It's no secret that I LOVE to keep my air turned down to 65 or below at night. Since I do not have a programmable thermostat, that means I've also kept the air that low for the whole day sometimes because I can forget to turn it up. As you can imagine, in the winter my power bills are low and in the summer - yeah, not so much. =)
So, I have decided to keep my air at 75 all day and all night - no touchy - for a whole month. I've made it a week now, and it hasn't been that bad. I mean, once again, this is the girl who grew up without central heat or air, so this really shouldn't be so hard. I want to see what the difference in my kwh is on my next bill. Does it make a difference to keep it at 75 all day, or is it about the same as 65 at night and 78 during the day? We shall see.
Needless to say, I had to buy JD new pj's. He's used to wearing long sleeved pajamas all year long. I bought him several new pairs, and he said he was comfortable the whole night. Today was my first day at the house the entire day and it wasn't bad at all. When you think about the fact that we had days in the 90's last week, 75 is still pretty cool.
I'll post back when the month is up.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Tips, Please!
I keep getting these $15 off $15 coupons in the mail and I try to use them - after all, that is like throwing money away. What I do is go to the clearance section, find one or two things on clearance and then use my coupon. Usually, I end up spending about $2 and walk away with clothes that were once priced at $80 or more. Obviously, the more money you spend they give you a great discount, but it's become a game to me to go in and only use the $15 off $15. Anyways, that is not my story...that just got me to the mall. =)
Before I even went to the mall today, I was craving a pretzel. I cannot even remember the last time I had a pretzel, but I'm certain it's been a couple of years - at least. Now, I'm not supposed to have pretzels on P90X, and I'll admit that, but I'm battling my hormones today and obviously losing. ha! So I walk down to Pretzel Time order a small order of pretzel bites and a drink. I pay the girl, and I'm fumbling to get napkins as she walks away. There are three workers present - one sitting on a chair, one just took care of a customer, and the girl who took my order.
As I'm trying to get napkins out of the dispenser, the girl in the chair looks up and says:
"I don't know what the deal is with these people!!! How many tips did y'all get yesterday?"
One girl responds back "Not much, obviously people are cheap."
The girl who waited on me, kind of glances back at me and says "I just waited on that lady and I didn't get tipped anything."
Chair girls says "Wow! Un-freaking-believable".
At this point I did look around for a tip jar, but didn't see one at the register I was at, so I took my napkins and walked away. Who knew you were supposed to tip at the pretzel stand? I certainly didn't. I felt a little bad, but I will be honest to say that I also felt a little like telling those three girls they needed to get up, quit complaining - "If you've got time to lean, you've got time to clean" and realize they work at a pretzel stand - not a sit down restaurant.
At this point I feel the need to defend myself and say I am known as the queen of the over tippers. Yes, I tip in the drive-thru if there is a place for it. Yes, I tip the pizza guy - even if a fee has already been charged. Subway has started asking for tips, and I tip at Subway. If there is a tip jar, I'm going to try and put something in. I was like that before I waitressed, but will admit to being even worse after having waitressed for a living. I can get horrible service and still tip 20% because I realize the server might be having a rough day and they still need to pay their bills. However, I am so confused on when I should and should not tip now. It's like every place you go people are asking for tips. I certainly don't mind paying it, but when I worked at McDonald's in high school, we never go tips. We would've been fired for accepting tips.
So, I guess that is my question. Who gets tipped? Y'all should have been there the time I first realized I was supposed to tip the person who did my hair. Oh wow....I felt horrible. No one ever mentioned I was to tip - I thought they got paid to do my hair and that was all I needed to pay. Any suggestions?
Needless to say, I won't be going to Pretzel Time again anytime soon.
Before I even went to the mall today, I was craving a pretzel. I cannot even remember the last time I had a pretzel, but I'm certain it's been a couple of years - at least. Now, I'm not supposed to have pretzels on P90X, and I'll admit that, but I'm battling my hormones today and obviously losing. ha! So I walk down to Pretzel Time order a small order of pretzel bites and a drink. I pay the girl, and I'm fumbling to get napkins as she walks away. There are three workers present - one sitting on a chair, one just took care of a customer, and the girl who took my order.
As I'm trying to get napkins out of the dispenser, the girl in the chair looks up and says:
"I don't know what the deal is with these people!!! How many tips did y'all get yesterday?"
One girl responds back "Not much, obviously people are cheap."
The girl who waited on me, kind of glances back at me and says "I just waited on that lady and I didn't get tipped anything."
Chair girls says "Wow! Un-freaking-believable".
At this point I did look around for a tip jar, but didn't see one at the register I was at, so I took my napkins and walked away. Who knew you were supposed to tip at the pretzel stand? I certainly didn't. I felt a little bad, but I will be honest to say that I also felt a little like telling those three girls they needed to get up, quit complaining - "If you've got time to lean, you've got time to clean" and realize they work at a pretzel stand - not a sit down restaurant.
At this point I feel the need to defend myself and say I am known as the queen of the over tippers. Yes, I tip in the drive-thru if there is a place for it. Yes, I tip the pizza guy - even if a fee has already been charged. Subway has started asking for tips, and I tip at Subway. If there is a tip jar, I'm going to try and put something in. I was like that before I waitressed, but will admit to being even worse after having waitressed for a living. I can get horrible service and still tip 20% because I realize the server might be having a rough day and they still need to pay their bills. However, I am so confused on when I should and should not tip now. It's like every place you go people are asking for tips. I certainly don't mind paying it, but when I worked at McDonald's in high school, we never go tips. We would've been fired for accepting tips.
So, I guess that is my question. Who gets tipped? Y'all should have been there the time I first realized I was supposed to tip the person who did my hair. Oh wow....I felt horrible. No one ever mentioned I was to tip - I thought they got paid to do my hair and that was all I needed to pay. Any suggestions?
Needless to say, I won't be going to Pretzel Time again anytime soon.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
I Have The Freedom To Stink
Originally Posted January 17, 2009
Yesterday I left work sick. My throat had started hurting and I was very achy and decided that I could be miserable at home instead of at work...that is why we have sick leave. =) So, I left work, went to Wal-Mart to get some medicine, came home and put on my pajamas. My ex-mother in law dropped JD off when he got out of school. Which, was very nice because I didn't have to leave to go get him. I took some liquid Tylenol medicine, drank a large coffee cup of hot water, lemon, and honey and proceeded to fall asleep on the couch.
Needless to say, JD pretty much had a free for all night. He got to eat frozen pizza, play Nintendo for hours, and sleep on the couch. For a kid, that is a great time. I was hurting for real by 8, so I went and got in the bed. Now, if y'all didn't know, I keep my house at about 65-67 degrees all the time. JD wears winter pj's in the summer. In the summer, the power company loves me...in the winter, not so much. Well, last night, I had my heat turned up to 75, my long sleeve, long pant pj's on, and my heating pad plugged in. Oh yeah....nice. JD was in his underwear...once again, thinking that was cool. =) I slept off and on and at midnight wake up to hear the tv still on in the living room. I didn't even have the energy to do anything about it. I woke up about 1 and it was off, so he was asleep by then. I woke up for good about 5:00. I laid in bed until 6:15 when my best friend called to check on me. She is a nurse and was on her way to work. JD gets up and is back to his Nintendo marathon.
Anyways, JD was going back to his dad's this morning, so I told him he needed to go get a shower. No joke...my kid looks at me and says "I have the freedom to stink...I'm pretty certain it is on of the amendments." Huh? I just started laughing. This is the kid who takes showers longer than a teenage girl. He was just being funny. I told him I think he was mistaken and he says "Have you read all the amendments to the Constitution? I pretty certain it is around #100." I responded back with "I'm pretty certain the only freedom you get is what your mom gives you, so you better amend yourself to the shower." He laughed and agreed that in this house, mom is the law. Man, I love being a mom. Someone on this planet has to listen to me! Ah, the power. hehehehehe
I still pretty much feel like crap, but maybe a tad less like crap than last night. I've taken up residence on the couch with my diet ginger ale, Tylenol, and cough drops.
Yesterday I left work sick. My throat had started hurting and I was very achy and decided that I could be miserable at home instead of at work...that is why we have sick leave. =) So, I left work, went to Wal-Mart to get some medicine, came home and put on my pajamas. My ex-mother in law dropped JD off when he got out of school. Which, was very nice because I didn't have to leave to go get him. I took some liquid Tylenol medicine, drank a large coffee cup of hot water, lemon, and honey and proceeded to fall asleep on the couch.
Needless to say, JD pretty much had a free for all night. He got to eat frozen pizza, play Nintendo for hours, and sleep on the couch. For a kid, that is a great time. I was hurting for real by 8, so I went and got in the bed. Now, if y'all didn't know, I keep my house at about 65-67 degrees all the time. JD wears winter pj's in the summer. In the summer, the power company loves me...in the winter, not so much. Well, last night, I had my heat turned up to 75, my long sleeve, long pant pj's on, and my heating pad plugged in. Oh yeah....nice. JD was in his underwear...once again, thinking that was cool. =) I slept off and on and at midnight wake up to hear the tv still on in the living room. I didn't even have the energy to do anything about it. I woke up about 1 and it was off, so he was asleep by then. I woke up for good about 5:00. I laid in bed until 6:15 when my best friend called to check on me. She is a nurse and was on her way to work. JD gets up and is back to his Nintendo marathon.
Anyways, JD was going back to his dad's this morning, so I told him he needed to go get a shower. No joke...my kid looks at me and says "I have the freedom to stink...I'm pretty certain it is on of the amendments." Huh? I just started laughing. This is the kid who takes showers longer than a teenage girl. He was just being funny. I told him I think he was mistaken and he says "Have you read all the amendments to the Constitution? I pretty certain it is around #100." I responded back with "I'm pretty certain the only freedom you get is what your mom gives you, so you better amend yourself to the shower." He laughed and agreed that in this house, mom is the law. Man, I love being a mom. Someone on this planet has to listen to me! Ah, the power. hehehehehe
I still pretty much feel like crap, but maybe a tad less like crap than last night. I've taken up residence on the couch with my diet ginger ale, Tylenol, and cough drops.
Two For One Special...
Originally Posted November 16, 2008
I have two thoughts on my mind, so I thought I'd just blog about both.
First, last night I went to the night air show out at the base. Most of you know that something about Patriotic music and fireworks combine to make me cry. It's odd, but true. I cry every time. Anyways, sure enough, they kicked off the fireworks and suddenly a thought hit me... I suddenly thought about how here I was sitting out at the base, watching the show, while half a world away there were guys and girls protecting me; doing something for me that I hadn't even done for myself. I realize that I am a very Patriotic person. I love this country, and I am very proud to live here. I also have great respect and admiration for our military men - who are willing to leave their families to protect mine. As I looked around last night I saw several young Navy guys in their white uniforms. I don't know the technical name for them, but if you live in this town you know the ones I mean - the uniform that screams "I'm a newbie!". As I looked at the guys, who I would consider babies on a regular day, I was struck by such a sense of overwhelming thankfulness for their sense of duty to this country. These young guys, who don't even look old enough to drive, much less go to war, have willingly decided to sign up for the military.
I also said a quick prayer for all of their mamas. As a mom, your thoughts are turned towards protecting your child from everything. I imagine I would feel great pride, yet great trepidation, if my son came home and said he wanted to go. So, last night, those unknown women were on my heart.
In closing on this subject, I just want to say a great big THANK YOU to all of my friends who have served! Thank you for helping make this country what it is. Let's all remember those who have sacrificed for us!
"It is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us the freedom of the press.
It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us the freedom of speech.
It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who gives us the freedom to demonstrate.
It is the soldier who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag."
—Father Dennis Edward O'Brien, Sergeant, USMarineCorps
That poem says it all.
On a different note...HOT CHOCOLATE SEASON HAS ARRIVED!!!
For those of you who don't know - JD and I have "hot chocolate season". Basically, this season runs from the time we put up our decorations until New Year's and we are allowed to have one cup of hot chocolate - with milk - and whip cream - everyday. It might not sound like a big deal to y'all, but it is a tradition at our house. It is just something silly that we do. Anyways, today we decorated.
And before you start - yes, it is before Thanksgiving. Got it. I know perfectly well what the date is. As a matter of fact, I've been planning for a month that this would be our day to decorate. Since we are going out of town, it is better to go ahead and decorate so we can enjoy it. Heck, even if we weren't going out of town we still decorate early.
We added some new things. I now have large, sparkly blue and silver snowflakes suspended from the ceiling. I was about a foot too short for the job, so I spent a lot of time standing in a chair on my tip toes this evening. Nice calf workout. Although, if you could have seen me juggling fishing line, snowflakes, and a hammer while on my tip toes, you probably would've laughed. We also bought another Christmas blanket - which we definitely didn't need - and more candles - which we definitely DEFINITELY didn't need. =) You know what though? We love it!!! We are now sitting here with the tree on, the candles burning, and only one other light on. It is so relaxing. If I had a fireplace, we'd have a fire. ahhhhh
Anyways, I'm going to go. It is time to clean our new Christmas coffee mugs (we get to pick out new ones each year) and make our first cup of hot chocolate. JD picked out the cup shaped like a penguin, and mine is shaped like a snowman. It is time to snuggle down!!!
This is a beautiful - and I mean absolutely amazingly beautiful life!!
I have two thoughts on my mind, so I thought I'd just blog about both.
