5 Random Things

The Challenge: Post 5 random facts about you that most people do not already know.

This was hard for me because I am such an open book - especially here on the blog. And what I haven't shared here is, for the most part, stuff I consider too personal, even for me.

Here is what I came up with:

1) I have never driven a stick shift.

2) If presented the choice between chocolate and cheese, I choose cheese. Every time.

3) I still have all 4 of my Wisdom Teeth, and I can never have them removed either.

4) When I was a kid, I'd go "exploring". I used to catch frogs, worms, and all sorts of things. I found a few injured birds and had no qualms about picking them up. I remember once "finding" a bunch of baby mice. I held them in my hand too and carried them around all day long. I don't know when it happened, but things gross me out soooo easily now. I have a weak stomach and the mere thought of holding any type of rodents, reptiles, or birds with lice [probably] makes me want to throw up in my mouth.

5) I don't ALWAYS kiss on the first date. Just sayin'...

The Blue House on the Corner

The first time I saw the blue house on the corner was about five years ago. I was doing Real Estate full time and was going to list another property in the same neighborhood. At the time I remember thinking how cute and charming it was. And it is.

Not too long after listing and selling the first house over there, I had clients looking to buy and we found ourselves writing an offer on a home close to the blue house on the corner. I remembered driving by it frequently and still marveling at how well-maintained the house was. Not that the other homes on the street weren't maintained. But many of the homes were a different style; most split entries. This was a quaint two-story house, with a flawless yard, plenty of well-maintained flowers and the ever-so-dreamt of white picket fence. It was what I imagine homes in the Leave it to Beaver era all looked like if I could have watched that show in color.

Behind the door I'd often picture a Harriet, with pearls strung around her neck, effortlessly keeping home, waiting for Ozzie to return from a day's work so she could hand him his paper and pipe and greet him with a warm hello-kiss on the cheek. To me, this home somehow symbolized that American Dream; the one we were sort of raised to believe in.

The home is not extravagant by any means, and definitely more simple than not. Funny thing is, I have worked for a title company, not too far from the blue house on the corner for the past few years. Much of the time I eat lunch at my desk and work right through. I used to do this so that I could take an official lunch break to do school pick-up in the afternoons. But I didn't have kids to pick up during the summer, and now that FunnyMan can drive, I don't always have school pick-up now either. Now, I look forward to actually getting "away" for lunch.

Many times for lunch, I drive over to the church behind the blue house on the corner. There are lots of trees there and plenty of shade. I can park and eat my lunch and take a nap or phone a friend, or catch up on Facebook via my phone or what have you. It's like my "spot", my thinking place, a place of solace for me.

I hadn't realized until recently that the blue house on the corner had such an impact on me. I'd drive past it every time to go to the church and I realized after about three days in a row that I would actually smile whenever I saw it. So, of course the way my brain works I had to ask myself 'why' I was smiling and at 'what' I was smiling. I knew it had something to do with the house.

It is still perhaps too enigmatic to completely put my finger on. All I know is that I love driving by the blue house on the corner. I love the way it makes me feel relaxed and like I can breathe all of a sudden. Funny thing the way the mind works sometimes and what can trigger such a psychosomatic response. Reminds me of something my counselor once told me...

She said some people are subconsciously aware that they are thinking and pondering such things. But that I am the type of person that is consciously aware that I am consciously aware that I am thinking and pondering such things. Whoa... wrap your brain around that. To analyze why you are analyzing...

A little obsessive? Maybe. But that's how I roll, baby.

Project: Fifty First Dates

WARNING: This post is the result of an extremely random thought process.
____________________________________________________

It's so lame, it's brilliant. What am I talking about? Fifty First Dates, that's what. If you remember the movie by the same name, you'll remember that the main character, Lucy meets Henry. Due to her short-term memory loss however, each day they meet is like a brand new day for her. Hence, it's like having a first date each time -- or 50 First Dates, to be precise.

Anyway - while thinking of this movie, a quote some comedian said came to mind (too lazy to google it) -- "I've been on so many blind dates I should have my own seeing-eye dog". This whole train of thought then took me down memory lane, to a couple of awesome first dates I've had in my short life span. About two years ago I received a call from HatDude. He wanted to know if I had good ideas for an awesome first date. I said I would think on it and call him back, since I was in the middle of my own first date with In-Flight Dude. HatDude said he looked forward to my return call, and added that he knew whatever I came up with would be good, as the best first date he ever had was with me. Uh, Duh! hahaha... just kidding. Wow... talk about pressure, right? hahaha!

