Gracey's Space

Letter To Jesus

2008-02-03T17:41:00.000-08:00

Dear Jesus,

Wow, how do I even start. Since you are God, you already know what I'm thinking but I still have a hard time forming the right words. Writing is easier for me, so I decided to write You. I've searched for years wanting to know how to knowYou. I always heard of the Christians that have that personal relationship with God. It took years even after going to a Christian college to find out exactly what it meant. It's not about the rules and regulations that some think it is about. Actually, I believe You were the one who condemned the Pharisees for their fakeness and hiding their sinful ways behind their religious robes. And sometimes I catch myself being just like them at times, and You reveal it to me, and I become utterly ashamed of myself.

Yet in all your goodness, You forgive me and restore me back to that sweet relationship we had before when I could come before You in all humility. May the words I say and the things I do let my life show that You are truly walking with me. I hope that I can make You smile, Jesus.

It's politically incorrect to say that You are the only way to heaven, yet it's the truth, plain and simple. Why are those words so offensive? Why do You offend people? I find nothing offensive about You because You want me to know and love You. You aren't full of rules and regulations. You do not want to oppress me; You want to FREE me! You have freed me. You are with me every step of the way in life. Thank You! What a wonderful assurance that I know You have everything under control even if this world is falling apart. I don't understand a lot of Your ways or why You let things happen, but I have the faith You have instructed us to have in You.

Looking back on my past mistakes, You never left me. You may have been a bit behind me but that was only because I pushed You away so many times. You kept knocking on the door of my heart and I kept shutting it. Until that one fateful day, I could no longer shut You out anymore. I had to answer that knock. Thank you for not giving up on me and thank you for bringing people in my life those years I was running but searching.

You are indeed the God of love and thank you for always listening when I need to talk with You. Thank you for giving me the peace when I am worried and scared of the future. Please keep my feet in the right path, the path that always leads to You, and if they do go off course, please bring something or someone to help me get back on course. For I am indeed only human and have many faults, but in my weakness, You can make me strong.

Love Always,

Grace

Fighting For Dear Life

2008-01-01T11:01:00.000-08:00

I am currently half way through a book by David Gibbs, the attorney for Terry Shiavo's family. It is heartbreaking and compelling at the same time. I did not follow too much about her case back in 2004-2005, so I didn't really know what was happening. I only knew what I heard on the news or read in the newspaper. The media doesn't give facts to the public, I believe. They have their own agenda and will make the facts distorted if they feel it's necessary. I honestly don't put my trust in the news and the facts they are giving. Even when it comes to the war, I know they aren't reporting any of the good that is going on in Iraq. It's sad but true!

I thought Terry was a PVS case, meaning a Post Vegetative State, which basically means that she could not respond to anyone or anything. While reading this book and watching the videos of her from 2000, this woman was clearly not a "vegetable". She responded to her mother by smiling, making faces when her dad was about to tickle her face with his beard, and so on.

I am dumbfounded that Judge Greer, who tried her case, would not have Terry reevaluated. The doctors pronounced her PVS back in 1998 or 2000 and since then, medical technology was more advanced and she could be better evaluated in 2004.

I personally believe that Judge Greer did not like his previous rulings questioned. He ordered Terry's feeding tube removed once before, and I believe his pride went before Terry's life.

One other thing that disturbs me the worst, is the "death sentence". Removing someone's feeding tube is one of the cruelest ways to die. We don't even torture our enemies or convicts that are on death row like that. That is considered "cruel and unusual punishment". They said she wouldn't feel a thing and she would die in comfort. OH REALLY? Let's go down to Ethiopia and see how comfortable and peaceful those people are from dehydrating and starving to death!

Even though this case is now 2 years old, it makes me sick that America could come to this. We wouldn't even treat our animals like that! God have mercy--NO, don't have mercy on a country that would allow a disabled woman to die like that!! We deserve nothing less than God's wrath.

Whether you were for this or not, I would urge you to read this book, Fighting For Dear Life. It is an eye opener and it will hit closer to home than you ever imagined!

Thanks For The Support!

2007-11-14T18:35:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!

I'm sorry I haven't reported in for awhile. As you can imagine, I have had no desire to write. I'm happy to report that Jer made it there safely and I do get to hear from him about 5 minutes every other day. It's better than nothing!

I'm handling it much better than I thought I would. My lonely times are at night especially when I'm in bed. I just want someone to talk to, but he's not there for me to tell him how my day went and so on. It's lonely but I do catch myself talking to my trusted protector, Nero. He's been a good guard dog and I think he senses he's the man of the house now! :) I'm glad I have my babies! They do keep me company.

I've been keeping myself quite busy with work, and I know that is a good thing. I don't have time to have a pity party (not that I have any right to do that in the first place)....I'm very blessed in so many areas in my life that it would be a "sin" for me to complain! God has been very good and I trust He will see both of us through this difficult time.

Thanks for all the comments....I honestly do appreciate them and appreciate all of you.

Laughing and Crying All At The Same Time

2007-10-31T21:35:00.000-07:00

Tonight I feel numb. I've been lying awake next to my husband with all kinds of thoughts going through my mind. First I start to quietly giggle because I think of some funny thing he did earlier today, then that laugh turns into just a smile as my thoughts turn to the big grin he gave me when he got home today, and then all of a sudden the tears start as I know in just a few short days that smile will not be there to greet me at the door. The tears are running as I'm writing this and I can barely see the screen. There are times when I feel very strong and other times when I feel very weak and vulnerable. The weak and vulnerable time is at this exact moment. During the day, I'm a strong woman who can handle anything that comes her way, but it's on nights like these when the scared little girl comes out from hiding. I know it will take time to adjust and to learn to live without him by my side, but that journey isn't going to be easy.

You may be thinking I'm sounding as if he's dead, but I do not have the guarantee that he will come back to me alive either. I pray and hope that he will but there is no guarantee. There is no guarantee of that for anyone. Most of the time, I do not think of it, but there are times it creeps up and invades my thoughts for a moment or two, and then I push it back as far as it will go and hope it doesn't return for a long while.

As much as I tried to prepare myself, it never is enough. Some people's thoughts are "Well, you knew what you were signing up for when you married him." How can anyone know what they are really "signing up" for when you haven't ever experienced it before? I don't regret my decision to marry this man one bit and would do it in a heartbeat again if given the choice. I'm not looking for sympathy or a pat on the back; I just needed to write, vent, and let go..... And in a way, I actually feel a little bit better to have let some of it out! Tomorrow will be another day--another day to be strong and weak; another day to laugh and cry--and, you know, I think that is alright!

2007-10-30T03:40:00.000-07:00

Well, I thought you all would appreciate this. I got to talking to the doctor's dad last week and he was telling me how he used to work at the eye clinic on Fort Hood back in the 50's, and at that time, Elvis was stationed at Fort Hood and used to visit Mr. Ruiz a lot because he let Elvis kind of hide out in his office when he wanted to get away from the crowds and people in general. Mr. Ruiz said Elvis was a really nice, humble man and they used to have some really good conversations when he would "hide out".

Mr. Ruiz brought in a picture of him and Elvis from June of 1958 and I scanned it at home to save it since I love Elvis and loved hearing Mr. talk about him. Thought you might get a kick out of it too! I actually know someone who knew Elvis on a personal level!!! Pretty cool!

One Moment More By Mindy Smith

2007-10-08T20:08:00.000-07:00

Hold me
Even though I know you're leaving
And show me
All the reasons you would stay
It's just enough to feel your breath on mine
To warm my soul and ease my mind
You've got to hold me and show me love

Give me
Just one part of you to cling to
And keep me
Everywhere you are
It's just enough to steal my heart and run
And fade out with the folding sun

Oh, please don't go
Let me have you just one moment more
Oh, all I need
All I want is just one moment more
You've got to hold me and keep me

Tell me that someday you'll be returning
And maybe
Maybe I'll believe
It's just enough to see a shooting star
To know you're never really far
It's just enough to see a shooting star
To know you're never really gone

Oh, please don't go
Let me have you just one moment more
Oh, all I need
All I want is just one moment more

Oh, please don't go
Let me have you just one moment more
Oh, all I need
All I want is just one moment more
You've got to hold me and maybe I'll believe

So hold me
Even though I know you're leaving

*This song goes through my mind each time I think of Jeremy leaving for war!

Drama Drama Drama

2007-10-01T18:24:00.000-07:00

I want to know if there is anybody else out there that works at a job where there seems to be some type of drama every day???? Today one of the girls gave her two-weeks notice because she was very upset about something, but my employer told her that since she gave her resignation, she might as well not come in anymore. Another girl I'm pretty sure is going to quit also soon. I worked for a horrible boss last year and I absolutely abhorred my job because this boss made my life miserable. She was one of the meaniest, power hungry women I've ever met. Compared to her, my boss now is an angel. He does have some quirks about him, but if we are honest with ourselves, who doesn't have some? Most of the time, I don't have a problem with him, and if something does rub me the wrong way, I tell him and we discuss it like adults should. I know he has a temper on him, but he does control it in that I've never heard him yell or blow up. He can be pretty intimidating when he's upset, but I know I can be when I'm mad too.

I don't know what the big deal is really. I guess she hated her job and she hated him. Some people just can't get beyond their differences I suppose. Oh well, I just hate drama! Maybe we won't have as much now?

My Past Weekend

2007-09-25T15:27:00.000-07:00

Friday:

1. Went to work and couldn't wait for the day to end.
2. Drove home and waited what seemed like forever for Jeremy to come home.
3. Didn't feel like cooking so we went to Logan's.
4. Trying to be a good girl and ate a salad and had soup.
5. Really wanted Jer's plate, mash potatoes and hot roast beef sandwich with gravy over everything.
6. Just looked at his plate longingly, but in the end, saved many calories and fat cells.
7. Tried to go to the movies but nothing really showing that we wanted to see.
8. Drove home and watched some television and went to sleep.

Saturday:

1. Woke up and nibbled on a banana.
2. Couldn't eat alot because I had to fit in my dress for that night.
3. Went to salon and had my hair professionally done in a beautiful updo.
4. Had my makeup done as well.
5. Came home and took some of it off because I don't wear that much and felt like a hussie. :)
6. Squeezed my thighs and butt into one of those shaper things and knew eating was not an option.
7. Put on my dress and looked at my butt and nodded in approvement! :)
8. Put on my red satin shoes and nodded again.
9. Didn't sit on my dress so walked around the house until I had to leave to meet Jer.
10. Got to the ball and called him to meet me outside.
11. Knocked his socks off when he saw me.....I don't think he recognized me at first.
12. After the initial shock, he broke out in a huge grin and said, "Is that your real hair?"
13. He thought I was wearing a hair piece because my hair is really fine and I looked like I had some nice thick curls.
14. And, yes, it was my real hair!
15. Got a lot of compliments on my shoes; the women loved the shoes.
16. Wasn't able to eat my dinner too much due to the squeezing/tightning sensation I was feeling all night.....the way we suffer to be beautiful!
17. Laughed a lot, had fun, saw some friends.....
18. Wanted to take those shoes off by the end of the night but forced myself to keep them on.
19. Forced Jer to take lots and lots of pictures.
20. Finally, went home and we both collapsed in exhaustion.
21. BUT I couldn't sleep with my hair like that so took three shampoos and a long conditioner session to get my hair back to normal.
22. By then, Jer was snoring and I was yawning.

Sunday:

1. Got up late but made it to church.
2. Picked up my friend and we all went together.
3. Service was great and glad I went.
4. Went to a great mexican restaurant afterwards and finally ATE!
5. Came home and took a 4-hour siesta!!
6. Cleaned the house.
7. Made dinner.
8. Went to Bed!

*Will post pics in a little while.......

Time Flies By!

2007-09-17T12:47:00.000-07:00

Wow, it has been a month since I have written! I don't have as much time on my hands as I used to have and I've also just not been in the mood to blog. I think everyone goes through that lapse from time to time. This morning didn't start off to a good start at all when I woke up with a head pounding migraine which was there the night before. I was finally able to get a few hours sleep, but it didn't do much good for the head. I used to have the worst migraines a few years back and then they simply disappeared, but I had a relapse last night and this morning. I don't know what brought it on, but I'm just glad it decided to leave this afternoon or else I would still be stuck in bed I'm sure.

It's getting closer and closer for Jer to leave, and I have good days and then I have bad days. I cried myself to sleep on Saturday night and all the thoughts of being away from him for 15 months and the possibility of his not returning just overwhelmed me. I thank God that I made myself go to church and it was exactly what I needed. I know that God cares for me on a personal level, but you don't really realize it until something happens and you know that it was meant for you. I believe God spoke right through the pastor's message and straight to me. No, it's not some weird spiritual thing that I experienced or that I heard the actual voice of God or anything, but I know I heard His message go through His messenger straight to me. In my heart He was saying, "Nothing will happen that isn't filtered through Me first." And because I know that everything is filtered through Him, I can hang on to the hope and strength that God will give me to get through this war. Even if, God decides to take my husband, I will not turn my back from Him; I will still love you, God! You are my hope and all things work together for good when we are Christ's children....I can hold on to that promise even if the way looks bleak.

Back & Relaxed

2007-08-13T18:04:00.000-07:00

Today was my first day back to work, and it was sooo hard to get up early after two weeks of sleeping in each day and waking up to the sound of a lake right outside our door. I'm sure you all know the feeling of going back to work after a wonderful vacation!

Jer and I visited his family in Michigan, and then we took a wonderful 4-day trip to Mackinaw Island. Remember Somewhere In Time with Jane Seymour and Christopher Reeves? Well, that movie was filmed on the island at the famous Grand Hotel. No cars are allowed on the island, only horses and buggies and bikes. It was so fun to bike around the island which is 8 miles all the way around and not have to worry about being run over by a car. You do have to watch those horses and the mess they make from their backsides, but other than that, it was one of the best times I have ever had.

Jer and I also ate about 3 pounds of fudge on our 4-day excursion; if you ever want the greatest fudge ever, order it from Kilwins.com from Mackinaw Island. The best was the Butterfingers Fudge, Rocky Road Fudge, Mint Chocolate Chip Fudge, and the Peanut Butter/Chocolate Chunk Fudge!!! YUMMY.....I did gain about 5 pounds on this trip but it was totally worth it. Now I am working hard to get it off so I can fit in my dress for the ball that the Army is having in about a month.

Anyway, here are pics from our trip. Enjoy!

Far Away

2007-07-28T17:26:00.000-07:00

FAR AWAY.....This is where I feel I am at times. This past Wednesday was my birthday, and it was the first time I actually felt nothing. It was just another day for me, nothing special at all. Is that weird? I honestly wished for the day to hurry up and past, so I didn't have to hear "Happy Birthday" one more time....what is wrong with me? It's not like I turned the dreaded 30 or 40....ya, I'm officially in my late 20's now but honestly that's not so bad I know, so what is my problem? I don't get it myself, but the more I thought about it, I think I've just been sad that life and time goes by way too fast. The older I get, the older my parents become, my grandma becomes, my doggy and kitties become, etc.

I think I may only have three years left with Nero and that is if I can keep him nice and healthy. He'll be ten in August and I've become very attached to him, and it scares me that the average life span for the military dogs are 12 to 13 years old.

Do you know that I'm actually dreading taking him to the kennel to board him while I leave on vacation for almost two weeks? Can you imagine being worried that your dog will not be happy; I actually feel like a mom dropping off her baby at day care! I hear my coworkers tell how they cry sometimes because they have to leave their babies at the daycare. I don't know if I'll go that far when I take Nero, but I'm seriously dreading it. Jeremy wants to take him as early as possible on Monday, so we can have a day to ourselves, but I won't take him until I absolutely have to. Yep, I think I have gone completely off the wagon!

Anyway, all that to say that I hated having a birthday this year and glad it's over. Maybe now I can get back to my normal self and stop thinking about people getting older and passing away.

I did love all my birthday presents though and am thankful that people did remember me; I'm sure I would have been more sad if no one said "Happy Birthday" I guess.

Big Foot In My Mouth??

2007-07-17T16:56:00.001-07:00

Chelle tagged me last week to blog about embarrassing moments of putting my foot in my mouth....well, I have been thinking and thinking and I honestly cannot think of anything. I know, you all are thinking, "YA RIGHT!!!" But, seriously, I haven't said something that made me just want to kick myself. You see, I'm usually afraid of saying the wrong thing, so I normally try to keep my mouth shut just in case.

I was thinking that all of you can ask me one or two questions that you've always wanted to know and I'll blog my answers for you all. I know I'm completely losing it when it comes to blogging, but you all can help me by giving me something to blog about! :) Just keep the questions clean please! Well, let the games begin! :)

My Other Best Friend

2007-07-06T17:08:00.000-07:00

Since Jer has been gone this past month, I have been lonely at times, but even in those times, I've had my other faithful companion right by my side. At this moment, he is sitting right beside me looking at me with that cute little grin and those big brown eyes. Of course, at this moment he's also tooted, but I've come to accept him for who he is. He's just a tooting machine and I know it's not what he's eating. I love this boy; he's so happy when I come home and he cries when I leave. He knows I'm his friend, his mommy, and his playmate. We take long walks together, long naps together, and we sing together. Actually, I sing and he just howls at me. Does that mean I'm a terrible singer? :) I like to think he's complimenting me and doesn't want me to stop! :) When I do stop, he starts barking at me, so I sing more and he starts howling once again. I think he just loves to howl and it's the only time I let him do it.

He loves to make me chase him around the house to get his red ball away from him. He also loves to chase me around the house once I finally get the red ball out of his mouth. Yep, we make the perfect pair. He knows when I'm sad and I know he tries to cheer me up by putting his big snout as close as he can by my face and tries to get that doggy kiss in. I try to avoid it but sometimes I can't get away from him. Then I start laughing and he gives me that big grin as if saying, "Mission Accomplished".

Yep, he makes me look forward coming home to an empty house because even though my other best friend isn't here with me right now, my Nero waits with excited anticipation for my arrival and that, folks, makes me smile!

Question & Answer Time Is Better Than Nothing

2007-06-23T17:18:00.000-07:00

If you could share your thoughts or ideas with anyone dead or alive, who would it be? I would like to share my thoughts now that I'm an adult with my grandmother who died when I was 15. And I would also love to do the same with my grandpa who died when I was only 5. Only God knows why they were both taken away from me before I really got to know them.

What would you discuss? Everything under the sun....I would talk about love, marriage, heartaches, and life in general. I would love to hear stories from when they were kids, teenagers, and an adult.

What is your craziest memory of high school? I wasn't a vert crazy person cuz I always was afraid of getting into trouble. I was pretty boring and never really did crazy things.

The most magical time in your childhhod? All of the times when the whole family was together and death hadn't touched on our lives yet.

What famous person do you admire and why? I admire Billy Graham. Even though some don't agree with him on every issue, he has been a man of integrity and I admire how much he adored and loved his wife, Ruth, who died a few weeks ago. I can't imagine after all those years of marriage having to say goodbye to the one who was by your side for more than 40 years. It's wonderful to be a Christian and have the faith, hope, and the assurance that we aren't saying goodbye forever, just a short time on this earth.

What ordinary person do you admire and find to be not so ordinary? Why? I have a few names that come straight to my mind, but the first ones that popped up were my mom and dad. You don't realize what your parents have done for you until you are a mature adult and see the sacrifice they give to their children. To me, it's extraordinary what parents give up for their children; I think a parent's love is the most unselfish love in this world.

What is one thing that you want to change about your life in the next 5 years? I hope to achieve more in my career and I'll be working towards that next year by going back to school for additional education.

What you are looking forward to most in the next year? Since I'm pretty much dreading all of next year since Jer will be gone, I do look forward to his R & R when we get to see each other again even if it's only for a few weeks.

Where would be your ideal winter vacation? Going to the Swiss Alps...I hate snow but I won't mind experiencing it in the Alps! :) That is where snow belongs!

Ideal summer vacation? Renting a pretty cottage in Tuscany for the summer!

What do you want people to remember about you after you are gone? That I was a person of compassion, and I was a good friend to both man and animal! :)

A phrase or a quote that best desribes you or your life or your way of thinking: Life is too short to live with the regrets of past mistakes. The only thing to regret is if you never use what you learned from those mistakes to help someone else along.

Ever Wonder When Gracey Will Post Again??

2007-06-20T05:41:00.000-07:00

That was the question Jay asked......Yes, I have been extremely bad at posting. I will try to get better, but for now, I'm off to work. Hope you all will have a great day, and if it's raining in your part of the country as it is in Texas, try to keep dry!! :)

Ever Wonder???

2007-06-05T14:15:00.001-07:00

Here some things my mind was musing over while I was watching people in the mall today:

1. Why do parents insist on taking their "darlings" into stores when they know the "darlings" are going to throw a fit when they can't have something? I actually heard one mom say, "I knew you were going to act this way!" Duh! (It's called a spanking and yes, I do believe in them!!)

2. Why do chicks walk around in skimpy outfits, yet they give give the finger to the guy that makes a improper comment about them? They should know that it is going to happen when they look like a street walker!

3. How come old people use the mall as if it is a running/walking track? Oh, I know that answer, because it's free, right?

4. Why does a couple go into a jewelry store and the woman tells the boyfriend/husband to pick out something that he thinks she would want but then makes a face of pure annoyance when he points to something that she obviously doesn't like and then says, "You don't know me at all!"? Girl, you should always pick it out and then just tell him what you want; don't give the guy the responsibility or you may be sorry.

5. Last but not least, why do men go into Victoria Secret or Fredericks of Hollywood and stare at all the girls in the store as if trying to imagine them in the sexy outfits? Are they imagining it on each woman or trying to compare the girl's shape to the wife's shape?

No News Is Good News, Right?

2007-05-31T06:27:00.000-07:00

Sorry I have been so absent on blogging. It was been so busy for me, but I am here today to deliver some good news. Scotty is vaccinated, neutered, and dewormed!!! :) He also is in very good hands with the lady that runs the "no kill" shelter. We were informed that one of the staff members at the shelter wanted to adopt him, so when we brought him to the shelter, we were disappointed when she changed her mind and said she thought he was another kind of breed and said he was too big for her. But how could anyone deny that cute little face, right???? The lady that runs the shelter couldn't deny him and said she would take him. She stated that he would be able to adopt out to a good family in no time. I trust her because I know she takes care of all those animals in the shelter like they are her own children. She really loves what she does and she's a good judge of character when it comes to people, so Scotty is in good hands and he will have a family soon!! I'm volunteering at the shelter now and I've seen Scotty. He's still the same crazy pup and just loves to run around and play. I'm sure he's much more happy there than in our small backyard! Thanks sooooo much for all of you that helped!!! I can't thank you enough! If only all abandoned animals could be saved and taken care of by people that cared! You all are GREAT!!!!

I'll be "visiting" all of you soon!! Again, sorry I've been absent but thanks for not giving up on me!

