Take My Breath Away

2011-02-23T12:27:00.004-05:00

More junk? Yes, please! I'm going to share more of my junk, er treasures, with you! I scored these slick, black candleholders for $2.50!! Yay!! These are sexy, right? Picture this: pillar candles in white for a nice contrast, eh! Yeah, that's hot! :)

I am also sharing my menagerie display. For now, it is on the ladder shelf. But a more fitting, permanent home is in the works! Notice the shabby chic book collection...I ADORE shabby chic design! It's VERY hard to combine shabby chic with modern...but I try!!

So let me share with you my latest craigslist score! A 2x3 silver, wood framed mirror... I had been haggling, emailing this broad for several weeks. I was emailing from my account, Steve's account, even Christy was kind enough to try and haggle her down. She DID budge $5 bucks!! Yay! A new, unused ($79.99) mirror for $25 bucks...yes, please!! I brought my muscle, er Steve, and we picked that baby up! I can't wait to hang it!! (pictures to come soon)

Trash to Treasure....sort of...

2011-02-20T11:37:00.007-05:00

Their trash is MY treasure! As promised (see previous post), here are some of my cheap, yet adorable finds from local junk, thrift, and second-hand stores. I am a LOVER of all things vintage!! Enjoy...if you like that sort of thing! There are a few more of my "treasures" that I'm going to share, as soon as I get them photographed!! :)

New Stuff...

2011-02-19T19:05:00.004-05:00

As if I'm NOT busy enough with three boys, a part-time nursing gig, selling cupcakes AND Thirty-One products, I have taken on a new hobby, or two.

I've been flexing my creative muscle with random photography and perusing junk stores, thrift stores, and second hand stores looking for goodies. NOT just ANY goodies-- very specific goodies!

I'm starting a new collection-- a white menagerie. So far, I have grabbed a white deer and white bird for under three clams! Cheap hobby, huh? Also, I'm looking for frames, mirrors, and such that need love (i.e. altering). I have had some good luck on craigslist, as well. Pictures coming soon....

My Life Today...

2009-08-02T08:58:00.008-05:00

So, today, I pick up my blog, blow away the dust, and begin to update...

It's been SO long (over 2 years) since I last posted. A lot has happened in my life. My boys are now ages 8 and 3. I am expecting baby #3 in January. We don't know the gender yet but I'll be happy with either. I now have 2 nieces, a new nephew, and a God-Daughter. That's alot of babies in 2 years!!

I'm still LOVING my job as an Infusion Nurse at The Castle (refer to post: A Promising New Year....Thursday, January 04, 2007). I work part-time so I enjoy being a Domestic Diva the rest of the time *laugh*.

Don't let the Domestic Diva part fool you. It simply means cooking, cleaning (house + kids), shopping, managing my home and working--all while trying to look good and be a Diva.

Moments in Life.......

2007-02-06T12:47:00.000-05:00

I found this in an old email.....I felt that it was worthy of sharing.

Moments in Life

There are moments in life when you miss someone so much that you just want to pick them from your dreams and hug them for real!

When the door of happiness closes, another opens; but often times we look so long at the closed door that we don't see the one which has been opened for us.

Don't go for looks; they can deceive. Don't go for wealth; even that fades away. Go for someone who makes you smile, because it takes only a smile to make a dark day seem bright. Find the one that makes your heart smile.

Dream what you want to dream; go where you want to go; be what you want to be, because you have only one life and one chance to do all the things you want to do.

May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to make you happy. The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way.

The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you can't go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches.

When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling. Live your life so at the end, you're the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying.

Don't count the years-count the memories...........

And, of course, MY THEME..............

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take; but by the moments that take our breath away!

Daisies For My Mom......

2007-01-18T18:21:00.000-05:00

At the end of this month (January 30th), my mom would've been 47. However, her life was cut short by chronic liver disease.

My mom's favorite flowers were daisies. These daisies are for my mom's 47th birthday. She will be celebrating her fourth birthday in Heaven this year. How wonderful that must be!!

I still miss my mom, but I find comfort in the fact that she isn't suffering anymore. She is with her parents and the love of her life, Brian.

Happy Birthday, Momma!! We love and miss you!!

A Promising New Year.....

2007-01-04T08:34:00.000-05:00

This is already shaping up to be a promising New Year! Let me start by saying I think I have landed an awesome job!
I will begin my new job on Monday, as the IV Infusion nurse. The neatest thing is--that it's in a REAL castle...Which they also explained to me is HAUNTED. How COOL!

The castle construction began in 1918 and was completed in 1922. The photo doesn't really do it justice. It is truly amazing, everything you'd expect a castle to be. There is even a miniature set of armor inside!
Aside from the clinical stuff, some of it remains original. I had the compete tour last night. WOW.

Happy New Year Everyone..............

2006-12-31T10:11:00.000-05:00

A New Year, A New Beginning.....To me, a new year is always a fresh start...A chance to wipe the slate clean and begin anew.

