Tuesday Tribute- Thank Goodness For A Big SUV , A Guardian Angel, and A Small Town

Last Thursday was just another ordinary day in the life of Lady Di. I was at a swim meet that evening at the local pool. The thin strip of pavement that is a sorry excuse for a parking lot was full so I parked my lovely, white, well-taken care of, paid offed, Suburban along the curb.

OKAY STOP...let's back up a bit. I just wrote I parked my Suburban along the curb. Usually, I would not have been driving around town in that gas guzzling, SUV that environmentalists love to hate. This is not because I am an environmentalist, but an economist and although I love my roomy Suburban, the Saturn sedan made less of an impact on my bank account. For convenience, both vehicles have a car seat. However, that sweet child of mine has grown quite a bit and the straps needed to be adjusted for the car seat in the Suburban. Well, I'm lazy and rather than adjust the straps before taking a long trip in the 'burb, I swapped car seats from one vehicle to the other, leaving the Saturn car seatless. In further laziness, I failed to re-install car seat into Saturn, thus having to drive the big, gas guzzling (but lovely, and paid for) SUV. There is a relevance to my self-declaration of laziness later in the story, trust me.

So, the 'burb is parked along a curb and I needed to leave the meet to take one child to Vacation Bible School, pick up another from daycare, and then back to the swim meet. Upon my return I found my parking space was taken, so I drove around to park on the other side of the street in front of a home (a friend's home actually...hint, it's that small town thing).

Two hours passed, the swim meet was over, and it was time to go home. Everyone walked out into the parking lot together, including my husband and two daughters. My husband said he had to go to the ranch to check on some things real quick and I had the fabulous idea that both his girls should join him. This way I could get the other kid from VBS and get some quiet time before they ALL got home. The youngest girl, of all days, did not want to go with Daddy. We were standing at the crosswalk when she said, "Ok, I'll go with Daddy." (hint...this is the guardian angel thing).

Now the stage is set for this dramatic story....I know, I need to hop to it. I hand the little one off to Daddy, walk across the street (alone), get into my car, shut the door, put key in ignition, and BOOM!!!

Keep in mind that what you are about to read probably happened in all of like 5-10 seconds, but it felt like hours. Uh, did a tree branch just fall on the roof of my vehicle? BANG, POP, CRUNCH, CRUNCH....Oh ^%#$ the passenger side of my car is caving in!! My front visor flapped down in front of me all by itself and the center console thingy on the roof popped off. This is the point were I began to FREAK albeit calmly in my head that I was going to be crushed in my car. By the way, the movies have it wrong. Your life doesn't flash before your eyes in great big snap shots of your life from birth to the present. You have the "crap I haven't done yet in my life" flashes.

SILENCE, no more CRUNCH. This was when I noticed the tree branch coming through the bottom of the windshield on the passenger side. There was glass everywhere, the passenger side was completely wrecked including the door. I sort of assessed the situation and realized that I was OK and was not going to have to explain all the naughty things I had done in my life to St. Peter. The friend who lived in the home had been walking back from the swim meet too, and opened the rear passenger side door. Neither front door would open. My door was blocked by branches, and the other was jammed.

A lot of people including my poor husband and girls saw the entire gigantic tree fall onto the Suburban with me inside it. Even while I was stuck inside, once I figured out I was not going to be crushed like a tin can on a frat boy's head, I was for the most part calm. However, I think it was far more traumatizing for them to actually see the whole thing "go down" so to speak. So, here is why I love or shall I say loved my SUV. It essentially saved me and my lazy self. If I had not been driving the 'burb, the fireman and everyone agreed that I would probably not be in any condition to do this post right now, if at all. I have to admit, I did get emotional when I got out and saw the size of the tree and thought of the possibility of "what could have been" had I been driving the Saturn. Thank you, lovely, white, paid offed Surburban. I don't care what those environmentalist say, you're alright in my book. You can haul me and my precious cargo of kids anytime.

