tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10162021060521883232024-02-22T03:45:30.553-06:00Anyhoo...Destryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670480007185091938noreply@blogger.comBlogger131125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1016202106052188323.post-64876162280430929302014-02-19T14:03:00.004-06:002014-02-19T14:03:42.357-06:00I'm trying to find the previous post amusing...Since August of 2012 I have lost...6 pounds. 6 whole pounds in 18 months. It's ok to be jealous. (That was sarcasm).<br />
<br />
And what is it about Vegas that drives me to publicly humiliate myself on the internets? Seriously. I'm 46 days away from lounging poolside with SPF8 slathered on me. In my last post I was 42 days away. 18 months ago I was bemoaning my weight and upcoming trip. Just like I am today. It would probably be helpful if I just took care of this whole weight thing once and for all. Bemoaning isn't cute, I don't care who you are.<br />
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In my defense though, it was a rough 18 months. I need to be one of those people that see exercise and proper diet as a way to cope with dark clouds and stress. Instead, I lean more towards the "let's just hibernate and ignore the world around me until things get better mentality". Not good. That mentality is less cute than the bemoaning.<br />
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So...I'm going to work earnestly towards getting the weight off, getting healthier and dropping that whole bemoaning thing. Less hibernating too. Oh, and I'd like to be able to do a Warrior Dash too. (Stop laughing and rolling your eyes).<br />
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Now that I've celebrated my weight loss achievements, I can move on to other things.<br />
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Several of the bloggers that I follow do "Right now..." posts. And since I can't seem to focus on one singular topic that has been floating around in my hot mess of a brain, I will jump on that bandwagon myself. Here goes...<br />
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<b><i>Right now...</i></b><br /><br />
<b>Wearing</b>...work out clothes and tennis shoes ('cause I'm definitely going to be working on that whole healthy thing after I finish this post). (Same clothes...but I haven't earned that sweat yet).<br />
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<b>Missing</b>...Forrest. Savannah is entirely too far away. Savannah was one of my favorite cities until it borrowed my son and then decided to keep him. Not cool Savannah, not cool. (My firstborn and his pedicab in Savannah).<br />
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<b>Studying</b>...company description literature so that I can write up Jet's for future publication.<br />
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<b>Listening</b>...to Journey's "Don't Stop Believing". Does it get better than Journey when it comes to classic rock?<br />
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<b>Drinking</b>...mint infused water. (see paragraph number 4).<br />
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<b>Fighting</b>...the little voice that keeps telling me that folding laundry is NOT a chore worth completing.<br />
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<b>Wishing</b>...that the temps would get in the 60's and stay there...instead of teasing me with this gorgeous day only to throw out more freezing days over the next week...global warming isn't sounding like a bad idea at this point. I'd settle for local warming though.<br />
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<b>Wanting</b>...these shoes and the clothes and warm weather that they call for.<br />
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<br />
<b>Imagining</b>...a day when all of my kids have the same school schedules and school runs are done with ease rather than the mishmash that is our time-consuming norm at the moment.<br />
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<b>Learning</b>...to find a balance between doing things obsessively and not doing them at all.<br />
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<b>Feeling</b>...at peace with my insides despite my issues with my outside. I'm thankful for that.Destryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670480007185091938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1016202106052188323.post-10968592812700487862012-08-18T12:03:00.000-05:002012-08-18T12:03:28.521-05:00Weighty Issues...getting startedIt's time to get a handle on this once and for all. <br />
<br />
I'm 5'3 and I weigh 172.0 pounds. I can't believe I wrote that out loud. <br />
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Let's wander down memory lane for a minute here, shall we? <br />
<br />
I've always been curvy. When I'm at a healthy weight I have an hour glass shape. 10lbs above that and I have an hour and a half shape. Anything more than that? A definite pear. I like hour glass, I don't mind an hour and a half, but pears are not my favorite.<br />
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During my pregnancy with Forrest I ate whatever I wanted. I ate junk 24/7 and I didn't exercise at all. I left the hospital after delivering him weighing one pound less than when I got pregnant.<br />
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When I found out that I was pregnant with Chloe I assumed that I was one of those lucky people that could eat like a sumo wrestler and not gain too much. Evidently I had forgotten that old saying about people that assume things. Plowing through 8 Oreo cookies every single night for 7 months seemed completely reasonable. <br />
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Somewhere around month 8 I realized that I had gained a lot of weight. Unfortunately "a lot" is a relative word. I found out just how relative when I got home from the hospital and tried on my loosest pre-pregnancy dress which was a roomy size 6. I couldn't get it over my head.<br />
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"Okay" I thought..."I'll go buy a few things to get me through until I lose a few pounds". Mark being the good husband that he is, went shopping with me. I gathered an armful of size 8's and headed for the dressing room.<br />
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Not a single thing made it over my shoulders. <br />
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Alright, perhaps an armful of 10's? Nope. <br />
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Surely I'm a 12 then? Negative. I had a nuclear meltdown in the dressing room of Saks off 5th in the Opry Mills mall. Big, ugly sobbing ensued. My reasonable husband vowed to never go shopping with me again and I left the mall red eyed, fat and clothes-less. (Turns out I had gone from a size 4/6 to a very tight size16. I loathe Oreo cookies and my metabolism).<br />
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I joined Weight Watchers and a gym. When going out to eat I carried my own dressing, butter spray and non-fat sour cream in my purse. I was a point Nazi. I made it back down to a size 10 just in time to find out that I was pregnant again. I vowed not to gain 80lbs this time, and I didn't. I stayed on WW and I went to the gym every single day until the day before I was induced. I only gained 17lbs and I fit into my 10's when I got home. I kept it up while I nursed Cammie for the next 9 months and lost another 15lbs.<br />
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After I quit nursing I started taking diet pills. I still worked out at least 5 days a week and I ate super healthy. I made it back down to 122lbs and wore a size 4 (woohoo). I maintained that weight for over a year.<br />
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Then our family was rocked by something beyond our control. I spiraled into depression, ate junk food and fast food every day, couldn't bring myself to exercise and pretty much just let myself go. Since I didn't care about fixing myself up at all, I would buy shapeless baggy clothes that covered me up. I gained 77.9lbs.<br />
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After months of not stepping on a scale...and having to buy a size 16 skirt (again), I came out of my fog long enough to weigh in. <br />
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I weighed 199.9 pounds. Did I mention I'm 5'3? I wasn't curvy, I wasn't chubby, I wasn't merely a pear. I was a freaking fatty and I was shocked and terrified of crossing over into the land of the 200's. <br />
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Back on the wagon I went. I made it to 176.8 and that's were I stayed for a very long time. I began working on it again last year and made it to 162.2. Then I began sabotaging myself. I slacked off on the calorie counting and quit exercising. I have fluctuated between 162 and 172 ever since.<br />
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I'm over it.<br />
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I'll be 35 in 19 days. I'm going to Vegas in 48 days and Chicago in 96 days and something has got to give.<br />
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Goal #1: 165lbs by September 12. (7lbs total)<br />
Goal #2: 155lbs by October 3. (17lbs total)<br />
Goal #3: 140lbs by November 23. (32lbs total)<br />
Goal "4: 125lbs<br />
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Ambitious? Yes. Doable? Yes.<br />
<br />Destryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670480007185091938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1016202106052188323.post-25450753982925041612012-07-30T20:00:00.000-05:002012-07-30T20:00:41.904-05:00Praising Pinterest <img alt="" class="rg_hi uh_hi" data-height="166" data-width="304" height="166" id="rg_hi" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTmSQjRTzhKR0jHxvi-SfrOPcrvOctUzOnpA9Xo8hNhL4pFUumi9w" style="height: 166px; width: 304px;" width="304" /><br />
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Pinterest...oh how I love thee. <br />
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An invite to Pinterest was sent to me about 18 months ago. I signed up. I spent about 10 minutes on the site. I realized that I would actually need to cook something or make something or you know,<em> do</em> something in order to make it worth my time. And I wasn't up for doing much of anything. So, I clicked off and pretty much forgot about the whole business of pinning (which is now a verb).<br />
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I would see facebook updates wherein people thanked Pinterest for a recipe or a craft or world peace. I would ignore them...and maybe roll my eyes. Ok, I did quite a bit of eye rolling. I blame my bad attitude on <a href="http://www.destrysuffridge.blogspot.com/2012/07/so-i-lied.html">the rain cloud</a>.<br />
