Fleur de Aleta

I Love Halloween! Even Tigger gets into it :) Wishing everyone a safe and Happy Halloween!

*whispers* I have a confession to make... I haven't been at home one of the weeks in October. My husband and I took a vacation! I have another confession to make.... I don't like to blog and announce to the world when we're gone. But we've been back for a while. I haven't had a chance to write about the trip or put all the pictures together. It'll give me something to do for a post in November. Something to look forward to :)

Someone sent this email to me. I thought it was funny, because I've heard some parents say things like this to their kids or the kids saying it... 10 Things That Sound Dirty On Halloween, But Aren't... 1. So...What'd you get in the sack? 2. Once you get under the sheet, start moaning and groaning!!! 3. Just hop on that broomstick and ride it! 4. Those small suckers are gone in a few licks! 5. I got the best piece from that house. 6. Quit screwing around on the porch!!! 7. Stick your hand in and guess what you're feeling.... 8. It was so filled and heavy, I had to use TWO hands!! 9. They'll suck you dry if they get their teeth in you. 10. I bobbed and bobbed, but couldn't get my mouth around it!

I'm happy to be participating in Jade's "Happiness Is" Happiness is.... being born! Thank you, Mom & Dad, for my life :) Thank you for having me and raising me :) Today's my birthday - Woot! (I'm 30 with 12 years experience Lol)

Na Blo Wri Mo is coming to a close soon… I was thinking about those “challenge questions” that I started a while back. I think I’m going to wrap it up with one post :) • Question 21 - How you hope your future will be like Spent with Greg, lots of laughter, hugs through the more difficult times, saving money, paying off mortgages and having fun • Question 22 - Your academics Bachelor of Arts – Sociology Bachelor of Science – Business Management Minor in Psychology Partial concentration in human resources • Question 23 - Something that you miss When you see a child and they have no burdens, no concept of time, no worries, no responsibilities. I like my life now and I wouldn’t want to be Peter Pan, but maybe I miss that a little. • Question 24 - words/phrases that make you laugh “It’s getting’ hot in here, so take off all your cloths” – my husband and I sing that song during the hot summer months and it makes me laugh. • Question 25 - Something that you are currently worrying about Heal

(Grab the button on the right sidebar) This challenge is based on friends and bloggers asking about Louisiana, as well as my interest in travel and learning about other places. Q is for... ~ "Queen of the South".... I've read that New Orleans is called this and I'm really stretching, because I just can't think of any other "Q".... errrrr.... any native Louisianian's come with up any other "Q's"? Oh Oh! I know another Q!!! ~ Quarter View Restaurant, in Metairie. The food is always great, good Creole items to pick from and I've never been disappointed. AND... I love the paintings on the wall - makes you feel as though you're in the French Quarter.

I love this time of year. It's not the candy, the decorations, the cool weather, the color changes (well, we don't get fall colors in New Orleans much any way with the ever green trees)... It's knowing that family gatherings are upon us. Holidays are in the air. You can feel it with the crisp cold fronts and winter dreaming. It's the ending of the year, taking a glance back and realizing there are only a few more months of 2011 to make it the best that it can be... to get the most out of it... Memories are so precious. When family gathers, that's the time to make those wonderful memories.

Question 20 - Your fears Abadonment. This is a childhood one that haunts me. I can recognize it from that tickle in my throat or tears that want to gather when I feel the abandonment emotion creep up. And it creeps up at the oddest times and when I really do know better. Mom and I talked about this years and years ago. We traced my emotion back to when we lived at Green Acres Road (this was before I was in the second grade). My brother was in the hospital. He had pneumonia 9 times and that last time, he had to be put into an "oxygen tent." My parents sent me to my grandparents to stay with while they stayed with my brother in the hospital. My grandparents lived about 2 hours away. In a child's mind it might as well have been a world away. I stayed with my grandparents for a little over 2 weeks. In a child's mind, it might as well have been forever. So, see, I know the reason, the cause. I understand it and it's a rarity to feel it. But it licks at the

I have a confession.... I don't get the Pinterest fad. It looks like a grouping of pictures that you like. A collage of things you want or enjoy or.... but why? What's the fascination with it? I know this is late in the game to be asking this... but I don't see why people were rushing into it with such... addiction.

