Warning...this post may digress into complete randomness...

You've had your fair warning...now to my post.

First of all, I don't know why...but I'm so tired tonight.  You would think after all the fun & relaxation of my past weekend, I'd be completely rejuvenated for the week ahead.  So not the case.  I guess it's the combo of having to catch up all my laundry on Sunday night...plus Dylan had a game last night, which equals late dinner...add in two laptops with issues at work...multiplied by annoying employees...yeah, I'm so ready for my long weekend!  Unfortunately, I think that Earl may be paying NC a visit...which means that it will be nice & rainy all weekend long.  Which means that my car won't get washed...boo!

Anyway, with all these random thoughts floating around my head, it got me to thinking about my favorite TV show - Gilmore Girls.  I know...it's off the air...seriously I was sad...although I thought the ending was good and I'm not one of the hundreds of stupid people who are part of these Facebook groups that are demanding a reunion or movie or another season.  I may or may not be a part of a Gilmore Girls Facebook group...and I may or may not have been on the group page today at work, furiously rolling my eyes at all the idiots who are trying to petition the show be back on the air.  I mean, come on people...Lauren Graham has a new show (which I can't wait for Season 2 to begin!).  At any rate, someone had posted this quote from an episode...

LORELAI: Because my brain is a wild jungle full of scary gibberish. "I'm writing a letter. I can't write a letter. "Why can't I write a letter? I'm wearing a green dress. "I wish I was wearing my blue dress. "My blue dress is at the cleaners. "'The Germans wore gray. You wore blue. ''Casablanca'. "'Casablanca' is such a good movie. "'Casablanca.' The white house. Bush. "Why don't I drive a hybrid car? I should drive a hybrid car. "I should really take my bicycle to work. "Bicycle. Unicycle. Unitard. Hockey puck. Rattlesnake. Monkey, monkey, underpants."


RORY: "Hockey puck, rattlesnake, monkey, monkey, underpants"?


LORELAI: Exactly, that's what I'm saying. It's a big bag of weird in there.

This is truly my brain right now...a big bag of weird.  Because I was thinking about this...and thinking about how much I always loved Lorelai's character.  I think her main purpose in life was to bring a lot of fun into life.  I mean, she could be serious...but more often not, she was thinking or saying or doing something kind of off the wall. 

And I think I like that about her because I like to think I'm the same way.  Quick wittedness with a dash of sarcasm and a great sense of humor...that's me.

And THIS thought led to my thinking about how I like to "re-name" places.  For instance, we used to have a K-Mart in Kernersville.  It was seriously the first store of it's kind in Kernersville...well before Target (well, because they tore down the K-Mart building to build the Target) and Wal-Mart, we knew we'd hit it big when they built a K-Mart.  And as the K-Mart got some age, it got dirtier...and gained the name "The Dirty K".  There's also a K-Mart in Winston-Salem that I call the "Ghetto Mart"...because it's kind of run down and not in a very good part of town.  We used to have a Mexican restaurant in Kernersville called El Palenque that I called "The Stinky Palenkey"...in this case, this was not a slam...because I LOVED El Palenque!

But my favorite re-naming of all, I can't even claim.  I stole it from Policeman Dan.  There's a movie theater in Kernersville...it was the first movie theater in Kernersville...well, and remains the ONLY theater in Kernersville...at first it was so nice.  And convenient...and not horrible.  I'm not sure what happened...probably the newer, nicer theaters opened in surrounding Winston-Salem & Greensboro...you know, the ones with nice big comfy seats...stadium seating at that...and no one came to the Kernersville theater.  Someone bought it and turned it into a discount theater...it only costs $3 to get in.  Seriously.  And they usually have pretty new movies there...not like the other discount theaters where they show movies that are about to be released to DVD. 

But...as is the case with most things in life...you get what you pay for.  Which means that it's not the nicest theater...not the cleanest...and the person taking your tickets or one of the snack bar attendees is the person who also has to start the movie...which means that they NEVER start on time.  And so the Kernersville theater has gained the name..."The Sticky Floor".  I cannot tell you what the true name of the theater is...because...I don't actually know it anymore.  All of my friends know what I'm talking about when I say "The Sticky Floor"! 

And let me just say...when Dylan was younger, I was fine going to "The Sticky Floor"...because for $10 we could both get into the movie and share a popcorn and a drink!  It was great.  Now that he's bigger it costs a bit more because he has to have his own drink and a bigger popcorn (little oinker!)...but, its still cheaper than any of the other theaters around.

But, quite honestly, the last time I went to that theater...which has been a while...I really felt like I needed to bathe in Clorox when I left...it kind of gave me the heeby jeebies.

And one last little bit of randomness...do you know what I'm loving these days???  This CD (yes, I bought a CD...they still sell them at Target...did you know??):

Natalie Grant is one of my favorite artists!  She has an amazing voice...and testimony.  She's awesome!  Her new CD came out last Tuesday...I finally got my copy on Saturday and I've been rocking out to this CD since then.  I LOVE it! :)

Ok...I think that's enough randomness for one day.

Later...

Monday Minute...and Friend Making Monday! :)

I'm combining two posts into one...because I like both of these memes and I try to only post once a day! :)  So...I hope you won't mind!






Today's Monday Minute is being co-hosted by Stilettos & a Fishing Pole! :)

Who was your high school Sweet Heart?

Never dated in high school...seriously...I mean seriously, I didn't date in high school...not I didn't date seriously in high school.  OK...you get the point!

What is your favorite vegetable to eat?

I love veggies...broccoli, cucumbers, tomatoes, green beans...I would say I eat most vegetables.

Do you plan on dressing up for Halloween, if yes, what do you have in mind?

I have not quite figured this out yet...my BFF's bday is on Halloween and her sis usually throws a Halloween themed party in honor of both occasions...and you have to dress up! :)  We had so much fun last year...she went as Bride of Frankenstein...and I was a ladybug!

This year...I haven't quite decided what I'm going to do...but I'm seriously thinking about Oscar the Grouch because I think it would be easy to make!  We shall see!

Are you a reality show junkie? If so, what is your guilty pleasure?

Not really, but I have gotten hooked on Jersey Shore...and sometimes I hit up the TLC reality shows...but I'm not a die-hard fan.

and finally

What year did you graduate high school?

1994!

**************
Now...on to Friend Making Monday, which is being hosted today by All the Weigh!  Basically, the host gives you a list of things to complete...you do your own list and link up!

I like...summer...the lazy days...staying up late...swimming...going to the beach

I don't like...the heat of summer...YUCK!  It's the only downside!

I love...Dylan, God, my family, my friends

I dream of...being a mom, again...someday...

I wonder...if I will ever meet someone...

I know...God has plans for my life...plans for good & not to harm me (Jeremiah 29:11)

I went...on an ice cream "date" with my niece & nephew Saturday night.  My sis & Dylan were there too...and it wasn't as fun as my sis & I had hoped it would be...Alyson insisted on getting something "orange"...the only "orange" they had was a smoothie...that had strawberries...which Alyson doesn't like, but she "forgot" that until she tasted the smoothie.  Ayden was tired...and Dylan was, well...Dylan was 14.

