Accelerated Storms and Big Mnt Idol

Ominous storm clouds began to roll in just before lunch on Friday. The storm outbreak got to be quite harry, with several tornado and thunderstorm warnings throughout the state. Local School children were released at 1:30 PM due to impending storms, though two of my kids that were at the elementary and intermediate schools did not arrive home until after 3PM. They were detained because of tornado warnings. My daughter did report a storm related injury at the intermediate school, but one that sounded like beyond cuts and bruises, the person will be ok. Though there was structural damage throughout the state, I am glad everyone is physically ok and safe. I got the following pictures from ABC 33/40's weather blog. The pic's are quite grand and are accurate visuals of the storms that passed through.


This photo did not have a name with it but it was taken in Alexandria, Alabama yesterday


Hwy 21 south Talladega 1;55


Photo by Daniel Lay, Pelham, Hwy 31 2-2:15 PM

Fortunately the storm rolled out just in time for Helena's Big Mountain Idol contest. Thirteen contestants are vying for the first place prize. The prize consist of a $100 cash prize, a Free Recording Studio Session, Production of 3 song demo CD, and a CD Release Party hosted at Big Mountain Coffee. The final two contestants will perform their final songs on the Main Stage at the 2008 Buck Creek Festival on Friday May 9.
The contest brought out the crowds, I would estimate to be close to 200 people, to the small space that is Big Mountain Coffee. Fortunately the fire Marshall was not around so the audience got to cheer on their favorites in the contest. Contestants include the following: Megan Clark, David Long, Tamara King, Chris Davidson, Michelle Ellis, Jonathan Henne, Lauren-Taylor Bachofer, Phil Ernest, Alison Gravely, Randall Nichols, Emily Anne Blaising, Jordan Barrios and Josh Wheeler.
A majority of the songs last night were originals and almost everyone played their own instruments, in addition to the one that is their voice. There is certainly alot of talent in Helena! Big Mountain Idol will play out every Friday night at Big Mountain, and run until May 9th. The audience does vote on who will be voted off, so be sure to make your opinion count and VOTE for your favorite participant. I highly recommend you attend to this family friendly event (for all ages!) and support the talent in Helena as well as a great local business like, Big Mountain Coffee. See you next Friday at Big Mountain Idol!

Big Mountain Idol, Helena

Dance, Dance Dance

I went to my hip hop dance class last night. I love the new dance we are doing. It doesn't seem as complicated as the other two dances we have done. This will be the one that me and Flossie Beth break out at the next party at her house. It goes to the song, "Low". That's the song my daughter will NOT quit singing and now it is stuck in my brain too.
Last night my dance "fran" Terri confided a secret to me. One she had not mentioned before. She has been blogging and being secretive about her blog! This is the second person! Why? I don't know. Both bloggers blogs are totally cool, not as lame as mine. And hers has a cool name, she is the Yarn Whore. Her blog is actually Confessions of a Yarn Whore. I am just a general rambler and a premenopausal middle aged woman at that. A high school friend (John C) suggested I change it to "Sweet Sugar from my Arse". I don't even know what that means. What in the world? Then again, consider the source. Well, I am stuck with it now, "the rambler".

Getting back to Terri, you should really take a look at her blog and give her lots of positive feedback. Terri is also a master masseuse, one that has had her hot yarning hands on the likes of Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Toby Keith, Aerosmith and Art Garfunkel, to name just a few. I asked her if I could start carrying her massage table. Please, Terri? If you reading this, ever get into a knot and need a fix, she is in the Helena area. For a play on Heart's words-"she's got the magic hands. She's a magic Wo-man! "
Last night Chesney, my dance coach, asked me to do some head shots for her. She is doing call backs for the Hannah Montana movie (another HM movie, Chesney tried out as a backup dancer) and some other movie, which the name escapes me. I sure hope she gets it! Chesney is so talented. And I think she has a great advantage, in addition to her dancing, she has such a striking and unique look. She is downright gorgeous. When I take get her headshots done, I am posting. She is jaw dropping beautiful.
In other dance news, Chesney and I were talking recently about going out to dance clubs. I asked her if she ever just breaks out one of her dances at a club. I imagined a scene from Footloose, where everyone crowds around her to watch. She laughed at me. She said that she does do dance routines. "It's better than the alternative". She said that dance in clubs today is not as it once was. Today she says it is a grind fest. She said she really hates to go out for that very reason. I say, leave the grind in the bedroom, dance on the dance floor, people! I assumed that was the case today, though hated to think of it. I really don't care to see other people's private moments.
She said that men and women- strangers-will just walk up and start grinding, sex simulation. That's why she hates to go out.
Have mercy! I am officially old. I mean, I think there is something to be said for not putting it all out there. Mystery isn't so bad, in fact, it's a good thing. What happened to the days of the hustle, the bus stop, moves like Footloose and Saturday Night Fever? There are so many dances that are so sexy but danceable (I think if a ton of Latin dances). I just don't get it. I will just stick to my hip hop and see if anyone crowds around when I break it out next time I am out on the town. I wonder if folks will gasp at me the way I would at them and their dances. Somehow I think they might, and not in a good way. Though, it might give the song "Low" a whole new meaning.

