The Day Ginger Snapped part 7

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I looked up John Hogan in the phone book and found that he was listed without an address. So, I called the number and told him that I was in town for a few days and that I would love to see him if he were free. He suggested that we meet for lunch the next day and I agreed. Then, he suggested that we meet for lunch at McDonald's at 12:30. He said that he would wait for me in the parking lot and told me to look for his green Honda Civic.

I wasn't very excited about the lunch date. I mean he suggested McDonald's, so I figured that he was going to show up with his kids or the entire car pool or something.

I pulled up a few minutes late and had to circle the parking lot to look for his car. I was on my third trip around and starting to think that he wasn't coming when I noticed this homeless man waving for me to pull into a parking space where he was standing. I was kind of scared, but figured that I was safe as long as I kept the windows rolled up and the doors locked. Besides, I figured I owed it to John to give him fifteen minutes to show up before I took off and wrote him off as a loser by default.

I waved a thank you to the homeless guy and pulled into the space. Before I knew it, he was at my door trying to open it. I told him through the window that I didn't have any money to give him and he laughed.

"Ginger, it's me, John. This is my car right beside you. See?" He stepped aside so that I could see what must have been the very first Honda Civic ever made with three different shades of green paint on it. Trust me, none of the shades looked good!

I still wasn't sure that this fat, shabby looking guy with no bottom teeth was John Hogan. So, I cracked my window a little to talk to him.

"John Hogan, is that really you? How did you recognize me after all these years?"

This must be some kind of joke! How could this guy have ever been cute?

"That was easy, sugar. You're still as beautiful as you was in high school. I'm really glad you called me up. Now get out of that car and let's go get something to eat. I'm starved." John stepped back to give me room to open the car door.

"OK, just give me a minute. I'll meet you at the door. I need to make a quick phone call." I lied.

I didn't have anyone to call. I just didn't want him to see me do the happy dance when I got out of the car. I didn't have to spend any more time with him to see that he was going on the loser side of the board.

I got to the door and he was waiting for me, smiling from ear to ear. Showing off all the teeth that he didn't have. "What's wrong with you, sugar? You're looking like you done seen a ghost."

Quit smiling at me!

"Oh, I'm sorry. I was just thinking about how long it's been since I last saw you. You look...you look...happy."

"Well, sugar, I'm happy to see you, that's for damn sure. Turn around and let me get a good look at you."

He motioned for me to twirl in a circle and I figured that I had nothing to lose so I did.

"OOOOOeeeee! You done filled out since high school. I like that though. You know what they say...more cushion for the pushing..." John actually winked at me when he said this.

GROSS!

"Well, now, why don't you twirl for me?" I just couldn't resist asking.

He happily turned around and showed me a butt wiggle that almost made me throw up. Then I saw the big bald spot at the back of his head and I suddenly didn't feel nauseous anymore.

"How'd you like that view, sugar?"

There's that lecherous wink again. Double Gross!

"Oh words just can't explain what I felt. Are your kids inside?"

"Kids? Nah, they're all with their mothers. Why would I bring them out on our date anyway?"

"Did you say 'mothers'? As in more than one? I mean, you suggested McDonald's so I just assumed you would be bringing your kids to play on the playground while we talked."

He opened the door and made an exaggerated motion for me to enter as he talked, "I've got seven kids by six different mothers. You may even remember some of them from high school. I don't get to see too much of the kids or the grand kids unless someone wants some money from me. I keep telling them, 'You can't get blood from a rock so don't come around here looking for money. You get the child support and that's all I got to give.' I'm telling you, sugar, child support will damn sure kill you."

I had become frozen in place. This guy was a bigger loser than I could have hoped to find. Suddenly, for the first time in many years, I was glad to have the life I have. I said a silent prayer and thanked God for having this guy dump me in high school. I hated to think of what my life would be like if he hadn't.

"What you just standing there for, sugar? They ain't got no hostess on duty. Me and you are gonna have to order our food at the counter just like everybody else." John took off toward the counter like they were giving away free food.

I followed him to a register and he ordered three double cheeseburgers with a large fry, a medium drink and a large chocolate shake. I thought he was doing his best imitation of a gentleman and ordering lunch for me too. I was proud of the poor loser for trying to be a gentleman.

Then he turned to me and said, "You go ahead and order your food now. I need to run to the big boys room and drain the lizard." Then he walked away and left me standing there to order my lunch and to pay for everything.

I was smiling from ear to ear and eating my chicken sandwich when he joined me at the table.

"I'm glad to see that you started eating without me." John said as he pushed his way into a chair.

"I didn't think that you would mind. So, tell me how you've been." I smiled at him. Showing that I still had all of my bottom teeth.

"Well, I'm a good site better now that I've seen you again. Where have you been keeping yourself? After high school, you just seemed to fall off the face of the earth." John quizzed me as ketchup ran down from the corner of his mouth.

"I live in Florida now and I teach Kindergarten there. It's really pretty boring. What do you do?" I just had to know more about this train wreck that was sitting in front of me.

