This time last year I decided to give someone a try. My first impression of his uncapitalized name on that personality profile website left much to be desired. When I started looking forward to receiving emails from him, I knew there was more than just an odd name and a Harley. The first time we talked on the phone, we rambled on for 4 hours.
We talked every night for about two weeks, hours and hours on end. Our discussions ranged from likes and dislikes, spiritual and religious beliefs, aspirations and dreams, family and marriage desires, musts and wont's, goals and fears, funny stories and off-color jokes, all the way back to where we came from and how we got to where we are today. Our connection grew through those late night talks and I could feel our spirits reaching out to each other.
J. will be happy to tell you about our first date and how he was the back-up plan, which is not my version. His version of this story is so much more colorful than mine. He did introduce me to a dead terrorist and won my heart through laughter. We spent every day together that first weekend and I was made official by meeting his friends and going to the first race of the season. Two broken ribs, torn cartilage and a date with a cop later and I decided J. just might be the one.
Parked in front of a Jack in the Box with their deliciously artery clogging tacos of death, I asked J. if he would like to be my boyfriend. Yes, I really did! I can still hear his voice on the phone, laughing, "Be your boyfriend?! Yeah, I guess I could do that."
That was one year ago today. It's been a wild ride full of new love, adventures galore, mud and 'nanner pudding, last seat on roller coasters and more sushi than I know what to do with. We're about to buy a gorgeous house and make it a home. I can't wait to start this new chapter of our life together. I've never been happier and felt more like myself.
Thank you, Baby, for teaching me that it's OK to be me and it's OK to want what I want. For loving me despite myself and for being such an amazing example to me. I love you more than I know how to express and believe that every step of my life has led me to you. You truly are My Heart. Happy Anniversary! I love you!
Tuesday
Monday
One Smart Squirrrel
My father used to say; "There are old squirrels and there are dumb squirrels, but there are no old, dumb squirrels."Today, I saw a mighty smart squirrel. He ran up the telephone pole on one side of the street, tightroped across the street on the powerline, and came down the pole on the far side. Never once was he in danger of steelbelted death by speeding rubber. Here's a toast to a long life for one smart squirrel.
A Backyard Wedding?
We close on our house April 19th, and a backyard, home-grown, country wedding sounds just right. 50 or so of our closest friends and family enjoying our new home and celebrating our new life together. I've been reading blogs on thrifty weddings, garden weddings, backyard BBQ wedding, antique & vintage weddings and they all have tons of real life appeal. I'm excited about planning this To-Do and know that even if everything falls apart and we end up in the garage cuz it rained, at least I'll be with the people I love, and married to the man I'm head-over-heels for. Isn't that all that matters?
Thursday
Who Woulda Thunk It?
Having spent the last few days in a mental funk and wasted far too many minutes deciphering my meager finances, I am led to recall that I am incredibly powerless and what should happen will in fact happen whether I help it along or not. More often than not, my helping is actually a hinderance, and God has to kick me to the curb and smack me around a bit to make the best thing happen in my life. Not to say that God is a mean bully who pushes folks around. It's just that I am very stubborn and pig-headed and don't deal very well when things don't go my way. He has to be a bit more forceful with me than some of the other kids.
He does work miracles and my life is coming together nicely, as it would have it, without my intervention. He is giving me the house I love, the man I love and the job I love. Not too shabby.
He does work miracles and my life is coming together nicely, as it would have it, without my intervention. He is giving me the house I love, the man I love and the job I love. Not too shabby.
Feels Like Home to Me
It feels like home to me, it feels like home to me
It feels like I'm all the way back where I come from
It feels like home to me, it feels like home to me
It feels like I'm all the way back where I belong
Look at the middle picture, see those little trees way in the background? They're not so little, they're just 5 1/2 acres away. And all of it's mine.
Wednesday
Updates for a Wednesday
- May have found "The Dress", now just have to find who designed it. Easier said than done.
- House we want has come down $10k in price. Wahoo!!
- Going to my first bridal show on Saturday. Might make it more real for me.
- My new office is pretty stinking cool!!
- Realizing how much I miss old friends. Need to keep in better contact, if I can.
- New project at work. Love to start things from scratch and figure them out as I go along.
Tuesday
Quote for the Day
Life isn't about waiting
for the storm to pass,
it's about learning to dance in the rain.
Wednesday
ToDoToDoToDoToDo...
- Set a Date
- Plan Our Wedding
- Buy a Dress
- Reserve Reception Location
- Get House Loan Started
- Get Downpayment in Place
- Flowers
- Caterer
- Music
- Decorate Office
- Convince Mom to come here and make my cake
- Get Dress Alterations
- Limo?
- Invitations
- Decorations
- Guest List
- Work
- Sleep
- Eat
- Fall in Love All Over Again!
Monday
PostSecret
I was inspired by the saying on a PostSecret postcard today. It gave me hope when my heart is heavy.
Spring is coming, and we will make it.
Thursday
Don't Ask Me Out For Lunch. I'm Paying Off My Credit Cards
I have finally sat down and created an interactive budget for myself. It's something I have dabbled with for years, but never actually completed. Now that I'm more Excel savvy, I created a three tab spreadsheet with my monthly budget, which paycheck pays which bills and my debt snowball schedule. It's already helping me tremendously, just by thinking "What category is this going to go in?" before I spend money. The fact that my happy little spreadsheet will hold me accountable for my debit card and ATM relationships has kept me in line this month. I've also been able to pay over $1000 towards my debt snowball!
If "Debt Snowball" is a term you are unfamiliar with, it works like this:
My goal for 2010 is to pay off my two credit cards, time-share and most of my car. The car won't be fully paid off until halfway thru 2011, but I'll be in a much better financial situation before then.
So don't ask me out to lunch. I'm paying off my credit cards.
If "Debt Snowball" is a term you are unfamiliar with, it works like this:
- Write down each and every debt you owe, outside of home expenses and utilities. Mine include 2 credit cards, a time-share and my car.
- Break down highest to lowest balance, interest rates, monthly payments.
- For me, my highest interest rate was also my lowest balance so I chose to pay that off first (we'll call it Debt 1).
- I pay the minimum payment on my remaining three debts and all discretionary cash on Debt 1 (this is over and above the minimum payment).
- Once Debt 1 is paid off, I roll my entire Debt 1 payment plus the minimum payment for Debt 2 to pay off Debt 2. And so on and so on until all debts are paid off.
- Once I am debt free, I will begin building my emergency fund. 3-6 months of expenses. Without my debt payments, my monthly expenses are pretty low.
- I will also max out my 401K and fully fund my Roth IRA.
My goal for 2010 is to pay off my two credit cards, time-share and most of my car. The car won't be fully paid off until halfway thru 2011, but I'll be in a much better financial situation before then.
So don't ask me out to lunch. I'm paying off my credit cards.
Jesus is the Reason for the Season!
As we bustle about driving here and driving there, buying this and buying that, let us remember the real reason for this joyous season. Celebration of the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Whenever his actual birthday may be, this is when we celebrate God's greatest gift to Man. His chosen Son, the Saviour of the world.
No matter who you are or what you've done, Jesus loves you and will stand with you through all your life. You do not need to be alone. He is always there with open arms, full of love and forgiveness. What joy it is to know that I have been forgiven and start each day as a new person.
I am so thankful to my Saviour for choosing to come to this Earth to live and die for me. If I were the only person on the Earth, He still would have come for me. As we visit with family and tear into our presents, remember that God gave us our most precious gift, his precious Son.
Merry Christmas to all!
Wednesday
Questions I Will Probably Never Know the Answer To
..At Least Not in This Life.
- Why do we drive on a parkway and park on a driveway?
- Why are there no 'B' batteries? Were they bad and sent away to the battery refugee camp, never to be heard from again?
- Why are yawns contagious? Sometimes just thinking about yawning makes me yawn..like right now.
- I live in a neat and clean 1 bedroom apartment and do my own laundry. Where the @&*! do my missing socks go?!?
- Why does 'sour' cream have an expiration date? It's already gone bad!
- Why do we hiccup? Cuz they suck.
- Why are cute women's shoes always so painful to wear? I think they are designed by men as a way to keep women in bondage.
- Has anyone ever got the skinny white ceramic dog that's always in the Wheel of Fortune prize showcase? It's been 15 years! Obviously no one wants the damn thing, give it to Goodwill!
- How many licks does it take to get to the Tootsie Roll center of a Tootsie Pop? I'll never know because as soon as I taste the Toostie Roll center, I throw it away.
- How is baseball 'America's pastime' when more people watch NASCAR?
- Where do all my pens go? They must be hanging out with my missing socks and lost B batteries.
Help Us Remember
Heavenly Father,
Help us remember that the jerk who cut us off in traffic last night is a single mother who worked nine hours that day and is rushing home to cook dinner, help with homework, do the laundry and spend a few precious moments with her children.
Help us to remember that the pierced, tattooed, disinterested young man who can't make change correctly is a worried 19-year-old college student, balancing his apprehension over final exams with his fear of not getting his student loans for next semester.
Remind us, Lord, that the scary looking bum, begging for money in the same spot every day is a slave to addictions that we can only imagine in our worst nightmares.
Help us to remember that the old couple walking annoyingly slow through the store aisles and blocking our shopping progress are savoring this moment, knowing that, based on the biopsy report she got back last week, this will be the last year that they go shopping together.
