Aloha Friday Holiday Prank Edition

I know, I know, only 40 minutes left until it's not Friday anymore. Over at Kailani's (An Island Life), she's doing a fun little Friday meme. I ask you a question, you answer. Then you can link up to her and ask your own darn question!

So I'm reading my BFF GiGi's blog tonight, and not gonna mince words here--she's capable of eating some disgusting 'food' or whatever. Like Spam fries, black-eyed peas with raw onion, and I think there were some live animals in there, not sure. And that got me to thinking about GiGi--and how she wants to prank some folks while she's up, throw some hot coals at their house. I think that's a fine idea. We might. (PS Gi, you DID see where I won the prize over at Kailani's, no? I KNOW! I couldn't believe it either...that almost always....I mean nevah happens!)

That girl got me to thinking about pranks, silliness, all the things we did in high school. Small town high school is probably better known for pranks, there isn't much else left to do on a Saturday night (Friday nights being typical football or basketball nights).

At Christmas time, we drove through town lifting holiday decorations,you know, wreathes, little decorative trees, those plastic candy canes, a flamingo or two, and of course always a Frosty and a Rudolph. Giggling beyond control, we'd sneak upon the target, snatch and run like heck through the snow (back when snow was snow and it was up to our knees) until we got to the getaway. One of us would be waiting, the trunk up. We tossed our score into the trunk, pile into the car (literally--back then seat belts weren't the 'thing' either) and took off, tire chains clanking along to the music! (Do you just see how innocent I can look over there? Because I am capbale of the look.)

At the end of the night-- say around 11:30, we knew we needed to get rid of 'evidence', so we simply unloaded the pile onto the side of a street and drove back home. Laughing all the way.....

Given, it might have been mean and stuff. But I contend a little movie theater or a stinking Mickey D's and we would've been better behaved. Fatter, but still...nicer.

I've got a million and one stories just like this (some of them started with a bottle of Tickle Me Pink...if you're an 80s child, you know about Tickle Me Pink). What was your favorite childhood/teenager-hood prank?

PS--Did any of y'all check that You Tube Video of Cliff Richard? Because I don't think you did. Because you'd be all 'oh my goooooondess he's beautiful!'. And I didn't get even one of those! Losers.

Evil On Her Mind

A few weeks ago I posted about a problem we were having with another church family. Over the course of that week, it exploded into 1000 pieces and has not been resolved. I'm not usually one to be specific with negative issues (or I spread it out over several weeks, lol) but this one burns me. And it burns me mostly because it involves my daughter, and some very mean-spirited, ugly rumors their son spread about her. Rather than make their son retract what he said, they allowed him to call her new boyfriend's folks and say it to them. Heck, they called the new boyfriend's mom too (their boys were friends). Even AFTER he admitted to Niki he was lying, it was wrong to say.

While the boyfriend's mom tried to keep an open mind, she pretty much kept the reigns tight on her son, not allowing him to spend too much time with Niki. I don't blame her, really, she doesn't know us from Adam. So...last night it all came to a head and the boyfriend had enough. He broke it off. Niki is devastated. And my heart hurts for her. She's doing so well, grades are all A's with a few B's and we worry she won't focus after this.

I'm not such a good person, though, that I can NOT be angry as heck with my 'friend'. At one time, I'd have given her anything she asked. I'm not sure I could now. I could use your prayers right now for Niki, this is a tough one for her. It seems no matter how hard she tries, she gets knocked right down to her knees. Every. Single. Time. I don't want this to determine her year, but I worry about it.

I could use a few prayers too. Because I'm angry with her and I'm sooo not feeling very gracious about it all. To my friend, I dedicate this song to you. (and Cliff isn't hard on the eyes, either, enjoy!)

*I'm sure I'll be back on to apologize to y'all for hanging out such dirty laundry, but for now, it feels freakin good...but I'll be back feeling guilty, I know.*

Throwback Thursday Prom!

Prom 1985--this pink dress was all that and more and I felt like Cinderella wearing the hoop slip and all! I just got in a few hours before this from State typing contest (yeah, that's right, I'm cool). I don't know WHAT is in my hair here--this was before getting hair done before prom was the norm. Back then, we did it ourselves. And we didn't all have limos either--hardly any of us did. In fact, we WALKED to prom without shoes....okay okay, that part might not be an accurate memory. Happy TTh!

