After posting what I posted yesterday some of you may think, boy she does need a happy pill.  So I thought I would point out a few things about myself…

I always let someone go in front of me in line when they have just a few items.

When I’m in a store and I walk in front of someone standing in the aisle looking at something I always say excuse me.

I still refer to my Mom and Dad’s friends as Mr. and Mrs.

When stopped at a light or stop sign, I always leave room if a car is trying to pull out.  Only one though.

I don’t always say “Is your gum good?” when someone is cracking it or chewing it like a cow.

I only tell people they drive bad so they are more careful. 

If there’s something on your face I’m the kind of person that will tell you.

If you have a bat in the cave, I will say ewww you need to blow your nose.  I’m sorry I said ewww but ewww.  I won’t say the B word - it’s like the f word.

If you choose to wear the shirt with all the deer heads all over it, I only tell you to change because I know others will make fun of you.  It’s not just me.

To be continued…

Yesterday was Black Friday and most of you were out shopping trying to get the best deals on your Christmas shopping.  This day has never interested me.  Getting up at 3:00 a.m., standing in line and fighting the crowd.  It was never worth it to me.  But my sister and Mom are Black Friday shoppers.

It was a few years ago and I agreed to go with for the first time.  We were going to the local famous W store.  My Mom and sister headed their way and I headed to the electronics department.  There were people everywhere.   I quickly found what I needed and headed to the checkout right there in electronics.   

There were people everywhere and their baskets full.  I couldn’t tell where the line started or ended so I asked the lady at the counter where the line was.  She said you just have one item stand here and I will take you next.   So that’s what I did.  Then I heard a very loud woman say, “O h   n o   y o u    d i d n ‘ t-t-t-t-t-T!”  She dragged the words out so the entire store made sure to hear her.   I didn’t need to turn around, I knew exactly what I was up against.  I played it all out in my mind from the sound of her voice - I could just tell she was a strong, loud woman with long curly painted finger nails pointed at the back of my neck as she was about to say more while cracking her gum.   

I wasn’t about to turn around.  I had one item, it won’t take long to get the heck out of there before she scratched me.  I’m not going to say a word because if I cause a scene, my Mom and sister would blame me.  But the lady insisted on telling everyone around where the line ends and how some people think they can just step to the front of the line.  If she had access to the intercom button she would’ve had no problem announcing how that boney white chick with the big hair just cut in front of her.

She didn’t stop.  I really tried hard not to say anything but this boney white chick was going to defend herself.  I turned around and said very nicely, “Excuse me, I have one item.  This is where the lady asked me to stand. I’m sorry if you were next.  It won’t take long.”  I turned back around to pay for my item. 

My apology wasn’t good enough and she continued on much louder.  I’m surprised she didn’t swallow her gum with her mouth going like it was.  I really tried to be polite and avoid a confrontation but I had enough.  I turned back around and said very loudly, “Again, I have one item, you have 20 in your basket that’s jammed up my @$$.  I’m sorry if you feel you need to announce I cut in line.  You’re a grown woman and this isn’t a damn lunch line.”  Then the lady behind the counter had the nerve to say, “Now ladies, it’s Christmas time.” 

She said that to the wrong shopper, “Excuse me?  You have stood here with 150 people in line taking your sweet time ringing up my ONE item.  I really tried to be nice about it until I couldn’t take it anymore and you have the nerve to tell me it’s Christmas time? Yes it is Christmas and this is exactly why I don’t come here this time of year.”  I grabbed my bag and as I was walking away I said “Merry Freaking Christmas!”

As I was flipping out, there stood my Mom and sister.  They only witnessed the flip out.  As I approached, my sister said, “What did you do now?”   And from my concerned Mother, ”Do you need a nerve pill?” Then from me, “You better get me out of here before they call security.”

I swore I would never do Black Friday again and my Mom and sister swore to never invite me again.

Until yesterday -

To be continued…

From our house to yours - Have a Happy Thanksgiving.

Kristine at the Outdoor Bloggers Summit has challenged us to write about someone who mentored or inspired us in our life and how we shouldn’t wait to show our thanks.

I have to say this challenge is hard for me.  I’m not a serious writer and my readers come here for a laugh.  So I’m going to do my best to hopefully express both.

For my Mom:

Growing up we never realize just how important our Mom is especially during those teenage years when we think we know it all searching for independence and our Mom somehow pulls us back in against our will.  As we grow older we realize her reasoning and just how right she was.  It should never take being an adult to be thankful for the unconditional love of a Mother. 

