#123-THANK YOU!

I had a wonderful birthday partly because of all of the birthday wishes I received from all of my new blogging friends.  THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH for being so kind to me.  This may be boring but I wanted to share my BUCKET LIST with you (it is in no particular order):

*Sing a solo in church.

I used to have a fairly decent voice.  However, I have never sung in public.  This is one thing I have always wanted to do, but never had the courage.  I belt them out with the best of them when singing in a group, but solo???  At least in church they can't boo you off the stage (can they?).

Of course, I will probably have to find a new outfit!

*Go to the mission my church supports in Kenya.

Our church has two missions in Africa, one in Albania, and one in Kansas City, MO.  I have wanted to go for a long time.  I was planning on volunteering in 96 however,  my dad had fell and has needed me ever since.

What can I say, there are smiles there that beg for my attention!

*Take a cruse to Cozumel.

I love ruins and would love to see the ones on the Mayan peninsula.  Plus, I have never been out of the USA except for a day excursion to Tijuana (a future blog) and a Girl Scout trip to western Canada.

But, with my budget this is probably the best I can do!

*Visit the British Isles.

In college I was a history major and I long to see some of the things about which I studied.   I am enamored with castles and would love seeing as many as possible.  It would be so cool to be able to stay one night in one.

I am a trusting person, so, I guessing my room will be the one at the top (with the great view, as advertised).
Luckily I will be allowed to walk around the grounds while waiting for the ladder.

*Travel up the East Coast to Main.

I think that lighthouses are sadly romantic and I would like to go on a lighthouse tour along the East Coast.

The ride there would be well worth the trip!

*Sky Dive!

Yes, I want to jump out of an airplane with a good looking guy strapped to my back. Who wouldn’t!  I thought about bunjee jumping, but as I think back over my past INCIDENTS  I decided that this was not a good idea FOR ME.  At least with sky diving there will be an experienced jumper with me.

My new mantra! "Adventure before dementia!"

*White water raft down the Colorado.

What can go wrong?  They take thousands of people down the Colorado every summer (and most of them are still in the boat by the end).  I want to be one of them!  

I'm the one in the front on your left.

*Get a tattoo. 

I have always wanted a tattoo.  I really don’t know why, just have.  I am not exactly the illustrated woman type, so, I have chosen one simple tattoo to put in a common easily seen place (that eliminates my butt) and I will post the event (complete with a picture).  Oh, by the way, this is happening TODAY!  Probably as you are reading this!

When I asked him what I should use to dull the pain he said, "LOTS OF TEQUILA!"
Lord only knows what I will end up with if I have a shot or two of Tequila.
I think I'm opting for a bottle of cheap wine and a couple of Motrin!

kt 2/2011

#122-SUNDAY'S SONG (I Will Lift My Eyes sung by Bebo Norman)

PRAISE AND WORSHIP IS A LARGE PART OF THE CHURCH I ATTEND.   WE ARRIVE AT 10:30 AM AN SING UNTIL ABOUT 11:00 AM.  BY THE TIME THE PASTOR TAKES THE PULPIT WE ARE READY TO LISTEN WITH THE RIGHT FRAME OF MIND.  I THINK IT'S GREAT!     kt2011

#121-BETTER LATE THAN NEVER!

OK, THINK I KNOW WHAT YOU ARE WONDERING.  "What the heck is this?  There's no blog hop button so it can't be a hop (which is exactly what I thought when I copied the questions off of professionallyinsanem.blogspot.com, Tuesday the 25th)  By the time I finally realized it wasn't I had already answered the questions.   Soooooooo......here they are:

1. Do you decorate for Valentine's day ?

No, but I have been known to get up in church and (jokingly) chastise the minister for not finding me a husband so I can go to their Valentine’s dinner.  Everyone knows what’s coming when I raise my hand and stand.  It is becoming an annual “thing.”  (You see, I have been divorced for 40 years and apparently it will require divine intervention for me to ever marry again).  100% TRUE

2. Does your desktop have a picture or computer graphic? Is it organized?

a) Picture, and here it is: (I wanted to put a picture of me doing this but I fell asleep as I was trying to get my butt up into the air.)

b)… … … Ahhhhh…about as organized as my brain!  (Remember I have been gifted with ADHD!)

