RIP AC

For Kris

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVtFQSd6Kyk

Matt Johnson - The The - Dogs of Lust

Third Time is a Charm

HEAD FOR THE CURE 2009

Danielle and I will be collecting and running on behalf of Adam Cook.

http://www.headforthecure.org/

WHAT DO YOU WANNA DO WITH YOUR LIFE? This was the theme song to our vacation this year. Can't get it out of my head....

www.wearyourmusic.org

This is a really cool idea. I would be filing bankruptcy if I bought all the ones I want!!

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Glad I don't have anymore brothers. I would be a tattooed freak!!

I got Lance's initials in hieroglyphics a few years ago. These are Chad's initials in a sistrum, which is an Egyptian musical instrument. Thanks to Capi for bringing my idea to life and thanks to Valentin for his talent and for taking the time to make it 'exactly' as it should be! Thanks to Chad for making me feel safe... all of my life.

L to R: Tony, Jerry, Mike, 867-5309

Playa Bonita, aqui yo venir

I am leaving for Mexico in less than 24 hours. Quick stop here in the city to gather my travel gear. Fireworks sales went great this year. Thanks to Chad and Kris for all of the help. Nothing out of the ordinary to report about the last 3 weeks. Chad and Jennifer both fell on their asses. You can't buy comedy like that. Chad slipped while rocking the van full of kids and Jennifer broke the branch for the fire, along with her ass.

Needless to say, I've got lots to do before 6am.... 12 days in the ocean..... ahhhhh.

Have a great summer and don't forget to have a spectacular 4th of July!

Funny Pages

"This year please send clothes for all those

poor ladies in Daddy's computer, Amen."

Due to unforeseen circumstances...

I will be leaving early for the lake. I am gonna get out of here sometime this weekend. I won't have a computer but will have the lake cell phone. Anyone that wants that number and doesn't have it will have to email me privately, I will not be posting it on the web as peace and quiet is the main reason I am leaving! :-)

Being Someone That Tries Not to Censor Things of Artistic Nature..

I have come to a point where I am going to have to decide what my daughter and my niece can run around the house singing. "Let's have some fun. This beat is sick. I wanna take a ride on your disco stick." just isn't settling well for some reason.

Lady Gaga - LoveGame
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fDwRRZ7eUo
(I'm not 100% convinced that this 'Lady' is a woman.)

WELCOME HOME DAVID

David has bought a house here in the KC area. Hopefully this means he will be home more!

Hee Hee

Hickory County Index ad 2009

Super Glue Is Your Friend

I made it through the Nails\Jane show with no problem. Well, no problem except that I felt like an old lady seeing Jane for the 5th time, with the first time being almost 20 years ago!
Chad and I will be showing that super glue who is boss again tonight. Days of the New is at Power and Light. Free promo show at KC Live. Maybe if Travis Meeks weren't a narcissistic ass*, he could keep a band together and be a major player in todays rock scene instead of doing free concerts in downtown yuppie beer gardens. sheesh.

Shelf in the Room
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcPVhKszXjY

*Travis reportedly suffers from Aspergers Syndrome, which is the medical definition for "self absorbed asshole". (That is a joke and not intended to offend anyone.)

I Hope The Glue Holds....

Chad and I are gonna test that super glue they used to put my brains back in tonight! I hope it can hold up against Nine Inch Nails and Jane's Addiction. It will be a new experience seeing Jane's Addiction sober... The first time I saw Jane's and the only time I've seen Nine was at the original Lollapalooza in 1991.... Come to think of it, that show may be the reason I have a hole in my head now.... Head Like a Hole.... lol.

Nine Inch Nails
Head Like a Hole
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8-P525kSRM
Hand That Feeds
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJN2SPUcXTQ
Something I Can Never Have
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAGAoy5WZWY

Jane's Addiction
I Would For You
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DN8V4VflpWc
Ocean Size
(This is by far my favorite Jane song live. The first time I saw them it started raining right when Perry screams at the beginning.... memories...)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Dge-4aDWNc

Hope the Water is Warm Enough to Swim...

