Love, Whiskey Belle

Today is Gray....

2011-06-27T10:37:00.002-05:00

Day 5 of the shred -- I have lost 2 lbs and am not sore anymore! But I can't talk about that right now, I have more pressing matters....

Today has started with tears for TODAY I have found my very first two gray hairs...and I am NOT doing okay with this. I am 28, not 48! WTH? I literally cannot stop the tears from flowing down my face...I am officially....OLD.

WhiskeyBelle

30 Day Shred

2011-06-24T15:17:00.002-05:00

Okay so now I have something interesting to blog about....Lately I have gained some "love pounds" if you know what I mean. I used to work out 4 times a week, but since I got bitten by the love bug I just cannot find the motivation. Yes, I am VERY lucky to be with a man who loves me no matter what, but when I went to the doc last week and realized I had gained about 18 POUNDS in one year, I decided something had to change!

So I decided to go back to my 1200 calories a day routine. Hello, MyFitnessPal online and app. This site SAVES ME. IT keeps me accountable, and I have friends on there so they will know if I reach my goal for the day or if I don't.

Then I decided I needed a quick work out each day without a gym so after MUCH research, I bought Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred. I want to blog about my progression, something that will also keep me accountable. I am about to head home from work on this Friday and attempt day THREE of the shred....that is, if I can move. Because right now, I am SO sore from the past two days that I can barely sit or stand! At least I know this $10 DVD is working.

I will keep you updated on my progress.

Love,
Whiskey Belle

Change

2011-06-14T14:56:00.002-05:00

Change - the first thing that comes to mind is Who Moved My Cheese -- the greatest book about change. My life has definitely changed, and not like Obama change, like MONEY change...pennies, nickels and dimes!

There is apparently a change fairy that comes with every man. I find quarters in the bathroom, on the bedside tables, on the end tables and at the bottom of my washing machine. I get it -- you don't have a wallet with a zipper, but I think I might have to start making these. Women would be out the DOOR buying these for their husbands and boyfriends that empty their pockets ALL AROUND THE HOUSE!

Ryan now has jars -- he purposely puts change beside them to irriate me. SO, I have decided that this change is now...MINE. I am going to start collecting it and making it a Lindsey Fund. He is obviously leaving his "tip" everywhere, thanking me for being wonderful, sweet, fabulous and for washing his clothes. I will let you know how much I collect over the next few months. AND what fabulous place I intend to go.

Love,
Whiskey Belle

WTH, Really?

2011-06-10T10:52:00.006-05:00

Dear Readers:
A lot has changed in the year since I have posted. I met a boy, fell in love, moved in together and we are discussing marriage. Would would have thought??? He had to move from Texas for me to find him, but I am thankful I did. God has given me the greatest blessing in the world, and that is my new partner in crime :)

So what now? I can't fill my blog with single stories anymore or ranting about how much I despise men....Good news -- Living with a boy is weird and I plan to blog on that progress. Stay tuned!!!

Love,
Whiskey Belle

CatHead Vodka

2010-04-27T15:56:00.002-05:00

Dear Readers:

A very good friend of mine is opening his very own VODKA distillery in Gluckstadt, Mississippi, about 5 miles up the Interstate-55 from Jackson, MS. I am very proud of him and can't wait to celebrate his success with this. Please check it out....it is called CatHead Vodka. And please look for it at the end of May in your liquor stores!

http://www.catheadvodka.com/

Music Promoting :)

2010-04-22T14:39:00.003-05:00

So I realize I haven't blogged in forever, but I have been a busy woman -- not really. BUT I am taking my extra time and putting it into doing something productive -- promoting bad ass bands that I believe in. I have just recently started working with BWB Promotions in Jackson, Mississippi to promote some bands. Now if you know anything about me, you know I LOVE music, so this is right up my alley. First gig is May 6th at Hal and Mals in Jackson. Please check out Jonathan Tyler and The Northern Lights on my playlist below -- song called Gypsy Woman -- it is SUPER fun! I am very excited about all of this and I will keep you posted. I have a Stoney Larue show in June too that I am super stoked about!!! It's fun to make something you LOVE into a hobby :)

Love,

Whiskey Belle

Champagne High

2010-02-24T14:01:00.002-06:00

Dear Readers:

Sister Hazel is playing in Jackson Saturday night and I just got my tickets. I am a big fan of theirs from back in the day and of course my favorite song by them is "Champagne High." I always thought this song was so clever, especially the bridge when it talks about something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue.

I never ACTUALLY listened and paid attention to the depth of this song until the ole ex decided to get married this upcoming April. This is such a great song, and I am definitely feeling some of these feelings, but BE SURE, that unlike in the song, I will not attend the wedding.

Attaching the lyrics here, because I just love them.

I wasn't looking for a lifetime with you
I never thought it would hurt just to hear
"I do" and "I do"
And I do a number on myself
And all that I thought to be
And You'll be the one
That just left me undone
By my own hesitation

(Pre Chorus)
And for the million hours that we were
I'll smile and remember it all
Then I'll turn and go
While you're story's completed
Mine is a long way from done

(Chorus)
I'm on a champagne high
Where will I be when I stop wondering why?
On a champagne high
I'd toast to the future
But that'd be a lie
On a champagne high

Spring turned to summer
But then winter turned to mean
The distance seemed right
At the time it was best - to leave
And to leave behind
What I once thought was so real - to me
And while I'm still gone
On the quest for my song
I'm at your - celebration

Your wagon's been hitched to a star
Well now, he'll be your thing that's new
yeah what little I have you can borrow
Cause I'm old, and I'm blue

Dating is stupid.

2010-02-22T12:42:00.002-06:00

When do you get old enough where you don't have to do the dating dance? I honestly am so ready to meet a guy, us hang out some, and him either say A. I like you a lot, lets keep seeing eachother, or B. I'm not interested in you at all - and never speak to me again. Instead, I feel like I either get a guy who wants to marry me instantly and weirds me out, OR I end up with the guy who I'm not sure WHAT we are doing. Are we friends? Are we heading to be more than that? WHO KNOWS! I surely don't know and I'm starting not to know how to act. I mean can I come out and say..."hey! Do you like me? Cause if not, I have plenty of friends, and I dont want another one?" Because THAT IS THE TRUTH! I am confused at this point, and have realized how much I despise dating. It is SO GRAY in a life where I like my things black and white! Maybe I will just ignore him and see how that works out for me? haha!

I will keep you posted.

Love, Whiskey Belle

Spinning my Wheels

2010-02-15T16:11:00.002-06:00

Last night I was reading Dear John by Nicholas Sparks and got really into it. So into it, that I started crying for the loss and love described in the book. Do you ever have that moment when something makes you cry and then you just can't stop? That is how I was last night. Not because I am sad about ANYTHING, I just feel like I am spinning my wheels and going nowhere in life - I am frustrated. I know that is a big thing to say, but for as long as I can remember I feel like something else is out there calling me. Whether it be a new town, a new scene, new job but I just feel like I need a change of scenery. I have lived in Jackson my entire life. I moved away for 4 months in 2006 to work on the coast for Hurricane Katrina recovery, and that was the happiest I had been. While it was only 3 hours from home, I was in a place where no one knew me or anything about me. I would sit at restaurants and at bars alone and be completely content just being me -- even if it was alone, because I was alone by choice.

I feel like my friends are settling down and moving on with their lives and that isn't what I want to do right now. I wish I could pick up and move to a big city and be stuck there and have to learn to live on my own without any family or friends around -- to discover me truly. It is hard to figure out who you are when reminders of who you were are always around. The problem is -- I don't have the money or the job to do so, which sucks. I guess I need to learn how to find ME in this place where ME is everywhere. I want to be someone who is interesting, and do something interesting, and wake up in the mornings excited about a new day, not just humming along with the same routine I have had for as long as I can remember.

I honestly wish I could just disappear for a while, from this hometown of mine, and be a stranger in someone else's hometown. Thoughts????

Saving Amy

2010-02-04T12:47:00.002-06:00

Ok Readers, Y'all know that I am a HUGE music lover. I don't care what kind, I love most all of it. Tonight, I am going to see a guy named Brantley Gilbert play at Hal and Mals. I heard a song by him about 4 years ago on myspace and I ordered his cd from him and he really is a great writer.

There is one song he played at a concert not too long ago called "Saving Amy" and it just might be the saddest song I have ever heard, but I can't quit listening to it. It is a story of one of his best friends who proposed to his girlfriend, and he got killed in a car wreck on the way home. The song is from the perspective of his friend, pleading to God to save Amy from all of her heartache. I know, it sounds miserable, but it is an amazing song.

Check it out here....

Brantley Gilbert - "Saving Amy"

April...

2010-02-03T15:23:00.002-06:00

He's getting married in April. And I am throwing myself a fabulous party because I deserve one.

Will keep you posted. Everyone is invited :)

Love,

Whiskey Belle

Wordless Wednesday - The Rodeo Is Coming To Town

2010-02-03T10:05:00.002-06:00

Mid-Twenties Crisis

2010-01-25T16:08:00.003-06:00

Dear Ladies:

I am officially going through my mid-twenties crisis. I am no longer interested in thinking about men constantly, or when I will find someone, or how wronged I have been in the past, or feeling sorry for myself, but my life is now currently consumed with me stressing about "getting old." When I look in the mirror, I don't see my bright blue eyes, or my white teeth that I used to be SO proud of, now I only see the signs of aging that are slowly starting to appear across my face....all thanks to too much sun exposure in my youth, and smoking cigarettes (two of my most favorite things.) These lines on my face are getting out of control. I even pondered what it would be like to have botox at the ripe ole age of 26. BOTOX!

Saturday, I went to Ulta and spent almost $200 dollars on stuff to make me feel better about myself! I now have make up, cleanser, toner, combined with day, night, and eye creams all promising to make me beautiful and flawless. I have to admit my skin does look better already, and I am feeling better about this new "glow" I have - so we will see!

The FUN part about this crisis is...I am on Weight Watchers again with all of my friends, which is fun and motivating and I have lost 8 lbs in 3 weeks! Which makes me super pumped. I have officially lost 30 lbs this year, and I have about 30 more to go before I am content! So now that I am on the road to getting thin again, I can't have smile lines and crows feet to deal with! I will keep you updated on the crisis!

LOVE

Whiskey Belle

Bandwagon? I don't think so.

2010-01-25T12:55:00.011-06:00

Dear Saints Veterans:

I get SO annoyed when sports fans call OTHER sports fans "bandwagon" fans. The definition of a "bandwagon" is a unique trend. Now I realize that the Saints going to the Super Bowl is definitely unique, but I am not a Saints fan because it is trendy! I do not choose to wear Gold and Black because I think I look awesome in it, and it brings out my eyes. I do not wear Fleur De Lis because I think they are the coolest shape ever. And if you know me, you know I am definitely not a Saints fan because "everyone else is." I am a Saint's fan because they have actually become a good team to root for, and it is the only team close to Jackson, Mississippi to go for. A big part of it has to do with the fact that they are based in New Orleans -- one of my favorite cities in the world!

I never watched NFL football until a few years ago, and when I started, I decided to pull for the Saints -- an almost "home" team for me. So therefore, I didn't jump on a "bandwagon," I like to say I am a newer fan!

Here is what I don't understand -- when people get MAD when new fans go for their team. WHAT THE HELL? Why would you get angry that someone is PULLING for your team. I understand that you had a Saints pillowcase when you were little, and you think Archie is god, and you have stuck with them through thick and thin, but you need to be proud of your team and welcome the newer fans with open arms. The more fans the merrier, I would think.

Now, I will say that I will cheer on the Saints, and sport my jersey, but by NO MEANS am I saying that I loved them for years and have waited for this day my whole life -- so please back up off me, Saints veterans, and let me cheer them on! I am not trying to steal this victory from you, or make it any less special for those of you who have endured season after season of losses. It is amazing that you have been so dedicated to this team, but if I would like to cheer them on for a season or two, just let me be, please!

So therefore, all of you people who get mad at me or anyone I know for "jumping on the Saints Bandwagon," let me tell you this...It isn't a bandwagon anymore, it is a Superbowl Train, and I am definitely aboard!! WOO WOO!

WHO DAT?!?!

Love,

Whiskey Belle

Yay Mississippi!

2010-01-15T12:23:00.004-06:00

Well, it is a good day for Mississippi! Just found out that the Saints have resigned Deuce McAllister! DDDDEEEUUUUCCCEEE!

AND that Tiger Woods is in Hattiesburg (An hour south of me) for sex rehab! I will be the first to say, Welcome Tiger, but be careful, Mississippi women are not only sweet and hospitable, but beautiful as well!

Love,

Whiskey Belle!

Wordless Wednesday: Destin, FL

2010-01-13T16:15:00.001-06:00

The Spinster

2010-01-12T16:31:00.002-06:00

So I told the guy I went on one date with that I couldn't see him anymore. I use the term "see" loosely because I have, in fact, only SEEN him once sober. Sadly, I didn't even give myself a chance to like this guy, or even get to know him. I dont know if I will give anyone a chance anytime soon. I can't decide if it is because I have this single life that I am very accustomed to, or if it is because I am terrified of getting hurt and being in yet another bad relationship.

I feel like the lonely spinster some days. My friends ALL have someone "perfect" for me. I swear everyone says they need to "set me up" with someone. Am I that desperate looking and acting? I have a busy week that keeps me very occupied, I don't talk about my dogs TOO much, and I go out on the weekends. I am only 26 years old, you would have thought I was 45 and divorced twice.

Why is it that everyone wants SO badly to see me happy in a relationship? I don't act unhappy and lonely, because at this point in my life, I am not. Why is it that everyone wants me in a relationship but me?

Hmmmm things to ponder.

Love,
Whiskey Belle

Wordless Wednesday : Wrinkles (2/1/97 - 12/22/09)

2010-01-06T13:11:00.002-06:00

Effing up my Rotation

2010-01-04T13:42:00.004-06:00

So I have been slacking in the blogging area due to the Holidays, but I am back. In the past month, I have officially graduated from therapy and moved on from the ex-boyfriend. YAY! I am steadily becoming better with me, and I even went on a date the other night. And let me tell you one thing, dating is not fun. I had forgotten how NOT fun it was, it had been 2 whole years since my last date. Don't get me wrong, the guy was nice, but having to start from scratch SUCKS. I don't think I am scared to be in a relationship, I think I am scared that someone is going to come in and EF up my rotation.

