Wednesday Hodge Podge

1. April rolls in at the end of this week and in celebration of that infamous date (April 1) answer this question-what is something foolish you've done?

oh gee....I don't know.  I do some foolish things, but probably the most foolish was holding onto something that wasn't real...trying to be someone I wasn't...spending time and money and energy on a person who in the end wasn't the person I thought

2. With April comes Easter and that classic edible treat known as Peeps...so tell me...what's your favorite way to eat/fix chicken? That's wasn't what you were expecting was it? I 'fooled' you. teehee

chicken tenders....dipped in ranch dressing....mmmmm

3. What's the best museum you've ever visited? Or your favorite? Or the one you'd most like to visit?

any of the Smithsonian's...and the Museum of Natural History

4. You know what they say about April showers....what's your preference-a bath or a shower?

shower, absolutely....i like baths like a hot tub or sauna...not for cleaning...bleh

5. "Absence makes the heart grow fonder"-fact or fiction? Why?

guess it depends on if the heart was fond to start with....if it was, and there is consistent communication...then sure; but if the parting was not mutual, was not amicable, probably not

6. What's your favorite product made/grown in your home state/province?

guess I'd have to know what grows here...lol...oh wait, my home state....hmmm...Blue Bell Ice Cream and Dr. Pepper

7. What is going on in the world today that affects you the most?

the economy in general...nothing is guaranteed

8. Insert your own random thought here.

no randomness here today...just reflection, refocusing, and hopes for inspiration and guidance this weekend

 

Wee Bit of Me

{one} if you won a trip to Disneyland/world, who would you take with you?

my children, of course...even my 20 year old daughter... ;)

{two} when was the last time you listened to a CD?

awhile ago...i just load them into itunes then listen from there

{three} what spice/seasoning is your favorite?

garlic-pepper seasoning

{four} if you were in a band, what kind of music would you play?

i have no idea...probably country

{five} if you could have personally witnessed one historical event, which one would it be?

I don't even know...perhaps the first moon walk...

{six} if you could go back to school, what would you study?

I would continue my education in Health Information Management (I have my associate's, but want my bachelor's...and there is now a master's program as well)

{seven} if you could go to one sporting event, all expenses paid, which one would you see?

hmmmm.....I don't know...probably whatever my son would choose

{eight} do you drive an automatic or a manual?

I drive an automatic...don't even know how to drive a manual

{nine} are you comfortable speaking in front of people?

No-No-No-No....not even a little bit. My voice shakes, my hands shake, and I usually either laugh hysterically or cry uncontrollably....

{ten} have you ever experienced an earthquake?

Nope… thank goodness!  Tornado, yes...but no other forces of mother nature

The Queen's Meme

1. What is your favorite lipstick color and why?

it's called "Sorbet"...it's a metallic pink...which I'm told looks good on me (and it's at The Dollar Tree...so the price is good)

2. How long does it take you to get ready to go to work in the morning?

if I am *only* counting shower, dress, makeup and hair....probably 30-40 min; but I have much more to get done in the mornings so from the time I get up until walking out the door...usually an hour to an hour and a half if I'm lucky and get up on time

3. Do you have your nails professionally done? Mani? Pedi?

I do...and I have recently started getting pedicures too....heaven!

4. Tell us about your latest spa experience - real or imagined.

what i imagined will not be happening...so I shall pass

 

5. Is there something you'd like to change about your appearance? Would you ever have cosmetic surgery?

just my weight...maybe my stretch marks...and I do have a scar on my ankle from a vascular infection a few years ago....and no cosmetic surgery

6. How do you take care of your skin?

lotion and I try to wash my face each night

 

7. Tell us your secrets for vibrant, shiny, healthy-looking hair.

Tresemme shampoo and conditioner....

8. What is your favorite fragrance?

Haiku and Rare Pearlsby Avon

9. Everyone has a certain color they love to wear. What is yours?

i wear alot of black, with colored shirts, etc....I have alot of pink and green shirts

10. Do you have ink?

I do not

11. How would you describe your personal style?

comfy and casual

 

HOO Am I??

