Rocky Horror Picture Show

Oooo.. Rocky Horror Picture Show was playing on one of our local stations last night. Memories!!!! When I was in High School, I had my own Rocky Horror moments. One of my girlfriend's sister took us to see it at the old Alabama theatre on Shepherd for the first time. Wow! I was completely amazed. If you have never been, it's a sight to see. It's an interactive show complete with props, actors, actresses, and crowd participation. I was hooked!

My girlfriend and I then began a long stint of seeing it every Friday and Saturday night. (It was also my excuse for staying out later than midnight.) We would go to each show ready for the activities. Squirt gun, newspaper, cards, ready to do the Time Warp, and whatever else that was needed for the experience. We thought we were sooo cool because we would have breakfast with the cast after the show. My girlfriend even began dating one of the main characters.

At that time, it was a big deal as to how times you had seen the show. "I've seen it 120 times." "Well, I've seen it over 300 times." And on and on...

Watching it on TV is not quite the same. But, I must say that it was fun to realize that I still know the words of the songs. I find the plot amusing. It's the stupidest movie you'll probably ever see but keeps you entertained.

Sadly, the Alabama Theatre no longer exists. It's now a Bookstop.

Ode to the Alabama Theatre.. Here is one of my favorite scenes:

Bus Beats

I know that I have mentioned my bus rides from work on several occasions. But, I must admit. They can be very interesting at times.

Two days ago, I listened as one woman attempted for 30 mins to sell a Mexico vacation to the women occupying the seat next to her. Interesting how the conversation flowed. The women being sold was clearly feeling as though she was making a friend. But, the seller was rolling with the conversation and kept bringing it back to that vacation. In the end, they parted ways with an assurance that the sellee would surely be checking out this great deal.

This morning, I enjoyed listening to another set of women admire pictures from a recent wedding. Friendly pleasantries and compliments were exchanged.

But, this afternoon, well, it takes the cake. A man and woman sat right behind me. We shall call them Man & Woman. Their conversation began with Man telling Woman about his trip to Spain. At first, I thought she was just acting interested. He told her about how one of their tour guides was flirting with his 22 yr old daughter. During this conversation, Woman stated, "Well, you like to flirt.. why is it so wrong for her to flirt?" Hmmm... not to alarming right? Then, they began looking at his vacation photos. Woman kept making what I felt was really statements. For example: Man showed her a picture of an Iguana "That's an Iguana." To which Woman replied, "Oh, a lizard?" Ok?? She continued to make comments about his pictures that seemed a bit obvious. As we neared the bus stop, Man says, "Well, I enjoyed seeing you. I won't be at work tomorrow. Seems like I never took time off." Woman says, "I missed you while you were gone. I bet you didn't miss me." Man says, "Actually, I did miss you."

The moral of this story: My instincts tell me something is going on with these two. I would guess they are tinkering on the verge of an affair. This is not really my business.

But isn't it interesting the things that I get to hear on the bus?

Checkin' Out My Tunes

Just scanning through iTunes looking for some new music and was wondering.... who have you not seen in concert but would like to?

Me?

• Elton John
• Van Morrison
• Al Green
• Akon
• Beyonce
• Aretha Franklin

I've Gone Green - kind of

No, not because my last name is Green. And, not because I really like the color green. And, not because Green is my son's favorite color. I just realized today that by riding the bus to my job everyday, I am actually contributing to the Green efforts. Woohoo!!!

I have always wanted to contribute. I am not quite ready to put my plastics in a separate bag for recycling everyday. I try hard to turn the water off while I brush my teeth. And, I've always thought it would be cool to live in a house that is powered by Solar. (Don't quite have the money for that yet.) Other than these, I never could figure out how I could be Green for my lifestyle. Now, I am contributing!!!

What are you doing to contribute? And try to not rub it in my face.. :-)

Comfort in a Bowl

We all have those foods that just seem to make us feel better at times. They are called "Comfort Foods." For a brief moment, placing that comfort food in your mouth sends a pleasing signal from your taste buds to your brain. I can't help but wonder if they actually cause your brain to release serotonin too. Hmmm..

Depending on the day and the moment, I have several comfort foods: chips & chili con queso, oxtails, ice cream, chocolate, and...

