Top Gear
Probably one of the best shows EVER!
We were introduced to it by Karen and Paul when we visited them last November. The show is centered around three British guys and their love for cars. Each show they have a challenge involving a trip and a car that would be the worst possible choice.
Some of the episodes involve driving an old 2 wheel drive beater across Africa and getting stuck in the salt flats, or purchasing a car for under $1,000.00 in Miami and driving from South Beach to New Orleans. While through Alabama they are challenged to paint red neck offending slogans on their cars and get through the state without getting shot or arrested. When they stopped for gas, they were almost jumped by a dozen good ole' boys because of the "Hillary For President", "Nascar Sucks" and "Man Love Is Okay" painted on the sides. It was hilarious!!!
Thanks to Karen, we have every episode on DVD, a gift from her this past weekend. We settled down last night to begin the marathon. For two people who know nothing about cars and don't really care to, we're hooked.
A million thanks to Karen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mini Break Holiday
Jeff and I just returned form a mini break holiday with the Kennedy's and company, staying at a beach house on Galveston Beach.
We flew out Wednesday after work and after a minor flight delay and weird people at the car rental, we arrived at the beach house around 3:00 AM. After a good nights sleep, we set out for a day of sea turtle visiting and ice cream with Julie, her husband Chris and 3 boys and Karen and Paul with their 2, and then some delicious Texas BBQ with Julie's parents.
Friday the boys went out for a round of golf and the girls stayed at the beach house, relaxing in the gulf, getting some R&R on the beach and playing with the kids. I must say, our godson Boris is a water maniac, the kid almost has gills! When the boys got back we had some lunch the back to the beach. Dinner was a traditional cookout with lots of beer. After dinner, Dawn and her daughter came over for the weekend (Dawn used to live in the UK and her daughter played with Ailsa).
On Saturday we had a family breakfast along with some visiting. Lunch was at a seafood place on the beach, where Julie and her family departed. We returned to the house for some more beach time where Dawn's boyfriend and his daughter joined us. After dinner, more friends of Karen's, Bronwyn and David came over for trivia death match.
Sunday we just took the morning off and then went for lunch. From there Jeff and drove back to Houston to catch our flight home, but not without a few tears. I'm going to miss having the Kennedy's so close. Even though they live in England, moving to Abu Dhabi seems so far away.
It was a great weekend, we had a wonderful time with everyone. I wouldn't have traded this weekend for anything.
What's Up With That?
A few billboards have popped up around Orlando that have sparked some controversy. They have the burning Trade Towers in the back ground and the sign reads "Please Don't Vote For A Democrat". On the bottom is a website for The Republican Song.
Funny, but if my memory serves me, W was in office, leading our country that fateful day.
Republicans are assholes.
www.wesh.com/news/16903976/detail.html
What A Headache
I have had FDIC shoved down my throat so much that it's starting to come out my ass.
While it is a scary time for the market and in retail banking in general, people need to get a grip and calm the F down. All this panic is making me crazy.
While I understand that people don't want to loose the money they have worked so hard for, their retirement and just plain old survival income, they also need to do some research to get a better understanding of where they're at.
Bauer Financial is a company that researches and rates banks based on their reserves and capital, gains and losses. Their webite is
http://www.bauerfinancial.com/ and you should check them out.
If you're curious, my company is a four star rated bank. Woot, woot!
Bush Says Banking System Is Basically Sound
What???? It's a yes or no issue. You can't say "basically" when it comes to finances. When W tosses words like that around, it freaks the tacos out of me.
Holy Crap, I'm 32!
I can't believe it. I cannot believe I am 32. This birthday will be quiet and mellow with the usual pizza in bed and Brady Bunch DVD's playing.
Some of my favorite birthdays were...
6th- Roller skating party, my dad couple skating with me and fell on his tookas.
13th- I got my new custom made speed skates!
14th- Spent it at Band Camp where a cake was delivered for me and I got my first kiss from the tuba player when we were playing hide-and-go-seek with partners.
16th- My sister took me first thing in the morning to get my drivers license.
23rd- First birthday with Jeff.
30th- Trip to Key West and a toga party!!!
31st- We adopted Doris Day.
Some of my least favorite birthdays were...
9th- I was promised my own cake since I always had to share with my sister (hers is July 17) and at the party in Delaware, we had a shared cake. I know, I was pouty, but at 9 how can you know any better?
12th-
I was camping at summer camp and felt dirty and gross because I hate camping. Granted we had cabins and running water, but being outside is not my thing. Also my parents had just separated and all they did was argue. Bahhhhhhhh.
18th- The worst is all I will say.
20th- Walked in on the guy I was dating getting a little to personal with another girl.
21st- My ex boyfriend wanted to get back together, so awkward.
FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF
I think I have said the F word in my head so many times today, I've lost count. I've also rolled my eyes so many times one got stuck. F-ing crappy day at work. Need to think of things that make me smile.
1. When George Lucas take several minutes dragging himself off the couch.
2. When Larry greets me at the door when I get home with a full report of the days events.
3. When Doris Day sits on my feet.
4. Hot bath with a gossip magazine.
5. Last but certainly not least, hugs and kisses from my Jeffrey.
My V.P.
Jeff accepted the position of Vice President of Communications (which includes the PR and Marketing) yesterday. They made an offer, he countered, they settled.
I'm very proud of you, Honey Bunny!!!!
So Far So Good
I just went through a very intense three day compliance assessment at work to prepare for an upcoming audit.
My branch did awesome!!! Thank goodness it's over though. Now it's time to get ready for the big one.