1. What is your favorite magazine?

The Ensign; Scrapbooks, etc; Creating Keepsakes; PaperCrafts; Interweave Crochet

 

2. What color are your eyes?

brown

 

3. Do you go to the dentist on a regular 6 month schedule, or do you put it off?

i have not in the past...but plan to start.  Just had a broken tooth pulled and a bone graft put in, had my teeth cleaned yesterday, and have a bit more work to  have done....and scheduled my next cleaning.  The boys are next....little do they know.

4. Do you use anything to make your house smell good?

I love candles...and I recently got a Scentsy warmer, so I've been trying out new scents....Pomegranite Passion is my fave so far!

5. Do you have any pets?

yes....3 inside cats, 1 outside cat, 1 outside dog and 2 inside dogs (for now)

PINT

LDW Post for 3-27-11 (I'm a week delayed)

Prayer



First, my apologies for being a week behind. Still getting the hang of single momhood…some days and weeks have their challenges.


As the second installment in my series on how to be happy…it goes without saying that prayer should be an integral part of this journey. Without it, not much else we do will be very effective.


There are 7 principles of prayer (from lds.org search for “prayer”:

*Make our prayers meaningful

*Use language that shows love, respect, reverence, and closeness

*Always give thanks to Heavenly Father

*Seek Heavenly Father’s guidance and strength in all we do

*Remember the needs of others as we pray

*Seek the guidance of the Holy Ghost as we pray

*Do all we can to assist in it’s being granted

I’d like to address the last principle, as I think that is where I falter most of the time. It is common, I think, and I know I certainly do this, to pray for a certain outcome or to pray for guidance, direction, discernment, etc…and then just wait for it to come. I equate this to praying for a good grade on a test, and then not studying for said test and still expecting to get a good grade. We must put action behind our words.

But what if what we pray for doesn’t happen? Or what if it doesn’t happen the way we want or anticipate? I prayed much during last year, when I suspected my husband’s infidelity…prayed for confirmation, prayed for his heart to be softened. And there were times when I thought I had received answers…but the outcome of my prayers is not what I wanted at the time, and is certainly not what I expected.

When I was struggling to know if my decision to separate from my husband was the right decision, I prayed for some sign, for some confirmation that I was doing the right thing. I also fasted, studied my scriptures, paid attention to sacrament talks and other lessons. The Sunday after he had gone home to visit his family, and while I was in the midst of my indecision, I was overcome with the spirit during the opening song in Relief Society. The song was “Choose the Right”…and the line was in the second verse, “Be safe through inspiration’s power”. I was filled with an incredible sense peace, while at the same time I couldn’t catch my breath, my heart was pounding, and I suddenly started crying. In that moment, I knew without a doubt that I was doing the right thing for my family.

I do believe that everything I have experienced has been part of the Lord’s plan. For reasons I have yet to fully understand, what I prayed for and the positive answers I thought I received are not to be. And I’m slowly starting to be OK with that. That is not to say that it has been easy, there have been and will still be bumps along the way…but I have a peace I would never have expected or received if I had simply prayed for it.

As we approach General Conference weekend, I encourage each of us to consider the challenges we face and prayerfully formulate questions we’d like to receive answers to. Invite the spirit into our hearts, so we will be ready and able to obey the words of the Lord’s mouthpiece.

Curious As A Cat

1) Who is your best friend, and why?

Jenn and Holly...because we each have much in common, we have been there for each other for , I can talk to both of them about anything and know that they support me whether they agree with my decision at the time or not (and I like to think they feel the same)

2) What was the last good book you read?

Narcissistic Lovers...good in the sense that it made me aware of many things in my life that I had previously been blind to

3) Do you know how to tell the difference between edible mushrooms and poisonous ones?

nope...if I buy them at the store (which I always do) then they are edible

4) Show and Tell. What comes to mind first when you see this picture? Or, tell a story if it reminds you of one.