My Mom is someone who always has done for others.  She had 5 kids at the age of 24 and will be celebrating her 50th anniversary to my Dad come December 24.  Taking care of 5 kids within 7 years and a husband who worked midnights was not easy but she would do it all over again in a heartbeat.  She always put our needs and my Dads needs first.

When my Grandma wasn’t able to care for herself, my Mom and Dad took her in.  They cared for her for 5 years until they couldn’t lift her anymore.  My Mom had to make one of the most difficult decision a daughter has to make and that was to put my Grandma in a nursing home.  For 3 years, 7 days a week, 5 hours a day my Mom sat with my Grandma.  For those 3 years she put my Grandma’s needs first above all else.

Some may look at her life and say when is it time for her?  When will her needs come first?  But for my Mom her needs are what other’s need.  She does for her grandkids, she does for her great-granddaughter and she has even done for the neighborhood kids.  Some of which are grown and have moved away but still make sure to send her cards with their kid’s pictures. Some still stop by the house to see her and my Dad.  Even the kids there now will come by to show my Mom their prom dress so she can take their picture.  My Mom somehow makes others feel as if they are family as well. 

And family is what is most important to my Mom and for that I’m thankful. 

Now I know at this point my Mom is crying.  She’s a cryer and seeing that she will be at my house all day tomorrow and I am trying to avoid saying, ”why are you crying now” I shall move on to something a bit less touching.  And also, for my sister who isn’t talking to me at the moment - did you hear that message?  Family is what is most important. 

My Mom’s favorite sayings that we hear pretty much on a daily basis:

• You’re to pretty to frown
• That isn’t very nice
• Did you call your brother?
• Did you call your sister?
• Have you talked to Susie?
• I’ve got to go draw my bath
• Now girls
• Will you two please get along
• Is there a bathroom somewhere close?
• I can’t help it

Everyone have a Happy Thanksgiving, hunters be safe and I will be back on Friday for a regular post.  You don’t want to miss my wonderful Black Friday 1st and last adventure.  

Lets face it, when you’re the one hosting the family gathering there are some things you just want to let everyone know up front so you don’t have to repeat yourself over and over.  So this year I’m giving my family notice here on my blog…

1. Shoes off please.  So be sure to wear socks without holes.
2. No reaching around me to just have a “pinch” of something.  It’s rude and I didn’t see you wash your hands. Nor does it end up being a pinch.  It normally ends up being a whole serving.
3. If your Mom didn’t come because she is mad at me again, I hope you brought her taco salad.  If not, someone will take you home to get it.  Be sure to tell your Mom you will be forced to take the first bite.
4. Don’t blame me if the mashed potatoes are a bit lumpy.  “Mad sister” who is in charge of mashing potatoes didn’t show.  Blame her. 
5. If you’re not going to play a game, you can’t come.  Just because we dressed you up in lingerie, makeup, high heels and made you run down the street last year doesn’t exclude you from this years games,  Jacob.
6. Can we go one holiday without crying?  Thanks.  You know who you are.
7. Please bring a sweater this year.  While cooking all day it gets hot in here.  If you tell me it’s cold I will tell you this - while you slept in today in your nice warm bed and all you had to do was bring chips and pop, I was here breaking a sweat cooking your 10 course meal. 
8. My dog is not a cat.  Please don’t throw him across the room thinking he’s a cat.
9. Yes my hair is a bit darker since the last time you saw me.  The winter weather makes it that way.
10. If you kick, bite or pull my dogs hair, I will do the same to you.  And if my dog, who never bites, bites, it’s your fault.
11. There is no running around the house.  If your kid slips and falls on the hard wood floor, I’m sorry.  Your kids shouldn’t be running around the house. 
12. Isn’t it polite to bring the host a gift?  I’ve been cooking for you people for almost 20 years.
13. Jer (my sister) if you slip and fall on the hard wood floor, I’m sorry but we’ll laugh.  Oh and if by accident you somehow fall down the basement stairs again, for the love of depends, bring some clean underwear.
14. And Mark, it’s not ok to say you are going to the bathroom and sneak off to bed.  Not only can we hear you snoring but that trick is getting old.  
15. Please make sure your kids do not drink out of my cup.  I need something strong to survive the day.

Thank you.   

Love, The “B”

I’m not sure how much blogging everyone is doing this week.  It looks like it might be a slow week for some, some will be headed out of town, others will be catching up and getting their home ready to celebrate Thanksgiving with family.