Now, I have to give a special shout out to my Guardian Angel. This guy or gal was definitely NOT sleeping on the job. Not only did you give me a extra dose of laziness to delay car seat placement in the much smaller Saturn, but you got a very stubborn little girl to change her mind at the last minute to go with her Daddy. Getting that girl to change her mind at all is a tribute in and of itself. However, had she been with me I would have been standing on the outside of the Suburban putting her in. Not good, since the bulk of the top of the tree landed right where I would have been standing. See, BELIEVE people. Guardian Angels are out there, working their little and sometimes BIG miracles everyday to help us out.

Finally...you got to love a small town. I really have to give a big thanks to all the people who came to my rescue. First, my husband, who dived into a tangled mess of leaves and branches to make sure I was alright. The friend who helped me out of the car. I mean sure, it was his tree that fell on me, it was the least he could do. The swim coach, who also happens to be a fireman that called his buddies (the other firemen) to get the tree off my poor mangled SUV. The other swim coach, who made a call to her sister, who was my son's VBS teacher. She looked after him until my sister and brother-in-law came by to pick up not only him, but all my kids. Even the ice cream man, who was there to provide refreshment to all the local kids that had gathered to watch the excitement. Like I said, got to love a small town. We were slightly disappointed that the newspaper reporter never showed up, but hey I guess you can't have everything, right??


For more Tuesday Tributes visit Angie, click on SevenClownCircus

P.S. Faithful followers, our pal Amy is off on an adventure. She is driving, YES, driving with all 3 girls to Montana. She is currently in Utah after a day of misadventures. She promises to reveal all when she has a chance. Stay tuned.

Monday's Mama Drama (And some pics of JD's B-Day BBQ)

You know you have Mama Drama when.....

1. from 4:00 to 7:30 p.m. you turn the invisible meter on in the car because essentially YOU ARE a taxi service. Shuttling 2 kids from home to swim lessons at 4:00. 5:00- Take kid#1 to Vacation Bible School, pick up kid#3 from daycare. 6:00- Pick up kid #2 from swim lessons, take to Vacation Bible School. 7:30-Pick up kids 1 & 2 (with #3 in tow) go home. Where's my tip???

2. you are so distracted by the conversation with your kid because it consists of you telling her AGAIN that peanut butter in a bowl is NOT a breakfast option, that you put the milk away in the pantry.

3. you catch your child in a bold faced lie and say, "Oh that's B.S!!" and then the kid looks puzzled and says, "What's B.S.?" So, you then tell him a bold faced lie and say, "It means Bologna Sandwich dear."

4. your child feels the need to share this new tidbit of acronym information with one of his Vacation Bible School Teachers. Yep, walked right up to her and said, "Hey, do you know what B.S. means???" Luckily, he said bologna sandwich (of course), however, I wish I 'd had my camera to take a picture of her face at the initial question.

And Finally.....

5. you are so busy making cupcakes for the B-day BBQ that when you go to the store real quick to get something you forgot earlier, you realize you still had your apron on the whole time through the store. Oh well, it is a cute apron.

**This week's Mama Drama has bonus pictures and story!!!
My JD Boy turned 7 on July 1st. We weren't able to do a B-Day celebration until yesterday. We had a BBQ with family and friends. JD Boy loves cheeseburgers, corn on the cob, and fruit salad.

We got him a John Deere bike and a bunch of new implements (chisels, plows, trailers, discs) for his toy tractors. He was thrilled.

(That's my hubby in the background)

He played outside with his cousins and neighborhood friends. They had a blast on the slip-n-slide. I didn't have time to go all out on a birthday cake. So, I decided to make "ice cream cone" cupcakes. They are very easy and fast. You just use a box cake mix, but instead of using cupcake liners, pour the batter in cake cones. Bake as directed for cupcakes, let cool, then frost with a star tip to look like ice cream, add sprinkles.

Notice the 7 is backwards (of course).

My Favorite Strawberry Dip (pssst...it's really easy!)

Okay, I've wanted to participate in Amy's @ Keeping Up With The Schultz Family Round Robin event. I totally missed it last time and I almost missed it today. However, I do not want to take away any blogging glory away from my Amy's Friday Five here at Mama Drama, so please click on the link to check it out and leave some comment love. So with out further adieu here is my little contribution to Round Robin.