First, last night I went to the night air show out at the base. Most of you know that something about Patriotic music and fireworks combine to make me cry. It's odd, but true. I cry every time. Anyways, sure enough, they kicked off the fireworks and suddenly a thought hit me... I suddenly thought about how here I was sitting out at the base, watching the show, while half a world away there were guys and girls protecting me; doing something for me that I hadn't even done for myself. I realize that I am a very Patriotic person. I love this country, and I am very proud to live here. I also have great respect and admiration for our military men - who are willing to leave their families to protect mine. As I looked around last night I saw several young Navy guys in their white uniforms. I don't know the technical name for them, but if you live in this town you know the ones I mean - the uniform that screams "I'm a newbie!". As I looked at the guys, who I would consider babies on a regular day, I was struck by such a sense of overwhelming thankfulness for their sense of duty to this country. These young guys, who don't even look old enough to drive, much less go to war, have willingly decided to sign up for the military.
I also said a quick prayer for all of their mamas. As a mom, your thoughts are turned towards protecting your child from everything. I imagine I would feel great pride, yet great trepidation, if my son came home and said he wanted to go. So, last night, those unknown women were on my heart.
In closing on this subject, I just want to say a great big THANK YOU to all of my friends who have served! Thank you for helping make this country what it is. Let's all remember those who have sacrificed for us!
"It is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us the freedom of the press.
It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us the freedom of speech.
It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who gives us the freedom to demonstrate.
It is the soldier who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag."
—Father Dennis Edward O'Brien, Sergeant, USMarineCorps
That poem says it all.
On a different note...HOT CHOCOLATE SEASON HAS ARRIVED!!!
For those of you who don't know - JD and I have "hot chocolate season". Basically, this season runs from the time we put up our decorations until New Year's and we are allowed to have one cup of hot chocolate - with milk - and whip cream - everyday. It might not sound like a big deal to y'all, but it is a tradition at our house. It is just something silly that we do. Anyways, today we decorated.
And before you start - yes, it is before Thanksgiving. Got it. I know perfectly well what the date is. As a matter of fact, I've been planning for a month that this would be our day to decorate. Since we are going out of town, it is better to go ahead and decorate so we can enjoy it. Heck, even if we weren't going out of town we still decorate early.
We added some new things. I now have large, sparkly blue and silver snowflakes suspended from the ceiling. I was about a foot too short for the job, so I spent a lot of time standing in a chair on my tip toes this evening. Nice calf workout. Although, if you could have seen me juggling fishing line, snowflakes, and a hammer while on my tip toes, you probably would've laughed. We also bought another Christmas blanket - which we definitely didn't need - and more candles - which we definitely DEFINITELY didn't need. =) You know what though? We love it!!! We are now sitting here with the tree on, the candles burning, and only one other light on. It is so relaxing. If I had a fireplace, we'd have a fire. ahhhhh
Anyways, I'm going to go. It is time to clean our new Christmas coffee mugs (we get to pick out new ones each year) and make our first cup of hot chocolate. JD picked out the cup shaped like a penguin, and mine is shaped like a snowman. It is time to snuggle down!!!
This is a beautiful - and I mean absolutely amazingly beautiful life!!
Lace Up Your Shoes And Start Running...Faster Now
Originally Posted October 20, 2008
Okay, so I know I tend to blog a lot about the same things...however, it is just me. Maybe that means God is trying to tell me something and apparently He feels the need to retell me over and over because I'm a little thick headed. In turn, I share it with y'all.
Tonight, I decided to run down the road for something...not literally, but in the car. It was right before the sun was starting to set, and as I headed out I couldn't help but notice just how beautiful it was outside. It just felt clean. I ran my errand, and headed back west - right into the beautiful sunset. I felt like I could drive forever - and just watch the sun go down. It was a sky filled with colors that really have no names...hard to describe because words like, pink, orange, red, with a hint of blue, just don't seem to describe the majestic painting that was there for all to see. Once again...Fall is here.
This is my probably my favorite time of year to run. The air feels clean and crisp, and after months of feeling like you are breathing under water with all the humidity, you really appreciate the change. It's like one day it is 97 degrees with 98% humidity, and the next it is a nice 80 without humidity.
On my drive tonight I once again began to think about how we are all running. We are either running from something or to something, and sometimes we are doing both.
Sometimes we lace up our shoes and just start running trying to outrun ourselves, or someone else, and we have no destination in mind - just running to get away. We run until we can't breathe, until our legs are jelly, until there is no thought but just putting one foot in front of the other and moving. We run so that we don't have to think. We get up, go to work, go through the motions, compartmentalize, run home, do all of our errands, and run until exhausted, we fall asleep - or not. Even then, we are running to something. However, because we are running blindly, we are not creating our destiny, but desperately just trying to stay out of the pot holes, briers, or ditches that come up. We have our heads down, blinders on, and just can't seem to stop for fear that the stray dog that is chasing us just might catch up. We know that if we stop, we are through. We are running out of desperation.
Then there are the times when we lace up, map out our plan, strap on the iPod, drink some water, open the door to a new day, and begin a run that will put us on the path to fulfilling God's greatness in our life. We say a prayer, we put our faith in Him, and we set out. We start at a nice jog, breathe in the fresh clean air, feel our muscles start to kick in, and realize that this will be a fantastic run. We look at the obstacles around us - the pot holes, briers, ditches, stray dogs - and see them for what they really are - just a test for our strength. We look around and see the wondrous mercies that have been afforded us. We take in the scenery. We pick up the pace, wave to the neighbors, run with our head held high, run until our legs start to feel stronger, until our lungs are filled with praise, until our heart starts to beat with His. We run until we realize that while we might have mapped out a plan, He has a greater one. He has a plan that might not lead us where we thought - as a matter of fact, it probably won't - yet, we look around and can see that you are right where you are supposed to be. We are running out of praise, out of love, out of thankfulness, out of excitement for the future.
I have been in both pairs of shoes...on both paths. I ran out of desperation. I ran until I realized that unless I am running out of love, I'm not going to be able to complete the course. I ran until, exhausted, I finally decided that nothing, not even the pot holes, briers, and dogs, could be worse than that feeling. Nothing could be worse than always trying to run faster - and not being able to outrun the true reason I felt couldn't stop - because no matter how fast I ran, I couldn't outrun myself. I woke up and realized that I was so tangled up in everything, that I was really running in place, like on a treadmill, and it would never end. I took off the blinders, looked around, and promptly broke down.
Then thankfully, I began to run again. I began to move in a new way, with new thoughts, with new beginnings. I stepped off the treadmill, and hit the road. I gave it over, and now I no longer run alone. I always have Him there to guide me. I have Him to run ahead, check out the path, and tell me how to proceed. Now, do I always go with the plan? I would like to say, yes, however, sometimes I forget that I don't have to do it on my own. You know what, though? As soon as I come back to my senses, He is still there waiting. Always waiting for me. Always reminding me that the path ahead will lead to good things. Always telling me that even when it's raining, when the mosquitoes are out, when the sun is so hot it is almost like the pavement is melting, when the path is bumpy, He is right there.
So, tonight, I am thankful. I'm thankful for this beautiful weather, thankful for this beautiful life. I am most thankful for His plan for my life. I am ready to put on my running shoes and continue to run into my destiny. The one that is created just for me - not out of desperation, but out of love. I am thankful that I don't have to do it on my own, because truly I am not that strong.
I hope y'all have a wonderful night! I am so looking forward to literally putting on my running shoes tomorrow, and taking it outside! Woo hoo!
Okay, so I know I tend to blog a lot about the same things...however, it is just me. Maybe that means God is trying to tell me something and apparently He feels the need to retell me over and over because I'm a little thick headed. In turn, I share it with y'all.
Tonight, I decided to run down the road for something...not literally, but in the car. It was right before the sun was starting to set, and as I headed out I couldn't help but notice just how beautiful it was outside. It just felt clean. I ran my errand, and headed back west - right into the beautiful sunset. I felt like I could drive forever - and just watch the sun go down. It was a sky filled with colors that really have no names...hard to describe because words like, pink, orange, red, with a hint of blue, just don't seem to describe the majestic painting that was there for all to see. Once again...Fall is here.
This is my probably my favorite time of year to run. The air feels clean and crisp, and after months of feeling like you are breathing under water with all the humidity, you really appreciate the change. It's like one day it is 97 degrees with 98% humidity, and the next it is a nice 80 without humidity.
On my drive tonight I once again began to think about how we are all running. We are either running from something or to something, and sometimes we are doing both.
Sometimes we lace up our shoes and just start running trying to outrun ourselves, or someone else, and we have no destination in mind - just running to get away. We run until we can't breathe, until our legs are jelly, until there is no thought but just putting one foot in front of the other and moving. We run so that we don't have to think. We get up, go to work, go through the motions, compartmentalize, run home, do all of our errands, and run until exhausted, we fall asleep - or not. Even then, we are running to something. However, because we are running blindly, we are not creating our destiny, but desperately just trying to stay out of the pot holes, briers, or ditches that come up. We have our heads down, blinders on, and just can't seem to stop for fear that the stray dog that is chasing us just might catch up. We know that if we stop, we are through. We are running out of desperation.
Then there are the times when we lace up, map out our plan, strap on the iPod, drink some water, open the door to a new day, and begin a run that will put us on the path to fulfilling God's greatness in our life. We say a prayer, we put our faith in Him, and we set out. We start at a nice jog, breathe in the fresh clean air, feel our muscles start to kick in, and realize that this will be a fantastic run. We look at the obstacles around us - the pot holes, briers, ditches, stray dogs - and see them for what they really are - just a test for our strength. We look around and see the wondrous mercies that have been afforded us. We take in the scenery. We pick up the pace, wave to the neighbors, run with our head held high, run until our legs start to feel stronger, until our lungs are filled with praise, until our heart starts to beat with His. We run until we realize that while we might have mapped out a plan, He has a greater one. He has a plan that might not lead us where we thought - as a matter of fact, it probably won't - yet, we look around and can see that you are right where you are supposed to be. We are running out of praise, out of love, out of thankfulness, out of excitement for the future.
I have been in both pairs of shoes...on both paths. I ran out of desperation. I ran until I realized that unless I am running out of love, I'm not going to be able to complete the course. I ran until, exhausted, I finally decided that nothing, not even the pot holes, briers, and dogs, could be worse than that feeling. Nothing could be worse than always trying to run faster - and not being able to outrun the true reason I felt couldn't stop - because no matter how fast I ran, I couldn't outrun myself. I woke up and realized that I was so tangled up in everything, that I was really running in place, like on a treadmill, and it would never end. I took off the blinders, looked around, and promptly broke down.
Then thankfully, I began to run again. I began to move in a new way, with new thoughts, with new beginnings. I stepped off the treadmill, and hit the road. I gave it over, and now I no longer run alone. I always have Him there to guide me. I have Him to run ahead, check out the path, and tell me how to proceed. Now, do I always go with the plan? I would like to say, yes, however, sometimes I forget that I don't have to do it on my own. You know what, though? As soon as I come back to my senses, He is still there waiting. Always waiting for me. Always reminding me that the path ahead will lead to good things. Always telling me that even when it's raining, when the mosquitoes are out, when the sun is so hot it is almost like the pavement is melting, when the path is bumpy, He is right there.
So, tonight, I am thankful. I'm thankful for this beautiful weather, thankful for this beautiful life. I am most thankful for His plan for my life. I am ready to put on my running shoes and continue to run into my destiny. The one that is created just for me - not out of desperation, but out of love. I am thankful that I don't have to do it on my own, because truly I am not that strong.
I hope y'all have a wonderful night! I am so looking forward to literally putting on my running shoes tomorrow, and taking it outside! Woo hoo!
Grilling Out...Starting Fires?
Originally Posted July 2, 2008
Ok, so I think the exact quote was - "Mama, this is so fun. This is so exciting!! This is the first time we've grilled out that we didn't start a fire!!!". You know...kids don't forget a darn thing, ever! Two times of almost starting fires with a grill and you're forever labeled as a danger. Geez!
Most of y'all know the bad grilling stories, so I won't get back into that now, but needless to say, after 4 years, I decided to try my hand at grilling again. This time I prepared though. I read the "Girls Guide to Grilling" over the weekend, even bought myself a grilling spatula. I bought my grill AND put it together myself. Ok, so it only cooks four or five hamburgers at once, but I still put it together. I got everything else together, grabbed my grill, my new spatula, the long lighter, and went outside to light the grill.
Let me insert here that I'm glad Johnny was coming up at that moment to drop JD off because I had bought the smallest bag of charcoal and it said to use the whole bag and I am a rule follower to fault. However, Johnny took one look at the bag and said it would fill my whole grill up with charcoal, so half a bag was all I needed. Now I have enough for another time. Anyways, off track in this story again...
The grill is lit and HOLY SMOKES some good flames came up, but I was reassured that was right. JD and I sat on the steps and watched the charcoal turn white and talked. He thinks that in the future we will have instagrills that cook burgers in seconds on a charcoal grill. I reminded him that if it only took seconds we wouldn't be able to sit outside talking like we were - and let me tell you, JD and I can do a LOT of talking in an hour outside with no TV, cell phones, Nintendos or other items to distract us from our communication skills. Plus, he was a good runner. I made him get the pans and stuff I needed while I watched our burgers - then hot dogs - then sausage. I might have cooked too much.
Laura, Scott, the kids, and the dog came over to share in our "Kim and JD celebrate the 4th of July Spectacular on July 1st". That is why we were grilling out. JD will be with Johnny and he wanted to celebrate 4th of July with me, too. So, in our unconventional way, we did. I only dropped 2 hot dogs,which Buffy was happy about. I guess I need more utensils than just a spatula. =)
The true test came when we sat down to eat. Holy smokes, it was good. It was really really good. It was good enough that at 5:00 this morning, JD wakes up and says "Mom, those burgers last night were DELICIOUS!!!". That is another thing...diet Sunkist has caffeine in it. I didn't realize that until right before bed last night. Both of us drank enough diet Sunkist to float a boat, so we were awake a LOT! It was worth it.