Heavenly Father, remind us each day that, of all the gifts you give us, the greatest gift is love. It is not enough to share that love with those we hold dear. Open our hearts not to just those who are close to us, but to all humanity. Let us be slow to judge and quick to forgive, show patience, empathy and love. Matt 5:44
Help us remember that the jerk who cut us off in traffic last night is a single mother who worked nine hours that day and is rushing home to cook dinner, help with homework, do the laundry and spend a few precious moments with her children.
Help us to remember that the pierced, tattooed, disinterested young man who can't make change correctly is a worried 19-year-old college student, balancing his apprehension over final exams with his fear of not getting his student loans for next semester.
Remind us, Lord, that the scary looking bum, begging for money in the same spot every day is a slave to addictions that we can only imagine in our worst nightmares.
Help us to remember that the old couple walking annoyingly slow through the store aisles and blocking our shopping progress are savoring this moment, knowing that, based on the biopsy report she got back last week, this will be the last year that they go shopping together.
Heavenly Father, remind us each day that, of all the gifts you give us, the greatest gift is love. It is not enough to share that love with those we hold dear. Open our hearts not to just those who are close to us, but to all humanity. Let us be slow to judge and quick to forgive, show patience, empathy and love. Matt 5:44
Friday
It's sunny outside!
As the days get shorter and the nights longer, my mind wanders through fuzzy mazes of clues and pastures. Rolling along the path, absent from the world's prerequisite of supposed truths. I spell relief with a good book, warm slippers and kiss on the forehead from someone who spoils me with sweetness. Through imagined climate change, destructive and rebuilding wars, famine and pandemics, I linger in the doorway leading to true happiness and peace. Baby steps along the road of life and learning. Will I walk this way again?
Monday
Thursday
When...
When the world seems to be closing in and my cube walls suffocate all sense of freedom and energy, I close my eyes and picture a smooth green hillside to my left, a small creek running along the line of trees on my right. Sounds of cool running water, tickling over stones as it smooths the edges off my mind. Velvet breezes rustle leaves and creak high reaching branches above. Soft sunshine bathes my skin and warms my soul.
I do not know if this place is an actual recollection of some physical location, or a realm my imagination created to allow my escape from reality. Either way, I love coming here.
I do not know if this place is an actual recollection of some physical location, or a realm my imagination created to allow my escape from reality. Either way, I love coming here.
Wednesday
Monday
A Place to Call Home
In the search for a house, what I'm really looking for is a place to call home. Having moved more times that I can count, I am not reveling in the thought of boxing up my belongings again. Yet, I am ashiver with anticipation at the possibilities that lay in front of me. A yard to tend, pictures to hang, walls to paint and real garage to park my car in. Frivolities of life that I covet.
Apartment dwelling does have it's positives. Need a new garbage disposal? Call the office and they install a new one that day, easy-peasy! Drunk neighbors laughing like banshee's under my window at 3 am on a Tuesday, not a perk. One mile commute to work, definitely on the plus side of my list. I will miss the ease of location and maintenance, but will love owning my own piece of the American Dream.
Apartment dwelling does have it's positives. Need a new garbage disposal? Call the office and they install a new one that day, easy-peasy! Drunk neighbors laughing like banshee's under my window at 3 am on a Tuesday, not a perk. One mile commute to work, definitely on the plus side of my list. I will miss the ease of location and maintenance, but will love owning my own piece of the American Dream.
Thursday
Wednesday
Thursday
Tuesday
Those Moments
There are those moments in life when you think, where do I go from here? What are my next steps? So many plans and hopes, wants and dreams run together to create a mishmash map of life. Though money does not drive me, it does grant a certain level of freedom. Each step is interconnected with the next, and last. Without at least some semblence of a plan we meander through this world, listing with the wind and social demands. I have such great ideas and wonderful desires for the future, but tomorrow stands in front of me. Stalwart and sure. It will appear whether I want it or not. What steps do I need to take to accomplish my wishes? Where do I go from here?
Monday
Thursday
2-Line Rhymes
THESE ARE ENTRIES TO A WASHINGTON POST COMPETITION
ASKING FOR A TWO-LINE RHYME
WITH THE MOST ROMANTIC FIRST LINE,
AND THE LEAST ROMANTIC SECOND LINE:
1. My darling, my lover, my beautiful wife:
Marrying you has screwed up my life.
2.I see your face when I am dreaming.
That's why I always wake up screaming.
3. Kind, intelligent, loving and hot;
This describes everything you are not.
4. Love may be beautiful, love may be bliss,
But I only slept with you 'cause I was pissed.
5. I thought that I could love no other-
- that is until I met your brother.
6. Roses are red, violets are blue, sugar is sweet, and so are you.
But the roses are wilting, the violets are dead, the sugar bowl's empty and so is your head.
7. I want to feel your sweet embrace;
But don't take that paper bag off your face.
8. I love your smile, your face, and your eyes
Damn, I'm good at telling lies!
9. My love, you take my breath away.
What have you stepped in to smell this way?
10. My feelings for you no words can tell,
Except for maybe 'Go to hell.'
11. What inspired this amorous rhyme?
Two parts vodka, one part lime.
ASKING FOR A TWO-LINE RHYME
WITH THE MOST ROMANTIC FIRST LINE,
AND THE LEAST ROMANTIC SECOND LINE:
1. My darling, my lover, my beautiful wife:
Marrying you has screwed up my life.
2.I see your face when I am dreaming.
That's why I always wake up screaming.
3. Kind, intelligent, loving and hot;
This describes everything you are not.
4. Love may be beautiful, love may be bliss,
But I only slept with you 'cause I was pissed.
5. I thought that I could love no other-
- that is until I met your brother.
6. Roses are red, violets are blue, sugar is sweet, and so are you.
But the roses are wilting, the violets are dead, the sugar bowl's empty and so is your head.
7. I want to feel your sweet embrace;
But don't take that paper bag off your face.
8. I love your smile, your face, and your eyes
Damn, I'm good at telling lies!
9. My love, you take my breath away.
What have you stepped in to smell this way?
10. My feelings for you no words can tell,
Except for maybe 'Go to hell.'
11. What inspired this amorous rhyme?
Two parts vodka, one part lime.
Tuesday
The Size of a Soul
How to measure the size of one's soul? It is measured by inches and feet, or ounces and pounds? Perhaps one can be measured by its acts, kind or cruel. Who would believe you if you were to tell them the weight of your soul? If it were at all possible to quantify our spirits, would that put a value on them?
If valued, then able to be bartered? If bartered, then marketed? If marketed, then increased demand for greater souls? With increased demand comes increased supply. Imagine of glut of souls available on the secondary market. What happens when the supply of a product far outpaces its demand? The value of that product shrinks, easy to get anywhere. No one wants it anymore. Unwanted souls, discarded and ignored.
No. Our souls are not weighted, nor are they measured. Each is priceless beyond recognition. We should not lose them so easily when another has sacrificed all for our right to keep them.
If valued, then able to be bartered? If bartered, then marketed? If marketed, then increased demand for greater souls? With increased demand comes increased supply. Imagine of glut of souls available on the secondary market. What happens when the supply of a product far outpaces its demand? The value of that product shrinks, easy to get anywhere. No one wants it anymore. Unwanted souls, discarded and ignored.
No. Our souls are not weighted, nor are they measured. Each is priceless beyond recognition. We should not lose them so easily when another has sacrificed all for our right to keep them.
Part
To that he exclaimed, "You are nothing to me. Neither reality nor fiction. Your place is not with me. Move on and be gone."
What to do? Where to go now? With all the space this world has inside it, surely there is a parcel for me and my small soul.
What to do? Where to go now? With all the space this world has inside it, surely there is a parcel for me and my small soul.
Monday
Don't Ask
3 Letter Animals:
cat
dog
eel
rat
bat
emu
gnu
elk
yak
pug
fly
nit
ant
pig
cow
hog
egg
(if you do not support abortion, then you must believe that an egg is an animal)
Can you think of any more?
Thursday
Quotes for the Day
Women and cats will do as they please.
Men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea.
Men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea.
Monday
Quote for the Day
When I started to look at what other people were doing,
that's when I got rattled.
When I focused on myself,
looking straight ahead,
I was able to succeed.
When you're too concerned about other people,
you get off balance.”
-Lisa Moris
Friday
Tuesday
Phantom of the Opera
Saturday night J. and I had an amazing evening. Dinner Uptown at the romantic Monticello restaurant, then he took me to see Phantom of the Opera. I have been dying to see this show for many years. I had even once planned a trip to NYC to see it on Broadway. Now, I'm glad I didn't go. It was such a special night to spend with J. We had great conversation and enjoyed all the people watching. The show was astounding! What a wonderful experience it was to get all dressed up, spend the evening Uptown and see the longest running Broadway play.
J. especially liked the mechanics of the set and stage. How quickly they were able to change from one scene to another, smooth and unnoticable. The music was hypnotic and drew you in. There were laughs and thrills, excitement and sorrow. The story of the phantom still haunts me. How many of us wear a mask to hide our true selves? With J. I am finally removing my mask and revealing who I really am. 