I live in California, and I don't know what the produce is like in other states, but it really can't get any fresher in Cali. I can pretty much get fresh vegetables and fruit at a farmers market whenever I want. Summer means watermelon, peaches, nectarines, cantaloupes, and STRAWBERRIES. I LOVE strawberries. Not those nasty gold-plated unripened red things you buy in the store, then have to cut up and mix with sugar in a bowl. NO-NO, this mama likes her strawberries from the guy that has a fruit stand on the side of the road. The ones that when you get home, half the flat has been eaten all ready. Now, some people might say when you have the perfect strawberry, it does not need to be dipped into anything be it chocolate or whip cream. However, I am not some people and I say if you have a perfect strawberry, you need the perfect dip. This dip is perfect because it is sooooo easy and sooooo delicious.

The Most Perfect (and easiest) Strawberry Dip

1 jar of Kraft marshmallow cream

1 thing (I only use technical terms) of cream cheese.

**Seriously, I think it is the 8 oz.?? size. You know, it's the "normal" sized one. How many different sizes of cream cheese can there be anyway??? Just don't use the Costco sized one and you'll be safe. I use the Philly brand of cream cheese, because I'm a cream cheese snob and don't think off labels are good. But if you know a better one...I'm all ears...I mean eyes.

Let the cream cheese soften at room temperature. Put marshmallow cream and soften cream cheese in a bowl and mix until well combined. It should have a smooth, creamy texture, no lumps. If there are lumps, it means the cream cheese was not soft enough. That's okay, it will still taste good...never stopped me from eating it. It is ready to eat as soon as it is mixed. They say it is good with other fruit but I have personally only used it for strawberries. I do use it as frosting for my red velvet cake that I make every once in a blue moon...very good.

Well that's it, I hope you enjoy!!

Oh P.S. everyone, Amy mention something about Guardian Angels and me having one in her Friday Five....well I DO!!!! Talk about DRAMA. Sometime this weekend I will explain to everyone why I absolutely LOVE, ADORE, WORSHIP my huge (emphasis on the huge) gas guzzling SUV and why I won't be parking next to or under any more trees.

Friday Five: Lemonade, Peaches, Apricots, Angels and Tough Times!

Amy's Friday Five: This is where I share with you the 5 things I have learned this week and you just might learn a little something about me at the same time.

Let's see this week i have leaned:

1. That trying to make preserves and learn how to can 7 lugs of peaches and 3 lugs of apricots is not easy. Let's just say I am tired of seeing peaches and apricots in my kitchen and although I wasn't planning on having that many I will never intentionally buy that many at one time. As the hubs so stated after helping me finish up the last bunch on the third night, "Now I know why my grandmother bought only ONE box of peaches every Monday." Yes and now I know why too!

2. Big girls cry and so should cowgirls - It isn't bad to shed the tough skin and let it out. I say this but haven't really done it even though I need to. It's coming I feel it. I am about to burst which is unlike me but I know I must and I will in due time and then I will pick myself up, dust myself off and move forward. This leads me to number 3:

3. That I am such a good listener always make myself available to others but never lean on anyone when I need to. I just can't make myself vulnerable like that I guess. What is up with that? I guess I feel as though I always have to be the strong one. Keepin' it all together all the time. Yep yep that is me and I know where I get it - my Mama.

4. Again it has been confirmed to me that we all have guardian angels! Yes we do and I am so thankful for Lady Di's. She will elaborate soon but I just have to say although we laughed about the situation - I LOVE YOU, GIRL! I don't know what I would do without you.

5. Hosting a lemonade stand for a good cause and watching my OP have so much fun was good for my soul. I just love looking at that picture (see this post) It puts a smile on my face and as you can tell I needed a smile this week. (maybe I will post about that later)

Although, Holy Cows, did you see the comments I got on Wednesday! Now that put a smile on my grumpy face - YES IT DID! I have to say I think I should thank Lady Di who was given out some comment love this week and I received it back. Thanks to all our visitors. I am going to try to give it back to you all but I have a trip coming up Saturday and I still have to pack myself and the three princesses. Oh my!

There you have it - my Friday Five. Have you learned something this week? Please share! Have a wonderful weekend and stay tuned for Lady Di's post - it might just be the post of the year!

Writers Workshop-Got Tents?

