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 You never know what you'll find - humor, ramblings, rants, randomness- it's all me! |
This description part is challenging. I never know what I will blog about until I start typing. I do know there will be typos. I don't reread or correct my blog. Otherwise it turns technical instead of my feelings and thoughts. Trust me, on stories and poems I'm a grammaraholic, but this is freedom. Sometimes to keep it from getting too personal, I even turn my head away while I type. Weird, right?. I hope you find this somewhat entertaining, thought-provoking, and humorous.   A little about me. The most important things in my life are family, especially my son, Reese, and my husband, Bruce, my walk with God, and making a positive impact in some way. I am a teacher, currently teaching 6th grade Language Arts. While at times my job can be trying, overall, it is one of the most rewarding passions in my life.   This is my wonderful son, Reese. He is now 20 and and a junior at Oklahoma State University. I may be partial, but he is an exceptional kid with the best heart I've ever known. He makes me laugh, think, and want to be a better person. We are both huge Oklahoma State Cowboy fans - Gooooooo Pokes!  This is Reese's dog, Betty. She shares a name with my mother. Reese named her that because she was beautiful and kind just like his Nanny (my mom). I'm not sure my mom is quite convinced it is a compliment though. Betty is a huge part of our family. She even had her own blog for awhile. Poke around at your leisure and shake your head at some of things that go through mine. I always return reviews/comments, though admittedly, sometimes it does take me awhile depending on what life is serving me at that point. Keeping the faith, Audra  |
| Someone owes Jim Henson an apology. . . Not only Mr. Henson, but anyone with a television that ‘accidently’ turns to ABC when the ‘New Muppets’ is on. Oh, and if I’m mistaken about Jim Henson being dead, I guess I owe him an apology too. Not as big of one as the producers of this ‘show’. It is so deceiving – they look just like the real Muppets but they are obviously alien imposters. Kermit is having a drink; and I don’t mean a “Got Milk” commercial promoting the health benefits of a daily dose of calcium. Miss Piggy is shimmying what look like pasties on her exaggerated bosom. Hear me out, I’m not a prude. I don’t mind a little skin or insinuating dialogue – in fact, sometimes I quite enjoy it. . . But not when they are the fictional characters I grew up watching and coloring with my new set of crayons. Who is this show geared to? People who grew up in the ‘80’s and apparently are still smoking the wacky weed? Children with parents who have given up on the next generation having any morals or boundaries? Sad souls, like myself, who only get reception from one channel during an ice storm and were stupid/naïve enough to believe the goodness of The Muppets was being revived? I have to give it to the producers for their brilliance of playing with my feelings. Just as I’m ready to support a Muppets Massacre, they end the show with “Rainbow Connection”. It almost made me forget that Kermit had previously remarked that he wanted to get in touch with the feeling in his bottom. Freud would have a field day with a puppet having anal issues. Do we really need characters from our youth presenting us with issues such as espionage, internet theft, dangers of stress from our career, and inevitable marital problems? I mean if it weren’t storming out, I could just switch channels and watch that information from real people on the News or whichever talk show is currently being seen as reputable. Perhaps the writing was so bad that they couldn’t get a full cast of living, breathing humans to star in it, so they borrowed some puppets that missed being in the limelight. All I know is if I was the person with my hand up one of those puppet’s ass, I wouldn’t brag about it over Christmas dinner. In fact, I think I’d just lie and say I had gotten a holiday shift at Toys R Us. Even being toilet cleaner at a children’s dreamland/parents’ nightmare of a store as a middle-age adult with a college education would be less shameful than producing a show for a major network that promotes deceitful online dating via the use of past children’s heroes. Bah Humbug, ABC. I don’t know; maybe I just haven’t had enough whiskey tonight to ‘get it’. It’s time to play the music. It’s time for puppets to fight It’s time to ruin the Muppets on the Muppet Show tonight. It’s time to put on trashy make-up. It’s time to wear our dresses too tight. It’s time for sexual innuendos on the Muppet Show tonight. And now it’s time to scar your memories. Why don’t you stab my heart? No one will care because football is on tonight. On the most disappointing, uninspirable, non-Muppetational This is what we call the Muppet for Junkies Show! Signing off to color a picture of a Kermit that isn't wearing a speedo with a doobie hanging out of his mouth, Audra |
| Continuation of yesterday's 100 favorites challenge: (good thing I've had some coffee) 10 Games I do love games! And competing! And winning! I know this isn’t a ’things I dislike’ list, but I’m putting this in here anyway. I detest Monopoly and Risk. I swear they seem to last longer than chaperoning a twelve-year-old girl’s slumber party and equally make me want to cause physical and emotional harm to myself or someone near me. 1. Dominoes – Family tradition. I love hearing: Missy Lea Audra, she’s the best. Muhahahaha 2. Catch Phrase – so fun – from 2 to 26 people – it’s like electronic password. At some time in it, I will laugh until it hurts. For instance, the time Dad got the word ‘G spot’ and said, “I have no idea what this is.” Lol it still makes me giggle. 3. Online and in-person Spades – I prefer partners but any will work. Just bid your hand and all is good. 4. Clue – I remember playing this before I was 6. A thinking game. I loved it. It was Miss Peacock in the parlor with a revolver. 5. Football – of course; I’ve already spoken about this love. 6. Trivia – well, some types – it can’t be some subjects or too hard but I enjoy the challenge 7. Family Feud – I love to play along with the television show; and there is an electronic game. 8. Minesweeper was my first computer game, and it’s one I occasionally go to to kill time mindlessly. 