Happy Birthday, Hallie!

My little princess is 3 years old today! Her party will take place on Sunday and she can't stop talking about princesses. She's so excited.

It seems like only yesterday that my baby girl came into this world. May 1, 2005 wasn't that long ago...and then again, it is. I think back to May 1, 2004 when my little Hallie bug was nothing but a thought in the far reaching corners of my mind. I can't imagine my life without her. She has such a zest for life and she truly will keep me young...if she doesn't kill me first, that is! I always said that I didn't want a little girl. I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to relate to her...that I wouldn't be girly enough for her....that I wouldn't have a relationship with her like I do my little man. I was wrong and I'll be the very first one to say it. She is the fuel for the fire around this house and I wouldn't have it any other way. She's just girly enough to be picky yet she loves frogs, dogs, sports and rolling down a hill as much (if not more) than any little boy out there. She loves dressing up and painting her toenails. She hates hairbows and vegetables. She loves dessert and Mexican food. She hates when her shoes won't cooperate or her hair is messed up. She's outspoken and softhearted...and my favorite little girl!

She loves to learn new things...and will most assuredly insist on trying them herself on the first attempt. She's determined, independent, stubborn and persistent in everything she does. But, when it comes time to relax, she's the first one in my lap or curled up beside me watching a movie! She's my little princess and I'm so proud to be her mommy!

Happy Birthday, Hallie!

Potty Business!

My schedule lately has been work and T-ball. It is what it is.

Today, our game was to take place at my old stomping grounds at 5:30pm (we won 22 - 15, if you're intererested). Just so you're aware, it's a modern day scheduling marvel that I get each of my children from opposite sides of town and end up in the desired location by 5:30pm on any day...let alone a game day. My workday doesn't end until 5pm, so I'm still not sure how I do it. I guess I'm glad neither of my kids get carsick. That could certainly throw a wrench into my schedule.

I managed to get back to work by 4:15pm with my son in tow and we immediately stopped in the restroom to change into his uniform. As he was wrapping up his utilization of the facilities, a co-worker of mine and fellow BamaMom came in to do the same. He happened to be in her stall. "Her stall?" you might be asking yourself. Allow me to clarify: she breastfeeds her baby girl. She uses the large (handicap) stall because there is a chair available to her to make it a more comfortable situation. As soon as I saw her coming, I set Hayden's wheels in motion. We can set the clocks at work by Lauren and her breastfeeding schedule, so I knew she was ready to get going.

So, I got him dressed (mostly) and told him to put his cleats on and head for my desk when he was done. He nodded in compliance and off I went to get some paperwork done before I had to book it to daycare and the ball field. He appeared shortly afterward. But, not before he got an important lesson in the ladies room. Lauren had taken her seat in the 'big stall' and the rhythmic hum of her breast pump began to fill the tiled lavatory. Of course Hayden's curiosity was sparked. He proceeded to hit the floor and stick his head up under the stall! He's a very inquisitive little guy...so he's not alarmed by much luckily. He asked her what she was doing, and her response: "Well, I'm making supper for my little girl."

His response: "In the bathroom?"

He's witty too.....

It's the littlest things....

The afternoons during T-ball season can be quite a whirlwind. Today was no different. I picked him up, got home and sent the two of them outside to play while I got dinner ready. I'm a huge advocate of outside. I think the fresh air, sunshine and room to run and scream does them (and me) a lot of good. I'm actually able to get a load of laundry done in the midst of their playing and I'm constantly reminding them that they better be glad the sun is still out....otherwise they wouldn't be able to play out there anyway.

While I was filling my kitchen sink with dishwater, I heard a disturbing sound from the outdoors. It wasn't terror, mind you, just disturbing. Anytime they're outdoors, it opens my mind up to endless possibilities as to what may or may not be happening. Is it the dog jumping all over them; bike crash, maybe; sibling antics, perhaps? The guessing is the beauty of it all, I'm sure. No, the noise turned out to be Hallie. I went to the laundry room and peeked out into the driveway...and this is what I saw:

I'm so proud that they remembered to put a helmet on her that I can't be mad!

Here's to the littlest things!

