Monday, May 31, 2010

Video of the Week - Memorial Day

Happy Memorial Day! I hope you are all enjoying a
relaxing holiday with family and friends.
This is a time for reflection and thanks.
It doesn't matter if you agree or disagree with the war.
It doesn't matter if you like or dislike the Commander in Chief's decisions.
All that matters is that those away from home, serving our country are doing so with much sacrifice for our freedoms.

I love this video and the reminder that we are fortunate, blessed!
to be living in the United States.

Thank you to all of my family that made the choice to serve our country. I love you.




Sunday, May 30, 2010

Getting to Know You Sunday

I love playing along with Keely and her "Getting To Know You Sunday" Meme.
I love to learn more about the people I follow and you get a chance to learn a little more about me.


To play..copy the questions..post them on your blog..than link up at Keely's blog!


1.  Have you ever snooped around someone else's house?

2. Can guys and girls be friends? ( thanks Jen!)

3. Can you curl your tongue?

4. Have you ever stolen anything?

5. Would you rather talk on the phone or text?

6. Memorial Day plans?

7. What do you do to relax?

8. Do you do anything to honor those that have died fighting for our freedom?
------------------------------------------------------------

1. Have you ever snooped around someone else's house?

Snooped? Like going into non-company areas and go through things? No. But I have scanned around a room to take in everything making mental notes. But I do it to try and get ideas myself of something I might want to do at my house as well.

2. Can guys and girls be friends?

If they are truly good moral people then yes. Confused by that answer? Well... I think that it IS possible. If neither are married or committed to a relationship then whatever sparks may occur naturally is no harm and my even be "meant to be". But if either (or both) ARE married or committed to someone else then you have to be careful of a CLOSE friendship with someone of the opposite sex. These are the people that you go to when you need to talk or need advice and sometimes those things involve your significant other and it could cause unnecessary feelings of jealousy (or worse) if you're sharing information, gripes about your hubby with another man (or vice versa).


3. Can you curl your tongue?

Okay I checked in the mirror. I knew that I could do this years ago but it's been so long since I tried, I wasn't sure if I still could. Yes... I can still curl my tongue. :)


4. Have you ever stolen anything?

I have a confession. I have a pen fetish. I have taken pens from the doctor's office... on occasion. Not just every pen I use. But the pharmaceutical sales reps bring loads of some of the coolest pens. I know that we even have some marketers from various places come to our office (Home Health Care & Hospice agency) and leave handfuls of pens as advertisement. It wasn't something we paid for and if they disappear, no big deal. They were free. So I know that those cutesy or unusual pens... and those that just feel good in your hand and write perfectly... were just freebies passed out as advertisement anyway. And after all, that Viagra pen (one of my favorites) is one I might someday in the future want to remember to tell someone about... Right? :)




5. Would you rather talk on the phone or text?

Depends on the person, the subject, what else I'm doing. Normally a text is easier, quicker to just deliver a quick message. The recipient can view and/or reply at their convenience. DH texts me grocery items and I'd prefer that over a call. Sometimes it's just not really the best. You don't catch up with an old friend via text. That is a phone call I enjoy! Sometimes a text can be entertaining. For instance. My mother (love ya mom!) wanted to learn how to text. So I was giving her (by phone) a few quick steps. She was trying it out and I got a couple of completely blank texts. At least she figured out how to send one right? Baby steps :) Then, sitting at my desk at work I get this text that I STILL have in my phone for a chuckle from time to time...

"Lolcantfigureouthowtoseparatethewords" 

Gotta love my mother's willingness to embrace the newer technology. My dad on the other hand still drives (half mile) to my house when he gets an AT&T push message, so I can "get that notice off my screen". I've showed him how to delete it, more than once but hey... I guess I can say he needs me. :)



6. Memorial Day plans?

No real plans made. I am on vacation ALL week this week so I have a lot of stuff I want to do around the house. I think we might cook out here at home just our small little family. May have my nephews over. But no real big plans made. I want to enjoy a relaxing day before doing some "Summer cleaning" (because Spring was way to  hectic with work and school both).