3. Do you use a paper planner, electric planner or no planner at all?

Paper, and I actually have 4.  One is the calendar planner in my purse.  The second is also a calendar planner sitting on the dinner table. The third is another calendar planner with my blog schedule on it.  The fourth is LOST somewhere!  And, since it has been lost for some time I can't remember what I was planning on it!

4. Do you change purses or bags often or stick with a good thing?

I change mine 2 times a year.  I have my black fall/winter purse and my splashy spring/summer purse.  My paternal grandmother used to change hers once a year.  She would keep all papers, receipts etc. in her purse and then at the end of a year she would file it on her closet shelf and buy another one.  Cool system!  She didn’t even need to date her purses because she remembered each purse and lined them up in order.  Her name was Gracie and I still miss her.  She was a HOOT and I am pleased that some of our relatives think I take after her.

5. What's your favorite Youtube video?

That’s easy.  I posted it one time…and here it is again!

This is so much fun...I just recently learned how to imbed stuff.  (Don't tell me that you can't teach an old dog new tricks.  I learning something new every day.  Unfortunately, I often forget it!)

6. Do you use Turbo Tax or a real person to pay your taxes?

Come on now, what do you think?  A real person.  If you have read ANY of my blogs you should have been able to answer this one for me, yourself.

7. How many states have you set foot or tire in? Which ones?

All… … … and to make sure that is a TRUE statement I just threw down a US map and stomped all over it!

8. How many countries have you been in ? Which ones?

Does Tijuana count?  OK, then 1

9. How many pillows are in your house? Sleeping or decorative.

Enough to host a WORLD CLASS pillow fight….any takers?

10. How cold is too cold for flip flops?

Don’t flip but I flop now and again…..Oh, you were referring to the shoes….don’t wear em.
(Re: "flops" See my February 4th birthday blog and you'll get it.)


This was interesting....too bad it wasn't a blog hop.  But, I don't like those things anyway because they make me jump through too many hoops (and I don't jump a s well as I used to).  I don't want to follow someone just because it IS ONE OF THE RULES.  I just want to find some like minded readers and follow some of the funnier ones.  Gads..it already takes me 2-3 hours a day to go through and comment on the ones I do follow (When I say I'll follow then I do).  I did find a blogger that had daily hops without the usual requirements.  Did it once....loved the freedom and then I LOST HER HOP ADDRESS.....Mannnnnnn (its probably written on that planner I lost).  ANY SUGGESTIONS?


Now I have to go to my blog planner and figure out where to put this... ... ... Awhhhh, can't find that danged planner.  Ok...in the DRAFT bucket you go!  Speaking of draft....Is anyone else cold besides me?  What a winter!  (Sorry, ADHD mind at work again!)
kt 1/25/11

#120-FRIDAY FLASHBACKS (into 1941)

Something a little different today.  

This flash back is to 1941. No, not the movie, the year. (But I thought this poster was cool!)

(Before you go too far you might want to lower the volume on your speakers.)

         1941 was a terrible year in the history of our nation that culminated in the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

However, some good things did happen this year.  For one, on Tuesday, February 4th the famous American aviator Charles Lindbergh was born. (At this point you are wondering  where the heck I am going with this....keep reading.) 

 Also, on that same day the United Service Organization (USO) was created to entertain American troops. 

But, best of all, on February 4, 1941, in a small town in, Missouri a little girl named Karen was born to a high school coach and his wife. This article appeared in the local newspaper:

"If basketball fans wondered who the man was who came rushing into the gymnasium during the final quarter of the Mexico-Macon basketball game last night, with his coat  flying, well, here is he answer...Macon's coach, Owen Taylor was delayed in reaching the game as he had

to stay at home until the stork had safely delivered a baby girl to the Taylor family.  After becoming a proud papa Coach Taylor headed for Mexico to see just how his hardwood quintet were coming long in their tilt with the Bulldogs.  On his arrival the score was 25 to 18 in Mexico's favor.  His appearance must have inspired the boys for at that moment started a big rally which narrowed the bulldog margin of victory to four points, the final score being 31 to 27.  The new girl in the Taylor family reminds us that Macon has one of the finest girl basketball squads in the state and they have rolled up quite a record."

