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Tuesday, June 18, 2002
Question of the Week: If you could be any food, what would you be and why?
I would be CHOCOLATE! Think about it...if you are chocolate, you are good warm or cold; most everyone wants you; those who truly love you would do whatever it takes to keep you safe; those who are allergic to you stay away from you, or if they eat you anyway, then they are aware of the consequences, and it is up to THEM to deal with it; you can be as plain as bar shaped or be made all pretty and decorative (think chocolate leaf shapes or star shapes or stuff like that); you come in different types: dark, white, milk, mint (so you don't get boring); you make people very happy; and you go good with milk.
I would be CHOCOLATE! Think about it...if you are chocolate, you are good warm or cold; most everyone wants you; those who truly love you would do whatever it takes to keep you safe; those who are allergic to you stay away from you, or if they eat you anyway, then they are aware of the consequences, and it is up to THEM to deal with it; you can be as plain as bar shaped or be made all pretty and decorative (think chocolate leaf shapes or star shapes or stuff like that); you come in different types: dark, white, milk, mint (so you don't get boring); you make people very happy; and you go good with milk.
I think there needs to be a new section on Fossie's Blog, entitled "What ~~~~~~ Are You?" It could be a weekly thing, where I post the question of the week and let you guys answer it. Then you can put your answer on your own Blog or Livejournal or whatever. Yes, I like this idea, because we are all always taking these on-line quizzes... let us see what we think about ourselves!
Monday, June 17, 2002
The weekend was long but good. More tomorrow when I get my brain back together. Today will be mainly pointless ramblings.
Oh, and a test:

What Type of Villain are You?
mutedfaith.com / <ยบ>
Oh, and a test:
What Type of Villain are You?
mutedfaith.com / <ยบ>
Wednesday, June 12, 2002
Well, I think that today is going to be interesting... I have a dentists appointment at 2. Oh, and rumor has it that my Cousin has done something to alter his appearance....
Monday, June 10, 2002
Hey World! Look who decided to check in! Life is okay. The weekend was great, albeit too short. Friday night, Misty and I went to the Gym. Worked out on some machines we usually don't tackle. Saw a certain awesome professor there too. Man, he's brilliant...
Anyway, then we left the Gym and headed out to Aaron's soccer game. We got there as it was ending, but he came running up to my car with his (biological) Mother and they filled me in and told me that his team was going to the championship tournament. YIPPIE AARON!!! So, we went and caught up with Mikey and hung out at my house. Course, I wasn't much fun for Mike or Misty, as I was on the phone for most of the evening. Then we broke diet and got petroleum at Sonic!!!! (FYI, "Petroleum" is our pet name for the ice cream treats that Sonic serves, because that is what Misty says they are made of. She is usually a big TCBY or Baskin Robbins fan, but when Sonic is 2.6 minutes away and TCBY is 15 minutes away, you go to Sonic. Why? Because you can talk yourself out of cheating on your diet in 15 minutes, whereas in 2.6, you barely even have time to realize where you are! HAHAHAHA!)
So, Saturday morning comes and we all sleep in. Then Mike and I head to Misty and Ed's. We eat lunch and then go to Aaron's tournament. Well, they didn't win, but Aaron didn't seem too distressed about it. He went on home with his Mother after the game.
Mike, Ed, Misty and I piled in my car and headed to Wal-Mart to buy food for the Lewis-Tyson fight. Bobby and Missi bought it, and we all pitched in to pay for it, and then Grill Master Bob cooked for everyone. YUM!!! On the way back, we detoured so Misty could show Ed the two houses for sale that we thought were so cute. Long story short, Ed called the realtor, and now Misty is going to see if she can BUY A HOME!!! GO MISTY!!! Updates will occur here, I am sure.
Well, we head on out to Bob and Missi's and goof off. Missi made SAUSAGE BALLS!!! and I actually got more than ONE this time, because the boys were outside when the food came out of the oven. :o) We all chowed down on our steaks or whatever - did I mention that Bob is a great grillsman? Then it was fight time... Mike, Ed, Jeff, Bobby, Missi, Bruce, Betty, Misty and Me were all rooting for Lennox.. Tim rooted for Tyson...
OOPS! Work Calls.. gotta motor. Peace!
Anyway, then we left the Gym and headed out to Aaron's soccer game. We got there as it was ending, but he came running up to my car with his (biological) Mother and they filled me in and told me that his team was going to the championship tournament. YIPPIE AARON!!! So, we went and caught up with Mikey and hung out at my house. Course, I wasn't much fun for Mike or Misty, as I was on the phone for most of the evening. Then we broke diet and got petroleum at Sonic!!!! (FYI, "Petroleum" is our pet name for the ice cream treats that Sonic serves, because that is what Misty says they are made of. She is usually a big TCBY or Baskin Robbins fan, but when Sonic is 2.6 minutes away and TCBY is 15 minutes away, you go to Sonic. Why? Because you can talk yourself out of cheating on your diet in 15 minutes, whereas in 2.6, you barely even have time to realize where you are! HAHAHAHA!)
