Dads

I am very fortunate to have an involved father when I was growing up. And while you would have never caught either of us with pom poms and cheering, you could have found my dad in the driveway late at night, holding up a broom in the air, as I practiced shooting over him and the broom. Now that could also make a great commerical!

Speaking of my dad, he and my mom have finally made it out of Tennessee. It took them quite some time to get from Jackson, TN to Memphis, TN. They went 4 mph for several hours. My mom said people were actually getting out of their cars and building snowmen on the side of the interstate. When I spoke with them earlier they were planning on spending the night in Texarkana, TX.

Oh, and we got absolutely nothing. There was some ice, but the sun was shining bright today so it didn't take long for that to melt.

Conundrum

Here is my conundrum of the day...On the short trek from my car to my apartment I found some money on the ground. What should I do? I can tell you that is not my roommate's. I asked her. Any thoughts?

Things I Thought I Would Never Say

1. Is this shirt too low cut to wear to church? Okay so that wasn't the exact question, but you get the picture. AND I did grab a tank to put on underneath.
2. How old should you be when you stop wearing shorts/pants with words written across the bottom?
3. I'm really struggling to get into Dancing with the Stars this season.
4. This tangerine Diet Rite is actually pretty good.
5. The Bucs and the Rays both won yesterday!
6. No, I will not got to Dick's Sporting Goods at 6 am when they open to get a Rays shirt!
7. Stumpy is dead. (Sigh.)
8. I taught my brother to shave his legs. (For the record it was Roger and he had an ankle injury that required taping.)
9. No, Abbey, I do not want any funnel cake.
   
10. Who's that knocking on my door at 9:39 pm?..."Mr. Pizza Delivery Man, I'm sorry you have the wrong apartment."
    

Ten Things That Make Me Smile

1. Catching up with a friend over a cup of coffee
2. Sleeping late on a Saturday morning
   
3. Hearing those sweet little baby squeaks when I talk to my sister-in-law while she is holding Madeline
4. Dark chocolate
   
5. A beautiful sunrise or sunset
6. A surprise
7. When I get to help put Jacob to bed via the phone...especially prayer time
   
8. An encouraging word
9. The way I feel after a good run
   
10. The way my parents talk to each other when I am on the phone with them
11. A good inside joke
12. The way a verse or a passage can jump off the page just when I need it
    
13. My anticipation and excitement when I have a surprise planned for someone
14. When a worship song expresses my heart more than my own words can
15. A good book

Hmmm...

This is one of those evenings where I am not exactly sure what to write.

I mean should I write about the lady that was too "mature" to be wearing the mini skirt, heels, and tube top...in Dillards?

Should I write about my trip to the Clinique counter at Dillards? How I managed to hit their bonus time without even knowing about it? Or maybe the "fun and flirty" bag that my bonus came in? Because we all know that "fun and flirty" is the perfect phrase to describe me.

Maybe I should share the news that Madeline is going to be making her stage debut...as Baby Jesus in the church musical. Of course Stuart and Michelle will be Joseph and Mary. Two thoughts came to mind immediately..."I didn't know Mary was a redhead." and "I didn't know Jesus was a baby girl." I'm still waiting to hear how that explain that one to Jacob. On a serious note, I think they will all do great.

I guess I could give my predictions for Dancing With The Stars (DWTS)...well, at least the couples to watch for (listed in no particular order):

• Toni Braxton and Alec Mazo
  
• Brooke Burke and Derek Hough
  
• Kim Kardashian and Mark Ballas
  
• Misty May-Treanor and Maks (not even going to try and type out his last name)
  
• Cody Linley and Julianne Hough
  
• Warren Sapp and Kym Johnson

I know that is kind of a long list, but it's only week one. I think an honorable mention should go to Lance and Lacey. I don't think they will survive Len and his judging, but that is just my opinion.

On that note, I will sign off for the evening. I am fighting a little cold/sore throat and the medicine I took about a half hour ago has begun to kick in and my eyes are getting a little heavy. Besides DWTS is back on...I am watching Maurice and Cheryl dance and I might have to add them to that list...at least it was entertaining!

So Much To Do...

...and so little time! That is what the last several days have felt like. I feel like I have been going, going, going...kinda like that pink bunny! :) The good news is that I am beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

The last two nights I have only had the energy to make cereal for dinner. I guess "make" should be used rather loosely.

On a more positive note...I made a very special purchase today in attempts to organize my crazy little life. And I am not talking about my stylin' new duds that I bought at New York and Co. When the weather cools off a little bit I will definitely bust those out for everyone to see...but back to my organizational purchase.