We are going to the lake for a little much needed R&R. Be back Monday.

NOTE TO SELF:

Do not have brain surgery and then attempt to walk into a Walmart. Freshly fondled brains can be easily tricked into thinking that this is, in fact, reality.

Mother's Day - The nurse let the kids walk me down the hall for a picture outside of my prison cell!

BOOGER PRESLEY ON THE MEAN GUITAR

Today is Canyon's 16th birthday. What a great kid.

HEY, CHAD! Isn't there something familiar about that bowling ball?

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I WISH I WAS IN SEATTLE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NweRE8aeFKQ

I'm losing track of how long I've been here

My physical status:

I am doing as well as can be expected: I finally blew that gasket that I've been warning the kids about and someone sawed open my skull and played with my brain for a few hours. I am walking and talking, so not complaining.

My mental status:

I feel extremely fortunate to be alive. I am going absolutely nuts in this hospital. I finally got moved out of ICU yesterday, so am now able to move around more and take showers. If all goes well I will be out of here by Friday at the latest.

Well, I've concentrated and looked at this screen for as long as I can, so I will leave you with a promise to update you more as my focus returns more and more!

Love you guys.

S.

I Have an Awesome Family - How is it possible to have a great Mother's Day in ICU?

8 of the 10 kids showed up.
Here are some of the wonderful things written in my 2 foot X 3 foot homemade card.
Canyon started things off with some words of inspiration -
"....Scar tissue is stronger than regular tissue. Realize the strength, Move on." -Henry Rollins -
"Your strength is an inspiration to us all to not be afraid of anything that life throws at us, and thank you for being the best mom in the world."

Big Brett is ever so more poetic "....get better, we need you."

Erin Lee says that '....I am the tears on her violin.' While Jack hopes the Doctors have 'fexed' me.

26 DAYS....

I WANT TO GO HOME.

21 Days Post Bleed

There are a lot of things different in my life than 21 short days ago. Like how lucky I feel to be alive. How much I love my brother and husband. How freaked I am to be flying very soon. I think it is going to hurt my head and I am a huge big scardey cat. I am contemplating shaving my head.

I Would Like to Thank My Friends and Family

First I would like to mention how much I miss all of my little Boogey Bops. Hop in the next car coming up here, I would love to see u guys. A shout out to my mom for the long hours. And a BIG 'What - What' to Tony and Chad for their tirelessness. Tony has been parking his big ass in a recliner every night. Chad was actually here for the first 48 hours solid and still looks exhausted.

EWWWWW.....

Thanks for posting for me Kris.

I have never been so scared in my entire life.

Update on Sondra

Hey this is Kris. I'm giving you a brief history and update on Sondra's condition:

Tuesday April 14th Sondra experienced severe pain in her head. She was taken by ambulance to Truman Hospital where they discovered a bleeding aneurysm. She was then transported to Saint Luke's in KC where they did an angiogram and found she had another aneurysm that was still intact, not bleeding. She waited in Neurosurgery ICU that night, in severe pain but sedated, and was being prepped all night for surgery the next morning. She went into surgery around 10 AM on Wednesday. The surgery lasted about 4 hours. The aneurysms were safely removed without any complications. During the next few days she will be monitored for vascular spasms, which can cause strokes. She is receiving round the clock care and is never alone, having a host of family and friends visiting her as well as Chad, Tony and I staying with her throughout the day and night. Sondra is coming along wonderfully. She woke up hungry this morning, which is a good sign. She is still in pain but is now able to take oral meds for it.

Needless to say, Sondra is still her same self, making us laugh with her sarcasm, and flipping off the nurses (behind their backs) when they pull her hair!

Sondra still has her beautiful long hair, but being ever trendy, she is sporting a new look: a small amount of hair has been shaved along her right side from her ear to brow. I'm sure the look will catch on and take the nation by storm. Teens everywhere will be racing to their local beauty salons asking for "The Flo".

Thank you all for your well wishes. I will be posting here and on Facebook when I can. Sondra may be doing so herself, just today she asked for a laptop. She will have to wait until she gets out of ICU.

