Tuesday TV Talk

FEAR FACTOR IS BACK!

Okay, so I was siting there in my nice comfy chair the other day watching the tube when the advertisement came on. I was doing a happy dance.Yes, Fear Factor is returning. This show is not for everyone. Not sure how yucky it will be now but for some reason, I found it to be extremely interesting a few years back. The things people do for money. I am excited that this show is back on next month. 

Anyone else a weirdo like I am?

~Kim~ 

Sunday Blessings

Here we are in another week of November. I still can't believe how fast time is going by. Here are some blessings that I am thankful for this week.

1. That the internet is now working. We are very spoiled, aren't we?

2. That we have only had one very short snow fall so far and it didn't stick!

3. That God still loves me even when I let my anger get the best of me. Yes, I have had many angry moments this past week.  Sigh...

4. That the cat has peed INSIDE the litter box for over a week!!!

5. That my family has stayed healthy so when the flu and cold season has arrived.

How have you been blessed this week?

~Kim~

Tuesday TV Review

Okay, so where has the time gone and why am I left behind? I can't believe I let so many days fly by and forget about posting on here. Well actually, I do remember but I am usually at work when I think about it and forget when I am home. Anyhoo, here I am ready to talk televison.

Has anyone seen Once Upon a Time yet? I am loving this show, more than I thought I would. Maybe it's because I loved fairy tales when I was growing up or I love the 'happily ever after' thing. Whatever it is, I am hooked. The show goes back and forth between the fairy tale world of Snow White and her loving prince in which they get married and have a baby named Emma. But that pesky evil queen is out to get Snow and puts a curse on them. They all end up in our world today...this is the curse. No one knows who they are or what relationships they have. Except for the little boy that reads the whole thing from his story book and believes it. He is the adopted son of the evil queen...well, the mayor of the town in today's world. Am I confusing you?

I find it interesting and can't wait to see the next episode. Will good or evil win out? Will Snow and Charming live happily ever after? Stay tuned.

~Kim~

Fibro Thursday

Okay, so as much as I have very good ideas and intentions, it just doesn't work out like I plan. I was planning on writing every day however, I am so slacking. Life just happens, I guess. But I am going to try to at least post on Thursdays. I am designating this day of the week to blog about fibromyalgia, which it seems that I have been diagnosed with recently. Kind of like a diary of sorts. I am actually going to keep a written diary myself just to write down my feelings that day and what I did or didn't do that makes the pain better or worse.

I had a dr appt. a couple days ago and we talked about me not wanting to take meds and trying a more natural approach to beating the pain and exhaustion that comes with this. I have not been taking care of myself much these last few months. In fact, I have been very stressed and a bit discouraged. But I need to pick myself up and doing something to help  myself. I know that but boy, just doing it is another thing.

So, I am going to blog about my ups and downs trying to deal with it. I am going to TRY to work on my weight. It will only help to relieve the stress on my body. The dr. also talked to me about exercise. I almost cried when she told me I really need to start.  I tried explaining about having to work 8 hrs.on my feet and how the thought of exercising makes me want to cry. I sure don't know how this is going to work.She insists it will help with the pain. So, I guess I am just going to have to at least try.

So, I guess this is my journey to feeling better. Here's hoping I find something that works! Any suggestions would be helpful,especially from anyone that might be experiencing the same thing.

~Kim~

Fab Friday

Yes, it is a fab Friday, even if I am about ready to head off to work. But this weather has been awesome all  week and is expected to continue over the weekend. At least for now. I have been enjoying it so much! Talk about sittin' on the deck! Hope everyone is enjoying cause we know it will change soon.

Have a Fab Friday!!!!

~Kim~

Thoughtful Thursday: How did I get this way??

I am sitting here pondering over what I should write about on this 'thoughtful' Thursday. What am I really thinking about today?  As I look down to ponder on this, I realize that there is one thing I am not thinking about that I really should be thinking about...the fact that this middle roll that I have is getting bigger!! Yikes! Where did this come from in such a short time?? Could it be the Lay's cheddar cheese chips I have been munching on lately? Or maybe the chicken club I had last night at Wendy's. Or maybe it's because I never get any exercise other than running around at work for 8 hrs...does that count? Whatever it is, I ain't liking it much! I get so mad at myself. I really love food, particularly sweets. But it loves me even more.

According to my BMI index they always base you on, I am considered obese. I don't think so but healthwise, yes, I am. I am unhealthy. I admit it. Why have I gotten this way? Well, I think I have really let this fibromyalgia really get the best of me somehow this past year. I do not like it. I hate being in pain. I do not want to 'try' out drugs to maybe help the pain. I do not want to work at my job because I can barely walk out of there most of the time. I have gotten a bad attitude...well, worse than usual. I am tired of it. I am really, really tired and exhausted. Is that why I am eating all this junk? Some may say that I am turning to food but really,  I just love food. I love sweets, I love tons of butter on my food, I love tons of cheese on my food. And if I really love it, I tend to overeat until I almost explode. Food is good!! Just that some foods are unhealthier than others and should be limited.

I used to at least try to eat healthy. Now I feel like...well, too exhausted to care? I am not sure. People say to take my meds and maybe that will help but I have a feeling that it may make other things worse. It is mostly just experimenting for years to come up with what works. Fibro is like a game you play and I have let it win. No one really knows what it feels like unless you experience it. Pretty much like most things in life. Am I going to continue to let it win? That is left up to me. I guess I have to make that choice.

I know what I need to do...start making healthier choices. I am going to start there and not look any further for now. I think that would make me too exhausted. Just another thought...since it is 'thoughtful'  Thursday...maybe I should designate every Thursday to any progress I make or at least post my failures because there are always failures along the way. I need to start dealing with this so much better than I have this past year. Thanks for listening to my food obsession and my pity party. It's gonna be a challenge for sure. But then again, there are others that have many more challenges in life than I do.

What are your thoughts for this awesome Thursday? On a really positive note for today...it is sunny, in the high 70's and I am off today!!!! Deck...here I come!

~Kim~

'Write'ful Wednesday

I have been busy lately doing recaps of TV shows but they are alot of fun to write. I have to admit that it is quite tough to write in between working fulltime. I sure wish I could just write but hey, it is what it is for now. So, here are a few links to recent articles I have written.

http://entertainment.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=28147498046807

http://entertainment.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980474566

http://entertainment.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980462622

http://entertainment.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980442557

http://entertainment.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980433754

Have a great day!

~Kim~

TV Tuesday

As promised, I am talking about TV shows on this fine Tuesday. I am always excited when the fall season starts with all new shows.  Some shows I try to watch once but never doesn't hold my interest, some I have no desire at all to try and then some I am addicted to right from the very start. Here are a few that are in that last category that I am hooked on.

Terra Nova-Think a cross between Lost and Jurassic Park. I loved both of those shows so I just had to see for myself and I was hooked from the start. I like the family aspect, a little humor and the actors are not too bad. I have never seen them before...well, the teen girl we have seen in a Disney channel movie, 'Lemonade Mouth'. Since Lost is over now, this is the next best thing. The dinosaur scenes are so exciting! LOL

Around the World in 80 Ways-I don't usually watch the History channel but this caught my attention. Most likely because I know Rob Mariano from Survivor. But I am liking this one alot after only one show. It's fun and interesting,  I am also doing a recap of it every week on Gather. These two guys travel around the world in 80 different modes of transportation without repeating them. That walking beast...crazy!

Sweet Genius-I saw the preview for this show on the Food Network and it sounded great since I love sweets so much. These pastry chefs have to come up with desserts for each challenge with a certain ingredient that is chosen for them and then in the middle of this, another surprise ingredient they have to use. Talk about improvising. And then if that is not enough, they have an inspiration for their dessert so they have to use their imaginations. An inspiration like high heels or sea turtles. It sounds weird but I love this show. The sweet genius himself, Chef Ron is brutal sometimes and when he says..you are no sweet genius, it almost makes one shudder. hahaha I also am recapping this show each week. It's fun.

