Thanksgiving Pointers

I've learned some very interesting things this Thanksgiving. First of all, apparently "manly men" don't like to drink coffee out of "sissy" cups and, according to my grandma, I am an "old maid!" Oh, the joy of coming together at family gatherings! ;-D Yes, grandma was kidding about the old maid thing...... well, mostly anyway...... I think. ;-) Sigh! Oh, well... there is a bright side to still being single. It's called FREEDOM, baby! :-D That's my silver lining and don't even think about taking it away! :-)

Well, apparently it was "Give Cindy Pointers for When She FINALLY Nabs a Guy Day." Were any of you aware of this? I wasn't. Maybe it was because our Thanksgiving party was so small this year. It was just my grandma, my parents, and myself for the actual meal and then my Uncle Jim and Aunt Diane stopped by later. It was during the meal when Grandma started teasing me about being an old maid and lecturing me about how I need to make sure I learn how to be a good homemaker– you know, keeping the house clean, learning how to cook, sew, etc. First of all, might I just say, I CAN cook...... when I want to. ;-) Some people seem surprised to hear this. I thought one of the ladies from church was going to fall out of her chair when she found out that I do cook once in a while. I could practically hear her chin hit the floor. Sister Annette, I'm looking at you! ;-) Okay, now I admit that I do need to get my apartment in order; it could be a tad neater after all. Okay, okay it's pretty close to being declared a Federal Disaster Area, and I'm pretty sure I saw a hazmat team snooping around the other day. ;-D But, come on, sewing!? It's a handy skill to have and I have actually sewn my own dress before, but I am by no means proficient in the art. Is it really a seal the deal kind of issue? I don't think so... oh, good gravy, I hope not because I just MAY stay single! ;-) This is the second time this week I received this kind of lecture. Sister Annette, I'm looking at you! ;-) Is someone trying to tell me something? Okay, okay, I'll clean my apartment and learn to make some more dishes... sheesh! But might I just say that, for the record, I have hosted two dinner parties at my place now... never mind the fact that I've actually lived here for about 6 years. O:-) But I digress...

Anyways, part two of "Give Cindy Pointers for When She FINALLY Nabs a Guy Day" came after dinner. We each had found a place to curl up and take a Thanksgiving snooze for a couple of hours when my aunt and uncle showed up. After about an hour or so of visiting with them and partaking of my traditional sport of bantering with my uncle (a favorite pastime of mine, heh, heh, heh). I decided to get up and surprise everyone by making coffee to go with dessert. Now please understand, I am not a coffee drinker, usually. On the rare occasions when I do drink it, I have to doctor it up so much that there isn't much coffee taste left. Therefore, I usually don't make coffee. However, I CAN make it. So when I offered to serve them each a cup you should have seen the shocked looks on their faces! I thought I was going to give my parents and grandma a heart attack! What can I say? I guess I got caught up in the warm, fuzzy feeling of being with my family and I wanted to be nice. By the way, I just want to point out that: See? I can be a hostess when I want to be, just in case certain parties doubted this... Sister Annette, I'm looking at you! ;-) They all enjoyed my coffee, but there was one complaint from the menfolk– the cups I poured the coffee into. Now, my grandma usually has regular-sized mugs, but I couldn't find them. Therefore, I used what was available– smaller teacups with flowers on the sides of them. Oh, yes, my uncle and step-dad had a few words about THAT before they even took one sip of coffee. LOL! They asked what was up with the "sissy" cups? They went on to inform me that men don't like drinking out of "sissy" cups and that I'd better learn that before I get married. They said my future husband would be having a fit if I served him coffee in little "sissy" cups like the ones I used on them. I tell you some people are never satisfied! LOL! So I told them to just stick out their little pinky fingers and just suck it up, I couldn't find the bigger mugs! :-D Oh, yes, I am going to be quite the catch someday. ;-D It was all in fun, but now I know, "Don't serve "manly" men coffee in "sissy" cups!" ;-D

