And I'm Pretty Sure This is Why Her Friends Don't Ask to Borrow Her Deodorant

In the process of moving some of our crap belongings from one storage unit (a.k.a. our garage) to another (a.k.a. storage building behind our house) M to the Izza comes in, after being outside for quite a while and says, "Hey, I threw away all of your old love notes."

I was pretty sure I didn't have any of those hanging around anymore, and didn't really have that many to begin with anyway.


"I'm just kiddin'", he says. "But there are a few cards and pictures of when you lived in New York out there."

Hmmm, I didn't realize I still had those. Gimme gimme!


Background: After grad school I moved to NYC and lived there for about a year and half. My first year of teaching was in an inner-city school in Brooklyn. Why did I move so far away? Well, in a super abbreviated format: The guy I dated throughout most of my college years got a job in advertising in Manhattan after graduation and we didn't want to be apart. As a matter of fact, we were even talking marriage. And talking is ALL we did as far as marriage is concerned. He wanted a lifetime girlfriend, while I on the other hand, wanted a husband and family and NY was not where I wanted to be. I felt like Country Mouse in the big city. So I moved home and decided the long distance thing was for the birds. (And again I emphasize the super in super abbreviated)

Oh how things change. For the better. From cashmere to camo, if you will.

So that, mixed with the cool weather that finally decided to grace our presence, gets me thinking about the City and the things I enjoyed while living there vs. the things I definitely do not miss.

The things I enjoyed (and I say enjoyed because I don't really miss them, but I do have fond memories of) are the pretty obvious, expected responses:

• the shopping


• broadway shows
  
• network parties (the beau did the advertising and commercial placements for the networks' shows, so his company always got invited to the parties = super cool but felt like I stuck out like a sore thumb!)


• the food


• department stores' window displays at Christmas time


• the shopping....oh wait, I said that one already


• potluck block parties (they would close off our street and set up long banquet tables with white tablecloths and candles and everyone who lived on our block would bring something to the potluck dinner)

Now I could probably go on and on with the things I don't miss about NYC, but I'm just gonna name a few of the ones that come to mind.

• selling my car and taking the subway EVERYWHERE because parking was a beast (the F train and I were BFF's)


• the snow, snow, snow
  
• the smell of urine along the subway corridors


• having security guards on every floor of the school in which I taught


• and this one is a little gross but unfortunately true: seeing a lady on the subway on my way to work apparently still out from a night of sketchy extracurricular activities take a stick of deodorant out of her bag and proceed to rub it under her pits, and then all the way down her arms. Wait. I'm not finished. She then pulls the front of her pants out a bit and rubs the deoderant on her crotch and finally on her face.
  

In. that. order.

Same stick of deodorant.

Not. even. kidding.

And that my friends, is enough to make anyone come crying home to mama.

LNO

Last night I went with two of my friends, Kerri and Jobeth, to a local church's Ladies Night Out (LNO). Rhonda, the sweet lady that hosts it, has six children of her own (she's more of a woman than I'll ever be!)and opens up her home each month for women to meet up and talk about parenting and growing our children up in the Lord.

When Jobeth told me about LNO, I immediately wanted to go. For one, I can use all of the wisdom and parenting advice I can get. And two, it provides me with much needed girl time.

Upon arrival we enjoyed some homemade chicken taco soup. It was heaven in a bowl! And if you know anything about me, you know that I wanted so badly to get a second helping, but refrained so as not to look like the human garbage disposal that I am.

After eating, we gathered into the living room with coffee and dessert and started the night's discussion. We all sat around and talked and listened to Rhonda share what the Lord put upon her heart. It was inspiring and motivating, as well as comforting. She gave me a lot to think about and several ideas that I could start using immediately.

One thing that really stuck in my head was when she talked about how we speak in our home. What do we want the atmosphere to be in our home? Take note of the tone of your voice. Not only soften your tone, but she also noted that we need to 'soften our face'. The look on our face says a lot. The tenseness (or softness) it shows has a lot to do with how other people take what we say.

She also spoke about lightening up and taking time to laugh together. Laughing together builds confidence in our children. Not to mention it just feels good!

There were so many good points discussed about last night and I'm not doing them justice like she did. Everything we discussed could be applied not just to our children, but also to other relationships in our life. One of the most important points was to just pray for God's guidance, listen for his promptings and obey.