These are my top three for now. There are still a couple this month that have not aired yet and am looking forward to. Stay tuned!

~Kim~

Monumental Monday

Mondays are monumental?? How could that be? Actually, I have always liked Mondays. Mondays starts a new week of TV shows...told you I was addicted.On most Mondays kids are in school. Of course, I homeschool but still, she really is in school and the rest of the neighborhood is quiet. To me, Mondays starts out a fresh week of trying new things, getting organized and...well, I seem to start everything on Mondays. LOL

Most of all, I am usually off on Mondays since I work most weekends. I like it. I understand most people go back to work on Mondays but for me, I enjoy Mondays. And today, the sun is shining! Beautiful Monday!

On a side note, I am going to try blogging on here more often. I enjoy it, even if no one else reads my craziness. In trying to keep it up, I will try having a topic for that day. Here is my list, however it could change quickly.

Monumental Mondays-just because I love Mondays and something monumental has to happen, right?

Tv Tuesdays-Since I am a TV addict, I want to chat about a show I like and why I like it. Or maybe a review.

'Write'ful Wednesday-this is the day I will post some links to some of my articles I have recently written, just in case one of them might possibly be interesting to some of you. 

Thoughtful Thursday-sharing some of my deep, secret thoughts. Well, okay, not secret but maybe deep?  Who knows? Maybe just some things on my mind that day. Maybe deep, maybe not.

Free-spirited Friday-just that, free spirited. Talk about anything and everything. Could be dangerous!

Sock it to me Saturday-okay, I just thought this title was cute. 

Sunday 'Son' shine-Celebrating the gifts and blessings that God has given me.

Maybe this will keep me on track with this blog. Have a monumental Monday!!

~Kim~

Am I Considered a TV Addict?

Not sure really if I am addicted to TV but I am always thrilled when the new fall TV show lineup begins. All of "new" old shows come back and also the brand new shows appear. I have always loved watching TV since I was little. I remember Gilligan's Island, Bewitched, Magnum PI, Little House on the Prairie, The Waltons, Frasier, Columbo, Matlock, The Love Boat...the list goes on and on.

Nowdays, I have my favorites I just have to watch or Tivo to watch later.

Castle-Yes, I am excited to watch the developing romance between Castle and Kate. Can't help it.

Survivor-I have been watching this since season 2, I missed season 1 because I thought it sounded like a stupid show. I actually decided to watch because it was set in Australia. I have been hooked ever since. Oh, and I sure do love Jeff Probst's dimples...

Body of Proof-I knew I would like this one from last season.

Blue Bloods-I love Tom Selleck  so I just HAD to watch it and it really is a great show. I love the family dinners.

Then there are the new shows that I kind of like and will continue to watch.

Ringer-A thriller about good and evil twins. But which is which? Haha I think it's pretty good so far.

The X Factor-So far, so good.

There are a couple that have not been aired yet that I want to see. Once Upon a Time, Terra Nova and Last Man Standing.

So, does this make me a TV addict? I don't know but I sure look forward to them. I also love to go back and watch the oldies, too. The comedies were so much funnier back then with less or no sex. They didn't need it to be funny. Oh and I forgot about Army Wives! I became a fan of that show after watching them from Netflix. Great show. I love Kim Delaney!

So, that is my TV lineup so far. Does anyone have any new or old shows they just can't miss?

~Kim~

Happy Last Day of Summer

Yes, it has happened. The official last full day of summer is upon us. It is a sad day for me because it signals cold weather coming, leaves falling off the trees (soon to be bare naked trees), no more in season summer fruit (I get really tired of apples and oranges) and of course, it signals how close it is for me to have to fold up my chair and store it in the shed because it will eventually be too cold to sit out on the deck to enjoy the warm breezes and the sun beating down on me.

I do love it that much. Sitting out there is relaxing and gets me thinking and planning and organizing without disruptions like the phone, the computer and the crazy animals running around. I take my notebook out there and start jotting things down. Or I take a book to read. Or I just sit there and enjoy nature. Or I can relax and take a nap. So, I am fighting this urge to be really down about it. I am trying really hard to have positive thoughts towards fall and winter. One positive thought...the countdown to spring!

Okay, so it is a beautiful last day of summer. Look at how pretty it is today!

I also love watching clouds move across the sky.

So, I know that some of you are looking forward to cooler weather and maybe even the snow. But for me, I am counting the days to March, April, May. Maybe I should mark the days in a calendar? Okay, I think that is taking it too far. Hope everyone has a great last day of summer!

~Kim~

Farewell to Borders/Waldenbooks

Today is the last day our Waldenbooks will be open. Yesterday, the Ann Arbor Borders closed. The end of the week, all stores will be gone.  It's a very sad day. No more book stores in town. None. How sad is that? No more browsing, no more sales, no more discussing good books with the employees. I feel bad for them because they are losing their jobs that they love so much. Most of them stayed until the end. I have enough books now to last me for a little while. After that, not sure where I will buy them. I know that Target sells some books and so does Meijer but it is not the same. Sad, sad day.

Thank you Borders for the good service, excellent books to read and wonderful sales to boot. Good luck to all of the employees that have to find new jobs. I now have lots of reading to do!

~Kim~

Remembrance

This 10 year anniversary of the people who lost their lives in the attacks in New York, in DC and on the 2 hijacked planes is a day of remembrance. We remember just how fragile life really is. We remember the loved ones and their families that were directly affected by this terrible act. We remember the brave men and women who went to help the people trapped, some lost their lives and some lived to tell their story. We remember our nation coming together as one to comfort each other and to lend a hand in whatever needed to be done.

On this day, we remember that our God was there when this happened and He is crying over the hatred that has come into this world. He holds this world in His hands and has brought comfort to those that need it. America is still beautiful, despite all that is going on. It is seen in the oceans, in the mountains, in a field full of flowers, in the busyness of nature, in the swaying of the trees, even in my own backyard with the sun shining through the trees.. I was all choked up this morning watching the 10 year tribute, remembering what happened that day. As I was sitting outside at the end of the day, I realized that there is still hope and joy in this world, even when these horrible things happen around us. Keeping my eyes focused towards Heaven helps to ease my fears and concerns. "One nation, under God" is still strong.

~Kim~

Gloomy Weather

I don't know about any of you out there but I am getting really tired of dark, rainy, gloomy weather. No sun for almost a week. Well, I guess it did peep out today for a hot second but really, I thought September was always the nice warm days and cool nights month?? The first part of the week it was really chilly. Down in the 40's chilly. I start shivering in that kind of weather. Can you tell that I am not looking forward to winter??

I am really hoping for some sun in the next few days cause this gloominess is getting me down. I also think these kinds of days are making the customers grumpy, too. On the bright side...it is supposed to get back up to 80 by Monday and with a little sun shining, maybe things will look a little brighter after all. Have a great weekend!

~Kim~

Back Home in Indiana

Yes, I finally made it home to Indiana for the holiday weekend. It was nice. My daughter and I headed down on Saturday and got to stay until Tuesday morning. Neither one of us wanted to leave. Although my pocketbook said otherwise. For some reason, I spend alot of the time shopping and eating. Probably because we don't have the things they have at home. We hit Krispy Kreme (twice), Chik Fil A (twice), IHop (only once but it was so good) and even Barnes and Noble. Sorry but Borders certainly beats B&N by a long shot. It is so hard to pay full price for books when you have had 30% to 40% off for a couple years. Needless to say I didn't make a purchase this time. Oh but I did find a few things at Family Bookstore. They had the missing book I was looking for. Cool!

