Stubby

Okay - since others (no names) have been posting pics of their special cats - I naturally had to post one of mine own! :) I would now like to introduce my other "son" who we fondly call "Stubby." And, yes, there is a story behind the name! LOL! We got Stubby about three years ago from the Humane Society. When we went to visit the HS - there were several things Mark and I said this cat would have to have. It would have to be already neutered. It would have to be already declawed. It would have to be at least a couple years old. And last, but not least, it would have to be good with children (we have always had pets at our home, but we have bad luck and we have to end up getting rid of them). Traumatic for children! So - we figured with all of these requirements - our chances were pretty slim of finding one! Not so! Conveniently, the HS had "one" - that's right - just one - that matched all of these necessities! And, of course, we couldn't resist taking him home!!! And he has been a big part of the family ever since! I must say he has lived up to the description of being good with children! Not only my boys, but all of the neighborhood children love our Stubby! He is well known. And he doesn't mind the kids "bugging" him (he is better with the kids than us grown-ups I would say). If I were him - I would run and hide b/c I could!!!!! :) As for his name - that is what his previous owners had named him. I, of course, wanted to change it to Diego (I thought it went well with his black color). I, also, of course, lost out on that! Jackson insisted that we keep his name Stubby and I said okay (this is a story for another blog, but I pick my battles with the kids and this didn't seem like one to fight). :) For those still reading this blog - his full name is "Stubby Diego Archer." Jack and I agreed to make Diego his middle name! See - I am teaching compromise! What a good mother!!!! LOL! And for those "still" reading - the name Stubby came from his tail. I don't think you can notice in these pix, but he has a noticably shorter tail than normal. I didn't see it myself at first, at the HS, but Mark did. When he pointed it out to me - it was like - whoa! :) We have found that some people totally notice and ask about his tail and others either, don't notice, or don't say anything (in which case I, naturally, point it out)! LOL!
One pic is of Jacob this past April (2006) with Stubs and the pic of Jackson with Stubs is from almost a year ago at the end of September (2005). Stubby is just perfect for Halloween! :)
It is really amazing how much these animals become a part of our lives! I think they can really bring comfort in times of need! And animals are smart - I think they know when something is wrong! Anyway, we love our Stubby so I had to post him on my blog! He is my "fourth" son - so I couldn't leave him out (Mark is my third son)! :)
XOXOXO - WE LOVE YOU STUBBY!!!!
P.S. Stubby says to say hi to Mia and Bear! :)

DUH!!!!!!!

Mark just read my latest blog and, once again, we are laughing hysterically!!!!! He has informed me that the saying was, "REACH out and touch someone!" Duh!!!!!! He also said that this really does make ME the doofus! LOL!!
Well, I was close, what can I say!!! LOL! :) I think "DUH" says it all!!!!! :)

New Kid At School

Okay - hopefully you guys have read Stephanie's blog before mine (if you are reading mine first, then check hers out next). Steph wrote about a new girl at school and reaching out to meet new people. So, of course, I have a story! LOL! :)
Many moons ago - I - was that new student! And I can tell ya......................... IT SUCKS!!!!!! It is the worst feeling I have ever felt in my whole life (emotional that is). :) Not knowing anyone and not having any friends - it is very hard. You put on your brave face, but it is so scary and hard! Luckily, when I moved to Ashville, I had one friend I knew who went there. This was a great thing. The bad part was that we didn't have ANY classes together. Even that wouldn't have been so bad, except for NO ONE and I mean NO ONE talked to me!!!!! Not in the classroom, not in the hallway, not at lunch, not anywhere!!!! Looking back I wonder what was wrong with these people! :) Anyway, the worst part of all was "lunch" on my very first day!! My mom and I had talked to the school counselor to make sure that I would be with the one person I knew during lunch! Even if we didn't have classes together - we could work it out to have lunch. This way I wouldn't be alone at lunch time! We all know that lunch time would be the worst place to be alone! Can you imagine?! Sitting in the cafeteria all alone?! It wouldn't have been horrible if you already knew people - you still might not like being alone, but at least you know the school - you know people. Being alone at lunch time is worse when you are sixteen and new and don't know a soul!!! How do I know this? Well, let me tell you how! The doofus counselor mixed up the schedules and my one friend wasn't there on my very first day at that new school!!!!!! I walked into the cafeteria looking for her and she was nowhere to be found! I felt so alone I wanted to crawl under the floor! I just sat down at a table - all alone - hoping that someone would invite me to come and sit with them! It never happened! It was not a good feeling! I think as Dr. Phil would say - it was a defining moment in my life! And the surprise is that it isn't in a bad way! It is a defining moment where I learned a lesson and ran with it! To this day I use the lesson learned and it makes me feel good! I have turned something that was a negative experience into something positive! That feels good!
What I learned to do was to "notice" other people. I think that is important. Simply to notice others and care. I remember the next year at school (at lunch) noticing another new girl (sitting alone) - that is how I knew she was new. Anyway, I walked right up to her and invited her to sit with us! And guess what?! She accepted! Turns out she was a senior (we at my table were juniors). Eventually, she moved on (after she got to know people in her grade), but I know deep in my heart that I helped her that first month of school when she was the new girl! I will never know, but I hope she remembers that experience. I hope she remembers not for glory for me, but b/c it is something I hope I passed on (and maybe she passed on, too). My point is this (you know I always have one): notice new people! It could be at your school, at work (it is scary being the new one at a job), at a party (I have seen plenty of people standing alone at parties looking forlorn), at your child's school, etc. There are new people everywhere and they need to be noticed. And not just noticed, but talked to! Ya know what I mean?! My final point is: be nice to new people - don't just see them and say hi (or worse say nothing). Stop and talk with them. Invite them to sit with you! I promise you will touch many lives by doing this! And think about it - we are all the "new" person many times in our lives. For some it is maybe easier than others. Either way - just go out into the world and take notice and touch someone (AT&T)! LOL! Remember the old AT&T commercials?! Go out and touch someone! That is my new motto! I love it! :) It sums up what I am saying in five simple words! LOL!! :)
GO OUT AND TOUCH SOMEONE!!!!!!!!!!!

