Friday Fragments

I'm so lazy today, I'm not even grabbing the button for my header.... THAT's how my Friday is going...

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I know I sound like I'm Mrs. Whiney McWhineystein but I cant help it.  My arm is making me miserable.  I have a doctor's appointment on Monday, but wondering if its worth it.  I know they'll just still tell me its Tenditis, which actually its not... that only last 2 weeks I've learned.  So its progressed to "Tendinosis" - which takes up to a year to feel better - IF at all.... did you hear that people?  IF!!!!  Its a breakdown of tendons - not an inflammation.  Not sure what to do about this doctor's appointment.  Waste of time?

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I got new insurance!  Which is why I can go back to the doctor... I'm going to enjoy it this year because I know next year, the rates will increase so high, I'll have to go back to the poor-man-version - which is diddly squat.

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I'm so excited... doing new photo things this weekend!  I've got a BOY to do senior pictures with.  I've been keeping my eyes on "boy poses" on Pinterest & cant wait to incorporate them.  He wouldnt appreciate holding a flower - not when he's bring his football gear with him.  Maybe I'll put a flower in his helmet?

I've also got a family session with little ones - FUN! .. & doing another family session with grown kids for a Christmas card.  My camera will be getting a work out.... just hoping my arm lasts with all the editing.  (Yes, Whiney McWhineystein is back)

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I've got to run 8 miles first thing tomorrow.... my Fall races are going to be here in just a few weeks!  Where did that time go?  Did it RUN by me?  haha!!! Oh, I crack myself up

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SPAT OF THE WEEK:  Vacation.... We normally take vacation during our anniversary - which is October 28.  So that would make it the week of October 24-28, right?  So I tell Ricky to tell his work that's when he needs off.  He kept putting it off... putting it off.. & putting it off some more.  Next thing I know, I get a call Monday with Ricky saying, "I cant take off that week - I didnt put in for it & now 3 others are off that week"... really?  So needless to say, we'll be taking our vacation a week early.  Good thing we didnt have tickets to go anywhere.  But now, I better get flowers at my work on our anniversary since I'll be at my desk celebrating....

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This is for my sister in law :) haha!!! 

I hate the internet if only that it makes me feel like I'm going to die in a week... & I'm totally serious in that statement...

Source: thatswhatthatmeans.tumblr.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

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No offense, I think our country lost a genuis mind - but why all the attention of the guy who died from Apple?  I dont even remember his name - that's how much I know of him.  I do think his mind created AMAZING products.. but the guy that made Doritos died a few weeks ago too & you didnt hear anything. 

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Dancing with the Stars Shocker!!! Can you believe who got kicked off this week?  Just know it wasnt Chaz - so you know from that it was an epic fail.  I have to say though, Mark has developed a little attitude, has he not?  I'm pulling for a JR, Ricki Lake, Chynna Phillips Finale!!!

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Hope you all are enjoying Fall weather... its absolutely beautiful here with all the color... so much for my dead-leaf theory of last week. 

Have a Fabulous Fall Friday!

Thursday Letter: 4:30 am

Dear 4:30 am

I know we have a new relationship together.  Normally, I would ignore you & not even realize that you existed.  But with this new change in routine & route to work everyday, I have had to grow closer to you over the past few weeks.

Its because of this closer relationship that I feel like I can write you this letter to tell you how I really feel about you.  I'm sorry to say, its not pretty either.

I think you are some sort of evil creature that is sent to mess with me physically & emtionally.

Why emotionally?  Because when I see you on my alarm clock every morning, it sends me into a state of depression.  One that involves tears & a 2 yr old tantrum of kicking the bed & saying things like, "I dont wanna!!!"

Also I feel like this is an emotional game because I would almost bet you $1 million dollars (as if I HAD $1 million dollars) that I just laid down & I just closed my eyes.  Mr. 4:30, do you have magical powers that speed up the time during the dark hours?  I would bet $2 million dollars on THAT also!

Physically, you are taking a toll on me as well.  I feel like my body is going through a wringer everyday.  You make me want to take a nap every day because I feel like I cant even hold my head upright by lunch time.  That's just messed up.  And if I take the time at lunch to watch my TV shows I enjoy on Hulu during lunch, only because I have no time at night now to watch anything, I am almost in a "crawling" mode to get in my house for a quick snooze at your sister, 4:30 PM

Why do I need that snooze?  Because I'm training for my next half marathon & the way my body is being effected by you, I think I can make it about 5 miles & it equals the same as 13.1 miles right now.

Mr. 4:30, we also dont even want to talk about how I have no time nor energy to keep up with my house.  You have forced me to neglect my laundry & my dusting.  My home has turned into a perfect mess... I'm just glad that is close to Halloween & I can make it sound like the dust & the mess is all part of a "Haunted House Feel"....

I'm hoping our relationships becomes easier.  I'm hoping we even begin to LIKE each other.  As of now, I'm doubting it though.

Regardless, I'll be seeing you tomorrow.