April ramblings for your reading pleasure!

I wrapped up session two of two on Time Management training today. Bo-ring. Seriously, my time could have been so much more well spent...on my own....sleeping, even. I was really looking forward to taking something away from the course...regardless of my previous venting on the subject.

I'm heavily inclined to believe that the small time frame had a lot to do with it. One hour per week for two weeks just doesn't seem to be enough to scratch the surface of how to manage time.

My blog I brought up about whether or not men and women can be friends garnered a few responses. I don't necessarily think that there were enough to be blown away, but perhaps I'll revisit in a few months and see if I can get some different responses. For the most part, however it appears that most share my sentiment. I feel that men and women can be friends. I tend to lean toward the thinking that it's not that mature adults can't be friends. No, what sours relationships, in my opinion, is the "media" that it can often garner from onlookers. Everyone knows those folks that just aren't happy unless drama is present. If there's nothing going on to keep them occupied they just might be inclined to make something up. Whatever it takes to keep them entertained. That's just my opinion, however.

So, I've mentioned my neighbors here before and I wish I could talk about them all the time. But, the last thing I need is them thinking they're the center of attention or something! (Just kidding, guys!) At a most recent gathering at their home I was fortunate to make the accquaintance of a friend of theirs that shares my affection for the most exquisite Orlando Bloom! It was so refreshing! I miss drooling over him!

Finally, allow me to introduce to you (by words only) Martha & June's Chocolates. I've recently accquired this business as my account through my occupation and I have fallen madly in love. They are not helping my "Weight Watchers" cause in the least! My favorite thing thus far has to be their caramel apples. They make the caramel in house. They start with huge green apples, roll them in caramel and they finish them off with just about anything you can imagine. Seriously...I picked one up the other day that was a White Chocolate Cheesecake covered Caramel Apple. Believe me when I say, it was every bit as good as it sounds. They have them rolled in toppings ranging from crushed Oreos to Butterfinger; pecans to toffee...you dream it up, they'll make it. They are wonderful - the apples and the ladies! Pay Shelia, Martha, June and the rest of the girls a visit if you're ever near Gadsden.

Time - It's not always on your side!

As my "loyal following" is aware, I've recently made a transition at work into a sales position. It's something that I initiated and have been fortunate thus far with my sales and contacts. Nevertheless, the hardest part for me has been adjusting to the disorganization that I've recently adopted.

I'm so close to OCD about being organized, it just ain't funny! So, this is hard. I went from the person that had her "you know what" together to someone that is lucky if she remembers her purse on the way out the door. Luckily, that hasn't overflowed into my personal life....yet. I'm afraid that it's on its way.

Enter the "Time Management" class. I'm forever loving change. I'm in the minority of those that crave it. That's what brought on the career change most recently. I get bored easily. It's not bad...just helps me keep things interesting. It's the reason I have trouble listening to songs on my IPOD all the way through. It's the reason I have to purge my closets once every three months or so. It's the reason I can't pick a beer and stick with it. I'm always afraid something really good (not necessarily better) is out there that I haven't tried.

Today, I attended day one of two in a Time Management class. I'm a pretty happy-go-lucky person. I give just about everybody ample time to get their act together and show me what they've got. I'm no easy judge...but I'm fair. I went in expecting to learn ways to assist myself on managing my time better and I fear that I've been let down. I still have one class to go, but I'm discouraged by what I didn't take away from today - besides the homework. Pardon me, but if I'm in a time management course, odds are that I have plenty to do. I doubt very seriously that I need additional work added - more than likely it's assistance with the current balancing act of life, love and the pursuit!

I'll keep a positive attitude for session two. I'll remain in my "self-help" mode so that I continue to believe that I won't continue down this road of disorganization that most certainly leads straight to the gates of hell!

Pray for me.

Out of the Mouths of Babes!