I am very excited about the upcoming year. In May, Steve and I will be celebrating our 10 year anniversary (if he behaves), in July/August I will be meeting my very first niece/nephew (aawww), I will be starting a new job this month (yay), and maybe, just maybe, I will FINALLY win HGTV's Dream Home (laugh).

I would also like to use this opportunity to wish.......

CHRISTY & CHRIS

a very

HAPPY 4TH ANNIVERSARY

My New Year Endeavor.....

2006-12-30T11:45:00.000-05:00

For the past two years, I have began the new year with a list of New Year's Resolutions (lose weight, develop a healthier lifestyle, start an exercise regimen, etc.) and my eye on that year's HGTV Dream Home. This year will be no different.
Every year HGTV gives away a breathtaking dream home in a magnificent location, and every year I register every day to win. After a month, my excitement wanes, and I give up....Oh well...
Anyway, this year's home is in Winter Park, Colorado. That's a far cry from my East Tennessee establishment, but I would be willing to sample life in Colorado (whilst keeping my Southern-ness totally intact, of course). If anyone else would like to try their luck, I am listing the website....however, if you win, you HAVE to share it with Me *laugh*.

http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/dream_home/

Happy Holidays to You and Yours!!

2006-12-28T11:41:00.000-05:00

My Winter Tips for Bringing Out Your Inner Child....

2006-12-15T11:22:00.000-05:00

These are just some MORE
random tips from my
'over the top' eccentric mind.

1. Watch a 'kid-approved' movie.....A Charlie Brown Christmas (like you didn't see that one coming!), the Grinch, Miracle on 34th Street, Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Home Alone, etc.

2. Go outside and play in the falling snow (if you can find some), or build a snowman/make snow angels.

3. Visit BMS Speedway in Lights, the York Ice Skating Rink, or your favorite ski slope and enjoy hot cocoa, candy canes, and friends/family....because this is the season for 'warm fuzzy feelings.'

4. Decorate for Winter/Christmas with your kids, spouse, relatives, pets, whatever.

5. Speaking of 'warm, fuzzy feelings'.......There are some luxurious scarves, gloves, cozy blankets, and hats this season. Buy yourself one and snuggle up with some hot cocoa (and pile the marshmallows HIGH).

6. Bake/decorate sugar cookies or chocolate chip cookies with someone special. TIP: I prefer the easy method. I buy the slice and bake sugar cookies from the grocery.

7. Drop a little (or a lot) of green in the Salvation Army bucket. Adopt an Angel from the Angel Tree. Buy a toy and drop it in the Marine's Toys for Tots box, Volunteer at shelters this season. At any rate, just remember those less fortunate than us! Help out if you can!

8. Just LOVE, love all those around you!

9. Celebrate Our Savior, the Reason for the Season (I know it's cliched, but it's very important to ME).

10. Go Carolling.

11. Drive through neighborhoods and just 'take in' all the lights.... get caught up in the magic and nostalgia of the season.

12. Make home-made ornaments.

13. Enjoy this WARM & LOVE-FILLED season, it passes by so quickly!!

In Honor of My sons, and sons everywhere......

2006-11-14T09:57:00.000-05:00

I am dedicating this post to my sons, Caleb Dalton and Gavin Luke. My sons amaze me every day, they bring such joy to my life. But I must admit... boys do some strange stuff!

Ahhhhhhhh.....the joys of parenting!

Here's to you, boys.....For:

1. Using the balcony of our beachfront hotel as a potty.

2. Always drawing 'mommy' where you shouldn't (the walls, the car).

3. Cutting one side of the cat's whiskers COMPLETELY OFF.

4. Waiting until your diaper is OFF to pee.

5. Vomiting on me when I'm fresh out of the shower.

6. Using my new clothes as your napkins.

7. Saying: Birds sure do love to shooey on your car, Mommy.....yeah, Caleb, its obvious to me too!

8. Burping loudly during the church sermon (baby Luke).

9. Passing gas and finding it absolutely hilarious.

10. Making sure the bath water ends up on the ceiling, TOO.

11. Practicing your climbing skills on ALL the furniture.

12. Making sure our 5 cats get MORE THAN adequate exercise!

13. Perfecting the art of hiding messes.

14. Knowing EXACTLY how to get mommy off the phone.

15. ....and for absolutely stealing my heart, so much, that I could never survive or imagine life without you. You are my world, you are what completes me. I LOVE YOU!

My Autumn Tips for Bringing Out Your Inner Child.....

2006-10-17T10:31:00.001-05:00

These are just some random tips from my 'over the top' eccentric mind.

1. Watch a 'kid-approved' movie.....It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown.

2. Go outside and play in the falling leaves.

3. Visit a cornmaze, pumpkin patch, Fall Festival.

4. Eat applebutter...if you like it, if not, eat it anyway.

5. Decorate for Autumn with your kids, spouse, relatives, pets, whatever.

6. Buy yourself a pumpkin pie, whipped cream, and have fun (Either by eating it or however you choose). YUM-O.

7. Carve a pumpkin!

8. Bake some Halloween cookies or cupcakes.

9. (I realize this one is a little far fetched but...) Adopt a black cat and name it Spook or Boo or Pooty. *smile*

10. Enjoy this FUN season, it passes by so quickly!!

For Christy........

