Second Saturday

As I drove back from the grocery store with my old fashioned carton of oatmeal (you cook it on the stove), sack of navel oranges and loaf of 100% whole wheat bread, in my eco-friendly reusable bag, this song came on the radio and I smiled.

A million Saturdays ago, there is no way I'd be coming home from the grocery at 8 pm, because I'd be too busy getting ready to go out dancing and parytin' at 10pm. I would usually be meeting my beloved, Comic Book there (I've written about him before). One time we got into some hell-ish fight over probably I wouldn't eat the cow tongue he fixed or I just couldn't accept he really 'wasn't cheating' one me because THAT meant nothing, or the fact he was so jealous of my KC chum. OK, Comic Book and KC Chum hated each other..alot..and that will be another post...maybe, anyway-Comic Book and I weren't speaking.

Back to the song, the first bars blast from the speakers. Comic Book had been on the other side of the bar. He bounced over to me, took my hand and said, "I forgive you" and pulled me to the dance floor. All was love and kisses until about Monday, I'm sure.

Anyway, tonight as I drove home, I bopped my head to the beat of the music. Still a good song after all these years. I looked at my eco-friendly bag filled with stuff I never would've touched those million Saturdays ago. And I smiled.

These second Saturdays aren't bad at all.

Groove on the Line

Finally got around to watching my recording of a TV show which featured the 70's band "Heatwave". After all these years this song got my top tappin' and my shoulder doin' their own thing.

I know life is good--yet there's something about those days--when you didn't get come until the sun came up. And you and and your roommate were so broke, you cashed in pop (soft drink) cans so there would be money to buy the beer when you went out that night--so you could get your groove and your party on.

And this song was just one of those anthems on those long ago festive nights. Yea, life is good now, however I'm tellin' ya, I'm still smilin' at some of those yester-century memories....

Just like a Cheshire Cat....makes ya just wonder, huh?

Gotta Be Finally Friday

And it is! A week of change, especially today. See, today was my last day in my current position at the company I toll for. A month ago, two hundred of us found out we were losing our jobs, due to them being moved to Tennessee. In the the next breath, our management announced we still had jobs, just in a different area. Only we didn't have a say on which one of the two job openings, we were gonna get. Kinda like a box of chocolates, except the piece was already decided for us.

In my case, I got the job I wanted. In fact, I'd applied at another company, for the same position. Unfortunately, I had one piece of the puzzle, but not all of it. Now, I'll get trained in all pieces. Might be a slight raise involved--MIGHT--since they are was on different pay scale than us. So this new adventure starts Monday and I am excited! It's a good change--a very, GOOD change.

Which couples with my first week as being a student at University of Phoenix. I'll be in debt until I'm 175. S'ok. My area of study is all online. My advisors mean well, yet they call all the time--to make sure everything is OK. I'm in the midst of to get my routine down. Not as bad as I thought--so far. And I've already asked how long do I have to be there to be one one of those "I Am A Phoenix" commercials. Stay tuned.

And then my junior high art teacher found me on Facebook. Art Teacher remembered how uncomfortable I was, in class, and apologized. I liked her, I said, but it was the class I dreaded. I couldn't draw, paint or do a straight line with a ruler-plus I got a C for the class. I fretted for the longest to show my parents my report card because of it. The "C" didn't look that good among the all "A"s and one "Be"....at least I thought. Nobody would EVER confuse me with Picasso! Art Teacher got a kick out of it.

In all that, change has happened. All good I feel. So because it's Friday, I gotta cue up a song by Change, from the early 80's: Lover's Holiday, with back up singer the late great Luther Vandross! Good stuff never does die...Happy Friday!

Back Then Still

My KC Chum commented on yesterday's post how 30 years ago we just danced the night away and forget the whole exercise thing.

Ahh, so true. The dance in the disco WAS the exercise. Trip the light fantastic to the eight minute plus "We Are Family" or try to out Travolta John Travolta. When said dance was done, take a breather for minute or two, sip the adult beverage of choice and back to the lit dance floor for more.

Yep. When going out at 10pm was just right and to get home at 4am was right on time. Because you'd get a couple hours of sleep before heading into work. Good stuff.

So since my KC Chum conjured up sweet memories and I watched John Travolta on Letterman last night--I thought why not a little Saturday Night Fever on a Wednesday?

I mean, who cares if my going out at 10pm has been replaced with the fight between my heavy eyelids and me to last at least to 10:15pm of the 10pm News.

No matter. All is good. Cue up alittle Travolta and dance.

So...