Well, we all had a good visit even if apparently my family seems to think I need to hurry up and get married off already! LOL! Actually, I don't think it's a huge deal to them about when I finally do get hitched, they just want me to be happy. They do enjoy teasing me about it though. However, I do think my parents would like me to give them a grandchild someday. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!! What a scary thought! ;-D I'm not saying I've ruled out having children, it's just an absolutely terrifying prospect to me and I'm in no hurry. Pardon me, I need to go wipe off these beads of sweat now! ;-)

So, as I was starting to say before I went off on my last tangent, we had a good Thanksgiving. Originally, my grandma wanted us to do ham and potato salad, but my step-dad and I both objected. We wanted a REAL Thanksgiving meal! Ham, was fine, but we didn't want to give up the mashed potatoes, dressing, and turkey! It's funny, but the last few years I've been wanting to try something different than the same old traditional meal, yet the minute someone tried to take away the turkey this year, I got all disappointed. However, Mom stepped in and save Thanksgiving! Yay, Mom! :-D I guess we really don't realize how much we value something until we lose it or are in danger of losing it anyway. You know I think we should all take a moment and count our blessings, especially when it comes to family. We may not always get along with our loved ones, but we shouldn't hold grudges. Life is too short and we could lose them at any time. Sometimes we get angry and hurt, but we all need to learn to just let bygones be bygones and focus on the good times instead of the bad. Believe me, I know it's not always easy, but the alternative is to grow bitter and that doesn't do anybody any good. I don't know where all of this just came from, but anyways, there, I've said it. Who knew you could learn something from a turkey? I know what you smart-alecks out there are thinking and NO, I am NOT the turkey! ;-D Well, anyways, I hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving, and for any people crazy enough to go shopping on Black Friday I'd just like to say, "¡Vaya Con Dios!" (Go with God) ;-D

Oh, What a Beautiful Morning, Oh, What a Beautiful Day!

Wow, what a beautiful Sunday morning! I know. Shocking isn't it? I used "beautiful" and "morning" in the same sentence! Not words I normally put together and I know all my night owl buddies KNOW where I'm coming from. Anyways, right now I'm sitting at the bus stop as I await for my, ahem, chariot to take me to church – well as close as it can anyway, I still have to walk a mile from where it drops me off, but that's okay. The sun is shining, the air is cool (thank you, Lord!), I've got my music gently playing from my ipod shuffle, life is good! Okay, seriously, what is WRONG with me? (no comments from the peanut gallery, thank you) Sheesh, I sound like a, ugh, morning person! Frankly, I think it's the weather that has put me in such a wonderful mood.

I missed the first bus I was gonna take, so now I have to wait 30 minutes for the next one, but I'm in no hurry; I'm just enjoying the morning. I stopped at the convenience store across the street from the bus stop, grabbed a Diet Peach Tea and a Lil' Debbie's Chocolate-filled Pie and have just finished enjoying my breakfast. I know, what a combination, Diet Peach Tea and a Chocolate Pie, such a nutritious breakfast! Isn't a diet drink supposed to cancel out the bad stuff you eat? ;-) Why else would people order a hamburger, fries, and a diet whatever? ;-D Besides chocolate is good for you, especially for men. Don't you mean women, you ask? No, I mean men… chocolate keeps us women calm so we don't kill the men! Ha! ;-D Oh, there's the bus…

After church…

So, the bus dropped me off at the stop, and when I crossed the street I noticed a familiar looking car pulled to the side of the road. It was a family from my church, offering me a ride. Well, I was really looking forward to walking because it was such a nice day, but I didn't want to be rude and it really was sweet of them, so I accepted.

You know as I was sitting in church today, I just got to thinking, what a wonderful church family! I am so blessed to be in the church I'm in. It really does feel just like a family. People help each other, love each other, we may have little tiffs now and then, but in the end we're family! Our church is small now, but as it grows, I hope and pray that it doesn't lose that closeness and feeling of brotherly and sisterly love. Wow, I really am perky. I guess I'm just feeling love today. Love, love, love! If I get any happier, I'm going to be seeing little cartoon birds and animals dancing around like Snow White! :-D

After church, I did get to walk back to the bus stop and it felt wonderful! People from church kept offering me rides, but I declined. It was just too beautiful a day to pass up! You know, sometimes in this fast-paced world we just need to slow down and enjoy the simple things in life…… like a walk on a nice Autumn day!

