My husband called yesterday afternoon while on break at work. After a long work week with BJ playing with explosives, the feeling of "weekend anticipation" was setting in. Our conversation went something like this:

Ring-a-ling-a-ling goes the phone... I answer.

Jodie: "Hello?"

BJ: "Hey, sweetheart...whatcha' doin'?"

Jodie: "Oh, nothing much...just straightening the kitchen."

BJ: "Well, I was just taking a short break here at work and wanted to call to say 'hi'."

Jodie: "Are you having a good day?"

BJ: "Yeah, it's a good day...almost over! Hey, I was wondering if you would want to go to the drive-in tonight? Should be a nice night for it, and it won't be open much longer this season. Besides, Mamma Mia is playing and I thought you might like to see it again." (He knows I really enjoyed seeing it at the theater- more than once!)

Jodie: "Sure! Want me to go get some 'snacks'?"

BJ: "Well, you can if you want to...but half the fun of going to the drive-in is the concession stand! And we know they have the BEST hot dogs there."

...Jodie thinks, and realizes he's right. The drive-in has the most delicious hot dogs. And I really don't even LIKE hot dogs, but there's just something about those....

Jodie: "Okay- that's what we'll do, then!"

BJ: "See ya when I get home! Love you!"

Jodie: "Love you too, be careful!"


So, we were going to the drive-in. I went on about my day, getting things done so I wouldn't have to mess with piddly chores over the weekend. BJ walks through the door around 6:00. We visit for a few minutes, and he heads for the shower to get ready to go. I was reading a book, killing time, waiting to leave. Fifteen minutes later, in walks my husband in his "lounge/pajama" pants that have Kellogg's Pop-Tarts all over. (Say nothing! They were a Christmas present from the girls...) Obviously, our plans have changed.

It had been a long week, he was tired...ready to just stay home and relax. I understood. He does work hard, long hours. I really wasn't upset....honestly! But, here's where the situation starts the downward spiral:

BJ: "So, what's for supper?"

WHAT?!? There are no supper plans! We were going to the drive-in! I didn't plan to cook! You said you wanted HOT DOGS! All of this was going through my mind, as I calmly sat pretending to read my book, silently formulating my response to the supper question....then....

BJ: "Don't we still have some left-over meatloaf in the fridge?"

LEFTOVER MEATLOAF?! Yeah, we have probably one serving left-over....that's it. All of the sides that were served on "meatloaf" night are already gone....so he's wanting me to get in the kitchen now and whip up a meal? Again, I'm thinking all this while still looking at my book, pretending to read....

Jodie: "Yes, we have some left-over meatloaf, but probably just one serving...and all the sides are gone." (I say this thinking he's going to say something like, "Well hey! Let's just go out for supper!" Boy, was I wrong....)

BJ: "Oh, honey...that's okay....You know me, I'm easy to please! Meatloaf will be fine!"

The nerve! The gall! Okay, so I tell myself he's just not thinking straight.....he thinks he's being easy to get along with...trying not to make a lot of work for me. But I wonder what he thinks I'm going to have for supper? I bite my tongue, thinking to myself, "just go fix the man some supper, honey."

Jodie: "So what do you want with the meatloaf?"

BJ: (smiling at me sweetly- and meaning it- that's the bad part!) "It doesn't matter...anything you want to put on my plate is fine with me!"

--Jodie sighs--

I put my book down, headed to the kitchen thinking about the rudeness I'd just encountered and wondered, "How is it that men only think about themselves in situations like this?"

After locating a box of Betty Crocker julienne potatoes au gratin, a can of green beans and a can of carrots- I started cooking. After it was finished, I took his plate to the family room, where, by the way, he was watching "Across the Universe"....a musical (certainly not the musical I had in mind for the night!) with all Beatles music. I tried watching it once before but fell asleep...I didn't like it- not one bit- but he thinks it's the greatest thing since sliced cheese. Little did he realize this was "strike two". Since he had all the meatloaf, I wasn't interested in supper. So I sat down, plateless, with my book and started to read again.

