Clean Stores

One of my very first jobs was as a cashier at a new grocery store. It was tons of fun. I went through 2 weeks of training before the store opened. Then we had to keep our register area clean. We had to make sure the barcode scanner was always cleaned off, also. One thing I notice now when I shop, the stores are not kept in the clean order our store was. I never see cashiers cleaning up anything. Most of the time, if they are not waiting on someone, you see them chit chatting with other employees. Customer service is not at all what it used to be.

Slimming Up

I'm always on the look out for something that will help me loose weight. Solo Slim may just help me out. I know I need something good & strong. I have never been able to loose weight without the aide of some kind of diet pill. I may just give this stuff a try. There are so many out there, it's hard to find the right one. I know I'm not going to be doing this just yet, but in the future for sure.

Cute Fella

Razzy loves getting his picture taken.

Pimples Go Away

Thankfully I was blessed with good skin. Something I don't take for granted. I hate when I do get the occasional pimple. I'm grateful I have never had to deal with severe acne. I see those commercials of people talking about how low their self esteem was before they got treatment. I couldn't imagine needing to be on the look out for the best acne pills, to help my skin. But I know people who need them are quite happy they are available.

Gotta Loose Weight

Loosing weight seems to be the one thing that haunts so many people. And most that deal with the battle of the bulge, yo-yo diet for their entire life. I really don't think I know anyone, who has dropped their desired pounds & kept it all off. I don't mean to sound negative, but someone who has been overweight the majority of their life, may just be destined to carry extra pounds. I have seen people say they have found the best weight loss pills, but can you stay on those pills for the rest of your life? I don't see anything wrong with the pills, they do help in jump starting your body into loosing weight. But you can't rely on them to do all the work. It has to be a conscious choice in your mind. It never goes away...Those constant thoughts of food, but it's what you do with them that makes the difference.

Wrinkles

I have always taken pretty good care of my skin, but I am no spring chicken anymore & have started seeing the lines of age. I want to find a good eye cream, since this seems to be the area the lines have begun to appear. I need to be more proactive in my skincare. I don't want to go overboard, with creams & potions. But I need to do more than I am at the moment. I just have such a hard time, paying the money for the "good" stuff. Haha...Maybe a trip to the mall is in order.

Acne on the aging

One thing I didn't have to really deal with in my teenage years was acne. But now that I am in my 30's my skin has been doing some changing. I am now realizing that I may need to look into treatments for acne for aging skin. I'm not sure the same stuff for teenagers will be the best for me. I do need to fight wrinkles now also! Haha! But thankfully I still don't look my age. I have noticed some lines around my eyes though.

LOVE IT!

Look at my new marvelous purse!!!!!!!

Get Yur Diet On

How many ads are there for the best diet pills? They are everywhere! I was on one of the best diet pills for about 6 months. I loved it! I would still be on it now, but you can only take it for a certain amount of time. I plan on going back on it eventually. That stuff rocked! I lost 50 pounds. But I must say not being on it, has been challenging. If only my body naturally kept weight off, without the aide of something! Wishful thinking, I suppose.

PDA

I have never really cared to much about PDAs. I guess because I didn't have a real need for one. But I recently began texting & oh my! It is sooooo fun! I would love to have a PDA now! It would be so fun to tweet or facebook from my PDA & not have to be on the computer. And I would want one with a QWERTY keyboard. It would make things easier. I just need to keep hoping for one.

2 Cars for 1

D & I was in the market for a 2nd car & have been for a long time. We are just waiting on him getting a raise at this point. I recently saw a local car lots that had buy 1 new car get a used one for free! Very cool! D & I thought that might be a good idea, but the more we thought about it the more we talked ourselves out of it. Even though the 2nd car is free, we would still have to have full coverage car insurance on it, plus all the other upkeep. Sure there wouldn't be a 2nd car payment, but it's still too much for us to undertake now. It's going to be a big enough transition having a car payment again.

Help me not eat!

The dr had put me on the best appetite suppressant, last Summer & I lost 50 pounds. I had to stop taking it in January & I miss it! Oh my goodness, it was awesome. I felt so much better on it, because it also gave me tons of energy. I think that is one of the things I miss the most about it. I need something that helps me with energy, since I have health issues that slow me down. I'm taking a break from the meds, since you can't stay on them forever. But I may just go back on them in a few months.

Bar Removed

When my parents bought there current home, back in 1985-86, it was a bankruptcy home. I can still remember walking in there the first time. I was 8 or 9 & the house was all dark & just creepy. The people that has lost their home, were not happy & destroyed alot of things. One thing that I loved about the house was that there were 2 different bars. One bar separated the kitchen from the living area. I could just invision myself sitting there eating a snack. And the other bar had a mirrored back splash, a tiny sink & even saloon doors! I was excited about this. And was thrilled to play in there. I was saddened when Danny removed both bars & my dreams were shattered. Haha. But to a 9 yr old, it was a big deal.

Easter

Easter was wonderful this year. We had planned on just going to church & the n coming home & chilling out, with Mom & Danny. Not anything out of the ordinary. But Friday my aunt called & invited us all over to her house, for food & games. I took my famous green beans, which weren't as good this year for some reason. And then my Granny's carrot cake, which turned out fabulously!
We had a blast playing the "Survivor Challenge." And then after most of the family went home, some of us played dominoes. It was a blessed day.

Easing the Pain

I have never heard of Super Cissus, until now. It's sounds intriguing. I suffers from different kinds of chroinc pain & the idea of helping ease it all with something that is herbal makes me sense to me. I don't like the idea of taking prescription pain meds. I would rather suffer, instead of taking them. I just worry about getting addicted. I think I may just have to give Super Cissus a try. I would love to have a day pain free. So I am up for the challenge.

Comfy Shoes

I seem to always be on the constant look out for the perfect comfortable, yet stylish shoe. I used to be able to wear anything. Now I am picky, but not because I want to be. My feet went through hell, when I worked retail & I now pay the price, add that to my bad back & finding a good shoe is not always easy for me. I also love to wear boots, but have not found a pair that didn't have a huge heel, until I saw the Naot shoes website. I found this great pair. I made just buy them for next Fall & Winter.

