Real. Life. Ramblings.

2012 - The Year of Awakening

2011-12-31T20:15:00.006-06:00

A time comes in your life when you finally get it.....when, in the midst of all your fears and insanity, you stop dead in your tracks and somewhere the voice inside your head cries out.....ENOUGH!!!! Enough fighting and crying and struggling to hold on. And, like a child quieting down after a tantrum, your sobs begin to subside, you shudder once or twice, you blink back your tears and begin to look at the world through new eyes.

This is your awakening.

You realize it is time to stop hoping and waiting for something to change....or for happiness, safety and security to come galloping over the next horizon. You come to terms with the fact that no one is Prince Charming or Cinderella and that in that in the real world, there aren't always fairy tale endings (or beginnings for that matter) and that any guarantee of "happily ever after" must begin with you...and in the process a sense of serenity is born of acceptance.

You awaken to the fact that you are not perfect and that not everyone will always love, appreciate or approve of who or what you are...and that is OK. They are entitled to their own views and opinions. And you learn the importance of loving and championing yourself...and in the process a sense of new found confidence is born of self-approval.

You stop complaining and blaming other people for the things they did to you, or didn't do for you, and you learn that the only thing you can really count on is the unexpected. You learn that people don't always say what they mean or mean what they say and that not everyone will always be there for you and that it is not always about YOU. So, you learn to stand on your own and to take care of yourself...and in the process, a sense of safety and security is born of self-reliance.

You stop judging and pointing fingers and you begin to accept people as they are and to overlook their shortcomings and human frailties...and in the process, a sense of peace and contentment is born of forgiveness.

You realize that much of the way you view yourself, and the world around you, is a result of all the messages and opinions that have been ingrained into your psyche. And you begin to shift through all the shit you've been fed about how you should behave, how you should look, how much money you should make, what you should drive, how and where you should live, who you should marry, the importance of having and raising children, and what you owe your parents, family, and friends.

You learn to open up to new worlds and different points of view. And you begin reassessing and redefining who you are and what you really stand for. You learn the difference between WANTING and NEEDING and you begin to discard the doctrines and values you have outgrown, or should never have bought into to begin with...and in the process you learn to go with your instincts.

You learn that you don't know everything, it's not your job to save the world and that you can't teach a pig to sing. You learn to distinguish between guilt and responsibility and the importance of setting boundaries and learning to say NO. You learn that the only cross to bear is the one you choose to carry and that martyrs get burned at the stake. Then you learn about love. How to love, how much to give in love, when to stop giving and when to walk away.

You learn that alone does not mean lonely.

You come to the realization that you deserve to be treated with love, kindness, and respect and you won't settle for less.

Finally, with courage in your heart and with God by your side you take a stand, you take a deep breath and you begin to design the life you want to live as best you can.

adapted from "Awakening" by Sonny Carroll

Does Anyone Blog Anymore?

2011-12-28T11:20:00.004-06:00

I haven't been here in so long. Do people do this anymore?

I found an old Swankybabies skirt in my daughter's closet yesterday. It brought back so many good memories!!

So much has changed.....life has got in the way......people have come....people have gone.....I have left people I wanted to leave....and those I did not want to leave but knew I must.....

I guess we are always evolving. Nothing stays the same.

Day 6....

2011-05-04T17:39:00.002-05:00

My body must really believe it is pregnant from these Hcg drops. What I'm craving? A bologna and cheese sandwich. With mayo. Weird.

9 pounds lost in 6 days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

4 Pounds Down!

2011-04-30T08:02:00.005-05:00

Thursday

Breakfast: Black coffee

Lunch: Baked 100 ounce chicken breast (no oils or butter) only lemon juice & pepper

2 cups leafy romaine lettuce (no salad dressing) only lemon juice

1 green apple

1 melba toast

unsweet tea

Dinner: Tilapia filet (no oil or butter) garlic & lemon juice

2 cups steamed asparagus

1 orange

1 melba toast

unsweet tea

Friday

Breakfast: Black Coffee

Lunch: Baked 100 ounce chicken breast (no oils or butter) only lemon juice & pepper

2 cups leafy romaine lettuce (no salad dressing) only lemon juice

1 green orange

1 melba toast

unsweet tea

Dinner: Tilapia filet (no oil or butter) garlic & lemon juice

2 cups steamed asparagus

Handful of strawberries

1 melba toast

unsweet tea

Drink at least 2 liters of spring water a day. Remember your Hcg drops 3 times a day.

Allowable meats are 100 ounces of the following (ideally organic): beef, veal, chicken breast, white fish, lobster, crab or shrimp. All visible fat removed.

Veggies are 2 cups of the following: (Choose only one per meal) spinach, chard, chicory, beet greens, green salad, tomatoes, celery, fennel, onions, red radishes, cucumbers, asparagus, or cabbage.

Fruits are: An apple, orange, or handful of strawberries, or 1/2 grapefruit.

Oh Bacon, How I Love Thee

2011-04-27T19:59:00.005-05:00

Loading days are over. Had a great two days of Mexican food, hamburgers, and pizza. Tomorrow begins 21 days of 500 calories a day. I'm very anxious to see if I will lose as much as others I know that have done this diet. The hardest day will be May 5th. Not only is it Cinco, but Open House at the school. How fun I will be to go out with afterwards with my food in tow..... wow, how attractive.

The Journey Begins

2011-04-25T18:22:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow will be Day 1 of my journey on the Hcg diet. Phase 1 last for 2 days and it is the "loading phase." During the first 2 days of the plan you are allowed to eat as much of any food as you like. Fatty foods are allowed and encouraged. The theory is that you need to store the fat and energy needed for the VLCD (very low calorie diet) portion in Phase 2. You also begin the Hcg drops on Day 1 of this phase.

Here we go! This will definitely challenge my discipline and will power.....

Ready, Set, Postpone!

2011-04-24T21:28:00.005-05:00

We interrupt this program for a very important message:

Postponing until Tuesday...........

Time to OD on Cheetos

2011-04-20T21:44:00.007-05:00

T minus 4 days. That is the amount of time I will enjoy all the cheetos, alcohol (GASP), bread, pizza, carbs, yummy goodness that I can.

I'm tired of being fat. I was on my way to getting in shape before the big D. But since then, I have indulged in comfort food a little too much. Ok... so WAY to much. I figured out when I was running and eating healthy that it was WAY more fun to fit in size 4 jeans and a swimsuit, than it was to enjoy that brownie fudge sundae. No comparison what-so-ever.

So, Easter Sunday is Day One of my Hcg diet. The good news is Sunday and Monday will be "Load" days. That will be the most fun days of the 21....as I can eat whatever, whenever, how often I want. Tuesday? Tuesday begins 21 days of 500 calories a day and the Hcg drops.

This diet resets your Hypothalamus, which resets your metabolism. You can read about it here:

http://hcgdietinfo.com/HCG_Diet_Dr_Simeons_Manuscript.htm

So, for the next 21 days or so, I will lay it all out here. I'll be accountable, post my food journal, pour out my heart and soul and bitch about how bad I want Red Lobster's cheesy rolls. And I will record how much weight is coming off. It will be somewhat of a Carrie Bradshaw Sex and the City column.....without the sex part.

Stay tuned!!

Rain Checks

2011-04-08T21:20:00.003-05:00

If I love you, I will carry for you all your pain, I will assume for you all your debts (in every definition of the word), I will protect you from your own insecurity, I will protect upon you all sorts of good qualities that you have never actually cultivated in yourself and I will buy Christmas presents for your entire family. I will give you the sun and the rain, and if they are not available, I will give you a sun check and a rain check. I will give you all this and more, until I get so exhausted and depleted that the only way I can recover my energy is by becoming infatuated with someone else.

Let Freedom Ring

2010-11-08T19:47:00.003-06:00

Fun Facts About Humanity

2010-09-02T20:35:00.006-05:00

There are all kinds of people in the world. Let's look at how some people choose to behave.

Some people invent new realities and are surprised when others become confused.

Some people seem to be one thing but are really another far less pleasant thing.

Some people make mistakes but don't realize they are mistakes and then burn bridges they wish they hadn't.

Some people take their aggressions out on others and refuse to acknowledge this activity.

Some people are offended by others' opinions and think it's okay to blame those they disagree with.

Some people think everything is about them.

There are other people in the world who behave in very different ways. Let's look at their tendencies.

Some people try to hope for the best in a horrible situation.

Some people prefer not to dismiss friends just because of a disagreement, or even a horrible situation.

Some people attempt to help others even when it is difficult.

Some people eventually let others go their own way, and move on with their lives.

Some people are stronger and more feisty than others.

Some people respectfully decline to give in to the demands of other people.

I hope you live with and around more people from the second group because they are generally more enlightening & enjoyable and overall less tiresome. Peace be with you.

http://www.thebadmom.com/2010/08/fun-facts-about-humanity.html

Thank you Stephanie, couldn't have come at a better time.

Why Never To Ask Designers For Help

2010-07-16T09:14:00.001-05:00

Via Webpress

Shannon (the secretary) has lost her cat and has asked David (the graphic designer) to help with a lost poster. This is their email correspondence...

From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 9.15am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Poster

Hi
I opened the screen door yesterday and my cat got out and has been missing since then so I was wondering if you are not to busy you could make a poster for me. It has to be A4 and I will photocopy it and put it around my suburb this afternoon.

This is the only photo of her I have she answers to the name Missy and is black and white and about 8 months old. missing on Harper street and my phone number.
Thanks Shan.

From:David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 9.26am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Poster
Dear Shannon,
That is shocking news. Luckily I was sitting down when I read your email and not half way up a ladder or tree. How are you holding up? I am surprised you managed to attend work at all what with thinking about Missy out there cold, frightened and alone... possibly lying on the side of the road, her back legs squashed by a vehicle, calling out "Shannon, where are you?"
Although I have two clients expecting completed work this afternoon, I will, of course, drop everything and do whatever it takes to facilitate the speedy return of Missy.
Regards, David.

From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 9.37am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Poster

yeah ok thanks. I know you dont like cats but I am really worried about mine. I have to leave at 1pm today.

From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.17am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Poster

Dear Shannon,
I never said I don't like cats. Once, having been invited to a party, I went clothes shopping beforehand and bought a pair of expensive G-Star boots. They were two sizes too small but I wanted them so badly I figured I could just wear them without socks and cut my toenails very short. As the party was only a few blocks from my place, I decided to walk. After the first block, I lost all feeling in my feet. Arriving at the party, I stumbled into a guy named Steven, spilling Malibu & coke onto his t-shirt, and he punched me. An hour or so after the incident, Steven sat down in a chair already occupied by a cat. The surprised cat clawed and snarled causing Steven to leap out of the chair, slip on a rug and strike his forehead onto the corner of a speaker; resulting in a two inch open gash. In its shock, the cat also defecated, leaving Steven with a foul stain down the back of his beige cargo pants. I liked that cat.
Attached poster as requested.
Regards, David.

From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.24am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster

yeah thats not what I was looking for at all. it looks like a movie and how come the photo of Missy is so small?

From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.28am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster

Dear Shannon,
It's a design thing. The cat is lost in the negative space.
Regards, David.

From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.33am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster

Thats just stupid. Can you do it properly please? I am extremely emotional over this and was up all night in tears. you seem to think it is funny. Can you make the photo bigger please and fix the text and do it in colour please. Thanks.

