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Cooped GirlBlue Eyes See Clearer 9/12/2008 WOW...IT HAS BEEN A WHILE...WOW...It really has been a while...January 2007...right now...at this very moment...I am at the beach...on a much needed vacation...ready to seize the day...and tickle the toes of my sweetie... 1/14/2007 Jack Bauer Is Here To Save The Day...AGAIN!2007...the event of all events...another FREAKIN' FOUR HOUR premier of 24! Tonight...I will be snuggling my puppy at 8:00 under the blankets.
Jack Bauer...homeless and looking a little like Donald Southerland?
Chloe O'Brian...now brunette?
Wayne Palmer...now president?
Nadia Yassir...HOTT!
 11/27/2006 Black Friday 2006Being the most wonderful aunt in the world...I braved the midnight craze...and took my niece to Concord Mills for Black Friday midnight shopping. People were actually camped out to be the first ones in the mall. I successfully bought most of my Christmas presents...but at the price of waiting in long lines without food or sleep. Oh well...my niece needed a formal winter dress...and I needed some more Christmas crap...so what did we have to lose?
I Love My DentistGoodbye peg laterals! After twenty-seven...wait...make that about twenty years...I have reluctantly said goodbye to my peg laterals. My dentists have always tried to convince me to place veneers on my little teeth...but I have grown to love them and find them unique. When veneers are used...your teeth actually have to be "shaven" down to little stubs...which cannot be reversed. My apprehension over the years has always come from the fear that there would be no turning back with veneers. I was always told that bonding was not an option...but my dear Dr. Boykin advised me that he would be willing to take a try at it...and best of all...the procedure could be reversed...if I wasn't happy with the results...my peg laterals would be back. Bonding only lasts ten years...but I can decide if I want veneers or my unique smile back at that time. Hum...I guess I have ten years to decide.
11/21/2006 Puppy ChristmasMerry Christmas!
I had to have taken about a hundred pictures trying to get all of the animals in front of the tree...too bad I forgot to first add the tree skirt...three cats...and a dog...I may have to take one hundred more before it's over. What's up with that hole on the side anyway? haha
That Fresh Christmas Tree SmellI have been harrassing my sister and brother-in-law for weeks about finding the perfect tree on their land. Knowing that I may only get a tree if I go out and buy one myself...my niece and brother-in-law woke up early Sunday morning to hike in their fields...found not one...but two trees...cut them down...and even delivered them both to my doorstep. We put the ten foot cedar in the living room...which will be the "themed" tree this year. The smaller eight foot pine went into my office...which will hold all of the ornaments I have gathered since I was in diapers.
I have really been bitten by the Christmas bug this year...unfortunately it is the non-traditional consumer holiday beetle...with all of the Santa dolls and ribbons. "Jingle Bells...Jingle Bells"
Here is a pic of my tree minus the tree skirt and presents...
11/13/2006 One Word...AMAZING!I have been longing to find someone who could create a painting from a portrait...and after years of this dream...I finally found some of the most amazing expressions of emotion...brushed by someone who was actually open to the idea of looking at old pictures of my ancestors. This artist happens to be my old boyfriend's little sister...old boyfriend just doesn't sound right...that sounds like a superficial way to describe something special...I will now refer to him as one of the smartest and most talented individuals I have ever met..."old boyfriend" is out of the question. Which reminds me...I need to track him down...so he can teach me how to play my new guitar. *SMILES*
Anyway...I haven't sent her my pictures yet...because it is so difficult to decide on only a few...hum...what a difficult decision!
Cemetery Picture?Searching for artwork was driving me CRAZY...I had explored for weeks upon weeks...and couldn't find anything that fit into my mind's idea of what I wanted...until...I finally came across a slightly achromatic scene...with an antique frame. I knew I had to bring it home with me once I saw it...but I couldn't quite put my finger on the attraction. Then it hit me...the picture was of all things...a gate to a cemetery...how fitting was that? I swear...everything I end up with looks like it was straight out of the Adam's Family or the Osbornes or something...and what's up with me concentrating so much on what I've bought recently? That is so not me...but looking over my past few posting...it proves I am a consumer...OK...my life has to start getting a little more exciting! It is Monday night...I am at home...alone...writing about a freakin' picture.
Ceiling Fan BluesI've NEVER been a fan of the catchpenny ceiling fan...but I finally found one that was contemporary enough for my taste...and actually coordinates with both the cathedral ceiling and the living room. The actual name is Cressner Iron from Hampton Bay. It was easy to install...well...it looked easy to install... I am very pleased with the outcome. BTW...I took all of the old light fixtures to the new thrift store in Randleman called "Guardian Angel Thrift"...which gives it's proceeds to the Victory Junction Gang Camp. The nice lady behind the counter advised that all donations are welcome...so I've taken bags of clothes...and all kinds of things from the house that we no longer need. I think I will go enjoy my ceiling fan now!
