Walking contradiction

I'm a walking contradiction. Ask any of my friends and they will tell you that I'm a detail-oriented person, one that pays attention to the small things in a project. They will tell you that I'm dependable and trustworthy. They will tell you I will finish a project given to me. I remember details most people don't even notice.

But at the same time I am forgetful. I start many a project that I never finish. I start something with good intentions then leave it. How can someone be so opposite in her ways? Well, while walking this morning (I've started something here...we'll see how long it lasts) these were the thoughts running through my mind.

I walked a 5K last Saturday with some friends from church. Our choir director hosted an invitational run/walk. We got a cool t-shirt :) A 5K is just over three miles, that's it. But those three miles showed me how out of shape I am. That's where the walking this morning comes into play. I've decided, and I think with help from the 5K, that I need to get out of bed and exercise in the morning. I've allowed myself to gain too much weight over the last nine years. The scale has slowing but surely gone up.

One of the pictures from the walk on Saturday showed me with a major double chin. I DON'T WANT A DOUBLE CHIN! So, as of yesterday I started walking around my neighborhood. Mind you, I've done this before. It lasted about a week. This time I am hoping for a longer run.

Why can't I keep up with exercise? I know part of the problem is doing it alone. Guess I need to find someone who will walk with me. But most of my friends run. I can't ask them to walk. That would be unfair to them.

Here's to sticking with something that doesn't really have an end to it. I need to exercise my whole life, not just until a certain amount of weight comes off.

Self talk

Last Thursday, I started a new Bible study with some ladies from church. It's all about what we tell ourselves day in and day out. You know, those things you speak to yourself - I'm stupid, I'll never finish that project, I'm not pretty enough for him, I'm so behind, I'm a failure. I could go on and on with so many things we speak to ourselves in the privacy of our minds.

The problem with that is the majority of those things are negative. We, in turn, use those thoughts to build a life. We label ourselves according to the contents of those thoughts. And usually, they are not what God knows about us or says we are.

I'm being reminded that I must tell myself the truth. God's truth. If I listen to not just the world around me but myself, I will have a mind full of lies and junk. God wants me to build a life on His truth, His power, His provision, His grace and mercy. Most of the things I tell myself are not based on God's truth. I have to change that.

I'll go with that one...with a side of that

Let us pick from the thoughts floating through my head right now. Like a cafeteria, I'll randomly select some things to tell you.

Last week was the opener for many sitcoms and shows. Two of my favorites came back last Thursday night, Fringe and The Office. As always, The Office gave me some awkward moments to live through and silly situations. I'm reminded all the time of my real workplace. Fringe did not let me down, either. The writer have set up a great season. I love the cow. If you watch the show, you know exactly what I mean.

A Ladies Bible study started last Thursday night, as well. Everything happens all at once, doesn't it? This study is called Me, Myself and Lies. I look forward to getting to know the ladies in the group. A small group like this allows me to get past a simple hello in the hallway at church. Once again, God has brought a random group of women together for this one. But, as we all know, nothing is random with God!

My dear friend Mandy will celebrate her thirty-first birthday next Thursday! I've planned some fun stuff for her this Friday night. I have to pay her back for the awesome birthday present - Heart in concert! I promise you Mandy, you will LOVE Friday night.

I just want to say again that I love my church and especially the choir and orchestra. Never have I been in a church where the musicians were so close with each other and desired to minister to the rest of the members as passionately as this group does. I look forward to rehearsals on Wednesday nights. And truly feel like we minister to the congregation on Sunday mornings. Last night, the orchestra blessed us with a concert. They filled the stage area. Actually, they are growing and pushing the choir out of the loft! This is a great problem to have.

Has Nashville, Tennessee moved to Seattle, Washington? This constant rain sure seems like it. The sun is out today for the first time since Friday afternoon.

Flu vaccination

Just a quick question: how many of you, my few readers, get a flu shot each year? I've never taken a flu shot, nor have I had the flu. I'm not saying that to gloat or challenge luck/fate/health. Maybe I'm one of those that is less susceptible to illness. That could have to do with all the germs and dirt I ate as a child ;)

I'm simply curious about who of my friends takes the shot yearly, or occasionally.

Respect versus stupidity

I'm rather disgusted with Kayne West's behavior at the VMA's last night. I didn't watch the award show, but while checking facebook, I saw all the people commenting on him. So I went to youtube and found what they were talking about. If you have not seen or heard what Kayne did and said while Taylor Swift was accepting her award, you can easily find it all over the internet.

The incident: Taylor Swift won the Female Video of the Year award, beating out Beyonce. Halfway through her acceptance speech, Kayne walks up to the stage and take the microphone out of Taylor's hand. "I am really happy for you," West said. "But Beyonce had one of the best videos of all time." Then he hands the microphone back to Taylor and walks off the stage.

What?!?*%&^(#$*~#?! Who acts that way? Oh, yeah...Kayne West does, all the time. We have come to expect him to react when he is not the winner or doesn't like the outcome. I'm sure there were many people who thought other videos should have won, but they didn't storm the stage and take away a new artist's thunder! Grow up!

And to Beyonce, thank you for showing us you are a mature, grown up woman. You allowed Taylor to enjoy her moment when you won the Video of the Year award. Thank you for being the better and respectful person. Kayne's actions just show how immature and selfish and disrespectful he is.

Remembering my Grandma New

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. My Grandma New passed away from it in 1991. I was fourteen. I was devastated. My Grandma Smith passed away in 1969, right before my oldest brother was born. None of us knew her. Maybe that's why I was so affected by Grandpa New's passing. I had a great-grandma that was alive until I was in late elementary/early junior high, but I still had only the one grandma.

I miss her, still. She made the best pies. You know the kind, homemade crust, custard filling, meringue on top. She would make a pie for your birthday. She made really yummy biscuits, which was a staple in the house. That or cornbread. She introduced me to coffee. Yuck! Or at least that is what I thought at a young age. It's rather delicious now.

She kept a strawberry patch. I remember helping weed that stupid thing. But I loved the time spent with grandma. I remember one day in particular. We may have been weeding, we could have been picking berries. I don't recall. What I do remember is this: grandma's phone kept ringing. The first couple of times she didn't care. She walked back into the house and answered the phone. It must have been picking time, people were probably calling to check if she still had berries to pick. Anyway, she came back outside each time. When the phone rang one time she straightened herself, looked back at the house and said, "Well shit!" I looked up at her in such disbelief! My grandma had just cussed! I still laugh about it.

I also remember her singing. She had an old hymnal at the house and she would sit at the window and sing. Maybe that's where I learned some older songs, ones we don't sing anymore. Thank you grandma for giving me a love for singing.

One time while spending the night, my cousin Christa and I slept in grandma's bed while she slept on the couch. That couch was not comfortable for sleep. But she still gave up her bed. I remember her telling us a scary story, we laid there scared to go to sleep! Thanks grandma...maybe that's where my overactive brain comes from.

You know the powder that you get in a round container? My grandma had that. And whenever I see or smell those, I remember her. And I miss her all over again. I love you grandma and am ready to see you again!

Heart

My friend Mandy is an amazing friend! She took me to see Heart last night in concert! Wonderful birthday gift. My birthday is this Saturday, Sept. 12...just saying.

Ann and Nancy still have it. They still rock. Nancy still has a power house voice. Ann still rocks the guitar. She does a cute jumping up thingy when she gets into a guitar rip. They started the concert with Barracuda - AWESOME! Seriously - AMAZING! They continued with all the songs we wanted to hear.

The night started with a lady whose name I can't remember, last name is Grace. First name starts with an A. Anyway, she was really good. But, since I don't know her songs, I have no idea what she was singing, making it hard to be excited about her. She was good though, I'll have the check her out.

Alison Krauss came out at one point. She rocks! She is super talented. It was cool to see her up there with Heart.

The concert was at the Ryman. The more I go there, the more I like that place. My suggestion, always sit in the balcony. Much better seats for the most part. Most seats up there have a great view of the stage. And since the rows are tiered, you don't have to worry too much about a guy sitting in front of you with a big cowboy hat on. There was a guy there last night with one on...why would you wear one to a Heart concert?

So, thank you Mandy for a great birthday gift!

Before speaking, read the facts

I'm a registered Republican. I vote in most elections, local to national. Most of the time I stand with my fellow Republicans. But ya'll! Really! Before coming out again the speech President Obama will make today to students all over the nation, please take the time to read his speech. I've included it here in case you haven't read it.

I have read it. And for the life of me, I can't figure out why people are in such an uproar. His speech is very forthright and uplifting. He challenges the students to work hard and not give up.

Lazy day

My cats are entertaining me right now by trying to get at a bug or insect in between windows. They have spent some time in front of the window, on their hind legs for a good part of it. It drives them nuts not being able to get to something right outside the window. They spend many hours in front of the kitchen window, watching a squirrel that chose to sit on the ledge and eat. They make a strange noise stemming from frustration. If you have a cat, you know what sound I speak of.

Long weekends are a wonderful treat! I slept in and haven't done anything yet. I might go out and eat lunch at a fun place. Don't plan on any housework being done. No work on anything today! I'm trying to get Mandy to go with me somewhere.

Hope everyone is having a great day!

Latest laser treatment

My mom mentioned last night that she hadn't seen any pictures from my recent treatment. Here are two from the day of...

I didn't take any over the past week. Sorry! This past week the dots have turned from black to dark red to light red. Right now you can barely see the dots. Over the next couple of weeks it will appear as though we did nothing. Then we should start to see fading. Right about now, you think the treatment was in vain because nothing appears different and the color of the birthmark is more red than before.

I'll be sure to post a picture showing the fading that occurred. I think there will be significant fading this time.

A little David Cook to start the day off

David Cook won a couple of seasons back on American Idol. Over the weeks, he became my favorite singer on there. He's got a slight rocker thing going on, and I love it. So, this morning while flipping through channels, on my way to the weather channel (which I watch a lot...like my parents), I saw the music video for his recent single When you find you. Great song.

The video was shot in a style that is becoming popular. They record the scene then play it backwards. Now, I know that is not a new method but I have seen an influx of it on the television. Unlike many times I've seen this backwards play, it actually fit this song. One line says "When you find you, come back to me." This method just seems to fit what the song says. So props to the producer who saw what worked for this song.

I'm watching the news while typing this. I can see that traffic is backed up all over the city. I'm sure the rain has caused people to forget how to drive. Speaking of rain, my little kitty, Sugar, is hiding inside the couch. I haven't seen her this morning and probably won't. The weird thing is that Boots, the older kitty, is out and about. She used to hide at the first drop on rain. Guess they have switched places.

Challenge for myself

This month I will try my hardest to post something on here every week day. You may end up with stuff not written by me to fulfill this challenge but there will be something posted here.

The reason for this challenge is not just to post on the blog for posting sake. I need to vocalize lots of stuff. Get thoughts out of my brain and into the open. So, to start the month off...

Does anyone else find the lack of sitcoms on television annoying? Most shows are now reality based or game show material. Where have the smart script writers gone? There are a couple of shows hidden among the shows that require no brain activity on the viewers part.

I want a good sitcom back! Have we dumb down our society enough the past ten or so years that we no longer care to be challenged with controversial topics or quick whit? You would think so by a quick run down of current shows lists. A word to producers and writers: I can handle a story line that continues past one episode. And I can handle a grown up conversation mixed with humor. And I can process big words and deep philosophical ideas. So, give me a show that contains that. Thank you.

Payday shopping

Last night I went shopping. This is actually an unusual activity for me. I needed new shoes, like good ones. Ones that gave my feet support. Ones that gave me an arch since my feet are basically flat. Ones that are comfortable and can be worn with most casual outfits. Ta-da! Here's what I bought. I love the coloring and they are super comfy!

I also stopped by Lane Bryant after seeing a coworker with this great shirt on yesterday from said store. There is a cool zipper on the top, allowing you to make the neck opening as small or open as you like. I plan to wear it next week for the Heart concert my wonderful friend Mandy is taking me to for my birthday. By the way, my birthday is September 12, a couple of Saturdays from now. I like green, books and collect crosses. Just in case you want to know.

After the shirt buy, I found some great necklaces to accent the outfit for the concert at Forever 21. That store is overloaded with jewelry. I could waste a lot of money in there.

So, I will look amazingly hot at the Heart concert. And, my feet are very happy now.

Home

Back on August 8, I took advantage of the sales tax free weekend we have in Tennessee once a year. It's wonderful! Well, I bought new sheets for my bed and a new extra pillow. I use a memory foam pillow but keep another one off to the side. One of my cats usually takes up nightly residence on that one.

I washed the sheets and put them on my bed Sunday afternoon. I slept on them that night. It was heavenly. They are 400 or 450 count sheets...meaning comfort :) But I didn't get to enjoy their softness and freshness again until thirteen days later. My grandpa passed away that morning and I house/dog/cat sat for some friends once I returned from his funeral.

I can't tell you how happy and anxious I was to get home to my bed, my kitties, my own everything. The friends I house sat for are great people, with a great dog and cat and house. Nothing bad about staying there. I just wanted to go home. I felt out-of-sorts. It was weird to come back from a funeral and immediately start house sitting.

So, last Saturday night I crawled into my bed with the new sheets and slept soundly. Like, really soundly. When I woke up on Sunday, I felt so rested. Then I took a nap on Sunday afternoon. I love my bed. And I love being back home.

What a day that will be

My Grandpa New passed away this morning. He is now at peace in the Lord. Grandpa has been ready to go home for many years. Every time I visited him, he told me he wished the Lord would take him on home. Today, God answered that prayer.

As I mourn over this post, I also rejoice. Only a Christian can put those things together. In Christ, I have a hope. In Christ, I have joy that goes beyond the circumstance. Grandpa understood this. He knew in the Lord was his hope. The following song by Steven Curtis Chapman says exactly what I mean.

...Through the cloud of tears, I see the Father smile and say "well done."
And I imagine you where you wanted most to be,
Seeing all your dreams come true 'cause now you're home,
And now you're free.

We can cry with hope, we can say goodbye with hope
'Cause we know our goodbye is not the end,
And we can grieve with hope,
'Cause we believe with hope there's a place by God's grace,
There's a place where we'll see your face again.
We'll see your face again.

We have this hope as an anchor
'Cause we believe that everything God promised us is true.

So we can cry with hope and say goodbye with hope.

We wait with hope and we ache with hope
We hold on with hope, we let go with hope.

You will be missed on this earth, Grandpa. But you are exactly where I long to be. Someday, we will be together again. As your favorite song says, "What a day that will be when my Jesus I shall. When I look upon His face, the one who saved me by His grace." And I can still hear you sing that song while sitting in your chair at home. Your voice was basically gone, but you still sang it will all your heart. I love you.

Surprise bubble busted

My mom's birthday is today, she is +%#/~ years old. I'm not putting how young she is on here, I'm not stupid! :)

I ordered flowers for my mom, they would be delivered to her workplace this morning. Mom works as a library aide at an elementary school. The kids start back later but the staff is there already. Since the kids aren't there yet, they don't work all day; knowing this, I made sure the flowers were delivered in the morning, to make sure mom got them.

Well...while talking to mom last night, she told me she was off tomorrow (today) on her birthday. What?! But the flowers are going to be delivered at the school, not the house! My well laid plans went out the window!

I tried to stop the delivery this morning but didn't get in touch with the flower shop until the driver was out and about. My mom's flowers are sitting at the school, awaiting her pick up. I had to tell my mom about the surprise so she would go by the school before the rest of the staff left.

I tried to be a good daughter and surprise my mom with pretty flowers. It didn't work. Oh well, she'll have flowers later on today.

Happy Birthday Mom! You're the best! I'm so blessed to have you as a mother. May you have many more years of happy birthdays!

Feline greetings

My kitties just wanted to say hi. Recently, Boots and Sugar were sick, but both are back to health. Sugar never stays still long enough to get a picture that is clear, hence the blurry image. But she is feeling better. She had an upper respiratory infection. So did Boots. Boots had a rougher time though. She has a chronic dry eye condition. Her eyes get dry and get scratched easily. Boots wanted to show you that her eyes are clear and tell you that all the medication she was on helped her a lot.

Still smiling

If I had a written out list, Steve Green would be on it as a person I want to meet someday. Well, I got to do so last night! I'm still smiling. My church hosted him and I was honored to sing back up with him on a few songs. For most of the evening, I was on cloud nine and everything felt surreal.

I could go on and on about Steve Green. Suffice to say, he is an amazing singer and man of God. He truly ministers to you. His song choices turn your heart and mind to Christ. Here is proof that I actually meet him.



Thanks to Mandy for the picture! Here is Mandy and Rachel acting silly, they say the caption for this picture is "Mindy gets to sing with Steve Green!!!!!!" Sorry for the blurring view.



My camera died a while back and a coworker gave me a camera for free. Well, that camera doesn't have a tighten and widen function. So, you can't see my face but here is a picture of us singing behind Steve. I'm on the second row, far right.

Role model to me

Growing up in the 1980's, I always saw Mikhail Gorbachev on the news. Yes, he was a leader in the feigned U.S.S.R. Yes, that country did not have a great testimony. But, every time I saw Gorbachev on the television, I felt a connection. If you grew up in that time period, you already know why. If not, this picture should explain.



In my hometown of Somerset, Kentucky, I was an oddity. Not a freak or weird person, but an oddity. The only other person I knew with a birthmark was the son of a lady my mom knew from working at school. He underwent laser treatments for his birthmark on the back of his neck and back. His parents are where my parents got the information to first investigate laser treatments for me.

So, whenever I saw Gorbachev's face, I would perk up and pay attention. He was an inspiration to me. Not his country or his politics. But his person. He. I saw through him that I could be in the public eye and be accepted for my abilities.

This blog tells of Gorbachev having laser treatments and surgeries to remove the birthmark. I'm a little saddened by this news. I wish him all the best, but it's like an icon or role model that you've held up being taken down. He is known for that birthmark. I understand he needs to do this for medical purposes, just as I am doing these current laser treatments to diminish future medical issues. But I'm still sad.

Visitors

My coworker, Michelle, has a one-year-old boy named Micah. He is CUTE! He had some pictures done yesterday and mommy brought him by the office so we all could see him. He's just adorable. Of course, we all had to hold him :)


He was very content in Robert's arms.


He totally loved Zora.


Look at those curls! Love it.


He was smiling right before we snapped the picture. Isn't that just like most kids and smiles and pictures?!