I’ve got nothing of interest to report today. I’ve been spending the day mostly unplugged reading the new Harper Lee book. I’m not sure I’d recommend it, but I am probably going to finish it rather soon. It did make me want to get up and go buy a bottle of co-cola and a small bag of peanuts. I dropped the peanuts into the bottle and expected them to sink to the bottom. They did not. It’s like nothing is the way I remember it.
I was up late last night looking at southeastern towns on the ocean fantasizing about how I could manage to afford to move out of this shit hole and find a new place to be miserable for awhile. I’m thinking miserable with and oceanfront view might be nicer. There are lots of affordable condos out there if you look hard enough but they have OAs that don’t all for dogs and require ridiculous amounts of dues.
Before I move, I need to move this place to a better hosting site and increase the ads in hopes of making some actual cash. Then I need to sell off a bunch of stuff and pair down tremendously. All of that seems like a whole lot of work.
I woke up early enough to go to the Farmer’s Market thingy today but remembered that last week, after going it seemed like a waste of time. Instead of returning with some healthy stuff I just bought a cheese Danish and someone sort of croque Monsieur sort of thing instead.
The weather is beginning to cool down soon. Maybe I will get my mojo back soon. A friend has recommended a dog whisperer in my area for Banjo. He really needs a spa day or something. He’s been stuck inside with me for weeks.
What’s shaking in your neck of the woods? Chat about whatever you’d like here. Feel free to fill me in on any breaking news I am missing.
Looks like we are the only ones sitting around the house today. I was in California for a week so I have a ton of shows on DVR. Beer time 😉
I spent a year living oceanside & it was absolutely the most relaxing experience of my entire life ; its next to impossible to feel stress in such a soothing environment & I think it might be something to seriously consider…Dream big T.T xoxo Marc
Ooh the Ocean is so peaceful, the sound of the waves…thanks
I’m at the beach right now! Drive down on a whim and stayed at a friends condo. It’s not directly on the beach but it’s across the street. The condo is super cute, lots of upgrades, and he only paid $50k for it! Who knew this amazing life could be attained so cheap!
Alexa where does one get a beachside condo for $50k?
Good for you! Is it NC? Love it there. I would love to go,
ocean breezes, smell the air, hear the waves. Nice!
I am hoping I can move to Morro Bay when I retire. It’s always where I go to detox.
I’m home alone today, watching Douglas Fairbanks movies on TMC. It’s too hot to do much else. We have a lot more hot days than we used to, and I’m just a few miles inland from the ocean 🙁 No one used to have (or need) A/C around here, but I sure wish I could afford to install it now!! The front of the house is 83 and the family room is up to 86.
I went with a friend to see the B-52s and The English Beat in concert last night. I thought Kate Pierson was no longer performing with the B-52s but there she was, sounding great. The amphitheater where they were performing is attached to the OC Fair, and Justin Bieber was there at the midway. Thank god we didn’t run into him and his buddies.
It’s not news, but my daughter is doing an externship with the Los Angeles District Attorney. When her hearing was finished, she took a seat because she knew the trial that has impaneled Steve Carrel as a juror was about to start. She said she had to force herself to stop staring at him and it was killing her that she couldn’t take a photograph!
It’s August in Texas. We just go from our air conditioned house to the air conditioned car to a air conditioned job, store, restaurant, etc and back home. It’s still friggin’ hot 100+. May I suggest a window a/c in the family room? Here we sometimes have to use a window a/c unit to boost the central a/c in one room.
Steve Fricking Carell is my absolute favorite person in the world and my spirit animal (yup, weird). If your daughter feels comfortable sharing, and it doesn’t step over the line of her externship, AND YOU WOULDN’T MIND,could you post any interesting (or not!) tidbits? He seems like a decent & kind man IRL, and I’d LOVE to hear anything! Bad stuff would work too, cuz my hubby would be VERY happy to have that bubble burst!
Thanks
Ummm…that will get one’s lovely daughter fired from her externship. Allegedly.
Hear you on the heat. It’s 11am and 82 degrees in my house and I’m less than a mile to the beach. Have all the fans going (don’t have or generally need A/C either) and the cats are splayed out on the kitchen tile looking at me like what are you complaining about..don’t see you covered in fur. I think a nice cold adult beverage is in order. It’s 5 o’clock somewhere.
I would not be able to stop staring–or giggling!
I hate OAs…
Some of them are pretty awful!
I pay $550/mth for mine. I’ve come to believe that it’s sole purpose is to make others feel better about what they pay to theirs You’re welcome. Sigh….
Finished “Go Set a Watchman”. I say spend your discretionary funds on beer rather than this.
Disappointing to hear. I guess Harper Lee was only meant to have one masterpiece.
Nooooo. You shouldn’t have said this. I deliberately wasn’t reading so I could save her place as a literary genius in my head. Now my dreams are shattered and spirit destroyed.
This was, I believe, her first attempt at a novel, Mark. It was rejected. She rewrote it and it became To Kill A Mockingbird. The original manuscript “turned up” now that she is not exactly of the soundest mind and her “advisors” thought it should be published. Or something like that. As a Brit, I don’t think you would understand a lot of the dialogue. As I was reading I thought the average person from Chicago would not understand a lot of things. Or even southerners under 40 or 50. Also, the entire last half of the book attempts to justify segregation.
My parents were two generations older than me and I was raised in the Baptist church so much of the church stuff was amusing to me. The rivalries between the Baptists, Methodists and Presbyterians. The anti-Catholic and Anti Yankee protestants was familiar and bemusing. Some of the language used I had not heard since my grandmother was alive.
There seemed to be some places where the POV was not held consistent. The quite lengthy case for how everyone benefits from racism was atrocious and jarring. There was a romantic storyline that never quite seemed to reconcile. There was a reason the manuscript was not purchased years ago when it was written. It should have never been published.
But it’s Harper Lee, so I just had to read it. And now I wish I had not.