A Cali Vacation

I was just looking around on the internet tonight for some place for D & I to get away. He does get an incredible discount for accommodations from work, but we have yet to put it to use.
D is from California & I lived there for awhile, but I never went to far out of LA county. I would like to find us a San Diego CA hotel, to spend some time in. I'm not even sure is D has been to San Diego. But I do know it would be fun! And since we would be in California, we could drive up & visit with his parents. Gotta make the trip count.

My Hummers

I sure have been missing my hummers! I can't wait for them all to come home. I put out there food, so they will have it once they get here. I look for them everyday. I wonder if Hummington will be back.

A Money Making Blog

I plan of creating a blog for selling the ornament & other art I create. I'm thinking that getting a conversion rate optimization would be a good idea to use for getting traffic to the site as well as purchases. I know I am not going to make a ton of money, but it would be nice to see some extra money in my pocket. I really do enjoy painting & creating. It's a hobby, so why not make money doing what you love?

Cheap Shopper

Being an ubber thrifty person, you know that getting a good deal of something is right up my alley. So, the mention of wholesale clothes....I am there! I absolutely hate to pay full price for anything. And if I can't use a coupon, then it has to be on sale or I will not buy it. Why pay full price for things when you do not have too? I can not believe how much money I have saved this past year, shopping with coupons, using the Buy one get one sales & hitting the clearance racks. There really is not greater satisfaction that coming home with a car load of stuff for next to nothing.

New Ceiling Fan

I love different kinds of lighting. And I have a bit of an obsession with lamps. D used to work for a home improvement company & they would give him a gift card for Christmas. We always seemed to use it on buying a lamp! Haha! We need to replace the lighting in all the rooms in our house. We did add 2 news lights to the kitchen when I painted last Summer. And they made a world of a difference. I think our bedroom is in need the most. We have a ceiling fan with no light. It drives me nuts.

It Snowed!!!

And we had a blast playing in it!

Take a Ton Of Pics

I've recently been going through tons of all photos. I think it's funny, that back in the day, we were only allowed 36 photos on a roll of film. You snapped photos more cautiously & never knew how something turned out, until you had them developed. Sometimes there were a few keepers in the bunch. Nowadays with the fabulous invention of the digital camera & it's companion the micro sd, the amount of photos that you can take now are pretty much limitless. Especially since you can delete not so great photos as soon as you take them. Love it!

Go Oscar

I'm sitting here watching the Academy Awards. It has got to the best one I have ever seen. They have revamped it all. Which makes for better viewing. I'm loving the dresses of course. Last year I didn't watch it at all. But this year, I was intrigued to see who wins.

Cherry Trees

I have never been to Washington DC, but it is one place that I have wanted to visit. I love anything to do with history, but when in school I seemed to be drawn to world history more. Now I appreciate American history. To be able to walk the streets that some of our founding fathers walked, would be amazing. But if that day comes that I am able to visit DC, I want it to be when the Flowering CherryTrees are in full bloom. How spectacular they are.

Treasure

You never know what you may find in the garbage. You know the saying, "One man's trash, is another man's treasure." It is oh so true. My entire house has been basically furnished with things people no longer wanted. Once a year our city does a clean up day & it's a time for people to put big items by the road to be picked up. We always go driving the neighborhoods. We have found some good things, including a grill. One time we also found a box full of medical textbooks. It was like a treasure trove for Mom, since she has always wanted to be a nurse. I think she was dancing in the street!

Backpack Travel

I watched a special the other night, about people who give up their jobs & lives, to travel the world alone for a few months or even years. This particular special followed a guy who quit his high paying job, packed his backpack & headed out for a year of travel. I wonder if he had any travel medical insurance? I mean, you would think that would be a brilliant idea. Especially with traveling to some under developed countries & staying in not so clean places. I know that I love to travel, but there is no way I would just up & travel the world alone with my backpack.

Safety First

In my working career, I never worked anywhere, that we had to wear any time of safety equipment. But my husband has. Thankfully where he works now, that isn't an issue. It does keep me from worrying as much as I used too, I will tell ya that He used to come home telling me about people that would constantly break the rules regarding safety. I'm so glad he no longer works there. If I had to work somewhere the required a hard hat, I would just have to have a pink one. Hahaha...I would insist.

Rainy Days

One place I have yet to visit is Seattle, but I would love to go there. To see the lush greenery, the coffee shops & the Space Needle. I think I would also enjoy the rain. I relish in dark dreary days. I can bet you though that Seattle injury lawyers stay pretty busy. There has to be all kinds of car accidents on a daily bases. I would think the lawyers would never be looking for work. It's sad, but true. Especially if the citizen of Seattle drive as bad as those in Alabama when it rains.

Pain in the Shoulder

Years ago, I had a friend that had to have shoulder surgery, after suffering from a sport injury. Thankfully they had a successful surgery & had no need for a shoulder pain pump. I had never even heard about one before. But after looking into it, I found out that they are used as pain management following some surgeries. But they are finding out now that causing a rare condition which causes the progressive destruction of cartilage in the shoulder joint. Pretty sad, when something that is being used to help with pain, causes more of it!

Valentine's Day Was Perfection...

...But how could it not be with these!

Weight Challenged

I don't think there is a day that goes by that I don't see an ad for weight loss supplements, on TV, in a magazine, on the web & now they are on the side on my e-mail! It's pure madness. But it is just proof of our true desire to lose the pounds that weigh us down. I have battled it my entire life. I do not remember a time, when weight was not on my mind. I was always the biggest kid in elementary school, in all areas. But I stopped getting taller & everyone passed me. I just continued to grow wider! Haha!

A Good Workout

My time away from the house is limited & even though the area we live is gorgeous & a perfect place for walking, there are dogs that run loose. And that keeps me from walking. I really hate it too. I have been wanting to get an elliptical for a long time. If I had to money to go buy one right this moment, I would! I just feel having it here in the house, avaliable for me at any time, would be such a motivator. One of these days I'll get one...One of these days....

