Things Not to Say

My sweet co-worker and I have been on hiatus with our blogs. I have been saying for days that I needed to post something but that every time I went to do so, I could not think of anything to say. I guess you could call it a "blog block". Like myself, Becca was experiencing the exact same thing so she came up with a plan.

She picked three blog topics, wrote them all down, and then gave them to me so that I could pick one. I was suppose to do the same for her, however; I have become increasingly distracted and I have absolutely no clue what to tell her to write about. If you guys have any ideas please leave them in the comment section of this blog.

I have compiled a list of things that I think are inappropriate date statements:

"I really don't like this restaurant that much, but I wanted to use this 2-for-1 coupon before it expired"

"No wine for me tonight. My urologist says it's not good to mix alcohol and penicillin"

"I used to come here all the time with my ex"

"Could you excuse me? My cat gets lonely if he doesn't hear my voice on the answering machine every hour"

"I really feel that I've grown in the past few years. Used to be, I wouldn't have given someone like you a second look"

"You are just so different than my last girlfriend who was just all into her looks and her appearance"

"It's been tough, but I've come to accept that most people I date just won't be as smart as I am"

"Don't you think we would make beautiful babies?"

"It looks like I left my wallet at home again! What's that, nine times in a row? I'm sorry. You don't mind paying again, do you?"

“My mom’s psychic is prettttty sure we’re gonna get married.”

“Give me your cellphone so I can take a picture of myself and save it into your contacts as ‘SOULMATE.’”




“Well, I wouldn’t say that I was wrongfully imprisoned. But the imprisoned part, sure. That sounds accurate.”
"I would like to get married and have kids asap."

"So I just got out of rehab."




"Your sister's a real knock-out. Is one of you adopted?"  
"Don’t Google me."
 
"Our waiter/waitress is smokin’ hot!"
 
I could go on for days with these! This was such a good pick-me-up for now!
 
Thank goodness I have been with Big long enough that I can say stupid/crazy things and he just shakes his head, laughs, and then corrects me. For all you single ladies out there, just hang in there and for goodness sake don't say ANY of the above on a date with a man especially if you guys just met.

Happy Holidays

During this time, it is so easy for me to become stressed out with all the running around and the basic stresses of the holiday season. I look at this picture and I remember that family is the most important blessing that God has ever bestowed upon me. Sometimes families drive us crazy but the love is unlike any other.
This past weekend Nathan, my brother, graduated from college. What an amazing accomplishment for him and our family in general. I could not have been any prouder of him. Pictured above was us at his congratulatory lunch. He beamed the entire time I was with him. Grey got attend which he won't remember but there will always be pictures and his daddy will always feel so grateful that he came. Nathan, I love you and am so very proud of you! Congratulations!!!!!

Everyone else, please remember the reason for the season. I am just as guilty of feeling rushed and pushed to the brink but we have praise him and remember that without him we would be nothing.
Big and I will be traveling for the most of the day so that we get a chance to see everyone.

God Bless all of you and Merry Christmas!

Lend a Hand to Santa

I remember as a child feeling as though this crisp climate, the twinkling lights, the treasured songs, and all the merriment was absolutely magical. We all used to load up in the car and go to Christmas City, which was this park where a local church would decorate the entire camp area with lights that told the Christmas story. As small town as this may seem, it was something I looked forward to every year. They recently re-opened this park to the public again and I would by lying if I didn't secretly want to ask Jay to go.

As I have aged, Christmas is still special but I find that as the years pass it has become special in different ways. Now my joy is experienced through the children in my life and the process of putting it all together for them. I can't wait to see the look on Taylor's face when she opens her gifts from Santa or the confused look on Grey's face as we tear into the gifts.

Today USA posted an article straight from the mail rooms of this country that are routing the letters to the North Pole. On these gift wish lists there is an apparent trend happening. Instead of Barbies or racetracks being asked for there necessities like coats, shoes, clothes, and socks. Now, it is a travesty when families can't provide their kids with socks. Everyone feels the generosity in the air during Christmas and I think that instead of donating to Africa or Haiti or any other 3rd world country this holiday season, which by the way is admirable, we should give money to our poor right here in our country. Some of these people lost there jobs in the last two years through no fault of their own. The stress that must have weighed down on these families worrying whether or not they could feed and clothe their children must amplify during a gift giving season. This has lead to many hardships and the worst of them in my opinion is homelessness. I see so many homeless and often think on nights that get down to 25 degrees about them and how they make it through nights like that. This thought makes me realize how fortunate I am to have a nice, warm, comfy bed to sleep in where all I have to do is walk through the house and to the thermostat when I am cold. Becca came in this week saying that she heard on the radio that Memphis, TN is the hungriest city in the United States. That is something to consider when contemplating charity.

Christmas should be magical to kids just the same way that it was when I was a child and I just wish that there was some way to ensure that it will be for all the kids of this world.  These children should not be asking Santa for coats and socks or for Mommy or Daddy to get a job in letters to him and his elves. They should be dreaming of all the magic that surrounds this holiday.

Keep these families in your prayers during this time and lend a hand if you can.

Grey and Tucker

This weekend my nephew came to visit with us for a bit while his mommy and his "monkey" went to the UofM vs. UT game. On the way to pick him up I was so excited and just could barely wait to pick him up and kiss all over him, but as we were on our way back to the house I became a bit worried. I realized that I probably didn't have enough for him to do even though "monkey" packed a tub full of goodies to play with. I worried that he wouldn't feel comfortable without his parents but we somehow figured it all out. After getting two soft tacos down, he sang danced to Yo Gabba Gabba while looking out the back door at my "doggies". I waited until Big got home to even bother with wrestling with them, but both of my boys were extremely excited about the Grey baby's visit so far.

