Saturday, July 18, 2009
Shiny Happy People - I want one
Ok so if my last two posts were too sugary and religous that you wanted to puke, I understand. However if I don't fight the feelings of fear and hopelessness, I will soon become one of those empty shell people. So, much like Pollyana I will be playing the glad game. Besides, this depressive, the sky is falling junk, is just not my style (ok, maybe that was more for me than you. LOL.)
For the passed week I have had REM's Shiny Happy People stuck in my head as I find myself bouncing about the house. I must say, its uplifting. I take it more as a note to self......BE THANKFUL, BE HAPPY
So, here it goes, a little positivity on a Saturday....I am fearless, positive, blessed and moving toward my goals!
In a nut shell:
I have been given a wonderful opportunity to make a career change (Two more of my coworkers were let go last Wednesday and the Corporate visit, although positive, I'm pretty sure I need a 6 month exit strategy. IE: Plan B MUST become Plan A! Oh a side note, please pray for my coworkers and their families during this time.)
God has given me an opportunity for Ken and I to get on the same page financially. (There was too much month and not enough money so far July and we were late on a bill. It's been a humbling experience to say the least, but has really forced my faith in God to increase, 'cause it's all I have left.)
I have a new determination to handle everything with grace. (Negetitivity never got anyone anywhere so why spend one second of your life thinking about the passed and things you cannot change.)
Why am I blogging so much as of late, you ask, well really I'm not in the mood to do regular work and/or continue looking for a new job. Anyway, I hope you all are doing well. Be blessed.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Mamma Spawn's Garden Oasis
"Build your houses, and dwell in them; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them,"
So, I thought I'd share one of the things that helps me keep my mind in perspective. I say all of this, not to be preaching, but to give hope, because all is not lost until you cast off all hope. Again to quote Philosophy brand products, "Where there is hope, there can be faith and where there is faith, miracles can occur." (laughing) No, I don't work for Philosophy, I just <3 href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy423_EjFfMpJIItCj4uEyXM0qKb1RoH5enEH1KMg1PDf5qb_TiwRb5h671dnTStKVQaEehHBzAKTqxpMRt4UYUVjPXayw8ZMWr9g6QMnSW1bTlQye7Ib-kbTL2hY0vp2oX3IDU9uPDRgR/s1600-h/garden+001.jpg">
The glass yard art, Mamma Spawn makes. What can I say, the woman has more talent in her pinkie toe than I could ever dream of having.
Sometimes, playing in the dirt is the best way to keep your mind clean!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Faith
By definition faith is the belief and trust in God; knowing that he is real, even though one cannot see him. How is it possible that something that sounds so simple can be the most challenging is beyond me. I suppose like most people, when asked if I had faith in God, I would say “of course, I believe and trust in God. He has revealed himself and his many blessings in my life numerous times.” However, in the wee hours of the morning when I am wake at 4 am AGAIN stressing about finances or my career path AGAIN, I know I must be stronger in my faith in God and more importantly faith and trust in HIS plan.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” ~ Jeremiah 29:11
It was once said ‘If you want to hear God laugh, tell him your plans.’ He must laugh often around us all thinking we have it all figured out. We hold tight to our own illusions of control over our lives, “If only you could just get a peak at the road map of life, then….you would understand; then………… you would trust that God has it all figured out.” But, having true faith in God is much more than that. It is a matter of giving your life and all the details over to God and trusting that his way is the right way whether it makes sense to you or not.
All this brings the Serenity Prayer to mind:
God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.
--Reinhold Niebuhr
“You control our thoughts, attitude, actions, and reactions therefore we do have some control your destiny.” Oddly enough, that is the message on philosophy band beauty products, Grace. They must know that we as women need to hear this EVERY day, I know I do.
It is our job to lay our fears and worries at the feet of God and trust that he has it all covered.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3, 5-6
I say all of this to you, because really I need to repeat all of this to myself on a daily basis. Much like the little engine that could, I’ll be telling myself all day that, “I think I can, I think I can, because through God ALL things are possible.”
I wish you all a blessed day.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Its Monday and It wasn't ME
Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.
