The Potato Queen

Hold on to your panties......this is a declaration.......

2011-05-30T19:12:00.003-05:00

If you are looking for a pick me up post, then you better find another address.......

I am declaring that I do not believe there is a God, a Messiah, a Creator.....whatever you would like to call him, her or it......... (sorry Mom, I love you and hope you don't cry)

Before it gets serious, let me recap - there is no way that the one who created Adam, Eve and the Apple - the one defined as the alpha and the omega - would allow there to be a show like the "Bachelorette"....ahem and I digress.......a show that not only rubs it in that there are somewhat "normal" and "available" men left in the world, but those men are also ready and willing to commit to a relationship with a woman whom they know nothing about and will endure living in a home with 24 other available, masculine and metro men - all competing for the same woman. All the while there are actual women that are REAL, open and that don't need to be on a TV show in order to meet you or be attracted to you while you are competing for her.......sorry that is just my take on that whole pile of shit.

On a serious note and without trying to air all of my, and my closest friends, personal laundry - there is no way after the last 2 years that there could be a god that would allow the heartbreak, sorrow, anger, frustration and disappointment that "we" have endured. I feel like I have a right or at least a place to say and take a stand in how I feel. I have put myself "out there", asked for help, tried to go with the flow, prayed, begged and literally laid myself at "his, her or its" feet - and the only thing that has come in return is nothing......

Now I am not saying that I do not and have not led a blessed life, I do have a very nice life; one that I have created though, and one that my family and friends have been apart of; I have worked on myself, grown, learned from and honestly been bestowed more strength upon than any one person can ask for, from experience or circumstance - or whatever. And yet the one thing I long for doesn't come. And neither does it come for my closest of friends - what she longs for...... we are good people, we are responsible, kind, give back, do right by one another and those around us; and yet the ones who are hard, criminal, evil and those with no kindness or grace seem to get everything they want and desire.

You can see my dilemma, it is hard to believe in anything that you feel does not hear or see you - but gives back and blesses those that may not be in a place that have done "their time". I am in no place to judge, no place to decide who gets what - and that is why I have decided to resign myself that there is no one else that does or can either. I create and live my live as I see fit; the way that makes me happy and I feel comfortable. If that means that I offend or make someone uncomfortable about my omission then I apologize, but I feel like my belief in something other than myself, my love for my friends and family would be fake at this point.

I am angry with God and I am tired of others that are crack addicts, liars, murders, unfit mothers, fathers, prostitutes, pimps, and just plain unkind people getting what the rest of us deserve in life.

Oh and by the way, I HATE and I do mean HATE, romantic comedies. They lie - lead you to the abyss and then throw you off the cliff. I will not watch another one.....period.

I'm taking the "Potato" Pad back bitches!

2011-03-28T20:30:00.002-05:00

Score 1 for me! Cops called this morning at 3:00am on one neighbor (renter) about their dogs and non-stop barking! Also that the dogs are mistreated, left out at all hours, in all kinds of weather! Makes me NUTS! Then I decided to take things a step further and with some investigative work and the help of the Oklahoma County Assessor's website I was able to locate the landlords to the properties that are an issue in my neighborhood, or on my street at least. I called them up, told them what was going on and warned them that I was moving forward with complaints with the city on their properties, which could result in fines for them and also that I had made complaints with the police department as well! Actually the landlords were very receptive and open to discussing the issues and told me that they would contact the renters and get things handled. And after a follow up call from one of the landlords, re: the crazy house that is right next door to me - with Mrs. Don King, I was more than reassured that I had been heard and that changes should start taking shape around here soon.......we'll see.......I'm not holding my breathe, but I have my phone ready to make more calls!

The "Hood"

2011-03-21T19:52:00.002-05:00

I am convinced I live in it. I should have known when I bought my "potato pad" a year ago I was leery somewhat of the area, but my cute little house and all of its "home-i-ness" took me over and I never looked back......or to the east, west, or north of me.

Well now it is starting to show its true colors and needless to say I am not thrilled. Don't get me wrong I am not scared in my house in the least; but my neighbors are not so desirable. I swear I have a "don king" look alike living next door to me and she, yes she, is a woman. I think everyone is on crack in that house, and its confirmed by how many people come and go next door. There is a recluse that lives on the other side of me, and I have never, I mean never seen out of her house. She peers at me through her blinds. Then there is the alcoholic who lives across the street, and his wife works at a liquor store no less. I have never talked to him in my entire last year here; but he decided to make his way over to my house this past Friday, and in his best non-slurred speech, made an attempt to tell me that there were drug deals going on at the end of our street. I smiled and obliged him and sent him on his way.......

I don't know what is to come in the next 2 years, since that is my term here, but I am sure it will be an eventful one. As long as my car, the boys and my house are left alone all will be fine at the "pad".

Release.

2011-02-23T15:26:00.002-06:00

The definition in Merriam-Webster's dictionary for "release" is the following:

to relieve from something that confines, burdens or oppresses

I would say for quite some time I have been confined; and I am to blame for part in how I have let it control me.

Confined, angered and saddened by a past that was not mine to choose, but chose me and by decisions that were made that affected me, and were not mine to make. However, I was the one who continued to carry this with me as I grew into an adult and let it affect my heart and harden my soul. In the last year after suffering a significant loss, a rebirth of sorts with a past that I longed for, and a repair of a relationship that has been long overdue - I think I can finally say that I have come to a point where "release" is the best word that could describe what I am experiencing.

The road has not been easy, and there were times that were dark, but with the most important of family and friends standing by my side and seeing me through, I am finally growing into a place of maturity, a sense of self. and peace. Peace that has been long overdue.

I realize that as each day passes, it is one that we cannot get back; do we learn - yes, but it is still gone and when it leaves there are times when you realize you should let the negative go with it. In the end what do we have, each other - family and friends (which is a family in itself we create for ourselves). And that is the most important thing of all. All of the people who would show up no matter the circumstances, but just because they love you.

It has taken me so long to get here, but each day I feel more free and more of a sense of release from everything I have carried with me over the last 20+ years. I wish you all peace in your own lives, wherever or whatever that may be for each of you.

Can I get an "Amen"! :)

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T18:44:00.002-06:00

So another year and another Valentine's Day; I have to say it hasn't been all that bad. I mean normally (or I am starting to think it may just be me) if you are a single woman on this day, all you want to do is have it end as quickly as it came; but today hasn't been all that awful.

I was surprised at work with a dozen red roses and a card that wasn't signed - just a note wishing me a Happy V-Day. I did some investigating and learned who my flower romeo was, and it was such a nice surprise and to be thought of.........

And now I am spending the night with my 2 favorite guys - Sam and Tator :) They love their mama, and not just today but all of the other 364 days of the year too - and that's how it should be!

Rebirth......yes "another" one

2011-02-11T16:43:00.003-06:00

So it has been months and months since I have posted anything......and after Jess decided to get back on the blog wagon I thought, well why not. There has been alot going on in the last several months and especially before, during and after the holidays. With that said, really all there is to bring you up to speed on currently is that I am single once again; the PK and I gave it another shot and it just wasn't going to work - so it's just me these days and I have been completely inspired by the song lyrics below by Sugar Land and thought it fitting for the place I am at in life as of now - go and search the song to hear it, it's B-E-A- utiful!

Little Miss
Little Miss down on love
Little Miss I give up
Little Miss I'll get tough, don't you worry about me anymore
Little Miss checkered dress
Little Miss one big mess
Little Miss I'll take less when I always give so much more

It's alright, it's alright, it's alright
Yeah, sometimes you gotta lose 'til you win
It's alright, it's alright, it's alright
It'll be alright again
It'll be alright again, I'm okay
It'll be alright again, I'm okay (I'm okay)
It'll be alright again, I'm okay

Little Miss do your best
Little Miss never rest
Little Miss be my guest, I'll make more anytime that it runs out
Little Miss you'll go far
Little Miss hide your scars
Little Miss who you are is so much more than you like to talk about

It's alright, it's alright, it's alright
Yeah, sometimes you gotta lose 'til you win
It's alright, it's alright, it's alright
It'll be alright again
It'll be alright again, I'm okay
It'll be alright again, I'm okay (I'm okay)
It'll be alright again, I'm okay

Hooooooooooold OoooooooonHooooooooooold On, you are loved
Are loved.......

Little Miss brand new start
Little Miss do your part
Little Miss big 'ole heart beats wide open and she's ready now for love
It's alright, it's alright, it's alright
Yeah, sometimes you gotta lose 'til you win

It's alright, it's alright, it's alright
It'll be alright again
It'll be alright again, I'm okay
It'll be alright again, I'm okay (I'm okay, it'll be alright again)
I'm okay! (It'll be alright again)

Pushing 30....er.....33 really

2010-09-08T18:33:00.004-05:00

Well it has been over 30 days (OK maybe allot over 30 days) since my last post and at that time I was on a mission to lose weight - well in the midst of the last 30+ days I also turned 33 (hence food), threw a surprise party for my mom's birthday (hence food), Labor Day came and went (hence food) and college football started......need I say more. So no I haven't lost any weight just gained, but I am back on a mission and have a plan that I think will work......

The last month or so has really flown by and now that fall is upon us it doesn't even feel like summer was here! I have been dog sitting my mom's dogs while she and my step dad transition in San Antonio, and I have been nicknamed the CDL or Crazy Dog Lady :) I mean there is only 5 total - but ya it's allot in my tiny house so the PK is keeping Murphy (100lb+ Lab) and that has really helped.

Please check out the surprise party here; it was so awesome and I couldn't have done it without Jess, B and PK - it was really a collective family effort and it was just beautiful and mom was so surprised - so much fun!

My birthday was perfect! I not only received tickets to the Carrie Underwood concert, but also to Sugarland, a brand new "boutique" pair of cowboy boots and coach bag! I was so excited and it was absolutely perfect - we topped it off with some chicken fried steak and a little two steppin' :)

Hope all is well with you and yours!

Umpa Umpa Umpa-a-dee-doo.....

2010-07-25T17:16:00.004-05:00

For those of you not familiar with the Willy Wonka Umpa Lumpa - this is him:

This is actually the 1970's version; the actual current umpa lumpa would be this picture with my head inserted on the body (sans the Jersey Shore fake tan).

Seriously the weight gain is OUT OF CONTROL, so much so I don't mind posting here that I am at my highest weight ever of 175 pounds. The game plan is to start a version of weight watchers and drop this extra flab.....

I am actually so fat that over this past weekend on a visit to my mother's we were discussing clothes and some pants that I had purchased for her that happened to be white; while talking about the pants and her possible (major) dislike of them she asked this question.....and I quote "well do YOU wear white pants?" which basically in laments terms means "hey fattie do you wear white, because if you can than I certainly am comfortable wearing them". If you are a woman reading this post (and for my 3+ readers I know you are), you know that white is either your best friend when you feel svelt and sexy or it is your WORSE enemy and mocks every dimple and roll.

Whatever the reason, my weight has continued to sky rocket and the scale is screaming at me as I step on it. And it isn't screaming in a good way, like hey its been awhile I have missed you, where have you been - oh you, you aren't that heavy - ahem - ahem.

With that said let the Jess/Tam "weight watch-a" (as said by Carl the Iphone cutie and my new luva) plan commence on August 8th!

Revisiting childhood.......

2010-06-27T18:12:00.003-05:00

I have to give props to Jess, she asked me to go to the above flic this Sunday morning (at 10:00am - so Jess's style) and I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Of course I was the last one strolling in as Ali and Jess were waiting, seats already picked out and looking great on a Sunday morning at 10:00am, completely ready, make up and all - while I of course am in a hat, no make up and barely awake........

That aside it was a fantastic movie! 3-D and all....I have to give it props as well. As much as I was holding out on this "trend" it was really cool and I am sold. There are actually several more movies that were in the previews that I would love to see in 3-D that are upcoming this year. If you haven't seen this yet, then go. Since it is Pixar you will not be disappointed!