9. Almost any card game – Crazy 8, Gin Rummy, Peeza (no idea how to spell it) 10. Charades or charades type games – I guess I like games that make me laugh, because if you don’t end up laughing with this one, you aren’t playing it right. :) 6 Drinks/Beverages: 1. UNSWEETENED iced tea – Never ever sweet. I think it is all what you grew up on. I love it – the taste, the refreshing feeling, and of course, the caffeine. 2. Water – though I may not always crave it, I love it. It is kind of like when you were a kid and you didn’t want to take a bath, but then when you got in you never wanted to get out. That’s how I feel about drinking water. 3. Wine – cheap in a box wine – not to get waste, but rather to achieve that I don’t give a shit feeling. It doesn’t happen very often now, but it is good to have on hand. 4. Coffee – with tons of caffeine and creamer – it makes me feel alive and like I’m able to face the day 5. Lemonade – not the can kind but real yummy pucker your lips lemonade 6. Texsun Grapefruit Juice – first discovered on Twirling Camp. It’s a small can full of pure delightful refreshing joy 4 Desserts: Only four? Come on, this would be much easier than the games or even the people! 1. Cheesecake – I love the texture and variety of flavors. The first bite feels like a first kiss and just keeps getting better. 2. Cherry Pie – mmmmmm Cherries – warm cherry pie and soft serve ice cream – the perfect treat 3. Mom’s Strawberry Cake – my birthday treat – the icing is to die for – only 2 more months until my birthday! 4. No Bake Cookies – I can never make them right, but I’m so glad other people can – they are amazing peanut butter goodness 5. Pecan Pie – too bad pecans are so expensive now. My mom is a great pecan pie maker – Maybe she will make one for Christmas Eve 10 Paintings – ummm, I can’t even name 10 paintings – do I get to research this one? Poll the audience? Call a friend? I am at a complete loss here. I guess I will try to fake it. Here goes: 1. Norman Rockwell – any of his paintings – they remind you life can be simple, pure, and just plain good. Try to look at one and not smile. It is nearly impossible. 2. Mona Lisa – it’s not particularly visually appealing to me, but I do wonder about the back story – I’ve heard many different theories, but I like to believe that no one really knows. 3. The Dogs Playing Poker – Why? Because I think the first one to make it did it as a joke. . .like for a Dirty Santa party and then it became a fad. You know that artist is like, “What the hell, I spend my life trying to make a masterpiece and no one even bothers to give it a glance, but I put cigars and poker sticks in dogs’ paws and I’m the talk of the town." 4. Whistler’s Mother – Well, because that’s just nice to include your mom in your talent. Respectful and honest is what I think of when I see this picture. 5. The War Plane Painting in our Living Room – both my husband and son like it; it represents history, technology, and patriotism 6. Barn Picture – My parents have a painting of the century plus old barn we had before the tornado swept it away. The painting brings me peace and reflection. 7. A Single Dandelion – I don’t have a particular one; I’ve seen several – I’ve written short stories around this ‘weed’ and somehow feel a connection to it. 8. Kids Holding Hands – the view is of the back of them with their shadow following – it is black and white tinted/painted. A since of innocent, acceptance, and possibilities exist in it. 9. A Blank White Canvas – let me figuratively paint what I need and desire at that moment. 10. Jesus – the picture of just his face with his eyes both piercing and forgiving. 10 Web Sites: 1. Writing.com – well, duh; even if it weren’t true, I would have to say it, right? But it is true. It’s kind of seasonal though in relation to how often I am on it. It has not only provided a creative outlet for me but also support from the writing community. 2. Amazon.com – LOVE IT – way too much actually; but with Amazon Prime it can be an amazing value. It supports one of the activities I enjoy – online shopping 3. Brad’s Deals – also a great shopping app/websites – great deals 4. Facebook – because I’m a creeper (as the kids call it) and like to see what is going on with others. 5. Ebay – not as much as it once was but it still is useful for certain items – barely worn clothes, that out of production item, and just odd items 6. ask.com/health websites – I know I’m not supposed to, but I research illnesses and medicines. I like to think it keeps me ‘informed’ rather than a hypochondriac/over-worrier. 7. teacherspayteachers.com – When I need an additional source for whatever I’m teaching, I know I can find it there; of course, I will find more than I need but that goes along with most shopping excursions. 8. Wengage.com – our online teacher website for grades/attendance/etc. It has made my life so much easier NOT to HAVE to keep a paper grade book. 9. Pinterest – it has some great ideas, but mostly I find it a time consumer with wonderful ideas that I will buy the materials to do but never actually attempt. 10. Youtube – I’m a verbal/sight learner – so not only is it entertaining but a tool to say learn how to get the green out of your swimming pool, tie a tie, or even practice for my lip sync battle while looking at Rick Springfield (in the early years, not now). 10 Writers: This is a tough one –I’m not much of an ‘author’ follower. I just read what I looks interesting. But I’m not quitting now; so here goes, faking my way through again. 1. Stephen King: Now as a teen, I was definitely a follower . . . anxiously waiting for the next book. I still enjoy his writing, but when he said writer’s should not use adverbs, a part of my heart slowly (get it) died. Honestly, why obliterate a whole part of speech? As an English teacher, I must take a stand. 2. Dean Koontz: Are you getting the picture that I like creepy/horror/psychological thriller books? 3. Judy Blume: 5th – 7th grade, she was my hero. Until I ‘accidently’ read her adult book “Wifey”, and then I was slightly disturbed for a while. 4. Jim Ethridge: (my dad) – he only writes non-fiction and has such a great voice in his writing. His pacing is impressive and he adds just enough humor to keep you smiling all the way through. Check him out - duece   .5. All the writers of the Bible, which I guess would technically be God since He was the ‘muse’: I don’t turn to it often enough, but it is inspiring, brutally honest, and full of interesting stories. 