"Hikey's are for White Trash Carnies!" Angie Bates

It's White Trash BBQ TIME!!!!!

I've attended many a White Trash BBQ in my day, the first year I was in singles ward they had one, and it left such an impression on me, that I went on to throw 2 myself when I was in Idaho. and then a few months ago Gwenny decided to bring it back and give it a go with our Singles Ward again, and while the turn out, and amount of people dressed up was slightly disappointing and probably the worst of all I went to, we did have a great time and made the most of it, just like always! Plus you know me and Gwen love and appreciate anytime to dress up and take silly pictures so we can blog about it!

Here's some of the games we played, to get in the spirit of things!

Watermelon seed spitting contest! Jordan Baker wins for best form!

It's not a party without a pinata, but we didn't have one so Gwen constructed one out of a Trash Bag and Duct Tape!

What's more Trashy then Nascar? Probably our attempt at recreating a Nascar!

Big thanks to Gwen for being the pace car!

The loser of this Race was me. . . . I don't know how I lost. . . . . maybe because I'm pregnant and I had been smoking all day. . . . .what do you expect. . . .plus Michelle was cheating, so that's why she won!

Nothing like a good old Wrestling match!

Here's Ben dragging his defeated opponite in a what I dub "The Drag of Shame!"

Here's a little game I invented called "Who can make the Carniest Face"

Not a bad attempt by Josh "Big Biz" Bisnett

Um not quite there Joe. . . you still look pretty normal!

Here's Michelle looking like she just left the set of a "Panic at the Disco" music video!

Um I said Carniest face, not trashiest face. . . .this isn't an ad for an escort service!

Here's Ben the quintessential Gay Redneck. . . . .there's one at every party!

Don't you totally believe Sarah loves Cheese whiz!

Gwen looks like she got punched in the face. . . . .again!

Canada looks like he needs to be punched in the face!


Nice try Boyce! But I'm pretty sure I just caught you eating!

Come on right?? Carniest picture ever!!!! but nope. . . .

I'm willing to admit Nicole takes the cake. . . . don't you think?



Mad props to Gwenny and her commitment to the costume craft! She bedazzled this Jacket herself!

Nobody rocks flat hair and a black eye better then Gwen!

I thought I told you Michelle, I don't like people touching my belly!

These are our winners for best dressed, aren't they cute!!!

These are our second runners up for best dressed, aren't they cute!!!!

Nothing says class more then the two food essentials, Spam and Cheese Whiz!

Don't you think so Martin and Jordan? Nice Tan by the way!


So chalk it up to another fun time. . . . .I hope I don't have you all on fun overload, but what can I say I'm trying to keep up with those of you that have important things to blog about like husbands and children, until that happens this is what you get! So stop the hatin' and start appreciatin'!

Peace Out!

"Don't wanna be an American Idiot!"- Green Day

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!

In Honor of 4th of July I have posted some questions from the revised Citizenship test, and provided the answer key at the bottom. I got an 80% which means I didn't pass, I could not be a citizen. . . . how sad! Anywho 85% or above gets you the right to call yourself an American!



Good Luck!







Do you have what it takes to become a citizen?


1. How many stripes are there on the U.S. flag?
10
13
50
51


2. Who is the chief justice of the Supreme Court today?


George W. Bush


Alberto Gonzales


Thomas Jefferson


John G. Roberts Jr.


3. In what year was the Constitution written?


1776
1787
1876
1812


4. Which of these is guaranteed by the First Amendment?


Freedom of the press


Right to bear arms


Right to happiness


Right to trial by jury


5. How many Supreme Court justices are there?


3
9
10
13


6. What are the first 10 amendments to the Constitution called?


The Preamble


The Bill of Rights


First Ten Amendments


Lewis “Scooter” Libby


7. When was the Declaration of Independence adopted?


July 4, 1776


July 4, 1787


July 4, 1812


July 4, 1876


8. Which of the following amendments to the Constitution does NOT address or guarantee voting rights?


19th Amendment
24th Amendment
15th Amendment
7th Amendment


9. What are the 13 original states?


Connecticut, New Hampshire, New York, New Zealand, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Delaware, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Rhode Island, Maryland


Connecticut, New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Rhode Island, Maryland


Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Kentucky, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Rhode Island, Maryland


Connecticut, New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Rhode Island, Maryland, Washington, D.C.


