Free Coffee

When does a free cup of coffee end up costing 86 dollars and some change?

When that free cup of coffee is at BAM and you decide to do a little browsing on your way out the door.

Is it bad that my four-year-old calls BAM the library?

I Did Something Terrible...

To my hubby...

But it's the funniest thing I've ever seen in my life.

I sent it to all his staff as a Christmas card.

(Oh, and thanks, Ness, for turning me onto this).

Watch here.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Mommy, Why is Molly DATING?!?

I was streamlining my computer picture
files today and this one popped up on the screen
just as Zac walked by.

He immediately stopped, pulled the sucker out of his mouth with a loud *Thhhop* and in his toughest brother voice, demanded to know why Molly was dating.

We have a Thanksgiving service tonight, hosted by the school and if Zac sees Molly's "date," I think he'd punch him in the gut.

Where I Tell Santa to Go

Here are some of the places I tell "Santa" to get great gifts.

Many of these toys are made in Europe--mainly Germany--so you don't have to worry about toxic paint; many of them are made of wood and other sturdy material and they don't cost much more than Mattel or Playschool toys.

I have ordered many Christmas items from here and have never once been disappointed with the quality or service.

Both magazines just ended their free shipping, which is when I strive to order...but, alas, I missed both of the magazine's free shipping; I'm kicking myself and hoping they'll run another free shipping promo soon. I like to order for my nieces and nephews in K.C., have their presents shipped straight to my Mom and Dad's, so we don't have to haul a truckful of Santa's stuff to K.C.

Both mags offer giant candy canes that are made with a 100-year old recipe, using real sugar cane and natural dyes. Mmm...they're good! Many of the exact same items can be ordered through either company, so I go with the one that offers the best shipping deal; most of the time, the product prices are exactly the same, as well.

Check out this company (for adults), and then shop 'til you drop! Only 37 days and counting.

The Great Gum Caper

Last Wednesday, Number Five and I played "chaperone" to my hubby and the Financial Admin, as she and he attended a conference in Atlanta.

It was great! We were to just hang out, swim in the heated pool and hot tub, watch some TV, eat, shop, and go see some sights.

The first sight we saw Wednesday evening was the local Target. I forgot to pack swimsuits and big tears were being shed, so we ventured out into strange territory and found the comforting, red bullseye.

After swimming, Number Five and I met back with Hubby. While eating ice cream sundaes with me and Hubby, Number Five decided that between the Atlanta Zoo and the Georgia Aquarium, sharks and penguins rated much higher than lions, tigers and bears.

On Thursday, Number Five and I slept in, talked about going swimming but little man was determined to go see Cody, first thing.

A little background:

In 2004, when we decided to move to Florida but before we physically moved, I started having this recurring nightmare that I was on a small highway, heading over a small bridge to Cocoa Beach. On the horizon, out over the sand beach and the water, everything was black. Fierce-looking, fast-moving clouds were approaching--a HUGE hurricane was making landfall at that moment and I was the only one on the road; however, I wasn't afraid of the hurricane--what I found more horrifying in my nightmare was that the only turn around was an exit onto a tollroad AND I HAD NO MONEY! After we had physically moved to our home in 2004, I was amusingly relieved when I discovered that we lived at least half an hour from any tollroad. We also lived, begrudgingly, 45 minutes from any ocean beach. In the 90's, we had lived on Merritt Island, just one or two small bridges inland from Cocoa Beach, accessed by a small highway. For a short while, until I learned the area, I always feared getting on the Beeline/tollroad accidentally and not having any money. That's where my nightmare had manifested itself. I let the nightmare get to me and eversince, I had been very, very hesitant to travel any major highways with which I was not familiar, by myself.

I wasn't about to let my little guy down. I put on my big girl panties, pulled 'em up real high, calmed my nerves with a Starbucks and the knowledge that I'd driven in downtown Kansas City traffic for years, no problem; the new car had a compass--I told myself, "just find out which direction you want to go, Amy". We headed out the revolving door towards I-85/75 and the aquarium.

