butterfly lights

Think What You Will

2012-02-08T23:58:00.001-05:00

I blocked some people from my Facebook page.

{You would think the world had ended because of that one simple click of the mouse!}

I even drew ridicule from some additional people in their status… so I blocked them too.

I even toyed with just deleting my account altogether but there are people on there I don’t have emails or phone numbers handy for, and pictures of people far away that I want to see from time to time. There are people on there who aren’t involved in this mess.

I chose to remove certain people from my little online space because of a series of events that have caused nothing but hurt and heartache. I don’t want to be surrounded with negativity or jealousy or petty drama. I certainly don’t want to be reminded of it every day.

Perhaps I should say I chose to remove myself from their spaces. Hopefully it will give them less fuel for their fires and they will find someone else to focus their negativity on.

If not, well then to them I say: Think what you will… you are entitled to your opinions just as I am entitled to leave them all behind.

Home

2012-01-19T20:56:00.000-05:00

Finally.

I’m home.

For more than 24 hours.

For the first time since November 15th.

{Insert contented sigh here.}

New Year

2012-01-15T08:21:00.001-05:00

Well it’s the new year and I haven’t managed to actually do my year in review post. Perhaps I will get to that later this week… and perhaps we shall just skip that one this year. I’m voting for skip it. What do you all think? I also haven’t posted any New Year’s resolutions… mostly because I haven’t made them yet.

Anywho… I was on here just checking on a couple things and thinking about making some resolutions before heading to work {yes it’s a Sunday and yes I have to work} and noticed my 101 things list has pretty much fallen by the wayside… not that I haven’t made any progress mind you… I just haven’t updated the list in quite a while! Especially in the book and movie area.

I also noticed that my deadline for the 101 is only 1.5 years away! And I know I have a couple of things on there that are year long projects. {365 Photos anyone?} I hate to back down from a challenge and I especially don’t like to fail any goals I set for myself…

SO…

My New Year’s resolution is to focus on my 101 list… because it pretty much contains any of the old standard resolutions that we all make year after year {health, wealth, happiness...}.

What are your resolutions?

Checking Off My List

2012-01-07T23:14:00.001-05:00

Planning a wedding means having a plethora of to-do lists… none of which I’ve looked at!

I am usually a huge list kind of girl but I haven’t had a chance to sit down and make one for the wedding yet. But I do have a general idea of what needs to go on the list and am very happy to report that we managed to check off quite a few key list-type items over the last week! {I was very lucky the fiancé was up in the Mitten with me so we could get things done.} So what exactly have we accomplished?

Minister – Booked!
Church – Booked!
Reception Site – Booked!
Caterer – Booked!
Wedding Gown – Purchased!
Engagement Pics – Taken!
Save the Dates – Ordered!
First Pre-Marital Counseling Sesh – Completed!
Wedding Website – Created!
Bridal Show – Attended! Where I got…
TONS of info on flowers, photographers, photo booths, cakes, hotels, honeymoon sites, bridesmaids dresses, tuxes, limos.. you name something wedding related and it was probably at the show!

Now I’m feeling less stressed and more excited about things again and I’m so thankful things are falling into place for us!

Are There Two of Me?

2011-12-28T23:38:00.001-05:00

Cloning. It’s never been something that I have agreed with…

Until now.

I need a clone. Please, please, pretty please with a cherry on top?

Actually I need more than 1… heck, I even need more than 2!

I need one to be at work for me in TX… one to be in TN to clean the house and buy groceries, another in TN to hang with the fiancé… one in MI to hang with family, another in MI to meet up with friends, another in MI to be a wedding coordinator… so that would be… 6 clones?

And that would leave me… lucky number 7… free to be selfish and just tend to myself.

All I would need is a day or two where I didn’t have to worry about pleasing anyone or doing anything that I didn’t want to do. And maybe I would finally have time to do the little things like… oh, I don’t know… get my hair cut or my eyebrows waxed?

Sigh… even a few hours like that sound so heavenly at the moment.

So my New Year’s resolution? Be a mad scientist and create clone selves that last just 24hrs or so. Anyone want to fund me?

Math Class

2011-12-21T20:30:00.000-05:00

End of the year number crunching!

Let’s do some math shall we?

Between July 27th (when I started the new job) and December 31st there are 158 days on the calendar. Of those…

102 were/will be spent in TX for work
17 were spent in Grand Rapids, MI visiting family & friends
7 were spent in Colorado Springs, CO visiting Lacey & the boys
5 were spent in Tampa, FL for the SGK 3 Day
3 were spent in Nashville, TN for the fiancé's birthday bash

…and a grand total of 24 days were spent at my home sweet home in TN!

Now I have about 10 months to plan a wedding and people keep telling me it’s no big deal and they planned their weddings in much less time…

BUT…

How many of you out there have planned a wedding in one state {MI} while living in another state {TN} while working in yet another state {TX} with over 1,000 miles between them? Those are the only people I want to hear the“It’s no big deal!” from!

I have been told planning a wedding is stressful and I’m definitely already feeling the stress! But I’m not going to worry about the little things {ask me if I did 11 months from now} and just focus on the big things… if we have a ceremony site and a minister we will still be married.. and that’s the only thing that is important.

News <3 Flash

2011-12-17T23:39:00.001-05:00

We interrupt this epic fail of a blog {ie: my months of non-posts} to bring you an EPIC news flash!

I’m ENGAGED!!

It happened one week ago today and we couldn’t be happier! We were actually in Nashville, TN to celebrate his birthday by attending the Titans vs. Saints game {am I the best GF ever or what?} and I was the one who ended up with the best gift!

Everything is still very new but we DO have a date and a ceremony location picked out. That being said there are several hundred other things we still need to work out! The next 10 months or so promise to be ridiculously packed but I can’t wait to see everything fall into place!

3 {three} Months

2011-11-27T22:59:00.001-05:00

Wow.

Three months? Really?

Has it been that long since I last posted?

It must be true because the almighty internets never lie… right?

I could write a post filled with excuses as to why I haven’t posted… but in all honesty I’ve just been out there living my life.

I’ve been to Florida once, Colorado once, Michigan twice, and Texas a ton. I’ve walked 60 miles in 3 Days and not moved from the couch for 24 hours. I’ve spent many weekends with the person I love, a few surrounded by the love of family, and yet another surrounded by 10,000 Women of Faith.

So much has happened in the past fast 3 months that they deserve many more posts than just this one… I promise I will be sharing more very soon!

Please Mr. Postman

2011-08-23T12:21:00.001-04:00

I have a couple trivia questions for you all today…

What does every 3-Day walker love more than anything else?

Answer: Cheerleaders!

What is a close second to that?
Answer: Mail!

This is my 4th 3-Day and every year the cards and letters I get from friends and family help me keep my mind off my aching, blistered feet and focused on the reason I need to go out and walk 20 more miles the next day. A little encouragement really goes a long way!

With just 66 days to go until the Tampa 3 Day, it’s time to get your letter writing skills polished up. You can start sending mail to your favorite 3-Day walker today!

Send letters to:

3-Day for the Cure Post Office
ATTN: (INSERT NAME OF PARTICIPANT)
PO Box 40013
St. Petersburg, FL 33743-0013

Envelopes only, please. No boxes or large packages. Mail must be postmarked no later than October 18 in order to ensure delivery at the 3-Day Camp Post Office.

Love You Through It

2011-08-22T16:07:00.000-04:00

To all my friends and family who were there to love me through the most challenging time in my life… Especially to you, Mom & Dad… Thank you.

I’m Gonna Love You Through It–Martina McBride

Why I Do What I Do: SOCS

2011-08-21T12:54:00.001-04:00

We are only 10 short weeks away from this year’s Tampa Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure! I have so much to do… from training to fundraising to gathering up all the necessary gear. (to do: order new socks asap!)

Yesterday the team had a fundraiser at Appearances Hair Salon in Johnson City, TN. The 2 fabulous stylists donated their day to cut solely for donations – they are two truly amazing and fabulous people! During the course of the day, we had a variety of customers but the one that touched us all the most was a little girl of maybe 10 years…

As she was leaving with her mom, we asked if there was anyone they would like their donation to be in memory or in honor of. The mom thought for a moment and then looked to her daughter who said a name immediately. We wrote down the name and they started out the door. Suddenly the girl stopped and took off her little backpack. Mom looked at her with curiosity and we all watched as she took out her little wallet and proceeded to fold up her money and put it in our donation jar.

As those of us left in the salon wiped away our tears, I was struck by how this little girl understood. She knew what cancer was, and she personally knew someone going through it… Children shouldn’t have to know something like that and yet too many of them do.

It’s just one more reason why I find it hard to say no to the fundraising, training, and walking 60 miles in 3 days with feet covered in blisters…

…

This was my 5 minute Stream of Consciousness Sunday post. It’s five minutes of your time and a brain dump. Want to try it? Here are the rules…

Set a timer and write for 5 minutes only.
Write an intro to the post if you want but don’t edit the post. No proofreading or spellchecking. This is writing in the raw.
Link up by clicking on the button below!

Lucky Me

2011-08-19T13:52:00.001-04:00

Lucky me! I received a blogging award! Now I really can say I don’t think this award is deserved as of late because… well because I haven’t been blogging… but I would like to send out a big Thank You to Jen over at Blenifer Uncorked for the award! She won the award and passed it along to 15 of her favorite blogs and as the rules of the award go…

The rules for accepting The Versatile Blogger award are:
1. Thank the person who gave the award and link back to them in your post.
2. Share 7 things about yourself.
3. Pass this award along to 15 recently discovered/favorite blogs.

Here are your 7 fabulous Friday facts about yours truly…

I have been a very bad blogger as of late because of 3 reasons… the first being the NEW job! I fly in or out every Wednesday and between flights I work 80 hours and go back to the terribly slow hotel internet and then have a glorious 6 days off between to fit in time for the other 2 things…
One of which is training for the Tampa 3-Day! I am so far behind on training because of travel it’s futile at this point to try and make up all the miles BUT I will train all I can in the next 10 weeks and have a smile on my face through every blister because kicking cancer’s a$$ is so worth it! (fun little factoid of the day… the first 4 3-Day events in 2011 have raised over $15 Million towards finding a cure and there are still 10 events to go!)
Which leads me to the other fabulous thing that has been taking up my blogging time… a certain Southern Gentleman. He’s sweet, caring, thoughtful, supportive, generous… and most importantly… he makes me happy. :) (yup, just went public with that one)
I am getting very close to having to purchase peanut butter and laundry detergent for the very fist time in my life. Yes you read that right… I am used to a fully stocked shelf at the “Grandpa Store” that is open anytime I need to replenish my emotional or peanut butter needs! Love you and miss you Grandpa! I need to plan a trip home soon!
I have 2 “kiddens” named Gilbert Sullivan (aka:Goose the Moose, Gilly Goo) and Moses Jean (aka: Chloe, Mokes)
I was raised in The Mitten but am now a transplant living down in the Appalachian mountains of The Volunteer State!
I am a cancer survivor of a little over 2 years now. I’m doing everything I can to fight back and am just waiting for the magical 5 year mark where I can say I am 100% cancer free and cured!

So there you have it – my 7 fabulous facts! And here are some of my favo

rite bloggers for you to check out…

Coconutter Strutters	Dr. Grumpy	Dream Big. Stamp Often
DUTCHbeingME	Filling Our Bucket	Following Him
iHeartOrganizing	Hines-Sight Blog	In This Wonderful Life
Meanderings of a 3-Day Mom	My Big Girl Pants	Not Quite Legally Blonde
On Joyful Wings	Starving, Insatiable	Soaring on Wings

Once Upon A Time… (SOCS)

2011-08-07T13:02:00.001-04:00

Once upon a time… I blogged solely to spread information as efficiently as possible and it turned into a place to dump my thoughts more often than not. Lately this blog has been neglected as I focus on getting things back in order in my life.

There has been less time spent on a computer {for fun} and more time spent in airports, airplanes, and hotels with bad internet connections. I’ve been in Texas, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Tennessee since I last posted... Spent about 8 hours on planes, nearly 12 hours in airports, and 16+ hours in cars. I’m tired and my body aches trying to fight off something I probably picked up in the recirculated air on one of the planes.

But I’m happier and more stress free than I’ve been in such a long time.

I will take the delays and endless hours spent reading in planes and hotel rooms over the crazy stress-filled existence I have lived since January any day.

Once upon a time I was hopeful, carefree, and happy… I’m finally getting back to that place once again!

“We can only appreciate the miracle of a sunrise if we have waited in the darkness” – Unknown

<- Sunrise over Waco, TX

The Rack Pack in Atlanta, GA –>

We walk because we must. We are strong because the journey demands it. Together in body and united in spirit, we lay down our footsteps for this generation and the next. This is our promise: a world without breast cancer.

…

This was my 5 minute Stream of Consciousness Sunday post. It’s five minutes of your time and a brain dump. Want to try it? Here are the rules…

Set a timer and write for 5 minutes only.
Write an intro to the post if you want but don’t edit the post. No proofreading or spellchecking. This is writing in the raw.
Link up by clicking on the button below!

Kick In The Booty!

2011-07-25T19:56:00.001-04:00

I logged into my 3 Day participant center to read…

“95 days until the event!”

What?! That is just 3 short months away! And then I found this…

“On July 28, a link will appear below to enter online check-in. Online check-in will be open from July 28 to October 24.”