My Brother

Just a short (can you believe it - I can actually write a short blog)?! LOL! :) Anyway, just wanted to let everyone know that my brother got injured at his job yesterday (Monday). His foot got caught between two fork lifts and he was trapped and 1) his foot broke and 2) some kind of machine went through his foot and pierced the bone!!! Owwwwwww!!! He is at Berger Hospital and is on morphine (he says he can still feel it even on morphine). He is going to have surgery probably on Wednesday. I am going to Berger tomorrow (Tuesday) with my mom. I just wanted to ask everyone to keep him in your prayers!!! I truly appreciate it! It means a lot to me!!! He is gonna be on crutches for over six weeks and then physical therapy and they said he won't work for at least two months!!!! So, basically, it was pretty serious! Thank you all for caring about me and for caring about my family!!! It is comforting to know you guys are there! Thank You!
Love ya!!!!
P.S. He works at the Wal-Mart distribution center in Washington Courthouse (for those who don't know)!

Fun Questions To Answer

Okay - I read Miranda's blog and I am going to copy, BUT I have taken it a step farther and added some of my own! :) Enjoy! Oh, and btw, these quiz questions are always fun to answer and fun to read as well! :)

A) Four jobs that I have had:
1) Clerk at Nationwide Insurance
2) Typist at Grange Insurance
3) Medical Assistant at Mid-Ohio
4) Paper route (1st real job I ever had) :)
Best job I have ever had would have to be: MOTHER! :)

B) Four Movies I'd Watch Over and Over:
1) Never Been Kissed - touches my heart strings every time!
2) Just Married - FUNNY!
3) Walk The Line - Joaquin and Reese (what more can I say)!
4) Wuthering Heights (the new one) - starring Juliette Binoche and Ralph Fiennes

C) Four Places I've Lived:
1) Columbus, Ohio (South End)
2) Ashville
3) Galloway
4) Grove City
All boring for most of us!!!! LOL!!

D) TV shows I love to watch:
1) Project Runway (one day you're in and the next you're out)!
2) Apprentice (You're fired)!
3) Without A Trace (Missing and we have to find them)!
4) Law and Order - Special Victims Unit and Criminal Intent (to close for comfort)!
I also watch all of the CSI's (all three of them) - I guess I like crime or maybe just crime shows!

E) Four places i've been on vacation:
1) Disney World (Orlanda, Florida) - Yippee (feel like a kid again)!
2) New York - woo hoo - except I never ran into anyone famous! I did stay at the Waldorf,
and let me tell ya - (FANCY)!
3) New Mexico - my aunt lives there - I would like to live there, too!
4) California - my sister-in-law lives there - I would like to live there, too!
I like places where it NEVER snows!!!! I don't mind if it gets cold or rains, but NO SNOW!

F) Websites I visit daily:
1) Miranda - and all of her blogger friends!!!!!!! I love you all!
2) My email - does that count?!
3) My Canon page where I store my photos - I am always working and looking at that!
4) My webpage: www.portraitsofalifetime.com

G) Four favorite foods:
1) Spaghetti w/meat sauce (Prego or Ragu) - easy, but good!
2) Vegetable Soup (my mom's) - it's the BEST!
3) Ham and Potato Soup - yummy - and can you believe "I" actually make it! LOL!
4) Grilled Chicken Meal - from Bob Evans - get it with the garlic butter and broccoli - Yum!

H) Four places I would rather be right now:
1) Hawaii - beaches
2) Africa - animals
3) Australia - Steve Irwin and his zoo! Crickey!
4) Hollywood - to mingle with the stars! (Or become one myself)! LOL!

I) Three favorite actors:
1) Joaquin Phoenix
2) John Travolta
3) Johnny Depp

J) Three favorite actresses:
1) Reese Witherspoon
2) Drew Barrymore
3) Kate Hudson

K) Three favorite talk shows:
1) Oprah
2) The Ellen Degeneres Show
3) Dr. Phil

L) Favorite beverage:
1) Dr. Pepper

M) Favorite Colors:
1) Navy Blue
2) Purple

N) Favorite Hobby:
1) Photography

O) Favorite Female Singers:
1) Jewel
2) Faith Hill
3) Wynonna Judd

P) Favorite Male Singers:
1) Tim McGraw
2) Kenny Chesney
3) Toby Keith

Q) Favorite Rock Bands:
1) Aerosmith
2) Bon Jovi

R) Favorite Music Stations:
1) 97.1 FM
2) 92.3 FM

S) Favorite Books:
1) Lots of parenting books
2) The Chicken Soup for the Soul books

T) Favortie Magazine:
1) People

U) Favorite Animals:
1) cats (tigers - leopards - lions) :)
2) gorillas
3) giraffes and zebras

V) Something you may not know about me:
1) I love to swim (I am a really good swimmer - had great lessons as a child)! :)
2) I used to be really shy (I taught myself to be out-going)!
3) I have been in therapy (it really does help you learn to make life-changing goals)!