Fat and Happy, eh?

I now can completely understand the phrase, "Fat and Happy". I mean, before I was trying to loose weight, I could eat (and it was in moderation) and life was normal. I could eat Momma's home cooking, a slice of key lime pie, chips and salsa and not feel guilty. Now I am frantic and disappointed and hear my conscience, if I even look at a commercial on TV about food. Every person on TV, my head says, "they're skinny, your not!" Now that I am trying, nothing is happening. But I am not giving up. I bought a new scale yesterday. Dang it to Harpersville for it didn't weigh me any less. I don't know if the reason I bought it was to torture or motivate myself....

Hidden Treasures in the Creek

Yesterday J Smooth had football practise. A creek runs nearby, which I cautioned Sledge not to go to close to. The banks were so muddy, and if there is mud and dirt around, my kids are sure to find it. Sledge wanted to show me something by the creek that she had discovered last time we were at the field. She and I trekked down to the creek and in it were these big rocks. Immediately my mind wandered to my childhood. There was a creek across from my home, where all the neighborhood children would meet. Children would show up with buckets in hand, setting them at the the top of the creekbank and we would take off our shoes and socks and get into the knee deep water, wading, looking -hunting.

"Sledge! Find a stick, one big enough to lift those rocks" I demanded. Sledge walked along the banks. I spotted one on the other side of the creek, jumped over the creek, picked it up and then jumped back across. The stick was big, big enough for me to break in half, using my foot for leverage in the break. I handed one end to Sledge and I took the other. "Sledge, you have to see this!".
As a child, the hunt was all about precision. Of course, as a child, the work was by hand. Taking a rock and carefully turning it to the side, trying not to muddy the water. If the water was muddy, we couldn't see "it". "It" was the crawdads, or some might call crayfish or crawfish that we were looking for. They would shoot out, swimming backwards at high speed. Children spent the better part of a day down at the creek. We would have contest, to see who could catch the biggest crawdad. Long before PETA, we had crawdad fight contest at the end of the day. It was a big build up to the "fight". At each crawdad finding, a kid shouting, "Wow! Look how big the one Brad found is." It meant finding one bigger, searching harder. We were all determined not to have our crawdad lose. By days end, with a good amount of crawdads to chose from in our buckets, each child would select a similar size crawdad and put them into a tub, which was our fight ring. The winner was determined by when one would run away or lose a claw. Then the winner would take on another kids crawdad. We spent most of the day in the creek.


"Sledge, have you ever seen a crawdad?"
"A what?" she asked. You know, I never hear of children looking for those these days. Thinking about it, I just don't see them. Not that I have looked very closely, but as a kid, there was a crawdad under every other rock. Tons of them. There was never a day you couldn't find several.


"A crawdad. It's a thing that looks like a tiny lobster. It swims backward". I explained. Sledge walked along the banks, "Is this one?" She pointed to a bug on the creek.
"No.", I said carefully sliding my stick under a rock and lifting it over so to not disturb the water, "LOOK!" out came a grey crawdad, shooting backwards through the water to only find another rock.
"Oh, My, gosh!" Sledge said, at this new discovery. "That is cool! It does look like a lobster! Will it bite or pinch you?""Oh, yes! They will pinch." I thought back to the numerous hits I took, a rite of passage for a child in my day.
We spent the better part of J Smooths practice, Sledge and I in that dirty creek, no longer concerned about getting to dirty. We saw a total of only two crawdads. But it was a new exciting discover for Sledge. Equally exciting for me, something I had all but forgotten, there in that creek and sharing it with my child. We are both looking forward to our next practice, so my daughter and I can hunt for the big one....and I'm bringing a bucket!