On this dreary and chilly Dallas afternoon, I'm walking thru The Home Depot, right? I got my squirrel food in one hand, since The Home Depot is the only place that carries the kind I prefer, , and my other hand is inspects carpet samples. The Home Depot associate comes and asks if he can help me. I, of course, say sure-if he can give me about 25 grand, I'd be just fine.

He laughed and educated me about carpet.

I bought this house in 2008. It has not been the most relaxing adventure. I love my little house. I have yet to do much to decorate it, due to the lack of a relaxing adventure--except watch a chum's husband and my chum put down laminate in one living space. There's carpet in the rest of the house, which I'd thought about ripping up and put more laminate down--now I wonder if just a prettier shade of carpet--would be be better. I shade of carpet I like--then again, I look at the corner the cats have decided to claw up, and laminate comes back to mind. Anyway, I want to tear down some of the wall, to make the two living spaces look more flowing--and the window I thought I once wanted, has now turned into a skylight in my mind.

So stay tuned to all of that.

The main jest of this post, outside of I did not drink all my 74 ounces of water, is while I looked at carpet, and learned of their twists and loops, from The Home Depot associate, a song I once disco danced to, on long ago Saturday nights at The Joker in Des Moines, Iowa, came on. For a minute, I thought it was about 1981 and the glitter ball was above, while I danced in my no shorter than 4 inch heels, and then in a next minute, I realized it was 2010 and menopause tapped me on the shoulder..

I'll ignore the tap and go back to 1981. Cue up Bonnie Pointer.

Cause It's Friday

And I downed my 74 ounces of water, of course the nachos helped-
And the fact I just like this song by the Brothers Johnson..
And loved to dance to "Stomp" on Back in the Day Friday Nights-
Hmm. May do a few steps 'round my house-
Just cause I can and smile how once I thought 2am was still early...
Just hope I don't kick a cat in the process while I "Stomp" back--
And Happy Weekend...tis HERE!

Way I Like It

Found out the Iowa Hawkeyes are #13 in the polls! How COOL is that? Not sure when the last time they were that high--will need to research--plus keep it going. GO HAWKS!

Tonight is DVR duty! Dancing With The Stats will get the DVR, while I watch the Dallas Dallas Cowboys on Monday Night Football. Granted, I'll flip back and forth, however is the BEST TV view problem to have. As for DWTS, I read what Aaron Carter to say in an interview. Now, I didn't hear it, so I can't judge if he was in joke mode. However after one week, Aaron Carter he says he'll win DWTS. OK. Sure, he might. Yet the problem I have right now, is I had to take a look at his picture to even remember him from last week. I do recall Aaron was pretty good, however we got alot of season to go.

As for my Dallas Cowboys--oh man. Just WIN and make it a SOLID WIN. Just because Carolina Panthers are 0-2, doesn't mean they can't get some hot streak goin'. Got my fingers crossed. If my Marion Barber can't play, s'ok Felix Jones and/or Tashard Choice can step up and cross the goal line too.

So before I plant myself in front of the TV, with a cat in my lap and bowl of Blue Bell Strawberry Cheesecake ice cream in hand, must put out the trash, relish in the fact I downed my 74 ounces of water, and cue up a little KC and the Sunshine Band. Why? Because that's the way I like it, especially on a Monday!

So Where Were We?

Oh, yes, MacKenzine Phillips. She was on Oprah again today. I missed her the first time, so I may need to tune in, since Oprah is repeated tonight. With the drugs and now this--explains alot of Mackenzie's behavior. Stay tuned.

On a lighter note, of COURSE, watched "Dancing With The Stars!" And I'm glad Michael Irvin is safe to dance another night. Unless his new pro dancer/teacher steps up the game, Michael will be gone before he shows us anything. I'm sure Michael's new dancer/teacher is nervous-first time on the show and all. However, there was a new male pro dancer/teacher who received nothing but kudos from the judges. Poor Michael, he deserves more than the "4" two of the judges gave him. Monday is coming-and I got faith in you Michael!

On the eating-less-calories-and-working- out-more front is kinda stuck in neutral. I've been good on the eating less calories, not so good on the working out part. Still good on the drinking water part tho. Need to get the body moving more. I keep saying I want to do aerobics, while what I really want to do is a dance class. Ballroom, sure--but more jazz, ballet or even tap. They have a tap class at the rec center, alas it's during the day. I'd love to take a jazz class, like I did in the early 90's and received "A"s for my solo. My teacher, who ran a dance company, said I had 'presence'--yet now I'd need a class that was a bit gentler to my older bones. Leaping across the floor with a bunch of 20 somethings ain't my bowl of Blue Bell Cookies n Cream ice cream anymore.