I am so thankful that I got the opportunity to attend last night and am looking forward to next month's get together. I learned so much in such a short amount of time and loved being able to share stories and advice with other gals.
Thanks for letting me tag along Jobeth!

Festive Footwear and the Fair

Because it rained all day on Friday and some of Saturday, the weekend presented Kate with several opportunities to sport her rain boots.

Please Note: One does not actually have to go out in the rain to justify wearing rain boots. Simply knowing that it is indeed yucky outside is sufficient.


Here we are at the YMCA field watching my nephew, Chas, play in his football game.

And because it was a boot kind of weekend, Kate found it appropriate to put on M to the Izza's muddy work boots after church yesterday.

It's obvious in these photos that the husband has forced helped me overcome my OCD tendencies about muddy track marks in our entryway.

And because it wouldn't be Fall without the dirty delightful fair, we decided to go yesterday afternoon and check it out. I'll start out by saying that the only aspect of the fair that has managed to get an upgrade is the prices. Even though there was no entry fee due to the fact that it was the last day and a few of the booths were already closed down, we still managed to put a dent in the cash flow.

Kate didn't seem to mind the prices. She had a blast! Her favorite ride was the merry go round. My favorite part was seeing her do that smile she does, while riding the merry go round for the third time. I wouldn't have missed it for the world.

The fact that I got to hear Rob Base's "Joy and Pain" was an unexpected bonus. However, not to their credit, I'm pretty sure that they weren't playing it so much as for the cool, 'old school' factor as much as for the fact that they hadn't changed their music repertoire since 1988.

When it all boils down to it, we spent around $50 to go and walk around a place that left us feeling like we needed a shower ASAP, based on the plethora of smells alone.
See, even Kate thought so.

This is how we found her as we were about to take her out of her seat after arriving back home.

Now I'm at home, not at work where I should be. The sitter called this morning and informed me that she and her daughter were sick and throwing up with a stomach bug. My sitter is in fact my sis, Sal Gal, but when she leaves me stranded with no options, I refer to her as just 'the sitter'. I like to kid with her. She knows I'm only joking. Or am I?

So after I called in and made the proper arrangements I promptly made a date with Big Daddy D. I figured I'd use this day to my advantage and catch up on some housework.

However, it is now later in the morning and the coffee has worn off. And this mama is thinking Target thoughts, which may or may not lead to the rescheduling of the aforementioned date.

Don't expect a follow-up on my progress is all I'm sayin'.

Happy Monday ya'll!

My Receipts Are Getting More Action Than My Man

Okay maybe not quite, but I cleaned out my car my center console today and came up with this:

Who needs blotting papers when you've got a month's worth of receipts and last week's Grocery Game game list at your fingertips?

I'm pretty sure I've always had a pile of lip-printed papers overtaking my car, but as we've discussed earlier, the colors on the papers have changed, especially since high school.

Everyone has a certain 'trademark trash' that can always be found in their car. This is mine.

But take my sis Sal Gal as another example, I'd say hers would be Mickey D's styrofoam sweet tea cups.

What's your car's 'trademark trash'?

Go 'head Mr. Wendal

On the way to work I heard a song that I haven't heard in quite a while, Arrested Development's "Mr. Wendal". And yes, in case you were wondering, I still remember every single word of it as I successfully proved to myself and a few passerbys today.

Anyone care to duel it out?

Cribs

Speaking of cribs, check out what my pal Shauna has done with mine! I'm telling ya, this chic's talented.
All I had to do was describe the look and style I was going for and the color palette I wanted and she fleshed it out from there. And yes, 'fleshed it out' is a favorite saying of mine as of lately and I try to slip it into any conversation I can.
So if your crib is in need of a little sump'n sump'n, hop on over to Shauna's!

Yes, I am that glamorous

Tonight I decided to treat myself to a bubble bath. It's one of the very few, self-indulging treats I refuse to give up due to life's crazy schedules. I definitely don't get to do this as often as I'd like as I'm usually doing good to grab a quick shower before heading to bed. But I do try to throw in at least one bubble bath every couple weeks for 'saving my sanity' purposes.


After tossing out a random pacifier that Kate had managed to sling in there who knows when, I fill up my bathtub with warm bubbly water.

