Deep In The Forrest

F rom time-to-time I crack open my old teen journal and try and remind myself of how I have grown. Occasionally it occurs to me that I haven't made it as far down the road as I thought, kind of like when you take a wrong turn and end up going in circles and right back in front of the same bagel shop. It happens. The important thing besides stopping off for a bite of bread, is just to keep driving, keep learning. Recently as I skimmed through those youthful pages full of electric fire, I was reminded of my college days. Looking back, still some of the best days of my life. There was a professor then whose name I cannot reveal for two reasons: #1, he might 'Google' himself and find this, and #2 the other students, both past and present, might read it and think me insane. Therefore, we'll call him "Mr. Hand" just for privacy purposes. The fact that "Mr. Hand" brings a comedic slant to the idea of this teacher will just be a bonus. Mr. Hand was one of t...

Lately I've noticed the number of people reading and relaxing while on the machines at the gym has increased. I'm not sure whether this is due to it being too early in the morning for me, so these things get on my nerves worse, or people are just relaxing more while trying to raise their heart rate. One man in particular, albeit a senior citizen, enjoys riding the recumbent bike while working his daily crossword puzzle. Meanwhile, as I sweat profusely behind him, seething, wondering how is he even working up a sweat? It takes all I have just to work out and fiddle with my playlist and grab an occasional drink of water. Is it just me? What's the deal with these people? It's not against gym policy by any means, but it is certainly something that has gotten under my skin a bit. I mean, why don't we get you a blanket and a pillow and some hot cocoa while we're at it? If you happen to be one of these reading/crossword puzzle working workout gems, feel free to set m...

When I was a child , I used to enjoy hanging semi-upside-down from swings, and sometimes just looking at things from the floor in an upside-down way, you know, to see it from a different perspective. When looking upside down, it seemed like the ceiling became the floor, and all of the doors were flip-flopped, and I dreamed up an entire universe almost, just from seeing things from this strange vantage point. To me, it made all things possible... limited only by my child's imagination. As I floated there in this state, would try to imagine what it would be like to exist in this reverse plane of existence. Even outside, where the ground became the sky and the sky became a vast, infinite field of clouds, I was mesmerized. It was eye-openingly beautiful. Sometimes as adults, we get so caught up in trying to figure out a solution to our problems that we lose sight of the truth. "What is the truth?" you might ask. Well, I feel that the truth is many different things to each one...

Random Thoughts and Facts Guys #1, 2 and 3 were named Larry, Larry and Darryl. Am I the only one who finds it really ironic and laughable that the first 3 guys I had any real romantic involvement with were named "Larry", "Larry" and "Darryl"?? I am glad that Larry, Larry and Darryl were not brothers. Am Daring you to tell me what Television show that came from. Go ahead. Laugh. Although the above guys were not brothers, I did end up later dating brothers. I did not, however date the brothers at the same time (exactly). I am prone to cheesy fits of 80s music. You might hear me 20 minutes later blaring metal. I love to Karaoke, both secretly and publicly. Sometimes I am way too random for my own good. I enjoy my alone time more than you know. It disturbs me when I think how antisocial I feel sometimes. What is with people just walking up and interrupting others these days? Common courtesy is dead. This happens all day long. Some days I just don't feel li...

Click The Frog For One Of My Favorite Warner Brothers Cartoons Ever! Enjoy.

Haven't had much time or inclination over the weekend, or really anything noteworthy to talk about. Still, I have a few things in the works for posts this week. So don't go far, because I want readers. Tell ya mama and ya papa and cousin too. Occasionally I bring home an entertaining thought or paragraph. ;) I thought since I didn't have anything new to bring to the table, maybe you'd like to take a backward glance at some of my older works of genius. Here's a little handful of decent posts you may have missed. A Peek Into Jackie's Teenage Journal How I Met My Husband The Story of "Z" (a must if you like love stories) Kissing Frogs Noteworthy (more things that get on my nerves) More Recently, you might have missed my Christmas "Bitching": Dim Lights Of Dixie I better stop there. I doubt you guys will even make it that far... I mean, Who am I?!? But in case you enjoy reading me it's there for your pleasure. If you still want more, try sear...