Valentine's Day

Tomorrow D has to work, until mid afternoon. Then once he get's home, we are going to go for an early dinner at a new Italian restaurant, that isn't far from the house. The owners are from Italy & everything is made from scratch. We have been wanting to try this place for awhile & especially every time we pass by & the place is packed out! After we eat dinner, we plan on going to the mall to walk around. I made chocolate covered strawberries tonight & I'm going to make D some brownies. Yum!

New Luggage

I went to go get some spray paint out of the shed yesterday & saw some luggage that we keep forgetting to throw out. We bought them years ago, when we went to visit D's parents & came home with more then we went with. So, we bought some cheap stuff. They served there purpose, but after being in the shed, they got messed up & can't be used anymore. I guess if we plan on going anywhere, any time soon, we will just have to borrow some luggage from Mom.

Weight Lose Help

Did you know that Leptorexin is the only diet pill that guarantees fat loss? It also contains "super foods", tons of vitamins, metabolism boosters, fat loss/lean mass growth, liver detoxification & an anti-aging complex. Sounds like a bunch of good stuff too me! With so many people out there today trying to find a way to loose weight & instead of loosing weight, they are just loosing the battle, maybe Leptorexin can be the answer, to help them along.

Good Green Tea

I have recently post 50 pounds & could still loose more. I'm happy with my 50 though. I say though that looking at diet pills, does make me think I could go that route again. Maybe in the future. I was looking at Leptovox & the main reason is got my attention was from the mention of green tea. I love green tea, so if when I see it as an ingredient it tends to catch my eye. I saw that Leptovox uses green tea instead of caffine . I really like that plus green tea is an anti-oxidant. That's always a good thing.

Signs of Spring

We had an alot of extra cold weather this Winter, which is so not Alabama. But things seem to have gotten back to normal. Daffodils are blooming, a true sign of Spring & it's not even the middle of February. I have taken advantage of this glorious warmer weather. I've been out on the porch & this Spring I get to enjoy it with my laptop! Yippee!!! The 'kids' have loved it also.

Appreciating It All

Growing up in the South, I never realized just how special it was. Once I moved away to the West coast & then come back it was like seeing life with blinders taken off. Especially when it comes to the wildlife, plants & trees. The first Spring I was back, I remember seeing certain buds on tress I had never noticed before. I took on a complete new appreciation for things I had grown up seeing. One of my favorite things to see, is an old homestead out in a field, with several larger than life Oak trees standing guard over the place. Now that is my kind of home. It's exactly the place I dream of living, raising babies & enjoying my grandchildren. I just wish those old stately Oak trees could talk & tell of all the people that have passed under their branches.

I Need Some Light

It is sooo dark out around my house, especially since don't live in the city & are kind of up on the mountain. We had the power company put up a dawn to dusk light for us, but it is down our drive way. We need more lighting up around the house. We bought some good outdoor lighting a few years back & a friend was supposed to come & install them for us. But he got injured soon after & stopped doing electrical work. So, now those lights sit in the shed, doing us some real good. And it's still dark at my house!

Almost Valentine's

Really? Valentine's already? I seem to say this alot, but where does the time go? I mean, for Heaven's sake!
Daniel & I were talking about it today. We had thought about using his discount & going away for the night, but they aren't allowing the discount on Valentine's. So that idea is nixed. So, we will stay home & away from the crowds & hoopla. I will make a special dinner, which D has to let me know what exactly it is he wants me to cook. And then today I reminded him that a new Willow Tree would be a good expensive gift for me. There is a movie that he didn't get for Christmas that I may just get for him. I know he would like that. We don't go all out for the day, but I do love Valentine's. I may even make some chocolate covered strawberries. That would make my night!

Letting That One Go

Today is my very first day that I am not on my diet pills, that my dr put me on. I'm very nervous about it. I have been taking since July & have lost over 50 pounds, but it wasn't only because I relied solely on those pills, but because I chose to change my eating habits. I do not over eat any longer. It eat until satisfied, not until the plate is clean. And no seconds. It has made a great difference, this time around. I didn't let the pills do all the work. I do think my body had gotten used to them, but the security of having that pill is scary. I really don't want to gain this weight back.

Wanna Go Somewhere

I was thinking the other day about the many places I want to travel too. I would pretty much go anywhere, but here is a list of "Must See" places.

1. Jamestown, NY (the birthplace of Lucille Ball)
2. Great Britain
   
3. Savannah, GA
4. Europe
   
5. New York
6. Maine
7. New England
8. Canada

There's a top 8. I was looking at some travel deals, ya know...Dreaming up some adventures & found that I could book some round trip tickets starting as low as $169! I had no idea that I could get something that cheap for overseas travel. I may just have to talk to Daniel about us saving our money for a trip. It could be our Christmas present for next year.

Put A TV On It

Right now our TV in the living room is on top of our old wooden dining table. I don't think it looks bad. But I would much rather have a nice TV stand to house the TV, other equipment, as well as DVD's & video games. We actually used to have one, but it wasn't good quality & after the many moves & me rearranging the furniture, it finally met it's maker. Well, not completely, it met the guest room, where it now houses the little TV & a bunch of Daniel's junk. There are not many TV stands out there that I really like, because I want something that keeps everything hidden away from looking all cluttered.

Bbbrrrrrrr.....

It has been soooooo cold here lately....And I love it! Winter in Alabama is never really Winter. It can get cold for a few days, but the temperatures very from day to day. But for it to stay around & below freezing for over a week, is just not normal. And it has been lovely too me, but I know most people are complaining. I really think I was born in the wrong part of the country. Haha!

Fruit Trees

I think fruit barring trees are just amazing to watch as the they come to life in the Spring. From the leaves, to the tiny buds, blossoms & then the fruit producing.
We have a peach tree in our yard, but none of the peaches have been good enough to eat. When I was a kid, my Aunt had several Plum trees & Apple trees in her yard. I can remember waiting anxiously for the fruit to be ripe so we could pick it & eat it. One good thing about Plums is that they are just as good green! Oh yummy! I wish I had some right now.