Question 19 - 5 items that you lust after 1) Greg - Ok, he's not an item, but he's a sexy man! I can lust after him and love him! Lucky me! Lust though? for an item? Eh, that's kind of strange, don't you think? I guess maybe I'm just a little too content with my life. I'm not complacent. There's always things to do and see and visit and enjoy and strive to make better. But lusting after an item, makes me think of someone foaming at the mouth to buy something and there's nothing out there that I want that much. Just Greg. :) drool.. ;P

I'm happy to be participating in Jade's "Happiness Is" Ok, don't laugh.... happiness is getting something delivered and it's wrapped in bubble wrap. I love to pop the bubble wrap. That little quick snap sound and even better when you twist it and here the series of pops. Ok, I'm strange, I know.... I think it has to do with popping the bubble wrap when I was a little kid. It brings back those happy memories :)

Question 18 - A problem that you've had Hearing. I wasn't born with bad hearing. At least, I don't think I was. When I was a baby, I had a high temperature; doctor said if my parents had waited another hour to bring me to the ER, I wouldn't be alive. Yeah, that kind of high temperature. Doctors didn't know what caused it but it burnt the nerve endings in my ears, that's the best way I can explain it. When I was in the 2nd grade, we had hearing tests at the school. The lady told me, "Raise your right hand if you hear the beep in your right ear and raise your left hand if you hear the beep in your left ear." I didn't hear anything, so she repeated it and made me feel like I was an idiot. So, even though I didn't hear anything, I watched her hands on the machine and started to raise a hand here and there. I figured I had a 50 percent chance of getting one of the hands correct while she was moving something on the machine. My parents rec

(Grab the button on the right sidebar) Welcome to “ABC of Your State” ~ This challenge is based on friends and bloggers asking about Louisiana, as well as my interest in travel and learning about other places. Please feel welcome to join in. P is for ~ Plantations Destrehan Plantation isn't that far from New Orleans. It's an antebellum home, established in 1787 and "remains the oldest documented plantation home in the lower Mississippi River Valley." Oak Alley Plantation. It's what movies are made of. Best time to go is during spring to see the oak foliage. It's stunning. I remember going there with my family as a little girl, I didn't even want to step inside the plantation home, I just wanted to wander in and out of the big oaks. It's called the "Grande Dame of the Great River Road" for a reason. Greg and I went there recently. He had a specific perspective shot of the picture he wanted to take (see below)

Question 17 - Something that you are proud of Hmm, "pride before the fall"... It feels a little strange to say that I'm proud of something, because it sounds pompass and arrogant. I'm happy to have worked hard through college and obtained two degrees. I consider myself fortunate to have my parents as role models; with the proof of love by their example, I'm happy I did not give up on love, in finding Greg when most women would have stopped looking for love. I'm happy when I create jewelry or play the piano or paint or photograph something into art. But proud? I'd rather be happy! I think that's why I like my "happiness is" posts on Friday so much :)

Question 16 - Something you always think "what if" about "What if Greg and I had met earlier, when I was in college?" I truly believe that Greg is the man I am meant to be with. Soulmate sounds hokey, but you know... yeah.... what I know is that I've never been happier and it's because of Greg. But what if.... wouldn't life have been that much sweeter for that many more years if we knew each other in college or highschool? But... what if... just doesn't work, because I know that my personality was different back then. I wasn't mature. I was young and naive (and Greg thinks I'm naive now?).. I meet Greg in a calm of my life and he meet me within a calm in his life. Neither of us were trampled in drama or college years or career changes or youthful inexperience. The here and now is the perfect timing for us. The past is not a "what if" it's a "what was" and ehh to that... I have a lot of "what will be's&

Remember how I wrote about not liking to drive. Here's a great example... I used to drive a 2003 Chevy Malibu, gold, 4 door. It was in great condition and I knew exactly how to turn it to make that perfect parking job. 2003.... and when I went to sell it... this year - 2011. The mileage on the vehicle? 57,462. That's right from 2003 to 2011 that's all the miles I put on the car. My confession though is about my husband's SUV. See, the reason we put my Chevy Malibu up for sale was because Greg got a company car. 2 people, 3 vehicles. Fortunately, both of our vehicles were paid for, but Greg's SUV was the newest (2009). And yes, it's true, the Ford Edge is a far cry nicer than my sweet Chevy. So, I had to learn how to drive the Ford Edge. It took me 2 months before I was finally willing to let my Chevy go and take on the Ford Edge full time. I love it now. Still don't have the parking down as lovely as I did the Chevy, but I'm making friends w