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Then...once the clouds started rolling out and motivation returned, I figured I should give Pinterest another go. I need recipes. I need mantle-scape ideas. Halloween is right around the corner and I need to decorate. I need crafts in my life. World peace sounds doable!<br />
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I am completely addicted. <br />
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However, it can't just be a place that sucks my time and ties my bubbly behind to the couch or bed everyday. So, I am starting a little thing I'm going to call "Look what I did"! Because...<br />
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<ol>
<li>I like to share. If I like something, I share. If I don't like something, I share. I'm a sharer.</li>
<li>I need to be tethered so that I'm not sucked into a black hole of time-sucking.</li>
<li>I like to pat my little self on the back every once in awhile...and since I've been beating myself up pretty good for the last year and a half, I think I'm overdue for a little patting.</li>
</ol>
My first foray into turning a virtual pin into a tangible action was a success. I'll be honest, I went for an easy win.<em> </em>I made <a href="http://www.livinglaughingandloving.com/2012/01/crockpot-ranch-pork-chops-finger-licking-good.html">Ranch Pork Chops</a>. 3 whole ingredients not including the can of water. I did go a little crazy with it...I used a packet of <em>Fiesta</em> Ranch instead of plain Ranch. I know, I'm a brave soul.<br />
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Hannah helped me whip up some garlic mashed potatoes and the gravy left in the bottom of the crockpot sho- was tasty over the top of them. It was a hit. Mark loved it, his mom loved it, the kids loved it, the chickens that ate the leftovers loved it...mmm hmm. I was/am proud of myself and my three ingredients.<br />
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That small win propelled me on. I have made 4 more recipes this week. All winners. All with more than three ingredients.<br />
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Which leads me to another segue. I'm going to have another little section on here. A monthly/bi-monthly/whenever-I-feel-like-it posting called Weighty Issues. All this cooking is causing me some concern. I need to be accountable on the weight loss front. Aren't you so excited? Yeah, me too. Not.<br />
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Time to meal plan now. Happy pinning!<br />Destryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670480007185091938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1016202106052188323.post-69929190086732669532012-07-25T20:54:00.001-05:002012-07-30T20:21:38.186-05:00So I lied...When I said that I didn't know why I fall off the blogging wagon so often, I lied. I do know. Its a little black cloud that floats over me at various times. A storm cloud that blows in and hangs out...depression.<br />
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For me, depression sneaks up. It starts with having a headache more days than not. No, not glaring migraines...dull aches that make it difficult to focus.<br />
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Next comes the tiredness. An overwhelming sense of fatigue...where the thought of just showering seems overwhelming and requires a self-pep-talk. Where anything other than doing the bare minimum to get through a day has me exhausted and craving a nap...a loooong nap.<br />
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The backing up of laundry, the eating of lots of fast food, dust bunnies gone wild.<br />
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And then comes insomnia. Robbing me of sleep and leaving me cranky. Very cranky.<br />
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And my temper gets short. Not fun.<br />
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And I start eating bad, then worse, then terrible.<br />
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Answer the phone? Return a call? Nope. Too much effort required.<br />
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And I don't have a single drop of creative energy in my body. Not. A. Drop. Not for writing, not for photography, not for scrapbooking, not for cooking, not for anything.<br />
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Basically, I can read a book and feel ok. Anything more and I feel like I need a week long vacation.<br />
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I used to beat myself up about it. I should be better than this. I have nothing to be depressed about. I have a pretty great life. I shouldn't be so lazy. I know better. <br />
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Negative self talk that makes the depression worse.<br />
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I go from being a creative, passionate, organized, productive wife and mother to an unhealthy, unhappy irritable zombie.<br />
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For years I believed if I just prayed more, if I could squeeze in another chapter of scripture, etc. I would be fine. And you know what? I was wrong.<br />
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Fortunately I have a fantastic doctor. A doctor that told me that if I had diabetes I would pray to be healed but I would take my insulin in the meantime. A doctor that taught me that what <em>I think</em> I should be able to handle and what <em>my body thinks</em> I can handle are two very different things. A doctor that cared enough to point me in the direction of medicine that would help...and then respected my decision to wean off when the inevitable sexual side effects would take hold.<br />
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My doctor also encouraged me to study depression and it's effects on my own. To read reviews on new medicines and weigh my options.<br />
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I've spent the last year and a half fighting it on my own. With diet and exercise and sunshine. With no relief. The last six months were THE worst. THE worst.<br />
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So, I began researching options again. Reading up on the latest medicines and homeopathic remedies. I found a new medication and asked my doctor if I could try it. It has all the benefits of an anti-depressant without the sexual side effects. And it's working.<br />
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I have cooked more in the last three weeks than in the last year combined. Even better? I'm enjoying it! I've cleaned out closets and cabinets and drawers, began working on the interior and exterior of the house, making lists, crossing things off. I feel like myself again. And I like me again.<br />
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I feel like writing again. I've held back writing things on this blog over the years. Worried about who would say or think whatever about me. I censored myself out of fear of rejection. I'm mostly done with that. <br />
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Here's to more authentic writing...and to rain clouds that pass over instead of hang around.Destryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670480007185091938noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1016202106052188323.post-61868382075830994902012-07-15T16:48:00.000-05:002012-07-15T16:48:37.719-05:00Helllllooo out there...It would appear that it's about time for my yearly update. I have no idea why I fall off of the blogging wagon so routinely...especially when I go back and read past entries and am reminded of some little wonder of my life.<br />
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Today is the first time that I've even looked at this blog since the last post...11 months and 4 days ago. I realized that there are basically two years missing from my chronicles. I also realized that I gave a teaser about two major life decisions and never said what they were. And now they seem like odd bits to throw out there.<br />
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But, I've always been a fan of odd bits, so I'll do it anyway.<br />
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1) We moved. We bought our dream home...and we shall never move again. Ever. (Mark and I plan to live in Chicago for at least one year...maybe two...after the kids graduate...but we will be keeping this house). This is the house where our grandchildren will come to visit us. That's a weird thought.<br />
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2) We adopted a son. He is a family adoption...and he was 18 months old when he became more than a second cousin to my husband and a third cousin to our children...when instead he became our son and their baby brother. He is adorable and smart and full of life. He definitely shook things up around here. (And for those of you that have lost count, he brings our offspring count to 6).<br />
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Kind of some major news there, huh? And you know what? I'm sad. I'm sad that I didn't keep up with this blog during all of that. The ups and downs...the minutiae of the past two years...gone. I've done Project Life most of this year...so memories have been recorded...but not in this format. Scrapbooks feel like they are for my family. I enjoy creating them and they fulfill certain aspects of creativity that I crave...but they have never fulfilled me in the same way that writing does. <br />
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No matter how many times I walk away from it, and no matter how many months pass between posts, I'm drawn back to this spot.<br />
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So, here I am. Back again.Destryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670480007185091938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1016202106052188323.post-4753157519992130782011-08-25T21:20:00.005-05:002011-08-25T22:04:49.156-05:00Call me a cynic...This bumper sticker annoys the ever-loving-heck out of me.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEharFONFFRAb9YuqdkIEM1GKSJjFaK7dcdR6vTR0lpbkQwCZX1gp6dB0XAdUt9tGINo7rfaDKYYo_YrytJNfHN_tYy1dqV_ncJAkZHA5LfEk0qP1HWn1KXH1lh9T06wcpZqk7oU6VFPrUQ/s1600/imagesCA9X71EH.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 259px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 194px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644985019226005234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEharFONFFRAb9YuqdkIEM1GKSJjFaK7dcdR6vTR0lpbkQwCZX1gp6dB0XAdUt9tGINo7rfaDKYYo_YrytJNfHN_tYy1dqV_ncJAkZHA5LfEk0qP1HWn1KXH1lh9T06wcpZqk7oU6VFPrUQ/s320/imagesCA9X71EH.jpg" /></a>
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<br />These are a few of the random thoughts that leap to mind when I see some guy driving around advertising the fact that his better half keeps sensitive parts of his lower half in her purse...