I have to admit, at first I wasn't particularly inspired by the prompts for this weeks workshop-NO DISRESPECT, OH DIVINE GODDESS OF BLOGGING!! It's not you, it's me. However, I woke up this morning with that song in my head. You know, the song from National Lampoons Vacations. The original, in which Clark W. Griswald takes his family on a cross country trip in the "family truckster". Well, Clark's long lost twin brother AKA my father liked to take his family on such adventures. Except, the end destination was not even a chessy amusement park like Wally World and our ride was nothing like the luxurious family truckster.

We had the family camper. How can I get a visual for you? Okay...think of that drive you have taken through one of those dilapidated Twilight Zone towns (we all had one of those drives, you pray you don't pop a tire and get eaten by the natives, but anyway...). Then think of the yards in said Twilight Zone town, the broken porches, the washing machines and toilets in the weedy area known as the front lawn. Now, find that brown rusty single cab truck with the hood up, flat tires, and a white camper a top with broken windows in which the lovely 70's orange and gold curtains are flapping in and out of.......THAT'S the family camper. Those were some good times. It has been a long time since I have been camping, but here are 5 things my brother, sister, and I LOVED to do when we went.

1. Hiking-The forest is the the biggest playground when your a kid. My parents were old school and basically said, "See ya'" when we got set up at a campground. We would go hiking and exploring for hours. Looking back on it now, I think, "Holy crap! I so could have been eaten by a bear SOOO many times!!" We did walk right into a herd of Elk one time ( not cool, those things are freakin' huge!!!) Oh well, I survived.

2. Fishing-I hate eating fish, but I like fishing. Camping is the only time I do it. Again, my sibs and I were alone...at a river (HEL-LO PARENTS) and my bro said he had one and kept tugging on his line. My sis and I went over to check it out and we (being the Bass Pros we were) determined that he had his hook caught on a rock. He disagreed with that determination and kept reeling in. We being the pushy gals and Bass Pros that we were kept taunting him the whole time.....until something poked out of the water and my sis kneeled down to take a closer look. She had her face about an inch from the water (hey, I said she was pushy and a Bass Pro, not smart) when what I would still call gigantic tentacle like things came up out of the water. She screamed, I therefore screamed, we were a team after all and ran, leaving our little 7 yr. old bro at the raging river alone. Turns out he caught a catfish. Little bro survived being ditched by sisters at river, catfish did not.

3. Picking Berries- We did this while hiking. This too can be hazardous to your health since bears like berries too. We had a favorite trail that led to a store. On the way, we would pick some blackberries (not the ones that make you sleep forever), then go to the store and buy some ice cream. Then we had to book it it back to camp to eat our ice cream with fresh berries on top-YUMMY.

4. Swimming/Rafting- We always stayed somewhere close to a river or lake. It didn't matter if it was 50 degrees out, we went in the water. It's amazing how kids can do that, because God knows I don't get in water unless it's well over 90 nowadays. My sister was kind of a pris about her hair and always just floated on a raft. Of course this was like waving crack in front of a crack addict to my brother and I to make it our mission to flip her off the dang thing. She survived, her hair did not

5. Sleeping in a tent and sitting by the campfire- Mom and dad slept in the camper while we kids got to sleep in the canvas tent. I went to bed many a night hoping that the smell of beef jerky had dissipated off me so I would not wake up with a furry friend sniffing my head. I made my sibs practically go through a decantamination chamber to make sure every crumb was off their body and searched for any food contraband in the tent. I wasn't going to become Ranger Rick's next cautionary tale of tent safety at Jr. Ranger camp. Next, there is nothing like putting your feet up to a warm campfire......and melting the bottom of your shoes. Yes, that's right Jr. Rangers never fall asleep with your feet up to a warm fire if you plan on wearing your shoes the next day. I survived, pair of Reeboks did not.

Despite my tales of woe, I really did enjoy our family camping adventures. They certainly make for some interesting and colorful stories. I'm glad I participated in this weeks workshop. It brought back some great memories.


For more Writer's Workshop go here

Wordful Wednesday: Alex's Lemonade Stand

I said that I would post what I was doing last Friday and Saturday. This is it. Selling lemonade and other goodies. The OP has been wanting to sell something so the hubs and a friend built us this huge lemonade stand and we decided to do an Alex's Lemonade Stand, which raises funds and awareness for pediatric cancer, with our Cloverbud kids.

