Yesterday on my way to school I came upon this. And I thought we moved from Memphis to get away from violence! It's everywhere apparently...
I found out last night that I don't have to take as many courses as I thought I did to get my LMFT. I may actually graduate before I turn 29! Woo ~ Hoo!!! :)
Tidings of Joy...and not ticking off TN State Troopers! :)
Tuesday, August 31, 2004
Are you a hit counter counter?
I have a confession to make. Since I finally figured out how to insert the hit counter on my own blog, my self-esteem has dramatically risen (rose?). I will check my blog just to see if anyone else has checked it. It's all about the comments and the rising of the hit counter.
Also, I want to have a comment deleted by a blog administrator! Joel Quile seems to be a pro at this. Maybe if I can do it w/out offending anyone or cursing I'll let everyone else in on how it's actually done. Then again, why else would a comment be deleted by a blog administrator?
Tonight the Titan's were defeated by Dallas. It's ok for a couple of reasons. 1. The first string was only in for the first 15 minutes or so. 2. Eddie George, former Titan, had only 3 carries for 4 yards. 3. It's still pre-season, these games don't count anyway. I was just happy that my drive home was accompanied by TitansRadio commentators. They are actually pretty funny. And it was a nice change from contemporary Christian and staticy Delilah stories and sappy love songs.
I have lots of reading to do for my Psychopathology class tomorrow. I don't really subscribe to the whole medical model of counseling, but studying all of these disorders is kind of fun! I tried to diagnose my sister, but she didn't want to know. Anyone want to play?
The "Milkshake" song is in my head. Kelly Rippa was singing it today as she waited on people at the McDonald's drive through. One thing NY McD's have that TN doesn't (at least, not that I am aware of...) a Philly Steak sandwich. One word ~ frightening!
Tidings of Joy... Many hits (but not of illegal substances), and being removed by a blog admin.
Can you tell I'm a bit sleepy and hyper, can that actually happen?????!?!?!?!!! :)
Also, I want to have a comment deleted by a blog administrator! Joel Quile seems to be a pro at this. Maybe if I can do it w/out offending anyone or cursing I'll let everyone else in on how it's actually done. Then again, why else would a comment be deleted by a blog administrator?
Tonight the Titan's were defeated by Dallas. It's ok for a couple of reasons. 1. The first string was only in for the first 15 minutes or so. 2. Eddie George, former Titan, had only 3 carries for 4 yards. 3. It's still pre-season, these games don't count anyway. I was just happy that my drive home was accompanied by TitansRadio commentators. They are actually pretty funny. And it was a nice change from contemporary Christian and staticy Delilah stories and sappy love songs.
I have lots of reading to do for my Psychopathology class tomorrow. I don't really subscribe to the whole medical model of counseling, but studying all of these disorders is kind of fun! I tried to diagnose my sister, but she didn't want to know. Anyone want to play?
The "Milkshake" song is in my head. Kelly Rippa was singing it today as she waited on people at the McDonald's drive through. One thing NY McD's have that TN doesn't (at least, not that I am aware of...) a Philly Steak sandwich. One word ~ frightening!
Tidings of Joy... Many hits (but not of illegal substances), and being removed by a blog admin.
Can you tell I'm a bit sleepy and hyper, can that actually happen?????!?!?!?!!! :)
Monday, August 30, 2004
I have a dream.
My entire life, I have always wanted to enter a profession that would enable me to help people. I have come to a part of life that is allowing me to really learn, grow and shape the ideals of how I will & can help. When I finish the current program I am in, I want to do wonderful things. So, here is my dream...
Imagine walking into a healing center, one where there are people from all walks of life. Inside a beautifully decorated, but certainly not stuffy, building is a place where families, singles, students, widows, wealthy, poor, healthy and suffering people can come to find refuge, to learn how to cope with life situations, to find friends and a family. In my mind, it's like a supercharged YMCA, only with more of a total spirit, mind, body than a body focus. I want this center for healing to be a place that has a culmination of factors to assist health and spirituality in people.
There will be therapists (from many different backgrounds, variety is the spice of life!), life coaches, well ness programs, tutoring hours, groups of all kinds (maybe even a guacamole one!), an afterschool refuge, a spa (you know you want that! Who doesn't?!!)... and numerous other areas as my dream grows. What I really want is a place where people can come to find rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation. Where getting help with life's speed bumps is the norm instead of a stigma, and where I can be proud of helping anyone who walks through the doors. Hopefully, I can figure out a way to make this a place where families can come to be together and not have to pay exhorbant fees in order to do so.
That's my dream, all wrapped up in a nice little package. Just thought I'd share it with you.
Tidings of Joy... and healing. :)
P.S. Go Titans!!!
Imagine walking into a healing center, one where there are people from all walks of life. Inside a beautifully decorated, but certainly not stuffy, building is a place where families, singles, students, widows, wealthy, poor, healthy and suffering people can come to find refuge, to learn how to cope with life situations, to find friends and a family. In my mind, it's like a supercharged YMCA, only with more of a total spirit, mind, body than a body focus. I want this center for healing to be a place that has a culmination of factors to assist health and spirituality in people.
There will be therapists (from many different backgrounds, variety is the spice of life!), life coaches, well ness programs, tutoring hours, groups of all kinds (maybe even a guacamole one!), an afterschool refuge, a spa (you know you want that! Who doesn't?!!)... and numerous other areas as my dream grows. What I really want is a place where people can come to find rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation. Where getting help with life's speed bumps is the norm instead of a stigma, and where I can be proud of helping anyone who walks through the doors. Hopefully, I can figure out a way to make this a place where families can come to be together and not have to pay exhorbant fees in order to do so.
That's my dream, all wrapped up in a nice little package. Just thought I'd share it with you.
Tidings of Joy... and healing. :)
P.S. Go Titans!!!
Friday, August 27, 2004
Happiness is...
- Getting a "Happy Birthday" check (three months ahead of time) in the mail from your mother-in-law for front porch furniture and anything else you and the hubby feel like splurging on.
- Finding front porch furniture on eBay for a fantastic price (roughly half of the Happy Birthday check amount!).
- Friday night dates with the hubby of take out and a movie.
- Getting homework completed with little or no stress.
- Friday afternoons.
- Getting fingerprinted in order to substitute teach for $37 per day. (Not really a happiness, but the fact that I can actually put my degree to use!)
- Having an interview on Monday afternoon at the Sylvan Learning Center.
- Cherry cokes from Sonic (with extra cherries, yummy!).
On a different note. Last night Brandon and I went to Florence to Books-A-Million ~ I can honestly say that it was similar to Meg Ryan's experience at Fox Books after her book store closed down (from You've Got Mail). I was looking for the DSM-IV-TR and a psychiatric dictionary. The "sales girl" who was "helping" me actually asked, "Now, four in roman numerals is X, right? No? Well goodness, hon, I just don't know where it would be!" She was actually at the help desk!!!! I firmly believe that they should only be allowed to employ English, Elementary Ed, or Literature majors. Also, all stupid people should move to another state (of course, I was in Alabama ~ that could have something to do w/ it! LOL), or country.
Brandon and I are selling the truck [a 2000 GMC Sierra, 4 door, 73K miles, leather, taneau cover, tow package, bed rug, in excellent condition] (it's all about having less debt my friends!). If you or anyone you know is interested, please send them my way. It really is a nice vehicle, belly button and all (It's hardly noticeable, and for the right price, we'll have it taken care of!). I hate to part with it, esp. since it's from my grandpa (he traded with me for my Blazer), but we don't need three vehicles. Sigh.