It was a slow night, I only had 6 egg dyers. My fingers will return to their normal color in about a week.

We are gonna run down and open up the lake house. Be back here Saturday night to dye eggs with 8 - 10 of my favorite midgets.

Hey, Tiff. How about you let me know if you ever blog again so that I don't keep thinking it is Tuesday everyday.

I Think This Is Really Funny

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DptkI0EY6ZY

Canyon Seems to Think That His Mom, Cousin and Sister Look Better With Facial Hair

Danielle is Kevin Smith, I am Dave Navarro and I think MJ is the suspected pedophile that lives on everyone's street.

I Have Decided That This is My Favorite Blue October Song, As of Now

X Amount of Words
You're solar, bipolar
Panic disorder
Seems harder and harder and harder
Still you try to control it

Blue October, Cold April

It is a very deceptive day here in the KC metro. You know, the sun is shining bright and beautiful, then you step outside and it is freezing. The good news is Chad, Kris, Brett and I are off to Lawrence, KS tonight to see Blue October. I may be some sort of crazy, but I'm hoping that Justin's exuding hottness will keep me warm.

Dirt Room
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCPY-zD6e-I

Overweight
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQBpHmGatikv=SQBpHmGatik
I want to learn to walk with others as an equal I want to treat the ones who love me with respect I want to tell the world I'll give them all a piggyback And try to take away my negative effect I want to kiss the girl, And know I'll never lie again I want to call my dad and tell him that I care I want to let my brother know He saved my life a thousand times Throughout the years he's been my friend Who's always there

Sound of Pulling Heaven Down
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMz8yD-H0Tg














UPDATE:
The show was awesome. One of the best vocal performances I have seen in quite some time. My little crush on Justin is now a lot bigger! ;-)

Credit Where Credit is Due

Everybody loves the old Billy Idol classics (if you admit it or not) but it is little known that he put an album out in '93 that opened to horrible reviews, Cyberpunk. The only single to release to radio off of Cyberpunk was Shock to the System, which is the worst song on the album. The album has long been an underground sensation, you can still hear Heroin and Neuromancer mixed in night clubs. This is by far my favorite work that Billy Idol has ever done and, in my opinion, is VERY underrated. It is rare that you find an album that you can listen to from beginning to end. If you take Shock to the System off, this album flows from beginning to end without a hitch. One song or another always ends up in the mix just about every time I make a play list. Enjoy.

HEROIN

(this is not the album version, it is a mix)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CK-JagaorM

ADAM IN CHAINS

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H68BNsoQXyU

NEUROMANCER

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAovmuh4JpU

Sarcasm Idol

George Bernard Shaw

'The power of accurate observation is commonly called cynicism by those who have not got it.'

'Beware of the man whose God is in the skies.'

'Alcohol is a very necessary article... It makes life bearable to millions of people who could not endure their existence if they were quite sober.'

'Democracy is a device that ensures that we shall be governed no better than we deserve.'

'If you can't get rid of the skeleton in your closet, you'd best teach it to dance.'

Bass Lines That Changed The World II

As I thought of more bass lines that changed my world, I realized that most of them were played by women. Kim Gordon of Sonic Youth is in the first Bass Lines post. Here we have Tina Weymouth of The Talking Heads and Kim Deal of The Pixies (later of The Breeders, in which she does not play bass but is played by a chick, something Lopez, I think).

The Talking Heads - Psycho Killer

http://www.y/outube.com/watch?v=agXsxYiMZZA

The Pixies - Gigantic

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LK0CJqMK6f0

The Breeders - Cannonball

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AsId-qVIb4

Feeling Melancholy

This is my favorite 'feeling melancholy' song. Talking Heads - This Must Be The Place. Tony has been instructed to play this at my nonfuneraly funeral. I want to go out in Hunter S. Thompson style. A kegger in the back yard by the pool while my ashes are blown up in Class B fireworks, preferably Yung Feng Blue Willows. (Johnny Depp's attendance is optional.)

