That Time Of Year

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!

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!

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 - Pinterest has changed the game, y'all.  There is no excuse for not at least TRYING the tutorials for cute styles that you've pinned.)

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!

Proud crafty mama, I am!  Can't wait to share professional pictures of these bad boys in use!

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.

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.

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.]

6.  Magic Mike was an awesome movie, and not for the plotline.

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! 

8.  When all else fails you, simply say a prayer.  God hears everything you tell Him.  He is always faithful.

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.

10.  Finally, one last nugget 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.

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!

Until next time,

If 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.

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!

1.  Anderson Cooper

Hello, Silver Fox!  I love you!

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 The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.  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 Gigglegate 2011?).  And you are gorgeous, but this you already know.  If I become famous, let's hang out, mmkay?

2.  William and Kate

Love, sweet love!

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!

3.  Tim Tebow

Purrrrr!

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!

So that's my short list for now, folks!  What famous people would you want to be friends with if you had the opportunity?

Until next time,

When Tragedy Strikes...Pray

I 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.

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.


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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.

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.

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.

Here is "Never Once" by Matt Redman.


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Until next time,

In Case You Need Uplifting

Just 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.

I found this song especially moving, simply because I've been so incredibly busy 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.

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!


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Until next time,

A Step In The Right Direction

Hello, 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!

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!!!!!!



It's true.  Believe it.

 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. 

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.

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.

Here's to the newest journey on my crazy ride!

Until next time,

Pray For These Tragedy Victims

I went back and forth over whether to show this video or not, but I wanted to give you a visual if you've not yet seen it in order to further the tenacity of your prayers for the victims and families of the victims of this horrific accident! {WARNING: THIS VIDEO IS VERY HARD TO WATCH.}

I'm not sure if you've heard of this yet, but tragedy struck the Sugarland concert at the Indiana State Fair this weekend when 60mph winds took down the stage, killing at least four people and injuring at least forty others.  I ask you to put these people on your prayer lists and to lift them up.


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Heavenly Father, please hold each and every person affected by this horrific accident in Your hands and lift them up during this very difficult time.  In Your Name, I pray.  Amen.

Until next time,

Songs To Get You Going

I had a lot of positive response to my "Songs of Sunday" post so I thought I'd do a follow-up post with even more musical goodness for my Peeps.  You know, because I really love you and all and I want you to have the encouragement you need to make it a good week!

Some of these are songs we sing at my amazing church and others are ones I've heard on Spirit FM. (Sidenote:  I really never imagined that I'd end up liking this station as much as I do, but when your normal stations are playing the ever-loving-poo out of songs you used to like same songs over and over again, it's a really refreshing break).

Kristian Stanfill - Always

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I'm proud to post this next group because they got their start at a local university and they are pretty incredible - the way they harmonize with one another and have matched their vocals up until they're pitch-perfect is ridiculous!  Here are Anthem Lights with "Can't Get Over You."


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Building 429 - Listen To The Sound

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Sidewalk Prophets - You Love Me Anyway

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Matthew West - Strong Enough

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I hope you find some inspiration in these messages - I think they're beautiful and uplifting and that's what I love about Sundays....I get the good stuff that I need to cope with any week that's thrown at me!  Naturally, I wouldn't want anything less for my Peeps!

Until next time,

How Great Indeed

Hello, Peeps!  I hope each and every one of you had an amazing Easter weekend!  I know I did, and it was jam packed full of love and togetherness.  I got to see my incredible friends and my fantastic family, and all is right in my little world.

One thing I was quite upset about was missing a special on TV that honored several of country music's female phenomenons.  I would have TiVO'd it had I known it was set to air!  Boo sauce to that!  One of my favorite country artists, whom I've loved since her audition tape on American Idol, was honored during that special.  If you've ever heard Carrie Underwood sing, you know that the girl is beyond blessed.

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I was particularly impressed with the song she chose to sing, 'How Great Thou Art.'  To say she hit it out of the park would be a severe understatement.  Don't believe me?  See for yourself.


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Happy Easter, everyone!  Remember the reason - He is risen. He is risen indeed.

Until next time,

Songs For Daddy

Dear Daddy,

If you're reading this, it's been sixteen years since I last saw you.  You were on your way to go fishing with your best friend, Charlie (which was one of your absolute favorite things to do).  It was a Friday.  If I'd known then that it would be the last time I'd ever see your face, I would have hugged you even tighter, kissed you on the cheek, and said 'I love you' a million times.  Actually, I probably would have refused to let you go.