We navigated smoothly with the kick-butt map that was thoughtfully printed for both male and female brain function--it used words, pictures AND landmarks. Landmarks are always my first navigational choice. We drove straight there, no wrong turns, no road construction detours. The only problem was to park at the "Official GA Aquarium Parking Lot" or the parking lot right across the street, which was half the price ($5) but whose attendant didn't look quite on the up-and-up. Hmm...a woman, by herself w/a child, not familiar with area...I paid the $10 for peace of mind.

So, Number Five and I head down the sidewalk, with a few business people, toward the Aquarium (I stayed in a group, Mom). We rounded a bend and I see the entrance and this guy with his arms straight out to his sides, being electronically frisked with "the wand". I snort and think to myself, "Nice, wonder what that guy has in his pockets; what a stupid-head, doesn't he know to empty everything into the little bowl?"

We approach the security check-point and the following scenario took place in a matter of a few seconds: I move to the right and set my backpack-purse on the table and the officer asks me to open it. While I'm complying with this and rolling my eyes, he asks me very quickly..."Mam, do you have any guns, knives or gum in your purse?" My brain stops for a minute and rewinds as I repeat his words quietly to myself, 'guns, knives or gum'? Hmm...my brain recognizes that something doesn't fit into that equation and it throws me off for a second. I was thinking 'guns, knives or bombs' ; 'guns, knives or fishing nets'; guns, knives or pepper spray'. I finally look at him, amused and repeat his question with a quizzical expression on my face, "Guns, knives or GUM?" "Yes, Mam, gum." I giggled and said, "Um, yeah, I have some gum in there somewhere." "Can you take it out, please, Mam?" "Ok-aay, whatever". I start digging--all the way to the bottom--it's a backpack-purse, like Mary Poppins' purse. I finally find a pack of gum and pull it out; I'm NOT digging for the other pack I know is in there--so I stare at him like I'm done. He holds up his gloved hand and asks me to set the gum on the table. I thought maybe he was going to ask me to back away while he used a chemical kit to check it for liquid Nitrogen :)--he just looks at me like I'm supposed to know what to do next. I'm waiting for him to rifle through my backpack, assuming we all lie about having guns and knives (or omit whole truths...like having TWO packs of gum). He doesn't--he looks at me and I look at him; he looks at me and I look at him. It hits me that maybe we're done but I don't know if I'm supposed to keep my gum. I say, "Sooo, can I have the gum back now?" "No, Mam." *Silence and more staring* "Sooo, you want me to throw the gum in the trashcan?" "No, Mam." "Leave it...until...I'm done in the Aquarium?" "If you want, Mam, but I doubt if it'll be here when you're done." "Yea, I get that but do you want me to do something with it?" "No, Mam." I'm still waiting for him to dismiss me or rifle through my purse or say something that ends the "drill". We stare at each other and crickets start chirping. Things were really awkward. I finally said, "I'll just throw it away over there in the trashcan." "Yes, Mam, if you want." Oh, I wanted to alright, because I knew that after I stepped out of sight, they were all going to take it and chew it! Nobody else entered during the exchange so I don't know if they were trying to pull one over on me but I wasn't gonna' let them have my gum. That's not the end of the story...

I was totally confused at this point (as are you, I'm sure) so I walk up to go through the metal detector and before I could even step one foot through it, the officer says, "Mam, please stop and put your arms straight out." "Seriously?" I say. "Yes, Mam." So, I oblige and it was eery. Like being molested by some invisible force. At this point, I'm a little perturbed and I look down at Number Five standing beside me; he's looking up at me with a slightly confused/scared look on his face. I can't put my arms down to touch him and reassure him so I just tell him, "It's okay, it doesn't hurt or anything." As quick as it started, it was over and we were allowed to enter...after we paid $31.50. As it turns out, five and under were free for the day, as long as you weren't hiding any guns, knives or gum in your undies.

Hi Grandma(s)

My Grandma is so cool; she reads my blog faithfully and often comments.