Out of all those kinds of people
You got a face with a view
I'm just an animal looking for a home
Share the same space for a minute or two
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQWbaT5uHDE


(Don't call my shrink, it's just been a long cold winter*)
*unintentional musical reference
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uRUOhUbJ0U

The Growth of Mini Me

Bass Lines That Changed The World

The New Duncan Imperials

I probably had the most fun I've ever had in my life hanging out at JR's Lightbulb Club dancing my underage ass off. One of my favorite bands that played there back in the day was The New Duncan Imperials. I never dreamed they would be on youtube. Seems they are still kicking, just released an album last year. Who knew?

Mystery Date

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lOo88G3cKE

Home Sweet Mobile Home and Mystery Date Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ewQ7xWKMuE

Tilt a Whirl

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-pVdstQpm0

Soundtrack to a Recent Conversation

Jane's Addiction - Whores
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkShVT8LFuM
NIN - That's What I Get
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TU1l8jmZso
Marilyn Manson - Personal Jesus
(Not a big Marilyn fan, but I think I like this better than the original.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAGReskm63Y
Paul Westerberg - Waitress in the Sky
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXtY17BTvS4
David Bowie and NIN - I'm Afraid of Americans
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slKNd22GGaQ

Existentialism*

One of my favorite things that I have written in my journal is a quote from the book 'Another Roadside Attraction' by Tom Robbins. (It is in my oldest journal. Judging from the ink, writing and time I remember reading this book, I would say I was about 18 or 19 years old.)
"Happiness is a learned condition. And since it is learned and self generating, it does not depend upon external circumstances for it's perpetuation."
I have always considered myself an existentialist, for no other reason than the absolute inability to see things from any other perspective but my own. I believe that happiness IS learned and self generating but what to do with those pesky external circumstances that come along to muck up your inner bliss? Our country has very specific laws in place to prevent us from eliminating these inner peace invaders and I have never been good at meditation, despite having carried around my little copy of The Pocket Dalai Lama.

*ex·is·ten·tial·ism
n. A philosophy that emphasizes the uniqueness and isolation of the individual experience in a hostile or indifferent universe, regards human existence as unexplainable, and stresses freedom of choice and responsibility for the consequences of one's acts.

My other favorite quote from the same book:
"Amanda became pregnant during a fierce thunderstorm. 'Was it the lightning or the lover?' she was sometimes heard to muse. When her son was born with electrical eyes, people no longer thought her foolish."

Colorado

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TIFF!! I LOVE YOU!

Boy Do I Need To Get Away...

Chad and I are leaving for Colorado bright and early in the morning. Actually, not bright at all, we are leaving before the sun comes up.
We will be driving all the way across Kansas, which goes a little like this: wheat, corn, wheat, corn, wheat, corn, wheat, corn, wheat, corn, wheat, corn, corn, corn, wheat. Thus, the theme of the playlist I am leaving you with. Have a great Spring Break and I will see you back here Thursday.

Incubus - Drive
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpwsuhOUAkk
Melissa Etheridge - You Can Sleep While I Drive
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYxlMrp91yA
Arcade Fire - No Cars Go
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJDsm1Y4kUk
The Beatles - Long And Winding Road
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCmsruMf-Eo
Bob Dylan - Highway 61
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BH8U_z7Q6c
Depeche Mode - Behind the Wheel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJBkqJinpHI
Dierks Bentley - Free and Easy Down the Road I Go
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbnA86E3WkE
Eels - Mr. E's Beautiful Blues
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZFLmhFn0mg
Drivin' N' Cryin' - Turn it Up or Turn it Off
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rast19Q9Uws

This one is for you, Chad. (gagging noise..)

Yes. I Just Peed My Pants...

As If It Wasn't Bad Enough The First Time....

