girl was BIG. Tinkerbell: “There is a baby in that thing on her chest.” Preener: “That poor baby, it's suction cupped and probably suffocated by now.” With that, we parted ways.

It was a LOVELY day. I spent it with amazing, strong women. Women that I adore, and have known my entire life. Super amazing therapy. <3 p="">

Now, since I have a topic that I am supposed to blog about, I will get to that. The topic today is 10 Favorite Foods. 10?!?!?!?! Really?!?!?! Ok, here goes.

1. Fried Okra
2. Collards
3. Pinto Beans & Corn Bread
4. Ham
5. BBQ & Cole Slaw
6. Hummus & Crackers
7. Salad
8. Mexican anything
9. Italian anything
10. Beef Stew

There you have it. My 10 favorite foods, and a lot of entertainment leading up to it.

I'll be back tomorrow with more blog challenge.

Til then!

~Lou~

Blog Challenge: Day 6: 3 Personality Traits I Am Proud Of

Seriously? This is the topic? This is HARD. I don't often think about my personality traits, nor do I think of the ones that I am proud of. I mean, I know I am full of awesomesauce, and I say that frequently, however, I really don't sit around thinking about what personality traits I am proud of in myself. Ok, for the sake of the blog, and with a little prodding of my uncle, we managed to come up with THESE traits.

1. I have a killer imagination. Seriously. I can come up with some SHIT people. You should sit down and talk to me sometime. I can take a mundane situation and turn it into an amazing story that no one would ever believe. Hence, awesome imagination. If you doubt this, go read this blog: Our Friday the 13th Weekend Kiptopeke Experience

2. I am persistently driven. I go after what I want. I see it, I want it, I find a way. Yep. I don't give up. The world is my oyster! Or something like that.

3. I'm funny. Fucking HILARIOUS. Just go re-read some previous blogs, you will get it. Humor in life is necessary. I have spent far too many years being serious and boring. FUCK THAT. I am back to me. Katy bar the damn door bitches, it's 'bout to get funny.

So, there you have it. Short, sweet, to the point. Nothing to bore you today.

Bracing for Tropical Storm Andrea!! If I don't blog tomorrow, you will know why.

Kisses,

~Lou~

Blog Challenge: Day 5: My Guilty Pleasure

I am writing this blog knowing full well that if my 14 year old daughter were to read it she would likely cut off my head. That being said, I am taking the risk.

Today, is all about My Guilty Pleasure. Well, here it is.

You see those boys? Yep. All British boys. (Except Niall [the blond in the top picture], he is Irish, which is fantastical.) All extremely adorable. One Direction and Ed Sheeran. Let me tell you that I know all the songs that One Direction has ever put out. By heart. Yep. Truth right there. I am well on my way to knowing all the Ed Sheeran songs too. He is freaking adorable with his red hair looking all like Prince Harry with tattoos. (I love him too.) So, easy peasy. There it is. My secret is out. I love the boys. Oh! Harry and Ed are super good friends too. Ed actually wrote Little Things, and gave it to One Direction to record. Apparently his management said no, and he basically said, don't care, my song. I know more than I have EVER cared to know about these boys, but, it has made me LOVE them. Special thanks to my obsessed teen. <3 p="">

Tomorrow is another day, another blog, and another story!

~Lou~

Blog Challenge: Day 4: Earliest Childhood Memory

Let me break this down for you real quick. This is how my brain works. Remember selected things, INACCURATELY, and dump the rest. Sad, I know. Totally true though. I have had conversations with people recently and they have asked me....”Do you remember?” NO, no, I don't. I think you are making up a story. Seriously. Stop lying to me. I'm pretty sure that people take advantage of my gullibility on a regular basis. I am not a fan of this. This blog will be relatively short, due to the fact that my memory SUCKS ASS.

Wait, what was I supposed to be blogging about?

