Is there a Doctor in the house???

Okay, so haven't you always wondered what it would be like to be a doctor??? I mean, just the dr. in front of someone's name, causes all kinds of reasons for people to ooohhh and aaahhh... also, it makes people think you are REALLY smart! So, I am listening to all these people who are saying that I should go ahead and get my doctorate. Of course, they don't understand how stressed I was about the Masters and how much money and time is involved in all of this. (some do, because they are trying to get it themselves and I guess they want me to suffer along with them...) Also, I would not be a MEDICAL doctor. I would be the PhD kind which is still way cool, especially for a little country girl like me. Seriously, I have always wanted a BMW convertible with a personalized license plate that says "Dr. Jill" you know like Dr. Phil. I used to be totally against personalized license plates, but I figure if I got that far, it would be okay to brag a little. And really, how great would that be, because all people who know me- know that I was no honors student in elementary, high school or even college level. It's just been in my adulthood that I aspired to be this "honor student" and attempt to be a genius. I guess it is for all those naysayers who said- she can't do anything right- and all those guys who dumped me, and people who have done me wrong. They probably wouldn't even care, but "I" would know. So, I am still flipping a coin on this one, but if I ever catch up financially, I still want the BMW whether it says DRJILL or not will remain to be seen! However, it works out, I still think I have learned a heck of a lot in the process!

Hair Color and other Fiascos

So I haven't written in a while. I have had a birthday which I refuse to accept other than the presents, and the nice well-wishers. I must tell you about my hair color fiasco. I have been coloring my roots for a while now because being blonde is really expensive. Especially when your natural color is who knows what, but it is not blonde. Also, the older I get the darker my roots get with these little grey streaks and I start freaking out! I mean, I am not even forty, and only Grandmotherly type people are supposed to get grey hairs!! So anyhow, I started buying all these really light blondes "High lift" they call them. And, generally I have had okay results. The other night, I used a color that I "thought" i had purchased before. It was called light ash blonde. So, I am thinking okay, this is going to look just like this model on the front of the box and I will be transformed into middle-aged Barbie once more. (or Heather Locklear) Seriously, I get the towel off and my hair is shocking shades of color that I have never even seen on people. (maybe a calico cat) It had a lot of orange and then this purple/silver/grey color! I was about to die. It was 8:00 pm on a week night and I had to go to work tomorrow. Imagine calling in sick because well sir, I just didn't get the right hair color??? Also, it is dead of summer, and a hat was totally out of the question. I ran to the internet and googled "hair color disasters". All kinds of stuff came up, the most interesting note was "do not use anything permanent, or with 'ash' in the title". Well, I had made two mistakes. Oh and it also said, try not to color your own hair at home. Strike 3- I was out! It said that sometimes lemon juice or olive oil will take the color out. It also said "Sun-IN" so I call Jeff to go to Walgreens and get Sun-IN> That would be like sending me to The Great Outdoor Store to buy a turkey call or something! (he couldn't find it!) So, I got lemon juice and more lemon juice, I finally got it down to something okay. Mind you, it was not the best blonde I've ever had. It is still a work in progress. So, my advice to you is, unless you are a hairdresser, or as brave as me, don't color your own hair. I am sure you are asking "will you do it again"? Of course I will, it is just hair, and there is always more hair color to cover it up, ooohhh and I had the cutest black headband that I used to camoflauge the purple/silver/grey! And there are always wigs, scarves or extensions...

4th of July, Michael Jackson and other thoughts...