Monday
Soulmate
What is a soulmate? It is someone you can't live without? Someone you can completely be yourself with, with no fears or repercussions. That one person in all the world who was made just for you. When you can look back on your life and see how every step, every experience, every person has led you to this one. One out of billions, who knows you before you've actually met. The one who speaks your thoughts before you put them into words. Who sees the world through your eyes and understands you when you are confused in yourself. That certain individual who makes you feel completely at ease even with your most intimate thoughts, dreams and desires. When there is never a moment of shame or fear. That safety net and protection from the ills of the world. Those arms that offer comfort like you have never experienced before. The scent that drives your senses wild. The touch that speaks to your soul. The laughter that lightens the darkest night. The bond of friendship that grows stronger with each passing day. Looking forward to an entire life of love and companionship, joy and growth. What an amazing blessing and gift, to find my soulmate.
Friday
Song for the Day
Somebody
-Depeche Mode
I want somebody to share
Share the rest of my life
Share my innermost thoughts
Know my intimate details
Someone who'll stand by my side
And give me support
And in return
He'll get me support
He will listen to me
When I want to speak
About the world we live in
And life in general
Though my views may be wrong
They may even be perverted
He'll hear me out
And wont easily be converted
To my way of thinking
In fact he'll often disagree
But at the end of it all
He will understand me
I want somebody who cares
For me passionately
With every thought and
With every breath
Someone who'll help me see things
In a different light
All the things I detest
I will almost like
I dont want to be tied
To anyones strings
I've carefully trying to steer clear
Of those things
But when I'm asleep
I want somebody
Who will put their arms around me
And kiss me tenderly
Monday
Once Upon a Time...
...A little girl actually had time to update her blog. But now that all her time is spent enjoying life she has to make sporadic updates like this:
- Serious countdown to my vacation, 2 more days!!
- Need to get my carpet cleaned
- Learning to like more fried food. Welcome to the South. Fried pickles and green tomatoes seem to be in my future.
- I have bought 5 new pairs of jeans in the past week, all very long. I spent $35 total. Sweet.
- Think I might become a biker chick.
- Lincolnton, NC is a pretty cute little town. I could live there, on a few acres near the river...
- J. is everything I've ever wanted and didn't know I could ask for.
- I love being in love.
- I have a single carry-on bag packed for 2 vacations totalling 17 days. And my cowboy boots are inside! Go me!
- Disneyland on my birthday!
- I need a tan.
- The humidity cometh.
- Need to spend more time reading my Scriptures.
- Sushi tomorrow with Miss S.
- Got my butt kicked at pool, 3 times in a row. I should take up bowling. Or archery.
- Don't forget my toothpaste!
- Double-check weather.com for Denver forecast.
- Hey Mom, never did get that email. Love you!
- Shell, can I sleep on your couch at least one night?
- I'll tell Mickey you all say Hi!
Tuesday
Monday
It's Been a Minute...
...or 7 since I've updated here. There are times when I wonder if I have anything to say. Other times I type nothing because I know someone will actually read it.
I went on my first Harley ride this weekend. We took two-lane roads to Lake Lure and Chimney Rock. Lake Lure is where Dirty Dancing was filmed. It was a beautiful day Saturday and I loved to feel the wind on my skin and the sun beat down on me. I could smell the fresh cut grass and especially the cow pastures we rode past. The last part did make me homesick for the ranch, as did stratling the iron horse for 200 miles.
I better get used to that again, since I'll be at the ranch for 2 weeks this summer. It's really less than a month away! Oh my gosh, I just got very excited!! Disneyland on my birthday, then horses and cows for two straight weeks. A little bit of heaven.
That's enough for now.
I went on my first Harley ride this weekend. We took two-lane roads to Lake Lure and Chimney Rock. Lake Lure is where Dirty Dancing was filmed. It was a beautiful day Saturday and I loved to feel the wind on my skin and the sun beat down on me. I could smell the fresh cut grass and especially the cow pastures we rode past. The last part did make me homesick for the ranch, as did stratling the iron horse for 200 miles.
I better get used to that again, since I'll be at the ranch for 2 weeks this summer. It's really less than a month away! Oh my gosh, I just got very excited!! Disneyland on my birthday, then horses and cows for two straight weeks. A little bit of heaven.
That's enough for now.
Thursday
Tuesday
A Whole New World
I've recently been on a search for new things to do, places to go, things to learn, food to eat and experiences to have. The last few weeks I have:
- Found a new hiking trail near my place
- Learned to bake chicken well
- Been to Bobcats basketball games
- Been to a Checkers hockey game
- Expanding my Art skills through painting
- Got Internet at home
- Caught up on LOST
- Started a basic workout regimen
- Met my new neighbors
- Made new friends
- Started Dumb Movie night
I have a list titled 101 Things To Do in Charlotte. I've already marked off about 10-12 things that I have done and have decided that I'll choose one at a time to experience.
I'm also contemplating getting a season pass to Carowinds (mini Magic Mountain for you CA folks). It's only about 15 minutes away and I heart roller coasters. Hopefully I'll be able to go to a real Nascar race and a Panthers game this year too. I have tons on my To-Do Wish List, I'm excited for the journey. What's on your To-Do Wish List?
Friday
Cute Flats!
I have been more attracted to flats recently for multiple reasons.
Here are a few that caught my eye.
These ones look like little girls shoes, I love them!
I think they would look so cute with a denim skirt.
Material Girl in a Material World?
There are times when I am honestly astounded at the concerns and desires of others. I do not consider myself a materialistic person. Now, don't get me wrong, I do enjoy nice things and understand their worth. What irks me is when a person is continually driven by the bigger, better, best paradigm. I have been told by others that carrying a large amount of debt is not a concern as long as they have everything they want.
Perhaps I fall more into the 'saver' category, which may be why I have trouble accepting this type of mindset (though I do spend lavishly on my shoes). It also stems from my upbringing. I was taught to be very thrifty and not wasteful. Use it until it is unusable, then find another use for it. If an item is broken, marred or missing some cosmetic aspect it is certainly not unusable and does not need to be replaced with the newer, more expensive model. Just use the dang thing as it is and be happy you have one at all.
When I was younger and less knowledgeable of the effects of outlandish credit items, I did fall into the instant gratification trap. Years later, I am working hard to pay off those debts and have very little to show for that time of carefree spending.
That's another thing. I am doing my best not to be a pack rat. I strive to pare down my clutter as much as possible and donate all that I no longer have a use for. Also a nice help now that I have so few tax write-offs. Example: I have a fixed number of coat hangers. I will not buy new coat hangers. In order for me to buy a new item of clothing, I must donate or give away an existing item. Take something down in order to put something else back up. I seem to always have a bag of clothes and general household items being gathered for donation to the local Goodwill Store. This works for me.
I hope to be able to teach my future children these same ideals. I understand that some may not find my ideas to be ideal at all, yet I do. I believe that if something is earned it is more valuable. I believe that if you truly want something, you will work hard to attain it. I believe things that are easily gained are just as easily dismissed. I believe that rocks can sometimes be the best souvenir.
Perhaps I fall more into the 'saver' category, which may be why I have trouble accepting this type of mindset (though I do spend lavishly on my shoes). It also stems from my upbringing. I was taught to be very thrifty and not wasteful. Use it until it is unusable, then find another use for it. If an item is broken, marred or missing some cosmetic aspect it is certainly not unusable and does not need to be replaced with the newer, more expensive model. Just use the dang thing as it is and be happy you have one at all.
When I was younger and less knowledgeable of the effects of outlandish credit items, I did fall into the instant gratification trap. Years later, I am working hard to pay off those debts and have very little to show for that time of carefree spending.
That's another thing. I am doing my best not to be a pack rat. I strive to pare down my clutter as much as possible and donate all that I no longer have a use for. Also a nice help now that I have so few tax write-offs. Example: I have a fixed number of coat hangers. I will not buy new coat hangers. In order for me to buy a new item of clothing, I must donate or give away an existing item. Take something down in order to put something else back up. I seem to always have a bag of clothes and general household items being gathered for donation to the local Goodwill Store. This works for me.
I hope to be able to teach my future children these same ideals. I understand that some may not find my ideas to be ideal at all, yet I do. I believe that if something is earned it is more valuable. I believe that if you truly want something, you will work hard to attain it. I believe things that are easily gained are just as easily dismissed. I believe that rocks can sometimes be the best souvenir.
Sunday
What Matters Most
-By Oriah Mountain Dreamer
It doesn't interest me what you do for a living. I want to know what you ache for, and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart's longing.
It doesn't interest me how old you are. I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love, for your dream, for the adventure of being alive.
It doesn't interest me what planets are squaring your moon. I want to know if you have touched the center of your own sorrow, if you have been opened by life's betrayals or have become shriveled and closed from fear of further pain. I want to know if you can sit with pain, mine and your own, without moving to hide it, or fade it or fix it.
I want to know if you can be with joy, mine and your own, if you can dance with wildness and let the ecstasy fill you to the tips of your fingers and toes without cautioning us to be careful, to be realistic, to remember the limitations of being human.
It doesn't interest me if the story you are telling me is true. I want to know if you can disappoint another to be true to yourself; if you can bear the accusation of betrayal and not betray you own soul; if you can be faithless and therefore trustworthy.
I want to know if you can see beauty, even when it's not pretty, everyday and if you can source your own life from it's presence.
I want to know if y0u can live with failure, your and mine, and still stand at the edge of the lake and shout to the silver of the full moon, "Yes!"
