BIZEE BUT FUN

It has been a busy couple of weeks. Busy, but fun.

My niece got married and we had luncheons and rehearsal dinners and receptions galore! Very fun. 

Then, I went to NYC for the US Open with girlfriends. More fun.

This weekend is our first football game and my Dad's 75th birthday. We are headed to the Lake after the game to celebrate with the family. The fun just won't stop.

I am headed to the Apple store today to get some help with transferring pictures from phone to Ipad and a billion other questions that will probably make them laugh at me when I walk away. Don't care. 

So, I will post pics of the wedding, NYC, football game and birthday celebration when I figure all this out. 


Until then, here's a little diddie.....

I'll call it... WHAT THE HECK?

**I'm in line for gas at Costco yesterday and I see this lady slam her car in park and march herself over to an elderly gentleman pumping his gas. I'm guessing maybe he cut in front of her or something. ??  She precedes to bless him out and then march back to her car to wait for her turn to get gas. Maybe 1 minute. 

She's got kids sports stickers on her SUV. All elite athletes I'm sure. She is straight up soccer mom. Really? You just yelled at an old man. WTH? 

NYC gets a bad rap for being rude, but this lady was the rudest person I have encountered in awhile. Be nice people. Geez-

Have a great and safe Labor Day weekend. And try not to yell at old people.

GO EAGLES! GATA-

Grateful,
DD

5-1-5-0 Somebody call the Po Po !

Have you heard that song by Dierks Bentley? It's funny. 5150 is the police code for basically a crazy person. 

I was looking through a certain small town newspaper, which shall remain anonymous, and found this section called:

                    Police Report 

Ya'll, you can't make this stuff up. Some of it was for real like shootings and robberies. And that's terrible. Although a lot of those shootings are happening outside of clubs, lounges and bars after 3am. Hmmmm....

But, the things I find funny are the not so terrible incidents. 

Here's one....

Someone was inside an apartment that was supposed to be vacant--cooking ground beef and chicken. More chicken and soft drinks were found in the refrigerator.

Oh my gosh! What? Cooking? And they had the audacity to bring extra chicken and drinks? Was the fridge even working? What about the stove? Sounds like maybe they were LIVING there.    

Here's another one. This is a call from a college library.

Officers met with a subject who reported that the televisions in the lobby of all floors had been removed. The case was assigned to Criminal Investigations, then investigators discovered that the televisions were removed by the University for an upgrade in cable.

How dumb did that guy feel?

Here's a couple more-

Neighbors were fussing about one woman using profanity and yelling while the other tried to sleep. The neighbor whose sleep was disturbed fired a pistol into the air to warn the other to be quiet.

I say ya'll be quiet. The girl ain't playing. She needs to sleep!

A man bringing his children home to his ex-wife's residence became angry when he saw his ex-wife's male guest. He demanded the other man leave and became more incensed when his ex-wife told him to leave instead. He called her father in Vietnam and told him about the male guest, and told deputies in his culture it was OK for a man to have a girlfriend but not for the ex-wife to have a boyfriend. He was very intoxicated, deputies wrote in report.

Hello? Give him a DUI! He just drove his kids home.

A man and his father argued because the son was angry because of supper not being cooked fast enough. 

Dang. I wonder if it was ground beef and chicken.

A woman was upset because her mother-in-law voiced displeasure about her staying in a room during family activities and not socializing?

You can call the cops for that? 

Last one---

A man and a woman fought because he would not give her a credit card. He suffered visible injuries.

That could have been any of us, huh girls ?!

Have a incident free day!

Grateful,

DD 

 

WATER!!

Whole-body heat cramping is a progressive and debilitating physical state, one that tends to afflict athletes who are training or competing in warm weather conditions.. In hot weather, sodium is lost through the increased levels of perspiration generated by exercise, as the body endeavors to maintain a healthy internal temperature through the cooling release of sweat. When the body perspires, sodium (and trace amounts of other minerals, such as calcium and magnesium) and water are passed together from the body.

Muscle cramps rarely occur in a strong and RESTED muscle. Cramps invariably become a factor in athletic performance after the muscle has endured significant stress.

"College athletes, especially football players, are such prima donnas and they think they are entitled to special treatment."

While there are obviously some who may hold true to the above statement, for the most part, it really is not true. In fact, it's the complete opposite.

