Better Late Than Never

Ya'll! I did my first piece of embroidery today. Well, my first piece of embroidery that worked. I got my machine over a year ago and immediately tried to try something simple. About an hour later I had broken a needle, had a half-finished project and totally gave up. You get free lessons where I bought my machine and it only took me a little over a year to sign up for one. I know, brilliant.

Anyway, better late than never. I am now officially a member of an Embroidery Club and have done my first project. It's a birth cloth for Sister's new baby (whoever she may be!)



So there you go! I already signed up for next month's project and you know I'll display it (unless it's ugly!)

Fear Factor

I won't name names but I have been told that my last post was a little, shall we say "negative"? It was just a baaaaaaaad day. Anyway, things got better - as they always do. Although, I did leave my cell phone at home today and I'm just hoping that I don't have car trouble, get kidnapped, etc. on the way home.

The car trouble thing at night is a big fear. It might have something to do with the fact that my Dad drilled in our heads the importance of ALWAYS making sure you call when you arrive and before you start to leave to come home. My best friend lived one street over and don't think I didn't imagine all the terrible things that could have happened to me in that 3.5 minute car ride.

Now that fear is nothing compared to my biggest fear of getting caught at train tracks at night. I have no idea where that came from but sometimes I feel my breath quickening just thinking about it. It's a real fear ya'll.

What kind of crazy fears do ya'll have?

Thankful

I know I'm supposed to be thankful for all the things that happen during the day so here's my Top 5:

1. I'm thankful that my alarm was set for 6 instead of 4 and I missed my workout this morning. (This was after I spent last night getting all my workout clothes ready for the whole week, packed my gym bag, etc.)

2. I'm thankful that when I walked in the living room this morning there was cat vomit on the rug.

3. I'm thankful that I tried on 2 pairs of pants this morning that almost cut off my circulation. See #4.

4. I'm thankful that I wore a skirt that itched my stomach and legs off all day. I even went to Wal-Mart on my lunch break and bought a tank top to wear under my sweater. It helped zero.

5. I'm thankful that I'm home now and can look around and see how badly my house needs a good cleaning.

Does it sound like I have a bad attitude?

Just the Facts

It's been a great weekend. Friday night I went with my sister-in-law to see "Confessions of a Shopaholic". We were in a theater with about 100 little girls all under the age of 13. It really was cute. It was one of those movies that takes absolutely no brain power and you can just laugh and enjoy it.

Saturday I got in a good workout at the gym, worked a little, took a nap and went shopping with Jill2. Today I went to Church and got to hold some of the cutest babies in the whole world. LOVE working in the nursery! This afternoon I've been washing clothes and getting things ready for this week. I made chicken salad and a big pot of Taco Soup. I KNOW!!! I'm being so proactive. I even put them in 1 cup containers so I will have grab-and-go lunches. I'm about to pick out 5 outfits for next week and get them all ironed up.

Hubby is off riding his motorcycle with some friends but he'll be home in plenty of time to watch The Amazing Race. We have been watching that show for years and LOVE it. I always envision myself doing the challenges and frankly, it ain't pretty. I don't think I would be a good team member because one person in the car has to drive - sometimes it's a stick and I can't drive a stick. The other has to read the map and give directions and I can't read a map. I used to be a MapQuest kind of girl but now that Jay got me a GPS, I'm a Garmin girl.

Well, I better get back to business. Talk to ya next time!

Friends are Friends Forever

I got an email today from my most favorite friend from college. Her name is Alicia and sadly, she now lives in KY. I met her my Freshman year. She lived in the same dorm I did and on the same floor. One night I passed by her room. She had the door open and was sitting at her desk writing something. I stopped to chat and I think in the span of about 20 minutes I learned enough about her to think she was FABULOUS!

