Day 16 - Something that I want to do within the next five years...

I am sure I could write a short novel on this topic, but for space and time's sake, I'll limit it to two things.

1.) I want to retire! I have no problem with working, but my hubby has been in school for over 10 years, and I have been working to help support the family and put him through school. Again, I don't mind (I want him to live his dream), but when that season is over, it sure will be nice to relax a little. :) I am sure I'll get bored after awhile and feel the need to either volunteer or work part-time just to occupy my mind, but I think I could take some time off for sure.

2.) I want to see Hawaii. I am hoping that we will get an opportunity to go on a Hawaiian cruise in celebration of Thomas' completion of his PhD. I love travelling, and that is one part of the country I have never been too (well, there are lots of them, but that is one that I really want to visit).

The next 5 years will be really interesting for us.

In 2015, we will have a 15 year old and a 12 year old. They will be in high school and middle school. Thomas should be finished with school and hopefully happily employed. Long ago, he said that his goal was to be finished by the time he is 35. So, we are getting close... I can taste it! :)

-Michelle

Day 15 - A moment, phrase, or song that has changed my life the most...

The moment I heard, "It's a boy! Here he comes!" is probably the moment that has changed my life the most. I became a mother.

I had another sweet human being to care for. It wasn't just me and my hubby anymore. I had to do more, to feel more, and to worry more. Everything I do affects my children, and also having them in my life affects me.

It's not so much that you lose yourself in your children, but more like you find yourself.

I have friends that who do not have children, and while many of them would like to in the future or have plans to, some of them say that they don't ever want to have any. They like the single and/or married life and don't want it to change. I don't judge, but here are a few of the things I wouldn't trade for anything in the world:

1.) Sloppy kisses in bed on a lazy morning

2.) "I love you, Mommy."

3.) Knowing that I am the only person in the world who can comfort my babies the way that they need me to during difficult times

4.) Homemade gifts/cards overflowing with love and thoughtfulness

5.) Seeing the wonder and excitement in their eyes when they learn or experience something new

6.) Unconditional love

7.) That first ever "full-on" belly laugh from the baby

8.) The "new" baby scent (sweet & like baby powder)

9.) Having them look up to me like I am their hero (even if I'm not worthy)

10.) Knowing that one day, I will hopefully get to experience watching them as parents too. I hear grandkids are even more fun than your children are. :)

I love you Grant and Anna!!!

Day 14 - Best mashup I’ve ever heard...

Sgt. Pepper's Paradise City...

This one is pretty cool:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPLelay3zzA&feature=related

Enjoy!

-Michelle :)

Day 13 - A memory that never fails to make me laugh....

I will never forget the time when my mom, sister, and I made one of those Jello no-bake cherry cheesecakes. We were so excited to have it for dessert. My mom put it on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator to set, and after awhile, she opened the fridge to retrieve it. Somehow, it slipped from her hands and went tumbling to the floor. It was all down the front of the fridge, on the shelf itself, and on the floor. We were so sad, but laughing all at the same time. The only thing that made it funnier was that she went and got a spatula to try and salvage it and put it back into the pie pan off of the shelf and floor. Luckily, the floor had just been mopped and was clean, but still to this day, we laugh about having cherry cheese pie "A la Floor"! LOL! We even have a picture somewhere, but I don't have it - my mom does. We used to laugh so much at my mom's house....

Day 12 - My favorite musical artist’s life story...

Bono!!!

I think this article says it much better than I ever could:

http://www.atu2.com/band/bono/

Tomorrow's topic: Day 13 - A memory that never fails to make me laugh... (Should be a good one. :) )

Day 11 - Favorite picture ever taken of me...

I love this picture of me. It was after I got to my goal with Weight Watchers. I was healthy, in shape, and loved shopping for fun clothes. It was tough to get there, but I was so proud of myself.

This picture inspires me to get back to this size. I am not sure how realistic that would be though - I was in my mid-20's.

I am also trying to learn to be more forgiving of myself. My health is way more important than being a size 4, right? :)

- Michelle (picture taken in 2004)

Day 10 - A dream I had this past week described in detail...

I picked a great week to blog about a dream as I had a real doozy the other night. It must have been one of those nights where I had a really full day and then ate something too heavy later at night.