W) Favorite Moment In Time:
1) When my children were born! EASY QUESTION!!!!! :)

Hope you have enjoyed my questions and answers! I had to make it a tad different since I am a copycat! :) Plus, it wouldn't be mine if it wasn't extra long to read!!! LOL!!!! I can't wait to read others! I am passing it on!!! Have fun and make it your own!

Evening at the Zoo

For those of you who don't know it - I absolutely LOVE the zoo!!! :) We get a zoo pass every year and have been doing so ever since Jackson was one year old. Actually, I credit Jack for my renewed love for the zoo. Before he was born - I hadn't been to the zoo in a long time - and I certainly was oblivious to its beauty whenever I did go! When Jack was about eighteen months old I took him to visit the zoo for his first time (Gramsey - my mom - went with us). All I can say is: after that I had a love for the zoo that I never knew before! The animals are fascinating and, if you take the time to notice, the zoo is beautiful as well. The plants, the trees, the flowers, the water, the waterfalls, etc. are all so peaceful I think. I truly do find a sense of peace and calmness when I am there. My favorite exhibit for the past few years has been the gorillas. They are so much like humans it is amazing! I just have to say that I am so envious of Jane Goodall (getting to work with gorillas in the wild)! Wow! How cool would that be?! Anyway, back to main subject - for those of you who aren't zoo lovers - you may not know, but there is now a new Asian Exhibit with, YES, THAT'S RIGHT.............TIGERS!!!!!!!!!! As you can see by my picture - I have fallen in love!!!!!! I am ashamed to say it, but, I think the gorillas have taken a back seat (at least for the moment)! :) I just absolutely 100% LOVE these tigers (and I am thinking from this picture that the feeling may be mutual) - unless he is just hungry! :) Seriously, though, isn't this the neatest picture?! Mark was taking pictures while I played with the tiger!!!!!! The tiger came right up to the window and licked and he would run and play! He would stand up on his hind legs and put his face right up to me! It is a moment in time that I will never forget!!! It felt truly remarkable!!! It is a moment like this when you realize that there is (if you ever doubted) - there has to be - a God!!!!! To see such a beautiful creature that close to me - to see the detail on his face (not to mention all the different animals to see) - only God could make such unique and special creatures!!!!! As Oprah would say - this is what I know for sure!!! I would like to encourage everyone to visit the zoo! Like I said before - it brings some peace for me - maybe it will do the same for someone else! I hope so!
Oh, and btw, give me a call if you go 'cause I will probably want to tag along! LOL!! :)

Don't Be Afraid To

Don't Be Afraid To:

1) sing to your favorite song or a catchy tune on the radio while driving your car (sing out loud
and enjoy it)!
2) take out your boom box and dance in your drive-way!
3) go to the park and slide down the slide or climb on the monkey bars!
4) play tag with a group of people!
5) play hide-n-seek with a child!
6) be the 1st one to get up and go get food at a function!
7) tell someone something you like about them (even if it happens to be a stranger)!
8) strike up a conversation with a stranger while waiting in line!
9) smile and say hello to the door greeter at the store (such as Wal-Mart)!
10) don't be afraid to blog your thoughts and feelings!

These are all things that I have done personally! Some things are harder to make myself do and others are easy! But I must say - I am always glad I did it in the end!
And if anyone has any other suggestions, please, pass them on! I would love to hear!
Thanks! :)

Oh, yeah, I forgot to tell ya that!

I just wanted to let those of you interested know: I forgot a little "part" of my dentist story that was funny! When he asked me, "what kind of gum do you chew?" and I say that I don't know 'cause I chew all kinds and then I ask him if he is serious and he says yes - I forgot to tell ya that I go and say, "I chew the stick kind!" And to make it worse - I hold up my hand and use my fingers to show how long a piece of stick gum is!!!! This is when he finally asked was it sugar?! He probably knows there is no hope for me!!! LOL!! Oh Well! I just thought it was too funny not to tell!!!!
More later!