Yikes! When online check in opens it’s business time! When you check in, you have to have your fundraising minimum raised or put up your own personal credit card for the remaining amount. The 3 Day takes serious commitment to not only training but also to fundraising.

I am currently just $950 short of my fundraising minimum which may sound like a lot, but I've already raised $1350 toward the $2300 goal! I know I can reach that goal but I just need to get focused.

So this is me… focusing…

I’m asking your help to get me there! Consider sponsoring me $1 per mile for a total donation of $60 or... If you can’t spare $60, please consider a donation in an amount you can give. To donate by credit or debit card, just visit www.the3day.org/goto/christina2011 there you have the option to split your donation into 4 easy, tax-deductible, payments.

Each year the Susan G. Komen 3 Day for the Cure events raise $50+ million for cancer research. Cancer research is expensive, the current treatments are expensive, the screening tests to catch the disease early are expensive... but if the money donated leads to just ONE life saved, that is priceless.

In honor of…

In memory of…

SOCS: A Weighty Issue

2011-07-24T11:03:00.001-04:00

I’ve noticed around the blogosphere that everyone seems to be talking about their weight these days. Perhaps it’s because the extreme heat around the nation has us all reaching for body revealing shorts, tanks, and swimsuits on a daily basis? It’s definitely hard to ignore a few extra pounds with so little fabric.

Even though I haven’t been writing about it, weight has been on my mind as well. I’ve gained weight since I took the job here in Tennessee because of a whole lot of stress and bad eating habits. There have been many, many days where I haven’t had any food until heading home after a 12 hour day… this excludes coffee of course. And if I did get a chance to grab some food it was quick junk in a drive through on my way to/from meetings. It has been horrible for my body and I feel horrible as a result. It isn’t that I’m feeling down about how I look but more that I am feeling in my health. My energy levels are down and I just feel blah.

Now that I have left job, I want to refocus on getting back to feeling well. With the new job there are new twists… I will be traveling 16-18 days out of every month and we all know eating out that much has it’s challenges. I just need to make better choices when on the days I am home I need to spend some time cooking at home. It might be a good time to knock off some of my 101 in 1001 physical health goals? Of course the 3 Day training focus should help some too!

To all of you out there who are going through the some weight struggles, I wish you good luck and happy losing!

….

This was my 5 minute Stream of Consciousness Sunday post. It’s five minutes of your time and a brain dump. Want to try it? Here are the rules…

Set a timer and write for 5 minutes only.
Write an intro to the post if you want but don’t edit the post. No proofreading or spellchecking. This is writing in the raw.
Link up by clicking on the button below!

Blisters for Boobies!

2011-07-22T19:35:00.001-04:00

Have you noticed the little mileage tracker creeping up over there on the sidebar? That means I am *officially* in Susan G Komen 3 Day training mode! I am finishing the 2nd week of a 16 week training plan with 10 miles tomorrow.

Yes, I said 10 miles tomorrow.

I will be walking with my team for approximately 3 hours starting at the lovely hour of 6am on a Saturday to beat this crazy heat. All in the name of boobies everywhere.

I am no stranger to this event. This will be my 4th year walking the 60 mile journey. I’m no stranger to walking in heat indexes of 100+ degrees or temps that dip into the 30’s. I’ve seen team members go down with mild dehydration and I’ve seen them spend hours in the med tent being taped up. The 3 Day is no joke and the 500 miles of training prepares you for that.

But one little problem has plagued me every year. Blisters. And I’m not talking a little tiny bump on the side of my toe. I’m talking heel encompassing, foot swallowing, toe engulfing blisters. By the end of each event, my feet are so sore I hobble around like I’m 100 years old.

I have tried everything… band aids, blister bandages, Moleskin, Duct tape, Body Glide, powder, Vaseline, soaking my feet in Epsom salts, socks, different socks, and then two pairs of socks at the same time, new shoes, more new shoes… It doesn’t

matter. My feet just blister.

I have learned a few tricks along the way… like wrapping my 2 last toes on each foot with Meijer fabric bandages to prevent little tiny blisters on the pads of those toes. And that moleskin just refuses to stay put on my heels unless I use fabric {not paper} medical tape to encase the moleskin.

So far this year… {knock on wood}… I haven’t gotten any blisters from training. It is too early to declare victory just yet, but I have to admit I am pretty excited by this lack of development! Tomorrow’s 10-miler {the first of the season} should be a pretty good test.

But even if they do pop up again this year I will cheerfully wrap them up and remind myself…

Women of Faith

2011-07-19T19:26:00.001-04:00

Imagine my delight when I opened up my email this morning to read this…

“Hello Book Sneeze Friend!

We have good news! You have been selected as a blogger for the Women of Faith event. Details on receiving your registrations, attending the event, and posting your blog posts are below…”

That’s right my dears, yours truly will be headed to the Women of Faith conference in Charlotte, NC in September and I will be blogging and tweeting all the lovely details right here!

Why is this so exciting you ask? Because as their website says, it’s a place to “Escape from the everyday… and be refreshed, encouraged and inspired. Because the God who loves you can do far more than you can ever Imagine.” I’ve been needing that in my life as I’ve found myself stumbling and bumbling around lately. What’s even better is Mom will be joining me as we gain inspiration and encouragement from the likes of Natalie Grant {love!}, Mary Mary, Karen Kingsbury, Luci Swindoll and so many others!

Interested? Then check out the website and register to attend the event nearest you. With 28 different events around the country there is bound to be one nearby! Or… come join me at the Charlotte event! I’d love to meet you!

A huge THANK YOU to the organizers of the Women Of Faith conferences and the Booksneeze blogger program!

Michigan Monday

2011-07-18T21:19:00.001-04:00

A picture tribute to my recent trip back to the Mitten over 4th of July…

4th of July Oooohs and Ahhhhs!


	Grand Haven, MI

“The longest road out is the shortest road home”
Irish Proverb

SOCS: I Suck At Blogging

2011-07-17T12:49:00.001-04:00

The timer is set and I am here to admit to you all that I have been neglecting this little blog o’ mine! See I went back home to visit my family and then have had a completely hellish week and… well I’ve been too wrapped up in my own self to share anything with you all! I’ve thought about some posts but haven’t actually done them… but hey, it’s the thought that counts right?

So to do some very quick updates for you all…

I finally went to my Endo for my 2 year check-in. I was nervous as h-e-double- hockey-sticks. But turns out I had no need to be. My tumor marker came back in negatory glory and my neck ultrasound turned up nothing suspicious except a missing lymph node. {note: I am in fact missing a cervical node as a result of checking for mets during surgery so that is normal for me.} So I got a pass for no doctor visits for 8 months although I do have to visit the lab vampires twice between now and then and they changed my meds…again… because now I am to hyper which could explain some anxiety, sleeplessness, and hair loss I’ve been experiencing.

The visit back to G. Rap was fantabulous… I will be blogging about that in all it’s glory in another completely separate post.

I have just 5… count ‘em 5… days left at my current job. I am very happy with my decision to move on even after just 6 short months of being there. It is not a healthy environment for me. So where am I going and what am I going to do? I am NOT moving back to Michigan at this time. I like it here in East TN. I AM all set with a new gig. One that involves consulting. And travel. And I am super excited about it! The job may also require a completely separate post coming up!

And there is another exciting development going on in my life…

Annnnnd there is the buzzer… no I’m completely serious… I did not mean to have that last sentence be a cliffhanger! I guess if you all want to know what the end of that sentence will bring, you will just have to stay tuned?
…

This was my 5 minute Stream of Consciousness Sunday post. It’s five minutes of your time and a brain dump. Want to try it? Here are the rules…

Set a timer and write for 5 minutes only.
Write an intro to the post if you want but don’t edit the post. No proofreading or spellchecking. This is writing in the raw.
Link up by clicking on the button below!

Better Than I

2011-07-12T17:01:00.001-04:00

Better Than I by Joy Williams

I thought I did what's right
I thought I had the answer
I thought I chose the surest road
But that road brought me here
So I put up a fight
And told You how to help me
And just when I had given up
The truth is coming clear, for...

You know...Better Than I
You know...the way
I've let go...the need to know why
'Cause You know Better Than I

If this has been a test
I cannot see the reason
But maybe knowing, I don't know
Is part of getting thru
I try to do what's best
Find faith has made it easy
To see the best thing I can do
Is put my faith in You, for...

I saw one cloud, and thought it was the sky
I saw a bird and thought that I could follow
But it was You who taught them to fly
If I let You reach me...
Will You teach me? For...

You know...Better Than I
You know...the way
I've let go...the need to know why
I'll take what answers You supply
'Cause You know Better Than I

Happy 4th!

2011-07-01T21:55:00.001-04:00

Ok I know it’s not the 4th yet but I am about 4 hours into my 12 hour drive home – that puts me in Eastern Kentucky currently – and I don’t know when I will be blogging again! I’m heading back to Michigan to visit friends and family for the 4th aaand I get to visit the lab vampires my Endo friend. Yup that is super exciting.

What is exciting is that this is on my hotel room number plate:

Oh if you only knew how much I looove fireworks! Here is some evidence… notice the supremely goofy face as I go to light the little fountain…

But first there are the 12 loooooong hours of travel in front of me. Sigh… can someone please invent that teleportation device soon? I guess if I could teleport I would miss out on cool scenery like this…

Oh well.. I need to wrap this up and get some rest for the road in front of me! Have a safe and happy 4th everyone!

Happy 4th of July!

Appalachian Lite?

2011-06-30T18:38:00.001-04:00

So remember this post and this post a while back on some of the cultural differences I’ve encountered down here?

I no longer find them so different or strange. In fact…

I say “Appa-latch-ian” instead of “appa-lay-shun”. I have caught myself saying the phrases “I don’t care to…” and “I appreciate ya!” more times than I care to admit. I have even said something like “I’m going to THE Wal-Mart.” And many, many times I have use the word “y’all.” I’ve blessed people’s hearts and I’ve tried fried green tomatoes and soup beans. I’ve even gone to music on the square and listened to some bluegrass. And more times than I can count I have been accused of having a southern accent by my Yankee friends and family. {I still think I don’t have one}

Things I haven’t done… yet…

said “the Interstate” or “the four lane” – it’s still the highway to me!
attempted to make good ole southern biscuits, white gravy or fried chicken in my home
eaten anything pickled {ex: pickled pigs feet}

After just 6 short months of living here I realize that I am somewhat adapting.

But..

I still miss Meijer!

Words That Heal

2011-06-29T19:16:00.001-04:00

If my doctor told me I had only six minutes to live, I wouldn't brood. I'd type a little faster.
~Isaac Asimov

I was reading this article today about how writing through a serious illness can be cathartic. I wholeheartedly agree.

I may have started this blog under the guise of keeping friends and family informed about my progress through surgery and treatment but it evolved into so much more.

I started with just a few posts that were more factual than feeling. Soon enough I was talking about the confusion, pain, fear, loneliness, anxiety… all the things that I couldn’t say out loud when asked “how are you doing?” Those who asked such a question received an ever cheery smile and the upbeat “I’m doing good…”, “Feeling much better thanks…”, or “Everything is going really well…”

Truth is sometimes it wasn’t all hunky-dory. Truth is having cancer is never ok.

I feel like my writing through my cancer journey was honest even if it wasn’t always light hearted. I also think that writing about it was the cheapest form of therapy I could have found {with the exception of Gilda’s Club of course!}. It helped me organize my thoughts and feelings and really reflect… and now that I’m on the other side it helps me to remember things completely lost to cancer brain.

I’ve realized that even though I started this blog for my friends and family, it isn’t about who reads it, its about the life I’m able to live because I wrote it.

Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart.
~William Wordsworth

Live your life from your heart. Share from your heart. And your story will touch and heal people's souls.
~Melody Beattie

Pepsi or Coke?

2011-06-28T18:33:00.001-04:00

At work we have two soda machines that distribute various Pepsi products. The price for a 20 oz bottle has always been $1.25 until the most recent fill up.

Since then…

The price for a 20oz bottle = $99.95

I’ve always been a Pepsi girl but with these prices I may have to switch to Coke!

So what do you say?

Coke or Pepsi?

Well It’s Official…

2011-06-21T18:36:00.001-04:00

I have resigned from my management position here effective July 22nd.

There are many reasons behind this decision some of which I am not prepared to discuss just yet. Some of which I might never discuss on le bloggy blog.

I am not certain where I am going or what I am going to do just yet. That is such an odd feeling. I’ve always known where I was going before I went.

Don’t get me wrong, I have ideas floating around… this girl has no shortage of those puppies… but so many of them are in the long range category. I just have to start doing the little things to get the momentum going. And above all I need to follow my heart and live my dreams. Life is too short not to.

Stay tuned dear readers… its about to get interesting around here!

Believe with all of your heart that you will do what you were made to do.
-Orison Swett Marden

Saturday Seven

2011-06-18T13:10:00.002-04:00

Trying something new today… the Saturday Seven. Just seven random things I’ve been thinking about this week most of which would not make up an entire blog post by themselves but are worth sharing or at least I think they are! Link up if you want to play along!