Your tired & grumpy friend,

Mom's Birthday - NOT the twins... yet ...

.... with no pictures of my mom :)

I took my camera & ended up playing with the twins all day with my camera.  If I had kids around my house all the time, I'd have 1,000 pictures a day - I'm sure.

It was such a beautiful day... after we went out to eat, we came home & pulled out the Frisbee. 

Madi is a little pro...

Where did Madi's hand go?

My brother & I were raised throwing Frisbee when we went to our grandparents house.  My uncle & my Papaw were always throwing frisbee's ... Papaw could do the coolest tricks with them... & whenever someone would catch them under the legs, it was like something out of the Olympics to me

Look at that determination!!!!

Sophia didnt want to play & she was being a little booger & didnt even want me to take her picture.  So she kept putting her head down & flipping her hair up to cover her face....

I still think I got a good picture of her ... HA!  I will prevail with a camera

Madi watching the frisbee action waiting her turn....

Then it was time for Uncle Ricky to play with the twins...

they love him... even if he takes their 3-wheeler

we were cracking up at him riding this thing...

Then he went to show Sophia a magic trick.

He had their complete attention ....

Madi then showed me her awesome swing jumping skills....

I was always afraid I'd break an ankle doing this... I probably would of too..

And then Sophia showed me her cart wheel skills.  She really is turning into a great gynast.  Watch out Mary Lou Retton! (Did I just age myself?)

Finally - a picture of the sisters together...

Showing off a gourd in dad's garden.  He had so many gourds growing... they were everywhere  - but this is such a weird shape one - the twins loved it...

Even though I didnt get a picture of anyone else - trust me, we all had a great time celebrating my mom's birthday.

Its the twins birthday this weekend - I should take pictures of my mom & dad all day instead.. only fair - right?

Mind playing tricks on me that early?

You will hear me whine & moan & groan & whine more until this bridge is open again... so for 6 months... sorry... but dont say I didnt warn you.

I have to get up early... the alarm goes off a little after 4 am.

I usually hit the snooze a few times to where I'm dragging myself out of the bed by 4:30 am.

Thank goodness I dont take long to get ready - I'm fast on make up - I set my clothes out to just put on as I walk out the door - I grab a breakfast bar & eat on the road.

But when I go to grab my breakfast bar Monday morning, this is what I see....

Excuse the mess in my pantry...  if it were organized, I wouldnt find anything...

I thought it was my mind playing tricks on me at 4:53 am...

but no... it was a real root beer bottle - half empty, by the way.

I've said it before & I'll say it again - Ricky randomly just lays things around the house.

I guarantee I got blamed for pouring out his drink when he wasnt finished with it too :)

I totally shoulda saved this for the Spat of the Week on Friday... but I couldnt wait

This is when I hate Texas...

Texas feels so far away from Kentucky...

Like a lifetime away...

especially on days like today... our grandson's birthday!

This weekend was Isaac's birthday party & its no fun when the grandparents are like 12,593 miles away.  I know that's probably not right - how many miles is it AROUND the world?  Close to that?  But that's what it feels like anyways.

I totally snagged these pictures off of Julie's facebook so you can see how grown up he is getting - & just how dang cute...

Here are both of the boys... ready to PARTY it UP!

Luke is like, where's MY party?

Julie let Isaac decorate his own cake.  He helps her make things in the kitchen & loves to get involved so this was perfect.  Especially since he wanted a Spiderman - Buzz Lightyear - Ironman cake... who doesnt, right?  Julie gave him some candy & he brought some of his toys & VIOLA!!!! A perfect 4 yr old birthday cake.

How proud is that face of his?  Cake Boss - you better watch out!

(I'm totally decorating my 40th birthday cake with my own Beauty & the Beast toys...).

Happy Birthday to our little blond hair boy... Nanny & Pappy hate being away from you.. but it doesnt mean we love you any less.  We love you to the moon & back... or make that to Texas & back, because that feels further away...

Happy Birthday to my Mom!!!

This is why I love pictures....

So you can look back & see a life that you werent around to see....

My mom is on the right...

Mom is on the left... with some of her sisters... look at those gloves :)

School picture ... everyone thinks me & mom look alike - but my brother looks like her here

Ah ... young love.. my mom & dad

Charlie's Angels has NOTHING on these three... my mom with my dad's cousins

Its been a life....

One I'm glad to be a part of.

I love you mom! 
(like I did that in blue?)

Hope you have a great birthday...

with many more pictures of life to come....

Friday Fragments

Friday - Friday - Friday....I wish you all could hear the different ways that each way, I say that phrase in my head.  One day, it may be like Rebecca Black... the next, it could sound like a car salesman doing a commercial... the next, its just a lovely little Broadway Jazz Hand way of singing it.  My head is a fun place to be.  Lets see where my brain leads us in Fragging today...

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So yes, some of you sent me messages checking on Buffy (THANK YOU! for asking - so sweet) - And yes, things, um... got moving nicely.  She's back to her Ball-catching-play-every-minute-of-the-day old lab.