Not that I am an authority by any means. But, in my experience in the past 5 years, I have not seen it. Granted, my opinion as a mother of a player may be tainted, but I am only the mother of one player, not the entire team.

First of all, just because you may have been a player in high school, it does not mean that you will be "THE MAN" when you get to college. Football teams are made up of lots of high school stand outs. You not only have to earn your spot, but you have to keep earning your spot year to year, week to week and day to day. The mentality is, "I have to play with 100% intensity on every play because if I don't, the guy behind me will."

If there is one thing I have learned over the past 5 years, it is that nothing is a guarantee. They can even announce your kid's name over the PA  in the stadium as being in the starting lineup and he still may not start. That information may already be old news by the time it gets to the press box!  Plans can change in the locker room before kick off.

Your kid can be playing lights out and then the next play he gets pulled. No explanation. That's just the way it is. It can be like a business sometimes.

Not even scholarships are guaranteed year to year.

We are so fortunate at Georgia Southern to have great coaches with a lot of integrity. These men are literally helping us raise our son and instill values and a work ethic in him. I would have a hard time being ok with that if I did not respect them and know that they have my son's, as well as the team's, best interest at heart. It is not JUST about winning National Championships with them. Although, don't get me wrong,  they want to win and so do I! But, they realize that first and foremost, this is about young men getting a college degree. Rings AND Diplomas.

I continue to be humbled by these kids as I learn of some of the things they do not only ON the field, but OFF the field as well.

As a team, they do lots of charitable activities in the community. Habitat for Humanity, Boys Club, Mentors and Reading in Schools, helping Freshmen students (not other football players or athletes)  move into dorms (after they have practiced that day), going to talk to children whose parent/parents are in the military and deployed overseas....the list goes on and on.

All this while practicing at least 20 hours a week on the field, not to mention watching film, meetings, time in the weight room and oh yeah....GOING TO COLLEGE! It really is a full time job.

I am sure it is mentally taxing as well as physically. A lot of wear and tear on these young kids.

My son has this crazy predispositon for getting so dehydrated that he goes into full body cramps. I have personally only witnessed it 2 times, but that was plenty. It must be excruciating because it is even painful to watch! Terrible-

Last night, after a two a day practice, the trainer called to tell us that after several attempts to access a vein, they were going to take him to the ER to get IV's because he was having full body cramps . This from the kid who at 6'0, 285 lbs is scared of spiders. (He would admit that so I'm not sharing any secrets). I know 7 sticks with a needle wasn't much fun.

He ended up spending the night in the hospital and is out today. Fortunately, there is not practice today, just meetings. So, he can rest up.

But, there is practice tomorrow! And the next day and the next.

We have talked to him several times between last night and today. He sounds tired, but for the most part is very positive. Mainly because it's just his nature and also because that's part of the game. These things happen. Like my husband likes to say..."It is what it is."

In the big scheme, it is not a broken bone or an injury that would sideline him or end his career or anything life threatening. (We have had those on this team). And for that, we are truly grateful.

Grateful that he gets the opportunity to go to college and do something he loves. Because truly, they HAVE to love it. Not even just like it a little. You gotta love it. Waking up at 5am to run or lift weights and practicing in the wicked South Georgia heat with gnats in your face and running in sand in full pads and flipping a  big a*# tractor tire in the heat of the day....come on.

So, when football season officially kicks off, no matter which team you are rooting for, let's remind ourselves that these are 18-23 year old young men who have a lot riding on their shoulders. The only "special treatment" they probably get is medical treatment. lol


Go Eagles!
GATA!

Grateful,
DD

Kindness Matters

I have this wooden sign at the beach that says, "Kindness Matters."


It really does, doesn't it? 

It seems so obvious and few would probably disagree that it doesn't matter.

But, I am a firm believer in the " everyone has a story" rule and sometimes we are not aware at all that our little kindnesses can be monumental to someone else. 

It is never more clear than when YOU are the person to which someone has been kind to. Maybe it's just opening a door or saying something you may have needed to hear because you were feeling icky about yourself that day. 

Or maybe it's something bigger. Whatever it is, it always feels good to show kindness or have someone show it towards you.

It all matters. 

Grateful,
DD

A Higher Perspective

Kudos to the hubs for helping me with the pictures and for having a healthy dose of patience with me! I know honey, you are not the enemy.


