The Latest Fashion Trend?

All the hoopla and hype about whether the Houston Texans would pick the hometown boy, Vince Young or Reggie Bush from North Carolina State is finally over. The shocker! They picked neither! Read all about it at: http://houstonchronicle.com.

I'm not a football fan, so I could care less who they pick. However, I don't live in a cave either, so I have been sort of keeping up with the story. The subject comes up at the salon occasionally and I need to at least know a little about what's going on in the sports world.

Anyway, as I opened the paper this morning, there, emblazoned across the front page, were the pictures of all three athletes; Vince, Reggie and Mario Williams. All three are handsome, clean-cut looking young men. I'm sure their mothers (and fathers) are extremely proud of them. Then something about each one caught my eye. All three were sporting sparkling diamond studs in both ears! I'm guessing they are at least 2-3 carats each. Which leads to my question(s): What is up with that? Have earrings re-placed gold chains? Are they the real thing or CZ's? Were they a gift or is that the first thing they buy when they start raking in the cash? Does anyone else think it looks weird for a guy, especially a big hulking football player, to wear big ole diamond studs in both ears? I'm not trying to be mean, just making an observation. I'm curious about this strange phenomenon purely from a fashion standpoint, that's all.

One thing's for sure, after signing a $54 million 6 year deal, you can bet Mario Williams won't be wearing no honkin' CZ's!

Go figure, ya'll

She's Gone

Well, Kelly Pickler, the "naughty little minx" finally got the boot after butchering the last two songs she sang. Check it out on http://www.americanidol.com . I'm sayin'...It's about time! I voted for the first time this week. I thought Elliot Yamin was fantastic, so he got my vote. I would like to see him win because he has a wonderful, soulful voice and he is so humble. Besides, his Mama would be so happy! Chris and Catherine are both unique and talented, but my money is on Elliot. Either Paris (hopefully) or Taylor ( he's cool) will be next.

American Idol is about the only thing I really get into and keep up with. I love Boston Legal also. William Shatner and Candice Bergen are a hoot. In fact, the entire cast rocks! I tried to watch Desperate Housewives a few times, but just didn't get interested. I stopped watching CSI and all those other 'who dunnits'. They're just too depressing. I have enough to be depressed about with my own drama. I don't need to see people getting shot, stabbed and dissected every night of the week! Now, I could watch Food network 24/7! Especially Paula Deen. That girl can coo-ook, ya'll! I've also been keeping up with the Next Food Network Star. I predicted that Guy Fiori would win...and he did!

The World of Hair has been a little off the last few weeks because of the dreaded income tax filing deadline. It will pick up soon because of Mother's Day, proms, graduations and weddings. I's a fun time, to be sure. And, I make mucho dinero! I'm traveling to College Station on Memorial Day weekend to do a wedding party and attend the wedding. I think this occasion calls for a new outfit.

Bye for Now, Ya'll

PS: A Toe Story

http://Texas Goodies brought up a good point in her comment about sanitation in nail salons. It is true that proper cleaning of equipment is very important. All kinds of funguses (fungi) and bacterial diseases can be transmitted from one patron to the next if precautions aren't taken. The pedicure spa tubs especially are a perfect breeding ground for all this yucky stuff. We've all heard stories of women getting severe infections because of poor sanitary practices. That's why The Texas State Board of Cosmetology has a very stringent set of rules and guidelines that must be followed. They also perform routine inspections on all hair and nail salons on a regular basis. Hefty fines can and will be levied if these rules are not followed. In fact, State Board doesn't care how we do hair or nails. We can stand people on their heads as long as we are clean about it. Hee Hee!

The women who came in yesterday did have legitimate concerns about the cleanliness of the spa tub, as do I. I frequent this salon on a regular basis and feel certain that it is being kept clean and sanitary. I have even seen the girls cleaning the spa tubs after finishing a service.

My 'gripe' was they way in which these two patrons came in and interrupted the calm aura in the salon and then continued to make their presence known by being demanding and loud the entire time they were there.

So, TXGoodie and all you other gals, go get them tosies done, 'cause it's sandal time once again. Why not live dangerously and get some little flowers or a palm tree painted on while your at it. Hopefully, you won't run into these two pit bulls or any of their militant sisters!

It's not what you say, it's how you say it. Or, like my mama used to say "You can catch more flies with honey than you can with vinegar."

How's your 'aura'? How's your 'energy'? I don't care who you are or where you come from, some people just seem to go around with a dark aura, emitting negative energy. That's what I'm talking about!