10. What do the stripes on the U.S. flag mean?


The Cabinet


One for each state in the Union


They represent the 13 original states


One for each article of the Constitution


11. What is the introduction to the Constitution called?


The Preamble


The Bill of Rights


The Declaration of Independence


The Articles of Confederation


12. How many changes or amendments are there to the Constitution?


9
10
13
27


13. Which of the following is NOT one of the constitutional requirements to be eligible to become president?


Must be at least 35 years old by the time he/she will serve


Must have lived in the United States for at least 14 years


Must be a natural-born citizen of the United States


Must have served as a governor


14. Who selects the Supreme Court justices?


The Electoral College


The people


They are appointed by the president


The Senate


15. How many representatives are there in Congress?


50
100
102
435


16. Who said, "Give me liberty or give me death"?


George Washington


Benjamin Franklin


Thomas Jefferson


Patrick Henry


17. Why did the Pilgrims come to America?


In search of gold


To meet the Indians


For religious freedom


To escape the Revolutionary War


18. Who has the power to declare war?


Congress


The president


Chief justice of the Supreme Court


Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff


19. What INS form is used to apply to become a naturalized citizen?


Form N-200 "Petition for Naturalization"


"N-400 "Application for Naturalization"


Social Security card


FD-258


20. Which of these contains three rights or freedoms guaranteed by the Bill of Rights?


Right to life, right to liberty, right to the pursuit of happiness


Freedom of speech, freedom of press, freedom of religion


Right to protest, right to protection under the law, freedom of religion


Freedom of religion, right to elect representatives, human rights









Answer Key-



1. 13

2. John G. Roberts Jr.

3. 1787

4. Freedom of Press

5. 9

6. Bill of Rights

7. July 4th, 1776

8. 7th Amendment

9. Connecticut, New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Rhode Island, Maryland

10. 13 Original States

11.The Preamble

12. 27

13. Must have served as a governor

14. They are appointed by the president

15. 435

16. Patrick Henry

17. Religious Freedom

18. Congress

19. "N-400 "Application for Naturalization"

20. Freedom of speech, freedom of press, freedom of religion








I hope you all have a safe and wonderful holiday and blah blah blah, but mainly I hope nobody lights anything on fire! I think we have enough of that going on right now! But if by chance you do, I hope it's an experience worth blogging about! Wear sunscreen and have a Happy 4th of July!


Peace Out!!!!

"Country music has always been the best shrink that 15 bucks can buy.”- Dierks Bentley

So every once in a while I see a commercial or promo for a show and it perks my interest, such is the case with the reality show Nashville Star, I think everyone knows what a huge fan of the other TV talent competitions I am, and I don’t despise Country Music, I have a huge appreciation for it. When I was little I worshipped Reba McIntyre and wanted to be just like her, that or a rodeo queen. So there’s a special place in my heart for this genre of music, even though I don’t listen to it all the time.

Also this is what went through my mind when they started to advertise for it, and I told Nette we should make that a show we watch.

Well so far, I hate to say it, but I think Nashville Star is the Red Headed Step child of American Idol, and there’s only one solid performer on that show that I like and it’s not just because she’s a plus size Mom of 5, it’s because she can actually sing!

Her name is Melissa Lawson and her voice is AMAZING, the first 2 weeks she was a little shaky, but you could see her potential, and now she’s hit a stride and I think she’s the best singer on that show! See for yourself! This was her performance from Monday.







Let me give you a run down of some of the other contestants. . . .


This is Coffey pronounced Kaw-Fey or whatever, this guy isn't a terrible showman, he's entertaining, but he has that hyper active vibratto he can't control, which I find annoying, and he does so many runs and note manipulation that his pitch ends up being off. I really wanted to like him, but as Jewel ( she's a judge) says, he needs to be careful how many gimmicks he uses. He constantly speaks after every phrase he sings, and always gives little shout outs to the band like "Come On!" or "Let Me Hear the Horns" you know what I'm talking about, right? Long story short. . . . he bugs!



Ok these next two groups I wanna talk about next are The Two Teenage BFF's named Laura and Sophie, and the sister trio called Pearl Heart, I'm sorry to say, but I'm a little unsure of their appeal, sure they are cute, young girls, but both acts are BORING!!!!