Anyway, my dream was one of those that kept morphing from one topic to another.

It started with me being pregnant. I was going in the hospital to have the baby, but Thomas wasn't anywhere to be found. I kept going in the elevator exiting each floor looking for him, but I kept missing him. I didn't want to have the baby without him.

When I went in to be prepped for surgery, I was being prepped for brain surgery instead of a c-section. I was completely calm about this, and didn't even seem to care that I was still pregnant and my husband was still missing. I remember hearing the doctor say, "Okay Michelle, remember that you can't ride your Harley without a helmet once we do this surgery." My response, "No problem - I'm going to wait until I heal to ride anyway." (LOL! Side note: I am scared to death of motorcycles.)

After my surgery, I begin looking for Thomas again, but he is still no where to be found. So, I drag myself out of the hospital (with head all bandaged up), and drive myself to Kentucky where I am going to be a jockey in the Kentucky Derby. (So, apparently since I couldn't ride my Harley without a helmet, I decided I'd take up horse racing instead - weird!) Oh, and I wasn't pregnant anymore either, but had no baby with me.

Anyone want to take a stab at analyzing it? Thomas wouldn't touch it. He isn't a very good built-in dream analysis therapist.

Day 09 - Five things I want to see change....

This is such a broad topic that I thought I needed to narrow it down just a little bit.

I decided I would list things that I want to change on 5 different levels: personal, family, community, country, world.

1.) Personal - I would love to change the fact that I am so hard on myself. I am a perfectionist (I get it honest), and it really wears me out sometimes. I know that I am not perfect, and that I don't have to be, but it doesn't stop me from trying to be. I wish I could relax more, play, waste time, and be completely free without worrying so much.

2.) Family - I think the thing I'd like to change most here is the amount of time my family is on the road. It feels like we live in our car. I drive approximately 12 hours a week, and my dear husband drives about 17 hours a week. It is sort of a necessity with our jobs, but it is exhausting.

3.) Community - Northwest Florida is a great small community. I love the small-town feel. And coming from someone who has lived here for several decades, it has changed a lot in that time. There have been some constants though. Our little town used to be referred to as "The World's Luckiest Fishing Village". It is still a great place to fish, but the oil spill has done some terrible things for our local fisherman and boat captains. I wish I could change that. This is their livelihood, and unfortunately, the oil has affected it in very negative ways. Not just fisherman, but also local rental property owners, restaurants, shops, and other local-owned businesses have been affected.

4.) Country - If I could change one thing here it would be that we would all try to become more "united". There are so many things that tear us apart as a nation, and we are so much stronger when we are unified.

5.) World - Bring back the "Golden Rule"! If we all treated each other the way we would want to be treated, there would be so much more peace. This includes our Earth and how we treat it. We can be so abusive at times. Love really does make the world go 'round.

Day 08 - Someone I think would make a good president...

I'll begin this post with one of my favorite quotes that I remember about my children:

"Just so you know, she is going to be the President someday. She just has to make it through Kindergarten first." - My dear daughter's Kindergarten teacher

Yes, my daughter is going to be the President someday. She will argue with me about things that I don't even have half as much energy to argue about.

Percocious, strong-willed, diplomatic, real, compassionate, street-smart, etc - these are just a few words that have been used to describe her.

When she was in preschool, her teacher left the room for a moment, but was in the classroom next door (obviously, still within earshot). Here is what she heard Anna say, "Alright class, listen up! The teacher is gone now. So, I'm in charge. So, you need to sit down and listen to my instructions."

Both of my children are very intelligent, and I know they will both be very successful no matter where their education and careers take them. I can see my son as a doctor or a teacher. I can see my daughter as a leader of some sort.

Time will tell I guess...

Day 07 - Favorite cover of one of my favorite songs...

I could write about it, or I could just post the link. Enjoy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SK_Ps_Jfeg

-Michelle

Day 06 - Earliest thing I can remember....

I am not absolutely sure what my "first" memory is, but I can think of 2 that are pretty early on in my life.

