Homework, There is No Substitute

HAHAHAHA! That is a big fat lie. We are looking at one substitute right here. This is what I did tonight instead of homework.

Remember the Spare Tire Bracelet? I got these flip flops at Jo-Ann's yesterday for $1.79 and they screamed for beads. They are not as bulky as the spare tire bracelet, even though I used the same technique. Let's call it the Spare Tire Treatment.

Cute, right? One tip: make sure the straps are not tight against your feet before you begin. If they are, the wires will hurt your feet.

I am sure homework will be much more exciting tomorrow while I am wearing my new flip flops,

Normal Girl

Life as Musical Comedy

I have always thought if we lived life like a musical, it would be so much easier and tons more fun.

So, who will join me? Would a group of middle aged women singing Justin Timberlake and Beyonce be funny?

I am laughing already, come on!

Normal Girl

The Greatest Stuff on Earth???

Wonder Woman sent this to me today and it has made me feel a need to go buy a case of it. I use WD40 for squeaks, who knew it did all of this? It also makes me wonder why they don't market this stuff.

I read today that John Barry, who owned WD40, sent 10,000 cans of WD 40 a month during the VietNam war so our soldiers could keep their guns operational. I love that.

See what you think.....

WD-40. Who knew? I had a neighbor who had bought a new pickup. I got up very early one Sunday morning and saw that someone had spray painted red all around the sides of this beige truck (for some unknown reason). I went over, woke him up, and told him the bad news. He was very upset and was trying to figure out what to do probably nothing until Monday morning, since nothing was open. Another neighbor came out and told him to get his WD-40 and clean it off. It removed the unwanted paint beautifully and did not harm his paint job that was on the truck. I'm impressed!

WD-40 who knew? 'Water Displacement #40' The product began from a search for a rust preventative solvent and degreaser to protect missile parts. WD-40 was created in 1953 by three technicians at the San Diego Rocket Chemical Company. Its name comes from the project that was to find a 'water displacement' compound.. They were successful with the fortieth formulation, thus WD-40. The Convair Company bought it in bulk to protect their atlas missile parts.

Here are some other uses:

1. Protects silver from tarnishing.

2. Removes road tar and grime from cars.

3. Cleans and lubricates guitar strings.

4. Gives floors that 'just-waxed' sheen without making them slippery.

5. Keeps flies off cows.

6. Restores and cleans chalkboards.

7. Removes lipstick stains.

8. Loosens stubborn zippers.

9. Untangles jewelry chains.

10. Removes stains from stainless steel sinks.

11. Removes dirt and grime from the barbecue grill.

12. Keeps ceramic/terra cotta garden pots from oxidizing.

13. Removes tomato stains from clothing.

14. Keeps glass shower doors free of water spots.

15. Camouflages scratches in ceramic and marble floors.

16. Keeps scissors working smoothly.

17. Lubricates noisy door hinges on vehicles and doors in homes.

18. It removes black scuff marks from the kitchen floor! Use WD-40 for those nasty tar and scuff
marks on flooring. It doesn't seem to harm the finish and you won't have to scrub nearly as
hard to get them off. Just remember to open some windows if you have a lot of marks.

19. Bug guts will eat away the finish on your car if not removed quickly! Use WD-40!

20. Gives a children's playground gym slide a shine for a super fast slide.

21. Lubricates gear shift and mower deck lever for ease of handling on riding mowers.

22. Rids kids rocking chairs and swings of squeaky noises.

23. Lubricates tracks in sticking home windows and makes them easier to open.

24. Spraying an umbrella stem makes it easier to open and close.

25. Restores and cleans padded leather dashboards in vehicles, as well as vinyl bumpers.

26. Restores and cleans roof racks on vehicles.

27. Lubricates and stops squeaks in electric fans

28. Lubricates wheel sprockets on tricycles, wagons, and bicycles for easy handling.

29. Lubricates fan belts on washers and dryers and keeps them running smoothly..

30. Keeps rust from forming on saws and saw blades, and other tools.

31. Removes splattered grease on stove.

32. Keeps bathroom mirror from fogging.

33. Lubricates prosthetic limbs.

34. Keeps pigeons off the balcony (they hate the smell).

35. Removes all traces of duct tape.

36. Folks even spray it on their arms, hands, and knees to relieve arthritis pain.

37. Florida 's favorite use is: 'cleans and removes love bugs from grills and bumpers.'

38. The favorite use in the state of New York , WD-40 protects the Statue of Liberty from the elements.

39. WD-40 attracts fish. Spray a little on live bait or lures and you will be catching the big one in no
time.. Also, it's a lot cheaper than the chemical attractants that are made for just that purpose.
Keep in mind though, using some chemical laced baits or lures for fishing are not allowed in some states.