Peace, love and good energy, ya'll

A Toe Story

I treated my tootsies to a spa pedicure this morning. That's not a bug on my big toenails, it's a little jeweled flower with black and gold metallic accents. And, check out the new thongs...er flip flops. I found them at DSW Shoes on the sale rack. Those are wooden beads on the straps, along with some shiny black ones in between. I'm ready for summer now!

I was all zoned out in the massaging spa chair while the technician was working on my feet. The music was 'contemporary soft rock', all was quiet and serene. Then, two 'sistas' came busting in, wanting pedicures. They immediately began complaining about the 'ring' around the spa tub and asking about the methods of sanitation used in the salon. I think the Vietnamese girls were a wee bit intimidated. In their quiet, gentle way they assured the two Big Berthas that the tubs were freshly sanitized, after which both hauled themselves into the chair and began soaking. Cell phones started ringing and loud talking ensued for the duration of my visit. They were also being very demanding and nit-picky with the techs. So much for relaxation! What ever happened to civility, sensibility and just plain old manners?

Ok, just one more thing and I'll be finished. At the risk of sounding racist, why is it that 'people of color' are usually the ones who behave in the way I described above? Why are the Vietnamese generally a quiet, reserved people? I'm just asking.

I know that God made us all, but some of his children just don't know how to behave in public!

Hope I didn't step on anyone's toes.. I really just wanted to show ya'll my freshly polished ones!

Oh well!

A Good Day!

I'm still OK, ya'll. After all the drama last week, things have settled down a bit. Now, I must 'stick to my guns' and take the next step. Even though this is want I want to happen and what needs to happen, it will not be with out a certain amount of pain. I must stay focused and strong. I have come too far to weaken and risk being sucked back in. Meeting with my pastor last week gave me encouragement and insight. I will heed his advice and do what I need to do.
I am so blessed to have my church family and friends to draw strength from and to pray for me. I even have a few blogging friends who have shown their concern for me, offering a listening ear and prayers...Thanks, ya'll. I will keep you all up-dated from time to time, but I won't allow this to completely consume my every thought. Like I said before, this is just one facet of my life that I need to deal with, but I won't let it define who I am.

Now, on to other stuff. Life goes on...I worked yesterday, but got off early because I had two cancellations. It was a beautiful sunny day, so I went straight to the car wash and had my car cleaned up, inside and out. Is it me, or does a clean car just seem to drive better? I opened the roof and cranked up the music! That shiny black 3 1/2 yr old 300M was lookin' good, ya'll!
I called my good friend S, to see if she wanted to go to Joe's Crab Shack and get some bar-b-qued crab legs. She turned me on to them a few years ago when I was staying with her (that's another story). She was game, so off we went. Yum!

I went to church this morning. It was great. The pastor was out of town, so his father-in-law filled in for him. It was a good message, one I've heard many times. It never hurts to be reminded of these basic truths that he expounded on, though. The praise and worship time was wonderful. A time of refresing and renewal for the soul, giving all my worries and cares to God. We all have our crosses to bear and only He can make our burden lighter.

I made lunch, then spent the afternoon puttering around the house. I planted some dill seeds and watered my herb garden. Elvis was right there with me, digging in the dirt and getting wet from the hose. He smelled like a nasty little dog, so I brought him in and gave him a bath in the garden tub. He freaked at first, but finally resigned himself to getting his ears cleaned out! I had just watched a few episodes of 'The Dog Whisperer', so I was in control! LOL!

'The Man' is still here, but keeping his distance. I'm OK with this arrangement for now, but it does make for a certain amount of tension. Arghhh!

Night, ya'll

Your Linguistic Profile:

55% General American English

40% Dixie

5% Yankee

0% Midwestern

0% Upper Midwestern

What Kind of American English Do You Speak?

5% Yankee???? I've never been any further north than Dallas, ya'll!

I've FINALLY Been Tagged!

I've been tagged by Texas Goodies. Sounds like fun to me, especially after the depressing junk I wrote in my last post. My relationship may be on the rocks, but I refuse to let it define who I am. I'm still me and I like to have fun and make new friends. So here goes!

Here are the Rules:

1. Write 6 weird facts/things about yourself in my comments box and on your blog, then tag 6 more people.

2. Leave a comment that says "You are Tagged" in their comments telling them to read your blog.


Here's my list, ya'll!

