New 007

The trailer for the new Bond film, Quantum of Solace, has been released.

Quantum of Solace

Daniel Craig is my favorite Bond actor. He actually looks like he could do all the action in the movie. My dad, who has read Ian Fleming's novels, said that James Bond is blonde in the books. All the criticism that Craig does not look like the other 007's is unfounded. Casino Royale was the best Bond film in years.

The movie is released on November 7.

Terri and Alexa Rae

Here's a great photo of my cousin, Terri, and her new baby, Alexa Rae. It looks like Alexa is just as pretty as her mom!

The original Morris

The original Morris had an interesting life story.

Morris the Cat was a real animal shelter cat—a fifteen-pound orange-striped tabby with dark green eyes and a torn eyelid to be exact.

He was 20 minutes from execution in a suburban Chicago animal shelter but was rescued in 1968 by Bob Martwick, a devoted animal trainer and kennel owner. He then pitched Morris as a celebrity cat to the 9 Lives brand.

Thanks to appearing in 9 Lives TV commercials, he quickly became the most recognizable cat in the world, appearing on national magazine covers, talk shows and even in a major motion picture. Morris was later assigned round-the-clock guards to protect him from kidnappers. He even ran for President in 1988 and 1992 on the Finicky Party platform.

His picture still hangs on the wall of the local pound.

Morris' Million Cat Rescue

I read about Morris the Cat's program the other day. The 9 Lives brand set out to rescue 1 million cats in 2006. In June 2008, the 1 millionth cat was adopted.

I think that is a great cause, especially since I know how much George and Gracie have added to my life. Cats are great companions. Until about age 8, I had a dog, Comet. After that, we adopted a cat, Chloe, who lived for 16 years. She was very special, and I still miss her. I'm glad the 9 Lives company is doing so much good.

Not Like Mother, Like Daughter

My talented girl, Gracie, showed that she can roll her tongue. I have never been able to do that. She has proven that being able to roll your tongue is not genetic. What a scientific discovery!*

*No science actually used

A nice person at the DMV (Yes, I said DMV!)

My driver's license expires on Saturday, so I went to the DMV to get it renewed. Of course, I put off going until the last week. The DMV is definitely a melting pot with all kinds of people, and the experience is usually less than desirable.

But, this time was actually pleasant! I waited in line for about 30 minutes. (I expected longer.) I then got to the (one!) window open. The lady said hello and asked me how I was. I got my picture taken, paid, and was done in about 5 minutes. She then APOLOGIZED for the wait! I almost fell over.

It's amazing how little things like that make a difference. I'm not counting on repeating this episode at my next experience at the DMV. So, I felt it needed to be noted and recorded for posterity. :-)

Grant, Grant, and more Grant!

Alissa took some great pictures from their trip to Hartselle. She's a great family photographer! :-) I wanted to share some of my favorites.

Grant loves being outside, so Mom (AKA Nana) bought some bubbles for him to chase. I forgot how fun it is to blow bubbles!

He loves "driving," too! This time, he drove my Crossfire.

You gotta love kisses from Nana...

Cute one with Pat...

Grant is so precious and has gotten so big. I can't wait to watch him grow more!

More puppy pictures

I thought I'd add a few more pictures of Jennifer's cute new puppy, Missy. She really liked Grant. But, he wasn't too sure of her!

She had an adorable, bald tummy!

George and His Box: A Love Story

I have found out that George loves boxes! I don't know why. He jumps in them and starts playing. He even sleeps in them. If he doesn't fit, he'll stuff himself in.

Whenever Pat comes over, George will immediately jump into his box. Pat will pick him up, box and all. This time, he brought him into the den and sat him on the couch!

George really loves it when Pat comes over. Since he lives with two women, I think George is happy when there is some testosterone to balance out the estrogen!

It's Gonna Be Legen --wait for it-- dary!

One of my favorite shows, How I Met Your Mother, is in re-runs. The writing is excellent and so is the cast. Here are some funny quotes to remember from past seasons.

Robin: Well, I believe that you saw something perfectly normal, but you've exaggerated it in your mind; you know, um, like the Loch Ness Monster.
Marshall: If by "like the Loch Ness Monster," you mean "totally exists and is awesome," then, yeah, it's like the Loch Ness Monster.