It doesn't interest me where you live or how much money you have. I want to know if you can get up, after a night of grief and despair, weary and bruised to the bone, and do what needs to be done to feed the children.
It doesn't interest me whom you know or how you came to be here. I want to know if you will stand in the center of the fire with me and not shrink back.
I doesn't interest me where or what or with whom you have studied. I want to know what sustains you, from the inside, when all else falls away.
I want to know if you can be alone with yourself and if you truly like the company you keep in the empty moments.
It doesn't interest me what you do for a living. I want to know what you ache for, and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart's longing.
It doesn't interest me how old you are. I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love, for your dream, for the adventure of being alive.
It doesn't interest me what planets are squaring your moon. I want to know if you have touched the center of your own sorrow, if you have been opened by life's betrayals or have become shriveled and closed from fear of further pain. I want to know if you can sit with pain, mine and your own, without moving to hide it, or fade it or fix it.
I want to know if you can be with joy, mine and your own, if you can dance with wildness and let the ecstasy fill you to the tips of your fingers and toes without cautioning us to be careful, to be realistic, to remember the limitations of being human.
It doesn't interest me if the story you are telling me is true. I want to know if you can disappoint another to be true to yourself; if you can bear the accusation of betrayal and not betray you own soul; if you can be faithless and therefore trustworthy.
I want to know if you can see beauty, even when it's not pretty, everyday and if you can source your own life from it's presence.
I want to know if y0u can live with failure, your and mine, and still stand at the edge of the lake and shout to the silver of the full moon, "Yes!"
It doesn't interest me where you live or how much money you have. I want to know if you can get up, after a night of grief and despair, weary and bruised to the bone, and do what needs to be done to feed the children.
It doesn't interest me whom you know or how you came to be here. I want to know if you will stand in the center of the fire with me and not shrink back.
I doesn't interest me where or what or with whom you have studied. I want to know what sustains you, from the inside, when all else falls away.
I want to know if you can be alone with yourself and if you truly like the company you keep in the empty moments.
Friday
Monday
Quote for the Day
Who looks not with compassion
sees not what the eyes of compassion see.
-Tibetan saying
Nice View!
So, I'm in a new apartment. My first floor apartment flooded and I was moved to a nice new 3rd floor apartment. It has vaulted ceilings and a view of the pool. hauling my stuff up 3 flights of stairs is not so fun, but it's good for my thighs so I shouldn't complain too much. I do enjoy the view of the pool and watching the kids play. The kitties also like the balcony and roll in the sunshine.
Sometimes...
Sometimes I eat cereal for dinner.
Sometimes I use baby oil instead of lotion.
Sometimes I stay at work until 10 o'clock because it's better than going home.
Sometimes I wonder if other people are thinking about me too.
Sometimes I hope for the best, and wish I could prepare for the worst. I'm not so good at that last part.
Sometimes I crave Ramen noodles.
Sometimes I miss people so bad it hurts.
Sometimes I wish my cat would just find a place to sit and stay there.
Sometimes I wonder what I will do with all the toys in my cube.
Sometimes I wish I was a full time student on a full-ride scholarship, and could just learn for a living.
Sometimes I think I deserve better. Sometimes not.
Sometimes I use baby oil instead of lotion.
Sometimes I stay at work until 10 o'clock because it's better than going home.
Sometimes I wonder if other people are thinking about me too.
Sometimes I hope for the best, and wish I could prepare for the worst. I'm not so good at that last part.
Sometimes I crave Ramen noodles.
Sometimes I miss people so bad it hurts.
Sometimes I wish my cat would just find a place to sit and stay there.
Sometimes I wonder what I will do with all the toys in my cube.
Sometimes I wish I was a full time student on a full-ride scholarship, and could just learn for a living.
Sometimes I think I deserve better. Sometimes not.
Wednesday
PostSecret, I Love You
Oh Liberals, who will you blame now?
Perhaps you'll finally have to be responsible for your own actions.
Not likely, but I can dream.
Tuesday
As Days Go By
It's been a little while since I've updated my faithful reader as to my happenings. So here's the rundown:
Three months and still going well.
The purging continues. Where did I get so much stuff?
Work is going really well. Busy busy busy.
Ladies 8-Ball team is in 1st Place! If we continue to win, we're going to Vegas Baby!
Need to wash the salt and dirt off my car.
Started a new Art class. Basic Acrylics, going shopping for my supplies tonite.
Andi had a great birthday party. It was nice to see her so happy and surrounded by friends.
Three months and still going well.
Trying to decide if I should send Valentines flowers...
I love having a clean house!
The purging continues. Where did I get so much stuff?
Learning to ask for what I want, it's slow and steady.
Plans this month: Hinder at Amos' South End!!
Work is going really well. Busy busy busy.
Have a hard time getting out of bed in the morning. I go to sleep way too late!
Went to the circus! It's still fun, even for grown-up kids!
Ladies 8-Ball team is in 1st Place! If we continue to win, we're going to Vegas Baby!
If I get laid off, I'm going in the Air Force.
Goals for 2009: Pay off two credit cards
Need to wash the salt and dirt off my car.
No girls, I don't wear lipstick and I'm not concerned about that at all.
Need to get my haircut.
Friday
The Cry of the Meadowlark or Nightingale
Heavenletter # 2812 Published on: August 6, 2008
Whatever another does, no matter how it may seem to impact you, it is their privilege to do as they see to do. You may feel that someone has let you down. Beloveds, when you feel that way, you have let yourself down. Did you take on what someone else chooses to do as though it were your own responsibility? Did you make a portion of your life dependent upon what someone else chooses when all of your life is dependent upon you? Better to not make or allow anyone else to be the sayer of how you react in your life or any portion of it.
People like to accommodate you, yet they are not going to make their choices dependent upon what you want and feel is right, even when they may have said they would follow through. Brides and grooms have been left at the altar. You have been left waiting on the street corner by someone who did not show up, even when you were the one ready to do a favor. People are going to follow their own stars and also even their own whims.
Here is an opportunity for you to gain this famous equanimity you have so wanted, beloveds — to be at that place where you are not so bolstered or so desolate by what others choose to do or not to do at any given moment. Wholeheartedly accept the upliftment others may give you but never be deflated by what they do not give or change their minds about. Otherwise, you are a bouncing ball in someone else's hand. Beloveds, it is for you to make your own way in the world independent of what others choose to do. It is their right. Be your own star that shines and leads you to your destination.
When you ride a train, and the train should happen to break down, that is not the end of your travels. It is not a tragedy. So when a friend does not show up at an appointed time, it may be an inconvenience for you, yet it is not a tragedy. It is not really even an offense, even though you are sure it is.
Be glad to be with someone, and do not mind so when the person is no longer there. He heard his own distant cry of the meadowlark or nightingale, and he went his own way irrespective of you. He may respect you very much and yet not feel beholden to you or what he may have previously said or promised. He may have meant it. Once it was true for him, but now it is not. He cannot go back to the past, nor are you to make him. All contracts are dissolved. There are those who may resolve former contracts with what you call honor and some who will resolve without. Some do not even remember what the agreement was. In any case, the only agreement that matters is the one on your plate right now.
Do you see what I am asking you to do? I am asking you to not be dismayed by others' choices. Right or wrong, they are right to make their own choices however you may feel about them. You are not to lead your life according to others' views and desires, nor are they to live their lives according to your views and desires. Even when you are right by everything you know, it is still their right to choose. Do you see how, when you free others from bounds, you free yourself? Beloveds, no matter how seemingly innocent, bounds are a form of tyranny. You are not meant to be a tyrant. You are meant to be a pharaoh who lets his people go.
http://www.heavenletters.org/the-cry-of-the-meadowlark-or-nightingale.html
Whatever another does, no matter how it may seem to impact you, it is their privilege to do as they see to do. You may feel that someone has let you down. Beloveds, when you feel that way, you have let yourself down. Did you take on what someone else chooses to do as though it were your own responsibility? Did you make a portion of your life dependent upon what someone else chooses when all of your life is dependent upon you? Better to not make or allow anyone else to be the sayer of how you react in your life or any portion of it.
People like to accommodate you, yet they are not going to make their choices dependent upon what you want and feel is right, even when they may have said they would follow through. Brides and grooms have been left at the altar. You have been left waiting on the street corner by someone who did not show up, even when you were the one ready to do a favor. People are going to follow their own stars and also even their own whims.
Here is an opportunity for you to gain this famous equanimity you have so wanted, beloveds — to be at that place where you are not so bolstered or so desolate by what others choose to do or not to do at any given moment. Wholeheartedly accept the upliftment others may give you but never be deflated by what they do not give or change their minds about. Otherwise, you are a bouncing ball in someone else's hand. Beloveds, it is for you to make your own way in the world independent of what others choose to do. It is their right. Be your own star that shines and leads you to your destination.
When you ride a train, and the train should happen to break down, that is not the end of your travels. It is not a tragedy. So when a friend does not show up at an appointed time, it may be an inconvenience for you, yet it is not a tragedy. It is not really even an offense, even though you are sure it is.
Be glad to be with someone, and do not mind so when the person is no longer there. He heard his own distant cry of the meadowlark or nightingale, and he went his own way irrespective of you. He may respect you very much and yet not feel beholden to you or what he may have previously said or promised. He may have meant it. Once it was true for him, but now it is not. He cannot go back to the past, nor are you to make him. All contracts are dissolved. There are those who may resolve former contracts with what you call honor and some who will resolve without. Some do not even remember what the agreement was. In any case, the only agreement that matters is the one on your plate right now.