Okay, so seriously, am I the only one that is tired of hearing about Michael Jackson? I really think he was great, he could sing, dance, I feel sorry for the whole ordeal, but really. Are they really selling tickets to his funeral??? Maybe I have been misinformed. Which brings me to another point, this guy suffered from serious sibling rivalry. So if you are considering having children or whether or not to have more than one- my suggestion is don't. Do you know where my sister is on the 4th of July? Her and and her sweet husband ( I mean that honestly not in a sarcastic way) are in Florida with my parents. Meanwhile, those of us with "children".... me and my brother are at home whooping it up in the big Madison County. Although, we probably had better food than them, I would have enjoyed all of us being together. You see, this is the sibling rivalry part- my brother and I lost out a long time ago when my little sister came along. If you just have one kid, you don't have all these holiday issues. (at least until that kid marries and then they can fight with their spouse about who's house to go to for the holidays) Don't get me wrong, I love my brother and sister, but it is harder for a mother to split her time between two kids much less three. I go back to Michael Jackson, his poor mother probably couldn't remember all of their names. My mother made an interesting comment at one particular holiday when we were all together. She said, I am glad I had all these kids, because some people are sitting at home alone on New Year's Eve, and I am surrounded by these three beautiful children and four beautiful grandchildren, I will never be alone. Someone must have spiked her punch or something!! That did not come out of my mother's mouth. NOW I have two daughters, they fight about EVERYTHING! I try to teach them all the right things, love one another, etc. They just do not get it. Then, I look at my sweet Grandmother and her sister (Aunt Dot) - now this is a sister-relationship that stands the test of time. These two sweet Godly women in their eighties, were partying (of course Baptist style- no alchohol) at my house on the 4th of July. They brought all kinds of lovely dishes that only they can make. This is the kind of sibling relationship I want! My brother and I do well, but it's nothing like that sister bond. I think I shall tell my girls to be more like Grandmother and Aunt Dot. Yep, that is what I am going to do. Also, it is my advice to have one child if at all possible. It solves all the problems on the 4th of July. God Bless the USA!

American Idol Obsession

It's a good thing I wasn't really that old when Elvis was still here. Actually, during his really big time in the late fifties and early sixties I wasn't here. I would have been one of those crazy screaming maniacs. I still think he's the greatest, but don't go to Graceland for the candlight vidgils or anything. I don't dress like him or try to impersonate him- so what does this have to do with American Idol? I think the same kind of sensation that people had who were obssessed fans of Elvis or who are just music lovers and performers love American Idol. How can you not? It's flashy, there is drama and if you watch every single episode it is as dramatic as your favorite soap opera or pageant, or any other reality show you might love. I have always been for the underdog. I guess because I have always been the underdog, the person who isn't the most popular, or maybe not the most perfect, but the one who has the "heart" to take on the position, whether it be in a job or an old talent show or pageant- I was always the runner up or better yet the loser. So tonight, and for the past two weeks I have been obsessed with Kris- one reason is because he is "American", you could hang an American Flag in the background, he is humble, he never "back-talks" the judges or stands on stage with his chest puffed out, and he also doesn't wear make-up. If American Idol is not about a person who has already BEEN famous or even had a taste of fame then there should be no question- you have one guy from Conway, Arkansas and one from California who wears make-up and has been the star of a Broadway show. Now I LOVE Broadway, I love all kinds of music, but if we are talking about underdogs and people who DESERVE a break, it's Kris Allen. Adam Lambert is extremely talented in his own right, but already has record producers calling- Lets' vote for all that's good - let's vote for the South, the pretty wife, the cuteness, the guitar and piano playing, singing, talented humble guy- KRIS ALLEN! Sorry, hopefully this is the last time I'll beg you for anything!

Research Papers and more time wasters...

Okay, so by now I could have written a dissertation and thesis with all of the research papers I have written. In fact, I just got finished writing one on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, I believe I now suffer from this because of all of the traumatic events and pictures I had to read about, view, write about, etc. I also do not understand how teachers can think that reading 20 books and journals and then quoting them is useful. I like to write in my own words and my own opinion. Obviously, you can see that by my blog- Seriously though, these psychologists who have had years of training and research, seem to be smarter than Jilliemae, go figure? Their idea of treating someone who has suffered a traumatic event (such as, rape, robbery, war, floods, animal attack, etc.) is to re-visit this truama. I don't know about you, but I am not into exposing myself to trauma. I also have an immense fear of dogs, and I don't think me going to the dog pound or petting "pit bulls" would cause me to be any less afraid of them. I steer clear of traumatic events or situations. If it starts thundering outside, I would prefer to put in some earplugs and go to my mother' s basement, just taking precautions you know, Jackson tends to get blown away from time to time. I mean, I have gone to school for almost an eternity and I am not a doctor, but my theory seems to make much more sense. Do not overload graduate students with 15 page research papers and do not suject yourself to traumatic events. Two standards you can live by!