"I work in the maintenance department over at the coliseum. One
time I even got to meet Celine Dion."

"Wow, that's exciting!"

NOT!

"Yeah, it was. Her toilet was backed up in her dressing room and I got called in to fix it. I tell ya, for a skinny little thang, she sure can crap a lot."

"Well, John. that's a story I just can't wait to share with my friends. Are you involved with anyone?"

"Nah, sugar, I'm all yours. Do with me as you will!"

He spread his arms out like he was waiting for a hug. I left him waiting and threw what was left of my chicken sandwich on the table. I suddenly wasn't hungry anymore.

"OK, why don't you tell me about all those kids of yours."

"Now, sugar, I don't want you to go and get jealous or anything but I had two kids before we actually graduated. Their moms were both pregnant at the same time and I had a hell of a time keeping them apart from each other and not letting you find out."

"I'm confused. Why didn't you want me to find out?"

He laughed at himself as he proudly announced that we had still been dating when he got those two girls pregnant. "What can I say? You weren't giving it up, but they was."

I couldn't help but smile. "I see. You had to do what you had to do. Thank you for worrying about how I would feel when I found out."

"Hey, I'm a horn dog, but I'm not heartless. While I was in college I got my freshmen girlfriend pregnant. Then I got my sophomore girlfriend pregnant. Then I flunked out of school."

"Well, you certainly had a lot on your mind. What did you do then?"

"I thought about going into the military, but that didn't work out cause I'm flat footed. So, I got a job selling Pontiacs over at the car lot. I was making pretty good money and everything was going great until I got the owner's daughter pregnant."

"Did you lose your job?" This story was getting better and better.

"Well, not right away. He actually promoted me. You see his daughter had never really had a boyfriend before and he didn't think anyone would ever want her cause of her being so over weight and ugly and all. He got all excited and started talking about us getting married and me becoming a partner in the car lot. So, I just stopped showing up for work and eventually he got the message."

"What was the message?"

"I'll sleep with your daughter, but I sure as hell won't marry her." He then laughed so hard that he had to slap the table.

"What did you do then?" I was afraid of the answer, but I just couldn't stop myself from asking.

"I started cooking in the kitchen over at the Phoenix Grill and that was a pretty good job. All the free food I could cook. One day I slipped and fell as I was coming out of the walk in freezer and my back got hurt pretty bad. I was out of work for a long time."

"That must have been tough. How did you make ends meet?"

"I cooked up this sweet little insurance scam. I was bringing home more money then I had ever earned. Somehow the cops got tipped off and I was sent away for a little while." John lowered his voice as he told this part of his story.

I was so happy I wanted to jump up on the table and dance, "Do you mean that you went to prison?" I tried to hide the excitement in my voice, but I don't think I did a very good job.

"Yeah, but don't let that scare you none. I didn't become no ones girlfriend and no one became mine. I did my time and as soon as my probation is up I can put all of that behind me." John sat up straight as he said this, like he was proud of himself.

"You must be so proud of that. Now, if I'm counting right you still have two more children that you haven't told me about,"

"Uummm, well, I guess I went and got ahead of myself. When I was working at the grill I hooked up with a girl that worked there and we got two kids together. The youngest one is about ten now."

"You definitely have some life story to tell. Maybe you should consider writing a book."

"Yeah, I could be a regular Stephen Kingdom."

"Who? Oh, I think you mean Stephen King." I took a quick look at my wrist and pretended I was wearing a watch. "Gosh, look at the time. I really should be going. I've got some things that I need to do before it gets too late."

"I understand. I have to get ready for work myself. They got one of them Ice Capades shows at the coliseum tonight. Hey, I can get you in for free if you'd like."

"Wow, I really wish I could go. Maybe some other time."

He seemed so proud that he could actually sneak someone in to an Ice Capades show that I almost felt bad for him.

He walked me out to my car and acted like he wanted to say more but wasn't sure how to put it. I opened my car door really fast and jumped in because part of me was afraid that he was going to try and kiss me.

As I was about to close my door he stopped it and leaned in, "Look, sugar, why don't we get together for lunch again. I'll even cook. I'd love for you to see my trailer."

"You have your own trailer?" There was a smile and a look of pride on his face that would be impossible to reproduce. "I'd love to see your trailer, but no cooking. You give me the directions and I'll pick you up there. How's the day after tomorrow? We'll go out for a really nice meal. I may even spring for one of those all you can eat buffets."

I handed him a piece of paper and he wrote down the directions. He leaned into the car when he passed the paper back to me and I was once again afraid that he was going to kiss me so I had a very bad, very fake coughing attack. He backed up and I closed the door, threw the car in reverse and took off."

12-30-10

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This is so me!

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Welcome to my life.....

12-28-10

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12-27-10

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I've posted a Brag Book page freebie for you on April's blog. Make sure you go pick it up! I used her Grungy Spring Kit to make the page.

It's Christmas and I'm the Grinch!

