A (possible) New Car

OK...I've been doing a head battle with The Hubby about what "I" want in a new car and what "HE" thinks I should have. I WANT a convertible and there is no discussion on that subject, that is what I want. So his big emphasis is that it be a hard-top, so we've (me) test driven 3 of the top ones. The other night I tried the Volkswagon Eos and really was not impressed but he loved it because it was a German car. I really didn't like it much. I WANT a Pontiac G6 which is very nice and the test drive was very nice. But last night, after the G6 test drive we decided to test drive a Mazda MX-5 Miata.....YIPEE!!!!! WOW.....Shazam!!!!!!! I'm in love and I think that is what I am getting. Yes it is smaller than the G6 but you know I'm not getting any younger and if I don't get my sports car now in my stage of life I'm not gonna. So now he will begin the negotiation part of the process. I will only be able to take one person at a time for a spin around the block but what a spin. Wish me luck!!!!!! Varrrroommmmmmmmmmmm

Oh Spring!

My New Chair.....

A Job that had to be done.

This past weekend my brother, sister and I, along with the watchful eye of our father cleaned out Momma's closet and some of the kitchen stuff. Daddy had been asking for awhile for us to help him clean out the stuff. It really wasn't very hard like I thought it would be. If we had done it like Daddy wanted to, this fall I think we would have a problem. Her clothes, her shoes, her coats, her nightgowns, all went into several black plastic bags. Sad. We then went into the kitchen and above the stove there are cabinets that held Momma and Daddy's first set of everyday dishes and some collectible Niloak pottery that was my great grandmother's. There were other little pieces and we all divied it up nicely. My oldest daughter, B got the everyday dishes and she loves them. I got the Niloak pottery as were Momma's wishes. Luckily my siblings and I work very well over this kind of stuff, and if my brother asks I will give him anything he might ask for, maybe. Now, with the sister I may rethink that as she is not as careful with stuff.

So this weekend we did a job that had to be done but we're not even finished yet. Daddy really wants us to come and clean nearly every closet and cabinet. This means I will have to make a lot more room for some cookbooks and crystal. I think it helps Daddy to have the stuff not around because it makes him sad to be in the house all the time with it and besides I think he is trying to really move on. He's seriously talking about dating and is looking forward to it if he can find someone to go out with....YIKES...not so sure I'M ready for that but it is his life.

Me Tarzan You Jane

As I have written before I am very happily married to The Hubby and have been for 31 years now but sometimes he can be a chauvinist. He is absolutely wonderful to have around the house and is a much better "housewife" than I could ever be. He does his own laundry, his own ironing and fixes his own breakfast. He will even load and unload the dishwasher and even washes by hand. The Hubby is fabulous at home but last night The Chauvinist or Tarzan Hubby reared its ugly head.

Here is the story:

He bought himself a new Avalanche truck a couple of weeks ago and now it is my turn. I have wanted a little sporty car, a red convertible sporty car for many years and thought I found what I wanted. Let me back up a little. This past weekend my little sister D went out with her two kiddos and bought herself a new Jeep and this was without the help of her husband.

Last night The Hubby and I were talking about it and Tarzan said, "Did she pay sticker."

Jane's response, "I have no idea."

Tarzan's response, "I can't believe W (her hubby) would let her do that."

OK...my mouth hung open. I was dumbfounded by his remark. Jane said, "Excuse me!" pause, "Excuse me!"

I was livid at him. I told him that she had every right to pick out her own car (even though she can't afford it) and that is was the third car she had personally bought. I told him that I was not allowed to do that and that I apparantly wasn't allowed to have what I wanted either because I'm not smart enough to know what I want, only The Hubby seems to know what I want.

Man, was I hot. I went into a tirade about having things picked out for me, especially cars. My first car my grandfather picked out (actually it was a kid car for all three of us). My second car my grandfather picked out for me. All of the other cars we have owned I have not been given a chance to shop around for what I want. Our first married car he brought home. The second one, a Jeep, he brought home. The third one, I got to actually test drive, after he had already picked out the one he thought we should have, a 1996 Impala SS (very cool car). The fourth car I was again taken to the dealership and was allowed to test drive this one, "Hey she likes it we'll take it. " Now, here we are at the threshold of the purchase of another car for ME and I'm not allowed to even get what I want.

