Merry Christmas and More

It's only Christmas Eve and we have already had an unbelievable day. It was a great time at Nana's and Papa's, opening gifts and spending time with the cousins. Who could ask for more? It could end now and it would have been great.

Now for what I really have to say. I must say that my PD friends have the most unbelievable stories because they are going through life post divorce too. Us PD women have a tendency to lose our sanity at times. You hear one of these friends tell a story and wonder "what are you thinking?" If they heard you tell the same story that is what they would say to you. But when you are the one telling the story, I don't know what happens. I think a little attention from someone with a Y chromosome makes your IQ drop at least 50 points. It's unbelievable to witness and okay maybe experience. I usually consider these very intelligent women. Talk about smart to not so bright. It's like witnessing a train wreck.

I really hope one of these very intelligent women in particular reads this blog. Here's a hint. The only thing I have fallen in love with at first sight was an article of clothing at Ann Taylor Loft. I don't think that will ever change.

Merry Christmas to you all,

Michelle K. Perkins

Just Send Them to Idiot Prison

Has it really been a month? Wow that's a long time for me to go without therapy. Then it happened, bailout execs had to go and still fly around in private jets at the company's expense after they received some of my tax dollars. Now I'm upset. I couldn't be satisfied with reading just the summary paragraph. I had to read the entire article. It started that snowball rolling down the hill affect deep down inside and so here I am talking about it.

This is what I don't understand. One of the reasons company spokesmen give for the need for private jets is security. Maybe I didn't read the paper or check the news online for like a year, but I have failed to read about any plot to knock off the president or other high executives of companies that are losing money by the boat load. Maybe they think they are as important as say a President of a country. The only people they need to fear is average folks like me and I don't even know any of their names. I'm thinking they are pretty safe. I still can't figure out why these guys are paid so much any way. If I were in charge, here is who I would hire. They would not have attended an Ivy League school because those folks seem to walk in the door with an attitude of entitlement. They would have had to work at least 25 hours a week to be able to attend college and they would have graduated with a GPA somewhere in the range of 2.75-3.25. You know why? Because these folks could find an answer to a problem. Mr. Ivy League would have to call 40 other folks to figure out what to do when he is stuck in an elevator and average Joe would know, just flip the alarm switch. Whew! I feel much better now!

See ya when I need some more couch time. It could be tomorrow!!

Michelle Perkins

Time Flies

Wow, has it really been that long since I have blogged? I didn't check the date but I know it has been a while. I have thought about it but didn't really have anything to say.

It is time to give thanks. We are truly blessed to live in a free country and have family on which we can depend and friends who keep us going. I am thankful for all of this and more.

I didn't take the opportunity to brag on Brett and his amazing win against the only undefeated team in the NFL. Way to go Brett. Green Bay didn't fair so well and they extended Aaron's contract. Go try to figure that one out.

Carolina basketball is going to be coming on in a bit and it will be a tough game. I can't believe it is coming on so late. Believe me I will be up until the last second ticks off of the clock. Maybe I'll have something to say after the game.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving,

Michelle Perkins

Call a Fireman

I couldn't decide if I was going to share my epiphany or not but decided obviously that I would. It's just sort of hard to come up with a starting point because you need some background information. So here you go. First of all I worked at Procter & Gamble for I think eight years which required me to don the "business attire" each and every morning. I stopped working at P&G to become a stay-at-home mom for the next eight or so years. Once you get accustomed to not "dressing up" every day you start to wonder how you ever did it. Now I am very lucky in that I only do the business dress when I have appointments. Even then at times it is casual depending upon how well I know the clients.

One day this week I did the dress up. I've determined that it's not the clothes that are uncomfortable, it is the shoes that pose the problem. So I'm at my house before going to work, running around with these uncomfortable shoes. We are getting to the epiphany I promise. Then I think, the shoes are not really that uncomfortable if you walk around like a lady. My dilemma is that I walk around like I am going to a fire. If I slowed down just a tad the outfit with the shoes work beautifully. Here's the epiphany. I'm talking to myself and answering at this point. Let's just say there is a fire. Where ever it is I am trying to get to so fast is on fire. It is burning to the ground. Hello, I am not a fireman so why do I have to be the first on the scene? So there it is. I'm slowing down. I slowed down so much today I took a nap.

Now I just need to find my happy medium and some semi-comfortable shoes.

