tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74621972958704327112024-03-13T21:49:38.046-05:00COWBOY SHOPPINGLookin' for love in all the wrong pastures!Debra Kayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11726102833301855775noreply@blogger.comBlogger97125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462197295870432711.post-27581815645492323392013-04-08T10:37:00.001-05:002013-04-08T10:37:48.772-05:00THE JEAN POOL<br />
Recently, I went shopping with my daughter – it’s a little different here as the nearest real mall is 30+ miles down the road. As we wandered through a clothing store sporting a sea of jean styles, I had a thought: wow, this sure beats the “jean” pool back home. Hmmm, jean pool. What? Oh, ha, ha, ha, yes, very funny… lost in thought… unfamiliar territory. I’ll put it and your humor into my GPS. So, as I was saying, jean pool. Now, that’s not to be confused with that ‘other’ gene pool. This jean pool is the one you’re likely to find at a local bar not your community college science lab.<br />
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In a rural area you’re likely to see jean labels like Wrangler, Cruel Girl (no, not a reference to your ex), or Cinch. And, be honest, we’re all a bit prone to ‘label shopping’ (me, I’m mostly a Wrangler gal myself). Problem is, in the country, sometimes the available jean pool can be a little shallow. So, just like taking my daughter to the nearest mall sometimes we have to find a way to a deeper pool.<br />
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Yep, here we go again with the internet thing. As with wading out into any pool ya gotta be careful where you step; otherwise, you could end up stepping on something that bites and/or smells (and not in a good way either). Believe me, the internet jean pool can be full of more critters than Ellie Mae Clampitt had in her cement pond.<br />
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My suggestion to the people who come up with those ‘cowboy’, ‘farmer’, and ‘country’ dating websites: If you’d focus more on getting people into the right JEAN pool as opposed to the right GENE pool, you might find you'd have more success than Kim Kardashian has. You may say - "it's all in the genes", but I hear - "it's all in the jeans". (Of course, there’s always the possibility of pulling the drain plug on that jean pool only to discover that the guy with the right ‘jeans’ was never even in there – he had been onshore waiting patiently holding your towel for you.)<br />
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Today’s point: In love, as in style, the right jeans are all about the right fit.<br />
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Debra Kayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11726102833301855775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462197295870432711.post-15881640908158400962013-04-03T09:57:00.002-05:002013-04-03T09:57:53.278-05:00WHAT A SHOCK<br />
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I don’t date jerks… Ok, quit spitting coffee out your nose – that was only cute when you were 5. You didn’t let me finish… I don’t date jerks BY CHOICE. My relationship luck is more like buying a lottery ticket with all 6 winning numbers – from the previous week’s drawing. </div>
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One thing I’ll say about it though, it sure seems to bring out the best in my friends when it happens and for that I’m grateful. As I was having lunch with the lead mares the other day, I realized just how lucky I am in that respect. You see, while there are probably times they’d like to GPS the men with the butterfly nets for me, instead they listen then, we all laugh. This was the case with what happened to me recently. </div>
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My last relationship end was absolutely a real shocker for everyone around me. In fact, it was kinda like taking your cousin’s dare and touching the electric fence wire to see if it’s hot only to find out that it was! And, I must admit for a bit I felt about as good as if it zapped me. But, like the pain of child birth, that stinging is subsiding with time. That’s due in great part to my great friends who usually know just what to say at just the right time to say it. </div>
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Here’s one example: I was talking to the boyfriend of a good friend of mine recently who knows how to put things into perspective. He’s by nature a very kind and funny person anyway but this has to be his best line to date. He asked me how I was doing and said how sorry he was to hear about what happened. I thanked him and told him it’s just the way things seem to go with me and love. His reply is one I’ll never forget: “You know… we’re all alike… WE ALL FART IN BED!” </div>
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Somewhere in there, there’s a grain of truth to that if you think about it (once you quit laughing). We all have our sweet side and our smelly. If it starts smelling like a barn stall full of manure, though, it may be time to ‘clean out the stall’.</div>
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Today’s Moral: If you’re smart you’ll realize only have to hit that hot wire fence once to realize you don’t want to do it again. </div>
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Debra Kayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11726102833301855775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462197295870432711.post-51350102823010592062013-03-27T14:00:00.001-05:002013-03-27T14:00:43.703-05:00A BUM STEER<br />
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When you exit the donkey corral, please remember to shut the gate behind you so none of them end up with the rest of the herd… Thank you. As I’ve told you before, I’m here to try to impart some of my hard-learned lessons in the affairs of the heart and have I got a doozy for you today.</div>
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For some time now I’ve been in a relationship that until recently I would have described as perfect for me… he and I share a love of horses, our kids and a country way of life. So far so good right? Yeah, well, that’s what I thought too – until I realized he suffered from what I call the ‘pouting and punishing phenomenon’… no, that’s not some S&M game but thanks for that image! No, this is where your partner gets upset with you and rather than voicing their dismay they take it out on you with things like pouting, withholding the sweet things they normally say, or forgetting to call or text when normally they’d be on the phone quicker than Secretariat hitting the race track. Well, I’ve never been fond of that game (for me it’s like running a barrel race without a timer – you’re in it to win it but no one really does.)</div>
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Guys, let me give you a little advice here: if you want to remain a stallion in your filly’s barn remember this – if she’s making a 110 mile round trip multiple times a week just to see you then REMEMBER SHE’S MAKING A 110 MILE ROUND TRIP MULTIPLE TIMES A WEEK JUST TO SEE YOU. We understand your love for roping or whatever other hobby you have, believe me, we really do. But if you expect to keep playing saddle blanket bingo with that little filly you should occasionally take a night off from chasing steers and chase your filly around the barn instead! </div>
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My fellow mares and fillies this one is for you: If you’re making a 110 mile round trip multiple times a week to see your stud muffin pay close attention to his actions and what is NOT being said. If instead of paying attention to you, your needs and your efforts he’s paying for saddles, ropes and things like that then you need to take the blinkers off to see if you’re as important to him as he is to you. If the answer to that isn’t an obvious YES then he may be the roper but, honey, you’re the one with the ‘bum steer’.</div>
Debra Kayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11726102833301855775noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462197295870432711.post-41106027628935148602013-02-08T10:22:00.003-06:002013-02-08T10:22:41.345-06:00NO MAKEUP... NO PROBLEM<!--StartFragment-->
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I’m probably a ‘take no prisoners’ type personality which in
some aspects would be more attractive on a guy in some settings… New York…
Boston… you get the picture. Anyway, with that personality goes the verbage.
I’ve been told on occasion (ok, ok, on lots of occasions) that I could make a
sailor blush when I get wound up. Sorry, I’ll wait for you to wipe that mock
shock off your face. Better now? The thing is, with no one around you to call
you out on it well, you just kinda tend to keep doing it. And if I were
bartending at a longshoremen bar in Boston I’d most likely be right at home
but, I’m not. <o:p></o:p></div>
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And, speaking of looks, being in this relationship is
eye-opening to me – mostly looking right at me actually. First, when he didn’t
ask if the relationship plane had a parachute at the first sight of me without
makeup I figured I had a pretty good shot. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Guys, let me help you out here - when your lady let’s you
see her without makeup that first time she’s actually making a much bigger
statement. It’s a serious statement on her trust in you. And I’m so glad I made
it over that particular jump still in the saddle. So, a word to the wise here:
when she trusts you enough to show you her true look don’t be like one moron I
was told about. I suggest you not later say something like “I prefer you with
makeup”. That’s kinda like telling someone they have a great face for radio and
her staying with you is about as likely as a barrel racer winning the NFR on a
three-legged horse. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Moral of the story today is just like in a Grand Prix jump,
in any relationship about the time you recover your stride from one jump,
there’s another one up ahead. In a Grand Prix, knocking down a rail can cause
you to stumble and earn you a fault but keeping your composure and making smart
choices can get you across that finish line with a good time and a good
run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Guess the same could be said
for relationships…<o:p></o:p></div>
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Debra Kayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11726102833301855775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462197295870432711.post-29871962603700521422013-01-31T10:35:00.000-06:002013-01-31T10:35:41.121-06:00IT'S "HUG YOUR HONEY" DAY - somewhere<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Well, I’m almost afraid to jinx it but so far so good. I
am officially in a real grown-up relationship – with a real grown-up even! It’s
a promising start to a trail ride that I sincerely hope doesn’t end like a pack
mule going over a cliff in the Grand Canyon. </span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">It’s interesting actually; he didn’t even ask where the
eject button was when I explained about writing this blog or some of the
colorful escapades which were the background and cause of it in the first
place. What? Seriously? I didn’t tell you how we met? Oh, sorry. Well, you’re
not gonna believe it but we met online. Oh, come on, what are you 12?! Now please
go get me a paper towel so I can wipe your coffee off my glasses thank you very
much. As I was saying – yes, we met online and he is perfectly normal… no hang-ups,
no horrific habits, no hand-me-down drama (just the way I like it). </span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">As a matter of fact, we went to the Fort Worth Stockshow
and Rodeo the other night and something happened that was just short of amazing.
