tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4292194927359494632024-02-21T09:37:19.187-05:00THE BLOG OF THE CHICKEN WINGAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560888457483157868noreply@blogger.comBlogger295125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-429219492735949463.post-56937316244836346722013-09-06T15:23:00.001-04:002013-09-06T15:29:45.077-04:00Moving On....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhifbHrU6bOHC5LHYDQoqSnBysoat5wK51ODHZj_faFQNXJ8Z0JlJ-lw_FYwHmJdD9a0bGSrRVHJBLd69ih0h7PhG4O1G2wAk4Mlfa20J4re-2_J9udH6LnFcAQ8HHtPatKlzdsQZvopQ/s1600/Chicken+Wing+Approved+Stamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhifbHrU6bOHC5LHYDQoqSnBysoat5wK51ODHZj_faFQNXJ8Z0JlJ-lw_FYwHmJdD9a0bGSrRVHJBLd69ih0h7PhG4O1G2wAk4Mlfa20J4re-2_J9udH6LnFcAQ8HHtPatKlzdsQZvopQ/s1600/Chicken+Wing+Approved+Stamp.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I have had so much fun living life as the CHICKEN WING, and it's crazy to think that this wee blog started back in September 2008 - that's literally six years ago!!!! It's incredible and has been an amazing journey to say the least.<br />
<br />
It is with that journey in mind that this post comes to fruition - in 2008, I was a 23 year-old woman trying to get over her almost quarter-life crisis. There were posts<a href="http://wingofchicken.blogspot.com/2010/08/flamenco-inspiration.html" target="_blank"> that were really popular</a>, posts <a href="http://wingofchicken.blogspot.com/2010/03/will-listen-to-sexy-voice.html" target="_blank">that made me laugh</a>, posts <a href="http://wingofchicken.blogspot.com/2011/12/hello-and-happy-birthday.html" target="_blank">that made me sad</a>, and posts <a href="http://wingofchicken.blogspot.com/2012/11/prest-o-change-whoa.html" target="_blank">that were just silly</a>.<br />
<br />
Now, I'm a 29 year-old woman who is married, so much further along in her career and faith, and life is just different. It's even more amazing, and there are so many opportunities out there! I'm so excited about the future and I can't wait to see how God's plan for my life pans out. It seems that He makes me wait and then slowly, when I get impatient or when I get discouraged, He reveals a little glimpse of His plan to me - it's as if He's giving me a gentle and subtle reminder that He's got this!<br />
<br />
I will not take this blog down because the traffic reports show me that people do still check in here to see what's going on. This blog became a labor of love not just for me, but for my faithful followers. I cannot begin to express my gratitude and the overwhelming humbleness I feel when I see the traffic reports - for some reason, you all support me and you all care about what I have to say. Thank you. Thank you. A million times, thank you!<br />
<br />
This will be the last post in The Blog of the Chicken Wing, but if you do enjoy my posts and you want to continue this blog follower relationship, you can catch me over at my new digs, {<a href="http://www.dustyribs.com/" target="_blank">DUSTYRibs</a>}.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv7WhRh7D59URXwocE-mZiGzEKdpQ7fFFmOVPfGsIiteQyBU8yRDXf0LzALbEdV1k0Sidi0WcAFkwPMldVSIsrjXhYAhNlcge1MUoHC1k8eGNiEEqE1FdaFURsvrY0jFkbWArIcn5ycw/s1600/Presentation1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv7WhRh7D59URXwocE-mZiGzEKdpQ7fFFmOVPfGsIiteQyBU8yRDXf0LzALbEdV1k0Sidi0WcAFkwPMldVSIsrjXhYAhNlcge1MUoHC1k8eGNiEEqE1FdaFURsvrY0jFkbWArIcn5ycw/s400/Presentation1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dustyribs.com/" target="_blank">Join me, won't you?</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
This new blog has become a more accurate representation of my life these days, and I would LOVE to have you follow me over there. Now that technology has come so far, you can even get your {DUSTYRibs} fix in a <u><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>m u l t i t u d e</b></i></span></span></u> of ways. Don't believe me???? Make my day! (And follow me everywhere!)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Web:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.dustyribs.com/">http://www.dustyribs.com</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bloglovin:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/10463779/dusty-ribs">http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/10463779/dusty-ribs</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Facebook:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/DustyRibs">https://www.facebook.com/DustyRibs</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Twitter: </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://twitter.com/dustyribs">https://twitter.com/dustyribs</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pinterest: </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://pinterest.com/dustyribs/boards/">http://pinterest.com/dustyribs/boards/</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Instagram: </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://instagram.com/mrsdustyribs#">http://instagram.com/mrsdustyribs#</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
YouTube:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/TheDustyRibs/videos">http://www.youtube.com/user/TheDustyRibs/videos</a></div>
<br />
So, I guess this is it. I sincerely hope you'll follow me in the new leg of the journey of my life. With bittersweet emotions, for the last time <i><b>here</b></i>, I'll say....<br />
<br />
Until next time,<br />
<img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/259/9848550A227A61C895F1C1A65FED3A93.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560888457483157868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-429219492735949463.post-57495414525392245962013-04-03T08:30:00.000-04:002013-04-03T08:30:01.999-04:00You Spin Me Right Round, Baby"....right round, like a record baby, right round round round." <br />
<br />
Okay, I have to disagree wholeheartedly! I'd change Dead or Alive's lyrics to, "You spin me round and I hate it baby." I know that may sound funny, and it is meant to be, but I do mean what I said in all seriousness. To completely understand what in the world I'm talking about, let's start at the beginning.<br />
<br />
A few weeks ago, I experienced these really weird dizzy spells. I really don't have much experience with dizzyness aside from the occasional merry-go-round, or you know, my beloved Teacups ride at Disney. Either way, it's been years since I've done either of those things, so I really don't have much personal experience to go on. The first time, it was like a constant state of semi-dizzyness and I chocked it up to allergy season being newly upon us. Hey, I did have pretty strong sinus pressure in my forehead, so I thought that simply must be it. The only thing that concerned me was that I'd never experienced dizzyness with allergies before, and it got so sketchy once that day while driving that I felt it best to pull over.<br />
<br />
Then, I was good for awhile. A week or so later, it happened again, only this time was much more scary! I literally got so dizzy that I almost passed out, and again I was in the car and had to pull over. I got so shaky and I tried to drink water and eat the chocolate that I just so happened to have in my car, and that did help after about 20 minutes. By this time, though, I was convinced I had some sort of crazy brain tumor that was affecting my world! I did the best thing I could think of and called my doctor - I had to have an appointment that day!<br />
<br />
The only way I could describe this dizzy feeling I was getting is this:<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhQd-1CTxI950LsQ_pYTRuM-ZjkuhQ7zvDQJBEawptYCiPvdvVA-NB8e_g4DEhhXyqpm8FvO2W_ApzWRCSJlCa682Myq8Q8POYGNJ3EVrilDBvU62VNjIAYtk38D7ILOOh0RbPYjdmwQ/s1600/Tornado.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhQd-1CTxI950LsQ_pYTRuM-ZjkuhQ7zvDQJBEawptYCiPvdvVA-NB8e_g4DEhhXyqpm8FvO2W_ApzWRCSJlCa682Myq8Q8POYGNJ3EVrilDBvU62VNjIAYtk38D7ILOOh0RbPYjdmwQ/s400/Tornado.jpg" usa="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, that is your Chicken Wing (and the mandatory "We got cows." graphic) in a tornado.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Ridiculous, yes. As accurate as I can be without actually having ever been in a tornado, also yes. After several tests at the doctor's office, it was determined that I was suffering from BPPV, or <span class="st">Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. We call it just vertigo around these parts, to keep it short. Basically, it's an inner-ear issue that can pretty much pop up and affect anyone. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="st">There are calcium crystals in your inner ear that dislodge from their normal places and begin floating through your ear canals (you have three in your ear, and they're called the Labyrinth). While you always have fluid in these canals, the crystals aren't supposed to be floating along, too. Ultimately, the example my doctor gave me was this: In a normal circumstance, if I turn my head to the left, fluid flows through the canals and hits the little fibers in the canal. This sends a message to my brain that says, "Hey, guy, I just turned my head to the left. In case you needed to know." (Or something like that). In BPPV, the crystals slam into the little fibers, and the vibrations that causes are so intense that too many signals get sent to your brain at one time, and your brain has no idea what you just did. So, you get really dizzy until your brain can figure it out. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="st">Is this fun? No. Does it make you nauseus? Um, yeah. Did I find myself army crawling across my bedroom floor at certain points? You betcha, Sir! I had to miss two days of work! That's how you know how terrible it is! My treatment period of crystal-moving exercises and anti-motion-sickness medication is two weeks, and I'm hoping that I'll be back to 100% after that! I surely would love it! The only bad thing about vertigo is that it can reccur later, and there's really no way to know that it's going to hit. :( I guess the silver lining, though, is that at least I should know what it is next time, and I won't go straight to panic and fear!</span><br />
<br />
<span class="st">So this has been my journey with something totally random that simultaneously scared me to death and made me feel like a completely crazy person. I've been shocked at how many people have reached out to me who have also experienced vertigo! Some folks had mild cases, others had it so bad they couldn't drive for a MONTH, but everyone could easily agree that it's miserable and horrible. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="st">My PSA to all of you readers out there: If you're feeling any of the symptoms I did (and am), please make an appointment with your doctor to get checked out. Then, do the exercises and take the medicine as directed, and please, don't try to be a hero! Pull over your car if you feel like this! My doctor said he was so proud of me for not risking my life and the lives of others because your vision and ability to adjust to your surroundings are severely compromised with vertigo!</span><br />
<br />
<span class="st">Have a happy and healthy week!</span><br />
<br />
<span class="st">Until next time,</span><br />
<img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/259/9848550A227A61C895F1C1A65FED3A93.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560888457483157868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-429219492735949463.post-29097438841772009652013-02-27T09:44:00.000-05:002013-02-27T09:44:28.276-05:00Back To The Present?As I look at the calendar, I am amazed. Simply amazed, y'all. I can't believe how much time has gone by since my last post. While I am shocked that we will be entering the month of March at the end of this week, I am also saddened to face the realization of how far removed I have been from my blog.<br />
<br />
I've tried to look inward on this, because I used to enjoy blogging so very much! It tickled me to death and simultaneously blew my mind that people actually cared what I had to say. At times, I would try to find content to make all of the readers happy because I love the fact that my little blog could provide comic relief, current event "watercooler" dialogue, encouragement, or sheer entertainment - a mental break from their stressful days. In fact, I must admit that I was filled with emotion - both happiness and sadness - when I logged into this blog today and saw my analytics. I was overcome with how many pageviews my little blog had seen every day in my absence...it was as if my faithful followers were missing me. I liken it to a puppy that waits for your return from work every single day. The minutes feel like hours, and the hours feel like days and they simply wonder if they've done something bad that made you go away. Then, when you pull into the driveway, the puppy becomes overjoyed and it's as if the absence never occured at all!<br />
<br />
That's how my relationship is with a lot of my dear friends who live in areas that are geographically challenging for me. While we don't see each other (or even talk on the phone) as much as I'd like, and sometimes I get really sad and wonder if we're still as close as I dreamed we'd be for the rest of our lives, as soon as we do talk, everything returns to the way it was! They were just as busy as I was and they felt the same way about me! I wasn't absent from their thoughts and prayers, and they weren't absent from mine.<br />
<br />
Another reason that my absence from blogging hangs heavy on my heart is that I've always particularly enjoyed writing. I love the power that words can have and I love how it feels to type furiously on the keyboard and see my thoughts become tangible. They become something - you can read them or you could print them and carry them with you. It's a strange sensation, but an awesome one, too. My husband's response the first time he ever read my blog was to exclaim, "Babe, you should write a book! Seriously, you have an incredible way with words." His second reaction was to pass my blog around to a friend of his who loves to read. (Are there really any better compliments in the world?) I've always been somewhat of an open book, and my life has had major struggles and major victories, just like everyone else's. I've always been open to sharing difficult parts of my story because I've always been of the belief that stories have the opportunity to save people...stories remind you that you're not alone. <br />