7. What do you do to relax?

I don't get to nearly as often as I'd like but I LOVE to soak in a Hot, Hot, Hot bubble bath with a good book. It's relaxing and totally ME time. I have been known to drain out a little water and add more HOT water for a longer soak if I'm not quite ready to get out. :o)

8. Do you do anything to honor those that have died fighting for our freedom?


Not really, I'm ashamed to say. I do think about the soldiers and their sacrifice. I have family who have served our country and can appreciate what they gave. And I have been thinking a lot lately that I'd like to join a group that adopts soldiers to send things to or correspond with, to show my appreciation for what they are doing. There are a couple of places I checked in with before but they never followed through with the plan. Do you or anyone you know participate in something like this?

Friday, May 28, 2010

All New Friday Follow!

IT'S BACK... The all NEW Friday Follow!


friday-follow


Friday Follow is great for finding new blogs to follow. I have met some of the greatest people with it. Click above to join in and broaden your horizons. There are some cool features too like "Top Spot" bloggers and guest posts to introduce yourself to the Friday Follow-ers.

I'm a little late in joining this week. It was a LONG (11 hours) day at the office trying to get ready for several days off for vacation but I hope to still look through the list for new blogs to follow. 
I'd love to have you stop by and visit me anytime and get to me, and the family through me.
The most recent addition to our family is featured in yesterday's post.

HAPPY FRIDAY FOLLOW! :)

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Pet Pic Contest with ToothSoap!

Pet Pic Contest Starts Today!



If you want to enter your pet, go visit Shell @ Things I Can't Say and add your pic & post to the Linky!


This isn't the first post about her but in case you are really new here and haven't had the please yet, meet my Abby!

Abigail Catelyn Turner aka Abby (my daddy calls me Katie though)

We were a long time finding her. I wasn't quite so picky but DH had a mental pic of EXACTLY the pet he wanted us to have. He gave me this description and I searched for at least 2 years in pet stores and newpapers, making calls for details from information I'd get from friends. I even searched the internet on breeder websites for this...
"She" had to be female, fawn colored with a black mask. Oh! and she had to be purebred. Seems easy enough right? WRONG!!

That exact make-up was hard to come by. But at the end of January last year (2009) I was in the pet store locally (yet again) and there she was! I took her pic and sent it to DH and said she was perfect and met every description on his list and said he just HAD to come see her.

I drove back home and got him and we went back. It was love at first sight. She was a "pretty penny" but we were determined to have her. We paid a deposit and they agreed to hold her til the end of the week. We already considered her ours and went to the pet store every evening after work to visit her. They would get her out of the cage and let us hold her and play with her in the visiting area.


Her daddy was smitten from the start!

It was a LONG week waiting to bring her home. I took half a day off when we went to get her and bring her home. We were waiting outside when they opened the doors. And on Feb 6th 2009 we brought Abby home!

Leaving the pet store. She was exactly 4 months old when we brought her home. She turned a year old in October 2009. 

She has us all wrapped around her heart and we can't imagine life without her now. 



She is probably  the smartest dog I've ever known and has learned so many words! One of our favorite's is "kiss". When she hears the word she immediately rolls over, belly up for you to kiss HER belly. Regardless if you've asked her for a kiss, or if you're offering her one. The word KISS is her cue to roll over and enjoy the attention.

Abby's Belly Kisses :)

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Tag, You're It! - Monkey's Twitter Party

Twitter Party for Monkey tonight!




Supah Mommy's Swag Bag


Click the pic above for more info!.



Debby@Just Breathe had this amazing tag posted..
I wanted to join in...

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
Well... the story in the family is... I was named after an ex-girlfriend of my dad's. I hope it's just the name that was sticking with him.


2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
About a week ago, after reading something very upsetting. I went to bed early and hubby did too. He held me and rubbed my back for the longest time, til I cried myself to sleep. :)


3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
Yes. except when I'm in a hurry.


4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
Mesquite Turkey


5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
Yes,I have an 18 1/2 year old son, Adam. Two beautiful step-daughters; Traci 32 and Mandy 30, gee I hope that's right. The older they get, the quicker I lose track :( ... and two fur-babies. :)


6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
Yes I would.


7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT?
Quite often.


8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
Yes, unfortunately.


9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
NEVER! NEVER! NEVER!

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
Not usually.

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?
Physically, not real strong. Inside I usually am but get emotional easy too, depends on the situation.

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
I don't really eat ice cream anymore, haven't for a long time. But my favorite used to be chocolate chip cookie dough.
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
Their eyes.

15. RED OR PINK?
Pink!


16. WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE OUTSIDE?
Hot and Sunny!


17. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE DRINK?
Coffee and Water 

18. WHAT COLOR SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
I'm not wearing any right now. :)


19. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?
A corndog and seasoned fried.


20. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
The TV is on in the background, hubby watching the news.


21. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Pink or Periwinkle


22. FAVORITE SMELLS?
Fresh coffee, roses, babies


23. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
My hubby


24. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
Basketball


27. HAIR COLOR?
Dark Brown

28. EYE COLOR?
Blue


29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
No, glasses. I tried contacts, 3 different sets in fact. But none worked for my eyes. I have bi-focals and am near-sighted in one eye and far-sighted in the other.


30. FAVORITE FOOD?
Pizza

31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
Happy endings

32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
 Book of Eli with Denzel Washington

33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
 My chocolate scrub top with teal trim.


34. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Summer, I get cold TOO easy!


35. HUGS OR KISSES?
Both


36. CAR OR TRUCK?
I have a car but prefer a nice truck to drive. :)


39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
Strong Women, Soft Hearts by Paula Rinehart


40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
Don't use one.

41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT?
The Bachelorette


42. FAVORITE SOUND?
A child's DEEP belly laugh.


43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?
 Neither really. 


44. WHERE DO YOU WANT TO GO TO NEXT?
 To the ocean. I want to see a sunset and sunrise on the beach. Sadly, I never have. :(


45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
Not really, that I'm aware of.


46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
I grew up in Kentucky and my parents lived there but the town is very small so I was actually BORN right across the river in Ohio but we didn't live there.

**I tag anyone who wants to play along..
If you do play along please let me know so I can read your answers..

Monday, May 24, 2010

Monday Minute for Daffy

I know this is my second post today but I wanted to play along with Ian's Monday Minute, in honor of Daffy and the loss of her sister. (My prior post earlier today was also for Daffy & anyone who's lost someone close to them.)



This Monday's questions are...

1 - Do you *snort*?
I don't on a regular basis, but I have been known to on occasion.

2 - Our friend, has a nickname and it's Daffy.  What's your nickname?
I have been given a few, the most used ones are Lady Diana or Lady Di (thanks to Princess Diana), and Dirty D - shortened from Dirty Diana (thanks to Michael Jackson's song "Dirty Diana"). Then of course "Babe" and "Lynn" (my middle name) from hubby.

3 - Do you know sign language?
I know a few signs here and there that I've picked up on and once knew all the alphabet. I'd have to practice a little to refresh though.

4 - What's a sample convo from your hood?
Hmmm sadly nothing comes to mind. I live in a teeny, tiny SMALL town so no real "hood" convo around here.

5 - Do you sleep with electronic devices - i.e. laptop, Blackberry, iPhone, etc?
(Ditto Ian!) My cell is always on the nightstand close to my head, but never actually sleep WITH any of my electronic attachments. :)


Head over to Ian's blog and link up if you wanna play along too.

Video of the Week & Daffy's Loss

This video is a special one to me. "Save A Place For Me" by Matthew West. I think about those I've lost and the memories that come to mind put a smile on my face.




Even though we miss them, thinking of them can warm our hearts. For all of you who have recently lost someone, and the pain is still fresh. I pray you can find peace and are comforted by your memories.

I know that Daffy's Loss is something I can't imagine. She lost her sister this week. My heart aches for you and I hope this can help you find comfort. I have two sisters and we are the best of friends. I can't imagine my life without either of them. Praying you and your family are comforted during this difficult time.

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Recipe Card Collection - 1

I have the cutest Recipe Card Collection from The Shabby Princess. It's a holiday collection but most all the cards can be used any time of year. If you want to create your own printable recipe card collection, head over to The Shabby Princess and get your card set today. These would make great printable gifts to start working on now to give as gifts for the holiday season. I'm going to do one card a week (minimum) with one of our family favorites. If you make any and show them on your blog, leave me a comment or email me and let me know so I can come check out your recipe cards too! :o)

Today's recipe, and the first in the collection, is...


It was easy to put together the traditional-style lasagna layers. Gather all your ingredients together.

 
Egg - Enchilada Sauce - Shredded Cheddar Cheese - Stewed Tomatoes - Chopped Onion -
Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese - Cottage Cheese - Minced Garlic - Ground Cumin

Brown ground beef in skillet with onion and garlic; drain.

Add tomatoes, enchilada sauce and cumin; simmer 20 minutes uncovered.

Layer in 9X13 pan and bake at 350 for 20 minutes covered.
Uncover and bake 10 more minutes til bubbly. Let stand 14 minutes before serving.

Voila! 

I also wanted to share a pic of my cute Flirty Apron. Oh! And the helper I always have when I'm in the kitchen is pictured with me. She's NEVER far away from food. :o)

If you are interested in a printing out this or other upcoming recipe cards for your own collection, leave me a comment or email me!

Friday, May 21, 2010

Mission Monkey Day with Friday Follow

Hello blog-world!  I am participating in what's known around the world as Mission Monkey day!  What is Mission Monkey you ask?  Well, there's this blogger friend of ours known as Pixie Momma, aka Michelle.  Michelle has a little girl, or Monkey as she's known by who was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma.  To learn more about it, click here. Monkey is a sweet little 16 month old girl.  She doesn't deserve this.  Nobody deserves this.

But the good news is that Monkey only has Stage 1 (low risk).  The bad news is the medical bills are mounting and the Physical Therapy (starts today) isn't covered by insurance.  Michelle is using the donated money to offset medical bills.  She will donate and unused portion to another family dealing with the same issue.

This is why the blogging universe is banning together like never before to rally around Michelle and Monkey to provide support.  In addition to further entice you to lend your hand, and donate to the cause, we have over 50 items that have been donated.  Many bloggers are hosting these fabulous giveaways and all you need to win one of these items is just one raffle ticket.

Donation pages:
Princess of Sarcasm - http://bit.ly/9nUmBp
The One and Only Oka - http://bit.ly/9KZSOG
SupahMommy - http://bit.ly/bSMrGw
Jenn B Says #1 - http://bit.ly/bYzHAH
Jenn B Says #2 - http://bit.ly/bej01D
Amber - http://bit.ly/cTGq29
Two Little Monkeys - http://bit.ly/cZKjzK
Mommy's Nest - http://bit.ly/9tLjoy
Chief's Hiding From the Kids - http://bit.ly/cfKIiO
Jenny - http://bit.ly/dftIS2
Jana - http://bit.ly/aUKVjM

You may donate any amount of money via PayPal as it's linked directly to Michelle's bank account.  However, in order to be a part of the raffle, this is how that's going to go.  If you donate the following, you get the subsequent number of entries:
  • $10 - 2 entries
  • $20 - 5 entries
  • $30 - 10 entries
  • $40 - 15 entries
  • $50 - 20 entries
  • $75 - 35 entries
  • $100 - 50 entries
  • $200 - 125 entries
 The raffles for each item will start on or around July 1st.

Click on monkey to donate!







If you are donating money via PayPal, I need to know who it's coming from.  For example, look at the first picture below.  The link takes to you this screen.  Press the plus sign and then indicate your blog name/blog email address so I can track you accordingly.





















And, here's the thing: this could be any of our kids.  Thank you for your time and thank you for your donation.







There are also a few other things going on to celebrate Mission Monkey please visit them all!



Supah Mommy's Swag Bag


Twitter party!
More info can be found here - CASH PRIZES!!!!!!


Kerri over at Kerri's Klutter is donating $1 for each and every linkup she receives for her weekly meme, Comment Love LettersIn addition, Adrienne is matching Kerri's donation dollar for dollar!  Go and link up and support Mission Monkey!





ZGirl and Travis are participating in a weight loss challenge and they are asking for your sponsorship.  Please visit them and lend your support!














Jenn over at BabyStepsInHighHeels has a challenge where she's going to donate $1 for every comment/new follower from now until the end of May.  Please visit her!







Follow and Be Followed Here at Trendy Treehouse
Enter your link below &  follow the blogs you love.
It's that simple. Have fun!
FollowMeFridays  The Girl Creative


I am also very excited to share with you....
another great blogger at "the girl creative" who has a fun Friday Link Party!
"New Friend Friday"
We will be linking up together every Friday. So be sure to go by and check out this fun link party!
If you would like to share this blog hop, just go to the link below and grab the code

Monday, May 17, 2010

Ian's Monkey Minute

I'm playing along with Ian's Monday Monkey Minute this week. You get to learn a little more about me and this will hopefully generate more support for this little Monkey who needs our prayers and support...





Photobucket



Here are Ian's questions this week... head on over and link up to share your answers too!

Have you ever peed in the shower/bath/pool?
EVER??? Well, yeah. I can't imagine no one has "ever". Now how long ago is another questions... for another day. ;o)

What is your biggest pet peeve?
I have a few but stupid drivers, rude employees at all fast food places who could care less how they screw up your order.

What's the story behind your blog title?
Well, there is a song by Casting Crowns called Lifesong. (You can see the video here on YouTube and you should listen to it, at least once, if you've never heard it.) Some of my favorite lyrics from the song are included in my header... "May the words I say and the things I do, make my Lifesong sing, bring a smile to you." And if you haven't quite got it yet... I hope that each and every day I can love and treat others as God loves us. This blog is My Lifesong... how I live my days, trying to end each one in a way that will bring a smile to His face.

What is your definition of success?
I've always loved this definition of success...

Success:  To laugh often and much, to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children, to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends, to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others, to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.  This is to have succeeded!  ~Ralph Waldo Emerson



If you were famous, what would you want to be famous for?
Well... achieving the above definition of success would be great. But beyond that, if my name was to ever be widely known, I'd like it to be for inspiring and encouraging others to be the best they can be and help them find ways to do that.

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Perfect End to a Challenging Week

It's just been one of those weeks. Monday... ALL week long! It's not a good sign when you have to give the Wal-Mart check-out girl some tips/hints on bagging your things. This proved to really test my patience. It was already a long day at the office. And I'd already put off grocery shopping too long "No hun, bagging the 8 gallon trash can isn't necessary, and you can just put some of those paper products down inside the trash can too." :o)

All in all it wasn't a horrible week! Everyday just felt like Monday to  me. But the week ended on a great note. I spent a few hours at my mom's house with my two sisters and my sister-in-law and my niece making some paper craft things from some kits I had purchased. I wanted to have this get-together on May 9th, National Scrapbook Day, but just couldn't get it scheduled. However, the whole month of May is considered National Scrapbook Month, so we just celebrated a little later than most.

The kits I'd previously done and posted here were made by everyone else. I was able to guide them through the steps quicker. We added extra pages to the Recipe Ring so that everyone had twice as many recipes pages. They turned out even better than before with some extra embellishments to the front covers.






We made a new kit too that I hadn't made before. It was an  adorable mini album. I can't wait to put some more of these together with the supplies I have to use as gifts, give-aways, or donations to a great cause. :o) Here are a few shots of some of my favorite pages from the mini album.










This album has the prettiest shades of pink, blue, green, teal, beige. It is perfect for small photos or memorabilia. Or just wrote your notes of love or appreciation on the blank pages.

My sisters got away before the camera came out. I think they had flash-backs from being forced into photos last week on Mother's Day. :o)  I did get a couple pictures though of my mother and my sister-in-law, Amber and niece, Nicole as they worked on their projects.




.  I hope you all had as great a weekend as I did and are ready for another great week ahead!

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Mother's Day & Memories

It seems like everyone is doing a blog post about Mother's Day. Those of us who still have our mothers here to spend the day with are so blessed. I can't imagine not having her.

