Being Number 5

Please do sign my guest book!

2009-07-06T16:31:00.000-07:00

Decades or Dec-aches?

2008-07-30T05:09:00.000-07:00

Now that I am walking three or more times a week (to keep some sort of figure), I have a lot more time to reflect on my life.

Today my thoughts went to the sad shape of our economy. How my company is going to be laying off more of my co-workers today or tomorrow. We already went through a 40% down sizing and now more to come. I have been told I am again safe through this round of cuts. I started feeling guilty about not losing my job. I know some that will lose their jobs are soul providers for their households.

I tried to think of encouraging things to tell them. I began to reflect on times in my life that something heartbreaking or painful happened and how I dealt with it. I came to the decision that those of us that carry the belief that:

Things happen for a reason.
That there is a plan in place for all of us.
That God won't put more on us than we can bear.
When one door closes a window opens.
(are you getting my drift?) hehehe

That these people probably will land on their feet every time. I do believe all of those things but with a clause! God (your creator of choice) doesn't really have my next job lined out. He doesn't have every day of my life planned. He does provide me with the power to choose right from wrong. He gives me compassion to help others in need. He gives me family to lean on when times are tough. He is always there for me when I feel I can't make it another day.

Those things bring peace to me when others feel abandoned in a time of crisis. For those who suffer from Why Me?, and Bad things always happen to me!, or whatever label they apply to their pain.... it adds more suffering and hurt to a bad enough situation. Now don't get me wrong, if I were on the cut list I would most certainly be stressed, scared, worried, etc. That's only human and how we grow. But in the end I would pick up the phone and call Mom or Matt or D or M or SR or DJ or Christi or Leigh Ann....etc you get the picture... that's my family.

No matter what happens with material things or even my health.. BEING NUMBER FIVE is the greatest blessing I ever received.

Must Read.....

2008-07-21T06:45:00.000-07:00

A couple of my best blogger galpals are writing chapters in an ongoing story. I was hooked from the first glance of the title. "Past Lives"

Please take the time to read it. It is short and you will be hooked as I am.
First click here --> Lillys Life and read the first chapter. She has a link to ---> Vikki's blog for the second chapter.

You never know where the next chapter takes David the main character! (or who will be writing up coming chapters).....hmmmm

Past Lives
To read each of David’s Past Life Regression Stories:

Past Lives Part 1- Lilly/ Lilly’s Life

Past Lives Part 2- Vikki/ The Red Chair Gallery

Past Lives Part 3- Lilly/ Lilly's Life

Past Lives Part 4- Lou Ceel

Past Lives Part 5- Dina/ Deepwater Journal

Past Lives Part 6- Vikki/ Red Chair Gallery

Past Lives Part 7- Jules/ Arduous Nincompoop

Past Lives Part 8- Rocksnowhite (coming soon)

My hero!

2008-07-16T05:39:00.000-07:00

If yall get sick of me bragging about my family, DEAL WITH IT! hahhaaha
I can't help but share my awesome fortune with yall.

Today my post is about my little brother. We will call him "M" for privacy sake!
(hehehehehehe we all know who he is)
Anyway.
He is one of the most considerate humans on the face of the earth. Seriously.
Starting with when I was young and always embarrassed when Valentines day rolled around and all the girls at the office got flowers and candy but me. M caught on to that and immediately started a tradition of sending flowers to me and my mama every single Valentines day and Birthday!

He puts considerable thought into gifts. Not just the ol walk around the mall and find something they may like. He thinks of your hobbies, your daily activities, and every possible thing to find the perfect gift. One that pops into my mind is a Swarovski crystal horse he got me one year. I owne a palomino named Gator. I loved that horse. I also adore anything from Swarovski. He saw it and knew I had to own it. Even though he would NEVER consider spending this amount of money on himself, he did't think twice about buying it for me.

He is the least self important person I know. I think he spends most of his time worrying about his family and friends. He adores his to dogs Rex and Beasley. When he does purchase something for himself much research goes into the process.

