Monday, April 27, 2009
Welcome to Lake Spring, TX
We have had horrendous rain coming down today. It's been crazy!!! Almost feels like IKE all over again. Check out the new lake in my front yard:
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Friday, April 24, 2009
Plantee, Plantee, Plant - A Pictorial
Last year, I planted some adorable flowers in our corner bed and back bed. I enjoyed those flowers for over 5 months. I enjoyed sitting outside and marveling at the work that I had done as well as the beautiful colors that sprang from the gardens. It was time to plant again!
Tada!!! Here are the plants that I picked out:
Mom, do you see the Knockout Rose bush on the right? ;-)
And, look!! I even bought some vegetable plants. Green Bell Peppers!
Strawberries!!! (Well, those aren't vegetables.)
And, tomatoes!!!!
The dogs helped.
And, they're planted! This picture doesn't do them justice.
Yep! I added the ladybugs, too, Lacy!
Tada!!! Here are the plants that I picked out:
Mom, do you see the Knockout Rose bush on the right? ;-)
And, look!! I even bought some vegetable plants. Green Bell Peppers!
Strawberries!!! (Well, those aren't vegetables.)
And, tomatoes!!!!
The dogs helped.
And, they're planted! This picture doesn't do them justice.
Yep! I added the ladybugs, too, Lacy!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
If Only....
Toward the end of last year, Kelley and I embarked upon a new debt reduction plan. I use the word "embark" because I think reducing your debt is truly a journey. It tests your strength, patience, willpower, and sanity. We have successfully paid off one card and are about 1 or 2 months away from paying off another.
Sticking to the plan requires teamwork and many discussions (sometimes heated ones). It requires sacrificing small & large, not being able to do some things on a whim, and staying focused on the end result.
With this said, Lacy, if only I could go on that fabulous craft weekend with you! If only, I could just pick up and travel to Florida to see my son when I want. If only I could tell any one of my family members, "Hey! Let's meet in fun place USA this weekend." I want so badly to spend a giggly, crafty weekend with you, Lacy. I want to learn how to make things that I may never make again but sure did enjoy doing it with you! I want to spend some one-on-one time with you talking about our deepest fears and dreams. But alas, my focus has to remain on the end prize.
The end prize will give me the freedom to do such things. The end prize will give me the freedom to invite you on a trip and pay for the whole thing. The end prize will give me the freedom to say I am getting it because I can.
So, thank you so much for inviting me, Lacy!!! I know you are excited and will have a great time. Once I get to the end prize, it's ON, babycakes!
Sticking to the plan requires teamwork and many discussions (sometimes heated ones). It requires sacrificing small & large, not being able to do some things on a whim, and staying focused on the end result.
With this said, Lacy, if only I could go on that fabulous craft weekend with you! If only, I could just pick up and travel to Florida to see my son when I want. If only I could tell any one of my family members, "Hey! Let's meet in fun place USA this weekend." I want so badly to spend a giggly, crafty weekend with you, Lacy. I want to learn how to make things that I may never make again but sure did enjoy doing it with you! I want to spend some one-on-one time with you talking about our deepest fears and dreams. But alas, my focus has to remain on the end prize.
The end prize will give me the freedom to do such things. The end prize will give me the freedom to invite you on a trip and pay for the whole thing. The end prize will give me the freedom to say I am getting it because I can.
So, thank you so much for inviting me, Lacy!!! I know you are excited and will have a great time. Once I get to the end prize, it's ON, babycakes!
Monday, April 20, 2009
2 Beers & a Mayonnaise Jar
A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him.
When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls.
He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.
The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls.
He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.
The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else.
He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous 'yes.'
The professor then produced two beers from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand.
The students laughed.. 'Now,' said the professor as the laughter subsided, 'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things---your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions---and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full..
The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car. The sand is everything else---the small stuff.
'If you put the sand into the jar first,' he continued, 'there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls.
The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.
When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls.
He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.
The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls.
He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.
The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else.