There's lots more, like the Iowa Hawkeyes battle Penn State tomorrow night. Trust me, I will be glued to the TV, plus the Dallas Cowboys play on Monday Night Football--and they GOTTA win, especially in that Billion Dollar Bungalow Jerry built. Ya know, I still feel Jerry's Bungalow shoulda been built in Dallas. I don't care what the Dallas city leaders say--that was something, that shoulda stayed in Dallas.

OK. I've rambled enough. Got some Friday to enjoy with a song that still makes my toe tap. Little known kinda disco ditty by Chic. Had it on vinyl and I dedicate it Michael Irvin, 'You're more than those 4's the judges gave you. In my book you're a 26 (that's the song's title)!

Ain't No

Stopping NOW! Almost Friday-LOVE that!

Yesterday, I headed to JoAnn's Fabric Store, where they say "Unleash your creativity." Sure. What it unleashed were memories of receiving a "D" on a sewing project in 7th Grade Home Ec. It was to be scarf that I got good enough to sew the two pieces of material together by Parent's Night--that took me a week. My teacher told my parents I was trying. Am proud to say, I received a "B" on the next project: an apron, which I DID wear! :) Anyway, my trek to JoAnn's gave me pause to ponder more about the business I want to commence. Stay tuned.

Downed my 74 ounces of water today (as I did yesterday). Water does curb the appetite. Yet didn't curb me from purchase of a 64 ounce carton of Blue Bell Cookies N Cream Ice Cream. This yummy goodness will be savoured in moderation. Weight loss or no, I will NOT give up this Texas Terrif-o-licious Treasure!

Like I said, it's almost Friday. Weekend bout here so there ain't no stopping us NOW--so say McFadden and Whitehead in about 1979 or so--with one of my favorite disco dance tunes...Love IT!

Enjoy!

December 31, 1980 was Wednesday

Pulled out the diary--just had to see. Was gonna write about the party in the chicken coop during our senior year. Too much beer blurs all that memory. Just know it was a good time, while I added names to my Kiss List. My high school classmates know all about my list. The world--well, not so much. And yes, that's another post. :) So I thought of other kinda memorable New Year's and 1980 came to mind.

Not so much what happened, but the person I chose to spend it with. My boyfriend at the time. Let's see, let's call him Camaro. Why? Because he had a black white one with a black top. Said it reminded him of the girlfriend of his dreams. Camaro was black, she was white. He pined for her. They dated 8 months. She met a guy, married and a had a son. Camaro's transmission was so stuck in neutral.

And yea, I dated him anyway.

So that NYE's, he wanted me to wear a particular outfit, which actually belonged to my roommate. She said no. She always complained I looked better in her clothes than she did. She even said that this past June. I digress. Camaro wanted us to wear matching outfits. We didn't. We were headed to the place to party The Joker, in Des Moines. The best and biggest dance place in town. Today--I think it's a department store. To really get to the point of this story.

We got into a fight. Well, it was actually a continuation of the fight earlier in the day. It wasn't a done deal we'd spend NYE together. We came together, a cup of molasses wasn't as thick as the tension between us. We fought alot.

Yep, I remember this. We were dancing, me in all my jheri curl glory, and him thinking he the black John Travolta, when somebody called our names. A friend wanted to take our picture. Camaro ignored the request and kept strutting his stuff. She yelled from the side of the flashing light floor (it was 1980). He still ignored her, so I called his name.

Wrong thing to do. It was ON. He yelled at me. I recall his eye buldged from his reptilian head. Being the girl I was then--I screamed a word that rhymes with "Luck" and added 'it' at the end. It's in my diary, in bold letters. Kid you not. And we both stormed off the crowded floor. Friends were concerned.

We made up, because I dated the idiot --er--guy off and and on for a couple more years. Camaro was a bit different. He thought he was a warlock. OK. Fine, but I don't think most warlocks read how to be a warlock out 25 cent booklets from the drug store. Because of him, I went to my first adult bookstore. This was way before you could order it on the Internet or buy your own videos. You had to go to the places with the one lone blue light bulb hanging. I was curious what went on there. Then my curiosity ended, the day when some humpty dumpty not too cute guy asked me, while I stood trying to look composed at the wall of magazines. No Better Homes and Gardens there, this guy opened a centerfold of a girl hanging all her stuff out and asked, "You swing?" As I iced in place, Camaro comes into view, and I usher him out.

