GO DORES!

I.Love.CollegeFootball. Specifically, I love Southeastern Conference football. I have been a fan of the University of Tennessee Volunteers (GO Big Orange) since I was a baby. That being said, I have also become a fan of Vanderbilt Univeristy (GO DORES!) in the last several years. It started because I knew one of the students on the football team. This person was the nephew of my best friend, and his story was like something from a novel. To give the short version, he never knew his birth father, his birth mother was a drug addict, he got into some troubles, was taken in by my friend's in laws, thrived in school, got a football scholarship to Vanderbilt, and has become a wonderful, successful young man. So, while this young man was the catalyst for my love of Vandy, there are other reasons I like them. I like to support the underdog and lord knows Vandy is the mascot for all underdogs everywhere. You expect them to lose, so when they win you're pleasantly surprised instead of heartbroken because you've come to expect them to win (UT VOLS). There's no heartbreak with an underdog! Also, their colors are black and gold. I love black, it's a fabulous color. It hides every flaw, as opposed to orange which not everyone can get away with wearing. One must be very confident in themselves to pull off such a vibrant color. And gold, who doesn't like gold? Also, Vanderbilt is a little more classy than UT. For some reason, if you support UT, you must be either a redneck or a hillbilly. Well, I'm neither! Plus, Vandy is somewhat closer to my home, close enough that we could go to their games. And today would've been a good game to attend. Because today, for the first time in 26 years, Vanderbilt is playing in a post season bowl game. Granted, it's one of the lesser important bowls, but it's still a bowl game and it shows that Vandy is getting better each year and maybe one of these days they might even be in the BCS Championship game. Yeah, I won't hold my breath for that one! But it could happen. So, while everyone has picked Boston College to beat Vanderbilt today, that's okay. It doesn't matter whether we win or lose, it's that we're actually playing! So, I say... GO DORES!!!






Hooray for the underdogs! Vandy upset Boston College 16-14!! WOOHOO!

Blog Change

I changed my blog template. Apparantly, I'm supposed to mention said change. I just figured that my "peeps" would recognize the change for what it is... my boredom. Y'all know I gotta change things up now and again cuz I get bored with the layout and I like to "redecorate" shall we say. I'm not entirely thrilled with this design, but hey, it's different. Y'all know me, I'll keep it for a month or two, maybe three and then there'll be something new.

So, thanks for noticing the changes.

I'm a Bette!

I don't know how accurate these things are, but as everyone knows, I'm a sucker for a blogquiz! If it counts, I have worn my hair like Ms. Davis' in that photo.

Who am I?

This is one of the coolest videoes I have ever seen. The song featured is one of my most favorite contemporary Christian songs by the band Casting Crowns, called "Who Am I". It's a beautiful piece that illustrates just how important each and every one of us is to our heavenly Father.

Merry Christmas

I can't believe how quickly the Christmas season has come upon us. That old adage, time flies, is surely true. It seems to go faster every year. This season is a time for peace and goodwill, sharing, joy, and reflection. As I reflect upon this year that's about to pass, I recall much upheaval and change in my occupation, an exciting election year, the worst economy I can recall, changes for my children from middle school to high school, and a diagnosis that came with many tests and at times distress. While many things have changed, much has stayed the same. Love of family and friends and faith during hard times. In the days ahead, I'll be spending time with my family, contemplating changes for the upcoming year, and shopping with my very best girlfriend on our annual day after Christmas shopping extravaganza. I wish for you all a blessed holiday.

Lucky!

If I could only have five channels on my television, the very first one I'd choose would be SoapNet. Yes, I love me some "stories", especially "General Hospital". SoapNet is a soap opera/drama lover's dream. The last couple of years they've been producing their own programs. They've got a new show starting in January starring Greg Behrednt Greg is a stand-up comedian/writer who has been a consultant with Sex & the City, made appearances on the late night talk show circuit, and even had his own daytime talk show for a minute. He's probably best known as the co-author of "He's Just Not That Into You" and "It's Called a Breakup because It's Brohen". Greg's made a gozillion dollars from those two books and the marketing of them. Apparantly, he's looked upon, by some, as a relationship expert. I'm sure his books have valid points, however I've not read them, but I must say this new show on SoapNet looks interesting. Like a trainwreck, you know, where you just can't help but watch. It's called "Greg Behrendt's Wake Up Call".