On Sun, Aug 16, 2015 at 8:42 AM, Tamara Tattles wrote:
>
Jesus. That is quite shocking. I mean… I’m a bit lost for words. She a big ‘ole racist???
She’s an 89 year old white lady from Alabama, dear. If it helps, in the story, Scout was arguing AGAINST segregation but she was the only one. The story was set during the time that Jim Crow Laws (separate but equal) were being abolished in the south and the civil rights movement was just beginning.
People are outraged that Atticus Finch is a big ole racist in the book. It is very jarring in comparison to TKAM
On Sun, Aug 16, 2015 at 9:24 AM, Tamara Tattles wrote:
>
I feel like I need to read it now just to try and fathom the psyche of old racist ladies. There seems to be a lot of them.
That said, I grew up in the countryside, in a village were they have a large rock by the river which they paint blackface on and call it Jim Crow rock, and nobody seems to mind about this. Maybe I need to try to understand them too. Ha!
When I see that in words it sounds ridiculous. But it’s an actual real thing. Google: Jim Crow Dunoon. These people actually fought to keep it there as it’s a “local landmark.’
When someone paints over it because they find it morally offensive they call it “vandalism,” and cry for the town council to restore it. When you think about these things as an adult it’s really truly insane!!!
I read it on Kindle the day it was released. I pre ordered it. It felt unfinished to me, wtitten by a woman was having trouble understanding that even her hero father had feet of clay. It is more a coming of age novel than To Kill A Mockingbird. I can see why it was never published.
I hope you find the little beach house of your dreams. I hope you go on a vacation and just get away from it all for a while to refresh and recharge. See some new faces.
Yes, from what I hear, it is a disappointment. It probably should have not been published, and considered a first draft.
I have it on my Kindle, but haven’t gotten around to reading it. Not sure if I want to. I heard it was the first draft for Mockinbird and it’s not very good. If I had only one book in me and it was To Kill a Mockingbird, then I think that I could die content.
I was going to ask what you thought, I’ve read some mixed reviews. I loved To Kill A Mockingbird. Maybe I’ll read that again, thank you 🙂
I won’t be finishing GO SET A WATCHMAN. I can’t. I’m glad Harper Lee published TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD first. Otherwise, no one would’ve published a second novel. Her editor was right; the best scenes in GO SET… belong to the children. TT, I admire your perseverance.
I’m with ya on the Farmer’s Market, I’d considered doing the same thing today. Here’s my usual results; Cake Pops (but healthy ones!), breakfast burrito, maybe an apple or two & then random crap I don’t need, but looks so COOL, like lime-flavored Himalayan Salt. 😀
Well I spent the day with my BFF shopping which was nice hanging out with her but our shopping routine is sooo different. She like to slow roll meaning she picks out stuff and spends 45 minutes matching it up, having the clerk check for her right size at other locations, locates it then changes her mind
I’m sorry for laughing at you that time you got diarrhea at Barnes and Noble. And I’m sorry for telling everyone about it. And I’m sorry for repeating it now.
Well I spent the day with my BFF shopping which was nice hanging out with her but our shopping routine is sooo different. She like to slow roll meaning she picks out stuff and spends 45 minutes matching it up, having the clerk check for her right size at other locations, locates it then changes her mind
I totally relate.I’m a power shopper and my bff of 40 yrs… Not so much. I now just bide my time and smile….after all …what could be more important or pressing. Right?
I apologize for the double post.
Wow 73 years! Amazing! You are truly blessed, thanks for sharing 🙂
I am a power shopper too. I thought I was going to die last Friday when I mistakenly went shopping with my Aunt. That woman takes forever in a store. Four hours in Kohl’s. I only enjoyed the 1.5 hour in the purse department LOL.
Wow 73 years. Amazing!
I’m with you Angel 4 hours in Kohls way too long. Nice that you got to spend time with her.
I’ll be 73 soon, but it’s no big deal, kid. Went shark diving a couple years ago, & I’m still 15-1/2 in my head. Recently had my 1st date in half a century & we are getting together again later this week. Guess there’s still fire down below–
Misgrandma, thanks so much for sharing, you give me hope that there will be more.. Been feeling sorry for myself, have to have back surgery, thought life was over. I hope you have fun
I don’t like shopping at all. I would order everything on line if I could. I always took my mom shopping and hated it. She’s a 4 hours at Kohl’s type person. lol But she finally slowed down this last year and a half. She’s 87 this year and not able to shop as long. But I still take her. Grateful that she’s still here. Her sister Vonnie is 89 this year and her other sister Barbary turned 94 this year. They all still live in their own houses with no paid daily help. All widows.
I went to the farmers market today too. I got watermelon with seeds. The ones in the store all have the all the seeds bio-engineered out of them, along with most of the flavor. I also got some organic cantaloupe and heirloom tomatoes. Like the melon, I prefer fruit that isn’t engineered by Monsanto to travel the four corners of the earth unblemished and tasteless.
Then I went to Lucky’s to feed my addiction. I’m really embarrassed to admit this but like some “Real Housewives” addict, maybe my first step toward recovery is admitting I have a problem. I’m addicted to Smarties. I can’t get enough of them. I eat them four of five rolls at a time. I eat over a half pound of the stupid thing a day and I can’t stop. I had to ban my husband from my bedside table because he made fun of all the candy wrappers in the drawer. Today I bought a 3 pound bag and already I’m thinking about how many days before I have to go to Lucky’s again. I’m beginning to think I really need help.
Sequoia, this is exactly what my sister does. She’s been addicted for a while now. They are good, a reminder of childhood, happer times 🙂 Hmmm you aren’t in CT are you? Lol
I love smarties! Smarties and Tootsies roll midgets are my favorite Halloween candy.