Bus Surfing

The other day I was able to experience something that most people don't get to on their daily commute– bus surfing! Yes, you read that right– bus surfing! What on earth is bus surfing you ask? Well let me tell you: When a bus is so crowded that you have no choice but to stand in the aisle, you must take a stance that keeps you from falling all over your fellow passengers and turning the bus into a mobile mosh pit. The most effective and most stabilizing position I've found, in my experience, is to stand with one foot in front of the other with one hand holding the bar that runs just below the ceiling and the other hand holding onto the bar on top of one of the forward facing seats. This puts you in a position similar to a surfer– okay if it looked like the surfer was about to fall of his board, what with one hand in the air and all. However, instead of hanging ten or hanging loose your hanging on… for dear life! It can actually be kind of fun especially when you get a bus driver who likes to whip around corners or when the bus hits a big bump in the road! I was very tempted to yell "Excellent! Surf's up! Cowabunga dudes!" during one particularly thrilling curve, but I thought they might transfer me to a different type of vehicle – one that's driven by men with little white jackets! So, I held my peace.

If you don't want to take up as much space, there is also the windsurfer position: grab onto one of the poles, plant your feet, and you're ready to go! It's not quite as stable as my stance, as you have a tendency to swing around, but it can be just as fun. Everyone who has had to stand during a bus ride has their own way of coping with the bus's inertia, but one thing they all have in common… they are hanging on to something. Believe me, you will never appreciate the makers of deodorant more than when you are either the surfer or the passenger seated next to the surfer!

So, if you are on a budget and you can't actually go to the coast, then take a trip on the city bus! Nothing could ever replace the beach but at least you won't have to worry about sharks or sunburns. If you're like me and have never surfed real waves and don't plan on taking the actual sport up anytime soon but would like to experience the same thrill, well then the city bus is for you. Surf's up! :-)

To Catch a Thief

Prepare yourselves. You are about to experience a full-blown rant! That's right, I am going to pitch a huge hissy-fit right here and now! Are you ready? Have you battened down the hatches? Taken cover? Well, here it goes:

SOME JERK STOLE ONE OF MY CHECKS,FORGED MY NAME, AND STOLE $722 FROM MY BANK ACCOUNT!!!!!! GRRRRRRRR!!!!!! THE LOUSY, LITTLE LEACH! IF HE CAN PUT SO MUCH EFFORT INTO "WASHING" A CHECK AND FORGING MY NAME, HE CAN PUT THE EFFORT INTO FINDING A JOB AND WORKING FOR HIS MONEY LIKE THE REST OF US POOR SLOBS!!!! I'VE WORKED TOO HARD TO GET BACK UP ON MY FEET FINANCIALLY TO HAVE SOME MORON MESS IT UP NOW!!!!! >:-( Okay, I'm better now; it felt good to get that off of my chest. You can't say I didn't warn you. ;-)

He obviously has talent and experience at this sort of thing. I'm sure he could find a job that would make use of his "skills". Let's see, a deceptive creep, with no moral convictions, that robs people blind. Yep, sounds like he's ready for a government job to me – I'm thinking as an IRS agent or a politician? ;-) Hmph, for all we know he may even be a bank president, considering that the check cleared really quickly. It took him only 3 days to get the check, cash it, and have it clear through Bank of America. Sooooo glad to see they're on the ball. GRRRRRRR!!!!!