Please, must you always go ‘there’?! After the rodeo we stayed to visit with a
good friend of mine (a male friend) that I hadn’t seen in several months. Well,
me being me, without even thinking twice about it I ran right up and hugged my
friend squealing a happy greeting. Yes, I instantly introduced my date and my friend
and we all had a terrific visit.</span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">What’s what? Oh, the amazing, right. Anyway, it wasn’t
even until sometime later that I realized what had happened (or really what had
NOT happened) – NO SCENE. For my part I probably should have warned my boyfriend
that I have a habit of greeting all of my friends (male and female alike) with
a hug – that’s just how I am. But, I didn’t, and as it turns out, it actually
gave me another insight into my darling. There was no tantrum verbal or silent.
You’ve never heard of a silent tantrum? Sure you have. Those are the ones that
are kinda like the silent alarm going off during a jewelry heist – trouble’s
acoming down the trail you just don’t know it yet. In this case, FORTUNATELY, it
took a left at the fork in the trail before it got to me.</span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">So with this, allow me to provide a teachable moment.
First, always let your other half know that hugs are not just reserved for them
and cute puppies. Second, make sure you hug your other half longer than you hug
your friends so they can see the difference!</span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">A hug is merely a universal sign of appreciation while a
tantrum is a universal sign of depreciation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I propose we have a “HUG YOUR HONEY” day. Why not? We have a day for
everything else!</span></div>
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Debra Kayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11726102833301855775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462197295870432711.post-38838996512503048562013-01-28T21:31:00.000-06:002013-01-28T21:31:46.916-06:00THERE'S HOPE YET<link href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5Csicking%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml" rel="File-List"></link><link href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5Csicking%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_themedata.thmx" rel="themeData"></link><link href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5Csicking%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_colorschememapping.xml" rel="colorSchemeMapping"></link><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Ladies, listen up, I have news
you can use…THERE’S HOPE YET! Even for us single girls in the country. I know,
I know, I can’t believe myself I drank the kool-aid. But I did and I must
confess I liked it – I really, really liked it.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
I can tell you this, if you’ve
ever spent two hours getting all shined up for a first date including adjusting
and re-tuning your make-up, fussing with your hair and changing clothes
multiple times you’ll so appreciate this because I had done just that and was
ready with literally no seconds to spare. But I had done it and I was quite
proud of myself if I do say so myself. I had finally fixed up and dressed up
just like I wanted. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
He arrived and didn’t appear
to be looking for the eject button or the fire exit so I was double proud…
right up to the time I looked down and realized I had put on my old barn boots
rather than my nice dress boots. When I saw that I wanted to crawl under the
table – guys get THAT image out of your mind – but here’s the real surprise. My
date not only didn’t mind he thought it was just fine. So moral of the story
here: if you find a guy who thinks your barn boots are sexy my advice is ‘HANG
ON TO HIM’… Umm, just not this him – this him is mine! </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Ok, I’ll start back from the
beginning. Well, as you recall when last we met I was about as lucky in love as
someone who won the lottery… two days after they passed away. So, I decided to
take a little break from it all. I’ve been sitting back pondering my options
rather than pounding the keyboard. Honestly, I think that’s what did it. I
needed to take some time and evaluate what was going on in my life and my soul.
Must you always snort beer through your nose when I mention my heart or the
like? So…yes… my soul. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
I honestly had all but given
up; I was starting to think that a happy relationship for me was about as
likely as me skipping through the woods hand in hand with Winnie the Pooh.
Then, it happened. The text came through, the clouds parted and the angels
sang. Hey – this is my story and I’m telling it the way I want – clouds gone…
angels present… and so was the sun. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
This was someone I had
communicated with off and on for some time and at this point it had been some
time since it had been on. But, there it was. Huh? What did what say? Oh,
right, the text. Actually it was rather innocent, just one of those ‘sorry lost
touch… how you doin’ type texts. Didn’t matter to me, I was just happy to see
it. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Yes, I know, you’re probably
reading this thinking… ok she’s been mule-kicked and, normally, if I wrote these
things you’d probably be right but, not this time. What’s changed? Well, for
starters, me. I’ve decided that with the start of the new year perhaps it’s
time for a new adventure. After all, adventures can be anything from a
non-swimmer facing the challenges of white water rafting, or someone afraid of
heights going rock climbing. For me, it’s the adventure of a heart looking for
its true beat. Since it’s unchartered territory for me, I thought I’d share the
expedition with you (ha, ha, yes I know like I can get lost with people always
telling me where to go). </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Seriously, Lewis & Clark didn’t
have GPS. Surely, I can find the end to my maze. Come with me for the trip.
Like Lewis & Clark there may be hardships, forked trails (or at times even
no trails) and periods of total darkness but, with the right guide, a new trail
can be blazed.<span> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Saddle up…</div>
Debra Kayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11726102833301855775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462197295870432711.post-317512204073806412012-12-27T11:18:00.000-06:002012-12-27T11:18:47.106-06:00YOU'RE CONFUSED? I'M CONFUSED!<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
“I’m confused.” It was a text message I seemed to be getting
lately and, quite honestly, he wasn’t the only one who was confused! What?
YOU’RE confused? How do you think I feel! Oh, you meant YOU are confused. Ok,
well, then, I better start back a few days and bring you up to speed. Guess
that’d be like watching a barrel racer run out of the arena with a leading time
but the clock is still stuck on 0.000.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Now, let me set the stage for you: Brayden and I had
recently made acquaintance in a western store and struck up a conversation. We
exchanged numbers and emails and, almost immediately, I received the first
message from him. For several days we kept up a constant stream of text and
phone chats. Very soon after, he asked me out to dinner. Things went swell! He was warm, he
was funny and, most importantly he was educated and employed… I call that the
“Momma Trifecta” – that means you can take him home to momma and there’s a
check in the ‘WIN’ column for each of those divisions on her scorecard. And
trust me, that’s not an easy feat to accomplish.</div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
The longer we talked the more I felt at ease with him.
Sometime during the date he hinted that perhaps we could get together again.
Yikes! This was going better than I anticipated! In fact, in the back of my
mind I actually started thinking “Wow, we may really have a second date”. Well,
since he loaded that thoroughbred into the starting gate, I figured I may as well ride it. Taking a deep breath and crossing my fingers under the table,
the words shot out like that thoroughbred out of that gate “Hey, you know something? My
friend is having a cook out next weekend. Would you like to go?” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I held my breath. I saw a light
frown come across his forehead. “What day is it?” he asked. (That’s a question
we usually ask when we’re devising the “I’m sorry I have to wash my hair”
answer.) “It’s Saturday.” “Saturday huh?” More breath holding. For a split
second there was that pin dropping silence. Then, it happened. I saw the smile
first, “Sure, that sounds like fun.” Finally, I could breathe again. I felt
like I had been training for a pool length underwater swim by this point! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
So, to here, the wheels are still on the wagon. We lived a
little distance apart so when we parted company it was back to texting and
phone calls, which were numerous. Finally, Saturday gets here and so does he.