After getting them inside and safely adjusted to the presence of a baby, Grey began to throw the ball for Tucker, or "tocker" as Grey called him. They wore each other out for hours. It would have been fantastic, you know the dog actually babysitting, except that I constantly felt the need to watch them like a hawk afraid that any minute Tucker's size would overcome the baby. He was surprisingly gentle and very attentive. I put Grey's DVD in the living room television and turned Spongebob Square pants on in the bedroom. We also played a little game on the computer. Grey had officially taken over every single room in our house. It was so much fun and I can't hardly wait to do it again. I like the idea of just borrowing a kid for now, not having to go through pregnancy or the hardships that come with newborns. Don't get me wrong, I would to start a family eventually, but for now babysitting is satisfactory.

I am not sure that I am all in with the time change just yet. It just seems darker already and dreary is coming right behind it. I thought I was ready to say good bye to the warmth of summer, but the first cold snap that happened made me want to beg for the sun to come on back. I did check the weather channel this morning and we will be in the upper 70's this week, so I guess I just got my wish.

"Ribbies"

So very sorry it has taken me this long, but I am back and with a new pair of shoes. New shoes always make me feel so special, like adopting a puppy or when I get a new friend that makes me feel amazing. I was in desperate need of new tennis shoes because my last pair were showing serious signs of wear. When I started to notice my own toe through the top of the shoe, I decided that it was time to retire them suckers.

I hate sporting good stores with a passion beyond comprehension. I do not know or even care to know why. My closest friends know that when they get that text from me about Big dragging me through Dick's or Sports Authority that it must be real love between us because it is painful for me. He was an athlete and still plays softball so we go in those stores a lot more than I would care to, but recently he trudged through a craft's store for me so I can do it. When I mentioned that I needed to go get some shoes and we were already going to Millington to visit my mother, his ears perked up big time. "Can we go to Hibbet's?", he said. I reluctantly said yes. It was okay. We got in and I tried on and bought a pair of shoes in under fifteen minutes. Record time for us.

I slipped them on Monday morning and felt somewhat new myself.

That feeling didn't last too terribly long because one morning this week, my sweet baby Tucker jumped leaped into our bed before I was completely conscious and somehow landed on me funny. I now have a hairline fracture to one of my ribs on the right side of my body. I have found out quickly that this injury is no laughing matter, literally. Laughing, which I do often, is very painful and no fun for me right now. I have had the hardest time sleeping. Last night I heavily medicated and hit the pillows hard. I slept through the night and it felt great. It is fine, just irritating.

I am thrilled about this weather! How about you guys?

"Miss" Bobbie: A True Lady

Yesterday our family lost a truly remarkable woman and I would like to take this opportunity to say a few words about "Miss" Bobbie.

Our schedule for Christmas when I was growing up was extremely hectic due to all the families' homes that we needed to get to before the day was up. Never was it a chore for me, although I wasn't the one driving. I loved going from house to house seeing all the cousins and the family that I didn't get to see on a regular basis. It would be too complicated and it would take up a lot of space trying to explain my family's branches so I will give you a quick analogy that I have used for years.
It would have been like the Brady Bunch coming together just like the show, but the parents having one child together. That child,  in this example, would have been my Dad. My brother and I were related to them all.
We have our mother's parents and our father's parents, but then we had "Miss" Bobbie and Mr. Thomas. She was the mother of my daddy's brothers and sister. As a child, I didn't know the difference in which family was blood relatives and which weren't. They were all simply my family. She was another grandmother figure or maybe a great-aunt to me. She always asked Nathan and I how we were doing in school and gave us gifts for Christmas. I didn't know until I was a teenager that she wasn't actually a blood family member.
This makes her even more of an angel in my opinion. She loved and cared for us out of the kindness of her heart not because we were actual kin to her. We never felt any different.
She always had such a warm disposition about her and a great big smile when she saw us come through the door into her house that I grew to know and love over the years.  We have many home movies and old pictures sitting around in her living room. My little sister, Taylor, took her very first "on her own" steps in "Miss" Bobbie's dining room in her little Christmas dress.
So many meals and memories that I have are flooding back now as I sit here and try to sum up how I feel about someone that loved me even though she didn't have to. I didn't see her often but she has inspired me. Family has nothing to do with last names or genetic make-up, but much more to do with the love that you have for one another.
This truly great lady will be greatly missed and her children and grandchildren are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time of coping with such a major loss. My heart is broken thinking of how Thomas must feel losing his wife of 40 years. I love all of you and know that I am thinking of you.


Matthew 5:4

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

My Confession

Here is my confession

I have a very strong background in church and God, but I have the most difficult time "letting go and letting God" with most of the situations in my life because I feel like I am big enough to handle most anything that comes along. He is a busy God dealing with the middle east, world hunger, gang wars, this current economic status, and so on and so forth... I feel selfish asking for help with some silly little problem or an emotion that I am experiencing because there are people out there with real problems. I should have a better relationship with him than this, I know, but this is my struggle. I want so much for him to feel closer than he does to me nowadays. When I stress over the slightest thing, I should just stop, breathe, and then pray for a second but I don't do that. I think I would be a calmer person if I learned that he can/will handle any tiny detail. Now, please don't misunderstand me, I do believe and am not wavering on my faith in his glory. I just think I am a bit of a control freak and I feel like I can control whatever problem arises. There it is, my confession. Any tips on giving it all to him?

This marks the end of the blog challenge. I hope all of you enjoyed and learned a bit more about me than you already knew. Have a great day.

Two Words that Describe Me Now

Two words that describe my life right now are settled and loved.