NC Trippin'

I have friends & family that live in North Carolina & I would love to go visit them. I have been through NC a few times & it has always left an impression with it's beauty in my mind. If I were to go for a visit, I would probably need a month to do everything I would want too. Since I was a little girl, going to the Biltmore has been a dream. So that would be a must! I also would enjoying going to the Outer Banks. I have heard & seen things about the beautiful place on the coast. But of course being able to spend time with those I love would be the main reason for such a trip.

2009

We rang in the new year with Mom, playing games, while New Years Rockin' Eve was on TV in the background. It was a fun little party.

2009 has been laid back so far. I like a nice easy beginning to a new year.

I took down all the Christmas stuff this weekend. It took me 2 whole days! But I am not one to just throw it all into boxes. I lovingly wrap each piece & ornament. It's all labeled & organized. So no wonder it takes a good while to get it all packed up.

Mac Attack

Our old trusty computer passed away a few months ago, so we found ourselves in need of a new computer. We thought it was a great time to get that laptop we had been really wanting! We were limited in our choices though, due to budget, but we got a great computer. We didn't get a Mac like everyone always seems to ask. If we could have afforded it, it would have been what we purchased. We are always hearing about Mac memory & all the amazing gadgets that come along with a Mac. I guess our next computer will be a Mac, if money allows. :)

Stamping in the holidays

I had been planing our Christmas card since last Christmas, well not really planning, just coming up with ideas. I had gotten a pack of Christmas stamps on clearance that I wanted to use on the envelope. It was super cute & I loved the one I used. Now I am thinking, once again about next year. I would really love to order a custom rubber stamp just for the occasion. I love unique things that not just everyone has & this would be perfect! Here is a collection of some. I think my favorite one is "Hugs and kisses and holiday wishes."

Good Christmas

Christmas was absolutely wonderful! It was the best I have ever had I think. I am so blessed! God is good, that is all I can say!

I'm not completely shure what my plans are going to be for New Years. I have never gone to a huge party or anything, so it's not like I am missing out some super celebration. And thankfully I just found out Daniel will be able to be home. He had thought he was working that night. More than likely I will cook something yummy & we will play the games we got for Christmas! We got 5!!! And probably watch a movie & of course the ball drop!

Granny's Trips

When I was little I had never been much of anywhere, expect the beach. But my Granny had traveled all over the US. She was a bowler & went different places to bowl in tournaments. She never flew anywhere either, always drove. I hated it when she was away, but when she returned she was full of a wealth of long detailed stories of her adventures to Vegas, Reno, Mount Saint Helens, Niagra Falls & many more. She loved her bowling trips & she let you know all about it too! It was a time for her to get away with the girlfriends. I think about it now & wonder what it must have been like to travel with her across the country. She was such a clown & know that there was probably more laughter then they knew what to do with. Oh man...I am having a major miss her moment just typing this.

A New Look

I think it was time to decorate for Christmas around here!

Wagon Train

Kids wagons used to be the one toys that every kid seemed to have. But nowadays that are not the norm, by any means. I just think they are adorable & would want my kids to have one. I think that the imagination that can come from playing with a little red wagon is endless. I didn't have one when I as a kid, but I sure did want one. Thankfully my friend next door had one & we used to load that thing down with whatever "story" we were playing out for the day. It could have been anything from a baby dolls, to a load of rocks! You never knew, but it sure was fun!

Got The Time?

I haven't wore a watch in ages, but I do still admire them. I like the pieces that look more like a bracelet, rather than a normal watch. The last watch I wore was an all silver bracelet type & that's exactly what I found again, when I was looking at Movado watches.

I fell in love with the face on this watch. It big, but yet feminine. Plus it's not fussy & can go with just about everything. That's always important to me, because if I am going to invest in something I want it to be versatile.

Insurance Is Good Stuff

It was a long time ago now, but I remember when I first began driving, seeing my Mom call all around for insurance quotes. I was anxious, because I wouldn't be able to drive without insurance. And I wanted to drive! My parents wouldn't even let me sit behind the wheel of the car in the drive-way without insurance. Haha! Once I got it, I was a happy camper. Then when I moved to LA, I called around for insurance quotes, for an insurance that would be out there. Thankfully I got it all switched before I moved. I had a wreck a month after moving there.

Hormone Hell

When I was younger & becoming a woman, I had absolutely no clue, as to just how complex female hormones are & how they would effect my life. Because my body does not produce enough progesterone, I have been unable to become pregnant & stay that way. And it has dramatically changed the landscape of the way I thought my life would look. Just because of hormones! It's absolutely crazy when I think of it that way. But hormones play such a huge role in our everyday lives.

Insane Homes

Annually there is an open house event that takes places throughout the area. There is also a huge book full of house plans. I love to grab this book & just browse these magnificent homes. One year Daniel & I even went on a tour of some of them. One had a home theater. It was already furnished with home theater seating! It was awesome. We walked around & dreamed of what it would be like to actually call a beautiful place like that ours. I can't quite imagine it. But I'm hopeful!

Thanksgiving

It was a bit different this year. I did no cooking, which made me sad. I love to cook, but since I was sick...Cooking was out. We spent lunch with just my parents, then came home & chilled for the rest of the day. We had to skip out on going to another family function. I ended up in bed super early. I wanted to be extra rested for Black Friday. Plus we were leaving the house at 3am! So, sleeping was a must.

A Little Sparkly On My Finger

When Daniel & I got engaged he used a ring Mom sent to him. It is one she has wore, that my Granny had made for her with the diamonds that were Granny's & her Mom's. So I am the fourth generation to wear this ring. It is super special. I cherish it, but am always worried something is going to happen to it. Not that I wouldn't anyway, but just knowing the sentimental value makes me extra nervous. So we never even looked at engagement rings. One day, I would love for Daniel to get me my very own, just for me, new ring. And I want a pink sapphire. I'm not a huge jewelry person & the idea of thousands of dollars around my finger, is just not my thing. But to have a pink sapphire, along with a few diamonds, set in white gold would make me very happy.

