happylaney

It's time to lose your mind and let the crazy out.

Tuesday, May 31, 2005


This picture speaks for itself.

Things We Should Do Differently Next Time We Visit Arkansas

John and I spent last weekend in Hot Springs, Arkansas for our 4 year anniversary. We had a good time, but it could have been better. Here are some basic rules to follow next time you go to Arkansas; learn from our mistakes.

1. Bring the Tent Poles. John and I had a small misunderstanding. He said he took the "tent stakes" to school to mark off the football field. I was pretty unhappy about this, but he said he knew right where they were, and would remember to bring them. I was in charge of putting everything in a pile in the dining room, and John was in charge of packing the car. The misunderstanding comes in the fact that I interpretted "tent stakes" as "tent poles." On the way to Poplar Bluff Friday night, I asked him if he remembered the "tent poles." He said he brought the "tent stakes," like the "tent pegs," and not the "poles." Uh-oh. I blame him for taking our stuff to school, and not thinking on his own when he packed the car to realize we didn't have tent poles, and he blames me for putting everything we needed in a pile, and forgetting the tent poles. When we got to the campsite and inspected the tent bag, I started to cry and wanted to go home, and John rigged up this big long rope and made our tent stand up miraculously.

2. When they say, "20% chance of rain" start building an ark. So, after we both felt pretty good about the standing tent, it started to rain. It rained 80% of the weekend. We were wet in the tent Saturday night. It rained all day Sunday, cleared up a tiny bit Sunday night, rained again overnight, and then was kind of clear when we woke up, but then started to rain again as we pulled away. Sleeping bags wet, socks wet, pillows wet, towels wet, chairs wet, fire wet.

3. They take the term Mobile home to it's highest (or lowest) level. We saw an RV that people turned into a home; garden, car port and all. I'm pretty sure it still had wheels. I was amazed at the overall poverty in Arkansas. Besides Little Rock, I don't think anyone makes more than $20,000 a year. John says going to Arkansas is like going to a third world country.

4. Find out when you can and cannot buy alcohol. They don't sell alcohol on Sundays. You can buy it in a restaurant, but not at the gas station we drove 10 miles out of our way for. Not quite sure what not selling alcohol on one day a week does for anyone?

5. Don't ask the lady at the buffet breakfast restaurant about the weather. She'll give you a lecture about how she leads a purpose driven life, and after she got off work last night, she prayed, and didn't have time for the TV or the weather. I think that means we are going straight to hell.

ShishKeBab

Monday, May 30, 2005


Proud John. No time for a story right now, just this picture. Story coming tomorrow. Can you tell me what's wrong with this picture?

Thursday, May 26, 2005

It's a BOY!

Tonight at 9:17 p.m., Amanda gave birth to a baby boy, Louis James Hoffmeister. 8lbs 2 oz. Welcome to our world, Louis. He's precious. He has light colored hair, and long eyelashes and fingernails. He likes to suck on his hands. He has beautiful blue eyes. Yay, Yay, Congrats Amanda and Joe. =)

Just a short update, Flogging Molly was insanely awesome, John's last concert went extremely well, and the kids did a cute tribute, it's our 4 year anniversary today, and tomorrow we leave for the long weekend to go camping. I'll have much to share on Monday, or Tuesday at the latest. Happy Memorial Day Weekend y'all. =)

John and Louis

Monday, May 23, 2005

Fair Weather

I really wish we had an outdoor patio set, so we could BBQ and have people over and eat outside, like we did last night at Robyn and Clube's house. The weather was warm, with just a hint of chill in the breeze, the pork steaks smothered in sauce, the beer was ice cold, and the feeling being around old friends warms the heart. I could do that a million nights in a row.

Robyn, Clube, John and Mike

Sunday, May 22, 2005


Reflections

Friday, May 20, 2005


This is not my dad's cow. This is on Sawmill Road, one of the best roads in Ste. Gen County.