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After making the Holiday rounds today I stopped for gas. I put my card in the reader and nothing happened. I thought that maybe I had put it in backwards so I tried it again and again nothing happened.

I hate going inside to pay, but my gas hand was on empty and I have someplace to be early in the morning so I decided that paying cash inside was better than waiting for the morning when I might be in a rush.

So, I grab some cash and head inside. There are two guys working and I hand them my money and say that I'm on pump two. The guy at the register hands my money back to me and says that the pump is already on and someone is using it. I point out the window and show him my car at the pump. Explain that I tried running my card, but the pump didn't read it. He tells me that it's working so I head back outside.

There was an older gentleman from the pump next to mine that was heading inside as I was going out. I asked if his pump was working and of course, it wasn't. I figure that he must have told the guys the wrong pump number and my pump was on because they thought it was his. We go back inside together and they tell me no. My pump is on because someone using a credit card activated it.

I go back outside thinking these guys are crazy and/or just being useless because they had to work on Christmas Day. I figure they have no idea what they're talking about, but decided to try the pump anyway. It worked. I was able to fill my tank up.

I went back inside after I was finished and let them know that I was able to get my gas, but I had been confused because when I swiped my card the machine didn't ask for my zip code like it usually does. One guy tells me that it got my zip code and I explained that no it didn't because I never keyed it in.

The other guy prints a receipt, shows it to me and asks if the last four digits on my card match those on the receipt. They didn't match. My gas was charged to someone else's credit card.

I would love to believe that some Christmas Angel set the pump up to give away free gas on Christmas Day, but I know that it's more likely that some poor smuck is going to get a credit card statement soon with at lease one charge on it that they know nothing about.

I felt awful! I asked the guys what I should do and they said nothing. I pointed out again that my gas purchase had just gotten charged to someone else's card. The boys could not have cared less. They said that it wasn't my fault and it wasn't theirs either. The person who owned the credit card had left the pump on so it was their own fault.

I thought I was going to cry as I said, "But, it's Christmas and I basically just stole $50 from someone." They were not impressed and were quickly losing interest in me because they were watching some chick who had come into the store so drunk she could barely stand up.

I asked if I could leave my name and number with them so that if the card owner came back with questions about the charge they could let me know so that I could pay the person back for the charge to their card. They agreed to do that and had me write my name and number on the receipt for them.

I felt feeling awful, but not knowing what else I could do. I really do feel like the Grinch now.

Merry Christmas!

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I found this online and agreed with what it said so much that I had to share it today!
Hope you're having an awesome Christmas!

The Day Ginger Snapped part 6

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"Ginger, where have you been? We haven't heard from you in days and you're supposed to be here now!" I could hear the fear in Bonnie's voice as she spoke.

"I'm still in North Carolina and it's wonderful!" I happily replied.

"You aren't still chasing after those gay guys are you?" Now, Bonnie just sounded angry.

"No, Bonnie. I looked up another old boyfriend and I ended up spending quite a bit of time with him." I said, trying to calm her down.

"Really? Is there romance in the air?" She quizzed me teasingly.

"Oh, God, no! He's a total loser and it's wonderful!" I shouted happily.

"Hold on, let me make sure I've got this right. You aren't here because you're still in North Carolina?"

"Right."

"You've been spending time with one of your old boyfriends and loving it?"

"Right."

"You're loving it because he's a total loser?"

"You got it!"

"Hold on a minute, Ginger, I need to talk to someone."

There were muffled sounds and whispered voices before someone spoke into the phone again.

"Ginger, are you there? It's me, Linda." Linda sounded puzzled and a little drunk as she spoke into the phone.

"Yes, I'm here and I need for you to explain to me how Bonnie knows about my gay ex-boyfriends." I demanded.

"Oh that, well you weren't here like you said you would be and I had to tell everyone something to keep them entertained."

"Linda, I'm almost afraid to ask, but just who is 'everyone'?"

"Everyone that was in the bar last Friday when you announced that you were leaving and...and a couple of their friends." Linda tried to gloss over the subject.

"On my God! Linda, why?"

"Calm down, Ginger. People have money riding on this and they needed to be kept up to date on how things were going." Linda tried to make it sound like it was all my fault that she had told my secret to all of those people. People I didn't even know.

"People are betting money on my miserable love life?" I yelled into the phone.

Linda hesitated to answer, "Well, maybe just a little bit. Is that OK with you?"

"Sure, why not? Wait a minute...are those cheers I hear? Linda, do you have me on speaker phone?"

"Bonnie did it, not me!" I could hear Linda trying to give the phone away to someone else.

Can my life get any worse?

People started shouting out cheers and saying hello. Someone asked me if I was going to be in Ben and Preston's wedding."

Yes. Apparently my life can get worse and it just has.

"Ginger, it's Gail. Can you hear me?"

"Yea, sure, I can hear you." I half heartedly answered.

"Explain, again, why you aren't here where you are supposed to be. Here where all your friends are."