Thanksgiving Oh My!

I am still having a hard time wrapping my brain around the fact that it is the week of Thanksgiving! It just does not seem possible. Where did this past year go? Really! Where did it go?

This year on Thanksgiving day we will be going over to Mom's for lunch & then over to my sis-n-laws families house for supper. We have spent the last 3 Thanksgivings with them. It seems to be becoming a tradition.

I feel sad when I think about the fact that I don't have an "in-law" family to spend time with on the holidays. And I feel sad for Daniel as well, since his family lives far away. I wonder what it would be like having to juggle the day with quality time with 2 families. But I am grateful that our day is pretty stress free.

Company Gifts

One thing I always find interesting is what employers give to the employees as Christmas gifts. When I worked one place gave me a small bonus, which was always appreciated. Most of the places did nothing. But then there are some companies that go all out presenting their employees with gift cards to restaurants & stores, wine of the month club memberships, electronics & large baskets of goodies. I wonder just how many companies are going to be giving as this year with the economy the way it is. I've heard of alot of places canceling Christmas parties.

Shopping This Week

I got the Sunday paper & searched the sale ads, to see what the best deals are this week. I don't have too much to buy this year, but I don't want to miss out on any amazing prices on stuff that I may need. Plus it is just fun all the way around when it comes to shopping for Christmas. Some people stress out about the crowds & such, but I enjoy it all. Now when I worked retail, I may have had a different opinion. It could get a bit insane. One thing that I did always love was when the mall was all decked out in Christmas decorations, there was just a different feel in the air.

Need A Building Fast

My Dad is self employed & rents a commercial building in a small town abut 30 minutes from here. He recently found out that he is going to have to find a new place, because the person he shares the building with is moving or something. I'm not quite sure of the whole story, but he needed to look into some commercial real estate. He is wanting to rent something closer to home, but there was nothing that was reasonable. So, he has now decided to put up a building next to the house. Now he won't have to worry about rent. :)

Bridezilla

I am over at Mom's since the power cord on my laptop has a short in it & I needed to use the computer. I'm getting to watch Bridezillas! I love this show, but I don't get it on cable anymore. And since Mom has a dish she does. I miss getting to see these crazy brides. And I always enjoyed it when they did Bridezilla marathons.

New or Used

Cisco is an electonics company that I have never heard of. So, I asked Daniel, if knew anything about about it & he said that some of the sister companies to the one he works for uses Cisco products. I bet they would be interested in knowing about a place that takes used cisco products. Whether it be for a trade ins or refurbished, they take most of them. That would be a great for a company that may need to replace some equipment.

Staying Warm

Living down in the South, the need for heated mattress pads is sorta rare. We do have some cold weather, but it doesn't last too long. Now when I was a kid I would beg to differ. My Dad didn't seem to know that we actually had central heating in our home, so it wasn't ever turned on. Haha. And the nights were freezing. Oh my goodness I can still remember wearing layers of clothes & sleeping under several blankets & comforters. Man, one of those heated mattress pads would have come in handy!

Past Weight Lose

Back in my single days, I could loose weight much easier than now that I am married. One time I got down to my smallest size I was working 3 jobs. I was a daycare teacher, a sales associate at Lane Bryant & also worked at a tanning salon & believe me it was no Sunset Tan! Hahaha! While I wasn't at work, I spent my free time at church or doing ministry downtown. During all of this I was taking Hydroxycut & was dropping the pounds. But I wonder just how much more I could have lost if Hydroxycut Hardcore was out on the market at the time.

This Fast Year

I can not believe that November is half over. It just does seem possible. This year has gone by quicker than any other before it seems. It kinda scares me too. Like..."Is time speeding up for some reason?"
I put my Christmas tree up yesterday, but it felt like I had just put all of the decorations away.
2009 will be here in the blink of an eye! But I am not ready for that.

Insurance Worry

I'm grateful that we already have insurance. But I know so many that do not. My parents went for a long time without it, since my Dad is self employed. They were constantly on the phone getting one health insurance quote after another. Thankfully they finally have something they can afford & don't have to worry like they used too. People who have always had the benefit of insurance have no clue what a burden it is when you do not have it. I went without insurance for a while & the entire time I was worried I would need it!

A Day Of Fun

I'm really looking forward to tomorrow! I'm going with my aunts & cousins to a local Christmas Arts & Crafts fair! It's an annual event, but I have never been to it. And me being someone who adores Christmas, I know I'm going to love it. It should be a day of fun out with the girls! And I'm sure I'll come home with a few ornaments. :)

Special Lawyer

I never knew this before but some times injuries that occur during birth, are the cause of Cerebral Palsy. Not all cases of Cerebral Palsy is caused by a mistake or neglegance on the part of a doctor or nurse. But if you have concern that your child's Cerebral Palsy was caused in this way, there are cerebral palsy lawyers that can take on the case & find out the reason for this kind of trauma. If it were me, I would do it just for the peace of mind.

