Chasing Dreams

Shiny Happy People - I want one

2009-07-18T12:36:00.000-07:00

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.

Mamma Spawn's Garden Oasis

2009-07-17T11:21:00.000-07:00

Much like a desert flower seeking water, when I am feeling less than fabulous Mamma Spawn's garden brings me pack down to Earth. It is my oasis. Simply impossible to be unhappy when you are sitting in this secret garden. Its a great place to think and feel closer to God and all things right in the world. Because, if God took the time to expertly craft each and every one of these plants to produce amazing beauty and for a purpose, just imagine what that means for your life and mine. We are designed for beauty and greatness and all we have to do is allow God to guide us toward all of that.

"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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hBfnZyC16Lw/Sl97JYXf51I/AAAAAAAAAkA/Z9dvDnYbAUM/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!

Faith

2009-07-16T11:02:00.000-07:00

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.

Its Monday and It wasn't ME

2009-06-22T10:50:00.000-07:00

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?

It's Monday Again and It Wasn't ME

2009-06-15T07:17:00.000-07:00

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?

Its Monday again and It wasn't me

2009-05-11T07:13:00.000-07:00

As you may know, "Not Me Mondays" were created by MkcMamma so go check her out. I would give you a link, but.......

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.

Its Monday once again and It WASN'T ME

2009-05-04T12:57:00.001-07:00

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?

Swine Flu

2009-04-30T12:28:00.001-07:00

I came across this today and laughed out loud. Perfect timing for the whole swine flu issue.

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?

Walk Down Memory Lane - Missing my twin

2009-04-29T10:41:00.001-07:00

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.

Friend OR Stalker

2009-04-28T07:32:00.000-07:00

In this digital age we live in, I have found that we willingly post all kinds of detailed information about ourselves on the web via Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, and all the other social networking sites out that almost anyone can find you. Kind of creepy, eh!?

However, sometimes these things can be good as well. I have a bloggy friend whom I have come to consider a close friend. She is fabulous. Any way, today is her birthday and she was not really looking forward to it. So, last week I decided to send her a birthday surprise. SO....I stalked her, but in a good way. I found out where she worked from a social networking site we are connected to each other on and then googled for her office address. Erica's gift (LOL, Yeah she even blogged about it. )

While she was curious how I found out all that information, I knew she would be cool with being stalked since it was ME and for a good reason. You see that's the thing. There is a fine line between stalker and friend and the difference is your relationship with that person. IE: On our first date my now hubby brought me red roses (the first to ever do that.) It was cool because I liked him. IF some of the other people I had dated had done the same thing.....odd!

So there you have it.....I am a stalker. LOL.

Funny or NOT

2009-04-27T08:33:00.000-07:00

Before you get all excited...I am NOT with child. I am, however, in Atlanta on business again! (Yay, I get see Mama Spawn!!! Who currently has a fever of 101. but, is felling better today.) Anyway, my favorite radio station here is All the Hits Q100 which you can listen to on online. Their morning show cracks me up. This morning they had gotten an email from a pregnant woman who received an email with a song about being pregnant which SHE did not find funny. I, on the other hand, laughed out loud, because while the song is cheesy, the message is so true about (some) pregnant. So please go have a listen here and look under "Pregnant women are smug". Do I only think this is funny because I don't have kids yet, or is it funny?

Spring = New shoes!!!

2009-04-24T09:57:00.000-07:00

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.

Hello 4 am

2009-04-23T01:41:00.000-07:00

(gasping for air, cough cough cough) What the heck was that?!

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.

Happy Earth Day

2009-04-22T12:42:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-22T00:10:00.000-07:00

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.

God bless Wireless

2009-04-21T10:25:00.001-07:00

Dear God...........Thank you, thank you, thank you for wireless....phones, computers and of course Internet!!!!

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!!!

Silly Hubby

2009-04-17T10:40:00.000-07:00

This was the scene at the Barbie house (LOL.) on Monday.

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!

Koo koo bear contest issue

2009-04-16T09:10:00.000-07:00

Ugh!!! Ok, here's the situation.......an acquaintance from college entered her child into a baby modeling contest and emailed all of us so we would vote for her child. She linked us directly to her little one. So, out of curiosity....I looked at all the contestants before voting. Oops! Here is my issue....While her child is VERY cute, there is another contestant whom I deem the best by far. So....do I vote for the friend's child (She is the only reason I know about the contest in the first place, after all)? OR to I vote for the child I think is the best?

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?!

Too close for comfort

2009-04-14T10:27:00.001-07:00

My beloved little puppy man,

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

2009-04-14T10:04:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun on Easter. When asked if he needed an Easter bag this year, Ken broke out the big puppy eyes and said he needed one!!! LOL. So, my big man got his Easter basket. No pictures, but he got underwear (no clue how the Easter bunny knew he needed those.), a golf shirt (thanks to TJ Maxx for having a sale!!!), jelly beans, and chocolate eggs.

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.

This time last year!!!!!!

2009-04-10T07:23:00.000-07:00

Guess what I was doing this time last year....... LOL. I was marrying my Ken. We are celebrating tonight with a fancy meal at home since our first anniv. is the same day as Easter. Needless to say, I have our wedding on the brain. It was one of the most wonderful days of my life and I am more in love with Ken today than ever. (P.S. I had a hard time picking which pictures to add, so sorry I know there are a lot. Our photog rocked. But I hope you enjoy them.)

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.

Spring Projects

2009-04-07T06:07:00.000-07:00

Yay, for Spring. Here at the Barbie mansion (lol. aka the S&K Wick house), spring is a time for outdoor projects. Ken loves to stay busy creating things. Whereas, I enjoy gardening, landscaping, and crafts. I can normally use his need to keep busy to my advantage by way of giving him projects that I need for landscaping. Here is what we have been up to. However, it turned out to be a good thing that I have not planted the veggies yet. We have a frost warning tonight.

The flower boxes Ken made and the tulips. They were in full bloom while I was in Atlanta.

The garden with new fence (again having Ken for a hubby has many perks.)

Our pond that needs to be redone. Scooter likes to play mountain goat and knocked rocks off. Oddly enough two of the three fish are still alive.

New birdhouse Ken made for me. He's so handy.

Birdbath and new azalea bushes (Thanks to my mother-in-law) which have been Scooter-proofed. He is such a good helper puppy that he helps rearrange the garden.

New plants!!!! Yay!!!

The Uppies enjoy a spring day.

It's MONDAY and It WASN'T ME

2009-04-06T11:24:00.000-07:00

This fun blogging event was created by MkcMama of My Charming Kids. Normally, I’d link you to her page so you could see what all she didn’t do, but she is busy staring reality in the face while still at the hospital with her baby Stellan. I ask that you keep Stellan and the whole family in your thoughts and prayers. They are a great group of people. While I only know them through blogger, I have grown to love them all the same.

Ok on to what I did NOT do this passed week.

I did NOT read The Secret and let the message wash over me and help change my life. It is amazing the happiness that comes with being grateful to God for all that he has given and will give. Oddly enough, by being grateful for what I have, has produced even more of what I wanted. The Secret was NOT added to my reading list for life which includes the Bible, Total Money Makeover, Who moved my cheese, and a few others.

Who was that turkey or soybean burger eating chick who just so happened to stop at McDonald’s on the way home from Atlanta for a iced coffee? I’m a die hard Starbucks girl. (America may run on Dunkin, but I prefer my “treat” coffee to be pretty good, over priced and server with LOTS of atmosphere.) Who was that women who then began to crave a cheese burger…………ordered said hamburger……..demolish it in a matter of minutes……..crave another one…….stop at another McDonald’s 20 miles away and order a double cheese burger…..WASN’T ME (Hello, Mickey D’s does NOT server tofu, soybean, or turkey anything!!!) IF that had happened, I would never hide this fact from the hubs by throwing away the “evidences”, since I do not allow ground beef into my house, much to Ken’s dismay. Beside, that woman wouldn’t have been ratted out by the uppy that would not stop sniffing her.

I am NOT completely enjoying my parent’s stay with us this weekend. This is NOT proof that I am a completely spoiled only child………my parents haven’t been taking us out to dinner and my mom hasn’t taken me shopping. Old habits die hard, people! I am also NOT so jealous that they are here to go to the Master’s practice round, they had an extra ticket, but I have to work. (This being grown up stuff, kinda stinks some times.) On the same note, they weren’t invited to a golfing dinner where all the big name golfers might be and they are taking Ken and me. I’m not slightly stressed on what I might wear. Fingers crossed on meeting and getting pictures with Tiger, Jack or someone!!!!!

I did NOT get a rain barrel and plants for our anniversary gift!!! I am NOT totally excited about it. Yes, I garden and LOVE it!!!!

The outdoor café for church was NOT a huge success. I did NOT have so much fun doing it, that I simply did not care that all the credit was given publicly to someone else whereas some of my family was kind of upset. It did NOT mean more to me to have the women who received the credit tell me that I had exceeded her expectations. Besides, Mamma Spawn helped me a lot and I got more credit than she did. (This is why I’m taking her into event planning with me. LOL. I am far more creative when around her than without her.)

Oh and drum roll please……………The BIG one…..I did NOT make a contact in Atlanta who is from here in Columbia who is going to hook me up with all the key event planning contacts here. I am NOT overjoyed to really see that God heard me when I said, “While I was very grateful to have a job where I had learned to much, I felt I was ready to make the jump to my dream job (event planning full time) whenever he felt I was ready.” So now here is my issue…..do I………take a part time event planning job with a local events firm and learn from them OR do I let God take me wherever he takes me toward owning my own events company? Keep in mind, that while God has been completely taking care of us where Ken’s job is concerned, his working is still not 100 percent yet. Any ideas?

Open-Toes............... For the love of Shoes

2009-04-02T08:20:00.000-07:00

My name is Kwick aka Meiko aka Barbie aka Baby Spawn and I LOVE shoes.......A LOT!!! (LOL) So much so that.......... What is it with the weather here in Atlanta!? April showers bring May flowers, but come on!! Work with me here! Apparently I should be wearing shoes like these. SC had rain all last week and Ken calls me with daily reports that the weather there is now 75 and fabulous. :'(

Ok ok, simmer down Northern readers, its not my fault you live where it is cold. LOL. So, don't hate and just let me have my moment of not liking this rainy high 50 weather. (Yeah, we are spoiled down here.)

Anyway, I am ready for Spring. BRING IT!!!!!! Windows open at night (less pollen would be great!), flowers in bloom, gardening, and evening walks with Ken and the uppies. LOVE IT!!! SO, I'm rushing the season a bit. I got a pedi last night and wore open-toe shoes (as seen here.) to work today.

Let's just say it was VERY hard to go to the Nine West site just to get the picture and NOT purchase shoes.) My other favorite things about Spring are sun dresses and open-toed shoes.

So what is your favorite thing about Spring? Or what shoes are you currently stalking?

I'm now stalking these.....

Chasing will soon lead to catching dreams

2009-04-01T10:17:00.000-07:00

Ok so those of you whom have been with me for a while know that I am on a mission to take event planning from my side job to my full time job, right? And my “other” blog is Notes from the Bridal Brain so named due to a blog I posted on Myspace only a few short months away from my own wedding. With that said…….the event planning career pursuit has become an obsession. What can I say, I’ve known what I wanted to be when I grew up for a while and for some reason on the eve of ( my 31st) the tenth anniversary of my 21st birthday…..making the leap of faith is all I can think about. My lunch breaks are being spent blogging about weddings, reading wedding books, learning about marketing for events careers, visiting Brides and The Knot……to be honest, I’m not sure I was this obsessed when I was planning my own wedding. I even dream weddings and event planning.

(sigh) I’d ask if there’s wedding planners anonymous, but I’m not sure I want it to stop. Yesterday, I designed my logo! LOL. Which by the way…..I might need your opinion on that later, because I designed a few I like. A few months ago, I asked God for the perfect event planning career to find me by my birthday. I would be most comfortable working for someone whom has been in the business forever so I may learn. I need an event planning yoda to take me under their wing. Ideally, at some point I want to own an events facility. I’ve been in contact with our local Chamber of Commerce and saving up for my membership, after all life isn’t always what you know, but who you know. This is the dream I’ve been chasing and I’m determined to catch it by May 8th and begin my “labor of love” by June 8th.

LOL. What have you wanted in life so bad you could taste it?

Oh for the love of chocolate

2009-03-31T08:12:00.000-07:00

This beautifully, deliciously evil thing was our wedding cake, all most one year ago. Despite being an event planner, I have a confession to make…… I HATE traditional wedding cake. I’m sorry, but who cares how beautiful it is, if it tastes simply awful!? It is CAKE, people! The whole point of dessert is to be wrapped up in its wonderful deliciousness where you wonder if anything that good should be in your hands in the first place.

With that said, this beauty was yellow cake with chocolate mousse between the layer and chocolate ganache on the outside, completely my idea for our wedding cake and it was better than I ever dreamed of. My mouth waters just thinking about it. This work of art was by Lulu’s Bakery in Alpharetta, Georgia. They are known for their wonderful treats and are so easy to work with. This puppy was so fabulous that we ate our top layer after our honeymoon. Shhhhhh!!!! Since, I’m in Atlanta on business this week, I called Lulu’s to order an anniversary layer. I am picking it up on Thursday and to be honest, I’m not sure if the whole cake would make it back to South Carolina IF I had not given up sweets for Lent.

Anyway, if you are getting married, planning a party or just want dessert and you live in Atlanta head over to Lulu’s and enjoy!!!!

Its Monday and It wasn't me

2009-03-30T08:55:00.000-07:00

This weekly blogging event was created by MckMama of My charming Kids. It just so happens to be one of my favorite things to do on a Monday and is the economic form of therapy. And away we go……..

It hasn’t been several Mondays since I have blogged about anything at all. Nope not me!! Blogging friends did not threaten to send out a search party for me. I love blogging and would NEVER neglect my blogging in an effort to take hold of my career all while pulling myself out of a funk. Who does that? Besides IF that had happened I wouldn’t be better than ever, fully focused, basking in positivity and God’s blessings. Mentally, my bags are packed and I am taking a leap of faith that…….. I WILL HAVE A JOB IN EVENT PLANNING for my birthday and will begin work as of June 8th. I am a woman on a mission and I am so NOT like a kid at Christmas filled with excitement!!! Nope not me.

In my excitement and packing for my trip to Atlanta, I did NOT forget my pjs and all of my panties for a whole week! Nope not me, because that would mean I woke up this morning only to find I might need to either go commando OR make a trip to the store. IF that had happened, I am NOT telling you what route I took.

I did NOT over hear people at church talking about me in a good way. They did NOT say how sweet I was and that I was a hot shot event planner. If that had happened I would have kept my cool and not had a huge grin all the way home, because YES…..I AM AN EVENT PLANNER!!!!!!!!

I have NOT been married almost a year. Nope not me. And Ken did NOT buy me mulch for our anniversary (hey it’s the paper anniversary!! LOL) and I am NOT so excited over mulch because it is EXACTLY what I asked for!!!

On Thursday night, I did NOT visit the Nissan dealership to test drive a 2009 Murrano I cannot afford yet. After which I did NOT, in all seriousness, tell salesman that I will be back either in the fall or next May with cash to buy my car. Hey, it could happen!

Oh, and…….this is the big one………….I did NOT agree to throw caution to the wind as far as babies are concerned. Nope not me!!! LOL (Ok E, STOP doing your happy dance. LOL)

I am NOT praying for a little man and his mom, who I only know via blogger, but I wish them all the best.

Not Me Monday

2009-03-16T11:06:00.000-07:00

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.

YAY!!!! This is one of my favorite things to do on a Monday!!!! I cannot wait to hear what everyone else "wasn't done".

The Hubs and I did NOT get excited about going to the Home and Garden Show's "industry night" on Thursday that we partied like rock stars! Who gets that excited over free food and adult beverages, really??? Besides IF that had happened we were definately home right after it ended at 9 pm, seeing as how we both had to work on Friday, plus I had a wedding consult for the wedding I'm planning at the end of May. We would NEVER stay out until 2 am on a work night...... Then I was completely fine and it took the hubs three days to get over feeling like something the cat brought in. (giggle!) Becuase, at nearly 7 years my senior.....the hub knows his limits.

Who was that woman cilling in bed until 10 am on Saturday and the hubs had to bring her coffee in bed? NOT ME. If that had happened, it wasn't simply fabulous and exactly what I needed.

I am NOT reading The Secret and channeling all my postitive energy into everything I think and do. Besides, IF I did...it is so NOT working like a charm! I did NOT completely defuse a fight with Ken by using this method.........deciding that whatever he said was not going to bother me and we would be back to our happy day afterward.

With that said, I don't suddenly feel as if I am using Jedi mind tricks in all that I do. "Use the force Luke!" and it is working in AMAZING ways.

I did NOT get lost going to church yesterday, when that is one of the places I go most often...I did NOT use the "secret" and still make it there early.

What have you NOT done this week? Or have you read The Secret?

Coming out of the “Twilight” zone….

2009-03-12T10:19:00.000-07:00

Going room to room of the disaster area, one would wonder, ‘what on earth happened here?’ ……………………… unfolded laundry is piled up on top of the dryer……… The disgusting unmapped kitchen floor pales in comparison with the science project in the sink filled with unwashed dishes. The remnants of last nights midnight pizza remain on the counter top. Upon entering the master bath, it appears that a small animal has died in the bath tub and the smell of the unclean turns up my nose.

Did someone die? Should we mark the home unsuitable for all human life and small pets?

As I emerge from my "Twilight" induced coma, I realized how much I put my life on hold simply to read a book. Sad, I know, but I miss it a little. My girlfriend in Atlanta lent the book to me last weekend and I have been going at it almost non-stop. I neglected wifely duties, rush through making Ken’s lunch every morning, and woke up early all in the name of devouring every word as fast as my brain can process.

I really enjoy the character of Edward. (sigh) I liked his worldly knowledge and envied Bella for getting to know him. I liked Bella as well, however her clumsiness frustrates me. I won’t going into detail for the sake of not spoiling the book for those who have not read it. And don’t get me started on the brief part of the next book I was able to read. Let’s just say, for the sake of my marriage and career….its a good thing the second book is still in Atlanta and I cannot pick it up until the end of the month.

The many shades of love…..

2009-03-10T10:43:00.000-07:00

The Updated version:

There are many types of love and we often through the term another far too easily. You love..your parents one way, your children another, God another, friends another, pets another, and then there is romantic love which has many shades of its own.

Puppy Love / First Love

As I read “Twilight” (by the way, I have not read a book so fast in my life other than Harry Potter”) it had made me recall all those high school feelings of starting a new school, hoping to fit in, and of course of first love.

Your first love is such a magical thing. Everything is new and exciting. You are so unjaded by never having loved and lost. Holding your breath every time he walks you home wondering, will this be the night that he kisses you. At the time, my freshman/sophomore/junior self could not imagine a greater love than that or greater pain then when my love moved to KY. Although our relationship only lasted 2.5 years (almost married in high school standards. LOL.) from freshman year to nearly 25, my heart was his. Right around 25 is when he called out of the blue and we spoke briefly, both recalling the love we once had, but realizing how different our lives were years later. All the what-if’s in my head had been answered and I had closure.

Courtly Love
Apparently this happened more in the era of The Knights of the Round Table. Where men and women married to other people had a love of I suppose one step up from friendship that was never physically acted upon. I have two guy friends I met in high school that I can honestly say I loved in this way. I loved both of them every much, we never "dated", boyfriend/girlfriend stuff, but we were each very much apparent of the others families. We are still in contact today, however one I am closer to his wife now than I am him and the other will forever be one of my best friends.

Serious Relationships / Adult Love

These relationships are where you seriously talk about marriage, if not do get married. You come to realize that when in love you at times put someone’s feelings before your own.