2006-10-16T11:30:00.000-05:00

To Christy:

In honor of our long-lasting friendship....These pics are for you, baby....Enjoy!!
And Remember.....Don't you cry, tonight!

P.S. NO MORE DANCIN' WITH MR. BROWNSTONE!

http://www.duffmckagan.net/main.htm

Our Saturday........

2006-10-16T10:32:00.000-05:00

After Caleb's soccer game, we went to the Fall Festival at Central Church of Christ. What FUN! They had several of the huge inflatables for kids, GREAT FOOD and baked goods, Cake walks (to the tune of Rocky Top-Caleb's favorite), cupcake walks for kids, hayrides, four-wheeler rides, games gallore : duck pond, leap for the Lord sack race, bean bag tosses, face painting, "feed the elephant" (Caleb liked the dart/balloons the best), a dunk-the-preacher dunking booth *shiver*, and even the new sheriff made an appearance. I tried 7 times to win a cake, to no avail. Oh well, we spent over 2 hours there, and had a great time! We did come home with a dozen DIVINE Halloween cupcakes....*smile*

The votes are in.............

2006-10-16T09:44:00.000-05:00

Baby Luke will be a Pea in the pod for Halloween. Caleb will be Batman.

www.marriagebuilders.com

2006-10-12T11:24:00.000-05:00

I had to condense.....Please visit this website for GREAT tips for your marriage!!

I found some GREAT info on the http://www.marriagebuilders.com/ site.....It is written by Dr. Harley who has a site, radio show, a book, and offers seminars (I think Steve and I need to attend one)....Some very useful tips and info, I think.

I need your help...............

2006-10-09T08:40:00.000-05:00

ok everyone...I'm enlisting your help in choosing a costume for baby Luke......I have narrowed it down to four candidates....you know, if I choose the last one, he'll be warped...FOR LIFE....... *laugh*

Things that I Love............

2006-10-04T08:43:00.001-05:00

I Love: my Savior, my family, my friends, orchids, the smell of lavender, the ocean, the sound of my children's laughter, the way my baby always smells like soy milk and his toothless grin, Caleb saying, "mommy I love you," for no reason at all, Sunday Gatherings, brownies, cheesecake, pumpkin pie, cooking, scrapbooking, listening to music, summer days, Halloween, Christmas, my cats, sitting by a fireplace during a snow with a bowl of hot chicken noodle soup, comfy clothes, the smell of play-doh & crayons & apple candles, a long bubble bath, getting pedicures (from Christy), hugs, kisses, Dove chocolates, the smell of clean clothes, old cookbooks, vintage Tupperware, feeling needed, Rachael Ray, traveling to new places, having a CLEAN house (which, by the way, is rare), new clothes that make me feel good about myself, OLD PAJAMAS!, Pink Panther cartoons, the Olive Garden, DISHING i.e. gossiping, eBay, My blog, the Eiffel Tower, Dolly's Splash Country, having wonton soup with Caleb (he just loves the stuff), autumn/spring days at the park, time with friends, trendy things, beauty-aimed magazines, new haircolor, new lipgloss, JLo Love at first Glow fragrance, Red Door Perfume (my mom's favorite), Nearly anything from Bath & Body Works, feeling smart, turning heads, Hawaiian Holiday from Keva Juice, being spontaneous, shopping, having picnics, strawberry daquiri and champagne, jersey sheets, being lazy.......

Theres tons more, but I need to leave space for other posts *laugh*

November............

2006-10-03T21:32:00.002-05:00

Your birthday is in November. You are:

Your Birth Month is November

Tolerant and inspirational, you are wise beyond your years. You are universally sympathetic and a great humanitarian.
Your soul reflects: Compassion, friendship, and secret love
Your gemstone: Citrine
Your flower: Chrysanthemum
Your colors: Dark blue, red, and yellow

What Does Your Birth Month Mean?

Dessert.....YUM-O

2006-10-03T08:22:00.000-05:00

Sarah emailed this to me....It's worthy of sharing....I think of it kinda like your dessert horoscope....*laugh*

p.s.......I chose brownies....................

If all of the desserts listed below were sitting in front of you, which would you choose (you can only pick one!). Trust me...this is reputed to be very accurate. Pick your dessert, then look to see what psychiatrists think about you.

1. Angel Food Cake

2. Brownies

3. Lemon Meringue

4. Vanilla cake with Chocolate Icing

5. Strawberry Short Cake

6. Chocolate on Chocolate

7. Ice Cream

8. Carrot Cake

No, you can't change your mind once you scroll down, so think carefully what your choice will be....

OK - Now that you've made your choice this is what research says about you...

DO NOT READ BELOW HERE UNTIL YOU HAVE MADE YOUR CHOICE....