Adoption

2007-05-22T07:58:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately, our dog, Nero, has become quite ill and he's on five different medications. (you can imagine that bill...yikes!) The vet thinks that a few of the infections were probably passed onto Nero from the puppy. Yesterday the pup dug the biggest hole I have ever seen near the fence and squirmed his way out. When I came home from work, he was nowhere to be found. Sometime later a neighbor saw me walking down the street looking for something and asked me if I was looking for a dog. He had taken the pup into his backyard and I could tell he was ready to give it back to me! :) Since he's a coon hound dog, he's always wants to run and our backyard isn't big enough for him, and he's also chewed our back door frame. Jeremy isn't a happy camper right now and I can understand that with everything that has been going on.

I had put an ad in the paper a week ago to see if anyone would claim him and I also gave his description to Animal Control in case someone called in there, but to my surprise, no one has claimed him. Maybe he was abandoned after all and that just makes me very sad. He is more than a handful but that is no reason to abandon a pup.

I hope you all don't mind my plan at this point. I am going to get all his vaccinations and I think he has some type of parasite too, so I'm pretty sure he will be on medication. I plan to take him for everything this week (I had to wait to get paid too) and after I know he's completely well, I'll be looking for a loving home for him and preferably a place with a very large yard or even a few acres. I would love to keep him and have been hoping to be able to, but it's not worth having my husband pulling his hair out because he's dug holes in our lawn and has chewed everything in sight. Since I'm working now, I can't give him the attention that he needs especially since he's a still a puppy and doesn't do well when he's alone.

If anyone doesn't like my plan from here and you have donated, I would be more than happy to give your money back. You all have my email so just email and let me know.

I hope you all understand my predicament and wish with all my heart that I could have kept him, but I'll be finding him a home soon and it will be just as satisfying to know that I and all of you were able to "save" this pup from going straight to Animal Control and having a good chance of being put down.

Thank you everyone for helping, but if you want your money back, I wouldn't be upset.

Donation Update

2007-05-16T15:57:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

I just want to say that I'm so overwhelmed with your kindness!!! If all goes according to plan, I will hopefully be getting the pup to the vet next Thursday. He's such a lovable guy and I wish you all could meet him....he would probably lick your faces off! :)

My new job is going well (even if I've only been there 2 days now), and I'm learning a lot about the eyes (I'm working as an Optometrical Assistant.)

Thanks again for all your help and as I said before, Scotty (his new name) will be getting thank you notes out to each of you. :)

Accepting Donations If You Can!

2007-05-13T17:06:00.000-07:00

5/14/06 - *If you comment, I'll answer everyone when I get home tonight! It's my first day on the new job....yikes! :)

I have gotten myself into trouble again. It all started two days ago when I went walking with Nero through the pasture. All of a sudden, Nero is acting like a lunatic and is practically dragging me. Once I can focus and stop seeing the grass go around and around, I notice that there is a puppy behind us. I asked Jeremy to take Nero back to the house so I can get a closer look at the dog. Once Nero is out of sight, the puppy comes to me and the first thing I notice is he has a blue collar but no identification. He's completely matted with mud from his head to his toes and I can see his ribs sticking out. The first thought that goes through my mind is some

@!@##$@ abandoned this helpless animal. How can I just leave a puppy or any animal for that matter out there to just roam and probably starve to death. My conscience won't let me do nothing. I get a leash for him and take him around the neighborhood to ask if anyone knows this dog, and, of course, everyone says they have never seen it before and all their take is that someone abandoned the poor thing.

After that doesn't work, I take him to our backyard and give him a good long scrub to get the gunk of mud off of him. He's grateful for the bath once he gets to shake and rub in the grass. Next comes the food ordeal. I give him a half can of dog food (Nero's food) which he pretty much swallows in one gulp. He starts to drink as if he hasn't drank in days.

What do I do with this dog? Today I took him to an animal shelter which is a "no kill" shelter and I figured maybe I could work something out with them. I first ask if they have any room for him and the answer is they are completely full and can't take new animals. I then try to go another route and ask them if there is a way to get an exam done, shots, and check for heartworm, etc, for a discounted price or if they can do it and I can "work" off the bill by going to the shelter on my days off and weekends and do whatever they need done. She informs me that they don't have a vet on staff and the vets that do take care of the homeless dogs are vets that volunteer their time to the shelter, and it just wouldn't be possible to take care of this dog when they have 90 dogs and 90 cats in the shelter to take care of. I ask what else I can do because I honestly cannot afford the initial costs of getting everything done for the dog.

She tells me that all she can suggest is if I can't keep him that I will have to call Animal Control, and he would probably be put down because there is just an overwhelming amount of homeless animals in all of the shelters. Could you take him there if you were in my shoes???? I just don't have the heart to do it, but we can't afford the initial vet costs to get his tests done, vaccinations, treatment for heartworm and fleas, and to get neutered.

I never do anything like this but I feel pretty desperate....my friends, is there any way at all that you can spare a few dollars for this puppy???? I can't bear to give him to Animal Control but I know it's also not fair to keep him without getting him checked with a vet and get all the necessary things that have to be done. Most of you know me and I hope you know I'm honest, so when I ask for some help, it is completely out of compassion and desperation to save this pup. I don't know how old he is exactly, but he's definitely still a pup cuz he doesn't have that mature look to him and he's very clumsy with his long legs. I don't think he's grown into himself yet.

Well, I don't want to beg but I am in a way I know. Of course, I won't be upset if you can't help, but if you can at all, I would be extremely grateful and I'll make sure that you get a thank you note from the puppy too! :)

Thanks for listening!

Monday Memories - My Little Dog, Sandy

2007-05-07T07:40:00.001-07:00

I haven't done one of these Monday memories in a long while, but this morning I was thinking of my childhood pet, Sandy. She was the cutest little thing--half pomeranian and half chiwawa. She was the color of sand; hence, her name Sandy. She wasn't just cute, but she was the sweetest dog I have ever come across. We kept her outdoors her whole life, and when I was a kid, I hated having to go outside to play with her. I wanted her inside with me but that would have never happened in a million years and I knew better than to ask.

She lived to a ripe old age and I can't believe she did because we always fed her cheap dog food (couldn't afford the expensive stuff) but she must have had good genes. All she ever wanted was affection, but she didn't get enough from us. When I was a teen, I was much more absorbed with myself, my friends, my activities, etc to pay enough attention to Sandy. That is the one thing I regret to this day. Sandy deserved to have a better owner than me. I'm not trying to find sympathy for that statement; I really believe that she did deserve a better owner. She was the sweetest dog yet I denied her the affection she needed and wanted when I was older and when she was older. I think that is why I now treat my animals like my children. All they want is love, attention, and affection--that is very little that they are asking for, yet they give us so much joy and the feeling that we humans are needed and wanted. (that is a great feeling to know that you are needed and wanted)

I wish I could go back in time and just hug and play with Sandy once more. She died when I was in FL my freshman year of college. It never occurred to me that she would pass away. She was the playmate that was there for me since I was five or six. Dad did a very nice thing and had her body cremated and her ashes spread over Napa Valley. I think in a way we all regretted that we took for granted the time we had with that sweet little girl. There was never a moment that she denied us her doggie smile, her wagging tail, and the sound of her little paws following behind us wherever we went. Though I regret some things, Sandy will always live in my memory and even in death, she can still put a smile on my face as she was always able to do when she was alive!

Farting Dogs???

2007-05-04T11:14:00.000-07:00

I know many of you have dogs. Do they all fart constantly? Jer just yelled to me, "Did you hear that?" It was the biggest and loudest farting sound coming from Nero as he was sleeping. You're probably thinking, "What do you feed that dog?" We're just feeding him regular dog food yet he farts like there is no tomorrow! Nothing is worse than animal farts, except for maybe when my Uncle lets it rip but they are pretty much tied in that area.

Any tips, my wise friends????

Housewives: Always Ready To ATTACK Your Messes!

2007-05-02T17:27:00.000-07:00

Getting Settled.....

2007-05-01T07:04:00.000-07:00

Things have finally started to settle down. The house is mostly done except for some furniture that still needs to be purchased for our extra room, but we aren't in too much of a hurry to do that. Today is nothing but thunderstorms and lightning and is expected to stay that way until Friday.....yuck! At least I haven't started working yet, so I can at least enjoy this week staying indoors while it's yucky outside.

I can't wait to get to all of your blogs again and let you know that I am still around and haven't forgotten about all of you. I'm so glad you all like my new dog. He is a sweetie and is starved for affection. I know he wasn't spoiled in the military like he is now and he is very happy with his new family. Tink asked what made us decide to get a dog. The honest answer to that was I wanted a trained military dog to be around the house when Jeremy leaves for Iraq and is gone for a year to 15 months. The decision was made for him to be my protector and plus he'll be great company when I don't have anyone else around. The cats like to sleep all day but the dog will stick to your side like glue! :)

I promise I'll come by all of your blogs to say hello. It may take me a little time but I do plan to do it today and tomorrow! Missed you guys!

My New Doggie

2007-04-27T16:54:00.000-07:00

I am happy to report that I am the proud parent of this beautiful German Shepherd. This morning we got up very early to make the three-hour drive to pick him up at Lackland Airforce Base. This is the picture that I took of him after two minutes with him. As you can see, he loves toys and especially rubber balls. His name is Nero, and no, I did not name him that. The military did and since he's been used to it for nine years of his life, I don't think it would be fair to him to change it now. The cats aren't very happy with the new addition to our family. They thought the family was just fine the way it was. Nero is curious with the cats and wants to play with them but the cats only want to hiss! :) We are separating them for the time being until the catsdecide to play nice, which may never happen.

He has a very sweet disposition, but since he was a guard and bomb dog, I know that if he ever felt someone was threatening us, he would become one protective dog. It's only been nine hours since I first saw him, but it was love at first sight. :)

We Made It!

2007-04-22T06:21:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

Just wanted to give you a quick update and let you know that we are here in Texas. We're not settled into the house yet but will be hopefully closing on it tomorrow afternoon if all goes well. We've been having a few problems with the title and mortgage company, but our realtor is assuring us that it will all pan out. I sure hope she is right! (Tink, you know how it all goes since you went through it not too long ago) I'm currently using the hotel's computer and so thankful they have one because I've been having withdrawals, well, not really but I do not feel like I'm up to date with anything if I can't check on my email and things like that.

I'll give you all another update as soon as there is something to report about. Hopefully, it will be a good report and not a bad update regarding our house! Keep those fingers crossed!! :)

Another Adventure

2007-04-14T08:57:00.000-07:00

I know I keep bombarding you all with slide shows with our ugly mugs on them, but I don't have much else to blog about unless you want to hear about my days filled with boxes everywhere and waiting for the movers to get here on Tuesday morning to haul it all away! Ya, I didn't think you wanted to hear about it. :)

Our last adventure in South Carolina was a day spent at Myrtle Beach. We went to Ripley's Aquarium, Myrtle Beach State Park, and dinner at Hard Rock Cafe. It was lots of fun but went by way too fast. Hope you all are doing well, and I'm sorry I've been so out of touch with you all. As soon as we are settled in Texas, I'm sure I'll be more "available", but that will probably be about two weeks from now.

Keep us in your prayers as we travel through many states to get to our final destination!

I Love Horses!

2007-04-09T09:00:00.000-07:00

For our 2nd anniversary, Jeremy scheduled a few hours for he and I to spend with some beautiful horses. We were able to groom them and went out for a nice horseback ride. I absolutely loved every minute of it and my favorite part was definitely the grooming part of it. I love riding them too but the one-on-one contact was undescribable. I can't wait to someday own my own horse. Any one that knows me knows I am a huge animal lover and have had a love for horses since I was a child. I can't wait to take lessons in Texas and it's definitely something I'm going to pursue while Jeremy is deployed for the year. I know I'll find much joy being able to be with the horses. I'm also hoping whoever gives me riding lessons will also let me help groom and upkeep them. Enjoy the pictures!

Catching Up....

2007-04-06T06:03:00.000-07:00

It's been a pretty busy week for me. Moving in just two short weeks so I've been decluttering the closets and drawers and am trying to make my pack rat ways disappear. Of course, now that I've given away most of my clothing, I'll be looking like a pauper for awhile until I can go shopping for some new items for my wardrobe. The kitties were mad at me this past week because I had to haul both of them to the vet to get their shots, and just wait till the movers come in a week and a half, the cats will definitely go back to their psycho ways. Cats are such tempermental creatures that is why I have sedatives to knock them out for the journey to their new home.

Don't know if I told you all this or not but I'm going to be adopting a retired military war dog. I know its going to be a German Shephard and I'm really excited about it. Not only will it be a great companion for me when Jer is deployed but I'll feel more protected in my house at night with my new trained attack dog. Warning to all those bad guys out there: DON'T BE MESSING WITH ME!!! :)

On that happy note, I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and I'm sorry you haven't been hearing much from me. I expect it's going to be like that for the next couple of weeks until I'm settled in our new place, but that doesn't mean I'm not thinking of you!

Amusement Park Fun!

2007-04-01T10:27:00.001-07:00

Yesterday Jer and I went to Carowinds, and amusement park in North Carolina. It was so fun and we had such a great time together. Of course, no matter what we do we always have a great time with each other, but today will always be memorable. Jer hates roller coasters yet he went on everyone with me. He says he proved his eternal love to me today! :) I know he enjoyed himself though because we went on the Top Gun ride twice, so he couldn't have hated it that much, right? Since I can't describe all the fun we had, here is another slideshow to show you how much fun we had! Enjoy!

Interview Questions By Tink

2007-03-26T03:08:00.000-07:00

Tink had this brilliant idea of interviewing different bloggers so she she could get to know them better. Here are her questions for me. If you would like me to interview any of you, just leave me a comment and check back to see my questions for you!

1. Have you ever experienced anything YOU would consider a "miracle"? I never told anyone this because I didn't know if I really believed I saw it, but when my grandma was dying of cancer and she was on the hospital bed and she had gone into somewhat of a state of a coma, I was alone with her just talking to her and I kept saying, "I want to know you hear me. Please do anything to let me know you hear me and I can say goodbye to you." Maybe it is something I just want to believe happened, but I could have sworn I saw her eyelids flutter and her trying to respond to me. All I know is it gave me great comfort and I cried telling her I loved her and would see her in heaven someday.

2. What is your most irrational fear? That I can't live without bottled water....Sounds crazy I know but I have a fear of drinking tap water. I feel like I'm putting poison in my system. Weird, I know.

3. What's the last thing you dreamt? I dreamt my grandpa was still alive and he gave me a watch. He was notorious for giving watches to people. He loved watches so I guess I was subconsciously remembering him the way he used to be before he died.

4. Dirty talk, gets you hot or leaves you cold? Most of the time, it leaves me cold. I would much rather be sweet talked and romanced than have dirty talk. I think that is mainly a man thing.

5. Name something you wish had never been invented. Nylons....what a pain in the butt for women! The only time I ever appreciate them is in the winter, but most of the time I hate them.

*These interview questions are from Jay........

1. If you could live in a foreign city which would it be? I would love to live in Tuscany. How beautiful would that be?!!!

2. What tattoo would you get if you got one? Honestly, I would never get a tattoo, but since it's an "if" question, I guess it would be small initials. The initials would be RD which is my grandma's initials...yes, I loved my grandma very much!

3. What do you obsess over? Obsess is a very strong word, but I guess I'm always thinking about safety especially when I go out alone. I'm always thinking of different scenerios and how I would react to them.

4. Which TV show’s cast would you love to join? King of Queens....I think I would have so much fun on that show. I love the actor that plays "Doug" and his wife that plays "Carrie". I would just laugh my butt off the whole time.

5. Most embarrassing moment? Someone (a lady) caught me trying to get out a wedgy when I was in a store. It was really bothering me, so I looked around before I even tried and no one was around so I thought the coast was clear. Apparently, I was wrong!!! She looked at me like I was a freak and I said, "Like you've never done it before!" and then I laughed but I was still totally embarrassed, just played it off. I got out of that store as quickly as I could.

The Path

2007-03-22T18:46:00.000-07:00

There is a path that each of us decides to take. It is either a path that will lead to happiness, joy, and contentment or sadness, anger, and bitterness. What path did I take? I have taken each one of those paths through different stages of my short existence. Do you know what I have learned from each path that was taken? I learned that I would rather go down the road of happiness, joy, and contentment. Isn't that obvious.....I mean, who wouldn't want to take that road, but you see, we all have the choice! We choose whether to be happy or sad, we choose whether to be bitter or to forgive, we choose to be content or discontent, WE CHOOSE.

There are circumstances that will initially make us sad, such as a death of a loved one, but after the grief has worked its cruel hand through us, we have to choose how we are going to handle that loss for the rest of our lives. Do you blame God for taking that loved one? Do you hate that drunk that slammed his car in your loved one's car? Do you blame yourself forever for not saying "I love you" as often as you should have when that loved one was alive and standing in front of you? OR Do you choose to remember that every man has a time appointed to them to leave this world? Do you choose to forgive the drunk and release a weight of bitterness that has engulfed your life? Do you choose to learn from your past mistake and tell the ones that are still standing in front of you how much they mean to you?

No one else can make the choice for you......it's all up to you! Life is too short for a life full of sadness, depression, anger, discontentment, and bitterness. It's alright to feel these emotions initially when incidents occur in life because we then would not be human if we didn't feel anything, but remember you can walk down that main road but there will be a time when you will need to take one path or the other. Now, which path will you take, my dear friends?

I've Been Tagged by Angela!!

2007-03-21T08:36:00.000-07:00

Even though I did do a MeMe yesterday, I have been tagged to tell five interesting, weird, fun facts about myself. I'll try not to repeat myself since I know I was tagged by Jay earlier for something like this before.

1. When I have a good hair day, I like to chronicle it with a picture of myself. Yes, very weird, but it's not an everyday occurrence that I have a really good hair day. When my hair isn't doing what I want and I'm ready to chop it off, I look back to those pictures and remember how pretty it once was and how it will be like that again sometime! :)

2. I have this obsession with biting my nails. I've been doing it since I was 5-years old and I just can't seem to stop. I really bite them to nubs when I'm stressed, nervous, or anxious. It's a gross habit and one I try to stop all the time.

3. Lately I've been a total weirdo about my car. There is pollen all over the place and it all settles on my black car, and it is driving me absolutely bonkers! I'm always wiping my car down even though I know that in a matter of minutes pollen will be settling on it again and again no matter how much I wipe it off. My madness must stop!!

4. My husband always catches me by the mirror staring at my tummy. I have this thing about having to look at it a few times a day to see if it's getting bigger. No, I'm not pregnant; I just don't want to get chubby!

5. Last but not least, I don't have the heart to lock my kitties in the other room at bedtime, even though when I let them roam free through our apartment, they never fail to wake us up with their jumping off and on the bed all night. Jeremy is demanding we lock them up from now on and I don't blame him. I just like knowing that they are sleeping with me...it's comforting in a way. Can you imagine how I'll be with my own children if I'm like this with my cats??? Oh Boy!

* I know I must sound like a major freak to you all but I never claimed to be normal! :)

70 Quirks About Me Survey

2007-03-19T18:18:00.000-07:00

Sorry, I'm having writer's block, so thought the next best thing is a survey or MeMe, whichever you choose to call it.

1. What are your initials? GEJ

2. What is your favorite thing to wear? anything comfortable but I really love pajamas around the house.

3. Last thing you ate? Sugar Cookie and a Caramel Apple Cider

4. Nastiest thing you've ever eaten? squid....it wasn't good

5. I say Shotgun, you say? "I may take you out but I don't mean on a date!"

6. Last person you hugged? my hubby

7. How many U.S states have you been to? I've been to alot. Had a roadtrip across the country with my family when I was a teen.

8. What state did you dislike the most? I guess I would have to say Texas but I have to move back there, so I better find something to like about it! It's not all that bad.

9. How many of the U.S states have you lived in? I've answered this before -- 4

10. Does anyone you know wanna date you? If so, there will have to be some explaining to do because I'm already taken forever!!

11. Name something you like physically about yourself. I like my tummy because it's nice and flat. I know this is soooo vain but that is why I'm afraid to get pregnant someday!

12. What is your favorite romance movie? Pride & Prejudice

13. Who is your best friend? My hubby

14. Why are you still up? It's only 9:33 p.m.....ya, I'm usually in bed by now but I'm waiting to get really, really tired

15. Who/What made you angry today? More information than you all want to know but I'm PMS ing and lets just say everything is irritating me today. (not angry just irritating)

16. Favorite type of Food? Italian and Mexican

17. Favorite holidays: Christmas even though it won't be my favorite this coming year because Jer will be deployed :(

18. Do you download music? of course

19. Do you care if your socks are dirty? yes, I don't like anything dirty!

20. What age did you start noticing the opposite sex? I remember my first crush in 4th grade so I'm guessing then.

21. Have you ever cheated on a test? Shamefully, yes. I was in fifth grade and I cheated more than once. I got caught and thought my teacher was going to tell my parents but she didn't. She thought I had learned my lesson, but guess what? I was such a brat, I kept cheating. Luckily, by sixth grade my cheating ways were behind me and I never cheated again!

22. Has anyone ever sang or played for you personally? Yep, my roommate played the guitar and wrote her own songs, so I always requested her to sing one of her songs that I really liked and she would always do it for me.

23. Do you love anyone? It would be very sad if someone answered that as no. I love my mommy, my daddy, my brother, my hubby, my aunt and the list could go on and on and on....

24. Do you like Bush? Oh boy, that question could start a riot! I am a Republican but I hve not liked President Bush for some time now.

25. Have you ever bungee jumped? No, I don't think I have the guts to do it.

26. Have you ever gone white-water rafting? I've gone rafting but I think this means the dangerous type of rafting so No.

27. Has anyone ten years older than you ever hit on you? Yes, more than once. I always get the old guys or the horny teens....YUCK!!

28. How much money ya got in ya pocket? ZERO

29. Have you met a real redneck? Yes, my relatives! HA! (from the hills of Virginia)

30. How is the weather right now? It is exactly 57 degrees right now.

31. What are you listening to right now? My cats meowing.

32. What is your current favorite song? Lessons Learned by Carrie Underwood

33. What was the last movie you watched? Bridget Jones Diary

34. Do you wear contacts? I thank the Lord that He gave me perfect vision!!

35. Where was the last place you went besides your house? Starbucks

36. What are you afraid of? Losing the ones I love but I shouldn't be afraid because God has everything in His control!

37. How many piercings have you had? I have two piercings in both of my ears. My dad had a fit when I got the second hole in my ear. He thought I would go "pierce crazy" and start piercing all the bad areas of my body... he he

38. How many pets do you have? You all no that answer -- 2 cats. I'm trying to adopt a retired military war dog so hopefully in a few months I'll have another baby to add to the family!

39. What's one thing you've learned? You just have to LET GO AND LET GOD. Meaning when things are out of your control, don't hold on to it....you have to let it go and give it to God. I have to remind myself of this almost everyday.

