Ozzy Scares People at Madame Tussauds Wax Museum

Gotta love Ozzy! Saw this on the tv while I was working out the other day and thought it was downright hilarious.

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things....Kitchen Edition

Tonight I was contemplating blog ideas when it hit me, actually something literally fell out the cabinet in the kitchen and hit me. My husband booby traps the cabinets but I really think he does it unintentionally. Anyway, I got the idea that I should review products that I try and like so as to pass on to you, the reader, my valuable opinion...LOL!

So, here goes...

1. Dawn Hand Renewal With Olay dish soap (for hands?).



First of all, I bought this because it said improves hand appearance in five uses. Here lately, my hands have started looking OLD. I was a skeptic at first but to my surprise it does improve hand appearance. My hands are much smoother to the touch and appearance. Now, how good does it work on dishes? Most of the time I wash all dishes in the dish washer but it does just fine on quick jobs in the sink. I give this product a thumbs up and a double whoot whoot for making my hands feel and look fabulous.

2. Duplin Scuppernong Wine...a product made in my favorite state North Carolina.


This wine is SWEET! Yes, literally it is sweet and crisp. You don't want to drink too much at once, but mix it with a little club soda and you have a nice sparkly beverage to drink (in moderation) at the end of a long day of hearding spawnlettes. I love Scuppernong grapes...yummy.

3. Near East Couscous


Thanks to my dear friend Chris, I now have tried and love the Near East brand Couscous. I do not like the Mediterranean Curry flavor, but that is the only one I had in the pantry to take a picture of. It does cook up in only five minutes and is very filling and healthy. I love the Garlic and Olive Oil version the best. Eat it up YUM.

4. Oscar Meyer Bun Length Angus Franks


Whats better than a regular hotdog? One made from Angus beef with no nitrates. Thanks to Oscar Meyer for making the "steak" of hotdogs. My bologna has a first name...it's A N G U S. Seriously folks, I feel so much better about my kids eating an ANGUS hotdog than one of those crazy red looking ones.

5. Body Fortress Whey Protien


This is power for people who are trying to get in shape, such as myself. I love this stuff...and it does what it is supposed to. Helps repair my tired out muscles after working out...and I have been going hard. It tastes great, and gives me a little energy boost as well. As always consult your doctor before taking any performance enhancing products..

6. Chobani Greek Yogurt


Greek Yogurt is my new love. It is rich, creamy and full of good stuff. Go get some Chobani...indulge in the non-fat deliciousness that will make you forget Activa forever. Plus it is super healthy...SUPER. And I recommend the peach and strawberry banana flavors.

7. V8


OK, you have to ask? A whole serving of vegetables in a can...SOLD. I don't even need that Grey Goose to make it awesome, but as long as you are buying...cheers.

1. Would you rather host party or simply attend a party?

Depends on what kind of party it is. I used to love having friends over for parties before I was married and had kids. Now that I have kids, It is hard for me to get motivated to host a party.

2. Tell us about the most memorable party you've been to.

Probably a party I had when my parents were out of town and there were hundreds of people in the house and in the yard. The police finally showed up THANK GOODNESS!

3. What is one thing you hope for in the after-life?

That God is merciful on me and that I get to spend eternity in heaven.

4. What do you enjoy most about sunshine?

That it is warm and provides light.

5. When you attend a bridal/baby shower, do you prefer to bring your own gift or chip in with others to buy a larger gift?

Bring my own gift, I like to pick out something meaningful or personal to the individual(s).

6. Would you rather have a FREE week of having your house cleaned or all of your meals cooked for you and your family?

House cleaning, hands down.

7. What song describes your mood today?

Boots and Boys by Ke$ha

8. What is something you received for your own bridal shower/wedding that you still own or use? (If you are not married, feel free to sub a gift you received a long time ago.)

Coffee Grinder

9. Your favorite flavor of ice cream is?

Black Cherry

10. When was the last time you felt "tested?"

My kids test me EVERY DAY!