We both know that life doesn't work like that, though, and I have to be satisfied with praying to God and asking Him to send you messages for me.  That's not a bad option, when you think about it, if I can't speak to you in person.  I want you to know that I've missed you every single day of these past sixteen years.  If you do the quick math, that's 5,840 days of missing you and loving you from here.

I hope they have golf courses and fishing holes in heaven, because I know you're enjoying yourself.  I'm sure it wouldn't hurt if they had big screen TV's, as well, so you can watch our beloved Tar Heels and Redskins and even the PGA tournaments that you loved so much.  Most of all, I hope you're happy with who we've all turned out to be.  I know that I've tried very hard to live my life in a way that would make you proud.  I hope that when we reunite in heaven one day, you can look me in the eyes, pat me on the back, and say 'you've done well.'

Every time I hear one of your favorite songs, it makes me think of you.  Every time I shoot, attend, or plan a wedding, I pay attention when the bride walks down the aisle with her father and when they share their father-daughter dance.  I say a quick prayer that they realize in that moment just how lucky they are to be able to spend that time together.  I try not to get down, though, because I can say that the one thing I have over everyone else is that my Daddy is with me all the time because he lives in my heart.

I miss you.  I love you.  Watch over me.  Until we meet again, I thought I'd put some songs in here that make me think of you or help me when I'm down.  I know there are people who read this blog and some of them even get inspired by what I have to say.  I also know that several of them have lost someone close to them, and they've been through the pain that I have.  So, I'd like to share these with them to help them through, too.  Here goes nothing.


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Until next time,

Musical Message For Your Week

One thing I greatly look forward to every Sunday is the message I receive from my church.  I'm telling you - there's nothing better to start your week off correctly than a little time with Jesus and a bunch of other people who love Him too.

Yesterday's message was a good one and I really took a lot away from it, but one of the most wonderful parts of yesterday's service was actually one of the songs they did.  My good girlfriend had heard this song before yesterday, and she got very excited when it started to play.  Once it picked up and I focused on the lyrics, I really was touched, as well.

You see, we've been talking a lot about the mysterious ways that God works in our lives for weeks now at church, and one of the recurring themes that our pastor has touched on is that God doesn't come to us in ways that we think He should - He does it on His own time and in His own way.  Sometimes, He comes to us in such a way that you honestly have to sit back in disbelief and wonder why He thought that was the way to go.

The reason this message has resonated with me so well is because I've seen it firsthand.  I think of certain situations I've been through, and I know that God must have been overwhelmed by the amount of prayers and pleading requests I'd sent up to him.  During those times, I genuinely felt one of two ways:  1) that God was ignoring me because my prayers were petty in comparison to others' or 2) that He wanted me to stay on the path that I was on.  After certain situations ended and I'd moved on to different things in my life, it was then that He appeared to me, and I have to admit - while I laughed at the irony, it all made perfect sense.

So, that is why the song you're about to hear fit so perfectly with that theme.  It reminds you that if you stay the course and keep your faithfulness strong, you'll find the answers you need when the time is right.  The "downtime" while we're waiting is just as important as the answers themselves.  I hope this message starts your week off right, too!  Happy Monday, Peeps!


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Until next time,

The Reason For The Season

It's very, very rare that I actually like a Christmas song that is modern, and by modern, I mean not one of the standards we grew up with.  There are a few exceptions, and I'd like to share one of them with you today.  I'm sure you've most likely heard this song, but it is one of the most meaningful and beautiful modern Christmas songs I've ever been blessed enough to hear.

There are plenty of words that come to mind when you hear the name Faith Hill.  Some that always come to mind to me are as follows:  beautiful, gorgeous smile, incredible voice, loving, caring, devoted, passionate, creative, great mother and wife, grounded, inspiring.

Couple the incredible artist with a song that exceptionally highlights the actual reason for the Christmas season, and you're bound to have a grand slam. 

In church this past weekend, the message was about how easy it is to get caught up in the Christmas clutter - the things that don't actually mean anything at the end of the day.  It doesn't matter if you decorate your home, or fill your stockings, or shove people in the mall when you're trying to score the perfect gift - the reason for the season is the birth of Jesus Christ.

