A Hard Habit to Break...

Here I sit at the computer... wearing a skirt... and donning curlers. QUITE THE SIGHT! I am the girl who rarely gets dressed up. In the mornings, I throw on a Tshirt or two, jeans, socks, boots, grab my jacket and I'm out the door. No make up... no hair prep. Just a pony tail and whatever eyeliner might not have washed off from the last time I wore some (which is usually on an evening I have to go in public for one thing or another). So, it's pretty special when I actually take the time to dress up. The last time I wore a dress was to a wedding at the beginning of August... where a guy from my church barely recognized me. Or so he said. I don't know if he was just being a smart butt since I usually wear jeans or cords to church. Guess I'll never know. But anyway, its Christmas Eve and I decided that I'd like to spruce myself up a lil for this evening's service and family get-together. I am sure I look rather ridiculous at this point, but who doesn't when they have a head full of curlers? My hair is rather long, and boy did my arms ache from all that rolling! Also, a strange thing happened. Cory, being the precautionary that he is... has a little gas/carbon monoxide detector (I think that's what it is) in my kitchen. My house is small and the bathroom is right off of the kitchen. Well, I was in front of the mirror putting a curler in my hair and this detector starts shrieking bloody murder!!!! I about fell over. My head was already aching from the curlers that were weighing me down... the last thing I needed or expected was this shrill ear piercing BLARE to go off! Boo was so upset she kept running from room to room while I ran into the kitchen, looked at the detector which was blinking the word "GAS" over and over, and tried turning all of the knobs on my stove. Everything was off. Weird. (Poor Boo's ears are probably ringing like crazy). Luckily the thing turned off by itself... but the only thing I could figure was that maybe it was my hair spray causing the detector to freak out? I wasn't even using that much really... ? So I am confused. Of course, I can't get ahold of Cory after trying to call him ohhhhhhhhhhhh.... about 5 times. So I am hoping and praying that it was just the hair spray because ummmmm... I'm still in the house. Yikes.

Now on to my other story....
Today was a SLOOOOOOOW day at work. We were able to work 5:30AM-2PM for the holiday. I ran out of work around 10AM. So... I looked for things to do... I talked to people... I scrounged and pretty much ended up with NADA! So, 2PM rolls around and I was soooo ready to get out of there. I grab my stuff, lock my office, shut the door and start walking toward my car. Wouldn't you know... a tractor trailer pulls in. Of course everyone is leaving from the shops. All of the forklift drivers are already almost to the parking lot to leave. But there I was. Me... the girl who can't just walk away! UGH. So, I walk into the Receiving Office (this is the guy from another part of the shop who took over after my coworker got laid off earlier this month)... and I told the guy there was a truck. He DOES NOT unload trucks (although a requirement of his position... is to OPERATE A FORKLIFT!). He went through the whole "Everyone else has gone home *sigh...*" - So... I made a flippant remark about "I guess I will have to do it" and marched the WHOLE way across the plant to get a forklift (which was put away for the long holiday weekend). I zoomed over to the truck---which luckily only needed ONE skid unloaded... and couldn't resist. I grabbed my cellphone, which was conveniently in my pocket because I was ON MY WAY OUT THE DOOR just a few moments before... and I dialed the boss's son. I was so fuming. (Stemming from other things... not just that exact moment--although it had a great deal to do with it). I BLASTED him. I just let him have it about having someone in Receiving who doesn't drive a forklift... how everyone else had gone home, but this guy (and me)... and how it makes NO SENSE to have someone in that position that won't unload a truck!!! I was NOT very nice. Oh man... I was so mad! GRRRRRR!! The guy asked if there was anyone else... and I reiterated that it was TIME TO GO HOME... they actually were forcing us all to go home and I just happened to get sucked into the middle of it. I couldn't hear all that he said because the heater in the forklift was so loud--but I hung up and huffed and puffed and unloaded the truck, signed the paperwork, drove the lift back over to park... walked BACK to the receiving office... flung the paperwork on the desk and went to punch out. Ohhhh I was SO mad! I drove home in a fury! I just let it fester. Blah!
Then... little by little... I started thinking.
WOW.
I.was.just.a.total.jerk.
I was inconvenienced a whole 13 minutes... and I totally blew it.
I hopped into the shower and the more I thought about it... the worse I felt. I felt horrible! I started thinking about my quick temper. This isn't the first time I've blown up like that. It's wrong. Yes, I am human... but I am also a Christian and Christ would NEVER have treated anyone the way I treated my boss's son and even my coworker (my attitude and flinging the papers on the desk). I breathed a prayer of forgiveness... and after getting out of the shower, called my boss's son back. I apologized and he accepted and we briefly talked about the situation (and the not driving a forklift issue). He kind of chuckled when I tried to apologize again... and told me that it was OK... and we wished each other a Merry Christmas... and wow. What a weight lifted off of my shoulders! Not just because I felt better that I had made amends... but because I also hoped that my apology made him feel better (I'm sure he didn't appreciate me blasting him earlier)... and I believe that God was proud of me for taking the step to make it right. So many times we are so quick to judge or get angry and irate. Even about little things (people who annoy us in the store--I'm totally guilty of commenting under my breath when someone cuts me off or is rude). We don't realize that there are bigger issues. Maybe someone is hurting and was absent minded because their thoughts were on a loved one they'd just lost. Maybe someone was having a bad day. Maybe that person who cut you off in the parking lot didn't actually SEE you! There are so many factors and we are so quick to respond in anger and rage. At least, I know I am. It is like a bad habit and habits are hard to break... but I know having Christ in my life will help me to overcome anything I put my mind to. I believe today was a baby step in the process for me. I hope that you will step back and take a look before reacting the next time you find yourself in the same type of predicament. Maybe offer a smile or if need be, just turn the other way. You'll be glad you did--trust me.

Merry Christmas to you all!!

M.I.A.

I really haven't been on the blog scene much lately... I have been so busy. Last week I rushed to the hospital with my aunt because my uncle had to have emergency surgery. He is OK and home now, although still recovering. Friday I took the day off from work and hung out with my cousin to do a lil last minute Christmas shopping... and then volunteered at the teen center for the evening. Saturday plans got foiled by the hospital visit my uncle had to take (his wife was supposed to do my practice wedding hair)... so I helped my mom wrap presents, went to a jewelry party for another cousin, and then was luckily able to relax at home with Cory and watch a movie later on that evening. Sunday was church... then home for lunch... a lil time with Cory--finished the movie... then back in town for a Christmas Open House at the parsonage... and I spent the rest of the evening there.

That about sums it up. And in between, when I can, I have been reading.