And 1986, my Senior prom. I'm not sure what happened, but I went from pink and innocent girl to gold lame chic! Hey, this dress will come back into style, just wait another year or twenty! PS--Cat, what d'ya think of my song choice? How EVER does Chuck not know who ABBA the BAND is?

Edit: Kathleen (Coffee Mom) said this and in case you don't catch it on the comments, it's too stinking funny not to share:

How does one go from Southern Belle one year to Solid Gold Dancer the next? That's quite a turnaround! *lol*

I Seriously Need To Run Faster!

Katja's been playing a little tag, and because she's got wayy longer (and thinner) legs than I do, I couldn't outrun her. I tried but she still got me (I think she pulled my hair, but I'm not sure!). So here it is, the Ten Years Meme Tag!
Ten years ago, in 1997

1. Gave birth To Alex--9 pounds 14 oz, 21.5" long. I'm supposed to list three things here, but honestly, that was my year. No moves, no transitions other than a baby, nothing. Not even a new car!

Five years ago, in 2002 (this one's hard, guys; the worst year of my life)

1. Buried my father, who died unexpectedly at 59--I loved my father with all my heart and I know despite his many mistakes, he loved his girls.
2. Four months later, buried my sister, Jamee. If you know me at all by now, you know the depth of my grief.
3. Worked my way in and out of anger for many reasons, some of which I have never touched upon here, and not sure I ever can or will.

Three years ago, 2004

1.Jamee's husband remarries. I only want the best for him, for the kids, yet I fell into deep despair with this. It was too early for me and I couldn't handle it. I didn't attend, and feelings were hurt where they weren't meant to be. But I couldn't do it. Now, definitely I'm strong enough.
2. Last time I saw my little sister--this is a very long sad story. I continue to hope she will be part of my life, but that hope is fading into more of a knowing in my soul that she will not.
3. My family has crumbled by now and I cling to God, John and the kids, my wonderful friends, church family and in-laws. I begin to teach myself to view family not by the blood we share, but by the tears and laughter we share.

One year ago, in 2006

1. We had moved the year previous and were settling into our new neighborhood.
2. Two of my children are in high school and John and I learn (sometimes the hard way) how to parent teenagers.
3. I have an hysterectomy and quit smoking (but then you already knew that!)

So far this year, in 2007

1. I began my first blog--and haven't stopped blogging since!
2. Met up with both Cat and GiGi--how lucky can a blogging girl get?!
3. Begin my journey into homeschooling our son, Alex (that 9lb 14oz baby!).

Yesterday

1. Drove my work in the carpool (a 2.5 hour endeavor)
2. A little housework never hurt anyone--not saying I did or didn't do any.
3. Typing--did some typing (should be working on that now too!)

Today -- It's My BIRTHday!

1. Homeschool
2. Birthday lunch with my favorite SIL Debbie!
3. Church for dinner, study (make fun of Cat a little) and back home to type again.

I'm supposed to do tomorrow & next year, but I'm afraid unless God has another directive, it'll be boring--typing and probably a nursing home visit with Mr. John. Then more typing! Next year, I pray our lives will continue to be blessed with friends we love, family we love and a life that is being lived out with meaning and purpose--with a lot of fun in there somewhere!

I'm going to tag a few friends I haven't tagged in awhile: First, FAQ--haven't heard from here in awhile. Eileen, entertain us! And finally...hmmm.....Misty, have you done this one yet?

My Birthday Dreams Have Already Come True!

I made caramel apples yesterday from a recipe I scored off Bridget's site awhile back. They're good--I've eaten two myself! I thought they looked very fine on the dining room table this time--with the Halloween place mats. And as I'm editing the shots, I was going to crop it and eliminate the door off the main hall there--our master bedroom. But then I decided it's a good lead into a good house hunting lesson. Just immediately to the left of the dining room entry is the front door (you can't see it, but it's about three feet away). So...obviously the bedroom door isn't far from the front door. This is very handy, having the master bedroom on the main level--I like that. But what hasn't been especially handy is putting the door to the master room mere six or so feet from the front door. One might not think of this while house-hunting. Until you haven't made your bed or collected your unmentionables off the floor and guests stop in.