****************************************************

1. ANGEL FOOD CAKE -- Sweet, loving, cuddly. You love all warm and fuzzy items. A little nutty at times. Sometimes you need an ice cream cone at the end of the day. Others perceive you as being childlike and immature at times.

2. BROWNIES -- You are adventurous, love new ideas, are a champion of underdogs and a slayer of dragons. When tempers flare up you whip out your saber. You are always the oddball with a unique sense of humor and direction. You tend to be very loyal.

3. LEMON MERINGUE --Smooth, sexy, & articulate with your hands, you are an excellent after-dinner speaker and a good teacher. But don't try to walk and chew gum at the same time. A bit of a diva at times, but you have many friends.

4. VANILLA CAKE WITH CHOCOLATE ICING -- Fun-loving, sassy, humorous, not very grounded in life; very indecisive and lack motivation. Everyone enjoys being around you, but you are a practical joker. Others should be cautious in making you mad. However, you are a friend for life.

5. STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE -- Romantic, warm, loving. You care about other people, can be counted on in a pinch and expect the same in return. Intuitively keen. Can be very emotional.

6. CHOCOLATE ON CHOCOLATE -- Sexy; always ready to give and receive. Very creative, adventurous, ambitious, and passionate. You can appear to have a cold exterior but are warm on the inside. Not afraid to take chances. Will not settle for anything average in life. Love to laugh.

7. ICE CREAM -- You like sports, whether it be baseball, football, basketball, or soccer. If you could, you would like to participate, but you enjoy watching sports. You don't like to give up the remote control. You tend to be self-centered and high maintenance.

8. CARROT CAKE -- You are a very fun loving person, who likes to laugh. You are fun to be with. People like to hang out with you. You are a very warm hearted person and a little quirky at times. You have many loyal friends.

Living, Failures, Successes......and Fun

2006-10-01T10:55:00.000-05:00

Live............Purposefully

You learn more about yourself from your failures than your successes

Lately, I have been doing some self exploration and I have had this self revelation. I am trying to focus more on things that are meaningful and important (Refer to post titled 'Vanity and What is Most Important').

I think today was meaningful. Caleb and I spent the latter part of the day decorating the yard for Halloween.....HOW FUN. We finished the 'Lewis Cemetery', the 'ghost tree', the Frankenstein bushes complete with spider webs and spiders, inflatable Frankie, Frankie tied to telephone pole, witch crashing into our front door....you get the picture. Our live decorations include Rocky, the black, indoor scaredy cat and the very large black and yellow LIVE spider which resides on the front screen door....to which Caleb and I have grown fond of (once we got over the initial fear of it, and I looked it up online to make sure it wasn't poisonous).

I will try to post some pics for you to see.....*smile*

I'll call this one.........Freedom of Speech

2006-09-30T05:41:00.000-05:00

Yes, I know that someone will take offense to this, but this is just too good to pass up.

While walking to my Anatomy class yesterday, I saw a bumper sticker that CRACKED me up, and made me think of a few more that I have seen lately.......

Somewhere in Texas a village is missing it's idiot.
Stay out of the Bushes.
Yeehaw is not a foreign policy.
No one Died when Clinton Lied.
Buck Fush
The Only Bush I Trust is my Own
Save the Earth Unplant a Bush
My Bush would make a Better President
Bush bin-Lyin'
(*shows Bush strummin' a guitar*) I call this next one "Screw the Poor"
It aint over til your brother counts the votes
That son of a Bush!
One Nation Under Surveillance
Curious George is watching you
Pro-life and pro-war? Im anti-hypocrit, thanks.
The only thing Bush fixes are elections
Theres dirt under every Bush
Dont blame me- my vote didnt count
Bipartisanship / I'll hug your elephant / if you'll kiss my ass!!
'Gore Won...but who's counting?'

For more entertainment, click the links below, especially the bottom one....*laugh*

http://www.freedomforum.org/templates/document.asp?documentID=14780

http://www.anyoneelse.org/

http://funny.ansme.com/politics/bush/build.html

What is REALLY Important to me.....

2006-09-29T08:38:00.006-05:00

I want to do more for the things that I believe in...
I have to speak up for causes that are REALLY important to me....
Organ Donor Awareness (my mom died at 43, while waiting for a liver transplant), Second Harvest Food Bank (no one in this great country should go hungry), the Fight for Cancer (my grandmother died from lymphoma and I have had pre-cancerous cells removed from my cervix), and the Humane Society (locally, they are euthanizing 800 cats a month). Caleb and I recently took towels, bleach, cat and dog food to the Carter County Animal shelter, to help out.
Here are the websites....Do what you want with them......I hope you view them, share them.....

www.shareyourlife.org & www.organdonor.gov

and

www.secondharvest.org

and

www.cancer.org & www.komen.org

and

www.wildlifewarriors.org.au & www.hsus.org

Some facts.........

Over 92,000 people are waiting for the gift of life

Each day, about 74 people receive organ transplants. However, 19 people die each day waiting for transplants that can’t take place because of the shortage of donated organs.
Please decide today to make your wishes known about organ and tissue donation. Learn more by reading Myths and Facts about donation.

