I am so bored....

This is NEVER a good thing with me. I don't handle boredom well. It's a good thing that I'm not bored that often. When I am bored, I often come up with drastic things to do and things that ususally cost a lost of money, that I suddenly NEED. Yes, I said Need. That being said, I have a lonnnng list. I have a shoot today, then I will be ready with my list. That list which includes some practical items, possibly has more not so practical needs. Those of which include a Brachioplasty (Arm job) and a fat roll removal... lol I'm sure there is a technical term, but whatever... I just want it done. I also want new bedding, new crown molding in my bedroom and my walls painted. Will tuiis be accomplisehed tonight? Doubtful... I have a shoot and then I have to get ready to go get my little brother from his mom's tomorrow. Maybe some of it will get done this weekend though. I guess, I should get ready for the shoot and return all the darn phone calls from everybody in the brother calling today. Have a great Friday. At the moment I'm having my lovely meal of apple chips. Yum!!! This totally does not go along with my whole living foods deal, but what can I say, I love these things!!! I think I can handle just one bag a day... lol of course that is an individual portion.

It's been 10 days...

since I last blogged. I just got back from Daytona. Had a blast! Sisters bag got stolen with camera and her cell phone. She has handled it pretty well. Anyway, It is a beautiful day and I am going outside to work in the yard... I will blog more later. Ok, I am back. The pollen was tooo bad. What was I thinking? Anyway, I had a break from my usual apple chip meal. I actually had a Subway sandwich. It was good. I topped it off with a remainder of Rolos Robbie got me on our way back from Daytona. It was a nice surpise, just a sweet gesture. I love Rolo's, they are my favorite little reminder of my childhood. My dadd used to buy me Rolo's. So anytime I have some of those, it takes me back... anyway I have had some time to myself this week. It has been nice. I have done some through deep down cleaning. I have been able to catch up with old friends and some new friends that I have not talked to in a while. I guess, I should get off of here and give my sister my undivided attention on the phone. Anyway, have a great day! Send me some love... all of my windows will be up, email, etc... so I can see it when I walk by.

Letter to the Normals

I found this on a fibromyalgia website, as you see it is 1:30am and I am still awake. This is a typical night for me and I long for the times when I was asleep before 10. I thought I was so old then, and wasting my years sleeping, then I got to where when I tried to sleep, I couldn't, i woudl think of all the things that I could be accomplishing, now, I am awake, but have no energy and the pain is unbearable and yet I still think of the time that I am wasting. What can I do about it?.... Nothing!
Anyway, as I was saying, I found this and of course it reminded myself of me and Mama, as she was recently diagnosed with Fibromyalgia as well. She joked that she got it from me. Thankfully she is feeling great these days, praise the Lord! I hope she continues to feel well. My back is getting better, I think one or two more visits with Dr. Steele shall do it. I am actually able to stand up straight today on my own. I still hurt like crazy though. I just hate not knowing why it hurts, I don't know if I did something or if it's the FM (fibrommyalgia, unfortunately I have been made very aware of the Fibro-fog lately, as I forget everything it seems. I do feel a bit better about it though as now I know I am not crazy and don't have Alzheimers at 27. There is a dog barking in my backyard... we don't have dogs, but whatever they are running out of the yard, I am thankful for that. Now back to the fibro-fog... earlier Robert asked if we had any chocolate, we did, but I couldn't tell him what kind it was for the longest. It was a Twix bar, and when I finally did remember, I wasn't too sure that it was the correct name. We just bought it Friday night, so I should not have forgotten it that soon, but I did. Anyway, welcome to my world! The letter is below, it totally describes me!!!


The Letter To Normals

Hello Family, Friends, and Anyone Wishing to Know Me,

Allow me to begin by thanking you for taking the time out of your day to spend some time with me and get to know me better. A person’s time is their most valuable asset and yours is appreciated.

I want to talk to you about Fibromyalgia (FM) and Chronic Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS). Many have never heard of these conditions and for those who have, many are misinformed. And because of this judgments are made that may not be correct… So I ask you to keep an open mind as I try to explain who I am and how FM/MPS has assaulted not only my life but those whom I love as well.

You see, I suffer from a disease that you cannot see; a disease that there is no cure for and that keeps the medical community baffled at how to treat and battle this demon, who’s attacks are relentless. My pain works silently, stealing my joy and replacing it with tears. On the outside we look alike you and I; you wont see my scars as you would a person who, say, had suffered a car accident. You wont see my pain in the way you would a person undergoing chemo for cancer; however, my pain is just as real and just as debilitating. And in many ways my pain may be more destructive because people can’t see it and do not understand....

