Happy Birthday (a little bit late) Tigger!!

I have been so wrapped up with the Maternals and The Chief's covid struggle (47 days now? i lost count), I completely forgot about my Tigger's 27th birthday!! I hope that you are happy and safe. I pray that your actual birthday was warm and loving. I miss you son.

Rest In Peace Jerry!

Visits to the corner store will never be the same. Thank you for always sharing your light and love.

Survivin' Sally

 Well Safety Guy's beach house survived Sally. The family beach house the next town over, not so much. 

More on my trip later

Have You Forgotten? (Annual Repost)

Since I will be a little out of  pocket tomorrow,  I thought I'd take a moment today for the annual repost of my 9/11 story Have You Forgotten?  

And post my favorite music video from that time. 

Never Forget!

Quality of Your Life

 Okay so yesterday I posted a meme from Tony Robbins that reads

"The quality of your life is the quality of your relationships"

I dropped it there, because I didn't want to forget it. 

I heard it in a human interest piece on the ABC Overnight News while I was getting ready for work. The story went on to say that the quality of people in your life, challenge the quality of your life.  When the people in your life are successful and thriving, you, in theory, should also be successful and thriving.  They push you to want better, to do better, to be better.  Well, most people. 

I had to google Tony Robbins to see if I could read more about it, and found this article on Tony Robbins website, 

As my regular readers will know, I  embarked on a mission a few years ago to Choose Joy.  It has been difficult, given my years of negative programming (my own negative self-talk, negative messages I have received repeatedly from others, negative experiences, etc...), to overcome the dark cloud over my head and finally see the sunlight. But my hard work and perseverance  has paid off!  

Fostering a "attitude of gratitude" has helped me to focus on the positives in life, not speak negativity into existence and look for the silver lining in every cloud. 

I am surprised the most at the positives that have started flowing into my life! Health, Wealth, and Love all thrive in a positive atmosphere. 

Here are some Biblical truths that support  the theory: 

A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22

And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith Matthew 21:22

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. 1 Thessalonian 5:16-19

Try it for yourself and see!

 

*✭˚･ﾟ✧*･ﾟ*✭˚･ﾟ✧*･ﾟ*

 

Now a word from our sponsor....

I just can't help myself!

~En JOY!

 

"Walking On Sunshine" ~ Katrina and the Waves

Album: Attic (Capitol) April 1985

Blooming Where You Are Planted

 

I have finally found the secret to happiness! One looks for the good in their life and appreciates it!

This is not the best place for these little flowers to be, but they are blooming where they were planted and now they have a little friend!  Funny how similar this is to my life right now. 

Peace, Love and JOY to all!

*✭˚･ﾟ✧*･ﾟ*✭˚･ﾟ✧*･ﾟ*

 When, ten minutes into your conversation, he says something really funny, then immediately follows with,  

"I am soooo sorry, I am actually only 18 inside my head",  

you know,  it's fate.

*✭˚･ﾟ✧*･ﾟ*✭˚･ﾟ✧*･ﾟ*

Nature Always Finds a Way

 

Cherish the Memories Indeed!

Hard to believe this Tiger has gone from the 14 month old, pushing his high chair around the Fellowship Hall to , well, a Tiger! Especially since his dad, our former preacher, was such a big bammer fan!

Cherish the memories indeed!

Good Luck Clarke!

And War Eagle!

Grrrrr.....

I hate change. Recently Blogger changed it's format on the composition side and I ...DON'T...LIKE ...IT. I also don't really do surprises well. The whole losing-control-of-my-situation aspect skeeves me big time. I like to know what is going on, what is going to happen, what to expect, right up front. I noticed a few weeks ago that someone has unblocked me when a comment he made showed up on a mutal friend's post. I thought "Well, it's gonna be a long three days" but it seems I am still unblocked today. Makes me wonder, WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING AT ME FOR? I could say it was to eleviate boredom, but right now, my own life is pretty boring. I could say it was a "better view," or just plain curiosity. I don't know why there are numerous visits, from about 11:30 at night to 1:00 am d 2:00 in the morning, but I have experienced this myself. The wanderlust has not changed.

Every day choices

=( =( =(

Three Days Is A Long Time, Isn't It?

New Normal

I sit here typing to you from behind my mandated face covering.

Yeah....we are to that point. 

Everybody better be wearing their %^&* masks!! The future depends on it!

I will admit, I have come across more and more people I know testing positive, though all have been asymptomatic. 

I was kind bummed last week to learn the bodybuilding competition I was working toward had been cancelled due to all that is going on. Oh well, that gives me another year. 

It was on almost the same day, I learned that a fellow fitness competitor, someone who is  a personal trainer and gym owner in Gulf Shores and her darling hubby, have both contracted COVID-19.  The next day she was interviewed on the news. Our local affiliate covered the interview.  I almost dropped my breakfast of egg whites and turkey bacon when I heard her name.  If anyone is the picture of health, it is the Rosses!

There goes my theory that healthy people are safe. 

We are back to limited staff in the office, sending all those who can work from home, back home. Now we get the added pleasure of wearing a mask all day. 

