How NOT to fix a turn signal light bulb

So yesterday in the midst of all the things I was getting done I decided to pick up a package of light bulbs for the convertible since the right turn signal is freaking out on me. Should be simple I thought since I could access it way easier then the suburban. HA! Not so easy. The internet states screw off the wing nuts and pull the cover towards you. OK, so I took off the 3 wing nuts, easy as pie, but taking off the cover.......NOT so easy. So as of now, I still have a bulb thats wiggin out on me, I think the pictures the girls shot will put a smile on someones face who encouraged me I could do this......and well I guess, Ill just have to wait for daddy dear to come over to fix it for me :) I am as they say, completely 100 percent FEMALE! :P

Silly Happiness!

Im wound up today! Why you ask? Hmm well lets see.............. I woke up feeling full of energy! Ok thats huge...not sure if its because I got a full nights rest (darn cat is finally out of heat again!), the face Im eating or thinking about eating better, or the prayers ...maybe all of it! But today I felt great and then I got my full shipment from Avocare so the next few days should be awesome!

I get to talk to Dennis tonight :) He completely facinates me ....its strange how you can not really know someone and feel like you have known him all your life. (I will not get wrapped up in this yet or at least Ill try not to, hmm he teased me the other night about being boy crazy, little does he know Im inching there--there would be so many obsticles in this but thats where I have to just TRUST and have FAITH) I have decided NOT to share with him my blog sites yet, .. sure one day he may know and read this or any man destined to be in my future may, but until then...I think its better that only the handfull of friends I let know about this site know whats going on in my mixed up head! I think honestly it leaves more to get to know about each other, more to talk about more to learn instead of just read about. But for now I know he can put a smile on my heart and it radiates outward. So if this turns into a great friendship or something more I am just REALLY happy to have him in my life.

Yesterday I signed up for another Tennis class. Starting next week I will not only be playing Tennis in Oceanside 1 day a week, but in Vista 2 days a week...for a total of 3 days a week! :) If you are thinking shes lost it you might have something there :)

Im feeling 'creative' with my web site design. Im taking it a completely new angle then I first pictured it and its fun in playing with it.

I WENT SHOPPING, ok well I did and got a ton of bath items from Victoria Secret :)

I got a ton of loose ends tied up today!

I got a new cell phone :) .. it even has an mp3 player in it, not that I have memory chip yet for it, but hey...its a NEW toy!

I worked out at the gym for 2 hours!

I didn't have coffee until like 1 pm today! -- that did end me up with a headache but Im determined to cut back on if not cut coffee out of my diet. The caffene in the Spark drinks will do me just fine.

I drove around 'topless' today! Yes it was almost raining even, but I just had FUN doing it. What is with this winterized weather we are having!---topless car, topless car :P

"Failure is not the end unless it keeps you from trying again. Maybe instead of failure, we'd do better to fear the death of dreaming." Angela Thomas

Gulp!

Well, a couple of days ago I took the first steps and stopped talking about writing something and started to look into what it might take to get something published. It seems to me that I have been talking to people for the past 2 years about wanting to write something, but have I done that? I'm not one to lead my life in 'talk'. I want the words that come out of my mouth to lead somewhere, to be truthful and honest. I do want to write something. But how seriously have I persued this?

I have taken the time, especially during the summer to write more. Honestly in the middle of the night, if I wake up with some thoughts just pounding away, I get up and write them down. But am I doing anything with this? Well I have decided to find out if this is something I can or should be or if the Lord really wants me to persue this idea. I wrote Anne Marie Ezzo the other day and sent her a couple of the things I have written to get her perspective. She knows me from 'my other life' as I call it, the time when I was going one direction and the Lord lifted me off that course and put me on another. So she was gracious to let me know she had gotten my letter yesterday and wrote that they had been serving in Brazil and just returned and she would get back to me. OK so more nervous :) So then today I looked around for other authors to get their opinions. Im not sure if they will or have the time to respond, but it felt good to actually DO something towards this goal of mine.

I remember years ago sitting and talking with Melinda. Melinda passed away right when my marriage was falling apart. Ive always felt this kindered spirt with her. Maybe it was serving in ministry with her, maybe it was we had our first children together, Im not sure but we had a connection. She asked me years ago what I was going to do with all the stuff I kept writing for those workshops. I told her my secret then, that I had hoped to write a book one day. Today I dont see me writing a book on parenting anymore. 'My goal' would be to write something to comfort those who may walk in my shoes or shoes very similar. Those who lives are changed in a matter of days or months and are placed in a completely different spot. Those who need to know that it will get better, easier and that later on you can see the Lord bless you through this journey, if you only look to see. Our eyes can be closed to seeing the blessings in life God gives us, as I shared with my home fellowship group last week, are our eyes wide open or are they wide shut? I state that its my goal, but Im open to seeing where the Lord leads me in that goal. I think in all honesty with all that I have been through in the past few years, I wont begin to ever try to imagine what my pupose here on Earth is for now. Thats for the Lord to share and open my eyes to see. And so the journey begins :)

Last night I watched Shop Girl. I have mixed emotions about the movie, but it did leave me in tears. There are definately reasons why this is a rated R movie, but there was some insight to the needs of a woman, and I think why I was left in tears is I realized that during the 13 + years I was married I dont think I ever fell asleep in the arms of my husband, and how much I needed and wished that I had had that.