Please don’t get angry at my seemingly lack of interest in doing things; I punish myself enough I assure you. My tears are shed many times when no one is around. My embarrassment is covered by a joke or laughter, but inside I want to die....

Most of my "friends" are gone; even members of my own family have abandoned me. I have been accused of "playing games" for another’s sympathy. I have been called unreliable because I am forced to cancel plans I made at the last minute because the burning and pain in my legs or arms is so intense I cannot put my clothes on and I am left in my tears as I miss out on yet another activity I used to love and once participated in with enthusiasm.

I feel like a child at times... Just the other day I put the sour cream I bought at the store in the pantry, on the shelf, instead of in the refrigerator; by the time I noticed it, it had spoiled. When I talk to people, many times I lose my train of thought in mid sentence or forget the simplest word needed to explain or describe something. Please try to understand how it feels to have another go behind me in my home to make sure the stove is off after I cook an occasional meal. Please try to understand how it feels to “lose” the laundry, only to find it in the stove instead of the dryer. As I try to maintain my dignity the Demon assaults me at every turn. Please try to understand….

Sleep, when I do get some, is restless and I wake often because of the pain the sheets have on my legs or because I twitch uncontrollably. I walk through many of my days in a daze with the Fibro-fog laughing at me as I stumble and grasp for clarity.

And just because I can do a thing one day, that doesn’t mean I will be able to do the same thing the next day or next week. I may be able to take that walk after dinner on a warm July evening; the next day or even the in the next hour I may not be able to walk to the fridge to get a cold drink because my muscles have begun to cramp and lock up or spasm uncontrollably. And there are those who say “but you did that yesterday!” “What is your problem today?” The hurt I experience at those words scars me so deeply that I have let my family down again; and still they don’t understand….

On a brighter side I want you to know that I still have my sense of humor. If you take the time to spend with me you will see that. I love to tell that joke to make another’s face light up and smile at my wit. I love my kids and grandbabies and shine when they give me my hugs or ask me to fix their favorite toy. I am fun to be with if you will spend the time with me on my own playing field; is this too much to ask? I love you and want nothing more than to be a part of your life. And I have found that I can be a strong friend in many ways. Do you have a dream? I am your friend, your supporter and many times I will be the one to do the research for your latest project; many times I will be your biggest fan and the world will know how proud I am at your accomplishments and how honored I am to have you in my life.

So you see, you and I are not that much different. I too have hopes, dreams, goals… and this demon…. Do you have an unseen demon that assaults you and no one else can see? Have you had to fight a fight that crushes you and brings you to your knees? I will be by your side, win or lose, I promise you that; I will be there in ways that I can. I will give all I can as I can, I promise you that. But I have to do this thing my way. Please understand that I am in such a fight myself and I know that I have little hope of a cure or effective treatments, at least right now. Please understand….

Thank you for spending your time with me today. I hope we can work through this thing, you and I. Please understand that I am just like you… Please understand….

I'm addicted..

it seems lately I am addicted to lots of things. lol Croissants from Sam's Club, Yogo's fruit snacks, especially Island Explosion and Banana-Berry (which is weird because I HATE anything artificially banana flavored), Apple Chips and now Samoas flavored ice cream. I discovered it last night and man it is just yummy! I don't even like ice cream! Well, it isn't my frozen treat of choice anyway. The weirdest of them all is my grapfruit shampoo and conditioner from Bath & Body Works. I love that stuff. I walk around forcing everyone to smell my freshly washed hair and become offended when they tell me that they can't smell anything!!!!
I tell you if ever there was a time for me to be pregnant it would be now, my emotions are whacked!!! More so than usual, there was a picture that I took in the paper, I cried. There was a photo of 5 generations in the paqper, I cried. I cried because Brook is halfway through her primary school career and Erin is not 2 anymore, but now 19!! Oh and the list goes on and on... lol I need some drugs and obviously some strong ones! I did a shoot last night at a school dance. My back has been bothering me and that only made it worse. I spent 2 days in the bed this week and the latter half of today on the sofa. I saw my bestest friend in the whole wide world Dr. Steele today. I love him!!!! I am going to have to go back sometimes this week because I still am in major pain! However while I was there I managed to get scolded for wearing open back shoes and working the yard. Not because I might hurt my back, but because I might run into a snake. lol Ahhh you gotta love him! Anyway, I guess I will enjoy watching my DVR's episode of Will & Grace and get back to my Samoas ice cream. lol Hae a great night!