I feel that after so many years of looking for my niche in this world that I have found it. I was always put into leadership roles when I was younger and I feel that, although stressful, this job is where I am supposed to be at this particular time. Jay and I feel domestic and comfy right now with out little routines and I have always dreamed of that. I don't need to go out or constantly spend money to be happy, I just needed a little bit of a purpose. I feel so complete and settled down right now. It is spectacular.

My entire life I have been somewhat famous. I know that most of the general public doesn't know me but in Drummonds I am well known, take my word for it. I have a large family which I have always loved. I mean it has it's up's and it's down's but overall it's a whole lot of people that just love me for me. Most of the time I feel so special and appreciated not only by my family but by my friends as well. I know that if something happened to me that there are many people that I could call and they would come swooping in to my rescue without expecting anything in return more than a hug. I have the same few friends that I have had for most of my life. I do not have tons and tons of them like some but the few I have I know very well and they love me like crazy. I would do anything for these people and I know that they all love me unconditionally. I am truly blessed to be as loved as I am right now.

Three Turn Ons

Three turn ons.

1. A person who has a drive to meet their dreams and are passionate about their jobs are such a major turn on for me. For the most part, I don't care what someone does for a living as long as they are happy and striving to make the absolute best of their situation no matter what that is.

2. Shoulders. I am so attracted to a man's shoulders. It's one of those things I can't really explain but I just love looking at those shoulders muscles.

3. Arrogance. I know that I have friends that have stated that this is one of their turn offs but I swear there is something about mild arrogance that just acts as a magnet for me. I love a guy that knows that he is strong and good looking and doesn't second guess his every move or statement. I think there is a big part of me that wishes I felt that way about myself so I am drawn to people that can just put it out there like that.

Four Turn Offs

The challenge now calls for four "turn offs" so here we go...

1. Know it all people make me insane. At work or out and about these people seem to plague me. If you think you know everything that there is to know, please know that nobody really cares that you are an expert in every single field imaginable and quite frankly I don't want to listen to your mouth.

2. Rudeness is a major turn off for me because it normally is not called for and even if it is called for there was always a way around that type of behavior. Try and remember when you  feel those moments creep up on you that you wish to lash out at someone for whatever reason remember that you may or may not know what has happened in that person's day or life at that time. You might be the force that pushes someone over the edge or makes them have a nervous break down. I know that I have had bad days to where one person made the difference one way or the other.

3. Dirty, greasy, nasty, boys need not ever apply. (If I was single that is) I can not stand to see girls with those guys that look like they haven't seen the inside of a shower in a month. What are those dudes thinking? I fight the urge to hand them a box of tide and a bottle of shampoo. Please guys, let's keep it clean.

4. Last but certainly not least, I despise self-centered people. News flash: the world does not revolve around you. No matter who you are or where you came from, I promise there are other humans around and they more than likely don't give a flying flip about you. Try to keep everything in perspective.

Five VIP's

Five People I Couldn't Live Without.
I have spent a lot of time thinking this topic over. I do not believe that I could limit my loved ones to five people that I couldn't live without and I have decided that I will include more than five and be a rebel by breaking the rules of the blog challenge.

~My Mom and Dad are the two essential human beings in my life. Each have provided love and support and most certainly passed down the most important life lessons to me. I wouldn't be the girl I am today without my daddy's honesty and sensitivity or without my mom's moral compass and determination. She has always known the correct response to whatever problem that I have had and has emotionally helped me through so much. He has always been willing to teach me things even if they weren't girly like driving the tractor or riding a four wheeler. She has always led by example and showed me how a real woman should live. He has been so funny in so many ways. She has become one of my best friends. I love both of my parents deeply and eternally.

~Many of my friends have joked for years about how my brother and I were actually suppose to be twins at birth because of the way our minds work. Nathan and I have definitely had our differences over the years, but I do NOT believe that I could exist in a world where he did not. He understands the inner workings of my thoughts even if sometimes I wish he didn't. No one could ever make me as angry or happy as he could. When I see a funny/good movie or hear an amazing new song he is the first person that comes to mind that I need to contact and share with. We share so many passions for the same type of things. He is gifted and talented and he makes me want to strive to be the best I can be. Thanks to you brother for being so special to me.
~ For many years I have thought to myself that I wasn't a kid person at all, which gave me constant worry that I wouldn't be good with them. Taylor Bug gave me that answer. Not only did I realize that I in fact was a kid person when my little sister came into this world, but also that I am still a kid at heart myself. She is so gracious and loving to all that she encounters. She barely has a mean bone in her body. My heart still flutters when I see that big smile on her face when she sees me. I love you so much doodle bug.
~Grey Carter. I do not even really remember a time without him, and I know he isn't even that old. Actually he will be 2 years old in three days!!! He is such a joy in my life and a source of constant entertainment. I love that boy and his mommy so very much. Kasey, you have grown to be a huge part of this family. I love you like a sister.

~I'm not sure I know too many people that know their grandparents the way I know mine, and that is certainly a sad thing in my opinion. At the ripe old age of 26, I still have all of my four grandparents. Most of my friends have lost at least one of theirs and some have lost them all but I haven't had to experience that terrible loss just yet. My Papa keeps me laughing with his jokes and urges me to be better all the time. My Granny is caring and loving to all of her grand kids and was always ready to step in there when she could. My Grandaddy is someone that I can bounce trivia off of and laugh about television. He loves his shows now and he won't even talk to you during some of them. He has passed this love for television on to me and my brother both. My Nana, well I don't know how to describe all the things that she has meant to me. She has been my sounding board and my guidance counselor for all the years of my life. She is calm and non-judgemental and I have never felt like I had to hold back from her. She has taught me to pray and to try and hold onto my faith even when I felt out of control of everything. She has always treated me like I was the only child in the world. I love all of my grandparents for different reasons and couldn't imagine having one of those pieces missing.

