La Vie en Curlsz Part One

Missing my old Blog

2010-06-18T20:48:00.003-05:00

I really miss this old blog, while cruising my friend Lindsay's blog - Cotter Crunch - I saw my old blog address hanging out over on the right side of her menu. I got so sentimental I had to click on it. It's so cute and cheary here why did I ever leave? Oh yes, because I'm a web geek and I must try new things.

Well now that I'm actually writing on good ol' blogspot once again I'm remembering alot of the things I didn't like about it. And now that I have created about umpteen jillion websites in Wordpress I just can't help but compare the two.

I moved from here to combine my photography site and my blog site - but the blogging platform on my photography site stinks - so I'm thinking a divorce is in the works...I've contacted my attorney, he can have the beta fish and the BP stocks, no hard feelings.

But this was my first blog, before I knew any better. Kind of like well I won't tell you his name. And it served me well and serves many others well, and for that blogspot has got it going on....Soooo what should I do?

Hmmm subdomain perhaps? Stay tuned....

Blog Moving Day

2009-03-17T14:03:00.003-05:00

I am oddly sentimental. Today the old avocado green oven is being taken away and a part of me says "awww".

It's also officially moving day for La Vie en Curlsz... The site I use for my photography page(Snap Pages) now has a blog tool - so one stop shopping so to speak. I am keeping this site active - who knows I may decide to return to the original recipe. But for now it's time to move on.

So please come visit me at my new home so to speak.

Ps this site will be archived on my new site as well. There is also a RSS feed on the new site for those of you that are in to that...

I remember when...

2009-03-13T18:00:00.003-05:00

I thought perhaps I should take notes on this insane "financial crisis" for Grandparents day 2049. You know when your grand kids say "grandma, grandpa weren't you alive when...?". Because I'm imaging they are going to be quizzed on terms such as Ponzi Scheme, Subprime Lending and Stimulus Bill. They'll be learning about President Barack Obama, Bernie Madoff and Henry Paulson. And there is no way I'm remembering all this crap come age 72ish!

Although at this point who can afford children? So the family tree may have just died due to lack of funding.

I'm entitling my notes - the age of being screwed over by greedy millionaires, loosely based on events as I see them...

Which leads me to the video of the day...it's the full episode and it's so popular right now it is being a bit slow - John Stewart facing off with Jim Cramer on the irresponsibility of financial commentators. It's goooooood.

As American as....

2009-03-03T14:31:00.002-06:00

mmmm Royers!!!

Garland: "Oh my gosh, what do we do with all this?"

On the way home from Kirbey Lane...

2009-03-03T14:08:00.004-06:00

And this is why I prefer to walk...

A bit you tube crazy

2009-02-22T18:15:00.002-06:00

Looking over my blog apparently I bought stock in You Tube and am single handily trying to keep them afloat...

I'll get to some no clip related blogging soon...perhaps.

Or, Everything is Amazing, No One is Any Happier

2009-02-22T16:13:00.003-06:00

Thank you Sherry - I had to share this...

Wanda on the Bailout

2009-02-19T18:31:00.001-06:00

What The World Eats

2009-02-16T18:36:00.004-06:00

What the World Eats, from the book "Hungry Planet"

(Egypt: $68.53, favorite foods is okra and mutton)

I stumbled upon some pictures on facebook, various families and what they eat. It also gave the breakdown of how much money they spend on an average week on their food. I was pretty fascinated. I really liked looking at the pictures and details and analyzing how some cultures lean towards more breads or some towards more vegetables. Though the American family in the south apparently leans towards all pre-made foods, shocker.

It's also fascinating to see how much or little they spend. I believe the photographer tried to do an average, obviously some families eat more or less, and differently than others but this is an average based on that culture.

(Germany: $500.07, favorite foods fried potatoes with onions, bacon and herring, fried noodles with eggs and cheese, pizza, vanilla pudding

CEO Screw the Public Take Two

2009-02-08T15:15:00.003-06:00

Actually apparently "they" are trying to make it right now - and by right I mean weasel their way out of the mess they created and hiding it with an illusion of correcting the situation.

The Colbert ReportMon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

Colbert Platinum - Ass-Covering Edition

Colbert Report Full Episodes
Funny Political News

Christian Bale Parody
Joke of the Day

You're Growing Like a Weed

2009-02-06T23:39:00.008-06:00

I can not believe how fast my Hyacinthia has grown. If you'll remember this is the plant Garland gave me for passing my insurance exam. My "success" plant.

I do hope my success grows as fast as this beauty - but not quite so crooked. I'm trying to rotate it so it will grow more upwards but so far eh. (Ps you should smell it, scratch and sniff technology unavailable at this moment)

Before (Jan 26th) and After (Feb 6)

Bailout means helping pay for banking luxury?

2009-02-04T13:10:00.003-06:00

You know what - let's not mince words. I'm pissed!!! I'm pissed at these ridiculous corporate banks and business crying that they need more money and frankly running their companies into the crapper and appealing to the government and American public for a bailout ONLY to then turn around and spend like it's 1985 all over again!

First of all they don't tell us what they use OUR money for - then they continue to keep interest rates at an all time high and now we find out that they are not only continuing to give huge bonuses to select people but they are spending money on things like corporate jets, Vegas luxury retreats and thank you CEO of Merrill Lynch for spending OVER a million dollars redecorating your office!!! I mean don't we all need a $1400 trash can?

This is beyond ridiculous, beyond eye rolling - this is insanity!!! This is like having your parents pay off your debt and then turning around and buying a sports car with who knows what money?! And come to think - there were actually some congressmen that predicted this behavior. I think these idiots should work for free for the next 5 years - and by free I mean NO salary, no bonuses, nada. And any luxury items they want comes out of their pocket. Sound drastic - let's be honest - they have assets you and I can not comprehend - they will be fine!

I worked for a small business through college - and when times were tough my boss didn't take a pay check home in order to keep the business going and pay his employees. That's how it works!

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Shoot for the Stars

2009-01-31T19:21:00.005-06:00

As much as I love this town - it's vibe for art, education, music and culture - it is shockingly lacking in great museums.

Even Midland has a planetarium - and as a former volunteer (dork alert) I have been itching to see the stars. But alas no stars to be had (pardon the melodrama, I've watched 2 hours of American Idol today)

Then I waltzed into Moltov last night to be greeted by the Austin Planetarium fundraiser!!! Yay - Austin, welcome to the show.

Zombies in Austin

2009-01-30T12:00:00.001-06:00

I LOVE this town!! We even made the Rachel Maddow show. Imagine my delight as I'm watching this show and Austin makes an appearance - for something completely unique and crazy!

Pardon the (boring) entry to the video - watch the full thing though.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Always check their homework!

2009-01-28T13:52:00.002-06:00

I don't normally post email jokes - but this was way too good not to pass around!

(Here's the reply the teacher received the following day)
Dear Mrs. Jones,
I wish to clarify that I am not now, nor have I ever been, an exotic dancer.
I work at Home Depot and I told my daughter how hectic it was last week before the blizzard hit. I told her we sold out every single shovel we had, and then I found one more in the back room, and that several people were fighting over who would get it. Her picture doesn't show me dancing around a pole. It's supposed to depict me selling the last snow shovel we had at Home Depot.
From now on I will remember to check her homework more thoroughly before she turns it in.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Smith

Happy Cold Weather Day

2009-01-27T12:14:00.006-06:00

And on this day I actually get to snuggle on the couch with my favorite blankie!

With a view of frosted windows and my new beautiful congratulatory plants.

For this treatment I'll pass tests more often

2009-01-27T11:52:00.005-06:00

I hate tests - the studying, the cramming all of it. Test anxiety doesn't even begin to describe it. I had to take another state licensing exam - this time for general life and health insurance (new side job), and it about did me in!! Prepping for it didn't drag out as much as the ol' real estate license did but still - state licensing exams are a pain in the arse no matter how much you prep for it.

By Sunday night I had had it - and was ready to throw the towel in. A lovely sharp pain behind my left eye told me I was literally giving myself a stress headache.