Happy weekending blog family!
Tidings of Joy... and less debt! :)
Wednesday, August 25, 2004
Opinion Poll
Our house has a very cute, rather long and somewhat shallow front porch. Being a GRITS (girl raise in the south) I am breaking nearly every rule in the book by not having any furniture on the porch (we've lived here for a year and a half). It's a nice area, gets morning sun, shade after about 10:30 or 11:00, hardly any rain b/c it's recessed and it's a great place to sit and read. For our birthdays (B ~ 11/26, M ~ 12/1) Hilda (the mom-in-law) is getting us some furniture for said empty front porch. I really love the way that wicker rockers look, B likes adirondack chairs and hassacks/ottomans. Let me know your opinion, please!!!
We're hitting the after Labor Day sales and will come home w/ the new purchases soon after, then I am positive that we'll get a boat load of fun things on or before our actual b'days. (It's so fun being married to an only child, I'm lucky to get a phone call on the actual day from my parents, B's mom calls at the exact time that he was born ~ very different families!)
This first week of schoolhas been laden with tons of reading and starting case studies and interviews of 'actual therapists'. I'm drooling just thinking about all of the yet unlearned info that's just waiting to fill my mind. Call me a nerd, call me a book worm, it's ok ~ I'm cool with it! I LOVE learning and discovering new information, it's almost addictive. I'll pick up a book and get lost in the words for hours on end. I am sure that's probably why I am so into the blogging ordeal, that and I'm a pretty nosy gal. I can sit forever and read about people's days, problems, victories, defeats, laughs and tears. (Insert a Joan Arquette "I LOVE IT!!!" here)
Tidings of Joy... and undiscovered learning! :)
We're hitting the after Labor Day sales and will come home w/ the new purchases soon after, then I am positive that we'll get a boat load of fun things on or before our actual b'days. (It's so fun being married to an only child, I'm lucky to get a phone call on the actual day from my parents, B's mom calls at the exact time that he was born ~ very different families!)
This first week of schoolhas been laden with tons of reading and starting case studies and interviews of 'actual therapists'. I'm drooling just thinking about all of the yet unlearned info that's just waiting to fill my mind. Call me a nerd, call me a book worm, it's ok ~ I'm cool with it! I LOVE learning and discovering new information, it's almost addictive. I'll pick up a book and get lost in the words for hours on end. I am sure that's probably why I am so into the blogging ordeal, that and I'm a pretty nosy gal. I can sit forever and read about people's days, problems, victories, defeats, laughs and tears. (Insert a Joan Arquette "I LOVE IT!!!" here)
Tidings of Joy... and undiscovered learning! :)
Tuesday, August 24, 2004
Hobby, Disease or Addiction ~ You decide!
I just counted and there are 22 blogs that I check on at least twice daily. Not to mention any comments of other bloggers whom I chase down through cyberspace. This may eventually end up in the DSM 4 as a disorder, hmmm. You could all be my case studies and then I could be a name and face in future psychology books ~ fame is just down the road folks!
So the question remains... hobby, disease, or addiction?
Tidings of Joy! :)
So the question remains... hobby, disease, or addiction?
Tidings of Joy! :)
Monday, August 23, 2004
Season of Change...
Do any of you struggle with change? I know I do. One thing that is a pretty large issue among my siblings and me right now is our grandmother, Gladys. She is 81, lives on a big farm alone, has many friends that check in on her and are nearby to help out with something that the four of us may not be able to and overall is a healthy woman. BUT (isn't there almost always on of those?) she has recently started to really show her age and it's sad and scary all at the same time. My mom passed away a little less than 15 years ago, my poppa has been gone for a while too, and the only living nuclear relative is an uncle who isn't on speaking terms with Gran. So my brothers, sister and I have taken the children's role in this very interesting and horribly sad scenario. (We have a couple of cousins who live in North Carolina, but they aren't really in the picture b/c of the strain from the relationship b/t Gran and their dad.)
Our big question right now is what to do if or when Gran gets to the point that she isn't safe living by herself anymore. She has had a couple of really bad falls lately and her house is to the point that I can't hardly stand to be inside b/c it's so dirty and crammed w/ stuff that she has accumulated over her lifetime. She doesn't bathe on a regular basis, she's depressed quite often about things that she has no control over, and is really into the Death and Dying stage of life. It's hard from a granddaughter's point of view, it's hard from a humane point of view ~ it's just hard period! We all love her dearly, but we also know that if she was to move in w/ anyone it would cause a lot (immeasurable, gargantuan sized) of tension and stress. I know taking a person from their home radically speeds up the death process, and she shows no interest whats-so-ever in having a roommate there. She is a difficult person to live with and to be around for more than a day or two. My sister equates it to having another child in the house b/c Gran requires so much attention.
I can't really put into words the entire situation, I probably don't even know it myself (things tend to come out of the woodwork at the oddest hours). Anyway, it's a difficult situation that I think and pray about constantly. I try to think about what will be best for Gran, what she wants (which is for there to be no change at all) and what will put the least amount of stress on each of us. I just can't seem to come up with a happy ending. So, if you have any pieces of advice to offer, or if you have experienced this please let me know.
On to other topics in my life. (It's all about me, all about I, all about #1... Sorry Toby Keith just popped into my head and I thought I'd share that with you!) Today I start back to school. It has been a very nice, relaxing vacation and I feel like hitting everything with gusto. I'm taking Counseling Foundations, Psychopathology (learning the rules of the DSM 4), and Theories of Personality ~ it's going to be an interesting and very challenging semester and I am excited to get to sink my teeth into all of it! This is something I have wanted and longed for since the 6th grade and it is really happening ~ too cool!
Some praise time ~ Brandon's dad, Ron is at St. Thomas today for his third round of chemo. His doctor said that his spleen is back to normal, his blood count is very close to normal, and she even used the word "remission"!!! He has one more chemo treatment in three weeks, they'll retest everything and then start work on his bone marrow / stem cell replacement a few weeks later (they are using his own at first and if that doesn't work then they'll use the bone marrow bank b/c none of his siblings were a match). God has certainly been with us through this and we are incredibly thankful for any prayers. It's really exciting and a huge weight is starting to lift.
Tidings of Joy... and God's hand in our lives! :)
Our big question right now is what to do if or when Gran gets to the point that she isn't safe living by herself anymore. She has had a couple of really bad falls lately and her house is to the point that I can't hardly stand to be inside b/c it's so dirty and crammed w/ stuff that she has accumulated over her lifetime. She doesn't bathe on a regular basis, she's depressed quite often about things that she has no control over, and is really into the Death and Dying stage of life. It's hard from a granddaughter's point of view, it's hard from a humane point of view ~ it's just hard period! We all love her dearly, but we also know that if she was to move in w/ anyone it would cause a lot (immeasurable, gargantuan sized) of tension and stress. I know taking a person from their home radically speeds up the death process, and she shows no interest whats-so-ever in having a roommate there. She is a difficult person to live with and to be around for more than a day or two. My sister equates it to having another child in the house b/c Gran requires so much attention.