The Hubby says that I won't be happy with a convertible because the tops wear out. He says they are loud and the tops don't last. The one I want is a hardtop. The last time The Hubby was in a convertible was over 30 years ago and so his basis for his knowledge is 30 years old. Now I'm afraid I'm going to pick out the wrong car because he has been such a know-it-all. I told him that I wasn't even allowed to pick out and purchase my own car. He said if I wanted to pick out my own car I could, just don't pay sticker and don't this and don't that...that's part of the point. I am a 50 year old woman and he doesn't give me credit for having a head on my shoulders. He thinks I'll see a pretty red car and be easily swayed.

Other instances of The Hubby picking out stuff:
- Came home to new washer and dryer and another time a new stove and dishwasher
- Our lake place: I went to the dentist for an hour and came back to the office and because of a glitch in the countertops he had already made decision to have butcher block countertops made and they were already done and he was going to pick them up and have them installed (The problem was that I HATE butcher block but guess what that is what is on my countertops at the cabin.)

ARGGGGGGGG!!!!!! I'm frustrated by this Chauvinist/Tarzan thing he has going on and I have allowed it to develop. Again, he is a really great guy but I sometimes feel like I'm drowning in this partnership of a marriage. It all goes along with us working together too. He is definetly an alpha male and since he is The boss it is very hard for him to let others take the lead, especially me.

I guess I feel better. We'll see how this car thing goes. I really have no idea if I'm going to get my little red convertible or an old lady car......

I guess I sound ungrateful for The Hubby. He has been instrumental in helping me attain my dreams...in fact I'm pretty much living a dream with what I had when I grew up...I sound spoiled...maybe I am but he made me that way...haha

Our 25th Anniversary

(I am listening to Chris Botti while I'm relating this story)

I was going back a re-reading previous posts and realized I promised to write about our 25th anniversary. (We've been married 31 years now.):

Our anniversary falls January 25 so for over two months The Hubby had been telling me to "Be Brave and Wear Pants." This scared me and my my mind went to the worst scenario. I just knew he was renting a hot air balloon. (I'm terrified of heights). The day came, a Saturday, and our youngest daughter and I were at a small classical concert at the Performing Arts Center during the afternoon. We arrived home to see The Hubby sitting in the kitchen in a suit and our oldest daughter B, home from college at the time, standing in her robe. The very first thing I noticed in the dimly lit kitchen was The Hubby's wedding ring which he had not worn for several years. He doesn't wear it for safety reasons at work and then he just couldn't get it on. I walked up to him and noticed a white limo pull up outside. It was not your ordinary limo, but one of those "truck" limo's. We went out and the girls took our picture and then I realized the meaning of "wear pants" for I had to hike myself up into the darn thing. Then it was on to the restaurant and on the way The Hubby presented me with my old "Add-A-Pearl" necklace that had only 13 pearls on. There were now 25 pearls.

We then drove to the restaurant, one which I had never eaten at before, The French Hen and had a fabulous dinner, although I can't even remember what we ate exactly right now. The thing I noticed most was The Hubby's constant preoccupation with his watch. He even left the table several times and I knew he was on the phone. After dinner The Hubby suggested we drive to our first apartment and have a kiss by the front door. We lived in this apartment for exactly one year and it was the best year. We loved the apartment and the area. I said sure. We drank champagne on the way there and then he presented me with another pearl necklace, a full one. The first one he explained was hard to do because the pearls were such an odd hue that there were hard to match so I got two pearl necklaces.

We pulled up in front of the apartment building and it looked so sweet. It only had 6 apartments in it and we had #1. We went into the little alcove and with my back to the door he leaned and kissed me. Then as he pulled back he said, "I wonder if anyone's home," and before I could stop him he proceeded to knock on the door. I was paniced. All of a sudden a violin began to play and the door was opened by our daughters. I was in shock. There inside the candlelit apartment were our beautiful girls, the violinist, my best friend C and her husband H and our minister David. The mantle was covered with candles and in the middle was a beautiful canary. I had mentioned that I wanted one and it was mine. I walked into the familar room with a huge smile on my face and tears. It was so very beautiful.