So, Saturday morning comes and we all sleep in. Then Mike and I head to Misty and Ed's. We eat lunch and then go to Aaron's tournament. Well, they didn't win, but Aaron didn't seem too distressed about it. He went on home with his Mother after the game.
Mike, Ed, Misty and I piled in my car and headed to Wal-Mart to buy food for the Lewis-Tyson fight. Bobby and Missi bought it, and we all pitched in to pay for it, and then Grill Master Bob cooked for everyone. YUM!!! On the way back, we detoured so Misty could show Ed the two houses for sale that we thought were so cute. Long story short, Ed called the realtor, and now Misty is going to see if she can BUY A HOME!!! GO MISTY!!! Updates will occur here, I am sure.
Well, we head on out to Bob and Missi's and goof off. Missi made SAUSAGE BALLS!!! and I actually got more than ONE this time, because the boys were outside when the food came out of the oven. :o) We all chowed down on our steaks or whatever - did I mention that Bob is a great grillsman? Then it was fight time... Mike, Ed, Jeff, Bobby, Missi, Bruce, Betty, Misty and Me were all rooting for Lennox.. Tim rooted for Tyson...
OOPS! Work Calls.. gotta motor. Peace!
Thursday, June 06, 2002
Hello World! Quick update time... work is still a high-stress gig, and getting moreso by the minute. Don't wanna talk about that one...
Well, it seems that my COUSINS are all Black Dragons. Yup, Stu, Jeremy and Misty are all Black Dragons. Jeff is Golden - no comment - and I am Green!!! Ed is a Red, which I don't get, and Bobby is a Blue. (Makes sense to me!)
This weekend promises to be fun. Some of us are pitching in with Bob and Missi and we are going to watch the Lewis-Tyson fight! We are grilling out and all that good stuff. Man, I hope Lennox Lewis wins... he is just awesome. Tyson best KEEP his teeth away from Mr. Lewis!!!! That fight is over in Memphis, you know. Yes, I am THIS close to Lennox Lewis and STILL don't get to meet him. *sigh*
Last night, we went out to Jerry's and Jerry, Erich, Misty and I had a mini-fighter practice. We even fought IN THE RAIN!!! How hard core are WE getting?! :o) Seriously, it was a blast. I am looking forward to the more intense practice on Wednesdays. Going out there after the gym is still worth it, even though I am very tired when I get home. :oD
Well, it seems that my COUSINS are all Black Dragons. Yup, Stu, Jeremy and Misty are all Black Dragons. Jeff is Golden - no comment - and I am Green!!! Ed is a Red, which I don't get, and Bobby is a Blue. (Makes sense to me!)
This weekend promises to be fun. Some of us are pitching in with Bob and Missi and we are going to watch the Lewis-Tyson fight! We are grilling out and all that good stuff. Man, I hope Lennox Lewis wins... he is just awesome. Tyson best KEEP his teeth away from Mr. Lewis!!!! That fight is over in Memphis, you know. Yes, I am THIS close to Lennox Lewis and STILL don't get to meet him. *sigh*
Last night, we went out to Jerry's and Jerry, Erich, Misty and I had a mini-fighter practice. We even fought IN THE RAIN!!! How hard core are WE getting?! :o) Seriously, it was a blast. I am looking forward to the more intense practice on Wednesdays. Going out there after the gym is still worth it, even though I am very tired when I get home. :oD
Monday, June 03, 2002
Howdy! Happy Monday! *chipper mood exaggerated*
Okie, dokie. Stu wanted a layman's explanation of my last post. Basically it goes like this:
I work in the College of Arts and Sciences. "Arts" is Criminology, Sociology, Social Work and Geography; English and Philosophy; Heritage Studies; History; Languages; and Political Science. "Sciences" is Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, and Environmental Sciences. The "Sciences" part is getting all this funding and new buildings geared toward scientific research. Therefore, if Arts stays in with Sciences, then Arts will get pushed to the background because the emphasis is on Science research. That would leave little or no funding to incresase growth in Arts. That would be bad.
So, they are wanting to split us up. There will be much discussion about that as time goes on, I am sure. It is gonna be a lot of work, I'll tell you that right now.
On to more unimportant things:

Which monkey are you?

Which Peanuts Character Are You Quiz

which children's storybook character are you?
this quiz was made by colleen
Okie, dokie. Stu wanted a layman's explanation of my last post. Basically it goes like this:
I work in the College of Arts and Sciences. "Arts" is Criminology, Sociology, Social Work and Geography; English and Philosophy; Heritage Studies; History; Languages; and Political Science. "Sciences" is Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, and Environmental Sciences. The "Sciences" part is getting all this funding and new buildings geared toward scientific research. Therefore, if Arts stays in with Sciences, then Arts will get pushed to the background because the emphasis is on Science research. That would leave little or no funding to incresase growth in Arts. That would be bad.