If it was only once a year at Halloween it wouldn’t be so bad. Like Girl Scout cookies. When the girls are gone that’s it, no more cookies. No matter how many cases I … um… one buys, their going to run out eventually and when they do, that’s that. But Smarties are a different story. They’re no farther then the local Lucky’s. I have the whole city mapped out with which dollar store carries them and which doesn’t. Don’t try to find them at Safeway but Walgreen’s usually has then in stock. I never run out. Never.
Apparently, you told this little story because subconsciously you wanted confirmation of your fear that you have an addiction. Yes, Sequoia you are an addict! Unlike me, who loves smarties, you actively seek them out. I only crave them when they are prominently displayed during Halloween.
Why hasn’t your husband and family done something to save you from your self destruction? Couldn’t they find you a rehab, oops I mean spa, that you could check into for 30, 60, or 90 days? Maybe near the beach like in Malibu? Then you could get a life coach and a sober support group.
Funny Angel. Sequoia…. Oh girl scout cookies, thin mints are my down fall. I can eat an entire roll of them X 2. Around here they call that a box 🙂
Because all addicts need an enabler, I must ask if you have checked to see if they are sold in bulk on-line?
LOL they are!
When the giant Halloween bags of Smarties went on sale last year on November 1, I bought out the entire leftover stock at Target. Every last bag. I was in smarties hog heaven. The satisfaction was short lived though because within two months my supply was beginning to run low and I wished I had visited a couple of far flung stores to bank their supply too.
Smarties in the cupboard are like money in the bank. It’s comforting just knowing there’s a little set aside for a rainy day. I’m afraid if I started to buy them in bulk online, I’d never be able to give them up because they’d be so many in the house I’d never be able to resist the temptation. It’s a catch 22. If I have too many in the house, I worry I won’t be able to give them up. If there are too few, I worry I’m going to run out.
I faced the same problem when I gave up drinking and drugs but at least with booze I had AA to turn to. Where am I to go for smarties addiction? SA?
Oh, and no matter how many I have in the house, Troy is forbidden to eat them. They are mine Mine MINE…
Watermelons without seeds???? People are moaning about that? THIS SOUNDS AMAZING. I don’t think we’re allowed GM foods in the UK?
Count your blessings, Mark. We are inventing new ways to give ourselves diseases everyday. We even have “personal sized” watermelons (no seeds) about the size of a cantaloupe.
On Sun, Aug 16, 2015 at 9:02 AM, Tamara Tattles wrote:
>
I think we are quite lucky here. Most of the experience I’ve had with food from the States has been processed and plasticky and chemically. It just doesn’t feel natural.
That said I could be oversensitive. I can’t even drink Diet Coke because I can taste the chemically taste of the artificial sweetner. Apparently all the other chemicals in it are fine with me though… Ha!
You are not oversensitive, Mark. We are conditioned to eat the crap we eat here. When I travel, even to Canada, everything tastes different. Like pork tastes like pig and beef tastes like cow. It’s hard to explain it. Here it sort of all tastes the same.
We can’t even get real co-cola here in Atlanta where it was invented anymore unless we pay a lot more for coke imported from Mexico. I live in the home of Co-cola and buy imported coke from Mexico because ours is full of high fructose corn syrup. Everything here, and I mean EVERYTHING has HFCS in it.
The government subsides the corn farmers and it gets put in everything. Out government is literally poisoning us.
On Sun, Aug 16, 2015 at 6:02 PM, Tamara Tattles wrote:
>
Watermelons should be huge and have seeds to spit out. None of this personal sized melons.
hahaha…i keep smarties in my car console for when I get stuck in traffic!
sequoia, you are not alone. I have never met a Smarties that I didn’t love. I too am a hoarder. I hide mine so no one knows they are there. I am able to ration myself in slow times just so I don’t have to go through withdrawal lol. I am lucky because I have a friend who works part-time in a Dollar Store while going to school who is able to get her hands on them for me pretty much anytime. Gosh that sounds like trying to scoring drugs and I’m only describing little, perfectly sweet/tart candies lol. I used to have the same kind of addiction to Sweet Tarts. I liked the small ones or the big ones that came 3 in a pack. Now all they have are the chewy kind and they suck. If I’m out of smarties, Pixie stix will work in a pinch except for the blue ones. I should weigh at least 3 times what I do.
sequoia, do you have anything to do with or interest in the election of Mr. and Miss Golden Gate?
He was a childhood friend of one of my sons.
When I was little we would go to Hull or Athens Ga, I loved the biscuits and country ham. We would stick soft pepper mint sticks in oranges, like a straw, suck the orange juice through the peppermint stick. Looking back it was a great way to keep us kids quiet so the adults could visit. Having a house like you do is good. Condos come with lots of rules. I hope everyone has a good evening. 🙂
TT – may I recommend a small place on Folly Beach just outside Charleston? There are many little houses/rentals that are not ocean front but not terribly expensive and you and Banjo could walk to the beach everyday, thus killing two birds with one stone – ocean and walking the dog – good for you too lady! I hope to retire there someday but it won’t be ocean front! Maybe a little cottage a few streets in.
Enjoy your tea. Hot here in WI – done going outside for the day – can’t take the humidity and sweating. Drinking wine and then need to work but I always get sidetracked on your site first! Take Care, Sasha
Oh and it is extremely dog friendly there!
Bring all your money with you. Perhaps Folly doesn’t seem expensive to you, but if you’re from the South moving to Folly, even to rent, will be pricey. It is lovely, though, and there certainly are even more expensive beaches on the North and South Carolina coasts.
I just bought a single family home! Perfect for my family, now that we have a dog. My husband and I have wanted to move out of our town home for a long but just never got around to it. We move in two weeks and I’m freaking out! Everyone tells me it will sell but I keep having panic attacks all the time.
What is this “Single Family Home” thing I keep hearing? They always say it on Million Dollar Listing and Flipping Out. Is it not the norm in the States for one family to have one home? I genuinely don’t understand… Help!
SFH is a free standing detached house. It’s in opposition to multi-family (apartments or condos), duplex, or townhouse.