   

         Since my father was a coach (in those days he coached all sports) I was supposed to be a boy.  In fact the boys basketball squad had purchased a beautiful baby pram with the words "Speed Taylor" applied in gold letters on the bonnet.  Mom and Dad hadn't even picked out a girl's name so the nurse suggested her own name, Karen.  Mother swore that those boys would glair at her when she pushed me down the sidewalk in that pram.  (A sad post script to this, the Seniors on that basketball team all joined the Navy when they graduated.  At that time buddies were allowed to be stationed together.  They all went down on the same ship,  December 7th 1941, Dad thinks it was the Arizona). 

TRIVIA FROM 1941

Best Movie: How Green Was My Valley

Best Actress: Joan Fontain (Suspision)

Best Actor: Gary Cooper (Sergeant York)

Best Cartoon Movie:  Dumbo

The #1 song on the charts was Stardust by Artie Shaw

But, as Miss Piggy (my personal mentor)would say, "Back to Moi.")

I HAD SEVERAL INTERESTING THINGS HAPPEN IN MY LIFE:

1.  It was a wonderful experience to be chosen to appear on the Art Linkletter House Party (Kids Say the Darnedest Things - and I lied my butt off!).

2.  I was excited when I was selected to appear in one episode of the TV show Teen Age Trials.  (a gal named Penny stole all of my lines!) 

3.  But, the most exciting thing of all was when I was invited to participate in the very first, Miss Teenage America Pagent at the Hollywood Bowl.  It was grueling, but, I managed to come in the first runner up.

4.  Then the summer after my Senior year (after placing in several pageants)  I finally won Miss Corvette and then Miss Auto Show.

After I won a few contests I tried my hand at modeling (and gave my mother hope that the big bucks she sent putting me through the Carolyn Leonetti Modeling School was going to pay off).

 

The above pictures are from my year of modeling.  I had a 19 inch waist (my thighs aren't even that small now).  The good part was that I was allowed to keep the clothing I modeled.  The bad part was that this perk was in lieu of money.  So I was dressed to kill but couldn't afford to go out and flaunt it.

Then one day my agent explained THE RULES.  If I wanted the good jobs then I had to sleep with him.  I clearly remember saying, "IF YOU WEREN'T SUCH A FAT, UGLY GREASY, PIG I MIGHT CONSIDER IT!" (And, yes, I was yelling). That comment got me black-balled.  End of career!

Next, I tried college, found interest in the drama department and was in a few plays.  (In Tea House of the August Moon I played  Higga Jigga - the one with the white head band.  The other was Volponi and I played Lady Politic Would Be).

A few other fun things happened... ... ...

As a police dispatcher in Palm Springs I was able to meet and play with a lot of celebrities.  (I'm the one on his right.)  And, when I was a courtroom clerk a segment was on TV about my job.

I relocated to Missouri and enjoyed my role as a teacher of learning disabled and behavior disordered children and youth.  I loved teaching and have been retired for about 5 years.

But, the most satisfying part of my life revolved (and still revolves) around my children and the beautiful grandchildren (and great grandchildren) they have given me. 

AND, YES, (for those of you with pencil and paper still trying to figure it out) THAT MEANS I AM "70" YEARS OLD, TODAY!  Check out my new profile picture (which was taken a few days ago) and tell me if you think I look 70 (but keep your fingers off the S the E and the Y buttons as you write) And, even though I AM 70 I do not plan to EVER grow up!  However, I am writing my “bucket list” and it's a DOOZY!

I know I promised a more recent picture, so....enjoy the new one on my profile!

kt2011

#119-THURSDAY'S PICK (TRUE, PARTLY TRUE OR A TOTAL FABRICATION)

On Saturday, January 29th I told of an event that could have been true, partially true or a total fabrication and asked you guys to guess which label would be correct.
This is what I found in my comment section:


COMMENTS:

I'm not eating that!
The last one tasted like
cat  $#*!

1)  You silly girl - partially true!
By clenna on #114-AND I QUOTE: “Eweuuuuuuu!” at 6:20 AM
Now, Clenna knows me real well.  She is one of my first followers.
So, what part isn't true?  The cat was actually a frog?  The rubber tree plant was a ficus?  Hummmmmm...

Woah, kt, you're
headed the wrong way!

2)  I put my rusty penny on true for Win. False for Place ....and True for Show!

By The Desert Rocks on #114-AND I QUOTE: “Eweuuuuuuu!” at 10:26 AM
Well, now, spoken by a true gambler.  Spread the risk out.

3)  With my crazy life I totally believe this. Am I gullible or what?