From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.46am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster

Dear Shannon,
Having worked with designers for a few years now, I would have assumed you understood, despite our vague suggestions otherwise, we do not welcome constructive criticism. I don't come downstairs and tell you how to send text messages, log onto Facebook and look out of the window. I am willing to overlook this faux pas due to you no doubt being preoccupied with thoughts of Missy attempting to make her way home across busy intersections or being trapped in a drain as it slowly fills with water. I spent three days down a well once but that was just for fun.
I have amended and attached the poster as per your instructions.
Regards, David.

From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.59am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster

This is worse than the other one. can you make it so it shows the whole photo of Missy and delete the stupid text that says missing missy off it? I just want it to say Lost.

From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 11.14am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster

From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 11.21am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster

yeah can you do the poster or not? I just want a photo and the word lost and the telephone number and when and where she was lost and her name. Not like a movie poster or anything stupid. I have to leave early today. If it was your cat I would help you. Thanks.

From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 11.32am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Awww

Dear Shannon,
I don't have a cat. I once agreed to look after a friend's cat for a week but after he dropped it off at my apartment and explained the concept of kitty litter, I kept the cat in a closed cardboard box in the shed and forgot about it. If I wanted to feed something and clean faeces, I wouldn't have put my mother in that home after her stroke. A week later, when my friend came to collect his cat, I pretended that I was not home and mailed the box to him. Apparently I failed to put enough stamps on the package and he had to collect it from the post office and pay eighteen dollars. He still goes on about that sometimes, people need to learn to let go.
I have attached the amended version of your poster as per your detailed instructions.
Regards, David.

From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 11.47am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Awww

Thats not my cat. where did you get that picture from? That cat is orange. I gave you a photo of my cat.

From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 11.58am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Awww

I know, but that one is cute. As Missy has quite possibly met any one of several violent ends, it is possible you might get a better cat out of this. If anybody calls and says "I haven't seen your orange cat but I did find a black and white one with its hind legs run over by a car, do you want it?" you can politely decline and save yourself a costly veterinarian bill.
I knew someone who had a basset hound that had its hind legs removed after an accident and it had to walk around with one of those little buggies with wheels. If it had been my dog I would have asked for all its legs to be removed and replaced with wheels and had a remote control installed. I could charge neighbourhood kids for rides and enter it in races. If I did the same with a horse I could drive it to work. I would call it Steven.
Regards, David.

From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.07pm
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Awww

Please just use the photo I gave you.

From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.22pm
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww

From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.34pm
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww

I didnt say there was a reward. I dont have $2000 dollars. What did you even put that there for? Apart from that it is perfect can you please remove the reward bit. Thanks Shan.

From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.42pm
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww

From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.51pm
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww

Can you just please take the reward bit off altogether? I have to leave in ten minutes and I still have to make photocopies of it.

From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.56pm
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww

From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 1.03pm
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww

Fine. That will have to do.

What Twilight Teaches Young Girls

2010-07-02T09:45:00.005-05:00

Disclaimer: To my awesome friend, Amy:

You know I love you....but....

Here is what we learn from Twilight.

Women should want to cook and clean, and stay in the home, forsaking education for family.

Women must expect men to invade their privacy and, what’s more, they must desire this.

Women should accept that they are incapable of making even small decisions in their own lives and they must, instead, submit to the will of a man.

Women must understand they are worthless without a man.

Women must understand they are nothing without a man.

Women must understand they will never be anything without a man.

Women must believe these things are done out of love.

Stephanie Meyer claims her book promotes feminism because it all centers on Bella’s choices. When I look at Twilight, I see a list of things I will never teach my children. I see a list of warning signs for unhealthy relationships. I see a detailed description of a severely sexist worldview.

I love love. I think love is wonderful, but Twilight is not love, Twilight is not about healthy, equal relationships. Love is about equality. About partnerships.

When held up to the light, Twilight doesn’t sparkle. Not one bit.

www.amplifyyourvoice.com

It's been too long

2009-10-28T18:54:00.006-05:00

Really? It's been way too long. I miss all of you. How has the blogging world been since I've been away? How in the world are you? What's new with me? Well, let's see....

I'm back at school. I'm taking Technical Drafting, Art History and Textiles. I love being at school. Summer sucked the life out of me. I think I am moving into a new season of my life. Staying home is not on the agenda anymore. I need more. Is that bad?

The next few weeks should be adventurous. Scrapbooking, birthday, nights out with friends, and more trips. It's all good.

I would love to hear from all of you. Although I have nothing snarky, swanky or interesting to write about, I think of you often. And Vuboq!! Congrats on the new job! You rock. Biddy, I am so excited that you are getting a yorkie!! Yay you!! Marathon Mom, I'll see you at the Dallas Half Marathon on Sunday. Plan on staying after for the beer. Biscuit, I love you and miss you terribly. I need some good stories next weekend.

TTFN,

Little Pink Houses For You and Me

2009-06-25T12:10:00.006-05:00

When Chris and I got married, 15 years ago, we were young. Too young. And this is the type of house we lived in. Although I think the picture of this house is nicer, you get the idea. The one we rented was more run down, and PINK.

We've come a long way, baby.

Where an empty highchair sat in the kitchen in hopes that a baby would one day fill it. It took far too long, and was far too painful. But six years later that dream came true.

Where the rent house was pink, and the age was old, and the roaches hung out.

Where the marriage was hard, and the pain was great, and the joys were few.

Where a little blond-haired girl had to live two different lives between her Mom and Dad's house, and fought the battles, and felt the pain associated with that daily.

Where the black lab named Molly lived.

Where the decision to be a full-time mom was made.

Where the locks were changed.

Where the decor of choice was "country."

Where there was NO dishwasher.

Where I first learned about "the Internet."

Where I once owned a cat.

And where I learned to be a wife, and a mom, and what perseverance really means.

20 Years Ago Today

2009-06-20T17:32:00.008-05:00

To my BEAUTIFUL daughter on her birthday.

Love yourself. Make peace with who you are and where you are at this moment in time.

Listen to your heart. If you can't hear what it's saying in this noisy world, make time for yourself. Enjoy your own company.

Try.
Take chances.
Make mistakes.
Life can be messy and confusing at times, but it is also full of surprises.

Be happy. When you don't have what you want, want what you have.

Make do. That's a well-kept secret of contentment.

There aren't any shortcuts to tomorrow. You have to make your own way. To know where you are going is only part of it. You need to know where you've been, too. And if you ever get lost, don't worry. The people who love you will find you. Count on it.

Life isn't days and years. It's what you do with the time and with all the goodness and grace that's inside you.

Make a beautiful life, because you are beautiful.

Much love,

Mom

Housecleaning

2009-05-29T14:09:00.009-05:00

Time for a little housecleaning. I've taken some time off and now it's time to get back to business. I've recooperated from my first term back in school, but some things have defintely suffered.

Let's see....

*sending snarky emails to my friends. Gotta get back to that. :o)

*my kids closets. O.M.G. could we be anymore disorganized?

*laundry. Yes, time to actually put it away once it is folded instead of it collecting dust on the kitchen table.

*filing. Why is there still paper in this world? And how does it get out of hand so fast?

*taxes. Blech. I filed an extension and now the stacks of paper on the floor must get organized and the taxes submitted. I would really like to keep procrastinating on this one. But I'm too responsible for that.

*checkbook. I guess I should balance the checkbook and make sure that I haven't bounced checks all over town in the last 5 months.

*groceries. My family will be happy to at least have peanut butter and jelly back in the refrigerator. I am NOT a cook, so they don't expect much. Shut up.

*cleaning out the garage. Ewwwwww.

*playing taxi driver when the kids get out of school in 5 days. I just don't get how many mom's are excited about this? Yes it is nice to not have a schedule or get up early anymore...but hello? Do you know how long the summer can be?

*exercising. This has definitely dropped through the cracks and I have a plan to get into that bikini before summer's end. Not that I like the sun or should be in the sun, but you know. ;)

*reacquaint myself with my local Starbuck's barista. Miss them!

So now I will restrain from logging into Facebook and Twitter and try to go get some of these things done. See you around :o)

Friday Fill-Ins

2009-05-21T22:37:00.004-05:00

1. Moving __sucks___.

2. _Live__ free.

3. My best quality is _I am always up for an adventure___.

4. _The devil is in the____ details.

5. In nearly 10 years, _I'll finally have a college degree__.

6. _Puppy kisses__are what I need right now!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to _hanging with the fam____, tomorrow my plans include _partying with Dallas bloggers____ and Sunday, I want to __catch a movie with my girlfriends___!

Isn't She Lovely?

2009-05-14T19:17:00.006-05:00

Kingston's Olivia Unbreak My Heart

Meet Livy. Sophie's niece.

Isn't she wonderful???

I couldn't be more pleased.

Life has a funny way of working out. Not always the way we invision.

You Asked For It

2009-04-14T16:32:00.005-05:00

When I enrolled in design school, I didn't realize there would be times I would work on a project for days - without a shower, without food, with no time for ANYTHING.

Don't get me wrong. I love it. Well, almost. I love the fact I am there, learning about something I am passionate about. I love being in the classroom again. I enjoy my instructors and classmates, and I have even made new friends with some really cool people.

The latest project was a beating. The objective was to choose a current political situation worldwide, identify two opposing delegations (i.e. America and Japan, British and French, North and South Korea), and facilitate the design of spaces that would allow interaction and discussion between the two countries. Each of the delegates would require two private spaces, one semi-private space and and they would share a main space in which actual formal meetings would take place.

All of this in a 6 1/2 x 6 1/2 x 6 1/2 cube that we would construct from basswood sticks.

I wanted to slit my wrists.

Thankfully, it is complete, graded (I made an 80!) and we are off to the next project tomorrow night. Until then, I have to focus on project laundry, project housecleaning and project children. If they remember my name that is.

Stay tuned.

Moving Right Along

2009-03-24T19:03:00.003-05:00

I think I am done now. I am ready to get back to the art of blogging and commenting. I miss rambling on about real life in my swanky kinda way. :o) So I pledge that there will be no more self- wallowing posts about grief, pain, and misfortune. I mean, who likes to open up their Google Reader each morning to more talk about those kinds of things?? Unless, God forbid, a new event arises.

KNOCK ON WOOD. CROSS ALL FINGERS.

But as my wise and wonderful Mom says, its not a matter of IF loss will be experienced again, its only a matter of WHEN. I hope it is a while.

On that note, I really have to give a shout out to all my bloggy friends and support system who emailed, commented and called me during this less-than-desirable time.

To Manic Mommy, Bossy, Biddy, Vuboq, Marathon Mom, and all you others out there who don't have a blog but found it in your heart to contact me anyway, THANK YOU. You are all wonderful human beings and I am lucky to call you friends.

Carry on. :o)

Hope

2009-03-04T07:55:00.006-06:00

I see the nests in the trees
and hear the new babies tweets
and I am hopeful
for a new season.

A fresh beginning
where the air smells like Spring
and the sun is warm
and color once again enters the world.

Under Cover

2009-02-18T12:13:00.010-06:00

Is it safe to come out yet? Gosh it's getting hot under here and boy do I need a shower. I miss my old life but the sun has a funny way of rising every morning regardless.

It's time to get my head in the game and move along.