Then again-- I actually sorta get that a lot. And the truth is, I don't think I'm necessarily a great first date. It's just that I like to do out-of-the-ordinary things, and I enjoy the element of surprise and spontaneity. I think perhaps it might be refreshing for some men, especially "yellows" like me, to date someone who ISN'T so predictable.

Anyway, as I was thinking about this element of "expecting the unexpected" on a first date, I had this idea... What if there was a dude who conducted a first date experiment? Even a Fifty-First Dates experiment? Except, instead of having 50 first dates with the same woman (like in the movie), he would have the SAME date with 50 different women? Don't you think that would be sort of a cool experiment? Even cooler if it were a film, eh?

So, in my mind, (where ALL of the "good shows" are created, haha) I sort of envision this. A guy and his buddies create a format for a first date -- The location, event, food, etc. Then, the main character will shuffle as many women through the same first date experience over the period of several weeks, and note the different responses from the different women to similar scenarios. For example, what if one of his buddies calls him on his cell phone half-way through dinner and he answers it? Does the woman get ticked off? Does she smile and be polite? Does she take the opportunity to make her own quick phone call? All the while, a second buddy is filming secret footage of the date for later review. During the reviews, these dates are then "scored" or "critiqued" by the guy and his said friends, based on their reactions to the various situations. Many of the situations would be staged of course. Like if she noticed parsley in his teeth or his zipper down, does she say something? Is she discreet about it? Perhaps he gets pulled over by a cop {who is secretly another friend} and things get a little intense before the officer "realizes" it's a case of mistaken identity and lets the guy go. I mean, how would she react to that?

All of her reactions and responses earn various points based on the type of girl the he is looking for. Then, as he "weeds" out the candidates, there are repeat dates in new circumstances. It's sort of like several women unknowingly auditioning for the same part. Some girls will make the first cut and then the second, etc.

I mean, that is what dating really is anyway, isn't it? A series of auditions to see if he/she is the type of person you are looking for? How does he treat his mother? His friends? His co-workers? What does he do when a baby spits up on him? When some jerk cuts him off in traffic? When you cry? Or when you clumsily trip and fall in public? and so on and so forth...

Anyway -- Just thinking out loud and how I think that would/could make for a very entertaining flick. It would definitely be funny. Hmm... I'll have to put some more thought into it. In the meantime, if you hear of a movie coming out that sounds like this --

--you'll know they stole the idea from me, cuz you saw it here first :) HAHAHA!

Is It Just Me, or What?

Sometimes the best thing you can do is laugh at yourself. I wish I would have learned that in my younger days. Over the last few years especially, I have learned not to take myself so seriously all the time, not to worry about what others think about me (or at least not like I used to), and that laughter really can be the best medicine. What's that movie quote?? "If you can't laugh at yourself, life's gonna be a whole lot longer than you like." Besides, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em.

I've taken the color personality test before. But recently I took it again for kicks and giggles. Most everyone has a primary and secondary "color code". My primary is yellow, and here is the gist of what that means....

"Yellows are motivated by FUN. You are instinctively happy and gravitate to people and situations that provide carefree adventure and playful interactions. Even under the most serious of circumstances or daunting tasks, you and your YELLOW (buddies/girlfriends), will seek an element of personal fulfillment and spontaneous enjoyment in the experience. Spontaneous play and genuine "in the moment" FUN are not merely important to you - they are as essential to your very being as eating....

you are inviting and embrace life as a party that you're hosting. You love playful interaction and can be extremely sociable. YELLOWS need to be adored and praised, especially by their partners. While you are carefree, you are quite sensitive and highly alert to others' agendas to control you. You carry within yourself the gift of a good heart, and are happy to share it with your significant other...

You are happy, articulate, engaging of others and crave adventure. Easily distracted, you can never sit still for long. You embrace each day in the "present tense" and choose people to be around who, like you, enjoy a curious nature.

You are not a boring person. In fact, you are often the life of the party wherever you go and whatever you do. You always have something to talk about, and you are constantly getting yourself into unbelievably funny situations. Potential partners love this about you because they know that there will never be a dull moment and that they will never have to worry about a lack of entertainment.