The good news is that my credit union is going to replace the funds. I just have to fill out a police report; I'm currently waiting to hear back from them. Hopefully, we'll get this all settled soon. I have a new routing number, so BOZO can't get at my accounts again. Did I mentioned that he drained most of the money from BOTH my checking AND savings!? Oooooooooh......... >:-(

So, how did this happen? That's the mystery. I had my parents put the check in the mail on the evening of May 8th and it was cashed on the 11th and cleared on the 12th. So, it's possible someone broke into the drop box at the Post Office. Otherwise, it would have to be an inside job either at the Post Office or at the place where I originally sent the check. I saw a copy of the cleared check– it had the guy's name on it and a forgery of my signature on the bottom. It looks like he traced over what was left of my name after "washing" the check. It looked similar to my signature, but I could totally tell it wasn't – sometimes it pays to have an artist's eye.

Oooh, he'd better PRAY I don't meet up with him, right now. I'd like to beat him like a Piñata!!! Now, some of you may be saying that I'm not being very Christian right now. However, I can totally back up this fantasy biblically. Let me explain…

It says, "Vengeance is mine, sayeth the Lord." However, we are supposed to be the body of Christ; I just want to be the hands! ;-D Since we are supposed to lay hands on others, I would just like to lay my hands around this guy's neck! See? Totally justified. ;-D Mwahahahahahahah! };-D I mean, tee hee! 0;-D Okay, I may have some praying to do about this, but not as much praying as he's going to be doing if I...... oops! There I go again. ;-) If you hadn't noticed, I'm just a wee bit ticked off, so please take these comments with a grain of salt.

I SO hope the police catch that thief, and if they do, I want him to pay! (Forget the grain – take these comments with a whole handful of salt ;-D ) Since violence is clearly out of the question, I've thought of other ways the thief could be taught a lesson to my satisfaction. See if you agree with any of my suggestions, which are listed in no particular order.

1) The thief should be locked in a room that loudly plays nothing but Mariah Carey songs (the higher the notes the better).

2) He should be forced to walk a mile in my shoes – literally. Particularly, the highest heels I have that I only break out when I know I won't be standing a long time. On second thought, make that 3 miles on a 100˚+ day!

3) Okay, I suppose I should give some consideration to his soul. Therefore, let him be locked up in a room that blasts nothing but sermons all day and all night long. If he repents, even better! (Before anyone gets offended, notice I said above "teach him a lesson" not "punish").

4) Handcuff him, tie him up, shove him in the backseat (sitting upright and properly buckled in), and let my grandma take him on a road trip. I doubt he even makes it out of the city before my grandma's driving properly terrorizes him and causes him to sob like a little baby. Either that or he'll pray through and convert! ;-D She is SO going to get me one of these days for constantly picking on her driving. :-D She knows I do it though (as do a lot of other family members).

5) Tie him to a chair and force him to listen to ME sing! Then again, that might be deemed cruel and unusual punishment...

Well, I think I'm finally losing some steam. So what do you think? Do you have any other suggestions that you think should be considered in order to teach the guy a lesson should he get caught? The more creative the better. I'm all ears! ;-D

A Monstrous Sight

I stared at the gruesome creature before me. Its matted, greasy hair was sticking up in every direction. It's blood-shot puffy eyes glared back at me daring me to make a move. Its pasty skin was pale but was turning an interesting shade of green. A gooey mess was beginning to seep from its nostrils. I dared not get too close, as I could only imagine how foul its breath smelled. It was hideous. It was a monstrosity. It was...my reflection!

That is what has confronted me at the mirror for the past several days, since coming down with a cold. I finally started becoming human again yesterday. You never appreciate being healthy like you do when you get sick. Have you ever noticed that? Me and my bed were the best of friends over the last few days. I also was quite chummy with my good friends Benadryl and Nyquil. God bless the makers of those fine products!