The best thing about it is that it's red!!!

I'll admit it, I have had my fair share of planners over the years, but I am hoping this one is the answer to all my problems. It is small and compact. That means it will fit in my purse...at least most of them. This way I should never be without it. At least that is the plan. I know all of you who regularly read my blog will wait with anticipation on how this organizational strategy will work. Don't worry, I'll keep you posted!

Taylor the Latte Boy

I know...another video. You might think it is due to lack of inspiration, but oh no. This post is full of inspiration. This song is almost autobiographical, but I don't always get free coffee...sometimes its a brownie or a cookie or an 8 oz bag of their new special blend coffee.

All I am saying is that while his name isn't Taylor, there is this guy at Starbucks and might, kinda, sorta, definitely, maybe, possibly love him I mean have a harmless crush on him. And I don't even care that my coffee wasn't decaf last night...besides he didn't make it anyway! Sigh. :)

Oh, The Horror!

I was my minding my own business, getting ready for bed, and talking to my dad on the phone. With all the pillows thrown in the corner, it all begins.

A small lizard has taken up residence on my wall, below the window. As "luck" would it have, right over my yet-to-be-unpacked suitcase. (I know I should have unpacked, but give a girl a break. I also figured if I played my cards right I could continue wearing things from it and would have less to unpack when I finally got around to it.)

I am not scared of lizards, but I sure don't want one in my room. Oh, I know there probably have been others, but I didn't know they were there. I saw this one. I decide that I would just catch it and let it go...Because I am a peaceful, don't kill it, kinda of girl...unless we are talking about a juicy steak and then I have no problem with killing things.

Before I can head to the kitchen to grab a cup, the small...most likely baby...lizard falls off the wall into, you guessed it, my suitcase. No problem, he/she is on top and I make a dash to the kitchen because there is no way I am touching this thing.

I return to scene of the crime to find the lizard gone. I am a smart girl and figure he/she is still in there. (Oh and did I mention that I am still on the phone with my dad who keeps talking about the football game he is at?) I begin removing articles of clothing when I spot him/her. I am ready with the cup and make my first attempt at catching him/her. I miss.

At this point I decide that I need both hands and dismiss my dad.

More articles of clothing come out of my bag. When I grab my khaki capris, the lizard flies across the room. He/She runs. I run. Now armed with a cup and a piece of mail, I am more determined than ever to capture and release.

The sneaky thing runs into a corner and behind my guitar. I manage to get him/her out, and then it darts into the bathroom. But ever the successful hunter, I am not far behind. Crawling on my knees, making attempt after attempt of catching this guy under the cup...Finally he/she hits the tile and with one swoop of the cup...he/she is trapped.

One moment of glory which is quickly followed by dismay and horror. I pick up one side to ensure that this little stow away is inside, when he/she makes another dash. Words can't even begin to describe what happened next. A picture can only tell the rest of the story.

There was no release...only a flush.

Have You Heard?

According to The Joy FM, Chic-Fil-A is offering a "Triple Play" on Wednesday, August 13 through Friday, August 15 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

What is a "Triple Play" you ask?

That would be a FREE...that's right, I said FREE...3 count chicken strips!

Chic-Fil-A has just changed their chicken strips recipe and I hear they are supposed to be pretty good.

So save a cow, and eat some chicken this week!

Oh, and check back later today...I have another post forming in my head and as long as I can still remember it when I get home tonight, I will post again. Two posts in one day...who would have thunk it!

Loooooong Day

I have just walked in the door from work. It may be one of the loooooongest days I have ever worked. I have much to share, but it will have to wait because I am too tired to think! I'll catch all four readers up later.

Sometimes I Forget...

...exactly how old I am. Tonight after 5 games of sand volleyball, I can barely lift my right arm over my head. I am very aware of my age. I'm taking some Aleeve and going to bed. Why am I still up at midnight anyway?

Accomplishements

It's been one of those days that I can look at my day and see several accomplishments.

It began before the rise of the sun with the shells crunching beneath my new running shoes. I completed a mile run in 9 minutes and 45 seconds. Last week it was 11 minutes, so I feel really good about that. I'm going to go ahead and shoot for getting my mile to about 9 minutes. I reminded my dad over the phone that even in my peak of basketball career I could not run a mile that fast. :)

I went in to work knowing I was going to have a pretty physical day there as well. I painted, moved things, and cleaned up all the mess. It's nice to finish your day and see that a room had been transformed before my very eyes.

