Friday, October 22, 2010

Sweet bunny boy

I have sad news in the furgalicious department.

Feffer has gone to heaven. :(

It's been a long time coming, as Feffer was nearly eight years old and the past two and a half years he has been going to the vet. A lot. Finally, his little hind legs were tripping him up so much I couldn't stand seeing him like that any longer.

I went ahead and made the decision to have him put to sleep because I would be heading back to Auburn soon, and I didn't want Girl Tuesday to have to worry about him if he got worse. I also made the decision because rabbits have very fragile spines, and I worried, with the way he was falling all over his cage, that he would snap his spine. Maybe it's not possible, but maybe it is. Ultimately, I just couldn't stand to see my "firstborn" (term used loosely, obviously) suffer anymore, and I think he was kind of getting tired of it, too. (He didn't finish the few craisins I put in his bowl, as well as the corn cobs I left for him when I went to bed.)

I was a wreck making the decision. First, I'm on the fence about ending lives, as I value all life. (See, I'm not a pure liberal.) Second, October is a popular month for death in my family. Grandaddy, my father, Roxy Go-Go, and now Feffer. Third, well, he's my baby. Fourth, we've been through a lot together - homes, boyfriends (again, term used loosely), colleges, jobs, happy times, sad times - I could go on. Basically, he saw me from being a fun-loving, party girl in college to being a fun-loving, borderline party girl who's a full-fledged grown up.

I was able to take all of his supplies to the vet so they could make good use of them, and I dropped him off with his favorite vet techs (along with some favorite treats). I wrote him a little note. And after I had done everything I needed to do, and felt like I had said my goodbye sufficiently, I went to Walgreen's and stocked up on SmartWater, Reese's, and Kleenex. Then, I went by McDonald's and treated myself to a large, real Coke and a hot fudge sundae (no Bailey's).

By the time I got home, I actually felt better. I was afraid this was going to devastate me more than I am already.

I am also comforted knowing Feffer and Roxy are reunited. Maybe Feffer will introduce Roxy to Lady (the only dog I have ever owned, and she was THE BEST DOG EVER).

Monday, October 18, 2010

Happy Monday: I've created a monster

A couple of weeks ago, I was hanging out with my bar friends way past dinner time. It was getting to be near midnight, and my stomach was aching for some food.

So, I did what I used to do when I was in undergrad and staying out late at TC's and I made a McDonald's run.

Only, this time, I went with my friend A.

A just so happened to want a hot fudge sundae.

Since we were going back to the bar, I pleaded with him to wait until we got back to eat the sundae.

Why?

Because McDonald's hot fudge sundaes + Bailey's = LOVE.

Apparently, I have created a monster. If you know me, you know how I get about food sometimes. I love it. I never imagined I would see someone more obsessed with this combo than myself.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Ewww!

Please commiserate with me as you read what I just got in my inbox:

Subject: What's up BBW!

Hey, you have a beautiful smile. I just couldn't resist emailing you. We a little about me. I'm a male model for Ralph Lauren. When I'm not traveling the world posing for magazines I volunteer for Doctors Without Borders. Yes I'm a pediatrician, but I don't like to brag. I'm a very strong man, but very sensitive. I'm not afraid to cry. I'm also still a virgin and I'm saving myself for the love of my life, you may be the one. Please don't let my love be all in vain....

Let's say it together. "Ewwwwwwwwwwwww!"

Yes, I reported him. This is, like, the third person I have reported.

Shall I list the turn-offs? Sure. Why not?

1. He called me a BBW. No, thank you. One of my bar friends can tell you I shot him down when he called me "Ruben-esque." I also immediately shoot down guys who say, "I don't usually go for the big girls, but..." I don't care if you mean well, I really don't want attention drawn to the fact I am too sore and fatigued to exercise, but I eat veggies and gain weight.

2. "We" instead of "well." Typo, I know, but he called me a BBW and that means war! ;)

3. Those last sentences about male modeling, being a doctor and being sensitive? I don't fall for that crap. I could care less what you do, as long as it isn't offensive.

4. The virgin part? Again, I don't care.

5. The final part about love being in vain? First, WTF? And, second, you don't know me, so you don't love me. Don't even try to say you do.

I think the dude is bullshitting me. Don't y'all?

I am so over dating.

Monday, October 11, 2010

Happy Monday: Coming Out Day edition

As you may have seen on Facebook, or maybe in the news (or "news"), today is Coming Out Day.