BUT!!!! I come home yesterday only to have Bruno laying in the kitchen floor, not able to get up.  Something had to happen to him during the day because he's hurt his back legs.  One leg more then the other.  He couldnt even stand up.  I carried him out front & he just wanted to lay down.  I waited for Ricky to get home so we could take him to the vet.  Ricky walked in the door & Bruno didnt even care (that's SO not normal) - but when Ricky asked him if he wanted to go "bye bye" he got all excited.  We ended up stopping at a park & let Bruno out - he started walking better - even chased a dog there.  So we just sat at the park for awhile  & Bruno was doing better.  We decided to take him home & wait a day or two before we go to the vet for a $500 bill where they tell us to let him rest.  This morning, he was walking MUCH better - but geez... what is going on with my family - my arm, Ricky's foot, Buffy's massive eating, & now Bruno's legs... we're falling apart in the Vincent Household.

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Fall allergies are in full force. I'm waking up with my eyes crusted together... isnt that fun?

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I mentioned last week that "Vampire Diaries" is my guilty pleasure.  It TOTALLY still is - but one I'm not ashamed to talk about (or stare at picture after picture on Pinterest)... but my REAL guilty pleasure?  DANCE MOMS!  On Lifetime... I have so enjoyed this season.  Its all corny, stupid & fake during arguments ... but I love it.  Love all things dance.  I just know I shoulda been a dancer!!! ... I'm just watching because I know one day, that little girl on there, Madi - she's gonna be on So you Think you can dance!  I want to be able to say, "I remember her on that TV show"... because its so important to be able to say that...

Source: deadline.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

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I'm still loving Grey's Anatomy...

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SPAT OF THE WEEK:  Birthday Presents.... so our Gorgeous little grandson has a birthday on Monday.  He's going to be 4 years old (can you believe THAT?).  Since he's in another land... the far away land of Texas... we have to order his presents & have them sent to him.  So being he's a "boy" - Ricky gave me the instructions on what to get him.  I have to say, I think I'm pretty good at picking out presents anyways - but NO - I was under strick instructions on what to get.  So when I go to order gifts, I see things I like better - still in the superhero realm of gifts, but I just think some things are better.  Men dont think of the little things - like I know Isaac likes his super hero figures to be "hinged" more the ordinary - he likes to move the arms & legs.  The ones Ricky wanted me to get werent like that... Oh, that's just a small part of the spat... we actually argued over hinges on a action figure.  No joke... So in the end, Ricky went & ordered some more things because my picks I guess werent up to par.  Geez... In the end, Isaac ends up a winner - he's getting 3 boxes delivered to his house.  He's gonna want more spats between Nanny & Pappy if it turns out like that...

BTW - I cant wait to see which present Isaac likes the best... Julie, if its Ricky's - dont let him know - PLEASE! :)

PS - I wont even add in the fact that we "spatted" about Ricky saying "Super Saver Shipping" about 538 times too... Try saying it really fast... now imagine someone saying it repeatedly... I thought I was going to jerk his tongue out if he said it one more time... which made him say it at least 236 more times...

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Anyone take Acai Berry's for their health?  I read it was good in inflammation & have been taking some everyday... wondered how or if it works for anyone else...

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Source: verydemotivational.memebase.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

And people wonder why I dont care for clowns?

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I think our Fall is going to be ugly.  There are certain trees that turn first & are always that BOLD first color of the season.  All those trees?  The leaves are dead & just falling off already... dont tell me Global Warming doesnt exist.

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Hope everyone has a Fabulous Friday!!!

Why fishing disturbs me...

My Prompt I'm choosing for the week:  #2 - a memorable fishing trip

I'm not a good "outdoorsman" - or outdoors-woman, I should say.

I'm not a camper... I like indoor plumbing.

And I really, REALLY dont like to kill animals.... even fish

I used to go to the lake though with my grandparents quite a bit when I was little.  It was always nice because my aunt had property down at Rough River - a good hour & a half drive & we were "away". 

I always liked going because it was just fun to be away from home... my cousins were normally down there... & this "camping" definitely had indoor plumbing.  It actually had 2 bathrooms - many beds - a 2 story house.  Now THAT's camping!

But the family were big fishers.  We were out on the boat all weekend long.  I just like to go on the boat rides & then as a "preteen" - the main important thing in life was working on my tan.  (My wrinkled skin just gave a big sigh...DONT TAN YOUNG PEOPLE!!!)

There were usually 2 boats down there that everyone would use.  A big Pontoon boat where everyone could snack, talk, have fun hanging out - & a fisherman's boat.  Where the SERIOUS fishing went on. 

For some reason - goodness only knows how it happened - I ended up on that boat with my grandfather.

This was the boat that would so slowly as you were dragging the line behind you - you had to be quite to not scare the fish - this was where the fishing world lived. (how DID I end up on that boat?)