I'm glad we don't have those insta-grills, yet. If so, I wouldn't have been sitting there minding my own burgers when JD says "Mama, this is so fun. This is so exciting!! This is the first time we've grilled out that we didn't start a fire!!!". I laughed until I almost cried. He was serious, and it was funny. Then I said "Well son, I've still got time. Let's don't count our chickens until all our food is inside and the grill is cool." We both laughed at that.
All in all, I would have to say our cook-out went off pretty good. Heck, who knows? I could become professional grill master. Well...maybe not so much.
This life is a beautiful one!
Ok, so I think the exact quote was - "Mama, this is so fun. This is so exciting!! This is the first time we've grilled out that we didn't start a fire!!!". You know...kids don't forget a darn thing, ever! Two times of almost starting fires with a grill and you're forever labeled as a danger. Geez!
Most of y'all know the bad grilling stories, so I won't get back into that now, but needless to say, after 4 years, I decided to try my hand at grilling again. This time I prepared though. I read the "Girls Guide to Grilling" over the weekend, even bought myself a grilling spatula. I bought my grill AND put it together myself. Ok, so it only cooks four or five hamburgers at once, but I still put it together. I got everything else together, grabbed my grill, my new spatula, the long lighter, and went outside to light the grill.
Let me insert here that I'm glad Johnny was coming up at that moment to drop JD off because I had bought the smallest bag of charcoal and it said to use the whole bag and I am a rule follower to fault. However, Johnny took one look at the bag and said it would fill my whole grill up with charcoal, so half a bag was all I needed. Now I have enough for another time. Anyways, off track in this story again...
The grill is lit and HOLY SMOKES some good flames came up, but I was reassured that was right. JD and I sat on the steps and watched the charcoal turn white and talked. He thinks that in the future we will have instagrills that cook burgers in seconds on a charcoal grill. I reminded him that if it only took seconds we wouldn't be able to sit outside talking like we were - and let me tell you, JD and I can do a LOT of talking in an hour outside with no TV, cell phones, Nintendos or other items to distract us from our communication skills. Plus, he was a good runner. I made him get the pans and stuff I needed while I watched our burgers - then hot dogs - then sausage. I might have cooked too much.
Laura, Scott, the kids, and the dog came over to share in our "Kim and JD celebrate the 4th of July Spectacular on July 1st". That is why we were grilling out. JD will be with Johnny and he wanted to celebrate 4th of July with me, too. So, in our unconventional way, we did. I only dropped 2 hot dogs,which Buffy was happy about. I guess I need more utensils than just a spatula. =)
The true test came when we sat down to eat. Holy smokes, it was good. It was really really good. It was good enough that at 5:00 this morning, JD wakes up and says "Mom, those burgers last night were DELICIOUS!!!". That is another thing...diet Sunkist has caffeine in it. I didn't realize that until right before bed last night. Both of us drank enough diet Sunkist to float a boat, so we were awake a LOT! It was worth it.
I'm glad we don't have those insta-grills, yet. If so, I wouldn't have been sitting there minding my own burgers when JD says "Mama, this is so fun. This is so exciting!! This is the first time we've grilled out that we didn't start a fire!!!". I laughed until I almost cried. He was serious, and it was funny. Then I said "Well son, I've still got time. Let's don't count our chickens until all our food is inside and the grill is cool." We both laughed at that.
All in all, I would have to say our cook-out went off pretty good. Heck, who knows? I could become professional grill master. Well...maybe not so much.
This life is a beautiful one!
Celebrating Life...
Originally Posted December 6, 2007
We all know what tomorrow is for our country, but tomorrow is an important day in my life for another reason. It is on this day 60 years ago that my mother was born. Wow...I can hardly believe that my mom would have been 60 tomorrow. I can't picture her at that age.
In all honesty, how I usually picture her is on this day 10 years ago, when we celebrated her 50th birthday. All of my sisters were in town, which was a very rare occasion. It was cold, much like today. I was 18 and thought I owned the world. I was only a few short months away from being married and believed that everything would work out perfectly. On this night though we went to McGuire's.
I've thought about my mom this evening. It is strange how time can change a memory and what was once so fresh in your mind, is now a fading impression of what used to be. I can't really remember her laugh anymore, yet, I can fully hear her saying "KIMBERLY SUZETTE!!!".
In some ways I am so confident in my role as mother. I realize that no matter what happens in life - whether your mom was Mom of the Year every year your whole life, or if your mom seriously lacked in areas, the bottom line is that no one will ever be your mother. As a woman, it is especially hard sometimes to know that no one on this Earth is supposed to love you like your mom and when that person is gone, who is supposed to fill that spot? Who is the person that was there when you were born, held your hand when you were hurt, took pictures of your first prom, taught you about life - in some good ways and in bad, was supposed to love everything about you inside and out? We learn a lot from our mothers. Sometimes we want to grow up and be exactly who they were, sometimes we want to take their mistakes and not make them ours. No matter what, the bottom line is that you only have one mother.
So tonight, if your mom is still here, maybe you should give her a call. After all, that night 10 years ago, I really had no way of knowing how much life would change - and just how quick. No way of knowing that in just under 2 and a half years later, when I was just 21 and she was just 52, that my mom would no longer be here. And that honestly, what she taught me in the end, is that sometimes things really don't "just work out". Sometimes things are left unresolved and you just have to believe that God is still in control. You just have to believe that God knew how things would end. Then you have to make a promise to yourself to try and live everyday with a fullness of life and a thankful heart. You have to decide to make the past the past and go on.
So, tomorrow, this time 60 years ago, in essence started a life that would ultimately bring me where I am today. And for that, I am thankful beyond what I can even articulate. I am thankful for this opportunity at life. I am thankful that I can be a mom to my son. I thank her, for giving me this chance.
I thank you Lord for making me whole.
~Especially tonight - this life is a beautiful one!~
We all know what tomorrow is for our country, but tomorrow is an important day in my life for another reason. It is on this day 60 years ago that my mother was born. Wow...I can hardly believe that my mom would have been 60 tomorrow. I can't picture her at that age.
In all honesty, how I usually picture her is on this day 10 years ago, when we celebrated her 50th birthday. All of my sisters were in town, which was a very rare occasion. It was cold, much like today. I was 18 and thought I owned the world. I was only a few short months away from being married and believed that everything would work out perfectly. On this night though we went to McGuire's.
I've thought about my mom this evening. It is strange how time can change a memory and what was once so fresh in your mind, is now a fading impression of what used to be. I can't really remember her laugh anymore, yet, I can fully hear her saying "KIMBERLY SUZETTE!!!".
In some ways I am so confident in my role as mother. I realize that no matter what happens in life - whether your mom was Mom of the Year every year your whole life, or if your mom seriously lacked in areas, the bottom line is that no one will ever be your mother. As a woman, it is especially hard sometimes to know that no one on this Earth is supposed to love you like your mom and when that person is gone, who is supposed to fill that spot? Who is the person that was there when you were born, held your hand when you were hurt, took pictures of your first prom, taught you about life - in some good ways and in bad, was supposed to love everything about you inside and out? We learn a lot from our mothers. Sometimes we want to grow up and be exactly who they were, sometimes we want to take their mistakes and not make them ours. No matter what, the bottom line is that you only have one mother.
So tonight, if your mom is still here, maybe you should give her a call. After all, that night 10 years ago, I really had no way of knowing how much life would change - and just how quick. No way of knowing that in just under 2 and a half years later, when I was just 21 and she was just 52, that my mom would no longer be here. And that honestly, what she taught me in the end, is that sometimes things really don't "just work out". Sometimes things are left unresolved and you just have to believe that God is still in control. You just have to believe that God knew how things would end. Then you have to make a promise to yourself to try and live everyday with a fullness of life and a thankful heart. You have to decide to make the past the past and go on.
So, tomorrow, this time 60 years ago, in essence started a life that would ultimately bring me where I am today. And for that, I am thankful beyond what I can even articulate. I am thankful for this opportunity at life. I am thankful that I can be a mom to my son. I thank her, for giving me this chance.
I thank you Lord for making me whole.
~Especially tonight - this life is a beautiful one!~
Talents
Posted December 4, 2007
If God gives us all talents and gifts to use to serve Him, I've often wondered what mine are. I mean, let's face it...I sing loud, but not well. I can definitely play a musical instrument, but it's been a while. Ok, so I can worship. Actually, I love to worship. However, when you think about conventional talents, I often think that I lack in this department. I can make people laugh, but is that a talent? I'm not so certain. I think I can be a great listener (hard to believe with as much as I talk, huh?), but really that's not a talent. I tend to attract strangers in Wal-Mart. I mean, not guys hitting on me in Wal-Mart although that does occasionally happen. I mean that people just walk up to me and start talking to me, not just in Wal-Mart, but in all public places. Is that a talent? It's kind of bizarre, but not what one would consider a talent. And before you jump to conclusions, NO, I don't start talking to them first. I really can't explain it. I don't really even notice it anymore, usually someone I'm with will say "Did you notice that 4 people have come up and talked to you since we've been here - and that's not including the 3 people you saw that you knew?" Is being friendly a talent?
Anyways, I looked up the word "talent" to see what it is defined as...."a special often creative aptitude - a marked innate ability". So, I naturally talk...a lot..is that a talent? I think some would consider it a challenge. ha!
Well, all this pondering lead me to thinking about how God has made each of us different. No two of us are the same. Yes, I know that we've all heard that over and over since the time we were little, but have you ever really stopped to think about what that meant? Ever really took a moment to think about how awesome it is that our Creator took the time to make each of us in a unique way that ultimately is pleasing to Him? Wow...that is kind of refreshing. That means that bump in my nose, or my crooked pinkie fingers *yes, they look kind of funny* was done on purpose. That means that my huge feet for such a short person, were not a mistake. That means the fact that I can talk to almost anyone one on one perfectly fine - could even entertain a whole room of people, but get me up front and make me believe that everyone has to listen to me and I break out in hives - Holy smokes! That was done of purpose! Hmmmmm.....that also means that I was given a unique personality, complete with unique thoughts. I was made to be exactly the person that I am. That also means that even if I don't see my talents right off, that God placed them in me for a reason. That is such an interesting concept. If you really think about it, maybe you'll appreciate the things about yourself that make you unique. I mean, hey if God thought to put that there, who am I to argue?
I guess that means I'll continue to talk to strangers at Wal-Mart, listen to their stories on their lives, help them pick out candles, give them a quick smile. Heck, maybe the only person who was nice to them that day was me. Could you imagine how sad it would be to know that the only person you talked to all day, or who took an interest in you at all, was a stranger at a grocery store? How much sadder would it be if that stranger had walked away unaware that they had an opportunity to brighten some one's day?
We all have some kind of gifts to bring to the table, why not celebrate that?
If God gives us all talents and gifts to use to serve Him, I've often wondered what mine are. I mean, let's face it...I sing loud, but not well. I can definitely play a musical instrument, but it's been a while. Ok, so I can worship. Actually, I love to worship. However, when you think about conventional talents, I often think that I lack in this department. I can make people laugh, but is that a talent? I'm not so certain. I think I can be a great listener (hard to believe with as much as I talk, huh?), but really that's not a talent. I tend to attract strangers in Wal-Mart. I mean, not guys hitting on me in Wal-Mart although that does occasionally happen. I mean that people just walk up to me and start talking to me, not just in Wal-Mart, but in all public places. Is that a talent? It's kind of bizarre, but not what one would consider a talent. And before you jump to conclusions, NO, I don't start talking to them first. I really can't explain it. I don't really even notice it anymore, usually someone I'm with will say "Did you notice that 4 people have come up and talked to you since we've been here - and that's not including the 3 people you saw that you knew?" Is being friendly a talent?
Anyways, I looked up the word "talent" to see what it is defined as...."a special often creative aptitude - a marked innate ability". So, I naturally talk...a lot..is that a talent? I think some would consider it a challenge. ha!
Well, all this pondering lead me to thinking about how God has made each of us different. No two of us are the same. Yes, I know that we've all heard that over and over since the time we were little, but have you ever really stopped to think about what that meant? Ever really took a moment to think about how awesome it is that our Creator took the time to make each of us in a unique way that ultimately is pleasing to Him? Wow...that is kind of refreshing. That means that bump in my nose, or my crooked pinkie fingers *yes, they look kind of funny* was done on purpose. That means that my huge feet for such a short person, were not a mistake. That means the fact that I can talk to almost anyone one on one perfectly fine - could even entertain a whole room of people, but get me up front and make me believe that everyone has to listen to me and I break out in hives - Holy smokes! That was done of purpose! Hmmmmm.....that also means that I was given a unique personality, complete with unique thoughts. I was made to be exactly the person that I am. That also means that even if I don't see my talents right off, that God placed them in me for a reason. That is such an interesting concept. If you really think about it, maybe you'll appreciate the things about yourself that make you unique. I mean, hey if God thought to put that there, who am I to argue?
I guess that means I'll continue to talk to strangers at Wal-Mart, listen to their stories on their lives, help them pick out candles, give them a quick smile. Heck, maybe the only person who was nice to them that day was me. Could you imagine how sad it would be to know that the only person you talked to all day, or who took an interest in you at all, was a stranger at a grocery store? How much sadder would it be if that stranger had walked away unaware that they had an opportunity to brighten some one's day?