6. James Patterson: I’m not sure if I would still enjoy him, but I did for a while. My Mema got me interested in his writing. I’m not sure why I stopped. I think it was either because they all began to sound the same or because I was having to read too many text books to have time. 7. My husband & my son: I’m putting them both together because neither of them truly consider themselves a writer. My husband has a talent of description and imagery that I envy. My son has such an honesty in his writing; I’m not sure how to explain it. His writing sounds just like he sounds. 8. Dr. Seuss: You have to love nonsensical writing that still flows off the tongue with no hesitation. 9. Wilson Rawls: “Where the Red Fern Grows” showed me the joy of love, hard work, simplicity and allowed me to see a soft side of my father when I was young. I was then able to share that experience with my students. 10. S.E. Hinton: “The Outsiders” – I have read it no less than 40 times, since my 8th graders read it for class every year and I usually have 4 different classes. I think what I love most about it besides the facts that the author is from Oklahoma and the book isn’t gender specific as far as who it appeals to is that I discover something new every year that I read it. Or, perhaps my memory is deteriorating. 10 Famous lines from books/movies – ugh, I might give up here. I am not a quoter of movies and books. Not to be sexist, but I think it is a guy thing. That and I don’t enjoy reading a book or watching the same movie more than once for the most part. There are too many others to explore. Honestly, I’m just going to try to come up with ten. 1. “Luke, I am your father.” – It’s fun to say into a microphone and sometimes at awkward moments. However, then a Star Wars fan might think you’ve actually paid attention all the way through one of the movies and start a conversation with you, making you smile and nod with fake agreement and understanding for a millennium. 2. “Stay gold, Ponyboy.” – However, it drives me insane when people quote it wrong by saying ‘stay golden’. If there is one quote I know for sure it is this one. 3. “To thine own self be true.” – Shakespeare has many memorable quotes but I think this is one that we all need to remember no matter what our age or stage in life. 4. “Willllssssooooon” (from the movie Castaway): It was such a sad moment but also revealing. It showed, at least to me, how vital even the seemingly unimportant can become to us. One man’s trash is another man’s lifeline. 5. Galatians 6:4 – “Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job we done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else.” – I grew up in a competitive family; it wasn’t forced on me, but it was me – a big part at least. For a period of my life, I didn’t feel like doing my best was enough; I had to be the best. That is a difficult mantra to live. It started to become how I felt people judged me too. I don’t know how much that was in my own mind, but I still felt it. And since the best is often subjective, it was a stressful road to travel. This verse reminded me, that God doesn’t look at me compared to others, but only me and what I try to do and be and loves me even when I don’t succeed. 6. “Every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings.” – It’s just a nice thought – life on Earth connects to the spiritual world; and also that imagination is important to all generations. 7. “Please, sir, may I have some more.” – Okay, so I’m grasping at straws now. Believe it or not, I have read a few books and watched more than three movies, but I’m drawing a complete blank here. Here Oliver is asking for a second helping of food which doesn’t seem out of the question since he is homeless and not being well cared for, but at the same time I think it reminds us that sometimes we don’t get what we deserve and also it is better to wait for it to be offered than come across ungrateful and greedy. (Sorry, Oliver – I would have given you seconds though.) 8. “Live long and prosper.” – This is Star Trek. Considering my dislike of sci-fi, I’m perplexed on why 2 of my 10 quotes are from sci-fi. I blame The Big Bang Theory; they refer to it often on that show. But if you think about it, it is a nice message: Don’t die soon, and I hope you aren’t poor. Personally, I’m good with that. 9. “I’ll love you forever, I’ll like you for always; as long as I’m living my baby you’ll be.” – From the children’s book (which is really written to make mother’s sob) “I’ll love you forever”. This is book is wonderful from the time you know you are having a baby through every stage of life. And it does state it perfectly – no matter what happens, what you do, what is going on; I will always love and like you and you will always be my baby. 10. “Life is like a box of chocolates.” (Forrest Gump) – geez how much more cliché’ can I get? I know what he is getting at here, but I just like to think of the fact that chocolate is plain good no matter if it has nuts, coconut, cherries, or that weird gooey white stuff in it. I mean, let’s face it, even if it’s not your favorite kind it is still chocolate and chocolate can’t be all bad. So even when life gives you weird gooey white weird-texture filling, life is still chocolate; there is still a fantastic part to it. Finished!!!!! - Super happy about being able to finish one thing in my life. Now on to conquer the cleaning of the house, wrapping of presents, planning of life, and convincing myself I don’t need a nap. Thanks for hanging in there! Audra |
| I wanted to blog but was drawing a blank, so as usual I did an internet search - the answers to the big and small things in life - ASK.COM! The following is what caught my attention. Let's see if I can live up to the challenge. You’re going to make lists that will add up to 100 things you love. Make sure you give an explanation for each of the things you add to your list. For example, don’t just list your favorite restaurants, write down what you enjoy about each one (the warm bread they serve before the meal, the waiter who always remembers your favorite dish, the whimsical decor, and so on). I've been called out before on being a 'lister' on my blog; so this should be easy, right? I don't know - 100 things I love? That's a lot of lovin'. 10 Activities Yikes! I'm already beginning to sweat this challenge. These will be in no particular order since my brain is a pool of fog and ideas. Plus the fact that I'm not sure what constitutes an activity. The obvious answer would be something that requires you to be active; I sure hope mental activity qualifies. Here goes: 1. Writing - I mean, how could I not put that one? I've always loved to write. I remember at the age of maybe 6 or 7, writing songs as I played on the gate at the farm. This led to poetry. As education progressed and more writing was required, I quickly realized I could ace almost any essay test, yet bomb a true/false. I attribute it to my bull-shitting skills even at a young age. 2. Spending time with my loved ones - Yes, it is a generic response, but it is true. I love my husband, son, family (even when they don't care for each other) and my close friends. It doesn't really matter what we are doing as long as we are together. 