I can't really put into words the entire situation, I probably don't even know it myself (things tend to come out of the woodwork at the oddest hours). Anyway, it's a difficult situation that I think and pray about constantly. I try to think about what will be best for Gran, what she wants (which is for there to be no change at all) and what will put the least amount of stress on each of us. I just can't seem to come up with a happy ending. So, if you have any pieces of advice to offer, or if you have experienced this please let me know.
On to other topics in my life. (It's all about me, all about I, all about #1... Sorry Toby Keith just popped into my head and I thought I'd share that with you!) Today I start back to school. It has been a very nice, relaxing vacation and I feel like hitting everything with gusto. I'm taking Counseling Foundations, Psychopathology (learning the rules of the DSM 4), and Theories of Personality ~ it's going to be an interesting and very challenging semester and I am excited to get to sink my teeth into all of it! This is something I have wanted and longed for since the 6th grade and it is really happening ~ too cool!
Some praise time ~ Brandon's dad, Ron is at St. Thomas today for his third round of chemo. His doctor said that his spleen is back to normal, his blood count is very close to normal, and she even used the word "remission"!!! He has one more chemo treatment in three weeks, they'll retest everything and then start work on his bone marrow / stem cell replacement a few weeks later (they are using his own at first and if that doesn't work then they'll use the bone marrow bank b/c none of his siblings were a match). God has certainly been with us through this and we are incredibly thankful for any prayers. It's really exciting and a huge weight is starting to lift.
Tidings of Joy... and God's hand in our lives! :)
Saturday, August 21, 2004
Off to escape the tractors!
Have I told you that I live in a small town WAY out in the country? Well, I do (there also happens to be a van down by the river ~ I miss the old school SNL days!). This weekend is the infamous Antique Truck and Tractor Pull at Rotary Park. Other such events that take place here? The first weekend of the year there is an event called Four Wheelin' (note: no g) in the Country. It's covered by ESPN and ATV Television. We also have Davy Crockett Days and probably numerous others that I just can't remember at this moment.
Brandon and I almost always try to leave town whenever these 'patriotic' parties take place. This weekend we're headed to my sister's house to help host a very unique baby shower. When the invitation came it said "BYOB" ~ yep, that's my sis for ya! I'm sure the guys will end up playing poker until the wee hours of the night (Brandon won $150 once!) and the girls will all be crowded up on the couch watching a scary movie and eventually fall asleep. If the cops make at least one appearance ~ it'll be considered a success. Think every "You might be a red neck if...." Jeff Foxworthy joke and you can apply it to the festivities tonight!
Well, we're off to hide keys and give rides home to those that are in need. Hope your weekend is as adventurous as ours! :)
Tidings of Joy... and incredibly interesting baby showers! :)
P.S. The Titans are playing pre-season game #2 tonight ~ woo hoo!!!
Brandon and I almost always try to leave town whenever these 'patriotic' parties take place. This weekend we're headed to my sister's house to help host a very unique baby shower. When the invitation came it said "BYOB" ~ yep, that's my sis for ya! I'm sure the guys will end up playing poker until the wee hours of the night (Brandon won $150 once!) and the girls will all be crowded up on the couch watching a scary movie and eventually fall asleep. If the cops make at least one appearance ~ it'll be considered a success. Think every "You might be a red neck if...." Jeff Foxworthy joke and you can apply it to the festivities tonight!
Well, we're off to hide keys and give rides home to those that are in need. Hope your weekend is as adventurous as ours! :)
Tidings of Joy... and incredibly interesting baby showers! :)
P.S. The Titans are playing pre-season game #2 tonight ~ woo hoo!!!
Thursday, August 19, 2004
My truck has a belly button & various things of that nature...
Ya know, there are things in life that I like to call "happy accidents". Things like fitting into your skinny pants, finding money in your skinny pants pocket, seeing a friend at Wal-Mart while spending the money that you found in the pocket of your skinny pants that you are wearing at that particular moment. Going to the mall (in our case in a different state, but oh well!) and seeing that the item you've been salivating over for the past few weeks is on sale & you can afford that, plus something from Bath & Body Works... Just little happy times that come upon you unexpectedly.
Then, there are the polar opposites of happy accidents ~ I like to call them... Well... Let me just say ~ "things my husband, Kenneth Brandon Hale, has done while his wife was out shopping in her skinny pants." I think you may know what's coming, so just hang in there and get ready for the ride! (Please keep all hands & feet inside & in case of an emergency I'll be gone before you can say or scream "Call 911!!!")
Read the following as if David Letterman himself was doing a top ten (only it's a top three)...
Scenario #3. This past spring break my niece Shelby was spending some good ole "spoil me crazy at Mae Mae's house time" with us. I had to go to work and she and Brandon went 4 wheeling at a local park and did some fishing for a little while. (Yes, he's wonderful, I have to say that, but then it kind of throws off the first two paragraphs of the blog, so keep the ugly picture in your head for a little while. Trust me ~ I've been there!) When they got home and were unloading the 4 wheeler they (and by they, I mean Brandon doing the actions and Shelby watching to make sure that she can thoroughly relay every detail as soon as I open the car door) somehow proceeded to give my truck a belly button at the same time. What happened you ask? Well, the knob thingy that holds the trailer to the truck was too small and instead of having a new, larger one put on, Brandon decided that he'd wait. The force of the 4 wheeler coming off the trailer sent the knob sailing into the back of the tailgate ~ thus, my truck has a belly button.
Scenario #2. We like to experiment with toys on our dog, Sassafrass. Brandon has a remote control Hummer and he thought it'd be fun to chase her around the yard with it. She thought it was crazy and ran around and barked for ever ~ mission accomplished in the new toy v/s dog scene. The next day I was in my office and I heard a banging sound, it kept repeating over and over. I get scared pretty easily and my imagination goes WILD at the possibilities that may (but almost never) happen. I keep thinking there is a humongous, Princess Bride sized rodent somewhere in the house wanting to attack me at any moment. I call Brandon home from work b/c I am that frightened (plus, he's only about 10 minutes away). We search the house up and down and he thinks it's something in my office, which freaks me out even more! With him in the house to "rescue me" I calm down a bit and really listen. Then I follow the sound to HIS OFFICE, what's getting ready to attack Mae Anne? The hummer, he hadn't turned it off and it was banging into a cooler that was in his (very messy ~ I can't even stand to go into) office floor. Just banging into it over and over and over again.
Scenario #1. Tuesday I narrowly escaped death from DW catching on fire. (I know, you are waiting with baited breath, keep on reading...) when Brandon came home and I showed him the "caution: police line do not cross" evidence, he turned about eight shades of red and then admitted fault. Apparently, while unloading dishes the night before, a beater had fallen down through the silverware holder. Instead of lifting the beater gently out he pulled and pulled on the entire lower dish rack with all of his might until it came loose. Resulting in bending the front heating element until it was pulled up to the door. This in turn resulted in the heating element burning a hole in the door of DW and almost burnt down the house. Which almost KILLED ME!!!
So, now you know our little secrets. The moral of the story is, my hero doesn't ride a white horse. Instead, he is a part of many little "unhappy accidents" that eventually lead to side splitting laugher and GREAT stories to share. I love him, bless his heart, and he's stuck with me to remind him of many such scenarios anytime he erases them from his memory.
Tiding of Joy... and great stories with which to embarrassed loved ones! :)
P.S. If you need to share anything about your loved ones, by all means feel free to do so!