Heaven in a Bag of Cookies!

Ok this just needs to be stated.......I have found a true slice of heaven right here at TARGET. Pepperidge Farm cookies have come out with Chocolate Delight Seville Cookies.......OMG they are good. Dangeriously good, fortunately I have not only worked out at the gym today, but I have tennis in a couple of hours....temptation A BIG temptation!

I'll admit it seemed like a good idea since I went looking for a new movie today...being that it is TUESDAY ...I really have been avoiding shopping on Tuesdays to cut way back on movie intake...purchasing that is. Ive been good too, no movies acquired last week, and the week before only 1. But today, bows her head in shame....4! Arrrgh. My average I suppose is getting better.

I suppose movies take away the need to sit and think about my 'love' life or what has or is becoming of it. (why I ask then are 3 of the 4 romantic/comedy drama type movies?) I could say soo much on this and maybe I will in the near future just to look back one day and laugh at myself. But right now I feel like God is dangling the 'perfect' man in front of me, the question I have is it to tease me or is it to show me that this is what I could have one day if I Hurry up and Wait Jenice...I know I know I know!

hmm do you think there is something wrong with the fact I have to take tylenol before I can get out and play tennis today??????? Grrr Terrance, that added weight I am feeling BIG time today and walking as if I just got off a horse! there are much funner ways in life to have this feelin.....ah well Wait Jenice WAIT!

Todays Message

Todays message by Chris Brown really got me to thinking. I know without a doubt I struggle in my salvation to try to be the 'Perfect Picture" of what a Christian is. The idea of "Waiting" on him additionally is something I do struggle with. I ran into a friend after church this morning and the two of us agreed as woman it is so hard, we are ones who want to fix the problems not wait on God to fix them. So I came home and wanted to write out some of what really stood out for me. When I write things down, its like they settle in my head...and then it gives me the opportunity to really think through them and put them into place in my heart.

Towards the end of the message Chris wrote out a map of somethings that stood out to him. I liked the things he stated and wanted to put them into my heart.

The cross is redemption... Jesus dieing for me
The empty tomb--regeneration....Jesus living through me

Map
His death for me allows me to become a Christian
His life now in me allows me to be the Christian I have become.

His death changes my final destination
His life changes my destiny.

His death makes heaven my home
His life makes this world His workshop

His death got me out of Hell into Heaven
His life got God out of Heaven into me

His death forgave my sin
His life gives me power over sin

His death 2000 years ago means my death daily now.

Paul said, if we think we are saved because He died on the cross for me. How much more are we going to be saved through salvation if we tap into His life in me. No one taught me this growing up.

I grew up in the church just as Chris did. I was taught the prayer to say but not how to live the life of a Christian. We said the prayer and then tried to be the best we could be....not one single person explained it to me that I needed to Hurry up and Wait. To allow God to work through me. In my adulthood I may have heard this explained in different ways but today...it sunk in.

I invite each of you my dear friends...the days we speak and you hear me 'impatient' in my circumstances or life.......just tell me gently "Hurry up and Wait" Jenice....

When you come to the edge of all the light you know, and are about to step off into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing one of two things will happen... there will be something solid to stand on, or you will be taught how to fly

Signs of a Good Day?

Its before 8 am and you might ask what is the world is that girl doing up already when the kids are gone and she should be able to sleep in. Well had that been the case I would be up now considering the silly kid who just went to fast around the corner and is now stuck on a bush (tree) with his car and the neighbors are having a field day with him. I could go out and add to the spectical but since I just got out of the shower...Ill pass.

First sign of a good day...it happened yet again, I found treasure in my jeans as I put them on. Yes true only $2 but the feeling is the same ... I found treasure.

