25 random things about me...

I completed my 25 things list for facebook and that is really all the energy I had to be creative and disclosing, so I'm posting it here too.

1. I believe that Coke (as in Coca-Cola) is an absolute necessity of life, but I'm trying to give it up.

2. I took shotgun as a PE cedit in college. (Southwestern Oklahoma State University)

3. I have been to Walt Disney World (Florida) countless times during my childhood, but I've been there 11 time since 2001. Been there, Done that, Going back!!

4. I didn't think I wanted children--but that was before I met my wonderful daughter.

5. I love to sing. Just ask my friends and family. Many of my facebook friends are from my singing past.

6. I never went to a school dance or prom.

7. I love to exercise, it makes me feel stronger. Of course, it's probably an illusion.

8. I think many things and circumstances in life can be directly related to dialouge from the movies, especially from "When Harry met Sally."

9. I find being over 40 very liberating.

10. I met, dated, got engaged and married Jim all within about four months. It will be 20 years on February 25, so far, so good.

11. I don't believe that all things happen for a reason.

12. If I could have any job I wanted it would be toss up between managing the Roc Resale Shop or playing the Fairy Godmother at Walt Disney world.

13. I will always regret that I didn't learn to play the piano.

14. I live for the next vacation. I especially love the ones spent with friends

15. I know tanning is bad for you, but I just can't help myself. I prefer the beach but will settle for the tanning bed.

16. I love a good deal. My retro furniture, (couch, two chairs, two end tables, and a roll front tv stand) in my family room cost me less than $100.

17. I traveled across the country and overseas the summer of 1986 with The Continental Singers. We stayed in people's homes every night when in the States.

18. I think that if we actually put into practice the "Golden Rule" we could change the world, and the people in it.

19. I would love to have a tatoo, but I'm a chicken.

20. I am always looking for the perfect athletic shoe.

21. I love travel size goodies. You can always find me in the travel aisle at Target just before my next trip.

22. I believe that there are never enough zip lock bags (assorted sizes) or Sharpie markers.

23. I love how important the lives of grandparents were to my life.

24. I once was waiting for the elevator at the Watergate Hotel in Washington, D.C. standing next to Tony Bennett, but no one I was with knew who he was.

25. I am a person who can see the big picture of a situation, and works well under pressure.

You're getting married???

As February comes fast upon us, I pause to remember a cold February 20 years ago. I certainly thought I was a mature woman at all of 23 years of age. I had graduated college, had the job I thought I wanted, and now I was gonna get married.

Jim and I kind of had a whirlwind romance. We met and started dating (if you can call it dating) in October of 1988. We had a few great adventures. We had the dinner and putt-putt golf (remember Putt-Putt on 39th Expressway) date. We had Sunday lunch at Varsity Sports Grill. We saw one of the worst movies ever, Moon over Parador, and I think we attended at least one singles event at Bethany First Church. Then, we got engaged in November, yes 1988. disclaimer: Kids:Don't try this home, we were trained professionals at leaping without looking, marriage should not be entered into lightly.

Getting engaged after only a few weeks seemed fun and thrilling, in fact it never really seemed scary at all. Scary to those around us...to us, not so much. My parents, who were living in Florida at the time, came to Oklahoma to meet him and give him the once over. My dad decided they thought that I had made a good choice and the planning commenced. We planned a whole wedding in about a week. You're thinking, oh please....you'll have months to get everything just right even a year or more until the date, right? Not so much... we planned for February 25, 1989. Just under 3 months away.

Did I mention whirlwind? Jim left to go on a previously scheduled trip to his visit family in Savannah for Thanksgiving, then right after Christmas we headed to Florida for my grandparents 50th wedding anniversary celebration. The whole family was going to Disney World (thus... the beginning of an obsession). We got home and got busy getting ready for the big day. It was so cold. What was I thinking, getting married in February? The day arrived and as unbelievable as it might have seemed the weather was beautiful, almost 60 degrees and the sun was shining brilliantly. People thought we were crazy, but I'll have to say so far...so good.