So, they are wanting to split us up. There will be much discussion about that as time goes on, I am sure. It is gonna be a lot of work, I'll tell you that right now.
On to more unimportant things:
Which monkey are you?
A GREEN Dragon Lies Beneath!
I took the Inner Dragon online quiz and found out I am a Green Dragon on the inside. My Inner Dragon is the embodiment of Nature and the Earth. Greens spend almost all of their time below the canopy or just above the treetops in tropical rain forests. Not a bad life considering every other creature in the forest looks up to me, figuratively and literally. I speak the language of every animal and plant in my domain and know most of them by first name. If people mess with my forests, I'm more than happy to wail on their puny butts. Because of my protector/caretaker role, I am the Earth Elemental dragon. Naturally my whole life pretty much revolves around the other couple million species I keep an eye on, but that's not my whole dragon. I also like to like to impose my steadfast will on others, commune with Nature, and lobby governments for alternative fuels and conservation. My favorable attributes are gemstones, mountains, caves, soil, respect, endurance, responsibility, prosperity, and purpose in life. Folks shouldn't get the idea I'm a hippy pushover though, because my breath weapon is a nasty Fire/Acid combination. Maybe I should invest in a hemp shirt reading "Don't knock my smock, or I'll clean your clock." *wink*Which Peanuts Character Are You Quiz
which children's storybook character are you?
this quiz was made by colleen
Friday, May 31, 2002
So, did ya MISS ME?! Yeah, I missed me too.... no seriously.. work has been rather, ahem, INTERESTING this week.
It was officially announced yesterday that they will be looking to split the College of Arts and Sciences in two. Snippet of the official word, courtesy of our Interim Vice President: "We are at a point in our history that demands that a research-scientist-dean begin to devote unusual attention to the interaction of our scientists and mathematicians with the new ABI initiative. It is my strong opinion that what we currently refer to as liberal arts will be ill served by such a demand on a dean’s attention. Accordingly, I think it imperative that we provide our liberal arts departments (by which I mean to include departments within the humanities and social sciences) with focused leadership and advocacy." So, we shall see as time goes on. And, of course, I'll post updates here.
On to other things...got the bedroom repainted over the Memorial Day holiday. The walls are lavender, and the accents are my usual dusty blue and dusty green. I cannot believe I made my room over to match my Monet prints, but you gotta go with what you love, yes? :o)
Okay, that's it for me now. Oh, my friend Daniel is also now a blog reader. Everyone say Hi to Daniel!
Everyone, have a safe weekend. Peace.
It was officially announced yesterday that they will be looking to split the College of Arts and Sciences in two. Snippet of the official word, courtesy of our Interim Vice President: "We are at a point in our history that demands that a research-scientist-dean begin to devote unusual attention to the interaction of our scientists and mathematicians with the new ABI initiative. It is my strong opinion that what we currently refer to as liberal arts will be ill served by such a demand on a dean’s attention. Accordingly, I think it imperative that we provide our liberal arts departments (by which I mean to include departments within the humanities and social sciences) with focused leadership and advocacy." So, we shall see as time goes on. And, of course, I'll post updates here.
On to other things...got the bedroom repainted over the Memorial Day holiday. The walls are lavender, and the accents are my usual dusty blue and dusty green. I cannot believe I made my room over to match my Monet prints, but you gotta go with what you love, yes? :o)
Okay, that's it for me now. Oh, my friend Daniel is also now a blog reader. Everyone say Hi to Daniel!
Everyone, have a safe weekend. Peace.
Thursday, May 23, 2002
Zanna sent me this link: http://www.llewellyn.com/mpq/
which told me this about me:
Your Primary Mythical Creature
Satyr Water with Earth
Astrologically associated with Scorpio and the Eighth House
Water Types The main strength of the Water types is feeling. The second element indicates the most probable focus for this emotional expression.
Satyr types are warm and sociable but also enigmatic and mysterious. They are sensitive to others’ feelings and moods and are extremely insightful and perceptive. They feel a need to relate intimately with others and they often do so through sensual pleasures. However, they also have a tendency to be cautious and guarded and they need to maintain their privacy. This behavior confuses others and makes them appear unpredictable and capricious. They want to control over themselves and others in order to feel secure. They also want to merge with others to feel a sense of unity. They are frequently attracted to art and design, especially if it involves the natural world. They have a deep love of nature. They are imaginative and enjoy combining their creative urges with sensual pleasures in a productive way.