40. What do you usually order from Starbucks? Caramel Apple Cider....yummy (I'm addicted to it)

41. What's your favorite book? Pride & Prejudice

42. Have you ever fired a gun? Yep, don't mess with a cop's daughter and a Army wife....HOOAH!!

43. Are you missing someone? Ya, I miss my dad right now. We had a good time last week, huh Dad?

44. Fav. TV show? King of Queens

45. Do you have an iPod? Yep and love it!

46. Has anyone ever said you looked like a celeb? Ya right!

47. If you had a daughter, what would you name her? Esther Rose

48. Who would you like to see right now? My family

49. Favorite movie of all time? It goes back to Pride & Prejudice (the old and new one)

50. Do you find yourself loved? very much indeed

51. Have you ever been caught doing something you weren't supposed to? I have definitely had my share of that.

52. Favorite flower? irises

53. Butter, plain, or salted popcorn? Butter and salt but I don't eat that anymore so it's plain now.

54. What Magazines are you reading? Good Housekeeping, Glamour, Cooking Light, Redbook, and Rachael Ray (ya, I love magazines)

55. Have you ever ridden in a limo? Yep, on my wedding day

56. Has anyone you were really close to passed away recently? Thankfully, no and I hope not anytime soon

57. Have you ever been on stage? Yes, and it was so much fun. I was in quite a few plays in highschool.

58. What's something that really bugs you? People being rude for no apparent reason.

59. Do you prefer scary movies or comedies? Give me a comedy any day.

60. Do you like Michael Jackson? No, he's just to weird for me.

61. What's your favorite smell? Pizza in the oven

62. Favorite baseball team? I don't really have one but for Chelle, I'll say the A's :)

63. Favorite cereal? I don't eat this anymore but I absolutely love Captain Crunch! I'm my father's daughter alright!

64. Have you ever milked a cow? No, but I would like to try it sometime and then I'm sure I would appreciate the milk in my refrig.

65. What's the longest time you've gone without sleep? 30 hours.....wow, I was a zombie that day!

66. Last time you went bowling? I can't even remember. The night I graduated highschool I think.

67. Where is the weirdest place you have slept? I don't sleep in weird places.

68. Have you ever cut your own hair? I did my bangs once and I botched that up.

69. Last time you were at work? Last July (no, I'm not a lazy bum)

70. What's the closest orange object to you? Bugsy (my cat) has some orange in her.

THE END.

My Goofy Side

2007-03-15T19:56:00.000-07:00

Yes, I can be silly at times. My dad wanted to shoot some pictures this past weekend of this tank. It reminded him of General Patton. Of course, I couldn't resist to show my "Army Strong" side! :) My dad said, "Do a pose for Jeremy, like those fly girls on the side of WWII airplanes!" Me??? Do sexy??? Nope, I knew that wasn't going to work, and you all know what I mean if you read my previous post. :) I just do cute or goofy....that is what I'm good at and that is what I will stick with, thank you very much. So, Jer, Here is your ARMY STRONG GIRL, put that pic on the side of your tank! :) (He's part of the armored calvary unit) The guys would be thrilled with this pic! LOL

The Agony Of A Cavity

2007-03-14T07:12:00.000-07:00

I just came back from the dentist and all I can think is "I wish I would have taken better care of my teeth when I was younger!" I was a terrible child. I never obeyed the dentist or my parents. I mean what is so hard with brushing your teeth and flossing??? When I had braces, I never followed instructions and because of my lack of obedience, I probably could have been in the book of world records for the longest wearer of braces. I do not exaggerate! And then to make matters worse for my parents, once my braces did come off, I stopped using my retainer, and consequently some of my bottom teeth became crooked again. My dad had enough at that point (I don't blame him and said, "If you want those teeth straight again, you can pay for them yourself!"

So, now I sit here with one side of my face completely numb and my top and bottom molars very sore from getting fillings replaced from when I was a teenager. I could just kick myself because you know the older you get the problems with your teeth just get worse. Even though I brush and floss everyday now, I still have to suffer the consequences from being a lazy little ass in my youth (excuse the "ass" word) but it's true and I get mad at myself for it. I hate going to the dentist because I'm always afraid he/she is going to say it's time to refill one of my many fillings. I am happy to report that since I have corrected the errors of my ways I have not had any new cavities come up, but I still have to suffer the consequences from the sins of my youth. :) :(

IF I HAD ONLY KNOWN WHAT I KNOW NOW.......

Pictures Of The House!

2007-03-12T08:09:00.000-07:00

These aren't all of the pictures, but it gives you a general idea of what our house looks like. There isn't any grass yet, but that will be put in before we move in April. Hope you like!

2nd Time Home Owner

2007-03-11T14:08:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

At this moment I am at the Dallas airport in the USO lounge. I have three hours to wait until I get to board on my plane and thought I would update you all. Well, I am excited to report that God has blessed us with a wonderful house. After looking for only one day, I was able to find a brand new house that was listed for $175K and we were able to get it for $154K and the house is full of upgrades....granite in the kitchen and bathrooms, beautiful light fixtures, yard lights, etc. I'll upload some pictures tomorrow for you all to see, and now I don't know how long I'll be able to live in my apartment now that I've had a taste of what I will soon be living in!!! :)

It's a little scary owning two houses now, but I think it will all work out just fine. Our renters in the first house are great and they are planning on staying for another year and a half. Anyway, hope everything is going well for all of you, and I can't wait to get back to my hubby after what seems like a very exhausting little trip.

Leaving On A Jet Plane

2007-03-07T05:23:00.000-08:00

The night before I travel anywhere I have a terrible nights sleep. I was wide awake at 3:30 a.m. and didn't get back to sleep until around 6 a.m., which means I only got two hours of more rest. I'd probably feel a bit better if it wasn't for this throbbing headache that I woke up to. There are two things in this world that make me "cranky Gracey". Those are lack of sleep and hunger. I become this different person when I'm tired and when I'm hungry. Jer can almost pinpoint exactly why I'm not my cheerful self everytime I start being cranky and 4 out of 5 times it's because I'm either hungry or tired. At this moment, it is because I'm tired with a headache and because of the headache, I can't sleep.

I have an extremely long day and night ahead of me. I'm hoping and praying that I can get a nap in before I have to leave for the airport this afternoon. My plane isn't heading into Texas until 10 p.m. and then I have to drive to Killeen, Texas which is another hour and a half away. By the time I get to the hotel, it will be around midnight, which is 1 a.m. in my internal clock) and talk about me being cranky. I feel for my father tonight, but I will try not to let my crankiness rub off on him. He's flying from CA to meet me in Texas. He's going to help me in the next four days to go house shopping, and I think with his experience and my eye we are going to make a good team. No one is going to pull a fast one on me!

Anyway, right now I'm going to try to get rid of this headache and do the rest of my packing. I probably won't have computer access (I'm behind the times and do not have a laptop yet) unless the hotel has one for customers in the lobby to use. That probably won't happen, so I'm sure I'll see you all next Monday and wish you all a wonderful night's sleep tonight. Say a little prayer for me for traveling mercies! I always get a little nervous when I have to get on a plane.

Pack Rat

2007-03-06T06:35:00.000-08:00

Is anyone out there like me when it comes to keeping way too much stuff? I feel for my mother when I was a child because I had crap all over the place in my room but it was always hidden either stuffed under the bed or stuffed in the closet and drawers. It looked organized when you would walk in but once you looked under the bed or in the closet, good luck in getting the door to shut. I remember there would be times that I would come home from school to find mountains and mountains of clothes, papers, toys, etc in the middle of my room. My mom had raided my room earlier that day....she was probably looking for something and then discovered my pack rat issues. This went on until I moved out of the house, and then I was forced to live with three other girls in a dorm room, so I learned to compromise and throw away or give away most of my crap when I knew I was done using or wearing it.

Now that we move so much, I'm always amazed at what I have accumulated in the past six months or year when we are packing up. When we moved from our house in Texas, we had given away so much stuff to charity that I thought there was nothing else to give away. I was wrong. We moved into a much smaller place here in South Carolina that I ended up giving away five boxes of perfectly good things, but it was stuff that I didn't really NEED. Now that we are due to move in less than two months, I'm wondering how much stuff we'll be chucking again. The thing I really worry about is when we move back to Texas we are supposed to actually be staying there for three years--SCARY, I can't even fathom all the things I'll be collecting for that long period of time! :)

Conceited or Just Knowing You're Beautiful??

2007-03-05T02:35:00.000-08:00

No, I'm not talking about me. I've always been known as the "cute" girl. It's never been the words--beautiful, gourgeous, sexy, and every other word that describes some other lucky women. It's always been, "she's cute." Cute??? What does that exactly mean anyway? I guess it's much better than being called "ugly", but c'mon it's kind of the half way mark to being "alright" and "pretty". Of course, my husband has called me every word that I've mentioned above (except for the ugly word, well, except maybe when he sees me in the morning...kidding! LOL) and what he thinks really is the only thing that matters, but you women know what I'm talking about when I say that sometimes it would be nice for others to consider us all of the above as well.

Why am I getting off on this you are probably wondering? Well, I know someone that is considered "beautiful" by men and women alike. Heck, I think she's beautiful also. The only thing is sometimes I feel like she flaunts it. Maybe she's not, maybe it's in my imagination, but it seems she's always having pictures taken of herself or she takes them of herself making that "sexy pouting" look and posing all sexy too in the pictures. Is that normal? Do all people actually take pictures like that? I know I don't; if I ever try that sexy look I always end up looking ridiculous. Yes, by myself when Jer wasn't home, I admit that I have tried to duplicate that "look" and I just laugh at the results when I see myself on my computer. So, I always end up with only the smiley face because I know I'm "cute" and can't pull off that beautiful, sexy look.

My question is, Is it conceited to be taking pictures of yourself or having pictures taken of you doing the "look" and is it more conceited to put more than one slideshow of all those pictures of ONLY you doing that "look" on your myspace account? Is it conceited or just knowing your beautiful? You decide, I'm interested to know what people's opinion is on that........

What A Week!

2007-02-28T01:56:00.000-08:00

As most of you know, I was in FL last week and then I met Jeremy in Savannah, GA for a little weekend getaway. It was very nice and I'll pictures will be below. It was so great being back in FL. I feel that it is my "comfort zone" there, and I think it's because I enjoyed living there so much after college. I got to see my auntie and if you're reading this, Auntie, thanks for letting me stay! I took one afternoon and drove to all the spots where Jeremy and I first met (at the beach), the place where we got married, our ugly little house that we first lived in....it was great just going down memory lane even though it wasn't that long ago. It just sometimes feels like it was many years ago but at the same time, it feels just like yesterday. Do you know what I mean?

Our little weekend in Savannah was so interesting. Everything is just so historical. I couldn't get over the houses there....most of them are very old and have many tales to tell I'm sure....if only walls could talk! We went on a ghost tour at night and it was the most interesting time. It was fun walking around the streets hearing the history and ghost tales that were linked to different buildings and areas. Our guide had lived his whole life in Savannah and his family were the fifth generation of Irish settlers to go there, so he definitely knew his stuff. Anyway, I'll leave some pictures for you to see now.

By the way, Bugsy wants you to know that she is feeling better. She has antibiotics in her system and is resting now. She didn't like the doctor putting the thermometer in her butt though, but she knows some things just have to be done! :)

River Street

I absolutely adored this beautiful cathedral.

The stain glass work was amazing! The picture doesn't give it justice.

I couldn't remember what the significance of that bell was, but I'm sure it was something important! :)

City Hall Dome

The old graveyard we visited....aren't those trees so haunting?

This one is for Jay! I know he'll appreciate it the most! Paula Deen's Restaurant!

We were very lucky to get in, the place was packed but it was well worth it. The food was incredible!

Don't Give Up On Me Just Yet

2007-02-27T05:47:00.000-08:00

Hey Guys!

I know I've been gone for awhile but I promise to update you all soon. I've been having a sick kitty on my hands and have to take her to the vet again this morning, so I'll see you all soon. I promise! :)

Valentine's Day In Pictures...It Says It All

2007-02-15T10:21:00.000-08:00

Table For Two At Gracey's Place

Awww....Are Those For Me??

Oh, You Shouldn't Have...Of Course You Should Have

Pose For A Picture? Sure, Why Not!

Who's That Cute Couple?

All Dressed Up For An Evening At Home

Can We Stop Taking Pictures & Eat Now??

How About Just One More....

*My Italian Wedding Pasta turned out very good and we had a wonderful night together, just the two of us with no one else around. It was great.

Even The Kitties Had A Romantic Evening Together...They Gave Each Other Baths

Catching Up With Y'all

2007-02-14T05:05:00.000-08:00

It's been quite sometime since I've been on here to blog about what is going on in my life. It's been hectic to say the least. Some type of virus going around so Jeremy and I were both down in the dumps these past two weeks--first him and then me. The joys of marriage is that you get to share each other's germs and if one gets sick, the other is bound to get it later.

Jeremy received his orders and we will be moving again in two months time. I'm pretty excited to be going to Texas again. I thought I would never say that because I didn't enjoy San Antonio last time, but we will be going to another prettier area so I'm happy with that. I'm looking forward to buying another house and getting settled down especially since this time we should be there for three years. The military could do whatever they wanted and move us again, but hopefully we will get to stay the full term this time. I'm not looking forward to the actual moving part because I hate having all of our stuff packed up again (which means some type of damage done to our furniture, it never fails to happen) and then living in a hotel with two cats for a number of days, but that is just how it is so when it comes to doing it I'll make it fun somehow.

Since today is Valentine's Day and I hate crowds I decided to cook Jeremy a special dinner and we would have a romantic evening at home. I have to get this apartment sparkling clean and prepare some of the food ahead of time this morning so I'll be a busy bee today. We had agreed not to buy each other gifts because really we don't need anything and Valentine's is a big excuse to waste money. I know I'm such a party pooper, but all I need is a nice evening with him and that would make me happy. But I saw last night that he broke our rule and I saw him wrapping something. That brat! He said that it wasn't expensive and it's something that he knows I would want so he couldn't help himself. I guess my gift to him will be the special dinner and I bought candles and some flowers to be the centerpiece of the table. He loves chocolate and if he could he would eat only dessert for dinner so I went to this gourmet bakery and bought an assortment of desserts so we could sample a bunch of stuff. It should be very good! I'm looking forward to that too. I just hope my Italian Wedding Pasta dinner turns out good. I have never tried this recipe before but it sure does sound good. I'll cross my fingers and say a little prayer that it turns out delicious.

Hope all of you are doing well. I will be going on a little vacation starting Saturday by myself for a week while Jeremy is doing land navigation and survival training in the cold woods in the middle of nowhere. I feel for him but it's not stopping me from having fun! :) I'm going to drive down to FL to see my aunt and some friends. It's going to be a good time so you probably won't see me at all. I do apologize and will catch up again when I return.

There is another update in regards to Melanie. She has had a downward turn last night. She has pneumonia and a collapsed lung. It looks like she will be in the ICU longer than expected. The doctor doesn't see it as life threatening at this time and they will be pumping her with antibiotics to get rid of this infection. Keep praying for her please! She was doing so well and saying the funniest things, but it seems there are always ups and downs and threat of infections in these type of situations. Thanks so much for keeping her in your prayers! J.T., her husband, was one of my best buds in highschool and it's very hard to see him go through this. I know he feels hopeless seeing his beautiful wife lying there, but He is trusting in God every step of the way and I'm very proud of how brave he is being.

I'll talk with you all later! Happy Valentine's Day! What are you all doing for it?

Miracle After Miracle--Our God Is Good!

2007-02-12T05:33:00.000-08:00

I am so happy to report that Melanie is becoming a little better each day. She still has a long road to go for complete recovery but with all the prayers from so many people, I know she will be able to get through this. J.T. wrote about how she is kind of responding now and the things she said just made me laugh. Below is what he wrote. Thank you, everyone, for praying for her and the family.

Written By J.T. On Sunday

In Melanie's own words today... 'its been a LOOONG day!' Little does she know its been over a week ;) shhh.... lets keep that a secret for now :D

Answered prayers are written all over this story, period. Mel was able to talk with us a bit today, but still very heavily medicated, so not completely all there just yet. However, she did have some typical Melanie statements... like when she realized she didn't have any shoes on. She asked where they were and mentioned that this was so embarassing :D When I told her that we were in a car accident, her next question was if we were going to get a new one(you have to understand she has been on me to get one lately).

The tough part is that you can tell she is afraid cause she isn't quite sure where she is or why she is there. But, we all know that there will be progress each day, and with each day we must continue to thank God for His love and His grace.

Speaking from this situation... when you experience a tragic event like this, your perspective on life changes. Some of the things that were important to you before, aren't quite so important any more. God has put us on this earth for a reason. I encourage you all to look down deep in your heart and soul to see what that reason might be... this is where prayer plays a necessary key.

Good night all... we love you.

Update #3 -Melanie's Surgery

2007-02-09T13:25:00.001-08:00

Written by J.T. today:

I am writing this update with a smile on my face :D... Dr. Trabizi just spoke with us and said that the surgery went very well and we have a very resilient girl... of course we already knew that :) First of all, God has been so good to us and we give Him the glory in it all.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

They put one screw in her pelvis to help with one of the breaks. She still has about 5-6 breaks however they are well aligned at this point and should heal over time. The doctor definitely was positive about the whole procedure. He said that cut on her back leg looked really good, the best it has, so they closed it up. Dr. Trabizi was very confident in the fact that Melanie should recover well from this surgery. At this point we don't know anything about the nerve damage or when they will take her off the ventilator, but we should be able to speak with the head Trauma doctor sometime today to get an update on what is next.

Update #2 on Melanie

2007-02-08T17:33:00.000-08:00

Written by J.T. on Wednesday night:

I have said it so many times already... everyones support, prayers, and thoughts are very much appreciated. Its just amazing how God is using you all to encourage us as we continue to fight this battle. Waiting is probably the hardest part.
As I just got off the phone with the nurse, from checking up on my beautiful wife, she informed me that Melanie has responded a few times to her name this evening by fluttering her eyes and making some motions with her fingers. God continues to answer prayers each day... My heart breaks because I can almost see the day when I can hear her voice again...
It so happens that I am sitting and listening to Stan Whitmire as he plays It Is Well With My Soul... Lord you have given me the perfect song for this moment! I thank You so much!
To update you... this mornings minor surgery went well. They were able to close her tummy and clean out the wounds. After the surgery, her heart rate was a little above desirable(135), but has now come down to about 115, which is much better. She did have a bit of a temperature around 8pm or so, but after just speaking with the nurse, that has gone down as well.
Friday is still the date for the pelvic surgery... Dr. Trabrizi said that it could take an hour or it could take 6-7hours. If they are able to see inside her tummy without too much swelling, they should be able to finish within an hour. If not, they will do as much as they can and then sew her up and finish next week. He just feels that she isn't healthy enough to sit through a six hour surgery. Please pray that she continues to improve so they can move forward with the surgery on Friday, and get her on the road to recovery. She is our little angel...
Tomorrow I will update you folks again.
God bless you all,
J.T.

Update On Melanie's Condition

2007-02-07T11:49:00.000-08:00

Written by JT on Monday:

After a weekend filled with ups and downs, Melanie is stable, but remains in critical condition at the TICO unit. The doctors and nurses are providing her the best care possible. She has gone through 3 surgeries thus far, to remove her spleen, repair her femur(thigh), and explore to see what other injuries might exist. Her pelvis is broken in many places, and will be the next hurdle to overcome. However, this procedure will not happen for a few days as she needs to recover from the last few surgeries. The doctors don't have a date set yet for this surgery but this Friday is a possibility. Regardless we will keep you posted.

Melanie is completely sedated and has been since Friday, so she is non-responsive at this point. The doctors said she would be in too much pain if she were awake.

We are overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and support from all of you. Check this website for up-to-date information since we may not be able to answer all of your calls individually.

We welcome and appreciate all of your prayers.

Written by JT on Tuesday:

Wow... I am completely overwhelmed with the responses. I thank every one of you for your prayers, thoughts, and kind words. Things like this render me speechless, but please know that we love you all very much. Today was another step in the right direction. I literally just got off the phone with the doctor(11pm) who was calling to get consent for the minor surgery tomorrow. They are going to be washing out her tummy as well as the major cut on her hip to make sure everything is clean before they sew her stomach back up. The doctor said that she has been doing well enough for them to move forward with this procedure, so that is definitely a good thing. Another positive note, she hasn't been given any blood over the last 24hours.

After this surgery is complete, they will continue to monitor her heart rate, her blood pressure, as well as blood loss. Friday is still the tenative day that they will be performing the surgery to repair her multiple breaks/fractures in her pelvis. This will be about a 6-8 hour procedure, so these next few days are important as she needs to recover from this minor surgery tomorrow(7:30am PST), so she can be healthy enough for the major surgery.

God has really blessed us with some outstanding physicians... Dr. Tabrizi(orthopedic) and Dr. Cahill(head trauma surgeon) along with the other doctors that are assisting. We are so thankful for their efforts and care they have been giving Melanie. Most importantly, we have to give credit to the Great Physician as He is watching over her as well.

I will be sure to keep you posted tomorrow evening when we get back from the hospital. Thanks again for the prayers, love and support.

We Need Some Serious Praying!!!

2007-02-05T10:56:00.000-08:00

I want to ask all of you who read this to stop for a moment and pray for some good friends of mine who were involved in a major car accident on Friday. Their names are J.T. and Melanie. Someone sideswiped them and they rolled over and hit a tree. Melanie is in the hospital and has been undergoing multiple surgeries and is fighting for her life. J.T. walked away with just a hurt foot, but a broken heart. They have been friends with my family for many years and we love them dearly. They are both Christians, so pray that God will heal her, and that God will use this "accident" as a means of grace to sanctify them and glorify the Lord!

Thoughts.....

2007-01-31T09:37:00.000-08:00

This marriage is not just about me. I have to remind myself of that fact when I start getting upset with things. Jeremy and I have a very good healthy marriage I believe. I believe we do because we put each other above ourselves in it. I think to keep a healthy marriage one must not lose themselves either, but the most important part is not to always have it be about ME, ME, and more of ME! As a couple, we also strive to keep the foundation of our marriage centered around God. Jesus Christ was the prime example of what we need to strive to be both for ourselves individually and also as one in a marriage. Sometimes I lose sight of unselfishniess and become what I despise, selfish and self-centered. It is human nature to think mainly on the welfare of one self and to die to self each day can be very hard at times. The thoughts come into mind like an overflowing fountain...."How will this make ME happy?, What can I get out of this?, and so on....

But if you truly love someone, you stop yourself from it all being about YOU and you think of that other person. How can you make THEM Happy? What is it THEY need from you instead of it being reversed around to What is it that I need them to do for me. I am not only talking of a marriage relationship--this can be applied to friendships, family relationships, etc.

I believe each person still needs to take time for themselves to be healthy inside and out, but there has to be a balance. Our society today is all about ME! We are a selfish generation, mainly thinking of only our needs and no one else.

