2nd Computer

I have decided that until we get a 2nd computer I will not be able to post anything new with photos from home. It seems like my husband is always doing something on the computer and I never have the time to get on and do my fun stuff. We are just too busy on the weekends and then when I do have a free minute to get on he's on there making spreadsheets and planning trips and I'm just too tired and have probably already fallen asleep or am busy cooking or cleaning. So I have him convinced that we need a 2nd computer; now it's just fitting it into our budget. We actually looked at some this past weekend and I think he's rolling the idea around in his head. Just maybe, maybe we may have one by the time we go to Disney World. That's only 86 short days away!!!! Keep your fingers crossed! :-)

I'm still here . . .

I'm sorry it's been a week since my last post. I honestly thought I was going to be able to get on here and post more this week, but it hasn't happened. Mainly because our internet has been down at home. Hubby went to get on Monday night and we had no connection. So after trying again Tuesday with no luck he called and made an appointment for someone to come out today to take a look at it because there was no problems on their end. Well miraculously it started working Wednesday evening and we haven't had any problems since. So hubby called last night and cancelled the appointment. Now I just hope Murphy's law doesn't pay us a visit and now that we've cancelled the appointment the internet decides it doesn't want to work again. (isn't technology a wonderful thing?)

There really isn't much to post about to be honest. It's been a pretty regular week with work and coming home and cooking dinner and doing laundry and housework. Pretty boring! Even our weekend plans aren't that exciting. They would have been had the weather cooperated, but Old Man Winter has decided he wants to pay us another visit. Saturday is the first day of Spring and we are going to be getting a cold front - rain all day and temperatures steadily dropping to freezing by Sunday night. AWESOME!! There is even the threat of snow in some areas around us. I highly doubt we'll see any, but wouldn't be surprised even if we did. That's TX weather for you!

Now if the weather had been nice and sunshiney and warm like Spring is supposed to be; we would have gone to the Dallas Arboretum and then headed to Calloway's and Home Depot to get some flowers of our own. I have been dying to go to the Arboretum for a couple years now because their flower gardens are just absolutely gorgeous - especially during the Spring. I have seen pictures online and in person from people who have been before and have been told the pictures don't do it justice. I guess we'll just have to put those plans off until next weekend. (and yes, I'll have some pictures to share with you for my first picture post!)  I'm so ready for Spring and can't wait to make a little spring garden of my own to liven up our balcony. I don't have a yard yet as we live in an apartment, but am going to make the best of what I have. I'm going to get a flower box to attach to the railing of our balcony (don't worry, it will hang over our balcony, not over the ledge) and plant several kinds of pretty, colorful flowers. I haven't decided exactly what all I will plant yet, but do have some things in mind.

So now our weekend will consist of grocery shopping and then staying inside where it's nice and dry and warm. I guess I should probably use that time to get some more cleaning done. Maybe that's what Old Man Winter is telling me - get your spring cleaning done this weekend so then you can go out and enjoy the weekends of beautiful weather yet to come! ;-)

Shel Turtlestein, Fliza Minnelli and Zsa Zsa Gaboa

Ok, so is anyone else out there addicted to Modern Family? OMG, I love that show!! It is so hilarious. For those of you who haven't discovered it yet; it's on Wednesday nights on ABC 9/8c. It never leaves me disappointed. I am always LOL throughout the entire show. In fact, hubby almost redecorated our living room with lemonade last night. Maybe we should rethink watching this while eating dinner!

Well, back to the title post (which is the reason for the near redecoration). Wednesdays show had a segment about one of the character's pet turtle's death. (yes, I am a little behind - we have started DVRing our shows during the week and catching up on them when we can because we just have way too many we're trying to keep up with right now) So guess the turtle's name - yep, you got it, Shel Turtlestein. (how cute is that???) So that gets them reminiscing about previous pets who have just as equally great names like Fliza Minnelli (bird, get it?) and a pet snake named Zsa Zsa Gaboa! I love it!! I could not stop cracking up!! How cute and creative are those names! (secretly makes me wish I had come up with them myself)

I'm sure my husband thinks I'm crazy because I can't get over them, but they are just too cute to go unnoticed. So I'm sharing them for those of you who missed out or to relive it for those of you who love it as much as I do! (you're welcome)

Plus, remember that children's book I mentioned I'd like to write someday. Well I may have just found my characters . . .

Thankful

In keeping with my goal of focusing on the positives instead of the negatives I figured I would post some things I'm thankful for today.