One of the greatest gifts that you have to offer is that you have an amazing heart. You tend to reserve it for those by whom you feel adored, but you give it so freely when you find that special someone. Not only do you have a great heart, but you are able to create romantic moments and memories. You are easy to fall in love with just as you love easily and openly. Your partner will know that you would do anything for them, which is very endearing."

So, yes... I'd have to say that about sums me up! lol... well there's more. But like I said, that is the gist of it. Anyway, as I find myself in "unbelievably funny situations", I wonder, "Is it just me?" or "Why do things like this always happen to me?" or "Do my yellow spidey senses make me more prone to stuff like this???

Case(s) in Point (just this past week-week and a half):

#1) Recently, I was sitting in the library doing homework. The guy at the table directly to my left bent over to get something from his bag. Total plumber's crack. So, then I sort of shift my chair to the right a little and that guy didn't even NEED to be bending over for me to glimpse his coin slot! So, in an effort to regain any ability to focus, I just faced my chair straight ahead. And I am 100% dead serious when I say that right before my eyes, Comb-Over-Man BENT OVER and was totally wreaking Crack-Havoc! So, then what did I do? I logged on to Facebook of course, to post that "Crack" was the free feature in the library that night and a warning to kids everywhere to say "no" to "crack"... **sigh** I totally crack myself up over how clever I am :p

#2) A few weeks ago, I headed to the library to take a test for school. When I got to the parking lot, I realized that my shirt was on INSIDE OUT! And it was waaaaay obvious. After much debate on whether or not to jaunt across the parking lot and dodge in the ladies room before being apprehended by the fashion police, I pulled my van into a far corner of the lot and quickly fixed my shirt.

#3) Recently, I was getting ready to go somewhere, but needed to put a new coat of polish on my nails. I figured I'd drive real carefully so as not to mess them up. Problem was, as soon as I got outside, I realized my keys were in the front pocket of my jeans. I had to ask my neighbor to fish them out for me.

#4) While at the library a second time this week, I realized - once I got there of course - my PANTS were INSIDE OUT! Doh! Who DOES that? (tee hee... me, i guess)

#5) Friday, I was shopping for school clothes for the kids. And when I shop, I don't mess around. So, there I was, walking briskly through Tar-Jay, when somehow, all of a sudden, my purse grabs hold of a clothing rack and, well -- "Nothin' to see here folks...move along... just a semi- crazy lady picking up the rack of clothes she just knocked over."

and Finally...

#6) Saturday night, I get in the van to go down to meet a friend in American Fork. I notice a total string of bird poo all down my window. Bleh. I know it's harmless since it's on the outside. However I also know myself well enough to know that it will distract me! So, I make a quick play for the car wash. I put my window down, pay the guys, and then ...uh, oh. Power window will not come back up. Uh-oh... line is forming behind me. Usually, if it "sticks", I just wait about 10 seconds and then it just fine. But, not this time. The guys had to have the ENTIRE LINE of cars BACK.UP. so I could get out of the car-wash "track". Then, I drove around to the back of the line! Luckily by the time I got up to the front again, the window had gone up. The guys were just sort of shaking their heads, laughing.

And that is just a SAMPLING of my life over the course of about 10 days! lol! In the words of Kaye Kaye... I know y'all are jealous and want to be me :)

So again, I wonder.... is it just me? Is my personality somehow a catalyst for these types of situations? Or is it like my one friend says, that while "things like this may happen to others, they are not able to laugh at themselves and put a humorous spin on it."

Who knows? But I will say this about me and my big, bad yellowness...

I AM happy (even in all my dorky-glory). I DO enjoy my "adventures". I CAN laugh at myself and I WILL always invite others to laugh along too!


For more about the color code personality test, go {here}.

ABC's of Me

[A]ttention is something I enjoy,

[B]ourne Movies are my all-time fave.

There's no such thing as too much [C]heese;

[D]ollar and cents, I'm trying to save.

I'm [E]agerly searching for Mr. Right to forever be my lover.

Bare [F]eet gross me out; So keep 'em Cute, Clean or Covered!

Hawaii is where I went to colle[G]e,

But I'm a [H]oosier, 'cause that's where I was born.

My [I]pod's full of tons of tunes,

[J]uxtaposing love and scorn.

Amish is my daddy's bac[K]ground,

[L]DS is my religion.