Your Shadow Creature
Dragon Fire and Air
Fire Types All the Fire types have problems relating to anger and aggression. The weakest element indicates the main focus of these problems.
This shadow is unreasonable, self-contradictory, and expedient. Pseudo-logic and tangled references to poorly understood arguments are used simply to justify current behavior. They are conceited and think that the usual social restrictions should not apply to them. They are snobbish, arrogant, and opportunistic. Their ostentation and name-dropping indicates an underlying sense of worthlessness. They want to succeed but lack the necessary drive, so they bathe in reflected glory. In their self-defeating attempts to do this they may give up their freedom and dignity. The biggest obstacle of weak Air is to overcome prejudice and ignorance; the biggest obstacle of weak Fire is to overcome anger and aggression.
which told me this about me:
Your Primary Mythical Creature
Satyr Water with Earth
Astrologically associated with Scorpio and the Eighth House
Water Types The main strength of the Water types is feeling. The second element indicates the most probable focus for this emotional expression.
Satyr types are warm and sociable but also enigmatic and mysterious. They are sensitive to others’ feelings and moods and are extremely insightful and perceptive. They feel a need to relate intimately with others and they often do so through sensual pleasures. However, they also have a tendency to be cautious and guarded and they need to maintain their privacy. This behavior confuses others and makes them appear unpredictable and capricious. They want to control over themselves and others in order to feel secure. They also want to merge with others to feel a sense of unity. They are frequently attracted to art and design, especially if it involves the natural world. They have a deep love of nature. They are imaginative and enjoy combining their creative urges with sensual pleasures in a productive way.
Your Shadow Creature
Dragon Fire and Air
Fire Types All the Fire types have problems relating to anger and aggression. The weakest element indicates the main focus of these problems.
This shadow is unreasonable, self-contradictory, and expedient. Pseudo-logic and tangled references to poorly understood arguments are used simply to justify current behavior. They are conceited and think that the usual social restrictions should not apply to them. They are snobbish, arrogant, and opportunistic. Their ostentation and name-dropping indicates an underlying sense of worthlessness. They want to succeed but lack the necessary drive, so they bathe in reflected glory. In their self-defeating attempts to do this they may give up their freedom and dignity. The biggest obstacle of weak Air is to overcome prejudice and ignorance; the biggest obstacle of weak Fire is to overcome anger and aggression.
Wednesday, May 22, 2002
Tuesday, May 21, 2002
Well, I suppose it is time to post my reflections from the weekend.
Friday night, Mike and I headed to Newport for Bridget and Byron's wedding rehearsal and dinner. We got kind of a late start, because I wanted to make sure my house was clean before we left. So, I called Mer and Scott on their cell phone, and we were almost equidistant from Newport at the time. Tried to call Stu-ie, but got his VM. So, Mike and I check into the Park Inn and then head out to the campus for the rehearsal. We get there and see Queen James and Rhonda and Chad, Bridget's family, Byron's family, Marc and Jill, and then FINALLY, I see Bridget. She's on stage, working on the set. Yes, you heard correctly...on stage. My Director of Theater big sister did her wedding as a stage production. And it was really cool. She's always threatened to get me in a stage production... now she's done it! :o)
Anyway, so she and I go to the kitchen, to make ice cream. (If you don't know Bridget... this is the woman that tries to make everyone feel at home. For those of you who DO know Bridget... you understand.) So, when the bride-to-be says "beat egg whites," you beat egg whites. So, we get the ice cream going and I decide to go look outside for Scott and Mer and Regan. Good timing, because they pull in the parking lot as I walk outside. Did I mention the weather? No? Okay, so the weather is YUCKY... heavy winds, dark clouds...icky. Well, I get to the van, and Regan is smiling and happy to see me. (You have no idea how that child makes my heart leap... it's good to be an aunt!) She comes to me and we hurry to get her inside out of the weather. So, everyone starts playing catch up and hugging and all that. Marc and Scott joked like they used to.. it was good to see.
Mer wanted to know if I'd heard from Stu. I said that I'd tried to call him, but got VM. Mer also wanted to know if he knew Jill was there. I said I didn't think so, but I'd call and tell him. So, I got through to Stu, and checked to see where he was and filled him in on what was going on so far. He was about 20 minutes away when I called.
They start serving dinner, so we all go and sit and wait to get in line. And, of course, it was the typical separation of people: Bridget's family here; Byron's family there; the friends somewhere else... but it was still fun. I suddenly thought I'd go check to see if Stu was there yet. I walked out (again) just as he pulled up. (Man, the McRegan radar was ON that night!) So, I get Stu hugs, Mer gets Stu hugs, and then we go in to eat and associate.
