Flashback Saturday-Oops!

I missed posting yesterday, so here it is:
April 1984:
With one month til Prom, I found the dress I wanted, a beautiful lavender color with lacy sleeves and ruffles at the bottom.  One of the sleeves was torn, so the shopkeeper told me I could have it for $80 instead of $99.  Mom bought it for me after seeing me in it, after I assured her I had every intention of attending my Senior Prom.

Next step:  Find a date.
I screwed up my courage and during a private moment before school began, asked B if he'd take me.  A look of chagrin crossed his face.

"Remember after Senior Night at the ballgame, when J's parents took our picture?  She asked me to take her.  You and I weren't talking at the moment, so I said yes."

"You can't get out of it?"

"No.  God, I'm so sorry.  I think F still needs a date."

"I don't want to go with F.  I'll find my own date, thankyouverymuch, even if I have to ask the guy two doors down."  I stalked off and went to the IMC, and told friends K and T about my dilemma.

K said, "My friend BR has been after me to introduce you to him.  He thinks you're good looking, but is too shy to meet you on his own."

I was intrigued, and agreed to meet BR the next day.

We ended hitting it off, and he agreed to take me to the Prom.

Disaster Strikes
The week before Prom, BR caught me before school with some bad news.

"The play I'm in this weekend?  My understudy's in the hospital and can't take my place.  I have to be there Friday night."

I panicked.  I went back to the IMC and told K to square things with his girlfriend, so he could take me to the dance.  I had three days to find a date, since on Thursday I would be on a field trip with the Head Start kids at the Children's Museum/

K said he would contact his g/f that evening.

Wednesday morning, he reported he couldn't get a hold of her, but said he'd take me anyway.  I dragged him down to meet Mom, get his address (since his driver's license was suspended and I didn't have mine yet), and that we'd take care of everything else.  I didn't care if he couldn't wear a tux; a suit would be fine.  Relieved, we went back to class.

I had a fantastic time at the Children's Museum with my kids, then Friday was a bundle of nerves.  Seniors were being dismissed at noon, so all we did 2nd period was go tour the gym and talk about our dates and what we were wearing.  Since I had no classes until 6th period, I hung around Mom's office till her lunch hour.  She took me to McD's for lunch, then took me home to relax and get ready.

I took a long bath, followed by a shower, then did my hair and makeup with shaking hands, and dressed.
Mom took a few pictures of me in my dress, then we left to go get K.  About five minutes from his home, Dad asked me how I was feeling.

"Is it too late to cancel everything and take me home?" I tried to joke about it.

Mom smiled and patted my hand, then we arrived at his house.  They dropped us off at Arni's, where we soon fell back into 'friend' mode.  When we were finished, Mom and Dad arrived and we went to the dance.

"Go Back To The Balcony with the Other Parents, Please?"
We had our pictures taken, made the rounds of the four specialty corners, and found people to talk to.  I got frustrated with my mom, who was walking around taking pictures of various kids she liked.  I wasn't happy with her 'following' me around, so I got a little short with her.  Then after losing my self-consciousness, found her and apologized.

B and J showed up in time for the Grand March, and they danced next to us during the final song, Against All Odds by Phil Collins.  Then midnight arrived; K and I found my parents we took him home.  I went home and collapsed into bed.  It hadn't been the Prom I'd always dreamed of, but I was happy I'd went.

Mom told me the next morning she'd received a phone call around 2am, asking if she knew I wasn't at the After Prom!

"She's sound asleep in bed."

"Are you sure?"

"We live 6 miles from town and she has no driver's license.  I'm sure."

I was a little miffed she told whoever had called about my non-driving ability, but I got over it.

Next Month:  Graduation!!!

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Present Day:
I've been a bad blogger.  There's no time during the day, and I'm usually too tired at night.

I'm singing the 11 am service tomorrow, so I'm going to karaoke tonight!  Songs I plan to sing include:
God Bless The USA
Goodbye Earl
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Don't Pay The Ferryman
Edge of 17

April Reading Schedule

March Recap:
Weather:  
In like a lion (began with snow storm) and ended like a lamb (70 degree weather!)

Books Read:
9, with 3 DNF

Karaoke:
Had problems attending, due to weather.  Did not add any new ones, yet sang 6 'G' titles.

Health/Exercise:
Managed to gain back two pounds over spring break and the week MDQ and ME visited.

Submission/Writing:
Kenzie's aliens were rejected, but easily fixed; sent it off to FB.  Beta readers enjoyed my hotel story!  Finished Ch 2 on 2nd alien book.