I am a Farmer's Daughter.

Cows are the stupidest animals on the earth, and if you disagree, you haven't spent enough time around cows. I spent many days of my life chasing/herding cows. They inevitably got out of the field, and onto the road at the most inconvient times. I spent many family get togethers chasing cows. Picture me at your normal holiday (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter), all dressed up in my seasonal new dress, being all teenager-like, gangly, putting my moon boots on to chase the cows out of the road, or out of the neighbors property. A couple times the police even showed up. Sounds like an extra scene in Napoleon Dynamite.

When I got older, I learned to hunt deer, because the deer ate my grapes, and I needed to protect my crop and my future. This is still my main reason for hunting. I always wondered why the cows got off so easy when they grazed through the vineyard. I should have shot every one of them, just like mom shot the chickens. Lucky for me, dad sold his cows about a month ago.

There is one tiny thing I like about cows (besides eating them.) I like when the weather gets hot, and they wade in the pond. It amuses me, and I guess I think, even though they are stupid, they at least know how to cool off.

Thursday, May 19, 2005

One Week From Tonight

One week from tonight is John's last concert at Bayless. It is the high school, and jazz band concert. For most of you, this means you could see John conduct without driving a long distance. Next year you will not have that luxury.

Wednesday, May 18, 2005

Flogging Molly

One week from today we will be at the Flogging Molly concert. This will be my third time seeing them.

The first time I saw Flogging Molly, or even heard of Flogging Molly was October 17, 2000; my 25th birthday. Sara was in town from L.A., and she knows Bob, the banjo player. It was also 20 days before my mom passed away. She was really sick, and we were all down in the dumps (to put it mildly.) Some of the songs, and lyrics just hit home, and helped me. My favorite song is "The Worst Day Since Yesterday." I had many "worst days since yesterday" at that time. I bought the cd at the concert, and listened to it repeatedly for months.

If you get a chance to check out the website, go to the videos section, and watch "The Likes of You Again." You'll then see why I'm so excited to go. (it's under the "Extras.") The energy and intensity at the concerts blows my mind. The second time I saw Flogging Molly in concert, I invited everyone I knew, and John and I went with Joe and Amanda. (That's why this isn't an open invitation, not like anyone comes to those either.) (Thank God J&A aren't flakes.) We had a good time, but it was so loud, I couldn't hear for days, which isn't so good.

I can hardly wait for next Wednesday, Sally is coming, and Sara and Chuck, and I might even have a pint of Guiness, just like the band.

Tuesday, May 17, 2005

Reasons #3,4,5,6,7, and 8

John is so cute. He did something yesterday that warms my heart and makes me feel a tiny bit more ready to have babies. There was a baby swing set outside for bulk pick up, and he scooted it into the garage, and I found it this morning. He's going to be so good with our babies.

So, that's reason #3. (Reasons# 1 and 2 found earlier in the blog.) The other reasons are fairly selfish, which probably proves that I am not ready. Reason # 4 is that I will get presents on Mother's Day. Reason #5 is that the baby will entertain us when we go to Poplar Bluff. Reason #6 is that kids = free help in the vineyard (oh how well I know this to be true.) Reason # 7 is that I won't have to be in charge of the kitty litter while I am pregnant, and reason # 8 is that I can dress the baby up in funny/cute clothes.

Think I am ready?

Just for the record, I don't plan to use this swing. The baby could have had tuberculosis, and TB lives for like 17 years.

Another Open Invitation

On June 18th, 2005, we will be walking in the Susan G. Komen Race For the Cure. I got involved 4 years ago through Tammy at Monsanto. Monsanto matches dollar for dollar any donation an employee makes for this cause. We sign up through Monsanto because we get two shirts instead of one. The last two years Matt and Eric have come with us. Last year, John and I told Tammy and Matt and Eric to meet us at the Stan Musial statue, and while we were waiting, Joe walked up. Great minds think alike.