BJ was in his own heaven....loving the food, loving the movie, loving his Pop-Tart pants that he wouldn't be caught dead in outside the house. A few minutes later, he wondered if there was any more supper. (!!!!!)

I ended up giving my hungry man ALL that was left of the green beans, All that was left of the carrots and ALL that was left of the potatoes. (Remember, he had the last of the meatloaf the first go-around.) And after finishing that, BJ was inquiring about dessert. There was reference made to an apple pie I had made a few days earlier, which was gone. Again, I looked up from my book and just stared at him.

What I saw was a grown man who looked like a little boy! He was so cute just sitting there with his "wonderful" movie paused, a twice-emptied supper plate, and a sheepish little grin on his face wondering about dessert. Even though I still should have been frustrated, I wasn't anymore. I melted. In my heart I know he deserves to be waited on from time to time...he works his tail off all week! I have an easy life! No, I wasn't mad. I decided to make an apple pie. At 9 o'clock at night.

By the time the pie was in the oven, I had moved to the living room- leaving BJ in the family room to watch his movie. I'm telling you- I really didn't like that movie at all, and just didn't even want to listen to it. My book was all the company I needed. Besides- I was closer to the kitchen where I could hear the timer go off when the pie finished baking.

Beep...Beep...Beep.

I stepped into the doorway of the family room to let my sweet-toothed man know that the pie was done, but he may want to wait a few minutes to let it cool down before having a piece. He came into the kitchen to look at the bubbling goodness a few minutes later, and noticed I was on the couch- still with my book. He smiled and indicated he was headed back to watch the rest of the movie. In hindsight, I guess BJ was patiently waiting for me to bring him some warm apple pie, a la mode. I guess I was waiting for him to come get it himself. I ended up falling asleep, reading.
My Beautiful Apple Pie

Shortly after 2 am, he comes into the room I'm in and exclaims (with shock!), "I didn't know you were in here sleeping!" Opening one eye, I replied, "Where'd you think I was? The bowling alley?" He reached for my hand to take me to bed. My little nap on the couch worked against me, and now I was fully awake. Laying in bed, my husband snoring blissfully and contentedly beside me, my stomach growled. I tried to ignore it, but my hunger was controlling my thoughts. It was after 3 o'clock. I was starving!

Making my way to the kitchen, I noticed the untouched apple pie. Hmmph! Let's see when I try to do something sweet again! I realized a piece of pie was the last thing I was hungry for...so I began searching the cupboards for a snack. While reading the last pages of my book and eating some Ramen Noodles, I found myself thinking nothing has ever tasted so delicious....except maybe one of those hot dogs at the drive in.....














Anyone need a good book to read?
I'm finished with it!

Senseless Double Standards

At first, when reading and watching the news over the past few days, I wondered if I was the only one with the feeling that our nation is suffering from what I refer to as a "Political Double-Standard". Apparently not...it seems to have become the buzz across the U.S., and I, for one, am glad it's getting the attention it deserves! Last week's announcement that John McCain has chosen Sarah Palin as his running mate certainly created a stir.... and the media (as well as the opposing camp) appeared to be jumping through their hind-ends to see who could come up with the fastest negative spin. Looks like the best they could come up with was to question whether or not Sarah Palin could effectively serve as our Vice President while carrying out the duties and responsibilities that go along with being the mother of 5 children. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?