[M]assages are like Crack-Cocaine,

and I love snuggli[N]g (just a smidgen).

H[O]bbies & adventures keep me busy.

I've [P]layed the piano since I was four

Which helps to [Q]uiet many thoughts

'cause insomnia's a bo[R]e!

[S]ushi rocks! Need I say more? ("Connect" and "Las Vegas" rolls, to-die for!)

"[T]hat's what she said" is my favorite line, (though it gets me into trouble).

[U]tah is where I live now (What some call the "Mormon bubble").

Con[V]ersating is my obsession,

[W]riting is my passion,

To e[X]cel is my drive, being myself in true fashion.

One stop short of Insanit[Y]ville, some onlookers just might decide.

But with [Z]eal, I continue, for I've nothing more to hide.

Things... and Stuff

I have been really up and down lately. And I'd like to tell you all about it. But it's just that it's a bit too personal, and I might just cry, and stuff. On the other hand... I feel like I need to share -- talk about it, y'know?

OMGosh -- Fine! I'll spill...

Basically it started out with this person and me, of course. And we got together and did some things and then some other stuff. Then after a while we decided not to do some things and stuff. But then it was like they said this and I said that. And then I was way irritated over this and that and more things and stuff, while at the same time loving all of the things and stuff.

So -- now I am just not sure what to do next. Y'know? And the whole reason I really don't wanna share is pretty much because most people think I just really don't know what I am doing or what I am getting myself into, or that I am a fool. And in some ways a lot of these things and stuff has proved them right. And I really don't want to have to accept that either, cuz that's sort of embarrassing, right? I mean who wants to accept that perhaps they are just a little crazy, or desperate or heaven forbid, WRONG and whatnot. Besides, I guess deep down I feel that while sometimes things and stuff can back us into a corner, or make us do other things and stuff we wouldn't normally do, I just don't wanna have any more regrets, y'know? But by the same token, sometimes there are just certain things that are so totally worth every risk. I mean - as with a lot of stuff, right?

And I know that I said I was gonna like fall off the grid for a while... but seriously? We all know that I am a bloggy-comment-whore and really, like can't stay away for like too long. Cuz mostly, you guys like totally rock and help me get through my crap and stuff while I deal with these things... and stuff... like, y'know? Totally...

Boy, I'm sure glad I'm getting all of this stuff and whatnot off my chest. I feel a little better already. I am sure whatever stuff I decide to do next about all of that other stuff will work out, and I'll be ok, eventually -- maybe even a little better, a little stronger for it. Even though the road may be a little bumpy, and things might seem a little hard to handle sometimes... I mean, I really don't know what I am going to do or what's gonna happen next. I guess most of the things and stuff are outta my hands at this point. I wish like I could see the end from the beginning sometimes, and know more about how all of this stuff is gonna play out.

Wow... you DO get me. Thanks for listening! I know I can always count on you! Mwah!

Dancing with CATS??? Are you Kidding Me?

I don't really have anything against cats, per say. Well, at least not enough for me to wish any harm on them. That being said, I'm not a cat lover either. I mean, I can take 'em or leave 'em; either way. Perhaps that is why I just do NOT get this.

This little ditty showed up at our girls night white elephant gift exchange. I about peed my pants. And it wasn't just the pictures, but the writing is a little, what I would consider over the top. I just really don't know how else to explain it. And yet, it was/is a best seller? Maybe in New Zealand where it was written... but I still don't get it. Anyway, for your viewing pleasure I have incorporated the "book preview" from google books. You'll have to click on the black arrows to move to the next page.

See for yourself... am I crazy or is this book just BIZARRE???

Random Thoughts...and Cake!

Sometimes things happen when least expected. Events unfold at just the right time, or perhaps even when you might think the "right time" has already passed and it might be too late. This is when I can feel the tide shifting, my emotional waves crashing down in my heart and in my world all around me. I feel like I cannot do one more thing. I feel I cannot go one more day. I feel like no one understands. And most of all, I feel like I can't keep up this charade -of "everything is just fine" - anymore. And it's when I get to this point, He sends someone to remind me. For this, I am grateful.

I am grateful to those who follow inspiration or promptings... I am grateful that the Lord DOES love me... ME! He knows me, He loves me, and He is mindful of my needs and He is mindful of my heart. He knows when I have reached a breaking point and need a break. And He knows when I feel like I just can't do this any more... or at least not on my own.