Oh. And work. Lots of working overtime... tomorrow I have to get up at 3AM to be in to work at 4. Not sure if I will be able to drag myself out of bed... so I will be hitting the hay soon!!

please pray NOW!

i am just about to leave for a hospital in pittsburgh where my uncle is in VERY serious condition following complications with a back surgery. he had to be moved to priority--(emergency surpgery)--on a list of scheduled surgeries. PLEASE PRAY FOR HIM... his name is Jim!! they believe he has had some strokes and such (i don't know specifics) please also pray for safe travels--we are supposed to get blasted with a storm!

thank you!!!!

10 days till Christmas!!!

This month is FLYING. This whole YEAR has flown! WOW.

Anyway... I wanted to share some good news! Cory is officially now a HOMEOWNER! We are excited! He signed the papers on Friday and will eventually start moving in (depending on weather)!! WOO HOO!!!

This weekend, we went to a Christmas Dinner at the Teen Center we volunteer for. I wanted to share some pics.


We had a good crowd and lots of good food!!


Cory playing cards with some of the kids.


My nephew and Cory.


My nephew and me!

Me and Mr. & Mrs. Claus (grandma & grandpa)

I hope you are all gearing up for the holidays!! It will be here before you know it!

My Afternoon Snowball Disaster!

*sigh*

I was able to get out of work a little after 3 today. I've been getting a lot of over time now that they laid off my coworker in receiving. (Makes sense to pay 2 people time and 1/2 to cover for the job of one person. Yeah. Oh well.) So I decided to cut out 20 mins ealier than normal. Anyway... I came home, dropped my stuff inside and took Boo out to the back yard to play a little. She ran around a couple of minutes... then she kept sniffing (or what looked like sniffing) at the grass. Now, the snow has melted considerably. We have more grass showing than snow at the moment. Well, I started throwing small snowballs at her to get her attention. I am not a very good shot, I must say! But she just kept "sniffing" all over the place. Come to find out.. she discovered yummy rabbit turds all over the yard. Everywhere she went... she'd scarf up a little pile. (OI!!) So, I started chasing after her... which was more like... taking a few steps toward her which made her scurry all over the place. It was funny. Finally she gave up on that game and started sniffing for the rabbit presents again... and so I figured I'd throw one last snowball at her and take her inside. One.last.snowball. I leaned down to scoop up a little handful of snow... only to realize that in a split second, my fingernails had grazed upon quite the chunk of dog pooh hidden beneath the white, slushie mess. Great. Like I said, one last snowball. For sure. I couldn't have been more disgusted! EW! I immediately called Boo to come inside with me and scrubbed and scrubbed! UUUUUGH! I then had to clean up (shower, etc). Well that entailed... washing my face and washing my hair, etc. All the while feeling like little particles of dog doo-doo were still haunting me. You know, the microscopic particles that you can't see... but that make you sick or.. ughh! Gross! So... I have no word to the wise... because I honestly had no idea that there was a little surprise under that pile of snow. I guess all I can say is... never eat yellow snow... and hope to God that next time you go to make a snowball... you don't stick your hands in anything brown!!! *gag*

Vacation Day?? HA!

I have been running around like crazy trying to do things. What a busy time of year!! I have a horrible cold and have not been feeling well... so I took the day off to rest. I haven't done much resting... but I have felt a little better as the day goes on. Unfortuntately, I found out earlier this AM that my work is laying off 35 people today! My coworker and friend, Cathy, got laid off. That makes me really sad and disappointed that I didn't go to work. I will have to take over "Shipping & Receiving" duties again as I did before we split it into two functions. I feel horrible for all of those people who got laid off, especially around the holidays (conveniently before bonus checks get handed out). Please keep all of those who are struggling in your prayers.

Last night was our Ladie's Christmas Party for work. You may have read in a previous post that we get a profile of a family in need... and instead of buying gifts for each other, we buy for the family. It is then taken to the police station and they take it to the family on Christmas Eve as an anonymous gift. My mom did mostly EVERYTHING as far as cooking and such. I helped set up and get the table ready... and coordinated games, etc. Here is a pic of the table.
This is the bundle of presents that were brought and wrapped at the party! It might not look like much--but there are presents stuffed down into all of those bags and boxes! We had a good time. Lots of fun and laughter... and good food!! We hope that these presents will bless this young family more than we could ever imagine!!!

Last, but certainly not least, today is my nephew's 3rd birthday!!! He is obsessed with my volkswagen bug and bus... so we are having a small (immediate family) party for him tonight with a "volkswagen buggy" theme! I think he will love it! Cory and I got him a tshirt with 3 bugs on it that says Slug Bugs and on the sleeve it says "slug here". I also got this little iron-on transfer off of Etsy. I ironed it on a zip-up hoodie that hopefully will get worn a lot! I also offered to make a "buggy" cake. I tried to make a big one--but I had all kinds of trouble with the icing! So I opted to make a mini-cake just for Jax! I hope he likes it! (I did some touching up on the wheels after I took the pic. I didn't realize they looked so sloppy!) I hope I feel better by tonight so that I can enjoy it all as much as possible! Here is the birthday boy!
Check out my sis's post about Jaxson's Bday!

First Annual Light Up Night!!!

Last night was my town's First Annual Light Up Night! My dad was asked to decorate his tow truck and drive it through. I thought I would share some pictures of Before, During (decorating) and After (at the parade). My sister's boys got to ride in the cab and throw candy! They had a blast! The whole parade was a success and a lot of fun!

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas!

For sure.

We are having a blizzard of sorts in these parts. We are to get almost 8" of snow by tomorrow. Fun fun fun!! (sorry, no pic to post--its really dark out!)

I have been busy at work... it always gets a little zaney before a holiday. Oh! And get this. The boss's wife (like the guy who started the company 40-some years ago) asked me to SIGN all of their Company Christmas cards... and Address the ENVELOPES! WOOOOOOT! Heck yeah! I love that kind of stuff. So when I'm not real busy--that will keep me busy! I am excited... I get to work 5:30-2 tomorrow. OR... if I want more hours I can go in at 4. I'm thinking I might TRY to do that--but its unlikely that it will happen.

I am suffering from a sore throat and sinus stuff. Not because I should be sick--but because I've been crying a lot. (Wedding stuff. Ever have someone disappoint you and totally hurt you----and then they wonder what it was that THEY did wrong? Yeah--I'm not even going to go there). So... I am going to take some kind of med to try to get that under control (the sore throat I mean... only God can change people).

Oh... Have you ever done the "Elf Yourself'??? My aunt did it for me... boy did I giggle!
ELF YOURSELF
You should go make your own! HAHA!!

Totally Out...

Of Water.

Yep.. that's right. I am OUT.

Thank goodness I have good neighbors!