He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous 'yes.'
The professor then produced two beers from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand.
The students laughed.. 'Now,' said the professor as the laughter subsided, 'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things---your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions---and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full..
The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car. The sand is everything else---the small stuff.
'If you put the sand into the jar first,' he continued, 'there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls.
The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.
Spend time with your children.
Spend time with your parents.
Visit with grandparents (or aunts). :-)
Take time to get medical checkups.
Take your spouse out to dinner.
Get a manicure or pedicure or both.
There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. Take care of the golf balls first---the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.
One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the beer represented.The professor smiled and said, 'I'm glad you asked. The beer just shows you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of beers.'
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Flipswap
How many old cell phones do you have stored away in a closet? If you are like me, quite a few. I am a sucker for new technology. So, as soon as a new phone becomes available that has cool gadgets and features, I am thinking of how I can con my cell phone provider into letting me upgrade at the lowest price.
But what do you do with all of those old phones?? Fear not, my friend. I am sure you have all heard of places where you can turn them in to be recycled. Well, Flipswap gives you options. You can get cash, donate the cash, or have a tree planted. I like this idea. I will soon be bidding farewell to my old phones. Try it!
But what do you do with all of those old phones?? Fear not, my friend. I am sure you have all heard of places where you can turn them in to be recycled. Well, Flipswap gives you options. You can get cash, donate the cash, or have a tree planted. I like this idea. I will soon be bidding farewell to my old phones. Try it!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
My Tax Deduction on Tax Day
Twenty-one years ago today, God blessed me with the best tax deduction that I have ever had. Derrick Salim was born around 6 in the evening. He has truly made my life an enjoyable experience. From his silly grins, his hungry grouchies, his excitement over a new hobby, watching him play hockey and much more, he showed me a new meaning to life.
I am a bit weepy today. Words can't describe how I feel. I can't believe my son is an adult! I am so proud of the person that he is and excited to watch what he will become. 
Son, I love you with ALL of my heart. I hope you have a great 21st Birthday.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
From My View
Here's the view from the window near my desk. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately), I don't sit next to this window. Otherwise, I might just stare at the city below all day long. (Those windows sure are dirty, huh?)
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Désordre de Table
My disorderly table! Is it just me? Or, does everyone has a place, table, desk, etc. in their home that is the catch-all when you walk in the door? Well, here's mine:
I know it didn't need explaining. But, I am always amazed at the random stuff that it collects. (You do recognize that I'm not taking ownership in the collection? The stuff just seems to gather here on it's own.)
I know it didn't need explaining. But, I am always amazed at the random stuff that it collects. (You do recognize that I'm not taking ownership in the collection? The stuff just seems to gather here on it's own.) Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Direct to You
Ever since I was ohhhh probably old enough to talk, I have been told that I am very direct. Being direct pretty much means that I don't beat around the bush and say what I mean. At least, I'd like to think so.
At my last employer, I can't tell you how many times I was given feedback about my directness. "You might want to soften up your message, Mary." "Maybe think through what you want to say..." "Sometimes the way you say things can really hurt people's feelings..." AAAGGGHHH!!!
My question is this... Why do I have to change in order to make the "fluffy" people happy? Why can't they be more direct? Why is it OK for me to sit through a 30 minute dissertation on a topic that could have taken 5 minutes? As opposed to the dissertatee (Is that a word? It is now) getting to the point and not wasting my time.
Case in point.. a "fluffy" person might say, "I really like how you have arranged this spreadsheet. I can tell that you spent some time on it. The colors seem to really bring out the data and expose the information that is needed. You might want to adjust the columns and wrap the text in larger fields."
Me? "Looks good. Just make the columns wider and set the text up to wrap." Hello??? Now didn't we just save a few breaths and get the same point across?
Just think about how many meetings could be shortened if we all were a little more to the point.. damn.. we could probably shorten the work week. What about Congress? Don't you think they could spend alot fewer hours discussing our nation's recession issue if everyone just got to the point? They could actually be putting the plan into action and save thousands of jobs.