Make today the day you:

Download, print, sign and carry a donor card.

Say yes to donation on your driver's license.

Sign up with your State’s donor registry (if your State has one).

Discuss your decision with your family. They may be asked to give consent.

No money? The above doesnt cost you a dime.....

Ask Someone........

2006-09-25T19:33:00.000-05:00

I am sometimes reminded of how much that I take for granted, and how much I have to be thankful for. The value of my friends, family, and faith far surpasses the value of any possession that I could ever own. This poem is a good reminder..........

To realize the value of a sister/brother:

Ask someone who doesn't have one.

To realize the value of ten years:

Ask a newly divorced couple.

To realize the value of four years:

Ask a graduate.

To realize the value of one year:

Ask a student who has failed a final exam.

To realize the value of nine months:

Ask a mother who gave birth to a stillborn.

To realize the value of one month:

Ask a mother who has given birth to a premature baby.

To realize the value of one week:

Ask an editor of a weekly newspaper.

To realize the value of one minute:

Ask a person who has missed the train, bus or plane.

To realize the value of one second:

Ask a person who has survived an accident.

Time waits for no one.

Treasure every moment you have.

You will treasure it even more when you can share it with someone special.

To realize the value of a friend or family member:

LOSE ONE.

Remember...Hold on tight to the ones you love!

Another FUNNY from the news....Gotta love it!

2006-09-24T19:38:00.000-05:00

Man Strolling With Pot Plants Busted
By Associated Press

DES MOINES, Iowa - Aaron Janssen made it way too easy. Janssen, 36, was arrested on marijuana charges Thursday, after he was spotted taking a leisurely stroll through downtown, carrying his recently harvested pot plants.
Polk County Chief Deputy Mark Burdock said he did a double-take when he looked out his office window at the county jail and saw Janssen walking down the sidewalk, carrying his freshly harvested crop.
"I look out the window ... , and I see him walking north carrying a green leafy substance, all pulled up by its roots," Burdock said. "He was carrying it like you'd carry a bundle of presents. It was tall enough where he was looking over the top of them, and he's just walking like nothing's going on."
Burdock said he went outside and yelled at Janssen, who walked right over to him, still carrying the plants.
Janssen said the plants were part of his marijuana grown near the Des Moines River, but wouldn't say exactly where, Burdock said.
Deputies also found two two-pound bags of processed marijuana strapped to each of Janssen's legs, and a third wrapped in a sweater.
Burdock said the marijuana had an estimated street value of about $2,000.

Anyone for a trip to Six Flags??

2006-09-21T12:13:00.001-05:00

Eat a Roach and Be the First in Line
By Associated Press
5 hours ago

GURNEE, Ill. - Why wait in line when you can just eat a cockroach? That's the question Six Flags Great America is asking its thrill seekers during its Halloween-themed FrightFest. The amusement park is daring customers to eat a live Madagascar hissing cockroach in exchange for unlimited line-jumping privileges.

The promotion, which has Lake County Health Department officials shaking their heads, starts Oct. 7.

Anyone who chows down the entire 2- to 3-inch horned cockroach gets a pass for four people to cut to the front of ride lines through Oct. 29.

Park officials insist it's safe to eat the crunchy critters, but health officials are cautioning participants.

Consuming live roaches might increase risks of gastrointestinal illness and allergies, according to Bill Mays, Lake County Health Department's community health director.

Cockroach eaters will have to sign waivers and still pay admission fees, said Six Flags spokesman James Taylor.

The bug buffet continues with a cooked roach eating contest Oct. 13 _ Friday, Oct. 13.

Taylor says he's hoping someone can beat the 2001 Guinness Book of World Records feat in which a British man downed 36 cockroaches.

"I've heard people say, 'Wow,' 'Ew,' a lot of one-worders," Taylor said. "A lot have said that they wouldn't eat a cockroach, but they sure would like to see someone else do it."

I know, I know........

2006-09-21T10:37:00.000-05:00

Im well aware that my blog is in desperate need of an update...so here's an update. My son, Caleb, said the sweetest thing to me the other day...He said, "Mommy, when Im at school and I finish practicing my ABC's on my dry erase board, I always draw a picture of me, you, Lukey, and Daddy, but my eyes get tears in the and I have to wipe them away because I miss you"......Now, how sweet is that...

He is SO my child, and he loves to cook....anything. But most importantly, He loves Rachael Ray as much as I do, we pile on the couch and watch it together. YUM-O! *lol*

He has 2 soccer games on Saturday, the first is at 9:40 @ field 1, and 11:00 @ field 4.

Bitchology (not Biology)

2006-09-14T11:55:00.000-05:00

BITCHOLOGY

When I stand up for myself and my beliefs, they call me a bitch.

When I stand up for those I love, they call me a bitch.

When I speak my mind, think my own thoughts or do things my own way, they call me a bitch. Being a bitch means I won't compromise what's in my heart.