<br />
In conclusion, here's my challenge to myself. I'd really like to devote more of my time to my blog - to bring it back to life again. I want to use this blog as a vehicle in which to inspire people and to make them laugh. (I'm nothing if not a trip...to the loony bin!) I want to share my big wins and big losses and I want to encourage those in my realm of influence to journey onward, no matter how hard the trip becomes.<br />
<br />
So that's that. Stay tuned, folks! <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgryUAItlgIvh6oEVMWbvNmYfS8xV73tJVSsMtghffpUP49CxBQaDVxlE61QlZ6SrCQlJj5kzRp_MsPFtNxlmTdn811MYAyU-sHnRCECBziyMA9GUlJ5PnRDBKQZwSWZ_pI77cS07aiXA/s1600/My+Family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" gsa="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgryUAItlgIvh6oEVMWbvNmYfS8xV73tJVSsMtghffpUP49CxBQaDVxlE61QlZ6SrCQlJj5kzRp_MsPFtNxlmTdn811MYAyU-sHnRCECBziyMA9GUlJ5PnRDBKQZwSWZ_pI77cS07aiXA/s400/My+Family.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PS - I'm still rocking the red...and loving it! ;)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Until next time,<br />
<img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/259/9848550A227A61C895F1C1A65FED3A93.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560888457483157868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-429219492735949463.post-80892682287791259062012-11-29T19:10:00.000-05:002012-11-29T19:10:34.458-05:00Prest-o, Change-Whoa!!!!They say the only thing that's constant is change, right? Well, let's just say that I'm a firm believer of that! I happen to be one of those people who used to fear change....um, not just a little, either. I just wanted to hang on to things just as they were, and when anything threatened the security in that, I would pretty much have an anxiety attack merely thinking of it.<br />
<br />
Well, it's been a goal of mine to overcome that fear of change, to let go and let God. I'm a work in progress, but I'm getting better at it. I also have decided to baby step it. Where did I start first? Well, at the top of my head, of course!<br />
<br />
My beloved hairdresser (who has got to be some sort of MacGyver/ninja/Jedi/wizard type of woman) has been one of the biggest forces in my life to challenge me and help me get past this fear of change. She talked me into the bangs I actually loved (although that did take her a full twelve months of campaigning). I know, the shame. It's only hair. I'm finally getting to that place, and my how liberating that is! It's phenomenal actually.<br />
<br />
I must digress to really show off my hairdresser's work because she is AH-MAZING. She came up with this for my wedding ceremony:<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO7RmX3rBM993x2qSKxMzrLjODzWxw1k8rViHWjxTMFHfY7HJD3KSPvW9OqVYBunnMDZFVHQ8zomSP0uVDmAf-qDa23m06B5LdWSjmd8Xa7-bkatETBXiOHrp3n3B1tywf2IqK3psfPw/s1600/IMG_0275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO7RmX3rBM993x2qSKxMzrLjODzWxw1k8rViHWjxTMFHfY7HJD3KSPvW9OqVYBunnMDZFVHQ8zomSP0uVDmAf-qDa23m06B5LdWSjmd8Xa7-bkatETBXiOHrp3n3B1tywf2IqK3psfPw/s400/IMG_0275.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crystalgeorgestudios.com/">Photo Credit: CGS</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
...and then she expertly turned my hair into this for the reception. With no help. In the backseat of a limo. While the car was moving. With no mirrors available. Without me seeing it. (How did I know it was okay??? When my brand new husband said, "Wow, baby, that's perfect!")<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHmDOXiMlMREGXyVVSm_2xqDebbj645HlZy3soY5Psi06sVS1KTXouDp_SY4uI5jX5Ip4Ei3XgUx-MEoTOCXilkUMLUOTshwudzLZT7rHYjniZCUFwUZRHjplGoDESD-znhXMMQETJ2Q/s1600/!Official.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHmDOXiMlMREGXyVVSm_2xqDebbj645HlZy3soY5Psi06sVS1KTXouDp_SY4uI5jX5Ip4Ei3XgUx-MEoTOCXilkUMLUOTshwudzLZT7rHYjniZCUFwUZRHjplGoDESD-znhXMMQETJ2Q/s400/!Official.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.officialent.com/">Photo Credit: Official Entertainment</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So, when this incredible woman took on the challenge of another change-up for me, I actually did pretty well jumping off the edge - it's shocking, but I did it!<br />
<br />
Are you ready for this, world???? Well, buckle up, because Chicken Wing's fiery spirit is now showcased firmly on her head!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjanQSs60-3ggZtUfNtSgbKGYgz06o3XiwLYNNNzfss_wAroElxlCdC2F98_y-y2202x-ABntwIDRIDor6YQIbWzCemJuydWzofsD97sf_O0OEs-WwTxTNKCaxfTFedwGmRs7y-44iikw/s1600/OMG+I'm+Ginger%5B315%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjanQSs60-3ggZtUfNtSgbKGYgz06o3XiwLYNNNzfss_wAroElxlCdC2F98_y-y2202x-ABntwIDRIDor6YQIbWzCemJuydWzofsD97sf_O0OEs-WwTxTNKCaxfTFedwGmRs7y-44iikw/s400/OMG+I'm+Ginger%5B315%5D.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ermagersh, I'm ginger!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Now, I realize that photo looks like I have taken on a lifetime role of Ariel in <em>The Little Mermaid</em> but my hair isn't that red all the time! It is, however, when I stand in front of a deep turquoise wall. So, if you see me in the Bahamas with that turquoise water, don't be afraid - as far as I know, mer-people aren't real. Here's another view (please excuse the cell phone quality) to show you how it photographs differently depending a) on what I'm wearing and b) what color I'm standing in front of!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi11Er_e9KHfrGhQ_00wgzw4Tu1v4PJImLmliyo3gBseXLrqh_ogoLihyphenhyphenKm0t905p0veAr_zSR6a3UYLpGmyB1fVBOCGEih-d6Ch59T21uyyxjn9QESrnod1PW2lD0YNLaRaa1yXCQqIw/s1600/%5B1%5DRed_BAK_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi11Er_e9KHfrGhQ_00wgzw4Tu1v4PJImLmliyo3gBseXLrqh_ogoLihyphenhyphenKm0t905p0veAr_zSR6a3UYLpGmyB1fVBOCGEih-d6Ch59T21uyyxjn9QESrnod1PW2lD0YNLaRaa1yXCQqIw/s400/%5B1%5DRed_BAK_.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
So, it's a big change for me, but to be completely candid, I am digging it! I've been blonde for so long and in this case, I am thrilled with the change. I love how it brings out my eyes, and even does wonders for my typical winter pasty complexion.<br />
<br />
If the only thing that's constant is change, count me in!<br />
<br />
Until next time,<br />
<img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/259/9848550A227A61C895F1C1A65FED3A93.png" style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560888457483157868noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-429219492735949463.post-505745662698941302012-10-09T08:00:00.000-04:002012-10-09T08:00:13.441-04:00Falling In Love With FallDo you know what I love? I'm sure you're smart enough to read the title of this post, and if you were, then you know I'm talking about the sensational season of FALL.<br />
<br />
There's something so romantic about fall. The crisp air, the changing and falling leaves, pumpkins, mums, the promise of a bonfire and snuggling in a warm blanket with someone you love so dearly - I sincerely can't say enough about this season.<br />
<br />
It makes me want to hike awesome trails, cheer on my favorite football team (GO REDSKINS AND RGIII), roast marshmallows and make s'mores. It makes me want to decorate my home in the colors of autumn. Fall has a magical way of making you want to dream again after a summer of wanting to do nothing but relax and have fun.<br />
<br />
Want to know another thing I absolutely love?<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDuWtXRWi44AEOJ-RtPpUm-iVl14ulbDArBj8vcqW-fkbyUzkdMgpqathU13VT-0KDFsYor8QhhoFdVp-zoLWwhEEY5LH9gFHCv02nsWJaQdZq-ClQc4WBaypz7PU8cs0oMqeQkO-u4Q/s1600/Pinterest_Logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="101" mea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDuWtXRWi44AEOJ-RtPpUm-iVl14ulbDArBj8vcqW-fkbyUzkdMgpqathU13VT-0KDFsYor8QhhoFdVp-zoLWwhEEY5LH9gFHCv02nsWJaQdZq-ClQc4WBaypz7PU8cs0oMqeQkO-u4Q/s400/Pinterest_Logo.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/">For reals, y'all.</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The best thing about Pinterest is that I can link multiple loves together. For example, I love fall. I love decorating. I love decorating my home with fall things. Pinterest gives me ideas and tutorials on how to do that.<br />
<br />
Another example, you say??? Well get ready, because here it comes! Let's say I wanted to decorate with pumpkins but in a new and exciting way. Hit up Pinterest and......................GO!<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEithea2ZjY3p7BtpVchtsJBQCTqgm5FKvIps-R5hsJP9UfBwkGf-51JL2AQDp4bdHKe4NRsbhTNCsY89q_XIeittsONOUpl8E6my8OkZU_dVLJTjwkly1bQHWSDiWLzNDsRfT-qk7cK7A/s1600/Pumpkin+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" mea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEithea2ZjY3p7BtpVchtsJBQCTqgm5FKvIps-R5hsJP9UfBwkGf-51JL2AQDp4bdHKe4NRsbhTNCsY89q_XIeittsONOUpl8E6my8OkZU_dVLJTjwkly1bQHWSDiWLzNDsRfT-qk7cK7A/s400/Pumpkin+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.allinadayblog.com/2011/09/monogrammed-pumpkin-pinspiration.html">Love this lady's creation, which I found on Pinterest, </a><br />
<a href="http://www.allinadayblog.com/2011/09/monogrammed-pumpkin-pinspiration.html">and she created based on inspiration she found on Pinterest!</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And who thought panty hose + pumpkin would = love?<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfMtOgrO5VMHzZ4VSCPLtE8VoQANOPYWEEY_8boD3QR-Pb07GK5mrCqBEKz1PHvvFBCEV-5A68vZbMQx0Q9YTS6-q-5Od7Lw2v4Ht4m-mfAwUuwQ-tPiNAvmtdpQ34i29Z2y-75idkkg/s1600/Pumpkin+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" mea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfMtOgrO5VMHzZ4VSCPLtE8VoQANOPYWEEY_8boD3QR-Pb07GK5mrCqBEKz1PHvvFBCEV-5A68vZbMQx0Q9YTS6-q-5Od7Lw2v4Ht4m-mfAwUuwQ-tPiNAvmtdpQ34i29Z2y-75idkkg/s400/Pumpkin+2.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.allinadayblog.com/2011/09/monogrammed-pumpkin-pinspiration.html">How chic!</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Maybe home decor isn't your jam, and that's okay. Pinterest has something for everyone. Maybe you are the next Rachael Ray or Bobby Flay. In your case, you might enjoy these scrumptious findings:<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT-ggZZTkC99qkLP2G-kLMrshIxqBNjrJ5bqyFznbsAKTNQkG_wpgvANHlL2BOjWogcSBAs_ESuhb8OU5XDAzsiwod-2KGK8tjDZJJqnI_n9maFXZBciCZzJkQbCtBOuruq0mAxr4hUA/s1600/dip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="261" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT-ggZZTkC99qkLP2G-kLMrshIxqBNjrJ5bqyFznbsAKTNQkG_wpgvANHlL2BOjWogcSBAs_ESuhb8OU5XDAzsiwod-2KGK8tjDZJJqnI_n9maFXZBciCZzJkQbCtBOuruq0mAxr4hUA/s400/dip.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/213146994835396103/">Buffalo chicken dip? Makes me wanna cuddle up...with some Tostitos.</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix_1pytJoZr7LVQDZ-CQN83MsT1kLZzMzyhgvXBstphmdXSYJR47sdVcAwy6yMcoe6p2jOPm1IQxBgm_VWKAdxg4ZwbTMu1ixTc_0wX84kSc7slEsfFC2fxplK4YnWKseo4-H92s98pg/s1600/potato.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix_1pytJoZr7LVQDZ-CQN83MsT1kLZzMzyhgvXBstphmdXSYJR47sdVcAwy6yMcoe6p2jOPm1IQxBgm_VWKAdxg4ZwbTMu1ixTc_0wX84kSc7slEsfFC2fxplK4YnWKseo4-H92s98pg/s400/potato.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/213146994835411405/">Sweet potato casserole = all kinds of good!</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Okay, let's just say you're an uber-grouch and don't like decor or food. Well, that leaves you with these guys.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqhzgcfPL7Pv3Tdcc8C4nV_0OoyMKvc_n_79du8zu1Sx-4Xoijhvj7ykAtqRPmDiKEKJtzH_8fmOUJyFiNdiQaFTKA6KzYeMzxMAFB12m6PamtIUxd3HzpPLKRJGtiXAAegbYdPg-4Qw/s1600/puppies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqhzgcfPL7Pv3Tdcc8C4nV_0OoyMKvc_n_79du8zu1Sx-4Xoijhvj7ykAtqRPmDiKEKJtzH_8fmOUJyFiNdiQaFTKA6KzYeMzxMAFB12m6PamtIUxd3HzpPLKRJGtiXAAegbYdPg-4Qw/s400/puppies.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/213146994834810573/">Oh em gee.</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
If you don't like those adorable babies, I personally have a problem with you and your state of mind. Get a therapist. Get medicated. Find the Lord. Do what you gotta do to get right! That.is.all.<br />
<br />
Happy Fall, y'all!<br />
<br />
Until next time,<br />
<img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/259/9848550A227A61C895F1C1A65FED3A93.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560888457483157868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-429219492735949463.post-2944864963657956442012-09-11T09:57:00.000-04:002012-09-11T09:57:53.126-04:00I Remember<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9lH6iQd5RGBLGV81IgXFEFHppgEfR0a0kMgBuQ51QpHrnM1YVLleQwu8CWn268vJoToxru7jeGuzmkjqSjacYK5cJXj8SiQwPhnyvBytAIl7mLHefaT6lwXVLpYPQj4Gp5S_-esbV4g/s1600/twin+towers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9lH6iQd5RGBLGV81IgXFEFHppgEfR0a0kMgBuQ51QpHrnM1YVLleQwu8CWn268vJoToxru7jeGuzmkjqSjacYK5cJXj8SiQwPhnyvBytAIl7mLHefaT6lwXVLpYPQj4Gp5S_-esbV4g/s400/twin+towers.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bobbyshred.com/twintowers.html">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I remember the horror that swept the nation 11 years ago today. I remember watching with my classmates at Governor's School in the breakroom. I remember the shock. I remember the tears. I remember each of us holding onto one another as if we, too, could be taken from one another at any moment. It was heartbreaking.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoJ9HEuVzq7MWEHuYWgbZrEcSheDyu6jgJty8Ykd6NRM9r583f6ETTL8B9gTKXnNH1UinV7VjFcl2UudBq6bRYpzLXDyVx2oFtBU2Bpi70-JVP0qDArr3asjn-O9tF02LVhn4pzPvSEQ/s1600/WorldTradeCenter911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoJ9HEuVzq7MWEHuYWgbZrEcSheDyu6jgJty8Ykd6NRM9r583f6ETTL8B9gTKXnNH1UinV7VjFcl2UudBq6bRYpzLXDyVx2oFtBU2Bpi70-JVP0qDArr3asjn-O9tF02LVhn4pzPvSEQ/s400/WorldTradeCenter911.jpg" width="272" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.infowars.com/judge-rules-al-qaeda-and-iran-must-pay-billions-to-911-families/">Seeing this now sends chills down my spine.</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I remember the extensive news coverage that seemingly could only get worse. I remember the timeline. I remember seeing the unthinkable - a plane flying into a building and the explosion that followed. I remember connecting the dots that there were <em>people inside </em>- human lives were being lost in front of my eyes.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRIsNVdz6PQGVtE-ZrdNuJucrbjGNDH15PlW1H8x_raEgMmYiJJF5m8ASu2qOSJ2PMewzyx-2wphwhCkxkymGEvVOLzouM80WkHmx1OjKbbUrgqucvZnUSlnPCQUM8xLaO0JkVUSMoWg/s1600/National_Park_Service_9-11_Statue_of_Liberty_and_WTC_fire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRIsNVdz6PQGVtE-ZrdNuJucrbjGNDH15PlW1H8x_raEgMmYiJJF5m8ASu2qOSJ2PMewzyx-2wphwhCkxkymGEvVOLzouM80WkHmx1OjKbbUrgqucvZnUSlnPCQUM8xLaO0JkVUSMoWg/s400/National_Park_Service_9-11_Statue_of_Liberty_and_WTC_fire.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:National_Park_Service_9-11_Statue_of_Liberty_and_WTC_fire.jpg">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I remember the smoke billowing out of each of the Twin Towers, as dark as the hearts that caused this situation. <br />