Mississippi- another country?

This weekend Jeff and I loaded up the kids to go visit his family in MS. You know the State- we don't visit much, and we don't always realize why until after we have backed out of the driveway. It takes a good 2 hours to get to Hernando, MS from Humboldt/Jackson, TN. This is depending on the traffic and the amount of State Troopers hiding in the medians or under overpasses. But after the first 10 minutes Jordan and Jennamarie have already asked how much longer it is until we get there. My favorite question Jennamarie asks is are we in TN yet? Yes, Jennamarie we live in TN. I have already asked everyone if they had to go to the bathroom, and if they forgot anything. Oh yes, we got everything and everyone has used the potty. Before we reach Brownsville, Jennamarie has to use the bathroom. Jordan and her have almost gotten into 52 arguments, altercations and Jeff has pulled the car off the road with idle threats to turn the car around. Also, they fight over what we play on the radio. They want to listen to MY IPOD, and fight over who gets to listen. They also fight over blankets, pillows, etc. We are not going to California, just a 1 hr 45 min or 2 hr drive. By the time Jeff and I get there we are ready for serious therapy. THEN, the kids get hugged on kissed on, waited on hand and foot and Jeff and I are looking at each other like "Why did we even come?" no one cares that we are here. It's his parents! I mean, they are very happy to see us- but it's all about these bratty kids that have acted like monsters and come in wearing halos and putting on their best smiles and manners. Oh well, I can't complain, Jeff's mom just takes over with them- but then Jeff and I have to re-program them after all the spoiling. We get back in the car, and the little monsters start over. Usually, they are much quieter and deeply depressed that they have to go home with these strict horrible parents who make them do chores and make them respect authority. Go figure?

She's Country!!!

So how is everyone doing??? It's been a while since my last blog, since I never have time to do anything. Have you heard that great song by Jason Aldean called "She's Country?" It is awesome! Nothing sad about that song- It also pretty much sums me up- "Country" that is- I am constantly reminded of people I meet or even see everyday about my "accent". Some people's accents are what makes them who they are- I mean, look at Elvis, Dolly Parton, Cary Grant, John Wayne, even Simon Cowell on American Idol, I don't think would sound quite as mean, if that British snobby accent was not shining through. The sad part about talking Southern, is that people consider you stupid. I am fortunate in my job that I am working with kids from all over the state of TN and most from pretty small towns, so my "DRAWL----" don't bother them at all! Seriously, I'm blonde and I'm country, but I like being me. I don't pretend to be anything different. So the next time you want to snicker at some one's redneck slow talking accent, consider that many people have made a profitable living speaking that way. Look at Granny Clampitt! And also- tape record yourself sometime, unless you hail from Cinncinatti, chances are, you sound pretty funny too-

Technology!

How did we live before computers? Laptops? Cell phones, Ipods? I could go on and on. I have been without my home computer for several weeks and it has not been fun. Especially on days like yesterday when you have ten feet of snow (not literally) and one kid has the whooping cough and the other can't decide which hat goes best with her scarf and gloves. I just wanted to check facebook, work on a school assignment, but NO. I am also financially strapped so I have been searching for the most economical computer. There is NO SUCH THING! Granted they are cheaper than they used to be, but I think they ought to cost as much as a television. Not the flat screen 500 inch HD disappear into a mirror kind of television, but the old ones no one wants to buy anymore. A computer should not have to be something you can't live without like a refrigerator or a dryer, or something. You can't even pay bills sometimes without a computer. Anyone feeling my pain or am I just babbling to myself?

