Monday, December 14, 2009

Holiday Present Idea: Local Art Work



Looking for the perfect gift to give to that special someone? 
Want a unique, one of a kind present for Mr. or Mrs. Particular? 

This Thursday during The Charleston Art Walk be sure to jaunt down to Visions Day Spa on Capital Street to see the original artwork by local artists Dave Thomas and Ian Bode.  I'm sure a piece from either or both of these guys would make for the perfect present for someone special in your life! 

Friday, November 20, 2009

Friday Flash 55



When he fell, he fell with a deafening thud that tilted the world on its polar opposite axis.

However, it wasn't only his wing that broke. His heart broke too as God cried.

Mistakes are hard lessons. They are even harder for the righteous, especially when they don't know when to throw in the towel.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Twitter Story Competition


Yesterday I challenged my students to a twitter story competition. Twitter is a social medium that allows you to post status updates, market, send links to live news feeds, info fetching, etc.  However, one only has 140 characters to get their message across or provide a link.  A character is any letter, space, or punctuation.  It's limiting, but teaches concise and clear language.  Anyway, they have to tell a story (using all story elements) in 140 characters or less. The students don't' have to have a twitter account.  They can email, blog, or write it on paper.  However, they also have the option to tweet me with their submission.
 
Can you do it? Are any of you up for the challenge?  I'm sure the kids would love it!  If you would like to give it a go, you can type your story as a comment on the blog and I will share it anonymously or state the author's screen name with the kids.  
 
Here is a student example:  
 
I woke up with a headache so bad, I couldn't brush my teeth. When the worm burst out, the pain stopped. Death was salvation.
 

You Want It?

Want the chance to win an HP Pavilion DM3 Lap Top?!  A legit chance, that is.  Click on over to Cleveland's A Plum and check out her latest blog entry.  Cleveland's A Plum is a pretty big deal and not just in Ohio.  She's won a few major awards and now has the opportunity to give back to her readers. 

Here are the rules, and these come straight from her blog.  So make sure that you do your commenting on her blog.

"the contest is going to run for one week from 12:01am wednesday the 18th, to 11:59pm wednesday the 25th. i'm going to choose the lucky winner of the laptop on thanksgiving, and announce the winner in a post on black friday. to enter simply leave a comment on this post telling me something you are thankful for - ENTER AS MANY TIMES AS YOU WANT. but there's a twist - you see this isn't only a contest for you guys, it's a contest for me. there are 8 other bloggers who are also giving away the HP dm3 and whatever blogger generates the most interaction with their contest wins their own laptop. AND MAMMA NEEDS A NEW LAPTOP!"

Help Mamma and The Chez or possibly yourself get a new spiffy lap top!!!!

Friday, November 13, 2009

Literature, Language, and Technology




Today and all this weekend I'm in a training to integrate Globaloria into one of my Senior English classes next semester. The basic concept is that students will integrate literature, language, technology, creative thinking, and use social mediums to obtain an English 12 credit and create an educational video game. Isn't that the coolest thing ever?! They will use blogs, wikis, social mediums, emails, g-chat, and FLASH to ultimately design a usable video game based around the literature, discussions, and language skills that they learn in an English 12 classroom. I'm so psyched!

Monday, November 2, 2009

Memory Lane

My uncle is working on our family tree and researching McChesney ancestry. Every once in a while I do some Internet researching of my own to see if there are any leads that I can find to help him. In doing so I ran across my grandfather's obituary unexpectedly. It took me a back for a moment. And then...I smiled because as Morrie Schwartz says, "Death ends a life, not a relationship." Do you all remember "Dancing Lessons?" He was a great man.

David W. McChesney
David Wallace McChesney, 78, of Charleston died Tuesday, May 5, 1998, in CAMC, Memorial Division, after a short illness. He was a retired district sales manager for Continental Conveyor Co., Charleston, a member of First Presbyterian Church, Charleston, an Army veteran of World War II, a graduate of McCallie Prep School, Chattanooga, Tenn., received a mining engineering degree from West Virginia University and was a 45-year resident of the Kanawha Valley. Surviving: wife, Lynne McChesney; sons, David W. Jr. of Sutton, John F. of Charleston; four grandchildren. Memorial service will be 3 p.m. Saturday at First Presbyterian Church Sanctuary, Charleston, with the Rev. Douglas Heidt and the Rev. Dean Thompson officiating. Friends may call after the service in the Activities Building of the church. The family suggests memorial contributions to First Presbyterian Church Library Fund, 16 Broad St., Charleston, WV 25301, or a charity of choice. Barlow-Bonsall Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Friday, October 30, 2009

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween! I hope that everyone has a fun and safe Halloween weekend!