****************UPDATE***************************
It has been almost 24 hours since I ran out of water... and let me say that I STILL do not have much of anything. There is a bit of a tiny stream that will come out of my faucet. It is not doing anything... BUT STRESSING ME OUT. I have resorted to taking a small garbage can from my laundry room, shoveling snow and dumping it in the can, storing it in the bath tub (it's melting as I type)... so that I can at least flush the toilet!!! UGH! Luckily, my parents live next door... so I can shower there, etc. AND even better, the house that Cory is buying (which we will live in after we get married)... will have CITY water. I have never had city water in my life. I think it's time to upgrade (at least in the next 6 months anyway). Sheesh.

I must like embarrassing myself...

So, tonight I was thinking about finding my cd of my all-time favorite band. You've probably never heard of them... and unfortunately... they are no longer together. Anyway... I thought I'd try to see if they were on YouTube at all so that I could maybe share them with you. *laughing* I couldn't find a video of them (DARN!) but I did... LOL... find a cheesie video of their lead singer, who went out on his own. Oh.my.gosh. If you listen to it... I hope you get a few chuckles... because I am telling you right now that I had a crush on this guy all through highschool. From the time I met him - when I was like 14 or 15... until I was probably 22! LOL!! His band(Madison Greene)'s music was not like this solo song of his (at all). So, yes, the video is cheesie... but check out the hair! That was only about half of how long it was the last time I saw him... and it was allll dreads. I am such a nerd. It's funny how we have oogley eyes over people growing up. Fortunately I don't have pics online of other crushes I've had. LOL!! But I just had to share this. I'm a geek... and I admit it. Thank goodness I found Cory who shaves his head. I am so totally picky about my pillow cases... I change them all of the time. I can't imagine marrying someone with dreads and sharing a bed. LOL!!! No offense to anyone with dreads--because I still like the way they look... I just have this thing about having clean sheets--especially pillow cases! So... yes. I am weird... and I wish I could find a Madison Greene video. But this will have to do.

Ladies and gentleman... without further ado... Michael Blair:

Highland Wedding

Good (Late) Afternoon!!

I wanted to share with you a print that my mom got me and Cory as an engagement present! I absolutely love it!! The artist is local... her name is Mary Hamilton. She does Linocut Prints... and after she prints so many--she destroys the blocks. So this is print 35 out of 54. Kind of cool! Sorry for the crappy pic... but I left the plastic on so that it wouldn't get scuffed until I decide what I want to do with it!! It's pretty funky, folksy and fun! It's called "Highland Wedding".

Tagged

I was tagged by my sis at The Country Blossom to list 15 things I am not afraid to admit! Let's see what I can come up with... (in no particular order).

1. I haven't had a soda in 9 yrs. (except for some sips of ginger ale one time when I was totally sick and puking). Not so bad to admit, right? Well... the REASON I stopped drinking it - was not because I as trying to be healthy. It was because I had met this guy (who ended up being my boyfriend for awhile) and when we first met, he said that HE didn't drink soda. So, I was of course, embarrassed that I did and decided that I needed to impress him by giving it up. Wouldn't you know--I don't even EVER crave it and would rather drink water now anyway! And he also drank soda all of the time anyway... so I guess I should thank him anyway for making me feel stupid enough to give it up! I am SO glad I have!!

2. I can't stand it when people smack their lips, chew with their mouths open, or make slurping noises when they eat/chew gum. It seriously makes me CRAZY. And I often threaten them if they don't knock it off. (Thanks mom!)

3. I once was backing out of a parking space in town (they are the kind that you pull in btwn the white lines at a slant)... anyway the guy in a truck next to me decided to back out too. I had already backed part of the way out and stopped to see if anything was coming and back the rest of the way. Well... the other guy decided to take advantage of the moment and started to back out also--and I didn't realize since I was looking behind me. So I kept backing out and we crunched each other a little bit as I was turning my wheel. Of course part of my headlight smashed... and his truck was totally fine. He made hand gestures at ME, like it was my fault! I was backing out first... he should've waited on me!! He just drove away. Is that a hit and run?

4. Ok--so my sis might be embarrassed for me telling this.. HEHE.. but one time when we were younger... like on the brink of puberty (what a gross word). I would say that she was maybe 11 or 12... and I was two yrs younger. Anyway... we got into the car with my mom one time to go somewhere and my mom started complaining because someone smelled... like B.O.!!! LOL!!! She made us go back into the house and use wash cloths to wash our armpits! LOL!!!! We still don't know who it was with the "odor"---but to this day... we go through A LOT of deoderant. A LOT. (Thanks mom!)

5. EEK! Ok--so 2 or 3 yrs ago... I was once writing an email to send to a coworker (the boss's son--LOL!)... venting about my supervisor. She was notorious for saying one thing and doing another... twisting words around... and just not being very nice. SO... I wrote the email... it actually wasn't too mean. It was just sending a blurb of what she had written me and I had basically written "see, she totally didn't.. blahblah.. whatever" (I can't remember the details). Well.. I hit SEND... and just as I hit it... I realized... I sent it to MY SUPERVISOR! (Must've been thinking of her and typed in the wrong addy!). I panicked. I ran downstairs and politely asked her to delete it. I didn't know what else to do. She didn't, of course.. and read it. She said it was "fine"... and then went up later to talk to the boss's son about it... and how they should handle it. Thank goodness he stuck up for me!!! My supervisor and I didn't talk much after that--and she ended up leaving for another job not long after. I guess I was the jerk. I learned my lesson!! (I also learned there was an email re-call button I could've used so that she couldn't open the email---of course, I didn't know that till later.)

6. In the third grade, we were at some family friends house for homemade ice cream! They had two boys who were a lil older than us girls... and LOL... we would always fight over the nintendo--and I would always win cuz I was littler! Anyway, in their basement, they had some skate ramps. I got the bright idea to go up to the top, sit on the board and roll down backward. Welllll... I sat... I also rolled... and the board also slid out from under me and up under my chin... where I proceeded to get a huge cut (stiches!) and broke my ADULT front tooth. Yes... I pretty much have a fake tooth now. Can you tell?? At least it's held out for 17 yrs!

7. Growing up, my sis and I used to go to the neighbors ALL of the time. We would watch movies, hang out and play games, etc. Well, one day we decided to open this jar of pennies. Not sure why. Eventually it turned into a penny toss. Then an all out penny war!!! We took pillows and couch cushions and made forts. Now, this was technically NOT my fault...... but someone whaled a penny and hit me in the back. So without looking... I came up from behind the fort and whaled a penny back. We heard a "ching!". Guess what it was? Oh my gosh. It was my SISTER'S FRONT TOOTH! It had hit her tooth and broken it!!!! How horrible! So... she also has part of a fake front tooth. It really was unintentional... I didn't even watch where I was throwing. Sorry Kate!