From what I gather, it seems like Greg is going to counsel with couples and help them with their problems, trying to "wake them up", as it were. to the areas of their relationships that need work. I have one thing to say.... Thank GOD that I don't need his help! While my husband isn't perfect, we do communicate with each other, we do participate in things that the other likes to do, we do have sex more often than once every four years, and he tries to help me with the kids and household chores. I'm constantly dumbfounded by men that just leave everything up to their women and don't interact with their spouses except for "marital relations" or that put themselves first, or don't help do anything around the home. Because my hubby does all those things, I reckon I just assume all men do them. WRONG! I've always heard that a woman marries a man like her father, boy is that ever true! I went from being spoiled by my Daddy to being spoiled by my wonderful husband. Am I Lucky or what? Thanks Honey! And Thank you God for sending him to me!

Wrapping, part 2

Since the last post was about wrapping paper and seeing as how my wrapping has been commented upon in great detail, I thought I would show a couple of examples of my wrapping prowess.

Now, I've been a bit lazy this year and I've not gone over and above what I sometimes do. In addition, it's been a little hard finding purple ribbons and I've had to conserve, cuz you know it's not one of those "traditional" Christmas colors that one can find in abundance. So, keeping those in mind here are a couple of my wrapped gifts in purple and gold paper that coordinates with my Christmas tree.

Wrapping Paper

I am such the sucker for those blog test things, and of course they have tons of them for Christmas. So, when I saw this one, I just had to take it. I love wrapping my gifts and decorating them with pretty bows and ribbons. I always try to coordinate my papers with my tree decorations. It's obsessive, anal-retentive, whatever you want to call it, but hey, that's me. So, here's the wrapping paper test.

You Are Considerate and Mature

You approach the holidays with responsibility and cooperation. You'll do your part to make sure that everyone else has a happy holiday. You aren't particularly picky or high maintenance during the holidays. You're happy to be in the company of people you love, and you're willing to "go with the flow." Of all the types, you are the most likely to give someone exactly what they want. You're also the most likely to wrap all your presents well - to prevent peeking!

The Wrapping Paper Test

Whether or not all of this describes me, well, I suppose only my husband could verify.

Love/Hate

I have a love/hate relationship with Christmas.

I hate that we as a society have commercialized something so special as the arrival of God's one and only son sent to save his people.

I hate that mega-chain department/wholesale stores start decorating, play Christmas music, run special marketing campaigns, and put out those gift sets right after Halloween and before Thanksgiving.

I hate that we spend so much time rushing around here and there trying to get our shopping or other tasks accomplished.

I hate that we fill up the season with parties, caroling, addressing cards, and decorating.

I hate that people are so rude, crass, and impatient with one another.

I hate that my husband works more hours during the Christmas season than at any other time in the year and that we have even less time to spend together as a family.

I hate that we focus more on what gifts we're giving instead of feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and visiting the sick and imprisoned.

Most of all I hate that during this season I grieve more for my parents as Christmas was the most important time of year for my family.



I love the smells in the air, smells of cakes, cookies, candies that we bake.

I love deciding what colors I'm going to decorate for the season, the actual decorating, and wrapping of the presents in paper to co-ordinate with my colors.

I love all types of Christmas music and start playing it right after Thanksgiving. Music gets me in the Christmas spirit better and faster than anything.

I love singing all the hymns and popular music to the top of my lungs.

I love pulling out my Christmas music and practicing on the piano.

I love how beautiful our church looks during the season and I love how we all work together to make it so.

I love our special church services. The Epiphany service and our Hanging of the Greens are the opening and closing of the season and it wouldn't be Christmas without them.

I love that our family gathers together to celebrate our long held traditions.

I love surprising my husband with gifts that he never expected.

I love the looks on my children's faces on Christmas morning. Nothing can compare to their looks of surprise and wonder.

I love that there's a spirit of peace and goodwill in the air, I only wish that it could last the year through.

Most of all, I love the Baby Jesus and what his coming to earth means for me and the entire human race.