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Was It Juliet or Mick That Really Got It?

"What's in a name? that which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet..."
-Juliet, Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet


"Pleased to meet you. Hope you guess my name."
-Sympathy For The Devil, The Rolling Stones

My great grandfather was a 'Mac.' My father was a 'Chez,' rhymes with 'says' or 'Pez.' 'Chez' is the second syllable of my last name. Mc*Ches*ney. I have the Mc/Mac and the Chez in my name. Therefore, I have adopted both nick names. I relate and respond to both. Though my family still calls out Heather, I have rarely been referred to by friends as simply Heather since the age of 12.

When entering junior high school, it became apparent that there were several parents in the 70's that LURVED to name their daughters Heather. It was a popular name. It was the 53rd most used name in the United States in 1990. There were quite a few of us that went to school at John Adams Junior High School in Charleston, WV. In short, there were Heathers out the ass, and we all became friends. It became confusing and during a time when personal identity is utterly important, I felt lost in the Heathers. While some of the Heathers kept the Heather, others became HBs and initials, and I became as my father before me...Chez. I have remained Chez for the most part with the exception of a few years that I spent bar tending in an Irish Pub in Morgantown, WV.

McClafferty's Irish Pub in Morgantown is a home away from home. It is a Cheers of Motown. Some of my most favorite people patronize McClafferty's. It was here that the owner decided that his Scotch-Irish bartender would become Heather Mac. It caught on. Even today when visiting my former watering hole, I'm still referred to as Heather Mac. It's like your favorite sweatshirt, you can't wear it all of the time, but it sure does feel good to wear every once in a while.

With all of this said, I must tell you that I prefer not to be introduced to new people using any other name but Heather. Having just met, I prefer not to instantly assume that we will have that much familiarity from the get go. This is something that I have had to stress with friends when they are providing new introductions to acquaintances. However, with time, when it becomes natural, Chez is exceptionally appropriate and normally preferred. I handle my students in the same way. I introduce myself as Ms. McChesney; eventually current students mimic the familiarity of former students. They are also my *Macaronis. My friends are definitely my Macaronis.

Though I identify with my name and my nicknames, I believe that Juliet was maybe on to something. It's not necessarily what you call someone or something; it's more about who or what that person or thing REALLY is. To me, each name represents a specific time and location in my life. However, Mick knows a little bit about the human ego. My ego might be more than my sense of humanity at times. Either way, I am more than a name; I'm The Chez and YOU, You're The Macaronis.

*Wondering how I developed the idea of I'm The Chez and You're The Macaroni? Perhaps you need to listen to some more of the Beastie Boys.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Your Halloween Weekend Plans...

Get your GHOOOOOOOL on with Charleston's finest Hair Metal Band! The Sound Factory welcomes Bon Scott's Cock to the stage Friday Night!

Trickem and Treatem Halloween Bash! You could win $1000 cash! It is sure to be the best Party in town!

Benefit for Wade: The Sound Factory


Support a worthy cause and see some great live music! Tonight at The Sound Factory! $5 minimum donation.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

A Charleston Invasion!


Charleston is heading up I79 to take over Morgantown! Will you be there?

After WVU is done beating the snot out of The Herd, you need to head on down to McClafferty's Irish Pub to listen to Charleston's very own Tastes Like Chicken! That's right! One of our local favorites is taking over a Morgantown stage for one night only! Be there. You definitely don't want to miss this one! It's going to be one hell of a West Virginia Night!

McClafferty's doors are open all day! Music begins around 10! Call for cover: 304-292-1110.