For the past year, I have had this schedule. Hell, even when I was in my last relationship I only saw him once a week, so I still maintained my "schedule." I am completely comfortable with the way I do things. I do what I want, when I want it, with WHOM I want. I like my life, my house, my tv time, my not always shaved legs, my bed to myself (and my snoring problem), my single nights out with the girls, and my alone time. I am so scared of losing this new "me" I have found.

It is going to take one special man for me to let him ef up my rotation of my life. I have decided to start "dating." Meaning that I will see more than one person at a time and not COMMIT to anything anytime soon. I just want to have fun this year and see what is out there without limiting my options.

It is been almost exactly a year since my break-up and my first blog post, can't wait to keep you updated on the things that are coming my way!!

Love,

Whiskey Belle

Wordless Wednesday - Christmas Card 2009

2009-12-09T09:18:00.002-06:00

A-hole of the Day Award goes to.....

2009-12-08T15:40:00.002-06:00

Was reading an article on New York Post online about Tiger Woods and his infidelities. A man that goes by "KC" commented this..."Males instinctly grow tired of the same physical interactions. By nature we need excitement and after a while, most women stop doing the things which captured our attention thus men wander"

"KC" is probably an ex of mine. WHAT AN A-HOLE??? A. You are a bastard if you think this way, and B. DONT TELL PEOPLE THIS

I hope he lives alone forever. What a creep!

Congrats, dude, you win my A-Hole of the Day Award -- maybe of the YEAR!!!

Love,

Whiskey Belle

Wordless Wednesday -- My Millie

2009-12-02T10:44:00.004-06:00

I am stealing this idea from a fellow blogger, who stole it from someone else, but it is just too cool to pass up. Every Wednesday she does a "wordless wednesday" post that is just a picture and nothing else. I love pictures, and I love photography, so I will just share some things that I love!

Operation "MEIEIATGS"

2009-11-30T10:24:00.003-06:00

Sooo, it is official-- the ex is engaged, and I hear the ring is hideous! I know that is mean of me, but I get to be a LITTLE mean, right? When he broke up with me I lost 25 lbs, now that he is engaged I am about to take on a little adventure called Operation "My Ex Is Engaged I'm About To Get Skinny". There is nothing better than a little revenge, and looking great is the BEST revenge! My super good looking and SUPER fit friend, Scott, has made me a grocery list consisting of things like sweet potatoes, apples, and brown rice. YUM. I have to just get over the fact that I won't eat tasty food for the next few months, and look towards my goal of being single and fabulous. I already am single, and fabulous, BUT I think I will feel better if I can look in the mirror and not point out the latest cellulite dimple on my thigh! I think I am going to break down and buy a SCALE today too -- EEK! Those things need to be outlawed. ANYWAY, I will keep you updated on my mental and physical health.

Love,
Whiskey Belle

Stupid Books!

2009-11-12T16:00:00.003-06:00

A few nights ago, I was journaling about life and relationships as requested I do by my therapist. I dropped my pen and looked down and on the bottom of my night stand was a book..."Why He Didn't Call You Back." Really? I own that book? "And I wonder why I have problems with self worth." For YEARS, I have read books about what I have done wrong in relationships. I wasn't needy enough, I was too needy, I didn't call, I called too soon, I answered the phone after too few rings!!! This whole thing has started to get irritating. How come after failed dates, encounters, and relationships, girls sit around with each other reading "They Call It A Break-up Because It's Broken" trying to figure out WHAT THEY DID WRONG!!! I have been in a group of beautiful, smart, successful women who blame every failed relationship on themselves!

Yes, I understand that you "have to play the games," but honestly, I can't think of one serious and good relationship around me where lots of games were involved. A guy either likes you, or he doesn't, and an extra phone call isn't going to be the deal breaker.

The people that write these books are losers and should be shot. I want someone to write about accepting yourself and realizing that it isn't about what you do wrong in a relationship, it's about being yourself and being genuine. And if a relationship fails after you have opened your true self up completely, then it was never meant to work out in the first place. But if you conform to a guy and lose yourself completely - then THAT is what you have done wrong.

I am writing this as therapy, and talking to myself, because I still haven't mastered the art of self-acceptance. In fact, I am having a really hard time with it, but I am hoping in the months ahead I will begin to accept ME for ME, and THAT is my goal for now.

Love,

Whiskey Belle

Self Worth

2009-11-10T15:14:00.003-06:00

In 2005 I came across a blog called www.backwardsmotion.blogspot.com. I read a few of these blogs and fell in love with the writer. How could she know everything about me and share the same feelings? We are two strangers, two ages, in two different cities, yet she is writing about exactly what I need to hear at the exact time.

Yesterday I was looking for words of wisdom and remembered her blog. I came across one entitled "I stayed for me." Click on the title and please follow the link and read it. It is about how she moved to Chicago for a guy. She compromised her own self to make him happy, and then...he broke up with her. She talks about the anguish she felt and how lost she was during this time. We have all been there. You get to a point where it hurts so much, you don't know how you will get up and go to work and manage to sit there 8 hours without tears streaming down your face. She mentioned self worth, and that is something that I struggle with on a day to day basis. For some reason, in relationships with men, I have ZERO self worth. I do whatever I can to make them happy without putting myself or my feelings into the relationship equation. I commented on her blog and told her how much I appreciated her writing this 4 years ago, that it was something I needed to hear yesterday.

Today I went back to her blog for more inspiration and came across her latest blog titled "The struggles that brought me here." Please read this one as well because it is actually directed towards me. ME? I am a stranger from Jackson, MS why would anyone waste their time writing to me? (Self worth issues rear their ugly head). Yes, to me. The last paragraph made me cry so much I didn't know if I was ever going to be able to stop. I am on the road that she was on so many years ago, and I hope that in 4 years, I will be able to give this same advice to someone else in my shoes, and that I will in fact realize my self worth.

Please follow her blog. She is an amazing and beautiful writer and person.

Love,

Whiskey Belle

The best is yet to come...

2009-11-09T08:49:00.004-06:00

Dear Readers:

Five months ago I sat across the table from my ex-boyfriend as he told me he "didnt want a relationship right now," and all of the other extracurricular activities he was up to. We all remember that dinner fiasco. 5 months before that he told me he never wanted to get married again and felt like he was "holding me back." At first I thought he was telling the truth, but I soon found out that he used that line like so many other guys before--breaking up with someone by blaming themselves and their made-up issues. I wish he had said -- "I don't wanna marry YOU." Because 5 months after the dinner fiasco, he DOES want to get married and he is engaged to someone else.

My stomach dropped when I heard the news, no lie. You know that feeling, when your heart sinks into your stomach and all you can think is..."O my GOD I have to get out of here." I was at a 2 year olds birthday party and my car was blocked in. I have to say once I was able to leave it was cryfest 2009. Why wasnt I good enough? What did I do wrong? What does SHE have that I DONT?????? And then it hit me -- the answers are simple. I am good enough. I did nothing wrong. And she now has a life that I NEVER wanted with a guy I was never in love with. So I guess in actuality, I win.

This blog started because of this break-up 10 months ago, and now that story is officially over. Stay tuned for the next chapters in my life. The best is yet to come....

Love,
Whiskey Belle

Excuse my blogging hiatus...

2009-10-22T16:02:00.002-05:00

Dear readers:

Please excuse my long blogging hiatus, I have been super busy. Would you believe that I watch 7 shows on Monday Nights....SEVEN! And I watch 14 total from Mon-Fri, along with working 8-5, the gym when I can, teaching dance two nights a week, and being the professional bridesmaid that I am this fall. I am a busy woman, therefore, no time for blogging. But I promise I will try to do better.

Nothing super earth shattering has happened as of late. I am still single -- shocker, why? you ask...because there is a serious shortage of men in Mississippi. I think I am good friends with the only single ones left, and I know them WAY too well to be remotely attracted to them. I am actually okay with this because I see relationships around me completely falling apart due to marrying to early in life, not living out their 20s, cheaters, liars etc. and I have to say I DO NOT MISS IT. I don't miss being in unhealthy relationships, that is for sure.

I am actually in therapy these days to deal with my commitment and trust issues -- thank you, a-holes, who lied and cheated -- be expecting a bill (tawanda!)!!! I think it should be a life requirement to go to therapy -- there is just something about telling your problems and feelings to a complete stranger that is super uplifting. OK enough of that....

Next on the list...I am the professional bridesmaid and party snob, I will blog about this soon.

Love,
Whiskey Belle

I love this quote....

2009-09-16T14:59:00.000-05:00

"After a while you learn the subtle difference
Between holding a hand and chaining a soul,
And you learn that love doesnt mean leaning
And company doesn't mean security
And you begin to learn that kisses aren't contracts
And presents aren't promises
And you begin to accept your defeats
With your head up and you eyes open
With the grace of a woman, not the grief of a child,
And you learn to build all your roads on today
Because tomorrow's ground is too uncertain for plans.
And futures have a way of falling down in mid-flight.
After a while you learn
That even sunshine burns if you get too much.
So you plant your own garden and decorate your own soul
Instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.
And you learn that you really can endure
That you really are strong
And you really do have worth.
And you learn and learn
With every goodbye you learn " - Veronica Shoffstall

Fall weather + good music = happy whiskeybelle

2009-08-24T15:36:00.002-05:00

Dear readers:

I have to say that Fall is my favorite time of the year ever, and today it feels like fall here in Mississippi. I know this won't last long, so I am hoping to be outside as much as I can tonight in between work, the gym, and teaching dance class. Anyway, there is NOTHING better than Fall in my eyes. I love the cool temperatures, the leaves and their colors, and football of course.

Ray LaMontagne came on my music player earlier and he makes me think of Fall. His raspy voice and sweet melodies make me want to curl up in a big blanket outside on a porch swing, with a cup of coffee and a cigarette and listen to his music. Ahhhh I am obsessed. Please get his first cd, Trouble, it is one of the best cd's I have ever purchased. And if you do, roll your windows down -- his music definitely needs a little air....

Love,

Whiskey Belle

I should be committed...

2009-08-23T19:57:00.002-05:00

So I know I asked yall to give me something creative to do with those damn rose petals...well, after last night I can be called the most dramatic human ever, and probably should visit the MS State Mental Hospital in Whitfield, MS.

I went to Mugshots with the girls and brought the petals along thinking with enough vodka we could figure out something super creative to do with them. Well I kinda forgot about them until 4-5 drinks in when Back 40 played "Love Don't Live Hear Anymore" by Lady Antebellum, where me and a friend proceeded to sprinkle them on the dance floor and stomp on them as we sang! I am not kidding. Could I be more dramatic? It was funny and fabulous and a great story to tell. Because love truly doesnt live here anymore...and the remnants of the relationship is now on the Mugshots floor....hahahaha.

Good times :)

Love,

Whiskey Belle

The "Victim"

2009-08-20T14:11:00.004-05:00

So I played receptionist at work last week because Jo Jo was basking in the sun on a well-deserved Florida vacation with her hubs! Anyway, a co-worker brought a book to me so I wouldn't get too bored. It is called "Dress Rehearsal" by Jennifer O'Connell. And oh my is this book cute!

There was a character in the book that reminded me of myself. Her husband left her and she devoted her life to being miserable for what he had done to her, and trying to make HIM miserable. If you will look at some of my past blogs you can see that I, too, have been known to play the victim card and bask in my misery over some stupid boy. Well at one point in the book, a man (whom she doesnt get alone with at the time) yells at her to, "Quit playing the victim and being miserable and start being happy." That isn't a direct quote, because I don't have the book in front of me, but that is the gist. And like a ton of bricks I though, O NO! I am that person. I dwell on past relationships and make them affect my future and my moods. WHAT? Ridiculous!

Sometimes I forget that I am smart, cute, successful, and independent and that if this guy didn't appreciate that, oh well! Time to move on to the next! So I decided right there and then that I would stop being the victim holding on to the past and move forward and be happy!

So I need your help, readers. On me and J's first date, he picked roses off of his rose bush outside his house and had them for me. Such a sweet gesture, and being a little romantic, I kept the petals and I sorta still have them. They are currently shoved underneath a stack of books in my bedside table. At one point I wanted to mail them back to him with a note that said...."I don't need these anymore like I don't need you" but that seemed even too dramatic for me. I want to get rid of them, and be completely done, and have nothing left of him so let me know if you have any suggestions.

Alright, well I am off to stop being the victim because after all -- I am NOT the victim, he is :) Poor guy -- life without me MUST be difficult! :)

Love,

Whiskey Belle

Best e-mail I have seen in a while!

2009-08-19T14:04:00.002-05:00

I am stealing this from an email forward I got because it is absolutely hilarious....PLEASE enjoy!!!

Random Thoughts of the Day:

1. More often than not, when someone is telling me a story all I can think about is that I can't wait for them to finish so that I can tell my own story that's not only better, but also more directly involves me.

2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.

3. I would rather try to carry 10 plastic grocery bags in each hand than take 2 trips to bring my groceries in.

4. I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.

5. Was learning cursive really necessary?

6. Lol has gone from meaning, "laugh out loud" to "I have nothing else to say".

7. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.

8. Answering the same letter three times or more in a row on a Scantron test is absolutely petrifying.

9. Whenever someone says "I'm not book smart, but I'm street smart", all I hear is "I'm not real smart, but I'm imaginary smart".

10. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars teams up to prevent a dick from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers!

11. MapQuest really needs to start their directions on #5. Pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

12. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.

13. I find it hard to believe there are actually people who get in the shower first and THEN turn on the water.

14. I would like to officially coin the phrase 'catching the swine flu' to be used as a way to make fun of a friend for hooking up with an unsightly woman. Example: "Dave caught the swine flu last night."

15. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.

16. Bad decisions make good stories…ain’t that the truth!

17. Whenever I'm Facebook stalking someone and I find out that their profile is public I feel like a kid on Christmas morning who just got the Red Ryder BB gun that I always wanted. 546 pictures? Don't mind if I do!

