TOOL

Last night was the show and it was AMAZING. I am not really a fan, but Nick is. He's been so stressed that something would go wrong and that we wouldn't get to see the show or something, but last night was pretty much PERFECT. The tickets were supposed to be mailed to us, but we found out at the last minute that they'd switched us over to will call... so we didn't know how good or bad our seats were. Well guess what. WE WERE IN THE SECOND FUCKING ROW. We could have practically touched them. The only problem I had with that was that a giant security guard kept jumping up on the fence and shouting at people and I couldn't see over him when he did that. Luckily, the crowd wasn't too out of hand so that wasn't a huge deal. Also, along those lines everyone just stood in front of their seats so there was no pushing or trampling going on which was great.

Aside from that the show was AWESOME. There were lasers, screens with images (lots and lots of eyeballs), smoke, videos playing in the background, Maynard dancing like a monkey, etc... not to mention how nice the band actually looked and sounded (I'm giving props where they're due!). That has to be, hands down, the best show I've ever been to. AND, the drummer walked right by us. I don't think anyone else recognized him, but Nick did. (Speaking of, that man has a MASSIVE set up... I couldn't even believe it). AND, the venue was pretty easy to find. AND me and Nick got the last two pair of earplugs in the place (once we saw our seats we knew we'd need them). AND, I almost got the drummer's autographed drum head, but in the process I was almost smooshed by two big guys who were also going for it. So I didn't get it. But that's ok because last night was almost too good to be true anyway.

At the end of the night we decided we wanted Waffle House. So we drive by the closest one, which, go figure, was packed with Tool fans. We would've never been served. So we got back on the road and took the next exit with a Waffle House sign. We drove and drove, then saw the Waffle House. It was the exact same one. 😂  That was really funny to us for some reason. So we just waited until we got back on I-20 to stop again. It turned out really nice, though. It was great to just relax and eat and think about how great the day turned out. We always have fun, but my goodness. EVERYTHING went well. We usually at least get a little lost or something. Anyhoo...

So many topics in one post.

So today Shadow stayed with my mother while me and Nick worked our day jobs. This was his first day of being out for summer and my mom just got a pool. What better way to kick off summer than with swimming?? So anyway Nick had to work this evening, too, so I went to pick up Shadow after I dropped Nick off. It was a very enjoyable ride... the weather was nice, the scenery was pretty, and I just listened to my music the whole way there without interruptions. That never fucking happens, though, because I'm never alone. I think I'm feeling a bit bitter that it's over with. 😕 It was only a half-hour drive, tops.

Anyway, while I was in the area I decided to stop and see my grandmother... the one with Alzheimer's. She came very close to being put in a home about two weeks ago, but my uncle came back to take care of her. True to his word, at least. I haven't seen him in years (due to family feuds and whatnot...) He's still riding Harleys... that was always my favorite thing about him visiting. He'd take me riding. Now he takes MaMaw which I'm sure is a sight. 😂  Aside from the fact that he's not too happy to be back in Munford they seem to be doing well. I'm so glad to hear it.

Speaking of not being too happy to be in Munford - I can understand. Every time I go out there I always feel the need to be in a rush to get out lest I end up trapped there forever. I can't explain it. So, AS USUAL I have a ton that I need to be doing, but I'm sitting here, blogging. I think I tend to do this when I start feeling overwhelmed. It sort of relaxes me to let everything all out. So after I do one of the many things I need to do (balance my checkbook first and foremost), I think I'm going to take a trip to Wal-Mart and get some clippers. Shadow needs a haircut and so do I. Yes, I think I've finally grown enough balls to buzz my hair off. Not SUPER short because that just seems uncomfortable, but SHORT. Less is more, damn it. If it happens you know you'll see it. In the meantime I'd like to share this picture with you.

It's me fresh outta the shower. And the red - that's my good buddy Psoriasis. Though he comes and goes there's a spot on my right arm that's been there steadily for years. His name is Bob. So no I don't always look this way, but sometimes I do. And sometimes it's worse. Yes, it hurts. And it itches. No, it's not contagious. There is no cure, but I used to spend a lot of time and money at the dermatologist to "control my symptoms." It never worked and it was a pain in the ass, as well. They have to constantly change your meds so that you don't become immune to them. I finally decided that it was not worth it. 