1. A husband who loves me dearly
2. A Saviour who loves me unconditionally
3. Family and friends
4. The fact that it's Thursday and we're one day closer to the weekend
5. I'll be getting my bonus check tomorrow (I am so blessed to be getting a bonus especially with the way our economy has been)
6. Because of the bonus some much needed repairs will be done to my car and we will get to pay off some things for our Disney trip this summer a little earlier than we had planned
7. The sun is shining and it's going to be a beautiful day
8. My husband and I have taken advantage of the nice weather by taking walks in the evenings
9. Because of the walking I have dropped a few pounds (and it helps I've started eating healthier since my husband is on a medically supervised diet)
10. So proud of my husband and his progress on his diet - he has dropped roughly 45 lbs in a little over 2 months! He has done so well and is so committed. I wish him continued success! Keep up the good work hun!
11. My job (even though I may complain about it at times, I am fortunate to have a job and be earning an income when so many people are without right now)
12. And of course all the material things that I am blessed with - a car, a roof over my head (even though I wish it was a little bigger than it is - we live in an efficiency apartment and are quickly outgrowing it), a computer, TV, internet access, blu-ray player and movies, an awesome new shelf and an adorable child-sized rocking chair that was passed down from my mother-in-law (I will do a separate post on that) and many other things too numerous to type out.

I'm sure there are more and I could go on and on but I will spare you. I love the hymn we used to sing in church :

When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Refrain:

Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
*Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.

[*And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.]

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings—wealth can never buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

Johnson Oatman, Jr., pub.1897
Copyright: Public Domain

I believe that sums it up. So, whatever kind of day your are having, whatever is going on in your life right now, whatever trials you are facing or successes you are celebrating; don't forget to stop and thank God for the many blessings in your life. It just may surprise you what all He HAS done!

He's Always There

It amazes me how God always knows just what we need when we need it. Without going into detail I had a rough day Monday and was still feeling the effects yesterday. As soon as I signed into my facebook and started scrolling through all the posts, there it was like a flashing neon sign posted by one of my friends . . .

HIS WAYS ARE PERFECT . . .  NOT ALWAYS EASY . . . BUT PERFECT!!!

Wow, that was just what I needed. I was feeling really discouraged about some things and there in my hour of need God reminded me that He is still in control of everything. No matter what is going on around or what I'm going through - He controls it all. And as long as I'm following His will and His plan; it will be perfect. No matter how much I mess it up; He can fix it. I know that what I'm doing is God's plan for me, but I hit a rough spot and started trying to do things my way and thought I knew best and was being human and things started to crumble. As soon as I set my sights back on Him things are starting to fall into place again.

Why can't we just always keep our eyes on Him and quit trying to do things our way? You would think we would learn!

Car show, Hibachi grill, and Alice in Wonderland

That was my Saturday. We started off by going to the auto show; which is always fun! Whether we're in the market for a new car or not it's always fun to see the latest models and the futuristic models and the models we'll never be able to afford. (just being honest) We will be in the market for new vehicles here soon so it was nice to see what's out there. Hubby got to compare all trucks he's been dreaming out and thinks he's made a decision on the one he wants. I had a good time comparing all the SUV's and am still trying to decide which one I like best. Of course all this hinges on our finances and what we'll be approved for and all that good mess. But considering both of our cars are about to be over 100k miles, we hope to be able to at least get one new vehicle for now.

After walking around the car show for about 2 hours (it was much smaller this year) we were tired and hungry and decided Japanese sounded good for lunch. We went to a new Hibachi grill my father-in-law told us about called Kobeya. We have been to Edohana before and love it so we figured this would be a good change. Kobeya was good, but I still think I like Edohana better. We had a nice time though and actually had an entire grill and chef to ourselves. He wasn't as entertaining as some of the others around, but we still had a good time and I even had leftovers to bring for lunch today! That's always a plus!!

We then did a little window shopping as we had about an hour and a half to kill before our movie. We browsed the books at Barnes and Noble (but after discovering Half Price Books I can't bear to pay full price anymore, sorry B&N), we looked at all the goodies Crate & Barrel has to offer (love that store, wish I wasn't on a budget but good thing I am or I would have blown all my money right there), and then looked at the luxuries of Robb & Stucky. It was funny, the sales lady followed us all over the store (even upstairs to the 2nd level) after we told her several times we were JUST LOOKING and then before we were about to leave she told us she wasn't stalking us but wanted to give us her card in case we found something we liked. I understand everyone has to make a living, but when you're breathing down my neck and not giving me my space to look around on my own that just frustrates me and I'm less likely to buy something from you. If I have questions, I know what you look like and may remember your name so I will come find you. Don't worry, I won't give the commission to someone else - I know how it works!