I'm home alone today...

for the first time in months and what am I doing? I'm lying in the bed!!!! Not becacuse I am lazy, as I have tons of things that I want to do, but my back is bothering me very badly so I took some Flexra and have been in bed ALL DAY LONG! I want to work outside, I want to clean, I want to work in the hobby room, but I have a shoot tomorrow and know that I NEED to be ready for that. So here I lie!! Bored out of my mind. Talking to my sister on the phone and forcing her to listen me sing, well bolt out uncontrollable sounds that have a similar tune to old songs, but unfortunately do not fall in the the same key range! Poor her!!! Hmm, wonder if my brother has any requests?? Well I shall be going now, I sent out the Easter invites via email today. If you did not receive one, let me know and I will get it to you. Thanks! Love you bunches!

Robbie goes back to work tomorrow. We are thankful for that. I have garden club today. I have started working in the yard and am loving it. The weather has been so beautiful lately. It has been close to 80 several days. I can't wait to get the yard finished for Easter. We always have it at our house and I love it. It is one of my favorite holidays. Since I love to entertain that makes it even better. I was hoping that my house would be finished by then, but chances of that happening are slim to none. Maybe next year. I'm not sure if I have posted or not, but Cassi did excellent in the science fair GEARSEF. She brought home several awards including the US Army Achievement Award and the Air Force Award of Excellence in Science and Engineering. She worked really hard and we are very proud of her. I guess that is it for now, I am feeling really tired so I am going to rest up before the meeting. Talk to you later.

Mattress Woes- spin off of The Princess and the Pea

Once upon a time there was a girl who wanted a new mattress. This was quite a longtime desire, so the girl decided to do some mattress shopping. Store after store the girl tested mattresses until she found the mattress that she wanted more than any other amttress. Just to be sure she went to another store to try the same mattress. Yes! This was THE ONE! So she placed her order at the mattress store and paid the big price for the special mattress with the space foam. It was a state of the art mattress and the newest, best thing on the market. The mattress came in and was delivered. It was great, for a few months, then the thing broke down. The girl complained day in and day out. Finally,the girl had her husband call the company to find out what the problem was. They agreed to order a new mattress. Great, they would call when it came in to set up a delivery date. The girl went on a trip to North Carolina for several months. The mattress never got delivered. Once they were home for good, they called the company to set up a delivery date for the matress. They had to order a new one because the old one had been sold. Upon visiting the store, a different kind of mattress was requestedx, but they qagreed to try ONE MORE MATTRESS. The day came and the mattress was delivered. It was heaven! That is until they went to put the sheets on the bed. It was not the correct size. The girl fussed with her husband to push it this way, but he kep saying to push it his way. Finally the girl measured the mattress and called the company. It was not the correct size. A new mattress was delivered, it was not the same kind and there was too much moisture in the plant so the box springs creaked like crazy. Finally, they decided to contact the store agin. The girl just wanted the old mattress that was not the right size. It slept great and the new mattress was hard and stiff and yucky. The store said they would bring that mattress back and a brand new mattress. Great! The girl was overly excited. The day came and the mattresses were delviered. The service men put the new mattress on there first. This time the owner of the company had came. He said they had made the matress as a california king width, but a regular kind length. The new mattress was too hard. It was lower and just not comfy. The second mattress was just right!!!! Except now the box springs were too large. The man was not happy with the girl, but the girl was standing her ground. She had requested from the beginning exactly what she wanted and it was not her fault they kept ordering other mattresses. The girl knows what she wants. Apparently other people just don't always listen to the girl. The girl was very calm and polite the whole time. Apologizing and thanking them for the extra effort they had put forth, but insisting that it was not what she wanted. The girl politely stated her case and then left the room as a breakdown was close at hand. The girl is supposed to reduce stress levels and everyone in a room just staring at her waiting for her to tell them what they want to hear was not a great way to do this. The girl politely excused herself after staing her originaly request once more, stating that it had been her request from the beginning. The girl left it in their hands now to do the right thing. Once the service men took the mattress out and had placed the too small matttress on the box springs, the girl's husband pointed to something on the mattress.The girl leaned over and saw a hole. The girl kept her mouth shut and was grateful for what she had, but is anxiously waiting for the call to see if she can get box springs to match her too small of a mattress or if she will not sleep for the rest of her life. You see the girl never sleeps and the too small mattress was the only mattress since she was a merely a teen that she has been able to rest peacfully on through the night. This probably meant nothing to the store owner, but to the girl it meant the world.

