It's Friday and I've Been Tagged...

by this Hottie I know named Bond. Here goes...


LIST FOUR SENTENCES YOU'VE NEVER SAID BEFORE:

I think we need a little less garlic in this marinara.
The Dodge Viper is one of the crappiest cars I’ve ever driven.
Exercise is like, one of my favorite things to do every day.
I wanna have at least 6 kids.


LIST ANY NUMBER OF SONG TITLES THAT DESCRIBE HOW YOU'VE FELT THIS WEEK:

She Works Hard For the Money
Dirty Laundry
Take This Job and Shove It
Losing My Religion


IMAGINE YOU'RE HAVING THE IDEAL PERFECT DAY. WHAT FOUR THINGS WOULD YOU BE DOING?

Swooshing down piste at Snowmass, Colorado behind a snowcat in the fresh powder, then hopping on my private plane and flying to North Carolina to…

Stand out on the point at Cape Hatteras during a blues blitz and feel that familiar tug on my line. After catching a cooler-full of TAYLOR blues, I bust a move to get to the Kitty Hawk airport for my private flight to…

Manhattan, where I stroll down 5th Avenue and notice that Saks is having a BIG sale on Jimmy Choo’s. I can only find 10 pair that I really like, so to cheer me up, hubby and I head to…

The Carlyle for dinner and a couple of sets with Bobby Short (God rest his soul) and then to our room at the Plaza where we get all jiggy with it!!!


MAKE UP FIVE CREATIVE NAMES FOR A NEW ROCK BAND:

Geiger Counter and the Probes
GWARanimals
Jackhammer and the Concrete Jungle
The Village Idjits
Pokemononucleosis


CONGRATULATIONS! YOU GET TO GO BACK IN TIME AND ENSURE THAT THREE SONGS WERE NEVER WRITTEN, THUS SPARING HUMANITY FROM EVER HAVING TO HEAR THEM. WHAT THREE SONGS WOULD GET THE AXE?

Muskrat Love by Captain and Tennille
D.O.A. by Bloodrock
Macarena by Los del Rio

How'd I do??? Have a great weekend, everyone!!!!

A quick Tuesday drive-by...

Check out Grammar Girl...This site will have a shortcut on my desktop from this day forward!!!

Manic Monday Edition #3

This week's Manic Monday Theme is Spring (courtesy of Morgan over at It's a Blog Eat Blog World).

I must spring into action this week and finish some important projects at work. If you don't see me around much this week, don't worry - I'm not dead (at least not yet). I'll be back sooner than you can say:

Spring is nature's way of saying, "Let's party!"
--Robin Williams

Give me liberty or give me death...

Yes, it's time for a little history lesson this balmy Friday morning in the Old Dominion. You see, on this date back in 1775, a patriotic and quite vocal Virginia attorney gave a famous speech at St. John's Episcopal Church here in my fair city, just a few short blocks from my office.


They tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by lying supinely on our backs and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot? Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. The millions of people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us. Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations, and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable ­ and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come.

It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace ­ but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!

Patrick Henry embodied the spirit of American courage and patriotism. He is recognized today, as he was among his contemporaries, as the orator of liberty. His compelling speeches kindled the fires of the Revolution and fueled the effort to secure freedom.

Henry's leadership did not end once the Revolution was won. Perhaps his greatest contribution to the nation was in working toward the adoption of the Bill of Rights. While desiring a more effective government, he was adamant in demanding protection of basic individual liberties.

I generally don't like to mix politics and the blogosphere, but I think we could use a little of Patrick Henry's "stuff" right about now...

Happy Friday!!

Thursday Thirteen

For some reason, I'm drawing an incredible blank this week. So ask me some questions. I'll pick 13 (within reason, of course) and answer them. I'm waiting here with bated breath...

Question #1 (courtesy of my hoochie, Turnbaby): What is the most shocking thing you have done and why was it shocking to you?

I guess I've done a lot of crazy things in my life, but the most shocking thing I've ever done (IMHO) was to hop on plane last August (in the middle of a family vacation, no less) and fly to Birmingham to see Taylor Hicks and all the Soul Patrol peeps that I'd met on-line during the AI season. My whole family thought I was cracked in the head fer sure! Frankly, my life would NEVER have been the same if I hadn't done it...you all make me smile EVERY DAY and I'm a much better person for knowing each and every one of you!!!

Questions #2, #3 and #4 (from the Hottie, Mr. Bond.

A. What is the weight of an unladen sparrow?

Are we talking the car? The curb weight of a Sparrow is about 1,350 lbs. If we're talking the bird, I'm just guessing here, but I'd say around 1 ounce???? They sure are little things (but they can definitely crap on my car A LOT!).

B. I have heard you are; a professor, a corrections officer, a dominatix and a stay-at-home mom. Which is it and why?

I am actually a jack of all trades. I profess to be a professor, which oftentimes makes me a corrections officer to my students. Dominatrix? Not hardly...I'm meek and mild! Stay-at-home mom? No way, no how. CBC (childless by choice)...I adore kids as long as they belong to someone else. I live vicariously through my nieces and nephews and their kids.

C. Now, the big question...WHY?? Why do I do what I do? Because I've done it for most of my working lifetime and I guess I've gotten pretty good at it...how's that for a smart-ass answer?

Question #5 (another Hoochie, Dixie, sends me this one): What was your first impression of The Hoochies and The Hottie when you saw them in B'ham?