He knows whom I need and when I need them. And it never fails that I get the hug I need, or the words I am supposed to hear, and even in some cases, a mountain of trials moved that needed to be moved. It is a manifestation unto me that God will make a way where there is no way.

So... now that I have spent most of the day crying and feeling everything from frustration to sadness, to inadequacy, to comfort, and hope, and love... I have one of those "crying" headaches. You know the ones I am talking about right?

On another note... I am really in the mood for some cake. But not just any cake. No, this is a cake my Aunt Lorene makes... it has fruit cocktail in it (but it isn't "fruitcake") and brown sugar and it is super moist, and I love to eat it warm with whipped topping on the top. mmmm.... I can almost taste it!

Jammin With The Web Cam

Ok, so I admit... I have a WebCam.

Now before y'all go and freak out... I do NOT record myself on it doing dirty, disgusting things to publicize on the World Wide Web or anything... Just wanna get that cleared up.

Here is the #1 reason I love the webcam... Cuz I can "video chat"!!!

Video Chat is better than regular IM Chat, because on regular chat I get tired typing (and there are times I have a LOT to say!). Plus, for some reason, my keyboard lags when I'm on google chat or facebook chat. But with the webcam... you just TALK!

Video Chat is better than PHONE Calls, because I don't have to hold the teensy-weensy tiny little cell phone in the crook of my neck and give myself a stiff neck the next morning. Plus, I can SEE the person I am talking to, and it doesn't use up my MINUTES!!! YAY!!! Also, I can multi-task... video chat & BLOG at the same time!!! hahaha!

That being said, there are only a few people I ever video chat with... like 1, maybe 2 tops.

Anyway... back to the point of the post. My webcam has some funky settings... thought I'd play around with 'em.

What I look like when I study.

Me... getting ready to play with the settings on the web cam, tee hee!

Cotton Candy effect

EWW!!! "Blockhead" effect! No Thanks!!!

"I see a Ghost" effect

Fish eye view... geesh! glad I'm not a fish!

Neonized me! Yay!

4-square

50's movie reel

80's Music Video

"Chalk"

"Tiles"

Whew! Back to Normal!

All right...enough goofing around... back to homework!

Some Of My Favorite Stupid Questions...

Like my PawPaw always said... "You's ask a stupid question, you's gonna git a stupid answer!"

I have heard some of these before and **yes** I know... some of them are HIGHLY INAPPROPRIATE... Nevertheless, I giggled shamelessy. I've posted these on my FB, so I figured I'd post here too...

Without Further Adieu, Some of My Favorite Stupid Questions...

1. Can fat people go "skinny-dipping"?


2. What might you get if you breed a Bulldog with a Shitzu? Just wondering...


3. Why do people point to their wrist when asking for the time, but not to their crotch when they ask where the bathroom is?


4. Why do they call it taking a dump? I mean, technically isn't it "leaving a dump?"


5. If quizzes are quizzical, what are tests?


6. Have you ever imagined a world without any hypothetical situations?


7. If a person with multiple personalities threatens suicide, is that considered a hostage situation?


8. If con is the opposite of pro, is Congress the opposite of progress?


9. Only I can prevent forest fires? Isn't that a lot of pressure?


10. Call me radical, but why can't we talk on elevators again?
    

Come Back!!!

I had it here just a second ago. The thought popped right into my head... something to blog about even. And it was gonna be good. It was gonna be clever. It was gonna be witty, and most of all it was gonna be funny!

The thought came to me while I was finishing up reading another blog~ one of YOUR blogs.

But I am tired, and as soon as I clicked on "New Post", the blasted thought left my mind. JUST.LIKE.THAT.

So... no good, no clever, no witty, and most of all, not even funny!

**sigh**

Maybe the fleeting thought will return and in turn I shall blog about it, giving it It's turn... I hope.

Moments that Make My Heart Melt

Sometimes the littlest things will excite me. Seriously. It's like emotion leaps from within and takes my breath away and I have an "ah-ha!" moment.

A moment wherein my heart is in my throat and my head is in my chest. My breathing becomes rapid, even if only for a minute, and the world, though spinning furiously in space about me, seems to come to a pause, and the noise in my head is muted from all other noises. And I am just there, in the moment, even if only for a moment.

I feel "melty"...I am in awe...I have to remind myself...to breathe...


Moments when...