The Christmas Meme

Well, since everyone has done this meme, I may as well do it too. So, here goes.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper, I love to wrap presents with frilly bows and such. I only use bags when items can't be wrapped.
2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial because my dear sweet husband is terribly allergic to cedar, I won't even mention what happened the last time we had a real tree.
3. When do you put up the tree? After Thanksgiving, around the first Sunday in Advent
4. When do you take the tree down? not until after Epiphany
5. Do you like eggnog? love it!
6. Favorite gift as a child? My Barbie town house, unfortunately it was that Christmas that I realized there was no Santa.
7. Hardest person to buy for? Art's parents
8. Easiest person to buy for? Art, because I've got him all figured out!
9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, but I have no idea where it is.
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? not sure
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? I love Christmas movies, so it's hard to pick one. But I'll go with "It's a Wonderful Life" that movie makes me cry. I don't even have to see the whole movie, just that last line "every time a bell rings an angel gets it's wings" and it's boohoohoo! I also love "A Smoky Mountain Christmas" with Dolly Parton and Elf with Will Ferrell.
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I try to start sometime in October.
14. I’m not sure why, but there isn’t a #14.
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? My christmas candies that my aunt makes for me every year.
16. Lights on the tree? Absolutely! And I don't have to mess with it anymore cuz our tree is pre-lit! YAY!
17. Favorite Christmas song? This is another one where I can't choose just one. So as far as hymns go, I have to say "In the Bleak Midwinter". And for popular songs, I'd say "Do they Know it's Christmas"
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Home
19. Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer? nah... cuz there's only one that really matters.... the most famous reindeer of all.... RUDOLPH!
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? A star. I used to have an angel, but I switched to a star because it reminds me of the Magi coming to the Christ child.
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? When I was little, it was always on Christmas Day. My in-laws are Christmas Eve kind of people, so we're opening on both.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? that we fill up the time and make ourselves so busy that we don't take time enough to consider the true meaning and reason for this season.
23. Favorite ornament theme or color? I don't have a favorite because I change my colors/decorations each year. this year it's purple, last year was black. I'm thinking next year might be more traditional with red... but who knows?
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? time alone with my husband!


Tag... you're it!

Fa la la la la

Okay, it's time for some Christmas music and you all know how much I love.Love.LOVE. Christmas music. I'm gonna share two songs with you this time. One of them puts a smile on my face and I feel oh so happy when I hear it. The other makes me think of my husband and well, "other" things. ;)

I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas Gayla Peevey




All I Want for Christmas is You Mariah Carey

This Year's Christmas Tree

Okay for all my christmas tree fans out there, here are pictures of my/our tree this year. As you may remember, last year's decorations were black and silver. Well, this year, I went purple. It took me a long time to decide and I vacillated between several color combinations, but once I saw these, I decided it had to be purple. And don't you know, while I had to search last year for black ornaments, they are all over the place this year. I suppose it's like my teenage daughter said, "Mom, you're just ahead of the trends." Well, if someone has to be a trend setter, I suppose it may as well be me!


So, without further ado...

Tell me where you been so long....

First, let me say I appreciate all my friends checking in on me to see if I'm still around. I'm here. I visit your blogs, but blogging just isn't as important to me as it used to be. As opposed to my wonderful husband, I just don't have a lot to say. He's much more intelluctual and has lots of wonderful ideas to share with the world where I need to be with other people in person. That's not to say that I haven't enjoyed my time here, but it's not as fulfilling to me. Basically, I need a "crowd", I need to be the center of attention. I admit it, I'm a "ham". I need to have one on one interaction with instant gratification, and let's face it, that's not something one can receive from the internet.

Combine that with the fact that since the last time I posted, I've been on two vacations, suffered through a summer with 3 pregnant women in my office, lost two tellers, thus leaving myself and one other, being promoted and having to juggle all the tasks assigned with it in addition to everything I was already doing. Not to mention that my oldest child started high school this year (OMG!) and my other having had issues being diagnosed with ADD, and well, I suppose I've been a little busy.

So, I love and thank all my friends, and please know I'm still around. I try to get by all your sites at least one a week just to see what's going on with all of you. I may still pop in and out here from time to time, but nowhere near as "regular" as I used to be. So until I see you again, be good to yourself and each other!

Blog-vacation

Wow.. it's been a while since I've done any blogging. I've had some comments wondering if I'm taking a break like my husband is, and well, apparantly I am. It wasn't really intentional, but we've been soo busy with all our "construction" projects around the house, and my back went out again and I was down almost two weeks, mix those in with our upcoming beach vacation, and church camp, and you can see we've been some busy folks around here. That being said, I wish you all a pleasant summer and hopefully I'll be back to regular blogging after things around here settle down.

