Are you cold??

Have you gone barefoot on the sidewalk today? If so, is it freezing cold? I tried it a minute ago and it was freezing cold even out here in the desert!!! I think I know why - I think hell has gone and frozen over!!! Here's why I am guessing that theory...

A few weekends back, when I was fully aware that T was going to be MIA for two weeks in Europe, I had mentioned to my awesome little stepdaughter that maybe we could have a girls sleep over while T was away. She got very excited, as did I, and that was that. I never really asked first and I never really knew that it would stick in her five year old brain like chewing gum in hair! But it did. And it became drama with the ex and her family. What's new.

Well, I will skip to the good stuff. T makes it a point to handle one drama at a time with dear ex. This keeps the murder rates down in the Tucson area. So our first hurdle was allowing me to drop Tay off last weekend after we took T to the airport. Not only was I able to drop her off, I was able to spend a good four hours of quality bowling time with her. Well, not quality bowling. Just quality time.

Next hurdle...how to handle the sleep over concept. My original idea - not that I had really thought it out completely - was to have Lauren, Steph, Liz and her stepdaughter who is 6 and whoever else (girls only) to sleep over, watch movies, paint nails and so on. This was exactly what Tay had in mind as well. The problem with this concept is that, because we have to deal with things on a case by case (of drama) basis, the actual asking if Tay could come over didn't take place until Wednesday of this week.

Well, the initial response was that Steph (T's Mom) could pick her up and bring her back and would have to stay throughout the visit. Well, this wasn't going to work (and I must admit I was a tad offended) because Steph and her husband are headed to New Zealand on Sunday...quite a big trip to be applying Cinderella sparkling nail polish at 11 PM the night before your flight! I told T to just forget about it but please let Tay know that we tried and that it just wasn't going to work out. I was a bit sad because I knew that Tay would be disappointed by this turn of events. This whole conversation - via text - occurred yesterday.

Today, when I got back to the car from the gym, I noticed T had texted me. I couldn't believe my eyes when I read it. I thought it was a prank text or a joke. But T said that Michelle said it was ok for me to pick up Tay and bring her back!! I pick her up tomorrow and take her back Sunday. WHAT????? Like I said, if you have a 6 pack of beer that needs a chillin', take it outside and put it on the sidewalk!! The kicker was that I had to text Michelle and figure out the times and such.

Through a couple of very surface level texts, it was determined that I would pick up Tay from her Memaw's house at 1 tomorrow and then take her to Casey (Michelle's fiance) at their apartment Sunday by noon!!! I'm still in complete and utter shock. But I am thrilled that my little bestest bud will be able to come over and hang out. I sure could use the company!!

So, back to the gym for a minute...you know I always seem to have a story there. Well, this one takes the cake (or maybe a whole bakery). Now, please understand that I have nothing against overweight peeps. Especially if they are at the gym trying to make a change. I am soo not trying to be mean but I have to share because, if I had to see it, you all have to see it and I will be sure to plant the visual firmly in your mind!! You MUST suffer with me!!

Today was one of those days where I so wish I didn't have good peripheral vision. Actually, blindness would have been better but at least no peripheral so that I could look away and save myself. No luck. I went into the bathroom after my bust butt workout. A quick pee before heading on the long road to the countryside of Marana. Just minding my own business and doing my own thing. I have learned, as I enter the locker room of Bally's Fitness, to look straight ahead and note any images in your peripheral that are mostly skin colored so that you can look even further away. Well, as I walked in this time, I heard someone at the sinks (there is a long vanity with a mirror across from the sinks that you use after the potty) with the hair dryer. Ok, no problem. Probably drying their hair after a shower. Usually those who do this are wrapped in a towel or fully dressed. I think I may have once noticed someone standing in their skivvies drying their hair but whatever.

This time...oh my gosh...this time....well, I walked past the area to get to the toilets. I looked straight ahead but, thanks so much Mr. Peripheral, I saw that whoever was standing their was naked. And there was a lot of it from what I could tell. I thought...hmmm, maybe I will skip the hand wash after I pee and just use my hand sanitizer when I get to the car. Well, damn habits are hard to break. I ended up going to the sink and washing my hands. Taking care not to look in the mirrors as much as possible. But my peripheral couldn't help but see this lady...all five rolls of her....use the hair dryer to dry....her body!! Her BODY!!!! OMG!!! What? I didn't look too close for fear that I WOULD go blind but I can tell you by the sound of the hair dryer that she was drying the front and back. Really?? Is this really necessary? I am starting to think that these are plants and that I am on candid camera. There is really no way that this really happens.

My letter from Bally's to their women guests:

Dear Bally Members Who Use This Locker Room:

We appreciate your loyal membership and your quest for good health. However, we must take into account the health and vision of all of our members. When using this locker room, please take care to cover yourself whenever possible, utilize the changing stations and only use our hair dryers to dry your hair...on your head. Again, we appreciate your membership and look forward to collecting more hair on our shower stalls for your enjoyment.

Management

Well, the ol' neighborhood is quiet tonight. I guess all the kids are with their parents at the animal abuse entertainment we call the rodeo. Hope they're learning some key lessons. If not from the hot headed cowboys, maybe from the half dressed beer girls that are probably walking around. Hey, we all have to make a living I guess. I hope a "cool" cowboy gets thrown into the stands tonight by a bull! I am rooting for the four legged competitors.

Bored yet? Here are some random pics and information that might be entertaining...only if you have a cold alcoholic drink and nothing but time on a Friday night (if so, we should all get together and do something!):

The "winter" backyard in Marana, AZ:





The future garden:



Planted onions day...3 or 4??



Bring'em back hummingbird feeder:



Walking to the front door - check out the firesticks! They are so awesome!



The entry way (go ahead and get another drink if boredom is setting in)



I finally potted this poor plant that has been living in its plastic container for like 2 or so years. My new pot from big lots for $30. I thought it was pretty and planted it tonight.



My next project that will be done tonight while chillin' in front of the tube. My awesome Dad and SMom have written me a letter EVERY week I have lived in Tucson!! Since Feb 2006! I am going to put them in expandable files so that they will store easier! Keeping them forever!



My night continues with a cold adult bev, You Lost That Loving Feeling on the radio and a quick IM chat with my sister in law (Jeff's wife) on Facebook. The window to the office is open and there is a nice breeze flowing in. I love these kind of nights! I am off to talk more with Tami and then work on my next project in front of the tube!

There is a book that my awesome friend Amy gave me after I helped her unpack into her apartment (this was before she moved into her house she has now). It is called "Girl Talk" and it is so funny. I thought I could start signing off with some funnies from it. I must warn that some may offend but I hope not. It's all in good fun!

So the pic is of two proper women from the 50's with their white gloves and hats. The title of the page says: "It is important to notice the little things in life." One woman is leaning over to her friend and whispering, "Irma's new boyfriend...definitely going commando."

A new one every post. They may get more interesting!