I hate to do it, but you must see these two girls who just call their group Laura and Sophie (really creative ladies) countryfy Michael Jackson's PYT. . . . Oh you just wait, it's a doozy!




This is like drawing a mustache on the Mona Lisa to me!

and Now Pearl Heart. . . . .

These girls really work the wardrobe, The best thing I can say about them is they always look cute, but I can't help falling asleep or feel the need to fast forward after the intial "that's a cute outfit" thing wears off. The Judges think their harmonies are good, but sometimes 3 part harmony doesn't sound so awesome regardless of how in tune it is, the perfect example is when they turned "Love Shack" into a country song. Oh yeah, I know! Even the Karaoke PorterHouse version was less annoying!





Watch and observe and tell me what you think!



I mean not only was that song ridiculous, but these girls do not have that natural stage presence that makes me wanna watch, and the supposed front woman is the most awkward mover ever!!!! It's a shame because musically they know their stuff, but I see no Star Quality.


Ok so this kid's name is Tommy and his schtick is he's in the Navy. The kid can perform though soI know he's not getting any "We Should Vote for Him because he serves our Country" votes. He kind of reminds me of a southern Elliot Yamin he even has messed up teeth. He likes to do all the vocal tricks like Coffey, but his voice is way more controlled, I think he would have a lot of success on Idol, even the judges have said that, they have a hard time believing he is a Country Singer, but he sounds alright to me!


This is Gabe, He's like a Hispanic George Strait. He sings really well, always intune and never over the top, but really not that exciting to watch, I'm sure he probably writes cute little songs about being in love and what not just like Mr. Straight, but definatley doesn't pack that entertaining punch I speak so much of!

And don't even get me started on Billy Ray Cyrus as the host. You would think with all the TV work I've heard he does, he would be masterful at this job, but that is not the case. He doesn't seem able to disguise the fact that he's reading from a teleprompter, and everytime he talks to the contestants it's like the most artificial and forced interaction. I think they just hired him for his big name status, because the Nashville Star people where sorrily mistaken if they thought Cyrus would do a good job. He kind of sucks!

I can say the judges they lined up this season are good. I think for the most part I can agree with them, I think they all have a lot to offer, and I have to give them props, because they don't just sit and judge they all have contestants they Mentor and try to help improve throughout the week, so props to who ever came up with that idea.

For those who don't know there is Jewel

but don't get it twisted she's not here to be the Mother Hen and just compliment people about their outfits, she actually makes audible/understandable comments and criticisms.

Jefferey Steele

Who is probably most well known for his Song Writing abilities he wrote the songs "What Hurts the Most" and "These Days" for Rascall Flatts, but he had his own band called Boy Howdy back in the 90's (never heard of them) Anyway, sometimes his comments don't make sense, but occasionally I agree with what he has to say.


Then there's John Rich



You might know him as being the second half of the Band Big and Rich.
Unfortunately I think John Rich suffers from Little Man Syndrome, he seems like he is over compensating for something, but he does know his stuff, and even before he hit it big with "Save a Horse Ride a Cowboy" he was writing hit songs for people like Faith Hill. I don't always agree with his taste, but I think he does a really good job mentoring the contestants, and occasionaly offers a good critique.


Even though I can't handle the music sometimes, I'm sucked into the show because now I have to see how it turns out! I really hope Melissa wins, the Country scene needs a woman like her. I'm also curious to see how these contestants do when it's write your own song week.

So all in all this show will never replace Idol for me, nothing will, but atleast it gives me something to blog about!

Peace Out!

"Oh we're going, to the hukilau Huki huki, huki huki, huki hukilau"- Ray Conniff

Last week was the annual "Staff Appreciation Day" at WorkSource for the Employment Security Department, and Marcia Henkle the sight Admin aka My Boss's Boss asked me to head up the party committee, so me and my squad threw together probably the greatest Luau that place has ever seen! Marcia chose the Hawiian theme, and boy that was a good call, because not only did the dollar store have almost an entire luau party section, but my good buddy Matt Boyce had a reception that was Hawiian themed. So, lucky me! Anway here are some shots from the festivities, there's kind of a lot so I hope they are to your liking!