1. All my towels and washcloths are taupe and sage green to match my bathroom. I like them all folded exactly the same direction and stacked by color. I fold them warm out of the dryer so they don't wrinkle.

2. I am always 5-15 minutes early to any appointment or event. If I don't show up, I'm either dead or have been in an accident.

3. I will not ever leave the house with out my make up and jewelry on. I am always co-ordinated and matched, but I will wear a baseball cap whenever I am out running errands. It has to match my outfit, too.

4. I absolutely hate Pepsi and Dr. Pepper. It's got to be Diet Coke or nothing.

5. I never use an alarm clock. If I do set the alarm, I always wake up before it sounds.

6. I have ESP. I can 'think' of someone and they will call me, even if it is someone I haven't heard from in a while. This happens a lot with my clients. Also, if a particular person is on my mind for a few days, I will run into them while I am out shopping, etc.


OK, I'm tagging http://featherstickle.blogspot.com/; Lynda at http://lkscherf.blogspot.com/ ; http://tanlucypez.blogspot.com/ ; http://www.dietcokeisgreat.blogspot.com/

I'm only tagging 4 people. Thanks for playing along, ya'll

History Repeats Itself

It's deja vu all over again... the same old song and dance. I've been down this road before, and once again, I don't like where it's heading, which is 'nowhere'. It's my life and I'm in the driver's seat, so I'm thinking it's time to make a U-turn before I run straight into the proverbial brickwall.
It's true, I chose to take this route again. I've even heard it said that "The road to hell is paved with good intentions", now I believe it!

Today, I layed my cards on the table . To quote Dr. Phil, "It is what it is". "You can't change what you don't acknowledge". Well, the dream is over, I'm no longer in denial. At least I can say I really did all I could. I took all I could. It's time to move on....

At times like this, I always seem to think of songs that speak of how I feel.

Here's a few that came to mind today:

• 'It's Too Late' by Carole King
• 'The Famous Final Scene' by Bob Seger
• 'Get Over It' by Don Henley
• 'Dirty Pool' by Stevie Ray Vaughn

I won't go into all the gory details of how it came to this. Suffice it to say that my Mama didn't raise no fool. Although, lately I have felt a little foolish for being sucked back in, I have recovered. I'm OVER it! If you can't play nice, I ain't gonna play with ya no more! Put that in your pipe and smoke it, Mr. Man!

So, now that I've cleared the air around here and mailed off my taxes, it's time to make a plan. I've done it once and I can do it again.

Here's to a new song, a new dance and definitely a smoother road!

I'm OK,ya'll!

Easter

Easter is my favorite holiday. For Christians, it is a time to remember why Jesus was crucified on the cross and to celebrate his resurrection. The story can be found in Matthew 27 & 28.
We, as Christians believe that He died on the cross of Calvary for the redemption of our sins, that He arose on the third day and ascended into heaven. Tomorrow is Easter Sunday, a day of celebration.


When I was a child, my mom or my aunt would make my sister and me an Easter dress. We always got a new pair of white sandals or black Mary Janes, too. One year our dresses were made out of pink taffeta with tiered ruffle skirts. We were so cute! We would get up early on Easter Sunday and go to sunrise service, then go home and see if the Easter Bunny had left any eggs for us to hunt. Daddy didn't ever go with us, so he hid the eggs while we were at church. My aunt would make us the most beautiful baskets filled with candy and little yellow (fake) chickies. She would put Wisteria petals in with the green plastic grass to make it smell nice. Later in the afternoon, after we had eaten lunch, my brother, sister and I would re-hide our eggs and hunt for them again and again. We used boiled eggs back then and by the time we got through with them, they were pretty much destroyed. Bubba liked to throw them at us. Of course, we would eat a few along the way, along with those big candy eggs with the colored outside and white stuff in the middle. Mix in a few chocolate bunnies and jelly beans and it became quite a lethal combination. I really hated those big marshmallow eggs, but I would eat them any way. I was usually the first one to throw up!

And guess what! We could have EASTER parties at school with real cupcakes and goodies made at home by our 'room mothers'! No one died from eating any of it, either. We could even talk about the real meaning of Easter and not be reprimanded, lest we 'offend' someone. Wow, how times have changed.

I carried on these family traditions with my children. I learned to sew and began making my daughter's Easter dresses. I even made my son a tiny little Easter suit when he was two years old. I still have their first Easter baskets, packed away in a box somewhere. Wish I still had their little outfits, but I can't remember for the life of me what I did with them. Probably gave them to my sister or put them in a garage sale.