We went to the party and, again, had a good time… How could we not? Good
people, good food, good music and last but certainly not least “I WAS THERE
WITH A DATE!!!” He was saying all the right things, things like “I really like
you and enjoy your company and I hope you feel the same”, “I’d like to see
where this goes for us. Why don’t we give this relationship a try.” Wow, I was
walking a couple inches off the ground I was so happy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Now here’s where the wagon starts losing an axle. After that
night, he advised he was suddenly feeling ill and the beginning of what I knew
from experience was the end was once again upon an up-to-then blossoming
relationship. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Here’s how it happened: Remember the numerous calls and
texts I told you about? Yeah, well, they declined quicker than Mel Gibson’s
popularity. I would periodically text him and check on him asking things like
“Hey, you ok?” or “Hope you’re feeling better?” and even “Well, if I were there
I’d nurse you back to health lol.” His response? Let’s just say I could hear
the <i>Jeopardy</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> theme music playing over
and over. <o:p></o:p></span>And axle number 1 is in the mud!</div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
When it had been a couple of days with no word from him,
I decided to finishing ripping the bandaid off, sending him a short and sweet
text ‘I wish you well.’ Yep, you guessed it… Axle number 2 is in the mud! His answer “I’m confused.” </div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
I decided that ok, I’ll take the bait.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ME: “What are you confused about?”</div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
BRAYDEN: “Are you dumping me? Why?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
ME: “Well, seeing as how I haven’t heard from you in 2 days
when before it would be close to every couple of hours I figured you weren’t
interested any more.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
BRAYDEN: “Gee, I sent you a Happy 4<sup>th</sup> text.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Let me stop you right here… REALLY????? “A” message? Oh,
where do I begin? Now your wagon is up the creek without an axle!</div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Oh, we understand during the day we all have to work and it’s
not always possible to communicate. BUT, if evening rolls around and we still
don’t hear from you well that quarter horse just turned into an Appaloosa of a
whole other color. See, we take ‘in communicado’ as ‘uninterested’ or
‘otherwise occupied’ - either of which being about as acceptable as Kim Kardashian dateless on New Years Eve. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Guys, let me give you a couple of tips here. For one thing,
minimums (meaning the LEAST you can get away with) are for government standards
not for communicating with your girlfriend. Secondly, if we have to constantly
prompt you to hear from you then to us that’s the same as reminding you to not
to forget to remember us. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Moral of the story today: If you’re really interested in
being with someone then leave the ‘minimum to get by with’ to HUD and send that
special little lady a quick ‘thinking of you’ text. You’ll have more Brownie
points than Betty Crocker! <o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->
Debra Kayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11726102833301855775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462197295870432711.post-53661201012293005932012-12-20T11:23:00.001-06:002012-12-20T11:23:25.011-06:00Do I Have a Choice?<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Saddle up boys and girls because boy do I have a campfire
story for you all today! It’s been kind of a hectic time for me, as I’m sure it
has for you all, too. Heap on top of that all of the evil that seems to have
been unleashed like the Wal-Mart doors opening on the eve of Black Friday and
it’s been a real roller coaster ride. Today, though, I’d like to talk about
another type of evil – RUDENESS.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Yes, I consider rudeness evil. Why? Because like evil, a
person chooses to commit it, that’s why. The only difference here is if you do
it to me then everybody around the globe gets to read about it – including
probably some of your friends. Geez, I don’t know what’s got into people these
days and, yes, I’m talking about a specific incident involving a specific person.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Details? Here ya go! I had been corresponding with someone
who for all intents and purposes seemed very nice, educated, funny, (and most
importantly country – oh, wait, that one’s for me).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyway, time stretched on and he’d been saying all those nice
things like “I sure would like to get to know you” and “Wouldn’t it be nice if
we could meet?” and my personal favorite “Attraction is just the icing on the
cake… I want the total package”. Yep, you got it! Falser words were never
spoken.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
So, I decided to take the bait and meet him. Oh, I was so
excited and nervous and happy all balled into one that I probably resembled
Lindsay Lohan getting a ‘get ouf of jail free’ card from the judge. Heck, I
even wore some of my good perfume (no, not from Wal-Mart).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
So, I’m sitting there in my truck waiting on his arrival to
the restaurant where we chose to meet and, while sitting there, began running
all sorts of negative scenarios in my head (you know the ones… a) he’s nothing
like his picture, or b) he shows up with someone else, or c) he has the manners
of a three year old. I’ll take c for $200, Alex. Honestly, I’ve seen three year
olds with lots better manners than this jerk.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
We met in the parking lot, he was walking up talking on the
phone (to his mother which momentarily gave him 1 brownie point) and he
extended an arm to give me a friendly hug (brownie point 2). Trust me… he
didn’t get to 3! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
We went in and sat down and a few minutes later a friend of
his walked in and just happened to sit behind him. From that
moment, it went downhill quicker than a Colorado avalanche! He spent the bigger
part of the time with his back to me, turned around talking to his friends. He
would momentarily turn around to stuff his face when our food arrived but then would
turn around again. Determined not to stoop to his level of rudeness, I fought
with all my might not to dump the rest of my beer in his lap (ok, I didn’t want
to waste a good beer anyway). But, the point is, I was the bigger person in the
situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Now guys (and girls too) let me tell you something right
here, right now. If you’re not interested in someone, say so up front; don’t
string them along only to ignore them in a crowded restaurant –for one they may
not be as nice as I was and actually will dump that beer in your lap. And to
those of you who are sitting there staring at the back of that person’s head
noticing how their neck needs a good scrubbing – do the right thing: STOP THE
WAITER AND ASK WHERE THE NEAREST FIRE EXIT IS AND RUN LIKE HECK! Trust me, if
they’ll treat you like that initially then don’t worry it CAN and probably will
get worse!</div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Moral # 1 of the story here: 4-wheel drive in your new truck is
optional equipment…manners come standard.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Moral # 2 of the story here: I don't care how good looking you think you are there's always someone better and if they have manners - guess who wins? </div>
<!--EndFragment-->
Debra Kayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11726102833301855775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462197295870432711.post-38166434252902964762012-12-13T10:02:00.000-06:002012-12-13T10:02:06.504-06:00Believing IS Seeing!<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Seeing as how my soapbox has
asked for a day off to go to the chiropractor I thought I’d take this
opportunity to write about something a little different today. As you know by
now, I like to take a lope down memory trail from time to time. Given that it’s the
holiday time of year, I guess this is as good a time as any to go for a trail ride. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">I know we all have memories
from Christmas (or Hanukah) as kids. There’s a line that I really like from the
Tim Allen film “<i>The Santa Claus(e)</i></span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">”
that goes “Seeing isn’t believing…Believing is seeing”. As kids, we understand
that but, for some reason, as we grow older we lean more and more towards the
‘seeing is believing’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To me,
therein lies the problem. We go for the things that we can see at Christmas –
whether it’s the Christmas bonus at work, or the newest computer, or the latest
fashion craze – and the old ‘out of sight out of mind’ takes over.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">What do you mean “I’m not
seeing it”? That’s my point exactly. You’d think with all the new styles of
glasses, lasik surgery and contact lenses they’d come up with something that’d
help us see a soul as well as the stitching on that new saddle you had under
the tree last Christmas. Come on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We can hear that text come in we’ve been waiting for but not that bell
being rang by the kettle worker outside Wal-Mart? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Hmm? Memory trail? I’m gettin’
to that. I remember one Christmas I wanted this Ballerina doll so bad that I
bet I bugged my Mamaw and Papaw for it starting around Labor Day. Oh, how I
loved that doll. She wore a pink tutu and had a pretty pink crown on her head
with a knob that you could use to make her spin and dance. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Of all the Christmas trees
over the years, I remember the tree from that year the most. We always had a
real tree, fit with those multi-colored old C7 bulbs, bright red and green
breakable ornaments, garland and, of course, tinsel. I still recall staring
longingly at it on my way to bed that Christmas Eve night. Passing it in my
mind’s eye even now I can still see it standing there, its reflection dancing
off of the shiny hard wood floor in the den, and I can even still feel its
warmth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">That next morning I bet it
didn’t take me four leaps to get from my bedroom to that tree… and there she
was all ‘pretty in pink’. I could barely speak (of course my Mamaw’s version
has me shrieking at the top of my lungs) when I saw her. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">But looking back now, that
doll represents something else much more precious to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It reminds me that she (like all my
other presents then and over the years) were the product of love and sacrifice
by my grandparents. I wish I could have seen that clearer then. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">We should all take a moment
every now and then even after Christmas is over to remember those times as kids
