Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Hodgepodge



1. What question do you often ask yourself?

Now that I'm in my 40's, I find myself asking "What's going wrong with my body now?"




2. Do you grow roses?  What's your favorite color of rose?  Ever been given a dozen roses?  Where was the prettiest rose or rose garden you remember seeing?

I'm just good at growing weeds...

I've been blessed by a hubby who gives me roses all the time.

I've always been partial to beautiful white roses... but I love a beautiful pink rose too.  We had one at work the other day that was like a purple/pink tone rose - it was gorgeous.




3. Do you read the freshness dates on grocery store products?  Will you use eggs past their 'use by' date? Take medication that's expired?  Buy a dented can?

Yes - I'm pretty fanatic about the date...

& if the date on the eggs get close, I don't even like to use them anymore.
Ricky has a weird obsession about that, so I think its rubbed off on me.

I know that trick with the egg in water & if it floats trick to see if its good - but ain't no body got time for that




4.  Should athletes be role models?

Sure... they have dedication, drive, goals, discipline...

but saying that - there is a difference between Tim Tebow and Dennis Rodman

(I was actually going to post a funny GIF of Dennis Rodman... but then didn't even want him on my blog)



5.  Edmund Hillary of New Zealand and Tenzing Norgay of Nepal became the first explorers to reach the top of Mt. Everest on this date (May 29th) back in 1953.  What's something you hope to achieve in your lifetime?

I have lots of things I want to achieve... here's a few
* a certain time on a half marathon
* a FULL marathon
* becoming a full time photographer
* see New York City
* get back to Disney World... knock out Belle & take over the position
* not falling apart the older I get



6.  What would you do if you had twenty acres of land and the money to develop it any way you choose?

I'd have an animal rescue ....

oh man... wouldn't that be awesome?



7. If I invite you to a party with a 7 PM start time, what time will I actually see you there?

A dinner party - I'd be there at 7
A 'hang out' kinda party - I'd be there about 7:30 - 8:00.... never cool to be the first person show up at a party. 
(I think I learned that from the Real Housewives)


image
(Real housewives teach you how to dance at parties too)


8.  Insert your own random thought here.

OK - today's random thought can have you interactive & helping a family out - sounds awesome - right?

If y'all have been around my blog for awhile, you know my friends Joe & Erica & their daughter Emily who is surviving IF (Infantile Spasms) - that nasty epilepsy condition.  They have picked up their family, moved to another state for treatment (That is working amazingly) & you can help them out....

There is a contest on Facebook that is giving a vacation for a family... my friends are in the running - they keep going in first place & then back to second... so they need VOTES to stay in first place

Wanna help out an amazing family?  of course you do... it doesn't take but a minute if you're on facebook too.  Just like the page, vote for them... & then, feel free to go back & 'unlike' the page if you want. 

Here's the link.

Click right HERE

& vote for THE ROLLINS FAMILY

PWEEEAASSEEEE????? Pwettty pweeeaaassseeeee?

I think if they win, they'd come kiss every one of you right on the lips :)
Or at least be very thankful in their hearts for kind people!


Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Weekend Wrapup

Tuesday - & yes, weekend wrap up...

& I'm off for the week...

So I'm going to be ALL confused what day it is...

But this weekend, we headed down to Nashville to see Julie, Steve & the boys...

Some highlights

* A car low to the ground = car sickness

* Its always nice to be the only people in a restaurant

* Having chickens is more fun then I thought (Julie has 6 & they are just fun to chase, pet & watch)

* Smores always makes the best desert ... Steve wins the award for Best Marshmellow Melter ever...

* Campfires always relax me



* Its not a visit to see Luke unless he's got blood coming out of some part of his body from a fall

* You have to be careful what you spell around Isaac now - he can figure out some of the words



* East Nashville is the coolest area ever...

* When someone says, "do you want double guacamole?" - I actually will lift my arms & cheer out loud

* Seeing Julie in her scientist environment freaks me out... she's just "Julie" - not a "Scientist" - right?  Wrong... her name is right there... she's important.  So cool!  So proud!



* Playing with Lab Equipment can be fun... felt like I was in Mr. Wizards World



* Its always fun to break into a church & turn on the lights & wander around




* I need to learn to make drop biscuits

* Making up stories about an elf that lives in a tree is always good for the mind to stay sharp





* Came across a military cemetery that was having all kinds of exhibits & ceremonies for Memorial Day... amazing



* I got to see the place where Juliette filmed the video on "Nashville" AND the vet's office where Decon's girlfriend was working & he brought his dog too... little things star struck me! :)

* 3 out of 5 girls wear cowgirl boots for the nightlife in Nashville

* As always, I was on the look out for Steven Curtis Chapman

* Watching the sunset on the way home is always so pretty....



Hope you all had a wonderful Memorial Weekend...

Being off - I'm going to be busy... what is vacation & relaxing?  HAAAHAHAAA!!!

So I'll be on & off this week - so don't think I forgot you bloggy friends!  I'll be trying to make my rounds on weird times :)





Friday, May 24, 2013

Friday Fragments


Half-Past Kissin' Time

Friday!  YEEHHHAAWWWW!!!!
 