Hmmm, Ken and I did NOT have an audience as we successfully (for once in our whole relationship) navigated the grocery store without spending $120 or arguing about what we can or cannot buy. Ken + food shopping = $120 a week with more cookies, chips, soda and ice cream than meals. While I can manage 7 meals, a few snacks, 7 lunches, soda, and all necessities for about $50 to $60. IF this had happened, I wouldn't have found it heart warming that an older couple stopped us to say that we were so cute to watch, because THEY still had not mastered grocery shopping together. Plus, we would NEVER play rock-paper-scissor to find out which bank account the food came out of. I WON!!!!
What kind of wife is overjoyed to be away for a week on business while her husband tries to quit smoking? NOT ME ok ok..YES.....ME....ME.....He is is pure evil when trying to do this and I seem to be far more supportive from 300 miles away. As I told him, I'll love him no matter what, but he is much more likable from this distance right now.
I did NOT buy the cutest summer top at Walmart yesterday, nope NOT ME, because I am a loyal Target shopper and have a laundry list of reasons why I don't go to Walmart ( 30 people in line and only three checkout lanes open......the fact that they low ball there distributors in order to have low low prices..........dirty store........parents who allow their children to run and scream as they are Wild things....... So, all I can say is there "might" be a small chink in my anti-Walmart campaign. That George stuff is kind of cute! What can I say....we received a Walmart gift card for a wedding gift and it was about to expire soon.
I did NOT get so caught up in baby fever that I began a wish list at babies'R'us. Nope, NOT ME. Not preggers yet, but its all in God's hands. But, shhhhhh........... under my rules, Ken and I are not telling any one until we are pregnant and beyond that early miscarriage zone. But, not like I'm telling any one really. You guys are more like observers of my internal thoughts, really.
So what have you NOT done this week?
Monday, June 15, 2009
It's Monday Again and It Wasn't ME
Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This wonderful form of self theropy was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.
So here I am again MANY Mondays after my last post. And boy have I done and NOT done a heck of a lot. So here are just a few:
I would NEVER have an indoor water fight with Ken, which would NEVER have started with my smart mouth (Who me? I'm quiet and demure!) and Ken did NOT have the nerve to throw a dirty sock at my head. IF that all had happened the Big Dog wouldn't have gotten upset enough to try bringing us a toy to "make sure" we were just play fighting and we wouldn't have had water all over the hardwood, carpet, bed, stairs, each other, and the bathroom walls. Besides, as adults we would never laugh about it until our sides hurt all the way through clean up.
What kind of gardener would have more weeds than veggies in her garden and then have to spend a whole Saturday "fixing" the problem? NOT ME
I am NOT still surprised at the way God has been working to help my dreams come true. Nope..........business cards and marketing martials, two fabulous caterers, and two more weddings to plan did NOT simply fall into my lap without my having to do much of anything.
What kind of wife bakes fresh blueberry muffins for her hubby and then eats all of a 24 muffin batch in a matter of a week's time? NOT ME I would NEVER do that since blueberry is his favorite.
We did NOT join a bowling league where I of course am carrying our whole team into first place with my 100 average Ken is bowling 300 games and I am jealous as all get out that when it comes to sports he rocks and I simply ok the ever supportive wife.
So what have you NOT done this week?
Monday, May 11, 2009
Its Monday again and It wasn't me
I did NOT celebrate the tenth anniversary of my 21st birthday last week. Nope NOT ME, but that would mean that I am getting into my thirties at top speed. LOL.
For my birthday I did NOT get a wonderful computer virus which is SOOOOO intelligent that it hides all the common ways to kill a computer virus. It has NOT completely disabled all ways to connect to the Internet without getting thousands of po-up ads that break through all anti-virus software or pop-up blocker. Nope things like that never happen to me, because that would mean, I have to ship my laptop to the techs in Atlanta and use Ken's computer for work. Ken did NOT tell me that, "I better not give HIS computer a virus!" As IF I am the one who is contagious and not my computer. I was not half tempted to put on a surgical mask, groves, and put a sign on my office that said I was under quarantine. (sign)
Among my wonderful birthday gifts, I did NOT also "happen" upon a large fire ant nest next to our little pond. Nope, because that would mean that I'm allergic and now have a cankle (foot and ankle) SO huge I cannot wear any shoes other than flipflops. I mean, whose foot and ankle swell up like Prof. Clump? NOT ME.
My birthday week was not completely busy, since my niece's birthday was a few days before mine, then my birthday, then the same niece graduated from USC and then it was Mothers day. All in all it wasn't a pretty good birthday with lots of well wishes.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Its Monday once again and It WASN'T ME
Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This cheap form of therapy was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week. And away we go.......