Barons (the Boys of Summer) are Back

The Birmingham Barons Baseball Season kicks off tonight at Regions Park. Bama is back to working this year, if you see him, give him a shout out (he may have a different number this year). For full season schedule and promotional nights go here: http://www.barons.com/

Who doesn't love a night at the ballpark?

Prayer for Today

"O LORD, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me!...but you are a shield around me, O LORD; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head"
(Psalm 3:1-3)
When David wrote this verse, He was in a very difficult situation. He was actually running for his life from his very own son who wanted to kill him and take over the throne! Can you imagine?! David was probably feeling overwhelmed, distraught, heart-broken, betrayed, and abandoned. Have you ever felt that way? But notice that David didn’t just tell the Lord all about his problems, he told the Lord about his faith when he said, "But you, God, are a shield around me…" David made the choice to focus on God’s goodness no matter what! We have to remember, circumstances may be tough, but God is working behind the scenes on your behalf. You may have a difficult relationship, but God is your Restorer today. You may have an overwhelming need, but God is your Provider today! The doctors may have told you that you have an incurable disease, but God is your Healer today!
Things may look impossible today, BUT WITH GOD all things are possible! If you’ll keep that constant attitude of faith and victory, you’ll see the hand of God move in your life, and you will experience the life of victory He has in store for you!
A Prayer for Today

Father God, thank You for always being faithful and working in my life.
Today, I open my heart to You and choose to focus on Your goodness no matter what my circumstances look like. I know that with You, all things are possible. In Jesus Name. Amen.

PHS Boys Give A Good Ribbing

The PHS Tennis Team celebrates their victory over Northridge HS in Tuscaloosa yesterday by celebrating over a slab of Dreamland ribs at the original Dreamland location. (Bama pictured on left, Photo by Diane S.)

Michael Johns - It's All Wrong, But It's All Right

Welcome back, Michael Johns. Way to step up. You didn't disappoint me last night.
It's alllll right!

Michelle in Big Mountain Idol

In other Idol news....over at Hewy's blog, No Sleep in Helena , he reported that my "fran", Michelle is set to complete Friday night(s) at Big Mountain Coffee (in Helena) in their own contest, Big Mountain Idol. (Michelle, you held out on me!) I am thrilled and cannot wait to hear Michelle sing live. I have heard her recordings while in her store and it was quite impressive. To read more about it visit her blog.
My entire family is going out on Friday night to support her. I hope you will too. The show begins at 7PM, but I would arrive a bit early, as seating I can imagine, will be limited. What a great idea by Big Mountain. With the musical likes of Bo Bice, Taylor Hicks, and Ruben Studdard coming from the area the talent runs deep. Great way to showcase local voices and see the offering of perhaps future celebs and a good way to promote the coffee business.

It seems there are some talented people in the area needing your support. So, if you live in the area, come on out Friday night in support of Michelle at Big Mountain Coffee and Monday Nights at the Comedy Club to support Fabian in Dancing with the Stars!

Hope to see you out and about!

GO MICHELLE!!!!!

Taking a Breath and Changing my Drawers

Great tarnation! Have mercy, ya'll!! I have already been to the bathroom a couple times. The suspense of tonight's Dancing with the Stars finals show had me in such knots. Big Daddy and I took a collective breath when it was down to four couples , two of which would be in the bottom, the other two safe. "Come on Fabian!" Big Daddy whispered with an urgency. "Marlee and Fabian, you are safe" announced Tom, the host. We both gasped, then we screamed. I called Freddy screaming, I know he wanted to KILL me for allowing him to come close to vomiting like I did. I later sent Fabian a text telling him that he owes me a pair of new "drawers", though actually it is those DIALIDOL folks. Although I still want you all to download the voting program if you haven't already.
Dialidol was completely off the mark. I hate looking at that thing at numbers. I chastised Big Daddy for calling me and sending me in an uproar, to which I called and traumatized Freddy with it (he hadn't heard or read it either). Big Daddy passed the buck said someone told him at work. I told Big Daddy to "take that guy out tomorrow", and I don't mean to lunch (KIDDING). "Van", I'd watch your drink tomorrow....you just might feel a bit of what I have felt tonight (smile). Big Daddy and "coworker Van", Don't even tell me to look at that thing again. It got me all in a dither. But the thought of the previous post, "This Just In!!!!!!" remains, DO NOT TAKE FOR GRANTED they are safe. VOTE and make it happen!!!!



