Saturday.. Saturday.. Saturday...

Saturday night's alright!

I took my little Saturn AKA Silverbell and drove on up to Baton Rouge to hang out with mi familia.  I got there and they were already underway with the weekend celebration.  I joined them up on the patio and for God's sake it was freezing!  Or what we southerners refer to as 40 degree weather....  I started out with my wool coat on, it was passed on to me when my Grandmother passed away and I can't bring myself to throw it out.  It is super warm and really long so it covers me all the way down to my ankles.  Within one glass of wine I put on my hat, paisley patterned gloves (double layered so extra warm)  and Dave was sweet enough to bring me a scarf.

Soon after this photo was taken we went in to eat some of Dave's famous cocktail weenies.  There is nothing like sharing some family flatulence over a piping mini crock pot of cocktail weenies and splurging with some broccoli dipped in Hidden Valley Ranch Dip.  After everyone got a few good laughs at my outfit and repeatedly called me a train conductor I perfected my "choo-choo" walk and Dave took us to Happy's Irish Pub.  Jojo and I piled into the back of Dave's truck and he and Aaron took the "cockpit" and away we went!

My winter Garb (note what I was wearing for later reference)

 At this point I was still smoke free even though I was surrounded by smokers thanks to my almighty Gobstoppers.  I had some more wine at the bar and we started to indulge in some poetic prose on the walls in our booth due to it being the tradition of Happy's. 

At one point the guys put about 10 Gobstoppers in the bottom of my glass of wine, no big deal at first, but nearing the end of the glass it turned into gross sugar overload.  It was at this point, and some trips outside with them so they could smoke, that I gave in and bummed a cigarette.  After the guys stopped drooling over the bartender, she was nice enough to take this photo of us all together...



Me, Aaron, Jojo, Dave

 I don't know how long after this photo and much procrastination on the ladies part, the guys finally threw us (literally) back into the truck.  I remember Jojo's leg being some how perched over me and through to the front seat over the console, and at one point I lost my shoe???  I decided to give in since I already fell down the smoking cliff and have Dave stop to buy me a pack of cigarettes.  Since I was stuffed in the back seat he decided it was best to just go in and get it for me.  However, my outfit finally grew on him and he demanded to be as cool as I was... so there in the parking lot he stripped of his casual winter gear and threw on (with much style and finesse) my Grandmothers wool coat, my suede hat, my paisley patterned gloves (that he ooo-ed and awww-ed over their warmth), and the grey scarf.  We all giggled so much we almost had an accident in his truck.  The convenience store didn't know what hit them when this pseudo - fiddler - on - the roof  was getting tons of photos snapped of him in the parking lot.  Here is his money shot...

And from there he whisked his scarf over his shoulder and headed into the store.  He pranced right in through the sliding doors turning around on his runway and kicking up the tails of the jacket to pose for yet more pictures (unfortunately not on my phone camera).  We were hysterical at this point and he continued to please us with various poses before he made it up to the counter.  When he did get to checkout I remember him telling us that the lady said she "thinks he looks good."  Well ofcourse you do Davesy, of course you do.  Then we made our way back to their apartment, Dave still wearing my winter look and myself converted into his casual winter fashions.  Aaron tackled me on the grass for a few minutes while I was in fits of wino laughter and later informed everyone that he strategically placed me out of the harm of any "dog poop" being that I was in Dave's jacket.  Dave took his final walk up the stairs and into his front door charming us with poses for photos the whole way.

After that we all converged over some oven baked chicken shishkabobs in the kitchen with a side of ranch style beans (cue flatulence).  There were a million other things that happened and caused fits of laughter but I will spare you those details because it is late and I'm tired.  However, there is nothing better than hanging out with the family.  Until next time...

The Jawbreaker.

Today was day twelve of quitting smoking, one of my many New Year’s resolutions.  I’ve been referencing timelines from different websites that let me know what to expect physically and mentally.  Everything has been text book so far, but then there are the whacked out cravings that hit me when I least expect them.  The best remedy that I have discovered so far (thanks to Francesca) are Jawbreakers and Gobstoppers. 



Jawbreaker

I re-discovered the Jawbreaker recently when Francesca grabbed the last one out of the candy basket at work.  Then I raided the candy machine and found the next best thing, Gobstoppers.  Gobstoppers are mini-jawbreakers.  They are smaller versions and they don’t last as long as a Jawbreaker.  A Jawbreaker is a serious commitment!  If you have a 1” Jawbreaker you can expect it to last a good hour, changing colors & flavors as you make it through each layer, until you get to the chewable sweet tart center.  It definitely outlasts any cravings.  A Gobstopper is much smaller and lasts maybe 20 minutes.

We found a package of about 15 jawbreakers at Fresh Market in Mandeville and they have lasted us about a week.  Today was just like every other, I ate my lunch and then the craving got out of hand.  It feels like my throat closes up and I just have to breathe to de-stress myself and get rid of the craving.  I knew we were low on Jawbreakers so I was trying to do quick fixes with the Gobstopper.  Then Francesca announces that we only have one Jawbreaker left!  Instant panic!  I played it coy and said I could always have my gobstoppers.  She did her normal Francesca song and dance and said she would let me have it.  Oh, how she lives to make me happy!  If the Jawbreaker made me happy it was mine! 

I got caught up in my work and probably about a half hour later I asked about the Jawbreaker.  I heard some rumbling, mumbling and shuffling of plastic packages.  Francesca walked over saying “it is right here” and handed me the see through plastic package with a soggy jawbreaker in it!  I called her out in her misfit lies and reminded her of her sweet songs about my happiness.  Then I think the sugar took over because she wigged out and popped the Jawbreaker back in her mouth fussing something about “Here’s your Jawbreaker right here!  Take a photo of it to last you longer and put it on your blog!”

So I did… and it seems she was somewhere between blue and green….

I made it through my craving with laughs and Gobstoppers.  We also started a search for Jawbreakers in the area to get us through no smoking week three.  I will be in Lafayette this weekend and we came across a wee little shop called the Candy Craze.

  I have called and confirmed… Jawbreakers?  Check.  Will they be open? Check.  AWESOME!  Now the hard part will be taking three young boys with me into the candy shop.  Why would I think that would be difficult when my son keeps popping into my bedroom doorway and shooting suction cup darts at me????!!!!!!!!!!

HA! HA! HA!  That is sooooo fun mom!  I shot you right there in the boob crack!