The "8 Signs You're a Terrible Guest" article is back on my news feed. This time under the guise of a new title - "Bad Etiquette Mistakes to Avoid". It annoyed me the first time, now it is just pissing me off. Have they run out of stories about the 'Octimom'? Come on. I have plucked a new gem from the list of behaviors to avoid, last time it was #8 - Suggesting that you bring a little bit of stationary or bath salts for your Host, this time I have chosen #3 as an example of the shear stupidity of this article.
"Go heavy on the sauce? Nobody likes an out of control, fumbling guest at their party who accidentally knocks down half the buffet table or passes out on the sofa during group conversation. So, as the saying goes, "drink responsibly," especially when you're at someone else's home."
If this is a requirement for the guests you invite to your 'soiree', then draw a big black line through my name. Chances are I would have to be at least half crocked to go to some get together with buffet tables and group conversations on the 'sofa'. I prefer to stay at my house where you can wander in to the kitchen whenever you feel hungry and grab some chips I dumped in a bowl to dip in the Sassy Salsa that I didn't even bother to take out of the plastic container. You can sit on my 'couch' and have a conversation if you like but if someone passes out while you are talking, maybe you should consider the fact that what you were saying was not all that interesting in the first place. By the way, if you plan on passing out at my house, please leave a list of things you would like drawn on your face and the funny poses you would like to be in while we photograph you. The pics will be on this blog before you regain consciousness.

http://food.yahoo.com/blog/foxyfestivities/8806/8-signs-you-re-a-terrible-guest/

Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Blowing Shit Up

I attended the City Alderman's meeting last night and watched Fireworks become legal in our cozy little section of the Kansas City Metropolitan area. Ours is the third suburb to legalize in as many years. All of our conversations that started with "When they legalize in the city..." are about to be reality. This could have tremendous financial consequences for us and we are very excited. Canyon and I will continue to run the stand at the lake but I'm sure Tony and Crew here in the city will blow us away in sales! I've got lots of work to do but am very excited about doing it! Looks like my Christmas is in July!
I am posting Fireworks endorsements from Schoolhouse Rock and Ryan Adams for your viewing pleasure on this most festive occasion.


"...Cause everybody wants to go forever, I just wanna burn up hard and bright. I just wanna be your firecracker and maybe be your baby tonight." - Ryan Adams, Firecracker -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOSX9VlXANQ

Who knew cleaning the cobwebs out of my computer would lead me to discover that Canyon has been hiding a talent....

Where I’m from: By Canyon McClung

I’m from white beached whales, dark chocolate Yoo-Hoo, and very bitter salt. I am from the bottom of the house, pitch black, damp, and very scary. I am from an ever-green tree and the needles that fall from it.

I’m from overflowing parties and crowds watching the big screen. And from stuffed stomachs at dinner and a silent house after. I am from blue-eyed ring-tailed lemurs and walking catfish.

I am from wide open doors to any and everything I want. I’m from Fayetteville, Arkansas and Scotland, and the best hamburgers in the world. From the freedom of my mothers heart and the laughter of my brothers jokes, and the labor of my fathers work.

(He insists that it isn't good... I think it is wonderful. I can identify with everything in it, tell you where he got each thing but at the same time, it is abstract. Because I know him, it conjures images of Grandpa telling the story about walking catfish, the first night he slept in his new room in the basement, birthday parties with Tony's huge family, how he helped me perfect my hamburger recipe....)

Pages From My Rock & Roll Quotes Calendar

"I'm often afraid, and I'm not afraid to be afraid, though it is always scary. But it's more painful to try not to be yourself." - John Lennon -

"Sometimes I might have gone a little too far, not such an uncommon trait in a person on amphetamines." - Johnny Cash -

"The music is all. People should die for it. People are dying for everything else, so why not the music?" - Lou Reed -
Watch Lou mess with the Australian media and listen to Sweet Jane:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mf2pF5oMdP4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRQls4xR7dg

We Forgot Charles' 200th Birthday!

The ONLY Good Thing About Snow...

In Case You Were Wondering....

Due to the amazing clarity of my Bose headphones, it has occurred to me that it can be quite difficult to tell the difference between the voices of Frank Zappa and Ike Turner. Sorry, Frank.

I am trying to recover the memory of the exact age that I realized that consideration for other people is part of being a grown up. I think I was in my 30's.... shit.

I love Glow Sticks. They make me happy. I have a whole box if anyone wants one.

Drinking and Driving has all but cured my Road Rage.

I bought my son an XBox 360. He gave me his GameBoy. I think I got the wet end of the stick.