when we waited for Santa Claus, when we dreamed of dancing snowmen and flying
reindeer. That’s because during that part of our lives we simply believed,
believed with no pre-conceived notions and with no prejudice, in something much
greater than ourselves. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">I’m not talking about
believing in the presents, I’m talking about believing in the love and the
spirit behind them. I'm talking about not turning a blind eye to those who may not have it so good as you do. And of course don't forget to remember your grandparents or that special aunt and uncle that even though they're older now never seem to forget you. I can assure you, I’d give back every Christmas present I
got as a kid to see my Mamaw and my Papaw around my tree now. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Folks, believing really IS
seeing. This Christmas, how about looking with your heart rather than your
eyes? I bet you’ll be surprised at just how clear that panavision will be. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->
Debra Kayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11726102833301855775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462197295870432711.post-34081016026578743912012-12-11T14:12:00.000-06:002012-12-11T14:12:18.177-06:00LET'S SEE WHAT LINE YOU CAN READ
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Someone mentioned to me that maybe I should do a
chart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’d be kinda like the eye chart the
eye doctor uses to see how bad your eyesight is. Only here rather than testing
to see WHAT you can see, with this you can see IF you see… Get it?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></o:p></div>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: currentColor; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-insideh: .5pt solid black; mso-border-insidev: .5pt solid black; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border: 1pt solid black; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295">
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">SUPER DATE<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: black black black rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 257.4pt;" valign="top" width="343">
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">BLOG BAIT<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) black black; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295">
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Provide transportation</div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) black black rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 257.4pt;" valign="top" width="343">
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
10. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Require it</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 2;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) black black; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295">
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be cordial</div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) black black rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 257.4pt;" valign="top" width="343">
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
11. Be condescending</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 3;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) black black; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295">
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Look sharp</div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) black black rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 257.4pt;" valign="top" width="343">
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
12. Look around</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 4;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) black black; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295">
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Share dreams</div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) black black rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 257.4pt;" valign="top" width="343">
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
13. Share the tab</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 5;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) black black; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295">
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Call her darling</div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) black black rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 257.4pt;" valign="top" width="343">
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
14. Call her sister</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 6;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) black black; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295">
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Appreciate her appearance</div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) black black rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 257.4pt;" valign="top" width="343">
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
15. Appreciate the waitress’ cleavage</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 7;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) black black; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295">
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Show interest</div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) black black rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 257.4pt;" valign="top" width="343">
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
16. Show off</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 8;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) black black; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295">
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Respect
her </div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) black black rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 257.4pt;" valign="top" width="343">
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
17. Disrespect her family or friends (or both)</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 9; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) black black; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295">
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take her hand</div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) black black rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 257.4pt;" valign="top" width="343">
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
18. Take a hike</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Now, all of you who have been out with the majority of
the right-hand column please raise your hand. Wow, that many? (Well, I no
longer feel alone then.) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those of you
who have gone out with those in the left-hand column are probably still going
out with them so I reckon this wouldn’t really apply to you.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">What was that? The worse offender you ask? Well, recently
I went out with someone who was numbers 10, 11, 16 and 17 all rolled into one –
so you can bet that led to number 18 real quick. You know the type, no matter
what you do, they’ve done it better (and don’t hesitate to let you know that). </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Or how about this one: Every time you try to tell them a
little bit about the people you know or the things you’ve done they pounce on
you saying things like “It ain’t nice to brag” or “You don’t name-drop to sell a
horse” yet for 15 minutes you’ve heard nothing but their recount of the people
who think they’re great. Trust me, honey, those people may think you’re great
but we won’t.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Ladies, one way to check them out is to watch and see
their body language.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m big on watching
facial expressions and body language for little discrepancies so here’s a tip
for you guys: Don’t sit there making faces and roll your eyes when your date is
sharing a story. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you do, then I assure
you she’ll be doing the same thing as she races out of the parking lot, leaving
you sitting in the middle of a crowded restaurant and thinking to yourself: “Man,
she’s taking a long time in the bathroom”. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
Debra Kayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11726102833301855775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462197295870432711.post-22519281920950331002012-12-06T10:26:00.001-06:002012-12-06T10:26:53.275-06:00NEW MEANING TO SELF CHECK-OUT
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Well, you know how they say “feast or famine”? That seems
to be the case for me and my love life (both are rather skinny these days). Why
does it have to be that because you’ve had four kids, if you’re tiny and blond
you must be anorexic or something? Yep, you guessed it, here’s another Wal-Mart
story!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I was in line the other day at a self checkout in Wal-Mart
minding my own business for once when I noticed the guy in line behind me kept eye-ballin' me - talk about the self check-out! I tried to ignore him but being stuck between a "Toddlers in Tiaras' level tantrum in front of me and a guy who could've been a towee on "Lizard Lick" towing, the odds were not in my favor. And so of course it had to happen... he </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">struck up a conversation opening with “Excuse
me, mam, but are you single?” Not wanting to be impolite I did what anyone in
my situation would do… I LIED and said “No.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Oh, these conversations never end well!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Why is it when you’re in a hurry (or in an awkward
situation) there’s no gaping hole to swallow you up when you need one? So I
stood there patiently… ok, now not so patiently… waiting on the couple in front
of me with the screaming toddler and runny nose infant hoping they didn’t need
that cashier to help for a fourth time. And of course they did.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Finally, as the kiddy storm blew out of the store, I
placed my purchases on the conveyor and began scanning. The guy behind me
had continued babbling on apparently oblivious to the fact that I wasn’t really
paying attention. Or, that is until I heard him suddenly exclaim “Wow, you eat
THAT?... You sure are an itty-bitty thing. Are you one of them that eat then
sticks their head in the toilet?” </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Now, let me stop you here for a moment – in what life do
you think that line of questioning will get you a date? Trust me, Charlie Sheen
would have a better shot at a nun! What was that? What did I tell the nit-wit
behind me? I told him if that was his idea of a compliment then I’d venture a
guess his New Years date was playing dominoes with his mother. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Seriously, guys, if you want to pay a lady a compliment
first rule of thumb is it shouldn’t include the word toilet. Otherwise, I can
assure you that’s exactly where your chances are of getting a date!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></o:p></div>