So, I ask this of you, Peeps.  Take a moment and listen to the words of this song (and appreciate how beautifully executed they are by Faith Hill).  Let the passion in the song move you, and make you pause - take a minute and remember all that's been done for you.  I guarantee it's the best way to get over any holiday gloom you may be experiencing.

It's my honor and pleasure to present to you, one of my favorite "new" Christmas songs, appropriately titled A Baby Changes Everything.


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Until next time,

Reverb 10 - Prompt #7

December 7 – Community. Where have you discovered community, online or otherwise, in 2010? What community would you like to join, create or more deeply connect with in 2011? (Author: Cali Harris)

This prompt is actually easy for me.  This year, I started visiting a new church, and in it, I found a great pathway to God.  The lessons are relevant, and have always seemed to feel custom tailored to my life and what's important to me, and that has made a world of difference.  Here is an excerpt from a letter to God I wrote here:

"Thank You for leading me into a new church that has honestly felt personal to me each Sunday. It's always refreshing when the sermon feels like it was written just for you, and I know I wasn't the only member of the congregation who felt that way. I'd been on the hunt for a new church to revive my structured relationship with You, and I feel much happier now that I've tried new places."

I would like to continue a path towards this community in 2011 and I would also love to experience more opportunities to connect with community through community service in the coming year.  I've had a good handful this year, but there is always room for more!

So, ask yourself this question:  Where have you discovered community this year?  Did you find it in any unexpected places?


Until next time,

My Thank You Note to God

Dear God,

Being as this time of year always makes me feel closest to You, I thought I would write You a Thank You note.  If there is anyone more deserving of this type of correspondence, I genuinely have no clue who it would be.  Here goes nothing.

Thank You for the GORGEOUS display of changing leaves this year!  I thoroughly enjoyed every drive I took this fall because of the incredible colors.  I especially appreciated the amazingly vibrant colored skies You threw in as an added bonus.  Thank You for my family, my friends, my jobs, my furbabies, and for the little rented space I call home.  Thank You for my health.

Thank You for leading me into a new church that has honestly felt personal to me each Sunday.  It's always refreshing when the sermon feels like it was written just for you, and I know I wasn't the only member of the congregation who felt that way.  I'd been on the hunt for a new church to revive my structured relationship with You, and I feel much happier now that I've tried new places.

Thank You for helping me overcome obstacles this year, even when I questioned whether my strength would be able to sustain me in some of those instances.  (I later came to the realization that it didn't matter if I had strength left because You would always sustain me).  Thank You for answering some of my prayers, and for purposely ignoring other requests that I know I prayed entirely too hard for.  Thank You for educating me that it's not my place to try to force something I want, but that it's so much sweeter when I simply relax and let the plans You have for me play out.

Thank You for welcoming my darling Papa into your Kingdom of Heaven.  I should also thank You for being there for all of us as we embarked upon the journeys that are Alzheimer's disease and cancer.  It was very taxing at times, and no matter how dark things became, You never failed us.  Thank You for letting him pass on so peacefully after enduring so very much while fighting to live.  This will be our first holiday season without Papa, Lord, so I will again ask You to be there for us and look over us as I know this will be tough.  Thank You for welcoming my wonderful Uncle Deano into Heaven, as well.  Our family lost some of its best men, but I know they will have the most wonderful Thanksgiving of all at Your table, Lord.

Thank You for teaching my family resilience, once again.  We need to be reminded how to face fear and death and hard times, and the only way to be reminded is to go through them once again.  Although I doubt anyone would ever volunteer to go through those things, I have come to learn in hindsight that these experiences are more blessings from You in that they cause us to learn.

Thank You for making me into the woman I am today.  I know that every decision I've ever made has not been without Your watchful eye, and I know that I would not have been ready to receive the blessings You've bestowed upon me without Your continual grooming.  Thank You for the tests You put me through, and the supposed "failures" I faced.  Thank You for encouraging me to push on when I had "decided" I'd had enough.  Thank You for laughing at me when I made plans, and for reminding me that there is only one plan I should be worried about - Yours.

Finally, thank You for the newest blessing in my life.  I call him Comanche around here.  Thank You for showing me that all my struggles were worth it.  Thank You for believing I was ready for something really grand.  Thank You for opening up the "Big Picture" for me and for letting me in on the secret.  Thank You for the genuinely happy feeling I get every time he takes hold of my hand, and for the smile that has consistently been on my face since the first day I met him.  Thank You for this incredible gift - I really don't know how to say thanks enough for that.