Bathroom Milestones...HUH?Another milestone...the very stressful bright big bird bathroom (the color was actually caled canary)...now has a sense of placidity. I do not know what I was thinking when I chose this crazy color when I first moved in...I mean look how awful the brown cabinet goes against the yellow wall...YUCK...it was the first room in the house I actually painted...and boy oh boy did I paint. People would have a heart attack almost every time they came to visit...because of course...the guess restroom was my victim...I finally took the hint and repainted. I chose the assuasive "Lost Atlantis" by Behr. I really liked the color from the swatch...but actually love the color now that it covers the walls. I replaced the lights so you could actually see yourself in the room...and tada...no more yellow faces! I still have to install the new hardware & faucet (brushed nickel to match the lighting)...replace the mirror with the new white six-paned nautical...paint the cabinets white...and fasten the new white linen shower curtain...but it is on it's way!
11/12/2006 Running For VictoryI'm finally lacing my shoes...for the first time in a LONG time. I have been long overdue for a nice run...or even jog...and the cold winter run for the Victory Junction Gang Camp seems to be just the motivation that has helped me start getting back into shape. I have wanted to volunteer at the camp ever since they opened because it is right in my back yard, and more importantly, because the camp is a wonderful opportunity to give my time back to what is important...even if I'm only qualified to pick up trash. The camp...located in Randleman, NC...was started of course by the Petty family...and offers a getaway for children with chronic conditions. After hearing Kyle Petty on the Murphy in the Morning show on 107.5 KZL I remembered how much I had wanted to volunteer...and when visiting their site to fill out an application...I found myself sitting face first into a vision of running for charity...The Victory Junction Run...December 3, 2006...my butt will be in gear walking the familiar streets of Randleman.
 10/16/2006 Christmas Sell OutI don't know who or what I'm turning into...but I feel like such a sell out. I bought...ta da da da...a freakin' CHRISTMAS VILLAGE. I always made fun of people who wasted their money on cheesy villages...making themselves feel like little girls again...playing with dolls...but somehow I am now obsessed with little ice ponds...glow in the dark dentist offices... churches... and cottages. I even bought the snow that twinkles so I can throw it on the mini-trees. I am really getting OLD! Check out Mr. "BoyzNBluez" for the most ridiculous Christmas Village out there. BTW..."most ridiculous" was a compliment!
 10/8/2006 New LaptopFinally...I purchased my own laptop today. Maybe I'm selfish...but it will be nice to finally have a computer that no one else will touch...hum...yes that is selfish!
Anyway...I bought more for the buck than for the quality...one word...Gateway. I've always been so leary of the Gateway...but the price couldn't be beat...and now that they are actually sold mainstream...it's okay right? haha
Gateway MX6453 Notebook - 2048 MB (Memory) & 160 GB (Hard Drive) ...we'll wait and see how it stands up to the Dell!
Floors Down...Lights UpFinally...new floors are down! I obviously still have an abudance of labor to tackle...painting...trim...but you get the idea.
9/10/2006 Spring...Or Is That Fall Cleaning?Growing up...my closets were huge walk-ins with walls and walls of space. This unfortunately kicked in my habit of being a clutter bug and pack-cat. ("Pack-cat" is my other name for pack-rat...I don't really want to call myself a rat.) It also did not help that my mother took me shopping every weekend with the same ending Saturday ritual of modeling my newly bought threads to my grandmother at lunch and then to my father before dinner.
In today's grown-up world of Crystal...after years upon years of living with the OCD demon...I have finally decided to face the fact that now with four closets of bursting skirts... dresses... suits... shoes... scarves... and jackets... many of which still have tags...I need to loosen the burden and donate more than my usual seasonal tote of diggs. It's a disgusting habit that I want to put in my past. I thought typing the words and admitting how extreme the issue is...would help my resolve...and that the below picture would be so embarrassing that I would at least start with this closet today.
I am so overpowered with my collection of unnecessary items that I sway toward the same simple pieces each week. I mean who needs two pairs of red snakeskin leather pants...or five large straw sun hats that have never been worn? I'm not Asian (a red Mandarin mini dress) ...a stripper (my multiple hoochie-hoo dresses...skirts...and belly shirts covered in sequins and glitter...not to mention the six inch stripper boots that light up when I walk)...a school teacher (seasonal Bunny and Christmas sweaters have to go)...or a teenager (how many novelty tees does a girl need?) I cannot let the hippy stuff go though...my collection of tie-dye...long shapeless skirts and sandals make me happy on the weekend! I mean...how could I even possibly think about discarding Cooper's favorite XXL braided hemp shirt that he gained at the last Grateful Dead concert in 93' from a hippy named Bob in exchange for a beer?
Today...is the first day...of the rest of my unvain...unspoiled...and clutter-free life!
