The New Year is Here...Let's Catch Up

Having just read a delightful blog entry by my friend Tracy, I decided that maybe I should re-enter the blogging world; if for nothing else a creative writing release. I do wonder, who reads this anyway? And, who cares?

I haven't blogged since August and since then, life as I know it has forever been changed. In September, my dad's mom (MaMa Hart) fell down her basement steps and broke her shoulder. She went to the nursing home for rehab and was doing very well. She was content and really seemed to enjoy the company that the nursing brought. On October the 29th I was standing in the clerk's office getting ready to vote absentee when my mom rushed in and said that my dad called and MaMa Hart passed away. I was sad for me, but I was so sad for my dad. It doesn't matter how old you are--your momma, is your momma and you will always love her and always need her. We buried her in her red suit--just like she wanted--and I must say, she looked beautiful. She always loved jewelry and makeup and clothes; I'd like to think that I got that from her.



Ten short days after my MaMa passed away, came the biggest shock of my life. My dad passed away. I don't care how old you are--your daddy, is your daddy and you will always love him and need him. There really are no words that can describe the gamut of feelings I've felt since that day, so I won't even attempt it. While I know that he's at peace and the cancer that plagued his body is no more, it doesn't fill the void of knowing that my dad will never walk me down the isle; my dad will never hold my children; my dad isn't here. Oh sure, in spirit he's here...he's everywhere. Someone once told me that the veil between heaven and earth is so thin--that why couldn't he be here? Of course he can. So, in honor of my dad--we continue to live...we continue to love...and we continue to press on knowing that one day, we shall inherit what he already has.

Anyway, in the famous words of Annelle from my favorite movie, "Steel Magnolias"..."there are still good times to be had." In the midst of sadness, this is so true. Whether we like it or not, life does go on. We can either live with the changes or stay marred down in self pity. I choose to live and to love with every fiber of my being...and that's a loooooot of fiber!!

"Freeborn Man"

I haven't blogged in a "coons age" and we southerners know that means it's been a looooong time. There is no way I can write about everything that has happened since the last blog so I'll just start fresh and tell you about a cool experience I had last week.

I'll preface this by saying that I'm a big talker. If you know me, you already know this. I will talk to anyone, anytime, anyplace; mostly because I'm nosy and I believe that everyone has a unique story. I'd like to think of myself as another version of Oprah...the Conservative, Severely Underpaid Oprah (sans Steadman of course). So, last week I'm in Louisville at a training and am staying at the Hyatt downtown. Now this is a nice set-up: I'm close to 4th Street Live which I love and the Louisville Ironman was going on last week so all those hot, hard-bodied athletes were staying at my hotel. Needless to say, I gawked and drooled and drooled and gawked the whole week. I had never seen so many pretty legs in all my life! But that isn't the cool part. After dinner one night, Rhonda, Denise, Jamie (the Columbai girls) and myself (the lone Russell Countian) return to the hotel to just 'chill' for a few. We walk into the lobby and spot an older gentleman who is dressed a bit eccentric for his age. Jamie is certain that it's Bruce Jenner's brother. He sits alone in the lobby, so in true Oprah fashion, I sit down across from him and strike up a conversation. Long story short he tells me that he's in town because he's playing in a band at the state fair. I asked if he was in a band that maybe I'd heard of...he says I'm too young (got to love that) to remember the 1960's (and he's right, I don't even remember the 70's). I told him to not underestimate me because I'm a music lover and that I even love bluegrass music so I feel like I'm pretty well rounded. He then tells me that he is a member of Paul Revere and the Raiders (who?) AND that his name is Mark Lindsay AND that he wrote a little song called "Freeborn Man." Uh HELLO!! That is like a bluegrass anthem! So my ears perk up, and I sing the first line to him, "I was born in the southland" to which he finishes the line by singing, "twenty some odd years ago" and in unison we sing, "I ran away for the first time when I was only 4 year old I'm a freeborn man!"

That was a bizarre experience if you ask me.

I Suck at Blogging

Seeing as how I haven't blogged since January makes me question my existence in the 'blog world.' Who reads this stuff anyway? Aren't you keeping up with me on facebook already?

Quick recap of the past 10 months.

January: Saw Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver in Cookeville. Made a funny memory in the bathroom (I'll tell you about it later). Went to Murray, Ky and ate my first sushi (Thanks Adam Scott)...it wasn't bad at all. I actually want to try it again. Had a very fun time at the cabin with my fellow Dunnville Hornets (quote of the year from Mary Ann, "I'm SO upset!") Met two new wonderful friends (Tonnie and MaryAnn). Thanks Tracy for the introductions.

February: Went to Nashville to the Station Inn to see Luke Bulla and Bryan Sutton. Fun times. Heard the "Dick Reunion" Story and laughed until I hurt. I STILL laugh when thinking about it.