I am taking my nightly run and see the sun setting on the valley below. The purple and blue hues are magnificent... breathe...


I see a family of deer. And I see a lot where I run... still... everytime, it gets me... breathe...


I am holding a sleeping baby.... breathe...


I am on the trails, and I look up, and suddenly realize, I am in the MOUNTAINS... there is a freakin Mountain like Right.There. ... breathe...

I see an elderly couple holding hands...... breathe...

I am told I am loved... breathe...

I hear certain songs that take me back to another "melty" moment.... breathe...

I listen to my children play together or compliment each other from the next room. ... breathe...

I bite into food that I have already imagined would taste so good, and yet nothing I imagined could even ever compare to how savory and delicious and scrumptious it is.... breathe...

The wind blows, and the trees sway and it's like the flowers are speaking to me.... breathe...

I see a piece of art and it draws me in... like, "how did you know that is what I was feeling today?"... breathe...

At night, I look up at the stars, and have to do a double-take because I forget how magnificent they are. ... breathe...

The waves crash against the shore.... breathe...

One of my children struggles, and cries. It's like my heart stops, and I want to stop their pain or their fear or their frustration. Their meekness and tenderness remind me just how fragile they can be and that gives me reason to ponder...melts my heart... and I usually end up crying too.... breathe...

A photograph of someone from my past; a look into their eyes, even though the look is from long ago, the feeling is now...real... and I want to create the moment all over again.... breathe...

He touches his palm to my cheek... it's so tender, so kind, so loving, and so... intimate.... BREATHE...

The moment right before a gentle kiss...even if I know the kiss is coming...
BREATHE, Emma...BREATHE...


These are some of the things that get me excited or make me feel melty... What about you?

Sugar & Spice & Everything Nice...

In my interpersonal communications class they talk about self discovery and "self communication". One principal of self-communication is INTRApersonal communication, wherein one thinks about the very thoughts they are thinking about at that very moment they are thinking them. (whereas some people really don't think about their thoughts) Anyway, it really made me think!



I felt like they were describing me! Lol!

So here I am, thinking about my thoughts, which are that we have some really great words in the English language and its a shame I don't take advantage of them more. Sort of like cooking only with salt & pepper. I like a little bit more "flavor" and "spice". So then I started thinking of myriads of words I really love and would/should use more often... Myriad being one of them.

I don't know why, but words get me excited like cooking with spices does. I was ecstatic to use the word "penitential" the other day in describing my Sunday post. I mean, how often does *that* word come up, right? Then immediately, I thought of a few others...



Juxtapose

Commingling

Auspicious

Insidious

Incredulous

Ambiguous

Equivocal

Antiquate





I began to make a list- in my blackberry of course - of "words to use more often". Lame, I know.

I mean on the one hand I should want to keep things simple. I would never want come off as a wiseacre or anything. Like I really HATE when people use BIG WORDS just to show off or try to ACT like they are super educated or superior, and talk over everyone else's head.



But on the other hand, I am so drawn to words I find myself wanting to know more; to learn more. Of course the ultimate desire is then to put these words to use, apply it to practicum.



Perhaps I shall just make use of these words in moderation as not to overwhelm anyone, hehehe.



What about you? Are there words you just LOVE to use? Or wish you had the opportunity to use more?

Flash Flood Warning!

Yes. It's true. Just as writer's get writer's block, bloggers can occasionally get "blogger's block". It's happened to the best of us; it's even happened to me. [What? SHE ran out of things to say before???]

However, the main reason I blog is to "get out" or "unleash" all of the thoughts in my head. And trust me, there are like a gajillion (yes, I made that one up. you're welcome) thoughts spewing around up there at any given moment, all fighting for a chance to be "processed" and "pondered" and perhaps spewed out (unless the "filter" is turned on - ha!).

Can I just tell you that I have sooooooo many thoughts right now, that I am not even sure where to begin? Great. Thanks. I feel better already. They say the first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem. :)

What can I say? The floodgates have opened and I have a feeling the next two weeks y'all are gonna be flooded with Not So Usual, rambling posts.

I feel like I have to hurry and jot it all down blog about it and "sort it all out" before I go crazy. Plus, I have to make more room for all of the incoming thoughts, cuz I just don't know how to turn those off either.

Maybe I need a vacation...or a massage...or a man...or a padded cell...