I did have a four-year relationship during college, but looking back, I’m not sure IF I really was in love or if it was more a relationship of connivance. I did, however learn a TON from that relationship and grew as a person because of it. It helped me prepare for what I would consider my first serious relationship. Everything from beginning to end was fireworks, good and bad. Our first kiss was one of those where the world seemed to stop and I heard music in my ears. As I said, fireworks, the main issue…..I was a total drama queen over everything, fear drove me nuts. Fear of loosing him, fear of him not loving me as much as I loved him……. Anyway, during that time you talke about your life goals and about coming together as a couple and combine your lives.

Growing Love
This type of love evolves and grows with time and understanding. It is much more cognitive than the others. People whom I have spoken with who have had arranged marriages say they began this way. You meet a person who is a good life partner match for you. You share the same life goals, I guess its like finding your puzzle piece. There many or may not be that same excitement or fireworks/passion as the others, but love comes from learning and growing as a couple. If you are lucky enough to find someone you wish to spend the rest of your life with we all hit this area at some point. When the passionate love dies down a bit, this is where the real make or break kind of work begins. Ken and I have had this kind of love from the beginning. Each day we are together we learn and grow closer as a couple through mutual understanding and a willingness to work together toward a common goal. This is the reality of Happily Ever After.

Once you are in a real adult relationship, you find that during your life your marriage hits all of these stages at one time or the other. Some days if you were more in love you'd pop, while others you feel more like friends.

Monday - Not Me's

2009-03-09T11:02:00.000-07:00

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.

What kind of wife is SOOOO excited about a day off work and a trip home (Atlanta) that she wakes up extra early to leave the house and barely says good bye to her husband? NOT ME Oh and I didn't do 90 most of the way, otherwise I would have gotten there much earlier than my girlfriend (Mommy Barbie), I was meeting for lunch, expected and then I would NEVER go shopping to pass the time. (two dresses, a pair of shoes, a pink scarf, and shower gift for Malibu Barbie for under 75 bucks!!!! Woohoo. I mean, erase erase! That did NOT happen.)

Mommy Barbie did NOT get me hooked on “Twilight”. Nope I’m not all into a teeny bopper book at the age of 30, nope not me. Because if that were the case, I’d tell you that the writing in Harry Potter is SO much better, however I am 150 pages in and cannot put the stupid thing down.

Mamma Spawn and I did NOT get over priced hair cuts Saturday morning, where she did NOT dress up this time, because she said “Last time she realized she was the one junky looking person in there.” My dad, does NOT love the way she looks every time she goes with me, that he encourages it and told her she should pay for my hair cuts so we can go more often. LOL.

Who forgets their brie cherry puffs in the oven while getting ready for Malibu Barbie’s bridal shower? Not ME . Then get so flustered that the shower gift was left on Mamma Spawn’s table. Oops.

While hanging out with all the Phi Mu Barbies at the shower, the thinnest Barbie of them all did NOT tell me I was the same size she is (size zero at 5 foot 8 on a bad day), I did NOT bless her on the spot. She has not had a baby girl and a set of twin within the last three years. If she weren’t so sweet, this would make me want to give her the evil eye.

Speaking of Malibu Barbie’s wedding…..the groom did NOT tell his guys to leave all non-wives at home, because Mailbu’s friends are all so hot. LOL.

Ken did not surprise me AGAIN with a fabulous dinner of BBQ chicken and then a post dinner family walk simply because he knows how much I like those things. Who is this guy? I mean, really, perhaps I should go to Atlanta more often.

I am not hooked on “Twilight” so much that in order to force myself to work instead of read, for every quote I send out, I allow myself to read two pages.

So what have you not done?

Caution - Woman Driver Ahead

2009-03-04T12:10:00.000-08:00

My beloved Ken:

When we are in the car together and you make comments about my driving, have you noticed it does NOT improve the situation, it just makes me mad. Not sure IF your request last night that I take driving lessons for your birthday was an attempt at being funny OR you honestly believe that I cannot drive….However such suggestions are more likely to get you kicked out of my car. I know you can not stand NOT to being the one behind the wheel. I let you do most of the driving for this very reason. Your little side comments of "Slow down!", "You really need to watch this curve here, because people come around to fast and will come into your lane" OR my favorite the "Great day!" whenever we hit a bump or leave the driveway. I had successfully made it through life for years without your help with my driving. I have only been in three accidents, one of which was my fault. And have only one ticket for speeding and that was coming to see YOU in SC. So, the fact remains that it is MY car and I will drive it. If we REALLY want to go there…….your truck is in my name as well, SO keep your mouth shut or I will drive it as well.

Thanks so much.

Your Wife

Thanks for the Award - the blog is cute!!!

2009-03-02T14:38:00.001-08:00

oh, wow!!! I Received this award from and it made my day. It nice to hear that someone likes me and my random self. Thank you so much!!! I enjoy reading your blog as well.

Here are 10 cute or sometimes not so cute things about me:
I am far more spoiled by Mamma Spawn and Goo as an adult than I ever was as a child. I often tell them they don't have to buy my love, I kinda just like them. I LOVE partying with them. I know that might be somewhat odd, but when your parents are only 50 and you are 30, its a lot of fun.

We say nightly prayers and sing the baby puppy to sleep. LOL. Sad I know, but we do and he goes from being uppy to fast asleep within minutes. To I'm a little tea pot "I'm a baby puppy short and stout....Here is my tail, here is my snout.......When I'm feeling uppy, hear me shout......Roll me over and let me out." That last part still needs work, but....its the baby pup's song. It all began when Ken found him 7 months ago.

No matter where I go or what I am doing, my whole outfit has to match. I will not leave the house until I feel I have found the right outfit. Ken usually thinks this is funny (ie: going out to garden: jean work overalls, grey Henley shirt, Pink & white Breast cancer awareness hat, Pink gardening goves (Ken bought them), pink boots (Mamma Spawn bought them), (here's the part that kills Ken) pink, grey, balck and white argyle socks. LOL, I know I'm a mess.

Mamma Spawn......We spell it this way b/c I call her MAM (Midwestern accent "O"s sound like "A"s.) I'm her sometimes evil baby spawn (I'm JUST like her.) So she's Mamma Spawn, I'm the baby spawn, and whenever I have a little girl she'll be the baby baby spawn. LOL.

Barbiedom....I LOVED Barbie as a little kid. Clothes, shoes, houses, cars, what more could a girl want?! I once told Mamma Spawn that she looked like Barbie. I believe a woman at her best, is a Barbie. Then in college I met Malibu/PR Barbie, her Phi Mu sisters were all Barbies (Barbie, Malibu Barbie, Skipper, Mieko, etc.) It didn't hurt that they were all blond.

I keep a pretty clean house, except....I HATE dusting. Ken sometimes uses his dirty socks to dust off the tv. LOL. Sad, I know. But, it is my least favorite thing to do and Ken hasn't completely gotten the hint that HE should do it.

I'm slightly OCD in the fact that I cannot sleep or do anything unless everything is in the proper place.

I am SO impressed with our new Scotch Fur Fighter, that I was compelled to write a review on Target's website. Yes, I'm a dork. But, it REALLY works well. I do suggest vacuuming the area first, but it is FABULOUS!!!!

I dance around the house whenever the mood hits me. Belly, swing, hip hop, salsa, Irish jig, whatever I'm all for it.

I was so excited that my daffodils are in bloom, that I woke Ken up over the weekend. He was less than excited, but came outside to see them any way. LOL.

Even as an adult, I LOVE Christmas and everything about it. There is just something magical about the whole season.

I am giving this award to the following Blogs: MckMama
Running in Stilettos
Island Girl
Reality of Happily Ever...

Monday again, and It WASN'T Me

2009-03-01T14:22:00.000-08:00

Looking for a reason to escape the Monday, blah's.....Well, NOT ME MONDAY's was created by MckMama from My Charming Kids It's cheaper than therapy!!! I look forward to it every week.

I DO NOT roll my eyes, get huffy and stressed whenever Ken gets too excited about having a little bit exact money and wants to spend it, then stalk clothes, shoes and other items on Ann Taylor Loft, White House Black Market, and Target. Besides, if that were the case, I most certainly would not save photos to my laptop in the hope of either finding similar items for less or making it myself.

I DID NOT have trouble sleeping while out of town on business due to the lack of the hubby and uppies (my own little puppy pile) taking up all my space in the bed. I didn't have to add pillows all around me until I was properly squished just to fall asleep. That's silly, who has issues with having TOO much room in a bed.

Who would be obsessed with The Knot's Real Weddings and then completely forget to send in her own wedding photos? Then decide to wait until May to send them in and date them April '09. NOT ME.

I did NOT come home to a candlelit dinner of scallops, crab legs, and other wonderful food on Saturday (who is this guy?) and Ken did not say he was ready to make babies after telling me we couldn't two weeks ago when I had baby fever. We also didn't agree to wait again, then pick baby names and look at Target for all the things we'd register for. Who does that?

Ken at 37-years-old was NOT like a little kid at Christmas after finding PS2 Rock Band at a store going out of business for dirt cheap. We did NOT spend so much time playing it together that my wrist hurts from drumming too much.

I didn't occur to me that I should be careful what I say about my company on a facebook survey "What do you do for a living? Software sales - yuck! But, hope it will be event planning soon." when a coworker called me out on it AND forwarded an article from the UK about a 16-year-old being fired after posting on FB that her job was boring. Ok ok, point made!!!! I also didn't think about just blocking said coworker from my page.

So what have you NOT done this week?

Landlocked and dreaming of white sand beaches......

2009-02-27T11:00:00.000-08:00

Yes, I know it’s Friday (thank goodness!!!) and normally I blog about my fur babies, but they are at home with the puppy daddy.

Last night, I could not sleep after returning to my parent’s house (coffee after 5pm, rich food and two martinis with my friends at the Cheesecake Factory, turned on the tv….) and I have no clue why. HGTV’s International House Hunters (my obsession), a show I watch from time to time was on and they were in Belize. It was a couple from Texas who up and decided they wanted to move to Belize….(oh how jealous was I!) So, they are look for a nice little home ($1.8 mil) to settle down and raise a family. (I’m sorry and you do WHAT for a living at only 36, that you are buying a $1.8 million dollar home ….in BELIZE!? Could you PLEASE adopt me….Ken won’t mind, really.) Then I flip to Travel Channel Top 10 I am completely longing for a vacation somewhere beautiful!

Ken and I bought into a vacation club/ roaming timeshare during our honeymoon (reasons not to have several mimosa with breakfast) ……Not the best idea since he stopped taking a salary two months later, but whatever. God is taking care of us. I haven’t been on the beach or out of the country in almost a year and I feel landlocked. Yes, I have been stalking vacation websites during lunch and dreaming about when we can afford plane tickets.

If you could be anywhere right now vacation wise, where would you be? I decided last night I’d be in Belize.

Yep this is also Belize. Amazing diving there.

Notes From the Bridal Brain - Ceiling decor

2009-02-26T11:31:00.001-08:00

Found this breath taking photo on The Knot Real Weddings: Heather & Jamie of Naples, FL (Photos: Donna Newman Photography; Event Planning: 50Fifty Creative Services; Location: The Ritz-Carlton, Naples.) I Loved loved that they get it!!!

“Location, location, location”………..

is not only important in real estate, but can be critical in event planning, especially a wedding. Take your time when looking and find a place where you get the most ambience for your money. The wrong location combined with the wrong décor can kill the perfect event.

The Knot has a great article 17 ways to spruce up your Site Today we are going to cover the issue with ceilings. You might think, “NO one ever looks at the ceiling”…..Oh, but they do. Plus ceiling décor is a great way to make an over sized space seem cozy and/or elegant. Another option is to create taller table arrangements.

I am currently planning a wedding for a youth minister and they have chosen to have the reception at the church. This is a great choice for them, it not only fits budget wise, but reflects who they are as a couple. From a planning aspect, what makes for a good warehouse church ceiling does NOT make for a breath-taking reception. The bride-to-be and I have been toying with ideas. She brought an amazing picture of an art deco chandelier. While renting a chandelier of this magnitude would sky rocket their budget, after studying the photo, I realized how easy it will be to fabricate. We are also going to use inexpensive fabric and a few white Christmas lights to transform this modern warehouse church into a reception of Pride and Prejudice (Bride’s favor book and movie) elegance.

Here are a few photos to inspire you. The pictures below are all from The Knot’s Real weddings and are not my creations. (On a business trip and forgot my camera and jump drive at home.)

OSB - Week 7 / Fat Tuesday

2009-02-25T07:39:00.000-08:00

Ugh! I’m on a business trip in Atlanta (Yay, I’m home for a whole week!!!!! And get to spend time with Mamma Spawn, Goo and my girlfriends!!!!) traffic stinks, but just think of all the calories I might be burning while I’m (yelling at other drivers and sitting in traffic for an hour and a half each way which totals 3 hours of my life I will never get back) having a pleasant drive with my fellow commuters.

OSB -I have not clue what I weigh right now and I say this week doesn’t count! So there! The only exercise I am getting is walking from meetings, typing, walking to and from the printer (I know, I work for a company who seeks to make the world a little more green by replacing fax machines and consolidating all business communication via the web and I LOVE paper. I print, print, print and keep files. (Head hanging, I have a BIG carbon foot print. However, unless the office burns to the ground my files are safe whereas I have all ready found how much info can be lost when you trust these stupid machines. Nope, I’m NOT a techie; I just sell and market the stuff!))

Since yesterday was Fat Tuesday and (I needed an excuse to drink, eat fabulous food, party, and shovel chocolate into my mouth one last time) I’m Catholic, we went to Copland’s. All I can say is, Dear Copland’s thank you, thank you, thank you for pouring my first hurricane so heavy handed. It was a great way to wash away the stress of my day. Also the seafood stuffed artichokes were simply FAB-U-LouS!!!! The Jazz band was rockin’. Yes, that was me dancing in my seat and I appreciate the beads without having to go through the regular Marti grais debauchery to obtain them. Yes, my parents and friends are fabulous for paying and allowing me to crash their little party. They are one wild crowd and I love that about them. So yesterday really was FAT Tuesday for me.

With that said, I gave up all sweets for Lent. Woohoo, 40-days without chocolate!!! I thought about giving up coffee as well, but I wasn’t sure Ken would make it all 40 days with my being deprived of chocolate and coffee. Really, I did it for him. I am attending noon mass around the corner from the office (I will have a smudge for half the day.) and will have an opportunity to explain what the ashes on my head represent. Ok ok, as much as I joke about being Catholic, eating all the chocolate I can get, and my smudge, today really is a BIG day and I take it seriously.

Anyway, on to the Operation Skinny Bitch. Still drinking LOTS of water. The whole giving up sweets thing should help out a LOT (doing for God will be some much easier than just not eating sweets. I have increased my fiber (FiberOne cereal is yummy!!!), and I did a little weight loss research about nutrition and exercise hope this helps you guys too.

Sorry for the randomness of this blog. I suppose something as serious as Lent and Operation Skinny Bitch don't really go together, but you know me.....if it is on my mind.........its in the blog. Enjoy and for those of you with smudges; I'm with you and may you have a blessed Lent.......for those of you without sudges; ask, learn, and join if you wish. Take care and may God bless you all. And for those of you who don't beleive in God, he believes in you so be blessed as well.

Oops Update: For those of you interested in Operation Skinny Bitch , please click on the link and check it out. Its a group with the common goal of weight loss, the healthy way. We weigh in each Wednesday and report our progress or small set backs. Share recipes, exercise, tips and in general support each other in saying YES to a healthier life style.

¡Gracias tanto!

2009-02-24T13:22:00.000-08:00

Wow, La Vie est belle! of Southern Bride enjoys my blog and sent an award. Thanks so much!

And in honor of the Oscars on Sunday, (sniff) "I'd first like to thank God for his many blessings in my life and I cannot forget Mamma Spawn because she has always believed in me. Next I'd like to thank Ken for supporting me and understanding how much I enjoy blogging even though I sometimes spend WAY too much time doing so......." (Music begins and I get kicked off the stage.)

These blog are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight more bloggers who must choose eight more bloggers and include this cleverly written text in the body of their award.

And my nominees for this award, based on the fact that I really enjoy reading their blogs, their great comments, and in general they seem like a great group of ladies are (sorry, I'm stuck in Oscar mode.) Ok, ok, they seem cool and if they lived near by I'd invite them out to girls night drinks...........Check these ladies out.

Lindsey I love her honesty and heart warming stories about being a newlywed.
Chloie What can I say, I just enjoy reading about her life and upcoming wedding.
E This chick is down to Earth and not a day goes by when she does not make me laugh. She also has amazing photos.
The Shabby Princess I am a new follower of her's but have really enjoyed the read.
Running in Stilettos She has a very cute blog.
In His Time
Rachael I have known her all her life, lost touch and have reconnected via email and blog. She has such a cute family.

Yep, He's a Keeper

2009-02-24T08:04:00.000-08:00

In my Barbie ways I thought my ideal man was always the well dressed corporate type or the somewhat geeky computer guy. Blond hair and big blues eyes had always turned my head. I wasn’t seeking to be the next Real Housewife of (whatever city), I enjoy working and making my own money always have and probably always will. I guess I was looking for the perfect Ken…….. and like the right perfect shoes, the perfect man was harder to find than I thought. My plans of being married by 25 and children by 30 flew by. God was apparently NOT on the same schedule I was. After many tears, prayers, and frustration…….. I came to realize God’s way MUST be the right way. So, I got my own life together and stopped looking (well , kind of). After my family and friends pushed me, I joined Match.com thinking if nothing else….it would shut the people I love up for the time being. Over the first 3 months I had gone on a few dates, but not much came of it. I just hadn’t found what I was looking for. Then this guy in South Carolina wrote a message something like, “The Saint Louis Cardinals suck!” A yeah, whatever 34-year-old smoker, construction worker, dark hair, brown eyes, non-Catholic, Cleveland teams (Browns, Indians, Ohio State) fan….as IF we have anything in common.

But, never one to back down from a challenge I wrote him back. Addressing my email to his dog (pictured with him), “Dear Miss Weimaraner: Please tell your owner that I do not make a habit of insulting other people’s teams and I might add that he may want to take a look at the Cardinals record this year (on the road to the World Series where they later won. Ha ha) where as what have the Indians done lately and don’t get me started on the Cleveland Borwns, PLEASE!”

Needless to say……This stubborn man was EXACTLY what God had in mind. Our first date, he brought me roses (first to ever do it and surprisingly I wasn’t weirded out by it.) I found my normally uptight “be perfect, be perfect” self relaxing, because to be honest…….I didn’t care if I offended this guy or IF he never called me again. That first night he said I few things I found insulting, but instead of kicking him out of my car, I saw it as a challenge. And before I knew it the date lasted longer and longer and he attended mass with me the next morning even though I hadn’t dropped him off at his hotel until after our late night movie let out.

I was invited it South Carolina for our second date. He showed me the houses he and his brother built. My construction worker was actually a general contractor in the business side of things rather than wearing a tool belt and who could forget that beautiful dog. While I was there, I met his parents, friends and his brother and his family. Who does that on a second date? NOT ME. Still not freaked out………. He went on a fishing trip and called me five times at two am while out with the boys. Told me I was the best thing to ever happen to him….(Drunk MUCH!?) Yes, but he also told me he loved me. THIS freaked me out. How could this guy I only knew for a month, be in love with me? Within 7 months he asked me to marry him, within 11 months after that we were married and I moved to SC. (WAY faster than I have EVER moved in a relationship.)

One of our engagement photos.