I remember thinking, " I can't believe they attacked the Twin Towers." A symbol of American prosperity and success.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIz4DyOQZfhjujAcP7uTwrmHdpYqj22CLXO_rLbnCrIRIy7wXzLEvhbetSAYHPERdqMXZZL8fcz-08bLGqTsakBCVFjkd-J6pRZ_qdVtzHvdr9AakOIGet0NGWul0q1HLbZalDLOWcgg/s1600/pentagon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIz4DyOQZfhjujAcP7uTwrmHdpYqj22CLXO_rLbnCrIRIy7wXzLEvhbetSAYHPERdqMXZZL8fcz-08bLGqTsakBCVFjkd-J6pRZ_qdVtzHvdr9AakOIGet0NGWul0q1HLbZalDLOWcgg/s400/pentagon.jpg" width="387" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pentagon.spacelist.org/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I remember thinking, "I can't believe they attacked the Pentagon! The PENTAGON!" A symbol of American strength and security. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXC5PTHyeay1K3pqUYRfJ0t_Ksjl9qahDg8tTkGYJHqMlbIardhyphenhyphenFwpPPnSjHad_Q2W7QirWw1XKBohv4lJtUtRza70dKYOsxLHx9Fa5elSuSs-X9oNUZs5zu-u0saIrVyJJ3kd-usUA/s1600/flight+93.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXC5PTHyeay1K3pqUYRfJ0t_Ksjl9qahDg8tTkGYJHqMlbIardhyphenhyphenFwpPPnSjHad_Q2W7QirWw1XKBohv4lJtUtRza70dKYOsxLHx9Fa5elSuSs-X9oNUZs5zu-u0saIrVyJJ3kd-usUA/s400/flight+93.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.barenakedislam.com/2012/09/11/911-united-flight-93-was-forced-down-in-shanksville-pennsylvania/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And then there was United Airlines Flight 93. This plane was also hijacked, but the outcome was not what they wanted. There, the terrorists took on the American spirit. There, even though good and innocent people did not make it out alive, the terrorists lost.<br />
<br />
It's so easy to turn to depression or grieving when you think about that day. It is so easy to let the darkness overtake the light. It's easy to get angry. It's easy to forget the blessings of life. Instead of doing that, though, I am going to take a different path - a less traveled one. This choice is one that I haven't always made - mainly because the other path is so much easier and it's a natural reaction. Instead of choosing fear, sadness, and darkness, I am choosing faith.<br />
<br />
Here's what I know. I know that God is good. I know that He loves us and wants us to be happy. I know that He made the ultimate sacrifice for each and every one of us. I know that God is love. I pray for all of the people who were touched by 9/11. I pray for peace and I pray that God wraps His arms around us all because we really could use more of Him in our world and in our lives.<br />
<br />
Here's some encouragement, folks. Hold on to the people you love. Tell them how much they mean to you. Put down whatever you're tangled up in at work and wrap your arms around your loved ones. Make that phone call you've been putting off for any number of unimportant reasons. Put your heart on the line for someone else. Lift your neighbors up in prayer. Lift the world up in prayer. Hold tight to your faith and if you have no faith, find some. If you feel that's not possible, please come see me - I can help you with that.<br />
<br />
I leave you with this. May it bring peace to your hearts and minds today. It surely did for me this morning.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="236" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Xf-TVbScLeA" width="420"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xf-TVbScLeA&feature=related">Source</a><br />
<br />
Love always,<br />
<img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/259/9848550A227A61C895F1C1A65FED3A93.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560888457483157868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-429219492735949463.post-58312864022547822562012-08-26T13:00:00.000-04:002012-08-26T13:00:02.731-04:00That Time Of Year<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj07cvzKRq8j77lzRe_tZhmaxZJ590B6C_YIOP2We0Q2qbjEtMz8mncpZ7KOdS-PYOi8movyLiAY6jwrOxfFdEqgRsylaOEfLqVciSVCDay0VHuhHJkEacwxExtF5BZRFFBTQKaf5mXug/s1600/BIRTHDAY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj07cvzKRq8j77lzRe_tZhmaxZJ590B6C_YIOP2We0Q2qbjEtMz8mncpZ7KOdS-PYOi8movyLiAY6jwrOxfFdEqgRsylaOEfLqVciSVCDay0VHuhHJkEacwxExtF5BZRFFBTQKaf5mXug/s400/BIRTHDAY.jpg" width="400" yda="true" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Okay, I guess it's time to accept the fact that I'm getting older. It's self-admittedly pretty bad when you forget that your own birthday is a few days away. I guess that's what I get for being so busy, yeah? Oh wells, life goes on. Today is the day we celebrate my birth. I, for one, am glad I've been given this many years to live and I hope God grants me many more! I am more blessed than I ever imagined!<br />
<br />
I've been trying to reflect on the past year so that I could leave you all with some pearls of wisdom - wisdom is what you're supposed to look forward to with age, isn't it? I find this assignment to be challenging, since who knows if there is anything that I have learned this year that would apply to your lives, but here goes nothing!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo52jGOHUGgtuR5GkoFYGyuc3ycQjo5urKmsxzBmO60acXSdqHo5bMmWPlR9v75socG_CrR6v4Xnc_jEuWxFYWMn9en2E7j6KEXKsnRMLH0VnrLGokwcdTLCTHahTrZTRfTYEJN6_Rmw/s1600/28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo52jGOHUGgtuR5GkoFYGyuc3ycQjo5urKmsxzBmO60acXSdqHo5bMmWPlR9v75socG_CrR6v4Xnc_jEuWxFYWMn9en2E7j6KEXKsnRMLH0VnrLGokwcdTLCTHahTrZTRfTYEJN6_Rmw/s400/28.jpg" width="301" yda="true" /></a></div>
<br />
1. If you're going to have long hair, for the love of everything, attempt to style it! (I am as guilty as they come of rocking the "hey, check out my hair as it literally just hangs on either side of my face day after day" look. But we have to focus - <a href="http://pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a> has changed the game, y'all. There is no excuse for not at least TRYING the tutorials for cute styles that you've pinned.)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj74CjaCJJ7CfdtYRvcgHtieFz8LjqFkMSXA89hp5flHpxg75rR9MmSxoADEgLfwyvfGUzU8FyUgnW2TLAMtsLNpkUrlxhBf95r1O_H1VcDi3mwUMuGpiX1A7UaUrqECDavAtpT1Ee0iw/s1600/Just+Pinnin+Ain't+Winnin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj74CjaCJJ7CfdtYRvcgHtieFz8LjqFkMSXA89hp5flHpxg75rR9MmSxoADEgLfwyvfGUzU8FyUgnW2TLAMtsLNpkUrlxhBf95r1O_H1VcDi3mwUMuGpiX1A7UaUrqECDavAtpT1Ee0iw/s400/Just+Pinnin+Ain't+Winnin.jpg" width="400" yda="true" /></a></div>
2. That brings me to the next thing I've learned - when you put your mind to something, eight times out of ten, you can accomplish it! The project isn't going to complete itself, folks! For example, if you stumble across a craft project and accompanying tutorial - if you think you can make it cheaper than you can buy it, give it a shot! I wanted to use fabric flowers as accents in my wedding. Did I know how to do it? Heck to the no! Did I find a tutorial and have the materials? You betcha! Could I really justify spending $10 PER FLOWER when I felt capable of doing it myself for $10 or less TOTAL? You have lost your mind! Did I finally work up the courage to try? Yes sir, yes ma'am. And I'm so glad I did!<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo-Onvan84-sJh9qX8-Oa6OYhaP5cKeL-RWqHinaGUD_eSDjcrgFDoxIuoTY9vMLAMexZAwqN7ImuD6KclBZoYhKky6dVIRz722Ct0hPSKgCrGf7b-j1QR62MvyXsvD6NlpXux9n06hg/s1600/051312223943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo-Onvan84-sJh9qX8-Oa6OYhaP5cKeL-RWqHinaGUD_eSDjcrgFDoxIuoTY9vMLAMexZAwqN7ImuD6KclBZoYhKky6dVIRz722Ct0hPSKgCrGf7b-j1QR62MvyXsvD6NlpXux9n06hg/s400/051312223943.jpg" width="400" yda="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Proud crafty mama, I am! Can't wait to share professional pictures of these bad boys in use!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
3. Sometimes, letting go is a part of growing up. Over the past year, several people I had invested a lot of time and energy in let me down. Not just once - more like continuously. I have finally gotten to the point in my life where I am okay with letting go of relationships that make me sad more than they make me happy. If someone constantly uses me, they're gone. If they lie to me, they're gone. If they only exist for the sole purpose of starting or continuing drama, they're gone. As much as I've tried to complicate it over the years, it really is as simple as that. Pray for them, bless their hearts, and move on.<br />
<br />
4. In the same vein as number 3, make it a PRIORITY to surround yourself with good, positive, challenging people. I promise you, it will become one of your proudest accomplishments.<br />
<br />
5. Spend less time posting on facebook and other social media sites and live your life. Wow this took a lot of time to put into action, because let's face it - we all love a good timesuck or two. For example, I actually had someone say to me, "I can't believe you didn't post pictures while on your trip this week!" Newsflash: I was enjoying my HONEYMOON. The only honeymoon I'll ever get. I didn't want to spend my precious week off putting pictures or statuses on facebook about how much I enjoyed engorging myself with crab legs, hush puppies, and honey butter (rest assured, I did. A lot.). I wanted to spend my precious week off from work with my brand new, super sexy, uber fun, hunk of a husband. [Sidebar: I did take pictures. I will post them when I get some time. Pinky promise.]<br />
<br />
6. Magic Mike was an awesome movie, and not for the plotline.<br />
<br />
7. Getting organized is hard. Staying organized is harder. This is a work in progress for me because I'm not a natural organizer where everything has it's place. Or, I'm not that way about everything - I am about some things and I wish I was about everything. I'm a clutterbug. My husband is somewhat of a clutterbug. Two clutterbugs living in Casa De Clutterbug equals chaos on most days. We're working on it. If organization is a challenge for you, too, all I can say is keep going and don't give up! <br />
<br />
8. When all else fails you, simply say a prayer. God hears everything you tell Him. He is always faithful.<br />
<br />
9. When you constantly have prayed for something (that promotion at work, the guy/girl to take things to the next level, to win the lottery, to find someone to be with, or to make pain go away in some form) and nothing changes, the right move is not to curse God. It's not to blame Him, call Him a meanie or some other terrible name, or swear off believing in Him altogether. The correct move is to take a long hard look in the mirror, buck up a bit, and realize that maybe God isn't ignoring you...maybe God is simply telling you, "No." Guess what, it happens.<br />
<br />
10. Finally, one last<em> nugget</em> of wisdom (you like how I word played on a form of chicken???) for you that I've learned in the past year is marry someone who turns you into a team. Marry someone you genuinely want to do life with. Marry someone who you can successfully have difficult discussions with. Marry someone who makes the world a better place. Marry someone who takes time for the little things. Marry someone who makes you laugh. Marry someone who knows what to do when you cry. Marry someone who knows how to say the words, "I'm sorry." Marry someone who wants to marry you. Marry the person who does all these things for you. Trust me, it rocks the most.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8OItlnyz_y59AEDmBvoR93q6BBPydasdpcUY-iJSa38gUsWE165AeR1YLaNGpfO_WR83tvnQYNEToPv7wHvMkR72YtnWssAQJAiaFg0DGqu76sUsjtoWcrTjIrPk0yguKEPq0TnjY_A/s1600/28+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8OItlnyz_y59AEDmBvoR93q6BBPydasdpcUY-iJSa38gUsWE165AeR1YLaNGpfO_WR83tvnQYNEToPv7wHvMkR72YtnWssAQJAiaFg0DGqu76sUsjtoWcrTjIrPk0yguKEPq0TnjY_A/s400/28+2.jpg" width="298" yda="true" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
From me, on my birthday, to all of you - thanks for being in my life and for constantly lifting me up. I hope I can do the same for all of you!<br />
<br />
Until next time,<br />
<img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/259/9848550A227A61C895F1C1A65FED3A93.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560888457483157868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-429219492735949463.post-76804827753813132572012-08-13T17:04:00.001-04:002012-08-13T21:49:43.249-04:00I Don't Even Know My Own Name!Well, hello, dah-lings!<br />
<br />
It is I, your beloved Chicken Wing, and I am as upside down as I've ever been! Things are a little <strike>cray cray</strike> insane right now and I'm doing my best to love every single second of it.<br />
<br />
Let me set the scene for you. I'm sure for most of you, much like myself, work is pretty much always crazy. There are always a million things to do and your most important responsibility is to never ever screw up on anything. Ever. Seriously. I'm sure for a lot of you, also much like myself, your home life is also crazy. Clean this, organize that, wash this dish, fold those clothes, and don't ever stop sweeping up CiCi fur. Ever. Seriously.<br />
<br />
