Rodents Revenge

Somehow, I have been cursed blessed with the ability to attract rodents.  The small furry creatures that make people shriek and jump on top of furniture.  (I have to say I tend to attract rodent like men as well.  The ones that make you shriek and want to run & hide.  Not always, but a good deal of the time I have.  But that isn't what this post is about.)

It started back when I was just 13 years old.  I remember it all too well........

It was the middle of July and Vacation Bible School week at our church.  I remember this well because the entire week was bad from start to finish.  I was too old to be in a "class" during VBS but my parents weren't about to let me just stay home or do something else.  So I was enlisted to help one of the teachers.  My first VBS teaching experience.  I still have nightmares about the theme that year.  It had something to do with outer space and astronauts and I remember being cooped up in a tiny room that had walls covered in black paper with plastic glow in the dark stars and black lights going.  That's bad enough...add in 15 - 20 wiggling, sweaty, stinky children.  HORROR!!!

All within that week, a pet died, the air conditioning in our house went out...and the "Squirrel Incident" all occurred.  It is a week that shall go down in family history.

One evening after VBS, I had stayed up late reading.  I probably didn't turn lights off until after 1 or 2 in the morning.  Next thing I know, I am awakened feeling something on my forehead.  My hand automatically reaches up and touches it..feeling something soft...unusual...I remember rubbing my forehead and then hearing a ::thud:: as "it" hit the floor.  I was AWAKE then and knew something alive had been on me.  I got up and went running to my parents room waking them up.  My mom got out of bed and lectured me on reading scary books too close to bed & accused me of having a nightmare.  

Until....

She saw it...scurrying across the hall floor behind me...she yelped...I jumped and all the commotion woke my dad up.  It was alive...it was real...it was moving...and it looked something like this:

Every light in the house switched on as we chased this little fierce creature through the living room into the kitchen.  I was armed with my baseball bat...my mom with the broom...and my dad...still not quite awake...with a BB gun.  It ran under the stove...and after a few BB's, moving the stove out from the wall and most likely even one of us perhaps  ::ahem:: stomping on it...the  squirrel was deceased, in the dust pan and making it's way out into the weeds behind the house. 

Sometimes I wonder if that squirrels little squirrel friends got together and planned revenge on me....I can picture them sitting down to talk it out.  Sharing a squirrel pizza, papers spread out on the table..heads together mapping out the plan.  "Revenge on Katie for Killing our Buddy".  

Ever since then...I have a rodent following...every workplace I have ever been at...somehow...mysteriously...mice or even at one place rats have shown up.  I've had boxes of paperwork chewed up...used as mouse toilet paper...I've found dead mice...and even live mice still attached to traps at many a workplace through the years...

But in the last year or two it's as if they have stepped up the attack.  I work in a large warehouse type building.  It's been known to have a few mice here and there in the winter.  Always be careful what you leave out that might be edible, I was told.  Okay...no problem.  Not even a month after I started working here, I left an airhead candy in my top desk drawer.  Didn't think about it until a few days later when I opened the drawer to get a stamp and there it was. Wrapper chewed up and candy almost completely gone.  The mouse that did that - I guarantee had a tummy ache after - but he knew...oh yes...that mouse knew....Airheads are my favorite.  Hit me where it HURTS.

Last winter, I pulled my vacuum out of the corner and was pushing it toward my living room when suddenly I hear a funny noise and out shoots a mouse.  The vacuum never worked the same again.  In fact, I had to buy a brand new one the following week.  The mouse broke my vacuum.  "revenge".  

Over the last few weeks at work, I keep arriving to find little "mice poopy" on my desk.  Not in it...not around it...but almost always in the exact same spot on the top of my desk.  As if they are laughing and saying, "got you again!". 

But this week, I have been surprised in my home by yet another little mouse.  I set out 4 traps.  Different kinds throughout the areas I had seen him.  This mouse is smart.  Very smart.  Got the bait/food...left the trap.  No harm done.  And every night, as I lay in bed, I can hear the "click click" and little squeaky noises as he runs back and forth in my bedroom, bathroom and kitchen...just looking for something of mine to destroy or mark.  

Word to the wise:  Don't kill a squirrel.  They will send their cousins, brothers, sisters and friends back to haunt you.  Forever.  

<<<<  Squirrel Militia

I think I need to watch my back.  What do you think?

Nice - REAL NICE!!!

There comes a time in every persons life when you have to describe someone or something and you find yourself at a loss for words.  Often - it's because the person or thing is unsavory and you don't want to be rude or hurtful, yet don't want to be misleading either.  And other times it's simply because you just can't come up with a good enough word to describe the great things about them/it. 

I've had a few occasions of both lately.  Thankfully, I will always have one word that applies to both situations - well - almost always.  And that word is NICE!!!