Yes, I did visit with family, too. It was great just chatting and catching up, although I was forced to watch that crazy Notre Dame game. I also had a problem texting people. Just wouldn't go through but I am home and it works fine. Go figure. It's always hard to leave though. I miss IN even more now that I have to go back to work,  listen to a cat meowing consistently and have a house to clean up. I think I just want to hide away at my Mommy and Daddy's house for a while longer.

Hope everyone had a great Labor Day weekend with family and friends.

~Kim~

My Review of Reliv Nutritional Products...So Far

So, with this past year of trying to deal with the pain and overall crappyness of fibromyalgia and having meds prescribed to me that I really don't want to take, I decided that I was going to take a little different route for me. I had tried Reliv Nutritional products a few years back when I was fairly healthy. I decided back then that it was too expensive for me. Now here I am with a health issue I need to deal with and an option to either take meds or find another alternative to deal with the symptoms of fibro. I had done my research on things to try. I made the decision to give Reliv a try since I have heard many great things about it.

About Reliv...it is a perfect blend of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other goodies that our bodies need for optimal nutrition. You know, all of the good stuff that we need in our bodies to fight away all the diseases and other stuff that makes us tired and icky. For more info, check it out at http://www.reliv.com/US/EN/home.html. All info can be found there. And yes, it is a MLM company. But so is Miche Bags and women buy those by the bundles because they are cute.

Why am I promoting this?  Because it's my blog and I can? No seriously, I am not promoting but just doing a review about the product and telling my experiences so far while I am taking Reliv.

What I know so far...I have been on Reliv for a month now, mostly drinking 2 shakes a day, although I have had days where I  just forget to make it.  I have had a couple people  ask how it's going with it. At first I really didn't know or feel anything. Now, there are a few subtle things that I can think of that have changed a bit for the better. First, I have not been experiencing those "completely exhausting days where I can not do anything at all but sit in the chair and vegetate" days. Not to say that I am not still tired and have those moments of exhaustion, especially after working 8 hrs.on my feet. But the full days of not being able to do anything are few and far between. Second, I just happened to wake up this morning and realized that I am sleeping more soundly than I was and waking up not completely exhausted, just tired. Does that make sense? As for the pain? Yeah, I still have loads of pain but what I do find is that I may go an extra hour at work before it really hits hard than it used to. All of this doesn't sound huge for others but for me who has to deal with it, it makes a big difference in being able to get a few more things done on my days off.

The downside? There always seems to be a downside to pretty much everything in life. There are two with Reliv products.  First is the cost.It costs about $70 a month to use the basic nutrition. Truthfully, that was the reason I stopped using it years ago. But the way I look at it, everyone spends money on something. Some on cigerettes, others on eating out every night. I could always sacrifice my book buying (GULP!). It is now worth it to me to buy it if I know it will help me. Second is having to mix it up and some may not like the taste of it. I will admit that it took quite a few tries before I found a combination I could live with. You can mix it with juice, milk, water, make it into a smoothie, add fruit or yogurt...whatever combination you can live with. I have had times when it was tough getting down but when I think of the benefits of this stuff, I gulp it down. I am a picky person, too.

Distributorship...Like I said, you have to buy this product from a distributor and yes, they do make money from the sales of  the products. In fact, I signed up to be a distributor. However, I did that just so I could get the discount so it saves me a few bucks. It does help a bit. What I choose to do with the business side of it may happen or it may not. For now, I am happy just to enjoy the benefits I see in taking this product as a big step in improving my health and dealing with this fibro stuff. What I will do is to continue to keep others informed in how Reliv is helping me and maybe if it helps my symptoms, others may be helped by this product, too. I see so many people taking way too many meds.  And working in the pharmacy, people are always asking about certain vitamins and supplements that will help them. I figure why take all of those when Reliv has all of that and more. But that is just me. I am lazy and do not have the time to figure out which combinations work best.

So...I will keep updating because I am so hopeful that this is what I am looking for. It may or may not be my answer. All I can do is wait and see. And if it does continue to help me, I will be shouting from the rooftops about this product. Getting balanced nutrition in my body the way it is supposed to and not having side effects from the meds while maybe getting some relief from the pain and exhaustion? Yeah, you can bet that I will be telling everyone about it. We will see. So, there is my review so far. Stay tuned!

~Kim~

Droid, Angry Birds and Texting

YES! I got a new phone! After a year of debating which one to get and the guilt of...do I really need a new phone, I got myself a new Droid X2 a week ago and I love it. It does pretty much everything I need it to do.  And I of course along with getting the new Droid, a friend suggested that I just HAVE to start playing angry birds. Yeah, guess who is hooked on it now??  And everyone else told me that I just HAD to start texting. Guess who loves to text now?? I am a little late but I feel like I am finally in the groove.

Oh, and I finally got my brakes on the van fixed! No more scraping and grinding for me.Overall, it's been a pretty good week. The weather was rockin', too!  I almost...and I mean almost but not really forgot about how upset I am about the trees. Okay, better get back to those angry birds. Everyone, have a great week!

~Kim~

A World Without Books?

I have to say that I am deeply saddened by the loss of the book stores in our town. In January, one closed. That wasn't that much of a surprise really. But then the announcement came that Borders was officially closing its doors permanently. Now, this was distressing news because I browse through my Waldenbooks about twice a week. They always send me coupons so I never had to pay full price. I got to know the employees a bit. They were all very friendly so I feel quite bad that they are losing their jobs. I have been trying to get in there to get some deals at their going out of business sale now but I get sad every time I walk through those doors. The book shelves are becoming quite empty.

Then last week, I read that our Christian book store at the mall is closing their doors, too.They have been around for many years. I have to admit that I haven't gone in there for a while because I can get the deals at Borders but I assumed they would always be there. Their shelves are even more bare right now.

How can 3 book stores close in just a few months? Yeah, those crazy Kindles have struck. I can't bring myself to have one. I refuse. I love books. I love to browse the book shelves. I love to hold an actual book in my hand. I love to turn the pages of a book. Shopping online for a book does not have the same feeling as browsing through a book store. So yes, I am very saddened by this whole thing. The only book store left in town is the dinky used book store downtown. So, I am building up my library so that I will have books to read for a while. My book case is stock full.

Maybe one day an actual book will be obsolete and there will not even be a need for a library in our world. I think that would be rather tragic. In the meantime, I will enjoy picking up a good book and get lost in it. Just wouldn't be the same for me if I were holding a Kindle. That is all.

~Kim~

I'm Still Here!!

I can't believe it has been this long since I have blogged. Not sure anyone has missed my ramblings but I have missed rambling on. What has been going on lately? Well, let's see...been working alot, Writing alot more. Crying over trees. Oh, well...let me explain here. You know how I ramble on about my favorite pastime, sitting on the deck? (Oh yeah, has anyone noticed the name change above?). I love everything about the deck. Not the deck itself but just being outside, watching and listening to the birds, watching the trees swaying in the light wind. Speaking of trees, we have four less trees than we did a month ago. And this is why I am crying over trees. I love my backyard because it is surrounded by trees. Well, it WAS but now there is a huge gap so now it is not all surrounded by trees anymore.

I am not liking it at all. In fact, I spent my time crying when I was out there until just recently. My whole sanctuary has been uprooted.I know it sounds stupid but that is how I feel. Here is the before picture although not a very good one. Notice how beautiful it was?

And here is the after picture. Wide open, gaping hole!

Clear blue sky instead of trees and a great view of the neighbor's yard, too.(Hope he doesn't mind that I took a pic of the gap into his yard!). Maybe some people would rather have that gaping hole but not me. I can barley look at it some days, Just doesn't look right. Well, it is over and done with now. They are gone. Nothing I can do about it. I am totally convinced that men have a thing against trees, although there was a good reason they had to convince me they needed to go. I now regret that decision but I do understand. But on the bright side...I got myself a new Droid X2! Now maybe I will post alot more pics.