Tastes Like Chicken is a classic rock band with a smooth mix of funk and blues. The band has been performing for years in Charleston, WV and will have long time Morgantown favorite Mike Puskin joining the line up as well as Evan Hammond sharing the role of lead guitar and keyboards. Tastes Like Chicken covers songs from artists such as Stevie Ray Vaughn, the Greatful Dead, the Allman Brothers and many more.

See you in the Blue Lot and McClafferty's Irish Pub! We'll do a carbomb together!!!

Mac/Chez/Heather

PS: Spread The Word!

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

It Was A Dark & Stormy Night...


The Law School at WVU is currently sponsoring a Writer's Week for their faculty, staff, and students. One of the many activities that they are asking the WVU Community to participate in is 'It Was A Dark And Stormy Night" Writing Contest. They are requesting the best, original first sentences to a novel. Unfortunately, it appears that the contest is only open to the faculty, staff, and students. Nonetheless, I think it is creative and interesting.

As of 2006 The American Book Review had compiled a list of already published best first lines. You will see many of your favorites on this list. However, I believe that creating original lines could be a bit more of a challenge and I think this sounds like more fun. In fact, I'm going to use it as an activity for my AP Literature students this week. With that said, I'm curious as to the level of creativity some of you all possess.

What is your best original first sentence to a novel?

Submit your best original first line to a novel in the comment section of the blog. Show off a little bit! Shows us all what you're made of.

In Case It Slipped Your Mind...


New Moon Movie and Twilight Movie

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Yes, Women Objectify Too.

http://www.examiner.com/x-14380-NY-Celebrity-Fitness-and-Health-Examiner~y2009m9d18-New-Moon-star-Kellan-Lutz-works-out-in-Vancouver

Hold on a minute...I just uploaded the picture and need a minute to collect myself. This man should really be illegal. Ok, ready.

After school last week, I was perusing the blog subscriptions and came to newmoonmovie.org. I'm slightly addicted to the Twilight phenomenon, duh. I stopped dead in my tracks when this particular picture of Kellan Lutz, aka Emmett, appeared on my screen. Oh where oh where have you been, Mr. Lutz?! I'm embarrassed to admit that I enlarged the photo on my computer and continued to gawk at it for a while. I didn't realize that a male student had walked into the room asking for help on an assignment until he tapped me on the shoulder. I turned around. He gave me a high five and said, "Giiiiiirl, looks like someone needs to go to church and PRAY! Damn!" He giggled and sauntered out of the room.

I'm over the embarrassment and ready to take another gander.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

An 80s Dating Montage. Seriously!

I don't even have comment to post about this yet. I'm still laughing too hard. This is obviously a video dating service from the 80s. However, did these people really actually exist? This is simply...FANTASTIC!



Down and Out? I Know The Cure.


We all get to feeling sad and pathetic from time to time-like the world is trying to keep a sister down. I have recently stumbled upon the cure to this loneliness and self destruction....


www.peopleofwalmart.com


It will cure everything! I promise. If you don't find yourself laughing at the audacity and sheer bizarreness of some of our fellow Americans, you might be dead or someone with which I can't relate. It is a daily reminder of just how awesome you are compared to the loons found in those pictures! It is sheer comic relief. Enjoy perusing the pictures of whack-jobs!






Thursday, September 10, 2009

Question of the Day

Rep. Joe Wilson, South Carolina

How do we teach our children to respect not only the office of the President, but also one another if disrespectful behavior is being modeled in Congress?



Wednesday, September 9, 2009

I Don't Want To Coach Football. I Just Want To Dance!



I was perusing twitter a while ago when I came across Coach Stew's most recent post and it sent me into a fit of laughter. The mental image that came while reading the post was almost too much for me to handle.

Twitter Post: CoachStewart Driving in this morning at 6:30 a.m., I was listening to "Halo" by Beyonce ... I absolutely love her!!!!

Mental Image: StewBear in the locker room shaking his Beyonce Booty singing, "All the honeys who making money, throw your hands up at me!"

Or adapting the chorus; Can't you just hear the Defensive line singing:

Stew, I didn't know you could get down like that!
Coach, how your playas get down like that?
Stew, I didn't know you could get down like that!
Coach, how your playas get down like that?

Enjoy your hump day, folks!








Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Education or Endangerment? Seriously?!

