I take New Year’s Resolutions very seriously. When I was a kid, my mother was always on my case for talking too much. So, on New Year’s I pledged to be a quiet person. All year I was the opposite of what I normally was – and everyone was so concerned that I wasn’t well. I thought they would all be so happy that I had finally shut up, but it seemed that talking (as much as I did) was a part of who I was. Though, I could not end my resoultion early – it just didn’t seem right. I waited until the next year and made a resolution to be myself – and my mother began to complain again… I take to heart one major thing I know I must change about myself – because it’s not making me or the people I am around happy. I can do anything I put my mind to – my will power is pretty strong. This past New Year’s ’2006 I made the resolution not to be so damn negative. I wasn’t going to share my personal hells with anyone else – I was going to be happy and positive. It was working – but I slipped and I want to apologize to my friends for being so damn negative. (especially with this blog)

I realized today, when talking to Mr. Naughty Pants, that there are a lot of things I am just going to have to deal with in my head. Some things I need to let go of and walk away from, not give so much heart into. There are going to be problems and people that no matter what I try to do – I will not be able to change. I can make life a little eaiser for the time I am there – make it fun and positive. Make life worth living even though there is a darkness looming around. I am really sorry to my friends (especially Mr. Naughty Pants, Mrs. Smarty Pants, Miss Hotsy-Totsy Pants and Mrs. Bitch (named by Mr. Naughty Pants)). I really enjoy being around you guys and I thank you for allowing me (a non-pants) to be a part of your everyday life. I want to have fun with you all – I never want to pull you into my personal little hell. Mr. Naughty Pants – I know what you’re saying and even though it doesn’t seem like I’m listening – I really am. I always try too hard to make my point – when I need to shut up and listen to yours. I heard you today – and I have been thinking about everything you said. I know that you strive to see the good in people and I respect you for that. I also know you are a reflection of light – that when others are around you they cannot help but to be happy and have fun. It’s you that made this happen – and I hope you know that. I will try to stop bringing my shit your way and try to enjoy this time we all have together.

Okay, so this post ended up being one big fat shout-out to my buddy Mr. Naughty Pants (and his girls; Miss Hotsy-Totsy Pants (who’s single by the way boys), Mrs. Smarty Pants and Mrs. Bitch (named by Mr. Naughty Pants). I know Mr. Naughty Pants is probably rolling with laughter reading this – for he is the creator of the “Pants” people.

“Smile, laugh, be happy, and fart.” – Mr. Naughty Pants.

It’s got to be the best feeling in the world when you meet someone you click with – right away. I think as soon as I met Mr. Naughty Pants at the beginning of this school year – I knew we were going to have a great time together. It took a while before we got to spend time together – but as soon as it happened it has been great fun! I get kind of sad when he’s not there – or if he’s feeling blue (no, not balls!) about something. I look forward to lunch time – because I know I am going to go hang out with a small group of people who make all the hells of the day disappear. The bell rings, I grab my lunch and dash down to Mr. Naughty Pants’ room – and as soon as I walk through the door I feel this nirvana. Then when the bell rings again, letting us all know it’s time to get back to work – I always get a little sad, because I want to just hang out with Mr. Naughty Pants and his girls. (I’ll explain his “girls” in another post – it’ll take a whole post to do that.) deltasone

Let me to get to why I have dubbed this friend of mine Mr. Naughty Pants. Well, first and foremost, he’s naughty. He has got to be one of the sickest people I know – besides myself. He’s so much more naughty than I’ll ever be – and how could I not admire that?! Then, it was per his request that I call him something to do with “Pants” in the title – because he thought it would be funny (an inside joke). Mr. Naughty Pants has a loud booming personality that everyone (who is normal) really enjoys. He will go down the halls singing loud and clear, and when he stops everyone is calling out for more. He’s a great person with a bigger heart than anyone else I know. He’s Mr. Tough guy on the outside – but I know the inside is cuddly teddy bear. (awww cute) He has to deal with a severe and profoundly Autistic child daily (who loves Mr. Naughty Pants) and sometimes the boy becomes violent. Mr. Naughty Pants is forced to have to become physical with this boy (never hurting him), restraining him so he cannot hurt himself or anyone else around. After these episodes I can see the pain in Mr. Naughty Pants’ eyes – as it kills him a little inside having to treat this boy that way. The boy has improved 150% since the first day of being with Mr. Naughty Pants – because he loves him so much. We are lucky to be a part of Mr. Naughty Pants’ life – as I hope it lasts forever…

If you have ever watched The Family Guy you can kind of get an idea what Mr. Naughty Pants is like. Though he’s a Peter Griffin with brains. So, he’s the smart guy telling you to pull his elbow because he’s got a sudden painful cramp – then he farts and laughs until his face turns a bright red. He’ll belt out something sounding so awesomely brilliant, leaving the room awed and speechless – then turn around and start dancing the robot accompanied by a little beatboxing. He has taught the kind girl next door how to say, “beeyotch.” He had a childhood no child should have to endure – he grew up with an adolescence of trouble and problems and then made a 360 degree turn and created a life to be proud of. So, no matter how awesomely smart and talented he is – he always brings you back down to the fact that he is only a human being – who is enjoying life.