So, sitting on the deck is not as it used to be. It doesn't feel...secluded or woodsey anymore. Maybe I should live out in the booneys with nothing but trees and wildlife around me. Now that would be awesome.

~Kim~

1000 Reasons to be Thankful

114. For getting some great deals this past week.

115. For some awesome women's tennis matches today.

116. For surviving another week at work.

117. For getting this coming weekend off. Not sure when the last time I had a weekend off.

118. For some really nice weather over the weekend. Sunny and warm...not too hot, not too cold.

119. For some good memories I have had recently from past family activities while growing up.

120. For once again remembering to blog this today. I really need to start blogging more than just Mondays.

~Kim~

1000 Reasons to be Thankful

Completely forgot about my thankfulness last Monday. Yikes! Onward!

106. For a whole two weeks of Wimbledon tennis!!

107. For being able to talk to my Dad yesterday for Father's Day...and my Mom, too!

108. For feeling alot better since I went to work kinda sick on Saturday but woke up Sunday able to work.

109. For getting some great deals the past few days thanks to extreme couponing!

110. For not seeing any sign of that nasty snake lurking in the backyard since the other day.

111. For getting a bit more organized the past few days.

112. For my mother in law making it through 2 surgeries the past month and being home now.

113. For remembering to post today!

~Kim~

Some Article Links

Just sharing some links to articles I have written lately. Feel free to critique them, like them, hate them, love them or just something to read if you are bored on your lovely Saturday.  Have a great day!

http://www.dailyglow.com/kate-middleton-looks-stunning-at-ark-gala-0610.html

http://entertainment.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979415653

http://www.dailyglow.com/the-best-sunscreens-for-sensitive-skin.html

~Kim~

Am I Really Psycho Lady??

I think maybe that is what everyone around town is calling me now...psycho lady. Or at least they are thinking something like that because well...I have been sort of throwing fits lately at these places. You can't really blame me. I mean one can only take so much of hearing this phrase...sorry we can't give you what you want. Pretty much every place I go now days. Here are my examples. (And reading these...maybe I just go out too much!). It's called not have enough time or energy to go grocery shopping.

1. A couple weeks ago, I went to McDonalds on my way to work to get some caramel sundaes to take to work for someone's BD. Sorry...the ice cream machine is broken.(Side note...the same thing was said the week before when I swung by on my way home from work to get a flurry!).

2. On my way to work last Sat.morning, I usually stop by Tim Horton's for a coffee to take with me. I didn't have time to eat breakfast so I thought I would try their oatmeal with berries. Sorry, we are out of oatmeal. Huh???

3. I decided that I wanted a Starbuck's mango smoothie...which I am almost addicted to right now...because I had a rough day at work and that was my treat to make it all better. Sorry, we are out of mango. Sigh...

4. I headed today to take the pop cans and bottles back to get  money and mainly to get them out of my food pantry. I filled a whole cart load of  bags with them and headed to the machines. Sorry, all 3 machines are down right now. What????? Oh yeah...not good!

5. Subway...good ole Subway. I really like Subway and I like the people that work there but I can honestly say that I have had enough. We pretty much have Subway about once a week or I take one to work with me. Last Sunday, daughter and I headed there for dinner and I was all excited cause they had advertised avocado back and they supposedly had spinach, too. Sorry, we are all out of both avocado AND spinach! Oh boy...they have pretty much seen my evil side there. I try not to have an evil side, I really do. But seriously?? This was 2 weeks in a row they were out of spinach and a couple weeks before that, they were out of chicken salad and they advertise these things to death on TV! Quite a few times, they were out of the bread I wanted. They seem to have a conspiracy against me I think. So when they announce this, I have to change my type of sandwich and it is always something I don't really want. I could go to another SW but why can't the one closest to me have the items in stock?

Okay, my rant is done. I am tired off getting all emotional at these places. But seriously, when I have had a bad day at work and all I want is a mango smoothie or a chicken salad sub that I have been thinking about all day and I can't have it, I tend to lose it. So to everyone at these places that have heard or seen me go 'psycho' on them I apologize.  I really just wanted to give your place my business and in return get something I really wanted in the first place, not give you my money for something I don't particular want. Is that too much to ask??

On a side note...to all those managers out there...please order enough to keep your customers happy and coming back to your place of employment. It's just good customer service. Thank you!

~Kim~

1000 Reasons to be Thankful

101. For the pretty trees lining my back yard.

102. For time outside on the deck.

103. For an awesome frugal group that was formed last week.

104. For my daughter making yummy chicken tonight for dinner.

105. For skinny cow ice cream and snacks and laughing cow cheese. Love these cows!

~Kim~

I Started a New Blog

So, in addition to this personal blog, I have another blog dedicated to my journey in writing. I thought it would be fun to show my progress and maybe even some difficulties as I take this journey into maybe another fun and rather crazy aspect of my life. I am really having fun with my writing and am learning a lot each day. I am still not where I want to be with it but as time goes on, I am hoping to make this something I can do full time. It is a goal set for myself anyway. So, the link to the blog is on the right if anyone so chooses to follow my progress or want to read what I write. It has been an interesting journey so far that I want to continue in the future.

~Kim~

1000 Reasons to be Thankful

Happy Memorial Day to all of you! I decided to be very thankful today.

81. For all of those men and women who serve our country.

82. For God's protection.

83. For delicious hamburgers straight from the grill.

84. For a warm...okay, hot spring day.

85. For a day off of work...and getting paid for it!

86. For protection during yesterday's tornado warnings.

87. For these awesome books that I am reading by Karen Kingsbury. Very thought provoking.

88. For lots of coffee this morning.

89. For our power staying on during those storms even though some are without.

90. For summer fruit like watermelon, blueberries, strawberries. Yum!

91. For actually finding comfortable shoes at a decent price. And they are cute, too...they have purple on them.

92. For some quiet time on the deck today...hopefully.

93. For summer cause it makes me actually want to eat healthier.

94. For my beautiful kitty cat. She is pretty and her personality is kinda unique.

95. For trying to have a more positive attitude, even though I really don't want to.

96.  For a God who never leaves me and loves me even when I can be very unlovable.

97. For those of you out there who takes the time to read my ramblings here on this blog.You are very patient!

98. For being able to keep in contact with family and friends through the internet when I can't be with them in person.

99. For making new friends this past year through common ground.

100. For making it to100 reasons to be thankful! On to more next Monday!

~Kim~

1000 Reasons to be Thankful

Thankful Monday once again!

76. For two sunny days in a row!

77. For more inspirations in writing this past week.

78. For a daughter who says that she wants to make something in the kitchen.

79. For all of us being flu-free and cold-free for this past year.

80. For lots of exciting finales like DWTS and AI this week and last week Survivor and Castle (Beckett can't be killed off...can she??) LOL

~Kim~

Let the Sun Shine...Let the Sunshine in...

Remember that song? I am an aquarius, too so it really fits me. And I did let the sunshine in.You know, that bright yellow thing that likes to play peek a boo with me. Well, I found it, even if it was for a little while. So I was just sitting on the deck. Maybe I should write a song about that? 

Can you tell I am feeling a bit better today? I am still highly disappointed in the things I blogged about yesterday however, I am not going to let discouragement kick my butt. Going to try anyway. It's the start of a new week. It's warm, the sun is out and the Lord is good.

~Kim~

Discouraged, Disappointed, Dazed

Yeah, I am all three right now.  Maybe more like worn out and stressed. Ever have one of those days that turn into weeks, maybe even turn into months of discouraging days? But seriously, I have no idea but I am just plain ole weary. I am really trying to keep a positive attitude cause I am little miss pessimist. Here are my lists of frustrations.