Then, there are the polar opposites of happy accidents ~ I like to call them... Well... Let me just say ~ "things my husband, Kenneth Brandon Hale, has done while his wife was out shopping in her skinny pants." I think you may know what's coming, so just hang in there and get ready for the ride! (Please keep all hands & feet inside & in case of an emergency I'll be gone before you can say or scream "Call 911!!!")
Read the following as if David Letterman himself was doing a top ten (only it's a top three)...
Scenario #3. This past spring break my niece Shelby was spending some good ole "spoil me crazy at Mae Mae's house time" with us. I had to go to work and she and Brandon went 4 wheeling at a local park and did some fishing for a little while. (Yes, he's wonderful, I have to say that, but then it kind of throws off the first two paragraphs of the blog, so keep the ugly picture in your head for a little while. Trust me ~ I've been there!) When they got home and were unloading the 4 wheeler they (and by they, I mean Brandon doing the actions and Shelby watching to make sure that she can thoroughly relay every detail as soon as I open the car door) somehow proceeded to give my truck a belly button at the same time. What happened you ask? Well, the knob thingy that holds the trailer to the truck was too small and instead of having a new, larger one put on, Brandon decided that he'd wait. The force of the 4 wheeler coming off the trailer sent the knob sailing into the back of the tailgate ~ thus, my truck has a belly button.
Scenario #2. We like to experiment with toys on our dog, Sassafrass. Brandon has a remote control Hummer and he thought it'd be fun to chase her around the yard with it. She thought it was crazy and ran around and barked for ever ~ mission accomplished in the new toy v/s dog scene. The next day I was in my office and I heard a banging sound, it kept repeating over and over. I get scared pretty easily and my imagination goes WILD at the possibilities that may (but almost never) happen. I keep thinking there is a humongous, Princess Bride sized rodent somewhere in the house wanting to attack me at any moment. I call Brandon home from work b/c I am that frightened (plus, he's only about 10 minutes away). We search the house up and down and he thinks it's something in my office, which freaks me out even more! With him in the house to "rescue me" I calm down a bit and really listen. Then I follow the sound to HIS OFFICE, what's getting ready to attack Mae Anne? The hummer, he hadn't turned it off and it was banging into a cooler that was in his (very messy ~ I can't even stand to go into) office floor. Just banging into it over and over and over again.
Scenario #1. Tuesday I narrowly escaped death from DW catching on fire. (I know, you are waiting with baited breath, keep on reading...) when Brandon came home and I showed him the "caution: police line do not cross" evidence, he turned about eight shades of red and then admitted fault. Apparently, while unloading dishes the night before, a beater had fallen down through the silverware holder. Instead of lifting the beater gently out he pulled and pulled on the entire lower dish rack with all of his might until it came loose. Resulting in bending the front heating element until it was pulled up to the door. This in turn resulted in the heating element burning a hole in the door of DW and almost burnt down the house. Which almost KILLED ME!!!
So, now you know our little secrets. The moral of the story is, my hero doesn't ride a white horse. Instead, he is a part of many little "unhappy accidents" that eventually lead to side splitting laugher and GREAT stories to share. I love him, bless his heart, and he's stuck with me to remind him of many such scenarios anytime he erases them from his memory.
Tiding of Joy... and great stories with which to embarrassed loved ones! :)
P.S. If you need to share anything about your loved ones, by all means feel free to do so!
Tuesday, August 17, 2004
This is the hole from the heating element that almost burnt down my house this morning. IT STILL STINKS!!! I have leading information about what may have caused narrow death escapage ~ husband has admitted fault. Hmmm, I can smell dish duty for him for a very l-o-n-g t-i-m-e! (Insert evil, maniacal laughing here!) :)
Something's Smoking!!!
Imagine, sitting on the couch watching The Look for Less (today's episode = de-Jerseying the Jersey Girl), enjoying a brown sugar cinnamon pop tart and morning caffeine intake (a.k.a. Sun-drop), then smelling a putrid, raunchy, burning smell and seeing smoke come from your kitchen. Immediately I think ~
"Oh Lord, the house is going to be engulfed in flames at any second, it's going to explode into one giant ball of fire, I'll narrowly escape and end up on Channel 4 news at noon and I haven't even brushed my hair or teeth this morning!!!"
Luckily, and by the full grace of God, that scenario didn't pan out (I just really have a flare for the dramatic, you should see me tell stories ~ the use of hand motions and facial expressions are FANTASTIC!!!) Instead, I followed the smoke to the dishwasher (fully loaded, gel tab inserted and running b/c I have a husband that isn't afraid to do the dishes). Yes, the dishwasher!!! I cautiously opened the door, (then thought that I should probably have a fire extinguisher in my hands, oh well, the burn unit at Vanderbilt does a good job. I'll take one for the team.) and saw a hole burned into the bottom of the door. Apparently the dishwasher decided he (yes, it's definitely a male!) didn't want to dry dishes anymore and the outer 'heated dry" element was melting the door. Can you say "STINKY"???!?!?! Man, burning plastic smells horrible!
I called Brandon, who is of course out of town, these kinds of things only happen when he's at least two hours away. He immediately says it's a sign from God that he should never do dishes again, (uh... NO!) and feels guilty for turning on the dishwasher (from here on out known as DW, like the little friend on Franklin or Darryl Waltrip the Nascar commentator and previous driver). I try to explain that God's only hand in this is was keeping me safe and giving me an almost insane sense of smell, not that Brandon should refrain from helping out in the kitchen. The kitchen windows are up, the fans are on and I have to call the insurance agency (USAA, they ROCK!), try to find DW's manual and call GE for more information.
All of this and it's only 10:30. Good grief! (insert a Charlie Brown sigh here.)
Tidings of Joy... And safe dishwashing! :)
"Oh Lord, the house is going to be engulfed in flames at any second, it's going to explode into one giant ball of fire, I'll narrowly escape and end up on Channel 4 news at noon and I haven't even brushed my hair or teeth this morning!!!"
Luckily, and by the full grace of God, that scenario didn't pan out (I just really have a flare for the dramatic, you should see me tell stories ~ the use of hand motions and facial expressions are FANTASTIC!!!) Instead, I followed the smoke to the dishwasher (fully loaded, gel tab inserted and running b/c I have a husband that isn't afraid to do the dishes). Yes, the dishwasher!!! I cautiously opened the door, (then thought that I should probably have a fire extinguisher in my hands, oh well, the burn unit at Vanderbilt does a good job. I'll take one for the team.) and saw a hole burned into the bottom of the door. Apparently the dishwasher decided he (yes, it's definitely a male!) didn't want to dry dishes anymore and the outer 'heated dry" element was melting the door. Can you say "STINKY"???!?!?! Man, burning plastic smells horrible!
I called Brandon, who is of course out of town, these kinds of things only happen when he's at least two hours away. He immediately says it's a sign from God that he should never do dishes again, (uh... NO!) and feels guilty for turning on the dishwasher (from here on out known as DW, like the little friend on Franklin or Darryl Waltrip the Nascar commentator and previous driver). I try to explain that God's only hand in this is was keeping me safe and giving me an almost insane sense of smell, not that Brandon should refrain from helping out in the kitchen. The kitchen windows are up, the fans are on and I have to call the insurance agency (USAA, they ROCK!), try to find DW's manual and call GE for more information.