Okay, FINALLY around 8:30 we start to rehearse. Actually, we start to walk Regan (age 2) and Tucker (age 4) through their parts. Regan did VERY well. We all practiced until about 9:30 or so and then Scott and Stu, Mikey, and Mer, Regan and Me all loaded up and went to the hotel. We got the boys and the baby situated. Stu brought his wife, er, laptop with him and showed me his new project. DAMN, that boy is talented! :o) So, Stu worked on his projects, Scott read his book, and Mikey went to sleep.
Mer and I went back to the theater around 10. Why? Because Bridget said she'd be leaving around 10 to go home. Yeah, right. We get to the theater, and sure enough, they are still there, working on the set and stuff. Marc was doing the sound/lights, so they were working to get everything set up correctly. Finally, around 11:30 or so, Mer, Marc, Jette and I load up in Mer's van and head to Jette's house. Marc and Jill had to bail to go get Tot from work. (Jill and Mandy were at the house, working on bouquets - which were GORGEOUS, by the way!) Jette's mom and cousin were there too, as were Byron and some of his friends. Well, Mer and I tried on our bridesmaid dresses, which were very comfy, very cute and very GREEN! Byron headed out at 4 minutes til midnight; Mer and I left about 10 minutes later. Jette PROMISED she'd go to bed right then, but turned out that she didn't get to til 2 a.m. *sigh*
Mer and I get back to the hotel, and Stu and Mikey are snoozing. Scott is up and waiting for us. Mer and I are of course tired but still buzzing and chatting. Scott made some comment about Mer and I staying up and talking for a while.. so I took that as my cue to curl up on the other side of Scott! He said, "Like I didn't see that coming!" So the three of us talked and laughed for almost an hour. Scott kept mentioning "baseball.. baseball.." It was a good time.
Okay, so the next morning comes and Regan wakes up very early. She hadn't slept very much, but was in a good mood, considering. Stu got cold in the middle of the night, so he wound up curling up under the covers in the floor at the foot of Scott and Mer's bed. He was so cute! A Lasha ApStu is what Scott called him!! :o) We all get up and take showers and Mer and I do hair and makeup. We head out (Mer drove the Tracker because I like a doofus left my keys/license in Jonesboro.) and leave the boys to get ready. Might I add that both Mike and Stu were looking FINE in their dress-up clothes, and Scott was his usual babe-a-licious self. Lots of stressing (to try to get Jette to get READY, not to keep working on cake and flowers and all that stuff...), primping and preparing for me and Mer and Rhonda.
Meanwhile, I am not sure where Stu was, but Mike and Scott drove Regan around to try to get her to take a nap. That didn't work. So they thought they'd take her to the park to try to tire her out. That resulted in her landing in a mud puddle and causing much trauma... and still no nap. So, it was around 1:15, no boys, no flower girl... I hop on the cell phone and hear that they are at US Pizza, waiting for lunch to get ready....poor boys.. they were trying so hard to take care of the baby and get food for all of us so nobody would pass out...Somewhere in all of this, Jeff showed up. Man, he was fine too. :o) (Our boys are gorgeous, just in case you might have wondered what I thought of them!)
Everyone finally made it to the theater. Bridget was simply gorgeous. There is just no way to describe it. My girl wore a TIARA with her veil, and it was just smashing! Her dress was off the shoulder, beaded and pearled, man... she was the perfect bride. Her uncle was her escort, and he was quite a funny guy.
Okay, so show time... We get in our alcove, the groomsmen get in theirs...cue the music... minister and groom walk out... Florence (Jette's real sister and Matron of Honor) walks out from our alcove... best man and ring bearer walk out from their alcove... HOLD IT! Ring bearer? He was not supposed to go out yet! Well, come to find out, he got nervous and wanted to go with the best man - who was Byron's dad, btw. Okay, everyone breathe...Chris walks out from their alcove.. I walk out from ours..we smile and meet in the middle... walk up with no problem... I stand by Florence... turn around to see Chris 2 and Mer walking out... good job... Queen James and Rhonda... giggling and coming down the aisle... good, good... cue the crecendo... here come Bridget and her uncle.... minister asks everyone to stand... Bride and Uncle make it on stage... music fades out...ceremony, ceremony. ...who gives this woman? Her mother and I. Thank you uncle, be seated. Everyone step closer...exchange of vows... Jette starts to cry, Byron makes her laugh.. exchange the rings... say a prayer, AMEN. Present Mr. and Mrs. Byron Collins. I bend down to streighten the train so my girl can walk without tripping. Bride and groom walk up aisle, exit stage left. Best man and Matron of honor walk up aisle, seperate... SEPERATE? Hold it! They were supposed to stay together and exit stage right... so, Chris and I meet, and seperate too instead of exiting stage left. Hey, when the first couple set a trend, everyone else should follow it. So, Mer and Chris 2 did what me and Chris 1 did.. Rhonda and James stayed together (which afterward Rhonda said that it looked like THEY were the only ones who did it wrong... they had the Minister behind them saying "Stay together" which was the original plan.)