18. Is it just me or do high school girls get sluttier & sluttier every year?

19. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you've made up your mind that you just aren't doing anything productive for the rest of the day.

20. There's no worse feeling than that millisecond you're sure you are going to die after leaning your chair back a little too far.

21. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten page research paper that I swear I did not make any changes to.

22. I hate being the one with the remote in a room full of people watching TV. There's so much pressure. 'I love this show, but will they judge me if I keep it on? I bet everyone is wishing we weren't watching this. It's only a matter of time before they all get up and leave the room. Will we still be friends after this?'

23. I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello? Damnit!), but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and goes to voicemail.

24. I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste.

25. When I meet a new girl, I'm terrified of mentioning something she hasn't already told me but that I have learned from some light internet stalking.

26. Why is a school zone 20 mph? That seems like the optimal cruising speed for pedophiles...

27. Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.

28. It should probably be called Unplanned Parenthood.

29. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

30. I think that if, years down the road when I'm trying to have a kid, I find out that I'm sterile, most of my disappointment will stem from the fact that I was not aware of my condition in college.

31. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, hitting the G-spot, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey - but I'd bet my ass everyone can find and push the Snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time every time...

Answered Prayers

2009-07-22T10:11:00.003-05:00

Dear Readers:

It is amazing to me how we can be so blinded by thinking God isn't answering our prayers to actually see when He does. I was thinking about how 2 years ago I was "in love" with a certain ex of mine, and couldn't imagine my life without him. When we broke up, I was DEVESTATED. I remember laying in my bed, bawling my eyes out, praying to God that he would either A. make these feelings of "love" and hurt go away, or B. bring this guy back to me.

I am sitting here 2 years later laughing about how I survived all this - and I wasn't even close to dying. And how A. the ex has come back into my life and B. the feelings are completely gone. God answered all of my prayers, and in His own time. I am now praying that the feelings of hate for the most recent ex will go away. Hope He works on that one sooner than later haha.

It makes you wonder, when you are little, you pray to God He will bring you a pony for your birthday. What happens if you walk outside at 30 years old and there is a pony sitting in your front yard? Okay, that is a stretch, but that is what it feels like when you realize God has answered your prayers you prayed so many times. It is a very good feeling, and makes you feel less alone in this world knowing He continues to look after you and never forgets.

Never forget to listen for the answers!

Love,

Whiskey Belle

Perez Hilton who?

2009-07-21T13:23:00.004-05:00

Dear readers and celebrity gossip followers:

I was having a conversation with a girl at work about how my sister and I meet/see famous people wherever we go! It is just this luck we have! I know Perez does this as well but he LIVES in LA. I live in small town Mississippi and have run into well over 20 celebrities. So I thought I would share some, just for fun.

For starters: I have been an extra in two films: My Dog Skip and Ghosts of Mississippi. Because of those two movies, I have met/worked with Alec Baldwin, Rob Riener, Diane Lane, Kevin Bacon, and James Woods. The Chamber was filmed down the street from my cousins house in Jackson, so I was able to meet Chris O'Donnell -- yummy! My sister was a stand-in in O Brother Where Aret Thou? and got to eat lunch with the Cohen brothers, George Clooney, John Torturro, and Francis McDormant.

When I was at a restaurant in Disney World one year the whole staff came up to my table and said..."We've seen you in Baywatch." -- I was super skinny then, but still do not know who they were talking about. I smiled and nodded anyways :)

While in New York for Christmas a few years back we went to The View and MTV's TRL, so we met all of the hosts for those shows plus Neve Campbell, Maria Bellow (Owner of the bar in Coyote Ugly), and 50 cent himself! We also saw Tom Brokaw doing news inside the NBC studios.

When in L.A. one February, we ate at Spago and ran into Jackie Collins, Sidney Poitier, Tony Shalhoub, and of course, Wolfgang Puck. After dinner we went to the White Lotus and ran into Martin Lawrence, Barry Bonds, and Eddie Murphy. On our private tour of LA, we saw Rhea Pearlman walking her dog! We also went to the Jay Leno show and saw Nicole Kidman and Jimmy Buffet. I have seen Nicole Ritchie, Paris Hilton, and Nick Carter (of the Backstreet Boys) at the Beau Rivage in Biloxi. I have seen Elton John play live at Caesar's Palace. I went to Kim Kardashian's Birthday Party last October in Vegas at LAX club and saw her whole family and Reggie Bush -- I have to say Chloe was my favorite.

I have been to more concerts than I can count, but have actually gotten my picture taken with all of the members of Cross Canadian Ragweed and Eli Young Band. I had backstage passes to a Widespread Panic show when I was 16. When I was 18, I saw Jennifer Nettles play and sing acoustic in Atlanta, GA way before there was anything known as "Sugarland," and I saw John Mayer play at Hal and Mals in Jackson and there were 20 people in the whole place, including the staff.

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil was based on my cousin Jim Williams, and Kevin Spacey played him. I went to college with Teddy "Ted" Dibiase - the wrestler, and think he is one of the nicest guys I have ever met. Pete Lawson, who has been featured on the World Poker Tour and as someone to watch in the Vegas Poker Scene, taught me how to play Hold 'em in college ( so don't ever play me)! My friend Sallie and I shared a limo with the lead singer of the band Atomship once night in Jackson. I am very good friends with all of the members of Absence of Concern and to some people in Jackson, they are famous, and one day they really will be!

I have to say I have had some amazing and exciting encounters, and I hope they are just beginning! Thanks for letting me share some fun memories!

Love,

Whiskey Belle

I'm with the Band

2009-07-20T10:17:00.003-05:00

Dear Readers:

As most of you know, I am insanely obsessed with music, and I have recently become obsessed with a band named Eli Young Band, so when I found out that they would be playing close to home in Biloxi I decided to gather some friends and go. Last Friday we set south on 49 to Biloxi, and tweeted about it the whole way down (luckily). When we got to the bar inside the Hard Rock Biloxi where the show was, the Hard Rock events coordinator came up to me and said, "Are you Jen Brooks?" I said, no, I am Lindsey Brooks. He said "YES! You tweeted about the show, you want to meet the band?" UMM YES!! So Lauren, Sallie and I got backstage passes to meet the boys in Eli Young Band. I have to say, some of the nicest and most humble guys I have ever met.

After our meet and greet with them, we went downstairs to get our spot for the show. They were A-mazing! I have seen a ton of shows and this was one of the best shows I have seen in a long time. I love when a band sounds just as good, if not better, than they do on the radio. For instance -- Taylor Swift is all studio voice -- she can't hit a NOTE live! Not this band, they were amazing.

One of their songs they played is called "Everything is You." It really hit home. It is about how after a break up no matter where you go something always reminds you of that person. You hear the song they loved, or see the car just like theirs, and all of these are a "reason to braek down and cry." It's so great!

Please download it on iTunes along with "Guinevere" which I cried to while they sang Friday night, for it is written about me it seems.

Please check them out. For a taste, they are on my playlist below.

Love,

Whiskey Belle

Save the Last Dance For Me

2009-07-13T12:51:00.003-05:00

Dear readers:

I just got finished having a conversation with a precious lady I work with about loneliness and finding someone to share life with. See, her husband of around 20 years decided he didn't want to be married anymore, and he literally picked up one day and left, leaving her here to pick up the pieces. If I was her, I probably wouldn't be able to get out of bed in the morning. She said this past Saturday she was so overcome by loneliness she was paralyzed and couldn't move or do anything. I cannot imagine. Here I am pining over my sorry ex boyfriends, and I have never REALLY gone through something like that.

I have felt alone, but there have always been people around me to comfort me. But lately, it seems like for the first time in about 3 years, I don't have someone special (or not-so-special) in my life. There are NO prospects, and it is becoming very disheartening. Where do you meet men now? I am SICK of the bar scene, and I haven't met any in church. And, no offense to the many divorcees out there, but I would love to date someone who HASN'T experienced everything in a relationship yet. I have discovered I am not good at being #2.

The lady I work with said the best thing to me about finding someone..."I just want to find someone to dance with." I think I agree with her. I want to find someone to dance with too literally and figuratively!! Someone that is worth a damn and treats me like I believe I deserve. I am tired of settling on whatever comes my way!

I am hoping that the lady I work with finds some rich older man who has a son for me, and I hope that they want to dance, cause my dancing shoes are on!

Love,

Whiskey Belle

Update from my not-so-crazy life

2009-06-25T12:39:00.002-05:00

Dear Readers:

I have had two weeks of vacationing and it has been great. I told you about my trek to Omaha, and then last week I spent about 5 days in Destin, Florida with some friends of mine which was very relaxing. I have to say since I have been back, I haven't done much. My clothes are still in the suitcase, and my dogs need a bath -- guess I will get to that this weekend. My poor dirty babies, it is a good thing they are black!

I have done some thinking since I have been back and decided I need to settle down in my life and get some priorities straight. Such as:

A. Start fishing in a different pond. These guys that I go for -- Lawdy! I was watching an episode of NCIS and the handsome DiNozzo had a very inspiring thought..."If you keep doing what you do, you keep getting what you get, and I want something different this time." That is my goal, I am changing my ways and TYPE haha. No more divorcees with kids for this one...well, unless he is SUPER special.

B. Quit going to bars so much. I have turned into a lush of sorts. I need to realize I am 26, not 21 and need to settle down.

C. Get back into church. My sister and I used to never miss a Sunday at Pinelake and during that time in my life everything seemed to be calm and in order. I need to get back to church and back to God, because HE is the one who is sailing this ship, not me! I'll be there Sunday at 930 or 11 for sure.

D. Quit being the bitter ex. I need to learn to let things GO. Jeff is seeing somone, D is someone I could never be with again because of many issues, and the boy I made out with randomly is not husband material....HELLO -- move on!

E. Start reading more. I miss books. Ever since I finished Breaking Dawn and my love affair with Edward Cullen, I haven't read much and I miss it. So, thanks to a friend's suggestion, I am going out to buy a new recommended book today. I am excited.

I hope that I can commit to these life changes, or at least some of them. I will keep you updated, and hopefully, as I get my priorities in order, my blogs will be less cynical :)

Love,

WhiskeyBelle

ROAD TRIP!

2009-06-16T09:59:00.002-05:00

Last Thursday, my friend Kylee and I, headed to the Jackson International Airport to fly to Omaha, Nebraska to see our best friend Emily. Luckily, we were going during the college world series of baseball so we were going to get to see a lot while there. Our flight to Memphis from Jackson was smooth besides the "rancid bitch" of a flight attendant we had, who managed to offend everyone on the plane in the 30 minute ride. Once arriving to Memphis we found a bar/restaurant that had a smoking section so naturally we were in heaven. 1 hour and $90 dollars worth of grey goose, cranberry, and pineapple -- we were headed to the terminal. Once boarding the plane, we were moved from seat to seat by the flight attendant so that "Families could sit together." At that point we were a little blitzed and didn't care because we each got 2 drink tickets (both of which are in my wallet still, I'll explain). 2 Hours of sitting at the gate later, we are told to get off the plane, and 3 seconds after that told that our plane is cancelled because the big computer that controls everything is BROKEN and we would surely crash and die without it! I haul ass to ticketing and am the 5th person in line. I still have to wait an hour for them to tell me..."There is NOTHING we can do, there are NO flights leaving here or any other airport going to OMaha in the next two days that are not completely booked -- we can get you there Saturday morning."

UNNACCEPTABLE!

So without hesitation, Kylee calls Hertz and gets us a rental car. The cute MS State graduate in front of us asks to tag along so she can see her husband who is about to be deployed to Afghanistan, and we are searching for a 4th prospect to ride. Luckily, the plane was abuzz about the Arizona State Baseball head coaches daughter being aboard the plane, so naturally we asked her to tag along!

So two friends and two strangers got in a car and drove ACROSS THE COUNTRY in the middle of the night from Memphis, TN to Omaha, NE. We left TN at 1030pm and were at the Omaha airport (ironically) to return the car at 8 am. I got to meet Coach Pat Murphy donning my Southern Miss baseball shirt -- which he laughed at and did not so much appreciate. BUT-- I am now a Sun Devils fan!!!

Thank you Northwest Airlines for your fabulous customer service.

Omaha was a blast!!!

Love,

Whiskey Belle

The little things in life....

2009-06-06T07:30:00.003-05:00

Fellow country music buffs:

Like any other friday I am jet setting out of the office, I have had a SHIIIITTTYYY day so im ready to get home to my puppies and pajamas. As I am approaching the elevators at One Jackson Place I am texting on my phone and when I look up I am walking into the elevator and running over two guys walking out (typical of this day)...

So i look up and apologize, he stares straight at me, and I think...damn he looks familiar...what a hottie in his backwards redsox hat and t-shirt and shorts. "Did we go to college together?", i think....AND THEN it hits me....THAT was Jason Aldean -- you dumbass! For once in my life -- I was speechless. The elevator doors shut and him (and Brantley Gilbert, who was with him) were gone.

I went home and got tickets immediately to their show last night. And might I say, it was an AMAZING show. Brantley Gilbert is an artist I heard about 4 years ago and literally ordered a cd from like his HOUSE. It wasn't the best sounding thing, but I really like him. Last night he put on an amazing show. And Jason, well -- I LOVE him. I have never heard a song of his I didn't love.

I honestly think that God knew I was having a horrible day and needed a pick me up and he sent me...Jason Aldean and all his yumminess. Thank you God for lifting my spirits, you truly do work in mysterious ways! It's just the little things in life (like seeing a good looking celebrity in your office elevator completely unexpectedly) that can make a persons whole day/week/year.

Music lovers, please download (legally) Jason Aldean's entire new cd Wide Open, and check out Brantley Gilbert too. "Whenever we're alone" is a great one, and he also sings a song called "Saving Amy" which is a beautifully heart breaking tear-jerker about a friend of his who proposed to his girlfriend and was killed on the way home ( I KNOW -- it makes me ball me eyes out). If you are a Colt Ford fan -- him and Brantley are buds and collaborate on "Dirt Road Anthem."

Anyway, thanks for letting me brag about my encounter last night. It was -- A- Mazing.

Loving life this morning,

Whiskey Belle

Dear John....