I'm shocked and amazed that there are individuals out there that truly believe that the President is going to attempt to brain wash our students today. I wonder how many of these individuals have read the pre-published speech prior to making their ridiculous judgement? I have many an idea as to what the real problem with some individuals might be. Not everyone has moved towards the 21st Century.

I find it unfortunate that some individuals wouldn't want children to hear a message directed to our future about personal responsibility and how they play a huge role in the state of our nation. Then again, it is a personal freedom to not listen and have a personal opinion no matter how ludicrous it may seem to me and others. With that said, it is distasteful that the office of the President is not always respected regardless of personal party preference.

I look forward to the dialog that will hopefully take place afterward.


Thursday, September 3, 2009

Demetri the Stud Email

I recently received the following email, and almost shot liquid out of my nose when I began listening to it. Though I was laughing at Uber Demetri Douche Bag, I couldn't help but to feel an immense amount of disgust at the sheer audacity of such an ego maniac. It is so unfortunate for those of us who are single women in this world that men like him exist. However, for those of us with an evil yet playful spirit who enjoy laughing at other people's misfortunes, it is Divine. This post is for you...

Here is the background story that needs to be read prior to listening to the audio.


The story is this: a girl was out with friends having drinks on King St (in Toronto). This guy (Al (we changed his name to Dimitri to protect his identity)) approaches her and won't leave her alone -saying how cute she is. She finally gives in and hands the guy her business card to get rid of him.

The attached is an MP3 file of not one, but TWO voicemails this guy left. This goes down in the history books - especially the second voice mail. After hearing them you can clearly see why she didn't call him back - instead she called in to the Z103.5 morning show & had them play this on the air.




Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Classroom Clucking

Everyone knows it is not considered appropriate to eavesdrop. With that said, it doesn't mean that it doesn't happen. At times, eavesdropping is a valuable tool. At other times, it is a vicious weapon. When I am at work, I try, and I mean TRY very hard, to NOT eavesdrop on the students. There is some information out there that I would prefer to NEVER know about. Most of this information happens to be hot topics for most adolescents and teenagers.

The only major problem with this practice is that kids are loud! They are noisy. They have no interest in considering their environment and who and what is around them. They will talk about anything, anywhere. I have to remind them, often, that I am, indeed, still in the room; just because they aren't talking directly with me, doesn't mean that I can't hear their conversations.

I was walking through the hall on the way to the office when today's overheard hallway conversation occurred. It gave me a chuckle. I laughed not because of a child's ailment, but rather how the student was able to show mastery of a learned Mathematics skill. It was a whole new type of assessment of a learned skill.

Student 1: "Hey, ######, did you see ******'s four nipples today in the locker room? Yeah, you heard me, he has four."

Student 2: "Four! No way, dude! Where are they?"

Student 1: "Two where they should be, and two more about 6 inches away. If you drew vertical or horizontal lines through them, they would be parallel. Either way both sides of his body are symmetrical."

Student: 2: "Parallel and symmetrical?"

Student 1: "Yeah, I learned about those words in Geometry class."

Monday, August 31, 2009

Bienvenido a Miami

My sister, the RN, signed her contract to become a travel nurse last week. She has applied for a new state license and is Miami bound at the beginning of October. Her contract is a 13 week cycle. If she finds that Miami suits her tastes, she can stay for another 13 weeks or go to some other fabulous city in the US. Did I mention that she will collect a PHAT pay check to do all of this, too?


Me on the other hand...I get to go to Morgantown for the weekend to watch the WVU home opener and party at McClafferty's. I love Morgantown and all, but where is the justice in this? Perhaps I should have gone to work for the US State Department in their overseas schools when I had the chance 8 years ago. Then again...

Friday, August 28, 2009

Please, Mr. Postman, look and see...

My mom surprised me and is having an Aerogarden shipped to me! I'm excited. I live in an apartment building downtown in the historical section of the East End and I don't have a yard. I miss being able to grown fresh herbs and lettuce. My mom has cured my ailment with this beauty. My first set of pods is basil. However, I think I would like to grow one other herb or lettuce at the same time. Suggestions??? I'll let you know how this bad boy works out! You might even find yourself cooking with some Chez basil in the next few months!