I got my laptop back!!! After a LONNNNNG time... it is finally fixed. my battery isn't being recognized, but the power supply works! Woohoo!! We go Friday to the last Science fair that we have scheduled. I had some awesome pictures delivered yesterday and am waiting on some more today. I guess life is pretty boring otherwise. Robert's job search is still on, had a phone interview with a company from Mississippi. So Robbie is excited about that.
Someone hit the back of my truck and knocked off my Auburn hitch cover and broke it. That was not a happy finding, not to mention the big white scratch going across the bumper. To make it worse, it was in my own yard. It just seems like life just keeps piling things on us, but that's cool. We're strong.
We got our new cell phones, but we couldn't port the numbers. Roanoke Telephone Company sucks!!! So now we have Southern Lincs. Our power bill from last month came it was almost 300.00!! That is extremely high for us, but it was because of our heat pump messing up last month. So everything continues to pile and we survive. Thank God for that!!! He always comes through and He will again! Oh I took some photos at our old church Saturday. I lvoed seeing everyone. It really felt like home again. I miss them. Anyway, I guess I will be going now, UPS just came with my last package. See ya!

The last time I blogged was 2 weeks ago. A lot has happened since then. My Dad had surgery, then i went into the hosptial, then I checked out of the hospital and Dad went back in. Sister has been sick and so has my Mom. My Mom really probably should be in the hospital, but she is a little on the stubborn side, so I get it honest. Cassi entered the school science fair and won 2nd place. Then she went to district and won 2nd again, Tomorrow is the big day! The state science fair. We are excited and nervous and scared and probably most of all tired. We have redone the project for a 3rd time now. The finishing touches and the lights are being wired now. Thanks to Uncle Brad and Uncle Larry for loaning us the vital pieces of the display. I have taken some cute photos of some adorable babies. They have been just precious. You can view those on my website. www.creativeimpressionsphotography.com
I guess that is really all that I have to update on now. I am sure there is more, but can't think right now. Oh Robbie did great on his state merit test for the dept of conservation, so maybe he will get called for an interview. I guess I am going to help some more on this project. We are having trouble with the lights. Have a blessed Thursday!

I enjoy being high....

on life that is. Life is great! Isn't wonderful to be alive and healthy. Even more wonderful to be a child of God. I am just enjoying today and the wonderful life that I have. No, things are not perfect, nor will they ever be, but if I had to choose another life I don't think I would. I have everything that I need and even more than I could wish to have. I have a great family and a warm home and a happy heart. I am blessed!

The Science fair was today. Cassi got 2nd place. All she wanted was honorable mention. She nows get to go Glenwood. I am a germ freak and she is now becoming one. She cultured school surfaces and then we watched them grow. It was NASTY! Hoever, that nasty got her 2nd place, so HOORAY FOR GERMS! lol

I guess I am going now. I am having to find a new cell phone provider. Cingular is terminating our coverage at the end of this month. Apparently we are in their service area. They just decided this after 6 years, so here we go starting from scratch again. Oh well. It is horrible that they only gives us a month to change. Cassi just got new accessories for her phone for Christmas and now she can't even use them. I think we should have been grandfathered in since we had been with them so long. If nothing else, they could have at least let us wait until our contract ran out. Have a wonderfully blessed day!

~She'Na~

I am blogging due to popular demand... hehe

Here you go.
It was once said that life is what happens while you're busy making other plans. That is exactly what has been my deal lately. Actually I think that is the theme of my life. I make plans and that happens, but for some odd reason so does all sorts of other stuff that I don't plan on happening. For instance, our heat pump has been out of commission for a few days. It was around 43 degrees in this house. Of course it took me 3 days to realize that something must be wrong with it and my cheap alter ego was going to have to bite the bullet and call someone. A real professional. This was not something I could handle on my own. Trust me, I know. I tried.... lol So after several repair calls and finally someone able to come "tomorrow" (which is now today) things are finally starting to heat up around here. It is costing me $240.00, but that is a small price to pay for the luxurious comfort of warm air!!! (I am purposely ending this sentence with a preposition)

Cassi was officially asked to the prom. Of course it was by Kane. They really get on my nerves. They will probably end up married, but that will be ok, he is an Auburn fan. We went looking for dresses a bit Saturday, no luck. The hunt continues. We had a wonderfully awesome dinner at Johnny Carino's. The total bill for the four of us, (Robert, Cassi, Casey and me) was a whopping total of $23.38. If you have EVER eaten at Johnny's (as Bree calls it) then you will immediately recognize that amount for even two people is a small miracle. So how did we do it? Well we decided to try the family portion. We all had a choice of unlimited soup or salad or a mixture, bread of course and we all decided on Chicken Gorgonzola for our main dish. It was supposed to feed 2-3 people. It was enough for all of us to have seconds and there was still some left over. Delicious!!! There is nothing better that garlic sauteed mushrooms! YUM! TO make the small miracle even bigger, it only cost me $3.28. How do you do it, you might asking. Well it is simple, saince Johnny' Carino's once overcharged me and screwed up my bank account clost to $1,000. They were kind enough to send me $50.00 in gift certificates and a free dessert coupon. RObert and I used $30. worth on one meal and I had twenty left. I was saving it for their meal for two special taht they have in slow months, but decided since the girls have worked for several Saturdays in a row without complaining one biut and without any pay, I would take them out for a nice dinner. So our grand total comes to a whopping $1,003.28. Not bad for a family of four, huh? LOL