It might not be handy if you've just had a major operation--say, oh...an hysterectomy...and company calls without calling. And if that happens and if you are loaded with every prescription allowable for a solid week (me, I wouldn't know about that!), sprawled out in the middle of the bed atop seven pillows to keep your 100 stitches from bursting open, unable to get up and shut the door before your husband or kids invite company in, you are sunk. Smile and weakly wave hello while you check to make sure all your leftover parts are covered. They will look in. Every. single. time. Whether they're here to visit you or not.

Something to think on before you buy or build.

And because tomorrow is my official beginning of my fifth decade, I will go ahead and own it now. I am turning 40. And I think 40 is about my expiration date. I have lost my innards, I've had my varicose veins stripped. What d'ya think of those legs?--learn from me, don't do this in the summer. It's too danged sexy and attracts unwanted attention--at least that's what I think everyone was staring about when I was at the store--four weeks of this I was treated to!

I have a double bridge in my mouth, my jaw pops, so I'll need that fixed because my ears ring and ache. I must wear reading glasses to read small print up close, and now, just this week, I awoke to find I have developed carpal tunnel syndrome. And I type. For a living. That's about right--I was due another body part failure!

I saw a t-shirt online that said "It took me 40 years to look this good". At this rate, my friends, I can scarcely wait to see what 50 will bring--is it possible for eyelids to droop so low you can't drive anymore? This could happen, I'm watching the right one with intensity (photo below was my big bunco win, btw, and check the right eye)! I'll watch it until I can't see to watch it anymore.

And the beauty mark on my right cheek--oh so beautiful in my 20's and 30's. In my 40's, let's call it what it's growing to become--a wart. (Did I mention I had one removed about seven years ago that grew to be the size of a nickle....on my left....never mind, it's gone now, I'll spare you. Besides, a skirted bathing suit covered it nicely.) Before I go away, I was give the cutest cutest little award this week--TWICE, once by Surjit and once by Misty Dawn--and they're right on here--I'll drink that little blue drink anytime anywhere! Both of them. Be darned if I care why they're blue! Thanks both of you, it feels like a big giant hug when someone thinks I'm worthy of an award. Now if you'll excuse me while I sip on this--I'm off to see if I have anymore of those little pills leftover.......

I Can Justify Just About Anything--After All, I Am The Teacher!

Eileen thought she'd add to my credentials box, although I think she's got the wrong Stacey at JameeForever! This is what the award, An Apple For Teacher Award, is about:

"for those people who spend much time and energy teaching ushow to do things on blogs, encouraging us, enabling us, instructing us and enthusing us."

Now Eileen, I can see why you would receive this--you're always teaching me, mostly while you retell your workday. I'm not sure what I taught you, but lemme try to justify me keeping this award (because I am)!

These are things I could have taught you:

Basic airplane construction

Maybe it was my tutorial on how to avoid double-chinned photos:

Very possibly you learned what Pilot John taught me--despite what it reads, keep this t-shirt ON, do not take it off before flight! (or just that Pilot John is sky candy, idk, not sayin he is or he isn't): That even the quietest church ladies can learn to throw up the deuces right there in front of the church if you don't tell them they may or may not be flashing gang signs (gosh it seems I have a thing about contorting my lips when I take a photograph--I'll work on that!):

That I shouldn't go around asking if my BFF GiGi has tanner (or thinner) legs than I do...it'll be a yes--that's Gi on the left, duh!:

That it is PERFECTLY fine to pick the best picture of yourself with your friends, and that Cat shouldn't have been trying to pick up a potato chip with her toes!:

But in case said friend doesn't like you after that, go ahead and put up a better one of her:

And finally, I do believe I can accept this award if I think I might have taught you that even if you don a fun little cowboy hat and hold your breath, you will eventually be booted off Top Momma anyway!

I think I learn something from everyone I frequent, but I have to choose a few, so for this award I'm going to pass this onto:

GiGi --I didn't have to think about this one! She shows me how much easier it is to get through life laughing at myself most of the time. And when the situation calls for it, is a friend (BFF) and a daughter, a wife, a mother, a sister. She's so many things for so many people and reading this blog has made me a much better person--no getting around it.

USO Girl and Bubba's Sis for the same reasons--they're best friends, their daughters are best friends, and reading their blog shows me EVERY single time what amazing ways best friends, truly best friends, will do for our lives. Put someone else in front of your wants every single time and you will never be sorry--these girls illustrate that well.