But like any other trial once the pain is over it's just a bad memory. I passed, thank God!!! And for my treat Garland showed up on my door last night with balloons, a potted Hyacinthia and all the fixins for mahi mahi & salmon with mango sauce!!!

Very sweet indeed - but minus the balloons each item had a meaning. Potted plant instead of flowers because cut flowers are basically dead flowers and will be in the trash in a matter of days. Plus he knows how much I love plants - and he figured we'd watch my success grow as we watched these beautiful flowers grow. On the other hand - I really hope my success doesn't wither and die if these plants don't make it! The dinner was because I love mahi mahi and salmon and I LOVE mango!!!

PS he's not so much smiling but laughing because I feel the odd need to photo log every event. I haven't told him my idea of Kodak eyes yet, wait till that technology come into play!!!

Democracy of One? Rachel Sounds Off

2009-01-25T12:36:00.003-06:00

THIS is why I love this woman - and this is also why I fully support more speeches from Governor "F" word Blagojevich. He is so "F"ing entertaining - as he would say. When you start comparing yourself to a wronged cowboy - you have got MY attention.

Also, I have been wondering for a while now - how it is "right" that a governor (emphasis on the letter A) picks the next senator. Vote anyone?

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Happy Inaugural Day

2009-01-20T18:01:00.004-06:00

Whether you are an Obama supporter or not - we all should take a moment to reflect in the fact that we are living out history. As a history major this really amazes me. Not that it's an inauguration - those come every 4 years. But 45 years after Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech we are inducting our first black/blackish President. Side note King hoped we would have a black President in 40 years from his speech, he optimistically hoped based on what was happening in 1964 that it could even be 25 years.

Think about it - one race, one sex of individual has held this office since George Washington. Other nationalities and women have successfully been elected and placed in various challenging positions in our government and industries, but not the Presidency till now

Seven of the Little Rock Nine - the 9 children that integrated the Little Rock School system, were able to attend this event. The surviving members of the Tuskegee Airmen were also in attendance of our inauguration.

And it has spread globally. Did you know there is a large sect of black Iraqi's that are amongst the poorest of their nation. They hold no governmental office of any kind and are heavily discriminated against. And you thought discrimination was regulated to the United States? Because of our election and inauguration they have banded together to change their outcome, to begin to fight the poverty and discrimination handed down to them from the generations before them. Ancestrally slaves from Africa, transported to Iraq, they have now formed a group to seek public office to change their destiny.

See it's not just about us - this is a global manifestation and I truly hope we understand what we are seeing today is a reflection of change - whether he is a good President or not - he is still the first. And being the first carries a lot of weight.

Mutt and Jeff

2009-01-16T18:44:00.003-06:00

(Mutt and Jeff is a reference to two friends of distinct disproportional size)

I want a dog, and I want an elephant, and a cat and a monkey. And I want them all to live happily ever after with me and my family...kind of like this

How to make politics fun

2009-01-11T14:23:00.002-06:00

In my opinion Stephen Colbert and John Stewart have aced how to make a frustrated and dull part of life into a hilarity! Usually just by pointing out the ridiculousness of politicians and finance fat cats that take themselves way to seriously and expect us to as well.

This interview says it all! From intriguing suggestions on border control to discussing Utah's "diversity"...

The Colbert ReportMon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

Better Know a District - Utah's 3rd - Jason Chaffetz

Colbert at Christmas
Colbert Christmas DVD

Green Screen
Bill O'Reilly Interview

My favorite line - "According to my research Utah's third district is one of the most diverse districts in the state, tell me about your black person is he nice, cause there are some very nice ones."

Everyone needs a little inspiration sometimes

2009-01-08T23:26:00.003-06:00

So far 2009 is proving to be a very big transition year for me. And it's not always easy to transition into a completely new world. At times I just want to chuck it all and curl in bed with my favorite soft blanket and watch old movies and read my books. But even if I had the luxury of that lifestyle I'd be bored and irritable by the end of the week. I'm a "do.er" and a do.er must do!

I ran across this blog today - it is a truly inspirational story - if being ambushed on a trail by a mountain lion can't keep you down - nothing will!

Some favorite quotes (courtesy of Anne Hjelle)

I have learned valuable lessons. By telling my story, I hope others can reap the benefits of the challenges I have endured, without having to experience the pain.

Throughout my recovery, I waged a mental battle against negativity; I was determined to live my life as an example—as a warrior.

With God’s help, I have learned to conquer fear in my life.

...determined to prove to myself that I was not held prisoner by the trauma I had suffered.

I realized that I determined how others reacted to me. Even on days when I lacked self-confidence, I chose to put on a smile. I acted strong when I didn’t feel strong—and before long, I was strong!

Facials and fun

2009-01-02T17:09:00.004-06:00

This is what happens when an only child grows up to be an adult...

So this was Garland's first facial. It started by me plucking his eye brows- to avoid the infamous uni brow. I then decided it was necessary to Nair his brows for better results - then light bulb, we need to do a facial!

Event went something like this.

G: I think my cucumbers are sliding.
M: No they are fine.

G: Baby i'm sliding, i'm slidin...
M: I promise you aren't sliding.

M: Quit scrunching your face.
G: I can't help it, it feels weird.

M: Stop acting like I am hurting you.
G: I can't help it, it's weird!!

Year in review, life in review

2009-01-01T17:10:00.006-06:00

I often like to play the game "where was I a year ago today". It's just a fun little reflection on a year - and not necessarily at New Years, it could be the middle of the year and I will reflect to the last 365 days.

Usually a year is made up of minor occurrence and a lot of daily life - occasionally life changing events will happen unexpectedly like babies, new jobs etc. But those are all events - and events are an easy way to mark time and life changes. At times reflections come through changes within ourselves - those aren't always given the recognition they deserve. You know, someone asks you what's going on, how are you - and you start rattling off events - and if there are no events you say "nothing much". But how often do we acknowledge with other people what is different within us - a change within ourselves?

So my year in review - it ended up being a life changing year - not so much because of any events but because of changes in me.

This time last year I was sitting on my couch sick as a dog - going through tissue like water. No biggie, winter flu was everywhere last year, most of you probably had it as well. Unfortunately, mine wouldn't go away, for months I flip flopped between sick and well. I started to wonder if there was something more going on with me than just the flu. A friend mentioned that often times mental health has a huge play in our physical health. I didn't scoff the idea - in fact a guilty "you got me" look must have crept up on my face because she paused and then sincerely said to me "that's it isn't it, something's wrong". I had to admit something was wrong, every year when my birthday rolls around I kind of loose it. That's how I mark my year to year - my birthday (September). And each year a fog of depression rolled in and settled in for a spell. Gradually it lifted, but not without leaving some damage behind. This time it wasn't lifting and I had no idea what to do about it.

I have been seeing a counselor for a while - it has been through her that I have identified several unhealthy patterns in my life - including my little birthday depression. She asked me why and naturally I looked for events to blame - lack of significant life events that should have happened by now was always my initial scapegoat. What it boiled down to was I didn't know why I was living under this gray cloud, I had no idea. And for me - having no idea and no answers is a tragedy in and of itself.

So I looked for answers. But none were to be found. I had all the symptoms of depression. Anti social behaivor, tired all the time, not able to shake a cold or flu, apathy over everything in my life, I wasn't working out, I had the most erratic sleeping and eating patterns and over all I just didn't care. I've been through this before, in fact this funk has come and gone the majority of my life - probably since I was a teenager. But what do you do - you just pray and hope it gets better. And you fake it - really well.

Some of you reading this were with me when I finally admitted to having a depression - years ago - but in my mind it came and went. That was a lie. It came and stayed, I just learned to live with it. Like an unwanted house guest that won't leave. It's like having a bum knee - you just learn to adjust, sometimes you compensate. And at times it feels better or worse, depends on the day.