Ken is my polar opposite in almost every way. The yin to my yang. I’m Corporate Barbie: He’s Construction Ken. I plan out every outfit I wear down to my jewelry, shoes, etc; all he cares about is if it is clean. I’m domestic; he’s outdoorsy. I can follow a recipe and make fancy meals; he finds leftovers, a few spices and can create an amazing meal. He’s quick to anger, yells a lot and quick to forgive, whereas if I’m slow to anger, quietly evil and hold a grudge forever. We are both the most stubborn people you could meet.

At GI Barbie's wedding.

Its somewhat odd that someone who seems all wrong for me would be exactly what I needed. Albeit, I’m not the typical Barbie girl so why would I have the typical Ken? This man of mine can be wonderful and on aspects he is somewhat less than wonderful, he is willing to work on and that’s why he’s a keeper.

Its Monday Again; Wasn't ME

2009-02-23T10:05:00.000-08:00

YAY, its Monday and I'm in Atlanta all week. The only thing good about Mondays is denying everything I do during the week. This lovely form of therapy was NOT created by MckMama. GO check what she didn't do this week.

It did NOT just occur to me that I forgot to turn in my Internet bill with my January expense report, which means I just cheated myself out of $50 for the month, who is honestly that careless when every dollar counts and our corporate office won't let me double up this month. But, IF that had happened, my FEBRUARY bill would have all ready been sent the second I got it, right.

While trying to figure out when Easter is this year (April 12), I did NOT ponder for a half an hour thinking we had plans that weekend, but couldn't put my finger on it.....Like someone was getting married...."Who the heck gets married Easter weekend?!".....Then later realized WE got married April 12th last year. Ooops. What kind of newlywed forgets their first anniversary even for a few minutes? But, since it did not happen...... I also did NOT tell Ken when Easter was and ask him what was going on that weekend and HE did NOT automatically know what that day was. I mean, IF that had happened what kind of wife would that make me?

I am NOT learning SO much from my first give-away and what NOT to do for next time. On the same note, I did NOT schedule the contest to end while I'm on a business trip and where I'll have to lug the budvase with me in order to send it in a timely fashion.

Ken was NOT touched by watching "Fireproof" on Saturday and suggest it to other men. This movie and work book was NOT suggested to us before Christmas when we completely did NOT need it and Ken did NOT make a comment to the sales person which proved we so did need to watch. I also did NOT know that GOD is still working on our marriage. 317 days of marriage and counting!!!!

After announcing that someone had forgotten their coffee cup at church and running after the guys, when he came back in and said "Oh I came back in of my coffee cup." I did NOT say, "Oh you did? How funny I was just asking whose cup this was." He did NOT over hear me and that was why he was coming back. Blond, much, NOT ME.

What did you NOT do this week?

Scootie Scoo - One Uppy Puppy

2009-02-20T11:37:00.000-08:00

Ewwwwwww, what's dat?!!! I'm little I wanna see too!!

See Gizzie I told you da Mommy was making puppy cookies.

When will the cookies be finished?

ok FINE, I chewed a whole in your sheets while you were in the closet getting dressed.

But, It didn't chew the toy basket!!! I promise!

Why are you yelling? I'm trying to help you find your files.

What do you mean this is Daddy's PS2 remote? It's puppy sized!

Happy Friday bloggy peoples.It's Scootie. I think I was bad. Da Mommy has been yelling lots. But, I didn't do nuffin!! And let me tell you, she says her doesn't believe in spankins, but she sure believed in them five minutes ago. She's posting pictures, but don't beleive them. It was ALL gizzie but da mommy doesn't beleive me. Tell her!!!! a'cause I didn't do nuffin! OH and I wanna cookie.

OSB - Week 6 - OH baby

2009-02-18T10:19:00.000-08:00

Ok ok, I was a slacker. My mother-in-law made chocolate chip oatmeal chocolates, my favorite. The uppies were not walked, it was cold out and I have been a bum. I gained a pound.

With that said, do you hear ticking?..........I'm nearing the tenth anniversary of my 21st birthday and have been feeling baby fever. (Yes, that is me as a little person. I couldn't find any of Ken.) Babies are everywhere.......... At the grocery store.....little blue eyes are smiling at me. At church I receive a giggle and a wave. I long for a little person. Do a little web looking for a dress to wear to the Colorado wedding, low and behold..... so many designers make maternity clothes. Bump around Target without thinking...end up in the baby section. Hello, GOD ....are you trying to tell me something?

Ken was ready to have babies once we were engaged. At 37 he worries he will be too old. I know he will be an amazing daddy, that's one of the reasons I kept him. :D He says he agrees with my thoughts that "he needs to have regular work and pay checks before we "try" and that we needed to be married for at least a year (one year April 12th)." I know I am the only one holding us back. If I don't kick this baby fever soon.......Surprise!!!!!!

So, my dear readers....... How do you kick longing for a baby, you know without actually having one? I know people raise well adjusted children all the time while pinching pennies, but I know I could not raise a child with the amount of stress I've been feeling about work, money, and the economy. Any thoughts?

In the Kitchen - Chicken Noodle Soup with a kick

2009-02-16T13:48:00.000-08:00

Homemade Chicken Noodle soup

Half a pound of chicken (skinless, boneless, cut into bite sized pieces.)
2 (14 oz) cans low sodium chicken broth
4 cups of water
2 vegetable bouillon cubes
2 cups chopped carrots
2 cups frozen peas (Ken doesn't like celery)
half a medium onion
several dashes of pepper
dash and a half of Cayenne Pepper
1 clove garlic minced
8 OZ wide egg noodles

1. In a large pot over high heat, bring chopped chicken to a boil (until white all the way through) in chicken broth, water, bouillon, pepper.
2. Reduce heat to medium, add remaining ingredients. Cook 10 minutes.
3. Reduce to a simmer for 30 minutes.

This dish is one of the few which is completely my own and I wing it every time. This is my attempt to put what I do in writing, but then again I may have forgetten something. It has the Ken stamp approval of my recipe is better than his and recieved the honor of "Yes, please put the leftovers in my lunch tomorrow." LOL. I suppose he liked it, eh? The Cayenne really helps kick it up a notch. Enjoy!

It's Monday Again - It's wasn't Me

2009-02-16T04:24:00.000-08:00

Good morning, Happy President's Day. This fun Monday event was created by MckMama at My Charming Kids For this perfectionist, its a great way to find joy in my imperfections and laugh at myself. AND A WAY WE GO.......

I did NOT make a deal with Ken that we weren't doing anything for Valentine's Day and then do everything in my power to nudge him into purchasing a bracelet from Random Moments website. Who does that? (He bought it!!!)

I do NOT praise GOD again that there was enough money to pay bills again this week, then calculate next weeks, freak out because we would be short and then take a deep breath knowing that GOd can do SO much in a single week. (Found out Ken will have another check on Friday! Thank you, GOD!!!)

Who would allow their corporate office's email (They will no longer allow us to discount anything, but yet we must sell, sell, sell) on Friday make them SO frustrated they would spend the rest of their day looking for other career opportunities? NOT ME

I did NOT give Ken his Valentine's Day present early and he has NOT all ready polished all of his chocolate off.

Who was that woman having baby fever so bad that she stuck her belly out in the mirror Saturday morning, just to "see what it might be like"? Wasn't ME because WE are completely not ready yet. Ken still needs a steady income.

I did NOT mess up the sauce for chicken wantons (My family's recipe) we were taking to the family fish fry (with the in-laws and our friends from Greenville), then eat so much Walleye on Saturday that I felt sick.

Without thinking about money, I did NOT tell the hubs that IF he really wants to go on the fishing trip in June, we'll make it happen but that means I'm going to see GI Barbie and her baby in DC. Its good to give the man something to focus on. (smiles)

I was NOT then tired just thinking about how busy our Spring is going to be. (Our one year anniv., Wedding in CO in April, Wedding in TN in May, Man fishing trip in June, I'm in DC in July.....)

I was NOT so moved while singing in church that I cried a little and then realized other women were as well.

I am NOT mad that we are not off work for President's Day. I needed the extra sleep, despite falling asleep during the movie at 8pm last night.

What did you "NOT" do this week?

Scootie Scoo and Gizzie Too - Bestest Day EVER

2009-02-13T08:00:00.000-08:00

Hi. I’m Scooter! For da new people, I am da baby of the Wick family. Daddy found me almost six months ago. Sometimes, I’m VERY uppy.

I was SOOOO happy dis morning. Da mommy woked up early, me and Gizzie got brefast early. I was so ‘cited that I jumped up and down all da way to my house.

Den da daddy waked up tooo. Early and every fing! So, we played bally. My new bally is my favorite, a’cause its just my size. I get my own stuffs, a’cause me and Gizzie don’t share good. It’s all her, really.

Den Mommy said we were REALLY good, so we got a bowl of cubies each. I love love LOVE cubies. Day are my favorite! Mommy waves her hand and da magic fridge-a-tader gives ‘em to us. Its so ‘citing.

Den mommy went bye bye for a little bit. And when she got back, I cried free times for her ‘til she put down the bags and gave me lovin’s. “Mommy, mommy, hi, hi hi.!”.

But, I got ‘stracted a’cause the bags her had were smelly, like good smelly. I dink day had nummies inside. I helped.

Since we had such a full morning, me and Gizzie too a nap on the couch. I love my Gizzie. She’s the bestest sister ever. That’s why I nip at her ears, legs and face all the time.

My Very First Giveaway

2009-02-12T13:03:00.000-08:00

Let's face the facts, I need readers and to expand my circle of bloggy friends. With making jewelry and starting event planning, I need some traffic.

Our give-away: Kate Spade (New York) "Madison Square" Cylinder bud Vase, 7 1/2" - Full Lead Crystal.

I've adapted Mojito Maven's giveaway rules so you can enter one of 3 ways:

1. Leave a comment on this post and you will be entered once!

2. Become a follower (or if you are already a follower) of this blog AND leave a comment on this post and you will be entered 2 times!

3. Create a blog post about this GIVEAWAY, link back to this post, and leave me a comment letting me know you created a post and you will be entered 4 times!!
4. The contest will close Thursday, February 26th at 5pm EST. I will draw the winner and post on Friday. That winner will have until Monday at 5pm EST to contact me about their prize, otherwise a new name shall be drawn Tuesday morning, etc.

We will leave this open of two weeks from Today!!! Yes, and I am such a dork that I wrote it in my paper calendar, uploaded to my phone, etc.

Keeping up with three blogs was getting to be too much. My writing, spelling, content, actual job,etc were suffering for it. Much room for improvement.....Here is what you can expect from here on out my dear readers. (Yep, its a list....brace yourself.)

Mondays will be Not-Me's, Tuesdays: something about married life: cooking, recipes, my need for inprovement, Ken stories, whatever. Wednesdays: Operation Skinny Bitch Thursdays: Notes From the Bridal Brain (information about weddings, party planning, and the like. Fridays: Scootie Scoo and Gizzie Too (I'm supposed to be writing a book, but I'm a slacker. I couldn't even keep up with the blog.)

I hope you enjoy and Happy reading.

OSB - Week 5

2009-02-11T05:51:00.000-08:00

I was able to stick to my goal of eating somewhat better. Ok, fine I still have one trouffle a day, but would you REALLY its just so Ken survives the week. If I drank any more water, I'd float. Ken apparently lost 17 pounds on the potato chip diet, the buttface. I honestly don't get it. He drinks 3 glasses of soda a day and easily eats two exact meals after dinner and is dropping pounds. I (loath is about him) am so proud of him. I have not been eating anything beyond 8 pm. It paid off though....I lost 4 pounds!!! Woohoo!! Happy Dance!!!!

If you'd like to join the Operation Skinny Bitches follow the link.

In the Kitchen - Mexican Casserole

2009-02-10T14:42:00.000-08:00

Tonight's menu consists of Layered Mexican Tortilla Cheese Casserole out of my Favorite Brand Name Comfort Food cookbook (I'd give you a linky, but Target and Amazon are out of them right now. That and I found mine at Ross a few years ago for $8! I so LOVE a good deal.) This cookbook has the Ken approval rating of "You can make anything out of this book for me to eat!" (Very high marks indeed. LOL) Yes, sadly my great cookbook are flagged with post-its on what recipes Ken will and will not eat. In my opinion part of the reason this book has high ratings is that each recipe has a picture. My man is one that, if it looks gross (healthy), he wants nothing to do with it. In just 25 more minutes, we shall see if my version looks half as fabulous as there's. By the way, we will have none of that corn tortilla, corn and black beans aren't that great for you.... (Even if the OSB weigh in is tomorrow. Well, crap, I forgot about that! ARGH!......Whatever.)

Oh in other fabulous news (yes, I am well aware that fabulous is used FAR too often. Mamma Spawn would agree. No I don't need a thesaurus, thank you very much!) Ok, back to my point. I had a small happy dance at the grocery store (Bi-Lo, they give an extra discount for bringing your own reduce-reuse bags!!!! (Yes, I'm THAT woman walking into a foor store with my Target bags.) A discount is a discount and every penny counts right now. I mean hello, if I save five to ten bucks, I could actually go shopping again at TJ Maxx or Marshalls. Hello.....new clothes or home decor or hmmmm more beads.

Anyway, if you try the recipe I hope you enjoy.

Jewelry Love

2009-02-10T08:19:00.001-08:00

I *heart* jewelry, it is one of my MANY weaknesses (note: clothes, shoes, Coach, purses, Burberry, plaid, French silk ice cream, wine, Starbucks, stoppping.....ok so you get it.) The jewelry making began because I found a fab-u-lous pair of red flats (my every own ruby-red slippers. Yes, I did just so happen to go ask Dorothy for Halloween that year.) I wear a lot of black (slimming qualities, yay.) but I love to add a splash of color to set it off. I simply could not find the perfect red necklace to go with my shoes. Or IF I found it it was over $200 (Are you kidding me...not even garnet........that's a Coach purse! So, I went to my local craft store and just so happened upon the exact beads I needed. And thus it began. After moving to SC ladies began to remark on a few pieces I had made. Then there was a gentle nudge from the blogging world and I have been obsessed ever since. Hey is what I have made so far:

Necklace in progress. I think there will be a bracelet for this on as well. Donno yet.

These are mine and kind of what kicked off my jewelry making over the summer. The thing with the ribbon is a Cleveland Browns necklace. I'm a fan by marriage and made a few of my fellow Browns Babes at our local Browns Backer Club. (Ken is el presidente next year.)

Earrings

Necklaces that will be for sale once I get my stuff together.

Bracelets

As you can see I'm still (an idiot when it comes to taking pictures)photographically challenged and my items will be for sale once I get my stuff together.

Its Monday again and It wasn't mE

2009-02-09T08:33:00.000-08:00

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.

And away we go......

I did NOT get so excited about date night last Thursday that I got all dressed up, blogged about it, took pictures, then misplaced camera which I still cannot find. On the same note, I did NOT eat NOR do I highly recommend Olive Garden's Strawberry Lemoncello Martini, salad, chicken gnocchi ma...something and the black tie moose cake. They weren't fabulous...at all... and the thought of them is NOT making my mouth water.

I DO NOT need Teacher Barbie's(BFF in ATL) help to take pictures of my jewelry, because no matter what I do, I simply could not get it right. Which does not matter right now considering I have no clue where my camera is.

Ken did NOT get all huffy about my wanting a personal day on Saturday. When his "understanding" wife asked if he was hoping to spend quality time with her and he replied (I worry someone might hit on you.) "no, but can not understand why she would want to do something so hooky as going to Starbucks to read a book." And he did NOT keep this up for so long that his wife did NOT lay down the law by saying...her getting hit on was a given (I was in evil mode) and that his saying such things was implying that SHE would forget that she was married. Even though out of ALL the people in the world she chose HIM to marry. The vows were taken seriously.

My personal day was NOT spent not only at Starbucks ($0 thanks to a gift card from Momma Spawn), bought a new shirt at TJ Maxx ($14 less the $10 left on our gift card making it $5 out of pocket), I did NOT whisper to the shoes that I would be back some other time. Nor did I happen into Michael's drooled over more beads and happened to spend $12.

NOT to add to the Ken list of things which did NOT happen this weekend. I was NOT accused of shinking his shirts or that because I work from home you'd think I could manage to iron his shirts instead of making jewelry all the time. The man knows better than to tempted a woman in the middle of PMS. Surely he does.

I was also NOT asked if we were a refuge for dust bunnies and perhaps I should hop on that. (This man apparently wants to have bodily harm come to him.)I did NOT then clean like crazy rather than making myself a widow.

Ken also did NOT make Walleye (one of my faves. He doesn't eat fish) for me for lunch AND cook dinner. (Guilty much, I think so.)

My niece (the 21-year-old) and I did NOT run/walk three miles at the dam yesterday and my muscle are great! Ha ha yeah, right.

There are NOT embrassing photos of me in high school posted on Facebook and I have NOT spent the better part of my morning commenting to people and then scanning in a little black mail of my own. You know what they say about pay back......

UGH!!!! The Big Dog did NOT just rub her bum up against my leg, leaving a lovely poo stain on my tan capris. I did NOT just tell you that, because that would be gross.

I DID NOT just share that with you and I'm sure the questions are NOT going to come rolling in. It gets worse and perha-ps I'll share some other time.

What didn't you do this today?

Too blessed to be stressed

2009-02-06T07:44:00.000-08:00

(Photo from our honeymoon in Cancun. I took this from our table at dinner one night. Oh, how I long to go back.)

What I have experienced this week is nothing less than a miracle. I am a planner.....worrier...whatever you want to call it. I stress about money and being "poor" probably more than is healthy. It wakes me up at night. (Yes, I know there are many people far less fortunate than I and just how ungrateful that might make me sound.) So, handing everything over God and submitting to his control is far from effortless. Sadly, I had stopped giving as much to God and other charities in my own little effort to budget everything. It did not feel good.

A wise woman (close family friend with a great understanding of the world.) told me last week that although I did not have the life I had planned on, I was exactly where I am supposed to be. That if I stopped worrying so much that God's many blessings would shine through. That when I stress so much I block out God's goodness. Then I left the tv on too long and the "700 Club" came on. They said something about someone saying that God was not a slot machine. The 700 Club stated something like, "God is the ultimate slot machine. You give him a little and his blessings will abound." (Ah, hello, God...You talking to me?) So, I took a deep breath and a leap of faith. I said Prayer of Jabez, gave some money to God and waited patiently, for once.

Monday, I got a commission check I wasn't expecting, I got two leads on accounts which could not only set my month, but blow my year out of the water, and then today another unexpected check arrived. Ever the planner, I crunched the numbers, and I kid you not the new amount is nearly to the penny of what was needed to get us to our next pay period. God's way of saying, "Hey, you.....I got it covered!" All I could do was be thankful, so much so that, yes, I cried.

Once again I am reminded that, "Where there is hope, there can be faith. Where there is faith, miracles can occur." I wish you all many blessings.

EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-02-05T07:28:00.000-08:00

(Mamma Spawn and I in The Vista my bachelorett weekend. St. Patty's Day '08.)
Yay, Date NIGHT!!!!!! I cannot tell you how excited I am over a little night out to dinner with the hubs. Our neighbors, who rock and work at Olive Garden, gave Ken a gift certificate for his birthday the other week. It has been SO long since we've eaten out that I feel this is cause to celebrate. In true Barbie fashion I'm wearing my sexy trouser jeans, a dressy cowl-neck sweater (it was 17 this morning), my bra and panties match (these used to ALWAYS match, but funny how marriage changes that.), and I will unbox my favorite suede Ann Taylor heels. I'm going all out. Let's just hope Ken picks up on my "this is a date" vibe and doesn't decide to wear a Ohio State Sweatshirt. How disappointing would that be.....

____________________________________________________________________________________

Ms. Random Moments at Another day in the Same Life wants to hear a few honest truths' about me.