Ok, so the girls started softball practice yesterday. Casey had been so excited, but now she is discouraged, as this is her first year. She chose cleats for her payment. Cassi wants a bat for hers. Cassi on the other hand enjoyed practice. She has improved a lot and is being very encouraging with Casey which is a good thing. We spent a small fortune on softball gear last year and Saturday that small fortune grew even larger. Maybe they will use it till is shreds. lol And the injuries begin... Cassi got hit in the jaw yesterday. Last year you would have thought she was beaten as much as she was banged up. It looked horrible. She was a good sport though. This will be good for both of them. Tomorrow they go for a checkup and their physicals. They get to miss school, so they are super excited. lol

I have weird cultures growing on my kitchen table. I have officially passed my germ phobia on to others. Soon we will be a small cult. Cassi took samples of all kinds of yucky germ infested public places and put them in an incubator for 48 hours. Man did they ever grow. Yesterday Daddy was looking at them and I said, "Umm, you might want to wash your hands." He threw down the petrie dish he was hol.ding it was so funny. Then when he realized what all that stuff was he was like, "Well it's growing." lol So this weekend will be Science project weekend. Cassi has to do her pictures and Casey has to take pictures for hers.... but of feet! I don't know and I'm not asking. I'm just supplying the camera.

I really need to get to work now as bills don't pay themselves. hehe I have someone coming for graduation invitations today and then someone coming about her shoot on Saturday, so I should make myself presentable. It is just so cold! I hate to move.

I just finsihed my delicious bowl of oatmeal with pecans and cranberries. It was scrumptiously delicious, so now I must bid farewell. Oh, before I do, my website is now open for business. The address is www.creativeimpressionsphotography.com
Check it out. My brother did a great job.

Wednesday

Today was pretty lame. We took inventory of our entire food supply. LOL I am trying to utilize what we have as we have a tendancy to buy what we want and just keep the rest stored for later. With what we had on hand we have planned 35 meals and still had plenty to keep going, but I got tired. Of course we did have to get a few things, but that was only a total of $50.00 worth. With cleaning products, it came to close to 90.00. Still not bad. So, we went to church tonight. I missed my brother there tonight. Then we went to get groceries. I love my s'mores set that Gigi got me for Christmas. It is quite handy. However, once I gain 30 pounds from eating marshmallows each night until I get the perfectly toasted layers, I might not think so. Now keep in mind, I have a gas stove and so in the past when I have had a desire for roasted marshmallows, I wouild roast them on that. It wasn't often, but enough to hold me over until fall. Great, perfect, wonderful! That is until now. I think I have to have them every few days. So... what else is going on? Nothing really. The job serch continues. I am shooting some basketball teams this weekend. That should be a good gig. The photos have been shipped from the pageant so I am excited to see how they turn out. I also stress about them until they get here and I can look over them. I am just always so nervous and frantic. I guess that about sums it up for now. I need to go as it is almost midnight. Maybe I can write more tomorrow. See ya later!

Well, it's finally over.

The big shoot,, that is. I just got home and I am exhausted. I had a great crew helping me today. Things went very smoothly and that is owed only to God. We prayed and prayed and prayed and so far so good. I briefly proofed each photo when I shot them, so they look good I suppose. As always, some I love and some will do. I shot a great group of kids today and the parents weren't so bad either. I was going to bed because I said no work tonight, after working a 9 hour day today... but... I couldn't resist, so I am now going to look through the pics again. ;) I can't do it long though we have church tomorrow and we are in charge of children's church. Night.

Today is the BIG day!

I hav eto shoot the Miss Handleyan Pageant. I am scared to death and nervous. I am waiting for the girls to show up to have their photos made at this very moment. I cannot beleive I agree'd to this, however my family has become accustomed to eating, so I guess I should just suck it up and be done. That does not help my nerves one bit though. I know it will go over great, but that doesn't change the way I feel. Everyone has been so good about helping me lately. This morning I was allowed to sleep in and was served breakfast in bed. So, I guess I should close for me moment, I just thought I would ask for a little prayer. ;) Love you bunches!!!

A house full of girls.