Who in there right mind tries to not only work in Atlanta all week, but also catch up with old friends and finish bouquets for the wedding at the end of May?????? I mean, hello who gets home after 10 pm almost every night and wakes up at 5 am? NOT ME
I did NOT reconnect with old college friends, reliving trips to Key Largo, Cozumel, and backpacking together. If that had happened we all would not have picked up right where we left off 6 years ago and then planned on visiting each other in Miami (where Tree hugger lives), in North Carolina (where G is moving to) and South Carolina (ME).
After having such a week, I would NOT be so excited to get home to Ken, the uppies, and dedicated to the outdoor cafe at church that I left Atlanta at 5 am Sunday morning. Nope NOT ME.
Who gets so excited about their own birthday that they begin celebrating cinco de mayo all the way to the 8th (actual birthday.) and yet suddenly feels stressed over turning 31? NOT ME, because 31 is no big deal or reason to reflect on what you have and haven't accomplished in the year.
My Monday did NOT began (with Ken's assistance) chasing the baby puppy around the backyard because he had a baby water moccasin in his mouth (Ken is completely afraid of snakes and I'm not much of a fan either.) and then fishing the Big dog out of our small pond.
So what did you NOT do this week?
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Swine Flu
While my heart and prayers go out to the family who lost their baby (only reported US death) to the swine flu , I am also sick (pun intended) of the media making a bigger deal out of this than it needs to be. Hello, media...STOP trying to freak everyone out over this. Tons of people die each year from the regular flu. We all know the flu stinks. If you are sick, go to the doctor, otherwise the only extra precautions needed are wash your freakin' hands more often and IF you are sick, keep your bum at home. Problem solved. Tomorrow, I'll take on our current economic state. (just kidding, that would take more than one day.)
Sorry, to hop on the soapbox, but as of late, I feel like I cannot watch the news. I grow tired of all the gloom and doom.
Is any one else feeling the same way?
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Walk Down Memory Lane - Missing my twin
Come for a walk with me down Memory Lane!
And if you have a "Memory Lane" post, head on over to Scottsville to join in on the fun!
Ok, for my first "WDML" post, I am going to introduce you to My Twin aka GI Barbie.....I am really missing her right now.
When my family moved to Georgia, my freshman year of high school, one of the first people I met was this sassy girl from Texas (LOL. Sorry, E you're not the only Texan in my life. LOL) We were like sisters from another mother within in a month. All the big events in my life we have been together. People began calling us "the twins" our freshman year because we looked a little alike and since we are both only children.... we are the closest either of us had to having a real twin. She is the yin to my yang.
On our way to the Citrus Bowl our freshman year of high school. (See why people called us twins. LOL)
Our Junior year of high school.
Our senior year of high school.
Hanging out before she went to Iraq. (Do I have some crazy eyes going on in this pic or what!)
Taking in a Braves game before she moved to DC.
Her hen party.
On her wedding day.
My Hen party that she organized. St. Patty's Day in the Vista, SC. Yes, I had been drinking.
Together at my wedding.
(sigh) So it has been a year since I have seen her and I am missing her like crazy. And today, I received an email with her new family photos. My little "niece" is so freaking cute and I haven't even met her yet. So, I broke down in tears. I miss my twin so very much and hope to fly, drive whatever to DC to see her soon.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Friend OR Stalker
So there you have it.....I am a stalker. LOL.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Funny or NOT
Friday, April 24, 2009
Spring = New shoes!!!
Ok, is it me or does spring bring out the desire to go shopping in you too? So, I'm on a mission this season to get a pair of cute black sandals. Ken would tell you that I have a zillion pairs of black shoes and he has no clue why I need more. But, the real reason is that I feel I am too old to wear cheap flip flops any more. That and they have been bothering my feet. The words NO ARCH SUPPORT comes to mind.
Since I cannot afford the really good shoes I love, we are going to my next favorite summer shoe... Oka b. I'm not one for huge product endorsements and I'm completely NOT getting free shoes for this. Although OKA b, if you are reading this and feel like helping a shoenista out, I wear a size 8!!!!! Any way LOVE LOVE LOVE these shoes! They are made in the USA, machine washable and completely recyclable. Plus they come in a TON of colors and have good support for your feet. Plus they blog, people what more could you ask for. LOL. I own a pair in black (like the ones above and bought a pair in chocolate for Mamma Spawn two years back. So, I was looking at their flip flops and about getting another pair of the Madison in navy blue or white.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Hello 4 am
Hmmm Ken didn't hear that. But, what was that?