After the initial shock had somewhat worn off The Hubby turned to me and asked me to marry him again. I of course said yes and then David began. What was really neat was that my wedding ring is the second one. I had totally worn the first one in two and had it made into a necklace and we purchased a new one. We were able to use the new rings which made them special and not just something you go to the jewelry store, buy and put on. The Hubby and I renewed our vows in front of our girls and C and H. After the vows the violinist played and The Hubby and I danced while they all looked on. Wow, I was totally speechless, my face hurt from smiling.

We finally gathered ourselves up and headed back to the house. The girls rode in our limo with us and shared champagne while C&H drove the girls car back. When we arrived home the house was full of friends and family and there was a cake and refreshments that The Hubby had put together. Greeting everyone and visiting and sharing cake like newlyweds the evening was a huge success but The Hubby was not finished. We all gathered in the den around the VCR and The Hubby started a tape that was full of 25 years of pictures and music and then at the end The Hubby came on the screen and said some wonderful words directed at our guests, family, the girls and then to me. There was not a dry eye in the house.

Setting up this elaborate event The Hubby made contact with the guy that was living in our old apartment months in advance and as luck would have it the place was freshly painted white and the kid had sparse furniture. He had no living room furniture so it was easy to have the ceremony and dance. The Hubby and the oldest daughter, B went over earlier in the day and put dimmer switches in so we could dim the lights for the event. The kid didn't want anything for the trouble but we left him him champagne and money for his kindness. The be brave part of this thing is obvious isn't it?

So for everyone reading this, YES, I have the most romantic, caring, tender husband. He is quite wonderful even though I may grumble a little sometimes, that just comes with being married.

Rock My World

I have been having problems with my knee. I went to the doctor and he said he thought it was a sports injury..."Excuse Me!" Well, I do Jazzercise 5 days a week so it is possible. Anyway, we x-rayed my knee and yesterday the nurse finally called me. The only word I heard was "degenerative." Then I got on the net and started looking up degenerative knee, the words flooded my eyes and mind...... osteoarthritis, cartilage, Glucosamine-chondroitin, anti-inflammatories ( NSAIDs), Vioxx, Celebrex, and Bextra, joint replacement, arthroscopy, and arthritis (which runs rampant in my family.) I'm 50 years old and this is really rocking my world. It's all I thought about the rest of the day yesterday, and this morning when my eyes popped open it was the first thing I thought about. My daddy has bad knees and 27 years ago had arthroscopy. I do not want surgery if possible. The literature did say it could be brought on by excessive weight which I am guilty of. I am working on it and over the past 7+ years I have lost 60 pounds. I'm working on it.


DAMMIT....I hate getting old.

I have finally done it!

I have have finally done it. I have booked my week at Lake Austin Spa. YIPEEEEEE!!!!!! I go the last week in June. I also booked my flight so there is no turning back now. It was a very scary thing to pick the phone up and actually make the plans. I'm not a good traveler anyway, especially since I am going to be going by myself. This is something I have NEVER done before so we'll see. I'm already nervous and I have 3 months to wait. I'm going to a spa, I'm going to a spa, I'm going to a spa.......I'm giddy!

A Wedding

Last night The Hubby and I went to a wedding at our church (which we haven't attended for awhile - that's another story). It was a young couple who we have watched grow up. Our girls grew up with them at the church. The couple, Katie and Kevin were so very sweet. They have known each other since they were probably 4 or 5 years old (or even younger). Who would have thought that they would end up exchanging vows and spending the rest of their life together. They are also rather opposite so it is even weirder. The church was absolutely packed with family and friends coming together to celebrate this union. When the usher asked groom or bride we said both so it didn't matter where we got to sit. Since there is such a rich history from the church with these two, there were also in attendance many ministers that had been a part of their lives, seven to be exact (even the one who renewed our vows.) Needless to say, we had a grand time being a part of the next phase of their lives.

The Hubby's New Toy

Here we are with The Hubby's new toy...2007 Avalance. Now, where is my little red sports car!

The List

I've tried to bolded and italic the things I have done, but ...OK I will number the ones I have done at the end of the line.