Ah heck, I ended up going out to see what was going on. Jeff and Tammy were getting heated so I felt the need to be a peacekeeper. Right when I decided to go out a huge red Fire Truck pulled up....so :) all the better good lookin men on the scene! (Im sorry but ever since I was a child, I have had this facination with Big Red Firetrucks...ok ok and yes the men in them! :) )This tree I took pictures of above...is no more. This silly kid, drivin way to fast took out the tree in a vw bug of all things. Jeff went back inside his house, Tammy said he was getting red in the face, I don't doubt it. The city just had to pay 120K to replace 2 poles on this street some kids took out and never caught who was driving to get them to pay the bill....us lucky tax payers will carry the brunt of that.

As for another aspect, I have talked now with 2 people and then yesterday a 3rd about my lack of energy. Apparently the consensus is Im starving myself fat. Of all the crazy things, Im not EATING enough nutrition wise to sustain my active lifestyle now. Affectively my body is no longer burning fat but muscle....NOT good. (but this explains my fatigue) So yesterday Laury came over and we talked a great deal, I respect her and her husbands business decsions a lot. They have become active in AdvoCare....so yesterday I dropped a good size junk of money into this and well .....lets see--only time will tell. I did feel an immediate burst of energy yesterday just on the stuff that she gave me. (Spark drinks) In fact Im going to have to keep those energy drinks to morning only so that I dont have problems sleeping like I did last night. I felt the need to keep going last night when I knew I was tired.

Lord Help Me!

I just sent this email to Dennis I know he will feel my pain and at the same time get a kick out of this but I am seriously not liking this stage of being a single mom!

So this is tonights interesting tidbit from my home :P
(see they play an online game together and use TS team speak so that they can talk to each other without typing)

Kyle.... so after lunch Matt and I were laughing like crazy before science do you want to know why?

Ash.... uh not really

Kyle...really you dont want to know why?

me....oh Ashley just say Why Kyle....with my teasing tone thrown in

Ash...grr ok Why ?

Kyle....because we were looking at our science books and saw something funny

Ask..ok

Kyle...don't you want to know what?

Ash...no

Kyle....really?

Ash...yeah

Kyle...how come you don't want to know why..... (I must say it is totally hilarious to listen to this going on)

Ash...cause

Me...oh ashley put him out of his misery ask why

Ash..fine...why

Kyle get your science book

(see now I should have just shut up )

Ash..OK

Kyle..turn to 233

Ash..why

Kyle just do it

Ashley gets red in the face....I look up from grading and I already know what shes looking at

Kyle...well

Ash..your such a guy

Kyle now turn to the next page

Ashley promptly turns the conversation after a few uh huhs......and I grab the book

Sure enough I was right....the human reproduction aspect of the text..............Grrrrrrrrrrrrr A huge part of me is laughing like crazy
but I think that probably isn't the best way to handle this........but Im just as embarrassed for her!

This was after he went on and on about how Matt was touching her hair at school...and asking if she liked that. Boys!! I dont know what to do about them!

Wisdom Lord....I need Wisdom ! NOW Please

Seriously exhausted, seriously excited!

Its funny how can you feel both at the same time? Today I finished my second assignment of the week. Yes I know its WEDNESDAY ....Im done early! Im exhausted in so many ways though. I know I really need to see a nutrionist. Im feeling very drained and decided to be smart and not hit the gym. Yesterdays workout and then tennis put me a little over the edge. I had dinner (early yes) with a friend tonight. She and I got to talking about whole foods and how to eat better. Im actually moving that way up to the top of my list of prioirities. I should see, actually there are more reasons now but I need to see a doctor soon. I fear Ill put that off longer if I dont write it down. I just dont want more tests ran and more questions left unanswered. So that leaves me.....well EXHAUSTED. Anyway....today I had a very successfully fun day at taking pictures....and thats what I just finished posting up on my photo class's website. I have a couple shots posted here, but a bunch were added to my Flickr account...check them out :)

I think it helped getting my IWA assignment done early in the week. The articles I had to read really helped me in creativity. I read one article that talked about detaching yourself to become more artistic. I tried some of the ideas and it helped me think a little outside of the box. Im excited about doing more of that ahead.

Anyway, Im tired.......and looking forward to the next 3 days the kids will be gone to rest and not HAVE to do anything...oh yeah except Grade Papers! Conferences are Monday ...... arrrgh

Mondays! Mondays! Must we have Mondays?