I feel accomplished and am now dog tired. I've had a bowl of cereal (a.k.a. dinner when your tired) and am now ready to call it a day. Good night!

Disaster in the Kitchen

I just created the worst disaster in the kitchen. For some time now I have been wanting to try to make hummus from scratch. I have searched through several recipes, but everything seemed too complicated. A couple of weeks ago I found a recipe that only had 5 ingredients. Let me tell you, it was awful! I didn't take any pictures, but trust me, it was just a beige paste. At least the only investment was a can of garbanzo beans. I think I will look at some of the more complicated options or just keep buying it at the grocery store.

I Don't Think It Was Decaf!!!

First mistake, meeting the realtor at Starbuck's. Second mistake, thinking it was wrong to park my car at Starbuck's without going in and buying a little something while I waited for my realtor. Third mistake, ordering a nonfat decaf latte. Fourth mistake, drinking the whole thing.

It's 11:00 pm and I can't get to sleep. I know it isn't that late, but I will pay in the morning when the alarm goes off at 4:40 am.

On another note, I saw a definite possibility on the house hunt tonight. I don't want to say to much because I am trying to contain my excitement. I'll know more tomorrow and will keep you all posted!

I Meant To...

blog last night, but some where in my exciting evening of produce shopping, making dinner, watching mindless television, giving some TLC to some plants, and going to bed early, I forgot. I mean, my evening was jammed packed with critical tasks.

Hopefully tonight I will be a little more on the ball. I am also hoping to look at a couple of houses with my realtor after work, so maybe I will have a house hunt update. It's been 2 1/2 weeks since I have actually looked at anything in person. Last week I did resume the Internet search.

Does Anyone Know the Time?

Well, I do.

It's 2:05 am!

Why am I up?

Someone just finished an impromptu fireworks show outside my window.

In case you are wondering, I am not happy right now!

Bargains and Deals

First, I want to wish everyone a belated Happy 4th of July. I hope everyone enjoyed the holiday, time with family/friends, and wonderful food like I did. I also hope you took some time and thanked God for the freedom that we enjoy and the men and women who have made and continue to make that possible.

Today a friend and I went to an area outlet mall to see what bargains we could find. I had several things on my "want/need" list and did a pretty good job of checking them off...First were some new jeans at Gap where I also found this new pink shirt. A friend recently told me that every woman needs a little pink in their wardrobe.


I also found this great black and white polka dot dress with red trim and sweater.


By far, the deal of the day was when I found the Saucony outlet which happened to also be the Stride Rite outlet (Jacob, my nephew, would be proud) and found my running shoes at an incredible price. I am not quite ready for a new pair of shoes, but since these are the "old" model (I currently have the Hurricane 10 and these are Hurricane 8) and a size 11, I couldn't pass them up.


I also bought some other things, but either they are gifts or just not exciting so I will spare you the details/pictures.

I don't think some people go the memo that today is July 5th. I am still hearing fireworks being shot off at my apartment complex. I really wouldn't mind as much except for the fact that I know I will see all the remains of tonight's festivities in the morning on my jog. They never seem to quite pick up after themselves.

Maybe I Should Become a Pirate

All I am missing is the peg leg, the eye patch, and the parrot. I do have several earrings that would definitely work.

You see in the last three weeks I have managed to lose one earring on two different occasions. Both times I have been out and about and either reached up or seen myself in a mirror and realized I was looking like a pirate.


The question is what am I supposed to do with these random earrings? All I can think of is become a pirate or find Jack Sparrow and see I can sell him some sterling silver hoops!

Your Turn

It's your turn to speak...

1. What is the best advice you have ever received?
2. What is the worst advice you have ever received?

I'll start:
1. Personally I have been on the end of a lot of good advice. When I graduated from high school my dad's best friend told me to remember who I was and whose I was. A friend wrote in a email a couple of years ago, "Lead on in love and imperfect walk, but sustained pursuit." My dad use to come up with a different saying each year during basketball season. One of my favorites was, "Go for it, don't hold back!"
2. Recently someone I had just met asked me if I was married and had kids. I replied with, "No, I'm single." She then went on to tell me how lucky I was because I would not have to bury my husband. Yes! Something that I can cling to when I struggle with being lonely. :) Of course this all brought on the realization that it would be up to my brothers to make my "arrangements" some day. I have a feeling I'll get the cheapest option available at the time...which reminds me I should call those boys and tell them how much I love them! Or better yet, I'll call their wives!

Your turn...