P.S. - Happy Thanksgiving, Lord!


Your Servant,

A Story About A Unicorn

In my last post, I did a lot of talking about animals:  I touched on horses, donkeys, and finally, the ever-elusive unicorn.  I'd like to delve a little deeper into this topic, and so today, I bring you a story about a unicorn.

Let's start from the very beginning.  As you all know, I was rocked by a series of changes in my life several months ago that had me feeling like life was completely spiraling out of control.  For those of you who actually know me, or I guess everyone who reads this blog, you know that I am a control freak to beat all control freaks most of the time.  Clearly, this was a major problem.

Very soon after the first change in my life, I was approached by someone who I considered to be a friend.  While we probably were more like acquaintances in regards to how well we knew each other, we got along  well and I had come to adore his wife in the few times that I'd met her.  This friend informed me that he had a friend I needed to meet.  Well, as nice as that gesture was, and as much as I sincerely appreciated it, I was clearly not in that frame of mind.  Moving on....

After time passed, and I was ribbed by pretty much everyone to "get back in the saddle" and get out there, I started dating. I'd been out of the game for more than six years.  The last time I had been on a first date, I was nineteen years old, and I was a completely different person.  Enter some of the strongest fear and most active nerves I'd ever experienced.

I had first dates with some great horses, and even some second and third dates.  I had first dates with a couple donkeys and needless to say, they didn't go anywhere.  I was starting to get the hang of this dating adventure, but that was also coupled with the thoughts of, "I can't believe I have to do this all over again."  It was weird answering the same questions over and over again when you were used to being with someone who already knew all the answers. 

This dating thing was work, I tell you!  Not only was it emotionally draining, but I found that my regular routine for my life suffered because I was running out of time to do things. It was exhausting and to be honest, more than once, I wondered how people serially date in this day and age.

I don't take this part of my life for granted though, because I really believe I needed to experience that fear and that nervousness about not knowing what was going to happen.  The control freak in me needed a reality check, and I'm pretty sure this counted.  I needed to know that people plan and God laughs, and that if I don't know exactly where I'm going or what activities are going to be done, or what outfit is appropriate, or if I will be liked, I'm not going to die.  I actually will be able to still exist in the world and breathe just like I did before.  Dating like that really opened my eyes to a lot about life, people, relationships, and most importantly...myself.

So, I know you're probably thinking, "Chicken Wing, this is grand and all but I only read this post because I like unicorns, and so far you've failed to mention any."  Well, remember that friend I was talking about earlier who had someone I just needed to meet?  Throughout this dating I was doing, he popped back up and suggested multiple times that we make this meeting happen, and after stalling and stalling - finally, I decided to jump.  The dating of other people gave me the tiniest bit of confidence to put myself back out there.

We decided to have a double date/blind date.  My friend, his wife, and this friend I needed to meet would meet me at a restaurant and we'd have dinner, and then we'd go play mini golf to give us plenty of time to talk.  This was the first blind date of my life.  All I knew was this guy's first name, and that he couldn't have a facebook because of his job.  I was also told that we should meet during the week because it was better for his work schedule.  I honestly thought I was going to throw up or have a heart attack.  I wasn't sure which, but in my eyes, neither is favorable.

I tried on at least 12 outfits the night before and finally settled on a simple black dress that could be dressed up or down.  I accessorized with silver jewelry and flip flops (because I had no idea if he would be tall or not, and a girl has to consider these things). I got in the car that night and panic immediately ensued. I literally thought my heart would beat out of my chest or that I would pass out - I don't know what I was worried about.  Who wouldn't be interested in a girl that passes out as soon as she sees you?  I know, right?

I had fleeting thoughts of the blind date horror stories I'd been told by my friends and colleagues as I walked into the restaurant.  I opened the door, and there they were - and HELLO, HE WAS GORGEOUS!  Then, he smiled, and he was even more gorgeous, and I really thought passing out might happen at any moment.  He had a strong handshake, and we were seated soon after.  The boys sat across from the girls, and I hid my shaking hands in my lap. {Sidenote: Why did no one tell me how scary this was?!?!}

As an ice breaker, I said, "So here's what I know:  Your name is Comanche* and you can't have facebook because of your job.  What's your last name and what do you do?" He laughed and answered my questions, and I was extremely pleasantly surprised to learn that he was in law enforcement! (Much better than the part-time college student or bartender I had in mind, not that there's necessarily anything wrong with either of those).