I love her so much; she's so great with my kids too.

Takes them dancing with her and then out for lunch and frequently visits a Kansas City landmark/museum to complete the day. My other grandma often accompanies them, which I find wickedly spectacular. Ha, ha.

Both my grandmas are classy, sassy and kind. They've both been Grand Duchess of their Red Hat chapter.

Woohoo, Red Hat Hot Mommas!

My "talent" for writing probably comes from Grandma Ellen, as does my penchant for sometimes telling my hubby where he can stick it. :0)

My mad shopping skills and thoughtful but ornery side comes from Grandma Lorene, who could sell her homemade peanut brittle and make a killing.

I'm NOT kidding (Grandma make me a bucket, please).

When I was little they were to me...

Grandma Mom and Grandma Granny.

Now I've grown up.

I love you both, Mom and Granny.

See you both soon.

Up My Sleeve

Yes, my loyal readers (all four of you), I do have a million alpha letters floating in my head, whole paragraphs of them, actually.

I have blogs up my sleeve, but

Until I have more time...

And my computer quits acting like it's overdosed on Dial-Up...

Those little alphas will just keep floating, bumping into each other, causing brain spasms and cravings for...

GREEK FOOD?

More later--have to go help first graders learn computer (Actually, they help me). Ha!

Ketchup

We've lived in HSV for a little over 18 months.

When we were contacted about an interview, we were like, "HMMM... ALABAMA."

It's small by big city standards but huge for a town that's relatively unknown. You would have to come see it to know what I mean. I consider it a well-kept secret.

HSV plays a large part in our nation's missile defense system. This is good and bad. Consider us well-protected, then realize that this year we were moved UP from #3, to #2 on "THE" list. You know, "X marks the spot," "Bullseye".

But at least we don't have alligators and hurricanes--right, Mom?

HSV builds rockets, satellites--basically all the "space and aeronautical stuff;" we are a major support to Cape Canaveral on launch days. We also build Toyotas and LG products. Actually, HSV is drowning in industries.

HSV has the most engineers per capita of any city in the USA. Something like 1 out of every 11 people. "Somewhere" out in California ranks second, with something like 1 of every 23 people.

Most of the SAHM's I know here, have Master's degrees in engineering or some other math- and science-based subject.

There is money here--old and new; it's usually VERY simply understated.

The German rocket scientist, Werner Von Braun, and his team of German rocket scientists that we "acquired" as part of a WWII peace treaty, played a huge part in HSV's history. Story goes Von Braun picked HSV for his home base because we sit in a valley and the landscape reminded him of his motherland, as well as, provided some secrecy for developing military rockets. We have much beautiful, European-inspired architecture in our historic districts and parks, as well as, botanical gardens and a planetarium.

HSV has alot of military in our airspace and lots of "booms" from testing of propulsion systems on rockets and Boeing's new aircraft systems. It's going to be getting noisier soon as they are going to begin testing the rocket boosters on the newest line of space vehicles that will be replacing our aging shuttles. They have not done this kind of testing since the 1970's, from what I understand, and many of the "oldtimers" around here say that when they begin, it will feel like an earthquake when they fire up the boosters. We used to live five minutes from Cape Canaveral, FL, and the shuttle lift-offs felt like I imagine an earthquake would feel. Everyone should experience the power of a shuttle lauch at least once in their lifetime; it's awesome! Anyway...

HSV has a numerous active community--walking trails,bike paths, marathons, cyclists clubs, Sierra Club, hiking trails, caves, cavers and a large Geocaching community; we have the Tennessee River, the Flint River, lakes, waterfalls; farms interspersed with cotton and corn fields and an International Airport; we're within short driving distance to Nashville, Atlanta, New Orleans, parts of Mississippi and Arkansas, as well as, the white-sand beaches of Florida.

HSV, with it's space and engineering base, of course has a very culturally-diverse city: German, Korean, Chinese, Indian just to name a few.