By Bodacious Boomer on #114-AND I QUOTE: “Eweuuuuuuu!” at 4:50 PM
I read this lady's blog and mannn, this could have happened to her!

4)  Pssssst.. You lie and I'll swear to it! LOL

By Wsprsweetly Of Cottages on #114-AND I QUOTE: “Eweuuuuuuu!” at 6:05 PM

Dang, I forgot that you were back there with the rubber tree plant (or was it a ficus).

 

I have NEVER seen a splinter
like this!  Have you?

5)  I'm thinking partially true.
By Chief aka Dad http://unsoundreasoning.blogspot.com on #114-AND I QUOTE: “Eweuuuuuuu!” at 7:14 PM

Hummmmm, interesting.  Straddling the fence.  Watch out for the splinters!   

6)  Partially true? Funny story!! Have a good week!

By M on #114-AND I QUOTE: “Eweuuuuuuu!” on 1/29/11

Another fence straddler....So, would this be called a splinter group?

7)  ... ... ...Now, you asked a couple of questions veiled neatly as one. I'll do my best to respond... Is the story TRUE? Yep! Is the story PARTIALLY TRUE? Yep! Is the story TOTAL FABRICATION? Yep! Good, covered all possible options there, so I'm pretty sure I'll get at least ONE of them right, when you score our comments ;) Clearly, the TEACHER has not retired! Great story, by the way - some positively hilarious descriptions!

By Desiree on #114-AND I QUOTE: “Eweuuuuuuu!” at 9:54 AM

Ok, as a teacher I would say that this is "cheating!"  BLLAGGHT (that is the sound of a buzzer).  Wrong!

(When I was a kid I got away with this once.  The teacher used a cover sheet with holes punched over the correct letter.  If one filled in all choices, of course it looked like you picked the correct one.  However, like an idiot I told other kids and several others started doing it.  Didn't take her long to figure it out.)


8)  Since you seem to have the same luck as me, I am guessing that this is at least partially true. The part that would be hard for me to believe, is the cat peeing in the plant thing. Oh, I believe it would do it, but if it was me, the cat, roommate or both would have disappeared after the second incident. 

By ape2016 on #114-AND I QUOTE: “Eweuuuuuuu!” at 9:40 AM

Believe me we (the other 2 and myself) wanted to toss them both out, but it was only for a semester and it WAS my plant (besides she did all the cooking).  As for your choice of partially true, shame on you!  You have been reading my blog long enough to know that goofy stuff always happens to me!

9)  Partially true...but to the post-er above...my cat sometimes pees on one of our big houseplants! And I allow it cuz I don't know how to stop her, and it's only the one plant so that corner of the house smells like pee. I tried putting up barriers, like a sheet of bubble wrap on the plant etc. but it didn't stop her!

By jhitomi on #114-AND I QUOTE: “Eweuuuuuuu!” at 10:56 AM

Now, that's a safe guess.  But you don't get the prize on this one (INSIDE JOKE). Cats are sneaky and determined animals.  It is hard to discourage them once they claim there territory.  Have you tried mothballs, small cactus plants, a gun?    Sorry, I didn't explain clearly.  I used a water gun to discourage my cat from tearing up the back of her favorite chair,and it worked).

The story about the accident with the rubber tree plant on the back seat of the car is TRUE. I did embellish a little when I added the rumors of a rubber tree plant growing along that highway.  So, before I declare a winner I must decide if an "embellishment" is considered a lie.  

According to Webster's definition of embellish:

1.  to make beautiful with ornamentation: DECORATE as in embellished with illustrations;

2.  to heighten the attractiveness of by adding decorative or fanciful details: ENHANCE as in 

                     embellished our account of the trip.

Synonyms: color, elaborate(on), embroider, exaggerate, hyperbolize, magnify, pad, stretch

I don't see the words "lie" or "untrue" in there anywhere.  So this story is true.  We will try this again sometime.  Congratulations Desert Rocks and Bodacious Boomer, you win the prize.  Go to your nearest florist and tell them that they owe you a rubber tree plant.  (Or was it a Ficus?)  They have several like this way out back.

I did manage to get her home and plant her in the flower bed in my back yard.  She grew into a gigantic, beautiful tree-like plant over 7 feet tall.  

Nawh! That is 100% lie!  We left the poor thing in the demolished car.  I'm sorry, just couldn't help myself!

kt1/29/11