All of this and it's only 10:30. Good grief! (insert a Charlie Brown sigh here.)
Tidings of Joy... And safe dishwashing! :)
Monday, August 16, 2004
Are you a western watcher?
I believe that for the first time in my entire life, I just watched an entire western (The Cowboys w/ John Wayne) and didn't fall asleep. It was actually a good movie. I'll have to swallow my pride before admitting that to Brandon, but it won't be the first time, and probably not the last either!
A synopsis for anyone who hasn't watched this: Wil (one l, it drives me crazy!) Anderson (J.W.) is a rancher during the 1870's (I love the details of digital cable, we don't miss out on anything!) who has a drive to make. Because of the Gold Rush (which I thought was 1849 ~ but who needs to be historically correct?) there is a shortage of men and he can only find teenagers to work as his team. They set out on a journey and along the way form a family tie (much like our blog family, only w/ out the cattle, open range, guns, cursing, loose women ~ including Colleen Deuherst who was Marilla in the Anne of Green Gables movies, and fights w/ outsiders. Oh wait, that last part kind of makes its way in sometimes...) Anywho, good flick, short enough to not fall asleep to and has a family ties undertone to it. There, I said it... The world is not rotating in an opposite direction and all is well in the Hale house!
We also have seen Collateral, The Bourne Supremacy and Kill Bill Vol. 2 (also bits of Lady and the Tramp 2, but Brandon didn't like the musical parts so he kept changing the channel) this past week. Tonight's feature is The Whole Ten Yards. I really should get paid to be a movie critic! Good flicks and Quinton Terrintino is still incredibly odd ~ he must have been an interesting child to be around.
Tidings of Joy... And good movies. :)
A synopsis for anyone who hasn't watched this: Wil (one l, it drives me crazy!) Anderson (J.W.) is a rancher during the 1870's (I love the details of digital cable, we don't miss out on anything!) who has a drive to make. Because of the Gold Rush (which I thought was 1849 ~ but who needs to be historically correct?) there is a shortage of men and he can only find teenagers to work as his team. They set out on a journey and along the way form a family tie (much like our blog family, only w/ out the cattle, open range, guns, cursing, loose women ~ including Colleen Deuherst who was Marilla in the Anne of Green Gables movies, and fights w/ outsiders. Oh wait, that last part kind of makes its way in sometimes...) Anywho, good flick, short enough to not fall asleep to and has a family ties undertone to it. There, I said it... The world is not rotating in an opposite direction and all is well in the Hale house!
We also have seen Collateral, The Bourne Supremacy and Kill Bill Vol. 2 (also bits of Lady and the Tramp 2, but Brandon didn't like the musical parts so he kept changing the channel) this past week. Tonight's feature is The Whole Ten Yards. I really should get paid to be a movie critic! Good flicks and Quinton Terrintino is still incredibly odd ~ he must have been an interesting child to be around.
Tidings of Joy... And good movies. :)
Saturday, August 14, 2004
Thursday, August 12, 2004
Expectations, Dreams, and Startling Realities
I have always been a big dreamer. I am successful at everything that I attempt. I do not fail! Throughout my 25 1/2 years, I have had an almost unreachable standard, set by me, for me. And recently, I realized that it's just not possible ~ this realization has come with a lot of heartache and disappointment.
The first time that I got a B was my sophomore year of high school. I was in Geometry, I had the cool teacher who let us eat, drink and chew gum. She didn't assign seats, she let us come and go and sit where ever we wanted (even on the floor ~ that's my favorite place). The second six weeks I got a 91, one little point from an A. I will add that I cheated on almost everything to do with that class, and somehow still didn't succeed, DUH!! It was devastating! My parents actually considered putting me into therapy because I reacted so extremely. Making a B meant that I'd have to take the semester exam, it meant that I wasn't smart, I'd have to be in school with the losers and the dumb people, which to me, meant failure. I'd end up flunking out of school and becoming a lifer at the Cracker Barrel, have several children by several different men, never be able to pay my own bills and always have black circles under my eyes. I'd wear scrunchies and miss matched socks, my current live in man would have a mullet and wear wife beaters and have plumber's crack. My double wide trailer would be blown away in a tornado and I'd be on Fox news describing the train sounds right before everything went black. My whole world was ending ~ and all because of a B in Geometry.
I've moved on, but not too far. I actually ended up graduating from high school with a 3.9 and from all five colleges with a 3.4 GPA. I got into graduate school with no problem (although, my GRE score isn't high enough for Vanderbilt, it's still ok.) and I plan on becoming a successful therapist with a healing center where people can come to relax, feel safe, enjoy bettering themselves and their families, meet people and form support systems. I'll be a wonderful wife and mother of at least four children by the age of 32. I'll be the soccer mom, the room mom, the cool mom, the mom that everyone comes to for good food and advice. I'll have a smile on my face, matching shoes and purse, ironed clothes and a happy home (and NO SCRUNCHIES!!!)
As I sit back and take a look at all of this, there seems to be one rather large flaw... I, I, I, I, I... I have lot sight of the big picture, yes, dreams, goals and expectations are important. But being a child of God is the reason that I exist. He has given me each and every gift in my life, and I took them all, left Him out of the picture and gave myself all of the credit. In fact, I was writing this earlier, the electricity flashed and I lost everything that I had just poured out onto the screen. After crying for a minute, I laughed, said ok God, and started all over again.
Part of the reason that the fertility issues have bothered me is because of my all or nothing attitude. Ideas and goals that come to me are to be to my specifications or not at all. It's a flaw that I have, I am working on that and many others. It's funny to me that God can see me, He knew who I was before anyone, He knows my thinking, my incredibly insane rationale, my self-centered, petty, immature tendencies ~ and He loves me anyway. In fact, He sent His own child to die in order for me to have hope, forgiveness, grace and love. It's just crazy that He would do that for anyone, let alone Mae Anne McCullough Hale (You must say my name with a southern drawl or it just isn't right. Everybody, really draw out those vowels and slurr all of the consonants, puhleeez! ~ Maaan Mmcculla Hayuhl).
I am not perfect, failure is ok and it's bound to happen. When it does, it will be a learning experience and God's hand will guide me to the next step.
Thank you God for your love, forgiveness, grace, sense of humor, and most of all for your Son. Without any of this, I'd be a lost fool. Instead, I am a saved fool with hope for tomorrow and a home with you. Please help me to remember this moment of reality and love.
Tidings of Joy... Hope, grace, love and self acceptance. :)
P.S. I must add that it's been an incredibly emotional day and I just openly weeped while watching a Hillary Duff movie on the Disney channel. Kleenex anyone?
The first time that I got a B was my sophomore year of high school. I was in Geometry, I had the cool teacher who let us eat, drink and chew gum. She didn't assign seats, she let us come and go and sit where ever we wanted (even on the floor ~ that's my favorite place). The second six weeks I got a 91, one little point from an A. I will add that I cheated on almost everything to do with that class, and somehow still didn't succeed, DUH!! It was devastating! My parents actually considered putting me into therapy because I reacted so extremely. Making a B meant that I'd have to take the semester exam, it meant that I wasn't smart, I'd have to be in school with the losers and the dumb people, which to me, meant failure. I'd end up flunking out of school and becoming a lifer at the Cracker Barrel, have several children by several different men, never be able to pay my own bills and always have black circles under my eyes. I'd wear scrunchies and miss matched socks, my current live in man would have a mullet and wear wife beaters and have plumber's crack. My double wide trailer would be blown away in a tornado and I'd be on Fox news describing the train sounds right before everything went black. My whole world was ending ~ and all because of a B in Geometry.