Here she is, the OP, selling her lemonade.

As I have said before we live in the Land of Nowhere so we didn't raise a ton of money but the kids had a blast and are excited to do it again. I encourage everyone looking for something fun to do over the summer with your own kids or even with a 4-H group or scout group to host a lemonade stand through Alex's Lemonade - It is such a great foundation. Click to find out more information: HERE! If you are in the mood to donate to a good cause click here and then on the little lemon on the right hand side. The OP and I would greatly appreciate it. Our goal was to raise $1,000 and we are somewhat short of that by about $800. I think we are going to have to host a few more stands!

Hope everyone had a fun filled Fourth.

For other Wordful Wednesday's click on over to Angie's ,

A Debate Between Two Great Minds

So, for reasons unrelated to the MJ funeral (I just think we have been watching too much T.V. lately), I have banned television watching today. OH MY!! What are three kids ages 13, 7 and 3 to do?? Well, they certainly didn't ask mom because they know the answer they will get. It will involve some tedious cleaning task and be no fun at all. Instead, the 13 yr old decided to reorganize her room (good choice), the 3 yr old went upstairs to play with her dolls (again..good choice), and the recently turned 7 yr. old decided to "farm" with his tractors downstairs (no problem). He asks if he can listen to satellite radio on T.V. He posed the question very carefully: JD Boy: Um, mom I know you said no watching T.V. BUT (pause), can I listen to music while I farm?? Me (after doing the obligatory sigh): OK, but ONLY music. JD Boy: Oh sure, no problem. And it was no problem.

Everybody went about their business, the kids doing their own thing, me cleaning and doing laundry. I decided to take a little break and do some blogging. JD Boy was still "farming" and listening to his music on the T.V. Everything was quiet and peaceful....until Miss Thing came down stairs. Miss Thing is the 3 yr. old who I have yet to settle on a "name" for when I write because she is so many things. Some days she is HRH (Her Royal Highness), some days WW (wild woman), and other days I refer to her as my angelic baby faced girl (which means she is ANYTHING but). So, in walks Miss Thing and on comes a Kelly Clarkson song and this is the great debate that ensues between the great minds of my JD Boy and my angelic baby faced girl:

HRH: Ooh, this is Kelly Kirsten

JD Boy: Kelly Clarkson

HRH: Kelly KIRSTEN!

JD Boy: Kelly CLARKSON!!

I can know see the little devil horns sticking out of the curly hair
HRH: KELLY KIRSTEN!!!!

JD Boy (completely took the bait, hook, line, and sinker): KELLY CLARKSON!!!!!! you misunderstand, MOOOM tell her

Me-no response, just kept working on computer.....however HRH doesn't know when to stop while she is ahead and had to have one last jab

HRH (in her sweetest girly voice): See, I told you it was Kelly KIRSTEN

JD Boy (now with pillow in hand walking toward HRH): NO, IT'S KELLY CLAR.....did not finish sentence because mom had to intervene and stop immenent pillow beating of lil' sis. Trust me if she had not had an eating utensil in her mouth, I would have considered letting her get what was so well deserved. Trust me again when I say she knew exactly what she was doing and deserved it. This wasn't a case of 3 yr. old mispronounciation. By the time this little tiff was over so was the song, to which she then declared, "I don't like Kelly Clarkson." JD Boy just let out a big "UGH" and walked away. Well, I just had my entertainment for the day. How's yours going?

Whew, It's Hard Work Having So Much Fun

So I hit the big 30 (cough, cough...plus 2) last Sunday. Not yesterday Sunday, a week ago Sunday. Then my JD boy hit the big 7 on Wednesday. Most of you saw the post Amy put up that day of our cute kids, and yes they are betrothed.