1. I am seriously very disappointed and fed up with work. Now, I am bound to a promise that I can't say the name so I will just say work. Not only have I worked for 3 yrs...only calling in sick one day so far...and barely got to take any vacation days that I earned from the previous year because they had to use it up just to get my hours up so I can keep my insurance. I finally got to my new year and was so looking forward to maybe taking a whole week off soon then I find out that they are saying I didn't have enough hrs in last year. And it sounds like I missed it by like 1 hour!!  Huh?? Soooo disappointed! That is not the final word but they are "looking" into it.

2. This is kind of  a running joke here but it seems like everyday I have off which is Tuesday and Wed. most weeks, it rains or has been too cool to sit outside on the deck...my fave place to be.  I am telling you, the sun hates me! Case in point, after my disappointing day today,  I was looking forward to some sun after work. It was a sunny, nice day. I get off, look outside and it is cloudy! The minute I get in the car, it starts raining. Yeah, the sun hates me.

3. I come home today and see that a couple articles went live that I wrote. Cool, right?  As I am reading it, my excitement ceased to exist as I realize that I made a mistake in a name I wrote down. Sigh...don't ever write an article when you are really tired!

I have so many disappointments lately. I basically just want to cry my eyes out but I am too tired right now. The reason I love to sit on the deck is to find peace and quiet and to think clearly. Not sure why it is so important to me but it is and this is what happens when I don't get it. Discouragement! But you know what? There are so many discouragements in life. Some are bigger than others. I can let myself get down so easily but  the good thing is that I don't stay down for long. I will sulk, cry and maybe even throw a temper tantrum, which I have been known to do occasionally. However, things will get better, right?

At least the end of the world has held off for a bit longer. Of course, maybe the sun won't hate me in Heaven so much!

~Kim~

1000 Reasons to be Thankful

Another Monday! Where has the time gone by this past week?

71. The sun!

72. The Son whom gives me peace, joy and hope.

73.  For open doors to different writing opportunities lately.

74.  For the excitement I am feeling about writing.

75. For delicious blueberries!

Have a great day, everyone!

~Kim~

1000 Reasons to be Thankful

I hope every Mom had an awesome Mother's Day weekend. Mine was...well, it wasn't anything special. It was but I had to work, clean up cat puke and I ended up getting irritated at my local Subway for not having the one thing I had been craving all day. But I survived and its the beginning of a brand new week.

I decided to take the time to be thankful for people in my life today. I always say that people come into your life for a reason, whether to encourage you or for you to encourage them or someone that just makes a difference in your life. These are the people that have made a difference in my life so far.

61. My kids and hubby, of course. Even though my kids are not small, I love them both so much. No words can ever express how I feel about them, no matter how old they are. And hubby, too.

62. My family down in IN and beyond. I have 3 brothers and 2 sisters whom I love tremendously. My Mommy and Daddy are the best, too. I miss them so much.

63.My in laws.  Yes, I love my in laws and they have had some health issues recently.

64. My TJ Mom's group. They are awesome and always there for me. I have not ""met" them in person but maybe one day we will.

65. Cathy, Shannon, Missy and Bay...four women I have chatted with online for years now. We met online by a common thread and have been friends ever since.

66. My writer's group that I just recently joined. They have given so much good  advice that I am so thankful that they have not thrown me out of the group for all the questions I throw at them.

67. My 2 nieces, Chris and Meri whom I consider my long distance sisters...only younger.

68. My church family. Although with working pretty much every Sunday now, I still love the people that are so loving and giving. They serve so faithfully.

69. My GH group.  I just realized that I have alot of online groups now.  LOL It's funny how you join a thread and find friends in the process. No wonder I am online all the time.

70. My co-workers. I have mentioned them before but not everyone can say they love their co-workers. We are a small group and sometimes we can get irritated with each other, but they are still awesome.

These are the ones I think of today but I know there are many more from the past and more to come along.

Just Sitting on the Deck

Okay, not yet but the weather is calling for the sun and 60 degrees, although I have yet to see that bright shiny thing in the sky. 

Why do I like sitting on the deck so much? My deck is nothing special really.It is a plain ole deck as you can see.

Actually, it really needs to be stained or something. But I still love it. Here is my fave spot to sit on the deck below.

The cool thing is that we have a roof over part of the deck where we can grill when it's raining or even sit my chair under there if it is not raining too hard but that is not as much fun. Yes, we still have a charcoal grill.

Here are the reasons that I love to sit out on my deck.

1. The minute I sit out there, I can think more clearly and all of these ideas come popping into my head.  I take my notebook outside with me and start making lists or notes on whatever I choose. I also take a book in case I want to read. Maybe it is to get away from the animals inside and also the computer.

2. I love the warmth of the sun.

3. I love the peace it brings for me. I can see the trees surrounding my yard swaying in the wind. I watch the birds digging for worms in the yard. Do you know how many different chirps I hear out there? I wonder what they are talking about?

4. I sometimes close my eyes and fall asleep. Or I talk to the Lord.  It's amazing how many things you can be thankful for.

5. With all of the chaos going on in the world lately, it brings me hope that everything is in control.

So, as weird as it sounds, I crave my time out there among the creatures and plant life, It makes me a happier person. Maybe that should be my new title for this blog...just sitting on the deck.

~Kim~

Thoughtful Tuesday...This Comes With a Long Post Warning!

My first thought for today? Nooooo! I woke up on my day off and it is dreary and cold! Not a good day to spend out on the deck like I had planned. The deck has become my friend. That and all the crazy birds, too.

You may not know this about me...well, my family does...but I am a big thinker. I would rather think than talk. In fact, the deck is where I go to think clearly. It is amazing how fresh air and sunshine can get my juices flowing. So, today is thoughtful Tuesday because I have been thinking way too much this morning and it is only 10:30am.  I am also a planner. Thinking and planning go hand in hand in my book. Of course, nothing is going to get done if all you do is to think and plan. Getting it done is the hard part for me.

What have I been thinking about on this dreary, cold morning? Many things. First off, I am thinking about changing the name of this blog. When I started this, me not being much of a creative person chose this weird title of some of my fave things. Kind of different so not sure I like it all that much but it worked for a while. I really am tired of it so I am contemplating changing it to something else. I will probably keep the same address though as not to confuse anyone too much.

Secondly, I have been thinking hard on other ways to make money besides being on my feet all day. Jobs are so hard to come by now days. I have always wanted to work at home. I really hate working FT and now that pain is part of the equation here, I really have come to dislike working. Now, I do have to say that I love the people that I work with. They are awesome but with this job comes being on my feet all day and stress. The two things that are making my health worse. Which is why I have tried my hand at writing. I am not a bad writer. I have always like writing although my grammar usage and sentence structure could use some work. But this is something I have been exploring  lately and really want it to work. I am not going to quit my job just yet but have been making some plans, lists and whatever it takes to make this work in my favor. Not sure if it will but you never know until you try.

Thirdly, as you all know I am not big on taking drugs, even though I work in a pharmacy. I am however a big believer in nutrition and how it affects our bodies in a positive and a negative way. Our bodies sure take a beating with all the crap we put into it and all the good stuff we should be putting into it but don't. I am not convinced drugs is the total answer, at least for me. When the drs start talking about calling her if the one drug she prescribed is giving me side effects so she will prescribe something else to help with that side effect...no thanks! Luckily, mine is not high BP or diabetes so I feel I have a choice at the moment. Still thinking on what road to take on this issue.

So, now that you are bored with my thoughts...I will say that it is hard to make changes.  At least for me it is.  I hate changes truthfully.  I want to eat whatever I want to, do whatever I want to do but as all things in life, there are consequences to my actions. I eat too much, I feel horrible and gain weight. I spend money on too many books or clothes, I can't pay my bills.