POPCORN.. yep, I said popcorn.
No matter what movie I am seeing at the theatre, I would swear that I actually get more excited about the popcorn than the movie. Popcorn is dinner for me on occasion. Unlike those who choose to scoop up a handful and throw it in their mouth, I like to eat it one piece at a time. Love the crunch and love the flavor.. with the right toppings, of course.

I used to eat it regularly with M&M's. Salty, sweet.. YUMMY! Now my taste buds prefer these two toppings...

Parmesan and Butter Topping. The butter gives the popcorn that oily flavor like at the movies. The parmesan adds just the right cheesy flavor. Either way, when I am in the mood, popcorn most certainly serves as one of my comforts.

What do you like on your popcorn?

Sassy Sunday

Today has been an exciting day in the Green household. I present to you the newest edition to our animal kingdom: Sassy. She's an 11 wk old pomeranian. We decided to get her more for Sophie's sake than ours. We thought it would be nice for Sophie to have a companion. But, Kelley and I have fallen in love with her just as much.

Sassy absolutely fits her personality. She is a furry mess. Gets into everything already. Best of all, Sophie loves her!!! Zoe has been indifferent about the situation. I can just imagine her thinking, "Sigh! Not another one."

3lb. Thoughts

No, this isn't another post about weight! I read somewhere that the average brain weighs about 3lbs. (Interesting fact, I know.) Hence, the reference to 3lbs in the title. By the way, I would like to point out that the reason why we are all gaining weight is probably because we are getting smarter and our brain weighs more. Hmmmm...think about that for a minute.

Anyway, I wanted to give you a small glimpse into my crazy head. Thoughts that run through my brain. I am not sure if this happens when you become a mother and it just never goes away. Or, do all people do this?

What? What the heck are you talking about, Mary??? I am talking about random, gruesome thoughts that just pop into my head. For instance, (get ready, this may be a bit twisted) you know that I am having this dilemna about my dog while I am at work? My sweet, highly intelligent Sophie! Last week, I came up with this great idea to block her from the front room and stairs. She still has plenty of room to roam in the living room and kitchen which prove to not have as much "stuff" that she can destroy. So, I propped these shelf thingies against a couple of chairs. Voila! She is now blocked.

On one particular day, I left my adorable kitty in the house. That would be Zoe. I am on the bus headed for home. And, all of a sudden, I think.. Oh know! What if Zoe tried to jump over the shelf thingies and they fell over on top of her and I get home and she's hurt or dead? What the he**??? Where did that thought come from? Why would I even think something like that? Then, I take it even further to wonder how I would react. What would I do??? It's sick!!!

This isn't the first time that I've had these crazy thoughts. When my son was a baby, I used to have them all of the time. Some are too horrible to repeat. But, I would just all of sudden think, what would I do if I fell down the stairs while holding him? What if I accidentally dropped him?

Please don't misunderstand me. These are not plotting type of thoughts. They literally are crazy things that all of sudden pop up. I have to tell myself to stop and then force myself to think about something else.

Thankfully, after talking to many mothers, I did find out that seems to be normal when you first become a mother. And, it never seems to go away because you have similar thoughts as your children get older. Like when they are teens and first start driving, you can't but have horrible worries about them getting into an accident. But, tell me, does this happen to you? For my not quite mother's yet readers, do your thoughts kind of freak you out some times?

What questions would you ask?

As my bus home made it's usual stops on Travis St. in Downtown Houston, I had the opportunity to observe a homeless man. He was probably in his 60's. Or, possibly just looked worn down in his 50's. His clothes tattered. His socks black on the bottom. His face unshaven. I watched as he picked up small pieces of paper, tore them into even smaller pieces, and threw them in a small cardboard box. During this exercise, he constantly talked to himself. I could only wonder what topics he was covering.

This made me think of some topics that I would like to discuss with him. Specifically, I have some questions:
1. What life events led you into this situation?
2. Did you live a society defined "normal" life at one time?
3. Do you have children? Don't you think they are worried about you?
4. Where is your family? Isn't there someone out there who is missing you?
5. Are you content with your life?
6. How long have you been homeless?

Nevertheless (is that a word?), I feel pretty certain that he is not the type to hold even a semi-intelligent conversation. I could be wrong. My questions will never be answered.