Question 15 - Your horoscope/zodiac & do you believe it fits you Scorpio and I used to love reading about the zodiac signs when I was a little girl. Do I think it fits me? I think it fits anyone. It seems to me that each zodiac is a personality and every human being is a mixture of personalities depending upon moods and situations and interests. That's why it's easy to relate to our sign, because it's just one part of a personality. It's fun reading though :) (Ok, it is funny though that Scorps and Leos are supposed to be a good match... which is my match with Greg... and my friend, Kristen, also a Scorp, is happily married to her Leo, Bill.) Ah, go figure! *cue creepy music *

I'm happy to be participating in Jade's "Happiness Is" Happiness is.... getting up early in the morning.... ok, wait, I'm going to stop this before my husband says "SEE, I TOLD YOU I'D MAKE YOU A MORNING PERSON." I'm not... but... Happiness is.... getting up early in the morning to go on an adventure with my husband, be it to take pictures of the sunrise over the lake or to Oak Alley plantation or for a vacation. I'm not an early morning person, but I will wake up early to go on adventures like that, something different, something quality, something fun.... it makes the day feel special.

Question14 - What you wore today Ok, someone needs to snazzy up these questions. I mean, seriously? "Whatcha wearing?" Err, cloths. Now... let's make it fun! How about this.. a racy, heavy breathing phone call question "What do you have on right now?" ;P I can do that voice... You know the GPS sexy lady's voice? "Turn left... and take me with you.." I've got her tone down pat... and my husband loves when I talk like that... so back to the question... My husband likes lace, black, white, red, doesn't matter (though he says I look best in red - it's a lover's color, I'm happy)... and as long as it's see through (most lace is :) Sexy cloths with the sexy voice... Now that I'm thinking about this, I need to drag my husband into some privacy - toodles!

(Grab the button on the right sidebar) Welcome to “ABC of Your State” ~ This challenge is based on friends and bloggers asking about Louisiana, as well as my interest in travel and learning about other places. Please feel welcome to join in. O is for Oy Vey! I'm surprised I made it this far and I better not stop now! Ok... seriously. ~ Oysters! Grill 'em, fry 'em, rockerfella 'em... even ... eat 'em raw. Yes, I tried that... once and never again. My brother loves them raw, but I can't handle that. But I do like them any other way. Best place to go to for Oysters? Hands down - Drago's in Metairie. (It's the section in Metairie called "Fat City.") When Greg has out of town business associates, he brings them to Drago's for the oysters. Yummmm... and don't forget to try the Fleur de Lis Shrimp - heaven!! ~Onion Soup. Not the soup, the restaurant. It's located in New Orleans. A litt

Question 13 - Your opinion about your body and how comfortable you're in it Well, it's my skin, so I'm pretty sure I'm comfy in it. My opinion though? Eck. I think those 3 way mirrors in dressing rooms are kinda cruel. I wish I had know that I had hypothyroidism when it first started. I'm not happy with my weight. Trying to exercise and eat right. I want to live a long, healthy, happy life with my husband. We want to grow old together :)

Something good to know if you live in a hurricane prone area: We received a tip from the severe weather seminar this morning. Prepare your freezer before leaving for a hurricane or severe weather, put your items into black plastic bags and tie---also put a dixie cup of water in the freezer, let it freeze and then put a penny on top of it. When you return if the penny has dropped to the bottom and been re-frozen you would know that your power had gone out. You can then discard the black bags and save your freezer or refrigerator.

I have a confession... What do you like on your pizza? Pepperoni? Ham? Canadian Bacon? Sausage? Breakfast Bacon? Bell Peppers? Tomatoes? Onions? Mushrooms? Cheese? My husband can order his pizza any way that he wants it. And he can have it all. The entire thing. Because I don't eat pizza. I know, that's.... un-American. But it's true. I just don't like it. Just thinking about it makes me want to gag!

Question 12 - 5 guys whom you find attractive Oh, that's SOOOO easy! 1) Greg 2) GregO 3) Gregory Patrick 4) Gregory Patrick O'Brien 5) My Love Ok, I'm super biased. He's handsome and his mine! Woot!

