Moving On....

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.

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 that were really popular, posts that made me laugh, posts that made me sad, and posts that were just silly.

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!

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!

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, {DUSTYRibs}.

Join me, won't you?

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   m  u  l  t  i  t  u  d  e    of ways.  Don't believe me????  Make my day! (And follow me everywhere!)

Web:

http://www.dustyribs.com

Bloglovin:

http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/10463779/dusty-ribs

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/DustyRibs

Twitter: 

https://twitter.com/dustyribs

Pinterest: 

http://pinterest.com/dustyribs/boards/

Instagram: 

http://instagram.com/mrsdustyribs#

YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/user/TheDustyRibs/videos

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 here, I'll say....

Until next time,

Falling In Love With Fall

Do 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.

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.

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.

Want to know another thing I absolutely love?

For reals, y'all.

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.

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!

Love this lady's creation, which I found on Pinterest,
and she created based on inspiration she found on Pinterest!

And who thought panty hose + pumpkin would = love?

How chic!

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:

Buffalo chicken dip?  Makes me wanna cuddle up...with some Tostitos.

Sweet potato casserole = all kinds of good!

Okay, let's just say you're an uber-grouch and don't like decor or food.  Well, that leaves you with these guys.

Oh em gee.

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.

Happy Fall, y'all!

Until next time,

Six Years!

Type of Ticket:  One Way
Destination:  Crazy Town
Population:   Me

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.

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.

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.

Here's to my sixth year of being excited to go to work every day!  Let's make it a great one!

Until next time,

Hello? And Happy Birthday!

Get it?

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!

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!

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!

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.

I have really big feet and ears for a little Wing, but my Daddy sure looks handsome!

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.

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. 

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).

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.

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.

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.

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. 

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

Until next time,

Vocalism At Its Best

If 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!

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, Dancing With The Stars - GO J.R. MARTINEZ!!!).  One show that really highlights amazing vocal ability is The Sing Off.  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!

Enjoy and turn up those speakers - prepare to be amazed!!!

First up is all-girl group Delilah with their rendition of Lil' Wayne's "How To Love."

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Next up is last season's Committed with Maroon 5's "This Love."

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Finally, enjoy these two selections by The Pentatonix! They're on this season of The Sing Off and they are phenomenal!

First up is their rendition of some famous Britney Spears songs!

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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!

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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!

Until next time,

I Feel Like Being Inspired

If 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!

 
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!

So here's to you, Peeps!  Here's to me!  Here's to being inspired by greatness!  Let's go change the world!


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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.

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,

Songs of Sunday - Special Edition

9/11 - We will never forget...

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.

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.

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.

Matthew West - My Own Little World

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Matt Redman - We Could Change The World

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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!

Until next time,

Aww, Look At The Baby! Pt. 3

And we shall call this post in the series "the shopping trip that changed my life."

In case you missed them, you should absolutely and most definitely check out the prior posts in this money-saving series:

Part 1 - The Beginning
Part 2 - This One's For The Haters

Anyways, to follow up on Part 2, I told you that there were people who were questioning the trip that changed my life, so I wanted to clear up that little situation.  The trip did in fact happen.  How can I prove it?  Check out the pictures, below, and let your mind be blown.  (Please excuse the cell phone quality - I had no idea I'd be so awed at the conclusion of this trip or I would have taken my camera!)

My business partner, L, being taught about the binder by the artist formerly known as the Coupon Queeny, Tanya - Divine Deal Diva!

Cart 1 in progress

Cart 2 in progress

Nervously waiting in line at my local Kroger - how will we do?!?!

Before coupons (but after Kroger Plus Card savings - we scanned it before we started! BOO!)

After coupons!  WOW!  $210.48 in coupon savings alone!!!

With our fabulous cashier and our hella long receipt! WHAT A RUSH!