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<br /><p>-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Hmm</span></span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">mmm</span></span>, sure you do.
<br />-I wonder if the wife put the sticker in his Christmas stocking.</p>
<br />-I'm positive there's a statistic regarding how many serial killers/stalkers/perverts have been found to have that very same bumper sticker.
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<br />-Who are you trying to convince? Me? Your wife? Yourself?
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<br />-That sticker lowers the resale value of your pick-up truck by about 50%.
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<br />-I wonder if I can convince Mark to slap one on the back of his BMW?
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<br />-I wonder what Mark would do if I surprised him by slapping one of those onto the back of his BMW?
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<br />Destryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670480007185091938noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1016202106052188323.post-90069878955519923662011-08-24T07:51:00.002-05:002011-08-24T08:17:53.269-05:00Blogging...Take 3A few weeks ago I decided to begin blogging again.
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<br />So I created a new blog. Somehow it seemed like the "right" way to start fresh. Clean slate and all that. In reality the new blog idea was driven by my perfectionism. I <em>needed</em> to have a blog that didn't have a whole year missing... so starting a new one would make the 14 month gap less obvious. Makes complete sense, no?
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<br />Have I ever mentioned that I have issues?
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<br />After being asked by husband "Now why did you start a whole new blog again?" no less than umpteen million times...and being chastised by a friend with a few less issues than me (thanks Stace) that I was "being silly" and "that doesn't even make sense. Just pick up where you left off already"...I decided to do just that.
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<br />Besides...this blog feels right and the other felt uncomfortable and contrived. I may have mentioned that I have issues.
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<br />Now, I can't figure out how to copy and paste the two posts on the other blog to this blog...so if you want to read about the garden and the chickens follow these two links:
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<br /><em><strong><a href="http://unmincedword.blogspot.com/2011/06/gardeningtake-two.html">The garden...</a></strong></em>
<br /><strong><em></em></strong>
<br /><strong><em><a href="http://unmincedword.blogspot.com/2011/08/coopin-mid-progress.html">The chickens...</a></em></strong>
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<br />From now on, you can find me here.
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<br />Destryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670480007185091938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1016202106052188323.post-41777711581203242222010-07-15T16:18:00.003-05:002010-07-15T16:43:36.787-05:00Thankful...In general, I consider myself a thankful person. A grateful person. An appreciative person.<br /><br />Honestly? I know that I am blessed beyond measure or reason. To the point that I am almost embarrassed by the heaping mound of goodness that has been bestowed upon me.<br /><br />Because I know that I do not deserve one single drop of it. (Those of you that know me, know this is true).<br /><br />I have been thinking about this quite a bit lately. And, of course, thinking about it has led me to random blogs, news articles and such, that reiterate the fact that even at my most thankful state of mind, I am not thankful <em>enough</em>.<br /><br />Thanksgiving should be an intentional part of our life. Something that is celebrated each and every day, not just in November with a heaping plate of turkey and carbs followed up with a nod in the general direction of our blessings.<br /><br />Here are a few things that I am especially thankful for right now...<br /><br />-5 <em>healthy</em> children<br /><br />-my husband<br /><br />-my husband's job<br /><br />-the right and ability to homeschool my children so that they are educated in a way that lines<br />up with our value system<br /><br />-time at Mark's family farm in Tazewell...the peach that I picked off of a tree in the orchard, the<br />sweet nectar that ran down my hand and dried into a sticky map of my forearm before I<br />could make it back to the farm house to rinse it off<br /><br />-watching my kids do the same thing<br /><br />-the fact that none of us were stung by the bumble bees that were sharing the orchard with us<br /><br />-peaceful nights gazing up at the stars while on vacation<br /><br />-Jesus. Oh, how thankful I am for his grace and his mercy. Seriously, the greatest thing that<br />ever happened to me was hearing that He loved me, he forgave me and forgives me still. I<br />remember the first time I walked into an apostolic church, received the Holy Ghost and was<br />baptized in the name of Jesus just like it was last night. I am so thankful for that experience.<br /><br />-peace<br /><br />-air conditioning<br /><br />-a full fridge...and the ability to refill it when it is empty (like right now)<br /><br />-hope<br /><br />Life is so very good.Destryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670480007185091938noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1016202106052188323.post-61405499338850291502010-06-12T22:16:00.002-05:002010-06-12T22:35:15.868-05:00Loooooooooong time, no blog...Things that have happened since my last post (in no particular order):<br /><br />~Cammie-Lou-Who turned 7. I cannot believe my baby is 7. Sad. Scary. Exciting. Sad. Scary.<br /><br />~Marks Grandma passed away. We went to Morristown for the funeral. I learned how to say the word "You'uns" in a sentence, got fried in a circa 1992 tanning bed, drank an unsweet tea handed to me by a woman with three teeth, read a book and ate at Golden Corral...twice. And I fell in love.<br /><br />~I am now the mother of a 2nd grader, a 3rd grader, a 4th grader, an 8th grader (*sniff, sniff, tear) and...........an 11th grader (dear Jesus in heaven, how did this happen?!?!?!?!)<br /><br />~My sister and her lovely husband informed me that I will be an aunt in February. YAY! YAY! YAY!<br /><br />~I fell in love with a baby named Miles. I want to gobble him up. But his mommy would disapprove. So I will settle with kissing his fat little cheeks raw.<br /><br />~We took a spur of the moment trip with the kids to Hot-lanta. We toured the Coca~Cola museum...super cool. Forrest made friends with the Polar bear. I fell in love with Ikea.<br /><br />~Craigslist became my friend. I sold Chloe's Gator, a big screen floor model TV and the Pottery Barn Play kitchen. I am addicted. I am also looking around my house for things to sell. My children are scared that they are next.<br /><br />~I have made 7 trips to the Goodwill to drop off tons and tons and tons and tons of CRAP!!!<br /><br />~I have witnessed a miracle. My mother-in-law recovered some of her lost kidney function...which means that she can forgo dialysis for a few more months. THANK YOU JESUS!<br /><br />~We made some monumental-life changing decisions...that I will disclose later :)<br /><br />~We are contemplating another monumental-life changing decision...that may or may not be disclosed later.<br /><br />~I ate sushi with a girlfriend and it was yummy.<br /><br />~Mark's role at work changed and he is loving it.<br /><br />~I missed someone terribly.<br /><br />~My papaw died...and I am still not ready to write about it.<br /><br />~Someone told me that I was a good friend and I felt like I had won the lottery.<br /><br />~Two of my girls got glasses.<br /><br />~My boy is officially 6 inches taller than me.<br /><br />~I read several books, cleaned out closets, cleaned out drawers, cleaned out the garage, and felt better!<br /><br />~Hit a rough patch and kept going.<br /><br />~I was blessed beyond measure.Destryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670480007185091938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1016202106052188323.post-4335376776667240102010-03-10T10:38:00.005-06:002010-03-10T11:45:20.349-06:00An open letter to Austrian Airlines ...Re: flight from Washington-Dulles into Vienna, Austria<br /><br />First, let me start by saying that while I realize that it is not your fault that United sold the tickets that we purchased from them to you...thereby leaving both you and us (my husband and I) stranded in a relationship neither party had signed up for. These things happen, I understand.