Did I tell you that the day before "that day" I enrolled myself in an Interior Design program at college? Did I say that the years and years of postponing and waiting to fulfill a dream was finally coming to fruition? I had a class schedule, books, supplies and fancy little spiral notebooks with kick ass pens.

The biggest thing was I had made the commitment to..........
uh........well.........................
COMMIT.

And then.

You just don't want to get out of bed. The books and supplies are stacked on your kitchen island and for all you care they can just sit there and rot. Thankfully, you have a husband, family and friends ("friends" is really not the word. It's too cliche', too shallow. Let's say..... soul sisters or kindred spirits. Yes, that is better.) who don't even try to convince you that you're going anyway. Nope. They don't bother going down that road or expending that kind of energy that they KNOW it would take to persuade you. So they TELL you in no uncertain terms that you WILL be going, you WILL be on that train, you WILL NOT quit.

Thank God. Really.

I didn't realize the time commitment I was getting myself into, but that has turned out to be a good thing. I am filling my days with measuring, sketching, and painting. I'm occupying my time and my thoughts with so many projects, reading and deadlines that it keeps me from going to the nuthouse.

And although it is getting easier not to look for her at bedtime, or expect her to be sitting on my clothes outside my shower, or running to meet me at the door when I get home......although I don't look over as often to the spot in the kitchen where her leopard bed was, or the pantry where her food and treats were, it makes me sad. I'm sad and thankful at the same time that you can learn to live without someone.

I know I have to. But I don't want to.

Pulling the Plug

2009-02-10T18:58:00.007-06:00

Things are quieter now. Slower. The senses have been sharpened and the days are more appreciated. Nothing and no one is taken for granted. Not anymore. Even in Sophie's passing she is bringing about good. That was just her way.

When tragedy happens, one has to wonder what for? Why? If God needed to get my attention, a simple tap on the shoulder would have been fine. I am an intuitive girl. I pay attention. I am conscientious. I am responsible.

Taking the life of my baby, well, that just was not necessary. What a waste of a beautiful, sweet creature. One who deserved to live a long life.

However, there is one problem with this thinking. And this one thing is clear. I am not God. And He thought best to allow it.

So now I am at that place of painful reflection. Growth. A place that is building something in me that one day I can look back on and say yes....it was not all for nothing.

I see that Sophie had many admirable qualities. Many of which we would all benefit from learning:

She never moped or complained.
She greeted everyone with welcomed enthusiasm.
She never knew a stranger.
She loved unconditionally.
Life was an adventure.
She was a lady.
She was a loyal, faithful and true friend.
She sat with me when I was sad, and played with me when I was happy.
She was generous with her love and affection.
Her heart was pure, her actions sweet.
She was the perfect travel companion.
And she had great hair.

“She is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are her life, her love, her leader. She will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of her heart. You owe it to her to be worthy of such devotion” – Anonymous

She was my crown jewel, my prize, my Sophie.

I'll Never Stop Loving You

2009-01-22T18:54:00.002-06:00

It's too late for panic. Accept the inevitable.

Mikey's Pure Silk Spanish Sophia
"Sophie"
February 22, 2006 - January 16, 2009

Shootin' at the Walls of Heartache, Bang, Bang, I AM the Warrior

2009-01-08T16:02:00.007-06:00

Blogger is a mess today. I couldn't upload my pictures. So I did this quiz for fun.

You Are Warrior II

You are confident and brave. Failure is not an option for you.

You aren't easily intimidated or scared off. You will stand and fight.

You have more endurance than anyone you know. You have a will of steel.

When other people are giving up, you're the one just getting started.

What Yoga Pose Are You?

Merry Christmas

2008-12-23T14:59:00.004-06:00

To all my bloggy friends: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Love to you all :o)

XO,

Happy Birthday Tiny Dancer

2008-12-21T08:26:00.007-06:00

3 days

3 years

Age 7

2008-12-15T20:21:00.005-06:00

I ran a really tight ship today. And I managed to do it with love and calmness, which is not always the case. Lots of things were marked off the "to do" list, including class projects, homework, dinner at home and some good one on one with the kids. All of this and I even managed to sleep in, snuggle with the dog and rock out to my iPod while getting ready this morn..., er uh, afternoon. :o)

Can I just tell you how much Gracie (my youngest) makes me laugh? I was at the school last week and my friend walked in the classroom and Gracie said, "Mrs. Lloyd is in the house." Then she proceeded to wish her a happy birthday and said, "you're 21, bright?" My friend said, "Close, I'm 22."

Then we are all sitting at lunch and a little girl asked Mrs. Lloyd, "What do you do for work?" She said, "I have the hardest job, I raise 2 kids." The girl said that her mom raises 4 kids. Mrs. Lloyd replied, "Well, my niece and nephew live close so it's like I have 6 kids." Then my Gracie said, "It's me and my brother, and that's like having 100 kids!"

Boy oh boy!! She speaks the truth!

It's Friday, and you know what that means........

2008-12-11T19:50:00.008-06:00

And...here we go!

1. Friends _complete me. We are all so different, but bring so many unique gifts and wisdom to life's table. I believe that a spouse and family should be the first priority, but understanding that there is more to your life outside your immediate family is a gift. Down the road when we are older, and perhaps alone, only then, will we fully understand__.

2. _I am thankful for my__ health; it's _getting more and more important to me__.

3. I'm ready for _The Melting Pot__.

4. _Calvin Klein's Euphoria__ is one of my favorite perfumes or aftershaves or smells.

5. The oldest ornament I have is _Ashley's Baby's First Christmas__.

6. Take some _pink boas and six wacky women__, mix it all together and you have _a picture to cherish for a lifetime (and we look hawt too LOL )__.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to _hosting another Christmas party__, tomorrow my plans include __Bethlehem Revisted__ and Sunday, I want to _relax but I can't because I have to up the volunteer hours at Chamberlain Ballet Co._!

Guaranteed

2008-12-10T18:10:00.017-06:00

I made the following recipes at my recent Girl's Get Merry Party. They are guaranteed to have them coming back for more!!!

Baked Brie with Pistachios and Craisins

1 Brie wheel
1 cup shelled pistachios
1 cup dried Craisins
2 packages croissant roll dough
melted butter for basting

Place croissant dough triangles with straight ends slightly overlapping, forming a star shape. Pinch dough together to make a crust for the Brie to sit on. Slice Brie horizontally in half. Place bottom half of Brie on the center of the dough. Mix Craisins and Pistachios together and press together on Brie half with your hands. Place top of Brie on top of nuts and Craisins. Bring points of croisssant dough together on top, pinching seams together and making a little twist on top with the dough points. Brush pastry with melted butter. Bake at 350 for about 10 minutes until golden brown. Serve immediately with crackers. Before serving, cut a wedge out so that the Brie melts out a little bit and the filling is visible.

Champagne Punch

1/2 tube of frozen cranberry juice cocktail
1/4 cup Cointreau
1 bottle Champagne WELL CHILLED
Fresh cranberries

Mix juice and liqueur in a glass pitcher or decanter until juice is dissolved and no longer frozen. Tilt pitcher to the side and slowly pour in champagne. Stir gently. Serve in champagne glasses or wine glasses and garnish with fresh cranberries....they will float.

You can rim glasses with a twist of lemon or lime. YUM.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-12-03T08:44:00.002-06:00

They grow up so fast...

Webster, I think I lurrrvee you!

2008-12-01T20:40:00.005-06:00

My son has found a new girl.

Merriam is her name.

He reads her like his favorite bedtime story.

I'm not sure what this means, but I will try not to shrink him.

Today he comes into my office, book in hand.

Here is how it happened:

Caleb: Mom? I looked up the word "Mom" in the dictionary. Do you know what it says?

Me: Tell me oh great and powerful Oz.

Caleb: It says the meaning is short for "Mother."

Me: Oh really?

Caleb: So I looked up "Mother."

Me: And?

Caleb: It says that "Mother" means a female parent.

Then he breaks into tears.

Caleb: But I tell you THAT definition is wrong.

A mom loves you, feeds you, takes care of you and YOU are so much more than a "female parent."

You are my Mommy.

And I was at a loss for words.

He never ceases to amaze me.

Thought Provoking

2008-11-17T17:02:00.008-06:00

Girls weekend is over. **sigh**

The walks, talks, hugs, pedicures, dancing, pictures, and walking through town with pink boas were thoroughly enjoyed. Like sand through the hour glass, these are the days of our lives.

One thing is for sure, we always partake in thought-provoking conversations. Whether it's about raising kids, childbirth, discipline, careers, spirituality, or just the hard work it takes to be a wife and mother, we always find the support and advice we need.

I found one topic of conversation so interesting, I am still pondering it today. While taking a walk through town, we passed by a cemetery. Feeling a tad bit melancholy, we took time to read the headstones. We read about babies, grand babies, husbands and wives, dedications to loved ones and tributes to soldiers. As I looked over the hills of the graveyard, I saw hundreds of silk flowers left in honor of their loved ones. That's when I said, "Please girls, when I die, I don't want any fake flowers on my grave. In fact, I am not sure if I want a grave at all."

As we started talking about wills, cremation, plots and wishes, one of my friends plopped down on a stone bench that was in front of a grave.

"How about one of these? Do you want a bench?"

I wasn't sure at the time. But now I've had time to think about it.

Yes. A bench would be nice. Because I think what I would want to say is....

"Pull up a seat and stay awhile. And tell me what is on your mind."

Just don't bring any fake flowers. A pink boa maybe, but no fake flowers.

Times To Remember

2008-11-12T17:11:00.004-06:00

NOTE: Why is it when you google "string" for a blog picture you get dozens of thong pictures? I'm just sayin'.

Gracie: M-O-M! Please tell Caleb to leave my tattoo art set alone.

Caleb: M-O-M! I didn't do anything.

Gracie: Did too.

Caleb: Did not.

Gracie: You Did TOO.

Caleb: I just wanted to see it.

Gracie: MOM, MOM, M-O-M! He is getting to the end of my string!!!

Good times.

Because I Must Be In To Self Affliction

2008-11-07T19:19:00.004-06:00

First off, let me say that I LOVE Disney World. We have been there twice and I have always wanted to go during the holidays. This year, my dream is coming true.

We go all out. I sew like crazy making the kids coordinating outfits like the one you see here. We do the character dinners, autographs, pin trading, etc.

This year, however, I must be in to self affliction.

We do a great deal of traveling. All on American Airlines points, Hilton points, and what ever else points we can get our hands on. This is one of the perks of having a husband who travels for his profession. Currently, we have accumulated enough points to travel to Paris in the spring of 2009.

The husband also cashed in some points for a stay in Disney World this December. But we do not want to use airline points to fly 5 people to Florida. Which leaves only one option. D - R - I - V - E.

We do have Hertz points to rent a very nice SUV to make the trip as comfortable as possible. But who am I kidding? 24 hours in the car with 3 kids? I must be mental.

If we survive, we will have a magical time in the happiest place on earth during the holiday season.

If we don't, send help. And tell our parents Merry Christmas.

What's Keeping My Mind Off Election Day

2008-11-04T11:25:00.007-06:00

It's Swankymama's Bday!!!

It is a great day when you wake up to this:

And you eat this for breakfast:

And your son serenades you:

And the weekend before you did some of this:

And of course you get a call from your Mom. Hi Mom!