I feel guilty for trying to push him into charity work too, but feel his calling is helping others. If I had one wish for M, it would be that he won the lotto. I can't even imagine the good that boy could do with millions of dollars. I can guarantee ya, he wouldn't be living in a mansion. He wouldn't employ a servant. There would be new programs for the homeless, SPCA, and orphans.

What a blessing God gave our family.

My honey and my pet family!

2008-07-09T06:43:00.001-07:00

This is the view from my back patio. I sit at my computer and view that every day! What a blessing.

One of the twins we raised after his mama died.

Okay girls, eat your heart out. This is the love of my life! How lucky am I?

This is me and Elvis. He is a very special angel dog!

This is Willie giving me a kiss! What a sweetie..

This is my bestest buddy's in the whole world, my mama, my sister and me!

Now I might be prejudice, but now I ask you...is this a handsome guy or what? (my brother Matt) heheheheheheh he's gonna kill me.

How I ended up here.

2008-07-06T09:01:00.000-07:00

I was inspired by GAfarmgirl to tell y'all how we ended up here in the country, 40 miles NW of everything.

When I was 24 years old I bought my first house. I was single but working very hard as a finance manager at a car dealership. The pay was very good but the hours were unbelievably long.

Since my job was to sell car loans to bankers, I made some good friends at the local banks. One of the loan officers was shocked I was paying $900 per month for a 2 bedroom apt. He suggested I look at some of their foreclosures. It was a scary thought to buy my own home but I decided to look in to it.

The first house I went to see was located in a gated golf course community. It was a nice home for the times. (circa 1986) It was what I ended up buying after looking at half a dozen more houses.

8 years later I met Bobby. He was totally different than my previous boyfriends and I was totally smitten. He moved in with me (yes we lived in sin) and quickly decided he hated the "Stepford Village" mentality of the neighborhood. Everyone was nosy and there was no privacy. We had a fleeting idea to go look at land in the country to some day move to and build a home on.

Like the quick decision on my house we fell in love with the first property we saw. It was 25 acres and owned by a family that I swear must have been related to Fred Sanford! There was junk from on end of the property to the other. Luckily we could see the potential. There was a beat up old 1976 single wide mobile home that was used primarily for hunting lodging.

Bobby and I talked about keeping my house and spending weekends at the trailer. Once we decided that we liked staying there more than in town, we gutted the trailer and totally remodeled the interior. Now I am blessed with a husband that can weld, plumber, electrician, and so on. I also am blessed with 6 multi-talented brothers!

Everyone pitched in and put a brand new kitchen and bath. New floors. Turned one of the two bedrooms into my closet-dressing room. It was darling! The place came with a long covered porch and a hot tub on the end.

My co-workers and family members didn't have faith that I would adjust to country living and roughing it. Bobby and I made a decent wage but wanted to stay in the trailer for 5 years and get the land paid for before we built our dream house.

We did very well at paying off the land and decided to build a 30 x 50 shop for Bobby before the house. Most people told me I was a sucker for that but Bobby explained that he could do a lot of the work himself on the house if he had a shop!
Well as it turns out, every time I would ask B to do a project he would explain how if he had this saw or this tool he could do it. hahahha He's no dummy.

We took all the new kitchen cabinets and etc from the trailer and put it in the shop and built an apartment to live in while we built the house. It was so much like camping to me. I always looked forward to coming home to the country after a day of work in the city. The drive was over an hour one way but didn't bother me at all. Still doesn't.

That's all for now.
More later gators!

How I ended up here part II

2008-07-06T03:37:00.000-07:00

We spent 5 years in the little trailer. It was cramped but fun. Like I said, it felt like camping! Bobby was so sweet. He did everything to make sure I was happy out here in the country.

I had a few conversations with him about his lack of interest in Birthday, special occasions, any gift giving occasion really. Since my last relationship was a total exercise in emotional bankruptcy, I didn't want to experience anything similar with Bobby. I explained to him it's not the $$ value of a gift, it's the idea that someone sat and thought about something that they wanted to do for you on that special day. He got the idea but felt even more pressure. It's just not in his thought process. He will do anything for me on a daily basis so why is a BD or anniversary any different. He had a point I have to admit.