Misunderstandings

Well, my last blog got me to thinking (I just took a shower so I had plenty of time to think). Anyway, I remembered something that happened while we were in the Hocking Hills with Mark's family earlier this month (which, btw, was a wonderful time). Well, on our last day of vacation with Mark's family - several of us got to go horse back riding (not everyone wanted to go). I, certainly, was at the top of the list for WANTING to go. Well, the day to go riding finally comes and five of us went (Mark, Jackson, myself, my brother-in-law, Jeff and his daughter (my niece) Jade). We went and had a fabulous time! It was the longest horse ride I have ever had! And it was just so much fun! What can I say?! It doesn't take much to please me! LOL! :) So, here is the part about misunderstandings (b/c more often than not I always have a point)! LOL! The guide had told us that whenever we wanted to stop and take pictures we could. All we had to do was tell her and she would stop. We got to choose where to take the picture (like which area we thought was a good place). Nice, huh?! I thought so! Well, somewhere at about the middle of the horse ride we decided to go ahead and take the picture. We had found a pretty place with nice trees and a lake in the background. Well, the horse back guide just happened to be a young girl (about sixteen). So, to her credit, she gets off of her horse and starts trying to line our horses up for the picture. Well, it was a real nice idea, but you know animals, they don't always do what we want them to! And this day was no different. These horses refused to stand where she wanted them to stand! It was actually kind of funny in retrospect! :) So, the horses are, at this point, standing in "5" different directions. So - being the outgoing one that I am - I finally say, "Let's just take the picture like this!" As you all know I am totally into pictures and 1) the horses WERE NOT going to cooperate and 2) it would end up being a unique picture with the horses in all different directions - so I was happy (which was all that mattered). LOL! Well, my brother-in-law is a real nice, but quiet guy who was just sitting there on his horse not saying much and doing what he was told. So, being the funny one that I am, I look over and say to him, "Jeff just wants to get this over with!" And then I laugh! Well, the guide takes a couple pictures for us and right after that Jeff says to me, "I'm not in a hurry - I am having a fun time." I paused 'cause I was like, "huh?" and then I realized - he meant that he is enjoying the horse back ride - he thinks that is what I was talking about when I said that Jeff wants to get this over with (the horse ride). And that is totally NOT what I meant! I meant the PICTURE! LOL! And, I also was joking. So - I say to him as I'm laughing, "Oh, I know, I meant the picture." So the thought did cross my mind later - do people always "get" what I mean?! Probably not! This was just a little example, but I think it says it all! You can say and mean one thing and someone else takes it the wrong way! They take it in a way that you didn't mean at all! So, once again, my point is this: Try and realize that sometimes your thoughts are your own. And give people a chance sometimes b/c maybe, just maybe, there was a misunderstanding! Ya know what I mean?! Heather has left the building - Good Night! (That is a phrase from the show "Frasier" - he says it at the end of every epidsode)! Ha Ha Ha!!!!!

Mark's Question of the Day?! :)

Mark just got done reading my last blog titled "The Dentist" and he had just one question? He wants to know exactly which "cavities" my Mr. Good-Lookin' dentist is going to fill?! LOL!!!!! I laughed so hard I almost pee'd my pants!!!!!!!! I probably shouldn't be putting this out there on my blog, but it was sooooooooooo funny I had tears in my eyes! I hope it makes someone laugh as much as it did me!!!!!!!
Enjoy!!!!!

The Dentist :(

Okay - today Jackson and I had our bi-annual dentist appointment. Now I happen to know lots of people who absolutely HATE the dentist (I am not one of those people), but I also know people who don't mind the dentist (they don't particularly enjoy going - who does? - but they don't hate it, either). Anyway, Jackson, thankfully, doesn't seem to mind going. That's good for me (less trouble getting him there)! :) Jack seems to do well. He is just happy to get to pick out a toy at the end. :) If only it were that easy for us adults! I guess, for me, the dentist isn't so bad. I totally do not like the x-ray part. I seem to always gag, but I have learned to use my OCD and count during that part (believe it or not - it helps). I generally don't mind the poking and prodding until they "accidentally" scrape my gum a bit too hard. Otherwise - I don't have much to complain about. Jackson and I have been having our dentist appointments together pretty much since he was three (he is now eight). It has been nice having a partner to go with me. I stop and think about what it will ever be like when he doesn't come with me anymore (that is a long time away from now - but I still think it sometimes). I don't like the thought of that too much! I am used to him coming with me! I LIKE him coming with me! So, anyway, today we decided to take along little brother Jake. He is three now himself and will need an appointment soon as well. I have found that bringing smaller children to watch someone else go to the dentist helps. We did this with Jack and it was so successful that we are now doing it with Jake! Jake watched his big brother get his teeth cleaned and seemed very interested and said that next time it would be his turn. So far so good (we will see when "next time" gets here). So, Jack is sitting in the room beside me and I can hear that he is almost done with his exam. Me, on the other hand, not so fast! I have been having trouble with one of my lower back teeth and I talked to the technician about it (sometimes when I chew gum I get a horrible sensation like I just touched a nerve)! It hurts and then I don't chew on that side anymore! :) The technician seemed to think it was nothing and that it was probably just what it felt like - a sensation - no big deal (I had asked if it could be a cavity or was I going to need a root canal). He assured me that was unlikely. So, my exam is almost over and the dentist comes in to check me out (ha ha - my teeth - not me)! LOL! He asks which tooth had been bothering me and the technician and I both told him (they called it tooth #19) and guess what?!!! Lucky me not only has a cavity on the tooth that has been bothering me, but also on another one as well (they called the other one tooth #15). Can you friggin' believe it?!!!!! I can't!!!!! I was so embarrassed! The technician and dentist kept reassuring me not to be embarrassed, but, of course, I was. I was expecting to have the one, but not the other and for some reason that embarrasses me! Oh Well! I'll live! This is just one more story for me to tell. :) But, alas, when you think, "Okay, she is done! Thank goodness!" Oh, no, there is more! And this is the part you will like! :) Here goes: my dentist just so happens to be VERY good-looking! I know, I know, but it is true. I have to usually try and not look at him b/c I get embarrassed just looking at him! I can not even believe I am telling you this!!!! He always has his mask on, but his eyes are to die for! :) So, when the dentist comes in to check me out (ha, ha) he asks me if I chew gum (I think I had told the technician this). I said "yes" and he said "what kind?" Now - remember - I am already nervous around this handsome guy and I must admit I don't totally understand the question. What does he mean, "what kind?" So I say, "I don't know" and then there is a pause at which I finally say, "do you really want to know what kind?" and he says "yes, I really want to know what kind" and I say "I can't think of the names - I chew all different kinds" and he says "is it sugar?" and I say "oh, yeah!" and he says "that would do it" meaning the cavity. Whew! Did ya follow all of that?! It was a simple question, but he gets me so flustered by his handsome good looks that I make a fool of myself!!! Oh, yes, and he also asks me when he first sits down why my face is so scrunched up?! :) And the truthful answer would be "b/c I am trying not to look at you!" But I can't say that! I am almost to the point where I am just going to tell him how good-looking he is! Maybe this will turn the tables and he can feel a little embarrassed (like I am really gonna do that)? So, my last thought for the day is this: I have an appointment to get my cavities filled next Wednesday (please be thinking of me). I totally hope I get the other dentist to fill them (there is more than one dentist in the office, but I usually get the one)! How in the world am I gonna sit there and have Mr. Good-Lookin' fill my cavities?! Oh, well, more material for my blog, I guess. And for those who might be wondering - yes, Mark knows I think my dentist is hot! Mark also knows that I am just goofy and he doesn't take it seriously (nor do I).
Well, I hope you have enjoyed my story and keep me in mind next week on Wednesday! Maybe I will have a new story to tell!!!!