Thanks to all who have made this a fantastic day!!!!!

EERY Friday Fill-Ins Bwa ha ha ha ha!!

2008-10-30T20:14:00.005-05:00

#96

And...here we go!

1. My favorite food seasoning is __basil__.

2. __A social invitation__ is music to my ears.

3. Lucky is __as lucky does__.

4. __Relationships__ is something I take very seriously.

5. Many people __face the same battles__.

6. __A Christmas present___ was the last thing I bought at the store.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to _trick or treating with my kids__, tomorrow my plans include __celebrating birthdays__ and Sunday, I want to __decompress__!

A Day In History

2008-10-27T17:27:00.003-05:00

10 Reasons Why You Can Stop Thinking of November 4th as Election Day

1. Abraham Lincoln married Mary Todd in 1842.

2. Air mail service opened between the United States and Canada in 1920.

3. King Tut's tomb was discovered in 1922.

4. Pope John XXIII was crowned in 1958.

5. T. S. Elliot was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1948.

6. USA had a possible shortage of electricity in 1973.

7. Vogue holds first model show in New York City in 1914.

8. John Lennon utters his infamous "rattle your jewelry" line in 1963.

9. The first air-conditioned vehicle was exhibited in Chicago, IL in 1939.

10. Swankymama was born in 19xx!!!!!!!!

Let Me Be Your Travel Guide

2008-10-21T10:38:00.008-05:00

Dear Cheri @ Blog This Mom!,

Thank you for the wonderful suggestion of trying PROMPTuesday today! I have admired your participation in this exercise from afar (aka lurking) and have thought about trying it myself several times. Your nudge was timely yesterday. I am in fact facing a severe case of writer's block (aka brain freeze) and have been unable to come up with anything interesting to post. So I will take your advice and participate in PROMPTuesday #27: Trippin' - A trip or an excursion that left me changed in some way.

My first thought was to write about Italy. But I am SURE my readers are weary of reading about THAT. So then I thought maybe I should write about Los Cabos. Again, I am sure I have done that enough already. Then there was the trip to McDonalds, the trip to the Nail Salon, and the trip to meet Bossy. Oh, and there is frequently one of these.

Did I conquer a fear on my trip? Learn something about myself? Did I learn something about another person? Break up? Get together? Hmmmmm, those are a lot of questions, Deb. :o) So let's take them one at a time, shall we?

Did I learn something about myself? The answer to that question would be a resounding YES. Always. What I frequently learn is how I talk everyone's head off and how I wish I would not do that. I have also noticed that I am always up for an adventure. Sometimes to my chagrin. (Except for the time I went on a midnight walk with a group of friends to a cemetery with toilet paper in hand. Yes you might not think that seems strange, but I am 40 years old. Fun none-the-less. In fact, I think I'll do it again. At Halloween next time.)

Did I learn something about another person? Well, yes, thank you for asking. I've learned that no matter how crazy my kids make me, they are always perfect angels while sleeping. I've learned that no matter how many times I SWEAR I WILL NEVER TAKE ANOTHER VACATION WITH MY FAMILY, I always do. I always will. (What projects would I do on scrapbooking weekends otherwise?) And I've learned that no matter how good of hands my Soph-Soph is in, I always miss her like crazy.

When away for the weekend with my girlfriends, I always learn something new about them, although it seems I've known them all my life. Like how she must have a certain blanket with her in order to sleep, and how she is so witty and snarky and always makes me laugh, and how she is a brilliant fashion designer, and how Meg'N is wise beyond her years and how Amy quietly amazes us all.

As far as breaking up or getting together, my husband and I do that every time we take a family vacation. I. am. not. kidding.

Thank you for suggesting this Cheri!!! My sincere gratitude to you!

The World According To Sophie

2008-10-13T16:18:00.010-05:00

1. Can I get a good belly rub? Like now?

2. What up with all the debris on the floor? I feel like I'm walking through a dust storm. Don't you know that this reeks havoc on my sinuses?

3. Can you Pa-LEASE be quiet? It's nap time.

4. She's picking the red bow again today? How about some blue? Purple? Pink?

5. Oh my ga, she's cramming me in the purse again. Focus, focus,
F O C U S.....

6. Can you please roll down the windows when you drive? I like the feel of the wind blowing through my hair.

7. I don't understand what all the hoop-la is when I eat my poop. Seems perfectly reasonable to me.

8. Man, why did she get so mad when I tinkle on her leopard rug? Looks like it already has plenty of spots.

9. I wonder how many more days till I get to see my friend Walter?

10. Dad, why OH why must you leave me on the couch when you leave the house? You know I can't get down. And this sure does cause me great distress.

11. I love my BFF Mia. But why does she dance on her hind legs and spin in circles like a ballerina? I think she is a lost member of the circus. Her mommy should get her a pink tutu.

12. BTW, I know exactly what you are doing when you shove the heart worm pill into a ball of cheese. But I eat it anyway. For you.

13. EXCUUUUSE ME....What does it take to get some grapes or carrots around here?

P.S. No matter what - I'll love you forever.

Friday Fill-Ins

2008-10-09T22:16:00.013-05:00

1. One of the best concerts/plays/movies I ever saw that I really didn't think I'd like was __Shakespeare in the Park___.

2. __Cedar plank salmon with grilled veggies__ is a recipe I recently made (or meal I recently ordered) that was delicious!

3. It's time for _planting pansies__.

4. __Diet Coke__ is quite refreshing.

5. If I never hear the word __Economy__ again, it'll be too soon.

6. To one side of the curving road was a _department store__, and on the other was a __thrift store__.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to _playing with Mia the Maltese_, tomorrow my plans include __football and laundry___ and Sunday, I want to __work in the yard__!

Wordless Wednesday

2008-10-08T07:46:00.005-05:00

A good problem to have.

Wordless Wednesday is here!

Movie Meme Revisted

2008-10-05T17:43:00.009-05:00

Update on the Movie Meme - since I KNOW it has really been bothering you what movies have not been guessed. LOL ;o)

1. The Italian Job

3. Breakfast at Tiffany's

7. Legends of the Fall

8. Shadowlands

13. Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood

Is It Friday AGAIN?

2008-10-03T00:01:00.000-05:00

1. October is one of my favorite times of the year. Flea markets, changing leaves, fall carnivals, and the weather! It is the best! It just doesn't last long enough!

2. Feeling closed in with a crowd of people scares me! I am very claustrophobic. You know the lines at Six where you progress through tunnels and caves? Ummm, not so much. Neither do I like water slides that are enclosed.

3. Leaves are falling all around, it's a wonderful photo opportunity!

4. My favorite horror movie is Silence of the Lambs because the way that Anthony Hopkins says, "CLAARREECE" still haunts me to this day! (Pish Posh! I should have included this movie on my Thursday post).

5. Rocking out to the iPod with a carload of friends= good memories.

6. It was a dark and stormy night and I didn't have an umbrella.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to enjoying my flea market treasures, tomorrow my plans include football and crafts on the porch and Sunday, I want to watch Brothers & Sisters!!

Have a good weekend!

Movie Meme

2008-10-02T09:31:00.015-05:00

This is borrowed from too many people to name.....

Behold, the rules:

1. Pick fifteen of your favorite movies.
2. Go to IMDB and find a quote from each movie.
3. Post them on your blog for everyone to guess.
4. Fill in the film title once it's guessed.

This part is for the reader:

1. No Googling or using IMDB search functions. (Don't be Cheaty McCheater-Face!)
2. You can look up words at Dictionary.com (if you must)
3. Leave your answer(s) in the comments.

Here we go!

1. I'm sending you something. Does it smell nice? No. But it's sparkly. [sounding slightly angry] Does it have a receipt?

2. What are four walls, anyway? They are what they contain. The house protects the dreamer. Unthinkably good things can happen, even late in the game. It's such a surprise. UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN - Marathon Mom

3. You could always tell what kind of a person a man thinks you are by the earrings he gives you. I must say, the mind reels.

4. You don't want the truth because deep down in places you don't talk about at parties you want me on that wall, you need me on that wall. A FEW GOOD MEN - Manic Mommy

5. How are you this evening, my dear? Very well... although I wish you would not call me "my dear." Why? Because it's what my father always calls my mother when he's cross about something. PRIDE AND PREJUDICE - Julia

6. Forgive me, Madam, but you are only a woman. I may be a woman, but if I choose I have the heart of a man! I am my father's daughter, and I am not afraid of anything. ELIZABETH - MegN

7. Some people hear their own inner voices with great clearness and they live by what they hear. Such people become crazy, or they become legends.

8. Why am I so afraid? I never knew her love could hurt so much, and I love you and all I want is to love you. Beyond every door I hear your voice saying to me, 'This is only the land of shadows. Real life hasn't begun yet.'

9. In a good shoe, I wear a size six, but a seven feels so good, I buy a size eight. STEEL MAGNOLIAS - MegN

10. Oh, come on, ladies. God wouldn't have given you maracas if He didn't want you to shake 'em. DIRTY DANCING - Manic Mommy

11. You don't have time to think up there. If you think, you're dead. TOP GUN - Bad Mom

12. So it's not gonna be easy. It's gonna be really hard. We're gonna have to work at this every day, but I want to do that because I want you. I want all of you, for ever, you and me, every day. THE NOTEBOOK - Ashley

13. I am sick of fighting! And, I am sick to death of this whole center of the universe, holier than thou, nothing is ever enough. Oh, how I've suffered, nobody understands me. Somebody fix me a drink and hand me a Nebutol, worn out Scarlett O'Hara... thang!

14. Of course I don't have my underwear. I'm definitely not wearing my underwear. I gave you a fresh pair of mine to wear. Where are they? They're in the pocket of my jacket. Here. I don't want them back. RAIN MAN - Jodi

15. I'm shakin' the dust of this crummy little town off my feet and I'm gonna see the world. Italy, Greece, the Parthenon, the Colosseum. Then, I'm comin' back here to go to college and see what they know. And then I'm gonna build things. I'm gonna build airfields, I'm gonna build skyscrapers a hundred stories high, I'm gonna build bridges a mile long... IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE - Manic Mommy

This will be fun!!

TGIF!

2008-09-26T00:01:00.009-05:00

1. The State Fair of Texas, pumpkin pictures, and football games are some of the things I'm most looking forward to in October.

2. Sometimes I dream about living in an Italian villa complete with its own vineyard.

3. I still have temporary shades in the windows of my house and that is why there is a saying "never say never"!

4. When I'm down I go read my gratitude journal.

5. In my car wearing out the streets of Plano is where you'll find me most often.

6. A rainy day is good for a little childhood fun!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to not having to do anything, tomorrow my plans include watching my son play football and going to the Dallas Arboretum and Sunday, I want to do some walking at White Rock Lake.

Have a great weekend!

Create

2008-09-24T16:33:00.012-05:00

Create the life you've always wanted. I saw that somewhere last year and it stuck with me. I found it extremely powerful when it comes to how I see my life.

What are some things I want to create?

1. A positive atmosphere where self confidence will be instilled in my children.

2. A beautiful home that will bless my family and all who enter.

3. Deep-rooted values that will be passed on to the next generation.

4. Wonderful friends, a close-knit family, and making a positive impact on everyone I come in contact with.

5. Loving in a sacrificial way, not being self-serving.

6. Having, living, and giving grace to all.

7. Traveling the world and seeing all it has to offer.

8. Being a good mother.

9. Being a good wife.

10. Living life to it's fullest. And having a ball along the way!!

How do you want to create your best life???