March: Reconnected with some wonderful former Somerset Physical Therapy co-workers.

April: Went to Keeneland and met "Dick in the Box." I wonder how old Dick is now...and I wonder if he misses me. Attended Lifesavers conference in Louisville--HAD A BLAST, but how could you NOT have a good time when you're with Eunice?

May: Fell apart this month...why do we get so torn up over boys? Started putting things back together when the girls hit Bonita Beach WIDE open for Tonnie's 40 and Fabulous beach tour. It was a much, much, MUCH needed break from life in Kentucky. Oh, and how could I forget? Shelley Haynes and I made our CMT video debut in Steve Azar's "Moo La Moo" video shoot at Mercy Lounge in Nashville.

June: MC'd pageants at the fair, joined my fellow Dunnville Hornets in Georgetown for a fun weekend, wrecked a staff car in Hazard and found out how crazy people really can be.

July: Relay for Life...benefit for a co-workers husband...working my tail off before the bluegrass festival.

August: Waterpark, Dunnville Hornets reunion at the cabin, BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL--YEAR 6--HUGE SUCCESS...turned 30...big birthday bash in Nashville with Tracy, Tonnie, MA, Deb and Jen.

September: Dock Party (what a night) with Kara, Adam, Derek, Amber, Luke and Richie...crash my fellow hornet Tracie's wedding (still waiting for Mary Ann to post pics)...spent the weekend with my college roommate, Jessica...and had a fun night of cornhole at Brooke and Bryan's. Oh, and I had a delightful lunch with Claudette (another former co-worker at Somerset Physical Therapy).

October: Attend high school classmate and friend, Josh Root's wedding...1st birthday party of a very special set of twins (Caroline and Courtney Haynes)...worked the Four Roses leg of the Bourbon Chase Relay Race with my college roommate...

November (so far...13 days in)...found out my best friend Kara is HAVING ANOTHER BABY!

Yes, in ways it's been a tough year. Seems like I've felt things I've never felt before and experienced things I never care to experience again. However, there are a few constants that remain --my wonderful family, my oh-so-sweet- nieces and nephews, my fabulous girlfriends--that make the one curve ball much more bearable.

At the beginning of this year, the things I thought would happen, haven't. Part of that is my own fault. I may have lost the battle, but I didn't lose the lesson. I've learned from things that's happened this year and am better for it. Maybe next year I won't set my goals so high...or maybe I just won't let my goals hinge on someone else. In 10 more months, I'll let you know how that works out for me.

Happy New Year!!

Oh gosh...I am so glad it's the new year! I am soooo over 2008. It really wasn't a year to remember for me. Not one to linger in the past, half of 2008 was spent in emotional turmoil over my dad's lung cancer/chemotherapy and honestly the rest was just somewhat of a blur. Oh sure, there were a few bright spots; the festival was a success, I made new friends, reconnected with some old friends, saw one of my best friends tie the knot and another give birth to her first--much anticipated--child. But, I am ready for 2009 and the potential it has to be my best year ever. You know, I'm turning the big 3-0 in 2009 and with my old age has come some wisdom.

This is what I vow for the new year:

The knowledge and understanding that 'MEN ARE LIKE TRAINS...THERE'S ALWAYS ANOTHER ONE.' If he doesn't treat me the way I deserve to be treated--then someone else will. No more of this 'waiting on him to change' business...that just doesn't happen.

Attitude is everything. I can make any situation better--or worse--depending on how I react to it.

I am the only one that can make me happy. I will no longer begrudge happy couples--or happy parents--of their happiness simply because I'm jealous. If I'm not happy to begin with, having the things I most long for wouldn't make me happy either.

I'm going to learn how to sew. I'm going to make something cool too.

I'm going to listen to as many old stories from my parents and relatives as I can. I could even write those stores down.

I'm going to study more American History...and read less romance (no wonder we women are never satisfied! We compare men to the MADE-UP men in books).

And finally, I'm going to just love life and meet 2009 head on--ready for whatever lay in store for me. As Tim McGraw would say, "I'm an Indian Outlaw"...oh no...wrong song, "Cry a Little Less...Laugh a Little More"...NOW we're talking.

I haven't blogged in 2 months!!!

Man, am I ever a slacker? I haven't logged onto my blog in like 2 months!! Needless to say it's been very, very busy. The good news is that in my 2 month absence, my car has been repaired. I really missed old "Black Attack" while she was in the shop; of course, I'm paranoid that it will happen again. If it does, you better believe I'm letting her burn to the ground though!! :D

In other news, the highway safety contract at my office is back so I can continue doing the job I love. If anyone needs anything highway safety related--I'm the gal to call. I've even had to learn about truck hitches AND how to back a trailer in the midst of this whole contract deal. But, again...I love it and I will not complain.