*******
 
Woke up this morning with my head spinning like a top
.... I HATE THAT...
 
This was my first tweet of the day
 

It's just that feeling of you can't make it stop.  I just try to keep my head from moving.  Which makes for fun driving into work.  I know I look like I have whip lash or something the way I keep my neck from turning.

******

 I have turned into Linus

My mom bought us a blanket one year for Christmas
Its a king size blanket

But I've taken it as my own
Its what I HAVE to sleep with every night

& yes, I know its king size - but I'll dare Ricky to touch my blanket
He can have every other blanket on the bed
Just don't touch mine

...hey, the blanket is blue too...
I really am like Linus

(yep... this is about what it's like with me & Bruno)

*******

So this may REALLY be the weekend I pull out my summer clothes

I usually do it at the beginning of May but it's not really been necessary
Today, its just in the 60's

But I know summer is creeping

Goodwill - get ready... I'm sure I'll have 2 or 3 bags full of clothes for you

*******

I'm so weird with necklaces

I love them on people - those big chunky beautiful big ones
& I have a few

But I just can't make myself ever take off my cross
I feel naked without it

******

Funny of the Day:




******

TV Time:  Finale Time

Dancing with the Stars:  YES YES YES!!!!!
 
 
 
 That right there makes me have faith in the TV voting population


Nashville:  That finale was probably one of the saddest shows I've ever sat through. Sobriety down the tubes, Paternity revealed, mothers funeral, a CAR CRASH... geez...
where's my Prozac?

Revenge:  FINALLY got to see the finale - It's about time Jack knew the truth.  He has nothing else left to hang onto but Emily... or Amanda... however you want to look at it.  But why did they do that to Declan?  I was mad mad mad.  Mad that they made poor Nolin have to cry like that.

Once Upon a Time:  So Peter Pan is evil... nice!  I love the idea that all these people, Mr. Gold, Regina, with Snow & Charming & Emma - all working together!  Can't wait for next year.

Vampire Diaries:  Can vampires survive a drowning?  They don't breath - right?  But that'll be some awful puckered skin

Scandal:  That's HER DAD????  ... & I held out hope for David Rosen.  Now, can him & Abby finally get together? .... & has Baby Quinn turned into a crazed killer?  Not so sweet anymore, huh?

Arrow: Still have to watch the last 5 episodes... but my dad called & asked, "Where is the show this week?" ... "It was the finale last week dad"... "Oh, that's why it didn't end the way I wanted it to".... now I can't wait to watch it

Elementary:  We have all 25 episodes on our DVR for the summer.  Cant wait to watch it

*******

Hope everyone has a Great Memorial Weekend!
 
 


Thursday, May 23, 2013

Our Goliath...

This week, the title of the chapter we are in is called "Overcoming your Giants"

Isn't there a movie named that? ... no, wait - that's Facing the Giants...
Making mental note to watch that movie...
I've heard it was great...

Anyhoo.... At the beginning of the week, the leader said, "I've highlighted every line in this chapter".... oh, how I love people who exaggerate.

Except - at the end of this chapter - I think I've underlined & highlighted EVERY LINE in this chapter!!!

We see the Israelites & the Philistines in a face off.  Think 'Survivor' in the most real terms you can think... one side camping out waiting, the other side camping out waiting... a face off ... a show down...

Except, the Philistines have this dude... & he's big... & he's scary... & he's standing there screaming out things to put fear deep in the souls of the Israelites.

(I personally think Goliath looking like a clown would have been much more scary
... this is what can put the fear in someone's soul)

If you're familiar with the Bible - this story isn't new...
How many times have you heard it...
But what I love more then anything is visiting old stories we 'know' & seeing them with new eyes... with a clear mind... with an open heart.

I love what the book says here when the people are being taunted by this huge bully...

"The fear that Goliath created in them caused them to adopt an attitude of defeat.  They were defeated long before the battle actually took place. The real giant that they needed to overcome was not the physical presence of Goliath but the mental pressure of stress, worry, & fear in their hearts"

... it wasn't about a big bully standing there shouting threatening offenses...

It was the fear - the REAL fear...

Stress & worry...  the wrong FOCUS... (Shout out to my 2013 word of the year)

Their problem was they couldn't envision victory because their eyes were focused on the PROBLEM...

Being defeated long before the battle takes place... have you ever felt like that?  I know I have... its tough feeling that way too.  So helpless.

Doesn't it feel like sometimes the things that worry us - the stress in our lives - that its standing right in front of us on the other side of a valley & its taunting us, screaming at us, threatening us...

Are we focused on those threats... on that fear?

I love that David steps right up... doesn't think twice.  He did not hesitate in trusting that God was bigger than the giant...


step up gif photo: Step Up tumblr_lef8uxzBei1qdubemo1_500.gif
When you use the words "Step up" - how can you not think of the movie?
 ... & I  wanna punch my giant in the face like this... with style!


I want that kind of attitude...
I'm trying...
I'm struggling with it, but I'm trying...

all we can do sometimes, right?

