Report Card

Unless you live under a rock, you have seen the news lately about the President and how he has been graded within the first 100 days as our President. I'm sure there are many analysts that specialize in polling data and information that we aren't privy to in order to determine how the leader of the free world is doing at all times so that they can provide us with up-to-date presentations of the score card. What a job, right? President Obama had a very high approval rating when elected, however, according to some sources it is receding a bit. It seems that he is still somewhat adjusting to life as the boss, as many could imagine. Absolutely loving politics myself, I constantly am following the news and radio waves about policies and changes that are made to assist us in this time of economic crisis, but to me it seems that he is on the bench. He spoke so eloquently during his campaign about CHANGE and all the wonderful things he could carry out as our leader and now he somehow seems idle. There are things that he is trying to accomplish that I think are great, but hang on to your seats ladies and gentlemen because the tax hikes are on the way. By late 2010 and without question in 2011 we will all being seeing a huge difference in our businesses and even our check books. The largest misapprehension of the Obama campaign was that the raised taxes would only effect the wealthy, but I hope everyone understands that simply put that just ain't true. There's just not enough revenue that can be drawn from the wealthy without crippling the economy, so in time, middle incomers will feel a bigger bite than the wealthy. Examples that are already being released are things like caps on itemized deductions on your income taxes, no repeal of estate taxes, and eliminations on tax breaks for large companies. This all may seem like it wouldn't effect you the middle class individual but our fragile economy is just beginning it's come back tour. Being an American means being a part of Socialism, not Communism. Never have I really believed in big government, but we have a democrat in office and that's just how it works. Unfortunately our crumbling economy needed a so called savior, so I suppose everyone bought into the idea that President Obama could save us all while paying our bills until everything got resolved. Well, I'm not holding my breath awaiting a check, are you? I guess I just wish that more younger people like me would stop just going with the flow of things and realize that this is how our country is run and these decisions can and will affect us for a long time.


My dream for a long time was to grow up to be an attorney and I've been told most of my life I would have excelled quickly at it. For the most part I am quick witted and posses a sharp tongue, putting politely. Over the years, my dreams have changed because now I think my dream is to one day work in The White House. It would have to be under a different administration but this would be a dream come true. Just about a week or so ago my mother sent me a link to an article where the White House florist was retiring and we laughed saying that was my chance to go there and work where I love doing what I love. It was a nice thing to laugh about. Maybe someday I will get off my butt and make some dreams happen, but for now I guess I am just a member of this country that has an opinion about how it is ran.

Labs are like Kids

Okay, so I have mentioned Tucker, or as my little sister insists we call him no matter what "Tuckie", in several of my blogs up until this point. This Labrador has been the equivalent to what a baby does to your household and I'm not sure what the source of entertainment was before hand, but I can tell you he is quite the court jester nowadays. Always the center of attention, he has completely transformed Jay and how he makes decisions, cleans his house, and how he spends his time. Often I hear Jay say that the backyard, Tuckie's domain, is a total waste land because there used to be lots of landscaping which the previous owner of the home worked very hard on. Now there is none. Tucker has eaten leaves off bushes, pulled branches from small trees, gnawed on rose bushes (and yes they had thorns), uprooted vines, and even killed monkey grass. I know of people who can't kill monkey, but low and behold Tucker accomplished that task. So fellow gardeners if you want to rid yourself of monkey grass that has over taken your flower bed, don't use poison. Just find yourself a very rambunctious, apparently bored, Labrador to get the job done. If you all are unable to find one, I'm sure Jay would offer Tuckie's services to the highest bidder. Just kidding. I have said that Tucker is OCD ever since he was a puppy. It just seems like when he gets his mind on a particular track it can not nor will not be derailed in anyway or for any other reason. Now, I know that it seems like I am complaining about this sweet baby, but I don't think I would have him any other way. He has certainly made that house a different place. Jay couldn't get through the day or most nights without him now that he's there. The interaction between them is much like a father and a small child. They play and talk just like humans. Tucker seems to have humanistic traits. It sure is surprising how quickly one falls in love with a puppy and Tucker was no different. I just wish that he didn't tear up things around the house that his owner is now working so hard to maintain. Last spring, there were grape vines that grew up this beautiful trellis that even produce many little grapes. They were so cute and apparently very tasty. Tucker ate them all and when he was done with that also ate the vine and pulled it from the ground. This spring the problem is definitely not the grapes because they, unfortunately, are no longer with us. The trellis is still standing in the back yard, well for now. Puppy dog has decided to chew on it all of a sudden. And when I say chew I mean pull very long boards off and then lay down and chew. If he can't get it off the trellis he stands there and chews it while no one is at home to deter him from doing it. This type of behavior is making Jay crazy. He has scolded him over and over again. So of course I consulted my dog expert, Kyla, and she has suggested a spray which she provided today. Hopefully, this will work, but I thought I would see what everyone out there thought about it. Let me know if there are other tricks that he could try.
Until next time, happy Thursday.
Meggie