2009-06-05T14:04:00.005-05:00

Dear readers:

The man who told me three weeks ago (over the most humiliating dinner I have ever sat through) that he just didn't want to be in a relationship--is now dating someone. And no, it is not the trashy girl he was doing, it is some semi-cute girl that has a degree and a job, I am guessing. Well, good for you honey! Hope y'all get married and you can inherit his almost bankruptcy, his house in the boonies, his crazy ex wife, step-mom (babysitting) duties, and his severely depressing mood swings.

To subside my anger over this liar, I decided to write him a letter. He will never get it, but I will write it to you -- it's therapy!

Dear Person I Don't Know:

Thank you for turning out to be a complete asshole. It really is making this whole getting-over-you process a lot easier. Thank you for lying to me and telling me that you never wanted to marry again. Thank you for telling me (three weeks ago) that you didn't want to be in a relationship. And thank you so much for proving me wrong about you. I thought you were a good, sweet, Christian guy, but you turned out to be completely different. Looking back on our relationship, I realize you never really made me happy. You were never really nice to me, and I never really wanted to be with you. Thank you for making me realize all of this, and I hope this new chick marries you and you live happily ever after in your world of CONSTANT drama.

Sincerely,

The one who, thankfully, got away!

Oh and PS -- I cheated on you night of my Christmas party -- hope lying to me and going to Starkville was worth it, my hot make-out session definitely was :)

AHHHHH I feel much better :)

Love y'all,

A Therapeutic Whiskey Belle

The Twilight Zone

2009-06-03T14:10:00.003-05:00

Dear readers:

Today, I have gone into the twilight zone...here are my stories.

Two days ago a random boy asked to be my friend on facebook, we had some mutual friends, so I accepted. Today I have a message in my inbox...."Thanks for the add! It was so nice to meet you last weekend." Now, at this point, I am pretty confused being that I have never laid eyes on this dude. Did I get black-out drunk last weekend? Nope! So I politely told him I had no idea where we met. Apparently he thought he met me at Mudbugs Saturday Night -- sadly enough, I went to bed at like 9 on Saturday, and did not visit Mudbugs, although their crawfish is my favorite :).

He apologized, and that was all. No harm! About 15 minutes ago, I get back on facebook and i have a new friend request. It is from some girl I don't know, with a message attached that says..."Hey girl! I have some cute pics from Friday night" -- again, I am confused. She promptly sends another message that said...."I think I have the wrong person here, sorry."

APPARENTLY, I have a twin running around and she is way more of a bar hopper than I am, and apparently WAY more friendly.

This day needs to end.

Love,

Whiskey Belle

Women Experience Heartbreaks, Men Experience Heartbends

2009-06-02T16:28:00.002-05:00

Dear bloggers:

If you are anything like me you click on different people's blogs, which lead to other blogs, and you end up reading some GREAT stuff. A few years ago I was looking a friend's blog and came across www.backwardsmotion.blogspot.com. I read almost everything she had written, but this particular post was the most relateable post I had ever read, SO I in-turn would like to share it with you.

I don't have a title, so I made one up, I thought it was appropriate...

Women Experience Heartbreaks, Men Experience Heartbends

I'm not sure why or how I came to this belief, but I tend to believe that men don't suffer heartaches the same as women. Maybe it's because I've been on the recipient end of those heartaches too many times and the one responsible is always a man. I realize that's probably a narrow minded view but most times we develop opinions based on our own experiences. I've known men who have gotten dumped but I rarely see them locked up in their apartment, eating a quart of Ben & Jerry's, and swearing off women for the rest of their life. Men seem to bounce back faster. Why? Why can a man stuff all his feelings deep down inside without fear that one day they'll pop back up and cause a whole world of hurt? Why can a man move on to another woman within moments of being with the last? I'm not saying women can't do that, just that men do it more easily. Do men carry loads of baggage from their last relationship into the next? Or is their baggage just disguised as something more subtle? I know there are men that exist that have had their hearts ripped from their chest but why are they fewer and far between? If you want to find a woman with a broken heart - look to your left and I'm sure you'll see one. Why? Is it true that we love differently? Do men ever cry themselves to sleep? Do they look through old photos, read old emails, listen to sappy love songs, talk endlessly about their loss with their friends? Or do they wake up, wash their face - and go on? Why do women find it so incredibly hard to move on? Why can a man just stop calling, stop emailing, stop - everything when a woman has to leave one more voice mail, send one more email, drive by his house one more time? Are we weaker, more vulnerable, more fragile? I broke a man's heart once and it damn near killed me. When they break our hearts, do they suffer? How long? Because when I broke his heart I felt the pain of his heart cracking in two for....well, I still feel it. Do they feel it - forever? If love can't last forever, can pain?

Amazing, right? Wish I could claim it. It reminds me of a character named "sally" in my favorite show "Felicity" -- I have all 4 seasons on DVD if you need to borrow. Anyway, she wrote just like this, and I love it. Hope you did too....

Love,

Whiskey Belle

Different Faces of Relationships Past

2009-06-02T16:18:00.002-05:00

Dear loyal readers:

If you have been following me since February, you know that I like to bring up two of my past relationships: J and D. We all see how "nice guy" J turned out...so what about D? The "cheater/liar"?

Funny you should ask. So we have been textin and talking back and forth a little since me and J broke up -- because well...I am an attention whore. Last week he asked me to come over to his house to see him and his daughter, so I showered, got super cute and rushed over. I can honestly say what came next shocked me. It wasn't a moment where I sat there and he told me about the latest chick he was seeing and then I paid for dinner -- it was opposite. He actually sat across from me and admitted to lying and apologized. It was very therapeutic. Within 2 weeks I had the guy I loved turn into someone I hated, and the one I hated turned into someone I could tolerate and actually might like to be friends with.

I 100% believe that people change, I really do. He kept asking WHY I wanted to know all of this. Why was it important? Why I couldn't let the past be the past?

Why? Because I needed to have the satisfaction of knowing that I didn't do anything wrong to end this relationship. I needed to know that I wasn't "crazy" like he said I was 2 years ago. I needed to know I was right.

It took a lot out of him to tell me the truth and I really appreciate it. Will I ever be able to trust him? Prabably not, but it doesn't matter -- he won't ever get another chance to be with me, too much was damaged...but, I might think about being his friend.

Love,

Whiskey Belle

I'm jaded -- but not completely....yet

2009-05-20T09:27:00.002-05:00

Dear readers:

As I was re-reading some of my previous blogs, I started to think at how completely jaded I have become -- with good reason. I want to say that regardless of all of the men I am glad are out of my life, I have a lot of men that I want in my life at all times.

God has blessed me with the most amazing father anyone could ask for. He is smart, kind, thoughtful, and best of all -- he loves my mother and his daughters more than anything. He is the reason my expectations are so high, and I honestly believe that they just might still make them like that, and THAT is the kind of respectful man I am looking for.

I have also been blessed with many great male friends. The men that surround me on a daily basis (who have probably treated other girls like the men in the blogs mentioned below at one point or another), are amazing, thoughtful men who honestly and truly love me.

So, I didn't want you to think that I am a man-hater or anything like that. I have been blessed with many great men in my life, and they are also the reason I have hope for the future.

But as of now, I am not interested in seeing anyone romantically. I just can't do it yet. But this time, when I start looking, I am going to remember that I do deserve someone great, and I will get it!

Love,

Whiskey Belle

Wall of Shame -- Worst Quotes in Guy History!!

2009-05-19T13:40:00.011-05:00

Dear Ladies:

I have been so touched by the reactions I am getting from my story about last Thursday night. The best part is that people are sending me their own worst moments. These are strong women who are not sulking in a bowl of Ben and Jerry's. Some of these women are married, have children, or are in strong, healthy relationships. This gives me hope that I, too, will bounce back from this wretched experience. So this is dedicated to every strong woman I know.

Worst Quotes in Our "Guy History":

11. "I think we should break up because we have more of a brother/sister relationship"

Really? Because I wouldn't sleep with my brother for 3 years. This one is from a very good friend of mine, and it's funny because I heard of the SAME LINE USED in another story I was told last night.... wow

10. What do you look like now? Do you look the same?" Or like the one I received was..."Are these the most recent Myspace pics you have?

In other words -- Did you let yourself go after I broke your heart? Geez.

9. "You're Crazy" -- A term men use when a woman uses any emotion they are afraid of, or when they catch the guy in bed with another girl and get mad.

Really? You ain't seen me crazy yet! Or as said so poetically in one of my favorite movies, Diary of a Mad Black Woman --"I'm not crazy! I'm mad as hell!!!" Do not EVER call my ass crazy. There is not a woman in this world whose craziness is not DIRECTLY correlated to some stupid man.

8. "This is the hardest thing I have ever had to do."

Umm, Really? Because you are still doing it, and making it look QUITE easy!

7. I had a guy tell me, as I was crying to him about something, that he had to leave my house because he had to pick his mom up from the airport EARLY in the morning. I didnt believe him, so I went to his favorite bar, POPS, (I know, he was trashy) and I saw his car. The next night I went to his house and put a note on his car...."Gas to Pops....5 bucks, Tall Boy for the road.....2 bucks, Finding out your boyfriend is a f**kin liar...PRICELESS" If they leave you when you are CRYING, they have no soul.

6. "I don't know, do you want to call her?"

This is the response I received from my POS ex when asking if his new chick knew he was at dinner with me. Amazing response, thank you for validating all of my feelings towards you, and NO, I do not want to call her! What a dumbass rhetorical question.

5. Any LAME excuse for breaking up drives me crazy. "I need to focus on school," "I don't want to hold you back," or "I'm just not ready for a relationship."

Sadly enough, these lame excuses came two months before each of these men found themselves in very serious relationships! I wish a guy would be honest and say..."Ya know, I don't really like you anymore, I'm out, Peace!"

4. "Did you look at my phone? My phone is moved."

Um no, but WHY? Do you have something to hide? I have always noticed that if they have a tight grip on their phone, they are up to NO GOOD! I know a very strong woman who could go through a phone and make the light go off in the time he went to brush his teeth! She is my hero.

3. I used to date a guy who was always texting his "cousin." I had a friend who found pink thongs at her boyfriends house and he said they were his "cousins." (gross, I know) Now I don't know what male MORON decided the cousin excuse was a good one, but c'mon now, girls, don't buy that one! Your cousins have names, so do his.

2. In reference to above....any man that has his phone attached to him at all times when he is with you, doesn't leave it anywhere when he is not. So if he pulls the whole..."I didn't have my phone" excuse, don't believe him! He is a liar!! One of my ex's went "coon hunting" for 12 hours one evening. Didn't have his phone, or check it for 12 hours. Riiiiiiiight. It's funny, I asked him the other day (2 years later) if he was coon hunting that night -- he still sticks by his story, and I STILL do not believe him!

1. One strong woman I know, told the story of an ex calling her up and asking her to come over for some late night action. She rudely said..."no, can't you find someone else to come over?" and he said....and I QUOTE, "Yeah, but I don't want to add any numbers" !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This might be the worst thing I have ever heard, and yet the funniest at the same time. She is now happily married to what i assume is a pretty great guy :)

In college, we were all cracked out on adderall one night and made a "wall of shame." It spanned about 12 feet long and 4 feet up and down. It had a picture of every ex, with every crappy break up line that had ever been given to us. I might put one of these in the hall of my own home. The HALL of shame, if you will. Just to remind me of all the things I went through, and of all the men that have made me a stronger, more independent person. Thank you to all of the strong women out there with your uplifting stories and words, and thanks especially to the men out there who tried to break the spirits of all of us, and ended up making us stronger, and more interesting people.

Love,

A very hopeful, Whiskey Belle!

I officially have the best taste in men....ever

2009-05-18T10:38:00.005-05:00

Dear bitter women:

I am now considering myself a part of this group: Bitter Women. I have to tell you a story about last Thursday night that I doubt you will believe, but I am here to swear to its entire truth.

I have been talking to my ex-boyfriend, J, lately. This is the one whose break-up prompted my blogging career. He had just broken my heart because he didn't know if he ever "wanted to get married again," and I was so upset because he was a great, sweet, Christian man, and I thought I had let one slip away. I honestly believed him when he said he "didnt want to hold me back." **Disclaimer -- if a man wants to be with you -- he will be, no matter what!**

So lately, I have been talking to him. He came in town about a month ago and we hung out and things were great. It was like we had never been apart. I thought that maybe, eventually, we would slowly start talking again and maybe, one day in the future, we would be together for forever. This was "the one." His birthday was last week, so, in my attempt to win over his heart again, I asked him to dinner at PF Chang's last Thursday night. He seemed very excited, and very ready to see me. So, I got home from work, took a shower, put on a cute sundress (that would show off the 20 lbs I had lost since the break-up), and drove to the restaurant (I mentioned we meet there so he wouldn't have to drive all the way to my house from Yazoo City -- THANK GOD FOR THIS).

I met him at the restaurant and while we were waiting on our perfect little candle-lit table, the nightmare began. He started by telling me that he had been going out a lot lately and had a bunch of 20-21 yr old female drinking buddies. (LOVELY, I thought). We got to the table and ordered, and while waiting for the food to come I was entertained with stories of his latest drunken debaucheries, the new trashy, UNNATTRACTIVE chick he was seeing, and about how he wants to start being, and I quote "kinda a man-whore."

Now, ladies, I know you are thinking...WHAT DID YOU SAY? Well I started with..."Does this CHICK know you are here with me?" And the response I received was..."I don't know, you wanna call and ask her?"

At this point, the check couldn't come fast enough. He told me about staying with this girl and "doing stuff." He said they didn't sleep together but that he "could because he heard she was easy." He said he didn't want a girlfriend and he hoped she would "get the hint soon." At that point I told him to get out his phone and delete me from his facebook/phonebook because I could not speak to him anymore. I also told him that he made me happy that he downgraded :)

The check FINALLY came, and I paid $65 for this decent food, none of which I could eat because of the feeling I needed to throw up, and the ridiculously TERRIBLE company, and I jetsetted out of there. I told him, after I left, that he wasn't the same person I dated, and that next time someone offered to take him to a nice dinner, the polite thing to do would be to NOT talk about the super trashy girl you are seeing, or better yet to not accept the invitation at all. He said he apologized and would send me a check for the bill, I told him I didn't want his money, I just wanted him to leave me alone for the rest of my life.