So after we got rid of our stalker we headed over to the movies to grab a seat. I have been anxiously awaiting the release of this movie. I read the book as a child and loved it and was thrilled to see they were making a movie! I'm not a huge Johnny Dep fan, although I loved him in the Pirates of the Caribbean movies and think he makes the best Capt. Jack Sparrow. He makes a great Mad Hatter as well! Weird characters suit him (although I didn't particularly care for him in Willie Wonka's Chocolate Factory)! Ok, so back to the movie - the theatre was packed and we were probably a good 20-30 minutes early. So just a heads up to anyone who is still wanting to go see it - go early!! Although now that opening weekend is over it may not be so bad. Don't worry, I'm not going to spoil anything for those who haven't seen it yet, but I feel like I left the theatre feeling a little like this - "HELLO, my name is Angie. I loved you're story as a child, you're Alice in Wonderland -  nice to meet you! What is this? This isn't Alice in Wonderland. Now, seriously, where's Alice in Wonderland?" Ok, it has been a long time since I read the book, but I do not remember the story going the way it was depicted in the movie. Did I remember the story wrong? Did they draw one aspect from the book and focus on that? What's going on here? I thought the movie was ok, but now it makes me question what kind of books I was reading as a child. I am defnitely going to be getting a copy of the book soon and re-reading it to put my mind at ease. My sister asked if my 4-year old niece would enjoy it, but I honestly don't recommend this movie for children under the age of 8. It has some scary/frightening scenes that may be a little over the top for any little youngsters. It was definitely a dark movie!

We had a nice Sunday as well. Didn't do much at all - it was a rainy, dreary day. Perfect day for us to catch up on all our shows we DVR'd from the week, watch The Hurt Locker to see what Avatar was up against for best picture of the year and then watch The Oscars!! The Hurt Locker, by the way, was excellent! Definitely gives you a realistic depiction of war! It's not a feel good movie, but it wasn't sad either. It just really drives things home. It makes me want to do something more for our troops and their families. And even moreso for those soldiers who come back home and have to readjust to life here in America where we're so far removed from the reality of what they face each day. Also for the families of those soldiers who have to adjust to their husband, father, son, brother, etc. who may not ever be the same. If you haven't seen the movie, I highly recommend it!

Blessings

TGIF!!! There's blessing #1. I have survived another week and actually this week has gone by pretty fast! I can't believe it's already Friday, but boy am I thankful. I've actually had a pretty good week. I feel like I'm tuning into my spiritual side more lately and focusing on God and what He's trying to tell/show me.

First of all, I noticed that I had started to become very down and depressing and focusing on all the negative that was going on around me. I didn't like what that was doing to me or the person I was becoming because of that. SO, I made the decision I was going to change. After all, it's up to us to control our emotions and how we view things, right? RIGHT! So in order to help myself I started 2 projects. The first one is I'm sending my husband an email each day telling him different reason why I love him or what made me fall in love with him. Sometimes I get to see him read these and the smile that comes across his face is priceless. Now let me tell you, I'm not doing this for any kind of personal gain at all. My husband has listened to my negativity and complaining for long enough (not about him, just life and work and things like that) and it's time I start telling him some positives!

Project # 2 is a gratitude journal. I have seen/heard about this from several resources and always that was a neat idea but I never participated myself. Well the idea struck me the other day when I made the decision to start focusing on the positives. Instead of getting upset and complaining when things don't go the way I want them or about things that I have no control over I need to focus on at least one positive thing that happened to me that day. I'm trying not to repeat things and come up with a new one each day. You might think that this is hard, but so far I have not had any trouble. In fact, once I start focusing on the positives it's hard to stop at just one. This has definitely changed my mood and my outlook on situations. I used to join in on conversations when people would be complaining about something, but now I avoid them. I don't need that stress and negativity in my life! Now I need to find me an actual journal this weekend to log my gratitudes into instead of jotting them down on the notepad I have.

God has also pointed out some other blessings in my life this week. I'm not talking about my husband, our jobs,  transportation to get us to those jobs, a roof over our heads, a loving family, friends, being a Christian, living in a free country; I could go on and on. Let me begin by telling you that I have wondered about my job lately. I work as a Claims Assistant for an auto insurance company and I enjoy it. However, I have a degree in Elementary Education. Now I know there are lots of people out there who have a degree in a certain field and have a job in a totally different field. That's perfectly fine, nothing wrong with that at all. Personally I have been questioning if I am in the right job for me. Is this what God wants me to doing with my life, time and talents. I don't know that I necessarily should go into teaching, but don't know that I'm to be a Claims Assistant the rest of my life either. Now let me back up and tell you that from as far back as I can remember I always wanted to be a teacher. When other kids struggled with what to study in college or what career path to take, I had it easy. Up until I completed college, had my degree and was ready to get a job. You always hear how they always need teachers. Well apparently I wasn't what they were looking for or they weren't what I was looking for and I never found a position. I ended up subbing for a while before realizing I needed to find something more permanent and entered into the world of Administrative Assistants. Don't get me wrong, I love computers and typing and all that as well. So yes, that seemed a good fit for me to. However, I as well as members of my family voiced concern about my profession. I didn't really give it much thought and did what I had to do to pay the bills and keep myself alive.

