It's a Family Thing...

Karate tournament February 25, 2012

Sunday Stealing #71-75

71) You are walking down the street on your way to work. There is a dog drowning in the canal on the side of the street. Your boss has told you if you are late one more time you get fired. What do you do?
Okay, first of all I would never be in a position where I would be fired if I was late to work one more time.  I'm too freaky about getting to work on time because I believe in being punctual.  Anyway, if I WERE in the position I would save the dog.  I don't want to work for an employer who can't understand the value of a life, anyway.

72) You are at the doctor’s office and she has just informed you that you have approximately one month to live. a) Do you tell anyone/everyone you are going to die? b) What do you do with your remaining days? c) Would you be afraid?
I have been told too many times that I wasn't going to be able to do something medically.  I wasn't supposed to be able to work full-time after having a couple of serious car accidents as a teenager.  I was supposed to be extremely difficult for me to get pregnant, yet I have two beautiful girls.  Finally, we didn't know what the final outcome was going to be having the shingles last year- we still don't.  But, I'm doing a lot more than we originally feared.  I'm not sure I would believe any doctor who told me I only had a month to live.


I know that if I were told I had one month to live I wouldn't just lay down and take the news without a fight.  One thing I CAN say about myself is that I am stubborn enough to show doctors wrong.  One way to motivate me is to tell me I won't be able to do something.  I DON'T know exactly how I would handle the situation, though.  I do know I would spend as much time with my family as possible.  I would try to keep the girls' schedule pretty normal but make sure we made some great memories together.

73) You can only have one of these things: trust or love
I think trust and love go hand-in-hand, and I'm not sure they can be separated.  Those whom I don't trust are not loved by me.  Those whom I love I trust completely.  So, if I have one I have the other.  There's really no other way of looking at that.  

74) What's a song that always makes you happy when you hear it?
How can anyone hear "Bubbly" by Colbie Caillat and not smile?  It's such a perky kind of song.


75) Who has your cell phone number (other than family)?
Pretty much anyone who would call me.  We got rid of our home phone and use only our cell phones.  

5 Question Friday- February 24, 2012

1. What's your favorite way to spend down time (alone or with a significant other)?
I love to watch TV with my hubby and children when we are together.  My new favorite activity, though, is walking.  We try to get out a few times a week for a mile or two.

2. Are you the kind of person that wants things more as soon as you know you can't have it?
For a short time, yes.  I think that's human nature.  I'm pretty good about accepting that I can't have things.

3. If you were given $1000 to spend on yourself, what would you buy?
I honestly couldn't spend $1000 on myself.  I would probably use the money to pay off some bills.  I would feel much better about that in the long run, so it IS for myself.  

4. Do you ever go out to eat by yourself?
No, that just seems strange to me.  I might go through a drive-through and come home to eat by myself.

5. What company would you want to do a blog review for?

I think doing a blog review for Kindle would be nice.  I'm not sure I want one badly enough to spend the money, so getting one for free would be nice.  I could tell other people if it is actually something they would use enough to pay for one.

Guest Post: Author of "Being Human"

Please help me welcome Patricia Lynne to my blog.  Author of debut novel "Being Human," Patricia shares her thoughts on her plan for life, writing, and how her vampire novel can be compared to everyday life.  I love the insights she shares with us.  I hope you will stop by her blog, Facebook, or Twitter page and say hello to Patricia.  I wish her the best in the future.  Patricia, you already HAVE made the world a better place.

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If you asked me a few years ago what I had planned in life, I would have said no clue. Or I’d say I would be working in a kitchen, cooking because I really enjoy cooking and baking. Especially baking. I had a job as a baker and there is nothing better than realizing you’re getting paid to make cookies. Anyways, being an author wasn’t one of my answers for my future.

Yet here I am. An author with a published book and more on the way. What happened? I couldn’t really tell you. I just decided one day to write down some stories in my head and it spiraled out of control from there.

Writing has given me a purpose. Sure, I want to craft stories that people enjoy, but I also want to make a difference, touch someone’s life. Writing is a way to do that. I recently received a review of my book, Being Human, where the reviewer pointed out that the hatred humanity displays towards vampires could be equated to the struggles many minorities have and currently endure. It’s a nice thought to think that maybe someone reading my story will learn not to judge another based on what they see. Tommy may be an efficient killer trying to survive, but there’s more to him that just the fact he drinks blood and forgot his human life.

With writing, I found my future. I will do it as long as the stories are in my head and there are people who want to read them. I hope that with my stories, I can help make the world a better place. Even if it’s just a smile when someone is having a bad day.

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Links to find me and my writing.

Goodreads

Twitter

Facebook

Amazon

Smashwords

Barnes and Noble

Book Review- Defending Jacob

Great writing!  Fantastic story!  

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I have heard William Landay compared to Scott Turow and John Grisham.  He's even better than that!

When I first came across a review of "Defending Jacob" on another blog I immediately put the book on my To-Be-Read list.  I was intrigued.  What an honor it was to become part of the "Defending Jacob" book tour.  In the interest of complete disclosure, I have to let you know I did not finish the whole book yet.  I just got it about a week ago, and I haven't gotten to the last page.  What I HAVE read, though, is a story that I am having a hard time putting down.  I want to read late into the night and wake up early to find out what happens next.  

In "Defending Jacob," District Attorney Andy Barber is working on a case of murder.  The victim is a boy who attends the same school Andy's son goes to.  Tables turn quickly when evidence starts to appear that might indicate Andy's son has committed the crime.  

The writing is a perfect blend of suspense, crime-thriller, and love story.  The book focuses not only on the crime, but also on the relationship between each of the characters involved.  The characters are wonderfully developed, which you all know is a MUST in a great story for me.  I have to be able to get attached to the people in the book, and this one definitely has that quality!

Do you want to know more about this story?  Visit William Landay on Facebook and read the first chapter! Warning:  You may find an intense need to run, not walk, to your nearest bookstore so you can read more.  Be sure to have your running shoes tied well so you don't trip!

3 in 30- February Week 3

Well, it's that time again.  This week flew by in many regards, but in others it crawled along so slowly I was just dying to get to Friday.  Good news?  Monday is a school holiday!

Goal #1:  Prepare taxes.  ABSOLUTELY no progress on this one!  I thought about it a few times, but I just haven't gotten around to getting this done.  I will have to force myself to do this during Spring Break if I don't get it done sooner because that will only leave us three weeks to get the filing done.  Nothing like waiting until the last minute this year.  To be honest, I have much more pressing things on my mind.

Goal #2:  Walk for exercise:  This week did NOT go well in this area.  Ug, I think I only got a mile in total.  NOT good!  The cold, rainy weather did not help.  Every time I suggest a walk we get outside and my body starts to cramp up.  Next week at this time we are supposed to be back to a nice temperature in the evenings again.  I'm looking forward to that.

Goal #3:  Unpack boxes in bedroom:  Again, there are much more important things that are taking my time and energy- both physical and mental.  If my four classes of 5th and 6th graders don't start doing SOMETHING in class I'm going to cry.  Wait, I've already done that.  So, back to lesson planning ALL weekend long so I can figure out something that will work.

Valentine's Day Update

Well, that husband of mine did it again.  Right after I write about how we don't celebrate Valentine's Day he surprises me with a basket of my favorite treats.  I can't say I was unhappy.  The best part was the handmade card he included.  THAT was fun!

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No, I didn't get flowers, jewelry, or fancy electronics (though Daniel did admit a Kindle was high on his option list).  I got COFFEE!  I am a woman in heaven.  Oh, the five different kinds of chocolate was helpful, too.  I am set for a LONG time.