HSV has a very religiously-diverse city: Protestant, Jehovah-Witness, Methodist, C.O.C., Mormon, Community, Episcopal, Christian, A.O.G., Anglican, Jewish, Conscious-Living, Muslim, Adventist, all the Baptist sects, Holiness, Catholic, Unitarian, Non-Denominational, Lutheran, Nazarene, Bible, Inter-denominational, Presbyterian; Korean church, Spanish church, Chinese church. We have two new churches--Church TV and Building Church--don't know what they're about yet. And these are just the churches that I can think of that are within a couple of miles of our home. Seriously diverse for Alabama.
HSV has mountains, hills and valleys.

HSV has just enough of each season...not too cold but it does get pretty warm. We can drive to North Carolina in a few hours to see snow or ski.

HSV has two major hospitals with specialties in cardiology, orthopedics, breast cancer, neo-natal and a newly-opened St. Jude Children's Hospital Annex.

HSV has one of the largest army bases, Redstone Arsenal, with a thriving military community that will be growing by 10,000 more in the next few years, due to BRAC. Not sure I'm liking the traffic this is bringing, especially those crazy drivers from the Washington area.

HSV has beautiful, massive, plantation homes in our historic downtown. Our historic district has been well-maintained and still functions as a traditional downtown area that includes businesses, hotels, restaurants, jazz/blues clubs, coffee houses, ballroom/swing/big band dance clubs, a series of hands-on, children and art museums, as well as, homes/condos.

HSV has THE Space Camp!

HSV has many, many schools and several rank at the top in Math and Science testing.

HSV is chock-full of restaurants. Literally, any type of food you could want. Upscale, mom-n-pop, traditional Southern, Mexican to German to Thai.

HSV has two malls, at least four theatres, several bowling alleys, skating rinks, a swimming center, ice center, country clubs, putt-putt golf and a stop on the Robert Trent Jones golf trail; we have everything from trailer homes and dowtown condos to antebellum mansions, planned community cities, upscale apartments and homes in gated communities, teetering on the sides of mountains, starting at a measley, 8 Mil.

What more could we possibly want? What more could Huntsville, Alabama offer?

How about KETCHUP--L.A. Ketchup, that is.

This week, HSV had a grand opening ceremony for it's newest development. I've been watching it go up since we moved here and I had NO IDEA how big this thing is; from the highway, it just looks like a slightly larger hotel but apparently, it's also shopping, condos, entertainment and food. It's being billed not as a Mall, but a DESTINATION.

A Destination. In Huntsville, Alabama.

We have a guy in town interviewing and we're supposed to take him out to eat Sunday. I think I'm gonna' come down with a sudden urge for Ketchup during worship time. My hubby has no clue about this new "destination;" he'll think I've gone madly Southern, asking for ketchup. I had better look at the prices first.

I've never even HEARD of half of these places. Truth be told, I probably cannot even afford to know these places exist but I HAVE to go see.

Anyone up for a girl's window-shopping weekend? Tammi? Amy? Sis? Mom?

Grandma, I KNOW you are.

Introducing HSV's Destination. More info here. And here.

Someone, come visit me...soon!

Quiet Time

Ever a quiet person on the outside; rocker girl on the inside.

That's my quiet time and I relish it.

I hear God in the so-called noise. I call it Passion.

Passions of Believers; often those overcoming scars inflicted by Believers.

My Passion for Christ is found most often

In the "noise" of rock music and dancing.
So, I'm sitting here bloggin' a new post,

Rockin' out to Sarah Kelly.
And Creed's Greatest Hits.
Sippin' some Pumpkin Spice coffee.
In my favorite jammies and sweater.
It's almost Midnight.
Lights are off. Fireplace is cracklin',
Giving off warmth and the smell of winter's coming.
Dishwasher and washing machine quietly droning.
Kids long ago asleep.
Hubby doing his "renovating thing" at the other end of the house.
Christmas list is written. Half done with shopping.
Eagerly anticipating the upcoming Holidays for the first time in a couple of years.
Feeling at home in our new city.
Right now, right here, life is good.

Creed.

Higher.