Single family home is a normal house with a yard. Other options include condos (apartments that you buy instead of rent), Townhomes (multifamily housing) which are two story homes all stuck together so your “House” shares a wall or perhaps two with another “house”, a duplex a (a double family home so to speak) where the house has all the amenities of two houses with a shared wall down the middle. etc.
On Sun, Aug 16, 2015 at 9:07 AM, Tamara Tattles wrote:
>
Ah, so they’re really talking about the actual building? Like it’s a Single Family Building? When I think of a “home” I think that’s your house/studio/apartment whatever… The thought of a Multiple Family Home makes me think of living in an apartment with your aunts, uncles and grandparents and all their children lol! Shudder… I have a nervous breakdown when I visit family for more than 24hours. Ha!
Congratulations on your new home! Townhomes are selling well in my area, Virginia.
Have you looked at Tybee?
Oh yeah no dogs on tybee beach
Salam Tamara! It’s your libyan fan here. Yes the peanuts eventually sink down. You can use roasted almonds too instead of peanuts.
Beware beachside homeowners insurance! That’s probably why the condo fees are through the roof. In Atlanta it was difficult finding a condo that accepted dogs at all, much less one over 25#…
Think small SC beaches off-season…Garden City…gorgeous beach…super cheap condo rentals September-May, not ocean front but right across the street. Love them!
❤️
⛅
I’m trying very hard to find reasons to stay inside vs. venturing out into the 117 degree weather in Phoenix.
TT…you touched a nerve with the “farmers market” for me..
In the old days, when Farmers markets either started or I became aware of them, their creation and existence had been based on, box stores charging the arm and the leg for fruit and veggies..
voila…Farmer’s Market…low prices..fresh veggies/fruit and all the $ went to the source..the farmers.
life was awesome, I enjoyed fresh veggies and fruit and felt good about contributing to the farmer..
Fast forward to July 1 2015 Canada day…I go to my first one, in a long time..and spent $60.00 what did I get
– 2lbs of cherries
– 20 year anniversary bag for farmers market
– garlic bread
– 4 scones
– snap peas
– small jar of blueberry flavored honey
– russian garlic
that was it..many people were heard saying that the prices are astronomical!
that made me angry,…here we are ..being healthy and supportive..and there were people that could not afford the fruits and veggies….what is the use of the farmer;s market if you cannot afford a peach?
So now I am back to Safeway, and other local stores..that claim they have “fresh” fruits and veggies…
My farmers market isn’t really a farmers marker. It is supposed to be local growers but the two larger sellers I believe go to Aldi or the pig blood store and resell them. The genuine sellers are selling things like fresh eggs, cheeses, a variety of spreads, local bakeries selling pastries and such….etc… It’s all over priced.
I once bought a plant and when I took it out of the pot it was nested in, the inner pot had a WalMart price tag.
I go because it’s in a lovely location and it closes at noon which encourages me to get up and function on a beautiful Saturday. And well some of the vendors are actually local farmers.
On Sat, Aug 15, 2015 at 11:21 PM, Tamara Tattles wrote:
>
…what on earth is the pig blood store?
It’s the only place in metro Atlanta that you can buy pig’s blood by the gallon. You know, if you want to recreate the scene from Carrie or something. It looks like a lot of bad Yelp reviews have been removed since last I checked. It’s um…interesting.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/nam-dae-mun-farmers-market-smyrna?osq=asian+grocery+market
On Sun, Aug 16, 2015 at 11:32 AM, Tamara Tattles wrote:
>
Ahhh…last time I was in NYC, I walked thru chinatown on saturday morning and almost passed out from the sights and smells.
Chinatown is absolutely my favorite part of NYC. I spend more time there and in Little Italy than anywhere else. NYC is about Chinatown, Little Italy and Broadway shows for me.
On Sun, Aug 16, 2015 at 8:29 PM, Tamara Tattles wrote:
>
I must admit, I did go to this farmers’ market with high expectations..I hadn’t gone for years..
the plus side..it was my day off, and it was sunny out and there were various entertainers…a dad and daughter playing their guitar, and selling their cd..and a woman playing her flute..so relaxing and enjoyable..
So the next farmer’s market I go to… I will people watch ..say hello to people and drink coffee…and buy one loaf of awesome bread…
Also here, they only have farmer’s market in the summertime and on Saturdays only.
Seriously asking. What are people doing with pig’s blood? Is it used for some sort of exotic delicacy like soup or something??
I’m not sure. Making blood sausage maybe? I honestly have to idea. It is a very weird store.
On Sun, Aug 16, 2015 at 7:00 PM, Tamara Tattles wrote:
>
haha my cure for walking thru chinatown was a stroll thru little italy right after! Fixed me right up!
I too went to the Farmer’s Market today. Love supporting the local farms. BUT tomatoes at $4.00 a pound was crazy. It was so disheartening. Even though my sandwich was excellent I still was shocked. It was fun thoughso I guess ying and yang.
YES! Went to the farm today and bought tomatoes at $3/lb, then went to Trader Joe’s and they had “vine ripened tomatoes” for $.60/ea. How is this possible??
I agree, look at Surfside Beach and Garden City Beach, SC. Definitely bang for your buck. Also in Myrtle Beach. You could definitely get on the beach in a one bedroom condo for $50,000.
TT- what about Beaufort, SC? It is beautiful, quaint, and relatively inexpensive. Look on Lady’s Island or St Helena’s. My grandparents lived there and I loved it. I still do.
Beaufort, SC is lovely and relatively inexpensive only if you’re comparing it to Isle of Palms, Figure Eight Island, Sullivan’s Island, Hilton Head, etc. Beaufort is on gorgeous marshes, bays, rivers, but no real beaches. Like all of the Low Country, mosquitos big as my head, TT, to go with your “palmetto bugs” and lizards. Beaufort, NC (pronounced Bow-fort) is much more affordable and really pretty, but doesn’t have the cache of being in the “Low Ccountry.” (And no real beaches either)
I am in the middle of moving. Have to downsize from lovely house to small apt post divorce with 2 kids. I know I am lucky to have somewhere to live, but when I went into my new apt and saw all the bugs running around it was a big wake up call. I hate cockroaches, etc. Living by the ocean right about now sounds fabulous!