As I'm soaking I begin thinking about the day's events, all the while sipping on a glass of....Diet Coke. Yep, sometimes I get thirsty while I soak. And yes, Diet Coke hits the spot. Told you I was glam.


Before getting out I realize I should probably give the legs a quick shave, so I hop out to grab the razor that is in the shower and nearly bust my butt. Fortunately I caught myself on the shower door, which after having my face pressed against it, I realize it should really be cleaned sometime soon...or did we install a frosted glass door?! I proceed to tip toe very carefully back to the bubble-filled bathtub with nothing other than my disposable pink Daisy razor (I cannot use any other kind, not even the expensive ones) and hop back into the warm water. I begin shaving and because I do everything fast, and a little bit spastic, I manage to knick, or I should say nearly amputate, my leg at the knee.


And to think, all I really wanted to do was shave the part of my legs that would be showing in the outfit I planned on wearing to work tomorrow.


Does it get any classier?


**Visit Marcy to see more 'glamorous' gals!**

Amazing

We sing a lot of praise and worship songs in our church and I've had one stuck in my head lately. I don't think it's by coincidence either. God puts songs in our heads and our hearts to remind us of what's important.

The song I've been singing lately as I go about my day reminds me that it's not about me or things I want to accomplish in this life. It's about HIM. How can we not sing HIS praise, through good times and bad? Our God is truly amazing and our plans pale in comparison to His ultimate plan for us.

I like the saying that goes something like this: Wanna make God laugh? Tell him your plans.
I mean really, what we can concoct in our minds as 'the perfect plan' for our lives, doesn't even come close to the Greatness of the Lord and HIS will for our lives.

Well, that's enough of me trying to analyze everything. I realize I start to just ramble because sometimes He leaves me speechless, really. I am in complete awe of the Lord's indescribable love for us and just how incredibly amazing He is.

Here's part of the lyrics I've been singing lately. It's from Chris Tomlin's "How Can I Keep From Singing Your Praise":

How can I keep from singing Your praise
How can I ever say enough
How amazing is Your love
How can I keep from shouting Your name
I know I am loved by the King
And it makes my heart want to sing

I can sing in the troubled times
Sing when I win
I can sing when I lose my step
And fall down again
I can sing 'cause You pick me up
Sing 'cause You're there
I can sing 'cause You hear me, Lord
When I call to You in prayer
I can sing with my last breath
Sing for I know
That I'll sing with the angels
And the saints around the throne

How can I keep from singing Your praise
How can I ever say enough
How amazing is Your love

Wrinkled Was Not One of The Things I Wanted to Be When I Grew Up

The other day my dear friend (and favorite co-worker), Kitty, and I were sitting around talking about getting older and the changes that it brings. Kitty is 55 years old and looks amazing. She has always taken extremely good care of her skin and I've never seen her without perfect hair, make-up, and wearing a new outfit with matching shoes, purse and jewelry. Just like me. Pshhhh. Yeah right.

You should also know that Kitty (her real name is Catherine but has always been called Kitty since she was a little girl) has her PhD in Education and therefore I love to call her Dr. Kitty, for obvious reasons.

Well, she was saying that she wanted to get something done to hide some of the wrinkles on her face. She was talking about a quick, in-and-out treatment that is relatively inexpensive.
She likes to joke about our age difference and often says, "I'm old enough to be your mama." So when I jokingly tell her that I think I need to get that 'wrinkle treatment' for myself, I assumed she would laugh.
Nope.
Not the case.
Without laughing or smiling, she seriously points her perfectly manicured finger toward my face and says, "Yea, they'd probably do the treatment right there....and..... there on you."
She was pointing to my laugh lines/smile lines on the sides of my mouth.
"Kitty you better hush!"
"What? They could get rid of those ya know."
And then we just started laughing at how she straight up, without even trying to make a girl feel better, pointed out my wrinkles.

But you know, I'm proud of my smile lines. If there's one type of wrinkle that I don't mind having, it's them. It shows that I've smiled and laughed a lot in my lifetime, and they remind me of all of the people and experiences that have helped me earn 'em.

My sister, Big Al, used to make fun of me in high school. She said that she'd look out of her classroom window and see me walking down the sidewalk with a big smile on my face, even when I was walking by myself!
I deny the part about smiling when by myself, but she swears it's true. In all honesty I was probably having a full-on conversation with myself, but I'll deny that if asked also.