8. When I was 3... I ran up to the TV to kiss the Fall Guy, Lee Majors. Apparently I had some kind of crush on him.

9. Also.. when I was a toddler... I had really really short hair. It just hadn't grown out yet. My sister was so NICE to me... and would tease me that I was a BOY because I had "boy hair". I was little, I didn't KNOW! I believed her until my mom saw me crying and had to explain that I definitely wasn't a little boy.

10. Once, in elementary school (like 1st or 2nd grade)... I stole some paper. Me and this other kid would be part of a group who had to wait a little later for the bus. For whatever reason, the teacher would let us "straighten up" some of the shelves which held the paper items for the classroom. I guess she thought maybe it gave us some responsibility? I don't know... but he started putting paper in his bookbag. I was a little freaked out... but he said he had done it before and no one ever noticed. I didn't like the idea... but he told me to take some too. He stuffed a REAM of paper in my bag. A REAM! It wasn't regular paper... it was smaller... but still. Being the genius I am... I took it home with me.. and stuffed it in this little play cupboard we had. Eventually I got found out (I think Katy found it when she was cleaning one time).... and I got scolded and had to return it. Luckily, I don't think my mom told my teacher. (Thanks mom!) Stupid peer pressure in elementary school!!!! Sadly, the same kid who coaxed me to steal got messed up in some occult stuff and ended up committing suicide in highschool.

11. When I was in junior high, I was a cheerleader. We had to cheer at the basketball games for the 8th and 9th graders. During timeouts we would go out on the floor and do a cheer, sometimes with stunts. Well, one time, our cheer ran over and I remember getting panicked because the players were waiting for us to get off the floor. I was on the bottom of a stunt, holding a girl on my hands (with a girl on the other side). When the cheer was over and we had to throw and catch the girl to get her down... I threw... and walked away. I left the other girl to catch!! Luckily she caught all of her and didn't let her drop to the floor!!!! I was so mortified! It could've been quite the catastrophy! Yikes.

12. I can recite the address for the show Unsolved Mysteries on command.

13. A couple of years ago, Cory and I took Boo to Walk America (for the March of Dimes). You get a group together to raise money and then you walk a course around town. Well, my work was having a group walk... so we brought Boo (who was like 1 at the time)... and she was NOT good. There were too many people, etc and she was just all excited. So excited that she took a pooh in the middle of an intersection that we were walking through. Luckily Cory had brought plastic bags to clean it up. Oh my goodness. Then, he walked with it for quite awhile till we passed a small convenience store... and he actually threw it in their dumpster! LOL!

14. My first kiss was at a rollerskating rink... yes, while on rollerskates in the middle of the rink... skating to "My Heart Will Go On" by Celine Dion. Needless to say it was not a very good first kiss. And... everyone was watching.

15. Ok.. so this is really embarrassing... but I'm going to tell it anyway. Not long after Cory and I started dating... you know.. when you are still in the "girls don't poop, burp, fart, etc" phase.... we were watching a movie at his house. We both started to doze and all of a sudden... I ripped a big one! IN MY SLEEP! IT WOKE US UP!!!! I was all groggy... and was like "Did I just FART? Was that me?" (I should've just pretended it was nothing.. lol--but NO, I had to say something). We were both mortified.. although I tried to act like it was no big deal. Oh my gosh. At least it broke the ice!! HAHAAHAHAHA!

Ok--hope I made you chuckle and learn a little about me! Now, on to my tagging...
I would like to tag Melanie, Julie, Jane, Stephanie, and Jennifer!
No pressure on any of these girls... just thought it might be fun!!!

Totally Unexpected!

So, I wanted to share with you a picture I received in my work email this afternoon. A coworker had gone to a jobsite to deliver a part... and this is how it was unloaded! I was totally surprised... but I think it's pretty cool!! :) I believe my coworker was so amazed that he couldn't help but snap a pic with his phone!

M.I.A.

I have been absolutely busy this week!!! I had meetings on Monday and Tuesday... then Wednesday I took my grandma (with Alzheimers) out to dinner... and last night was the only time I've gotten to see Cory all week (and I won't get to see him all weekend because he is going to MD). Not to mention, trying to keep up with housework. And I have a lady who wants me to make her a pair of mittens... so I've had to get all of that together so she can choose her color/pattern. It has just been hectic! But it's Friday and hopefully I will be able to relax a little this weekend. (Probably not... but I'm hoping!!!)

Last night, in the horrible lighting of my living room (when the main light isn't on)... Cory was taking pics of the animals... they look a little creepy. LOL! But we love them!

Well, I have to hurry to get ready for work... so I'm off! Have a nice day!!

Thank You and The Winner!

Thanks to all who entered my little giveaway! It was nice to hear what you all were thankful for!

Cory is familiar with random number generator websites (from using them at work)... so he helped me out and here are the results!!!
I thought it was odd that it chose #10. I figured it would be a middle number... but I guess that's why it's a random number generator! So, CONGRATS to Julie!! :) WOO HOO!!!

I am off to work soon... and then off to the dentist!!! YEA! (I love the dentist)--I'm not even being sarcastic!
Hope you all have a great day!!

The Last Day to Enter!

Just a reminder... today is the last day to enter the Mitten Giveaway... and I forgot to mention before, but you don't have to have a blog to enter! Just leave an anonymous comment with your name and email (or if you prefer not to leave your email - check back on Monday to see if you won and I will post my email for you to contact me by!). There are only 10 entries so far... so it might be a close one!!!

GOOD LUCK! I'm going to run the random generator tonight... so check back tomorrow!!

WOO HOO!

Ok, So a couple of things... DON'T FORGET ABOUT MY GIVEAWAY!!! can it get any easier... just leaving a little itty bitty comment??

I wanted to mention earlier this week... (but I got so caught up in the election)... that I lost 2 lbs from last week! WOOT!! I have been doing really well... and I'm really trying! I admit, Sunday is my mom's birthday and my sis is making this MEAN french toast casserole... so I may splurge a little then (oh yeah, and cake!)... but over all I am proud of myself for doing so well. It's not easy! I decided that you either need to just take control of it... or it will control you! I don't want to be that person who relies on food to get me through! It should be a nourishment... and yes, also an enjoyment... but I don't want to live to eat... I want to eat to live! Hooray for -2 lbs!!!

Also... My mom and I both sold a couple of pieces of pottery last night on Etsy! WOOT! I was excited about that! :) I just had to tell someone!

I am gearing up for a busy weekend... hope all is well in your part of the world!
Blessings!

Yet Again... (and a give away!)

I am posting again today...

Just wanted to apologize for my previous post. Although I do mean what I said... I was rampaging a little as I wrote... and it may have come across harsher than what I really meant it to!! I am just sick and tired of crap -- and yes, I have been stressed lately. Instead of letting things just roll off my back, I have been stewing. I am calming down and praying for peace and patience!!! God will work out what needs worked out - I'm not going to make it any better by putting my two cents in when I'm all worked up!!

