The Appeal
Has anyone read the latest John Grisham novel, “The Appeal”? And, if so, can you please tell me what happens at the end? I’m here to tell you this is one off the most boring books I have read in a long time, except for “Thirteen Moons,” which I never finished and to this day don’t know what happened in the end.
If you have read “The Appeal,” then I beg you to tell me what happens at the end. I am a person who can typically read through a book in two or three days, but I have been plugging through this one for about two months and it is MISERABLE! I was discussing this book with the nurse at my chiropractor’s office yesterday and even she said she couldn’t get through the first few chapters because she was bored.
If none of you have read it, then I’ll ask my dad about the ending, provided he can remember it. I really hate to quit on a book, but this one is so excruciating, I think I’m going to have to stop and start reading something more enjoyable. Maybe our library has it on CD and I can listen to it. I think I’ll stop by this week and see.
Allergies Suck!
Where I live in Alabama is called the Tennessee Valley. It’s a valley because it is surrounded my mesas, which people here call mountains. If you have allergies like I do, don’t move here – EVER! I love this area of the world. It’s where I grew up and after stints in New York and North Carolina, it’s where I decided to settle – I’m a sucker for family and friends. Living in this valley, surrounded by mesas means that every type of pollen and ragweed and mold and every other crazy thing gets dumped in the valley – usually on my car. And when you live in the middle of a bunch of polled and ragweed and mold, it means your sinuses are going to be out of control every spring and sometimes summer, fall and winter too! But mainly in the spring. I bet I have blown my nose 112 times today. Not only that, but every morning when I wake up, my eyes are bloodshot and it looks like I’ve smoked dope all night long. I can assure you that is not the case. The rain has been few and far between the past year and when it does come, it does little to suppress the pollen ragweed and mold in the area. In fact, it just causes the stuff to form yellow puddles of muck. It’s annoying, but what are you gonna do? May your day be allergy free!
I'm Old!
My second dilemma is that my life is so boring that I really don’t have much to write about. With the exception of all the drama that my brother brings to the family, there’s not much else going on. I could tell you about the craziness at my parents’ house. While in the process of having the tile in their kitchen replaced, black mold was discovered. Now, the kitchen has been quarantined and they are staying at a hotel. But, as for me, there’s not much going on, except that I’m getting old.
Do you remember the first time you looked in the mirror and really noticed that you had aged? I don’t remember the exact moment, but over the last year or so, I can really tell that I’m not the hot young thing I used to be, which is unfortunate considering most men like hot young things and I’m still searching for a husband! I really notice it in my face because I have a few “crow’s feet” around my eyes and my complexion isn’t as milky and fabulous as it was 10 years ago. I can also really tell a difference in my hands. They are drier than they used to be and have a lot more scars than they once did.
But, you know what the great thing about getting older is? Wisdom. Isn’t it great that we can (if we choose) learn from the mistakes we have made in our past and grow from them? I have messed up a lot in my past and am thankful those days are behind me. It’s nice to have a stable job and a house and all the other things that come with getting older. I really appreciate all the things I have now more than I ever had. A lot of people say they wish they could do it all over again, but let me tell you, I do not! I had some really great times and I wouldn’t trade them in for anything, but I also wouldn’t want to start all over.
When you are a teenager, you are still under the roof of your parents and there’s not really much you can screw up. The 20s are a time for learning about yourself and making as many mistakes as possible, but still land on your feet. I’m 31 now and so far, the 30s are treating me pretty well. I think the rest of the 30s are going to be pretty darn great.
A Movie Review, Cinco de Mayo, Casey's Birthday, and the Cemetery Stroll
Well, if you didn’t see “Made of Honor” at the movie theater this past weekend, I would recommend you wait until it comes out on DVD. It just didn’t do it for me. I am a big fan of “My Best Friend’s Wedding,” and “Made of Honor,” was a not as funny knock-off. I don’t know about the other ladies out there, but I have really been disappointed with this past year’s selection of chick flicks. Maybe the next one will be better. I’m thinking about catching a double feature this weekend of “Speed Racer” and “Iron Man.” A friend of mine at work saw “Iron Man” this past weekend and said it was slow in parts. If you checked it out, let me know your opinion.
Today is Cinco de Mayo, one of my least favorite “holidays.” I won’t go into the detail here; but, if you decided to commemorate the initial victory of Mexican forces led by General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín over French forces in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, then by all means, have fun and be careful! In other 5th of May news, today is the birthday of my once dear friend and sidekick, Casey. I actually haven’t talked to Casey since his birthday last year because he is self absorbed and likes to wallow in self-pity and depression and won’t EVER answer his stupid phone. So, Casey, if you got my text this morning, I mean it, I hope you have a happy birthday. And, if you’re reading this blog, which I highly doubt, give me a call sometime. You still owe me a gift for my housewarming which took place over two years ago!
In other news, my dad and I went to the Cemetery Stroll at Maple Hill on Sunday. If you live in Huntsville and have never been to this event, let me tell you, it is AWESOME! There were three different bands playing music from the 1800s and this event really provides you a great opportunity to learn about the settlers and “famous” Huntsvillians. It is literally a history comes to life event. There were 73 “spirit voices” or people playing the roles of the dead. It was so interesting to learn how these people died and what they did while they were living in Huntsville, and how they came to be buried in Maple Hill. We only were able to see 21 of the “spirit voices,” but I hope that we will have the opportunity to go back next year and see more. It is really a great event and I would recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about Huntsville’s past.
Recipe of the Week
It’s Friday (Hallelujah!) and time for the recipe of the week. I realize that this is not the fanciest of recipes, but I didn’t bring in a recipe to post today and I just made a batch last night. Sausage balls are super easy to make and always a crowd pleaser! This particular recipe was passed on to me from my mom who got it from Teresa Tucker. Teresa was a bridesmaid in my mom and dad’s wedding and she is also referred to as Mother Teresa because my friend Ben and I grew up with her son, Anthony. Teresa also made me my first baby blanket. So, every time I make this recipe, I think of her and the influence she has had on my life. I hope your family will enjoy these delectable treats as much as mine does. Have a nice weekend!
Sausage Balls
½ pound sausage
1 ½ cup Bisquick
1 ½ cup Grated Cheese Mix together and roll into small balls.
Bake at 425 degrees or until golden brown.
An Ode to Diet Coke
I love Diet Coke! When I was in the fourth grade, my teacher, Miss Foutch (now Mrs. Davis) drank three or four, heck, maybe even five Diet Cokes a day and I never understood why. I would always ask her, “Miss Foutch, why do you drink so many diet cokes?” You see, I thought Diet Coke was gross, I much preferred the sugary Coca-Cola Classic. As I got older, a junior in college at the University of Alabama to be exact, I discovered the joy a Diet Coke can bring a girl. When the can is really cold and that dark delicious cola pours down your throat, it is simply satisfying and delicious! There was a time when I became like Miss Foutch and drank four or five Diet Cokes in a day. But, I’m much more sensible now and typically only have one a day. Occasionally I will have two, well, maybe even three on a really crazy day. And so, I have written an Ode to Diet Coke.
When my stomach’s achy and I feel like I might croak, all I need to pick me up, is a little Diet Coke.When I’m feeling poor and I tell folks that I’m broke I surely hope that I can afford a Diet Coke.
When my dog is laying beside me and I give her a little poke, wouldn’t it be cool, if she could fetch me a Diet Coke?
When my day is crazy and I’m really tired of folks, all I need to calm me is a little Diet Coke.