Oh wait...that was me....
Gross, I think there was something in my throat..
Please say it wasn't a bug, please say it wasn't a bug!!
Oh, gross!!! Ugh! I read or heard somewhere that people swallow thousands of bugs while sleeping.
Please, NOT have been a bug.
Ewww, because IF that was a bug...........it was HUGE.
Maybe it was....... a bogey.......Nah, that's kinda gross too. But, at least it wasn't a bug, eh?
Did I really just say that? Ah, yeah I did.
Why is the hall light still on? (It's on a timer.)
Maybe I can slip out of bed, pee and drink some water.
Don't wake the fur babies. Don't wake the fur babies.
(in bathroom) Aw MAN!!!! "Hi, Gizzie! Hi my good girl." Great! Now they are going to want to pee too. UGH!!!!
Ken: "Babe, you ok!? Why are you up?"
"Yeah, just had to pee. And of course you know they now have to go as well." I cannot go any where without my furtourage (fur entourage). Between Ken and them, I am never without being followed and checked on.
(Dogs outside.) Grrrrrr, Scooter ate the little stoppers for the timer. Crazy little bugger!! "UGH! FOUR AM!!!!"
(Back in bed with the uppies and Ken.) Hmmm, not sleepy!
Is it me, or do all women obsess of crazy stuff like this at all hours of the night?
Ah, I suppose I do normally wish for an extra two hours in my day.......So, I have them in a way. What would you do with an extra two hours in your day? Albeit, I might miss this time not sleeping later.
By the way, the picture above is of sun set not sun rise, but its 0400, work with me people.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Happy Earth Day
I tend to be less than a tree hugger, but I do understand the importance of taking care of the Earth. I mean, we drink organic milk and I planted an organic garden, but I know there is still much that I could (should) be doing. I have a rain barrel to water my plants even though Ken still uses our sprinkler system to water the grass. We recycle, drink filtered tap water, believe in using reusable water containers and I take my our reduce reuse shopping bags.......... But, still my thoughts on the whole tree hugging thing can best be said by this picture.
What can I say....I leave a big footprint, but at least I'm doing in cute shoes....... LOL. I'm a shoenista!
What are you guys up to honor of Earth day?
MIA
Yes, I know I have been neglecting my bloggy friends and I am sorry. I just have a LOT on my plate right now. I miss you guys too.
You see, I began blogging when I was very unhappy with where my life was headed. That and I was in a new city that did not feel like home at all. And I have met some REALLY cool people that I honestly would call bloggy friends, we'd probably be much closer if we all lived down the street from one another. With that said....here is what I have been up to:
Being a wife Ken and I are better than ever. In the last six months we have become stronger as a couple and I am much more in love with him than I ever thought possible. We are working together on many common goals and have been very busy. Needless to say, he likes it when I'm not blogging while he is home.Plus he has been coming home early some days and we have been working in the garden or taking the pups for a walk.
The regular job: My current employer has made it VERY clear that we all better get our bums in gear and make numbers or else!!! Although Ken has been working regularly (thanks to GOD!), the housing market here is still not what it was, so my having a job is highly important.
Chasing the dream: This one.......... I am busting with excitement over!!! The full time event planning thing is currently on its way to actuality. The key is keeping the main job until I can completely make the switch. I've been busy making arrangements for the two weddings I am doing at the end of May. On top of that, I fully intend on having a reception hall / event center of my own. No clue where the cash is going to come from or how it will all come about, but I have been writing my business plan, praying and getting all my ducks in a row. It is awesome to see things unfold that all point to this dream coming to fruition.
On a side note: I had plans of buying this place, did a whole lot of research to find out who owned it since it is basically a run down building...Ah yeah, found out last Monday the guy wants $1.4 mill for it. (And since, you know, I have that kind of cash in a shoe box under my bed........LOL.) Needless to say, I had to say I am passing on the purchase at this time. So, the search for an event center is on. Other than that I have been coordinating an event at our church (The outdoor cafe) that will continue for the next three months.
