tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-330836892024-03-07T10:49:09.279-08:00Supergirl's MusingsStacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990365665811611075noreply@blogger.comBlogger180125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33083689.post-25682097273182532212009-02-09T21:31:00.001-08:002009-02-09T22:00:00.127-08:002nd Anniversary<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjecsDpBNbzL2QF3BEZMSi0rCjx9Sfh1VdoxD3JaySsWL0HiWhxwuYsE3YQC8JTVSrVOCpoUR5akTSK8v9EKsDhyphenhyphen7TdZri_-z4Dlgg-buK2ocoao0PXntv4psgDhdJJVgbBpqyr/s1600-h/daddy.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjecsDpBNbzL2QF3BEZMSi0rCjx9Sfh1VdoxD3JaySsWL0HiWhxwuYsE3YQC8JTVSrVOCpoUR5akTSK8v9EKsDhyphenhyphen7TdZri_-z4Dlgg-buK2ocoao0PXntv4psgDhdJJVgbBpqyr/s320/daddy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301037325859506834" /></a> This is my Daddy. Two years ago today, on what would have been my mother's birthday, he left this physical world and rejoined Mother in the heavenly realm. I'm choosing not to remember his last days as that's not how he would want to be remembered. Instead, I'll remember the special bond that we had. You see, I was his "baby", the child of his later years. He'd laugh as he told his story about how as he walked my much older sister down the aisle on her wedding day he leaned over to tell her, "Thank God I'll never have to do this again" only to eat those words as I was born a mere 10 months later. I suppose he and Mother got a little too excited about getting one of their children out of the house. He would always use this as an example to others that you should never say you'll never do something because the good Lord will let you know different! We had a deeper relationship, a closeness, that he didn't have with my other siblings. I suppose it's because after my mother died, it was just the two of us at home together. My sister and brothers were off living their own lives, raising their young children and as I reflect upon it, they didn't really need Daddy in the same way as I. We were each other's confidant. He would tell me how his day at work had gone, and I'd share some of my day at school with him. I couldn't share all of it cuz you know, I couldn't tarnish my "Daddy's girl" halo. We shared meals, I cooked for him. I use that term loosely, cuz I barely knew how to boil water, but he taught me. He taught me soo many things. He taught me how to fish, although he would bait the hook for me cuz he knew I had "issues" about touching worms, or crickets, or any other living thing he thought the fish might be biting on that day. He taught me how to ride a bike. I remember him holding onto the back of my bicycle seat, running through the yard as I pedaled my heart out. The man that encouraged me to sing in church, the man who shed silent tears when I sang any of his favorites. The very man that taught me how to drive a stick shift by saying, "Get in, let's go, you're driving to town". I was scared to death! I never made it all the way into town, I got about halfway, pulled that truck over, jerked the clutch and let him know I just could't go any further. I was about to have a nervous breakdown. He just laughed! Needless to say, I did eventually learn how to drive that old truck. Most important of all, he taught me what to look for in a man. What kind of man would make a good husband and father to my children, he was the best example of both. Thank you, Daddy for all you taught me. I love you and miss you terribly!Stacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990365665811611075noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33083689.post-44805797263420922252009-01-22T14:55:00.000-08:002009-01-22T15:18:26.048-08:00I'm No Superwoman!WARNING... RANT AHEAD.....