"Victory does not merely come when the enemy is defeated but when we trust that God will have victory, no matter what our gut feelings are telling us.  Real victory is when we learn to live with more joy & less stress, even when we can still see the giants looming off in the distance"
 

Real fear.... only REAL VICTORY can defeat it...

That's about trusting God... because just as the book says, we all know those giants are still off in the distance... ready to taunt again...

So today, think about your giant... turn that focus off of the taunts & fear it instills...turn it toward the ONE who can give us the confidence to march right up to it & knock it down

__________________

PS.... Yes... I know... only I could use pictures of Pennywise & dancing from "Step Up" to talk about the Bible...it's who I am

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Hodgepodge



1. It's National Bike Week...do you own a bicycle? When did you last ride a bike?

Nope - I don't have a bike...

& yes, Ricky hides his bike from me

He's always afraid I'll try to ride it & on our hilly, curvy roads
he foresees the worst

... he's a smart man...


2. What's something you learned in school that wasn't part of the curriculum?

I learned that I hated those stupid physical fitness tests.
I learned that people can be cruel
I learned that friends can make situations better
I learned that there is a social ranking in every area of life
I learned that there is an end to everything - good & bad


 3. What's a food you've never tried, but want to try? What's a food you've tried and will never try again?

Never tried a PB&J
... shut up... I know... I know
... but its true - I've never tried one before.
 Not sure why.  But it sort of intrigues me. 

Will never try again?  Beef... never again...



 4. Have you been more demanding on yourself lately or less? Why? Do you think that's a good trend?

I'm not more demanding on myself lately...

I switch all my demands onto my husband...

he loves it...

I'm sure



5. Who is your favorite book, movie, or TV show villain?

Movie - well, Hello!  Gaston!  a great villain!  He's funny, all the ladies love him, he has a best friend who follows him everywhere.  & apparently he can even survive a fall off of a castle because he's roaming around Disney World now.




TV show?  I'm all about Klaus from The Vampire Diaries... Yes, my inner-13-year-old is showing.  But I love when he shows his soft side.  & then you never know when he's gonna turn & snap someone's neck again.  I'm excited that he even got his own spin off show this fall "The Originals" ... see, others must be letting their inner-13-yr-old self show too if the dude got his own show!

(It doesn't hurt he's got an accent either)



6. How concerned are you about identity theft?

I do tend to think of it every now & then...

but I'm sure I need to be aware of it ALL the time

There are some sneaky awful people out there, always wanting to ruin others
... I don't get that...


7. I saw this last question on Dawn's blog a couple of week's ago and asked if I could share. Everybody hop over and say hi, but first answer this...would you rather have an ordinary home in an extraordinary place or an extraordinary home in an ordinary place?

Ordinary home... in an extraordinary place...

An extraordinary home probably just means a lot of rooms to clean




 8.  Insert your own random thought here.

sshhh.... listen carefully because I'm going to whisper this... I'm afraid I'll jinx myself if I say it too loud...

I think the Decompression Table is working...

My back hasn't hurt at all the past few days!

ssshhhh.... act like I didn't say a word.....

Dumb and Dumber Shhh

_____________

I actually wrote this last night ... before my run...

& the universe said, "I heard that"... & made my back ache again

But ssshhh.... it's not as bad as it normally is...
(I didn't really say that universe)


Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Sometimes, not so beautiful

Storms...

When I was little, I LOVED them...

My father & I would go out under our covered back porch & watch them roll through.

The harder the storm, the better...

if we had to pull out blankets to keep the rain from blowing on us, it was even more exciting...

Even if a storm came through in the middle of the night, I just wanted to sit out on the back porch.

When it was time for me to get my own home, I always kept an eye out for a covered porch so I could always be able to get outside to inhale the elements

I grew up loving storms

Love to watch the sky & all the colors of greys
Love to watch the clouds blowing so fast, changing shape, layer upon layer
Love to smell the rain coming
Love to feel the wind

A storm came through one time with Tornado Warnings & I grabbed my video camera & was running down the street videoing a funnel cloud...
all the while, in the background, you hear Ricky yelling, "GET IN THIS HOUSE RIGHT NOW"...
"Yeah... yeah... I'll be right back"

I always had a "Storm Chaser" trapped inside of me

I completely blame my father

But then events happen like yesterday in Oklahoma...

I forget the power a storm can have
I forget the devastation it can cause
I forget the loss it can leave behind

It's not so beautiful sometimes


It's plain scary


Scary how it can change people's lives in a second


It's things like this that remind us how much we are not in control of this world
It's things like this that remind us to have our priorities straight in life
It's things like this that makes me cling tighter to the One who comforts

My heart & prayers are going out to our brothers & sisters in Oklahoma
To the families who have lost everything
... the things that are irreplaceable...

Bring some beauty back in your life by hugging your family today....

Monday, May 20, 2013

Weekend Wrapup

Whew... it was a doozy... but fun & hectic & left me with a sore right quad... but it's all good

Friday

* Had to leave work early to go wait for delivery of some lenses.  I tried a new place where you could rent camera lenses online & they mail them to you & you mail them back after your assigned time.  Nice....  Now, to debate if its worth doing this, or driving out of my way to pick up & take back lenses from a local camera shop in Louisville.  It's about an hour trip out & back each way... but you have to be there to sign for the lenses if you go the online route, so I'll have to decide which one is better before my next wedding in June.