April Reading Schedule:
Print:
Political Suicide-Michael Palmer Different from the med thrillers, but a page turner!  RR

E-book:
Disappear-Mary Martinez Wonderful!  RR
Quiet-MM Loved it!  RR
Second Time's The Charm-Melissa Keir Loved it!! Can hardly wait for next one!  RR
Mutual Release-Liz Crowe

            Her Story antho-Dorothy Abrams, et al 

            Trouble with a Cowboy-Sandy Sullivan  

            Unforgettable You-Marci Boudreaux 

            Sweeter Than Sugar-Sandra Sookoo 

The Gentleman’s Harlot- Natalie Dae  

            Mark’s Crush (Finding Happiness)-Diana DiRicci 

            Almost A Virgin-Berengaria Brown 

The      Vicar’s Virgin-BB  

A Promising Virgin-BB  

Karaoke Songs:
Go Rest High on that Mountain-Vince Gill
God Bless The USA-Lee Greenwood Received applause!
Goodbye Earl-Dixie Chicks Not bad
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road-Elton John Okay
Goodnight Sweetheart Goodnight-Spaniels
Got A Hold On Me-Christine McVie
Got My Mind Set On You-George Harrison

Flashback Friday

March 2004:
Being a new mom again after ten years was quite an adjustment.  I'd given everything away, furniture-wise, and all the boy clothing held rotting elastic.  Sara had destroyed the onezies and little drawstring nightgowns with her acid reflux; I was going to need all new baby items.

We had received some early gifts, and the night we arrived home, our neighbor showed up with a truckload of items donated from her church.  A brand new pack-n-play; sleepers; gowns; onezies; socks; bottles; diapers....you name it.

"Feed the birds..."
Three weeks later, we were due to travel to the MIL's house, to celebrate the spouse's birthday and so Grandma could meet her newest grandchild.  But on Friday, my older two decided to watch Mary Poppins.  All was fine until 'Feed The Birds' song was sung.  Suddenly, I was overwhelmed with tears, and no logical reason.  I shut myself in the bedroom and thought I could get myself back under control.  No.  Every time I'd stop, wash my face, and think I could leave my bedroom, I'd hear 'Feel the birds...tuppence a bag...' and the tears would fall again.

Fifteen minutes later, I decided to enlist the spouse's help and asked him to come in.  I asked him to hold me, and all he could do was ask me why I was crying, and couldn't accept an 'I don't know' answer.  I finally told him I thought it was post-partum depression.  He told me to get in bed and he'd take care of the baby and the older two.  Still sniffing, I got into bed and pulled the covers over my head.

I woke up 12 hours later with boobs so full of milk, I hurt.  Thankfully, W woke up and I nursed him til he was full.  By this time, everyone else was up, but I was still so sore.  I got out the breast pump and pumped another ounce and a half out, then showered, packed, and we left.  All went well that weekend.

I was also secretly pleased; I'd been trying to give up sex for Lent many times, but the spouse refused.  This time, I had an excuse:  W was born in the middle of Lent; I was unable to have sex until after Easter.  Finally, my desired Lenten 'give up' would be realized:)

Next Month:  Christening and Baby Shower

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Present Day:
March Madness:
I'm still doing well on my bracket; last weekend I was 25/32 and 10/16.  Last night, I was 3/4:)  Hoping I do as well tonight and this weekend!

No 'Roke This Weekend!
Why?  Because I have to be at church by 7:30 am on Sunday, and I've been late the last two times.

Spring Break Officially Over!
Two weeks ago, I went to Lafayette for 3 days.  This past week, Miss Drama Queen and her brother have been here.  It's been rather nice, having two built-in babysitters for Miss A, but at the same time, stressful.  Laptop is still not recognizing the wifi router, so I've been using the desk top in the morning; at nap time; and in the evening.  Everything else has been checked via Kindle.  Until this issue is fixed, I doubt I'll be blogging much, unless Miss A can be 'corralled' while I blog.

Have a great weekend!

Flashback Friday: Going To The Zoo:)

March 1994:
The weather was warm, so we met Mom and Dad at the Indianapolis Zoo for the day.  K enjoyed seeing the animals and we enjoyed getting out into the sunshine.  Rode the train, ate lunch in the cafe, and Dad even held K upside down so he could touch the water in the pond.

"Can I Have A Drink Grandma?"
Mom had either a Dr. Pepper or Root Beer; K took a sip and spat it out all down the front of her shirt!

My choice of maternity outfit?  Blue stirrup pants, white socks over the stirrups, and a maroon and blue striped sweatshirt which covered my belly.

Next Month:  Easter:)

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Present Day:
Miss Drama Queen (age 12) and Mr. Energy (11) are arriving this evening.  It's been a good week; I was in Lafayette M-W; we met with the K-12 Homeschooling teachers yesterday to learn more about the program, and today is 'get-back-on-track' day.

Made it to Karaoke last weekend; sang 'Girl Can't Help It' (Journey); 'If I Die Young' (Band Perry); and 'Get Down Tonight' (KC and Sunshine Band).  Tried to sing 'Give It Up (KC), but Mark couldn't squeeze me in.  I did dance the Cupid Shuffle:)

Hopefully I'll get to go tomorrow night with Mel, and am planning to sing:
Give It Up-KC and Sunshine Band
Alone-Heart
Give Me One Reason-Tracy Chapman
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun-Cyndi Lauper
Go Rest High On That Mountain-Vince Gill
I might do 'Call Me When You're Sober', if there's time.