 

EEEWWWWW!!!

Meet Me on Monday

1. Crunchy or soft tacos?

soft...i like crunchy, but they are kinda messy, so I prefer soft

 

2. Do you scrapbook?

i do...or did anyway...haven't had time in a while...but hoping to get back to it soon

 

3. Do you take any daily medications?

i do

 

4. What is your favorite sound?

water flowing....or the sound of my children sleeping...;)

5. Where were you born?

Waco, Texas

 

Friend Making Monday

FMM:

A Few More Gender-Friendly Questions

1) What is your favorite physical feature?

(this was a question on another blog hop this week...)  my eyes and my finger nails (not sure they count...I pay for them!)

2) List three adjectives that describe you.

Friendly~~Dedicated~~Spiritual

3) How old were you when you had your first kiss?

I think I was 11 or 12..but I thought it was GROSS...

4) Do you believe in God?

ABSOLUTELY!!

5) How often do you watch the news?

not very....I have a couple of news apps on my ipad

All About Me

1. Where did you & your significant other go on your 1st date?

N/A

2. What do you think is your best physical asset?

my eyes and my fingernails (of course I pay form them..lol)

3. Would you rather do the dishes or clean toilets?

dishes, thanks

4. Can you fall asleep anywhere?

if I'm tired enough, yeah

5. Peanut butter or Nutella?

peanut butter...honey roasted creamy...mmmmmm....yum

6. What year did you graduate high school?

1990

7. Exercise... love it or hate it?

depends on what it is and how quickly I can see results...

 

Sunday Stealing

26. Who has done something today to show they care about you?

Jenn and Holly...always.  they check on me every day. 

27. Do you have a lot to learn?

don't we all?  if we didn't have something still to learn, we wouldn't still be here

28. If you could learn how to do three things just by wishing and not by working what would they be?

sign language~~dance~~quilting

29. Which do you remember the longest: what other people say, what other people do or how other people make you feel?

how other people make me feel....

30. What are the key ingredients to having a good relationship?

faith, shared religious values, honesty, respect, loyalty, communication, caring, compassion, devotion, like-mindedness, space, understanding,

31. What 3 things do you want to do before you die?

go to the temple~~raise my children~~buy my son's headstone

32. What three things would you want to die to avoid doing?

rush into another relationship~~allow anyone to make me feel responsible for their poor choices~~???(dont' have a third)

33. Is there a cause you believe in more than any other cause?

there are a few that are equal....Prematurity Awareness, Pregnancy and Infant Loss, Fetal Hope Foundation (specifically TTTS)

34. What does each decade make you think of:

50s--poodle skirts and saddle shoes

60s--peace, drugs, etc

70s--??

80s--rock music,

90s--technology

35. Which decade do you feel the most special connection to and why?

prob the 80s....that's when i was in high school

36. What is your favorite oldie/classic rock song?

i have too many to pick a favorite

37. What country do you live in and who is the leader of that country?

USA...Obama (although describing him as a "leader" is probably an oxymoron)

If you could say any sentence to the current leader of your country what would it be?

wth are you doing????

38. What's your favorite TV channel to watch in the middle of the night?

music channels (not videos, just tv radio)

39. What Disney villain are you the most like and why?

not a clue

40. Have you ever been a girl scout/boy scout?

I was a girl scout when we lived in West Berlin

41. If you were traveling to another continent would you rather fly or take a boat?

if by boat, you mean a cruise...then absolutely!  otherwise, i'll fly

42. Why is the sky blue during the day and black at night?

because of the sun's presence/absence

43. What does your name mean?

Michelle--Hebrew, "who is like God"

44. Would you rather explore the deeps of the ocean or outer space?

the deeps of the ocean

45. Word association

What is the first word that comes to mind when you see the word:

Air:  breathing 

Meat:   beef

Different:  same

Pink:  purple

Deserve: earn

White:  black

Elvis: Graceland

Magic:  rabbit

Heart: love

Clash: Titans 

Pulp: juice

46. If you could meet any person in the world who is dead who would you want it to be?

my son

47. What if you could meet anyone who is alive?

no burning desire to meet anyone that I haven't already

48. Is there a movie that you love so much you could watch it everyday?

Titanic

(I would have chosen Twilight, but I'd rather read the books over and over than watch the movies)

49. You are going to be stuck alone in an elevator for a week. What do you bring to do?

crochet, journal, scriptures...and as long as I have either my laptop and/or my ipad, I can do all of that except crochet

50. Have you ever saved someone's life or had your life saved?

i pounded a hunk of french fries from my daughters mouth when she was a baby; my life was saved in a medical sense during my last delivery and in a spiritual sense more recently...

saturday nine

 A Long December

1. Looking back at it now, how were your holidays and your time on New Year's Eve?

christmas sucked, and new year's was a farce

2. Do you have any unusual collections?

depends on who you ask...I like pens and paper, shoes, bags...and I collect figurines each Christmas for my son that died

3. If you could train a machine to do one thing for you whenever you wanted, what would you have it do?

take the dogs out

4. What is one thing that makes you cry?

there isn't any one thing that makes me cry...EVERYTHING makes me cry, depending on the day or event--music, tv, a conversation, thoughts

5. What do you love to do on the weekend?

sleep in, scrapbook (used to anyway), spending time with my children,

6. Do you and your family get along?

some of us do....maybe one day we will again...even if "getting along" means not speaking ever again

7. Have you ever gotten kicked out somewhere? If yes, do tell.

um...no

 

8. Who do you normally turn to when you need to complain about something?

Jenn or Holly...depends on which is available at the time

9. What is the last thing you ordered on-line?

a green dot card

Six Word Saturday

never enough hours in the day

Friday Fill Ins

And...here we go!

1. Why does it seem that I never get the things accomplished that I wish to ?  Ugh!

2. Absolutely nothing is equal to a mother's love for her children.

3. My favorite breakfast includes eggs and toast.

4. Narcissistic Lovers was the last book I read and I am reading it again to make notes and comparisons to my life.

5. I am SO glad today is FRIDAY (for another 35 minutes at least).

6. Sleep and pain meds would make me feel better right now.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to spending the evening at home, tomorrow my plans include taking my son to help collect shoes for a fellow scouts Eagle Project, taking my other son to Lowe's and then to Sesame Street Live and Sunday, I want to find someone to take my son to the basketball game as I am sure he would enjoy someone other than his mother's company!

 

Rock N Roll Friday

John Lennon.

1. Gimme Some Truth “I'm sick and tired of hearing things

From uptight, shortsighted, narrow-minded hypocrites

All I want is the truth

Just gimme some truth"

What is one undeniable truth in your life?

God lives and loves me...I feel it and see it every day of my life.  Sometimes I have to look a little harder for it...but I

2. Instant Karma “Why in the world are we here?

Surely not to live in pain and fear

Why on Earth are you there

When you're everywhere

Gonna get your share"

Why in the world do you think you are here?

See the title of my blog.....based on my favorite scripture, which says it all.....2 Nephi 2:25 (in the Book of Mormon)

"Adam fell that men might be, and men are, that they might have joy."

WE are all here to be happy...this life is one step in that progression to eternal happiness.

3. Out of the Blue “Out the blue you came to me

And blew away life's misery”

Has anyone ever came out of the blue for you?

seemed like it at the time....but hindisght has a funny way of making things so much more clear

4. Jealous Guy “I didn't mean to hurt you

I'm sorry that I made you cry

Oh no, I didn't want to hurt you

I'm just a jealous guy”

Tell us about a time when you were jealous.

I don't get jealous....or try not to.  Probably in high school...