Bought everyone in the bar a drink 1.
02. Swam with wild dolphins
03. Climbed a mountain
04. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
05. Been inside the Great Pyramid
Held a tarantula 6.
07. Taken a candlelit bath with someone
Said "I love you" and meant it 8.
Hugged a tree 9.
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise 13.
14. Seen the Northern Lights
Gone to a huge sports game 15
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
Grown and eaten your own vegetables 17.
18. Touched an iceberg
Slept under the stars 19.
Changed a baby’s diaper 20.
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
Watched a meteor shower 22.
Gotten drunk on champagne 23.
Given more than you can afford to charity 24.
Looked up at the night sky through a telescope 25.
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
27. Had a food fight
Bet on a winning horse 28.
29. Asked out a stranger
Had a snowball fight 30.
Screamed as loudly as you possibly can 31.
32. Held a lamb
Seen a total eclipse 33.
Ridden a roller coaster 34.
Hit a home run 35.
Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking 36.
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day
Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment 38.
39. Had two hard drives for your computer
40. Visited all 50 states
Taken care of someone who was drunk 41.
Had amazing friends 42.
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
44. Watched wild whales
45. Stolen a sign
46. Backpacked in Europe
Taken a road-trip 47.
48. Gone rock climbing
Midnight walk on the beach 49.
50. Gone sky diving
51. Visited Ireland
Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love 52.
In a restaurant, sat at a stranger’s table and had a meal with them 53.
54. Visited Japan
Milked a cow 55.
Alphabetized your CDs 56.
57. Pretended to be a superhero
Sung karaoke 58.
Lounged around in bed all day 59.
Played touch football 60.
61. Gone scuba diving
Kissed in the rain 62.
Played in the mud 63.
Played in the rain 64.
Gone to a drive-in theater 65.
66. Visited the Great Wall of China
Started a business 67.
Fallen in love and not had your heart broken 68.
69. Toured ancient sites
70. Taken a martial arts class
71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight
Gotten married 72.
73. Been in a movie
74. Crashed a party
75. Gotten divorced
76. Gone without food for 5 days
Made cookies from scratch 77.
78. Won first prize in a costume contest
79. Ridden a gondola in Venice
80. Gotten a tattoo
81. Rafted the Snake River
82. Been on television news programs as an "expert"
Got flowers for no reason 83.
Performed on stage 84.
Been to Las Vegas 85.
86. Recorded music
87. Eaten shark
Kissed on the first date 88.
89. Gone to Thailand
Bought a house 90.
91. Been in a combat zone
Buried one/both of your parents 92.
Been on a cruise ship 93.
94. Spoken more than one language fluently
95. Performed in Rocky Horror
Raised children--currently raising child 96.
97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
98. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
99. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
100. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
Sang loudly in the car, and didn’t stop when you knew someone was looking 101.
Had plastic surgery 102.
103. Survived an accident that you shouldn’t have survived
104. Wrote articles for a large publication
105. Lost 100 pounds
106. Held someone while they were having a flashback
107. Piloted an airplane
108. Touched a stingray
Broken someone’s heart 109.
Helped an animal give birth 110.
111. Won money on a T.V. game show
Broken a bone 112.
113. Gone on an African photo safari
114. Had a facial part pierced other than your ears
Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol 115.
Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild 116.
Ridden a horse 117.
Had major surgery 118.
119. Had a snake as a pet
120. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
121. Slept for more than 30 hours over the course of 48 hours
122. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states
123. Visited all 7 continents
124. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
125. Eaten kangaroo meat
Eaten sushi 126.
Had your picture in the newspaper 127.
128. Changed someone’s mind about something you care deeply about
Gone back to school 129.
130. Parasailed
Touched a cockroach 131.
Eaten fried green tomatoes 132.
Read The Iliad - and the Odyssey 133.
134. Selected one "important" author who you missed in school, and read
135. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
136. Skipped all your school reunions
137. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
138. Been elected to public office
Written your own computer language 139.
Thought to yourself that you’re living your dream 140.
Had to put someone you love into hospice care 141.
142. Built your own PC from parts
143. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn’t know you
144. Had a booth at a street fair
Dyed your hair 145.
146. Been a DJ
147. Shaved your head
148. Caused a car accident
149. Saved someone’s life

Who's the Daddy!

Remembering a Friend

Today is the year anniversary of the phone call no one wants to get. My dearest, dearest friend Gail has been gone from this world for a year now. I so miss her still and will never be over it. This is a online toast to Gail. I love you Gail.

Love in the Afternoon

There is one good reason why being an empty nester is wonderful...it's called Love in the Afternoon! Need I say more!