I dont know how since I was the person who would secretly go behind people who caught fish & "Accidentally" let it slip out of my hand back into the water. I'd give a whisper of "you're FREE!" - & I think the fish even winked at me sometimes.

We're moving along - slowly - quietly... my Papaw gets a bite.  He pulls in a fish & I'm like - "UGH" because I knew it was going to cause a big mess in the boat because this was a BIG FISH! & it looked funny too - like it was a sword fish.  The most bizarre thing I've ever seen. But he didnt bring it in the boat...

instead, he kept it on the line & took the boat closer to the shore line.

He then... oh Lordy... I'm getting all sweaty & shaky thinking about it again...he took the fish & pulled it up on the shore line.  He then proceeded to take the paddle out of the boat & BEAT.THE.FISH!!!!!

I was FREAKINGGGGGGGG OUTTTTTTTT!!!!

Like standing up in the boat screaming like my grandfather had lost his mind!  NOOO!!!!! WHHYYY??? I think people had to hear my scream for miles!

Papaw told me that this was a 'gar' - whatever that is.  And he told me they were "useless" - you couldnt eat them & they ate all the fish that you COULD eat... so he wanted to make sure it didnt get any other fish.

I was so disturbed...

still am...

this happened like 30 years ago & I can tell you exactly where the boat was at - what the paddle looked like - remember standing up rocking the boat while I was screaming.

I think my Papaw just laughed at me... I refused to stop screaming & crying though until he took me back to camp.

... I dont think I ever got back on that "fishing boat" again...

...& now, I just invision a horrible remake of Nemo in my mind... see?  disturbing...

Adele Cover

I've been obsessed with Adele for awhile...

"To make you feel my love" ... shut up - one of the best remix songs EVER

her new CD is incredible too.  Its one I listen to constantly & know I'll never get tired of it.

When "Someone like you" got released on the radio, I was giddy because its my FAV FAV FAVORITE song on the CD.  No one can sing like she can....

... & then I heard this cover of the song...

WOW!!!!...

If you have a minute - listen to these two!  I had to post it just so I could have reference to check it out whenever I wanted... A-MAZ-ING!!!!

Run in the Rain...

I'm getting into the bulk of my training for my next half marathon...

That means on the weekends, its my "long runs" - I add one miles each weekend until I get up to 11 miles... not sure why training doesnt ever really take you to the length of the actual race, but they dont.  They say that "adrenaline will push you the rest of the way".. funny...

So this past weekend, I was up to a 7 mile run... & it was a busy day.  I had an Engagement Photo Session in the afternoon  & then I knew I'd just want to go home & edit pictures, so the morning was the only time to get in the miles.

...only to wake up to see the morning was pouring rain... I'm talking POURRRINNNGGG rain.

What do I do? Get on the treadmill?  While I do love my treadmill - I can only usually bear about an hour max on that baby... so I choose to do my run in the rain.  Afterall, if it rains on race day, I'm still going to do the race, so might as well train in it.

Let me tell you - it was like God was having a talk straight to my heart during this run...all the pain I'm in lately & feeling like there is a dark cloud over my head in life every day right now, there was so much that stood out to me as I was going through the miles....

*I had to be prepared for this run... had to make sure I had a hat on to shield my face - had to make sure I didnt wear my "good" shoes - had to make sure I wore long sleeves to shield from the cold of the rain.  .... made me realize that we know "rainy" times are going to come.  Am I preparing myself?  Getting God's word deep in me to equip me for the road ahead?

*Something positive I noticed?  The air while running in the rain was cleaner - fresher.  It seemed easier to breath in & out.  The colors were also BRIGHTER!  The greens in the trees & on the grass were so vivid & bold.  There was even beauty in watching the water trickle down roads & paths & over rocks & streams.... make me realize that there is beauty to be found in the "storms of life" - they can actually bring out some beautiful things that you wouldnt really notice before.  When you're forced to look at things differently, you see things differently - & that's not always bad, but a wonderful learning experience - & sometimes the trials can help you take a deep, refreshing breath.

*I saw blue skies up ahead & knew for sure the rain was going to stop - only to see the grey clouds shift & cover up the blue... God spoke to me that while we may see openings & think the clearing is up ahead, we have no control over it.  Things will play out how they are supposed to & I just have to keep on moving along.

*One of the biggest things I learned - I thought at first that I could run under the trees that cover the road.  Find a little bit of shelter.  But what I quickly learned that those leaves that were overhead would drop even MORE water.  It was like the leaves would hold water & then release it all at once - extra doses of water.... It made me realize that I needed to keep my pace - not slow down under these shelters thinking that they were the answer.  No - the answer was just getting to the end - not stopping.  The places that you think you have shelter in arent really shelter at all, but cause more problems.  Keep pressing on till I'm home!