Anyway... to make myself feel better... I wanted to do something nice for someone else!! So I am having a little fall give away!! All you have to do to be entered is to comment and tell me something that you are thankful for! You will have until Sunday, November 9th to submit your entry... and I will post the winner on Monday! I'll use one of those random number generator websites to choose... so you don't get extra entries for posting about the give away on your blog -- but you are more than welcome to do so!! (I just don't have time to keep track of things!)

So... what am I giving away??

I'm glad you asked!

Here we have a handmade pair of wool sweater mittens! They are in this funky burnt orange color - with multi-colored yarn for the stitching! I made them myself and would love for you to have them and enjoy as the seasons change!! They will fit a women's medium-large.

Let me start by posting what I am thankful for. Of course, there are many things... but since Sunday is my mom's birthday... I would like to tell you that I am thankful for my mom and all she does for me and the rest of the family. I have been blessed with an amazing family... and mom is kind of the one who holds it all together, it seems! (Besides God, of course!). I am so glad that we will be able to celebrate her birthday with her and shower her with love!!

GOOD LUCK!

Here is what I have to say...

GET OVER IT.

I have recently encountered a number of people who care to bash my opinions on politics. (Not in the blogging world - but in other networking sectors). I will openly admit that I did not vote for Obama. There are plenty of reasons why... and it didn't all have to do with guns and abortion. I do not think that all people who DID vote for Obama are unintelligent, nor did I ever say that. I believe that they obviously share a different train of thought and values - some that I do not believe coincide with Christian faith... but that's why we have Freedom of Religion, right? And quite frankly, we also have Freedom of Speech. So if I care to make statements about what I believe in or stand for... I don't expect to get raked over the coals. We are all entitled to our own opinions. You can make your statements, I can make mine. If I say something that you don't like or agree with... look at the facts... or just plain... Get Over It.


On a lighter note, I just posted a piece of my mom's pottery that totally rocks. Check out my Etsy Shop... (use the sidebar tool)... and let me know what you think of her casserole dish!

It's not going to be easy.

Last night... I must've had some kind of bug. I had the chills and my stomach was in knots--just twisting and turning. It was awful. I actually put a big bowl beside my bed just in case I woke up to puke. I actually woke myself up gagging at one point. It was NOT fun. Finally, I just laid hands on my stomach and prayed out loud to God that I wasn't going to claim this bug that was churning in my stomach and I prayed in Jesus' Name. The pain stopped. God is good!!! I slept through the night. This morning I woke up feeling better - but there was still a part of me worried that I had a bug. I had plans to take my grandma with me to the mall and my worrisome mind kept wondering if I was going to be OK to take her. I knew it would mean a lot for her to get out (without my grandpa---they need time apart because they are together 24/7)... so I really didn't want to miss it. My stomach still ached a little... but I never actually got "sick". So... My niece and I picked up my grandma (who has alzheimers) and drove to the next town over to get lunch with my sis and mom and nephew. It was a little crazy. Grandma gets confused so easily. Lunch stressed me. I am not used to being out with 2 lively kids (although they are GOOD kids) and my grandma who can't think straight. Then, our waitress was NOT a very good waitress. She messed up a lot of stuff. I would like to give her the benefit of the doubt because maybe she was having a bad day or something - but it was pretty crappy service. After lunch, my niece and I took my grandma to a store. I didn't realize that it was the first time she had been out shopping in about 2 years!!!! At least that's what she said. And when I really thought about it... I think she was right! She pushed the cart around and we went through the aisles of clothes. She would look at things and pick them up... but she had no idea how to tell size. She would look at the tags but not understand the S, M, L, etc. She would look at price tags and get flustered. I put something in the cart... and a few minutes later she would ask where it came from and why it was there and I would have to remind her that it was the item I'd just picked up. Then she would say "Oh, that's right!" I don't know if she really meant it and remembered it... I really don't know. I was so stressed. I WANT to spend time with her and I know its important for her to get out of the house and the blaring TV (my grandpa's escape from it all)... but I just couldn't handle it. I was watching a 7 year old and a 70-some year old. I wanted to help her read the tags and prices... but I also had things I needed to get. It was just so emotionally draining. I KNOW she has this condition... disease... whatever it is... but it is SO hard to see her out of her element. I kept wondering if it was a good idea to take her since she seemed to get so flustered.... but at the same time... I know that she goes crazy and gets bored being at home all of the time. She needs to talk to people and stimulate her mind... but after my bout of stomach issues and not getting to sleep right away, etc... I was pooped. I admit... I snapped at my niece a few times. More than a few actually. She wasn't really doing anything wrong... she would just say or do things that ANY little girl would say or do... but I felt like I was being so sensitive to my grandma that what she was saying only confused her. I just needed her to hush, ya know? After being in the store about 2 hours... we headed to the check out. She got so flustered with her money... so I paid for everything and then she paid me back when we got in the car. We drove back and I dropped her off... and it was a relief. I WANT to spend time and make memories. I know she may not remember them one day as things progress with her deteriorating mind... but I will and that's important to me. When I went home... I took my niece in and we got ready to leave for the teen center (that's where I am now)... and I just started to cry. It was so hard seeing my grandma being so confused and not being able to control her mind. And I also felt guilty for snapping at my niece. She doesn't understand what my grandma is going through and I wouldn't expect her to. I apologized to her for my behavior. I tried to explain myself in a simple way and tell her that I love her. It's all just so overwhelming. I don't know much about alzheimers... but from what I understand it can progress very rapidly. My family could all really use your prayers in dealing with what is to come. It's scary and sad...

I am not going to be able to see Cory until Friday... so that stinks. He is going to a football game with friends tomorrow and then has to go on a business trip Monday and Tuesday... and is busy Wednesday. I'm not sure about Thursday.... but it kinda stinks. Luckily I have him to lean on with all of this stuff with my grandma. He went through it with his grandpa a number of years ago.

I am off for now... don't forget to turn back your clock!!

A Call Today From the Doctor...

... confirms that my grandma has Alzheimers.

It's been suspected.

Now it's for real.

I'm really sad.

A Fresh Start...