3. Sleeping - Maybe this is more of an 'inactivity', but I do enjoy it. Besides with my sleep apnea and talking and walking in my sleep I think that makes it qualify as an activity. However, lately I have been plagued by nightmares that I do wish would become inactive. 4. Coloring - No, I haven't jumped on the adult coloring phase... I have always LOVED to color. It has been my stress reliever and outlet for a little creativity. Bring on the Sharpies. 5. Sewing/Embroidery - I'm not that good at it, but I enjoy it. I can hand sew a pretty decent pillow. When they add Home Ec to the subjects you teach, you better at least be able to keep up with the kids. Thank goodness for my Mema. The first year of teaching it, we would meet at least once a week so she could teach me something to teach. I love and cherish those evenings. 6. Watch TV - Shows from Criminal Minds to Family Feud to So You Think You Can Dance. I'm much more of a television girl than a radio listener. I didn't know if once I got married to Bruce and moved to the farm if I could make it without cable. I mean I didn't think I would die, but you don't know how you will react when something you have had most your life is deleted. I'm managing pretty well on the three or four stations we have. I do however miss the rewind and record buttons at times. 7. Watching Football - live or on television, family football, middle school football, college, pro – I love it all. Go Pokes! And da..da..da..Panthers! Of course, part of the love of this sport is that it is a family event. There is always fun teasing and talking ‘smack’. . . Well, except when my Panthers are beating my son’s Packers; I was completely wrong about that being a fun-filled afternoon. 8. Going for drives – Not like to work drives, but drives where you listen to great music, aren’t rushed, and have great conversation. I mean if you are aimlessly driving, there is no visual reminder of all the chores and projects that need to be done at the house. 9. Teaching Something New to an Attentive Audience – most the time, though I love being a teacher, I view it as a job not an activity. But there are those moments when you come up with an interesting idea of how to teach something and the moon is in the right phase and the weather is stable so that the students are like a live audience. And they more than get it…they think about it later; talk about it later; their brains seem to embrace what I was trying to get across. 10. Online Shopping – I hate real world shopping, but I absolutely love on-line shopping. I crave the research of finding things others can’t, discovering a great buy, and of course receiving great mail! Well, that’s 10 out of 100. Only 90 more. This may have to be a two-parter; my favorite activity of sleep is calling me. 10 Restaurants: 1. Olive Garden: Because my son loves it and we always have a good time; plus, it doesn’t hurt that their salad is amazing. 2. Braums (Ice cream – I think it is only in the Midwest) – if I’m craving a sweet treat, it’s Braums for me. A double dip is less than $2.00. mmmmmm sounds soooo good right now. 3. Zios – I haven’t been there in years, but it is fantabulous Italian food. 4. Monterrey Jack's– We used to go there so often they knew my son’s order before we even sat down. Yep, chicken strips at a Mexican restaurant – dipped in nacho cheese of course. 5. Jason’s Deli – perfect salad bar and soft serve ice cream 6. Cracker Barrel – great comfort food and a fun store to look through 7. Texas Roadhouse – Only a once in a while treat, but even Bruce thinks their steaks are excellent. 8. Taco Bell – it qualifies as a favorite because sometimes the budget is super tight and even if all the food does taste the same sometimes super junk food just hits the spot. 9. Buffalo Wild Wings – it’s so good that once you have it, you keep craving it, but then you have it so much it starts to sound disgusting and plus you are out of money by then. 10. Hideaway Pizza – I think this is an Oklahoma founded pizza place and it is just great, filling pizza. 20 percent finished – yahoo! 10 People – yikes, this is a little uncomfortable – I mean I undoubtedly will just forget someone and later realize they should be in the top ten – Also, does this mean people I know or famous people or people from history? EEEEEkkk – the pressure. THESE OF COURSE ARE IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER – besides, it depends on the day with some of them. 1. Mema – I can always feel relaxed and de-stress just by going to her house. She’s a great woman. 96 years old with a lot to share and give. 2. Reese – my son; funny, loving, the greatest gift of my life 3. Bruce – my soul mate, husband, protector, and role model – more than I ever dreamed could exist 4. Dad – tries to be gruff, but can’t pull it off anymore; religious, honest, and full of life lessons. 5. Ma – my great-grandmother, she passed away when I was in the 6th grade. We were a pair; she the oldest in the family and me the youngest. Standing when the national anthem was played on the t.v., making clothes for my Raggedy Ann doll, and reading books to each other. 6. Mom – She needs me and she is ALWAYS there for me. She loves me even when I screw up. It is a different relationship, but I value it deeply. I will always stand by her side. 7. Amy – my sister – we go through phases of talking and hanging out but we know we are always there for each other. However, she didn’t acknowledge my existence until she was in college; but I guess that is normal. We are opposites in so many areas; but I think our core is similar. 8. Will – my brother – we aren’t as close as we once were for no real reason except I suppose that life happens and our family and jobs take the majority of our time and energy. He's a good man with a genuine heart and actions. 