OH. You just reminded me of the water bugs and LIZARDS in the low country.
On Sun, Aug 16, 2015 at 12:18 AM, Tamara Tattles wrote:
>
I have to say, I don’t notice the ads here
Umm my post above was to someone giving Tamara unsolicited advice re ads. I assume he/she is with the window lickers 😉
Huh
for me, TT’s site doesn’t always load onto my phone fully,
ad place is vacant with a white box/area appearing.
Funny, I’ve been thinking about moving too, for the past month or so. I live by the beach in So. Cal, but it’s too noisy any more. Plus, the drought–can’t water, bathe, flush the toilet and all neighbors that I hate. My backyard is useless since the (now-deceased, thank you Jesus!) gaybor killed a beautiful tree that gave me shade and privacy. I’d love to have a jacuzzi, but no way, because I’m surrounded by 2-story houses. I recently figured out that the person responsible for stealing all, and I mean ALL of my solar lites, $50 birdfeeder, asst’d cute lawn decor from Big lots, $75 hubs off my car, is none other than the useless 33yr old mama’s boy from across the street. I found out from other neighbors that he’s been stealing sh!t from their yards, too. I dread what’s in store for us, in the future, since he’s never really worked and once his [email protected] old lady kicks the bucket, stealing will be his only way of survival. The only person around here, who makes me happy, is an old autistic guy, who goes thru the trash and recycles stuff, that people throw out. He gave me a beautiful wall fountain, 2 mos. ago. Such a nice man, he has nothing and yet is the most kindest, generous person, I’ve ever met. To see the absolute joy, on his face, whenever I give him a grocery bag of DingDongs, Snack Pack pudding, Yoo-Hoo’s & Ben Gay for his aches/pains, is absolutely priceless.
I’m sorry you’re dealing with such a dirtbag for a neighbor, but I loved reading about your autistic neighbor. I’m glad he brings you joy. I’m sure you bring him some, too.
I’m not happy in my neighborhood. We rent & wish we owned a home of our own. I lost my job a few months ago & money’s been so tight & we can’t move anytime soon. We don’t live in a bad neighborhood, but for some reason, I don’t feel safe here. The neighbors don’t seem to watch out for each other. I lived in the ghetto a few years ago in a tiny house, but all my neighbors were sweet & friendly & I always felt like someone was watching out for me. I miss that. I miss the house & that feeling of safety.
I’m going to say a prayer for you that things turn around soon. <3
How did you kill the awful gaybor? I’m asking for a friend.
On Sun, Aug 16, 2015 at 1:26 AM, Tamara Tattles wrote:
>
Lmao!
I thought I already mentioned it here. A mirror strategically placed in my backyard, reflected ALL of the negative energy that he and his equally obnoxious boyfriend were sending my way. It’s framed in wood and looked like part of my outdoor decor, with potted plants and my St.Francis of Assisi statue. I SWEAR TO GOD it works. (Oddly enough, his boyfriend just told me last month, that he’s had the worst luck of his life, in the past year and a half).
@Diva – you’re so kind. Thank you. Prayers and best wishes coming your way from my end, too.
Hi Lizbeth-yeah, I definitely don’t want to get anyone fired from her externship, but I had to ask!
TT, I hope wherever you land, it’ll bring you and your sweet pup some peace. I hope wherever your blog lands, it brings you the profitability you deserve. I’ll keep reading.
Can someone please explain the coco-cola/ peanuts thing to me?
I have never heard of this. I am assuming it’s a southern thing.
Do you just put the peanuts in a glass and pour the coke on it? It’s the weirdest thing I have ever heard, but I love sweet and salty together. I’d like to try it.
Buy a glass bottle of co-cola made in Mexico. (It’s the real thing, no high fructose corn syrup) take a sip. Add a handful of peanuts. Drink.
On Sun, Aug 16, 2015 at 4:12 AM, Tamara Tattles wrote:
>
TT is right and I’ve never heard of anyone other than us southerners putting peanuts in Coca-Cola lol. Doesn’t work in a glass of Coke. Ice cubes get in the way and the coke to peanut ratio only works correctly coming out of the mouth of the bottle. If you gulp the drink too fast to get the last few peanuts out, you’ll have to pound the bottom of the bottle. So get about 4/5 peanuts with each swallow. My Daddy would buy this for morning break for the folks who helped us “put in a barn of tobacco”. I’d have that or a pack of nabs and a honey bun. I’ve had a serious sweet and salty combination obsession from an early age.
Late to the party…but I have a really good excuse. Talked the husband into a Thanksgiving cruise next year. So that means I have a little over a year to lose those pesky baby weight pounds. (Yeah the baby will be 28 by then so what. I’m blaming him so there). So…this weekend has started the lentil (my housewives impression) year of going to the gym and tracking what I eat in anticipation of pictures I will be taking.
Took myself out to a lovely brunch. Things were going splendidly until I had a panic attack. I blame drinking too much coffee to get myself out the door.. Heart palpitations. Then my throat started to close up after the she crab soup (which was fantastic) and during the chicken and waffles. Got the chicken and waffles to go. By then it was 12:30 which is the magic time for alcohol on Sundays. In Georgia, we are not allowed to have bloody marys or mimosas with brunch until after 12:30 as it is rude (and illegal) to start before the church folks can join us.
So I ordered a bloody mary to counteract the caffeine. It seemed like a good idea at the time. But the time I got it, I was really not feeling well. The drink came in a short glass with tons of ice and was basically a shot of bar brand vodka with a splash of mixer and half a pepper grinder of pepper. It was six dollars so I felt obligated to down it. And I left.