5. Mind Games “We're playing those mind games together

Pushing the barriers planting seeds

Playing the mind guerrilla

Chanting the Mantra peace on earth”

When was the last time someone played mind games with you?

Feb 2010 - Jan 2011 and probably much before this, but this is the time period I remember and recognize it the most

6. Imagine “Imagine no possessions I wonder if you can

No need for greed or hunger a brotherhood of man

Imagine all the people

Sharing for the world”

What's your favorite possession?

my scrapbooks and pictures

7. Working Class Hero “They hurt you at home and they hit you at school

They hate you if you're clever and they despise a fool

Till you're so crazy you can't follow their rules

A working class hero is something to be

A working class hero is something to be”

How did you get along in high school?

I did well in school...

8. I'm Stepping Out “Gotta, gotta, gotta, gotta get out

I'm stepping out, babe

Just a while

Ain't been out for days”

When was the last time you went out on the town? What did you do?

technically, I was "out of town" last night....had an appt in a neighboring state....but it is so close, probably doesn't really count; so, i guess it was October.....went to Red Bud IL for a family reunion

9. Steel and Glass “Well, your mouthpiece squawks as he spreads your lies

But you can't pull strings if your hands are tied, hey, hey”

Who was the last person who spread lies about you?

I think I will defer comment here....suffice it to say they know and I know the truth...matters not how they try to spin it

10. God “God is a concept

By which we measure

Our pain”

How do you conceive “god”?

He is our Heavenly Father and only wants what is best for us...He gives the knowledge and ability to handle the trials and blessings in this life, with the intent to return to Him at some point

11. I'm Losing You “Here in some stranger's room,

Late in the afternoon,

What am I doing here at all?”

Have you ever cheated on a lover or been cheated on?

I have never cheated or even contemplated cheating(though I have been accused of such)....but I have been cheated on.  Began in Feb of last year (but was not confirmed until Nov), and continues to present day, as I was not able to file for divorce until Feb of this year and therefore it is not yet final. 

12. Whatever Gets You Through the Night “Whatever gets you through your life 'salright, 'salright

Do it wrong or do it right 'salright, 'salright

Don't need a watch to waste your time oh no, oh no”

What gets you through the night?

exhaustion...and sleep aids don't hurt (they don't help as much as you would think, but they don't hurt)

13. Give Peace a Chance “Everybody's talkin' 'bout ministers, sinisters

Banisters and canisters, bishops and fishops

Rabbis and pop eyes, bye bye, bye byes”

What's everyone talking about where you live?

it was Liz Taylor's death....not sure now

Fill in the Blank Friday

1. My most prized possession(s) is(are) my scrapbooks and pictures.

2. If I could be one age for the rest of my life, I would want to be ?? I don't think I have been an age that I would want to stay. I'll be 39 in a few months...I tease that it's going to be my last birthday...:)

3. The best way to spend a weekend is sleeping in, spending time with family, making memories.

4. My outlook on life is hopeful, now anyway. Most of the time, I'm pretty optimistic. I still get discouraged and frustrated with many things going on in my life, but in the end I still am hopeful.

5. If you want to annoy me, just talk incessantly about nothing.

6. I am completely defenseless when it comes to my children. They are the reason I put one foot in front of the other every single day, they are what keeps me focused on my journey.

7. When dressing for the day one should check the weather and check the calendar for any appts.

Five Minutes

another new one....




OK, are you ready? Give me your best five minutes for the prompt:




Waking Up….

I hate waking up....mostly because I go to bed too late trying to get things done.  I spend the day sleepy...makes for a long day.  I like Saturdays, cuz even though I still get up early, I can usually go back to bed for a bit.  Once these dogs are no longer my responsibility, I can enjoy waking up a bit more....I will still be sleepy, but I won't feel so rushed.

Another thought I have about waking up is that, sometimes, the expectations you have for a day when it begins sometimes never comes to fruition.  Like today.  I got to work, planning to get things accomplished, not expecting to see  my boss, as he is supposed to be on vacation.  Well he comes in...and drops a bombshell on the dept.  One, we have lost one of our team members.....due to extenuating circumstances, she can no longer work at our facility. 

