Just not in a mood to post this month.  The only thing of interest for me outside of just surviving holidays and apartment chaos, is Toddlers and Tiaras. I know people trash the show and think all pageants are bad, but they probably haven’t seen the part of pageant life not seen on that show.  I have. I know there are some off the wall antics at pageants.  There are things I do frown about.  I understand the negative, but I know people only see one half of the story.  But one thing I am sad to NOT see on this show and know they’ve phased out are the talent portions.  Pageants used to have talent portions. They were fun to watch the good performances and the bad ones always provided a good laugh later.  Well, such is life.

1. What did you do in 2011 that you’d never done before?
I visited Rhode Island and took a day trip in Massachusetts to see Plymouth Rock.

2. Did you keep your New Years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don’t make them because I’m destined to fail with them.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Not this year.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
Sadly, we lost our beloved Cozy this year. Here’s a picture of him when he was a youngster:

5. What countries did you visit?
Stayed in the US, as usual.

6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?
My own home. Maybe one day.

7. What dates from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
May 1, 2011: Osama Bin Laden’s death. I recalled watching TV breaking in with a special report about a presidential press conference at 10 PM at night. It had me scared until the news stations broke that the conference was about that death.
December 20, 2011: My apartment flooded. My Christmas vacation turned into a week off of trying to take care those issues.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Being able to travel to Rhode Island.

9. What was your biggest failure?
My behavior at times. It seems the more stress I get, the more vipery I get.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I was sick with a bad fever when I came home from Rhode Island. That took quite a bit out of me. Missed 3 days of work due to it.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
I didn’t buy anything big this year.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Ben finally proposed to Beth this year.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
My family did some things this year that got me upset. I also did some things that got to me.

14. Where did most of your money go?
Living expenses and savings.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
I saw the Amy Grant/Vince Gill Christmas show in Savannah this year with Lindsey and Chris. It was a big deal to have them come to Savannah.

16. What song will always remind you of 2011?
“Edge of Glory” by Lady Gaga

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
happier or sadder? About the same.
older and wiser? Yes
thinner or fatter? About the same.
richer or poorer? Poorer in some ways

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Spending time in Savannah. I almost did it this year had it not been for that apartment flooding.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Worrying about stuff I have no control over. As I tell my dad, I do worry about it because I am the type that likes to be able to react quickly to the chain reaction.

20. How did you spend Christmas?
Moving from one apartment to another and fighting with the rest of the world due to anger. Overall, it sucked!

21. Question #21 must have fallen into a crevasse on Mt. Everest. I think it’s still stuck there.

22. Did you fall in love in 2011?
No. Thank God!

23. How many one-night stands?
0.

24. What was your favorite TV program?
The Amazing Race, NCIS, Dancing with the Stars

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
No

26. What was the best book you read?
Didn’t really read anything in its entirety this year. I have a few partly read.

27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Getting into Toto’s music this year.

28. What did you want and get?
Nothing

29. What did you want and not get?
A new house

30. What was your favorite film of this year?
Captain America

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Turned 33 and scheduled the celebration for the following weekend to see Amy Grant in concert.

32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Maybe more money.

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?
What fashion sense?

34. What kept you sane?
Photography, music and travel.

35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
None, really.

36. What political issue stirred you the most?
The Occupy Movement. Anything that requires me to be poorer in terms of “fairness.” If life was fair, I’d be rich and married, but I’m not. I’ve got student loans and other debts I have to pay. I have to work for what I have. I don’t mind helping people in need of help, but don’t dare ask me to help others that make really bad choices and aren’t being proactive in fixing their lives. Case in point: The Bank of America $5 Debt Card fee. I did complain about it, but not only did I complain, I closed my BoA account. Instead of protesting and being disgusting in your protests, take that energy and be productive. I also hate cheats that violate the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act. I was harassed by one of those cheats this year.

37. Who did you miss?
My mother, as always.

38. Who was the best new person you met?
My co-worker, Kndia, is pretty cool.  She just started this year and its right in on our team.

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011:
Floods are horrible.