It is really starting to irritate me that the songs I put on my blog seem to be strangely corresponding to songs they use in commercials.... Are they picking my brain or have I really gone that mainstream in my old age? I choose to believe the former.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9igF75f9Ew

Quiz for the GIRLS....

1. Whose name could Kris be frequently heard to insert into the song 'Animal' by Def Leppard?

2. What song did Tiff make up a stupid dance to?

3. Whose driveway were we in when I puked all over the side of Tiff's Datsun? (See question 4)

4. Who makes the best Rum and Cokes in the whole damn world?

5. What was our Pit Bull's name and why..?

6. What did Angie and I use to fix her radiator?

Ryan Adams and The Cardinals Show Tonight

Here is my ultimate Ryan Adams playlist. He will probably not do a single one of these songs tonight because he is a stubborn ass.

Wish You Were Here

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljzW1Or7-BI

Two

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRuY49nXgA8

Halloweenhead

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pd-Z1zjlf8g

Wonderwall

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gVxRvNfFLg

Magick

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0xvEMYBrcc

Gonna Make You Love Me More

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25Cg8yKdX44

UPDATE:

He did play Two and Wonderwall. But he left without an encore. Was sort of strange but we all know that he is an odd duck (or asshole, if you prefer.). Wonderwall was even more incredible live. Worth the price of admission all by itself.

Show Me Your American Flag Undies and I'll Show You Mine

As usual, a conversation with one of my kids sparked a thought process that I have been unable to shake the past couple of days. To quote my secret lover, Henry Rollins, 'At the end of the day, I'm a thinking person', and sometimes it becomes quite burdensome.

I have a certain opinion about people who take patriotism to an extreme, and you are welcome to assume that the opinion is not a positive one. You know the type I'm referring to. If you slow down the next time you pass a predominantly white, lower income neighborhood (I didn't say Trailer Park, did you say Trailer Park?), you can hear beer cans being crushed on foreheads, shot gun blasts, mothers cursing at their children, Toby Keith's claim that he is an American soldier coming from a boom box held together by duct tape and a gamut of my favorite racial slurs. This happens to also be the most common place to find some of my overly patriotic friends. The ones that think they were born in this country not because the two cousins that found one another attractive pro-created here or because the laundromat that their mother went into labor in was located here but because God made sure that only the most deserving of our species were purged out onto American soil.
I am proud to be an American, most of the time, and I am very grateful that I live in this country. Why should I believe that the simple geographical location of my birth makes me any better than anyone else? Last time I checked, the United States was home to a very small portion of the world's population. Why has God forsaken so many and blessed so few? That is like persecuting someone for being born deaf or blind or retarded. Though we are genetically superior to those people, it is through no fault of their own. Not one person I know made sure the car that their parents were making out in the back of was in America before attaching themselves to the uterine wall. If that were the case, I could have been fooled into thinking that I was going to be Mexican given that my mom was drunk on margaritas when I so reluctantly attached myself.
Sing the National Anthem at ball games, fly an American flag in front of your house, cheer on your favorite Olympians. Hell, wear clothing made from American flag designs if you must. Just don't forget that you did not make yourself an American anymore than I made myself a narcissist that thinks you should care about this opinion.

Sooper Cooper

New Category: Pages From My Rock n Roll Quotes Calendar That Kris Bought Me

"I'm a musician, Dave's a rock star." - Eddie Van Halen

"Freud would have a heyday with me." - David Bowie

"The Eagles and the Captain and Tennille ruled the airwaves, and we were the answer to it." - Joey Ramone

"For some time, my parents have been saying that I belong on the end of a rope." - David Lee Roth

Wanderlust

2009 is shaping up to be a year of traveling for me.

Chad and I are going to Manitou Springs, Colorado in March.

Kris and I are going to Seattle in May.

Tony and I are going back to Mexico in July.

I'm such a lucky girl.

That's My Penis

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HAPPY VELENTINE'S DAY

I have to say it today because I will be volunteering at the wrestling tournament ALL day tomorrow. So... Love you guys. As we used to say in High School: HAPPY VD!