One. In honor of ones, I realized its been a while since I’ve done an update to my 101 in 1001 list. So here are a few items I’ve crossed off and some I’m still working on…

lose 25 lbs – sorry to say I’m still in the working on it phase
Pay off car & credit cards – working on it! Only 4 more car payments!
Go to a live musical – tickets bought for Beauty & The Beast at the Barter next week!
Local restaurants – new one to add: Cranberry Thistle, Jonesborough, TN
Create a calendar to track birthdays – downloaded a template to help me do this… just haven’t filled it out yet!
Grow my hair 5in below my shoulders – currently at 4 inches
~~Get a massage & get a pedicure~~ – done on Feb 19th in Gatlinburg!
Send mail to someone once a month – April, May, June: check!
Read a book starting with every letter of the alphabet – new letters claimed: Bountiful Container, Outlive Your Life.
~~Read a book in one day:~~ The Final Summit
Read 101 books – new to add: Wasted, The Secret, Grits Guide To Life, 33 Ways to Tell Your Fortune (that makes 17)
Watch 26 movies {alphabet} & 10 classic movies I’ve never seen– working on this with help from Netflix

Two. I slept in until 8am for the first time in months. Yes, I said months. And yet I’m still exhausted… maybe it takes more than one night to get rid of sleep deprivation?
Three. My horoscope for today reads: “Your house of career is undergoing a slow and profound change as you shift from one way of working to another. You’ll have great potential and options as Uranus in your house of self combines with Jupiter in your house of money to bring a delicious set of planetary helpers. Venus and the Sun in your house of words could help you write your future.” This is more scary true than you know… more to come.
Four. Remember the apartment debacle? I still haven’t heard boo from the management company after they swore they would “get on it” to “rectify the situation.” This weekend will be devoted to formulating the next line of attack. I gave them ample time to fix things. They chose not to. Now it’s on.
Five. Stress has been crazy lately… combined with the sleep deprivation and you get my body attacking itself… again. You can read more about that here, here, and here. Last night I noticed my parotid was pulling one of these again. And the other symptoms of Sjogren’s are back as well… dry eyes, dry mouth, aching joints, brain fog, dry skin, fatigue. Must manage stress to prevent flares.
Six. My plan for this weekend is to nap and to heal… and to clean my house and do laundry. Sigh… where did the maid go?
Seven. I made good on my promise. I have tests and an endo appointment scheduled for early July. Praying that the fears are all in my head and I get only good news.

Grow A Pair

2011-06-17T20:03:00.001-04:00

Apparently I have.

Grown a “pair” that is.So many people have told me in the last oh 8 months that I have balls and they are impressed and that I’m brave. Even though I’ve heard it for a while now I still don’t quite understand.

Am I really that gutsy?

I don’t really think so. I just follow my heart… and sometimes my head… and I just go for it and I don’t look back. There is no room for regret.

Sometimes things work out and sometimes they don’t but at least I’ve tried. Every experience teaches you something about yourself or someone else or about life in general and it shapes who you are.

Life is out there and all you have to do is live it.

One can never consent to creep when

one feels an impulse to soar.

– Helen Keller

Introspection

2011-06-15T21:35:00.001-04:00

^{The greatest use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it.
- William Jones}

That was the quote on my little flip calendar this morning. Funny how I’ve had that calendar for years and years but this is the first time I’ve really taken notice of that saying. Isn’t it funny how you can read things or hear things that hit at just the right moment.

I’ve been doing a lot of introspection lately and this particular quote brought some anxieties surrounding certain issues to rest. I haven’t yet made the vision boards I mentioned in my post a few days ago but the picture in my mind is becoming clearer every day.

Following your heart may not always be the easiest choice but its usually the best one.

You Are What You… Think?

2011-06-13T19:30:00.001-04:00

I’ve been reading the book The Secret by Rhonda Byrne lately – I even watched the movie on Netflix one night when I was bored. {note: if you’ve read the book, the movie is nearly identical} I mostly decided to read it because I was curious what all the hype and controversy had been about a few years ago. I like to know about things rather than just object to them based on what others tell me I should think.

Here I am reading The Secret and it seems like a simple enough principal… you get what you give. If you give off feelings of anger or sadness you will get anger and sadness back. Think about it… if you are feeling down and you let yourself stay in that mindset all day without trying to shift yourself to more positive thoughts… you can find yourself in a small bout of depression before you know it.

So I start thinking about some of the bad things that have happened in my life and if I had somehow inadvertently brought them into my life. The big obvious one of course is my cancer diagnosis. Could I have actually put out some sort of vibe that later came into being in my body? Could that vibe in combination with the power of “mind over matter” have contributed to it?

Actually… yes.

You see when I was in college I was assigned the task of tracing my family tree along with any associated diseases or conditions. Many of my classmates found strong family histories of heart disease… I found that the majority of my ancestors had cancer. I even said to my mom while working on the project “Well, it looks like I’m destined to get cancer at some point in my life!” as a semi-joke. Guess what – I did.

Do I believe that my thinking and saying I would get cancer actually caused my cell mutations? No, not entirely. I also tend to believe that things happen for a reason {beyond our understanding} and I know that what I went through made me who I am today.

But what could happen if I decidedly focused on the good things in life? Things I hope for or dream about… Rather than the twinge of sadness that happens when someone else gets engaged or pregnant, what would happen if I could truly feel happy for them and for my future self in that role? Rather than feeling the weight of a debt, could I convey the feeling that I have more than enough to sustain me? I look at it as a form of prayer… asking and believing you will be provided for… or giving thanks for what you do have rather than focusing on what you don’t.

It’s an interesting theory and one definitely worth a try. I might even try making up a vision board or two so I can keep my focus on accomplishing my dreams.

So what about you? What positive dreams are you shifting your focus to?

I’ve Got A Feelin

2011-06-12T07:00:00.000-04:00

“June 12th, 2009 – …My doctor was nearly certain - in fact said he would be "very surprised"- if my full pathology came back as anything but benign.

We were both a little shocked when I went in to have my stitches out a week ago Friday and found that "Bob" had been sent to the Mayo Clinic for a second look. He said he would call me as soon as the reports from Mayo came back...

So that is basically how exactly 2 months after my 30th birthday, I got the phone call telling me I have cancer”

Today marks 2 years since I heard the words “You have cancer…” over that phone line. It’s a day I will never forget... A day that changed my life forever.

It seems like a lifetime ago but at the same time I know I’m not at that magical 5 years = cancer free mark yet. It is probably why I have been dragging my feet to find a new endocrinologist and have my testing done. I know I need to do that. I know. But I’m scared that there will be news I don’t want to hear. That and Endos are notoriously prima donna like so meeting yet another one isn’t exactly high on my list. I will make that appointment. I promise.

So how am I celebrating 2 years of survivorship? I don’t know yet. I’m thinking of sleeping in, reading a good book, watching a new movie, and heading down to get a Peanut Butter Dream to stick 2 tiny little birthday candles in.

I’ll light those 2 little candles. And while blowing them out I will make a little wish for all the dreams I’m holding in my heart.

Because as I said one year ago today…

“Today is a day to celebrate every moment, to appreciate the little things, to stop and smell the roses, to live life to the fullest, to shout it from the rooftops!

I am here, I am healthy, I am loved, and I have a very long life in front of me.

For today, I am pushing all of that away and am remembering that today is worth celebrating because life is worth celebrating! Life in all its ups and downs is simply a gift every single day.

~~Today~~ Every day is my most precious gift”

How We Gonna Pay Last Year’s Rent?

2011-06-08T20:10:00.001-04:00

Ok I know I’m in nowhere near the predicament that the characters in RENT are facing, {eviction} but this whole renting debacle has this song running through my head.

So in an attempt to clear up some of yesterday’s drama, I did a little digging today.

Today it all started with a phone message response from the management company stating that my apartment had been re-rented on April 10th.

{Insert confusion here}

The persons in office at my old complex had stated it was re-rented right away as in January or February. Big difference in the refund coming my way between those two timeframes. So my next step was to call the apartment complex directly and get the exact date that my exact unit had been re-rented.

The story? Well someone had put a deposit down on my apartment fairly quickly after my move out… and then at last minute pulled out of the deal. {jerk} So my apartment had been “on hold” for this person who then decided they didn’t want it and the complex then had to try to find another renter. {double jerk} They finally did find another renter who moved in on April 10th not in January or February. {dangit}

I’m still a little peeved at the management company for not informing me of this little fact because I’ve been paying $$ when I should be getting $$. And I will still be writing a strongly worded letter if the situation is not resolved very quickly. But for now, I am just very happy that my obligations have been fulfilled and its one less monthly debt to concern me. And let’s face it, there are many other things I would rather spend that $710 on!

Caught Red Handed

2011-06-07T22:28:00.001-04:00

Not sure if it has been mentioned on le blog or not to date but when I moved from MI to TN I had to break my rental agreement. Said rental agreement stated I had to pay through the end of my lease term or until my apartment was re-rented, whichever came first.

Guess who has been paying the tidy sum of $710 every month since I moved out in addition to my current rental fees? Moi.

Guess who’s apartment was re-rented “right away – in January or February” {quote from the apartment complex office staff} but who has been paying the $710 every month because the management company did not inform her of the re-rental? Moi.

Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, guess who is owed some big time buckaroonies back in le bank account. MOI!

I am too tired tonight to compose a lovely “I dislike you very much” mail this evening but you can bet your bippy the aforementioned management company will be getting a piece of my mind tomorrow!

Only Hope

2011-06-06T20:34:00.001-04:00

There's a song that's inside of my soul
It's the one that I've tried to write over and over again
I'm awake in the infinite cold
But You sing to me over and over and over again

So I lay my head back down
And I lift my hands
and pray to be only Yours
I pray to be only Yours
I know now you're my only hope

Sing to me the song of the stars
Of Your galaxy dancing and laughing
and laughing again
When it feels like my dreams are so far
Sing to me of the plans that You have for me over again

So I lay my head back down
And I lift my hands and pray
To be only yours
I pray to be only yours
I know now you're my only hope

I give You my destiny
I'm giving You all of me
I want Your symphony
Singing in all that I am
At the top of my lungs I'm giving it back

So I lay my head back down
And I lift my hands and pray
To be only yours
I pray to be only yours
I pray to be only yours
I know now you're my only hope

written by Switchfoot
sung by Mandy Moore in A Walk to Remember

Let’s Try Something New: SOCS

2011-06-05T13:52:00.001-04:00

I’ve seen a few bloggers do this (Jenn, Dutch, Fadra) so I thought I would give it a try… and who doesn’t need a good brain dumping now and again, eh? Here goes…

Ok so I’m hoping my timer actually works because I dropped it just as I was about to begin typing. Plus it’s ancient and I never use it anymore because I have the handy one that comes on my stove. I guess we shall see!

Today I’ve been up since about 5:30am – yes it is a Sunday and no I did not have to work. I tried to go back to sleep, it just wasn’t going to happen today. So I got up and made some quiche and then started my day…

If you didn’t know, it is national Cancer Survivor’s Day and I donated my FB status to SU2C/Livestrong in honor of the day. Then I decided cancer needed just a bit more a$$ kicking and I made up the team logo for the 3 Day and flyers for our upcoming event Grillin for the Girls. Take that cancer! And as my lovely cousin so wisely put it in her status: Suck it cancer! And now it is not even 2pm and I feel like I’ve been very productive – GO ME!

What else is on my mind… oh let’s see… a little thing called GRAD SCHOOL. Do I want to do it? Do I not? And if I do, what for? How can I make that happen with a FT job? And then there is the WHERE question… perhaps the biggest one of all…

And with that my friends we have the buzzer… hmmm maybe my brain needs more than 5 minutes to fully dump? Or perhaps I just need more practice… either way – Happy Cancer Survivors Day to all my fellow survivors out there! Oh and if you didn’t know… yesterday was Hug Your Cat Day.. so make sure to hug your feline friend!

…

This was my 5 minute Stream of Consciousness Sunday post. It’s five minutes of your time and a brain dump. Want to try it? Here are the rules…

Set a timer and write for 5 minutes only.
Write an intro to the post if you want but don’t edit the post. No proofreading or spellchecking. This is writing in the raw.
Link up by clicking on the button below!

I Surrender!

2011-06-02T21:17:00.001-04:00

Nothing like getting a piece of mail that makes you feel like a criminal within the first sentence. I recently received a letter from the city clerk’s office in my former place of residence and the very first sentence was this:

“We have been notified by the Secretary of State that you may have surrendered your Michigan drivers license...”

Is anyone else a little put off by the use of surrendered there? I read that and at first I thought I was in major trouble and started racking my brain trying to figure out what I might have done wrong! Then I read it again and realized they were just referring to me handing over my MI license when I got my new TN license and were wanting to confirm that I wanted my voting privileges revoked.

Thank you state of Michigan for temporarily freaking me out!

Must Be A Mom Thing

2011-05-31T17:40:00.001-04:00

I’ve been pondering the meaning of life.. ahem I mean these stickers I’m seeing everywhere on people’s vehicles. Well let’s be honest they are found on mom vans & SUV’s everywhere! You have to know what I’m talking about… you know, the stick figure family stickers?

Maybe its just me but I don’t get them. I mean yes they can be cute but what is the point? Do you need to justify to the world why you are driving a big ass car sucking up all that so expensive gas you are always complaining about? Or maybe its to prove to the other drivers on the road why you deserve to drive like an idiot while racing to soccer practice or ballet? More likely it’s just an odd status symbol of sorts among the mom crowd and to be in, you NEED these.

I repeat, I just don’t get them.

To me they are like a big shiny beacon saying “Follow me home! I have 2 kids you can prey on!”