Today has been a MONDAY in full force. Im so exhausted I keep asking myself why it is Im still awake, yes I know its only 10:30 but still, I could easily shut my eyes and crash right now....but waking up before 6 would probably be the way Id start out my day tomorrow.........and seriously, why in the world would I want to wake up before 6? Today started off rather pleasantly. I was awake even before the kids today, and started out right away looking over lesson plans for the week. I realized after starting that oh joy, today is a 'field trip' day, so the work load will be rather light . That was before my brain kicked in and I realized...NO this is the last week of the packet AND the kids wont' be home on Friday to do school work...so they have to do Friday's work today. From that point on the day became an obsticle course. I met with Terrance at the gym, and yes he about killed me working with me again. Apparently Ill never be allowed to do a push up again on my knees....or at least until Im 70. He figures the strength I now have I should be ashamed to even consider doing them on my knees....WHATEVER! OK so back on track. Today was ....wow today was just Hard! Everytime I turned around there was something else I needed to go and pick up or take care of. A run to the bank, a run to find a missing accompanyment cd for Ashley's piano course (she has conviently lost this cd), a run to the Library for another approach to the Cinderella story for Jess, just simply one to many 'things' I had planned to do during spring break, but just never got around to dealing with. So all in all ..... me myself and I well I am the cause of the trial of today....ah heck maybe I should just go burry myself under the covers!

Lord

Open my eyes so I may see

and feel Your presence close to me.

Give me strength for my stumbling feet

as I battle the crowd on life's busy street.

And widen the vision of my unseeing eyes

so in passing faces I'll recognize

not just a stranger, unloved, and unknown,

but a friend with a heart

that is much like my own.

A Breath of Fresh Air!

I just finished my assignment for the week with IWA. My brain hurts!!! They did end up giving us an extension because of today being a holiday, but all that did in my mind was make the next assignment due all that much sooner if I took advantage of the extension. So today after getting home from a busy busy Easter and then spending quite some time catching up with Dennis I dove into my assignment. Ill admit Im really piece mealing my html together...it would have been so much better to have taken that class before taking the Design Elements class....but hindsight is well hindsight in this case....so I plundered ahead. I am liking my new look and I have kind of decided what it is I want to impart on this 'project'. The design is called 'Dare to Dream'. Im using it to launch a hopeful portofolio of my work ahead and to give a short testimony at the same time. A testimony of when your life seems to fall apart God can use it as a spring board to launch you onto a completely new path in life.........dare to dream and see what comes from it. Of course being who I am I could see so many other things coming from this but for now.....IM KEEPING it simple... :P.

So tonight after I posted up my assignment on the board I decided ok lets see whats due this week. Both my photography class and the IWA have already loaded up the upcoming weeks work....Ill admit I was scared to look at it. I can breathe easy. Not only do I not have to make any changes to my working 'comp' I have a easier assignment in photography. I do have to write up summary essays for two websites (Ashley will be pleased to hear that :P) but that doesn't really scare me. Anyway, with the kids leaving and gone Thurs through Sat...I have ample time to get it all done......and have time to breathe and relax this week. The question I am pondering though is should I delay taking the html class or could I really handle another class ontop of the others for like 2 weeks while both are still ongoing.,......arrrgh I don't know --I just don't know!

The Irony of it all

I survived.....yes me...in my pjs even decided to hit that nasty building first thing this morning and get it over with(what you ask....read the post ahead :P) ....(in my pjs you ask --why? so that.......in the event there was any type of spider who decided to drop on me I could immediately rush in and take a shower and wash my clothing! I did just that, didn't see any spiders, but YOU NEVER KNOW!

So then, this morning I joined my mother and sister out shopping for a bit. What was in the FIRST store I went to????????????? PLASTIC EGGS!!! It was in Oceanside, not Vista...my point is still valid from last night, BUT seriously the irony!


Last night I crossed off another item that wasn't really on my list of 101, but something I have mentioned in an earlier post here. I watched The Passion. Wow, tears......tears......thats all I can say....and well everyone really needs to watch it. I have nothing to complain about nothing to want of.

Where's the Plastic Egg's??????

OK Im serious now.......whats the issue with finding plastic egg's in Vista????? I've been searching all week at the stores for plastic eggs.. and I've had....absoluetely NO LUCK! OK wait, in all honesty I have found the bags of pre-stuffed plastic eggs....but COME ON FOLKS!!!!! I know we live in a day and age where convience is a big part of life, but PRESTUFFED plastic eggs. ....... Seriously, whats the fun in that!

So that means........I will have to go outside to the lawn building and enter it to get the box of plastic eggs I have in there.......you know what that means......I have to BRAVE the spider zone! Please say prayers for me......I can see it now....Woman in Vista dies of fear of lawn building....stay tuned for more......if I survive that is tomorrow :)

What am I looking for????

Warning! Emotions attached!

