A Closed Office, A Teenager Moves Away, A Wedding, And An Elimination

HELLO... 👋

Today is the first day of November 2021. It's been a few months since I've written down any of my thoughts and feelings, so lets dive into this with a little update.

💥 My candle business is up and running. Still trying to iron out some kinks, and we've made some sales. 

💥 At the end of May, our office officially closed. They decided it was too expensive to have a bunch of offices in all the locations, so they shut ours and we are all working from home now. 

💥 At the beginning of June, I decided it was time to shed some of that quarantine weight I put on, so I started running. I would run 2-4 miles every day. I fell right into a routine, and before I knew it, I was down 15 pounds. Amazing!

💥 In the middle of June, RJ moved back to Texas with his dad. The reason he came here, was because his dad had allowed him to drop out of high school. Since that went against everything I stand for, I stepped in. I made arrangements for him to come live with me, while I helped him get high school finished and started at a job. We were successful in all those things. He returned, just two short years later, to a much happier situation, with a high school diploma and job experience. So proud of all he accomplished here. 

💥 At the end of July, we celebrated ME with a Bridal Shower. It was so much fun! And being spoiled for the day, was pretty nice. I drank a lot of margaritas. 

💥 By mid August, I was knee deep in wedding dress fittings. The dress that I had bought BEFORE covid, didn't fit. I knew at the time it was going to need to go through some serious transformation in order to fit. Let me tell you, the seamstress was AMAZING! My weight fluctuated so much because of not eating right, running, and stress. She made it happen, just in the nick of time. Whew!

💥 In September, we got married! Finally! After having to change the date AND the venue, we were finally able to make it happen. It took a village to make it all come together, but it was a night I will never forget, and an absolute dream come true.

💥 In October, I watched Squid Game. That was a mistake. It was so horrifyingly accurate. Ugh. 
Way back before any of this was on television, I remember a younger Mel Gibson opening our eyes to Adrenochrome. Hollywood's elite blew it off, acting like Mel was crazy and making up stories, but was he really? Or was he trying to shed some light on something which we didn't know at the time? I tell people to do their own research. And by that, I don't mean get your information from TMZ or even the mainstream news. Do real research. Find the real answers. They're out there, I promise. And maybe old Mel isn't so crazy after all. 

💥 We are coming to the end of another photo season, so there will be more time for blogging. Although most of my free time is now spent dealing with candles. 

💥 Kyle Busch was eliminated from the NASCAR Playoffs yesterday, after failing to make the Final Four. So heartbreaking. Two years in a row. I blame Covid. 😡

Until next time, Y'all!

Kyle Busch eliminated from the playoffs

Let us talk NASCAR for a moment.

Kyle Busch has officially been eliminated from the playoffs, and the entire Rowdy Nation is super sad about that. I promise you; they are sad. And probably a little frustrated. I have heard rumblings from a lot of KB fans, about how disappointed they are in Adam this season, as if everything is his fault. I get it. In NASCAR, when things go wrong, the crew chief does get blamed, but let’s be real, even Toyota said they take the blame.

You might ask then, ‘Why does Denny have so many wins then? He’s in a Toyota, too.’
Well, I don’t have an answer to that, other than, it’s just pure dumb luck. How many races was the 18 car wrecked by another driver this season? Almost every race. That adds to it.

Others want to blame the lack of practice and qualifying. Do you buy that? I do. And I do not. Kyle is an exceptional racecar driver. He can see and feel things inside that car that most people would miss or not even notice at all. Because of that reason alone, I believe that he would be able to pinpoint those exact adjustments and changes that need to be made, regardless of when it happens - during practice or the regular race - to get him those wins he’s used to getting. BUT that is not happening. So, the lack of practice is not the problem.

So, what is the problem? What is the real reason our defending champion has not even won one single race this season?

My theory is his home life. If you follow him or his wife on any social media, you know all the drama that goes on every day. She posts about it ALL. THE. TIME. Maybe all the infertility struggles they are going through, and the pressure she is putting on them to have another child, is interfering with his job. That is what I see. I do not think that was her intention, but it is how I perceive it.

I don’t have the answers, obviously, but I assure you, if I could get Kyle alone in a room, without cameras, I would want to get down to the bottom of what is happening in KBville. It seems like a very lonely place right now, and maybe a little conversation from a random car chick, might help.

There are only four races left, and since Kyle is not in the playoffs, I feel he will try to stay out of the way. However, I do not, by any means, think he will just lay down and allow a playoff driver to beat him if he has a shot at winning.