I'm always amazed at the mind of my little man. He always thinks of others. He's always worried that someone around him or associated with him won't be happy. He has a heart of gold. Tonight was no different. We had finished up dinner and he was getting his snacks ready for tomorrow. As he was buried up to his elbows in the pantry, he spun around quickly to inform me of this: Hayden: "Mommy, I'm going to take three snacks so that I have one to give to someone that doesn't have a snack at my school." Me: "I think that's just about the nicest thing I've ever heard. You just might be the sweetest thing! I'm very proud of you for that." Hayden: "Thanks...can I take four?" I laughed out loud. I wondered if I was snowed into believing there was some pitiful kid with no snack at all sitting among the many snackers in his class. Or perhaps his plan is to break the bank by feeding the many hungry five year olds at WPES. I have to keep reminding myself, he's still your typical male...whether he's mine or not! Either way...his heart was in the right place.

Screw the kids....PARENTS say the darnedest things!

I guess maybe I should start a "Stupid Thing Of The Day Said During T-Ball" section for my blog. It happens so often, I'd never be short on stories...that's for sure! Allow me to set the stage for you: Game is in progress. Parents and grandparents alike adorn the ever so slight excuse for "bleachers". Smaller, stickier, louder siblings of those on the field are circling the legs of their respective parental unit. Nachos with cheese are hitting the ground faster than the clovers being picked in the outfield. It's a typical 5:30 game. Yesiree...we're in full swing (no pun intended) of T-Ball season now. Directly to my right sits...well, we'll call her "Mom O' the Year" who is clearly entertaining some visitors of the grandparent age and thereby ignoring her youngest child....who is where....you guessed it, UNDERNEATH THE BLEACHERS! Maybe I'm too much of a hard ass...but I just can't stand it. This child is like an accident waiting to happen ALL THE TIME! If your child is accident prone wouldn't you want to pay extra attention? Sigh...I digress. On to the actual transpiration of events. Long story short, something happens to the child. Who knows what it was...someone took his toy, someone stomped his toe, he wanted something that he was told (God forbid it) no to. It doesn't really matter at this point. So, after several agonizing moments of the blood curdling, glass shattering scream, the paternal parental unit steps in to "save the day". He fails, by the way. So, he makes an executive decision to head toward the house. He says to "Mom O' the Year": I'm going to take him home. (Sighs of relief all around were most assuredly audible.) "Mom O' the Year's" response: Whhhhhhyyyyyyyy? Can't you just make him behave? I don't want mama to have to take us home. I'm speechless.

Ahoy!

What's your most desired profession?

What I mean by that is....what would you like to do (either for a living or not) for the rest of your life if you had no other obligations? No kids to worry with. No significant other to depend on you. No pets to tend to. No strings, whatsoever. What would you do?

Maybe you'd stay right where you are doing exactly what you're doing. If that's the case, I applaud you for doing what you MUST love. For me...that's not the case. I was thinking about this today as I was on my way home from the birthday party of a friends child. My IPOD was on shuffle and several Jimmy Buffett songs were played in a row. It got me thinking...if I could sever ties with my community, house, schools, work, etc. I'm almost certain that I'd like to travel the world by sea. Essentially, It'd be a pirates life for me! Don't laugh...not a pilfering one, I'd be nice. But, to have a life that is free from worry or want....to wander the seas aimlessly....to take in more sunrises and sunsets than my eyes care to see.....to drink myself silly on Captain Morgan's Rum.....what a wonderful experience. I imagine a life of sea salt and spray; a life that is completely uninhibited and lead only by impulse and desire. Where do I want to go today? What do I want to do today? Who do I want to be around today? What would I like to eat today?

All that and I haven't even touched on the amazement found in scouring the many islands in search of the greatest places to eat and dives to visit. Can you just imagine? Close your eyes and think about the adventures at sea that would await! It entices me more and more every time I think about it!

Then, my wonderful kids laughing upstairs remind me that I'm tethered to this role...for now. I'm a landlubber, like it or not! At least until they head off to college. Do you think they'll be embarrassed to introduce me to their friends?

"Hi John...this is my mom, Lola...Capt. of the Hemisphere Dancer." (Several Jimmy references)

Neveryoumind...it's not like I'd give a hoot at that point, right?!

Oh well, there's always retirement. May your seas be calm and your rum plentiful!