Wordless Wednesday

2008-09-17T17:13:00.004-05:00

Handing out marbles to the kids so maybe I won't lose mine.

Every Now and Then

2008-08-30T18:26:00.008-05:00

Every now and then, I feel the need to write a post about observations....things I've learned....etc. Elementary my dear Watson. So bear with me while a ramble on a bit.

1. School has begun. YIPPEE that I can finally get everyone out of my house and get it back in working order. But it is going to take some time.

2. I am in desperate need of finding another workout schedule. The 9:45 a.m. barbell class is just not going to cut it anymore. Although my love for pumping iron is strong, I just can't handle the rest of the day walking around in my work out clothes without makeup and without a shower. Ew.

3. Goodbye birth control pills. No matter how hard, or how often I work out, I just can't drop the extra poundage. In addition, the side-effects are just too risky. I will perhaps now need Prozac.

To the Husband - Hello Snip-Snip.

4. Life is too precious to be picky, too brief to be bitter, too beautiful to be bored, and too wonderful to be wasted. The End.

5. I believe that people cross your path for a God-given purpose. I desire to find the reason and beauty in each and every one.

6. You still should not keep the Monostat in the toothpaste drawer.

:o))

Haiku Friday

2008-08-29T00:01:00.001-05:00

What is my life goal?
To motivate and inspire.
To be a good friend.

Compliment War

2008-08-26T22:18:00.007-05:00

Recently overheard between the younger two children:

Caleb: You're the ice beneath my skates.

Gracie: You're the dot that tops my "i".

Caleb: You're the line that crosses my "t".

(you see where this is going, don't you?)

Gracie: You're the icing on my cake.

In desperation to win this competition, my favorite has to be:

Caleb: You're the scalp beneath my hair.

:o)

Come Rain or Shine

2008-08-19T21:30:00.006-05:00

One thing is for sure, Plano is serious about their football.

My son had his very first football practice tonight. In. The. Rain.

"Surely they will call it off," I think to myself. I would really like to go have some sushi tonight.

Not a chance.

I should have gathered some clues from the way the "drafts" were administered on Saturday.

We missed football registration by one day. DH and I were teeter-tottering between whether Caleb should play soccer or football this fall. While we were...ahem... debating this issue, time got away from us. So we called and got him on the wait list.

Then THE phone call came.

"Have your son at the drafts on Saturday. Please come in and pay his fee on Friday. Good luck."

Wow. OK. No pressure.

When I hung up the phone, DH took off downstairs like a bat out of hell. Now keep in mind as I tell you this next part that 1) my hubby is Type A personality and 2) he played football from 1st grade through 12th grade and actually tried out for the Texas A&M football team and was an honorary 12th man.

OK, so ...

DH said, "Caleb, get your work out clothes and cleats on. We are going to run drills." It is 9:30 p.m. on Thursday night. Hey, but I go with it. Caleb responds with a resilient "YES SIR!" and off they go. In the truck. To the football fields.

He comes home sweaty, sore and dirty. And announces that Friday is his "off day" and he MUST rest all day before the drafts on Saturday.

The drafts are run like some NFL concoction where the parents have to come up to a room to listen to each coach give their spill as to why they are the best team. The kids are marched out, hands folded respectively behind their back, to the outside course where they will run about 6 drills while the coaches take notes.

Then on Saturday night, we get the OTHER call.

"This is Coach Getz of the Texans, and we would like to welcome Caleb to our football team. He will begin practice on Tuesday."

So here we are on Tuesday, in the mud, and I couldn't be prouder of him. He looks bad ass in his football gear, throwing the ball like a Quarterback Hall of Famer.

I just hope he makes the big time, and he remembers his Mom, so I can retire rich and happy.

My Son, The Realist

2008-08-14T13:15:00.011-05:00

Kids really know how to put things in perspective....

While having a delightful lunch with my children, my daughter and I shared a special moment. And my son didn't miss a beat. Being quick on his toes, Caleb swept in to set things straight.

Gracie:

Mommy, thank you for being my mother. :o)

Me:

Awww, Gracie, you are welcome honey!

Caleb:

She didn't really have a choice, Gracie. She had no idea what was going to come out.

.

Just Couldn't Do It

2008-08-11T14:09:00.003-05:00

I just couldn't justify it. And though MANY of you commented on my FABULOUS new shoes on the sidebar, (and who doesn't LOVE compliments and adoration), I just couldn't keep them. They WERE Kate Spade, and they WERE the most FANTASTIC shoes I have ever owned. But after having them for only a few days, I'm returning them.

One could feed a small country for the dollars spent.

I'm feeling quite mature and proud of myself for this decision. Those of you who know me are probably in shock, since you understand how much I LOVE shoes.

*SIGH*

This must be a sign.

I am getting old.

Life is Sweeter

2008-08-06T18:57:00.006-05:00

With friends.

Wordless Wednesday is here.

Defining Moment

2008-07-28T22:36:00.005-05:00

All of us have experienced a "defining moment" in our lives. Mine came last weekend while at a women's conference.

By Saturday evening, we were tired, danced-out, partied-out, and hungry. At 12:00 a.m., everyone headed back to the hotel room to order pizza.

While we waited on the pizza to arrive, we began to talk "girl talk" and the topic of childbirth came up.

As everyone told their story, I inserted my usual, "Yea, I had two of my three babies in a birthing center all naturale."

Everyone stopped and stared. [insert OneRepublic here] You would have thought I just announced I broke record time at the latest White Rock Marathon or something.

As the questions flew at me faster than moles grow on grandma, I told my story. I've really never got into the details before. Mainly because internally I've minimized it because no one really cares to hear how you pushed a 9 lb baby out. Right? Right.

I was transparant and a little embarrassed as I told my story. Parts of it were humorous, and some parts were still emotionally raw, even to this day.

It was the hardest, bravest, most passionate thing I've ever done in my life. Twice. [insert "I am Woman" here]

The next morning, as we set down for breakfast, one of the girls that heard my story sat down beside me.

She said, "You know, I look at you different now."

I said, "Really?" [insert PANIC here]

She said, "I've been thinking about what you told us last night.....

And I think if you can do that.......

You can do anything.

Anything in this life that you set your mind to."

At that moment, what she said, it changed my life forever.

Disclaimer: Natural childbirth is NOT for everyone. It is a personal choice that happened to me mine. It is NOT the only way or the better way. And I am not advocating that if you do not do it naturally, it isn't as hard. I believe giving birth, however you choose to do it, is heroic and beautiful.

Spreading Bloggy Luv

2008-07-25T09:46:00.003-05:00

The very witty, funny, recovering perfectionist and overachiever, Stephanie over at Bad Mom apparently thinks I am brilliant! And I think she is mucho brilliant, because she just bestowed upon me (my very first) blog award!! And since Stephanie and I both proclaim that we are "lovers, not fighters," let me spread some bloggy love too!!

Here are the rules:

1. Put award on your blog. CHECK
2. Add link to the person who awarded you. CHECK
3. Nominate 4 fellow bloggers for the award. CHECK
4. Add links to recipient. CHECK
5. Leave a comment so the recipients know they have received an award. CHECK CHECK!

Jamie at Choosing My Own
Jennifer the Manager Mom
EC the Marathon Mom
Jenny at Biscuit Is The Answer

Peace out!!

Maybe She's Swanky After All

2008-07-22T18:19:00.011-05:00

After telling my story here....and accepting the fact that my DD has outgrown some things (even though she is 6 years old).....

I had a glimmer of hope today that some swanky things stuck.

At swimming lessons today:

Swim teacher: This is how you swim up to the side and rotate under water to keep swimming.....

Gracie: OUCH! I scraped my arm!

Swim teacher: Rub some dirt on it. That's my motto.

Gracie: Always wear lipstick. That's my motto.

That's my girl.

The History Behind Swankybabies

2008-07-18T00:03:00.000-05:00

The blog address is confusing, I know. People ask why my blog name is Real. Life. Ramblings. and the address is swankybabies.blogspot.com. Let me explain:

Once upon a time there was born a baby girl. This was the last baby, and a girl baby, and the mom went nuts. She bought boutique blankets, monogrammed this, monogrammed that, custom-made dresses, bibs, diaper bags, bows, etc, etc, etc. You get the picture.

When then baby princess girl was one year old, the mom decided to jump on the boutique-world band wagon and started a business called "Swankybabies." She joined an eBay design group, and cranked out some mighty fine outfits. She also started a design blog about her new creations.

Then the baby princess girl became a natural model. And the mom found her second love, photography.

When the baby girl started Kindergarten, all she wanted to wear was jeans and Hannah Montana t-shirts. And the mom lost her drive and ambition to create. In this media anyway.

So the blog title changed to Real. Life. Ramblings. and the mom has been rambling ever since.

But the mom now thinks since she does not have swanky babies anymore, she should change her blog address. But "Swankymom" is already taken on blogger.

But "Swankymama" isn't.

Hey! I am swanky!

So I am thinking about changing Real. Life. Ramblings.

I mean....there is Marathon Mom, Manager Mom, Bad Mom, Lucky Mom, Manic Mommy, and Antique Mommy.

Don't you think I should be Swankymama? There would still be all the rambling. Just swankier.

Knee Deep in Laundry

2008-07-17T07:40:00.003-05:00

*yawn* *stretch*........

I have been away for 7 days. Without a computer. I missed all my bloggy friends!

All 5 of us and my daughter's friend went to relax on the beach. I think we read 7 books between us! The kids were old enough this year to swim in the ocean and pool without constant supervision. What a relief!! Up until now, vacations were more work than they were relaxing.

The highlight of the trip was that we successfully smuggled 7 hermit crabs through security and back to Texas! A big thank you to everyone who googled the "how to" for that one and sent information my way!! Since I was computer-less, it felt very strange not to be able to hop on the internet to get information.

She took great care of The Soph. And did a great job! Sophie is moping today since she misses her new friends. Particularly a kitty named Lilly. Thanks Marathon Mom!!!

More pictures and stories to come!

Rabbit Sushi

2008-07-07T00:07:00.002-05:00

I am having to adjust to the idea that dogs really are predators. It's kind of a rude shock the first time your darling, sweet, angelic pup comes in with something dead hanging from his or her jaws surpassingly pleased with him or herself!

Let me give you some background information:

For those who don't know, or haven't put together, my fourth child is a 3 lb. Yorkshire Terrier named Sophia... or Sophie or Soph for short. I brought her home in June 2006 and she is, without a doubt, the household princess.

Let me also give you some background information about this terrier breed:

The Yorkie was bred as a ratter, used to kill fox and rats in small places. There is some evidence that they may have been used for hunting as well. Like most terriers developed in the early 19th Century, it was common for Yorkies to demonstrate their prowess as vermin killers in what was known as "the rat killer".

As a hunting group, terriers specialize in pursuing animals that live in dens or burrows. Animals that are cornered and defending their young will fight ferociously. Therefore, any dog that would willingly pursue them must have an extraordinary degree of courage; terriers are bred for that quality.

That being said, I will continue......

Saturday evening at bedtime I let Sophie outside, as usual, to do her business. Typically, she comes back to the door and waits patiently for me to let her back in. But 10-20 minutes later, there was no sign of her. So I went out in the back yard to call her in.