<br /><br />I try to be all things to all people. I take pride in what I do and I try to always do my very best. I love my husband, I love my children, heck I even love my job, but lately, it's getting very hard, downright impossible to get all the things I need to get done completed. I work a 40+hr work week at a job that I really love, then try to come home and help two children finish their homework, one of whom has "issues". And trying to figure out what to feed them for supper is another ordeal. God help me if I can get people motivated to help with the little things like laundry, or dishes, or even clean a bathroom. My hardwood hasn't been swept or mopped in weeks, and let's not even discuss the inch thick dust on my tv, piano, and other furniture! Now, I'm trying to do water aerobics three nights a week to get healthier, and then there's church on Wednesday's so now I've got somewhere to go every night of the week. Figure in that I play the piano at church three Sundays a month, so I've got to work in some practice time, in addition to planning for other events at church. Keep in mind I'm doing all this pretty much alone because my husband works this crazy shift from late afternoon til past midnight, so forget any "alone" time with him or even any family time! That stinks! All I know is that something needs to change or I'm gonna lose my freakin mind! <br /><br />Superwoman, I ain't!Stacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990365665811611075noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33083689.post-27061139148339871362009-01-19T22:05:00.000-08:002009-01-19T22:14:38.523-08:00Prayer for President Obama<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2wPJHdVsPhtGuBvDZgbhFe8ErXP0VtbnLquf-3bTWUGZEGc9Onv4xlC-50ZGEQTjubOZPy4w-FavKTJliD9Jq8PpFYpwUjUrJXInIdh1QeidpjrMTamzc_PeNDhOgbU89uHFL/s1600-h/12009.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 110px; height: 110px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2wPJHdVsPhtGuBvDZgbhFe8ErXP0VtbnLquf-3bTWUGZEGc9Onv4xlC-50ZGEQTjubOZPy4w-FavKTJliD9Jq8PpFYpwUjUrJXInIdh1QeidpjrMTamzc_PeNDhOgbU89uHFL/s320/12009.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293254986999570866" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />God of the nations in whom we live and move and have our being, and from whom cometh every good and perfect gift, we pause at the beginning of this day's historic proceeding to invoke Thy blessings upon this beloved country of ours, and upon all who serve her highest interets.<br /><br />Grant to Thy servant, the President of the United States, all needed wisdom, help, and strength as he rededicates himself anew today to the high office to which he has been called. May he continue to lead us as he is led by Thee, in the ways that make for domestic tranquillity and international accord.<br /><br />Bestow upon us, our Father, the happiness which is reserved for that nation whose God is the Lord, through Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, we pray, amen.<br /><br /><br />Invocation by Rev. Edward Hughes Pruden <br />1949 inagural of President Harry S. TrumanStacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990365665811611075noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33083689.post-59671675540465577802009-01-14T19:04:00.000-08:002009-01-14T19:39:08.878-08:00Say it ain't so, Tattoo!The star of one of my favorite childhood tv shows has died today. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ricardo_montalban"> Ricardo Montalban</a>, better known to me as "Mr. Roarke" from Fantasy Island passed away today at the age of 88. I absolutely loved that show, and I don't think I ever missed an episode. He always appeared so elegant and charming, and how I wanted so desperately to take one of those fantasy weekend trips that he made possible for the visitors to his island. Of course, I was only a child and didn't realize that it was fake, that in real life most grown ups can't afford $30K vacations. But it sure would be nice! <br /> It wasn't until much later that I found out that Mr. Montalban had been acting for many years and that he was one of the first Hispanic actors to be successful in radio, films and tv. He worked with some of the finest actors of his generation, from Esther Williams to Lana Turner, and James Stewart, Shirley McClain, and Mel Blanc. He's even worked with Sammy Davis, Jr. and Lena Horne on Broadway. He's had a very long career from the 50's up until as recently as this year. Granted most of his work lately has been voice over work, due to health concerns, but it's that voice that's so familiar to us. <br /> He never got into the "Hollywood lifestyle" as he was married to the love of his life for more than 50 yrs, a rarity these days. He retained his Mexican citizenship and never even applied for US citizenship. He was a deeply religious man, saying his faith was the most important thing in his life. We have lost not only a true talent, but an incredible, honorable, human being.<br /><br />Rest in peace, Ricardo Gonzalo Pedro Montalbán y Merino.