11. "[Fill in the blank] is a food that once I start eating I find really hard to stop."

Pistachios

12. "-----" is the best motivation.

Flattery

Disturbing Trends: Jort Diapers

Check out the newest trend in baby diapers, I call them Baby Jorts. Are you too lazy to buy your kid diapers AND pants? Does your husband have a confederate flag tattoo and drink Budweiser? Is denim next to Godliness? Then I have the perfect product for your kid. Huggies has come out with a new line of diapers that look like denim underwear.

Just when I thought jorts were out, leave it up to a cute baby to bring us back down to the deepest darkest hole at the bottom of fashion don'ts. When I was at Wal-mart last week I saw this new product and had to just stop in my tracks and think, WHAT THE MESS?

Then I also think that there are so many people out there that do not understand that denim shorts look terrible with work boots, or on large people, or paired with Cole Haan shoes no socks...I mean seriously, they don't look good on anyone. What's next? Faux denim Depends? Is granny going to rock a diaper jort and a I heart Florida t-shirt?

Huggies is advertising this product as available for a limited time only... wow, even they know that the jorts trend comes back every five years or so but NEVER stays popular for long.

Celebrating 20 Years

It's official, Graduation Fever has hit and as of yesterday It has been 20 *gasp* years since my graduation way back in 1990. No I have not been invited to my 20th year reunion and I doubt if I would go. My close friends from school and I keep in touch and I really do not feel the need to show off or prove myself socially to anyone else. However, I do have a lot of memories to share from that year but primarily I was happy to just graduate.

Probably one of the funniest memories from my graduation had to do with the senior banquet they held at church for our graduating class. Several of the adults did a "variety show" which was absolutely hilarious. My parents and their friends, the Clinards, did a few songs from The Mamas and The Papas which was just awesome. And if you can remember that The New Kids on The Block was popular back then (I did not listen to them btw) and imagine several senior adult men with sombreros on - singing "hanging tough" and doing the NKOB hand in the air waving back and forth. Yes, you really had to be there and some of you were! I still have a VHS copy of that. (remember VHS?)

When I was a senior, all of the traditions still held true. We had announcements, which was really a fancy request for money or a present, a large overnight senior party hosted by the school, and I did order a senior ring but later lost it at a pool party in 1992. Yes, I kept my tassel and still have it in a box full of high school memories that is in my attic. No, I never ever put it on my rear view mirror though. For some reason I just did not ever want dangly things hanging in my face while trying to drive.

What is a senior year without prom? I did go to my senior prom, but I went STAG with a group of girls who mostly did not have dates either. You see there was a certain friend of mine (K) who I had asked who had originally agreed but then backed out. I'm not really sure why but I think I know it was because dancing was frowned upon by adults who attended certain Christian churches that we associated with. I'd like to think that it really had nothing to do with me personally. He and I are still friends today after 25-26 years.

Another amazing time during my senior year was the trip that the marching band took to Disney World in Florida. I had been before with my parents but there is nothing like going on a trip like that when you are 17 without much adult supervision. Great memories of feeling like such an adult for those four-five days, budgeting my money and planning out activities, where I would go and all of the people I would see. Disney truly is a "magic kingdom".

And what would my senior year be like without the most notorious event ever? Unless I get alzheimers I will never forget day I set my car on fire with a cigarette. Note to anyone who smokes cigarettes, throwing your butts out the window not only litters the ground but also is dangerous. You can start a fire and sometimes it is in your own backseat. Fuel for my fire provided by my band uniform. I fear that I may NEVER live that down. Did I mention that it was actually MOM's car I set on fire?

Finally, graduation came on May 23rd 1990. Not sure until the last minute that I would walk, I scraped through by the skin of my teeth. I might have had a high D or low C average when I graduated. Not because I couldn't do the work but because I was not interested in doing it at all. This was the year I found out I had ADD. Of course I had it all along but it was undiagnosed.