Okay, so after that we have lots of pictures, then the reception...then we strike the set and clean up the scene shop. The cake was VERY good! Finally got to see Misty (cuz I didn't see her before the wedding!) Also, James and Teresa and Andrew were there too. Marc had to bail early, so he left way before we did. We all get hugs from the new bride and groom, and the gang caravans back to J'bro.
We all converge on China Garden. James, Teresa, Andrew, Scott, Mer, Regan, Stu, Jeff, Mike and Me. Misty catches up with us later. We eat and then head back to our house. Much laughing and hugging and, ahem, an appearance of the beast. (Poor Misty!) We stayed up pretty late. Guess nobody wanted the night to end. But Jeff headed home, as did Misty, and the rest of us went to bed.
Got up the next morning, and Stu was too tired to get up. So, the rest of us went to IHOP for breakfast, and then said goodbye to Scott and Mer and Regan. (I did very well: no tears, but it hurts everytime we have to say goodbye. Mer and I don't have to say it - we're sisters. I wish they lived closer.) Regan smiled and waved goodbye as they drove off. It was so cute! Anyway, Mike, Misty and I went to K-Mart, and then home for a nap. Stu and his wif.., er, laptop, were playing a game when we got home. So, I woke up to go conduct the monthly business meeting, which went very well. Also, when we got to the park, we found that Jeff had bought us (mainly Mikey) a sheet of aluminum so he could make some new armor. Go JEFF! Thanks a bunch, babes!
After the meeting, Mike and Stu went to help Mike's dad move something heavy, (THANK YOU STU!) then met Jeff, Misty, and me at Ryans. We were joined shortly thereafter by Blue, Zanna and Ian. Dinner was great (Poor Stu-ie... he got so very full!) and then we went back to our house again. Dee and Dave came by for a while. Stu left around 10. Broke my heart to see him go. I miss him so very much.
So, Dee and Dave left around 11 or so, and then Jeff left and then Misty left around 11:30. It was a great weekend.
For MY summary:
Stu may not be MARRIED to his laptop, but.... :o)
Baseball.. Baseball..
My sisters are beautiful and wonderful and amazing.
So is my niece.
I have the most outstanding, gorgeous, and terrific men in my life.
Tenacious D is naughty, but cool!!!
I love my Clan more than I can ever adequately express.
Friday night, Mike and I headed to Newport for Bridget and Byron's wedding rehearsal and dinner. We got kind of a late start, because I wanted to make sure my house was clean before we left. So, I called Mer and Scott on their cell phone, and we were almost equidistant from Newport at the time. Tried to call Stu-ie, but got his VM. So, Mike and I check into the Park Inn and then head out to the campus for the rehearsal. We get there and see Queen James and Rhonda and Chad, Bridget's family, Byron's family, Marc and Jill, and then FINALLY, I see Bridget. She's on stage, working on the set. Yes, you heard correctly...on stage. My Director of Theater big sister did her wedding as a stage production. And it was really cool. She's always threatened to get me in a stage production... now she's done it! :o)
Anyway, so she and I go to the kitchen, to make ice cream. (If you don't know Bridget... this is the woman that tries to make everyone feel at home. For those of you who DO know Bridget... you understand.) So, when the bride-to-be says "beat egg whites," you beat egg whites. So, we get the ice cream going and I decide to go look outside for Scott and Mer and Regan. Good timing, because they pull in the parking lot as I walk outside. Did I mention the weather? No? Okay, so the weather is YUCKY... heavy winds, dark clouds...icky. Well, I get to the van, and Regan is smiling and happy to see me. (You have no idea how that child makes my heart leap... it's good to be an aunt!) She comes to me and we hurry to get her inside out of the weather. So, everyone starts playing catch up and hugging and all that. Marc and Scott joked like they used to.. it was good to see.
Mer wanted to know if I'd heard from Stu. I said that I'd tried to call him, but got VM. Mer also wanted to know if he knew Jill was there. I said I didn't think so, but I'd call and tell him. So, I got through to Stu, and checked to see where he was and filled him in on what was going on so far. He was about 20 minutes away when I called.
They start serving dinner, so we all go and sit and wait to get in line. And, of course, it was the typical separation of people: Bridget's family here; Byron's family there; the friends somewhere else... but it was still fun. I suddenly thought I'd go check to see if Stu was there yet. I walked out (again) just as he pulled up. (Man, the McRegan radar was ON that night!) So, I get Stu hugs, Mer gets Stu hugs, and then we go in to eat and associate.
Okay, FINALLY around 8:30 we start to rehearse. Actually, we start to walk Regan (age 2) and Tucker (age 4) through their parts. Regan did VERY well. We all practiced until about 9:30 or so and then Scott and Stu, Mikey, and Mer, Regan and Me all loaded up and went to the hotel. We got the boys and the baby situated. Stu brought his wife, er, laptop with him and showed me his new project. DAMN, that boy is talented! :o) So, Stu worked on his projects, Scott read his book, and Mikey went to sleep.