40. Use it for fire ant bites. It takes the sting away immediately and stops the itch.

41. WD-40 is great for removing crayon from walls. Spray on the mark and wipe with a clean rag.

42. Also, if you've discovered that your teenage daughter has washed and dried a tube of lipstick with a load of laundry, saturate the lipstick spots with WD-40 and rewash. Presto! The lipstick is gone!

43. If you sprayed WD-40 on the distributor cap, it would displace the moisture and allow the car to
start.

P. S. The basic ingredient is FISH OIL.

Thanks Wonder Woman!

Saving the world, one oil based product at a time,

Normal Girl

Is It Christmas Yet?

I think this is my first Christmas project of 2010. It is not lost on me that it is 80 hot, sweaty degrees.

Feel the chill?

Normal Girl

Excuse Me Please

If you could somehow do this in your car driving down Ford Rd.......

It would be better than honking,

Normal Girl

Storage Area

This video was sent to us by The Diplomat.

I learned something important from this video: I am not taking advantage of a valuable storage area.

A lot more than my cell phone can be carried in there.....

Normal Girl

Picking a Movie

I am not talking about how we decide which movie to go see. I am talking about how actors decide which movie roll to take. Sometimes, don't you watch a movie and wonder what in the world the actor was thinking when he signed on the dotted line to star in the move? Do they get tired of doing things they are suited to and want to break out? Do they get offered so much money that they don't care what a terrible fit the role is? Do they have too many yes-men telling them how great they are?

Keeping in mind that this is all just my opinion, and the blog is titled Here's What I Think, I submit to you Tom Cruise. Tom Cruise in nearly everything he as done since Risky Business. Yikes, he has made some bad decisions.

Pierce Brosnan in Mamma Mia. Good Night, what was he thinking? Didn't he read the script to see the role included singing and dancing? I was embarrassed for him watching the train wreck that was that movie. Maybe his Mother needed an operation.....

And today, I popped in Nine. Holy Buckets Daniel Day Lewis, what were you thinking? I did not find a point to the movie. I did not even find out why the movie is called Nine. Of course, I only made it about 20 minutes into it before I turned it off. In retrospect, I should have known since the movie was at the theaters a half a day. But Daniel, you usually make appropriate choices. Last of the Mohicans is one of my all time fav movies. Do you really need a role like this guy in a movie that should be called "Bob Fosse's Ego Meets the PussyCat Dolls?" There was nothing redeemable about the guy. Is that the fun of it?

Your thoughts? Personal additions to the list?

Normal Girl

What's Cookin' Good Lookin'?

Today was the potluck at church that Wonder Woman and I have been planning the last couple weeks. Some fool crawled around the parking lot early this morning in 80% humidity giving everyone directions of where to drop off their dishes. By the way, it was a good idea, but, after several cars drive over your chalk, it comes off.

We set up for about 350 people to sit and eat. Since our theme was the 50s, we had 45s, 50s trivia, and funny ads from the 50s on the tables, hoping it would give people talking points while eating.

Our greeters, could they be cuter?

The food was amazing. It was very hard to decide what to try, the selection was huge. I tried quinoa salad. Google it if you don't know what it is.

We had a hula hoop contest. This little bit of a thing could have twirled that thing all day. She barely had to move a muscle to keep it up. The crowd was cheering her on.

Then her sister got her chance. There was no stopping them. In order to break the tie, we had to give them a super duper challenge. While the hoop was moving, we added more hoops. Check her out. They both won a prize.

And the winner of the bubble blowing contest!

It was a huge undertaking, but we had several volunteers who worked hard to set up and clean up. Could not have done it without them. Seems like people had fun. We had one woman ask for a beer (it was a church potluck, HAHAHAHA!) One person thought we should have put the food on the tables so they could eat family style. Imagine that, we had probably 30 tables. I heard no real complaints, so I say success!

And Wonder Woman and I hope someone else is in charge next time.

Normal Girl

Spare Tire Bracelet

I had a few things to get done tonight: some homework, some design work, a potluck project. How did I arrange my priorities? I blew off everything and made a new bracelet. I am calling these the Spare Tire bracelets because they are kinda big. But oh so fab.

Remember when bought these bits when I was in Florida? Yes, I finally got around to using them, and they are a perfect fit to this spare tire bracelet.