A Day Out & About

Yesterday, Mom & I went to run some errands. When we began the day, Mom came to get in the car & she had on her "shopping shirt." I call it this because she tends to only wear it when we go shopping. And one week she wore it more than once. She has a closet full of nice clothes, but she wears this tacky shirt she got out of a bag of clothes from freecycle. Did I mention I hate this shirt?
I didn't have a specific need for the trip, I just went to get out of the house. We made a few stops & I got a few new pink Christmas decorations for my Lucy tree this year. Lucy is getting an upgraded tree. I got a brand new silver tinsel one from ebay, which I'm very excited about.
We were ready for lunch & went to a place I had never eaten. It's kinda of a buffet country kitchen kind of thing. Mom had been there before & had a good experience, so I wanted to give it a try. Plus they serve fried catfish...I love me some fried catfish! She also said my meal would only be $6.99. When we got there, Mom suggest we get it all to go & have a picnic at the park. It was an amazingly beautiful day & I was all for it. I grabbed a coke & a fried apple pie from the counter & it rang up to over $12. That was one expensive apple pie! Mom decided to stop by the Publix to get a fountain drink from there. So, we finally made it to the park, but most of the picnic tables were gone & the ones that were there, we already being used. We drove around the park & by this time I was in one crappy mood. I don't really have an explanation for it...I just was. And I went over the edge when we just parked & sat in the car to eat. It unnerved me for some reason. I was fussing & went to take a bite & dropped my food on my shirt. Which caused greater hysterics from me! Mom had gotten some fried green tomatoes. I don't like them, but I always like to try them again to make sure. She handed one to me & it was super hot, I started frantically blowing my poor hand. The tomato fell apart, because it wasn't really green anymore & I didn't want it. I was complaining & frustrated the entire time. It was also hot as heck yesterday, Crystal + hot & sweaty= ill as an old wet hornet! I kept looking at the sky & saying, "Lord, it's freakin' October!!!!!!!! Please make it cooler weather!" During all of this, it was like I could see myself acting a fool, but I couldn't stop myself. Do you ever do that? Know you are being such an idiot & can't seem to snap out of it? Hahaha! What helped was when Mom took a bite & it fell off her fork & food was all down her chin & the front of her "shopping shirt." It was hilarious. All in all the food was not good & that fried apple pie was nasty. I decided to give it to some of the 100 geese that were at the pond. They were on the other side of the pond & started coming too me, once they realized I had some goodies. But they weren't exactly nice. I didn't have enough pie & they were letting me know it. Or maybe they were mad because it was nasty pie! I was about to be attacked, if I hadn't gotten the heck out of dodge when I did.

When left & finished up our important stuff I convinced Mom to stop at this antique/consignment store I have wanted to go to since it opened (I didn't realize it has been open for 3 years!). Jen & I almost went on Saturday, but got side-tracked. Let me just say...I have found my new favorite place to go! This place stinkin' rocks!!! It is 2 levels of room after room, wall to wall, old stuff & new stuff all mixed together. They even have I Love Lucy things! I can not believe I have been missing out. I'm in heart with it. Oh & we ended the day with wonderful Route 44's (Fresh Lemon for me, Diet Cherry Limeade extra cherries for Mom). Too bad I can't send that in my Favorite Things gifts, because it would surely be in the box!

Mom's nice new purty rugs.....

Can someone please....I beg you...Send Mom a new shopping shirt! She even lost a button! This is how she looked for the majority of the day...Ha! Sad, very sad.



Here are the lessons we learned:

• Do not eat at the place again.
• That certain park no longer has many picnic tables
• When you have $ to spend, you can't find anything
• Walmart no longer has a craft area...This makes me sad
• The calendar is wrong...It's June, not October
• Crystal doesn't eat in cars very well
• We found a new incredible place to shop...Wee Doggies!

A Good Day

Since Mom & I had "gone to the Big City" for the day, I convinced her to go the cemetery where my Granny is buried. I think Mom may have been once in the last 16 years, so this was a big deal. She was starving & when that happens, the world stops! Thankfully...Mickey D's was across the street from the cemetery. We got our food & I wanted to eat outside. It was an absolutely gorgeous day, being indoors was not appealing at all. But because of miss communication, we got in the car & started to leave. So we ended up driving around the cemetery eating our McDonald's. It was actually fun! We found were Mom's Mam-maw was buried, so I got on my knees & was cleaning off the marker...I guess I stood up to quickly, because I felt myself passing out...I went down! I didn't go out, but I couldn't catch myself. I sat on the grass for a few minutes to get my barrings & after I got up I felt something biting my foot. It was an ant. Than another bite. And another...Then I felt then crawling up my leg! I literally had ants in my pants. I still have bites. Uuggghhh!


Anyway, you have to realize the importance of this certain cemetery to my family. There are quite a few families members there & it was a place Mom used to spend holidays in as a kid. Now that is funny! My Granny would dress her up for Easter & they wouldn't go to church, but to the cemetery to take pictures. Hahahaha!

As for me, I can remember going there with Granny, mostly before Christmas to decorate. And it would be an entire day event. We would visit all the different "sights" throughout this rather large place, including the statue that says, "Nothing." And you can't forget the doo-doo ball tree. I have no clue exactly what kind of tree it was, but that's what we all called it, since the brown fruit that grew on it, smelled exactly like doo-doo!

Maybe going to the cemetery back then, made me not afraid of them. They became a place of adventure, nothing spooky or sad. I find beauty in them. And they truly are peaceful places. I'm not some morbid freak. When I got older & got my own car, a local cemetery became a refuge for me when I needed to think things through or just time to myself. Plus I love reading the names & dates on the graves & imagining the life that person may have lived.

Happy Day

Sunday afternoon D & I went on a date. We just needed some "get out of the house, spend time together" time. We saw that Olive Garden was having their Bottomless Pasta Bowl & every time they have that, we seem to miss it. It was good, but not overly incredible. I didn't care though, it was nice being out with my love. From there we went over to Costco (D's idea) he renewed our membership a few weeks ago, but I haven't been able to make a trip there yet. I got some of those nice memory foam pillows, in hopes they will help my neck. I used them last night & could tell a difference today. Good purchase!
Linens & Things are closing a store & were having a 30- 50% off everything must go sale. I knew that they were closing, but thought I missed it, in my blur of a September. The store was a disaster & really picked over. I couldn't really understand why, since basically everything is only 30% off. But I did get a new wooden drying rack & it was cheaper than I could have gotten at Walmart.
I can't pass by a Ross without a check of the purses & I found a Fuschia bag that was too die for! But.....I was good & literally kissed her goodbye. Bu now I can not stop thinking about her & now I'm sad. Molly got a new bed. I know they all got new beds a while ago, but 2 of the beds are in our room & one is the office. Molly & Razz sleep in the 2 in our room & Rocco sleeps in our bed. But the last week, Rocco has been stealing Razzy's bed during the night & little fella has been sleeping on the floor. Now Rocco has Molly's old bed.