1.) I remember standing on a little step stool so that I could see into the window at the hospital nursery when my sister was born. I was 4. I don't remember much else (I don't even remember my mom being pregnant). But, I do remember looking in that window and watching her. I thought she was tiny, and I was excited to be a big sister. I don't remember my parents bringing her home either.

2.) I also remember when I decided it would be a great idea to invite the little girl from next door over one morning to play. It was so early that my parents weren't even awake yet. We played Barbies, and I enjoyed giving my Barbies my sister's teething medicine to treat their various "ailments". I also remember getting in trouble for being loud and having a guest over so early without permission... :( Oh well, I was trying to make my own fun. Oh, and putting teething medicine on my Barbies didn't score real high up with my parents either.....

-Michelle

Day 05- A thank you letter to someone who has changed my life…

I have so many people in my life who have been so important to me. There are numerous family members who have guided and supported me that it is hard to pick just one person to thank.

With that being said, I do think that there is one individual who became my 2nd mom. My Grandmother Morris (AKA Nannie) was my 2nd mom, and I miss her everyday.

From a very early age, I remember her rocking me, reading me stories, singing “You are My Sunshine”, and letting me pull on her ears as I slowly fell into a sweet slumber. She did the same for my sister.

As a child, of course she spoiled us rotten – she never wanted us to “want” for anything. That isn’t the reason we were so close though.

Nannie always thought of others before herself. She wanted to make sure we were happy, healthy, and comfortable. Even during her memorial service, the words that were spoken that I feel best describe her are “family advocate”.

So, here goes my letter to her. I know she can’t hold it in her hand to physically read it as she is in Heaven, but I know she will still read it and knows my thoughts and feelings.

My Dearest Nannie,

Hi! I miss you so much. I think of you daily and see you in all of the beautiful things in this world. It has been almost 2 years now, but you are still very much a part of our lives.

I want to thank you for loving me unconditionally and for being the best 2nd mom anyone could ask for. I hope that I can be as good to my children/grandchildren as you were to us.

You had a heart of gold, and I feel blessed to be your granddaughter. You taught me to love, to stand up for myself, how to care, and how to believe in the greater good.

Your sense of humor was so funny, and you always knew what to say (even if we didn’t always like it).

I know that you are surrounded by God’s love and by all of the most peaceful, beautiful things that I am sure we can’t even begin to fathom in Heaven. I hope that you are smiling down on all of us from among the angels. I will be there with you some day.

Whenever I see a cardinal, a rainbow, or anything beautiful, I always think of you. My children do the same. They have such fond, loving memories of you as well, and I am so grateful for the time you were able to spend with them as well.

Mom is taking good care of PaPa. He misses you so much too, but he tries his best to stay busy.

I am going to cut this short as I have so much more I could say, but again, you know my thoughts and feelings.

Thank you again – I am eternally grateful for you being in my life.
All my love,
Michelle


Wow… So, emotional even after several years.
Tomorrow will be a lighter topic, I think… ;)

Day 04- What I imagine paradise to be like...

When I first thought about this, I thought of a tropical vacation locale, but the longer I thought about it, the more I realized that the only "true paradise" is heaven. Not that I am ready to visit just quite yet as I feel like my journey on Earth is not through, but Heaven is our paradise.

Here's how I picture it: Sunny and bright with flowers, rainbows, beautiful gardens and landscaping. Gold paved roads inlaid with the most gorgeous jewels and gemstones, banquet tables with all of the best fresh fruits and delicious delicacies. Of course, there would be Godiva too - isn't it called "God"iva for a reason? :) Around the banquet table, there will be all of our loved ones there to welcome us, and even our pets will be there waiting to greet us.

There is no pain, sorrow, regret, worry, anger, or problems whatsoever. It is total relaxation, bliss, and love. Jesus' love envelopes us, and his arms are always wrapped around us.

Everyone looks happy, healthy, and beautiful.

The afterlife is the ultimate paradise...

Where would your paradise be?...

-Michelle

Day 03 - Five songs on a desert island...

I had to think on this one for awhile, but I think I came up w/ the 5 songs that I would want to have with me if (God forbid) I am ever stranded on a desert island:

1.) Beautiful Day by U2 - I think this song would be a great way to begin every day. If I am going to be stranded, I would like to hope that the weather would be just beautiful for me every day so that I wouldn't have to suffer with the elements. One can dream, right? :)

2.) Imagine by John Lennon - Just in case there are any natives who aren't thrilled with my presence, maybe this song with calm them enough for us to live in "harmony". It's a beautiful song with a great message.