<br />Sometimes, they even turn out really, really well. For instance, United betrayed us last year too. They dumped us onto Lufthansa without a second thought. That turned out just lovely actually! Excellent service, a few more inches of leg room, relatively new plane...yes, we were satisfied with our newly arranged relationship. We had hoped that the same would be true with you.<br /><br />To be fair, I will start with the positive. I don't want to come across as unduly negative. The meals were better than average for airline cuisine.<br /><br />Now, with the pleasantries out of the way, I would like to discuss my complaints.<br /><br />When we boarded our flight from Washington-Dulles to Vienna, we made our way to our window seat and stowed our carry-ons. When we raised the arm rest and it gave an excruciating squeal of complaint, my husband and I gave each other a look and a shoulder shrug and figured we would just keep it in one position for the rest of the flight so as not to scare other travelers into thinking that a wing was falling off of the plane.<br /><br />Once situated, I tried to turn on the monitor so that I could watch the amusing video that accompanies safety instructions on international flights. My monitor would not turn on. I nudged my husband who then tried to turn on his monitor.<br /><br />My husband's monitor would not turn on either.<br /><br />Determined too keep a positive attitude, I plucked a magazine from my carry-on and reached above me to turn on the overhead seat light.<br /><br />It did not turn on.<br /><br />Neither would the light above my husband.<br /><br />An expensive 8hr flight with no on-board movies and no light to read by... my positive attitude had fizzled and something much closer to high-annoyance began simmering . It didn't help when the flight attendant pretended not to speak English.<br /><br />When the flight attendant passed by the third time, he must have just returned from a quick refresher course because his command of the English language was quite impressive. After some negotiating, he offered to move us to seats that had both lights and monitors...but no window. In the spirit of compromise, we accepted the move.<br /><br />After collecting our belongings and suffering through the stares as our armrest let out a SKIRRRRRICH of complaint, we were shown to our new seats.<br /><br />After re-stowing our carry-ons, I caught my first glimpse of my new seat mate. Who just so happened to look exactly like Andre the Giant. Only I don't recall Andre ever having white-blonde hi-lights streaked throughout his mullet or fingernails longer than an eagles talons. Perhaps you don't know who Andre the Giant is, in which case I have taken the liberty to include a photo.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447052790882737410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 129px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 145px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1BYvFDutTArw_ckCTSI8Kv1elZKOcwSiDEMebjFZUMVneAV1MfRi_eS97Q75_2lmenfAyeN27RHDZ0rvmh8y3W7VvIX7q6Cgviaqzk4Evxv28GPckdZC8rZLhjGssO5kXMH7XvCRGLBk/s320/de41d776f8f1ed48.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><p>Yes, just like that only with the hi-lights and talons. </p><p>AND, a 3 pound economy sized bag of sunflower seeds. Which he gnawed on for the ENTIRE 8 HOUR flight.</p><p>Please, picture this...my 5'2 frame sandwiched between my 6'4 husband and 7'2 Andre and his talons and his sunflower seeds. For 8 hours. </p><p>Have you ever had the pleasure of having ringside seats to an all out Talon vs. Sunflower seed match? It is quite an event. The crunch of the plastic as the hand rummages for it's next victim. The scrunch as the seed is ejected from the shell. The sound of talon against tooth as said shell is wrenched from the jaws of the giant. The slurping sound as the salt is sucked from the length of the 2 inch yellowed talon. The sigh of satisfaction as the pitted seed is deposited into a cup. A cup that happens to be clear thereby allowing spectators to watch in horror as shell after saliva after shell after saliva is amassed. For 8 hours. </p><p>Yes, the crunching, scrunching, slurping, sighing experience could all be heard through the earphones that were firmly lodged into my lobes. Yes. Really.</p><a href="http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A9G_bF8.0ZdL7GcAfqKJzbkF;_ylu=X3oDMTBqMjZqMWxsBHBvcwMyMwRzZWMDc3IEdnRpZAM-/SIG=1ii6agnoc/EXP=1268327102/**http%3a//images.search.yahoo.com/images/view%3fback=http%253A%252F%252Fimages.search.yahoo.com%252Fsearch%252Fimages%253Fp%253Dandre%252Bthe%252Bgiant%2526b%253D21%2526ni%253D20%2526xargs%253D0%2526pstart%253D1%2526fr%253Dush-mail%26w=448%26h=500%26imgurl=sp7.fotolog.com%252Fphoto%252F39%252F32%252F117%252Fwrestling88%252F1194597048_f.jpg%26rurl=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.fotolog.com%252Fwrestling88%26size=21k%26name=1194597048%2bf%2bjpg%26p=andre%2bthe%2bgiant%26oid=de41d776f8f1ed48%26fr2=%26no=23%26tt=24084%26b=21%26ni=20%26sigr=112bnivja%26sigi=11sslfpnh%26sigb=1362kvs3l"></a><p>I am happy to report that I survived relatively unscarred. If only your plane had been in proper working order this could have been the beginning of a lovely new relationship. In fact, we had been prepared to give you a second chance since our return flight was booked through you as well. Instead, after the perils of the return flight (which I will address at a later date), we have vowed to never fly on an Austrian Air flight again. Ever.</p><p>Sincerely,</p><p>A customer who now has recurring nightmares about talons and sunflower seeds.<br /></p>Destryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670480007185091938noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1016202106052188323.post-75396913379952022602010-01-29T12:37:00.004-06:002010-01-29T12:55:40.311-06:00Wherein Forrest proves once agan that he is a natural blonde...In an effort to cut down on chronic speeding problems and the not so chronic crime rate, the Hendersonville Police Department parks empty patrol cars along the bypass and at random gas stations.<br /><div></div><br /><div>Last week Forrest, Cammie and I went to Thornton's (our friendly neighborhood gas station / mini-mart) to rent a movie from the Red Box. There just so happened to be a patrol car parked near the Red Box. Taped to the driver's side window was the following picture:</div><div> </div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432235032217859970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4_SHV4t8w_z2XmgP3SmI15rziZY-Yh78SkJ-hA_XhhkCjr_Vr_DnbLwehGqhj3F8byLT9hmi3e_3ZIw99wKZoCIYPtbdDmLCgWCpl5wgexcdNGYCxWkigEOnkPKvsP_INJQ5xaYH51Co/s320/Barney-Fife.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><p>I found it amusing as did Forrest. I said "that is hilarious, a picture of Barney Fife". Forrest grabbed my iphone and hopped out of the car to snap a picture of the picture. When he climbed back in, he said "that is so funny, but that's not Barney Fife, it's Don Knotts".</p><p>Yes Forrest, it is.</p>Destryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670480007185091938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1016202106052188323.post-20511449208851477002010-01-19T17:07:00.003-06:002010-01-19T17:43:33.606-06:00Today I..*had the strangest thought upon waking. I was praying for Mark to have a safe trip and a safe return...when it occurred to me that if he ever died we would be without health insurance. Of course I woke him right up and asked him what I should do in that event. "Buy a personal plan" he answered. "But who will help me pick one out" I whined. "Google" he replied.<br /><br />*stayed home while Mark drove the girls to school...a special treat that only happens when he is leaving to go out of town.<br /><br />*had brunch with Mark at Cracker Barrel. I half listened as two older women across the aisle from us complained bitterly about another woman and then I prayed that God would help me to be more compassionate and merciful.<br /><br />*drove Mark to the airport and kissed him goodbye. Poland is a loooooooong ways away. I definitely get a little whiney when he has to leave the country for a week. Then, I thanked the Lord for Mark's job and the opportunities and the lifestyle that it affords us. And, I also thanked God for a husband that works hard. Being thankful changes my perspective. It's hard to whine while giving thanks.