Mumford & Sons - "Little Lion Man"

"Little Lion Man"

Weep for yourself, my man,
You'll never be what is in your heart
Weep, little lion man,
You're not as brave as you were at the start
Rate yourself and rake yourself
Take all the courage you have left
Wasted on fixing all the problems that you made in your own head

But it was not your fault but mine
And it was your heart on the line
I really fucked it up this time
Didn't I, my dear?
Didn't I, my dear?

Tremble for yourself, my man,
You know that you have seen this all before
Tremble, little lion man,
You'll never settle any of your scores
Your grace is wasted in your face,
Your boldness stands alone among the wreck
Now learn from your mother or else spend your days biting your own neck

But it was not your fault but mine
And it was your heart on the line
I really fucked it up this time
Didn't I, my dear?

But it was not your fault but mine
And it was your heart on the line
I really fucked it up this time
Didn't I, my dear?
Didn't I, my dear?

[harmonizing]

But it was not your fault but mine
And it was your heart on the line
I really fucked it up this time
Didn't I, my dear?

But it was not your fault but mine
And it was your heart on the line
I really fucked it up this time
Didn't I, my dear?
Didn't I, my dear?

Electric Recliner

I thought that I would share an update with you on my dad. When I got to the hospice after traveling from the airport everyone was here! Well not everyone, but a lot of people were. My dad's and mom's good friends Kim and Jerry were there, as well as my cousin Bruce and his wife Tami (who I met for the first time in my last visit in November......first cousin's and our first meeting was almost 30 years later?) and my other cousin 1st cousin Brian. (again first meeting, 27 years) Daryl had told me that today was a very good day He was talking clearly and alert and wanting to see everyone..but by the time I got there he was tired and he was sleeping again. I was apprehensive.....but I eventually wandered in the room from the common area where we were all talking and gave him a kiss. I sat with him and tried to converse, but the day had wore him out and he was beginning to get hard to understand. The tumor is beginning to regrow and it along with the infection are causing swelling and pressure in the brain that are pushing against the part of the brain that control speech. Certain phrases come out jumbled.I figured I would let him rest since I would be there all night and for a couple of days.

Friday night I went to dinner with Bruce, Tami, and Brian. We went to this local restaurant called BubbaQues. It was a total hick BBQ chain joint. It had that cafeteria type feel, with fishing lures decor, wooden posts and a trash can with a toilet seat as the lid. Brian was a little apprehensive because of the misspellings everywhere...."We kin kater yer next party." We all got our fill of the cuisine and headed back. Because of my trip I was so tired, when everyone decided to leave for the evening I tried to crash out. That didn't go over too well because I was nervous about everything, and every rustle in the bed, sounds in the hall, everything woke me up.

On Saturday we had a good day. Dad was hungry so the kitchen staff....who could ruin toast....made him some scrambled eggs and sausage. He was very alert and talking very clearly. Even when you think he is sleeping, unless his mouth is hanging open or he is snoring, he was awake and listening to the conversation. He would add in a couple of "love you's" or "that's right" kinda comments and he would smile at every story that was told. There have been A LOT of fun times. Brian and dad took a nap around 1 and I went and called Darin to check on our move...poor guy had to move without me. We have had a whirlwind of visitors and everyday it is nice to see a new or even old face. It really lights up his face. At about 2pm my cousin Bruce, Tami and their 2 kids Hayley and Gavin arrived, but dad was zonked out. We had a nice conversation outside and then once he finally stirred the kids went in to talk to their Uncle Bobby. After a good conversation dad worked up an appetite and wanted some dinner. We had planned on going to "The Abbey" for their famous chicken wings and we were going to bring back some for daddy. We get their and Brian orders 20, I order 10 and Bruce ordered 10, Hayley ordered a grilled cheese (another favorite of mine) Gavin had chicken strips, and Tami had nachos. Not even three minutes later the waitress came back with menu's stating that they were completely out of chicken wings.....at 5PM....on a Saturday! WHAT?!?! Bummed I ordered my grilled cheese and proceeded to teach my niece how to make a hat out of a cloth napkin and try and keep up conversation between siblings that equally wanted my attention. Whew, what a chore! We brought back some chicken strips for dad and then the nurse decided that we should try and put him into the recliner in the room. We sat there for a good 10 minutes before we realized the damn thing was electric. It had a button to lean you back into a supine position as well as one that can assist you out of the chair! If the damn thing hadn't been so ugly I might have considered taking it home with me! We had visitors from John, Charlene and Dan. (??) After all that we had to say goodnight to my cousin Brian as he had to return on Sunday back to Massachusetts to his newborn baby girl Sophia and his wife Liz.