3.) Amazing Grace, My Chains Are Gone by Chris Tomlin - This song is so moving. If anything brings me down, this would help to lift me up. Nothing heals us more than knowing that that we are on God's team.

4.) I Want My MTV by Dire Straits - What can I say? I love the guitar riff in this song. It's silly, catchy, and will remind me of home. I remember my dad playing this on his stereo when I was young, and with my son learning to play it on his guitar, I think it will be perfect.

5.) Handel's Messiah (AKA Hallelujah!) - I need this for when I'm rescued! :)

Tomorrow's Topic: What I imagine paradise to be like...

What would your 5 songs be?

-Michelle

Day 02 - Something that inspires you

Wow - where to begin with this one? There are so many things that inspire me.

I would say first and foremost that my faith inspires me, but I am saving that for another blog. Second, my family inspires me.

My parents provided for me and taught me many valuable things as I grew up. My mom is a nurturer and gives unconditionally when needed. She has a big heart and loves her family. My dad is a provider and is full of wisdom. He knows the answers a lot of times when I don't. He taught me to be hard-working and determined. He also has a big heart and family is so important to him. My sister was my live-in best friend for most of my life. We didn't always see eye-to-eye, but we taught each other how to treat others (even if sometimes that meant learning how "not" to treat them). That's what siblings are for, right? I was blessed with many grandparents in my life and had the privilege of knowing each of them quite well. I love where my family came from, and I don't think I would be who I am today without them.

My husband is my rock. He has been there for me in good times, but has also stayed by my side during some of the worst. He has a heart of gold and loves me as much as you can possibly love another human being. I admire his determination and strength. My children inspire me daily. It amazes me to see through their eyes; such wonder and awe, over even the smallest of things. Their faith is so natural and comes so easy. They love and give unconditionally. They are not jaded like adults tend to become, and they get excited about the mundane. Dancing in the rain, popsicles in August, back to school supplies, and wet, sloppy puppy kisses.

Oh, and how can I forget the plethora of friends that I have who I also consider part of my family? They love me no matter what and listen to me when my family is sick of hearing my gripes and complaints. I love their willingness to be there for me by choice.

I am also inspired by nature, animals, color, other cultures, travel, and design.

Tomorrow's topic... 5 songs I can have while in a desert. :)

-Michelle

Day One - Guilty Pleasure...

Okay - I confess. I enjoy reality TV. I know it's not always "real", and it's often disturbing and sometimes even borderline "insane". For some reason, I can't stop watching though. Maybe it's because I can actually picture myself in that particular situation, or maybe it's because I watch thinking, "wow - I'm glad I am not as conflicted/crazy/weird as him/her." Not exactly sure, but I do watch.

Survivor - Yes, it's all about how well you can get along with others, but isn't this sort of like a typical day in the office? Some people rub you the wrong way; others become your best friend for life. Whoever figures out how to work w/ most of the people in the least confrontational way possible usually goes farther in the game.

The Mole - Who didn't love this one? It was sort of like a Nancy Drew/Hardy Boys mystery. You had to figure out from the clues who the "bad" guy was. It was about deception, wonder, friendships, tests, etc. Again, real life. We have to figure out what is truth and what's not all the time.

Bachelor/Bachelorette - This one is really a guilty pleasure. Lots of the people on these shows are not classy. They have no idea what a "normal"/healthy relationship looks like. And, who dates someone in exotic places where everything you do is paid for by someone else, and you're expected to fall in love and possibly get married after only a few weeks getting to know someone in this non-"reality" type scenario? It's so crazy and so far from the truth/reality that we can't help but watch. It's like the Cinderella story w/ lots more wicked step-siblings. Drama, drama. I like it because I don't have to go through yucky stuff like that. I found my Knight in Shining Armor.

American Idol - Aren't we all striving for a dream of some kind? We have goals just like the contestants on this show. We have obstacles just like they do. We have people who either cheer us on or criticize us all the time. I cheer for those who do well. I am saddened for those who struggle. How more real can you get than that?