"I looked up another guy that I dated in high school and I've been spending time with him..." I tried to explain, but Gail cut me off.

"OK, but didn't you just say that he was a loser?"

"Yes, he's a big fat loser and I have loved spending time with him."

"Ginger, listen to me very carefully. I know that they have some very nice hospitals in North Carolina and I really think that you should go to one and check yourself in for observation."

"Gail, I am not driving myself to the hospital." I was losing my patience quickly.

"You're right. That's a good idea. Just hang up now and call 911. They will come and get you. Maybe you'll even get to wear one of those pretty white jackets that they have." Gail tried to make her voice sound happy like straight jackets were the latest fashion accessory.

"I'm not crazy, Gail. I'm just happy."

"Oh honey, don't you understand? All crazy people say that they aren't crazy. That's how everyone knows that they are crazy."

"Gail, I think that you're the crazy one around here! Now, please let me talk to someone else." I was going to hang up and never call back if she told me to go to the hospital one more time.

I heard lots of talking and laughing in the background. Gail was insisting that my cookie had been over baked and that someone needed to get North Carolina on the phone and warn them. I
couldn't help but laugh.

"Are you there? This is Hal." Hal sounded like he was truly happy to hear my voice.

"Hi Hal. I'm here. Is everyone still listening?"

"More than ever. Listen, we went ahead and added the tally marks to the board. One loser and two winners, so this game is pretty much over. But, we would love to hear about this loser you've found."

"Finally, someone who wants to listen! But, Hal, I have to warn you that this isn't a game and that it's far from over."

"OK, honey, whatever you say. Just tell the story because the natives are getting restless." Hal laughed into the phone.

"Well, make sure everyone has a fresh drink and then sit back and listen."

12-23-10

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Christmas Joy by FlowerScraps

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Have you been visiting FlowerScraps this week to pick up the Christmas Joy kit she is giving away? It's adorable and she used such fun colors! Here's a look at the full kit...

I haven't had a chance to use the kit for any layouts, but I made some cute treats for my friends. The pictures aren't the best, but I wanted to share them anyway.

Here's the little fun size KitKat holder...

And here's the Hershey bar wrapper...

Make sure you visit Deanna at FlowerScraps to pick up today's giveaway and check out her challenges.

Do you remember...

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Do you remember playing with these things when you were young? We used to to figure out who we would marry, what color our car would be and how many children we would have. lol!

Well, you can download some free holiday themed ones thanks to the girls at Melangerie. Enjoy!

Chat with FlowerScraps

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FlowerScraps is doing a digi-scrap map interview with Hummie's World tomorrow evening. Make sure you check it out for the chance to win prizes!

Brag Book PageFreebie

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I've posted a brag book page for you on April's blog that I made with her Giving Thanks kit. Just click on the preview below to go to her blog and pick it up.

Holly and Cheer by Scraps of Ellay

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Scraps of Ellay has a wonderful new kit called Holly and Cheer. Check out the preview for this awesome kit...

I was lucky enough to get a whole batch of pictures from my friend Melanie just in time to play with this kit. I've made three layouts using each of her girls.

Check out Ellays blog for more layout inspiration and head over to the Scraps of Ellay store at Stuff to Scrap to buy the Holly and Cheer kit.

Make sure you check out the totally cute Holly and Cheer quickpage set too!

Don't hate me because I'm blonde!

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I got a haircut today. I was sitting in the lobby waiting for the girl who cuts my hair and there was another girl waiting that kept staring at me. Weird, but I just ignored her. She got called back for her appointment before I did, so I figured that would be the last I ever saw of her. WRONG!

I finally got called back to get my hairwashed, then put into the booth where my hairdresser does her magic. She had just started to cut when I was overcome with this massive need to cough. I swollowed hard and told myself not to cough. Pretty soon it became clear that I wasn't listening to myself so I started thinking, "Just don't cough while she has the scissors close to your head." lol!

I was concentrating on not coughing when I heard a voice behind me say, "Make my hair that color!" lol! I looked into the mirror to see the girl from the lobby and the guy who was fixing her hair standing in the entrance to my hairdresser's workstation. Her hair was wet and she was wearing the little plastic thing they wrap around you to protect your clothes and keep the cut hair off of you. My hairdresser stopped cutting my hair long enough to turn around and talk to them. I took advantage and coughed while I laughed at the poor girl and the guy she had drug out to see my hair.

The girl who cuts my hair explained that this was my natural hair color and I felt really sad for the poor girl when she realized that she wouldn't be going home with hair the same color as mine.

They left and I heard the guy doing her hair explain that yes, he was sure it was my natural hair color because I had been going there for years. lol!

I love being a blonde!

YIPPEE!!!

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We had a fun last day before Christmas vacation. We did the usual Polar Express activities and the kids were awesome. They all played along and used their imaginations to see the North Pole.

Of course, there were two teachers,one volunteer and zero cameras in the room. What's wrong with us!!! I normally always have a camera in my purse, but I left it at home after charging up the battery. I'm such a dork.