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/iwaEydIpS0E&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/iwaEydIpS0E&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Stacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990365665811611075noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33083689.post-61425112873846960832009-01-08T19:54:00.000-08:002009-01-08T20:42:12.894-08:00Happy Birthday, Big E!On this day, January 8th, in 1935 one of, if not THE most influential artist in music history was born. Elvis Aron Presley was born this day 74 years ago. It's hard to imagine Elvis as a senior citizen, which is what he would be now. Of course it's because, for us, he's forever immortalized as a man in the prime of life. I could go on about the tragedy his death was and how it shouldn't have happened, but instead I'm going to focus on being grateful for his birth. This world was blessed with his many talents and his gentle, giving spirit, and for that we should all be thankful. In that spirit, I share with you a scene from my favorite movie Elvis starred in, "Jailhouse Rock", with Elvis singing my most favorite song, "Young and Beautiful" which he will forever be.<br /><br />Happy Birthday Elvis!<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/dtTeiYWIeTE&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/dtTeiYWIeTE&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Stacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990365665811611075noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33083689.post-74165662630381213132009-01-05T18:22:00.000-08:002009-01-05T18:37:03.540-08:00a new year<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8gSfx32gBLipg8qMkSIYTFln18RblcNu7gAmQkFdA0cFNmDJgPz1JK0ZGP74WWv4OUM0AoF0NJ00Nqx0eaYG1xwHAJzhVI5FupDmn3x67B8t5cpmvuYdP8AUu1SzTylr5hzI1/s1600-h/wa3.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 113px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8gSfx32gBLipg8qMkSIYTFln18RblcNu7gAmQkFdA0cFNmDJgPz1JK0ZGP74WWv4OUM0AoF0NJ00Nqx0eaYG1xwHAJzhVI5FupDmn3x67B8t5cpmvuYdP8AUu1SzTylr5hzI1/s320/wa3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288003899748475250" /></a><br />So, it's a new year. And with every new year, people make resolutions. Well, I don't make resolutions. Mainly because I think they're a bunch of hooey! Promises people make to themselves, or others that they might keep for a month and then forget about. I didn't make a resolution, but I have decided that I'm going to make my lifestyle more healthy. I've decided I don't want to be like my sister and have a whole bunch of health problems because I'm obese. I got into to the habit of stopping at a fast food restaurant for breakfast every morning and then of course, I'd eat out for lunch as well. And sometimes, it was even for supper. Well, all that's stopped. I drove right past my usual place this morning and ate my peanut butter on toast with water for breakfast. I did have a grilled chicken sandwich for lunch and my one cola for the day. Now, I've had a lower calorie meal with diet tea and heck I've even been to water aerobics tonight. Yes, me. Water aerobics! And guess what? I had fun! Of course I love to be in the water, just love it! The aerobics, eh, not so much, but when you combine the aerobics with water and attending with good friends, the time just flies by and you don't even realize that you're exercising. Now, that's some exercise I can get behind! <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLweSXhdDbRcKanmxopahMyKpVkRuICcpIHbnON0PZNN-Keozsrst7CyFsSpE2tV7QMKpMADIM36D6TBHIvPANoFreYwtpT-pZJimWQftyLTndCwfMaUlhtlF9SM4wQHIPWRpl/s1600-h/wa2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 74px; height: 120px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLweSXhdDbRcKanmxopahMyKpVkRuICcpIHbnON0PZNN-Keozsrst7CyFsSpE2tV7QMKpMADIM36D6TBHIvPANoFreYwtpT-pZJimWQftyLTndCwfMaUlhtlF9SM4wQHIPWRpl/s320/wa2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288003968510334546" /></a>Stacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990365665811611075noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33083689.post-29064435276486432822009-01-02T19:20:00.000-08:002009-01-02T19:29:40.551-08:00Gingerbread menI have wanted to construct a gingerbread house for years now, but I've never done it. Of course, now that I work at least 40hrs a week, I just don't have the time to attempt