---sigh---

Be Prepared

When one's friend gets married during the 'rona, one must always be prepared. And be stylish while doing it.

Happy 49th Brother!

49 years ago today, my life changed forever.

I was no longer and only child!





Happy 49th to my "baby" brother!

Here We Go Again.

Thank you Curfew!

Lunch...Social Distancing Style

First Dine-In Experience Since Covid19 Crisis.

Hopefully we can end this "social distancing" crap soon. 

Happy Memorial Day

Some Gave All ~ Billy Ray Cyrus

Album: Some Gave All

Mercury Records 1992

Trying Not To

Today I am trying not to dwell on negative energy.

I am trying not to think about the COVID19 crisis and all the upheaval it has caused.
Trying not to think about what they are trying to distract us from.
Trying not to think about all my coworkers who were let go so my company could survive.
Trying not to feel guilty that I remained.

I am trying not to think about how today would have been my 21st anniversary.
Trying not to think how D/H couldn't keep his parts in his pants.
Trying not to think about how low his standards suddenly got,  or how he gave up at doing the real work of a true relationship.
Trying not to think about how he used me all those years, or how, out of love, I had let him.

I am trying not to think about how I missed the story about Scooter's graduation on the national news.
Trying not to dwell on the fact that holding the ceremony on a football field is not as unique as everyone thinks. And it wasn't "undignified." Just unairconditioned.
Trying not to think about how much I was sweating on that football field June 6, 1985.

I am trying not to think about how I should have gone to the beach today.
Trying not to think about the throngs of people who flocked there or how crowded it probably is.
Trying not to think about how boring its gonna be here without my friends, who all went to the beach.

I am trying not to think about how I am going to spend my first day off in 2020.
Trying not to think about how I overslept by 6 hours. Yep SIX HOURS.
Trying not to think about what to do for the next three days.
Trying not to think about JB over here, snoring in little whistles and snorts.

I am trying not to move from my comfy bed to start my day now Because it is now noon.!
Trying not to think about going to Waffle House for break...wait...lunch!
And trying not to forget to wish you a happy and safe holiday

Happy Graduation Scooter!

I can hardly believe that Scooter has made it to graduation!

Due to COVID-19 things were changed up just a little. For example, I had to watch it as it was live-streamed on the internet.   Here is his class of 544 students, social distancing on the football field. 

Also due to COVID-19, only a very few people were allowed to be there live. I did get this great picture of our graduate and his dad. 

Congratulations Scooter! I am one super proud aunt!!

Happy Mother's Day Y'all!!

We Made It To The Weekend!!!

Woo Hoo! It's Friday! We made it to the weekend.  I don't know why but the theme song from The Weekenders is playing in my head. 

Catchy huh?

EnJOY your weekend!

Happy Cinco de Mayo!!

~enjoy!

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Happy 31st Birthday Julz!!

Happy Birthday to the first person to call me Mom! You are the light of my life! I could not be prouder of you and all you have overcome to be where you are today. I hope this day is truly special, filled with all the good things that you deserve!  Also, enjoy your day back at work.

Love Mom!

Economic ReOpening and You

Well, actually me, but that title wasn't quite as snappy as I thought it should be.

So our governor has announced the plan for Alabama's "economic reopening" and many are not happy.

While Walmarts and Lowes and Home Depots are continuing to be open, restaurants, must stay on the curbside pick up/delivery plan and gyms and salons are a no go for 2 more weeks.

I am not sure I can hang onto my nails that much longer

According to my calendar, I am now at 10 weeks.

Then to add insult to injury, yesterday, the mayor of our largest city decided that NOW everyone in the city, walking around in a public place, should be wearing a mask! There is an exception, for those exercising out of doors.  Other than that, every man, woman, and child over the age of two, while in any public place within the city limits are to be masked, or face a $500 fine!

Given the crime rate for said largest city, how are businesses going to know if they gave customers or robbers walking in their midst?

Thankfully, my company is in an unincorporated part of the county. We may have that city's mailing address,  but we lie outside of its city limits.  So no wearing a mask all day at the office!

A friend posted a meme yesterday that sums it up quite well.

MAKING A MASK MANDATORY AFTER TWO MONTHS OF PANDEMIC IS LIKE PUTTING ON A CONDOM AFTER SHE IS ALREADY PREGNANT!

My thoughts exactly!

I feel sorry for those who have to wear a mask all day. Even our medical professionals are showing their bruises from wearing them longer than normal. I can't imagine how the general public will be.

Heaven help us all!

Life is Too Short for Artificial Creamer

Last night was the first night that I felt like I really slept. True, restful sleep.

I forgot to take my evening blood pressure meds, so I am doubly thankful that the Lord woke me up this morning!

The last several weeks have been extremely stressful. Computer issues at work, COVID-19, toilet paper shortages, budget cuts,  layoffs, social distancing  salary cuts, more layoffs....it has been more than my fragile psyche can handle. 