Every now and again, you get a sweet vacation planned and boy do you look forward to it. The beach is always a safe haven for me - I feel my most beautiful when I've got my toes in the sand, and I'm looking much less Twilight than I normally do. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqZBXiNfMspVan5_pZ4uPyDr4aBcuotssosrLeHmI00-K5TVaW6mcQFnx6ST3rxeyjB_EjWEUNsoOilOWVK4NkR8niTIkK3DC-WUuRjzei3nASNeCrR_A9hu6i9mmj012t8j0uuIkaoQ/s1600/bella_swan_wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqZBXiNfMspVan5_pZ4uPyDr4aBcuotssosrLeHmI00-K5TVaW6mcQFnx6ST3rxeyjB_EjWEUNsoOilOWVK4NkR8niTIkK3DC-WUuRjzei3nASNeCrR_A9hu6i9mmj012t8j0uuIkaoQ/s400/bella_swan_wedding.jpg" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bforbel.com/2012/04/twilight-wedding-dress-hits-stores.html">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Speaking of this, I must digress - WHY did this cheating scandal happen and completely rock my world? On a serious note, I do feel for them. People make mistakes every day, and unfortunately for these two young folks, a bad situation got a whole lot worse with the entire world watching. I guess whatever will be will be and I wish nothing but the best for them. The one <strike>good</strike> hilarious thing to come out of this breakup???<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="236" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/QuwgoIFgQpY" width="420"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuwgoIFgQpY">This. God bless you, Will Ferrell.</a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Anywho, back to the topic at hand, which is basically that when you take a vacation that you've been really looking forward to because work is killing you, you have that moment while on said vacation when you realize that the day you go back to work, you are really going to regret taking that vacation. Nine times out of ten, that does happen to me, with the exception of this year. Don't get me wrong - I have been so crazy nuts looney busy for the past few months, I don't even know my own name.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
You think that's funny, do you? Well, I really don't even know my own name because this time, it's gone and changed on me! :) You may recall a certain hunk of a man named Comanche - there have been many wonderful stories about him around these parts, and stay tuned, because there will be many more! Well, he stole my heart, so I stole his last name!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Miss Chicken Wing is now Mrs. Chicken Wing, y'all!!!!!!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQQG-sufeJWZiTVdLBNiyxPTXcky0diaYl_oRJb51uEinr16yvLbXO75Fp2zxJY6UvIZr-SacOCUh2sv21v7x2-Y1Nhbn3vq7Ska7MMMy1rSrUcjQuAbl725oh1g1BoD9N3sFM9SYGeg/s1600/Wedding+Official+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="260" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQQG-sufeJWZiTVdLBNiyxPTXcky0diaYl_oRJb51uEinr16yvLbXO75Fp2zxJY6UvIZr-SacOCUh2sv21v7x2-Y1Nhbn3vq7Ska7MMMy1rSrUcjQuAbl725oh1g1BoD9N3sFM9SYGeg/s400/Wedding+Official+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love this man so much (and my hair stylist and my uplighting and my DJ, who took this picture)!<br />
Photo Credit: <a href="http://www.officialent.com/">Official Entertainment</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtzn1NWDvTJ1lmkThgs4hNF5WHH2h_Xu-K5wY5D42AHmJyRmyNazz6UJV0X6BaOnQb_lg650O5WIMJHAlZvDUdU_Wt4Gmgu0MWXb1EfkUIA3rLyXzjERmDOnWGDMk2J6OHzhKbFgZ8iA/s1600/Wedding+Official+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtzn1NWDvTJ1lmkThgs4hNF5WHH2h_Xu-K5wY5D42AHmJyRmyNazz6UJV0X6BaOnQb_lg650O5WIMJHAlZvDUdU_Wt4Gmgu0MWXb1EfkUIA3rLyXzjERmDOnWGDMk2J6OHzhKbFgZ8iA/s400/Wedding+Official+1.jpg" width="247" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He's mine, he's mine, he's MINE!!!!<br />
Photo Credit: <a href="http://www.officialent.com/">Official Entertainment</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
And for those of you smart cookies that put 2 and 2 together, the reason I had no regrets about this vacation is because it was my honeymoon! We had a wonderful first week of being married, and we've gotten back to half-way regular life now - working hard at our jobs and at making our house a home.<br />
<br />
I genuinely can't describe how blessed we were throughout the wedding planning process and the wedding itself. We're some lucky loves, let me tell you! I can't wait to share more about the big day with all of you, and I will definitely do that once I get my official wedding photos back. Then, I can brag about all the amazing vendors we used and hopefully make each and every one of you feel like you were there. <br />
<br />
Bottom line: Hi, my name is MRS. Chicken Wing. I don't even know my own name, and I couldn't be happier about it!<br />
<br />
<br />
Until next time,<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/259/9848550A227A61C895F1C1A65FED3A93.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560888457483157868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-429219492735949463.post-67752118036381708282012-07-13T12:31:00.000-04:002012-07-13T12:31:33.114-04:00PSA: I AM ALIVE!Attention, attention!<br />
<br />
Is this thing on? There is a very important public service announcement that must be made right this very second. Are you ready for it?<br />
<br />
I.am.still.alive.<br />
<br />
That just blew your minds, didn't it? Being as it has been an embarrassingly long time since my last post, I was almost ashamed to revisit my blog. I thought that y'all must have officially blog-broken up with me due to my making our relationship very one-sided. By that, I mean you keep checking to see if I'm alive and I have no new material to offer you.<br />
<br />
I questioned whether or not to check my own blog but I wanted to make sure that Blogger had not shut it down due to inactivity, not that I would have blamed them. I'm 100% positive that there are millions of much more interesting people with tons of content that can keep readers busy. But there is a distinct reason that I decided to write this post today and it is quite simply.....you.<br />
<br />
I was astounded at the number of hits my blog had gotten from people checking in to see if I'd posted anything new. I was shocked at the messages I found saying that people had recently discovered my blog and were reading back-entries and thought my writing was not only good but hilarious. Bottom line - my heart exploded into heart-shaped clouds that hundreds of unicorns were flying through causing cotton candy to rain down from the skies!<br />
<br />
Thank you for not giving up on me and for caring about me! Thank you for encouraging me and respecting the fact that I've been so busy that I haven't had time to blog anything about the cool adventures I've been on lately. Thank you for supporting me, even when I didn't give you a reason to. Y'all are rediculously amazing, and I am so lucky.<br />
<br />
One HUGE reason for my absence, outside of working myself to death, is that in a mere FIFTEEN days, my last name is going to change. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoVl_Rdbqcy3V-UfseNhVgRJ3nQoCVpf8d9Hzgb2S09NBbrRJrcEkI167N_CP4xnnsGctJW2g1AE9HZxTdUDV2eJTlT-1lfIsRtYvf6DxpK1uKR0XKiSxS_Uo9xjEVhYOJDe74QjZ19w/s1600/IMG_0995+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img $ca="true" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoVl_Rdbqcy3V-UfseNhVgRJ3nQoCVpf8d9Hzgb2S09NBbrRJrcEkI167N_CP4xnnsGctJW2g1AE9HZxTdUDV2eJTlT-1lfIsRtYvf6DxpK1uKR0XKiSxS_Uo9xjEVhYOJDe74QjZ19w/s400/IMG_0995+copy.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Remember this stud? I get to MARRY him! Squeeeee!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
If I manage to make it through this experience without spontaneously combusting from being so happy, I will definitely try to blog more. I love sharing my life with you guys. I love that you want me to. Thank you for rocking my world time and time again. You are simply the best!<br />
<br />
Until next time,<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/209/2FC666899C4DB1BBE7537C6DD1750E66.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560888457483157868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-429219492735949463.post-22025388650926481452012-01-16T14:22:00.000-05:002012-01-16T14:22:50.517-05:00Six Years!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsn2c0S7cg9g-1OqFvfXx7T4H5QhTHlyfa6ReRDwky_ktSjue_FFjXlZPKI65JFyAtkqtAHsA-DI4Hpf3yqYfs3Eks8N_NId6_ld-V9k8OweDm747if7YSymHQrAJXSQqwT2w73kElbA/s1600/Crazy+Town.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsn2c0S7cg9g-1OqFvfXx7T4H5QhTHlyfa6ReRDwky_ktSjue_FFjXlZPKI65JFyAtkqtAHsA-DI4Hpf3yqYfs3Eks8N_NId6_ld-V9k8OweDm747if7YSymHQrAJXSQqwT2w73kElbA/s400/Crazy+Town.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Type of Ticket: One Way<br />
Destination: Crazy Town<br />
Population: Me<br />
<br />
I just wanted to say that today is the six year anniversary of my being employed at my awesome company! On one hand, I'm hollering "WOO HOO!" and on the other, I'm scratching my head in disbelief that it could even be possible! I'm a huge fan of longevity, so I guess this is right up my alley.<br />
<br />
It's really cool to think about my 21-year-old self walking through the doors for my first interview here, wondering if I was giving away just how nervous I was. It was a weird, out-of-body experience, because nervousness actually fuels me - I guess I could chock it up to my Public Speaking classes in college. Scared to death - check. Ready to kick some arse - also check.<br />
<br />
I've come a long way since January 16, 2006, and my life has seen so many changes, but one thing remains - I am so grateful for the experiences in my life. I'm so proud to work where I work, with the people I work with. I'm so thankful that the powers-that-be decided to extend a hand and give this young gal a chance. I hope they're as happy with their decision as I've been with the decision to accept their offer.<br />
<br />
Here's to my sixth year of being excited to go to work every day! Let's make it a great one!<br />
<br />
Until next time,<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/209/2FC666899C4DB1BBE7537C6DD1750E66.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560888457483157868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-429219492735949463.post-64349571336175946212012-01-06T12:18:00.000-05:002012-01-06T12:18:45.026-05:00The NEW PostOkay, let's just be honest - I've been a blogging slacker to the max lately! And, in typical Chicken Wing fashion, I'm fashionably late in wishing each and every one of you a very<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc3LTUZ_mLN6RcTWxCwbeT3z_tf0zYm7qRIxObfcG8KHm6D876UDcaNCEBZqN4nFQdPahlQQaK6oDO46uPQO0Om6VMK3DpDAtuEYzKMx8KzonkRJ7E90Q3rW4lnPw0MgzLkDUU6wp_8g/s1600/happy+everything.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="110" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc3LTUZ_mLN6RcTWxCwbeT3z_tf0zYm7qRIxObfcG8KHm6D876UDcaNCEBZqN4nFQdPahlQQaK6oDO46uPQO0Om6VMK3DpDAtuEYzKMx8KzonkRJ7E90Q3rW4lnPw0MgzLkDUU6wp_8g/s400/happy+everything.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Well, 2011 left as quickly as it came, didn't it? I don't know about all of you but I have gotten quite busy - not that anyone should necessarily be surprised by that. For whatever reason, it's surprised me more than ever. <br />
<br />
But, it's now 2012, and this is a NEW post in a NEW year with a NEW blog background (you may or may not have noticed). I felt the desire to change it up because hopefully, we're all changing up. New years bring new resolutions and new hope - you want to learn more, eat better, live better, and just be better. None of these are easy tasks, to be sure, but for whatever reason, when the last two numbers of the year change, you get this jolt of electricity through your veins that makes you excited about the possibilities that await you.<br />
<br />
Don't get me wrong - I'll never completely change. I like myself - sometimes too much, and other times not enough, but as a general rule, I really like myself. I just aspire to be the very best version of myself, and I really don't think there's anything wrong with that.<br />
<br />
From where we left off (Christmas, of course) to now, I've been living in a maze of boxes as Little Sister Chicken Wing and I prepare to depart our current rental townhouse! Talk about crazy! We've lived together for the past few years, and there have definitely been highs and there have also been lows. I don't know about each of you, but for us, we get along so much better as siblings when we don't occupy the same dwelling. I'm looking forward to us branching out on our own again and the closeness it will allow. I'll miss the absolutely crazy things she does that typically make me laugh (either with her or at her) at least once per day.<br />
<br />
Our moving situation is a little more stressful than others I've been in before for a few reasons. 1) The little sister and I are moving to two different places. 2) The majority of the furniture in our townhouse is mine, so moving it too early will make it really difficult for LSCW. 3) LSCW literally has ONE DAY to move. How? She can't move into her new place until the same day we have to turn the keys over to our place. Suckfest 2012!<br />
<br />
Where does all of this leave us? Feeling like we are going to soon be featured on an episode of this:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXhFiR1CxZAjYkfGadlRve_DRcRVX46aB-5RWkwJsP_RlAJRaWgIkZPeLkh3A4xTiReo7l0L-JzMUsL_pPES3DPgovn9XOWF1kCMKXmbOCK5Qmv7qRJV77zflj9K4U8bdYzBXD9Pc63A/s1600/hoarders-tv.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="208" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXhFiR1CxZAjYkfGadlRve_DRcRVX46aB-5RWkwJsP_RlAJRaWgIkZPeLkh3A4xTiReo7l0L-JzMUsL_pPES3DPgovn9XOWF1kCMKXmbOCK5Qmv7qRJV77zflj9K4U8bdYzBXD9Pc63A/s400/hoarders-tv.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://aroundthenetworks.com/aes-hoarders-intervention-return-double-digit-growth/">I'm shaking in a corner already.</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>I've always been a little bit of a clutterbug, and I also have a tendency to want to keep things. But, for some reason, ever since this show started and as the level of horror I experience when I watch the stories deepens, I get panicky! So, my answer to that has been to sell pretty much anything I don't think I'll need! I figure, the best way to keep the new place pared down is to get rid of things that are not necessary for living there before I even have the chance to move them in!<br />