(See what I mean, look how polished they are....and then there's me. I need to get on the stick)

On another note I was thinking to myself about the Walt Disney "Logo" that comes up on all movies, and I was thinking about that damn castle. And I have to say it is very misleading when you are a little girl, you think that all of the fairies, princesses and queens reside there and they are awaiting for the princes to arrive.......how disappointing it is for a 5 year old, big blue -eyed little girl (me) to want nothing more than to see this castle at Disneyland, who soon finds out that it is just a walk-thru, that's right a bridge of sorts to the other side of the park. Nothing inside but cement and gallery windows to sell you the newest and "must haves" at the gift shops! Oh well, reality sucks - might as well learn the lesson early in life......there will always be reality but wouldn't it be nice to hold onto the Disney "dream".

See the movie!

Fried Potato.

2010-06-13T20:34:00.004-05:00

(and no I am not talking about him, but he is pretty fried too)

That is all I have to say for what my state of mind is right now and in the last week. You see I have taken in a dog, and I not so coincidentally named him, Tator. He is a really sweet shitzu, but let's just say he is a little mental. Basically it was a friend of a friend of a friend email that found it's way to me and I couldn't let him go to Free To Live; his original owners gave him to another family and they decided not to keep him so he ended back up with me.

The only way I know how to paint a picture of his issues and demeanor as the days have gone, is that he has chewed through the metal crate that I was keeping him in during the day. Did I mention that he is only 14 pounds? So ya needless to say he has some things going on in that little noggin' of his.

Jess is standing by me, while the rest of the pack has called it quits and said I needed to find him another home, including Sam in his own doggie language - basically he keeps looking at me like "mom wtf?!". But I am not deterred; I am getting him neutered this Friday along with vaccines and hoping that may help his disposition some. I think it is safe to say that he was very neglected before he found his way to me, so I am hoping some TLC will do the trick as well. I am also hoping some TLC will do the PK some good as well and he will come back around to the "Tator Tot".

So that is the news on the home front.........fried potato and all.

New adventure!

2010-05-26T20:17:00.003-05:00

So I have decided that I am sitting on my ass too much lately, and it is growing - my ass that is!

With that said, I have researched and found an organization that I feel strongly about and that I also used last year! As most of you know I am avid about community service, and anything to do with animals and old people. Since I haven't been doing any kind of "giving back" recently I thought why not really start looking for an outlet to let my little giving heart go -

And this is Best Friends of Pets! It is a program that helps less fortunate animals in the OKC community, fosters and aids in adoptions; along with providing health care for animals at a discount - which is ideal, so that everyone and every animal can get the appropriate care at a discounted price!

Please check out their site here! I actually meet with one of the directors for Best Friends in June, and will be evaluated for a Board of Directors position within the organization; I am very excited!

Hug your pet!

And finally presenting.......

2010-04-25T14:27:00.006-05:00

Disclaimer: These pictures are in no particular order because I couldn't get them uploaded correctly and it started pissing me off so I just gave up......enjoy anyway :)

Free at last, Free at last....Thank god almighty, I am FREE at last!

2010-04-09T20:40:00.003-05:00

Debt free that is!

OK so maybe I still have the car payment and now the house payment, but today was the day that I officially paid off all of the credit card debt, every single penny!
I should note that I owe a huge amount of gratitude to all of you tax payers out there, because without you I wouldn't have qualified for the home tax buyer credit that not only helped me pay off all of this debt, but also become a home owner as well. I hope that I have made you all proud by doing "the right thing" and being responsible.
A shout out should also go to this gal, without her constant guidance and help with the realization of reality I would not have come this far and it has been a hell of a first quarter of 2010 for me!!!
Update: My Easter weekend was excellent, I had lots of quality family time and even got to spend an entire evening with my real dad and his family, well my family :) I woke up and had coffee and donuts with him and my Lisa, it was the most amazing feeling to be sitting where I hadn't been in over 15 years. It was a great Easter in deed, and although I missed my papa like crazy and it was an emotional weekend and hard to celebrate without him, I think we all pulled together and did our best and he would have been very happy and proud!

North Side vs. South Side

2010-03-30T20:50:00.002-05:00

Disclaimer:
This post may come off as snotty; but does not mean to offend anyone. (:-)

OK so something else that I have been struggling with lately (BTW what is up with all of these struggles, I need to get over it); it is the location of my new home. Now I know what you are thinking, "didn't you seriously consider the area before you purchased?" and my answer would be yes; however I was also considering other factors and those were priorities as well.

Here's the deal for those of you who aren't familiar with OKC; there are two very distinct areas and those would be North side and South side. And you are either a North side girl (which I am) or a South side girl........it's no secret that the South side is the less desirable of the two (remember my disclaimer above please). Personally anything south of N.W. 63rd street is "south side" for me; realistically it would be anything south of I-40. So with my house being located south of N.W. 50th street makes me feel way out of my element. Although I am familiar with the area, I don't want to get out and walk around the neighborhood if you know what I mean. I am used to the 5-6 mile radius known as Lake Hefner and the Village; and this is where my peeps are still located. I feel away from the "flock" so to speak.......it's not that I am unsafe (I need to quit watching 48 hours and freaking myself out though), it is that I feel "south" and for some reason it just hasn't worked itself out with me yet.

No turning back now, and the PQ pad is seriously cute and in the very near future will be getting even more blinged out, just something that has been on my mind. Good news is, is that I am slowly starting to get over myself :).

Meat and Potatoes=LOVE

2010-03-18T22:20:00.002-05:00

OK so I am struggling; I am a huge animal advocate-enough so that I have researched products that have treated products on animals and it sickens me. It is a topic that people wish to pass over and act like doesn't happen and we all know that it does in fact exist. There are many labels we use everyday that condemn these poor, defenseless, and voiceless animals to their deaths. I know it is a fact and I have seen the evidence.

I am the type of person, like so many, that think since I am a meat eater (cows, etc.) that these animals are treated more "humane". I know that this isn't the case but I kidd myself, because it's easier to turn a blind eye. I am not trying to start a revolution, but if I know anything, I know myself. And above an elderly person, there is nothing more than I love than an animal. And to know that I feel this way and can contribute to their demise, whether by beauty product or steak I pick, is does sicken me.

I struggle.

The only reason I haven't been able to give it up yet is my granny's steak fingers and mashed potatoes. I am not making excuses, and I am not blaming my up bringing. It is what it is. The fact remains that memories I have from this meal, with the ones I love, means more to me than you can imagine. It's the love that I taste in every bite, of the gravy, the steak, the potatoes and then the gravy with bread. It is my granny standing in her kitchen preparing every detail with love, and my papa sitting on the stool next to the phone talking to me about the time he picked me up at school in Claremore and brought me back to this "home" away from home and we had this same meal time and time again, why? Because I loved it and they loved that I loved it-it made memories more than anyone could know.

I had this meal with granny the last time I was "home", and even though the love hadn't changed, the meal tasted different. Because he wasn't sitting across from me, saying "Baby how was your week, I know you are busy and we miss you-you work hard baby doll but do you remember when....." and what I want to say, that I never said-is that I remember. I remember every moment with you, every smell, every story, every talk, every steak......

I am a meat and potatoes kind of girl, I don't approve of cruelty to animals anymore than I approve of cruelty to seniors. It doesn't mean it doesn't happen, it just means that for me the two mean something combined. I hope the cows can forgive me....

Disclaimer: The picture below has nothing to do with my St. Patrick's Day

2010-03-17T17:40:00.004-05:00

That's right there is no green beer in the PQ's near future; I am actually officially on the couch with a fever and strep throat......this all started yesterday and ended this afternoon at the doctor. So all of my visions of dancing leprechaun's, green beer, rainbows and friends has been put out with an antibiotic induced haze......

Well not all is lost, I am in the company of the fur babies (my niece Tia and my son Sam). The Dets are actually on their way to Orlando for a 3 day cruise with some of Det's friends and I am sure they will have a good time and it is some much needed time away for the both of them. That means I am house sitting and hanging out; now with meds.

Hope all of you have a great St. Patty's Day and drink some of the green stuff for me!

P.S. I have not forgotten that you haven't seen the actual pics of the PQ pad, and I will have some up and posted soon-swear it!

Fried Potato......

2010-02-26T15:31:00.002-06:00

Well it has officially been 2 weeks since I signed the paperwork and became a homeowner. In that 2 weeks we have completely given the "pad" many updates, including paint-fixtures-plugs-a good deep Potato Queen cleaning (and the matriarch helped as well). And then the final straw was moving last weekend; this week has been spent catching up at work and getting things unpacked at home......needless to say it isn't quite "home" yet. I need a TV and some reality TV up in that biatch, and then it will be home. So TV shopping is on the agenda next week!

The PK, Det, Jess, my mom, poppie and countless others have helped to get me situated and comfortable and to them I am very thankful and grateful-pics will be posted soon (just as soon as i get the Internet at home next week) and you all can see my new little place.

Sam is adjusting too and has finally decided to eat and not be at a stand off with me; I finally told him the other night that this was our house now and he needed to adjust....we have a mortgage-he ate that night :)

Needless to say, I am a "fried potato" and am very tired, but a very tired happy homeowner!

For everyone that is interested, the PK and I are fine and back on track-he has completely stepped up the last few weeks and made things happen at my new place, along with several nice dinners thrown in the mix and 2 dozen red roses :)

Can you say "Potato Pad"!

2010-02-10T20:58:00.002-06:00

OK so I know this all I seem to blog about lately; but it just so happens to be one of the biggest moments in my life-a home owner, all on my own! And we are officially down to a 48 hour count down-official signing is 3:00pm on Friday and a little christening with champagne after!

Then the work begins; some paint, some cleaning, some beer, some more painting, cleaning and then some sleep! I am ready to move stuff in but I will be doing that over a course of the week.......

Spent the last weekend in Tulsa, and it is always so great to see granny and spend time with her. I wish it was under better circumstances but it is what it is and we always make the best of it and have a great time. She purchased me a microwave for a house warming; I secretly think she was concerned that without one I may not eat :) I also spent time with my cousin, dad, step mom and sister......have I mentioned how peaceful my life is these days-on the family front that is......everything else is up in the air; meaning relationship, work and general day to day.

Speaking of relationship-I think that the PK is maybe over over dating before it really began. Things were going great and then I screwed stuff up yesterday; meaning I reverted to an "old" place and feeling, reacted and it totally blew up in my face and I was the one in the wrong. So after some apologizing and pride swallowing it still doesn't seem any better so we'll see. Note to self when thinking crazy, don't act in the moment-call your BF first and have her talk sense into you, not after and then have her lead you towards the light......I dunno I feel really bad and like I blew it but only time will tell.

Holy Moly!

2010-02-02T20:49:00.002-06:00

I don't know how I have lived without this service; but I have. I found a site that you can order cards from, birthday, etc. and they will deliver them to you (stamped and addressed if you prefer); while keeping track of all of your contacts and when birthdays, anniversaries, etc. are up and coming! For those of you who knew about this site or something like it. please bear with me, I don't get out and about often on the net to search and actually happened upon this while going through the latest Vanity Fair magazine!

www.jackcards.com

I am so excited!!!!

Countdown.....

2010-01-28T08:43:00.002-06:00

So I officially close on the Potato Pad February 12th at 3:00pm. I am so excited I can hardly stand it! I haven't really thought about much else that weekend, like moving, etc. other than just the closing date and sitting in my own house that night! I have also purchased a washer and dryer-my first to be exact and my first real adult purchase for the house. You know me, you have to have something to do laundry in and keep things clean :)

In other news.......The PK has made a reappearance within the last couple of weeks and seems to have had a change of heart. He really put it all on the line and asked me to dinner to talk about a week ago, and I have to say it seems as if this change is genuine and very well thought out.

We talked allot about the relationship and just things in general. He asked if I would be open to dating and I told him yes; I decided that I really do care for Andrew and if he could come this far then I needed to give him the chance to prove it to me. So the "proving" has commenced and I have to say I am really enjoying our time together.

I guess as times passes, you realize more and more what is important and what really isn't.........this is of course is going to move slowly, and I am trying my best not to fall back into old habits and comfort with him; which is hard when you have spent time with someone.....but I am focused on the house and us seeing each other.

2010 may be the year to put many things behind me and to rest............