There was a time in my life that I wouldn't dare be seen this way. I'd at least have the decency to goop a bunch of makeup uncomfortably on top of the redness. I'm really glad that I grew out of that. I think it stressed me more to worry about what other people thought than actually having this condition to begin with. I can't help this. It's me; I'm not perfect - take it or leave it. So, obviously my skin's bugging me right now... it's on my mind... which is why you're reading about it. Don't get me wrong - it's been much worse before, but I hate that when it flares significantly - I can't NOT scratch it.

See, what happens is that while your skin probably reproduces and sheds on a normal schedule mine does it, like, wayyy too fast. I'm too fucking efficient to the point of waste. So skin builds up, itches, then I scratch it off, (which makes it stop itching), but then it's red. Lather, rinse, repeat. Sometimes it fades away, sometimes it spreads. Anyway, enough about that.

Thursday was Nick's little brother's high school graduation. As far as I know we're on good terms with him mom and everything, but we never got an invitation (though we were told about it). Well we were going to meet at Nick's mom's house so that we could follow her to the ceremony and even though we got there early she'd left without us. So we call her, she answers once, gives us some shoddy directions, then turns her phone off. WTF??

We drove out to Lincoln, got lost in Lincoln, and wasted gas and an hour and a half for nothing. It sucks that we missed it because we both wanted to be there. But no one can say that we didn't try. I don't know what that shit was about, but we were both pretty pissed. That was just plain rude. In conclusion - can anyone tell me why my dogs think it's a good idea to try to drag each other around by their NEW collars?? While it's funny to watch I don't really want to have to buy new ones again by next week. They are so silly. I suppose I should go; I really need to take them out before Scooter pees in my carpet. Later!

My puppies (n_n)

This weekend both the doggies got a bath. And their nails trimmed. And new name tags. And matching collars (Emma's is olive green and Scooter's is hunter green). We also got a new leash and a training collar for Emma so that we can take her out of the house without having to fear that she'll snatch one of our arms off while dashing for the next thing that catches her nose. And this is the result:

You can't tell me that they're not absolutely precious. Well you can, but I won't believe you. 😝

Bright Eyes

So Friday after work we went to HOTlanta to see the Bright Eyes show. I'll have to admit I've never been a huge Bright Eyes fan, but I really did enjoy myself. The show was fantastic and I really enjoy his more up-beat music (which there was a lot more of than I expected). Check him out.

The opening band was Oakley Hall or something... I wasn't too impressed with them. Then up was Jillian somebody. It was just her and a guy doing some acoustic bluegrassy stuff. I'm not a country fan, but bluegrass is different - and yes, I like it. Anyway, their music was pretty good. Again - I was more into the upbeat stuff. And then, there was Bright Eyes.

He had a screen set up in back of the stage and a huge sprawl of instruments. There were two drummers, which rocked my face off. Both women, at that. They were rocking that shit. (I'm going to start playing my set one of these days... I SO miss it.) Anyway, it was fun. It was a really nice show and I'm glad we got to go.

The venue was pretty sweet, also. The Fabulous Fox in Atlanta... it's really nice. But anyway. No trip out of town would be complete without us getting lost at least once. So of course we did. We didn't make it home until around 3 am, but that's ok. Now I've gotta get psyched for the Tool show this weekend. Woo!

De-funkified

In case you (SOMEHOW) didn't notice I've been in a funk for... oh... the past two months AT LEAST. I'm not sure what set it off, but it's been there hovering over me like a rainy cloud - pissing it's negativity down upon me. But today I feel pretty good. Despite the fact that I didn't sleep enough, despite the fact that I woke up late and had to be hungry all morning, despite the fact that I had to go to work, despite the fact that ants are now invading our home again, despite the fact that I'm getting some weird rash on my hand... despite all that shit - I woke up in a pretty good mood. It's been kind of refreshing.

(Around) this time last year I was freaking ECSTATIC. Know why?? Because I'd just bought our house. That's why. At 23 years old I'd officially done the best thing I could imagine ever doing for myself and my kiddo.