I was pretty proud of how cute the invites turned out, sometimes pictures don't translate that well, but you get the idea. I didn't want to do a regular old flyer like invitation, so I tried something different, and it was a big hit.

Extreme close up!

I put swedish fish inside of these little tiki cups, because I couldn't think of any other candy that might fit the hawiian theme.

Here's the announcement I hung up for the rest of the WorkSource staff, inviting theme to join us for lunch.


Here's the buffet section, which I dubbed the tiki lounge!

We had fried chicken, coleslaw, potatoe and macaroni salad, and what would have been an awesome looking cake, if it hadn't got banged up and all the frosting smeared, Fortunately that wasn't my fault otherwise I'd probably still feel guilty.

So this might look like some little kids left their floaty things out, but it's actually apart of the decor.

Here's our table decorations, props to Tabitha for putting theme together, I really didn't have much of a plan, but she just kinda took some stuff and ran with it. Nice Job Tab!

Tab was also kind enough to hand out lei's, and I made sure everyone knew lei jokes where old and completely un original, so don't even try!

Here's Tabitha and Mary, with Ida peaking through in the back.

This is Mary, Tatyana, and Ida. Utilizing the picture backdrop! We could not keep Tatyana away from that coconut bra!

This is me and Tab the party planning extrodinare's!

And now for the guests, I don't think i'd be able to name everyone in the pictures, so forgive me for not attempting, also some people where not totally down with having their picture taken, so this isn't everyone.

By the looks of it, you'd think someone was giving a toast, could we have more raised glasses in these pictures.

Sharon pictured here in the purple is wearing a Mumu, so I felt the need to capture a shot of her, because other then me, she was probably the most committed to the dress up day.

I got frosting on my arm, I thought I'd capture the moment, because it's such a rare thing me spilling on my self. . . . NOT!!!

You know I always love a dance party! So when the electric slide came on during my special Luau mix and people actually wanted to do it, I was super excited. We actually ended up doing it twice, who knew I worked with so many dancers!

Even Willie joined in on the fun!

The Electric slide is "old hat" for seasoned line dancers like DaLila and Vicki.

We have the entire Business Services Staff, as well as the Big Dog Marcia in on it this round.

Here's Willie again rockin' to his own groove!

These next few shots prove you don't need alcohol to have a good time!

And I think Monica proves that the best!

Velma's really shredding that Ukalele

Here's Belen and Marivel attempting to stay shayded from the sun!

LOBSTER FACE!!!!!

hey Belen?. . . .there's something in your hair. . . .

Looks like Marivel and Carmen found some sweet dance partners!

Please tell me you get this picture? funny right?

Like I said. . . no alcohol necessary!

Oh yeah, I even got people to do the limbo! Thanks Beka for the Limbo stick, that was a hit as well!

Marivel was our limbo champion, unfortunately she had to go to the doctor the next day because her back was killing her! Way to sacrifice for the team!

I found a cool game online called "Tacky Tourist" that I had us play, and this is how you do it.

You line up several different touristy themed items, mine where

a grass skirt

coconut/sea shell bra

sea shell necklace

Shovel and pail

goggles

and a snorkel with a shark fin on it!

split into two teams and each member has to go to each station and put on every item, run to the picture backdrop take a picture, run back put all the items back in order and tag the next team mate, and the first to complete the task, wins! Here's the pics from that game, I think they turned out nicely!

Marivel was the first one, she was quick!

followed by Belen

Here's Tatyana again in her favorite bra!

we almost missed Irene she was so fast!

Steve and Willie where tied almost the whole way!

And if Willie wouldn't have taken his dear sweet time getting back, it woul be me in this spot instead of Monica!

Who's the big loser. . . . it's me!

These are the nifty paper weights we got, as a gift from the state for all our hard work this last year!

Here's all the staff from ESD

And then of course everyone else, minus Tabitha who was kind enough to take the picture!

I couldn't have been more happy with how the party turned out, everyone told me they had a great time, and told me I have to come back next year and do that for them again!I totally would to because it was so much fun to put together, and I couldn't have done it without Tab of course, or Debi and Vicki who helped blow all that stuff up, and of course much thanks to Betty for taking care of the food. Also as I mentioned before here's to Beka for loaning me some of her luau stuff, as well as Sara Boyce for the leftovers from Matt's reception, It helps to know people that's for sure!

Peace Out!