*Then the coolest thing... I actually got used to the rain.  It didnt really even phase me anymore.  I was already wet & you can only get so wet... The coolness of the weather made my run better - I was content.  And I was heading down a hill & all of a suddent, I realized... the rain had stopped!!! I didnt even noticed it at first!!!!.... it was like when I finally submitted to the rain, the things I was going through, then God brought an end to it.  I actually laughed out loud while running when I realized it had stopped & I didnt notice.. it was like I wasnt focusing on the bad stuff anymore & the perspective of it all was realized..... praying my perspective of the pain I'm in right now changes & that it will one day be gone & I stop & realize that I made it through this "storm"

... next time it rains in your area - strap on your shoes.  Not your good ones though - be prepared :)... & see what God has to speak to you.

Hoping for Poop!!!

Yesterday morning, at 5 am, Ricky woke me up.

First, yes, Ricky gets up even on the weekend at 5 am... he's always done that & I think he's insane...anyways...

he wakes me up to show me a bag of dog food that was ripped open.

Ricky had picked up a bag of Beneful that we will put in the bottom of the dogs food.  They get IAMS every day to make their coat shine & it really seems to be good for them.  But its gotta get boring - so we just add the little treat at the bottom of their bowl.  Well, Ricky had bought a 15.5 lb bag & sat it next to the garbage can, not emptying it into the dog food canister & he went to bed.

Apparently in the middle of the night, our yellow lab, Buffy, discovered this bag in the kitchen & thought, "Now THAT's a treat"... she ripped the top off & dug in.

The funny thing?  The top of the bag was perfect straight across - like she even took scissors or something.  We cant figure it out...

But she ate a little more then the top quarter of the bag - so about 4 lbs of food....

Buffy has been known to eat full bags of Dove chocolate (on multiple occassions) & other things that she shouldnt have as a dog & it doesnt seem to phase her.

Last night - it all started to phase her. 

let me add, I was gone to our church Senior High Small Group only to come home & find Ricky had fed her dinner like normal.  NOOO!!!!!  Her belly would have enough in it to last for awhile - I'm sure.  So she is stuffed like a turkey.

But last night, I woke up at 2:00 to her whining.  Her belly was hurting her.  We took her out front (its the place you can always guarantee they'll do their "business")... nope - no business.  She tried like 4 times to go & nothing....

Ricky took her outside this morning before he left for work & she still cant go to the bathroom.

She's acting OK - wagging her tail - wanting to run & play - even wanted a treat when I left for work. (Sure - let's add MORE food in that belly.. dont think so...)

So I'm hoping when I get home today, that belly is gonna be a little bit down... that she's going to go to the front yard & show me she's got her "routine" back.  If not, we may be heading to the vet tonight.

I've never hoped for poop more in my life then today....

Happy First Day of Fall Y'all!!! Fall is my favorite favorite FAVORITE time of the year.  Its full of birthdays to celebrate - its our anniversary - its when we take VACATION (28 more days away - who's counting) & its just perfect weather.  Chilly in the mornings & evenings & cool during the day.... perfection!  To celebrate the beginning of Fall - let's do more things that start with "F" - like Friday Fragging!!!! FUN!  Fabulous! FANTASTIC!!!... (I'll stop now)...

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1 in 3,200 ... that's the odds that a piece of satellite can hit you on your head today.  I'm sorry, but those odds are kind of good - not in a good way, but a bad way too.  We have a mega church in our area & I told Ricky this morning - so fill up that church this morning & at least one person in there is getting smashed today!  If the lottery had those odds, I'd play... Keep your eyes toward heaven today!

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With the new morning traffic, so many people suggested "Books on Tape" - my new route actually has me driving past our library - so last week I stopped in.  First, I have to say, our library is AWESOME!  Even has a coffee shop in there & tons of comfy areas to sit & read.  So I found the Book on CD section, grabbed one that I had actually read before - I wanted to see if I could follow it & I had read this book YEARS ago so the details were sketchy.  Know what?  I'm having the hardest time keeping up with it.  I've discovered I'm too ADD to listen.  My mind wonders too much... I cant focus on the story.  I thought at 5:00 am on the road, it would MAKE me focus on something other then wanting to fall asleep at the wheel - but my mind is constantly working.  "What do I need to do today" - "What do I need to pick up on the way home" - I go over lessons for church in my mind - Ricky calls me at least twice to see where I'm at .... I think I just need to stick to Broadway Tunes on my ride in.  My mind can stick with dramatic songs....

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Fall TV Starting!  YAHOOO!!!!  Of course, with my new early bed time, I'm having to DVR most of my shows - but so far, what I've seen - I think "The Office" is going to survive without Steve Carrell.  I had no idea that Pam was really pregnant!  There was the surprise of the season for me!  Another Office Baby - yipee!  .... Why oh WHY did they put "The Sing Off" against "DWTS"?  I'm still angry about that!..... Glee didnt impress me too much with the first show.  But glad we're getting more Blaine! ... "Vampire Diaries" has now become my guilty pleasure!  Its better then ever.  I can watch that "Damon-Stare" all day long! 

What Fall show are you happy about?

