I'm So Proud

I got a call from my favorite niece this week. She was down in Oriental with her dad and brother visiting my mom. While they were there, Chris (dad) decided that it was time for the kids to get their summer haircuts. So he took JC (brother) to a real barber shop - his first time, how cool. And Alexis (favorite niece) got to go with Nana to the beauty parlor and the mall for a girls day (I might be a little jealous).

When I talked to her she told me that she had decided to cut off her long hair and donate it to Locks of Love - which is the same organization that I donated my hair. They create wigs for kids with cancer who lose their hair during chemotherapy. I could not have been more proud of her. It was completely her idea and I think it's absolutely FANTASTIC! Check out her new hairdo - and new dress and accessories. She's even more beautiful on the inside - what a wonderful young lady!

Super Sam

Sam loves a cape - ever since his dad stuffed a little blankie in the back of his shirt. Now he's gotten in the habit of wearing his coat like a cape - and conveniently running all around the house. It's cute - but can be a little frustrating when it's actually cool outside and he needs to wear it like a coat. Oh well - at least summer is almost here. Check out our little super hero in action:

Worst Test Drive Ever

On my way home from work the other day, I noticed this little fender bender. Normally, this wouldn't be of much interest - except that the cop was out there still. But when I noticed that the car at fault (the one in the back) still had the dealer stickers in the windows and dealer tags on the back - I knew that doofus just completed his most expensive test drive ever.

A Day of Learning

So after my brush with greatness at Pres. JC's book signing - I continued to learn some interesting things about the Raleigh area as I drove home.

First, apparently the police in Clayton have so little to do that they hang out, oops, I mean 'continue to investigate' the January arson of the local strip club - The Crazy Horse. The club was currently under an investigation of whether there were inappropriate sexual conduct and if dancers were consuming alcohol while on duty. Really, consuming alcohol while working at a strip club is illegal? I would think it would be mandatory. Oh and the investigation started due to an 'unrelated complaint'....uh-huh. I wouldn't be surprised if a disgruntled ALE officer got a little upset when his advances were rebuffed from a dancer that realized he was out of money - ha ha!
Then I got to see a mini version of rednecks on parade. Now, don't get me wrong, I remember riding in the back of pickup trucks as a kid - but I was a bit younger and had more clothes on. Hey, that hat matches his farmer tan!
And then I learned that I live in a whole state full of sinners. At least according to this guy - he's urging the whole state to repent. That's quite a hefty request.

My Favorite Living President

On May 2, I had the day off and did some running around town - as usual. I seem to be busier on my fridays off than when I'm working. Anyway, I went to the WalMart Supercenter in Clayton for a book signing. I know what you're thinking - a book signing at WalMart? It's really a great marketing move - they have tons of stores and millions of customers. But this wasn't just any ordinary book signing - it was former President Jimmy Carter signing his new book dedicated and about his mother called 'A Remarkable Mother.' What a great gift for Mother's Day, right? Yes!

I have great admiration for Pres. Carter. Sure he made a few mistakes within his Presidency, but overall he's a great man who's done so much for our country and our world. And the fact that he's a good southern man is just the whipped cream on top! So it shouldn't be surprising that I was very excited to get to actually see him and possibly meet him.

When I arrived 30 mins early - I just happened to be behind the mini motorcade. When I got inside I noticed that the line was already very long. I got a little nervous. But then they had some workers coming around and they said he would be there for a full 2 hours and that he can sign 10 books in 15 seconds - is that a record or an exaggeration? Anyway, the line moved quickly and they told me that I would get a chance to take a picture. The bad news was that I'd only have 10 seconds to take the picture and it would be behind others that were in front of him to get their books signed. UGH!

So, as I laid my books down I couldn't hold back. I had to say something. So this is what I said - "Thank you so much Mr. Carter. I absolutely adore you and Ms. Rosalyn." 'Mr' Carter? I called a former President, Mr? I didn't thank him for the many humanitarian efforts that he and his wife are continually involved with? Ok, so I don't do that well under pressure - noted. What was really sweet was that he looked up, straight at me and said this - "I...I like you too." Hee hee - how funny is that? Maybe he doesn't do so well under pressure either. I was absolutely giddy for the rest of the day. And I did manage to get this picture below - it's not the best or what I had truly hoped for (a pic of me standing beside him), but it was better than most others that were taken.
How cute is he? I still get giddy when I see this pic.