Dear Mom
Some say time is measured only unto man. Regardless, I wanted to wish you a Happy New Year!
Some say time is measured only unto man. Regardless, I wanted to wish you a Happy New Year!
Every now and then...
...I know that all the time I spend running around the internet it worth it. I have one such discovery to share. Behold, The Periodic Table of Awesoments!!
I know, I know. Just consider it a Christmas present.
We're, like, famous!
Last night the Griz beat JMU 35 to 27 to head over to TN and fight for the playoff crown! I love playoff football. None of the BCS crap! Go Griz!!
What the?
Jennifer Zdon- The Times-Picayune
My mind has never associated NOLA with snow. When I moved to the Gulf in May I never dreamed I would see snow this winter. In fact, I have often bragged about enjoying a mild winter compared to Steph who lives in Montana or my other girlfriends who live in Washington. However, this morning the office was buzzing with excitement.
"Did you know it's snowing in New Orleans?!" was the question on everyones' lips followed by "Do you think they will let us go early?" Unfortunately, the answer to the latter question was no.
Although I dislike winter weather, I must concede, snowfall in NOLA is a beautiful site.
Damn pets.
Today I washed and vacuumed my car until it was all shiny and pretty. It will most likely not be this way again until after the thaw in March. I was so proud of how nice it was. I tucked the chocolates from the car wash into my purse and ran the rest of my errands.
Went into the supermarket, bought all kinds of healthful foods and came back to my car.
The dog had emptied the contents of my purse, which is of a significant size, all over the interior of the car in the quest for the chocolate he was licking up from my seat where he had clearly ground some in. He had foil hanging from his mouth so I know he'll be ill tonight.
I came home to see the cat. I approached my overstuffed chair to throw myself in because of my frustration with the dog. Then I noticed that the cat had filled the chair with the soil from the plant next to the chair. ALL of the soil and all of the greenery.
Both, you'll be proud to know, are still alive. I know because they are crying at me from the bathroom where they will remain locked for the rest of their lives.
On how we're now old.
We were commenting to each other how we're really 90-year-old women in much younger bodies. All this change makes my bones ache!
And then we said something really funny that made us both laugh. But now, an hour or two later, I can't remember what it was. Because I'm old. And losing my marbles!
Happily, I have friends that frequently say funny things. And that, my friends, is my belated Thanksgiving.
Burberry Boo
My colleague, Amanda, who I call Mandy-Pants, has bestowed a new nickname upon me. Instead of calling me Boo, she calls me Burberry. I'm not sure why she associates the Burberry label with me, but would like to consider it a generous commentary on my sense-of-style and my love of fashion. Although I don't own any Burberry clothing or accessiories, I embrace and appreciate the nickname just the same.
Happy Birthday to My Brother...
our Turkey Day baby. Twenty-eight years ago, while my Mother was preparing Thanksgiving dinner for Dad and I, Josh decided to join us. Mom insisted Dad run the unfinished turkey and I to the Godfrey's before taking her to the hospital. Dad tried to dissuade her, but my Mother was insistent, and anyone who knew my Mother, also knows she usually got what she wanted. Sister Godfrey finished baking the turkey while Mom delivered hers. I know I don't relate the story quiet like my Mother did, but I couldn't let the day pass without sharing, briefly, how my brother came into this world. I love you Harry! I can't imagine what life would be like without you to share it with.
Six Months and Counting
On Wednesday, November 19th I celebrated my six month anniversary. When I left Washington in May I anticipated I would only be in Biloxi for three months. I was informed, upon accepting my deployment, that if my supervisor was pleased with my performance I would have the opportunity for an extension. Three months passed and my contract was extended. Since then, our team has commenced the intensive survey of the first of seven counties we are committed to.
Although the duration of my contract is uncertain I have to admit I am grateful for the opportunity I've had to live and work in Mississippi. I look forward to spending another six months on the Coast, anticipating a Thanksgiving in Alabama, a Cajun Christmas and my first Mardi Gras in the Big Easy. No matter what the future holds I will never forget my time by the sea and the memories I've made here.
Reunited
A few weeks ago I posted a blog in anticipation of Halloween and a love reading I received almost two years ago. To satisfy the curiosity of those who may be wondering what the holiday yielded I am a little disappointed to admit my status as a single adult has not change. Mr. Right did not appear promising to change my life forever. Instead, I received a telephone call from my Uncle Jerry saying that my Aunt Nancy passed away. Since receiving that call, I have often looked at the photo above picturing my Mother, Great-Grandma Elliott, Nancy and myself. As of October 30th I am the only woman in the photo living. They have all gone and left me behind; a single woman without her mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and now aunt to guide her through the decisions she will face in life. Often I am tempted to think I have been robbed but, despite my feelings, the hard truth remains, they are gone and no matter how I mourn for them or pray for a quick reunion nothing can change that.
Looking through the photos I have scanned, since my Mother's passing, I noticed I have more photos of my Mother and Nancy together than I do of my Mother and I. Despite the thirteen month age difference between them, many often mistook them for twins.
Nancy was tall and slender with darker hair while my Mother was shorter, fluffier and blond.