I should be doing my classwork, but I suppose Im a tad too emotional so Im writing. I did however finally capture some great shots today at the Flower Fields and also down in San Diego. Im not sure if they are 'great' as in Photography great, but all the same I felt good about many of the shots I got. (Note: I did finish my photography assignment...Ill have plenty of time tomorrow with the kids gone to finish the other --hopefully...as I bite my lip)

So tonight I have been thinking.....dangerous I know.......Luke and I had a good conversation last weekend. He has been a great friend to reconnect with.....its funny how you can have people resurface in your life later on and take on a new role. He and I have been through the same sort of deal....both of us now on new paths and he is easy for me to talk with. So he asked me the question.....have you put together a list? A list? I asked....knowing right away what he was talking about but at the same time, Im just good at playing the dumb blonde :P

A list, this is the same darn conversation I have had with Neek way to many times.......a list of what I am looking for in a 'potential' spouse. Arrrgh why is it I struggle with this?

I know, because it seems to conforming? Hmm maybe, or maybe its because If I did or were to write a list I know darn well most of the men I have dated in some sort or another in the past 2 years would probably not come close to filling that list............but what am I looking for? Kind of appropriate I suppose when you consider the time of year this would have been for me. April 15th....a date for so many that has always held a huge significance............Taxes!!! For me it use to hold another. Im at peace with that now and honestly 'happier' in many ways then I have ever been. Im blessed with so much I wont dare complain. I have friends, children and family I wouldn't trade anyone's spot in the world! Im content with where the Lord has me. But I wont lie, I miss having someone to 'share' that life with. Not just in words, not just in evenings out...but in the true sense of what share means.

So tonight I had been thinking about Neeks and Lukes 'list'........here's what Ive come up with so far, and in now way is this in an order of importance.....YET :) ---thats for Neek if/when she stumbles across this to NOT give me a hard time over :P)

• Solid Relationship with Christ (a believer, fruit showing from their walk, etc)
• Determined in spirit (when he has a goal he goes after it)
• A man who won't throw in the towel, or cut his losses short.
• A simple romantic.......if you need that explained, easier in person :)
• Someone whom I can talk with and share easily with and vice versa
• A man willing to take chances (risks even --just with common sense applied I do have four children to think about you know :P)
• A man who can challenge me in my thinking and even point out my areas of weaknesses without being hurtful
  
• A man who will pray with me
• A man who enjoys laughing..........I love to laugh!
• A cup half full person
• A man who would pick playing a game, talking or doing something over watching tv
• A man willing to admit to a few of his weaknesses (God knows I wont admit to all mine :P)
• Somone I could easily sit and do absoluetly nothing but stare at the stars with (ok ok that falls under the simple romantic area :P)
• An encourager
• A man with integrity
• A man
  

Thats where Im at. Not to long, I could list out stupid little details that would be nice, but honestly that stuff is really of no importance. Maturity is......but that seems demeaning to list...and makes me feel old, and Im not so I won't list it, but its there. I did finally succumb to doing the eharmony deal a few months ago. Honestly I haven't been impressed at all with it. (But to make most of my friends encouraging me to try this happy....I succumbed) There are so many issues about I haven't liked, but I did like the personality profiles. It did also do a compatiblilty profile....this is the top areas (not all...to many to list) it came up with:

Some of your ideal mate's strongest personality characteristics are:

He tends to be caring compassionate and sensitive towards the needs of others.
His friends consider him someone who can be trusted and relied upon.
He generally does his best to be honest in all situations, even when it can be difficult.
He has a very good sense of right and wrong, and almost always tries to be the best person he can.

Some important qualities that your ideal partner brings to the relationship are:

He loves to spend time catching up with friends.
His easy conversational manner makes him a great companion.
Avoiding an argument is almost always preferential to winning one in his view.
He is always respectful of the beliefs and feelings of others.

Important goals and values for your ideal mate in a relationship are:

Sharing in family activities and outings is one of his joys in life.
Sharing his faith with his partner is very important to him.
There are many trends and fads that he doesn't agree with.
Being passive or failing to do his part is unacceptable to him.

Neek thought the entire report that came up sounded more like a woman's traits then a mans........shes right...but there were a few points that stood out to me.--and let me add this! I don't like being matched up by a computer process. I think I have gone down a couple of wrong paths in the past and would like to avoid doing that again. Id like to think that maybe I have finally learned. At the same time, Im happy now. Im content with where Im at.

Curious what it said about me? I suppose its pretty accurate...but again only a glimpse :P

• You have a basic need to be supportive of others. You will agree with others, sometimes even if it's not what you really want.


• You tend to be a traditionalist, and will enjoy the social environment best if it is stable and predictable. You dislike sudden decisions about where to go or what to do, preferring to think things out first.


• You prefer a warm, friendly environment free of conflict and hostility. In that environment, you prefer reassurance of your involvement and self-worth.


• You tend to be loyal to others. Your loyalty shows in a variety of ways including your "staying power" with relationships and activities.


• Others may perceive you as being undemonstrative and self-controlled. Not wanting to be the center of attention, you generally support others.