1. I love Ken so very much, but I sometimes recall the single Barbie days with fondness. Not that I miss the dating world or would trade Ken at all. Heck no! But, those wonderful days of being in my apartment all by myself where my space was as clean or messy as I wanted it. My money was all mine......Coach purses, new shoes, and buying a new dress to attend a wedding or have a special night out were done without having to think about purchasing dog food or that Ken's truck needs gas. All that "material stuff" is less important now, but sometimes I miss it just a little.

2. Emily Post has nothing on me about manors. Its an obsession. My grandmothers had a lot to do with it. I was raised almost like a debutant without the huge sums of money to back it up. However, we have always been comfortable money wise. Always being told sit up straight, shoulders back, glide when you walk, have the best table manors whether you're eating with a homeless person or the Queen of England, the way your home looks is your calling card and reflects you. All this has added to my need to be perfect ALL the time and my Barbiedom. At times I am sure I come off as rather ridged, but its exhausting trying to relax when in the back of your mind you hear 'Be perfect' 'be perfect'. Poor Ken knows I have to bite my tongue about some of things he does. And I worry when we have children. Don't get me wrong, that need for perfection has helped me as well. I'm pretty good at planning a party or Public Relations, because I am always thinking of the what-ifs and being prepared for anything to happen.

3. I cannot go anywhere without Orbits gum and a large napkin supply in my car.

4. I adore Audrey Hepburn movies. I own six. I watch at least two a month.

5. Hmmm, Ms. Moments me too. "I adore lists. Lists, lists, LISTS. The feel of pen on paper. Getting all my to-dos and wants and ideas out on paper in numeric order. Scratching things off my list. So incredibly satisfying. Hmm."

6. I loathe being cold. Like that bone chilling, no matter how much coffee you drink or clothes you put on still cannot get warm, kind of cold. I will take being too hot over too cold any day of the week.

7. I enjoy cooking as I said before I can follow recipes, but I am passionate about baking. Breads, cookies, cakes, whatever. Not so hot for the waist line, but who trusts a skinny cook anyway...... Cookies and milk/hot cocoa can make almost any day look better. (smiles) Mmm, cookies fresh out of the over are my weakness.

8. I long to get back into pottery, dance, or yoga. Working from home I have cabin favor and SO need a creative outlet. The jewelry making is helping. Sad to say but in the last week or so, I have gone through all of my findings and am now brave enough to working with my sterling silver stuff and will work my way up to white gold. Yay, for the fact that Mamma Spawn is SO like me about projects. She gets excited about something drops a WHOLE lot of money on it and then years later, I'm interested and get all of her stuff.

9. Call me crazy but I had an almost crippling fear of aliens (the space kind, not foreigners) up until I was 16. Not that they would take me up into their ship and do bad things to me, but that they communicated with me through telepathy in my dreams. I have always had crazy dreams or I guess night terrors about aliens. Even Mamma Spawn will tell you that as a baby I would move my fingers as if communicating with someone or something while I was asleep in my car seat. It freaked her out. Think the new show "Fringe". Hmmm, could be why I'm not obsessed with watching the show. I know, I'm odd.

10. As a little kid I had NO clue I was multiracial and that having parents of different races made me different. In Catholic kindergarten the kids all said I must be adopted. I was SURE my mom was lying to me when she said I wasn't. However, I look (with a better tan) and act so much like her at my age, that I could be her clone.

And now I shall tag:

Who ever drops by my blog and is interested in participating. I would love to know more about you guys.

In the Kitchen

2009-02-04T15:20:00.000-08:00

What’s for dinner? Jambalaya. Yummy!!!! Ken’s response was that HE did not eat Jambalaya, because he didn’t like the okra and other “stuff” that is in it. “Ah, yeah, Babe, that’s gumbo. Same region on the dish, so two points there.” I *heart* Jambalaya, especially on a cold day. I like it SO much, I decided to share the family recipe which has been passed down from generation to generation…………Open a box of Zatarain’s Jambalaya mix (tee hee, I know I know) add boiling water, add chopped turkey sausage, and cook for 25 minutes. (smiles) Ok ok, so I cheat on making Jambalaya, but I am the third generation in my family to use Zatarain’s. I did make scratch biscuits, and sadly they are not that good this go-round.

Ken is a better cook than I am. Shhhh. He can find an onion, left over turkey burger, and potatoes and whip up a fabulous meal. Whereas I can follow a recipe like a champ! Oh and the beautiful thing about Jambalaya….when you mistakenly set the oven timer for 9 more HOURS instead of 9 more MINUTES and everything is stuck to the bottom of the pan 15 minutes later…because you were ah …blogging. ……..You just have to add more water and everything is right as rain.

And no I have not eaten four, yes count them 4 of my not so great biscuits while waiting for my hubby to get home. It’s six o’clock and do you know where you husband is? I don’t. Ok, so the response I got when called was "Still working. Call you later." Which is cool with me.

Blog shall be updated with pictures later.

What's one of your favorite cold (It didn't get above 35 here today.) weather meals?

OSB - Week 4

2009-02-04T04:55:00.000-08:00

I wish I could tell you all the great things I've done to shed "x" amount of pounds and woohoo I'm SO on track!!! However, the eating right and exercising kinda feel off as of last Wednesday......I went to Atlanta. While I could give you excuses like, my routine got all out of whack and its the time of the month where I simply MUST have dark chocolate and BBQ chips......... But, I won't. I am accountable for what I put into my body. As I said before I'm an all or nothing kind of girl, so last week was nothing and this week, I'll "try" to give it my ALL, again. Ok so I gained a pound and a half this week. Not a huge deal (pardon the pun) but enough to let me know I really need to get back on track.

In other news, Ms. Random Moments inspired me to go from novice jewelry maker to an earring making diva. I have been on these hour long conference calls where my boss does all the talking and I am mainly there to take notes on what my customers want, answers to questions they have, etc. So, I have to listen enough to answer questions and provide information. No following up on emails, quoting accounts, or whatever can be done, because those actually require my focus. So, I decided to make earrings while on my calls. Oh the beauty of working from home. anyhoo, I have made 17 pairs of earrings over 3 conference calls. The hard part is going to be parting with them. More on that later, because I have to ask Ms. Moments how to take proper pictures of my craft. I suggest heading over to her page, she has some VERY cute items for sale and is currently running a contest.

I'm considering have a little contest of my own, but what I need is a pretty big request, therefore needs a big prize......More on that later as well.

I've Been Tagged

2009-02-03T08:00:00.001-08:00

I was tagged by Running in Stilettos This is a fun little light hearted blog full of questions.

Here are the rules:

1. Respond and Rework - answer the questions on your own blog, then replace your least fave question with a new one, and add one more question of your own.

2. Tag 8 other un-tagged bloggers!

Here we go:

Q. Make a list of things you can see without getting up.
A. The uppy puppies house, double sided fire place (my new office is in the keeping room), Dining room table, plants that need to be watered.

Q. What are you wearing right now?
A. Oh you would ask me this TODAY. Purple paisley pj bottoms, Kens red Carharts sweat shirt (I was cold and haven't showered yet. Gross and so not Barbie-like, I know.), Coach glasses (had to redeem a few Barbie points) and slippers.

Q. What's the last thing you read/are currently reading?
A. "Dear John" by Nicholas Sparks was my fun read, but if you go for what I am currently reading. The draft of our go-to market for our partner program.

Q. Do you nap a lot?
A. I wish I could. I have never was able to fall asleep, even as a kid.

Q. Who is the last person you hugged?
A. The Uppy. Its his first birthday.

Q. What is your current obsession?
A. Blogging

Q. What was the last thing you said aloud?
A. "Yes, the meeting MUST be a 5pm our time. The end-user is in California. Will that work? Otherwise, I'll get another tech on the call."

Q. What websites do you visit when you go online?
A. Yahoo, Blogger, Facebook and various clothing sites

Q. What was the last thing you bought?
A. A new drill for Ken. Yep we are living on the edge over here.

Q. What is your favorite weather and why?
A. I agree with R in S, "I love fall. The air is crisp with cool mornings and evenings. Perfect college football weather!" and will add Spring, when it is beginning to warm up. 80 with just enough of a breeze to wear a light jacket. All the flowers in bloom.

Q. What time do you usually get up?
A. 6:50 am That's when the pups potty and I make Ken's lunch.

Q. What is your most challenging goal right now?
A. Personal goal = weight loss and not being so stressed. Family goal = becoming debt free.

Q. Say something to the person who tagged you.
A. Running in Stilettos...........you make me laugh and you love of fashion is right in keeping with mine.

Q. If you could have a house - fully furnished and anywhere in the world - where would it be?
A. The island of Mystique

Q. Favorite vacation spot?
A. Well, as a rule of thumb, "Have passport will travel." Top picks: Domestic....Key Largo, FL; St. Louis, Mo and Atlanta, GA (home); San Diego, CA; New York. Outside the US........Los Cabos, Mexico and London, England. I dream of Ireland and Japan.

Q. What is your favorite item of clothing?
A. Oh I cannot pick just one.

Q. Name one thing you can't resist, no matter how bad it is for you?
A. Chocolate. I *heart* it in almost all forms. Sushi!!!! and Pasta.

Q. Favorite pair of shoes you keep going back too, over and over?
A. Comfort= New Balance running shoes OR KEENS, Summer = Rocket Dog flip flops OR lime green espadrilles, Heels = I cannot just pick one pair. Winter = Jennifer Moore knee high boots OR Merrell hiking boots

Q. What is your favorite restaurant?
A. Arcaboscio's or Imo's Pizza in St. Louis, Mo; Canoe or The Food Studio in Atlanta, GA.

Q. What is your biggest pet peeve?
A. People with unruly children (Ok correction, unruly parents. I don't mind kids being kids, however if they are out of your eye site in a store...your fault. If they have to scream nd cry in the middle of Target to tell you they have to potty 11 times, before you stop telling them to shut-up, YOUR fault!) Bad dressers = don't wear a sweat suit into the office or to church; flip- flops in all the wrong area ie: when its 32 degrees outside; and dress right for your body type. If you are 50..NO mini skirts with knee high boots, people!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

New Question:
Q: What are you most excited about right now?
A: The call I just got about a lead for more work for Ken (woot* woot* my Honey will bringin' home more bacon.) and date night on Thursday!!!!

I tag:
Random Moments

Lindsey

Chloie
Erica

Ok so I could only come up with 4 people. Whatever!

Me and My Crazy Ideas

2009-01-30T12:47:00.000-08:00

But what if they aren’t so crazy.

I have said it before that Ken plays the lottery and we have fun dreaming about what we would do with all that cash. Pay off the debt is always number one for me. However, no matter how much fun it is to dream, I have never thought that winning money (as in millions and be set for life) was in God’s plan for me. Although if it happened you wouldn’t hear a negative peep out of me other than some of “those people” coming out of the wood work asking for cash. I have always believed that no matter what happens in my life, I have and always will be blessed. It has been a pretty easy me because God has given me all the tools I need to be successful and comfortable. I might not ever have Bill Gate’s money, but I also know that is because I’m not willing to give up things in my life to work that hard to earn it. I don’t need it. Money is not what drives me.

That being said, I have always gotten these ideas in my head. Friends and I used to joke about if I would just act on one, perhaps I’d be a millionaire. I have notebooks with half written books……..little art projects………marketing materials saved on my computer for ideas I have yet to act on completely. I suppose you could say, on some things, I lack follow through. Like the story of Formula 409 If that were my idea, it would never have happened. I would have given up back on try number 100 or so. The thing is that I know what path I am supposed to take, or at least I think I do. And it is all really a matter of taking that leap of faith to make it all happen.

Anyway, I got this great idea to attend arts and crafts shows as a vendor and make extra money. SO that soon I can yell, “We’re debt free!!!!” on the Dave Ramsey show.

I think I have said that I’m been making jewelry on the side. Mainly it has been for me, but as gifts as well. I have been making wreaths since ………….(hmmm, I got the scar on my leg from hot glue…..in 4th grade…..) a LONG time, so I’ll make a few of those. Odd combination, I know, but……. I had a great idea this morning as I was wrapping a gift for a friend. I’m not telling what it is, but now I cannot wait to get home to SC and test it out. Just have to find an inexpensive way to make them…… stay tuned.

So, what was one of your million dollar ideas? I promise I won’t steal it! And heck, even if I did steal it I’d most likely sit on my bum and do nothing with it, so you are safe. (ha ha ha ha)

Corporate Barbie is BACK, Baby!!!

2009-01-29T10:03:00.000-08:00

As part of my "plan" by corporate, I am now required to visit the home office, Atlanta, for a whole week once a month. (I do believe I was the one to suggest regular office visits when we first talked about my working from home, but whatever.....) So as a show of just how committed I am to a company that doesn't give a.....(crap, for lack of a better term. Albeit, a word less Barbie like might suit the REAL feeling better.) about their employees, I came to the office this week even though I was not required to begin this until the end of February. (BTW- this is SO not a skirt I am currently stalking at Ann Taylor Loft. {Oh yes, you will be MINE.})

Anyhoo, driving into work this morning it hit me how much I miss putting on a suit and heels with a laptop bag thrown over my shoulder and a hot cup of Starbucks (homemade coffee lately. The budget friendly route)in my hand. Gosh it felt good. For the first time in a long time, I felt powerful (A bunny slippers wearing telecommuter never intimidated anyone.) I took a meeting with my boss and signed a contract (a step by step plan to bring up overall numbers and that if I don't I'm at corporates whim.) without being nervous or fearing for my job. I just flipped back my hair and said, "Consider it a done deal."

I have come to the conclusion that I am not meant to sell software from home. Its not me. I have had cabin fever for almost a year now. And with my corporate (the European one) office's issues, I have been a nervous wreck. But, no more.....I have prayed about it and Corporate Barbie is BACK. Whether I continue selling software or God has nothing plan for me.....I'll be fine. And if HQ doesn't like it, they can kiss my grits! (Yes, the Midwestern is using Southern terms. What can I say, I've lived here for 14 years now......must be in the water.)

So, what makes you feel empowered?

OSB - Week 3

2009-01-28T07:15:00.000-08:00

I am such an all or nothing, lady that I drafted out my plan last week. So, if I come off as Mrs. Know-It-ALL, I really don't know that much, but unless I p-ut it all in writing, I don't hold myslef accountable. Besides, prehaps my little self plan might help my fellow OPeration Skinny Bitch Ladies. Here it is.

Exercise Schedule:

Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays - stretch. 10 jumping jacks. 20 squats. 10 jacks. 20 twisted knee lifts to elbows. 10 jacks. leg lifts (Right leg 20 front, 20 side, 20 back. repeat on left side.) 10 jacks. 10 V crunches. Holding V-shape for 5 seconds at a time. 10 jacks. 10 lifted leg circles. (10 each direction.) Will increase each item by 10 each week and V-shape hold by 5 seconds.

Tuesdays and Thursdays - Walk the uppies around the neighborhood. 30 minutes of Yoga for Weightloss

Friendly foods for weight loss:

Breakfast every morning. Either from the South Beach book (how I lost weight the first time. from 180 to 130 which was kept off until meeting Ken.)

One egg (hard boiled, over easy, or scrambled using water instead of milk.
Fiber One cereal with fat free milk. Either Publix brand or Organic.
2 veggie quiche cups to go.

Snacks:

String Cheese, an orange, grapes, or one slice of cheddar cheese.

Lunch: normally left overs from whatever we had for dinner the night before.

Desserts:
Sugar free Strawberry Jello; sugar free Jello pudding with half & half and heavy whipping cream whipped to be moose like; 10 frozen green grapes; or one Dove dark chocolate Promise.

Other tricks: Drinking half my currently body weight in ounces of water (yes, this does lead to going to the ladiesroom often. I suggest starting this over the weekend so your body has time to adjust.)Only drinking water and one cup of coffee a day. Drinking a full glass of water 15 minutes before I eat anything. Eating dinner off of a salad plate rather than a dinner plate, tricks your mind into thinking it is getting more. Eating dessert with a little spoon, helps to slow you down. I have also snack packed all of the fun food so I eat the right portion every time. This last part is not working so well for Ken, he just eats two or three of my pre-made snack packs. (LOL, oh well.)

Today's weigh-in:
155, so that's what a gain of 3 ounces....I blame the cake. But, it was SOOOO good. So, I'll just work extra had this coming week.
Feel free to join Operation Skinny Bitch

Wordless Tuesday

2009-01-27T11:17:00.000-08:00

Yes, I know most bloggers do wordless Wednesday, however I have my OSB blog on Wednesdays. So, here we go.

I was feeling a little Barbieish this morning. All part of my new effort to not be one of "those" telecommuters. (ie: in your pjs after noon.)

The Uppy and me working hard in our new office down stairs.

The Pups trying to tell me it was time for the afternoon milkbone.

It's Monday Again and It Wasn't ME

2009-01-26T05:15:00.000-08:00

Not Me Mondays are the brain child of the MkcMama. I look forward to them every week just that I am reminded weekly that no matter how much I plan and schedule, I am not in control and am only human.

I DID NOT get a free Pepperidge Farm Cake with my purchase of frozen pasta at the grocery store on Friday. I did NOT think this was FAB-U-LOUS and disregard the plan I had for OSB. Ken and I did NOT eat the whole cake within 3 days.

I was NOT fusing at the couch, because the slip cover shrunk after being washed. I KNOW I followed the washing instructions! Ok well I think I did.

My back does NOT hurt after trying to do a back bend with my 10-year-old niece on Saturday. When exactly did I get to be so old?!

I was NOT the queen of unfinished projects this weekend. Started many finished one.

I am NOT trying to jump the season by making a Spring wreath for the front door. The unfinished project did NOT get packed up to go to Mamma Spawn's on Wednesday with me.

I was NOT whinny most the week when Ken worked in the shop until 10 pm and that I felt neglected and then tell him he was being too needy on Sunday when he needed my opinion every 20 to 30 minutes on a house he was drawing........for my parents. What kind of wife does that.

I was NOT inspired by HGTV on Sunday afternoon and then walk around staging my house as IF we were going to put it on the market or host a grand party. yes, I am a bit odd some days. But, I make Ken laugh.

"A Hard Knock Life" from Annie was not running through my head as I cleaned the carpets and swept the floors. I did NOT dance at all, because that would just be cheesy. Plus it might not be so great if you had played with a 10-year-old the day before.

I did NOT spend 3 hours trying to make place mats and hem a few skirts and pants. Only to realize that it has been so long since I have hemmed anything that I have completely forgotten the rules about tension on my machine. I did NOT get so mad at it after ripping out seams three times that I gave up and used fabric glue. Who does that? My great grandma was most likely NOT watching this event and shaking her head. (She is the one to teach me how to sew, or not sew as the case may be.)

The uppy puppy has is NOT now barking at me when like he's a big dog when I eat breakfast and don't share with him. He is not spoiled rotten to his core. Nope, not him.

Feel free to join the NOT ME's on MkcMama's blog or just tell me a few things you "Haven't" done this week.......

A Few of My Favorite Things

2009-01-23T14:07:00.000-08:00

The uppy puppy and Big dog. They are my babies and make me laugh several times a day.

No, I'm not 80, but I do collect tea cups. Not jsut any tea cups. These are a few of my other great grandmother's collection. When my grandpa was in the Army he sent her tea cups from every country he was stationed in.

I took a bad picture, but the Mamma Spawn painted this and I love that I have some of her art work in our home.

Our whole house, because Ken and his brother built it. This fire place, because Ken builds fires for me on cold nights.

Hot candle lit bubble baths with a glass of wine after a hard day.

Ken wearing either Polo Black or Axe ChocoLate (yum, yum).

I LVOE the smell of bleach and clean clothes. Yes, I am a bit OCD.