Yes, I am the cynic. I can’t help it… I’ve actually had someone stalk me, leave notes on my car {when I hadn’t been aware they even knew which car I drove} and live in fear that they had followed me home without me ever knowing. Literally. I know these are just pictures but some go so far as to include the family names… seriously people?! Do you not watch Criminal Minds??

My apologies to those of you out there in mommy-land who indeed own these adorable sticker thingies. I still love you! I’m just calling it like I see it… and being I’m in the non-mommy phase in life I see these as a crazy overboard soccer mom status thing. I do, however, find the particular set of stickers on the left hilarious for all of you single mommies out there!

For Your Consideration

2011-05-30T12:20:00.001-04:00

I’ve been considering making my blog private for a while now. There are several reasons why that may be a good idea, one of which is the obvious fact that anyone can read this and sometimes there are things that are a part of life that you don’t want certain people knowing. It’s all very mysterious, I know... But the reason for not wanting certain people to know certain things is simply to avoid the drama that could {and probably would} ensue. Of course there is also the drama of those whom you don’t include on the exclusive “allowed readers” list.

Some of you may be thinking – why blog about it at all then?

Good question.

For some of you out there, your thoughts spill out into the the very private pages of a diary – or journal as is the trendy way of saying it these days. I tend to blog about mine. I’ve never been good at keeping a journal but for some reason I can blog on a semi-regular basis.

I used this blog as a communication tool during the doctor appointments and surgeries and treatment course of my cancer journey... but it became more than that. It was my coping mechanism. A place where I could express the many emotions that come with dealing with a serious illness. I was completely open through it all and I’ve had other cancer survivors tell me they appreciated that level of honesty. It was good. Raw. Me.

So why am I feeling like I need to be guarded now?

Real American Idol

2011-05-25T21:35:00.001-04:00

{credit}

Hey There Cupcake

2011-05-24T18:32:00.001-04:00

My mom, aunt and cousin were down visiting for the weekend and it was non-stop action from the moment they arrived. We hit the town - or should I say the mountains - and I gained a few nuggets of knowledge along the way…

You are never too young to own a gun…
An extra quart of oil won’t hurt… but 2? That just might require some extra attention.
ASAP stands for “As Southern As Possible” and..
“The South” is the place where tea is sweet and accents are sweeter, summer starts in April, Mac & Cheese is a vegetable, front porches are wide and words are long, pecan pie is a staple, y’all is the only proper noun, chicken is fried and biscuits come with gravy, everything is darlin’, and someone’s heart is always being blessed.
Bad Southern accents with a hint of Canadian/Minnesotan are very quickly acquired by my family members. I’m curious to know if the accents left as quickly as they came on?
Shopping is always more fun with a group, however, the Wal-Mart chip aisle can be dangerous
The Crazy Cupcake Peanut Butter Dream cupcakes require a “moment.” Seriously. They are omgtodieforscrumptious!
Even I can hike the AT {Appalachian Trail for those not local} although it may have only been a quarter of a mile stretch up the mountain.
You never lose the ability to squeeze into a tiny kitchen to make breakfast for the bunch! And.. to fry an egg without mastering the art of flipping it, just push the bacon grease over the top. It works just mahvelous dahling!
That sometimes the only ones who can understand are family and they can make you laugh like no one else can. Love you ladies!

Awesomesauce

2011-05-18T21:24:00.001-04:00

Moments in SLC

2011-05-16T19:36:00.001-04:00

About 2 weeks ago I was in Salt Lake City, Utah for a work conference but managed to sneak away for a few photos while I was there! Here are a few of my favorite shots…

The Mormon Temple	From the bus at the entry to La Caille
In Big Cottonwood Canyon	The Rockies
The 700+ inches of snow were very melty!	University of Utah Botanical Gardens

What Are You Waiting For?

2011-05-14T12:29:00.001-04:00

It's in my nature that I lack a bit of patience. I don't think that is too big a secret from those who know me best? It is, however, something that I think I'm good at internalizing to a good degree. It causes sleepless nights, knots in my stomach, and many, many overly melodramatic thoughts in my brain. I'm super good at playing through the possible outcomes in my head.

I think the one thing that brings the most anxiety is a factor beyond my control... the other person.

Nearly all waiting situations involve a second party do they not? Waiting for your doctors appointment, waiting for a coworkers call, waiting on your friend to reply to your email... you realize very quickly that you can influence but can't control the outcome.

So you wait... and wait... and wait! And maybe one day soon you will get the answer.

Mobile Blogging

2011-05-13T17:05:00.001-04:00

Well my phone finally has an app for Blogger! Readers be warned I can now blog on whim instead of waiting until I'm home and/or plugged in somewhere to publish my thoughts. It's a dangerous situation to be sure!

Thought for the day... I'm super excited that my birthday presents have begun to arrive! I received $70 in Barnes & Noble giftys and I put those to good use. I have 14 books coming my way over the next few days (mostly fluffy summer reading type stuff) AND super smart me is also getting 4 frequent flier miles per $1 spent! After one trip home, a trip to Florida, and last weeks trip to Utah... Looks like a free trip to somewhere isn't too far off on the horizion!

Love Notes

2011-05-10T22:09:00.001-04:00

I never thought I would see the day when I would say that I just didn’t want to be in a relationship... Apparently today is that fateful day. Perhaps I should give you some background on that decision…

I’ve always been the relationship type. A serial monogamist if you will. I’m not good at dating multiple people at once and consider it to be a waste of time. How can you make a deeper connection with one person when you can’t even remember who you told which story? Maybe I should have looked at it as limiting my options instead?

Whatever the rhyme or reason those relationships didn’t work out and here I am. Alone. But apparently not lonely… at least not today.

Today I was a little surprised when I realized it wasn’t even a thought in my mind. That contact from a certain potential guy was actually a little bothersome. Was it that I’m just not that into him or am I just not into being in a relationship right now? I guess you could make a case for either or both. In truth its probably both.

There are so many things I am focused on right now it it leaves no bit of energy, emotion or time for someone else. Heck, I barely have time to really read my personal emails as they flash by on my phone. I owe a million people messages or emails or calls but at the end of the day, my battery is exhausted and I’m just trying to find a few quiet moments to recharge. {hence the bloggy hiatus}

Some may call it selfish and I guess I am in a kind of “its all about me” phase right now. I’m trying to sort things out and make changes in a few areas and I’m just content to just be without worrying about the expectations of someone else.

Of course that is today… there is always tomorrow. And “After all… Tomorrow is another day!”

Back Stairs

2011-04-29T20:40:00.001-04:00

On my recent trip back to MI, I spent many days celebrating my birthday with family and friends. Friday was no exception.

I went to lunch with my mom and sister then met up with my friends Slaglm and LC for margaritas, movies and Mexican food. {we like theme nights} LC had rented a hotel room so she wouldn’t have to make the 3hr drive back to the East side of the state that night so we had a place to crash. After much debate we decided there were no movies out at the time that were worth our hard earned cash so we went to Meijer {another M!} and picked up some refreshing beverages and headed to the hotel to rent a movie there.

When we got to the hotel we found the elevator to be semi-functioning. By that I mean we pushed the button, heard it working, the lights flickered and we heard no more noises and decided we weren’t going to risk getting stuck in there! So we headed to the stairwell to trek up 5 flights with our drinks in tow.

On about floor 3 we encountered some guys heading down the stairs. Of course they noticed the beverages and immediately thought we were sneaking it up.{uhm like I need to sneak around at 30.2!} So they start joking with us and then they said..

“Where are you headed… A Bachelor party?”

‘Scuse me? Let’s ponder that one a second… alcohol + women = BACHELOR party? = what the heck did he think we looked like?!

HOOKERS?!

I guess the 5th floor is known to house Val Kilmer and 50 Cent when they are in town filming but they most certainly were not in our hotel room! And I assure you, our jeans and sweater outfits were more Banana Republic than Frederick’s of Hollywood.

Reverse Yourself

2011-04-25T21:03:00.001-04:00

Are you part of the lost generation?

The choice is yours

Snowy Sendoff

2011-04-18T21:22:00.001-04:00

Well I’m back in the Rocky Top region after a very quick trip back to the Mitten. Of course the weather there was unpredictable and I left with a true Michigan style sendoff…

I’m Coming Home

2011-04-14T12:37:00.000-04:00

On my way back to MI today and I’m seriously hoping that Gerald R. Ford International has something like this going on when I arrive…

Welcome Home!

Alphabet Soup

2011-04-13T18:39:00.000-04:00

'I’ve seen this around the blogs and thought I would join in… so here you have it, my alphabet

{A}ge: 30.2
{B}ed Size: Queen.. because I am one!
{C}hore you hate: Laundry – the folding & putting away parts
{D}ogs: I’m allergic
{E}ssential start of your day: Coffee!!
{F}avorite Color: PINK – duh!
{G}old or silver: silver and gold.. you need a little of both!
{H}eight: 5’6”
{I}nstruments I play (or have played): piano, french horn
{J}ob Title: Coding Manager
{K}ids: Other people’s
{L}ive: Northeast Tennessee
{M}om's Name: Deb
{N}ickname: CK, Suzybell
{O}vernight hospital stays: when I had half of my thyroid yanked out, and then again when I had the other half yanked out. I don’t recommend it… unless you have cancer too… then get that sucker out as fast as you can!
{P}et Peeve: slow drivers
{Q}uote from a movie: “Love is a gift… not an obligation” – Fools Rush In
{R}ight or left handed: Righty
{S}iblings: sister KT {Happy Birthday Shout-out to you!} & B the Brother in Law
{T}ime you wake up: Whenever I pull my a$$ out of bed.. alarm starts at 5:09am
{U}nderwear: uhm… yes? Preferably Vicki’s
{V}egetables you dislike: peppers all kinds but if they are cut up real small and not raw-ish I can eat them, mushrooms {texture thing}, radishes
{W}hat makes you run late: my Gilbert… he likes to lay down by me just as I’m supposed to get up so I think what’s the harm in another 5 minutes?
{X}-rays you've had done: Ankle, teeth {yearly ya know}, neck/chest, neck/chest again, lung field…
{Y}ummy food you make: homemade turkey noodle soup
{Z}oo animal: Penguin, Panda, Elephant or Koala.. depending on the zoo!

Thirty {Point} Two

2011-04-12T21:44:00.001-04:00

I refuse to believe that another birthday means an increase in my age, hence the point two on the end. I need that part to help me remember exactly just how old I am since at some point after 25 I started forgetting that little fact. I know, I’m old and showing my age by admitting that sometimes I forget how old I am!

I firmly believe that you are as old as you feel. Some days that means I’m 5, sometimes I’m 20, and sometimes I’m 100. It just depends on the day, my mood… and maybe the weather. My rheumatism acts up from time to time contributing to the 100 factor… and if you don’t know me, I’m kidding on that last one… maybe…

But to be serious for a minute, a birthday is something to celebrate with full force. This is my second birthday after my cancer diagnosis… not quite my “cancerversary” yet but one year closer to that 5 year term “cured” mark! I’m alive and well and thankful for every breath I take. Yes, that even means on the bad days! I laugh and cry more freely than I did before. I pay attention to my body and things that might not be quite right. I take more chances and don’t worry so much about what other people think. I make a point to enjoy relationships, family, friends, every moment of me time, the smell of spring flowers, the story in a good book… I know I’ve said it before but hearing the words “you have cancer” changes you.

For me the change was living fully and I’m forever grateful for that.

So happy thirty {point} two to me! I’m looking forward to the next year’s worth of adventures!

The Final Summit by Andy Andrews {A Book Review}

2011-04-11T20:10:00.001-04:00

I love to read when I’m traveling and on a recent trip, I brought my advance copy of The Final Summit by Andy Andrews with me to pass the time. It did not disappoint! I started reading it on one flight and finished it on the second!

The Final Summit follows the character David Ponder as he, with a little help from famous men and women throughout history, struggles to solve the answer to one question. He has five chances to find the little two word answer and if he fails, the fate of mankind is on the line. A little bit of history, a little bit of the divine, and a lot of sage advice combine for a compelling story.

If you are like me and haven’t read the introduction of David Ponder in the New York Times Bestseller, The Traveler’s Gift, don’t fear! The author gives just enough of an introduction of that tale to let you know what you are missing… or what you may have forgotten if you did read it. After reading The Final Summit, I am definitely going back to read The Traveler’s Gift!

I definitely would recommend this book. You literally do not want to put it down because you just have to find out the answer to the riddle!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Kickin’

2011-04-11T19:39:00.001-04:00

Wow – has it really been 10 days since I’ve posted? Time flies when you’re having fun… or something like that.

I have to admit that I haven’t written because I’ve been in a funk. I’ve been stressed, overwhelmed, sick, tired, overbooked and generally in a crummy state of mind.

But rather than dwell on all that I’m focusing on the positives!

I’m heading home to visit family and friends this weekend and I think it might be just what the doctor ordered (or would order should I have spoken to him) to break up the funky mood and give me that kick in the butt to help me feel like myself again.

Color Your World

2011-04-01T18:45:00.001-04:00

The soul becomes dyed with the color of its thoughts.
Marcus Aurelius

I was wandering through Wally-World to pick up cat litter about a week ago and found myself in the health and beauty aids (read: cosmetics) because there is always something you need.

I had happily filled up my “buggy” (Appalachianism) with all natural, organic shampoo & conditioner, a clay face mask, and tea tree oil based foot massage lotion when I wandered past the Nicole by OPI nail polish.