Do you see what I am asking you to do? I am asking you to not be dismayed by others' choices. Right or wrong, they are right to make their own choices however you may feel about them. You are not to lead your life according to others' views and desires, nor are they to live their lives according to your views and desires. Even when you are right by everything you know, it is still their right to choose. Do you see how, when you free others from bounds, you free yourself? Beloveds, no matter how seemingly innocent, bounds are a form of tyranny. You are not meant to be a tyrant. You are meant to be a pharaoh who lets his people go.
http://www.heavenletters.org/the-cry-of-the-meadowlark-or-nightingale.html
Thursday
Wednesday
Quote for the Day
One ought, every day at least, to hear a little song, read a good poem, see a fine picture, and if it were possible, to speak a few reasonable words.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
(1749 - 1832)
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
(1749 - 1832)
Tuesday
16 Random Things
I was tagged to do a list of 16 random things about me. I don't blog on my Facebook, so here it is.
- I put too much sugar in my cranberry apple tea this morning. More like warm Kool-Aid now.
- I want to see how far my new car will go with the gas light on. Old car, 58 miles was as far as I pushed it.
- If I get laid-off from this job, I will leave the financial industry completely. And never look back!
- 41 assorted objects displayed around my cuffice could easily be construed as "toys".
- This weekend I put up 7 new pictures/wall hangings. My home feels much more homey now.
- I started the new year with someone who is good for me.
- Public Relations sounds intriguing to me.
- Goal for 2009, pay off 2 credit cards!!
- I am trying to be more thoughtful of others. It's a work in progress.
- When I go out to sushi with friends, I am astonished that I'm the most daring one.
- I love Pesto!
- I worry I'll never have kids. If I cannot stay home with them, I will not have them.
- I want to go on a bus and walking tour of Washington D.C. so I don't have to worry about being arrested.
- Need to decide if I'm going to go to school on not. Then figure out how.
- Even though both my teams lost in embarrassing displays of Pop-Warner football skills, I'm still a fan!
- I have a hard time sitting down at home, I'm always on the move.
Tag, You're It! Sarah, Britt, Wanda Jo, Shell, Mom, Andi, Villa, Anyone else who's bored.
Thursday
Monday
The Sheet Set Cult Mystery
In my quest for the perfect fitted sheet and pillowcases, I encountered a startling mystery. You cannot purchase a lone fitted sheet! Why, you ask? Because the fitted sheet makers of the world have decided in their world domineering committee's, that a person has no reason to buy a lone fitted sheet. Hence, we a forced to purchase an entire sheet set including: 1 fitted sheet, 1 flat sheet, 2 pillowcases.
To many this is not a problem at all, as they use the entire set. I am not one of these sheep, following the Sheet Set Cult blindly. I do not use the flat sheet. It has no purpose in my life. I have very nice, ultrasoft sable-like blankets against my skin when I cuddle into bed. Not a cold flat sheet. Why would I want cold sheet on both sides of me? I already have cold fitted sheet on the mattress side, I should not be forced to have cold flat sheet on the other side as well. This is a free country! If I choose to sleep with ultrasoft blanket, or sheepskin or burlap against my skin, that is my choice dagnabbit!!
Yet the Sheet Set Cult demands that I purchase their flat sheet. Why would I buy something I have no use for? I am a very thrifty person and choose not to spend my money on things that are useless to me. Why, oh, why can I not buy a lone fitted sheet?
Where did this Sheet Set conspiracy come from? Cotton farmers to drive up demand? Textile companies to increase production? Retailers to grow their bottom-line? It's a global conspiracy, I tell you! Well, I for one will not be duped by the Sheet Set Cult. I will not pay for a flat sheet that will sit folded and unused on my shelf, gathering dust and using up valuable space. I will not! I will Not! I will NOT!
If anyone knows how to obtain a new single fitted sheet, please share this revelation with me. In the meantime, I will be continuing my search for the perfect lone fitted sheet. Hi-ho Silver! Away!
To many this is not a problem at all, as they use the entire set. I am not one of these sheep, following the Sheet Set Cult blindly. I do not use the flat sheet. It has no purpose in my life. I have very nice, ultrasoft sable-like blankets against my skin when I cuddle into bed. Not a cold flat sheet. Why would I want cold sheet on both sides of me? I already have cold fitted sheet on the mattress side, I should not be forced to have cold flat sheet on the other side as well. This is a free country! If I choose to sleep with ultrasoft blanket, or sheepskin or burlap against my skin, that is my choice dagnabbit!!
Yet the Sheet Set Cult demands that I purchase their flat sheet. Why would I buy something I have no use for? I am a very thrifty person and choose not to spend my money on things that are useless to me. Why, oh, why can I not buy a lone fitted sheet?
Where did this Sheet Set conspiracy come from? Cotton farmers to drive up demand? Textile companies to increase production? Retailers to grow their bottom-line? It's a global conspiracy, I tell you! Well, I for one will not be duped by the Sheet Set Cult. I will not pay for a flat sheet that will sit folded and unused on my shelf, gathering dust and using up valuable space. I will not! I will Not! I will NOT!
If anyone knows how to obtain a new single fitted sheet, please share this revelation with me. In the meantime, I will be continuing my search for the perfect lone fitted sheet. Hi-ho Silver! Away!
Tuesday
New Car!!!
Here is a pic of my new car! 2008 Mazda3 Hatchback. I love it!!! It has all the fancy bells and whistles I wanted and still got a really good deal on it. Yay for me!
And Only 2 Were Standing
So I have whittled my new car choices down to two options: the Subaru Outback Sport or the Mazda3 Hatchback. Both look very similar and have the features I want. I am still deciding between automatic or manual transmission. I like both for different reasons.
I am also deciding if I should buy before the WDW world trip next week and drive the new car to Florida, or wait until month/year end to see what kind of deal I can get. I'll let you all know when the time comes.
Decisions, decisions.
I am also deciding if I should buy before the WDW world trip next week and drive the new car to Florida, or wait until month/year end to see what kind of deal I can get. I'll let you all know when the time comes.
Decisions, decisions.
Friday
It's Officially the Christmas Season
How do I know? Because I have my winter sickness. I always get sick in the winter, right after Thanksgiving. It seems to be a pattern that I can trace back for a few years now. Unfortunately so much is happening during this time of year that it's hard for me to just stay home and rest as I should. I have so much to do, and the year is quickly slipping away in which to do it all. Here's a quick list of my To-Do's before this year end:
- Complete Christmas Shopping
- Prepare and send Christmas presents
- Learn to bake gingerbread cookies
- Go to Walt Disney World for vacation!! (not such a burden, but still on my list)
- Write Christmas cards and get addresses for people
- Research new cars
- Test drive new cars
- Buy 1 new car
- Sign up for January Art class at community college
- Decorate my house as much as possible
- Write New Year's Resolution's
- Gather as many photos of family as possible
- Scan hard copies of photos, and color-correct
- Get Internet at home (I'm "borrowing" someone else's ;o)
- Stop being sick
- Figure out what I'm doing for Christmas day
See, that's a long list and doesn't even include everything. I really just want to crawl back into bed. Hhmmmmm...bed....that sounds too good to be true....
Tuesday
Quote for the Day
Internalizing only leads to bottled up feelings that you’ll never be rid of.
Its kind of like leaving marinara sauce in Tupperware, sure you can wash it till it’s clean,
but there’s always that ugly ring left behind.
You don’t want to carry around an ugly ring of marinara do you? Do you?!?
-K.S.
Friday
Thursday
Thursday is not Friday
While spending my recent days exploring new worlds, devouring the early seasons of Friends, watching new-to-me movies and rooting for my favorite football teams, I learn that life is a compilation of the little moments that matter. From learning that others think like I do, to finding new daily quotes, this life of mine is a series of fortunate events. Stepping stones, mountains, boulders and gravel are scattered across my path, obstacles and learning tools. Building new bridges and closing old ones. Scattering my seed to the wind, with the best of hopes. Even as the rain clouds bear down and the sun is hidden, I see the beauty all around me and hold my breath for the new adventures to come.
Friday
Wednesday
Quote for the Day
Bad politians are sent to Washington
by good people who don't vote.
-William E. Simon
Monday
Friday
Tuesday
Wednesday
2 Quotes for Today
If she had stayed in that incarnation, she wouldn’t be who she is now.
On any given day, there is a poem in you that’s wanting out.
Freewrite 10/15/08
Capricious
“If you weren’t so capricious we wouldn’t be in this mess. You know that right?” Steve sighed.
“Don’t throw your vocabulary words at me right now. I don’t want to hear it.” Wanda stated.
“I’m just sayin’, you’re completely unpredictable and it gets you in trouble. Gets us in trouble.”
Steve threw his hands up at their current surroundings. Sitting next to each other, but still separated, Wanda touched the cold metal.
“You’re the one who got in a fight. That was not my fault.”
“Not your fault?!” Steve cried. “You let that drunk fool put his hands all over you. I was trying to get him off you when he swung. What was I supposed to do, just let him hit me?”
Steve kicked the bunk and the passed-out drunk fool belched and rolled over.
Wanda cringed. “He looked a lot cuter on the dancefloor. And after a few shots.”