* Gearing up for the wedding... thank goodness I got a larger car when I bought one in August.  Its like I was going on vacation

* On the hunt for umbrellas in case of rain... do you know how hard it is to find nice, plain, black umbrella's?... you'd be surprised.  (When you see them in the store now, think of me)


Saturday

* Woke up at 5:30am ... when I wanted to sleep till 7 because I knew the day would be long & hard... but that's how it works out when nerves are cranked on high

* Rain in the forecast... but we can't have that on a wedding... turns out, not one drop fell on the bride & groom :)

* My GPS bites... the directions to take me to a hair salon?  Took me to a subdivision that was like 2 blocks from the actual location... that (Thank you baby Jesus) I stumbled on while trying to find my way out of the neighborhood.  The address was like 315 - the place it took me was like 5891 ... really?

* It's always so much fun hanging with the bridesmaids at the beginning of the day, getting to know them & their personalities. 

* Groomsmen are always the coolest guys on a wedding day ... they don't stress about hair, makeup, heels... they're always just relaxed & ready for a good time.  Makes it easier when doing the groom's pictures

* I still get breathless when I see wedding gowns

* One of the lenses I rented was so heavy, I couldn't even bear it ... I had to switch out with my second shooter.  She's 18 years younger then me... she's not phased.

* No one has any idea how hard wedding photography is... we are on our feet from 9am until 10pm... & I had one bottle water, a banana & a fruit roll up - the entire day.... & I think I peed once.  It's honestly harder on a body then I think racing a marathon.

* Walked in the door at the end of the night & honestly collapsed in the Hubs arms... another wedding completed

Sunday

* OH MY GOSH... I'm so freaking old.  My right quad was so stiff from all the bending in pictures the day before.  Told you that its harder then racing :)

* Church time...

* Didn't feel so bad when my second shooter told me her legs were sore too...

* Youth Lunch... some of the youth leaders went out to lunch together.  We went to a Mexican restaurant that has been in the area for about 10 years... we've never ate there.  Talk about branching out! 

* Off to Kohl's to take advantage of my 30% off coupon... except couldn't find diddly squat.  What is the deal with summer shirts this year?  They all have these weird tropical prints that look like a 90 yr old woman's night gown.  I'm in trouble if that's the style this year.  Big ugly prints don't look good on me.... I just walked out with new bathroom rugs. 

* Traditional Target Trip ... gotta happen at least once a weekend (It was actually my 3rd trip for the weekend after the search for Umbrella's at 2 other Target's on Friday)

* Headed back to the Natural Food store so I could get some protein powder.  I'm in desperate need of protein, I think.  I struggle every day to get HALF of the required amount of protein. Found a vegan kind that I just saw reviewed on Friday... & it was on sale.  So at the health food store, that discount still means it was expensive as heck.

* Holy Summer Batman! ... the heat & humidity came out of no where... it was close to 90 degrees- will be today as well.  Wasn't expecting Summer to hit so fast.

* ... & the work is ON... time to upload pictures & start editing.  That will be my world for the next few weeks....

* Celebrity Apprentice finale... I was bummed.  I wanted Penn to win, but knew they couldn't bring Trace to the finale again & not let him win.  I think both big guys were awesome finalist though.  & Donald Trump will freaks me out... & Ivanka Trump always puts me in a trance when she talks.  Her face doesn't hardly move at all when she speaks - notice that?

* Did I mention how tough weddings are? :)

I survived the weekend - sore & tired.... but got to spend an important day with 2 people.  That's always such an honor & blessing I don't take for granted.

(Don't you love I talked about photography through this whole thing & don't post any pictures?)

Here's to a good week!


Thursday, May 16, 2013

The Lion...

I'm sort of going on my own this week for our Bible Study...

something really struck me in Chapter 6...

all the talk of battles with Satan, having too much pride to say "I need help" - the thinking we can do it all on our own... it was pretty powerful chapter.

But something really struck me with new eyes.

The image of a lion

When you think of a lion, I immediately think of something majestic, the KING of the forest, the one who is in charge...

I know my mom immediately thinks of Wizard of Oz... but that's another story :)

There's even a popular Christian picture of a Lion with his paws bleeding & a crown of thorns sitting atop of his head....



I even think of Aslan from The Narnia series... though I wouldn't know from the movie... I refuse to watch it.  I've mentioned it before here - but that 70's horrible graphic cartoon that I saw when I was 8 years old totally terrified me & ruined me.  It may be why I'm such an animal activist now too.  The idea of them cutting off that mane & that horrible ugly witch & her little demons all stabbing at Aslan & him DYING... what kind of cartoon is that madness? 

needless to say, I never watched the new movies... & yeah, I know... they're really good...

childhood trauma has nothing on a good movie

Anyways - I know that the Christ figure in that story line is a lion...


But wait... what does 1 Peter 5:8 say?

Stay alert!  Watch out for your great enemy, the devil.  He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.