<br />
While a few sales made me sad, most of them make me want to high-five myself! (Subsequently, I may or may not have actually high-fived myself multiple times - don't judge me.) It feels pretty good to just let go of things that actually weigh you down in the long run, especially when you realize that someone else can love the item even more than you did! Plus, with a wedding to pay for, the extra income is another glorious benefit!<br />
<br />
If you are moving, too, I feel your pain sisters and brothers! If you are not, high-five yourself. If you're busy, I hope you are busy doing things you love and that make you happy. If you're not busy and not enjoying it, get PUMPED and off the couch! If you're too busy (like I've admittedly been), take a breather and live in the moment. Happy Everything, Peeps!<br />
<br />
Until next time,<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/209/2FC666899C4DB1BBE7537C6DD1750E66.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560888457483157868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-429219492735949463.post-9462882949781625452011-12-29T10:24:00.000-05:002011-12-29T10:24:31.996-05:00Christmas 2011 RecapI sincerely hope that each and every one of you had a fabulous Christmas and made time to remember the reason for the season during your hustling and bustling! It's time for the annual Chicken Wing Christmas Recap! <br />
<br />
Our weekend started with Comanche's family celebration, where we got together and exchanged gifts and Comanche's older brother prepared cherries jubilee for everyone! It was amazing to hang out with my soon-to-be in-laws and nephews and watch them interact with CiCi and MuChi, who came along in their Christmas best - a sweater for CiCi and MuChi's famous "I ate Santa's cookies" t-shirt!<br />
<br />
Then, it was on to Momma Chicken Wing's house where the Chicken Wing siblings did our annual tradition - we drag Little Brother Chicken Wing's mattress into Little Sister CW's room and we all stay cramped in there and watch Elf as we fall asleep. Always funny!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.sodahead.com/fun/top-buddy-the-elf-quotes-which-is-your-favorite/question-1367733/?link=ibaf&imgurl=https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6MjxPjgI0E0tfRaM0CErozG2F41BXLTa9gQV4Po9ETUXxO3RYZD6Uh87y-PT33-5zgQkU4kva1v2T7qfcPNtNTLysdzZWX7XmSPvrvVEINNekjzEuVVWgXYorAqFr8kiVDJOrJozJh1E/s1600-r/765184k504qjsxgp.gif&q="><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6MjxPjgI0E0tfRaM0CErozG2F41BXLTa9gQV4Po9ETUXxO3RYZD6Uh87y-PT33-5zgQkU4kva1v2T7qfcPNtNTLysdzZWX7XmSPvrvVEINNekjzEuVVWgXYorAqFr8kiVDJOrJozJh1E/s1600-r/765184k504qjsxgp.gif" /><br />
pics on Sodahead</a><br />
<br />
The next morning, we opened our family stockings, and this was the very first Christmas for Momma CW's new husband Dubya! I think he made out like a bandit and had some Christmas fun! After we all got dressed and ready, we made the trip to Grandma Chicken Wing's house with all of our presents and had one of the most delicious Southern lunches you've ever seen!<br />
<br />
On the menu: turkey, country ham, creamed potatoes, green beans, butter beans, corn pudding, deviled eggs, rolls, fried apples, stuffing, macaroni and cheese, sweet potato casserole, macaroni salad, pumpkin pie, chocolate cake with white icing - it could not be beat, I'm telling you what!<br />
<br />
After lunch came the food coma and then we opened gifts, which is always so much fun! I get way more excited to watch everyone else open their gifts than I do to open mine! I will say that Comanche did especially well this year! He knows me better than I know myself sometimes and he gave me two gifts that stood out this year! The first? These gorgeous Jessica Simpson flats that I'd been drooling over for weeks:<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghKyTKZeQm1ch2_kqagyYzbMw6YJRxWohIBILLRrWi3meffCm0rIn4qjsJCKkmhTuVjWu6l6PO87NfTXRGWlnw1bXK_k8AJsyBN88oeEEhKqkZQvO7-qrlCbFYD06xxmmHyhAidG1HHQ/s1600/122911093810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghKyTKZeQm1ch2_kqagyYzbMw6YJRxWohIBILLRrWi3meffCm0rIn4qjsJCKkmhTuVjWu6l6PO87NfTXRGWlnw1bXK_k8AJsyBN88oeEEhKqkZQvO7-qrlCbFYD06xxmmHyhAidG1HHQ/s400/122911093810.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bring on the bling! Your feet should get to sparkle too!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
The other gift is one that I will truly cherish forever! For our wedding next year, there are lots of things that will be classic and traditional (we're not too wacky, y'all!). One thing that will be a little different is that I didn't want to wear pearls on my wedding day. I know, I know - call me crazy! I want to wear blue topaz jewelry since it is my Daddy's birthstone - that way, he can be with me all day even though he can't be there in person! I had one blue topaz necklace, but it wasn't going to work, so Comanche got me the most perfect and beautiful necklace ever! Here's the photo of it from the seller:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9vawsYVhb1npuwNOeuUP2pRsfPACGmOB0Yd5YNqmTmPf8kpwBe-jCeRXaJIT-g6Wr7JSpv6yVzulNaw1RjdMYR6YQirt6300czMq1w6ftJa1IEycTuNs2CW67cUGR6YX_fZYT0vsLZA/s1600/blue+topaz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9vawsYVhb1npuwNOeuUP2pRsfPACGmOB0Yd5YNqmTmPf8kpwBe-jCeRXaJIT-g6Wr7JSpv6yVzulNaw1RjdMYR6YQirt6300czMq1w6ftJa1IEycTuNs2CW67cUGR6YX_fZYT0vsLZA/s400/blue+topaz.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img3.etsystatic.com/il_fullxfull.282917807.jpg">Isn't it GORGEOUS?!?!?</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
What I love about it is that I can enjoy this on our wedding day but also any other day! It is so pretty and in no way is it too gaudy for everyday! The really cool thing is that blue topaz is also Comanche's birthstone, so it's really special! I think the man did very well this year and I adore him! (For those of you who wonder how Comanche made out, he did pretty well - I finished off his weight set for him for Christmas and his birthday, which was two days after Christmas)!<br />
<br />
I hope you all had a fabulous holiday full of laughs, smiles, and thankfulness! I am so excited for next Christmas as I expect it will be even better!<br />
<br />
Until next time,<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/209/2FC666899C4DB1BBE7537C6DD1750E66.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560888457483157868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-429219492735949463.post-58133750932072055012011-12-22T11:21:00.000-05:002011-12-22T11:21:36.724-05:00If I Were Famous...I've always found the idea of being famous a little crazy. It must be totally weird to be followed around and to see your face on the covers of tabloids with lies emblazoned across your chest claiming to know the next "big" thing about you. It must be hard to date and make true friends.<br />
<br />
So, my recent thoughts about being famous are these: There are a few people that I would LOVE to hang out with/be best friends with should I happen to become famous anytime soon. List form works for me, so here we go, Peeps!<br />
<br />
1. Anderson Cooper<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihjNNGSc2m_jObEcbQlPE_k0Smfvn9hbHe36EcCF-BhIiXT9PR1F3aYGrux7-qump70pXdVk6KfqstgrN0yP7ypr1agyPD3Lw0xV1kVXUbId1fAHlHVsrLHxjI2Zs7YB1-4qCmbu0TDg/s1600/Anderson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihjNNGSc2m_jObEcbQlPE_k0Smfvn9hbHe36EcCF-BhIiXT9PR1F3aYGrux7-qump70pXdVk6KfqstgrN0yP7ypr1agyPD3Lw0xV1kVXUbId1fAHlHVsrLHxjI2Zs7YB1-4qCmbu0TDg/s400/Anderson.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.deadline.com/tag/anderson-cooper/">Hello, Silver Fox! I love you!</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Ahh, Anderson Cooper. I adore you. Why? You are so down-to-earth and hilarious, and I genuinely believe that you care about people. I feel that you are one of the most honest reporters/hosts that has ever existed, and I really appreciate your passion for good solid journalism. I love that you cover topics as serious as war and as light-hearted as <em>The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills</em>. I love that you include your mother, the ever fabulous and classy Gloria Vanderbilt, in your new show and I am so glad to be hearing more from her! I love that you can laugh at yourself (can we say <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MumI6KovUk">Gigglegate 2011</a>?). And you are gorgeous, but this you already know. If I become famous, let's hang out, mmkay?<br />
<br />
2. William and Kate<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-uKsnk412umSIsKzU0NhguAVhC2M3GYb9xzsRglw449e6HQzpBoIM5eF7ka0KfsIzSogh7jKYl9vLVTfAHqhW7dsNjG2iC56fSc3eVZEy11ubJXIQ27JKWHgCQ1ifsExjepcMwIekxQ/s1600/PRINCE-WILLIAM-KATE-MIDDLETON-OFFICIAL-ENGAGEMENT-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-uKsnk412umSIsKzU0NhguAVhC2M3GYb9xzsRglw449e6HQzpBoIM5eF7ka0KfsIzSogh7jKYl9vLVTfAHqhW7dsNjG2iC56fSc3eVZEy11ubJXIQ27JKWHgCQ1ifsExjepcMwIekxQ/s400/PRINCE-WILLIAM-KATE-MIDDLETON-OFFICIAL-ENGAGEMENT-.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/12/12/prince-william-kate-middleton-official-engagement-photos-_n_795463.html">Love, sweet love!</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>These lovebirds need no introduction! Why do I want to be mates with these two? I love how charitable they are and how connected they are to the general public. I have to imagine that being royalty would make that a wee bit hard, but they do a fine job! I love Kate's sense of style - she is the epitome of class and grace, and I love William's sense of humor! It appears very clear to me that these two adore each other and are genuinely happy, which is something I believe the world wanted to see. We all know the difficult journey Princess Diana was on, and I am thrilled to see her son have a bit different path. I feel that their accents alone could entertain me for days, and therefore, these two make my list!<br />
<br />
3. Tim Tebow<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSGB9C02DiyiXg7cueYs2AVdZzTkp0rrNG9QfP-xestLYfw3IRnwQxNGgGb1JbS5zmOj5yfwxxxDKnK9Q77i4IwNlqGfSdn2F9UJ0Xx2qQTdmsaLWlYwc45hZOXTjxSNARXyqjsSHGqQ/s1600/tim-tebow-1-435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSGB9C02DiyiXg7cueYs2AVdZzTkp0rrNG9QfP-xestLYfw3IRnwQxNGgGb1JbS5zmOj5yfwxxxDKnK9Q77i4IwNlqGfSdn2F9UJ0Xx2qQTdmsaLWlYwc45hZOXTjxSNARXyqjsSHGqQ/s400/tim-tebow-1-435.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.people.com/people/gallery/0,,20553140_21093072,00.html#21093070">Purrrrr!</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Okay, is this guy seriously not the total package? Good looking - super check! Smart - check! Talented - check! Driven - check! Good Christian man - you know it! Role model - check! I would love to be friends with this guy mostly just to thank him for continually persevering when people try to bring him down. He recently said in an interview that the reason why he was so open with his faith is because due to his success on the football field, he had both, "a platform and a responsibility," and that is nothing if not admirable. We need more solid men like Tim in the world who get what's important. He seems to have a good head on his shoulders and values that are important to him. I am down with that, so let's be friends, Tebow!<br />
<br />
So that's my short list for now, folks! What famous people would you want to be friends with if you had the opportunity?<br />
<br />
Until next time,<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/209/2FC666899C4DB1BBE7537C6DD1750E66.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560888457483157868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-429219492735949463.post-24193330458863074562011-12-16T17:27:00.000-05:002011-12-16T17:27:51.702-05:00New Sounds of ChristmasIt seems that life has been a whirlwind lately, and I am halfway getting excited about Christmas. Don't get me wrong - Christmas is my very favorite holiday, followed directly by Thanksgiving. This year has just been a weird year for me as far as the holidays are concerned.<br />
<br />
The main reason is that the lease on my townhouse is up right after the holidays are over, and while I would LOVE to pull out all of my Christmas decorations (and they are plentiful), I have to be realistic and be okay with the fact that it would make a whole lot more sense to pack up the rest my things than upack a million ornaments just to put them back again.<br />
<br />
So, while I don't get to have my wonderful full-sized tree this year, Comanche and I did finally get a tree - even though it looks like it may be.....um, of the "Charlie Brown Pine" variety?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic6nHey_vv9WQebq1HukH_DDqk13LZkcK5Puy3HXBfJdfh8Szzjbfs40nS26i2gJpHbBAZmd6rid1EWW77BA0XL3YOQch3oFk31mHwWQNINKWMgS_hzgwDGLmfN1q7lRSHatUe98cSVw/s1600/121511223851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic6nHey_vv9WQebq1HukH_DDqk13LZkcK5Puy3HXBfJdfh8Szzjbfs40nS26i2gJpHbBAZmd6rid1EWW77BA0XL3YOQch3oFk31mHwWQNINKWMgS_hzgwDGLmfN1q7lRSHatUe98cSVw/s400/121511223851.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh well, it looks great on my table and we can plant it!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Either way, one thing that really does help my spirit during this stressful packing time is the music that you usually only get to hear this time of year! Check these out, y'all! Maybe you'll even discover a new Christmas hit to add to your playlists!<br />
<br />
Be Born In Me - Francesca Battistelli<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/QsXOP7aQeqQ" width="420"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsXOP7aQeqQ">Source</a><br />
<br />
A Baby Changes Everything - Faith Hill <br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="243" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/O3wujkozv9E" width="420"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3wujkozv9E">Source</a><br />
<br />
Mary's Boy Child - TobyMac ft. Jamie Grace<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="243" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/XqAmZC2G8GI" width="420"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqAmZC2G8GI">Source</a><br />
<br />
Winter Song - Sara Bareilles & Ingrid Michaelson<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="243" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/budTp-4BGM0" width="420"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=budTp-4BGM0">Source</a><br />
<br />
Until next time,<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/209/2FC666899C4DB1BBE7537C6DD1750E66.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560888457483157868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-429219492735949463.post-80534808389009035212011-12-05T12:17:00.000-05:002011-12-05T12:17:00.247-05:00Hello? And Happy Birthday!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAP5eRFVOqoY-yUHwYmiNrPlt-0Z5pDWXatFsE15H2X2YZR_zCJW1afOFWdiz9glbeFW97vaSWVCei3ZE4ywxDfyB4__MNmDo7TXT4hdh4l0fZiNdLikx66b93H8OKwNv8YS8iVwxzSA/s1600/613a7987-0a94-40aa-99a8-391e91e51a40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAP5eRFVOqoY-yUHwYmiNrPlt-0Z5pDWXatFsE15H2X2YZR_zCJW1afOFWdiz9glbeFW97vaSWVCei3ZE4ywxDfyB4__MNmDo7TXT4hdh4l0fZiNdLikx66b93H8OKwNv8YS8iVwxzSA/s400/613a7987-0a94-40aa-99a8-391e91e51a40.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cheezburger.com/DaSlob/lolz/View/5310129408">Get it?</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Wow - if I had a nickel for every time I took a second to realize how quickly time is flying by, I would be a very wealthy Chicken Wing! I've recently discovered that Christmas has decided not to wait for me to be ready, and I really need to put the other million things going on in my life aside and devote some attention to getting ready for the holidays!<br />
<br />
I greatly apologize for the lack of posting here lately - I'm still working on this whole promotion at work/planning a wedding/couponing/being addicted to the facebook online yard sale balancing act, and to be very candid, I'm not doing very well at it! I mean, I'm being successful at most of these things, but it's definitely hard to keep my blogging up to date with all of that going on!<br />
<br />
Oh, you thought that was it? NO SIR/NO MA'AM! There's more, but that will have to wait for a future post because truthfully, that deserves a post all its own!<br />
<br />
Today's post needs to center around one of the greatest guys I've ever known. I haven't seen him in a long time - almost seventeen years, to be exact - but today is his birthday, and he deserves my undivided attention.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiddrG5B1Qa9YrqhU4vcX-DYgUoR2Bx2p-g6XER3wufrmvbVYQwkObW6IoHODQ_XEdMFuv899qahbxvB4M7kTlyjapXnr2y4GHTrp50AQZ0phMmXG4svR7qaULZryr_DjI8JT-Mt1x8pw/s1600/120511081346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiddrG5B1Qa9YrqhU4vcX-DYgUoR2Bx2p-g6XER3wufrmvbVYQwkObW6IoHODQ_XEdMFuv899qahbxvB4M7kTlyjapXnr2y4GHTrp50AQZ0phMmXG4svR7qaULZryr_DjI8JT-Mt1x8pw/s400/120511081346.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have really big feet and ears for a little Wing, but my Daddy sure looks handsome!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
This guy...is my Daddy. December 5th usually involves many emotions for me, but I'm finding that this year, I have had a little bit of an easier time because I literally have been so darn busy, I basically turn into a vegetable in my spare time. It doesn't leave a whole lot of room for grief.<br />
<br />
When I prayed him a Happy Birthday today, I told him that I hoped he was getting in lots of golfing, hunting, fishing, and that he was getting to watch a lot of the Redskins and Tar Heels games. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK3q85eDyqoHkUxb68UeK9sg47hRmMJtaZhYF9XqkNWGDwuklHacqfj2jdyW4FudtN10ubiGpmP8ddCF43yr7XLPD6nO7iizq6R_YJVfZHStmqyMjeQxEQL1XnIukyYHyX3kp4QWXv_g/s1600/120511081848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK3q85eDyqoHkUxb68UeK9sg47hRmMJtaZhYF9XqkNWGDwuklHacqfj2jdyW4FudtN10ubiGpmP8ddCF43yr7XLPD6nO7iizq6R_YJVfZHStmqyMjeQxEQL1XnIukyYHyX3kp4QWXv_g/s400/120511081848.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I told him that I hoped he had the basket of rolled-up socks next to his recliner in heaven so he could chunk socks at the TV every time the Redskins made him mad (which unfortunately, has probably been happening a lot). I told him that I hoped he was still singing ever-so-off-key but as loudly and proudly as he ever did. (I used to love listening to him forget the words and instantly improve most songs by inserting his own noises or lyrics).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoXIPhnazyb1fB8JzPuv5TsQ1QeYlm_EZA599N7DrcHobGnaZ6PD4HTMf5KnA80FSHqf-EMgKtIhw8Ur1_84UNWft6sakk4crKclv5T43BmpUKNsRHcmWuDxFQnHEAJYCjtL3j36RRiQ/s1600/Daddy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoXIPhnazyb1fB8JzPuv5TsQ1QeYlm_EZA599N7DrcHobGnaZ6PD4HTMf5KnA80FSHqf-EMgKtIhw8Ur1_84UNWft6sakk4crKclv5T43BmpUKNsRHcmWuDxFQnHEAJYCjtL3j36RRiQ/s400/Daddy.jpg" width="222" /></a></div><br />
I told him how much I loved him and missed him and how I still think of him every.single.day. I told him not to be mad at me because I've been getting so emotional every time I tell someone how sad I'm going to be at my wedding since he won't be there to meet Comanche, ease my nerves, walk me down the aisle, or share our special father-daughter dance.<br />
<br />
I told him to keep watching out for our family and to keep an eye on Little Sister Chicken Wing and Little Brother Chicken Wing. I told him to take care of some wonderful people I know that have lost their lives recently. I told him to show them the ropes and teach them how things go in heaven. I told him to hug my PaPa and cousins and friends for me and to remind them how much I love and miss them, too.<br />
<br />
Finally, I told him, "Thank You." I thanked him for teaching me things to do, things not to do, and for showing up now and then to remind me he's still watching. I thanked him for instilling in me the importance of going to church and working on my relationship with God (even though I was quite lost in that department for a very long time). I thanked him for marrying my mom and giving me my siblings, and for letting me keep one of the puppies that would eventually become one of my very favorite dogs. I thanked him for just being him.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge5Zl0YyEkgq9wjgn7hBVB1jYklUL3VkYIIZYMWlHv32aEOjyL0u4BYUBEQg9atEVj1l9d3XV_5kzaLGFieenMGDk-lx-M7K5xk_cc0i0SWBp_ANJcW8F-drO1BG1ul5ZFgd47KB4oTw/s1600/120511081827.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge5Zl0YyEkgq9wjgn7hBVB1jYklUL3VkYIIZYMWlHv32aEOjyL0u4BYUBEQg9atEVj1l9d3XV_5kzaLGFieenMGDk-lx-M7K5xk_cc0i0SWBp_ANJcW8F-drO1BG1ul5ZFgd47KB4oTw/s400/120511081827.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
So here's to you, Daddy. I will always be your little girl. I will always remember you as one of the best guys I ever met. I will never forget the legacies you left behind and I will never stop aspiring to take your best qualities and make them my own. I miss you. I love you. <br />
<br />
Happy Birthday, Daddy!<br />
<br />
Until next time,<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/209/2FC666899C4DB1BBE7537C6DD1750E66.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560888457483157868noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-429219492735949463.post-71430024661002444322011-11-07T11:13:00.000-05:002011-11-07T11:13:22.531-05:00Vocalism At Its BestIf you are a fairly regular reader, you know that there is a major fan of dance reality shows around these parts. You may also know that music is something that absolutely rocks my face off, and I just have such a surpreme appreciation for the arts. Music moves me, inspires me, motivates me, and overall just makes my life better!<br />
<br />
So, I'm not sure if you are aware but there are just as many awesome singing reality shows on TV right now as there are dancing shows (like one of my faves, <em>Dancing With The Stars - GO J.R. MARTINEZ!!!</em>). One show that really highlights amazing vocal ability is <em>The Sing Off</em>. I've taken quite the liking to this show since the amazing vocal group "Committed" won last season! What I love the most about the show is that the vocalists are responsible not only for singing the lyrics but also the musical parts too! Seriously - there is such as thing as a vocal percussionist! (Making drums and bass-lines with your voice). Since I'm in a giving mood, I thought I'd blow your mind with some ridiculous vocals!<br />
<br />
Enjoy and turn up those speakers - prepare to be amazed!!!<br />
<br />
First up is all-girl group Delilah with their rendition of Lil' Wayne's "How To Love."<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/vQs6kDN-QUs" width="420"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQs6kDN-QUs&feature=related">Source</a><br />
<br />
Next up is last season's Committed with Maroon 5's "This Love."<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/9Izbsj1aFsk" width="420"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Izbsj1aFsk&feature=related">Source</a><br />
<br />
Finally, enjoy these two selections by The Pentatonix! They're on this season of <em>The Sing Off</em> and they are phenomenal!<br />
<br />
First up is their rendition of some famous Britney Spears songs!<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="243" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Q9HRWoiapio" width="420"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9HRWoiapio">Source</a><br />
<br />
Last but absolutely not least is my favorite performance of the season, Kanye West's "Love Lockdown," and I will let you see the judges' reactions because they're awesome!<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="243" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/P6pwTNUQRo8" width="420"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6pwTNUQRo8">Source</a><br />
<br />
If that doesn't get your feet tapping and your hands clapping, I really don't know what will. I got so pumped up after watching that last performance especially - I feel like you just have to give it up for talent like that! They're my pick to win this season! Enjoy, Peeps!<br />
<br />
Until next time,<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/209/2FC666899C4DB1BBE7537C6DD1750E66.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560888457483157868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-429219492735949463.post-58468557671835539722011-11-03T10:27:00.000-04:002011-11-03T10:27:44.214-04:00I Feel Like Being InspiredIf you are like me, you know that sometimes you get so stressed out in life that you forget what it feels like to be inspired. It's easy to get down or to feel so worn out that you need a little extra push to get you moving!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2GTnuqmQZ6bzH0BT7LhNOXxLO4B6xuwS-QvJxNIqTZpCYoUMeoFIlzDe158a_4Fk7dRRQLj3RPtu3x_-CTW7nL2LBitVOfBFw5CVW8vAKV5rhbMM32SMd2aQy_nAUUbkrNPaCzLsITA/s1600/Be+Inspired.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2GTnuqmQZ6bzH0BT7LhNOXxLO4B6xuwS-QvJxNIqTZpCYoUMeoFIlzDe158a_4Fk7dRRQLj3RPtu3x_-CTW7nL2LBitVOfBFw5CVW8vAKV5rhbMM32SMd2aQy_nAUUbkrNPaCzLsITA/s400/Be+Inspired.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br />
Since I feel like being inspired, I want to inspire all of you! I saw the first video re-circulating on facebook, so I wanted to share it here. These stories remind us that everyone can make it in this world - we all have a chance to achieve greatness. We just have to keep trying...keep persevering!<br />
<br />
So here's to you, Peeps! Here's to me! Here's to being inspired by greatness! Let's go change the world!<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ngzyhnkT_jY" width="420"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngzyhnkT_jY">Source</a><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/64A_AJjj8M4" width="420"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64A_AJjj8M4&feature=related">Source</a><br />
<br />
If you are crying after these, I am sorry. Actually, I'm not. Stories like these move people - they are designed to bring you to a new level and to make you aspire to be more than you are. That is the purpose, and I hope we each take the opportunity to be more like J-Mac or Team Hoyt today and every day.<br />
<br />
Until next time,<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/209/2FC666899C4DB1BBE7537C6DD1750E66.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560888457483157868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-429219492735949463.post-2674609088190575972011-10-26T11:14:00.000-04:002011-10-26T11:14:29.958-04:00Just In Case You Want To Follow Along<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9RASpXqOgl1-OqsUMg1S-BEzDe6WT52tnybT_TXkJqF0MfrKnbY8_8g80R1gdsA7amk9xlKahYtoXcj5nRa1wMqIKfLDksTni5nn1Z1-z6Z2JOcA-O4ZuinHt-I-7a0i5nD3WDVlPMw/s1600/plans-sound-really-interesting-wedding-ecard-someecards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="222" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9RASpXqOgl1-OqsUMg1S-BEzDe6WT52tnybT_TXkJqF0MfrKnbY8_8g80R1gdsA7amk9xlKahYtoXcj5nRa1wMqIKfLDksTni5nn1Z1-z6Z2JOcA-O4ZuinHt-I-7a0i5nD3WDVlPMw/s400/plans-sound-really-interesting-wedding-ecard-someecards.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.someecards.com/wedding-cards/your-wedding-plans-sound-really-interesting">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I've never ever wanted to be one of "those people." You know the kind - their conversation consists of one thing, and it's <em>always the same old thing</em>. It's not that you don't care about their kids' neverending sagas or their parents being crazy. It's not that you wish any ill-will on their big special day or their impending baby - it's just that it's hard sometimes to get just as excited as they do when you're not in the same situation. <br />
<br />
I want to be clear - I don't get aggravated with people who do this because I've done it myself from time to time. I just decided that I'd like to set a goal for myself and that goal is this: I don't want to force my wedding day to be the most important day of everybody's lives. Yes, it will be the most important day of my life. Yes, planning is stressful. Yes, it's a <em>big.freaking.deal.</em> But, people have other things going on, so my personal policy for all of my readers is this: if you want to know about my wedding, ask me what's going on with the planning. If you don't, that's cool too. <br />