Maybe they should be called Treasure Bracelets. There are so many things wired in there, you could examine it for an hour to see it all.

Anyway, it was SyFy Friday, so I watched my fav show and made a spare tire. Way better than what was on the list.

Tomorrow is another day,

Normal Girl

Inspiring Teacher and Woman

This is a video of my very first contemporary dance teacher. When I studied under her, she in large part was the reason contemporary dance became, and remains my favorite dance genre. At that time, she was the age I am now. I had nothing on her, believe me. My respect for her grew as she lead me to understand and deal with department politics. That lesson in politics was my first. It was tough. But she helped me understand it really had nothing to do with me.

She was an amazing woman and teacher. Here she is today in her 80s. Because I know her, this video makes me smile from ear to ear. It is so Clara. I hope it give all of us some inspiration to never say die, but to keep living life as long as it is ours.

Go Ms. Gamble!

Normal Girl

Red Tape

I have just two classes left in this graduate program. Both pertain to writing a thesis. The class I registered for this semester is Research Methods II. Don't be jealous.

Class started Monday. I started today, Wednesday. I have been working on this degree for four years. Registration online has been pretty easy. But for this class, for some reason, there have been un-followable rules, forms to fill out and get signed by numerous people I don't know and have never seen, and some weird process I never figured out. I started it 3 weeks ago.

Finally when I could not make sufficient headway on the process, I went in through the back door. I called the department secretary yesterday. She took care of everything. I love her.

So.

Dear Very Expensive Institution of Higher Learning,

Thank you so much for the enjoyable time I have had of late trying to cut through your red tape puzzle. It encourages me that you took the time to make sure I had a few laughs before finishing my degree.

How comical it is that you require me to go through a rigorous process to get into these last classes regarding writing my thesis. I know you took into account that I have spent four years and the GNP of a small country working on this degree, and it made you giggle at the silliness of the process with which you challenged me. Oh yes, for another big grin, you ignored me when I sent the form and letter in to you....just to see what I would do.

It was so humorous that you made up a form and a process that I could not figure out, even with a pending Master's Degree. I can picture you in your offices laughing along with me in utter delight.

It was also so funny that you asked me on that form to give you a bibliography that I will be using for my thesis, even though I do not understand the process and have not started researching. Oh, I can't tell you how I chuckled while working on that.

My favorite joke, I am sure, is going to be when I get the bill for all of this. HAHAHAHA

Thanks for the memories,

Normal Girl

Growtivation

Who goes to this church? Anyone? It made me laugh. My church is not quite there, but I am guessing the traditionals think it is.

I do like the new word growtivation. I could use some right now!

Normal Girl

The Wayback Machine

I am working on decorations for a party next week that has a 50s theme. Weren't the 50s cute? I am using these ads and several others on the tables, in hopes that they will provide some conversation starters.

This is my favorite ad. They are just so cute, and I never thought of using SOS pads on anything other than pans.

OK, right. Guess this didn't really work since it never made it past the 50s.

International Harvester made refrigerators??? That were femineered?? I sure would like to get a fridge in color, but I sure would not want to have to dress up like that every day. Bet she has a girdle on under that swirly dress.

Dear Maybelline, guess the natural look was not popular in the 50s. What do you call those eyebrows?? Read the text.......a few soft accents?????? hahahahahahahaha!

I also put together some interesting trivia on the decade of the 50s. The 50s saw the invention of:

• Tupperware
• cake mixes
• frozen peas
• TV dinners
• Silly Putty
• color TV
• fish sticks
• Mr. Potato Head
• Saran Wrap
• Sugar Smacks (56% sugar!! good stuff!)
• peanut M&Ms
• Barbie!
• Jiffy Pop
• Play Doh
• The Slinky

The 50s also saw the one billionth can of Spam sold and over 4,000 drive in movies playing James Dean, Elizabeth Taylor and Doris Day movies. The minimum wage was $1, but only 3% unemployment.

What's cookin' good lookin?

Normal Girl

Time to Spare?

I have not been traveling much in the last year, but I used to fly at least once a week. Yeah, it got old. I like being home more now. But, now when I have to fly, it is more painful because I am not in the mode. As I was delayed in Nashville tonight on the way home, I got to thinking about a saying I have always believed true: "Time to spare? Go by air."

Of course, that is not literal, because most of the time, even with delays, an airline flight gets you there faster.