Where had my Prince Charming been? Using up his quarters, saved for laundry, in the peep shows. As we walked out of the place, Camaro asked, "So what did you tell him?"

Yea, and I dated him. I survived that New Year's Eve. Oh wow, I could tell you stories. And ya know, what else I wrote on that diary page? That the NYE's was OK, but not as good as the NYE 1975. Which wouldn't you know, was the party in the chicken coop?

Anyway, cue the number one song at The Joker. Not one of my favorites, yet makes me smile.

Friday And Some Instant Replay

Yesterday Movie Man tells me, "You haven't done a blog entry since you nearly burnt your house down."

And he's right. I tell ya, it's been of those weeks where just to get up and go to work has been a struggle. You're blessed to have a job--yet its not even close to what you want. The owning your own business idea looms so very close. I can hear Movie Man says "Uh-huh."

Moving on, I had a second interview for a different company Tuesday. In these hard days, this company is doing quite well. Seemed to be impressed with my credentials. But then we all feel that at an interview. But it was a second one. I should hear something by early week. One blessing is, they are about three miles from my house--straight down the street.


Dancing With the Stars. I'm all over Warren, yet I think Brooke I really don't know what she does Burke may win. She is quite good. And I've basked in the Dallas Cowboys' win this past week. Nice to a victory after such a hiatus.

Also, on Sunday I visited The Potter's House, and Bishop TD Jakes preached and I do mean PREACHED on "Do Something I've Never Seen Before." Let God do what He needs to do. Powerful stuff. I did do an 8am service, which well--was early--but I made it. Great, great sermon! Felt all of that and then some.

So even tho the week seemed to drag on--I still know each day the Lord has made. Rejoice and be glad in it. Sure, it's hard sometimes--but ya know, we are all blessed. I'm going back to a song I disco'd too, even in Cozumel, Mexico--way back in the day...Instant Replay--which I wouldn't mind the Cowboys do a replay and win this Sunday.

Cue the song:

Burn Baby Burn

Tonight was one of those 'kinda wish I had a guy here ' nights. Purt near burnt the house down. Yea. Well. I have a nice fireplace and this was to be the coldest night --so far -- here in Dallas. So I splurged (!) for a Duraflame log. This was during the same jaunt to buy the $2.99 1/1 gallon of dee-lish-shus Blue Bell ice cream. See, I thought I'd open the chimney floo thingy the correct way.

Wrong.

I have astigmatism anyway, so most times stuff is fuzzy. Yea, my room was fuzzy all right---fuzzy with smoke. This little episode really did interrupt my DVR time. Opened windows, put on ceiling fans--stood outside--wonder if I should call 911. I was half way serious because I had phone in hang. I put the cats in a room that wasn't laced with smoke.

All in all, rooms are now clear. Windows are closed. Fans are off. I still don't know which way is the correct way to open the chimney floo thingy. Flowers or candles will be the decorative piece from now on.

Ice cream here I come. Cue the song--a little Disco Inferno by the Trammps...check out those outfits!

Saturday Celebration

Had my first Tricks or Treats last night. First time I really had kids knock on my door for Halloween. Living in a apartment, I had about two goblins in the entire 20 years of multi-unit dwelling. Every time the doorbell rang--the cats ran. Sometimes the cats would be in windows, and I could hear the kids talk about them. Next time, I may decorate, heck I might even get a PUMPKIN!

Speaking of Pumpkin, I headed to Mansfield, TX, which seemed like a whole 'nother time zone from my door, in my HHR Pumpkin(with wonderful gas mileage, by the way!) A panel of authors, including one I knew, spoke. Turns out today is National Author's Day. Good forum. Uplifted me. Where my writing comes into play--I just need to write--more.

Did lunch with Movie Man. He cheered me up today. I've been so down in the dumps professionally. Said he hadn't seen me smile in recent times. All that was nice. Just a perk me up.

Happy Cloris Leachman is off Dancing With the Stars. Happy this historical presidential election rounds the final curve. Just hope the Supreme Court does not get involved. Happy the Dallas Cowboys get another crack at a win tomorrow...yea, well, we gotta really pray on that one. Happy I got stuff on my DVR to watch, a cat to pet, some ice cream to savor and a life to live.

Cue Kool and the Gang, for a little Celebration....hmm....there was time I'd dance to this song with my four inch heals. Now, if I'd try that, I sprain my ankle on the way to breaking my leg. But ya know what? Cue 'em anyway! :)

And Now Isaac Hayes...