On the way home we stopped by Sonic for some treats. D loves the fried ice cream shake & I got my usual...Route 44 Lemon Slushie...I would drink these every single day.

Steam Clean

I got a new to me couch awhile ago now, but ever since I have been planning on steam cleaning, but do to different reason, including just putting it off, I haven't done it yet. I plan on borrowing Mom's steam cleaner, but I'm not too fond of borrowing or lending for that matter. I may just look into steam cleaners, that would be beneficial to my family. And one that is cost friendly. I know it would be put to good use though!

Baby Clothes

I have always wanted to be a Mom, but the last 7-8 years that desire has been an extremely strong one. I haven't been blessed with a little one running around just yet, but that doesn't mean I can't think about the future, when it comes to what I would buy when the day comes. I do tend to torture myself though at times, when I walk around the baby department & look at baby clothes. I did find some super cute stuff that is exactly the kind of things my babies would wear.

Not In Need Of This

My car Bubbles has been such a good car. She is a 1999 model & has been back & forth from California a few times. She is the only car we own, so she has had her fair share of wear & tear. She a a few issues that need to be taken car of, like some brake work & I think the oil pan is leaking. I'm glad though, the steering rack or engine doesn't need to be replaced.

Thank Goodness

I am so in love with my digital camera. I became a huge picture fanatic probably 12 years ago. I started out with my little 35mm camera. Of course, then I had to be selective of what exactly I took a picture of. Then 4 years ago, I joined the digital camera club. And it was instant love. Then I had a camera that didn't have much storage, so I can't a memory card....Thank goodness for flash memory! I could take pictures & delete them & start all over! What a new way of life! And I say life, because picture taking is such a part of mine.

I Never Got One!

I was just thinking & realized that I never got a trophy in my entire life! Maybe because I never was athletic....But you can get trophies for other things also, like music, beauty pageants, scholastic competitions, there really are so many reasons to receive a trophy for your accomplishment.
My Granny loved to bowl & she had tons of plaques & trophies for triumphs.
My brother had football trophies for the few years that he played, before high school.
My dad even received one for being with his company for a certain amount of years.
Now I need to think of something to do, so maybe, just maybe I can have a trophy of my own to display proudly.

Loosing It

Battling my weight has followed me my entire life. I do not remember a day, that from the moment I woke up that food wasn't on my mind. I have had ups & downs, but I have never been able to beat this monster. My doctor has given me a diet pill, that he is monitoring me while I on. The results have been good, actually better than I expected. It is not a cure all, it is just to jump start my metabolism, to get my weight down, so that I can maintain the results.

Strolling Along

In my longing to be a Mom, I seem to find myself browsing different sites about babies. Also all my friends are Mom's & they blog about their favorite items. I figure all this will help me, when my time comes, in finding the perfect things I will actually need & use vs what companies try to make me think I can not live without. One product I know I will have some knowledge on is strollers. A close friend has a small addiction to strollers & I don't know just how many she has owned. And if you don't want to know her true opinion on the subject then don't ask! Hahaha! She has a stroller passion. I know I will go to her for advice.

A New Place

My day dreams often take to some faraway place on vacation. It's normally to Europe visiting places full of history. One place, I can honestly say never has crossed my mind is St. Barts, until I saw some pictures of this gorgeous place. I decided to look into this place & found some St. Barts villa rentals. I'm not sure when we would ever be able to visit St. Barts, but it is definitely on the list.

Let Me Take Your Picture

I am a bit obsessed with taking pictures. I love my current camera & I receive alot of positive feedback from the quality of the photos. But I do have different camera aspirations. I have looked at this Canon camera. I would really enjoy some more professional. I don't want to be a "photographer" it seems everyone is one of those these days. It's just a hobby for me. My favorite subjects are animals, especially my dogs & flowers.

Moving Up

I'm so out of the technology loop. I just now got a laptop, but I still listen to music on CD's! And have never worked an MP3 player. D & I have both been wanting one. D wants his for work, he can spend hours at a time just basically baby sitting a project. And I would love one so that when I go walking I can enjoy some tunes. Music always motivates me & I know I would workout longer if I had an MP3 player. Since Christmas is getting closer, we are on the look out for the best buy on MP3 players, but specifically Ipods.

What Happened?

Oh, how grateful I am that the lure of drugs has never been something that I have had to deal with. I don't quite understand the fascination with them. But previously being in the ministry, I had to counsel people that had allowed this addiction consumed their lives. Many of them I knew from spending time downtown at some of the weekend hangouts. Wow, that was going on 10 years ago now. I do think of some of those people often. I wonder how their lives turned out. Did some go into drug rehabilitation? Did their lives change for the better? Did any of their lives end at the hand of wrong choices? I hope they all did make changes & are living full lives now. Even though I know the very sad reality that some never did see the light & left this world in complete darkness. It breaks my heart.

Something Warm To Drink

When it's warm outside the last thing I want to drink is something hot. A nice cold icee would be my first choice. Now that the weather is cooling off, all I can think about is a nice big mug of Starbucks coffee. I enjoying filling up a cup, sitting on my couch with a warm blanket over my lap. While watching a good old movie or even reading a nice juicy novel, as the sun goes down early. Oh, goodness...I need to fire up my coffee maker! It sounds delightful right this moment & if it weren't 3:30am, I would drinking me some!

Sad To See It Go

I remember when I was 9 yrs old, Mom & Danny got married. They bought a house (actually where they still live) & it have a wet bar in it. It had one of the tiny little bar faucets & sink. I loved it! I had hoped that it could my own place to create a playhouse. But sadly, Danny didn't like the idea of having a wet bar & took it out. He then turned that corner into a mini library. It in not Mom's pantry/storage area.

Inspiring Furniture

The only piece of our furniture that we have bought new is our nice "oh so wonderfully comfy" king size bed. I love being able to take something that someone else no longer wants & making it my own. Painting it & turning it into a new creation. I was looking at a discount furniture website & saw this chest & fell in love with it! It is awesome! This chest would totally fit in my home. It inspires me to paint something right now!