9. Papa – Mema’s husband – though he passed away many years ago, my thoughts go to him often. I wish so much when we were cleaning out his things that I would have taken one of the coats Mema offered us. It’s a silly regret I suppose, but one my mind drifts to. Bear traps, fishing, and tales of travels; I miss you, Papa. 10. Les Cole – our former minister and life-long friend. Through him, my faith really blossomed. I also realized that ministers were real people too . . . that being in the ministry didn’t mean that you had to be serious all the time. I’m not even half finished? Okay, just one more category and then I’mcalling it a night. Matt, our cat, is demanding attention and my eyes are getting heavy. 10 Foods 1. Nachos – no explanation needed – who doesn’t love nachos? 2. Fried Okra – mmmm Summer homegrown okra - no one comes close to making it like Mom's. 3. Chicken and Dumplin’s – definite comfort food – usually what I choose for my birthday dinner 4. Pizza – even the frozen kind – actually I think I prefer those sometimes 5. Soft serve ice cream – just so wonderful – the texture, taste, smoothness 6. Bacon – I know it is cliché’ but I do love crispy bacon 7. Cheese – almost all kinds on most things – especially cheese that is a little burnt – weird, I know 8. Soup – almost any kind – it makes me relax and smile 9. Enchiladas – homemade are the best – I need to learn to make them. Put that on the to-do list 10. Salted Caramel – not sure if it is really a favorite, but it sure sounds good right now. To be continued tomorrow…. 10 Games 6 Drinks/Beverages 4 Desserts 10 Paintings 10 Web Sites 10 Writers 10 Famous lines from books/movies |
| Last night we lost our dear sweet cat, Tina. I had about decided not to blog about it because it is difficult, but she deserves to be included in the history that this blog might (or might not) serve of a history of part of our life. We got Tina from a truck with a box of kittens at the side of the road. It was a spur of the moment surprise for my animal-loving son. We had cats before so this wasn't an willy-nilly irresponsible act. She was a beautiful calico. I can say with all honesty that we never regretted including her in our home. Even when she pooped in the car as we were driving to safety from an Oklahoma tornado, or when she attacked my boob at a visit to the vet to have, well, a pet hysterectomy. She loved to lay on my side as I slept, sit on my papers as I graded them, and knock objects down in my son's room in the night. She wasn't the most graceful feline. Many a jumps were incomplete with a look back at us as if to say - "Hey, you can't jump from the tv to the top of the dresser either." She was a sweetheart though. She was a great mama cat - though the fact that she was a mama was a shock to me - she was very young and had 5 her first litter. Tina loved to play fetch; yes, fetch. She would bring you little things like a hairband or a milk topper doo-dad and nose at you until you threw it. It would go on and on until my son or I made the object 'disappear' for awhile. A few years ago, she acquired her best friend, Indy. Though she wasn't always fond of his youthful energy, she always took care of him and showed him the ropes. She would always let him eat first - and he had NO problem agreeing to that. Tina loved my son and me. I know she did. We had her for almost 8 years. She had been sick for a little over a month - we tried all the vets suggested, but it was just too much for her. Last night, when I arrived home she tried to run out the door. The first time I'd seen her move that fast in weeks. I gathered her up and could tell this was probably the end. We hadn't put her down, because the vet thought there was a chance and didn't believe she was hurting. As I laid her on a chair, she began to have a seizure or something like it. It was the same sound I heard when my grandmother passed away. At that point she was unconscious. My wonderful husband gently laid her on one of my son's t-shirts by her water bowl. Bruce's older cat came and sat with her. In less than an hour, she was gone. Bruce says she was waiting for me to get home. I like to think so. I am glad my son wasn't here. Though he is 18 and towers over the majority of people he knows, his heart is tender - and honestly, I suppose selfishly, I don't know how I could have handled Tina's death and seeing his sadness at the same time. She is buried on our land now. I know she is at peace. I'm confident she knew we loved her and grateful for having her in our lives. . . but yet, I can't help wishing we had had even more time with her. I guess that's a human thing - we are grateful for what we were given and that the deceased are at peace but sometimes it's just not quite enough and that part that wants to cure the ache in your heart says 'I wish we could have had just a little more time.' We love you, Tina. Thanks for blessing our lives. A kiss to Heaven, Audra |
| Remember Green Acres? For you younguns it's worth a YouTube search to at least listen to the theme song. As I have mentioned, I got married in June... to a farmer. (Yes, that can be and is a full-time job with no pay for overtime and the "smaller" holidays, such as Labor Day are ironically still work days. Now, I wasn't any city slicker before this - despite the rumors. I actually grew up on 160 acres; though I spent the vast majority of it inside trying to avoid chores or pulling of animals out of other animals or weird bugs, physical labor, and I might have even longed for just one Icee stand to be within 15 miles of the house - but I was NOT a city slicker. I was good at this evasive behavior too. The first and possibly only 'real' farm work I had to attempt was my Senior year in high school. Before that my brother or sister were called upon to do such things - dang them for going to college. I won't go into to detail but this calf was halfway out of the mama cow, breach (not good) and it wasn't going to live or maybe never had; but anyway Dad needed help coaxing said cow somewhere for something. All I really remember (after being hypnotized several times in an effort to forget this event) was it is the closest I ever came to raising my voice to my dad, my dad raised his voice many times to me during the 'task' with more idioms and colorful language than was needed, AND I was having a good hair day. Work with me here, be 18 again and finally having a hair day that you know looks good; that you can flip, shake your head, and it doesn't go flat or frizz or have one weird stubborn strand of hair. Now add perspiration and dirt to it - not even the most amazing hair can live up to that. That was just an anecdote to provide back story to my farm life. I went to an education conference today so I saw several teachers that I'd not seen since I married. Immediately, the thought of me on a farm brought humor to the conference. "So, Audra what have you done on the ole homestead this summer?" chuckle chuckle. For those doubters of my ability to adapt, here you go: 1. I've opened gates (It's hot in Oklahoma) - Every day. . . and I almost don't dread it now. 2. I've heated water without complaint to bath and do dishes when the hot water heater wasn't working. 