I’m a sucker for nail polish. And I got rid of a bunch of it when I moved. Bingo! I have PLENTY of need for more nail polish! I grabbed a few colors and decided I could allow myself one new one, but just one. It was narrowed down to two… the deciding factor? What were their names? (fyi for the males, all the good nail polishes have names)

I can’t recall the one I didn’t buy… but the one I did?

Name: Change The World. Color: Pink

Sold!

Dream A Little Dream

2011-03-30T19:01:00.001-04:00

I don’t remember my dreams often but when I do it’s usually because its completely crazy, scared the crap out of me, what I’ve dreamed has come true, or I’ve had the dream more than once.

Recently there is a new dream that I’ve had that I remember vividly. I’ve had it three times now. According to dream interpretation websites, recurring dreams are your subconscious mind desperately trying to tell you something and they are usually triggered by current life events. Basically its your mind telling you to wake up and pay attention so you can figure out what is going on and deal with it.

So here’s my dream…

I’m sleeping when I smell something that wakes me up (in the dream world). I head down my stairs when I start to feel scared. Suddenly I notice that my back door is slightly open and I realize what I’m smelling is smoke. I slowly inch down the stairs and I see a man standing next to my door. He doesn’t notice me but is just standing there smoking and staring into my living room at something that I can’t see. A black cat is sitting next to him looking at the same thing. I stand there, frozen in fear. In my dream my anxiety level rises as I feel that any moment he will notice me standing there… and then I wake up

So what the heck does that mean? I sure hope it isn’t literal and that a man is really breaking in my back door and smoking in my house at night!

After researching various dream websites this is the best I can come up with…

stairs – walking down them suggests there are thoughts and emotions you have yet to express and may also reflect obstacles in your future. I can only imagine that the fact that I get apprehensive as I head down them means I really don’t want to face whatever the obstacle is

intruder – this usually symbolizes feelings of shame or remorse and that you should figure out what is taking a toll on your peace of mind.

cat – (if you generally like them) symbolizes that within you is a free spirit, feminine sensuality, creativity, and power. A black cat can mean you are afraid of using your psychic abilities or intuition.

smoking – may be a metaphor for an addictive relationship or habit in your life.

Soooo… There are feelings I need to express in the near future that I think is an obstacle. I have regrets and so my mind isn’t at peace and this may involve an aspect of myself that is creative or intuitive in nature and is most likely an addictive behavior of mine.

Hmmmmm… I wonder what it could be!

Monday Mumbles

2011-03-28T21:22:00.001-04:00

Random thoughts for the day…

One. This weather stinks – its rainy and in the 40’s. I like rain but the cold – no thank you! And yes I know I could be in MI where it is even colder… but I’m not and I want the 70F’s back!
Two. Speaking of Michigan… I will be there in just 17 short days! I’m officially putting in my order for good weather now.
Three. Before I head back to MI for a few days, I get to spend a couple days in Orlando for a conference. Anyone want to join me?
Four. Speaking of the cold. I have one. Or its allergies. Either way I just want to stay curled up in bed.
Five. But its highly possible that I’m just not treating my body right and it’s mad at me. my entire food pallet today was BROWN. Not one color to be seen. I am totally not joking and its disgusting when you think about it. That is so not right and I need to change that now… or maybe tomorrow. A frozen york peppermint patty is calling me and that too is brown!
Six. So yeah, change in diet and change in exercise is on the agenda. I may just get up the courage to start Jillian’s 30 Day Shred!
Seven. Its only 9pm and I’m exhausted. Time for bed!

You Know You’re a Yankee When…

2011-03-25T18:02:00.001-04:00

I was sitting at lunch with some coworkers today when the topic of Soup Beans came up. When I said that I haven’t ever had Soup Beans they all looked shocked. It was at that point I decided I wouldn’t tell them I didn’t even know what Soup Beans were in fear they would fall off their chairs! (although some may read this and my secret will be out!) I was then asked “how do you fry your chicken? With flour or cornmeal?” to which my response was “I’ve never fried chicken.” The table was in an uproar and I was asked “What do you eat up there in the North?!”

If they only knew that my mom pretty much only cooks by way of microwave with the exception of a casserole or two. And my dad is a master of the grill. My chicken was pretty much always baked or grilled and the fried kind came from KFC.

I have watched enough Food Network to know that you use flour to fry chicken (this was confirmed by the coworkers) and the key is to add spices to the flour before frying for flavor.

And the Soup Beans…?

When I got home today, I Googled “Soup Beans” and this is what the almighty Wikipedia has to say on that subject:

Soup beans is a term common in the Southern United States, particularly the regions around the Appalachian Mountains. It refers to pinto or other brown dried beans cooked with smoked pork as flavoring. Soup beans are usually served with cornbread, greens (such as boiled cabbage, cauliflower, or fried sauerkraut and weenies), corn (whole or sweet), and potatoes (stewed or fried) and may be topped with raw chopped onions. The meal is often topped with pickle relish. Soup beans are considered a main course, but also serve as a side dish. In rural areas, where food was scarce during the winter, these dried beans were a staple food.

One Advantage

2011-03-24T20:31:00.001-04:00

Hearing all the reports of the radiation worries in Japan lately makes my heart go out to the people there. The country is already devastated from the damage caused by the earthquake on March 11. Now those poor people have to worry about their water and food and even the air…

I’ve been reading the news reports and thinking how bizarre it is that the radiation that is causing all the hubbub is the very same stuff that I had to ingest in quite a large and concentrated quantity just 17 months ago. The very same radioactive isotope used as the treatment for thyroid cancer also causes thyroid cancer.

I have first hand knowledge of what can happen if you ingest this isotope in high doses. I won’t recount all the dirty details of just exactly what did happen in this post but if you are interested you can read about it here, here, or here.

After going through all of that and having every last thyroid cell radioactively burned out of my body, its nice to know that there is at least one thing I won’t have to worry about should a nuclear disaster happen nearby.

What I’m Lovin’ Wednesday

2011-03-23T19:51:00.001-04:00

It’s been a really rough week round these parts. I’ve been neglecting le Blog not because there is nothing to write about but because my days have been long and my creativity has been drained. I also wasn’t on the internet at all for about 4 days. *gasp* Well with the exception of my phone but I tend to do more looking than doing from my phone. It’s cumbersome and I just prefer the keyboard.. yup this girl isn’t getting an iPad anytime soon! So to get back on track and remind myself of the many, many amazing things out there I’m doing WILW again!

I’m loving the spring like weather we’ve been having lately.. fitting because it actually is spring now.

And I’m loving the amazing reminder of renewal all around me… and I’m also loving the storms that are on their way tonight!

I’m loving the new friends I’m making here and I’m also loving the fact that I will see my old friends in just 3 weeks! We have some serious girl time planned and I can’t wait!

I’m also I’m loving the storms that are on their way tonight. the wine I brought with me on my move.. Tabor Hill Demi Sec rocks my socks! I just wish I had another bottle..

I’m loving that I am expanding my creative outlets and that I’m taking some time to do some serious self reflection. I think it’s healthy to do that once in a while don’t you?

So here’s the question… what are YOU loving today?

You Can’t Handle The Truth!

2011-03-20T22:31:00.001-04:00

Kaffee: I want the truth!
Col. Jessep: [shouts] You can't handle the truth!
- A Few Good Men

What is the thing everyone says they want in a relationship?

Honesty.

What is the one thing that most people can’t handle?

The truth.

It’s hard enough dating and worrying about normal rejections: Will he think my hair is too short/blonde/long/flat? What if I something gets stuck in my teeth? What if my outfit is just all wrong? What if he thinks I’m too thin/fat? The list is endless and we all worry about them every time.

But…

What if you add the “cancer thing” in there? See you can hide that precious little gem from people for a while but when you literally bear your dirty little secret on your neck, it doesn’t stay hidden for long. [I’m sure I’ve blogged about this topic before but for the life of me can’t find it on here!] When should you tell that potential someone? If you tell them right away, it might be too much too soon. But if you wait, will they think you were keeping this big huge secret behind their back? Once you do tell them, whenever you choose to do so, will they bow out anyway because it’s just too much to handle.

I had cancer. I dealt with it, I accepted it, I conquered it. I have changed because of it. I know I am stronger because of it.

I had cancer but I am a lot more than cancer ever was. And you are the one who’s missing out.

Curiosities of the Civil War by Webb Garrison {a book review}

2011-03-12T17:37:00.001-05:00

Do you like history? Do you want to know more about the War Between the States and how America came to be? Are you a fan of random facts?

Then the book Curiosities of the Civil War: Strange Stories, Infamous Characters, & Bizarre Events by author Webb Garrison is for you! Even if you think you are a Civil War buff, I can almost guarantee that there will be new tidbits of information that you will glean from reading this book.

The Civil War is known for being the bloodiest in American History but this book looks beyond the atrocities to recount bizarre tidbits as well as stories of some of the little known, everyday heroes.

I am not really a history buff but I do tend to like random tidbits of information. This book held my interest throughout and went beyond the traditional history to give you more of the story. I highly recommend this book for anyone wanting to learn more than just the traditional perspectives.

Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Blisters for Breast Cancer!

2011-03-10T21:16:00.001-05:00

Yes, I'm doing it again - I signed up for the 2011 Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure! I had such incredible experiences while walking the 3-Day for the Cure that I'm going back for more. I'm so excited about this event, especially since I will be walking in a new city - Tampa Bay!

I had not planned on walking this year because if you haven't heard, I moved 12 hours away from Michigan to Tennessee! With the move, a new job, new surroundings, I just wasn't sure how the fundraising and training would fit. But in the end I knew I had to walk... not walk away. This event isn't easy, but I promise you, I wouldn't be doing it if I didn't believe 100% that it was worth every muscle ache, weary night and training walk!

I need your help. I am planning on surpassing the $3000+ that you - my friends and family - gave so generously last time around to help end breast cancer.

This year I'm walking in memory of my Grandma S and in honor of the many, many cancer survivors in my life. I would be honored to walk in memory or in honor of one of your loved ones too!

Just follow the link below to visit my personal fundraising Web page to make a donation. And please share this post with your friends and family that may want to donate too - the more people this message will reach, the closer we get to finding a cure!

If you have any questions or want to hear more about what I'm doing, I love talking about the event. Thanks for all of your support. I'm incredibly lucky to have people like you in my life!

Love,
Christina
www.the3day.org/goto/christina2011

P.S. Don't wait - donate today! The sooner I reach my fundraising goal, the sooner I can focus on the training needed to make it through all 3 days!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-09T21:08:00.001-05:00

Sunday Brunch

2011-03-06T11:43:00.001-05:00

I decided to get a little Suzy Homemaker this morning and do something fancy with my eggs. Now, I'm not really a fan of eggs. They are very useful things but to just eat an egg, its not my favorite. I much prefer pancakes for breakfast. If I do eat eggs they are usually scrambled or in an omelet. On occasion I eat what my Grandma used to call “dippin’ eggs” – the kind where you can dip your toast in the yolk. I don’t even know what the proper term for those is but I do know I can’t make them the way she and Grandpa used to!

So anyway, back to this morning’s experiment. I was up early and decided Quiche Lorraine sounded good. I had the general ingredients but I didn’t have a recipe. I did a quick search through my Cooking Up A Cure vol 2 and found one and then did a search online and found another… in the end I used those 2 to make my own version and it was divine! So I’m proud of myself and sharing my recipe with you:

Super Easy Quiche Lorraine:

1 Frozen Pie Crust
3 Large Eggs
2/3 c. Sour Cream
1/3 c Skim Milk
1 1/2 c Finely Shredded Kraft Italian 5 Cheese Blend
2/3 c Real Bacon Crumbles
1 tbs Flour
1/4 tsp Onion Powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 450F and line the pie crust with aluminum foil. Bake for 8 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 5 minutes or until the crust is dry and set. Remove from oven and turn down the temperature to 325F.
In a large bowl, beat together eggs, sour cream, milk, bacon, onion powder, salt and pepper.
In a smaller bowl toss together the shredded cheese and flour.
Combine the egg mixture and the cheese mixture well and pour into set pie crust.
Cover the edges of the pie crust with the aluminum foil and bake in the oven for 30-40 minutes or until a knife comes out clean from the middle.

I would have used Onion Onion mix from Tastefully Simple if I had any… I don’t like biting into real onion chunks but if you do, you could finely chop one and add that instead of the onion powder. And normally you would use Swiss cheese but since that would require buying a chunk of cheese and grating it myself, I opted for a kind that was pre-shredded and bagged. It really is just a matter of mixing everything together which is my kind of recipe! I know this isn’t quite a traditional Quiche Lorraine but it’s still mighty tasty!

If you try it – let me know what you think! Happy Baking!

Linked up at:

Mind Over Mass?

2011-03-03T20:39:00.001-05:00

I was reading an article on CNN.com today about a guy who “visualized” his bladder cancer away.

Uhm…

Ok I’m not one to knock a miracle or anything… and I think we have all heard a story or two of someone who was seriously ill and then suddenly wasn’t… but I always cringe when I see articles like this. Articles that basically say you don’t need to get the standard treatments, you can just sweat/exercise/eat/think yourself to a cure!

While I can’t argue that miracles DO happen, I think I can safely say that they don’t happen to everyone. And if you forgo all the amazing things that modern medicine can offer, you may just get the short end of the stick. In my humble opinion, you need to take ownership of your diagnosis and then do whatever it takes to kick it’s little booty!