Is your neighborhood infested with wabbits? Well mine is.

I saw her hovered in the far back of the yard, but it was too dark to see anything. So I yelled for her to get in the house.

Oops.

Did I also tell you that Sophie is a very obedient dog? She darted back in all right. With something that looked like a raw bloody rabbit leg clinched in her mouth. She ran all over the house, under my bed, and would NOT drop it. What was worse was the SMELL. And she enjoyed it on my favorite LEOPARD rug in my bedroom until I whisked her up and took her back outside on the porch, shaking her like a mad woman. But that dog would not loosen her death grip on that disgusting animal. Finally, my oldest daughter brought out a paper towel, and while I pried Sophie's mouth open, grabbed it out.

And then gagged for half an hour inside.

Then Sophie got a bath, and her teeth brushed, and some talking to.

But I don't think it did any good.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-07-02T00:13:00.004-05:00

If it was just that easy!!

Wordless Wednesday is here!

Phone Lust

2008-06-28T18:18:00.018-05:00

I WILL be purchasing one of these in July. I'm feeling a bit disdainfully proud that I refrained from purchasing the original iPhone. Even though I second-guessed myself when I saw the line to the Apple store out the door, around the building, and with armored cars and police officers. My curious and envious nature erupted.

Since then, I moved on and embraced my BlackJack sucky phone because it, in fact, has email. This little bit of technology has created a snobby, spoiled, "OMG I must have access to my emails on a 24-hour basis" attitude in me. It would SO be the end of the world if I could not have instant messaging/email/calendars/and a Windows operating system on my phone. Capisce??

And while we are on the topic of email, did you know that the new iPhone will have PUSH email? This is important because your messages are instantaneous and fulfill instant gratification for cell phone junkies such as myself. The best part is, it has a rich HTML format. So emails look and act like emails on your computer at home. It will also support Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint.

Now. Hold on to your squirrels girls. Or guy reader. The Powerpoint is KEY, because it will enable me to do home-decorating spreadsheets on a whim and send them to my husband via email, who is an engineer and that IS how he rolls. Which, for me, equates to "HOT DIGGITY DOG I'M GONNA HAVE BUILT-IN BOOKSHELVES IN THE FAMILY ROOM!"

Which will equate for him, "HOT DIGGITY DOG I'M GONNA GET LUCKY TONIGHT!"

Which will equate to: All is well in the Real.Life.Ramblings. household.

Amen.

Red, Rojo, Rouge, 紅色, Rosso = YUM

2008-06-26T23:28:00.004-05:00

What is it about red? Lipstick, firetrucks, chili peppers, Ferraris, roses......you get the point.

There is something dangerous, something fast, something sexy, something...well...hot...about red.

For instance, I've had my eye on this.

And this.

And I finally bought one of these, but not in red.

Red is just the best thing.

Unless you are one of these.

And you are playing our undefeated team in the CHAMPIONSHIP baseball game.

And your coach looks red in the face like this

while he is charging and yelling at our coach.

But in the end, it all looks like this!

GO BIG BLUE!!!!!!

How I Discovered I Am Old and Uncool While Attending A Concert

2008-06-23T06:00:00.002-05:00

1. I did not wear a mini dress with cowboy boots.

2. I did not wear 4 inch heels to sit in the lawn section.

3. I did not know cellphones were the new lighter.

4. I thought 18-year-old Taylor Swift looked bad a$$ while playing her electric guitar.

5. The massive crowd and their driving concerned me.

6. I did not know the words to every song.

7. I did not know what you get when you play a country song backwards.

8. The liquid fortified couple next to me didn't make me envious at all when they started jitterbugging. (Well, maybe a little).

9. The girls dancing on top of their car in the parking lot looked totally ridiculous. TOTALLY.

10. People watching is more fun than watching the band.

11. And the most obvious reason I am old and uncool is......................................

As we are leaving the stadium I think, "OMG those poor people who have to clean up this awful mess."

2008-06-20T06:00:00.002-05:00

Friday Fill In #77

1. A smile is a curve that sets everything straight.

Funny, I just wrote a post about that!

2. (I don't like any) is my favorite board or card game.

I guess I would have to say that the "clothespin" game is my favorite game. "What is that", you ask? Well, it would just take far too long to explain here. But I'll do it another day.

3. I would love to have more self-discipline in my life and less pizza.

4. When I think of the Summer Solstice, I think of my daughter's birth. 19 years ago.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ASHLEY!!!!

5. I just remembered I need to wash Caleb's baseball pants.

6. One of my favorite song lyrics goes like this:

There's a place that I go that nobody knows
Where the rivers flow and I call it home
And there's no more lies
In the darkness there's light
And nobody cries, there's only butterflies

Natasha Bedingfield - Pocket Full of Sunshine

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to taking the birthday girl out to a nice dinner, tomorrow my plans include going to the Taylor Swift/Rascal Flatt's concert, and Sunday I want to enjoy my family.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-06-18T12:36:00.004-05:00

Go HERE to read the entire book

I heart Wordless Wednesday

It Only Takes One

2008-06-16T13:24:00.009-05:00

"People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Maya Angelou

A smile is a universal expression of happiness all over the world. (Though not so much in the animal kingdom because they think your baring your teeth at them in aggression)

Even fake smiling can make you feel better.

Sometimes giving a genuine smile will result in getting one in return. Give and you shall receive!

A few weeks ago I had the most irritating trip to the mall. Someone battled me for a parking space, and others walked around, head down, with a hurried, snarl on their face. Even an employee at my favorite department store looked as though she would rather be burned at the stake than be at work that day.

Last Friday, while planning another trip to the mall, and not wanting a repeat experience, I decided to challenge myself. I figured the best way to connect with other people and to give a signal of being approachable was to smile. So.......I smiled at everyone. I smiled at my children when I asked what they wanted for lunch. I smiled to the employee of TCP while buying clothes. I smiled at passerby-s. I smiled at other people's children.

And here is what I learned:

People will be attracted to you.
When you smile, you carry an aura and poise that draw people to you. People will look forward to being around you.

You feel more positive.
About yourself and the world.

You are happier.
Even if your having a bad day, month or year, you feel happier!

It makes other people happy.
A smile is heart-warming and makes others feel good about themselves.

Smiles are contagious!

Things Aren't Always What They Seem

2008-06-10T14:41:00.006-05:00

Friday I received a confirmation email from UPS with a tracking number. The same Quantam View email I always receive when I order product from the home office. WOW that was fast, I say to myself. I just placed the order online and they already have it ready to go. FABULOUS!

On Monday I anxiously awaited the package. All day. Nothing.

By 7:00 p.m. I had called UPS, filed a lost package report, talked to 7,001 people to try to figure out where it was and what went wrong. This never happens, I think. Only when you REALLY need a package does it come up missing. @$#*&%!!!!!!!

At 7:30 p.m. the UPS driver calls back to say he specifically remembers releasing the package to my porch. "Well how come my porch doesn't have it then," I asked. "You don't understand! I was counting on having it TO-DAY. We have to find it." He says he is sorry and that he filed an investigation, but he remembers leaving it on my porch.

So what could have happened?

That's it! It was those &*%@ teenagers!! Yep. School is out and they are bored and lifting people's packages for fun.

Later that evening I'm cleaning the kitchen. DH asked if I like my new heart rate monitor watch. He wanted to know if he can help me program it, etc. I get it out of the box to show him and think to myself. Hummm. I wonder if this was sent by fed ex or USPS? So I look at the label.

Oh no.

UPS.

I can't bear to check the tracking number.

Oh yes. You got it. It matches.

I have been beside myself all day searching for a package that I had already received. The confirmation email was from Polar Watches all along. They happen to use the same service as my home office. The package I THOUGHT was lost hasn't even been mailed yet.

So of course, this gets me to thinking.

Things like this happen all the time. Simple misunderstandings and misperceptions. Such as unfinished conversations that get interrupted by someone walking in the room or the telephone ringing. And then the communication never gets picked up again. Conclusions are drawn, decisions are made and sometimes lives are changed on half a conversation.

It's dangerous to assume. Dangerous to think we have it all figured out without all the facts.

Things aren't always what they seem. Sometimes it takes time for clarity, to figure it out, and to solve the mystery.

Trophy Wife Duty

2008-06-05T15:21:00.010-05:00

While driving to the restaurant.

DH: OK, honey, the guys we are going to dinner with tonight is Lee Milton and Kevin Holmes. They work for Renick and are the decision makers for our equipment.

Me: Uh Huh

DH: Lee has been with the company 4 years and Kevin only a couple of months.

Me: Yeh

DH: You'll have to put up with me talking business for about an hour. I hope that is ok.

Me to myself: Lovely

DH: Renick is a provider of per-flow IP communication test and monitoring systems, and have a product known as Fuse, which is instant-on, full-screen, HD quality streaming video. And they have diversifye technology to test and measure their end-to-end solution for high definition (HD) video delivery on a peruser, per flow basis over low bandwidth networks. With Renick's diversifye, Fuse will be able to ensure end user quality of service (QoS) and quality of experience (QoE) for customers streaming HD video from any location.

Me to myself: I wonder what color we should paint the kitchen. Chocolate brown is too dark for our cabinets and granite counter tops, maybe caramel....something luscious....maybe that Chantam tan we used in the old house guest bath. But definitely something chocolaty. Hmm, I'm hungry. Chocolate sounds so good right now.

DH: HONEY?? Did you hear me??

Me: Oh, huh? Oh, yes. Got it. I will remember. It's Lee and Kevin and I'll contribute to the conversation intelligently.

Me to myself: I hope this place has a decent wine list. What should I order? Let's see... Merlot? Shiraz? Maybe a nice Cabernet? Wonder if they give a generous pour? Maybe the whole bottle?

After dinner:

DH: Well, that went good. Don't you think?? I didn't talk to much, did I? Did I come on too strong?

Me to myself: No honey, you never come on too strong.

DH: Thanks for coming with me tonight. You look really nice. I love your hair that way.

Me: Oh your welcome. Not a problem. Great sushi, wasn't it?

DH: I know it may not seem like much, but it is really important to me that you accompany me on these business dinners. It really makes a difference.

Me: No problem dear. It's the least I can do.

Me to myself: Dang right it makes a difference. Nothing really has changed in the world since time began. You might be the head, but I'm the neck that turns it which ever way it needs to. Can't wait to get that baby grand piano.

Let Your Freak Flag Fly

2008-05-27T22:28:00.015-05:00

In preparation of the upcoming movie release of Sex and the City on May 31st, I thought it fitting and fun to do a little research on the character of Carrie and list some things we have in common.

New York City - No, I've never lived there. If my life was different, I would SO live there. I have visited on occasion, and each time I can't wait to go back.

Columnist/Writer - Nope, not one of these either. But it intrigues me! Does blogging count?

Her closet - Nuff said.

Shoes - Double nuff said.

Cosmopolitans - the orange ones :o)

Great quotes from Carrie:

"The only thing I've ever successfully made in the kitchen is a mess. And several small fires."

"I don't judge others. I say if you feel good with what you're doing, let your freak flag fly."

"I like my money right where I can see it...hanging in my closet."

"After all, computers crash, people die, relationships fall apart. The best we can do is breath and reboot."

"Maybe there are no right moments, right guys, right answers...maybe you just have to say whats in your heart!"