I can honestly say I have never been so disrespected in my life. No one I have ever been with has intentionally hurt me on purpose --just for fun, like he has. I thank God for the closure this has brought me, and I can't wait to move on and see what He has in store for me. So I will not delete my previous blogs talking about how great he is, but feel free to go back and see how I was, YET AGAIN, completely fooled by someone! Way to go Lindz, on another great boyfriend selection!

Love,

A completely blown away WhiskeyBelle

The Perfect Man

2009-05-10T20:54:00.002-05:00

Dear readers:

There is this song that just came out by Eric Church called "I Love Your Love The Most" and it is amazing. It literally describes my perfect man. See some lyrics below:

Yeah I Love Scuffed Up Cowboy Boots
And Broken Tore Up Jeans
A Four Wheel Drive Eight Point Bucks
And Rocky Road Ice Cream
And Hell Yes I Love My Dog
And Jack D In My Coke
But Honey I Love Your Love The Most

I heard the song and fell in LOVE with Eric Church. I need to clone him and marry him pronto.

Some of my friends, on the other hand, think that they know my "perfect man." For instance, one married friend of mine (we'll call her Dallas) called me last Friday to tell me about the man she has found for me. The conversation went something like this.

Dallas: "So, this guy that is a client of mine wants me to hook him up with one of my friends."
Me: "sweet, is he cute?"
Dallas: "He looks good in jeans"
Me: "Aight sooo does he have any kids?"
Dallas:" He has a 4 yr old from a previous relationship that lives with him"
Me (thinking): "No crazy ex to deal with? awesome!"
Me: "Okay...anything else?"
Dallas: "Well, he is kinda married" (I still don't know how you can be KINDA married, but okay)
Me: "umm okay... well is he getting a divorce?"
Dallas: "Yeah eventually, but she is pregnant"
Me: ----speechless---

It's good to know my friends are lookin out for me. Thanks, Dallas, you should be a matchmaker for a living. I think I will keep searchin for the one Mr. Church describes in that song :)

Love,

WhiskeyBelle

Yay Red Socks!

2009-04-30T16:09:00.003-05:00

Dear baseball fans:

Very excited to say that my friend, Jonathan, started for the Red Socks last night and hit a homer to win the game! Please check out this awesome article below. Oh and please check out me and Emily showing our love for him at the end of last year.

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2009/04/30/new_guy_struck_a_blow_for_everyman/

Whiskey Belle...Lately

2009-04-27T11:57:00.009-05:00

Dear Readers:

Last Friday at work, I was laughing with some co-workers about my past relationships. When they ask the question: "How did you meet him?", and I respond with "When he walked into the law office I worked in for his DIVORCE", I deserve to be laughed at.

The most recent ex...met him while he was going through his divorce as well. Our first "date" was the NIGHT IT WAS FINAL!

WHAT is wrong with me? I have NEVER and would NEVER break up a marriage, I just sweep right in when they are already unraveling enough to involve attorneys, and expect to be the glue that holds him together through this tough time? What?? When I write it down it seems even more absurd than speaking it.

I have read all the dating books, "Why men Love Bitches," "He's Just Not That Into You," "How To Marry a Guy, His Kids, and His Ex Wife," NOW, I am reading this book called "Why He Didn't Call You Back" (quit laughing). It tells me how to be a pro on a first date, which is great and all, but where is the book that says....."stay away from the newly divorced, you idiot," and why isn't anyone writing about that? Quit telling me I am "fabulous and special" and tell me to make wiser decisions about whom I decide to date. Do NOT tell me what I am doing wrong, tell me to stay away from a certain type of man. I need a book to please tell me exactly why I fall for the ones in the middle of failing relationships? Why I am trying to start a relationship, after they have just FAILED miserably at one. This makes no sense. Tell me about the kind of man my personality needs to find, not what kind of personality I need to program myself to have in order to keep a man. It is just irritating. I am going to write a book on what types of guys to avoid, and what types we should ALLOW to date us.

Off the soap box for today. Gotta go find me a divorcee to change :)

Love,

Whiskey Belle

Top Twelve Tuesday -- As Seen On TV

2009-04-21T14:45:00.002-05:00

Dear faithful followers:

I know, I have been seriously slacking on this blogging thing, and my Top Twelve. There is a valid explanation for this and it is called.....twitter. YES, I am one of the many who has found myself addicted to the latest social networking phenomenon. Due to my extremely busy twitter , i mean work schedule, a dear friend and fellow blogger/tweep has taken on the huge task of writing my Top Twelve for me. So please visit As Seen On TV for the latest Top Twelve Tuesday, and again, I do apologize!

Love,

Whiskey Belle

Back Roads

2009-04-07T15:14:00.003-05:00

Dear fellow country bumpkins:

When we were in college and ever needed to "get away", we would all pile in the car and go ride back roads, while drinking tall boys, smoking cigarettes, and listening to great music. I found back roads all over central Mississippi, and I could probably still find my way around out there. There is just something about getting into a car by yourself or with other people, and driving around out in the middle of nowhere.

Windows rolled down, humid Mississippi wind blowing in your face, cold beer in a paper bag, and a full pack of cigarettes. On a good night, you could see every star in the sky.

Riding back roads was also the best form of therapy. A guy broke up with you? Hop in the car with a sad cd and drive in silence with your best friend. We would drive to the Louisiana state line to get lottery tickets...car piled full of girls, cold beer, jammin out to "Sucker" or all singing "Leaving" by the Indigo Girls.

I haven't ridden "back roads", "Beer roads", or "Country roads" in a long time, and I think that I need to do so soon. I had forgotten how much I loved it until I heard this song by Brandon Rhyder called "Back Roads" oddly enough. Check it out, it is on my playlist at the bottom, and it is truly a great song!!

Love,

Whiskey Belle

Top Twelve Male Fashion Faux Pas

2009-04-07T10:15:00.015-05:00

Okay Ladies,

Today at the watercooler some ladies and I were discussing some fashion trends among men that are a bit ridiculous. We wanted to share them with you so that you could share a laugh with us on behalf of our better halves. I honestly don't know how men would dress if it wasn't for us. In no particular order....

12. Tank Tops -- Under no circumstances should a man ever wear a tank top. Not to the gym, not to mow the lawn, and not even to sleep in. A t-shirt where you have cut the arms and neck out of is also considered a "tank top," and it will end up as a dust rag if left in plain sight.

11. Baggy shorts/pants -- Please pull up your pants, I do not want to see your buttcrack, thank you.

10. Seersucker -- Seersucker has a definite time and season, and should only be worn from the middle of April to the end of September. And if you are under the age of 80 and are going to try to pimp out the seersucker suit -- please wear white bucks, that is the ONLY shoe that goes.

9. Linen -- Another fabric which only needs to be worn on Easter and after until Labor Day. Please do not ever wear linen without underwear/undershirts, AND UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES would you ever where a linen shirt with corduroy pants in the middle of July, Edward!

8. If you are going to wear slacks to church, to a bar, to a party -- please wear the appropriate dress shoes. Flip flops do NOT suffice.

7. I don't know what it is, but every male in my neck of the woods who seems to live at the gym and pump steroids thinks it is very cool to dress up and hit up the bar in very tight AFFLICTION shirts. If God wanted you to have angel wings on your back, He would have given them to you permanently, not in polyester fibes.

6. If it is hot enough to wear sandals, birkenstocks, etc. then there is NO NEED to put socks on. IF your feet get cold that easily, then please, wear close-toed shoes. Thank you!

5. Please trim your hair, beards, eye brows, nose hairs, ear hairs, etc. TOO MUCH man grooming is ridiculous. I will not go up to a guy in a bar who is grommed nicer than I am.

4. I don't care if you think "You're a Keeper", or if you think "Mom's Love Me" or if you think its cool to tell people that "My Other Ride Is Your Mom" -- I REALLY don't want to see it blasted across your t-shirt. That, my dear, is super trashi....with an I.

3. I don't know who told you that it was okay to wear a 1/2 a bottle of cologne to make you smell good, but it doesnt. And I really don't care if it is the best smelling, most expensive stuff in the world -- you still smell like you bathed in Stetson.

2. Whoever made hats and visors, made them to block the sun out of your eyes, so please wear them straight and upright, and PLEASE take the tags off.

1. Jean Shorts -- words cannot express why not to wear these, so I will not try, just do not do it.

Now, men, I will say that you have some amazing styles that I do love. I love polo shirts, khaki shorts and boat shoes, I love when you wear your jeans and work boots with your button up, I love a dab of Aqua De Gio cologne, and I LOVE when you wear croakies on your sunglasses. But some days when you are not so lucky, you might venture out to try one of these common mistakes in the fashion world, and before you do, please think about how NOT cute we think these 12 things are.

Love,

Whiskey Belle

Some Music Needs Air....Roll Down Your Windows (Part II)

2009-04-01T13:49:00.002-05:00

Dear music lovers:

I have discovered a new band that I am obsessed with -- Eli Young Band. I stumbled upon them on iTunes while downloading some Casey Donahew, and I fell in love. Please download Guinevere (I think it was written about me), Always the Love Songs, and When It Rains. The lyrics are really great and pretty poetic. You can check them out on my MySpace or the playlist below as well.

Anyway, fellow music junkies, this music definitely needs some air, so roll down your windows and crank up the Eli Young Band and thank me later.

GUINEVERE

She's got a bumper like a billboard
Covered in stickers of her favorite band
She's got a hangful of records that she turns to
When she needs to land
She's a saturday night parade through the streets
That all eyes some to see including me
She carries memories around like souvenirs down in her pockets
She should have let some go by now but can't seem to drop it
Says forgiveness ain't nothing but a lifeless tire on the shoulder of her soul
That never rolls

Chours:For as much as she stumbled she's runnin'
For as much as she runs she's still here
Always hoping to find something quicker than heaven
To make the damage of her days disappearJust like Guinevere
Just like Guinevere

She don't hold onto nothin' new for very long
Yeah she writes you in as just one more taleand then you're gone'
Cause she once fell hard 'cause she dropped her guard
And no one gets to stay it's just too late

Repeat ChorusFor as much as she stumbled she's runnin'
For as much as she runs she's still here
For as much as she stumbled she's runnin'
For as much as she runs she's still here
Always hoping to find something quicker than heaven
To make the damage of her days disappear
Just like GuinevereJust like Guinevere

Lean into me Guinevere

Be mine tonight Guinevere

Thanks EYB, this song is a keeper!

Love,

Whiskey Belle

Top Twelve Tuesday -- Top 12 Southern Foods

2009-03-31T13:12:00.007-05:00

Okay Y'all!

Being that I am from the South, and obsessed with our culture, I am going to venture into choosing 12 and only 12 southern foods to make up my Top Twelve blog today! In NO particular order.....

12. Sweet Tea -- It is not a food, but it has to be in this list. It is in the food group, and it is as much a part of the southern culture as the magnolia tree.

11. Fried Sides -- pickles, squash, mushrooms, onions, okra, cheese etc. We will fry anything if it lies still long enough, and we will fry it well. You can go to The Cherokee in Jackson, MS and order the Fried Plate that comes equipped with all your favorite fried goodies and homemade dipping sauces -- it is truly amazing.

10. Fried Green Tomatoes -- Now these should have gone in the category above, but they are so great that they needed a number to themselves. If you want to eat them the right way, go dine at Julep in Jackson, and have them covered in comeback and crabmeat, or make them yourself and dip them in some home made ranch! Oh Idgie Threadgood, thanks for helping us spread the word!

9. Grits -- Oh grits, you are my favorite. I love them with butter, salt, pepper, and cheese. But I truly prefer them in Paula Deen's Baked Garlic Cheese Grits or under a couple of big juicy barbequed gulf shrimp.

8. Comeback Dressing -- I don't know who discovered this amazing creation, but I LOVE comeback dressing. I was once at a restaurant north of the Mason Dixon Line and asked for it -- they didn't have a clue what I was talking about....no wonder Yankee's are so strung out and jaded. My personal favorite is at Tye's in downtown Jackson, but Hal and Mals is a close second.

7. Fried Catfish -- If you walk into about any restaurant in Mississippi on a Friday, you will see that their blue plate special includes Fried Catfish. We still like to accomodate all Catholics and serve fish on fridays :) My favorite catfish blue plate is at Char, accompanied by their amazing homemade tartar sauce.

6. Fried Chicken -- I am not talking Popeye's, I am talking homemade, mouth watering, slap your momma fried chicken from your local dive, or your grandmother's house. Even if you want to be healthy, you can take the "fried" off and eat the most tender chicken you will ever have. We also fry turkeys on Thanksgiving and Christmas -- another great southern concoction.

5. Deer Meat -- Now I understand that you eat venison and elk up North and that is great and all, but we eat FRESH deer meat down here. As in, cut the backstrap off of Bambi's mom two hours ago fresh. I love deer meat, I love it fried, grilled, as hamburgers, as tenderloin, as sausage, but my personal favorite is grilled backstrap with cream cheese and banana peppers -- YUM-MY. During the months of November - January every southern boy has a freezer packed of this stuff, and will be more than willing to share!! $100 says everyone in Mississippi knows where Van's Deer Processing is....right there by Whitfield and the prison, right y'all?

4 Banana Pudding-- My oh My, this is my favorite dessert in the entire world. I am not talking about the instant pudding kind, I am talking about your grandmothers banana pudding. The kind that requires you standing over a hot stove stirring homemade pudding for an hour. The more nilla wafers, the better in my book!

3. Southern Breads -- In this I will include cornbread, mexican cornbread, yeast rolls etc. I am a huge carb-oholic, and I honestly don't know what I would do without Sister Schubert. Any other fans?? She is my hero and I love her.

2. Casseroles/Starches -- Apparently, casseroles are a VERY southern staple. Let us not forget my top favorites....Chicken Spaghetti, Hashbrown Casserole, Corn Casserole, Squash Casserole and Breakfast Casserole. Christmas morning wouldn't be complete at my momma's house without Breakfast Casserole -- yummmmm. I also can't leave out Mashed potatoes (southern style, with the lumps), and Mac and Cheese. Being that mac and cheese is my favorite food ever, I have to give it a shout out. One common ingredient in 90% of these things I have mentioned here in #2 -- CHEESE.