It all started when I went to Dutch Bros. Coffee on my way to work yesterday.  There is one right across the street from my house, and since we moved here in September I've been saying I want to try it.  The location is a cute little building, and the drive-through is constantly busy.  It must not be too bad.  I've never stopped, though.  

A special they were running caught my eye, though.  For just three cans of food I could try a medium coffee drink.  It wasn't limited to just plain coffee, either.  A blended drink was on the menu.  That definitely grabbed my attention.  I took three cans of food out of the cabinet and set out.

The first thing I noticed when I got to Dutch Brothers was how easy their menu was to read.  It wasn't intimidating like at Starbucks.  I felt I could confidently order and get something I would enjoy.  My three canned goods wouldn't be wasted!  The best part, the sizes are small, medium, and large.  This is something I understand.  The most difficult choice was whipped cream or none.  At least I could comprehend the question!  

I decided to give the Cocomo (chocolate and coconut) a try.  It was delicious!  The coffee was served at a temperature that was just BARELY too hot to drink the moment I pulled out of the drive-through, but a mile down the road I was happily sipping away.  

Okay, so this post wound up becoming a review of Dutch Bros. Coffee (I wonder if they would give me a free drink if I send them this link), but you just HAD to hear about this great new (to me) find.  But what does this have to do with Valentine's Day?


Well, as soon as I arrived at work I just had to text Daniel and let him know how awesome my coffee was.  He, of course, took note and went about his day.  Or so I thought.  On Valentine's night, after dinner was put away, here comes Daniel with a basket.  Inside the basket was two Starbuck's coffee drinks that you can pick up at any grocery store or gas station.  Once I looked INTO the basket, though, I discovered a treasure- a $20 Dutch Bros. gift certificate!  Oh, wow!  I am set for more than a full week of coffee on my way to work, or if I pace myself it could be a coffee once a week for almost two months.  NOW I feel like a queen who has been showered with gifts.  I don't treat myself often.  Daniel knew exactly what to do to make not only the day, but several weeks, special for me.  THAT is a Valentine's Day gift.


Oh, I almost forgot to tell you about the chocolate.  Scattered in the basket were several of my favorite candy bars, York miniatures, and Dove nuggets.  YUM!  Those will last me awhile, too.  I feel badly that I didn't get Daniel a gift, but I must be honest that it is SO much sweeter when not expected. Maybe one of these days I'll figure out how to make him smile as much as I have been.

Sunday Stealing #61-70

Sunday Stealing link

61) Are you wearing socks right now?
For a rare moment, I am not.  I LOVE going barefoot around the house.  Unfortunately the massage therapist said I need to wear shoes pretty much 24/7 so the arch of my foot gets the support it needs to heal.  I've been doing well, so she must have been right.  That means, however, that I put my shoes on immediately after I get dressed in the morning and keep them on until I go to bed at night.

62) What's your favorite animal?
Giraffe

63) What is your secret weapon to get someone to like you?
What a ridiculous question!  I have no secret weapon and don't believe anyone else should, either.  If someone doesn't like me, that is their choice.  I'm not going to start a relationship with dishonesty.

64) Where is your best friend?
Right now he is in our bed sleeping.  My husband really is the best friend I have.  

65) How did you end your last relationship end?
After finding out my ex was more interested in the men he was flirting with on-line than me, that relationship ended in divorce.

66) What is your heritage?
I am a mutt, made up mainly of German and Polish.

67) What were you doing last night at 12 AM?
Sleeping.  I am RARELY awake at midnight since I wake up between 4 and 6 AM naturally.

68) What's new?
I am still getting used to the new principal at work. 

69) What is the key to seduction?
I don't really have an answer for this.  I'm not sure there is a key.  Just be yourself and let nature take it's course!

70) What was the weirdest thing that happened to you this week??
Nothing weird has happened to me this week.  There have been lots of frustrating parts, but nothing out of the ordinary.