I sometimes am discouraged to see our nation's divorce rate. I understand there are special circumstances for some --adultry, spousal abuse emotionally, mentally, or physically, husband/wife walking out--the fact of the matter is people's selfishness. It's very plain and simple because that is the root of it all.

I hope not to be one of those people that puts myself, my needs, my wants above everyone else and everything and the end results being damaged relationships and damaged self. May God teach me every day to die to my own selfishness and to open my eyes to a world full of people that are in need of love. "Now abide faith, hope and love. For the greatest of these is Love."

Monday Memories - Engaged!

2007-01-29T05:37:00.000-08:00

I already knew it was coming at some point because we had talked about getting married, but I just didn't know when or how he was going to do it. Our engagement story really wasn't too exciting, not like the ones you see on TV, but what makes this story funny, loving, and ironic is how many times poor Jeremy tried to pop the question but something always seemed to get in the way. Some people have said, "Maybe it was a sign for you guys not to be married." It may have looked like that, if you believe in superstition, but Jer and I have a really great relationship so we just laugh at all the many things that kept hindering him from asking me to be his wife.

The first time he tried to pop the question, it was only hindered by his own fear. He had taken me to my favorite restaurant. We had gotten all dressed up and he was sitting there across from me looking all handsome in his suit. I had no idea that he had the diamond ring in his pant pocket. He would have definitely caught me by surprise if he just would have done it that night. Well, he didn't and you want to know why??? To people that know me, you know I would never do this. But he had in his mind that if he got down on one knee there in the restaurant I was going to make a big scene crying and blubbering like a fool all over him and heaven forbid, everyone would be staring at us. Does that sound like me at all??? I am one of those people that hate to make scenes and hate to have attention drawn to me, but he had it in his mind that ALL girls did this when they were asked. He had just watched to many movies when he was a child! So, he chickened out at that moment, but he had told himself that we could take a walk along the beach under the moonlight and he would ask me there. Well, this time I was the party pooper and when he suggested we take a walk on the beach, I declined stating that it was too windy and I really didn't feel like having my hair that took me forever to do getting completely messed up. Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! If I had only known then...... I don't even remember what we did after dinner but I do know that he didn't pop the question that night.

He was still determined to get me to the beach for his big moment a few days later. But what he didn't know was a hurricane was going to hit very soon, so he put his plans on hold as we evacuated our city. We were evacuated for almost five days, and we didn't know what the damage was going to be like when we got back, but Jer had it in his mind that he was still doing it on the beach. Well, that fizzled out very quickly when we got back and saw that we had no beach left, literally. It was terrible and I was pretty sad. Our beach was pretty much gone! A couple weeks later the city had these huge machines shooting out sand to try to rebuild our beaches. It was pretty depressing to see the city really torn apart.

After looking at the beaches and driving around the little city, we decided we better look at the damage that it had done to his house. Thankfully, it wasn't too bad at all. A little bit of flooding but it only damaged his rugs and some damage outside of the house but that was it. We even had electricity and most of the rest of the city did not so we were pretty happy! It was then that Jer decided to pop the question that night. His plan was going to be that he would cook me dinner since we had electricity and we would have a candlelight dinner at his place and he would do it there. He asked if I wanted to try to find a store that was open so we could get some groceries and I thought sure, why not. We finally found a place that was open but I think the only thing we managed to buy was spaghetti and sauce. Couldn't expect any fresh meats with everything that had happened. We were happy just to have that since we had spent the previous four days at our evacuation spot with no electricity and eating whatever we could eat that wasn't spoiled. Yep, those were some good times!

As we drove up to his house, he turns to me and asks, "Wasn't my light outside on when we first came here?" I told him I thought it was, but I wasn't sure. I had never heard him sound so defeated, "Oh no, I don't think we have electricity anymore." Sure enough, we didn't. Of course, I didn't know about his many attempts that were always ruined so I didn't know why he seemed to be so frustrated and upset about the electricity going out now. It was very out of his character to be upset about something like that; he's so "go with the flow" kind of man. I said something along the lines of, "It's okay. If this is about dinner being ruined now, we can try to find a restaurant that is open, even if it is McDonalds." I remember sitting on the couch and asking him, "So, what do you want to do now?" He just shook his head and kind of laughed and said, "I have been trying to do this for the past two weeks but something has always gotten in the way. I should have made you walk on the beach with me that night. Oh well, I think I'm done trying so I'm doing it now, here it goes." All I remember in that split second is him getting on his knee and making a little speech about how I made him a better man and how he loved me. And then he said those words every girl dreams about "Will you marry me?"

I didn't respond the way he imagined me to respond with the crying and blubbering. I'm not that type of person except when things are really sad then I tend to cry. I just had a huge smile on my face and said, "YES!" and jumped in his arms. Now that I look back at our "engagement story", it's not much to tell about--no romantic story, no fireworks bursting in the air, no plane going by with a sign that says 'Grace, will you marry me?' but when I remember the events surrounding our engagement, I just have to smile. I think our story has character and it's something that I always laugh first when someone says, "How and when did you guys get engaged?" Are you sure you want to know? It's kind of a long story........

I just took this pic of him last night and I think he's so handsome in his fancy uniform!

I Need You, God

2007-01-25T05:05:00.000-08:00

These past few days have been hard for me. I don't really want to go into why it's been hard, but I know that my faith and trust in God will be tested over the course of this next year. I've always struggled with putting my whole trust in God because that means letting go of areas that I want to control. Well, in this particular area, I can't and never will be able to control and it really is in God's hands. I love one part of a song I heard a couple days back; it said, "I'm not skilled to understand what God has willed, what God has planned. I only know at His right hand stands one who is my Savior. My Savior loves, my Savior lives, my Savior is always there for me....." There was a question in an earlier blog that asked What was my inspiration? and I said it was when I read the Bible and how I found all these people who were so strong in their faith of Christ, but they were humans just like me and faltered at times but they always got back on track. I know during this next year my trust and faith is going to falter at times, but I know that I can never forsake the One who loves me and who has always been right beside me.

(Below are just excerpts from the passages.)

1. When you are in sorrow, read John 14
Let not your heart be troubled, you believe in God, believe also in Me. In my Father's house are many mansions, if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know.

Thomas said to Him, "Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?" Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."

2. When you worry, read Matthew 6: 25-34
Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?

For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

3. When you are lonely or fearful, read Psalm 23.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul, He leads me inthe paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

4. When the world seems bigger than God, read Psalm 90.
Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth or ever You had formed teh earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.

5. When you feel bitter or critical, read I Corinthians 13.
Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

6. When men fail you, read Psalm 27.
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?

7.When you need rest and peace, read Matthew 11: 28-30
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and My burden is light.

Just Thinking....

2007-01-23T01:41:00.000-08:00

What does one do when the alarm clock is glowing 4:15 a.m. at you and you are wide awake? I hate when this happens because by the time I get tired again, it should be the time I need to wake up and start my day. What a bother!

Last night Jeremy and I watched a 9/11 documentary on the History Channel (maybe that is why I can't sleep) . I think it is important for people to be reminded of that disastrous day. It makes you grateful to be alive and to remember the many brave lives that were lost in those towers, the Pentagon, and in that Pennsylvania field. I have my own feelings on this war, part of me supports it and the other part doesn't. I want my husband safe; I don't want him being shipped off to Iraq to maybe losing his life to people who care nothing for the meaning of life. Bin Ladin said it pretty clear to a Pakistan journalist, "We love death. U.S. love life. There is a big difference between us both." I hate to see innocent people being killed, but it is what war is about. War is the result of people's selfishness, plain and simple. I don't like it but it is the harsh reality of life.

What the terrorists did to our country and to our people is something that cannot be forgotten. We should go after the ones that were behind it and the ones that silently financed it. They want us to go back with our tail between our legs, but we cannot back down to people that are such a threat to us and to this world. I want this war to be over. I want Iraq to be able to stand on its own two feet without our military supporting them. The news only shows the protests of some of the Iraqi people against the U.S.--the news is always one sided. You don't see the other side of the story and you don't hear the real stories from soldiers that come back from the war. You do not hear the kids laughing and running through the streets raising their little hands for the soldiers to give them candy. You do not see the Iraqi flag given to a soldier by one of those children's father in gratitude for the service that our men and women have done for them. You do not see the smiles of people that were once under bondage and oppression from their so called leader.

I want us to get out of this war more than anything but I'm not going to see only the negative things that have come out of it. There are always positives too, and to me if we helped a family become free from a dictator that killed his own people than I am going to look at my husband and his fellow soldiers and know that we were part of something that was good.

Once this war is over, don't think for one minute that it is our last. As long as there are terrorists out there, they will always be a threat. They are extreme and they love death. They do not care if they lose their lives as long as they take out as many lives as possible with them.

These are my thoughts and my opinions. I have a right to them and I don't apologize for what I believe in. I think I may get some nasty comments about this, so if anyone has anything nasty to say, keep it to yourself or write about it on your blog, but don't think about putting them on this one.

Monday Memories - The Day I Learned To Be Me

2007-01-22T05:50:00.000-08:00

It all started at a fairly early age. Compared to nowadays I don't know if it really was an early age, but I would have been in fourth grade at the age of 9 or 10. My parents put my brother and I into a new private school that year, so I was the new kid on the block. I was different from most of the other kids, so I got made fun of alot. I wore dresses and that must have been a bewilderment to most of the kids because I was called a weirdo for awhile. I used a different version of the Bible than the other kids, so they looked at me as if I was an alien when I had to read out loud in class. I have this flat mole on the right side of my head right by the hairline and when I have my hair in a ponytail, if you look very closely, you can see it. I guess nothing ever got passed those kids because I was called "salami head". It's not even a big mole but I guess kids will be kids. Anyway, it was a hard year for me and I never felt like I fit in at that school. I was happy when my parents decided to send me back to the other school that they had taken me out of previously.

Why is it that girls always like the "bad" boys? I actually have never really been attracted to those kind of men, but that fourth grade year I was crushing on Brian, the "bad" boy of the class. I guess he was just popular in the school, but now that I think back on it, he wasn't a very nice child. He made fun of people, cut in line at lunch, knocked your book off the desk, etc. Since I was one of those children that was always made fun of, I have no idea why that one fateful day, he put his arm around me and whispered that he liked me! He graced me with his presence and attention!!! I was on a cloud and it was only going up from there or so I thought. For a brief moment, I was popular and all the jeers ceased because Brian had put his stamp of approval on me. I was the "First Lady" so to speak and I was loving every moment of it.

And then one day, I must have snapped. We were on the playground, me and the cool people, waiting in line to play dodge ball. Brian was behind me trying to get my attention by jabbing my side with his long pointy finger. I told him to stop but he kept at it, poking, poking, poking, it never stopped. I was like the Hulk, it kept building up and building up until I just exploded. I didn't turn into a big green thing but I did swing around with my fist and nailed him so hard on his left arm. He went down like a sack of potatoes and I think he almost started to cry.

All of a sudden, my crush didn't like me anymore. I just can't imagine why!!! His friend told me the next day that I hit him so hard that he couldn't play baseball after school and the coach was mad at him for whining. He told his coach that a seventh grader hit him, and of course, it was a huge junior high male!

From that day on, I became a new person so to speak. No more was the little timid, shy girl that let everyone step on her. I wasn't going to take it anymore. I was going to defend myself from anyone's mean jokes, name calling, bullying around. What surprised me most was it seemed I earned all of their respect or I just frightened all of them to death because I didn't hear any more jokes about my "salami head". Now, I'm not advocating using your fists to solve your problems, but that day made me realize that I didn't need to just stand there with my head down as they all made fun of me. Shoot, I learned to an extent that I didn't need any of them to approve of me either. I was who I was and if no one liked me then so be it.

I think being made fun of so much helped me become compassionate towards others. I always tried to be nice to people when I was growing up. I didn't want to be one of those kids that jeered the underdog. Every phase of life leaves its mark on you, whether it is good or bad, but even if it is bad, you can make it into something that is good. I would like to think that I made the bad into good and from that day on, I became me!

Getting To Know You MeMe

2007-01-19T05:44:00.000-08:00

I "stole" this one from Kell because I am in her boat once again--I just have nothing for you except another meme. It's a long one so it won't be done in one sitting. I'm waiting for my ipod to charge completely and then I'm off to the gym and then I'll be back to finish the rest and publish.

1. What time is it now? 8:47 a.m.

2. What color are your socks right now? Just plain 'ole white.

3. What are you listening to right now? The sound of the lawn guy doing whatever it is he does.

4. What is the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning? Did my husband leave for work yet? I need to get up and exercise before it gets too late.

5. Can you drive a stick shift? No, I'm absolutely terrible at doing this. I almost ran my aunt's car into the ground when she tried to teach me when I was fresh out of college. I never tried it again after that.

6. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? I think I would like to be blue. It's just a pretty color.

7. Last person you spoke to on the phone? Jeremy when he told me he was coming home.

8. Do you like the person who sent this to you? Well, Kell didn't actually send it to me; I kinda took it from her, but yes, I like her. Now the question is, does she like me??? :)

9. How old are you today? I am 26....6 months away from being 27.

10. Favorite drink? I would have to say my all time favorite is soda. I love the refreshing, sizzling feeling of a very cold Coke or Pepsi going down my throat.

11. What is your favorite sport to watch? I hate all sports if I have to watch them on TV. I don't mind seeing any of them live.

12. Do you like thunderstorms? They are so powerful and I always think, "Wow, God is pretty mad tonight. What did I do this time?" :) I like them for the first five seconds and then after that I don't.

13. What's your favorite board game? I can't just pick one. I love Scrabble, Sorry, Imagine If, Life, Monopoly, and so many more.

14. Do you like to drive fast? I have been stopped three different times in my lifetime. It's just not worth speeding. So I usually only go 5 mph over the speed limit, sometimes 10 depending how the flow of traffic is going.

15. Favorite food? This one is hard. I don't think I could live without pizza.

16. What was the last movie you watched at the theater? Charlotte's Web. It was very cute. I cried when the spider died.

17. Is the glass half-full or half-empty? I have no idea, it just depends on whatever is happening that day.

18. What do you do to vent anger? I usually don't want to talk and then when I'm ready I will be more calm that way. I cry too when I get upset.

19. What was your favorite toy as a child? It had to be my Barbies.

20. What is your favorite season? Summer. I love the sun, heat, and being able to go swimming.

21. Hugs or kisses? Depends on who it is I have to hug or kiss. Kisses from Jeremy but everyone else is hugs.

22. Chocolate or Vanilla? Chocolate hands down!

23. Cherries or Blueberry? Most definitely Cherries!

24. What are you reading right now? I don't remember the title. I think it's a murder mystery. Give me a break, I only have read two pages so far. :)

25. Favorite thing to do just for you? Laying in my comfortable bed and reading my magazines or a book.

26. Living arrangements? Exactly what is this question anyway? I'm living in an apartment at the time being and I live with my husband and two cats.

27. When was the last time you cried? I shed a tear or two over Grey's Anatomy when George's dad died. I'm such a sap for sad things.

28. What is on the floor of your closet? Shoes, maybe a few shirts that have dropped off the hangers (my closet is stuffed)

29. What is your favorite TV show? King of Queens....I laugh my butt off each time I watch it.

30. What did you do last night? I didn't do much.....we ordered a pizza, made some salads to go along with the pizza, watched some television, visited my computer, and read in bed.

31. Favorite smells? My Yankee Candles when they are burning....yummy!

32. What inspires you? When I read the Bible and I see that these incredible men and women in it were such "spiritual warriors" but they also were human just like me. It makes me want to do all that I can so one day Christ will say to me, "Well done thy good and faithful servant."

33. What are you afraid of? I'm a big scaredy cat....thanks to my dad who is a police officer and scared the crap out of us kids but I'm very cautious because of it so I can't fault my dad for that.

34. Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers? I'm a plain type of girl. I don't really like cheese on mine except if I have a taste for it.

35. Favorite dog breed? I love rottweilers. I had the sweetest one when I was growing up.

36. Do you sleep with an animal? We are currently doing this on a trial basis....we are letting our cats roam the house free during the night....so far they have woken me up about ten times throughout the night. jumping on the bed, jumping off the bed, jumping on the bed, jumping off the bed, etc......

37. Number of keys on your key ring? I have four keys on my key ring and I also have this tube of mace attached to it (disguised as a flashlight), a actual little flashlight that is used as an alarm if somebody gets near you, and my car remote. I told you I was cautious!

38. How many times do you eat out in a week? Once or twice.

39. Favorite day of the week? Friday

40. How many states have you lived in? I answered this in an earlier post. 4 so far. (CA, FL, TX, and SC) Soon to add another one to my list in about three months time.

41. Favorite holiday? Christmas

42. Ever driven a Motorcycle or heavy machinery? A four-wheeler before....that was fun.

43. Who is your favorite NFL team? I don't have one. I just don't follow sports.

44. Do you have a house phone that is NOT cordless? I don't have a house phone at all. We had one in TX and the only people that ever called us were telemarketers so it wasn't worth it. We only have our cell phones.

45. Prefer 10 inches of snow or 100 degree weather? 100 degree weather. I'm used to it since I lived in FL and TX.

Adventures In Lexington, SC

2007-01-18T06:23:00.000-08:00

You probably have discovered my pattern here. When I have writer's block, I use pictures. Last weekend Jeremy and I went to explore a little city outside of Columbia. The only thing there was to do in this place was to see their museum. As we are following the directions on how to get there, we turn into the last street and looking around all we see are residential homes. We turned back around to retrace our steps and I see this old fashioned looking home and in the back you could see what looked like a office type of building. This must be it, right? We get out of the car and notice that all around us there is not even one single car. Jeremy says, "This is just weird." I agree with him so we hop back in the car deciding what our next move will be. As we drive past the house, I notice across the street the sign that says "Lexington County Museum". The sign looked like it was falling apart and we almost didn't go in, but Jeremy thought we might as well since we were there. I was having my doubts but I was actually glad that we did. The place is run by volunteers and since admission was only $3 per person, it was no wonder that it didn't look all that good. Here are some pics and I'll write a little something about each one.

Here is the old sign that Jer insisted we take a picture of.

This little house was built by a revolutionary war soldier who was an immigrant from Germany. This place was so tiny inside that I just can't complain about our apartment anymore. :) The German people couldn't stand the humidity and heat in the SC summer so they built the floors of their homes in a strange way--you could see the ground in between each floorboard. They didn't care about being cold during the winter months; they only cared about being able to get some air through the floorboards during the summer.

This spinning wheel for cotton dates back to the time this soldier built the house. I believe there were about six or seven people living in that little place.

This house was owned by John Fox in the 1800's. He owned a plantation about 20 miles away from this place and this was his summer home. He was considered to be rich but the more I went through this house, the more I realized that his family all worked along side with their slaves. We imagine all rich people were like Scarlett O'Hara in Gone With The Wind but those people were like the Donald Trumps of today. What was considered wealthy in that day to our standards would be middle class families of today. They may have had slaves and a few house servants but the family still worked to keep the farms alive.

I don't know if you can tell in the picture but the chairs and dining room table were really short. It wasn't because they were short people, but it was designed like this for the purpose of not getting their floors and clothes dirty. Their logic was if the chairs were the same height as the table, less food would get on the floor and on them. When I first saw it, I thought that must have been the table meant for the children of the house. I was wrong.

This was their cotton mill and right below where Jeremy is standing, there were these huge looking bowls just sitting on the ground. I asked what those were for and I found out they would slaughter their pigs and other animals in them. Yuck!!

Now that I think back on the way they lived back then, I don't think I would have survived. Nowadays we are all so spoiled with the modern conveniences we have; I just can't imagine ever living the way they did. Thank God I just have to go to the local store to get my meat and not have to slaughter it myself and then hang it in a smokehouse for a few days before I can eat it. Can you imagine it??? When I left that place I was thinking to myself, "Thank you, Lord, for letting me be born during the modern time!"

Happy Birthday, Mom!

2007-01-16T05:03:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was my mom's actual birthday, but since I didn't blog yesterday, I thought I would mention it today. Do you ever look at your parents or think about them, and in your mind, you don't see them any older than their 30's or maybe early 40's? My mom isn't old by any means. She had me at an early age, and I know I may be treading on thin ice here talking about age, but it is all meant to be endearing. Growing in years is inevitable. It's harder for some more than others. My mom has taken growing older very well. She has always taken care of herself and always looked pretty. I think I have become like her in many ways. I really won't leave the house unless I look presentable. The only time you will see me without makeup and my hair not looking so good is if I'm going to the gym or not feeling well. I go for the classier look when it comes to apparel and I love jewelry, just like mom. I was never embarrassed by mom. Other mothers would drop their kids off at school still with rollers on their head or just look like they had woken up. I was so glad my mom always made sure she looked nice wherever she went.

Mom was strict and demanded obedience and respect, but even with that strictness she still had a softness and love about her. In some things, I knew to ask my mom first before my dad because she was more soft about things, but then it would backfire because mom would ask that question that every child dreaded...."Did you ask your dad?" Darn it! Dad was a softy too at times so I usually was able to do whatever it was that I wanted to.

I remember on hot summer days the sound of the ice cream man's truck coming down our cul de sac and running as fast as my legs could carry me back to the house. "Mom, mom, can I please have some money for ice cream?" "Pppppllllleeeeaaaasssseee!!!!" Most often than not, I would get a quarter or fifty cents to get something, but I do remember a few times when mom said no too. What disappointment that was but when I did get the money for ice cream, it was always a treat and it didn't turn out to be something I expected to get each and every time.

My mother's softness was demonstrated one warm afternoon in 1995. My brother had taken me to the dentist and as I was going up the stairs to the office, I almost tripped on this tiny bundle of fur. Right on the step was this malnutritioned runt of a kitten. She had some hard looking stuff over her eyes and she seemed to be blind. When I got out of the dentist she was still sitting there looking pathetic. I got in the car with my brother and pleaded her case to him to let me take her in the car. Will was mean and said...."There is no way I'm letting that thing in my car!" I was so mad at him all the way home. As soon as he pulled in our driveway, I jumped out of the car and ran straight to my mom. Mom was in her bathroom taking a curling iron to her hair and I told my mom about the poor destitute kitty. I wanted to slap my brother across the head for being so heartless, but my mom did that for me, figuratively speaking. She didn't actually slap him but she did get a little upset with him and told him, "You drive your sister back there and bring that kitten home this instant." He was not a happy camper and the whole way back with the kitten he made mean remarks about bringing home "that ugly thing". Well, that "ugly thing" got better with many antibiotics and she is still alive living with my mom. My mom was my hero that day.

I could go on and on about my mom, but I don't think this page could hold everything that is stored in my memories. I just want to say that I love you, Mom and thanks for making my childhood a happy one! Happy Birthday!

Where Was I Born And Where Have I Lived??

2007-01-12T09:35:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Tink I have a topic to write about because I'm having writer's block today. This is one of many questions Tink had on her list in case something like this happened .