3. I have killed a wasp (inside the house. . . more than once). 4. I have seen dead animals - mice, poor baby kitty, centipede 5. I held a new baby kitty (not the one mentioned above) all day trying to keep it alive because it had been in the rain during the night. My efforts didn't work, but I tried. 6. I picked up tree limbs,a bazillion I think, so the 'lawn' could be mowed. How do you know on a farm where the lawn ends and the wilderness begins? 7. I have gained the ability to not verbalize the words: "You want me to do what?" when my sweet husband asks me to do something that is common place to him. 8. Okay this is a biggie - deep breath - I have checked my husband's back for ticks when he has come in and even once pulled one off. But we don't call them ticks because that still freaks me out so I just requested that we please refer to them as "fuzz". It doesn't make sense but it sounds so much more pleasant. I'm sure I will do so much more - and guess what? I'm kind of looking forward to it. (not the fuzz part though). So I may still be a little green but this is the place for me to be. It's the berries, Audra/size} |
| Fourth of July is just around the corner, so we all know what that means. . . some alien takes over my father's body. Don't get me wrong, I fully realize that people change as they get older; tough men seem to soften. But this goes beyond that. I always knew my dad loved me, of that there was never a doubt. But there was let's say, a lack of affection or perhaps celebratory attitude. Let me give you an example. The thing I remember most about my high school graduation was that my dad hugged me. He NEVER did that; he just wasn't a hugger. He showed his love and devotion by working hard and providing for us. Holidays were great for us as kids, but it seemed that Dad found all the hoopla more of a distraction from things that needed to be done. Oh, don't misunderstand - Thanksgiving meant quail hunting which he loved and all holidays had some sort of athletic competition such as football, softball, or maybe even tennis. Of course, for the last about 40 years he's been saying this would be his last year playing. "I'm getting too old for this." Yet, somehow at 72 he still finds a few good passes in him. So what's the change then? Well, my no-hoopla-holiday father has in the past years become holiday obsessed. The first day of September he begins growing his white beard out so he looks like Santa by the holidays. (Many kids have stopped being brats in Wal-mart when they see his bowl full of jelly turn down the aisle.) He has dressed as Father Time - which quite honestly was a little disturbing especially when he asked me to post the picture on Facebook. Here comes Independence Day - which means. . . A PARADE. There have been times when the parade consisted just of my family members because every one in their right mind wasn't coming outside for a 5 minute parade in 105 degree weather with 100 percent humidity. I received my instructions last week of my parade duties. I was to make a CD with 5 patriotic songs - he was very definite about the the songs and the order they should be recorded: 1. God Bless the USA (Lee Greenwood) 2. God Bless America 3. It's a song with Green Beret in it - I'm sure you can figure it out - those were his instructions to me. 4. America the Beautiful 5. Okie from Muskogee - doesn't everyone consider that a patriotic song? So he says, "So those songs will just keep playing over and over, right?" Me: Dad, the parade is less than a mile; how slow do you intend to drive the motorcycle? Dad: Speaking of motorcycle, I was thinking since Reese is in Minnesota, I'll need someone to ride in the sidecar and throw candy. How about Bruce? Bruce is my husband of not even a month though we have known him all our lives. I'm not sure if this is a rite of passage or he just can't think of anyone else to 'convince' to do it. Dad: Now, you'll need to go to Wal-mart and get him a red, white, and blue shirt and cap. Unless you think he'd like to wear the Uncle Sam costume. But that is really more of my thing. Shaking my head and smiling, I try to mesh the hard working, matter of fact father of my youth with this wonderfully crazy holiday obsessed man before me. I don't know what has happened over the years, but I'm so blessed to have known both men. Daddy's girl (just don't tell him that - he'll gruff and say that I'll get over that), Audra |
| Yes, I admit it freely. . . I'm in love with an inanimate object. Personally, I think we all are on some level - well, maybe that's just what I want to believe. For instance, I'm pretty sure my dad is in love with his '49 Dodge, and my brother and niece pay a lot of attention to a volley ball (and Tom Hanks too - poor Wilson). So here I confess. . . I'm in love with sharpies! I can't get enough; plus, they always come out with new kinds or new colors. They have a set that is based on the '80's! Who could resist that? Not me, that's for sure. I love them. . . to the point of not wanting to share them with almost anybody. I mean normally I'll share anything with anyone, especially children, but we are talking SHARPIES! It's not because they are expensive, which they are. I don't really know why - maybe I'm reverting to a 2 year old because the only reason I can come up with is because they are mine! I gave some special ones to my husband as a wedding gift - Gold, Silver, and Bronze - that's special, baby! Okay, that wasn't all I got him, but I was trying to demonstrate the depths of my love for him. Which now is causing me a little guilt because yesterday I took them out of his desk drawer and colored with them! But I gave the picture to him - doesn't that count for something? Okay, maybe not. You may be asking yourself things like "I thought Audra was in her 40's" or "Does she realize she's admitting to doing a kindergarten activity by choice on her summer vacation?". Well, here's the truth - you bet your buttons I'm admitting to coloring and yep, I'm 46. I love it! I'm not particularly talented at it, but something in me has always loved to color. Maybe it is the enjoyment of completing something that doesn't require physical labor or much depth of thought or concentration. To me, sharpies equal smiles. I will share with my husband though. He can use his wedding present anytime he wants. . . he'll just need to get them out of my Sharpies box. Color the world, A. Branson |