Do the Shuffle...do, do, do, do, do-do-do-do-do...;)

That's right...the IPOD shuffle! I totally robbed this idea from my friend Misty's blog!

Hit shuffle on your IPOD and list the songs as they appear. Then explain why they're on your pod. How did they make their way into your life. I'm gonna do the first twenty:

1. Jive Talkin' by The Bee Gees - This song reminds me of Kasey Perritt and her neice, Katy. Katy used to do the claps performed in the song perfectly at age 3! Other than that, I'm just a fan of disco!
2. Boogie Wonderland by Earth, Wind & Fire - Always makes me wanna dance! Can't wait to get down to this little number!
3. How You Remind Me by Nickelback - Good song; great band!
4. You Can't Hurry Love by Phil Collins - Always puts me in a good mood...is a morning ritual at least twice a week.
5. Can't Get Enough of Your Love by Barry White - This one was resurrected for me with the Teen movie "Down To You" (Freddie Prinze Jr.). It's soulful, deep and another dance song for me.
6. Survive by Jimmy Buffett - It's Jimmy...what can I say? I love the man.
7. September by Earth, Wind & Fire - You would think I'm some radical fan of theirs...maybe I am. Another song to get jiggy to.
8. Let's Get It On by Marvin Gaye - Always reminds me of Gary Vaughan at Auburn. If you can wear out a theme song, he did.
9. Victim of Love by The Eagles - The Eagles, man. Does it get any smoother?
10. Last Cigarette by Bon Jovi - Not my favorite Bon Jovi song, but can you really go wrong with this band? Heck no!
11. Shake It Up by The Cars - This song - and anything by The Cars really - always takes me back to my senior year of high school. I'm riding shotgun with Kristin in David Bentley's version of K.I.T.T.
12. Get the Party Started by Pink - You gotta have Pink on your IPOD. She's a straight up rocker!
13. When the Sun Goes Down by Kenny Chesney and Uncle Kracker - This one is catchy...that's for sure. You can't help but sing it when it comes on. And Kenny is hot knee deep in the water.
14. Welcome to the Family by Little Big Town - Again, not one of my favorite songs, but a great group. I'd probably skip this one.
15. Ill Wind by Frank Sinatra - Ol' Blue Eyes himself. He's so suave. I won't always listen to Frank. I have to be in the mood to do so.
16. To Come of Age by The Doors - I love Jim Morrison and I'll listen to The Doors anytime. I'm always mesmerized by them.
17. Burn This Disco Out by Michael Jackson - Old school Michael from his Off the Wall album. Reminds me of Amy because she gave me the disc.
18. Peaceful Easy Feeling by The Eagles - See #9.
19. California Dreamin' by The Mamas & Papas - I hate this song. I will delete it as soon as I get a chance.
20. Amazed by Lonestar - Another one that I could do without. It was most likely loaded by someone else.

So, that's my list! What about you? What does your IPOD have to offer by way of melodic therapy?

Just another peeve, perhaps.

I'm riddled with them...peeves, I mean.

• I can't stand lipstick on a cup.
• I hate when someone uses my chapstick and covers it in their lipstick.
• I hate panty lines.

You've heard them all before from me. I stumbled across a new one this evening. It was a wonderful Spring afternoon perfect for T-ball practice. It's a new year; a new team. That means new folks to get to know. That's new parents...new styles of parenting...new little siblings tagging along to the games.

I came across something this evening at practice that absolutely drives me crazy. There happened to be a sibling of one of the players climbing the HUGE pile of red dirt adjacent to the field. It was cute...in a "Joe Dirt" kind of way. ;) He was jumping, playing, throwing, sliding...you name it, he was doing it. The problem, however, came as mama was trying to get "Jr." to listen to her as she told him to "git down" and "git over here" followed by "don't make me have to spank you". She didn't appear to want to exert the energy necessary to make the child mind, so she summons dad over (away from assisting the team in practice) to take care of the child on the dirt mound. What?!!! I'm dumbstruck by this. One of your kids is on the field practicing. Your significant other is putting themselves out there to assist the coaches and little guys in practice. All you have to do is entertain the young one for approx. one hour. That's it! After that, you can dump them both on your partner. What's so hard about that?