A Quick Note

I just wanted to say "Thank You" to everyone for sending me comments (about what makes you laugh and the "little" things that make you smile)! Each and every one of you had such unique and creative thoughts and I totally appreciate them! THANKS!!!!!

Hannah Montana

That's right! I am a "Hannah Montana" fan! :) I am sure some of you are thinking, "Who in the world is Hannah Montana?!" Well, I probably wouldn't know myself, except for the fact that I have an eight year old who watches the Disney Channel religiously! :) Hannah Montana is a new show on the Disney Channel starring Miley Cyrus. Miley Cyrus is the daughter of country singer Billy Ray Cyrus (yes, I was also a Billy Ray Cyrus fan in my day - who could forget Achy Breaky Heart?). Anyway, my son, Jackson started watching the show and, of course, I noticed and I must say, it is the cutest show!!!!! I really like it and that Miley can really sing! It has become a family favorite that we all watch together (FYI - Mark likes it, too). LOL! Seriously, tho, it is a good, clean, approriate show for children and I thought I would pass the word on. For those of you who wouldn't ordinarily watch the Disney Channel - I would encourage you to tape it and check it out. In the end, the show always has a moral that we could all learn from. Adults and children alike.
My vote for the show: TWO THUMBS UP!!!!!!!!!! :)
Check it out and let me know what ya think?!
Oh, btw, a quick little story (I know I have a lot of them). Anyway, my mom used to stop every Sunday morning and pick up a handicapped woman to take her to church. My mom would do this, faithfully, every single Sunday for a long time. This handicapped woman could hardly walk (she had something wrong with her legs). She would sometimes be in a wheelchair, but more often than not, she used crutches (which I always thought was more of a pain b/c she took so long). That might sound harsh to say, but I did get tired of waiting and helping her (something I regret now). Anyway, this little handicapped woman was someone in life who was generally passed over. We, as a society, just do that. We don't mean to, but we do. I am not laying blame - I am just stating a fact (one that I am guilty of as well). It is probably b/c we feel uneasy and also don't know what to say (we have been taught not to stare) so it is just hard. I tend to look the other way and say a little prayer of thanks that my children are healthy! Whew. Back to main topic! LOL! This woman - who was handicapped - who could barely walk - her legs were funny - she was hard to understand - had the intellect of a young child - and, how do I say this nicely - she sometimes smelled bad (I think it was hard to bathe her). You see, her mom took care of her and didn't have a lot of help. It was probably hard lifting her and such. And, again, I don't mean it in a cruel way - I am just trying to get my point across. So, here is the point, and it has to do with "Hannah Montana!" On the show "Hannah Montana" Billy Ray Cyrus plays Miley's dad. My mom told me a story recently (about Billy Ray) that I don't remember or didn't know. Either way - it was sooooooooooo touching I wanted to pass it on! This handicapped woman loved Billy Ray Cyrus (this was back when he was in style). She got to go to one of his concerts and sit down in front in her wheelchair. And do you know what happened?! Billy Ray came down and gave her a hug!!!!!!!!!!! Wow!!! What a testimony!!!!! I LOVE the story! He made her day! Since I have just recently heard this story myself (coincidentally at the same time I found the show) - I am a huge Billy Ray fan again as well. I think he shows character and love and goodness in a way that I hope to duplicate!
Go ahead and check out the show!
Let me know what you think! :)