While the is replica (duh), my favorite artist is Claude Monet. Oh, how I would love to have a real one. Well, not in my house, that would make me nervous, but one I lent to a museum and could visit whenever I wanted and know that it was mine.

My great grandparent's bedroom set. They were some of my favorite people and I got my love for antiques from them.

Despite the fact that I need to landscape the side yard. Ken and I got married under this in Alpharetta, GA.

Chasing my dreams to becoming a wedding planner.

Will Work for Shoes

2009-01-23T04:10:00.000-08:00

Frustrated, up-set, perturbed, nervous, afraid, and mad as hell.........have all been felt over my work situation. Well, this morning I have a meeting with the boss. They are putting me on a "plan" which is the next step before you are gone. Our corporate office has no intension of selling us at this point, becuase that would bring to light few things out of their closet. (Don't ask how I know that.) So, their plan is to pick off the employees one at a time. I know this becuase it explains how 30 people in our European office left two at a time each month last year. Plus, this happen to the other coworker I told you about. I just so happen to be next in line and apparently in our office they are going all the way to the top. As a whole all of our numbers are down. Moral is not low, but subterrainian and this is their plan to motivate us or get rid of us.

Yes, my first reaction was to cry and pray. But, I am looking at this as God's way of pushing me out the door. Change makes me nervous and I won't look for it on my own. So, this is my kick in the butt to move on. Where I don't know, but I won't be crippled by fear. Instead I will let this empower me to do what I probably should have a while ago. (Don't ask why but the song these boots were made of walking is now in my head. LOL). The resume has been dusted off and updated, yes I will work to bring my numbers up, but I'll work even harder to leave. Not the best timing since Ken is a general contractor, but God has been taking care of us on that front and I know he always has my best interest in mind. "Where there is hope there can be faith, where there is faith miracles can occur.'

So, here's my sign:

Will work for shoes Four years of sales experience in a leading technology firm and six years hands on experience in customer service in a fast paced / time critical environment. Seeking a position in sales, marketing, Public relations, Event planning perferred (Hey a girls gotta hope on that last one.)

The Potato Brush Diabolical of 2008

2009-01-22T07:30:00.000-08:00

While this posting is slightly dated, Ken refreshed my memory by asking if he could “boil” the potato brush. What?

A brief history: (Scene: Sometime in June 2008, Barbie is preparing baked potatoes for a cook-out.)

Barbie: “Ken, where is the potato brush?”

Ken: “What potato brush?”

Barbie: The brush that was in the bin under the kitchen sink. The OXO one. That’s a potato brush. You know, you scrub potatoes with it……”

Ken: “Ah, was it that black brush thing…….”

Barbie: “Yes, that one. Where is it? I need it to clean the potatoes.”

Ken: “Ummmm, I used it on the carpet…..”

“You did WHAT?! YOU USED THE POTATO BRUSH ON THE CARPET? For WHAT?!”

Ken: “Well, Giz got poo stains on the carpet so I found the brush and used it.”

Barbie: “UGH!!!! That went with my salad spinner! And was for POTATOES!”

Since then the potato brush has been used for carpet cleaning and needless to say…..you cannot get another OXO potato brush unless you purchase another salad spinner. I am over that whole potato brush diabolical. Lately, we have been making potato soup and I make Ken wash the potatoes. After our second batch of potato soup thins season, Ken decided potato brusher might be handy. Yesterday, the uppy pup puked on the floor. I cleaned it, but there was still a slight stain so I retreated and left for later. This morning the hubs (decided I had no clue how to clean carpets and tried to give me Carpet Cleaning 101) helpfully cleaned the spot again with the former potato brush. He then looks at me and says, “I think I’ll boil the potato brush so we can use it on potatoes again.” (What? Yuck! Gag, gag, gag.)

The whole thing is hilarious to me in a Men are from Mars, Women from Venus kind of way. While Ken is very intelligent, I really don’t understand why he does the things he does some days. We will be purchasing a new potato brush soon. I had not bought a new one purely on principle.

Hubbys are an interesting group. What odd thing has your’s done?

OSB - Week 2

2009-01-21T01:03:00.000-08:00

As I told you last Wednesday, I joined the Operation Skinny Bitches. I am hoping this will keep me accountable for what I eat and how often I exercise. I will not ever say anything like, "Oh my gosh I'm so fat..." Because, it is never a matter of being fat. I just so happen to have a love affair with chocolate, that's all.

Hello Dove Chocolate. Yes, I do hear you calling my name at all hours of the day.

Your promises of not going to my bum and thighs are lies, I tell you lies!

Much to my chagrin, I am quickly gaining my grandma's double chin.

I fear the seasons cake, cookies, and pies, will eventually lead to the demise (of my waist line that is.)

I have tried and tried to be thin, but my love for you has me back here again.

Don't ask about the little poem about chocolate. It's 0430 and I am tired out of my mind. The big dog decided she needed to potty at 0230 and I have been up ever since. Yes, I have had sweets on the brain since November. And the Cupcakes Take the Cake

blog is NOT helping with their continued postings for delectable desserts.

Oh sorry, and for my OSB weigh in for today, I cheated and checked this morning. 158! UGH! Perhaps I'll be lighter at a regular hour of the morning? Not so much. While 158 is not huge deal, my jeans are too tight. (The history of the Barbie weight, I was 115 at 5'10 all through high school without even trying and forget my playing soccer etc, because I could have sat on my bum ...... You know what , who cares blah blah blah blah. I need to kick these 30 pounds I have packed on since meeting Ken. THEY MUST GO!!!! Exercise is going to be my middle name!

I'm posting now, but not sure any of this really makes sense, so be ready for edits later in the day.

UPDATE: Ok so apparently waiting until 0900, worked becuase I reweighed in at 154.7. Woohoo. I'll take the 3 pound loss. All I have been doing is only drink one cup of joe in the morning with Splinda. Eating breakfast: either South Beach style (one egg and two strips turkey bacon) or eating a bowl of Fiber One cereal. Then I try to eat a piece of fruit mid morning and eat a light lunch.

Michelle Obama

2009-01-20T12:22:00.000-08:00

Ever the Republican Barbie, I still cannot get enough of Michelle. yes, the first lady and I are tight like that....first name basis and all. I mean no disrespect to her, its just that she seems so personable. There is just something so Jackie O about her. I LOVE that she is a fellow fashionista. LOVED the dress today! (The designer used to be with Ann Klein. Love love love!) Gold was a perfect color for the day. She looked warm enough and glowing. Such grace, poise and she just embodies what a first lady should be. Hmmm, do I have a crush on Mrs. Obama? perhaps.

I loved that she took her $100K to redecorate the White House and purchased things from Pottery Barn. I could just see it. Michelle and I meet for Starbucks, pick up a pair of shoes or two and then of course run by the William Sonoma for a few items.

So what are your thoughts on our new first lady? Newlywed Stilettos is pretty impressed with the Obama girls.

SNOW in the South

2009-01-20T05:14:00.000-08:00

I'm a Midwestern transplant by way of Georgia. So for me, this is NOT snow!
Last night all the schools in our area were canceled for today. Can you believe it?! For the readers in the North, who might be curious how Southerns can get so worked up over so little snow......... salt trucks are few and far between here and the locals do NOT know how to drive in it. It is not unheard of for there to be a rush on Milk, bread and beer with the threat of snow. After living almost half my life in the South I still don't know why this is. So, my dear Southern readers, please shed some light on this.

I must say the sight of snow did bring out the kid in me. I was SO excited with visions of snow angels and snowmen dancing in my head. Fond memories of home. (sniff, sniff).

The uppy puppy wasn't sure what to do with this new white wet stuff. Proving just how spoiled he is....he was carried out to potty. Yes, I know....... I am SO sad. There I was in my UGA sweatshirt, black yoga pants (not that I've done yoga in months, but you never know when I might break into warrior pose.), and my slippers trying to convince my little man that snow was ok. Of course I just HAD to grab my camera for the uppy pup's first snow. Gizzie was nonplussed over the snow as she was born in MN. The uppies were having so much fun, that they woke up "Daddy" by bouncing on his head. This sent me into a fit of laughter. I was unable to get any "good" picture of the "Puppy's first snow encounter".
Ken taught the uppy to eat snow. Mr. Uppiness has range his bell every 30 minute since. Sadly, all our snow was gone by noon. Such is life here in SC. The uppies are snuggled next to me on the couch as we watch the new Pres. take office. (More on that tomorrow, unless I have something else on my mind.)

So, I ask you, what is your favorite snow activity?

It's Monday Again and It WASN'T ME

2009-01-19T07:41:00.000-08:00

Woohoo, NOT ME Monday, AGAIN!!!!

I DID NOT freak out, so much I could hardly work, over the fact that one of my co-workers is leaving the company and our corporate office is still being thick headed about everything.

I DID NOT laugh out loud realizing that Ken being in my life is God’s way of teaching me PATIENCE!

I AM NOT more excited about Ken’s birthday than he is. And I am NOT the evil wife who reminded him that while he was in High School and driving, I was still in elementary school. That would just be wrong.

I WAS NOT snuggled up by the fire most of the weekend when it hit 9 freakin’ degrees! HELLO, this is the SOUTH!!!

I WAS NOT completely humbled by a woman at church yesterday (I could tell they are worse off than we are) as she talked about how blessed they were and that they want to share their good fortune with the church. And here I was been all woe-is-me because I cannot spend money the way I used to. I also did not thank God for keeping me in check.

I AM NOT totally in love with Ken as of late and think he is adorable. And I’m NOT thankful to God for that either.

I DON’T love that Ken made homemade sushi from his sushi cookbook for me last night and it only cost us a cucumber, onion, and crab meat. He is my own sushi master. LOL.

I AM NOT overjoyed about moving forward with my event planning dreams by creating a Wedding planning blog Notes From the Bridal Brain It got old sitting on my bum and not acting on what I want.

I DID NOT that I seem to be dressed like my 6th grade art teach today. (Jeans, black turtle neck, lime green suede shirt/jacket, black socks and Crocs. Can you say, comfort!

I did NOT just realize I still need to make Ken's birthday dessert. (Sugar free cheesecake Jello pudding, with part half & Half and heavy whipping cream. It's yummy.

What did you "NOT" do this week?

Notes to Self

2009-01-16T07:06:00.000-08:00

As I was cleaning today, I came across a note I wrote to myself about what I wanted out of life at that moment when I was 26-years old and still discovery who I was. I often write things to myself or sealed letters to God when I am at my lowest.

So, here is the list:
Have my first child between the ages of 28 and 30. (LOL- Well, I'm a little late on that one, but it's all good. We have the uppy puppies for now. Barbie:0 Plans: 1)
Have a better relationship with God. (Still my goal and I work on it daily. Barbie:1 Plans:1)

Get married to a man I absolutely love by the time I am 29 or 30 and stay married for the rest of my life. (Again good goal and I made it. We got married a month before my 30th birthday. Woohoo!!! Barbie: 2 Plans: 1)

Graduate by Fall 2004 (College was complicated. I began pre-med, because the plan was to be a doctor since I was two. No pressures from my parents, I just woke up one morning at two and told Mamma Spawn I was going to be a doctor. Well, that didn't happen, but I did FINALLY graduate with a degree in Public relations by my due date. Again woohoo!!! Barbie:3 Plans:1)

Have a career doing something in Public Relations (Ah, yeah, software sales has NOTHING to do with PR, but its all good. The resume needed some sales experience. Plus I would not change this to a career in Event planning.)

Be happy no matter what. (Again good goal. But hard to measure...so we shall leave the scale as is.)

grow old gracefully (Once again, good goal. And I still hope this happens. I am definitely pro-aging with beauty and grace. Have you ever since a gorgeous older woman? There is nothing more amazing to me. I saw a woman like this when I was 16. I complimented her and asked how she did it. Her answer was she never smoked, drank lots of water and used sun screen. I have been following that advise since that day.)

Visit Ireland before I die.(Has not happened yet. as I said before my great grandpa was Irish and his dream was to make it back before he died. Well it didn't happen for him, but he shared his love for the old country with me. Might sound do but I identify with my Irish ancestry. My real name is Gaelic.)

Be a great mom and wife. (This is still a work in progress. I think I am a great mom to the uppies, but that great wife stuff, I am sure I fall short.)

Don't sweat the small stuff and everything is small stuff (If I had achieved this by now .....I might have all of life's answers. LOL.)

Be kind to people.

Manage my money better. (Again, great goal, int he works, the jury is still out on who gets the point.)

Send more time with Teacher Barbie. (She is the bestest best.)

It is funny how some of what I want in life has changed, while other things will always remain the same.

So tell me, how has your life and goals changed in the last 4 years?

today's Song: Fever by Meiko (the singer not the barbie. Ha ha)

She Had a Bad Day Again.......

2009-01-15T11:57:00.000-08:00

Not only is this one of my favorite songs by Fuel, but it completely describes my day today. Yes, the Barbie likes Fuel. NUF said. Work woes have me some what down today, but I refuse to give into the dis pare completely. The best medicine for a bad day............

WINE

It is in fact 3:00 pm so no need to do the "It's five o'clock somewhere". And for those of you Nye Sayers who might bring up the negatives of drinking while you are feeling bummed......I'm Catholic! It's a right of passage. We have wine with the good, the bad and the ugly. Plus, I'm part Irish, hello!

GOD
Ok, so God should be first, but we're somewhat going in the order I am doing things. And God and I talked as I poured the wine, so there. This is the only bible I own. I love that it is so well worn, but it means more than that. This was presented to my great grandfather (the Irish one) by my great grandmother on Christmas 1970. They were some of my favorite people growing up and praying with this bible is like having them with me when I feel alone. There are bits of paper from their life together and I always seem to come across exactly what I need to hear at the time I need to hear it. My great grandpa was also a writer. Not sure if he wrote this, but it was from a newspaper clipping. Today I found this "WHEN YOU REMEMBER ME" dated 1954. It was stuck in the Book of Samuel chapter 5 - "When you remember me think of....the hours filled with laughter...the kisses warm with kindness...and the magic things thereafter...when you remember me recall ...the good things I did...the shortcomings I used to have..should be forever hid...when you remember me, ponder ...upon the smiles we shared..the moment filled with understanding..showing how we cared..when you remember me look to..the summer's golden glow...the spell of spring and autumn..and winter's ice and snow...think of these things when I am gone.. and I am sure you'll see...the happiness of bygone days...when you remember me."

CHOCOLATEI am sure no explanation is need for this one. Chocolate is the answer to a bad day. But, in true operation skinny bitch fashion, I only had four pieces. Plus, it REALLY brought out the wine.

RECALL HAPPIER DAYS

This was one of the happiest days of my life. Marrying Ken. It was one of those moments when I knew I was exactly where I was supposed to be in life. It all could not have been more perfect. Most days, I feel so completely blessed having Ken in my life. He can be so wonderful.

(Disclaimer: pms tends to make the Barbie overly emotional. Add to that wine and some chocolate and we have an all out Barbie pity party. It is good that this little event is occurring while Ken is at work. Please tune in next time when the Barbie has a sunny disposition.)

Today's Song is, of course, Bad Day by Fuel

Operation Skinny B*tch – Day 1

2009-01-13T12:50:00.000-08:00

This is how it all got started. This evilly fabulous image was Ken and my wedding cake. Butter recipe yellow cake with chcolate moose between the layers and topped with chocolate ganache. YES, it was as fabulous as it looked. And Thus began the weight gain.

As I have said before, this Barbie’s jeans have been steadily shrinking since last April. I LOVE chocolate and since getting married I have eaten more chocolate and exercised less. I found the Operation Skinny Bitch blog the other day and decided to hop on board. Not only is this for my health and on behalf of my over stretched clothes but also the fact that PR Barbie is getting married in May and Weight Lifter Barbie (another girl friend from college. Who married English Ken (ex-serious relationship just before meeting Ken)’s younger brother in November will most likely be in attendance.)) Not that I am in competition with Weight Lifter Barbie, trust me, I could not keep up with her. But NO self respecting Barbie attends a wedding not looking her best and sending a lovely message to the ex “EAT YOUR HEART OUT, BUD! Smooches and wish you all the best.” No I don’t hate the ex, nor do I not know that I am better off with Construction Ken. I just, need that small victory, for me that’s all. Silly I know.

Ok so Day one of OSB!!!! Bring it! I can do this! So, hopped onto the scale this morning and…………Survey says…..ding, ding, ding 157.8. OMG!!! Its just a number and in fact it would be no big deal if I had not gained this over the course of 9 months without there being a little person involved. You see, I did not go on a diet before my wedding; I just took it at what it was and went with it. But, love handles have popped out and I definitely have some chub to get rid of. Other than the weigh in, the first order of business was to get cracking on the exercise. Woke up, froze my bum off taking the uppies for a walk. The Uppies are all too happy to be a part of OSB. Once back at home 20 jumping jacks and 3 reps of ten on the ad lounger before hopping in the shower. 20 more jumping jacks while in robe. My mission today is to add exercise back into my life so it becomes a normal part of my day, drink more water, and eat less chocolate. I won’t give up chocolate all together, because let’s be honest……Ken would not want to know me off chocolate and why set yourself up to fail to begin with. I’ll eat one Dove Dark Chocolate Promise a day. Besides dark chocolate is good for you. Its like taking your vitamins. So there!!! I’ll keep you posted on how I do. Feel free to join the ban wagon as well.

$2.5 Million..........I gave it away for free

2009-01-13T08:34:00.000-08:00

Ok so I was busy expanding my knowledge of international current events as any intelligent Barbie should and a coworker passed this tidbit o’ hard hitting news. Some bird (UK version of chick) is auctioning off her virginity for so far $2.5 million pounds (yes, the Barbie brain quickly went through the exchange rate and my mouth still dropped.) Side stepping the morally good Catholic Barbie within, I thought, HOLY COW!!! SHE’s getting paid LARGE amounts of money for something I gave away for free. WHAT the heck!!!! And there I was holding out for LOVE all those years, silly me.

Dear first person I slept with, please send back payment on what you got years ago. I will accept a $100 a month until it is paid in full. Thanks and hope all is going well with you.

Then I was slightly jealous that I have absolutely NOTHING that anyone would pay $2.5 million pounds for and well IF I in fact do, I don’t want to know what it is. “Indecent Proposal” much!!!! Article:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/4222155/Student-auctions-off-virginity-for-offers-of-more-than-2.5-million.html

Now on the whole moral ground of it, kinda sad really that this girl is going to those lengths to get a higher education and I imagine $2.5 Million pounds wouldn’t have been enough for me to have sold myself.

But back to the fun side of thinking about $2.5 million…..(Ken is a lotto player, don’t ask me why, but he is and if $2 a week makes him happy then it is money well worth being budgeted. Plus we have fun talking about what we would do with the money.) So, $2.5 million…………rather than even thinking about how I got that, we’ll go with God connected me to my long lost relative’s family fortune. So, first things first

tithe that is $25000 directly to our church

Then wipeout the debt
Dear Bank of America, Visa, and Master card, I would say that I hate you, but that would imply that I cared and in fact I don’t. Feel free to kiss my bum from here on. Take these last payments as my last eff you. I realize I got myself into the problems, but what did you honestly think would happen when you gave a 20-year-old plastic and said “have fun!”? I’m a cash girl now. So, leave me alone or I’ll sick Dave Ramsey on you.

give Ken about $50 to $100K to just blow on whatever he wanted because well that is about all I’m willing to chalk up to tools, boats, etc

50K or so on the ***NEW*** Barbie wardrobe (Dear Coach, I still love you very much. I’m sorry we haven’t talked much, but I had a few things I had to take care of. I’m sorry I sold a few of your friends on Craig’s List and those knock-off handbags I looked at meant nothing to me. I’m back, BABY!!! Oh and please feel free to tell Burberry I said hello and I have always liked plaid.