I have to borrow it from The Andy Griffith Show Episode, "A Date for Gomer".   A big dance is coming up and the guys are eager to take their girls.  The only problem is that Thelma Lou's cousin Mary Grace is in for a visit and wouldn't have a date.  Plan time:  they convince Gomer to take her.  Thelma Lou & Helen convince her by saying he is "tall, dark and there will be a door prize!".  Lol.  Barney & Andy convince Gomer by telling him over and over and over that Mary Grace is "nice". 

Thus...the clip I share today...is rather long...but worth it...because often times we need to be reminded that what we can only describe as "nice" because we are being polite...may truly be "NICE" to someone else. 

And frankly, you just can't go wrong with a little Andy Griffith in the middle of the day!  :-)

Road Crews, Mullets & Toothless Grins

About once a month, I get the {cough} disturbing privilege of watching out my front door at work, the local sheriff's office road crew picking up trash on the side of the road.  I personally am glad someone does this.  Considering how often I have to pick beer cans or trash in general out of our parking lot on Monday mornings...I can't begin to imagine what is in the ditches and on the side of the road. 

In the last 18 months I have worked here, I have observed a few things about the inmates that assist in this cleanup.  I who hate being pre-judged, have probably become quite judgemental about those who are in our local detention center.  Well, ok...honesty here...having been around a few family members who have served time too, I guess I have to say I have some yet unanswered questions about the majority of the "inmate population".   I will be "fair and unbiased" though - I think this probably applies mostly to those inmates who are from the south. 

(1) The majority of all inmates have some tattoos. Tattoos in themselves aren't necessarily a sign you've done time - don't get me wrong, I have one- but pretty much every man I've seen on a work crew or known in my life who has served time had several tattoos.  And more often than not - they are large/ugly and somewhat violent.  Or in one instance - just plain hilarious.  Really?  Some people - the things they put on their bodies - I want to ask, "Seriously?  You want that permanently printed on your body...FOREVER...for anyone to see?"  The question is: Do violent/ugly tattoos make it easier to land yourself in the pokey or are they a result of having already landed yourself in the pokey? 

(2) There is a distinct lack of dental hygiene amongst most inmates I have come across  Seriously - the only "cute" or "attractive" dude than can pull off a "toothless grin" has to be under a year old!  Guys - if you haven't been introduced to a toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss yet - well...for some it's too late...but if you are out there reading this now and missing a few teeth - specifically up front - please - don't think you are gonna get my number by flashing me a "toothless grin".  Uh...NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(3) The gangster swagger.  You know what I mean.  They all seem to have it.  And they all look ridiculous sporting their wife beaters, with the orange jumpsuit shirt tied around the waist and white boxers showing...it's the "gangsta" look.  Dude - listen to me now - NOT A GOOD LOOK.  This does not attract women - of the decent variety at least. 

(4) Excessive exposure of undergarments.  In the winter months it really isn't as bad, but in the summer - they let them take the orange shirt off and I either see topless men & all their tattooed/beer bellied glory - or those in the white tank showing their undies off too.  How is it possible to "sag" in an orange jumpsuit???  I don't know  ::shakes head:: but they manage it!

Last but not least...the most common noticeable thing amongst most "inmates" on our local work crews:

(5) ROCK THE MULLET!!!!!

'nuf said

::spit::

These are a few of my Favorite things....

Just in case you wanted to know - here are a few of my favorite things in life and why: 

(1) AIRHEADS CANDY- Really folks?  What is NOT to like about them?  They aren't too hard...not too soft...they have that subtle grainy sugary texture going on so you know - KNOW - you are about to get a sugar rush...and they come in fabulous flavors...colors...and they are CHEAP!  By far - I would say my favorite candy.

(2) CHARLESTON CHEWS - maybe for me it's the chewy texture...but I love these things.  Especially the "mini's".  They have just enough chocolate and I don't even know what they call the center...not exactly nougat...but similar...and on top of that - if you freeze them - yes FREEZE them - then they are just really really awesome!  But it only works well with the mini's.  Freezing the big ones just makes a mess when the chocolate starts warming up and melting. 

(3)  MATTHEW MCCONAUGHEYS AB'S - I know...not suppose to be lustful...and really I'm not lustful toward him...but you just CANNOT deny that a movie is more enjoyable when you get to see those abs.  If anything, I am envious...I wish I had abs like those!

(4) DENZEL WASHINGTON'S SMILE - It's simple to see this is a classy distinguished man.  He has a great heart...is giving...kind...AND has aged extremely well.  I have this opinion that the way you live your life often shows in how well you age.  Some people...the older they get...the worse they look.  Others...they age gracefully...richly...and look better with time.  I always say if someone has aged well...you know they have lived a good life. 