<br /><br />*went to Rivergate Mall. I removed my handgun from the console of the car and placed it in my purse. Rivergate Mall weirds me out.<br /><br />*bought a cleanse from GNC. While checking out, the guy in line behind me noticed the box in my hand. He helpfully told me that it was a great cleanse. In fact, he had just come off of the same cleanse himself. I told him that I had never tried this particular cleanse and I hoped that I would notice a change in my energy level and sugar cravings. He assured me that I would. He also shared "that there will be a distinct difference in your stool. You'll be amazed". Greeaaaaaaat! Good to know! I adore talking about stool with strange men in vitamin stores. Have I mentioned that Rivergate Mall is a weirdo magnet?<br /><br />*might have stopped in Journey...which may or may not have resulted in three pairs of shoes. (If it did result in three pair of shoes, they would have all been on sale and two pair would have been marked down to 9.99....).<br /><br />*finally went grocery shopping. Without coupons. Which meant Super-Walmart. Yuck.<br /><br />*had an encouraging conversation with my bestie...if only she were moving back to Nashvegas...<br /><br />*let Forrest drive the BMW home from school. It was only a tiny bit scary...and not one single bad word escaped my lips when he hit the brakes too hard, turned too wide or almost swiped the Yukon while parking in the driveway.<br /><br />*broke a nail trying to grab Winston's collar as he lunged past me and out the door...followed by Marley. Good times.<br /><br />*hope that I sleep well tonight.Destryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670480007185091938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1016202106052188323.post-48864842585712916362010-01-16T13:38:00.002-06:002010-01-16T13:59:30.801-06:00Random...-The online class that I registered for is going really well. I have created more layouts in the last three weeks than I completed in all of last year combined. There was one little snafu with some online photo ordering that put me behind a week (which was quite frustrating as I was determined to NOT fall behind). One of the scrapbook blogs that I read recommended an HP-B8550 for large format home printing. I found it online for 50% off and my ever indulgent husband told me to order it. This printer makes me a happy girl.<br /><br />-Speaking of my little husband...he leaves for Poland on Tuesday. I don't love that his job is requiring so much travel lately...but I do love that he has a job, so I will not complain. Okay, I may complain, but only a little.<br /><br />-Parenting a teenager is difficult.<br /><br />-Growth Groups begin on Wednesday and I am super excited! I love Growth Groups, I love what they do for people and for our church. I love that I have a pastor who was willing to take the risk and invest in relationships in the church.<br /><br />-Sunshine and warm weather cannot get here fast enough. Spring is my fave.<br /><br />-Someone needs to go to the gym, yes she does.<br /><br />-Forrest will be 16 in 6 weeks. Eeek!<br /><br />Hmmm.....that's all I've got.Destryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670480007185091938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1016202106052188323.post-75389888185969657322010-01-05T11:08:00.002-06:002010-01-05T11:19:31.935-06:00Dear Al Gore,I know that you have a home located less than 20 minutes away from my home. This means there is a distinct possibility that you have already caught the local news. On the off chance that you are aboard your private jet en route to some remote destination on a reforestation project in an effort to offset your massive carbon footprint, I thought I would help you out by posting the following link:<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.wsmv.com/news/22117066/detail.html">http://www.wsmv.com/news/22117066/detail.html</a><br /><br /><br />Now, I realize that near record lows may be an inconvenient truth for you, but look on the bright side...you can relocate some of those poor polar bears to Belle Meade Boulevard if <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">necessary</span>!<br /><br /><br />Sincerely,<br /><br />A fellow Tennessean that happens to be freezing!Destryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670480007185091938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1016202106052188323.post-17305715389395663782010-01-04T20:23:00.003-06:002010-01-04T20:56:09.769-06:00"Let go..."Last year I chose "better" as my word of the year. How did it go you ask? Hmmm... let's see...I'd say it went about as well as my word of the previous year which was "discipline" (please, hold your laughter).<br /><br /><br />For the last few weeks I have been mulling over my word of 2010. Today I had an epiphany of sorts. I was on the phone with a friend, describing a step that I have taken in an effort to let go of some of my perfectionist tendencies. When I said the words "let go", I swear the sun shone a bit brighter.<br /><br /><br />Here are somethings I'm working on letting go:<br />-toxic relationships<br />-past hurts<br />-past failures<br />-worrying about what other people think<br />-perfectionism that paralyzes<br />-clutter<br />-bad habits<br />-negative thoughts<br />-worry and anxiety over people and situations that I can't change<br />-fear of failure<br />-pounds (of course you knew that would be on the list)<br />-worry about falling off of all of the wagons I'd like to stay on<br /><br /><br />For the first time in a really long time I feel hopeful and excited about the days ahead.Destryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670480007185091938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1016202106052188323.post-80666754634245558022009-12-12T14:50:00.004-06:002009-12-12T15:22:36.085-06:00Once upon a time there was a girl<div>who had a blog. The girl fancied herself something of an amateur writer. While her intentions were to spin out snarky posts in a timely fashion, she recognized her limitations and was instead, mostly content to let her stories spill forth in little hiccups throughout the months.</div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>There came a time that a hiccup turned into something more along the lines of a coma. Almost 5 months passed with nary a word written. In those long quiet days, the girl turned thoughts and ideas over in her mind. "Perhaps I will write about this" she thought. And, "this would make an excellent blog post". Yet, she never brought herself to type the first letter.</div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>Until, at last she said to herself "enough is enough, just write something already".</div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>And so she did.</div><div></div><div></div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div>*Somewhere in that 5 month slumber she managed to waken long enough to have a family photograph taken by one <a href="http://www.simplyreneephotography.com/">immensely talented camera person</a>*</div><div> </div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414462388491915154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk5ZXrFVKtYwuHoTI4JNXwW2qTDUHX4DZQzMgUPdXFW5E3SAMR5DFNm2_45hdy0_lQjIOqqJodQvsQrewqq2eK5av_Vgg6U-3gONYVY9OkRMBbh-D5zcoXNkLTQHbaeYUk8Pd4KPUh3pI/s320/untitled1.bmp" border="0" /></div>Destryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670480007185091938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1016202106052188323.post-55396335656409816552009-07-28T16:09:00.002-05:002009-07-28T17:03:27.870-05:00A Ghost Story...Mark and I stayed at an historic Bed & Breakfast in Rugby, TN whilst on vacation. We chose Rugby as our base because (1) we had passed through the town a few weeks before and discovered an AMAZING swimming hole, (2) I have a thing for historic homes, (3) the notion of no Internet access, cell-phone signals, televisions, or anything else remotely hi-tech sounded appealing, and (4) after 3 hours of searching for lodging in Big South Fork National Park yielded me exactly -nothing-, I decided it would be easier than wasting another minute of my life.<br /><br />I had heard of Rugby before our little adventure with the kids a few weeks back. When we arrived at the visitor center, Forrest kept mentioning zombies. I chalked this up to (a) him being a male and therefore interested in all things creepy and (b) that he can be annoying like that. Although, in his defense, the area surrounding the building was a bit surreal. We had to walk through a small wooded lot to get to the entrance, there was a nary a soul to be seen and the little village looked frozen in time.