Since I don't remember the events surrounding my birth, I can only go by what my mother and father have told me. I was born in Santa Clara, CA in a hospital that my parents loved to point out whenever we would pass it during my childhood. I don't know the exact room or even who my doctor was that brought me into this world. I do know from my dad that I supposedly "shot out like a rocket". Guess I was really ready to start living!

My childhood was a stable one in that we didn't really ever move. I grew up in the house that will always be known as "home" to me. As a child, I thought our house was big, but now that I look back, it was pretty small. When I was in my junior year of highschool, my dad told us we were moving to an apartment complex that my parents were going to manage because they were going to be building a new house in Hollister, CA. I will never forget being so mad at my dad for moving us. It was really hard for me since that was the house I grew up in. Dad held onto the house and rented out for awhile and then sold it while the new one was being built. I didn't even really get to enjoy the new home because I was only there for a few months before I headed out to Florida for college.

I went to college in Pensacola, FL and was so excited to be "out on my own". What a shell shocker that was when I found out just how many rules there were that had to be followed if you wanted to stay as a student. (It was a private college so they were allowed to do that.) I saw many people drop in and out, but I persevered and made it to graduation day four years later.

After graduation, I headed about six hours south from Pensacola to Merritt Island, FL to stay with my aunt for the summer. Well, I kinda already had a plan established that I was really going to stay for good in Florida but I didn't tell my parents that because I knew they would get upset. I just kept it to myself and I found a job a month and a half later and settled myself as a Floridian. Those were my first three years actually living single. I made mistakes and I learned from them. I was only 21 at the time and that was the time to learn life's lessons and it's usually the hard way that we learn them. If I had gone back to CA, I would have never met my husband, so you see, I didn't even know it but God had a plan for me already working itself out. I was in Merritt Island until I got married in April 2005.

Jeremy was stationed to San Antonio, TX. We moved there and bought our first home. We thought we would be there for 2-3 years but it didn't work out that way. While in Texas, I got a job with a financial company that now I look back as both a good and bad experience. It taught me alot about other people and how some people are truly selfish and unhappy. It also taught me to stand up for myself and at the same time turn the other cheek when it was needed. I did get to know some great coworkers and we really got each other through some bad times. It was during this time in San Antonio that Jeremy decided to transfer from the Airforce into the Army and we were called to come to Fort Jackson in Columbia, SC.

So, it now brings us to the present. We only have three and a half more months here and not sure where the next move will take us to. I'm crossing my fingers that we will find out in a month where the next place will be and when I know, I will be sure to report it to you all.

Well, that is my story for today. I know it wasn't too exciting but maybe you learned something new about me anyway. :) Have a great weekend everyone!!!

Thursday Thirteen - 7 Reasons Why I'm Going To Kill My Cat; 6 Reasons Why I Won't

2007-01-11T05:47:00.000-08:00

Alright folks, you all know about my two cats and how they drive me flipping insane but I still love them nontheless. If you are not familiar with them, here is at least two stories to brush up on-- My Psycho Cat & Update On The Psycho. I really can't come up with 13 reasons to why I'm going to kill them, so I thought I can come up with 7 and then would come up with 6 reasons why I wouldn't do it. :) Altogether that will make it 13 for today!

1. Remember the mat I bought for under the litter box?? Well, they have decided to not only disregard it and do anything in their power not to step on it, but they have thought to shovel great amounts of litter out of their litter box onto my bathroom floor in order to protest this horrible injustice that has been done to them.

2. They can't eat without somehow getting half of the food all over the floor. This used to not be a problem until recently. Maybe they are protesting the mat even when they are eating??? Little Devils!!!

3. My mom bought me this wonderfully warm blanket for Christmas and my darlings have claimed it as their own. I tried to take it away from Bugsy last night so I could get a turn to use it and she did this meow that was, I swear, cussing me out.

4. One of them peed on the bathroom floor right beside the mat yesterday afternoon. Do you think they are trying to send me a message or something about that mat???

5. Buttons insists on roaming free during the twilight hours and when we lock him up in his room for the night, he completely freaks out with the never ending pawing at the door. So, you ask, why don't you just let him roam free? Well, my dear friends, I have tried that but he's a wild man....he becomes this little monster at night and will run around the house as if he's gone crazy and will keep us awake the whole night. If any of you have cats, I hear this is common behavior for most of them at night. We must keep the beasts locked in!!

6. I suspect the culprit is Bugsy in this one but one of them is eating my orchid plant to death. I wrote about my plant that nearly suffered its ill fate by my own hand, but I have been able to keep the little bugger alive. While we were on Christmas vacation, they discovered the plant since they had free roam of the house and ate most of it. It doesn't matter where I try to hide the plant, they always find it!!!

7. I'm pretty sure Buttons is the one who deleted my blog from last week because I caught him up on the computer desk and his little paws were on the keyboard!

Alright, those are my reasons for ending their ever so privileged lives..... Here are six reasons why I actually won't do it.

1. You know it's really because I love them. They are just like children--they drive you up the wall but in the end you still love them.

2. They are just too darn cute!! Buttons with those big blue eyes looks at me and I can't get mad at him anymore (You know the cat in Shrek with those big eyes...that is exactly what Buttons does)

3. Somehow they know instinctively if I'm not having a good day. I think animals sense these things. One of them will at least come to cuddle and comfort me.

4. They are good for something--they kill bugs in the house! They like to play with them for awhile and then kill them. We've never had a mouse problem, but I think they would get those too if we ever did.

5. Whenever I'm in the kitchen cooking, they both will come sit on the edge of the carpet side by side and in their own way ask for some treats. It's too cute; I can't resist.

6. And the best thing I love about them is I don't have to take them out for walks. They are happy to just hang around the house all day and they entertain themselves with my hair bands. They haven't lost all of their "inner kitten" within them.

Friends

2007-01-10T07:12:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking lately how weird it is without any friends. Now, don't think of me as a loser, but moving around like this frequently really doesn't do too much for your social life. It's not that I really mind it because I'm pretty much a loner in nature anyway. I value my private time with just myself to do what I enjoy most--reading, blogging, scrapbooking, etc. I've always had a select few that could be coined as friends during my years in highschool and college. You know how life goes, you just lose touch with them or something happens that staying friends is really not the wisest thing to do.

At this point in my life, I can't say I really have any friends, except for maybe all of you--my blogger friends. I look forward every morning to seeing all of you, hearing from you, and just getting to know you by what you write. Each one of you is unique in your own different ways.

I am not trying to get any sympathy from anyone because I said I don't really have any friends at this point of my life. I'm writing this because I am really content just being this way right now. I'm content with having a full relationship with my husband, including us having the greatest friendship two people could have. I'm content in being able to come here and let out my thoughts, worries, funny stories, etc. to all of you. I'm very content living here in Fort Jackson, SC and wish it wouldn't end, but I know it's inevitable that we will be leaving in April again. That is why when someone asked me what one thing I would wish for was I said that I wished time could stand still. Why? Because I'm so content with my life right now.

This will all change in a few months time and maybe within a year when Jeremy is called to Iraq or Afghanistan. It will be then that I may wish I had many many friends close by. I try not to think about the months after April because they are yet to be foreseen. We don't know what the future holds, only God knows that. I'm trying to find my personal friendship and relationship with God to be more strong for when this time comes.

I know I write quite a bit about my thoughts of when Jeremy will be sent to war; it's just what is on my mind constantly. When I'm with him, I try not to think about it. When we lay in bed at night and he's fallen asleep before me (which is most nights), I just stare at him and tell myself to take a mental picture of that moment he's beside me because sooner than later my bed will be empty for a long time.

I'm so content at this moment of time and wish it would last forever!

Ipod Mania!

2007-01-09T06:02:00.000-08:00

Jay did this meme a few days ago and then Chelle did this one today, so now it's my turn. I thought it looks like fun to do. What's on your ipod???

Rules
Open your library.
Put it on shuffle.
Press play.
Type the song that is playing for every question.
Press the button again when you get to a new question.
Do not lie and try to pretend that you are cool.

Opening Credits: "Come Let Us Worship" by Chris Tomlin

Waking Up: "Wonderful King" by David Crowder Band

First Day of School: "Take All Of Me" by Rebecca St. James

Falling in Love: "LA Tortura" by Shakira (Isn't that the truth sometimes???)

Fight Songs: "Hear My Voice" by Jeremy Camp

Breaking Up: "Take You Back" by Jeremy Camp

Prom: "Mirror" by BarlowGirl

Life: "Man! I Feel Like A Woman" by Shania Twain

Mental Breakdown: "Until Your Love Broke Through" by Rebecca St. James

Driving: "Beautiful Stranger" by Rebecca St. James

Flashback: "Come Thou Fount" by David Crowder Band

Wedding: "You're Still The One" by Shania Twain (Goodness sakes, I hope "you're still the one" on the wedding day...LOL)

Birth of a Child: "On My Own" by BarlowGirl

Final Battle: "Blessed Be Your Name" by Matt Redman

Death Scene: "Breakaway" by Kelly Clarkson

Funeral Song: "Not To Us" by Chris Tomlin

End Credits: "Alive" by Rebecca St. James

I laughed on alot of these..........that was fun to do! Thank, Jay and Chelle!

Pictures Say Many Things!

2007-01-08T11:27:00.000-08:00

It's been so busy around here this past weekend and today, but I thought I would post some pictures that we took this weekend, so at least then I did do something on blogger today.

Jeremy in front of the Columbia Art Museum

This huge thing was built in the middle of a parking lot near the street. I have no idea why they did that, but I thought it was pretty cool.

This church is one of the oldest churches in America still in use today. It's just beautiful!

I liked how this Catholic church looked too.

Me and Jeremy in the car (we were at a stop light) :)

This is me waving to all of you!

We ended the day with a beautiful sunset.

I'm Too Ticked!

2007-01-05T05:46:00.000-08:00

Sorry folks, I just wrote out my whole blog for today and somehow unbeknownest to me, it was deleted when I got back to my seat to publish it. The only thing I can think of is my cat may have jumped up to the desk and his paw hit some key that deleted everything. I just don't have the energy to write it all out again and because I'm too ticked off to. I will try again tomorrow. Hope your day doesn't start off on the wrong foot like mine did. :) See you all tomorrow!

No Snow But Many Car Bills!

2006-12-30T15:21:00.000-08:00

We made it back to South Carolina safely but in the end, the maintenance on my car this month cost us over $800. That doesn't include last month when we spent another $400. Santa could have at least forewarned us about that unexpected bill!! Oh well, when it rains it pours, but it seems this year it didn't snow. I kept bragging to you all how I was going to have a beautiful White Christmas, but it seems someone up there thought I was being too boastful and proud, so He thought He would teach me a lesson. Sorry, Colorado, I learned my lesson....you got all of Michigan's snow because of me! :( I'm very sorry and promise not to be so proudful next time! The only snow I got to see was just little piles here and there on the side of the road, but I did get some very pretty pictures of the countryside.

Right outside of Grandma's house. How would you like to wake up each morning to that scenery??? I loved it!

I think I may become a farmer. I just loved the hay bales.

Another pretty farm.

Anyway, I may be offline from blogging for a few days. I have my favorite aunt of all time coming to visit me on the 1st and will be pretty busy going places with her. If I don't "see" you all for awhile, I wish you a Happy New Year! Be safe out there on New Year's Eve!

Love,
Gracey

Time To Come Home!

2006-12-26T15:03:00.000-08:00

I can't believe that time has flown by so quickly. We are heading back to South Carolina the day after tomorrow...getting up early again to make that long 13-hour drive. I'm not looking forward to the drive especially since it seems like we just got here to Michigan. Jeremy and I had a great holiday and the countryside was beautiful. I didn't get my snow, but I'm still holding out for it. I have one more day here, so just maybe I'll see some snow on the ground as long as it isn't a blizzard.

We had a wonderful Christmas with Jer's dad and all the family. When we got to the tree to open presents, it blew me away. I had never seen so many presents under a tree in my entire life. They completely spoiled us! It was great! :) I cooked (with the help from Jeremy) Christmas dinner and I was thankful that I timed it all out and didn't burn anything. Margie (Jer's stepmom) treated us like we were kings and queens, always keeping our glasses and bellies full. I think I gained about 5 pounds. I'm heading straight for the gym when I get back home and start my exercise routine again. I guess it's not really Christmas if you don't gain some weight, right? (At least that is what I keep telling myself anyway.)

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and I'll a few pictures when we get back.

ABC MeMe - Tagged by Chelle!

2006-12-19T07:11:00.000-08:00

The Letter A
Are you agnostic? No, I definitely am not!
What is your age? I'm still a young I think, 26.
What annoys you? People that are insensitive and rude to others.

The Letter B
Do you like bacon? Yes, but I don't eat. (I just can't bring myself to eat all that fat)
What is your birthday? July 25....the most wonderful day of the year! :)
Who is your best friend? I know some people may think my answer is sappy but I can honestly say my husband, Jeremy.

The Letter C
What is your favorite candy? I love gummie bears and really anything that is fruity.
Who is your crush? I would say that my celebrity crush has always been George Clooney. He's just so handsome.
When was the last time you cried? Whenever I think about Jeremy deploying to the war, I start to cry. The last time it was on my mind was this morning.

The Letter D
Do you daydream? Yes, I always daydream about having a horse and riding on it in a huge field.
What is your favorite kind of dog? My favorite dog that I had was our rottweiler....he was such a sweetheart.
What day of the week is it? Tuesday

The Letter E
How do you like your eggs? The only way I will eat an egg is scrambled and they can't be runny.
Have you ever been in the emergency room? Yep, in October, I had a horrible ear infection.
What’s the easiest thing to ever do? I would say sleeping but since I have such a hard time sleeping, I can't really say that. I think then it's putting food in my mouth...that's the easiest thing for me to do and watch t.v. :)

The Letter F
Have you ever flown in a plane? Yep, many times.
Do you use fly swatters? I've used one before when I was a kid, but I don't own one now. My cats now eat all the flies that get into our house, so I don't have to worry about it.
Have you ever used a foghorn? You will all think I am weird, but what is a foghorn?

The Letter G
Do you chew gum? I have to have a piece of gum in my mouth almost all the time.
Are you a giver or taker? Aren't we all both....I mean I like taking things but I also love to give back too.

The Letter H
How are you? I'm doing good, but I am a bit disappointed because there isn't any snow here in Michigan. It may snow this weekend so I will keep my fingers crossed.
What’s your height? 5'4 I'm a shorty.
What color is your hair? It's dark brown and I naturally have some red tones in my hair also.

The Letter I
What is your favorite ice-cream? Strawberry
Have you ever ice-skated? Yes, but I always fall on my butt.
Do you play an instrument? No, I avoided playing throughout my childhood. My mom used to threaten me that she was going to make me learn the organ!! Ick!!! The organ???

The Letter J
What is your favorite jelly bean? I like them all!!
Do you wear jewelry? I love jewelry but I don't find myself wearing much. I always have my beautiful 2 karat wedding ring on me. I cherish that ring!
Have you heard a really hilarious joke? I probably have but I'm not good at remembering or telling jokes.

The Letter K
Who do you want to kill? That is just a horrible question. I'm not a violent person so that isn't appropriate for me.
Do you want kids? Jer and I have been talking about it, but I think we are going to wait a few more years.
Where did you have kindergarten? Santa Clara, CA. My teacher was Mrs. Gardner. I cried alot in class....I was always so sensitive.

The Letter L
Are you laid-back? I think I'm laid back with most things, but there are times when things get me all stressed out. Jer is sooo laid back....he levels me out when I need to be.
Do you lie? I try not to because it is wrong, but I have told lies before.
Do you love anyone? Yes, I have my chosen few! :)

The Letter M
What is your favorite movie? That is hard because you have to pick one and I just can't do that. I love old movies and romantic comedies.
Do you still watch Disney movies? My aunt bought me The Little Mermaid for Christmas and I was so excited. I loved that movie when I was a girl so yes, I still watch Disney movies.
Do you like mangos? I don't think I've ever had a piece of mango before.

The Letter N
Do you have a nickname? Gracie Pooch (my uncle has called me that since I was a baby)
What is your favorite number? 3 I don't know why, but I like the number 3.
Do you prefer night or day? I like nights much more because Jer is home with me most of the time, so we always watch Sienfield together and laugh our butts off.

The Letter O
What is your one wish? I want a horse someday!
Are you an only child? No, I have one brother.
Do you wish this year was over? No because it just means time is flying by too quickly and my Jer will soon be leaving.

The Letter P
What is one fear that you are most paranoid about? Being raped. I carry mace with me everywhere I go.
What personality trait would you look for in someone you wanted to date? When I was dating Jer, I was looking for kindheartedness, integrity, a Christian man, and someone who could make me smile and laugh.

The Letter Q
Are you quick to judge people? I honestly try not to judge. I had so many people that judged me and my family that I was completely turned off by the way their judgmental looks and things they would say. I think because of that experience I am kind and try to give people the benefit of the doubt.

The Letter R
Do you think you are always right? No, many times I doubt myself, but sometimes I do know I am right and when I do, I usually don't back down.
Do you watch reality T.V.? America's Top Model
What is a good reason to cry? Whenever you feel like you need to. One should never keep their feelings bottled up inside.

The Letter S
Do you prefer sun or rain? I like the sun because cold is usually associated with rain, and I love being warm and toasty in the sun.
Do you like snow? I like it but I don't want to live in it! I only want it for Christmas day!

Letter T
What time is it? It is 6:30 p.m.
What time did you wake up? I woke up a little before 7 a.m.
When was the last time you slept in a tent? The last time I was in a tent was when I was 15 and we were camping on some beach in FL. My dad wanted to save money so instead of getting a hotel room, he made us stay in a tent on the beach in the middle of the summer in Florida. None of us got any sleep because it was so hot and humid. My mom was livid with my dad. In the middle of the night, we all got up and moved our tents to an area where the breeze was slightly blowing, but it really didn't help. My dad still gets razzed about that to this day.

The Letter U
Are you wearing underwear? If a thong is considered underwear then yes but no granny panties. LOL!

The Letter V
What is the worst veggie? Mushrooms!
Where do you want to go on vacation? England and Paris!!
What was your last family vacation together? This past August Jer and I visited my family in CA.

The Letter W
What is your worst habit? I bite my nails.
Where do you live? At this point of time, we are in South Carolina. In four months it will be somewhere else but we don't know where yet.

The Letter X
Have you ever had an X-ray? Yes
Have you ever seen the X-Games? What are X-Games?? Seriously, I don't know.
Do you own a xylophone? Who would own that? Not me.

The Letter Y
Do you like the color yellow? It's okay I guess.
What year were you born in? 1980.
What do you yearn for most? For time to stand still but that is just wishful thinking.

The Letter Z
What is your Zodiac Sign? It's Leo.
Do you believe in the Zodiac? Nah, I think it's pretty silly stuff.
What is your favorite zoo animal? I love so many of the animals that I don't really have a favorite one, but if I have to pick, I think the lions are just the most powerful and extraordinary animals!

Big Trip & Weekend Words Challenge

2006-12-17T11:59:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone! I had somewhat of a challenge in the pictures for the weekend challenge. The celebration picture I took yesterday and just loved it because I think it described the word perfectly. The joy pic is from about a month back when our nephew came for a visit.

I'm all packed for our big Michigan trip. We are taking off around 5:30 a.m. and it's going to be one long car ride!! I will try to blog as much as possible as long as I can steal my father-in-law's laptop once in ahwile. If for some reason, I don't "see" any of you, Merry Christmas!!!

Celebration of the Free - Emancipation Proclamation of 1863

The Joy of a child with his toys (Now, the question is--the big kid or the little kid???)

Christmas MeMe - Tagged By Chelle!

2006-12-15T04:08:00.000-08:00

Wrapping Paper or gift bags? I really like both, but I chose only wrapping paper this year because everything had to be mailed. Unlike Chelle, I make gift bags very pretty with the tissue paper! :)

Real tree or artificial? As a kid, our tree was always real and most times we would chop it down ourselves. When my parents moved into their new house and I went off to college, it started being artificial. I prefer real but my husband loves his artificial one he bought when he was single and I have to admit that it looks real.

When do you put up the tree? It's usually right after Thanksgiving, but we didn't put one up this year. The apartment we are in is pretty small so there isn't much room. That is what happens when you move from a 4 bedroom house to a 2 bedroom apartment! There will be a huge tree at Jer's dads house and snow everywhere in Michigan, so I won't be missing out.

Do you like eggnog? I'm with you, Chelle, on this one. Ick!!!! Hate the stuff. Only buy it because Jer loves it. I won't kiss him after he drinks it......too gross!

Favorite gift received as a child? I really don't remember what my favorite present was as a child. I remember being jealous that my cousin got something that I thought was better....what an ungrateful brat I was back then! :)

Do you have a nativity scene? No, I don't have one yet, but I have seen many that I would like to get.

Hardest person to buy for? I would have to say my dad is pretty hard to shop for, but I think my mom is even harder unless I get her jewelry!

Easiest person to buy for? Jeremy since I know him so well. The problem though is I tell everyone else in the family what he would like and then there is nothing left for me to get him.

Mail or email Christmas cards? I have never had someone email me a Christmas card before. I mail them but I don't mail them to every person that I know......stamps are way too expensive nowadays.

Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Nothing really stands out in my mind except for when I was a kid, my grandma always and I do mean ALWAYS would buy me underwear. Gosh, I hated that!

Favorite Christmas movie? White Christmas

When do you start shopping for Christmas? I try to do it year round so I only have maybe two or three things left to buy near Thanksgiving time. Since we had a hectic year moving and all, I did my shopping early November.

Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? I haven't recycled a Christmas present, but I've recycled other presents, like birthdays.

Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? My mom's Polish cookies/pastries. I helped her last year make them. I wish I was with them again this Christmas, but my husband deserves to see his dad and stepmom this year.

Clear lights or colored on the tree? I have mixed feelings on this one. I think it depends on how you are decorating your tree.

Favorite Christmas song? Hark The Herald Angels Sing

Travel at Christmas or stay home? We definitely travel since our families are spread apart everywhere across the U.S.

Can you name all of Santa’s Reindeer? I was never good with remembering names.

Angel on the tree top or a star? I like having an angel on the top of the tree.

Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas morning!!! I do not like opening presents Christmas Eve.

Most annoying thing about this time of year? The crowds in the stores....I just don't like crowds!

Favorite ornament theme or color? My favorite ornament....that is just too hard. I have alot of ornaments from my childhood that my mom sent me last year, and they all bring back great memories.

Favorite Christmas dinner? I absolutely love to have a great ham for dinner. No turkey!

What do you want for Christmas this year? I would like new running shoes....mine are starting to get a little ragged.

My Christmas Cards (Chelle, do you see your boy???) :)

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Photos taken this morning

My Weird Shoes (oh, look who's in the background....my lazy psycho cat)

Jay, this pic is for you....I like to call it "Crooked"

Thursday Thirteen - 13 Reasons Why Life Is Beautiful

2006-12-14T04:56:00.000-08:00

Life Is Beautiful Because.......