A Championship Well Deserved

A Champion. Webster defines it as “a winner of first prize or first place in competition or one who shows marked superiority”. And that’s exactly what Kyle Busch is. A Champion who showed an extreme amount of superiority.

From the crash at Daytona in February, Kyle had a sense about himself that he could do the impossible. A feat that not everyone believed he could accomplish. Us fans, believed. And we believed strongly every single week.

After being out of contention for eleven weeks, he came back stronger than ever. Against all the odds and doubters alike, he won race after race and earned himself a spot in the year-end Chase. Awesome!

I’ve never been more proud to be a Kyle Busch fan. He’s grown and matured so much, thanks in part to his wife, Samantha, and it just makes him all around, a better person. He still has his point of view that many don’t agree with, but let’s face it, whether you’re a fan of his or not, he’s by far, one of the best drivers on the track every week.

For those that don’t understand what Kyle Busch did this year, imagine your favorite football team not playing for the first eleven weeks of the season, yet still winning the Super Bowl. THAT’s what happened.

Congrats to Kyle. I hope they plaster his face on everything!

Monday news

It’s Monday, and that means it’s time to start another week. For some, it’s another week of sitting in traffic. Another week of customer or patient complaints. And another week of school. But most importantly, it’s another week I’m alive! And I’m so very grateful for that.

 

 

Kyle Busch - How about that Kyle Busch sweep in Indy this weekend, huh? That guy is on fire! He just can’t do any wrong right now. We’re at a part of the schedule that he normally dominates, so I’m not too surprised, but I am. He was out for three months after a crash that left one leg and one foot broken, and since he’s been back, he’s won FOUR out of the last FIVE races. If that isn’t dominance and pure talent, I don’t know what is. He’s fought incredibly hard to get to where he is today, and I couldn’t be more proud to be a fan. Now all that stands in his way for a chance at winning the Sprint Cup, are those pesky 23 points that are keeping him out of the lineup.

Caitlyn Jenner – Did you watch “I Am Cait” last night? I haven’t watched it yet, but let me just say quickly, that I’m so beyond excited to watch it. I wasn’t a huge Bruce Jenner fan. I mean, I knew who he was, and I thought his incredible talent as an athlete was beyond amazing, but seeing Cait, makes me obsessed. I’m in no way a “girlie girl”, and do not have any desire to ‘be like Cait’, but she has me watching her every move. And I totally dig it.
A family friend of SS’s, ran into Caitlyn at a Starbucks one morning. The friend was fumbling the stuff she was holding (read: carrying too many things while trying to order coffee), and while Caitlyn was standing behind said friend in line, she offered to help hold her coffee while she got her stuff back in a descent holding order. Pretty nice of her. Most people I see would just watch someone struggle and go on about their day. Props to Caitlyn.

Toyota Tacoma – For the last few months, I’ve been driving around in an awesome Toyota Tacoma, that I’ve fallen in love with. The truck belonged to Squid’s dad, but when he passed away a few months ago, it became his. Because I’ve been out of a car since my wreck in April, Squid so nicely allowed me to drive it as long as necessary. Now that Summer is coming to an end, and the kids are gone, we don’t need a second car anymore. SS is quite content with riding his motorcycle to work every day, while I drive his car to school. I suppose it works out for both of us.
As much as I’m going to miss driving that truck, I definitely will NOT miss the gas guzzling it does.

Here’s to hoping you have a fabulous Monday.

 

 

 

When your driver isn’t racing

When I started watching NASCAR, I didn’t have a favorite driver. I watched because everyone else in my family watched. You can read that story HERE.

Fast forward fourteen years.
I’ve sat and watched two full races of this 2015 season (Daytona and Atlanta), and let me tell you, when your favorite driver isn’t out on the track, watching the race is very different. I cheer for Matt Kenseth, Denny Hamlin, and now Carl Edwards because I ultimately like them as drivers – and teammates of Kyle Busch, but it’s just not the same. I’d like to think that Kyle could have given Joey a run for his money in the Daytona race. And I’d like to think Jimmie would have had more competition if Kyle had been racing at Atlanta. But, you just never know. Maybe that’s just wishful thinking from a fan that misses her driver.

Kyle moved last week from the first hospital in Daytona Beach, to his local hospital in North Carolina. He looks in good spirits after sustaining a right lower leg compound fracture and left mid-foot fracture.

And then just the other day, he was allowed to go home…….