Certainly, the goal was to plant seeds of doubt in the minds of the American people. Expecting expressions of utter shock and dismay by millions of citizens
across the country following the announcement that young Bristol Palin is pregnant, out-of-wedlock. Predicting mothers from Tallahassee to Seattle would "rise up and take a stand", as a protest to the fact that Mrs. Palin would even consider accepting the position of VP, due to the fact she has a special-needs child. If Barack Obama had a special-needs child, would the media try to force him out of the race? If Joe Biden had an unwed pregnant daughter, would it be construed as despicable, his notion of running for the Vice Presidency? Where were all the trash-talkers when party girls, Jenna and Barbara Bush started making news? On numerous occasions, the twins were arrested for UNDERAGE DRINKING! Was Dubya bullied into stepping down as President so he could spend more time corralling his daughters and focus on being a better father? Nope! So, why the double-standard? Because Sarah Palin is a woman? Who says she can't handle it all? I'm betting she can...and am ready to see the naysayers eat crow. Shame on those Democrats and all of the media outlets for creating such a frenzy over piddly nonsense!

While it's true our country has, historically, been governed by wealthy Caucasian men, and is split into two distinct parties (the Dems and the Repubs) change is upon us in 2008! History will be made in November, and regardless of the past, we Americans will elect either an African-American man as our new leader or we'll have a female Vice President! Whichever way the cookie crumbles, the evening of November 4th will be a nail-biter and we'll surely all be on the edge of our seats as we anxiously await results of the election. Already we're seeing party lines being crossed- in both directions- as those Republicans who can't bring themselves to vote for a female VP say they're voting for Obama, and hoards of "Hillary" supporters whose biggest wish is to see a woman in office (regardless on their stance concerning the issues) are jumping the Democratic ship and swimming over to the Republican shore. The next few months are bound to be interesting! Let's just hope our politicians can keep the mud-slinging down to a minimum and focus on the real issues.

On a lighter note....Mom asked me last night if Sarah Palin reminded me of anyone. I thought about it for a bit, but when I couldn't come up with anyone in particular, she said, "She looks like Elaine Benes from Seinfeld!" You know what, Mom? You're right!


Cupcake, anyone?

Allow me introduce myself.....

For various reasons I've decided to start a blog. I've been blogging a bit on my myspace page, albeit sporadically, and have received great feedback from my friends and acquaintances...many of which have encouraged me to start an ACTUAL blog on an ACTUAL blogging site.

So, here I am! Why blogspot? We have my dear cousin, Ashlie (see photo on right), to thank for my choice. There's been many a day that I've needed a boost in spirit- a little "teehee" to keep me going...and I've always found exactly what I needed in her postings. Ashlie has a way of transforming ordinary, every day occurrences into thoroughly entertaining and always sidesplitting tales which are, by all accounts, chronicling her life. Therefore, since Ashlie blogs here, the logical place to start my OWN is here, too! So, let the blogging begin!

For those readers who may not know me, I live in Carthage, Missouri, which is my hometown. After living in other parts of the country for several years, I was lucky enough to move back home with my husband last year. Now, my husband was raised in Detroit, so this "small town livin'" is something he's had to adjust to! After realizing that our town rolls up the sidewalks at 9 o'clock at night, neighbors really do care about how you're doing, and how you can find out everything you need to know about local goings-on by breakfasting at Hardee's every morning- he (my husband, BJ) has come to call Carthage "home" too.

I have two daughters: Brittney is 19 and in college, and Emilee is 16 and is a junior in high school. Every day is a new adventure when you're the mother of teen aged girls...so I feel confident in saying you'll be hearing all about the girls as time goes by. BJ has children also, which makes me a step-mama to four! The oldest is Deva (pronounced with short vowel sounds "devvuh", not "deeva"...you'll get slapped for that!) who is 32, next is Alex who is 31, then Bobby, age 21 and Loriann who is 19. Sometimes it's strange to think about...that I have a step-daughter and step-son that are only 6 and 7 years younger than me, but honestly, we're all more like great friends instead of "step-people"! (Deva and Alex are also both married... Deva to Logan, and Alex to Tashena.) You may be thinking, "Whoa! Information overload!", but I wanted to make sure when reading future blogs, you'll know who I'm writing about!