March of this past year I had had enough - the breakdown came one night and I decided I couldn't go on like this. So step one admiting I had a problem - check. Step two, ask for help. (I think that's how it goes, if not humor me here) So I contacted my counselor then my doctor. Bloodwork showed no thyroid issue (runs on my mother's side) - which left me with one big decision - treat this issue for what it is, mental depression (clinical depression) whatever you want to call it, which means medication...or continue to ignore it and just hope it gets better one day.

This was a huge admission for me - taking medicine for this was admitting I couldn't fix it on my own. I literally broke down in my doctors office when she suggested we try out some medicine for three months. Her words really helped though - explaing to me it's an illness just like any other condition, arthritis etc. If I was sick or hurt I'd naturally take medicine - why would I deny taking medicine for this?

At first I didn't notice much of a change - but flash forward three months and it was like a fog had lifted over my head. It was literally as if I had woken up - I don't ever want to live in that fog again. The thought of it actually makes me cringe, it's like being locked up in a cage the majority of your life - and after being set free someone shows you that cage again as a reminder - the sight of the cage makes you sick, makes you cringe. Thus a little white pill everyday - small price to pay in my opinion.

The other side of this coin is it opened up a lot of my family history and conversation with my normally tight lipped mother. Come to find out, depression ran on both sides of my family. After all this happened my mother admitted she had suspected this since I was in high school but didn't really know how to approach me about it. That's understandable, I tend to think I can handle everything myself and don't need her advice.

So this New Years was much improved, sushi with friends followed by champagne and creme brulee with my dear sweet boyfriend, Garland.

I do not use him or any other event in my life as a measurement of happiness, I've always felt happiness comes within, everything else is just icing on the cake. So on to 2009 - happy new year!

PS be looking for the new website - pretty excited to have that in effect.

Ode to my mother

2008-12-26T10:16:00.004-06:00

My mother informed me we had not one single picture together since time was formed - so operation mother daughter picture was in effect!

Why I look Latino I have no idea - maybe it was the camera, yeah that's it. We barely look related here - but if you were ever around us for 10 seconds you'd see the personality resemblances immediately. The woman has a quick whit and smart ass mouth to boot! We fight like old ladies but it's 98% in jest - except when she acts like I'm 4 years old and insists on telling me how to do everything!!

The other day she started questioning how I make my coffee - "are you putting hot water in that pot, do you clean out your filter...." No mom, I have only been living on my own since I was 18 and taking care of myself since I was 10 but I have no idea what I'm doing - thank you so much for coming down to Austin once a year to check up on me and see if I'm able to put my shoes on the correct feet!

The running joke when she is getting on my nerves is "keep on old lady - we'll be shopping for nursing homes by dinner". Whenever we are driving around sometimes I'll take the time to drive her by a shack or a nursing home and stop in front and ask her what she thinks of this place - I tell her I put in an application last week. This joke really got some mileage this weekend as we were delivering Christmas Bureau gifts in East Austin this week. The trashier the house the better - but it never works - it's bred into a mother to boss and nag her daughter till her daughter wants to strangle her self or her mother.

So Christmas was fun, fabulous and exhausting - but lots of funny memories. From discussions and jokes on sex to meeting the boyfriend, to her lecturing me on how I really should get some window coverings to help keep the house warmer, it was all fun.

My bed's too high, my couch is too low, my porch steps too steep and my house is too cold - but even if I fixed all that, she's still a mom and will find something else to gripe about later. Quote of the trip regarding the couch - "damn, why don't you just put some pillows on the floor and call that a couch" LOL!!!

Southern Smarts

2008-12-20T20:06:00.003-06:00

Only in the south! If your car AC doesn't work, make your own...

I Heart Fair Trade

2008-12-14T13:33:00.002-06:00

So I'm a huge fan of fair trade - coffee etc. I just really like the fact that a local worker or artisan can actually make a living from their work and have a fighting chance against the large corporations which we can never get away from using.

So Shawna came home with a huge bottle of Palestinian Olive Oil (no olive is not restricted to Italy) from a fair trade organization - Trade As One - that was selling goods at church this morning. Gagaga!!! That's the mode my brain automatically went in - I must find out more about this organization!!!

So disclaimer I have very little exposure to this organization so we'll be learning about it together. But I can already tell you - the Hagar bag from Cambodia - yummy!

The Town Lake Chicken

2008-12-10T13:47:00.003-06:00

Yep there is a resident chicken at town lake - I have no idea why - oh because it's Austin.

Dollar Makeup the Final Chapter

2008-12-10T01:25:00.005-06:00

So I believe this company runs this dollar makeup often or all the time - haven't quite figured it out. But it's ok cause I made out like a bandit!

If you're looking for suggestions - from what I bought so far I love

The body butter - I've used the Cucumber Melon and Lavender - I like both, now which to gift away- argh!!
The eyelash/eyebrow
The eyelash curler
These tweezers
The eye shadow cream
The hypershine lip gloss

Eh on the chapstick - it's chapstick - nothing that special, I've had better.

Funniest thing about all this - I see on their website they carry this at Big Lot's - guess where I am reluctantly going tomorrow.

Dollar makeup - yes please, I'll take it all

2008-12-04T11:26:00.004-06:00

Bless you Miss Nobles for blogging this.

So ELF cosmetics is selling out their stock for $1 most items, some items are $2. I just hit the mother load!!!!!!!

Rumor is they did this last year as well - or they have been bought out and changing their packaging - or I really don't care just give me that lip gloss because it's a FREAKING DOLLAR!!!

And men, they have great gift stuff so this blog's for you too.

Ps - spend $30 or more - put in FREESHIP2008 as your coupon and your $7 shipping charge is waved.

ELF Cosmetics Website

Adopt adopt adopt for Christmas!!!

2008-12-03T12:30:00.003-06:00

Ok let's be honest - we're all cutting back this Christmas and by cutting back I mean we eat out twice a week rather than four - yes?

So I'm in charge of Keller Williams Angel Tree this year. I was told adopt three senior citizens, well I was actually told two but I fanagled one more in there. It's because the tree is a mix of refugees from war torn countries, Keller Williams families etc. But I knew once I looked at the bureau's list it was going to be hard just to stick to three.

Many of these seniors want things like a blanket, an electric can opener, and that's it!

So sure enough I look at the list today, families, disabled and seniors - tears streaming down my face! I wanted to take them all. People on there were saying things like "I have to choose between rent this month and the electric bill so I don't have money for gifts".

So I'm using all my internet pull at this moment to beg (not ask) but beg you to adopt an individual or family this Christmas. Even if your church or work is doing it - grab an extra etc. Take the money for one night of eating out and use it towards this. Please!

Austin Christmas Bureau Website http://www.cbofaustin.org/

Not a cheetoh fan I suppose

2008-12-01T17:57:00.000-06:00

Splenda Pumpkin Pie

2008-11-27T15:32:00.002-06:00

I'm usually the pie maker, not because I'm fantastic at it but because no one else wants to do it but everyone wants the pie! Some of you may know I'm not a huge fan of white sugar, I prefer brown sugar - it tends to be better for you and in my opinion bakes better. But I've gotten my mother hooked on Spelenda Brown Sugar - 1/2 c equals one cup of regular brown sugar. I love it and even use it in my coffee and oatmeal.

So this Thanksgiving I made the pie with Splenda Brown sugar. It called for 3/4 cup regular sugar so I used about 2/3 I think (I'm not big on precision with cooking or baking if it's something where I know what I'm doing).

At first it was still good - but I could detect a tiny amount of aftertaste which bothered me. So I left it in the fridge over night and had a slice today...

A M A Z I N G !!!!!!!!!!! Probably one of the better ones I've done. According to the website I used too much, so trial and error there - but yummm - and much healthier for us! yay!

I highly recommend. Other recipes here.

The airport marathon

2008-11-26T13:42:00.002-06:00

Getting ready to fly these days is similar to preparing then running a marathon - for one simple reason, airport security.

The entire packing process has a whole new element - what will security allow me to take on the plane - and how will they insist I organize it.

Ok so packing issue number one - what has to go in the big bag and what can go in the small bag. Check.