One thing I honestly missed was soaking in my bath tub. I loved it when we would visit Mom or his parents for the weekend and I would get to take a long bath. Our trailer had only a shower. When we built the shop we built a full kitchen and bathroom with a steam shower but again, no tub. One evening I came home from a very long hard day at work. (By this time we were living in the shop and construction started on the house)

Bobby greeted me when I pulled up and handed me a glass of wine. This was strange for him to greet me outside but the wine was welcomed! He took me by the hand and opened the door to the shop and it was dark save for a path of candles leading to a water trough filled with hot soapy water! Yes friends he took a big long water trough we bought at tractor supply (for me to use as a tiny swim pool but never did) and cleaned it for my tub. It took him hours to fill it. He used all the hot water our small water heater had and had to boil more. He said it kept cooling very fast being a galvanized tub on concrete. I never arrived home at a precise time so that also was tough for him to gauge.

I was blown away. I soaked in that tub until I was a prune. That is one of the best gifts I had ever received. I will never forget it.

Another year in the trailer he planned yet another wonderful surprise. When we were dreaming about what features we wanted in our new house, I constantly asked about water features. I spend countless hours watching HGTV and decorating shows. I always love the ones where they incorporate a water fall or fountain right in the house.
He hated the idea! He said it's a maintenance nightmare. I knew i was going to press for something!

One night I was watching TV he came in and asked me if I wanted to see something cool. I grabbed my sneakers and headed out to find our 4 wheeler with a trailer attached. He had put blankets and pillows on the trailer and asked me to climb on and drove me down to our pond. He parked on the edge of the pond and disappeared in some bushes off to the side. I was wondering what the heck he had planned. All of a sudden lights came on under water in the middle of our pond and a plume of water shot up to the sky. He had made a fountain for me in the center of our pond!

He climbed on the trailer with me and our golden retriever "Chloe" and we three sat and stared at our glorious fountain under a starry sky! Now Girls did my talk pay off or what???

Tuesday....What the heck?

2008-07-05T04:05:00.000-07:00

Okay. Let me start with the fact that all of my life I have been too skinny. You know the type that everyone always rolled their eyes at if I complained about it. In fact being too skinny was just as much a pain in the arse as being over weight. I am 5'9" and until 44th birthday I was wearing a size 4 pants. My weight was 142. I was happy with that weight even tho I was in terrible shape. Meaning I quit wearing shorts and fell in love with capri's instead of exercising.

Fast forward to today (a few weeks from my 46th BD) and I am 20+ pounds heavier. Note this extra weight has occured very fast. I have been pretty idle on my job for the past 7 years (mostly driving). But still..............I am in total shock. I can't believe it when I look in the mirror. I started walking 2 miles a day. I have only done it for a few days but not noticing any change. I replaced fast food with a salad several days a week. I am not much of a bread eater. I do enjoy some sweets but not what I would consider excessive.

I hate this. Cursed half my life with no weight and now this!
LORDY .... I need some intervention quick!
Any ideas?

A must see story....

2008-07-02T07:15:00.000-07:00

Please check out my other blog for the store of Logan from Houston. I didn't want to post it on both sites so, please go see it. It is amazing.

PRINCE WILLIAM’S CHOPPER HAS COST UK TAXPAYERS A FORTUNE

2008-06-25T05:21:00.000-07:00

PRINCE WILLIAM’S CHOPPER HAS COST UK TAXPAYERS A FORTUNE

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Being Number 5 wins award!