it, but luckily for us busy moms, there are companies out there that make these kits with the gimgerbread, the icing, and gumdrops all ready to use. So, this year, we thought it would be fun to try one and to keep my two children from fussing over who would get to do which part, I bought gingerbread men with 2 in each box so they would each have their own man to decorate. I divided all the gumdrops, candies etc. between the two of them and helped them with applying the icing and I think they did a fabulous job! They each decided, without my help, how to decorate each one. I bought two sets, and next we're going to do snow men, I can't wait to see what they'll lool like!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF4CI4RMEyPyLePWx_sZcC9NI07utoNJv-Ijeo-IKoFZFllQbNbJrYAck7Pixe29t_oNkhPz9z1cq4LHOhC9EQxzr2SLxddJiQNogbFOhrBQkIKLILhjjeaCMtPKoRrAHxs147/s1600-h/shelbygingrman.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF4CI4RMEyPyLePWx_sZcC9NI07utoNJv-Ijeo-IKoFZFllQbNbJrYAck7Pixe29t_oNkhPz9z1cq4LHOhC9EQxzr2SLxddJiQNogbFOhrBQkIKLILhjjeaCMtPKoRrAHxs147/s320/shelbygingrman.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286903790168666546" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJISBa9YL9gN88N53OkiHTgMi9FSU9iK27dANNxil6pd5RmOlXmdH3SVhl0QzfJBa7BLxPROZGKEMh0W7AzxfPryql7N9vyn0iy9xZewse6KYsRfxE_NBqdj-oDyQea93C93lB/s1600-h/tadgingrman.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJISBa9YL9gN88N53OkiHTgMi9FSU9iK27dANNxil6pd5RmOlXmdH3SVhl0QzfJBa7BLxPROZGKEMh0W7AzxfPryql7N9vyn0iy9xZewse6KYsRfxE_NBqdj-oDyQea93C93lB/s320/tadgingrman.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286903955016519874" /></a>Stacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990365665811611075noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33083689.post-88265674681464285642008-12-31T14:24:00.000-08:002008-12-31T20:48:04.185-08:00GO DORES!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAcrgrTIhhtvZR7KRAUjoY_u0ZQ2SiRccgewb1swxWWB29g5lOImBpj-Urc56rEIcTdvvnpMBk4qauXC-1BAxRajTf6mJbCBYofHOLC1GigBfC0Se4G4tJWRjYwI6wtdQQOU_t/s1600-h/v3.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 91px; height: 75px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAcrgrTIhhtvZR7KRAUjoY_u0ZQ2SiRccgewb1swxWWB29g5lOImBpj-Urc56rEIcTdvvnpMBk4qauXC-1BAxRajTf6mJbCBYofHOLC1GigBfC0Se4G4tJWRjYwI6wtdQQOU_t/s320/v3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286091303021204690" /></a><br /><br />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 <a href="http://www.nashvillecitypaper.com/news.php?viewStory=43722">his story </a>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!!!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifmhMIZvL_p1aJs5p7Nb4V8QPN82o0_4FLSo38uX6C2uIcaJfAXUbEeV6w3Hsd2crq9T3wUpGGPpk23JR0EpHcs214-5x0riN1wmzISvgZ1XTvgx-R6rGWlJ0TKC_Z2-VFpQU7/s1600-h/v2.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 94px; height: 91px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifmhMIZvL_p1aJs5p7Nb4V8QPN82o0_4FLSo38uX6C2uIcaJfAXUbEeV6w3Hsd2crq9T3wUpGGPpk23JR0EpHcs214-5x0riN1wmzISvgZ1XTvgx-R6rGWlJ0TKC_Z2-VFpQU7/s320/v2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286091104278614354" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><em></em>Hooray for the underdogs! Vandy upset Boston College 16-14!! WOOHOO!Stacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990365665811611075noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33083689.post-7475124899822686172008-12-31T14:00:00.000-08:002008-12-31T14:04:51.534-08:00Blog ChangeI 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. <br /><br />So, thanks for noticing the changes.Stacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990365665811611075noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33083689.post-6888147963390045782008-12-31T09:00:00.000-08:002008-12-31T09:00:00.857-08:00I'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.
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<br /><p> </p></div><p><a href="http://www.helloquizzy.com/tests/are-you-a-jackie-or-a-marilyn-or-someone-else-mad-menera-female-icon-quiz">
<br /> Take Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz</a> at <a href="http://www.helloquizzy.com/"><b style="color:#131313"><span style="color:#ac000c">H</span>ello<span style="color:#ac000c">Q</span>uizzy</b></a></p>
<br />
<br /><p><em>
<br /> Your result for Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz...