| You might have noticed that aralls is gone - poof - genie blink - to become abranson! Yep, I did it - I said 'I do' and more. I married the most amazing man; it only took me about 41 years to do it, but hey - some of us are slower than others. But that story is for another blog or a real written story. Today, I just want to close my eyes and capture the images of this special day. I can't imagine forgetting, but I've noticed sometimes as the years go by, new memories scoot some of the important ones over - again, I don't think this could happen. June 6, 2015 1. Awoke at my parents to a text from Bruce - I allowed myself a few minutes to lay there and smile knowing that today we would get the happy ending/beginning we never even imagined. 2. Getting my hair and make-up done with Jen - Tracy and Lesa (my best friends) show up with some "special water" to toast the day. 3. Fake eye lashes and glitter? 'Are you sure, Jen? I'm 46.' Looking at her 'masterpiece' with joy: 'You got this, girl.' Why protest? I just want to marry Bruce and share the event with close family and friends. 4. Riding to the building with Jen, I look at things and realize I will never look at this bridge, the building, this road without being joined with Bruce. I smile. 5. Pulling in, I see my father and son at the door waiting for my arrival. My father seems nervous/anxious; my son confident and a little amused. A reversal of roles for those two. Again, I smile. 6. I enter from the outside so I've not seen who has shown up for the wedding. Walking through the door with my dad on my right and my 18 year-old son on my left, holding a bouquet of orchids (I don't care if they match the decor - they have meaning). . . I look first for Bruce. Our eyes meet and we both smile as if we share a secret. The look on his face says 'Let's get 'er done.' 7. I scan the room. . . tears well up seeing who has come to share in the moment. Everyone in this room means so much to us - I feel blessed and in awe that some have traveled hours, others have canceled work (farmers rarely do this), co-workers that have turned into true friends. My heart swells too for those that aren't there, yet I can feel them in spirit. . . Bruce's mother who had passed away a year ago - I knew her when I was in school, but didn't get the opportunity to know her as an adult. His father - who I was blessed to not only meet, but love instantly - who passed just weeks earlier. It is not just hopeful wishing. . . I feel them there with us. 8. The ceremony begins. . . and so does the train less than a football field away from us. Somehow we knew this would happen.. it brings laughter. . . and seems like the longest, loudest train whistle ever. It is then I realize it has proven to be a hot/humid day in Oklahoma. Good thing we didn't give in to people telling us 10:30 a.m. was a strange time to have a wedding. Old historical buildings aren't blessed with air conditioning; but, what they lack in modern convenience they make up for in ambiance. 9. Bruce says his vows first. We agreed not to write or rehearse them before this moment as we wanted them to come from the heart not be a 'show'. He reminds me of the honor he takes in a promise (something I know to be true) and talks of the love we share, our future, and much more. I want to kiss him right then. I should have - we've always been rule followers, even in kindergarten - maybe, this time I should have been a rebel. 10. My vows . . . seemed to flow out - I might have stumbled over words - I don't know - all I could see was Bruce's eyes and that smile . . holding my hands as his thumb gently rubs my skin. I don't know how, because he is behind me, but I catch a glimpse of my son smiling - sharing our joy. 11. And then the kiss - how will he kiss me? - to answer that... perfectly. And then we are one. Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Branson - the way it was meant to be. 12. Cutting the cake - lol - sweat has now caused an eyelash to de-glue - Bruce gently pulls the other one off and blows gently on me to cool me down. 13. I think there are 4 maybe 5 round tables filled with our family and friends, all in their circle of comfort by those they know best yet at the same time mixing with everyone. . . as it should be. We are blessed that our families have known each other for years. 14. Kids playing with bubbles. People explore the old building. Pictures taken. Laughter and hugs. Bruce always near touching my hand sharing in this magical time together. No urgency, no stress, no awkwardness. Everyone feels at home, which is what we had hoped for. 15. How did we end up off to the side kind of dancing by ourselves? Was there even music or was it just us enjoying the moment and silently lifting a prayer to God for his guidance. 16. Tomorrow will be three weeks that we have been married. And I must admit, I feel as if we have always been together. Sure, I'm still learning which drawer has the dish towels in it, but I feel as if I'm finally home. Signing off for the first time as. . . , Audra L. Branson  |
| I'm beginning to pack things in my house (again). For keeps this time though. For one, my amazing son, Reese, will be heading to college in August, and I will also be making a permanent move in the first of June (more details forthcoming in future blogs). Anyway, I'm not necessarily a 'keeper', not that I purge every piece of paper or clothing that enters my house, but I also don't hold on to every random purchase or gift. But my dilemma is. . . PICTURES! Problem 1: Pictures of people I have no idea who they are. Now my initial response is to trash those suckers, but then another voice says, "You felt strongly enough to take a picture of them or they felt strongly enough to give you a picture." But still, it's not like my memory is improving with age. I'm not going to ever go - "Wow, where did I put the picture of the girl with the HUGE 80's hair in the Glamour Shot?" I'm relatively sure it isn't me -- whew. It just seems kind of mean to throw people in the trash, but the only other thing I can think of is to take them to school and make 8th graders write what they see or turn the picture into a story. And let's be honest, that's probably not going to end up being very kind either. I suppose I could make a 'I have no idea who these people are' collage. Could be a good conversation starter, but then again it seems like that might require time and work. Problem 