2008-06-23T08:11:00.000-07:00

Friends just when you don't expect it~ a blessing falls your way. I have been blogger friends with some great people in my short time blogging. One of my friends is Jean9 of Lapidary Queen Wannabees. She is caring, creative, talented and a very positive gal. Her website has fantastic jewelry creations. I have been voting for her daily on this link. If you would be so kind to participate, Jean and I would be forever grateful. Just click HERE and then click: Vote For Handcrafted Jewelry at DJsat Jewelry Galore. While you are there check out her darling Barefoot Sandals! She also has an extremely creative way to use a T-shirt to make a grocrey bag for all us greenies! (much cheaper than buying one)

Jean I am so very touched and honored that you included me in your special group of recipients of the Arte y Pico award. (HUG)

This award was created and to be given to bloggers who inspire others with their creativity and their talents, also for contributing to the blogging world in whatever medium. When you receive this award it is considered a "special honor". Once you have received this award, you are to pass it on to 5 others."

What a wonderful way to show some love and appreciation to your fellow bloggers!!!

The rules for passing this honor on:

1) Pick 5 blogs that you would like to award this honor to.

2) Each award has to have the name of the author and also a link to his or her blog to be visited by everyone.

3) Each award winner has to show the award and put the name and link to the blog that has given her or him the award itself.

4) Award-winner and the one who has given the prize have to show the link of "Arte y Pico" blog, so everyone will know the origin of this award. http://arteypico.blogspot.com/.

Here is my list of recipients:

Matt-speak. You may think I am bias because Matt is my brother. But as soon as you read his blog, you will find that he has an amazing gift of seeing both sides of a situation and articulating his position in a clear and concise manner. Please visit his blog often to get a new perspective on the news!

McNelly Family Adventures. Christi is a wonderful example of one who knows her purpose and lives her life to the fullest. She is a very christian girl who lives out loud. By that I mean she talks the talk and walks the walk. You will find all the sincerety and kindness in the world speaking with her. Check out her blogs and see for yourself.

Tasha's Take Tasha is a beautiful talented writer. She is writing her first novel.. The Big Picture. I linked to that blog because she really works hard on the novel and would love some readers and feed back. Tasha really has a knack for writing but above that, she finds the time to comment on many blogs and maintain friendships. She is a compassionate and giving person. One of my blessed blogger buddies! Give her a look!

Vikki North Vikki's Fine Art Gallery is an absolute must see! She is an extrememly gifted artist. I have commited to owning one of her paintings. I am at a loss as to which one I love the most. She brilliantly writes a short story to accompany each work of art. Please don't miss this awesome treat for the eyes and soul!

Karen and Gerard Zemek Karen is a true jewel of a blogger buddy. She is one of the first to comment on a new post. She supports your attempts at creativity no matter how lacking you may be in the talent pool. She has written a book about her dad "My Funny Dad Harry". Obviously a loving and devoted daughter, she produces two blogs that are funny and entertaining. Please drop in and say hi to my buddy Karen and her Kittys!

Monday blues

2008-06-16T06:15:00.000-07:00

Oh to be young again. My first grade pixture....
I want so badly to feel energized and ready for the week.
Today I am blah.....
I don't have anything to really look forward to at work. I do look forward to getting home today because we spent the weekend cleaning and washing windows so the house looks spiffy!

I turn 46 in a few weeks... July 5th, arghhh. I am getting in worse and worse shape as I get older. I am still in good shape compared to some but could be a whole lot better. I walked around the perimeter of our property yesterday morning. I measures a mile exactly. I wanted to do it daily but I guess no bad enough! hahahah

Oh well, not to bore you any longer.

50 Free Entrecard Credits

2008-06-03T01:46:00.000-07:00

I will give 50 Free Entre card credits to the first person who comments on this post.
You don't have to do anything other than post a response. Obviously I can't respond to anonymous replies... Ha!

This is just for fun. I will transfer the credits to the winner when I get home from work Tuesday at 7:30 PM Central Time..

Good Luck!

Just one Chapter

2008-05-25T06:53:00.000-07:00

I do not intend on posting in perfect chronological order. I will just post items as I recall them.

This brings to mind camping. My fearless mother would load all eight kids in the family station wagon. That car was a necessary evil. Large enough to accommodate the huge family but not the most comfortable if you were relegated to the back seat.

My first memories of camping were at a private lake camp ground owned by my father’s company. It was on Eagle Mountain Lake and called the Bee Hive. There was an A frame house and a few boat houses that housed the sail boats and row boats. Everything was there for use by all employees and their families.

