Observations from my Coffee Table

I don't usually weigh in on controversial issues so I'm not going to defend the current Paula Deen situation. I don't know the woman so I don't know her morals or her character. I've never seen her cooking shows. I briefly saw her on a couple of talk shows during her pre-troubled times. I have some of her cookware and I really like them.

I don't agree with racial or sexual slurs on either side (no matter which side of the board a person is on). But hold the bus, I want to weigh in on the whole plantation worker issue. First of all, I doubt she forced anyone to work for her.  If she had insisted on all white servers, she would have been hauled to court just as quickly. But that's beside the point. My point is if we're going to take issue with the whole plantation issue then why hasn't  "Hooters" been shut down for exploiting women and making them dress a certain way?

That being said if this woman has used her power to bully or make people feel inferior, then by all means, make her answer for it and make amends. But good Lord, don't crucify her! After all, I'm sure there were a lot of people and companies making A LOT of money using her name.

As for her brother....well....he doesn't sound like a very desirable fellow. From what I've heard, he was the one doing the offensive things. But I notice very little of the media attention has been given to him. I find that VERY odd!

Stressed and Feeling Good

I know the older I get, the slower I get. But come on! I thought things were suppose to slow down in the golden years. LOL! Honestly, most days I like a busy schedule. And then there are those other days.......

I won't go on and on about my work schedule. Because let's face it, no one cares to hear about other people's hectic work schedules or job stresses. Oh yeah, they say they do. But they really don't. So don't go there. I guarantee you if you're the type who wants to share something other than a funny story about your job, your captive audience will listen for all of 2 minutes. Then they will go into a blank-stare mode. At which time they will start planning their day. While you're going on and on about the problems and stresses of your job, they are planning their evening meal and organizing their daily planner in their minds. The only people to offer you their undivided attention about anything work related would be your co-workers. Then you have to watch how detailed you are. Because even a co-worker will start clock watching. Besides, job related subjects are just a boring read.

Right now, we are in the process of planning Chatty's October 26th wedding. She and her fiancé (whom for future reference will be referred to as Chatster) are looking for their first home. Anyone who has looked at the housing market in the last 3 years knows it has sucked for awhile. Or at least it has in our area.

Yes, it definitely has been a buyers market. In mine and Mr. Chat's case, that is not always a good thing. When we were looking at possible home purchases for ourselves, all of the HOT deals were gone before we could get our house listed. Then we have the problem that if we sell ours, we won't be able to find the property we want to buy. Rent? Yes, we could rent until we found "THE HOUSE". But I would have to be guaranteed renting wouldn't be for longer than 6 months. It's a guarantee that can't be made. In the last umpteen years, there have been only a handful of homes and properties that Mr. Chat and I have been interested in. On the other hand....by the time Chatty and Chatster find a property they like, there's already a contract on it. Plus market prices are rising a little bit at a time. Which is a good thing for the economy. Not so much for newlyweds.

 

On the upside.....the wedding planning is on schedule.....so far. The church and reception venue are booked. We have secured the minister, the florist, the photographer, the DJ, the sound equipment and the caterers. Chatster's mom makes wedding cakes. She and Chatty are in the process of picking the cake design and the flavors. My sister-in-law is a butcher and she cooks and prepares meat. She is doing the beef.  My niece is a graphic designer. I have bought the cardstock and program paper. She and Chatty will design the invitations and programs. The unity cross is bought and stored away. The guest book and accompanying  supplies have been delivered. Chatty's Maid of Honor (and her boyfriend) have worked really hard on something very special for the dance floor. Chatty has her gown, veil, shoes and garters. Except for the flower girl, all of the bridesmaids/maid of honor have their dresses ordered. I  feel like everything is on track. I know a month before the wedding there will be SOOOOO much more to do and a lot I have forgotten. But until then, I will sit here smugly drinking my coffee and feeling on top of the game.