The kids were all excited to give me the presents they picked out for me. One little girl walked in shuffed a present into my hands and said, "This is for you. It's underwear." LOL!

It was actually a really cute top. Her mom had picked it out and wrapped it up one day while she was at school. Apparently, mom was getting tired of her asking what was in the box and was also afraid that she would tell me and ruin the secret. So, she just said it was underwear. Pretty good thinking on mom's part even if it did scare me at first. lol!

Orange Croc Guy has been all over me to use that stupid Neti Pot again. It's not happening for two reasons....

1) It's really gross and I can't stand it.
2) It's all wrapped up in pretty gold paper with a big red bow so that I can
give it back to him for Christmas. lol!

Next time the dude decides to buy me a present, I bet he'll think about what I want and not what he thinks I need. lol!

The Day Ginger Snapped part 5

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I just have to get through one more day at work then I'm on vacation for two weeks! I'm so excited!

Just let me know if you guys are getting tired of reading these posts.

"Oh Ginger, don't cry anymore. It will be OK."

"Linda, you don't understand how I feel. I know I was only in high school at the time, but I had real feelings for those guys and now I find out that they were both gay and I was just a cover for them so that no one would know."

"I know, but you've got to look on the bright side. They're both gay so you definitely win those two points in the winner or loser poll."

"No, I don't. They're both happy. Ben's a surgeon and I have no idea what Preston does, but he's got a boyfriend and that's way more than what I've got right now."

"Ginger, stop this. Come home. We miss you and you're making yourself miserable. This is no way for you to spend spring break."

"I can't. I can't stop now." I cried into the phone.

"What are you going to do?" Linda questioned sympathically.

"There's one more guy that I dated in high school. I think he still lives here. I have to find him." I said trying to sound hopeful.

"Will you call me again once you do?"

"I promise. Linda? Please don't tell anyone about Ben and Preston. I'll die if anyone finds out how dumb I was.

"I promise. Call soon. We all love you and we miss you."

"Bye. I love you too." I hung up the phone and cried myself to sleep.

Yes, there is a Santa Claus

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Yes, there is a Santa Claus and he has taken the form of a ten year old girl.

The high school teacher that organizes the student volunteers for my school has worked hard this season collecting letters for the Macy's Believe Holiday Campaign. The son of someone she knows was recently treated to a Disney trip thanks to The Make A Wish Foundation and this is her way of helping. It's a wonderful thing!

Our day started by watching the Christmas show that the older kids at school were putting on. Such a nice way to start the day!

Then later the high school teacher came to visit and bring me some pictures to scrap for her. I handed her some more letters to Santa for the Macy's box and she shared the stories of some letters that the fifth grade students at my school had written.

There were the typical letters where the kids followed teacher directions and listed what they wanted for Christmas and why they believed they deserved the gifts.

There were other letters, written mostly by boys, that said they were only writing because their teacher was making them. They didn't believe in Santa, flying reindeer, the tooth fairy or Easter bunnies. (How sad for them!)

Then there was one letter written by a little girl saying that she had always gotten everything she asked for and so, this year, it would be OK to give her present to someone that never got anything. She talked about how she rides in the car with her mom and sees the homeless people on the street and wonders if they still believe in Santa Claus and how much she hopes they do.

I know Christmas is right around the corner, but I just wasn't feeling it until today. It took listening to children sing and hearing about a letter, written to Santa, by a 10 year old girl to remind me just how wonderful this time of year is.

12-15-10

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What is going on?

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Would someone please tell Mother Nature that this is south Florida and it shouldn't be this cold! I don't think she's taking my calls anymore.

Gross, Gross and Gross!!!

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Orange Croc Guy bought me a present today. A present that he thought would make me feel better. He was ALL kinds of wrong!

He showed up this evening with a NetiPot saying that his mom swears by hers and it's supposed to be so good for clearing your sinuses. After 20 minutes of being grossed out and talking about how scared I was to try the stupid thing I gave in and used it.

I am now, officially, mad at him and his mom. LOL!

What a day!

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I have not been having a very good week, so today was not a good day to test me the way my class did. I picked them up from lunch only to learn that they had ALL been bad. I very clamly took them back to class, grabbed my cell phone and called Santa Claus! I told him all about how bad they were being and that I thought he should bring me their toys.

I hung up the phone and explained to them that Santa was watching and if they didn't start behaving better I would be getting all their toys. They were very quiet---all except for one little boy.

He told me that if I really wanted toys I should have just gone to Walgreen's and gotten a paper. Then I could just circle the things that I wanted. LOL!

The Day Ginger Snapped part 4

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Sorry for being MIA this week! On top of all the craziness that comes with this time of year I've gotten a cold, I had an uncle pass away, my friends mother passed away and a little boy at school has his father get killed in an accident. It's been a tough week!

I do have the next part of the novel for you to read. It's kind of long and I hope you like it.