We all have some kind of gifts to bring to the table, why not celebrate that?
Lessons Learned...
Posted October 21, 2007
Here are somethings I've learned in my 28 and a half years here:
Being happy is a choice. Sometimes if you can make yourself smile, you really will feel better. However, sometimes crying is just the thing you will need. My child thinks I'm awesome - he's my biggest fan, and I'm his. I can't change things that happened as a child, but I can learn from them. I can forgive people, too. I'm going to need that same forgiveness. Sometimes, you meet someone and they are a jerk....they aren't going to change just for you. Sometimes your first impression is right on the mark. Sometimes you need to revise that first impression, or you might miss out on something good. An ordinary day can turn into a day that you look back on and know that it was a defining moment in your life. Be prepared. You need a sense of humor. It's ok to laugh at yourself, shoot I'm my biggest source of entertainment. Everyone does not think like me - and that works both ways. I'm not always right. Sometimes I'm right and I don't need to tell everyone that - but sometimes I do. Being a single mom is hard work, heck being a parent period is hard work. It is sooooo worth it! Life isn't best played on the sidelines. Older men and married men seem to think I'm a catch. Somehow that doesn't make me feel any better. =) Cheeseburgers only feel good for a few minutes. Exercise feels good for a long time. Jumping rope was way easier as a kid. There is nothing wrong with just being me. I still don't like to do laundry. I still have to do laundry. Singing in the car makes me relax...and the other drivers get a good laugh. God really does have a plan. Sometimes it just seems like it takes forever for that plan to be revealed. The train is always going to be the longest one ever when you are running late getting back from lunch. You can spend everyday wishing for something else and never take the time to appreciate where you are today. Unhappy people generally blame everyone else. Kindness goes a long way. I will make mistakes and misjudge people. I will get my heart broken. Every now and then, I'm going to just have a bad day. With a little nudge I would be adventurous. I am a great mom. Above all else...once again...God really does have a plan and it really is worth it.
Here are somethings I've learned in my 28 and a half years here:
Being happy is a choice. Sometimes if you can make yourself smile, you really will feel better. However, sometimes crying is just the thing you will need. My child thinks I'm awesome - he's my biggest fan, and I'm his. I can't change things that happened as a child, but I can learn from them. I can forgive people, too. I'm going to need that same forgiveness. Sometimes, you meet someone and they are a jerk....they aren't going to change just for you. Sometimes your first impression is right on the mark. Sometimes you need to revise that first impression, or you might miss out on something good. An ordinary day can turn into a day that you look back on and know that it was a defining moment in your life. Be prepared. You need a sense of humor. It's ok to laugh at yourself, shoot I'm my biggest source of entertainment. Everyone does not think like me - and that works both ways. I'm not always right. Sometimes I'm right and I don't need to tell everyone that - but sometimes I do. Being a single mom is hard work, heck being a parent period is hard work. It is sooooo worth it! Life isn't best played on the sidelines. Older men and married men seem to think I'm a catch. Somehow that doesn't make me feel any better. =) Cheeseburgers only feel good for a few minutes. Exercise feels good for a long time. Jumping rope was way easier as a kid. There is nothing wrong with just being me. I still don't like to do laundry. I still have to do laundry. Singing in the car makes me relax...and the other drivers get a good laugh. God really does have a plan. Sometimes it just seems like it takes forever for that plan to be revealed. The train is always going to be the longest one ever when you are running late getting back from lunch. You can spend everyday wishing for something else and never take the time to appreciate where you are today. Unhappy people generally blame everyone else. Kindness goes a long way. I will make mistakes and misjudge people. I will get my heart broken. Every now and then, I'm going to just have a bad day. With a little nudge I would be adventurous. I am a great mom. Above all else...once again...God really does have a plan and it really is worth it.
Waking Up Worrying...
Originally Posted October 2, 2007
I find it amazing sometimes how you can read something, and then when you least expect it, that will come rushing back to you so clearly that you know it was meant for that exact moment.
This morning, I woke up at the great time of 3:30. I know, I know...what am I doing up that early? Well, honestly, I woke up worrying. There are a lot of things going on this week and being the over analyzer that I am, I woke up trying to figure out the future. A funny thing happened though...I woke up and headed down the worrying path, when suddenly this thought came to my head
"Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?"
I almost started laughing at the irony. Here I am, wide awake at 3:30, trying to worry about things that I have no control over, and into my mind pops a scripture that I've read a hundred times. Did I go back to sleep? Well, of course not. I didn't worry like I was, but once I'm up - I'm pretty much up, so I went and got a nice relaxing bath instead.
Well, tonight I decided to look that scripture up and reread that passage. What touched my heart is not so much the part that I remembered, but the part a little ways after....
"Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?...Seek the kingdom of God above all else and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:27-30 & 33
Once again, I am truly amazed by how the mind works. However, I am even more amazed at how God works. So, tonight, I am considering the lilies, and thanking God that He already has everything under control. As the Bible says, if He takes care of the flowers, how much more so does He love and want to take care of me?
Now, I'm off to sleep....after all, I've been up since 3:30. =)
I find it amazing sometimes how you can read something, and then when you least expect it, that will come rushing back to you so clearly that you know it was meant for that exact moment.
This morning, I woke up at the great time of 3:30. I know, I know...what am I doing up that early? Well, honestly, I woke up worrying. There are a lot of things going on this week and being the over analyzer that I am, I woke up trying to figure out the future. A funny thing happened though...I woke up and headed down the worrying path, when suddenly this thought came to my head
"Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?"
I almost started laughing at the irony. Here I am, wide awake at 3:30, trying to worry about things that I have no control over, and into my mind pops a scripture that I've read a hundred times. Did I go back to sleep? Well, of course not. I didn't worry like I was, but once I'm up - I'm pretty much up, so I went and got a nice relaxing bath instead.
Well, tonight I decided to look that scripture up and reread that passage. What touched my heart is not so much the part that I remembered, but the part a little ways after....
"Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?...Seek the kingdom of God above all else and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:27-30 & 33
Once again, I am truly amazed by how the mind works. However, I am even more amazed at how God works. So, tonight, I am considering the lilies, and thanking God that He already has everything under control. As the Bible says, if He takes care of the flowers, how much more so does He love and want to take care of me?
Now, I'm off to sleep....after all, I've been up since 3:30. =)
Random Events...
Originally Posted July 12, 2007
So, these are just random things that have happened to me in the last few days.....
Monday, my friend Theresa and I went to lunch. As we are leaving the gentleman (loose term here) behind the counter sees my work badge and says "Is that an old picture of you?" I smile and say "Actually, it was just from April". He takes a second looks at me and says "You look better with long hair. You need to let it grow back out. Oh, and you look older in person." At which point I just smile and say "Why thank you, sir, I'll keep that in mind." That was hilarious. I definitely wasn't expecting that one!
Yesterday I went to get my oil changed. It was just a tiny bit overdue (ok, maybe it's more than a tiny bit overdue, but there's only one person who knows for sure how long it's been and they better not be talking... )and I knew I needed to get it changed, so I went on my lunch break to take care of that. I went to one of those 10 minute oil change places and there was no wait...what a blessing! Then came the part I hate...when they try to sell you all kinds of extra things to where my $35 oil change would have cost $391. Sometimes I wonder if I were a guy (not that I want to be a guy thank you very much...I'm extremely happy being me) if they would treat me the same way. Needless to say, the guy came in about 5 times and tried his best to get me to buy all kinds of things. Well, I left....w/only the $35 oil change. I was so proud of myself for taking care of my stuff. Then, I get back to work and look down....I ruined one of my favorite pair of pants. They had black oily stuff on the legs. I pulled out my Tide pen and got most of it off, but it was still there. As my pants are drying someone comes by and tells me that we have to go visit a couple of departments. The departments recently hired new employees and their managers wanted them to meet me.....great....meet new people with dirty pants! Luckily, I hadn't sat in anything - that would come later.
After work, Veronica asked me if I would ride to Hobby Lobby with her. Which I've got to say...I love V, but I hate Hobby Lobby. I said yes and we decided to eat our standard O'Charlie's salads before we went in to Hobby Lobby. Now you have to understand, when we go to O'Charlies it's like time slows down when they see us coming. We are always there for a long time and we never order anything but salads, so why it takes so long....I'm not certain. Anyways, we are sitting there laughing up a storm and there are 2 guys at the table behind us. One turns around and wants to know if they could buy us a "Pinktini" drink because they want to see what it looks like, but neither one wants to drink a pink drink. Well, we said sure. Before you jump to conclusions....No, these guys were not hitting on us. If they had been hitting on us, we wouldn't have allowed them to buy the drink. We just don't play that way...she's married and I'm not interested. They didn't even really say anything else after the drink came out. Well, since V was driving, I took a sip thinking I would just humor the guys who paid $8 for a drink. Turns out, the drink is good. I ended up drinking it.....which in turn made me VERY sleepy and a little extra giggly!
We left and went to Hobby Lobby, which always makes me feel seriously inadequate. I can make up stories and songs off the top of my head, but ask me to prepare a craft and I break out in hives. It's like this.....when people like Veronica and Laura walk into Hobby Lobby it's like the heavens part and angels sing for the chosen children have come home. When I walk in it is almost like the old west town where the whole town closes up and tumble weed rolls down the street because something bad is about to happen. Well, we made our purchases quickly and leave...at which point V says "When did you get all that stuff on the back of your pants?" Yes, for all of those who think it's funny when someone sits in something, I had somehow gotten black stuff on the back and side of my pants......needless to say, the pants are ruined!
Then today, I get up early to go to Krispy Kreme. We had a department meeting at work and I needed to stop and pick up doughnuts. I arrive at Krispy Kreme at 6:30 where I promptly do the mexican stand off with the only two workers in the store....I stare at them and they stare at me for about five minutes before one of them decides I must be a real customer trying to buy real doughnuts. I politely tell the young lady that I need a dozen assorted doughnuts and a dozen glazed, when I hear "I'm sorry, we don't have doughnuts". I thought I had heard wrong, so I ask again. She says "I said we don't have any glazed doughnuts". I immediately look around like maybe I am not really in a doughnut shop. She tells me I can come back in 20-30 minutes and then they will have doughnuts. I just smiled and walked with a look of amazement on my face out the door. I mean, that's like going into Starbucks and being told they don't have coffee!! I came back about an hour later, ordered the doughnuts and a frozen coffee and the same lady gets my frozen coffee. When I ask her for a lid, she comes back and says "We didn't have any regular lids, so I took the scissors and cut a hole in this one for you" as long as it works....
I think sometimes God allows bizarre things to happen to me because He knows that I am going to get a good kick out of it!
So, these are just random things that have happened to me in the last few days.....
Monday, my friend Theresa and I went to lunch. As we are leaving the gentleman (loose term here) behind the counter sees my work badge and says "Is that an old picture of you?" I smile and say "Actually, it was just from April". He takes a second looks at me and says "You look better with long hair. You need to let it grow back out. Oh, and you look older in person." At which point I just smile and say "Why thank you, sir, I'll keep that in mind." That was hilarious. I definitely wasn't expecting that one!
Yesterday I went to get my oil changed. It was just a tiny bit overdue (ok, maybe it's more than a tiny bit overdue, but there's only one person who knows for sure how long it's been and they better not be talking... )and I knew I needed to get it changed, so I went on my lunch break to take care of that. I went to one of those 10 minute oil change places and there was no wait...what a blessing! Then came the part I hate...when they try to sell you all kinds of extra things to where my $35 oil change would have cost $391. Sometimes I wonder if I were a guy (not that I want to be a guy thank you very much...I'm extremely happy being me) if they would treat me the same way. Needless to say, the guy came in about 5 times and tried his best to get me to buy all kinds of things. Well, I left....w/only the $35 oil change. I was so proud of myself for taking care of my stuff. Then, I get back to work and look down....I ruined one of my favorite pair of pants. They had black oily stuff on the legs. I pulled out my Tide pen and got most of it off, but it was still there. As my pants are drying someone comes by and tells me that we have to go visit a couple of departments. The departments recently hired new employees and their managers wanted them to meet me.....great....meet new people with dirty pants! Luckily, I hadn't sat in anything - that would come later.
After work, Veronica asked me if I would ride to Hobby Lobby with her. Which I've got to say...I love V, but I hate Hobby Lobby. I said yes and we decided to eat our standard O'Charlie's salads before we went in to Hobby Lobby. Now you have to understand, when we go to O'Charlies it's like time slows down when they see us coming. We are always there for a long time and we never order anything but salads, so why it takes so long....I'm not certain. Anyways, we are sitting there laughing up a storm and there are 2 guys at the table behind us. One turns around and wants to know if they could buy us a "Pinktini" drink because they want to see what it looks like, but neither one wants to drink a pink drink. Well, we said sure. Before you jump to conclusions....No, these guys were not hitting on us. If they had been hitting on us, we wouldn't have allowed them to buy the drink. We just don't play that way...she's married and I'm not interested. They didn't even really say anything else after the drink came out. Well, since V was driving, I took a sip thinking I would just humor the guys who paid $8 for a drink. Turns out, the drink is good. I ended up drinking it.....which in turn made me VERY sleepy and a little extra giggly!