Being out of commission the last few days has really made me lose out on some stuff though. First, I was informed today that they had an awesome church service last night – the kind where everyone is still kind of silent upon leaving the sanctuary (believe me, for Pentecostals that's amazing – being the social butterflies that we are and all.) ;-) But even more amazing is that I found out that pigs have finally learned to fly! Don't laugh, it's true! I saw it in the headline of the local newspaper. It said, "Swine Flu!" I'm not exactly sure when they learned to do this, but apparently it happened. I saw a bunch of people wearing masks under the headline too, which is understandable. After all, if a bunch of pigs got loose and were flying around, I'd probably wear a mask too. I could just imagine the smell! Although I do think they should have an umbrella too, just in case (I'll let you use your own imagination there). Okay, okay I know I shouldn't be making fun of it, but how can you avoid it with a name like that? Of course, if I keep this up, I'll probably get stricken with it just because of karma or whatever. Okay, let's see if I can salvage this blog post.

With all of the sickness that is going around today, let's remember to be thankful for the health and strength our good Lord above has bestowed upon us and also to pray for those who are sick in body. There. Is that better? Do you think I've deterred any bad karma? I jest, but we really should be thankful.

Well, although I may resemble a human being again I'm still feeling rather weak. I'm only 85% - 90% better. I did go to work today, but left early. And frankly, I think it's time for a rest. Later on I might even enjoy a Nyquil nightcap. Yes, I know how to walk on the wild side! Woo Hoo! If I'm really feeling crazy I just might pop a Benadryl or two. Of course, I won't be drinking the Nyquil and taking the Benadryl at the same time. I'd rather not put myself into a deep coma, after all. Well, until I write again... later!

The Torture Chamber

Little beads of sweat glistened on my forehead as I sat in the recliner in the tiny room. Around me were various instruments of torture which I suspected would be used on me shortly. My heartbeat began to accelerate. Outside the room I could hear the cries of a poor little boy as he was worked over by the fiendish devices. Poor kid. Soon I would be going through the same agony– hopefully with a little more grace. I knew however, that once I left this place I wouldn't be the same. I would be in pain and something would be missing. Something small, but that I was very much attached to. Above me a bright light, much like an interrogation lamp at a police station, shone down upon me. "Alright, alright! I'll talk! I'll tell you anything you want to know!" I thought. My thoughts were in vain. I wasn't getting out of here until my torturers got what they came for. Soon I heard footsteps walking towards my room and then they entered. Their masks and rubber gloves were firmly in place. The assistant and the man I had been dreading... that's right – the dentist!

That's right, ladies and gentlemen. I had to go to the dentist yesterday, and not for a routine cleaning either. Nooooooooo, I had to have four cavities filled and a tooth pulled. The cleaning and filling of the cavities was no big deal, but the extraction! Ouch! I kept that dentist pumping me full of novacaine (one of the best inventions of the medical profession, if you ask me.)

So why did I have to have my tooth pulled? Well, because my filling decided to abandon my mouth and take half of my tooth with it. There was no way to salvage the tooth, so out it had to come. Thank goodness it was a back molar or I would have found myself auditioning for Hee Haw!

Apparently, every part of me is indeed stubborn because that tooth did not want to come out without a fight. I kept imagining the dentist climbing up on the chair, putting one foot on my face, with both hands wrapped around the tooth plier thingie, and pulling with all of his might. Thankfully that didn't happen. Their insurance probably wouldn't look too kindly upon that maneuver. I'll spare you the gory details, but let's just say it took a while. And though I wasn't crying my head off like that poor kid, at one point I had tears in my eyes. Even with all of that novocaine, it hurt! Mostly, at the end, but still. It especially didn't feel good when his pliers (or whatever they were) slipped and hit my lip! And guess what I discovered today? That slip-up left part of my lip black because of a bruise. Yeah, not a big fan of the dentist right now. Staring up at the light brought back memories, bad memories, of the orthodontist (see story below).

I don't usually have a problem with the dentist, but I was a little nervous because that was my first visit at that particular establishment. My checkup last Friday had not been very reassuring either. You know you should be worried when you keep hearing the dental hygienists ask where they put something and then hear others ask "What do I do now?" Yeah, wasn't very confident in that place's abilities. Didn't have much choice though, as I have no insurance, and that particular place takes payments. However, despite a little pain, the dentist I saw did a good job even though I did look like a disfigured chipmunk after I left. That couldn't really be helped since I had half my mouth filled with gauze and was shot up with novacaine. I have to say, that made for an interesting rest of the day at work. Yes, I went back to work. I just took a little drug cocktail of advil and tylenol, and I was good to go! Couldn't talk very well (although this may have been a relief for some and a great source of amusement for others), but I survived. So, hears my advice: Take good care of your teeth, and if you hear the word "extraction" when you're at the dentist... RUN!!!! Okay, it's time for my drug cocktail again. Write you all later (and believe me I've got some things to say, er, type)! :-D

Liar, Liar!