Thursday, August 27, 2009

An Opening Days of School To Remember


I've been busy. I've been stressed. I've been busy and stressed!

For the last 8 years I have worked with regular education students, special education students, and at risk students. My job has been to not only provide a free and equal education to all students, but to also help students with less than stellar home lives, offer counseling, and to prevent students from dropping out. Many people believe that due to the fact that I don't work with honors students that my job is easy. Those are the people who have never apparently had to work for anything and everything came to them easily and without regard or just don't know what they are talking about.

Working with children, regardless of academic ability or SES, is hard work. Keeping kids in school who do not have guidance at home is even harder. Anyone in the business of education or child development has one of the hardest jobs in the world. Those that refuse to recognize it need to reflect back on who helped them get to where they are. I'm off of my soap box now.

I received my upcoming year's schedule in the mail this past July. It stated that I would be doing much of what I had been doing in the past. Until I came to school last Friday. Due to a tenured teacher leaving, I am now the Senior English and Advanced Placement Literature and Writing teacher. I've taught seniors before. No sweat. I have not taught AP Lit before and I have my hands full to say the least.

I'm excited and looking forward to it, but will be required to put in much more time to prepare for this class. If my blog is sporadic, please forgive! I'm creating life long learners and independent thinkers over here! I'm keeping kids from dropping out! I'm helping kids better their lives! I have a big job a head of me.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Word Travels Fast Wednesday


http://softporal.ucoz.ru/Games/WordTravels.jpg

A few days ago I posted a blog about a walk down Memory Lane. I was hoping to inspire others to travel back into their past and reflect fondly on their own specific and uniquely special moments. It apparently caught the eye of an Anonymous reader who does not care for my writing style or subject matter.


Mr./Ms. Anonymous is most likely someone who knows me in real life and sincerely believes that they don't like me for whatever reason. Therefore writing a comment on my blog that is personally attacking rather than constructively critical was supposed to devastate me and send me into fits of emotional outrage. In truth, I've found it to be quite amusing. Because of the comment left by Mr./Ms. Anonymous, my readership has sky rocketed in the last 12 hours. I woke this morning to find that close to 150 people had read my blog and specifically had read the post on which Mr./Ms Anonymous felt the overwhelming urge to leave the personally attacking comment. Word travels fast, doesn't it?


I have decided to acknowledge the post at the encouragement of both private and public communications from others. I wanted to bring this situation to light in order to thank Mr./Ms. Anonymous for the free publicity. His or her scathing remarks not only paint a colorful picture of him or her, but more importantly they paint a much more honest and sincere depiction of me. A depiction that apparently more people want to read about. Whether my posts are "lame" or not, someone is out there reading, so I'll keep on writing.

Monday, August 10, 2009

Live Your Life Loudly!



This Work of Wild Women Wonderfulness has been brought to you by Blisschick and Daisybones! The Blisschick is asking that we "let all those women out there who might be living lives that are too small or too quiet know that we are here and we are with them and we will support each other. We will hold the ladder as each of us climbs toward and reaches for our own individual stars." With that said, feel free to spread this lovely poster around on facebook, myspace, blogs, print it, post it, do whatever you need to do to help all of those lovely ladies and independent women out there remember who they are and what they can do!

Live your life loudly, ladies!



Friday, August 7, 2009

Memory Lane

Collector's Item


I watch you sleep in my bed tonight and wonder,
What am I going to do with you?
I could put you on the shelf
where I have put the ones before you.

No, dust does not suit you.

I could place you under the glass with Mother's thimbles.

No, there are no pricking needles.

Maybe in the book with Daddy's stamps.

No, age won't turn your corners up.

I remind myself that you are a man, not a neglected doll.
Why didn't I think that with the others?
I left them to rest there.
One day they were just gone.
I never thought much about it.

I think you might be different.

-Heather McChesney






I wrote this poem almost a decade ago in a Creative Writing class at West Virginia University. I clearly remember the day I sat down to write it. The sun was shining like it is in Charleston today. Perhaps that is what sparked the memory.