I stopped feeling sorry for the homeless years ago. That's not to say that I am now callous and uncaring about them. I have just found that most choose that lifestyle. Those that don't want to be homeless usually find a way out even if it does take some time in some instances. It seems that our world was created to have these variations in lifestyles. We, of course, label them as "classes." But, is it really a "class" when certain people choose to live a lifestyle which doesn't conform to the norm of society?

Tell me.. what questions would you ask?

The IQ of a Dog

That would really be the IQ of MY dog. Such a smart one she is... dogs are like your children. Everyone always thinks their dog is the smartest and the cutest. Of course, we all know mine IS the smartest and cutest.

I can tell her to get her ball. What does she do? Looks around until she finds it. That is as long as she isn't distracted by a bug, or the cat, or a leaf, or.. you get the picture.

I can ask her if she wants to check the mail. She immediately runs to the drawer where I keep the mailbox key.

I can ask her if she wants to go "bye-bye" and she immediately runs to the door and then to the car.

When I walk across the street, I tell her to stay and she lays in the front yard until I return.

Oh, I am sure that I could go on and on... but this highly intelligent dog can't seem to figure out that she isn't supposed to chew on computer wires, file folders, and any miscellaneous items left on the bottom shelf of my coffee table!!!!!!

I have this ongoing guilt trip about what to do with her while I am at work. My sweet mom has convinced me that it is torture for her to stay in her kennel all day long. So, I've tried leaving her out in the house but blocked from going upstairs. The first two days were great. I came home to no surprises and a very happy (highly intelligent) dog. That's it!! I got two days of the good girl. Ever since then I have come home to one disappointing surprise after another.

I tried one day to leave her in the backyard, knowing full well that she would probably tear up my flower garden. Well, this sweet, highly intelligent dog didn't even touch my flowers. Why?? Because, she managed to find her way out of the back yard only to greet me happily at the garage door.

Sigh!!!! I don't know what to do. Would it be reasonable for me to hire a nanny????

Saturday Voyage

Well, it wasn't quite a voyage. Kelley and I were out and about on our motorcycles. That's kind of a voyage. We rode across town (for those of you familiar with Houston, you know that is truly a voyage.) Our favorite motorcycle shop was having some festivities. It's their way of attracting new buyers but always turns out to be a nice afternoon. They have music, food, sodas, and sportbike tricks. The sportbike tricks are incredible. These guys really master handling their bikes.

The world of biking has changed from many years ago. I would say in the 70's being a biker meant you were rough and tough and possibly a troublemaker. But, in today's time, being a biker is really just enjoying the ride. Some enjoy it for the speed, some enjoy it for the cruise. I most definitely enjoy the cruise.

The fesitivies at the bike shop always lends itself to a variety of bikers. I think my favorite thing to do is just look at each bike. It seems that a person's personality comes out in their bike. If you've seen mine, you would probably say the same about me.

Here are a few of my favorite bikes of the day:

Weight a Minute

Lacy and Kayla have recently posted blogs about their weight. It appears that there is a rampant disease going around called GAINING WEIGHT. So, I thought it only appropriate to provide my perspective on the situation.

If you have ever visited their blogs, you will notice that both of my nieces are beautiful, sexy, lovely, gorgeous young ladies. They are by no means overweight. None the less, they are a bit agitated with their current weight situation.

I certainly have my moments where I wish I weighed much less than I do now. I've had my moments when I actually weighed much less than I do now. I've had my moments when I have vowed to weigh much less than I do now. Through all of these moments, I have decided that when it's time to do something then I am sure I will. Until that magical moment, I reside myself to being me. LOL - I explained to Lacy today that I prefer to refer to myself as 'chubby' not fat or overweight. Chubby just sounds sooo much better and it's kind of cute.

I was going to post some encouraging words about accepting your body. Our world is so distorted around this topic. When I did an internet search on "accepting your weight," what did I get? Jenny Craig, Tips to lose weight, Effective weight management... AAGGHHH!!! So much for the encouraging words...

To my wonderful nieces, YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL THE WAY THAT YOU ARE!! (Here they are in all of their glory. Lacy on the left. Kayla on the right.)