I spotted him as soon as I walked into the restaurant. He was sitting at a table for four wearing a dark suit and drinking red wine. He was alone for the moment, but he looked perfectly content. He also looked perfectly handsome. I don't think he was nearly this good looking as a teenager. He definitely grew into his looks! I said a small prayer to the revenge Gods and hoped that while he looked good on the outside, he was somehow completely miserable on the
inside.

That was when he noticed me standing there and smiled. He stood up and waved me over just in case I didn't recognize him. I kept my purse over my butt and walked to the table hoping that I looked sexier than I felt.

I was almost at the table when some guy pushed his chair back causing me to trip on the chair leg. I stumbled forward and Ben had to catch me before I fell to the ground. He managed to help me into a chair and when I looked around to see if anyone else in the restaurant had noticed, I saw people turning red in the face as they covered their mouths to keep from laughing out loud. Apparently, Ben was the only one in the place that hadn't gotten a good look at my pink polka dotted underwear through the rip in my dress.

"Well, you certainly know how to make an entrance. Are you OK?"

"I'm not going to die of embarrassment ...yet, if that's what you mean." I took another quick look around the restaurant, daring anyone to say something about my underwear.

Ben gave me a strange look and said that he was glad to hear that.

"I hope I didn't keep you waiting long. I had the hardest time deciding what to wear." I lied and smiled as I did.

"No, not at all. I really just got here myself. I was held up at the hospital. Besides, it gave me time to have a glass of wine and unwind from my day."

"Hospital? I hope everything is alright. You aren't sick are you?"

He chuckled at the thought of being sick and said, "I wish I could get sick! I could use the day off. But, I'm actually Chief of Surgery at Mecklenburg Memorial."

My heart fell to my toes. "You're a doctor?"

"Yes. Well, I'm a surgeon. We surgeons like to think of ourselves as being more than just a doctor."

I picked up the glass of wine he poured me with one hand and used my other hand to grab a passing waiter and order a Margarita. I then proceeded to drain the wine glass and held it out for Ben to pour me some more.

"Wow, have you had a bad day or something?" Ben questioned as he reached for the wine bottle.

"You can't even begin to imagine." I rolled my eyes and waved my hands in the air as I answered.

He poured my glass of wine then held his glass up in a toast, "Here's to better days for both of us."

I mumbled something and finished off my second glass of wine just as a waiter was putting a salad down in front of me.

When did I order a salad?

"Ginger, I hope you don't mind but I took the liberty of ordering dinner for both of us. I have a long day ahead of me tomorrow and need to make an early night of it. Besides, this restaurant has the best prime rib in all of North Carolina."

"That's great. Thank you for being so thoughtful."

I don't want prime rib!

That's when the waiter brought my Margarita and I wanted to jump up and kiss him of the mouth, but I managed to resist. Mostly because I was still trying to hide the rip in my dress.

"So, I guess you never left Charlotte after high school?"

"Actually, after college I took a year and backpacked around Europe before going to medical school in California."

"California?"

"Stanford"

"Your parents must be so proud of you. Are you married? Do you have any kids?" I wasn't sure what answers I was hoping for, but I held my breath while I waited for them.

"Mom passed away from cancer my junior year in college. My dad and I had a huge fight before I went to Europe and we haven't really talked since then. He's living somewhere in Arizona now. As for a wife and kids, well, that just wasn't in the cards for me."

"Are you one of those guys who is married to his job?" I joked.

Ben shifted uncomfortably in his chair and leaned forward, "Not really. My heart was just in other places."

Ben looked like he wanted to say more, but stopped himself.

I began to feel very hopeful at that moment. Even though he was handsome and successful he must be lonely. He must have never gotten over me and hasn't been able to move on because of it.

"Your heart lies in other places? Don't tell me that there is some girl from your past that you haven't been able to get over." I starred at Ben hopefully.

I leaned forward on the table and waited for him to tell me that he loved me. That he had always loved me. That he would always love me and only me. That he had spent years searching for me. That his life was now complete because I was part of it again. That he wanted and needed me to stay with him forever.

Imagine my surprise when he said, "Ginger, I'm gay."

I was still trying to register what he had said when the waiter took my salad and placed my dinner in front of me. I asked him to bring me another Margarita. The waiter patted me on the shoulder and whispered that he understood and that he would bring me as many Margaritas as I wanted.

Ben put his hand on mine and squeezed it a little to draw my attention back to him. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to blurt it out like that. I thought you already knew. Once I came out in college word spread fast around here."

"I haven't really spent much time here since high school and I lost touch with everyone we went to school with a long time ago."

"Well, you're here now and I think it's great. We'll have to do a better job of staying in touch from now on." Ben smiled and went back to eating his dinner.

"Yeah, that would be great." I tried to sound excited.

I didn't even let the waiter place the Margarita on the table. I just took it right from his hand.

"Ben had started eating his dinner and he watched me with a weary look on his face. "Ginger, can you take some more news about my life?" Ben watched me for my reaction.