<br /> </em></p><h3>You Are a Bette!</h3><p><img src="http://vintagegriffin.com/images/uploads/mm.bette_.jpg" alt="mm.bette_.jpg" /><br /><br /></p><div><p><span style="font-size:medium;"><strong>You are a Bette -- "I must be strong"</strong></span></p>
<br /><p><span style="font-size:small;">Bettes are direct, self-reliant, self-confident, and protective.</span></p>
<br /><p> </p>
<br /><strong>How to Get Along with Me</strong>
<br /><ul>
<br /><li><span style="font-size:small;">* Stand up for yourself... and me. </span></li>
<br /><li><span style="font-size:small;">* Be confident, strong, and direct. </span></li>
<br /><li><span style="font-size:small;">* Don't gossip about me or betray my trust. </span></li>
<br /><li><span style="font-size:small;">* Be vulnerable and share your feelings. See and acknowledge my tender, vulnerable side. </span></li>
<br /><li><span style="font-size:small;">* Give me space to be alone. </span></li>
<br /><li><span style="font-size:small;">* Acknowledge the contributions I make, but don't flatter me. </span></li>
<br /><li><span style="font-size:small;">* I often speak in an assertive way. Don't automatically assume it's a personal attack. </span></li>
<br /><li><span style="font-size:small;">* When I scream, curse, and stomp around, try to remember that's just the way I am.</span></li>
<br /></ul>
<br /><p> </p>
<br /><p> </p>
<br /><strong>What I Like About Being a Bette </strong>
<br /><ul>
<br /><li><span style="font-size:small;">* being independent and self-reliant </span></li>
<br /><li><span style="font-size:small;">* being able to take charge and meet challenges head on </span></li>
<br /><li><span style="font-size:small;">* being courageous, straightforward, and honest </span></li>
<br /><li><span style="font-size:small;">* getting all the enjoyment I can out of life </span></li>
<br /><li><span style="font-size:small;">* supporting, empowering, and protecting those close to me </span></li>
<br /><li><span style="font-size:small;">* upholding just causes</span></li>
<br /></ul>
<br /><p> </p>
<br /><p> </p>
<br /><strong>What's Hard About Being a Bette </strong>
<br /><ul>
<br /><li><span style="font-size:small;">* overwhelming people with my bluntness; scaring them away when I don't intend to </span></li>
<br /><li><span style="font-size:small;">* being restless and impatient with others' incompetence </span></li>
<br /><li><span style="font-size:small;">* sticking my neck out for people and receiving no appreciation for it </span></li>
<br /><li><span style="font-size:small;">* never forgetting injuries or injustices </span></li>
<br /><li><span style="font-size:small;">* putting too much pressure on myself </span></li>
<br /><li><span style="font-size:small;">* getting high blood pressure when people don't obey the rules or when things don't go right</span></li>
<br /></ul>
<br /><p> </p>
<br /><p> </p>
<br /><strong>Bettes as Children Often </strong>
<br /><ul>
<br /><li><span style="font-size:small;">* are independent; have an inner strength and a fighting spirit </span></li>
<br /><li><span style="font-size:small;">* are sometimes loners </span></li>
<br /><li><span style="font-size:small;">* seize control so they won't be controlled </span></li>
<br /><li><span style="font-size:small;">* figure out others' weaknesses </span></li>
<br /><li><span style="font-size:small;">* attack verbally or physically when provoked </span></li>
<br /><li><span style="font-size:small;">* take charge in the family because they perceive themselves as the strongest, or grow up in difficult or abusive surroundings</span></li>
<br /></ul>
<br /><p> </p>
<br /><p> </p>
<br /><strong>Bettes as Parents </strong>
<br /><ul>
<br /><li><span style="font-size:small;">* are often loyal, caring, involved, and devoted </span></li>
<br /><li><span style="font-size:small;">* are sometimes overprotective </span></li>
<br /><li><span style="font-size:small;">* can be demanding, controlling, and rigid</span></li>
<br /></ul>Stacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990365665811611075noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33083689.post-20626898668250185112008-12-30T17:20:00.000-08:002008-12-30T17:27:35.891-08:00Who 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. <br /><br /><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/CT7x3VnrqbA&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/CT7x3VnrqbA&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Stacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990365665811611075noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33083689.post-28343476893772139082008-12-23T21:26:00.000-08:002008-12-23T21:39:11.513-08:00Merry ChristmasI 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.