We left and went to Hobby Lobby, which always makes me feel seriously inadequate. I can make up stories and songs off the top of my head, but ask me to prepare a craft and I break out in hives. It's like this.....when people like Veronica and Laura walk into Hobby Lobby it's like the heavens part and angels sing for the chosen children have come home. When I walk in it is almost like the old west town where the whole town closes up and tumble weed rolls down the street because something bad is about to happen. Well, we made our purchases quickly and leave...at which point V says "When did you get all that stuff on the back of your pants?" Yes, for all of those who think it's funny when someone sits in something, I had somehow gotten black stuff on the back and side of my pants......needless to say, the pants are ruined!
Then today, I get up early to go to Krispy Kreme. We had a department meeting at work and I needed to stop and pick up doughnuts. I arrive at Krispy Kreme at 6:30 where I promptly do the mexican stand off with the only two workers in the store....I stare at them and they stare at me for about five minutes before one of them decides I must be a real customer trying to buy real doughnuts. I politely tell the young lady that I need a dozen assorted doughnuts and a dozen glazed, when I hear "I'm sorry, we don't have doughnuts". I thought I had heard wrong, so I ask again. She says "I said we don't have any glazed doughnuts". I immediately look around like maybe I am not really in a doughnut shop. She tells me I can come back in 20-30 minutes and then they will have doughnuts. I just smiled and walked with a look of amazement on my face out the door. I mean, that's like going into Starbucks and being told they don't have coffee!! I came back about an hour later, ordered the doughnuts and a frozen coffee and the same lady gets my frozen coffee. When I ask her for a lid, she comes back and says "We didn't have any regular lids, so I took the scissors and cut a hole in this one for you" as long as it works....
I think sometimes God allows bizarre things to happen to me because He knows that I am going to get a good kick out of it!
And Something To Make You Smile...
Originally Posted May 27, 2007
Last Sunday I picked JD up from his dad's church and was talking to some people that I used to know when JD decided to start walking across a busy parking lot by himself. I immediately spoke up and said "Son, just because I am talking to someone else does not mean that I am not paying attention!!!". At that point I stepped back into a hole and fell.......man, you gotta LOVE that. To which JD replies...."Are you sure?". You have to admit...that's funny. Sometimes as a parent you have a way of just eating your words. It's a darn good thing that I've got a great sense of humor!
Last Sunday I picked JD up from his dad's church and was talking to some people that I used to know when JD decided to start walking across a busy parking lot by himself. I immediately spoke up and said "Son, just because I am talking to someone else does not mean that I am not paying attention!!!". At that point I stepped back into a hole and fell.......man, you gotta LOVE that. To which JD replies...."Are you sure?". You have to admit...that's funny. Sometimes as a parent you have a way of just eating your words. It's a darn good thing that I've got a great sense of humor!
Wave Hi As You Pass By Me...
Originally posted May 1, 2007
I posted this earlier in a bulletin, but it makes me smile, so I'm going to put it here and come back one day when I need a laugh....
The only reason I'm sharing this story is because I know I can at least laugh at myself........
Today at lunch, I decided to run to Baptist Hospital and see some of my friends. Everything went great and then I headed back to the office......let me insert here that I need GPS sometimes and downtown can really get me......well, I went down Gregory St, made a right onto Palafox and then got into the left hand turn lane to turn onto Chase street....I was behind this red car and we were waiting for the turn lane. I sat there for about 5 minutes, when I suddenly realize.........(here's where I feel not so smart)......
I HAD PULLED OVER INTO A FREAKIN PARALLEL PARKING SPOT AND HAD BEEN SITTING BEHIND A PARKED CAR THINKING I WAS IN THE TURN LANE!!!!!!! Holy smokes....I felt so smart. It's scary to think that there are other drivers just like me out there. =)
So, if you ever pass a navy blue Hyundai sitting downtown in parking spot, with their left hand turn signal on......look twice....it may be someone you know......LIKE ME!!!!
I posted this earlier in a bulletin, but it makes me smile, so I'm going to put it here and come back one day when I need a laugh....
The only reason I'm sharing this story is because I know I can at least laugh at myself........
Today at lunch, I decided to run to Baptist Hospital and see some of my friends. Everything went great and then I headed back to the office......let me insert here that I need GPS sometimes and downtown can really get me......well, I went down Gregory St, made a right onto Palafox and then got into the left hand turn lane to turn onto Chase street....I was behind this red car and we were waiting for the turn lane. I sat there for about 5 minutes, when I suddenly realize.........(here's where I feel not so smart)......
I HAD PULLED OVER INTO A FREAKIN PARALLEL PARKING SPOT AND HAD BEEN SITTING BEHIND A PARKED CAR THINKING I WAS IN THE TURN LANE!!!!!!! Holy smokes....I felt so smart. It's scary to think that there are other drivers just like me out there. =)
So, if you ever pass a navy blue Hyundai sitting downtown in parking spot, with their left hand turn signal on......look twice....it may be someone you know......LIKE ME!!!!
You went WHERE???
Originally posted February 6, 2007
The following is an actual conversation that took place between myself and my 8 year old son, JD......
To set the scene - It was last Friday, February 2nd and I had just picked him up from his dad's work. Sometimes, his granny takes him down there to wait for me to get off work. Anyways, I digress.......
JD - "Mom, I got a cool new video game today!!! I've been playing it all afternoon!! It's awesome!!! We need to play it.
Me (rather distracted by the traffic) - "Really? That's cool! I'm sure it's fun!"
JD - "Yeah and you'll never guess where I got to go on the game?"
Me (really not prepared for the answer) - "Where?"
JD - " The whore house."
Me (suddenly a WHOLE LOT more involved in this conversation) - "Come again?"
JD - "The whore house."
Me(about to wreck the car) - "Son, talk a little slower and repeat yourself one more time, because I'm sure I didn't understand you!"
JD - "The whore house. You know....The House of Horrors, it's kind of like a haunted house."
Me (feeling a lot less like I'm about to have heart failure at 27) - "Oh, ok, I understand now. I bet that was fun."
Needless to say........it's all how you say it sometimes!!!!
The following is an actual conversation that took place between myself and my 8 year old son, JD......
To set the scene - It was last Friday, February 2nd and I had just picked him up from his dad's work. Sometimes, his granny takes him down there to wait for me to get off work. Anyways, I digress.......
JD - "Mom, I got a cool new video game today!!! I've been playing it all afternoon!! It's awesome!!! We need to play it.
Me (rather distracted by the traffic) - "Really? That's cool! I'm sure it's fun!"
JD - "Yeah and you'll never guess where I got to go on the game?"
Me (really not prepared for the answer) - "Where?"
JD - " The whore house."
Me (suddenly a WHOLE LOT more involved in this conversation) - "Come again?"
JD - "The whore house."
Me(about to wreck the car) - "Son, talk a little slower and repeat yourself one more time, because I'm sure I didn't understand you!"
JD - "The whore house. You know....The House of Horrors, it's kind of like a haunted house."
Me (feeling a lot less like I'm about to have heart failure at 27) - "Oh, ok, I understand now. I bet that was fun."
Needless to say........it's all how you say it sometimes!!!!
Junk In The Trunk...
Originally posted September 6, 2006
You should never leave your house looking like a skank queen.
So, Saturday morning I couldn't sleep and decided to get up and go clean out my car. Let's face it, when you are embarrassed for your son to ride in it, it needs to be cleaned out. Anyways, I digress...I got up at 6:45 Saturday morning and had a bright idea to just go clean out the car. Well, I figured that most "normal" people aren't at the car wash by 7a.m., so what can it hurt if I just throw on some clothes and run out the door. Let me give you a picture:
Black Yoga pants from Old Navy (with no pockets, which would come into play later)
Bright Blue slip on Keds flip flops (very cute, but not with Yoga pants)
Baby Blue work out tank top (yes, I broke my "no tank top in public, except on the 4th of July" rule) Grant it , I work out in that tank top, but if you are laughing at me running at 5:30 in the morning, you need some special help.....I just don't wear tank tops to like WalMart or church or the mall.....
Hair, sloppily pulled back in a pony tail and absolutely NO make up, except for what I wore the night before. Disgusting, I know. Please don't tell me about washing my face, I already know I need to do that before bed.
Well, my plan was working out great!!! I cleaned out the front of the car and moved to the trunk. Now, I cleaned out all the trash in the trunk and decided to put all the stuff that needed to be "saved" back in there. I have 2 camping chairs back there, you never know when you might spontaneously need a camping chair.=) So, y'all are getting the point....I have a bunch of junk in my trunk. No excessive laughing at that last part, please. It's not that funny. Well, I was just about to vacuum, when much to my surprise, I couldn't find my cell phone. I NEVER misplace my cell phone. It is almost permantly attached to my hand, so how could I misplace it? I am also, by nature, fairly cheap. I am not going to purchase a new cell phone because I accidently threw the old one in the trash. So, like any well born lady would do, I started to dig through the trash.
I should stop here and say that by this time a rather nice looking, young guy had pulled up next to me and was cleaning out his truck.
Needless to say, I could not find my cell phone in the trash. After about 15 minutes of frantic searching I just broke down and did it. That's right....I walked right up to the poor, unsuspecting, man next to me and asked if he could call my cell phone so I could see if I threw it away. After he gave me a look like I had just escaped from our local mental facility, he ever so nicely, agreed. Much to my surprise, I had not thrown it in the trash, but I may as well have...It was lost in the trunk!!! After 4 times of calling my phone, finally I found it - under a 2x4 (hey, if you have a flat tire, you need something to block the back tires)!!! I just laughed and mentioned that I may need to clean out my trunk. Not surprisingly, he agreed.
So, the moral of this story is....don't leave the house looking like a skank queen. Atleast, if you do, wear pants that have pockets so you can hold on to your cell phone. =)
And for all of you about to comment me and tell me I am a dork. Don't worry, I am completely comfortable with that. You are too, you just haven't realized it yet!!! =) Atleast I'm honest with myself!! ;)
You should never leave your house looking like a skank queen.
So, Saturday morning I couldn't sleep and decided to get up and go clean out my car. Let's face it, when you are embarrassed for your son to ride in it, it needs to be cleaned out. Anyways, I digress...I got up at 6:45 Saturday morning and had a bright idea to just go clean out the car. Well, I figured that most "normal" people aren't at the car wash by 7a.m., so what can it hurt if I just throw on some clothes and run out the door. Let me give you a picture:
Black Yoga pants from Old Navy (with no pockets, which would come into play later)
Bright Blue slip on Keds flip flops (very cute, but not with Yoga pants)
Baby Blue work out tank top (yes, I broke my "no tank top in public, except on the 4th of July" rule) Grant it , I work out in that tank top, but if you are laughing at me running at 5:30 in the morning, you need some special help.....I just don't wear tank tops to like WalMart or church or the mall.....
Hair, sloppily pulled back in a pony tail and absolutely NO make up, except for what I wore the night before. Disgusting, I know. Please don't tell me about washing my face, I already know I need to do that before bed.
Well, my plan was working out great!!! I cleaned out the front of the car and moved to the trunk. Now, I cleaned out all the trash in the trunk and decided to put all the stuff that needed to be "saved" back in there. I have 2 camping chairs back there, you never know when you might spontaneously need a camping chair.=) So, y'all are getting the point....I have a bunch of junk in my trunk. No excessive laughing at that last part, please. It's not that funny. Well, I was just about to vacuum, when much to my surprise, I couldn't find my cell phone. I NEVER misplace my cell phone. It is almost permantly attached to my hand, so how could I misplace it? I am also, by nature, fairly cheap. I am not going to purchase a new cell phone because I accidently threw the old one in the trash. So, like any well born lady would do, I started to dig through the trash.
I should stop here and say that by this time a rather nice looking, young guy had pulled up next to me and was cleaning out his truck.
Needless to say, I could not find my cell phone in the trash. After about 15 minutes of frantic searching I just broke down and did it. That's right....I walked right up to the poor, unsuspecting, man next to me and asked if he could call my cell phone so I could see if I threw it away. After he gave me a look like I had just escaped from our local mental facility, he ever so nicely, agreed. Much to my surprise, I had not thrown it in the trash, but I may as well have...It was lost in the trunk!!! After 4 times of calling my phone, finally I found it - under a 2x4 (hey, if you have a flat tire, you need something to block the back tires)!!! I just laughed and mentioned that I may need to clean out my trunk. Not surprisingly, he agreed.
So, the moral of this story is....don't leave the house looking like a skank queen. Atleast, if you do, wear pants that have pockets so you can hold on to your cell phone. =)
And for all of you about to comment me and tell me I am a dork. Don't worry, I am completely comfortable with that. You are too, you just haven't realized it yet!!! =) Atleast I'm honest with myself!! ;)
A Priceless Gift
Reposted from July 17, 2006
Life is good. I am currently lying on my bed with J.D. and Lily watching The Greatest Game Ever Played. Actually, J.D. and I are watching the movie, Lily is hoping J.D. will drop one of his bar b q chips so she can snag it up. =) I can not think of any place else I would rather be right now. I have truly been blessed in my life. I have recently been reflecting on some of the times in my life and I can say that God has truly kept me. As human beings we often take life for granted; harboring resentments and regrets from our past or living for tomorrow and not really taking the time to savor the present. Each day that we are here we have been blessed with a priceless treasure, one that can not be bought or sold and once it is gone can not be brought back, no matter how much we may wish it sometimes. It has become my goal in life to try and make sure I am fully aware of just how awesome this gift of life is. I know that I look at my son and I can see how times just flies by. Before I am hardly able to look up he will be an adult. This may seem like a long way off, but to those of you who have been blessed with children you will understand. One day you are worrying about him falling asleep on his stomach and the next you are attending PTA meetings and brawling with the other parents at the soccer field. Not that I've ever done that, of course. =)
I am in no means saying that I am perfect and don't take these things for granted, everyone has. All I am saying is that we should all be a little more careful to appreciate those around us. We recently had a message at church and Pastor Josh made the comment that everyone who is in your life now has not been placed there by accident. Now, that is a profound statement, if you really think about it. I think we generally only think of our loved ones this way, but what about those that seem to know just the button to push or the words to say to make our day go downhill? What if we, myself included, truly looked at those people as being in our lives for a reason. Would we treat them differently, knowing that by our actions we show them God's love in us? I know that I would. I will be honest, lately I have been a little more than burned out on my job. We seemed to be overwhelmed with work and attitudes have been a bit on the sour side. Now, in the past couple of weeks, I've considered a lot of things, including getting new job totally outside of the current company that I work for. I am still not saying that I won't do that if a better opportunity came open, but this morning I woke up with a scripture on my heart,that I believe changed my outlook for the day on my job.