We've always said we'll give it fifty years and renegotiate on the next fifty years. I'd say things are looking favorable for a long happy married life.

I'm thinking.....Disney!

I need a little disney fix today. I'm sure the weather and lovely slush everywhere is contributing to my need for a little Disney. As my countdown starts to dwindle I begin thinking more about my wonderful daughter getting to show WDW to her wonderful friend. We are going to have so much fun.

I imagine us having our first meal on Disney property at Chef Mickey's. We get to eat in the Contemporary Resort (one of my nostaglic favorites) and have dinner with Mickey, Minnie and friends. This is always a great way to start off a trip.

I can't wait to get to share some of my favorite attractions:

Soarin' (Epcot)--http://allears.net/tp/ep/e_soar.htm

Toy Story Mid-Way Mania (DHS)--http://allears.net/tp/mgm/tsm.htm

Finding Nemo--The Musical (AK)--http://allears.net/tp/ak/nemo.htm

Expediton Everest (AK)--http://allears.net/tp/ak/ak_ee.htm

Philharmagic (MK)--http://allears.net/tp/mk/mk_phil.htm

I hope this trip will be all I imagine it to be. I'm hoping I find ways to make it especially memorable for the girls. Be sure to follow our trip (semi-live) right here on my blog.

I think I may need a Time Management Course!

These days off have killed my organizational skills. I haven't made good use of my time at home. I could have accomplished so many things, but these felt like "free" days. Have you made good use of your time if you've been stuck at home because of the weather?

I just noticed that my laundry isn't even finished, my kitchen floor is disgusting, I've been wearing my glasses for three days and behind my ears even hurt, this the fourth day in this sweatshirt (it is my favorite), exercise...yeah right, you can only make so many recipes with cream of mushroom soup, various meats and starches, and today I actually watched the same 90210 rerun...twice.

It is time to go back to work so that I can get my life back. I'm so much more productive when my hours are accounted for. It's a sad day when I don't know how to productively use my "free" days, is there a self-help group for that? If so, I'll be there...on my next "free" day.

2009 January Challenge

lelly's challenge

January 24, 2009 --I resolve to take more self portraits doing things I enjoy.

Jenna and I playing Sequence on a Snow (Ice) Day!

If it only was a Snow Day!!

Many of you may not know that I grew up in Beavercreek, Ohio. I lived there (mostly) for the first nineteen years of my life. That's a place where you can get excited about a snow day. We would sit awaiting the cancellation announcement and then hit the phone to make plans. We would all meet at the top of the best hill with sleds in hand. I mean real sleds, the type with rails, the ones your parents used before you. We could spend the whole day outside. There was no ice, no mind chilling wind, no cars...just wonderful inches of white, gleaming snow.

The kind of snow you could build a fort with, make a million snowballs, build a great snowmen, and make the best snow angels ever. The whole neighborhood would be outside 'til you couldn't feel your hands or feet and just had no choice but to give in to the elements. The next day would return to normal because they knew how to clear the snow and get it out of the way. But it was a great day while it lasted.

We have a "Snow Day" tomorrow. No school, no work, and NO SNOW! We have had misty freezing rain all day and expect more into the night. There is nothing fun about ice. It keeps you home bound-- no plans to play outside with friends, no moms making hot chocolate for the whole neighborhood, no sleds from days gone by. I'd really like to have a true "Snow Day."

I'm sure we will enjoy tomorrow, we'll stay in our jammies, we'll watch movies, maybe do some scrapbooking, and it will be nice...but it won't be a "Snow Day." For my friends still in Ohio---and anywhere else where there is snow-- please make a snowball for Jenna and me.

This is not my photo--but it reflects my exact sentiments!

If you don't actually put your scraps in a scrapbook...they are just junk!!!