Mer and I went back to the theater around 10. Why? Because Bridget said she'd be leaving around 10 to go home. Yeah, right. We get to the theater, and sure enough, they are still there, working on the set and stuff. Marc was doing the sound/lights, so they were working to get everything set up correctly. Finally, around 11:30 or so, Mer, Marc, Jette and I load up in Mer's van and head to Jette's house. Marc and Jill had to bail to go get Tot from work. (Jill and Mandy were at the house, working on bouquets - which were GORGEOUS, by the way!) Jette's mom and cousin were there too, as were Byron and some of his friends. Well, Mer and I tried on our bridesmaid dresses, which were very comfy, very cute and very GREEN! Byron headed out at 4 minutes til midnight; Mer and I left about 10 minutes later. Jette PROMISED she'd go to bed right then, but turned out that she didn't get to til 2 a.m. *sigh*
Mer and I get back to the hotel, and Stu and Mikey are snoozing. Scott is up and waiting for us. Mer and I are of course tired but still buzzing and chatting. Scott made some comment about Mer and I staying up and talking for a while.. so I took that as my cue to curl up on the other side of Scott! He said, "Like I didn't see that coming!" So the three of us talked and laughed for almost an hour. Scott kept mentioning "baseball.. baseball.." It was a good time.
Okay, so the next morning comes and Regan wakes up very early. She hadn't slept very much, but was in a good mood, considering. Stu got cold in the middle of the night, so he wound up curling up under the covers in the floor at the foot of Scott and Mer's bed. He was so cute! A Lasha ApStu is what Scott called him!! :o) We all get up and take showers and Mer and I do hair and makeup. We head out (Mer drove the Tracker because I like a doofus left my keys/license in Jonesboro.) and leave the boys to get ready. Might I add that both Mike and Stu were looking FINE in their dress-up clothes, and Scott was his usual babe-a-licious self. Lots of stressing (to try to get Jette to get READY, not to keep working on cake and flowers and all that stuff...), primping and preparing for me and Mer and Rhonda.
Meanwhile, I am not sure where Stu was, but Mike and Scott drove Regan around to try to get her to take a nap. That didn't work. So they thought they'd take her to the park to try to tire her out. That resulted in her landing in a mud puddle and causing much trauma... and still no nap. So, it was around 1:15, no boys, no flower girl... I hop on the cell phone and hear that they are at US Pizza, waiting for lunch to get ready....poor boys.. they were trying so hard to take care of the baby and get food for all of us so nobody would pass out...Somewhere in all of this, Jeff showed up. Man, he was fine too. :o) (Our boys are gorgeous, just in case you might have wondered what I thought of them!)
Everyone finally made it to the theater. Bridget was simply gorgeous. There is just no way to describe it. My girl wore a TIARA with her veil, and it was just smashing! Her dress was off the shoulder, beaded and pearled, man... she was the perfect bride. Her uncle was her escort, and he was quite a funny guy.
Okay, so show time... We get in our alcove, the groomsmen get in theirs...cue the music... minister and groom walk out... Florence (Jette's real sister and Matron of Honor) walks out from our alcove... best man and ring bearer walk out from their alcove... HOLD IT! Ring bearer? He was not supposed to go out yet! Well, come to find out, he got nervous and wanted to go with the best man - who was Byron's dad, btw. Okay, everyone breathe...Chris walks out from their alcove.. I walk out from ours..we smile and meet in the middle... walk up with no problem... I stand by Florence... turn around to see Chris 2 and Mer walking out... good job... Queen James and Rhonda... giggling and coming down the aisle... good, good... cue the crecendo... here come Bridget and her uncle.... minister asks everyone to stand... Bride and Uncle make it on stage... music fades out...ceremony, ceremony. ...who gives this woman? Her mother and I. Thank you uncle, be seated. Everyone step closer...exchange of vows... Jette starts to cry, Byron makes her laugh.. exchange the rings... say a prayer, AMEN. Present Mr. and Mrs. Byron Collins. I bend down to streighten the train so my girl can walk without tripping. Bride and groom walk up aisle, exit stage left. Best man and Matron of honor walk up aisle, seperate... SEPERATE? Hold it! They were supposed to stay together and exit stage right... so, Chris and I meet, and seperate too instead of exiting stage left. Hey, when the first couple set a trend, everyone else should follow it. So, Mer and Chris 2 did what me and Chris 1 did.. Rhonda and James stayed together (which afterward Rhonda said that it looked like THEY were the only ones who did it wrong... they had the Minister behind them saying "Stay together" which was the original plan.)