It means I live my life MY way.

It means I won't allow anyone to step on me.

When I refuse to tolerate injustice and speak against it, I am defined as a bitch.

The same thing happens when I take time for myself instead of being everyone's maid,

or when I act a little selfish.

It means I have the courage and strength to allow myself to be who I truly am

and won't become anyone else's idea of what they think I "should" be.

I am outspoken, opinionated and determined

I want what I want and there is nothing wrong with that!

So try to stomp on me,

try to douse my inner flame,

try to squash every ounce of beauty I hold within me.

You won't succeed.

And if that makes me a bitch , so be it.

I embrace the title and am proud to bear it.

Guess I'm just another bitch, huh..................

A sweet for you..............

2006-09-11T20:58:00.002-05:00

Happiness keeps You Sweet,

Trials keep You Strong,

Sorrows keep You Human,

Failures keep You Humble,

Success keeps You Glowing,

But Only God keeps You Going!

You are so special!

Sarah, this one's for you.......

2006-09-09T20:08:00.000-05:00

Sarah said my blog needed an update, so, I found something fun to do, online. I took a quiz titled 'How sinful are you.' I answered questions such as..........

You daydream about: Upstaging your biggest rival and having everyone know that you're the best, Getting even with someone you've secretly hated for a while

You usually find yourself in a bad mood when...You aren't the center of attention, You are unable to seek justice right away

When it comes to love...You tend to fall for people who give you a ton of attention, You pretty much want to harm all your ex's

What's your attitude toward money? With enough money, you can say a big "F*** You" to the world, Money... ah, to never have to work again

Your Deadly Sins

Wrath: 100%

Envy: 0%

Gluttony: 0%

Greed: 0%

Lust: 0%

Pride: 0%

Sloth: 0%

Chance You'll Go to Hell: 14%

You will die, but first you will turn into an evil robot.

How Sinful Are You?

THIS IS TOTALLY AWESOME!

2006-09-07T20:23:00.000-05:00

OK, I found this AWESOME site where you can upload your photo, it scans your photo, and tells you to which celebrities that you bear likeness...Totally Rockin'. However, you do have to set up an account, but its brief, and totally fun!
The site is called: www.myheritage.com
Check this out, peeps!

It said that I resemble Kate Hudson ( I've heard that before), Kate Bosworth, and Kim Smith.....

Now, How fun is that???????????

Random thoughts..........

2006-09-06T16:15:00.000-05:00

Yep....Im a bad girl. Although I should be tracing the path of cerebrospinal fluid through the brain, and naming parts like the infundibulum and the 4 colliculi that make up the quadrigemini, Im not. Instead, Im blogging.......again.
I must be addicted.... So, since this is totally random, and I can write whatever, I will tell you about my recent Ebay purchases....A set of 2 Barney videos (for the baby, of course), a large (awesome) Eiffel tower poster to be framed, and an Anatomy and Physiology II textbook (way too expensive).
So, I think tonight's gonna be a Pretty Woman night....Im gonna slip into my most comfy pj's, put the kids to bed early, pop some popcorn, and watch Pretty Woman.
"Well color me happy, theres a sofa in here for two." *lol*
Yeah, its about time to rekindle my flame for Richard Gere, anyway....dont laugh, I think he's the man, especially in the movie Unfaithful....a totally racy movie, but one of my fav's.
Night, night..............................................

Quotes..................

2006-09-05T18:16:00.000-05:00

Seeing Christy's blog reminded me of some quotes that I have found truth in, and some originals that I just plain love.............

People in glass houses shouldnt throw stones (spoken most frequently by my mom).
A lot of truthful things are said in jest (spoken by my former supervisor, Cindy, RN).
Raaaaiiiiissseeee Hell (spoken by my aunt Laura).
You get it, your legs arent broken (spoken by mothers everywhere).
The phone does work both ways (spoken frequently by my aunt Jan).
Im over it! (spoken by me on a daily basis).
Now, folks, I dont ask much, just 55 minutes of your time each day (spoken by my former algebra teacher, Coach Hambrick aka Hambone).
Jim's ugly! (spoken by Christy).
Maynard's cigarette got big, it got REAL big (spoken by my son, Caleb, the first time he saw a cigar).
I just stole their fork! (spoken by Christy, after she stole a fork from Olive Garden in Knoxville, so she could eat leftovers in the hotel).

I'll add more as I think of them........................................

Another Goodie for you...

2006-09-03T19:42:00.002-05:00

First of all, I hope everyone enjoys their Labor Day. I came across this in an old email...It's worthy of sharing...Take Notes..

1. If you're too open-minded, your brains will fall out.

2. Don't worry about what people think, they don't do it very often.

3. Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car.

4. Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity.