Probably the best thing that came from that year was this knowledge that I wasn't "crazy, stupid or lazy" but that with the right tools I could go on to more successful times in my life. I was a long way from there in 1990 and I still have goals that were set back then that I haven't achieved yet. But I wouldn't change a thing, all that happened back then has made me who I am now.

So Happy 20th Anniversary to all of my high school friends who I still keep in touch with through FB or in real life. Amy Lewis Embler, Amy Gardner Nagy, Kelly Henne Thomas, Mike, Keenan and others. Cheers to us!!!

Random Dozen

1. What is one really fast, know-by-heart "go-to" meal to fix in a pinch?

Baked Spaghetti, brown a pound of beef or turkey, boil a package of whole wheat noodles, mix cooked noodles and a can of cream of mushroom soup together in a cass-a-role dish, drain ground meat and lay on top of noodles, then pour a jar of whatever sauce you prefer (we like Ragu), and top with shredded cheddar cheese. Bake at 350 until cheese is melted and bubbly.

2. What is one item you won't leave home without. (Purse and license do not count.)

My pink Kershaw knife...lol.

3. Where is one place you never tire of visiting?

The beach...I love the sun, surf and fruity drinks.

4. Share one factoid of your family's history.

My great grandmother Shelton was the first woman president of the Farm Bureau in Mississippi and she could hunt and fish with the best of the good ol boys.

5. Complete this sentence: "Once upon a time I ...."

was walking in the forest and came upon a village of hobbits. They gave me a gold ring and told me I needed to go to Mordor.

6. If you could win a one year's supply of anything, what would it be?

Groceries, it costs a fortune to feed four kids.

7. "One quirky thing you may not know about me is ...."

Just one, oh dear there are so many quirky things...I am queen of quirky. Sometimes I do this quirky little shake with my head that I don't know I am doing but other people see it and think it's funny.

8. You have one dollar in your pocket. What will you buy?

Any number of tasty things from the dollar menu at McDonald's?

9. "One thing that always makes me laugh is ...."

People who say prostate instead of prostrate.

10. What is one thing you could do today to help yourself reach a personal goal?

Not eat a late night snack.

11. What is one thing you could do today to bless someone else?

Go to the children's hospital and sit with a family who has a premature infant in the NICU. Share Zachary's story with them and offer prayers and positive blessings for the child's recovery.

12. What is one thing you're looking forward to soon?

Our beach trip with my family in July.

Month 2 - Getting Fit and Fab by the Fourth

It has been about five weeks since my husband and I joined The Rush fitness complex and I have committed myself to get back in shape. Originally I thought that the weight was just going to fall off...and that has not been the case. Despite my determination and dedication (I have only missed two days since joining, I have not seen a big difference in my weight when stepping on the scale. However, there are improvements and I should be proud of myself for getting up off my hind end and doing something for myself each day.

Following are some positive changes I can see: better posture, more energy, more muscle tone (you can really see it in my arms and shoulders), better attitude, and increased social interaction.

To begin with I feel much better, a little sore, but over all I am beginning to get my confidence back. There was a time when I had so much more confidence about myself. Over the years, several unfortunate events combined with toxic relationships and a lifestyle that can only be described as self-destructive, brought me way down. While I have been able to get my head back above water so to speak, I have still battled anxiety, depression and had an unhealthy attitude toward my body.

Some of my readers already know that I decided to go down a more holistic path towards healing my body and mind. I put down the pills, which were not helping me with my problems but only causing me to put them in a box and try to forget all of the hurt and sadness I was experiencing. Unfortunately not dealing with your issues, only makes them worse. Mistakenly I thought that I could handle all of this if I had the right combination of medicines. Boy, was I wrong.

Working out each day gives me time alone to reflect on my life. Surprisingly, it has also given me a chance to have some social interaction, which I have been depriving myself of for a long time now. A few weeks ago some friends of mine I have known for a long time joined up at the gym. It's nice being able to catch up with them and see their little boy and my kids playing together in the kid care. I have also met some other people, some only smile in passing and others who actually stop to speak. It is such a refreshing change for me after spending almost all day each day for about 5 years with my kids and very little face to face adult time.