Less than a mile down the road, it is apparent I am going to throw up. I am in the middle of the after church rush hour and I am about to puke up vodka either on myself in the car, on the side of the car, or on the street at a stop light surrounded by good Christian familes on their way to Red Lobster.
I pull into a little parking lot next to a building that is closed and puke the soup and the vodka into the parking lot undetected by prying eyes.
The rest of the drive was uneventful. At least I don’t have to worry about all those calories.
Before all that happened, I was sitting outside reading my book and people watching and having a lovely time. So um, that part was fun. And expensive. Very expensive.
On Sun, Aug 16, 2015 at 1:14 PM, Tamara Tattles wrote:
>
Oh, Tamara!
Oh so sorry you got sick..ugh 🙁
At least you’re optimistic enough to find the positive in the situation. Still, I’m hoping your day improves.
Here is what I took out of what you wrote…Super T put on her big girl panties and kicked the real world ass. She has some chicken and waffles ready for her and Banjo for dinner. Got rid of some shitty liquor and doesn’t have any calories to feel guilty over. Super T…that is a win in my book.
TT at least you made in out for a bit, and panic attacks suck. But you made the effort to get up, presentable and out for a bit
Melza, Hang in there. I am trying to get motivated to clean up this place by taking things one room at a time. I…um…. haven’t actually started yet. But my fancypants shrink was big on the concept of just making a little dent everyday. Looking at the big picture is enough to overwhelm anyone.
Prior to those words of wisdom I fared well on the whole, “do three productive things every day” plan. Sometimes I have to count taking a shower as one of my things. 🙂
On Sun, Aug 16, 2015 at 4:52 PM, Tamara Tattles wrote:
>
As for today, after I managed not to throw up in FRONT of anyone. It was all good. I’m not much a liquor drinker, but I do love a good bloody mary. I was feeling poorly before it came and should have sent it back and asked them to put it in a tall glass with lots of mixer. It didn’t even come with celery ffs! I should have passed on the drink all together and gotten the chicken livers to go as I had planned prior to the stupid panic attack.
Seriously, though it really was a nice outing right up until the last little part.
The new book I am reading is Out of Orange. It’s Piper Kerman (the last name might be a little wrong) of OITNB’s criminal lesbian lovers autobiography. I think I am going to like it. If I don’t Xanadude owes me $26.99 plus tax for making me buy it.
I somehow got sucked into the Hallmark movie channel movie marathon. (I woke up in the middle of the night and turned it on to the Matlock/Murder She Wrote marathon thinking it would cause less nightmares than Law and Order.
Two movies so far and someone tragically dies/is dying in both. Now this one stars Dean McDermott. I just can’t seem to change the channel….
Time to feed Banjo. I’m super sleepy and wishing it was 9 pm instead of just 5.
On Sun, Aug 16, 2015 at 5:03 PM, Tamara Tattles wrote:
> Melza, Hang in there. I am trying to get motivated to clean up this place > by taking things one room at a time. I…um…. haven’t actually started > yet. But my fancypants shrink was big on the concept of just making a > little dent everyday. Looking at the big picture is enough to overwhelm > anyone. > > Prior to those words of wisdom I fared well on the whole, “do three > productive things every day” plan. Sometimes I have to count taking a > shower as one of my things. 🙂 > > On Sun, Aug 16, 2015 at 4:52 PM, Tamara Tattles [email protected]> wrote: > >>
Too much coffee on an empty stressful stomach will make you throw up. Also, tomatoes are acidic and will make a nervous stomach worse. Take an advil for the nerves next time and enjoy a white wine spritzer as an alcoholic beverage. Or order OJ, seltzer and alcohol of choice. Seltzer will cut the acid in the OJ.
Congrats on getting out! Still an achievement ☺
When I was having panic attacks I had to quit coffee for awhile. Found out they were caused by thyroid problems.
This past year I learned I have Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism – also the cause of years of depression, severe anxiety, weight gain, severe brain fog, and many other things. Doctors I had trusted never thought to check my thyroid & I never thought to ask. I just took their prescribed antidepressant cocktails that never worked. It wasn’t until my 2nd miscarriage that I started doing research on my own & found an endocrinologist that would see me as a self referral. She diagnosed me with Hashi’s then prescribed me thyroid meds that didn’t help. When I asked her when I would start to feel better, she shrugged & said, “never, really”, then I fired her. I found another Dr that seems to think outside the box a little more, but last I saw her, before my 3rd miscarriage, she put me on the same thyroid meds, but at a higher dose. Then I lost my job & ability to pay for my insurance so I’ve been unable to go back. I hope you’ve been able to get your health in order. I’m still struggling with mine.
Love your stories, Tamara – you’re a no bullshit, tell-it-like-it-is woman – not many of those around who are also funny as hell.
I fucking hate panic attacks.
Thank you, Tamara, for your audacious honesty. Panic attacks have ruled my life longer than I care to admit. Fear of having one forces me to play games with myself as I try to get myself out the door. Shame and denial have led to drinking/binging/isolating…you name it. Being married to a guy who is the complete opposite; as in, highly functional, organized, energetic, on-task, reliable and prudent, seems to highlight my inadequacies. HOWEVER, for the last year I have retreated to my bed, laptop in hand, anticipating a good laugh and/or a shared sniffle (allergy related, of course) with fellow TT followers. Feels safe. A safe-haven. xo
ami…. I am having a bit of a panic attack right now… I just posted a photo (messed up as it is) of me. my biggest fear really I hate pictures.
I’m also going through this life all alone.
SO BUCK THE FUCK UP BUTTERCUP and get out of bed. I’d likely steal your husband in a heartbeat if I could. DO YOU HAVE ANY FUCKING IDEA HOW MANY WOMEN ARE ALONE? DO YOU WANT TO BE NEXT? GIVE HIM MY NUMBER OR GET THE FUCK OUT OF BED IF HE IS NOT IN IT WITH YOU.
I’m just saying. If you want to drink and feel sorry for yourself, that’s fine, I do it all the time. But if you have a man let him go… and give me his number.