Also, being the total and complete nerd that I am, I've rediscovered my love for needlepoint. I highly recommend THE EYE OF THE NEEDLE in Lexington for all your needlepoint needs.

Now, onto other news...my dad has been really sick. He did so well with his first 3 chemotherapy treatments, but the 4th one proved to be very hard on him. He's been so weak--can't eat, can't drink, some days can barely maneuver around. It's really very difficult to watch the change happen. The doctors ordered a CT scan and the results were good; the doctor seems to think that the cancer is gone. As a precaution though, he wanted dad to take 2 more treatments but at a lower dose. He has one more--the week of Christmas--and then they will do another PET Scan to get more detailed results. I sure hope that he can start the road to recovery very soon. As hard as this has been on him, my mom has suffered too and that too is hard to watch. She is such a good caregiver; whatever he wants--she tries so hard to make sure he gets it.

Other than that, as Stewie Griffin would say, "the world keeps on spinning." Every day presents something new--sometimes good, sometimes bad...but always worth it.

There's An Old Flame Burning In My Car?!

Weird things happen to me. I get frostbite in August, my vision improves to almost perfect without surgical assistance and my car catches on fire.

As usual, I was running late this morning and decided that I would put on my foundation/blush at home, but fix my eyes when I got to the office. I roll into the LCADD parking lot around 8:20 and head to my office to begin returning phone calls and while on hold I discover a few stray eyebrows so I pluck them and then start putting on my eyeshadow when over the loudspeaker I hear, "CLARISSA HART COME TO THE FRONT OFFICE IMMEDIATELY!" I was about half irritated because, after all, I was on the phone (albeit on hold) and my makeup still wasn't finished. But, as duty calls, I must answer so I head up to the front office where I'm informed that my CAR IS ON FIRE!!! Uh, what?! My car? Is on fire? Are you KIDDING me? Sure enough, I look outside and there is smoke billowing from under the hood of old 'Black Attack.' I walk on outside, pop the hood and HOLY MOTHER OF PEARL--there are FLAMES shooting out from under the hood!! This is not a good sign. Something is obviously awry. Luckily, someone has enough sense to get the fire extinguisher and curb the fire. Once it's out, I realize that there will be people to call, people to see about this catastrophe and I am still only looking half put together. So I rush back inside, hurriedly throw on the rest of my eye makeup and begin calling the necessary people.

Moments later it looks like a memorial to my car. The hood is up and people are gathered around viewing the deceased. I wanted us to hold hands and sing, "Amazing Grace" but I didn't figure anyone would go for that. Soon the wrecker came and hauled my car away where the damage can properly be assessed. The next step in the whole process was giving a recorded statement to my insurance adjuster. It lasted 25 minutes and I answered a string of bizarre questions such as, 'what color were the flames that shot out?' and 'have you been in any altercations recently--or have any enemies?' or 'how long have you had that set of tires on your car?' and one of my favorite, 'how do you plan on getting home today?'

I am anxious to see how this all plays out for me and my 'hunka hunka burning love' car!

PICTURES HERE!!

Memoirs of a Bridesmaid

I left Russell Springs on Thursday morning for the mountains of Letcher County in Eastern Kentucky for my college roommate--and one of my best friends--wedding. After 3 plus hours on the road--and winding up and down mountain roads (DUSTY mountain roads I might add) I finally arrived at the Jenkins Country Club to find the bride-to-be and her family elbow deep in reception decorations, so I rolled up my sleeves and soon found myself in the middle of feather boas, crystal trees and loads of candy. The bride--who I will refer to as either Jessica or Joder depending on my mood--rescued me from the decorations and took me to the church so we could just WATCH the professionals decorate the church. Now, from the outside, this looked like just a normal old church; the sign said it was built in 1913. But, when we walked in the sanctuary, it was AMAZING! The stained glass windows were huge and absolutely gorgeous. Jessica told me that these windows came over from Italy and that they've tried to have them insured but can't because they are virtually priceless. On the outside, the windows have these ugly thick grey window coverings so that the stained glass won't be broken. Family ties aside, I understood completely why she wanted to get married here. I snapped out of my awe stricken state to get back to work for there were things to do--pulpits to move and arguments to be had over candelabras. Don't people know the bride is always right?! Finally, we call it a night and make the 30 minute trip to Pikeville where we are staying with Jessica's mom.