Crawling

Hello, it's Monday yet again. I hope everyone's weekend was relaxing and that all of you out there got everything that you needed to get accomplished done. I had a slow weekend of mostly laying around thinking of stuff that I should get up and do but just didn't. So for the most of you who got all their yard work done, more power to you cause I just did not have the energy.
Now I know that I haven't updated on Grey in a while, so I thought I would catch you guys up because it is moving along at lighting's pace now. He just started crawling last weekend and is now a pro at it. If you put him on the bed or the floor, look out! He is getting around so very well that it is making us all realize that soon it will be a must for us to baby proof the house. We are already trying to make sure doors are all closed especially to the bathrooms. I just know one day I will walk into a bathroom and he will be playing in the toilet water or something. Maybe he will be like his Aunt Taylor and insist on pulling every single toilet paper sheet off the roll when nobody is looking. Yeah, she pulled a fast one on me a few times. I can't wait for him to be like she was. Taylor was crafty with her ways as she still can be. She, like Sissy, is the princess and we just comply to her every wish for the majority of the time. While keeping her one night during the time her parents were working, I decided to cook some shells and cheese for her. She had one of those high chairs that would grab onto the end of Dad's bar so she was basically suspended in air. I set the bowl down and started cleaning up around the kitchen. Every time I looked over at the bowl I had to praise her for how much she was actually eating for a change. However, this was short lived because when I went around the bar heading for the tv remote, there was Rudy covered in macaroni and loving it. So she already had it all over her face and both hands so a bath for her was immanent, but now I had to bathe Rudy as well. This made her laugh so hard that I couldn't really be mad at her. Last night Grey was put on the floor of his Daddy's room and from what Mom describes he was like the energizer bunny. He was all over the floor, under the bed, and pulling up on anything that would stand still. He is growing up so very fast. It's amazing. He is definitely going to be a rascal though. Sometimes you can just tell looking at him that he is really wanting to get into mischief. I guess that makes him a boy and certainly his father's son.
Until next time, have a happy Monday.

White isn't Right

Getting ready to make any kind of change in our lives is difficult, but changing the way we nourish ourselves is tough and sometimes painful. I am beginning a low carb diet by way of cutting out white things. As Kyla's mother stated, "Remember White... NOT Right". She is very active and always into keeping her body is pristine condition so we looked to her and will definitely look to Hollie for advice on learning to cope without carbs. I know that it is do-able but of course I dread simply giving up things I love. I will miss sugar, bread, pasta, sauces, Sprite, and Peanut Butter. Oh no, I just realized that I can't eat peanut butter. The relationship between me and peanut butter is real and it's deep. LOL. I will continue to try and find ways to introduce peanut butter into this eating lifestyle. Poor Kyla. She just complained to her Mom about how now that I am eating healthier that she will have to. We eat fast food way too often and that has to stop or at least for me. I'm sure for her, this is the equivalent to her quitting smoking with me here to endure her wrath. Most people who give up starches and carbs have a very hard time because they don't eat veggies, however; I don't have that problem. I love green veggies and most of the time they are wonderful and I am satisfied. Sometimes I just want something bad like Ruffles potato chips with some Pancho's cheese dip, but I will persevere. I want to loose quite a bit of weight because summer is coming and you guys all know we are sun goddesses all summer long. Basically, I need back into a bikini body, quickly. May is upon us and there isn't much time. So I have to become disciplined and get this done. My Dee Dee is running on the elliptical machine and she is looking hot. My momma is tiny and looking good, so I got to get my but in gear quickly. I am dreading the first couple of days because from what I understand they are the hardest in the entire set. The main thing is to stay focused and on track. I'm sure there will be some funny tales about trying to live without carbs.