Oh yeah, my earliest childhood memory. Well, when I was born, we lived in a teeniny little trailer in a quaint little trailer park. Let's not forget to mention, it was green. Yep. Ok. Got the visual? This place was GIGANTIC to me. It had a hallway equivalent to one in a castle. (In reality, it was like a 4 ft long hallway.) Ok, back to the story, damn, my meds are NOT working today. I remember getting ready for bed, and Mama came into my room and said; “I am popping some popcorn, and Pete's Dragon is coming on TV. I think you can stay up tonight and have movie night with me and Daddy.” HOLY SHIT!!!! It was amazing. I never got to stay up late, EVER. Mama was strict about bedtimes. We watched the movie and I remember Mama and Daddy singing all the songs together. It was a wonderful night, and it is a treasured memory. Even if it is inaccurate.

Short, sweet, to the point.....kinda.

Tomorrow. Another blog.

~Lou~

Blog Challenge: Day 3: Meaning Of My Business Name

This one ought to be interesting. I have a photography business. Granted, it's small, no one really knows about it, and I haven't had any great gigs yet, although, I DO have a very talented author that is booking head shots with me in the VERY near future! So, on to my business name.

I took a photography outing with my best Banana. We took this amazing spring day to peruse local cemeteries. I took my pictures, came home, edited them and put them on my Facebook page. Well, Banana messaged me informing me that she kinda hated me a little because I am really quite good at this picture taking thing. (She herself is an AMAZING photographer.) (See her photography business HERE.)

Months passed, and one day, Banana says to me, “You really SHOULD start a photography business. You are super talented.” So, I said, “I don't know what I would call my business.” Banana proceeds to tell me to get my shit together, figure it out, and get a Facebook page. So, I thought. For a LONG time. I decided that since most of my photography stuff is random, old, and intriguing, I would honor my Great Grandmother and name my baby after her. She had a beautiful name, and she was a BEAUTIFUL soul. What better name?

I called aforementioned Banana, and informed her of the name I chose. She fell in LOVE. Some time went by, I sat on it, did nothing, (mostly because I am a big fat procrastinating weenie), and Banana calls me. “Please don't be mad at me. Please. I didn't do this to make you angry. I did it because YOU wouldn't.” “What the hell are you talking about?” “I kinda started a photography blog for you.” “You WHAT?” “Well, I knew you wouldn't do it, so, I did it for you. Get on the computer, I will send you the link.” What I saw next literally made me cry. Here I sit, on the phone with Banana bawling my eyes out. Not because she had stepped on my toes. Not because she had taken the reigns from me. Because she BELIEVED in me. She believed so much in me that she created an entire blog for MY business. The words she wrote were beautiful, and amazing, and so me. She gets me. It's not every day that you find someone that believes so much in you, and understands you completely. I am forever grateful to my Banana. She is the reason that Addie Mae Photography was born, and why she exists today.

Thank you Chiquita. I love you forever and always. Thank you for loving me, and believing in me, and sticking a cattle prod in my ass when needed. You ROCK!

There you have it. That is how my little Addie Mae Photography was born. I hope you enjoyed the story as much as I enjoyed sharing it.

Til tomorrow!

~Lou~

Blog Challenge: Day 2: 20 Facts About Me

Well, this is a little redundant, isn't it? If I had bothered to look at what today's challenge was, I would not have blogged all that shit yesterday. Whatever. Now I have to think up 20 different things to tell you all. Ok. Give me a minute. This could take me hours to write this blog.