"As we drive along this road called life, occasionally a gal will find herself a little lost. And when that happens, I guess she has to let go of the coulda, shoulda, woulda, buckle up and just keep going."

"So many roads. So many detours. So many choices. So many mistakes."

"As we speed along this endless road to the destination called "who we hope to be", I can't help but whine, "Are we there yet?"

WHO are you?

Books I'd Like To Write

2008-05-26T22:06:00.006-05:00

1. If This Bitch Could Talk - by Sophie W.

2. The Color Orange and Why Women Love It

3. How to Catch a Dining Room Table on Fire Without Even Trying

4. What Carrie Bradshaw and I Have In Common

5. Secrets of a 40-year-old College Student

6. The One Thing Everyone Should Ask Before Purchasing a New
Refrigerator

7. Skankolicious Buzzz of the Waxahachians

8. How To Turn Your 401-K Into a 101-K

9. The Proper Care and Feeding of Raccoons

10. How to Successfully Drag Out Every Home Project For At Least 6
Months

And You Can Quote Me On That!

2008-05-22T07:54:00.003-05:00

check me out!

Love,
the Supa-star

Wordless Wednesday

2008-05-21T12:52:00.003-05:00

Keeping my fingers crossed.

Wordless Wednesday is here.

Beautifying Torture

2008-05-17T15:31:00.005-05:00

Dear Mystic Tan ~

You were referred to me by my dermatologist during our last time together. Dr. L scolded me for attempting to cover up my cellulite by tanning with your co-partner, the cancer bed, which is well-known for its ultraviolet lights. And even though your beloved team mate hands out melanoma for free, Dr. L explained that the cost was too high for me. So, after asking forgiveness and chanting three Hail Mary’s, she happily shared with me her obvious loyalty to you as her favorite.

I’ve thought about stopping by to see you many times. I really wanted to meet you, but I just couldn’t muster up the nerve. I even got in my car a couple of times and drove to your location. But as I pulled in the parking lot I found myself too nervous, and I turned around and went home.

Today, I was still skeptical but more self confident. Maybe it was because the girl was with me, or because enchanted rock is no longer in my flower bed. But for whatever reason, I could finally darken your doors and announce to the world that I was finally ready to meet you.

I guess you figured out that I am claustrophobic, and I wasn’t exactly excited about stripping down naked and entering your vertical coffin. However, I followed your instructions exactly as you gave them to me. I applied the blending cream to my feet and hands, and I placed the medical scrub cap on my head. I put the goggles over my eyes and proceeded into your gas chamber. And even though I appreciated the verbal warning and count down before every series of sprays, nothing could have prepared me for what was about to occur.

The spraying was forceful and cold, and I could not seem to hold my breath long enough to avoid breathing in the vapors as they were being shot at me from atop your coffin. Will my lungs be tan too? Nonetheless, I placed my feet on 1 and 3, then 2 and 4, then 3 and 5. As I turned my body clockwise and held my arms out like a puppet, you repeatedly sprayed that magical concoction that was going to hide my cellulite, cover my pastiness and prepare me for my summer vacation in a swimsuit.

The jury is still out. It hasn’t been quite 4 hours yet. That magical number of hours it takes before the results can be judged and I will know whether or not I will return to you for yet another humiliating, beautifying experience.

Skeptically yours,

Denise

It's Friday! Shake your Porkchop

2008-05-16T07:55:00.007-05:00

Friday Fill-Ins #72

1. There is absolutely NO way you can get me to give up coffee!

2. The Sex and the City movie reminds me that summer is almost here!

3. I cannot live without my Sophie dog.

4. Running a marathon and writing a book are two things I'd like to try.

5. When life hands you lemons make lemonade, with vodka.

6. Learning to ride my bicycle is my favorite childhood memory.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to meeting more moms from our elementary school, tomorrow my plans include seeing Prince Caspian and Sunday, I want to watch my son play baseball!

Ten Guilty Pleasures

2008-05-14T18:17:00.007-05:00

I started thinking about the subject of being a woman and our "guilty pleasures." As I created my list, I wondered about what other people would come up with. So I thought I would start this meme. It will be interesting to see what everyone writes.

I'm tagging:

Biddy
Marathon Mom
Biscuit
Erin
Manic Mommy
Mrs. Blogoway

Here is my list:

1. Mani/Pedi's (always have my toes done!!!!)

2. Massages (my latest indulgence)

3. Eating Out (although recently, not as much)

4. Clothes (of course)

5. Girl's Nights/Weekends (can't live without 'um)

6. Facial Treatments (lately, the laser kind)

7. Beauty Products (I don't think there is a serum, lotion, or cream that I do not have)

8. Jewelry (girl's best friend)

9. Purses (except now I have the Coach Carlie and I don't want to change as often)

10. AND last but NOT least - S H O E S - (One can't have too many of these!)

Arrivederci

2008-05-13T22:22:00.011-05:00

Friday I packed up the girl and moved her home. I don't know where her first year of college went. I don't...but I think she does. Class, library, Sigma Alpha, papers, research, and putting up with a filthy roommate who was MIA most of the time and smelled like weed when she did come around. Second semester was hard, but she made it through.

I am so proud!

Here we are after packing her car

But the trouble with loading is unloading

But the good news is that you can turn in your dorm key

$And sell your books$

ESPECIALLY the Physics one

And then it's LATER GATOR!!

Weekly Word Challenge

2008-05-07T11:32:00.007-05:00

The word challenge for today is three and fire.

The first thing that came to my mind was that gasoline is well over $3.00 a gallon.

$3.41 to be exact.

At this rate, if they keep rising, I'm going to catch my car on FIRE.

things are pretty good when:

2008-05-06T16:24:00.016-05:00

This time, you don't lose at the clothespin game.

You think you look dang pretty in a sombrero and a mustache.

Your chili-pepper earrings light up.

Your eating Sandee's breakfast.

You don't hear the train come through town twice in the middle of the night.

Your dog doesn't either, thus refrains from barking and annoying all your friends.

You try fried green tomatoes for the first time and love them. With Ranch.

You don't get kicked out of the pub even though you probably should have.

You find three great pieces of clothing to add to your wardrobe.

Brooks and Dunn come to town for a music video taping the same day you are there with your girlfriends. Some of them get on camera. The skanky ones.

You get an entire scrapbook finished!

You eat anything you want since calories do not count on scrapbook weekends.

Your husband's truck gets impounded and you decide he can figure it out for himself.

You come home to a spotless house, clean dishes, and all the laundry completed. Humm, should get the truck impounded more often!

don't you hate it when

2008-04-30T20:38:00.003-05:00

Don't you hate it when:

Your turning right at a light and it is green. The on-coming car in front of you also has a green light but does not have an arrow. However, they turn right in front of you. Then they look at you cross-eyed because you are in THEIR way.

Don't you hate it when:

You find out that the LOW fat REDUCED calorie blueberry loaf at Starbucks has 28 grams of sugar and 400 calories?

Don't you hate it when:

You figure out why the homebuilder did not complete a row of bushes around one side of your house. Because there is a GIGANTIC rock under the flowerbed the size of Enchanted Rock.

Don't you hate it when:

Grey's Anatomy finally has a new episode after the writer's strike and you forget to set the DVR?

Don't you hate it when:

You finally have a running route you can do without stopping and the kid's bicycle chain falls off their bike?

Yeah, I thought so.

Hannah moved out

2008-04-28T13:36:00.007-05:00

Well, maybe not a keeper after all?

run, dude, run!

2008-04-25T18:30:00.004-05:00

Last week I made it to the gym one time. Gracie girl had the flu and was out of school for 5 days. Up until then, I had been going faithfully to work out 5 to 6 times a week.

I gave up running. Running on the treadmill is BORING and I just couldn't do it anymore. Instead, I go to group fitness classes, power-walk an incline on the treadmill, and use the elliptical machine.

Yesterday, I just didn't have time to get to the gym. Determined not to miss another day, I laced up my running shoes and hit the pavement. It was a beautiful morning and once I got outside, I was thinking "this could be fun!" I turned on the mp3 and started my usual route. But no matter how hard I tried in the past, I could never make the entire course without walking.

At first, I thought I would just walk it. But just for grins, I changed my mind and started to run. I got to my usual landmark that would usually be the place I would stop running and begin to walk. But oddly enough, I didn't need to. I kept going, and going and I finished the entire thing - all the way up to my front door - before I stopped. WOW! That was fun! I guess all that cardio training paid off afterall! I felt so empowered!

The feeling was almost as good as giving birth without drugs. Well, almost.

cracking the code

2008-04-22T20:32:00.013-05:00

I'm somewhat addicted to the blogthings website. As you can tell from my sidebars, I find it very intriguing. Since Biddy did this one a few days ago, I thought I would give it a shot. Slogan generator works like this: you type in your first name and it gives you a picture and slogan. So the first time I did it, this is what I got:

Better with Denise on It!

Not too hip on this, so I try again:

Denise. Not for Everyone.

This one is o.k. but it doesn't satisfy the "admired and needed" quirk of my personality. So, I think, Denise isn't technically my FIRST name. What? You didn't know that. Well, my mother thought it was a good idea to call me by my middle name. Yes, you heard me right. She is still snickering about it.

So I typed in my legal first name.

Once You Go Susan. You'll Never Go Back.

Um, no. Let's try one more time:

Denise. Stronger than Pain.

OK. We'll go with this one.

The next one I will try is "What kind of bra are you." This should be interesting.

friday fill-ins

2008-04-18T08:00:00.008-05:00

Friday Fill In #68

1. The last time I lost my temper I slept on the couch.
2. Those who play the victim is what I'm fed up with.
3. The next book I'd like to read is In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day.
4. Scrapbooking in May is what I'm looking forward to.
5. If you can't get rid of the skeleton[s] in your closet, chase the lion!
6. The best thing I got in the mail recently was a "I am Bossy" t-shirt.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to expense reports (NOT), tomorrow my plans include a garage sale with Mom and Sunday, I want to do nothing!

wordless wednesday

2008-04-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

Yeppers. It's mine.
www.halebob.com

lone star clich'e

2008-04-14T08:43:00.012-05:00

I love Texas. Born and raised in Ft. Worth, I have never ventured very far from home. And although the thought of experiencing life outside of Texas, or outside the United States even (i.e. Tuscany) sometimes seems appealing, I know for me there is no place like home.

I am one of the few native Texans in my happy little suburb of Plano. No one that lives around here is actually from here. They have moved here from all over the place; from out of state, out of the country, and I am convinced that some arrived here from places other than Earth. But I'll be nice.

One thing in particular really ruffles my feathers. People who haven't been to Texas still have this mental image - believe the old stereotype - of horses and cows, cowboy boots and Stetsons, and king-cab trucks.

My husband is currently reading Donald Miller's book "Through Painted Deserts." Miller also wrote "Blue Like Jazz" which was fantastic. On Saturday, he was laying in bed reading this book, and begins giggling like a schoolboy. Then he begins to read out loud.

"There is but one Texas, and for Texans there is need for nothing more. A country within a country, these people believe they have found the promise land. Businessmen wear thousand-dollar suits with ten-thousand-dollar Stetsons. They drive king-cab trucks to their office jobs while their wives drive SUVs filled with kids in transit to and from school, band practice and football practice and cheerleader practice, and so on. And they have these little white stickers on the backs of their cars that read, "Michael...Plano Football" or "Michelle, Redmond Cheerleader" advertising their child's achievement like a political statement, teaching their kids that what really matters, what Daddy really loves, is what you do."