It's an easy walk, 5K, through downtown St. Louis. There are an unbelieveable amount of people down there, tens of thousands. They have signs you can pin to the back of your shirt, remembering special people. The first year I was too emotional, but every other year I have worn a sign that says, "In Memory of my mom, Hope Hoffmeister." There are a lot of survivors, and they all get a pink rose at the end of the race.

Monday, May 16, 2005

Swim Meet

Saturday morning was Abbey's last swim meet of the year. She did really well, I was really proud. The breast stroke is her best race. It's hard to get a good picture of a swimmer; they are always moving.

I am amazed at how grown up she is. She's so beautiful and awesome. I am also amazed at all the activites that are offered to so many kids that were never an option for me. Swimming competitively would have never been my forte. I never took a swimming lesson, just learned to dive about 3 years ago, and if I can't hold my nose, or blow bubbles the entire time I am underwater, I can't do it. I do an awesome one handed handstand underwater. =)

Abbey

Breast Stroke

Sunday, May 15, 2005


One week ago today was Joe's birthday. Hope you had a good one, Joe.

Saturday, May 14, 2005


John and Tom shooting hoops last Sunday.

HUH?

Friday, May 13, 2005


These birds aren't the only ones with spring fever, Sara and Chuck are expecting a BABY!!!

Wednesday, May 11, 2005

"What I Need is A Good Defense

'cause I'm feeling like a criminal."- Fiona Apple

I have sinus problems, and without sharing the whole saga, I have come to the realization that Sudafed works best for me, as far as over the counter meds go. In CA, I could get it over the counter. Here in MO, it's a little harder. In order to get Sudafed at Wal-Mart, you have to go to the pharmacy counter, and pay for it there. At Target, you have to get someone to unlock the cabinent the Sudafed is hiding in. Everytime I do this, the employees eye me up and down, trying to figure out if I have a meth lab. I smile my "I'm a good girl smile" but I always end of feeling guilty (I am Catholic after all.)

Do the makers of Sudafed like that their drugs help make meth, or do they dislike the fact that their product is so hard to get?

Monday, May 09, 2005


Almost Finished.

Obligatory Boil Over Mess (luckily this time it wasn't on the stovetop.)

Putting the wort chiller in

Happy Belated National HomeBrew Day

Saturday was National HomeBrew Day. John's amateur club all got together and brewed beer on the parking lot of Worm's Way, a store that sells all sorts of stuff including homebrew supplies. Worm's Way donated all the ingredients to everyone's beer that they made that day. John made an IPA (India Pale Ale.) I don't like IPA's, they are too hoppy. We invited Bart to help because we knew he had an outdoor propane burner (he fries turkeys.) It was an interesting day. For most of the time myself, and the lady who own's Worm's Way were the only women there. There were a couple really nerdy guys, a couple old long bearded, beer belly, beer drinking guys, and a couple young granola type guys. So far, John hangs out with the granolas. We had a toast at noon, and everyone who was celebrating National HomeBrew Day was supposed to be toasting at the same time. Everyone was really friendly, and helpful. John borrowed a wort chiller, and some Irish moss (?) and at the end some guy oxygenated the beer to start the fermentation quicker. Boy did it ever. Saturday night, the bucket blew it's lid it was fermenting so much. Luckily, somehow it didn't make a mess.

p.s. the Cream Ale is excellent. Even though it is only a week in the bottle, it might be my favorite.

Sunday, May 08, 2005


All the things that I used to say, All the words that got in the way, All the things that I used to know have gone out the window. All the things that she used to bring, All the songs that she used to sing, All her favorite TV shows have gone out the window.- Sugar Ray, "When It's Over"

Saturday, May 07, 2005

2 of 4

Friday night was our 2nd Cardinal's baseball game out of our 4 pack. Unfortunately, we lost. =(

John wanted me to learn to keep score, which I was less than interested in. We decided that I would learn to keep score, if he did a scrapbook page. There was a family sitting next to us that also bought this 4 pack. A mom, dad and two girls, 13 and 16. They are cute girls. John calls them Muppets. He pretty much calls any kid who jumps around, and swing their arms around Muppets. They kept score, so that made it a tiny bit more interesting for me.