5. If you must choose between two evils, pick the one you've never tried before.

6. My idea of housework is to sweep the room with a glance.

7. Not one shred of evidence supports the notion that life is serious.

8. It is easier to get forgiveness than permission.

9. For every action, there is an equal and opposite government program.

10. If you look like your passport picture, you probably need the trip.

11. Bills travel through the mail at twice the speed of checks.

12. A conscience is what hurts when all of your other parts feel so good.

13. Eat well, stay fit, die anyway.

14. Men are from earth. Women are from earth. Deal with it.

15. No man has ever been shot while doing the dishes.

16. A balanced diet is a cookie in each hand.

17. Middle age is when broadness of the mind and narrowness of the waist change places.

18. Opportunities always look bigger going than coming.

19. Junk is something you've kept for years and throw away three weeks before you need it.

20. There is always one more imbecile than you counted on.

21. Experience is a wonderful thing. It enables you to recognize a mistake when you make it again.

22. By the time you can make ends meet, they move the ends.

23. Thou shalt not weigh more than thy refrigerator.

24. Someone who thinks logically provides a nice contrast to the real world.

25. It ain't the jeans that make your butt look big.

My Friends and Family............

2006-09-03T15:54:00.000-05:00

I dont know where I would be without my friends and family, wow, you guys have seen me through so much........I LOVE YOU ALL......Teresa, Sarah, and Christy, of course.....And my family....you know who you are.......So here's to you.....

I love you because of who you are to me........

Only when we give joyfully, without hesitation or thought of gain,

can we truly know what love means. -Leo Buscaglia

Totally Spies...............

2006-09-03T12:40:00.000-05:00

I found humor in a tidbit from my astrological sign.......
Scorpios tend to thrive in: 'Any profession in which analysis, investigation, research, dealing with practicalities, and the solving of mysteries are relevant, can appeal to them. So police and detective work, espionage and counterespionage, the law, physics or psychology may attract them, and they can become masters of the written and spoken word.' Okay, heres where the humor comes in. Around age 17, Christy and I were (and I use the term loosely) spies....We had our own spy kit, complete with wigs, several different sunglasses, and lots of other things to conceal our identities...And we were totally spies! We would borrow cars and follow people, take pictures without their knowledge, have our own "stake out." This "spy" training actually came in handy. I actually did this with a friend, and we were able to catch her husband having an affair.....another story.

The Journey of a Mother...........

2006-09-03T10:22:00.000-05:00

In Loving Memory of my mother, Crystal Birchfield Simerly, and my Grandmother, Betty Montgomery Birchfield.....And in Honor of mothers everywhere........

The Journey of A Mother

For those who are fortunate enough to still be blessed by having your Mom with you, this is beautiful...For those who aren't...It is even more beautiful.

It takes my breath away!

The young mother set her foot on the path of life. "Is this the long way?" she asked. And the guide said "Yes, and the way is hard. And you will be old before you reach the end of it. But the end will be better than the beginning." But the young mother was happy, and she would not believe that anything could be better than these years. So she played with her children, she fed them and bathed them, and taught them how to tie their shoes and ride a bike and reminded them to feed the dog, and do their homework and brush their teeth. The sun shone on them, and the young Mother cried, "Nothing will ever be lovelier than this."

Then the nights came, and the storms, and the path was sometimes dark, and the children shook with fear and cold, and the mother drew them close and covered them with her arms, and the children said, "Mother, we are not afraid, for you are near, and no harm can come." And the morning came, and there was a hill ahead, and the children climbed and grew weary, and the mother was weary. But at all times she said to the children, "A little patience and we are there." So the children climbed, and as they climbed they learned to weather the storms. And with this, she gave them strength to face the world.

Year after year, she showed them compassion, understanding, hope, but most of all...Unconditional love. And when they reached the top they said, "Mother, we would not have done it without you."

The days went on, and the weeks and the months and the years, and the mother grew old and she became little and bent. But her children were tall and strong, and walked with courage. And the mother, when she lay down at night, looked up at the stars and said, "This is a better day than the last, for my children have learned so much and are now passing these traits on to their children." And when the way became rough for her, they lifted her, and gave her their strength, just as she had given them hers. One day they came to a hill, and beyond the hill, they could see a shining road and golden gates flung wide. And mother said: "I have reached the end of my journey. And now I know the end is better than the beginning, for my children can walk with dignity and pride, with their heads held high, and so can their children after them." And the children said, "You will always walk with us, Mother, even when you have gone through the gates." And they stood and watched her as she went on alone, and the gates closed after her. And they said: "We cannot see her, but she is with us still. A Mother like ours is more than a memory. She is a living presence." Your Mother is always with you. She's the whisper of the leaves as you walk down the street, she's the smell of certain foods you remember, flowers you pick and perfume that she wore, she's the cool hand on your brow when you're not feeling well, she's your breath in the air on a cold Winters day. She is the sound of the rain that lulls you to sleep, the colors of a rainbow, she is Christmas morning. Your Mother lives inside your laughter. And she's crystallized in every tear drop. A mother shows every emotion ...Happiness, sadness, fear, jealousy, love, hate, anger, helplessness, excitement, joy, sorrow... And all the while, hoping and praying you will only know the good feelings in life. She's the place you came from, your first home, and she's the map you follow with every step you take. She's your first love, your first friend, even your first enemy, but nothing on earth can separate you. Not time, not space...Not even death!