When I became aware the word "gay" had a negative connotation, I'm going to be honest: I went along with it and said, "Eww gross."

In my defense, I was still in early elementary school.

When I was in later elementary school, and people used that word as an insult, I did everything I could to not get called gay, because, well, in my defense, I was bullied.

But as the years wore on, and my skin toughened up a little, I began to ponder why it was so bad to be gay.

It turns out, I had gay friends my entire life.

I can share the stories of people coming out to me, but I'm going to share my story of how I became an ally (a supporter of GLBT - Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual, and Transgender - people).

Like I said, I already had lots of gay friends, I just didn't know it. Until I was in high school and some people outed one of our friends to me. He became one of my best friends to this day.

As I made my way through high school, I accumulated a good bit of GLB friends, and when I got to college, I found I had to stand up for the GLBT community, as dorm friends would say negative remarks about the community. Well, the girls all said negative things around me until they noticed this hot guy hanging out with me, going up to my room, with pizzas or Chick-fil-A, to ... watch soap operas together. That's when the girls realized I had something going on with this whole "gay is okay" thing. A hot guy to tote around with and a best girlfriend, all. In. One.

(Disclaimer: This is not only what my best friend is to me. He's my best friend 'cause he's always there for me, he's my partner in crime. And he's my random vacation travel buddy when I get a hankering to go somewhere no one else wants to go to.)

When I transferred to UAB, I spent three semesters trying to make real friends. I eventually had friendly classmates, some of us are freinds on Facebook, but to be honest, we don't ever interact. I would gladly hang out with them, and would love to re-connect,  but we've just gone our separate ways.

My last semester of college, I got invited to a Gay/Straight Student Alliance meeting. This was the first time at UAB I actually felt welcome. To this day, some of the people I met through GSSA are some of my closest friends. One of them even lives in my guest bedroom in Birmingham. :)

Four and a half years ago, I was at a GSSA meeting, helping decide a budget for the upcoming year. We were going to ask for more funds than we ever had before, and hopefully do better programs than just have pizza, drinks, and hang out with your friends.

I suggested we have a party for Coming Out Day.

And four years ago, the GSSA had its inagural Coming Out Day party.

I'm not going to lie - the two I put together and third I helped with were very stressful. Locations, foods, decorations, invitations and publicity, fun stuff, etc. The entire week was stressful. What came out of it, though, was event planning experience and the knowledge that people working together makes everything just a little bit easier.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

The questions I asked

I'm a firm believer in being willing to answer what you ask. So, when I had to come up with eight questions to ask my readers, after answering eight others, I felt like it would only be right to share my answers to the eight questions I asked.

1. What is your favorite fall tradition? (I know I kind of stole that one from Shannon, but I love hearing about 'em!)


In addition to my previous post, I like putting up my pumpkins and making treat bags and rice krispie treats. I also enjoy Christmas shopping. (I do most of it in October so I can enjoy my holidays. Or attempt to.)
2. Do you play games on Facebook? (Any Sorority Life fans out there?)

If you didn't already guess, yes, I play games on Facebook. The only one I play is Sorority Life. (Another shocker.) Loves it.

3. What's on your nightstand now?

Candles, a lamp, cell phones, eyeglasses, miscellaneous crap, and phenergen. No books :(

4. What song best describes your life now?

When I came up with this question, my answer was, "Broken" by Lifehouse. Maybe it still is, I'm just not so sad about it right now. Another song in the running would be "Keep on Trying" by Poco. I heard it on a "Bones" episode, looked up the lyrics, and realized The ex-Boyfriend needs an intervention.
5. What is the best way to find someone to date?

I need feedback on this. On the dating website, all these people are so adamant that meeting the love of your life in a bar is not for them, or taboo, or impossible. But what if bars are your heart and soul? It's only fitting ... And I also take a bit of offense to the assumption because The ex-Boyfriend and I met in a bar. We all know where that got me, but it was by no means a bad relationship. I might even to venture to say our relationship (romantic and otherwise) is the best one I have ever had, to date.

Also on the dating website, half of them can't spell and the other half won't give me the time of day. And no one has really seemed to be a good fit.
6. Do you dye your hair?

Yes. I've been dying it black off and on for ten years. I've gone reddish here and there, but I believe I was meant to have black hair. I feel a little more like me with a fresh raven dye. (Okay, that came out awkward. I just got sick of writing in a boring way.)