Source: cwtv.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

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With the pain I'm still in with my arm, I've told Ricky I've diagnosed myself... I have "Miseritis" .. makes sense since I'm in misery all day long now.  I'm going to patten that diagnosis.  Just wonder what the cure for it is...

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SPAT OF THE WEEK: BIKES... (before I start, I know this one, a lot of people will be agreeing with Ricky on this (Mom, Dad, I'm talking to you) but it still was a spat - its still an ONGOING spat - so I'm fair in sharing things, even if I dont like it.)

So I'm trying to do more cross training  - my half marathons are just in a few weeks!!! GASP!!! - & I loved the spinning class I took.  But the schedule isnt working for me to go.  So I remember we have bikes.  3 actually.  Ricky used to love to ride his bike when we lived in Louisville early in the morning.  I asked him if I could use his bike to ride myself.  Know what he told me?... NO!... He got ready to pull them down (they are up on the wall so the tires stay good) & then said, "Um, you know what - no, I'm not going to get them down for you" - Wh wh what?  He went on to tell me that on top of our roads being hilly, curvy & dangerous (country roads) - I'm the most clumsy person he knows & he knows that I'll fall off the bike somewhere & break something.  wh wh what?!?!?!  So I put on a helmet & showed him that I can fall & be OK.  He said I'd need more then a helmet & he still refuses to get the bikes down.  Fine - I hff'ed - I'll get them down myself.  Well, he's gone & put stuff in front of the bikes that I cant reach them now!!! DANG HIM!!!! ... I told him that this just means he has to now buy me a stationary bike.  I bet he'll still expect me to wear the helmet riding that thing too!

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My latest food addiction - Mustard Potato Salad from our grocery's deli.  I've been stopping & getting 2 lbs of it every Friday.  Everytime I pass the frig, I grab a fork & take a bite.  This addiction needs to break quick - it cant be calorie friendly.

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Speaking of food addictions - I've got to make some of these for Halloween.  (Pinterst is Da BOMB!)

You take a Keebler Fudge Stripe cookie, turned upside down - put a Hershey's kiss on top & just pipe some icing around the edge.  Instant Witch Hat!  How cute is that!  ... & forget CUTE - how YUMMY!

Source: barbschram.blogspot.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

Hope you all have a FANTASTIC FALL FRIDAY!!!!

Why Tom T. Hall is sending me to therapy....

4.) A time you felt wronged by a teacher

Want to join along?  Click the button above & pick a writing prompt

Let's go back in time. 

...WAYYYYYY back...

we're talking in the 70's.  Late 70's - but still the 70's.

I was in first grade.  Miss Clayton.  She was the first grade teacher I had that I loved.  I remember she was a "Miss" & not a "Mrs." like the other first grade teachers & wondered why she wasnt married because she was pretty wonderful.  Aren't all first grade teachers wonderful?  After all, I loved school & loved to learn & loved everything about first grade - so of course, Miss Clayton was the cherry on top of the educational sundae.

...until one day...I saw her ugly side...

After lunch, we would have "music time" & she would put on a vinyl album... yes... the school assigned record player of the day - they were massive!  And you can imagine the sound quality.  But it was great after our lunch time & our milk break, we would have some time to sing along & clap our hands to some music.  First grade songs are always so catchy & peppy & full of fun.

So tell me why.... WHY????... one day, she put on Tom T. Hall.

I can honestly remember this like yesterday.  My despise for country music started young I assume.

At the end of the song, Miss Clayton said, "Did everyone love that? Want to hear it again?"

I raised my hand & she called on me, "Yes Rebecca?"

"Miss Clayton - I did not like it & dont want to hear it again".... momma didnt raise someone to hold back the truth. 

(I just saw Tom T. Hall got inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame this year... hate I missed that)

Well, Miss Clayton must not have been in a good mood because then she told me, "Well, Rebecca, you can wait out in the hall" - & she told me to take my chair out in the hallway & wait while the class listened to the song again.

Now, I'm the kid who NEVER got in trouble in school...

I dragged my chair in front of the class out the door... the drag of shame is what I call it now.  All the other students staring like, "Ohhhh - you shouldnt have said anything"

I remember sitting in the hallway hearing all the clapping & singing again... of that horrible man, Tom T. Hall.

When the song was over, Miss Clayton came & got me. 

OK - this enforced me to never do anything wrong again in school. Sitting in a hallway by myself in a 100 yr old school building was just plain creepy...especially for a 6 yr old.  I never wanted to have to do the "drag of shame" again... it formed me into a pretty good student the rest of my 12 years.

....on the other hand... I cringe anytime I hear the sounds of Tom T. Hall.  Its actually a running joke in my family.  If he was ever on The Grand Ole Opry, my parents would yell for me to come see... even up until I got married & moved out - I'd still get a phone call letting me know what he was on.  And even now, I'll still get a random email every now & then with a You Tube video of, as I call him, he-that-should-not-be-named.  Forget Voldermort... Tom T. Hall earned that title YEARS ago...