It's been about a month since I really focused on my Weight Watchers... and tomorrow I am starting fresh. From the beginning of the year, my coworker and I have been weighing ourselves each Monday on the Warehouse scale. In February, I was up to my highest weight. Since then, I had joined Weight Watchers in May and had lost 17 lbs. I am fearing that my little bit of wavering has let a few of those pounds creep back in. So, tomorrow... a fresh start. Cory helped me out by portioning some of my food that I'll take to work (he spoils me!)... and I am going to start getting online to log in my food again. It's really not that big of a deal and it's not hard... it's just that I get busy or lazy... or a combination of both. Wish me luck! I believe that we are God's temple... and I definitely fall short from keeping it pure. I love sweets... and yes, I have a tattoo. But, considering there are things that are out of my control (like removing a tattoo)... I believe that I can still make the effort to eat right and be healthy. I do not like to exercise... YUCK! But I may try to get on that exercise bike as well and make the most of it. The good thing is that I am able to read and pedal at the same time, so I can actually half enjoy the work out. I do want to say though, I don't believe that we have to be stick-thin or look like (air brushed) models in a magazine to honor God's temple. But eating right and being healthy is important... that's why when I do follow WW's, I try to eat the fruits and veggies... the foods that are more wholesome. I admit, I do eat some sweets and such... but you can't just cut things out cold turkey or you'll go crazy!! I would like to encourage others, if you are struggling with over-eating (I'm the type of person who likes her comfort food!!!!)... take a look at WW's website. It might not work for everyone, but it has worked for me when I've made the effort. And if you can't afford it or just feel overwhelmed, just do the best you can. I know it's not easy to pass up dessert or that extra helping at meal time, but you'll be glad you did. If you need some support or want an accountability partner, let me know... I'd be more than happy to have one myself. I think back to when I started eating unhealthy over the past month and think what I could have lost if I would have stuck with it. That's what gives me motivation to keep going. It also motivates me to want to make a lifestyle change. The minute you stop "dieting" - the weight is going to creep back in. But making the right, healthy choices is what is best. I can do it, you can do it... all with God's help!!

More Massachusetts

I don't have the time or patience to write out everything from the rest of our trip. I just have too much to do... but I did manage to put all of the pics on a slide show, if you'd like to check them out!

I know, I know...

I know I still need to post the rest of my Massachusetts stuff... but I wanted to share this video. I am actually not a huge fan of the contemporary Christian Music scene... a lot of it starts sounding the same to me. Maybe I'm just picky? Anyway... I really love this song by MercyMe. If you have ten minutes to spare... its a great song to really listen to and think about. I believe it speaks to each of us in our own ways...

Massachusetts!!! Day 1

Forgive me if this post is less than stellar. I am recovering from a refrigerator door to the nose incident! I know, you're probably wondering what in the world happened... it was very simple. Boo follows me everywhere. OR... she anticipates where I am going to go and tries to get there first. I came home with a bag of groceries (only to realize that I didn't get much other than ingredients to make some soup--oops)... and was headed for the kitchen. Boo got there first and eventually ended up backing into my bathroom - which is right near where the fridge door swings. *sigh* I was leaning over to put something in... and she got stuck behind the door and couldn't see me.... and so she nudged the door forward at the same time I was leaning over.. and BAM!!!! I have a black and blue nose... and a pounding headache! So bear with me.

I'm going to break this up into different posts for lack of time at the moment:

Cory and I took a semi-spontaneous trip to Massachusetts. We wanted to see the ocean (well, I did anyway)... and go to Boston. The first day we drove out to Cape Cod and checked out some shops and ate at a Papa Gino's. Never again will we go to a Papa Gino's! Haha... it wasn't what we were expecting AT ALL! Not that it was horrible... just... not what we expected... and not very great service. Anyway... We went to this store called Tree's Place. Cool store and art gallery. I could totally see my aunt and mom in there for a long time checking things out. When we first walked in... there was a gallery of paintings that you could browse. Kind of classy... We were definitely out of place in our jeans and my wind blown hair. Cory's Buffalo Bills Hat. Haha! I tried to breeze right up to the store... but Cory lagged behind... where he discovered a painting. A rather large painting, not to my tastes, but well done nonetheless... two adolescent girls on a path with some nature around. Flowers, grass and such. Price Tag: $32,000. Yes, you read it right. I almost choked on my own spit and hesitated going to the store part. We had been eyed though and couldn't just turn around and head out! The store part ended up being pretty cool... I got a neat-o glass. (I'm such a tourist) I wanted to get this one thing for my aunt... but I couldn't justify the price. So I didn't. Oh well. We headed to the beach... where... oddly... everyone sat in their vehicles. I mean... everyone. I wasn't sure if we were allowed to get out! We hesitated a little... and then an old guy got out and started throwing food to the sea gulls. We figured.. ehh.. might as well try! We were probably the afternoon entertainment for the people in their cars... who were just... sitting... there(???). We didn't do anything crazy... but we walked way out and tried to find sea shells and scan the ocean and such. Cory happened to get this pic of me... just as a sea gull was flying by. After we strolled around the beach and kind of got frozen and my hair was in knots from the wind... we kept driving around and went to this store called "The Christmas Tree Shop". I thought FOR SURE it was going to be a neat-o place with all kinds of Christmas tress and ornaments, etc. We have a place like that around here that I LOVE to go to. We noticed it was REALLY busy. Kind of seemed weird... but we went in. LOL! It was a craft, grocery, toy, anything you can think of store... minus a pharmacy. I was a little disappointed... but we looked around and they DID have really good prices. We found another beach and did some more strolling and sea shell finding... where, once again, people were sitting.in.their.cars. So strange. Cory decided to take a different road on our way back and we found more cool shops. :) (I'm all about the shops). I didn't take any pics of the shops... but I did take pics when we were driving near the city (Boston). I am such a hick... I took pics of this stuff because I never see it where I live. It's OK if you laugh at me... I don't mind!


Well, I'm off to see my sis and her kids and have dinner with them and my mom! More next time!

I'm Back!

Real quick, as I am supposed to be getting ready for work...

Cory and I took a weekend trip to Massachusetts... I have pics and stuff to post. But I picked up Boo to find she had a couple of ticks (she stayed with Cory's parents and they had her outside--they live near more woods than I do). So luckily Cory tweezed them out! Then I came home and found ANOTHER one! So poor Cory had to drive out to get that one out also. ICK!! I haven't had any time to do anything. I've barely even unpacked. I will write and post pics later on this evening if I have time. I would like to relax a little and go read all of your blogs also!!

Hope all is well!!!