~My friends. Each of my closest friends hold a special place in my heart for they each offer such different energies in this life.
My Maggie has been like my right arm for as long as I even want to remember. We are, in almost every way possible, opposite and as the song goes, opposites attract! I was always loud and outgoing and when we were younger she was a little withdrawn and quiet. She has taught me how to be a friend. No matter where our lives take us or how long we go without talking, at the drop of a hat Maggie is right by my side or on the other end of a telephone. I love you Mags.
Kyla, is my person. She understands my insecurities and my faults and loves me for them. She and I have similar struggles in our past and it has forged us together. Love you Ky.
Jullay, is my mirror. She is the one that is brutally honest with me and will straighten me out or slap me around of I am acting stupid. She has had many worldly experiences that I have not and more than likely will not venture into ever but I always know that I could pick up that phone and ask her anything and she will always come through. Always and forever, I love you Julles.
This list could go on this way for a while because I have met some amazing people that have greatly influenced my life. Michelle for her undying optimism and Kristina for her comedic relief to name a few. Becca, I hope you know what you mean to me now. I often wish that I had known you for years and years like the rest of them. I swear no one makes me laugh any harder than you do right now, I mean seriously I often almost pee on myself. I love how we can make fun of each other and neither ever get upset. You just can't take life too seriously. Thanks Bec-bec.

~Last but not least, Jay. I do feel that I have met the man that I will spend the rest of my life with. He has completed me in a way that I didn't know was possible. He and our dogs are now family to me and I hope that this never changes because when I get home I feel whole. He understands my mind and my heart on multiple levels which I have never experienced in my entire life. I love you Jay and I am not sure that I want to ever give you up.

Six Do-Overs

Six things that I would change or take back.

-The major thing in my life that I would change would be dropping out of college. At the time it seemed like the only way to get some much needed relief from a whirlwind of stress that was carrying me away but now I am in a world of hurt because I do not have a degree. If I could return to that time I would kick that stupid boy that was giving me such a hard time to the curb instead of putting my education on ice.

-I would give so much if I could get myself into a time machine and jet back to a thinner me and force that me to believe in a daily/weekly exercise routine. I am so out of shape nowadays that it takes considerable effort to get up and workout, but I NEED it. It is just one of those things I wish with all my might I had trained for and continued with over the years to maintain that little figure.

-As we get older and our lives take off, sometimes in warp speed, we generally become busy and take some of life's little things for granted. When I moved out of my Dad's house I left my baby. Fur baby. Rudy had been with me for more than 10 years when I decided that I needed to fly the nest and unfortunately was unable to take him with me. It was good because he kept Dad company in our absence but I missed that puppy dog terribly. A year ago this past summer we had to put him to sleep after 14 years of being our baby. I wish I could have spent many more minutes with him than I actually did in those last years of his life. It's painful how much I miss him sometimes and I think of him often.

-There were too many tears wasted on stupid men over the years that one would think my tear ducts would have run dry. In retrospect, I would change that. I wouldn't let any boy/man make me feel less or unworthy at any point. I would force them to treat me the way I deserved to be treated or tell them to hit the bricks immediately.

-Part of me wishes that I had vacationed more. I have been to a few locations over the years but could count on one hand how many times I have seen the ocean. I also wish I had traveled with friends. I think this would have made for some amazing memories and stories that would have entertained us all for decades. I would like to travel and see all sorts of sights but now there just never is extra money for things like that.

-I would change the way the I have let myself go emotionally, physically, and mentally. Over the past 10 years I have focused on what I now think were all the wrong things. I wish I had worked on who I was as I was becoming an adult. This is no one's fault but my own, however; it is something that I stumble over often. I would concentrate on what made me a beautiful person instead of working my magic on others trying to help them succeed. I love the people in my life and want with all my energy for each of them to be happy, but I think their happiness and past relationships had become my entire focal point. I wish I had built myself into a confident girl because with that missing trait I could rule the world. :)

Seven Things that Cross My Mind Often

Wow, how do you count the things that pass through an over analyzer's mind often?
Here are just a few brief things that I am thinking right now that I think about often.

1. Food. If I could have a nickle for every single time that food crosses my mind during the day I would be a rich lady quick, fast, and in a hurry. I am constantly thinking about how I am hungry or when I am going to eat again. I also am mentally counting the calories in the food, so this is a whole other battle. When Jay leaves work every single afternoon around 6pm, we have the exact same phone conversation, "What's for dinner?"

2. Money. I spend so much of my day thinking about how there just is never enough money in my account. I am always balancing my purchases against a chart of must-haves verses wants. I have a love/hate relationship with my check book and it doesn't seem to be changing anytime soon.

3. Dogs. A pleasure in my life that you readers may not have ever heard me mention (HA) is my dogs. I love both of my boys with all sorts of unconditional love and would never trade one of the sweet moments that I get to spend with them. During the day, I often catch myself thinking about how much dog food we have left, whether or not they have enough water outside, if they are bothering the neighbors barking and running up and down the fence, and if they have escaped from our aging fence. I love them and they are always on my mind.

4. Did I turn off the Coffee Pot? This thought passes through my mind every single morning as I am driving to work enjoying that very first cup of coffee. I am sure I am not alone on this one.

5. Work. There is a moment during each conscious hour that I wonder about something work related. In my business and my position there are always some stresses or issues that are going on that I am thinking my way through resolving or balancing. It is a constant in my life.