Until next time, Wish me luck!

Meggie

Fight Night

On a positive note, we all traveled what felt like eternity out to Hollie's house for the fight Saturday night. Jay, Kyla, and I all went out, ate, and had a great time conversing with some of Hollie's friends. They are without a doubt pretty crazy people but they were also extremely entertaining. We had, what Kyla called, balcony seating which meant we sat up on Hollie's balcony overlooking her beautiful living room. Her entire house was amazing and very beautifully decorated. You did a good job girl ;) It was muddy and raining most of the afternoon and on into the night so when we went to get back into my brand new car we had a dilemma. Quickly, we figured out a way not to get mud everywhere inside the car and we were on our way. Thanks again for having us out there Hollie. I hope that everyone that watched the fight, where ever you were, had a great time even though the Iceman fight didn't go well. It was great fun and I'm looking forward to doing it again sometime.

The Stand Off

Today, after our morning meeting of the minds here at the lab, I am still confused at why some people are so consumed within their own worlds that they can't see how their actions and words hurt the others around them. At your jobs out there, please be respectful to your co-workers because you never know what they are going through in their personal lives or even within the office itself. I am just as guilty as the next person by assuming I know all the facts while fussing about whatever is going on at that moment. For the most part, I try very hard to see things from all aspects before passing judgement about someone else, but there are many people who think that they are just completely and utterly correct no matter what. These are the kinds of people who are so selfish and self-centered that you could not convince them of anything other than what they are ranting about. The fact that they are wrong is the last thing that they would consider. So many couples around me are going through this right now. The stand-off as I like to call it, because all it needs is 6 shooters and the all familiar western music and it would look exactly like all the movies we have seen. No one is willing to look in the mirror and think what can I do to help or how can I conform a little just to appease and keep everyone moving along nicely. This generation is filled with spoiled rotten kids that are now old enough to be adults, however; lack the ability to behave as such so they constantly are a drain on the individuals that pick up the slack everywhere they go. It just seems that we, and when I say we I mean women, always suffer from an identity crisis. We become involved with a man and suddenly it isn't about what we want anymore, it's all about him and his wants. If you find someone that you care about it doesn't bother you so much or even at all, but if you are with someone that drives you crazy then it's going to be a roller coaster of a nightmare. My best friend is trudging through a muddy relationship right now. She is fighting for her right to be herself and to not be criticised during the process. Men and women, seriously, must be from different planets altogether. I've read men are from Mars and Women from Venus and I am starting to buy it. It's like we all speak a different language from each other. Trying to understand a man's mind is like Greek to me most of the time unless I remember that most of them only think of themselves. There are mythical creatures out there ladies, and I have found one of them. He listens, talks, cares, cooks, cleans, and is just over all pleasant to be around. Now, before you stop reading because you are about to vomit because I have admitted that I have found a gem, please know that he too has issues. He has a very hard time committing his entire self to anyone due to being "burned" in the past. For whatever reason, I have and will continue to try and help him through realizing that there are women out there that care and won't all be the same. Of course I have been burned by guys too and I should learn from my mistakes and try to just leave it all in the past. I made myself a little promise this weekend to work very hard on just trying to leave it all behind me. He really is wonderful and so very sweet. Actually, he took my little sister Taylor and I out for pizza Friday night and we had a blast. She is just crazy over him, and I don't think he dislikes her at all ;) She talked about him constantly for the rest of the night. I know that I am getting off topic so let me get back. I receive calls and have conversations with countless women complaining about all the communication errors that they are having with their men. The funny part is that we the women are raising the men to act this way! We cater to them and ever turn and baby them until they are well past grown up and we pick up after them as though they are completely helpless. Why is that? We expect our daughters to be Superheros and our sons to be the Emperor that is to be waited on like royalty. I have always had a problem with this mentality. Maybe when I have a son I will understand, but for now I simply don't understand why girls aren't treasured the way we used to be. We aren't the weaker sex by any means. Nowadays, we are wage earners equal to if not surpassing men. We are independent and strong all on our own without any assistance from any man. I even know someone who had a child without a man at all. Maybe our society's men should buck up and realize that women as a group are collectively becoming fed up with this type of behavior and are coming to the conclusion that we simply do not need it. The drama itself is crippling. I hate to see her so torn up over a decision that is down to how much crow should she eat before throwing in the towel. Can anybody tell me where the chivalry went? I know I have a sweetie in my life and never was I as thankful as this weekend when I was watching her cry in a phone book while deciding where she should live after leaving him. So, ladies if you have a sweetheart out there and you get a little restless with him, understand that the good ones are very few and even farther in between. Guys out there, try to understand that it isn't all about you!!! We care about you and see some of the behaviors as cute or annoying but we overall are irritated with being treated like we are second rate. Whenever you feel the need to talk to us like we are less than, please stop and reconsider your words. Because whether or not they forget what you say, they will never forget how it made them feel. Sorry that this was so negative. I have listened to her and become just as angry as she has lately even though it isn't me. Mainly, I just think that men in general are strange, LOL. Until next time, don't take the sweeties for granted, because there are many left. Meggie