Issue number two - what can I wear that I can make it through security without any major issues (emphasis on major not the word issues, we will all face issues in this process) and when I'm require to strip down then I have to get re dressed - what will be easy to put back on. So that leaves out...

Boots of any kind
Anything that requires a belt
Anything lace up
And make sure you get a pedicure if you care. And no holy socks!
Also light on the jewelry - can't set every alarm off with that great necklace I just got at Francessca's.
Oh that jacket's going to have to go - no way am I keeping track of that AND my shoes.
Oh laptop, ok put that up front so I can easily take it out and put it in the tray WITHOUT a bag or security will have a coronary
Small bag with liquid items - make sure that doesn't get buried or I will surely be strip searched.
Where is my ID?
Where is my boarding pass, he's looking right at me!

Ok I'm ready here we go - through the security line - I can do this - I will be successful, I have planned and prepared for this event for days now - they will not get me.

Then once you make it through you have to HUSTLE to get all your stuff back together and get dressed again because the line is still moving behind you. ARGH if I can just get myself somewhat together so I can find a spot to put my laptop back in it's bag, my liquid items back up, my shoes...where are my shoes? Ok got the shoes, I can see the light - the gates are right there I'm almost home free. Wow look at that poor woman she even had to take her scarf on. And that poor guy he's going to be there for a while. They should have gone into training like I did, learned my lesson last time I practically got arrested for having a Pierrier bottle in my purse.

Dressed, re packed and ready to go - wow I did it, I made it. All that training was worth it...really glad I did a dry run at the house with my airport security trainer - now I can go to my gate and...and....uh... sit I guess. I need some water.

Obama Memorbilia - really?

2008-11-25T19:55:00.002-06:00

This country loves them some ~~crap~~ memorabilia. Elvis, Princess Diana, even Jesus figures - the one with the most crap wins hmm?

Throw poor Obama in with it now too - in Austin there are even Obama stores now (not permanent but still)

No wonder Japan makes so much money off of us - we'll buy anything!

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

Back in Black - Obama Merchandise

Barack Obama Interview
John McCain Interview

Sarah Palin Video
Funny Election Video

Happy Thanksgiving and..

2008-11-25T19:26:00.003-06:00

...have a beautiful fall.

Can't tax what we don't have...

2008-11-25T00:50:00.002-06:00

My non partisan, non socialist, non communist crystal ball had it right all along. All the freak out (by the middle class mind you) during the election for a whole lada nada! People, the entire ship is sinking and we were worried he was going to start charging higher passage prices for first class!

Obama's tax hike for the rich may be delayed...

Not the luckiest charm

2008-11-24T23:52:00.004-06:00

This is a pic I took on my walk today - this is Lucky Foods - which was a 24/7 convenience store former 7eleven - it closed a few months ago - guess no one went their for luck - not even the owners.

Maybe I should read to the blind...

2008-11-19T16:35:00.006-06:00

... but they have to let me read what I want to read!

Well Stephenie Meyer has thoroughly taken over this country - at least the Twilight series is better than some of those other book fads like The Secret (so glad I refused to read that one!). And what's even better the all mighty O did NOT tell the world to read this book - the world did it somewhat on their own!!! Ohhhhh happy day, ohhh happy dayyyyy!

You may recall my recommending these books this past summer - though if you chose to wait till the last one was out to jump on the bandwagon you were smart, waiting between book 3 and 4 was brutal.

But I must remind you that she has also written an amazing book that I also recommended called The Host - I actually read that one first and then discovered Twilight series, backwards girl aile one. (little secret, if you want to read the unfinished version of Edward's take on Twilight go here, ps this may be all we ever get of it too.)

At the moment I have just read book 5 of an 8 book series called The Outlander series. These have taken over my life!!!! Worst part - only SIX of the books have been written. And she is not a speed writer, she started these in 1991 - people, that's when I was in high school for crimeny!!!

So I am taking a break to read The Story of Edgar Sawtelle - suck it O - I picked this up months before you commanded the world to read it!! It's similar to Leif Enger's Peace Lik e a River which I devoured, it's a great story, but it's more about the story telling than anything else.

Next up - The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfiel d. And then #6 of the Outlander Series; Breath of Snow and Ashes, I'm holding out since I have no idea when #7 will be finished! Maybe if I stalk her she'll hurry up....

The birds and the bees - Or who's oven are we using?

2008-11-13T21:36:00.004-06:00

Time is flying by at a speed I am having a hard time keeping up with. The other day my sister and I were discussing surrogacy, she has a friend that was one for two families.

My 11 year old niece has always been the ears of the family, she listens to everything we say! So of course ears over there pipes in with "what's a surrogate?"

Uhhhh - and for some odd reason I start answering?!! Then I realize shoot what if this isn't an ok discussion - you know how parents are... So I look over to Julie with this question mark on my face and she says it's fine Ave knows where babies come from. Ok but in my mind I am now questioning the terminology for things. I'm not sure what words they use (sperm and egg, or are we talking flower and pollen lingo here) so the conversation proceeds into something like this.

Well it's when you take a woman's egg and a man's sp..sp..sp... (uh oh panic moment why can't I say sperm?)

sp..sp...sp... the man's seed (oh yea seed is MUCH better, now I've thoroughly confused her) and you put it, well you place it, uh.... (geeze what am I doing here, she's going to ask how they get it in the other woman, I'm crashing and burning)

It's like baking your cookies in an oven - except your oven doesn't work so you use someone elses oven.

She actually got it - my face was beat red, it was hotter than Hades in there - and when I looked over, Julie was hiding the biggest grin in the world behind the laptop - jerk!

I'm not ready for teenagers.

Cyclamen

2008-11-10T10:43:00.001-06:00

The cool weather flower - they make me happy.

What do we do now?

2008-11-07T11:17:00.001-06:00

So now there is nothing left to argue about, no Palin gaffs to cringe at - what shall we do now? Well turn to the Onion of course!

Obama Win Causes Obsessive Supporters To Realize How Empty Their Lives Are

State by State Results

2008-11-05T19:14:00.005-06:00

I found this website because I was curious what Alaska did this year - givin that, after all, their bulldog lipstick hockey mom Governor cause quite the stir this year.

Well Alaska is historically a strong Republican state - with a wide margin between Democrat and Republican - but this year though the margin was still strong I thought it was interesting that it wasn't as wide as it was in the previous two elections - I know I'm a nerd.

But if you like seeing what each state did this is actually a pretty fun site.

Ps I was watching a Presidential historian today - did you know that when Jackson and Adams ran against each other the Adams camp put out rumors that Jackson was an "howling atheist" and that rape, incest and murder would be taught in our schools - a Connecticut paper reported on it helping spread the rumors even further. And we thought our current elections were nasty - I guess being called a terroirst and socialist is nothing compared to that! History does repeat over and over...

America's First Blackish President

2008-11-04T22:41:00.002-06:00

I say that being a fellow Mulatto myself - yes I doubt many of you knew b/c I don't look half black just like President-elect Obama doesn't look half white. But I personally think it's very funny that he's being labeled the first black President - I say blackish - I mean if he was like me and looked more white than black then what would we say?

Website back up and running...

2008-11-01T23:50:00.003-05:00

... kinda. Until malitajones.com can be bought back my site will be at http://curlsz.webs.com

Yeah I know not the same, but better than dead, ya? Some of the pages aren't showing pics - so it's being fine tuned - but a new site design which actually shows one of my shots (well a glimpse of my shot) in the logo design.

Gorgeous Custom Bedding

2008-11-01T21:55:00.004-05:00

I just received this fabulous bedding for our annual KW auction - I am so excited that my friend Crystal was able to donate and really get her name out there - she is incredibly talented!!

If anyone is looking for some custom bedding, babies to adults check out her website - below is what she donated.

Pins & Pillows.com

Alas the perfect lariat

2008-10-29T21:23:00.006-05:00

Ok so sometimes I will compose the perfect item such as outfit, purse etc in my head then beat my skull against every boutique wall looking for it. So I've been wanting a long chained simple lariat for soooo long - and every one I see is so bulky. Well one of my favorite designers on Etsy had some great lariats, however none of them were the perfect image I had in my head.