Update: Potato Pad

2010-01-12T19:47:00.004-06:00

(Prior to an update by your's truly)

Some good news to report! Inspections on the house went well, and although there are items that need some attention, all in all it was a good report and nothing that I can't live with; so we are now headed towards an appraisal and all of the final paperwork!

I hate the paperwork part but I know that it is part of the process and puts me one step closer to my "pad" :) If all goes as planned I should be celebrating this Valentine's Day in my new place with a glass of wine, in a place that is ALL mine and I did it all by myself! Jess was right when she said that it would be the best feeling in the world and mean so much more to me, and I know exactly what she is talking about now!

So out of the last 2 weeks there are still bright spots; and this is surely one of them! Not to mention all of the time that I have got to spend in Tulsa, especially this last weekend with family.

There is always light at the end of the tunnel........always.

Lack of Motivation......

2010-01-07T20:42:00.004-06:00

I guess it is no secret that when you have a death in the family, and especially someone dies that you are very close with, things start to come into perspective a little more....I would say this is true for me at this point. I am having a hard time getting motivated at work and in general, I mean things that some people think are "life and death" (or act as if they are) just aren't that important and I find it hard to get all worked up about it. Don't get me wrong I am guilty of this as well, getting worked up over nothing and losing sight of what really matters......and what really matters would be your time spent with family and friends.

Which brings me to my next point, just exactly who are you surrounding yourself with these days? I think more and more I will be spending my time with those people that mean the most to me and vice versa.....I don't mean to sound all holier than though-just trying to get some life perspective......

Needless to say it has been a rough week and I feel like I have been on an emotional roller coaster for most of it.....I know time heals all wounds......but right now that just isn't very comforting....I am not really sure what would be comforting at this point. I am headed back to Tulsa this weekend to spend more time with granny and family, being back at the house I basically grew up in will have to bring me some sort of peace.

I just find it so weird how you lose someone so special and that had been around for so long, but then life just continues as normal.......and life is anything but normal for me without him in it.

19 days.......

2010-01-03T12:24:00.004-06:00

It has been 19 days since my last post. There are a lot of things that can happen in 19 days; I put an offer in on a house, and it was accepted so I am in the process of purchasing now. Christmas came and went (please see Jess's post for all of our XMAS details); the blizzard of 2009 has occured and on December 29 I lost a man that meant the most to me, my papa passed away.

Needless to say it has been a whirlwind of a week since last Sunday and all of my days have been spent in Tulsa. I will tell you that I was able to speak to him via phone on Christmas night before things took a turn for the worse on Dec. 26th. He was at home and surrounded by the ones he loved in his last days and I am comforted by the fact that I was able to be with him when he passed. It has been a very emotional week and the mourning will continue for some time I am sure. I just returned to OKC yesterday for the graveside services, and then had to say goodbye to the family that I have been surrounded by this last week-and that was hard in itself. Out of one of the largest losses I have experienced has provided a new ray of light; my father-birth father-and I have been able to spend time together and start anew with papa's passing. There is a comfort that comes from the love of a father and I know that papa surely had his hand in our reconciliation. I am not sure what road lies ahead, as I never am, but I do feel more at peace than I have in a very long time. I am in hopes that 2010 will be a true year for healing in all aspects of my life.

I wanted to send my thanks to all of my friends that have sent wishes of support and love through this very difficult time. I am forever grateful for you and your love.

Again I am not sure what lies ahead for me but I know that papa is rooting me on and will always be on my side, whether he is in this life or the next.

Me Casa, Es Su Casa and I have no Casa

2009-12-14T19:55:00.002-06:00

OK so I made an offer, the second offer on the house I really wanted and the offer the seller requested and she still didn't take it! I was really disappointed, this all went down Saturday night.....so needless to say no casa. That means I keep searching-and searching and searching.......I am starting to get frustrated at this point but I know that my little potato pad is out there and waiting. I think that I may wait to continue the search until after XMAS next week......we'll see.

On another note-I took the leap a little over a week ago and made the call to my dad. It was very hard and emotional but I did it and Jess was there for support all the way! I have talked to him since several times and we have plans to meet the day after XMAS to visit in person and have coffee.......I am really very happy and ready to make peace :)

Tis the season!

"I mean I am a bartender, I do things that are important"

2009-12-11T09:15:00.002-06:00

This enlightening quote brought to you by someone known as "sweetheart" on the MTV reality show Jersey Shore. Jess and I happened to be previewing this last night while channel surfing and this is what basically made me laugh out loud. Now don't get me wrong there is other commentary that is better than this, believe me! We are talking hard core Guido types that are all about the women and their appearance; while the girls are also all about their appearance and the other women.......

Go figure.....anyways it is a source of entertainment.

On another note-House hunting has been in full effect and I am getting closer and closer to an offer. Very exciting! And another thing to look forward to is the traditional (well it is traditional now since it is in its 2nd year) mashed potato casserole night with the Dets to celebrate the season. But who are we kidding you know Jess and I are going to be celebrating right thru New Years Day! :)

El Fin.......

2009-11-22T18:30:00.002-06:00

Spanish for "The End" I think........well today was it. The day that I moved out all of my things I had at ex-PK's; and I have to tell you that I feel so much better that everything is out and is over, and with me. So I am officially back in at Casa Det. My parents came up and the Det's came over and we knocked it out in about 3 hours-that's a record BTW.......

I have to say I will not miss the cabin, I don't think I ever really enjoyed being there to begin with. I will also note that it had been "re-furnished" with some new duds, and rearranged. Too bad all of the begging I ever did never got me where it is today; all that being said I am out and very happy about that fact. The only thing on my mind is Hobo, I did get to see him and give him some snuggle love today-I will get him just as soon as I can.......

Here is to a short week this week-and all of the Thanksgiving fixin's........

TMMO

2009-11-17T19:08:00.002-06:00

For those of you who don't know what TMMO means, let me be the first to introduce you to Dave Ramsey. TMMO would mean "Total Money Make Over", and that is exactly what the PQ has been up to in the last 2 weeks. I am reading the book, following the plan and drinking the kool-aide :)

With "gazelle" like intensity (get the book), I am attacking debt and creating a snowball effect. I have even gone as far as listing my favorite Chanel (yes the real deal) sunglasses on Craig's List, contacted Honda about a car downgrade and asked my mom to bring the old wedding dress to OKC for consignment. I am on a mission people and it is called "The Potato Queen's Palace".

This will be the the first time I will have ever been financially independent and debt free (well this is coming soone). I am a mere shadow of my former self; the one draped in items I couldn't afford to keep up with the Jones's and who are the Jones's anyway.......no friend's of mine.

That is the latest here in PQ land.......Sam is doing well and we are all adjusting to being back in Casa Det. Thanksgiving is just around the corner and you know mama intends on burying her sorrows/stress in some mashed potatoes!

New light.......

2009-11-13T11:20:00.002-06:00

So I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, it has been a week and of course I already have an action plan set into place. Let's just say that enough can't be said for great friends, family and much needed support and reassurance.

I am on track now to truly start over and I couldn't be happier or in a better mental place; I am sure of my decision and it is even more confirmed each and every day.

Life is definitely a journey and there are definitely set backs, some self inflicted and some come with experience.....whatever comes though I know I will always prevail!

Now where is the wine :)

The end of a reign........

2009-11-06T10:07:00.004-06:00

Well there has been much happening lately in the PQ/PK world and I am sad to say that our "reign" has ended. I am moving out and we are going to say our good-byes and go our separate ways. It was decided that our paths are moving in different directions and we are both grown up enough to admit that we don't want the other to be miserable or suffer over our differences.

Andrew is a wonderful person and I will, and am, mourning this loss and the end of a friendship as well. I know in time wounds will heal and hurt will subside.....

I am looking forward and going to focus on me and getting right in my life, really getting things straight and that starts today.........

PS In light of certain circumstances I have been given a pass on calling my dad and actually opening up that entire bag of worms......but never the less it is still important and something I am planning on doing before/during the holidays.

Have to situations......

2009-10-22T18:23:00.004-05:00

OK well my niece Tia (Jess's furbaby) went in to get her nails trimmed and had the funny juice and everything-she came out fine and is all a twitter in the colder weather I am sure.....(I must say I love this dogs personality, she is very much her own and her mother, if you know what I mean). So you know what that means..............time is up and my deal is over. I have to call my father.

Many of you may think that this would be easy, but it is not. I am in one of the situations where it has been so long you don't know what to say-so suggestions are appreciated.......

Keep in mind (which my mother so quickly reminded me this past weekend) that the last time I really, really spoke to him and had a conversation was in 2002 and that ended with a "F*&@" you.

You can see how great we have gotten along since the age of 16........

PS-Many of you may think that is harsh-and given my age (22) sure it was immature sure. But there was allot of hurt, anger and bitterness in that one word.

Not yet......

2009-10-12T19:56:00.003-05:00

OK I am putting it off-really off.......calling my dad. It has been a week and I have thought about it but haven't done it.........

So as soon as Jess takes my niece in to get her nails trimmed; which she is also putting off because she hates to put Tia under-then I will call my dad.......

That is the deal I made with myself anyway ;)

It's been long enough......

2009-10-05T20:31:00.002-05:00

I have decided to bury the hatchet and call my dad......life is too short and I need peace one way or the other........no expectations just a simple conversation.

I have procrastinated long enough-this week I will make the call......stay tuned.......

Out from under my rock........

2009-09-22T20:38:00.003-05:00

Seriously is it September 22nd?! Where in the heck did this month go?

Well it has been some time since my last post, so to catch everyone up to speed here go's........well the PK broke his ankle the night before my birthday (so b-day plans were cancelled and Jess, Mama Cat and B came to us)-don't worry about the PK though he is a man that will not be deterred from hunting season which begins Oct. 1 and a bear hunt in SE Oklahoma is first on the agenda.......what can I say?

After that Jess, Sarah and I had a great trip to Scottsdale, AZ for some much needed girl time at the Valley Ho, who knew there would really be some Ho's there if you know what I mean. After that it was back to work and then this last 7-10 days I have been down with bronchitis (which I have been blessed with once this year already); missed 3 days of work and am in the midst of playing catch up this week! Whew-so that is where September went......

Oh and some of the most exciting news of all- Sugar Stache- is on the scene (sort of), but is has been officially revealed here and I will let you read all about it! Too exciting!!!

So that is about it for the PQ/PK land; trying to keep up and keep on moving on :)

Birthday weekend kick off......family style :)

2009-08-31T21:35:00.010-05:00

The following are pictures from this past weekend in Dallas and our "family" get together. We always celebrate Jani Jan's birthday along with mine, since we are a day apart and who needed a reason for margarita's on a Saturday!

This past weekend was so much fun and it was great to visit and spend time with my mom and poppie! Grant made the trip with Andrew and I, and for a 1st I would say it went very well!

Hope you all enjoy the pictures and here is an extra special birthday wish to all of the other September birthday babies out there!!!!

The Potato Royalty :)

Our Matriarch

Martini cake-How very appropriate! (Sugar Stache is better-stay tuned)

Brenda and I-Love her!

Jenn! Awesome Mama!

Presents!!!!!

P.S. No I haven't received any kind of jewlery (wink wink) for my birthday as of yet-I doubt it happens this birthday......maybe XMAS? ;)

And these are the days of our lives.........

2009-08-09T15:16:00.001-05:00

It's a rough life isn' it?

Happy Sunday!

The beginning.......

2009-07-29T20:37:00.002-05:00

The PQ beginning that is......as you all know I went to Tulsa over the weekend with the PK to visit papa and so everyone could meet Andrew. The trip went really well and I was so happy to see papa and granny! I can say that papa was in good spirits and I think our visit did him some good-although he tired easily and that is expected. Everyone loved Andrew, as I suspected they would, and we ate and ate and ate and ate some more-as Jess likes to put it (and I love this) "have some gravy with your gravy" and believe me we did! Granny did us proud!

Anyways back to my title-Andrew and I decided to go to Claremore and see where it all began for me in a sense-well where I grew up. I have to say that things seem so much bigger when you are small; like my house and the neighborhood and even the roads..........it was bittersweet in a sense. It seemed like it was a lifetime ago and another life altogether. But it was real and I could remember every thing about growing up here, right down to the powder puff 3-wheeler and the driveway I used to speed down-oh and my lemonade stand!