As the date went on, stories were told, questions were asked and answered, mini golf was played, and laughs were had by all.  I could not believe how easy this had come to be, and I was so excited!  Needless to say, I think my friend was right - I needed to meet Comanche.  I needed to meet a good man who knew how to treat a lady - how to respect her, how to make her smile, and especially, how to make her feel like she was different than anyone else.

I can't say that the journey from the first date was easy for Comanche - it took me quite a while to really open up to the thought of being monogamous again.  I'd been burned and I wasn't sure it was really worth it.  To put it mildly, he'd had more time to become open to the idea than I had, and even though I didn't really realize it, some part of me tried to push him away multiple times because, let's face it - I was scared to death.

Despite all the opportunities he probably should have thought that I was more trouble than I was worth, Comanche never cut and run.  He continued to treat me the way he believed a lady should be treated - opening every single door every single time, taking me out to dinner, surprising me with flowers (he genuinely is a flower-delivering ninja), etc. An example of the level of thoughtfulness he showed me that is as fresh in my mind today as it was when it happened:  he planned a picnic beside a small waterfall and had made chicken salad sandwiches.  Because he wasn't sure if I'd like the way he'd made the chicken salad (he'd picked up on my pickiness regarding food), he had prepared a second sandwich for me (a peanut butter and jelly sandwich fixed just the way I do it) as a backup.  Let's all say it together now, "Awwwww!"

Due to my fears, I still had walls up and kept a cautious distance, and while he chided me about it, he never pushed me in any way.  He just continued behavior like I just shared with you.  I thought there was some magic time frame that had to go by before I could move on.  I never expected to meet someone so great so quickly. Would my friends that had known me as part of the last couplehood accept someone else in that role? Everything was an excuse, and finally, with a little help from close friends, it dawned on me that I was being ridiculous.

Here's the giant life-changing discovery:  If I had a daughter, I would tell her to wait for a man that treated her just like Comanche had been treating me.  If I felt that strongly about that, why would I pass up the opportunity to have a man like that?  Why didn't I deserve the same thing?

Guess what?  I do deserve the same thing.  Every girl deserves to be treated this way, and God in Heaven, I hope each and every one of you find it!  It's amazing what it can do for your state of mind to be blissfully happy.  The next logical step for me was to follow the sage advice of one of my coworkers: "Girl, lock him down and lock him down NOW!" That's what I did and I'm ecstatic to report that things have been smooth sailing ever since.  I'm not saying it's cotton candy and snow cones every single minute, but it's pretty doggone awesome!

I know you all want to see pictures of Comanche, and I would love to show them to you...in the next post! 

HA!  You didn't actually think I'd be mean enough to leave you hanging like that, did you?  This isn't American Idol and I'm not Ryan Seacrest, y'all!  Without further ado....

Well, hello.....

Candid shots are the best! Great job, Little Sister CW!

Carving the pumpkin = mission accomplished!

Hey there, handsome!

Until next time,


*Of course, I always strive to protect the innocent in this blog, and this case is no different. Obviously, my boyfriend's name isn't Comanche but he did help pick it out (it originates from one of our adventures - it's not really that interesting, or I'd share it with you)!

Gather Round For Story Time

First, I would like to apologize for the extreme blogging hiatus!  This little Chicken Wing has been uber busy and has not found very much time for herself lately!  I am sorry that you've not had new reading material by way of this blog, and I'm getting back into it slowly but surely!  Things are starting to calm down a tad, and that is good for me and for you!  So, please check back often for updated posts, and don't give up on me yet, Peeps!

This is a little story that I will be retelling later in life if I'm blessed enough to have daughters one day.  I hope you enjoy the madness that is my mind.  Let's get started!

Source

...in a land far, far away, there lived a man who loved to tell the most fantastical stories.  He especially loved to tell tales of the fairy variety that excited every little girl in the land!  Princesses, castles, and princes, OH MY!  Who was this magical man?


WALT DISNEY!

This man helped me to formulate what I now call the unicorn theory when I was just a wee Chicken Wing.  His colorful stories told me that I should wait for a unicorn (he called them Prince Charming in his tales) and never settle for less because, "dreams can come true" (as he had one of his communication directors, Cinderella, inform me).

So, Mr. Disney constantly showed me pictures of unicorns, and on screen, I witnessed average girls like myself meet these incredible unicorns and live happily ever after.  I knew it was possible, and it was something I wanted out of life!  Thank you, Walt, for helping me realize a dream!

Then, I grew up.

While I still wanted to believe that unicorns existed, real life experiences were clouding the waters for me.  Whether it was happening directly to me, or to friends or family members, most of the girls I knew were ending up with types like these:


The horse.

The horse.  While not necessarily a bad type, the horse can be fickle and/or ordinary.  He is inconsistent with his affections and while the relationship with a horse can be good, it's never really great.  You can sincerely love a horse, but you usually find that something is missing.  You then have to choose whether you want to tough it out or keep looking.

The donkey.

The donkey.  Usually very cute, usually also an ass.  (Har-dee-har-har!)  We'll toss the liars, cheaters, and all-around bad guys in this group (and I truthfully hate to do that to the cute picture of the donkey above).  But that's how they get you - you hate to hate them.  They treat you rotten, and you love them anways.  Luckily for me, I got out of my donkey-dating stage years ago and never looked back.

So, I was bombarded by real life examples that made me feel like maybe unicorns didn't exist after all.  As I grew ever older, I was even told that by cynical women who'd been done wrong.  "Get your head out of the clouds, girl," they said.  "If you want to be happy in life, adjust your expectations because unicorns don't exist.  Those Disney fairy tales really do a disservice to girls because it skews their expectations to something unattainable.  Go find yourself a good horse and learn to be satisfied with that."

That was discouraging. 

Then, you'd meet someone who had a fantastic relationship that had, say, sustained 20+ years.  They'd tell you stories about the sweet things their unicorn had done for them, and why they were so lucky to have one.  They'd tell you to hold out until you found a unicorn - you know, that special someone that treats you the way you truly deserve.  Mind you, they couldn't point out any unicorns for you, but they told you to keep a look out.

That was frustrating.

So, to recap:  You believe in unicorns even though you've never seen one.  Then, you realize you're only dating horses and donkeys.  Then, you're told to settle for a good horse.  Then, you see someone who has a unicorn (you get insanely jealous), and you're told to wait for the unicorn.  (And people wonder why dating is so difficult and confusing).

Then, a relationship with what you thought was a good horse ends, and you're moseying along throughout the fields they call life for awhile.  A few months go by, and you get set up on a blind date way out in the field.  You show up, see this date and BAM! 


Source

What the hell is that horse doing with a horn on its forehead?!?!?!

You can't quite believe it, so you inch over very cautiously to take a closer look.  You decide that it does, in fact, look like a unicorn.  But, you're skeptical because let's face it -  you've never seen an available unicorn in your life!  It couldn't be true.

So you try your best to listen to what this "horse-in-unicorn's-clothing" has to say.  You go on more dates with him.  You still don't let your guard down because of all the failed horse and donkey relationships before. This cycle continues, and while he could have cut and run because you were so hesitant that you seemed like a lost cause, he doesn't.  Instead, he continues to show you that he is a unicorn.  He continues to treat you like a piece of treasure that he wants to keep and protect.

At this point, you have two options.  The first is to either deliberately or subconsciously be destructructive to this new and wonderful situation you're in because you're too afraid of letting something good happen to you.  The second is to just accept that you've found a unicorn, throw a lasso around him, and put him in your yard so some other girl doesn't get him! 

Guess which option I chose.  (You'll have to stick around to find out for sure!)



I hope you've enjoyed Story Time with Chicken Wing.  I'm sure there will be more editions of this pre-school, carpet square discussion for your enjoyment in the future!  I hope you all had a great Halloween weekend and are enjoying your candy highs!

Until next time,

Magical Pixie Dust!

For those of you in the blogging community, especially those like me who have never been considered a computer genius, you know that every cool little thing you discover is like magical pixie dust!  The next thing you know, you swear you just saw a leprechaun walking a unicorn across a rainbow!

My most recent dose of magical pixie dust is the little tiny icon of my beloved damask chicken wing!  You'll notice it by the web address in your browser bar and also on the name of the internet tab where you see THE BLOG OF THE CHICKEN WING.  This was a major victory for me and some of you may be wondering how to accomplish this yourselves, so I figured I wouldn't keep this pixie dust to myself!