I promise to try to do better about blogging.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
God bless Wireless
Ok I admit, I have complained about my job when really in the current state of things I am really grateful to have a job at all. Working from home is not for everyone and I had thought this many a day over the last year. What can I say, unless you are doing something you love, telecommuting is not as productive as it could be.
As of right now.....I take back any negative thought I have ever had about working from home. I write to you from my new office. (smiles. Teehee.) As you can see the new office is much larger and has a rather nice view.
My new office furniture is compliments of a family friend. Yay, for nice hand-me-downs!!!!! The coworkers really like the new digs are well.
With the weather forecast of 75 to 85 for the rest of the week, I foresee this being our location for the time being. All I can say is, God bless wireless! Now if only we could get my computer battery to last more than two hours. Ah well, that's why we have really long extension cords, right?!
Hope you all are enjoying spring as much as I am!!!
Friday, April 17, 2009
Silly Hubby
Ken: "You ate half my chocolate!"
ME: "No, I did not. Hello, yesterday was Easter and the first day I could even eat chocolate!"
Jump to last night.........
Ken: "I really want some chocolate! I wish I had some."
After returning from the kitchen. Me: "Open your hand. Here."
Ken: "Hey, that's from my Easter candy! You did take my chocolate!"
ME: "You said I ate your chocolate. Which I didn't. I never said I hadn't hidden your chocolate from you."
Ken: "That's not right! You shouldn't hide my chocolate from me!"
Me: "Look, I know how you are. If you had the whole bag of chocolate, you would have eaten it all by now. You ate the other half a bag of chocolate in three days! It would be wrong only IF I ate all of your chocolate. I'm not eating it, I'm protecting you from yourself!"
Ken: "Whatever! I still don't like it."................"So when can I have more of the hidden chocolate?"
Me: "In your lunch tomorrow."
The picture above is unrelated to the story above other than it is from my favorite chocolate maker back home. When I think of the perfect chocolate.....it is them hands down!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Koo koo bear contest issue
Not sure the mother would even know what I voted, but I'm just not sure what to do yet. So, I am linking you guys to the contest. Perhaps you will pick her child to win. Any way, I am waiting to vote until I figure out what I want to do. I'm sure its not all that big a deal, but I'm stuck. I mean, if I put one of the uppies into a contest, I would hope all whom I told about it would vote for them. Hmmm, I guess I have my answer, eh?!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Too close for comfort
We both had such a bad day Monday. I know that it was not your fault that I was mad, but having my dream of my special events hall experience a setback by that man's rediculous offer to sell his location for $1.4 million. This information just made me upset. So, I didn't tell you that the puppy had to stay as I was walking out the front door to go get puppy food. You were a very bad boy for running away and not listening when I told you to stop. Daddy and I did not need an almost two mile sprint after you. Man, you are fast. I was very mad at you for chasing cars and nearly getting hit many times. Cars are BAD things unless we are going for a ride. Had anything happen to you; I would have been heartbroken. I am so glad that God heard my prayers that nothing would happen to you. I am sure you were upset too as I sat on the kitchen floor crying over you while we were both covered in mud.
Buddy, you are my little fuzzy man and I love you so very much. Please stay in the house or the back yard like you are supposed to. I will do my part as well, we are going to puppy classes so that we both learn how to behave so this NEVER happens again.
Love you bunches, baby bear! - Da puppy mommy
Easter Sunday
At church I have been coordinating / decorating an outdoor cafe before service and below is the center piece I made. Then the rest are pictures of the cafe. I have been having so much fun with it.
Guest table.
Friday, April 10, 2009
This time last year!!!!!!
Ken and the "boys"
My Nana
Sister-in-law and nieces(9 and 20).
The "girls": (left to right) Malibu/ PR Barbie (friend from college), Mommy Barbie (friend from HS), GI Barbie (my twin. Best friend from HS.), ME, Teacher Barbie (bestest best from HS), Lillip (bridesman. Buddy from HS), The Stpeher (family friend.)
No big church wedding. I'm catholic and Ken is not. So we got married at The Metropolitan Club (GA) by Ken's Pastor (now our's in SC.)
Our first dance.
Goo (step-dad) and our father-daughter dance.
My bestest best making me cry my eyes out.
Oh chocolate goodness!!!!
I love you, but that BETTER go in my mouth and not on my face.
Doing what I love best.