I'll just insert the part of the book that my jaw was hitting the ground.

"Just like a lion looking for something or someone to devour in order to satisfy its selfish hunger for destruction, the devil's influence on our hearts can be relentless & deadly.  The funny thing about lions is that they are actually beautiful & majestic creatures to look at, unlike the mental pictures we have of Satan.  Lions gives off the appearance of royalty, calmness & strength, so, as we peer at them behind the safety of glass, we often forget that lions are not only physically strong & powerful, but they are very patient predators.  They make their living out of quietly waiting in the shadows until just the right moment, when their victim is unaware of the danger & therefore most vulnerable to attack"


It really blew my mind reading this... because I've read the verse in 1 Peter before but never really tied the two images of a lion together...

I realized reading this how easy it is to be fooled in this world

Sometimes when we think we're doing the right thing, when we feel like we're really following God - are we really following that lion that is waiting to devour us?

I think so many people in this world do exactly that...

I mean, there are people who stand in front of people's grave side service & hold signs that say, "You're going to hell"...

& there are people who call others horrible names of hatred because they don't agree with things they do with their lives...

There are people who act like they are doing things for God... when God would only do things out of love - not hatred & cruelty...

But they think they're doing the right thing... don't they?  Following God in their opinion?

Which 'lion' are they following?

I'm walking away from this week with my eyes open
... even more aware then before that Satan is a sneaky little pain our sides, trying to confuse us
... waiting to devour.

Be aware...


Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Hodgepodge


1. May is National Blood Pressure Month...what sends yours soaring, either literally or figuratively?  What calms you down?  When did you last have your bp checked?

Oh, the usual raises my blood pressure:  traffic, work, pain, stupidity, laundry, open cabinets, belts laying all over the house.... the usual stuff

What calms it down?  laughing... the best way to ease stress

Yes, I've checked my blood pressure a lot - because its been too low lately.  It's about 95/60 lately. I've been feeling worn down & that's probably a good reason why.



2.  You found $1-what do you spend it on?  $10  $100?

$1.00 - A York Peppermint Patty
$10.00 - Probably a new DVD or book
$100.00 - running shoes


3. Mandatory labeling of genetically engineered (GE) food has been proposed, but not yet enacted in the US.  How much attention do you give food labels before you buy?  Are you in favor of labeling if it means higher prices?  Is this an issue you've been following and feel strongly about, or is this the first you've heard of the controversy?

Oh, I've been following this.

I've turned into a BIG TIME label reader since that mystery toxic reaction I had last year that caused that horrid neuropathy. 

if you really sit & read a label, it will freak you out & make you want to look into more natural foods.  Its scary to think what we put in our bodies.

Saying that - I refuse to look at the ingredients in those York Peppermint Patties that I just bought for $1 in the last question



4.  May 15th marks the birth date of Frank Baum, author of The Wizard of Oz.  At this point in time are you more in need of brains, courage, heart, or a trip back home? Explain.

Ahhh - my momma will love this question.  She's a bona fide Wizard of Oz freak... & I use the word 'freak' in the nicest & loving way possible...

Saying that... at this point, I need brains.

Saturday, I'll be photographing a wedding.  With that, the day is hectic - lots of people, lots of situations you can't control - so my brain has to be 3 steps ahead of everyone else. 

When I get in my car at the end of the wedding, I think my brain actually will fizzle out... as well as my whole body. 

its tough being a photographer

Maybe I should wear a Dorothy dress at the wedding for inspiration... or even better - a Scarecrow outfit!



5.  "There's no place like home" is an oft repeated line from Baum's book.  When was the last time you felt the truth of that statement?

I feel that statement every day - Monday through Friday - between 7 & 4 ...



6.  Steak-yes please or no thank you?  What cut do you prefer and how do you like yours cooked?  Sauce or no sauce?  Besides your own kitchen where's a place you like to go to get a great steak?

UGH, gag, puke & no...

Vegetarian here...

But saying that, I never was a fan of steak anyways when I did eat meat...

I could get into reasons why, but I'll refrain for all you steak lovers



7.  When was the last time you were in a genuine hurry?

This past Saturday - we were shooting prom pictures for some clients & was finishing up at 5:00 - & I had to be at an engagement session at 5:15...

we were trying to settle up at this first location & book it to the next...

Luckily, as we're going down the highway, I get a text that said, "We're running a few minutes late" - whew...

We literally pulled in the same parking lot at the same time as the engagement couple

That worked out nicely



8.  Insert your own random thought here.

I don't get it
I want to kick something
I want to jump on the scale & break it in two

So I said the other day I was at my heaviest... well, that was 3 less lbs ago...

Yep - gained 3 lbs this week! 
How does that even happen?

I got in over 8 miles on Saturday - I work out 3-4 days a week - I account for every calorie on My Fitness Pal (& I'm usually under if not right on it for the day)...

Ricky even said, "That doesn't make any sense"

I know when people see me, they think, "Suuurrrreeeeee, you workout"... "Suuuurreeeeeeee, you run that many miles in a week"....

