Elephant in the Room..

Something I needed to clarify.. Happy Monday!

"Elephant in the room" is an English Idiom for an obvious truth that is being ignored or goes unaddressed. The idiomatic expression also applies to an obvious problem or risk no one wants to discuss. Which usually means one would rather discuss the issue behind someone's back, than choose to address face to face.

It is based on the idea that an elephant in a room would be impossible to overlook; thus, people in the room who pretend the elephant is not there have chosen to concern themselves with tedious conversation or avoid the issue all together, rather than deal with the looming, big one.

So, with that said, I choose to NOT avoid the elephants, but instead say what it is I need to say. It's really not that hard.

Here's to a happy, productive week! JB

Got Talent?

I'm thinking someone skimped when it came to sprinkling me with the talent dust. Or at least it seems that way. How come thousands of people have mad singing skills and I don't?




If your wondering where I'm going with this, well, here we go. I have recently become obsessed with the new season of American Idol. Shameful, I know. In my defense, I only tuned into the first show to check out the new crew of judges. I wanted to witness the mockery of the show and newly initiated judges. (I'll get to the judges in a minute) But, I was pleasantly surprised! I have now penciled in to watch American Idol on Wednesdays and Thursdays nights.






Now back to those judges. Simon who? The fresh faces on the panel make the show actually worth watching and enjoyable. Alumni Randy, who has lost a ton of weight and looks great, is his typical "Dawg" self. Jennifer Lopez, aka J.LO, is gorgeous and unlike Paula, is quite sober and pleasant. And finally to my favorite Idol judge, Steven Tyler. I am some what partial to him. This may be because he is one of those cool characters who is not afraid to say what is on his mind; I envy those people. Or because "Dream On" is my all time favorite song. Honest.(I might break out into song and dance any minute. )




Now what I'm NOT loving about the show is the lack of self confidence you feel when you hear some of the contestants; the ones with the set of pipes. I mean what is their secret really? How is it that loads of people can open their mouth and out spurts talent? I have always wanted to be able to sing, but I just can not. It just ruffles my feathers.

No worries or fears. Just when you get ready to feel really untalented, some awful and hideous sounding character auditions and makes all your doubts disappear. Nonetheless, I'm working on accepting that my talents lie elsewhere. So in the words of Steven Tyler, "Dream on"!

Here's to singing in the shower! JB

As the World Turns.

Hello all! I hope you guys are staying warm in these frigid temperatures. I think I speak for us all when I say, enough is enough already. Can we please have some warmer weather?

Anyways, to keep from getting the winter blues, I have tried to keep myself pretty busy. The sewing machine has been my main source of entertainment, especially since Cody has been out of town a good bit this month. So not to seem boastful, but here is what I've accomplished this month. Go me!


1. Curtains. Yay! I found some time to sew some curtains and adorn them in our cozy kitchen. A while back I realized that something was missing in the main hub of our household. And after some serious pondering, I realized that the bay window was looking a little, well, bare. So once this was realized, I quickly made a trip down to the local JoAnns and picked out the perfect fabric. Unfortunately, I was not as hasty to actually make the curtains. Shameful. However, better late than never. They are sewen, pressed, and perfectly hung in the Bunyard Kitchen.

2. Can you throw me a blanket? I love blankets. Alot. I can relate it to Mrs. Magnolia's love for bedding. : ) Anyways, I not only love blankets, but I also love to make them! Oh yes! I will catch the itch to stop by and pick up some fabric to create the perfect throw to add to a chair or ottoman. It's a habit really.. But no fear! Cody has reassured me that we are completely equipped with our fair share of blankets and that I should become generous with the completed blankets or switch to something else altogether..

3. Picture it. I have been searching for a new happy to add to our living room. Being a true blue Libra, I can be ridiculously indecisive about picking out decorative items to add to our home. (I give the term, "Sleeping on it", a whole new meaning.) Continuing on, I stumbled upon this picture frame at a local boutique and loved it! It was exactly what I was looking for. Check it out.












4. To bake or cook? Awhile back, a friend and I were arguing over the difference in baking and cooking. She insisted that they mean the same thing, but I completely disagreed. I assured her that they were different. Oh well, to each their own, right? Check out the sugar cookies I BAKED for a shower. They were wedding cakes and dresses. Too cute!










Well here's to a quick, productive week! Ya'll be sure to stay warm. JB

Snow, Snow, Snow!

For the second time in 2011, beautiful, white flakes are falling from the sky; snow! I love the calming effect snow has.. I, on the other hand, do NOT like calling 25 sets of parents to tell them that school is letting out early.. Can we say chaos?!!
But all is well that ends well. My sweet kiddos made it home safely and I hope they are enjoying the snow.