Does this drive anyone else crazy?

"ME" time - Don't you dare threaten it!

Recently, a fellow blogger, Daniel, posted about his (yes HIS!) pedicure experience. As I commented to him, I have to applaud the fact that he decided to willingly partake in the bliss of a pedicure. I know a ton of guys that would call it "sissy stuff" but go home and demand that their significant other rub their feet.

But, as a female, I had to admit that I'm a little territorial of the whole pedicure scene. I mentioned in my comments that it probably had a lot to do with the fact that it's often the only solice I find. I don't want anyone treading on my "ME" time. The next thing you know, it will be expected of me to entertain 'small sticky people' while I'm in the midst of my pedi! (Scoff!) Don't get me wrong, I'm not above that...it's just that I really enjoy that time - ever so seldom as it may be!

I guess I attribute guys infiltrating the pedicure scene to women showing up at the guys poker night...or a day on the links for a man and his buddies...or guys night out....(insert your example here). I'm not saying they aren't welcome because I assure you, no one notices feet more than me! I will provide a standing ovation to anyone of the male gender that goes the extra mile to keep them dogs presentable...it shows attention to detail. Just don't follow other male trends like joining the mani/pedi world, taking it over and trying to change it. It's fine the way it is - relaxing, therapeutic, consoling and good for the soul.

Nope...don't mess with it. Just roll up your pants legs, sit back in the massage chair and open your book (or crank up your IPOD)! Let them do the rest! Maybe I'm worrying for nothing...that's happened before, believe it or not. How many of you guys out there are in on this trend? Ladies, do you agree or disagree?

Whatever the case, you gotta check out Anjelah Johnson! Prepare to laugh your tushie off! If you've ever set foot inside a nail salon, you just might pee your pants!

You gotta hate a double standard...

I'll keep this one pretty short and sweet:

"When Harry Met Sally" (1989) is one of my favorite movies of all time. If you're one of the few on the planet that may not have seen it....go buy it. NOW! It's the best! I love Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan as "Sally Albright" is perfect. The way she's so guarded and protective of herself (especially where "Harry" is concerned) is so endearing. Allow me to pose this question to you:

Can men and women be just friends? Why or why not?

I have my own thoughts on the subject but I'm interested to see what the rest of you think. Mostly, I'm interested to see the difference in responses from men vs. women. I think I have a good idea of which direction the pendulum will be swinging, but I've been surprised before! Once all the opinions are in...say, in a few days....I'll revisit the question posed and provide you with my "professional opinion" on the subject.

(I know you're on the edge of your seat for this one...sigh.)

Speechless...it's not good for me.

What do you say?

Two weeks ago she was so excited. Two weeks ago she was on cloud 9! Two weeks ago she was so full of hope.

One week ago she was eating for two when she wasn't nauseated. One week ago she was dealing with big(ger) boobs! One week ago she was tired, but glowing.

Three days ago she was crying. Three days ago she was put to sleep. Three days ago she had her hopes stomped on...again.

Today she is tired. Today she is empty! Today she is sad...

....and I don't know what to say to her.

There are the same old words she's probably hearing from everyone - "It's in God's hands", It's going to get better...just wait", It's better that it happened now rather than later", "It just wasn't meant to be". Or maybe those are just some of the off-colored comments that I've heard. I'm often appalled at the type things that fall out of people's mouths during a time like this. I say fall, because I have to believe they are accidental. I just have to.

My heart aches for her. And I don't dare forget her husband who's been along for this journey the entire time. What a journey it's been, too. They're two of the most precious people I know who deserve nothing more than happiness...in whatever form they choose to desire it. I struggle with understanding why myself...and I'm not even the one directly affected.

Nevertheless, I will push forward. I will do my best to let her know that I'm here - for whatever. I will make sure she knows where I am. My efforts will be limitless. I will be a friend because I can think of nothing else to do or anything else she needs more from me than that.

Take a deep breath, Lori. I'm here if you need me.

Change...

....it should be self-starting.