*********************************************************
Marshall: Look at us, riding around in a limo, eating hot dogs... It's like we're the president.

**********************************************************
Marshall: Ok, I'm just saying that it's my wedding too and I should have a say in it.
Lily: But I'm the bride. So, I win.
Marshall: But I thought marriage is about two equal partners, sharing a life together.
Lily: Right, but I'm the bride. So, I win.

***********************************************************
Lily: That's 'Dirty Dancing'!
Ted: It was on last night.
Marshall: No, it was two nights ago. "She's Like the Wind" has been stuck in my brain for about 40 hours. I just got it out; now it's back in. Damn you, Swayze!

************************************************************
Barney: In my body, where the shame gland should be, there is a second awesome gland. True story.

*************************************************************
Ted (asked his opinion about Marshall's parachute pants) : Sorry buddy, it's a no from me. Oh and by the way, Bell Biv DeVoe called and not even they want those pants back.

Trip to Hartselle

My brother, sister-in-law, and nephew visited us this weekend. I traveled up to my parent's house on Saturday morning and left on Sunday afternoon. It was so great to play with Grant and hear him talking! He loves to say "no"; it sounds so cute and innocent. I didn't get many pictures, but here are the ones I did get.

Grant would bite onto his ball like he was a dog. It was very funny!

He loves any kind of phones -- especially cell phones! He took a picture of himself with my phone. I think it turned out well!

Pat came on Sunday. He got a birthday "pie" in his honor!

Jennifer also came by and met Grant and Alissa for the first time. She brought her new female puppy who is extremely cute. It left us all wanting a dog!

Al Gore is a Moron

John Coleman, a weatherman in San Diego, is doing his best to debunk the global warming myth. Here are his comments before the San Diego Chamber of Commerce:

Global Warming and the Price of a Gallon of Gas

What people don't realize is that most scientists are able to do research because of grants. Grants are funded by the government. Why would you bite the hand that feeds you and lose your livelihood by being one of very few saying that global warming is false?

Birthday Boy

Today is Pat's birthday. He doesn't celebrate birthdays as much as I do, but we're still going out to dinner and he'll open his presents from me. I also made his favorite peach cobbler.

Happy birthday, Pat!!

I'm coming!!

Dean, Alissa, and Grant will arrive tomorrow...

Bad boys

I was watching "The Bachelorette" last night, and it got me thinking. The bachelorette is DeAnna, who is looking for a husband among 25 bachelors. In my opinion, the bachelor pool that she has to pick from is disappointing and only had one good pick, Richard. As an added bonus, DeAnna has terrible taste in men. Richard was a sweet and considerate guy and (of course) didn't get a rose and was sent home.

It got me wondering why some women have such horrible taste in men. The women can be amazingly smart and capable in every other aspect of their lives except romance. By me saying this, I'm not trying to claim that I'm the authority on men or relationships.

It seems that DeAnna is hung up on a guy named Graham. He seems to be the "bad boy" of the group. He was feeling jealous and made DeAnna feel bad for his issues. Not cool.

I've never gotten the attraction of bad boys. They're usually jerks who only care about themselves. I don't like people who waste my time, and that's exactly what bad boys do. When a woman is dating a guy like that, it only takes away from the time that she could be spending with a man she could have a future with or time that she could spend learning about herself.

I guess my views could simply be the result of good parenting and being given self-confidence as a young girl. I also have two great examples of men in my brothers. (My dad is a great example, too, but my brothers are closer in age to anyone I might have dated.)

I hate seeing women, especially those that I know, mistreated. I wish more women would realize that they are valuable and don't need to put up with "bad boy" behavior.

The Snake's Latest Troubles

Great article from Kevin Scarbinsky at The Birmingham News:

If he's guilty, it's time for the Snake to go
Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Kenny Stabler stares at the camera. Harsh, white light bathes the top of his retreating mane of white hair. He's not quite smiling but not exactly scowling. He's not doing much of anything. He's just, kind of, there.

His look is absent. Vacant. Blank.

It's not a pretty picture.

Mug shots never are.

For a decade, Stabler's been the straw that stirs the drink as the radio analyst for Alabama football games, but that colorful phrase was drained of its color over the weekend, much like the Snake's face.