The problem I am facing is I will have to deal with gray hair or start going lighter (i.e. blonde highlights) to stretch out dye jobs. Nothing against blondes, I just don't feel like I was meant to be one. Any suggestions?
7. What quote or Bible verse gives you encouragement?

Also, I'm looking for some encouragement.

Recently, the Lord's Prayer, and Psalm 23 have been comforting for me. And John 3:16.
8. What is your favorite blog to read?

I love Kelly's Korner. Harper is so stinkin' cute, and Kelly provides so much encouragement. I don't know her personally, and I know people are always saying their blogs don't show everything, but this woman is such an inspiration and I feel like she really does care about everyone.

I also like to read my friends' blogs and see their cute little ones.

And I like to read the blogs of women who aren't married yet. It feels good to share the sense of community with each other.

Tag! I'm it ... are you?

I got tagged! Shannon at Sincerely Shannon tagged me to answer eight questions, then tag eight other people to answer a new set of eight questions that I have to come up with. Exciting!!! (Can y'all tell I love having something picked out for my blog already?) I also love the theme, Shannon :)
1. Do you like Starbucks? And are you a fan of their seasonal coffees (aka. pumpkin spice latte)?

I heart Starbucks. I have never had one of their seasonal drinks, but I think I might have to try a pumpkin spice this year. I don't go there often, so when I do, I get a mocha. Tall, decaf, skinny, splash of vanilla ... nom, nom, nom.

2. How do you decorate and prepare for fall?

I have a HUGE box full of things to decorate with for fall - everything from football memorabilia to pumpkins and leaves, to Halloween. I've got a great pumpkin collection going on. Sadly, I don't have room in Auburn right now to decorate for seasons. I'm trying to figure it out. Usually, I start pulling out the fall in September, get out the Halloween in October, turn the jack-o-lanterns around for Thanksgiving, put up the tree Thanksgiving night (in a perfect world!), and switch out fall with Christmas in December. Or after Thanksgiving.
  
3. Will you participate in your college's homecoming activities?

Probably not. While I did most of my undergrad at Auburn, I graduated from UAB. I never could get into the spirit at UAB, and I feel awkward doing the homecoming thing with Auburn since I didn't graduate from there. Anyway, everyday I spend in Auburn is a homecoming :)

4. What is your favorite fall clothing item or accessory?

Sweaters. And boots. I can't pick one.

5. What was your favorite Halloween costume as a kid?

I think the best one I ever had was a "teenybopper", back when they wore poodle skirts, white t-shirts, scarves, and keds. My mother made part of my costume, a pink felt poodle skirt. I wish I still had it. (And that I could still wear it, but that was 18 years ago. Oh, am I getting old!)

6. Do you like halloween/horror movies? Do you have a favorite?

I really don't like them. No matter how cheesy or fake they are, I will have dreams about them. I also don't like all that "impending doom" music. ("Grey's Anatomy" season finale, anyone? No amount of chocolate or wine could save me from that one.)
I am a bit partial to It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. :)

7. What is your favorite fall activity? (College football games, Costume parties, Trick or treating, carving pumpkins, haunted houses, apple picking, etc)

Gamedays and Halloween parties. Anyone in Auburn want to send their kids to trick or treat me? Please?

8. What is your favorite fall recipe?

Vegetable Soup and Cornbread. It's actually really easy. Get whatever vegetables you like, stew beef, a beef boullion. Brown the beef, put it all together in a stock pot, add some water. Add about four to six boullion cubes. Cook on low for about six hours. Nom. Nom. Nom. As for the cornbread, I make my own, but Sister Schuberts make a great frozen cornbread. I'll post a better recipe later. I promise.

My Eight Questions

1. What is your favorite fall tradition? (I know I kind of stole that one from Shannon, but I love hearing about 'em!)

2. Do you play games on Facebook? (Any Sorority Life fans out there?)

3. What's on your nightstand now?

4. What song best describes your life now?

5. What is the best way to find someone to date?

6. Do you dye your hair?

7. What quote or Bible verse gives you encouragement?

8. What is your favorite blog to read?

Now, I'm supposed to tag eight people. I'm not going to do that. I'm tagging Shannon back. And I'm tagging all my readers, public or hidden, to keep it going. Answer my questions, and then ask your own questions, and get to tagging. :)