We are all aware that it happens whether you like it or not. We are all aware that you better expect it. Everything changes. You best prepare yourself. However, I'm a believer that you should be the one to set the wheels in motion for change. Perhaps it's my desire to retain some control in situations. Or maybe it's the thinking that you should always be of a proactive mind. Either way, I think it just feels better if you're the one making the decision to get the (change) ball rolling.

I'm on several committees within my community. American Cancer Society's Relay for Life Committee, Business Expo (Chamber of Commerce affiliated), Salute to Industry (also Chamber affiliated), CCAF and Junior League is coming up. I was making mention just the other day that something was going to have to give because I was feeling stretched pretty thin. I'm beginning to feel like a professional committee member. Honestly, it's something I enjoy. I get to participate in several different events and showcase my talents in organization and communication. I'm not too shabby at planning either! Nevertheless, it can become overwhelming if you don't keep a watch on it.

Well, before I even had a chance to make the change and forego my seat on one or more of the committees, the decision was made for me. My boss feels that it no longer behooves me or the company to serve on several of these committees because my "job" has changed and my focus has shifted. I'm not saying I don't agree with that angle...just that I'm disappointed that I wasn't quick enough to the draw. I strive to stay a step ahead...of just about everything! I fell short in this instance.

Oh well...time to regroup! Get back in the game, so to speak and kick tail with my new responsibilities. It might be nice to relenquish some of the current ones for something fresh and new. Time for me to go make a difference somewhere else....at least that's what I'm going to tell myself.

Anyone else feel this way?

Idol Love! Don't laugh...it beats the hell out of "Rock of Love"!

I'm in love - with three guys! Who are the lucky (or perhaps not-so-lucky) fellas? David Archuleta - Yeah, he's young. So. You got somethin' to say about it? I didn't think so. He's just about the cutest thing to happen to Idol. Not to mention the fact that he's got talent oozing from his pores. I'm not sure he'll win it...but his rendition of "Imagine" by John Lennon a few weeks back still sends shivers down my spine! I think mostly he might be my favorite because he reminds me (on a distant level) of a guy named Jacob Messina that I grew up with. Jacob posessed quite a set off pipes as well and the similarities are somewhat of a comfort! Jason Castro - I'll be honest here...it's the eyes. They are mesmerizing! They draw me in everytime and I just can't help but be entranced. Sigh...I'm a victim here. One of my favorite performances of his is "If I Fell". Granted it's probably not his best...and I'm sure he'll keep getting better, but it's just so nice. He's on the stool, playing his guitar and he seems so at ease with it all. I could do without the dreads...if I'm being honest. But, I think part of what intrigues me about him is how long he'll go through the competition before he cuts 'em. Care to place your bet? David Cook - Okay...my favorite! He's the Chris Daughtry of this season and WHEW!! did I love me some Daughtry! Talk about a sexy bald guy...sigh!!!!! David's a rocker - and not in a washed up, Bret Michaels kind of way...a real one. He's got a great way of taking a song and making it his own. When he performed "Hello" by Lionel Richie and it had the rock 'n' roll edge...he won me over! I'm a huge Lionel fan anyway and David's updated version sounds like something I would buy from ITunes. Nevertheless, I'm pretty sure he could sing the alphabet and I'd tune in. Maybe it's his biceps as he strums, or the half-cocked smile from the right side of his mouth he'll throw at you when he's singing. Maybe it's the whole package...whatever it is, he's got it! It won't surprise me a bit when he walks away the winner in May. So, these are my faves. Yours?

Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder...

Pardon the recent absence. I was much needed on the homefront! It's good to take time to check back in with the family and all that goes on. It can get pretty hectic pretty fast. It'll knock you on your ass if you're not careful! But, I'm glad to be back. During my brief hiatus I learned a few things. I'm a big proponent that you learn something new everyday. Seriously...everyday. It may or may not be anything substantial or worth writing home about, but it's new.