So, I'm okay with the fact that I have permanent parenthesis on either side of my mouth. Deep inside those lines are many happy memories.

I'm actually somewhat proud of them.

I'd rather have smile lines than frown lines any day.

But don't get my started on my under the eye area.

Because Sometimes Words Are Overrated

Family and Fatback

My parents (it's not cool to call them "the 'rents" anymore is it?) are in town from South Carolina and we all decided at the last minute to go out for dinner. EVERYTHING my family does is decided at the last minute. Is there any other way? So unfortunately I didn't have my camera with me but I was really wishing that I did because whenever we all get together (parents, sisters, kids, etc.), things get loud, crazy, and...Did I mention loud? Not loud in a yelling kind of way, but loud in a 'we all have a naturally built-in microphone' kind of way. We're not the kind of family to sit down to a quiet meal. In fact, we're just the opposite. Someone's always trying to tell a joke, sing a song, crack on one another, and we are all doing this at the same time, which tends to bring the decibel level up a notch or three.
We ate dinner and sat around and 'chewed the fat' for a while......literally. The place in which we dined served 'fatback' as part of their menu. Some of you, especially if you've never lived in the South, have no idea what that is (and it's probably best for your health if you kept it that way). Some people call it white bacon. Basically, it's the fatty part of bacon, fried. Don't judge a girl by her fatback. No need for me to be pretentious here, I've told you I was from the dirty South.
Well, you know Sal Gal was taking plenty of pics, but it was with her cell phone because she too had forgotten her camera, which she never does! She's pretty much known for being the town's personal paparazzi.
And of course, I requested that she email me a few of the pics, and again, what do you think happened?! Yep. I'm STILL waiting on that email. So you'll just have to imagine all of us sitting, eating, laughing, reprimanding youngin's, and eating some more. We had a great time.

I love it when we're all together for short periods of time.

...even if it does end with me having a slight eye twitch.

Hello Lover

I'm addicted.


I'm addicted to the simplistic joy that a tootsie roll surrounded by fruity, hard candy can bring. I realize that these beauts aren't the newest, hippest candy around. I used to eat them as a kid on occasion, but never to the extent that I do now. I've recently rediscovered these precious gems and I can't tell you how much I look forward to eating one or two......okay, maybe five, a day. Seriously, I'm not even bull skatin'. I eat these pops one right after the other, like they were potato chips.

Our school has a snack stand for students in the afternoon and who do you think is the FIRST in line, waiting for her Tootsie Roll Pop?! Yep. Move over Billy. Watch out Sara Beth. I need my POP!


So there ya have it. I'm a pretty simple girl.

That little stick of goodness is my drug of choice these days.


What's yours?

Because apparently I'm just as red as he is

As you know, I like to kid around with M to the Izza for being a little lot country. I, too, was born and raised in the south, which I love with all of my heart and wouldn't change it for the world. I do, however, draw the line at shopping for clothes in any store that may also sell 'feed' of any type. Matt, on the other hand, could get locked in a Tractor Supply for a day or so and call it his vacation for the year.
Well, Saturday night, as I was winding down from an afternoon of shopping with Abbi, waiting for him to get home from a long day of hunting, he calls as he gets near the house and says, "Hurry, change into something old and get ready to have some fun."
I'm sorry what?
He proceeds to tell me that since Kate was spending the night with Grammy, we're going 4-wheeler riding. Oh, what a coincidence, that's EXACTLY what I was thinking we should do! Pshhhh.
Not to mention, it was sprinkling outside.
Well, to be a good sport, I go along. And let it be said that I do enjoy the occasional 4-wheeler ride but it's usually not very often and it's also during the day and when it's not raining!
After riding for just a few minutes, the rain picks up and we are getting drenched. Now to be honest, at first I was a little ticked because I had just showered and you know how I like to stretch out a good hair washing. Well, that hair washing went to heck because after riding for a good two hours or so, we headed back muddy and soaking wet.
We ended up having such a good time and I may even suggest we do it again!
Now, my tailbone is paying for it. As I went to use the restroom this morning, I was reminded of every single little bump and dip we hit along the way. I feel it every time I sit down.
Maybe I'll just look super energetic today at work.
Man, that Hollie is such a hard worker. I haven't seen her sit down all day! Ha!