Next week Fabian is promising something really special, that is so passionate, so moving, it "will leave you in tears". He and Marlee will be dancing the Veinnese Waltz. I can't wait!!
Missing from the show, which I thought would be in it, but I feel certain will be in an upcoming show, is Fabian and Marlee's trip to Mexico, where the maker of Marlee's hearing aides shuttled the two by private plane to hand out hearing aides to poor children with hearing disabilities. Freddy said that Fabian was so touched, "to see the looks of those children, able to hear for the first time was unforgettable". I am glad that they are able to use this experience to help others.
So....I am off to the bathroom again.....uggg!....thanks alot Van!

PS Steve Guttenburg was the one chosen off of Dancing with the Stars. He was so extremely gracious and kind in his goodbye. I can see why he is well loved. Good job, Guit!

THIS JUST In!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Big Daddy just called and asked me if I had checked dialidol.com for bottom three result for tonight's DWTS show. "No". "Fabian in in the bottom three!", with voice getting more urgent as the sentence went on. Both Big Daddy and I feel strong that Fabian and Marlee will NOT go home tonight. BUT they HAVE TO HAVE the VOTEs to STAY in IT!! Let's assume it is incorrect.....but it does go to say, they must have your voted to remain.
Short of coming to your house and dialing your phone for you, I am begging you to put in the vote. Don't assume that it will be there. I myself have made that assumption in the best and been shocked (ex. Sabrina and Mark from last season on Dancing with the Stars). It takes all of five minutes or less of time to put in a phone call or to log in and vote.
After Big Daddy told me this, and it remains to be seen if it is true, I called several family members and friends and questioned if they were indeed voting or just "hoping". It became more of an ugly threatening situation, which I will refrain from discussing because it could hold up in court later, but lets just say, I think I got over many people's hinneys' today.
I am asking you to do the same, call your friends, call your family, ask your co workers to VOTE for Marlee and Fabian. Keep them on the Show! DO what you have to, beg, barter, threaten, wear t-shirts, put a sign on your car, hang a bedsheet out your window with Fabian's image....just stir the talk and VOTE!

It is up to you, dear brothers and sisters in blog land, We MUST ban together and ROCK the vote. We cannot assume. It's only makes an Ass of U and Me. Vote. Vote. Vote for the Mambo King. Vote for Fabian and Marlee on Dancing with the Stars!

Vote the Mambo King.


(This has been a special message brought to you by the Leigh/Vote for Fabian and Marlee Campaign)

Dancing With the Stars 3-31

Forgive me Fabian for neglecting your performance last night. Which in all actuality you know Big Daddy and I were tuned in cheering you on and would never neglect you! What's crazy enough, is to have Big Daddy cheering for a dance competition outside our family ones. Er, correction, there is still that fascination that Big Daddy has of Tony's black see through shirt from week one. Now THAT is crazy!

Seen here:



See this photo above? I think that Big Daddy thinks the world is gonna look at him the way Marissa is looking at Tony in this pic. And they probably will, though in his warped mine he thinks that look is "Dang! Baby you look good!" And that probably is what Marissa is thinking, but Big Daddy , folks would look and have that look and think,
"Dang! Man! Have you lost your ever loving mind? LOL! HAHAHAHA!"
But who I am I to step on one's dreams? I am the roller derby queen, right? Notta me to do it.





He wants it so badly, he claims, so he can wear it, to work, people!! Perhaps I should worry. But I choose to ignore. Oh, he has big dreams.....like mine being Lita Ford. Wake up! I mean, the shirt wouldn't fit...and they would certainly throw him to the wolves.... or the fashion police.

Big Daddy and I ended up watching the show from home. Freddy (Fabian's brother) is leaving the end of the week to go out to LA to see Fabian. He had much to do in prep to leave so he couldn't go. Who would I mambo with during commercials? Don't even say Big Daddy (he would tell you that too). So we stuck it out at home and watched. I just got so wiped out last night, I didn't write my comments on the show. until now....