Jasper and I are warming up with a good movie and sweet treats. We are anxiously awaiting Cody, who was schedule to fly in from Atlanta this evening. Till then, Jasper James and I will snuggle up with a cup of hot chocolate and do some sewing.

Check out Jasper peering outside. He is so mesmerized by snow. JB














"Oh the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful. And since we have no place to go, Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow! "

11:11 Make a Wish

Hello All! Happy Saturday! Oh how Saturdays are my favorite. I love my sweet fourth graders, but a gal needs sometime for herself. And Saturdays are usually the ticket. Shopping, sewing, napping, and eating.. Sounds good to me!

Anyways, back to those fourth graders. Whew, how they have worn me out this week. Even with two fabulous snow days, it still seemed to be the longest, short week ever! Probably because I'm having a hard time transitioning into the New Year. Aghh.. If I had a dollar for every time I heard, "Mrs. B, you wrote 2010 on the board again." Yes, guilty as charged. However, in my defense, I've been writing 2010 on everything for the last 365 days... Give me a break..

Don't worry. I am making a conscience effort to write 2011. Speaking of 2011, Tuesday was 1/1/11. Wow! What a day to make a wish huh? If you are one of those unfortunate people who was told, probably as a child, that if you secretly made a wish when the clock read 11:11, then it would come true. Juvenile, I know. And again, guilty as charged. Hey, I wished for snow and it came!

Anyhoo, with the year being 2011, I would like to think it will be a prosperous one filled with many good things, And someone once told me if you want something to happen, you have to put out in the universe. ) So with any luck, here are some positives that I would like to see happen in 2011!

Graduate School. Geez Louise.. How hard is it to get into Grad School? It seems that they want everything but a blood sample! But no fear, I AM going to be a graduate student one day. I am just moving at a little slower pace than I expected. If you can hear me Ole Miss Counseling Program, I'm on my way.










2. New Car-Aghh, I get excited just thinking about it. I can already smell that "New Car" scent. Now I love my little PT Cruiser, Ruby, but I can't wait to my new set of four wheels. I'm thinking a 2011 Nissan Rogue would suffice.











3. Birthday Bash - Oh this is the year; the year of the Big 25. In just a few months, I will turn a quarter of a century old. Don't worry, I've already accepted it. So to help deal with the upcoming milestone, I have decided to throw a Big Birthday Bash! So in my tiny moments of spare time, I secretly plan the details of this grandiose event... Second job, here I come.

Whats With the Cowbells?

Happy New Year everyone! I hope you all enjoyed the holidays and are transitioning back to the forty hour week. The first week back is the hardest.

The Bunyard household is bouncing back to normality. We just arrived back from a much needed vacation to Florida. As I mentioned before, we followed the Mississippi State Bulldogs down south to cheer them on in the Gator Bowl. And while we were there, I took advantage of the perfect weather and great shopping. Jacksonville does not skimp on the stores; Tiffany's, Coach, Louis Vitton! I tried not to go too crazy, but I did invest in a Pandora bracelet. I'm loving it!


Pre-Game


Since we arrived a a day prior to the big game, we had some time to be typical tourists. So what do you do in Florida when your a tourist?. Go to the beach of course! It was a tad bit chilly, but I'll take it. It was nice to have sand between my toes and hear the relaxing sound of the waves. I also think I dropped a couple of pounds with all the walking that took place. Whew!

Palm Trees!

Beach Bum.. ; )

New Year's Eve

The gang got all dolled up and headed to a steak house to eat our last meal of 2010. I don't know about you, but I love to be wined and dined; especially on vacation. So it was nice to have a good meal, with great people, on a very exciting evening. After our belly's were full, we caught a cab downtown to the Annual River walk bash and fireworks. After the countdown was over and midnight kisses were exchanged, Cody and I, along with hundreds of State fans, danced into the morning. It was a great way to start the New Year!

Game Day

I'm sure you have already heard, but the Maroon crew had a great game and a huge Win! It was a great day to be a State fan. The weather was perfect and the stadium was covered in a sea of maroon. It was cool to see the show out of MSU fans who love their Dawgs.

Of course with a great win, follows a great dinner and drink. So we walked a couple streets over to find some grub. I must say that Jacksonville's downtown is a beauty. It has some great views of the water!! Anywhoo, wings and fries were the meal of choice and a fabulous treat to wrap a fantastic trip! Thanks to the Reeds for inviting us to caravan with them!

Check out this view!

Happy New Year everyone! 2011 is going to be one for the record books! -JB

"We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day."

---Edith Lovejoy Pierce