1. I learned that a good friend of mine, Lori, is pregnant. This wouldn't be such overwhelmingly amazing news if it weren't for all she and her husband have gone through to get to this point. She's not too far along...only a couple of weeks probably...and she's already glowing! They're about to experience one of life's greatest miracles and I'm so excited for them!
2. My best friend Kristin just lost her daddy, Mike Cooper, to Cancer. He fought a hard fight and gave it all he could for as long as he could. The best part - he found his peace before he left this world. Read the story of how it all happened...and I suggest you get a tissue or three!
3. I learned (as I have before and will continue to do) that relationships are hard. Whether you're talking about a marriage, a best friend, a parent/child or work related, balancing the art can be tough. It takes lots of hard work, mountains of patience and understanding.
4. I was reminded of how much vacation is necessary. I'm working with a pretty tough deadline at work right now and I'm so looking forward to getting out of town and not worrying about a thing!
5. I re-learned (cause it wasn't like I didn't know!) that I have fabulous neighbors! Seriously...I'll put them up against anyone's. They're just as much fun partying as they are sitting in the driveway putting together patio furniture, or hanging out on the deck in the afternoon. "Home" is so much better with great neighbors!!
6. I learned that I have to take a break sometimes and re-group. Maybe it's just a book and a bath...but a re-group is necessary! It's easy to get caught up in making sure everyone else around you is taken care of. Easy, but not always healthy. Make time to tend to you - you're just as important!
7. I learned, unfortunately, that "Rock of Love" with Bret Michaels is quite possibly the most ridiculous thing ever to grace the small screen...yet I can't make myself change the channel. What a joke...yet I'm mesmerized!
8. I learned/realized that I haven't had my hair cut (not even trimmed) since November 2007 (over four months if you're counting) and that's way too long. I've got to make that a priority this week!
9. I was reminded that if you want something, it might just be as easy as asking. I tend to overthink/overanalyze situations until I end up making them more complicated than they ever started out being. All you have to do is ask.
10. I learned that hard work can payoff from time to time. You can work hard, save your money (or not), make at least semi-smart decisions and then.....you can reward yourself. And you should! You've only got one shot at enjoying this life....you should certainly be willing to take some chances along the way!
11. Finally...I've been reminded that my kids aren't standing still. I have a picture on my mantle of each of them and I was saying something the other day about how I needed to update the pics within each frame. It dawned on me that I was having trouble remembering my little girl that little. In the picture she's about a year old and it seems like eons ago! Add insult to injury by realizing that I'm only about a head and some change taller than my little man and you've got yourself a 'sobfest'.

All in all, the "break from the blog" was beneficial. I missed it, though. It's a great release to be able to tap, tap, tap my way into relaxation. I'm flattered that so many even give a rat's "you-know-what" about anything I have to say...but if you go away laughing I've done my part! So, I'm back on track...and thanks for reading! There's some funny stuff coming up soon!

How Sweet It Is Matters!

I love sweet tea! I don't think there is another drink out there that quenches my thrist as much or makes me feel so great as sweet tea. I happen to think mine is better than anyone's. It's ssswweeeeeeeettttttt! Seriously - diabetics should steer clear!

I'm not sure why....but it just always tastes better than anyone else's. I never make it in the coffee pot...that just seems wrong. Maybe it's because I boil half the sugar into the tea....maybe it's the amount of sugar I use - 2 cups in a gallon.....maybe it's just that it reminds me of growing up and my mama's sweet tea! I'm certain that has a lot to do with it! She makes great tea too! What are the odds that it's hereditary?

Sigh.....I shall share with you my method of tea making....you decide for yourself!

"Sweet Tea" (for one gallon pitcher)

• 2 Family size Lipton Tea bags
• 2 generous cups of sugar (separated into one cup each)
• water

Place the teabags, water and one cup of sugar in a pot on the stove (on high) and bring to a boil. Once the mixture makes it to a rolling boil, you can turn it off. Leave it on the stove for a few minutes while you tend to something else - anything....TV, kids, book, movie, laundry...the list can go on and on!

Dump (should you use dump in a recipe?) the other cup of sugar in the pitcher and stir vigorously as you add the freshly made tea/sugar mixture (this mixture should be hot, not boiling, to dissolve the sugar). Continue to fill your pitcher by adding cool water to the pot with the teabags and pouring it into the tea pitcher. Maybe it's just my OCD mind, but I always feel like I get more out of the teabags this way. You know, really make 'em work for it!