Pimple Be Gone

Even in my teenage years, I never had any real issues with my skin. Which, as you know, with all the other junk that comes along with finding ones self, not having to worry with acne was a blessing. But when I turned 29/30, my skin started to change. I knew it would, at least that's what I heard...Your skin will change as you age. But I have dealt with alot more acne now than ever. Even my Mom said she went through the same thing.

Credit Regret

I was taught that credit cards are not the answer & when I started making my own financial decisions, I chose no credit cards. But then one days, a nice shiny one came in the mail with mt names on it. I was too weak to so no. A choice I still regret. My credit is now horrible, I will now blame it on youth & thinking I was invincible. But it is something that I wish I had done differently. I know there is no way I would ever be given a high limit credit card...Nor would I want one. I know that some people can handle credit cards, but I'm not one of them.

Bathroom In Need Of Love

I really like this faucet.

We have made alot of changes to this house over the last 5 years, that we have lived here. And most of it with little or no money. Our master bathroom has been painted 3 times, but there has been no remodeling in there. And it is in need of some TLC. Everything from the floors, toilet, to the vanity & faucet, needs to be replaced. Maybe after Christmas, we can focus some attention to that room. It sure needs it.

Life Insurance

Daniel & I have done some talking about the future. We are in our 30's & it is really time to look into "grown up" stuff. Life does seem to sneak up on you & before you know it, you are no longer a teenager. With Daniel's new job, he has been given more of a chance to actually plan for things. Including term life insurance. I was unsure of what exactly that is so I looked into it. I found out that is insurance that is the most inexpensive way to purchase coverage for death benefits per premium dollar basis. Sounds like it may be the best for us at this point.

Puppies R Us

When you get a pet, the overwhelming cutest of them, clouds the realization of the huge responsibility. I have 3 dogs & they each have their own issues. Molly the oldest, is beginning to really show her 11 years. She of course, still thinks she is a puppy...Well, actually she doesn't even think she is a dog! But I am starting to look into pet supplements for her joints. Then there is Rocco he has skin allergies & I need to get some good vitamins for him. I think he also has OCD. Hahaha! Razzy is my little bulldozer & he hardly has any thing go wrong.

Branson or Bust

The Summer is winding down. I think there are 2 weeks left, until the calendar will says is official Fall. The kids are all back in school. Pools are closing. Football season has kicked off. And everyone is already gearing up for the Holidays that will be here before we know it. With the changing of Summer fun, also comes, the ending of vacations. I think almost everyone I know made a trip to the beach this year. That's not really my idea of a vacation, going to a crowded beach in the heat. I would rather go during the off season. When the crowds are all at home!
I think most people forget that you don't have to vacation in the Summer. Sure, it's easier if you have kids & they are out of school. But I find that the experience is much more pleasurable after the weather has cooled off. Plus going somewhere other than the beach, is always a treat!
Maybe try Branson Missouri, for a change. They have so much to offer there. Plus it's a place that is central to the Midwest & some of the South.
Plus there are some really great vacation packages avaliable. Here are a few:

PLATINUM PACKAGE $457 PER COUPLE

3 Days/2 Nights Grand Oaks
2 adult tickets to:
Grand Jubilee
$30 Red Lobster/Olive Garden Gift Card
Coupon Book with $1,500 worth of savings
$50 Tanger Outlet Shopping Certificate


BRONZE PACKAGE $782 PER COUPLE

5 Days/4 Nights Branson Settle Inn
2 adult tickets to:
Magnificent Seven
Dixie Stampede
Shoji Tabuchi


GREAT AMERICAN PACKAGE $594 PER COUPLE

4 Days/3 Nights Welk Resort Hotel
2 adult tickets to:
Magnificent Seven with Dinner
Legends in Concert
Veteran's Museum

Branson is known as "The Live Entertainment Capital of the World." So, you know there are going to be tons of shows to choose from. Anything from the, Acrobats of China to #1 Hit of the 60's & even Broadway! Honestly the list could go on & on.

Not only is there the shows to take in but there is also the theme park Silver Dollar City, all kinds of places to shop, plus the area is full of places to take in the the gorgeous part of the country that Branson is located. Including Marvel Cave, which was known by the Osage Indians dating back to 1500.

There is so much to do in Branson Missouri, no one can say they are bored!

Christmas Party

Oh how I wish we had a home that was in the condition to host wondrous parties. I would love to entertain. One kind of party that I would enjoy hosting would be a grand Christmas party. I found some awesome Christmas invitations, that I would use, if that day ever arrived to host such a party. Here are my favorites...

Polka dots & pink...Of course! And I like the Holly & Jolly.
More dots.
I love the little retro snowflakes.

And this one if just fun! Make me want to celebrate something!

People's Kindness

I have a new friend that I met through blogging. I don't know a whole lot about her, but I do know she works for lawyers. I wonder if she works for Chicago personal injury lawyers? I guess I should ask here next time we e-mail each other. She is so kind & even sent me an amazing box of Asian goodies, from the big city. I'm always amazed at people's kindness. Especially those that I have never met face to face. Since blogging, I've had several "strangers" send me surprises. And I'm always excited & touch at them thinking of me enough to buy & then sending something to me.

Take Me Away

D gets some really nice discounts at 5 star hotels, from the place he now works. I'm used to staying at the Motel 6. So the idea of staying somewhere super nice, will be a new thing for me. This means I can actually think about planning some luxury vacations for us. We are wanting to go down the Mobile, maybe in the Fall, for a weekend. Oh, how marvelous that would be. A weekend alone, away from home with my husband! I hope we can accomplish this small dream.

Trading

I wasn't sure exactly sure what futures trading is so I did a little research.
Futures is a popular way of trading. It offers a wide variety of markets, that can be traded at a low price & they don't have the restrictions that stocks have.
I have never dealt with trading anything like that, but I guess if I decided to deal in the stock market, that this would be a better option for me, than stocks.