"Sure, that would be great." I drank half of the Margarita and prayed that I would be able to listen to whatever he had to say without actually bleeding from my ears.

"Do you remember Preston Noel from high school?"

"Sure, I dated him for awhile after you broke up with me." Thinking of Preston made me smile. I would have to look him up next.

Ben stared at me without smiling and waited until I caught on.

"NO!" People in the restaurant turned to stare at us. Once they realized it was the underwear woman screaming they started laughing again and went back to their dinner.

"We've been together, officially, since college. We went to Europe together. That was actually what caused the fight between my father and myself. He just can't face the fact that his only son likes men."

I downed what was left of my Margarita and handed the glass to the first waiter I saw. "I need another one, NOW!"

I turned my attention back to Ben, "Let me make sure I've got this right. My first boyfriend and my second boyfriend are a couple? You've been together since college? You even went to Europe together?"

Why hasn't anyone ever taken me to Europe? I want to go to Europe, too!

"Ginger, are you going to be alright? Do you want some water?" Ben had completely forgotten about his dinner and was sitting there looking like he wanted to be anywhere else.

"No...and no! I think I'm going to throw up." I saw the waiter running toward our table with my Margarita in his hand. I stood up and met him halfway, took the drink from his hand and walked out of the restaurant. I didn't even try to cover up my polka dotted underwear.

I almost made it to the elevator before I started crying.

Dude QP Freebie

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I've posted a QP freebie for you on the Stars of Ellay CT blog. It was made using the awesome Dude Kit. Just click on the preview to go get your QP and enjoy!

12-9-10

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Chicopee, Massachusetts?

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If you're reading this and you're from anywhere near Chicopee, Massachusetts I have some questions. Would you mind contacting me? Thanks!

12-7-10

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12-6-10

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12-5-10

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The Day Ginger Snapped Part 3

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Here's this week's installment. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it

I stopped to take a look at myself in the mirrored wall of the Lobby and prayed that I would somehow see the young, hopeful fifteen-year-old that I had once been. Instead, all I saw was the over weight middle aged loser that I have become. So, instead of turning right and going into the restaurant I turned left and went into the bar. I found a seat at the bar, ordered a Margarita, drank it without even taking a breath and ordered a second one.

While I waited for the bartender to make my drink I looked around and saw that writer guy sitting at a table watching me.

"Are you following me?" I asked louder than I should have.

He smiled that beautiful smile of his and said, "No, are you following me?"

Honey, I would follow you anywhere!

"You wish! I'm staying at this hotel and I have a 7:30 dinner date in the restaurant."

"Well, I'm staying here too and it is 7:35."

There's that smile again!

"A girl needs to make an entrance." I said rather indignantly.

He laughed out loud, grabbed his glass and moved from his table to the seat next to mine as he said, "While you're killing time why don't you tell me about your date."

"His name is Ben and when I was fifteen he broke my heart."

"I see. And just what made this Ben guy so special?"

"He was the first guy to ever show any interest in me."

"So, you're saying that he was the first boy with good eyesight and half a brain that you ever met?"

I love this man!

"I knew you were a writer, but I didn't know you wrote science fiction."

There's that smile I like.

"Can I talk you into blowing off Super Ben and having dinner with me instead?"

Yes...yes...yesss!

"No"

What? Why did I just say no?

"Well, that was certainly a fast response. Do you mind if I ask why you would rather have dinner with this man who broke your heart years ago then with me?"

"I'm on a mission and I have to see it through." I explained to him.

Laughing he replied, "Oh yes, the loser or not a loser mission."

"Don't laugh! You can't possibly understand how important this is to me!"

Be quiet, now! You sound like a spoiled child!

He threw his hands up in a surrender motion. "I'm not laughing at you. I heard your story and I understand. You feel that you need to prove something. You don't have to prove anything to me though."

Oh my God! A man who is beautiful and understanding!

I didn't know what to say to that so I looked at the bar and saw my empty Margarita glass. I wondered why it is that Margaritas always seem to disappear around me. I think I'm being haunted by a ghost who drinks them before I get a chance.

I put some money on the bar and pushed myself up and off of the barstool, "I better go. I'm about to pass fashionably late and go straight to unbelievably rude."

I managed to take one step before I heard the ripping sound. It seems my dress was caught on something and I was now headed for a dinner date with a rip across my rear end.

Alden, looked at me with something that was a cross between pity and hysteria on his face. Then he said, "As long as you don't let him walk behind you, you'll be fine."

I fought back the tears, nodded and walked out with my head held high and my purse covering my butt.

Oh yeah, baby!

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I did it! I finished the required 50,000 word novel by November 30, got it uploaded to the NaNoWriMo site and counted! Please notice that I am now a "winner"!

I don't know what possessed me to do this, but it was fun and I am so glad that I did. I'm already looking forward to next year. Who knows, maybe I'll actually write something good next year. lol!

Cookies For Santa by FlowerScraps

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FlowerScraps is releasing an absolutely adorable kit today called Cookies For Santa. It's beautiful and you're going to love it!