I took some pictures, but really everything looked run down and old-but I guess that's what happens when time moves on; I can't explain how weird it felt to be in this place I grew up but it seemed like it was not me that was there-but I was the one with all of the memories of it. So as we progressed down memory lane I started to get real emotional-well OK I started to do the ugly cry in the car. The PK hung in there and we talked it out, but you have to realize this was like a smack in the face of what life used to be like and that would involve my dad.......needless to say I was happy to see the place but just as happy to leave it behind. I guess in a sense running again from the reality of what my parental situation really is......just not ready yet to get all of the skeletons out of the closet, it sits so close to the surface yet feels very far away.

Times they are a changin'

2009-07-23T20:54:00.002-05:00

I guess in more ways than one.....let's see where do I begin? Hmmmmm with the PK and the cat-let's start there.

Well for my 2+ readers you all know that we acquired a cat-I thought it was a girl and "she" had a pink collar and was FORBIDDEN in the house. Well after last Friday things have changed and fast-the cat is actually a boy-who knew? I had to take him to get fixed to figure that out, hence I have never had a cat before. And now the PK has really warmed up to the cat, Hobo; he has even been making appearances in the house. This was after no begging on my part; the PK just came in one night and put him in my lap and said "I thought you may want to pet him for awhile". Ever since then the cat has been hanging out with us in the night time and him and Sam are HILARIOUS-they play play play the entire time. OK enough on the cat-the PQ prevailed as we all knew I would ;)

On another note and not one that is very peppy-but on my mind and that's what this blog stuff is all about right-a diary for all the world to see?

My papa is not doing well-this man-I don't have the words for how much I love him and how important he is in my life, and always has been, since the day I was born-literally almost in granny and papa's living room :) you know me-impatient as ever. But anyways the PK and I are headed to Tulsa this weekend for a long over due trip to Tulsa for PK to meet the family and my #1 guy-papa. Its very important to me that they meet before life takes another turn......and by turn I don't mean in the good way. Well not for me or the family. Basically hospice has been called in to help granny several days a week; this doesn't mean that things are changing tomorrow but it definitely puts things in perspective and reality right in your face. All I really want is for him to be at peace and for him to not worry about us.

I have never had a loved one this close (when I have been old enough to realize what is going on) die before. My moms parent's passed and I loved them very much but I was young and didn't understand the magnitude of it or the loss my mom would feel. I can feel this in every inch of me-they say that you are prepared when you know it is coming but I don't think how much you know it is coming that you are prepared.......I am sad. Very sad; but happy that the most important man in my life will meet the other most important man in my life, and soon.

Super Fast......

2009-07-17T06:42:00.002-05:00

OK this is going to be a very quick update-I know that everyone is busy but it seems that more so than ever lately the PQ is.....so here it goes (kind of like Letterman's Top 10, but not as funny-well he isn't funny either sometimes so whatever)...
1. Acquired Cat (you all knew this)
2. Rearranged and Cleaned the Cabin (also moved over some of my furniture)
3. Planned Trip to Tulsa (for those of you who know papa-Schmora and Schme, he is not doing well,-they have called hospice)
4. Prepared for Grant's Birthday (tomorrow)
5. Went to dinner ON Grant's birthday with PK's Ex and her husband and additional children (not the best night I have ever had-going to the dentist may have topped it, but it was for Grant)
6. Lady Bahrenburg's birthday brunch
7. Dinner with Jess
8. Dinner with Dave-Couple thang ;)
9. Lost Hobo-The Cat
10. Found Hobo
11. Taking Hobo to get spayed
12. Taking the dogs in for grooming

OK so that may not sound like allot but on top of work and dinner at home (which I am cooking these days) I stay pretty busy......

For all of you mother's out there that do it all-and I do mean ALL-God Bless you, I don't think I could handle it!

P.S. Wish me luck tomorrow, it's a birthday party on the ex's turf (as Jess would say).....I am thinking about prepping with wine and Andrew gave me a firm NO on that one.....what he doesn't know won't kill him!

The source........

2009-07-07T19:41:00.005-05:00

This face (this sweet, purring, I love you face) has been the one thing that the PQ and the PK do not agree on, and I don't think we ever will.....you see I want to keep her inside now (I tried to hold out 2 days-give me a break) and he is ABSOLUTELY not going to budge.......but she is still here......so she is ours whether he likes it or not!

Never say never........

2009-06-28T21:21:00.002-05:00

Well the garage sale is finished and it was a big success-we sold lots of things, made some money and had a great time with friends while doing it......the heat was not going to out do us! The beer started flowing around Noon and didn't let up until the wee hours of the night.....the front yard was our party central and after some Great Wall Chinese I finally called it a night about 11:30pm-keep in mind PK and I were up at 4:00am yesterday morning and the hard core garage salers were here by 6:30am.......

So back to my never say never-while we were hanging out yesterday evening a new little 4 legged friend strolled up and hasn't left.....that's right I do believe we are proud owners of our first cat. After Grant saw her this morning and then I gave her some milk, we were done for-well I was.....Grant named her "hobo" since she is a wanderer...and we went and bought food and a collar. I am going to call the vet tomorrow and get her all healthy and I guess she will be our first cat after that-officially....the only thing PK and I do agree on is that she is an outside cat-but I can tell I am already being won over with her purring.....even Sam is in love with her-we have never seen him pace and whine to be outside so much. He just goes out there to smell her and sit and watch her.....it really is pretty sweet.....so we have a kitten-never say never.......

21 Days.......

2009-06-25T22:01:00.002-05:00

No I am not on the wagon people-but 21 days since I posted last!!! WOW I am off of the blog track-I need to get back on this train!

Well a lot has been happening lately and we have been very busy at the cabin-we are gearing up for the 1st Annual PK/PQ garage sale-yes this Saturday we officially will be moving out items and combining lives....well the combining has started the past 2 weeks and the PK has had a hard time with letting go of his things-well you know my stuff is better;) But it is all coming together and I will have pics of the new and cleaned out cabin next week......

Also I will be posting much more as the PK upgraded the home PC and we are fast and furious on the net now-not to mention we have a rocking new keyboard that I am pecking away at now.....

So hope all is well with you and yours!

Crawfish anyone? Also known as mudbugs, crawdaddy's, etc........

2009-06-04T18:47:00.006-05:00

Well as most of you know Jess and I ventured to NOLA for Memorial Day weekend; Det and PK stayed behind and we met up with Det's friends that hosted us for the weekend! Thank you to Julie and Tallboy for such a great time and all of the laughs!!!

Basically if you follow this blog you have seen Jess's blog and she summed it up pretty well-there was many a hurricane drank, along with bloody Mary's, beer and whatever else they were selling along Bourbon Street-I think we even had a "hand grenade" or two.......those will getcha where you wanna go and in a hurry, trust me-I was happy and in bed the first night by 9:00pm!

PACE was the word for Saturday, but we still threw down and did NOLA proud! I will have to say that every where we went people were welcoming and friendly-from tourists to bartenders, to regulars at a bar handing out free crawfish to everyone.........I even managed a marriage proposal ;)But I had to decline as the PK truly has my heart.......(insert AHHHHH)-ok but my favorite line ever was "Darlin' (with a LONG southern slang) you are to pretty to fetch my beer, you let Mike go get it and you stand here with me and look good"-Classic!

Some of my fave pics are posted here and check out Jess's too! Again thank you to all and especially the Jacobson's-they had their very first crawfish boil at their new home while we were there; needless to say I didn't take to the little boogers, but the potatoes in that boil were good!!!!

And we're out........literally......well Jess was.......must have been that mint julep ya'll ;)

Fourwheelers + Fires = Field Parties

2009-05-28T21:18:00.004-05:00

The Potato Royalty

(at their finest)

This is an update post from 5.16.09 and all that is the PK's definition of a field party, plus some great pics of the event itself........it should be noted that Jess and I brought wine and actual wine glasses to the event.......hey who said you had to just have beer at these kind of events; besides it gave Det and PK a reason to say "Ya they are with us" all night ;)

Basically the day started off with Jess and I doing our normal Ladies of Saturday errands and a great lunch-you know the normal......pedicures, hair, food, drinks, some food and more drink.....we were looking smokin' for the literally smokin' field party to follow that evening.

Never going to an actual field party before, when I told people about it they were like "what we did in high school" and I had to answer yes, this is what PK and I are now doing in our 30's-whatever it's always a good time if you are with friends-even in a field........so here are some pics for you to enjoy, since I have been told I don't post enough pictures........(btw NOLA posts and pics to follow-there are some good ones so stay tuned).......

PQ on the road........

2009-05-21T21:32:00.002-05:00

So Jess and I are on the road for the weekend-headed to New Orleans, sans Det and that's how come I get to go....

The last few weeks have been busy ones with PK and life and kids (yes i said kids) and friends (love the friends) and wine......anyways I have lots of pics to post from last weekend's field party (no I am not in HS) thrown by PK's friends and himself. Lots of drinks, fire and four wheelers (yes i said four wheelers).........so back to the last few weeks other than the field party.........pretty much it has been life as normal, the cabin and all of its glory and then me and all of my glory.

I think I am gaining weight-lots of weight, it must be love or that I can't keep my hands off of anything bad for me-segway (sp?) into New Orleans! So what's one more weekend....report of all that is good and delicious when I get back!

Kreativ Blogger

2009-05-09T09:51:00.002-05:00

So I live........

Yes I know on your update bar, if you even follow this blog, says that I haven't updated in over 2 weeks......hey I have life happening here people :) But I must do the "Kreativ Blogger Award" that Lady Bahrenburg signed me up for........

One of the responsibilities of this award is to list 7 things that I love in this world along with 7 blogs I love following. These 7 blogs I mention must do the same. Let's do it to it shall we?!

OK so I am starting with 7 things I love, they are pretty simple really........
1. My family (including the PK)
2. My friends
3. Sam and all of my other "adopted" 4 legged little friends
4. Great dinners with good wine (if this included Mashed Potatoes it would be even better)
5. The front porch with a good cup of coffee
6. Ladies of SI-floating and all that comes with it
7. Christmas

The seven blogs I love.......and in no particular order they are:

1. Det, Jess and all the Rest; http://detjessandalltherest.blogspot.com/; this is my main home girl and the one who introduced me to the blog world.

2. What's Going On?, http://brinsfield.blogspot.com/; this is the blogmaster and who introduced Jess to the wonderful world of blogging!

3. Lord and Lady Bahrenburg, http://ladybahrenburg.blogspot.com/; this Lady and I met via work and have bonded over our love of shoes, Chinese and Nuvo:)

These next few blogs are courtesy of Mrs. Det.......

4. Scented Glossy Magazines, http://scentedglossymagazines.blogspot.com/; if you love reality TV than you need to look at this blog!

5. The Pioneer Woman, http://thepioneerwoman.com/; specifically for "Black Heels to Tractor Wheels"-check it out-its a pure country love story.....

6. Barefoot Foodie, http://barefootfoodie.com/; because she will say just about anything and is normally right on and it's hilarious!

7. YNG4EVR, http://yng4evr.blogspot.com/; Jacobsen Jambalaya, http://jacobsenjambalaya.blogspot.com/; Hayden Hutcherson, http://haydenshutch.blogspot.com/ - Just because I like keeping up with all of these girls and what's going on with them!

There ya have it........I must say on the PK's slow ass computer this post took me almost an HOUR-enjoy it!

Refuge.......

2009-04-21T21:24:00.002-05:00

As we speak I am back in the PQ comfort zone of Det/Jess.....a little deck time, a little beer time and a little TV time cable TV that is)....it was such a long day and has been a long week and its only Tuesday-I know some of you can feel me......

So I decided to come over and chillax on my side of the couch for some much over due Ladies of SI time:) PK even couldn't resist and he and Det are chatting it up on the deck. Last I heard Det had him talked into buying a house in SI-that means they have had one too many "buds" :)

There ain't nothing a little cupcake, Jess and housewives can't cure!