Ricky even said, "Just quit working out like you do - its just going to chase you down anyways"... great.... that's encouraging...

sigh


Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Tuesday Ten Tidbits

1.  Gearing up for a wedding this weekend.  Its almost like gearing up for a marathon.  No joke!  I have to check my equipment, get everything together, make a plan on how the day is going to go.... even have to get nutritious snacks to make it through the day.  I'll be on my feet from 9:00am until about 10:00pm ... this could be even WORSE then a marathon

2.  If Kellie Pickler doesn't win Dancing with the Stars, something is wrong. If Jacoby wins, I'm throwing my fringe pants in the garbage.

3. I have to lay on that decompression table for 25 minutes, 3 times a week.  They always tell me, this is 25 minutes to relax & have time to myself.... except for the part where time for myself is pulling my spine with 60 lbs. of weight.  The doctor asked me yesterday, "Do you have a hard time relaxing?" ... I didn't even notice, but my leg was tapping & shaking while they were setting me up.  I don't have 25 minutes to lay down on my back... I have a wedding to gear up for!  I lay on that table with my arms in the air, holding my phone, catching up on emails & texts... & an occasional Ruzzle game. 

4. Our yellow lab, Buffy, didn't eat last night... or this morning.  I always get nervous when the dogs don't eat.  She'll be 11 years old in August... that's getting up there for Labs ... it always makes me sick to my stomach to think of something happening to my dogs :(  She didn't even want a treat this morning... or even run at the word "ball" ... something's not right with my baby.  I want to throw up.

5.  Finished reading "The Great Gatsby"... authors in the past knew how to take one sentence & tell a story all in itself.  Thank goodness for my Kindle where I could just tap a word & get the definition.  I's must bees stupid.

6.  I actually have 4 hours of the Royal wedding coverage of Prince William & Kate on my DVR.  I can't bring myself to delete it.  If DVR was around when Princess Di was getting married, I'd still have that one too...

7.  Its in the middle of May & I have yet to change my closet over.  Yesterday morning, there was still frost warnings.  But it's gonna slam down this week I think.  High's in the 80's... maybe it'll be time to pull out my shorts.

8. Still haven't watched the season finale of "Once Upon a Time" & "Revenge" ... ugh!  I need my DVR set up in the chiropractor's office while I'm on that table.

9.  Got my latest "Vegetarian Times" magazine in the mail yesterday... my only downfall with that magazine?  Half of the ingredients?  I've never even HEARD of, nor know how to pronounce, must less know where to GET the ingredients.  I may not be renewing this one.

10.  We took Sydney to my parents yesterday.  We always thought she would bark & go crazy seeing the horses.  She's a 'herder' & I thought for sure she'd want to get in that fence & tell them where to go.  She went up to the gate though & put her front paws on it & lifted herself up, while one of the horses leaned his head over & they touched noses... I can't believe no one had a camera around... it was the cutest thing ever. 



Monday, May 13, 2013

Weekend Wrapup





* Stopped into Target Friday to pick up a baby shower gift & saw my best friend from childhood, through High school, through young adult... So incredible seeing her.  When I run into her, I forget how much I miss her.  She knows me like no other.. I'm determined to not loose touch with her again. 

* Almost got in a fight with a Wal-Mart employee... that's always fun.  No joke, this lady was chasing me & Ricky down for loading up a yard swing on our own - because NO HELP WAS ANYWHERE.  She literally ran after us, YELLED at us in front of everyone that we are "NOT TO TOUCH THE CART"... how are we supposed to move it?  With our minds? ... the cashier apologized to us & said this lady has been written up many times for her attitude with customers.  When she pushed me out of the way of touching the cart, I told her, "The manager will be coming to talk to you in about 5 minutes, because that's how long its going to take for me to make a phone call" - the manager said, "I know exactly who you're talking about & I apologize - she's not the best in customer service"... I normally don't call on people.  I get people have bad days.. but really?  Some people just don't need to work in public service places.

* Ricky had to work Saturday morning - know what that means?  No, not that I get to sleep in - I always wake up when he leaves.  It means I get my house cleaned up.  I can always clean it so much better when he's not around.  There has to be a scientific reason why that happens.

* Went for a run & it was in the 50's & chilly... Spring is just fighting to get warmth in it

* Went to a baby shower... the cutest little touches in this shower.  Chocolate moustaches - moustaches on the straws - even little blue earrings for gifts for the attendees.  Not to mention chocolate covered kiwi & chocolate covered bananas.  AND they even had Vegan food... it was the most amazing baby shower ever




* Headed out to take pictures of some prom kiddos... beautiful... the dresses these girls wear now?  Simply amazing

* Then headed down to ANOTHER photo session.  Engagement.... of a young lady that was in my youth group while she was heading into the 'grown up years' of college... now she's engaged.  & I just love her fiancé.  They are really a perfect pair together.  I will say too, Logan has became my #1 photo guy... he was just comfortable with Brittany & it made for the best pictures. 



* Being on my feet all day, I got a big ole blister on my big toe.. never fun...

* Talk on Dating & relationships in small group for middle school... Its so cute when I ask if they've ever had a crush on someone, all those hands go up... but when you ask them more details about the opposite sex, it's just a giggle fest.  It was a real eye opening conversation for me really.