(5) YELLOW FLOWERS - For a brief moment I thought I wouldn't like them anymore...but I got over it...by far...I find yellow flowers more uplifting and beautiful than any other color.  Yellow - in fact IS my favorite color.  It makes me happy! 

(6) MY MOM'S HAMBURGERS - I as a general rule don't like ground beef at all.  Nor beef in general usually.  But there is something soothing/comforting about my moms hamburgers.  She toasts wheat bread...puts ketchup and mustard, a couple pickles if they are handy then places the piping hot burger with American cheese on the toasted bread.  Then...::insert drool:: wraps them in plastic wrap and lets them sit for a few minutes.  All those juices meld together and create the best hamburger experience you've ever had!  And no...I have no picture...nothing does justice to the real thing...you just have to imagine that one. 

(7)  Hearing - "MOMMY I WANNA HOLD YOU!" -  When nobody and nothing else in the world seems right...my sweet boy can come and say he wants to hold me and it makes it ok.  I know I am still needed, wanted, loved...and that he thinks I'm beautiful no matter what.  My baby boy is one of the greatest blessings I have in my life.  My big boy - He doesn't say that anymore...but he can still hug me and tell me he loves me and make all the yucky stuff disappear. 

(8) THE SMELL AFTER IT RAINS -  There is a fresh earthy smell right after a good rain.  I love that "clean" smell...and often times...that smell of dirt...lol...it reminds me of a freshly tilled garden plot right before you start planting seeds.  Ah...deep breath...yes...I love that smell!

I have so much to be thankful for in my life...and these things...I can say I have been blessed with so often.  God is so good to me.  He shows me his love in so many ways.  Yes...these are some of my favorite things..and every time I see one of them...or receive one of them..it just reminds me that Jesus loves me. 

My Day In A Photo Nutshell

Due to a Ladies Conference at my church this week, my Daycare is closed today and tomorrow.  This means that my little fella is at work with me.  I am very blessed to have a workplace that doesn't mind him being there on occasion.  Not everybody is that lucky. 

So...here is my day in a bit of a "photo nutshell".

Little man enjoying his breakfast this morning: 

He was shocked to see his picture as my desktop background when my computer booted up this morning.  He declared - "That's ME and my BUBBA!"

Have I mentioned how lucky I am to work for these guys?  Well, not only do they not mind him coming with me...they play with him too!  I actually say I can get more work done on days he is here than I can on days he isn't...because the guys occupy him and stay out of my hair!  ::snort::

It's been a pretty long day...a change of clothes after a minor accident (slight misfire on our potty here at work - not quite the same without his usual stool from home).  Ate some mac & cheese...ate an apple...ate a couple oreos...drank chocolate milk, apple juice, water and snuck a few sips of Mommy's Diet Dr. Pepper...a short nap and lots of circles around the building on his trike...yes...long but good day.

My day...in a "photo nutshell".

Cliches, Sayings & Phrases

I'm sure we all have some odd saying that has been passed down within our family or circle of friends that we use that makes people laugh, giggle, roll their eyes or shake their heads.  I apparently, have quite a few of them!  Thus the title of this blog actually.  Recently, someone used the phrase, "You Brew My Tea" and I couldn't resist - a blog was born JUST because I thought that sounded so - Blogworthy!

So...today I will enlighten you to some of my favorites and why they are!

Courtesy of my former brother in law we have the parting words. 

"Hang Loose Mongoose"
"Been a Treat Parakeet"
"After awhile Crocodile"
"How Now Brown Cow"

He usually said not just one...but all of these when leaving....They stuck with me and I find myself saying them all too often. 

Here are a few that although I agree with for the most part, just at times DO NOT want to hear:

"There is something better out there for you."
"God won't give you more than you can handle."
"What doesn't kill us makes us stronger."
"I understand how you feel"

Again, although perhaps true...just NOT what we always want to hear and can be highly irritating. 


The Love Cliches:

"You float my boat"
"You Melt My Butter"
"You Scramble My Egg"
"You Brew My Tea"

Other odd sayings I have collected through the years:

"Cheer up Buttercup"
"Super Peachy Keen"
"It's not the Heat, it's the humidity" - this tends to annoy southerners currently!

And last but not least one of my Favorites used all too often apparently:

"Okie Dokie Artichokie!" 

So much so that my boss bought me THIS:

Yes it is!  Okey Dokey Artey Chokey Dip Mix!!!

What are some of your favorite/most often used sayings?

Feet? Really? THAT's it?!!

I apparently - have very nice feet.  I won't go into how I have been told this nor why it does on occasion give me the creeps around certain people (who shall remain nameless because they may/probably will read this one day and smirk to themselves knowing they are the reason this is being posted).  Where was I?  Oh, yes...I have rather small feet.  I wear a size 6 1/2.  The only thing small on me really is my feet, wrists and ankles. 