• You may demonstrate positive possessiveness by developing strong attachments; however, you will not be overly involved as some others tend to do.


• Because of your lenient and complacent nature, others with fewer scruples may take advantage of you. You could, perhaps, benefit from greater assertiveness.


• You are a good friend and are always willing to help those you consider to be your friends. You also show strong ties, and will be uncomfortable when separated from your friends for an extended period.

The Struggle with Perfectionism

Arrrrgh........Im struggling like crazy with this photo course! I tend to be a perfectionist in many areas of my life generally anyway. In other words I dont like to do something unless I can do it right. Ive been humbled there plenty though so dont think ill of me! :P Im taking pictures everyday now.....thats good right? Yes, but I don't like what Im taking pictures of! Im over critical of myself. Like the shot above of Jessica....(assignment is to capture a moving object but capturing it sharp with a fast enough shutter speed) it would have been great for what Im trying to capture as part of my assignment but I dont like the shadows on her face. Granted its not what the assingment is dealing with...but all the same I want it to look right! Sooooo today I think Ill go to the coast and take shots of the waves.....kids at the beach and see what I can get there. I hope I capture something fantastic!

Soooo Sore but has a new toy :)

Whats the deal that guys don't think girls understand their need to have toys? Ill tell you right now there is something just wrong with that! I do like toys :) Yesterday in the midst of my freenzied day I finally got my own little puppy! I had purchased some for the girls over Christmas last year and have been wanting my own......I have one now :) He's tooooo cute!

Im soooooooooo exhausted. Yesterday at least I thought smart and avoided the gym. Ha, ok let me rephrase that. After what Terrence put me through on Monday (see My Gym Bag) I had NO choice but to avoid the gym. Im still feeling it today.....( I know he told me to stretch my calves out....I thought I did). So after heading to the Wild Animal Park (insanity there during Spring Break) and walking for 3 hours or so and then last night playing Tennis for a couple of hours......Im exhausted in ways I haven't been exhausted in years! I did get to talk to Dennis for about 20 min last night....not nearly as long as we have been chatting, but it put a smile on my face to fall asleep with. Today --we tackle the fence!

I also have 2 assignments due this week.........I have no idea how in May I will be adding another class to this....I may have to postpone the HTML class if I dont feel more confident in a week or so. arrrrgh

The rainbows end

I know I have written about this before but I can't help it I LOVE Rainbows! Today driving home after picking up dinner for the girls and I there was an amazing rainbow that ended at my home....until I got there, dang it! Why does the end have to move???? Im one if given the chance would keep driving to find the 'pot of gold' at the rainbows end. As soon as I drove up the hill to get home I noticed the darkness of the colors in the rainbow lighten, I had changed paths so the intensity was no longer there. While in the car I did pull out my cell phone and snap a few pictures, but "bows her head in shame" I have NO idea how to download photos off my phone, and honestly the quality would probably make me shudder compared to my new toy. So I got home as quickly as I could.....hitting every stinkin light on Santa Fe --grrr, and ran inside to get my camera. Of course the memory card wasn't in it, so I had to dig that up and then ran outside. I managed to get a couple of decent shots in all the ones I took, and then it started to rain, and grr now I need to clean up my camera. Ah well, it was worth it.

So I sat at dinner with the girls and tried to talk to them about what a rainbow means to me. Its like God's talking to me. Well kinda. I mean its His promise. He's looking out for me. He's EVER present. Rainbows mean Hope, A new Beginning, a Fresh start......a pause in the hecticness ( is that a word?) of the day. Today was a perfect day to see a rainbow.

Landed!

I can't even begin to explain how exciting seeing those words today on the airplane's arrival screen meant to me. LANDED! My son is HOME! He left here a boy and returns a young man. Its funny how being out on your own can.....man up a boy. He talked to me ALL the way home, the entire time we sat waiting on his luggage, and wouldn't SHUT up even when we got home. Apparently he is now a poker player, texas holdem player, expert at Sudoko (he had the one teacher puzzled how he could keep doing these over and over and mastering them...apparently over 50 were completed this week) and capable of carrying on a conversation!

His high point of the trip: The Air and Space Museum
Low point: He hates the way New York smells ........lol too funny


Im one VERY happy mom. Ill tell you this, I absolutely LOVE being a mother! Ill sacrifice whatever it takes for my kids to have the best experiences of their lives!

One Mountain Conquered!!!!!!!!

OMG Im like bursting at the seems. I've spent every free moment I had today..before and after class, after a nice lazy morning that is working on loading up a webpage onto my free webpage site. I tried everything and one thing after another it wouldn't work..........but finally------FINALLY I succeed!!!!!! Im so happy I could just scream! Actually I did a few times, freaked my girls out too :P

My work....its not much but hey I feel tremendous!