PQ + PK Easter Update

2009-04-15T18:31:00.002-05:00

Let's just say that Dallas was awesome! Now we kind of got off to a rough start; left Thursday night and got diverted off of I-35 on our way down due to some serious fires; turned around and drove back to Paul's Valley-went through the Taco Bell drive thru and we were rear ended while in line; then we had to go on a very LONG tour of SE Oklahoma as to miss traffic and fires in order to get to Dallas-we arrived at 12:30am, keep in mind we left at 7:30pm-I was worried this may be a sign of how the weekend would turn out-but I was wrong.....very very wrong...........

PK and I spent allot of time running around and hanging out as my step-dad was sick and my mom was working, but we made the most of it and had a really nice time away. We cooked and drank and cooked and drank some more-the very best kind of mini vacations. Well the matriarch and poppy were very pleased with PK and welcomed him with open arms-I believe that poppy said, and I quote "we are so happy that PQ is happy-if she ain't happy ain't nobody happy" and he is right:)

So really it was just a great time and I was sad to leave my mom......but we are headed back in a few weeks to pick up several IKEA purchases;) told you my PQ touch would be hitting the cabin soon!

This week is busy with work, friends, dinners and cupcakes-as I write this Jess is busy making Turkey cupcakes for PK's event he is hosting this weekend for terminally ill children-isn't he just great! and the cupcakes look AMAZING too-I am happily eating any and all of those that don't make the Jess (Martha) cut........

Hope you all had a happy Easter!

Cabin Fever

2009-04-05T20:19:00.002-05:00

Well not exactly......

So it has been awhile since I have posted and I thought I would catch you up on what the PQ has been up too........

I have been spending a lot of time with Andrew and at his house-better known as the "cabin". You may wonder why I call it the cabin- well that could be because of several reasons; could be because there is no cable (did I mention I was addicted to reality TV) or it may because there is no electricity in the bathroom(blow drying my hair has become quite the challenge) or it has to be because of the "camo" motif throughout the home and let's not forget there is no lack of stuffed and mounted animals......but even with all of these challenges I wouldn't want to be anywhere else:) that and I know in the very NEAR future the cabin will receive a little PQ touch!

Let's see, I met Andrew's mom (went very well) and he meets my parents this weekend, as we are headed for Dallas Thursday evening-Happy Easter! This weekend Andrew has been away hunting (which I will have to get used too and also the concept of the actual hunting of the animals) and I have had some time to myself for errands and such; my OCD called clean kicked in as well and the cabin reaped the benefits! Sam is loving the cabin and Andrew loves Sam, so what more could a mother ask for really? ;)

I have decided to change Andrew from PS1 to PK (potato king); I mean since he is officially not a potential anymore and since I am the queen I need my king:) So PK it is.........

Really that's about it-just all of the normal things in the beginning of any relationship-so this is me signing in from love la la land:) I promise I won't be away this long again........

BTW the CMA's are on tonight-it doesn't get much better in my world than this lately!

New Potato.......New PQ that is......

2009-03-22T12:51:00.002-05:00

People I am officially announcing that PS1 and I are in a relationship........yep I said it, relationship. Things took a turn last week in a serious direction after a very long and mature conversation. I decided to drop my ever present "wall" and then things just happened from there. I have to say I am so HAPPY-I feel so great and am so excited about what is in store for us........he is a wonderful man, genuine and respectful, and completely cares for me.

I know some of you may be shocked, I have to say that Jess was speechless-but can see now that as things have progressed I am in a very real place. I am even taking him to Dallas for Easter-yep to meet the 'rents :) So who knows what is in store for us, but I know this is one ride I am more than willing to take and with Andrew......PS1 to you all :)

Green Beer Day!

2009-03-17T18:13:00.002-05:00

Happy St. Patty's Day peeps! I am sure as you can see by Jess's blog that the weekend was eventful-especially Saturday and the Gibson/Natty Poker Tournament! Needless to say the "screw your neighbor" game started right up upon our arrival and it wasted no time in "screwing" me.......enough said :)

Things continue to progress with PS1 and we went out last night and are scheduled for another date tomorrow night-he is definitely stepping up his game. With that said I did receive another dozen roses last Friday and they were beautiful! I could get used to this people!!!!

So really that's it, just enjoying the weather, the food and the company this evening! I am "cheers'g" to ya'll tonight!!!

All in......

2009-03-11T17:57:00.002-05:00

So the move took place on Saturday-and Det and PS1 were extremely helpful with all of that! All of my stuff is back under one roof-so to speak-and I am so excited to have my bedroom together and my bed back! I kind of haven't wanted to leave my room or that bed!!!

Sunday was fun, Jess and I hung out with Tiffany and we ate too much, drank even more and then spent WAY too much on make-up; but I have to admit my eyes have been opened to a whole other world and what a pretty-shiny-shimmery world that is!

This week is moving right along and we are only 3 days from the weekend!

It's Saturday!

2009-03-07T07:25:00.003-06:00

And that brings with it lot's of errands and some fun at the end of the day.........Det, PS1 and I will be moving all of my things out of storage-finally! YEAH! Now I will not be moving these items into my own place yet, and that's where the down side is-sort of.......I have got to get on this moving thing and figure out what the heck I am doing......until then chez det inherits more PQ items:)

Tonight will bring with it drinks and dinner with the girls-we will be celebrating Katie's new job and her move-with that brings sadness as she leaves the group, but we are excited for her! Tomorrow Jess and I will be brunching with Tiffany at Cafe de Brazil and having some mimosas:)

So all in all a great weekend and hopefully good reports on all levels!!!

The PQ Honest Scrap Award

2009-03-02T19:34:00.007-06:00

So I was tagged in the Honest Scrap Award from my fellow blogger, Amanda; the rules are you have to write 10 true things about yourself.......so here goes........

1. I love Wheel of Fortune-the game show. I secretly want to be a contestant!
2. Even though I put up a tough exterior, I am a softy at heart.......it's all a show. That's it my secrets out:)
3. This isn't new to most people that know me well, but I LOVE reality T.V.-anything.....really I watch it all......even rock of love bus.......and the tool academy.....I know its bad
4. There are only 3 people that really know me......really know me......the good, the bad and the ugly.......it's my mom, my aunt Carla, and Jess.......
5. I would do anything for my family and friends-"those in my circle"- you know who you are:)
6. I have an OCD and its wanting things clean and in their place at all times......drives me nuts...... 7. I hate grocery shopping-with a passion! I would pay someone to do it for me......
8. I have had 2 major surgeries at 20 and was saved from the complications of paralysis. Those 5 months are a blur......
9. I don't trust easily......at all.....so if I trust you, you will know.....
10. Some of my best times have been spent on the lake......grand......ski island.........
11. I mean what I say and I say what I mean-I can't lie and wouldn't want you to lie to me......I don't have time for it.....
12. I LOVED growing up in a small town and in the country..........hence meat and potatoes
13. I can be mean.......I am not proud.......
14. I was completely boy crazy by the time I was in the 4th grade......Mr. Thorn's class and it was Corey Stringfellow (helluva last name-don't play I looked him up on face book)
15. I have 3 major regrets in my life.......if you know me you know what they are.....
16. I have never been in love.....real love.....the kind where the person is accepting of you, all of you.......I thought I was in love once but my heart was broken
17. I have worn the same perfume for the last 12 years.....
18. Sam may be the best decision I have ever made.......moving to Dallas was not......
19. I quit biting my nails last year after starting the horrible habit when I was 11-12?
20. There is nothing I love more than being with family/friends with good food and great beverages.....whether that be Ole' Blue-CowTown-The Illinois River-Trips with my girls.....or just relaxing with everyone in between......

OK-so I guess they only said 10........well I am an only child what can I say.......:)

Date update......

2009-03-02T19:31:00.001-06:00

I have one word for you people.......

ROSES-a dozen red roses-and an extra one too-so 13 in all.....

OK so that was more than one word.......but enough said.

Hint: Reality

2009-02-25T18:30:00.002-06:00

So basically PS1 and I have rescheduled our date from over the weekend to a lunch date on Friday and that is just fine with me:) I am headed out of town so he wanted to see me before I left.....insert collective: AAAAAAHHHHHH

This to is a surprise location date, as was the one for Saturday and the only hint I am getting is Reality TV-knowing I am an addict of anything reality he is quite smug with himself; none the less he said I would really enjoy it and I am sure I will. You will note from my initial posts months ago that I didn't allow him to pick me up; he asked if I was OK with him picking me up at work and I said yes.....see baby steps, baby steps......I like that he remembered:)

Holding Steady.........

2009-02-23T19:12:00.002-06:00

So weekend update; PS1 and I had to reschedule our date on Saturday......he was late getting back from Tulsa and I had been out with girlfriends that day. So we decided to reschedule for later this week.......and I am sure he will not disappoint!

All in all a great weekend-little bit of mint MAC eyeliner and got my hair done as well-you know get your nails done and your hair did:)

PS1 Take Two.......

2009-02-19T17:36:00.004-06:00

So for those of you who don't know PS1 (potential spud #1) has made a second appearance; please see the highlighted link above to catch up!

It goes a little something like this (to the tune of Funky CoMedina).........So PS1 and I had randomly talked off and on since our last date in October; you will remember that I immediately did my "shut down" routine and decided not to see him again. But to his credit he hung in there and stayed in touch here and there and gave me my space........well it had been awhile and we (the girls and I) were wondering where he had gone too; so I got in touch with him yesterday and that led to dinner last night and another date set for Saturday........

I have to say that when I got to dinner last night I was so relaxed and comfortable, very un-potato like, the conversation was easy and I think at some point in the evening I realized that he was genuinely a great guy and even better he genuinely cares about me and is "willing to wait and be as patient as you need".

So needless to say I am going to be open-keep my "light" on (love you mom)-and see where this takes me because something tells me this could be a very fun ride; one I have been waiting on for awhile!

Another year down.......

2009-02-15T17:30:00.003-06:00

So it has come and gone.......Valentine's Day that is......and this year proved to be a very different year than in the past for many of my friends and myself.....meaning that love was all around this year.......

Especially for one of my really great girlfriends inparticular! So excited and happy for her-and things seem to be moving right along in the best direction! Jess and I are sure that 2009 is Wedding 2009-or as Jess has said "Bride Watch 2009":)

That being said I am winding down my weekend with another romantic comedy-my absolute favorite type of movie and some wine, my most favorite choice of drink:)

Happy Sunday!

The Queen XOXOXO

I'm bbbbaaaacccckkkk (like in Poltergeist-but I am not a super-natural demon)

2009-02-11T18:33:00.002-06:00

So I am out from under my rock-the Twilight rock that is; I finished the series (in a record month-all 4 books)! And you all should know I am not an avid reader, not unless it's a wine bottle label (sorry mom:))

You may be asking yourself "what has that Potato Queen been up to?"-well it has been a busy couple of weeks. My social life has picked up at a record pace and I have been going out with girlfriends as well. Other than that just the norm.......no good stories to share......but I am working on that one!

I know you all might faint as I type these next few lines......but here is wishing you all a very happy Valentines Day! I mean it is 2009 and the ice had to start melting at some point:)

XOXOXO
The Queen

Sucked In......

2009-02-02T20:30:00.002-06:00

Ok ya'll I just wanted to let you know I was alive and well......I have been sucked in to the last of the "Twilight" series. I told you it was bad; I was held up in my room yesterday and read 1/2 the damn book!

So I probably won't be back on much until I am finished with the vampire/werewolf love story (that secretly I am wishing I was apart of:))

Here is wishing you all a great week!
XOXOXO
The Queen

Rough Life......

2009-01-26T13:53:00.002-06:00

Well as I sit here and watch the weather outside, as I am warm and snuggly inside and I am off work early due to weather here in OKC; I am watching "Keeping up with the Kardashians"......now I ask you.....do these girls really have a rough life? It doesn't seem so.....I mean granted I am lounging and semi-working from home; but I don't have people falling all over themselves to do everything for me, nor can I just decide I am going to "check out" and go to the spa for the ENTIRE day. Now don't kid yourselves people if I could I would-in a heartbeat!