1. I dye my hair. Currently, my hair is Darkest Violet. Usually, I go with a red tint since I have natural red highlights.
2. I can hold a grudge. (Working on that whole letting go cathartic moment, it's slow going.)
3. I am part Native American. (Small part, but, still, none the less, part.)
4. I am a Potatin' Bitch.
5. I have recently connected to family that I disconnected from 15 years ago. It is wonderful.
6. I never shut up. (According to some people.)
7. I have made a lot of mistakes in life. Thankfully, I have been forgiven.
8. I have beautiful brown eyes.
9. I have a good heart. Giving, loving, and FORGIVING.
10. I hate to be alone.
11. I cry when I am really angry. It pisses me off. It really does, because then I look weak.
12. I love Madea movies. She is my role model.
13. Most of the time, I am afraid. I don't know why, I just am. Anxiety gets the best of me often. Bastard.
14. I have tattoos. Four of them. They are awesome. Best tattoo artist in the world. He gets me and always nails the random shit I am trying to explain to him. Gotta love a like minded person. Now, if he would just get off his ass and finish my 5^th one so I can get it inked on my skin, I would be a super happy customer!
15. For the most part, I hate people.
16. Walmart makes my eye twitch, blood pressure skyrocket, and rage fill my body. It's bad.
17. I love to shop. New, old, department or thrift, I'm there. Love it. I will do that shit all day long.
18. When I am sick or hurt, I am a HUGE baby. HUGE. Somebody better take care of my ass.
19. I am the baby of my family, therefore, I am spoiled. Sorry. That's just the way it is.
20. What it all boils down to is I am a bad ass. True story. Ask the people that know me. They will tell you.

There you have it. 20 new facts about me. At least I think they are new. I don't remember what I blogged yesterday, and quite frankly, I am too lazy to go re-read that shit before I post this one. If I repeated something, clearly, it needed to be stated again.

Til Tomorrow!

~Lou~

Blog Challenge: Day 1: Introduction

So, I have been recruited for the monthly blog challenge. Challenge accepted. Today is all about introductions. I am supposed to tell you things about me. I am pretty sure that I have written one of these blogs before, and you SHOULD have read that shit by now. But, let's say you haven't, I will indulge your laziness. Let's get started.

1. I am a daughter, sister, aunt, mom (to 3 crazy, amazing kids), wife (technically speaking), best friend, confidant, among many other titles I may hold.
2. I have a bird and 2 dogs. All of which are assholes most of the time.
3. I crochet and occasionally attempt to knit.
4. I am giving and FORGIVING. But, don't push it in that department.
5. My patience lacks something much to be desired.
6. I am a hot ass mess most of the time.
7. I curse like a sailor. (I ought to, I was raised in an area with crazy amounts of sailors [largest Navy base in the US], my grandfather was a sailor, my nephew IS a sailor, and I damn near married one.)
8. I love trucks. Big, bad ass trucks.
9. I want to move away from here one day, although, I will miss the beach so very much.
10. I am currently exhausted from 2 Saturday's full of helping my dear, sweet sister move.
11. Occasionally, I will drink. Jagermeister is my liquor of choice, and beer. Yes, I am a girl, and I like beer. I also like wine.
12. I hate mornings. They make me angry.
13. I have a temper. A huge, ugly, nasty, bitchy, evil temper. You can ask anyone that knows me. They will tell you!
14. I love fiercely.
15. I will hunt your ass down if you hurt my family.
16. I can and most likely will be your worst nightmare if you do the above. This also applies to if you hurt ME. Because, I am a princess. A bitchy princess, but, a princess none the less.
17. I have an abundance of awesomesauce. True story.
18. I am loud.
19. I laugh. A lot.
20. I have endured and overcome many things in my life.
21. I am strong. I am a fighter.
22. I love God and Jesus. We are in a club together. It's pretty sweet.
23. If I am asleep, don't wake me up by yelling at me. You better wake me up sweetly, and even then, you aren't guaranteed a nice response.
24. I take pictures. I like doing it. I'm not bad at it. In fact, I am pretty good.
25. I am tired of thinking up shit to tell you about me. So, I am stopping.

There you have it. A little bit about me, just to get you prepared for the non stop blogging adventure that awaits us this month. Maybe I will be good at it. Maybe I won't bore you to tears. I sure hope I don't.

Tomorrow is a new blog!! Stay tuned!

Later Taters,

~Lou~