At the same time I have read many studies about the impact that attitude has on outcomes in patients. Basically they all say if you think you are sick and dying, you may want to be a little more careful of what you wish for…

Now, I’m not going to say it’s easy to stay positive through months [and sometimes years] of treatment. I know I had my moments… or at least I think I did… where everything was completely miserable, horrible, the worst ever.. [hmmm now I think I’ll have to look back at those blog entries to check] And sister, if it makes you feel like you have some control over the situation by eating only raw, crunchy, rabbity food… by all means go right ahead! We could all use those extra vitamins and minerals to boost our immune systems! And if you feel like meditation and visualization helps you keep things in a positive light, then Namaste.

But please, please, please people… talk with your doctors about all your options! You may be surprised to find how many of them will encourage and support your complimentary medicine wishes and will even incorporate them in your treatment plans.

In the end it’s all about owning your body, mind and spirit instead of letting the diagnosis take that role.

Nutty Part 2

2011-03-02T20:39:00.001-05:00

Did you notice something new on the bloggy blog perchance?

I’ll give you a biiiiiiig hint…. its right over…

<==============THERE================

Yes ladies and gents, I’ve drunk (drank?) the Kool-aid once again!

In 2009 I told you all I must be nuts because I had just signed up to walk 60 miles in 3 days… for the 3rd time… in the middle of treatment for my thyroid cancer. Perhaps I was suffering from cancer brain at the time? So what is my excuse for signing up for my 4th…. hmmmmm… let’s expound on that, shall we?

My 3rd 3-Day was nothing short of amazing. I was able to walk with one of my inspirations - my aunt who is a breast cancer survivor. My mom experienced her first 3-Day as a medical crew member. I watched another of my aunts carry the “Birthdays” flag in Opening Ceremonies. Watched as my team mate succumbed to the evil thing called dehydration. I had blisters covering my heels and between my toes and road rash covering my calves. (ps: no one tells you but your skin does weirdo stuff in a post-cancer world) And I didn’t know it at the time but I saw Jenne Fromm in one of her last 3 Day events as National Spokesperson… gonna miss that girl this year. Walked in ridiculous heat that fast approached the 100F mark. And as a team we raised almost $20,000 even in the crappy economy of Michigan!

And why was all that amazing you ask? Because of moments like these…

Too Fast…

2011-02-28T19:14:00.001-05:00

Well the ‘rents were in town this weekend for a short… very short visit. They arrived about 5:30p on Friday and headed back to the snow later Sunday night. It was nice to see them even if it was too short a visit.

On Saturday we hit the Outlets in Pigeon Forge and the weather was absolutely beautiful! Sometimes I have a hard time remembering it’s only February when I’m walking around in the sunshine without a coat on. On Sunday it was raining in the morning but we were able to get out and wander around my town for some pics. Here is the weekend through the lens…

Almost to Gatlinburg & the Great Smokey Mountains	Proof that winter doesn’t suck everywhere!
Rain + the Appalachians = “smoke”	A look down Main Street
Jonesborough – Est. 1779 – Tennessee’s Oldest Town	The Parson’s Table
The International Storytelling Center	The Chester Inn built 1797
Christopher Taylor House – built 1778	Another look down Main Street
Washington County Court House	Driving through town…

Blame It On The Rain

2011-02-24T19:42:00.001-05:00

I woke up about 4am to the sound of rain hitting the window in my bedroom. I was hoping for some thunderstorms but I’m told those are coming tomorrow morning.

It’s been raining nearly all day and its really mellowed out my mood. Well that and maybe a few pieces of news that aren’t the best. I won’t say I’m down but I could have easily just curled up with a blanket and a book and just escaped from things for the day.

But then on my drive home from work, I noticed the changes around me. Creek beds that were dry contained flowing water, the dust coatings were washed from rocks and roads, and best of all… the grass was greener than it was this morning.

It is amazing how taking a moment to notice the small things can change your perspective, isn’t it?

Pollyanna State of Mind

2011-02-21T18:47:00.001-05:00

I am apparently getting a reputation of being somewhat of a “Pollyanna” around here. Not that it is a bad thing, but really… me?!

Maybe it’s the crazy flood of sunshine I’m getting here in the South? And no, I’m not in Florida, but when you came from a place where you get maybe 14% sun from November through April this is like a tropical paradise!

More likely… I’m just happy at the moment.

Is everything perfect? Of course not! I don’t think that is even possible. But there are so many things in a good place or moving toward a good place… I don’t have any desire to focus on things that may be less than stellar. Is it really worth wasting the time and energy on anyway?

I truly I am happy and content to see what other exciting things may be in store!

And if you happened to miss the FB announcement… I am going to be an Auntie this fall!!

So happy for you KT & B! Love you guys! Oh and just to give you fair warning.. I’m going to spoil the heck out of the little one!

New Woman

2011-02-20T15:38:00.001-05:00

Hello my lovelies! I’ve just returned from my relaxing, rejuvenating spa weekend in the mountains and I feel like a new woman.

Apparently some others noticed it too…

This weekend I heard “I love you!” and “Will you marry me?”

From complete strangers.

Both women.

Sigh…

There’s always a catch, isn’t there?

Remember When?

2011-02-17T22:25:00.001-05:00

The smallest things can trigger some of the best memories. Take my feet today for example. It was a very long day in heels and when I finally put on my slippers, my feet were aching.

BUT

It reminded me of how I used to feel after working the commencement ceremonies in college. [My college job was working at our campus auditorium.] I loved that job. Not only did I get paid to see Broadway, ballet, comedy,and opera.. I worked with some amazingly special people.

I love you all! And after working God knows how many RENT shows together, I think this is only fitting…

Dedicated to the polyester pack…

The Willies

2011-02-15T19:25:00.001-05:00

I consider myself to be an independent sort of woman. I don’t need hand holding or someone to put shelves together. But apparently I’m not immune to “the willies.” I recently watched Paranormal Activity – the first one – in preparation for number 2 coming via Netflix today. I’ve seen the first one before in the theaters with friends so it wasn’t anything new but for some reason it creeped me out. Maybe it’s the fact that I’m in a “new” place or perhaps it’s because I have an upstairs… who knows!

Anyway, I got over being a total wussy-pants and forgot about things… until today.

Today as I was waiting for the elevator to open, I got a really weird feeling that someone was already on the elevator. When the doors opened, no one was there but I couldn’t shake the feeling. I also felt like someone was in the hall behind me trying to get on. The feeling stayed with me until I was outside the building but it’s now giving me “the willies” just thinking about it.

Perhaps I should stop listening to the ghost stories the maintenance guy likes to tell?

So in the spirit of being a girl… I’m going to take those creepies and watch PA2 tonight [after GLEE of course]… and then I will sleep with the light on.

Happy Singles Awareness Day!

2011-02-14T20:28:00.001-05:00

I’ve got flowers… I’ve got yummy desserts that I didn’t have to make… I’ve gotten many I love you’s… I’ve even got a heart shaped box of chocolates… the one thing I don’t have?

A “HIM” to my “HERS.”

I also don’t have a heart shaped pizza from Papa Murphy’s. Dangit!

I decided to be my own love today and got myself a rockin’ present. This girl is headed for a day at the spa on Saturday! Yes I will have a massage, a facial, a mani, a pedi, and a haircut… I know the haircut doesn’t sound glamorous but I really need one. I have a full day of pampering coming right up because… well because why not?

We all deserve a treat now and again right?

True Love

2011-02-13T18:22:00.001-05:00

For God so loVed the world
       That he gAve
            His onLy
           BegottEn
                 SoN
                     That whosoever
      Believeth In Him
         Should Not perish,
      But have Everlasting life.

~John 3:16.

101 in 1001 {Update}

2011-02-12T13:41:00.001-05:00

It’s been WAY too long since I’ve updated my 101 goals in 1001 days list! And if you are unfamiliar with my quest, you can see the full list of goals {here}.

So what have I been busy doing?

Physical and Spiritual Health

10. Lose 25lbs – Currently working on! Since the start of January, I’m down 12 lbs. – woo!

Financial Fitness

23. Move into/purchase a house or condo. – When I moved to TN, I moved into a townhouse/condo and love it!

26. Get a promotion and/or raise [not just the normal yearly one] – I would consider my job here in TN a promotion… a big one!

Amazing Adventures

27. Take a road trip – I drove to Pigeon Forge/Galtinburg, TN two weeks ago.

28. Visit a winery and do a wine tasting – While on my road trip, I stopped at Mountain Valley Winery and did a little taste test.

39. Plan a mini trip once a month for 3 months [weekend warrior]

Just for Me & My Environment

48. Go to 10 local restaurants that I’ve never been to – in progress

Twisted Roosted – GR, MI
Fujiyama – GR, MI
Hibachi Express – JC, TN

60. Clean out my closet twice a year – I did a massive clean out when I packed to move… I think I’m due for another one because my closet in the new place is much smaller.

Something for Others

71. Send a card/letter [snail mail] to someone once per month

Entertain the Brain

83. Read a book starting with every letter of the alphabet

Girl Who Played With Fire
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Illegals: The Unacceptable Cost of America’s Failure to Control It’s Borders
Madness: A Bipolar Life
Outlive Your Life
Sarah's Key
Tandem

87. Read 101 books

Girl Who Played With Fire
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Illegals: The Unacceptable Cost of America’s Failure to Control It’s Borders
Madness: A Bipolar Life
Outlive Your Life
Sarah's Key
Tandem

Arts & Entertainment

97. Sing in public again – Sang O Holy Night on Christmas morning at Grace Reformed church.

Admittedly, there are some goals I’m putting off because they are more challenging than others. I think I need to refocus on tackling my list of goals… maybe do more planning…

What goal do you think I should tackle next?

Happy {Early} Valentine’s Day

2011-02-11T19:24:00.001-05:00

I had a surprise waiting for me when I got home tonight…

Happy Valentine’s Day from my mom & dad!

What I’m Lovin’

2011-02-09T19:41:00.001-05:00

Welcome to “What I’m Loving Wednesday!” I’m feeling light and happy so why not add some love to the mix… after all it’s almost valentine’s day!

{One} That it is Wednesday. Which means only 2 more days of the work week and…

{Two} That its only 3 days until Saturday… the day I will have my first official visitors here in TN! My Grandpa and Uncles Bruce, Jim and Mart will be stopping by on their trip from Myrtle Beach back to MI!

{Three} Cows. Cows you say? Yes. Cows. I am surrounded by hundreds of them and they make me laugh every day. Today they were especially amusing because a) one group was standing perfectly still in a perfect line staring at something b) another group was sitting in a circle around one other cow and looked like they were in church and c) when I got home, one was running along the top of the hill next to my apartments half howling/half mooing and making just the oddest noise I have ever heard! They make me smile.

{Four} Suave Almond & Shea Butter Shampoo. It’s from their professionals line and is supposed to moisturize as well as Aveda® Dry Remedy. Now I have never used the Aveda® brand, but WOW! The Suave version totally rocks! My hair has been less than stellar as of late due in large part to the fact I haven’t had a cut or trim since oh… October? This stuff is approximately $2 per bottle and makes me think I may just be able to hold out until March for that cut!

{Five} Glee. It’s back and so is my joy.

{Six} My new Droid Incredible. It has everything my MyTouch did PLUS a bigger screen and faster searching! Plus I caved and downloaded Angry Birds. If I’m out of contact, now you know why.

{Seven} The excitement of knowing a Valentine’s Day surprise is coming my way! My parents are less than stealthy so I know something is coming… but what? Stay tuned to find out!

So what are YOU lovin’ these days?

Oh Yes, It’s Time Again…

2011-02-08T20:04:00.001-05:00

for GLEE!!!!!! You can’t tell I’m a little eensy teensy bit excited can you?

And in case you missed it, here are some of my favorite songs from the episode that aired after that SUPER big football game Sunday night.

Bills

Need You Now

Happy watching!

Without further Ado…

2011-02-06T20:23:00.001-05:00

As promised here are some pics of ma petite maison de ville…

The Entryway	Entry Shelf
Laundry Room	Half Bath
Kitchen	Living Room
Master Bedroom	Full Bath
Guest Room	Guest Room View 2

So when are you coming to visit?

Outlive Your Life by Max Lucado {book review}

2011-02-05T12:21:00.001-05:00

You go to work, take care of things around your house, play with the kids… You consider your life to be simple, ordinary even. You feel like you want to make a difference, but you are just one ordinary person. Do you really have the power to impact people in a big way?

Most of us have felt small and inconsequential at some point in our lives. If only we were famous or rich, then we would really have the chance to influence and impact people’s lives, right?

But what if you could make a difference? You. Just as you are. Without an endless bank account or fans on every corner. This is exactly what Max Lucado talks about in his book “Outlive Your Life.”

From the moment I picked up this book, I was completely sucked in. The easy reading style of Lucado combined with the messages of hope and motivation made this a really enjoyable read. I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to make a lasting impact on the world around them.

If you take anything from reading this book I think it will be this:

“None of us can help everyone. But all of us can help someone.” –Max Lucado, “Outlive Your Life.”

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

World Cancer Day

2011-02-04T20:25:00.001-05:00

Every year 12 million people receive a cancer diagnosis. Of those, 7.6 million will die of their disease.