Marlee and Fabian
They start out in a strong Jive to Billy Joel's song, “You may be Right”. Marlee dances well in a beautiful pink dress and is awarded a 21! I personally think it was a low score. And I am NOT being prejudice. I would hate to be first out of the gate because I do think that the remaining scores of the night are scored more positive. Anyway. I would’ve scored 7,8,8. A tough week for Fabian and Marlee, in the fact that they had very little time to rehearse (More on this below-last paragraph of this post) . You couldn't tell it, they looked amazing. Sooooo proud. Hope America has FABIAN FEVER! Go Fabs! Whoot, whoot!










Cristian and Cheryl begin with a spectacular stage. They are dancing hard. I mean hard and rigorous. They're very tight, high energy. The ending was a double through-the-legs move. Cristian smashed into one of the lights on the edge of the stage. Bruno thought Cristian was on ROCKET FUEL!!! He and Len both think this was the best dance Cristian has done yet. Carrie Ann agrees, but warns about controlling his arms. Carrie Ann gives them an 8, Len gives them an 8, and Bruno gives a 9!
Steve and Anna danced a tasteful tango, and despite Anna's sickness, the couple does well. I would’ve scored Fabian and Marlee higher. The fumbled ending on this one was obvious. Carrie Ann gave 7 points, Len gave 7, and Bruno gave 7, for a respectable total of 21 out of 30

Mario and Katrina- They look good. Mario’s hips need more hip; they seemed a little loose. Some of their footwork seemed muddled, I don't know. Len is "bitterly disappointed." Ouch. Carrie Ann thought there were a lot of mistakes and was disappointed as well. Bruno was a little kinder - he's being nice tonight - saying that Mario could have done better but it wasn't a pile of excrement. Len gave Mario and Karina a 6! Brutal. Carrie Ann was a little nicer, giving them a 7. Bruno gave Mario and Karina an 8! That seems a little generous.

Shannon and Derek: I like Shannon's dress,it really fit the dance! Loved it’s movement. The dance really looked difficult.While they looked great there was a point where Shannon didn't seem to know what to do with her hands. The judges loved them. The partners collapse on the floor in exhaustion. Carrie Ann gave an 8, Len gave an 8, and... Bruno gave an 8. 24 out of 30 is a good score - Shannon says she's happy it's over because this has been the most demanding routine yet.

Adam and Julianne (in a brown wig, she can work any look, I tell ya-GORGEOUS). They began at the judge's desk. She's wearing a slinky patterned gown which Adam’s feet get caught in in the back of the dress during the dance.Adam seems a lot more confident and poised - tango is a good dance for him. The judges liked it, or at least they think Adam's getting better. Len says Julianne has done a great job making Adam "look like a dancer." 21 out of 30.

Marissa and Tony went for a 50's girl rock vibe. Jive is a good fit for Marissa - bouncy and high energy. I just adore this girl! She has the most infection personality. They seemed to falter there in the middle bit and lose some energy. Seems like her legwork could be more vigorous, though. She seemed to be dragging to Tony’s swift footwork. Len thought it could have been a little more high energy. Carrie Ann thought it was boring! They're going to make Marissa cry! STOP! Bruno agrees, but is more encouraging. Marissa's stressed out about this - they even had to bleep her when she swore! Carrie Ann gave a 6, Len gave them a 7, and Bruno gave a 6. Not a great score. Let's hope that Marissa's likability and natural charisma can generate enough votes to overcome her low score.

Pricilla and Louis- The Tango….love hate relationship is scene in this dance.They're doing good. She looks like she knows what she's doing - very confident and precise movements.Bruno thought it was well executed and beautifully acted. Len loved the "passion, drama, fire and ice!" Carrie Ann loved it, too. Let's see how their tango did. Carrie Ann gave an 8, Len gave a 9, and Bruno gave a 9, for a total of 26 out of 30. It's their highest score so far.

Jason and Edyta are dancing to "I Got a Woman. VERY SULTRY. Their choreography looks great and passionate! His footwork is great - I like the bit where they are dancing in tandem. Bruno thought their jive was cool but powerful - both he and Carrie Ann liked Jason's "lines." Len wasn't impressed -he thought the kicks were sloppy. I disagree. The judges give a 23 out of 30. Bruno and Carrie Ann each gave Jason and Edyta an 8, Len gives them a 7.