After I had my son at 17 years old my life was pretty much a struggle for independence. I didn't want to live with my parents or grandparents forever just because I'd had a child at a young age. I didn't want to wait around for some knight in shining armor to save me from the life I'd created. So I finished high school, went to college, got a job, and we moved out on our own (just me and my Shadow). (FYI: We didn't move directly into a house, it went like this: crappy trailer, nice apartment, our house). Anyway, last year (and pretty much all of the years before that) I'd accomplished something positive - something that got me a little farther in life. I always had something to strive for. This past year, though, I've been sort of stagnate.

I mean, ok. I've had two articles published online. That was cool, but not nearly as satisfying after reading some of the other stuff that was also published on that site. But they did pay me and not all submissions are paid for (so I just tell myself that the crappier stuff was given to them for free). Beginning to help with the shelter has been awesome and a big source of personal fulfillment. Also, I've sort of thought of a business venture and stuff and that's neat. (It's pretty recent so I'm not disappointed with how it's turning out - though I do need to put a bit more effort into it if I expect it to go anywhere).

Anyway, I don't know. I just don't feel that I've accomplished much in the last year unless you count racking up a shitload of debt. But the problem is that the next step is so unclear to me (not about my debt - I know - pay that shit off... MUCH easier said that done, though). When I was in high school the obvious goal was to graduate. Next obvious goal: Go to college so that I don't work a dead-end job forever. Then, durr, get a job. Get a place. Get a better place. Done. Now what?? I'm stumped.

Part of the problem or maybe the whole problem (I don't know) is that I'm completely unsure about what to do with myself. I want (for anyone who really knows me, it's obvious) to save the world, but there's no superhero school around here. I'd love to work with animals, but I can't think of doing what. Vet and even vet tech work may not be what I need to do because I honestly think I'd never stop crying. I love helping with the shelter, but I couldn't do that full-time. They pay about half of what I make now and I really don't know if I could handle that emotionally, either. Pet stores and animal breeding are also out of the question for me because the more I help with the shelter the more I think selling animals is not a great idea. At least not on the massive scale in which society does it now.

The business venture I was thinking of is in-home pet sitting which I think I'd enjoy. (I made a page for it). But I'm also scared as hell to keep trying to get it going. I don't know why - maybe I'm afraid I'll get it right. Maybe I'm scared to turn into a business owner. Maybe I think it's a huge towering responsibility and one I'm not sure I can handle. Look at me, doubting myself. Goodness. But what if I don't have all my bases covered? What if there's really NOT a market for that thing in this area? How much do you charge and for what service? (Take into consideration gas prices... damn). It's a lot to think about and I'm not sure if this should be my next goal. I'd sure love the freedom, though. Or should I just find a way back into school?? The thought of animal psychology / behavioral studies really intrigues me (though I doubt there's a school anywhere near me that would offer that). I just don't know what to do.

So what do you think?? I know, I know - do whatever makes me happy. Aside from that give me a straight answer. Give some advice to Blu. I think I'm ready for a new challenge.

Ignorance surrounds me.

So I'm angry. What's so funny is that I don't exactly have a reason to be angry. Well, I guess I have a few. But it seems like I'd be over them by now. I guess I'm just in the mood to be pissy. So I am.

Yesterday, Mother's Day, blah blah blah. I'm not big into holidays. But my mom wanted her and Shadow to do something nice for me so I let him stay the night over there on Saturday. When I got there Sunday to pick him up he was in an awful mood. She'd told him she'd cut his hair and he was ALL excited over that. So he told her what he wanted. Then she told him that what he wanted would be ugly and she wouldn't do it.

First of all - if my kid wants ugly hair, ugly hair he gets. There is absolutely no reason to censor him when it comes to something as trivial as hair. It's JUST hair. We could cut it again or it would grow back. It's no big deal. I know the cut he wanted would have probably required clippers and she did not have any, but I suspect that she wouldn't have done it anyway just because of her attitude. All she had to say was "I don't have any clippers." It wasn't necessary to tell him "That will look ugly."

Oh, and it got better. My brother called to wish her a happy Mother's Day. After she talked to him for a few minutes she asked Shadow if he wanted to talk to his uncle. He did not - probably because he was in a bad mood and ready to go home. So my mom says to my brother right in front of Shadow, "Well, I guess you just don't matter to him anymore. He don't want to talk to you." Shadow cried. What a stupid bitch. Shadow's SO stoked that his uncle gets to come home and visit soon. He loves him to death. She makes me so angry. What she doesn't realize is that she's acting just like her senile mother (who she openly admits to hating).