But the biggest news is that he has resigned.  He was contacted by a recruiter...and has now accepted a position at another company that will allow him to further utilize and expand his skills.  While I am happy for him as it is a great opportunity....I am very saddened that he is leaving.  I have a great deal of respect for him professionally and have learned much from him in the 7.5 years we have worked together.  He has also become a friend during that time.  Of course there is the uncertainty of who will replace him and the added responsibilities in the interim.  My already too full platter will soon become a full course meal!

We have had a running joke for several years....he has always told me that if I ever leave, he will kill me.  I have told him if he ever leaves, I will be going with him.  I reminded him of that today....and he confirmed that he remembers.

Wednesday HodgePodge

found a new one...(and a few others too..different days though)!

1. Sunday was the first day of spring. So they say. Ahem

What is your favorite outdoor springtime activity?

just being outside....taking my son to the park, going for walks....I love the breeze, the birds, the sun

 

2. Who would you want to come into your kitchen to cook dinner for you?

Paula Deen....The Neely's....Cake Boss

3. When was the last time you flew a kite?

I don't even know....it's been a while

4. What topic puts you to sleep faster than anything?

politics, history...but if I'm sleepy, it doesn't much matter what the topic is....

5. What flowers do you associate with specific people, places, or events?

lillies make me think of spring...Easter...

6. What significant historical events took place during your elementary school years?

we lived in West Berlin during parts of the conflicts there...I don't remember what the "conflict" was called...it was in the late 70s...I remember my mom stitched a piece of fabric with my grandparents names and addresses in each of our coats in case anything happened while we were at school and had to be sent back to the states emergently....

in jr high, the shuttle explosion happened; i was in the eighth grade and at school when that happened

in high school, the oliver north trials were going on; the Persian Gulf War began near the end of my senior year

7. Do you swear? Do you pseudo-swear? (you know- crap, shoot, friggin' ?)

pseudo swear...yes, i do, but too terribly much; actually swear...I try not to but sometimes things slip out, especially when I'm angry or frustrated

8. Insert your own random thought here-

no random thoughts here....sorry....

 

Wee Bit of Me

{one} what was your first job?

other than babysitting or work study in college...I worked as a nurse's aide in a nursing for a number of years while going to school

{two} have you ever seen a stand up comedian?

I have...don't ask me who he was though, I don't remember; it was at my 5 year anniversary dinner for a previous employer..

{three} when was the last time you played mini golf?

it's been quite some time...but it is fun!

{four} what was the last picture you took?

my son at the park the other evening

{five} burnt food: yes or no?

only roasted marshmallows....I let them catch on fire then blow it out.....YUM!

{six} if you have a pocket full of change, what do you do with it?

depends...if my son is aware of the change, he puts it in his bank; if I am at work, I put it in my desk drawer; at home...it goes in my wallet

{seven} can you touch your tongue to your nose?

um...no

{eight} do you scrapbook?

i do...but it's been quite a while....hoping to get back to it soon though...in fact will be doing a page tonight at the request of a friend

{nine} do you buy lottery tickets?

I do not

{ten} do you prefer to be in front of the camera or behind it?

behind it of course...

Top 2 Tuesday

Top 2 Dream Rooms

1--A fully organized, functional, SCRAPBOOK/CRAFT Room....something like this:

or this

or even this (although this is a little busy for me)

2--a step down living room....similar to this, although I don't really like this layout

what i envision is a small entry way as you walk in the front door, looking into the living room...a right angle step down, so basically the right wall as you walk in would be an built in entertainment center, the wall opposite the entry way would be a large window/sliding door to the back patio/deck, creating one corner; the other corner would be one continual step, with a couch up against one side and chairs etc on the other, creating a "walk way" at the corner to step into the living room from.  I see it in my head...doesn't seem to translate as well in words....