6. Painting. Here lately when I pass through a room in our home I keep wondering what color I am going to splash on those (plain Jane) walls. Our living room has been a revolving conversation in our relationship because of it being so visible from most rooms in the house and the fact of the vaulted ceiling comes into play. I don't believe that I can get up a ladder that high and not spill paint everywhere. We are thinking of hiring it out. Again, thinking....

7. How stupid Facebook can be. During each day something is said or done via Facebook that makes me roll my eyes and sigh loudly while thinking, "IT'S JUST FACEBOOK PEOPLE". Nobody took Myspace this seriously! I just can not understand for the life of me why people air out their dirty laundry on facebook statuses and then whine when every knows their business. Come on folks, can you understand where I am coming from here? I love looking at pictures of new babies and parties that have come and gone but I have to say that I draw the line and putting every mundane detail about a fight or a break-up on there. The other thing that kills me is the cryptic updates that the person writing thinks was so clever, but after a little creeping everyone finds out the reason and posts an opinion. Quit beating around the bush with making me have to read the entire thread so that I actually know what you mean. I don't have that much on my hands to stalk you guys but I am terribly nosey and can't help but let that little comment peak my interest. Drives me insane. If you can't come and say it point blank, then maybe you should not post anything publicly about it. I do keep up with some of my friends growing families but slowly but surely have been editing my friends list down to true friends that I actually care about and know well.

Eight Could Not Live Withouts

There are the obvious things that I couldn't live without like air, water, food, shelter, etc but I have decided to write about the comforts in my life that I am not willing to give up. I am sure that you guys all understand what I mean.

1. The number one luxury that I would refuse to give up in my lifestyle is my cellphone especially now that I have the rocking IPhone and can do pretty much any task that most can imagine. When Jay bought his I was irritated with all the time that he spent with his nose pressed to the glass of the darn thing, but now that I understand completely.

2. Music. I have never made it through anything good or anything tough without the music. My life has theme songs and therapy songs and sad songs and happy songs but the point is that it determines my mood and helps me with clarity and my sanity.

3.Tennis Shoes or Pretty Much all my Shoes. This maybe should have been in the previous blog, but I have flat feet and would not make it through life without comfy foot wear. I absolutely love my shoes, heck I named my blog after it but the tennis shoes in particular make my entire body feel better. I don't know about you guys, but when my feet hurt, I hurt all over.

4. Make-Up. Wow, how I feel about make-up is hard to express but I feel like it is my mask or my wall. When I get up and move around in the morning I feel exposed and open, but when the paint goes on I feel like a different girl. For years, I have perfected the eye make-up techniques via the Internet or Sephora. I love the different shade and the shimmers to eye make up the way I love glitter and sequins. Anything that sparkles pretty much catches my attention and makes me feel girly.

5. Work. I know that I may fuss and complain about having to work so hard for the money, but I really would loose my mind if I didn't have somewhere to go and tasks to accomplish. When I am at home now, I tackle chores in the job fashion. Over the years I have learned so much about how to size people up by working with them and having to learn to respect people and their different ways. I love working and even if I didn't it is necessary.

6. Internet. When I hear that people don't have a computer my brain does this double take look, like what the crap does anybody do without the Internet. How do people research ANYTHING without the Internet anymore? I simply can not understand this. The way that my family communicates now is through Twitter! If I was without Internet for any long period of time how would I know what was going on in the world? I know that the news is on multiple times during the day and I think they still print newspapers, but the Internet is up to date and at my fingertips at any point. I refuse to go without the Internet.

7. Relationship with God. I talk to God on a daily basis but I know that in this area I definitely need to work on it. My daily conversations with him are probably different than most peoples but I do try and speak to him. I know that above all else he understands my trials that I deal with every single moment of every day. The people that I have surrounded myself with have helped with this relationship and I hope that it grows and gets better and better. My faith keeps me together and keeps me on track.

8.  Being with my Boys. The best moments of most of my days are spent loving on Jay or my dogs. I love getting up first thing on a cold morning with a warm puppy snuggled in next to me or when I walk in the door and they become so excited to see me. I just love all three of my boys to pieces and am completely in love with. I hope that I never have to think about not living with them.

Nine Little Things

Maybe I should have started this off the way a good friend of mine did by saying that I wasn't sure if I would be able to do this 10 consecutive days in a row, but I didn't and now I will try and display another of the challenges.

Nine things most people don't know about me:

~When I was a kid, I wanted to grow up to be an Indy car driver. ~

I am not exactly sure why I wanted to do it so badly but I REALLY did. As most of you know, racing is in my blood and will always be something that lights me up but no one I even know races Indy cars. I wanted to break ground in that area of racing. I think the only living person that would even know this would be my brother. If you saw him anywhere at any time and stopped to ask him what my pipe dream was throughout my childhood he wouldn't even hesitate. Indy car driver!

~I LOVE natural disasters.~

 I think it all started when I first saw Twister. I mean come on, who doesn't just absolutely love to see those funnel clouds appear as if from nowhere to demolish a building, or a volcano putting on what looks like a laser light show, or a hurricane that is slamming into a coast? I don't know. Maybe it is me and me alone that watches the weather channel specials on these things. -I was recently very disappointed to discover that a tsunami wasn't exactly the show I was hoping for. Apparently it isn't a 600ft wave that sweeps over a tiny island but a steady rush of water that rapidly and forcefully knocks out people's homes. Bummer on not being a big show though.- I am aware that this makes me a little deranged on some level because most of the time people die and everything is lost, but I just can't help but get excited during hurricane, tornado, and earthquake seasons.

~I am addicted to orange tic tacs.~

In my purse at just about any given time there will be a small plastic container that is filled with these little orange pills of joy. I love them. I actually had that moment that I knew Jay was the one for me while standing in line at a grocery store as he lifted a box of the candy and said that he was just over the moon about tic tacs especially the orange ones. Yep, that was it. I just knew. I actually am pretty fond of most orange candies. Skittles would come in a close second but tic tacs are always rattling in my purse where ever I go.