I'm home from work today and I thought I would organize a few things. So now I'm trying to decide what of this mess is actually worth saving. I'm thinking "wedding" jellybeans over six months old are probably goners. Next I tackle the "gift" box in the black hole disguised as my hall closet. Wish me luck!

"Surprise...Surprise...Surprise..." --Gomer Pyle

When I first got the idea to see if we could take "S" (Savanna) to WDW with us, I think my husband said I could ask her parents because he never dreamed they would say "yes." They said "yes" and a dream and a great Christmas morning surprise were born.

The gifts that Santa brings to our house are always found in the same place, on the hearth of the fireplace. This is where Jenna heads first. She looked over all the things that Santa had brought, he's quite the creature of habit at our house. She started to open her stocking and pulled out the traditional toothbrush, candy, jewelry, then something different, a WDW planner folder. She started to open the folder and then began to push aside the airline itinerary because she already knew we were going to WDW. I had to encourage her to look more closely. I had highlighted Savanna's name and she seemed confused for a moment, as if it couldn't possibly be true. When she caught on I knew at that moment I had chosen the right friend.




We are so excited about this trip. There is nothing like showing WDW to a newbie. Savanna and her family went Disneyland last summer and spent just one day at Magic Kingdom and automatically found the magic of the whole experience. My only regret about this trip is that we can't take Savanna's whole family. Look for trip reports while we're WDW right here on this blog. Also, in the coming days look for Savanna's response to the news.

Merry Christmas girls!!

Is Saturday the shortest day of the week?

Every Saturday I have great expectations of what will get accomplished only to realize that it's never going to happen. So today I'm giving in!! I got up, took my wonderful daughter to Circle the State with Song, came home checked out facebook, worked out, and ate leftovers (I love leftovers). Now I am set up with my laptop to blog while watching reruns of Beverly Hills 90210 (the original...I know it's my terrible, dark, Saturday secret, what's yours?). I'm also thinking about a trip to the tanning bed and painting my toenails. Com'on, join me...lower your expectations...let Saturday have it's way.

We need a little Disney, right this very minute.

I needed a little Disney in my life today. In case you missed that big countdown in the corner, I thought I'd mention I'm planning for a WDW trip for Spring Break. (I really need to start homeschooling so that I can go in the off season).

This trip is going to be a little different than most of our trips. We have traveled just the three of us, we have traveled with our extended family, we have traveled with friends a number of times, but this trip we are taking one of my 11 year old daughter's best friends. I know, I know, there are whole threads on the disboard (http://www.wdwinfo.com/) about the pros/cons of this type of an adventure. Everyone has their thoughts on a vacation with someone else's child. These discussions are as bad as "taking the kids out of school for vacation" but not as heated as "whether your resort refillable mugs should be brought back trip after trip" that's a topic where the flames come out. You Disney neurotics know what I mean.

I have great expectations for this trip. Jenna's friend is a total sweetie and I have great confidence in both of them to make this a trip of a lifetime. (No pressure there) I was going through photos for this post and I got excited just about the thought of being able to scrapbook this trip when we are home and what a great memory it will be for Jenna and her friend who we will call "S." (hope that is okay with you, mom of "S"?). Here are some great memories of Disney past:

1973 Me, my brother, & cousins

1982 me, my mom and grandmother obviously using the same hairdresser.

2008- my husband, Jenna, friends and Minnie

I can't wait to have some great memories to post from this upcoming trip. I will update you as the trip planning progresses. If you have any thoughts on traveling with someone else's child or traveling with 6th grade girls I would love to here it. Coveting your advice and suggestions.

Have a Magical Day!!

"Sometimes a good giggle stops you in your chaos!"

Our church (Bethany First Church of the Nazarene) offers ceramics as a Wednesday night activity and Jenna (my daughter) loves it. Every other week or so I try to get her to actually go to the mid-high activities just so she doesn't get completely left out, but she loves ceramics.