So I gave up and finally contacted her describing best I could what I wanted and asking her if she had anything similar - turns out what I described was basically what she was currently working on. Bada bing bada boom I got the perfect necklace!!! So I told her I loved it, she uploaded it, three people marked it as their favorites I beat them all away with a stick and bought it!!! Yay, thank you luxedeluxe for putting up with this lunatic!

And no she will not copy one for you - because I forbid her too!!! No copies no copies no copies (face red fists clinched). But feel free to browse the many other lovely selctions and find one to your liking ;-)

GRRRR Let's End the Political Pain

2008-10-29T14:17:00.000-05:00

I heart Etsy

2008-10-28T11:29:00.003-05:00

I think I have failed to share my favorite online shopping tool - Etsy.com - I ended up on it last night looking for a simple silver necklace, an everyday necklace. I remembered how much I love this site and the way it allows artisans to really get their work out there to the world rather than confining them to local shops and farmer's markets.

From artwork to clothing to jewelry to just about anything - if you are into the rare/unique then this is the perfect spot! You can even create an account and a page of your favorites, which makes shopping all the easier - I think this Christmas is going to be an Etsy Christmas - hey they gift wrap. And Lord knows I can NOT handle those idiots out at the stores!!!

Oh and if you sign up for an account say that curlsz referred you.

Brought to you by blatant product promotion inc.

What Happened?

2008-10-26T22:21:00.004-05:00

Remember when M. Night Shyamalan made good movies???

So something in the air makes them commit suicide - something about this movie wasting 2 hours of my life had the same affect on me.

Wowzah, a night of first

2008-10-26T16:59:00.003-05:00

Man o man, congrats Erin Ivey - her first full band performance at the Rollin's Theater at the Long Center.

Amazing!!! I truly was blown away at how great of a performance, to a SOLD OUT crowd, it was. Including a Springstein cover and Crowded House cover. Which just for those two performances alone I will buy the DVD they made that night! She opened with my fave - "Half Light" which gave me goosebumps.

This was also the first musical performance for the Rollin's Theater, due to the success we can only hope or assume a repeat performance is in order. Plus I now have a crush on her bass player, sigh...

Check out her website and her ITunes or MySpace page, she also does Jazz standard's at Cedar Street, you are sure to fall in love.

All hail Bumble & Bumble

2008-10-26T16:46:00.004-05:00

Ok time for a product shout out!!

For you fellow curly heads who want to keep the curl - this stuff is awesome (read in sing song voice)

Curl Conscience Line - I especially love the Calming Creme

So I got Shawna hooked on it - she bought the Straightening cream and didn't even use her flat iron but it looked as if she had - I was amazed!

I stumbled on this line from dooce's site - she was raving about the Grooming Creme but when inquiring about it at Blue Elephant they took one look at the quaff and steered me towards the curl line.

So now I'm looking for a hair care sponsor so I can fulfill this wish list of mine!!! (You can purchase the sample sizes or travel sizes which is what I have done) Sigh - so ~~fun~~, hard being a woman.

Welcome home laptop, I missed you

2008-10-26T15:42:00.002-05:00

So my laptop was sick - I called my friend Lynn - HELP - my browsers and IM is not recognizing my internet connection - my life can NOOOOT go on!!!!

Dropped my baby off at 1:30pm yesterday - by this morning he was wiped clean. Now I get to reload him - yay.

Let's just say internet and IM on your phone is just not the same!

Austinites that have computer woe's call Lynn - she's very affordable and doesn't BS you about your operating system yada yada yada

Lynn Cochran - The Right Click - rightclick@austin.rr.com

My vow to cut back spending

2008-10-23T21:36:00.004-05:00

Ten ways I will cut back my frivolous spending during the "economic crunch".

Do my own pedicures - or wear closed toe shoes more often
Mow my own lawn - or con my neighbor into doing it for me
Make my own pizza - then call Mangia's when I have ruined said pizza
Use all hair, makeup and lotions till they are gone before buying a new one - unless I have an Ulta coupon and I have to use up the coupon!
Start swiping free hair and cosmetic samples from Origins and Blue Elephant more often
Share the Vanity Fair subscription with Sherry, and by share I mean take hers when she is finished.
Switch to bikini Nair - nough said no details needed
Use those blue Bed bath n beyond coupons on each item I want to buy, this is going to cause a scene I can tell, but truly worth it!
Change my health insurance - basically I just need that plan where if a building falls on me and some how I survive, the hospital bills are paid.
Save on gas by becoming a hermit.

We'll see how this goes.

Early Voting

2008-10-22T16:33:00.003-05:00

Well I'm done - voting is over! I was rather impressed by the early voting turnout - they said it was three times the turnout so far than the last election. Also tons of women were there - go 19th Amendment.

Considering how ~~nuts~~ passionate this election has been, I would recommend high tailing it to early voting!!

Don't know where to go? Well if you are in Texas you can find out here.

You can't see me.

2008-10-20T17:36:00.003-05:00

Or you're not really going to kill me with that rake if I don't stop
digging in your flower pots are you?

Can I come in?

2008-10-20T17:34:00.002-05:00

Woody the Woodpecker

2008-10-20T17:09:00.004-05:00

Bizarro World

2008-10-18T00:53:00.005-05:00

Remember that episode of Seinfeld, Bizzarro world, where everything was flipped - that's what this blog entry reminded me of. And he articulates this so well in my opinion.

This is not to spout my political views because honestly I don't love nor hate either candidates, but I am FED UP with how this election has been run and the sheer STUPIDITY of the voters out there and the crap we are being fed and many believe! But mostly this whole thing has worn me down to the point I barely care anymore, and maybe that was "their" plan all along.

From a new blog I found via my beloved Dooce's Blog

Progress.

You know, pardon my pseudo-educated, left-of-center, west coast arrogance, but I've been wondering what would happen if the people at Obama rallies, no matter how foolish their views on economic or political policy, sounded as utterly absurd as the ignoramuses who so frequently attend the McCain rallies.

Let's just imagine...

McCain hates Asian people!
I don't trust McCain. He might be a Communist. We don't know what he did in Viet Nam for five years.
McCain wants to put guns in schools!
McCain wants to drill in your backyard!
McCain is the most conservative person in the Senate!
McCain might be a Buddhist...we just don't know!
McCain wants to give all the power to the white people!

I have heard variations of all of this applied to Obama, a Harvard and Columbia graduate and a successful US Senator. A man respected throughout his community, throughout the Senate, and amongst International leaders.

Imagine how you would sound if you applied the same statements to McCain, another successful senator and a war hero? See.

Absurd.

Let's go a step further.

Imagine Obama graduated near the bottom of his class. Imagine he left his first wife after a car accident for a former drug addict. Imagine Obama had a teenage pregnant daughter. What if Obama had been under congressional investigation for ethics violations during one of America's largest banking debacles? McCain (or Palin in the case of the pregnancy) can't deny any of these "facts" about his life. If Obama had the same experiences, what are the odds he'd have even made it to the Senate?

As it stands, instead of focusing on our differences in platform and policy, we demonize based on innuendo and fear.

Simple people, simple minds. But then again, I find it important to remind myself how far we have in fact come as a species.

When I was born, America was essentially an apartheid nation.
60 (or so) years ago, the world was slaughtering itself by the millions in a global conflict.
100 years ago, women couldn't vote.
150 years ago, we still owned slaves
200 years ago we were burning people at the stake.

The average human lives 50-80 years (depending on when and where they are born). Put in context, sometimes I'm surprised we have evolved even this far as a species.

It doesn't seem like it sometimes, but I do believe it's getting better.

Obama an Arab? Good family man?

2008-10-17T12:26:00.003-05:00

This is regarding the rally where a woman said "I'm scared to have him as a President, he's an Arab" and McCain took the mich away from her and said "No maam he's a good family man..."

