To top it off

Here is a post to top off a year filled with laughs and cries, mountain-top experiences and valley lows. I've experienced a spectrum of emotions. Seems like the older I get, the more emotions and their depths I discover. (As I type this, one of my cats is trying to take over the lap. Not happening!)

Back in May I had the opportunity to visit with some of the dearest friends I know. The girls from my traveling days with Life Action Ministries met up in Michigan where Life Action is headquarters and where we met all those years ago. I won't bore you with details of that reunion but suffice it to say, it did my heart a whole heepin' of good to spend a couple of days with those precious ladies!

Most of this year has been filled with work. About all I do these days is work and pay bills. I really need to get a life! I used to have such a passion for life. Now I am bogged down with everyday details and I lose the drive to pursue dreams and loves.

Went to the dermatologist yesterday. Laying aside the many skin issues I am on meds for at the moment, one of the reason for my visit yesterday was to discuss laser treatments for my birthmark. I had a years worth of them back in 2000-2001. Another long story of how those treatments came to be...ask and I'll tell ya. Right now, I have a test dot from the laser to see how my skin reacts to the it. I presently do and will have a lovely singular, black/grey dot on my chin for around a week. Then the dot will redden, then slowly fade for a week or so.

If we like the result I will start laser treatments in late winter/early spring. I'm doing these not to lighten the birthmark so it won't be noticed. I am completely content with having the birthmark...again, a long story of how I came to the place of contentment in that area...ask and I'll tell ya. I'm doing these as a maintenance. Birthmarks, especially mine as a portwine stain, can cause issues to develop as you age. Basically, I'll have to keep these treatments up for life. I just don't have to have them all the time.

So, here's to everyone having a wonderful New Year and may God bless you richly this coming year! This is me telling you to rock on!

Time for maintenance

This is the only exciting news I can bring you - Today is haircut day! I'll post a picture of the freshened hairdo later on. I'm running to the stylist at lunch, cross fingers that it is done and I'm back to work in a hour!

TA-DA!!

Rain, rain go away

Instead of "bad to the bone" (sing the line, you know you want to), we are soaked to the bone. I'm glad that today brings a clearing of those rain clouds. We desperately needed that rain though, so thanks God!

I've been on a song lyric kick as of late and today, you get more. This song is from Faith Hill. Look up the song and listen to it. Amazing! It will put you in the Christmas spirit for sure...the real Christmas spirit.

Teenage girl, much too young
Unprepared for what’s to come
A baby changes everything

Not a ring
On her hand
All her dreams and all her plans
A baby changes everything
A baby changes everything

The man she loves she’s never touched
How will she keep his trust
A baby changes everything
A baby changes everything

And she cries ouuh she cries

She has to leave go far away
Heaven knows she can’t stay
A baby changes everything

She can feel it’s coming soon
There’s no place, there’s no room
A baby changes everything
A baby changes everything

And she cries ………….
And she cries …..
Ouuh she cries ….

Shepherds all (Shepherds all) gather ’round (they gather ’round)
Up above the star shines down
A baby changes everything

Choir of angels say
Glory to the newborn king
A baby changes everything
A baby changes everything
Everything, everything, everything
Hallelujah (Hallelujah)
Hallelujah (Hallelujah)
Hallelujah (Hallelujah)
Hallelujah (Hallelujah)

My whole life is turned around
I was lost and now I’m found
A baby changes everything
A baby changes everything

Perfect lyric

One day while listening to the radio in the car, I heard the follow lyric in a song by Nickelback. The following lyric pretty much sums up what I feel about my single status.

`Cause nobody wants to be the last one there.
`Cause everyone wants to feel like someone cares.
Someone to love with my life in their hands.
There´s gotta be somebody for me like that.

`Cause nobody wants to go it on their own.
And everyone wants to know they´re not alone.
Somebody else that feels the same somewhere.
There`s gotta be somebody for me out there.

Come on!!!!!!

I've posted once before about a married guy at my workplace that complimented me one day about how cute I was. Then, there is another married man at work who keeps asking me out...no joke.

So, now there is a new guy in the shipping department who is married. Guess what? He has a little crush on me, too! COME ON!!!!! Why can't a single man around my age give the attention instead of a married one?! Why?!!!! OK...I'm done ranting.

Office moments

Doc walks into my office and I smile at him.
Doc: What?
Me: What? I'm just smiling.
Doc: You're a cute girl, you know that?
Me: I know. And I'm most proud of my humility.

OK...why does this have to come from a married, older man? Why can't someone my age, who is single, say this to me? Anyone? (crickets)

I just mailed an invoice to a customer who lives in Middlesex, NJ. Middlesex. How do you come up with the name of Middlesex for a town? Just asking.

For those of you who watch The Office on Thursday nights, you will enjoy this little tid-bit. We used to have a sign up in the break room which read: your mother does not work here, clean up after yourself. We have a problem with people making messes and not cleaning them up. People will use a plate or cup and leave it in the sink. The previous sign was for that said issue. Well, we seem to have more than just a dish issue. So yesterday, I decided to reword the sign a little and put this one up in its place: please clean up after yourself, that includes more than just the dishes you use. Why is this funny? If you watched The Office episode from last night, you know exactly why I am laughing at myself today!

Why I love singing

The choir sang the following song yesterday at church. I almost turned Bapticostal while singing it. Seriously. In both services, the congregation stood at the end and clapped to the Lord. The atmosphere was charged with a genuine spirit of praise and worship to our God! You couldn't help but sense the Spirit working in hearts throughout the building. I've copied the lyrics so you can read through them. I know not having the choir singing and the orchestra playing along diminishes the affect, but the words are strong enough on their own to speak to your heart.

Verse 1:
Hear the heart of heaven beating, Jesus saves. Jesus saves.
And the hush of mercy breathing, Jesus saves. Jesus saves.
Hear the host of angels sing, Glory to the newborn King.
And the sounding joy repeating, Jesus saves.

Verse 2:
See the humblest hearts adore Him, Jesus saves. Jesus saves.
And the wisest bow before Him, Jesus saves. Jesus saves.
See the sky alive with praise, melting darkness in its blaze.
There is life forevermore in Jesus saves.

Verse 3:
He will die, our burden bearing, Jesus saves. Jesus saves.
And our sin and sorrow sharing, Jesus saves. Jesus saves.
It is done will shout the cross! Christ has paid redemption cost!
While the empty tomb's declaring - Jesus saves!

Freedom’s calling, chains are falling, hope is dawning bright and true.
Day is breaking, night is quaking. God is making all things new.
Jesus saves.

Verse 4:
Oh to grace how great a debtor! Jesus saves. Jesus saves.
For the saints who sing together, Jesus saves. Jesus saves.
Rising up so vast and strong, lifting up salvation song.
The redeemed will sing forever - Jesus saves!

Time for an update

It's funny how some weeks I post multiple times on here, and then other weeks go by with nary a word. Like that word? Nary? I guess the use of it is proof I'm from the country. So...anyway...

Why is it that your thermostat can read 72 and your feet are ice cold? That's my dilemma at the house right now. I know the heat is on, but my toes and nose are always cold. Thanks to my cousin Suzanne, I have these adorable little, light blue socks made of the softest and warmest material. And I have broken out the sweatshirts for around-the-house evenings. Cozy socks and big sweatshirts; I'm styling.

The glassware I have at the house has proven to be nearly indestructible. I've dropped a glass from the cabinet to the floor, banged it against the porcelain sink with no cracks, brakes, nicks, nothing. But out of nowhere one will break with the slightest clank against something. I don't understand! Guess I hit it JUST right. Luckily, The World Market here in Nashville has the glassware I use! So last Saturday I replenished the dwindling supply in the cabinet.

There is this yummy Greek restaurant near where I work. I'm eating lunch there today! They have the best potato, cheese, egg thingy. So yum!

That's all for now folks.

Acting like a child

My workplace has a costume contest every Halloween. The first place winner receives $100...it's worth dressing up, wouldn't you say? This year, Marie Antoinette won the day. Second place went to the perfect housewife who had a baking accident. I didn't place but I had fun dressing up! I was Pippy Longstockings. I was amazed how many people did not know this character. Maybe I have an affinity for the girl since she has reddish hair. Here are some pictures from people at work.

Quick trip to Kentucky

Last Saturday morning, I headed to Kentucky to see the family and hug my newly-engaged best friend! Christina closed on a house and was proposed to on the same day. Whew! She is still glowing some two weeks later from all the excitement.

We took Sunday afternoon to try bridesmaid dresses on. Yes, I said the dresses. Christina has been on the ball planning this wedding! She had the dresses ordered last Monday and they arrived at her house on Friday. The two bridesmaids are wearing the same dress and the maid-of-honor is wearing something similar but different. Gretchen and I look gorgeous in the dresses! Christina did a great job with picking a dress that looks good on two totally different bodies. And if you knew me and Gretchen, you would understand what a big feat that is to accomplish.

Christina's house looks great and the ring is beautiful. Eric did a wonderful job picking it out. Poor Eric had to listen to us girls go on and on about wedding details. He was a good sport. I'm amazed by all the things Christina has bought or written down for future shopping. The girl has it under control.

The drive there and back through Kentucky was so nice. The trees are starting to change colors. Seeing that I'm the nerd in choir who listens to her music way more than most, I was singing through the Christmas music on a CD. On one stretch of road with beautiful changing leaves, the song "The majesty and glory of Your name" came on. I had tears falling down my face. My soul was struck by how well I could see His majesty and glory through the changing autumn leaves. Truly a worship-filled moment.

It was nice to have a three-day weekend. Not coming in on Monday morning does wonders for the mind!

Mid-week update

It has been over a week since I graced your lives with my writings. Graced may not be the word you would use but you can keep that to yourself :)

My life-long friend Christina got engaged last week! She closed on a house the same day; talk about a busy woman! I'm going to Somerset this weekend to see the ring and talk of wedding stuff. I also want to see her new house. Christina has found a great guy to marry. Eric has my stamp of approval.

Found a brown recluse spider in the kitchen sink last night. It had the defined violin on the back, the one definite sign of that spider. At first it completely freaked me out. But I know there are multiple spiders in that house that I never see. Nice thought, huh? ;)

My roommate, Wendi, is a second grade teacher. This year, she began a pen pal project with her kids. I volunteered and have a cute little girl with whom I'm writing back and forth. I love seeing the random things she will write about. Second graders are still cute and friendly. They still see an adult as cool; they hit fourth grade and that all changes!

My friend Mandy mentioned today on her blog of there being a basket of laundered and folded clothing sitting in the kitchen, just waiting to be put away. It has been waiting for a while. I have the same problem! Do any of you? I don't mind washing clothes, or folding them. But I detest putting them away! Why? It is a simple thing to do. The funny thing, all the people who responded to Mandy's blog post struggle with the same thing! Maybe we have an epidemic of laziness on our hands :)

I'm awaiting the try-out results of an ensemble at church. I love to sing...did you know that? If you didn't, you don't spend enough time around me. If I don't make it, I will be crushed at first. Then I'll get over it. But I really want to make it! We should have the list tonight.

Completely healed

So many times, we pray for complete healing of a loved one. What we mean by this prayer is that God would see fit to heal the person so their earthly life continues. What do you do when God chooses to heal that person completely but it doesn't extend their life here on earth? Those are the emotions I am dealing with today.

A sweet lady at my church has passed away from a six year fight with cancer. Ashley was only 23. Her age changes your view of this situation, doesn't it? Ashley lived only 23 years on this earth, yet she had a greater impact on the spiritual lives of those in her path than I have had in my 30+ years. There were only a few sparse moments of interaction with Ashley but I will forever be changed by them.

Ashley had a quiet peace that radiated from deep within her soul. It was contagious. Ashley beautifully exhibited what II Corinthians 4:16-18 says. "Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day to day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal."

Never have I been around someone who showed so well the peace of knowing God. Ashley always had a smile on her face. She always asked about you, never talking about her pain. And you knew she was in severe pain whenever you saw her. The cancer was relentless.

Ashley is now completely healed, in the presence of the Lord. There is a part of me that hurts for her not being on earth anymore; we selfishly want our loved ones to stay with us. But there is a part of me that is jealous. She is with our precious Lord. There is no more struggling and disappointment, no more pain and longing. Ashley is enjoying the total peace and rest of knowing our Savior and Lord. Many times our temporal view can't see what glorious hope we have in our future with the Lord. Come quickly, Lord Jesus!

Breaking it down

The current Bible study I am involved in on Thursday nights is kicking my behind. I need this time of God taking me out back and whooping me, so to speak. I've allowed this life of mine to run crazy and it is time to reign some areas back in.

Previously I mentioned the tongue. Oh yes, that wonderful little instrument of peace or war. Which do I choose on a regular basis? In honesty, I must say war. God has shown me that I need to yield that area back to the Spirit. I don't give time before I speak to allow the Spirit to guide my words. And, I haven't spent enough time in the Word lately to have His ways right there at the tip of my tongue.

Next, God has taken me to the woodshed on my priorities. MAN! That was a rough week. OH! But I needed it. I've been working with The Pampered Chef since last fall. I love the products and the company. Absolutely nothing bad to speak of about the two. The problem? God doesn't want that as part of my life right now. The right thing at the wrong time is the wrong thing. At the end of September, I had to place an order or go inactive. I struggled with that decision. I knew I could work on paying my car off sooner by working with The Pampered Chef. Why wouldn't that be a good thing? Why would God not want me to get from underneath that debt?

When it come to debt, God's way is always to pay it off...or don't go into debt in the first place. So, why in my situation is God not allowing me the resource of The Pampered Chef to help pay that bill?

The Lord showed me through one of the Bible study topics on finances that I need to budget differently. If I would rework some of my spending habits, I would have more to pay on the car loan. The money is already there, I'm just not using it effectively.

That is my life at the moment. What has God taught you lately?

A day in the life of Mindy

My alarm went off this morning but I didn't get out of bed then. I actually didn't get out of my bed until 8:05. Yes, people, I don't go to work until 9AM and live like a mile from it. It was a mad dash for the shower and getting dressed. Boots didn't even get her meds this morning because it takes so long to administer them. Boots doesn't idly sit by while I give her medication.

It would be wonderful to sleep-in on rainy days. I think that is why I didn't wake up with the alarm this morning. The sound of rain pounding the roof and the road outside is so soothing.

I didn't eat breakfast because I didn't have anything to quickly grab as I went out the door. I'm hungry!!!! My boss is on her way with McDonald's. Yay for my boss!

So, last night the presidential debate was held in Nashville. I was so close to Obama and McCain! Such a weird feeling to know they were right down the street from me. They were at Belmont University and I live just two streets over from Belmont Blvd. I must say though that I was thoroughly bored with the debate. In my opinion, Tom Brokaw did a better job with the debate than the candidates. So, I nominate Tom Brokaw for president.

My fav show comes on tonight! I'm totally addicted to Project Runway on Bravo. Make it work! I think I enjoy this reality show more than others because I can see the contestants construct the garment and see the finished product. And, they are working toward a good goal, money to help start a clothing line.

On to work!

A few things

Since my brain can't find anything interesting to write here, I'll give you a list of random stuff.

• My favorite color is green but I've come to love red.
• I'm an economics and politics nerd. I'll talk your ear off about any and everything.
• I like the show "House" and I can't figure out why.
• When I wash dishes, there is an order I follow every time: glasses, plates, bowls, pots and pans, utensils.
• I don't like mayo, mustard, ketchup except for french fries, sour cream, cottage cheese, and all salad dressings expect for Italian. I think I have a sauce issue.
• Fall is my favorite time of the year. I love the fresh air in the morning, the change from short to long sleeve shirts, the foliage.
• To me, the worst household chore is dusting. I gladly clean bathrooms before dusting.
• I don't have an iPod...pick yourself up off the floor.
• With the election coming soon, I still don't know who will get my vote.
• The next Presidential debate is in Nashville! I won't be able to get within two miles of the place, but it's fun to know the candidates will be here.
• Mike Huckabee has a show on FoxNews?
• My favorite food is Chinese, Thai is yummy too.
• Ice cream makes me cough.
• I collect crosses. I'm not Catholic but my bedroom would make you think so.
  

Transparency

Most people shy away from even the thought of transparency, let alone making oneself so. As I've developed my walk with the Lord, I've observed the act of being open and honest about the condition of my heart has helped me move forward. It is when I keep things to myself, when I see a truth in scripture that I'm not living, when I knowingly do things that are not useful, that's when I stop growing, that's when I don't sense the Spirit's guidance.

So, to open lines of communication back up with the Spirit and with whoever reads this blog (because I definitely know of only a couple), here is what I am learning with a new Bible study I'm in on Thursday nights.

The tongue - in the book of James, it is described as the little piece that controls large ships, horses, the spark to start a fire. My tongue has been let loose to do as it pleases. In recent years, I have let go of any control over this small member of my body. No more. I will purposefully guard words that come from my mouth.

I've been on the receiving end of an uncontrolled tongue. It is painful, sometimes those words can't be easily shaken off. I've also been on the giving end of an uncontrolled tongue. Oh! the heartache I've caused. So easy to open the mouth and let words pour out. Right?

How will this change me and those around me? If I've allowed complaints or gossip to fill our conversations, either from me or you, no more. I will try my hardest to not mention things that should not be said. I won't allow my friends to talk on and on to me with complaints or grumblings.

I want to live a life pleasing to the Lord. I can't do that as long as my tongue is used to simply make myself feel better. I want my words to be seasoned with grace, Colossians 4:6.

Hodge-podge

Today is the start of my favorite season, fall. Sometimes the seasons aren't as pronounced as they could be, but we still enjoy all four. That is one of the reason I love living in this area. Soon the leaves will change color, the morning air will be crisp, and I'll be outside on the patio just taking it in.

Nashville has been an interesting city as of late. Gasoline has turned this city upside down. Most of the country can drive up to any gas station and fill the tank up. Not so in Nashville! We have been waiting in long lines every time a shipment comes in. People are panicky and worried. I hope this situation ends soon. Last Saturday, I was stuck at home because my car was on empty, so was my roommate's car. It was a horrible feeling to know you can't just run down to the gas station and fill up. Luckily, my roommate was able to get gas in Murfreesboro.

Last Thursday, I started a new Bible study with ladies from the church. Let me tell you, it is kicking my butt! The premise is for the participant to do all the work. You are given verses to read. Then you have to paraphrase the verses, pull out principles, ask yourself if you are living those principles, and set a date for any obedience needed to live them out. I should be on day three but the Lord has me stuck on day two in James 1:19. Is my first response to listen or to speak or get angry?

You know, a song can remind you of a certain place in time. Trisha Yearwood sings a song just like that, The song remembers when. For me, the song the choir sang yesterday at church takes me back to a moment in my life. God used that song to speak deeply to my heart, healing a hurting heart. When I learned the choir was to sing this one, I was happy yet contemplative. God used yesterday to remind me how He worked in my life back then.

Off to another work week!

To whom it may concern

Dear fellow Chinese food eater:

Your love for Chinese food is shared by many people, me included. General Tso Chicken is so yummy and the lo mein is mmmmmmm. So, when in a buffet line at 12:30PM, you need to practice this little thing called peripheral vision. It aids in seeing people in the same line as you without looking directly at them. This little diddy can tell you that a small step to the left or right will help the flow of traffic. Basically, stop hogging the line, making it impossible for others to approach the buffet the same time as you.

Hungry worker

********************

Dear ragweed:

This will be short and sweet. LEAVE!

Your faithfully congested sinuses

********************

To the general public:

There is a phenomena called hysterics. This takes place when people listen to a news channel 24/7 and then rush to remove their safe investments from a bank. If everyone takes their funds out of an institution, it goes bankrupt. If said business goes bankrupt, Wall Street panics and stocks fall. If stocks fall, more people take their money out of a FDIC secured account and place it under their mattress. At least in a bank that flops, you are guaranteed up to $100,000 per account. If the money is under your mattress, it is open game to burglars.

If we continue to do such things...well, read a U.S. history book starting around the year 1927. You'll see where that leads.

And, don't take out a mortgage you can't afford! Don't buy a new car at a high interest rate. You can wait for that new cell phone and those new shoes. Learn the term delayed-gratification, it does wonders for your pocketbook.

Waiting-it-out girl with no money anyway

Happy Birthday to me!

September 12, 1977; Elvis had been dead for just under a month and the world needed a new star to adore. Ronald and Karen New finally got that daughter they wanted when Melinda Kaye came into the world a little after 11PM. The world would never be the same...OK, I'll stop with the crap.

In honor of birthday thirty-one, I give you thirty-one looks at Mindy through the years. Nothing like placing pictures online for all the world to see (or at least the few who read this blog). Enjoy the parade of hairstyles and clothes.

Looking back

Friday marks another year for me on the earth. I will be joining the thirty-something crowd as I place a one next to thirty. This birthday has made me think about so many things in my present life and the circumstances of the past that brought me to this moment. Oblige me as I take a stroll down memory lane; maybe you'll learn some new things about me on the way.

So many well meaning people ask me, "How is it that you are still single? Do you not want to be married? You must have a line of men calling on you." First off, GEESH! Why do people think it is OK to say such things to a single woman? Sorry, I almost went off on a wild goose chase. Any time a person asks of my single state in life, I'm reminded of a past relationship that was headed to marriage.

At the time, I couldn't see past marrying a particular man. My life revolved around him. UMMM...first red flag ladies. If your whole world revolves around a man, your priorities are totally off kilter. Putting a man at the center of everything you do is not going to bring joy or contentment. You will always be striving to please someone who will let you down, and repeatedly.

I didn't let go of that relationship easily. God for the most part had to pry it from my clinched fist. What relationship, either platonic or romantic, is worth it if you have to cling tightly, afraid of losing it if you loosen the grip? Believe me, my grip was very tight. And because of my tight grip, it hurt all the more when God was able to take it away. OH! The agony and depression I could have avoided if I had yielded my mind and heart to the Spirit from the start of that relationship. As God always is, He was so good to me in the healing process.

When I first graduated high school, I went to a Bible college in Missouri. My home church endorsed that school and my oldest brother went there too. I spent two years there before leaving to join Life Action Ministries. At the time I didn't realize I wasn't ready for college. I see it now. God knew I needed to be a part of that ministry. He did some amazing things in and through me during the three years I traveled. The college degree could wait, I needed to learn some things about life and God before finishing that area.

Of course, finishing college later brought challenges. The main issue I deal with is being my age and still trying to establish myself. Most people my age have a footing in this world, one I'm still striving for. I'll eventually get there.

I'm so blessed with a wonderful family! My mom and dad are examples of dedication, perseverance, dependability, and steadfastness. They will celebrate 41 years of marriage in November. How many couples today can boast of such a thing?! Not nearly enough.

I have two loving cats. I didn't grow up with pets in the house. Dad wouldn't allow pets to live inside and he didn't want to spend money on one. So, until recently I didn't have pets around. Now that I have two cats, I couldn't imagine life otherwise. Pets bring comfort when the day has been hard. They love you just because you are you. My cats can sense when I'm down and they snuggle up to me. They make me feel wanted and needed.

Have a rambled on long enough? I think so. I should be asleep by now.

The wisdom of church signs

Over the past months, I have accumulated some quotes from signs in front of churches. I've jotted them down to share with you. Even though there is some truth and wisdom in many of them, most are ridiculous to place on a church sign! Enjoy...

~Don't be so open-minded that your brain falls out.
~God doesn't believe in atheists; therefore, they don't exist.
~Beat the heat - choose Heaven.
~Pray or prey - your choice.
~Wanted: imperfect people, free trip 2 heaven, details inside.
~Labor 4 for Lord, His retirement plan is out of this world.

The third and fourth quotes are from the same church; the fifth and sixth quotes are from the same church; see a pattern in them? My personal favorite is quote two. I'm sure the pastor thought he was quite the smart little cookie when he came up with that one. But in actuality, he appears to be an idiot. Although it made me laugh, that is a rather stupid argument to present when debating with an atheist.

People watching

This morning brought oil changes for both me and my roommate, and new brake pads for Wendi. As Wendi waited for her car to receive new brake pads and I waited for an oil change at the Firestone next to Wal-mart, we realized this is a great place to people watch.

I dropped my car off and we went to Wal-mart to spend money on random things as we pasted the time. I got a new purse and Wendi bought new workout clothes. After eating at the Subway in the store, we headed back to Firestone to wait a long time for an oil change.

One woman who was there when I dropped my car off was still there...great sign, right? At first I didn't pay attention to her outfit. It wasn't until Wendi leaned over and whispered, "shoes." Now, pause...if you have seen this video, you will know why I laughed out loud. This lady had shoes that looked like a weaved basket clog. Then her dress was a weird mixture of blues and greens in a floral, paisley pattern. Her permed/curled hair jumped out of 1995 right into 2008. Her feet didn't reach the floor so she kept swinging her legs back and forth, while reading a novel from a way-too-big book.

Then there came in a guy that had tire issues but didn't want to pay for a brand new tire. Well, Firestone does not sell used tires but that guy wouldn't go for a new one. So, he actually asked the attendant, "Do you know where I can buy a used tire?" Cheap and an idiot.

Almost famous moments

How is it that Bobby Flay was extremely close to me in Nashville and I didn't know it?! While watching "Throw-down with Bobby Flay" on the Food Network, I discovered that sometime in the recent past Bobby Flay was at a fun little coffee shop called Fidos. He was here to challenge two women who make acclaimed ice pops. I've never heard of them but I'm not necessarily the one who is up on all things food. :)

This got me thinking; I wonder how many times I've almost walked right by someone famous in Nashville. I mean, hello! I live in a city full of singers and songwriters. Some of my friends have had random run-ins with someone famous, but I never have been blessed with the opportunity.

One of these days...

And the gold medal goes to...

Evidently, you can win a gold medal in gymnastics by not having the highest scores. Last night, the gold medal standing ended with a tie. With the new scoring system, a tie is broken by taking away the top and bottom score. Well, that still left the two gymnastics tied. The rule then was to take off the next bottom score. That gave us a winner. What is my gripe? Why do I care?

My issue is with taking the top score off to begin with. Why take the top score from an individual judge to determine the top athlete? Doesn't make sense to me! In the old scoring system, the top and bottom score were taken off everyone's score. That fair...but I still didn't like that the gymnast was not receiving the highest marks. The new scoring system gives the gymnast all the scores, highest and lowest. OK, fair. Then fairness is thrown out the window when there is a tie.

Now, it could be argued that the two top girls last night should not have received the same score. But since they did, I think the new scoring method screwed the silver medalist. All other contenders had their top score added to the mix, the top two did not. I do not see the fairness in that ruling. I could go on and on but I won't.

If it were up to me, the ruling would be as such: the tie breaker would start with the lowest score and work its way up until the tie was broken. We could have ended with the same winner last night, but I would have at least felt it was a fair win.

I'm late, I'm late, for a very important date

No, I'm not late for a date. Goodness, I haven't had one of those things in some time. It's been since 2005. Yep, three years ago since my last date/excursion/outing. Why, you may ask? Simple. I haven't been asked.

I'm speaking of a different late. I was late for work today. This may not seem as big a deal to most people as it is to me. But I'm the girl that gets to work early. I don't like arriving anywhere late. My whole family is that way, guess I picked up the habit from them. And, IMHO, it is a good habit to acquire. My dad would actually not go to an event, meeting, etc. if he would have gotten there late. We didn't go to church one time because we would have walked in right as the service started. Crazy huh!

Sorry if I step on toes with my next statement: I think lateness on a consistent basis shows lack of respect and honor for others and their time.

By the way, were we ever told what the white rabbit was late for?

Food and shopping

That's about all we partook of when my mom and brother Bryan came for a visit last weekend. Call me lazy but I'm just now putting up a few pictures of the extravaganza for viewing pleasure. We started last Saturday with a trip to The Pancake Pantry. Yumminess! I know they're just pancakes, but they are simply amazing.

After stuffing our faces with too many pancakes, Mom and I headed to Cool Springs for some shopping while Bryan took off to the coin store. My brother collects coins and is thoroughly obsessed with buying new ones. He will tell you all about the coins in his collection, then four hours later you wake up to hear Bryan still describing a coin. To each their own, right?

Then Mom wanted to visit Opry Mills. Us Nashville residents basically hate going over there. I think the vast majority of customers walking the oval mall are visitors and tourists. Anyway...Mom wanted to stop by a store that ended up closed, cause you know how some of the spaces have constant rotation. Once we got our fill of shopping for the day, we ate, again, of course. Without further ado, here are a few pics from our fun day together.

Mom waiting patiently to enter The Pancake Pantry

Bryan not waiting patiently

Photo time at Tony Roma's

Aren't we cute?

Umm...you pick a title

I must have writer's block because I can't seem to get anything out onto my 'paper'. I have so many thoughts running through my head that I want to tell you about but I can't seem get the words out. And I don't know how much you all would care to hear...you know? I wouldn't want to bore you with my mundane life.

Here are some things floating in my head at the moment:

~I love peanut butter. My love borders on addiction. When I get a craving for sweets, I make no-bake cookies because peanut butter is an ingredient. When I need a snack at work, I grab my big can of Jiff and eat a spoon full. Do I need an intervention?

~Watching the Olympics in Beijing requires late nights and less sleep! The USA girls gymnastics team totally fell apart last night. It was hard to watch. You could literally see the hurt and disappointment of their performances on their faces. And it made you sad for them.

~I need a new job. Why? More money is the bottom line. The working environment is laid back and I enjoy many of the people I work with but raises are not part of the plan and advancement is a far cry from reality. So, my only good option is to find a different employer. Anyone know of a position open? I don't even know what kind of job I am looking for.

This story is from my roommate, Wendi, who teaches 2nd grade in Nashville. A Kindergarten teacher at her school shared this with her yesterday. The teacher had a child on the second day of school walk into the room, put his stuff in the locker. The teacher instructed the child to grab a coloring book and head to a certain area. The child proceeds to do something else and not listen to the teacher. The teacher again tells the child what he should be doing at that moment. The child then stomps to the locker, grabs his stuff, slams the locker shut, turns around and says, "I don't know who signed me up for this shit!"

A five-year-old child said this! I laughed at the story but it is so sad. That child has picked up language from the parent(s) and will probably only get worse in the behavior department.

The eternal flame

I just put an 80's song in my head with that post title. If you don't know which one I'm referring to, sorry. Is China ready to carry the torch of the Olympic games? I wonder what protests the Chinese government will have to 'deal' with?

I've shared with you the contestants on Project Runway that completely missed the mark on the last challenge. They were to make an outfit that the ladies from the USA could wear in the opening ceremony. Now, I'll share the winning outfit and honorable mentions in lieu of the Olympics starting today. The first picture is the outfit that won and the others were runner-up.





Notice the white outfits received the highest marks. I agree with the lady who designed the winning outfit, she talked of what outfits her eyes are drawn to when the teams enter the stadium. It is always the white one. I agree.

Sgt. Pepper who?

Let me start by saying, you don't have to be a Beatles fan to know a good amount of their music. I have never been that into the band, probably because my parents weren't, but I still know some general things about the group and their music. So...when Blaine on Project Runway has the following convo with Tim Gunn, I was baffled: Tim - "It looks a little Sgt. Pepper to me." Blaine, after a slight pause - "I don't know what that is." What?! Paaaaleeeasssee.

The challenge for last night's runway was a great one, an Olympic opening night outfit. What a great idea! It's so patriotic. But the contestants on the show soon pop my excitement bubble. Let me interject that there were some great outfits for the challenge. A few of the designers 'got' the challenge. Let me share with you the outfits that don't really make you think of anything related to the Olympics...except for maybe a dignitary's wife in the bleaches.







Why would you as a designer think any of those outfits would be appropriate for the opening night walk into the stadium? Have these designers never watched one?