Now to start on my Photography class assignment! :P

Its Late why am I up?

Ive just had one of those crazy sort of evenings. One in which you wanted it to go a certain way and then it does but not really the way you thought.......but then again with the way my mind is right now Im not sure if any of that makes sense. Ive spent the last 2 hours on the phone again with someone who has become pretty dear to me. Im starting to think Im addicted! :) So Im in a silly mood :P

Tonight after a nice dinner and church someone I had been seeing a little bit and I both came to the same conclusion about where we were and were going. Strangely NICE. Im really hoping that we will be able to continue to be great friends but I think honestly the paths both of us are on are quite different from each other and at least at this time........a relationship isn't something I see or he see's happening. Its nice to be on the same page at the same time with someone. I think that has been something that has been adding to all the stress I have been feeling is knowing the Lord was telling me something and not really sure how I was going to deal with it. So after that conversation I ended up getting talked by a friend to come back to church and play Yatzee.......I was all to willing. Strangely calming night :) I guess thats how the Lord works, never guess what He will do ....allow Him to work in our lives and He will leave us mystified. (That honestly doesn't look like it is spelled correctly but Im getting sleepy so I just dont care :P)

A lighter note!

Ok after the last post I felt the need to lighten things up: So Ill leave you with a thought. One of my assignments is :

Objective: Locate successful use of line, and space/white space in a printed medium. Explain how it was used successfully based on your understanding of the elements.

That means looking through magazines....no objection here ;P

so I stumbled across this one :)

A kiss a day can keep the doctor away .........highly interesting reading

did you know

Unlike getting to the gym in the wee hours or foregoing that creamy carmel latte in favor of the water, smooching doesn't require much discipline. Nor does it leave you feeling deprived. However, be forewarned: Kissing, like a salty chip, can leave you with a sensational craving for more......... like I needed a magazine to point that out

continuing on

"Burn and tone: Kissing revs your metabolism. Depending on the intensity of the passion. It can burn up to six calories a minute (as compared to 11 calories on a treadmill) It's also a great heart-pumping/pulse-racing workout. Serious smooching requires the use of all sorts of muscles and tendons for total body conditioning. You'll be fit'n trim in no time."

Ill end it there.......... for more see this months She Knows Diet and Fitness magazine


In conclusion I HAVE discovered what is missing in my DAILY workout! :P

"A man loses his sense of direction after four drinks; a woman loses hers after four kisses”

Henry Louis Mencken

Overwhelmed Ramblings

I fear in my current state of mind that no matter how I try to make sense of all that is going on I will continue to ramble on and on ........ah well, for those who know me well enough, they will be able to see some clarity.......maybe :) At the same time Im loading up a free trial of Acrobat on my system and all my firewalls keep asking me over and over again if it can make changes.........grrr YES make changes and PLEASE PLEASE be easy to figure out!

This week is CRAZY. Two classes started up, one I aleady mentioned and then I have another that started on Wednesday. Was it really me thinking I could have added ANOTHER class to my load. I suppose it wouldn't have been so completely overwhelming IF I really had any idea as to how to use an FTP program, how to write a web page and well ---simply put, if I was CLUELESS or is that Clueful? or is that clued in? Or maybe.....as the line in a well known movie states....If I only had a brain!

OK so on top of all this, I also have decided to make sure the calendar for the Jr High is finished by Friday, because this is my first attempt I wanted to give Travis fair time to evaluate it, and suggest changes without putting a rush on it for him. So that is now appoximately 3/4's done...and really shouldn't take much more time to finish since I seem to have that figured out....HOWEVER I suggested and he liked that I send it to him in PDF format so that he can easily load it up into the website....something Ill probably be taking over shortly. Hmm I dont' have Acrobat....ah well simply solved, 30 day free trial. I can probably get it 3 times too with the 3 systems in the house. Anyway...so I need to figure that out. Hopefully this is easy....is that too much to hope for?

Additionally it was/is my grandmothers 88th birthday today. My aunt and mom were out both yesterday and today...nice part that meant a free lunch and really why the free part is nice, its the fact I didn't have to think about what to eat that was really nice. Plus I got to catch up with my aunt and her sons-- my cousins or technically I think I could call them half brothers since my mother and aunt are identical twins...ok ok I know scary) Then.......