I say all direct people should UNITE!!! We could form a union and teach the non-directs how to be more efficient. Direct to You (D2Y)...say it and move on!
LOL - I think I've said enough
At my last employer, I can't tell you how many times I was given feedback about my directness. "You might want to soften up your message, Mary." "Maybe think through what you want to say..." "Sometimes the way you say things can really hurt people's feelings..." AAAGGGHHH!!!
My question is this... Why do I have to change in order to make the "fluffy" people happy? Why can't they be more direct? Why is it OK for me to sit through a 30 minute dissertation on a topic that could have taken 5 minutes? As opposed to the dissertatee (Is that a word? It is now) getting to the point and not wasting my time.
Case in point.. a "fluffy" person might say, "I really like how you have arranged this spreadsheet. I can tell that you spent some time on it. The colors seem to really bring out the data and expose the information that is needed. You might want to adjust the columns and wrap the text in larger fields."
Me? "Looks good. Just make the columns wider and set the text up to wrap." Hello??? Now didn't we just save a few breaths and get the same point across?
Just think about how many meetings could be shortened if we all were a little more to the point.. damn.. we could probably shorten the work week. What about Congress? Don't you think they could spend alot fewer hours discussing our nation's recession issue if everyone just got to the point? They could actually be putting the plan into action and save thousands of jobs.
I say all direct people should UNITE!!! We could form a union and teach the non-directs how to be more efficient. Direct to You (D2Y)...say it and move on!
LOL - I think I've said enough
Monday, April 6, 2009
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Can You Not See It???
Hello? Have you not noticed the new look of my blog??? Isn't it fabulous?
THANK YOU, LACY!!! I love the new look.
THANK YOU, LACY!!! I love the new look.
Such the Art Connoisseurs
Kelley and I attended another art festival this weekend. I do believe that we are becoming quite the "connoisseurs". (wink, wink)
Here are a few of our favorites:
Amanda Chakravarty
Yoshi Aoki
Kathy Womack
Here are a few of our favorites:
Amanda Chakravarty
Yoshi Aoki
Kathy Womack
Friday, April 3, 2009
Recession Goes to the Birds
I guess even the birds are feeling the recession. As soon as the dogs come in the house, they all flock to their food bowls and feast. (The pictures are blurry because of all of the doggie noses on the glass window.)
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Happy, Happy, Happy
This little cutie is so adorable and loveable. She LOVES her mommy! When I go upstairs, no matter how long I up there, I always see this when I come down.
If you can just imagine that fuzzy little tail wagging, wagging, wagging... this little girl is always happy to see me.
Think I could teach Kelley to act that way everytime I walk in the room???
(BTW - She's not fat.. she's FLUFFY.)
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Who's Your Idol???
In past seasons of American Idol, I have watched sporadically. I just was never really excited about the contestants. I think my favorite so far has been Reuben and that's only because I thought he was so lovable. But this year??? OMG!!! I am hooked. This is a hard season! So much talent!
I really like Allison. Her voice is so different. And, the fact that she is only 16?? Wow! She definitely has an exciting career ahead of her.
Danny was my absolute fave during the auditions. As soon as I saw him, I just knew that he was going to win. Such a soulful sound coming from that white boy! But......
....Adam has been killing it!!! I think he's the winner. He has the looks, the moves, and the voice. I haven't agreed with his song choices but he always seems to sing them in the most inventive and moving ways. And does this guy look like Elvis or what?????
Who's your idol???
I really like Allison. Her voice is so different. And, the fact that she is only 16?? Wow! She definitely has an exciting career ahead of her.
Danny was my absolute fave during the auditions. As soon as I saw him, I just knew that he was going to win. Such a soulful sound coming from that white boy! But......
....Adam has been killing it!!! I think he's the winner. He has the looks, the moves, and the voice. I haven't agreed with his song choices but he always seems to sing them in the most inventive and moving ways. And does this guy look like Elvis or what?????
Who's your idol???
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