~I sing in my car~

If you see me driving down the road, don't even bother to wave at me because I more than likely will not notice you because I am deep in my imaginary world of being on a stage somewhere singing. I do not actually sing, but you would never really know it because I have the music turned up so loudly that it mostly drowns me out. It just makes me happy and I don't really care about how everyone else feels about it. When I get a new song or CD I can barely wait to jump in my car all alone and belt out the lyrics while going faster and faster to whatever destination I choose. If you see me, just smile or laugh, but know that in that moment I am not stressed about work, home, or anything else. It's just me and the music.

~Mob Movies/Television are always a hit with me~

I miss the Sopranos so very much, but luckily I now have Boardwalk Empire to soften that blow. All movies or television that have anything to do with the mob scene are always going to be on my top ten lists of favorites. The Godfather. Need I say more. There is something about how they are so strongly grounded in their families and yet still go out and commit such horrible crimes in order to maintain their "other" family that appeals to me. I think in a previous life I must have been an Italian or Irish Catholic that grew up with maybe 10 brothers and sisters that all grew into the mob lifestyle. Just kidding, but I can never pass up watching the movies.

~I hate Dr. Pepper~

I am a Coke drinker right down to my very core. I would know imitation Coke anywhere at any time whether iced down or straight up. Second to Coke, I would have to say it would be Pepsi and possibly Sprite. There are many sodas out there that I would vote drinkable, however; Dr. Pepper is not one of them. I hate the way it tastes and I really hate the way it smells. I have always thought it to taste similar to cough syrup or some other type of medicine. I have also discovered that Dr. Pepper lovers also like Jagermister which to me tastes exactly the same, gross. I know that there are some DP fans out there reading this thinking that I am UN-American for even mentioning it, but I sincerely despise this beverage.

~Stress Manager? No Siree Bob~

I am well versed in stress and all the research that goes along with that on how to combat it and how to resolve it, but I can not seem to ever master this skill. I worry constantly about things that are silly and couldn't possibly matter to anyone but me. There isn't a moment during any day of the week that I spend not stressing over some stupid detail. I have friends that tell me that I handle a stressful situation well and with grace. I'm not necessarily good at handling the stress, but apparently I am good at acting like it isn't getting to me. Meanwhile, my hair is falling out and my left eye lid has been twitching for the better part of a year. ( By the way, if anyone knows a solutions to the eye lid twitching thing PLEASE let me know. It is annoying and it is relentless) I asked the eye doctor what causes it and he answered, you guessed it, STRESS.

~Reading is my Reality~

I love to read and I don't much care what it is on a regular basis. There are few things outside of text books that I just can't follow or at least appreciate for the writer's effort. Every morning I start off with a cup of coffee that I sip on slowly while I catch up on the latest news on various websites and blogs. I love celebrity tabloid gossip just as much as the next twenty something girl but I bet most of them don't follow some of the news sites I do. I love politics. Election years are like a drug to me and I become obsessed with reading all of the news that surrounds them. USA today, CNN, Huffington Post, NY Times, and Real Clear Politics are actual news apps that I have on my cell phone. I become absorbed and sometimes emotional when all of it hits the Internet. Not emotional in the boo-hoo kind of way, but in the I want to go get me a soap box and take it on the campaign trail with me kind of way. For Christmas last year, my mom gave me a Kindle which, for those of you who aren't aware, is an electronic book. It holds thousands of books. I adore this piece of technology. I get my fun reads on it which range anywhere from the classics to Sookie Stackhouse novels. Yes, I love you Charlaine Harris and your little show too. (True Blood) I don't understand people that don't read because to me it is much better to interpret my own way.

~Not Just Any House~

My grown up pipe dream is to work in the White House. I know that I may never get there but I would really enjoy feeling like I could actually impact the world the way those people do on a daily basis there. I know that I would never be President because I am too opinionated, as if that was the only reason, but I would love to witness the process that our country has practiced for so many years. What an amazing place that must be. It would be like working in a museum where you could touch and hold history in your hands while passing by on your way to get coffee. The West Wing was one of my favorite television shows back when I was in my early teens and has remained a series that I watch the re-runs whenever I get a chance. Maybe this sparked my interest in politics or that house, but it will forever be something I will wish for. A not so unobtainable dream, is to visit the home of our President one of these days. Every time I see it on the travel channel I yearn for a field trip to Washington DC. Donations can be made to the Megan goes to Washington DC Fund at any time. Please just leave me your information in the comment section below this blog. Just kidding, but not really.

Say Right Now...

Day 1: Ten Things that I Want to Someone Right Now

Dear Slow/Distracted Drivers,
I am not exactly sure what is going through your minds when you decide that it is okay to go slower than the speed limit or to look at every single little thing that is outside your vehicle but please may I remind you that driving is done my the majority of the general public to get us from point A to point B. We aren't interested at all in watching you text or eat, please just get into your car and pay attention to what you are doing and if you can not do so, please pull off and let all the serious drivers get by you. When I get off work after being there for that many hours dealing with patients and all types of little stresses, I do not want to joy ride my way home. I would actually like to get there as soon as I possibly can. So, slow drivers everywhere I drive a Black Nissan Altima and I will bully you if you do not stop that foolishness in front of me. Please pick up the pace.

