Pinkie and I went bowling....with some other folks....and other shoes. Turns out that I bowled the worst, but probably had the most fun. Isn't it obvious from the ridiculous grin on my face? I am a very competitive person, but there are some things in life that I just don't attempt to conquer....such as the art of bowling. Sure...it was fun.....I got a little social interaction, my arm was sore the next day, but that's about it. Is it really worth it to give yourself a hernia when you don't make that spare? There are much more fruitful goals in life......I'm sure of it.

So, Texas is known for it's honky-tonks, right? Wrong!!!! There is a significant lack of decent places to scoot your boots in this town. (keep in mind, that I'm not privy to the country/western conspiracy, but I do check in from time to time) So, I headed on down to the waterin' hole to check out the local talent. Unfortunately, you can't see the talent in this photo........but man....I think they were way too 'snacky' to sing about the hardships in life. I doubt these boys have ever been turned away by a lovely li'l filly. Just the same, I hollered along with the classics....and took the obligatory toilet break when they broke out with......a John Cougar Mellencamp tune?????? Oh my. Maybe honky tonks really have gone for good. Yee-Haaww, y'all!

Connie went up to Oklahoma. That's what we call 'instant attitude adjustment.'

Sure, the oil refineries stink of desperation, and you can't buy Fat Tire, but look at how happy Connie is. Man, is it beautiful up there. The people are simply marvelous. Especially the blackjack dealers in the Indian casinos. Miles and miles of casinos. Ahhhhh... what a great escape from the materialistic treachery that is Dallas.

Have I mentioned that I love beer? I have determined that I am a beer geek....not a beer snob. The difference is that I don't discriminate. I love all beer. You won't see me turn down a frosty Bud, unless there's a Stella available....and I'll tell you why: Stella Artois recently sent me to Denver for a competition. I had a great time! Incredible beer everywhere! The event happened to occur the week before the 25th Anny of the Great American Beer Fest!! Talk about a kid in a beer factory! And just look at the hotel room I had. I'm still grinning! I didn't win the competition, but I can't really complain. I had the highest score....but my time went over the designated 7 minutes. I know....you're asking "7 minutes isn't enough time to pour beer?" Well, you can try it yourself: http://www.stellaartois.com/index.html

The Belgians are particular about their brews, the glassware, and the service. Everyone needs a hobby; this is one of mine. After crowning the champion, we all headed to the local for some celebratory suds. Fantastic! Every pub had a specialty brew (or eight) just for the Beer Fest. Needless to say, that cool, cozy king-size suited me just fine until noon the next day.

Please welcome a new member to the family. Pinkie. She likes collecting ferns, watching rodeos (on TV, but not in person...unless it's Vegas), and the smell of pool table felt in the morning (it's like victory). She is quite partial to dogs, and has a strange aversion to other shoes that look like her. She's pictured here with two odd birds she met in our trailer park. Looks like the bird flu hasn't hit here yet. We all know what it's like to be the newcomer, so lets make Pinkie feel like she's at home. Since she's from Bangkok, we're hosting a kick-boxing deathmatch. It's BYOB, and hookers get in free if they bring a live rat or pirated copy of Pirates of The Caribbean...(hey, it's what she asked for)

I know, I know. It's been a while, but it's so nice and cozy in my cave...and that's where a girl hermit likes to be. And this way, my title as Queen of Procrastinators is safe!!! (for a while)

So, this is what Connie did for Labor day. (Yep....Labor Day)
She got all sentimental about finding 'the right one,' (whatever the hell that means) and got all weepy about stupid stuff that doesn't even matter. BUT, we've all been there before.....and what's the best approach for handling life's little challenges? (all together now) BEER!!!!!! So we put a couple of pints in her and she was as good as new! (Don't worry, I took the keys) Look at her now! We even ran into wild fella named Chuck Taylor (turns out he wasn't the right one), and got Connie to let down her laces. Sure, we all had our tongues hanging out the next day....but what memories! This just corroborates Ben's theory: "Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy."