Outfit of the Day 11.01.12

Well, today is a much more casual day for me.  Woke up not feeling like getting as spiffy as I normally would.  So, this is what the morning brought.

White tee: Aeropostale

Chambray Shirt: Arizona Jeans (JCP)

Pants: Banana Republic

Watch: Fossil

Shoes: Steve Madden (DSW)

Wrist Brace: Walgreens (this is part of why I wasn't feeling it today)

This is my daughter's Halloween Costume from last night.  A pretty little Kitty!

Then this morning, I get the "tude".  It's wacky outfit day at school and she was all excited about it last night.  She gets dressed this morning, and it's nothing but complaints.  

So, I started calling her little Miss. Pouty Pants.

Shirt: Crazy 8

Leggings: Crazy 8

Zebra stripes on arms: those are actually leg warmers that she's too big for by Baby Legs

Tutu: Not really sure - part of some dress up costume

Hair bows: made by me

That is all for today....and believe me, that is enough.  Tootles my loves!!

Outfit of the Day 10.31.12

Yes...it's HALLOWEEN!!  And today, I decided to come to work dressed as...an employee!  HAHA!!  Maybe next year I will put a little more thought into it and come up with an actual costume.  :)

Shirt: Banana Republic

Blazer: American Eagle

Pants: Worthington (JCP)

Shoes: Nine & CO. (old)

Watch: Fossil

Earrings: JCP

Outfit of the Day 10.30.12

Well, I had good intentions when I started doing "Outfit of the Day", but life gets in the way and things come up.  So, I will be posting as many as I can.  Once again, please forgive me as I have, yet another, horrible work restroom pic.  I just haven't had time to correct the lighting situation at home.  Maybe I'll have time this weekend. 

For today, I actually have 2 photos for you.  Since it has gotten cold around here, it's time to pull out those coats.  

Coat: JRB (Janie Rose Boutique)

I have to say, this is my most FAV coat!  I am in love with the color.  

 Top: JRB (Janie Rose Boutique)

Bottoms: HUE footless leggins (Dillards)

Boots: Nicole (DSW)

Watch: Fossil

Earrings: JRB

I didn't realize it, but I guess it was a JRB kind of day today!!  If you're not familiar with JRB, you can find them on Facebook as well as the web.  www.janieroseboutique.com  You will really like their clothes.  As you can tell, I'm obsessed with them.

That's it for today.  Tootles my loves!

Outfit of the Day 10.22.12

Ok...so, I know I promised to start taking pics at home.  And I did just that.  Only the lighting is TERRIBLE!!  So, until I figure out how to fix that (hopefully, tonight), here is the horrible restroom pic for today. Sorry for the weird stance I seem to be taking in this pic...I don't know what came over me.  And...it looks like I need to apply my self-tanner again.  HA!

Tee: Marshalls

Cardigan: Gap

Pencil Skirt: Banana Republic

Shoes: Tahari from Rack Room Shoes

Belt: Janie Rose Boutique

Watch: Fossil

Got me grooving....

Ok, to say I'm a HUGE Luke Bryan fan, is putting it lightly!!  I've seen him in concert twice and I'm going to do whatever I can to see him in January when he comes to town (*sigh*)... I'll be ready to "shake it" for him by then...as if I'm not already!!

Anyways, in the meantime, the new album that just came out by Jason Aldean is...to say it best...AWESOME!!!!  Now, I don't have the hots for Jason like I do for Luke, but the songs on this album are right up there. 

Yes, Jason does look pretty dang HOT on his album cover, but he's no Luke Bryan.  HAHA!!  Now, I don't normally rave about an entire album, but I have to about this one.  I am in LOVE with this entire set of songs he's put out.  So, I had to download the whole album from iTunes!!  It was just released like 2 days ago and I've been listening to it ever since! 

So.....if you're a country music fan and you haven't heard this yet....well, by golly, get your head outta the ground and get to grooving!!! 

Outfit of the Day 10.19.12

Another terrible work restroom shot.  Lighting sucks.  Thought about taking the pic while I was getting ready this morning, but you know how it is...life gets in the way sometimes.

Top:  Joy Joy from Janie Rose Boutique (LOVE THIS TOP!!)

Pants: Skinny's from American Eagle

Shoes: Steve Madden glittery gold from DSW (gotten TONS of compliments on these)

Watch: TKO from The Courtyard

Now, here is the main reason I didn't get a better pic of me.  I was up half the night creating a "50s outfit" for my daughter to wear to her themed school day.  If I had more notice, I really could have gotten creative, but I'd say this is pretty darn good.  And since I can't even draw a straight stick man, the poodle was out and she got stars.  I don't have a sewing machine so all this was hand stitched.  She loved it when she saw it this morning.  And just an FYI....she's wearing a red hair tie in her ponytail.  

Top: Crazy 8s

Leggings: Carter's

Shoes: Saucony from Marshall's

Poodle...err, star skirt: hand made by  momma

Outfit of the day....

Okay - So I'm going to try to start doing an "Outfit of the Day".  This first picture is kinda terrible b/c it's taken in the restroom at work.  I forgot to take one before I left the house this morning....and I was running late anyways, so I didn't really have time.  And if I had thought about it, I would have taken my daughter's pic as well.  *sigh*...

 

White Top: Banana Republic (has a cropped sleeve)

Kahki Jacket: Ann Taylor Loft

Dark Blue Pants: Gap (old)

Coral Sandals: DSW

Watch: Fossil

Cross Ring: Charming Charlie

Product reviews....

Okay...so, I had originally decided to wait until sometime next week to do a post about some of my most favorite items, but I figured why wait.  This is my first product review, so please bear with me as I have quite a few that I want to post about...

1. Fake Bake Flawless:  This is a self-tanner.  I bought mine on Amazon.com for about $14.  Now, I have never used self-tanners in the past, mostly because I have always been leery of the streaks, the orange color that most turn your skin, and the blatantly obvious look of "yeah, I just put on a self-tanner and that's why I look like a freak".  I mean, who really wants to look like they rolled around in the Georgia clay/mud?  Not I!!  So, unless you're out riding four-wheelers through the Arkabutla bottoms (us North Mississippians know what that is) and getting muddy intentionally, give this a try.

There are a couple things to know before using.
1.  First and foremost...take a shower before using this product.  And be sure to shave all areas that you would normally shave.  And please, please exfoliate before using this after you shave.  You don't want all those dead skin cells that are left behind after shaving to have an affect on how this product takes to your skin. 
2.  When you get the product, it will come w/ 2 purple gloves, a mitt, a spray nozzle and the tanner itself.  Now, I read a lot of reviews where they loved the product but complained about it leaking.  Let me tell you right now how to solve that problem.  The "straw" on the spray nozzle is WAY too long.  So, before you replace the original cap on the bottle with the spray nozzle, I highly recommend taking a pair of scissors and cutting about one inch off the bottom of the "straw".  And trust me, that will NOT be too much.
3.  Please be sure to use the gloves that come w/ the product and you can use them over and over again.
4.  The mitt is the best part about the product.  You place it on your hand over the gloves.
5.  On the brown side of the mitt (the soft side), put about 2 or 3 sprays of the product on the mitt and begin to rub it into your skin.  I usually start out w/ my back.  I'm single so I have to do this part myself, but if you have a spouse or significant other, they can do it for you.  Be sure to bend your elbows, knees and fingers when applying the product to those parts.
6.  When applying it to the face, I usually just put one spray of the product on the mitt and then rub into my face.  Make sure to rub into the hairline so that you don't get that "I don't know how to apply make-up" look.  If after trying, you decide that you don't like the all over face application, then just start applying it to the areas where you would naturally be kissed by the sun such as the cheek bones, top of nose, forehead, etc.
7.  For my hands, I usually do those last.  I take my gloves off and just use the tanner that is left over on the mitt to do my hands with (don't spray any extra on the mitt).  Be sure to get in-between your fingers, too.

Now, my skin tone is naturally an olive color...meaning that I tan pretty easily.  So, it doesn't take much of this product to give me the color that I like.  This comes as a 6oz. bottle, so it should last you quite some time.  I highly recommend doing this as the very last thing of the day, right before you go to bed.  That way you are not messing w/ any water and you have overnight for it to set.  Most reviews I read on this said that they didn't have any issue with the product rubbing off onto their bed sheets while they slept.  I, on the other hand, did.  It wasn't a whole lot, but I did have some.  I think mostly it's because I like to sleep on my stomach so what did come off was on my pillow.  No biggie...nothing the washing machine can't take care of.  The next morning when you shower, it will look like it's all washing off...don't freak.  It will be fine.  Also, some reviewers said they did a 2nd application the next night.  For some folks, that may be something you want to do.  For me, because of my skin tone, I usually only apply it about every 3 or 4 days to keep my color.  And this stuff dries really fast, so don't spray it onto your body and then rub it because it may dry faster than you can get to it.  Be sure to spray it onto the mitt and then rub onto your skin.  And because it dries so fast, you don't have to stand around in your birthday suit waiting on it to dry.  Also, it doesn't have that "I just laid in a tanning bed, that's why I have that funky odor coming from me" smell.  It smells kinda tropical.  I think it smells kind of like coconuts...but that's just me.

Anyhoo...I hope you give it a try.  It's way better than going for a professional spray tan.  Besides the fact that you don't have to deal with someone looking at your body imperfections and criticizing you in their head.  I mean, who really wants to get down to your skivvies in front of someone you don't know.  This product also beats the tanning beds.  We all know those aren't good for you.  And I personally just don't have the patience to sit in some freaking hot bed for 15 or 20 minutes anymore.  I could be doing something much more productive with my time.... like applying this self-tanner.

2. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer:  I just recently discovered this and I must say that I LOVE it!!!  It's supposed to "erase" those dark circles, but I've only been using it for about a week now so I can only see a slight difference with it.  It has helped me look more awake, though, and I like that!  It is about $7 at like Wal-mart or Target, but so very worth it. Because of my skin tone, I use #130 Bluff Beige.

In my family, both the men and women have the dark circles.  So, no matter how much rest I get, I still look like I've been hit in the eyes with a baseball bat (not really that bad, but close) most days.  Again, I read product reviews on it before I bought it.  And it got TONS of great reviews.  It doesn't take much and I only apply it in sort of a triangle shape under my eyes down to the edge of my nose, tapping it onto my face.  Then I very lightly blend it in w/ the tip of my finger.  Be careful when doing that as it can rub away fairly easily causing you to apply more.

I like this product for a couple reasons.  1. It doesn't cake up and doesn't make you look like you've put this thick concealer on.  It's really light and you don't even know you have it on.  2. Once you set it w/ powder, you are good to go.  There is no need to apply more unless you are going to be meeting the girls up for a night of fun after work. 

3. Cover Girl Clean Foundation: This is another product that I just recently started using.  I had been using Almay, but they have gone up...WAY up on their prices as well as they must have discontinued what I was using because I can no longer find it.  So, instead of paying like $12 for a small bottle of Almay foundation, I started using this.  It's only like $5 in the store.  I use #535 Medium Light and it works for my skin.  It's supposed to help against acne breakouts which is also what the Almay product did.  But with this, it saves me $7.  It's really light and airy and I like that.  I don't like feeling like I have layers and layers of makeup on.  I use this to blend into the edge of the Maybelline eye concealer I use (mentioned above) and over the rest of my face.  Overall, it's a really great product and I highly recommend it.

4. L'Oreal True Match Super-Blendable Powder:  Another product that I just recently started using.  It's like $8 or $9 in the store.  I use W4 Natural Beige.  I normally use Physicians Formula, but they were out of the one I buy that day and I needed some, so I bought this (plus, I had a $2 off coupon, so I thought I'd try it).  And I really love this stuff!  It's very light and doesn't cake up over my concealer and foundation.  AND...it doesn't take very much of it to cover. So, I can see it lasting me a while. 

5. Neutrogena MoistureShine Lip Soother:  I have been using these for about a year now and it's probably one of my most used items!  I carry it with me everywhere - Literally!  I am not one to use lipstick...never have been.  I hate how cakey and thick lipsticks feel on my lips.  So, I have always used glosses or lip shines.  Plus, I like the more natural look to my lips.  It's about $6 in the store and I switch up between two different ones: #40 Gleam and # 45 Sparkle.  Both are great!! 

6. Amber Romance Ultra Moisturizing Hand Cream by Victoria's Secret:  I have to say that I absolutely LOVE this stuff!!!  I'm not a huge "lotion" person.  Never have been because I don't like the greasy feeling of lotion.  I use Aveeno on my legs after I shave and on dry spots during the cold months because I have to, but that's as far as I go w/ lotions.  But this Hand Cream is fabulous!!!  I use it all the time. I keep some on my desk at work and I have some at home!  I like using the cream because it's thick enough that it doesn't leave a slippery, greasy feeling on my hands, but yet it really moisturizes.  Victoria's Secret carries these in several different scents, but I love the Amber Romance the best.  It's not over-powering, but smells really good and I get lots of compliments on it!  I think they normally run about $12, but most of the time VS has specials of like 3 for $25.  That's when I normally buy them up.  Plus, I don't have to go back so often if I do that as the closest one to me is about 30 minutes away.   

7. St. Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub:  A few months back (I think around February time frame), I did a post on my face cleaning routine which included Neutrogena Naturals face wash and the Olay Pro-X system.  I still use those as they work for me and I really like that the Pro-X removes the dirt and make-up that my normal face washing doesn't, but I also use this St. Ives Apricot scrub.  I mostly use it in the mornings while I shower.  I like that it is a scrub and it exfoliates my skin.  Plus it smells good!!  I'm pretty sure the one I have is for sensitive skin because my face is pretty sensitive to certain things.  It's about $3 or $4 at Wal-mart. And I really like it a lot!!   

8.  St. Ives Timeless Skin Collagen Elastin Moisturizer: Yet another recent discovery.  I have been needing a facial moisturizer for quite some time, but again, I don't like the greasy feel that most have.  I did some checking around and read a ton of great reviews on this.  So, I decided to start using it.  I like how it moisturizes my skin, but I don't put it on my nose. I think it just adds to the oil that the skin on my nose naturally produces and I definitely don't need any help with that.  But I apply it at night after I wash my face and in the mornings after my shower.  I apply it to my face and neck.  Again, I just recently started using it, so I can only see a very slight difference.  But I like it so I will continue to use it.  I think it's only like $3.50 in Wal-mart.  I think it's like 10oz and it will last you FOREVER because it doesn't take much!  But I did read a couple reviews where they used it on their stomach/thighs/legs after having a baby and it seemed to help.  But that's your call.  I just use it on my face and neck.   

9. Arm & Hammer Sensitive Toothpaste: For quite a number of years now, I have struggled with pretty sensitive teeth.  I don't like really cold things on my teeth.  That's why I don't drink anything with ice in it unless I have a straw nor do I hardly ever eat ice cream.  Some time ago, after my hygienist recommended it, I started using the Sensodyne toothpaste. It was expensive (like $5 a tub), but it was the only sensitive toothpaste out and it worked, so I continued to use it.  Recently, Arm & Hammer came out with a sensitive version.  I decided to give it a try mostly because it was half the cost of the Sensodyne.  I can tell you that with the first tube, I couldn't wait to get through it.  I didn't like it and I think it was mostly because of the flavor.  The next time, I tried a different flavor.  I've been using it for a few months now and I really like it.  It works just as well as the expensive stuff, but at a way better price.  I'm not home right now, so I can't remember what flavor I use, but you can just try them and see which works for you.

Okay folks - there ya go.  I know it was quite a bit to take in, but I just wanted to give my thoughts on the products I use.  Let me know what you use that you love or hate!  I can't wait to see your comments.

Tootles!! 

Wait....so I pissed you off?

Let me set the record straight.  In my lifetime, I have pissed off my fair share of folks.  Do I feel bad about it?  In some cases, yes.  But in most cases, that would be a big fat NO!  Why don't I feel bad about it?  Well, funny you should ask.  I will gladly explain...

I learned a long time ago that I can't and won't live my life based on what other people think of me.  If I did, I might not ever come out of my house.

If you know me, then you know that I hold back on a lot of things, but when pushed to it, I will say what I feel and believe in.  If it pisses you off, then I make no apology for it.  I'm not going to talk bad about somebody...that's not who I am. I'm going to tell you like it is.  If I do something you don't like, then again...I make no apology for it.  I most likely did it for a reason.

And you can stay pissed at me if you like.  You can even judge me if you like.  But just know that by you doing that....it means I affected your life, you didn't affect mine.

Y'all be good now...ya hear!!

Time to refocus.....

If you know me, then you know that for the past 3 years, I have been battling a few things in my life.  Anything from personal relationships, to family relationships, to hurtful words, to the ex-husband, to being talked about, even to my own inner conflicts. 

Last night as I sat outside in the cool evening air, I did a LOT of thinking.  A lot of reflecting on what the heck is going on with me.  All these memories (good and bad) rolled across my brain.  Some brought me to tears and some made me smile and laugh. 

Some of those memories, I look back on and wonder why am I being blamed for it because they were completely out of my control?  Other memories make me wonder what the hell I was thinking. 

And because of that, I stayed away from a lot of people.  I withdrew and kept to myself.  

But what I decided after all this soul searching I did, and of course, speaking with a few friends, was this.....I am NOT my past.  I will no longer carry the hurt and burden of the past on my shoulders. 

My TRUE friends will always be there to cry with me and to laugh with me....no matter what!!  As quoted by one of my friends, "I say "F" all them!!!" (girl....you know who you are).  And honestly, that's just what I needed to hear!  So, I say Thank You to my dear friend for waking me out of this fog I've been in for the last 3 years. 

With this, the time has come for me to refocus myself.  I have a beautiful and kind-hearted little girl that I need to rededicate myself to (not that I wasn't already).  But she deserves to have a mom that is 100% focused!

Much love to all my friends that continue to stand by me!!  You have no idea just how much it means to me!!

How does she do it?

Ok, so I've been asked on several hundred occasions in my life, "how do you stay so skinny?".  Normally my answer is just a laugh and a smile.  But I think it's about time to blog about it.

During my almost 36 years on this earth, I can honestly say that I've never really had any issues w/ my weight with the exception of my pregnancy/post pregnancy.  I gained about 35 to 40 pounds and it took almost a year after giving birth to lose the pregnancy weight.  I mean, I could have lost the weight quicker if I had really tried, but I was a new mom and my daughter was my biggest concern...still is.

Anyhoo, for me...I guess my "skinniness" is in the genes.  I believe I took after my grandfather and my biological father.  My grandfather was 6'4" and skinny as a rail.  My biological father was probably about 6' and just as skinny.  But at this point in my life, I don't consider myself "skinny".  Yes, you read that correctly.  I'm 5'6-1/2", weigh 122 pounds and I don't consider myself skinny.  Wait!!!!  Before you start cursing at the screen, let me explain myself.

I consider myself "healthy".  I've passed that age where I can eat whatever I want and not gain anything.  I passed that point about the time I hit the age of 30.  I learned that by what I was eating and what I wasn't able to just shed.  Point is....at 30, I just wasn't as active as I once was.  Don't get me wrong...I had a 2 month old baby at that time, so I was active, but not like I was before she came along.  I pretty much stayed that way for a couple years.  I was skinny as I've been called, but I wasn't healthy.  

After my divorce, I decided I needed something to do with my time when my child was with her father.  So, I took up something that once was so foreign to me....RUNNING.  In fact, I'm training for my 2nd marathon (that's 26.2 miles).  For me, running was a stress reliever!  And at that time...that's exactly what I needed.  When I run, it's like I just focus on my steps and my breathing, listen to my music and forget the world exists....for just a little while anyways.

When I started running, I also committed myself to another change in my life...eating healthy!  Not only for myself, but also for my daughter.  I wanted her to be able to try different foods and to grow to love them.  Of course, it wasn't easy.  Who doesn't go by the bakery section in the grocery store and NOT buy those freshly baked cookies or loaves of bread baked that day, or the delicious smelling pies?  It's a complete trap!!  Why else would they put the bakery in the very front of the stupid store??  Because they know that people very rarely walk thru that section w/out buying anything.  I mean, really!!  Who would rather have a plain, tasteless bag of carrots over something oh so freaking sweet and much more appetizing to the tastebuds??

I learned pretty quickly to just ignore that area of the store...ya know, pretend it's not even there!  Now, I've heard people say many a time that eating healthy doesn't taste good.  Well, if it did taste good, there would be no need for McDonald's, Krispy Kreme, junk food, cokes, etc.  Actually, eating healthy can taste good.  You just have to know how to make it work in your favor!  I've learned how thru trial and error.  So, I'm going to kind of go thru my do's and don't's that work for me.

- Drink LOTS of water
- Eat LOTS of FRESH fruits and veggies, or frozen.  Stay away from the canned veggies...they have too much sodium and weird preservatives in them.
- Eat "lean" meats.  I cut red meat out of my everyday diet a couple years ago (not saying I haven't tried any every once in a while), but I mostly eat fish, shrimp, turkey, chicken.
- Limit your consumption of "toddies" - trust me, I know how hard that is...especially after a rough week at work.  But beer is made from yeast - same thing bread is made from - and what does bread do to ya??
- Limit your bread / pasta intake.  When you do eat it, eat WHOLE grain - not multigrain.  Whole grain is better for you.
- Stay away from white bread / pasta.  Unbelievable, but they are full of sugar.
- Stay away from the caffeine as much as you possibly can.
- Wing yourself off the Vitamin D milk and go for the Fat Free.  You really don't need the Vitamin D unless you have a toddler in the house.  By now, your brain and bones should be developed enough that you don't need the milk that's full of fat.
- Limit how much you eat out.  That goes for all your meals.  Take your lunch to work - that way you know what is in your food because you prepared it.
- Don't be afraid to try different things.  Look for recipes online and change them up to fit you and your family.  I do that all the time.  I usually never follow the original recipe.
- Leave your money and debit/credit card at home.  That way you're not tempted to make a sudden, guilty purchase while at work.

With all this....I also work out a LOT!!  I'm in the gym anywhere from 4 to 6 days a week (depending on my kiddo's schedule).  My gym routine varies.  I know I should probably write down what I do at the gym, but I find that I work out better when I'm not focused on trying to keep up with each step I make at the gym.  I've seen others at the gym writing their routines down, but it just doesn't work for me.  I do, however, keep up with it on a website called www.dailymile.com.  I'm able to log my runs, cycling, fitness routines, etc on there and share w/ others that are on that site as well.  It's actually kind of a motivation for me.

Some days at the gym, I go in and just focus on running.  Other days, I break it down and include a fitness/core workout as well.  On weekends (when my daughter is at her dad's house), I usually hit the gym for about 2 hours a day and about an hour and a half during the week.  Some may say that's a little much, but it works for me.  No, I'm not the spring chicken I used to be, but I want to live a long, happy and healthy life.

Now, I'm not a fan of the word "diet".  When people ask what I do, I try to steer them away from a "diet".  Why? Because I've not known one single person that said they were going on a diet and actually stuck to it.  The word "diet" should be removed from the human language in my opinion.  Don't depend on those diet or quick fix pills.  When you finish taking those pills, what are you going to do then?  In my own personal opinion, the pills are like a dependency.  You don't need to depend on a pill to make you lose weight.  Make a change!!  Even if it's a slow change, just make one.  For instance, make a commitment each week to remove 1 or 2 "bad" things from your current eating habits and replace them w/ good things.  Replace that ice cream w/ sugar free ice cream.  Replace regular fatty bacon w/ healthy turkey bacon.  Limit yourself to one meal out a month...makes it much more of a treat then...but still chose healthy items.  So on and so on!

Most of all...find your will power!!  And stick to it.  People lose weight everyday the healthy way.  So can you.

Now, I'm by no means perfect...I do have my failures.  But I try to limit those to as few food failures as possible....because I like a good cold toddy every now and then just as much as the next person.

Just keep it strong!  You can do this!!  I have faith in ya!!

total misperception

I never imagined at 35 years old that my life would be where it is today.  I'm single and a single mom.  Don't get me wrong...I'm definitely not complaining about that!!!  I just also never imaged after almost 3 years later, the amount of noses that get stuck up in the air at me.  That is one of the bad parts about living in a ho-dunk small town!! 

Unfortunately, it's human nature to be quick to judge others.  Only problem....most of those doing the judging, if not all, don't know what they are being judgmental about.  They hear only one side of a story or hear rumors and think they've got the right to turn a cold shoulder!  I mean...even the bible says not to judge:

And his delight shall be in the fear of the Lord.  He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide disputes by what his ears hear...  Isaiah 11:3

There is only one lawgiver and judge, He who is able to save and to destroy.  But who are you to judge your neighbors?  James 4:12

Yet even with a ton of bible verses about not judging, people are still so quick to do it.  They hear something and think they've got you pegged!  They think they know exactly what kind of person you are.  They think they know all about you.  But do they really know what "went on behind closed doors"?  NO!! 

From the outside, to neighbors, friends,  and even family, it can look like everything is perfect.  Open up that front door, invite yourself in and open the first closet you come to!  My bet... (and I know this from personal experience) is that there will be a ton of skeletons fall out of that closet.  Skeletons that you know nothing about.  Skeletons that you have never seen before.  Skeletons that would totally shock you...why?  Because the perception made to you is that all is perfect.  That's how society is.  Make it look perfect and therefore, everyone will believe it! 

For those doing the judging, I invite you to walk a month, week, day in the shoes of those you are judging.  You have no clue what they have been through or are going through.  You have no clue what God has asked them to take on.  You also have no right to judge!  Maybe you judge because you think you are superior.  And then again, maybe you judge in hopes that no one will find out about your skeletons...

WHAT??? It's that time already???

So, here in the south, today marks the start of school.  While a lot of kiddos (mostly older ones) aren't super excited...err, aren't excited at all for that matter, the younger ones seem to be eager for it.

This past Friday was "meet the teacher" day for us.  We walked and figured out who her teachers were as she's in 1st grade this year.  Then we discover that they had switched things up a little.  The 1st graders are down the hallway of what was the kindergarten hallway last year and vice versa.  It was weird, but kind of cool b/c she already knew that part of the school.  When we get to her classroom to meet her teachers we were blown away!  She has some AWESOME teachers this year!  They are full of spunk and I'm sure that all the kiddos will have a blast w/ them!!

You can tell what it's going to be like when you first walk in and the teacher kneels down to introduce herself to her new student and then sends them on a scavenger hunt around her classroom.  I mean, what better way to have the kids get acquainted w/ the classroom!! 

So, all weekend long my child has been asking when is the day she goes to school.  That she loved her teachers and couldn't wait to be in class.  And I mean,,,ALL weekend long!!!  She even got up 30 minutes earlier than normal this morning to get dressed.  I begged her to lay back down for a few more minutes to give me time to take a shower in peace.

When I walked her to her class this morning, she said she was nervous.  I told her that she would do just fine.  I took her in and of course, took a few pics.  As I was telling her how proud I was of her and that she was going to have so much fun (I was getting ready to leave), she started crying.  That got me teary eyed.  I gave her a hug and then went to speak to Mrs. Edge to be sure of a couple things and then told her that my baby was a little upset.  So, Mrs. Edge walked over and started talking to her.  I gave her a kiss and told her to have a good day.  And before I even got out the door, Mrs. Edge had her smiling from ear to ear!!  Whew!!!!  That made me feel better.  I mean...I know she's in good hands, but it just puts things at ease.

It's going to be a hard year and I'm sure we are going to struggle in the studying category, but I'm sure she will do just fine!!

Out the door, about to leave for 1ST GRADE!!!

Right before she got upset!  But ain't she a beauty  (I'd like to think she gets that from her momma)!!

One option vs. the other option...

Well, it's that time of year again.  Time to buy school supplies.  And my daughter is going into the first grade, so I was dreading even looking up the supply list to even see what was on it, especially after her list for kindergarten.  Last year, the list was almost 2 pages long and it cost me $100 to get what was needed to start off.  And that didn't include what I spent during the year after notes would get sent home by the teachers asking for this or that.

Sooo....my daughter and I decided this past weekend to try to get the things needed on her list.  I know school is still 2 weeks away, but I refuse to wait till the 'tax free' weekends.  That will be COMPLETE chaos that I want absolutely no part of!

Okay, in the little town I live in, we have a Wal-mart....I mean, doesn't every small town have them?  So, we walk in, grab a basket (gross), I pull out the list and we head in to begin the daunting task of searching for these supplies.  And when I say searching...that is exactly what I mean.  The Wal-mart near me has about 4 small isles in the very front of the store this time of year dedicated specifically to school supplies (they change from season to season).  By the time we got there, the shelves had been so picked over, it was ridiculous.  I can't seem to find half of the stuff on the list which is very frustrating.

The request for the vinyl folders w/ brads and pockets (in blue, yellow, green and purple) says in the quantity column 4 each, but in the description column it says 1 of this color, 1 of that color and so on.  So, I guess that could be taken either way.  I decided to take the 'better safe than sorry' option and go for the 4 of each color.  Well, thus began the steam from my ears.  Not only could I totally NOT find half of the items on the list, I also had to deal with 1,001 people searching for the same things and all of them are on the same isle at the same time.  And not a single one of them wants to move for fear of someone else finding what they are looking for and grabbing it b/c it's the absolute last one on the shelf.

*SIGH*....after about 45 minutes of dealing with this, I lost my patience with it.  I grabbed my child, left my basket where it was and walked out of the store.  I decided that I was going to try Target in hopes that I would have somewhat better luck there.  Now, it's about a 20 minute drive from where I live, but in most cases, so totally worth the drive.

When we pull up to Target, I notice that it seems pretty crowded (by the amount of cars in the parking lot), but I decided to go ahead and try my luck anyways.  We walk in, grab a basket and head towards the back where the school supplies are (I know this b/c I'm a huge fan of Target).  Anyways, we were in and out of there in less than 20 minutes, and get this....we got EVERYTHING on the list!!

Please forgive the poor lighting!!

Yes, you read that correctly!  We got everything on the list and it only took me 20 minutes!  I didn't have to deal with people hogging isles.  I didn't have to deal with the shelves being picked over.  I didn't have to deal with rude people!  Yes, I was a happy camper.  All this for only $47 (that's w/ tax) and we even managed to pick her out a cute lunchbox, too (that's it on top of the Kleenex boxes)!  And the best part, besides the price, was that I didn't leave mad or frustrated.  Nope!!  I left happy!

And what made my day even more was that she got a really cute backpack from the YMCA for FREE (b/c I signed her up for after school care).  So, I didn't have to buy that.  Although, to make it a little different from the couple hundred they gave out, I took it to have her initials monogrammed on it.  It's cute and should last her until at least Christmas (the kids are hard on backpacks).

So, ladies and gentlemen...this is one happy momma!  From now on, for me, it's definitely Target over Wal-mart any day!!

God Bless!!

To love...or just for the fame?

If you know me at all, then you know that I'm not the kind to get into any show called The Bachelor or The Bachelorette.  Mostly because I believe these people go on these shows just for the fame of it.  You instantly become recognizable on the streets of your town.  And if you are lucky enough to last any length of time on there, then you are pretty much recognizable anywhere and everywhere you go.  But I also believe that if you have to go on a TV show to "find true love", then you are probably the kind of person that thinks you are too good for the "average Joe". 

Now, I can remember watching the very first season of The Bachelor back in 2002 and by the time the show was over, I swore I'd never ever watch another episode as long as I lived.  I couldn't get how so many girls wanted to come on the show, first of all.  And secondly, how absolutely crazy they made themselves look by the way they were acting with the petty cat fights, bickering, etc. 

Then, ABC announced the introduction of The Bachelorette.  It was just another stupid spinoff of an already horrible show.  Needless to say, I held true to my word...up until this season of The Bachelorette.  And watching it just reinforces why I haven't been watching all these years. 

I guess for those "seasoned watchers", they know all about this season's choice for "The Bachelorette".  I, on the other hand, don't know anything about her.  I've read a few articles and heard a few stories.  My understanding is that she was the final girl to be turned away on last season's The Bachelor.  It is also my understanding that while on The Bachelor, she didn't look anything like what she looks like on The Bachelorette.  I've been told that she seems to have had several cosmetic things done such as boobs, acrylics on her teeth, lipo, nose job, etc, etc (that's just hearsay, tho).  I guess only her and her doctors know the truth. 

Anyways, I'm not sure what drew me to watch this season's show except that maybe as I was flipping channels, I happen to land on ABC about the same time that Sean Lowe stepped out of the limo to greet Emily.  Yes....I put the remote down at that time.  I was instantly intrigued.  I wanted to know more about this mysterious bachelor.  I think his eyes are what caught my attention. 

As the show went on, I kind of felt myself "falling" for this guy (if that's even possible to do over the TV).  I liked how shy he seemed, how heartfelt he was in the things he said and did, how comical he was.  Out of all the guys, I felt he was the most sincere.  Yes, I know...I still believe the show is a joke, but what can I say. 

So to get down to the final 3 guys and you just know that she will pick Sean as one of the final 2, I sort of had a smile on my face b/c I just knew it was going to happen.  Then....whaaa...whaaa...whaaa.  I think the whole world was shocked on that one.  You could just see the disappointment in his eyes. 

And for a minute, I honestly felt sorry for him.  But then...I wised up and remembered that she is in it for the fame.  And if she had chosen Sean, then he would want to settle down away from the piercing eyes of the world and have a cute little family. 

I think in the end, she will either chose to be alone or she will chose Arie.  Why Arie...well, b/c he is a race car driver and he is already in the limelight, so that would be perfect for her.  It's just right up her alley.  She won't chose Jef b/c he is this sweet and innocent guy and not "bad enough" for her. 

So to Sean...you know, if you happen to ever read this:  I think you are such an incredibly sweet guy (just from what I've seen on TV, of course).  And I want to wish you the best.  I believe you are going to make someone very happy one day.  And it will come in due time.  Fame just probably isn't the best way to go after it, though! 

God Bless!

What does being a single mom truly mean?

Well, for me, being a single mom means having to work twice as hard!  Don't get me wrong...I'm not complaining.  I've been a single mom for almost 3 years now and to be honest, I think it's one of the best decisions I've ever made.  Yes, there are days that I could eat those very words, but all in all, I'm happy!

With being a single mom, I'm the only one around to do things, so I'm doing it all!!  From baths, to washing clothes, to cooking meals, to cleaning, to helping her with homework, to playing games with her, to taking her to do special things, to making boo boo's better, to making sure we eat healthy to stay healthy, to working a 40+ hour a week job, to training for a marathon, etc, etc.  I always feel like I'm being pulled in a million and one different directions.  I'm always tired.  I hardly ever sit still.  I go to bed late almost every night b/c I'm trying to get things done so I don't have to worry with them the next morning, like picking out clothes and making sure they are ironed, making lunches, etc.  I think this is mostly why I run so much...so I can have a little time to clear my head and focus on running.  

My daughter is at an age now (6 yrs old) where she is back talking and VERY nosey!  She will smart off to me sometimes and it takes everything I have in me to keep it together.  One of these days I'm going to be strong enough to string her up by her toes and hang her upside down from the tree in my back yard.  But for now, when she gets sassy with me, to the corner she goes.  She hates it and as long as she hates it, I'm going to continue to do it.  Trust me...it's way better than what my mother did to me growing up. 

For the most part, my daughter is so sweet.  She colors pictures for me all the time.  She laughs so hard while telling me about silly little things they do throughout the day at summer camp.  She wakes me up on the weekends with a kiss on the cheek (although, I still have yet to figure out why I can't hardly drag her out of the bed before 7am during the week, but she's up bright and early on the weekends).  I generally don't get an argument out of her about the clothes I ask her to put on, but I know that time's a coming.  She eats her veggies and likes most of them (b/c we eat TONS of them at my house).  And she loves to snuggle up together to watch a movie when we get the chance.

When I finally sit down at the end of my busy day (and every day is a busy day for me), I think about how glad I am that I am able to raise my daughter being single and happy.  There are times when I do need help with things, but if I can raise my daughter to be a very happy, confident and independent woman, then that makes me smile!

Thoughts for today...

It's been a while since my last post.  Things haven't calmed down any....but that's my life.  So, just a little note of my thoughts for today.

1.  My daughter is on vacation w/ her dad in FL this week.  This is the longest I've been away from her since the day she was born.  I'm glad she's having fun, but I miss her like crazy and I'm ready for her to be home!! 

2.  It's taken quite some time, but her dad and I are finally getting along....errr, we were.  Until I get a call from him this morning.  I won't go into detail about it, but I was none to happy w/ the conversation.  And as always, he was his "usual" self!!  GRRRRRR!!!!

3. Facebook is annoying.  So, I have a Facebook (FB) account and many times over the last several months, I've seriously thought about deactivating it.  I mean, really...what's the point in having it?  Like today, for instance.  It's made national news that Andy Griffith has passed away.  Okay....I'm so sorry for his family's loss, but we get that information from the news station and, of course, 101 MILLION times on FB.  If one person posts it on there, you can bet that there will be 30, 40, 50+ people posting the same thing....no matter what it is.  There is also an awful lot of "checking in" done on there as well.  I mean, do we really need to know where you are at all times?  I surely don't want everyone to know every single thing that I do and where I'm at all the time. They would probably be amazed at how boring I am!  HA!!

4.  Facebook is good for some things. I like being able to keep up w/ friends and family through pictures.  To see how little ones are growing up and adventures they get into.  I've also been able to reconnect w/ people that I haven't seen in a very long time!!  I love being able to see what's new at one of my favorite places - Janie Rose Boutique.  Or even at Kilgore's Antiques.  I also like to see how the dogs are doing at the Tunica Humane Society and who's been saved today!!  I like to be able to post things that I want to sale on there....great way to get the word out about something you no longer want....and it's FREE!!

5.  Pinterest!  Wow!!  I'm absolutely obsessed w/ it!!  I love being able to get on there and find all these AH-MAZ-ING things!!  From DIY, to great quotes, to fitness inspirations, to great kid projects, etc, etc.  If you haven't been on there yet...boy, are you missing out!!!  And no, it's not just for the ladies.  Believe it or not, there are tons of guys on there as well!!  So don't be shy guys!  Be sure you check it out!!  You won't be disappointed!

6.  Instagram.  Hmmm....not sure where to start w/ this.  I have seen so many pics on FB taken w/ Instagram and they all look so cool, but I'm not really sure what the point of Instagram is.  I haven't gotten past the initial sign up.  Can someone please explain it to me??

7.  St. Jude 2012 Marathon.  Yep!! That's right.  I've signed up to run my 2nd St. Jude Marathon!  After running it last year and having so much pain in my knees, I swore I'd never run another one.  It literally felt like someone had taken knives and stabbed me in the lateral side (outer part) of both of my knees and just kept stabbing them over and over and over again.  I probably should have been crying when I crossed that finish line, but I told myself I would have a smile on my face because I knew I had completed it.  And besides...I had shed a few tears between mile 20 and 26 already.  Well, after seriously contemplating it for several months this year, I decided to give it another go.  I wasn't going to let last year's marathon put a fear in me!  This time I know what to expect as far as the course goes.  Weather, on the other hand, is a different story.  I have no control over that, but I pray that this year is like last year!  It was fantastic weather for running a marathon in December.  So, say some prayers for me and the other runners!!  I'm excited and ready!!

8.  Quotes....when I come across a quote that I like, I generally note it somewhere.  So, here are a few that have caught my attention:
     - A runner must run w/ dreams in his heart.  Emil Zatopek
     - Nothing can prepare you for how high you'll soar until you spread your wings.  Anonymous
     - Some birds aren't meant to be caged...their feathers are just too bright.  Red on Shawshank Redemption

That's it for right now.  I know I have more, but my brain is in overload and not cooperating right now.  Hopefully my next post won't be as far away as my last. 

Tootles!!!

Strong in mind....weak at heart!!

Broken hearts...those are only for the weak, right?  That's what I thought.  I've always considered myself a strong person.  I could pretty much overcome any kind of challenge that came my way.  Well....except for this one.

YES folks!  I have a broken heart!!  And as much as I tell myself that it will get better, my brain knows that, but it's convincing my heart of that that's killing me.  A few of my friends that have pretty recently experienced the same thing have been helpful in some of their words of advice.  The ole'...keep yourself busy, don't call him, go date other people (I have absolutely no desire to do this), etc, etc. 

Well, I stay pretty busy.  I work, I'm a single mom, I work out a lot, I run a LOT, I'm biking now, I try to hang w/ friends as much as possible.  But these are all things I did before the breakup.  The only difference now is that I can't seem to get him off my mind.  

You see...I wasn't looking to date anyone or even be in a relationship w/ anyone when we met.  I was single, coming and going as I pleased, not having to check in w/ anyone, packing a bag and leaving town for the weekend on a whim if I wanted to.  As long as I had my daughter, I told myself that I wasn't worried about "being" with anyone.  I didn't need anyone else in my life as far as a relationship was concerned. 

That was until he came along.  For the first 6 or 7 months, it was just casually dating.  We didn't commit to anything.  Just got together when we could.  Then, during a trip together out of town, we both decided to just be committed to each other.  And obviously, that changed things between us.  It took a little getting used to being in a relationship as neither of us had been in one in quite some time.  We had to learn more about each other.  And the longer we were together, the more I started to break down those walls and let him hold my heart. 

Usually it's the woman that rushes in and says "I love you", but it was actually him that said it first.  I was kind of hesitant to say it because those are really special words and I just don't throw them around.  But in my heart, I knew it was right to say them back to him.  The way I felt for him was like nothing I've ever felt for anyone else in my life.  I didn't want to be with anyone else.  I only had eyes for him!!! 

...I'm not going to go into details (b/c I don't feel it's appropriate), but the 'downs' in our relationship seemed to occur more so than the 'ups'.  And I don't really know why.  I just know that for now, the 'downs' have won. 

And this is why I'm broken-hearted.  Every morning when I wake up, I tell myself that it's gonna be a better day.  That today, I will be stronger than I was yesterday.  That today, I will get through the day without shedding a tear over him.  And some days, I do make it through the day ok, but for the most part, as much as I try to fight it, those tears work their way to the surface. 

I know in my head that I will be fine, I just have to get my heart to believe that as well...

What is the sexiest part??

I know this might be a little risqué to some folks, but I have to ask the question.  Kind of an odd place for this to come across my brain, but as I was standing in the breakroom at work waiting on my lunch to heat up, I happen to look down at my shoes and think to myself, "wow, my feet look really good in these shoes".  Now, I've always liked my feet (not so much others' feet).  And I've been told countless times that I have really nice feet.  I like to keep them clean and looking nice at all times. Anyway, so today I'm wearing these really cute black strappy heels by Bandolino and I just love them on my feet.  Of course, I love most any summer sandal on my feet.  As long as my feet look sexy in them...any they are comfy. Probably why I'm a shoe hog.  HA! 

I also think that my shoulders are pretty sexy.  I work out about 5 days a week to get those sexy shoulders.  I like the muscles.  I'm a small framed girl and a runner so it's not like I'm overwhelmed with muscle mass, but I still think what I do have looks good.  I've been working on the muscles in my back and arms as well.  I'm getting those to come along to the same standard as my shoulders.

Now, with being a runner, I am mad crazy in my leg strength (although, I've always been strong in my legs).  I've worked up some pretty hot calf muscles...for me anyways.  And I like the way they look when I'm wearing heels.  And no, I don't run to keep those muscles...I run because I enjoy it.  It's sort of relaxing for me.  A stress reliever.   

Anyhoo, I'm not conceited or "into myself", just confident in the way I look.  I take care of myself, eat healthy, workout and run.  And I know that my body appreciates it. And so does my brain, because it's pretty darn sexy, too!!!

So, for those of you reading this, tell me what you think is the sexiest part of you.  We all have things we don't like about ourselves, but lets point out the positives!!  Let me hear you!!!

The gates of heaven have opened....

This morning, heaven gained another angel....

One of the people that my daughter loved most in this world has gone to be with the Lord.  Her grandmother was so very important to her. 

Debbie was a wonderful woman!!  And although, Debbie and I did not always agree on things, we did, however, agree on Cooper!  She loved Cooper (her only grand-child) with everything that she had!!  And Cooper absolutely adored her!! 

So, I ask for this...please say a prayer to help this sweet little 5 year old to understand and to ease the pain in her heart!  Please also pray for Debbie's family and friends as they make their way through these next few days and the days to follow. 

From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
Psalm 61:2

It gets pretty hairy..

For those that don't know me or for those that haven't seen me in quite a while, I have long hair.  I'm a brunette.  I used to pay to have blonde put in my hair but after a couple years of doing that I decided to just go back to natural.  It was costing me way too much money because my hair grows really fast, so I was back pretty much every 4 to 6 weeks to have it done again.  And the bleach that was used to turn the brown to blonde was really damaging my hair.  It began to break off in places.  After that, I had my hair cut pretty short (an angled bob) and colored back to my natural.  It took almost 2 years to grow it out to the length I keep it at now which is about half way done my back. 

Well, every time I go to my stylist to get my hair cut, she reminds me of how thick my hair is, but how beautiful it is, too.  I laugh and tell her she should see it before I take a straight iron to it.  It's really thick then!  I come from a long line of ladies with thick hair on their heads.  At times, the thick hair really gets annoying.  Quite a few times, I've wished it to be a little thinner or even have a cute soft wave to it.  But no, I have thick straight hair.  And every now and then I can even get it to hold a curl,,,but not on any humid day.  You can forget it.  I will look like a messed up fur ball...literally!  HA!!  And no one wants to see that!  :)

So, for my childhood growing up, when we got head lice (we all know what that is), and I've had it a handful of times, my mother always when the cheap route.  Instead of buying the expensive lice shampoo that came w/ that wonderful little comb (the shampoo killed the lice and the eggs; the comb was to comb out the eggs that were attached to the hair strands...and it HURT), she opted to go the cheaper route and use rubbing alcohol.  We would have to sit for about 30 minutes w/ that on our hair and our head wrapped in a plastic grocery sack.  It was the weirdest thing, but it worked. 

As I got older and got more and more frustrated w/ my hair because it just didn't want to do anything, I began to realize that if I douse my hair in rubbing alcohol, it would strip away all the build-up on my hair.  Now, I probably do this once, maybe twice a year, but you would be amazed at how well this works.  And it's much cheaper than those pricey shampoos/conditioners that claim to remove build-up. 

The last couple months, my hair hasn't wanted to 'act right'.  And until last night, I actually completely forgot about the rubbing alcohol savior.  While I was in the shower last night, I put the alcohol on my hair and I let it set for probably 5 minutes or so while I warmed up under the water.  Afterwards, I rinsed it out of my hair and washed it twice w/ a suave shampoo (probably $1.49/bottle) and then put suave conditioner on it and let for a good 5 minutes while I washed off.  After I got out of the shower and blow-dried my hair, it was amazing to see the difference in my hair.  It was much smoother.  I could even tell the difference in it before I dried it.

I'm not saying this will work for everyone, but it works for me.  Remember, I have long straight 'normal' hair.  It may not work on someone with naturally oily hair, or curly hair or colored hair. 

God Bless!

That's right...woe is ME!!!

Right now I am way beyond mad!!  I have a few choice words I'd like to put in here, but i hold back!!  Please let me explain my situation:

Almost 4 years ago, I sign up with our local cable company, ...unfortunately, the ONLY cable provider in this area!  When I signed up, I got both cable and internet through them (b/c I was a new customer, it was cheaper than having one company for cable and another for internet).  After my "I got you" fancy package expired, the rate went up, of course.  So, I cancelled my internet through them and got it from another internet provider.  For my cable, I changed over to the cheapest package they had at the time which was approximately $30/month.  I was happy with it b/c even though it didn't have all the nice movie channels, it was enough for my preference.  And besides, I don't watch enough tv to need all those other channels anyway.  The only tv in my house that has a box hooked up to it is in the den.  The tv in the bedroom has cable hooked to it, but no box (obviously, w/out a box, I don't get all the channels in the bedroom that I do in the den, which I'm okay with).  And the tv in my daughter's room doesn't have cable hooked to it at all.  She's not allowed to have that right now so she can only watch DVDs on that tv (and it's considered a treat when she gets to watch a DVD on there).

So, I've been happy w/ my cable since making the change to the cheaper package.....until March 25, 2012.  I come home that afternoon, tired after running a 5k, ready to sit down, relax and watch a tv program or two, and maybe take a nap on the couch.  I turn my tv on and discover that over half of my channels are no longer coming through.  The message on the screen says:  NOT AUTHORIZED, For Ordering, Press Info.  And, OF COURSE, all the channels I like to watch are the ones that are missing!!  Needless to say, I was a bit upset.  So, I get on the phone to the cable company.  The CSR I am speaking to advises that I should have those channels and that we needed to do a couple things to try to get them back.  He first asks me to turn the box off, unplug if for about 10 seconds and plug it back in, of which I do.  Once the cable box finally came back on, it was still showing the same NOT AUTHORIZED message.  So, CSR then proceeds to send about 4 different "signals" to my box w/out any change happening.  After messing with it for 20 minutes, he advises me that I would need to schedule a technician to come out to my house to take a look at the box.  While I'm speaking with this CSR, I turn the tv in my bedroom on and decide to see if any of those missing channels in the den are showing on the bedroom tv.  Well....wouldn't you know it, they are!!!  I advise the CSR of this discovery and, as expected, he's perplexed (did I really expect him not to be).  He also advises me that I will have to contact them the next business day to schedule an appointment b/c he doesn't see any available appts in the near future (....just great!).

B/c things were absolutely chaotic at work the first 2 days of the week, I didn't get to call the cable company until the 28th of March.  When I spoke to the CSR that day, she also advised that I should have those channels and that the only available appt was for the afternoon of April 7th.  I basically told her she was crazy if she thought I was going to wait that long and told her I would call back.  The next morning I call and am advised that they have an appt for April 3 between 1 and 3pm.  I hated it, but I took that opening.  So, I make arrangements to work from home that afternoon so that I could wait on this technician to NOT show up.  And true to form, 3pm came and went and NO technician.  So, I called them up again about 20 minutes after the tech guy was supposed to be there to try to find out where he was and how much longer he was going to be before getting to my appt.   I was informed that he still had 3 appts before me that still showed open (meaning he hadn't gotten to them yet) and that they didn't know how long it would take him to finish those appts.  I advised the CSR that I was not going to wait around until 8pm for this tech to finally show up.  I was then told that the next available appt was April 13th...Friday the 13th of all days.  I said that I was not going to wait that long and that they either needed to get the guy there and FAST or rearrange other appts to get my in sooner than later.  After we hung up, I was even more ticked off.  Amazingly though, within just minutes of hanging up w/ the CSR, the technician called me...sounding rather irritated...advised that he was on his way and according to his GPS, he was 40 minutes out from my house.  So, I hung around and by the time that he arrived, he was 1 hour and 15 minutes LATE (giving me a $20 credit towards my bill)!!

When this tech walked through my door, he REEKED of cigarette smoke, which is blatantly obvious to someone that doesn't smoke.  Immediately after turning the cable on and realizing what the message on these missing channels said, he proceeded to get irate w/ me stating that he was NOT in charge of authorizing channels and that someone in the office needed to take care of that.  So, I let him know that, yes, I realize that, but I was informed that after attempts to fix it from the office, the CSRs advised that a tech needed to come out to my home.  He again made me aware that he was not responsible for that and that he hated dealing with their customer service b/c they don't have a clue (that's good to know), so he got on the phone to his dispatcher advising of the issue.  She told him that I was not authorized to get those channels and that it would cost me an additional $30/month to have them.  I told him that I would be calling the cable company up to cancel my service b/c they were out of their ever loving minds if they thought I was going to pay even more to get the channels back that I should already have.  When the tech got off the phone w/ his dispatcher, he again with a degrading tone, advised me that I was wrong for having him come out to my house when it wasn't up to him to give me authorization.  WOW!!!  I mean, can you just imagine the look on my face when he said that???  I told him that he could just stop right there...that he was not going to talk to me like that and that I was advised after contacting them that he was needed to come look it it.  I also advised him that he could pack his crap (not exact word used, but...) up and leave my house b/c he was of no use to me and I was not going to listen to him tell me the same thing over and over and over again.  As he's walking out the door, he is still berating me w/ what should have happened and what shouldn't have happened. 

I called the cable company's CSR again...with yet another attempt to fix it after being advised that I should have them.  That attempt to fix it was to no avail.  So, I contacted them this morning advising of the issue and that I needed to cancel my service.  The CSR I was speaking w/ transferred me to the dept that does the cancellations.  When I spoke to the guy in that dept, he asked me why I was cancelling and I flat out told him "b/c your company has screwed me over and I no longer want their service".  He asked the situation and I explained it to him.  He then looked at my file and realized that apparently, there was a change made to the package I have (changed was done between 3/25/12 and 4/1/12), which moved those "missing" channels off my package.  I advised that b/c of that I no longer wanted my cable through their company.  He advised that he could move me up to the next package and I would stay at the same price I've had all along!  Now, don't get too excited folks.  That upgraded package doesn't have any more channels than I had to begin w/.  So, all this and I get what I originally had at the same price.  I guess it does pay to call and advise you want to cancel!

....maybe I'll do that more often!!

God Bless!!

Giving praise to REDBOX!

For years, I refused to go to an actual movie theater to watch a movie.  The last movie I remember going to see at a theater was Good Will Hunting, which came out in 1997.  Yes...I know that was 15 years ago.  Well, in the last 3 years, I have been to the theater probably a good 6 or 7, maybe 8 times.  And all but two of those times were to take my daughter to see a kids movie.  Amazing what you will do when you have kids.   

Each time I go, I remember why I stopped going in the first place.  First and foremost, the cost just to get into the movie is RIDICULOUS!!   I took my kid to see Dr. Seuss' The Lorax a couple weeks ago and it was almost $15 dollars for the two of us to get in.  And that was a 2PM movie...not a 7PM or later movie.  Then, to get 2 bottles of water and two soft pretzels was more than the movie!  I mean, are you kidding me charging $3 for a bottle of water??  I can go to Sam's and get 32 bottles of water for $3!!  We usually eat right before we go to a movie so that she's not hungry during it, but we didn't this time.  Or I'll sneak little snacks and water in.  Good grief!!!  The person in front of me paid something like $67 for whatever food/beverage items they bought!  So, right now we are talking almost $35 for this dang movie!  And that was just for me and my child.

After I forked out this cash to these "kids" that looked and acted like they just LOVE working there, we walk into the theater where the movie would be playing.  There aren't very many people sitting in there when we first walk in. But it didn't take long for it to fill completely up.  I think people brought their kids, their nieces and nephews, neighbor's kids and their neighbor's neighbor's kids.  There were several times I saw one adult walk in with like 15 to 20 kids.  I even saw a woman bring in her newborn baby (at least the baby didn't look to be any older than about a month old).  I never heard the baby throughout the movie, but I can only imagine that bringing a baby to a movie is not only bad for their eardrums, but also bad for their little immune system. 

While the movie was playing, it was actually really hard to focus on the movie for everything that was going on in the audience.  I cannot tell you how many times that this entire group of folks sitting in our row got up and walked in front of us to go do whatever.  After you have about 6 people at once pass right in front of you to get by in a movie, well...you've missed half the darn movie. Besides the constant annoyance of people up and down through the entire movie, we gets kids kicking the back of our chairs, we hear laughing, phones ringing, text messages coming through, coughing, sniffling, the sounds of people and kids smacking on food/candy/junk food (a pet peeve of mine), and even a few burps...of which sounded like they could have only come from the adults, although I've heard a few kids that can burp like grown men.  The lady that sat next to me had 3 kids with her.  So, to be frugal she bought one large container of popcorn and decided to divide it up among the 3 kids.  So I see her pull 3 paper sacks from her purse and open all three to divey the popcorn among the 4 of them (good idea).  The kicker is that she did all of this of the floor of the movie theater.  She actually set the bags on the floor.  The nasty, sticky, gross, no telling what's on it...movie floor.  And then....she leaves the bags, plus the popcorn tub on the floor and lightly places napkins over the top of them until the movie starts as if to keep any of the "germs" in the theater from getting in to the bags.  All the while, there are all sorts of folks walking past these bags of popcorn she has on the floor.  No telling what they are kicking up as far as dust and dirt.  Me personally, I would have had each child hold a bag in their laps and then poured the popcorn.  At least it wouldn't have been on the floor. 

To be honest, I don't remember most of the movie.  I didn't see it.  I couldn't stop focusing on the stuff going on around me.  And neither could my child.  So, it seems as though, it was a complete and total waste of $35!!  I'm shocked neither of us became sick from that experience with all the coughing, sneezing and sniffling that was going on. 

And THIS is exactly why I hate going to the movies.  I was introduced to RedBox by the bf and thank goodness for that.  It's much cheaper than going to the movies.  I can eat and drink in the comfort of my own home.  An 18 pk of beer cost me about $14 at my local Kroger...I can only imagine what one beer cost at the theater.  And besides, I got 18 beers for the same amount that it cost me to just get into the movie.  My feet don't stick to the floor.  I don't have to listen to the noise that approximately 218 other folks can make.  I can sit on my comfy and clean leather couch without it being kicked.  I can pause the movie should I need to get up for any reason.  My child can go to the restroom without me having to go with her.  The toilet is clean and I don't have to place tons of t-paper on the seat before she sits on it. 

That my friends, is a wonderful thing in my book!!  The movies might not be what's brand new on the big screen, but I will choose RedBox over the actual theater any day!! 

Tootles!!

Summertime is here....time to get that Pedicure!!

Yes, I'm one of those!  You know....the kind that can't stand to look at someone's feet that are grossly overtaken by hard, scaly dead skin:

(This is bad, but I've seen far worse than this).

I'm not a fan of other people's feet in the first place, but my phobia becomes even worse when I see things like this.  You might as well say summertime is here because folks are wearing the sandals, flip flops, open toe shoes, etc and this look is just simply GROSS!!!

So, I'm pleading with those of you that unfortunately have these heels to please get a pedicure.  I religiously give myself one once a month (mostly, because I refuse to pay someone else to do it), so my feet are nice all year round.  I have to give myself one more often in the summer months than winter months (for obvious reasons). 

Please don't show up to church, wedding or any other special occasion with heels looking like this because trust me when I say that  YES we can see how bad your heels are.   

Don't they deserve it??

A few months ago, I ran my first marathon (St. Jude Memphis Marathon).  Yes, that's right...the full 26.2 miles.  The weather was fabulous for this run.  It was a chilly morning, but 10 minutes into the run, I was no longer cold.  I was feeling great through most of the race.  Even though at about mile 20, my body was beginning to shut down on me, I had a goal - to make it to that finish line - and I was determined to keep it. 

WHY??  Because I care for those kids of St. Jude and I was running this race for them!!!

I live in the outskirts of Memphis, so St. Jude is only about a 30 minute car ride from my driveway.  I have always been fond of St. Jude, but this past year, I made the ultimate decision to do what I could to save as many lives as I could.  And I did that by becoming a "Hero".  A Hero is someone that raises funds to help support the life saving efforts of St. Jude!!  Although the decision to run the marathon was a tough one (an ultimately tough on my body), the decision to raise money for these kids was one that I was more than willing to do.  And in the end, I surpassed my $750 goal by $301, making for a total of $1051 raised.  How excited was I to know that I helped raise enough money to pay for a day of chemotherapy for a leukemia patient.  I was STOKED!!!

 

So, once again, I have signed up to be a Hero, but this time I will be participating in:

 
It will take place April 21, 2012 in Jackson, MS.  It is a 5k, but it will also include a military style muddy obstacle course throughout the 3.1 miles.  My goal with this race is $250.  So, I'm asking....actually I'm begging, for you to dig deep into your pockets and make a donation to St. Jude through my web page: www.mystjudeevent.org/natkinson.  This would mean so much to me!! 

Did you know?

• $50 could help provide infant care supplies for 10 babies.
• $70 could help provide a wagon for patients to travel the halls of St. Jude.
• $100 could help provide toys to fill play areas.
• $250 could help provide two chest X-rays.
• $500 could help provide domestic airfare for a member of the St. Jude family.
• $1,000 could help provide one day of chemotherapy for a leukemia patient.
• $5,000 could help provide an above-knee prosthesis.

Don't these kids deserve it?  I thank God everyday for my healthy daughter.  I can only imagine what the parents and kids of St. Jude go through every single day!!  Please help give these kids a chance at life cancer FREE!!!  

Tootles!!!