<br /><br />As I searched and searched for a place for us to rest our heads, Forrest sat across the room from me reading a book. Every now and then (usually as I muttered a less-than-lady-like word) he would offer up a word of encouragement..."have you tried searching hotel-big-south-fork"? To which I would reply "No Forrest, that combination never entered my mind, thank you for reminding why we pay the big bucks for your education". This at the two-hour thirty-five-minute mark of my search.<br /><br />As I shut my computer down a few minutes later he asked if I had found anything. I replied that yes, I had booked the B&B in Rugby and that it would have to do because I was OVER searching. He says"You should call aunt Lottie (name has been changed to protect her identity) and ask her about that place".<br /><br />I froze.<br /><br />"Why"? I asked. But truth be told, I didn't need to ask him "why". Whatever little wisp of fog had been covering the memory of how I had become acquainted with Rugby in the first place began lifting the moment Forrest mentioned my aunt Lottie.<br /><br />"To see if there are any ghosts" was his reply.<br /><br />My aunt Lottie, well...how should I put this...well, she is in tune with the supernatural...and no, I don't mean the Jesus supernatural. I mean the traveling around the country, staying at haunted inns, getting in touch with the other side supernatural.<br /><br />A few years ago she had mentioned that she and her husband loved visiting historic Rugby...the food at the Cafe, the restored Victorian cottages, the charming perfectly preserved library and the haunted lodging. I somehow retained all details except for that last little bit.<br /><br />My voice may or may not have gone up an octave and I may or may not have shrieked at my favourite son "WHY DIDN'T YOU REMIND ME OF THAT BEFORE"???<br /><br />"I did" he says...with an uplifted eyebrow and the beginning of a little smirk on his lips.<br /><br />"No. You didn't". I snap back. (At which point I may or may not have taken a moment to think "how did that kid get so stinkin' cute, his smirk is adorable"). Ummm...where was I???<br /><br />"Yes. I did. Remember, I kept telling you that there were Zombies in the woods. What did you think I was talking about? You think I just like to talk about zombies? I'm 15 mom, not 10".<br /><br />He had a point.<br /><br />It was entirely too late to cancel our reservation. I had booked the room on a last minute deal and canceling was out of the question. So, I called aunt Lottie to find out exactly what I had signed us up for. (Not that I actually believe in ghosts or anything).<br /><br />After a 15 minute conversation in which I was versed in all of the best spots to see "spirits", the bet way to view "orbs" in the cemetery, which ghost was which and why it haunted that particular spot...I chalked it all up to nonsensicalness and promptly forgot about the whole ordeal.<br /><br />Fast forward two weeks. We are checked into our suite in the B&B. The B&B is gorgeous and I want to build a house exactly like it.<br /><br />Because I still have insomnia issues I took a ginormous swig of Nyquil before climbing into the antique double bed. Because I have dry eyes and the air conditioning was irritating my condition further, I removed my contacts. Because there was no night stand on my side of the bed, I passed my glasses to Mark who set them on the table on his side. Because I am courteous, I did not wake Mark and ask him to hand me my glasses when I awoke in the night and needed to use the facilities. Because my husband does not get out in the sun very often, he does not have a tan...in fact, he is quite white. Because my son and aunt filled my head with tales of Casper the ghost the following happened.<br /><br />When I returned to the room in my drugged-blind-bat state, I saw a big white blob hovering on the other side of the bed! I jumped three feet into the air and cried "Jesus". Which caused the white blob to jump three feet in response! The blob then spoke "Good grief Destry! What is wrong with you???"<br /><br />Lucky for Casper..er, Mark my gun was on the mantle far across the room. By the way, can you actually shoot a ghost?Destryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670480007185091938noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1016202106052188323.post-56022720460297726342009-07-16T12:16:00.004-05:002009-07-16T13:49:00.033-05:00Summer...This summer is absolutely FLYING by. I think the feeling is intensified by the fact that our school system switches to an year round schedule this year (which I am happy about).<br /><br />It seems like each year we spend the month of June catching up on things...reading, sleeping, playing outside, swimming, eating Popsicles by the dozens, staying up to watch umpteen million Disney movies and endless Deadliest Catch reruns.<br /><br />At some point, usually as we begin thinking about our 4th of July plans, it hits me..."wow summer break is half way over". Which spurs me into travel agent action. Finding day trips to fill our weekends with, searching out places that are educational as well as entertaining, booking a hotel room for our annual trek to Holiday World, finding a snatch of time that Mark and I can get away together, etc. And in all of that, knowing that I can begin dealing with "Back To School" preparations on August 1st. Except this year, those preparations must be done <em>before</em> August 1st.<br /><br />Last year Forrest began school the first Monday in August. Preparing for that wasn't difficult or time consuming. Uniforms were bought in one place, one check was written to cover text books and the first monthly meal plan. Two reams of paper, one package of pens and another of pencils and off he went. This year, Chloe and Cammie begin school on August 3rd...and the list of school supplies for a 1st and 2nd grader is significantly longer than the list of a 1oth grader.<br /><br />Beginning today, I am on a sprint to August 10th. Because on the 10th, our life will fall back into the comfortable school year rhythm. Routines will be reestablished and I'll be able to take a deep breath and know that I have a few months respite until the holiday season begins.<br /><br />Until then, this is what the next three weeks hold:<br /><br />-Thursday July 16...Leave for Holiday World<br /><br />-Friday and Saturday...Holiday World<br /><br />-Saturday night upon return...do all laundry related to trip because on<br /><br />-Sunday...Forrest leaves for Georgia for his visit with Grandmother Carol in Savannah.<br /><br />-Monday and Tuesday...get the house in order, grocery shop, plan for sitter<br /><br />-Wednesday July 22...register Forrest for school, buy text books leave at 10 for Big South Fork National Park<br /><br />-Wednesday afternoon through Saturday...relax with my husband who desperately needs a break<br /><br />-Sunday...meet Carol in Atlanta to retrieve Forrest<br /><br />-Monday-Thursday...school supply shopping for girls, uniform shopping for Forrest, catch up laundry, pack and CELEBRATE MY SOPHIE'S 9TH BIRTHDAY!!!<br /><br />-Friday July 21st...Mark and Forrest leave with some of the guys from church to sleep on an aircraft carrier somewhere in Alabama...and I leave with all 4 of the girls to visit my best friend that moved back to Indiana (I am still in denial about that and am in no way ready to deal with the torrent of emotions that I am desperately fending off)<br /><br />-Sunday...return from Indiana in time for evening services at church<br /><br />-Monday...Chloe and Cammie start school<br /><br />-Tuesday...catch up laundry and take Hannah shopping for cute outfits for Youth Congress<br /><br />-Wednesday August 5th...CELEBRATE MS. HANNAH'S 12TH BIRTHDAY...and go to Youth Congress<br /><br />-Thursday-Saturday...Youth Congress<br /><br />-Monday August 10th...the day routines return to the Suffridge household<br /><br />Oh, and Hannah and Sophie have been promised a bedroom makeover for their birthdays...which means painting is in my future...August 5th is my deadline, or so I am told.<br /><br />Please, don't misunderstand. I am in no way complaining about how hectic the next three weeks will be. When I read back over the list, yes, I feel a little overwhelmed with the inevitable "to do" lists that go along with each bullet point... But I am also overwhelmed with thankfulness and gratitude.