We loved our time in Scottsdale! We were able to relax over the weekend before he started work on Monday.

I always tell him that it takes several days for him to get into relax mode and by then, it's time to get into work mode.

As he was floating in the pool to escape the 108 degree temps that day, he looked at me and said, "I'm relaxed now."

                                That did my heart good probably more than he realizes.

He is always getting ready for the next conference call or email or text or flight.  He is constantly packing and unpacking and washing clothes.

Don't get me wrong. He LOVES his job, but being on the move is just his life. (He's a mover, a shaker, a cold cash money make-a.  LOL)

So slowing down enough to fully relax and take a deep breath takes him awhile.

But when he finally does, it makes me so happy for him because he 100% enjoys it! He has this incredible ability to get in his "relax box" and just be.

I love this about him. He's like a giddy kid...and it's contagious.

I'm a little different. My mind is constantly cluttered...with thoughts and what if's.  Plus, I can be a worrier. It's always been my constant battle.

I read that worrying just means you think it all depends on you.  Like you're in control. Girl, please. I know better than that.

Recently, I was talking to God about it.  I was telling Him that I really, truly, desperately wanted Him to change my thoughts. Especially the ones about how I see myself.

I asked Him to give me His thoughts. To transform and renew my mind.

I also asked Him if I could "hear" His "voice" instead of the one I "hear" when I talk to Him.

I always hear sarcastic Jesus when He talks to me.  But I KNOW that's not His voice, it's just the one I made up for Him in my mind.

            Ya'll, it has been incredible.  Turns out, He's not the sarcastic one, I am.  Go figure.

SO, we went hiking up Camelback Mtn.  If you've never seen it, it looks like a camel lying down. This is the head with a gigantic eyelash.

                                                                    SEE IT?

We actually only made it up the camels head and not the two humps.

We had plenty of water but got started a little later than we wanted and it was wicked hot!

                          We came to one part that only had a chain linked fence on  one side ( to keep you from plunging over the side) and a metal railing to hold onto on the other.

The railing was soooooo hot. Who puts a metal railing on the side of a mountain in the desert in Arizonia?

We couldn't even touch it. Chip tried to just run up the Mtn, but his shoes were not grippy enough. But he looked extremely athletic trying!

After about an hour or so of climbing, we decided we would conquer this mtn another day and come better equipped.  Shoes for him and gloves for both of us. We both kind of  felt like we failed.

Still, it was a great workout and helped me totally justify dessert later that night.

Later on, after we were back at the resort, I slipped off to the spa.

      It was SO beautiful and peaceful. Remember ya'll...I AM trying to relax!

I was sipping some green tea and reading my devotion from Jesus Calling. Here it is.

I almost started crying.

                                                                    Cozy Nooks

                                                              Stunning Scenery


And..." I will be your guide?"   You can't make this stuff up!!
I def got some perspective.

I will end with several other pics that I thought were pretty cool. Plus, I'm on a roll now with this insert picture thing.

                                                   Life is good in the desert!

Grateful,
DD

My Nest is the Best

I had intended on writing about My Scottsdale trip, but after a frustrating hour or more trying to figure out how to post photos, I give up and will try again tomorrow. Gotta get my pics on my phone onto the Ipad and for some reason it won't let me. Or more than likely, I can't figure it out. Whatever-

So, stay tuned for those photos. I know you are on the edge of your proverbial seat.

I was texting my friend the other day because I knew she was taking her youngest to college.

I have several friends who are either taking their youngest (Vicki, Nancy) or their middle (Jodie) or their oldest (Kym) to college in the next few days. It's hard. I totally get that.

My oldest son, who graduated college over 2 years ago, sent me a picture yesterday of the day we took him to college...exactly 6 years ago. I would include the pic, but...you know.....

Anyway, he was thanking us for his college experience and saying things like "greatest 4 years of his life" and "thank you" and "I love you guys."

My youngest son was home for a few days last week. He rarely gets home that often because he plays college football, but he got to come home for a bit before football camp and two-a-days started up.

Anyway, when he pulled out of the driveway to go back to school, he was already in "football mode." I could tell he was kind of dreading it because this is his 5th year...he KNOWS what's coming. And he also knows this is it for him. Bittersweet I guess. Probably more bitter.