I think it might have been a couple of weeks later that I went to a formal with a guy who I thought was a real hottie. We had a great time but I just had no idea if I would ever hear from him again. One thing you need to know about Montevallo is that it is a ghost town on the weekend - everybody leaves. I stayed that weekend because I had gone to that formal. The next night I came into my room and checked my messages. He had played a song on my machine called "Green-Eyed Lady". The night before we heard "Brown-Eyed Girl" and of course, I commented that there were no songs about green-eyed girls. Imagine my total excitement when I heard that message.

AND THERE WAS NOBODY TO TELL!!! I walked down the hall and wonders of wonders - Alicia was there. I dragged her down to hear the message and she was just as excited as me! Instant friends. We were inseparable for the next 3 years. We don't talk very often now because of time, work, etc. (you know how it is) but when we do, it's like no time has passed at all.

Ex: Our email exchange today.

A: And, what do you think about the Bachelor’s choices last night? I missed the first 30 minutes b/c I have class on Monday nights, but I saw the last half hour. I was disappointed that Jillian got sent home. L I really liked her. Who is your #1 choice for him?

J: Oh my gosh, you are the sweetest ever! As for the Bachelor… I did like Jillian although at times it felt like she was just trying too hard. I want to love Melissa and right now she is my front runner but that may be just because I saw her a couple of years ago on Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders - Making the Team and I feel partial. I can’t figure out Mollie. So as it stands, I’m going with Melissa but I CAN’T WAIT TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS WHEN DeAnna comes back! What about you?

A: I am right there with you about Melissa and Molly. There is something about Molly I am not sure about. Can’t put my finger on it. Melissa is my front runner right now too. I think she’s precious and sincere. I don’t know what to think about Deanna coming back. That’s crazy! I mean, why did she pick Jesse in the first place? I was shocked about that one. I still don’t get it. I knew it wouldn’t work out. She should’ve picked Jason. Do you think he will end up with Deanna?

J: Oh I just don’t know! See I’m wondering if they’re building up her coming back to be this big attempt to get him back and then it just turns out to be her wanting to give him advice about being really sure and being careful. Yes, Jesse was a total shock to me too. I don’t think she really wanted either one of them but didn’t want to give up the spotlight which is sad, because I really liked her.

A: I didn’t even think about that. That could be what it is, her giving him advice. Hmmmmm! But I am sure it will be “the most dramatic episode ever.” I mean, every rose ceremony is the most DRAMATIC ever.

J: And what is this “highly sensitive” deal that Chris was talking about last night when showing previews for next time???

A: Yeah, I am wondering about that too. I have no clue what that is about. So, did each girl spend the night with him on last night’s episode?

J: Oh you better believe it! Jillian asked him about the card before he ever gave it to her and Molly whipped out a card she had made asking him to spend-the-night before he produced his card also. WHAT are they thinking??? He had a steamy “connection” with Jillian in the hot tub. Everything looked forced with Molly and everything seemed just about perfect with Melissa. I will be absolutely shocked if he doesn’t pick her.

A: I think he should pick Melissa and I really think he will. I don’t really like the whole overnight date thing. I think it’s slutty.

J: Totally agree. Their parents shouldn’t have to watch that mess. I must go now – the Dollar Tree awaits. Love you!

I wish I could express how much I love that girl!

Magic Monday

Just another magic Monday...... OK, there really wasn't anything magical about today - that just popped in my head. Work was good, no catastrophes. I had Bunko tonight, which is always fun AND I won the last Bunko prize. Woo hoo - $5.00 gift card to Chick-Fil-A, baby!.

Now I'm home watching The Bachelor. Tonight is the episode where they have "fantasy dates". He has whisked 3 girls off to New Zealand where he'll spend a whole day (and night) with each girl. These dates are incredible. It so reminds me of my dating days with Jay. OK, not really, but I wouldn't trade one of my dates with Jay for a 100 with someone else.

Speaking of The Bachelor, I have got to get on the ball and get Gym Trainer nominated. Did I tell you that I get $5000 if they pick him??? Oooh, and what if I got to fly in and meet all the girls and give him advice?? Oh my word, that's too exciting to even think about.