Everybody Hurts Sometimes

Okay - this one is for a special friend of mine who sounds like she is struggling a bit emotionally. Although I don't know her exact story - I do know that she gets depressed and is on medication to help (good move in my opionion). Well, guess what, I have a confession to make (I know, another one) and this one's for my special friend! :) And since this is my blog - this may be news to others as well. I just felt that my story is important to tell. The time is right - ya know what I mean?! I hope it helps someone! My story has definately not been a secret - it is just something I don't typically talk about and you will soon see why. Here goes (hold on for the ride): I, too, am on medication (since March). I am being treated for OCD. For those who are reading this and thinking, "huh?!" - it stands for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Now, I'm sure some of you are thinking 1) I think I have that and/or 2) I know people who have that. Well, I am one of the lucky ducks who gets to have it bad enough that it starts interfering with everyday life! You see, the majority of people we know who have OCD are functioning daily and doing well. They just check things several times or count things in their heads, etc., but it doesn't interfere in daily life. My OCD for most of my life had been at that functioning level. I had little things I obsessed about, but I managed and did well in life. Then, I just suddenly took a turn for the worse (about two years ago). I remember vividly being very happy at Jacob's 1st birthday party and then later that week - BOOM - something was wrong!! I kept going to the dr. and he kept putting me on depression medications. One after another. These medicaitons did not help with my problem (at the time we didn't realize that I had OCD). I would go to the dr. and I would be upset and crying (so that is what the dr. would see and hear). So the drs. would put me on the meds. for depression and we would hope that would work. It never did (I had been on depression medicine in my past after having Jackson due to post-partum) so I know that depression medications DO work - so why wasn't it working now?! I felt like a crazy person! As the months progressed and the depression meds. not working - I finally decided to go see a therapist! And thank the Lord I did! This is where I found out (and quite quickly I might add) that I have OCD. I mean I always knew I had it - it had just gotten worse! It had gotten bad I must admit! So - I was immediately taken off my current medication and put on a med. specifically for OCD! After all this time (like two years) I had become a bit skeptical (like anything would work), but I was still willing to try! And I am here to tell you - the "new" medication worked! It really did! Between medication and therapy I feel so good. I feel so good, in fact, that few people even know my story! Again, it was never a secret - it's just who wants to talk about my OCD issues when I am having fun with my friends?! Ya know what I mean?! It just dredges up feelings I have worked so hard to get past! I get away from it when I am out with people having fun! Talking about it would mean "thinking" about it and I do that enough in therapy! :)
I am sharing my story today for several reasons and here they are:
1) for my special friend (b/c of her I realized it should be told b/c it could help others)
2) to share with the world that medication helps (ignore the controversy - Tom Cruise)!
3) to share with the world that therapy helps as well (don't be embarrassed or ashamed)
4) to encourage others to open up about their issues and share them (we all have problems)
5) to let people know that YOU ARE NOT ALONE!
6) to let people know that GOD LOVES YOU (just a reminder)! :)
and last, but certainly not least,
7) to assure you that YOU ARE SPECIAL (in case you didn't know)
I guess my thought for today is my title "Everybody Hurts Sometimes." We are all dealing with some kind of issue. These issues may be very similar or they may be worlds apart, but still, we have a connection. I hope that we can learn to be a support system for one another. I hope we can learn to open up and share more with each other.
In closing I would just like to say this: I am an example that things DO get better! It may not happen overnight (which sucks), but it will get better. It simply takes time (and in some cases medication and/or therapy). :) My best advice is to "hang in there." Life is worth it and life is waiting for you! If you are feeling down, go back and read my other blogs. They may help! Try and make your mark on this earth and let your voice be heard! This can be done in a quiet, subtle way. Be brave, be proud and know that you are an important part of life!
I love ya!

Things That Make Me Laugh

Okay, this one is for Miranda. She is one of my buddies who seems to make me laugh just thinking about our tales! :) Here are some things in life that just seem to make me laugh every time:
1) my hair after a roller coaster ride :)
2) Seinfeld (I could watch it over and over again - it never gets old)
3) my dad's famous jokes
4) Adam Sandler
5) someone walking and running into something ('cause they aren't paying attention)
6) a toddler running around naked (no care in the world) :)
7) Ellen DeGeneres
8) looking at old pictures (my mom's hair)! Yikes! :)
9) my "bowel movement" while I was in labor at the hospital
10) my friend's "boob" popping out at the swimming pool :) LOL!!!!!!!!!
Well, that is about all I can think of at the moment. All of these things I have mentioned are totally hilarious (especially when it's someone else and not you)!!! LOL!!! :)
Enjoy and have a nice day!

The "ART" of Life

Okay - anyone who knows me certainly knows that I LOOOOOOOVE pictures! This is true! Well, I recently got to go to an art show and let me tell you - I had the BEST time! There were so many unique and creative things to see. It really got me thinking. I started thinking not so much about art, but about how art applies to life. Art is really about taking something little and doing something with it. I started thinking about how people in general take for granted the "little" things in life. Tis true that you can't always "do" something with life's "little" gifts (some you can and should), but we should at least stop and notice them. Here are a few examples that I happened to think of:
1) a bird in your backyard
2) crickets chirping in the summer
3) the sound of a waterfall
4) children laughing in the distance
5) a sunrise
6) a sunset
7) the sound of a light rain (sitting on a porch)
8) the scent of something you like (candle, perfume, food, or for me: my dirty boys when they
need a bath)
9) a soothing color
10) a soothing song
11) a favorite food
And last and also my favorite:
12) a favorite picture!
There are so many "little" things in life that often go unnoticed. It is often these "little" things that can bring us great joy or comfort as well. If only we would take the time to stop and look and watch for these "little" things. These things are there - all the time - we are surrounded by them everyday. My advice for myself and for you also is to take this week to start looking for the "little" things in life that make life special. Maybe it will help. I don't know. I am going to try it myself and see. I think it will. What I do know is that by going to this art show I got to see life differently. I got to see life through another person's eyes. One person paints with bright, bold colors while another does black and whites. One person does serious art while another adds
humor to theirs. Opposites side by side.
Take my advice and start watching for the "little" things in life. All I can say is I had the greatest day and I was at a "little" art show. And please let me know any of the "little" things in life that inspire each of you! I would love to hear about them!