Debra Kayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11726102833301855775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462197295870432711.post-58945477545429651362012-12-03T09:00:00.000-06:002012-12-03T09:00:05.598-06:00I JUST DON'T GET IT SOMETIMES<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Ok, Ok, get your mind out of the gutter (it’s crowded in
there already). I didn’t mean that “IT”. And, NO, I’m not cranky because of a
bad weekend. Actually, I had an overall good weekend. Friday night I
hung out with a good friend (that’ll be another blog post – just a little tease
there). Saturday, I went to the NRHA (National Reining Horse Association)
finals in Oklahoma City where there were Wranglers for days! I mean, talk about
your sight-seeing….! Of course there were some sights I’d rather have not seen,
too (again, another entry there). And, Sunday, I spent at Southfork Ranch (where
the TV show “Dallas” was filmed) with my daughter and a friend paying respect
to the late Larry Hagman. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">What? Oh, what I don’t get… yes… sorry, got side-tracked
for a moment. Anyway, as I was saying, I just don’t get it. What ‘it’ is? Well,
a couple of things that seem to go hand in hand: one is text etiquette (or lack
thereof) and the other is negativity (what I like to call “David Downer”). </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">First, texting: Why can’t guys understand when you tell
them “Please don’t text or call first thing in the morning because you know I’m
working outside” you’re actually talking to THEM? They’re like a crooked Louisiana politician – they think the rules only
apply to the other little politicians. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;">And, have you noticed they’re the same guys who when
they text you and you don’t answer right away you suddenly get what I call ‘text
rain’? That’s where they rain texts down on you like the 40-day flood and they
all amount to the same thing – you haven’t answered them within 60 seconds. Well,
here’s a little tip: it’s a little hard to answer a text when you’re either on
a four-wheeler feeding livestock in an icy wind or, as was the case on the return
trip Saturday night, driving your boss’ truck barreling down the highway at 80
mph! I mean, really, guys, come on. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Now, another thing I’ve noticed that goes along with the “desperately
seeking text” attitude is the “desperately seeking anyone” attitude. That’s the
one where the person you’re chatting with starts to give you the impression
that you could be anyone and they’d be happy. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">What are the signs? For one, they always seem to be down
or negative mostly because you haven’t messaged or talked with them 10 times a
day. Do you really think answering “How was your day” with “Lonely” is gonna
score you the happy face emoticon? Not with me it won’t. Nor will constant comments
like “I don’t understand why you can’t just stop and talk whenever I call” or “It
would only take a couple of seconds to stop and answer a text”… Yes, I’m gonna
drop that fourth 50 pound sack of feed I’ve just unloaded right there in the
barn alley and answer your one word text of “HI”.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And you seriously wonder why you’re single? Talking about
not getting it… well there’s a surprise!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
Debra Kayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11726102833301855775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462197295870432711.post-42780338965206343222012-11-30T09:12:00.000-06:002012-11-30T09:12:01.206-06:00HORSE DOWN, FEET DOWN<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Wow, what a week! This has been a week with so many ups
and downs for me it’s like watching a saddle bronc rider at the rodeo. But, I’m
sure we’ve all had those. And if last night is any indication, it looks like I
may end the week doing the old ‘flyin’ squirrel’ bucking horse dismount made
famous by the great Monty “Hawkeye” Henson… Remember him? As they say: horse down, feet down! (Just hope I land on
my feet like he did.) </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Today, I celebrate my friends that have helped me through
the bronc ride that is my love life – especially this last week. I absolutely
know that no matter what, they have my back and I hold onto that like that
bronc rider holds the rein. I love the fact that they always seem to know what
to say (and sometimes more importantly what NOT to say) when I get in these
moods. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;">I have no illusions that I can be difficult at best from
time to time to deal with. So all the while they’re telling me “it’s okay, you’ll
get past this” or “don’t worry, it just means there’s someone else out there” I
know somewhere deep down inside they’re probably resisting the urge to say
things like “if you don’t straighten up I’m gonna put a boot up the chute” or “you’re
so lucky; at least when you snore there’s no one there waking you up to tell
you to stop”.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">So, thank you dear friends for all of your kind words
(spoken or not). You’ll be glad to know that this is today’s exercise for me:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">STEP ONE:<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Cross the arms...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">STEP TWO:<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Grab ears...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">STEP THREE:<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Pull head out of rear. (If you
hear a little pop, that’s success not a pulled muscle.) And I just heard a pop that was more like a Macy's Day parade balloon bursting... Oww!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;">A</span></o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;">s my workout idol Jane Fonda is famous for
saying: “No pain, no gain”. Don’t you think that’s appropriate for the dating workout too? If you think about it - they both can leave you mentally and physically drained except for brief moments of endorphin highs... if you know what I mean! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">HAPPY FRIDAY Y'ALL!!!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
Debra Kayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11726102833301855775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462197295870432711.post-25596457263291941332012-11-29T10:12:00.000-06:002012-11-29T10:12:08.222-06:00WHY WOULDN'T I?
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Well, so, yesterday’s blog got me all kinds of comments,
likes and, to be honest, a few dislikes apparently. I got one email from a guy
I know (but to be quite honest have them nestled in the ‘friends’ category) to inform
me that I'm being too picky because they were a ‘good guy’, they would be more than happy to cook me dinner
or help me with the horses or whatever else I may want or need. They would be
there, ‘willing and wanting to help’ (their words not mine). They offered what
any woman would love to hear, including myself. So then why DIDN’T I want to go
out with them? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">It made me stop and think. Why wouldn’t I? Apparently I
made such a big deal about searching for a nice guy that I overlooked a key
part of the quest – desire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If they’re
not the one you can’t wait to get home to see or the one that makes you catch
your breath when you think of them, then it’s about as believable as Lindsey
Lohan as Elizabeth Taylor. And trust me, at some point you and the producers of
that film will be asking exactly the same question: “What was I thinking?”! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Now, before you go getting all "don't go looking a gift horse in the mouth" on me, hear me out. I take back nothing I said about nice guys and how I'd like to find one of my own. I simply mean you have to be realistic about what it is you are looking for. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I guess in horse terms you can put it like this: it’s
like trying to find that perfect balance between a halter horse (known more for
looks), a reining horse (known for excitement) and a ranch horse (known for
practicality and dependability). Now, if you could find me a guy with all of
that it’d be like hitting the equine jackpot of love! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Again, for me anyway, it’s about balance here. After all,
there is cold food and hot food but, when it comes right down to it, you can’t really have steady sustenance if you don’t have fire. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that’s true of food AND relationships.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
Debra Kayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11726102833301855775noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462197295870432711.post-65730888415517233862012-11-28T09:59:00.000-06:002012-11-28T10:02:00.191-06:00They DO Exist!<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">You
know that holiday commercial where the M&Ms and Santa Claus stumble onto each other and give
each other the “He does exist”… “They do exist”… and faint? Well, that’s kinda
how I feel when someone tells me their “Hey, can you believe my sweetie cooked me
dinner and then did the dishes because I was working late” story. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Apparently,
some of you think I have somewhat of a ‘jaded’ view of men these days… Wonder
why. Never mind – that dead horse’s been beat enough. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, where was I? Oh, yes, my reminder. You
see, I was chewed on like a cribbing horse on a carrot juice soaked post for lumping
all men into that one ‘all men are pigs’ category (the old ‘the few pay for the
sins of the many’ thing). Huh? What’s backwards? It’s important to say here
however that the ones who were kind enough to point out that some men are good
are those who are in relationships with them. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Don’t
go fainting like the M&Ms now when I say this but here goes: “They </span></span><span style="font-family: Ravie; font-size: 16pt;"><strong>DO</strong></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">exist.” Yes, I said that with a straight face. Even I know it’s
a statistical improbability that you can lump the entire male species into the ‘jerk’
category. If you could, there’d be no reason for OB-GYNs to hand out pills
because men could simply use their personality as birth control. Come to think
of it, I do know a few that really should. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">So,
to those of you good men who ARE in the category of Santa Claus and talking
M&Ms, I applaud you. To those of you women who are in relationships with
them, I envy you. If there are any of those good men who are by chance single,
please let me know because my flying reindeer need a landing strip.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
Debra Kayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11726102833301855775noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462197295870432711.post-41446685251556980292012-11-26T12:06:00.001-06:002012-11-26T12:06:35.270-06:00THAT WAS YOUR 'ICE BREAKER'?