“Well he ain’t so cute now is he? I said, let’s go to the movies. You said, no, I wanna go out, let’s go line dancing. I know a great place where they don’t ask for ID.” Steve’s voice rose high as he feigned Wanda’s accent. “Great place all right. Great place to get felt up and in a fight. It’s your fault I’m sitting here. My dad is gonna kill me.” Steve dropped his head to his hands.
“Your daddy? I am not worried about your daddy one little bit.”
As if on cue, two disgruntled fathers walked up to the adjoining jail cells. Steve father looked down on him. “You ready to go home young man?”
“Yes, Sir.” Steve said, jumping up. He moved quickly out the sliding cell door.
“See you later.” He said to Wanda over his shoulder as he regained his freedom.
Wanda looked up at the familiar Sheriff’s badge and tears flooded her eyes.
“And you, little girl. You get to spend the night in there.” The Sheriff said.
“Yes, Daddy.”
“If you weren’t so capricious we wouldn’t be in this mess. You know that right?” Steve sighed.
“Don’t throw your vocabulary words at me right now. I don’t want to hear it.” Wanda stated.
“I’m just sayin’, you’re completely unpredictable and it gets you in trouble. Gets us in trouble.”
Steve threw his hands up at their current surroundings. Sitting next to each other, but still separated, Wanda touched the cold metal.
“You’re the one who got in a fight. That was not my fault.”
“Not your fault?!” Steve cried. “You let that drunk fool put his hands all over you. I was trying to get him off you when he swung. What was I supposed to do, just let him hit me?”
Steve kicked the bunk and the passed-out drunk fool belched and rolled over.
Wanda cringed. “He looked a lot cuter on the dancefloor. And after a few shots.”
“Well he ain’t so cute now is he? I said, let’s go to the movies. You said, no, I wanna go out, let’s go line dancing. I know a great place where they don’t ask for ID.” Steve’s voice rose high as he feigned Wanda’s accent. “Great place all right. Great place to get felt up and in a fight. It’s your fault I’m sitting here. My dad is gonna kill me.” Steve dropped his head to his hands.
“Your daddy? I am not worried about your daddy one little bit.”
As if on cue, two disgruntled fathers walked up to the adjoining jail cells. Steve father looked down on him. “You ready to go home young man?”
“Yes, Sir.” Steve said, jumping up. He moved quickly out the sliding cell door.
“See you later.” He said to Wanda over his shoulder as he regained his freedom.
Wanda looked up at the familiar Sheriff’s badge and tears flooded her eyes.
“And you, little girl. You get to spend the night in there.” The Sheriff said.
“Yes, Daddy.”
Freewrite 10/14/08
Yearned for
People define freedom in many different ways, but freedom meant only one thing to William O’Brien. Riding his horse across the endless plains, the sun at his back and wind in his face, the world stretched out before him. This freedom is what he yearned for, longed for. When the nights grew cold and deep, he remembers days of easy living, riding shotgun on the westbound stages. The pay was good and he enjoyed the entertainment of the city folk. Newcomers, someone had once called them. So out of their element in a land he felt comfortable in.
The low hills and washes passed for miles, and from any near rise you could see for the next two weeks. Buffalo still roamed in herds and he was friendly with an Indian or two, though not too friendly. Will had earned his keep as a ranch hand, stage driver, hired gun, bartender, and even spent a whole month escorting a rich family from St. Louis to Denver.
He smiled as he remembered their little boy and his dreams of becoming a real life cowboy someday. The mother did not approve, but Will had let that little boy hold his unloaded gun. A Colt 45 with a pearl grip. It was Will’s father’s gun. The gun his father had held in his hand the night that bastard John Davis had shot him through the heart over a game of cards.
Will was not the kind of man to forgive or forget and the day will come when he’ll have his revenge. Then, and only then, will he lay down his father’s gun for the last time.
People define freedom in many different ways, but freedom meant only one thing to William O’Brien. Riding his horse across the endless plains, the sun at his back and wind in his face, the world stretched out before him. This freedom is what he yearned for, longed for. When the nights grew cold and deep, he remembers days of easy living, riding shotgun on the westbound stages. The pay was good and he enjoyed the entertainment of the city folk. Newcomers, someone had once called them. So out of their element in a land he felt comfortable in.
The low hills and washes passed for miles, and from any near rise you could see for the next two weeks. Buffalo still roamed in herds and he was friendly with an Indian or two, though not too friendly. Will had earned his keep as a ranch hand, stage driver, hired gun, bartender, and even spent a whole month escorting a rich family from St. Louis to Denver.
He smiled as he remembered their little boy and his dreams of becoming a real life cowboy someday. The mother did not approve, but Will had let that little boy hold his unloaded gun. A Colt 45 with a pearl grip. It was Will’s father’s gun. The gun his father had held in his hand the night that bastard John Davis had shot him through the heart over a game of cards.
Will was not the kind of man to forgive or forget and the day will come when he’ll have his revenge. Then, and only then, will he lay down his father’s gun for the last time.
Freewrite 10/8/08
Dazzle
Without much thought to his actions, Martin wandered through the orchard, dazzled at the spring blooms. His footsteps muffled by the newly turned earth, he heard sparrows arguing over wind speeds and hunting grounds. Or whatever it is that sparrows argue over. Something drew him deeper into the rows of trees.
Martin did not spend much thought on fanciful dreams, yet here he was. Miles from home, walking barefoot in a peach orchard, wondering “Where are you going, you fool? Go back to your car and go home.”
Yet, he continued on. He tried to convince himself that he wasn’t looking for anything, but his eyes searched behind each tree, around each branch and down through the rows as far as he could see.
The little ramshackle cottage was nearly hidden by the overgrown vines. The land reclaiming space taken from it. Rounding the end of the row, he saw it. He had never been here, but knew exactly how that cottage looked inside. He could feel the morning sunlight pouring through its window, warming his young face.
Had he been here before? Impossible. This is nothing like New York City where he was born and raised. Memories from another time, another life seeped into his veins. He remembered.
Without much thought to his actions, Martin wandered through the orchard, dazzled at the spring blooms. His footsteps muffled by the newly turned earth, he heard sparrows arguing over wind speeds and hunting grounds. Or whatever it is that sparrows argue over. Something drew him deeper into the rows of trees.
Martin did not spend much thought on fanciful dreams, yet here he was. Miles from home, walking barefoot in a peach orchard, wondering “Where are you going, you fool? Go back to your car and go home.”
Yet, he continued on. He tried to convince himself that he wasn’t looking for anything, but his eyes searched behind each tree, around each branch and down through the rows as far as he could see.
The little ramshackle cottage was nearly hidden by the overgrown vines. The land reclaiming space taken from it. Rounding the end of the row, he saw it. He had never been here, but knew exactly how that cottage looked inside. He could feel the morning sunlight pouring through its window, warming his young face.
Had he been here before? Impossible. This is nothing like New York City where he was born and raised. Memories from another time, another life seeped into his veins. He remembered.
Tuesday
Lotus Touts
Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.
Marry a man/woman you love to talk to.
As you get older, their conversational skills will be as important as any other.
Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want.
When you say, 'I love you,' mean it.
When you say, 'I'm sorry,' look the person in the eye.
Be engaged at least six months before you get married.
Believe in love at first sight.
Never laugh at anyone's dreams. People who don't have dreams don't have much.
Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only way to live life completely.
In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling.
Don't judge people by their relatives.
Talk slowly but think quickly.
When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile and ask, 'Why do you want to know?'
Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
Say 'bless you' when you hear someone sneeze.
When you lose, don't lose the lesson.
Remember the three R's:
Respect for self; Respect for others; and Responsibility for all your actions.
Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.
When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice.
Spend some time alone.
Marry a man/woman you love to talk to.
As you get older, their conversational skills will be as important as any other.
Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want.
When you say, 'I love you,' mean it.
When you say, 'I'm sorry,' look the person in the eye.
Be engaged at least six months before you get married.
Believe in love at first sight.
Never laugh at anyone's dreams. People who don't have dreams don't have much.
Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only way to live life completely.
In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling.
Don't judge people by their relatives.
Talk slowly but think quickly.
When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile and ask, 'Why do you want to know?'
Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
Say 'bless you' when you hear someone sneeze.
When you lose, don't lose the lesson.
Remember the three R's:
Respect for self; Respect for others; and Responsibility for all your actions.
Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.
When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice.
Spend some time alone.
Poem of the Day
INVICTUS
by
William Earnest Henley
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
by
William Earnest Henley
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
Song of the Day
Song of Aragorn
by
Bilbo Baggins
All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wander are lost;
The old that is strong does not wither,
Deep roots are not reached by the frost.
From the ashes a fire shall be woken,
A light from the shadows shall spring;
Renewed shall be blade that was broken,
The crownless again shall be king.
Friday
Quote for the Day
Whatever you give a woman, she's going to multiply.
If you give her a house, she'll give you a home.
If you give her groceries, she'll give you a meal.
If you give her a smile, she'll give you her heart.
She multiplies and enlarges what is given to her.
So - if you give her crap,
you will receive more $#!+ than any one human being can handle
If you give her a house, she'll give you a home.
If you give her groceries, she'll give you a meal.
If you give her a smile, she'll give you her heart.
She multiplies and enlarges what is given to her.
So - if you give her crap,
you will receive more $#!+ than any one human being can handle
Tuesday
Me for today
2 hour massage tonight.