The Way I See It: Valentine's Day

As everyone knows, today is Valentine's Day.  I really don't care for this day, and I never will.  I see it from two perspectives.  I will share both with you.

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As a teacher:  Children are much too young to understand love, much less be encouraged to feel it.  The whole card exchange has turned into a big contest to see who can buy the coolest candy or toy wrapped in a card.  My daughters come home with tons of JUNK every year, and it is frustrating to tell them they are not going to eat all of that in one night.  Halloween is bad enough.  The cards get thrown in the garbage immediately, and the candy gets argued over for the next week.  The same thing happens in the classroom.
                       Why load kids up on a bunch of sugar and call it a party?  We are constantly saying we don't have enough time for classroom instruction.  If we would stop having parties every other week for one event or another we could capture some of that time.  At the very least, let's serve fresh fruit and health snacks instead of cookies, candies, and sugary beverages.
                       
As a wife:  Our very first year together I told Daniel not to spend money on a gift for me.  Thirteen years later I remind him of the same request.  This is not a time of year when money comes easily.  We are starting to recover from the winter slump in our landscape maintenance company, the appointment with the accountant isn't cheap, and there are annual taxes, insurance, and other assorted costs associated with our business.  To be truthful, though, that's all a nice excuse for just not getting anything out of this day.  I don't have to wonder if Daniel cares about me.  He shows me in little ways every single day.  I don't need gifts and special attention.
                  We can go out and buy chocolates tomorrow when they are on sale for half price.  We like to keep some treats on-hand, and buying them after the holidays is always a fun way to save money.  I have NEVER liked the idea of a man spending money on flowers because they die so quickly.  If Daniel were to buy jewelry I would probably fall over.  Not only is it expensive, but I can't wear most due to my autoimmune disorder.  So, all the classics are out anyway.

So, I may sound like the Valentine's Day Grinch, and I suppose I am.  I just have a different view of love, and I prefer to keep my definition pure to my beliefs.  Love doesn't come wrapped in a red bow on a certain day.  Love comes in every moment shared together and wrapped in a life-time of memories.

Sunday Stealing #51-60

Somewhere along the line I lost #26-50, but that's okay.  I'll just jump in here.  You can read #1, #2-10, and #11-25 in these separate blog posts.  Enjoy!


51) Do you tend to hold grudges against people who have done you wrong?
I do stay hurt for a very long time.  Grudges?  I'm not quite sure you could say that.  I would help most of the people who have hurt me in the past.  There's a couple I think I would watch drown, though.

52) What is your astrological sign?
Libra

53) Do you save money for anything? What?
Ha!  Saving money and paying on a student loan don't really go along too well.  Seriously, we just get by for the most part.  I'm trying to put a little bit away for an emergency fund now.  Ours was run completely dry last year when I spent more than $2,000 in two months trying to find out what was wrong with me.  That was just the regular doctors visits and tests.  It does NOT include the ambulance, emergency room visits, and hospital admission or the follow up visits and tests.

54) What's the last thing you purchased?
This morning I purchased a file box and grading pens for my classroom.

55) Have you ever had a relationship that you realized was lust not love? 
Of course, haven't we all?  I think that's what young "love" is about.

56) In a relationship?
I've been married to my husband for almost 12 years now.  I can honestly say we are forming a deeper relationship the longer we have been together.  I love growing up and "old" together!

57) How many relationships have you had?
Far too many.  Most desperately unhealthy.

58) What do you want to tell us about your day?
Today was a team effort.  I felt like I was drowning, and Daniel jumped in to help me get caught up with my responsibilities.  I feel badly he was doing what should be my job (grading papers), but I grateful he is willing to help.

59) Where were you yesterday?
Written on Sunday, February 12:  Yesterday I got to spend some time watching the blessing of the dogs at the hospital (my mom and her dogs are a pet therapy team) and got to go out with my mom to a health event after.  For the rest of the day I was hanging with my husband and girls and took a walk in the evening.

60) Is there anything interesting within 10 feet of you?
Not particularly for most people.  There IS a really cool book for my students on the desk, though.  They will be building their own societies.  I can't WAIT to see how this project turns out!  The book has all sorts of aspects from what language they will speak, to the clothes they will wear, to the type of government they will live by.  Cool stuff!

Random Questions part 2

Please see questions 2-10 here.


11) Do you have any strange phobias?
I don't think so.  I am afraid of scorpions, but come on, that's just logical!  I am afraid of dark parking lots, too, but that's because I watch too much news.


12) Ever stuck a foreign object up your nose?
Again, I don't think so.  My mom may be able to tell you differently, though.  I was kind of a weird kid.

13) What's your religion?
I do not follow any religion.  I do believe in a higher power, but I'm not she what he/ she/ it is called.  I believe in living a life of honesty and doing good for others and myself.  Really, every religion believes in those principles, so maybe I'm ALL religions rather than none.

14) If you are outside, what are you most likely doing?
Walking.  Daniel, the girls, and I go out walking at least a couple of times per week.  Now that I CAN I take advantage of it every opportunity I get!

15) Do you prefer to be behind the camera or in front of it?
I am definitely the one behind the camera in most cases.  There were times I asked Daniel to take pictures of family gatherings just so I could prove I've been a part of our daughters' lives!

16) Simple but extremely complex. Favorite band?
I don't really have a favorite band.  This is something that changes daily, depending on my mood.  

17) What was the last lie you told?
I told a student I wasn't angry with her, even though I was furious.  I wanted her to get on with the day so I could, too.  I don't stay mad at my students for too long, anyway.  

18) Do you believe in karma?
Absolutely!  I think that is why I have a hard time accepting being so sick for so long.  What did I do to deserve this pain?  I know... it's silly.

19) What does your URL mean?
My blog originally started as a health blog to keep me accountable on a weight loss journey.  Little did I know that it would eventually become a life-line to me through the worst year of my life.

20) What is your greatest weakness; your greatest strength?
What is this, a job interview?  I hate this question.  My greatest weakness is my ability to see both sides of a situation.  It makes me look two-faced because I can flip-flop often.  My greatest strength is my ability to see both sides of a situation.  I think it gives me compassion in a lot of areas.  I rarely see absolute right or wrong.

21) Who is your celebrity crush?
I can't really say I have a celebrity crush.  The two trainers on Biggest Loser, Bob and Dolvett, are both pretty nice to look at, though!

22) Have you ever gone skinny dipping?
I can't remember a time when I did, but that's not to say that it didn't happen.

23) How do you vent your anger?
I scream, I cry, then I get very quiet lately.  That quiet part of me is my dad coming out.  Once I blog about the situation or let it ease on its own I usually don't talk about it again.  This is kind of a new way of handling anger for me.  I used to do a lot more of the screaming and be more physical in my anger.  I couldn't do that during the months I was confined to the couch, though. I definitely started turning inward at that point.

24) Do you have a collection of anything?
Yes, I have a collection of picture books and stuffed animals to go with them.  Kohl's sells these sets, and I started collecting them for my classroom when I thought I would be teaching in an entirely different environment.

25) Do you prefer talking on the phone or video chatting online?
Neither, I enjoy texting or emailing.  

3 in 30- February Week 2

My weekly goal update:

1.  Prepare taxes:  I have not made ONE STEP toward this goal.  This week I have been away from home for 11 hours each day.  Some part-time job I have!  I wish I was getting paid for all these hours I'm putting in, but that's the nature of teaching.  I plan to spend a lot of time on this goal during the President's Day holiday.

2.  Walk for exercise:  This week has been rough with the number of hours I worked.  We didn't get out at all, except for Friday night.  I'm hoping to come up with an interesting route for tonight.  I'm getting bored with the lake route since we aren't seeing very many birds anymore.