Yesterday, I ran across an article on foxnews.com entitled "Liars Club Names the Top Lie of 2008". Did anyone even know there was a Liars Club? I thought maybe it was a story about Congress, but lo, and behold there is an actual Liars Club near Milwaukee (it really should be headquartered in Washington DC, though). Finally, a place where politicians, lawyers, fisherman, and orthodontists can come together! ;-) I know what you're thinking – orthodontists? Yeah, that's right, I said orthodontists. Let me explain:

When I was in the fourth grade, I had to get braces... oh, joy. My orthodontist said "You'll only have to wear them a couple of years." HA! That turned out to be a HUGE, FAT LIE! What followed was six years of misery and a mouth full of metal. The headgear...ack! The routine tightening of the braces...ouch! The rubber bands that practically tied my jaws together...what a pain! Hey, wait a second! You don't suppose my mom was in league with the orthodontist do you? They may have concocted that nasty little plan in order to keep my mouth shut! Can you say, conspiracy? ;-) Naw, she couldn't stand the man (or so I was told). ;-) Anyways, I digress...

You know what it took to finally get that fiendish metal out of my mouth? I went into the orthodontist's office in tenth grade during a routine visit and asked, "So, when do I get these things out?"

The doctor had the gall to look at me and ask, "Oh, you want them out? Well, let's schedule an appointment."

"WHAT!!!!!!!!??????" is what I was thinking. Can you believe that? What did he think, that I wanted to wear the stupid things forever? I'm sure he would have been fine with that arrangement since he was getting paid all that time. But why did I have to ask to get them off? Why didn't he tell me I could get them off earlier? I'll tell you why... because HE WAS A CROOK! A CROOK, YOU HEAR ME!!!!!!

Phew! Ok, sorry, I had to get that off my chest. No,no I don't have any hard feelings at all... Hey, does that statement qualify me for membership in the Liars Club? :-) Ah, yes, the Liars Club – back to my original reason for writing this blog post. A club where the goal of the members is to be the best liar. Wow. What a worthy cause. Because you know, there aren't nearly enough liars in the world or anything...

I swear they'll start a club for anything or anyone nowadays. Well, what about a club for survivors of orthodontia? Where's that club!? Huh? HUH? WHERE'S THAT ONE!? Okay, I think I'd better go try to relax and take my mind off the past. Can somebody pass the chocolate and the Dr. Pepper!?

Oh, by the way, if anyone's interested, here's the address for that article I read: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,477045,00.html

Enjoy! :-D

What Nascar Drivers Do When They Retire

Okay, I am not a Nascar fan by any means, but I think I've figured out what they do when they retire... they become city bus drivers! Good gravy! Those who have read my previous blogs will know all about the fact that I am now riding the bus in an effort to save money. Well, little did I know when I made the switch to the bus just how exciting it would be! I thought, "Okay, I'm sure the other passengers will make some trips interesting" (I have ridden the bus before after all), but I did not expect the drivers themselves to spice up what would otherwise be a monotonous ride. Sure, you have your safe drivers, but then you get the ones like today...yikes! They're the ones that you had better find your seat quick or else you're going to be flying down the aisle as he or she puts the pedal to the metal! Although that can make for some interesting introductions to your fellow passengers.