40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
“I’m on the edge of glory, and I’m hanging on a moment of truth” – “Edge of Glory,” Lady Gaga

Originally posted 8/29/2010: I’m currently talking to my friend, Betsy.  She’s an online friend I’ve had forever.  We met online over our love of *NSYNC. She was a Lance girl. I was into JC.

So, I decided to catalog all the concerts I have been to ever since my first one.  My first concert was to see Richard Marx here in Atlanta at Chastain Park.  I’ve seen many acts, since. Links are to the photos I have on my Flickr account. I still have some more photos I could find and scan.

1. Richard Marx – Chastain Park, Atlanta, GA – July 26, 1997
2. *NSYNC – Florida Mall YM Show, Orlando, FL – May 30, 1998
3. Richard Marx – Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga, TN, – June 14, 1998
4. Richard Marx – Westbury Music Fair, Westbury, NY – July 16, 1999
5. Richard Marx – Foxwoods Casino, Ledyard, CT – July 17, 1999
6. *NSYNC – First American Music Center, Nashville, TN – August 4, 1999
7. Backstreet Boys – Georgia Dome, Atlanta, GA – February 19, 2000
8. LFO – Johnny Mercer Theater, Savannah, GA – May 25, 2000
9. “Weird Al” Yankovic – Johnny Mercer Theater, Savannah, GA – August 22, 2000
10. Aaron Carter – Wal-Mart Tour, Pooler, GA – September 30, 2000
11. Richard Marx – Webcast Filming, Nashville, TN – October 11, 2000
12. BBMAK- Pleasure Island, Orlando, FL – December 16, 2000
13. Backstreet Boys – Georgia Dome, Atlanta, GA – January 27, 2001
14. BBMAK/*NSYNC – Alltel Stadium, Jacksonville, FL – May 23, 2001
15. BBMAK/Youngstown/Nobody’s Angel – MGM Studios, Orlando, FL – June 23, 2001
16. Richard Marx – Grand Opera House, Macon, GA – January 19, 2002
17. Angie Aparo – The Pond House, Statesboro, GA – March 5, 2004
18. Maroon 5 – Armstrong Atlantic State University Fine Arts Auditorium, Savannah, GA – May 6, 2004
19. Train – Donovan Field, Ft. Stewart, GA – June 17, 2004
20. Kimberely Locke – J. F. Gregory City Park, Richmond Hill, GA – October 16, 2004
21. 3 Doors Down – MLK Jr. Arena, Savannah, GA – October 31, 2005
22. Hootie and the Blowfish – Sea Pines Resort, Hilton Head Island, SC – August 17, 2006
23. Johnny Diaz / Steven Curtis Chapman – Turner Field,  Atlanta, GA – August 2, 2008
24. Amy Grant – Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater, Peachtree City, GA – September 11, 2009
25. Jessie James – Turner Field, Atlanta, GA – October 2, 2009
26. Montgomery Gentry – Turner Field, Atlanta, GA – September 11, 2010
27. Caleb / Steven Curtis Chapman – Johnny Mercer Theater, Savannah, GA – October 15, 2010
28. Little River Band – J. F. Gregory City Park, Richmond Hill, GA – October 16, 2010
29. The B-52s – Turner Field, Atlanta, GA – July 16, 2011
30. .38 Special – J. F. Gregory City Park, Richmond Hill, GA – October 15, 2011
31. Amy Grant & Vince Gill 12 Days of Christmas – Johnny Mercer Theater, Savannah, GA – December 11, 2011

Updated: 9/12/2010. Added a new concert to the list
Updated: 10/16/2010. Added a new concert to the list
Updated: 10/20/2010. Added a new concert to the list
Updated: 7/17/2011. Added a new concert to the list
Updated: 10/16/2011. Added a new concert to the list
Updated: 12/18/2011. Added a new concert to the list

My computer is dead. It will be a few more days before I can take the next step. Until then, my phone and my family’s computers must do for me.

Today, I got a scam phone call from 1-987-654-3210. I knew it was a spoof, but I answered on the off chance the system screwed up an ID of a family member’s phone as it has happened before.

No, it was some scammer using VoIP from India trying to scam me. Idiot told me my computer was hooked to his company’s Internet server. Well duh, that’s how the Internet works. But my computer, being down, couldn’t be. I told him he had the wrong number.