Not enough time...

Well, to my "two" followers... I haven't had time to update my blog because I went back to work, to school and there aren't enough hours in the day. So, today being Saturday... I checked e-mail, facebook and got to the blog. Yesterday at work one of my "kids" (not biological) fell face first on the pavement while playing dodgeball. Needless to say it was not a pretty picture. Of course boys all think this is grand when they get "bloody". I thought he had been in a car wreck and almost fainted. Seriously though he kept saying "I'm okay Ms. Jill". It is so funny- I am supposed to be the counselor and the kids end up counseling me. But I know that I was not meant to be a nurse. I can't stand needles or anything that is beneath the surface of our skin. I am also not an "outside person" or a "sports person"- too many injuries. My child was okay after they cleaned him up, but it was pretty scary at first glance. My real children (as opposed to my "fake children") are pretty good at doing "gross" things as well. Jennamarie pretends she is a vet and practices on our cats. So far, no surgery or anything. (nobody call PETA) The other day I heard the cat racing around in the hall and she had tied his two back legs together. She said she made a cast for his leg, it was broken. I said YOU DON'T TIE UP THE CAT!!! So, we were in class Thursday night and our professor asked a thought provoking question. He said, "Why did you become a counselor?" He said, "You have chosen to work with people who are depressed, mentally disturbed and pretty much at the end of their rope -WHY would you do this? I'm still pondering that question.
All I could tell him was "I love it!" ???????

Everybody's Workin' for the Weekend

You have to be from the 80's to remember that great Loverboy song. Actually, I haven't been working for the weekend, but not working at all. I start back to work Monday. I have mixed emotions because it will be REALLY great to feel like I have a sense of purpose again, but yet it will feel weird after being gone for three weeks. When something is taken from you...the cliche is very appropriate "don't know what you've got til it's gone". Especially your paycheck, but seriously, when you finally find a job that you LOVE and it's not a chore to go to work and then we have this economical crisis and you get laid off, you start to appreciate work no matter if it's flipping burgers at McDonald's. I went to my Grandmother and Great Aunt's house yesterday. I love spending time with folks who have lived through the great depression. They appreciate EVERYTHING - and they are satisfied with very little. They don't have to have "everything" like this generation that we live in today. They are content in a small house that's paid for, a car that is paid for and generous to help people in need. I love them so much. I am going to strive to be more like them. I wish I wasn't such a Material Girl. (living in a material world) Although most would disagree I feel I've come a long way - I mean I don't know what it's like to do without something - but sort of- I mean, we haven't been on vacation in a couple of years. I don't buy EVERYTHING I want at the grocery store, and I have bundled my cell phone, cable and internet, isn't that a start??? So here's to the working class people- this week- I will be working for the weekend. Thank the LORD!

Someone please pass the MOTRIN!

Have you ever had this headache that just lingers? I mean, it's gone for a while and then you listen to someone talk for a few hours or you think "deep thoughts" and then your head starts to ache? When Jordan was 2 years old my mother in law took her to a doctor in MS because she was keeping her for me and Jeff. We went somewhere I don't recall. Anyhow, the doctor came in and asked Jeff's mom if Jordan (our oldest daughter) was on any medications. She declared, "I'm taking MOTRIN!" - So this has become sort of an inside joke. Also, the doctor was shocked that a two year old even knew what Motrin was. Seriously though sometimes I think that we probably take too much headache medicine and then we become immune to it like antibiotics. So therefore people walk around in ill moods and just deal with a headache. Why do you think we are bombarded with commercials talking about rapid-release tablets, all day long relief? I just want to know if anyone agrees with this? I mean, I have found nothing that will really take away a headache except for coffee and excedrin. Then you are "jacked up" on caffeine and you crash and the cycle starts all over again. My mom used to get headaches when we were little. She went to the doctor because they were so painful. When he found out she had three small children at home, he said oh- these headaches are a result of all these children stressing you out. Maybe when they move out, the headaches will stop. (HEE HEE) What a relief???? Anyhow, poor mother now she has three grown children and four grandchildren and we are still giving her headaches. Mother, I apologize but we can start a headache support group or something. A Tylenol anonomous group or something. Food for thought....