Today the driver had plenty of lead in his foot as he barreled through red lights, whipped around corners, and stomped on the brakes. For a moment, I almost forgot I was on the bus and not on some thrill ride at Six Flags Magic Mountain! Actually, at one point as he sped around a corner I felt like throwing my hands up in the air and going, "Weeeeeeeeeeee!". Yeah, that would have gone over real well. I could just see that appearing on the local news: "And today transit authorities transported a passenger to the local psych ward for going wee, wee, wee all the way home!" It's pretty sad that the bus is the closest I'll get to an amusement park any time soon. Oh, well.

There are a couple of good things about riding with these insane drivers: 1) It's a great way to get your prayer time in and 2) I've almost got Psalm 23 memorized especially "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil..." Okay, so technically I've been getting the same benefits riding with my grandma. Hmmm... maybe she should put her experience to use and become a city bus driver. I've always thought her last name was secretly Andretti... I think she would fit right in!

In the meantime, if you're looking for a cheap thrill, ride the bus! It'll change your life (or at least your hair color). :-D

Starting the Year Off with a Bang!

It all started innocently enough. Last night was New Year's Eve and, being a Wednesday night, was also a church night. I had been pretty drowsy upon getting home from work and had almost konked out when I summoned the strength to get my rear in gear in order to get ready for church. Well, it being New Year's Eve I wanted to get into the mood so I dressed a little more festive. I actually got dolled up and everything! I did my hair all fancy in curls on top of my head, put on one of my new Christmas outfits, and slipped on the new fancy high heels.

Now I already knew I was treading dangerously when I chose to wear those shoes, so, to play it safe, I brought along a spare set of flats. My flats were even festive; they were a pair of slip-on flip-flop kind of shoes that lit up when I walked. I figured I could put them on after service when I went over to the shindig my friend Stephanie was having at her house. I knew we would be playing games, I just didn't know if we would be playing any that would require action, thus the flats. So, anyway, we went to the church service, and, before we knew it, it was time to go. I had made it safely through the entire service without biting the dust. Phew!

Well, Steph and I had to stop by the grocery store on the way to her house to pick up some things for the party and I still hadn't had the chance to change shoes. I thought surely I would be going down for sure then. We had to park quite a distance from the entrance and then, of course, you know how slippery those grocery store floors can be. There was just no chance that I was going to make it out of that situation without going down. Well, wouldn't you know it? I was wrong! I made it safely to Steph's house and was able to change my shoes without incident!

It was a fun evening; we pigged out on chips, turkey, pizza, brownies, candy, and soda (real nutritious, huh?) and played games up until the stroke of midnight. It wasn't too much longer afterwards that the remaining guests packed up and left. All that remained was me, Steph, and this couple that needed a ride home. So, everything was coming to a close when Steph needed me to follow her into the garage. That's when it happened; As I followed her with my ice cold cup of Sprite in hand, I reached the step that extends from her door to the garage floor, and, well, let's just say gravity had its way with me! I'm still not completely sure what happened. One moment I'm standing on the step and the next minute I'm doing a belly-flop on the cement floor with a shower of Sprite falling around us. I think I went to take a step forward and my shoes decided to stay behind causing me to trip over them. Yes, just call me Grace!

Let me just say, that belly-flops should be attempted in the pool and not on garage floors – just a helpful hint there. And also, I now know why they're really called flip-flops – they'll cause you to flip and then flop which is exactly what I did last night. Ouch! Luckily, I didn't break anything. The good Lord gave me plenty of padding (okay, some late night meals may have helped too). :-) See, sometimes it pays to be a bigger woman; one of those model types would have snapped like a twig with the amount of force I hit the ground with. :-) (Can't say that I can't find a silver lining.) I think I have sprained my ankle and wrist a bit, but that's nothing some ice, advil, and some bandages won't fix. Let's see, I have a wrist brace, but I can't find an ace bandage for my ankle. (My kingdom for an ace bandage!) Hmm... I know I have one around here somewhere...

Can you believe it though? I had survived a night of wearing high heels only to be taken down by flats, go figure. I wanted to start the new year off with a bang, but I didn't mean literally! Well, I hope everyone reading this has a Happy and SAFE New Year! Catch ya later! (Or, if you're in the vicinity, you might be catching ME later!) :-)