I have a house full of girls. 5 to be exact. Courtney was with us, but she is sickly and we hope she feels better soon. We have had fun I guess. Played wth dogs and games and pool. We even took some pictures. I have a shoot enxt week for a pageant, so we had to practice. HEre is a sample
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/luv2crop/cassidream.jpg[/IMG]

I have a bulging disc, so actually I have done a lot of lying around the past few days, per Dr. Steele's orders of course. Robbie has made breakfast for everyone. He is still out of work, but is looking. As soon as my back is better, I will get back on the looking trail. Well I guess I better go for now, the girls are eating and I hear the salt chat starting. I will be back later. Bye for now.

Some people live in a soap opera...

I live in a drama. Robbie went back to work on Monday. Guess what. He had been repalced. Even though I had called them at least twice a week and everyday when he was in the hosptial. They told me the documentation to get and I had everything. You would think they would have told me on Friday when I called them a million times trying to make sure everything was in order, but noooo. They wait for him to come in at 4 am Monday morning. Then his boss wasn't even there to tell him. Oh the nerve of some people. the worst aprt is, not one single person asked about him from there. That sucks majorly. I guess people are just losing their compassion. Oh well. All's well that ends well and I guess that ended well because it is part of God's perfect plan. Now I myself am a planer and I know God gets the biggest kick out of me making my plans, but I can't help it. At least I provide him some good entertainment because He has let me know more than once that my plans don't always go with what He has in mind. I am trying to make sure that I listen so that He will maybe let me have a little say in the plans he has in store. If ntohing else, maybe he could give a me a clue on the route to take. I tell you this choosing the wrong road stuff is hard work. Oh why oh why doesn't he just call me up on the phone or send me an email? It would be so much easier. He doesn't though and He certainly didn't promise that things would be easy. I know the reason that He doesn't is because my faith doesn't grow if I get the easy answers. Just like in school, when you are given the answers you don't learn anything, but when you are forced to trial and error or finding the answers for yourself, you get so much more out of the deal. I must not be a fast learner, or I probably don't listen. LOL Whatever the case- I am sure he gets frustrated with me from time to time... and that is an understatement to say the elast. Now, that I have given the moral lesson for today on gaining wisdom and faith I guess I should continue to give me blog update.

Cassi got her report card. She made some improvements and some things came down, but not too bad. Robbie is looking for work, as I am looking to go back to work full time until we can get worked out again. Robbie is worried that my health will decline again, but I told him I have to do what I have to do. I think the problem in the past has been that is has been physically exausting and too harsh on my body. I am looking for something a little more calm this go round. Robbie and I have been playing family games each night to relax. We are addicted. I slaughtered him yesterday in Monopoly and then again last night in Phase 10. He was not a happy camper and we ended up ending the game early. I told him he was a sore loser and he agreed. LOL It was funny seeing him act like that, because it is totally not like him. I guess that is why he loves his X-Box so much. He doesn't have to play with anyone but the computer. lol

I am shooting a pageant next week at Handley. THat makes me very nervous because that is my Alma Mater. Talk about being put under pressure.I am sure it will be fun and a learning experience. hopefully it will get me some senior jobs. If I could get more business then I wouldn't have to go back to work. I just balanced my checkbook and somewhere there is 4.66 missing and it is driving me crazy. I don't know where it went, so I just entered it and figured it would even things out. I am not in the mood to do it now. It is too depressing. My brother's birthday is Saturday. Tomorrow I am being treated to lunch by friends. I guess they pity my life drama. lol It always is good to have people cheer you up, especially friends like mine. It is a shame when some of the people you need most aren't there for you. Some people can be very selfish and self centered at times... no matter the expense to others. I guess we all can be though. That's just part of life.

On a happy note... I have THE BEST Aunt Nancy ever. She was awesome when Robbie was in the hosptial. I had a home cooked meal every night (even when it was horribly late) and a nice cozy bed waiting for me. Then in the morning, I had wonderful fellowship with her and a yummy breakfast of homemade oatmeal with all sorts of healthy goodies. Just the way I like it. I always have loved to stay there and this was the first time in my "grown up years" that I have been able to do so. I have always strived to be just like her and want my nieces to feel the same way about me and my house. She is the best! I think she could be a Stepford wife. LOL I have been craving some more of that oatmeal, but I doubt mine will be made homemade. I will probably just add the healthy goodies to the not so healthy instant pack variety. lol

Courtney is on the task of setting Mama up with someone. She is trying to recruit people for the cause. She is hilarious about the whole deal. She knows exactly what she wants her grandpa to have. This girl means business. I haven't been able to see or talk to Brook and Bree for a few weeks, but I imagine they are just as cute as ever. Courtney is local and calls daily to check on Mama so I get filled in that way. I have learned that if I want business taken care of to get Courtney on the task. Her next assignment is to get Mama to go to the dr about her arm. The grandpa idea was all her own.