Then I would finally get a car. I have been driving the same Toyota Corolla since 2000. Toyota makes such a good car, but enough is enough all ready.

From there I’d invest and open my event planning venue. Yes, I would still work. Ken thinks this is the oddest thing ever, but I know this about myself, I enjoy working. Shhh, don’t tell my boss, but I do.

Ok so back to work for me, because the $2.5 mill hasn’t fallen in my lap yet and I have to run to my bank so I have Barbie mansion payment money in my account.

Monday Again and It wasn't ME

2009-01-12T09:06:00.000-08:00

Not Me Monday was created by McKMamma from MyCharmingKids blog. I have been involved for about a month. Ever the planner and perfectionist, this is a nice outlet to laugh about that fact that I am only human and far from perfect. Plus, its something to look forward to on a Monday.

I did NOT finally take down all the Christmas decor last Thursday. There are strict rules in this house that the Christmas decor is up the day after Thanksgiving and down a day after New Years. I could give the excuse that I was in fact ill last week, blah, blah, blah. But, seeing as how it didn't happen (wink, wink).......

I DO NOT have zits popping up all over my face because I was a lazy bum last week and did not go through the WHOLE make-up removal routine and go to bed.

Friday was NOT spent researching Event planning jobs, locations, other coordinators and dreaming of the day when I can make the career leap of being an Event Planner.

The Barbie Mansion (lol) was NOT cleaned from top to bottom (Had to get it "company clean.") on Saturday, because Ken (the hubs. Barbie and Ken, get it.) invited people over to watch the football games on Sunday. On the same note, I was NOT a crabby PMSy butt about it. Nor did I turn my simple cleaning project into an all day event by reorganizing the linen and master closets.

I also did NOT look forward to going to the St. Andrews Bridal Showcase all week, only to wimp out about going by myself, claiming that Ken needed my help to prepare for the football guests. He actually did need my help.

We are NOT attempting to train the uppies based on things I saw on "It's Me or the Dog."

I did NOT break a Dave Ramsey Total Money Makeover rule and use some of my Christmas money from my grandparents to buy shoes and Ken's birthday presents instead for putting it toward the debt.

I did NOT gain 20 pounds since our wedding in April and the Bon bons are NOT calling my name from the pantry as I type.

I am NOT surprised and happy that Ken and I have gone almost a month without arguing and getting completely tick off at each other. We are working VERY hard to be a cohesive unit. I can fully admit, I like the hubs a lot as of late.

Marriage 101

2009-01-02T12:00:00.000-08:00

Traveling together, especially by car, tends to bring out the “color” in our relationship and I often find myself asking God, “Is this what you had planned for my life? When I said I wanted to get married THIS is NOT what I had planned!” Just when you think it is safe to think, life would be so much simpler if it was just you, perhaps less fulfilling, but you’ll take simple for now…..the other person does something that reminds you that “Yeah, you kinda like this guy” ( admitting love at that point would kill the Barbie ego, so you go with the baby step of you like him.) And in true God fashion, there on Yahoo’s homepage is an article about the 7 things no one tells you about marriage. I thought the article was good one. (See the link below)

The top items in the 7 things:
1. You will look at the person lying next to you and wonder, Is this it? Forever?

Wednesday, I was in true “Evil Baby Spawn” form. I’m in sales it was the end of my month, end of my quarter, end of my year and I was still $40K out from making my committed numbers. Stress-free was not in my vocabulary. Plus, our corporate office was riding our bums. Ken (had the nerve to speak to me) kept asking me questions about our trip to Atlanta. He then asked if I was going to be in a bad mood all day and I said (“I don’t know, do you plan on continuing to speak to me?”) “Not really.”
To be honest, there are days I do not like Ken, I have no clue why on Earth God sent him to me, or what the heck I was thinking when I said yes. I cannot tell you how many times in the last nine months, I have thought about leaving.

Dear Friends and Family: I regret to inform you that I in fact met the wrong guy and gave him the wrong finger. Best wishes and Lots of Love…..Mieko!”

My great grandma (whom was married for about 70 years) once told me that marriage was a choice. She said there were many days, even up to the very end, she thought about getting a divorce, but she continued to make the choice to stay. On a side note, she also reminded my great grandpa that she made a choice to marry him and he better do his best to make that choice as easy as possible. But, then something happens (usually small, because that is how God works), Ken makes me smile or laugh and I realize I like him. And I make the choice to remain married. Again…..

6. You'll realize that you can only change yourself.

Ken and I are driving along to Atlanta…….Yay, New Year’s Eve……… and he is (Yelling, swirving, commenting, honking and a few phrases in sign language) gentling giving other drivers helpful tips. I was in the passenger seat (wondering if it is wrong to wish God would make my husband mute) asking God to help Ken with the tough situation he was currently in. It occurred to me that this is the man, I married. This IS in fact IT!

Wonderful guy with a great heart, but Oh the list of little improvements to make him perfect………. But, that’s the thing……..I cannot change him. And every negative thought I had, God made me realize that perhaps I do it as well. It is as they say, “If you think your dog is fat, you probably need exercise.” I need to learn patience ~ I need to be less selfish – I need to dress for success – I need to love less conditionally – I need to look on the bright side of things.

Happiness is a state of mind and along the way you always have options. Each morning, we are faced with life and whether or not we will be happy. Through God, all things are possible. And today, I choose to let God be in control and to worry about tomorrow later. Baby steps, people, baby steps.

http://dating.personals.yahoo.com/singles/relationships/24191/dating-101-seven-things-no-one-tells-you-about-marriage

2008 AT A GLANCE

2008-12-31T12:58:00.001-08:00

As 2008 comes to and end I have been reflecting on the year as a whole. So, much has happened this year. They say to really understand someone you much walk a mile in there shoe. I am a bit of a collector and these are mine, ok well a few of them. (Yes, Ken thought I have gone mad taking pictures of shoes. LOL.)

Got married

Honeymooned in Cancun, Mexico

Moved to a new state (First time ever living out of state from my mom.)

"There's NO place like home, There's no place home."

As an only child I now have a brother and sister-in-law, nieces and nephews.

Become a telecommuter

Became the Catholic in a non-denominational church

Learning to make new friends, again.

Voice Lessons Barbie got married (last of the hs girlfriends to get married.)

We found and added the uppy puppy to the family.

GI Barbie had her first baby.

Malibu Barbie (girlfriend from college) finally got her ring after 5 years!!!!!!

Welcomed many new little people into the world.

Monday and it was NOT Me

2008-12-29T07:51:00.000-08:00

Thanks to a fellow blogger I look forward to Mondays and laughing about all the things during the week that "weren't" me. In this stressful and imperfect world why not laugh at our imperfections.

I did NOT hide things in closets and under beds and spend the majority of my Wednesday trying to be prepared for Christmas Eve dinner with Ken, my in-laws and my parents. I also did NOT love every minute of entertaining and once again know that I need to go into event planning.

I was NOT so proud of Ken for spending 4 hours and making home-made pasta for Christmas Eve dinner.

I did NOT burst into tears, over God knows why, while singing “Oh Come All Ye Faithful”

I was NOT so excited on Christmas morning that I woke up at 0430. I do not know what it is about Christmas but I just get SO excited and it has nothing to do with the presents. It is just my favorite time of year.

Christmas day was NOT spent playing Wii bowling and boxing at my sister and borther-in-law’s. I also did NOT completely enjoy kicking Ken’s bum at boxing.

I did NOT feel pathetic when my parents bought groceries because they felt we did not have enough food in the house. We are doing fine but now have enough food to feed an army. I’m a much better giver than receiver.

After Ken got food poisoning on Saturday and things coming out of every orifice possible every 30 minutes for a full 8 hours and my taking care of him, I am NOT still some what grossed out just being near him.

I am NOT plotting to get my parents to move to South Carolina. I’m an only child and I miss my Mommy.

I am NOT second guessing the choices I am made and wonder if they are REALLY what God had planned for my life or if I messed up somewhere.

I am NOT so thankful that despite a few bumps in the road that I really do have a good life and an easy one at that.

I did NOT step on the scale this morning, freak out and then eat a cookie. Hello that’s what New Year’s resolutions are for. On that note: I also have NOT written out my resolutions all ready.

I’m NOT panicked that I only have three days to bring in the other half of my numbers.

Coconut Shortbread Cookies are EVIL!!!!

2008-12-23T07:00:00.000-08:00

Makes 2 dozen

Prep: 20 min Chill: 1 hour, 10 min

Bake: 30 min per batch

I love to bake and found a recipe for the above mentioned decadent evilly delicious cookies in December 2004 issue of SouthernLiving Christmas at Home. Thanks to Mamma Spawn, I too am a collector cooking and decorating magazines. Ken is a hard core chocolate chip man and I thought these cookies would be great for Christmas. I was able to get 31 cookies out of the recipe, which is a good thing, because there are now only 8 left. These cookies are dying a quick and honorable death. Watching my what I eat has turned into watching cookies go into my mouth. And the sad thing is……I will have to bake MORE for Christmas. I suppose I can make sacrifice for the sake of Christmas. They taste like Pepperidge Farm Brussels. If you too, would like the recipe for these cookies, knowing full well that they will NOT make it to wherever you plan on taking them, let me know and I will share the wealth. Otherwise, I wish you a Merry Christmas.

It’s Monday again and It wasn’t ME

2008-12-22T13:30:00.000-08:00

My gift for the white elephant Christmas party was NOT a bottle of Boone’s Farm Watermelon wine. I also did not laugh my bum off when Ken suggested this. (A member of my extended family brought it to our wedding. Sorry, if you drink this but it is not real wine. Clearly states “malt beverage” on the bottle.)

On the same note, Ken purchased a new kung fu hamster that sings for a $1 as his white elephant gift and we did NOT roll on the floor laughing as we tortured the baby puppy with it all last week.

Upon finding Ken’s dirty socks on top of the coffee table (I just LOVE finding them there.) They were then NOT used to dust the entertainment center and various other family room items before being put in the hamper.

After being accused of having an panty fetish, because I own enough underwear to clothe a small country, I did NOT pout a little as I got rid of each pair of Victoria’s Secret sizes small and medium that I will NEVER be able to fit into again. Plus I was NOT calculating how much money I had spent when they were purchased. Did I mention the Barbie girl is a reformed shopper……….. I did NOT just blog about my panties!! That would be completely unladylike.

The better part of my week is NOT being spent cleaning the Baribie mansion from top to bottum in preparation of the Mamma Spawn and Gu coming next week. This is the woman who taught me how to clean, if there is dirt she will find it. So, everything come out of the fridge and that was cleaned top to down as well. All this was NOT done with Christmas music playing full blast.

My biological clock did NOT tick when we visited Greenville and saw close friend's new born.

After thinking about babies, my mind did NOT move on to the fact that Ken is still not working regularly (Hello, people of Columbia...BUY HOUSES!!! Look for Wickersham Homes and if you need repairs, a deck, trim work or any thing else built call Kwick Construction.)

NO time was spent today rolling around on the floor, growling and snorting at the uppies as we played.

I'm completely NOT stressed over money and bills.

I did NOT fall victum to the uppies
during lunch.

I did NOT think was too cute.

My heart did NOT sigh at how bad and cute this little bugger is.

I did NOT laugh out loud when he began doing a cry / bark becuase I would not feed him food.

Ah the Good Life........

2008-12-19T09:58:00.000-08:00

Being married takes certain about of adjustment for both parties. I was accustomed to a life of I suppose some luxury (I was raised that buying a high quality item on sale was a good thing, but to NEVER buy anything cheap) whereas Ken did not care what kind of things he furnished his home with so-long-as his tools were top of the line. How quickly he has gotten used to the “good” life. Am I a bad wife in the fact that I usually refrain from the “I told you so”s with Ken, but simply bask in my rightness quietly?

This morning, I happened to laugh out loud when the man, whom gave me the look of he could not believe I had the audacity to register for Egyptian cotton bathsheets (which were on sale at the time), pouted at the fact that all the “Big towels” were dirty and heaven forbid he had to use a regular oversized towel. This is also the same man who rolled his eyes when I talked about the thread count of sheets, was also asking why the “old sheets” were on the bed (I have never purchased anything under 250 count. TJ Maxx and Marshalls are my favorite places to go.) I just have to laugh at the fact that my manly man has tapped into a little of the metro man within. (Shhhhhh, he’d hate it if he ever knew I said that.)

Take our wedding registry again (We’ve been married for eight months and counting now) ………….. Being the planner, I pretty much knew what I wanted to register for. I invited Ken to go along (thinking he wouldn’t go) and he went. I thought that it might be a good bonding experience. (Famous last words…) In the middle of Target I was having to explain that a $350 coffee maker is not a wise choice when ….A. I already had a perfectly good coffee maker that matched everything. B. We each only drink one cup of coffee a day. This logic was NOT sinking in, so I let him scan it full knowing I would simply remove it from the website later. (Yes, I am evil, but a girl has got to do what a girl has got to do.) In place of his over priced java maker, I registered for an Ohio State (Ken is a HUGE fan) couch blanket, a great toaster oven (I was a toaster girl, but the man really likes toaster ovens.), a Tools of the Trade lobster pot (the boy can cook a mean mess of crab legs.), and a few Calphalon items.

A monster was born…..After receive one knife the man swore he needed more, so I took him to Macy’s to see the cost of one Calphalon knife. Upon sticker shock he happily goes to Marshalls and TJs so we can “hunt for” good stuff. It has become a fun game for us. My impulse buying man has learned that it is best to not buy an item because he wants it, but to wait and save until we have the money and find a really good deal on the top of the line items.

He even brags to other people about how I have gotten him used to a homey life style. Also, a laugh out loud moment when my manly man is explaining to other men how important thread count is when considering sheets, towels, etc. I must admit his conversations are more like, “Yeah, you don’t understand, these big towel things are so big and soft that you can wrap it around your whole body.” LOL. Gosh, he is so freakin’ cute.

LIVERS AND GIZZARDS, OH MY!!!!!!!

2008-12-18T10:03:00.000-08:00

Its bullocks I tell you simply bullocks!!! So, Ken has a frequent shopper card to a local grocery store which is (such a ploy to spy on customers in order to do target marketing) great way to save money on food. At any rate, they were generous enough to give us a free twelve pound turkey (reasons why Ken should not do the grocery shopping because who the heck knows how much we have spent in order to qualify for a free twelve pound turkey). Yay, free food!!!!!! Since we are still really tight on cash we decided to cook the turkey this week and make several meals out of it (With just the two of us, I will be eating turkey up to my eye balls.) Needless to say, I have never cooked a turkey. Gu, my dad, normally smokes or deep fries it. (Amazing when injected with Cajun butter sauce.) Turkey cooking is a MAN job.

For the last three days we have been thawing the turkey in the fridge. So the little bugger, Ken, sneaks off to work this morning. Does he at any point offer to clean the turkey? Of course not!!!! Nope this Barbie has also NEVER cleaned a turkey. UGH!!!!! There I was at 8 am reading directions on the back of the turkey to figure out how “in theory” this is all supposed to work.

HELLO, you want me to put my hand WHERE and pull out WHAT!?????!!!! “Pull out part package located behind the neck.” EXCUES ME………..What the heck do you do with a neck!!!! Is this not something that should oh I don’t know be thrown away before you package, freeze and put in a grocery store? What self respecting Barbie puts her hands up a birds bum and is expected to pull out body parts. I say again, it’s bullocks!!! I have rubber gloves, but someone (might have been me) thought it would be a bright idea to take the gloves out of the box and just leave them under the kitchen sink. Can’t be used on food.

My hand goes in and grasps something (hard and long ……NO …slippery and long …………. BAD BARBIE! LOL. Ok there is just no good way to say it with out….well you know.) So it’s the neck. SO GROSS!!! Great and according the package there is more. Fun times. I am nearly elbow deep inside a bird’s bum and I cannot find the “parts” package. Must you have a degree in turkeys to do this? I have heard of the Butterball help line. I was not about to call up and ask where I might find the “packs” package.

Ah ha, another whole at the top of the bird!!!!! I must say, when something is referred to as the parts package I expect it to be sealed. Not so much! More like an open piece of parchment paper with one thing I could id as the liver (Yay, two years of pre-med) and a few other things I have no clue what they were. Yeah, recommended use by Ken……boil and make gravy OR feed to the uppies. I wouldn’t eat this crap, why would I feed it to the dogs? According to Ken they would like it and Gizzie grew up on stuff like that. UGH!!!! Well as much as they are my babies they in fact lick their own bums so……. (Did I really just talk about dogs licking their bums in a blog?) So, I suppose the dogs are getting a treat today.

I had to call my mother-in-law to find out how long to cook this thing. For those of you whom do not know. You bake a turkey for 30 minutes for every pound. This bugger has been buttered under the skin along with sage thyme and other spices, and oiled on the outside with a rub I concocted out of items in the spice cabinet.

Here is to hoping tomorrows headline does not read, “BARBIE GIRL RUINS BIRD” I might be a little domestic goddess on some things, but this is so not it!!!!

REAL men eat QUICHE

2008-12-17T07:47:00.000-08:00

They wear pink too, but that is a whole other blog entirely. (Lol. Ken disagrees and is still not too keen on the powder blue polo I bought for him in the early months of dating. But, I like it so he wears it about two to three times a year. Oh the power of the woman!!!! Teehee.)

Perhaps, it is a girl thing, but one of my favorite things is a good quiche, salad, and a bowl of soup; especially on a cold December day. OK, fine it is in the 70’s here all week – EAT YOUR HEART OUT NORTHERN READERS!!!! No, the Missouri girl does NOT miss the snow! I’m in capris, a t-shirt, and denim jacket and LOVING it!

So, I made quiche last night. Mmmm broccoli cheese quiche. I altered my recipe a bit to try to entice Ken into liking it. REALLY easy recipe, but it changes all the time depending on what we have in the house. Here is the basic frame work. Make sure you mix and match to suit your tastes, because this is ONLY a frame work.

Meiko’s Quiche Basics

• 6 eggs (I used 3 and some apple sauce yesterday. Had exactly 6 eggs in the morning and had the bright idea I wanted to boil 3 for breakfast and a snack, before I planned dinner.)
• ½ to 1 cup of milk or half and half. (You are going to have to eye-ball this. If using 6 eggs go with the whole cup of milk.)
• 1 ½ cups of Bisquick (Ok so I cheat! You can also use pie crust or flour.)
• 2 cups broccoli (can be frozen or fresh. If fresh make sure to blanch a little.)
• 2 cups of cheese (Cheddar, Colby/Jack, Mexican blend. Whatever.)
• ½ cup of onion
• Pepper
• Garlic salt
• Mrs. Dash
(optional)
• 4 strips turkey bacon
• 5 mushrooms chopped
Mix eggs, milk, Bisquick, and seasonings in a bowl and set aside. Then place all other ingredients in a glass pie plate. Pour batter mix over the items in the pie plate. Bake at 350 F for 30 minutes. (servings: 4)
(Ken’s addition) Serve with One dollop sour cream

Well, Ken wasn’t thrilled with it, but he liked it enough to eat it all. VICTORY!!!!!!!! Ken now eats quiche, I don’t think he’d eat it everyday, but he said it was pretty good.

Scootie Scoo and Gizzie Too - The Very Uppy Day

2008-12-16T08:45:00.000-08:00

Hi my name is Scooter and my big sister is Gizmo we are the puppies (children) of people known to you as Mieko and Ken. Our mommy calls us uppy puppies ‘cause all though we are very cute, we also can get into a lot of trouble. ‘specially me ah ‘cause I’m little and like to play lots. Mommy is writing a book about us, IF she EVER finishes it and we have our own blog, but….Mommy has been using this ‘puter thingy like she owns it or somefin’. So, here is a story about us.