I had already met two of the Hoochies and knew their character and demeanor, so I was ready for them (the groping hand was *poised*). But there was another Hoochie and, of course, THE HOTTIE in the mix. My impression was actually no different than what I had been observing during our on-line meetings in FBB and in the blogosphere. After a couple of drinks, we broke bread and then eventually threw down some Wild Turkey...it was at that point that I knew I had made friends for life. I so wish that you, Nurse Dixie, could have been there to join in the vim, but I'm sure our day will come. Actually, I often wonder what their first impressions were of ME!!

Question #6 (from yet another Hoochie, my dear Miss Maryfly): What is your most current fantasy? details please....(please note that I nixed her first question...my prerogative, right?)

OK, this is CUH-RAZY, but I actually have two. Right this very moment, I want to throw down $25 and get on that damn Grand Canyon Skywalk. DH and I are making a side trip to the Grand Canyon when we head to Vegas in May, and I'M GONNA DO IT!! Don't worry V, I'll take LOTS of pictures for you!!! BWAHAHAHAHA

My other fantasy, one that I've been thinking about a lot lately, is to learn to play the pedal harp. I have volunteered with hospice patients (and I went through the hospice experience with my father, mother, and sister-in-law), and harp music seems to be quite soothing to the patient during the actual dying process. I think the vibrations while playing the harp must feel almost magical. This is definitely something I fantasize about quite often.

OK, six down, seven to go to complete my TT. More questions??? Anyone????

Here we go...another question!!!!

Question #7 (from the Serious & Sexy Hoochie, Anndi):Where would you most like to spend the rest of your days?

Funny that you should ask that one...DH and I were talking last night about how we'd like to buy an Airstream, drive all around the country (and Canada), and see all the things we've missed over the years. But that could only last for so long. After that, I suppose I'd like to spend the rest of my days with a clear head and a healthy body and the people I love - location's just geography, right?

Wordless Wednesday

Manic Monday...The Word is "CHIP"

(Many thanks to Morgen for this meme!!)
Ah, the NCAA Sweet Sixteen has evaded Virginia Commonwealth University. After beating Duke on Thursday, they entered the second round in their game against #3 seed Pittsburgh on Saturday evening. But the Sweet Sixteen was not meant to be. Down 41-26 at the half, VCU managed to CHIP away at Pittsburgh and tied the game 67-all with 1:42 left. When the buzzer sounded, the score was 69-69 and thus began the heart-wrenching OT for both VCU and Pittsburgh fans alike. In the end, Pitt prevailed and ultimately recovered after blowing a 19 point lead in the second half. My Rams are coming home, but not before making their name well known in the world of college basketball - a world that more often than not craves a Cinderella team. VCU, unfortunately, dropped their glass slipper in Buffalo and there was no one there to pick it up.

Mike Freeman from CBS SportsLine.com posted a great story about VCU's trip to the NCAA...take a look if you get a chance.

Duke Be-deviled

The Virginia Commonwealth University men’s basketball team extended its record-setting season Thursday night, knocking off perennial power Duke, 79-77, in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament at the HSBC Arena in Buffalo, N.Y.

The Rams, who are seeded No. 11 in the tournament’s West Region, advanced to face the winner of the first-round contest late Thursday night between No. 3 Pittsburgh and No. 14 Wright State. VCU and that game’s winner will square off Saturday in the HSBC Arena.

VCU increased its school-record win total to 28 with Thursday’s victory, its first in an NCAA tournament game since 1985. A victory on Saturday would give the Rams their first Sweet 16 appearance in eight NCAA Tournament appearances.

VCU won both the regular-season and tournament championships in the CAA this year, setting a new CAA record with 16 conference wins. VCU coach Anthony Grant was honored as the CAA Coach of the Year, and sophomore point guard Eric Maynor was named to the All-CAA First Team.

Wordless Wednesday

Those stinky Bradford pear trees in Birmingham have done me in...just called my broker and bought stock in Kleenex!!

It's time to head south...

Birmingham (Remastered LP Version)
By Randy Newman
BestAudioCodes.com

Birmingham Breakdown
By Duke Ellington
BestAudioCodes.com

Wordless Wednesday

A couple of scenes from my alma mater. SEE! I told you I was an old soul!!!

NCAA BOUND!!!!

Virginia Commonwealth University, the largest institution of higher learning in the Commonwealth of Virginia (yes, even LARGER than the better known University of Virginia), the university that doesn't even have a football team, the university that's my alma mater (X3), is heading to the NCAA tournament. They beat George Mason last night for their second NCAA bid in the last four years.

GO RAMS!!!!!!!!

Thursday Thirteen

I think I heard somewhere that this meme was dead and buried, but I always like to beat a dead horse...



Here are some interesting thoughts to ponder this Thursday:


How important does a person have to be before they are considered assassinated instead of just murdered?

Once you're in heaven, do you get stuck wearing the clothes you were buried in for eternity?

What disease did cured ham actually have?

How is it that we put man on the moon before we figured out it would be a good idea to put wheels on luggage?

Why do doctors leave the room while you change? They're going to see you naked anyway.

Why is "bra" singular and "panties" plural?

Why do toasters always have a setting that burns the toast to a horrible crisp, which no decent human being would eat?

Can a hearse carrying a corpse drive in the carpool lane?

If corn oil is made from corn, and vegetable oil is made from vegetables, what is baby oil made from?

Do the Alphabet song and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star have the same tune?

Why did you just try singing the two songs above?

Why do they call it an asteroid when it's outside the hemisphere, but call it a hemorrhoid when it's in your butt?

Did you ever notice that when you blow in a dog's face, he gets mad at you, but when you take him for a car ride; he sticks his head out the window.

Happy Thursday, everyone!!!