On Fri, Aug 21, 2015 at 9:19 PM, Tamara Tattles wrote:
>
Tamara, do what so many are doing now, get a green service vest for Banjo and you will be able to go anywhere. My friend brings her 75# dog everywhere, including airplane cabins (she buys him a seat) and no eyebrows are raised. I even had a neighbor with a pet pig and a service vest, and he also takes the “service” animal everywhere.
Stupid request for TT readers: my hubby and I would like to treat his aunt and her two pre-teen kids to a Disney World and Universal Studios Orlando adventure. Any suggestions on how to do this and where to stay? They live in Florida; we do not.
I think they Have the FL resident discount passes! Or otherwise, surprise them, totally 🙂
oops… don’t know all the details, but she would have to be the purchaser
Not a stupid request. Do some research on the undercover tourist website. Has a lot of good Disney info. We once booked a Disney package through Southwest Airlines, and that made it easier. But we went last month (summer’s too frickin’ hot btw). Stayed at Cabana Bay which is a Universal resort. New and somewhat reasonably priced. However, if you’re going to do the Disney parks and Universal – and really, it’s too much to do all of that in one vacation, IMO – stay at a Disney property. Going to Magic Kingdom from the Universal property was a headache (driving, parking, ferrying, security, etcetera). Anyway, this may have made no sense☺️ Happy planning!
The best and least frustrating way to see Disney World is to buy hopper tickets. Park at Epcot, even if you don’t plan to spend a lot of time there.
That way, you have access to the various modes of transportation. You can hop on the monorail straight to the Magic Kingdom. Or, you can take the bus to the other parks and properties.
This way, you only have to park once, and won’t spend all your time travelling and looking for your car.
When you go to the Magic Kingdom, see all the “mountains” early ( Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, etc.) Skip the 3pm parade, and use that time to hit other big attractions. ( Pirates, Haunted Mansion, etc)
The best places to eat are the restaurants at Epcot. They also serve alcohol there. They have a thing that cast members call “Drink around the world”. That’s World Showcase at the back of Epcot where they have all the ” countries”. China has the best fast food.
Epcot is also a great place to see the fireworks. But don’t go to the viewing area at the entrance of World Showcase. That’s where most cast members send guests, and it’s horribly crowded. If you go early, you can get an outside seat at the pub in the U.K. Otherwise, you get a great view of the fireworks from China or the bridge in Italy.
As for hotels, the Contemporary has easy access to the monorail (it runs through the hotel). But, Disney properties are expensive. There are many adequate hotels off property.
Have fun! Warning, if you have children with you, do not let them out of your sight. Disney is a magnet for pedophiles.
As for Universal, Islands of Adventure is much more fun than the old Universal park. And they have better rides. I hear the Harry Potter area is fabulous. Don’t miss the Spiderman ride, if it’s still there.
Watch out for the cheap ticket booths around the parks. Sometimes, the tickets they sell are fake.
Again, have fun!
I would check out Groupon.
Deal with too much stress at work. We have a pregnant girl who takes a day off every other day–not exagerating. I wish she would either go on family leave completely or just come into work. She’s gone again today–Sunday. So we are down to 5 people. Fortunately it has not been too busy yet, and the rest of the crew are good workers. She called in sick on Friday. I was already on a very busy bench, but had to take over hers as well. All I could do was take care of the stats first, then do what was in front of me. I had to endorse a lot of work to the night shift, but there was nothing to be done about it. We’ve lost three people to retirement in the last 6 months. Only replacement is the pregnant girl. 29 and a half months and I can retire–if I don’t have a heart attack from the stress.
TT, look into caretaking for off season. Friend did it in the Hamptons for years. Salary, plus free place to stay, plus plenty of time to do your website.
Or, so many foreclosures on beach properties! Good deals for the determined buyer.
Best of luck. Sounds like you need a change. Am transitioning myself, so I get it.
But may I just say: am at Cape Hatteras for the week. Incredible weather. Feeling blessed. Wish you were here!
I have panic attacks as well. Sometimes I feel ok and can go wherever then sometimes I’ll have one out of nowhere while I’m out. Or when I kinda force myself to go out its a mind numbing experience. I can’t get to the safety of my car quick enough. I feel for you. Be proud of yourself for trying it’s not easy when your having an exceptionally bad week and are trying to motivate yourself. Don’t beat yourself up about it. That’s what I try not to do cause then I won’t try again next time. Just know that there are others out there just like you and we’re trying to get over our same fears your not alone.
Cheychey, thanks for sharing. Panic attacks crippled me for a year. Back then I bought every book I could find (no web) and learned things I could to deal with them. I was also lucky to find out the thyroid was messed up and MVP of heart triggered, good luck
I’m less than 30 minutes to Hilton Head Island beaches so I’m happy to help you find something in this area if you want me to keep an eye you out 🙂 This weekend was beautiful here-it got down to about 74 last night which was magnificent! Other than that I spent my weekend with the kids getting them ready to go back to school tomorrow and working on redesigning my Disney blog and designing my new mommy blog. So much work but it’s something I honestly love so it’s worth it to me. Had I known I wanted to do this for “real” when I started five years ago, this would all be so much easier! Oh well. I love coming here for a break from it all and so appreciate all the work you put into your site. Have an amazing week this week!
Gulf Shores/Fort Morgan/Orange Beach AL might be reasonably priced. A friend of mine has a house in Foley which is just a few mins from Gulf Shores.
What’s an OA? Have you thought about Savanah, Hilton Head, or Charleston? Spent the weekend relaxing today and hanging with friends yesterday.
There is a really cool concept promulgated by Marie Kondo in her bestselling book The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing. Her approach is to hold each object in your hand, discard everything that does not “spark joy” after thanking those objects for their service.
I’ve been “trying” to follow The Kondo way for some time. I Love It. for me it’s all in the attitude. So cool someone else has read her book.