All Things Bright and Beautiful

The Elk of Elk County

How goofy am I that I have lived not far from Elk County my whole life and never realized that the reason it is called ELK County is... well, for the ELK! LOL! Anyway... a coworker was telling me about it the other day... how there are SO many Elk this time of year. Cory and I set out yesterday in the late afternoon to take a nice drive up to the "Elk Sighting Areas". I admit that I was getting a little discouraged. There seemed like so much traffic and I wasn't sure what exactly you did if you saw an Elk. Did they walk out on the road? (I was hoping not since I just got my car back from the deer incident). Did you have to spot them and pull over? Did you go to a designated area, like a park? I had no idea. I guess I just assumed we would see dozens of them on the sides of the roads. No such luck. HAHA. However, we did finally come to a congested area of cars. It was INSANE! There were people walking on the roads and pulling off. Cory saw them first... THE ELK were in someone's YARD! We turned around and found a place to pull off (my apologies to the property owner)... and walked up the hill. People kept gathering and I don't even know how many elk there were... maybe 20?? It was nuts. They just meandered through the yard, eating the grass. We think that the people probably fed them often... they were so tame. (Or so it seemed). People didn't bother them at all. It was like an attraction at the zoo! See how close they were to the peoples' house and car?? There were cows and babies (cute!) and then this big guy who startled us by walking toward us, then turning off to another part of the yard. He was BIG. ...Ok... So I admit... I thought they would be GIGANTIC... like, we're talking MOOSE big. I was a little disappointed that they weren't that big. But they were still pretty big and cool to watch. I started getting a little paranoid though, bugs were dive-bombing me... and SO many people kept coming and coming. The owners seemed to be getting irritated that people were on their property... but HEY... it happens. We took some pics and then walked back to the car and waited and waited to merge into traffic. I couldn't believe the cars and people. We passed another "sighting" on our way back... but didn't stop. The Elk was pretty far back from the road and near a curve... so we just kept on going. It was a neat experience though!! :) Hope you enjoyed the pictures!
One last little note... (Here is a pic of Cory and Boo) My lovely dog here... decided that she would roll in some.... shall I say... POOH! I was just about to leave for a meeting and she ran over to my mom's yard. My sister's kids were there and playing... and Boo wandered around and WHAP! Down she went into the pile of smelly pooh and I could've choked the snot out of her. We got her all nice and clean before I left... but boy was I not happy! She will be staying with Cory's parents this weekend while we take a trip to Massachusetts. I hope she doesn't do anything crazy for them! haha!

Oldies but Goodies

This video is from my birthday back in July. I was just able to upload it on to YouTube and wanted to share it with you! What a cutie my nephew is!!



This is also a video from my birthday... just some present opening and stuff! (There is one more that goes with this... but this video took like 3 hours to upload... so I will try to post the other one another time when I can upload it)

It Seems as if a Lifetime Has Passed...

I haven't blogged in a bit... my apologies. And my apologies for not having been able to keep up with reading blogs as well! I have been busy!!

My mom and I went to this Fall Festival about 1.5 hours away last weekend. It wasn't as good as years past, but I picked up a brand new pair of shoes for $2!! (There are vendors... but also people bring yard sale stuff out in front of their houses) I think we got some pretty good deals all around. We ended up missing a turn though as we were chatting and ended up taking this road with a quaint little sign for Route 45 "this way". Ended up, we went OVER a mountain on a dirt road.... took us 40 mins out of our way! We should've turned around and gone back the way we'd came... BUT, I admit... the scenery was beautiful and it reminded me of taking the mountain road to my grandparents house years ago. Kind of made me sad at the memories. My grandpop passed away 7 years ago and my grammie ended up moving closer to Philly to be near one of my aunts. Anyway--I will start to cry and blubber all over the place if I start writing about it. So I will move on.

My internet connection was Pooh-Pooh last night and I couldn't get on AT ALL. I personally think that my internet provider should knock a days worth off my bill since I couldn't get online. Would only make sense, right?

I have been trying to post more on Etsy. My mom has sold THREE pots in less than a week! Sheesh!!! I haven't sold any... haha. Oh well. I will try to post more in the upcoming days. I have about 20 more things to put on it.

My Jetta is FINALLY out of the shop (4 months later). For those of you who may remember... I hit a deer back on June 6. I haven't been driving it though because the weather has been GORGEOUS and I can't bring myself to park the bug JUST yet. Maybe after this weekend.

I left work early today... WOO HOO and I am getting ready to bake some cookies and biscuits. My mom and I organized a fundraiser lunch thing (chicken and biscuits, veggie, coleslaw and cookies) to help get some money for a family we know who is struggling financially. Yes, I know... there are MANY of us who are struggling. But, this is just something we wanted to do to help out. They don't know that we are doing it for them and we are going to send the money in to the utility company to pay straight on their bill as an anonymous gift. I am taking tomorrow off and we have a few people who are going to help us deliver. We took orders from some local businesses and have to make about 80 lunches. We are going to spend the morning preparing and putting everything together and then hurrying to disperse the food before it gets cold! I am looking forward to it, and although the amount we will make won't hardly put a dent in what these people need... it is worth the effort. Times are tough.

Well, I guess with that being said, I'd better get on the ball... I hope everyone is enjoying the changing leaves as much as I am!!

Adding On...

I have added some of my mom's pottery to my Etsy shop! I am going to be adding more as I have time... but please, check it out! I will also be putting more of my own on.

Tis the season - to start your Christmas Shopping!! ;)

The Fall Festival!

The weather held out for most of the day at the Fall Fest! It was pretty dreary, but it wasn't too cold and it only sprinkled toward the end. Thank goodness! It was a long day... but we didn't do too bad and I thought I'd share some pictures. You can also see pictures on my Sis's blog.

This was when we were setting up... my cousin Molly.

This was my mitten tree... but no one bought any mittens... :( Oh well! I'll maybe post them on Etsy!

This was our table set up and some of the items... (sorry, I'm not much of a photographer). We sold our handmade pottery, mittens and jewelry, as well as some garland and prisms. We also set up some items for another lady we know who makes and sells soaps and herbal products... and she also melts glass bottles (which are really cool to use as cutting boards or decorations) (My boss's wife came by and bought the pitcher in the photo above!) :)
My cousin Molly and her mom helped... which was so nice not to be stuck behind the table all day! Molly also helped my mom and me with Face Painting. We took donations to give to the food pantry. I believe we collected around $90! That was a lot of face painting! Here is Molly painting on my nephew's face. We didn't do all of the kids faces like this - usually just on the cheek... but we spoil our own.
What a cutie!!
And last... but not least... here is Cory hard at work. I'm just kidding! He deserved a nap... he always goes above and beyond to help. I just couldn't resist getting his picture!

I hope you all are getting out to those fall festivals! I'm headed out to one next weekend also, only this time... to shop till I drop!!

Drum Roll Please...........

I am not totally happy with the way my pottery turned out... the colors just didn't really do much for me. But... you never know what will come from each load. There are a few pieces that are ruined because the glaze ran and had to be broken off of the shelf... but over all... it was pretty successful. I guess it will just depend on what other people like at this festival, if I end up selling anything!!

My Current Fav....