Kristi and Mark- Can The Guchi be stopped? Will the tango be her downfall? Is this the week when Kristi and Mark finally get a low score? They are tearing it up on the floor. I cannot see Krisit’s feet for the dress, but they are moving!The ending was nice and flashy. You can't go wrong with between-the-legs action! Len thought it was a great routine, Carrie Ann thought the technique was there but the emotion was missing, and Bruno thought it was sharp and clear, but also lacking in heat. "I want you to be a dirty girl!" Bruno purred. I won’t go there. Carrie Ann gave a 9, Len gave a 9, and Bruno gave a 9. 27 out of 30. Team Guchi keeps going strong.

Tune in tonight to see who leaves the dance floor. Also, Kylie Minogue performs. Big Daddy likes Kylie. Plus tune in and see the incredible thing that Fabian and Marlee did last weekend in Mexico. I am depending on Freddy to be my special "General Ramblings Special corespondent" next week, as mentioned before, he will be flying out to LA for next week's show. I am counting on great photos and behind the scenes info, and it's ok, Freddy, no one will ever mistake you for a premenopausal middle aged woman! Freddy, give Fabian both the hometown (BHAM) and across the country support to Fabian! LOVE THE FABS!

April Fools Day

In honor of April Fools Day, I thought I would reflect on some good pranks either pulled off by me or pulled on me. I think my warped sense of humor comes directly and honestly by my mother and her family. One of the earliest jokes I remember playing was probably at the age of 9. I got one of my mother's old purses and tied fishing line to the handle of the purse. I laid the purse in the street, then I took the other end of the line that was a fishing rod, "cast it" so it would unroll as I walked back to a bunch on nearby bushes. They were very thick and tall. Soon enough a car would drive down the street and slow when it saw a ladies purse lying in the road. Each time, someone would get out to retrieve the purse, I began to reel in my line, and with it the purse. I recall many hours of laughter in such a small prank.

(Ok, tired and going to bed...will add on in the morning when I can type better.)

Cinderella - Nobodys Fool

A nod to April's Fool Day.....
Don't be a fool!

Lita Ford Playing Can't Catch Me live in '89

Me in my fantasy world.

Weekend

While I am still trying to get beyond the crud, which I am accounting directly to the green pollen that has powered everything outside, I had a nice weekend.

On Saturday we cheered J Smooth on at his flag football game. I think his team won (there is no scoreboard, and I am not a football aficionado so honestly, it is anyone's guess). He had a good time, that is really all that counts..

In other sports news, Bama won his doubles match that he played out of town this past weekend. And finally, my father in law Ernie competed in a marathon in Boston. I have such pride and admiration for this man. He is truly an inspiration. He is eighty three years of age, with a multitude of health problems (including Parkinson's, congestive heart failure, etc.) and continues to act like a clone of the energizer bunny. He is amazing!

Saturday evening we were to meet Big Daddy's family at Outback for our nephew Joe's birthday. My brother in law was to go early and get seats at 4:30, so by the time the remaining family arrived at 5, we thought we would be ok and not have to wait long. We arrived a few minuted before 5, with my mother in law and mother arriving closely behind. Missing, was my brother in law, who was no where to be found. He drug in after 5......and we were seated around 6:20. Our food took forever, we left at 8:30!! I like Outback, but what is the deal with the mass of people waiting to get in there? Isn't there a good steak to be found at other restaurants? Being a vegetarian, I do not know. What I do know is for my supper I ate Big Daddy's chopped blue cheese salad. YUM! It is just what is says, chopped lettuce, green onions, carrot and radish's with a very small sprinkling (I had 2 small pieces) of blue cheese served in a vinaigrette dressing. Oh, it was delicious, but not worth waiting over an hour to be seated. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Outback too, but just do not understand why there is ALWAYS a wait. There are other good restaurants in the area. Hmmm? Pondering the thought....