Dear Apple,
I can not in words express the impact that you have had on mine and my boyfriend's life not to mention the rest of the world. I do not know anybody that doesn't drool over the IPhones or the ITouches or the IPads. The technology is literally mind boggling to me. I was laying in bed just a couple of days ago wondering if there was an app that would take my temperature because they sure have apps that do just about anything these days. I got one just this morning that I am able to build and monitor the calories in a Starbucks coffee. Yes, of course Starbucks has an app! I can keep up with my entire family on Twitter, Facebook, or any other type of social networking site that I want. At my finger tips, I can have access to the latest news information, the weather, email, texts, books, internet radio, music, and Perez Hilton's blog. Oh, and did I mention that this is a phone as well. My co-worker has an IPad and it is equally extraordinary. So thanks Apple for all the entertainment that is given to me every single day. I love this IPhone.

Dear Maggie,
Every single day I can't hardly wait to check my email to see if a letter has been received from you. Our relationship has gone through so very much over the past ten years that it is way to much to even mention and we are still going strong. I love your enthusiasm and your grace. In just about every single way we are opposite and I love it. What I would like to say to you in this time of great change in your life is don't compromise what makes you stunning for nothing and for no one. You are a bright spot in all my memories and I love to tell anyone that will stand still long enough about our stories. Without you I am not sure where I would have drifted off to. I feel as though I have lived entire lives while you have been around. The changes that are lives have endured and we still just find a way to communicate now on a daily basis. You are achieving what I could not at this point in your journey and I am 110% behind you. So from your biggest fan, I salute you, my friend. Oh, and I am so waiting on your response to the email I sent two hours ago....

Dear Grandparents in Munford:
I love you guys and I miss you both. I remember seeing you two much more often than now, but life has carried me deep into Shelby county to live far away from the country roads of my childhood. I know when I call, you guys always mention that I should come see you more often and believe me I more often than not take it under consideration, but I just haven't been able to in a while. Time has a way of passing too quickly for me. When my feet hit the floor in the morning there are so many tasks that "must" be completed for that day and as I rush to the next place and the next place I find myself missing a distant time when I came to visit, was fed of course, and lounged the afternoon away sipping iced tea while swinging in the shade of a massive tree. I think of you often and remember all the fun times we've had. Don't ever think for one second that I don't try. It's just hard for me to get my life to let go of me for a few hours. I love you and hope you understand where I am coming from. That's what I would like to say to you.

Dear Mother Nature:
The temperature outside right now is absolute perfection. Now, I like most of your seasons but this one is probably the most relaxing to me. I love the leaves changing color and decorations that I am beginning to see go up. This weather each year marks the beginning of football season, which I love the idea of. I am not a huge football fan but I like the crisp air that surrounds the kick off of the season. My puppies are enjoying this weather much more than what you had going on a few weeks back. They aren't droopy when they enter the house these days because they have been able to chase the runners up and down the fence without feeling heat exhaustion. So thanks mother nature for the break in the heat. I do, however miss pool time with my girls. We will have to figure out some type of fall activity.

Dear "Aunt Flow":
I understand that you are a necessary visitor and most of the time your arrival gives me such relief but could you please take it east with the headaches and cramps. I am pretty much over feeling like crap.

Dear Employers:
Please understand that your employees are the backbone of your corporate structure and would like very much if you kept their best interests at heart. No one wants to work for someone who doesn't care about their well being or the stressful environment that is experienced on a daily basis. Please take pity of those who need a little extra help and always know that there are situations going on in the background that you may not be aware of. Be respectful and appreciative of the workers, because they are the ones that keep the money rolling in.

Dear Grey Carter:
I know you can't read or really understand and keep up in conversations yet, but I want to say to you that you have changed the face of this family and brought us so much joy. I get so very excited when I see that one of your parents as texted me a photo of you or a video of your latest mess. I just love that look of excitement that comes over you when I walk through the door. Keep being the rockstar baby.

Dear Becca:
Thanks. For. Everything. You. Do.
Everyday I am reminded of what an amazing spirit you have and how much you have impacted my life in the past months. You make me laugh, CONSTANTLY and for this you should be given a medal. Our relationship is a honest one that is filled with struggles and giggles. I thank God for the gifts that you have given me and the impression that you have left on me, neither will ever be forgotten. I am so in awe of your drive and the fact that through it all you have a positive attitude. So what I have to say to my "smartest crayon in the box" is that I truly appreciate everything you do for me and hope that you stay with me as long as I can possibly keep you.

Dear Jay:
Thanks for loving me. Thanks for believing in me. Thanks for everything.
What I would like to say to you is that I hope we always feel about each other what we feel now. I would love for this amazing relationship to last and endure many more tribulations. I love you.

Ten Day Blog Challenge

A few of the blogs that I read have issued out a 10 day blog challenge to their followers. I read the first one and was immediately drawn to the idea of having an outline for all the crap I post up here about my daily/weekly/monthly life. This will be a gallant attempt at writing 10 days in a row as well which I would normally fail terribly at. Here are the guidelines for the challenge:
Day 1: Ten things you want to say to ten people right now.


Day 2: Nine things about yourself that most people don't know.

Day 3: Eight things you couldn't live without.

Day 4: Seven things that cross your mind a lot.

Day 5: Six things you wish you could change or wish you would have never done.

Day 6: Five people who mean a lot to you.

Day 7: Four turn offs.Day 8: Three turn ons.

Day 9: Two words that describe your life right now.

Day 10: One confession.

Uninhibited Joy

Back when I was little I can remember going to the store with my mom, not THE store but the Wal-Mart, and being so excited when she would say that I could get one thing. I was one of those imaginative kids that had an entire universe that fit into my bedroom so getting a new addition was a difficult yet joyous decision. I would contemplate how it would fit in with the other toys and their little dramas that I would play out so that I could make the best choice possible. My parents would tell you that I could write books on all the adventures my little friends would go on. My Nana use to say that I had a whole other world going on in my head and that she would have loved to have been able to view it the way I did. So you see why this was important to take my time and find the perfect addition to my fantasy world.
When I reached my final choice she would purchase it and we would be on our way after Nathan picked out some stupid toy he wanted of course. Just kidding Na.... not really because usually that involved something that he would throw or shoot at me and this always annoyed me greatly.