Daddy is trying to keep Casey and Michael from killing each other. Chris went back to Mobile. We miss him soooo much. I wish he and Justin both would move up here. Justin is currently on my list- he hasn't replied to my myspace messages. lol I should know that a big sister is not top priority to a 19 year old boy with cute girls on his friend list. I am sure that would cramp his style.

The whole family is addicted to Mama's Wheel of Fortune game that we got her for Chrsitmas and Courtney loved it so much that she bought one for herself. Brook, Courtney and Bree are all wonderful at this game. They are so smart. It is amazing at how intelligent they are to be their ages. It is a blessing to say the least.

Yesterday was my Garden Club meeting.It was very enjoyable. Our topic was The Healthy Gardener. We learned some stretches that you could do before working in the yard. The stretches felt really good and was actually very relaxing. We all looked silly stretching in nice clothes and heels, but it just added to the fun.

I guess I need to be going now. I don't want to wear out my welcome. ;) I was waiting for Mama to get home from work, but it looks like that won't be happening anytime soon, so I will head home. I have to go get my meds from Wal-Mart before they close and make it back in time for Grey's Anatomy.
I will try and post some photos soon.
Talk to you guys later- Ciao!

Happy New Year!

It has been a LONNNNG time since I last posted. Life has been happeneing. ;) Robert was in the hospital, but he is a lot better. He had viral meningitis. Still not perfect, but way better than he has been lately. He planss to go back to work next week. 4 weeks is too long without a pay check, but there was no way that he could have worked. He goes to get a release from the dr today I think.
Today is a wonderfully rainy day with thunder so loud is shakes the whole house. Very cool! It does seem to have calmed down a lot though.
I have a gripe today, actually I have several, but I will keep those to myself. The one I must vent about is UPS. In October I had received some lights, backdrop stands and other items for my photography business. This was stuff that I needed very bad. WHen I received the items, some of the bulbs were broken. The bulbs are very expensive, so I filed a claim with UPS. FIne, they sent money for the bulbs to be replace, but have not yet sent the package. Everyday we have been on the phone with people all over the US and finally yesterday we got an actual answer. UPS destroyed the package as it was not repairable. Ummmm, yes it was!!!! I am so livid. I had already paid for these things and now they won't ay for them because they were only insured to cover the repairs and that won't cover everything. I have a big job coming up that I needed those for and now I can't do it. I cannot believe this. BTW, if anyone from UPS ever tells you they will call you back- they are LYING!!!! Vent over...
Ok, trying to remain calm, so I guess I will be getting off of here for now. Hopefully it won't be so long between posts next time.

Fill in the blank

1. My current favorite song is: Too many to name, but I love Rock Star

2. The last book I read was: the Bible

3. The last book I bought was: a collect of Dr. Seuss' classics and some cook books

4. The last cd I bought was: for a gift

5. Another CD I wanted but didn't buy is: Nickleback

6. Right now, I'm wearing: Jeans and a long sleeve purple shirt

7. The last gift I bought was: for my secret pal

8. The last time I laughed heartily and loudly: when I was in Mobile

9. My favorite holiday ornament is: the white doves that are in memory of my Nanny Brown and my Aunt Gwen

10. My house smells like: Pears... which smells wonderful!!!

11. The first thing on my to-do list tomorrow is: Garden club meeting and silent auction.

12. If I could sit on Santa's lap and believe that he'd bring me whatever toy I wished for, I'd ask for: Goodies for my camera or my laptop fixed

13. If I could holiday shop in ONE store, all expenses paid, I'd shop at: Crate and Barrell or Lowe's.

14. If an angel alighted on my doorstep today and said, "I'm here to grant a Christmas wish," I'd wish for: salvzation for those that are lost

15. When I see a bell ringer while out shopping, I: put in what cash I have.

Trying to stay awake

It's Monday, today is my laundry day. While waiting on a laundry rotation, I decided to watch a bit of tv. The side lights from the foyer were kind of bright, so I decided to lie down on the couch to block the view with my arm. BIG MISTAKE! I am so sleepy now. I can hardley see. The bad thing about it is is it 1:44 in the afternoon. I need to be wrapping gifts or something productive, but I have been meaning to blog for a wekk now, so I figured there was no bettter time than the present. I have Jr. Service League tonight. We are having our Christmas party at Kim's. I already have my dessert made. Whoo hoo for me! I even broke out the santa platter that I LOVE, but always forget about. My house is decorated as much as it is going to get this year I suppose. I couldn't put out the china or dining room decorations because we have a wall to mud and the dust would be yucky on my table scape! So I figured that I would skip this year... unless my wall gets mudded soon. I doubt that will happen though. The floor for the kitchen is still waiting patiently in the foyer. It looks nice in it's boxes. I bet it would look even better on the kitchen floor. Oh well, good things come to those who wait.