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Yep,
I’m at it again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While my friends have
been surfing the web since Black Friday for shoes, electronics, toys (for their
kids) and even jewelry, I’ve been using it to net a different sort of gem. And
boy have I seen some doozies and floozies! <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Having
had a couple of days now to reflect on the events of last week has given me a
much better perspective on things… not to mention more writing ammo! No, I CAN’T
help it – not when what some of you guys send is so bad that for me it’s like
shooting fish in a barrel. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">And,
as for some of your opening lines well let’s just say that you want to be
careful what you write to break the proverbial ice – you could end up going
through it instead! I mean really – whose bright idea was it to send someone
you don’t know a message that actually read “Hey, I really liked your ‘pic’ so I thought I'd write to break the ice. I
was wondering how you would look in Victoria’s Secret rather than jeans.
Honestly I wonder how you’d look out of Victoria’s Secret?” Really? You write something like that as an ice breaker and don't expect me to use it as a 'something else' breaker? Then by all means keep writing... I'm taking notes! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">On
the up side, after what happened last week, I needed a different sort of a
‘pick-me-up’ (no not the 2 am lights on at the bar kind thank you very much). I
honestly was just looking for giggles and grins and, like a Disney movie, considering
the messages like the one I just told you about, the computer didn’t let me
down. What’s that? Did I answer that one? What do YOU think? Ummm. NO!! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">And while we're on the subject of 'shopping'... if there’s one thing I can put on your level in the context of
the holiday shopping season it’s this: we’re NOT ‘Toys R Us’. We’re not here
for you to take off the shelf in Aisle 8, only to handle us for a bit then toss us back on any old
shelf in Aisle 10, because you just found the newest doll! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Seriously,
that Victoria’s Secret doll you just picked up may be cute but odds are her idea of camping out
is the Ritz Hotel without hot water. You realize the cost of that stay is about
the equivalent of a downpayment on that bass boat you’ve been eyeing?... And in
rough wake, you know you can count on that boat!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
Debra Kayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11726102833301855775noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462197295870432711.post-44777640178011996412012-11-23T09:35:00.001-06:002012-11-23T09:35:24.883-06:00GAME CHANGER
<span style="font-family: Arial;">QUESTION: What does it mean
when you break up with someone and you suddenly feel like a truckload of wet, molded
hay was just lifted off your shoulders? MY ANSWER: It means the person you were
with was about as good as that molded hay. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Guys, I’m gonna do you a
little favor here… No not THAT kind of favor… mind… gutter… Ok, back now? Good.
Oh, yes, favor. Now, here’s another question: What do you do when your
girlfriend says “Would you rather watch to game or be with me this holiday?” If
you’re hearing the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Jeopardy</i> theme
music while you’re thinking, then that molded hay already looks better than you.
IT’S A TRICK QUESTION to some guys apparently. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Guys, if your girl asks that question,
there is only ONE right answer – anybody know what it is yet? Good for you!
That’s right – the answer is “I can tevo that game and watch it anytime I’d
much rather be with you”. Anything other than that and you’ll find yourself in
the burn pile right along with the molded hay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">How do I know? This happened
to me, fairly recently, too. I was in a relationship with someone that I really
cared about and thought for awhile they cared about me. Little by little, I was
starting to see signs that something was ‘rotten in Denmark’. But, I really,
really liked this guy and wanted things to work out. But, he DID choose the
game over me and city girls would call him something like a “schmuck” or a “putz”.
(Here in the country we call them much worse and believe me – I DID.) </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Guys, do you have a clue how
hurtful something like that is to your lady? What you see: “I just wanted to
watch a game”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What we see: “You chose
tv over me so you must not want to be with me”. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Same picture, two different views.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Now, to the ladies, I must
warn you: DON’T ASK A QUESTION YOU MIGHT NOT WANT THE ANSWER TO! Think about that
very carefully. What you must put into perspective is if he’s showing signs
that you feel the need to ask that question in the first place then odds are
that football game is the least of your worries. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">What did I do? Really, do you
have to ask? Have you been reading my blog? I gave him the boot. Was I hurt? Of
course I was. What girl wouldn’t be? I was extremely hurt to realize that the
man I had fallen for was just a shell. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Moral of the story here: </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">GUYS:
If you really care for your gal then show her - tevo the game and be happily by
her side knowing you can go home and watch that game 3 times if you want to.
And, I assure you, she’ll be very happy and thankful (if you know what I mean).
But, if you're foolish enough to choose a game on tv with absolutely no merit to you over the one person who actually enjoys your company in real time, then your team's loss is nothing compared to yours.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">GALS: If he chooses that game over you then I'd say that gives the phrase 'game changer' a whole new meaning. But, if he records the game and chooses to be with you, don’t
take that for granted because you have no idea how lucky you are. </span></div>
Debra Kayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11726102833301855775noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462197295870432711.post-60145165546689882312012-11-20T10:36:00.000-06:002012-11-20T10:36:25.030-06:00THE SIDEARM AND THE TURKEY
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Ok,
so you knew I had to do it didn’t you? I just couldn’t resist the urge to touch
on the Petraeus/Broadwell/Kelly saga. Sorry but when it’s right there for the
taking, resisting is like trying to keep a shopaholic home on Black Friday. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(You’d have better luck with the
shopaholic).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Now,
if you’ll just give me a minute to adjust my soapbox here… That’s better… Now,
where was I? Oh, yes, right – the good ol’ three way. Shooters sometimes refer
to their pistols as their ‘sidearm’ or their ‘side piece’ meaning that it’s
just hanging there, at their side waiting for the chance to be used. Well, I
can’t think of a better expression to use when talking about Paula Broadwell or
Jill Kelly – can you? (And Kim Kardashian thought she had the market cornered
on that!)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I
know the debate has been raging on about whether or not the General’s private affair
should be considered a matter of national security and to me, I’m kinda torn on
the issue personally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>YES: he was the
head of the CIA and should’ve known that he’d get caught – although it turns
out that came about more as a matter of the old ‘hell hath no fury as a woman
scorned’ scenario, ie, Paula Broadwell’s email to Jill Kelly. NO: it’s a wide
creek to cross from bedroom to war room and I highly doubt when he was with Ms.
Broadwell the war room was what was being discussed (if it was then he had a
lot more serious problems to worry about given the looks of Paula Broadwell)! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Is
it ever right to cheat on your other half? OF COURSE NOT! But at what point do
we in this social media, papparazi hungry society draw the line? I was always
taught you knock before entering someone’s bedroom. There is no more ‘reasonable
expectation of privacy’. The sooner we all realize that the sooner producers of
shows like “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Cheaters</i>” will realize
they’re being replaced by Facebook (gives new meaning to ‘check in’) and
Twitter (a little birdie tweeted that). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Moral
of the story here is: If they did it with you, they’ll do it to you… and they
usually do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, if you want the only
turkey in your house to be the one on your dining room table on Thanksgiving, I suggest
you cater only to your partner’s dressing! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
Debra Kayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11726102833301855775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462197295870432711.post-58726430663310517732012-11-19T09:32:00.003-06:002012-11-19T09:32:40.973-06:00THE SECRET INGREDIENT
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I’m
not just talking about the sugar in your Mamaw’s cornbread or the beer in your
Papaw’s hushpuppies. And no, I’m not even talking about General Petraeus’
squeeze – although she does give new meaning to the phrase ‘soldier’s sidearm’ …
that’s a whole other blog… coming soon to a sarcasm theater near you. This
time, I’m talking about something a little closer to home. This time, I’m
referring to that one thing you can’t put your finger on that just seems to be
missing from someone.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Now,
let’s go back to the sugar in the cornbread and beer in the hushpuppies
analogies for a moment. Let’s say you have 2 pans of cornbread in front of you
– one with the ‘secret’ ingredient and one without and you’re asked to do a
taste test and see if you can tell the difference… Well, duh… of course you can
(especially if you’re from the south). You see, while they’re both very good,
the one with the sugar just has a little something extra, something that makes
you go ‘mmm mmm mmm I’d like some more of that!’ It’s that something extra that
is so good you’ll risk reaching for it if the lights go out with one slice left
on the plate and everyone but you is armed with a fork. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, been there done that, got the fork holes
in my hand to prove it! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Anybody
see where I’m going with this yet? I knew you were smart. Of course you do…
relationships. Just like those secret ingredients, there’s something we’re
always looking for in that special someone in our lives. Whether it’s an extra
dedication to work, or the person who always seems to have a little extra time
for their kids or their parents or close family members. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For
me, my sugar is compassion. It’s that person who has the heart of little “Cindy
Lou” as opposed to the “Grinch” from Dr. Seuss’ “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">How the Grinch Stole Christmas</i>”. Without compassion, children can’t
be cured from cancer because no one would care to give. Without compassion,
soldiers returning home from war would all be homeless and hungry because no
one would care enough to see them and take them in. I look for someone who
cares for more than just what’s in their immediate vicinity – for that shows
the true depth of their heart.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">To
me, compassion is the sugar - the secret ingredient in a relationship. Like the
cornbread with no sugar, if it’s missing, it isn’t good enough to keep me
wanting more. There’s a saying that the most important ingredient in a recipe
is LOVE. And here in the south that ranks right up there with the lard that
goes into our homemade pie crusts! Why should it be any different in a relationship?