Fast forward to this week. Again, I have been questioning my purpose in life lately. As I was sitting here at my desk the other day working on a project I had been given God spoke to me. He is using me here, right now in the job I am in even though it's not related to my degree at all. I have a love for reading and writing and ultimately think my dream job would be a children's librarian. Well God is using that love in my and my talent for writing (remember my first post and how I had several professors tell me I'd make a good writer). The project I was given is to write procedure manuals for the tasks that we do because we don't have any and there is nothing for new hires to refer to other than to ask fellow employees. At first I complained about having to do it because I was not given any extra time - I had to squeeze this into my already busy days amongst my many other responsibilities. BUT, God showed me that through this project He is still using me. Those skills and talents He gave me are being put to use and not being wasted. Even though this is probably not where I'll be the rest of my career, I'm being used while I'm here. My supervisor could have picked anyone to do this project, but she chose me. And I thank her for recognizing those talents and allowing me to use them. If she had picked anyone else they may not have put the time and attention and professionalism into it that is needed. So yeah, this makes me feel a lot better.

And ultimately, isn't our job to do what GOD wants us to do and use the talents and skills he has blessed us with no matter where we work or what kind of degree we have?

If you're still reading thanks for sticking with me. I promise my future posts will be shorter! Maybe I should consider writing a novel! ;-)

Here I Am

So, I have decided to start a blog! I have several reasons for doing this:

1. It’s a nice way to stay in touch with everyone when you can’t talk or visit on a day to day basis.
2. I love reading other people’s blogs and hearing about what is going on in their lives and that has inspired me to do the same.
3. I feel that I express myself better in writing.

 I used to make A’s on almost all of my papers in high school and college and was told by more than one of my professors that I would make a great writer! I actually think I would really enjoy that! I love to read and write, so the two seem to go hand in hand. For those of you that know me, you know I am a pretty quiet person. Even around people I know very well I don’t talk too much unless I really have something to say or am in one of my extremely rare chatty moods. Some people don’t like this, but I would rather send an email or text than actually talk on the phone. What’s crazy is back in high school I loved talking on the phone and could do it for hours at a time and would be absolutely crushed if I got, heaven forbid, GROUNDED from the phone for a week!! That was the ultimate punishment for me. Not sure what has changed in me to make me not like talking on the phone as much now that I’m older – maybe it’s because that was before email and myspace and cell phones and texting had really caught on.


So I'm not really sure where to begin as there is so much that could be said. I guess I could start with something that writing this blog has actually inspired me to do. I was recently asked what my goals/dreams were and sadly to say I couldn’t think of anything. Until now, you see where I said up there I had several professors tell me I’d make a great writer. That has obviously stuck with me and been rolling around in the back of my mind over the last several years. I would love to write a book. Not that I think it would be published, nor do I know where to begin, but just because I think it would be fun to do and an accomplishment in life. Maybe a book is a bit much to take on, maybe an article or something like that, start small and work my way up. And bare in mind when I say book, I’m thinking maybe more along the lines of a children’s book, not some big 300 page novel.

I have my degree in Elementary Education and have such a passion for children’s books. One of my favorite classes in college was one where we did absolutely nothing but read and examine/study children’s books. It was so much fun!!! I loved books as a child and am so thankful that a love for reading was instilled in me at an early age. I’ve heard stories of how I threw a fit in the grocery store one time because I didn’t get a book one day, which was apparently a routine. I can remember my grandma taking me to story hour at the library and then getting to check out books that I got to take home for a whole week and read over and over again until I practically had the stories memorized. While most kids dreaded doing book reports, I actually liked them. I loved telling people about the book I had just read and hopefully inspired them to read and enjoy it for themselves. I really think my passion would be to become a children’s librarian or own a children’s bookstore like Meg Ryan’s character in my all-time favorite movie, You’ve Got Mail. I love the line in that movie where she says "When you read a book as a child it becomes part of your identity in a way that no other reading in your life does." That is so true – how many stories/books do you remember from your childhood and what kind of memories does it conjure up? Now how many stories/books have you read as an adult that have had that same impact on you? Not very many huh! OMG, I would absolutely LOVE to be able to pass along my passion for books and reading!! I would be like a little kid at Christmas going to work everyday. It could be a problem though because I would want to sit and read the books all day as opposed to doing the actual work that would need to be done in order for either one of those professions to prosper for me.

So yeah, I have dreams/goals! Now it’s just a matter of acting on them. Maybe blogging will help give me some kind of ideas or inspiration of what I could write about. As you can see, I have no problem writing – in fact I can be a little long-winded sometimes. I’m sure this is probably pushing it for a blog entry. So, on that note, this is a good start for now. I hope you enjoy my blog and choose to embark on this journey with me.