<br />
This brings me to my latest struggle - I've been wanting to journal my journey of sorts down the aisle, and I wasn't sure how to accomplish this. Originally, I thought I'd just write about the big day here, but then I realized that there are some folks who probably aren't that interested in weddings, so I didn't want to alienate anyone who chooses to read my blog. Yes, I could argue that it is my blog and I can do what I want - rest assured, this is true - but I try to be courteous and respectful in my everyday life and my blog is an extension of that.<br />
<br />
So, what's the solution? For me, it was to create a wedding planning blog where I can write about the excitement and joy and frustration and pain that will go into my journey. That way, if you want to read about it, you can, but you're not bombarded with it here! Plus, I thought it would be a better way to keep it all seperate and organized so when I want to revisit it, I can do so. Without further ado, I'd like to introduce you to my wedding planning blog:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6BQx6aHRVw9f-FkjYqhaeMpFghps-fC9GyuiQtW3o4MnhUwopLkvn1hgHfFPyrwbGd7hyphenhyphenxwacVuHHMrszKLKKU4P9K-fsefT5NFgER5BtqRuGml81wdz_GC765x22p9GX-nrMjwUt2g/s1600/Cutout+Header+Pink+Orange.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6BQx6aHRVw9f-FkjYqhaeMpFghps-fC9GyuiQtW3o4MnhUwopLkvn1hgHfFPyrwbGd7hyphenhyphenxwacVuHHMrszKLKKU4P9K-fsefT5NFgER5BtqRuGml81wdz_GC765x22p9GX-nrMjwUt2g/s400/Cutout+Header+Pink+Orange.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">If you would like to check out With This Wing, you can visit my page by clicking <a href="http://wingwedding.blogspot.com/"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">HERE</span></strong></a>.</div><br />
<em>*Disclaimer: I chose not to continue anonymity on With This Wing because it is really hard to do, and my family wants to read about the wedding. So, if you choose to stalk me or my man, I will hunt you down. You've been warned. ;)</em> <br />
<br />
Until next time,<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/209/2FC666899C4DB1BBE7537C6DD1750E66.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560888457483157868noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-429219492735949463.post-20023408804070049572011-10-17T08:00:00.001-04:002011-10-17T08:00:09.526-04:00When Tragedy Strikes...PrayI know there are some of you who saw the title to this post and had to have assumed it was going to be about my Redskins losing to the daggum Eagles. Trust me, there was some major praying after the horrific event that was today's game. I really wish things had gone another way, but this post is of a much more serious nature.<br />
<br />
I don't know if you guys saw this in the news today, but I felt compelled to share. I may be a girl who loves to watch a lot of different things on television, though racing is not one of them. But, I am a girl who has experienced the death of someone very close to me because of a car accident and in a very unfortunate series of events, another family is having to deal with that situation on this very day.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="243" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/NFCOugYb6Hg" width="420"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFCOugYb6Hg">Source</a><br />
<br />
Today, during his "normal" workday in an Indy car race in Las Vegas, 33-year-old British driver Dan Wheldon was involved in a 15-car pileup that ultimately resulted in his passing. In the video clip above, Dan's car was the one that went airborne. He is survived by an industry and all of his colleagues, as well as his wife, Susie, and his two sons - Sebastian (2) and Oliver (7 months). It will indefinitely be a very difficult road for all of them, especially since it was an accident that occurred on television and will most certainly be replayed hundreds of times in the coming weeks.<br />
<br />
This tragedy had not yet happened when I left church this morning, but being as this is a Sunday and faith is needed when times are hard, I felt it might be good to ask for a massive prayer request for this family. I ask each of you to include them in your prayer list as their hearts and minds are full of sorrow and grief today. I hope the video clip inspires you to dig down deep and hug the ones close to you - you never know when a normal day could go horribly wrong.<br />
<br />
In the spirit of faith, here is a Song of Sunday to get your minds right for the coming week - it definitely did that for me today, and it was the first time we sang this at our church. I was very impressed with the message and felt it was ultimately fitting after today's events.<br />
<br />
Here is "Never Once" by Matt Redman.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/n1bXG4WIesA" width="420"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1bXG4WIesA&feature=related">Source</a><br />
<br />
Until next time,<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/209/2FC666899C4DB1BBE7537C6DD1750E66.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560888457483157868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-429219492735949463.post-9307697241505684762011-10-10T08:00:00.000-04:002011-10-10T08:00:02.598-04:00In Case You Need UpliftingJust to start your week off in the right fashion, I thought I'd share my favorite of the songs we sang at church yesterday. It truly does have a powerful message, and sometimes, I find that is exactly what you need to cleanse your mind and heart in order to start a brand new week.<br />
<br />
I found this song especially moving, simply because I've been <i>so incredibly busy</i> lately. I've found it very difficult to just stop and slow down for a minute. Don't get me wrong - I love being busy. It beats the alternative any day of the week, but one thing I constantly struggle with is balance. I need to continually practice the balancing act that is life. You are supposed to work hard, but you also need to take time to relish in the moments life presents to you, and that's something I need to be better about.<br />
<br />
So, to those of you who are like me, and forget the simple truth about who gives you the strength to handle all of life's challenges, and through whose teachings you can learn to find balance, this song's for you. Happy Monday, everyone!<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/xnWw24s5gG8" width="420"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnWw24s5gG8&feature=related">Source</a><br />
<br />
Until next time,<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/209/2FC666899C4DB1BBE7537C6DD1750E66.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560888457483157868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-429219492735949463.post-73494099651336097472011-09-30T07:30:00.000-04:002011-09-30T07:30:00.658-04:00SURPRISE! It's Friday!And thus, you must enjoy this hilarious and adorable video. Go on. Do it. Turn your speakers up a wee bit. You.are.welcome.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/0Bmhjf0rKe8" width="420"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Bmhjf0rKe8">Source</a><br />
<br />
Happy Weekend, Peeps!<br />
<br />
Until next time,<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/209/2FC666899C4DB1BBE7537C6DD1750E66.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560888457483157868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-429219492735949463.post-33796694292065018882011-09-27T10:36:00.000-04:002011-09-27T10:36:34.226-04:00A Step In The Right DirectionHello, Peeps. I'm Miss Chicken Wing. You might remember me as someone who used to write regularly on this blog. No, I haven't been kidnapped. I've had so much going on in my life recently, and I am so excited to tell you guys all about it! I apologize that it's taken me this long to get back to the happy place that is my blog, but sometimes a little vacation is necessary, you know? Not to mention, I have just gotten started planning what is sure to be one of the very best days of my life so far - the day I get to marry Comanche! People who have been there know how busy that can be!<br />
<br />
Getting engaged is not the only new and awesome thing that I count in my blessings list, though! Hold on to your hats, y'all - there's more! The first thing I want to catch you all up on gets its own post on the blog, and is something that I'm now allowed to go public with! I recently got a PROMOTION!!!!! WOO TO THE HOO!!!!!!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZsSVYmb313W6COt20BBIRht7KthZOQUQAMNmFsu3ivbqnX7UJuOlQ4EX96fRJwkecAXP1U-0a2Pvz0SD63lAxq6jpkQnM8suPcCyFCgNkvVUgyf00tpgdaS-c5jMOWFhH1Y1sZPxiiQ/s1600/Ron+Burgundy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZsSVYmb313W6COt20BBIRht7KthZOQUQAMNmFsu3ivbqnX7UJuOlQ4EX96fRJwkecAXP1U-0a2Pvz0SD63lAxq6jpkQnM8suPcCyFCgNkvVUgyf00tpgdaS-c5jMOWFhH1Y1sZPxiiQ/s400/Ron+Burgundy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/badragz/t-shirts/7274670-anchorman-t-shirts-im-kind-of-a-big-deal?p=sticker">It's true. Believe it.</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table> Pause for a moment - who doesn't love Ron Burgundy, right?!?! Okay, back to the actual subject matter. I am so excited because it's really a step in the right direction as far as my career goes, and I am thrilled to have been given the opportunity to grow within my amazing company. <br />
<br />
For those who know me, they know how protective I am about my job(s) and my company - I will go to the mat any day for the people I work for and with. I am so blessed to be a part of such an amazing organization, and I genuinely work with some of the best people I know. Other people may make more money or have fancier offices, but I can guarantee that most people can't say that they like everyone they work with. I can, and that's a big deal to me.<br />
<br />
So, while I've been away from the blog, I have been working on the transition between my current position and my new one. In my new position, I will have an even greater chance to help people, which is my passion, after all. It's a little scary jumping into the somewhat unknown, but I've found that most of the things in my life that have scared me have ended up being the ones most worth it.<br />
<br />
Here's to the newest journey on my crazy ride!<br />
<br />
Until next time,<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/209/2FC666899C4DB1BBE7537C6DD1750E66.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560888457483157868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-429219492735949463.post-61177147665930653712011-09-11T22:32:00.000-04:002011-09-11T22:32:22.731-04:00Songs of Sunday - Special Edition<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large; font-style: italic;">9/11 - We will never forget...</span></div><br />
I still remember where I was ten years ago today. I was a high school student standing in the student lounge of our local community college with my friends in Governor's School. We were huddled together watching the tragic events of the morning unfolding on the televisions there. We stood in silence - in disbelief - most of us with our hands on our heads or on our mouths. The horror pumped through all of our veins as our heart rates increased with each passing moment.<br />
<br />
With those memories in mind, it was appropriate that the ten year anniversary of 9/11 fell on a Sunday. In church today, we had a wonderful tribute and we lifted the victims' families and friends up in prayer together and individually. We sang songs about reaching out to complete strangers because Christ's compassion doesn't play favorites - about expanding our scopes to include all the people of the world as our neighbors.<br />
<br />
I've been pretty busy the past week, but I wanted to share a couple of the songs that we sang in church today to get your week started off right. <br />
<br />
Matthew West - My Own Little World<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/gR57M80-rzE" width="420"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gR57M80-rzE">Source</a><br />
<br />
Matt Redman - We Could Change The World<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_f1pGP0Z3wQ" width="420"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_f1pGP0Z3wQ">Source</a><br />
<br />
It's been an amazing albeit bittersweet day for me - Comanche and I have been hanging out with friends watching football (my Redskins and his Cowboys - I know, it's insanity), eating steaks we grilled, and having fellowship with our church family. We know how lucky we are and therefore, we must continue to be mindful of those folks who are hurting today. If you can spare five minutes, lift them up, everyone! It'll be worth it!<br />
<br />
Until next time,<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/209/2FC666899C4DB1BBE7537C6DD1750E66.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560888457483157868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-429219492735949463.post-24459273237340007982011-09-03T07:30:00.000-04:002011-09-03T07:30:00.729-04:00You Gotta Keep Em Separated"Hey, man you talkin back to me?<br />
Take him out,<br />
You gotta keep em separated...."<br />
<br />
Okay, okay, flashing back to 1994 when The Offspring first released that song (with the ever-catchy surfer instrumental) isn't actually the point of this post. Not even close, to be honest. But, the main theme that was repeated throughout that song was, "You Gotta Keep Em Separated," and that theme ties perfectly in with the ever-important topic that I will cover with you today.<br />
<br />
I once referenced <a href="http://wingofchicken.blogspot.com/2010/11/story-about-unicorn.html">HERE</a> that Comanche had made a certain sandwich "just the way I like it." That sandwich was none other than the all-American classic - peanut butter and jelly!<br />
<br />
Enter music montage. Go on, watch it.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="345" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/s8MDNFaGfT4" width="420"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8MDNFaGfT4">Source</a><br />