 

It will be a long road to recovery. It’s likely we won’t see you back on the track until mid season, and because of that, I feel less bad about not being able to attend the Fontana race in a few weeks.

Now hurry up and get better so us KB fans can cheer you on!!

 

Rowdy Nation

It’s Chase Time!

It’s time for the Sprit Cup Chase to begin, and as usual, I’m showing my support for Kyle Busch.

Let’s take a look at this new chase format. It might be easier for many to follow, since it’s similar to the way other sports do their championship finals, but for some, it’s confusing. Let’s try to make it a little less confusing….

The first round (Chicagoland, New Hampshire and Dover) will be called the "Challenger Round." If a driver in the Chase Grid wins a Challenger Round race, the driver automatically advances and their points will be reset to 3,000. Only the top 12 in points after the Challenger Round remain in championship contention.

The second round (Kansas, Charlotte and Talladega) will be called the "Contender Round." Likewise, if a driver in the top 12 in points wins a race in the Contender Round, the driver automatically advances and his/her points will reset to 4,000. Only the top eight in points after the Contender Round remain in championship contention, and all then will have their points reset to 4,000.

The third round (Martinsville, Texas and Phoenix) will be called the "Eliminator Round." If a driver in the top eight in points wins a race in the Eliminator Round, the driver automatically advances and his/her points will reset to 5,000. The top four in points after the Eliminator Round remain in championship contention, and all then will have their points reset to 5,000.

The final race of the year at Homestead-Miami Speedway will now be referred to as the NASCAR Sprint Cup Championship. To win the Sprint Cup title, be the highest finisher at the end of the race among the four eligible drivers, and you will lift the Sprint Cup.

Got it? Make more sense now? Good.

 

Who you got?

 

 

Finally.

It’s officially NASCAR season. Finally! Even though the offseason is relatively short, it still seems like a reeeeeeally long time before Speedweeks and Daytona come back around. Too long for some of us that don’t give a damn about watching Football.

Some exciting changes come with a new season. They’ve changed the point system AGAIN. I wonder if they’ll ever get it where they want it to be. And of course, with every new season comes new driver numbers, new team members, and new tricks. And I’m real happy to see Smoke back. It just wasn’t the same without his strange sense of humor and attitude on the track.

This year, a new kind of game is being played during Speedweeks.

While Jimmie Johnson was giving an interview, Dale Jr. came up and stole his running shoes. So, in turn, Jimmie came back and stole the Madden XBox game Dale had in his bus.

In good fun, Dale snuck up and stole Jimmie’s bbq grill.

So guess what Jimmie took? Anyone lose a pair of gloves?

 

Kyle Busch lost a Super Bowl bet to Kasey Kahne, so KB has to wear a Seattle Seahawks jersey the entire week of Speedweeks. And he’s a pretty good sport about it. Off to Daytona!

I would love to say I’ll be watching the race in High Definition with a booming sound system that makes me feel like I’m sitting front row at Daytona. But the reality is, I won’t.

Newest Kyle Busch Fan

I’ve recruited another Kyle Busch fan. And now, it’s official. Here’s the proof on his car…

They’re not as big as mine, but hey, it’s a start.

Letter to…

Happy Hump Day, Y’all!  :-)

Today I decided I would write to individual people. Some won’t see it, but some will.

Dear Sis: You ran a half marathon. HALF MARATHON! Do you realize what I just said? M-A-R-A-T-H-O-N. 13.1 miles. That’s 13 miles more than I ran that day. I’m so proud of you. Your will to push through all the pain, inspires me. Next year, we’re running it together. I can’t wait.

Dear RM#1: I understand your OCD and constant need to have everything perfect and clean, but just once I’d like to leave a dish in the sink and not have you wash it before me. ;-)

Dear RM#2: I’m anxious for you to come back. When I heard you were coming back this month (two months early!!), I was shocked, yet happy. There are some manly things around the house that need to be done. Hurry home!

Dear Mom: I’m anxious and excited for your visit this month, but I wish you weren’t staying at the hotel across the street from Jeffy’s house.

Dear Squid: Get your shit together. Stop getting speeding tickets. It’s cutting into your extra spending for NASCAR races and Stagecoach.

Dear Boss#2: If you don’t stop losing your credit cards, I’m going to lose my mind. I can’t keep covering for you with Boss#1. Oh, and thanks for the surprise $100 bill. HELPFUL!

Dear Jeffy: I still think about you. A lot. When certain songs come on the radio, I’m forced to change the channel simply because I refuse to break down and cry for you anymore. And when David at work asks about you, he acknowledges the pain in my face. It’s a side of David you’d never believe existed. But it does.