My husband is being very supportive. Lately I have been very frustrated with not having lost at least five pounds. While I have changed my diet and been doing a ton of cardio, I have not seen the weight loss that I want. Shawn is quick to point out that I am looking better and getting results - even if the scale doesn't reflect that yet.

Over all I am still optimistic that I am going to look and feel wonderful for our beach trip in July. However, being honest with myself means that I need to realize that it may take a while for my transformation to be complete. Not being a patient person and especially now, I am on the verge of becoming obsessed with getting back in shape...accepting that it might be a longer time before I get what I want is not going to be easy.

Finally, my last thoughts for today's blog is that I need prayers, positive thoughts and blessings are needed for me to keep on the road to better health. I want to be stronger, mentally, physically and ultimately spiritually. If I can heal my mind, body and soul I will win my goal. Then I can focus on maintenance which is another subject entirely and we will cross that bridge hopefully when I get there.

Random Twelve

1. Please share one memory of your high school graduation. Pics would be great!

I remember my Mamaw and Papaw from Mississippi came to North Carolina (I think it was the last time they visited us because they don't travel). It was an honor to have them there. We went to eat Mexican food afterward.

2. What is one "emergency use" item you keep in your vehicle at all times?

My cell phone. Sorry all you no cell phone use in the car people, but I am going to call someone for help if I am in trouble. Ditto for if I see anyone else who needs help.

3. In your region, do you celebrate graduation open houses? Addendum: (If so,) how many open houses/bridal showers/weddings are on your upcoming events calendar?

I really try to minimize the number of "showers" I attend. Sad to say that I know I should enjoy stuff like this because I am a woman, but I shy away from them unless I really know the person being honored well. I don't have any of these types of events on my calendar.

4. Tell me one truth you believe about motherhood.

If you don't go crazy and strangle your children, you might be rewarded with grandchildren. I try to keep this in mind.

5. What was the last thing you broke?

Ugh, I broke one of my nice Noritake glasses that are discontinued. Guess I'll be hitting ebay to try and find a replacement.

6. On average, how many pieces of junk mail do you receive daily?

Honestly I cannot give a statistical report on this because junk mail goes directly in the recycle container.

7. Do you like to shop by catalog?

No but my mamaw does...it's a sickness.

8. Is lawn maintenance at your house a "his job," a "her job" or "his/her job" or "that's why we have teenagers" job?

It's the one thing that is NOT my job. I don't care who does it, as long as it is not me.

9. Which room would you like to redecorate in your home?
The kids rooms.

10. Do you read a newspaper regularly, or do you read most of your news on line?

I get most news off the TV, not sure if it's really news, maybe more trash and useless knowledge.

11. Do you believe everything happens for a reason?

Yes, there is a plan.

12. Are you more worried about doing things right, or doing the right things?

Probably doing the right things, if I do the right things the wrong way I can usually try to do them over or apologize for screwing them up. At least I can honestly say I tried and didn't give up or take the easy way out. I've never been what people would call a perfectionist.

A Spicy Hibachi

Last week my husband and I decided to try the new Super Hibachi Buffet on South Main in High Point. As a rule, I generally do not like Chinese Buffets but since this Asian fare seemed to have more of a Japanese twist I decided to give it a try. With Zachary and Aeryn in tow, we set out for lunch noms at the restaurant I have now re-named the Super Hibachi Troth.

First, let me explain that there is one rule I follow in particular when eating out at Chinese/Asian/Japanese style buffets. Never eat anything fried if you do not know what it is. I have had some unpleasant experiences with this one and to this day I cannot tell you what it was that I put into my mouth, only that it came right back out post haste. It had bones, or teeth or something...whatever it was bit back.