These are my ramblings for the day. This is what happens when you think too much! Stay tuned for more updates. I am sure you will be amused. Have a great Tuesday!

~Kim~

1000 Reasons to be Thankful

I am a little behind schedule with the thankful Mondays but I really did enjoy the A-Z blogging challenge.  So, back to posting my rambles.  Aren't you all so lucky?  Be thankful!

51. On this Monday morning, the fact that hopefully our world may be a little safer with the news of Bin Laden.
52. Lists...I love lists!
53. Cheese...everything tastes good with cheese on it.
54. Flip flops.  Isn't it great that with the warmer weather, you can just slip on flip flops so easily?
55. Getting to "meet" some different bloggers through the A-Z challenege.
56. Target...my favorite store.
57. Tennis!  Lots of great tennis to catch this year..
58. Summer fruit.  Love them.  Blueberries, peaches, watermelon, cantelope...time to make some fruit salad!
59. The sun!
60.  My deck.  It's not a huge or fancy one but I get to sit and relax on it.  Just lovely.

~Kim~

Zoos

Welcome to the last day of the A to Z blogging challenge.  I admit it has been loads of fun and I got to "meet" some awesome people and their blogs but a part of me is glad it's over with.  It was really hard for me to come up with words for that day and hard for me to ramble like I usually do.

My Z word is simple...zoo.  My daughter and I used to go to zoos all the time when she was younger.  We both love all those awesome creatures out there.  Well...except for those icky snakes and pesty bugs.  Zoos are so much fun.  One creature I haven't seen in person is a panda bear.  One day we will have to travel to find one.  But in the meantime, I think we will have to make sure we hit at least one of our local zoos this year.  I love lemurs and tigers.  My 2 favorites.  Happy Z day and last day of April!  Maybe May will be much better weather wise.

~Kim~

Yo!

Okay, I could not think of a good Y word today.  In fact, the day is almost over anyway.  Only 1 more day of the AZ blogging.  It's gone fast. This is short and sweet.  Yo!...I am heading to bed after getting up very early to catch the royal wedding this morning.  Very beautiful!

~Kim~

Xylophone

Anyone remember having one of these?  Mine was a bit older model but I am wondering if kids now days even know what this is?  I had loads of fun with my xylophone.  Happy X day!

~Kim~

Wet Wednesday

What two perfect W words for today...it is Wednesday and it is definitely wet! In fact, it has been a wet and wild April all over the place.  With all of the tornadoes and flooding some of the states have had, I am really hoping that come May, it will dry up and be nice for a while. No sitting on the deck for me today. Guess I will have to get some inside things done. Is anyone else craving the sun?

Happy W day...and try to stay dry! If you are reading this and the sun is shining for you, enjoy it!

~Kim~

Victory

Have you had any victories in your lifetime?  Victories are something to celebrate.  Victory in losing weight, victory in overcoming cancer, victory in stopping your smoking habit, victory in graduating high school or college...the list can go on and on.  Victories come in both small and large packages.  Whenever I think of the word victory, I am reminded of one of my favorite hymns, Victory in Jesus.  It's a catchy tune.  Especially since I am more of a contemporary music person than a hymn person.  And the words are so true and amazing.

What victories will you have today?  Mine will be getting through a doctor's appt. and the possibility of storms later today.  They both stress me out so for me, that is a big victory.  Maybe victory in getting some cleaning done, a  few articles written...what else?  Celebrate the victories that you accomplish today.  Even the small ones count.

~Kim~

Unique...oh, and Umbrella!

I like unique things.  I usually look for something just a little different about an item.  I am not even sure what kind of uniqueness I am looking for but it always hits me when I find it. Whatever it is that I am collecting, I like to think that I have something unique about it.

There are also some "unique" people around.  What I mean by that is that there are people that are different in my eyes.  Now that can be something good or maybe not so good.  However, the reality is that all human beings are unique.  God made us all with special qualities.  Not one person is exactly the same inside or out, which makes the definition of "being the only one of its kind" pretty true.  We are all unique individuals. 

I wasn't going to use Umbrella as my U word today but it does deserve a "mention".  On this start to a new week, it is predicted that it is going to rain everyday this week except on Friday.  Break out the umbrellas!  I really hope the "April showers bring May flowers" is true!

~Kim~

Thankful

I missed the T word yesterday and I missed doing my thankful Monday so to make up for that, I will use my T word for being thankful.  How's that for convenience?  Here is what I am thankful for on this Easter morning.

Tomb-when you think of a tomb, you usually think of death.  But Jesus rose from that tomb which is now empty.  He is in Heaven preparing a place for us.  Until we get there, we can have an awesome personal relationship with Him here on this earth anytime we choose to.  He gives all of us a choice.  Life is full of choices but this is the biggest one we can make.  My choice is to follow Him.  So, for that I am thankful for that empty tomb.

Twix-does anyone else love Twix bars?  Caramel and cookie and chocolate=yum!

Teenagers-I have one and I love her so very much!

Tigers-I think tigers are one of the most beautiful and intriguing creatures on this earth. 

Tornadoes-Okay, so I am not sure if I am thankful for tornadoes.  No, now that I think about it, I am not thankful for the devastation they cause but I do think they are really awesome and fascinating to watch.  Really amazing to see how they form.  Did anyone see the one that tore through the airport terminal in St Louis?  Wow!  I like to see them away from homes and people though.

Have a Happy Easter!!!

~Kim~

Sleet

I was so hoping that my S word today would be sun but no, it has turned into being sleet.  Yes, I am sitting here writing this on April 22 and I can hear sleet hitting the windows this morning.  The sun did peep out for a few hours yesterday but for the most part this week and continuing for the next few days it has either rained or snowed and very chilly.  At least my S word isn't snow for today...yet.

~Kim~

Royal Wedding and Relaxation

Is anyone else besides me getting excited about the royal wedding next week?  It brings back memories of Charles and Diana's wedding back in 1981.  I couldn't wait but then again, I was a teenager very much into fairytale romances.  Okay, so I am still into the fairytale romances.  You know...someday my prince will come.  I think maybe I watch way too much Disney.  Anyway, I will be one of those getting up very early in the morning to watch the whole wedding.  There is just something fascinating about royal weddings.

I thought I would do a two part  R word for today because this is my last day before I head back to work tomorrow.  My last day of relaxation.   I had to take a couple of days off to use up the last of my vacation hours.  I thought it would be fine this time of the month because usually it is kinda warm but no, today is the first day the sun has peeped out all week.  But it is still very chilly.  Too chilly to sit outside I'm sure.  So, I am going to try and enjoy this last day to relax before all the stresses of work and no time to get anything done happens again.  Hope everyone gets a chance to relax over the holiday weekend.

~Kim~

Quiet Time

Quiet time is essential in my life.  In fact, I crave quiet time.  Which is why I always get up so early before anyone else and why I also love to go out on the deck, away from the animals and the ringing phone (which by the way has NOT happened since I have been off of work and most likely will NOT happen before I go back to work on Friday with the cold, rainy or snowy weather). 

Short post today.  Happy Q day!

~Kim~

Pizza and Pies

No, not pizza pies but pizza and pies.  I woke up this morning not being able to think of any P words but then all of a sudden in a whoosh, 10 of them came to mind.  But I chose to go with food items today. 

I love pizza but I am picky about the kind of crust on my pizza.  I am a thin and crispy kinda girl.  I do not like the thick and chewy crust.  I love it when all the toppings go right up to the edge of the pizza.  Yum!  And if I have to order thicker crust because of the family then I have to dip it in some garlic butter.  I know, so unhealthy but oh so good.  I really to keep the toppings simple.  Pepperoni and onion or if I want to be more healthy, just onion and green pepper. 