For starters, this is called a favicon (fave-eye-con).  It's really just an extra-special touch as it's completely unnecessary, but I happen to like it and think it continues the branding of your site.  So, the first thing I did was read this article --> click here!  It was so easy to understand!  I used the first reference he gave to upload my icon, which was http://www.iconj.com/generator.  After uploading my image, and sharpening +3, I chose option 2, which was "Host It at IconJ.com: (Direct Link)."  I copied and pasted that code instead of the one that the first guy gave, just where he said to put it.  I hit 'Save,' 'View Blog,' and badda bing, badda boom - I had a favicon!  :)

I know this is such a simple accomplishment, but I am very happy to have figured it out finally!  I'd been wondering how to do this for a long time, and just couldn't think of the correct way to search for directions.  But, friends, this is yet another example of why we should never give up.  You'll get there one day, so keep chipping away and using your thinker, and everything will work itself out!  :)

Okay, enough tech talk for me.  I feel the need to go shopping to get back to something I've always been good at.  ;) 

Until next time,
Miss Chicken Wing

From Time To Eternity

Peeps, I come to you today with a favor in my pocket. There is something that the Chicken Wing Family needs from you on this hot Tuesday in June. All I ask is this, please:

Early this morning, after a fairly long and difficult struggle with Alzheimer's and lung cancer, my darling Papa Chicken Wing went to be with the Lord in Heaven. While my heart is aching, my mind is cursing the month of June, and my eyes are crying, my soul is rejoicing because Papa's suffering is finally over.

It is going to take some time to figure out how our family works without him, and that is painful, but I am so happy for him in that he is in the best place of all! He spent his whole life giving to others and helping others. He worked at the local funeral home for more than 25 years - he worked there for my whole life so far! Every day, he helped people in their darkest hours as they laid to rest those that they loved so much. He has been a quiet and gentle beacon of our small community for a long time - I loved seeing him run into people because they would always light up when they saw him.

It's ironic that his colleagues will now have to assist us in his final departure, but it was bound to happen. You know what they say about life - nobody makes it out alive. I have no regrets, as I was able to spend quite a while last night with him. I was there helping Grandma out from about 6:30pm - 12:30am, and it felt a little like he waited for me. Maybe that's not true, but it's what will help me through this. While I wasn't there as he actually passed on, Momma Chicken Wing said that he went very peacefully, and while we are heartbroken that he is no longer with us, we are just so happy that he doesn't have to labor anymore.

It had gotten quite difficult for him, and it was hard to adjust to seeing him in such a fragile state. Don't get me wrong - Papa was never a large man; quite the opposite, actually. But recently, he became frail. It was hard to see him get so frustrated because he just couldn't do the things he was used to doing. I think the most important thing is that he knows he was loved, loved, loved. All he wanted was to be at home and to have his pain managed, and I think we accomplished both of those things. It was such a gift to us to be able to grant him his last wishes. I hope his journey to eternal life was an easy one, and that he felt as peaceful as he seemed to be.

This is a part of life that I haven't had to do yet. I've been so blessed to be able to have all four of my grandparents for all my life. I did things a little backwards, as I've gone through losing my daddy, which was one of the hardest things in the world and one of the defining factors in who I am today. Papa was one of the ones who were left to help take care of us after that, and I am grateful for all he did for me.

He was kind, gentle, and easy-going. Growing up, my little legs could always keep up with him because he took slow strides. I will never forget the ONE time he raised his voice at my siblings and me - we were being bad, and Grandma had repeatedly fussed at us, and then all of a sudden Papa said in his "meanest, most serious" voice, "Y'all better stop it or I'm going to get involved!" Seriously, that's as "mean" as he ever got. And you know what? All three of us cried because we had upset him. Grandma would pick at him, because that's the relationship they had for more than 50 years. He would never raise his voice back, but he would wait until she went down the hallway and then make a face or a smart remark behind her back. It would always make us laugh. That's just the way he was, and I will always remember and love him for that.

So please pray for us, and for him, and lift us up in this time of need. Your support will be felt, I promise, and it will be oh so appreciated. The power of prayer is so strong, and so far-reaching. Thank you for everything - you guys are the best!

"For death is no more than a turning of us over from time to eternity." - William Penn

Until next time
Miss Chicken Wing