1. I have my husband home with me for this Christmas. We are planning that he will be deployed by next Christmas, so every minute with him is a treasure.

2. My whole family at this point of time are all healthy and doing great. Life is uncertain and we must cherish all the time that we have with everyone.

3. God has always taken care of us and provided what was needed and beyond.

4. We have finally moved somewhere that has all four seasons. (well, at least we are here for another four months)

5. In just three months, my car will be completely paid for and that means extra money to invest!!

6. I have been blessed not having to work for the past few months and it's been wonderful just being a housewife. I have learned how to cook good and to actually like it!

7. I have been able to "meet" so many great new blogger friends. They all have helped me not be so lonely in a strange city.

8. I have learned that if you really want something and put your mind in the state of accomplishing that goal, you will be able to do it. It may be hard to get there but then again, life is hard, so pull yourself back up when you stumble and get back on track!

9. Life is beautiful because of the simple things in life that we take for granted--modern conveniences, a full belly everyday, freedom, and so much more.

10. No matter what curve ball life throws at you there is always something to learn from the experience that you can turn into a positive lesson learned.

11. There is always something new to learn no matter how old we are.

12. Life is beautiful--just look around you and see the beauty that God has created in nature.

13. Life is beautiful because......it just is!

Things On My Mind.....

2006-12-13T06:15:00.000-08:00

First of all, thanks to everyone yesterday for all of your encouraging words. I felt a bit depressed when I wrote that blog about my being socially inadequate, but you guys helped me through that slump through different comments as follows: (I will paraphrase)

1. I don't have to like coffee and I don't have to force myself to drink it when given to me. It's much easier to just ask for a glass of water! :)

2. It's okay to not always have the right, witty, or super intelligent thing to say all the time. Just be yourself and if they don't like you or don't want to talk to you anymore, who cares!

3. There is no need to be that "perfect" military wife. Don't run yourself ragged by trying to fit in.

Okay, I'm going to try to remind myself of everything you all said when this type of thing happens again. Thank you!

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Update on my Psycho Cat

The medication that the vet gave him makes him soooooo mellow!!! Last night (once the med was in his system for an hour) he jumped up on the couch, looked at me with those big blue eyes, and then just laid himself right on my lap!! This is astonishing thing for him to do....he hates being on anyone's lap. I can get used to this new kitty! Too bad the med is only for two weeks though. :)

He has only used the litter box as his place for relievement. Mission Accomplished!!

The only complaint I have is that he and the other cat will not step on the mat I bought that goes right by the litter box. Their little paws must be too delicate for it....pussies!!! :) I witnessed it last night. There goes Bugsy stepping around the mat and jumping into the litter box sideways....seriously, her body was twisted in a weird way....anything to avoid the mat I guess. Then she looked at me as if saying, "You can't pull a fast one on me and I'll track litter on your bathroom floor if I want to!" Then she looked at me once more to say, "Can I please have some privacy!!!!" Geez, I have a bunch of little princesses in my house and one is a male for goodness sakes.

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I don't want to exercise today. I didn't go to the gym yesterday, so that means I need to get off my butt and sign off the blogger! But I don't want to!!! But you have to!!!! (Don't mind me...the two voices are taking over in my head.) "Oh why, hello, I'm 'I Want To Look Like Miss America' and" ...... (interruption)........ "Step aside, Miss Beauty Queen, I'm talking now. Hey, What's up? I'm 'Sit On Your Rump Watching Oprah All Day' and life is good when you just do that."......interruption......(Gracey in her right mind again) Alright, you two, stop bothering these nice people. Say, goodbye! In unison, "Goodbye"

Socially Inadequate

2006-12-12T06:00:00.000-08:00

I don't know about all of you out there, but there are times when I just feel like I have no social skills at all. When I was a little girl, I would get reprimanded by my mother for not speaking or shaking hands or just doing the polite thing when I would meet someone new. I was shy and I still am shy. I think that is why I love this blog thing so much--it doesn't require me to speak face-to-face with anyone. I can be myself without having to actually talk.

The reason I'm bringing this up is because I met someone new yesterday. As you know, we just moved to SC for a few months and then we will be moving again to another base. When you do this much moving, you become somewhat of an introvert, and since I already am one to an extent, it just puts me more into the shell. A few weeks back, I did the unbelievable....I went to the next apartment building and introduced myself to the wife of one of Jeremy's officer buddies. That was a huge step for me, but I was getting to be so lonely and socially inept that I knew I had to do something, so I took a baby step. I will call her Miss America or what she should be called is Mrs. America since she is married. She's beautiful and I then feel really inadequate, but thank God, she is very nice. So, we have hung out a few times and one of those times I called her to ask if she wanted to go to a movie with me. I swear I felt like I was asking her on a date or something. Anyway, to get back to the point, yesterday I called her up and asked if I could go over to borrow a movie since she has a great collection. She said to come right on over.

As I step into her apartment, I see another woman sitting on her couch. Oh God!!! I wasn't expecting someone new to talk to. She introduces us and I say hello, and then I say, "Haven't I seen you at the gym? You look familiar." Thank God I was right or I would have sounded like an idiot! Mrs. America asks me to stay awhile and have a cup of coffee with them. Of course, I don't drink coffee but I can't say that. So, I take the cup of coffee and force myself to drink. Yuck! I'm having a really hard time swallowing, but I try to hide that fact. Meanwhile, this new person doesn't really seem too interested with my being there, but I could have read her wrong. Maybe she is just like me--shy when she doesn't know someone. I try to make small talk with her, but I don't seem to be getting far. I'm horrible at small talk. I think by the time I left, she must have thought I was not very friendly or sociable.

Mrs. America, on the other hand, is easy to talk to and I don't have a problem with her. She is fun and has a good sense of humour. I click pretty well with her. The problem comes when I don't click with someone right off the bat; I then find it very stressful to come up with anything to say. Do you have these moments or am I alone on this? I feel alone on this.

I'm an officer's wife which means I'm expected to be very sociable. At this point right now, I haven't had the need to hobnob with people, but when we finally settle on a base for a few years, I will be required to go to social gatherings frequently. I am dreading it!!!! I just want to be normal!

My Psycho Cat

2006-12-11T12:43:00.000-08:00

In my last post I was commenting on how I treat my cats like people and how I stayed up one night until 1 a.m. because I thought one of them had an infection. We're heading to Michigan next Monday and will be gone for ten days, so I had to have the vet today check out my little one with all his problems. (Buttons is embarrassed by it, but he's has been peeing right outside his litter box.)

Well, the vet told me that he definitely has problems but not a urinary infection like I had thought. My vet thinks he has anxiety problems. Does this sound like misdiagnosis or what??? :) I'm kidding. He thinks my other cat is stressing him out, the food that we switched on them freaked him out, and the different litter we are now using whacked him out too. He said that cats are very tempermental and when changes occur, some just freak out. He did the necessary testing to eliminate the infection, so after extensively questioning me, it turns out that I, the one that treats them like people, is the one that ultimately has freaked him out.

I just hope that he doesn't go nutzo when we leave on our holiday. The pet sitter has strict instructions on his medicine, food, and litter box changes. Good Lord!!! I have a psychotic case on my hands. The vet thinks if I switch back to the old food and litter and make sure the litter box is cleaned at least 2-3 times a day, Buttons will start using the box and stop using the rug! I sure hope so. So, the total of the vet appt. including exam, urinalysis, and medicine came out to $93, but I can't forget about the huge bag of Purina One, a new litter box, and a big ole bucket of the other litter which came out to $40.

I know I don't have children, but some days I feel like I do!

Buttons & Bugsy (The peeing one is in front)

This is my first time doing the Weekend Words Challenge, and I know I'm late.

My husband swearing to Honor our flag and country!

The Love of a Soldier's Wife!

I've Been TAGGED by Jay!!!

2006-12-09T05:17:00.000-08:00

Alright, this is my first time being tagged so let's hope I can get this right.

Here are the rules as told by Jay: Each player starts with the "6 Weird Things about You." People who get tagged need to write a blog of their own 6 weird things as well as state this rule clearly. In the end, you need to choose 6 people to be tagged and list their names. Don't forget to leave a comment that says 'you are tagged' in their comments and tell them to read your blog."

I just hope I have six people to tag who haven't already been tagged. Let's see if this works.

6 Weird Things About Me

1. I treat my cats as if they are people, specifically like my children. My husband thinks it's weird, but I think many people do this with their animals. I may be over the top just a tad because last night I'm pretty sure that one of my cats has an infection and I was up till 1 a.m. with worrry and making sure he was okay.

2. For some reason I have this phobia that when I go to the gym, people are staring at me. And I don't mean they are staring at me because I'm looking all good. I avoid any crowded gym.

3. After I brush my teeth and I'm rinsing the toothbrush, I cannot have any type of toothpaste left over on the brush. It has to be completely toothpaste free before I set it down on the counter.

4. I will not drink any type of fat free milk except if it is a certain type of brand and organic.

5. I can't leave the house without checking that the door is locked at least once or maybe twice.

6. I will buy jeans or pants without trying them on even though I know I will probably have to return them. Why do I do this? Probably because I'm lazy but I also sometimes think that there are cameras behind those mirrors in dressing rooms.

I tag:

Allison

Tracy

Kat

Odd Mix

Thursday Thirteen - 13 Movies & 13 Quotes That I Just Love

2006-12-07T06:05:00.000-08:00

1. Pride & Prejudice - "You have bewitched me body and soul...." If only men spoke with such romance nowadays. *sigh* :)

2. White Christmas - "I want you to get married. I want you to have nine children. And if you only spend five minutes a day with each kid, that's forty-five minutes, and I'd at least have time to go out and get a massage or something." I loved Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye. For some weird reason, Danny Kaye always reminded me of my Grandpa White when he was young, but I don't think my grandpa was a goofball like Danny.

3. Gladiator - "My name is Maximus Decimus Meridius, commander of the Armies of the North, General of the Felix Legions, loyal servant to the true emperor, Marcus Aurelius. Father to a murdered son, husband to a murdered wife. And I will have my vengeance, in this life or the next." What can I say? I was on the edge of my seat the whole time at the theater.

4. Kate & Leopold - Leopold: "Are you suggesting madam that there exists a law compelling a gentleman to lay hold of canine bowel movements?" Police Officer: "I'm suggesting that you pick the poop up." I guess that it is pretty sick that we do have to pick up "canine bowel movements" when it's put in that way.

5. What About Bob? - "What if I'm looking for a bathroom, I can't find one... and my bladder explodes? "

6. The Cutting Edge - Kate: "I'm sure I don't do anything you would find exciting. I don't open beer bottles with my toes, I don't sit around and count what's left of my teeth, hey, I don't even enjoy a good tractor pull." Doug: "Life of the party, huh? Place must be crawling with guys." Kate: "As a matter of fact, I do have a boyfriend." Doug: "Well there's a rough gig. What do you do, keep him chained up in the basement?" Kate: "Hale at the moment is working in my father's London office, he's an MBA - Harvard. You may have heard of it. They do have a hockey team." Doug: "He must be very smart. I bet you look pretty good from a few thousand miles away."

7. Guarding Tess - (Tess with her FBI Agents in a grocery store.) Tess Carlisle: "It's got no price at all." Bob Hutcherson: "Yes ma'am. Uh, Doug, this is Bobby in canned goods, are you anywhere near the manager? I need a price check on Lesieur baby peas, repeat, Lesieur baby peas." Doug Chesnic: "Lesieur baby peas." Store Manager: "They're on special today, two for .59." Doug Chesnic: "They're on special today, two for .59." Bob Hutcherson: "Uh, copy that, it's two for .59." Tess Carlisle: "But I only want one." Bob Hutcherson: "Uh, roger that, Doug, but she only wants one." Doug Chesnic: "How much for just one?" Store Manager: "The same. It's a two for one thing." Doug Chesnic: "Uh, Bobby, it's a two for one thing so I suggest you go ahead and get both. "Bob Hutcherson: "Uh, copy that Doug but I believe we've lost in interest in peas, repeat, lost interest in peas. Canned goods out."

8. My Big Fat Greek Wedding - Aunt Voula: [to Ian's parents] "Now, you are family. Okay. All my life, I had a lump at the back of my neck, right here. Always, a lump. Then I started menopause and the lump got bigger from the "hormonees." It started to grow. So I go to the doctor, and he did the bio... the b... the... the bios... the... b... the "bobopsy." Inside the lump he found teeth and a spinal cord. Yes. Inside the lump was my twin."

9. Much Ado About Nothing (Shakespeare) - Beatrice: "Against my will, I am sent to bid you come into dinner." Benedick: "Fair Beatrice, thank you for your pains." Beatrice: "I took no more pains for those thanks than you take pains to thank me. If it had been painful, I would not have come." Benedick: "You take pleasure then in the message?" Beatrice: 'Yea, just so much as you may take upon a knife's point. You have no stomach, signor? Fare you well." Benedick: "Ha! 'Against my will I am sent to bid you come into dinner.' There's a double meaning in that."

10. When Harry Met Sally - Harry Burns: "You take someone to the airport, its clearly the beginning of the relationship. That's why I have never taken anyone to the airport at the beginning of a relationship." Sally Albright: "Why?" Harry Burns: "Because eventually things move on and you don't take someone to the airport and I never wanted anyone to say to me, How come you never take me to the airport anymore?" Sally Albright: "Its amazing. You look like a normal person but actually you are the angel of death."

11. What Women Want - "If you know what women want, you can rule!" (Just think about that one, guys!) :)

12. Anne Of Green Gables - Mrs. Cadbury: "Tell me what you know about yourself." Anne Shirley: "Well, it really isn't worth telling, Mrs. Cadbury... but if you let me tell you what I IMAGINE about myself you'd find it a lot more interesting."

13. You've Got Mail - Joe Fox: "The whole purpose of places like Starbucks is for people with no decision-making ability whatsoever to make six decisions just to buy one cup of coffee. Short, tall, light, dark, caf, decaf, low-fat, non-fat, etc. So people who don't know what the hell they're doing or who on earth they are can, for only $2.95, get not just a cup of coffee but an absolutely defining sense of self: Tall. Decaf. Cappuccino." Kathleen Kelly: [exits] Next customer in line: "Tall decaf cappucino."

Benadryl - The "Drugged" Up Drug

2006-12-06T09:14:00.000-08:00

I have these horrible allergy attacks that hit me once in awhile. My eyes start watering, my throat gets scratchy, and then I have these sneezing fits that won't stop. They are usually brought on when I stick my whole face into my cat's fur. I know, I'm stupid for even doing that when I know what the consequences will probably be, but sometimes my cats are just so darn cute, I can't help myself but hug them and put my face in their fur and kiss them. Last night though I did not do that; I didn't even touch my cats and I still had this horrible attack. Sometimes they get so bad that my eyes swell up. My mom would remember when this would happen when I was a teenager. I looked like I got hit in the eyes by a baseball or something cuz they swelled up so much.

Anyway, I started having my sneezing fits and knew I had to take my 'ole handy dandy Benadryl to make it subside. Instead of taking the usual one that I do, I took two of them. Within minutes, I started feeling much better and was doing good until about an hour later, I was feeling so groggy and drugged, I barely could get my butt off the sofa and into bed. Unless any of you have taken medicine that makes you feel completely out of it, you won't know what I mean. Let's just say I haven't slept through a whole night like that in months. (You all know about my sleeping problems)

Of course, I suffered in the morning. I felt like crap when I got up at 7:30 a.m., the grogginess was still lurking but not as bad as last night. At that point of waking up, I had already slept 9 hours. As soon as Jeremy left for work, I was back in bed and slept until 10 a.m.!!!

I'm warning all of you, do not take two Benadryls unless you know for sure that you have nothing to do the next day and can sleep the day away. When I finally got up for the 2nd time, I felt like my old self again. I feel like I've wasted my whole day away. I have got to do the laundry and vacuum this house!

The Nativity Story

2006-12-05T08:48:00.000-08:00

What an amazing movie this was! I sat in the theater crying, not tears of sadness but tears of joy. I know not all my readers have faith in Jesus Christ and you may even be skeptical about how a virgin could have conceived. It was a miracle and it takes faith to believe. I can't comprehend it because my mind cannot wrap around the whole thing, but I have the faith in what I have learned in my childhood and what I keep learning as an adult.

More often than not, I only think of Christ as the man, not the child. I wish the Bible had more stories of when Christ was a child. How did he act? He was a human but he was also God! It's just too wild to comprehend but I have the faith to believe in it. How did Mary and Joseph know that he was more than a child? I know they knew from the beginning, but when did it really sink in when they were raising Him? Someday I will be able to take a long stroll with Mary and be able to ask the questions that I have always wondered. What an awesome day that will be when I not only get to see my Saviour but I also get to see Mary, Joseph, Esther, Ruth, David, and so many others.

I also wonder what a woman this Mary must have been that God had chosen her. The Bible described King David as a man after God's own heart, and I believe that Mary must have been exactly that way too. I'm sure she had her doubts and worries, but I believe when she was told by the angel that she was going to bear a child even though she was a virgin, she had the faith to accept what was told to her. I can't imagine how scared she probably was, especially knowing that she could be put to death since people would think she had committed adultry against Joseph who she was betrothed to. She may have been scared but she kept the faith and she clung to the words of the angel.

It makes me want to strive to be a woman of faith like Mary. I know my husband will be sent to the war within the year and I struggle daily with this. There is no promise from God that Jeremy will be kept safe. There is only hope and faith that God will see him through during that time. And what if, heaven forbid, God allows my husband to die? I pray for the strength that my Saviour will hold me close in His arms and renew my faith on a daily basis. I don't believe I could live through this life without the belief that my God will take care of me always. He's always shown His power through different times of my life, and I will put my trust in Him as Mary once did that day thousands of years ago.

Monday Memories - Me & My Jeremy

2006-12-04T07:51:00.000-08:00

I love the internet; I always have loved it. I always thought it was the greatest thing that you could instant message someone who was across the country or world. One of the reasons why I'm such a big fan of the internet is because of the unconventional way I was able to meet my husband. No, it wasn't eHarmony.com or match.com, but a Christian singles site where hopefully you could meet someone interesting. It's kind of funny because I honestly was not looking for a boyfriend when I went on there. It seemed whenever I did start dating someone, it just never worked out and I was pretty tired of trying. I was there to meet new people, not really for dating purposes, but to find some young people my age that lived close to me. I lived in Merritt Island, FL and let's just say there are more than enough retired older people there. I wanted to meet people that I could hang out with and have a good time but who also had the same beliefs as I did. I figured if I was able to meet a guy on here and he turned out cool enough to hang out with, I would be able to get introduced to his group of friends (guys and girls) and I would be able to finally have some fun.

It didn't take long to see who was near my area, and there were only a few people. It was quite disappointing, but for some reason or another, my attention was drawn to one particular guy. Yep, you guessed it.....it was Jeremy. I'm pretty sure I emailed him first, but I could be wrong, and we started to email back and forth to each other. He sent me his picture and it wasn't a close up so I couldn't really tell what he looked like. He told me after we were married that when he saw my picture he thought to himself that there was no way that was a recent picture of me because he thought I was too pretty to go on the internet to meet someone. Aww, he's too kind and sweet!!

Anyway, to make a long story short, after conversing back and forth through emails, we decided to meet face to face. I wasn't really too nervous because I figured if we didn't hit it off, then oh well. I wasn't going to sweat it. Of course, I thought to myself that he may be a total freak so I brought my mace with me and was ready to spray him if he tried anything. I let my aunt know that I was going to do this and we were meeting in a public area so I thought it was pretty safe.

When I saw him walking towards me, I was delighted that he was tall and handsome. He had the most beautiful green/blue eyes I had ever seen and I think I was in love from the start. We talked for hours on the beach and we decided to make an official date on Monday.

And the rest is history!!! :)

Christmas MeMe

2006-12-01T07:03:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Tracy (Fishface) for this meme!

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? I hate Egg Nog, so I will definitely go with Hot Chocolate anytime!

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Always wrap! It wouldn't be too fun to see the presents under the tree naked and exposed!

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? My dad was never one to put lights out on the house except now that I'm out of the house, he has started doing it...that's not fair! Now, we have white lights on the tree.

4. Do you hang mistletoe? Nope, I never did that, but I always thought it was cute when others did. Don't you know that kisses will give you cooties!! :)

5. When do you put up your decorations ? It's usually right after Thanksgiving, but I haven't done anything yet and probably won't since we're leaving for Michigan pretty soon. I don't have kids so I can get away with being a scrooge and not putting them up!

6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? Ham if we have it. I love the honey baked ham for Christmas.

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child: Getting up in the morning before my parents did and being able to open up everything in the stockings. I loved the little presents in the stockings!

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I have no idea. I maybe figured it out on my own, but I just don't remember when I ever believed in Santa. Mom, would you clue me into this one??? You would remember.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? As kids we could open one present on Christmas Eve night, but at my dad's parents house, they opened all their presents on Christmas Eve. I hated that because the magic felt like it was gone on Christmas.

10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? Twinkly lights and lots of ornaments and candy canes.

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? I really hate snow but this year I am looking forward to it. As long as I don't have to live in it, I'll be fine.

12. Can you ice skate? Barely....I fall on my butt most of the time.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? No, I don't remember a favorite gift but I do remember a few as a child that I really loved.

14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Being able to be with family even though this year I won't be with mine. Also, to remember that it's not just about Santa and that good stuff, but it's really about the birth of Christ and what a fabulous gift it was to the world!

15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? It's these little Polish cookies/pastries that my mom makes that have fruit filling in the middle of them. Yummy! (but I won't get those this year...wah!)

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Having my dad read the Christmas story from the Bible and all of us really thinking about what he's reading about. I also love the passing out presents part too!

17. What tops your tree? A star.

18. Which do you prefer giving or Receiving presents? I like both....I mean, who wouldn't? But, I do love giving presents because I always try to get something that is personal for each person.

19. What is your favorite Christmas Song? Hark The Herald Angels Sing.....especially when a choir sings it. I love Ava Maria too!

20. Candy Canes Yuck or Yum? Yummy!!!! Do people really think they are yucky???

Doesn't Anybody Know Me???

2006-11-30T05:24:00.000-08:00

Alright guys, I guess nobody knows me cuz I didn't get anybody to play my little game. I'm going to leave it up again today to see if there are any takers! C'mon, people, just guess.

See Below

How Well Do You Know Me?

2006-11-29T06:17:00.000-08:00

Alright, I thought I would do a little game today and ask a series of questions to see if any of you are good at remembering different things about me that I have blogged about in the past. Put your answers in the comments and then later on today, tonight, or tomorrow morning, I will give you the correct answers and we'll see who came the closest and wins! Ready for the competition to begin??? Okay, GO!