So that's my "recipe", if you will! I hope you enjoy it as much as I have!

Where were you.....?

Do you remember where you were 15 years ago tonight? Were you getting ready for a great weekend in March? Were you headed for a vacation? Were you grounded and stuck at home? Were you getting married? If you were in the state of Alabama, you were in the midst of the "storm of the century" or the Blizzard of '93!

As mentioned many times before, my husband is a bit of a weather geek. It's okay...we've come to accept it now. So, he's been all over the 15th anniversary weather blogs out there!

I remember where I was....on Friday, March 12th I was at good ol' Skate Country. I was ticked off that mom had my ride show up early and ruin my evening! Ahhh....the good old days! My BFF Nichole and I were dragged, almost literally, from the roller rink and carted home. Once it was made clear that we couldn't top the hill to get to her house, we took it back to my house.

The next morning introduced us to more snow than we had seen in Alabama - EVER. We went to Vermont the Christmas before to visit Nichole's family and the amount of snow there was amazing. More amazing was the fact that the entire town operated 'business as usual'. Anniston was shut down for days when the blizzard of '93 hit.

As Saturday morning turned into Saturday afternoon, we lost power at my house. This sucked because now we were going to be forced to entertain ourselves...without TV. We'd finally had all we could stand. So we bundled up, stepped outside and began our journey to meet Nichole's parents at a halfway point (that seemed like 8 miles but was actually probably only about 2-3). We spent the rest of the "vacation" at her house cooking in the fireplace, keeping milk cold on the deck in the snow, sledding down the hill and listening to folks call in to the radio stations complaining that they didn't have cable TV. There were folks without power, heat or water and folks were upset about missing their soaps! We went so far as to start using furniture as firewood to stay warm because we had used all the firewood.

It was an exhilarating experience....and one I'm sure I'll tell my kids stories about when they're old enough to roll their eyes!

Where were you when the white stuff started sticking in Calhoun County?

Tears in Flight!

My job doesn't require much travel for me outside the northeast region of the state. Recently however, an opportunity presented itself for me to tour a printing company that we use and I jumped at it. My trip consisted of two days (one night) of making my way through airports and I must confess: the sense of pride that consumed me as I swiftly maneuvered my way through the countless terminals was a nice surprise. I was more surprised that I ever doubted myself, really. But, after the numerous takeoffs, landings, shuttles and baggage claims I must admit that my book was probably the best part of my trip. What book? Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah. As a mother of two/wife of one and full time employee, reading often falls to the bottom of my To-Do. But, one day last week, my mother-in-law gave me this book that she'd just finished and she couldn't stop singing its praises. I'm a jacket reader. If the cover is enticing I'll want to read the book. I'm a huge believer that catching the reader's eye is the first step in drawing them in. Everything from the design to the font used inside - it must have a seamless flow in order to leave the reader satisfied. Your written words might not be enough. I work in advertising - what can I say? Nevertheless, this book held me captive from the very first line. It follows Tully & Kate through their mostly wonderful, sometimes painful, always truthful friendship. I won't turn this into a book review for fear of spoiling it, but I will say this...don't forget to bring your tissues. The tears started on my first flight - from Atlanta, GA to Grand Rapids, MI. The two flights home - Grand Rapids to Cincinnati and Cincinnati to Birmingham - were no better. Overall, I had three flight attendants, four passengers, two ticket takers and one server ask me if I was okay! That's doing some serious crying, right? But, as I said before...it's wonderful. I already have a list of folks in mind to purchase this one for. I can't wait to hear their embarrassing stories of where they were when they got to chapter 20!! I'm always encouraged when I get lost in the characters of a book - reminds me that I can still dream. Here's to hoping you never forget that either!

Farewell, Mr. Healey.

One of my favorite musicians, Jeff Healey, has died from Cancer. His battle with Cancer began at the age of one with Retinoblastoma and continued throughout most of his life.

He was 41 years old. He leaves behind a wife, 13 yr. old daughter and 3 yr. old son.

Rest in peace, Mr. Healey. You and your guitar prowess will truly be missed!