Sharon--You know by now I adore Sharon and I covet her sewing skills. She constantly updates with projects she's been working on, tips, gadgets (the turner thing for spaghetti straps I have yet to get but need) and now she teaches her readers how to pose for the camera. Sharon, I still think going the FBANXPOR route with that blue skirt would have been the way to go. But you're the expert, but think about it.

Surjit--Threw a new one in there to throw ya! How do I describe this man--I don't know that I can fully do that. He's got a blog that really does teach--and it does so by forcing me to think. When he first met me on a blog link community, he picked up on my description 'my blog is all about me, me, me, me, me' and of course needed to see who this woman was who thought so highly of herself. Hopefully he knows by now that's not really me.

5 Things You Don't Know About Me (Unless I Already Told You)

Playing a little tag here with Trinity today. I'm posting five things you maybe don't know about me (or maybe you do--I talk a lot and forget where I stopped). Trinity said she thought it would help her get to know me a little better. You sure you wanna know? If yes, keep reading; if no, I know you'll keep reading, but you might do it with a look of disdain:

1. I spend a great deal of time thinking about how my life will be in about 40 years--without the kids around and possibly no husband. How will I get through those long and silent days? I relish that time now, but that's only because I know to give it an hour or two and the house will be exploding with every kind of noise possible. This bothers me and I think it is my biggest 'about me' fear.
2. I was the editor of our school paper--The Savage my senior year. I decided after that that going to journalism school wasn't what thrilled me, although I love to write.
3. I'm an ex-smoker who didn't mean to quit--I smoked about half a pack a day and when I had my hysterectomy last year, the nurse never got around to giving me the patch. By the time I got out of the hospital three days later, I knew nicotine would make me sick to my stomach the first few times--so I didn't dare risk my incision opening and my innards slipping through my abdomen because I wanted a cigarette. So...by the time I was healed enough, what's the point?! I'm up 15 pounds from last year, that stinks, but it'll come off. To be truthful, I sometimes wish I'd never quit. I miss sitting on the deck, looking at the stars and having that after dinner smoke (we only smoked outside, don't freak out, the house is a smoke free zone as is the car).
4. I had a hysterectomy last year (oops, I already told you that!). A cyst burst on my ovary last September, so I went to the ER. Long story but a week later I'm in the hospital having an ablation done when the doctor closed me up and said I'd need a hysterectomy. I had the distinction of having the worst case of endometriosis she's ever seen and it's spreading all over my body. No hormones for me--I'm still waiting on the moustache. Hot flashes really are hot, by the way. Another year later and my story might have been very different had it spread to my lungs and other major organs. Had no clue! Thank goodness for the cyst bursting--although it hurt like a son-of-a-gun!
5. I'm not sure I blogged this ever, but in high school I also went to state competition for my typing and shorthand. While others had medals dangling off their letter jackets for basketball, football, whatever sport, mine are all from typing and shorthand (Can you spell nerdy? I can--remember, Editor!). And yes, I still can take shorthand! I make many of my Christmas lists with shorthand--so yeah huh it is too useful information! Stop laughing--I can soo hear that!

So there are five more non-essential but true pieces to the puzzle that is Stacey. I wanted to download and post some bunco photos, but I left the camera in the car and John took my car to watch the Chiefs play at his brother's house. On the television--the Chiefs are not playing at Jeff's house, that'd be silly. Well, maybe not silly, but very impractical, I don't know where they'd play. Awhile back, maybe in the back yard, but they have a pool now, so no, the Chiefs are not playing at Jeff's house today.

Maybe bunco photos later or tomorrow--I won a prize and I have to show it to you, you'll crack up!

Okay time for me to tag...

• Eileen one of my newer friends. Eileen has a full life, working, being a momma and a wife. Yes it is a very busy life, and how she finds time to blog, I'll always wonder. But...Eileen, I'm very glad you did.
• LaLa is another newer blogger to me. She's got a thing for Fergie and even has her ring tone set to that, but it's okay, I like her anyway. (LaLa, don't tell, but I kind of like that Party Like A Rockstar song---ta ta ta totally duuuude!)
• Katja my stunningly beautiful (model at one time) Colorado friend. She's a wife, momma, business woman and a whole lotta more stuff! Katja, I think it's time you tell us something really bad--so's maybe I won't envy you so much. Okay?