Here's My Sign...............

2006-09-02T19:12:00.001-05:00

For those of you who know me, you already know all this......*LOL*

Traditional Scorpio Traits......................
Determined and forceful, Emotional and intuitive, Powerful and passionate, Exciting and magnetic

On the dark side....Jealous and resentful, Compulsive and obsessive, Secretive and obstinate

LIKES.........................
Truth
Hidden Causes
Being involved
Work That is Meaningful
Being Persuasive

DISLIKES....................
Being Given Only Surface data
Taken Advantage of
Demeaning Jobs
Shallow Relationships
Flattery and Flattering

Scorpios are the most intense, profound, powerful characters in the zodiac. Even when they appear self-controlled and calm there is a seething intensity of emotional energy under the placid exterior. They are like the volcano not far under the surface of a calm sea, it may burst into eruption at any moment. But those of us who are particularly perceptive will be aware of the harnessed aggression, the immense forcefulness, magnetic intensity, and often strangely hypnotic personality under the tranquil, but watchful composure of Scorpio. In conventional social gatherings they are pleasant to be with, thoughtful in conversation, dignified, and reserved, yet affable and courteous; they sometimes possess penetrating eyes which make their shyer companions feel naked and defenseless before them.
In their everyday behavior they give the appearance of being withdrawn from the center of activity, yet those who know them will recognize the watchfulness that is part of their character. They need great self-discipline, because they are able to recognize the qualities in themselves that make them different from other humans, and to know their utterly conventional natures can be used for great good, or great evil. Their tenacity and willpower are immense, their depth of character and passionate conviction overwhelming, yet they are deeply sensitive and easily moved by their emotions. Their sensitivity, together with a propensity for extreme likes and dislikes make them easily hurt, quick to detect insult or injury to themselves (often when none is intended) and easily aroused to ferocious anger. This may express itself in such destructive speech or action that they make lifelong enemies by their outspokenness, for they find it difficult not to be overly critical of anything or anyone to whom they take a dislike.
They can harness their abundant energy constructively, tempering their self-confidence with shrewdness and their ambition with magnanimity toward others provided they like them. They relate to fellow workers only as leaders and can be blunt to those they dislike to the point of cruelty. In fact they are not above expressing vindictiveness in deliberate cruelty. They are too demanding, too unforgiving of faults in others, perhaps because they are not aware of the shortcomings within themselves, and extravagantly express their self-disgust in unreasonable resentment against their fellows. They do, however, make excellent friends, provided that their companions do nothing to impugn the honor of which Scorpios are very jealous. Part of the negative side of the Scorpio nature is a tendency to discard friends once they cease to be useful, but the decent native is aware of, and fights this tendency.
They are fortunate in that their strong reasoning powers are tempered with imagination and intuition, and these gifts, together with critical perception and analytical capacity, can enable the Scorpions to penetrate to profundities beyond the average. They have a better chance of becoming geniuses than the natives of any other sign.But charismatic "twice-born" characters such as they can sink into the extremes of depravity if they take the wrong path, and the intensity of their nature exaggerates their harmful tendencies into vices far greater than the normal.
Rebelliousness against all conventions, political extremism to the point where hatred of the Establishment makes them utterly unscrupulous terrorists. Brooding resentment, aggressive and sadistic brutality, total arrogance, morbid jealousy, extreme volatility of temperament, these are some of their vices. At the other extreme is the procrastinator, the man or woman who is capable of so much that they do nothing and become indolent and self-indulgent, requiring extravagant praise and flattery from those whom they make their cronies.
Being so gifted, they can find fulfillment in many employments. Their inner intensity can result in the ice-cold self-control and detachment of the surgeon, the concentration of the research scientist, and the heroism of the soldier. Any profession in which analysis, investigation, research, dealing with practicalities, and the solving of mysteries are relevant, can appeal to them. So police and detective work, espionage and counterespionage, the law, physics or psychology may attract them, and they can become masters of the written and spoken word. They may be most persuasive orators and find fulfillment as diplomats or preachers and, if they make the Church their profession, their inner intensity can express itself in the spiritual fervor of the mystic or the thaumaturgy.
Scorpio is the symbol of sex and Scorpios are passionate lovers, the most sensually energetic of all the signs. For them, union with the beloved is a sacrament, an "outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace.". Their overriding urge in loving is to use their power to penetrate beyond themselves and to lose themselves sexually in their partners in an almost mystical ecstasy, thus discovering the meaning of that union which is greater than individuality, and is a marriage of the spirit as well as of flesh. They are thus capable of the greatest heights of passionate transport, but debauchery and perversion are always dangers, and Scorpios can become sadistic monsters of sensuality and eroticism. Their feelings are so intense that even when their love is of the highest, and most idealistic kind, they are nevertheless frequently protagonists in tragic, even violent romances, "star-crossed lovers"..........................