Following my Mom's death, Josh, Lauren, Dad and I discovered letters Nancy had written to my Mom when they were younger. Reading them aloud was a bittersweet experience. I think Josh said it best, "The hardest part about life is living after those we love die." I couldn't agree more.
Although Nancy and Jerry never lived close to us, they would often visit. I remember the first Christmas present I received from them; a Snoopy piggy bank. I thought it was the coolest thing ever. In fact, I still have it; cracked head and all. 
Unlike my Mother, my Aunt Nancy had been suffering from a terminal illness for years. Battling the final stages of Huntington's disease, we realized Nancy's time was short. No one, especially her children, ever expected my Mother would proceed Nancy in death. We worried how Nancy's death would affect my Mother but never, ever assumed she would be the first to leave.
Looking through the photos I have scanned, since my Mother's passing, I noticed I have more photos of my Mother and Nancy together than I do of my Mother and I. Despite the thirteen month age difference between them, many often mistook them for twins.
Nancy was tall and slender with darker hair while my Mother was shorter, fluffier and blond.
Following my Mom's death, Josh, Lauren, Dad and I discovered letters Nancy had written to my Mom when they were younger. Reading them aloud was a bittersweet experience. I think Josh said it best, "The hardest part about life is living after those we love die." I couldn't agree more.
Although Nancy and Jerry never lived close to us, they would often visit. I remember the first Christmas present I received from them; a Snoopy piggy bank. I thought it was the coolest thing ever. In fact, I still have it; cracked head and all. When they moved to Alexandria, VA Mom piled us in the car for a road trip to the "big city." Nancy and Jerry loved to tease us about being country bumpkins. I still have the video recording of our Fourth of July holiday with them in DC. Although I am grateful for the wonderful memories we made I deeply regret missed opportunities to make more.
Unlike my Mother, my Aunt Nancy had been suffering from a terminal illness for years. Battling the final stages of Huntington's disease, we realized Nancy's time was short. No one, especially her children, ever expected my Mother would proceed Nancy in death. We worried how Nancy's death would affect my Mother but never, ever assumed she would be the first to leave.My Mother left us on January 30th. Precisely nine months later my Mother came for her sister. Although I rejoice they are together, and suspect are having a wonderful time, I feel a little left out; like I did when they would spend hours together in the bathroom doing their hair and makeup dismissing me because there wasn't enough counter space or they wanted to talk. I was always the younger, less experienced, naive, ugly duckling, Amber who felt so inferior in their presence. They were the most beautiful, sophisticated women I knew and I wanted more than anything to be just like them. Who do I look to now? How will my children ever understand and appreciate the women who proceeded them and shaped my life forever? How can I possibly fill the gap their absence has created in my heart; in my life?
Being the last Elliott woman, at least in the photo, remaining, I only hope I can do as Jerry counseled, continue the legacy they perpetuated; become a woman of beauty, intelligence and strength.
Choice Desserts
In response to Steph's birthday request, I baked my favorite cookies made from Lehi Roller Mills pumpkin chocolate chip cookie mix. Yummy! I love you Fall! I love you LRM! Thanks Steph for giving me an excuse to bake. I hope this is only the beginning of what proves to be a wonderful year for you. I know I always say this, but I sincerely hope all your wishes come true. Love you!
I have an idea.
It's posted on my other blog. But here are the basics.
Tomorrow I'll be 31. I'm wildly depressed. What helps depression? Eating, of course.
SO!
This is a call to eat. Tomorrow, eat one thing (or several) that you love. Take a picture and then share it. Email, blog, whatever.
But I want people to eat and enjoy themselves to honor that I am OLDER THAN DIRT.
Go forth and eat, folks. I demand it of you.
Honey Rider...
is the Bond girl I aspire to be. This post is in response to a news link Steph emailed me yesterday. In anticipation for the release of the latest Bond flick, Quantum of Solace, which I just finished reading, Fox News posted an article picturing the top Bond girls of all time. Ursula Andress, pictured above, is my absolute favorite. If I could resemble any of Bond's lovers Honey Rider would be it. With long blond hair and a killer figure, Honey Rider is the perfect embodiment of Bond's ideal woman in every way. With three days remaining until 007 latest adventures, let us not forget previous Bond girls who set the standard; one that I can only dream of achieving.
Phil Vassar Friday
Last night my new friend Ben called and invited me to the Phil Vassar concert at the Hard Rock Casino. In fifteen minutes, I changed clothes, applied makeup, participated and completed two phone conversations and found a parking space, which wasn't easy, setting a record in my book. 
Walking in I found a room full of energy. Ben and I had a blast singing and dancing along with the crowd. When the band covered AC/DC I went crazy. I love "You Shook Me All Night Long" and become an absolute maniac on the dance floor when I hear it. Instead of being impressed, Ben just laughed at my killer dance moves.
The concert ended much too soon so we decided to do a little shopping at the Hard Rock and then grab a late bite at the "Awful House." One of the things I appreciate about Ben is he's from Georgia and, as a fellow Southerner, recognizes the Waffle House is an important institution in the South and unlike McDonald's, which closes at midnight, stays open 24-7. Since hanging out Ben and I have actually closed a McDonald's. 