$1500 Vacation

Kelley and I are planning a trip for his birthday. It's easier to plan trips around his birthday because most of the cold weather has subsided and it provides us with more options. We really don't want to spend more than $1500 total for flights and hotel. Apparently, this is waaayyy to much to ask for.

We'd like to go somewhere like this... Or, maybe somewhere like this...

Or, wherever HE is....

Oops...sorry...oh yeah, I'm married... back to the topic. We checked on Miami, Cabo San Lucas, thought about going to Atlantic City and trying to "jaunt" over to NYC. SIGH!!! Having fun is expensive!! I mean come on...I'm a spoiled girl who likes to have a spoiled time. I know we can go somewhere exciting on the $1500 budget.

Where? Where? Where? Help me out folks! Here is my want list:

• Sunny beaches
• Nice Hotel on the beach
• Close to lots of fun entertainment - walking distance is most preferable or easy public transportation

Am I asking too much??? :-)

Side topic #1: Have you noticed the link in my blog list: Lookin' For LadyBugs. Well, that happens to belong to none other than my wonderful sister, Leisa. Come on fam-i-namily!! Send some encouragement her way. Let her know that we are all awaiting that first blog. We all know that she has it in her. (P.S. If she uses the excuse that she doesn't remember her login info, tell her that I do!!!)

Side topic #2: Visit Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee. She has posted an interesting and disheartening video about lemons in your water at restaraunts. Ugh! What is this world coming too?

Soulful Journey

Have you ever had a friend who drains your energy? Maybe the relationship is based on false pretenses? Or, maybe they drain your energy because of all of the drama that is swirling in their lives?

As I have aged, I have developed a keen sense for identifying true friends in my life. Seriously, true friends should be like family. They should love you unconditionally and be there for you in the good times and the bad. I am blessed in that I have that type of friend in Jeanette. She and I have known each other for almost 10 years now. Our friendship has grown through the years and I do consider her family, as she does me. We are just there for each other.

Jeanette has been on a soulful journey over the last 4 or so years. That's not to say that she wasn't prior to that time. But, a reduction in force at her job set her on a path which has been absolutely enjoyable and awesome at times to watch. She no longer has to work a 9-5. Her time is spent doing things that she wants to do. This includes spiritual exploration.


In honor of her, I have chosen to "steal" her latest blog post which she stole from HER favorite blogger. :-) I love these questions! You can visit Jeanette at Discover, Create, Dream. I encourage you to steal these as well. Have fun with it!

What is your writing process?
Just do it! When a topic hits me then I write about it. I don't keep a schedule and am by no means consistent.

What are your greatest creative inspirations?
People and colors. Yes, I did say colors. People inspire me because I am fascinated with their lives and behaviors. There are so many topics in my mind about people. But, I do hold back sometimes due to the controversy that might be stirred up. Colors inspire me in my jewelry making. I tend to fixate on a color for a period of time and purchase the same color of beads in different styles.

What are your greatest creative barriers?
Stress and depression. Stress tends to hold me back because it wears me down. I may still have creative thoughts while stressed but am too tired to articulate them. I suffer from mini-episodes of depression. I just have periods throughout the year when all is black and hopeless. Unfortunately, I have grown used to these episodes and basically just have to ride them out.

How do you stay honest in your writing?
Hmmm.. I am not sure. My mom raised me to be brutally honest. I think it could probably be a fault at times. It's just not my nature to be dishonest. Maybe, my dishonesty is not necessarily lying but ommission.

How do you manage your life (family, partners, children, friends, etc.) when you are writing?
This one is truly a non-issue for me. I write when inspired. I guess the dog is my biggest distraction. LOL - But, she knows how to get my attention.

What is your favorite word?
Family. I love my family sooo much! The word has so much meaning. It makes me feel good inside.

What is your least favorite word?
I don't have one word that is my least favorite. I don't like corporate buzz words and sayings. For example: Wrap our arms around it, Robust, Feedback, etc. LOL - At my last job, there was a new buzz word probably about every month. I don't know if there was department or something that would distribute the word. But, it seemed like once someone began using it, the buzz word of the month would then spread like wildfire throughout the company. Robust was one that really grated on my nerves. "We can help you create a ROBUST benefits package." "You'll find the plan to be very ROBUST." I am sorry. Robust means: strong and healthy, rich and full bodied. How in the heck is a benefits plan strong and healthy or rich full bodied????