"LOST" (not literally- here's to the greatest show EVER)

Today I will be reviewing the show "LOST". Seriously, if you have not seen the show, it is this story about people who crashed on an island and all this crazy stuff happens. It is NOTHING like Gilligan's Island. It is almost like a bad dream that you have after staying up late and eating spicy foods. It is also addictive- when I started graduate school- I was one of the very few middle-aged (did I say that?) students in the classroom. I was trying to be "cool" with the recently graduated 20 year olds and they told me I MUST watch this show LOST. I had been a big fan of the show ALIAS and it has the same producer so I thought why not? Little did I know it would be like coffee every morning and breathing. It is like a roller coaster ride at a theme park. Maybe I am overstating, but it is not for the faint of heart or for someone who has never watched an episode. It must be watched from the beginning. What is really weird, is you start to feel like you know these characters and relate with them. Maybe it is somewhat like people who get engrossed in soap operas. (former "story" watcher) I have overcome that past time and gotten into this crazy show about time travel and twists and turns that no one can predict. I want to thank my fellow LOST groupies such as Nathan, Carrie and Erin who got me HOOKED on this CRAZY show. My friend Nathan once said, "If you are ever on a plane and there are that many pretty people aboard - GET OFF". I think he said it well. So tonite I've got school again, I'm working towards State Licensure- I will see Nathan there and we will discuss LOST like old times. My other LOST groupies have moved on to bigger and better things and States. (Michigan and Virginia - not state of mind) Anyhow, I have two small groupies at home to watch with Jordan and Jennamarie and I think I'm even convincing Jeff to watch- it's not hard- I got him hooked on American Idol.

Gloom Despair and Agony on Me...

Only the people old enough to remember the show HEE-HAW will understand the title to my blog today.
A minute ago, my husband called me stating that they got an e-mail that their pay would be cut 10%- well, I got laid off from my job on January 2- no warning by the way and now my husband who does not make a huge salary is getting a pay cut. I really thought that our new president was going to "CHANGE" everything. I mean, the way he talked during the election he was going to be handing out money and jobs and free insurance to EVERYONE!!! So far, the gas is going back up, companies are closing doors, going bankrupt, folks are losing their homes and it does not seem like it is going to get better. Now all of those who saw this man as the answer to all of their problems have been blinded. I did not buy into his pontificating and political rhetoric, I voted the way I've always voted- but I cannot do anything about it. So now you have people who essentially had great jobs or somewhat good jobs and the world seems to be closing down. I still think the gas people are doing okay for themselves and I also believe that the electric and gas companies will continue to thrive. So sorry if this was not as uplifting as you had hoped, maybe I'll be happier tomorrow.

What a day for a daydream...

You know what...wouldn't you just love to escape sometimes??? I mean with all the news, the war, the kids screaming in the background. Actually, there is only one eight year old who is yelling and that is because she wants me to bring her something to eat. "She's sick" supposedly- you know the days you just did not want to go to school, well everday is that day to Jennamarie. She would rather stay home and do nothing than go to school and do "something". She is happy as a lark watching a movie or playing with dolls. I never thought I would get sick of hearing my name screamed. I always wanted to be famous- but this "Mama" gig is not as glamorous- I mean it's not someone screaming "Hey I want your autograph"...it's someone screaming "MAMA" and most of the time it is not even urgent. Don't get me wrong- I love my children, but if I don't get back to work soon, I will be counseling myself- that's what I am is a counselor- you know those "wounded healers". So back to the daydream thing... I get lost in them sometimes and it's so much fun. I pity people who do not have an imagination to escape to or do not enjoy a good book. We'll see how this blog thing goes, I may get tired of it