We woke up this morning at 6:30, pottied and had breakfast. I thought it was a regular day, but something deep in side me wanted to do back flips off of Mommy’s head. I don’t know, I just felt uppy. Gizzie and I feel asleep on the couch while Daddy slept and Mommy made the lunches and cleaned the kitchen.

I don’t know what happened during my morning nap, but by the time I woke up I was even more uppy. I ran around the keeping room like a wild man. Jumped at the refrigerator and almost pressed the button to make cubies fall out. Gizzie and I LOVE cubies. Then Daddy woke up so I ran toward the bedroom, jumped on top of my house, bit the back of Gizzies leg, then jumped on Daddy’s head and bit his nose. Mommy wasn’t happy. She yelled and I got my nose smacked. Then Daddy went to work and Mommy, Gizzie and me went to the office.

I tried to tell Mommy I was sorry for being so uppy, I just couldn’t help it today. I could not stop bitting Gizzie’s ears or legs and she was biting me back. We fought over the ball. We have two but I always want the one Gizzie has. It tastes better. Then we were rough housing, but Mommy was on a conference call. Oops. So then we were REALLY in trouble.

Mommy took me outside to burn off some of my uppines.

Mmmm I love acorns.

We played ball. I dug holes in the yard and got into trouble again, but then I found a stick.

We came back inside and I decided that I was going to try to be REALLY good and not be so uppy. Gizzie hardly ever gets in trouble,so I tried to be just like her.

Money See Monkey DO

Then Daddy came home early a little after lunch.

We LOVE hanging out with Daddy. Other than Mommy, he is one of our favorite people. I was still trying to be good and I guess it worked, because Mommy gave me a peanut butter kong later. They are my favorite!!! I promise to be extra good tomorrow.

Anyone who has not experienced unconditional love, has never been loved by a dog.

NOT Me Monday

2008-12-15T06:46:00.001-08:00

Ok so now that I'm back at the Barbie mansion (lol.), I am settling back into my normal life. Woohoo sleeping in until 6:45!!!!

As the little uppy puppy and the big dog preferred to snuggle Ken last night instead of the person who they had not seen in a whole week, I DID NOT feel slightly jealous and heart broken.

I WAS NOT secretly proud of Ken after getting paid on Friday that he only took $20 for himself and deposited the rest in my account. The accounts will remain separate until we are on the same page about money. Odd way to be married, I know, but it is better this way for now.

On the same note, WASN”T ME who longed to buy a new Christmas outfit. Black suede Ann Klein shoes from Hammrick’s ~ $32, tweed pants from Ann Taylor Loft ~ $69, black and white sweater from White House Black Market ~ $88, NOT that I looked or anything.

And I SO DIDN’T also perused the Macy’s jewelry items. NEVER!!!!

There was NO snoozing through our workout today, either.

NOT still wearing my slippers and no make-up while working from the home office. Really what kind of woman do you take me for??????

I also so AM NOT enjoying that I am safely at home in SC while the Atlanta office is being invaded by the Dutch. Nothing like corporate popping in on short notice to mess up your week.

I WOULD NEVER blog first thing in the morning while my techs trying to set up my remote access to my Atlanta computer.

My resume so DID NOT get sent to Vera Bradley for an open position along with a wispered pray to God to give me strength and without telling Ken or anyone else about it.

Ever the Planner

2008-12-12T09:25:00.000-08:00

Have you ever noticed that the anticipation of an event is so much more intimidating than the actual thing? Paralysis by analysis. Well before anything happens you have thought about it from every angle and considered all the what-ifs in the world. Some may say that if you trust in God whole heartedly there is no need to waste time on the small stuff and everything is small stuff. Well, ever the planner, I HATE surprises. So not, go with the flow Barbie and if I ever seem that way on the outside, it is because my planner brain has been analyzing and has all ready calculated the event as a possibility, considered all possible reactions and the consequences of my reaction. Happiness is a state of mind and I am happiest feeling as if, while all things are in God’s hands, I have some control over my life or at least I have a plan in place for whatever God has in mind. Just as the quote on my profile says, "you own your values, your integrity, your thoughts, your words, your actions and therefore, your destiny." Sure I freak-out at times and have a pity party, but those tend to be short lived. I function best in a world with schedules and deadlines and timeframes.

You may be thinking that Ken must go crazy living in this little world of mine and the answer is that he most likely does. Especially the frustration I go through when I allow myself to get off track for too long. He once asked what I was thinking as I had fallen silent during a car trip. As I took him through my train of thought…..I think it was something like this
“Wow, the leaves on the trees are so colorful right now………..Momma Spawn and I used to have so much fun on our Fall “Leaf Peeping” adventures……….wonder if I’ll do that with my kids…….kids could be fun………they produce a lot of laundry too (I do all the laundry in our house)………….Oh, that black sweater I want to wear to next week is in the dirty clothes…………..Note to self: do laundry when I get home………We have about ¾ a bottle of laundry soap and one more load full of Downey…….Did I put Downey on the shopping list for this week? ……………
Ok so you get the picture. I think most women think this much, since we are the inventory takers, social coordinators, and the finders of all lost things. Needless to say Ken’s response was that just hearing about all of that made his head hurt and he has never asked again. LOL. But the thing is…..whenever he doesn’t know where something is, he asks me before he ever goes looking for it. And it isn’t because I do most of the cleaning and if it was left out, I moved it. It has much more to do with the fact that a woman’s brain is a massive computer that might see the hubby’s keys in the master bathroom when putting away clean towels and mental records the location without much effort.

Hence why we do not have children yet. I’m still analyzing that one. I understand that you are never TRULY ready or prepared for children, but I know that aspect of my life to will be filled with schedules as well as unexpected events. LOL. Plus for now, taking care of the two uppy puppies, Ken, our household, selling software and looking to branch out into event planning is all my brain can handle.

Oh sorry went a whole other direction with the blog… thinking too much again. I guess you could say that I think and talk in circles. Many things all interconnected all leading back to my original thought. So, that anticipated event, we are being invaded by members of our corporate office next week and it could be a GREAT thing (company is sold and we NEVER have to deal with them again) OR an opportunity to learn something (People won’t be reporting to work the following week.) I won’t say that it will be a bad thing. Because in my effort to trust in God’s plan, I believe that as one door closes another opens. All of which leads in the direction your life is to go with opportunities to learn along the way. Plus, my brain has analyzed the possibilities of the good things and the bad things and how I might react.

Hope I didn’t make you think too much in the process of the blog. Just sharing my thoughts.

Words from Eleanor

2008-12-11T10:18:00.000-08:00

Yes, the former first lady and I are tight like that and are on a first name basis. I think that when choosing what you want in life it is key to look for people whom you believe to have achieved things you want for yourself and learn from them. Well, I wish to be a good catholic, intelligent, kind, successful, and beautiful women. Therefore I try to learn from the Bible, my mom, Jackie Kennedy, Audrey Hepburn, Dave Ramsey, and Eleanor Roosevelt. I enjoy Eleaanor’s quotes because they directly speak to different aspects in my life and help keep me focused on achieving my goals.

Today’s Quotes:

• “People grow through experience if they meet life honestly and courageously. This is how character is built.”

• “You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, 'I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.' You must do the thing you think you cannot do.”

• “I think that somehow, we learn who we really are and then live with that decision.”

• “One thing life has taught me: if you are interested, you never have to look for new interests. They come to you. When you are genuinely interested in one thing, it will always lead to something else.”

May you have a blessed day!!!

Bad @ss Barbie

2008-12-10T11:25:00.000-08:00

In the world we currently live in, times are tough for everyone and even people who thought they were financially set are tightening their financial belt. I am a reformed shopaholic and yes, I LOVE the books as well. You see, I had standards for the life I wanted to lead (yes, I am a Christ follower, but I suppose I lean toward the materialistic end of the spectrum.) well before my pay check could cover it. Hence, my bum belonged to MasterCard and Visa long after I stopped spending and began paying them off. But, the thing is that once I got a better paying job, with time and curbing my spending, I could support my lifestyle all by myself. Well, I met and got engaged to the hubby while I was still under-going financial rehab. And what can I say with all the excitement, I lapsed into old habits.

In theory, I could support myself in my lifestyle and I thought the hubby could support himself in his lifestyle, SOOOOO two pay checks and combined expenses would make life easier. Not so much!!!! I married a fellow shopaholic. Our biggest problem is that we did not have enough open and truly honest communication about money. And for a while there was so much shoulda, woulda, coulda going on in my brain that I could barely see straight. But, what’s done is done. And while I do bear some responsibility for getting us to this place, I might also bear the responsibility and willingness to get us out of it. And that is a somewhat scary place.Not that he isn't doing anything, he does a lot and is trying, but more has to be done. I suppose one person in a relationship always does hold the weight on some aspects of life. Some things you’ll do it all, some he’ll do it all, and some you both do. I am a firm believer that the latter should be true when it comes to money. But how on Earth do you get both of you on the same page? Especially if you are pretty sure you are right. (No the sky isn’t falling but being the breadwinner of your household due to the economic state means the life of luxury is over until we get out of the situation.) I know you should always ask yourself, when determining if a fight is worth it, whether you’d rather be “right” or “happy”, but in this case the action needing to be taken in the fact that I am right, will make me happy. As a couple whether you are right or wrong, you need to be on the same page. I’m willing to put on the “Grown-up” shoes, put my head down and work harder than I have ever worked, and while I won’t like giving up the life of luxury to get there, I’ll do it. But, I need us to be on the same page.

God has brought me to it and will see me through it and after a lot of prayer and tears I know only hard work will fix it. Back on the Dave Ramsey plan we go with renewed gazelle-like focus. Good-bye Coach, Good-bye Starbucks, Good-bye new shoes……. The material girl is not dead, but she has been taken over by the hard working, penny pinching diva who is willing to do whatever and I do mean WHATEVER (ok, minus anything not in keeping with being a good Catholic woman) it takes to get out of this. Besides, there are more inportant things in life than the almight $$$$$. Have have great family, friends and my in-law family. A wonderful hubby (some days more than others) and two great dogs.

Hmmm, hello Mattel……….. you have always had materialist corporate always perfectly beautiful Barbie. So, hold on to your hats, because 2009 Barbie prays a lot, sold her Coach purses on Craigslist, eats Roman noodles, might get a second job, and if the Barbie car wasn’t paid off it would be sold. With the grit of Rosie the Riveter, Barbie has a whole new attitude toward life and money.

Song of the day: “She works hard for her Money”

Cookies and 3 am

2008-12-08T11:04:00.000-08:00

What do they have in common, well......... To begin with Christmas is my FAVORITE time of year. Call me “Martha Sewartish” but I look forward to it ALL year. There is magic in the air and Christmas has always been a happy time, even now when money is SO freakin’ tight that well, you know. (Blah blah blah, everyone is going through it right now…..) I LOVE picking out gifts for my loved ones all year long, putting up Christmas décor, listening to Christmas music and baking cookies. For my family it has always been a special family time. Yes, there are bad sides of Christmas, the materialism…..crabby people…..traffic jams… and people generally not paying attention to where they are going. Christmas mall crowds make me want to go postal. And that feeling of “I HATE people” comes on.

Anyway, I had a fabulous weekend. Baked cookies at my sister-in-law’s with church ladies on Saturday. You simply cannot beat a group of women, idle chit chat, wine and cookie dough. It helped ease my missing my Atlanta girlfriends. By the way, What is it about women that we can be in the process of eating great food and yet we can talk about other food?

“Girl, those eight cookies were so good, but you know they are going straight to my hips. I just don’t know what it is……………. I think my dryer is shrinking my jeans! But you know that reminds me, did you know the Pepperidge Farm came out with a new cake. It is so good. We had it at my mother’s house over Thanksgiving….FAB-U-LOUS!!!! Melts right in your mouth. But, man…..did I eat too much at Thanksgiving!”

As much as we talk about food, we should all weigh a thousand pounds. Or perhaps that’s why women talk so much in general, we have calories to burn.

Back the task at hand here, so Sunday after church the ladies and I decorated for the Cookies Exchange (Yes, more food.). It turned out very well. Everything was candle lit and cozy and of course there were tons of cookies. After that I headed over to the Browns Backer Club with Stu for their Christmas gathering. We lost of course, but that’s the life of a Brown’s Backer. But, more food !!!! Everyone brought side dishes. Jen made some delicious peanut butter chocolate chunk cookies, which were so good I had to eat two. (Yay, let’s talk about food some more.) The big news from the Browns Backer club is that the hubby is next seasons President. Woohoo, I’m first lady!!!! LOL. MORE planning!!!!!!! Yes, Event Planning PR Mieko (Who is Meiko you ask???? She is the Hawaiian slightly tan Barbie. My girlfriend Miranda is PR Barbie. We went to college together and both have degrees in Com/PR.) Anyhoo, post-Browns game. I went back to church for the actual Cookie Exchange Event. (Mmm, more food.) I met new people. We laughed, talked, ate, drank and were merry. The rum and bourbon balls helped. :-D I didn’t get home until 9 pm. And driving to Atlanta at that point was NOT happening.

So, this morning it was me and the open road at 4 am to Atlanta. As the song “Wide Open Spaces” flowed through my brain off and on for the 4-hour trip, I also did a LOT of thinking and God and I did a lot of talking. Still more questions than answers, but I suppose there is only one answer. He’s in control and I’m not. And some days that’s hard for the planner “Barbie” in me to get my brain around.

The whole post lunch, I’ve been up since 0315 is beginning to hit me, so I best get a few more quotes off to customers before my mind is completely gone.

Begger in the 20 thousand dollar suit

2008-11-21T07:11:00.000-08:00

I was reading the news the other day about the American auto makers looking for a bailout. First of all, what …is "bailout" the new buzz word for 2008?! Yes, I look at bills every month and wish for a quick fix….winning the lotto…….getting a job with a six figure salary…… finding an extra 40 thousand buried in my yard….something. But, I have had to face the facts that for a while now, in the words of Dave Ramsey, "I have not been acting my wage." Ignore all of the economic woes for now and let’s face the facts, most of us, my self included, live a lifestyle that our pay checks simply do not cover so we use credit to make those purchases. It was once said that “Cash is King”. Well, guess what in the world we live in we don’t use cash, we use plastic, something that on its own has absolutely NO value. I know for a fact that had we acted my wage acted our wage; we would be sitting on easy street right now. Praying for more money isn’t the answer. Learning to live within your means is. Materialism is an evil thing.Trust me I have been fighting a battle with the fact that I have champaign dreams with a boxed wine budget. God has been answering my prayers with lessons on managing money and what I do and don't "need." I recall, my great grandma only giving us half a piece of gum and forcing me to not waste. She was there through the first depression and I really wish she were here to teach me those lessons.

Oh yeah the United State Auto makers …….so they used their private planes to attend the hearing to ask the government for money, HELLO……… I was so proud of the government of pointing out that showing up in separate private planes doesn’t look good when asking for money. And what kills me is that if the government does bail them out, all the “little people” will be laid off and the big guys at the top might only have to use their private planes less. I won’t begin to try to tell them what they should do, because frankly someone could easily look at my life and make judgments on what I should do to get out of debt. At any rate if I had a brand new Volvo, I sure as heck wouldn’t drive to pick up food stamps in it. That seems like one of those…You might be out of touch with reality….IF jokes. I mean if you saw two homeless people on the street and one was in a wheelchair wearing a military uniform showing signs of fallout from Agent Orange and the other was wearing a 2 thousand dollar suit, drinking starbucks and tapping her new Coach shoes.....Who would you give your moeny to. I just hink that if the governement is going to bail banks and companies out there best be some STIFF rules of engagement.

I pray that God gives us the strength to weather these hard times. May you have a blessed Thanksgiving as we all have much to be thankful for.

Notes from the Bridal Brain - revisited

2008-11-13T12:55:00.000-08:00

A girlfriend of mine from college is getting married next week and it has really got me thinking about how much life and your view of it changes with time. I recall my girlfriend and I sitting and talking about how the guys we were dating at the time were never going to get on the ball and ask us to marry them. Yet years later, I am married to someone else and she is FINALLY marrying the guy she was with all those years ago. I must say I am celebrating her victory over getting what she wanted as well.

Which had me thinking about what I felt like just before I got married. I came across a blog I wrote on myspace, it made me laugh out loud so I had to share.

Ok so we’re 18 days out and my intelligence level is gone. I misplaced my cell phone the other day and found it in a shoe, because when you are getting married in less than a month that’s the best place to keep your cell. I almost walked out of the house in my slippers on my way to work. Can not recall what day it is and what I have scheduled for my work day. Thank goodness I write everything on my calendar. And it takes approximately an hour to send a customer a sales quote, because I get sidetracked every two minutes and cannot recall what it is I was doing in the first place. Well, today takes the cake, pardon the pun, but the Publix I believe to have ordered my wedding cake from has never heard of me or my cake and says I must have ordered it from another location. Well, as organized as I normally tend to be this does not apply to my wedding. The cake order is somewhere in my room, where exactly, I have no clue. All I can tell you is that I ordered it from a Publix in Alpharetta, what kind of cake it was and the name of the road is "something" bridge. Well, guess what there are exactly 5 Publix locations meeting that description…….No worries. I’ll figure it out, but it is rather odd how absentminded I have become. If I leave my desk for something, I have to say exactly what I am going after in order to make it to my destination and back with the desired item otherwise I will forget why I left my desk in the first place. Getting married has reduced me to being a flake.

In other news, this wedding has also brought out an interesting side in people around me. Casual friends are willing to do anything and everything to help make the day smooth whereas friends I have known for years seem to have had something happen. While one has a REALLY good excuse, I just don’t know about the rest. I suppose everyone enters a time when you find out who your friends are or that your friendship has changed. Don’t get me wrong, my friendship is not measured in who does or does not attend my wedding….. But, I just don’t know. ………After all people come in and out of your life for a reason…… I suppose time will tell once I move to South Carolina.

Today's Song
Jordan Sparks "One Step at a Time"

Two lines for YES and one for NO

2008-11-12T12:44:00.001-08:00

1- one thousand, 2- one thousand, 3- one thousand, 4 – one thousand, 5 – one thousand……….. Wonder what it will say…………. 10- one thousand, 11- one thousand, 12 – one thousand, 13 – one thousand …… Please, no, please no, please no………… 20- one thousand, 21 - one thousand…….. This is such bad timing………… 25 – one thousand……. Could be pretty cool too…….. 30- one thousand ……….

While most people say, “Life is short” I have always wondered how that can be when it’s the longest thing you will ever do. At any rate, most days 3 minutes go by without much thought unless you are a small child sitting in time-out or you are any age and waiting for news which will change your life. If you are a woman of child baring years you have at some point taken a pregnancy test and it is beyond me how a stick of plastic and whatever else it is made of can be worse than the monster in the closet of a 6-year-old. But, it is. Whether you are in high school, college, post graduate, a newly wed, mother of three, or 48, those 3 little minutes are the most nervous minutes of your life. They are always filled with fear and hope of some kind and most often lots of praying. I don’t care who are you are, what is going on in your life and whether a pregnancy is planned or unplanned, in those three minutes part of your being hopes you are pregnant; hopes you aren’t pregnant; worries that you aren’t financially ready; wonders if you would be a good parent; thinks about what other people will say or do; and begins to imagine what it would be like to have someone call you “Mommy”. We have all been there at one point. Being a part of a miracle is, for some of us, the greatest thing we will ever do. I am not a person who believes a woman is not complete until she has children, but I do believe that children are one of the greatest miracles God performs and that it must be an amazing thing to be the vessel of such a miracle entering the world.