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ8_CNbIHFwORboRoXx0_pmnWZlK2SPP5a0pAaY3pTKgRsRbiIca1zWt3B-dQMV2_iansI_DD0j24pvywESn6VV30ZZ8zx8FQqT416B0jfrlP859jquIHJB774oxkaZhkmH56d/s1600-h/22bfc827fb2e8fc0.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 140px; height: 75px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ8_CNbIHFwORboRoXx0_pmnWZlK2SPP5a0pAaY3pTKgRsRbiIca1zWt3B-dQMV2_iansI_DD0j24pvywESn6VV30ZZ8zx8FQqT416B0jfrlP859jquIHJB774oxkaZhkmH56d/s320/22bfc827fb2e8fc0.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283226941923277058" /></a>Stacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990365665811611075noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33083689.post-30790125309991756382008-12-22T20:37:00.000-08:002008-12-22T22:53:57.844-08:00Lucky!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 <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greg_Behrendt">Greg Behrednt</a> 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". <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmKuLb3WlR8FlMfw4clLHWWCCKV-YnCiz8UqZ-uUQhxBnuKm32Q37l5zreDygi6VqfNWF2WPXJjts9M3_6_z-VrkgMzf-da6Pst4Q2QvgLzk4plgdk2n_s-nihSsnCytWA-dw/s1600-h/gregb2.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 105px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmKuLb3WlR8FlMfw4clLHWWCCKV-YnCiz8UqZ-uUQhxBnuKm32Q37l5zreDygi6VqfNWF2WPXJjts9M3_6_z-VrkgMzf-da6Pst4Q2QvgLzk4plgdk2n_s-nihSsnCytWA-dw/s320/gregb2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282871179742858002" /></a><br /><br />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!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/mEMLqBUjurQ&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/mEMLqBUjurQ&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Stacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990365665811611075noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33083689.post-70495228232096332012008-12-19T18:03:00.000-08:002008-12-19T18:11:46.209-08:00Wrapping, part 2Since 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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFkv0SLWGPSKNjfLiKft4rZuKo2-UJRv99evRHao-XZg3C7d7P0KB4iONKOspQTKF3cYuI_IOP4MIGliAYoYc9HVW3R2ttI1s3kT6TcbjQa_idkBKa_NDaykO_qD_P9_GFWC56/s1600-h/wrapping2.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFkv0SLWGPSKNjfLiKft4rZuKo2-UJRv99evRHao-XZg3C7d7P0KB4iONKOspQTKF3cYuI_IOP4MIGliAYoYc9HVW3R2ttI1s3kT6TcbjQa_idkBKa_NDaykO_qD_P9_GFWC56/s320/wrapping2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281689042120062034" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzOoA-Dy8YoyaFMiVgrtjfXAqSyLPJPGC9eVABWl_58LxAkOTOH_UlxLVU_CLsAzUdQaIzUsbXZ7i83gVkxR1dD1hg541W-sl6acwjke2EKfnLtVZp6X9b2TOFJ1tUqYViRk_H/s1600-h/wrapping3.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzOoA-Dy8YoyaFMiVgrtjfXAqSyLPJPGC9eVABWl_58LxAkOTOH_UlxLVU_CLsAzUdQaIzUsbXZ7i83gVkxR1dD1hg541W-sl6acwjke2EKfnLtVZp6X9b2TOFJ1tUqYViRk_H/s320/wrapping3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281688814045042146" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxm61xHi-r0M_FMoeD1N69KqnwmgzelFCpYo179YXZU1jB5_3PoUaLiuK0O80SpiJ6SgXHVFxBI7JIg2l3ZbuFqqDbn_g3R_qxSKiVrWPz2haOFGie5z_QXjCGiBYAXQylMcTP/s1600-h/wrapping1.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxm61xHi-r0M_FMoeD1N69KqnwmgzelFCpYo179YXZU1jB5_3PoUaLiuK0O80SpiJ6SgXHVFxBI7JIg2l3ZbuFqqDbn_g3R_qxSKiVrWPz2haOFGie5z_QXjCGiBYAXQylMcTP/s320/wrapping1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281688578310374802" /></a>Stacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990365665811611075noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33083689.post-50734008888921349612008-12-18T17:33:00.000-08:002008-12-18T17:38:53.079-08:00Wrapping PaperI 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.<br /><br /><table width=350 align=center border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=2><tr><td bgcolor="#EEEEEE" align=center><br /><font face="Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif" style='color:black; font-size: 14pt;'><br /><strong>You Are Considerate and Mature</strong><br /></font></td></tr><br /><tr><td bgcolor="#FFFFFF"><br /><center><img src="http://www.blogthingsimages.com/thewrappingpapertest/6.png" height="100" width="100"></center><br /><font color="#000000"><br />You approach the holidays with responsibility and cooperation.<br /><br />You'll do your part to make sure that everyone else has a happy holiday.<br /><br /><br /><br />You aren't particularly picky or high maintenance during the holidays.<br /><br />You're happy to be in the company of people you love, and you're willing to "go with the flow."<br /><br /><br /><br />Of all the types, you are the most likely to give someone exactly what they want.<br /><br />You're also the most likely to wrap all your presents well - to prevent peeking!