Sunday was another eventful day of visitors, we had the neighbors Jeff and Stacy, Jerry, James, neighbors Wendy and Joe, Doug and Debbie, and I am sure there was someone else that I am missing (sorry to that person.....wait....New York Steve!) I heard many wonderfully funny stories and we had some more Abbey food brought in to us from Doug and Debbie. Sunday and Monday (today) were slower days. Dad woke up later in the day and took longer naps, but is still talking and involved in the conversation. Visitor's were slower too. (work day and all) My Aunt Marcia, my mom's best friends dad Papaw, neighbor Jeff's mother and sister, Doug, and neighbor Joe brought us pizza from Franchesca's. After we ate John brought us some Gnarley Head wine. We popped that bad boy and as Daryl was pouring a nurse said, "You can't drink wine." So we didn't....we had dark red raspberry tea in coffee cups :-P Now here I am at 11 PM after this whirlwind. Utterly exhausted from emotions, but am so very glad to see just how many people love my dad. He is a wonderful human being and loves most everyone he comes into contact with wholeheartedly. I can only hope to be half the person he is.

Tomorrow my uncle Brian and my dad's two very best friends from childhood are coming. It will be another wonderful day of stories and love from all sides. We are truly blessed to have the people that we have in our lives. We have family and our second families (friends) and we should cherish every moment that we have with them. I hope that after reading this, you go to those that you love and give them a hug. Tell them you love them whenever you get a chance, forgive them when they make mistakes, and just always be there when they need you and they are there for you when you are in need.

Love you all

Overbooked Flight and Hidden Litter Box

Ok, so here is my attempt to stay relatively normal throughout this process. Today was an interesting day to say the least. Mornings are never my friend. Especially when I have only gotten 4 hours sleep. :-/ After finally getting to sleep around 1 AM, I had to roll right back out at 5AM to make my 7 o'clock flight at Burbank International Airport. Picture this; pitch black, pouring rain, and a whiny dog in the back seat. Sounds like fun huh? Well we had to stop into Jack in the Box to get Darin a soda because he was feeling low which put is behind schedule, granted we got off on the wrong foot because of the rude drive-thru guy, but that's neither here nor there. After a panic attack about a missed exit and stress about missing my flight due to increased security we got there. I gave my wonderful husband a big hug and off I went. Made it through baggage check and security in less than 15 minutes, which is why I go to Burbank! None of this hour crap! Got to my gate with just enough time to send a few texts and make a couple of phone calls then we were boarded and on our way to Vegas.

Knowing that the trip was going to be a short one, I didn't even bother to try and nap. I don't know if that was a good or bad thing, because when we started to make our decent into Las Vegas, the pilot decided to do a handful of maneuvers reminiscent of a roller coaster ride that left me feeling sick to my stomach. Wonderful. As a person that doesn't like to fly and hates roller coasters even more, this was not my idea of fun. I bolted off that plane hoping to have enough time to eat a little something before my connecting flight....ha. That idea was short lived as I exited the plane at 8am, I looked at the board for my next gate to realize that it was clear across the airport and my next flight was at 8:45. Just enough time to jet across the terminals and buy a bag of Chex Mix. While I was waiting for my group to be called, the flight attendants for the flight kept coming over the speaker in the terminal asking for anyone that had a flexible schedule and wanted to be compensated for taking a later flight. In my mind I was thinking....Uh NO! I get to board the plane and find a seat relatively up close to the front. I parked my butt and prepared to wait. They overbooked the flight! So this poor guy was left to stand there and wait for them to figure out what to do. We sat in the gate for almost 30 minutes! >/ Finally we were on our way, but to no avail my flight did not get better. My vain attempt to get some rest was jolted awake after only 30 minutes by Mister I wanna kick and bang my head against the back of your seat. And when I asked the flight attendant for a beverage she gave me attitude. I mean what does she have to do? Get drinks and stand there. That's it! Her job gets easier and easier as the airlines become cheaper and cheaper. She doesn't have to bring out meals, or put the movie on and sell headphones. She has to pass out peanuts and 2 rounds of drinks to a quarter of the plane! My god! Sign me up! Once I landed I rushed off that plane, just to wait at baggage claim for another half an hour for them to figure out which carousel they were going to use. At least my time wasn't wasted. Oh no....as I was perusing Sky Mall Magazine (the magazine that they put in your seat back pocket in an attempt to sell you useless crap that you'll never need) I found this beauty!