He graduates in December and then his "life" really starts. I know he will look back on his college years as some of the best of his life.

 When we send our kids to college, when the last one leaves, we refer to ourselves as "Empty Nesters." I have also hated that! It sounds so old. So, whoa is me.

Like the last bird flew the coop. It conjures up images of feathers everywhere, and nothing but a sad little fragile nest...empty...with Momma and Daddy bird wondering what they will do next. Looking at each other like... what now?

I remember people asking me things like..."So what are you going to do now?" OR "What will you do with all your time?"

I thought I had to DO something monumental or BE something monumental.

Was I sad when I dropped off my oldest at college 6 hours away? Absolutely! Did I cry? Uh, yeah! I cried for a long time. Not just on the ride home.

When my youngest left last week, I felt like I was sending him off to war. I cried again.

But, the fact that the nest is empty is a good thing. I would be crippling them if I insisted that they stay in the nest or even just a few branches over.

I want them to have life experiences and... wait for it...you knew it was coming....spread their wings and fly! lol

I want better for them than just the things I could show them in my "nest."

Does it make me sad that time goes too quickly and do I wish I could have a do over with them? What parents doesn't.

But, to say my nest is empty or void of anything, well its just not true. I like my nest. I liked it when the baby birds were there and I like what its becoming now. And more importantly, what they are becoming since they flew the coop. Ok, enough with the bird references.


Grateful,
DD

Baby Blogging Steps

Thanks to Julia for her help in formatting issues I was having! I hope I am doing this correctly and making her proud. If not, I will try again tomorrow!! 


 To all my followers (all 5 of you), I am headed to Scottsdale, Arizonia tomorrow for a few days. I hope to be posting some pictures while I am there. Emphasis on hoping. Gotta figure out how. Baby steps. 


 If I don't post any, it's probably because I am soaking in the pool trying not to die in the 108 degree temps there. Although, I would be lieing if I said I was not excited to go. Love that place. Heat and all.


 Grateful, DD

A New Season

After much prodding by peachprenni.blogspot.com and mizjuneytalks.blogspot.com, I am officially (trying) to post my first entry. I feel like I should write something inspiring! lol I am calling this first blog entry- SEASONS for many reasons. Well...look at that. I'm a rapper AND a blogger. Today is August 1st. The beginning of the month. Lots of kids and teachers (shout out to my sisters, Julie and Linda who are both teachers) will be going back to school. Some for the first time and even some for the last time. It is also Olympic Season. Love it! GO USA! I have an "Olympic Hangover" every morning from staying up until midnight to watch it all. My oldest son is moving into a new place in Charleston this month. Today actually. He has big plans for the house, the yard and I would imagine for himself, too. He is smart, a self motivator, ambitious, way stronger than he knows and crazy funny. I wish he could see himself through my eyes. Love him! My youngest son is starting his last semester of college and his last season of football this month. For 18 consecutive Falls he has played. That's a lot of Gatorades and orange slices. He is strong, loyal, hard working and a leader. Crazy about him. Nothing but love. Both of my kids have character traits that I admire and I am humbled to be their mom. **SIDEBAR** THIS BLOG WILL DEF CONTAIN SHAMELESS BRAGS ABOUT MY KIDS #dontbeahater The beginning of the month for my husband means new numbers to hit, lots of RFQ's to go through (I am not exactly sure what that is but it pays our bills), many, many, miles to be logged on Delta and even more minutes logged on his phone! He works incredibly long and hard for this family and I am grateful, grateful, grateful. For 26 years he has provided for us and NEVER complains about 5am flights. #superman Check his chest for a big "S", it's there. And for me, it's a new season, too. Lots of new things I am starting or getting back to. It holds lots of possibilities. It's very easy for me to get overwhelmed and think that I can't "do it all" or that I can't get to where I want to be. But, I am learning in this next season of my life as a mom, a wife and a woman, to stay in the day, stay in the moment. My best friend, Julia says that a lot and since I copy most everything she does, I am adopting that saying, too. Don't get too far ahead of yourself. If you do, you use up all your energy alloted for today on tomorrow, too. And then you are discouraged. And dang tired. I think Jesus said it best...Don't borrow trouble. So, that seems a fitting place to end. I mean, how do you top Jesus? Grateful, DD