2: How many of the same similar picture do I need? Let's face it - my son is the first grand baby on both sides - there was A LOT of picture taking. And not just him - but that beautiful sunset you took 212 shots of somewhere when you were on vacation because that's the only time you notice beautiful sunsets - how many of those should I keep? It is mind boggling. I would let my boyfriend decide but he is a KEEPER. He'd probably want to go make copies just to be sure it is preserved in history. Then I would need even more boxes for spiders to hide in. Problem 3: What if I don't like the people anymore? I know that sounds harsh but shit happens. Should it be like financial records? Keep them for 8 years, and if you still don't like them trash them? WHERE ARE THE PHOTOGRAPH RULES?!?! Problem 4: (you know why) Scenic pictures of places you don't remember being or maybe you just don't recognize it. Another collage? I mean they are pretty and all, but I'm not sure they happened in my life. What if I accidentally received someone else's film one time and never looked at the pictures until now because I like to prove consistent on my level of procrastination? Say cheese, (I have a student who doesn't like cheese of any kind. I wonder what they make him say.) Audra
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| Sleep is overrated.... said no one that ever had insomnia. In fact, I'm so tired I have no clue who or why anyone would say that -- Maybe I saw it on a Facebook post or maybe I dreamed it - - nope, no chance of that one since I CAN'T SLEEP! FYI - I may never get this post done because every other word is spelled/typed wrong (in fact I just misspelled spelled and misspelled - TWICE). That should serve as point #1. You need sleep, precious sleep to function on a semi-normal level of your capabilities. Poop - I ought to just quit correcting the spelling to further emphasize my point but part of me just can't look that incompetent all the time. Sleep is amazing! Even if you have bad dreams it is still pretty darn good. It's like a mini-vacation from life. Plus, when you wake up (after the needed caffeine of course), you are able to do such tasks as dialing a phone or tying your shoes without trying to run through your memory log to figure out the first step. Are you getting that I haven't slept? It is 3:15 p.m. right now. Part of my mind/body says, "Hey girl, lay down, take a nap. You deserve it." Oddly, enough this voice has an Italian/New York accent. We don't hear that often in Oklahoma. Anyway, I know it is a trick to torture me further. See, if I do go turtle under my covers, one of either two things will happen. 1. I will sleep, interrupted occasionally by my 18 year-old son that still finds it easier to ask me where the scissors are rather than look in the drawer we have always kept the scissors in. However, I will sleep which is a backhanded blessing, because it is 3:20 p.m. now. So if say I slept until 6:00 p.m. I wouldn't be able to go to sleep at 10:00 p.m. so I will be perpetually in a state of day/night confusion like a new born infant except no one is going to rock me and pat my back. or 2. I will curl on the couch and NOT be able to fall asleep which in my sleep deprived state will convince my cloudy, non-neuron connecting brain that I have somehow forgotten how to sleep. Therefore, the paranoia of not sleeping will keep me from sleeping! (I think this may be turning into a bigger catastrophe than the time I read the directions wrong on my estrogen --- but seriously, if I'm old enough for estrogen don't you think someone might figure out that I might be old enough to have difficulty reading print meant for an ant colony?} Oh, I'm digressing aren't I? Would you like to know why I can't sleep? Because I'm dumb... I don't learn from previous mistakes... more correctly, I forget them. Every March, my students ask me what I'm going to do over Spring Break. I think they think I'm jealous that they are going skiing or to Disneyland or Cancun. But every year I just smile sweetly and respond, "I'm going to sleep." And thus the curse of Karma commences (I love a good alliteration that requires very little effort on my part.) Friday night -- I couldn't sleep because I was so excited it was Spring Break and I was going to get to sleep! Saturday night - okay - I don't even remember Saturday night because my days and nights are as one now. I think I was home. Ohhhhh yes, my son's box springs broke so I gave him mine. So now my bed is a mattress on the floor like some poor hippie college kid who took the mattress off someone's curb.... Don't judge me. Anyway, I can't roll over to get up because well that's just floor. it's not like I can swing my leg over a six inch side of a mattress. So I figured the least embarrassing (in case I have a peeping tom) and easiest way to get up, is to lie on my stomach with my feet toward the end of the bed and do a sorta of backward scorpion crawl until I hit floor with my toes and then kind of stick my booty up and walk my hands in -- I pretend it is yoga so I don't have to feel bad about not exercising. To be honest, my boobs are not fond of this method and are petitioning that I look into other options. So since getting off my mattress (I refuse to call it a bed) is pretty much an Olympic sport now, my bladder decided it would be fun to have to pee every half hour to an hour. I bet cumulatively I scorpion crawled a mile on Saturday night. Last night? Oh, sorry, I can't tell you about last night....I've taken an oath of secrecy (but not celibacy -- hubba hubba.... Just kidding! Or am I?) I'm tired, so tired. Where is Mr. Sandman? That's a good song. "Mr. Sandman, bring me a dream, make him the cutest I've ever seen." Am I rambling? Do I care? Maybe I'm asleep, dreaming about blogging about not being able to sleep! That would be the berries! I don't think so though, because I don't think even I would care about typos in a dream. Do you think it would be too weird to have some elective surgery like my appendix out so I could have that amazing mask put on me and be told to count back from 100 and not even get the question of why out of my mouth before I'm in a drug induced sleep? Hmmmm. that may have to wait, I haven't met my deductible this year. But then again: money or sleep? It is a close toss up. Well, come to think of it, I have neither so they both suck or are essential - I've confused myself again. Borrowing an AK47 to shoot the sheep, Audra (I MISTYPED MY NAME - TWICE! What the frek?) |
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