Dear RJ: I wish you’d let ME teach you to drive. I’m a much better driver than your dad.

Dear Mitch: Whatever happens, happens. Be a man in either situation. Allow her to just be her, but don’t let her take advantage of you. Don’t push (unless it’s from behind). Don’t make her sad, but allow her to cry if she is.

Dear Stepdad: You better kick this Cancer bullshit. I won’t tolerate you letting Cancer beat you.

Dear Kyle Busch: It’s been a rough Chase, I get it, but keep your head up and take on Phoenix and Richmond like never before. It’s a big year for you. You’ve shown an incredible amount of restraint in a few situations that I’m aware of. I’ve done almost everything I can to recruit new KB fans. I’m still working on a few. #KBShow

Dear Matt Kenseth: Please beat Jimmie Johnson.

 

KB always means Kyle Busch. To me.

Haha.

Found this on my boss’ desk. Not sure what it means, but when I see KB written on a piece of paper, I’m definitely thinking NASCAR.

:-)

What. A. Weekend.

 

I had the flu. It officially knocked me on my ass Saturday afternoon, but it started Friday night. Figures. A weekend without roommates, and I’m sick. Drat!

Sis and Squid came up Friday night to enjoy the quietness of 5.5 acres. We were set to enjoy three long days of doing NOTHING. Well, except for taking care of nine dogs, eight birds, and two cats.

Saturday morning was a tough one. Didn’t eat much breakfast because the “flu” feeling was getting stronger. I toughed it out as we walked down every isle at the supermarket, but by the time we were headed home, I was feeling pretty miserable. By 1pm, I was out….

Saturday pretty much sucked for me. As I tried to sleep, I’d get awaken by dripping sweat, or chills, or the cold nose of a dog wanting to cuddle. It just wasn’t great. I felt bad for Sis and Squid, but they were good sports. They not only helped take care of ME, but they helped take care of ALL THE ANIMALS!!

Y’all are awesome. Thank you!

 

Sunday morning I was beginning to feel a little better, but still took the cautious road early in the day. Until I knew I could do something other than throw up, I knew I’d better stick to soup. So a soup morning it was.

By lunchtime, I was feeling almost normal. And because I was feeling almost normal, Squid talked me into doing my oil change. Only problem….I was still dressed in the WHITE clothes I had been wearing. But, it got done. I learned from the best on how to do some things, and I know for certain, he would be damn proud of me.

With the new engine rebuild a few months back, I failed to ask what type of oil I should now be putting in my car. It’s different, I remember them talking about it, only I never asked. So, I stood in the middle of the store staring at the isle of oil, wondering what the hell to do. Sis suggested I call Jeff, but when my eyes immediately filled with tears, I knew that wasn’t an option. Didn’t even need to give it a second thought. :-/

AND THEN…….

Welcome to The Chase, Kyle!

Kyle Busch won the race at Atlanta, and secured himself a spot in the chase. I’m thrilled. Couldn’t be more happy. And I’m looking forward to him beating Jimmie Johnson to the line.

Race Time during Office Hours

This is what happens when a race comes on and I’m at work…

Bristol was pleasant to Kyle Busch for the truck race AND the nationwide race, but he wasn’t as lucky running the Sprint race. I looked forward to a new Sweep t-shirt, but that’s okay. On to Atlanta…

Know what I love about Race Day?

When I can’t attend the race, the NASCAR app is the next best thing. Know why?

Cause I can follow my driver like this…..

In this case, my driver happens to be the leader, so the two bubbles are on top of each other. :-)

Or…I could ride along with Kyle and see what he sees out his windshield…

I can watch the race live on TV, and then ride along with The KBShow on my phone. It’s awesome! Love this app.

…and then Kyle wins at The Glen!!!

So proud of him. Ambrose dominated most of the race, but Kyle showed us just how great he really is. People can complain and talk bad about him all they want, but he is a great racecar driver. And that is why I love him. Well, that and he’s a fun/funny guy outside of the track. And his wife is amazing!

Bummed for a bunch of other drivers. Ambrose. I hated seeing him wreck. Gordon. Another one that didn’t deserve to be taken out. Kahne. The list goes on. Road courses are tough. And the drivers know it could end badly. And sometimes it does.

Congrats to Kyle. Love seeing the KBShow in action.

Be fast.

If you want to see me, you must be quick.

If you want to catch me, you must be fast.