Biggest Loser - Who could stand to lose a few pounds? Whether you have 15 lbs to lose or 115, you can relate to the emotions, challenges, and struggles here. Don't you cheer with them when they reach their goals? I do. Mind you, I don't know how well I'd do w/ Jillian barking orders at me in real life, but I can relate to what the contestants feel as they go through their journeys.

So, there you have it. I will admit it: My name is Michelle, and my guilty pleasure is reality TV.

What about you? What will you admit to?...

30 Days of "Freeing My Mind" ...

Thanks to ViolinMama (http://roseyoutlookdose.blogspot.com/) who pointed out a great idea for blog topics. I will post the info about who/where to give credit to, but I think it's a great idea!

This is a fun 30-day meme to do. Directions: Answer one question each day for the next 30 days. (Mine might not be 30 consecutive days as I am not good about blogging EVERY DAY, but I will certainly try.) Just like ViolinMama mentions, I may have to modify a question or two, but I'll let you know on that day if I did. She originally read this on Munchesmom.

Here are the topics:

Day 01- Guilty pleasure.
Day 02- Something that inspires you.
Day 03- The five songs you would have with you on a desert island and why.
Day 04- What you imagine paradise to be like.
Day 05- A thank you letter to someone who has changed your life.
Day 06- Earliest thing you can remember.
Day 07- Favorite cover of your favorite song.
Day 08- Someone you think would make a good president.
Day 09- Five things you want to see change.
Day 10- A dream you had this past week described in detail.
Day 11- Favorite picture ever taken of yourself.
Day 12- Your favorite musical artist’s life story.
Day 13- A memory that never fails to make you laugh.
Day 14- Best mashup you’ve ever heard.
Day 15- A moment, phrase, or song that has changed your life the most.
Day 16- Something that you want to do within the next five years.
Day 17- What you want to be remembered for.
Day 18- A picture that makes you feel.
Day 19- A passage from a book that has touched you.
Day 20- A band that you immediately liked and the song that made you like them.
Day 21- Your favorite medium of art.
Day 22- Someone you would give your life up for without question.
Day 23- Most awkward first impression you feel you’ve ever given.
Day 24- Something you did as a child that other people remember you for.
Day 25- Something you would do if no one stopped you or if you knew you wouldn’t fail.
Day 26- Your definition of love.
Day 27- Your definition of the meaning of life.
Day 28- A moment you remember being completely happy in and a description of why you believe you were. What is your definition of happiness?
Day 29- What you live for.
Day 30- Ways you believe you have grown over the past thirty days.

Okay - new post to discuss Day 1!!!...

Wish me luck!

-Michelle :)

Rainbow #6...

Over the course of 2 weeks, I have seen 6 rainbows. Three of those have been in the last 2 days. I know rainbows are God's way of saying everything is gonna be alright. Regardless of what you're going through, He is saying He is still in control, keep believing. I feel very blessed, and things are going very well in my life right now, but I have many people around me that are going through some pretty tough stuff. I have faith that God is going to get you all through it - God Bless my friends!

Back to School...

Well, it's that time again - back to school! Yes, it did come rather quickly/early this year, but the kids (& I) were still just as excited. Anna is in 2nd grade this year, and her teacher seems really sweet. Anna will also continue Girl Scouts (first year of Brownies) & Taekwondo (she is now a purple belt - halfway to black!). Grant is in 5th grade and has 4 teachers. He is excited about being a "big kid on campus" this year. He wouldn't even let me walk him to class this year. Oh well - I know he's growing up. He is also still taking guitar lessons and is involved w/ Cub Scouts (last year as a Webelo - only one more year before bridging to Boy Scouts). I continue to stay busy with working, leading Anna's Girl Scout troop, taxiing everyone around, and I have also decided to sign-up for Taekwondo as well. (Yes, my daughter out-ranks me!) :) Thomas is working as well and has started his next semester w/ Fielding. He tells me he should be done by this time 2013. I sure hope so! It has been a long road. He has to work on his comps, dissertation, and internship. Our kitchen is also coming together nicely - only a few things left. I love it! I think the dishwasher has to be my favorite! :)