Take care, y'all!

Temporarirly Insane!

I feel like I should apply for Law School. I've been helping our daughter with a school project. Shelby's Social Studies class participates in something called a simulation. She's done different "Sims" for different projects, this time it's a mock trial. Shelby was selected as the lead defense attorney (wonder why? Cuz she likes to argue, just like her Daddy ;)) and her client allegedly stabbed his father. As she/we gathered all the evidence from the witnesses, i.e. other classmates, we started talking and decided that since her client had been abused by his father, the only defense she could pursue and possibly win would be an insanity defense. So, we've spent hours wikipediaing forensic psychiatry, child abuse, trial procedures, and criminal law. She knows this case inside and out, she's fully prepared. She and her co-counsel decided that they should project a professional appearance and have even coordinated their clothing, makeup, and hair. They've even gone so far as to borrow an old briefcase of mine to use for all their materials. Shelby has done an excellent job. I might've messed up when I told her I'd be pissed if she didn't win. She thought I meant I'd be pissed at her, I reassured her that I wouldn't be mad at her, but at the stupid people on the jury. Maybe that was wrong of me, but I can't help it, I'm a wee bit competitive. Well, She's done all she can and has worked really hard, I'm sure she'll make a good grade, as usual.

EDIT: Shelby lost her case because those idiots in her class were too stupid to comprehend the insanity defense. That and because the judge in the case was buddies with the prosecutor. Typical, well at least she got an acutal portrait of our justice system!

Great News!

I have great news! My brother has become a grandfather, again. So, yes, that means I'm a great aunt, again! This time we have a baby girl. My great niece, Kileigh Marie was born early this morning at 12:03am. weighing 6lbs, 10oz and 20" long. Kileigh was diagnosed in-utero with a kidney disorder and she may have to have surgery later, but there's nothing life threatening at this time. Praise God for this tiny miracle.

Music Education 101: Ray Charles

We are serious music lovers in our house. If you're a regular visitor here or at my husband's blog, you're very aware of this. We are very eclectic in our musical tastes. I was raised on good ole fashioned Country and Western music, in addition to Southern Gospel and Elvis Presley. As a teen, I delved into the music of the 60's, particularly the Beatles and the Beach Boys, in between staying in touch with what was going on on the current Top 40. Then I met a wonderful man who introduced me to things like punk, heavy metal, rockabilly, and the blues. Music has played a pivotal role in our lives and we've made a conscience effort to expose our children to all types of music. Currently, one of our favorites is Ray Charles. The kids just love his music, and being a pianist, I'm envious of his talents on the piano.

Here's a little background on Ray Charles.

Ray Charles Robinson was born in September 1930 in Albany, Georgia to Aretha Williams and Bailey Robinson. The family moved to Greenville, Florida soon after Ray's birth. Aretha and Bailey never married and he went on to have 3 other families, thereby leaving Aretha to raise Ray and his younger brother, George, on her own. George drowned in a laundry tub when Ray was five. Ray witnessed this incident and it had a profound effect upon him. Sometime after, Ray started to lose his vision and was completely blind by the age of seven. There was never a definitive reason for his loss of sight, however some sources attribute it to glaucoma. Aretha sent Ray away to a school for the blind and deaf in St. Augustine, Florida where he learned to play various musical instruments as well as compose music. At the age of seventeen, he moved to Seattle, Washington and signed his first record deal with Swingtime Records and had his first hit four years later with "Baby, Let Me Hold Your Hand". A year after Ray's hit, he signed with well known Atlantic Records. Ray had many hit songs during his middle years of success, becoming one of the first artists to "crossover" from Top 40 to jazz. Ray's foray into Country and Western helped bring prominence to the genre. Later on in his career, he made cameo appearances in films and on television. He has performed for presidents, campaigned for peace, and supported the American Civil Rights Movement. Aside from the dozens of Grammy's he's won, he's accumulated many other awards including being among the first set of inductees to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Jazz Hall of Fame, and the Kennedy Center Honors just to name a very few. Much deserved tributes to him include a bronze sculpture of him in Albany, Georgia and a post office named after him in Los Angeles. At the end of his life, Ray was significantly involved in the making of the biopic, Ray going so far as to hand select the actor who eventually played him in the film. Unfortunately, Ray passed away before the film opened. Lucky for us, he lives on through his music. Here's but a taste of his abundant talent.