1. What year was I born?

2. What city or state was I raised in?

3. How many kids do I have?

4. How many highschools did I go to?

5. How many pets do I have?

6. What state is my dad from?

7. What is my favorite car?

8. How many siblings do I have?

9. What is my middle name?

10. What teacher in junior high was I a brat to and did not like?

Dead Tired

2006-11-27T07:05:00.000-08:00

I've written before how I have a hard time getting to sleep but last night was just ridiculous. I finally was able to doze off around 1:30 a.m. but then woke up at 3:30 a.m. I didn't get back to sleep until about 6 a.m. and then that was only for another hour. I've had sleep problems before but it's really starting to wear me down mentally and physically. The doctor gave me Ambien but it only works if I take two at a time...she gave me the lowest dosage and they just don't do a thing for me unless I take two (don't worry, it's safe to do that). I really hesitate to take the meds because I just don't want to have to drug myself to sleep and plus one's body can become dependent on them and I just don't want to go there. What is one to do???? My body feels tired but my mind refuses to slow down and take a rest. I had those times in college, but it was usually when I had a big test or paper that I was worried about.

This past Thanksgiving wasn't all that great either primarily because the only decent nights sleep I had was on Saturday night. I'm just exhausted and sorry to whine to all of you but I don't even have the brain juice to come up with anything else to blog about. Bear with me please...as soon as I get a full nights sleep I will be happy Gracey again....promise! :)

Happy Thanksgiving!

2006-11-22T05:08:00.000-08:00

I'll be out of production for awhile as most of you are for the holiday. We're traveling very early tomorrow morning to FL and hopefully will arrive just in the nick of time for turkey! Hope you all have a wonderful thanksgiving, and remember to say a little prayer about what you all are thankful for and the blessing in your life.

Safe travels for everyone and see you on Monday!

Shattered Dreams

2006-11-20T08:18:00.000-08:00

I normally do not like to write about subjects that are sad, but I just can't get this out of my mind. Last night I was surfing different blogs and stumbled on one that was so full of sadness that I just cried for this family that I do not even know. I believe it must have been the wife's blog, but the husband was writing on it because his wife of ten years had died three days ago of some strange illness. What really struck me was this woman was only 4 years older than me. She left behind three little boys and a grieve stricken husband. He wrote that he was going to be making funeral arrangements this morning. I got up this morning thinking about him and his boys and what a horrible task they had to face this morning. I said a prayer for them and I don't even know their names. It really makes me think of how precious our lives are and really at the same time insignificant to a degree. One day we are here; the next we may not be. Doesn't it just make you think? If it doesn't, you really should examine your life!

I think the Bible puts it the best from James 4:14 "Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away." This verse reminds me well that we all have a certain amount of time that we have on earth and it reminds me to cherish each second, minute, and hour that I have with my loved ones.

Not to sound morbid or anything but death is something that is in the back of my mind because I have a husband that could be sent to war at any time. I try not to dwell on the fact that he could be killed by someone who cares nothing for a human life, who will at anytime kill innocent people of their own nationality and country. I don't understand war and destruction only that it is the deprivation of man.

Sometimes I catch myself getting upset at Jeremy for something small and insignificant and then it's at these times that I scold myself because who says I'm going to have this man by my side tomorrow? We do not have the promise of tomorrow, so I urge each one of you to tell the people that you love that you do love them and live each day like it is your last or their last day. I can guarantee that the man in that blog that I read last night wishes he had just one more day!

It's The Weekend!

2006-11-18T04:38:00.000-08:00

This Meme that I'm doing today is for Jay since I did copy it from his blog and he said he wanted to see how I would answer these questions. There will be one question that I will be skipping since it is a little too risque for my innocent blog! :)

1. Christmas tree: pine or cedar? Our tree is fake right now, but if I had my way, it would be pine.

2. Name two dumb things you did as a kid. Well, I wrote about one earlier on in my blog (Barefoot & Nails) about how I disobeyed my parents and went playing on the side of the house where dad had all his scrap wood for his projects there and I got a nail stuck through my foot. That was one dumb thing I did. Another dumb thing, which I think it is more cute than dumb, but I was probably 3 or 4 years old at the time and my brother was playing army with his friends I think, and I showing my tomboy characteristics at an early age wanted to play too. But my mean brother said, "You don't have a helmet like we do so you can't play." Well, that didn't stop me.....I marched myself straight to the kitchen and grabbed one of my mom's pans and put it on my head and said to my brother, "I have a helmet now!" I can't remember if it worked and he let me into his fort or not.

3. What foods did your mom used to make that you will never, ever cook. Brace yourself people.....Cabbage and Hot Dogs. We ate that when we were poor.

4. Describe the place you go to in your head when you need to calm down. I don't really go to a certain place. I basically tell myself, "Grace, get a hold on yourself and don't let your temper get the best of you."

5. Have you ever seen a ghost, or something you can't explain? No, I've never seen a ghost. *pout* I'm fascinated by ghosts though because I'm always watching something or another about them and then I'm laying in bed at night looking around the dark room wondering if something is going to pop out at me.

6. If money and image didn't matter, what would you do for a living? I would run a rescue shelter for animals.

7. Did you ever fall off a horse and get right back on? No, I've never ridden a horse, just a pony when I was a kid. As you all know, my dream is having a horse someday.

8. What name did you call a sibling that was sure to start a fight? I don't remember having a name I would call my brother, but I'm sure I did. We used to get in major fist fights when I was in junior high and highschool. The kind of fights where I would jump on his back and be punching him and he would practically throw me across the room. Yes, there was soooo much love between us. LOL We laugh about it now and when my mom found out we had those fights (we kept them a secret until we were adults) she thought she failed! :)

9. Describe the events surrounding your first alcoholic drink. My family who doesn't drink please don't be too shocked by your daughter's actions. I was 22 and was with a few people for someone's birthday. It was a really nice restaurant and no, there was no pressure to drink. I thought I would try a shot of whiskey. Let's just say it was totally gross to me and I think I coughed so much people thought I was choking. Then after some time it made me so sleepy. It didn't have a good effect like everyone said it did, and I'm glad it didn't now because I think alcohol can be a dangerous thing to like especially if alcoholism runs in the family.

10. Have you ever had a wild animal as a pet? I captured a weevil once, if that counts, when I was a kid and kept it as a pet in my room. My mom didn't know about that either. I know, I was a weird girl! When I was a teenager, I breeded Australian Bearded Dragons. They are pretty common now in reptile stores, but back then they weren't that common.

11. Do you have a deep, dark, secret? Ummm, nope.

12. Would you ever shoot a deer? My father-in-law goes deer hunting every year, but I don't think I could ever shoot one of those beautiful animals. (unless I was starving and there was no other food source)

13. Do you return money if you get too much change? Yes, I'm honest and will do that because I was a cashier in highschool and college and I know if you are short on your register, you get into trouble!

14. What puzzles you? Anything that is extremely complicated for my little brain to comprehend.

15. How did you act toward a person you had a crush on? I usually acted like I didn't like them. I never wanted to be known as one of those gushy girls that flirted all the time. (maybe this is why I never had any dates in college) :)

16. What makes you cry? When I'm so frustrated and stressed out by something and I can't be tough about it anymore. I also cry when I'm watching some sad movie. I'm such a sucker for that.

17. What's the best bargain you ever bought at a yard sale? I don't really remember buying things at a yard sale. I used to go to the thrift shops on the rich part of town and buy clothes because you can usually find really nice and new stuff.

18. How much wood can a woodchuck chuck? Alot.

19. If nobody is watching, would you run a stop sign? I don't have the nerve to do it.
I would get caught I promise!

20. Do you believe in Hell? It's spoken about in the Bible, so yes, I believe it.

21. What material possession do you value most? My wedding ring.

22. Which day is better...Friday or Sunday? Friday is the best because you know you have two days off.

23. Do you read a book more than once? I have known to do that before. I love to read!

24. What is the greatest problem with today's society? There is a major lack of morals in this country.

25. Would you ever skydive? If the doctor said I only had 3-6 months to live, why not?

26. Name 3 songs significant to your romantic life, and tell why. I don't think we have any songs that are significant to our love life. Jer said the other day that we should put some music on to set the mood. Wait, there is one....."When You Kiss Me" We danced to that at our wedding.

27. Would you ever have plastic surgery? I won't lie. I may consider an eye lift when I'm older, but no breast implants or anything like that.

28. Does bigfoot/sasquatch/yehti exist? Does Santa Claus exist???? Maybe! :)

29. Are you a follower or a leader? I have known to be both.

30. What's the worst thing you did when you were a kid? I was a brat. I did alot of things behind my parent's back. I plead the fifth on this one.

31. List three jobs you would never want to do. A lawn service person (I hate doing yardwork), a garbage woman, and a fast food worker.

32. Coke or Pepsi? I like both. I hate choosing!

33. Where would you live if you could move your family, friends, and job there? Somewhere near the ocean and where the city isn't too close by.

34. Is three really a crowd? Yes, who likes to be the third wheel??? I sure hated it when I was.

35. What kind of interpersonal interaction repulses you? Repulses is a pretty strong word, and I'm pretty easy going. I really don't like seeing couples having a make out session in public. It's something I just don't want to see. Get a room!

36. Who would you rather spend an hour with, a writer or an entertainer? It depends who the entertainer is, but I think one of my favorite writers would be fun to spend time with. I would like to know where they get their ideas.

37. Which calendar appeals to you? I like calendars that have pretty scenery from other countries and I'm a sucker for those kitty calendars.

38. What would you do if life gave you lemons? I'd be depressed at first and then say to myself, "Life goes on; now start living again!"

39. Do you believe in love at first sight? No, not love.

40. Did you ever wish on a falling star, and have the wish come true? No but now I'm going to try it if I ever see a falling star.

Thursday Thirteen - 13 Things I Want For Christmas

2006-11-16T05:35:00.000-08:00

I am a kid at heart when it comes to Christmas. I love seeing all the presents under the tree and I still love having my stocking filled. My mom stopped doing that after I left the house, but last year when I went to visit my family for the holidays, to my absolute delight, she had my stocking filled with little trinkets! You had never seen a 25-year old happier on Christmas! :) See, I told you I was still a kid inside. Here is my list for Santa or anyone that would like to take his place.

Dear Santa:

1. I would like the brand new CD by Sugarland, Enjoy The Ride.

2. I would like these three books: Darcy & Elizabeth, Darcy Takes A Wife, & True Darcy Spirit (I'm a major Pride & Prejudice fan!)

3. Speaking of Pride & Prejudice, I would like the movie with Keira Knightly. I have the older version (oh, but you already knew that)

4. I would like a certificate for anywhere that I could get a great massage!

5. I would like a Kitchen Aid mixer for all the baking I do. I don't want just any mixer; I want the one that is like Auntie's.

6. I would like a bike so I could bike ride with Jeremy. (Remember, he got a bike last year???)

7. I would like it to snow on Christmas Day when we are in Michigan. I know you aren't in charge of that, but could you ask God to make it snow? Okay, thanks) :)

8. I would like some money so I could buy a few things I want and also need (but mostly just want).

9. Jewelry always works for me also. I get that from my mom!

10. I would like this thing called Youthful Essence. It's like a Microdebrasion product you can do at home instead of having to spend a load of money going to the dermatologist to get it done.

11. I could always use a gift card of some type to get some nice sheets for our bed. I love to have the softest sheets to sleep in!

12. I would also love to have a food processor. This would come in really handy but they are pretty expensive and isn't on the priority list.

13. And if I'm a really good girl, Can I please have my wish come true about owning a horse??? I know I can't have that this year, but maybe you could consider it for someday in the future??

Your Biggest Fan,

Gracey

Plant Killer

2006-11-15T06:28:00.000-08:00

That is right folks.....I kill plants. I don't do it intentionally or out of meanness. On the contrary, I try to love them by watering them and giving them the sunlight that is needed, but in the end I always kill them. Jeremy brought home this beautiful bamboo orchid plant and there the flower was just smiling at me and saying "Please take care of me and give me a good home." As any plant parent would do, I went to the internet for guidance on how to take care of this certain type of plant. First of all, I live in the wrong climate for this flower. It likes humidity and we definitely do not have that right now in South Carolina. Jer tells me to mist it with a spray bottle so it feels like it's in a tropical paradise, but alas, I do not have a spray bottle and each time I went to the store I forgot to get one. I'm a bad bad plant parent! It was sunny this past weekend and outside was in the 70's for once, so I thought my baby would do great with some sunshine. I put her partly in the sunshine and partly in the shade (i didn't want to overheat her). Well, I must have done something wrong along the way because the next day she was a withered little thing crying out to me, "Wwwhhhhyyyy?"

She, the flower, may have died, but the plant itself is still hanging on for dear life. I'm trying the best I can, but I don't think it's working. Do you think this could reflect the way I will be when I'm a real parent someday???? Let's hope not!! :)

Nothing Much To Report On Today...Here is a MeMe!

2006-11-14T09:50:00.000-08:00

One thing I have never done in front of an adult? I've never mooned anyone. Wait, I take that back.....I did do it to my husband once when I was annoyed by him....he he

One sport I wish I could do? Tennis. I guess I haven't really tried but I always look like a fool out on the court cuz I really don't know what the heck I'm doing.

One thing I used to be able to do but have lost the ability to. I used to be able to do sign language much more fluently than I do now. I still practice by signing songs but it's not the same as signing with someone else.

One food I cannot live without. Thats such a hard question! Ice cream I think but there are so many others.

One food I could easily live without forever. Mushrooms for sure!! I hate their texture...yucky!

One book I think is a classic. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin. Absolutely love it!

One song that I wish I had written. "Before He Cheats" by Carrie Underwood (don't know if she wrote it but I just love the song) I play it over and over again on my ipod. I love how she sings it.

One thing I wish I had more control over. Anything that I cannot control….LOL! (This was originally Chelle's answer and I completely agree with that one) :)

One thing I dislike about myself. My body insecurities. It's really hard to not compare yourself to the "perfect model body" all the time especially since that is what society says is what everyone needs to look like. I'm at a healthy weight and I exercise so I need to stop comparing myself to others.

One thing that I like about myself. I'm a compassionate person and would help anyone if I could that was in need.

One thing I would change about Canada? What kind of weirdo question is that???? I can't even answer that one cuz it's really dumb.

One vehicle I wished I owned one day. Definitely a certain BMW that I love to admire. But I'm such a girl cuz I don't even know the model, but I can point it out to you if I see it on the street...lol

One profession I have no respect for. Those TV preachers that con people out of their money and give other people in that profession/calling a bad name!

One holiday I could live without. When I was single, I would have totally said Valentine's Day cuz I never had a date on Valentine's. It was so depressing when everyone else around you were getting flowers. I don't really know now....I like all holidays if we can get a day off! :)

One thing I am afraid of. Snakes (unless they are gardner snakes...those don't bother me)

One thing I am happy to have. A husband that really cares for me and I can truly say that he adores me. God couldn't have given me anyone better. We are really great together and complete each other.

Monday Memories - Highschool

2006-11-13T07:18:00.000-08:00

At 5 a.m. I woke up right out of a bad dream that I had. I was back in highschool!!! Yikes!! The highschool part wasn't the bad part, but I had this bizarre dream that one of my all time favorite highschool teachers, Mr. Carey, dying of a heart attack right in front of me. I was so upset in my dream that I was sobbing and when I woke up there were tears running down my face. It seemed very real. I was wondering why in the world did I dream about Mr. Carey; I wasn't thinking about him or highschool at all last night. But I did write him a letter this past week just to see how he was doing, so maybe he was somewhere deep in my subconscious mind.

So, as I was working out this morning, I was thinking back to highschool and when I used to terrorize Mr. Carey. He always acted like he was really stern and mean, but in reality he was this great guy that had a fun sense of humor as long as you didn't terrorize him in the middle of his teaching. As some of you already know, I went to a small private school so you knew everyone very well and the teachers knew you too well. Right, Chelle???? :) You couldn't get away with too much, but I always managed to get away with some stuff. My best friend, Daisy and I, would need help with our Algebra after class (I'm a total dummy when it comes to any type of math), so we would go back to Mr. Carey's classroom when we were on a break so he could help us out some more. It was during those times we had so much fun cracking jokes and just having a good time with him. He would always look at us sternly (after he stopped chuckling) and would say, "You two are never going to get this if you don't stop fooling around and get serious."

Going a few years back before this time when I entered into junior high and I always heard stories from the older kids on how mean Mr. Carey was and I was dreading having to go into his 7th grade English class. I was terrified, shaking in my boots some might say. I was on my best behavior during that time, up until I reached highschool and then I had no fear of him.

He's still teaching at the private school I went to and I just laugh knowing one of the new kids is probably hearing all the stories about mean Mr. Carey and is probably going to wet his pants as soon as he steps into the classroom.

Now that it has been quite a few years since I have been out of highschool, I'm glad that I can smile at all the good memories that I was able to gather in my mind by some of my wonderful teachers. I'm also happy to be able to write him every now and then and let him know that he had a great influence on my life and that I turned out alright after all!

Kicking Your Husband Out Of Bed

2006-11-10T06:11:00.000-08:00

Alright, I'm copying this comment from Jeremy that he left on my Thursday blog about me kicking him out of bed last night. And I'm also copying my response to his comment, but I'm curious to see what you folks think about this. Imagine you can't sleep and you didn't sleep the night before that at all. You are crabby and anxious to fall asleep. Every time you are just about to fall asleep, the precious sleep you have waited so long to have, something wakes you up. (this happened for two hours with me last night)

P.S. Dad, you can skip your comment because I know you will say that I should have never kicked Jeremy out of our bed! :)

Jeremy's Comment:
Grace, I agree with everyone else...you are crazy....To her fans: Grace kicked me out of bed last night after midnight. She woke me up from a sound sleep and told me to sleep somewhere else because SHE couldn't sleep. She said that I was making too much noise in bed (in my sleep), and that I needed to move so she could sleep. She's nuts, but I love her.Jeremy

Gracey's Response to his comment:
Jeremy: Let me defend myself...ever since we moved, our bed is creaking horribly anytime someone moves, so every time Jer even moves a millimeter you hear this CREAKKKKK sound and it wakes me up or I'll just be right on the verge of getting to sleep and he moves. Now, I know that it's not really his fault because he's moving in his sleep but I didn't want to have a second night in a row where I didn't get to sleep until 3 a.m. So, I kicked him out of bed but I really asked nicely if he would sleep in the other room. Why didn't I go into the other room you may be asking? Because I knew if I got up from our bed and turned on the lights to get to the other room, I know I would have been totally awake and would have been laying in that bed for hours awake. Believe me, it happens all the time. I'm not nuts; I just was very crabby last night because of my lack of sleep from the night before. :)

This morning we laughed about me kicking him out of bed, so don't worry, there isn't any ill will going on between us.

Thursday Thirteen - 13 Thoughts That Are Randomly Going Through My Head

2006-11-09T08:14:00.000-08:00

1. Why can't I sleep??? I have these spouts of insomnia at least twice a week. It's getting annoying that my husband falls asleep as soon as his head hits the pillow, but I just lay there for hours staring at the ceiling and wondering if any ghosts are going to pop out.

2. I keep thinking about ghosts because I keep watching shows like "The 10 Most Haunted Hotels" on the Travel Channel. Why do we like to scare ourselves? Then I start thinking about ghost stories that my grandparents told me as a child and weird stuff that happened to them. I psyche myself out! Ever watched TAPS? That can be stickin scary!!!

3. I just looked over at my two kitties sleeping soundly....why can't I be like them??

4. I feel like we run out of groceries so fast around this house. It's probably because I'm cooking dinner every night now, but I don't like to have to go to the grocery store every week. I would buy more food to be better stocked but we have such a small refrigerator now that we are living in an apartment. Not much room for my fresh produce.

5. Just found the remote control for the T.V. And to think, I had to get up and change the channels...it's just too much work! :) Buttons (one of my cats) was laying on it.

6. I didn't work out yesterday, so I have to make sure I make myself go to the gym today. This is when my self discipline is tested, because I really don't want to go. But I will!

7. A Victoria Secret commercial just came on and I'm sick of looking at these big breasted women showing off their perfect bodies. It's just not realistic. The boobs are mostly implants anyway!! Yeah, I'm just jealous....he he

8. I love Shania Twain....I told you these are all random thoughts going through my mind. I went to her concert and was in the second row. It was great. She is really really petite! I've been a fan since 1995!

9. Thanksgiving is approaching very quickly. I have to figure out what to bring to my in-laws and it has to be something that can take a 6-7 hour trip. I do have a cooler I can use, but I don't know what to make. Any ideas?

10. Now I'm watching MAD TV and I only watch it to see if they will have a skit with "Stewart" in it. He's my favorite and I crack up each time I see one of those skits.

11. I haven't started Christmas shopping...last year I was already done with all my Christmas shopping. Gosh, I was so organized last year! I'll blame it on our move we just had.

12. I want to take a real vacation sometime soon, but we definitely won't be able to do it while Jeremy is in training for the next 6 months, and then we'll be moving again. Maybe once we're settled to our next base we can go somewhere for just the two of us.

13. My last thought at this moment is that I'm very thirsty. Don't know where that came from; it just popped in my head.

A Sweet Flower - Rose

2006-11-07T09:48:00.000-08:00

It seems I'm always mentioning my happiest memories as a child when my grandma was alive and when the whole family was together in AZ. So, I thought I would write about my grandma and what a wonderful and fun lady she was. These are pictures of my Grandma around my age now but probably a little younger than that. I love old pictures and both of these especially. I have many other pictures of her as a young, beautiful woman, and I wish I could step back in time just to get a glimpse of her then. I'm sure she was just as funny and witty as she was when she was older. I was fifteen when, for some reason, God took her away from us. She had the horrible cancer of leukemia and it wiped out her body. Her life was cut too short for reasons that I will never know about until I get to see Jesus again. I wish she would have lived longer to see my graduation of highschool and college, met my husband and given her approval, and someday would have had the privilege of being a great-grandma. As a teenager, you don't fully understand what is going to be missed out on, but now I realize everything that we have missed together. I don't like to say that I was "cheated", but in a way, I do feel as though I've been robbed of the time and memories that could have been made with her. Rose came from a poor and large family in Yuma, AZ. Her father ran out on her mother when she was a little girl, but she was raised by a fantastic step-dad. Her step-dad, my great-grandfather, just passed away a month ago. He was 103 years old and "Ta Ta" (our name for him) was as coherent and as spunky as ever. He died peacefully in his sleep. She said that she always considered that man her real father; he had given her the love that her real dad didn't have the courage to give her. She had a total of eleven brother and sisters, but all of the brothers died as babies, young children, or young adults to either some type of illness or accident. The sisters remained close as ever and they were all a close knit family.As a child, I absolutely loved going to Yuma to visit my great-grandparents, my grandma and grandpa, my aunts and uncles, and cousins. Everything was just right and fun when we were all together. My grandma was always making some type of comment or joke that cracked everyone up...there was just that certain feeling when we were all together. When I go down to Yuma now, even though only a few of the sisters are left, I somehow still feel as though my grandma is with us. It's like I feel her presence and I'm just a step closer to her. I don't ever feel that anywhere else. I still find myself crying for her eleven years later--crying for the years and memories that we weren't able to have together, crying for my dad who misses his mom so much, crying for the simple fact that those days of childhood with her are the past and how I wish at the time I realized that you can't take people in your life for granted and thinking they are always going to be here with you. We all miss her and it seems like yesterday I was dancing around the Christmas tree and acting like a goof ball just to make her smile and laugh at me. That is the last memory I have of her before she died. I'm glad it's a happy one!