My Confession

Okay! I have a little confession to make about something from my past! I have already revealed it to a "few" people, but I have decided to put it out there for good (for the blog world to see). For some reason this blogging feels like therapy or something. I feel good after writing or telling my tales. And, btw, don't get too excited, this "confession" isn't that big a deal - it is more funny than anything! Here goes: once again this happened when I was in 12th grade (I know - I am an old fogey now). :) Anyway, I worked at Burger King in the South End for several years and I really enjoyed it! There were a lot of "cool" kids that worked there (it's true) - we were cool back then! Don't laugh! :) Well, two pretty cool guys were the "Eramo" brothers! Jason was the oldest (a couple yrs. older than us) and had dated my good friend. His younger brother, Eric, was my age and was the one I really liked. Well, prom season comes along (I, of course, had no boyfriend and wasn't into dances like that anyway). Well, Jason is still in love with my friend so he and she decide to go as friends and ask me and Eric to go as friends as well. So, that is what happens. A whole group of us goes as friends and I remember having a real nice time! What can I say - Eric was hot and I was his date! Not too shabby for me I must say! :) After prom I remember the guys dropping me and my friend off at her house (I spent the night there). Those Eramo brothers were such good guys! I often think of them and wonder what they are doing today! I just have fond memories of them!
So, a few days later (after the prom) I go to work one Saturday. There was a real jerk who worked there who I think was named Kenny. He was just a trouble maker and I always tried to avoid him whenever possible. Anyway, Kenny starts in on me with questions about the prom and such. He starts saying crap like, "I heard you and Eric had a good time after the prom!" Meaning - you know what! He was insinuating that we had been together and had sex! He kept at me trying to make me upset (I guess I was kinda a goody two shoes), but I was just a nice, sweet, girl who he knew was a little shy (back then) and he wanted a rise out of me! Well, I got tired of listening to him and I finally said back to that jerk, "So, what if we did? What's it to you?" Well, guess what?! That jerk backed off once and for all! He stopped bothering me after that! Ha! Ha! It felt good, too! The sad, but kinda funny part, comes now. Later that day (I am working the drive-thru) - Eric comes through and orders and comes to my window to pay. He is so sweet and says he has heard some rumors going around about what happened after prom. He said he was sorry and he wanted me to know that he didn't start those rumors (like some guys do). It was so sweet and truly touched me! The bad part is that I never told him that Kenny had started it all by running his mouth and worse, yet, I didn't deny it to Kenny myself! To this day I kinda feel like I egged Kenny on (made him think it was true by saying, "so what if we did"). And I never told any of this to Eric! Here Eric is apologizing and I wasn't upset at all. I should have told him what happened so he wouldn't have felt bad. The truth is that back then I really was shy! I would have been sooooooo embarrassed to have that conversation with Eric! And I only said what I said to Kenny b/c he wouldn't let up! I was shy, but I could stand up for myself when pushed too far! Anyway, I will always have fond, fond memories of the Eramo brothers! They were truly good guys and they both made me feel special back then! I know what I did was a "tiny" thing generally speaking, but I have always remembered it and it makes me smile. How hard it might have been (I think it would have to be even for the guy) to apologize to me for a rumor like that going around! If only he knew that I probably helped that rumor along! Oh Well.
I am really enjoying writing about my past and getting my thoughts written down. It sort of frees the soul! And comments are welcomed!!!!
Tomorrow is Friday - so have a great weekend everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Take a Look at Myself

Okay - here is my question of the day?! Why is it so easy to see other people's mistakes yet so difficult (impossible almost) to see our own?! Does anyone know what I mean? I have a friend (I'll call Adam) who cracked on someone I care about a lot (I'll call this person Sam). It kinda hurt my feelings because Sam is important to me. I still can't believe that Adam would make the little remarks he does from time to time about Sam. Adam knows that Sam is important to me (it is obvious) - so why would Adam do this?! I can think of reasons such as jealousy, etc., but it all seems so juvenile to me. And the most humorous part is that Adam has someone close to him (we'll call his person Melody) that has made almost the same exact mistakes that my Sam has made!!! Adam would be so hurt if I had ever said these things about Melody! For the record - I would never say anything about Melody b/c we all make mistakes! We are human and we have all messed up in one way or another! It is a part of life! What I don't understand is how Adam can crack on the mistakes my Sam has made, but not have sympathy due to his Melody making the same ones?! Does Adam even see that Sam and Melody are sort of the same? And further more - why would he say what he thinks to me knowing that Sam is special to me?! I just don't get it! It would be easy to say just don't hang with Adam anymore if he is this type of person - but the truth is - Adam is otherwise a wonderful friend as well. Which makes it that much harder! Whew!!! Any comments?! I know it is hard to comment when you don't really know the story! Oh Well.
Anyway, what I have learned from this experience is something for myself! The next time I ever do start to judge someone (even just in my own mind) - I am going to first take a good, long look at myself and the people I love around me! In the end we are "one." LOL! (Lion King)! :) Seriously, let's not judge, but be helpful and loving. And before we look at others - let us take a look at ourselves!
Thanks for listening! This blog thing really helps blow off steam! :)
Love you guys!

No One Told Me That!