Well, I left you all on my birthday because I was going to Vegas for a little getaway with my hubby and friends. There are some really good deals on flights and hotel rooms right now. However, my husband and I drove because we dropped the kids off with my dad, who met us half way. In the grand scheme of things Las Vegas is not that bad of a drive. It's just lots of ugly desert, but hey the end result is Vegas, so you can handle looking at ugly yucca trees, sage bush, and cactus for miles on end. Once I walked through the doors of my room and saw the king sized bed, the step down living room area with sectional sofa, flat screen T.V., mini bar, remote controlled curtains, and no little voices saying, "mommy I need_________", I couldn't even remember what the scenery looked liked driving into "town". Oh, did I mention the bathroom that was as big as one of my kid's bedrooms, that also had a flat screen T.V. in it. I took a bath and watched T.V. just for the heck of it. I think if it hadn't been for the fact that I was in Vegas, I would have been content to stay in my room the entire time.

Of course, we were in Vegas, and we had things to do....and some people to see, I mean watch. Let me tell you, there is some good (maybe the best) people watching in Vegas. We walked down the strip the first morning on a mission to score some cheap tickets for a show. Well, it was hot and we needed to take a break. Our first stop was at the Rockhouse Bar. Some of the members of our expedition team including my hubby continued on, however, myself and two others stayed behind to take in the sights. Like I said it was hot, so what does one get to quench their thirst at 11 o'clock in the morning in Vegas? An 80 oz. hot pink guitar filled with frozen Hurricane...silly. It served two purposes: one-the primary reason, it quenched my thirst, and two-it was essentially a giant ice cube sitting across my lap. So, I was cool and comfortable.

I was also playing my own version of "What Not to Wear" with my friend as people walked by. Yes, I know...how catty of me, but it's fun and I know you all do it!! I do have to say that my buddy takes it to a new level by actually getting snap shots of the unfortunate outfit wearers. It's just for personal entertainment value to show the folks back home. There were some interesting looks. Some were just down right wrong. For example, may I ask who thinks it is okay to wear socks with sandals? Apparently, quite a few people. I don't know why this strikes such a cord in me, maybe it's because I'm from California. Let's do a hypothetical: If it were 30 degrees outside and I had to take out the trash, and the only shoes I could wear were sandals, I still would not put socks on (not even to keep my feet warm). Because let's face it, a flippin' pair of socks really won't keep your feet that much warmer anyway and you'll look stupid to boot. So, you see there really is no scenario in which socks with sandals is exceptable....DON'T DO IT....EVER....ESPECIALLY IN VEGAS....WHERE A BUNCH OF DRUNK PEOPLE SIT AROUND AND TAKE PICTURES OF YOUR GOOFY SELF!!!

After acquiring tickets to the drag queen magic show (no, I am not kidding) we hit the casinos. My favorite game to play is Blackjack because the dealer will basically tell you what to do, if you need the help. I used to be afraid to play at the tables and always stuck to the slot machines but I have become braver and it is much better when everyone at the table is your friend. I still won't play at a table by myself. Some people are all hard core when it comes to playing cards and they get all pissy if you hit and take a card they needed or something like that. I am way to laid back for that kind of playing. I didn't win any big fortune, but I didn't lose the kid's college funds either. I work too hard for my money to be a high roller. I played Blackjack maybe at three or four different casinos and I was done.

Now, back to the drag queen magic show. Who knew there was such a thing? We got V.I.P tickets (which included all you can drink at the bar) for...are you ready....$21.00. Yeah, the show was at this little hole in the wall theater next to the Planet Hollywood Hotel. When we walked in we got to take a "hands on" picture with one of the drag queen assistants. We got front row seating in the whopping six row theater. The man..I mean "woman" serving drinks behind the counter had perkier boobs and a smaller waist than me. The show was hilarious. Much of it I can not repeat. There was lots of audience participation, which included my brother-in-law being dressed in drag and assisting with a magic trick, and my own husband was "hit on" by the star of the show when he got up to get me a drink. The look on my husbands face was priceless, when a dude who was wearing more makeup than his wife will ever wear says, "Well, HELLLOOOO big boy......meet me in the bathroom after the show." Priceless, I tell you.