"With its Tuscany handfinish, our new litter box looks like a real clay pot, complete with an attractive, artificial decorator plant. Simply turn the entrance to the wall and no one will know (if your cat doesn't tell)!

Finally, A Decorative Litter Box You Don't Have To Hide!
This roomy, covered litter box is constructed of durable polypropylene with removable top section for easy filling and cleaning. A filtered and vented system helps to control odor and dust. Add a blanket or pillow and it can also be used as a secret bed instead of a litter box"

 I am sorry, but this in NO WAY looks like a real clay pot. It looks like a cheap plastic cat-box version of a outdoor dog house. Who would really purchase this and put it into their home? I mean come on! I mean the real topper is the fake plastic plant sticking out of the top. Classy! Just thought that I would share a little pleasantness from my otherwise stressful trip to Florida.

Love you all!

Some Time is Needed

To my fellow bloggers and followers. I apologize for my absence. Some things have come up in my personal life that has me traveling to Florida to visit my father. His battle with brain cancer has been long and rough. He still fights the battle, but I ask that you all send prayers to the heavens to help him find the strength to beat this horrible disease. I will be out of touch via this blog for at least a week. I have scheduled a couple of video's to post, however I might be blogging off and on in an attempt to keep myself grounded, but will apologize in advance if they turn out to be solemn.

A note to my wonderful husband - I love you more than words can describe. You are my rock in my time of need and are always there for me. Thank you for holding down the fort and keeping me relatively sane throughout this ordeal. In dark times you are my light that gets me through.

To my family and friends - I am blessed to have you in my life and your support for all that I am and do. Thank you for being kind, gracious and giving me great advice. I listen and hear it all. You all make me a better person. You are always there when I need a shoulder, and I could never thank you all enough.

“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.”

S & M - Rihanna

Ok ok. I really like this song....it's very catchy. But I am confused....didn't we see this artist a couple of years ago who was in a domestic abuse case against Chris Brown? Now she is singing about "Now the Pain is my pleasure"? Please don't get me wrong, I don't fault her for filing the case against Mr. Brown. Nobody should be abused physically or mentally. I just think that this song is sending a mixed message.

Feels so good being bad
There’s no way I’m turning back
Now the pain is my pleasure
Cause nothing could measure

Love is great, love is fine
Out the box, out of line
The affliction of the feeling
Leaves me wanting more

Cause I may be bad
But I’m perfectly good at it
Sex in the air
I don’t care
I love the smell of it
Sticks and stones
May break my bones
But chains and whips
Excite me

Na na na na
Come on, Come on, Come on
I like it, Like it
Come on, Come on, Come on
I like it, Like it
Come on, Come on, Come on
I like it, Like it
Come on, Come on, Come on
I like it, Like it

Love is great, love is fine
Out the box, out of line
The affliction of the feeling
Leaves me wanting more

Cause I may be bad
But I’m perfectly good at it
Sex in the air
I don’t care
I love the smell of it
Sticks and stones
May break my bones
But chains and whips
Excite me

Na na na na
Come on

Come on, Come on
I like it, Like it
Come on, Come on, Come on
I like it, Like it
Come on, Come on, Come on
I like it, Like it
Come on, Come on, Come on
I like it Like it

S...S...S
And
M...M...M
S...S...S
And
M...M...M

Oh
I love the feeling
You bring to me
Oh, you turn me on
It’s exactly what
I’ve been yearning for
Give it to me strong

And meet me in my boudoir
With my body suit on, on, on

I like it
Like it

Cause I may be bad
But I’m perfectly good at it
Sex in the air
I don’t care
I love the smell of it
Sticks and stones
May break my bones
But chains and whips
Excite me