Throughout my life, I was told by my elders that I was born in the wrong decade, and that I have an old soul. I remember spending countless hours with my Grandparents, Martin & Pauline, just absorbing every little fact and detail concerning their lives before I knew them. They were married in 1946, and started their family in 1948...therefore, they were adults and living in the prime of their lives in the 1950's. I'm convinced that my love for the 50's era is a direct result of my Grandparent's influences.

Although I was born in 1971, and my childhood memories are from the 70's and 80's, I don't think my Grandparents ever really "moved with the times". Their lifestyle and viewpoints remained similar to those common during the Mid-Century. I remember watching my Grandma lovingly bake cinnamon rolls in the kitchen while Grandpa picked tomatoes from his garden...seeing Grandpa work hard each and every day of his life to provide well for his family while Grandma ran the household with efficient grace...both of them always striving to live decent, honorable lives while being upstanding members of their church and community- these recollections hardly scratch the surface of what I hold in my memory bank. Feelings of nostalgia were ever-present when we'd look through old photographs of ancestors I'd never known, when Grandma would let me try on and sometimes wear pieces of her costume jewelry found in the box on her dresser, when we'd bake goodies to take to a neighbor whose health was failing, when I'd sneak into an upstairs bedroom of my Grandparent's home and look at the saved treasures from days gone by that were tucked in nooks and crannies, as nothing (even if it was old and out-of-style) was ever thrown out, but saved for a rainy day.

Grandma and Grandpa

Thanks to Martin and Pauline Selvey- the people who I lovingly refer to as Grandpa and Grandma- for making me who I am today! That's not to say I didn't have other influences...there were plenty! It's just that, simply put, my Grandparents unknowingly instilled a love of yesteryear deep within me that has overshadowed everything else. If I could get away with wearing "day dresses" and pearls while
vacuuming, I would. If I could own a kitchen full of vintage appliances and sparkling retro linoleum while my pot roast was baking in the oven, I would. I am an eclectic (and somewhat sassy) mix of yesterday's lady mixed with a healthy dose of today's woman! I love many of the ideas of being a 50's housewife, but to be truthful, I also know that I have a voice! If my husband expects me to greet him at the door after his long day at work with a martini in one hand and the newspaper in the other everyday, he's insane! Not that I'd mind, but who has the time!? As much as I may have the desire to be the next June Clever or Pauline Selvey, the cold hard truth reveals harsh realities, making it virtually impossible to live the life of a Mid-Century housewife in today's world!

I have a job. Granted, it's not the kind where I must leave the house everyday...and honestly, my income is substantially less than that of my husband's. But I believe any woman who reads this knows that whether we have a full-time career, a part-time job, or if we're a full-time homemaker- we're often far busier than our spouses! Does everyone agree? I work, I cook, I clean, run errands, pay bills, balance the check book, make important phone calls, check on the kids, do laundry, schedule appointments, go to the post office, take care of the garden, shop for groceries, clothing and other necessities...the list goes on and on! I try my best to accomplish everything on my daily "to do" list- and have supper fixed before my husband comes home so we both can relax and enjoy our evening together before starting all over the next day! Does this mean I'm taken advantage of? That my husband walks all over me? Does this mean that I have to have supper ready at 6:00? Heck, no! All it means is that I'm doing what I love to do...and taking care of those I care for in the process! If this means I'm living the life of a 50's housewife.... I love it!

There you have it- I've attempted to tell you a little bit about me....Jodie. I'm a loving wife and mother, a "bakeress" of tasty homemade morsels, and a fiercely protective and loyal friend to many. I'm sentimental-as-heck about my family photographs, a word enthusiast, compulsively obsessive about my costume jewelry collection, a lover of the outdoors, deeply nostalgic, somewhat mouthy, yet ordinary 37-year-old small town girl.


Clearly, after this intensive reading, you can now see why my blogspot name is what it is! Although I was only able to see her in re-runs on Nick at Nite, June Cleaver was the best! Hopefully it will make it simple for you to remember how to access my blog in the future...simply type in your address bar:

justcallmejune.blogspot.com