The song that brought him national attention: "I Got a Woman"


A song that my children go nuts for: "Hallelujah I Love Her So"

Man of the House

I am not sexist. What I mean is that I don't believe that men and women have defined roles in a relationship. It was wonderful last week to come home each day after a hard days work to a home cooked meal prepared by my adoring husband during his vacation, but I did not expect him to cook a meal every night, nor do I expect him to do the laundry or mop the floors because he's home during the day. Now, if he feels moved to do so, I'm very much appreciative, but it's not something I expect him to do, nor do I expect him to take care of the yard. I know of a lot of couples where the female takes care of the "inside" of the house, while their husbands take care of the "outside". I feel that a relationship is give/take, an equal partnership. I may mow the yard, you can dust my piano, as long as the jobs get done, it's irrelevant who does them. There are no "male" jobs or "female" jobs. That being said, I do believe that there are certain things that men should do within the home. In specifics, two things. One, they should kill any and all sorts of insects and rodents, disposing of their remains. And secondly, they should empty the garbage. Now, honestly, I could do both of those things, if I absolutely had to, but I don't, so I won't. I can proudly report that tonight, my son, became the man of the house. Some sort of red waspy thing got into our home, no doubt because the boy left the stinking door open, but I digress. Anyhoo, as I am short of stature, it's hard for me to reach up to the ceiling to kill the nasty things, but tonight I managed to put the thing out of my misery. It fell to the countertops, and I covered it with a folded paper towel. I called the boy, he came, smashed his hand down on top of the paper towel making sure it was really dead, and he faithfully obeyed as I told him to dispose of the waspy thing. He complied so nonchalantly as if it was expected of him. And it's to the point where I don't even have to tell him to empty the garbage, it gets full, he empties it. Ahhh, he's been taught well. (By me of course :), only kidding, I know full well, his Dad has taught him, and very well I must add!)

Vacation... Sort of

For the next week or so, I'll be mostly offline because my dear, sweet husband is on vacation. So, I'll be hanging out with him instead of you, my peeps. We don't have as much time together as other couples do, so I'm gonna enjoy having him home with me every night. Woohoo! So, behave, talk amongst yourselves, and I'll see ya in a week or so....

Update

Many of you have asked how my back is doing and I can happily report that I'm almost back to normal. I say almost cuz my husband would be the first to tell ya that there's nothing "normal" about me, so I should say that I'm about 90-95% better. I'm still sleeping on the couch, but I'm also sleeping in the bed now and my pain has diminished greatly. So, many many thanks to all of you who asked about me, I truly appreciate your concern. Thanks!

Spring has Sprung!

This is one of my favorite times of the year. The breathtaking beauty of God's creation is in abundance. My own yard is bursting with color.



My crabapple tree in the side yard...




A closer view of the blossoms on the crabapple.



Blossoms off of my japanese cherry tree in the front yard...



My favorite tree, it's an old-fashioned magnolia tulip tree...


Get outside and encounter the glory of God!

Freedom!

I'm thankful that I cannot remember a time when African-Americans were denied basic freedoms. Things that I take for granted: voting, drinking from any water fountain, choosing any seat on public transportation, attending any hospital, going to any doctor, choosing a vocation, or even being able to love another. It is incomprehensible to me to think that these things not only happened occasionally, but were a way of life. One of my very best friends is African-American and to think that if we lived in another era, we would never even met, let alone be friends is depressing. Add to that the fact that these types of things happened in our parents era, is again baffling. I grew up believing that it was okay to be friends with black people, and that they were no different that I, except when it came to dating. I was always told not to bring home a black boy, now I find that disgusting. I have made a conscience effort to teach my children that we are all God's children, that there is no difference in skin color, ethnicity, or religion. God loves us all, so why can't we see each other the way God sees us?

I believe this country has come a long way in the area of race relations, and yet we still have a ways to go. But I wonder, in this the year of the fortieth anniversary of the death of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. what would he think of where we are as a nation? What would he think about this presidential election and that for the first time there's an African-American running who actually has a chance of winning. I pray for the day when every person is treated equally, a day when there's no need for affirmative action, and there's an end to racial profiling. I, too, share Dr. King's dream and pray that it's fulfilled if not in my lifetime, then in my children's.