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Without compassion, love is sugarless
cornbread.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">This
week, especially, how about we all use a little extra sugar… and not just in
the cornbread!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></span></div>
Debra Kayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11726102833301855775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462197295870432711.post-81117297892315977252012-11-15T12:38:00.002-06:002012-11-15T12:38:29.970-06:00SHHHH..... DID YOU HEAR THAT?
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Ok, get ready ‘cause my soapbox has had a
good rest and I’ve got a good lesson for today! Now, this is something I’ve
touched on in the past but I believe it bears repeating. Today’s message:
‘actions (or inactions) speak much louder than words. Yes, guys, we DO notice
those things too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Generally, it’s been my experience that if
you want to get to know someone you ask them questions. To me, in fact, that’s
a very good gauge for how much someone is interested. When I meet someone that
I’m really interested in, I enjoy finding out about them, their life, what they
want from it, that sort of thing. No, not like a job interview... although, I guess it could be considered that way. If I’m not that interested, the questions are
about as plentiful as Coastal grass in the desert. So, naturally, I look for
those same indicators from the person I’m with. You see, you can actually find
out quite a bit more about someone by what they DON’T do or ask than what they
DO. For instance, if they’re more interested in what you do for a living and
why, if you can do more, things like that than what you are looking for in a
relationship and out of life, well that should be a huge red flag.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Another indicator – that they have no
interest in your friends, family or activities outside them. If ‘something
suddenly came up’ when you extend an invitation to them to join you and your
friends somewhere becomes a recurring theme – you should probably subscribe to
the Bill Ingvall theory of “here’s your sign”! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Now this is for those of us who are not
married obviously but I suppose to a certain extent it could apply to all
those, too. Let me set the scene for you: you’re having a conversation with
your significant other… What’s that? Where? It doesn’t matter…Anyway, like I
was saying, conversation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Like Edith Bunker to Archie on “All In the
Family”, you ask one simple question: “How was your day?” And with that, like
Archie’s typical long-winded, one-sided response, they’re off. Then you’ve been
sitting there for 20 minutes now listening to them go on and on about their
day, their co-workers, their family, their life and it suddenly hits you -
you’ve been sitting there for 20 minutes now listening to them go on and on
about their day, their co-workers, their family, THEIR life. What about yours?
So, when they stop to take a breath you interject a little tidbit that you
think is equally as interesting from your day (I wouldn’t suggest leading with
the office gossip about the party girl that sits next to you though) when
suddenly, without warning, they’ve turned it back to them again. How did that
happen?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">So, if you want to know if someone is REALLY
interested in you, listen for what’s NOT being asked… You just might hear
what's actually being said. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Debra Kayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11726102833301855775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462197295870432711.post-27445354571139875752012-11-02T09:43:00.000-05:002012-11-02T09:43:07.939-05:00NATIONAL DAY OF THE BFF<div style="text-align: justify;">
What do you mean 'that's not a holiday'? It should be don't you think?<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> Seeing as how my soap box
has a touch of laryngitis and may take til Monday to get better, I thought I’d
continue on yesterday’s theme about friends. We’ve all said this phrase at one
time or another I’m sure (I know I have): “We couldn’t be closer if we were
blood-related”. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This expression got me
to thinking. (I’ll wait while you get through with your ‘oh, so that’s what
that smell is… I thought you were burning bacon’ comments.) All good now? Ok
then.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">We all have people that come and go in our
lives, co-workers, significant others, acquaintances. What about those people,
though, who seem to be able to stick with us inspite of us? You know the ones,
those that have run to us moments after getting the text about the most
horrible break-up you’ve ever had (even though it’s 1 am), or reached out to
you even after you forgot something significant in their life just to see if
you’re alright. They don’t do those things because of any blood relation, they
do them because of a love relation… A true friend’s love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">I myself, as I said yesterday, have been
blessed with very good friends along my life’s path. Some of from decades ago,
some of them in this millennium.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But,
all of them have one thing in common – they all are people that I know are
genuine, kind, strong people (male and female).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>One of them, my best friend Barbie, is just such a person.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">She and I met about 8 years ago at a
time when I was on another soap box (it was the first cousin to the one I have
now but it had to retire due to stress fractures – I stressed and it fractured).
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew right away the first time we
spoke she was just one of those people that once you meet them, you never
forget them. She’s not only a great friend but she’s also a great person and a
fantastic mom and is a beauty inside and out. She’s absolutely one of my main
role models for life. One thing I so very much appreciate about her is the fact
that you don’t hear her putting other people down (umm, I know, I know, I could
learn a few lessons there). Oh, don't get me wrong here - she most definitely will tell me what I need to hear not just what I want to - another hallmark of a TRUE friend - and I'm very glad she's that way. It's kept me from hitting more than one ditch over the years... yes, that IS ditch with a 'd' not a 'b'... although..... oh, sorry, that's another blogpost. Suffice it to say she's saved my bacon more than once! </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">What was that? Is she taken? What do you think? Of course she is. She's fabulous isn't she? And I'm here to tell you, together they exemplify what a REAL relationship is.
My observance of them over the years has served at times as a renewal of the hope that I too could find someone and for that I’m eternally grateful. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> (</span>You ever notice that the letters ‘r-e-a-l’ are in relationship – just a little mixed
up?) Hmmm. Interesting… </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Anyway, as I was saying, through all the
years of ups and downs, life and loves, Barbie and I have been there for each
other. Today is her birthday and yet I’m the one who feels like I got the gift –
the gift of her friendship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">If you have someone like this in your life,
make this your “National Day of My Best Friend” and tell them “Thank you
for the gift of your friendship and consider this my 'will be there' RSVP of mine to you”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
Debra Kayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11726102833301855775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462197295870432711.post-54718807530660164242012-11-01T09:50:00.000-05:002012-11-01T09:50:19.928-05:00UP AGAINST THE WALL
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">TODAY’S POST IS DEDICATED TO THOSE FRIENDS WE
HAVE THAT HAVE REMAINED WITH US OVER THE DECADES, KIDS AND DIVORCES.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Now, I know we’ve all heard that saying “up
against the wall” and it’s one of those sayings that can have many meanings,
usually something like you’re in a tough spot. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For me, it transports me back to the spring of
1980, my senior year in high school. Let me paint you a picture here – I think
you’ll like the subject…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Like any other high school senior I was
looking forward to 2 things – prom and graduation. You see, that year, I had a
boyfriend… one I could actually take home to meet my mother… and he had agreed
to take me to my prom. On top of that, I had many college scholarships offered
to me so entry into college was secure. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">The cherry on top of that triple scoop of ice
cream was the fact that I had a couple of really good friends. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> One of them (Paula), was definitely one of those people you want in the trenches with you if things got 'dicey'. (I think we hit it off because we were both a bit ummm outspoken.) Another</span> of them was a guy (Greg) I had met that went to a
high school across the river from me in Monroe, Louisiana. Greg was just one of
those guys you could always count on, day or night, good weather or bad, to be
there for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(I believe he was the
original prototype teddy bear.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Even back then going muddin’ or four-wheelin’
was the big thing to do (and you kids today thought you invented that) and he
had a four-wheel drive that was a blast. So, we spent a lot of time riding
around, talking about life, where we wanted it to take us, (not really caring
how we got there). You know, the normal things teenagers that age think about
when they’re too ‘old’ to consider themselves teens and not old enough to
realize that’s exactly what they are. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Anyway... this particular friend... well there
was just always something a little extra special about him and a week before my
prom, he reminded me why. Remember that awesome boyfriend I was telling you
about? HE DUMPED ME DAYS BEFORE MY PROM. I was a wreck. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Deeply depressed, I cried loud and long on my friend’s
shoulder. I don’t know if it was the fact he wanted to help me out or that he
just wanted to stop my wailing but, whatever the case, in his usual quiet way,
he said he’d be happy to take me to my prom. As usual, he had swooped in on his
white horse (umm, more like a four-wheel drive) and turned my devastation into
delight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">We went to my prom and it is still one of my most
cherished memories from my senior year. As we were leaving, the last song that
was playing was the Jerry Jeff Walker tune “Up Against the Wall Redneck Mother”.