I've moved on, but not too far. I actually ended up graduating from high school with a 3.9 and from all five colleges with a 3.4 GPA. I got into graduate school with no problem (although, my GRE score isn't high enough for Vanderbilt, it's still ok.) and I plan on becoming a successful therapist with a healing center where people can come to relax, feel safe, enjoy bettering themselves and their families, meet people and form support systems. I'll be a wonderful wife and mother of at least four children by the age of 32. I'll be the soccer mom, the room mom, the cool mom, the mom that everyone comes to for good food and advice. I'll have a smile on my face, matching shoes and purse, ironed clothes and a happy home (and NO SCRUNCHIES!!!)
As I sit back and take a look at all of this, there seems to be one rather large flaw... I, I, I, I, I... I have lot sight of the big picture, yes, dreams, goals and expectations are important. But being a child of God is the reason that I exist. He has given me each and every gift in my life, and I took them all, left Him out of the picture and gave myself all of the credit. In fact, I was writing this earlier, the electricity flashed and I lost everything that I had just poured out onto the screen. After crying for a minute, I laughed, said ok God, and started all over again.
Part of the reason that the fertility issues have bothered me is because of my all or nothing attitude. Ideas and goals that come to me are to be to my specifications or not at all. It's a flaw that I have, I am working on that and many others. It's funny to me that God can see me, He knew who I was before anyone, He knows my thinking, my incredibly insane rationale, my self-centered, petty, immature tendencies ~ and He loves me anyway. In fact, He sent His own child to die in order for me to have hope, forgiveness, grace and love. It's just crazy that He would do that for anyone, let alone Mae Anne McCullough Hale (You must say my name with a southern drawl or it just isn't right. Everybody, really draw out those vowels and slurr all of the consonants, puhleeez! ~ Maaan Mmcculla Hayuhl).
I am not perfect, failure is ok and it's bound to happen. When it does, it will be a learning experience and God's hand will guide me to the next step.
Thank you God for your love, forgiveness, grace, sense of humor, and most of all for your Son. Without any of this, I'd be a lost fool. Instead, I am a saved fool with hope for tomorrow and a home with you. Please help me to remember this moment of reality and love.
Tidings of Joy... Hope, grace, love and self acceptance. :)
P.S. I must add that it's been an incredibly emotional day and I just openly weeped while watching a Hillary Duff movie on the Disney channel. Kleenex anyone?
Wednesday, August 11, 2004
As you can see, I'm not very big and it takes very little pressure for me to turn around and clean in another direction. You may learn more about me at www.hammacher.com, I came with fun accessories and even a remote that attracks men to use me of their own free will! If you have any more questions about me, just ask and I'll be happy to answer. Happy cleaning! <3, Rosie Roomba
Empty Thoughts and Ramblings ~ Feel Free To Add To Them!
Wow, I think this is actually the first time that I've gone to blog without a specific idea in mind. How sad...
I'll just let my fingers do the walking and I am sure that my thoughts will eventually catch up.
Yesterday I got paid to take care of two of the most well-behaved children on the face of the earth. Maryn Rose -almost 3, and Gage - 15 months. They live in a big farm house out in the middle of a corn field (insert Children of the Corn music here). They are the two youngest in a family of 4 children and have parents that juggle 40 hour week jobs and farming, as many families in this area do. It was a lot of fun to experience a day in the life of motherhood. (insert the Matt Elliott rendition of "Someday" here.)
As I type, my Roomba is busy at work making the white burber carpet in the living room appear to be clean. I came home yesterday to meet two new stains right at the edge of the living room floor. Today, I sent them to meet their Savior. I just love removing stains. It goes back to the immediate gratification deal that mowing gives me as well. I can tell that men who obviously do not realize how difficult keeping a clean house can be, designed our house and all of the others in the neighborhood. Anyone who puts white floors in a house needs to be institutionalized!
In 12 days I will begin my second semester as a graduate student. I was looking over my registration the other day and came across the "F" word ~ "FRESHMAN". I almost had to sit down on a freshly made bed, it hit me that hard (BTW, sitting on a made bed is cause for certain repercutions in the Hale house, some random tick I picked up from Mema, blame her ~ nothings ever my fault!)!!! I didn't go through six & a half years of undergrad in order to be labeled a freshman all over again. This is just an atrocity!!!
I'll stop here, Roomba has sung her "Your floor is now clean!" song. I'm off to empty her and put her back to work. There's just no rest for the weary!!!
Tidings of Joy... and clean carpet! :)
I'll just let my fingers do the walking and I am sure that my thoughts will eventually catch up.
Yesterday I got paid to take care of two of the most well-behaved children on the face of the earth. Maryn Rose -almost 3, and Gage - 15 months. They live in a big farm house out in the middle of a corn field (insert Children of the Corn music here). They are the two youngest in a family of 4 children and have parents that juggle 40 hour week jobs and farming, as many families in this area do. It was a lot of fun to experience a day in the life of motherhood. (insert the Matt Elliott rendition of "Someday" here.)
As I type, my Roomba is busy at work making the white burber carpet in the living room appear to be clean. I came home yesterday to meet two new stains right at the edge of the living room floor. Today, I sent them to meet their Savior. I just love removing stains. It goes back to the immediate gratification deal that mowing gives me as well. I can tell that men who obviously do not realize how difficult keeping a clean house can be, designed our house and all of the others in the neighborhood. Anyone who puts white floors in a house needs to be institutionalized!
In 12 days I will begin my second semester as a graduate student. I was looking over my registration the other day and came across the "F" word ~ "FRESHMAN". I almost had to sit down on a freshly made bed, it hit me that hard (BTW, sitting on a made bed is cause for certain repercutions in the Hale house, some random tick I picked up from Mema, blame her ~ nothings ever my fault!)!!! I didn't go through six & a half years of undergrad in order to be labeled a freshman all over again. This is just an atrocity!!!
I'll stop here, Roomba has sung her "Your floor is now clean!" song. I'm off to empty her and put her back to work. There's just no rest for the weary!!!
Tidings of Joy... and clean carpet! :)
Sunday, August 08, 2004
Saturday, August 07, 2004
Lawn Mower Mae Anne
Today has been one of those days that I wish I could put in a bottle, take out, and re-live all over again any time that I need to. So, I'm putting it here just for that reason.
My husband and I have a wonderful relationship. In fact, we're pretty much both so sarcastic, dumb, and silly, that pretty much any period of time is spent laughing at each other or at people and situations that we deem laughable.
This is our weekend to mow my Gran's yard (she lives in Centertown, which just so happens to be about 2 1/2 hours from us in the Nursery Capitol of the World ~ Warren County, TN). This is the third time this season that Brandon has mowed (or is it mown?), but my first. (Yet another reason that he's so fantastic.) We got up and actually left the house by 8:00, which is a feat in and of itself. Got to Manchester and loaded up B's Dad's John Deere (didn't think our old Murray could handle another round at her place and ours too!) around 10:00 and we're off to mow by 10:30. The ride there, was just so fun, we laughed the entire time (of course one could say we were delirious, but still, we laughed). Here's an excerpt.