Knowing this would get a rise out of me, he pauses and waits for my reaction.

"Huummm" I say. "For real? I haven't seen anyone with 'ten-thousand-dollar Stetsons lately. You?"

"Well, I do drive a king-cab truck to work everyday. And you do have an SUV full of kids driving to school and activities."

"Do you have a thousand-dollar suit?"

"No. But that would be nice."

"Do you think we communicate to our kids that it is what they do, not who they are, that is important?"

"No."

"Well, I think this is an unfair depiction of the people of Texas and it makes me angry. People who don't live here read that crap and believe it's true."

Silence.

Silence.

Silence.

"I'm sorry. Didn't mean to attack your book. I know you are enjoying it. I'll try not to keep my comments to myself.

"That's ok honey. I actually enjoy this. I like it that you have a little scrappy in you."

Scrappy.

Was that a compliment? I've never been referred to as scrappy before. I can't say that I minded though. He made it sound like it was trait in me that he found attractive, fun and engaging.

One thing is for sure. I won't look at scrapping the same anymore.

I have people

2008-04-03T21:34:00.006-05:00

It's great to have people. People to assist you when your just too busy to get everything done.

Such as the laundry. Do you know how much laundry a family of 5 accumulates? Of course you do! It's still laying on your dining room table too. Don't lie. I'm so glad I have people to help with that pesky little task. Oh wait...

That would be me.

Just think about the relief that I felt while making a mental list of all the spring lawn maintenance: weeding the beds, remulching, planting the flowers. It really takes the burden off of me to know I've got people. Such as....uh....that would be....dammit.

That's me too.

Well, at least I have someone who can help me with driving the kids to school and to after-school activities, helping with homework, etc. Someone like a nanny.

OMG! I don't?

Ok, how about help with buying the groceries?

No?

A chef? God knows I need assistance in this area.

Are you kidding?

A painter? You know I have about 3 projects going on right now.

What? Are you sure?

Personal decorator? It's always good to get some input.

Nada.

Wait, I know! A plumber to fix that drippy faucet?

SOL.

Well, I'm sticking to my story that it's good to have people. You should get some of your own. And get me some while your at it. K?

Bossy does Dallas

2008-04-01T22:02:00.011-05:00

Me and the Marathon Mom took a little trip downtown last night to meet Bossy. Wow!!
What a great time! I was a little nervous about Sophie honing in on the fun -- but come to find out -- she was a big hit!! I wouldn't be surprised if Bossy didn't take a detour to San Antonio to buy herself one.

Thank you so much to the Host for having us. The food, friends, and conversation was so much fun!

Not only did we take a tour of a church that is being remodeled into a house, but there was a little pole dancing involved also! LOL

Doesn't Bossy look like she's having fun??????

Here's my new friend Biddy!

And here is me and Bossy with the Soph. (See, she really can smile with her teeth showing!!!)

friday fill-ins

2008-03-28T16:29:00.004-05:00

I always loved fill-in-the-blank homework at school. Of course, that was BACK IN THE DAY.

Friday Fill-In #65

1. Some relationships are meant to end.

2. Third Day is the last concert I saw; it was groovy!

3. Spring should be the start of all things new.

4. Oh no! I forgot to floss.

5. I've recently started torturing myself with healthy food and frequent excercising.

6. Puppies never fail to make me smile.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to doing nothing, tomorrow my plans include running intervals and Sunday, I want to paint my dining room!

confessions of a junk food junkie

2008-03-26T14:12:00.009-05:00

Hello.

My name is Denise and I'm a Junk Food Junkie.

It's been 7 days since my last drive-thru.

And when I say drive-thru I mean EVERY kind of drive-thru.

Such as the STARBUCKS one.

Broccoli, apples, chicken and whey protein are my new friends.

Along with a lot of this.

And a bucket load of this.

So maybe one day, I won't look like this.

A life in six words

2008-03-25T17:51:00.007-05:00

Christine at Manic Mommy has tagged me for this six word memoir meme.

Here is how it works: Sum up my life in six words. No more, no less. The loophole is you can write as many of these six word sentences as you want. (Well, that's good. Because everyone knows I like to talk. And I couldn't possibly sum up this life in six words. And because I find this exercise extremely challenging..... this could take awhile.) So here goes!

Music is the spice of life.

Grab your girlfriends and go shopping.

How many clothespins does it take?

Live strong, laugh often, love deep.

Children are a gift from God.

Scrapping makes the world go 'round.

No waxing save the hairy raccoons.

Off to college I am broke.

Good wine, great friends, wonderful family.

Food is the answer to prayer.

Dance like no one is watching.

Pictures are worth a thousand words.

This is harder than it looks.

I'm tagging J-Sing at Biscuit is the Answer because I'm tired of seeing The Queen on her latest post and she needs a new one. Can you say "Yes Ma'am"???

My g, EC at Marathon Mom because I heard she doesn't consider fruit snacks healthy.

And Biddy because I haven't heard from her in a while.

the hunt

2008-03-24T16:52:00.028-05:00

How to have a good Easter egg hunt

1. First, get out the hard-boiled eggs

2. Then put your colored dye into cups

3. Make sure a parent is in charge

4. Act very excited about this activity

5. Have the baskets ready

6. Send the kids to the back room and get the grandparents to hide the eggs

7. Bring the kids out and establish the rules. On your mark, get set....

8. HUNT!!!

9. Now count the eggs to see who has the most (wish these were my measurements)

10. We have a winner

11. Now it's time to trade if you do not like the ones you found

12. Some do not want to trade. This makes others upset.

13. And others too

THE END

Friday fill-ins

2008-03-21T18:44:00.005-05:00

1. Decorating is so exciting!

2. Strawberry fields forever.

3. Anything fattening sounds like it would taste delicious! (I'm on a diet)

4. Why does shopping make me feel so good?!

5. J-Sing dancing to "It's getting hot in here" is something I've always wanted to see.

6. It's sad when scrapbooking weekends are over.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to more veggies and fruit (ack), tomorrow my plans include an outside photoshoot and Sunday, I want to celebrate Easter with my family!

wordless wednesday

2008-03-19T09:40:00.007-05:00

A new sign for my closet

manic monday

2008-03-17T08:46:00.010-05:00

Manic Monday Questions:

If you could have any music group or musician play at a party, who would you hire?

The Fray

Name three things to be happy about today.

1. I found jeans that fit my body type. The website evaluates your body type via questionnaire and determines which of their styles would be the best. They actually have jeans to fit a pear. Brilliant!!

2. We have the details of our July 4th vacation completed and I am so excited!

3. It's Spring Break!

How do you release frustration?

I take it inward and sort it out. This can be a good and bad. Inward struggles can be hard to do alone. But I have found that most of the time, it beats the alternative. Sometimes, however, a little snark comes out!

hannah moved in

2008-03-14T17:07:00.008-05:00

Hannah has moved in our house. My six year old is obsessed with her. The clothes, music, tv show, movie.....but she's not the only one.

Yes, I'm 40 years old and I listen to Miley Cyrus. There. I said it. I totally dig her newest song (playing now on the ipod to your left).

And I am allowing her to stay at my house, as long as the 15-yr-old maintains the squeaky clean image she has successfully pulled off thus far. I think it is partly because of her dad, Billy Ray Cyrus, who keeps her in line. (Who is apparently a much better parent than achy-breaky-heart country singer.)

She was on Oprah recently, and said she wanted to be a good role model to her teen fans by watching what clothes she wears, etc. Hey, I'm thinking, as long as she wears underwear under her skirt, she's a keeper.

works for me wednesday

2008-03-12T10:30:00.005-05:00

Christine at Manic Mommy did this iPod meme and I thought it was so cool that I wanted to do it too!

OK, first things first. I have a video iPod and it's black. I bought it for the DH and come to find out, he doesn’t like iPods (what?) so I took it back for myself. Indian Giver.

The rules are simple: Hit shuffle on your iPod then answer each question by hitting next.

Q: What does next year have in store for you?
A: Live Like You Were Dying – Tim McGraw (That's weird! I did NOT cheat!!)

Q: What does your love life look like next year?
A: My Blue Heaven - Frank Sinatra

Q: What do you say when life gets hard?
A: Home - Michael Buble'

Q: Song that reminds you of good times?
A: Soak Up The Sun – Sheryl Crow

Q: What do you think when you get up in the morning?
A: Everywhere – Michelle Branch

Q: What song will you dance to at your wedding?
A: Into the Night - Santana

Q: Song that reminds you of your first kiss?
A: Rock Your Body – Justin Timberlake (bwa ha ha ha!!)

Q: Your favorite saying?
A: Crank That – Soulja Boy

Q: Favorite place?
A: Drops of Jupiter - Train

Q: Most Missed Memory?
A: Wake Up Call – Maroon 5

Q: What song describes your best friend?
A: Before He Cheats – Carrie Underwood

Q: What song describes your ex?
A: Look After You – The Fray

Q: Where would you go on a first date?
A: Let Love In – Goo Goo Dolls

Q: Drug of choice?
A: With You – Chris Brown

Q: What song describes you?
A: I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing - Aerosmith

Q: What is the thing you like doing most?
A: Move Along – The All-American Rejects

Q: The song that best describes the president?
A: Gimme More – Brittney Spears (OK, that's priceless)

Q: Where will you be in 10 years?
A: Fallin’ – Alicia Keys

Q: Your love life right now?
A: Dare You to Move - Switchfoot

Q: What is your state of mind like at the moment?
A: My Humps – Black Eyed Peas (again...priceless)

Q: How will you die?
A: It’s Not Over – Daughtry

I couldn’t have picked better songs if I tried. It’s weird how it turns out. Give it a try!

welcome to the partay!!

2008-03-11T12:22:00.016-05:00

So sorry I’m late! I’m usually the first one at the party. I’ve been so busy. But I'm here now, so let's get this party started!!

If you have come here from 5 minutes for mom, let me take minute to introduce myself. I’m Denise and a WAHM. I have three terrific kids and I am still trying to figure out what I want to be when (or if) I grow up. I love to write about whatever inspires me. Traveling, friends, family. Also, I have a list of blogs I like to read posted over in the right side-bar. Take a peek at those too!

So this is my little space on the web. I tend to redecorate a lot, so don’t be surprised if it looks different every time you visit. Take a look around and hope to see you back real soon!

Make sure you check out the other participants in the 5 minutes for mom Ultimate Blog Party - you’re sure to meet some new people, and maybe find a new blog or two to read!

I found a new recipe that I wanted to share. I don’t enjoy cooking – so the things that I find that are fast and YUMMY….well, they are a KEEPER!!

INGREDIENTS

1 pound dry ziti pasta
2 (26 ounce) jars spaghetti sauce
6 ounces provolone cheese, sliced
1 1/2 cups sour cream
6 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

DIRECTIONS

1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add ziti pasta, and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes; drain.

2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

3. Butter a 9x13 inch baking dish.

4. Layer as follows: 1/2 of the ziti, Provolone cheese, sour cream, 1/2 sauce mixture, remaining ziti, mozzarella cheese and remaining sauce mixture. Top with grated Parmesan cheese. Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until cheeses are melted.

ENJOY!!