<br /></font></td></tr></table><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.blogthings.com/thewrappingpapertest/">The Wrapping Paper Test</a></div><br /><br /><br /><br />Whether or not all of this describes me, well, I suppose only my husband could verify.Stacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990365665811611075noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33083689.post-38023342212211736182008-12-11T20:56:00.000-08:002008-12-11T21:34:55.181-08:00Love/HateI have a love/hate relationship with Christmas. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />I hate that we spend so much time rushing around here and there trying to get our shopping or other tasks accomplished.<br /><br />I hate that we fill up the season with parties, caroling, addressing cards, and decorating.<br /><br />I hate that people are so rude, crass, and impatient with one another.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.<br /><br /><br /><br />I love the smells in the air, smells of cakes, cookies, candies that we bake.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />I love singing all the hymns and popular music to the top of my lungs.<br /><br />I love pulling out my Christmas music and practicing on the piano.<br /><br />I love how beautiful our church looks during the season and I love how we all work together to make it so.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />I love that our family gathers together to celebrate our long held traditions.<br /><br />I love surprising my husband with gifts that he never expected.<br /><br />I love the looks on my children's faces on Christmas morning. Nothing can compare to their looks of surprise and wonder.<br /><br />I love that there's a spirit of peace and goodwill in the air, I only wish that it could last the year through.<br /><br />Most of all, I love the Baby Jesus and what his coming to earth means for me and the entire human race.Stacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990365665811611075noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33083689.post-25761412247003933982008-12-10T21:00:00.000-08:002008-12-10T21:20:49.730-08:00The Christmas MemeWell, since everyone has done this meme, I may as well do it too. So, here goes.<br /><br />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.<br />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.<br />3. When do you put up the tree? After Thanksgiving, around the first Sunday in Advent<br />4. When do you take the tree down? not until after Epiphany<br />5. Do you like eggnog? love it!<br />6. Favorite gift as a child? My Barbie town house, unfortunately it was that Christmas that I realized there was no Santa.<br />7. Hardest person to buy for? Art's parents<br />8. Easiest person to buy for? Art, because I've got him all figured out!<br />9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, but I have no idea where it is.<br />10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail<br />11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? not sure<br />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.<br />13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I try to start sometime in October.<br />14. I’m not sure why, but there isn’t a #14.<br />15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? My christmas candies that my aunt makes for me every year. <br />16. Lights on the tree? Absolutely! And I don't have to mess with it anymore cuz our tree is pre-lit! YAY!<br />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"<br />18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Home<br />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!<br />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. <br />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.<br />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.<br />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?<br />25. What do you want for Christmas this year? time alone with my husband!<br /><br /><br />Tag... you're it!Stacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990365665811611075noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33083689.post-76560902966734310492008-12-05T20:49:00.000-08:002008-12-05T21:14:18.681-08:00Fa la la la laOkay, 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. ;)<br /><br />I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas Gayla Peevey<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/k69yBIWjLIs&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/k69yBIWjLIs&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />All I Want for Christmas is You Mariah Carey<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/zJs_1IhOZNI&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/zJs_1IhOZNI&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Stacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990365665811611075noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33083689.post-23758611155077503312008-12-01T20:31:00.000-08:002008-12-01T20:42:02.161-08:00This Year's Christmas TreeOkay 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 <a href="http://stacieruch.blogspot.com/2007/12/our-tree.html">black and silver</a>. 