**Might want to hit the stop button on my side bar player-->

Well, I have been trying to find something to post on this band, Weaver At The Loom, all night. YouTube has nothing worth posting... and I somehow came across this video. I am a little bummed because it isn't the best song of theirs... for a video anyway. But I wanted to share.... and I encourage you to listen to more of their stuff on Myspace. I really think its worth the listen! I am hoping to get these guys to The Scarlet Cord one of these days! It's definitely nice to listen to something different. Usually I like to keep my tunes to myself (who wants to share!?)... but I wanted to give these guys props for their unique and mellow sound!

From Crackle: You Can't Evade them Weaver at the Loom

Tomorrow is the Day!

Last night, I fired off the kiln! I had to wake up and go over to turn some settings at 4:30 this AM.... and then my mom is going to babysit it while I'm at work today. We probably won't be able to unload the pottery until tomorrow afternoon sometime... but I'm excited! I will take some pictures to show you our creations! We were able to get all but one bowl in - which is A-OK. We are hoping to get our rears in gear to be able to fire one more time this fall before winter hits!

Have a great day! Work is going to be BUSY today. I have to go in extra early to get started!

Falling into Fall....

Hello! Its a beautiful day in Pennsylvania!!! The leaves are just BARELY starting to change... but the air is crisp and clear! I am so excited to be able to wear jeans and a long sleeve shirt and be totally comfortable! This is my favorite time of year!

Next weekend is a fall festival at my sis's inlaw's meat market. I believe this is the 5th year, but I can't be 100% sure unless I asked! Each year my mom and I take our pottery out to sell and also set up the wheel to do demonstrations. We always hope for beautiful weather... and if its anything like this weekend, it will be PERFECT! This year I will also be selling my jewelry and mittens. You can check some of them out on my Etsy Shop. (I haven't been updating much--things are just so busy!) I will post pics from next weekend after things wind down!

The other day, I had tried to do some fall decorating... which consisted of hanging a decoration on my door. My mom stopped over to tell me something and we both agreed that the decoration needed a bow. We set out over to my mom's house - where she magically created this awesome bow. My mom is so creative! (Don't mind my ugly door - and that cat on the right hand side is my door knocker... LOL!)

Last night, Cory and I had a night off from the teen center. We switched because the other volunteers had a wedding to go to today and wouldn't make it back in time to cover. Cory and I stuffed our faces with KFC. I know I shouldn't have... but we don't ever eat there and its such a treat sometimes to have something different that you don't have to make yourself. I do regret not having just eaten a salad or something - I've been doing so good at watching what I eat. But, sometimes you just have to let go! My nephew came over to see us for a few minutes... so Cory snapped some pics. He is such a ham! And of course Boo needs to try to get in on the excitement!!
It was good to finally get a chance to spend some time with Cory. He had been gone last weekend to Boston with friends and then our schedules were full the rest of the week - not to mention the lack of electricity earlier in the week.

Today is going to be busy! I better get moving! Have a great weekend!!

For Matt

Following up on a comment to my Opinion blog... I am posting this video by request.



Personally, I think what it all comes down to... is each person individually. How many soldiers are joining the military because it will help them get money for school, etc? How many are doing it because they want to be selfless and defend innocent people? I guess that's what makes it hard to know whats right and whats wrong. I guess its what your heart tells you. Proof, to me, by the two different views of the soldiers in these videos.

Thanks for your comment, Matt!

My Opinion on a Couple of Things...

First of all, I have to say that I HAVE ELECTRIC! WOOOO HOOOO!! What a blessing to have it back!

Second, I haven't seen Cory in a week and I see him tonight! I AM EXCITED!!

OK, now onto the opinion stuff.

I debated on whether or not to bring this up... but after driving home from work and hearing "Journey" on the radio... I just couldn't hold it in any longer. I am sorry if I offend anyone by what I'm about to say. We all agree, I hope, that Journey is CLASSIC. Totally timeless. We'll still be listening to it in 30 years and loving it. As long as we are listening to the CLASSIC stuff. This new guy they have singing just doesn't cut it. I'm sorry. It's like calling an apple an orange. This guy (I'm sure he is a really nice guy and all) TRIES to do what Steve Perry didn't even have to think about. It just came naturally. Why on earth would Journey as we know it today... try to bring back something that can't be duplicated? It just isn't working for me. I understand that it's all fun to get back together... but maybe if the original band members were all still around. I just feel like they are downgrading their once timeless essence in the music world... into something lame. Harsh, I know. And honestly, it really doesn't matter what I think... and I know there are a lot of bands who have gotten new members and made it BIG. Chicago, Fleetwood Mac, Lynyrd Skynyrd, to name a few... but I just don't see the new Journey guy (I don't even know his name) carrying on the Legacy of Steve Perry and the rest of the band. (I know, I know... I'm sorry).

Secondly... I haven't really gotten political on this blog. Most of the time I just ramble... I'm sure you know! But I got this YouTube in an email. It was made by a young man (he actually looks like he is younger than me--but I couldn't say for sure) in the Butler, PA area. It's a commercial which is NOT endorsed by the McCain Campaign. It is something he did on his own... (maybe with sponsors or something?). I know there are a TON of views out there - but this makes sense to me. So if you care to view it... I believe it will make you think. It brought a tear to my eye and personally, I hope it will be used as a commercial on National TV. If you don't agree with me, that's fine. We are all entitled to our own opinion - but then... thank goodness we have the freedom to choose, right??


God Bless!

Simplicity... without Electricity.

So, we had a horrible wind storm on Sunday night. Totally freaky. I believe it had something to do with Ike. Trees down, branches down, trees on cars, on houses... you name it... it was pretty bad. Luckily, my cars and house are doing well. I am , however, without electric for day 2. It is nice to live by candlelight... but wow... its amazing how hard it is to function. I went to my sis's for a shower. Grabbed dinner at Sheetz. Came home and prepared as much as I could (feeding animals, getting candles ready, laying out my PJ's, etc) before the loss of daylight. Flushing the toilet is a challenge... and let me tell you... trying to use a BIG bottle of water definitely does not work! It does not have enough momentum. I have to admit... it was a bottle of seltzer water. LOL! but it was the biggest bottle I had. I should've put it and some other water from my water cooler into a bucket or something - but I didn't think that fast. So, it didn't work. I'll leave it at that. Luckily, my parents are next door with a generator. I put some of my fridge contents in theirs... but my freezer items had to be hauled out to my sis's in-laws meat market to store in their walk in freezer. It's been an ordeal, to say the least. I even went to bed at 8PM last night because I couldn't read by candlelight anymore! AND, I wasn't late to work yesterday or today. (No internet or news to distract me.. LOL). They project that the electric should be back on by Wed. night or Thurs. AM... but I'm really hoping before then! I think if I had more time to prepare for something like this, it wouldn't be so bad. I like the idea of living simply. But, how spoiled we've become!!

Is anyone else being affected by the storm(s)??