We spent some time with mom today. My sisters were both there with their families. Being the scrapbooker and blogger that I am, I insisted on pictures. Here is a group photo taken today at mom's with my sisters and I standing behind mom.




 Pictured are my older sister, Bev, my younger sister, Sonya and myself
with our mother.

I love the time we spend together. You can usually find mom with me every weekend when I have to make my routine trip the ever-growing Wal-Mart list... which it seems is never completed.

We shared some memories today. One I had forgotten that my little sister, Sonya told. We were discussing "whippins"... remember, we're country people in Kentucky. Some people spank their kids. Parents in Kentucky (if they have to and still believe in it) WHIP their kids. My younger sister and I were trying to recall getting one of these whippins. I can't recall a single one. Honest! I was a good kid!! Either that or I was beat half to death and have blocked those memories from my brain completely to keep myself from expensive therapy sessions.

My little sister did come up with a memory though. She remembers the time we BOTH got one for the same time. I still didn't recall it when she told this story but I'm sure it must have happened. When we were little... I don't think Sonya had even started school yet... my dad had built the house we lived in and it was still not completely finished. We took our baths next door at my Granny's house. "Next" didn't mean 20 feet from our front door. "Next door" was down a LONG dirt driveway that ran beside my granny's pond and across the road to her house. So my mom left us there to get our baths while she walked to our house. I was the older one and evidently capable but that wasn't enough for Sonya. She wasn't staying with only ME to walk her home and it was getting dark fast! So she rushed through a quick bath, probably only hitting highlights. I was FORCED to do the same to get her safely home since she wasn't waiting for me. Sonya recalls us BOTH getting a whippin' because mom was SURE we couldn't have both bathed that fast! And I'm sure she would have been right. I don't remember any of that. :o)

But I will always remember the beautiful person my mother has always been, and has taught me to be. I get my strong emotional side from her. Thank you mom for teaching me to love with my whole heart, and to laugh deeply when something is funny. Thank you for teaching me that it's okay to cry when I hurt. And thank you for being the best Christian mother anyone could have and for teaching me the importance of prayer, faith, unconditional love, trust and forgiveness. I love you mom!



As we were leaving mom's today I grabbed my camera and snapped this pic
of mom standing in front of her climbing rose bush.

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Losing it... 1 at a time

It's going to be all about me now...




1 lb at a time

Well, maybe not just about me. But I need to focus on something besides school for the long anticipated SUMMER BREAK! I have submitted my last assignment, taken my last quiz. I have 2 Finals to take by Tuesday then I'm putting the books away! ... until Fall Semester of course. :o)


But in the meantime, I'm ready to focus on getting up of the couch and moving, instead of coming home from work... where I have a desk job at a Home Health Care agency.... and sitting again a good part of the evening either reading a new chapter, working on a new assignment, or taking the weekly quiz. And all this for TWO classes! That equals a LOT of immobility, let me tell ya!


I have lost a lot over the last few years and still have some more I want to lose. I didn't put it on overnight and it's not coming off that quickly either. My weight does not depress me. I've NEVER been happier than I am right now in my life. I have a wonderful, supportive family. We're close and I love them all dearly. I have the most loving husband in the world and he's quick to compliment me often. He makes me feel good about myself. But...



He who has health has hope; and he who has hope has everything.  ~Arabic Proverb


I want to be around a LONG time to enjoy life. I already have a diagnosis of Degenerative Disc Disease (thank you extra pounds and genes from my father). I wake up every morning with back pain. And all the sitting I do throughout the day at work, then more of it each evening (thank you need-to-work-for-insurance and school) cause me pain off and on throughout the day and evening. Too long in one position makes me stiff and immobile almost. I'm in constant need of a back-popping (or a "snap job" as my hubby likes to call it) to loosen me up. I also have a VERY high percentage of diabetes in my mother's family. It hasn't hit me yet and I hope to prevent it from ever finding a home in my body.


Just because you're not sick doesn't mean you're healthy.  ~Author Unknown


So May 1st... beginning of a new month... is the perfect time for me to focus on the positive. To take it 1 step... and 1 lb at a time... to a healthier me!