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! <br /><br /><br />So, without further ado...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBTC-7NHQeoYwHiM3YtJG0uX4yA1lN1XbFqOo6NwPujZjKau1nXPwTExSiWxjATcsiTqcNc31pkWzvmv6OQPKDU3_KCA_WsaeVq0dogDnKzXxC9xGtEJLq_3jEUA-FnL3-isD-/s1600-h/HPIM5793.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBTC-7NHQeoYwHiM3YtJG0uX4yA1lN1XbFqOo6NwPujZjKau1nXPwTExSiWxjATcsiTqcNc31pkWzvmv6OQPKDU3_KCA_WsaeVq0dogDnKzXxC9xGtEJLq_3jEUA-FnL3-isD-/s320/HPIM5793.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275047300242449890" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigYyvwxrPy9jqH31omuMHyrfI3GGIWpgdLGrFvNT2lAJY2MXeXg6MFS3pEGkKpzDbJjSkOfr3FMhblzJQthRS04CnZaiAizS3v1PS1NFgkyABGm7UYbZVkT3LfXUT2jSwPr4Sq/s1600-h/HPIM5802.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigYyvwxrPy9jqH31omuMHyrfI3GGIWpgdLGrFvNT2lAJY2MXeXg6MFS3pEGkKpzDbJjSkOfr3FMhblzJQthRS04CnZaiAizS3v1PS1NFgkyABGm7UYbZVkT3LfXUT2jSwPr4Sq/s320/HPIM5802.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275047967125307058" /></a>Stacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990365665811611075noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33083689.post-71394182818231496912008-11-05T20:28:00.000-08:002008-11-05T20:39:43.503-08:00Tell 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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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!Stacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990365665811611075noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33083689.post-63860432778664197632008-06-08T17:57:00.001-07:002008-06-08T18:00:38.972-07:00Blog-vacationWow.. 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. <br /><br />Take care, y'all!Stacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990365665811611075noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33083689.post-18925908660155261482008-05-01T20:50:00.000-07:002008-05-02T17:17:58.822-07:00Temporarirly Insane!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgswsRTGd0gkDuFOefOKZRexXzFRzapY2jQw11z4CdFtjl95N3X6uYUfPX5Y6phQLB2QNZTOTORJXunuH9gXRrXOqMOGQd544gyjj_d3r3Rx1CrpxVqALyuRFQrooNLlpWJN2-G/s1600-h/SS24042.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgswsRTGd0gkDuFOefOKZRexXzFRzapY2jQw11z4CdFtjl95N3X6uYUfPX5Y6phQLB2QNZTOTORJXunuH9gXRrXOqMOGQd544gyjj_d3r3Rx1CrpxVqALyuRFQrooNLlpWJN2-G/s320/SS24042.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195625395385740434" /></a><br />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.<br /><br /><em><strong>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!</strong></em>Stacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990365665811611075noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33083689.post-78246088267247428932008-05-01T20:46:00.000-07:002008-05-01T20:50:23.848-07:00Great 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.Stacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990365665811611075noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33083689.post-66251773035039024062008-04-23T16:55:00.001-07:002008-04-23T18:14:00.095-07:00Music Education 101: Ray CharlesWe are serious music lovers in our house. If you're a regular visitor here or at my husband's <a href="http://artruch.wordpress.com/">blog</a>, 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. <br /><br />Here's a little background on Ray Charles.<br /><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ray_charles">Ray Charles Robinson </a>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, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ray_%28film%29">Ray</a> 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. <br /><br />The song that brought him national attention: "I Got a Woman"<br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Mtj8ZZwzeSw&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Mtj8ZZwzeSw&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><br />A song that my children go nuts for: "Hallelujah I Love Her So"<br /><br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/32jl46tt3J0&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/32jl46tt3J0&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>Stacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990365665811611075noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33083689.post-51678142584917997132008-04-21T20:50:00.000-07:002008-04-21T21:07:19.562-07:00Man of the HouseI 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!)Stacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990365665811611075noreply@blogger.com7