My feelings for the last few days leading up to today, January 14th, I feel are probably just because today marks One Year of the passing of my wonderful Dad who is so loved and so missed. Still can't believe he's not here. Since I've posted a lot of thoughts and memories, and songs already that remind me of him, I will just dedicate today's short post in his remembrance, and ask him to please know how much he is physically missed on this Earth, and to keep on looking out for all of us. We can use as much guidance as possible. Mom pictured above in one of my favorite photos with Daddy (8/29/27 - 1/14/09) Jack Cutler, our "Daddy" was one of a kind. They just don't make em' like him anymore. We miss and love him always. This is for you, Daddy... We all wish we could have One More Day (Diamond Rio) Feel free to check out some of my latest posts. Your readership and comments are always appreciated. I look forward to the few I get. And still if you have...

Our weather in the south, as most of you probably know, has been unseasonably cold. We get our "cold snaps", but usually it is not as frigid as it is further up the map. I don't mind it at all, really. I have always loved winter weather, and cold temps. Often, I have wondered why I stuck around this place rather than sprouting my wings and flying off to New York City or someplace like I always dreamt. The biggest reason, I guess I would have to say is my parents. Being 'the baby' of the family, I worried too much and felt too compelled to stay closer to them. In some ways I regret allowing myself to feel this way and miss out on further adventures, and in other ways I am glad I remained close and spent as much time as I could. Unfortunately, when we pick door number 1, we must give up doors 2 and 3... all we can do after that is lie around reminiscing and wondering "What If". My life has been a good one, there have definitely been less fortunate people i...

Snow fell, not really much of it, but enough to screw up driving for quite a few places around the Mid-South (that doesn't take much, but it gives Memphis drivers some excuse I suppose). Today, still seeing a few flimsy flurries. However, from what I understand, everyone else got more than they bargained for. There's your "balance" anyroad. While on my recent "Dad Memories" kick, I found the following videos. Once again, this is not music that I normally listen to, it's stuff my Dad loved and always made us laugh with his "original" renditions of certain ones. Now, make a mental note that the "Mountain Dew" song, below, was one of my Dad's absolute favorites to sing, even though he kind of changed the lyrics up to suit himself. He was also a huge "Hee Haw" fan, so I find it quite appropriate that these clips feature "Grandpa Jones". Grandpa Jones "Mountain Dew" (lol!!) Grandpa Jones sings "Kitty...

M y emotions are extremely high today. By nature, I am a highly emotional person, depending on various factors such as music, scents, memories and of course the energy and emotions of those around me. I tend to be quite empathic to those things, always picking up on the feelings of others. It's not always a good thing. It can be very draining. Don't get me wrong, I do my best to continue on and take care of the day-to-day flow of what I have to do, I'm just saying that I am definitely affected... those around me may or may not see this. On those days when I can't seem to keep it under wraps, however, I am not an easy person to be around... especially for those with a low tolerance for emotion (like Richie-it is hard for him sometimes, but he hangs in there for some strange reason). Given my emotional state today, I have been listening to a few songs that really remind me of my Daddy. Most of you who know me well probably know that although I grew up hearing country mus...

My level of mental exhaustion today is indescribable. I don't know where to begin really, I've just had a tiresome, frustrating day.... one of those that, although some of the incidents may be small, had energy-draining effects on me. Annoyed I am (I say in my best Yoda voice). Everything from the first car that pulled out in front of me this morning, to the rude guy who didn't hold the door open (or offer to help me carry) when I was returning something to his store, to the usual traffic cut offs, it's all added up. I have felt like crap today, I have had it up to here (makes hand sign above head). Ironically, my horoscope says, " January 5, 2010 You are biking with the wind behind you, which gives you extra smooth power that effortlessly eats up the miles. Keep up the pace without straining so when it’s time to take a rest or the wind changes, you’ll have the accomplishment you need under your belt. Sustain without strain for the greatest gain." Yes, althou...