1. Greens -- I LOVE greens. Turnip, Collard, Mustard -- all greens. If you ever want to cheat and not cook them all day -- Glory Foods makes VERY good greens and you can get them at any K-Roger. They are seasoned so well, and I just adore them.

Now if you want to enjoy all of these on my list at one time, visit Mama Hamil's in Ridgeland, MS on Highway 51. Don't eat for a few days before you go, so you will have the room.

Hope you enjoyed my Southern Cuisine/Restaurant Review blog, and that you will go and try some of these very delicious treats.

Love,

Whiskey Belle

I apologize for my blogging hiatus....

2009-03-26T14:10:00.002-05:00

Dear readers:

Please forgive me for my blogging hiatus, I have been swamped at work and at home. I am trying my damndest to get skinny for Beach Trip '09 in June, so after slaving away at work all day, I head to tan and to the gym where I do at least 45 minutes of cardio 4 times a week.

After the gym on Monday nights, I have been consumed by The Secret Life of An American Teenager -- sadly enough the season finale was last week, but that freed-up hour is now replaced by watching Gossip Girl live instead of on DVR, and then there is CSI Miami.

On Tuesdays, for the past 6 months, I have taught dance lessons directly after gym time, but the tryouts are next week, so I will have a little bit of free time.

Wednesday nights, I come home to watch Lie To me -- the best new show this season, although it didnt come on last night thanks to assy idol.

By Thursdays, I am too tired to do anything and then.... the weekend starts. And as you know, I have been partying like I was a freshman on Spring Break these past few single months!

You can imagine the time deficiency I am dealing with, and blogging has not been a priority -- and really, nothing exciting has happened in my life lately. I'm still single, BUT I have lost about 13 lbs!!! Woohoo!

Let's see...what else....OH my recent ex's ex-wife that gave us hell is getting married --poor guy. I'll keep him in my prayers, cause she is a LOON. Talking to him a bit today via text. I'm being a grown-up trying to be a friend. It SUCKS cause I still miss him, but at least I can be mature about the situation. I think that is all. I will be back next Tuesday with a Top 12. I need ideas!!!!!!

Love,

Whiskey Belle

Top Twelve Tuesday -- Yup We're the South

2009-03-17T14:11:00.004-05:00

Dear Yankees:

There has been an email in circulation for a LONG time that tells Yankees about some Southern traditions/rules. I want to make it part of my top twelve today, but of course, I have added my charm to some existing rules, and added a few rules of my own.

1. That farm boy you see at the gas station did more work before breakfast than you do all week at the gym.

2. It's called a "gravel road." And yes, we still have them here. No matter how slow you drive, you're going to get dust on your pretty little car . I have found it is MUCH better to drive fast down these roads.

3. The red dirt -- it's called clay. Red clay. If you like the color don't wash your car for a couple weeks -- it'll be permanent. If you like the taste of it -- visit in July when the Neshoba County Fair is going on.

4. We all started hunting and fishing when we were seven years old. Yeah, we saw Bambi. We got over it.

5. If that cell phone rings while a bunch of mallards are making their final approach, someone will shoot it out of your hand. If you are my friend Sara's husband, he might drown you --and in Tunica County, he will get away with it.

6. Tea - yes, we have tea. It comes in a glass over ice and is sweet. You want it hot -- sit it in the sun. You want it unsweetened add a lot of water. And no matter what, no one makes it better than your grandmother.

7. So you have an eighty thousand-dollar car. We're real impressed. We have a quarter of a million-dollar combine that we only use two weeks a year.

8. Let's get this straight. We have one stoplight in town. We stop when it's red. We may even stop when it's yellow. It starts flashing after dark, and that means it's a 4-way stop, abide by the rules.

9. We eat dinner together with our families. We pray before we eat (yeah, even breakfast). We go to church on Wednesdays and Sundays and we go to high school football games on Friday nights. We still address our seniors with "yes, sir" and "yes, ma'am," and we sometimes still take Sunday drives around town to see friends and neighbors.

10. They are pigs. That's what they smell like. Don't like it? I-55 goes two ways - I-20 goes the other two. Pick one.

11. Grits are corn. You put butter, salt, and maybe even some pepper on them. We put cheese in them too. If you want to put milk and sugar on them, then you want Cream of Wheat - I-55 North will take you somewhere where they eat that crap.

12. The "Opener" refers to the first day of deer season or dove season. Both are holidays. You can get pancakes, cane syrup, and sausage before daylight at the church on either day. Weddings and Funerals are planned around both dates.

12. So every person in every pickup waves? Yeah, it's called being friendly. Understand the concept?

12. Down here we have Debutantes, and I was one. We wear wedding dresses and white gloves and are presented in a big ole ball at the local Country Club. It's an honor to be asked :)

12. Do not for ANY reason wear WHITE before Easter or after Labor Day. The same goes with seersucker. Your grandmother will do somersaults in her grave.

12. That Highway Patrol Officer that just pulled you over for driving like an idiot -- his name is "Sir," no matter how young he is.

12. Little girls need big bows in their hair....always, and little boys need to play outside and get muddy.

12. Men open doors, pull out chairs, and stand up when a woman enters or leaves the room. They also take that damn hat off their head for prayer and the National Anthem, and you should do the same.

12. Funerals and weddings are events in the south involving lots of food -- buffet style. And please, go back for seconds and a to-go plate.

12. Y'all is a word, and please use it correctly.

12. And finally, we have three religions down south....Baptist, Presbyterian, and Football.

There are so many more, but I have run out of time and space. Please comment and add your favorites and remember, yankees, we don't care how you do things up North. If it is so great up there, why not visit a Northern state or stay there? Just don't come down here and put down our values.

And no, down here, we don't have an accent, you do.

Love,

Whiskey "Southern" Belle

Top Twelve Tuesday -- My Top Twelve Pet Peeves

2009-03-10T16:23:00.005-05:00

Dear fellow anal-retentive friends:

Today, I would like to talk about my top 12 pet peeves, OR as I like to think of it -- Top 12 things not to do or say around me until my welbutrin kicks in :)

In no particular order....

12. People tapping their nails -- wow, this one really drives me absolutely crazy. It is annoying, and I will ask you to stop, and probably not very politely.

11. Windshield Wipers -- Not them in general, but when they go too fast or too slow depending on the amount of rain that is pouring from the sky. If it has quit raining, please turn them off; if it is raining very hard, please make them go faster. (this is only when I am IN the car -- otherwise, I dont care)

10. When people spray perfume in a small, confined area -- My sister does this, and I hate it. We will be 15 deep in a hatchback and Lauren will spray her VERY strong perfume, and I will bitch -- a lot.

9. Joint Myspace Accounts -- Now I think this is a bit ridiculous. If you can't retain the smallest amount of individuality once you get married, and think you need to share myspace pages -- you are a retard, and you need to get a life....of your OWN! And if you are doing this so he doesnt have cyber girlfriends -- you are an idiot and he probably has an account you don't know about.

8. "Bestie" -- whoever came up with this horrible term for a best friend should be shot....in the knee caps -- because everytime I hear it, I cringe, just like you did when I said "shot in the knee caps" eek!

7. Trashy Older Women -- especially ones that think they need to go to the bar and show their bellies. No one wants to see this especially since you have stretch marks and c-section scars. You are 30-50 -- dress like it!

6. ****InSeRt NaMe HeRe***** --Stars and hearts and different fonts and cases don't make your name look any better or cuter. It looks dumb, and it is annoying.

5. Old Fannin turn lane by Laurel Wood -- anyone who has EVER been down Old Fannin KNOWS that after the Laurel Wood light (coming from Lakeland Drive) the right lane ENDS. I can't stand when people ride it to the end and then almost make ME have a wreck because I refuse to let them over. I LOATHE this lane, and if you are ever next to me riding it -- I will not let you over, in fact, I would rather run into the back of the car in front of me, than let you over. :)

4. Uneven water distribution -- I have a problem, and I know this, but I can't have one hand wet, and one not. In fact, if I am doing dishes, watering the lawn, on a boat, in the bath, etc. -- if ONE hand gets wet, I HAVE to get the other one wet. We have tried many times to cure me of this habit, but it can NOT be broken.

3. Picking your teeth -- DISGUSTING, please go into a bathroom or lean down where I can not see you -- I do NOT want to see your tartar, or the leftover food that you find in your teeth...gross.

2. Cutting Toenails/Fingernails in public areas -- Please do this in the courtesy of your own bathroom -- not in your living room while you are having me over for dinner -- thanks!

1. Bluetooth devices -- How many times have you thought someone was talking to you that wasn't -- they were talking to their home boy/girl on their fancy schmancy bluetooth set. This is not your fault-- you can't see it. People should have to wear a sign that says...I am ON THE PHONE. This is annoying, so I have just quit talking to people in passing.

Ok, well this is all I have for today. I am sorry I slacked off last Tuesday, I was still reeling from The Bachelor. I saw Melissa on Dancing with the Stars last night -- I voted for her four times, and I encourage you to do the same. Also-- did anyone else notice a ring on her left hand?!?!?! Please respond.

Love,

Whiskey Belle

mmm vampires!

2009-03-06T14:57:00.005-06:00

Dear Twilight Fans:

My dear friend, and fellow blogger, decided to email me THIS today. And to her, I am forever grateful.

I have missed you, Cullen, and this image will stay in my mind all weekend long! Here's to you, Alice -- my favorite, fast cars, Italy, and abs.

Cara mia, ti voglio bene!

Love,

Whiskey Belle

Will Work For....Shiny New Uniforms???

2009-03-04T09:31:00.003-06:00

Dear Readers:

When I was a child and my sports team needed a new uniform, we had carwashes, bake sales etc.; kids would go door to door selling girl scout cookies, wrapping paper, and magazines. Now, all you have to do is stand in the middle of Old Fannin and Spillway Road with a money bucket and go up to people's car windows. Now, you just send your mom or dad to work with a box of chocolate and an envelope, or a Girl Scout Cookie sign-up sheet to put in their break room. Are you kidding me? No wonder kids are so damn spoiled, they don't know how to work for ANYTHING.

I remember being young and having to sell Holiday Potpourri tickets, and my mom would make me personally call my grandmother, and sell her one. She wouldn't do it for me. When is your child ever going to learn responsibility if you do everything for them, moms?? It's not about going door to door, its about instilling values in your children. And you really think putting your kid in the middle of a busy intersection going up to strangers moving vehicles is a good idea? And the worst part is, the poor car passengers either A. Give them some money to get them away from their cars, or B. AVOID EYE CONTACT, and try not to run over them!

Whatever. Next time I need some extra rent money or something, I am going to go stand in the middle of the street with a bucket and see how much money I get. If kids don't have to learn responsibility, why should I?

Ok I will get off my soap box, but really. Teach your kid some responsibility, and maybe you won't be a grandmother at 30.

Love,

Whiskey Belle

The New Hugh Hefner -- Jason Mesnick

2009-03-03T09:14:00.006-06:00

Dear Fellow Reality TV Junkies:

If you got on facebook last night between the hours of 10 and 11 pm CST, then your computer screen was probably bombarded with angry status updates that all regarded Jason Mesnick as, well....a prick, and Molly as....an idiot.

Last night on the Bachelor Season Finale After The Rose Ceremony, Jason Mesnik once again proved to every single girl out there that all guys, want what they don't have when he dumped Melissa -- his fiance, and asked Molly -- the girl he dumped originally, to give him another chance. If I had to hear one more time through his SOBBING, that he fell in love with TWO girls, and Melissa was everything he wanted "at the time", but not anymore -- I was going to throw my remote at the tv. All I have to say is suck it up, you big baby, and quit crying, because thanks to Molly being a typical girl, you got what you wanted. Why couldn't she have made girls around the world proud and told him to kiss her ass? But no, she took him back -- typical. Well, Molly, I have news for you. When something better comes along, YOU will be the one dumped again, because apparently he moves from chick to chick quite easily, and when that day comes -- no one will feel sorry for you, because you are a grade A moron.

I say that when Hugh Hefner kicks the bucket, Jason should move in the mans and become the next "Puffin". That way he can date all the women he falls in love with, and we won't be subjected to the drama and the tears anymore. So put on your big girl panties and deal with it Jason, and please quit crying -- you made this dog bed, now lie in it, and leave us alone.

Love,

Whiskey Belle

Always Sit In The Driver's Seat

2009-02-27T14:46:00.012-06:00

Dear single ladies:

One of my very best friends, of the male persuasion, used to try to school me on how to handle men and relationships. He was my very own Greg Behrendt, if you will. His advice to me was simple : Always sit in the driver's seat. Another interpretation: Always have the upper hand. Here are some rules to abide by...

1. Never let them know that they get under your skin. You are an amazing, beautiful, independent woman who is spending time with said suitor because you WANT to, not because you NEED to. As soon as they know you are depending on them, it's over with. You lose.

2. Don't give it up too soon. Leave something to the imagination, ladies. You most likely will not marry the guy you take home from the bar or sleep with on the first date. It has happened before, but those were very special circumstances. As soon as he has seen all you have...you lose. Remember, the good guys don't take skanks home to meet momma!

3. Make decisions, and stick to them. You decide you want to go to a bar with the crew and you make plans. Suddenly, he decides to go somewhere else. DO NOT for any reason change your plans because of him. If you do, he will notice, and he will take his business elsewhere, if you know what I mean.

4. Always leave him wondering. Never let on that you really do like them too much, they will get scared and run away. Leave them guessing every moment. They thrive on games, and in reality, you do too. It's not fun to date someone who is all about you all the time...it gets boring.

5. Never mention marriage. He will view it as pressuring him. If he is not ready, he might bolt. If he is ready, you might have ruined a big surprise. Maybe you will luck out like me, and find out in due time that it isn't an option, so you can get out. Maybe it is okay to mention it, well, no, just hint at it lightly.

6. Always be available to everyone, but him. This is key for the first stages of a courtship. You want him to think every other guy in the bar ( BESIDES HIS BUDDIES) wants you, and you want him to think you want every other guy in the bar (BESIDES HIS BUDDIES). This will drive him crazy. Be completely unavailable, and make sure you dress up and look damn good doing it.