So last night she was supposed to be getting her clothes changed in order to get ready to leave and she comes out "Mom, I can't find my ceramic pants!" Okay, maybe I was just tired, but I totally got the giggles imagining ceramic pants. Then it was like, "Where is my ceramic jacket?," with her pretending she was wearing a ceramic jacket. I know you really had to be there for this to be ROFL, but for me these kind of silly, she's still my little girl, moments are the absolute best.

And believe it or not you can actually see ceramic clothes on display at ceramics festival.

"...and now we return you to your regularly scheduled programming."

After all the hoopla of yesterday we return to the reality of everything being the same as it was the day before yesterday. I love that we live in a civilized nation that can have a change of power in a dignified, ceremonial, and non-violent manner, it shows a great deal of reserve and humanity on every one's part to embrace those who've been there in the past, those who are leaving, and those that are just arriving. What a great day in our Country's history in so many ways.

When I was in Jr. High and High school I collected Precious Moments (who didn't?). You know, now that I think about it I didn't so much collect them as I had them collected for me. That seems to be true of most of the things I have collected through the years. Anyway, that is so not where I was headed.

I had a PM poster hanging on my bedroom door for all the world (okay my family and a few friends) to see. It read "If white is good and black is bad, then all my friends are grey and plaid." It had great little PM figurines that were just that, grey and plaid. I thought of that poster yesterday and I wished that was really true, I really wish we were able to see one another in ways that all of our preconceived perceptions were faded to grey and plaid. That's what I hope for our nation today as we begin a new journey.

Keep your mind open today. Remember that all of us had things in our paths that molded us into what we've become and are becoming. See me as grey and plaid, and proceed with caution and compassion.

This picture has nothing to do with my post other than it is my house and behind all my wonderful friends you can notice the many "collections" my family has accumulated. There is a sampling of PEZ, Disney and Coca Cola.

lelly's challenge

January 13, 2009 --I resolve to take more self-portraits with people I love!
I'm a week behind with this challenge.

Only 9 Tuesdays until WDW!!

January 20, 2009--I resolve to take more self portraits while trying new things (which by the way I hate to do).

Here's me trying to learn to blog.

Free to Be Me

In worship service yesterday our Mid-High pastor was our speaker. She was wonderful, creative and inspiring. You definitely had to be there to get her full effect, but she was basically trying to remind us to get out of God's way. We need to find a way to worship that is not concerned with those around us. The scripture she used from Samuel was describing David's dancing and praising before the Lord with abandon, and then the chiding he received from his wife to which he responded that would continue to be undignified in his praise to allow God to be greater. Obviously she spoke of this with much more preparation and eloquence than I am stating it here.

But it got me thinking...When do I feel free to act in abandon?

I am probably most "free to be me" when I am on vacation. I have mentioned that I love Walt Disney World (WDW). One of the reasons that I love WDW is because it removes me from the reality of my world. I am able to surround myself with happiness for an extended period of time with people that I love and love me. I am in a place where everyone is of one mind. Everyone wants the same outcome...a great vacation!

I can scream at the top of lungs when I'm on Expedition Everest or laugh hysterically while on Primeval Whirl. My party wears matching shirts just to get more attention. I'll put on completely awful 3-D glasses, as to not miss anything. I find myself dancing in the streets, interacting with performers, and talking with everyone around me.

What if I did that everyday, and not just wait til I'm on vacation. Shouldn't I be able to worship with abandon? Surely church is a place where we should all be of one mind with a common outcome. How do I get out of the way and let God be greater than my insecurites and fears? Any thoughts on how to accomplish that?

New Shoes

"A pair of shoes can change your life"---Cinderella (I'm sure if she didn't actually state this out loud she was definitely thinking it.)

When did my excitement over shoes change from the feeling of how great they looked with your new outfit, how high heels made you calves look, would your friends just be so excited for you? to "Oh my gosh, these shoes are so comfortable?" It doesn't matter that they are some horrid color or that they really resemble some kind of rubber flotation device. They are COMFORTABLE, dag nab it and that's what matters!