I have ran out the heavy whipping cream that I use for creamer. I bought a new carton, but keep forgetting to bring it. So I have to use the artificial, shelf-stable creamer we have in the breakroom. It tastes kinda plastic.  But it is going to have to do for how.

I am forgetting a  lot of things lately. My cream,  to turn the air conditioning on, to call the guy who cuts the lawn.

And KitKat's birthday, which I totally forgot to feature last month.

I did get to spend a little time with KitKat last week.  She is now working in her chosen field, Respiratory Therapy. Yep, in the hot zone.

 Nunie has been extremely concerned with her well-being and the availability of PPE, (Personal Protective Equipment -the new vocabulary we are all learning!) so she commissioned one of her church friends to make some washable, cloth masks.  They are made of a very pretty floral material, with a flannel lining, have ties rather than elastics.

When they were done, I carried them to KitKat's new apartment.  I carried dinner from her favorite Chinese restaurant. She was so excited to receive them, and was impressed with their quality and the fit.  She said the elastics were killing her ears, so the ties would be a welcome change.

After we ate, face-timing with Julz, she said that she would be spending the rest of the evening putting together her new bedside tables.  Since there were two, I offered to help.  It was kinda like a game. Who could finish first?

I am always amazed at the number of itty bitty things they include in those boxes.  When I poured the contents of my box in the floor, I thought to myself "What have I volunteered for?!?"

We talked each other through each step, lending one another a hand with the tougher parts. It reminded me of how we handled projects when she was growing up.

After both were finished (pretty equally) we discovered an issue with the drawer. It was easily resolved, thankfully, without having to take the whole thing apart.  Here is the finished product!

She is so proud of her new place and how everything is coming together. I can't believe how grown she is, practically over night!

 She said "thank you for not being afraid to visit me" which made me kinda sad.  It had never dawned on me that I would be in any kind of danger.  I was just spending time with someone that I love.  I hugged her goodbye, in spite of social distancing rules. She squeezed me tight.

When I think back on all the things I have forgotten, I cherish those things that I can remember.

For example, life is too short for artificial creamer.

Nine Years Already!

Hard to believe it's been nine years since the tornado that blew by my house. 

Newest Fashion Accessory

Taking the opportunity to try on my newest fashion accessory. 

Stay Safe Y'all!

14 VISITS

Don't you have better things to be doing at 11:00 p.m?

Well, come to think of it...I guess not.....

Hoppy Easter 2020 !!

So when you are a grown up, the Easter Bunny brings you practical Easter baskets!

Good News on Good Friday!

This covid-19 thing has been really scary. 

But nothing scarier than finding out you have friends in the ICU fighting for their lives over it. Doug was a friend from way back, who was near and dear to my heart. His wife, Rhonda, had been an acquaintance from a neighboring school. 

Prayers have been going up all around Moody for Doug and Rhonda the moment everyone heard what was going down. 

Finally they are both home and on the mend! Hear Doug's interview here:

He is a good Christian boy and it humbles me that the first thing he mentions is our Savior. 

It struck me driving home from the job i am so grateful to still have last night, that the Lord has given us instruction on this. It is the same instruction he showed me on 9-11. 

I will share with you now and implore you to follow suit,.

2 Chronicles 7:14 King James Version (KJV)

 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Happy Good Friday y'all!

This Was Once a Good Idea....

...but a five weeks later, not so much. 

Essential

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Let the shenanigans and malarkey begin!

EnJOY!

Corona....And Not The Good Kind

I am a little freaked out.

Apparently, the corona-virus will soon be affecting the daily lives of Americans.  Like in May.

(But not in Alabama,  where the kibosh was recently placed on a plan to bus sickly  to a barely used FEMA Center for Domestic Preparedness for quarantine...Thank you Madam Governor!)

When the whole corona-virus hubbub started, the Gwyneth Paltrow/Matt Damon movie CONTAGION sprang to mind.

Let me refresh your memory.

A firm believer in the Zombie Apocalypse, I am very keenly aware of any viral plague that may affect the populous.  Or the attempts to vaccinate it out of existence.

I point to two cinematic examples

Zombieland,  where a strain of Mad Cow disease turns most of the planet into zombies

and

World War Z where a weaponized virus starts the great Zombie Apocalypse.

Probably should mention I am Legend too...just for good measure.  This is the classic where the vaccine used to cure cancer goes awry and creates, well I guess, cancer free zombies.

Life, after all, imitates art.

So today, after reading that the SINGLE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY TO AVOID CONTAGION is PROPER HAND WASHING, I decide it was time to repost this.

This is THE WAY we wash our hands. 

You're Welcomed!

That Awkward Moment....

...when you make a wrong turn and become part of the parade....

On This Day...

Well today started out crappy.

I overslept by 30 minutes and then I fell on the iced over porch feeding Castor and Pollux. I am only an hour out and I hurt so bad, it is almost unbearable.  I am not sure what hurts worse; my wrist, my ass, or my pride.

Today, January 28th, is a historically crappy day.

Today marks the 30th anniversary of the Challenger accident that claimed the lives of six brave astronauts and the first teacher in space.

Today is also the sixth anniversary of Snowmageddon. 

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