Setting: Us in the truck, passing one of many cow pastures.
B: "Mooo, moooo (directed to the cattle, apparently he didn't get this out of his system at 5 years of age). I think we need a pet cow for the back yard. Sassafrass could really use a friend to play with, and I'd never have to mow again."
M: Laughing. "Umm, honey have you ever been around cows before? They're a lot of work, not just fun and tipping while they sleep."
B: "Well, maybe once, at the fair. ..No, not really. I like them but ours won't need work ~ it'll just eat grass and entertain the dog. Besides, we'd get a miniature cow, like the Sheffield (meaning Shettland) Pony, only a Sheffield Cow!"
M: Guffawing. "Ok honey, the next time you come upon a "Sheffield Cow" we'll get it, just to entertain the dog."
How can you not love a man who wants a mini cow?!!!
Then as we got to Gran's I experienced one of the best immediate gratification situations ever: I got to mow on a John Deere lawn tractor!!! Now, if it's something that you've never experienced, please make sure that you do. In fact, we have to mow again in early Oct, so meet us in Centertown and I'll show you the ropes! It was such a smooth, quite, peaceful (except for the grass in the eye bit, not so peaceful...) ride that I literally could have done it all day long. I love immediate gratification, and there's nothing like mowing, painting, or cleaning to get that "Job well done" feeling. It was fun, quick, like mowing w/ a Caddy, and I got to spend time w/ my Gran Gran!
Later we showered at the in-laws, had a great, late, FREE lunch at O'Charley's and then spent a couple of hours visiting w/ my step-mom (Daddy had to work 3:50p.m. til 5:00a.m. at the base, apparently they are testing fighter pilot engines or something top secret like that, so don't tell anyone you know.). Then, on our way home through the beautiful, rolling hills, we witnessed one of the most perfect sunsets in all of creation. Placed there at that moment just for us to enjoy. "How Beautiful!"
A wonderful day, with a wonderful man, visiting our wonderful family ~ not too shabby!
Tidings of Joy... And perfect sunsets! :)
P.S. If you say my name really fast and w/ a country accent, it often sounds like "man" or "my aunt". Yep, my momma cursed me, bless her heart ~ and mine!
P.P.S. Reading back over this makes me sound a bit on the red neck side. Oh well, can't run from my raisin'!!!
My husband and I have a wonderful relationship. In fact, we're pretty much both so sarcastic, dumb, and silly, that pretty much any period of time is spent laughing at each other or at people and situations that we deem laughable.
This is our weekend to mow my Gran's yard (she lives in Centertown, which just so happens to be about 2 1/2 hours from us in the Nursery Capitol of the World ~ Warren County, TN). This is the third time this season that Brandon has mowed (or is it mown?), but my first. (Yet another reason that he's so fantastic.) We got up and actually left the house by 8:00, which is a feat in and of itself. Got to Manchester and loaded up B's Dad's John Deere (didn't think our old Murray could handle another round at her place and ours too!) around 10:00 and we're off to mow by 10:30. The ride there, was just so fun, we laughed the entire time (of course one could say we were delirious, but still, we laughed). Here's an excerpt.
Setting: Us in the truck, passing one of many cow pastures.
B: "Mooo, moooo (directed to the cattle, apparently he didn't get this out of his system at 5 years of age). I think we need a pet cow for the back yard. Sassafrass could really use a friend to play with, and I'd never have to mow again."
M: Laughing. "Umm, honey have you ever been around cows before? They're a lot of work, not just fun and tipping while they sleep."
B: "Well, maybe once, at the fair. ..No, not really. I like them but ours won't need work ~ it'll just eat grass and entertain the dog. Besides, we'd get a miniature cow, like the Sheffield (meaning Shettland) Pony, only a Sheffield Cow!"
M: Guffawing. "Ok honey, the next time you come upon a "Sheffield Cow" we'll get it, just to entertain the dog."
How can you not love a man who wants a mini cow?!!!
Then as we got to Gran's I experienced one of the best immediate gratification situations ever: I got to mow on a John Deere lawn tractor!!! Now, if it's something that you've never experienced, please make sure that you do. In fact, we have to mow again in early Oct, so meet us in Centertown and I'll show you the ropes! It was such a smooth, quite, peaceful (except for the grass in the eye bit, not so peaceful...) ride that I literally could have done it all day long. I love immediate gratification, and there's nothing like mowing, painting, or cleaning to get that "Job well done" feeling. It was fun, quick, like mowing w/ a Caddy, and I got to spend time w/ my Gran Gran!
Later we showered at the in-laws, had a great, late, FREE lunch at O'Charley's and then spent a couple of hours visiting w/ my step-mom (Daddy had to work 3:50p.m. til 5:00a.m. at the base, apparently they are testing fighter pilot engines or something top secret like that, so don't tell anyone you know.). Then, on our way home through the beautiful, rolling hills, we witnessed one of the most perfect sunsets in all of creation. Placed there at that moment just for us to enjoy. "How Beautiful!"
A wonderful day, with a wonderful man, visiting our wonderful family ~ not too shabby!
Tidings of Joy... And perfect sunsets! :)
P.S. If you say my name really fast and w/ a country accent, it often sounds like "man" or "my aunt". Yep, my momma cursed me, bless her heart ~ and mine!
P.P.S. Reading back over this makes me sound a bit on the red neck side. Oh well, can't run from my raisin'!!!
Wednesday, August 04, 2004
John 19:30b
"It is finished!"
My story is nowhere near the story of Christ, but I still feel a victory. The painting in the house is done, the tape has been pulled down, the rollers thrown away, I don't see even a speck of paint on the carpet, and I am a happy woman! I have accomplished a fairly large task, painting close to 1,000 square feet of our house with just a couple of people to step in and help... Not too shabby.
I still have two weeks of vacation time left before school starts back. Hmmm, the hampster in my head is trotting awful fast to keep the wheels of creativity flowing. I bought a computer program to make all kinds of artsy~fartsy stuff the other day. Maybe I'll actually sit down and learn how to use it correctly, then I can start my own custom stationary online business and make enough cabbage to pay for the program. Wouldn't that be a hoot??!!!
Or, I can sleep... a lot.
And read some good books ~ Mike's are really good, but I'll finish them up in no time. I need an epic story to completely engross my time and make it to where I can't even reach for a drink b/c I am unable to tear my eyes away from the page. Fill me in on such a title, please.
Or, I can clean up the not so clean areas of the house that I happened upon during my painting expedition. Who knew that our all white ceiling fan had blades that reversed to black?!!! (Or was that dust? Nah, not in my house!) And how do all of those little knats & bugs get in the windows that I can barely sweep out w/ a broom while standing in a kitchen chair? What are they ~ super insects? Obviously not since they had all passed away by the time I found them!
I need some good ideas for fall and winter landscaping that doesn't require a lot of maintenance. I have tons of stuff for the spring and summer, but only two little (and I really mean little) holly bushes for any other part of the year. Any suggestions?
If I were into labeling, which I'm not, I'd say I'm a bit twitchy and need to be constantly busy. Take your guess at what the DSM IV would call me... Ahh, the disorders of the world that control our lives. That's another blog all together.