See the effect a teacher has?  34 years later & I'm still needing therapy over it all.....

Anyone want to come to my party?

You may not want to....

because its a pity party...

& I've got a big ole party hat on... & a carton of cool whip to go with it.

This came in the mail & I was excited to try it....

See?  Even fingers crossed...

I've been taking it for one week today....

& nothing... nada... no change...

if anything - its worse.

I've been dealing with this tendonitis now for about 3 months.  3 MONTHS!  I get so frustrated when I hear it can last up to 6 months - even a YEAR!  And because its my RIGHT ARM - its not like I can let it rest - so I'm expecting it to be on the long side of healing... if it heals at all...

That's where my mind is at right now - not sure its going to heal at all....

It hurts when I work on a computer - it hurts when I knit - it especially hurts when I workout... what the heck am I supposed to do?  Sit in a room & not move?  Ice on it doesnt even really help anymore. 

The Hubs ordered me a compression sleeve to see if that would help when I run - & even if it'll help when I work on a computer.. I'm willing to try anything at this point...

stand on my head?  wear ballet shoes?  Dye my hair blue?  If it works, I'll do it....

I'm trying to find the blessings in this... to see God doing something wonderous behind the pain... to see His hand working in this.  Trying to figure out why its taking so long to heal - to find any kind of relief...

I'm thankful for the example of my friend Dawn who has shown how to keep faith & a God driven heart in the midst of pain.  She has gone through knee surgeries & her words & strength inspires me... check her out.

I also know that physical pain is just as bad as emotional pain & I know that many of you are going through that with loss in your lives, waiting on God's timing in many ways, just pain in different ways.

So let's cancel that pity party... I just need to see how God is working in this...

& I know that so many people are posting this song right now, but I'm clinging to it myself.

...when darkness seems to win we know, that pain reminds us, this is not, THIS IS NOT OUR HOME...

Techno Bible

I was sitting in the back row with a bunch of our awesome youth Sunday in church.

The Pastor told us to turn into our Bibles...

This is what I saw when I looked down the aisle... (& yes, that's mine as well on my leg)

Its not like the Bibles of the old days, where you hear pages turn... but you see people with little contraptions in their hands... smart phones, ipods, ipads... the Bible of today.

I have to say, I love my paper Bible - just as I love REAL books.  I havent made the switch to a "reader" yet - though I am drooling over Kindles & may put it on my wish list this year.

But one of the girls in the youth group showed me how to download it on my ipod & it was free - so I gave it a go.

I have to say, I was impressed.  With just a touch of a button, I can find my book - then my chapter - then my verse.  And then with just another touch, I can change my version.  I can also highlight & save & "write" notes to save for anything that strikes me.  All on this little handy dandy ipod.

What a world we live in...

Believe me - I still tote around my Bible.  I've got too many notes in it - parts of me... I'll always keep it - but how handy to know I always have the Bible near me when I want to look something up.

How about you?  You use a Bible app?  Do you see that same thing in your church?  The kids holding their "Bibles" in their pocket?  Hey - there's worse apps they could have on their phones - right?

Others see...

(I used this example in our middle school lesson for Sunday)

Its no secret that I'm a dog lover.  If it were up to me, my whole backyard & house would be full of dogs that needed a home.  But its not up to me.  Ricky put the reign at 4 dogs - which I cant complain.  My house is always full of a wet nose to rub up against you, or a furry back to lay on or rub whenever you want.

When we got a phone call asking us if we could take in Bruno, Ricky was a bit hesitant.  But I begged him - afterall, this poor little dog needed a home & I gave my best impression of puppy dog eyes.  Ricky gave in & said we would give it a try.

We were told this was a Carine Terrier - something we didnt even know what kind of breed that was.  The wonders of "Google" soon told us that it was the same kind of dog that Toto was in The Wizard of Oz.  Who doesnt love Toto?

Ricky went & got Bruno & I sat on the front porch with the other dogs waiting anxiously for our new family addition.  But when I saw Ricky's face in the car coming up the drive, I though, Uh-Oh - something's wrong.  He got out of the car with Bruno on a leash... um.. no, he didnt look like Toto.  More like a chubby Toto that got stick in a powdered donut factory?

He was nervous & probably not used to other dogs - so when our dogs went to greet him, it wasnt a pleasant hello.  Bruno was snippy & growled & lunged at our babies.  Not a good start at all.

Ricky was immediately saying, "We're not keepig him"... but I kept begging him to give it some time.

Over the next few weeks, I gave Bruno the attention... it worked out well because our other dogs think Ricky hung the moon - or at least is the creator of the wonders of treats & dog food - so they were sticking with their master.  Me & Bruno - we became great buddies.

I could never sit down without him being in my lap - I learned he had to cuddle with me everynight - I learned that he would follow you everywhere just to be near you - there always had to be some part of him that touched you... I found that he is the sweetest dog.