The opening of the season was marked with a celebration called Splash Day! That day for me was as great as Christmas in the summer. I recall large containers filled with Mrs. Bairds and Hostess cakes, cookies, sno-balls, every kind of sweet pastry and cake imaginable. Then another huge container iced down with hundreds of soft drinks of every flavor. Literally a child’s paradise. Since I was too young to help with the cooking and etc. I’m not sure how the food part worked

. I think everyone was responsible for their own breakfast and dinners. My older brothers would run and grab a sail boat and cruise the lake with what seemed to me expert precision. My younger brothers and I would play in the sand digging paths from the water up to the dry part of the sand making castles and moats. We wandered the shores barefoot and look for clam shells. By the end of the weekend we usually had a large “priceless” collection that we felt sure we would keep forever.

Two of the scariest memories I have relating to water happened at that lake. One time my brothers and I were playing with a float in water that was probably only 5 feet deep but my toes barely touched the ground. I somehow got momentarily stranded underneath the float and could not get up for air fast enough. After drinking in half the lake I burst through the surface of the lake gasping for that sacred breath that eluded me. I was hysterical. I saw my short life pass before my eyes and vowed never to enter the water again. After some coaxing from my siblings I went back in the next day. It seemed like my lungs had water in them for a week after that!

Then next horrifying water experience involved my brother David. He is 2 years older. One time while playing in the water right at the edge of where it was too deep for me to stand, he pushed me a foot further out than I could stand. I had to bounce on my toes to catch breaths of air. I was taking in water every time I screamed for help. Again felt sure I was going to drown and screaming like a banshee Indian, my mother came running and yelling for them to get me out of the water. I was relieved to be rescued only to get scolded by my mother for screaming like a wild animal. I felt sure the theatrics were justified in order to save my life but she disagreed! Ha, I felt like David got away with attempted murder!

Mom continued the camping tradition even after the divorce. We would go to a rental place and rent a tent and some of those black tire inner tubes. I know we made several trips to Grapevine Lake to camp. The kids would scatter on picnic tables and in the tent and back of the car. Mom would even let some of us bring friends with us. I can’t believe what a fantastic job she did raising us on a shoe string budget to say the least and providing us with magical get a ways that rivaled a $5,ooo trip to Disney Land.

On one disastrous trip to the lake, we were struck with the worst luck one could expect. Mom had a boyfriend help get us all loaded up and out to the lake. I can’t remember the details but I think our plumbing was out at home and mom was three shakes from a nervous breakdown if one more thing went wrong, so he suggested the camping trip for the weekend.

Again, my memory is sketchy but I remember the muffler falling and dragging the ground making sparks and a hideous noise. We stopped and somebody wired it up with a coat hanger. We finally got to the perfect spot to unload and set up camp. Some of the kids ran to the lake immediately to cool off and take a dip. I wandered off in the woods to explore. I had Keds tennis shoes and no socks on. I felt something snap against my left ankle and looked down to see a section of my flesh missing. It was about the size of the mouth of a snake!!! After my blood curdling scream, somebody whisked me up and carried me to the picnic table for first aid. At that moment one of the kids stepped on a piece of glass and sliced open their foot. It was obvious this trip was doomed. I think I remember the boyfriend telling mom that this was more than he signed on for and suggested we all load up and head home. I did feel awful for ruining everyone’s weekend

. On the way home we hit a dip and the muffler fell completely off and we didn’t even stop this time. (laughing my a** off now) We kept on driving sounding like a Mack Truck rolling through the neighborhood. An unforgettable weekend for all, I’m sure!!

Exceptional Life?

2008-05-25T06:51:00.000-07:00

You may have expected this to be about something totally different. Well it’s actually about the guilt we all put upon ourselves and how we chose to live our life.

From the age of 17, I worked 6 days per week. There were times I had a 40 hour job at the travel agency and worked as a waitress at an upscale restaurant in the evenings and proceeded to lease apartments on the weekends.