8/21/2006 Crystal TimeCrystal Time Is Here!
I finally pampered myself this weekend. I was in such good spirits that I did the works: hair, makeup, pedicure, and manicure. I purchased pretty little bath beads...and tons of scentful Victoria's Secret gels, lotions sprays and shampoos. I chose my old time favorites "Strawberries and Champagne", "Pear Glace" and "So Sexy". My favorite blusher, aside from Benetint, is Estee Lauder's "Blush All Day in Pink Sand"; I picked up one of those too. Who can forget the wonderful products from C.O. Bigelow? The all time best salve out there is "Smith's Rosebud Salve" It is old fashioned and reminds me of my grandmother. I also picked up the Mentha Lip Tints in Pink. It is supposed to give your lips a soft gloss while keeping your breath fresh...I knew I had to try it! I also broke down and bought Proactiv! I know...no one likes to talk about bad skin...but my dermatologist recommends this stuff...and I've been using it for about ten years. It works wonderfully...but has that familiar smell of sulfur. Yuck! I guess it is vain to go on and on about what I bought for myself...but I never pamper myself...and yesterday was the day of days! Enough...I'm making myself sick thinking about the pure vanity!
 Big NewsI found out the best news ever today! It has to be kept a secret though...which is killing me. I am so overjoyed!
 8/15/2006 North Carolina SurnamesIt feels like time for a roll call! My direct ancestors from the North Carolina counties of Alamance, Chatham, Guilford, Montgomery and Randolph include the below surnames:
Baby BoomBabies are EVERYWHERE! I have three showers to go to just this month...and my mother has two!
I was the first one to get married...but will probably be the last to actually spit out a little bundle of pooping...spitting...burping joy! Two beautiful smiling little girls and one handsome kissable little boy...I honestly cannot wait until the beach trip next month to see the little munchkins...but it will be nice knowing that I get to come home to sleeping nights and free weekends. Call me selfish...no...maybe I'm just immature. I'll admit...when the time comes...it will probably be a surprise...but I will be extremely excited. Until then...hello freedom!
More RenovationPainting...painting...painting...I love to paint!
After much thought...I finally chose a color for my office. It is a slightly earthy gray color titled Creek Bend by Behr. The room will have white trim...black furniture...and of course...new flooring. YEAH! Here is a quick picture. The room is far from complete...as you can tell. I have pushed some of the things from the kitchen into this room while it is being painted...but you can at least get the idea.
Photo TimeOops...I dropped my camera...time for a new one! It is not typical of me to make a purchase without a little research...so after shopping at the one and only mighty store of stores...TARGET...it was surprising that I bought a new camera on my lunch break. I decided that I needed a basic camera for taking to my many cemetery stops and keeping with me at all times. With that being said...I didn't want to pay big bucks for something that was going to sit in the hot sun day after day and eventually get stolen. I chose the Sony Cyber-Short S600...mainly because of the low price. It was only $200...takes 6 megapixels...holds 32MB without the memory...can easily use the 1G memory stick I bought...uses batteries instead of a battery pack...and captures motion. High quality isn't necessarily needed for headstone pictures anyway...so I'm very pleased with the quality for the price.
7/25/2006 Renovation TimeI finally did it...I ripped up the six year old carpet and bought new wood flooring! I am so excited that my entire first floor will be carpet free. I chose the Dupont Real Touch Elite Cherry Laminate Flooring from Home Depot. It was much less expensive than the ceramic tile I wanted so it was a great decision. I've decided upon Sandstone Cove and Swiss Coffee by Behr for the walls. They aren't the most exciting colors...but I really think the tones will compliment the new floors and current cabinets. Here's the before picture of the kitchen...as you can see...it is very country...I cannot wait until I can see how it looks!
7/1/2006 "A Million Little Pieces"I purposely waited until after all of the negative babble slithered away before reading the James Frey book, "A Million Little Pieces". As soon as I finished, I picked up "My Friend Leonard" and couldn't put it down! Until I put my thoughts together...what's up with Lilly? I cannot seem to find any discussion about her except the same crap of her not being real. Anyway...what about Lilly? I think she looks like Fiona Apple with "long black hair" "pale skin" and "blue eyes like deep clean water"!
3/6/2006 Little Pink PilPeople are so funny when they forget to take their medicine...or should I say CRAZY! Thank God I'm going to Vegas for the week. During the next few days maybe some of the world's crack heads will bury themselves in their own obsessive compulsive reality so I will never have to deal with them again. Life is too short... LOVE... LIVE... LAUGH! I sure am...my laughter can be heard all the way to the airport. Ha ha...haha...ha ha ha ha. That wasnt' too Christian of me was it? Let me take that back. Treat each other with respect... follow the golden rule...remember we all end up in one of two places in the end... love each other. Life is too short!
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