I am being forced out of my shit hole.. Worked at the mortgage company for 24years and 7 months and my new asshole boss decided he only wanted young tall girls working for him so he forced me resign. I couldn’t find a job for over a year of looking and I am an FHA/VA, Conventional underwriter. Apparently nobody wants to hire unless your young and tall. It got so bad that I was actually approved for Social Security Disability in less than 5 months! Does that ever happen? I was so sick of that company that I didn’t even care, so don’t feel sorry for me. But getting motivated to move is a real bitch. I am almost comatose. Just wanted you to know that I feel your pain. Take care! By the way, I tried to sue and got a “Notice of Right to Sue”, but couldn’t get a lawyer to take it because I had already gotten disability. Trying to find something to be passionate about, but the only thing that thrills me a booze and gambling, which now I have money for neither!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Muhahahahah…
I don’t know how the hell I am going to move or even how to find an apartment that will take me. All I know is that I want the hell out of this money pit……….
Dear Lord, please screw the bastards at my previous employment and allow me to find an apartment where I can have my cable, internet and fridge. Amen.
Wow SSD in 5 months..excellent! It took my husband 18 months. I was forced out of my Fed job after 30 years for being sick. I too had a new boss.
There is a war on women out there. It’s getting scary. So many good women were let go, or laid off at my last job. The government is taking away women’s rights that we fought for in 60s & 70s and now we have to listen to the ignorant spewings of Donald Trump and menstrualgate. I couldn’t find another job and I am still only in my 50’s. Working women better watch out. Gonna need that pension and 401k for boob jobs and tummy tucks.
I’m so sorry to hear about your situation. I’m putting in a prayer for you, too. And like someone mentioned further down, I would definitely classify your dog as a “service animal,” especially considering the fact that you’re disabled.
I have a random question about the Bravo series Ladies of London. I’m very curious to know if Caprice Bourret left the series of her choosing, or if she was not offered a contract. Nothing seems to come up on google. Has anyone heard anything about this?
Went fishing and sunbathing all weekend long. Rather relaxing, but I hear tell that sun ,ay be bad for my skin? Oh well, at least I look Fabulous right now.
The only thing different this weekend from me not being able to sleep at night and then sleeping all day was getting a visit from a childhood friend who was in town to visit his mom for the week. He lived right across the street and was 2 years younger than me. He called and woke me up early today at 12:30 p.m. Almost didn’t hear the phone ring because I’d only been asleep for 4 hours.
Alan has had 2 strokes and walks with difficulty on a cane. We put the dogs out in the fence for him to get inside. He asked to see the dogs so after he got seated we turned in the 4 Rottweilers and the 16 month old Great Dane puppy Balou who weighs 160 lbs. I call him Amuck. Of course Balou went straight to him and with his 10 inch tongue licked Alan’s entire head with one lick. I was so embarrassed with his manners but Balou thinks everyone who comes is here to visit him only. He pushes the other dogs out of the way, brings all his toys to the person and even backed up and sat on Alan’s lap with his front legs on the floor.
Alan loved it. He didn’t mind being slobber on or being gummed even though he was covered with drool. I finally brought him a towel to dry off with. I kept making Balou stop but Alan would call him back so I gave up trying. Lol. Alan had a good time as did Balou so it was a successful visit. I also made my homemade spaghetti for dinner which I haven’t cooked in a long time so everyone was happy in the King household today. Little things make for a good day.
Dogs make everything better. That is the only thing that makes me sorry that I have to give up my home is that I have to give up one of my dogs….my border collie “Bentley”. This is just an add on to my writings a few paragraphs above. I lost my job after 25 years and most of my savings have gone to help support the grandkids that lived with me. Now I have to get an apartment and most don’t take big dogs. Does anyone know about any rescue places for dogs. Everyone I’ve called are all filled up and no longer taking in dogs. After 25 years of service, the bank let me got less than 12 months after I had a heart attack sitting at my desk. I had a right to sue letter from the EEOC, but couldn’t get a lawyer to take my case. I had even over heard senior management say to someone on the phone ” oh no, we’ll hire new people, there are only so many times you can recycle these old farts”. Thought I would die. Enough said. Good riddance and sorry for the rambling.
Hi have you tried searching for rescue of Border Collies? I’m sorry about your job, I had similar experience.
Hey there! I’m wondering if someone is banished to the window lickers section; can they still read the blogs? I hope so.
Thanks for your replies Dee. They are genuinely appreciated and you are very very kind. I never found another job so now I am living off of disability. (Trying to anyway.) I will try the Border Collies rescues. I am keeping him as long as I can. I love Bentley so much. I won’t feel safe without him, not that he would do anything but bark for a minute at an intruder. Then he would just want to play. I love dogs!!
It is awful what was done to you. Everyone said I had rights but I was too sick to fight to fight the Fed. So much for FMLA. I saw lots of rescue organizations for border cookies.
Donna, I am sorry about your whole situation but even sorrier for you having to give up Bentley. That’s like giving up a family member as far as I’m concerned. Try googling emotional therapy dogs. If you can get your dog listed as one then the place you are living cannot make you get rid of him. They will have to allow you to keep your dog. Not sure what the process is to get Bentley classified but it might be worth the effort.
Donna, have you considered doing something like TaskRabbit? You do errands, or whatever for people. It might be a way to earn extra $$.
This is about the pig blood post wayyyy back there. I worked at Sam’s Club with a woman years ago who was married to a Mexican. She said that when they would butcher a pig, they would fry up the pig blood and eat it on tortillas. Pretty gross.
Just got admitted at the Victorian Supreme Court and Gina Liano is here moving a family member’s admission.
Would take a sneaky pic – but have to be professional.
YAY! Micheal! CONGRATS! Love how all your hard work paid off! So happy for you!
On Mon, Aug 17, 2015 at 8:30 PM, Tamara Tattles wrote:
>
Wow Michael impressive. Congrats!
Congrats, Micheal!