It may not have been the most romantic song but it was certainly fitting for
where and how we grew up. Being there, with my REAL friend, I believe is what made it so special.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Greg and I remain friends today, I’m proud to
say, despite the Texas-Louisiana border. I know some say women can’t be friends
with men or vice versa but I’m here to tell you that’s about as wrong as
picturing Santa Claus in a thong at the beach!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Let me tell you something, people: having a
friend like that in your life, someone you can count on, cry on and, still to
this day call on, is worth more than any stock investment. (After all, you’ll
see plus and minus signs next to stock investments while friendship investments
are ALWAYS positive - with interest.)</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Debra Kayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11726102833301855775noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462197295870432711.post-31003970884512916952012-10-31T10:52:00.001-05:002012-10-31T10:52:40.169-05:00THE SCARIEST TRICK? ... TEENAGERS!
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Showcard Gothic"; font-size: 20pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">WELCOME TO MY ‘WEB’….<o:p></o:p></span></i></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">EEEEEKKKKK! Good thing it’s Halloween – I’d
hate for all this good fright to go to waste. Have you ever had the opportunity
to read some of the text messages on your teenager’s phone, especially any that
pertain to you? Well I have and talk about an eyeball-popping, blood curdling
scream experience! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Seriously, if you EVER want to know how your
kids feel about you, read their text. Believe me, they’re in too big a hurry to
edit (or sugar coat) it. Now, hold on, save those pitchforks and cauldrons for
trick or treating – I wasn’t just snooping. If the little darling isn’t wise
enough to keep it put away from the prying eyes of school administrators then
it’s fair game as ‘inquiring minds want to know’. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">All I can say, though, is careful what you
wish for, especially when the motto of the day is “TRICK OR TREAT”. Now, your
experience could be different than mine; perhaps your young man (or lady) thinks
you do no wrong and walk on water (in which case may I point the way to the
Vatican in Rome as that’s where all saints go). My experience, however, was one
that I could equate to kinda like loving chocolate but being allergic to peanut
butter and getting nothing but Reese’s and Snickers in your Halloween pumpkin. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Ravie; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">HAPPY HALLOWEEN TO ALL</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">… May you all have more treats than tricks (unless
you prefer it the other way around in which case is a whole other blogpost!) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span>Debra Kayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11726102833301855775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462197295870432711.post-79047023981747389302012-10-30T10:04:00.000-05:002012-10-30T10:04:43.497-05:00CUE CARDS AND THE CHANGING CANVAS
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">In
light of the darkness brought about by what was “Hurricane Sandy”, or “Frankenstorm”,
or whatever you wish to call it, I am
overwhelmed by the gravity of the climatological catastrophe that will no doubt
forever change the landscape of the Northeast United States.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I also subscribe to that old saying: “If
I don’t laugh, I’m just gonna sit right down and cry.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Besides,
one could make the argument that especially in the dark, levity does provide
some light. I myself am no stranger to that concept, choosing to use humor as a
defense mechanism in the face of strife. (Of course that may be why those
around me say I have a sick sense of humor sometimes, too.) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I’ve
been seeing all these ‘fake’ photos circulating around the web, allegedly
showing scenes of sharks swimming through a neighborhood street or water
washing waist high on the Statue of Liberty and they got me to thinking… I
know, I know about time right?! Anywho… thinking… makes you think - those make
about as much sense as the meteorologists standing knee deep in water,
struggling against 40 mph wind gusts all the while reading cue cards telling us
“If you’re in this area GET OUT”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Umm…
They call them cue cards for a reason people! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Oh,
and speaking of cue cards (you knew I was gonna head my horse down this trail
at some point didn’t you) wouldn’t they be convenient to have on a date! I’ve
been in more than a few situations in the past when they would’ve come in downright
handy. For instance, the time I agreed to go on a date with a guy that I met at
the auto parts store only to find out he didn’t have a car. Non-driving auto
guy - How’s that for an oxymoron… or just plain moron? Anyway, I sure could’ve
used a cue card to get me out of that one. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Anyway, in all sincerity,
to all those on the East Coast, my thoughts and prayers go out for you. I hope
for you the ability to see that yesterday’s landscape is now perhaps tomorrow’s
canvas and that your heart and your strength are able to guide your brush.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
Debra Kayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11726102833301855775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462197295870432711.post-25654781875960071022012-10-26T12:13:00.001-05:002012-10-26T12:13:56.232-05:00NEVER JUDGE A FACE(book) BY ITS COVER
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</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Ok, I’d like to take a poll here (I have to
because my soapbox’s last Facebook status put it somewhere near Austin). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyway, like I was saying – a poll.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How many of you (men and women) are in some
sort of a relationship?... Wow, that many?... Then let’s whittle it down a bit
as my Papaw use to say. How many of you are in a relationship and have your real
relationship status posted on your Facebook for all the world to see? I’m
impressed. Now, one more question. How many of you are in a relationship, with
your status posted for the world’s view and are accepting friends that your
significant other has no clue who they are and THEIR status says… you guessed
it… SINGLE?! I wondered where that cricket went! Well, then, here’s a better
question… WHY? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">A friend and I were visiting recently and we
decided to do some poking around on Facebook (no not the Facebook version) just
to take a random sampling – kinda like the county fair pie judges do. To say we
hit paydirt would be like calling the California Gold Strike a winning
scratch-off ticket. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Now I realize there are those in the herd
(mares and stallions alike) that change their relationship status so often it’s
like breeding season at the ranch. Of course they would be more difficult to
keep up with (like TMZ trying to keep up with James Bond’s girlfriends). But
this isn’t really about that herd. This is more for those who really do at
least make an attempt to have one filly (or stallion) in their barn. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">So, now back to the original question of WHY.
If their answer is something like “My computer did it”, well that’s the
equivalent of “The dog ate my homework” (and about as likely). Ok, ok, ok, now
stop that – that last tomato almost hit me! Yes, I realize there ARE exceptions
and allowances like those people from work or in that person’s industry. Geez! I’m
from the country not an Alaskan tundra after all. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">To sum it up: Guys, if you’re in a
relationship with an alpha mare but decide you fancy the filly with the
stockings on the other side of the fence, then before the alpha mare turns you
into the ‘literary’ gelding, you might want to make sure you're ready to clear the
fence first. (Otherwise you could end up a gelding one way or another anyhow.) I hear a few of you mares whinnying at that so just hold up... If you’re happy with your own private
treaty breeding program, then you might want to give your stallion the heads up
if some little colt wants to meet you at the fence! (It can get awfully cold and lonely when you're the only one in your barn - and that goes for fillies and colts alike).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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</div>
Debra Kayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11726102833301855775noreply@blogger.com0