Apu was not going to be deterred. He started trying to comfirm my name and number. He started with my last name. I told him he had the wrong number. He wanted me to give him the correct name. Oh no. Not my job or obligation to give it out, especially to something that screams fraud on my Caller ID. And I told Apu as much. Then he goes and tries to comfirm my address. Again, I denied it.

At this point, Apu starts calling me a liar. I yelled at him I didn’t appreciate him calling me to scam me and calling me a liar. I hung up on him.

I shouldn’t have answered the call, but all day I have been laughing and saying “Ma’am I think you are a liar.” It’s also one more scam I have spotted and can tells others about so they won’t be scammed as well.

Twelve Days of Christmas tour 2011 by peachy92

This year, the annual Amy Grant and Vince Gill came to Savannah. Since the timing was so close to my birthday, I made it a belated gift to myself. I attend the show with my friends, Lindsey and Chris. We had a nice night out together.

Our show heard the following:

Part One:

• Jingle Bells – Amy
• It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year – Vince
• I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm – Amy
• The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On an Open Fire) – Vince
• Tennessee Christmas – Amy
• Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree – Amy
• Santa Claus is Coming to Town – The Band
• Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas – Vince
• Baby, It’s Cold Outside – Both
• Baby, It’s Christmas – Both
• Grown-Up Christmas List – Amy
• I’ll Be Home For Christmas – Both

Intermission

Part Two

• Linus and Lucy – The Band
• Sleigh Ride – Vince
• Christmas Can’t Be Very Far Away – Amy
• Winter Wonderland – Vince
• I Need a Silent Night – Amy
• Better Than a Hallelujah – Amy
• Heirlooms – Amy
• Go Rest High on Ye Mountain – Vince
• Let There Be Peace on Earth – Vince and daughter Jenny
• A Cradle in Bethlehem – Vince
• O Holy Night – Vince
• O Come All Ye Faithful – Amy & Vince leading audience
• Silent Night – Amy & Vince leading audience
• ‘Til the Season Comes ‘Round Again – Amy
• Do You Hear What I Hear? – Vince

I did pretty well at the show. I only cried once – during the intro and performance of “Heirlooms.” Amy was reciting a poem she wrote at the request of her mother about aging. She was remarking about the changes she made to the poem after reflecting her differences at age 20 versus age 40. It was then I remembered that she lost her mother earlier in the year. And that’s the part that hit home. In a way, I could experience her growth that led to the addition to poem on my own. And sadly, even though she will never know it, she will be experiencing something I have sadly experienced before her. And after the roller coaster I felt last week, I wasn’t surprised I cried.

Oh, and a cool surprise for me was the band.  Kim, one of Amy’s best friends, and Vince’s daughter, Jenny, were the backing vocalists.  Sadly, where we sat, I couldn’t see Jenny and barely saw Kim.  I briefly met Kim and got a photo with her when I saw Amy in Peachtree City, so I knew who she was.  I wasn’t surprised Jenny was on the tour as well.  My surprise was the bassist for the night.  The bassist was David Hungate.  Which for many people, would probably have been meh about the names of the band members, save for Jenny.  But for those that don’t know, David was the original bassist for Toto.

It was a great show.  And I am so happy I got to spend it with Lindsey and Chris.

Listening to: Pure Prairie League – “Let Me Love You Tonight”

Earlier this week, things were tough for me.  However, I kept telling myself to just make it to today.  And if I had to cry, to just do it.  But once I got to today, things will be better.  Instead of being reflective about losing my mother and wondering if I’ve failed at life and doomed to be alone, promise would beam back into my life.

You see, I have something to be excited about this weekend.  I will be seeing Amy Grant live again! In Savannah!  Of all the time I lived there, I always wanted an act I enjoyed to play there. Since moving to Atlanta, if I wanted to see someone, I could.  2 years ago, she was playing in Peachtree City.  I was able to go with no problems and slept in my own bed at the end of the night.  Savannah never gave such a luxury.

So, to find out her Christmas show would be in Savannah this year, I decided to go home and see the show.  I will be seeing it with Lindsey and Chris.  I can go home and sleep at home after the show.  I can celebrate my birthday with my dad, Matthew, and Beth.