<br /><br />My life is unbelievably full and rich. I am blessed beyond measure. There are difficulties in my life to be sure. But those problems and issues are tiny when compared to the heaping mountains that are my blessings.<br /><br />I think about how blessed I am often...and I assure you, those musings are not done in a prideful fashion, but in an incredulous manner. Honestly, I question God about it on a regular basis. For the life of me, I cannot comprehend why he is so generous towards me. I am certain that I am not worthy of his favor.<br /><br />When I think about the life that I lived before...the person that I was and the path that I was on... and I compare that to the life I live now, the person I am becoming and the path that is before me...there are no words.<br /><br />From the tiniest aspect of my existence, the minutiae of my day to day, the mounds of laundry and the innumerable tasks involved in keeping a family of seven running...to the major aspects such as praying with someone in the altar, or watching as the 4th of our 5 children was baptized in the glorious name of Jesus, to testifying in the women's prison, I am blessed and oh so thankful.Destryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670480007185091938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1016202106052188323.post-27552913173777855972009-06-24T21:24:00.003-05:002009-06-24T21:43:02.210-05:00Everbody is else is doing it...so I should too.<br /><br />Right? Right.<br /><br /><span style="color:#ffff99;">Outside my window… </span><span style="color:#000000;">it is hot and humid, dark and quiet.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#ffff99;">I am thinking…</span> that I should most definitely exercise tomorrow (and every day after that for ever and ever, amen).<br /><span style="color:#000000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ffff99;">I am thankful for…</span><span style="color:#000000;">health insurance and the ability to buy medicine.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#ffff99;">From the kitchen…</span> I hear the sound of one of my kids rustling grapes out of the fridge.<br /><br /><span style="color:#ffff99;">I am wearing… </span><span style="color:#000000;">shorts and a tank top.</span><br /><span style="color:#ffff99;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ffff99;">I am creating… </span><span style="color:#000000;">a backlog of "picture a day" photos.</span><br /><span style="color:#ffff99;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ffff99;">I am going… <span style="color:#000000;">to</span> </span><span style="color:#000000;">start journaling again...(because you know, I need another wagon to fall off of).</span><br /><span style="color:#ffff99;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ffff99;">I am reading… </span><span style="color:#000000;">absolutely nothing of interest. (so sad).</span><br /><span style="color:#ffff99;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ffff99;">I am hoping… </span><span style="color:#000000;">that I don't come down with the shingles.</span><br /><span style="color:#ffff99;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ffff99;">I am hearing… </span><span style="color:#000000;">my poor little husband toss and turn and moan in his sleep. </span><br /><span style="color:#ffff99;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ffff99;">Around the house… </span><span style="color:#000000;">things look pretty good...just don't open a drawer or closet door.</span><br /><span style="color:#ffff99;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ffff99;">One of my favorite things… </span><span style="color:#000000;">is air-conditioning and route 44 strawberry-limeades in the summer.</span>Destryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670480007185091938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1016202106052188323.post-36296983721529921792009-06-22T18:21:00.005-05:002009-06-22T18:47:47.065-05:00Has it really been a month...since I have posted? Wow. Not good. Actually, it has been a month and two days...if you want to be specific.<br /><br /><br />What on Earth have I been doing for the past month and two days? Not much.<br /><br /><br />I really have nothing to say. That's why I haven't posted. Really.<br /><br /><br />Okay, there have been a few times that I thought about posting...and then decided that I should keep my negative commentary to myself. You know, if you don't have anything nice to say...and all that .<br /><br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Blogger's</span> block. That's it.<br /><br /><br />Let me streamline this rambling...<br /><br /><br /><br />RIGHT NOW:<br /><br /><br />*I am listening to Forrest and Cameron shoot one another with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">airsoft</span> guns. It sounds something like this...<br /><br /><br />-click-<br /><br />Forrest: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">owwww</span>!<br /><br />Cameron: dude, did that hurt?<br /><br />Forrest: Nah, man. Here let me shoot you. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">OOOOO</span>...I know turn around, let me see if I can hit the back of your ear.<br /><br />-click-<br /><br />Cameron: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">OWWWWW</span>! Dude, you missed. You hit me in the neck. My turn...cover your face with the oven mitt and I'll try to hit the thumb part.<br /><br /><br />I should probably stop them before someone gets their eyeball shot out...but the commentary is entertaining.<br /><br /><br /><br />*I am debating on showering. To shower or not to shower, that is the question.<br /><br /><br />*My house is really, really dusty. Something is up with the filtration system. I am thinking about writing love notes to my little husband in the dust. I can't decide if that is sweet or weird.<br /><br /><br />*I need a new book to read. I am open to suggestions.<br /><br /><br />*I wish I were in Chicago, on the beach, in Alaska, napping in a hammock, driving through Amish country...on vacation anywhere but here.<br /><br /><br />And, that is all I've got. Exciting, huh?<br /><br /><em>edited to add...the Cameron mentioned above is Forrest's friend Cameron, not his sister Cameron. </em><br /><em></em><br /><em>AND...in regards to showering...I don't stink or anything...a part of me would enjoy a long hot shower and another part of me thinks it would require entirely <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">too much</span> effort.</em>Destryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670480007185091938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1016202106052188323.post-64197264081250193452009-05-20T16:44:00.003-05:002009-05-20T16:54:43.965-05:00Some things I know...* that I am so not good at updating the photo blog. My sister, who deep down really believes in me, suggested that I just delete it. I thought maybe I would...for about a second and then I remembered something else that I know...<br /><br />* I am stubborn and prone to moments of bratty-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ness</span>...which sends thoughts like "It's my photo blog...they're my memories...and so what if I'm 2 months behind...I'm really good at making lists and I will, eventually catch it up." All of that said in an indignant tone, hands on hips, quite sassy actually.<br /><br />* Growth Groups (small groups, in-home bible studies, etc) begin tonight. My living room carpet is super funky, all of my patio furniture is in the back yard because the deck is being stained tomorrow, the window sill repairs are not complete...people will notice. I care. It makes me CRAZY that my home will be less than *perfect* when 25 people arrive on my doorstep this evening.<br /><br />* There is nothing I can do about it.<br /><br />* I am excited about Growth Groups despite of my home-neurosis.<br /><br />* Today is the last day of school. I might go crazy, then again Ms. Abby will be lending a helping hand on Tuesdays and Thursdays. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Yay</span> Abby!<br /><br />* I am more than a little freaked out that my son will be a sophomore next year. Three years left. My heart. is. broken.Destryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670480007185091938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1016202106052188323.post-83906846384076063522009-05-13T10:20:00.002-05:002009-05-13T10:38:03.352-05:00Hey there...I apologize for being MIA...again. It seems like I am always apologizing for that...hmmm...maybe I should update the blogs more often...or maybe just stop apologizing for not doing it. Actually, I am a chronic-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">apologizer</span>. People are constantly telling me to "stop apologizing", "stop saying you're sorry", "don't worry, why are you apologizing". <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Hmmm</span>...