But not always. Tell me your worst airline story. I love hearing these and think I could write a book. I have a million of them from all the flights I have taken. I will tell you my best one. It always wins in the worst flight contest. Here goes:

I was flying from Atlanta to Dallas, normally a 2 hour flight. We left on time, 6pm, got to Dallas and circled for ages because of tornados on the ground. We circled so long, we were running out of fuel. We flew to San Antonio, got refueled and sat on the tarmac waiting for the weather in Dallas to clear.

It eventually did, we took off, everyone cheering, and flew back to Dallas. Meanwhile more tornados moved in and we circled Dallas again. UNTIL WE RAN OUT OF GAS AGAIN. And we went back to San Antonio. By this time, the passengers were ready to mutiny. The flight was completely full, not one empty seat, so there was no room to move around. They did not let us off the plane, drove by the terminal so we could see wall to wall bodies all over the floor, told us there were no hotels in the area with rooms, no rental cars, etc. There was no food on board, because it was supposed to be a two hour flight. Oh but they had alcohol, which they handed out liberally. Do you think that helped the problem?

We waited on the plane for a couple more hours, flew back to Dallas. We arrived at 6am. A two hour flight took 12 hours. I had to reschedule the 8am appointment I went there for.

I did get a letter of apology from Delta. That made it all better.

What's your best airline story??

Normal Girl

Howdy Ya'll From Nashville

This is an advertisement. I am staying at the Hampton Inn. This hotel is nicer than the $200 a night places I have been. Do you think I am swayed by the Oreos? You know it! I have a microwave and a fridge and the bathroom is prettier than anything in my own house. Nice.

I have seen nothing of the flooding. Not sure how they cleaned up the mess so quickly, but they did. It looks like nothing ever happened here. It is impressive.

My favorite thing about staying in a hotel? I can turn the air conditioning down to "arctic" and sleep like a baby. I have a book to read that has nothing to do with academics and I am heading to bed!

Presentation tomorrow!

Normal Girl

Beading Bridesmaids

I have been a mad jewelry maker for the last couple days. One of my projects is based on the idea that there are brides out there that want to make jewelry for their bridesmaids. Maybe they will make them and give them as gifts. Maybe the girls will all get together and make their own. These are a few of my prelim ideas for that. This is a choker for skinny neck girls.

These big silver beads are so gorgeous I want to lick them. It is a double strand with a pretty organza turquoise (color of the year!) bow.

In my recent bridal research I found out that color is in. There is also a lot of ribbon as a jewelry component.

This is another version of the pink covered bangle bracelet. It is covered in tulle with a pile of crystal beads in the center. I was not sure I would like the tulle, but I do!

Here's hoping for all brides in 2011 to be crafty!

Normal Girl

45 RPMs

I bought pile of 45 records today. I am using them for table decorations for an upcoming shindig. Of course, Dad still has the ability to play a 45 on a record player at his house.

Did they sound this bad when we played them over and over when we were kids?

It made me laugh to hear it,

Normal Girl

Why?

Isn't this what we try really hard to cover up?

Why in the world would someone buy a skirt that has underwear painted on it?

• You like people staring at your heinie?
• You want to prove to the paramedics you are wearing clean underwear?
• You want to prove to your Mother you are wearing clean underwear?
• All of your clothes were burned in a fire and this was donated to you and it is one step better than naked?
• You are wearing it on a dare or bet?
• It looks better than you actual heinie and you are wishful thinking?

What do you think the front looks like?

Normal Girl

Pink Bangles

Remember last week when I went to the mall? I have been thinking about a bracelet that I saw that day. It was three bangle bracelets, wrapped in tulle, with a big tulle pom pom on top. I liked the idea and adapted it to be not quite so over the top....and not so picky as tulle.

I wrapped my bangles with strips I cut from a t-shirt, and wrapped one with some stretchy lace I removed from the bottom of the same t-shirt. ...tied a bow, holding the bangles together...and added a silver high heel charm.

Except for removing the lace from the t-shirt (which took an hour of cutting really tight threads), the bracelet took minutes to make. And used recycled materials!

I am wondering what I could use for the bangle that is also a recycled material. Any ideas?

Normal Girl

The LBD Project

I saw this today and was really intriqued. The story is that this girl made herself a project to wear the same Little Black Dress for 365 days. It does not say if she made 365 outfits or if she made a bunch and rotated. Either way, I found this very creative.

She is at least repeating shoes...

This one is called the "Tea Cozy". By me, at least.

She looks cute in everything she designed. I wonder if I could do this for even a week?

Normal Girl