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Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Play That Pomp and Circumstance

I need to take a break from writing about my family and the silly things that pop into my head and appear on this blog to write about something that is very important to me, children and education.


I think my desire to see kids be all that they can be, comes from getting older and realizing that I will never be what I could have been. There is one very simple reason for that and it is the lack of a good education. The opportunities were there I just lacked the motivation. I know motivation comes from within but nothing fuels motivation more than encouragement or incentive. Those are also two things that were missing in my early years.


I'm a firm believer that every child is gifted with a specific talent from birth. The trick is determining what that talent is, nurturing it and watching it flourish. Too bad our kids aren't born with labels, "future accountant or scientist in the making". Can you imagine the proud momma standing outside the nursery window, peering at her baby exclaiming, "See, that one, TOMORROW'S CELEBRITY, she's mine! How easy it would be to offer up a little encouragement if we knew the outcome would produce a superstar, a doctor or a famous writer. Guess what? It can. Encouragement and sincere praise are high grade fuel for motivating a child. Fill their think tanks with a generous dose of each one and watch them go, go, go!


I know a lot of people would disagree with me on this one but, I see nothing wrong with offering a little incentive in the form of a special treat or small amounts of cash to encourage good grades or extra effort on projects. It's just my opinion but I think it's good for kids to realize early in life that hard work has a pay day. They will realize the value of brain power and momma gets bragging rights when report cards are sent home.



It's going to be difficult to encourage your child if you don't know what's going on behind those classroom doors. I ask three questions almost everyday. "How was your day?". "Did anything happen I need to know about?" "Did you get back any test grades I should know about? (for us that's anything below an 85)".


I'm proud to admit I'm one of "those moms" that some at school complain about. My son is 17 and I don't hesitate to call the school if I have a concern. Yep, he should be more responsible but sadly, he's not there yet. He's still a work in progress. I don't let opinions of teachers or principals hinder me as I parent my child the best way I know how and neither should you. I'm a momma with a mission. I won't rest until my kids and yours are marching to the beat of "Pomp and Circumstance" and on their way to accept their degree.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

The Real Housewives of Lauderdale County

After watching a variety of housewives being real I think it is high time Bravo brought it to my neck of the woods. I have several people in mind to star in the reality based show focusing on housewives in Lauderdale County. The world can get an in depth look at what it takes to be a rural southern woman and a real housewife.


People from all walks of life should know how difficult it is to walk in our house shoes. The camera's can follow us as we cook, clean, grocery shop, go to work,and chauffeur kids here and there. All the while recording a life long struggle with the constant humidity and how it affects our hair. Women outside of Lauderdale county will be appalled to see the steps we Lauderdale gals take to tame the frizzy hair brought on by the humid climate we endure. We don't wear headbands, scarves, hoodies, and caps to be cute. No, we had to find a way to control our hair so we could see to drive.

I definitely have to get my daughter in on this because we must have someone who is beautiful, intelligent and has a passion for shopping. Plus if I get her on the show, I think she might let me borrow one of her Coach purses to throw over my shoulder while I'm parading around in my housecoat and slippers. She will bring some youth and class to the show along with my two adorable granddaughters. She and I might at some point disagree and then we could bring in some family conflict for a couple of episodes before we hug and make up on national television sharing our private moment with the entire audience. Can every one say, "Awwww" while watching us dab at tear stained faces with a soft tissue held in a trembling hand? It's all about the drama and drama requires conflict, tears and finally resolution.

We're going to need an older woman. My Aunt Betty, would be perfect for that role. She can be the hottie over 60 who passes out advice and hugs, while the rest of us fight and back stab. She would be the housewife to run to if another housewife steals your last pink can of Aqua Net or makes a play for your man.

As a former victim of hair spray theft I can testify that it is absolutely devastating and it took me a long time to come to terms with the loss of a perfectly good can of Aqua Net. A support group would have been wonderful. That could be something worth pursuing on the show, a support group for women who are victims of hairspray theft. We could expand the group to support not only those who have been victimized with hair product theft but cosmetics, fragrances, girdles and bras. These types of crimes leave behind shattered lives that are difficult to rebuild without support from a firm foundation. I guess we could also muster up a little support for the housewife whose hubby took up with the twenty something year old waitress from Hooters.

Aunt Betty can cook up some of those delicious recipes we southern girls are famous for. I might come up with a few of my own. We can do lunch, potluck of course. This is Alabama, after all. Aunt Betty is really good at getting people together so she would be great at organizing events for all the housewives to show off their designer sweats and Converse sneakers. The wives could show up with their husbands or boyfriends or both depending on the situation. We'll have a few drinks and get a little rowdy when the sugar high from the sweet tea kicks in and then start slinging some mud.

We're going to need a few more cast members. Let's see so far, we have a classy middle aged woman and a hot young up and coming professional. We've filled the role of the sweet attractive older woman. We need at least 3 more housewives to make a show. I can provide a lot of interesting footage for the Real Housewives of Lauderdale County and will naturally emerge as a fan favorite but I will need to surround myself with other housewives who lead interesting lives.

If you live in Lauderdale County and are interested in appearing on the show please comment or email me and we'll see where it goes. Life here in Lauderdale County can be just as glamorous and dramatic as Beverly Hills if we give it our best shot. How about it ladies? Who's in?