I have been on the search of new running/walking shoes. And I mean search, like all out... asking other people, seeking out advice on the Internet, shopping and trying on every style, brand, and color to no avail. Then yesterday in a last ditch effort to find a pair I had seen on the Internet I went to Dillard's. I know... I know... who goes to Dillard's for athletic shoes? and low and behold with the help of a totally darling sales lady I found a pair. I've already worn them to run and they are wonderful. I'm tempted go hoard every pair just to never go through this experience again.

And yes, they are ugly!

National "Do Nothing" Day

My wonderful daughter, Jenna, informed me this morning that it is "National Do Nothing Day." We know this pertinent information via Steve, Stacy, and The Magic Man (104.1 FM). I'm sure this is why she was able to take her music device (ie. Zune, ipod, walkman) to school today for the mere donation of $1.00 which I'm sure goes to some worthy cause. But that's a soapbox for another day.

So on "Do Nothing Day" are we supposed to really do NOTHING? Is that even possible? Maybe we're supposed to nothing of signifcance, maybe this a day in the universe where you shouldn't make any life changing decisions, you shouldn't vary your normal plans, you shouldn't change your hair color, you shouldn't give up Coca Cola when your body depends on it for substance.

Or maybe... we really should do nothing. Maybe we should be still and be more aware of our surroundings and our blessings. It reminds me of a very old song I used to sing.

Be still and know that I am God
I am right here by your side.
Be still and know that I am God
and in My love abide.

So few of you stop to hear the birds
stop to smell the fragrance in the air.
My Kingdom is within you, (this is my favorite line)
Be still and find me there
Be still and I'll meet you there.

So Happy "National Do Nothing Day" to all!!

"Mickey" thoughts get me through the day.

Someone ask me one day "How many Mickey Mouse earrings do you have?" I didn't know that answer then...but I do now.

I have 11 pair of Mickey Mouse earrings, and that makes me smile.

Wii Fit my tired tush!!

Wii Fit...really? So far wii are just really tired and who knew simulated boxing with a knumchuck(sp?) could make your arms hurt like you just moved a piano (baby grand no less) up a flight of stairs. I'm going back to a good old fashioned run tomorrow just to get some rest! Wii Fit... HA!

Thoughts that my soul needed today

By Gail Rodgers

It was a time in my life when I was somewhat isolated. I was off work for a time and not encountering the regular contacts that I once had enjoyed daily. I was feeling a bit down. "Probably the weather," I reasoned, and joy seemed in short supply in my heart. A few doubts about my own walk with God were playing at the edge of my mind. Then a friend came over one afternoon. An uneventful visit on the deck in the spring sunshine. But as we talked about our God and how He works in our lives, and as we prayed together, my heart was refreshed. I was reminded how very much we need each other.
Isolation comes at various times in our lives. Sometimes after the birth of a baby, sometimes with a move, with being off work, or sometimes after the death of someone we love or even a relationship change. When these things happen in our lives we can often find an unexpected hardness creeping in at the edges of our heart as we struggle with the change.
Whatever the reason for the subtle heart changes we feel, we need to be aware that God has instructions for us in these times of life.
"Beware then of your own hearts, dear brothers, lest you find that they too are evil and unbelieving and are leading you away from the living God. Encourage each other about these things every day …so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness" (Hebrews 4: 12 & 13).
Find someone to encourage you in God's ways regularly. Keep your heart soft. Get comfortable with praying over the phone with a Christian friend. Seek out encouragement and find those who need the encouragement you can give.
Encouragement in the things of God helps keep the ground of your heart tilled up. It helps you guard against unbelief and that subtle deceitfulness that leads us away from the Living God.
Seek out encouragement in God's ways today….both to give and to receive! It is essential and oh so refreshing!

Was it the Full Moon?

Was it just me or was this just a crazy day? I couldn't seem to catch up no matter which way I turned. Did I pray for patience and God is rewarding me with opportunities to practice? I am trying to wind down and getting ready to start again tomorrow. Maybe tonight I need to pray for more peace.