I've been watching and re watching this all week - it's great!

Paradise Now

2008-10-15T22:35:00.004-05:00

FABULOUS movie! How many of us truly know or understand what the Israeli "occupation" of Palestine means? What is the mindset of a suicide bomber, how does it even happen? I truly think this is a brilliant film that really shows aspects that most of those outside of the Middle Eastern culture have no idea about.

Synopsis: Hany Abu-Assad's disturbing yet moving tale finds two men at a critical juncture in their lives. They've been drafted as suicide bombers in an upcoming assignment in Tel Aviv. Granted a night to spend with their families, they go home but are unable to say goodbye for fear of tipping their hand. But perhaps it isn't time for farewells yet as the two become separated during the mission and must decide on their own whether to continue or bail out.

There's always a better mouse trap around the corner

2008-10-15T13:48:00.004-05:00

Yes welcome to the new blog lounge - looks kinda like a 60's night club huh?

So, I recently switched my blog RSS feed (don't I sound so techy!) from Bloglines to Google Reader. Whoa!! Man it's like going form a Saturn to a BMW, from a condo to a Mansion, from meatloaf to prime rib, from well you get the point.

I heart you Google. You keep track of all of my email accounts so efficiently. You provide me with a beautifule home page (love iGoogle). You provide weather, art of the day and anything else my heart desires. You're just great! Thanks for thinking of MY needs before I even know them.

Post Script Disclaimer: This is probably one of those post you really don't care about, I know (but you know gadgets are my weaknesses) - Kinda like when people post about.. oh never mind I'll get in trouble for that one.

Erin Ivey Performing at the Long Center

2008-10-12T17:20:00.006-05:00

What can I say to convince you - The Long Center, Erin who is AMAZING!! Patti Griffin. You won't be disappointed Austinites!

Click here for tickets.

Let the eye rolling commence

2008-10-11T23:09:00.003-05:00

White people are crazy! I'm so glad these people are voting - they seem so well informed and are truly basing their policies and opinions on sound fact and knowledge. And they are so articulate, makes me wanna stand proud...

Watch part two if you dare - though it's a bit painful - I will say one woman had a Obama doll and her kid said you would "need gloves to touch him". God bless we are rearing the next generation to follow in our footsteps.

Honestly I only point this out because this is the CRAP I hear flying all over the place - I recently heard someone say they didn't like Michelle Obama because she could be a wild banshee. Well some say Cindy McCain is cold. Obama knows someone that was a domestic terrorist - well don't all government officials meet and serve with foreign and domestic coo coos? Oh but McCain is old and could have skin cancer.

REALLY THESE ARE THE ISSUES WE ARE FOCUSED ON!??????? God save us from ourselves!

I also have a relationship with William Aires

2008-10-10T12:23:00.004-05:00

My father lived and worked in Chicago in the 50's & 60's - he was a jazz trumpet player and cook at the Playboy club.

There is a HIGH chance William Aires (current "good citizen award winner" and former 60's radical) came into the club a few times for dinner and good jazz!

BAM!!!! Just like Obama (who served on some random board along with several other people) I also have a relationship with William Aires - or could have..... hmmm Malita modern terrorist?

Prior to me running for public office I really need to look at my acquaintance list...

we are experiencing technical difficulties on this end

2008-10-09T18:16:00.007-05:00

Well my fabulous Japanese template went nutso - guess it got poplar photobucket decided to shut it down...sad, but I found this new creepy spooky layout and it's perfect for fall. Yes my darkside is showing, I love spooky - I want a winter vacation home in a haunted house on the English Moors...

Also the day I had to fly out of Austin I get an email saying malitajones.com is DEAD!!! Apparently if you don't auto renew they stick it to you - no reminder's nada, just pull the plug. And I have to wait 90 days to get my name back. So now I'm working on getting my photography site up and runnig there - and contemplating letting them host my blog - one stop shopping source ya know.

But hear me now friends, if anyone takes my name I will hunt you down like Sara Palin hunting Moose - and you don't want the business end of that!

Spoiled Infatuation

2008-10-09T18:11:00.004-05:00

Remember THAT guy - man he was hot! His hair, his eyes and he has a great job!! He loves his mother, wants children and is kind to animals.... Then he opened his mouth - ayyyyyyyyyyy!

At first you thought maybe it's a one time thing, but every single time he opened his mouth - IDIOT! Please don't say anything when we meet my friends, just stand there and look pretty. What happened, at first you were perfect???!!!!

That's how I'm feeling about Sara Palin right now.

Square America

2008-10-08T23:31:00.010-05:00

I love this website - I love old photographs. I remember when I was a kid my mother would go antique shopping - I loved it, I'd find a box of old photographs, flop down and look for an hour or so.

One time I found a 1960's pic of a group of people visiting China, they were all decked out and at dinner - to this day I wished I had bought it. I looked at each face, each expression and tried to imagine them as they were...

In honor of Halloween I bring you a page from S quare America

God bless er I mean save our government, from themselves!

2008-10-08T16:56:00.004-05:00

Back in town and catching up on my political "news" - this is my latest addiction, 10 minutes of dead on hilarity!!! Get towards the end when Jon goes after Congress - this is how pissed we all should be...

(come on you're browsing blogs you can spare 10 minutes)

Love Lockdown

2008-10-07T22:41:00.003-05:00

Video just released today - not sure I'm a fan and if you agree just minimize the page as you listen because I think it's a great song and very different from his usual...

Airport Fun - Back to the War

2008-10-07T16:11:00.003-05:00

Sitting in the airport in an HOUR lay over since you can no longer fly direct between Midland and Austin - except that ridiculous 7am flight I don't even want to know exists... Anyway, I am stifling my laughter as I read one of my favorite bloggers Lincee Ray - A Civil War Reenactment for Western Days, part of it took place in her parents yard...

Good enough to share...enjoy!

Also just saw Kanye on Ellen - I love him and his music - New song Love Lockdown is fantastic!

The Oil Business is Booooooming!

2008-10-04T17:36:00.009-05:00

I had to go to Midland this weekend, my mother had an emergency heart procedure - all is fine, better than fine. She is doing amazingly well, she can walk and get around better than she has in 10 years - well her ticker is working better than it has in 10 years, so that helps.

Midlander's are the friendliest people in the world.... But being back in has been a reverse culture shock of sorts - rich hillbilly USA! I don't care if I never see camo again! The land of money, Wranglers and obesity!! The restaurant business is booming - but there really isn't much to do as far as recreation - but no worries - their trucks are bigger and better than ever, and why not they can certainly afford the gas prices.

Oh and there is practically NO unemployment here - it's crazy - they have more jobs than workers - which actually DECREASES the quality of workers - interesting soci economic issue! But so many have gone back to the oil field that they are actually lacking people for the work force - and new dining, shops and businesses continue to pop up - except poor Mervyn's, another one thankfully bites the dust...

Ran into the Bush's motorcade today - we thought it was a funeral, a funeral with State Troopers and shot guns (motorcade Texas style, don't mess with Texans we'll grab the shot guns!) - maybe we'll run into them later at Rosa's Cafe, we can split the queso...

And Now a word from our elders

2008-09-30T16:04:00.005-05:00

Great points all around ;-)

Last minutes of the video:
Boy she's a big horse isn't she, i shouldn't say that, that's nothing against her
who?
Michelle
She's got a big tukus eh?
She's a big horse I said
Well you know alot of black women have big tukuses.
Not all of them, they have to come from a certain tribe

OHHHH - I think their relatives live in Texas... I love Jon's expression at the end.

I am triumphant!

2008-09-29T21:03:00.005-05:00

The infamous rat shed is clean!!!!! The saga may near be over!

8:30 am pest control comes out - he's serious this time, we're getting a handle on this situation maam! We're going to go under the house above the house and around the house and seal it off - they will not get in anymore! Hallelujah!

I think he was serious because when he opened the shed a mouse lurched at him, he flinched back and hit is face on my hanging planter - no worries he apologized for using such foul language- I told him God had heard a lot worse and a lot more often from me over the last few years because of that damn shed...