So, as you can tell we had a lot of fun in Vegas. I highly recommend a trip at least once in your lifetime. It can be pricey, but you just have to have that mindset before you go. However, as evident by our little magic show experience, you can find really good inexpensive entertainment as well. There are lots of great places to eat, shop, and drink. If you're like me, any little vacation (sans kids) is a four star vacation. Like I said, I love my kids, but it does a mama good to have a little adult time. Thanks Dad and Marie for taking those little boogers for us. They had lots of fun at the river. I know I wouldn't have been that crazy to take those guys out on a boat :)

No Friday Five Today

Happy Friday! Normally today would be my Friday Five. However, I am working on a little project for the weekend so I am going to skip Friday Five today. Sorry. Hopefully I will have a post up tomorrow about my project. Today I will be busy painting and baking. Odd combination I know.

Maybe just maybe Lady Di will be posting about her Vegas trip today - cross our fingers. Stay tuned and have a awesome day and fun filled weekend.

If you learned something this week by all means please do still share in the comments.

Writers Workshop- Conversations

Its Thursday and time for Mama Kats Workshop. A new week and new prompts. Click the link for the prompts. This week I chose #4:

Relay an interesting conversation you recently had with someone that may or may not involve creating a Loch Ness Monster Theme Park. (inspired by Jen)

I have had a few interesting conversations with the Hubs lately. None contained the Loch Ness Monster but they were still interesting none the less.

{The first one took place a few weeks ago when Star Trek came out in the theatre. I was watching movie trailers on my mac.}

Me: I have heard that Star Trek is a really good movie.

Hubs: Yea?

Me: Since you were supposedly once was a Trekky, although I have never seen you watch Star Trek, maybe we should go see it.

Hubs: I did watch Star Trek when I was young.

Me: I know and I find that a little odd since you always make fun of me for watching fantasy movies like X-Men and Fantastic Four.

{here's the interesting part}

Hubs: Well, really - it (meaning Star Trek) is more realistic, don't you think?

Me: What? Aliens are more realistic than super powers?

Hubs: yes.

Me: Okay. Hmmm!

{and he walks out of the room leaving me more than perplexed}

The other two conversations happened just yesterday.

First, and this one takes some set up:

We had just got home from town. We were rushing trying to beat the weather because he needed to bale hay. (We have been getting pounded every evening and it was too wet yesterday morning to bale.) Of course we made it to the field just as the rain starting coming down in mass quantities. He's ticked. There is a ton of lightening all around us. We have some crazy lightening. Our cows have been hit by it and just a couple of days ago it hit the Pivot (sprinkler system to the fields) right outside my house. It's crazy and it scares me to death.

Anyhow at this point he is still going to give it a try and gets out of the car. I am thinking he is going to go straight to the tractor, right? Nope! He starts running toward the hay (i guess to see if it too wet). This is where I think, Are you kidding me? I am going to watch my husband get struck by lightening. Lovely! He thankfully changes his mind and runs back to the car and jumps in soaking wet.

Hubs: Forget it! Damn rain. @#!*

Me: Where were you going? I thought you were going to the tractor. Did you not notice the lightening everywhere?! You could have been hit!

Hubs: I was checking the ( he interrupts himself) I am worth a lot of money. Don't you worry.

Me: What? Are you serious? Worth a lot of money? Dead! Nice! Really? You are worth a lot more to me alive. Thanks.

Hubs: Well that is nice of you to say, thank you!

{ummmmm- again. Perplexed.)

Now for the third and best conversation which took place last night:

I am in the kitchen pushing the LP around on a toy she has. He comes out of the bedroom with some men's health and fitness magazine he had got that day. ( We have both been trying to lose weight and get healthy and we both have been doing really well). He holds up the magazine and says:

Hubs: What are you going to do to me when I look like that?

{pointing to the cover model who looks like the equivalent to Matthew McConaughey with no shirt}

Me: Nothing more than what I do with you now. I mean your body will be different but you will still be the same to me. I will love you the same no matter what you look like. I mean, what are you going to do to me when I have the body of Jillian Michaels?

(Seriously I can not use his exact words, mainly because it was just a series of noises but here is the equivalent - or what he might as well have said)

Hubs: OohLa La! The question is not what I will do to you but I what I won't do to you!

Me: Oh that is nice, dear! Just nice. That is not exactly what a wife wants to hear.

{After we had a little more conversation regarding this subject we both were laughing and he gave me hug}

Hubs: you know what I meant.

Me: yes I do. You are so good at those back handed compliments.

love him!

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