Just talking about "Shaft"....Isaac Hayes' versions of "Close to You," "By the Time I Get to Phoenix" and "Walk On By"---give treat yourself to a listen. I'm sure The Carpenters, Glen Campbell or Burt Bacharach and buddy Dionne Wawick didn't think those songs would sound so sizzlin' with his dolop of hot buttered soul! .

Actually, I was going to post By the Time I Get to Phoenix here--my favorite--Then I came across something else. Back in the days of The Joker in Des Moines, Iowa, this was a great dance song! When this tune began, the way the crowd jetted to the floor, The Joker could have been in New York City...well, almost.....

Rest well, Black Moses.

With Bernie Mac and Isaac Hayes both in Heaven...who's the headliner?

.....and so it's Friday!

Long, long ago in a decade far away--where my spandex skirt, four-inch heels and jheri curl where the norm (remember that gunky moisturizer/activator?)I counted the minutes and seconds to Friday. When my chums and I headed to the Joker on E. 14 in Des Moines, Iowa. Of course, we'd all ready been there for Thirsty Thursday the night before....however, that is another post. This night, Friday, was more the pre-lim for Saturday, while Thursday has just a reminder we hadn't forgetton to drink beer since the last weekend.

Yep. Fridays in Des Moines, Iowa. Where to get inside The J0ker was two bucks. Where the hum drum of the work week was quickly and solidly forgotten. Where I had the biggest crush for this skinniest guy because he could shake his groove thing so right to, Don't Stop Til You Get Enough, by Michael Jackson, when he really was a genius.

Fridays. Yep. Kinda miss all that partying I use to do. I'd have to take out hazard insurance if I wore four inch heels now. That would be twisted ankle and fall flat on my face. 911 would be on speed dial.

Hmm.

But ya know....if somebody threw a disco night, a GOOD disco night, for folks that really lived it...make sure I get my e-vite...Thank God It's Friday!

Sunday Thoughts...

Church this morning. God is welcome in my house everyday. For at least one day, I can go to His. Sermon was on 2 Corinthians 4:7-9. About being a clay pot. How treasures inside are worth more than the vessel they’re stored in. Something to give pause on. .

Another pretty much 100 degree Summer Day in Texas. Also my 20th Anniversary of my move to Dallas from Iowa. Sizzlin then too. I recall my inner debate if I should get a/c in my new car then. About a week before my move, I had it put in. Smart.

Disco music plays from one of my cable stations. Heard a familiar tune—took me back to about 1981 or so. Spandex skirt, 4 inch heels, jheri curl and a boyfriend that shouldn’t have ever been on my Hit Parade. Three out of four ain’t bad. The song? “Lover’s Holiday” by Change, with a young Luther Vandross. As I danced the light fantastic around my house, my cat, Big Boy watched. He seemed to say, “Have you lost your mind?” He ran.

Wimbledon: Venus & Serena. Singles and Doubles 2008 Champions. History.

Presidential Election: When IS November? Possible first Black President. Possible Black First Lady. They will be servants of all the people, not servants of those that reside in the White House. Still believe he needs to pick Hillary as VP. History.

NFL Training Camp: Soon.

Autobiography: of my experiences Donny Osmond-not just a “My dad tipped the maitre’d 40 bucks in Las Vegas so we could sit close.”

My own business: Dream to come true

TV Tonight: New Food Network Star: Aaron McCargo Jr—LOVE HIM. He came alive on Rachel Ray’s show. He could fix me pizza anytime!

Life: I am blessed. Psalms 121

As Much As Something Changes.....

I spent time in a bowling alley tonight. A Saturday Night. I didn't even bowl. A chum asked me to be her guest at a celebrity bowl-a-thon to raise funds for scholarships. Comedian Dick Gregory was in attendence as was some local Dallas celebs, from media to sports.

As I sat and chowed on nachos--which were good when the cheese was warm-unfortunately, once underneath the top chips, the cheese was cold, I listened as a dj spun tunes. He went all late 70's, early 80's dance music. OK--some of us would call it disco--yet, I digress--I surveyed the room.

I wondered if some of the folks remembered other Saturday long ago nights. When the music the dj played tonight was the music we hit the floors with. Danced all night--or at least to 2 am in Iowa, more procisely, the Joker in Des Moines, Iowa. I thought of the Joker's huge floor- that flashed red, yellow, blue lights. When THE song came on, smoke pushed it's way over the floor. Ahh...that was the time.

Some of the folks tonight, tapped their foot, bobbed their heads. Yep. It all came back. Was it really that long ago, that being in bed by 11 only happened when you were sick or old people? I just smiled.

Maybe the nachos weren't so bad afterall--the music warmed em up.