If you want to beat me, you’ve got to be kidding!

Does Kyle win AGAIN?

The one.

The only.

Rowdy Bush.

The Lucas Oil 200 has officially been won by Kyle Busch.

Shocker!

How does this number 51 Toyota Tundra look at the finish line?

 

I just love this guy. He is, my hero!

Let’s hope we see him win tomorrow AND Sunday. I need a “KB sweeps Dover” t-shirt.

:-)

TGIF

Happy Friday, y'all!
Aren't you happy the week is over? I sure am.

Both my roomies left for Cabo this morning, so I've got the house (and the critters), to myself. Oh! And a new house guest.

Nobody knows about this house guest except one person, and I know she certainly ain't talkin'.
He lives about an hour and a half away, but in LA traffic, it takes him a little over two hours. Known him maybe two years now, but it's always been very casual. He came to see me about a year and half ago when I was house sitting for one of our trainers. Was a fun visit. Short, but fun. He loved on a very special Poodle. ;-)
I went and saw him a few months later, where we pigged out on pizza and beer, and I loved on his Boxer pup.

I'm a little nervous to bring him into my home, to allow him to see how I live my every day life, and to bring him into a part of my bubble that has otherwise been shut off from the outside world. I, and only I, will know when the time is right. For now, he's just a house guest. (A cute house guest!)

How about that Kyle Busch? Now that Kansas is behind us, Richmond never looked so good. :-)
Winning the Denny Hamlin Showdown last night seemed like a great way to start off the weekend. Tonight...the Nationwide race. Any takers for KB in Victory Lane? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

Enjoy your Friday night. Stay safe. And don't do anything I would.
xo

Did you see him in the audience?

Watching Dancing with the Stars tonight…

Bruno goes into one of his funny dramatic scenes, and guess who we see sitting just off to his left…

Kyle Busch

(and his beautiful wife-who is a HUGE Dancing with the Stars fan and would totally be on the show if they had a Dancing with the Stars’ Wife, show)

Maybe one day we’ll see Kyle himself, up there.

Hmm. (Thinking twice about that statement…)

Maybe not.

NASCAR in Las Vegas

I was fortunate enough to be able to attend the NASCAR race this weekend in Las Vegas, thanks to a fabulous coworker of Sis’s. It was the most incredible day, and I will owe her BIG TIME!

I invited JK to go with me since he idolizes Kyle just as much as I do. When he called me back to confirm he’d be able to go, he said, “I already booked us a hotel and reserved a rental car to drive out there.” To say he was as excited as I was, would be a total understatement.

 

Hanging out in the Hospitality Tent waiting for the Interstate Battery team to come out, so figured I’d snap a few pictures elsewhere.

 

An 8am Coors Light was definitely on the agenda. Plus, the can koozie seemed a little lonely without something in it.

 

We listened to J.D. Gibbs chat about the future of Joe Gibbs Racing.

 

And then he signed my jacket.

 

Trevor Bayne and Michael McDowell got up and shared some funny stories about their time in NASCAR. These guys seem like they’d be fun to drink with. ;-)

 

And then…the man of the hour.

 

I ♥ this guy soooo much!

 

And when he was signing my jacket, I couldn’t help but stare at him. No words could come out of my mouth except, “Can I shake your hand?” And he did. With no problem. Just look at that smile. I’ll never ever ever forget what was said to him at that very moment by JK, that caused him to look at me that way. I truly love this guy!

 

Yep. I was standing right there. :-)

 

A few of the tire changers were there, so they signed my jacket as well.

 

They served us a big lunch. Food was good. This cool little table made out of jack stands was so cute. Love it. Will definitely have to remember that décor! It’ll go good with the coffee table made out of an engine block. ;-)

 

After a disappointing 23rd place finish, we headed home. A long drive back to LA.

 

First, we saw this guy. I guess when you’re sitting in traffic that is STOPPED, there’s no place else to go. When ya gotta go, ya gotta go. I guess.  :-/

 

Then we ran into this. The 15 freeway was shut down in both directions. Apparently, there was an accident that resulted in a fatality, but that hasn’t been confirmed. It was the first time I got to get out of my car on the freeway and walk around. We never did find anyone that had a bbq grill with them, but we chatted with some fun folks.

It was, by far, my most favorite NASCAR experience. It was even better than the time I got to ride around California Speedway in Scott Riggs’ car. (Watching that video is pure comedy. Maybe one day I’ll figure out how to upload it to YouTube.) Haha.