Just a little update to let you know how desperate they are to evacuate these people in south Louisiana.  Preachers and medical workers showed up at our local high school today requesting high school kids to help move things into a shelter to ready it for people on their way up and more kids to clean up a nursing home that has been closed for about 3 years so that it can re-open to house residents from New Orleans area nursing homes.  I’m supposed to check back with a lady this afternoon about Hooker, her mom, and myself volunteering at a local shelter this weekend. 

Gas prices have continued to rise throughout the day.  I predict a price of $3 per gallon by Saturday.

Thanks so much for everyone checking in on me.  We are slowly getting internet back up here and it’s wonderful.  However, now I get to see the horrific photos from all of the devastation.  It’s so heartbreaking.  For those of you who asked, I live about 5 hours northwest of New Orleans.  If you look at a Louisiana map, you should be able to find Monroe in north-central Louisiana.  That is where I work, I live about 45 miles southwest of Monroe in a little town called Jonesboro (may or may not be on the map).  Here’s how things are looking here:

There are 2 very large shelters in Monroe, which are currently at capacity.  They each currently have 1,600 people staying there.  There is also a dog shelter in an attached building to one of the shelters housing nearly 300 pets (I guess they have cats too).  There is also a HUGE livestock pavilion and convention center like thing that is housing people and their livestock.  As I said, these shelters are operating at capacity, and the governor has directed the current evacuees (from the Superdome and people who have been rescued) to come to Monroe because of our shelters.  So, in response local towns and communities are opening smaller shelters to take in the extras.  In Jonesboro alone (remember, really small town), there are currently 6 or 7 places offering shelter.  A nearby church camp will be receiving over 100 cots from the Red Cross to house people in their encampment facilities as well. 

I don’t know what the national news is reporting, but things that people don’t realize are that when these people fled, they thought they would be here for 3 to 4 days max.  However, it’s looking more like a month.  They don’t have the food or clothing for this type of stay.  Also, the ones who were fortunate enough to find hotels that were vacant, now can’t afford them anymore.  Their money is running out and they are having to ration money because they have no idea how long they will be here.  There have been people found sleeping in their cars in the Wal Mart parking lot.  Fortunately, this area is big on helping.  People are taking complete strangers into their homes and putting them up indefinitely.  Honestly, if I came across someone in need, I would do the same. 

Yesterday after lunch, my brother, Scuba Steve, was called to go with a group of police officers from North Louisiana and help out.  At first I thought that it was awesome that he’d be able to be down there helping, but the more news coverage I see, I’m scared to death for him.  There are reports of looting, gun fights on the streets and in the Superdome.  There is even a prison guard and his family being held hostage in a prison by inmates demanding food and water for the family’s lives.  The sad part is that their cries go unanswered because no one can get to them.  We are unable to talk with SS because there are no land or cell phone lines to call home.  My mom will also be going down there on Monday for 72 hour duty at a special needs shelter in Baton Rouge. 

What really hit home as to how dire this situation is was when I saw that they are planning to build refugee camps for these people.  I’m talking tents and stuff like you see in third world countries.  One soldier who had spent 1 year in Afganistan (sp?) called into the radio after being in New Orleans for 2 days and said that this was exponentially worse than anything he saw in his one year overseas. 

These people need prayers, donations of money and blood to the Red Cross, and anything else that the public can do.  They have lost homes, family, jobs….basically everything.  Keep everyone in your prayers!

Melissa

Can you believe how quickly the cost of gas has risen?  It is currently at around $2.45 or so here and I saw on the news where it is expected to rise until October, then steady off and drop about 25 cents per gallon by the end of the year, which will probably put us right back where we are right now.  If this continues, I don’t see how the economy will withstand it.  I seriously doubt people will have the money to spend on Christmas like they normally do this year if this trend continues.  Surely our government can do something about this.  This is just ridiculous!!!

As of today, I have only 2 more days until I leave for vacation.  YIPPEE!!  This is a well needed trip!  We have planned trips to the D-Day Museum, Confederate Museum, Children’s Museum (my child is going to hate my educational outlook later on), the Aquarium, the Zoo, and of course, the most important thing…..THE MALL!!  I can’t wait to do a little shopping! 

LittleMan is growing so fast!  He started showing some of my OCD tendencies this weekend by throwing away diapers, candy wrappers, and anything else he could find.  Boy was I proud…lol!  He also is fully understanding yes and no and when he wants or doesn’t want something.  It’s kind of funny to see how opinionated he gets.  He’s also formed a strong affinity for his rubber boots his aunt bought him.  He insists on putting them on every morning after he wakes up.  They will not be making the trip with us this weekend.  LOL!