Am going to cancel Massage Envy membership and get cheaper massage at the massage school.
Contemplating going to that school to gain my massage therapist license.
Bowled my highest score ever last night!
There are so many great authors out there, and so few that I'm familiar with.
Need to obtain library card.
My month is filling up so quick.
New Bob's Big Boy bank is adorable!
I need to stop worrying about what will happen and just enjoy what is happening.
Looking too far ahead makes you miss what's right in front of you.
Have 5 tickets to Kings Dominion that I need to use before they expire.
Hope to see old friends soon.
Thinking of taking up bowling instead of pool, at least it's some exercise.
Will be wearing two costumes for Halloween; one for work and one for the evening party.
I'm hungry.
Am going to cancel Massage Envy membership and get cheaper massage at the massage school.
Contemplating going to that school to gain my massage therapist license.
Bowled my highest score ever last night!
There are so many great authors out there, and so few that I'm familiar with.
Need to obtain library card.
My month is filling up so quick.
New Bob's Big Boy bank is adorable!
I need to stop worrying about what will happen and just enjoy what is happening.
Looking too far ahead makes you miss what's right in front of you.
Have 5 tickets to Kings Dominion that I need to use before they expire.
Hope to see old friends soon.
Thinking of taking up bowling instead of pool, at least it's some exercise.
Will be wearing two costumes for Halloween; one for work and one for the evening party.
I'm hungry.
Wednesday
Creative Writing Class
I am taking a Creative Writing class at the local community college and we have been working on Freewriting. A freewrite is where you write continually for a fixed period of time, say 10 minutes, and you don't stop writing the entire time. You choose a basic subject, word, phrase or topic and just go. It's very simple and I've already come up with the beginnings of what could be some great stories. I've posted the first few below. Please take a minute to read and offer any critiques, suggestions or comments you like. I sincerely appreciate the feedback.
PS. You do not have to be a blogger to write a comment, anyone reading this can leave comments. Thanks for your help.
PS. You do not have to be a blogger to write a comment, anyone reading this can leave comments. Thanks for your help.
Freewrite 10/01/08
First person character
I have to get my regulator cleared or this whole diving trip will be for nothing. I walk to the air compressor and hook up the hose directly to the regulator. Maybe I can blast out whatever's clogging it. Whoosh, hiss, wheezing sounds emit from the hoses and connections.
"Dammit!" I curse. "I just bought this damn thing and have only used it on two trips. It should work fine, it's brand new."
"What's wrong?" my dive buddy Mike asks after hearing my oaths and muttering.
"Regulator's blocked. Might as well get out my snorkel since it doesn't look like I'll be going deep today."
I shake the device again and blow hard on the mouthpiece in vain. "Nothing!" Despondent I throw it down on the bench and open the lid to the gear box. Maybe I have an old one in here, though I know better.
"Let me take a look." He says and grabs the part for inspection. Tossing hoses and fins, a cracked set of goggles and some old seashells, I dig through years of used gear already knowing I wouldn't keep a regulator in there.
"You dumbass!" Mike laughs. "You had the valve turned off."
He tosses my now 'fixed' regulator back at me. "Let's go."
I have to get my regulator cleared or this whole diving trip will be for nothing. I walk to the air compressor and hook up the hose directly to the regulator. Maybe I can blast out whatever's clogging it. Whoosh, hiss, wheezing sounds emit from the hoses and connections.
"Dammit!" I curse. "I just bought this damn thing and have only used it on two trips. It should work fine, it's brand new."
"What's wrong?" my dive buddy Mike asks after hearing my oaths and muttering.
"Regulator's blocked. Might as well get out my snorkel since it doesn't look like I'll be going deep today."
I shake the device again and blow hard on the mouthpiece in vain. "Nothing!" Despondent I throw it down on the bench and open the lid to the gear box. Maybe I have an old one in here, though I know better.
"Let me take a look." He says and grabs the part for inspection. Tossing hoses and fins, a cracked set of goggles and some old seashells, I dig through years of used gear already knowing I wouldn't keep a regulator in there.
"You dumbass!" Mike laughs. "You had the valve turned off."
He tosses my now 'fixed' regulator back at me. "Let's go."
Freewrite 10/01/08
Vampire
His fangs gleamed in the harsh glare of the headlights. He would have to drain her quickly before more witnesses show up. No point in drawing extra attention to himself. As he leaned in for his last drink, she whimpered. At first he thought she was begging, as they all do. It surprised him to hear the real word. It was not Please, but Peace that slipped from her drawn lips.
“Peace.” she stated in nothing more than a whisper.
She was not begging for mercy, or the end as some do. She was accepting, as if looking forward toward what was to come. He did not know that feeling. He knew no feelings anymore. His soul was as dead to feelings as his blood was to the life he was draining from her. That is what made him pause. He did not want her to end. He wanted to understand her. To keep her.
The bright silver blade was kept always in his pocket. Silver alone can harm him, when other blades leave no mark. He carries it for his own reasons. He slashed across his chest creating a spill of his own tainted blood. He forced her gaping mouth to the wound. She tried to struggle, but he was far too strong.
“Drink.” He commanded. “Drink and become everlasting.”
Drained and confused, she didn’t understand. She tasted cold blood and pulled away out of pure reflex.
NO, her mind protested. Stop! her thoughts begged. But somewhere deep inside, something was born. Thirst. Growing, clawing, pounding, overwhelming Thrist. She could not fight both his strength and this demanding need. She surrendered, and drank. His blood which held no life flowed into her. She became him.
Nauseas and weak, she waivered on the edge of consciousness. Surely she would die now and find her peace. Death would welcome her. But the Thirst would not let her go so easily.
His fangs gleamed in the harsh glare of the headlights. He would have to drain her quickly before more witnesses show up. No point in drawing extra attention to himself. As he leaned in for his last drink, she whimpered. At first he thought she was begging, as they all do. It surprised him to hear the real word. It was not Please, but Peace that slipped from her drawn lips.
“Peace.” she stated in nothing more than a whisper.
She was not begging for mercy, or the end as some do. She was accepting, as if looking forward toward what was to come. He did not know that feeling. He knew no feelings anymore. His soul was as dead to feelings as his blood was to the life he was draining from her. That is what made him pause. He did not want her to end. He wanted to understand her. To keep her.
The bright silver blade was kept always in his pocket. Silver alone can harm him, when other blades leave no mark. He carries it for his own reasons. He slashed across his chest creating a spill of his own tainted blood. He forced her gaping mouth to the wound. She tried to struggle, but he was far too strong.
“Drink.” He commanded. “Drink and become everlasting.”
Drained and confused, she didn’t understand. She tasted cold blood and pulled away out of pure reflex.
NO, her mind protested. Stop! her thoughts begged. But somewhere deep inside, something was born. Thirst. Growing, clawing, pounding, overwhelming Thrist. She could not fight both his strength and this demanding need. She surrendered, and drank. His blood which held no life flowed into her. She became him.
Nauseas and weak, she waivered on the edge of consciousness. Surely she would die now and find her peace. Death would welcome her. But the Thirst would not let her go so easily.
Freewrite 09/30/08
Burnt Popcorn
The wafting scent of burnt popcorn seeped under her dorm room door and into the hallway, infecting other rooms. She cursed under her breath as she tried to pick out the most well-done pieces. It was her last bag and she wasn't about to throw it all away. Jenny sat back at her messy desk and tried to remember which class had the most homework. All of them it seemed. Would she ever dig her way out of the mountain of essays, research papers, speeches, projects and labs? She wanted to be a doctor, but this school stuff is not what her youthful dreams were made of. She was so lost in her next assignment, she nearly missed the knock at the door.
He knew she had to be home. Only she could burn popcorn like that. He smelled it creeping under his door as he put the finishing touches on tomorrow's debate club topic. Perhaps he would change his argument to prove that the stench of burnt popcorn is actually an aphrodisiac. It certainly brought him straight to her door, though he was tempted to plug his nose.
Frazzled, she threw open the door and glared at him. Rob's green eyes smiled back at her ponytailed hair and pajama clad body. She was so cute when she didn't try.
"What do you want? I'm really busy." She growled at him. His grin irritating her more than the knocking.
"You're stinking up the place again with your excellent cooking." His Southern drawl full of sarcasm.
"It was an accident." She defended.
"Glad to know you didn't do that on purpose." He smiled down at her.
"Did you come here to make fun of me or do you have a purpose?" She shot back.
"I wanted to wish you good night." He offered.
Stung, she bit her lip. "Thank you." Her eyes not reaching his. His hand gently touched her face.
"Sweet dreams." He turned and walked back to his room, work still to do. She watched him walk away. The click of his door opened the last lock on her heart. She knew she loved him.
The wafting scent of burnt popcorn seeped under her dorm room door and into the hallway, infecting other rooms. She cursed under her breath as she tried to pick out the most well-done pieces. It was her last bag and she wasn't about to throw it all away. Jenny sat back at her messy desk and tried to remember which class had the most homework. All of them it seemed. Would she ever dig her way out of the mountain of essays, research papers, speeches, projects and labs? She wanted to be a doctor, but this school stuff is not what her youthful dreams were made of. She was so lost in her next assignment, she nearly missed the knock at the door.