3.  Unpack boxes in bedroom:  I haven't even THOUGHT about this goal.  In fact, I had to look up last week's post to remember what my third goal was.  Oh well, it will get done when it gets done.

It would seem that this week hasn't been very successful, but other parts of life took priority.  I'm finding a new way to reach my low students, and Daniel and I have had a great week together.  I'll take those successes over unpacking boxes any day!

Book Review- "Invisible" by Jeanne Bannon

"Lola?" he whispers. "You there? It‘s okay, I‘ll just wait here ‘til you come back."

Let's face it, at some time in our lives we have all wished we could become invisible- even if just for a moment.  Well, Lola CAN.  "Invisible" by Jeanne Bannon tells the story of high school senior Lola Savullo and her incredible ability.  Will Lola be able to learn to control when she disappears?

I loved this story, and even though it was written for young adults I felt like I could relate to Lola.  I guess some parts of high school never do change.  There will always be those who pick on others and make life miserable for some.  Lola, though, finds a way to get back at the bullies in her life.

You'll have to read "Invisible" to find out what happens, but I promise this is one read you won't regret.  I laughed, I was saddened, and there was one shocking part that was handled with finesse by the author and by Lola herself.  I am really glad I got to read this book and will be looking for others by Jeanne Bannon.  

Random Questions

Question #1 was actually about my iPod, which I posted here.  Enjoy!


2) If you could meet anyone on this earth, who would it be?
Maybe I'm strange, but I really don't have a desire to meet anyone I haven't already.  I'm excited to see who will come into my life in the future, and I am super interested in seeing what kind of students I will have next school year.  Other than that, I don't really care to meet any famous people because to me they are just like everyone else.  

3) Grab the book nearest to you, turn to page 23, give me line 17.
..."other workers looked away."  From "Minding Frankie" by Maeve Binchy

4) What do you think about most?
I would have to say that I think the most about lesson plans and how the next day at school is going to work.  I am constantly "rehearsing" in my mind.

5) What does your latest text message from someone else say?
It was an encouragement from an acquaintance that we all "drop the ball" occasionally and to not be upset about it.  Her daughter and mine are in the same class at school and she has helped me tremendously this year as we transition into a two parent working family and I can't seem to get my head on straight when it comes to school functions for my daughters.

6) Do you sleep with or without clothes on?
Since becoming sick last April I have been very sensitive to the cold and feel my best when I am not chilled at all.  I have slept with heavy pajamas on so that Daniel doesn't boil in his sleep.

7) What's your strangest talent?
I don't really have any strange talents that I can think of.

8) Women.... (finish the sentence); Men.... (finish the sentence)
Women are no different than men; Men are no different than women.  Although I don't actually believe this, I really don't have huge generalizations, either.  Both sexes can have their frustrations, but the more I work with the public the more I realize I just see people.

9) Ever had a poem or song written about you?
Yes, as a matter of fact I have.  In 9th grade my boyfriend and his friends played a song in our school talent show.  The song was written about me.  Fortunately it was a pleasant one!  

10) When is the last time you played the air guitar?
I don't tend to play air guitar.  I do, however, like to play air drums.  My poor steering wheel sometimes!  After a particularly hard day at work I like to crank up a CD I've made for the car and let loose.  I must look like a maniac to the drivers next to me, but I don't mind.

Super Bowl or Reading?

Musing Mondays February 6, 2012

I'm joining Should Be Reading for Musing Mondays.  Sorry this is a little late!

This week’s musing asks…

Did you do any reading in lieu of watching the football game Sunday or were you foregoing reading to watch the game? If you read a book (or books) what did you choose?

I actually didn't read OR watch the Super Bowl on Sunday.  Instead, my family went to my mom and dad's house and had a blast playing Wii Sports Resort.  After playing our Wii during the Christmas season, Mom and Dad decided they wanted one as well.  It is so fun to play with my parents and daughters!