Every once in a while your heart cannot help but to fall in love, become attached and be ready for a life time commitment. As soon as I picked him up – as soon as I held him close and as soon as I looked into his eyes – we were one. His sweet kisses, the way he nuzzled my neck and when he fell asleep in my arms – Yeah, I knew…he was mine. Pure, unconditional love comes in a few different forms – this one is the best of the best as I know he will never judge me for the way I look – how annoying I can be or even how much money I have. All he’ll care about is my love, affection and attention. Of course food, water, treats, a roof over his head and a walk for exercise will be much appreciated. We took only a week to pick out a name for our cute, new, little PUPPY!!!!!

We were going over names like Rocco – but that reminded Scott of a cartoon kangaroo. Scott’s doggie who passed away last summer was named after a national park up in Canada – so Tom, Scott’s brother, brought up a few of the other national parks in that area. They all sounded pretty good – but a painful reminder of who we lost no too long ago (Jasper). Like I said before we are not replacing him – we could never do that – we are only adding onto our family. The Canadian national park name idea made it seem like we were replacing him… (they were cool names though!) Scott’s mother and I were chatting on AIM one evening and going over names – kinda being silly about them. She said, “Nothing too tough – you want him to be kind and gentle around Sam.”

So then names like Tinker-Bell and Snookums came up – she said gentle not lame. SO, then she wrote, “No, something like Baxter would be cute.” That was it! As soon as I read it off the screen I knew that was the name for our new little guy!!! I began to yell the name out loud – to tell Scott and to hear myself say it. Scott’s response was, “Yeah, that sounds like a good one.” Over the rest of the week we talked about it – but I truly think the fact that my mother hates the name so much made Scott really think about it – and then love it.

Yesterday (Friday) when we went to visit our little fella – it was the true name test – if it didn’t fit, we were going to have to rethink “Baxter” for his name. Oh my gosh! as soon as we saw him – we knew it was the right choice! He looks like a Baxter. YAY!

Baxter Schrantz was born on February 6, 2006 to a Corgi mommy named Annie and a Border Collie daddy – gigolo (this guy not only knocked up Annie – but her sister Corgi as well. The two bitches gave birth 9 hours apart!) On February 24, 2006 Baxter was adopted by US! We just cannot wait to take him home! At the end of April – after we come back from our spring break vacation to Southern California – we’ll go get our little guy! Ebony will get to meet him in two weeks! That’ll be exciting – I know she’ll love him, take him under her wing and teach him all her bad habits (not too many – she’s a good girl). We love our animals so much and we know they love us just for who we are – animals are the BEST! Welcome to our family Baxter!

I am guilty! I am an avid watcher of the evil American Idol – and I like it! I’m not a crazy fan – I do not call in to vote – it’s purely for entertainment purposes. The reason I am saying out loud that I watch this show (I am a closet reality show junkie) is because of this one guy – Taylor Hicks. He made the 24 to be judged by America, on his way to the final 12 – I hope. He is really different than the other contestants on American Idol – he has gray hair (age 29), he’s not the sexiest guy on the show – and he has some odd moves that seem to annoy people writing comments online. Most of the people making comments online think it’s all an act – he’s a wannabe Ray Charles or Stevie Wonder… The thing about those guys is the reason they move like that is due to their disability. I truly believe that Taylor Hicks has a disability as well – I think he may have cerebral palsy (brain damage causing spastic muscle movements). He has characteristics in his movements that point to cerebral palsy. I don’t want to sound like Miss. Professional cerebral palsy person here – but I do have a little knowledge on the subject (personally). I would hope that the morons on the forums freaking out – about the way he moves and calling him a wannabe – would feel badly if they found out that this great (high spirited) guy has a disability. They won’t and I will not let that bother me, but I’d love to e-mail Taylor Hicks someday soon and ask him the truth. (I have yet to find a working e-mail address for him.) He just makes you feel happy to see him – he’s got the right spirit for this game/competition, and I give him Kudos for his effort! I really hope he makes it to the end – but I’m not worried, because even if he doesn’t win American Idol, he’s already won America’s hearts…