I need to give a shout-out to Jill2. She ran the half-marathon yesterday and totally rocked it. She ran it in 2 hours and 17 minutes. She is a MACHINE!

Oh, and Heath.... did you really not get her a present????

Someone in Alabama Loves Me

Happy day after Valentine's! I hope you all had a great time yesterday. I must say, I had one of the best V-Day's ever. Here's a few pics from my "banquet".

Mama & Daddy - we determined this was there 39th V-Day together!

Wendy (Sister) & Mark

Mickey & Jill

Everybody - check out my decoration in the top left-hand corner.

Jay-Baby & Me


And... this is my gift from Jay.

It says, "Somebody in Alabama Loves Me". Thoughtful and romantic, huh? It's leaps and bounds better than the the book Jay gave me one year on how to be nicer to him. That was a real bad day.

What did ya'll get????

V-Day is a Comin'

My Daddy called me tonight and commented on the fact that I haven't posted in a few days so I thought I better get to it!

To catch you up.... I am totally better from the dreaded cold/sinus. I'm back doing my workouts (without Gym Trainer - cry, cry, weep, weep) and tomorrow, I'm starting back doing my food journal. I have decided I really, really need to start treating my body better. It's a temple, you know?

Guess what! I'm having a Valentine's Banquet at my house Saturday night!!! I was very sad that my church wasn't having one so I just decided to have my own. I invited Mama & Daddy, Sister & Mark, and Mickey & Jill. I've ordered the food (of course I'm not cooking), I have decorations, AND I have some games planned WITH prizes!!! It will be a serious good time - I think - I hope.

So, shoot me a post and let me know what your V-Day plans are!

On the Road to Recovery

This post is for the 2 of you who have wondered where I am. I have been sick but praise Jesus, I'm on the mend. I'm even back at work today (don't worry, on my lunch break). I really don't know for sure what ailed me since I refused to go to the doctor but it's either "the sinus" or a regular old cold. I took medicine for both so I consider myself safe. I knew last night when I sent Hubby out in the bitter cold at 7:30 to get me a Butterfinger Blizzard, I was close to full recovery. Do any of you know if it would be terribly bad to keep taking Nyquil even if I'm better? That stuff is truly a gift from the good Lord.

Like I said, back at work and I know D and J are LOVING my constant sniffing and occasional sneezing. The best was when J came over and said, "You look rough." Nice, huh? Gotta love guys doing their best to make me feel fabulous.

Anyway, I'm happy to be back in the land of the living. (And Daphine, just so you know - the monster zit is gone!) I'll check in later!

Lovin' Life

My weekend was really good. I worked out, ran errands, Hubby and I got to hang out with some friends Saturday night. The sermon at Church Sunday morning was awesome. Way to go Bro. Bill (you know, because I'm sure he reads my blog and all.)

I feel like I got a better perspective on some things this weekend. God is definately working in me. My priorities have been whacked-OUT. I'm learning to be thankful - always - because I have SO MUCH to be thankful for! I want to be thankful all the time, for big things, little things, silly things...

For instance, at this moment, I'm thankful for my gapped-up bangs that hide the monster zit almost dead-center on my forehead. It hurts when I touch it. I can hear you right now saying, "Well, quit touching it." Ya'll! It's so hard not to! It's like a magnet to my hand. I just have to know the status - whether it's bigger or smaller or GONE! So far, not gone.
And! I just wanted you all to know that we have a new member in the Lord's kingdom. J2's sweet little niece, Brianna, accepted Jesus into her heart Saturday night! So tonight I'm loading some songs onto her new MP3 player so she can listen to "Jesus Music" (her words). If that's not precious, I don't know what is.

And now, I'm going to finish watching The Bachelor, copy some tunes, get my stuff ready for tomorrow and head off to slumber land.