It was a rare sunny day, mid semester in Morgantown. I had evaded the cluster of students congregating outside of the Mountain Lair and went to the one place where I would hide out when I needed some quiet or reflective time. On the far side of Woodburn Hall is a very peaceful view of the Mon River and what lies below the campus on the hill. I would frequent this place every once in a while to gain a bit of perspective on the world and where I fit in it at that particular moment.


I also remember how I was feeling on that particular day. I was ecstatically, euphorically in love. I truly knew it was love on my part and believed that it was on his part as well. I would like to think that with our remembrance of that time this statement is true. Granted much has happened in the decade since this poem was written. Lies have been told, hearts have been broken, healed, and re-broken. Lives have continued. Friends have been made and lost. Worlds no longer orbit together. Nonetheless, on that particular day I was unabashedly in love.


There is a picture in my mind of a fragment of a moment in a day when a girl wrote a modern day love poem for a boy she adored. I share it with you and hope it brings smiles and fond memories of a singular moment in your own lives.


Fictional Friday


I'm currently at work. Shhhhhh! Don't tell anyone that I'm blogging. Anyway, I'm at work and I was staring out the window daydreaming a little while ago when a question popped into my noggin.

If you could be a fictional character, which character would you be? Which fictional character best represents who you believe yourself to be?

Fictional is defined as a make believe person that appears on television, in a movie, in a book, etc.


I'm going to have to sit and think on this one for a while. However, I'll be sure to update with an answer soon.

Monday, July 20, 2009

Hello Stranger

I am very fortunate to live in a small city that is considered to be one of the southern most northern cities and one of the northern most southern cities. We get to experience little bits of the best of both cultures and attitudes. My absolute favorite part, and ironically when friends from out of state come to visit they remark on as well, is the overall friendliness of our big town.

Just last night I was participating in my daily Boulevard walk. It was around 7:30 in the evening. On the way towards downtown I walk on the river side, the way back, the home and business side. Yesterday evening there were several people in front of me a bit and occasionally a runner or walker walking in the opposite direction. As always I moved over more to my own side of the side walk and kept my pace. I was quickly catching up to several pods of walkers in front of me when I noticed a vivacious, elderly gentleman walking towards me. He smiled and encouraged EVERY person that he passed. The man would grin from ear to ear, and say, "Keep up the good work!" He then carried on his way. As I was making my return trip, walking on the home and business side of The Boulevard I heard from across the street and over the roar of vehicles that same man yell, "You're still doing it! Keep up the good work!" It made my evening. I smiled the whole way home.

This story had me thinking. I can't remember the last time when walking The Boulevard, around The East End, or Downtown or when window shopping or out to dinner with friends when a complete stranger hadn't say hello or wish me a great day and I the same in return. Aren't we lucky to live in a town that for the most part is consider to be very courteous, helpful, and thankfully safe! In most places around the United States and the world, a person would look at you like you were a cross eyed frog if you dared talk to someone that you didn't know personally. I'm grateful that I don't live in one of those places. I'm grateful that I do live in a place that is safe enough for me to also continue saying hello to strangers in passing.

Friday, July 17, 2009

Have An Electric Birthday, Mat!!!!!

For my birthday, Mat did this...




WARNING: EXPLICIT LANGUAGE USED. FOR 'MATURE' AUDIENCE ONLY!

For Mat's birthday, I decided to re-post his electrifying moves!

Happy Birthday, Mat!!!!

Thursday, July 16, 2009

I'm Back

After one devastating break up, shifting around some major priorities, a wonderful friend moving away from Charleston, a new summer gig, a minor Internet scandal, and several bottles of liquor, Advil, and Gatorade, I'm back! It hasn't been an easy couple of months, but survival mode kicked in and I have emerged on the other side victorious! `I will once again pick back up in the blogging world. Stay tuned for more adventures in the lives of Chez and her Macaronis.



With that said, I would like to give some shout outs to a few individuals.

Ian Bode and Chet Lowther will be showing at Chet's studio on Hale Street tonight during The Art Walk. Check out what they have been up to.

Steph Andrews and Brent share an art space at 1033 Quarrier St. They are also participating in The Art Walk. See what they have in store.

Support all of the local artisans in the area! Get out there and do The Art Walk.