Speaking of heartbeats, mine is starting to defrost some.....meaning I am starting to open up to the whole "Valentine's Day" thing and it doesn't seem so bad. All this means is that when I finally do have an incredible one it will have all been worth it-the wait that is and it has been a long ass wait! Jess told me to quit being so bitter and I guess she is right, but again I said somewhat defrosting-not defrosted:) I have also decided to start with a clean slate-meaning no boys, guys, men (whatever you want to call them) that don't have my best interest at heart and respect is somewhere in the equation:)

XOXOXOXOX
The Queen

Pink Elephant.....

2009-01-21T21:39:00.003-06:00

So the main topic of discussion at chez det this evening (other than new furniture) was......you guessed it...............CHEATING......

So this is going to be a short post........just one question-the mother of all mothers.......

What is YOUR definition of cheating? HMMMMM

Det seems to think that the exchange of bodily fluids is cheating; be it kissing or the bawchickabawbaw.....

Jess seems to think that its an emotional affair.......as in physical could be forgiven, but you go to an emotional level and its all over......

Me.......well...........I think its a combination of all of the above.......basically if you are dis-respecting someone you are with by showing, exchanging or being on an emotional intimate level with someone else......its cheating.......

'nough said......thoughts?
XOXOOX
The Queen

PS Happy Valentines Day-or Devil's day as I like to call it!

Potato Pad

2009-01-20T20:39:00.002-06:00

Well.....so Jess and I started the Potato Pad search on Sunday and it didn't pan out so well. There just isn't allot to pick from downtown-especially apartment wise and nothing I would spend $1000+ on, I mean it's not Dallas people-it's downtown OKC and Bricktown-now I am not hating but seriously.......so anyways we ended up at Iguana Lounge having good conversation, food and sangria's:) So it wasn't all bad.......

The search continues.....I looked at several more places today/tonight and we'll see what pans out. Do you ever notice how people really talk property up though and then you arrive to be very disappointed......well let's just say that's how it has gone so far.......except for my run in with a fantastic little historical building-converted to apartments, but again its hard to pay what I paid in Dallas for rent......no doubt these are still in the running for me though:)

So that's about it........stay tuned!

XOXOXOXO
The Queen

Times they are a changin'......

2009-01-18T11:14:00.004-06:00

So I have made the decision (after much deliberation) to move out of chez det........yes no more stocked beverage center, homemade meals, wireless Internet, lake view or fancy fires.......I sound like I am idiot leaving all of this huh? Well I am 31....did I just say 31....yuck.....(another blog another day) and it's time to pick back up and move out on my own. Det and Jess have helped me get back on my feet and while I had every intention of buying I think I may rent for now.......so.......my adventurous search begins.......for the perfect potato pad:)

On another note........the one thing I hate worse than E-Harmony (please see blog archives) is headed my way.......yes people Valentines Day. The devils day.....I swear this day was created to make single people feel worse about being single than most of us already do!!! I hate this day with a passion, always have-always will......and let it be known that even when I wasn't single this holiday still sucked! Never in the history of potato-dum has this blasted day been anything about happiness or love. This year I am going to celebrate it my way-now I am not sure what that is yet but I am sure it will involve some wine! (sorry mom-love you)!

XOXOXOX
The Queen

Addiction......

2009-01-12T18:24:00.003-06:00

I have held out long enough and never understood the "Twilight" phenonenum (sp?); but I read the first one, at Jess's suggestion and I fricking was finished with the first one in 2 days. And people for me that's AMAZING since I am not a big reader; I am already into the 2nd book and into the 11th chapter and can't wait to go to bed tonight so I can get wrapped in my little vampire love story once again......

You know it's not a bad gig that Bella has, completely worshiped by her vampire boyfriend....maybe I should take another direction and start searching for the super natural:)

XOXOXO
The Queen

Seriously.....

2009-01-10T12:44:00.003-06:00

I have just spent the last 2 hours searching for a new background and what you see is all I came up with?!

Anyways.....I am excited about tonight-I am headed to Mahogany Steakhouse to have dinner and blow my WW diet even more....really I don't know if I am on this diet at all. I mean my social scene just isn't conducive to counting points when every beer is 2 points! But I am going to try and get some control in where I can.....

The first week of work was good, I am going to like working with this group-they even sent me flowers on my first day! You all know how I feel about flowers and them being delivered to work! This could have only been made more amazing if they had come from a guy who was just thinking of me and wanted to make me smile.....OK so that's a little far fetched but a nice thought-don't ya think?!

So really that's all I got for ya today......it's too cold to be outside and too early to start drinking......points, points, points:)

XOXOXO
The Queen

Off the wagon.....

2009-01-04T09:21:00.003-06:00

So new year's has come and gone.......I partied like a Rock Star in Tecumseh, OK at Cow Town USA. For those of you who are not familiar its a country bar and we were there not only celebrating New Years Eve but also one of my good girlfriends birthdays........lots of beer, lots of music, lots of boys and a big fat headache to follow:)

So needless to say I was not counting points Wednesday evening, nor have I really been counting since Wednesday considering I went out again with the girls from work on Friday night. They took me out for my last day and we celebrated with La Luna Swirls (which were fricking awesome!) and then brought it on home at Club Rodeo.......do you see a theme here? More beer, more music, more boys followed by another headache yesterday:)

Jess on the other hand is committed and is steadfast and staying strong.......she has her doubts about my commitment to the WW point system.....I am getting back on track tomorrow-promise.......

So I know you all are waiting to hear about New Years Eve and some great grand story of how I met the man of my dreams and he has already called and asked me out on a fabulous date and we are completely and totally infatuated with one another already-nope sorry folks no such luck. Did I meet someone yes-I always "meet" people-is he the man of my dreams-far from it.......heard from him before the hour of 11pm-nope and am I completely infatuated-ummm that would be a NO. So the search is still on for 2009.......I am starting to get deterred and about to give up yet again but it is only the 4th day into the New Year.........

Sam on the other hand is the best snuggler a girl could ask for:)

XOXOXOX
The Queen

Counting down towards 2009......

2008-12-29T20:47:00.002-06:00

Or should I say counting points to get my weight down as we head towards 2009! That's right people Jess and I have joined Weight Watchers on line and we have kicked it off tonight-we paid, we logged, we counted points, we are on it! So tomorrow night we are headed to the store to buy groceries for our first weight watchers meals to be cooked from recipes listed on the site.

This decision was made after a very eye opening weigh in, in the chez det master bath and the scale was quickly moved to the kitchen for daily reminders of the horror that we endured this evening.........so needless to say weight watchers quickly followed.

No more LOSIC (Ladies of Ski Island Cocktails), no more "Betty Time" (happy hour), no more wine, no more cakes-cookies-sweets (well unless we save up our points by not eating ANYTHING all week), no more....dare I say it.....MASHED POTATOES! Don't be fooled though-I am on a temporary hiatus from the potatoes not a definite one........

So stay tuned this is where the diary will ensue about the adventure and the walk of life we women call weight watchers-AKA Torture!

XOXOXOXO
The Queen

Undiscovered Territory.......

2008-12-25T19:53:00.003-06:00

Ya'll there is a new kind of potato-yes I thought I knew and had eaten them all.....but my "step" grandmother-AMA- has introduced the Queen to a new spud this year......it comes from Iceland where her and my stepdad SB are from......I will call them AMA potatoes but they are definitely in my top 3! (jess not too be outdone by your new traditional casserole though:))

They are peeled, then boiled and the carmalized in sugar and butter until golden brown.....OMG heaven on a plate-I had 3 helpings and am now headed to change into the ever comfortable PJ's I received for XMAS.......serious these are going to go down as a new and wonderful creation.....

I am off to watch my new boyfriend again "AKA new Spud" Christian Bale in the Dark Night.......I had no idea I liked super heros or motorcycles before this man arrived on the screen......

XOXOXOX
The Queen

Stockings hung by the fire with care......

2008-12-25T09:17:00.002-06:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!! Our stockings are full here at the Golden/Stone house and us girls are waiting to tear through what is under the tree......breakfast is in the works and the dogs even have some surprises from the looks of their stockings!

I wish you all a very merry christmas and hope that you have a wonderful holiday with friends and family! As 2008 comes to a close I realize how truly blessed I am for all of the family and friends in my own life......I love you all; but a certain shout out needs to be said to my #1 SBFF, supporter, counselor, cheerleader and family- Jess! Love ya Jess thanks for always being there for me!

XOXOXOXO
The Queen

Sad News.

2008-12-22T08:27:00.002-06:00

I am little down; Jess called last night with news that Tomot had died.....he had been under the weather and I was trying my best to keep him alive but then I guess the heat went out at chez det and it didn't help his cause......

I was sad-I am sad but I know that he is better off and as most of you will tell me "just a fish"......but he was my fish and he made the journey with Sam and I back home to OKC and lived through partyment with Det, Jess and I. I also thought he was a very beautiful fish-the brightest color of red........Jess assured me that she and Det would bury him for me ( I just couldn't see flushing my fish down the toilet) and bless her heart she said she would even say a little prayer for him-and let's face it Jess and I just aren't very "pray-e" so this meant allot. Such good friends I have and I know it killed her to call me in Dallas to give me the news.......

So 2009 we are down a fish but I am not out.......
XOXOXOX
The Queen

" A Bird's Nest on the Ground....."

2008-12-19T17:24:00.003-06:00

This is the first time I have heard this analogy and of course it relates to me being single......I guess this means I am a "catch"; believe me I have heard them all but never this one......I thought it was pretty cute-shout out Vicki B.

Ok so anyway.....its Friday-I am officially on vacation for the entire week! It needs to be said that chez det has kicked it up another notch and now we have wireless in the house! So as Jess is cooking our XMAS dinner for tonight's celebration I am sitting at the counter, enjoying a "bud heavy" and talking to you! I swear if they keep adding cool shit like this I may never move out!

Side note: Jess is making a Mashed Potato Lasagna-yes people I said Mashed Potato Lasagna! My world is complete when Italian carbs and my most favorite carbs collide! It's a Paula dean winner-and Jess let me help pick the menu!!! I am so excited-who needs chocolate when you have heavy cream!!! I of course am drinking the wine and making the famous Queen "rock star salad"-you know that I have forever been assigned to side dishes right?

I need to update and tell you that I accepted a new job and start the 6th; I am very excited and looking forward to getting settled- however it needs to be said to my SSO girls that I am going to miss seeing them everyday and all of the fun convos we have:) Shout out......sorry don't know what it is with the shout out tonight......

So let's see I leave for Big D tomorrow; I am very excited to see the Matriarch and the Poppie and most of all my beloved Sam!!!! It should be a very fun filled and busy week-shopping is on the agenda! With that said....have a great weekend......I am off for another "bud heavy" from the chez det beverage center....seriously see what I mean.....I may never leave:)

XOXOXO
The Queen

Old Fashioned Christmas

2008-12-16T20:40:00.002-06:00

So as the holiday approaches and I am in a very different place then I have been in years past........I started thinking the other day what I missed about the holidays when I was a little girl. Do you know what I miss the most? Christmas Caroling.....now I am not saying I was the best at it; but I can remember all of the family (immediate and extended) gathering at my Aunt Virginia's and having lots of Christmas goodies and then the older kids would gather all of us younger kids and take us caroling......I distinctively remember one year coming back and falling asleep to Santa's Sleigh Bells.........

Oh those were the days.......I can't complain though-I am looking forward to a holiday season spent with family and friends and re-focusing on the real meaning of the season! I have to admit that I miss Santa on Christmas morning, but my mom's hugs and hot chocolate aren't too shabby either!

So this was a little sappy-but it is Christmas damnit :) So to bring you back down to Potato reality, don't kid yourself Jess and I are planning on Hot Chocolate (with a little something something thrown in) , an awesome meal Friday night and XMAS movies-all to celebrate our holiday together!

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year-2009 will be the year of the Potato I can feel it:)

XOXOX
The Queen

All the Single Ladies!

2008-12-08T18:42:00.003-06:00

Well the weekend trip to Dallas with my girls from work got off to a slow start, but it got fired up pretty quickly after our arrival! After we did some shopping during the afternoon on Saturday it was back to the hotel where we power napped and then began the getting ready process for our big evening out, and what an evening it ended up being:)

We dined at Hotel Za Za at Dragonfly; we were hoping to see some celebrities but a whole bunch of Santa's showed up instead-a cowboy one caught Staci and mine's eye! Dinner was amazing, and I would have to add that our little waiter "tator tot" was adorable and very sweet-he even brought us all flowers (his name really was tate), and we continued our evening at the bar there as we watched the last of the OU game and our victory!!!