I'm Fruity!

You Are Fruit Flavored Gum

You are quirky and independent. You don't tend to follow any one style or rule book. You are a mix and match type of person, and you draw inspiration from many sources. While you're definitely a bit unusual, you get along well with other people. You're eager to welcome anyone into your world. You are not judgmental at all. You form close bonds with your friends, and your relationships tend to be very secure. You hold firm to your beliefs and values, and you don't let anyone talk you into compromising them.

What Flavor Gum Are You?

Hattip: Jen

Happy Birthday Art!

Who better than the Fab Four to wish a Happy Birthday to my Favorite Guy. Happy Happy Birthday, Honey. I love you!

Mom Overture

This video needs no introduction... all Moms out there will appreciate this!




Hattip: my wonderful husband..and some other dude.

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

Loyal blog viewers will notice a change around here. I can get bored with styles, so I like to change things up now and again. So, here's my new blue designs. The pictures are of the Gulf Coast taken during one of our many vacations. My husband is the picture taker in the family and I think he does a pretty darn good job! Blue is not a color that I would choose. But, since I wanted to change my blog picture to the sea side one, I decided that I would go for a whole ocean type feel. Maybe I'm ready for a beach vacation....

Back Troubles

I'm down in my back again....ARGH!! I've been to the chiropractor, but I'm still sore, very sore. I've been on and off the ice for days, sleeping on the reclining couch, and doing the 'nursing home shuffle'. But, I have had the absolute best care from my wonderful husband. He'd do everything for me, if I would let him. I have this stubborn, independent streak, and I don't want to be a burden to him or ever take advantage of his support. I can't ever express in words how fabulous he is to me, but I can relate what our son said. Last night, Art asked if he could get anything for me, or do anything for me and I said no. So, Tad says, "Dad, you're such a wonderful husband. I hope that I'm as good to my wife as you are to Mom." What a sweetheart my child is... he takes after his dad of course.

Peep Show

Yeah, I know it's in bad taste, but I thought it was too cute. Well, for a Redneck Easter, it'd be great....

Willie

I.Love.Willie.Nelson.

Call me "Crazy", but I've just always liked him, I suppose it's the rebel thing he's got going on, I dunno. He's got an earthy tone to his voice and his talents on that old beat up, raggedy guitar are unmatched. Granted, he's downright kooky, but in our parts of the country he'd be considered 'eccentric'. So, enjoy this video. As I understand it, this is his new release. See how many celebrities you can spot.

"You Don't Think I'm Funny Anymore"

Angel Eyes

The effect music has is amazing. The emotions that arise, how it inspires, the transformations it can bring about, are truly amazing. How notes, words, chord progressions come together from talented songwriters, is in my opinion, a miracle. Upon hearing certain songs, I am instantly transported back to the first time I heard them, recollecting exactly where I was, who I was with, what I was doing or wearing. I remember the first time I heard this song, "Angel Eyes". I was still in high school, in my vehicle on my way to my after school job, and I was blown away. It was right around the time I met a particular guy, who played guitar in a band. When I later saw the video for "Angel Eyes", I was further blown away with the fact that this new guy in my life greatly resembled the artist. I shared my love of this song with that special guy and of course being the music afficiando that he is, informed me that the artist, Jeff Healey, was blind. I was dumbfounded. He was a truly amazing artist and his song, "Angel Eyes" became one of our 'songs'. Unfortunately I learned today that this artist, Jeff Healey, passed away at the very young age of 41. He had battled cancer, the cause of his blindness, for most of his short life. He leaves behind a wife and two children, and many fans. And one couple in Tennessee thankful for this special song.



Rest in peace, Jeff.

Yes We Can!

I don't normally blog about anything political. I have at times talked about some of my opinions, but I wanted to share a video regarding one of the candidates. It's basically a speech given by Barack Obama with added background music. In my opinion, this speech evokes the spirit of John F. Kennedy. This message is one of hope and change, something that it seems we all desire.

Recipie for Me

The Recipe For stacie

3 parts Flirtation 2 parts Love 1 part Panache Splash of Boldness Finish off with a squeeze of lime juice

What's the Recipe for Your Personality?

Yeah, I'd say that's about right.

