Fly Away LIttle Birdie

Do you ever take inventory of your life and look back a year, two years and wonder have you actually moved forward? I suppose if you did not plan to move forward, but only to maintain, then that question would not apply to you.

Let me take a walk down memory lane for a minute or two, please indulge me. Two years ago, 2009, I was working for TYC in Pyote, was twenty pounds heavier, in much more debt, finally coming to the realization that my marriage of eight years disintegrated; depressed, floundering, just maintaining.

2010, I found more pleasurable employment within a school district that is closer to home. I resolved to lose those unwanted twenty pounds and did. I cut up my credit cards and started paying off debt, over fifteen thousand to date. Made peace with my failed marriage and filed for divorce; hopeful, determined, gaining ground.

Here I am though, halfway through 2011 and I find myself floundering once again. No, I'm okay with debt, still gaining ground. And no, I'm not gaining weight again, still exercising and eating healthy. Not even giving the failed marriage a second thought, I survived and have put it behind me. So, why am I feeling...a bit discontent?

I think it's the ideology and dogma of others that has infiltrated my otherwise peaceful forward moving life. I can not for the life of me, convince my son to finish his entire senior year here in Wink. He's discontent. I understand discontent and finally, today, I decided that I am no longer going to fight it. I gave him my blessings and wished him well. So, I am preparing for having my son, after his 18th birthday, move to Midland to live with his new friends. Good luck my dear one, I love you and wish only the best for you.

Getting Buttered Up At Summer Mummers

A few months ago, a friend mentioned taking me to Summer Mummers. I'd never been. I'd never heard of it. I wanted to go. My good buddy Durango, did a little background research for me so that I would be prepared. What I learned before going was that people that you didn't know would want to dowse you in popcorn. I also learned that if you don't have a sense of humor or are a stuffed shirt you just shouldn't go. Finally, one of my friends gave me the best advice, "Don't wear opened toe shoes." That, I think was the best advice ever.

Arriving at the Yucca Theatre in Midland found me showing my ID. The purpose, so I could purchase a margarita. With margarita in hand, my escort for the evening wanted to ensure that I had the best experience possible. He purchased flashing buttons, donned me with Mardis Gras beads and bought an entire rack of popcorn. Some for eating, but the majority would be airborne at some point.

We sat in the pit, putting us directly in front of the stage and behind the piano man. Remember those old serial movies from the old time movie experience? Part of the melodrama played as a movie while actors performed other parts on stage. During the movie playing portion, Mr. Piano man provided the running music.

The premise of the show was a talent search in the desert. The promotional name for the contest was titled STD. The Limp Wrist agency sponsored the contest, the owners Sgt. Pepper and Captain N. Tennille would be leaving the company to their daughter and the winner of the STD would have the privilege of sharing ownership. So, if you have any imagination, the plot consisted of looking for the next big STD.

We were informed that when the Villain appeared you needed to boo and throw popcorn. When the protagonist appeared you should clap and be very enthusiastic. I don't know how I missed snapping a shot of the villain, but I did manage to capture the good guys and their sidekicks.

There's a bit of crowd participation. For instance, the Limp Wrist owners daughter's name is Caroline Goodtimes. When her name was said, "Sweet Caroline..." the crowd responded, "Da Da Daaa"... you know like the Neil Diamond song. In fact, one needed to be a bit familiar with all types of songs in order to get some of the jokes.

Of course, as in all melodramas, the good guys save the day, win the girl's heart...and everyone (except for the villain) lives happily ever after. This melodrama was no exception. Just when I thought it was over, that's when the variety show began.

There were so many acts and one liners I just kept laughing and clapping. I remembered this one joke for my buddy Durango. It goes like this, "How are Old Men and Good Coffee the same?" "They're RICH." I'm sure he'll appreciate that one.


Dancers? Oh, yes...plenty of dancers ranging in gender and age. From the black eyed bees to Les Girls there wasn't a lack of music or dancing. Even the crowd got a chance to dance to the Time Warp from the old cult classic, The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Did I dance? Oh, you betcha.

I would have to say the entire evening was a total blast and I would definitely do it again. The highlight? Hmmm...hard to say, but that pretty girl carrying the cards to announce the next act was pretty entertaining!

Looking Back On Gas In 2009

Bozeman Montana Gas Explosion March 5, 2009

A natural gas explosion levels two city blocks. The cause, a leak in the main service line. One woman killed, buildings and businesses destroyed, monetary costs $276,000. Bozeman seeking reimbursement from NorthWestern Energy.

HWY 79 Carthage Texas Natural Gas Explosion

Feburary 11, 2009, explosion at natural gas processing plant sparks grass and trees causing a fire on the Texas HWY.

Natural Gas Explosion Forestville MD May 2009

May 7, 2009, someone smells gas at the Penn-Mar Shopping Center. Natural gas was discovered spewing from the ground which then erupted into a fire and an explosion.

June 8, 2009 Preacher's Home In Dallas Explodes

Undetermined as to how the blast managed to occur, last minute change in plans saved pastor's life.

Natural Gas Explosion Rhode Island May 10 2009

Driver ruptures gas line, leak fills room in an apartment building that houses the electrical equipment, fire breaks out.

ConAgra Foods Natural Gas Explosion June 9 2009

Blast kills three and injures scores of others in North Carolina.

Buda Home Natural Gas Explosion August 2009

Fortunate that home owner was outside doing yard work when home exploded.

Oregon Home Leveled Natural Gas Explosion

On the night of August 7, 2009, a blast could be felt blocks away, home completely destroyed.

Grand Rapids Natural Gas Build Up Blows

Debris flies and neighbor's windows are blown out when vacant home explodes from natural gas build up.

October 15 2009 3 Injured Natural Gas Explosion

Gas line explodes while man tries to light the furnace in a Milwaukee home.

Where will the next one be?

Two Places At Once? I Think Not...

I arrived at work today to remember that I was supposed to be at a work shop in Midland, 55 miles in the opposite direction, for 9AM. The realization didn't occur until 7AM, a substitute didn't arrive until 7:30AM. Once the substitute entered the room and I explained to her what needed to be done today, I went to let Mr. Hennigan know that I was on my way.

The sub didn't last long, she came storming out of the class room, saying she wasn't going to put up with it. Apparently, one of my little darlin's called her a whore. I know the boys didn't mean it, some times they just say things to see if it'll get your goat...and well, they got her goat. I've always been non-confronting in a situation like that, it seems to work. I immediately went into Mr. Hennigan's office and relayed the message. As I was walking towards my vehicle to hurry onto my destination, but not my final one, I looked over my shoulder and observed through the window, that Mr. Hennigan was now teaching my class.

I arrived for training about 10 minutes late, but not late enough to cause any huffiness from the presenter. The work shop I attended today, had to do with the proper administration of the Woodcock-Munoz test, which tests the language proficiency of English language learners whose native language isn't English.

Since arriving home, I've baked about 50 brownies for the football boys' goody bags, helped Annie with her homework, worked with Annie on the prairie project, blogged about the prairie project here, and now I'm getting ready to go run. I love busy days!