After that we headed out to do some dancing and after some nice young gentlemen offered some drinks we were set for the night; ended up at another dance club and the throwing of "deuces" ensued-that was Staci's signature dance move that night:) Pictures to follow later......there are some good ones! All in all a pretty eventful trip with lots of good little stories along the way!

Hope this finds you all getting ready for the holiday and staying warm!
XOXOXO
The Queen

I did have......

2008-12-04T07:06:00.002-06:00

this friend, a really really good friend named "schme" and in the past he visited my blog often and would leave very witty comments. I haven't seen or heard from him in quite some time and am wondering if any of you know where he may have gone?

Schme if you are out there-we (as in Jess, me and Amanda) miss you and we would like to hear from you very much! And don't give me any crap about work and life and yada yada yada! Get in touch with us-BEFORE XMAS! If not you get coal this year-no lie I talked to the man himself!

XOXOXOXO
The Queen

Living the dream......in Det style!

2008-12-03T07:26:00.005-06:00

Well OK not exactly my dream, but if you have been keeping up with the blog you know what I am going to talk about; if you have been living under a rock then I am happy to announce that we (det, jess and all the rest) have officially moved into the hizouse!

So the house is awesome (for pics see above link) and we are all excited to be out of the apartment......Jess was so excited we already have XMAS cheer up in this biotch:) Seriously it is really great and I am really happy for them; my room of course will be awesome and it is much home-ier (sp?) than partyment...........Sam has been on an elongated vacation with JJ and Poppie (my mom and SB) since Thanksgiving, but he will be reunited to the new environment after XMAS.....we are gearing up for the holidays and I believe that baking will commence here in the next week or two......I usually drink wine while Mama cat and Jess do all of the baking....

So here comes 2009 and just possibly it could be a good potential spud year! Speaking of that my secret Santa got me the greatest candidate of all:XOXOXOXOXO
The Queen

Happy "Thanks-gibbing"

2008-11-27T13:33:00.004-06:00

So today is turkey day and one year ago today I was in St. Thomas and was on a snorkeling boat headed out to sea.......that's right the fam and I were on a 7 day cruise and last Thanksgiving found us out on a snorkeling excursion that was really pretty great-it was definitely a one of a kind! We actually ended up on a local private island before heading back to the boat and in true "potato" fashion I made friends with the locals on the beach at their holiday meal and grabbed some green bean casserole (hey what can I say-they weren't offering traditional Thanksgiving on the boat and you gotta get your Durkee where you can)........my mom and SB were actually exchanging "I do's" on this trip of ours and it was really one to remember-my title basically says it all-we were always greeted every night by our favorite waiters at dinner and they being of Asian decent tried their best to greet us westerners with "Happy Thanksgibbing", it was really very sweet. It reminded me of the Christmas Story and the family in the Chinese restaurant celebrating and being with family-which is all that really matters, right?! right!

I am here in Dallas this year (just arrived about an hour ago) and am with most of the family again this year-sans the step-sisters (who are doing the split holiday thang-love you guys) and the newly adopted grand-parentals-Ama and Avi:) They will all be missed at the traditional Stone/Golden feast!

As we speak the "Det's" are moving out of the old and into the new-so to speak-Casa La Bad Ass is complete and it is ready to move out of partyment-I will be back on site Saturday to help finish the transition; hey I was there all day yesterday cleaning-so I helped somewhat, you all know how I feel about the manual labor;)

So here is wishing you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving! I am very blessed this year and every year to have the friends and family around me that I do-It's what I am MOST

thankful for!

XOXOXOX
The Queen

Sexiest Man Alive......

2008-11-21T07:55:00.003-06:00

So People Magazine has put out their yearly edition of "The Sexiest Man Alive" and Hugh Jackman is the winner this year. Of course this wasn't any big surprise to me since his hit movie Australia is being talked about all over the place; but let's face it X-Men just wouldn't have gotten him here, ya think?

Anyways-I was wondering if men in general look at these magazines specifically when their own gender is being "judged" of sorts and wonder "do i measure up", "does my hair look that great?", "is my bone structure the be envied?". I only ask this because as women we are subjected to beauties on pages all the time and comparing ourselves has become the norm, which is said in a way.......like we need to look a certain way to be considered "beautiful"; so I was wondering if men ever felt the same about feeling the "sexiest or most handsome"?

And why are only celebrities and song writers/musicians taken into consideration as beautiful people; because they are the ones we see everyday? I mean if you are going to label something as "the sexiest-most beautiful-attractive alive" shouldn't you take into consideration the entire population?! I mean I am sure we have some pretty sexy/beautiful people here in Oklahoma and it probably doesn't have anything to do with their looks? Do you get where I am going here people?

So happy Friday to all of you Sexy, Strong, Beautiful, Kind Hearted, Loving men/women out there-you all deserve to grace the covers of magazines!

XOXOXOXO
The Queen

PS Hugh Jackman is pretty hot though and has stepped his game up recently:)

It really is all around me.......seriously.

2008-11-16T18:32:00.002-06:00

There is something not right about going out on a Friday night and even a mutual male friend propositioning me about having a baby-his baby no less. I mean like I said earlier it is in the water, not only in the water but in the air, in my food, in everything I touch and in everyone I am close with; even my girlfriend's mutual guy friend that met us out Friday night was whipping out pics of his son and turning in early because he was on parent duty the next AM. I really have no words.......I mean I know and understand that everyone is moving on in life and everyone is going in different directions but seriously everyone around me is headed down baby lane-and some are in the baby express lane.......maybe one day I will be there too and all of this will make sense.....

Oh and BTW my answer to the lovely baby proposition was-"I think you should have another shot"

XOXOXOX
The Queen

It is in the water.....

2008-11-12T18:37:00.002-06:00

Seriously! Everyone around me seems to either be pregnant, wants to pregnant or is trying......to name a few.....
1. Jess (wants to and is trying-and thinks she might be)
2. Someone I know-but can't reveal (due to confidentiality)
3. My nail tech (wants to be pregnant)
4. Alice (Mama & Papa Cat's pet raccoon)-is pregnant-yes a raccoon people!

OK....so the last one is an animal and its only really 3 people but really I think everyone around me and I run into is pregnant. I however am NOT pregnant-just to clear that up........not that anyone was worried.....

OK so really that's all I got as of late.....the house continues to move along, we are almost ready to move out of partyment-the holidays are upon us and all is right with the world!

Hope this finds you all gearing up for turkey day!!!!
XOXOXOXO
The Queen

PS The CMA's are on tonight people-that is the Country Music Awards!!!

VOTE 2008.......

2008-11-04T07:20:00.003-06:00

So my first thought this morning was......".it's election day.....damn the liquor stores don't open until after the polls close".......do you think this may be a problem? No seriously the only reason I thought that was because I am meeting a friend after work to chit chat and I am supposed to bring the wine.......but I was thinking why is that, that liquor stores don't open until after the polls close but you can go buy all the beer you want at the closest convenient store? Do they think you are going to get lit up and not make the right decision? Plenty of people are doing that sober......

My other thought was I thought that church and state were supposed to be separate; why then are most polling locations at churches? Just a thought I had.......

Happy voting and may God be with us in the next 4 years-regardless of who wins; we'll need God in the times we are about to face as a nation.......

XOXOXOX
The Queen

The Pick Up Artist.....

2008-11-03T06:52:00.002-06:00

No not me.......but have you ever seen this show? Its completely ridiculous and absolutely the reason why there aren't any PS out there, I am sure of it......I mean if you have to go on a show to be taught how to "pick" up women by some some guy who looks like a side show circus freak-that claims he has the market cornered on this "craft" then all of us single women in America have serious problems......

They call us "sets", a group of women to approach is a "set".......the last I recalled we were called women-trying to have a good time with friends until dumbasses like them approach with lame ass questions........anyways the reason for this blog is a new term they threw at me last night......."keno".......basically a "set" showed one of these poor souls some "keno" and he couldn't respond to our Chris Angel look alike's liking.......what the hell is all of this anyway.....so if you watch this train wreck and know what this term means please enlighten me so I don't go around showing it the next time I am out and get approached by a "pick up artist"..........ugh.......still single and still looking for the main spud......it's no wonder when I have crap like this to compete with......

XOXOXOXO
The Queen

2008-10-31T07:17:00.002-05:00

Wishing you all a very HAPPY HALLOWEEN! May you eat candy until you feel sick:)
I am looking forward to Jess's mom's spin on the holiday with all kinds of fun things to nibble on-and her Halloween attire can't be beat! You rock Mama Cat!!!

XOXOXOXO

The Queen

Today's Horoscope for all of you Virgos..........

2008-10-29T07:20:00.005-05:00

Right now, you need to separate your unrealistic goals from the goals you can reach.

Overview

You are the master at spotting the one detail that throws off everything else and have saved friends and family from countless minor disasters. Today, though, you may need to let them make their mistakes.

So for me the unrealistic goals may be my outlook on money..........I need to start small and move from there.....no doubt I am totally stoked about moving into the newly revamped jess/det, but can't help thinking about my own place too........

Happy Hump Day!
XOXOXO

The Queen

Bad Childhood......Good Life........

2008-10-28T07:05:00.003-05:00

This is the title of the new book I am currently reading.......of course by Dr. Laura and all her wisdom regarding the subject. So far I have learned that there are several habits I have formed from this "bad childhood...." which are:
1. Victim identity
2. Reward
3. Familiar Routines
4. Revenge
5. Dependency
6. Excuses
7. Avoiding Challenges (now if this were conflict it would not relate to me:))
8. Being the "Center of the Universe" (what child isn't when they are young)
9. Fear of Change (OK so this one relates to me somewhat)

I am telling you this is a pretty feel good read.......of course I am totally being sarcastic...........So some of this I understand-some of it I get; but I am here to tell you that not all of my childhood was bad-there were allot of good parts and memories thrown in there as well...........sure there are things I need to work through, sure some of those are because of experiences in the past or lack of certain relationships.........but while I don't have all 9 "emotional crutches" listed above, there are some I can relate too.........I guess what I am trying to say is that don't we all have things that have happened-don't we all have things we would like to change or have different outcomes from stuff that happened in our past, childhood or not....?

I just pose the question because this book really got me feeling like I am or may be (and I quote) "stuck in my childhood ugliness for decades, sometimes forever, angry, bitter, self destructive, depressed, anxious, or just generally out of control and way off any positive track." Now I will be the first to admit that I have been there and done that-well most of it-and have learned (still learning at times); but can anyone else see themselves in some of this description.......come on people help me out here I feel like I may be the only raging, damaged, adult child out there.......:)

You know all of this is a bunch of crap right? I mean not me and some of the feelings-but this book?! Seriously......people can grow, learn and break cycles-it happens every day.........it may just take some of us longer than others.......

Pretty heavy for Tuesday huh-I think it may be PMS.......
XOXOXOOX
The Queen (or "Queenie" for you Amanda:))

PS . Does this look like a raging, damaged adult child? No-Just one cramming her face full of Mickey D's and finding some relief:)

Urban....Potato? Maybe.....

2008-10-22T19:50:00.006-05:00

Ya know like URBAN COWBOY:) So here it is what ya'll have been waiting for......OU/KS Tailgate!!!! As some of you have categorized as the "Shackin" evening (which there was none of BTW)........

This was such a fun day! I mean how do you go wrong in an atmosphere where everyone is there for the same reason.....drinking, football, more beer, food throw in some more beer and you pretty much get the picture.......my cousin's sorority did a float in the homecoming parade (see pictures) and I even ran into the fam (see more pictures)-I even met the Senator, Jim Inhoff, for Christ's sake....which by the way was a story in itself......pretty random:)

Too wrap up this great day-the queen ended up in Tecumseh, OK-yes people- Tecumseh-at a bar called Cow Town and rode a mechanical bull......you really can't say I don't live life or make the most of every experience:)

Enjoy-
XOXOXO
The Queen

Sac-Religious (sp?)