Hat tip: Jen

18

There are lots of connotations and meanings for the number 18. In mathematics, it's a semiperfect number and in religious circles, specifically Judiasm, The Hebrew word for "life" has a numerical value of 18. According to Chinese tradition, the number 18 means prosperity. In our country, the age eighteen signifies being "of age", meaning that eighteen year olds have the right to bear arms, own property, marry without parental consent, get an abortion, donate their body to science, and serve on a jury (just to name a few).

So, what's the significance of the number 18? Well, it just so happens that eighteen years ago this month, I met the man to whom I would commit my heart, life, and soul. To stop and think that eighteen years have gone by since we first laid eyes upon each other is astounding. I'll never forget that evening. It's permanently etched in my memory. He was the epitome of everything I'd ever said I wanted in a boyfriend. See I had always had a thing for blondes and I'd even said that I'd marry a guy with blonde hair and green eyes, boy was I cocky or what? And yet there stood this tall, blonde, green eyed god. One look and I was gone. Of course I thought he would never be interested in me, cuz you see he was a college boy and I was just a high school teenager. Then when I found out days later that he was indeed interested in me, I was on cloud 9 for days. Well, here we are eighteen years later and he's just as handsome to me now as he was back then. He's still exciting and things only get better every day. I'm truly blessed.

A Story

As formerly requested, here is the story behind my previous post of Guns 'n Roses' "Sweet Child o Mine". You see, I was young and there was this gorgeous guy I was dating and he was a fan of the aforementioned group. I, of course, being the pop/new wave music junkie I was, had never really heard of Guns; heavy metal just wasn't my 'thing'. Unless it was Poison, or Bon Jovi, or maybe even those guys from Europe, cuz we all know it's not really about the music, it's the hunks in the band. Right, girls? Anyhoo, back to my story. I was really into this guy and he was really into me, and as we were grooving in his car one day, he looks at me with his deep green eyes and said that when he listened to that song, he thought of me. That I was his "sweet child". So, naturally I became not only a fan of that song, but of the band as well. Oh, and it didn't hurt that that sweet hunk would play that smokin guitar solo for me. What is it with girls and musicians? So, while I'm not a spring chicken anymore, I'm still his 'sweet child' and always will be.

For My Valentine

You have my heart. FOREVER!

For My Husband

Love Ya Babe!

Yep! That's Me!

What Stacie Means

S is for Sultry T is for Twisted A is for Alert C is for Cute I is for Impassioned E is for Enthusiastic

What Does Your Name Mean?

Bambi

I am not overly fond of animals. Ok, to be honest, I'm not an animal lover at all, it's not that I despise them, I find them cute, from afar... or in pictures. Especially in pictures. I've always had a healthy respect for them, some might call it fear, I prefer healthy respect. I leave them alone, they leave me alone and that's how I like it. Until tonight! I am so angry! I was driving along on my way home from a very hard days work, when out of the blue, out jumped a deer from a field, strking my car on the driver's side near the door. I was freaked out! Now, living in the country and passing a state park full of deer, I'm always on the lookout, but this happened in an area where I've never seen them before and it freaked me out! It's a good thing the children weren't with me, I would've needed a censor! I didn't realize how bad I was hit until I tried to exit my vehicle after arriving home and the door wouldn't open all the way. I didn't dare try to force it open for fear of damaging it further, so how did I exit? Well, I had to hike one leg up and over the gear shift, swing the other leg over and exit the passenger side. Not an easy task for a big girl, let me tell you! So, now I have to go through the whole insurance rigamarole and be without a vehicle for who knows how long. What fun! Why can't they just stay in the meadow like good old Bambi?

Resolutions

Tis the season when folks start making resolutions, those they'll keep for a week or two, and then by the end of the month, they're broken. I don't make resolutions. Never have. Now, I do understand the desire to start the new year fresh, to give up bad habits, to start living a healthy lifestyle, and heal relationships. Looking at the new year full of hope, promise, and possibilities is the impetus for some to make those resolutions. That being said, I'm going to begin this new year as I have every year.. with a positive attitude. Seeing each day as a gift, not sweating the small stuff, not worrying over things I cannot control, and enjoying every precious moment with my dear, sweet husband and children. I encourage all my blog friends to do the same.

Now for your listenting and viewing pleasure, here's some encouragement.