After church, I will take my decorated sugar cookies, brownies and pork roast to my sister's house and spend the afternoon with her and her family.
I'm going to try really hard not to digress back into that little girl who used to stuff herself with too many candy eggs, chocolate bunnies and jelly beans. I don't want to throw up all over my new flip flops!

Have a Happy, blessed Easter, ya'll!

A Hairy Story

This is what happens when I try to be creative! One of my clients who is a blonde came in for her regular touch up last week. She's a level 8 (light blonde) with a lot of gray every where but the lower back, or nape area. I asked her if I could go two shades darker in the back, just to add dimension to her style. I mixed up a little dark blonde and applied it to the back. I thought it looked good and she agreed. Fast forward to this afternoon. She called me and said it looked like a Siamese cat back there and could I fix it when she comes in this Friday. I told her she would definitely be quoted in my book in the chapter on hair coloring faux pas. Her husband probably told her it looked weird! Reminds me of the time I colored a clients' hair the most beautiful shade of red, at her request, I might add. When she got home, her husband must have gone ballistic. He threatened to stop payment on the check if I didn't 'put it back' to her natural mousy brown. Seems he was afraid she was too attractive and some other man might notice her. What an insecure, controlling jerk!

My client who has been taking chemo still has a little hair left. She may have to get a hair piece before it's all over with. She wears her hair teased up in a sort of French twist bun. I hope it stops before she goes completely bald. She thinks I can work magic. I need more clients like her! Seriously, I rarely get complaints about my work, so I must be doing something right. If I do mess up, my clients are very forgiving and know that I will make it right. It's only hair, people, not rocket science!

I'm booked pretty solid all week because of Easter. I love it!

He is Risen, ya'll!

The Exciting World of Hair

What a lovely day I had in the world of hair. My first client is always a pleasure to see. She started coming to me again about 8 months ago. After I moved back to Texas from Florida I contacted all my clients, but it took a while for some of them to make their way back to me. One day, out of the blue, she called to make an appointment. I was thrilled to hear from her. I don't know who was cutting her hair while I was gone, but I'm glad she came back!

Before I moved, I referred my clients to several of my friends, including the two of the girls I work with now. A few clients decided to stay with them, but most wanted to come back to me. It can be an awkward situation, but we tried to reassure every one that what ever they chose to do was fine. We wanted them to feel comfortable coming to our salon, no matter which stylist they see. It has worked out really well, because we all know one another's clients and are able to cover for each other if need be.

Some stylists are very 'territorial' when it comes to their clientele. Fortunately, we have established a level of trust and integrity, and we respect each other's boundaries. The comfort of our clients is our main priority, so we would never 'fight' over someone! Believe me, I have worked in salons full of backbiting, 'clientnapping' prima donnas who think they are above folding towels or cleaning up after themselves. Crazy!

I'll be the first to admit that hairdressers are an interesting bunch. We are stereotyped as flighty, egotistical, and temperamental artistes. We dress weird and have extreme hair colors. We move around from salon to salon like herds of cattle. We're slightly twisted, or we wouldn't be in this business, I suppose. It's kind of like show business, in a way. We have to be *on* when we are behind the chair. We entertain, we listen to problems, we laugh and we cry with our clients. Not to mention, that everyone wants their hair to look like Jennifer Aniston's or Lisa Rena's! I used to work with a girl whose favorite line to that was: "You can't make chicken salad out of chicken sh**!" And no, she didn't say that to her client, ya'll. She'd say it later in the back room while we were all sitting around 'discussing' our clients and their hair.

And would you believe that we all have clients who are, shall we say, a challenge? We wonder, if they are so unhappy with their hair, why do they keep coming back to torment us? We think they need a good therapist, cause it ain't always the hair, honey. I swear, I have one or two who I should charge $100.00 an hour, just to listen to their problems. But seriously, that comes with the territory, so I just continue to listen and offer an occasional tibit of advice. Most people don't really want advice, anyway. They just want some one to listen. Everyone has a story and honestly, I love to hear them. Someday, I'm gonna write a book!

I love it, though. Every day is different. I get to laugh and 'cut up' (pun intended) with people I like, yes even the challenging ones. I make them look and feel better. They bring me food and gifts at Christmas and other special occasions. They share their most intimate thoughts and feelings with me, knowing that it will be kept in complete confidence. Besides, I forget half of what I hear because my hairdresser pea brain can't hold it all. I work people in when I am so booked I can't see daylight, because they have an emergency or have to go out of town. I get invited to their weddings and other happy occasions, but have also been to a few funerals.