So with this bad experience in mind, I approached the buffet area anticipating various versions of fried pieces of chicken (here kitty kitty) and a mass of large scary women fighting over crab legs. Which brings me to buffet rule number 2 - stay away from the crab leg area...unless you want to lose a limb. I am ashamed to report that I have witnessed grown people fight over crustaceans, and while it is kind of funny...you should avoid being in the middle of it. Think of the crab leg table as the mosh pit of the buffet.

This particular restaurant is one of those old Sizzlers that got converted, looks like a steakhouse on the outside. The inside was very clean and there were plenty of seats. Lunch is a good time to go, I have passed this restaurant in the evening and seen a line coming out of the door. That is usually a good sign that it is worth the $10.99 per person price at night. Lunch buffets are less crowded and also cost a little less. I didn't see any crab legs on the buffet during lunch so maybe they add it at dinner and that is why it is more expensive. Yes, you pay more to fight over crabs...LOL

So, my over all opinion of this particular dining experience was a good one. The kids had pizza, pudding, jello, ice cream and fruit. There was a lot of food for a lot of different tastes. Personally, I love sushi, and they had a whole table of many different kinds, mostly made with salmon, crab, eel or tuna. Since I am not a Sushi snob, I loved it. There was also a hibachi grill where you picked out what you wanted the hibachi cook to grill and then they prepared it. Very yummy.

Did I mention that this place has a ton of food? Salad bar, desert bar, ice cream freezer, these little square cakes, one bar had nothing but different rices on it, a bar of fried items (gag), all time favorites such as General Tso's chicken, Orange Chicken, Almond Chicken, Schezuan Beef, and Beef Broccoli. Spring Rolls, Egg Rolls, Wantons and even those Chinese donuts. I counted at least four different Asian soups too. Oh and if you don't like Chinese/Japanese food, they had chicken wings. This is why you feel like a pig at a troth eating at this place. There is more food than you should ever attempt to eat and most people have eyes bigger than their tummies...well except for this one guy sitting behind us.

After our bellies were full and our eyes glazing over to the point of "food coma" my husband and I both agreed we didn't need to even think about supper. But you know what they say about Chinese food, and so often it is true. A few hours later darn it if I wasn't hungry again...

Life...It is Spicy!

Welcome to The Spice, a blog dedicated to all things which make my life spicy. There are also days when life is not so sweet, but we all have our highs and lows and that also makes life interesting. If you are here looking to read about Sci-Fi, I apologize if the title of my blog misled you. I did get the idea for the name of my blog from the movie/book "Dune" but that is about as far as I want to dig into the subject of Sci-Fi for right now.

So, what is "the spice" of life? What makes your life "flow"? For me it is my children, my husband, mom, dad, brother and his family, friends both in real life and my large group of friends online. It's more than just the people in my life, it is current events, what is happening in my spiritual path, quirky things that just happen everyday that make me smile. There are a lot of quirky things, let me tell you...I myself have been called quirky. Oh and thanks to you people for trying not to hurt my feelings by just telling me that I am a weirdo or something. Quirky makes me sound so much cooler...don't you think?

Wednesday night my mother told me that a few of the Ladies from the church who I am friends with on Face Book were enjoying reading my posts and that I should be a professional writer. The truth is that is what I dreamed of being when I grew up. Now that I am a "grown up" I guess it's high time I started thinking about how to make that dream come true. Since most writers have a blog, I thought that naturally this is one of the things I should do. So thank you to the church ladies for your encouraging words...I hope you enjoy reading this blog.

So my question for today is what makes your life "spicy"? What is your "spice of life"? I know many of you will say that your family or your walk with God is your "spice", and that is wonderful. I'd also like to know some of the little things that you enjoy everyday. Here are a few random ones that just today made my life more spicy.

Working out today and having conversations with adults without being interrupted by children.
My kids wanting to give me kisses when I buckle their seat belts.
Quiet time.
Aeryn wearing her tiara in Walmart and waving at everyone.
Aeryn and Zachary waving at some random man while at the stoplight in traffic. "Hello random guy!"