I’ve been kinda scatterbrained lately.  Last Friday, I put a book I’d been reading and some of LittleMan’s clothes on the top of the car while I buckled him in.  I forgot about them until I was halfway to work.  I was really enjoying that book (Thanks Marie for the recommendation…I’m reading Sarah right now) and the clothes were some of my favorites!  I called LuckyHusband and asked him to do a little looking and see if he could find them.  I knew they wouldn’t have made it very far.  But, he didn’t find them.  The next day we got a call from a neighbor who assumed they were ours based on the clothing sizes.  Thank goodness! 

Melissa

In the society that we live in today, more often than not, career men and women are forced to work side by side on projects all day long.  Since we spend 40 hours plus at work every week, it’s no wonder that these co-workers should develop friendships that result in the exchanges of friendly banter from time to time.  What is surprising however, is the view of these friendships from different perspectives. 

All throughout my life, one of my best friends was my cousin John, who was a year younger than me.  It was through him and his friends which usually became my friends that I realized the benefits and the pitfalls of these type of friendships.  Although we live in a society which boasts its tolerance of equal rights for women, I find that is rarely the case.  If two men sit around the office and gossip, go to lunch together, and *gasp* even hang out after work, it’s viewed as an extention of the “Good Ol Boys Club”.  However, if it is a woman and a man hanging out, we assume that they must be doing something immoral and that it isn’t appropriate for them to share a friendship.  Why is that?  If two men are friends, in this age of increased awareness of the gay lifestyle, I don’t assume that they are partners, just friends enjoying each other’s company.  I find it hard to believe that in a world that is so accepting of coloring outside the lines, that this is one myth that we fail to let go of.  The myth that there is no such thing as a platonic relationship is a crock of crap. 

So, answer this for me.  If your spouse had a platonic relationship at work, would you be mad?  When you see these relationships, do you automatically assume there is more than meets the eye?  And, if the woman is attractive or unattractive, does that change your viewpoint? 

I stole this from Susie at Raising Liam. I can’t link when I post from e-mail (I don’t think I can anyway!)

List ten songs that you are currently digging... it doesn't matter what genre they are from, whether they have words, or even if they're no good but they must be songs you're really enjoying right now. Post these instructions, the artists, and the ten songs in your blog. Then tag five other random people to see what they're listening to.

1. Toxic by Brittney Spears – this really gets me moving and although I think her life is one big train wreck, I really like this song.

2. The Joker by Steve Miller Band – this is one of my most favorite songs and I’ve heard it 3 times on the radio this week. It always makes me smile.
3. I Want You to Want Me by Cheap Trick – This is another one that really gets me moving at the gym.
4. Melissa by the Allman Brothers – Surely I don’t have to explain this one.
5. Dust In The Wind – not sure who sings it but I really like this song for whatever reason
6. Seven Spanish Angels by Willie Nelson and Ray Charles – I have loved this song since I was a kid. For what reason? Who knows
7. Y’all Come Back Saloon by the Oak Ridge Boys – This song reminds me of being a kid. I love it.
8. Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground by Willie Nelson – My little brother used to sing this all of the time when he was a kid. It reminds me of him
9. Lose Yourself by Eminem – Another one that I love at the gym.
10. These Boots are Made For Walkin by Jessica Simpson – I love this new version. I need to download it from itunes.

Did you know that if you try on jeans at the Gap they will give you an itunes giftcard? I got a few from a co-worker who has the hook-up at the Gap. Woo-Hoo for me!!

So, anyway, I am tagging the following five people to complete this. HeatherB, Julie, Lainie, Linda, and Christina. Can’t wait to see your answers!!!

Melissa

You know, sometimes when you don’t do something for a while, you forget how much you truly enjoy it.  Today, instead of running on the treadmill and quickly getting dressed before returning to work, I decided to reward myself with a little shopping trip. 

I began at Old Navy, where I purchased an adorable pair of charcoal pants, a pink polo shirt, and a cranberry and a lime tank top!  Old Navy rocks (and was much less crowded than my last trip).  I then went on to Sam’s Club.  Goodness, that place is heaven!  While shopping I enjoyed a beef and cheese chimichanga sample (and yes I bought some too….delicious!!), and a  chicken tender sample.  This is the best place to “cheat” on a diet because they give you the small little portions and that’s it.  So, you can cheat, but not eat the whole thing! 