* Mother's Day!  Yipee... got to spend time with my momma for awhile.  Ricky went & visited his momma... being over 30 minutes away from her, he went on his own so I could spend more time with my mom.  Always love when I can just take time to spend with my family.

My parents on my mom's new yard swing...


Found this video in a store & knew I had to get it for my Wizard of Oz loving mom


* I was so blessed with surprises on Mother's Day... balloons, flowers & a card & gift card from Ricky from the doggies :) ... a surprise gift from Julie, Steve & the boys... & even got a card & candy from Ryan & Chasity.  The card made me ugly cry.  You know those are good cards :) ... Thankful for all the amazing people God put in my life.

* It was COLD on Mother's Day... brrr...

* Big night for Finales on Sunday... Once Upon a Time... Revenge... I had to DVR those - I'm all about Survivor!!!  What a season it's been.

Hope everyone had a great weekend... & didn't get in any fights with Wal-Mart employees :)





Friday, May 10, 2013

Friday Fragments


Half-Past Kissin' Time

Let's see how this goes... I'm trying it at work... so this post may take me my whole work day
 
******
 
 
The Great Gatsby comes out today!
I love Baz Luhrmann
Moulin Rouge?  In my top 5 favorite movies ever
 
& I'm not a huge Leo DiCaprio fan, but I just watched Titanic last weekend & have a renewed soft spot for him
 
The only problem? 
Ironman 3 is also playing at theaters...
This is going to be a battle between the Hubs & I
I can tell
 
******
 
Downloaded the book "The Great Gatsby" on my Kindle
 
Its only 197 pages long
I think we had to read it in high school
(Isn't it a recommended reading book?)
 
But 197 pages is nothing
But in high school, 197 pages felt like torture, I'm sure
 
******
 
I ran for the first time this week with my back
Just an easy 2 mile trip
 
Not horrid pain... just the normal pain
so I guess that's a good thing?
 
I talked with the chiropractor & asked if this would mess up the progress with the decompression table.  He said as long as I kept it low miles, easy run, it should be OK
 
so we'll see how it goes
 
******

Anyone else having problems with Bloglovin' ?

I find my blog isn't getting updated in it
& then I check some of my favorite blogs & I'm not showing that there are any new updates... but there are new posts

Anyone else noticing problems?

I've contacted them repeatedly & they keep saying, "its fixed"
No... is not...

******
 
A big Happy Mother's Day to all you awesome mom's out there!
I don't know how you all keep it all together
I have a hard enough time taking care of 4 dogs :)
 
Hope Sunday is filled with extra doses of happiness for you!
 
******
 
Season Finales are coming up!
 
I'm so excited (& sad) to see the end of "The Office"
I heard the leak that Michael Scott will be back?
Must See TV
 
Scandal... this honestly is the best show on TV... Who knew the evil dude from Ghost could be so romantic & President-y
(I love making up new words)
 
Nashville ... someone's supposed to die?  As long as its not Deacon or Rayna, I'm good
 
Survivor - FINALE THIS WEEKEND!  This has honestly been one of the best seasons.  Even though I wanted to take Dawn's teeth & throw them back in the mucky water this past Wednesday.  Yes, I'm bitter for Brenda.  But I would really like to see Eddie take it all.  Underdog!  Odds are slim though - so I'll cheer on Cochran.  He definitely has been the secret stealth leader that pink-panty-man wished he was.
 
******
 
So this is the movie I talked about that we watched this weekend?
 
talk about WEIRD
 
it is about a man who takes women & keeps them prisoner's in his basement
 
HELLO!
When the story came out about those poor girls in Cleveland that got free,
Ricky & I were like, "This is just FREAKY"
 
Charles Ramsey- the neighbor
...the new John Cusak!
 
******
 
Hope everyone has a fantastic Friday!



Thursday, May 09, 2013

Plugged in...

In this week's blog hop, one of the questions posed to us was "What is one way you plug into God?"

First, I love how that's worded...

Plugged in... that's where you get your energy... where you recharge when you are worn out & can't go on... when you are ready to fade out...

So what do I do?

Well of course, I'm doing this online Bible Study... what a cool way to be involved.  If you have never done one with Proverbs 31 Ministries, you really should think about it on the next one.  http://melissataylor.org/ is the site where we've been 'meeting' & every day, you get an email if you prefer with a devotion, or a thought, or an assignment.  There's a Facebook page where there is constant connection.  There is a Pinterest page that takes points of each chapter & turns into a cute little picture that you can use for your blog, or to print & put in your Bible... which I have done.  I have already made some blog friends through this - amazing women who love Jesus...

the world is so small through the internet

But what else do I do to plug in?

I'm also a big Beth Moore Bible study fan.  I just finished the study on "James" & have two more I just purchased & waiting to start.  I love these because they are so deep & easy enough to do on my own... though I have done them with a Bible study group & is equally amazing.  I'm not just saying that because during those meetings, home made food was always involved :)

I also love the ease of phones.  I have 2 different devotional apps.  One is "Our Daily Bread" - which I can remember my parents getting when I was young.  There was always a book for each month laying around the house.  Now, its right there online.  & even more so, in the palm of your hand.  http://odb.org/

I will also listen to sermons online... Steven Furtick - probably one of my favorites.
You can watch his sermon's on his website: http://elevationchurch.org/
I want to go to Elevation church so badly one day....