I am one of 12 million who heard those words in 2009. It’s amazing how isolated you feel when you hear those words yet there are 12 million others that have heard the same thing within that year.

Reading the statistics above, I feel extra lucky today that I am a survivor. Did you do the math? Those numbers mean that over 60% who have cancer die of cancer. But it is estimated that 30-40% of those deaths could be prevented and as many as one third could be cured through early diagnosis and treatment.

It’s time for us to fight this global epidemic. Click on the logo above and sign the declaration urging our global leaders to come to action.

A cancer patient will thank you. I thank you.

Snow Day?

2011-02-02T22:21:00.001-05:00

Well half the country is buried, sometimes literally, up to their eyeballs in snow. This includes my family and friends way up there in the high-five of America.

Here… well I woke up to temps in the 50’s that quickly plummeted into the 30’s with high winds. No rain, no snow… no reason to stay home wrapped up in my cozy bed.

As much as I can’t stand snow, part of me wishes I was there to be part of all the excitement. Wait, you actually want to be stuck in 18 inches of snow?! Yes. Sick, I know.

I have always been fascinated by weather and severe storms are my favorite. Even when it’s business as usual, I can almost always quote you the weather for the upcoming days because I find it interesting. Perhaps I missed a calling?

Or perhaps I’m just jealous of all the friends who got a snow day today [and some of them tomorrow] because of “SnO-M-G!” And then I think to myself, “Self, you are so silly! You work at the hospital and those never close.” Sigh…

Malevolent Monday

2011-01-31T20:46:00.001-05:00

First things first, it’s Monday. A day to be dreaded by most everyone because it isn’t Saturday or Sunday but has the unfortunate circumstance of being after those two lovely days.

Anywho, it’s Monday. And It’s exactly 1 year to the day that my Grandma fell and broke her hip. She had a really hard time recovering and hasn’t been the same since. And yesterday she fell again… and broke her other hip. Crazy huh? She had surgery today and we are waiting to hear how it went.

Since they live in Florida for a little more than half the year, it means they are there and the whole family isn’t. Last year my dad, my cousin Lacey, her baby Wylie and myself went down to visit them and help out a little. And now we are all on standby to see if an emergency family visit will be needed again.

We hope not. We love them, and of course we love Florida, but things were just scary last year and we do not need to repeat that. If you are so inclined, she could use some extra prayers right now.

I Wonder…

2011-01-30T20:27:00.001-05:00

I took a little driving trip to le outlet mall today and as I was driving, I had the privilege of seeing some absolutely amazing views of the mountains. And it made me wonder…

Do they only make me stop in awe because I haven’t seen them daily for months or years on end?

Do the people who have always lived here appreciate the natural beauty they are surrounded with everyday?

I truly hope they never become something routine for me.

Brave?

2011-01-27T21:04:00.001-05:00

Brave [breyv]: 1) possessing or exhibiting courage or courageous endurance. 2) to meet or face courageously: to brave misfortunes. 3) to defy; challenge; dare.

Since the moment I announced that I was packing my bags, leaving everyone and everything I knew behind, and moving to the beautiful Appalachian region, I’ve had so many people look at me in shock and say, “Wow! That’s brave!”

I’ve never thought of it as a particularly “brave” thing to do. A little crazy nuts maybe, a little impulsive maybe, but not brave. But each of these people have used exactly that word.

I don’t know if I fully agree but I liked the last definition I found:

To defy; challenge; dare.

I agree with that wholeheartedly. I defied everyone who didn’t believe I could or should go. I challenged myself to be something different. And I dared to believe that I was meant for something more.

I will take that word and wear it with a smile because I’ve learned something about myself… I learned to be brave.

Tell Me This

2011-01-25T21:47:00.001-05:00

How is it possible that there are NO local phone numbers available through Google Voice OR Verizon for the Johnson City area?! They give you “local options” that include places like Kingsport, Elizabethton, Limestone… but how do I know which one isn’t going to be long distance?

The whole point of me changing phone numbers is so I can have a LOCAL number that my staff can call if they need to reach me. So if I can’t get a number that won’t charge long distance back to my cost center, I might as well stick with my Michigan number right?

UGH!

As far as I can deduce by using the phone book and internet searches, Limestone seems to be truly “Local” where Elizabethton and Kingsport are in question. Can anyone confirm this?

Netflixter!

2011-01-24T19:38:00.001-05:00

Maybe it’s a product of not having any friends or family in the area to keep me occupied on a Friday night… or the fact that my first paycheck since mid-December is “on hold” at the bank until tomorrow… or the fact that I’m just lame and wanted to do nothing much after total information overload the past 3 weeks… No matter what it was, I decided to sign up for Netflix on Thursday.

Now I’ve had Netflix in the past but deactivated my account because a) I wasn’t using it enough to justify the expense because b) the apartment I was living in had NO box for outgoing mail and c) I was too lazy to drive to the box in the business complex a bit down the road. This was all pre- instant movies and my having a Wii. I loved the service back then and was sad when I closed my account.

But I am convinced Netflix rocks for a few reasons.

Even though I am a former member, I still qualified for a free month “trial” of their services. Score!
My movie queue from my prior membership was still there, ready and waiting for me to catch up on all the movies I missed.
My first physical movie selection arrived on Saturday [Eat, Pray, Love]
It was SUPER easy to connect my Wii and start watching movies immediately!

Yup I’m a happy camper! Next weekend I promise I will go out and explore the area and get some pictures posted… next weekend.

On The Books!

2011-01-23T20:10:00.001-05:00

My first official visitors are scheduled to arrive in just a couple of weeks. They will not be staying overnight and are more just passing through… but its exciting all the same!

My Grandpa and a few of my uncles are going golfing in Myrtle Beach and they have to drive this way to get back home so they are making a short pit stop before holing up in Knoxville for the night. They are planning on being here for dinner and right now the plan is to go out. I suggested a couple places and then it was suggested to me that maybe we should go somewhere “local.”

Hmmmm…

I’m barely a local so how do I know what is good according to the locals? I know of a couple roadside BBQ places but they have weird hours. I know of the Hibachi Express but I highly doubt that’s the direction they are looking to go. I know of the Parson’s Table because I’ve been told its BYOB. (I live in a DRY city meaning no alcohol is served or sold within city limits – what the heck was I thinking?? Thankfully the city limit isn’t far from my house!) They could be here as late as 7/8pm so it has to be someplace with later hours.

So where should we go? I’m looking for suggestions! If you know of someplace good in Johnson City/Jonesborough, let me know!

Things That Feel Odd

2011-01-22T20:58:00.001-05:00

There are a few things that feel weird to me and remind me that I’m not in Michigan anymore …

The southern accents all around me. Yes I’m in the south and I should expect it but somehow it still takes me by surprise. And there are some people I still struggle to understand because its really strong.
Having a 2 level home. I’m just not used to it and I feel like I’m not using the 2nd floor enough… even though I sleep there for hours every night!
Paying sales tax on food. It’s 5.5% instead of 0%.
BUT there is no state income tax so my paycheck is a little bigger than it would have been in MI.
The fact that its light outside when I leave the house at 7am… and actually sunshine at all this time of year feels foreign! Its funny to listen to coworkers complain after 2 or 3 cloudy days when I haven’t really noticed except for the fact I don’t have to use my sunglasses.
Using my parking brake all the time.
People openly talking about God and their faith. Almost daily this takes me by surprise. It’s definitely not a bad thing.
The grocery store… there are plenty of options, just no Meijer which means I haven’t been able to find certain things I used to buy all the time.
Throwing away soda cans… there is no $0.10 refund on these and although you can bring them in for recycling, I’m getting the feeling its not the norm. If you are in a meeting and they have cans there, the trash can is just full of them.
No Faygo pop but seeing something called Dr. Enuf.

Also on a side note: calling it soda instead of pop is just wrong!

I Have Been Quiet

2011-01-21T17:07:00.001-05:00

Well it’s been 11 days since my last post… and that sentence makes me feel like I’m at an AA meeting or confession or something! “Hi my name is CK [Hi CK!!] and it’s been 11 days since…”

Surely after moving 800 miles away from all my friends and family and starting a new job, moving into a new place, being embedded in a new culture I have something to say about it all, right?

Well… yes I have plenty to say… my brain is just on overload and I’m having trouble putting together complete sentences at present.

Over the last 3 weeks I have been in day long orientation sessions, visited all but 2 of our 14 hospitals, met approximately 785 new people including most of the CFO’s for the system, tried to figure out the 5 or 6 [see I’m still not sure!] different coding abstracting systems that all have about 3 names each and which hospitals are using which systems all while trying to figure out what the current departmental strengths, weaknesses and opportunities are.

Sigh… yes I’m on overload.

My director has asked me more than once if I’ve hit the “what the heck did I get myself into and how can I get out?!” moment yet and I think she is slightly surprised that I keep answering no! Even though my brain is on overload with all the new, I feel that I am in the right place. And that is really what matters most, isn’t it?

So I would like to promise you all that I’m coming out of the silence and will be posting on a more regular basis again but I just don’t know right now. I have a ton to update you all on [101, cancer update, Tennessee pics] and at least 2 book reviews to post so there are things in the works but if my brain says “don’t you DARE turn on that computer when you get home!” I have to listen. I think you can only take in so much before your brain goes mushy and no one likes mush.

So since I just came from 8 hours of leadership development classes, I’m going to log off and access my Netflix and pop some popcorn. The to-do list can wait one more day!

SGK Plates!

2011-01-10T21:04:00.001-05:00

I recently discovered that I have 30 days to get a new drivers license and plates on my car – oh the joy. Now imagine my delight when I found out that I have to visit not only the DMV but also the county courthouse to do both of these things. It *almost* made me miss the Secretary of State office back in Michigan… almost.

But then as I was looking into my local Komen affiliate info I found one tidbit of joy in the growing to-do list...

They have PINK RIBBON license plates in Tennessee!!! Oh.Em.Gee. I die.

This is the most exciting news I have had since I found out I got the job! You bet your bippy I will be getting one of these beautiful plates. I mean seriously… pink+SGK+platinum VW = fabulosity does it not?

In other exciting news… I learned how to Skype tonight! My first call included dad, mom & Grandpa S! What a nifty bit of technology that is! I shall definitely be participating in more videoconferencing fun!

Appalachianisms

2011-01-05T17:29:00.001-05:00

As it is my 8th day here and I’m still getting used to the culture, I feel I should share with you some of the interesting things I’ve learned over the last few days.

First and most importantly, you don’t say “Appa-lay-shiun” you pronounce it “Appa-latch-ian” as any good local would. If you say it wrong they immediately know you aren’t from around these parts. You may even be corrected, very politely of course.

Which leads into the next thing… if you are correcting someone or speaking about them without their knowledge (not gossiping of course because as we all know, Southern ladies don’t gossip, they just share information) you are required to say “bless her/his heart.” Oh boy, I’m sure I will get a lot of blessings until I learn my way around!

I was also informed that I must start adding a “the” in front of things. For example, “I am going to THE Wal-mart”, or “I’m going to watch THE TV”, or “I’m going to THE bed now.” Its not a particular idiom that I’ve noticed yet but they tell me it’s true. They also told me that if I’m at the Wal-Mart I am required to talk to everyone I see or fear being branded rude. This includes the cashier to whom its only polite to discuss anything and everything with, bless her heart.

Perhaps the most interesting phrase I’ve heard… “I don’t care to.” Ok so for all my Michigan friends and family, what exactly do you think that phrase is supposed to mean? If you said “I’d love to!” you would be exactly correct. Now I have no idea how you are supposed to get that out of that but I know I better watch what I say and really pay attention to what they say and clarify if needed!

All in all its been an interesting 3 days on the job, that’s for sure! I’m a little overwhelmed with information but I’m sure it will get better. It will also help when I finally get rid of these Tennessee germs that my body is soooo not used to yet! I’m officially at a week now fighting this I think? Yesterday I came home from work and slept the rest of the day and night away and woke up feeling better finally. I’m hoping for a repeat performance tonight (especially since its snowing and I’m terrified of the TN drivers) so I’m completely better tomorrow. Maybe I can catch up on a few things then… we shall see!

How Did I Do?

2011-01-03T17:45:00.000-05:00

I can usually never remember what my new year’s resolutions are but last year I just so happened to blog about them! So how did I do?

Well I did get back on a training schedule for the 3 Day but did not manage to focus on eating right and dumping the pounds. Well I did dump about 20lbs but packed them right back on the last few months… I’m a big stress eater. I acknowledge this fact. I get a big fat C+ on this one – only getting the plus because I was making progress for about half the year.

I did pretty well decluttering my apartment – heck I even sold my kitchen table before moving to TN! I would give myself an A- on this one.

Read one book per month – well I read well over 12 books, maybe skipping a busy month here or there… I will give myself an A because the overall goal of this resolution was to get back into reading. Mission accomplished.

Go out with the girlies at least once a month – we maybe didn’t stick to a strict schedule but I think we did pretty good getting together! I’m going to miss you girls and think you are all stars so we all get an A+!

Define a budget and kick debts to the curb…. uhm…. yeah… D-. Let’s move on.

Be a kick butt 3 Day captain with a super successful fundraising year – Every team member raised their share and made it through the 3 Days. With over $15,000 raised, I give us an A+! Soooo proud of the team! If you want to donate for next year: check this out!

So what are my goals/resolutions for 2011?