We are having Thanksgiving at our house as we do every year.  We cook about a 24 lb turkey in the oven and a 12 lb turkey in the fryer outside.  If you’ve never had fried turkey, you have to try it.  It is delicious.  Here is what we did last year. 

Frying gives it a nice crispy crust and holds the juices inside.

 What are your plans for Thanksgiving?

This weeks edition of My Goofy Googler is dedicated to my husband.  My Goofy Googler is usually dedicated to those who search some of the funniest things and arrive at my site. This weeks edition is about how my husband searches my site and thinks he has some input.

• First of all, yes my site is about you but I’m in charge. 
• There are some pictures I choose not to post, so please stop asking. No means no.
• There are some stories I choose not to share.  No means no.
• When I ask questions about hunting, I really don’t need that much detail.
• When I ask a few more questions, it isn’t necessary to dictate a story as if I’m the typist. 
• I’ve posted your buck once.  My readers aren’t interested in seeing your buck on a daily basis. 
• You do have your own page that is all about you.  Go there and you can see all your mounts.  If that isn’t good enough just take a stroll around the house or just look to your right when sitting in your recliner. 
• Remeber last nights conversation? I told you I would write about you today.

Lets see…remember when we went to Hawaii and you oiled up and oiled up hoping to get the best tan?  I kept insisting you were going to get burnt.  You kept insisting you were getting tan and for me to look at how tan you are.  Then you wanted me to take your picture because you were so tan and me laughing cause you were burnt?  And how I still laugh at how burnt you were and you still insist how tan and buffed you were?

Honey your @$$ was BURNT.

It’s nice having a site about my husband, it gives me a bit of power.  

Have a great weekend everyone and hunters to be safe. 

For you hunters - here’s a look at Mark’s brothers and their bucks.

Steves taken with a bow

Kennys taken with shotgun

These were both taken over the past week.  Congratulations to both brothers and we are awaiting word on the other brother to see what he’s done this week.

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There is a giveaway going on at A Frugal Housewife.  10 winners will be selected.

One of my favorite friends, who brings me girl scout cookies and avon, stopped by the house last night.  We chatted about a few things then she mentioned what a huge deer my hunter just got.  She had seen the picture here on my blog.  As she scanned the room, she asked where Mark was going to put this one.  I did what any proud wife of a hunter does - sighed, rolled my eyes and pointed.

As we chatted she talked about her Dad who just retired and moved back here from Ohio.  Her Dad was an avid hunter and had the dream basement of any hunter.  Deer head, fireplace, deer head, couch, deer head and deer head.  When they moved here his wife put her foot down refusing to allow any more deer decor on her living room walls.  No more decorating hunter style.   She had looked at them for 20 years and it was time to say goodbye.  That is my kind of wife! 

Her Dad decided he would donate his deer heads to one of our local Nature Preserves, Gibson Woods.  It was a nice gesture and one I’m sure his wife cheerfully agreed to.  I felt sorry for her Dad.  I’m sure it was hard to part with them so I asked if he goes and visits them.  My friend laughed and said no. 

Knowing my husband and knowing the passion of a hunter I said, “Well I bet he says he’s going to the store and then sneaks over there.” 

What do you all think?  I think he’s been taking a few Nature Preserve walks.

DeltaPlex in Grand Rapids, MI is holding their first annual Hunter’s Wives Night Out this Saturday,  November 22, 2008.  The race starts at 7:11 p.m. and doors open at 3:00 p.m. for qualifying but the real fun starts at 4:30 p.m. 

Broadway from B-93, the local country music radio station, will be there for tailgating.  $1 beer, pop and hot dogs from 4:30-6:30 and starting at 6:00 there will be a place for facials and manicures from Alpine Hair & Day Spa. 

Throughout the night there will be many opportunities to win gift cards to Logan’s Roadhouse, free tanning at MidNite Sun & Cruise, free 30 minute massages from D.C. Chiropractic and also free haircuts.  Along with the excitement of Indoor Auto Racing it’s sure to be a night full of fun. Kids are also welcome.

If you would like more information or have any questions, please e-mail Sarah at sarah@arenaracinggr.com.

Sarah was kind enough to invite me and unfortunately I am unable to attend. It sounds like a fun night out and it would have been a lot of fun meeting other wives of hunters.

If you are able to attend, I really encourage you to do so. It’s a great way to meet new people, have fun and hopefully win a few prizes.