Takin' Care of Bit-ness

Last week a few of my bloggin' buds honored me with three awards and I was ever so happy! I haven't had a chance to give thanks and pass them on yet, so I'll do that now.
I declare, I am still amazed that people even read this little blog o' mine. It puts a smile on my face to receive these awards.

Rachel at Footballs and Crowns, Life with the Browns awarded me "The Fabulous Blog Award". I always look forward to reading Rachel's blog because no matter what she and her family are doing, they always look like they're having TONS of fun! Thanks so much Rachel!

Criteria
1. Must live in the south or be born in the south!

2. Must live life in the fabulous lane

3. Must treat others with respect and class

4. Must love kids!

5. Must be a fashionista!

6. Must love their family!

I'd like to pass this award on to N.M.B. at Puttin' on the G.R.I.T.S.
And let me tell ya, Southern never looked so good.

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Dina at Naturally Caffeinated Family awarded me the "I Love Your Blog" award. Dina is a blogger that's full of energy and you can tell this in her daily posts. She's funny and seems to find humor in everything, which I love! Thanks a bunch!

I'd like to pass this award on to Charlie and Lulu at A Tale of Two Sisters. These two gals remind me of my sisters and their blog is downright adorable. You'll love it!

*******************************************************************

Amy at Chapters awarded me the "Kreativ Blogger" award. Amy always writes honestly and from her heart. She's a down-to-earth chic with a great blog. Thanks Amy!

First I must list six things that make me happy and then pass the award on.
1. Spending quality family time
2. Good food
3. Humor
4. Diet Coke
5. Fresh bed sheets
6. Did I mention Diet Coke?

And I'd like to pass this award on to Jay at Halftime Lessons. I recently found his blog and am so glad I did! He is a husband, father, and amazing blogger. I love reading his blog because he gives me insight to the male perspective on things and he is hilarious!


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Speaking of awards, I ran in a local 5K yesterday morning and guess who won 1st place?



Not me.



But guess who won 2nd?



Not me either.



But I did come in 4th place in the women's ages 18-40 division. This may or may not have anything to do with the fact that there were only about 50 or so people in the entire race. AND they only gave out medals for 1st and 2nd. Hmphhhh.

Hair Therapy

Kate and I are having hair issues...totally different, yet of equal importance.

Kate-
Kate's hair is finally starting to grow. Each section of her hair is in a race to grow the fastest and let me tell you, it's no where near a tie. The back section, unfortunately, seems to be winning, with the sides in a close second, and the top and front are battling it out for last. Add those results up and you end up with one gnarly looking mullet.
Now, through my 'mommy eyes', she's absolutely adorable no matter what. And I'm trying not to cut it because the ultimate goal is for it to grow longer, even if it is at an uneven rate.
M to the Izza, on the other hand, keeps insisting that we get it "trimmed" or "shaped". Shaped?! When has he EVER used the word 'shaped' when talking about hair? Get your manhood in check buddy. I try to explain to him that it would defeat the purpose. But really, I'm new to the whole parent thing and don't know if I should get it trimmed or not. Or maybe just a little to even it up a bit? I really don't want to, but it is rather crazy looking. What's a mama to do?

Me -
Why is it that my hair seems to be falling out in large amounts every time I wash and dry it?! Seriously ya'll, when I go to rinse it or blow dry it, I could probably French braid the amount that comes out. Okay I exaggerated a bit, but it IS a lot. Plus, I have no idea how to French braid. I mean, I realize it's normal for you to shed some strands, but dang. I know I can't be the only one whose hair does this. Actually I know I'm not, because growing up my sisters would always leave beautiful 'hairscapes' plastered to the walls of our shower. (Picture breathtaking mountainous landscapes made with long strands of hair.) So maybe it runs in the fam. BUT, I really think that my hair falls out more than most. If I try hard to pinpoint when it started, I'd say it was after I had Kate. So maybe it's a hormone thing. But whatever the reason, it's getting on my nerves, and my feet, and the bottom of my socks. For instance, after blow drying it, my bathroom floor seems to have acquired a beautiful shag rug...great for decor, not so great for when Kate drops her bouncy ball and picks it up looking like Headless Hattie.
I've heard of different vitamins and supplements that help with this but were wondering if they really work. At this rate, I'll be bald by Christmas. I guess I should polish up on my Sinead O'Connor lyrics.

