this one's for the ladies...

Alright ladies, it's that time of year once again!! I think we need to be reminded of a few things. So PLEASE, raise your big toe and recite the following pledge...

The Open-Toed Shoe Pledge

I pledge to follow the Rules when wearing sandals and other open-toe shoes:

I promise to always wear sandals that fit. My toes will not hang over and touch the ground, nor will my heels spill over the backs. And the sides and tops of my feet will not pudge out between the straps.

I will either go polish-free or vow to keep the polish fresh, intact and chip-free.

I will not cheat and just touch up my big toe.

I will sand down any mounds of skin before they turn hard and yellow.

I will shave the hairs off my big toe.

I won't wear pantyhose even if my misinformed girlfriend, coworker, mother, or sister tells me the toe seam really will stay under my toes if I tuck it there.

If a strap breaks, I won't duct-tape, pin, glue or tuck it back into place hoping it will stay put. I will get my shoe fixed or toss it.

I will not live in corn denial; rather I will lean on my good friend Dr. Scholl's if my feet need him.

I will resist the urge to buy jelly shoes at Payless for the low, low price of $4.99 even if my feet are small enough to fit into the kids' sizes. This is out of concern for my safety, and the safety of others. No one can walk properly when standing in a pool of sweat and I would hate to take someone down with me as I fall and break my ankle.

I will take my toe ring off toward the end of the day if my toes swell and begin to look like Vienna sausages.

I will be brutally honest with my girlfriend/sister/coworker when she asks me if her feet are too ugly to wear sandals. Someone has to tell her that her toes are as long as my fingers and no sandal makes creepy feet look good.

I will promise if I wear flip flops that I will ensure that they actually flip and flop, making the correct noise while walking and I will swear NOT to slide or drag my feet while wearing them.

I will promise to go to my local nail salon at least once per season and have a real pedicure (they are about $15 or 20 and worth EVERY penny).

I will promise to throw away any white/off-white sandals that show signs of wear... nothing is tackier than dirty white sandals.

Thank you.

a moment of silence, please.

MAXIMA, Nissan, 15, resident of Prattville, Alabama, died on Thursday, March 8th, 2007. After suffering a severe breakdown on Interstate 65 North just before exit 179 on Wednesday, "Maxi" was officially pronounced dead at Roger's Automotive, suffering from a blown head gasket. Maxi can be seen at Roger's this week for visits from family and friends. Visitation will be Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. Maxi is survived by her parents, Baron and Laura Goins, and brother Honda "Jaws" CR-V. Maxi will be buried at Seaman's Wrecker junkyard.

Yes, that's right. The Maxima is gone. She was my baby for 7 years before she bit the dust. So, we are currently in the market for a car to replace her. Please keep us in your prayers as we are about to gain a car payment, which is something we planned to avoid, hoping Maxi would last us long enough to save up for a car (which obviously didn't happen).

Special thanks to Brett & Judy for letting us borrow their Blazer!! They really saved us a lot of trouble. THANKS Y'ALL! :-)