I could go on, but who am I kidding. I am guilty of all of these, all the time. Apparently this is what works. I personally, couldn't tell you, I have failed at all of these. You could do what one of my friends did: Her guy broke up with her for a really dumb reason, and she confronted him at a bar and said "You are not breaking up with me", and she put her damn foot down and took over the steering wheel. 4 years and 2 kids later, they are super happy. Like i said, there are some exceptions, and they definitely are one.

I guess it is different in every situation, but I think now that I am 25 and ready to find someone to settle down with (at least for a few months) I need to trust my dear male friend and start practicing these rules. I will keep you posted on my new research project -- How to keep a guy in 10 days!

Love,

Whiskey Belle

Slap Chop -- You'll Love My Nuts!

2009-02-23T13:55:00.004-06:00

Dear YouTube-ers:

So Saturday night, two of my guy friends stayed up till the wee hours of the morning watching an infomercial on TV. Thanks to DVR, they were able to rewind, and MEMORIZE, this infomercial. Yesterday, on Sunday Funday, I asked them to explain to me this wonder and amazement that was Slap Chop, and honestly, there are no words, you just have to see it for yourself...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUbWjIKxrrs

PS -- I think Vince used to work for Farrow Amusements.

Love,

Whiskey Belle

Top Twelve Tuesday -- Top 12 Things I Choose Not To Live Without

2009-02-23T13:06:00.015-06:00

Dear Top 12 lovers:

Today's topic is so you can learn a little more about me besides my dysfunctional relationships. Today, I will discuss the top 12 things I choose not to live without(besides the obvious food, water, air, Maker's Mark, family, friends etc ....)

12. Edward Cullen -- Yes, I love the Twilight series, and I LOVE Edward Cullen, and I am not ashamed of this fact. He is the ideal man, and I won't rest until I find a non-bloodsucking version of him!

11. My Ipod -- I love music. It is my passion. Right now, I am listening to the theme from Legends of the Fall, before that was Jennifer Nettles (pre-sugarland) just her and a piano, and next is Otis Redding. It's random, but it's me, and I honestly can't live without it.

10. Sunday Funday -- Every Sunday we all get together for cooking and socializing, maybe crawfish, maybe a dance party, and some Wii bowling, sometimes award shows, and Entourage -- when it starts back up, and reminiscing of the weekends activities. I love my friends, they are the greatest, and I think Sunday's might be my favorite day of the weekend. I am so blessed.

10. Black Hair Rubber Bands -- If you see me my hair will either be in a ponytail with a black rubberband around it, or there will be one around my right wrist, that's right I said RIGHT wrist. Next time you see me, take a look.

9. My CHI -- Speaking of hair, I don't know how I got through life without my CHI hair straightener, or my generic CHI (which works the same and is from Sally's). Sometimes, I feel sorry for people that don't have chi's and when I see their frizzy locks I say..."Someone needs to buy her a CHI". Cause, I'm so sweet :)

8. Movies -- I love movies, I am a proud member of Netflix and I own over 100 dvds myself. It is the best way to escape for 1.5-4 hours. Speaking of 4 hour movies, my sister and I watched all 4 hours of Gone With The Wind Saturday. I LOVE this movie, and I LOVE Old South.

7. DVR -- I mentioned this in a previous blog, but in all seriousness, I don't know how I lived before DVR and I hope I never have to. Not only can I record my favorite shows, but I can rewind shows whilst watching them. Men think this is GREAT for sports (because replays arent enough), but I find this rewind feature perfect for, I dunno, rewinding the Oscars so I can see Rob Pattinson or Brad Pitt again, and then pausing... I'm just saying...it's amazing.

6. The Internet-- I don't know how I would get through the day without the internet and e-mail. I honestly don't believe I would keep up with as many friends as I like to keep up with, and I am pretty sure I would be seriously bored at work without it. I use the internet for EVERYTHING i.e. directions, phone numbers, social networking, recipes, stalking ect. Thank you, Al Gore, for inventing the internet, I owe you big time!

5. Millie and Eloise -- I could never live without these angels, and I honestly don't know what I did before they were in my life. They are the greatest therapists, and the best listeners. I love my pug babies and even though they annoy me at times, I wouldn't trade these angel babies for anything in the world!

4. Palm Beach Tan/Nail Salons/Missy -- I had to group all of these because they are all equally as important. I love to tan, get my nails done, and I LOVE Missy who does my hair. I get a super cute cut and a 3 color foil for $75 bucks at Shag in Florence. You really should give her a try!

3. Justin Cowboy Boots -- Now, I love these bad boys, and I look damn good in them. They are all broken in and worn and I love them. There is something about a good pair of cowboy boots thats gives you an extra pep in your step. I think it's a power thing...and ass-kickin thing!!

2. T-shirts -- I would rather wear jeans and a t-shirt than anything else in the world. My favorite are shirts from frat parties, and also from beach restaurants -- you know what I am talking about...Tacky Jacks, Pineapple Willies, Hog's Breath, Fudpuckers, AJ's...I can go on. We used to make special trips at the beach to get t-shirts. I LOVE them! And I will give a shout-out to the "shack shirt". We all have them, and we all love them. These always tell a fun or embarassing story -- but, thanks to some cotton and some dye, we will never forget.

1. Pajama pants -- There is honestly nothing better than getting home from a long day of whatever and slipping on your favorite pair of worn pajama pants. I have some fleece ones that I hold dear to my heart for winter, and some purple ones for summer. I also wear scrubs every now and then. It is just nice to cuddle up on the couch with your significant other, or just your puppies, and relax in complete and total comfort....of pajama pants.

Well, folks, that is all, hope you learned a little bit more about me from this. I need some suggestions for next week's Top 12! Let me know what you think.

Love,

Whiskey Belle

Who In The Hell Are "They"?

2009-02-19T13:58:00.007-06:00

Dear readers:

Me and the newest mom of the group were having a conversation today about how we needed to find us some decent men and she said..."Well, you know what THEY say...you will find him when you least expect it." Really? because "they" are the same people that tell me that I should find him when I'm not looking for him! When is someone ever NOT LOOKING FOR THEIR SOUL MATE? I look at every left hand of every man that passes by me these days, I look at people on the street, in the elevator, ordering a drink, and think....hmm could it be him?

And when is a relationship expected??? When do you EVER get up in the morning and say...."Well, I think I am gonna find my soulmate today, and we are going to fall in love and get married."? Never, because every relationship is unexpected.

"They" don't know what they are talking about. What I wanna know, is who in the HELL are "they"? Because, "THEY" are W-RONG, and I'm done waiting to be surprised, or pretend to not be looking so that "they" will bring me my soul mate. It gets very confusing.

Do you know what is NOT confusing? Penguins....You know penguins mate for life? They search and search until they find one mate, and that is who they spend their life with. They don't screw around, they don't break up, they love each other and only each other forever. Maybe we should quit listening to "they" and start learning from the penguins. So I think I am going to stop "not looking" and start searching and see what I can find. I'll keep you posted.

Love,

Whiskey Belle

Top Twelve Tuesdays -- MY Top Movie Quotes

2009-02-16T16:21:00.032-06:00

Dear Top Twelve Fans:

I asked my dearest darling friends to help me out with this list a bit. I had some GREAT suggestions, but sadly enough, I had to narrow it down to just 12. So here we go in NO particular order....

12. "For-ev-ver" -- say it slow, and with your lips puckered up, and you will think about The Sandlot, and how freakin cute all those little boys were.

11. "You can't handle the truth!" -- Could Jack Nicholson be more of a freakin a-hole in this movie as he portrays Colonel Jessup in A Few Good Men? What a movie, what a line!

10. "Mirror, Mirror, on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?" -- I know y'all are a bit shocked that this made my list, but Snow White is one of the greats, and it's a very memorable movie line.

9. "Nobody puts baby in the corner" -- this is probably one of the best and greatest lines of any movie of all time. Johnny Castle makes me heart melt when he says this one. It's almost as cute as when he scrunches up his nose and sings to Baby..."and i owe it all to you"...AHH i can't take it.

8. "I feel the need, the need for speed" -- I'm sorry, but it's one of the greatest movie lines in history, and one of my favorite movies...I miss you Non-weird TC!!

7. "Luke, I am your father" -- love it, love Star Wars, love Anakin Skywalker, love Yoda, R2D2, and everyone else...love this line!

6. "Your girl is lovely, Hubble" -- The Way We Were? Robert Redford, Barbara Streisand? Absolutely!...One of the greatest movies of all time. If you have never seen this, go buy it, and send me a thank you note later....Memories...like the corners of my mind....

5.. "Smile, it increases your facial value" -- Thank you Truvy, your words of wisdom are always kindly noted.

4. "You had me at hello" -- Again, back before TC went weird, and Renee -- thanks for delivering this line with the right amount of tears. Haven't you always wanted to say this to someone??

3. "Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die" -- Another random, I know, but I love this line in The Princess Bride, it is honestly one of the best and most forgotten!

2. "I'm the king of the world" -- Leo, you get more than an honorable mention this time, because you were the king of the world, and the king of our hearts in this one.

1. "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn" -- Oh Rhett, you are the main reason girls now love guys that are not-so-nice. Thanks for being our first man crush, and being way more of a man than Ashley Wilkes ever thought about being.

Well, I hope you weren't too surprised by my list today, and I hope that you did enjoy reminiscing. I will be back next Tuesday with the Top Ten Things I Can't Live Without...if you are lucky, one might be you!

Love,

Whiskey Belle

Millie

2009-02-13T15:41:00.002-06:00

Dear Readers:

My sister took this picture and I am absolutely obsessed. I just had to share. If you don't wanna lean down and kiss that smooshed nose, then there is something wrong with you, cause there is nothing better than pug kisses :)

Have a good weekend!

Love,

Whiskey Belle

Congratulations Emily and Derek

2009-02-12T17:09:00.002-06:00

Dear Readers:

Just want to say congratulations to my roommate, Emily (she is the cute thing on the right), and her wonderful (most of the time) boyfriend, Derek. He FINALLY popped the question last night. I am really happy for them, but super sad that I am losing a roommate!! I love yall and wish you the best of luck!!!

Love,

Whiskey Belle

Top Twelve Tuesdays -- Top Twelve Movie Songs Of All Time

2009-02-10T15:17:00.008-06:00

Dear fellow movie and music lovers:

On a lighter note today, I have decided to post a blog every Tuesday called "Top Twelve Tuesdays" that is a list of 12 things based on the title. You will see....Today is...Top Twelve Movie Songs of all time!

12. The first three chords of Aerosmith's "Sweet Emotion" automatically make me want to hit up a party at the moon tower with Jason London's sexy ass and the rest of the cast from Dazed and Confused. Alright, Alright Alright....

11. "Take My Breath Away" by Berlin. I have a friend in flight school in Pensacola, and I keep asking him if he will fulfill my fantasy of making out with a man in a flight suit to this song from Top Gun!

10. Anytime "Footloose" by Kenny Loggins comes on, me and my friends dance like we were in the cast of Footloose with Kevin Bacon. I think there are more moves we need to learn...I will work on that.

9. Oh Coolio and your "Gangsta's Paradise". I don't remember Dangerous Minds except for that Michelle Pfeiffer was in it, and I was in 7th grade and knew every word to this rap song -- and still do.

8. Thank God for the Righteous Brothers and "Unchained Melody" from Ghost. Patrick Swayze....yummy, even in the afterlife.

7. If you didn't fall in love with Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves after Bryan Adams and "Everything I do (I do it for you)", then you are crazy. Gah i love that song!!

6. Don't worry, Julie, I didn't forget about you and your obsession with The Breakfast Club and Simple Minds' "Don't Forget About Me". Luckily the Molly Ringwolds cover this, so we get to sing to it often at Club Fire.

5. My own personal favorite..."Kokomo" by the Beach Boys. I love Tom Cruise in Cocktail, I believe it was before all that scientology BS. Now he is a freak. But i miss the old Tom.

4. "Jambalaya" from Steel Magnolias. Everytime I go to New Orleans, I hear that song and it reminds me of "two pigs fightin under a blanket"!

3. Roxette -- "It Must Have Been Love" from Pretty Woman. Great song. Great Band. GREAT movie. Kinda makes you wanna be a prostitute....I said KINDA.

2. I saw this song live, so I am kinda partial, but there is nothing better than the bus scene in Almost Famous where the whole cast sings Elton John's "Tiny Dancer." At the Elton John concert I saw in Vegas last October, he said that song wasn't popular until that movie came out!

1. This has to go to the entire soundtrack from Dirty Dancing. Anytime I hear "Hungry Eyes","She's Like The Wind","I've Had The Time Of My Life", and "Love Man",I want to make out with Johnny Castle. Nobody puts baby in the corner!

I have to give honorable mention to Celine Dion's "My Heart Will Go On". We all used to love that song, especially the remixes that the radio did with the movie quotes....don't ever let go Jack!!

I'll be back next Tuesday with a new Top Twelve, and until then, I will blog about other random things....Sonuvagun gon have some fuuuuun on the bayou!!!!!

Love,

Whiskey Belle

"Just Relax"

2009-02-10T14:11:00.003-06:00

Dear readers:

Two years ago today, I lost a very good friend of mine, Kirk Conerly, in a car accident. I sent his mom a letter yesterday, and I honestly didn't know what words to use. What do you say to a mother who lost her only son? I tried to use words like "peace" and "comfort", but really I just wanted her to know that she wasn't grieving alone. I think so many times after a death, the ones closest to the person feel like everyone else moves on and goes on with life and they are left behind to pick up the pieces. I also wanted her to know that I think about Kirk everyday. I miss him letting me spend the night at his and Cooper's house at least once a week, listening to my latest drama-filled story about some loser I was dating and him telling me to just RELAX. Kirk and I were never close until the year before he died. We used to sit at his house and make fun of Cooper and his latest 20 year old fling. I was obsessed with his puppy, Annie, and I used to claim her as my own.