Our waitress was terrific! She was extremely patient with me and totally took my side when the chef said the hash browns were exactly what I wanted. NOT! I can't imagine what she thought about the two of us, especially after my vocal rendition of Sally's restaurant scene from, When Harry Met Sally, per Ben's request, of course. To heighten the situation, he tried to climb under the table so he would get the credit for instigating said scene. As if...
Alternative to Charmain
Tonight I used credit card receipts located in my interior wallet pocket, good thing I didn't clean it out, to wipe my bebope. You may now call me the McGuvyer el bano.
Tis Better to Know or Not to Know...
is a question I have been pondering this week. I often hear people say, "if only I knew when or where or how much longer I have to wait for a certain something," the waiting would be easier. Uncertainty has never been something I courted but nevertheless is a companion I have been promised will accompany me throughout life. Uncertainty can be exciting, yielding pleasant surprises that leave us with warm memories we cherish for a lifetime. More often than not, uncertainty bears unwelcome incidents that leave us wounded and afraid.
In March of 2007, Desiree and I traveled to Atlanta to crash her friend's wedding. The six hour drive to Atlanta was the perfect opportunity to catch-up. During our conversation Desi mentioned her roommate's mother had given her a love reading. I thought it was exciting and asked Des if her roommate's mother would be willing to give me one as well. Desiree called her roommate who subsequently connected me to her mother.
This woman had never met me. She had not seen a photo of me either. She had no idea how tall I was or how old I was yet she proceeded to give me a love reading that I have often thought about since.
She said I would meet the man I was going to marry within the next two years. We would meet at an event where we would be dressed-up; she explained she saw a hayride or a costume party. We concluded from this it may be around Halloween. She said he would be medium height around 5'10" but would not exceed 6'. He would have dark blonde or light curly brown hair. He would have a L in his name or as an initial. I would have dated his cousin or roommate or close friend. Once we meet we will have a long courtship that will result in marriage.
I remember thinking, "right." It may happen for Desiree but things like this rarely work out for me. Nevertheless, the thought of meeting someone on Halloween was exciting and I have been anticipating the holiday with more enthusiasm than I normally would.
Last Halloween I was with Corey. Needless to say I did not meet anyone nor did I care to. When I met Corey who had a L initial and was of average height I thought, despite the hair, he could be pretty close to "the one." He was brillant, kind, funny, and successful. We could hang out for hours doing absolutely nothing and still have a good time. However as time progressed, it was clear Corey was not "the one" and it was time to move on. I care for and miss him dearly. I wonder how he is and hope he is happy; even if it means he is with someone else.
This Halloween I am absolutely single. I haven't been on a date, let alone been in a relationship, for five months and I'm surprisingly OK with that. Since my Mother passed away I haven't been the same. I have so much to work through emotionally and spiritually that I'm not really ready for something serious. I would appreciate a good guy friend I can hang out with but to be completely "real" if "Mr. Right" appeared this Halloween I wouldn't complain.
But if he does... is it better that I anticipated meeting him before or is it better not to know? To be completely caught of guard. If I really do meet someone this Halloween am I ready? Am I willing to forfeit my life as a single woman? I don't know. And it's true... when you know something I think it compromises the magic that not knowing brings.
Tonight I am going to a masquerade with Amanda. Last month I decided I was going to celebrate this holiday come what may. If I meet someone, Great! If not, nothing lost. I rented a costume from Josette's, I got a pedicure this morning from TNT Nails and my hair done at Her Majesty's by a lady that's been doing hair for fifty years. I feel good and I think I look pretty good but do I really want to meet a man when I look better than usual? Wouldn't it be better to meet a man when I look horrible? Questions I believe every female has entertained at least once in her life. We all want to meet "the one" in some unique, clever way. We all want a story we can boast and impress friends and family with for years to come. We all want to feel that spark and to immediately know our waiting is over but how often does that really happen?
And although things like this never happen to me would it be so bad if it did? For once? If it really was my turn? If something beautiful resulted from this horribly painful year? If I could end this year with someone I loved and begin the new year with him too or will I appreciate the circumstance more if I meet him after I have abandoned all hope? Bringing me back to my initial question...tis better to know or not to know? What do you think?
Yummy, yummy.
Since 300, like the rest of all woman-kind, I've been addicted to one Mr. G. Butler. This is the trailer I promised Boo I'd post. Mmmmm.
Best chat of the week
STLRamsGirl95: Moments you're happy you got dressed for the day: a ladder hits the space below your window followed a fraction of a second later by a male face.
Tara: a cute one?
STLRamsGirl95: No.
STLRamsGirl95: He's our building handyman, Tom. He's like 459 years old
STLRamsGirl95: But a nice guy.
Tara: lol
Tara: damn
Tara: cause THAT would make for a good story
STLRamsGirl95: You're not kidding
STLRamsGirl95: And, let's face it, instant love on his part
STLRamsGirl95: lol
STLRamsGirl95: ;)
Tara: of course
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