All the way home, I would think about how awesome it was going to be to rip off the packaging and let that particular toy begin it's history with me and all of my other "friends" in my room. The minute I passed over the threshold of the doorway I felt a surge of excitement and ran to my room to immediately begin playing. It was pure uninhibited joy.
As we get older, our joys in life alter. I don't even think I realized the exact moment when toys turned into clothes which then turned into electronics which has evolved into decor with electronics. Ok, so I haven't grown out of technology yet, but I think you guys get the picture. This week I decorated the guest room in anticipation of a friend coming to stay with us this week. Nothing made me happier than to walk out of that completed room and feel that rush of accomplishment. Not to mention that the new bedding is absolutely adorable and I almost wanted to sleep in there myself.
This little memory does have a point. Promise.

Last night, we brought home a new addition to our fleet of cleaning supplies. Dyson. Oh, yes we finally stopped beating around the bush and went out and got the vacuum of my dreams. I have family and friends that own them, my mother being one of them that swear once you go Dyson you never go back. After assembly and first use I have to shout from the rooftop that we are conformed and will never go back. Now as freaking awesome as my happiness, my enjoyment was overshadowed by Jays. I don't think he had this much joy when he opened the Playstation 3 that I got him for his birthday. He could not wait to test out our new toy. He began "testing it out" as he called it all over the house. Before I knew it, he had vacuumed all the carpets and was working on all the hardwood. He moved the entire living room set out of the room and cleaned the walls. It was like watching a kid with a new toy on Mountain Dew. I wanted to use it but wasn't about to get in the way of all that hard work that was being done without him even realizing it. I just kept passing through rooms knowing that it must be the simple things in life that keep us all sane. As absolutely thrilled as we were, my dogs on the other hand were freaking out and trying to escape each room as he voraciously cleaned. All you would see was two little heads poking around a corner hoping that he wasn't coming in there direction next. He finished our bedroom first so I rescued them by ushering them on the bed and I closed the door. So there we were, Tucker, Austin, myself and Ghost Adventures waiting on the madness of the vacuuming to end.

While reading back through this blog just now, I have realized that we are old people. We were this elated over a vacuum.

I hope the little things are keeping all of you as happy as they are keeping me. It's these moments I thank God for because they are the special ones.

Until next time, you are all welcome at my house for the next three days. It is immaculate!

Tour de Munford

This weekend has been slow paced and extremely relaxing for me and my little family.
Saturday I barely even moved from the bed!

My doggies, Jay, and I have hardly left the house except to go today to visit with my grandparents, Daddy and Linda, and let's not forget BUG. She was so sweet with her hair braided like mine used to be on a weekly basis by my daddy. She sat across from me and used wonderful manners throughout the meal. I know she is growing up and all, but this made me miss her baby outbursts and her sweet chubby cheeks. I love that she is becoming a young girl with her own personality and lives in her own little world just like I did, but I can't help having those moments when she tugs at my heart wishing she was a little "tater-tot" again. I catch myself wondering who she will be when she grows up and will she still want me the way she used to. I always want her to understand that she will always be a part of me. I have pictures of her everywhere and am so very proud of her. She is the sweetest little soul you ever met. Dad mentioned that he had been burning old movies and that one was of her birth. I can promise her that I will remember those details with crystal clear recollection forever. The day she came into my life was and forever will be so dear to my heart. She changed me. She changed us all. Bug, I know you are just learning to read so if someone is reading this to you, Sissy loves you. Come see us and our puppies. They miss you.

After lunch, we toured Munford, TN for a minute on our way to a drug store for Jay and I marveled at all the changes that have happened since the last night I visited. I couldn't believe it. In so many ways it is still the sleepy little town I grew up in, but in others it has grown and become more metropolitan. While we visited with Granny and Papa all of a sudden there was a scratch at the door. No, that was not a typo, it was a scratch. Shelby, their neighbors dog, came bursting through the door in hopes that she would receive her daily cookie. Apparently, this little, chubby I might add, pouch travels from door-to-door and all the families on their street open their doors and give her a cookie. She promptly takes the cookie, wags her tail in thanks, and then scurries out the door and back home to consume it. This was just too good! If this was the case where we live we would never see ours again. There are many houses in our neighborhood and it would take them quite a bit to travel door-to-door but if they knew there was a pot of cookies at the end of that rainbow, they would do whatever it took. If you even say something that rhymes with "treat" here they gallop through the house and into the kitchen to sit nervously waiting for you to deliver. All in all, today's visit to Munford was wonderful and long overdue.

We then went to Momma's to pick up some mail because I have yet to change all of my addresses. (pause for shock) not.....

Grey was in desperate need of a nap but he rallied for us. He absolutely adores Jay and couldn't pass up a chance to play with him. Jay is so good with Grey. A few nights ago Jay revealed to me that he fights the urge to say "Uncle Jay" when talking to Grey. This made me smile not only outside, but from deep within. I have almost slipped and said it a few times myself but I am always so careful with things like this. I know he feels that he is a part of my family and I of course want him to be as soon as possible, but it is nice to hear something like that.

I am back home now and listening to some music in our office wishing that I didn't have to go back to work tomorrow. I hope that everyone had a wonderful Labor Day weekend and had as much relaxation as I did. Austin is laying on my feet as I type, so until next time he and I wish all of you a terrific night.