Flashback Friday: March Madness:)

Currently Reading:  Loved True Nature!!!  Recommended Read:)  Now getting ready to dive into Marriage Counseling From A Stripper Pole by T. Lee Alexis.

I'm in Madison, In, as I mentioned yesterday.  My home internet went out yesterday afternoon, and tech support couldn't show up until this morning.  Turns out our router went out, but my laptop would not cooperate with it.  My kindle, did, so did a quick FB update and checked my mail before we hit the road:)  Wandered around the Bass Pro Shop in Clarksville before continuing on.  Checked in, then the spouse dropped me off at Ponderosa so I could see Carol Preflatish on one of the panels.  Then the family picked me up again and we ate at the Key West Shrimp House:)

Tomorrow, we'll be at That Book Place from 9-5.  I'm looking forward to it, and yes pictures will be posted next week:)

*********
March 1984:
B and the crew made it through both sectionals and regionals, and I continued to sit with the Pep Band.  I also cut out the articles in the sports page, since B's picture was often there.  Semi-State approached; I had to buy tickets for the game, and sat in the 'nosebleed' section for the 1st game, which we won.  But Mom refused to take me back for the final game, so I watched it on TV and we lost to Lebanon, the same team we'd lost to our sophomore year.

A humorous moment at school:  One of the cheerleaders decorated his cousin's locker, and we teased B about being 'cut' from the team.  Also, another time I was walking down the hall with my friend Karen, and Brian said to me, "Grab my ass; I wanna be turned on before the game tonight."

I laughed, but put my arms around him and hugged him!

*********
No Karaoke Tomorrow!
I probably won't be back in time to go.

Have a great weekend!  Our temps are supposed to be in the 60's tomorrow!!!!

One More Day!

Currently Reading:  I am LOVING True Nature  by Neeley Powell:)

I'm off to Madison, IN tomorrow, for the 4th Annual Author's Fair at That Book Place:)  Carol Preflatish, Kayelle Allen, and I had a great time last year, and my hubby fell in love with the area.  This year, we're taking two of our kids and the granddaughter, for a mini-vacation.

Thank God!
The Brain tribe last night finally go rid of Ms Nuclear Engineering.  They actually won immunity last week, but J'Tia chocked on both challenges last night!  I cannot believe Kass and Tasha were actually torn between who to send home.  Spencer busted his butt to try to help win the challenge, and Brawn was trying everything in their power to throw it, but there was only so much they could stall w/o letting Cliff know they were trying to throw it.

Amazing Race:
I was heartbroken when Mark and Mallory were eliminated last week.  Come on; let 'em stay!  And I was sooooo thankful Team YouTube went home this week!

Karaoke Update:
Mel went with me last Saturday, and I did well on a few songs, but the camera ran out of memory on Cher's You Haven't Seen The Last of Me.

Rejection!
Yes, it's true.  Kenzie's aliens were rejected.  I sent it off to Publisher #1, then emailed #3 to ask why.  Turns out my sex scene at the beginning was a bit stale; I used too many semi-colons (imagine that!); and the plot was flat.  So I've some work to do on it.  Plus, I was informed by a beta reader that maybe it's not paranormal, but more sci-fi romance?  Oooookaaaaaayyy....

I'll be back tomorrow with another Flashback, this time from 1984.  I know you're waiting on tenderhooks for what happens in May...

Flashback Friday: 1st Attempt At Book Writing??

March 1974:
You know when you're learning a new word and try to use it as much as possible?  A kid in my class was fixated on 'respect' and over-used it.  I would literally cringe every time he opened his mouth, because I knew that word would eventually be used.

Well, my word was 'embarrassed'.  While I didn't try to insert it often, I wasn't really sure of the definition.  But when my beloved Mrs. H announced we were going to be split up into groups and create different things, I was excited to be assigned to the Book group.  We would try to write a story, and Mr. H would be our group leader.

We sat in a circle at a table and tried to brainstorm ideas for our story.  Characters were decided, and a basic plot.  I found my opening and asked if the main character could be embarrassed, and was finally told what it meant.  I also learned my mind went blank during those verbal brainstorming sessions, I didn't really contribute anything.  I don't even think our story ever got written.

I do remember seeing a short film that one group put on as they created their own Star Trek episode.  And I noticed one of the other girls in my group ended up being in it, but not understanding why.

*******
Present Day:
Weather warmed up to 50s today!  We'll be celebrating the youngling's 10th birthday with his grandparents (last weekend was just simply too icy), and I SHOULD be able to go to karaoke.

Songs will be the same as last week's:
Ghost Riders In the Sky (Outlaws)
You Haven't Seen The Last of Me (Cher) OR Miracle (Jon Bon Jovi)
Girl Can't Help It (Journey)
Genie In a Bottle (Christina Agulara and only if Mel comes)
Girls Just Want To Have Fun (Cyndi Lauper)