Anyone else out there in the blogosphere ever feel like this? Or is it just me? Am I the only one that is Not So Usual in this way???

Do-Over Please!

Do you ever have moments where you wish you had a Do-Over? Or perhaps just pick a few things from your life and do a little rearranging of the timeline?

I guess I have been having too many pity-parties for myself lately. Thinking about where I am today and how I got here has really got me thinking about Do-Overs. Sometimes, I wish I could have just a Do-Over. Of course, that would only work *IF* I could take what I've learned back with me too. Thus, today's post.

If I was given the chance for a Do-Over, I would pick up my life at age 18. That's where the rearranging would come into play.

1) First I'd finish school. The way I did it was start school and then get married, with the intentions of finishing. But, children came and money was tight, and I worked instead of going back. So, first I'd Finish School.

2) Then I would Get Married. Yes. If I could rearrange events in my life, I would get married around or after graduation. I would have been more mature (hopefully) and perhaps would have known more about the choices I was making (or not making). As it was, I got married at 19.

On paper it doesn't look so bad; to only want to rearrange 2 things. But, you have to admit, they are pretty big things.

On the other hand, I suppose I should be grateful in part for the struggles I have endured as a result of my choices; for they have made me into what I am today. However, a pity party sounds like much more fun at the moment. And hey - It's my party, so I'll cry if I want to, right?

What about you? What things do you wish you could rearrange in your timeline? Where would you like your do-over to start?

Really Random Thoughts

Ok - so have you ever seen one of those digital marquees? Y'know the ones... The black screen with the red words that scroll across? That is how I describe my thoughts some days. Thoughts go across my mind and a second later another different, totally random thought will enter and "scroll across".

Most times I just sort of keep these things to myself, for fear of sounding psychotic. Nonetheless, here is one example of when I didn't.

One day last week... Big-D & I were watching the game on TV...

I suddenly blurt out, "If I died, would you attend my funeral?"
He looks at me a little strangely and says, "Well, I would for sure call your parents."
I replied, "Well - for the record, I would want you to attend my funeral."
"I'd attend your funeral." He states, again looking a little weirded out.

"If you died, would you want me to attend your funeral?" I ask.
"Once I am dead - I don't care what anyone does with my body or who attends my funeral."
"Well," I declare. "I will attend your funeral."
"Sounds good," he says. I think he wasn't really sure what to say.

"So, do you think that Dogs & Cats understand each other when they growl and hiss at each other?" I ask.
"Ummm," Big-D stammers. "I dunno?"
"Just wondered."

"But if I did die, you would miss me right?" I question.
"Of course I'd miss you," Big-D responds.
"Good," I reply. "Cuz I'd miss you."

2 minutes pass

"You're not going to die are you?" Big-D asks.
"Eventually," I say. "But not anytime soon...unless I get hit by a bus or something. I mean I guess it's outta my hands at this point."

The Voice-Overs

So I was reading Angela's blog over at mydogumentary who confessed that after 2 straight days of reading, she began to think in "narrative form". Too Funny! you'll have to check it out.

Anyway, so it got me wondering if I ever do that. Well - we all know how weird my dreams can get. And yes - sometimes I dream in "narrative form", including soundtrack music. I didn't know having horror-themed-music playing in the background of scary dreams wasn't normal until I mentioned it to someone and she pulled a "Yogi" (aka: a deer-in-the-headlights-look). Ah well - at least my dreams are creative right?

Sorry, back to the story. I realized thru reading Angela's blog post that I often think in "commercial" form. I mean, things come to me in "slogans" or "ads". It's usually mindless and meaningless, nevertheless it happens. Here are a few examples.

I'm cooking. Browning meat in the skillet. I reach for the "Emeril's Original Essence" seasoning. As I am dousing my meat with this stuff, the "Commercial Voice Over" in my head says, "Emeril's Original Essence Seasoning. It makes everything taste better." Weird, I know.

Then there are commonly known slogans that I just can't help but think of when using their product. Like when I am wiping up a spill with a paper towel I hear, "Bounty. The Quicker-Picker-Upper." While placing a band-aid on my child's boo-boo, I automatically hear the jingle, "I am stuck on a Band-Aid, cuz a Band-Aid's stuck on me."

When I pull a delicious meal out of the oven, like lasagna, tater tot casserole or company chicken, the commercial voice over usually goes something like, "Mmm-Mmm. Lasagna (or whatever). Food for the Soul."