2008-10-22T07:41:00.002-05:00

OK quick post here......Jess and I were watching TV last night (not out of the norm-BTW we missed Real Housewives of Atlanta-no one say what happened; we're holding out for the repeat).....anyways......and this commercial came on about mashed potatoes. But instead of it being the real deal they have supposedly come up with a substitute.......a very "homemade" substitute! They pictured this women laboring over peeling potatoes (seriously its not that hard) and suggested it was just too much work to make the real thing!

Ore-Ida ain't got nothing on the real thing!!!! And I am here to tell you, the day that plugging a bag into the microwave to make mashed potatoes becomes the "norm"-that's the day I role over in my grave and right back to the real thing!!!!!

XOXOXOXO
The Queen

PS OU/KS post and pics coming soon........pretty good stuff!

PSS I decided Jess's babies will call me "Queenie"; this will be my awesome auntie name:)

Lots O' New!

2008-10-14T07:22:00.002-05:00

Ok peeps, Det, Jess and all the rest is getting ready to blog away! I just know it! The old computer is back with a fancy new monitor and she will be able to access all of her picture making greatness! She has allot to share and i won't blow the surprise for you all-but its all so cool!!!!! And not to rub it in, but I get to chill there the next several months!!!!

OK-So anyways....it's Tuesday-ladifrickinda.........

Good news-Potato Matriarch is coming to visit tomorrow for several days; i haven't seen her since i moved back so i am so excited!!!!

Big news at the 'partyment" last night-creepy guy in our parking lot sent by gut check off so we called the patrol in the lot and low and behold 6 cop cars showed up and the guy got the tazor action and taken off to jail.....along with the towage of his car......I awoke to Det telling me their were cops in our apartment that wanted to talk to me-not what you expect at 10:30pm when you had just drifted off the an awesome sleep-but I gave it and then i think the cop may have been extra chatty with me-he must be hard up if that was flirting, as my hair was tussled and no make-up was on my face and I am sure night breath had already kicked in......

XOXOXOXO
The Queen

I wonder how Mack Brown is feeling.....

2008-10-13T07:09:00.004-05:00

After his nice win on Saturday and paying off the refs! I have never, since the Oregon game, seen worse calls against OU or not in our favor at all....... 2 personal foul calls on Lewis that were anything but ( I mean the guy was trying to hold him up) and then we clearly had an interception in the end zone and Texas knew it as they left no time on their field goal kick and left us no time to decide to review the play!!!!

I would be the first one to tell you if we played a bad game and a loss is a loss, but this loss was hard to take; 1 because its Texas and 2 because we did and do have the better team. Did you see Sam Bradford's stats for the game?!!!! Anyways......so we have another year to listen to the looser horns gloat.......let them have their day, they know who is better and they won by default.....

Hope your teams did well-I have to say I can't believe that OSU #17 beat #4 Mizzou.....again all top 5 teams (other than Alabama who didn't play) got beat........so we'll see where the polls end up this week as we take on KU this weekend!!!!

Happy Monday-and Columbus Day!
XOXOXOXO
The Queen

Baby or not to Baby.........

2008-10-09T21:37:00.007-05:00

That is the question.......Det Jess and all the rest is considering (not considering-she is ready) about having a baby......I mean (its hard to write this as she is over my shoulder)........

But seriously, lets talk about this.......I think that what bothers me about this baby thing is that I can relate to everything else in Jess's life, all of the experiences we have had and share.....I can't relate to a baby....I don't have one (except Sam-Love you Sam) and I am not anywhere near one happening......

We are close so when someone you love is going through life experiences its comforting to help them along the way........I can't comfort, I can't say I know how you feel, I can't say "oh i know how that is"......its just something I will be there for, but not helpful in.....

This is an unknown territory for me, one I know we would cross, but man it sure snuck the hell up on me and i am not prepared........

All I can say is I better get prepared, because when the new house hits-its baby making time and the fricking new enviroment isn't helping me......so .........here we go baby........

XOXOXOXO
The Queen

P.S. Did I mention I was SINGLE and looking for my MAIN SPUD!!!!!

Nothing....

2008-10-07T18:34:00.002-05:00

People I got nothing.....I have no PS#2-no news from #1 (which there wouldn't be) and no prospects on the horizon! I do have some pics coming your way from this past Saturday night-would tell you more about it,but don't recall a whole heckofalot........good times:)
XOXOXOX
The Queen

I said it........

2008-09-30T20:02:00.002-05:00

Well so I let PS#1 know today that we were better off as friends......he said he was disappointed.....but I feel so much better and just being honest is always a good thing!

I have a busy weekend coming up, and maybe a PS#2 will fall on the scene, but if not....I guess that's OK too-I guess..........

By the way-did you all know that OU is #1!!!!! Boomer Sooner!!!!
XOXOXO
The Queen

So here's the recap.......

2008-09-27T17:20:00.002-05:00

Well I survived, as I am sure you all knew I would:) and I decided this dating thing may not be such a bad deal.......it went a little something like this.....

Dinner-Good
Conversation-Good
Wine-Good
Sparks-No

So there was not really any chemistry on my part-but I really think that he is a nice guy......and you pretty much know how that goes........

I am really glad I took the step to go out though:) Here's hoping we have a PS#2 around the corner!

XOXOXO
The Queen

3 hours and counting.......

2008-09-26T17:31:00.002-05:00

OK so we are down to the wire and with 3 hours to go-I have had 3 glasses of wine.........i am getting ready to get ready.....so i leave you with this......dinner,drinks and conversation with an old friend-no "date" included (except the payment of the meal).........

Here's hoping i can be a sweet potato......

XOXOXOXO
The Queen

D-Day.......

2008-09-25T21:30:00.005-05:00

(this is "the look" for ya'll that don't know-and sums up the feeling)

Ok ya'll tomorrow is D-day, better known as date day.......today was not a good day-anxiousness and nerves have all got the best of me........its been so bad Det couldn't stand it and took Jess and I to dinner......of course we talked about "the date"......at this point I think I have built this way up,-but really its all in my head.....doesn't remove the fact that i am petrified.....just of the entire word "DATE"......and all that comes with that.......I actually asked Jess why god couldn't just plop it in my lap, but i know that's not realistic. I think at this point you all should feel bad for PS#1......he is clueless-he made reservations, need i say more.

On another note-after the discussion with Det and Jess-I decided that i am going to take a different angle on this and just worry about me and where i am at in all of this, instead of worrying about the other person-because lets get real its always been about the other person to me.....so d-day tomorrow-we are on a count down......

I got my haircut tonight-color good-bangs short.......love the red shirt.....

XOXOXO
Tam

PS Jess and Det's house is rocking!!!! she hasn't posted in forever-their computer has a bug and its hard to upload pics-but when she does you all will see all of the progress-bawchickabawbaw!!!!

PSS-i know i am not marrying this guy-and for all of you that think I am taking this too seriously then you don't know me very well and there is no explanation needed for you peeps!

Ready-Set-RED.......

2008-09-23T22:10:00.002-05:00

I have decided on an outfit for Friday night with the help of Det and Jess, well basically Det told me what looked like a "grandma" dress and Jess generously offered her AWESOME red top that i love!!! So basically its going to be dark, long blue jeans-red top-black heels and some accessories........plus it doesn't hurt I already had a hair appt. Thursday night!

I am feeling pretty good about the outfit-I will feel good in it.....this is key at this stage......

I also have to admit that walking this evening did a body good-but the beer did it better and relaxed me more.....Jess promised me wine on Friday night.......:)

More tomorrow.......
XOXOXOX
The Queen

What is that in the sky.....a bird....a plane.....no its a PIG!

2008-09-23T07:38:00.002-05:00

That's right people pigs have officially flown and I think the little bastards are skating on the ice that froze hell over too! OK maybe its not that dramatic, but what I am trying to say is I have officially been asked out on a grown up date! You know the kind where the guy asks, picks a place to take you to eat, sets a time and then PAYS for the meal! Now several of you may think I am over exaggerating-and this just isn't so.........my only "dates" have been the kind where you "hang out", not really formal......this should say allot about the guys I have been "hanging out" with..........

So ya PS#1 (and that's potential spud #1, not PlayStation-I don't why I have him numbered its not like we have more than one we are dealing with at this point) has stepped up to the plate and now the real anxiety for me kicks in......you see I think I have explained before I am not a good dater-AT ALL......I get all freaked out, anxious, sweat-over just a little dinner and some manners. I really think its just an unknown situation for me so I really don't know how to act and the control is no longer in my hands-which is a huge problem.......so anyways.......PS#1 is a really nice, guys guy that used to be an old neighbor of mine and I ran into him Saturday evening over in my old 'hood. Jess was with me too but left early as I stayed to visit......he drove me home (another shocker) and that was that-well that is after asking me out to dinner and i decided to take another route and accept an actual invitation.

Here's where I bring you all into this........I am going to post about all the anxiety leading up to this date on Friday at 7:00pm. And I have already kicked myself......Amanda/Jess get ready to smack your faces.....last night as he gave me the details about picking me up and so on, the picking me up threw me off, so I decided that I would tell him I would meet him at his house and we could go from there-he was like that is kind of weird-and I was like why, and he said well TD (his nickname for me) call me old school but normally a guy picks a girl up when they go out to eat-see what I mean, I am no good at this..........but I don't feel bad for him I warned him I was weird, difficult and allot of trouble......he just said he didn't mind, he liked me just as I was and he'd see me Friday........I am in trouble-BIG trouble!

XOXOXOX
The Queen

BTW: for you inquiring minds-I am going to Charlie Newtons-although he offered a another place that had great wine (since you know I love wine), but I opted for comfort food-figured I would need it!

Douche Bag (sp?)

2008-09-19T23:23:00.002-05:00

Let me just say....... (Brandi).........we were out this evening and WHOA boy did jess give the what for.....that was about the end of the evening until jesus showed up.....and we decidied to drinksome more..........XOLXOXOXO the queen.....as the queeen......

Introducing.......Hailey Jolynn

2008-09-18T07:37:00.004-05:00

My oldest, and I do mean oldest-I have known Laura since the 8th grade when we were in camp together (almost as long as I have known Schme-6th grade), and dearest friend Laura and her husband have had a baby! A baby girl that is.......Hailey JoLynn ......

Adorable, huh? I even held her without dropping her, this is a big step up for me-I am completely unfamiliar with children...... Well she is wearing the wrong team, but you have to blame that on the parents....heheh! She was born on September 1st, and that should be noted its the same day as our potato matriarch's birthday and a day before mine, the child is destined to love mashed potatoes!

Congratulations Laura and Don!

XOXOXOXOX
The Queen

12% or so they say.......

2008-09-15T20:00:00.004-05:00

Main Entry: cheat
Pronunciation: \ˈchēt\
Function: verb
Etymology: cheat
Date: 1590
synonyms cheat , cozen , defraud , swindle mean to get something by dishonesty or deception. cheat suggests using trickery that escapes observation . cozen implies artful persuading or flattering to attain a thing or a purpose . defraud stresses depriving one of his or her rights and usually connotes deliberate perversion of the truth . swindle implies large-scale cheating by misrepresentation or abuse of confidence .

Well if you missed Oprah last Thursday you missed a doozie......it created much discussion at my office last Friday amongst all of us girls and boy did we have allot to say! Basically it was all about cheating and why men do it-specifically focused around men.....they had expert after expert give all sorts of analysis and then even the bravest souls (the cheaters themselves) give their own testimonials......it was all the same, men cheat because they are missing something at home, but really their egos need to be inflated if you ask me.....and that's what some of the men said themselves......attention. It all boils down to the attention......really for both men and women, men may be driven by attraction and women by emotion but its all about attention and ego......

The second half of the show gave some statistics that I thought were pretty interesting.....specifically that 12% of men, no matter what will cheat and have no regrets or any remorse and more than likely will cheat again.....continually.....again and again......this is funny to me, although I know its not a funny topic but out of all of the men in the world I think that I have been involved with the majority of this 12% :) Hence that I am still lookin' for my main spud!

Lesson here-always listen to your instincts, its the truest voice you will ever hear.......
XOXOXOXOX
The Queen