Psalms 19:14
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.
I remembered this morning just how I had been blessed with my job and until something better comes along, I should be thankful to be where I am. I know that when I really started to count my blessings, my attitude changed. Guess what, today wasn't nearly as bad as the last few work days have been. I do know that I don't want to spend the precious moments in my life meditating on the negative, when there really are so many great and wondrous things all around me. So to all of those around me, thank you for sharing in my journey - whether I can obviously see how God is enriching my life by your presence, or whether I have to pray that God would somehow see fit to "bless" someone else with your presence. =) I hope that I can be a blessing to all of you, as well.
I know this has been super long - thanks for bearing with me... I do need to go now, Lily is starting to get the shakes from lack of junk food, maybe I can convince her to eat her dog food. Yeah, right!! Plus the movie is about to end, and for all of those who got a kick out of the fact that I cried during Superman Returns, you can just imagine me now. It's a good thing most of my make up has already worn off from work. =) I hope that all of y'all have a wonderful night and enjoy those around you that God has blessed you with. Remember, life really is too short to waste on regrets and bitterness. I hope that one day J.D. will look back and say that his mom loved God, loved him, and lived a life of thankfulness and grace. That while far from perfect, I tried to remember to count my blessings and enrich others with words of life, and not discouraging and careless words. That would be a wonderful legacy to pass on to him.
Update - as I read this tonight, almost 4 years later, I was reminded that it wasn't but a couple of weeks later that I was blessed with a new job...although I only worked for that company 7 months, it helped open the door to the job that I've been in for over three years now. It's funny how some things change...and exciting, too. =)
Life is good. I am currently lying on my bed with J.D. and Lily watching The Greatest Game Ever Played. Actually, J.D. and I are watching the movie, Lily is hoping J.D. will drop one of his bar b q chips so she can snag it up. =) I can not think of any place else I would rather be right now. I have truly been blessed in my life. I have recently been reflecting on some of the times in my life and I can say that God has truly kept me. As human beings we often take life for granted; harboring resentments and regrets from our past or living for tomorrow and not really taking the time to savor the present. Each day that we are here we have been blessed with a priceless treasure, one that can not be bought or sold and once it is gone can not be brought back, no matter how much we may wish it sometimes. It has become my goal in life to try and make sure I am fully aware of just how awesome this gift of life is. I know that I look at my son and I can see how times just flies by. Before I am hardly able to look up he will be an adult. This may seem like a long way off, but to those of you who have been blessed with children you will understand. One day you are worrying about him falling asleep on his stomach and the next you are attending PTA meetings and brawling with the other parents at the soccer field. Not that I've ever done that, of course. =)
I am in no means saying that I am perfect and don't take these things for granted, everyone has. All I am saying is that we should all be a little more careful to appreciate those around us. We recently had a message at church and Pastor Josh made the comment that everyone who is in your life now has not been placed there by accident. Now, that is a profound statement, if you really think about it. I think we generally only think of our loved ones this way, but what about those that seem to know just the button to push or the words to say to make our day go downhill? What if we, myself included, truly looked at those people as being in our lives for a reason. Would we treat them differently, knowing that by our actions we show them God's love in us? I know that I would. I will be honest, lately I have been a little more than burned out on my job. We seemed to be overwhelmed with work and attitudes have been a bit on the sour side. Now, in the past couple of weeks, I've considered a lot of things, including getting new job totally outside of the current company that I work for. I am still not saying that I won't do that if a better opportunity came open, but this morning I woke up with a scripture on my heart,that I believe changed my outlook for the day on my job.
Psalms 19:14
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.
I remembered this morning just how I had been blessed with my job and until something better comes along, I should be thankful to be where I am. I know that when I really started to count my blessings, my attitude changed. Guess what, today wasn't nearly as bad as the last few work days have been. I do know that I don't want to spend the precious moments in my life meditating on the negative, when there really are so many great and wondrous things all around me. So to all of those around me, thank you for sharing in my journey - whether I can obviously see how God is enriching my life by your presence, or whether I have to pray that God would somehow see fit to "bless" someone else with your presence. =) I hope that I can be a blessing to all of you, as well.
I know this has been super long - thanks for bearing with me... I do need to go now, Lily is starting to get the shakes from lack of junk food, maybe I can convince her to eat her dog food. Yeah, right!! Plus the movie is about to end, and for all of those who got a kick out of the fact that I cried during Superman Returns, you can just imagine me now. It's a good thing most of my make up has already worn off from work. =) I hope that all of y'all have a wonderful night and enjoy those around you that God has blessed you with. Remember, life really is too short to waste on regrets and bitterness. I hope that one day J.D. will look back and say that his mom loved God, loved him, and lived a life of thankfulness and grace. That while far from perfect, I tried to remember to count my blessings and enrich others with words of life, and not discouraging and careless words. That would be a wonderful legacy to pass on to him.
Update - as I read this tonight, almost 4 years later, I was reminded that it wasn't but a couple of weeks later that I was blessed with a new job...although I only worked for that company 7 months, it helped open the door to the job that I've been in for over three years now. It's funny how some things change...and exciting, too. =)
Transferring Blogs...
Today, I finally did it...I broke down and bought myself a new laptop! Can you believe it? I certainly can't. That being said - I've decided to start moving my old blogs from MySpace. I really don't visit that site anymore and I would like to get my blogs all in one place. As I move them, I will make certain to repost the original date.
Here we go....
Okay, so I posted this and then came back to edit it. I did transfer some of my blogs - not all of them - it was a bit time consuming. I realized that in some ways a lot has changed in the past 4 years and in some ways things are still the same. I also realized that I am a great big goober - and I'm okay with that. I make myself laugh. ha!
Here we go....
Okay, so I posted this and then came back to edit it. I did transfer some of my blogs - not all of them - it was a bit time consuming. I realized that in some ways a lot has changed in the past 4 years and in some ways things are still the same. I also realized that I am a great big goober - and I'm okay with that. I make myself laugh. ha!
Friday, May 14, 2010
It Started With The Oldest...
As I was typing my previous blog, I truly realized how much the Linder girls have always loved their military men. More specifically, I guess that would be Navy boys they love. =)
I guess it probably started with Sherrell - although, she met her husband knocking on doors for church. Yep, that's right. She knocked on Paul's door and invited him to church. We laugh now, because I'm pretty certain Paul didn't know the last time he had been to church, but he knew a good thing when he saw it. He started coming to church and it wasn't too long before he had a wife - and my first sister married into the Navy.
Not to be outdone, the next two married pilots. I'm know for a fact that Becky met Eric at Trader John's - which as every person in Pensacola knew - was where the Navy guys went on the weekend. I'm sure many girls shed serious tears when they closed their doors for good. I'm not certain where Marsha met Roger, but I am certain we pretty much loved him from the get go.
Now, you have to understand - this all happened before I was even out of high school. Sherrell is 12 years older than I am, Becky, 10, and Marsha 8. So, before I was even old enough to drive - three of my sister married into the Navy.
Then along came Richard....and I could see this one coming a mile away. Sure enough - the summer before my junior year in high school I was the maid of honor in Lindie's wedding. Richard is currently deployed overseas.
Now that I think about it - I'm fairly certain that Mae-Beth's Scott was in the Navy, too. He's out now, but I think I'll still count him. Plus, I'm already counting on him being my brother-in-law, so I guess that will make 5 sisters that married Navy.
Which makes one wonder how in the world I'm not married to someone in the Navy. That would probably be because I met my now ex-husband while I was still in high school. Although, I do remember the summer after my Senior year - Becky had it all set for me to spend the summer in California with her and Eric. I'm not certain why I didn't go now, but maybe it's because I knew deep down, a Linder girl obviously can't turn down a Navy boy - and it has become pretty apparent they can't turn down a Linder girl, either - and since I was with Johnny I should probably not chance it. =)
All in all - those men are responsible for giving me 4 nephews (we're already counting Scott's son), and 5 nieces. I'd say that is pretty impressive...
I guess it probably started with Sherrell - although, she met her husband knocking on doors for church. Yep, that's right. She knocked on Paul's door and invited him to church. We laugh now, because I'm pretty certain Paul didn't know the last time he had been to church, but he knew a good thing when he saw it. He started coming to church and it wasn't too long before he had a wife - and my first sister married into the Navy.
Not to be outdone, the next two married pilots. I'm know for a fact that Becky met Eric at Trader John's - which as every person in Pensacola knew - was where the Navy guys went on the weekend. I'm sure many girls shed serious tears when they closed their doors for good. I'm not certain where Marsha met Roger, but I am certain we pretty much loved him from the get go.
Now, you have to understand - this all happened before I was even out of high school. Sherrell is 12 years older than I am, Becky, 10, and Marsha 8. So, before I was even old enough to drive - three of my sister married into the Navy.
Then along came Richard....and I could see this one coming a mile away. Sure enough - the summer before my junior year in high school I was the maid of honor in Lindie's wedding. Richard is currently deployed overseas.
Now that I think about it - I'm fairly certain that Mae-Beth's Scott was in the Navy, too. He's out now, but I think I'll still count him. Plus, I'm already counting on him being my brother-in-law, so I guess that will make 5 sisters that married Navy.
Which makes one wonder how in the world I'm not married to someone in the Navy. That would probably be because I met my now ex-husband while I was still in high school. Although, I do remember the summer after my Senior year - Becky had it all set for me to spend the summer in California with her and Eric. I'm not certain why I didn't go now, but maybe it's because I knew deep down, a Linder girl obviously can't turn down a Navy boy - and it has become pretty apparent they can't turn down a Linder girl, either - and since I was with Johnny I should probably not chance it. =)
All in all - those men are responsible for giving me 4 nephews (we're already counting Scott's son), and 5 nieces. I'd say that is pretty impressive...
Thursday, May 13, 2010
When They Come Back...We Give Back
Maybe it's because I grew up around Pensacola, maybe it's because I have four brothers-in-law that are/were in the Navy, or maybe it's because I have many friends that are serving right now - whatever the reason, I have always had a strong affection for our military. Even as a child it was impressed upon me how every freedom we enjoy in this great country is because someone's son, brother, husband, father, daughter, mother, sister, wife, or friend had to lay down their life. Someone had to make the ultimate sacrifice.
Yet, even those that don't make the "ultimate" sacrifice make a lasting one just the same. That is why I fully intend to support the organization - When They Come Back...We Give Back. In their own words, this is their mission:
The “When They Come Back, We Give Back” boots campaign has set out to rally support for our military men and women by featuring images of civilian Americans in combat boots. The hope is that this simple image will remind everyone that regardless of our walk of life, religion, or personal beliefs, our military have been there for us, and to show our military that we are also here for them. By “putting ourselves in their shoes” we say volumes with a simple act of “giving back”. Join us, through this seemingly small display of kindness, wage a new war against the tumultuous pain, heartache, and aftermath those who have already walked the darkest edges of sadness still have yet to face.
I know that I personally have a heart turned towards our soldiers that are returning home from deployment. We pray every night for their safe return - not just in body, but in mind and spirit, too. It is my desire for them to know that we support them - that they can come home to communities that rally around them in whatever way they need. I encourage all of you to check out this campaign. Find a way to show your support - really wrap your mind around the sacrifices that these people are making for you.
I can guarantee that whatever contribution we make, will not nearly add up to the ones that our service men and women make every day.
Yet, even those that don't make the "ultimate" sacrifice make a lasting one just the same. That is why I fully intend to support the organization - When They Come Back...We Give Back. In their own words, this is their mission:
The “When They Come Back, We Give Back” boots campaign has set out to rally support for our military men and women by featuring images of civilian Americans in combat boots. The hope is that this simple image will remind everyone that regardless of our walk of life, religion, or personal beliefs, our military have been there for us, and to show our military that we are also here for them. By “putting ourselves in their shoes” we say volumes with a simple act of “giving back”. Join us, through this seemingly small display of kindness, wage a new war against the tumultuous pain, heartache, and aftermath those who have already walked the darkest edges of sadness still have yet to face.
I know that I personally have a heart turned towards our soldiers that are returning home from deployment. We pray every night for their safe return - not just in body, but in mind and spirit, too. It is my desire for them to know that we support them - that they can come home to communities that rally around them in whatever way they need. I encourage all of you to check out this campaign. Find a way to show your support - really wrap your mind around the sacrifices that these people are making for you.
I can guarantee that whatever contribution we make, will not nearly add up to the ones that our service men and women make every day.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
White Stones All In A Row...
I went to visit my mother today. I say that for Mae-Beth because she told me not too long ago that I needed to move closer to my family - and without missing a beat I said "Hey, I'm the only one who only lives 5 minutes away from our mom." She paused a second and then started cracking up laughing. See, we were all blessed with an inappopriate sense of humor and we usually laugh when we should be crying. You see, I only live about 5 minutes from Barrancas National Cemetery, where our mother is buried.