But probably one of the biggest things for me is Christian music.  (I accidentally typed "Christmas" music... that made me laugh)
There really is nothing that speaks to my soul like music.

I always say I can't even run unless music is pumping in my head because it goes straight to my heart... even more so with Christian music.

I've been known to run down the street getting my miles in with my hands in the air, praising Jesus with every step.

So I'm thankful for Christian radio stations that speak to my heart all day long... with devotionals even for commericals. 
Wally is the best Christian DJ around!  So glad his radio show is on in the morning... nothing like a Christian dude with a funny sense of humor!
http://www.allwally.com/

Its really been mentioned a lot at our church lately how we need to make sure we know how to feed ourselves.  That if we are coming to church to have someone take a spoon & put it in our mouths, then there's a problem.  We have to be able to know how to pick up the spoon ourselves, have food on it & put it down our own throats... take care of our nutrition...

Believe me - one thing this chubby girl knows how to do... is feed myself :)




& I love feeding myself with the things of God...

it never gets old to me.. it makes me smile to open my Bible daily & see what new things I'm going to learn.

Every day, I find something I didn't know was in the Bible...
Every day, I WANT to find something new...
Every day, I NEED to hear God speaking to my heart

.....recharging me

What do you do to get plugged into God?

Any great preachers or sites that I need to know about?

What's the best Bible Study you've ever done?


Wednesday, May 08, 2013

Hodgepodge



1. When the children of today grow up, what do you think they'll say about this period in time? What do you most hope they remember?

They'll think it was the best time ever... I mean I think the 80's was the best time ever.  Even if it meant phones with cords, & cassette tapes & neon colors & acid wash jeans!

I hope they remember the carefree attitude of being young... the innocence of it all.  You need that to get through the hard times of life.

Look at me getting deep...


2. National Teacher's Day is celebrated in the US of A on the first Tuesday in May, this year May 7th...share how a particular teacher positively impacted you.

Ms. Miller... I've talked about her before.  I don't even remember what made her so special except she just made us all feel so important.  I especially remember SOBBING having to leave her at the end of my 5th grade year.  I'm talking ugly cry!  Ms. Miller has since became a popular pastor in the area... just shows to me that she had a heart for God even when she was in a room full of 10 yr olds! 

Probably where you need to have a heart for God the most :)


3.  What's a dish your mama made, that if set in front of you today would whisk you right back to childhood?   

Poor Man's Lasagna... that's what it was called.  It was jus a simple pasta dish with meat & tomatoes in it. 

I havent had it in years...

couldnt eat it now since it has meat in it... so I'll stick with the memories


4.  Mother May I was a game we played when I was growing up...no pieces, parts, or plugs required. What games from childhood do you remember loving that were also pieces, parts, and plug-free?

Kick Ball!!!

It was the game of the neighborhood. 

I was blessed with a fun street - kids playing everywhere.  We'd get together & mark the bases & it was ON... like Donkey Kong!  Just some sticks marking a base & a ball... played until the street lights came on.

Do kids even gather like that anymore on the streets for some neighborhood games?


5.  Besides your own mother, tell us about a woman who influenced you as a child?

I'd say my grandmother, Teenie.  Ever since I was little, I mean LITTLE, she made sure I had on jewelry.  Every time I saw her, she would say, "Let me see your jewelry you have on today" & I better have something on.  Even if it was earrings.  But she prefered a necklace AND ring AND bracelet. 

to this day, every morning when I leave, I wonder what pieces of jewelry I'm wearing


6.  Mamma Mia! What's the best play or musical you've ever seen?

Of course you know what I'm going to say - Beauty & the Beast ... I've seen it 5 times on Broadway... & want to see it 5 more...



2nd place - Wicked... I am obsessed with that sound track

But I'm DYING to see Les Miserables in person on Broadway!!!


7.  What are three smells that make you feel nostalgic?

1. Charlie perfume ... makes me think of my mom back in the day
2. Corn - it makes me think of my grandmother's house... I don't know why, but always has
3. Stinking gym bag - makes me think of all the nights going to Karate with my dad


8.  Insert your own random thought here.

I'm in total work depression...

they've finally gone & done it - blocked virtually EVERYTHING...



If you dont see me commenting as much, its because I cant get to you, or I can't see what you've posted. 

Sometimes I can read something, but can't comment.

I can't even blog myself anymore at work... I'm actually doing this at home Tuesday evening. 

I feel like someone has cut my arm off.

Hulu, Facebook, YouTube, Blogger... even took away Amazon. 
You mess with my shopping & I'm just sinking into a depression

What kind of work conditions is this?  Its inhumane I'm telling you!


So think of me chained to a desk with cob webs growing around my sad looking face...

For the record, I always left my office every day with every bit of work finished....

Being there 22 years, I feel like I deserve a shimmer of happiness...

apparently not

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