I was given my orders - I was to have the shed cleaned out by noon tomorrow - dumdumdum

11:30 post on Facebook that I have to clean the shed - send out requests of prayers, double up on my meds and call the hospital on my insurance - can I make a reservation in the psych ward for tonight?

Noon - text from Dean "do you need help with the shed" HELL YES!!! See you this afternoon.

2pm Dean shows up and the show starts - basically while he cleaned out the shed I stood quaking in the yard after I realized standing in the corner of the back porch was causing my blood pressure to sky rocket!

Dead, live and rodent skeletons - we had them all... I did better than expected I only scared Dean twice - once was when a roach went over my foot and I was sure it was a mouse. Hyperventilated once, screamed several times and cursed periodically - all in all a good day!

Quote of the day - Dean: I think you're good with that box, there's only enough room for them to poop, not to live.

LOTS went to the dump - or will as soon as someone makes it over to my house to cart it off since alot of it is still in the backyard - Go Samford & Sons!

But it's DONNNNEEE!!! Afterwards I took a very hot shower and laid on the couch with a beer - if I had had something stronger I would have used it - my nerves were shot!

PS I have never seen so much rodent shit in my life!!!

Suspending his campaign?

2008-09-25T19:50:00.003-05:00

Uh John, can we all do this - I'm officially suspending my job until this financial crisis is over!!! Yeah take that Obama - top this! Oh well this gives Sarah a chance to go on a road trip all by herself and meet really important people and everything.

Geeze - who else is out there I can vote for? Anyone anyone?

Sometimes the comments are just as great

2008-09-22T22:51:00.005-05:00

So I got home from an event tonight feelin a little blue... Pulled up my bloglines and my favorite blogger has posted - yay this is sure to put me in a great mood... And boy did it....A cursing child story - who doesn't LOVE those - cause to be honest I was THAT cursing child that humiliated my mother and made her wonder what she was smoking when she decided to concieve me, on many many accounts.

Let's just say "Oh my God the Helllll" is my new favorite phrase!

What was great were the comments - everything from outrage to praise to readers sharing their own anectodes.

I remember the first time I cursed - reading what was in the movie pages - apparently I didn't like what I saw because I tossed the paper aside saying "DAMNIT!!" - then I froze as four sets of parental eyes stared at me in shock - oh uh did I say that outloud?

But this one is great! A reader shared it - I've never heard of this poem, but I promise mom if I have children no worries I will educate them in this.

When I was three – and sitting at a formal dinner table with my very religious grandparents and great-grandparents – I decided to recite the new poem my father had taught me.

Carnation milk is the very best brand
The very best brand in all the land
No tits to pull, no hay to pitch
Just punch a hole in the son of a bitch.

Apparently I sat there smiling, waiting for applause while my father tried to figure out how to crawl under the table without being noticed and my mother shot daggers at him with her eyes.

Mr McGregor

2008-09-21T17:04:00.003-05:00

Today I am relating to Mr McGregor - I just chased the mystery squirrel out of my yard with a rake - yep with a rake. For the last week something has been digging into my flower pots and digging annoying holes in my flower bed. Occasionally I find a pecan dug into the flower pot.

Today I caught him - bushy tail and all - but just because I was in my yard didn't mean it deterred him from just going to where I wasn't! So I had to keep chasing him till I finally chased him away. THEN he came back with a pecan in his mouth - I had to chase him away again!

Now I'm sitting in my yard with my smoothie, book and laptop - operation McGregor is in full swing - I must protect my plants! He's now burying it under a tree behind me - as if I can't see him. Trees are fine you idiot squirrel but leave my flowers alone!!!

What will keep him away, I've heard red pepper? I know I'm 80...

Put her in the band

2008-09-20T19:26:00.004-05:00

How cool is she?

(My oldest niece Averie)

Rome is Burning...

2008-09-20T19:21:00.005-05:00

I admit I am constantly behind in movies in my "older" age. I just saw this and was blown away - funny thing is I remember when it came out many conservatives grumbling how it was probably just another Hollywood liberal spin on the war and the government...I truly feel like it deserves to be seen, just my opinion.

Synopsis and info.

(P.S my title is from a great line in the film)

The hilarity!!!!

2008-09-19T10:57:00.006-05:00

I don't care if you support either of these woman or not - this is sheer hilarity!!!

B to the O to the NO-O-O

2008-09-18T20:28:00.004-05:00

Just thinking, if you have BO and look like you have never washed or combed your hair - maybe you shouldn't be serving food or drinks...even in Austin.

Shaking my cane in the air, go away!

2008-09-18T18:23:00.004-05:00

Would I be that crabby old shut in if I posted a no solicitations sign on my door?

I may be ok with that - cause at this point I can not keep my door open without being bothered by the "hi I'm trying to better my life and my baby's daddy's life by selling magazines" (scam) "do you know Jesus, for a small donation you will receive these lovely books for free" (scam) and today's great visitor. The DNC (democratic national committe), by the way I would probably say I'm not a hard core Democrat or Republican, but my gosh!!!! These people are so annoying, and they need a bath!

So today's schpill - need more money blah blah money blah blah money, money, Republicans have more money than we do whine, Whine, WHINE, WHINE!!! Obama needs more exposure....uh wait a minute what, cause last I checked the media loves them some Obama, they can't get enough of him - Obama, Obama, Obama.... oh but we still need more money, money, money, did I mention we need money?

Get off my porch you crazy kids!!! Ahhhh!

Meg, your lookin a little like...

2008-09-17T16:18:00.005-05:00

(Post plastic surgery and before plastic surgery)
Watching Meg Ryan on Ellen today, I quickly realized the woman looks awful - why did she do this to her mouth? In fact she looks like...

Watch those typos

2008-09-16T20:50:00.003-05:00

Typos can be great and mildly disturbing on IM - usually it leaves you questioning what in the heck they are taking about or you try to piece the puzzle together and feel like you just won the world when you do. Today's IM session.

Dinner Discussion Take One
Malita: i had cereal
Malita: two bowels!!!
Malita: lol
Friend: lol.. u mean bowls.. bowels is a tad unsettling
Malita: LOL!!!!!!!!!!
Malita: omg!!!
Friend: lol
Malita: no i had two bowel movements tonight just thought you'd like to know

Pure Genius

2008-09-16T17:10:00.004-05:00

Have you checked out ITune's new feature - The Genius Bar.

I first saw it on the new Nano, cause we need new I Pods every 3.2 months. But really this feature is worth saying "yay" over. You pick a song and hit the genius button - then it creates a playlist based on that song. So I tried it out and it was dead on. Every song "they" picked from my library fit very well with the chosen song - result, unlimited playlists that I love.

Oh and over on the right is a list of songs you can buy that are either by this artist that is playing or recomendations. (Must Download Version 8 for all this splendor)

What's next Apple, you going to pick out my perfect man and strategically engineer the rest of my life, because at this rate I could be ok with that, you seem to know what you're doing.

So can I have my endorsement check now Apple?

Boom Crash

2008-09-15T20:26:00.003-05:00

One of the biggest upsets in Wall Street history, in our nations history happened today - and since it wasn't linked to a celebrity dying or a mass murder most of the nation won't even take notice...

So you can be one of the informed - Lehman Brother's a 158 year old Wall Street institution filed bankruptcy today... Meryl Lynch was sold for a measly $50 billion in a all stock purchase - it's just insane!!! This is huge! And 7 weeks to an election....spooky.

To view the full story read here.

Belated Birthday Stories Part One

2008-09-14T14:18:00.001-05:00

Wow what a self absorbed aunt am I - notice I did not say horrible aunt cause really I rock! So Here is a couple of pic's from Ty's second birthday (back in June) - since I have neither pet nor baby (which can often be mistaken for the same thing) to show you 30 pics all of relatively the same thing, over and over.