Easter Sunday

Back here again on a Monday morning, and I am extremely exhausted from lack of sleep last night. I literally never fell asleep! As I watched the time slowly move on the cable box, all I could think about was all the stuff that I have to get accomplished this week. Accreditation time is upon us here and this is our version of hell week. Everything is cleaned to an extreme standard as well as reviewing all protocols and procedures. Of course, I have been through all of this a time or two in the past; however, it has never fallen on my shoulders alone before. This is one of those tasks one forgets about when he/she takes on a manager's position. Not that I don't like my job, because I really do, but the stress of orchestrating all of this is quite tiring. I am very thankful to just go ahead and get it out of the way so that it is behind us. So for the next week I will be cleaning, reviewing protocol, teaching, and still maintaining all day to day tasks. Most of the processes we are practicing properly and it shouldn't be any trouble at all to let them come and seem our facility, but the stress of getting ready is crazy. Ugh, Accreditation.
Grey baby pulled himself up on the side of his pack-n-play this weekend! What a big boy right? I actually didn't get to see it myself, but Mom did. Now we are all a little concerned that he might flip over and onto the floor. I'm sure the pack-n-play will be lowered soon. Also, Jullay welcomed her third new addition to her family this weekend. Konner Rollins Huckabee! 7lbs 9oz and I haven't even seen him yet. She said that she was feeling well and everyone seemed fairly happy and relaxed. Today is her daughter Piper's 1rst Birthday! Aidan's is next week. It has been, needless to say, a busy week for Jullay and all of her herd. I love you girl and can't imagine for one second how you do it. Yikes! All jokes aside, I am so proud for them!
I hope that everyone out there had a wonderful Easter Sunday. I actually had a drama and family free holiday which was relaxing and sad at the same time. Makes me feel old when we don't do the traditional events. We didn't hunt for eggs, eat candy, or dye eggs, but we set things up for Grey from the Easter bunny. In the spirit of the Easter bunny, Grey's newest infatuation is bouncing. He will "bouncy - bouncy" all day long and laugh at himself while doing it. Naturally, nothing makes him laugh more than when he can rope an adult into "bouncy-bouncy" with him. So there we all are, Grey jumping on the bed and we're jumping around the bed while he giggles at us. I suppose if you can't make a fool out of yourself for baby Grey then when can you. I can't wait until he is old enough next year to get out there in the yard and look for eggs with us. Until next time, have a great day and be thankful