When they were doing construction outside my building at work, they not only had cones directing traffic from one lane down to two, but they had those people that direct the traffic with their orange vests and orange light-saber-flash-light-thingys. So, as I am pulling out of my parking lot and into traffic, the one-toothed-wonder in her orange vest waves me to the other lane. The voice in my head says, "Traffic Controllers. Cuz some drivers are just too dumb to follow the cones." And by the way - that voice sounded just like the one in the All-State Commercials.

The latest one I remember was when I was at Wal-Mart last Saturday night. I was in the check-out line, behind a very large woman sporting a pink tank-top with very low-cut arm holes. The "slogan" in my head went like this:
"Wal-Mart. Apparently you don't have to wear a bra!"

Ten Guilty Pleasures

In no particular order...here are 10 of my guilty pleasures...

1) I like to buy "PEEPS" candies and remove the cellophane wrapper and let them get a little stale/hard. I LOVE eating hard peeps...mmm.

2) Soaking in a HOT bath for an hour at least once per week.

3) Taking a *minimum* 2 hour nap on Sundays (the kids have seen me without my weekly nap... better to let me sleep undisturbed.)

4) Scrapbooking or working on another "fun" project instead of doing housework.

5) Recording (DVR) all of my fav TV shows, and then "wasting" a rainy/cold day watching ALL of them.

6) Making myself a peanut butter and chocolate frosting sandwich on soft bread while engaging in #5. Better yet if I just bring the entire loaf and both jars with me, so I can continue to eat without disturbing my viewing pleasure.

7) Massages! I used to get one EVERY FRIDAY, no lie. It was a guilty pleasure that I had to give up, sadly, when I became a single mom. Just can't justify the expense. (My weekly therapy sessions were about the same in cost, and I didn't have to tip my counselor, lol!)

8) Romance Novels. Now, I don't mean the smutty kind either. I like pretty much anything written by Nicholas Sparks. Though I have also started a few other authors. I just love a good love story with a happy ending.

9) Baking! All I need to hear from one of my kids is, "I wish we had brownies (or cookies, or cake, or pie...)" and I am searching through my recipes. I love any excuse to bake.

10) Rainy Days! Seems like an odd guilty pleasure, I know. But, if I do not have to work, I let "rainy days" be my excuse for anything/everything! On cold rainy days, I don't feel like getting out of bed. I just wanna snuggle the blanket a little closer, and stay in my flannel jammies. And when I get hungry, order a pizza! I have come to realize that Pizza is the PERFECT rainy/snowy/cold day food! oh - and by the way, this is great to do in conjuntion with #5, while saving #6 for dessert! hahaha!

What are some of your guilty pleasures?

Random Beauty

Simply Stork: Randomness (click here) is a great photographer. You should totally check out her site if you get a minute. Anyway, a few weeks back she shared some of her "random" photos...things she finds simple beauty in. Well, I am NOT a photographer by any means. But it made me think of all of the random things that I can and do find beauty in. So, here is my tribute to Random Beauty (photos NOT taken by me).

I don't know why, but Cupcakes always symbolize Youthfulness to me.
These old tires remind me of my elementary school years, when my friends and I would have tire-jumping races.

There's just something pure and sweet about this little penguin. Simple colors, simple creature. And that cute, scrunched up little face.
Tree-lined streets provide me with a longing for home. There's a feeling of innocence, of purity, and of peace when I think about my childhood back home in Indiana.

Old Canoe. New Breath.

I LOVE old architectural structures. I'd love to be able to travel Europe and visit old castles, churches, cathedrals, graveyards, etc.
I can see beauty in this tarnished vintage ring. It symbolizes history. I look at this ring and can't help but feel there's a story behind it.
However, I will admit, If I were going to wear a "vintage ring" I would rather it be something more like this. hahaha! Isn't it Gor-Geous???
What is more precious than holding a baby? I never imagined in a million years I would be baby hungry. I had my three. I was happy with them. I am happy with them. Then I got sick. Pregnancy was no longer an option. There is just something that feels sad about it, no matter how many kids you have; when it's no longer your choice it feels sad. Holding a brand new baby makes you forget the troubles of the world. It makes you forget about your problems. It helps you forget about loss. A baby seems to make everything okay, even if only for a brief moment.

What are things YOU find random beauty in?