So, here goes another embarrassing moment in my life! I hope my stories help someone else along the way! :) However funny these stories are now - they were totally embarrassing at the time! Here goes: Mark and I decide to have a baby! Yeah! A sweet little baby! How fun will that be?! And don't get me wrong - having kids, especially a new tiny baby - is wonderful!! Even my pregnancy was easy for me! I loved being pregnant! It has been two of the best times of my life! But............you don't really know everything about pregnancy no matter how many horror stories you hear! Okay - I am 7 months pregnant with Jackson. I go to dinner with my friend and she tells me something that can happen during delivery (that I had never heard before). If the pain of giving birth and being naked in front of so many people isn't bad enough, guess what?! There is more...........and any of you moms out there can totally relate I am sure! I had no idea that you could actually have a "bowel movement" right there in the bed while you are waiting to deliver!!!!!!!!! Yes, my friends, it is true! And I told myself that it was okay because it wouldn't happen to me! :) These are the things we tell ourselves. Well, two months later - 9 months pregnant - I go into delivery. With so much going on around me - I have totally forgotten about the story my friend had told me! I am getting ready to deliver soon and the nurse puts the mirror (on the ceiling) in a position so I can see my baby be born! Cool, huh?! You would think! But while I am waiting - I see something come out of me (I can see it through the mirror)! I am scared, of course (b/c what in the world is happening) - I am naked and in pain and now something is coming out of me down there and it isn't a baby!!! The nurse starts cleaning it up and wiping me. You would think this would remind me and I would have a clue, but NO! So I start asking what in the world is happening down there and NO ONE will answer me! So, do I let it go, oh, no! I keep asking until, finally, my mom tells me in a nice, soft voice that I had a "poop" down there - that is what happened! Again, it is hilarious now, but at the time, I was MORTIFIED!!!!!!! I was naked, in lots of pain and just pooped on the table!!!!! Yes, girls, it is true, you can poop during delivery! No one ever told me that until I was 7 months pregnant and it is true!!! :)
I must say, though, that the end result is totally worth it!!!!! And I don't remember having a bowel movement my 2nd time around! :) I have a totally different story saved for that delivery that I will soon tell! :)
More to come on my embarrassing moments!
Keep checking!

One of my "many" embarrassing moments! :)

Okay, Miranda, this one's for you! :) I totally have writer's block lately so I figured I would write about an embarassing moment in my life! Here goes: first a big confession that I'm not sure everyone knows about: I used to be in love with someone from Pickaway Church of Christ. Can anyone guess who?! Ha! Ha! I shouldn't tell ya now and make you all wonder or have to ask Miranda b/c she certainly knows! :) Oh, well, I am not that mean! :) I will go ahead and let the world know once and for all: it was............................................................ Mike Hall!!! Okay - when you are finished laughing you can finish reading my blog! I am certainly laughing my head off as well so it is okay! I had to take a break from writing b/c I was laughing so much!! :) Okay, here is the embarassing part (or one of many): a girlfriend of mine was driving me in her car (back when I was 17). We were driving in Ashville and she decides to go by Mike's house (she knew I thought he was hot)! I didn't want to b/c what if him or his family were outside? Well, what were the chances that would really be the case? Turns out - chances were good - real good! Not only was his family out front, but so was he! So what does any intelligent gal in love with Mike do?! I laid my seat back as my friend drives by so that Mike doesn't see me - that is what I do! And I laid it back real low - as low as it would go! Close call, huh?! But no!!! My friend has to stop the car right in front of his house and yell hi! And..... then......Mike has to walk over to the car (the passenger side) and what does he see?! He sees me laying there looking up at him - that is what he sees! I just looked up at him and waved! I was so MORTIFIED!!!!! Keep in mind that I am only 17!!!!!!!!! And I adored him! Thank goodness we didn't stay long! We drove off pretty quickly after that! I still wonder after all these years what on earth he thought at that time? I also think it is pretty funny now, too! I laugh about it all the time! It is one of my first real embarassing moments in my life! I have many, MANY more that I will reveal in due time! Just keep checking my blog and you will find out more! As for Mike - I will always remember that hot guy I had the biggest crush on! We had just moved to Ashville and I was heartsick and missed my friends back home so much! Then, one Sunday morning, we visit a church called Pickaway and there he was!!!!!! My Tom Cruise look-a-like! Ashville didn't seem quite so bad after that!
Thank you to Mike for helping me get through a difficult time in my life! Sometimes you help people and you don't even know you are helping! He helped a shy 16 yr. old adapt to a new town and I will always remember him for that! Thanks, Mike! And I hope everyone enjoys my little tale of an embarassing moment in my life! I love you guys!

Reality TV

I don't know about any of you, but I am totally hooked on Reality TV!! A couple of my favorites have been "Apprentice" and "America's Top Model." Neither one of the these shows is on at this time, so I thought I would be bored silly (not having my regular shows for the summer, either, like the dramas and sitcoms). Anyway, I have to tell ya about the two reality shows that I have found to watch this summer. One is "Project Runway" which is about fashion designers and the other is "Work Out" which is about trainers (a woman named Jackie runs her own gym). It is kinda interesting. It just follows the lives of her and her fellow trainers. I have to say that my aunt HATES reality TV! She thinks it is dumb! I don't know why, but I have liked reality TV right from the beginning! :) Maybe seeing other people more messed up than me makes me feel better! :) For the time being, though, I plan to keep on watching unless something better turns up! :) If anybody has any suggestions - my ears are open!
Oh, and another favorite, believe it or not, is Miami Ink! It's a simple show about tattoo artists! I bet Miranda could work there! They are really good freehand artists! I was so surprised and I love watching the artwork they do for tattoos! Check It Out!