Chasing the Day Away

My weekend wasn't very eventful as usual, but I did feel like I traveled the world. Saturday, I did pretty much nothing all day long and it was wonderful to just be at home doing nothing at all. Now, Sunday was a different story. I woke up after little sleep and took my sweet little time getting ready because I knew that when I got into the car it was on. I ventured into Tipton County for the first time in over a month to go down to have lunch at Daddy's. We often have lunches on Sundays, however this one was to meet Linda. This is Dad's new friend, bless her heart. LOL. (just kidding Daddy) Anyways, she was very pleasant and sweet but ofcourse quickly overwhelmed by our Williamson aura. We as a family tend to take up all the space in a room and we do it with great zeal. I tried to remain as calm as possible at all times because our sister Taylor gets really excited when we are all there and the only one missing was Kasey. Grey showed out all afternoon with his new tricks. One of which is bouncing up and down. That jumpy seat thingy that hangs in the door way has been his new love at our house because he can act like, as Nathan says, Tigger. The sweet little look on his face while he mimicked Taylor bouncing was precious.

They have a special bond, Grey and Aunt Taylor and it's too funny to watch them together. Rudy was freshly groomed and estatic to see us all walk in the door. Dad acts like he forgets us, but no way, not in a million years would he forget us. After leaving Dad's, I took a quick ride up the street to ride Nana around in my new car. She and I had a good time as always and talked about whatever came to mind. Love my time with Nana, even though I feel like we never get enough. Oh, and Grandaddy got up and came to the window and gave me the thumbs up on liking my car so that was good. Then it was off to Munford to show Granny and Papa my new car also. They also loved it and congratulated me on buying my first new car. I will say that was only so so impressed until I showed her all the cool things it did. When I got on the highway I got a call from Mr. Big, who was cooking, so I ran by my house and picked up a few things and was on my way to Bartlett. We both decided that we would rather sleep in our beds without company, so this morning I was a little late for work. On the drive in I was so thankful for Saturday of nothing because Sunday was a busy day for me. However busy, there was surprisingly no drama to speak of. It was quite nice to just run around a visit with everyone. So, until next time go visit your relatives. Buh-Bye

Count Blessings

For the life of me, I can't seem to understand why we all can't just get along. I understand that people are having troubles these days with money, family, work, and others but there is no reason to make everybody suffer. I have people that I see day in and day out that just can't seem to be pleasant. Anyone that works in food service or retail will tell you that you have to smile and be polite to customers no matter what. I work in a doctors office and that type of etiquette does not always apply. The patient is rarely correct and I have the pleasure of telling them that they are wrong even though they think they know it all. Kyla and I run into people all the time we want to jump across the desk and just shake for being an idiot. We have to understand that some people are just going through a rough time and we should just cut them some slack. Two of my patients are married to each other and worked for the same company, lost both of their jobs and benefits. I couldn't even begin to imagine how terrible that must be. Makes me stop and think, wow, at least I have a job where I can make money to pay bills so that I don't have the stress that they each have. I try so hard to smile and make a great impression so that when they come away from the lab they feel comforted by the information I gave or the presentation of it. There isn't any reason why anyone should continue to hold a grudge for a long amount of time because the person you hold it against may not even care and then you have wasted the energy. Just learn to be thankful for the problems that are in your control because they are the only ones you can change. Don't say ugly things out loud, you can never take back the statements after they've come out of your mouth. I am just as guilty of getting angry and firing off things I only half way mean and wish I hadn't said it later on. I am known well for being blunt and honest. I tell people how I feel and what I think when solicited but I am going to try and put a positieve twist on my tone. I will continue to be honest and straight forward, for that is who I am, but I will be a bit sweeter. Currently, I am witnessing a stiuation unfold that is unfortunate and sad, but nothing will ever get better while certain parties continue to hold grudges and try to take stabs at the others. It only hurts the people involved. I was driving through Millington yesterday, in my new car ;), and I noticed a sign over a hotel that said, "If you can't find sleep, try counting your blessings!" What an interesting concept. I have been so very blessed. So the next time I feel the need to say something hurtful I am going to stop myself and remember that I have been blessed and they may be having a really bad day. Until next time, be kind to your service professionals in your life Bye