Now onto pies.  Besides cheesecake, pies are my next favorite dessert.  I love pretty much any pie except rhubarb and pecan.  Fruit pies are awesome.  Peach, cherry, blueberry, strawberry...well, I am not huge on apple.  I love banana cream, coconut cream, butterscoth and lemon cream pies.  Wow, I am getting hungry all of a sudden.

Another P word I love is prayer.  Prayers are so very important. Prayers work!  Happy P day!!

~Kim~

Overwhelmed

My O word for today is overwhelmed.  Has anyone ever felt overwhelmed?  That is how I am feeling on this Monday morning.  I am not even sure what I am overwhelmed with.  Just life in general.  Now I am sounding really depressed or something.  No, I have not gone off the deep end but I am sitting here just trying to decide whether to cry my eyes out.  I admit, I did get tears in my eyes as I looked out the window and snow was coming down hard.  Yes, it has happened before...snow in April here in Michigan.  But this is not supposed to happen when I take a few days off of work and am looking forward to relaxing in the sun!  I am tired of it as is everyone else.  But on the bright side, at least we didn't get those horrible tornadoes the South got over the weekend.  I guess the snow isn't so bad as that. 

What else am I overwhelmed with?  My daughter and I went to Kohl's and Penney's yesterday because we both needs clothes badly.  She found some cute stuff...I found nothing.  Not only did I find nothing that fit but when I was trying things on and looked at myself in the mirrors...well, I was really appalled.  I don't have mirrors in my bedroom when I am getting dressed and I wear clothes to hide what I don't want to see.  I knew I had gained some weight but seriously...I have fat rolls around my knees and my thighs...I don't even want to think about it.  I am overwhelmed with the fact that I let myself go like this.  I guess I was brought to the realization of how unhealthy I have become with my sweet habit and all the fast food we eat when I am working.

This in addition to being overwhelmed with pain this last year...more than most realize or what I let on along with housework I have let go and the animals that have somehow taken over this house.  Being overwhelmed is not a good feeling to have.  Is there a light at the end of the tunnel?  Of course there is.  I know the snow will melt eventually and spring will be here, I have the control to lose weight if I so choose to and I can always work through the other issues.  Not an easy road sometimes because really all I want to do is eat the brown sugar pop tarts I have sitting on the table and forget all about my image in the mirror and close all the blinds to hide the horrible white stuff outside.  This reminds me that it is not an easy road to have faith in a God that I sometimes feel isn't listening to me.  But I have chosen that road because I know it is the best road to be on.  He is my light at the end of the tunnel.  I just need to head that way instead of down overwhelmed road.  Especially with Easter weekend coming up.

Funny, I went to bed last night having no idea what O word I was gong with today but then as soon as I saw the snow, my O word came to mind right away.  I guess I poured out my heart today but I kind of feel a bit better.  Off to start my day.

~Kim~

Nostalgia...Soap Style

I am sure a lot of you have heard that the long time running soaps 'All My Children' and 'One Life to Live' will no longer be on the air next year.  I am sad.  I used to watch all 3 ABC soaps quite a few years ago but now I just watch General Hospital.  This makes me sad.  I guess because I remember my Mom and Grandma watching 'As the World Turns' and keeping up with Kim and Bob Hughes and I remember Meg Ryan on the show.  Many stars got their start from soaps.  So, I thought I would take a nostalgic walk down soap lane.  Here is what is highlighted in my mind from years gone by.

Bad boy in college, Todd Manning tormenting poor Marti all those years on OLTL.
Maria and Edmond's wedding on AMC.
Hayley and Mateo getting married on AMC.  (aka Kelly Ripa and her husband Mark)
Jenny and Greg on AMC.  I was so upset when Jenny died.
One of my all time favorite AMC couples, Tad and Dixie.
Vicki's daughter Megan dying .
All of the families...the Buchanan's, the Lord's, the Martin's, the Chandler's...it was fun growing up with these families. 

Wouldn't it be fun to have a whole DVD set from the very beginning.  40 years of soap history.  

Anyone else have any memories of these shows?  PS...what will happen to Erica Kane now??

~Kim~

Music

I am not sure what I would do without music in my life.  I like all sorts of music.  I love old rock n roll tunes, pop  music, christian music and I just started listening to a little country music.  I also like music from the Disney Channel.  Okay, I am watching "Lemonade Mouth" with my daughter.  It's actually very good with some awesome music. 

Have a music filled day!  What there is left of it since I am kinda late in posting this.

~Kim~

Laughter

They say that "Laughter is the best medicine".  I believe it's true.  Medically speaking, it forces air through your lungs and relieves stress that may be building up.  When you laugh, it gets others laughing with you.  It is very contagious. 

I certainly need to laugh more than I do.  I shoot for about once a day.  For some reason, I go into this hysterical laugh about once a day, usually in my daughter's room.  I swear she must keep some laughing gas in there somewhere.  She kinda just shakes her head, which gets me laughing even more.  It's quite fun and if you see me laugh that hard, well... it may send you running the other way.  But it sure clears out the stress for a bit.

Everyone should try it at least once a day.  It's good for your heath!

~Kim~

Krispy Kreme

Oh yeah, my K word for today is Krispy Kreme.  Not just Krispy Kreme but the Krispy Kreme glazed doughnut, fresh off the belt!  I love it warm, with the glaze just barely settled on the pastry.  They just melt in your mouth.  Yes, they are sweet but oh so good.  I don't have a KK here in town or even very close for that matter.  I suppose that's a very good thing.  The only time I get them is when I head down to IN to visit my family.  Actually, I get quite excited when I pass by there and see the "Hot Now" sign all lit up and calling my name.  And an extra bonus...KK is right next door to a Chik-Fil-A, another favorite that I don't have close to me.

I think I need to plan a trip down to visit my family soon!

~Kim~

J...Jonas Brothers!

 Yeah, I guess I am going to make a confession on this lovely Tuesday morning.  My J word for today is the Jonas Brothers.  Now, a lot of you know how I feel about this subject.  A grown Mom whom loves these young boys.  I guess some would call that a cougar?  But seriously, even though I think those guys are really cute, I really think that these 3 boys from New Jersey are very talented, very sweet and put on a great concert. 

A little background on how this all started.  My daughter watches a lot of the Disney channel and back in 2007, a trio of young boys appeared on my screen jumping around, singing a tune from "the Jungle Book".  She thought they were kind of cute, I thought they were energetic and fun and somehow different.  As she got more interested in them, I decided to check out who they were because that is just what I do.  I found out they were new to Disney and their Dad was a small town Pastor.  They pretty much struggled financially and finally got noticed as music talents.  By the time we took notice, they already had their first CD out and their second came out soon after.  Their songs were fun, well written and they were so much fun to watch.  They were known for wearing purity rings and their faith.  They traveled with their Mom, Dad and little brother Frankie and their family were friends with artists Michael W. Smith and Steven Curtis Chapman, whom I love, also.  Daughter and I have been to concerts, tried winning meet and greets and just love having something that we love to do together.  These boys are very fan friendly and had many ways of meeting them.  They do live chats and put on these crazy youtubes that just made you laugh.  They also had formed their own baseball team called the Roaddogs and let fans come in and cheer them on.  Pretty cool.

So now, here we are today, 2011.  The oldest Kevin got married a year ago, Joe is working on his solo album and works with Special Olympics and Nick the youngest is working on music and has had his own solo tour a year ago and is still working with diabetic kids.  The boys are growing up.  They are doing things on their own as adults but I am guessing that they will be working on more music together in the future.  These guys have made a fan out of this Mom.  They are trying to live life as a celebrity but also have stuck to their values that they have had instilled in them growing up.  They will make mistakes.  We all do.  Just like with our own kids, we raise them with values and then send them off into this crazy world hoping and praying that they will stick with what they were taught. 