Okay, so after that we have lots of pictures, then the reception...then we strike the set and clean up the scene shop. The cake was VERY good! Finally got to see Misty (cuz I didn't see her before the wedding!) Also, James and Teresa and Andrew were there too. Marc had to bail early, so he left way before we did. We all get hugs from the new bride and groom, and the gang caravans back to J'bro.
We all converge on China Garden. James, Teresa, Andrew, Scott, Mer, Regan, Stu, Jeff, Mike and Me. Misty catches up with us later. We eat and then head back to our house. Much laughing and hugging and, ahem, an appearance of the beast. (Poor Misty!) We stayed up pretty late. Guess nobody wanted the night to end. But Jeff headed home, as did Misty, and the rest of us went to bed.
Got up the next morning, and Stu was too tired to get up. So, the rest of us went to IHOP for breakfast, and then said goodbye to Scott and Mer and Regan. (I did very well: no tears, but it hurts everytime we have to say goodbye. Mer and I don't have to say it - we're sisters. I wish they lived closer.) Regan smiled and waved goodbye as they drove off. It was so cute! Anyway, Mike, Misty and I went to K-Mart, and then home for a nap. Stu and his wif.., er, laptop, were playing a game when we got home. So, I woke up to go conduct the monthly business meeting, which went very well. Also, when we got to the park, we found that Jeff had bought us (mainly Mikey) a sheet of aluminum so he could make some new armor. Go JEFF! Thanks a bunch, babes!
After the meeting, Mike and Stu went to help Mike's dad move something heavy, (THANK YOU STU!) then met Jeff, Misty, and me at Ryans. We were joined shortly thereafter by Blue, Zanna and Ian. Dinner was great (Poor Stu-ie... he got so very full!) and then we went back to our house again. Dee and Dave came by for a while. Stu left around 10. Broke my heart to see him go. I miss him so very much.
So, Dee and Dave left around 11 or so, and then Jeff left and then Misty left around 11:30. It was a great weekend.
For MY summary:
Stu may not be MARRIED to his laptop, but.... :o)
Baseball.. Baseball..
My sisters are beautiful and wonderful and amazing.
So is my niece.
I have the most outstanding, gorgeous, and terrific men in my life.
Tenacious D is naughty, but cool!!!
I love my Clan more than I can ever adequately express.
Thursday, May 16, 2002
More wise words... this from my friend Denise:
"There are times when we all need the strong support of friends and family. Afterwards, we can return to our normal lives, though a bit changed: wiser, more compassionate, and with a few more gray hairs. Life has a great way of challenging us when we don't expect it. I suppose that this is why we fill up the closets. We're waiting for some great reason to clean them out." This was part of a conversation we were having about me wanting to do nothing but clean house after the stress of finals was over. She said that she always cleaned closets after finals while she was in college.
Well, lessee... I won't be here tomorrow. I am taking the day off and cleaning my house!!! Bridget is getting married to Byron on Saturday, so the McRegan clan will once again all be together. (Jeff even changed his work schedule to be there.) Regan is going to be the flower girl. How cute is THAT going to be?! :o)
"There are times when we all need the strong support of friends and family. Afterwards, we can return to our normal lives, though a bit changed: wiser, more compassionate, and with a few more gray hairs. Life has a great way of challenging us when we don't expect it. I suppose that this is why we fill up the closets. We're waiting for some great reason to clean them out." This was part of a conversation we were having about me wanting to do nothing but clean house after the stress of finals was over. She said that she always cleaned closets after finals while she was in college.
Well, lessee... I won't be here tomorrow. I am taking the day off and cleaning my house!!! Bridget is getting married to Byron on Saturday, so the McRegan clan will once again all be together. (Jeff even changed his work schedule to be there.) Regan is going to be the flower girl. How cute is THAT going to be?! :o)
Wednesday, May 15, 2002
Monday, May 13, 2002
Good Monday! The weekend was great. Had a blast at Scott and Mer's. Regan is just amazing! Aaron and Regan had much fun at the zoo. We all missed Stu, but understood why he could not be with us. (Hey, EVERYONE should be so lucky to have as wonderful a relationship with their family as Stu has!)
FINALLY got to spend some time with MAX, the best brother-in-law ever! I added linkage to his website on my funbar on the left side.
Jeff is doing better. We had a long talk last night. Alive - a good thing to be.
FINALLY got to spend some time with MAX, the best brother-in-law ever! I added linkage to his website on my funbar on the left side.
Jeff is doing better. We had a long talk last night. Alive - a good thing to be.
Thursday, May 09, 2002
Good Morning, Loyal Readers! Today I have added a new feature to my site. If you will direct your eyes to the left side of the screen and scroll down, you will see a new feature called Stu Wisdom. As my cousin gives insightful tidbits to get me through life, I will make updates. (Can you tell that I love tha boy?!)