I went with the intention of picking up some strawberries and grapes, which I did.  But I also came back with the chimichangas and milk and cereal!  I found a box with Fruit Loops (LittleMan’s favorite), Cocoa Krispies, and Apple Jacks.  I also found a box with individual boxes of a bunch of different kinds to take on vacation for LittleMan to snack on. 

So, I came back to work, ate some Cocoa Krispies (yummy) and strawberries, and now I need a nap.  I think corporations should institute a mandatory naptime (Jimmy I know you agree!) in the afternoons.  I bet after it’s over, productivity would definitely increase!  I should suggest that during our next company meeting.  I bet it will go over really well. 

Melissa

I have a new addiction.  I got an e-mail about asking for your information to be removed for background searches, etc from a website called zabasearch.com.  So, I visited the site.  Holy crap!  You can find anyone on here!  I had a blast looking up people that I haven’t even thought about in years.  You can pay for a background check (which I’m not bored enough for), and I wondered what would come up from a background check for me?  That could be interesting, but not worth 20 something bucks. 

Today at lunch I did the treadmill thing again.  The activity center is located on the ULM campus, where I went to college.  They are doing lots of renovations and it is so strange to drive by and not see the dorm where I spent my freshmen year living.  It has been torn down in preparation to build new student housing.  The dorm where my friend, K, lived is torn down too.  The new student housing looks great, but I’m kinda sad everytime I drive by that the new students won’t have the memories of crappy washing machines and dryers, ACs and heating problems, and trying to make an ugly room look cute that we all did.  Also, when I’m walking or running on the treadmill, it’s hard to believe that this much time has passed and that I’m not running with my friend A, while discussing the many ways that K drives her nuts and how sloppy and irritating he can be.  I look at all the college students and wonder if I was ever that young looking.   Surely I was…right?

Melissa

Goodness!  I’m finally sitting down to update my blog!  I thought I would surely have time for that this weekend, but I was wrong.  LittleMan got his shots and was pretty cranky.  He went to a birthday party Saturday afternoon and then we went out to eat with my Nana and Uncle Mark (aka Uncle Kracker…long story there!) for a little Chinese…yummmm!  Saturday night and yesterday he had a little bit of fever from the shots and was a little fussy, but not too bad.  We went shopping and grilled hot dogs last night and he seemed to be feeling better. 

Hopefully, I’ve gotten control of the craziness here at work and will have a little more time to get things done this week.  Friday, I didn’t even get to go to lunch!  I spent my “lunch” buying something for the office that I needed for that afternoon!  I should demand an extra-long lunch today in return.  LOL!

I finished The Undomestic Goddess this weekend.  The cranky kid didn’t leave me much to do Saturday night but hold him while he whined, so I held him and read.  The book was pretty good, but I like the Shopaholic books better.  But, overall, not a bad book!  I bought In Her Shoes yesterday while I was out shopping, so I will start on that one soon. 

Hope you all have a great Monday!

Melissa

I swear, the past two or three weeks have been so busy for me.  Work, home, and everything else has seemed to pile up!  I have a decent amount of stuff done, but LuckyHusband begins his seven days of evenings (3-11) tonight, and that usually gets me way behind on household stuff because I don’t have any help with LittleMan when I get home in the afternoons.  Next Wednesday and Thursday, my regular babysitter for LittleMan is taking off to paint her bathroom, so I’m thinking that I might ask Hooker to come over to our house and babysit and throw in a little extra money if she will wash clothes and dishes for me and maybe sweep and mop while LittleMan naps.  She’s usually pretty good with that kind of stuff.  When I came home from the hospital from having LittleMan, she had spent the whole day before cleaning and doing laundry.  The place was spotless.  (She’ll do anything for a little money!)

Saturday LittleMan will be getting shots.  I’m kinda nervous about it.  The last time he had shots, he wasn’t really aware of what was going on and his memory of the experience didn’t last 2 minutes.  But this time he’s older and understands more and I’m very nervous about the whole thing.  I hate having to hold him down and I can’t stand it when he cries “at” me.  You know, where the hurt or anger is directed at you, like you could have stopped it or something. 