Day 2: Friday, October 3rd. I wake at 7:45 am and decide that although I look like a skank, I don't care because I'm just heading back to Jenkins for more DECORATING! First though, I had to go to the bridal store and pick up a bridesmaid's dress and Jessica's wedding dress. Then, I drive the 30 minutes to Jenkins. I arrive in Jenkins and am immediately assigned the task of driving into Whitesburg (also a town in Letcher County) to take Jessica's sister Emily to get her eyebrows waxed. Emily is very quiet, and as a big talker, quiet people make me nervous so we basically rode in silence to "The Copper Comb" which we later find out wasn't the hair shop where we were supposed to go. But anyway, the eyebrows got waxed and to make sure there was legitimate silence on the way back, I offered to let 16 year old Emily drive my car back to the country club. I was quiet...she was quiet...and we arrived in one piece; I call that MAJOR SUCCESS.

Now, back at the country club there were chargers to be put on each table, water goblets to be placed 'just so' and a million other little details to see to...all while the groom relaxes on the golf course as his BIG MAJOR task of 'getting the keg' has been completed. Just goes to show that a woman's work is never done. We realize that the rehearsal is drawing nigh so Jessica and I set out for Neon (yet another town in Letcher County)to the infamous "GRANNY AND PAPAW HOGG'S HOUSE" to shower and get ready for the rehearsal. I mention to Granny that I needed to iron my dress slacks to which she replies, 'just take them off and hand them to me and I'll go throw them in the dryer.' So, I did just what she told me and took refuge in her bedroom until she came back with my nice, warm, wrinkle-free slacks. That's the kind of people they are...they make you feel like family.

The rehearsal and the dinner following was pretty uneventful--not much to tell. I got to catch up with another one of my college roommates--Jessica Childers Morelock and with Jessica Dennis Mullins who is one of my best friends from college as well. We went back to the country to finish up and again hit the sack sometime after midnight.

THE BIG DAY--SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4TH!
I got to sleep until about 8:30/9:00, shower, dry my hair and drive on with all my wedding day supplies to the church. When I get there--YOU GUESSED IT--MORE DECORATING!!!!!! Thankfully though, it was very minimal. Most of the morning was spent being entertained by the flower girl--Lauren Mullins. She is one funny little girl. Lauren's mommy (Jessica Dennis Mullins) sang in the wedding and had us all crying while she was practicing...I love her voice. I tried to upload a video of her singing but it was taking FOREVER! Sorry...just trust me when I say that she is very talented.

We finally dried our eyes and headed back to our holding quarters to finish getting ready. I got my make-up on and then had to get the dress on, but more important than the dress was the SPANX. Jessica Mullins had to help me tuck the Spanx under my bra because I didn't want there to be any slippage going on. Finally I'm in the dress and then it hits me...Jessica Hogg is getting MARRIED! Wow! For as long as I've known Jessica, she's described her fantasy wedding to me--right down to the bouquet and the way she wanted to take her guests and grooms breath when they saw her for the first time in her dress. These are not the things I wanted to think about as I got ready to march down the isle in my burnt orange bridesmaids dress. But, when the time came and I went down that isle, all I could think about was how this truly was her day--the day she has always dreamed of. Then they opened those doors and there she stood with her dad and I couldn't help it--I CRIED LIKE A BABY! It's a good thing i wrapped Kleenex around my flowers. I cried the entire ceremony...partly because my feet were killing me. Thank goodness I was up against a wall so that when the preacher prayed his 23 minute prayer (well it SEEMED that long to me) I could lean up against the wall for a some relief. I'm pretty sure that will look great in the wedding video (sorry!).

As soon as the wedding was over, I kicked off those darned old heels and put on my flip flops; thank the Lord for small blessings. I drove to the reception only to find that I drove there with the sash to my dress hanging out the door of my car. Oh it doesn't stop there...I went to the bathroom and the ties to my corseted back dress went down in the toilet. They were only a little bit wet. I dried them as best I could and got ready to BOOGIE DOWN!! The dancing was great but the videographers had those cameras in our faces all night so I should apologize to the bride and groom now for all the horrible dance moves I came up with that night. I will also apologize for the 'white girl face' I do while dancing. All too soon, we lit our sparklers and sent the newlyweds on their way. However, with as much decorating that had been going on--NO ONE EVEN OFFERED TO DECORATE THE GET-AWAY CAR!! I think the groomsmen let us down on that one. MEN!! Such slackers.

And with that, I do believe my bridesmaids days are over. I have escaped with only having 5-6 dresses in my closet that will never be worn again. Someone should really make a movie about girls that are always the bridesmaid and never the bride and call it something catchy like "5 Dresses"...no, no...5 isn't enough. How about a random number like..."27 Dresses." Seriously, someone should make that movie!

All in all the weekend was a blast. It was good to meet new friends and reacquaint myself with old ones. It was good to see Jessica's dream wedding become a reality and to know that my hot dance moves will forever be immortalized!! CONGRATS MR. AND MRS. SCOTT CARTY!!

check out the wedding pics here!!