My Christmas shopping is done with the exception of a few gifts. I have managed not to go overboard this year on my nieces. They gave me only one request, so that is what I got them. It was all in the same price range too, so that took care of the fairness. What else is new? We had a wonderful time at church Friday night. Saturday we shopped and last night we had the church Christmas play and gift exchange. I got some wonderfully awesome gifts and one of my all time favorites. Popcorn! That reminds me, I should crack that can open and have a nice nutritious snack. I also need to work on my Christmas cards, you know the ones that never got sent last year. Last year was especially crazy as we were not home except on weekends in December. It has been nice to do things gradually and not have to haul gifts to Charlotte to wrap. I do miss that place though. I loved staying across from Paramount because it was all lit up and the way I would find my way "home" away form home each Sunday night was via the big Christmas tree that you could see for miles. We had developed a small family there in Charlotte. At night, one of our favortie clerks would bake us cookies and deliver fresh hot chocolate chip cookies and cold glasses of milk to our room. Now that is what I call service!!! Anyway, I guess I am done reminisincg for now. I shall return later. Merry Christmas everyone!

3rd times a charm

It has been said that all things come in 3's... It has been several weeks since I have blogged. Life is great... busy, but great. Lately my life has been consumed with kitchen remodeling. It all started with the new fridge. We needed more clearance, so we trimmed the counter, great it fit. It did not have enough "breathing room" though, so we were going to trim the cabinet. No biggy there. We decided to go ahead with the partial closing of the large opening overlooking the dining room since we had the power tools readily in use. So off I go to buy the material for that project. On one of those trips I saw a pantry cabinet a little less wider than the current cabinet, with much more room. I bought it. Then I had to get something to hang our microwave with. Check.... all that led to new floor, new cabinet color and new wall color. The reason I said things come in three's is because I made 3 trips for screws, 3 trips for studs,3 trips for brackets, 3 trips for flooring, 3 trips for cabinet hinges and 3 trips for curtains. Obviously 3rd time's a charm because thankfully everything worked.... well the flooring isn't in yet, but I am sure it will be fine. I love it. I couldn't wait to get the curtains hung, and accessorize my tiny space. I wanted to wait until the floor was in, but I could not stand it any longer. So last night I tried the last 2 sets of curtains. Thankfully the 3rd set worked perfectly. It was as if it had just appeared on my thrid trip because I had obviously not paid attention to them on all the other trips. I will post a finished picture when it is totally complete. Everyone loves it so far, except mama and daddy. lol Daddy says it's too dark, but he is color blind so it just looks grey to him and mama said it looked good, but she didn't love the colors. That's ok though, I like it! It looks like a totally different kitchen. It isn't but it is just amazing the transformation it has made. I took some pictures last night, but had to force myself to delete them becasue I was so tempted to email them to everyone. I realize that a lot of people think I am a freak b/c I thrive on projects like this. If you know me, you know that I can't do anything small or halfway. Needless to say my little project has leaked into the hallway and the dining room. lol Right now there are paint sample stuck on the wall. We like them all, but it changes throughout the day. Our kitchen is tiny, so I figured that walling it up and painting it dark would make it appear smaller, but so far so good. I have to concentrate on the guest bath as that has been a project goal for over a year now. We have nice slate sitting in our dining room just waiting to be put down in there. The hold up- the sink faucet and deciding if we just want a shower or if we want a combo. Oh and the money is also a slight detail that is missing. ;)

I couldn't shop this Friday for gifts without loooking for curtains and wall art for the kitchen. I was very surprised as I did not buy anything from Home Depot or Lowe's on Black Friday. My friend Jenn says that I have to go to those places to regroup and have my therapy. I drug my poor little sister all over those stores last week. To which she replied- we are so different. lol I remember when I was her age and younger, I hated, no let me restate that, I HATED Lowe's. (there were no HD's around then) It seemed like my dad would be in there for hours and it was BORING!!! Now, I am loving it and can't wait until LaGrange gets their Lowe's back again. It will be 2008, but it is still fun to look forward to. I have banana nut bread in the oven right now, so I should probably go and check it. I just wanted to take a moment to say hi. I will check back in more often now that life isn't consuming me. Ciao!