I'll never forget that day I went to Coopers and he was sitting on his back porch, smoking Kool menthol lights, and staring out into space. That week was a blur to me, and to my best friend, and Kirk's room mate, Cooper. I don't think Cooper will ever get over it, and I hope that God brings him some sort of peace as well.

One song was played over and over in my head when Kirk died and I wanted to share it with anyone who has lost someone close to them. The song is called Held by Natalie Grant. You can see the video here. I send Kirk's mom a cd with this song on it the week after he died...

I just wanted to include Kirk in my blog today, so that everyone will know he has not been forgotten, and never will be. I love you Kirk, and miss you so much!

Always relaxing,

Whiskey Belle

He's Just Not That Into You

2009-02-09T12:28:00.007-06:00

Dear ladies:

We have all read the book countless times -- some chapters out loud to our friends hoping they would listen, but nothing hits home until you see it on the big screen. Me and 7 of my closest friends went to see He's Just Not That Into You last night, and might I say -- wow!! What a great movie!! Each one of our situations is different, but each of us got something out of the movie. I won't go into their situations to protect anonymity, but I will enlighten you on two of my current situations....

First of all, I am the "my boyfriend didn't see marriage or kids in our future" girl. I was told that he didn't see himself married again or with anymore kids, and he wanted me to be happy and not stand in my way. TRANSLATION -- I don't want to marry YOU. I honestly believe that if you love someone, you will want them in your life for forever. I have to just realize that he didn't want to be with me and move on -- not wallow in what he might have meant, or how much he cares, or when is gonna come crawling back, cause let's face it -- It will be 5 weeks tomorrow, he isn't calling, emailing, texting, or coming by my house....he is just not that into me.

Second of all, I am the "have this guy friend who i flirt with" girl. For two years, I have had this guy friend who has ALWAYS been the guy I flirt with, whether I am dating someone or not. He has showed his jealous side, I have showed mine. We talk everyday, all day. When we are intoxicated it gets a little different, there is more flirting, more "i love you's", more "I wanna marry you one day" -- you get the point. Well, I have decided that this needs to end -- it can't possibly be healthy! If it was REALLY going to go somewhere, he has had 2 years and plenty of chances....he simply is just not that into me.

It's hard to swallow, and it isn't any fun, but in the words of Carrie Underwood --sometimes the rest of your life starts with "goodbye". So, I am shedding myself of unhealthy boy/girl relationships, and moving on. I will keep you updated and let you know how this is going. Until then....

Love,

Whiskey Belle

I dig music

2009-02-04T15:13:00.004-06:00

Music is my passion, and I talk about it all the time. I was the queen of mixed tapes in highschool and mixed cd's in college. Some say I should work for iTunes.

Many times I refer to songs in my blogs, and now I have added a music player that will have any song I talk about-- plus some! Just trying to make things as convenient as possible. If you don't like one song, hit the "next" arrow and flip through the 50-something songs I have listed. I don't know why you wouldn't like a song, I have impecible taste in music... Happy Listening!!!

OHH -- So I went to Chimneyville today and...no cowboys. I will keep you posted on the next couple of days.

Love,

Whiskey Belle

Cowboys are my Weakness

2009-02-03T09:18:00.003-06:00

Dear Fellow Buckle Bunnies:

I honestly have NO idea when this obsession with cowboys started, but it has gotten ridiculous. Every year I wait patiently for those 10 days in February when the Jackson fairgrounds are littlered with horse trailers, bulls, Luchese's, Wranglers, Justin's, Resistol's, and EVERYTHING Cowboy. My heart races everytime I drive by and see all of this cowboy-ness, and I lose all inhibitions. I purposely get tickets right behind the bull chutes, because nothing is sexier than cowboy butts sitting on top of the bull chutes! I force my sister to go eat at Chimneyville at least once during these two weeks of the Dixie National Rodeo, in hopes of meeting my future husband. "Rodeo" by Garth Brooks and "8 Second Ride" by Chris Ledoux blare from my speakers, and I imagine riding off into the sunset with one of these "Lane Frost" types. Sometimes, I curse the day my mother wasn't bred from a Harper or a Morgan, so I could have the inside track, but I guess two nights at the Rodeo Dance will have to serve as my ticket in!

I honestly think that my calling in life is to marry a retired cowboy, live on a big ranch in Texas and raise bulls! Can't you see me raising bulls? AND Little cowboys, of course.

So, I don't have tickets for the Rodeo yet, but I am sure I will go at least twice before it leaves a trail of dust and probably my broken heart behind. Well, wish me luck these next couple of days in my hunt for my cowboy. I will keep you updated on the status of my shameless pursuit.

Love,

Whiskey Belle

Millie and Eloise

2009-01-28T14:19:00.005-06:00

Dear Dog Lovers:

That is Millie on the left with her ear cocked back --it does that naturally, and I love it. The other picture is of Millie and her sister Eloise (Ella), my sister's baby. She is crazy, and is way more athletic than my little butter ball (who outweighs Ella by about 3-4 lbs!) Eloise wants to run around all the time and she bullies Millie. Millie wants to eat...and sleep! Anyway, just wanted to share with you what keeps me sane.

Pugs and Kisses,

Whiskey Belle :)

SoBe Crack Water

2009-01-28T13:27:00.005-06:00

Dear Diet Water Drinkers:

I am lucky enough to have the Pepsi Princess as a friend, and co-worker for a few months, and I get to reap some of the benefits from this. Today we had a tasting of some new PepsiCo products that have not been released on the market. I was lucky enough to try the new Yumberry Pomegranate SoBe LifeWater. This stuff not only tastes great, but has ZERO calories, for it is sweetened by PureVia, an all natural sweetner. This stuff must have crack in it, because it is addicting, AND I have been awake and in a great mood all day long. It hasn't come out on the market yet, but when it does, I will be stocking up on this stuff. Calorie free crack in a bottle....makes me wanna quit beating up people and dance with a lizard as well, Naomi!

Love,

Whiskey Belle

An Excerpt from "How To Talk To A Hunter"

2009-01-26T16:42:00.007-06:00

Dear Ladies:

Okay girls...Much thanks to Mrs. Lassiter and her analysis of a short story class, because this is possibly my favorite short story in the entire world. I was lucky to have such a great story REQUIRED for my class! The author is Pam Houston, the book is called Cowboys Are My Weakness. Naturally, I fell in love...and you will too.

And then you'll bring up the word "monogamy". He will tell you how badly he was hurt by your predecessor. He'll tell you he coudn't be happier spending every night with you. He'll say there's just a few questions he doesn't have the answers for. He'll say he's just scared and confused. Of course, this isn't exactly what he means. Tell him you understand. Tell him you're scared too. Tell him to take all the time he needs...

You're best female friend will say, "You didn't tell him you loved him did you?" Don't EVEN tell her the truth. If you do, you will have to tell her that he said this : "I feel exactly the same way."

Your best male friend will say, "Didn't you know that is what would happen as soon as you said the word 'commitment' ?"

But that isn't the word that you said. He'll say, "Commitment, monogamy, it all means just one thing."The hunter will call you one day and say that he has a friend coming in town and can't see you. The man who has said he is not so good with words will manage to say eight things about his friend without using a gender-determining pronoun. Get out of the house quickly.

Call the most understanding person you know who will let you sleep in his bed...

Whew! Chew on that one for a while!

Love,
Whiskey Belle

So Long Marcia!!!

2009-01-26T16:14:00.005-06:00

Dear Bret Michaels Fan:

We have to say goodbye this week to Marcia, the Brazilian alcoholic on Rock of Love Bus! I have to give HUGE props to this chick. She departed saying how she had the time of her life because there was free booze all the time, AND she said...."How can I say that I like Bret? I don't even know him!!" FINALLY, an honest woman. Marcia -- good luck, I am sure one of your frequent customers at the strip club will make a better husband than Bret and his hair extensions. So long Marcia! Your tequila induced moments will be missed!

Love,

Whiskey Belle

So Long President Bush, Hello Netflix!

2009-01-21T15:01:00.008-06:00

Dear Reader(s):

Well, it is official, President Bush is no longer the President of the United States, and 8 more years have passed. Everyone is reflecting on what has happened during his administration, and I say give Ole W a break! All that mess aside, let's take a minute to reflect on what the past 8 years has brought me, personally.

DVR -- I don't know how I could survive without my Digital Video Recorder. Every week I can count on it to tape Gossip Girl and The Secret Life of an American Teenager. I can't imagine a life without these two shows. Thank you THE CW and ABC FAMILY.

Netflix -- This is new for me, and I am already in love! Screw you Blockbuster, and your damn late fees!!

Taylor Swift, Jonas Brothers, and Miley -- As annoying as they are, I have enjoyed singing at the top of my lungs to one of their number one singles, and it makes me wish I was 16 again.

Credit Card Machines at Fast Food Restaurants -- The root of all evil, and the #1 contributing factor to my 30 lb weight gain in 8 years. I remember living in Clinton and Wendy's was the first to take debit/cards...it was a good day, I remember it well.

Stoney LaRue -- Dunno what in the world I would have done without his music. It makes me happy everytime I hear it. I love you Stoney!

Britney Spears -- Hit me Baby One More Time is STILL my favorite!! And I love you with or without hair. I heart K-Fed's trashiness too. Thanks for making the South look so good!!

Headliners and The Voo Doo Lounge -- At one time everyone I knew could be seen at one of these bars on any given Thursday-Saturday night. Somehow we could all drink like fish and get up for work(or class) in the mornings. Now, that is impossible...for these bars have closed!

Text Messaging -- Crazy to think that when we were freshman in college we couldn't drunk text people. No wonder our lives had less drama!

And last but not least....

Myspace, and Facebook -- I have to say...we use a lot less gas making drive-by's now that they have developed tools to stalk people online all day. Thank you, Tom and Mark, for making it bearable to have an 8-5 desk job.

Please feel free to add some of your own personal favorite things!!

Love, Whiskey Belle

Ghosts of Relationships Past

2009-01-21T14:18:00.007-06:00

Dear reader:

So this whole grown-up break-up is not nearly as entertaining and dramatic as the others. I have no drama, nothing to obsess over or bitch about. What a HUGE change for my past relationshiTs.

Can we please reflect on my past mistakes for two seconds? In the past 5 years, I have had some drama and some trash inflitrate my life! There was K from Crystal Springs. He slept with my best friend behind my back for the entirety of our relationship and I had no clue. Him - 1, Me - 0. Then, I went through a string of nice guys that ended up being my friends...Them- 1, Me - 0. Next is D from Pelahatchie, that's right, I dated someone from one of the 4 P's (Pearl, Pelahatchie, Pisgah, and Pucket). This is the one that I can devote some time to. I met him when he entered the law firm where I was working, to get his divorce.
Me: I can SAVE HIM!!
Him: REBOUND!!!
I was his crutch, his therapist, his sugar momma, but he was great, he wanted to see me....once a week, and I was okay with this. He always had excuses for why he couldn't come see me, and when he was with me he had a death grip on his phone. On the occasions he would text on his phone in front of me(all the time) , he would assure me it was his cousin.
Me: His mom is an only child...oh well, step-cousin, I guess!
Him: She'll never found out about Brandi, the 20 yr old I'm doing on the side

After some myspace stalking, this relationship ended violently with him cheating, I know..shocking, right? I mean where were the signs?? (In front of my face) I was devestated, he "loved" me. Him- 1, Me - 0 Makers Mark stock shot up 15% after that relationship ended, and I ended 2007 in a whiskey breathing blur.

That brings us to J from Benton. The greatest guy that just didn't work. There was no fighting, no cheating, it just had to end. And we are actually trying the FRIEND thing, and it is working. Fate - 1, Me - 0!

Don't worry, D got wind of the break-up and has been texting me and telling me how we need to get back together. He has been engaged and broken it off, and dated VARIOUS other girls in the year and a half since we were together, but at least he comes back to me, right? KIDDING! But hey, the attention is fun sometimes.

So that is the condensed version of my latest and greatest! And if you were keeping score, I lost 4-0! The next guy I date will be employed, educated, single, never been married, and have no chirrens. Haha...well, maybe not all those things, but I figure if he fits 1/2 of those, I will be in business!!

Music Lovers....Download Casey Donahew Band -- White Trash Story....and think of me fondly!

Luuuuuuuuuuv,
Whiskey Belle

Some music needs air. Roll down your windows.

2009-01-15T16:03:00.005-06:00

Dear country music lovers,

Do you have that ONE song that makes you wanna roll down your windows and sing at the top of your lungs? I do. I have several. I have developed a liking for a country artist by the name of Ashton Shepherd. She has this song called "Sounds So Good", that makes me happy. The beat is good, her voice is so great, and the lyrics are fun. It tells a cute story, and it keeps my mind off sappy love songs for the moment. So music lovers, download this one on iTunes (it is worth all 99 pennies) and turn it way up, roll your windows down and enjoy!

Love,

Whiskey Belle

Pass me the Jack, I'm single again!

2009-01-15T11:43:00.007-06:00

To my first readers,

First of all, thank you to whoever is reading this, for you must be bored. Next, I have to say thank you, Jack Daniels and Maker's Mark, for being there for me these past few weeks in helping mend my broken heart. After nine months of my most stable relationship to date, I have to say that I am single, yet again. It wouldn't be such a bad thing if I hadn't been considering marriage with this man, and his two kids. That's right, I had big plans of marrying into this pre-made family, and I had finally gotten okay with it. Just remember, as soon as you think something is one way, it turns out to be something totally different -- for marriage was NOT in his future, nor were anymore kids (well, at least not marriage and kids with me). Being that I am in my MID-twenties (cringe), single, and living in a fairly small town in Mississippi, I had to bow out of that situation gracefully, for marriage and children were in my future, and soon!

Growing up in Mississippi, every girl DREAMS of the day she will wed ,straight after college, naturally, and have the big ole Southern wedding complete with the groom, rich from "family money", the dress, the food, and the big spread in Mississippi Magazine's Wedding Register. Not being in your mid-twenties, living in a rented house with two room-mates, working 8-5 everyday, and crying in your whiskey drink over another failed relationship to your best friend and confidant -- your 9 month old black pug. But, here I am, and this time I am writing about my experiences, so you too can enjoy the humor in all of this. So, sit back and pass me the Jack, I am single again!

Love,
Whiskey Belle