So, laugh if you want but we have had a blast following these guys.  We have also cried a few times.  Has anyone seen Nick's "Who I am " video?  It gets me every time I see it and when he sings the song he wrote about his struggle with diabetes.  They bring kids on stage to sing with them which is awesome.  I hope they continue being who they are and don't change. 

Thanks for listening to my J word for the day.  I could go on and on and on about them.  No, I am not a cougar, just a Mom who appreciates 3 talented guys who make my daughter and I laugh, cry and spend special time doing something fun.  I think my Mom might have had some fun in my Donny Osmond days, too. 

~Kim~

1000 Reasons to be Thankful

On to my other Monday post!  I decided not to go with all "I" words this time.  I think it would take too long.

41.  For warmer days.  It got up to 80 degrees yesterday!!  Woohoo!

42.  For sitting on the deck.  Yes, I finally got my chair out yesterday and sat out there for an hour.  I can't tell you just how relaxing that is to me.  I don't know why.  Just the sounds of nature...well, unless the neighborhood sounds are annoying...but usually it is just nice and quiet.  Sometimes  I read, sometimes I fall asleep, sometimes I just sit and think, sometimes I just watch the trees in the wind or the birds gathering worms, sometimes I get ideas flowing.  I should have a blog that is called  "just sittin on the deck".  hahaha

43.  For Tivo.  I love it now that we can tape 2 shows at once.

44.  For finding a new pizza place that makes great thin, crispy pepperoni pizzas.  Maybe I am the only one that likes real thin and cracker crisp pizza but that's okay.  More for my tummy.

45.  For feeling more comfortable in my writing lately. 

46.  For finding a new doctor that I feel pretty comfortable with.

47.  For that doctor running more tests and being completely thorough before she does a diagnosis.

48.  For a  lab tech that was so good that she took 7 tubes of blood and didn't even leave a bruise!

49.  And to go along with #48, I am thankful that even though I almost freaked out when I saw those 7 tubes and she had to put some pressure on my vein to get the blood  pumping that I chose to talk to her to get my mind off of what she was doing and it helped me to relax.  Good thing for a little phlebotomy training I had.

50.  For my sweet kitty cat whom we have had for about 8 years now.  I love her!

~Kim~

Intriguing

I decided instead of doing a two part post, I would post 2 separate ones for Mondays.  This is my A-Z post for today.

Finding a good word that starts with I is kind of hard.  I chose intriguing.  Not sure why but I thought I would write about the things that intrigue me.

I have always found tornadoes very intriguing.  The way they form, the way they just come down out of the sky with winds so violent, it can blow a house to shreds.  I love watching storm chasers film the formation of one.  Very interesting.  However I would not choose to experience a tornado personally.  But they do intrigue me.

The wind intrigues me, also.  I love to look at the wind.  Okay, so you can't see the wind but you can see the how the wind works.  Today is a windy day and I was just looking out the window at the trees in the back yard waving back and forth.  Sometime it is a light breeze and sometimes it is kind of harsh but it's cool.  Kind of like you can't see the face of God but you know He is there.  You can see the effects of Him and can feel His presence.  Very awesome.

I am intrigued by animals.  Pretty much all of them.  All animals have their own unique qualities.  How do birds know how to build a nest?  How do cats purr and hiss?  Why do giraffes have such long necks?  The creature world is a fascinating place.

Well, I guess I am just intrigued by nature itself.  I could go on and on...the vast oceans, the beautiful mountains...nature is just cool!  God sure must love us to give us such beautiful and intriguing things to enjoy.

Have a great nature filled day!

~Kim~

Spring Has Sprung

No A-Z blogging today but I thought I would keep the momentum going.

So, it looks like spring is finally here.  It went from being cold  in the 30's this past week up to the 70's this weekend.  I was so looking forward to warmer weather but in all things in life, there is a downside to everything.  The main downside to warmer weather is the threat of bad storms.  I don't mind the usual t-storm with thunder and lightening.  Lightening doesn't bother me as much as high winds do.  Last summer was crazy.  No actual tornadoes but the sirens sounded way more than usual.  You don't know whether to take cover or just be on the look out.  Problem is that we have no basement, just a small 3 bedroom house so the small bathroom is the only place to go and no one wants to huddle in the bathroom unless it's absolutely necessary. 

So, as much as I love the warmer weather, I can do without the threat of the severe stuff.  Although I have always been fascinated by tornadoes since I was a kid but I just don't want to be in one.  Bring on spring but leave out the storms!  Oh, and the bees and mosquitos can take a hike, too.

Have a blessed Sunday.

~Kim~

Hula Hoops

 Remember hula hoops?  I am pretty sure I am not the only kid that had one or two of these toys.  I know they are still sold at some stores but I have not seen kids out playing with them for a while.  They were the "in" toy when I was growing up.  Let me tell you, I was not very coordinated so it was hard for me to work my hips to get it going for more than 2 seconds.  I could do pretty good using my neck, though.  Hmm...maybe that has something to do with my neck pain as an adult?  Such a cheap toy but hours of fun.  And just think of the exercise we got with these rings!  Maybe we should all go out and find a hula hoop and show our kids how it's done.  Or maybe they will show us.  Either way it will provide a few laughs on your Saturday.

Happy H day! 

~Kim~

Guilt

So, my G word for today is guilt.  I am sure everyone has felt this at some time or another.  I am full of guilt.  It just happens.  Guilt over not spending as much time with my kids as I want, guilt for not keeping up at work like I used to, guilt for not keeping the house cleaner...the list could go on and on but I have to leave for work in a few minutes.  How do you deal with your guilt?  I admit that I do not deal with it well.  I get pretty down on myself (part of my pessimism I'm sure).  Women seem to think they have to do it all and some do, even though they don't want to.  Guilt can certainly eat you up.  My goal is to stop being so hard on myself and learn to deal with this "guilty" feeling I have most of the time.

Have a great Friday!

~Kim~

Food Fight and Failure

Today is one of those days that I really don't want to think too hard.  There are quite a few F words.  Some good, some not so good.  I came up with a simple F word...food!  So simple yet so delicious.  Food is designed to be nutrition for our bodies.  You know, those little green things called vegetables.  I admit that I don't really like to eat vegies.  Not that I don't like them but they are much more work to have to chop up.  If I want to eat nutritiously, I choose fruit.  I love fruit.  Much more than vegies. 

What about those not so nutritional foods?  Like chocolate cake, twix bars, fried chicken...those yummy but not so good for you foods.  Yes, I love them.  I mean really love them.  The hard part is trying to balance all of those nutritional foods and junk food.  The junk food far outweighs the nutritional foods in my daily diet.  I try, I really do but I fail.  Another F word.  I really am a failure when it comes to eating healthy.  It's hard.  There are so many yummy foods out there.  However, it is essential to eat healthy so I will continue to fight off the junk food when I can.

So, food fight.  What are your favorite foods you absolutely adore?  Healthy or non-healthy.  Mine are blueberries (I love them), cheesecake (I adore it), mashed potatoes and gravy (I could eat this 3 meals a day), oatmeal (a very heart healthy food), hash brown casserole (just yum!) and pastries (pretty much all of them except for fiilled ones).  I do have 2 healthy items in my list.

What foods do you not like?  I really hate tomatoes (ick), mushrooms (too rubbery), and fish tacos (I have never tried them but how come I feel nauseous just looking at them in a picture?).  There are many more but it's too early to think of icky foods. 

Now I am very hungry thanks to this post.  As my daughter would say "I love food".  I have to agree with her.  But then she eats much more variety than I do.  Enjoy your food today!

~Kim~