Writer's Block

2006-11-06T09:54:00.000-08:00

I'm having a hard time thinking of what to write about....my mind is preoccupied with other concerns at this moment, so thought I would do another Meme (as Chelle and others call it)

What is your height? 5'4.....I'm a shorty

What is your eye color? I think it's more on the side of hazel.

What are the color of your socks that you are wearing? Anyone that knows me knows that I'm barefoot right now. When I'm home and if it's warm enough, definitely no socks for me!

What does your hair look like right now? I'm glad I did it before I saw you all today. :) It's down right now and curly.

Have you ever bobbed for an apple? I have this distant memory of doing it when I was a little kid, but I'm not really for sure about that one.

Have you ever told someone you loved them? Yes, of course...what a silly question!

Have you told someone that you loved them and didn't mean it? No, I'm not a good liar....anyone would be able to tell if I was lying through my voice and tone.

What is your earliest memory? My earliest memory is sitting on the kitchen chair crying my eyes out because I thought my brother was going to go to jail for stealing. I think I was only three at the time and my brother was six. My dad was a police officer so he taught my brother a lesson by handcuffing him and telling him that thieves went to jail. It sure made an impression on me and I never ever tried to steal a thing!

What is your happiest memory? I've written about this before but again, my happiest memories were when all our family was together in AZ and my grandma was alive then.

What was your proudest moment? It was crossing the stage to get my bachelor's degree. I was the second person in my family to graduate college and I was proud of myself because I knew my parents were proud the most.

What is your greatest weakness? Keeping on an exercise regimen. I start off doing it for weeks and months but then something happens I stop. It's seems to always be on and then off again. I'm trying really hard to change that. So far so good!

What is your favorite food? I think I've answered this one before, and it's so hard to choose. I think really good pizza and Mexican food.

What is your bedtime? If I'm not having an episode of insomnia, it would be around 9:30 - 10:30.

What is your favorite TV show? I love all the CSI's....NY, Miami, and Las Vegas.

What is your favorite song? I don't really have a favorite song....I love music but I don't have favorites.

What is your scariest experience? I have had one really scary thing that happened when I was a kid and it's something that I can see so clearly in my mind as if it was yesterday. We were at my grandparent's house and I believe we had just eaten. My grandma and mom wanted to take a walk around the neighborhood so I went with them. It was still light outside but it was starting to get dark. As we were walking along another block we noticed this guy following us and it seemed he kept getting closer and would never pass us just kept lurking behind us. I remember my mom and grandma getting nervous and we kept picking up our speed and when we did so did the guy. It finally came to a point that we starting running to get back home and this guy chased us for awhile and I just remember practically being dragged and I was turning around seeing him running after us. He finally stopped and we got back safely to the house. That had a lasting impression on me and I have always been a bit paranoid and am always looking over my shoulder when I'm out by myself or even with friends.

What do you fear? Honestly, the thing that freaks me out is being a victim to rape. I've been scared of that since I was a teenager and I think that is why I'm very cautious when I'm out. I don't take risks and I don't go out without some type of protection. If I did find myself in that situation, I would fight with all my strength and if that meant I fight to my death, then so be it. I won't go out without a fight that is for sure!! If I was able to get away, I would hunt that person down even if it took a lifetime.

How many pets did you have as a child? I don't even think I can count on one hand. We had a lot of pets throughout my childhood. Cats, dogs, rabbits, hamsters, ferrets, and lizards. (not all at the same time)

The Day At The Zoo

2006-11-04T10:34:00.001-08:00

I will definitely post pictures later, but thought I would write first about our day at the zoo. Jer's mom and stepdad are in town and they brought Jer's 4-year old nephew along with them too. Since you have a small kid around, the smartiest thing to do is to do something kid friendly. The best option is always the zoo. They get to run around freely (except near the alligators), and they get to tucker themselves out so they sleep all afternoon when you get home!

We bundled ourselves up, well, at least I did. I had a big thick sweater with a big thick winter coat and some warm gloves and headed out the door to explore, Africa, Australia, South America, and all the oceans and fresh lakes. Yep, we had quite an adventure this day.

At one point, I was holding out some nectar juice in a small cup so the birds would come to me and they started to swoop in landing on my head, shoulders, arms, and hands. I didn't like them on my head so much because all I could think about was the bird poop that I knew was going to squirt out of them any second. I tried to shake my head to scare them off, but they held on firmly. No, I don't have some nasty poop story to tell all of you and I know you are disappointed about that, but I breathed a sigh of relief when I finally exited that bird sanctuary. Yeah, no poop in my hair. I had already had globs of yogurt in my hair from this morning, so I definitely did not need poop too!

What was that? How did I get globs of yogurt in my hair? Well, I accidentally dropped it on the kitchen floor and it splattered everywhere--my hair, chest, chin, cabinets, and all over the floor. I'm a complete clutz (is that how you spell it?) always dropping something and making a mess. I tried to get all of the yogurt out of my hair but didn't succeed to well, and I didn't have time to start all over washing and styling my hair for the second time this morning. In some areas, it feels a little crusty but I'll get it out soon enough. It's in a ponytail now so no one knows the difference at this point, except for you of course.

Anyway, going back to the zoo, I had the chance to feed the giraffes, but one look at their long tongue coming out of those mouths, I passed on that one. Knowing my luck, they would try to eat the yogurt that was dried in my hair and then I would really have a story to tell all of you. :)

We are all back at home now and yes, it did work, Benjamin is in bed taking his very much needed nap. I think I'll do the same while the silence lasts! As you can tell, I'm not used to having children around....they are 24/7 noise makers. But, I do have to say for the most part, Benjamin has been very good as much as a 4-year old is expected to be.

Thursday Thirteen - 13 Things I Would Like To Do Before I Die

2006-11-02T04:51:00.000-08:00

1. I would like to adopt a child someday. I've always thought why bring another one in the world when there are so many that need loving homes already.

2. I would like to take a trip to India to visit my "sponsor child". By the time I get over there, she will probably be all grown up.

3. I would like to go on a gigantic shopping spree and not have to think about going to Ross or Marshalls to shop. :) (this is one of my selfish requests)

4. I would like to learn how to cook without having to use measuring cups and spoons....I want to be like Rachael Ray and "eyeball" everything and for the food to turn out wonderful.

5. I would like to have a horse someday. It's been a childhood dream of mine.

6. I guess before I have that horse someday, I would like to learn how to ride a horse. :)

7. I would like to get allergy shots someday. Doctors hate to send anyone to an allergist and I really need one!!! I pop a Benadryl or two in my mouth every night because of my allergies.

8. I would absolutely love to have a rescue establishment setup for injured animals and be able to help nurse them back to health. (except I don't really like reptiles such as snakes. Someone else will have to nurse them back to health) :)

9. I would like to live near family someday especially if I have kids. I don't know if this will ever happen since we are part of the military family.

10. I determinely want to go to England before I die. I want to go through the castles and meet the queen!! I would have preferred to meet Princess Diana but since that won't happen, I'll settle for the queen or better yet how about Prince William! :)

11. I would like to take photography classes someday. (I just need the money to buy a nice camera I guess)

12. These 13 things to list are hard...I'm struggling here. Let's see, I would like to have the guts it takes to jump out of a plane. I just don't believe I ever will be able to do this one.

13. I would like to be good at math. I have struggled my whole life on that subject, and I sometimes feel dumb now as an adult because I just don't get that subject at all. (I definitely will not be the one helping the kids with it...they would all flunk!)

Just A Tidbit

2006-10-31T17:34:00.000-08:00

Are there ever times in your life you realize "I'm turning into my parents!" Those times can be good or bad I guess. We all are more like our parents than we think. Let me share with you my "turning into my parents" moment. Last week Jer and I purchased one of those entertainment coupon books. When I was a teenager, my dad always had one of those around. Of course, as a teenager, I was always thinking everything that my dad or mom did was embarrassing for me. Teens are in their own little world and think that everyone is looking into their world; therefore, they become so self conscious and everything embarrasses them. But in reality, no one is looking at them, well, unless they have piercing sticking out of them on every single part of their body then maybe, yes, we are looking at you! :) Anyway, back to my story.....my dad would not let us go out to eat unless we used one of his coupons from the entertainment book and whenever he pulled the wallet out of his pocket I would roll my eyes and think to myself....."Oh my gosh, he's sooooo embarrassing; everyone is going to think we are soooo cheap."

Well, last night we got our Entertainment book in the mail and I turned to Jer and said, "We can only go out to eat to the restaurants that are in this book." And he said, "Yep and we have to use the coupons that say 'Buy One Entree; Get One Free' first!" I didn't think about how I sounded exactly like my dad those years ago until I was brushing my teeth before bed last night. I don't know about you but all sorts of randoms thoughts go through my head when I'm brushing my teeth and that one just popped up and with all the foam from my toothpaste running down my face, I looked at myself in the mirror and just smiled. I am my father's daughter because I am now CHEAP! Or should I say smart because using coupons is really the smartest thing you can do to save some extra cash. I didn't figure that out until I was earning my own money and paying my way through the world. Thanks Dad for another life lesson that only registered in my brain during adulthood! :)

Monday Memories - Barefoot & Nails

2006-10-30T08:10:00.000-08:00

My parents always complain how I never remember anything from when I was a child. I do however have memories from childhood, some good, funny, loving, tearful and fearful memories. There are many memories I believe in each person that stir up different emotions from their childhood. One in particular that comes to surface at times is the story of when I deliberately disobeyed my dad and did pay the consequences for my actions, but it was not the punishment of a spanking or having something very important taken away from me. No, it was much more painful than that.

Dad did a lot of carpentry type of work around the house and on the side of our house we had a fenced in area that contained scrap wood and different types of piles of wood. In many of those piles there were wooden planks that had nails sticking out of them. I was forewarned numerous times not to play on the side of house. Did I listen? Of course not. My brother and I decided we were going to have some fun in our backyard and the temptation of the wood piled high was too much for us to resist. I was a bit of a tomboy, so if my brother wanted to play army, I was totally up for it.

There was another aspect of my tomboyish streak--being barefoot. I hated shoes and if I could get away with being barefoot, I would take every opportunity to do so. I remember my mom always telling me that I needed to put shoes on, but if I could sneak out the door to play without them on that was what I would most definitely do. As you can imagine, this day of playing army in the backyard was no different for me. We first looked into the kitchen window to see if mom was around and when we saw that the coast was clear, we opened the fence that led to that forbidden land. It was great fun climbing up on the wood piles and the thought of us being able to pull a fast one on our parents was thrilling. The thrill lasted until the inevitable happened--my right foot stepped completely into an old, rusty nail. Oh, the agony! I didn't just puncture my foot; I had a nail sticking out of my foot! I must have let out a blood curdling scream because my mom was there like a flash of light.

The next thing I remember was my dad taking me to the emergency room and they dipped my foot in a rust-colored liquid, numbed my foot, and pulled that nail out. The prospect of having the nail taken out of my foot did not frighten me nearly enough as the prospect of what my punishment was going to be for directly disobeying my dad's warning of not playing on the side of the house. The whole ride home I was waiting, dreading, anxious to hear what my dad had to say to me. He didn't say a word; he just drove in silence. The whole time I was thinking, "Man, he must be really mad!"

As we drove down the road, he suddenly turned into a parking lot and parked right in front of an ice cream shop. What torture! He was going to get an ice cream for himself and not let me have one because of my disobedience. This was worse than getting yelled at I was thinking. As he turned off the ignition, he turned and looked at me and said, "We both know you directly disobeyed me and your mom. Do you realize why I told you and Will not to play back there? I did it for your safety not because I didn't want you to have fun. Because you didn't listen to our instructions, you got seriously hurt and now you are in pain." "As we were driving to and from the hospital, I was thinking is this punishment enough for her or do I need to add something to it for her disobedience." (The whole time I'm thinking...."Oh God, here it comes; I'm getting grounded or spanked when I get home." )

I couldn't believe my ears when my father said, "No, I think you have gone through enough to have learned your lesson. That is all I'm going to say about it. Now, let's go get us some ice cream."

I did in fact learn my lesson, and I never ever went back to the side of the house unsupervised or barefoot again!!! But, the real memory that sticks out in my mind is not the fact that a nail went through my foot, but that my dad who was a man that did not let us get away with disobedience, had compassion on me that day. Now as an adult, I look back at that and it reminds me of God's compassion on us when we do something that we know we should not be doing. Sometimes God "reprimands" us and we have to face additional consequences for what we have done, but there are also times when we suffer the normal consequences of our disobedience. We have learned our lesson from that disobedience and truly are sorry for the disappointment we have caused. And this is when God looks compassionately on us and just as my dad said that day, God says, "You know what you have done and now you are in pain for your wrongdoing. I didn't want you to do that because I knew you would get hurt in the end. You have been through enough; the slate is clean again. It is forgotten and will not be mentioned again."

That day long ago I knew I deserved to get further punishment for not obeying my parents instructions, but my dad taught me a lesson on compassion and he probably didn't even know he was doing it.

Exploring Columbia

2006-10-27T13:03:00.000-07:00

I finally was able to get some of the pictures uploaded on here. If they are too small jus click on each on of them and you'll see a better view. Anyway, it has been fun exploring downtown Columbia. This city is full of historic significance from the Civil War. We went to a concert at Trinity Episcopal Church which was built in the early 1800's. They have these old fashioned boxed in pews where you have to open this little door just to get into a pew. I guess it keeps the children in, but I highly doubt back in the old days there were little brats terrorizing the church service. Right next to the church is a very old graveyard and there are many Civil War soldiers that died in battle buried there. It was extremely interesting to read the headstones. Most of them told a short story about their lives--where they were born, what battles they fought in, what battles they died in, or what they did after the war. I found it fascinating.

Yesterday we had a tour of the Governor's Mansion. The Governor of SC and his family reside in the house, but their living quarters are really upstairs. We were able to tour the downstairs where they usually hold special events. The furniture is old and historical and there are historical paintings as well. They have their own private cook, of course, but I still couldn't imagine having someone cook for me whenever I want. It must be great! We were also able to walk around their gardens and it was just beautiful. There were no flowers blooming since it is winter, but the trees and plants were nice to walk through and observe the beauty.

We also visited the state capitol building. It was very historic looking as well and quite pretty inside. But I have to say that the CA state capitol is the most beautiful I've seen and I've seen quite a few from alot of different states.

Well, hopefully I'll be able to get the pictures up sometime....I'll keep trying.

All About Me Part II

2006-10-25T07:26:00.000-07:00

Yes, another one of these but wouldn't you agree they are interesting? I know, I don't have too much to report on right now, so I thought I would use this list that I stole from "The Story of Me" by Chelle! :) P.S. I only stole the questions, not the answers! :)

What is your idea of perfect happiness? Perfect happiness would be going back into time or having all the loved ones in my family that have passed on be alive again and we would all get together in Yuma, AZ and everyone would be together. We had such fun and there were no worries in the world when we were all together! How long for those days sometimes but now they are only a memory.

Which living person do you most admire? I would have to agree with Chelle (aka Mrs. Young--I still feel weird saying your first name) on this one--My parents. They haven't always had an easy marriage but they were determined to make it work and not give up on their wedding vows. I know they have grown alot throughout the years and now that I'm an adult I can give them a break on many things because I realize they were so young when they got married that in reality they were "growing up" in a way right along with us. You both are great parents and I know you would do anything for me and Will!

What is your greatest fear? That Jeremy will lose his life in the war when he is deployed. I can't imagine living through this life without him.

What is your favorite journey? So far, my favorite journey has been being a wife. I know I only have a year and a half of it under my belt, but it has been a blessing being married to Jer.

What do you consider the most over-rated virtue? What a strange question...I have never thought about it before. What are all the virtues anyways? I guess if I knew that maybe I could answer. :)

What virtue do you wish you had more of? Self-Discipline...I'm always good at something for awhile and then I always seem to slack off.

On what occasion do you lie? I honestly try not to lie, but I have had times when I've said something looks nice or tastes good and it really didn't.

Which words do you most overuse? I just asked Jer what he thought I most overused and he said I say the phrase "You know what I mean?" all the time. I do not...you know what I mean? :)

What is your greatest extravagance? It is definitely getting my hair done and the foundation I use (Prescriptives).

What do you dislike about your appearance? I really am trying not to be so negative about my body, but if I had to be completely honest with myself, I don't like my legs at all.

Which living person do you most despise? Despise is such a strong word...it's almost like hate. I'm going to pass on this one because I honestly don't "hate" or "despise" anyone.

What is your greatest regret? The thing is, we all have regrets but without those mistakes that were made, we wouldn't have learned a thing from them. So, I try to look at the mistakes I've made in the past as a learning tool and maybe they will be used to help someone else down the road.

What or who is the greatest love of your life? Yep, God and family are definitely the answer!

When and where were you the happiest? April 2, 2005 at the exact moment of walking down the aisle....I looked at no one except Jer for the whole way! I didn't care that it had rained moments before and it was windy on the beach...I was walking to my baby and I was extremely happy.

Which talent would you most like to have now? I'm really not copying Chelle's answers.....I always wanted to play the violin too. I also wish I had the talent that my family has--drawing and painting.

What is your current state of mind? I feel very content right now. Jer and I are going to go explore downtown Columbia in a little while and I'm just happy I have this time to spend with him before his full-time training starts.

If you could change one thing about your family, what would it be? That we always got along all the time, but then again, that would be like "Leave It To Beaver" and then we would be really weird!

If you could die and come back as a person or thing, what would it be? I would come back as a cat so I could eat and sleep the day away...ha ha

What is your most treasured possession? My wedding ring and letters from my grandma when I was a kid and teenager.

What is something that you would like to have that you do not have now? I would like to have my metabolism of when I was 16 again! I could eat anything back then and not have to exercise and still be a skinny twig....YES, I want that back! :)

What do you think is the lowest depth of misery? The lowest depth of misery will be when I lose someone in my family or if I lose Jer. It will be very hard to get through.

What is the physical quality you like mostly in a man? When I think of Jer, I think of his eyes....when I first met him, that is what struck me first about him.

What quality do you like in a man? Good temperment, sensitive, and making me laugh.

What do you admire mostly in friends? Definitely loyalty, understanding, and forgiveness

What quality do you mostly dislike in a person? Being fake and being unkind to people! I had too much of that from people early in my life and I won't stand for it now!!!!

Who are your heroes in real life? I don't have heroes because we are all human and I don't want to put anyone too high up on a pedestal.

What are your favorite names? I really do like my name....I didn't when I was little because it wasn't common but I think what it represents is beautiful. I also love the name Emma.

How would you like to die? I would love to just pass away in my sleep. Can you imagine being asleep one minute and then opening your eyes to see Jesus?

What is your “motto?” "C'mon, Grace, keep going....you can do this." As I said before, I wish I had more self-discipline so when I'm doing something that I really don't want to do, I have to keep encouraging myself to keep moving on.

Other Things About Me!

2006-10-24T07:17:00.000-07:00

Okay, I usually do these things when I don't really have anything to talk about or I'm just too lazy to fish in my head for something interesting to post. Right now it's the too lazy part of me because I just had a hard workout and I'm too tired to think! Enjoy the question and answer session! :)

1. How did you get your name? I like this story about myself. My mom already had a boy so when she got pregnant with me, she asked God to give her a little girl. She told God that if He gave her a girl she would call her "Grace" because it means "a gift from God". That is how I got my name...isn't that too cute?

2. What is a memory you won't ever forget? A memory that first pops into my head that I will always cherish and never forget is the last time I truly saw my grandma laughing and having fun before the cancer killed her. She was always a happy person, making jokes, but when the cancer and chemo really tore at her body, her demeanor would change naturally. I try to only remember the good times of when I was a child and she was still healthy.

3. What is your favorite color? I don't think I really have a favorite, but I really do love the colors in the purple and blue family.

4. What are your favorite foods? This is not a fair question because I enjoy life through food. The older I get the harder it is to enjoy all those fattening foods, but I love food. I can't diet because I love food too much to make myself only eat lettuce morning, noon, and night. It's no way to live so I exercise and enjoy my food. I guess I'll say that Mexican food is my all time favorite.

5. What is your favorite drink? There is nothing better most times than a ice cold fizzing Coke!

6. What is your favorite brand of clothes? I'm not a "label" or "brand" type of person. If it looks good on me, it's good quality, and it's a good price then at that time, it's my favorite. :)

7. Who is your best friend? I would honestly have to say my husband, Jeremy. There are no secrets between us; we have good communication with each other.

8. What is your favorite animal? I have to say kitties. I have favored them since I was a little kid.

9. What would you like your future career to be? I am not that big into being a career woman. I have never really had that desire, so I would have to say that if God gives me children someday, I would like my future career to be the best mom I could be to my children.

10. What is your favorite restaurant? This one is hard cuz it's has to do with food again!!! I guess my all time favorite that I never get tired of is Carraba's. I don't think they have any in CA but it's one awesome Italian restaurant!

11. What are your favorite TV shows? The one that never gets old for me are the "I Love Lucy" episodes. I can see them again and again and still laugh!

12. What country would you like to visit? I would absolutely love to go to England. I want to walk where the kings and queens used to walk.

13. What is your favorite book that you have read recently? It was called "Darcy's Daughters". It was a sequel to Pride and Prejudice (when the girls are older). I like anything that has to do with Pride & Prejudice.

14. What is your personality like? I'm kind of quirky at times. I'm not very outgoing. I like to keep to myself most times. I'm not shy once you get to know me.

15. What is your favorite old movie? I love all the Doris Day movies, especially the ones with Rock Hudson (like Pillow Talk).

16. What is your favorite old song? "I Can't Help Falling In Love With You" by Elvis

17. What kind of friend are you? I try to give as much as I can to a relationship and I know in the past I have let some of my so called friends walk all over me. I think I'm very sincere as a friend and if there is ever a time that they need me, I will be there to be supportive.

18. What is your favorite car? I have to say a BMW. I don't know the model of it but if I saw which one it was, I could point it out to you.

19. What is one thing you would never do? I heard a preacher once say, "Never say Never because once you do say "I would never do that" that will be the time when Satan will go after you with full force." So, I try not to be proud and say "I'll never do that", but I do say, "By the grace of God, I hope never to..." I would have to say in regards to this question that I hope never to break my marriage vows that were given to my husband and to God.