You might say I have always been motivated to be a success in life. Unfortunately my idea of success was equated to the dollar sign. After all, isn’t that the most common measurement of success?

When you meet a person to date here is the list of questions from family and friends:

1. What does he/she do for a living?
2. What kind of car do they drive?
3. What college did they attend? Degree?

Why isn’t the first question about the quality of person they are, their family relationships, how they treat you? We are all guilty of this. We immediately think if the potential mate is financially successful then life will be “rich” for our loved one.

As I stated in a response to my mom in an earlier blog, the happiest memories we (in my family) share are the ones where we were barely getting by. Like the time our electricity got turned off and my older brother ran an extension cord to the neighbor’s garage so we could have “some” power. Unbeknownst the neighbor of course!

There was also a Christmas where we had no tree and our neighbors had these little bushes lining the fence line that looked like Christmas trees to us. So my younger brothers and I figured we could pull branches off each bush, tie them together, and form a Christmas tree. So we did! Of course we had to do this under the cover of night so we wouldn’t get caught. Imagine our surprise (and mainly our neighbors) when daylight came and they had a dozen half stripped bushes! When mom came home from her second job that night she cried. We were ecstatic about our surprise and couldn’t understand the tears. She thought it was priceless.

I could go on for hours but you see where this is leading. The time you spend together as a family is priceless. What good is a fat bank account if you have no memories in that all important bank? After years of missing birthdays, graduations, funerals, holidays, and all kinds of family functions, I learned that the money comes and goes. It doesn’t last half as long as the Christmas tree memory. You almost always end up feeling guilty because of the money. Let me help ya out with some of my guilt bags:

1. Didn’t save any of the money I gave up family time to earn.
2. Feel guilt about the frivolous things I buy with the money.
3. I now have to earn more to pay for the lifestyle I am in.
4. I don’t get to enjoy my wonderful country life because of the work load.
5. I don’t spend nearly enough time with my wonderful husband.
6. Our relatives (other than immediate family) are almost strangers.

One of my new found favorite blogs was/is (something) --- Tracks. By Erica.
She talked about dumpster diving. (Erica I need your link, your profile is locked).
Before ya go off thinking I’m totally hopeless~ I did have Erica’s link on my blog and when I changed to the new format I lost some of my content! I am sick!

Anyway, I am intrigued by the possibility of dumpster diving. Not necessarily the food part but I have seen department stores demolishing old fixtures and putting them in a crusher. Also book departments will throw away paperback books for lack of a better way to dispose of them. They tear off the top cover and trash the book. It would be so cool to get those books and donate them to women’s shelters, homeless shelters, hospitals, VA’s, etc. I realize that’s not fair to the artist but these people wouldn’t be buying the books anyway! (my rational) hehehehe

I am a true junk-a-holic. I still dream of owning a huge warehouse full of discarded items that people can barter for. Think of wanting to build a dog house and bringing in your old lawn mower for some lumber and shingles. I swear it would be so rewarding.

I’m taking baby steps towards unlocking the rusty locks that hold me back from living a more simple and humble life. I have got to retrain my brain that giving up the SUV, nice clothes, jewelry, etc. does not make one less rich.

On my long drives home from work in the evenings I pass parks in the poorer part of town. Parked in the parking lot are 10 year old cars and trucks. I often see families sharing a bucket of chicken, having a cook out, or even a birthday party. I wonder which one of us has the more abundant life?

TGIF

2008-05-23T09:49:00.000-07:00

Do you ever wonder what people are looking at and where they sit while at their computer? I do. Are they at work, a desk in the kitchen, a childs room used for homework, or a home office like mine. I sit facing 2 windows with a wonderful view.
Today's view at the break of dawn......

I miss Erma.....

2008-05-23T07:19:00.000-07:00

IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER - by Erma Bombeck

(written after she found out she was dying from cancer).

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner." There would have been more "I love you's." More "I'm sorry's."

But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute...look at it and really see it .. live it and never give it back. Stop sweating the small stuff.

Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what.

Instead, let's cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us.

Let's think about what God HAS blessed us with. And what we are doing each day to promote ourselves mentally, physically, emotionally. I hope you all have a blessed day.

Beautiful Women's Month

Age 3: She looks at herself and sees a Queen.

Age 8: She looks at herself and sees Cinderella.

Age 15: She looks at herself and sees an Ugly Sister (Mom I can't go to school looking like this!)

Age 20: She looks at herself and sees "too fat/too thin, too short/too tall, too straight/too curly"- but decides she's going out anyway.

Age 30: She looks at herself and sees "too fat/too thin, too short/too tall, too straight/too curly" - but decides she doesn't have time to fix it, so she's going out anyway.

Age 40: She looks at herself and sees "clean" and goes out anyway.

Age 50: She looks at herself and sees "I am" and goes wherever she wants to go.

Age 60: She looks at herself and reminds herself of all the people who can't even see themselves in the mirror anymore. Goes out and conquers the world.

Age 70: She looks at herself & sees wisdom, laughter and ability, goes out and enjoys life.

Age 80: Doesn't bother to look. Just puts on a purple hat and goes out to have fun w

A stranger told me to read this...I'm glad.

2008-05-23T06:58:00.000-07:00

Desiderata
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly, and listen to others,
even to the dull and ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be
greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career
however humble;
it is a real possession in the
changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you
to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.
Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit
to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore, be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham,
drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

A snip-it

2008-05-23T06:57:00.000-07:00

How about a little background?

I have never been one to journal. I like the idea of having documentation to refer back to when I’m in my senior years.

The idea of a blog came to me from my brother Matt when he started Matt-Speak; from whence he got the idea from our sister Christi who created MacNelly Family Adventures. That’s about the way things work in a large family. We learn from each other’s success and failures.

We are constantly challenged to up our game. You are not allowed to sit quietly by and observe others living their lives. You know the saying that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link? That’s exactly how the dynamics of our family work. No matter how well you are doing in your own life, it means nothing if your brother, sister, mother, or father suffer.

It is like viewing the most spectacular sunset you have ever seen and having no one there to share it with. We all share each other’s success and feel each other’s pain. My mom and dad divorced when I was about 7. I am number 5 of eight children. My father adopted Christi when he remarried which brought the number to 9. My dad once stated that we kids were so bonded to each other that he hoped we never had to choose between one of us or him because he felt certain he would lose that battle. We truly hold a bond like you hear twins have. We would fight to death if asked for help.

Being number 5 was perfect! I have three brothers older and three younger. My sister, Leigh Ann, is 4 years older and Christi is 6 years younger than me. I seemed to dodge most of the sibling scuffles that took place on a daily basis. Leigh Ann and I had our bouts.

I remember trying so hard to win her over that I asked a clerk for an empty sample perfume bottle of “Charlie” (her favorite at the time). Ha, not a great gift for sure. I am so appreciative of my things today because of all the hand-me- downs we endured over the years. Leigh Ann being the eldest girl even had to get hand-me-downs from my cousins.

Even though I felt everyone at school knew how poor we were, they always thought we were comfortable if not better off than they were. In second grade Mom received a bag of clothes from our cousins. There was a dress in there that she held up to me and said “Priceless”. She washed and ironed it for me to wear to school the next day. I cried when I got to school. My teacher asked me what the problem was. I told her what Mom said about the dress and it embarrassed me to wear a dress that was not worth a thing. She tried not to laugh as she explained to me that priceless was good and did not mean cheap!

I can still remember the smell of my dresses when Mom dressed me. Most of them had starched white or print aprons that tied in the back. They smelled fresh and clean. I really loved it when she dressed me right after ironing my clothes because they were so warm.

My first grade teacher had large wall paper sample books. I simply adored getting to cut out shapes from those gorgeous papers. Some had velvet designs on them. Those were my favorites. I didn’t go to kindergarten and in first grade we really didn’t do much but take naps and do art. Now days the kids are reading and writing. Wow, were we behind!