Sunday, June 21, 2009

True Blood Drinking Game


Beth and I have decided, being the avid True Blood AND alcohol fans that we are, to develop a True Blood Drinking Game. We hope that you all enjoy your own version of fun! This Sunday, it's True Blood with some Ya Ya Margaritas. (recipe to follow after the jump)

True Blood Drinking Game

-1 drink whenever Bill says, "Sooookie."
-1 drink when any 'bubbies' are displayed.
- 2 drinks when Sookie's 'bubbies' are displayed.
-3 drinks when witness to vampires biting.
-1 drink whenever Sam's shifts, either from human to dog or dog to human.
-1 drink for every Pam eye roll.
-1 drink every time Tara's mom mentions Jesus.
-drink for the duration of Mary Anne's quiver.
-1 drink when Jason prays.
-4 drinks when Jason 'bones' a chick.
-Finish the rest of your beverage every time Sookie gets pissed at Bill.
-2 drinks when Erik hits on Sookie.

Have fun. Thank goodness True Blood is only an hour long!

Ya Ya Margarita Recipe

1 12oz can of Frozen Limeaid
12 oz of tequila (use the now empty limeaid can)
1 12 oz bottle of corona
1 12oz can of Sprite

Pour over ice and enjoy!


"I wanna do bad things to you...."

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Truly Thankful Thursday




I am truly thankful today because in a little over a week, these two lovely men will be in my living room with ME yet again. Every Sunday evening with two of the hottest men alive, I mean dead, is not a bad way to spend a Sunday evening. Especially, when they are blood thirsty, sex driven, perfect specimens of flesh and muscle. They may glamore me any day.

My question, True Blood fans, is who is your favorite? With who would you chose to spend an eternity? I have my own ideas...

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Let The Countdown Begin

If you've been reading my blog for any amount of time, you know I'm a sucker for a vampire and love stories. Give me a combination of both, and I'm buttah!





Watch it. Rewind. Watch it. Rewind.




http://www.twilight-new-moon.net/movie/official-new-moon-trailer/

Friday, May 29, 2009

The Blog-aratzi Is Likin' What You're Working With!

I was perusing my blog roll this morning when I came across my name on The EDG's blog site, Esse Diem. I was shocked and honored to be listed as a recipient of The Bella Award: One Lovely Blog. I thank The EDG very much for finding my blog to be entertaining and award worthy.

Now it is my privilege to announce the next recipients of The Bella!


Work that red carpet because you've been working it in the blog-o-sphere and someone is taking notice.

That's right ladies and gentlemen, welcome to The Bella Awards. Today we would like to honor....

1. Greg Bolt, a youth minister, writes The Oregon Mountaineer. This former West Virginia resident has been transplanted into the world of Oregon where he is currently working on growing solid roots with his wife, his church community, the youth of Bend, Oregon, and praying that the WVU Mountaineers can do it this year! The Oregon Mountaineer's blog covers the vast spectrum of thought and questioning to laughter and love and all of those quirky moments in between.

2. Tina, the voice behind Scrabble Crush, is a mother of many, wife, daughter, sister, student, teacher, cook, artist, soon to be licenced counselor, listener, and self proclaimed Scrabble addict. In between doing all of these numerous activities she blogs. Her blog consists of heartwarming moments with her family and friends, pee your pants in laughter adventures, political and environmental advocacy and awareness education posts, oh yeah, and SCRABBLE!

3. The folks over at Fork You, a Charleston, WV foodie and restaurant critique blog, have provided more entertainment and opportunity for Jerry Springer-esque comments from their readers than even Body Guard Steve could hold back! There are times that the comment section of their posts take on a life of their own outside of the original post. Some may love the Fork You Kids, some may hate them, but one thing is for sure...people are reading them!

4. Bethie is never REALLY out of her element, but she loves calling the world out when they are. Every Wednesday, you must check in and check out her WTF Wednesday posts. She's always right on. Then again, why wouldn't she be, playa?!

5. The Redneck Muppet will definitely Geek Your Kitchen, and by Geek, I mean make something fun and exciting in it. Kitchen Geeking provides step by step recipes, photo blogging of food and food preparation, video of people eating what was just made in the Geek's kitchen, provide commentary on anything and all things food related. Oh and Bacon is his middle name.