<br />
Okay, enough with the nonsense - back to the matter at hand. In my book, there is only one correct way to make a PB&J and I wanted to impart my wisdom on the masses. It is imperative that you all know what is the right way and what is the wrong way. Here goes nothing...<br />
<br />
Step One. Always start with the jelly.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK5pFtBiTqiduZ-CnPG7xYyuvzdWH3_2hsMzrVHKys-2oGPMP2OaDmgtSgKB9kMoZLRZvJfAvt2ivZEwRmiJU4p_PIF5NubNG7FCwdNIf3mLKAYU3RKJRmSoMdfFcEWTOhfW0AIjZieA/s1600/IMG_1006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK5pFtBiTqiduZ-CnPG7xYyuvzdWH3_2hsMzrVHKys-2oGPMP2OaDmgtSgKB9kMoZLRZvJfAvt2ivZEwRmiJU4p_PIF5NubNG7FCwdNIf3mLKAYU3RKJRmSoMdfFcEWTOhfW0AIjZieA/s400/IMG_1006.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grape is my jelly of choice.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJgTtDoVJCTL2IRbFrSGK-Yh1kdIQBj5rdSePj_uNi3_SgIu9VUufHO6BmUUgnt3l6RzUrtROCIFHF0IN6L74nCbqq6JcOCtnQUDhaaRQIylIDfxHdTMiwAzd31cptXzmatiWdJBD9aw/s1600/IMG_1007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJgTtDoVJCTL2IRbFrSGK-Yh1kdIQBj5rdSePj_uNi3_SgIu9VUufHO6BmUUgnt3l6RzUrtROCIFHF0IN6L74nCbqq6JcOCtnQUDhaaRQIylIDfxHdTMiwAzd31cptXzmatiWdJBD9aw/s400/IMG_1007.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Step One, complete.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Step Two. Rinse off your knife.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZzF07bwtl6Q972y44ZD2wemjcxFI5ZcuBRyeRL2taiX9ZYmJWApmUjnZ8e44AN-a96y-TrW2A94QLMmfCyCiydJ7b4gM5iQJt4A7hUYdowhpT80yt8MUpmXZrJd4jCNDVbNFNmCt8WQ/s1600/IMG_1008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZzF07bwtl6Q972y44ZD2wemjcxFI5ZcuBRyeRL2taiX9ZYmJWApmUjnZ8e44AN-a96y-TrW2A94QLMmfCyCiydJ7b4gM5iQJt4A7hUYdowhpT80yt8MUpmXZrJd4jCNDVbNFNmCt8WQ/s400/IMG_1008.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seriously. Don't miss Step Two.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Step Three. Peanut butter application.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYI9oaDD7Zan2kL8zXS0J5015j9wZgBkKGOLIuwRS3WzLFM3firYkglA27IlW9d4mEYvJ0f0lzjsHBGi2eXpDAh10J2y53pWB1Pbp3-sMbYQgvMlGOBXthyphenhyphengsAfee7rLnIlIdX43gfbg/s1600/IMG_1009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYI9oaDD7Zan2kL8zXS0J5015j9wZgBkKGOLIuwRS3WzLFM3firYkglA27IlW9d4mEYvJ0f0lzjsHBGi2eXpDAh10J2y53pWB1Pbp3-sMbYQgvMlGOBXthyphenhyphengsAfee7rLnIlIdX43gfbg/s400/IMG_1009.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't worry, PB! You get your turn!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTL0Jt6nZEYJSuRnC-a_SVIpWfzAjylxaWzsf3bpb8bh8AbQBN7W0RRzRLvZpqdDrqisDGF9Fo0FDUaJeWCAJDnll6cQCrlAAoWsBZBU0nEvQHcb7APuuRB-wnIyq8mrztaUBG5sHVg/s1600/IMG_1010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTL0Jt6nZEYJSuRnC-a_SVIpWfzAjylxaWzsf3bpb8bh8AbQBN7W0RRzRLvZpqdDrqisDGF9Fo0FDUaJeWCAJDnll6cQCrlAAoWsBZBU0nEvQHcb7APuuRB-wnIyq8mrztaUBG5sHVg/s400/IMG_1010.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clean rim = clean soul.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Step Four. Thank your audience for watching you do the correct PB&J-making method. (Please note that they are the primary reason why you start with the jelly and then move to the good stuff).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjjU070Fo2iBjC2BmIIL9LSpnqy6a6isN08U27oK9w6DhX4klcTlHmJ2wTsllu5HKjxph-33HThxAtMkvDfDy_zcSRwfqOlKlxra8Bd07uS5XlBh4ymkUM6JFsrFKIG2mR8r5Je3MEEA/s1600/IMG_1011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjjU070Fo2iBjC2BmIIL9LSpnqy6a6isN08U27oK9w6DhX4klcTlHmJ2wTsllu5HKjxph-33HThxAtMkvDfDy_zcSRwfqOlKlxra8Bd07uS5XlBh4ymkUM6JFsrFKIG2mR8r5Je3MEEA/s400/IMG_1011.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeah, it was a full house that day - my kids had friends over.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiysdtO9kBQmUuR4jOgKzS_379qYksjZOj-AifSu18NBtbJQgsBPQ5taKlb6Qa87zEmR9CYNL8OFGwE2pEbKyXKUL4r_luANpLGD1fcV1DxOCdlc_ku_mWsIygJLR_-GZQ1P-17TYggHA/s1600/IMG_1013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiysdtO9kBQmUuR4jOgKzS_379qYksjZOj-AifSu18NBtbJQgsBPQ5taKlb6Qa87zEmR9CYNL8OFGwE2pEbKyXKUL4r_luANpLGD1fcV1DxOCdlc_ku_mWsIygJLR_-GZQ1P-17TYggHA/s400/IMG_1013.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The peanut butter party has started.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Step Five. Press each side together in a "folded over" fashion. I call them "peanut butter and jelly folded overs."<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjil1oq5YqNXPviGqdyBPpGqpREiNdMK_RFQBy-A9ftRLbWfEBuE14LP3k3D1Z_F925qosTOtQyvINmDf2TJ57ciROOf38ws2cokpjkD9ZO5or60YwPkFgYYqZB5TvHSIq6i50sPt9I9g/s1600/IMG_1015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjil1oq5YqNXPviGqdyBPpGqpREiNdMK_RFQBy-A9ftRLbWfEBuE14LP3k3D1Z_F925qosTOtQyvINmDf2TJ57ciROOf38ws2cokpjkD9ZO5or60YwPkFgYYqZB5TvHSIq6i50sPt9I9g/s400/IMG_1015.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See? Folded overs!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Step Six. Locate PB&J Party Fouls.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOtIuuOb25PEL7YM9pIdFIsb3gAcW5Xn8xi44PZcstFo3Zgwaj89PSSPnpYzrHttj7a4p72H3ebDKyZ7LrZSiIQgcgpYCSI7moXC84AKvuV3JP6KmrWDtd8fUU_rJub_AX4OIZS0W5eQ/s1600/IMG_1016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOtIuuOb25PEL7YM9pIdFIsb3gAcW5Xn8xi44PZcstFo3Zgwaj89PSSPnpYzrHttj7a4p72H3ebDKyZ7LrZSiIQgcgpYCSI7moXC84AKvuV3JP6KmrWDtd8fUU_rJub_AX4OIZS0W5eQ/s400/IMG_1016.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uh uh. Not cool. My skin is literally crawling. Ew.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Step Seven. Show your obvious disdain for the situation.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLEu4XS5GcKYAnXWS7BkC0OKWTlv5J-wzaeo0SDmuqSw45qRSDPmlVMR_YUBm7akM5VQiD7Ytl50fj4dR6VL9qPaOZZie2pbzV5YbCZQxGl47mqPQeHsnbVTZGGY-I-QwG7Z0RGVv_GA/s1600/IMG_1017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLEu4XS5GcKYAnXWS7BkC0OKWTlv5J-wzaeo0SDmuqSw45qRSDPmlVMR_YUBm7akM5VQiD7Ytl50fj4dR6VL9qPaOZZie2pbzV5YbCZQxGl47mqPQeHsnbVTZGGY-I-QwG7Z0RGVv_GA/s400/IMG_1017.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Step Eight. The final step. Hunt the offenders and make them pay.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfMua83n-4EoMD733a5xVc33P_-Nwi7Ela8-xTH6pBfRTu4jcykqB0IXKU2yPBWKKGf6MV0SRVX6Q9J997o1cZMTfJPjWLq4zB04mGHvTvTSZbP4gMa34s5a_aQICXz3ejFYxyU-DZtw/s1600/IMG_1021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfMua83n-4EoMD733a5xVc33P_-Nwi7Ela8-xTH6pBfRTu4jcykqB0IXKU2yPBWKKGf6MV0SRVX6Q9J997o1cZMTfJPjWLq4zB04mGHvTvTSZbP4gMa34s5a_aQICXz3ejFYxyU-DZtw/s400/IMG_1021.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the wise words of Liam Neeson, "I will find you and I will kill you."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>There you have it, folks. This has been a valuable life lesson from me to you. You are welcome.<br />
<br />
Until next time,<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/209/2FC666899C4DB1BBE7537C6DD1750E66.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560888457483157868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-429219492735949463.post-46200324355677487772011-09-01T00:02:00.000-04:002011-09-01T00:02:10.368-04:00THE HAPPIEST POST OF MY LIFEOkay, there is going to be limited verbiage. I'm going to let the video and the pictures do the talking.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG7aWFkmUMsFCY1dratg6tzNBBnU9DJRqu7YIwB2OlqbxkAAKWxVcVCpXJjO1tw1Mxsky4htE7W4rX4O7ghds8DlhrjLHo3oVlP4RGd9pwM4EAbJ1Me3OxCz5cExh8LS_4vQvEc_Y_pA/s1600/video.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG7aWFkmUMsFCY1dratg6tzNBBnU9DJRqu7YIwB2OlqbxkAAKWxVcVCpXJjO1tw1Mxsky4htE7W4rX4O7ghds8DlhrjLHo3oVlP4RGd9pwM4EAbJ1Me3OxCz5cExh8LS_4vQvEc_Y_pA/s400/video.bmp" width="400px" xaa="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://launchwebsolutions.com/images/video.jpg">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="345" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/K1tgr-KIo34" width="420"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1tgr-KIo34">Source</a><br />
<br />
So, I will apologize for the fact that I look absolutely HORRID in this video - I had bawled my face off with sheer bliss and makeup reapplication apparently never occurred to me. For that, I am truly sorry, but I guess it can be forgiven since I was clearly high on love while this video was filmed!<br />
<br />
So, needless to say, last night was amazing and I am greatly looking forward to spending THE.REST.OF.MY.LIFE with this man, and I am absolutely the LUCKIEST girl I know! <br />
<br />
He could have any woman in the world that he wanted. Even as the ring sits on my finger, I still can't believe he chose me.<br />
<br />
Okay, okay, you didn't think I would actually leave you hanging without seeing the most incredibly amazing gorgeous drool-worthy insane beautiful ring in the whole wide world, did you? Come on, now, you know I'm not that mean. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoIPspIX0cIOOxJvGiWLmupRL1taAsSGctwIHgeuVn4RhgQiv2EgfKz1azF8iL6-JIWme92Q8htymp0_5Ay8-f7boa7ttNEdWskHztNwP3AlRC0OhqJPKAietZ0P7q7Xy9_h_WoEsulQ/s1600/IMG_1373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoIPspIX0cIOOxJvGiWLmupRL1taAsSGctwIHgeuVn4RhgQiv2EgfKz1azF8iL6-JIWme92Q8htymp0_5Ay8-f7boa7ttNEdWskHztNwP3AlRC0OhqJPKAietZ0P7q7Xy9_h_WoEsulQ/s400/IMG_1373.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6KEZASzyry8vR4uKwKZGrZ4C_H1qZyU0yz1o2sgSXD6KGiTOfPDfqRY_3X1FSqauEX-WGphb9QKDT45zBnxKZq50i97uc9NyWJpINtj7SqBo4NbYLTZf0CQE3CIdMboCpPQDTSyJmfA/s1600/IMG_1377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6KEZASzyry8vR4uKwKZGrZ4C_H1qZyU0yz1o2sgSXD6KGiTOfPDfqRY_3X1FSqauEX-WGphb9QKDT45zBnxKZq50i97uc9NyWJpINtj7SqBo4NbYLTZf0CQE3CIdMboCpPQDTSyJmfA/s400/IMG_1377.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidS_UzhqJ1GPfFMkh4Kcx-G0O0coPQuzJD7CJcW5uDiEzMs1FQl_K5TAjpBWler3ENnn3M8WZ6eYFV1dVaHkt6xqq3XHpZD46ItSRe4qkRPKHi9_juBufuu6chjbOsL8ItbE7gylVmOw/s1600/IMG_1386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidS_UzhqJ1GPfFMkh4Kcx-G0O0coPQuzJD7CJcW5uDiEzMs1FQl_K5TAjpBWler3ENnn3M8WZ6eYFV1dVaHkt6xqq3XHpZD46ItSRe4qkRPKHi9_juBufuu6chjbOsL8ItbE7gylVmOw/s400/IMG_1386.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRL-gPn0rm7FUTHfIOEEi5PkS1MvwaRVgHdpR2z-Dqf3g4d_j4Ui8MG9VvT39VcvKG7a4H2z_ljUTa88KEvOFqAvw-nUtfa9q27mtWRLXbs88fMy6uVNoLPIp-dLLF7KYnkcJP_7JkrA/s1600/IMG_1366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRL-gPn0rm7FUTHfIOEEi5PkS1MvwaRVgHdpR2z-Dqf3g4d_j4Ui8MG9VvT39VcvKG7a4H2z_ljUTa88KEvOFqAvw-nUtfa9q27mtWRLXbs88fMy6uVNoLPIp-dLLF7KYnkcJP_7JkrA/s400/IMG_1366.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3380vscw3EfNC-kJuNvObLf2BCRn0lUrlHHQ4mr3av4jTyaLIzbjKlGqoHBt0DKEjQoAfN_p-7UWrJZmCfn28yGkzUhOF-ToYarkP634tz9Pt9qAUVE1IezIlrJ-cf5KtbiqBJvxTww/s1600/IMG_1367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3380vscw3EfNC-kJuNvObLf2BCRn0lUrlHHQ4mr3av4jTyaLIzbjKlGqoHBt0DKEjQoAfN_p-7UWrJZmCfn28yGkzUhOF-ToYarkP634tz9Pt9qAUVE1IezIlrJ-cf5KtbiqBJvxTww/s400/IMG_1367.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhStMzxIp9MYnZl_kdgpO-NBuIfEN0leSUKfNx8bjgcZsU74HqVZnslV1k5kpa2RyvGujlZcH-ddc6U26Qzez_Derv175_4pVWcgBmn62gQ2i8Q3Mtev6zFnXvD3qWa9rtjEZlVCng7Xg/s1600/IMG_1351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhStMzxIp9MYnZl_kdgpO-NBuIfEN0leSUKfNx8bjgcZsU74HqVZnslV1k5kpa2RyvGujlZcH-ddc6U26Qzez_Derv175_4pVWcgBmn62gQ2i8Q3Mtev6zFnXvD3qWa9rtjEZlVCng7Xg/s400/IMG_1351.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwn5kO9Pr02cvgpjnZn5T9V9qPwXtTON0rIVdOWCHSu3SIPRWPZkd9wEo1YW-Ou7X2ON12JpBAOA1QVxpzleEgyqLNbA6kTVQR_gKwgkiUbDwRU1bmTT5YwawWrpb8tY6E_LGcHBYpkw/s1600/IMG_1354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwn5kO9Pr02cvgpjnZn5T9V9qPwXtTON0rIVdOWCHSu3SIPRWPZkd9wEo1YW-Ou7X2ON12JpBAOA1QVxpzleEgyqLNbA6kTVQR_gKwgkiUbDwRU1bmTT5YwawWrpb8tY6E_LGcHBYpkw/s400/IMG_1354.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
What do I love about this ring?<br />
<br />
Let's do this in list form, because we all know that's how I roll.<br />
<br />
1. It was chosen by Comanche with absolutely no guidance from me or anyone else. (Dang, he did good!)<br />
<br />
2. It really reflects my sassy, sentimental, and girly personality.<br />
<br />
3. Comanche used what I call the "lucky stone." The lucky stone is the diamond that my darling PaPa (whom I lost last year to Alzheimer's) gave to my Grandma. He picked it out for her, and she wore it for my whole life. They were married for almost 59 years! Also, the diamond once fell out of her setting when she was at a craft fair, and she didn't realize it until she got home. After calling them frantically, she asked if she could take all of their trash home (hoping and praying that someone had swept it up). After going through industrial-sized bag after industrial-sized bag, she found her diamond. In the bottom. Of the very.last.bag. So, I call it the lucky stone, and I was honored and privileged to have her want to pass it along to me!<br />
<br />
4. It was designed by a pro. Seriously. You may know this guy:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN5UaKdRa91ShQjm0Hok-R2QwJsHTX0u0G84YVWb4Jjcf7TZPTmzVLt7YEcQVwnqI2Il7V5PH97LJA9ctRoogR6pSynIHGLM6-PYHrxWSDtj5ZZNeyfmV4thRpsuEA_So3yGiCKOdQcg/s1600/Neil+Lane.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN5UaKdRa91ShQjm0Hok-R2QwJsHTX0u0G84YVWb4Jjcf7TZPTmzVLt7YEcQVwnqI2Il7V5PH97LJA9ctRoogR6pSynIHGLM6-PYHrxWSDtj5ZZNeyfmV4thRpsuEA_So3yGiCKOdQcg/s400/Neil+Lane.JPG" width="321px" xaa="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.contactmusic.com/photo/neil_lane_2934743">Neil Lane, meet my peeps. Peeps, meet Neil Lane.</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table> 5. Most important reason ever - because my Comanche gave it to me as a symbol of the fact that he wants me to be his wife. There is no greater honor that I've ever achieved and I am so incredibly blessed to call him my future husband. If he would have given me a bread tie or a popsicle stick, I would have been just as thrilled because the symbolism would have been the same. I will say that this symbol is amazing, though, and I find that I will need to invest in more sunglasses. ;) <br />
<br />
I love this man, I love this man, I love this man.<br />
<br />
Until next time,<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/209/2FC666899C4DB1BBE7537C6DD1750E66.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560888457483157868noreply@blogger.com2