Take a look at this preview...

Here's a layout I made using a picture of my friend Lisa and her daughter...

Make sure you check out FlowerScraps blog for more layout inspiration and for an add on freebie. Plus, this kit is going to be used in some really fun ways that involve other freebies and you'll even have a chance to win the whole kit!

What freaks you out?

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OK, so you already know that I'm a little claustrophobic, but did you know that gingerbread men freak me out too? I know, crazy huh? It's true though.

Around this time every year people pull out their gingerbread men ornaments for Christmas and I just can't stand it! There's always someone who thinks it will be cute to buy me one of those ornaments since my name is Ginger. It's not cute and you shouldn't do it!

I know everyone looks at all the little Gingerbread men ornaments and sees cuteness. I just see evil. I really think they come to life after one is asleep and go out to do bad things in the world. I bet someday we'll learn that gingerbread men are responsible for a large part of the world's unsolved crimes.

A few years back I worked with a girl who had her kitchen decorated with gingerbread men. Her kitchen was like this all year long, not just for Christmas! I visited her house one time and never went back.

Anyway, I'm bringing this up now because I had to explain my fear to someone today that laughed hysterically at me. I'm pretty sure he thought I was joking, but I wasn't. Those creatures really do freak me out!

So, what freaks you out? Don't be afraid to talk about it. We're all friends here.

PLEH!

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I should have saved yesterday's wordart for today, because today truly was a waste of make up and I wasn't really wearing much. Of course, I guess the "Bless this mess" works too because today was a messy waste of make up. lol!

I ran out to the store earlier today and made it home okay. There was some kind of hold up at the gate when I got home and I sat there waiting. I had my window down and I was thinking about what a great job I've been doing of not losing my resort pass for the past two weeks. The guys at the gate are still giving me a thumbs up and saying "Good for you" when they see I have it.

Anyway, I'm waiting for my turn to get into the gate, with the window down, holding my resort pass thinking about how these guys are probably going to plan a parade in my honor if I can go for just a little while longer without losing the stupid thing. That's when I did it---I dropped the pass. I dropped the pass and it fell down into the window part of the door. I was pretty amazed that it fell into the door like that. I mean I couldn't have gotten it in there if I had actually been trying to.

I pull up to the gate and tell the guy that the good news is that I do have my pass and the bad news is that it's inside the car door. He laughed at me. He asked if I would believe that it happens all the time and I said no. He said, "Good, because it doesn't." Then he laughed some more and opened the gate for me.

I take off in search of Orange Croc Guy to see if he can get the stupid pass out of my car door and he acted like I did it on purpose. I didn't do it on purpose. I couldn't do it on purpose. My aim isn't that good!

OCG had to take the inside panel off the door to get my pass and he complained the whole time. I asked him where all the anger was coming from and what he was really mad about. Wrong question!

OCG informed me that when I leave for school in the mornings he lays even odds on whether or not I'll be able to find my way back home. I informed him that I used to get lost, but some nice person painted lines in the middle of the road and now I just follow those lines and they always lead me straight home. He was not amused!

Later in the day I ran into someone that I had met years ago with Charlie. They went to school together or something. I didn't even remember him, but he remembered meeting me and asked about Charlie. That's how long ago it was that we met. He didn't know about Charlie passing away. I managed to choke back the tears and tell him, but it wasn't easy. Over four years later and I still cry. I'm such a baby!

I know that someday I'll be able to talk about Charlie dying without crying, but today was not that day. The only problem was that I was in a place where I really couldn't cry. I was around people who barely know me. People who never knew Charlie. People who have no idea that at one time in my life I was lucky enough to be loved by such a wonderful man.

I tried my best not to cry and to think about other things. I managed to hold the tears back for a few hours. But, in the end, I broke down and cried in front of about six people I don't know well enough to cry in front of.

It was the kind of crying where you're trying to stop but can't so you just cry more. They were trying to figure out why I was crying and I couldn't say the words again so that made me cry even more. Then they just kind of looked at me like I was a freak because I was crying and no one knew why which also made me cry more. It was awful!

On my way home, I threw my cell phone onto the seat beside me. Now, I have no idea where my cell phone is because I somehow managed to lose it in the car. How does that happen? I swear I spent five minutes looking for it when I got home before I just gave up and went to sit by the water.

I had been sitting outside for quite a while with my thoughts and memories when Orange Croc Guy joined me. He had been looking for me and was just starting to get worried when he looked outside and saw me. He could tell that I was not in the best of moods. He just sat there beside me for a few minutes before he started talking.

OCG: I've been trying to call you.

ME: I didn't hear the phone ring.

OCG: Where's your cell phone?

ME: I lost it.

OCG: Where did you lose your cell phone?

ME: In the car.

He waited a minute while he thought of the best reply, then told me to look on the bright side.

ME: What's the bright side?

OCG: You found your way home.

I think that was the only time I smiled all day.