Na na na na
Come on, Come on, Come on
I like it, Like it
Come on, Come on, Come on
I like it, Like it
Come on, Come on, Come on
I like it, Like it
Come on, Come on, Come on
I like it, Like it

S...S...S
And
M...M...M
S...S...S
And
M...M...M
S...S...S
And
M...M...M

Erign Go Brae

Last night we went to a local bar for our weekly trivia night. In the general knowledge round there were a lot of questions surrounding St. Patrick's Day. Darin asked me what the holiday meant and I completely blanked out! *Slap on the wrist!* So I figured I would do a little research and post some St. Patrick's Day information for all my blogger friends that have the same curiosities!

Erign Go Brae - is the anglicisation of a Gaelic phrase, and is used to express allegiance to Ireland. It is most often translated as "Ireland Forever" and pronounced /ˌɛrɪn ɡə ˈbrɑː/.

Saint Patrick's Day -  is a Christian holiday celebrated internationally on 17 March. It is named after Saint Patrick (c. AD 387–461), the most commonly recognized of the patron saints of Ireland. It is observed by the Catholic Church, the Anglican Communion (especially the Church of Ireland), the Eastern Orthodox Church and Lutherans. Saint Patrick's Day was made an official feast day in the early 17th century, and has gradually become a celebration of Irish culture in general.
The day is generally characterised by the attendance of church services, wearing of green attire (especially shamrocks), and the lifting of Lenten restrictions on fasting and drinking, which is often proscribed during the rest of the season.
Saint Patrick's Day is a public holiday in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Newfoundland and Labrador and in Montserrat. It is also widely celebrated by the Irish diaspora, especially in places such as the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, Argentina, Australia, and New Zealand, among others.

Wearing of the green - Originally, the color associated with Saint Patrick was blue. Over the years the color green and its association with Saint Patrick's day grew. Green ribbons and shamrocks were worn in celebration of St Patrick's Day as early as the 17th century. He is said to have used the shamrock, a three-leaved plant, to explain the Holy Trinity to the pagan Irish, and the wearing and display of shamrocks and shamrock-inspired designs have become a ubiquitous feature of the day. In the 1798 rebellion, in hopes of making a political statement, Irish soldiers wore full green uniforms on 17 March in hopes of catching public attention.The phrase "the wearing of the green", meaning to wear a shamrock on one's clothing, derives from a song of the same name.

US Customs - In every year since 1991, March has been proclaimed Irish-American Heritage Month by the US Congress or President due to the date of St. Patrick's Day. Today, Saint Patrick's Day is widely celebrated in America by Irish and non-Irish alike. It is one of the leading days for consumption of alcohol in the United States, and is typically one of the busiest days of the year for bars and restaurants. Many people, regardless of ethnic background, wear green clothing and items. Traditionally, those who are caught not wearing green are pinched affectionately. Seattle and other cities paint the traffic stripe of their parade routes green. Chicago dyes its river green and has done so since 1962 when sewer workers used green dye to check for sewer discharges and had the idea to turn the river green for Saint Patrick's Day. Originally 100 pounds of vegetable dye was used to turn the river green for a whole week but now only forty pounds of dye is used and the color only lasts for several hours. Indianapolis also dyes its main canal green. Savannah dyes its downtown city fountains green. Missouri University of Science and Technology - St Pat's Board Alumni paint 12 city blocks kelly green with mops before the annual parade. In Jamestown, New York, the Chadakoin River (a small tributary that connects Conewango Creek with its source at Chautauqua Lake) is dyed green each year.
Wikipedia.com

So there you have it. Some background information on the famous Irish holiday. One year I am going to be in Dublin drinking some Guinness on this day, but until then here is my favorite Irish Blessing!

 

Packing, Packing and more packing!

Ok, so since our condo fiasco, Darin and I have found a new apartment on the other side of town that will help us to save money on a monthly basis as well as have us be in a new area and hopefully happier with our neighbors. We will be closer to our friends and more on the outskirts of town so the traffic should be less in our area. We take possession of the apartment on the 21st of this month, which is a week and a half from today! AHHHHH! So Darin and I are busy bee's packing away and figuring out our move. So If I don't post in a couple of days please don't fault me. I should post some pictures of painted walls! Until then! Happy Blogging!