What sound or noise do you love?
Laughter. I love the sound of my family's laughter when we are together. I love the sound of people in public laughing, crowds laughing, baby's laughter, just laughter.

What sound or noise do you hate?
Repitive noises, like dings, or bells, or someone making a repititive noise. When my son was around 7 or 8. He used to make this clicking noise with his tounge. I don't know why he did it but it used to drive me nuts!!!

What is your favorite curse word?
Shit! I say it all the time. LOL - I guess it makes me feel grown up. I don't know why I say it. Even at 41, my mom scolds me everytime I say it. "Mary, you shouldn't be saying that. Stop saying that word!"

A song/band/type of music you'd risk wreck & injury to turn off when it comes on the radio?
None comes to mind. I can tolerate almost anything. There are just certain types of music that I may not be able to listen to for a length of time.

Best show on television?
Forensic Files. I am always so amazed at how people think they can get away with murder. And, then, I am amazed how the cops and detectives catch them.

Favorite movie?
Heat. I love Robert DeNiro and Al Pacino, especially when they act in the same movie. I love the various plots in this movie. There are so many interesting relationships going on: Robert and Al, Robert and the woman, Val Kilmer and his wife, Val and Robert. I could watch this movie over and over.

Favorite room in your house?
Kitchen. Not because I love to cook. But, it's where my family always tends to gather. Also, it's just a great room to piddle in.

Best concert?
Bob Seger!!! My sister's turned me on to Bob when I was younger. The 3 of us love his music. I always told my sisters that I wanted us to go to one of his concerts if he ever toured again. At this point, he was pretty much retired. Lo and Behold, he did just that years ago and we went!! It was a great time. We had drinks and mexican food before the concert. We laughed (had a little drama), sang to the songs. It was fun sister time!

Brass or strings?
Oh, most definitely brass. I love old Motown! The horns are what throw Motown over the top.

If you could have anything put on a t-shirt what would it be?
"I am not as mean as I look." LOL - Many people are intimidated by me. I think it may be because I wear too many expressions on my face.

The best part about being your age?
I am more confident. My insecurities seemed to be more just minor facts about me. For instance, my weight - Ok.. so I need to lose some weight... I just don't let it bother me like I used to. I want to look all svelt, sexy, and thin. But, I am still pretty darn cute and sexy the way I am.

Favorite Girl Scout cookie?
I don't really like Girl Scout cookies.

Poker or gin or bridge?
Gin. I am pretty darn good at it. Much better at it than poker. I don't know how to play bridge.

Shower or bath?
Shower, shower, shower. Can't stand soaking in my own dirt.

Favorite pajamas?
Ummm... what pajamas?

Nightmare job?
Sales. No thanks! No thanks! No thanks! And, that's all I have to say about that.

A talent you wish you had?
The gift of gab. Is that a talent? I just wish I was the type of person who could talk about anything. If I am not interested in a topic, I can't really BS about it and people can tell that I am not interested.

Dream vacation?
I don't have a place in mind. But, I can't wait for the day when all of the women in my family can take a "girl" vacation. We have so much fun together. I would love to spend time with just them.

What's on your nightstand?
Ugh... it's really just a mess right now. We bought beautiful furniture but haven't gotten to the part of actually "fixin" up the room. So, right now, dog shampoo, the TV remote, my makeup bag, and some paper.

3 weird things about you:

1. I don't share popcorn at the movies. LOL - And I will tell you that if we ever go together. I just don't like it. I like to have my own. This way, I can put as much butter and salt as I like and I don't have to wait for you to get your grubby hands out before I get more. Lucky for me, Kelley doesn't like popcorn.
2. I am a fanatic about being on time. My niece, Kayla, recently blogged about her sister causing her to be late for school all the time and how it made her a nervous wreck. Well, it must be a family trait. I can't stand to be late even if you are supposed to show up fashionably late. If I am late, my stomach gets all tied up in knots and I fret until I arrive at my destination.
3. I am a closet techie nerd. I love new technology. I love to learn about computers. I could hang out with the Microsoft geeks and soak up their knowledge like a sponge.