I'm happy to be participating in the Jade's "Happiness Is" Happiness is... a gentle rain in the late afternoon. The type of rain that soothes the earth and quiets the mind. It's a soft sound, Mother Nature's orchestra on low volume, lulling me to sleep.

Question 11 - Your Family (That's it? Your Family... Ok, simple enough and I'll answer quickly :) The simple version: Me, My Wonderful Husband, One Cat, One Dog The extended version: Ditto above, plus my parents, my brother and his wife. My husband's parents, his 3 siblings, an in-law (who has the same name as my husband), 6 nieces and nephews (It's SO cool being an aunt! It helps that they are awesome nieces and nephews!!) The way extended version: Look, let's not go there... please. My Mom is one of 8. One of Greg's aunts or uncles has 8 kids. I mean, it's a community, seriously! We're very fortunate. My husband and I are not just fortunate for having large families, but for having close families. We have loving, generous, thoughtful parents. I don't know if I've told our families "Thank You" recently.... so here it is, "Thank you, for your love and support. We cherish it."

(Grab the button on the right sidebar) Welcome to “ABC of Your State” ~ This challenge is based on friends and bloggers asking about Louisiana, as well as my interest in travel and learning about other places. Please feel welcome to join in. N is for ~ NOMA - New Orleans Museum of Art. I think it's free on Wednesdays, if I remember correctly. NOMA is located right in City Park, so after climbing the oak trees and having a picnic, this is a nice place to enjoy some air conditioning and see extensive art collections. It's not a museum dedicated to New Orleans; it has a diversity of appreciation. I believe the Faberage Gallery is there year round. You can check their site to see what exhibits they have throughout the year. I've gone there a number of times, but probably not as often as I should.

Question 10 - Put your iPod on shuffle and list the first 10 songs that come up. Beethoven - The Complete Symphony Collection Heart - These Dreams Bon Jovi - Livin' on a Prayer Kelly Clarkson - All I Ever Wanted Marvin Gaye - Let's Get it On Aerosmith - Dream On Meat Loaf - I'd Do Anything for Love Jim Brickman - Angel Eyes Lady GaGa - Paparazzi The Staple Singers - I'll Take You There Toby Keith - American Soldier Carpenters - Top of the World Jewel - Foolish Games Nelly - Hot in Here Pat Benatar - All Fired Up Berlin - Take My Breath Away Sarah McLachlan - Possession Christina Aguilera - Fighter Carrie Underwood - Just a Dream Whoops, that was more than 10. I got carried away :)

Question 9 - How important is education to you? Highly. My Mom is a teacher. Need I say more? She's an excellent teacher, by the way. She was also my speech therapist when she recognized that I had a hearing deficiency. I'm hopeful that parents are teaching their children the value of education and to respect teachers. I thought about being a teacher. When I first attended college, my major was education.. but you know what happened? The professors in the educational field looked down upon grammar school and high school teachers. This one particular professor snubbed teachers and the students looking for such a career. I knew about the pay. I knew about the parents, the students, the red tape of schools, the politics, the grading, the long hours, the dedication.. but what I wasn't prepared for was the negative attitude of college professors towards their own given field. You know the saying about the straw that broke the camel's back? The professors' att

I have a confession to make about living in New Orleans.... I don't think I was meant to be born here. I love New Orleans. I think you know that from reading the ABC's and various things about doing fun stuff in the area. But... I've often said, "I shouldn't have been born in New Orleans. I should have been born up north!" I can't stand the heat. The humidity. It's one of the reasons I love fall and winter. Well, "summer lite" as well call it over here :)

Every time my husband sees "NaBloWriMo" he says it sounds kind of dirty. :) It stands for National Bloggers Writing Month, which is in October. Bloggers are encouraged to post once a day. It can be a regular post, a guest's post, pictures, just post something each day. It's a great way to get creative with every day life. To find ways to keep you motivated. This is my third year participating in NaBloWriMo and I'm tickled to do so again. For those of you who are new to my blog, I'm Aleta. *waves hand* Hello. My blog is more like a personal journal... think of someone sitting at your kitchen table, over a cup of tea (or coffee if you prefer) and having a conversation about the day's events. That's FleurdeAleta for you. I write about my husband and our cat, Tigger and dog, Penny, about family, etc. I also have an on-going ABC "Your Home State" Challenge, which is on Wednesday's. This is when I write about Louisiana. On Friday&#