And yes, yes I did just call my mother a stupid bitch. I should start blogging about her. You'd understand, and it would probably be therapy for me. I love her because she's my mother. But I don't like her as a person. Some people you're just better off without - no matter what ties them to you.

Anyway, at work I have to see a lady that I've grown a strong disdain for over the few years I've been there. I can't even look at her without getting angry. When I first started working at my place of employment she was always asking me to go to church with her. Strike one. I'm not Christian, I don't go to church, leave me alone, the end. Well, when she finally stopped doing that she began being very nosey into my personal life; always asking me questions that were none of her business and stuff. Strike two, lady. If I want you to know something - I'll tell you. Well, the last thing she did to me is one I won't let go of. I've had it with her. She apologized and tries to be nice to me, but I'm just very short with her and avoid her, usually. I can't even pretend to like her anymore.

One day as I was handing out the payroll checks she pulled me to the side and asks if a certain employee has to pay taxes. He's from Africa, not here (great guy, btw). Talk about putting me on the spot. Not only was I offended that she felt it was her business, but that she put me on the spot AND it was all because he was not from here. When she saw the appalled look on my face she didn't just drop it. Yes - she tried to press me for an answer, trying to justify it with "Well, you know I was raised up racist. It just stuck." WTF is that?? Does there not come a point in your life when you decide to make up your own mind?? I was raised up where races didn't mix, but guess what?? My child is half black (I'm white, for those who didn't notice). Apparently, I got over it. She could, too - if she wanted to. That seriously pissed me off. Strike three, old lady. I'm done being nice to you.

Geez, there's so much more that I'm unhappy with. I'd always wanted to homeschool Shadow, but since I've always had to work that hasn't been an option. I hate that he spends so much time around little consumerist brats at school... maybe it's good for him, I dunno. The first few years I definitely thought so because he made friends and stuff and he's an only child. But now I'm starting to wish I could just keep him home. Not only do other children show him bad behaviors and tease him (you know - regular kid stuff that he'll likely overcome), but also they're pushing Christianity on him. One little kid told him he was going to hell. WTF is that?? Teach your kids early on to be intolerant of those that believe differently than you. That's great. And I was actually dumb enough to believe that I had a choice about how I brought my kid up. (It's not just the kids, though... we've had religious info come home in letters to parents and other things. Separation of church and state, my ass).

Don't get me wrong. I want him to be educated about religions and everything. He even has a little kids Bible that my grandmother gave him when he was younger. He's read that thing cover to cover on several occasions. But he also asks about other religions and we tell him everything we know. I wish people would just BACK UP OFF HIM and let him grow. I think that's a parents biggest mistake... smothering their children with haircuts and religion. (That was a joke, for the sarcastic-humor impaired). But seriously, I feel like society doesn't let me do my thing. Whatever that is. I'm still not sure.

Really, honestly, I wish I could pack up my little family and run away with them. The more I look around the less I want to be here - the less I want to raise my child here. I want to go home. Problem is, I still don't know where that is.

November 24

1. Go to Wikipedia and put in your birthday (without the year) in the search bar.
2. List on your blog 3 events, 2 births, 1 death and 1 holiday that happens(ed) on your birthday.

Three Events:

1. 1859 - Charles Darwin publishes The Origin of Species.
2. 1932 - In Washington, D.C., the FBI Scientific Crime Detection Laboratory (better known as the FBI Crime Lab) officially opens.
3. 1951 - The Broadway play Gigi opens with a then unknown actress by the name of Audrey Hepburn in the title role.
4. 1963 - John F. Kennedy assassination: Alleged assassin Lee Harvey Oswald is mortally shot by Jack Ruby in Dallas, Texas on live national television.
5. 1966 - New York City experiences the smoggiest day in that city's history.

(So I added a few... I thought they were neat.)

Two Births:

1. 1946 - Ted Bundy, American serial killer (d. 1989)
2. 1955 - Elvis Ramone, American drummer (The Ramones)

One Death:

1. 1991 - Freddie Mercury, Zanzibar-born singer (Queen) (b. 1946)

One Holiday:

1. Teacher's Day in Turkey (and sometimes Thanksgiving)