Tomorrow, at work, we have the group’s Christmas party.  Today, we had the building’s party.  For the past 2 years, they have had a photo booth.  I am actually pleased with this year’s photo:

My mother died 6 years ago today. Since that day, I have hated this date. I wish she was still here with us. I wish I could go and talk to her when I feel stressed, alone, and sad.

Today, while during a break at work, it took all I could not to lose it. I just started about thinking about being lonely later in life and it scared me.

I watched How I Met Your Mother tonight. I could relate to Robin’s sadness of finding out she can’t have kids.  I don’t know if I can have kids or not, but I’m single and at this point in my life, fear I am always going to be.  It just added to my fear earlier in the day of being alone.

I tried not let my fear and sadness get to me all day.  After work, Nicki and I went to Life University to see the Lights of Life. My mother would take us out to see Christmas lights.  I try to do something on this date to NOT make me totally sad.  I also had a sweet pastry today that my mother and I enjoy.  It’s something I don’t get all the time, if at all any more.

I guess it’s better to get it out today than on my birthday later this week.  And this date isn’t a bad day after all. A positive influence in my life was born on this day.  He told me one day that he believe I will not be alone forever.

I’m watching the UNC-Kentucky basketball game at the moment.  I see a Kroger logo on the base of the basket structure. It got me to thinking about my childhood.  When I was a kid, Kroger had a Cookie Club.  Well, at least the one at the Crescent Plaza Shopping Center in Nashville, TN.

In the early ’80s, when my mother only had two girls and neither one of use were in school, we’d go back and forth between Augusta, GA and Nashville, TN.  My grandparents were in Nashville, all three of them.  My mother enjoyed going home to be with her family and friends and did it when she could afford to go.  Also, my dad would join her when he could get a few days off from being a soldier.  Even if he didn’t come, my mother would take us to his parents’ home so we could see them as well.

While we were in Nashville, we usually stayed at Grandmother’s home in south east Nashville.  The nearest grocery store Grandmother’s home was the Kroger at Crescent Plaza.  Nicki and I loved going there.  They had a Cookie Club.  Every time we went, we’d show our Cookie Club card and get a chocolate chip cookie for free.  Man, those were some of the best cookies!  Sadly, I can’t find a chocolate chip cookie like that, not even at the Krogers near me today.

I have been busy this month working late nights and spent my Thanksgiving break in Savannah.  I got a new iPhone.  I’m still going on in my Project 365 for 2011. Last weekend, I took Beth to Stone Mountain for her birthday.

Maybe one day I’ll get back into this blogging thing.

So, November is here. Today, I took my car into the shop for regular maintenance. I saw ads for Christmas shopping and nothing really for Thanksgiving.

That reminded me of a conversation my sister and I had earlier this week.  At the moment, she works retail.  Her schedule is up in the air. Her store will be opening at midnight on Thanksgiving this year and there is money to be made.

I think that is sad.  I understand her need for money, but the fact that people are simply sacrificing Thanksgiving for a good deal on a Blu Ray player is even more sad.  What happened to spending time with family?  What happened to taking time to be grateful for what you have? How have we become such a materialistic society that Thanksgiving is becoming a day of naught for a majority of people? How is it that Halloween bleeds right into Christmas?

I finally put up my Halloween decorations that were in my living room today.  I wish I had some Thanksgiving decor to replace it.  Part of me wants my tree up, but then again, putting my tree up now feels like I am forgetting Thanksgiving, too.  I will have to put up my tree prior to my Thanksgiving vacation, since I will be busy then.  My sister Beth’s birthday is that weekend prior to Thanksgiving.  We’re planning on going out for Christmas lights that weekend since it may be the only chance we can see lights together. We might as well put up the tree together, too, while she’s here

Well, since there is no escaping Christmas at this point, I might as well enjoy a bit part of it.  Richard Marx released a Christmas EP this year. I think he used to joke he wouldn’t do such a thing, but people grow and live changes us.  If these changes and growth leads to some new Christmas music, I’m for it.  He’s got a You Tube video of one new song, “Christmas Spirit,” he wrote with Fee Waybill, a collaboration that always produces some cool songs.  Check it out:

Listening to: Daughtry – “Home”