He knew she had to be home. Only she could burn popcorn like that. He smelled it creeping under his door as he put the finishing touches on tomorrow's debate club topic. Perhaps he would change his argument to prove that the stench of burnt popcorn is actually an aphrodisiac. It certainly brought him straight to her door, though he was tempted to plug his nose.
Frazzled, she threw open the door and glared at him. Rob's green eyes smiled back at her ponytailed hair and pajama clad body. She was so cute when she didn't try.
"What do you want? I'm really busy." She growled at him. His grin irritating her more than the knocking.
"You're stinking up the place again with your excellent cooking." His Southern drawl full of sarcasm.
"It was an accident." She defended.
"Glad to know you didn't do that on purpose." He smiled down at her.
"Did you come here to make fun of me or do you have a purpose?" She shot back.
"I wanted to wish you good night." He offered.
Stung, she bit her lip. "Thank you." Her eyes not reaching his. His hand gently touched her face.
"Sweet dreams." He turned and walked back to his room, work still to do. She watched him walk away. The click of his door opened the last lock on her heart. She knew she loved him.
Freewrite 09/27/08
Ransom
How much is your daughter worth? Your child. Your flesh and blood. He holds the knife to her creamy white throat and wonders. Is $5million to much to ask?
"Your daddy will pay for you, little girl. Or else." He sneers. His curling lip sends shivers up her spine. Her hands bound with the same silver duct tape that covers her mouth. She has never felt fear like this before. Her heart pounds as she remembers the coffee shop. He seemed like a regular guy when she met him last week. Just another student avoiding the dorms. How could she have known his intentions. His psychotic cruelty. His eyes, dark and dangerous, stared down at her as he paced the dark basement, taking another swig of his beer.
"Daddy's little rich girl", he said mocking her, wiping his mouth with the back of his dirty hand. "Poor little girl who's never had to work a day in her life. How much will your CEO daddy pay to keep you safe? To get you back?"
His voice fell to a rough whisper, "Enough. Had better be enough, or you'll make up the difference." His eyes went hazy as he stared over her head.
She saw him getting lost in his thoughts again. Maybe I can use that to my advantage, she wondered. Focus, Sheila, Focus. How do I get out of here?
Sheila looked around the dim basement again. Her eyes fell on the two small ground level windows. The latches didn't seem to be locked and she knew she was small enough to fit through. Maybe she could distract him long enough to pull her hands free and make a break for it. She could already feel the tape loosening as she wiggled her hands more and more. He had to leave sometime right? And he definitely had to fall asleep. Or pass out is more like it. He had been downing beers since he walked down the stairs and that seemed like hours ago. Just pacing and drinking, it couldn't last forever. She had to try.
CLICK!
What was that?!
How much is your daughter worth? Your child. Your flesh and blood. He holds the knife to her creamy white throat and wonders. Is $5million to much to ask?
"Your daddy will pay for you, little girl. Or else." He sneers. His curling lip sends shivers up her spine. Her hands bound with the same silver duct tape that covers her mouth. She has never felt fear like this before. Her heart pounds as she remembers the coffee shop. He seemed like a regular guy when she met him last week. Just another student avoiding the dorms. How could she have known his intentions. His psychotic cruelty. His eyes, dark and dangerous, stared down at her as he paced the dark basement, taking another swig of his beer.
"Daddy's little rich girl", he said mocking her, wiping his mouth with the back of his dirty hand. "Poor little girl who's never had to work a day in her life. How much will your CEO daddy pay to keep you safe? To get you back?"
His voice fell to a rough whisper, "Enough. Had better be enough, or you'll make up the difference." His eyes went hazy as he stared over her head.
She saw him getting lost in his thoughts again. Maybe I can use that to my advantage, she wondered. Focus, Sheila, Focus. How do I get out of here?
Sheila looked around the dim basement again. Her eyes fell on the two small ground level windows. The latches didn't seem to be locked and she knew she was small enough to fit through. Maybe she could distract him long enough to pull her hands free and make a break for it. She could already feel the tape loosening as she wiggled her hands more and more. He had to leave sometime right? And he definitely had to fall asleep. Or pass out is more like it. He had been downing beers since he walked down the stairs and that seemed like hours ago. Just pacing and drinking, it couldn't last forever. She had to try.
CLICK!
What was that?!
Tuesday
Tuesday is not Friday
As the day crawls by
Minutes seem to meander by my window
Taking a rest as the world holds its breath.
Time is a place without name
A thought without mind
An answer with no question
Who will hold our hands as we walk this path?
The guideposts change directions
Smoothing the edges of our travels
Minutes seem to meander by my window
Taking a rest as the world holds its breath.
Time is a place without name
A thought without mind
An answer with no question
Who will hold our hands as we walk this path?
The guideposts change directions
Smoothing the edges of our travels
Thursday
Tuesday
Friday
All Enemies, Foreign and Domestic – Part One
Or…the day I became a terrorist.
Fireworks. The mere word creates images in your mind of towering spires of multi-colored sparks, high pitched shrieks of spinning pinwheels and the acrid scent of gunpowder and burnt paper. Though J-Dam’s and Smart bombs could be viewed by some as grown up fireworks, one does not normally associate an innocent firework with their deadly counterpart.
In many states fireworks are illegal, California is one of those many. However, they are not illegal in Wyoming or Idaho, where I happened to be traveling at the time. The most direct and beautiful route from Ashton, Idaho to Cody, Wyoming is through the Park. What Park, you ask? THE Park, Yellowstone National Park. The crown jewel of all our National Parks, the original, the Grandfather, the reason we have national parks. If you have never been, I highly recommend you stop what you are doing, catch a plane or a train or a magic carpet and get your booty to Yellowstone. You will not regret it. But I digress…
One of the first landmarks of civilization that assault your senses upon exiting the Park at its eastern gate, Black Cat Fireworks Superstore! Picture a large grocery store, with shopping carts and all, each aisle piled high with explosives of all kind. After visiting with my cousin and her family, I stopped at this mecca of volatile bliss. Perusing up and down each aisle, overwhelmed at the firepower, I selected some small tokens of contraband to enjoy back home in my firework adverse state.
Back in my hotel I surveyed my new acquisitions, opening packages, reading directions, imaging the fun I will have on the Fourth of July. Not once was I ever concerned about trace elements, residue, fingerprints, cross-contamination, or other such CSI affairs. Why would I be? I’m not a criminal. At least not yet…
Fireworks. The mere word creates images in your mind of towering spires of multi-colored sparks, high pitched shrieks of spinning pinwheels and the acrid scent of gunpowder and burnt paper. Though J-Dam’s and Smart bombs could be viewed by some as grown up fireworks, one does not normally associate an innocent firework with their deadly counterpart.
In many states fireworks are illegal, California is one of those many. However, they are not illegal in Wyoming or Idaho, where I happened to be traveling at the time. The most direct and beautiful route from Ashton, Idaho to Cody, Wyoming is through the Park. What Park, you ask? THE Park, Yellowstone National Park. The crown jewel of all our National Parks, the original, the Grandfather, the reason we have national parks. If you have never been, I highly recommend you stop what you are doing, catch a plane or a train or a magic carpet and get your booty to Yellowstone. You will not regret it. But I digress…
One of the first landmarks of civilization that assault your senses upon exiting the Park at its eastern gate, Black Cat Fireworks Superstore! Picture a large grocery store, with shopping carts and all, each aisle piled high with explosives of all kind. After visiting with my cousin and her family, I stopped at this mecca of volatile bliss. Perusing up and down each aisle, overwhelmed at the firepower, I selected some small tokens of contraband to enjoy back home in my firework adverse state.
Back in my hotel I surveyed my new acquisitions, opening packages, reading directions, imaging the fun I will have on the Fourth of July. Not once was I ever concerned about trace elements, residue, fingerprints, cross-contamination, or other such CSI affairs. Why would I be? I’m not a criminal. At least not yet…
Thursday
Keep them doggies rolling...
Serious contemplations of leaving it all behind to become a ranch hand in Colorado.
Single life is not so bad, I sleep diagonally on the bed.
Pool tonite, thank goodness.
Surrounded by candy is not the best way to fend off secretary spread.
Wish people would just do what they say they are going to do, so I can do what I need to do.
Where did all this stuff on my desk come from? I'm such a pack-rat!
Only reason they hung around? Hmm... Wonder why?
Wet carpet and moldy baseboard do not a happy camper make.
Totally understand Michelle Pfieffer's song now.
Cleo's little eye is sore. Will try some eye drops to see if that helps.
I could live in Savannah.
I miss carne asada. And Rubio's fish tacos. Would anyone in SD like to overnight some to me? I would be forever in your debt.
Single life is not so bad, I sleep diagonally on the bed.
Pool tonite, thank goodness.
Surrounded by candy is not the best way to fend off secretary spread.
Wish people would just do what they say they are going to do, so I can do what I need to do.
Where did all this stuff on my desk come from? I'm such a pack-rat!
Only reason they hung around? Hmm... Wonder why?
Wet carpet and moldy baseboard do not a happy camper make.
Totally understand Michelle Pfieffer's song now.
Cleo's little eye is sore. Will try some eye drops to see if that helps.
I could live in Savannah.
I miss carne asada. And Rubio's fish tacos. Would anyone in SD like to overnight some to me? I would be forever in your debt.
Bad Day at Hallmark
So your daughter's a hooker
and that's ruined your day.
Look on the bright side,
it's really good pay.
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