The dryer decided to stop working. Ok I have 4 children, granted 1 is still MIA...no not really I did finally hear from him today...but I cannot go more then a day or two without doing the laundry....why..........stress of catching up. Thats a lot of clothing and the best way to handle it is to stay on top of things. So that meant while it has been not working (well working but not heating...go figure) I have had laundry all over hanging up to dry, yes Im still smiling...honestly this is really nothing to what I have faced in the past so I will not complain, it just well a cherry on top of everything Im doing this week. So the repair man comes out today.....200 bucks to repair. OK honestly this frustrates me...its 2 years old! Why didn't I get the extended warranty? I NEVER do. Grrr after effect of having a father who does all repairs himself, I however cannot do repairs! So I paid the man, added a year warranty onto it....and that is solved. At the same time the fence is falling down in the back due to the winds this week. The church I had been with had offered to repair and completely redo the fence. They started and its left partially undone. Problem, Im leaving that church. I honestly don't feel I should ask or even complain about the fact my yard is wide open to anyone and everyone and creature to walk through right now. Honestly Im not complaining, but it well is just something else I had to deal with. So....my parents and I will probably be spending part of spring break next week fixing this...another problem solved.

IM sore! Seriously, Terrance worked me hard on Monday and then I made a mistake and lifted on Wednesday. Now usually I lift weights almost every day, so not a problem. PROBLEM after Terrance works with me. So Im hobbling........in pain :P Actually its more my arms are in knots and well my 'backside' is in pain ...and thats usually not where I feel it.

Wednesday was also the first meeting of my new Home Fellowship group....15 of us got together for tostada's, games and fun. It was a great way to break up the week, even with Wednesdays already so hectic for me. A well needed break of haven in the week.

Am I complaining? I hope NOT , sheez the fact I own a home to have issues with is a HUGE blessing, I will not allow myself to fall into any self pity issues. Im blessed in ways I can't even begin to realize. I know this.......... but simply put....this is my week of challenge............ and I do LOVE a challenge :)

Does it sound like Im thinking 100,000 words per minute...I am ....my poor grandmother couldn't keep up with me today :)

Did I mention the tree trimmers come tomorrow to?
This is soooo a Pizza hut night!

IM SO GRATEFUL FOR SPRING BREAK NEXT WEEK!!!!!!!!!!!

Scarecrow....signing off :P

Excited, Intimidated, and Challenged!

Thats how I am feeling today! Today is my first look into the online class that I am taking through IWA. Its better then I had hoped, and the projects more complicated then I thought. In other words, I can't just skate by........Thats GOOD, Im too good at figuring out shortcuts when given the right opportunity. This will be a great class and keep me accountable to learning more and more.....in other words, my words here maybe grow fewer and fewer for some time. One thing I really appreciate is that they give you the option to learn what is needed to pass the course and additional places to visit to become much more educated in what they are trying to dive home in the lecture. For instance, in talking about web design and where it has come from, they also present you with half a dozen links to visit to really gain a completely understanding of where web design first started and where it is today.

Words from my first lecture:

We Are All Creative Beings

When you think about it, design may sound complicated at first, but when you strip down the expectations the word carries, it can really open up a new world of possibilities. This can be especially liberating for those of us who may have doubts or insecurities about becoming designers (in other words, for those of us who see ourselves as non-creative beings). It simply isn't so. We are all creative beings. If you don't know that you are, now is the perfect opportunity to find it within you. If you've lost touch with it, this class will hopefully help you find it again.

Change your thoughts and you change your world.
- Norman Vincent Peale

So this week not only do I have intensive reading to complete I have 3 lab assignments, 2 rather simple and the 3rd the beginning design of my first web site...no not a blog site, but an actual web site.....Cool! Scary! OMG what did I get myself into!

Currently listening to: Third Day:Wherever You Are (Eagles)

btw for you trivia buffs......whats the year of creation for the beginning of Web development? Not sure ???? Read this site

On a completely unrelated topic: I get a text message from Andrew today......Hi mom I was lost, lol but Im ok now. OMG does he not know what this is doing to me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What time is it?

Ive always had a facination of clocks....as a small child I loved to watch my grandparents grandfather clock and listen to it ring each hour. I also had a huge facination with my other grandparents cuckcoo clock. The facination held and when I got to go to Switzerland and Germany in my early teens I had to pick up my own cuckcoo clock and in Switzerland I HAD to buy a watch. Where those items are today, I haven't a clue, probably landfill somewhere. So when putting together a christmas wish list this past year for my family I had to list a clock down.

My sister gave me for Christmas a rather cool clock. Nothing fancy about it, but it sets its own time. So this morning when I got out of bed, earlier then I would haved liked I might mention, after going to bed after 2 am..... but when I got out of bed, it was one of the few clocks in the house set to the correct time. This afternoon while sitting down reading a book, I heard some noise and look up to see the clock switching time again???????????? It now says its 4:10.......so I ask you What time is it???????? also while looking up a picure of a clock, I ran across this game? I always wanted this game as a child......... hmm I wonder if I could find it today???????