Today marks 10 years since she passed away. A lot has happened in that 10 years. In some ways, a lifetime has happened since then. I know there are events in our lives that take place and we can not remember all the details, but I can remember the day I found out my mom had a stroke like it was yesterday. Although she died on May 8th, that phone call actually came on April 21st, three days after I turned 21. My mom was only 52 we she died, and while we all expect that our parents will go before us, we never expect for it to happen suddenly.
Well, today I made the short trip to see her. I don't go to her grave often - only twice before today, but I've known for the last several weeks that I was going to go. I knew I would make that trip. I knew that as I got closer, my stomach would start to cramp, my hands would get clammy, my memories would start to flow....
I pretty much know my way around the base. I take JD out there all the time. We run through the forts, we visit the museum, we've been out there to watch the Blues, but somehow this time I missed the turn for the cemetery. I guess I was distracted.
The funny thing, is that although I've only been out there twice, I didn't even have to look up where her grave is - I remembered. I stood there for a couple of minutes and thought about my mom.
As I stood there, I realized that I don't remember ever asking her what she wanted to be when she grew up. Although I know I must have. I'm pretty sure she would've said a mom - even if that wasn't her original dream. I think I can remember what her favorite color was though. I'm pretty certain I never asked her if she saw herself being where she was in her life - even at a young age, I think I knew that she didn't picture all that her life was at that point. I've said before that I can barely remember her laugh - but I can still hear her saying "KIMBERLY SUZETTE!!!". For some reason I can remember what she looked like when she would do her eyebrows. I remember her sitting in a chair and playing with her hair like she would. I can remember the way she would raise her eyebrow - I only have to look in the mirror to see that one. =) I think what I realized the most was that I will always see my mom through the eyes of a child. I often wonder about who she was as a woman....what she thought, how she made the decisions she did, what she dreamed about. There are some answers I'll never have.
As I stood there, I remember Mae-Beth saying that her tombstone was supposed to say "His Wife" and yet Maebs defied that decision and had it changed to say "Cares All Past, Home At Last" - which was one of her favorite songs. I thought about that......
I turned around and counted the number of stones in a row - 17. Seventeen markers for seventeen people. Yet, how many lives do those stones really represent? Seventeen stones, some with different sayings, some repeating the same words. Seventeen stones that represented an unknown number of years. Seventeen people that touched countless lives. And in the middle of those stones - one that represents my mother. One that represents the person who gave birth to me.
As I'm sure you know, there are many more than seventeen lives represented there.
It made me realize that we all touch countless lives. We all have an opportunity to make a difference. A real difference - one that will last. I will live on in my son. I will give him the tools he needs and one day, he will live on in his children - and with them will be a piece of me. I have an opportunity everyday to the people around me to be a blessing in their lives. I have a responsibility to remember that. I might not live in our History books one day, I might actually be forgotten down the road, but I have an opportunity to give something to others and they might just pass that down to someone else. It's quite amazing when you think about it. One act. One kind word. One smile.
In the end, we are made up of our struggles, triumphs, heartaches, loss, weaknesses, strengths and many other things that combine to forge us into the people that we are. Some of us are daughters or sons, sisters or brothers, friends, mothers or fathers, maybe even wives or husbands. Yet, we are so much more than just a few words can define. And to someone, we might just be the world.
You see, JD will never have another mother than me and I will never have another one, besides her. I know that I only get this one opportunity. This one chance at life. And I know I say it often, but I am really very thankful for this beautiful gift, and as long as I'm here I will do my best to pass that on.
You see....in the end she really was more than just "his wife". She was my mom.
Cares all past...home at last.
Today marks 10 years since she passed away. A lot has happened in that 10 years. In some ways, a lifetime has happened since then. I know there are events in our lives that take place and we can not remember all the details, but I can remember the day I found out my mom had a stroke like it was yesterday. Although she died on May 8th, that phone call actually came on April 21st, three days after I turned 21. My mom was only 52 we she died, and while we all expect that our parents will go before us, we never expect for it to happen suddenly.
Well, today I made the short trip to see her. I don't go to her grave often - only twice before today, but I've known for the last several weeks that I was going to go. I knew I would make that trip. I knew that as I got closer, my stomach would start to cramp, my hands would get clammy, my memories would start to flow....
I pretty much know my way around the base. I take JD out there all the time. We run through the forts, we visit the museum, we've been out there to watch the Blues, but somehow this time I missed the turn for the cemetery. I guess I was distracted.
The funny thing, is that although I've only been out there twice, I didn't even have to look up where her grave is - I remembered. I stood there for a couple of minutes and thought about my mom.
As I stood there, I realized that I don't remember ever asking her what she wanted to be when she grew up. Although I know I must have. I'm pretty sure she would've said a mom - even if that wasn't her original dream. I think I can remember what her favorite color was though. I'm pretty certain I never asked her if she saw herself being where she was in her life - even at a young age, I think I knew that she didn't picture all that her life was at that point. I've said before that I can barely remember her laugh - but I can still hear her saying "KIMBERLY SUZETTE!!!". For some reason I can remember what she looked like when she would do her eyebrows. I remember her sitting in a chair and playing with her hair like she would. I can remember the way she would raise her eyebrow - I only have to look in the mirror to see that one. =) I think what I realized the most was that I will always see my mom through the eyes of a child. I often wonder about who she was as a woman....what she thought, how she made the decisions she did, what she dreamed about. There are some answers I'll never have.
As I stood there, I remember Mae-Beth saying that her tombstone was supposed to say "His Wife" and yet Maebs defied that decision and had it changed to say "Cares All Past, Home At Last" - which was one of her favorite songs. I thought about that......
I turned around and counted the number of stones in a row - 17. Seventeen markers for seventeen people. Yet, how many lives do those stones really represent? Seventeen stones, some with different sayings, some repeating the same words. Seventeen stones that represented an unknown number of years. Seventeen people that touched countless lives. And in the middle of those stones - one that represents my mother. One that represents the person who gave birth to me.
As I'm sure you know, there are many more than seventeen lives represented there.
It made me realize that we all touch countless lives. We all have an opportunity to make a difference. A real difference - one that will last. I will live on in my son. I will give him the tools he needs and one day, he will live on in his children - and with them will be a piece of me. I have an opportunity everyday to the people around me to be a blessing in their lives. I have a responsibility to remember that. I might not live in our History books one day, I might actually be forgotten down the road, but I have an opportunity to give something to others and they might just pass that down to someone else. It's quite amazing when you think about it. One act. One kind word. One smile.
In the end, we are made up of our struggles, triumphs, heartaches, loss, weaknesses, strengths and many other things that combine to forge us into the people that we are. Some of us are daughters or sons, sisters or brothers, friends, mothers or fathers, maybe even wives or husbands. Yet, we are so much more than just a few words can define. And to someone, we might just be the world.
You see, JD will never have another mother than me and I will never have another one, besides her. I know that I only get this one opportunity. This one chance at life. And I know I say it often, but I am really very thankful for this beautiful gift, and as long as I'm here I will do my best to pass that on.
You see....in the end she really was more than just "his wife". She was my mom.
Cares all past...home at last.
It's All Fun and Games - Until Someone Gets an Eye Put Out
Or in other words - "Patchy the Pirate's Dance Craze 2010".
Yesterday was the 5th Grade Field Trip. We've been looking forward to this day for a while. Well, we had to be up early - which is fine because we are usually up early anyways. Morning is probably my favorite time. My silliest time, too. If JD, by some miracle, needs me to wake him up - I always like to wake him up smiling. I usually sing some goofy songs that I make up, or something that would make a fly on the wall die with laughter. Usually, the child is up like I am though - and yesterday was no exception.
I baked muffins for breakfast, put our lunches together, and we were going to go get ready. I was heading to my room - JD was heading to his - when all of a sudden I yelled something like "Woot! IT'S 5TH GRADE FIELD TRIP DAY - BREAK IT DOWN". Then I started to break it down, shake it like a salt shaker, shake what my mama so generously gave me - okay however you want to put it. I busted out with some crazy dance moves like the world ain't ever seen. And truthfully, don't need to ever see. JD is cracking up laughing - egging me on. Which I figure we don't have very much longer that he's going to think I'm funny, so I crank up the dance moves further. i mean, I wouldn't even want to see a video of how I looked at that moment...with my frog pants on and sleep shirt, shaking it down in the living room.
That's where the "eye putting out" comes in. Y'all somehow, in all my awesome moves, I managed to slice my fingernail across my open eye. I immediately was sick. I know it sounds strange, it shocked me, too, but I was suddenly ill. It was no joke. I couldn't even open my eye for a few minutes.
I sucked it up, went on the trip and realized very quickly in, that I might should've went to the doctor. I was sensitive to indoor light, outdoor light, it didn't matter. As a matter of fact, I sent JD's step mom a text on our way. She's a physician's assistant and I wanted to know if she thought I should go to the walk in clinic when I got home. She very graciously told me not to do that, she would just see me real quick if I was still in pain.
Well, let me tell you. I always reference everything back to child birth pain - and I can assure you that I had worse pain from my eye than in child birth. Granted, I do believe God takes your mind after childbirth, and you never fully remember that pain, but I was brought just about to my knees several times yesterday.
We get home and I went to her office. She blessedly numbs my eye, put some yellow liquid in it, looks at it under the special light and immediately says "Yep, oh wow, Kim, you've got a big scratch". She let JD look and he thought that was cool. I guess the liquid turns green under the light when there is a scratch. So, I scratched across my eye, through my pupil. Nice. I now have some antibiotic cream and piratey eye patch and on Monday I need to go see the eye doctor just to make certain I'm not getting a cornea abscess.
I went to dinner last night with Sara, Veronica, and Brianna - for sushi - and I asked Sara and V to help me because while it stank to wear an eye patch, it would totally suck to break my leg from falling down the stairs. Ha! I also said that I wished I had some good reason for scratching my eye - other than my obvious dancing skills, but then Sara so graciously pointed out that then it wouldn't be nearly so Kim like. hahaha! Nice.
We did have fun on the trip though and I am going to take JD back - when I can see out of both eyes. ha! You've got to admit that it is pretty funny.
Yesterday was the 5th Grade Field Trip. We've been looking forward to this day for a while. Well, we had to be up early - which is fine because we are usually up early anyways. Morning is probably my favorite time. My silliest time, too. If JD, by some miracle, needs me to wake him up - I always like to wake him up smiling. I usually sing some goofy songs that I make up, or something that would make a fly on the wall die with laughter. Usually, the child is up like I am though - and yesterday was no exception.
I baked muffins for breakfast, put our lunches together, and we were going to go get ready. I was heading to my room - JD was heading to his - when all of a sudden I yelled something like "Woot! IT'S 5TH GRADE FIELD TRIP DAY - BREAK IT DOWN". Then I started to break it down, shake it like a salt shaker, shake what my mama so generously gave me - okay however you want to put it. I busted out with some crazy dance moves like the world ain't ever seen. And truthfully, don't need to ever see. JD is cracking up laughing - egging me on. Which I figure we don't have very much longer that he's going to think I'm funny, so I crank up the dance moves further. i mean, I wouldn't even want to see a video of how I looked at that moment...with my frog pants on and sleep shirt, shaking it down in the living room.
That's where the "eye putting out" comes in. Y'all somehow, in all my awesome moves, I managed to slice my fingernail across my open eye. I immediately was sick. I know it sounds strange, it shocked me, too, but I was suddenly ill. It was no joke. I couldn't even open my eye for a few minutes.
I sucked it up, went on the trip and realized very quickly in, that I might should've went to the doctor. I was sensitive to indoor light, outdoor light, it didn't matter. As a matter of fact, I sent JD's step mom a text on our way. She's a physician's assistant and I wanted to know if she thought I should go to the walk in clinic when I got home. She very graciously told me not to do that, she would just see me real quick if I was still in pain.
Well, let me tell you. I always reference everything back to child birth pain - and I can assure you that I had worse pain from my eye than in child birth. Granted, I do believe God takes your mind after childbirth, and you never fully remember that pain, but I was brought just about to my knees several times yesterday.
We get home and I went to her office. She blessedly numbs my eye, put some yellow liquid in it, looks at it under the special light and immediately says "Yep, oh wow, Kim, you've got a big scratch". She let JD look and he thought that was cool. I guess the liquid turns green under the light when there is a scratch. So, I scratched across my eye, through my pupil. Nice. I now have some antibiotic cream and piratey eye patch and on Monday I need to go see the eye doctor just to make certain I'm not getting a cornea abscess.
I went to dinner last night with Sara, Veronica, and Brianna - for sushi - and I asked Sara and V to help me because while it stank to wear an eye patch, it would totally suck to break my leg from falling down the stairs. Ha! I also said that I wished I had some good reason for scratching my eye - other than my obvious dancing skills, but then Sara so graciously pointed out that then it wouldn't be nearly so Kim like. hahaha! Nice.
We did have fun on the trip though and I am going to take JD back - when I can see out of both eyes. ha! You've got to admit that it is pretty funny.
I Have Front Row Seats and Back Stage Passes....
The only thing is that it's not to a concert, play, or anything else like that....it's to a pity party. Yep, I said it. Or maybe I should title this blog "How your words of wisdom can come back to bite you hard in the behind".....
It seems that we have been super busy lately. Add that to the fact that my good old fashioned insomnia is in full swing - and that's a combination for an emotional break down. I'll take you back to Thursday night...