Sleeping with her tongue out; sitting on Grandpa's lap; her last trip to the lake house

Zoe McClung - December 27, 1996 - February 11, 2009

We had Zoe put down this morning. We are having a family meeting at 3:00 to tell ALL of the kids at once. This has been a pretty rough 72 hours. Tony and I both cried like babies as she fell asleep for the last time. We are going to bury her in the backyard, much against city ordinances. Lucky for us, it is raining and snowing and the backyard is a muddy mess.

I love you, Zoe. I'm sorry for every time I shoved you over to Daddy's side of the bed because you were irritating me. RIP.

Happy Birthday to One of the Best Pals a Girl Could Ask For

“And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years.” - Abraham Lincoln

“The old believe everything; the middle aged suspect everything: the young know everything.” - Oscar Wilde

“Old age is not so bad when you consider the alternative.” - Maurice Chevalier

Zoe is going to spend the day with Doc Richardson. He is going to give her some heart medication and see how she does. He said that she definitely would NOT survive exploratory surgery, so the heart medication is our last option. We are going back up at 3 to see how the medication is doing. Cross your fingers.

Sorry for the lack of communication today, I just hung out with Zoe all day.
The vet finally called back around 530 and said that most of the blood work was back, just waiting on a couple more things. Everything is normal so far. The normal blood work was good and bad news. Good that nothing serious showed up, bad that it wasn't something simple and treatable. If the rest of the blood work comes back normal tomorrow, I'm being told that the only option at this point is to do exploratory surgery, which is not recommended due to her age. I guess I will go in and sit down with the doc tomorrow and talk it through.

I'm Not Crying, I've Just Got Some Dog Love Stuck in My Eye

Zoe started vomiting last weekend. I took her to the vet Tuesday and they gave her antibiotics and anti-nausea medication. She did very well until Thursday night when she started vomiting again. It has gotten progressively worse since then. She was up all night heaving, so I took her back to the vet this morning. They asked me if I wanted to run tests or just have her put down. I started to cry and said I wanted to make sure that it wasn't just something stuck in her throat or something. So they took xrays, which showed nothing and ran some blood work, which we are still waiting for the results. I never thought I would feel this way about a stupid animal (shut up Chad). I am devastated. I have slept with this dog almost every night for the past 12 years. I am going to ignore everything I have to do today, snuggle with my dog and wait for the vet to call me with the test results.

Girls and Gold Medals

Magee Jayne went to wrestling practice with her cousins a couple of times just because she was bored. One night she came home and said 'Mom, I want to wrestle.' I wanted to scream 'HELL NO!' but I figured if I did that I would only make her want to do it more (see, she not only looks like me, she acts like me, too). So I told her that we would talk about it and that I would talk to her Uncle Todd (the coach) and see what he had to say, all the while my head was spinning trying to think of things to say to convince her not to do it. I am not a dainty woman but I sure as hell didn't want to see my daughter wrestling boys. It is hard enough watching your boy play football! She dresses nice, she wants to wear makeup, she is all girl in every other way. So she goes in the living room and says 'Daddy, I want to wrestle.' To which Daddy replies 'No. You're a girl.' Upon hearing this, I immediately stood up and said 'Oh, yes. She is going to wrestle. And don't you ever tell my daughter she can't do something because she is a girl!!' I didn't go to her first few tournaments because I didn't think I could handle it. I sent scouts and even video cameras. The first recorded match I watched, I cried my eyes out. As it turns out, my daughter is quite the wrestler. She has only lost 3 matches and has a whole slew of medals, only the Gold has been eluding her. I broke down and went to her tournament today because it was the last one of the season. It was very difficult for me to watch and I managed to hide my tears while I busied myself with taking pictures to distract myself. She walked with a gold medal today and is very proud. I have no idea how this happened. I never in a million years would have thought that I would have a daughter wrestling but I was very proud of her today. She has worked very hard to achieve her goal of winning a gold medal and she did it. Here are some pictures. Do you think you could watch your daughter do this? It isn't easy. She made the second boy in the pictures cry, I felt sorry for him.