Just a note on kids birthdays: really you should take acid before going or at least smoke a phat one. Because if your single you are screaming in your head "I will never have one of these small beings if this is what I have to sign up for", and if your married your thinking "when we have children we are not letting them have more than 3 friends for fear this will happen"and if your a parent your thinking "where's the cake already, this is the 8th one of these this month".

I honestly have no idea how many children were there - it seemed like 50 - one was a party all unto himself. He insisted on being the center of it all - you know there is always that kid at the party, I fondly call them Satan's spawn - and Satan's spawn has parents that are utterly oblivious and think isn't our spawn the cutest spawn ever, see how he's in everyone's face yelling and throwing presents into the lap of the birthday boy 2 at a time - awwww... but other than spawn it was a rockin good time and how cute is this little cake eater!!

Face Lift

2008-09-13T00:42:00.000-05:00

This face lift is the result of insomnia - but really, it was time, she was starting to sag a little in her old age - I mean she was THE original layout for La Vie en Curlsz and forever in my heart.... but alas all things must change...sniff.

While You Were Out

2008-09-12T16:33:00.001-05:00

No neighbors thank you for letting me check on your dog's this weekend, thus giving me a key to your house... While you were out, I could have rummaged through your stuff but then I'd feel guilty every time I looked at you - I did however snag your new People Magazine that came in the mail today, because I myself would never willingly subscribe to that magazine.

Hobby Lobbby

2008-09-12T11:31:00.001-05:00

I love my new neighbors, but he's a home builder and his apparent hobby is anything that has to do with an electrical saw.

My hobbies are reading, photography and gardening - all very quiet activities. So either I'm taking up the tuba to drown him out or I'm coming up with a new hobby for him. Puzzle making?

Pins & Pillows

2008-09-06T12:24:00.001-05:00

In the spirit of entrepreneurship and supporting friends I bring you Crystal McReynolds and her latest venture!

Honestly I know alot of women that do these crafty companies and most of them make me shudder, puff paint and stick on jewels - blech! But I looked at her website and instantly fell in love!!!

Pins & Pillows Custom Bedding

And yes Crystal if you start using your bedazzler and puff paint I'm yanking this off my blog ;-)

Go Go Grapefruit

2008-09-05T21:24:00.001-05:00

I LOVE grapefruit and all grapefruit products - I just recently admitted this to myself when I was washing with Neutrogena's Grapefruit Body Wash and it smelled so amazing and sweet I had the overwhelming urge to lick my arm...

So taking stock I realize my obsession extends to...

Grapefruit soda, sweet/sour chews, body wash and him! (sorry couldn't resist he's standing in front of grapefruit!!

Sucky Birthday Coupons

2008-09-05T10:22:00.001-05:00

Usually I love birthday coupons, who wouldn't!!! Because it usually means free stuff from the stores and restaurants you love, right? Well apparently the recession is hitting everyone hard because this is how the coupons have been rolling in.

Aubuelo's - $5 off your meal - last year it was a free meal
Origins - $10 off a purchase of $25 or more - no problem I will eventually use that.
Black White - $10 off your purchase - I had no need to go buy anything and basically did because I had a coupon - sucker!
DSW - $10 off purchase of $30 or more - but at least they let you combine coupons there!
Border's Books - 25% off, followed by a looonngg list of what I can't use it on!
This is the best one - From the A&M "Century Club" (Alum) they will actually sponsor HALF of my contribution to the club - oh really A&M, you'll sponsor half a contribution to YOUR club (since apparently being a graduate alone doesn't get me the key) - oh but wait Malita, before you get pissy, we'll send you some magazines and a car sticker for that - even though we know you'll never read the magazines and you hate car stickers!

Basically, if I give my friends money for my birthday, they'll give me a discount! Remember those kids on the playground that wouldn't be your friend till you gave them something - yeah, something like that....

Fleet Foxes

2008-09-03T20:55:00.001-05:00

Yeah, I know two blogs in one day - in fact in one hour - I need to unplug... But just this minute I found my new music obsession and wanted to share...

Drill Baby Drill

2008-09-03T20:09:00.001-05:00

What is going on? Watching the Rep National Convention within the first few minutes I heard "drill baby drill and drill now" - saw a fat old white lady chanting "drill baby drill" - and saw a guy dressed as Abraham Lincoln - i thought the democrats were the flamboyant ones ??? Republicans are giving them a run for their money.

But back to this slogan "Drill Baby Drill" - do they not hear themselves, are we in a 70's porn?

Wax on Wax off... Warning Girlie Post

2008-09-02T12:43:00.002-05:00

YAY!! Kerra's website is now in effect (affect?).... For the best waxer in Austin - call her up! PS $5 to the person that goes and can name her celebrity double - it's spooky!!!

She has an aeshetician in house as well - I'm sure she's great!

Bombshell Beauty Austin

AARP Here I Come

2008-08-29T16:35:00.001-05:00

This is NOT the email you want to get a few weeks before your 30 something birthday!!!

A "opportunity" to get a power scooter??? God where is the cyanide?

Labor Day in the Yoga Studio

2008-08-27T18:12:00.001-05:00

This is why I love Austin - every year at Labor Day it's city wide free yoga day. Just about every year I go to some of the really cool studios and it's just fun... So if your a local and want to expand your horizons a bit or just take advantage of something free. Here ya go...

City Wide Free Day of Yoga!

Butt Dust

2008-08-26T21:28:00.002-05:00

You may have gotten this in your inbox once upon a time - it's so cute... reminds me of when I was teaching 4 year olds Sunday school and the verse was "children obey your parents" we later played a fishing game - pastor's kid went home saying the verse I taught them was "children obey your fish" - there was no changing his mind!

ACK (age 3) was watching his Mom breast-feeding his new baby sister.
After a while he asked: 'Mom why have you got two? Is one for hot and one for cold milk?'

MELANIE (age 5) asked her Granny how old she was. Granny replied she was so old she didn't remember any more. Melanie said, 'If you don't remember you must look in the back of your panties. Mine say five to six.'

STEVEN (age 3) hugged and kissed his Mom good night. 'I love you so much that when you die I'm going to bury you outside my bedroom window.'

BRITTANY (age 4) had an earache and wanted a pain killer. She tried in vain to take the lid off the bottle. Seeing her frustration, her Mom explained it was a child-proof cap and she'd have to open it for her.
Eyes wide with wonder, the little girl asked: 'How does it know it's me?'

SUSAN (age 4) was drinking juice when she got the hiccups.. 'Please don't give me this juice again,' she said, 'It makes my teeth cough.'

DJ (age 4) stepped onto the bathroom scale and asked: 'How much do I cost?'

MARC (age 4) was engrossed in a young couple that were hugging and kissing in a restaurant. Without taking his eyes off them, he asked his dad: 'Why is he whispering in her mouth?'

CLINTON (age 5) was in his bedroom looking worried. When his Mom asked what was troubling him, he replied, 'I don't know what'll happen with this bed when I get married. How will my wife fit in?'

JAMES (age 4) was listening to a Bible story. His dad read: 'The man named Lot was warned to take his wife and flee out of the city but his wife looked back and was turned to salt.' Concerned, James asked:
'What happened to the flea?'

TAMMY (age 4) was with her mother when they met an elderly, rather wrinkled woman her Mom knew. Tammy looked at her for a while and then asked, 'Why doesn't your skin fit your face?'

The Sermon I think this Mom will never forget.... this particular Sunday sermon...'Dear Lord,' the minister began, with arms extended toward heaven and a rapturous look on his upturned face.. 'Without you, we are but dust...' He would have continued but at that moment my very obedient daughter who was listening leaned over to me and asked quite audibly in her shrill little four year old girl voice, 'Mom, what is butt dust?'

I Believe I Can Fly...

2008-08-15T21:21:00.001-05:00

On this sweet ride I'm flyin...

Well maybe not flying persay but when you hit the curb in your brand new bike and you fly over the handlebars only escaping with a lovely scrape... well maybe I can fly, just need to work on my landing... Good thing I packed a first aid kit on the bike... as many bike injuries as I've had, I had a feeling I'd need one...