Now that I am married, the first thing people want to know is when are we having children. And for the longest time, ok FINE since April, I have said we were waiting a year or so, blah, blah, blah. You see I recall feeling like I was ready to be married and have children in my mid-twenties and wanting that more than anything. And now that I am married…..I realize how NOT ready I was then and that after 30- years on Earth, I’m still not completely ready for marriage or children. I am sure any married woman or mother will tell you, you are never ready, you just do it. I find myself being watched by babies. Its like they know something. I secretly want a little person and at the same time I also still want to hurt parents who take their children to nice restaurants and do not control them. Screaming children ride my nerves like nothing else. Yet my friend’s little boy singing “Twinkle, twinkle, little star” to his mom before he goes to bed felts my heart.

How is it that we require people to be licensed to drive a car, yet almost anyone can have children? Raising a kid is the single most important thing anyone can do. And how is it fair that some people who might be amazing parents are unable to have children and yet some people whom are completely unfit can have children with no effort. I tend to think that perhaps those who have children who aren’t great parents are given the chance to be and those who easily could be great parents but are unable to have children are destined to rescue children from bad parents. Only God understands it all. All I know is part of me wants a little person and the other part is completely NOT ready. Oh and to answer the question that might have popped in you head while reading this, No I’m not pregnant. Just giving it a LOT of thought.

Mmmmm Chocolate!!!

2008-10-28T06:38:00.000-07:00

As the holidays approach I am ever so aware that eating right is going to be a problem. I won’t use the “D” word or say “I think I’m getting fat.” However, I happen to be the victim of a dryer which continues to shrink my pants. No they don’t go in a normal size and come out Barbie size. It is much more evil than that; it does it little by little. Perhaps, I should look at myself as a bear and putting on extra fat to stay warm in the winter, but I really don’t see it that way at all.

I LIKE chocolate. What woman doesn’t right, ok at least us sane women like chocolate. I am fortunate, or I suppose unfortunate to have married a man whom loves chocolate as well. So, the whole not eating chocolate thing is even more difficult.

Have you ever noticed that when a woman goes to grocery store, she spends $100 and might have enough for three meals and snacks a day for a week maybe two. But, if a guy goes to the grocery store, he spends $150 and all you have is bread, peanut butter, chips, ice cream, cookies, soda, cake, steak and trail mix. This is the world I currently live in. The cake and ice cream call me as I reach for an apple. So, I gave the Kellogg’s Chocolate Delight a try. Not bad, it gives you that little taste of chocolate you need to kill the craving while the hubby indulges in his bowl of ice cream. And since it is cold out, if you warm the milk a little, it is very good.

Today’s Song: Jaded by Aerosmith

God Speaks through Chocolate

2008-10-27T11:47:00.000-07:00

We all know the story of the burning bush right…well in this day and age, if a bush spoke, I would think I was going crazy. However, I believe that God sends us “burning bush” messages everyday, but we often don’t hear or see them.

So, I was feeling crabby yesterday. I hated the outfit I was wearing and feeling less than fabulous. It was definitely a chocolate kind of day. So, I said a prayer and opened two Dove Promises…..mmmmmm, chocolate definitely helps. I read the first wrapper and it says “In order to truly live life, not all must be planned.” Ah, hello, it might as well have said, “Keli, stop planning everything. I got it covered. Love, God.” Then the next one said, “Realize that you don’t always have to be perfect.” Again….HELLO. So, I open one more and it said, “Now is the time to act on your dreams in order to make them happen.” I had to look around the car and make sure God wasn’t sitting next me.

Yes, Dove Promises all have helpful life messages, but what are the odds of getting three in a row that speak directly to your mood at that current moment, of course I changed my outlook on the day right then.

So, believe whatever you want, but I’m sticking with God sends the messages we need all the time, and yesterday he chose to talk to me through chocolate.

Today's Song: Sway by the Pussycat Dolls

News Flash

2008-10-07T14:58:00.000-07:00

Although I am not perfected…..scratch that…although I am completely flawed at times, does not mean that EVERYTHING is my fault. Even though I am an only child and happen to be accustom to getting my way, does not mean that I expect it or that when I disagree with you that I am acting like a spoiled brat. Yes, I can be that as well, but not ALL the time. When you say evil things to me or call me names, I know you do it out of fear and that’s why I don’t say it back. You are afraid. Of what I don’t know and I will continue not to know unless you decide to tell me………… SO……I’ waiting.

You say that I hold a grudge and that that is wrong. This is true. But, while you are judging me, realize it takes a LOT to get me this angry and when it happens repeatedly, of course I’m holding on to it. So, give me space and I’ll snap out of it, but when you have to say you are sorry so often, the word holds less power for me. I’m not God and my forgiveness does not come as easily as his……after all I’m not perfect. I am a work in progress.

Talented Beyond His Years

2008-09-30T07:47:00.000-07:00

I found this video on Youtube and was amazed.

Not only because U2 is one of my favorite bands but that this young man is able to perform at a level beyond his years. It is astonishing.

At any rate, is it me or do there seem to be more extremely musically talented children of Asian descent. Perhaps, it is my draw to Asian children. I find them adorable. Any way….talented Asian children….genetic, cultural discipline, or are they simply being robbed or their childhood? Yes, some ethnicities do some what seem pre-disposed to excelling at certain things. Albeit, being mixed, my black half does not make me an excellent basketball player. Other than tennis, I actually stink at basketball. If not genetic perhaps I lacked the discipline to cultivate my basketball or tennis skills. Or we’ll go with God had other plans.

Whatever the reason…..this little boy plays beautifully.

Buying into your own dreams

2008-09-23T09:55:00.000-07:00

I have been described as ………………….. Hard Working ……………. Creative ………. Wonderful ……………. Kind …………. Trustworthy ……….. Honest …… Polite …………. Outgoing ……………. Strong willed ………….. Caring ………. A good friend ………… Selfless .......... and many others. However the opposite of all these adjectives are true as well. Only most times, only God knows about them. I am a planner which is an advantage and a disadvantage. I can make plans well, but without seeing results I am sometimes easily distracted. I have been praying about a life change I dearly want, and God is answering. But, I came to the realization yesterday that I have become lazy. My trust in God taking care of my needs has increased, but at some point I stopped doing the work I was supposed to do. I allowed my fear of putting my all into something and failing dictate my current inaction. God can not be the only one working.

So, now its time to buy into my own dreams, build a plan and follow through with it. So, I realize that I need to remain in my current job and give it my all. God isn’t finished teaching me a few lessons. Through struggle there is growth as well. The work plan, is to get on a schedule, get organized again, and follow through with working hard and following up. My event planning plan is still in the works. I found a certificate program where I matriculated originally. It is a 300 hours course (Ugh!!! Better dust and tap into the student within.) and a very good one at that. They cover everything from event planning, owning your own business, accounting, ethnic wedding traditions, bridal gown fashion trends and running a booth at a bridal show. And the best part is that I have others buying into my dream. As much as I wish I could careless about what other people think……. I work best surrounded by people to bounce ideas off of and sad to say I also need my own little cheerleading section.

Here we go….

BE AGGRESSIVE
BE – BE – AGGRESSIVE
B-E ….A – G – G – R- E- S- S- I – V – E
AGGRESSIVE!!!!!

That said I plan to be much more aggressive in learning the skills God wishes me to learn and working hard toward our common goal.

Back to the job I get paid for currently.

Just Being Nosey

2008-09-19T09:00:00.000-07:00

I recieved this email from a friend and figured I'd turn it into today's blog. So here are a few more things you may not know about me.

Hit forward and place an X by all the things you've done and
remove the X from the ones you have not. Answer the 30
questions and at the end send it to your friends (including me).
This is for your entire life!

( X ) Gone on a blind date - Met Stu on Match. com

( X ) Skipped school - My mom allowed me to schedule personal days in High school, if my grades were good.

( ) Been to Canada - Nope but on the list.

( X ) Been to Mexico - Honeymoon in Cancun, baby!!!!

( X ) Been to Florida

( ) Been to the Caribbean

( X ) Been overseas - England!!!

( X ) Been on a plane - Been flying since I was 9!

( ) Flown a plane - Not yet, but want to.

( ) Jumped out of a plane - Not yet but want to.

( ) Been on a helicopter

( ) Flown a helicopter

( X ) Been on a train

( X ) Sailed on a ship?

( X ) Been lost

( X ) Been on the opposite side of the country

( X) gone to Washington , D.C. - Yep, Love you Jess!!!!

( X ) Swam in the ocean

( X ) Cried yourself to sleep

( X ) Played cops and robbers

( X ) Recently colored with crayons

( X ) Sang Karaoke

( X ) Paid for a meal with coins only

( X ) Done something you told yourself you wouldn't

( X ) Made prank phone calls (this was before caller ID)

( ) Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose

( X ) Caught a snowflake on your tongue

( X ) Danced in the rain

( X ) Written a letter to Santa Clause

( X ) Been kissed under the mistletoe?

( X ) Watched the sunrise or sunset with someone you care about or love

( X ) Blown bubbles

( X ) Gone ice-skating

( ) Gone snow or water skiing

( X ) Gone to the movies

1. Any nicknames? Keels, Keel, Ladybug, Baby Spawn, Keel-bug, Bugsy, Keys, K

2. What did your parents almost name you? Jesse - They though I was a boy.

3. Favorite drink?. water or choclate milk, alcoholic - mudslide, shandy or wine

4. Tattoo? surgical scars> no tattoos, no surgeries

5. Body Piercings? EARS

6. How much do you love your job? Not at all, but at least I have one while I look for a new one.

7. Favorite vacation? Cancun with Stu. Although England was amazing as well.

8. Favorite TV Program? House, Bones , Grey's Anatomy

9. Ever been to Africa? no, but on the list.

10. Ever eaten cookies for dinner? yes and cake for dinner is good too.

11. Ever been on TV? yes, when I was in a little kid.

12. Ever steal any traffic signs? no

13. Ever been in a car accident? yes

14. Drive a 2-door or 4-door vehicle? two 4's

15. Favorite salad dressing? Popey Seed

16. Favorite pie: key lime, apple or pumpkin, or French silk

17. Favorite Season: Spring and Fall - Love all teh colors.

18. Favorite Movie? Love Actually

19. Favorite holiday? Christmas

20. Favorite dessert? Mom's double layer pumpkin pie comes to mind right now.

21. Favorite food? Mexican or Italian or sushi

22. Favorite day of the week? Friday

23. Favorite Brand of Body Wash? Bath and Body works

24. Favorite toothpaste? Colgate total

25. Favorite smell? Scooter, Stu, clean clothes, and bleach

26. What do you do to relax? hot candle lit bubble bath with a glass of wine.

27. How do you see yourself in 10 years? Only God knows. How about.........married to Stu, a mommy, and owning my own event company.

28. Favorite things: Hiking, cuddling Scooter, fall mornings whent he windows are open, curling up with a good book, smores.

29. Furthest Place you have travel? England

30. Regret anything today? Purchasing my HS reunion tickets. Might need the cash for something else and just found out most of my crew might not be going.

Today's song......

Leona Lewis "Bleeding Love" (No embedible videos available.)

Man Your Battle Stations - We're at Level Orange

2008-09-17T09:16:00.001-07:00

Work is work, but I have been faithful to a company far longer than I should have. For almost two years the grapevine has been filled with speculation, whispers, closed door meetings, and mixed emotions. But, what do you do when the promise of things getting better is killed and the realty sets in that things will remain as they always have.

A career is a relationship like any other and letting go is never easy. Or maybe it is like being on a battleship. Most days, you sit and man your station and there is no threat. You really like your crew mates. But you are on an older ship in the fleet, in much need of repair. But, you are comfortable. Besides, its better than being in the ocean (unemployed), right? Then half way through your tour, you notice that maintenance crews are touring your ship, but are only taking notes of the damage on the ship. So you put your all into it manning your station and hope and pray that your ship will be fixed.

Then after two years, you look around and nothing has changed, but they keep telling you that it is in the works. Well, then your friends and family (co-workers) begin to talk about the repairs needed on the ship. You get nervous, so you put in transfer papers (new job) and could leave your ship. But, the new ship has some of the maintenance problems the old one had. Then your captain tells you that the general is aware of the problems and will have them fixed by the end of the month. So, you decide to stick it out with your current ship. You reinvest yourself to manning your station.

A few months later it all still hasn’t occurred. And your curiosity has been becoming nervousness and the nervousness enters your thoughts every so often. Then, the battleship takes a hit and they tell you there have been budget cuts, some of the crew will be dropped into the ocean with a life jacket. Nonplused doesn’t even begin to describe how you feel. The nervousness hits the panic button. “ALL HANDS ON DECK!!!!” The ship is sinking and we’re scrambling for the life rafts (God and a new career). And you are stuck with the task of helping bail water out of your sinking ship while still looking for the life raft. And you ask yourself, “Is it more important to bail or more important to look for the raft?”

That’s where I’m at career wise. Level Orange – High Alert. I still know no matter what, we’ll be fine, but that doesn’t make the unknown more fun, just less frightening. Fight or Flight Mode in full force. What doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger.

Today’s song (Sorry, I am a child of the 80’s) Survivor’s “Eye of the Tiger” OR you know what, we’ll go with Van Halen's "Riht Now"

2008-09-15T10:10:00.001-07:00

My music tastes are all over the place. I’m into anything that makes me want to dance, expresses my emotion at the time or touches my soul. Song’s I’m listening to today:

“Desert Rose” by Sting

“After Party” by Ozomalti

Sarah McLachlan’s “Angel”

“Black Betty” by Lynard Skynard

“One” by U2

“Zion” by Lauren Hill

And “Where’s the Love” by Black Eyed Peas

Fear and Faith

2008-09-12T10:19:00.000-07:00

It has been said that fear ends where faith begins, or maybe its faith begins where fear ends, Not sure which it is but you get the picture. Well, God and I have been discussing the fact that I would like to move on from my current career path. Yes, I do feel like such an ungrateful butt, when there are a ton of people wishing they had a job to go to. Yes, I am under paid and work for a company that becomes less desirable more and more every day, but I LOVE the team I work with. There is no one I generally dislike, I might dislike their attitude or actions at times, but I really do like them all a lot. Plus we have always do a really laid back atmosphere. No high pressure cut throat sales here, but that’s just time…..really… that’s what changed. Our job was made harder by things out of our control and by the very people who are supposed to support us and aid us in a time of need. Well, they seem to just want us to fail. If you recall I have a fear of this…”Who Moved My Cheese” and all …………..so as I was saying, I’ve seen the writing on the wall. Saw all of this coming, but didn’t want to jump ship because there was a glimmer of hope, but they killed the glimmer of hope too. After all the talking to God, I finally got an in your face answer on what I am supposed to do.

I must admit that I cried a little. But, here goes my leap of faith. So, even with the debt, the new puppy, work being slow for the hubby, I’m diving in head first into the unknown and unplanned (Well, God has a plan, but I don’t other than stay positive, keep your head up and know that we will all get through this.) Then I talked to two of my girlfriends and I have direction and the rest is up to God. Where ever I am supposed to go whatever I am supposed to do, I’m game. So, I’m looking for a new career, actively now.

This letting go is harder than it seems. Its easy to say you have faith in God when everything seems to be going your way, but it is when seems to not be going your way when God does his greatest work. And I know that He is far more capable of handling all this than I am. So, I’m not going to sweat it.

Today’s songs:
“Amazing Grace” sung by the cutest little girl ever (How can you not feel uplifted listening to her.)

And the Our Father by the same little girl.

Ummmmmmm, I'm tellin'......Confessions and Barbie-ism

2008-09-11T05:40:00.000-07:00

1. I am much more focused on work when I’m in the Atlanta office

2. I allow my fears of failure to hold me back from achieving what I want in life.

3. Dusting and mopping the floors are my lease favorite things to do and aren’t done unless it has been a while or guests are expected.

4. Some days I miss living in Atlanta in my own apartment all by myself.

5. Despite being in debt, I went shopping on Target.com

6. The amount of television the hubby watches bothers me and I’m not really sure why.

7. Part of me wants children now and another part of me selfishly doesn’t want to give up shoes, purses and buying things for myself.

8. I HATE the shake shingles we put on the house and I even picked the color.

9. My Mom is one of my best friends and I fear the day she’s passes away.

10. I am so sick of debt some days that I think about selling everything I own and moving to an unknown location.

11. The right song can change my outlook on a bad day.

12. I am completely in love with our new puppy Scooter and that might not be fair to Gizzie.

13. I am over working in the technology industry and wonder what God’s time frame is on when I can move on. I’m waiting and not as patiently as I should be.

14. I hardly ever admit to the hubby when I’m wrong and feel bad about it.

15. Can’t get enough of random people’s blogs, myspace, facebook and photo pages. I think that’s called stalking, but whatever! Wish Stu had a blog, I’d stalk his thoughts too.

16. I had 2 bowls of Edy’s French Silk ice cream today. ½ the fat, but I suppose that doesn’t count when you eat twice as much.

17. I’m ticked that I can’t afford to go to DC to see Jess and the new baby.

18. I miss dance and often dance around the house when no one is at home.

19. I wish was in Colorado with Stu right now.

20. I find it easier to forget about my bio-dad missing out on my life than to forgive him.

21. My heart knows God sees and hears all that I am and do, but my head isn’t always as sure.

22. I wanted to be a Rockette, Fighter Pilot and Doctor since I was 2 years old and the 6-year-old who still lives inside me, wants to know why we didn’t accomplish any of those.

23. Its going to take me a while to depend on my in-laws the way I depend on my family.

24. Some days I wish the world revolved around me.

25. I can not understand why some people have to have meat with every meal.

26. No chicken noodle soup compares to my dad’s (step-dad) home-made version.

27. Fabulous is over used in my vocabulary.

28. I identify more with the fact that my great grandpa was Irish than I do any other part of my heritage. My name is even Gaelic Irish.

29. Anything to do with flatulence makes me giggle.

30. I drank a pitch of beer all by myself at the Browns game. (Eeee, I haven’t drank like that since……..my hen party.)

Today has a few songs.

Babylon by David Gray

“100 Years” by Five for Fighting

“Superman” by Five for Fighting

Unfocused

2008-09-10T11:40:00.000-07:00

I was awakened by a loud noise near by. What is she doing now? After hours of flitting from room to room, she must have settled by now. The faint smell of pesto still lingers in the air. I peer through a crack in the door. There she hunches over an odd container stirring the mysterious liquid. With several waves of her hand the room begins to darken. “Oh yes, you shall be mine,” she gleefully laughs. Followed by several thuds, bumps, and a few “oops”. I must admit I’m nonplused at this late hour. And what is that horrid smell. She seems to have something to do with it. An hour later, she emerges triumphantly. Now is it time for bed, I wonder.

. No really deep thoughts today, my brain in going in a million directions and simply can not focus on one thing all that long today. Lack of sleep perhaps…….most likely!!! After commuting from the office last night( lol…it’s a long one, all 40 feet worth.) I began pricing garage sale items like a mad woman. At around 9 pm, I realized I hadn’t eaten and if I looked at another item to be sold, I’d throw it out the window.

Mid way through my pasta, I realize I “borrowed” three cans of paint from my parent’s house. My curiosity got the best of me and I opened them. (I have been dying to paint!!! My sister-in-law picked the color for the house as it was being built. While the color is fabulous as a blank slate for new home buyers, I just needed color to feel homey.) I back going from room to room trying to figure out what rooms to paint. (No more watching HG tv at 9 at night.) I simply had to paint some where any where. I settled on the hall half bath. (small enough so that I wouldn’t still be painting at 2 am.) The intro above is what I am sure Scooter thought as I was painting.

Here are a few pics of the pups.

But I don’t like this life jacket thing!

I wasn’t chewing the box.

I’m not bad, I’m cute.

I don’t know how the pink thing got here.

Up close with Gizzie

That’s all for today. And the song of the day is……. Babylon by David Gray