Thanks for all the sweet comments about my grandfather.  His nurse came to his house yesterday and believes that he has Parkinson’s on top of everything else.  This does explain a lot of things that have been going on with him lately.  One of the few things he is able to do is to feed himself and drink by himself, and if he does have Parkinson’s, it won’t be long until this has to be done for him as well.  But, at the rate he’s been going, I don’t think it will be a very long progression.  Who knows, he’ll probably be around 10 more years just to show us who’s boss. 

Friday will be my debut as a contributor to the Working Moms blog.  I’ll post a link on Friday to my post, but if not, the blog is on my sidebar for anyone interested. 

When I opened the mailbox yesterday, I felt like a wish fairy had come to visit.  My copy of Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella was in the mail.  Yippee!  I can’t wait to read it, but I’m currently in the middle of Little Earthquakes by Jennifer Weiner, so I think I’ll finish it first.  So far it’s a pretty interesting read!! 

Well, I’ve bored you all enough for now.  I’ll be around to visit your blogs today (hopefully) after I get back from my treadmill routine at lunch!  Hope you all have a wonderful day!

Melissa

Sorry for not updating for a few days.  Things have been so hectic lately and I’ve barely had time to do things that I need to do!  My vacation can’t get here soon enough!!

Old Navy

The Old Navy experience is one I won’t soon try to repeat.  They had to open the doors an hour early because of the pile up of people trying to get in.  The idiots in charge of the store handed out cupcakes to celebrate the opening and of course every kid there smeared theirs onto displays of clothes or either just threw the remainder of what they didn’t eat in the trash.  The line to check out was an hour long (really…a co-worker of mine actually stood in it and waited!) and I couldn’t even get close enough to the stuff I was interested in to see what sizes that they had.  So, I will be going back one day this week at lunch to check it all out.  Maybe it won’t be crowed then (please, God!)

Family

My family seems to be in one giant tailspin lately.  My dad’s family (brothers and sisters) are all arguing and I hate being in the middle of all of it.  Sometimes I think I’m the sane one and for anyone who knows me, that’s pretty scary!  Hooker had her wisdom teeth cut out on Thursday (and is recovering well) and my grandfather’s health is rapidly deteriorating.  We all knew this time was coming (with my grandfather) but now that it’s here, it’s pretty scary.  I hate to see someone who was once so self sufficient, smart, and never in need of help from anyone, struggle to chew his food or think of anyone’s name.  Strokes are a horrible, horrible thing.  I hope I never have one or if I do it kills me immediately.  Having your brain turn to mush is not my idea of how to spend my golden years. 

Books

I’ve done so much reading lately and not updated on it.  I need to update my sidebar.  I read She’s Come Undone by Wally Lamb at the suggestion of someone on here.  I really liked it.  Thanks for the suggestion!!  I also read Rosie Dunne by Cecelia Ahern.  Laina suggested P.S. I Love You by this same author, but the book club didn’t have that as a selection.  I’m going to have to try and find it now though because this book was great!  I loved it and couldn’t put it down.  I took it with me to the gym for when I was walking at the beginning and end of my session and I found myself slowing down the treadmill so that I could read some more.  LOL…not good for a workout, but a great book for those who like light-hearted romances.  Last night I finished The Saving Graces, which Dottie raved about.  What a wonderful book.  This book really made me rethink life, friends, family, and so much more.  I am so glad I bought it because I think I’ll want to take it out and read it again sometimes.  It was about a group of friends and basically how they face life and it’s struggles and tragedies.  It made me also really wish that I was part of a tight knit group of friends.  I’ve never been one to have a lot of “girlfriends”.  I had a few in high school, who helped define the term “fair-weather friend”, and a couple in college whom I have since lost touch with.  I’ve always found myself to have WAY more guy friends than girl friends.  I attribute that to my total dislike for cattiness and the fact that guys don’t possess that for the most part.  Who knows.  But, honestly, the people from college that I am still in touch with are guys and when I think back on friendships that I miss, the ones that I totally wish I could go back to are my friendships with guys.  I wonder why….  But, because of this book, I am going to contact the one friend from high school that I e-mail occasionally.  Anyway, get the book and read it.  I’ll let you borrow it if you want.

LittleMan

LittleMan gave me the gift that every mother loves on a hectic weekend last night.  We had just gotten him dressed for bed and I was letting him play while I tried to watch the end of Beach Girls on Lifetime.  Next thing I knew, I looked down on the floor and he was laid out asleep.  Poor kid.  He was worn out.  LOL.  It was so cute though.  I think a herd of elephants could have tromped through the living room and he would have never noticed!

I’ll be around to see all of you soon!

Melissa