Slow down a bit and take it all in,

Michelle Perkins

My Perfect Day

I know many of you think you may have some idea of what you think would be my perfect day. Some are thinking I am at the beach, watching Brett play football, watching Kirk commentate football, shopping, sleeping late, Hudson doing his homework without my asking, watching Carolina basketball or reading a book. I'll admit, these are some of my favorite things, besides being the mom to the greatest kid on Earth (and Venus - we just finished our project on Venus tonight so I had to throw that in).

You'll first need some background for all of this to make sense. Last week, we had our monthly Ninja coaching session. This is courtesy of our boss at Aldridge & Southerland (I threw the company name in so one of my colleagues - Jim Weese - would have to read my blog). We had been through a few soul searching activities when we were asked to close our eyes and picture our perfect day.

I was taken aback when most of what I could see was unfocused. That's the best way I can describe it. There were only a few things that were quite clear. It was like I was watching a slide show because I wasn't in one place. All I could see were faces and they were all smiling. We were asked about what kind of car we drove and where we lived. I couldn't see a car. All I know is that it was dependable. I couldn't see a house. I just know that it was warm and everyone who came in the door I was happy to see. I must admit, there have been times in my life that there was a certain car I had to drive. There were other material things that seemed important too. Those things really don't matter anymore. All I know is my perfect day is one where all of the people that I care about are happy, healthy and know that they are loved. My perfect day was not a picture that you see on a canvas but it was a warm feeling deep inside.

Sure, I'm game for a sale at Ann Taylor Loft and I doubt I'll ever pass up an opportunity to go to the beach. Maybe I am getting older. Nah, I think I am getting wiser. I hope that doesn't mean senility is next.

May all of your days be perfect,

Michelle Perkins

Mellow Madness

Some one has stolen me and replaced me with my relaxed twin. I'm not sure when that happened, but I wish it would have happened about 10 years ago. No kidding. I'm not knotting my forehead as much from stress. This is quite ironic since according to the media we are getting ready to have the biggest recession, depression or whatever in forever.

I can't even comment on Grey's. It isn't because I thought it was ridiculous, it is because I missed it. I'm so relaxed I totally forgot about it Thursday night.

Misty and I made the decision on Thursday not to go to the NCSU game on Saturday because it was to rain all day. I don't think it was a total rain out but it was a good game. We missed it. Oh well, I think that means we have to go to the Thanksgiving Saturday game no matter what.

Brett and the Jets rolled the Patriots Thursday night. There is just something about that man. I do have a new TV crush. It's Kirk Herbstreet. For those of you who don't watch football, he is an announcer. I thought he was cute three years ago. You'll be looking for him now. Just make sure you are sitting down.

Now for the big news. My first listing with Aldridge & Southerland is under contract. What a busy weekend it has been. I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am. I can guarantee you that I am now working for the greatest real estate company in Greenville. Everyone there is unbelievably nice and supportive. I want to succeed for them as much as I do for myself.

Next blog I'll tell you about my perfect day. You'll be surprised!!

Contract Pending,

Michelle Perkins

Charge, Charge, Charge

I confess, I watched the news tonight. I still haven't watched Oprah and don't see that happening. I happened to see a clip where they were going to do a story on real estate bail outs and credit card debt. Let's say that I can let go of the fact that people signed up for debt that they couldn't repay. The plan now seems to assist those folks. Especially those whose homes are worth less than what they owe. What about me? Who is going to help me? The stocks I bought are now worth significantly less than when I bought them. Silly girl. I know you were trying to save money to send your son to college since he is your responsibility. I know you were saving money for your golden years so you wouldn't have to work until you are 110. Too bad, so sad; you are working until at least 105. Is someone going to help replace the money I lost. That would be a big fat no!! I know you resisted the temptation to go on great trips with your son and buy a high end car and instead put that money in a plan for the future. You may as well have bought that car!! At least I would have had something to show for the money.

Next, the government wants to help those down and out with credit card debt. I am sure there are some who bought groceries and paid for necessities on their credit cards. But let's face it, there will be a lot more people who will get that credit card debt assistance who have more electronics, high end clothes and just stuff that I don't have. I don't quite understand what the punishment is for not knowing how to live on a budget. Apparently it is oops, you messed up, we'll forgive a lot of that debt. Run along and try to get it right this time. I just wonder how many times those idiots will get to go through the help line before they are cut off. Oh I think I know the answer to that. It will be when the rest of us who watch our financial status and try to stay on track go broke.

I think I'll charge up the world, not,

Michelle Perkins