Really dump the extra poundage and focus on healthier eating habits, perhaps joining my friends at WW once again
Keep on reading – at least 12 books this year
Start my 365 photo project
Knock down debts by at least half and set a budget to stick to

2011 promises to be very exciting for a number of reasons and I am definitely looking forward to see what it brings!

Connected!

2011-01-02T15:01:00.001-05:00

So I actually had to read my own blog to remember when the last time I posted was. Sad. So sad. So much and so little has happened since Christmas Eve! Where could I begin? I guess I’m just going to give you the highlights to get you all up to speed.

One. The holidays were wonderful. I managed to focus on spending time with family and friends instead of packing which made for many special moments even if it did add a little to the stress levels. The night before I left Michigan I barely got 2 hours of sleep because of all the things that had to be done that were running through my mind.

Two. I was dreading the 12hr drive to Tennessee not only because of the lack of sleep but also because I was toting the kitties in the car. Cats HATE cars. Mine tends to cry/meow very loudly the entire time we are in the car. This trip started out just like I thought it would but after about 20 mins I heard not a peep! Amazing! Were they still alive? They rode like champs and made mommy proud. And I didn’t even have to sedate them! They didn’t like being cooped up in the hotel bathroom the first night though and let me know they were feeling neglected by ripping the hair dryer off the wall and turning it on. Oh how I wish I had a video camera for those moments!

Three. Since arriving, the temperature has been anywhere from about 35-65F. Being from Michigan, I’m used to crazy temperature swings but down here they are on a slightly warmer scale. Love it! I’m sure my cow neighbors appreciated the snow melt as well. ;o)

Four. Apparently moving to this area as a single woman immediately makes you eligible for adoption by any and all slightly older southern ladies in the area. I have even been adopted by Ms. Carolyn at the Chick-Fil-A.

Five. It is impossible to find a silverware organizer for a drawer that has a 7 inch maximum width. But you can find magnetic curtain rods in many stores!

Six. No matter how organized you thought you were when packing, there will be way more “random” boxes than you remembered causing you to go up and down stairs 5 or 6 times per box until the contents are emptied.

Seven. I acquired a terrible cold/sinus infection about a day after we arrived so the unpacking and getting organized has been going slowly. I firmly believe everything would still be in boxes if my wonderful family hadn’t been here to help me! I think I only have maybe 10-15 boxes to go, most of which are “spare room” items (read: not critically important for survival) but maybe 3-5 are classified as “bathroom.” That means its time for another cup of Thera-Flu and back to work for a bit!

Out for a Bout

2010-12-24T10:18:00.000-05:00

As the boxes are stacking up, so is my anxiety. I will be checking out of the blogosphere for a while to finish up the packing and to spend my last moments with family over the holiday. Plus, my laptop is just another item that needs to be packed!

So to all of you I say…

Merry Christmas!

Stressin

2010-12-22T21:02:00.001-05:00

My To-Do list seems to be growing by the day and with Christmas just three days away my time is running out. Once Christmas Eve hits, things will come to a close and I will be spending stress free time with family before the big move… I hope! The post-it notes are in full effect now. I’ve always loved post-its, but since having thyroid cancer my memory is just nonexistent so I use post-its on doors and in my planner to remind me of things. On my entry door right now I have 5 post-its with notes ranging from “remember storage space boxes” to “cancel cable/internet, gas, electric” to “ remember CD for U.Ken on Saturday.” Notes that may get added to the door in the next day or two: “Bring: presents, turtle pumpkin pie, laptop for dad”, “email to moving crew of new time”, “fill out paperwork.” Some of these are notes I usually would post in my planner or in my Outlook as a reminder but since I’m off work until next year, post-its it is!

Packing is going slowly. I have completely cleared one room and almost cleared two others. Today I didn’t get much done on the packing front but I did start and finish my Christmas shopping. Go me! All presents are now wrapped and in a laundry basket ready to head to my parent’s house on Friday. Still on the list are many things in addition to packing and today I’m just not feeling so well. I’m trying to decide if I should head to bed early to make up for the mere 4 hours of sleep last night but I have so many things swirling around in my head to do that my anxiety levels are rising just thinking about wasting time on sleep. On the top of my To Do list for tomorrow is to cancel my cable/internet so maybe I can look at it as time to finish my DVR clearing project? I’m doing pretty good so far and have gone from 58 movies on there to just 5! I’ve seen 4 of the 5 before which to me means its ok to “watch” the movie in the background while the main focus is on packing. So maybe taking a break to watch the last one I haven’t seen isn’t too bad. I’m just hoping I feel better after 8 hours of sleep tonight.

If I don’t get some sleep, I think I may soon look very much like this…

And no one wants that now, do they?

I Should Be Packing

2010-12-21T14:14:00.000-05:00

Rent (1996 Original Broadway Cast) is blasting, the boxes are strewn all over the floor and organized by size, the few Christmas presents I've had time to buy are "wrapped" in bags, transcripts requested & diplomas found for future employer's records, electric & gas are scheduled for shut-off (not quite ready for the 40mins I will spend with ATT yet)... and I'm on a lunch break.. so I guess its ok to be typing to you all?
Why is is so hard to find the motivation to pack?

And why is it that the spare room (ie: guest room) is the most time consuming, yet most logical place to start?

Sigh... I accumulate so much "stuff" in this room. Some of it necessary, some it... well not so necessary. But how do you sort it out and decide what you absolutely do not need to take with you? Things currently in the "undecided" category include: sleeping bag, air mattress, a rug I've had stashed under the bed, an empty filing cabinet... The sleeping bag/air mattress make sense to take if I have more than 2 visitors at a time. The empty filing cabinet? Maybe I should just trash it? I have a small travel file thingy that my papers more than fit in. Currently its in use holding my printer but I have other objects that could take that honor.

Slow going it is. And I'm hoping to plow through 3 rooms before bedtime. Does the dining room count as a room? If so, I just need to pack up a painting and that one is "done!" My table/chairs are being sold, I've already packed the clock that needs batteries, and my bar stools go as is.

Ok - my break is over - back to packing!

Bittersweet

2010-12-17T16:00:00.005-05:00

**not sure why this didn't post on the 17th like it was supposed to - oh well here it is now!**

It's my last day at work and I was doing ok, was excited even, until I started hearing the following things:

"I was writing you an email but it got too emotional so I decided just to come over here instead!"

"I'm getting in my truck now so I can start bawling."

"I want to say thank you for all your help and support. I have leaned and grown so much within the last couple years"

And then quite possibly the sweetest thing came through and I just lost it:
"You are such a beautiful person inside and out! It is my pleasure to know and have worked with you. You are truly an inspiration to everyone that knows you. Good luck, which I am sure you don’t need because you have God’s favor on your life."

How can you not love working with people like that? They even brought in my favorite lunch (Taco Bell) and a pink flower cupcake-cake (hope to have a pic of that soon.. hint, hint Cindy!) I am so going to miss the many very special people that I have worked with over the last 6 (almost) years.

Tonight's agenda? Going away party take 2 with family & friends. I am a mess waiting to happen.

Today’s Randomness

2010-12-15T23:09:00.001-05:00

It’s been a really awkward day filled with randomness. My brain is just not processing complete thoughts lately. It might be because I have so many things swirling around inside or it could just be the approximate 48 oz. of coffee I’ve had today. Either way here is some of the randomness:

48 oz. of coffee plus one banana make for complete and total jittery productiveness. I must remember this for packing days.
the waiter at On The Border tonight was totally blitzed. I think I got drunk breathing in his fumes. Luckily this brought down the jitters a bit… or maybe it was just the beans and rice soaking up the caffeine.
went to see The Social Network which made me immediately want to check my Facebook. Hello addiction!
I leave for Tennessee in just 11 days. ELEVEN. Holy crap!
it was slightly shocking when I checked DSL availability for my new address and the only thing that came up was dialup information. Panic not dear friends, I found ONE provider to keep me in high speed heaven.
Speaking of Facebook and the internet…is anyone else tired of the “mommy exclusionists”? Mom only groups, websites, posts.. they are everywhere. You also have the moms who seem no longer capable of associating with their non-mom friends. I may have to save this one for a full on post sometime…
I am looking forward to coming home to a place that doesn’t smell like the neighbors fish dinner. Seriously, its gross and my house reeks because of your dinner choice. Which makes me also think… if the ventilation is that interconnected am I paying to heat and/or cool their apartment? Could that be why my electric bills were near $200 all summer? Hmmm…
The Sing Off is quite possibly the best show ever created. I think I like it even better than Glee… because a) their voices aren’t digitized and/or “studio” sounding they are just real and b) there is more singing less talking.
Speaking of Glee… have you see the Glee flash mob videos on YouTube? This one recorded in Rome is my favorite.
And speaking of flash mobs… in the spirit of Christmas you should really watch the Food Court Flash Mob, Hallelujah Chorus.
And finally speaking of Christmas… its not feeling very Christmassy around here. Its snowing, its cold, the songs are on the radio, the movies are on TV… but I have no decorations up in my house. Its just weird. I’m hoping I can drum up some Christmas spirit for our family party this Saturday.

Biscuits

2010-12-14T20:59:00.001-05:00

One thing that must be noted about the South? They know how to bake a mean biscuit! Seriously even the ones at McD’s tasted better down there. They were light, fluffy, buttery delightfulness in one tiny little package.

I’m serious its like they know some sort of magic trick… or… they use inordinate amounts of butter… either way they are delicious.

My plan is to move down there just to steal their secrets.

Weekend Education

2010-12-13T17:23:00.001-05:00

While on a recent trip to my soon to be new hometown, I made several discoveries about myself and the many cities between Michigan and Tennessee.

Ohioans are either very healthy… or very not! I counted about a bazillion hospitals and medical centers while traveling through this very LoOoOoOn state.
Sweet tea is my new very bestest friend.
The Cumberland Mountain area of Virginia is amazingly beautiful when its snowing… but also amazingly scary. Plummeting down tiny, winding, slippery roads is definitely not my idea of a party.
I am truly a creature of habit – I sat in the same seat for more than 30 hours this weekend.
Back to Ohio… we passed through a small town that had many houses covered in Christmas lights. As we passed through the center of town one home in particular stood out – the funeral home. It was the most decorated building for miles!
While in Kentucky eating breakfast at McD’s, we met a man who told us he had a daughter who is 38 as well as two others by two other women. His first wife was 14 when he married her (he was 21 at the time). He then proceeded to tell me to look him up if I needed anything after I moved and that he was “in the book.”
…Then he asked if I had a boyfriend. When I said no he said, “Shoot, if Ah had a girl as pretty as you, Ah’d put a cowbell on ‘Er so Ah’d always know where she was!” True story.
My mom is hopeless when it comes to sports. When driving through Cincinnati she asked if the Bears play there. When I said no the Bengals do, she looked puzzled so I said, “You know like Bengal Tigers?” To which she said “So they don’t have a football team?” I guess at least she knows the (Detroit) Tigers don’t play football?
In Tennessee it seems the motto “If it’s flat we will build it” rang true – even if getting to “it” was nearly impossible. One apartment we looked at had my mom fearing we were driving off a cliff instead of down the driveway.

The trip was truly memorable and also very productive! I now have a place to live and finally feel like this is all really happening. I promise after the big move to include many, many pictures of my new abode and state!

And speaking of Christmas lights… take a look at what a town did for one little boy…

Donate to St. Jude’s this holiday

butterfly lights

Think What You Will

Home

New Year

Checking Off My List

Are There Two of Me?

Math Class

*News <3 Flash*

3 {three} Months

Please Mr. Postman

Love You Through It

Why I Do What I Do: SOCS

Lucky Me

Once Upon A Time… (SOCS)

Kick In The Booty!

SOCS: A Weighty Issue

Blisters for Boobies!

Women of Faith

Michigan Monday

“The longest road out is the shortest road home” Irish Proverb

SOCS: I Suck At Blogging

Better Than I

Happy 4th!

Appalachian Lite?

Words That Heal

Pepsi or Coke?

Coke or Pepsi?

Well It’s Official…

Saturday Seven

Grow A Pair

Introspection

You Are What You… Think?

I’ve Got A Feelin

How We Gonna Pay Last Year’s Rent?

Caught Red Handed

Only Hope

Let’s Try Something New: SOCS

I Surrender!

Must Be A Mom Thing

For Your Consideration

Real American Idol

Hey There Cupcake

Awesomesauce

Moments in SLC

What Are You Waiting For?

Mobile Blogging

Love Notes

Back Stairs

Reverse Yourself

Snowy Sendoff

I’m Coming Home

Alphabet Soup

Thirty {Point} Two

The Final Summit by Andy Andrews {A Book Review}

Kickin’

Color Your World

Dream A Little Dream

Monday Mumbles

You Know You’re a Yankee When…

One Advantage

What I’m Lovin’ Wednesday

You Can’t Handle The Truth!

Curiosities of the Civil War by Webb Garrison {a book review}

Blisters for Breast Cancer!

Wordless Wednesday

Sunday Brunch

Mind Over Mass?

Nutty Part 2

Too Fast…

Blame It On The Rain

Pollyanna State of Mind

New Woman

Remember When?

The Willies

Happy Singles Awareness Day!

True Love

101 in 1001 {Update}

Happy {Early} Valentine’s Day

What I’m Lovin’

Oh Yes, It’s Time Again…

News <3 Flash

“The longest road out is the shortest road home”
Irish Proverb