For a GREAT cause

In a little less than two weeks I'll be running in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.

One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. That number is startling to me. I'm sure most of us know someone who has been diagnosed whether it is a family member, close friend or acquaintance.
Until a few years ago, when people talked about loved ones getting cancer, or having personal tragedies occur, I would always think to myself, "That'll never happen to me." Although I don't know what it's like to be diagnosed with breast cancer, I now realize what an ignorant way of thinking that was and God has shown me a different perspective through other areas of my life. Now instead of thinking, "Why me?" I realize I should be thinking "Why NOT me?" Who am I to think I'm different and above such unfortunate events in my life? Cancer shows no favoritism.

I want to give anyone who would like to a chance to donate and help raise money for breast cancer research. CLICK HERE to go to my personal race page and there's a link to make a donation.
Thank you.

"Me Right Now" Challenge

Let's face it, most of us (yes me) try to post only pics of ourselves that we feel look decent. In fact, most of them are usually pictures that we are freshly showered (not making any promises), make-up applied, hair done, cute outfit, etc. But really, that's not me on a daily basis.

I thought it'd be fun to do a "Me, Right Now" Challenge. Let's embrace who we are when we aren't all done up. Let's show ourselves right now, at this very moment. You may be reading this late at night, early in the morning, or mid-afternoon. It doesn't matter when it is, just do it now, whatever time it may be.

So here I am, about to finish up my blogging, still a little sweaty from my run, sportin' what's left of some minimal make-up that was applied at 5:30 a.m. this morning, and in desperate need of a shower.


See, I'm being extra honest. I didn't even wipe off the water marks on my mirror! Just ignore them (like I do)!

So, will you take the challenge? Take a pic of yourself right now, just as you are, while reading this blog. Now, some of you might be looking your best, which is okay too. Post it anyway because we wanna see you, right now!

Leave a comment to let us know if you did it so we can all go and check it out! Come on, I dare ya!

***Edited to include: I'm trying Mr. Linky for the first time. I'm not sure if it is installed correctly but try to click it and add a link to your site if you decide to take the challenge. If it doesn't work, you can just leave the comment to direct us. Thanks!

Edition 7: Sunday Savings

What I really wanted to name this post was: Savings Shmavings... or Ticked Off Strategic Shopper, but that would mess up the whole Sunday Savings setup. Now, this has nothing to do with The Grocery Game itself, it has to do with the stores in our town.

Yesterday, Sal Gal and I got a little frustrated with them. Being from a small town that has only one grocery store and one 'chain' drugstore, we have come to expect the fact that the stores do not feel the need to keep their businesses running at a high efficiency level because there are no competitors nearby. You would think that the stores would want to keep their stores in tiptop shape just for the intrinsic reward it brings. The personal satisfation from knowing your store is running top speed and putting smiles on customers' faces. But no, this doesn't seem to be the case.

Our town's Rite-Aid didn't have their sales posted, were out of many of products, and simply didn't even carry some of the items on the list. When asked why they didn't carry some of the more common name brands, we were answered with, " We jus' don't carry that 'round here."
Great. Thanks for your help.
Rite-Aid's receipts also do not calculate your total amount of savings for you. And to be honest, at this point, I didn't feel like doing it myself. I really think I only saved about $10 bucks on a generous estimation, which isn't bad, but it could've been a lot better.

Now, W/D also got us a little heated. They too did not have their sales labeled accurately and were also out of several items.

What I wanted to say was, "Listen here Mr. Winn-Dixie, if I may speak with you on a personal level, you are in fact NOT 'getting better all the time' as your commercials state." And if I may be frank (not Hollie, but Frank), "I'm not impressed with the fact that your manager would rather check the status of the gel in his hair in the freezer section's glass reflections than help me find a particular item."

I did manage to cut my bill in half yesterday, in spite of all of the drama. I got $66.67 worth of groceries for $33.82, saving me $32.85.
Typing this out just now made me realize that it is indeed still a good amount of savings.
But not hurkey worthy. I really did have every intention of attempting a hurkey for ya'll.
Sorry. Tell hair gel boy at W/D that he blew it.