Ricky soon noticed this from a distance... & before I know it, Ricky would sit down next to me & try to lure Bruno off my lap to come to his... he'd give Bruno treats so he'd follow Ricky now instead of me...

Ricky wanted to share in this relationship that Bruno & I had...

There's a quote that says, "Sometimes you have to watch someone love something before you can love it"

What a perfect example of how the world watches people that are Christ followers... & what a difference it can make in their lives.  Afterall, if someone sees your relationship with God & they witness the things that He is doing in your life, it may draw them closer to Him... they may want to experience the same relationship themselves.

People can be leery & not sure of this "God thing"... but if they see first hand the way God works in a life - especially someone they KNOW - what an amazing witness.

So share all that God does for you... let others know the things He does for you daily... the way He blesses you.... it may make all the difference in the world for someone.... someone may just want that same kind of relationship in their own life.

Friday Fragments

Its Friday... Thank GOD!  It has been a LONG week with this time change I'm dealing with.  And we were told yesterday that it could take up to 4 months if they can repair the bridge & up to 4 YEARS if they have to replace it.  By the time 4 years passes, I think I'll age 28 years... its like dog year calculations getting up at 4:30 am & what it does to a body.  To get my mind off this nightmare, I'm just going to frag.

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To try & find the positive in life, going into work early also means I get off work early - so I get off at 3 & its taking me 45 minutes to get home so that's nice to be home before 4.  Its going to better because the time change for the Fall is nearing & that means it gets dark by 6.... I can now get my running in before it gets dark!  Look at me finding a silver lining!!!!!!

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Yes - I know my blog is messed up again ... sigh... the designer had accidentally deleted my file from Photobucket so it has to be redone.  But she lives in a time zone that is like 8 hours ahead of me so we're having a hard time with her getting access to my blog to make the changes.  ... again, sigh....

*****

Yesterday was GORGEOUS around her.  A real fall day!  Temps in the 60's - blue skies - cool breezes!  So I take my dogs out in the back yard & play with them.  I ended up going to get my camera to take some pictures of my babies, when I was walking & not looking what I was doing.  BAM!  I kicked my bare toe in the corner of a concrete block.  It looked like someone chopped my toe off!  Blood EVERYWHERE!  I actually ripped my toenail off.  It was just hanging by one little piece.  I had no idea a toe could produce so much blood!  And my dogs are so nervous when they know something is wrong with me or Ricky so they were running around me trying to lick my toe.  It was quite a sight me jumping around screaming, trying to keep my foot high where dogs couldnt lick it, blood dripping on their heads & me trying not to drop my camera in the midst of it all.... ahh, the moments of life....

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I'm totally in LOVE with this idea that I found on Pinterest... you take a picture on your anniversary & then hold the picture for the next year's anniversary, then the next year - so on.  Can you imagine how cool it would be on like your 10th anniversary - 20th?  50th?!?!?!?!  Pass this idea on to every newlywed to start immediately!

Source: None via Rebecca on Pinterest

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I took my first spinning class last night... (with my bleeding, toenail-less pinky toe)... it was pretty cool!  Except for my "seat area"!  OH MY GOSH!  How do you train THAT area?  My post on DailyMile was, someline like, "the pain in my lady parts was too distracting from the other pain." ... if you've ever taken a class, you'll underestand that comment fully!!!!  I had jokingly told someone I was going to put kitchen towels in my pants, around my butt... now, it doesnt seem so funny & sounds like a brillant idea!

Source: google.com via Brianne on Pinterest

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Can you tell I like pinterest?  You can embed the pictures so it doesnt take up room in my space saving picture area... SCORE 1 for me!

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SPAT OF THE WEEK:  Painful Revenge!!! .... So Ricky is constantly on me at home about my tendonitis!  "Dont get on the computer" - "Dont knit" - "Dont do that workout"... it gets on my nerves.  So what happens to Ricky this week?  He had heel spurs & they are flared up.  He can barely walk & when he does, its like on his tippy toes (he's a pretty ballerina) to get the weight off his heels.  So I've been yelling at him everytime he's on his feet now... ahh - sweet revenge.  But the weekend is coming & we were glad for Ricky to get off his feet & let the heels relax some... & then, what does he do?  Someone at his work asked if he would trade with him to work this weekend... Ricky said OK!  Really?  He can barely stand as is & now he's going to only have one day off his feet.  I told him not to ever say anything to me again when I do something to aggravate my arm.  ... (really, that's why I love Ricky - he changed days with this guy to help him out... thats my generous man I love... but dont tell him I said that)

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And wanted to show you that we dont spat all the time - we can actually look happy :) ... I just have to post this mainly because I've been with Ricky for 19 years & I think we have 3 pictures together.  And 1 of those is our wedding picture!  He just refuses to take pictures... so for him to actually take a picture - & one he APPROVES of?  The world must be coming near an end....

(This picture is worth taking up space on my file)

Hope you all have a FABULOUS FRIDAY!!!!