Debra Wagoner

Debra Wagoner

Monday, January 18, 2010

My Grandma Wagoner

My brain has been ALL over the place lately. But one person I keep coming back to is my paternal grandmother. Lois Wagoner. As my parents and my husband's parents turn a corner health-wise I've been thinking of her. I miss her alot. Here are some things I remember about her that make me smile.

She always stopped whatever she was doing every weekday to watch her "stories". Back then these were "The Doctors", "Another World", and "Days of Our Lives". But, she always had some sort of busywork. She didn't just SIT there. There were beans to snap, or crochet or something else to work on.

She made a teeny tiny dress on her sewing machine for my Skipper doll. She made alot of her own clothes for many years, was quite a seamstress until her hands and eyes wouldn't co-operate anymore.She was no spring chicken when she made that itty bitty dress, and I still have the doll and the dress.

She was sort of scary religious. Was raised to think most fun things were sinful. But was married to a drinker and a gambler. From what I hear anyway, as my paternal grandfather died when I was a baby. So I think she had a soft spot for rogues. Because she always spoke of her husband with love and affection. And though she told us she was taught that dancing was a sin, she came to all of the dance recitals my sister and I performed. Why? Because we were her grand babies, and she LOVED us. She was proud of us and our sparkly costumes and tap routines and figured the Lord would just understand.

She was a GREAT hugger. And she always smelled really good. She was fond of Avon products. I know, I know. But she never overdid with the perfume or lotion, she just smelled sweet. Like Grandma's are supposed to.

This is really sounding like the-perfect-cookie-cutter-Grandma. She wasn't perfect of course. No one is. But I gotta tell you, she was rare. I haven't come across many people like her.

Thank you Grandma.

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Weak. I am WEAK.

This morning I re-activated my Facebook account. For better or worse, it's a done deal. I missed some folks who live far away, and facebook was our lifeline.....

I figure it's like this. It's entirely up to me to keep things light and fun. To not use facebook (of all things) as an outlet for my frustration or political opinions---or any opinions for that matter. I can keep in touch with friends and show support and say hi and do all the things I originally did when I first opened the account.

And, if it gets to be too much, then de-activating my account is not all that difficult. Hey, everybody needs a break now and then.

Monday, January 11, 2010

the REAL secret


I think my cat Bosco has it. And I want him to tell me. I've been watching him for awhile now and sometimes he looks back at me with what I'm sure is pity. He's sitting behind my head on the couch right now, purring, watching me type this. He has it. The secret to happiness. That cat zen thing. And I want it. I want to be comfortable in my own skin. Content that I have enough food and water. Glad for the sunny window in the morning and the warm blankets in the evening. Grateful to have the affection of a loved one who looks after me day after day. Tickled with all my fun toys. We have all the same things, you see. So what the hell is my problem?

Bosco can't talk, but I think he wants to roll his eyes at me and make himself a dirty vodka martini. I love him.

Thursday, January 7, 2010

When life hands you lemons --make car payments!

The ten year old truck died.
Son of a bitch!
Not having any car payment for a stretch was so nice. Did we save ANY of that extra money?
HELL NO!
But the new--to us--2007 Ford Fusion that Joe brought home is very shiny. And roomy enough to live in.
These things bear considering in this day and age.
I'm just sayin'.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

The Taco Bell Drive Thru Diet

Yeah. That's gonna work.

Of course, When Joe first saw this commercial he thought they said " the Taco Bell DRY food diet".

hahahahahahaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

ahem. Either way, I eagerly await all the success stories. Watch out Jared.

Monday, January 4, 2010

Some favorite sayings

I cannot and do not take credit for any of these. Some were made up by Robin Arthur, I think. Or just passed on by her to me. One came on a greeting card--one of my all time favorites. One is a certainly familiar. They are all coffee mug worthy, t-shirt worthy, and yes, greeting card worthy. Enjoy.

I don't give a rat's ass. (a classic, really)
Bitch fever.
On the bus to crazy town.
Better living through liquor.
Fuck off you fucking fucker!(this was the greeting card. This was ALL it said. I still have it, and will NEVER throw it away. Scratch your heads in wonder, but I've never laughed so hard in my life.)
If I think of any more I'll certainly post them.

Moving on....

What a lovely weekend. Sorry to see it go. Now, it's onward with 2010, and down with all the decorations, bleh. The twinkling lights and sparkly ornaments are the only things I actually ENJOY during the holidays. Oh well. It's cold out, so I can still light candles and fake logs in the fireplace. Just as nice.

Alot of folks have proclaimed that this will be the best year ever! Or that a new decade has begun. I sort of thought that a new decade actually started in 2011. As for it being the best year ever, it's unfortunately questionable for us. Not because I'm a terminally "glass half-empty" person. It's truly circumstances beyond my control this time. But I'm all for everyone else having the best year ever. Go for it. Joe and I also made no resolutions this year either. Let me tell you, takes alot of pressure off. I think we both already know that we're doing the best we can. We get up everyday, move forward, hold on, and love each other. Even if it's not the best year ever, doing those things will make it pretty damn good.

Saturday, January 2, 2010

The joys of live theatre

Was held hostage by volunteer spellers for entirety of Act I of "Spelling Bee". You can all imagine how much joy and love I feel toward all those lovely people trying their best to out-funny and out-act us all. I wish I could give them all a great big hug. No. Really.
What?

Friday, January 1, 2010

New Year's Day

I love Joe Pabst. No one has the gift of making days easy like he does. This man knows how to plan a day of indulgence and relaxation. Of course, this ends up being work for him, which is why I love him. He does all the cooking. But I don't feel too bad, because he loves to cook. I'll do the dishes to balance it all out. I loathe washing dishes. So this has to set things right in the world of karma and all that. (At least I hope so!)



After sleeping in this morning, I tiptoe into the kitchen in my pj's and robe, my hair going in all directions, and pour myself a cup of coffee. Joe, and I visit for a bit and then he starts breakfast/brunch. Pancakes, and sausage links. We didn't finish our champagne last night so there is some left over for mimosas. Except the glass that Joe brings me is more like a super big gulp mimosa. I laugh, but I don't complain. Who would do that?



Well, I'm writing this after my post-breakfast/brunch nap. Joe swears there wasn't all THAT much champagne in the mimosa....I don't believe him. He's lying down too!



I hope that today, everyone is relaxing, doing what they want to do, no stress, no expectations, cares or worries.