6. A former student from many moons ago has created the disgustingly hilarious and at times raunchy blog I HATE SO MUCH. Her verbal skills and the ability to paint a picture, despite the topic matter, leave very little to the imagination. If you want to remember what your twenties were like, check her out. If you need a quick laugh, check her out. One thing is for sure, no one or thing is safe!

To all of those receiving The Bella, congratulations. Now pass on this award to other worthy bloggers. To all of those reading, if you haven't already, go and check out these bloggers. They are something else.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Question of The Day

I recently watched the Will Smith flick "Seven Pound." It is beautifully heart wrenching to say the least. It has left me with a question. I hope you take the time to reflect and reveal.

What is the most selfless act that you have heard of someone performing?

Friday, May 22, 2009

Thought of the Day


If I am to ever get into a serious relationship ever again, the man must have once been married and currently divorced. This will prove that they do indeed possess the ability to commit and some other poor woman had the job of breaking him in. I'm sick and tired of doing all the hard work.

Friday, May 15, 2009

"If You're Not Scared, You're Not Paying Attention"

"If you're not scared, you're not paying attention."




I liked this. It really stuck with me after hearing Dr. Bailey say it on Grey's Anatomy last night. I need to think about it and comment soon.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

What I Know For Sure

Life has been a bit tricky lately. I wasn't necessarily thrown a curve ball lately, but I will admit, I wasn't completely ready for the pitch. With that said, when times get hectic it's easy to obsess on moments, facts, ideas that one has zero control over, times that we can't recreate, moments that are in the past for a reason. A person has to concentrate on what they know to be truth, what they can control, and to rely on the present in hopes of a better tomorrow. I have been asking myself over the last few days, "What do I know for sure? What is a constant? What can I count on to not change right now?" Here's the start of my list.

1. When involved in a relationship, be sure to keep one another high on the priority list. If you don't, you shouldn't be together. Always, always make yourself a priority.


2. Friends and The Family You Get To Pick will have your back especially when others are trying to stab you in it.

3. Honesty is the best policy even if it is painful to say or hear.



4. I love Casa Garcia's. A margarita, chips, and salsa will make any day just a little bit brighter.




5. A Yuengling and a Sam's Cheeseburger won't create world peace, but they sure do create inner peace.




6. Break ups are devastating. Break ups with the invention of technology and social media sucks!




7. 6 year olds really do say the darnedest things and often they are quite insightful.




8. The Whack Job Customer is always right.


9. In order to ever see a rainbow, you have to weather the storm.


10. Oprah was right. "What you give comes back to you." This applies to both the good and the bad. Karma.


11. Women are given a 6th sense at birth for a reason. Don't ignore it; listen to it.
12. They call it the end for a reason...because it's over. However, with every ending starts a new beginning and that's exciting. Morrie Schwartz said it best. "Don't let go too soon but, but don't hang on too long."


13. "All God's critters have a place in the choir. Some sing low. Some sing higher. Some sing outside on the telephone wire. And some just clap their hands, or paws, or fins, or claws, or anything they got now." It takes all kinds to make this world go 'round.


14. Diet Coke is indeed much better than Diet Pepsi.

15. REV RUN says, "You can't change what you won't confront." Amen.

16. The perfectly cooked steak should never been insulted with the addition of steak sauce.



17. Someone always has it worse than you. I was recently watching "Inside The Actor's Studio". Michael J. Fox was on. He was talking about having Parkinson's Disease and why he has an optimistic attitude. He relayed a story that someone in his life had told him in the early days of being diagnosed. This is paraphrased.

A group of individuals are sitting around in a circle, and Jesus or some other spiritual leader asked everyone to one at a time, tell the group their problem and then throw it into the middle of the circle. Everyone told their story and tossed their problem into the middle. At the end, the leader told them, "Now you have to take any one of the problems back. It doesn't have to be yours; it can be another's." Immediately, everyone took their own problem back. Someone always has it worse than you.



18. "I did then what I knew how to do. Now that I know better I do better." -Maya Angelou



19. Timshel. "Thou mayest." The gift of choice.


20. I'm still the Chez! And you are still the Macaroni!

What do you know for sure?