Talk Amongst Yourselves

Boy do I have a lot to say today huh?

I did good this year not getting sucked into the movement that is American Idol. I hardly watched the auditions, managed to not know the name of a single contestant therefore keeping my Tuesday and Wednesday nights free.

I did however get sucked into the finale, since there was nothing else on. I figured I might as well have some inkling of what everyone else was talking about the next day.

One thing I was not prepared for was George Michael. Man I miss the Wham! days. Who would have thought that anyone would ever prefer George in butt cheek revealing shorts, four pair of socks and Reebok high tops?

I have decided that George looks a lot like our good friend Linda Richman.

All I have to say is, The Prince of Tides was neither about a prince nor tides. Talk amongst yourselves!

Don't Mess with Texas

Last weekend was spectacular. I made the 900 mile trek to Texas to surprise my best friend for her birthday, went to the Alamo, and had no children in my midst to wake me up before I was darn good and ready. What more can a girl ask for?




Here we are....Aren't we fabulous? Cathie is on the left, and I am the one with the most excellent farmers tan.



I have had a theory about Texans for quite some time. Being in Texas this past week has only further engrained this belief into my very being. Texans like two things. Number one, and most importantly I might add, they like Texas. This was made evidently clear by the "Don't mess with Texas" and "Things are bigger in Texas" signs everywhere. You just don't see that kind of pride in say, Alabama. "Don't mess with Alabama" just doesn't have the same ring.

The other thing Texans like is high school football. While I didn't see any football signs anywhere, I did see a couple of ridiculously large football stadiums that rival that of U of M. It's high school people, come on.


All in all, if you subtract the obscene humidity, the hotness, and the heat, it's a pretty nice place.

Only in Alabama

Some things are only acceptable in the south. For some reason the differences between the south and north have really been on my mind lately. For any of you who are from the north and never really spent any quality below the Mason-Dixon, this blog doesn't do this topic justice. It's one of those things you have to see to believe.

Don't get me wrong, the south is beautiful, the people are by far much nicer, and the pace of everyday life is a little slower. But, I can't wait to move, and when I get out of school I am outy 5000. Haven't heard that one in a while have ya?

So, I must explain how this blog was conceived. It started with my grandpa. I love this man like no other. But folks, he is a nut. A nut I say. I can't really put my finger on one single incident that makes him crazy because there isn't just ONE, there are many, simple everyday acts that let you know the man might not be playing with a full deck, but in a good way. So I give you a picture of my grandfather's tractor. You could only get away with driving this bad boy in Alabama.

Now for those of you who are not very observant, here is the close up.

I tried to give my grandpa the cup off of the back of his tractor, but it is actually bolted down. He explained that's where he put his bottle of water when he's cutting the grass (Duh!). I laughed, made fun, then totally utilized the "redneck cup holder". It was a pretty fabulous idea

Look out Bob Vila!

Some really important t.v. guy called.....they want me to replace Bob Vila.

I'll tell you what, I have spent the last week busting my hump being a fabulous home improvement queen. I finally tackled one of my bathrooms. It was a horrid sight to see before, and now it is a little fabulous if I do say so myself. With the help of some great friends we managed to revamp the loo in about 2 1/2 days. Of course I forgot to take proper before pictures, I did remember about half way through, and you will be pleased to know you are still able to see the vomit inducing green bows in the before pic. Hold on to your cookies, here it is.

Now, the picture is not exactly flattering of those in it, so the people shall remain nameless (see Karen and Maryann, I am considerate!).

Now, I want you to notice the flooring. A nice blend of poopy browns once graced my floor. No longer! Also featured in this picture is my friend Karen's husband Tom. Tom came over late one night to remove the toilet and fix the sink. He also showed up in coveralls. You really don't see enough guys in coveralls these days.

And now for the after pictures. Please note: this is an immediate after picture that means my pictures are not on the wall and the calking has not been done around the tub, but it's better than nothing!






Laid this floor myself, I did. I have discovered I am quite talented at the ways of vinyl flooring. I did have some help, but darn it, they look pretty good!

Not sure what I was thinking my taking a picture at this angle. Note how the the toilet really brings out the purple in the shower curtain!

We will eventually redo the "theme" of the bathroom. Since this is the kids bathroom, they have chosen monkeys. I found a fabulous shower curtain and some whatnots at Bed Bath and Beyond.

We also ripped out the carpet in my dining room. Why would anyone in their right mind put down carpet over hard wood. Better yet, why would anyone put down carpet over a room that is surround by rooms that still have hardwood? I don't know kids, I don't know.





I of course forgot to take before pics, but with a fresh coat of paint and the hardwood floors, it really brightens up the joint!


A word to the wise for anyone with carpet. I was appalled by the amount of dirt under the padding. I mean it was seriously some nasty business.

That's it for now, stay tuned tomorrow for another nugget.

P.S. Bob Vila, you better watch your back!

Less Bacon please

Did anyone see Kevin Bacon on Today? If so, I would like to know what the heck happened to his hair? What is up with the "I think if I grow my hair longer and shaggy it will make me look younger" look? Oh, and don't forget to add in some ridiculous looking highlights. Now, don't get me wrong, I am a Kevin Bacon fan. I like Footloose. I like Tremors. I like Flatliners. I am afraid Kevin Bacon has joined the ranks of Jon Bon Jovi and Ricki Sambora. They all seem to be going for the over 40 Goo Goo Dolls look, and I for one am not a fan. Not a fan I say.

The bathroom plans are off until next week. I decided to tackle the yard first. I the outside looks half way decent, nobody will suspect that my bathrooms might be less than desirable, right?

Vacay!

I am on vacay! What does this mean you ask? It means that I will have no homework, no studying, no waking up at 4:45 am to get up to go to school. Not until June 9th that is. Now I know people everywhere are wondering what am I going to do with my time. Let me tell you....I have decided that I will become some sort of home improving home owner. I am going to undertake the task of redoing (is this a word?) my bathrooms. They are awful. The previous owners painted over wall paper, and now it's time to remedy my unfortunate bathroom situation. The demo will commence Monday at 8am. I will take pictures and update as I go. I think I will start the day by listening to Rod Stewart, and then maybe kick it up a notch later on in the day. The outcome will be two glorious lavatories. People will be knocking down my door just to take a tinkle in my spectacular loo. I will charge them. Yes, I will be a urinary profiteer. I will stand trial, and be found innocent because the end result will be that fabulous.

Blogging, the new black

So it looks like blogging is the new black. I have considered it before, but have resisted. Then, my friend decided she wants to blog. So now I HAVE to. It's like going to a party, and your friend tells you she bought a new dress for the occasion. Do you wear one of the same old worn out dresses in your closet? Of course not! You go out a buy a new one too! So, this is my way of keeping up with the Joneses. Or the Catherines, whichever you prefer.

This blog is called A Horse With No Name for a reason. I couldn't think of anything catchy to name it. Then a commercial came on, guess who was singing. Yes, Paul Simon (update: I have been informed that Neil Young actually sings this song.....I have been living a lie, a lie I say) Paul Simon (um, once again, Neil Young) gave me a temporary name, I will wait for someone to come up with something better!

Now I am officially a blogger. I blog, and I'm a blogger. Let's see if my life is exciting enough to make it last.