On the way out of the stadium, we ran into Matt, Sharon, Eric, Emily and Julie. Julie told me, "I love you." I told her, "I love you too, and I love when you say that." Then she said, "I really love...Dippin Dots." At least I come before the Dippin Dots.

The Wave

Keeping Score

Friday, May 06, 2005

I Find Sometimes It's Easy to Be Myself, Sometimes I Find It's Better to be Somebody Else


I'm Every Woman.....In Over My Head....Quite Possibly the Happiest Goth Person Ever...Get Up...

Goth Elaine

The concert last night was really cool. I had fun with the outfit at home, but felt a little odd once I left the safety of my residence. I love the wig. I thought I'd look more like my mom or my sister with the dark hair, but really I still just looked like me. At the Pageant, I blended right in. The opening band was similar to Prodigy, and they kind of scared me. The Dresden Dolls put on a good show. The lyrics are so creative, and I am amazed at the music they can make with just a girl on the keyboard, and a guy playing the drums. On the website, they have a video of a strip tease they do, and I guess I was hoping for a little more of the Cabaret, or personalities to come out. The Riverfront Times said they were the next big thing, and I have a hard time believing that. The girl's voice is kind of harsh at times.

Afterwards, we went to eat at the Courtesy Diner. John met us there. While we were leaving, Chuck was paying, and John and I were standing at the counter, and I think I was holding on to his belt loops. The people in the booth next to us, said, "Wait, you two are married?" John said, "Yes, almost 4 years now." They said, "You're dressed so differently." John said, "I'm a teacher." Then they said, "What is she, a doctor?" They had a good laugh with that. I snapped back, "I could be." They don't know me. They don't know anything about me. I've always thought the Goth attire gets attention, and now that I think of it, probably negative attention. If I was quicker I would have said, "Yes, I am a doctor, how did you know?" or "What are you, a dumbass?" Judgemental Assholes. (Do the clothes make the person angry, or does the angry person wear the clothes?)

Thursday, May 05, 2005


Sara and I

In Over My Head

I think I am one of the few people who really mean it when they say, "I'll try anything once." It's possible I have gotten in over my head this time.

Sara invited me to a concert tonight of the Dresden Dolls at The Pageant. I looked at the website and watched them perform a few songs, and decided to go. From this point of view, they look like Tori Amos meets Moulin Rouge meets Christina Ricci. Sara has never steered me wrong on music, she introduced me years ago to They Might Be Giants, and 4 years ago to Flogging Molly. Plus, seeing live music performed is probably my favorite thing to do. I get such a natural high from the talent and energy. So, two days ago, I asked Sara what she was going to wear to the concert, "just jeans and a cute shirt?" I asked. Apparently not. There are other people who are going with us, Suki and Brian. Sara said Suki bought a new outfit from Hot Topic just for the concert. Oh. Then Sara said she was going to wear "her long black flowing skirt, and probably these gloves. " The gloves were black and went up to at least her elbows and the fingers were cut out and there were spider web type see through triangles on the gloves. I know Sara has Goth tendencies, and I kind of liked the idea of running with that theme. It's so great to have her home. Besides, we all can't be boring Lisa Stoll type people. So, I put an outfit together last night, totally unlike me, but LOADS of fun. I can't wait to post a picture. John seemed to like it too. He's not going, for any of you wondering. He has a "Brewers" meeting tonight. He asked me what I'm going to say when one of the Goth guys asks me out.

Monday, May 02, 2005


My Shadow's the only one who walks beside me.

Sunday, May 01, 2005


We bottled the Cream Ale tonight. (This picture was taken last Memorial Day Weekend, when we camped at the farm.)