I have...been completely and entirely blessed!

I think...too much...

I plan...to go to the beach a week from Thursday...I can't wait!

I regret...nothing...everything happens for a reason

I do...want to paint my bathroom, if I could ever figure out what color!

I drink...coffee...every morning.  It keeps the mean Jenn away! :)

I wish...my BFF would have a baby...more than I wish I would get married and have babies of my own...

I am...someone who loves to laugh...

I am not...someone who will feed your ego or continually tell you that you are pretty, smart, etc even though you continually knock yourself down.

I need...to begin exercising and eating better...

I graduated...from high school & college

I hope...that Dylan doesn't wake me up tomorrow morning by slamming the bathroom door!

I want...to have the opportunity to travel...in and out of the US

I sometimes...take on too much in my life

I always...try to make time for my friends & family...

I can...do all things through Christ who strengthens me! :)

I work...in a construction office

I cannot...dwell on past mistakes

I avoid...conflict...

I will...work hard to be the best mom that I can be!

Hope everyone has a Happy Monday!

Strange Dream...

Well, I was rudely awakened this morning because my son doesn't know how to close the bathroom door...he only knows how to SLAM the door.  So...I woke up around 7ish...and then dozed until about 9ish. 

While I was dozing this morning, I had the strangest dream.  I was a student at Dylan's school.  Quite honestly the only part of the school I've seen is the gym and cafeteria...they are right beside each other.  So, I really have no clue how the school is set up.  But in my dream it was a huge, sprawling campus (this I know is not the case) with several buildings.  I was trying to get to my first class, but none of the room numbers were making sense.  I finally asked someone where my class was and they sent me to a room that was at the back of another class...which still wasn't mine!  It was like the room for losers who couldn't find their class...and I wasn't alone!  Evidently, the school was for all ages because there was an elementary age student in there, as well as some other high school students.  At the end of class, a kind teacher came in and told me it would be OK and that she would let my first period teacher know what happened.  Then I went to put on my flip flops (I tend to kick my shoes off whenever I set down...I don't know how this habit started), I looked down and the elementary age girl had taken my flip flops and left me her teeny tiny ones.  The teacher said she would help me get them back...and when I woke up, I was in the middle of campus looking at buildings trying to find my next class!

Dylan had told me the other day when he went for Freshman Orientation that the room numbers are numbered strangely...and I know this is where my psyche got this strange dream from.  It was just so strange and I rarely remember my dreams...especially if they are fairly run of the mill things like going to school.  But I did!

Happy Saturday!!!  Hope it's a great day for all!

I think I have problems...but it's a Feel Good Friday! :)

Yes...I'm pretty sure I have problems...issues you might say...

Today I went to the library because I just don't buy books anymore...or often...unless I have the cash or go to the Paperback Exchange...but I don't count that as buying...just trading out.

Anyway, I went to the library...I'm looking for Janet Evanovich's 5th book in her Stephanie Plum series because I just finished the third one...the fourth one was at another library and I'm very unpatiently waiting for it to be transferred to the one near me...and supposedly the fifth one was on the shelf.  (I think it's been pulled for me, since I also requested that one but I'm not sure)

I couldn't find it on the shelf.  But what drove me nuts is this...

None of the books were in order...

And do you know what I ALMOST did????

Yep...I came very close to putting them in numerical order...because I just don't understand why they wouldn't do that anyway!!!!  I mean, really...the number is in the name...and that's how I would organize them!

Anyway...on to my Feel Good Friday...if you would like to participate, please visit The Girl Next Door Grows Up and link up!



This week has been pretty good...I can't complain too much.  This morning was a bit much, but things have finally calmed down and I'm looking forward to a weekend filled with not very much at all!

But, nothing is just sticking out that I could share for Feel Good Friday...so, I'm digging deep to find five things that made me feel good this week!

1 - My BFF is at the beach...now there's a part of me that is jealous...but there's a bigger part that is happy for her!  She tends to carry a great deal of anxiety...it's unnecessary...she knows that...but it's just part of who she is.  Right now, she's had a lot on her work wise and church wise...and she needed a break!  So, I'm thankful she's getting it.  Plus, we are headed to the beach in a couple of weeks...and we are both looking forward to that!

2 - Our transition into high school is going well...better than I would've ever dreamed!  When Dylan transitioned from his small private school to the huge middle school, it did not go well.  It was tough for him and at a tough time in his life (7th grade).  Also, where he goes to school, a lot of the kids have been together since Kindergarten.  So, needless to say...things didn't go so well.  However, since Dylan has been a part of this school group since 7th grade and also the soccer team, I think it's helped tremendously to cut down on the nervousness!  He doesn't do well with change...but I haven't sensed any issues so far.  And I am more than relieved!

3 - The past few days have been such nice NC days!  Last night at Dylan's soccer game, the air was almost chilled!  Fall will be here soon!  I love the transitional seasons!

4 - Today is Friday...which means, that tomorrow is Saturday, which means that I can sleep in!  Oh...I can't wait! :)  Last week, I didn't wake up until 9am...Dylan didn't get up until 11am! 

5 - I have no plans for the weekend...no where I have to be...nothing I have to do.  Maybe I'll go swimming! :)

I hope you all have a great weekend!  See you around!!!

Well, it's official...

I am the parent of a high school student.

I know some of you are saying "enough already...we've been hearing about the kid going to high school all.summer.long....get over it already...accept it...move on"

I know you are saying it because that's exactly what I would be saying! I'm not one usually to belabor a point...beat a dead horse...drive a subject into the ground.  And I normally can't stand for anyone else to do this either.  I am the one who may patiently listen, but all the while is saying..."suck it up and move on". 

So...hopefully, for your sake and sanity, this will most likely not be the last time you hear about me being the parent of a high school student!

Anyoldpersonsramble...yesterday was Freshman orientation...from 8am to 12pm...with no bus transportation.  No big deal...I think. I can be a half hour late to work and I'll just make it up at lunch or after 5.  My mom will pick Dylan up at noon.  No problem.  Then I get a letter in the mail explaining dress code and letting me know again that Fresman orientation is on August 24 from 8 to 1pm...still no problem...I'll just adjust and have Mom pick up Dylan at 1pm...until I read that they would like for the parents to come from 12pm-1pm so we can view the extracurricular activities and meet teachers.  At this point, I decide this Freshman orientation is just too much trouble...and I took the morning off. 

I can't remember the last time I was at home, by myself, on a weekday without being sick!  I really lived it up, too...I caught up on e-mail, facebooking and blogging...then I cleaned my house...then I went to my mom's house and played with my niece and nephew...then back home to eat lunch and finish getting ready for work. 

So, I headed to school to be there for the big parent thing...which took all of 15 minutes.  And in the chaos that was the principal's student/parent dismissal, there was NO WAY ON EARTH that I could've even thought about trying to meet teachers.

At any rate, the rest of my day was spent in a headache induced fog that was most likely brought on by a combination of not enough sleep and not enough coffee to combat the not enough sleep...and I went to bed at 10pm.

This morning, Dylan was up...bright-eyed and bushy-tailed - OK, well maybe not bright-eyed since I had to remind him to change out of the shirt he slept in before heading to school...and left the house way too early (I'm sure of it) to catch the bus.  He's such a nerd when it comes to being places on time...he's the one who's constantly shoving me out the door to be somewhere on time.  And I was going to be stupid and insist on taking his picture for the first day of school.  Of course, the batteries in my camera are dead and my phone was in my room and I forgot to grab it when he yelled that he was leaving...so, he told me I could take a second day of school picture!

The funniest thing about the whole "going back to school" was yesterday when he said, "It'll be weird getting off the bus at the high school...I just hope I don't forget to get off at the high school and not the middle school!"

Seeing double

No...I've not had a head injury or major illness that is causing me vision problems.  I just seem to have an inordinate amount of twins running through my life...seriously, I was thinking about it today and I know 9 sets of twins!  Here's the rundown...

My dad's aunt (my grandfather's sister) was a twin...sadly, since they were born about 90 years ago, one twin did not live long after birth. 

She had twin boys...

Dylan has twin half brothers who will be turning 4 in September...

Then there are the twins in our church..

C&C - 2 yr old boy/girl twins
J&J - twin boys turning 4 yrs old in December
H&P - girl twins that just turned 9 in July
 - and they bring their friends K&D who are also girl twins...also 9

not to mention the family that just started visiting our church who have twin boys that are right around a month old

and my favorite 17 year old twins...

Karlee & Kaytee

Karlee, me, Kaytee

This is a picture of us right before their baptism...well, their second baptism by choice.  They both felt like they had "followed along" when making their original professions of faith and felt like they had truly made that decision in later years and should be baptized again.

Anyway, Kaytee & Karlee are mirror twins - Kaytee is left handed...Karlee is right handed.  They are the funniest things.  Since they are identical, they are almost more in tune than the other fraternal twins I know.  Trust me...try to have a conversation with both of them...they finish each other sentences! 

With all the sameness, though, they are two very different people.  They are both competitive...they play volleyball, but their big sport is softball.   Karlee, however, has the greater competitive edge.  She's more serious, while Kaytee is giggly and silly.  Karlee is the "responsible" twin...Kaytee is the social girl.  But, they both have big hearts and are sweet as can be. 

I just love them to pieces...even when Karlee does this to Dylan...

Can you say cupcake eating contest...and Dylan won...so Karlee had to get him back! I told you she was competitve! :)

Today...

I'm trying out a new Monday meme that I found today...it's called "Friend Making Monday" and can be found at Silver Lining!  Evidently, there's a topic each Monday...and today's topic is what you are doing today!  So...here you go! :)

Today...I woke up at 6am...laid in bed listening to the local radio show until 6:30ish and then got up to shower & get ready for work.  I sure am going to miss these lazy mornings once Wednesday comes and we are back in school!

Today...I made it into work on time, in spite of the slow "traffic" I encountered once I got here.  The guy I work with was aggravating me in the parking lot...driving like a grandpa, stopping randomly in front of me...

Today...I've had a great day so far...feeling more productive than I have in weeks...it's like the fog of the last couple of weeks has finally lifted!

Today...I'm reading Three to Get Deadly by Janet Evanovich.  I've read all of her books to date...but wanted to go back and re-read these in order and close together.  It's funny to see how the characters have evolved since her first Stephanie Plum novel!

Today...I'll be attending Dylan's first home soccer game. :)

Today...I hope to find something to do with the hamburger in my fridge so we can have a decent dinner that isn't hamburger helper or tacos.  And Dylan refuses to allow me to make spaghetti...so, not sure what that will be.

Today...it's sunshiney and less humid...YAY!

Hope your Monday is moving along as well as mine! :)

Feel Good Friday...are you sure???

I should've known this would happen.  Last Friday, I declared that I was getting back on the bandwagon and participating in Feel Good Friday because I needed to take the time to focus on the positive each week. 

Well, I've just not been feeling it today.

I mean, how can you not love Friday?  The end of the week...two days off work (if you work a M-F, 8-5 job)...but today hasn't been very "feel good".  Nothing bad...just kind of blah.

My bestie is feeling out of sorts...which makes me sad.  Because I love her so much...and I don't want her to be sad...

And, I had to take Dylan to soccer practice this morning at 6:30am...yes, you read that correctly...that would be the time that I am usually dragging myself out of bed.

And last, but not least, my parents are leaving to go camping in Boone...and today, I'm feeling a little homesick for Boone.

I've been wracking my brain all morning...trying to come up with things to "feel good" about.  But, I was getting nothing. Nada.  Zero. Zilch. Zippo...

So, I went to lunch...I didn't have a lot of time, so I went to McDonald's...and got this:

How can this not make you feel better?  Not to mention the hot fudge sundae that I got...but couldn't take a picture of...you know, because I ate it first...so it wouldn't melt.

Of course, don't turn the box over because then you will be feeling "bad"...that's where they hide print the nutiritional information.

But, truly, I think that McDonald's should re-think their packaging and put everything in Happy Meal boxes!  They just make me smile! :)

Thanks again to The Girl Next Door for hosting this meme!!

Five Question Friday!!!

Don't worry...I'll be posting my Feel Good Friday in a bit...but for your reading pleasure...




1. Do you have any nicknames and if so how did it come about?

Jenn...it's the one I chose when I was in college...I was called Jenny when I was younger...and Jenny B.  But, now...it's Jenn

2. What is your birth order amongst your siblings?

I am the eldest, least favored child! HAHA!  We have a joke in my family that my sis is the "favored one"...

3. In a movie of your life, who would play your significant other?

That role has yet to be cast...

4. What is currently your favorite song?



I love this song...the message is just THERE!

5. Are you saving your money for anything right now? Big or small purchase?

I wish I was a better saver...but I'm not...

Hope your Friday is a good one!!!

Is it rude, perhaps?

Part of my job is to answer phones. I don’t hate this part of my job…I’ve had funny conversations, such as this:

Me: Thank you for calling *company I work for*. This is Jennifer.

Subcontractor: This isn’t *the local hardware store*?

Me: Uh, no…

Subcontractor: Are you sure?

We have caller ID, so the next time this particular subcontractor called I answered:

“*The local hardware store*. This is Jennifer.”

He promptly ordered a box of nails…and then laughed at me.

But, I hate most of all when telemarketers call. I have to admit when I answer the phone and I realize it’s a telemarketer, I automatically coil up and all of my answers become short. Mostly, and I know this is their “ploy”, they act like they KNOW me and my company! Like when they call for my boss, who’s name is David, but they ask for Dave. No one calls him Dave. It drives me nuts.

Yesterday, this is the call I received:

Me: Thank you for calling *company I work for*. This is Jennifer.

TM: I need to speak with the person who handles maintenance at your facility.

It is important to note that our “facility” is two buildings and contains about 15 office personnel. We aren’t exactly working out of a warehouse.

Me: We don’t have any one in charge of maintenance.

TM: Well, who purchases light bulbs and materials?

Me: Whoever needs light bulbs and materials.

TM: Would that be you?

Me: If I need a light bulb.

This telemarketer went on to tell me about some 3-piece cooler they were sending some of the “guys” and if I would give her our street address, she would have UPS drop one off for me. Because UPS is in the business of running errands. I very politely told her we weren’t interested and hung up the phone. While she was still talking.

I know that all laws of etiquette would say that it’s rude…and I know that telemarketers are people too…but I really don’t know how else to handle this so that I’m not sucked into a 20 minute conversation on where we purchase light bulbs, paper towels, toilet paper and hand soap. Nor can I seem to make these people understand that, just because they are contacting a business, they are not always contacting a huge company with hundreds of employees working out of large warehouses or office buildings. Most likely, if they actually visited our facility they would laugh and realize why there isn’t anyone “in charge” of maintenance…it’s that small!

I guess from now on, I’ll just politely decline their offer…see if they have more to “tell” me and if so, just say “I hate to be rude, but I need to take another call”…or I guess I’ll most likely resort to my main method of getting rid of telemarketers!

Pour Your Heart Out

Here's a funny thing about me...I'm a rehearser.   As in, if I know I'm going to have to have a conversation with someone, I "rehearse" that conversation in my head.  I've "rehearsed" everything from daily conversations, to what I would say to the reporters when I'm walking down the red carpet at some high brow, movie star event...to what I will say to my guests on my wedding day.  The last two events have yet to happen...the movie star event will most likely never happen!  But, it doesn't keep me from "rehearsing"...better to be ready, right?

So, right now, I have a couple of blog posts that I'm "rehearsing" in my mind.  I was thinking of sharing one of them with you today...sort of as a "Pour Your Heart Out", but it just didn't feel right.  And this situation has come to the fore front here lately...so, here goes.

You can link up with Shell at Things I Can't Say.  And just a brief reminder that everyone linking is pouring their hearts out and we should all be respectful in our comments. ;)

I know I've shared with my regular readers that I'm a single mom.  Most of the time, when things are running smooth and calm this doesn't bother me.  I've been going the single mom way for so long (14 years) that it's what I know.  I can't say I've always done everything "alone" because I have a great family that has supported me through the last 14 years.  Truly, I have been blessed.

Recently, my brother in law was talking with my son about some things going on his family life with this brothers and mother...basically how his mother didn't come to see his kids (my niece & nephew) often, even though she lives about 10 minutes away.  To which my son replied, I know exactly how you feel. 

You see, Dylan's dad used to live in Florida - 10-12 hours away.  About three years ago, he decided to move his family to a city about one hour away from where we live.  Dylan was ecstatic.  The thing he had most wanted was to be able to see his dad more often.  And at first, he did.  He would go at least once a month for a weekend visit...we'd try to work out longer visits when he had the time off from school.  As with all "new" things, the appeal has worn off...especially as his dad seems to be less and less interested in trying to keep in touch with Dylan.

This is when I feel guilty for bringing this on my son...because, really...we made a bad choice almost 15 years ago...but Dylan didn't chose this for his life.  It is what it is.

And sometimes I wonder how someone can stay away from their kids like that?  I miss Dylan after he's been gone for about an hour...well, maybe a couple if he was really annoying me beforehand! :)  But, seriously, I don't understand parents who don't seem to want any kind of connection with their children.  I look at Dylan and think, how could I NOT want to be part of his life? 

What's worse is that I really thing his dad has heaped a lot of the responsibility for making his & Dylan's relationship "work" on Dylan.  That may just be from my perspective...but in this age of higher technology and communication alternatives, there is no excuse for him NOT to be able to "talk" to Dylan at least weekly.

When I get really aggravated with Dylan's dad, though, I try to focus on the male role models Dylan has had, and still has:

#1 - My father...we lived with my parents for almost 12 years.  Everything "manly" that Dylan knows has been learned from my dad - i.e. fishing, peeing standing up, shaving, etc.  Dylan enjoys spending time with my dad because my dad has proved over and over to Dylan that Dylan is important to him...that he's a priority in his life...that he will most often drop anything, if possible, to do something with Dylan.  I was blessed with a great father...and Dylan has been blessed with a wonderful role model in his life.

#2 - My brother-in-law...ironically, my BIL grew up much the same way that Dylan has.  His own father left his family when he was very young and his mom was the sole parent in his life.  He know first hand how it feels to grow up without a father in the house.  I have a great deal of respect for him...because his family, especially his kids, come first in his life.  He values family time above all else and strives to make every event in his childrens' lives, including even the smallest things like doctors appointments.  I mean, truly, my sis could handle those on her own, but he always goes with her if he can work it out workwise.  And, he too has invested time in Dylan's life.  He took Dylan to a golf tournament last year and even shuttled him to soccer practice last week.  Again, my sister and my family have been blessed to have him a part of our lives.

#3 - My best friend's hubby...I can't even tell you all the times that this man has "been there" for my kid.  He has known Dylan since Dylan was three years old.  They have fished together, hunted together, talked endless hours about who knows what, they've spent an entire day playing Lego Star Wars (and when I say an entire day - I mean they began playing at 9am and didn't stop for anything until 3pm) and who knows what else.  Dylan (& I too) have been blessed that he married my best friend and has become such a dear friend...and an excellent role model for Dylan.

#4 - Sunday School teachers...ever since Dylan was a baby, every year except one, he has had a male Sunday School teacher.  I truly believe this has been God's way of making sure that, if all else fails, he has some male influence in his life.

I could probably list a dozen more men that have made an impact on Dylan's life, but I won't.  The point is, I am thankful that, in spite of the choice I made so long ago, Dylan will not go without male influence in his life.  And I am thankful for every guy who has invested in his life so far.  They have truly been a blessing from God on our lives and I know that whatever Dylan has missed from his father (which at this point, I'm going to say "not much"), he's getting from very good, Godly influences.

Tag...I'm It! :)

I was tagged by Tiffany at My Crazy Kind of Wonderful!  I will play along...although, I'm going to tell you right now that coming up with 8 questions is going to be tough!  It took me FOREVER to come up with 5 questions for the Monday Minute!!!!

1. What size shoe do you wear?

I wear a size 8

2. Would you ever shop at Goodwill?

Absolutely!  But I don't...because when I did TRY to shop at Goodwill, I couldn't find clothes that fit me.  And really, I'm not going to Goodwill to buy clothes that came from Wal-Mart...no offense, I don't find anything wrong with Wal-Mart clothing...but I can buy Wal-Mart clothes BRAND NEW for not much more than Goodwill prices! :)  I do have a friend who exclusively shops at Goodwill.  If it were more convenient, I'd probably give it a shot again!

3. How many tv's do you have in your house? Are any in the kid's rooms?

We have three TV's in our house...and yes, one is in Dylan's room.  However, he was 12 1/2 before he got the TV.  I just don't feel that young kids should have them in their room.

4. Do you like brussel sprouts?

I can't say whether I like them or not...I have never tried them.  From all accounts, though, I probably would not!

5. Have you ever visited another country?

No...but I want to so badly!

6. Have you ever shot a gun?

Nothing more than a BB gun!

7. Can you tie a cherry stem with your tongue?

No...but my mom can!

8. What is your favorite season?

I love Spring & Fall...I appreciate the warm up after the winter and that everything is fresh & new...I love the Fall because it means crisp mornings and leaves changing colors and moving away from the heat of summer...of course, in NC, we have summer well into October sometimes!!!

Now for my turn to tag some people!

1 - Randomness with Rachel

2 - Speaking of Witch

3 - Family of Shorts

4 - Freckle on the Nose of Life's Complexion

5 - Diary of a Fickle White Woman

6 - Living & Loving in California

7 - You are here...

8 - You are here...

So many of my bloggy friends have already been tagged in this...so I didn't want to tag them again!  So, feel free to play along!!!  And if I tagged you and you don't want to play along...it doesn't hurt my feelings in the least! :)

Now...my eight questions...

1. What is your favorite beverage?

2. What is (are) your must have item (s) when you leave the house?

3. What is your favorite vacation spot?

4. Vanilla or chocolate?

5. Where do you spend most of your time outside of work/home?

6. Are you a reader?  If so, who is your favorite author?

7. Other than Blogger, what is your favorite website to visit?

8. Who was your childhood best friend?  Are you still friends?

Ok - that's enough...sorry for the lameness of my questions...I haven't had enough coffee yet! :)

Have a great Wednesday...you may see me again...I'm brewing a post in my head...but, really, I should be working right now!

It's Monday...again!

You know it's Monday when you get a text from your co-worker and she's going to be out because they thought her FIL had a stroke...well, she said that she'd be in around 10:30 after they met with the doctors around 8am...yeah...she never made it in.  *Her FIL did not have a stroke, thank goodness!

Also...when you take your car in to have the brakes re-done...which means that you will be all day without a car...which means you have no way to get lunch...and, of course, you didn't plan accordingly and didn't bring lunch.  Thank goodness some of my co-workers took pity on me!

And...you walk into your office, only to have the light in the main lobby not working...

But, all in all it was a good day.  I felt like I worked hard all day long...but got nothing done...but that's OK!  It'll be there tomorrow and one of my bosses is on vacation until Thursday! WOOT WOOT! :)

Here's a little randomness for you...after I picked up my car, I went to the grocery store to pick up some items for dinner.  I always try to check out the cover of People magazine...and just for fun I check out the other tabloid magazines.  On one such tabloid, the front story was about Prince William & Kate Middleton's relationship in ruins...just over a few magazines, the cover story was how the wedding day had been set. Hmmm....really???

Happy Monday!  Hope it was a great day for you...and if not, there's always tomorrow! :)

Getting to Know You Sunday!

Wow...what a busy, fun weekend!  I slept this afternoon for about an hour...too bad it was 6pm-7pm...so I'm not sure how the sleeping is going to go tonight!  I guess we will see!!!

Anyway...it's time for Getting to Know You Sunday...brought to you from Keely at Mannland5!  To play along, head over to her blog and link up!





1. What kind of athlete has the hottest body?

ummm...I dunno...any of them? 

2. Are you a planner or a procrastinator?

Both...I like to plan...the problem is, I leave everything until the last minute...

3. Diet or regular (soda)?

Regular...I hate the taste of nutrisweet and splenda

4. What's your one "must have" for Fall?

weird question...one of the things I look forward to in the Fall is the Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks...yummmm

5. What's your favorite fast food restaurant?

I really like Chick-Fil-A, but I'm also a fan of McDonalds

6. What do you think is the sexiest profession for a guy?

another strange question...I don't really know...I think it's best if they just have a job!

7. Did you wear braces?

no...I was fortunate...my front bottom teeth are a little crooked, but everything else is nice & straight.  Thank goodness, Dylan seems to have inherited this from me! :)

8. Would you rather have a guy that's super sexy or kind?

I say "kind"...because if they are the hottest thing on this planet, but mean...that just takes all the sexiness out of him!

Happy Sunday!!!  Have a great week!

Five Question Friday

I was feeling so good, that I almost forgot to do Five Question Friday with Mama M! :)







1. Have you ever visited another country?

Nooooo....but I want to!  Very badly!!!  I've promised Dylan when he graduates, we are going to Europe.  We may only go to one spot in Europe, but we are going to see something outside of the US!

2. Where is the strangest place you have ever been?

When I was in high school, our Youth Group went on a retreat at this creepy house.  I have no idea where it was...I just remember that you could easily get lost and we played "Sardines"...and it was creepy.

3. What is your favorite season?

Spring...no, Fall...no, Spring...oh, I can't make up my mind!  I love Spring - new beginnings, thawing out from Winter, etc....but I love Fall because the weather is finally cooling off and the leaves turn colors.  I think I basically don't like the extremes that Winter & Summer bring

4. What one song will always cheer you up?

"I've got a daisy on my toe"...we used to sing this at summer camp...and then later on as teenagers...this is the one tattoo I definitely want to get..."on the second toe of my left foot"

It just makes me smile!

5. What Disney character do you resemble most?
 
I don't know...I'm gonna say Snow White - "Some day my prince will come"! HAHA!

Happy Friday!

In spite of everything, it's a Feel Good Friday!

To break the negative vibe that I think I've given my blog here lately, I'm participating in Feel Good Friday, hosted by The Girl Next Door Grows Up!  Please send a few prayers her way...she's down in her back, but her sweet hubby offered to type her post today while she dictated!

The past couple of weeks have had their ups and downs for me...I know I've shared a lot of them with you.  I try to find the tiniest blessings in everything...but, I'll admit...I haven't tried real hard.  I think that participating in this meme really helps me to refocus that and that's one reason I'm determined to get back in the swing of things!  If I don't reflect daily on the goodness in my life, at least I'll be forced to here!

With all that being said...here are 5 things that made me feel good this week!

1 - My super helpful kid vacuumed up water for hours yesterday...you would never know it from looking at his room, but he's a little bit of a perfectionist.  So...a job like vacuuming up water from our carpet is GREAT for him because he will work at it until it's as close to being gone as possible.  I'm so thankful that he volunteered to do this for me yesterday while I came to work.

2 - I shared with you yesterday about my special treat that my BFF's hubby brought me since I was having a bad day...if you missed it, you can check it out here!

3 - This picture made me laugh...

My niece is wearing a dirt bike helmet while playing MarioKart...need I say more?

4 - Went to the doctor about my ankle today...he doesn't think it's anything serious...especially since I don't have trouble with putting weight on it.  Most likely I've strained a tendon/ligament/muscle/etc. and the swelling and irritation will go away thanks to the anti-inflammatory he prescribed.  I didn't even have to get an x-ray...which was good, since I'd already waited an hour to get in through the walk-in clinic.  I'm supposed to ice it, rest it and wear supportive shoes (aka sneakers) when I'm going to be on it a lot.  Not sure how that's going to work out...see #5! :)

5 - I have a very busy, very fun weekend planned.  Tonight our church is hosting a Booth Brothers concert.  I'm not familiar with their music (they are considered Southern Gospel and I tend to lean towards the Contemporary Christian genre)...but I am working as a ticket tearer.  With Ashley...so we will have fun.  Even if my ankle is the size of a football when I'm done!  Then on Saturday, we are having a Back to School Bash for our children at church, which is going to be so much fun.  And Saturday night, I will be going to Bowman Gray for some racin'.  I'm not that big of a race fan...but it's fun.  And it's $1 ladies night! :)  Then...Sunday, the Youth have a pool party!  Somewhere in all that, I have to rent a steam cleaner for my carpet in the living room and put all the furniture back.  That may not happen until sometime next week...but it's in the back of my mind, none the less!

So, all in all...it IS a Feel Good Friday! 

Hope you have a good weekend too!

This makes my heart smile ♥

My best friend's hubby is the sweetest...he knew I was having a bad day...and brought me this...

from the best dessertery in Kernersville...CAKE & All Things Yummy!

This will definitely make everything better!!! :)

5 inches of rain...1 hour...

This is my house...

Please note the dead tree on the left is no longer there...

Isn't it cute?  It's hard to tell, but my house sits at the bottom of a hill.  It actually began as a workshop for the house to the left and at the top of the hill.  Somewhere along the way, the man who owned the house at the top of the hill converted his shop into an apartment/house for his son.  I guess much later down the road, the property was split into two parcels.  Ironically, both houses were on the market at the same time...the house at the top of the road was a foreclosure...mine was a rental property that the owner no longer wanted to deal with.  For a rental property, it was in very good condition, though.  Of course, after you've lived there for a couple of years...the things that you think you wouldn't mind so much really start aggravating you...but that's not what this post is about.

Yesterday was a looooonnnnngggg day.  I left my house at 7:30am...went to work...went to church...went to a meeting at Dylan's school about the athletics program.  When I left the school, there was all kinds of heat lightning going on...and it smelled like rain.  Dylan asked me later what that smells like...I can't describe it, but I knew we were in for it.  Dylan was at my parents' house...so I went by there to pick him up.  You can't just run in and pick him up, of course...we have to talk.  And talk...and talk.  Finally, close to 10, I insist we leave because it's starting to thunder...so I know we are getting ready to get a good storm. 

By 10:15 it has started raining. 

By 10:30...Dylan says that the water is coming up on the carport.  We've had some drainage issues at the carport ever since we've lived there...so he suggests that I put down some towels...I guess to pre-empt the inevitable back door flooding. 

At 10:40, I'm on the phone with my dad...watching water pour in at my FRONT door...across the kitchen floor...into my living room.  The back door is soaked...into Dylan's room.  I had at least 2-3 inches of water on my front porch and carport.

At 11:15, please note that it is STILL pouring, my precious father comes over with a shop vac and sump pump.

I also have noticed a patch of wetness in my bedroom...my bedroom backs up to the kitchen.  Evidently, the water in the kitchen seeped under the wall between the kitchen & my closets and is now in my bedroom.

Did I mention that I live at the bottom of a hill?  And gravity being what it is...all the water from the top of the hill...including off of my neighbor's backyard...flows down towards my house.  And I don't have flood insurance...because I don't live in a flood plain.  So...I have to dry up this carpet because I really, really, really don't have the $$ to replace it right now.

And to top off the wonderfulness that is my flooded house, I have done something to my left ankle.  I don't remember actually doing anything that would cause it to hurt.  I remember when I went to bed Tuesday night thinking that it was hurting.  Had some pains yesterday...and while Dylan was furiously vacuuming up water from my carpet I noticed it was a little more sore...and then I realize it's swollen.  I'm going to give it a day or so to heal on it's own...but, it's just what I need to top off everything else.

And I'd been having a good week...

I'm trying to find the positive...but right now, I think the positive is under water.

5 inches of rain...1 hour...yeah...

Comment spam...

I'm not asking for you to comment on SPAM (ha ha!)...

Ok, that was corny...but I couldn't resist.  Here lately, my blog has been getting some anonymous spam comments...and I'm just really tired of them.  I read on Blogger Buzz today that they are supposedly working on a new comment moderation thing...but mine hasn't been updated.

So...until then, I've turned on word verification until this is in place because these spammers are annoying.  Sorry for the inconvenience...but I'm hoping this will cut down on, if not eliminate, the spam!

Thanks for your understanding!!!

Not ready

I don't think I'm ready for a high school teenager.  Besides feeling completely OLD, I don't like this new social aspect of the high school experience.  You see, Dylan made the JV soccer team...which means that he has practice every night...and then the team got together to watch some soccer game on TV.  Which means...I'm at home. By myself. Alone.

And I don't like it.

And I need to find a hobby because I've literally sat here and played solitaire for an hour and a half.

Yep..an hour and a half.

Granted I watched Pretty Little Liars on the big TV...and now I'm watching Everybody Loves Raymond...

But other than the TV, it's way too quiet in my house.

It makes me sad.

The funny thing is...I was worried that he wouldn't have friends.  Not because he's unlikable or unfriendly or the kind of kid who wouldn't make friends.  He just tends to shy away from situations and opportunities to do things because he doesn't know anyone.

Evidently, I needn't have worried.

Hopefully he will be back home soon.

What in the world will I do when he goes to college?

:)

Monday...

This Monday Minute is being brought to you by four hours of sleep and not enough coffee yet...

Oh, yeah...and Ian from The Daily Dose of Reality & his co-host Kendra from Baby Bits!



What was your "oh no, I'm turning into my Mom/Dad" moment?

I know I had that one recently when I went to wake Dylan up, oh so obnoxiously...that's a thing my mom would definitely do...other than that, I look so much like my mom when she was my age that it's weird to see her in pictures and see my face, but knowing it's her.  Not quite the answer...but it's what came to mind...

Did I mention, four hours of sleep...not enough coffee yet?

What current commercial do you find the most annoying/funny?

I very rarely watch commercials...I tend to zip past them with my DVR and I watch a lot of stuff on DVD...plus, that's when I go refill my drink/get something to eat/go to the bathroom/do laundry. 

If you could only eat one color food for the rest of your life what would it be?

I guess green...I like salad & green beans & broccoli & cucumbers...so I think I'd be OK for a while...

What is your current Facebook/Myspace/Twitter status?

Facebook - reference to my Sunday afternoon nap/veg-time...which didn't happen because I ended up babysitting my niece & nephew...which was so much fun! :)

Myspace - haven't logged in for a while...can't remember

I don't tweet...

F, Marry, Kill from this list below. Women pick from the men, men pick from the women.

•Snookie (from Jersey Shore), Ellen DeGeneres, Betty White
•Regis Philbin, Justin Bieber, Perez Hilton

I'm going to play this one safe and omit the question...sorry

Happy Monday...I'm getting back to my coffee now...I'll see you guys later when I've had a little more sleep/caffeine! :)

Getting to Know You Sunday! :)

It's that time of week again!  Time to get to know you...linking up with Keely from Mannland5.

1. Do you think mustaches are sexy?

not really...I think it probably depends on the person wearing the mustache

2. What's the last concert you've been to?

WinterJam in January was the last concert...before that Taylor Swift last June - she puts on an incredible show!

3. What was your favorite 80's sitcom?

The Cosby Show...I now own them all on DVD...and got Dylan hooked when he had to be in the hospital four years ago.  The rooms in the children's hospital have DVD players and his sleeping schedule was off...so we'd watch The Cosby Show when he was awake and nothing else was on!

4. Were you named after anyone?

my middle name is from my Mom & her father

5. When you buy new clothes, do you wash before wearing?

underwear...always
swimwear....always
everything else...no

6. If you didn't blog, what would you do with your spare time?

probably watch more TV or read

7. What is your favorite department store?

does Kohls count???  I don't really shop at any other department stores

8. If you were to get Laser Hair Removal..where would you get it?
 
yes...I am cursed with the uni-brow...so I would get that taken care of...and any other unwanted facial hair.  I'd probably also get my legs & underarms done too!

Hope you are having a great Sunday! :)

Saturday Morning...

It's Saturday morning...I slept in until the glorious hour of 8am.  So sad that I celebrate this as sleeping in...but, normally I wake up at 6am...so an extra 2 hours is a good thing.  The downer...absolutely nothing on TV other than infomercials, the news and this Hilary Duff movie that I settled on.

I had a pretty good week...nothing majorly awesome to report.  Except that Dylan DID make the JV soccer team.  I'm not sure if he's happy about that or not...he says he would've been good either way.  Soccer will take up a lot of his time, he says...which I guess will take away from his computer/video game time???  Who knows.  I'm excited and proud of him for going out.  He's a lot like his mom...shys away from opportunities where he may not know people.  I've not always been like this...I don't know when it happened...maybe when I became a mom. 

Not sure what I've got on the agenda today...I've got to get some cleaning supplies...my shower is still nasty!  And I still need to mop my kitchen/bathroom.  I'm beginning to notice a Saturday trend, though...I don't want to do anything.  Nothing at all.  I guess I need to break out of that...

Alright...back to my Hilary Duff movie...I know I've seen it but can't possibly remember the name...oh, well.

Five Question Friday

OK...I just didn't have time today for my regular Friday events...so...I'm just gonna do 5QFriday! :)




1. Are you a neat sleeper or a messy sleeper?

Very, very neat...as in, if I could slip out of the top of my covers, you wouldn't even know I'd slept in the bed.  Once I go to sleep, I don't move.  I can't stand the sheet to be wrinkled and I pull it straight around me.  Of course, this makes it easy to make the bed in the morning! :)

2. Fill in the blank. I wish I was more ________________.

I could put a thousand things there I think...

More outgoing...well, outgoing in situations where I don't know as many people...I tend to hold back

More wiling to eat better and exercise

More conscientous of my finances

More comfortable with my body...of course, I think that ties back to eating better & exercising

3. What is something that you wish you had been warned about?

another one with multiple answers! :)

credit cards is a big one...well, I was warned about that, but didn't listen

Ransom (the Mel Gibson movie)...I didn't make it through 15 minutes of that movie before I had to turn it off

Also, The Sixth Sense...I watched it with my sister & brother-in-law (well, he was boyfriend at that time) at the beach and when I went to bed, I climbed in bed with Dylan...I just couldn't sleep by myself

And, I'd have to say Seven (Brad Pitt)...another one that kept me up for a while

4. What was the best thing you ever found at a garage sale/flea market?

Well, a lot of my stuff came from a yard sale that our church had the summer I moved!  I bought a George Foreman grill for $2, an iron for $1, an electric skillet for $2, a Pampered Chef slicer for $2 and a chair for $5.  I think there was some other stuff, but I can't remember what they are...but all of those things still work well!!!

5. If you could have any meal brought to you right now, what would it be?
 
well, I'm full now...but I've really been wanting a good Krispy Kreme doughnut right about now...that'd be awesome!
 
Have a great weekend!

Pure-T-Propaganda

This is supposedly a "recruitment" video for Appalachian State University...you might not appreciate the humor of this video if you aren't familiar with ASU like I am...




ASU is located in Boone, NC...which is in the mountains...which means that it is rarely "hot, hot, hot".  Trust me...in January, there isn't a "hot, hot, hot" place to be found on the campus of ASU!  I've never been so cold in my life...well, maybe this past winter when we had highs in the 20's...which means that Boone was having highs in the 10's (is that what you say there?).  They also forget to mention the bitterly, cold wind that blows snow all over you while you are walking to class!

I wish I could find the UGA video that I heard this morning...it makes this one look good! HAHA!

Go Mountaineers! :)

Introducing...ME! :)

I began blogging a couple of years ago at Xanga...mostly because my best friend was blogging and, yes, if she jumped off a cliff I'd probably jump with her.  We mostly were there because there was a lady blogging there and we are nosey.  Plain and simple.  She is one to create a bunch of drama...and we just wanted to keep up with it all.  However...one day, she called us out for reading and not commenting or posting our own blogs.  So...my BFF moved over to blogger.  And after a couple of weeks...like a cute little puppy dog, I followed. 

But I didn't know what to do!  I didn't really know what to do with the Xanga account either.  The only people who ever read my blog were the crazy lady and Ashley.  And, while that's OK, I didn't know how to find other people...people like me...people would read what I wrote and comment, encourage, rant, or whatever I needed!  So, when I started my blog here, I had one follower...that was Ashley.  There was no reason to introduce myself to her...she knows all the good, the bad, the ugly. 

A friend of mine encouraged me to read a blog...I read it for a while...didn't comment...didn't blog myself.  But, suddenly, I felt like I needed to blog...like I should be contributing my own two cents into the blogging world.  And that's when I happened upon Keely's "Getting To Know You Sunday" meme.  And that's when I found other blogs...written by people who were like me! 

Now, my blog has grown to 62 readers (it's been hovering all day...weird)!  I thought about a week or so ago that when I hit 50 followers I would introduce them all to me at one time.  Well 50+ followers later, here I am!  And I just wanted to let you know who I am!

Hi!  My name is Jenn!   Other than two years I spent at Appalachian State University, I have lived in the same area all my life.  I literally live 2 minutes from my parents...and my sister lives about 5 minutes from me!  We are all in this little triangle of the world...and it's so nice to have family around.  When I moved out on my own, it was nice not to have to learn the best ways to get to the stores or wherever I needed to go...because I already knew! :)

I live right outside of Winston-Salem, but I "exist" in Kernersville.  Kernersville is a smallish town...well, it's not so small anymore!  But Kernersville has everything I need to survive - Wal-Mart, Lowe's, Target, Starbucks...so I spend most of my time there!  I graduated high school in 1994, went to ASU for 2 years...then transferred to UNCG and graduated in 1999 with a BS in Elementary Education. 

However, I've never taught a day in my life outside of student teaching!  It just wasn't God's plan for me...which still seems so weird since that is what I went to school for...but I went to work in a construction company as a temp for the summer after I graduated...and I've been there 11 years.

Even though I haven't taught, I've been very active in the children's ministry at our church, which I have attended since I was born!  (Do you sense a pattern...I don't do well with change! HAHA!)  Right now, I help lead our Children's Worship during the contemporary service...and have a blast!  I love working with kids...I love their hearts...their insights...everything about it!  So, while I haven't used my education quite the way I thought I would...I guess I still am getting my money's worth, plus some! :)

The greatest blessing in my life, thus far, has been my son Dylan.  He just turned 14 this summer and he is starting high school this fall.  High school.  This is weird to me.  I was 20 when he was born...so I'm a younger mom...but still.  I don't feel old enough to have a high schooler!  He is taller than me already, which at 5'4" I hoped he would!  He's super smart and very athletic...competitive when he needs to be, but he enjoys sports more when he can just "play around" with them.  For example, he would make an awesome football player...he can throw like nobody's business and he's fast.  But, he'd prefer to just throw the ball around, maybe play a pick up game of two hand touch, than put on the pads and play.  Same with basketball and baseball.  The only sport he's willing to play in an organized fashion is soccer.  He's been doing tryouts this week...we find out Thursday if he made the team. *fingers crossed*

My next favorite kids are my niece and nephew.  Alyson is 6 1/2...going on 25.  She's sweet when she wants to be...and bossy, sassy and attitudinal a lot!  I've never seen a kid mimic adults quite in the way that she has.  She's been a character so far and Aunt Jenn is her favorite.  I love it!!!  Ayden was born in October of 2009 and is one of the sweetest babies I know.  OK, I'm partial...but truly, he has a sweet disposition, he's not a fussy baby and just content.  He has turned into quite a mischievous little boy since he's started crawling...but to me, that only adds to the fun.  He doesn't quite understand that Aunt Jenn is the "fun" aunt...but he will! Trust me!

Just a few random things about me...I'm left handed (so is Aly!)...I'm a hair snob - I've been going to the same hair stylist for at least 10 years and I only use Redken shampoo & products (other than hairspray)...I love pushing buttons - like the doorbells at Lowe's (my mom refuses to go down that aisle with me).  I'm super curious by nature...I am the kind of person who has to know what is behind that door/in that cabinet/in that drawer.  I love summer and spring and fall...my favorite color is blue...when I was little I wanted to be a fireman or a ballerina.  I have an unnatural fear of fire...I blame my dad...he was a volunteer fireman when I was very young, and has worked for the City of WS Fire Dept for 20 some years.  Which means that in my less than 1000sf house I have four smoke detectors.  I've never been married.  I hate to iron...I do only out of necessity because I hate for my clothes to be wrinkled.  I am very particular about how my house is cleaned (not that it's ever super clean) and how my laundry is done...and for that reason I do most of this myself.  I know I should be teaching Dylan...but I just can't stand it!

So...there's just a lot little bit about me.  There's probably so much more I could tell you...but I guess that's part of what this whole blogging thing is all about!  I hope you will enjoy reading my blog...I'm certainly enjoying reading a lot of yours! :)

Wow...

Hosting Monday Minute was so fun yesterday!  Thanks again to Ian for allowing me to co-host.  I know it's a random thing...but, still...it was great!

Last night I was going to write a post & schedule it for today...I had decided a couple of weeks ago once I hit 50 followers, I need to introduce myself to you all.  However, being a good hostess and all, I decided to check out ALL.60.Monday.Minutes.  This didn't seem to be an overwelming task when I started...but at 11pm last night when I was only half way through, I realized that it was!  I think I hit them all (just finished) and tried to leave a comment for everyone.

Hopefully, my hosting duties won't come back around for a while...because it was fun...but, I don't think I'll be so overly ambitious the next time.

So...for now, I'm done reading & blogging...and must get back to  my job...since, you know, it pays the bills and all!  I'll introduce you to me tomorrow!

Happy Tuesday! :)

What will two teenage boys do when left to their own devices?

One might climb a tree and shoot pebbles with a sling shot at a target scotch taped to the neighbor's chain link fence...while the other one supplies the pebbles from your flower bed (which is really just fine because you hate those pebbles anyway)...

They might hide a rubber snake in your kitchen cabinet and then beg you to make brownies...
that actually worked out pretty funny because I asked Dylan to put away the dishes in the dishwasher and HE found the snake before I did...

They might take apart one of the drums on your Band Hero drum set that's been shorting out for months and fix it...sending you to your parent's house to find electrical tape...which is like trying to find a needle in a haystack (my dad has a lot of junk tools)...

And then...you might fall asleep to tap, tap, tap...because now they can actually play Band Hero...

And if you take them to the park, you know because they are being "good wittle boys"...this might happen...

Boy...teenagers are fun! :)

Monday Minute with DDOR...and ME! :)

Yup! I'm co-hosting the Monday Minute with Ian from The Daily Dose of Reality today! :)   So...here goes nothing!

- Describe your life in one word.

EXTRAORDINARY!!!

- Is there something you wish you had learned how to do as a child?

I wish I had learned to play the piano...if I had time and a piano, I might take it up as an adult!

- Who has been the biggest influence on your life?

My parents - they gave me great examples on how to be a good parent and Christian.  I am who I am because of them.

- What is your greatest dream/hope/aspiration?
 
At this point in my life, my greatest dream/hope/aspiration is to be married and have more kids.  I feel like a broken record...I feel like I say this A LOT!  But, it's what I want the most at this point in my life. 

But I also want to be a good mom to Dylan...a fabulous Aunt to Aly & Ayden...and the best that I can be in all that I do.

-Do you believe you have reached your potential? Why/why not?

hmmm...that's a toughy...I think No - because I feel like there's more that I want to do and more that I can be in my life.
 
Thanks for playing along!  Looking forward to seeing all your Monday Minute answers!  And thanks again to Ian for allowing me to co-host! :)
 
Happy Monday!

Getting to Know You Sunday!

It's bright and early Sunday morning...well, not too early...8am EST...anywho...it's time for Getting to Know You Sunday, brought to you by Keely at Mannland5!  If you'd like to play along, you can go to Keely's site for questions and to link up!

1. If you were to win an award today, what would it be for?

I don't know about today...but I'm hoping to win an award for a baked good at the Dixie Classic Fair in October! :)

2. What is your shoe style?

Comfort is key...summertime is for flip flops and sandals...my feet do not like to be cooped up!

3. Does your car reflect your personality?

I think so...I have a CR-V...it's practical and can haul all my junk around...but secretly, I'm a Mustang girl...

4. If you could take over someones body for a day..whose would you choose?

Wow...that's a toughy...not sure who I would want to be for a day...

5. Love or be loved?

Both please!

OK - if I have to choose, I will love all day long...although I think it takes both parts for you to truly show love...it's cyclical.

6. If you were on death row, what last meal would you choose?

Probably something from El Maguey...it's my favorite Mexican restaurant...the lunch chimichanga is my favorite...

7. Have you been on vacation this Summer, if so where?

Yup!  Beach baby!!!

8. What is your favorite food related guilty pleasure?

Starbucks...I only get Starbucks as a "treat" for myself...and not that often.  It's hard to pay that much for a cup of coffee.  And there's not one super convenient to me...

But it's always oh.so.worth.it! :)

Happy Sunday!  Can't wait for Monday! ;)