I could go on, but it's getting late. I want to go watch Saturday Night Live. Antonio Banderas is the guest tonight. He's hot! I'll probably pass out on the couch after the first fifteen minutes, though!

Night, ya'll

Food, Glorious Food!

Our beautiful Sunday brunch of French toast and fresh fruit salad made from fresh pineapple, strawberries, apples, tangerines and green grapes. A garnish of chopped mint leaves enhanced the sweetness of the fruit. The french toast was drizzled with fresh local honey and chopped walnuts. Cinnamon swirl coffee and white grape juice were the perfect compliment to these delectable dishes.
This is absolutely the best chocolate cake in the world! 'Perfectly Chocolate' chocolate cake and frosting. It is so moist! Garnished with sliced strawberries and mint leaves it is heavenly, ya'll!!

The House is Quiet

What a fun filled week I had, ya'll! The rain stopped us from going to Galveston so we had to go the mall instead. The girls wanted to go to the Build a Bear store. One got a puppy and one got another bear. They are so cute. I still needed to get daughter a birthday gift so we looked at clothes. Nothing 'worked'! We stopped in a store that sells oil and vinegar and all kinds of spices, seasonings and condiments. I bought some apple balsamic vinegar, olive oil and Sicilian dipping spices. You mix the spices with olive oil and dip your bread in it. Yum-o! I used the apple balsamic vinegar in a marinade for some country style pork ribs. Very tasty!

Later that evening, daughter and I hit another local mall, still in quest of clothes. We hit the jackpot! We found a cute skirt for her at Foley's. We made our way to Dillard's and found the same skirt, but it was 10.00 more than at Foley's....cha-ching! As we were looking for a top to go with the skirt, would you believe she found another skirt! It was a cute swirly hemmed denim. Of course, it needed just the right blouse too, which we found. Then, I found a cool looking white pant suit. Loved it! Got it, along with a bright orange tank! Ok, then I had to have shoes to go with it. I found some cork wedges, need I say more? Why does every outfit need it's own accessories? It's called 'The snowball effect'. One thing leads to another! We are two peas in a pod when it comes to shopping, my baby girl and I. I taught her well!

On Thursday we went to Old Town Spring and looked around all the little shops. I found a cute animal print harness for Elvis at a pet boutique. The girls spotted a cute shop called Libby Lulu's. It was decorated in bright pink with chandeliers and girly stuff all over the place. Lot's of hats, purses and jewelry. Son in law requested Wunsche Bros Cafe for lunch. They have killer burgers and onion rings!

The girls stayed with me on Friday while their Mom and Dad went fishing with PaPa. We went to the hair salon and I colored my friends' hair who was visiting from west Texas. I took the girls to lunch at Landry's Seafood, then we stopped at Toys R Us to look for a board game called Sequence. We ran in Wal-Mart for a few things, including Floam. The girls said it was neat to play with, so I did what any Memaw would do, I bought them each a pack of it. That kept them busy for the rest of the afternoon. They went to the movies that night to see Ice Age, the Meltdown.

Saturday was the Big Bar b Que. I made potato salad, beans, salsa and guacamole to go with the brisket, ribs and chicken. We made a 'Perfectly Chocolate chocolate cake' for dessert, garnished with fresh strawberries. The recipe is on the Hershey's cocoa can. It is the BEST chocolate cake you will ever eat! My sisters and nieces came over and we all sat around the table, eating and talking. The girls had fun getting re-acquainted with their second cousins.

As we were sitting there, having dessert and coffee, my daughter shared the most exciting news! She and her husband have made application to adopt a baby girl from China. She had already told me earlier and I got emotional all over again. I am so happy for them. They feel very strongly that this is God's will for them and their family at this time. I pray that He blesses them with their baby as soon as possible. The process takes about a year

So, tonight the house is quiet. Little Elvis has been looking for the girls all day. He had so much fun with them, and they loved playing with him. The remnants of a fun filled week are still strewn about. Games boxes are still on the table, empty build a bear boxes and shopping bags are in the bedroom. A forgotten pair of jeans in the laundry....but it's OK...It means that they were here. I will clean up and put things away later. Right now I just want to savor the sweet memories of the past week.

Blessings, ya'll