So, yes - I won't deny - as far as feet go - mine are nice.  My toes are well proportioned (no funky longer than other weird looking ones).  I don't have fungus or corns or bunions and I give myself a regular pedicure so my feet aren't generally rough or calloused but nice and smooth and my nails are always freshly painted.  (I follow the sandal rules that circulate every year about this time - the "please keep them unpolished or polished - no chipped or fading polish" rule.  Painted toenails is one of my luxury's.  I do it myself, so not costly.  But it is indeed something I keep up regularly.)

But something has come to my attention lately - apparently not only do I have nice feet, but if I happen to wear an ankle bracelet or ::gasp:: a toe ring - you might as well have a neon sign hanging over my head saying - "Ogle her feet guys!". 

When did a simple tasteful piece of jewelry become such an - um - untactful thing?  Really?  Have I been in the dark all these years about the extreme sexiness of ankle wear and toe rings?  So, I get it...it's cute and all...but really...are they that SEXY?  As in enough to cause a distraction to the opposite sex that rivals my cleavage???  Cause really - even when I'm not going for the cleavage thing - I have cleavage.  Despite effort to cover them - those are just noticeable...but my FEET??? 

Oh, I won't deny, if a certain someone likes them...I'm not complaining.  Sure - the man in your life paying attention to your feet or saying something about the new polish color, that's cool, that's great.  But what if you have so many random comments about your feet that you feel the need to wear combat boots every day to cover them up??? 

Weigh in on this one for me okay?  Really - do you think that ankle wear & toe rings are inappropriate to wear outside the home?  Because really, even without those articles of "jewelry", I still get attention if I wear sandals...do I fore go wearing my favorite flip flops all summer just because some men find my feet attractive???

Oh the woes of a woman with cute feet.  To be cursed with gnarly toes!  :-)

I guess I should just be thankful I don't have to wear one of these: 

(None of the feet pictured are actually MINE.  I willingly post other peoples feet but my own get ogled enough as it is, no need to have floating around on the web for all those really weird "feet" people to look at!)

What Song Are You?

I wonder sometimes if I am just a bit "off".  You see, I have this bad habit of associating songs with people.  Right now you could ask me about any person who has been a part of my life or is currently a part of my life and I can name a song I think of instantly when they come to mind.  Not every person I meet, but people who play a role in my life...or who are noticeable to me.

For instance: My first love...every time I think of him I think of this old Contemporary Christian song by 4HIm.  "Basics of Life".  I associate that with him because first - it was his all time favorite Christian song.  (Still haven't figured that out - but it was several years ago...so...) But also because upon his death, I got a TON of his music and some of his clothes.  And I still have his 4Him album and a t-shirt he bought at a concert of theirs. 

There is a lady who has been a distant part of my life since before I was born.  A good family friend.  Her kids and I "grew up" together.  Sort of.  They usually lived in another state, but not one childhood summer did we go without spending a few days or even weeks with them.  For some reason, the song "All I have to do is Dream" by The Everly Brothers always comes to mind when I think of her.  It's an odd story...lol...one year while staying with her, my mother and I went shopping.  My mom bought a really pretty GREEN dress.  On the way home from shopping, this lady says to my mom, "Isn't there a song about Green?" And starts humming this tune...inserting the word "green" for every "dream".  Memories.  Things I will never forget and that always make me smile.  And now anytime I think of her, I think of that song. 

I have an uncle who is a wonderful musician.  He has a gorgeous voice and plays the piano beautifully.  He was even in a gospel quartet that did fairly well back in the late 1970's.  But when I think of him, only one song comes to mind.  Kenny Rogers, "Ruby".  I remember sitting in my Granny's living room and him singing that.  Vaguely remember an accordion he use to play and a guitar that was brought out on occasion, but of all the music he has played through the years, songs I have heard him sing in church, that song always plays through my mind the second I think of him. 

I think of Roy Orbison singing "Pretty Woman" every time I think of my sister.  Simply because of the many times she and I have sat together on my couch and watch the movie Pretty Woman. 

My first boss, lol, "Who Let The Dogs Out" by the Baha Men.  My first job was in retail and they had these awful music tracks you played on the overhead.  For about a 3 month period of time, that song played it seemed like 10 times an hour!  And every time it did, if we didn't have many people in the store, he could be heard singing along and barking.  Yes, he was a bit strange.  But it was fun at least! 

Another boss, Harry Chapin "Remember When The Music".  It was indeed his favorite song of all time.  And I can understand.  It is beautiful.

If you've been a part of my life for any significant amount of time...I can pretty much guarantee you have a song attached to you in my mind!  Some good...some bad...some just comical.  I wonder, how many of you could guess the song I have associated with you?  If you would be surprised to hear the song I think of when thinking of you?