I got off work Thurday and had a bit of a headache. I knew I needed to go to Walmart, because I had to buy some stuff to do lunches for JD's field trip on Friday - he also wanted me to bake some homemade lemon pound cake for him. No big deal. Well, my air in my car has been acting up - okay, yeah, pretty much only blowing hot air. I get to Walmart, where I'm going to meet Johnny and JD, and I'm talking on the phone to Rankin just waiting for Johnny to show up. I look down, and what do I see? My car is over the "H" on the temperature. WHATTTT??????? For those of you that don't know, car maintenance stresses me out more than anything else and lately it seems like I"m changing tires or head lights or something ALL THE TIME!!! Rankin tells me to immediately turn the car off.
Johnny shows up, JD and I go into the store and JD was in a mood. I'm still trying to keep my good sense of humor, but things were starting to spiral. JD says "Mama, how are you still smiling? I know you are getting grumpy." I said "JD, I'm trying REAL hard here. If we can just get home I'll start to relax".
We get out to the car, I pop the hood (which is funny because I really have no clue what I'm looking for) but low and behold I see some kind of broken belt. At this point, I realize I must be on a three belt system because everything else was working and when my Explorer broke the serpentine belt everything else went with it. I crank the car up, pray to get home, and head that way. We make it home.
Here is where I felt a good old fashioned pity party about to kick up in high gear.
I tell JD to go ahead and get a shower. I needed a few minutes. I decide to make some phone calls and whoever answers first gets the full force of my despair. NOBODY ANSWERED THE PHONE! NOT ONE PERSON! Seriously? Don't you know that I am trying to lay my burdens at your feet. hahahahah!!! By this time my words have been playing over and over in my mind about being thankful and looking around me. Veronica calls me back and I start to cry. I had to make it a quick cry because although I was in my bathroom with the door shut, I knew JD would be out of the shower soon and I didn't want him to see me upset.
Veronica doesn't miss a beat - of course, I did start the conversation and tell her that I knew it was all going to be okay, that there is a plan and "all that blah blah blah", I just need someone to listen to me for a minute. I didn't want someone to encourage me. ha! She says "Hey, Derek - babe - you think we could go help Kim?" Within 30 minutes they are here. No questions asked. Derek pops the hood and says "Um, Kim, that's not a broken belt - that is your wires all covered up". Huh? See, that's why I shouldn't be diagnosing my vehicle. At the end of the day, it appears that when I had my timing belt changed, they knocked my radiator hose loose and drained my radiator fluid and didn't refill it. It took one bottle of fluid. That's it. All that for one bottle of coolant. Seriously?
I will say that life has a funny way of working. I was pretty much snapped right out of my short lived pity party when V and Derek volunteered to come over immediately. It is funny how sometimes it only takes one act of kindness.
It took one moment of once again being reminded how fortunate I am.
It seems that we have been super busy lately. Add that to the fact that my good old fashioned insomnia is in full swing - and that's a combination for an emotional break down. I'll take you back to Thursday night...
I got off work Thurday and had a bit of a headache. I knew I needed to go to Walmart, because I had to buy some stuff to do lunches for JD's field trip on Friday - he also wanted me to bake some homemade lemon pound cake for him. No big deal. Well, my air in my car has been acting up - okay, yeah, pretty much only blowing hot air. I get to Walmart, where I'm going to meet Johnny and JD, and I'm talking on the phone to Rankin just waiting for Johnny to show up. I look down, and what do I see? My car is over the "H" on the temperature. WHATTTT??????? For those of you that don't know, car maintenance stresses me out more than anything else and lately it seems like I"m changing tires or head lights or something ALL THE TIME!!! Rankin tells me to immediately turn the car off.
Johnny shows up, JD and I go into the store and JD was in a mood. I'm still trying to keep my good sense of humor, but things were starting to spiral. JD says "Mama, how are you still smiling? I know you are getting grumpy." I said "JD, I'm trying REAL hard here. If we can just get home I'll start to relax".
We get out to the car, I pop the hood (which is funny because I really have no clue what I'm looking for) but low and behold I see some kind of broken belt. At this point, I realize I must be on a three belt system because everything else was working and when my Explorer broke the serpentine belt everything else went with it. I crank the car up, pray to get home, and head that way. We make it home.
Here is where I felt a good old fashioned pity party about to kick up in high gear.
I tell JD to go ahead and get a shower. I needed a few minutes. I decide to make some phone calls and whoever answers first gets the full force of my despair. NOBODY ANSWERED THE PHONE! NOT ONE PERSON! Seriously? Don't you know that I am trying to lay my burdens at your feet. hahahahah!!! By this time my words have been playing over and over in my mind about being thankful and looking around me. Veronica calls me back and I start to cry. I had to make it a quick cry because although I was in my bathroom with the door shut, I knew JD would be out of the shower soon and I didn't want him to see me upset.
Veronica doesn't miss a beat - of course, I did start the conversation and tell her that I knew it was all going to be okay, that there is a plan and "all that blah blah blah", I just need someone to listen to me for a minute. I didn't want someone to encourage me. ha! She says "Hey, Derek - babe - you think we could go help Kim?" Within 30 minutes they are here. No questions asked. Derek pops the hood and says "Um, Kim, that's not a broken belt - that is your wires all covered up". Huh? See, that's why I shouldn't be diagnosing my vehicle. At the end of the day, it appears that when I had my timing belt changed, they knocked my radiator hose loose and drained my radiator fluid and didn't refill it. It took one bottle of fluid. That's it. All that for one bottle of coolant. Seriously?
I will say that life has a funny way of working. I was pretty much snapped right out of my short lived pity party when V and Derek volunteered to come over immediately. It is funny how sometimes it only takes one act of kindness.
It took one moment of once again being reminded how fortunate I am.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
5th Graders, Patriotic Music, Tears, Personality Traits and Bad Weather...
Friday was JD's last elementary school May Day, in which they honored the 5th Graders. Before we left the house, JD says - "Um, Mama, could you please not cry today? It's soooo embarrassing". I promptly told him that I couldn't make any promises. Look people, it's not like I'm a big cryer. I'm not. I actually really really really don't like to cry. However, I knew I would at least tear up over the May Day program.
As most of you probably know, for whatever reason, Patriotic music and events have always made me tear up. I am guaranteed to shed some tears on 4th of July, when the Blues fly at their Homecoming show, anytime I hear God Bless the USA, and pretty much anytime I sing the Star Spangled Banner. It's one of the unique things that make me who I am I guess. If you can really listen to the words of God Bless America and not feel something I will never understand it. That being said...
Friday, I'm sitting outside at JD's May Day, and like every year, they parade all the military parents - in their uniforms - out in front of the crowd, God Bless the USA starts, and so do my tears. I couldn't help it. Then we said the pledge and sang the National Anthem. I stood there with my hand over my heart, thinking about how blessed I am to raise my son in this country. I thought about the endless opportunities he has, and I was so thankful. I'm sure he was glad that he was far enough away that he couldn't see me crying. =) On a different note - he was happy I checked him out early. I asked him what he wanted for his celebration lunch and wouldn't you know - he wanted Texaco Chinese take out, and to come home and play the Wii. Yeah, he got what he wanted.
On to personality traits. I realized something about myself this weekend...I'm a closet Type A personality. I would normally say that I am more Type B...laid back, not very competitive, pretty content. However, put me in charge of something and all of that changes. I helped with a baby shower this weekend and my friend, Mallory, is someone who I would definitely classify as Type A. Yet, we switched roles. I was the one who was uptight when the cake didn't get there on time. I was the one stressing out over the amount of food. She was the relaxed one. We got a good laugh out of that. ha! I would say that being divorced has helped foster my Type A traits. I know what it is like to have to take charge and I am not afraid to do it, however, I wouldn't say that is my normal role. Don't get me wrong - I'm not a push over. I am opinionated. I have a sassy mouth more often than not. It was just funny to fully realize that I can be just as Type A as the rest of them.
Now, to clarify a point on bad weather. As most people who know me well know - I am frightened of bad weather. If it starts lightning, I'm not good with being out. That being said - I am not afraid of rain folks. To all my well intentioned people who like to make comments about this fear of mine - if I say I don't want to go out in the rain - it's because I don't want to be on the road at midnight, in pouring weather, getting soak and wet getting in and out of the car, with people on the road that can't drive when the roads are dry - not because I'm scared of rain. It kind of frustrates me when people make that assumption. Now, once again, I'm not going to lie - if it starts lightning, the game changes. It's not like I call into work or anything, but my anxiety is definitely up when the weather is horrible. I'm working on it. I'm trying to relax. It's better than it used to be - trust me on this. I'm actually glad we got some good rain this weekend. JD's poor sinus issues have been out of control. He actually fell asleep Friday afternoon on the couch - and he NEVER naps, unless he's not feeling well.
Okay, that's all my randomness for tonight. It's after midnight, and once again, I'm not tired. I wonder what it's like to sleep the whole night without waking up. Have a great night, y'all!
As most of you probably know, for whatever reason, Patriotic music and events have always made me tear up. I am guaranteed to shed some tears on 4th of July, when the Blues fly at their Homecoming show, anytime I hear God Bless the USA, and pretty much anytime I sing the Star Spangled Banner. It's one of the unique things that make me who I am I guess. If you can really listen to the words of God Bless America and not feel something I will never understand it. That being said...
Friday, I'm sitting outside at JD's May Day, and like every year, they parade all the military parents - in their uniforms - out in front of the crowd, God Bless the USA starts, and so do my tears. I couldn't help it. Then we said the pledge and sang the National Anthem. I stood there with my hand over my heart, thinking about how blessed I am to raise my son in this country. I thought about the endless opportunities he has, and I was so thankful. I'm sure he was glad that he was far enough away that he couldn't see me crying. =) On a different note - he was happy I checked him out early. I asked him what he wanted for his celebration lunch and wouldn't you know - he wanted Texaco Chinese take out, and to come home and play the Wii. Yeah, he got what he wanted.
On to personality traits. I realized something about myself this weekend...I'm a closet Type A personality. I would normally say that I am more Type B...laid back, not very competitive, pretty content. However, put me in charge of something and all of that changes. I helped with a baby shower this weekend and my friend, Mallory, is someone who I would definitely classify as Type A. Yet, we switched roles. I was the one who was uptight when the cake didn't get there on time. I was the one stressing out over the amount of food. She was the relaxed one. We got a good laugh out of that. ha! I would say that being divorced has helped foster my Type A traits. I know what it is like to have to take charge and I am not afraid to do it, however, I wouldn't say that is my normal role. Don't get me wrong - I'm not a push over. I am opinionated. I have a sassy mouth more often than not. It was just funny to fully realize that I can be just as Type A as the rest of them.
Now, to clarify a point on bad weather. As most people who know me well know - I am frightened of bad weather. If it starts lightning, I'm not good with being out. That being said - I am not afraid of rain folks. To all my well intentioned people who like to make comments about this fear of mine - if I say I don't want to go out in the rain - it's because I don't want to be on the road at midnight, in pouring weather, getting soak and wet getting in and out of the car, with people on the road that can't drive when the roads are dry - not because I'm scared of rain. It kind of frustrates me when people make that assumption. Now, once again, I'm not going to lie - if it starts lightning, the game changes. It's not like I call into work or anything, but my anxiety is definitely up when the weather is horrible. I'm working on it. I'm trying to relax. It's better than it used to be - trust me on this. I'm actually glad we got some good rain this weekend. JD's poor sinus issues have been out of control. He actually fell asleep Friday afternoon on the couch - and he NEVER naps, unless he's not feeling well.
Okay, that's all my randomness for tonight. It's after midnight, and once again, I'm not tired. I wonder what it's like to sleep the whole night without waking up. Have a great night, y'all!
Lord, Please Help Me To Not Get The Missionaries Killed...
That was the prayer I was praying tonight. You see, tonight was our annual Missions service at church. After church, our missionaries from India came up and asked me if I could point them in the direction of the closest Mexican restaurant. Now those of you who know me well, know that I've actually gotten lost on the way to work before (long story - road was closed and had to take a detour), so I am a little apprehensive about giving directions. I came up with a great idea...they could just follow me and I'd take them to Vallartas on Hwy. 29.
I'm sitting in my car, waiting for both couples of missionaries to get in their cars and pull up behind me, I did say I quick prayer that I would not get anyone hurt trying to get to Vallartas. Vallartas isn't the easiest place to get into - you have to turn right into their parking lot while you are in the merge lane for Hwy 29 and that makes me nervous.
We pull out and it is foggy - I'm driving slow so I don't lose anyone and yes, we made it to Vallartas safely. Only to realize that Vallartas is closed, but the bar is in full swing. Nice. So, no Mexican food, but I did end up at a bar. Real nice. Needless to say, I jump out of my car, my accent gets very thick and I explain that they must've closed. No worries...they did eventually find something to eat. =)
I'm sitting in my car, waiting for both couples of missionaries to get in their cars and pull up behind me, I did say I quick prayer that I would not get anyone hurt trying to get to Vallartas. Vallartas isn't the easiest place to get into - you have to turn right into their parking lot while you are in the merge lane for Hwy 29 and that makes me nervous.
We pull out and it is foggy - I'm driving slow so I don't lose anyone and yes, we made it to Vallartas safely. Only to realize that Vallartas is closed, but the bar is in full swing. Nice. So, no Mexican food, but I did end up at a bar. Real nice. Needless to say, I jump out of my car, my accent gets very thick and I explain that they must've closed. No worries...they did eventually find something to eat. =)
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