<em>maybe</em> I have Apologetic <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">OCD</span>. Is there a correct term for over-apologizing? AND, lest you wonder if my apologies can be sincere when given so frequently, I assure you, they are.<br /><br />Now that I got that out of the way...<br /><br />I will again say that "I have a list and have been taking pictures and will update the photo blog soon". I know, it's been said before. I promise, it will be said again.<br /><br />What have I been doing (other than avoiding blogging)? <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Welll</span>...<br /><br />1. I got the spring-cleaning bug and cleaned out the laundry room from top-to-bottom. Exciting right? Okay, maybe not...but it looks wonderful.<br /><br />2. I also cleaned my office...including filing stacks and stacks of papers. (Yes, I am full of excitement like that).<br /><br />3. I have been converted into a chronic-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">couponer</span>. Don't believe me? Just wait until you see my fully-organized-three-ring-binder-of-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">coupony</span>-goodness. <a href="http://www.reneecamacho.blogspot.com/"><em><span style="color:#993399;">Renee</span></em></a> responsible for my latest fixation. I can't decide if I want to squeeze her in a bear-hug of thanks...or bonk her over the head with my 10-pound-fully-organized-three-ring-binder-of-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">coupony</span>-goodness. Seriously though, I am breaking out into splotches on a regular basis as I scoop up boxes of Fiber One bars for the low, low price of sixty-four-cents-per-box...and amassing a collection of deodorant and BBQ sauce. If the world ends and we can no longer shop at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Wal</span>-Mart, my family will smell good and I am banking on the fact that we can survive a mighty long time on Fiber One bars and BBQ sauce.<br /><br />In summation (did I ever mention that I had planned on being a lawyer at one time...this was back in high school...just before I decided that I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">preferred</span> certain extra-curricular activities over...oh, say <em>learning...</em>moving on<em>)...</em>where was I, oh yes, in summation, I have been a productive person for the last few weeks...and I must say, it has been satisfying. Not satisfying enough to give up afternoon naps <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">altogether</span>...but satisfying enough to skip them for at least a few weeks.<br /><br />Happy Spring Cleaning! (I am trying to convince myself to clean out the pantry...then again, today might be a good day to reinstate napping).Destryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670480007185091938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1016202106052188323.post-51778450796690739232009-04-28T21:49:00.001-05:002009-04-28T21:50:08.756-05:00Ahhh...I finally began catching up the photo blog. Look for more tomorrow. Now, excuse me while I do the happy dance...Destryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670480007185091938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1016202106052188323.post-23507881190873695262009-04-24T17:30:00.004-05:002009-04-24T17:50:51.971-05:00Excuses...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjptDwyW5OqDuTwIbUKcKK8FWQkijfrkFhqn4DQOHAXRSo-LAe8ENdveNkleFqzQHPOXEVcFEWfNatWysD1mZCZxrzNpB_Qkb9XDwl5aClkWfXOCLEnwJ0oeLfvuUjjxyEPAnItj5BX4zc/s1600-h/050.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328392392515181314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjptDwyW5OqDuTwIbUKcKK8FWQkijfrkFhqn4DQOHAXRSo-LAe8ENdveNkleFqzQHPOXEVcFEWfNatWysD1mZCZxrzNpB_Qkb9XDwl5aClkWfXOCLEnwJ0oeLfvuUjjxyEPAnItj5BX4zc/s320/050.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><em>Have I ever mentioned that I. Heart. Guh-raffes? Because, I do. Really. Heart. Guh-raffes. Anyhoo...in case you are asking yourself why a random photo of Sophie appeared at the top of the last blog post...and in case you are currently wondering if this post will be about</em></div><div><em>Guh-raffe love...let me help you out. My little husband and my favorite sister and others who shall remain nameless *cough* Amy *cough* have mentioned (complained, whined, nagged about) the lack of pictures appearing on the blog. In an effort to please the readership...I am working on posting more pictures...even if said pictures have absolutely no relevance to the topic at hand.</em></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><br /><div>*I chaperoned two field trips this week.</div><div></div><br /><div>*Chaperoning threw off my schedule and I haven't quite caught up.</div><div></div><br /><div>*The digital display went out on my camera and I am in denial about it.</div><div></div><br /><div>*My allergies are going nuts.</div><div></div><br /><div>*I honestly haven't a two hour stretch of downtime this week. Okay, I did have a two hour stretch and I spent it napping...see the first two.</div><div></div><br /><div>*Procrastinating is HARDWIRED into my DNA. </div><div></div><br /><div>*I lost the cord to my scanner...I placed it somewhere safe and convenient so that I would remember...and promptly forgot.</div><div></div><br /><div>The good news...I pinky promise that I will update at least 10 days on the photo blog...and I will do a post of "Way Back" pictures...<br /></div><div>Tomorrow.</div></div>Destryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670480007185091938noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1016202106052188323.post-52373787844818777002009-04-23T17:13:00.004-05:002009-04-23T17:50:13.574-05:00A few things that...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0I1Y6nbK_2HcrduUyUcgOWMNIxko8RpGOz2iLfa_0oeRZaafy3Y_pA7Emier4JgiedhEIniiQRKzggSzoCI_Hrh6NcxzQNdFKmdK4Kx7Q92ZMBySWgdEfXl8WdGtxqFWPRsfVYKbV20/s1600-h/149.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328017263301413698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0I1Y6nbK_2HcrduUyUcgOWMNIxko8RpGOz2iLfa_0oeRZaafy3Y_pA7Emier4JgiedhEIniiQRKzggSzoCI_Hrh6NcxzQNdFKmdK4Kx7Q92ZMBySWgdEfXl8WdGtxqFWPRsfVYKbV20/s320/149.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><strong>are making me happy:</strong></div><div></div><div>*the sound of Forrest playing "Wish You Were Here" on his acoustic guitar</div><div>*sunshine streaming in through the family room windows</div><div>*knowing that I am FINISHED with Chloe and Cammie's clothing fiasco</div><div>*reflecting on the fantastic bible study at church last night</div><div>*A t-shirt that Forrest designed that says -<span style="color:#006600;">I Mosh For Jesus</span>- seriously, it cracks me up</div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><strong>I am looking forward to:</strong></div><div>*a Saturday with NOTHING on the calendar</div><div>*cleaning our Hannah and Sophie's closet...seriously</div><div>*planting flowers around the pond</div><div>*weight loss/fitness contest at the gym beginning on May 1st</div><div>*a day at the spa with my oldest friend (Carrie) to celebrate her 31st birthday</div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><strong>I am not looking forward to:</strong></div><div>*making myself update the photo blog...I will be happy when I am finished...but I am sooo behind</div><div>*painting the powder room</div><div>*cleaning out the laundry room</div><div>*replacing the family room carpet</div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><strong>are stressing me out:</strong></div><div>*the digital display on my camera has gone out (shucks, guess I'll need a new camera...hahaha)</div><div>*my puppy that likes to dig up the plants around the pond</div><div>*my other puppy that likes to chill in the pond</div><div>*updating the photo blog</div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><strong>are on the agenda (feeling inspired):</strong></div><div>*scrapbooking</div><div>*printing off TONS of pictures</div><div>*writing poetry (Did you know that I wrote tons of poetry when I was teenager?)</div><div>*redoing Hannah and Sophie's room</div><div></div>Destryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670480007185091938noreply@blogger.com0