Was anyone who knows anything about him surprised that Stabler was arrested early Sunday morning for a traffic violation in Robertsdale, not far from his home in Foley, and charged with DUI?

It's the third time, after incidents in 1995 and 2001, that he's been accused of driving under the influence. The man has lost his charm.

If he's guilty, it's time for the University of Alabama, which educated him, and Learfield Communications, which employs him, to stop enabling him.

It's time for the people who care about him and profit from him to force him to put down the microphone and help him put down the bottle.

It's time for Stabler himself to stop talking and start listening.

If he's guilty, he should be taken off the air.

He should be gone, but forgiven and not forgotten.

It's hard to meet Stabler and not like him. One of the most popular football players in Alabama history, old-timers division _ flip a coin between him and Joe Namath _ has become one of the most popular former players.

In my brief and infrequent exchanges with him, he's been funny and friendly and as down to earth as the run in the mud, his game-winning touchdown slog against Auburn 41 years ago. But he's more than an engaging personality available as a charity golf celebrity and an after-dinner speaker.

He's one of the voices of Alabama football.

He's an ambassador for his old school.

That means the old quarterback has a responsibility beyond knowing the down and distance and explaining why John Parker Wilson found Matt Caddell open for the winning score.

Staring into a police camera is not part of the job description.

Alabama AD Mal Moore and Learfield Communications senior vice-president Steve Gowan acknowledged the gravity of the situation by releasing brief, almost identical statements Monday afternoon.

Both men offered support for Stabler, as they should. Both said they're still gathering information about the situation, as they should. Neither addressed his future on the Alabama broadcasts.

Stabler's on-air future should be over, but that's not as important as the rest of his life away from the microphone.

He bears the ultimate responsibility for his actions, but his popularity, going back to his college days, has been fueled by his wild-child personality.

Trouble is, he's 62. He hasn't been a child for a very long time, and any time anyone mixes drinking and driving, he risks leaving a child without a parent, or a parent without a child.
A voice can be replaced. A life can't.

If he's guilty, imagine how much stronger Stabler's voice would be if he found the courage to admit his mistakes. He could become an influence instead of succumbing to one.

Doing the most good

I donated my sleeper sofa to the Salvation Army today. It happens to be the most uncomfortable couch in the world. Its material is leather-like/vinyl that is cold in the winter and sticky in the summer. My back usually aches after I've sat on it for very long!

Steve has had the honor of sleeping on it, and (surprise!) the mattress is uncomfortable, too. It served its purpose for a few years, but luckily, I was able to get another couch. In honor of its departure, here are some cute photos of the cats using it for a bed. These instances were the only times the cats even sat on it!



Out like a light!

The Good Life

I found out that my brother, sister-in-law, and nephew will be visiting the weekend of June 13. I'm so excited! Grant will be almost 19 months by then.

Trying to beat the heat:

He's getting so big!

Unfortunately, I have to work that weekend but will find a way to spend time with them. That weekend is also Pat's birthday weekend. Why do things always happen at the same time?

Working on a Saturday and sad news

I ended up having to work yesterday. I was told to expect a call at 4:30am on Saturday to begin work on my piece of a project relating to the conversion of a current computer system to a new version of it. Sounds boring, right? :-) As boring as it is, it takes many people and a lot of time to make it happen.

When I know I have to get up early, I don't sleep well the night before. I guess it's a nervous energy and knowing that your routine will be different. I never got a call but was up by 5:30am. As with most projects, things never go as planned. My part wasn't required until about 2:30pm. I worked for 3.5 hours straight on a report that turned into a nightmare. And, this weekend was only practice for the real conversion on the weekend of June 13!

Besides having to work over the weekend, the office has been saddened by the death of a co-worker. He didn't show up for work about two weeks ago. He wasn't answering any calls, so a co-worker finally went to his apartment. When he still didn't answer, she called the police and they found him inside. No one knew what happened until last week. He committed suicide by shooting himself.

I wasn't close to him, because we never worked on any projects together. The whole thing is a shock, and a good word for how I feel is "disturbed." I feel bad that he thought this was the answer and that he was found alone.

Pat reminded me that he probably had a chemical imbalance that caused him to make this choice. You just never really know what is going on in someone's head or life. I pray that his family can make sense of this and allow this tragedy to bring them closer.