I did come home and read, though.  I just started "Matched" by Ally Condie.  My students have been reading this book, one after the other, so I thought I would figure out what all the fuss is about.  It's a pretty good book and I love being able to talk with my students about something they enjoy.  "Matched" is part of a trilogy, and I will definitely be checking out the rest of the books in the series.  


Here is a blurb from Amazon.com:  


For Cassia, nothing is left to chance--not what she will eat, the job she will have, or the man she will marry. In Matched, the Society Officials have determined optimal outcomes for all aspects of daily life, thereby removing the "burden" of choice. When Cassia's best friend is identified as her ideal marriage Match it confirms her belief that Society knows best, until she plugs in her Match microchip and a different boy’s face flashes on the screen. This improbable mistake sets Cassia on a dangerous path to the unthinkable--rebelling against the predetermined life Society has in store for her. As author Ally Condie’s unique dystopian Society takes chilling measures to maintain the status quo, Matchedreminds readers that freedom of choice is precious, and not without sacrifice.--Seira Wilson

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Five Question Friday- February 3, 2012

1. What have you done recently that you are proud of?

I have started walking about every other day.  After spending almost a year wondering if I would ever walk for exercise again, this is a big accomplishment.  The walks are slow, but they are steady.  I think I got in 5 miles last week.

2. What is your favorite way to work out? Or if you don't workout, what are you wanting to try?

When I could work out regularly I LOVED Zumba!

3. If you knew you best friend was cheating on spouse would you tell?

Absolutely.  Best friend or not, cheating is disgusting.  I would tell my best friend that she needed to tell her spouse and give her a time limit.  After that I would have to tell.

4. If you could afford a live-in maid or nanny, would you have one?
No way, not a live-in.  I like to have my privacy too much.  I do share a lot here on my blog, but I like to have the CHOICE of what to share.

5. Do you stress out about birthdays (specifically the age) or do you enjoy them?
I enjoy my birthdays.  There's no use stressing about the age; we're all getting older each day.

Shuffle my iPod

Sunday Stealing

1) Put your iTunes on shuffle. Give me the first 6 songs that pop up.

4 Non Blondes "What's Up"



Ronnie Dunn "Cost of Livin'"



Anna Nalick "Just Breathe"



Chicago "Hard to Say I'm Sorry"



Cutting Crew "(I Just) Died in Your Arms Tonight"



Debbie Gibson "Foolish Beat"

3 in 30 February

Well, it's the start of a new month so I'm going to set three new goals.  I enjoy focusing on these items for just 30 days.  It helps to know that I can either start again or set new goals in a few weeks if what I'm doing is not working out.

February Goal #1:  Prepare tax paperwork
Ug, it's tax time again.  It's really not a big deal to gather all the paperwork and prepare for the appointment with the accountant, but each year I dread it.  I hate paying the price for someone else to do our taxes, but owning a business and having rental property is just too much for me to handle on my own.  My goal is to have the paperwork ready to go and the appointment made by the end of this month.

February Goal #2:  Walk for exercise
I've been having some good days with my feet, so we've been taking walks up to a local park.  I love it!  It's not the running I had wanted to do, but it's a start.  It's been close to a year now since I've been in a "normal" body, but I'm doing well on accepting that change.  I've found that if I tell myself our walk is just another thing I have to do it comes easier.  It also helps that my favorite birds hang out at the park we walk to.  My goal for the month is to get out for our walk at least twice a week.  (If you are new to my blog and would like to read the story of what is wrong with my feet, you can see it on the Shingles/ Nerve Damage tab at the top of my blog.)

February Goal #3:  Unpack boxes in bedroom
Even though I didn't get very far in this area last month I am going to go ahead and make it a goal for this month again.  Maybe I'll get to that area when we are off school for President's Day.  Eventually I would like to get that little corner of my bedroom cleaned up and organized.