When Big Daddy and I arrived I heard someone yell Big Daddy's name, it turns out it was a guy we went to highschool with, John. We haven't seen John in 20 years, thought we did talk to him on the phone about 6 years ago. I cannot think of laughing as much as I did last night. John is still the same ole prankster he always was. The guy is C-R-A-Z-Y!! At one point he convinced our waitress that he was a star from yesterday and told her that he would be happy to sign something for her. He said that he would be happy to send her some free promotional stuff if she wanted. The little girl looked on with much wonder. You would have to know John to know, that this is the prankster he is. Actually John is a happily married father of two, with no experience in any sort of entertainment industry, that is if you don't count his rock band, for which he is the drummer. It really was great to see this perpetual jokester who provided more than a few laughs for the evening.

We went back to our house to celebrate Joe's birthday with cake. His choice of cake was a Bob the Builder Cake, to which Joe proudly sang the theme song.

I had a chuckle at the cake. I questioned what it was that Bob was shoveling up. True. I have a warped sense of humor like that of my mother's side of the family (BD also shares it too). I never did get a straight answer....

I am really proud of myself. Yesterday I ran 3 miles on my treadmill, lifted weights and then added yet another dance to my dance repertoire': belly dancing. So now I am doing hip hop, salsa and belly during the week. It is really alot of fun! Belly dancing really works the waist line and opens up the hips. I used muscles I never knew I had! If you cannot find a belly dancing class, fit TV offers one on Sunday's and I think Tuesday's, and there are also some great instructional DVD's. I really despise to exercise and having the dance in my routine helps to break it up a bit. With this I am helping to feed my inner Shakira. Sure, right now my hips do lie, but I am hoping that with 6 weeks of it, they will not.

Lastly, don't forget that tonight is Dancing with the Stars on ABC at 7PM. If you live in the area, the Star Dome Comedy Club in Hoover is hosting a viewing party. The kitchen and bar are both open-and there are FREE dance lessons. Last week was alot of fun with Big Daddy, Fabian's brother, Freddy and my cousin, Gina. Be sure to tune in and see the wonderful thing that Fabian and Marlee got to do for some children in need. Where ever you should decide to watch, do indeed watch and even more important, VOTE (for Fabian). There are three ways to vote: online, text messaging and computer. If you use a computer I urge you to download the program at http://www.dialidol.com/ where it will vote for you hundreds of times vs the 5-16 voted you might get...but everything helps.

Thanks for your support of Fabian. I know for a fact that he really appreciates your support.

Finally, I thought this is worth mentioning. A teacher at one of my children's school is asking for help. He husband, Jeff is suffering from Spinocerebellar Ataxia, a rare genetic disorder. The disorder affects his fine motor skills and if not treated he will quickly lose the ability to walk, talk and see. There is no cure and no treatment available in the USA. However, China offers a breakthrough treatment for people with SCA. It has already helped many people regain their motor skills.

The family is trying to raise $40,000 to send Jeff Crowe to China for treatments. Jeff is 35 years old and a highschool science teacher at Bessemer Academy. His wife Leslie is a 4th grade teacher at Helena Intermediate. The couple have two children. The family needs to raise 40,000 by April 11th. If you feel led to help, you can send checks made to:

"Jeff Crowe Assistance Fund"

c/o Helena Intermediate School.

3500 Highway 52

Helena, Alabama 35080

Telephone: 205/682-5520 Fax: 205/682-5525

Have a wonderful week. We'll chat soon (perhaps even today...) Hope you survive the pollen!

Greatness

Per the Troll, Mute Monday, these are mine....... "Interpretations of Greatness."




Sacrifice (Choctaw Co by a Storm watcher)




Dawn of a new day (Lake Logan Martin at friends cabin)




Sunrise over the ocean, birds in flight (my parents condo in Orange Beach)



Gates of Heaven, Promise of Life Everlasting (Sewanee Cemetery, TN)






Servicemen



The Blood HE shed for US (Sewanee University, TN)



Purple Mountain Majesty (Sewanee University)




AMERICA






Strolling a deserted beach (Perdido Key/Johnson Beach)



Toes in the Sand (my kids and their cousins, Orange Beach, AL)


and I must include these people in another form of greatness:




A great loss. Guitar wizard. (I could go on in this category)





My Family/love from a good man, Family includes these pictured here and others (not pictured)....




Mom and Dad




Friendships









unconditional puppy love (my dogs)


Feel free to play along. If you do, leave me a comment so I can check out your interpretation of Greatness.