Tidings of Joy... And no more painting!!! :)
My story is nowhere near the story of Christ, but I still feel a victory. The painting in the house is done, the tape has been pulled down, the rollers thrown away, I don't see even a speck of paint on the carpet, and I am a happy woman! I have accomplished a fairly large task, painting close to 1,000 square feet of our house with just a couple of people to step in and help... Not too shabby.
I still have two weeks of vacation time left before school starts back. Hmmm, the hampster in my head is trotting awful fast to keep the wheels of creativity flowing. I bought a computer program to make all kinds of artsy~fartsy stuff the other day. Maybe I'll actually sit down and learn how to use it correctly, then I can start my own custom stationary online business and make enough cabbage to pay for the program. Wouldn't that be a hoot??!!!
Or, I can sleep... a lot.
And read some good books ~ Mike's are really good, but I'll finish them up in no time. I need an epic story to completely engross my time and make it to where I can't even reach for a drink b/c I am unable to tear my eyes away from the page. Fill me in on such a title, please.
Or, I can clean up the not so clean areas of the house that I happened upon during my painting expedition. Who knew that our all white ceiling fan had blades that reversed to black?!!! (Or was that dust? Nah, not in my house!) And how do all of those little knats & bugs get in the windows that I can barely sweep out w/ a broom while standing in a kitchen chair? What are they ~ super insects? Obviously not since they had all passed away by the time I found them!
I need some good ideas for fall and winter landscaping that doesn't require a lot of maintenance. I have tons of stuff for the spring and summer, but only two little (and I really mean little) holly bushes for any other part of the year. Any suggestions?
If I were into labeling, which I'm not, I'd say I'm a bit twitchy and need to be constantly busy. Take your guess at what the DSM IV would call me... Ahh, the disorders of the world that control our lives. That's another blog all together.
Tidings of Joy... And no more painting!!! :)
Tuesday, August 03, 2004
Fly Family Doomed to Die!!!
If you look at the two pictures below this post, you'll see my husband on a fly killing spree. The funny part about it all is that it took place between 11:45 and midnight last night and most of it happened while the two of us were brushing our teeth and getting ready to go to bed. (Yes, we're night owls!)
For some random reason, a family of four or so flies decided to take up residence in our house. There is nothing more annoying than a fly family flying around your head as you try to go to sleep. Brandon (a.k.a. Fly Sniper) took it upon himself (not that I volunteered) to divide and conquer the fly family. Two were in our dressing room and two in our bedroom. We barricaded the two dressing room flies in the 8' by 8' area and Brandon started swinging away ~ it was soooo funny to watch and try to not get hit by the flyswatter at the same time. I had tears and toothpaste running down my face from laughing so hard!!! (Notice there isn't a picture of me at the time... Evil, I know, but hey, he allowed me to take the pictures!) After about 10 minutes of de-flying we headed into the bedroom and the poor fly family has been laid to rest in the garbage can of our bathroom.
Not as funny now that I read it, the meaning is a bit difficult to get across without my fantastic use of facial expressions, but oh well. I felt the need to let you in on a typical night in the Hale household! Hope yours was as exciting as ours!
Tidings of Joy... and no more fly families! :)
For some random reason, a family of four or so flies decided to take up residence in our house. There is nothing more annoying than a fly family flying around your head as you try to go to sleep. Brandon (a.k.a. Fly Sniper) took it upon himself (not that I volunteered) to divide and conquer the fly family. Two were in our dressing room and two in our bedroom. We barricaded the two dressing room flies in the 8' by 8' area and Brandon started swinging away ~ it was soooo funny to watch and try to not get hit by the flyswatter at the same time. I had tears and toothpaste running down my face from laughing so hard!!! (Notice there isn't a picture of me at the time... Evil, I know, but hey, he allowed me to take the pictures!) After about 10 minutes of de-flying we headed into the bedroom and the poor fly family has been laid to rest in the garbage can of our bathroom.
Not as funny now that I read it, the meaning is a bit difficult to get across without my fantastic use of facial expressions, but oh well. I felt the need to let you in on a typical night in the Hale household! Hope yours was as exciting as ours!
Tidings of Joy... and no more fly families! :)
Monday, August 02, 2004
The long awaited top o' da fridge picture. It didn't come out like I wanted, but you can get the idea. Besides, when is it not fun to climb on top of things?!! (Please ignore the dishes that haven't made their way to the cabinets, I'll have to fire the housekeeper... oh wati, that's me, never mind!) :)
Warning: The Provera has kicked in!
I'm on the stinkin' Provera again b/c well, it wasn't successful the first time. I have to let all my peeps in Blogland know that I am not my usual self while on this necessary evil. I apologize in advance for any off hand remarks or comments for the next 7 to 10 days: and especially for the pessimistic attitude. Please pray for my husband, he's the person that receives a majority of my non-pregnant frustrations. Earlier today I asked him not to wash his hands in the sink ~ it truly has made me incredibly anal (even more so than usual!) and my senses are on red alert!
Does it bother anyone else that there are people in this world, blessed by God who still wear socks with sandals and have mullets? Come on, I know I'm a pretty tough fashionista, but really. Women, don't let your men defile the eyes of the world by committing such a fashion atrocity, please!
Brandon took the digital camera with him to work, so the pictures of our newly painted territory will not be posted until later. The promised shot from the top of the fridge will just have to wait.
Till then... Tidings of Joy.
Does it bother anyone else that there are people in this world, blessed by God who still wear socks with sandals and have mullets? Come on, I know I'm a pretty tough fashionista, but really. Women, don't let your men defile the eyes of the world by committing such a fashion atrocity, please!
Brandon took the digital camera with him to work, so the pictures of our newly painted territory will not be posted until later. The promised shot from the top of the fridge will just have to wait.
Till then... Tidings of Joy.
Sunday, August 01, 2004
Total Body Workout...Via Painting
I don't' know that I have ever been so sore in my entire life. Yesterday I started painting around 9:30a.m. and stopped about 11:30p.m. Luckily one of my best friends, Yvette (just Vette to me) came up from Huntsville (SG, it's only an hour and a half away, but the AL line is roughly 15 miles. I'll hook you up w/ Tenn geography in no time, you'll be whistling Rocky Top and everything!) to help out b/c Brandon refuses to do anything except tape off. We knocked out the kitchen (including the 15' tall walls) and dining room and got one coat onto the living room walls.
I am exhausted after just finishing the (hopefully) last coat in the living room. Tomorrow I'll get the hallway and won't pick up another paint roller until we get to decorate a nursery. My body is sore from my crown to my toe nails, but pulling up that tape and seeing the end result is all worth it! (That's my paint mantra anyway!!!) I'll post pics tomorrow after everything is back in place, I know your aching to see how it's turned out.
The best view of everything is from the top of the refridgerator, you should try it, pretty fun! Then again, it could be the fumes talking.
Tidings of Joy... Rest and not having sore fingers or toes! :)
I am exhausted after just finishing the (hopefully) last coat in the living room. Tomorrow I'll get the hallway and won't pick up another paint roller until we get to decorate a nursery. My body is sore from my crown to my toe nails, but pulling up that tape and seeing the end result is all worth it! (That's my paint mantra anyway!!!) I'll post pics tomorrow after everything is back in place, I know your aching to see how it's turned out.
The best view of everything is from the top of the refridgerator, you should try it, pretty fun! Then again, it could be the fumes talking.
Tidings of Joy... Rest and not having sore fingers or toes! :)
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