So, as you can see, the shopping trip with the DIVINE DEAL DIVA, Tanya, actually went down - and it went down in MY city!  I was there. I pushed Cart #2, thank you very much!  And this was the shopping trip that changed my life - because it put into action what Grandma Chicken Wing had been telling me for years.  Coupons are money and when times are hard financially, which they are for me right now, I have to do what I can to help my money go further.  As I said in the post prior to this one in the series - my couponing isn't about you.  It isn't my goal to make your life harder - it's to make mine better, and sometimes, I think it's okay to put yourself first if you are constantly courteous to others.

So, I hope that each of you who wants to try to start saving money enjoyed this trip through my local Kroger, and I hope that you found motivation - it CAN be done.  I'm not saying it's easy, but I am saying that, for me, it's worth it.

Next post in the series?  I shall call it - the method to my madness!

Until next time,

Awww, Look At The Baby! Pt. 2 - This One's For The Haters

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I have been so surprised by the amount of questions I've gotten regarding the first post in my series about coolpon-ing (You thought I was going to give that up, didn't you?)!  You can find the post HERE if you missed it - and if you missed it, how dare you??! Just kidding!  The interest is definitely there, but I think that what's surprised me more than the interest were the haters that came out of the woodwork - the nonbelievers or downright angry folks, if you will. 

They have asked all sorts of questions that I didn't anticipate (and a few that I did), so I've decided that this post will be my rebuttal post.  Up first was the growing-in-popularity question:  Chicken Wing, are you going to become one of "those people?"

Cue the horrified face.

No, I am not going to become a glorified hoarder, and it's true that sometimes super extreme couponers make me angry.  I like to think of myself as a courteous coolpon-er.  I don't cut coolpons from 10+ papers so that I can swoop into your favorite store and steal every last item that you are looking for, just because it's on sale, and just because I can (insert evil laugh here).  I only buy the things that I need and I rarely EVER buy the last item.  The only way that happens is if other people buy all the items but one or two.  In my opinion, that's not my fault.

My primary goal is to only stockpile things I need/things I will use/things that will not go bad for forever.  For example, things I would love to create a stockpile of:  toilet paper, paper towels, toothpaste, deodorant, soap/bodywash, dental floss, etc.  These are things that I need and that I use every.single.day, so it makes sense to buy these things when they are at the rock bottom prices so I don't have to make spontaneous trips to the store because I accidentally ran out.  I'm not coolpon-ing in order to donate to charity, I'm coolpon-ing to make my life more comfortable, people!

I'm satisfied with my answer that NO, I will never be featured on Extreme Couponing, but if TLC wants to give me my own show simply for being awesome, I'm down with becoming famous for being famous - it's kind of a big trend right now.  Am I right, Kim Kardashian, Paris Hilton, and Kristin Cavalleri?

On to the next question/statement from the haters.  "Oh geez, remind me never to go grocery shopping with you.  I bet that takes forever."  You know something, yes.  Yes, coolpon-ing takes time.  It takes time to cut the coolpons out of the paper.  It takes time to organize them.  It takes time to read the weekly circulars and try to figure out what items I use are on sale and where to get the best deal. It takes time to actually DO the shopping.  And for gosh sakes, it might take me a LITTLE bit longer to check out. 

Again, I refer back to trying my best to be a courteous coolpon-er.  If there is someone in line behind me, I inform them that I have coolpons and give them the option to move.  If they have less than me, I offer them the option to go in front of me.  If I have a coolpon for an item that isn't my favorite, and I see that someone in line behind me or in front of me has it in their cart, I will give them a coolpon, thus saving a complete stranger money.  I know that not everyone out there has the same practices and that sucks, but there isn't anything I can do about them.  But hating on the "regular" coolpon-ers, which I am a part of - the group who just needs to save their family's hard-earned money as best they can - is not cool, yo!  We take the time and put forth all the effort to coolpon and thus we get the reward of saving some money. 

As far as I'm concerned, YOU CAN

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Finally, I've gotten the question from the haters of whether or not my account of my shopping trip with the Coupon Queeny is accurate.  For the answer to that, stay tuned to the next post in the series.

Until next time,

Aww, Look At The Baby! Pt. 1

Okay, I know you all are "awww-ing" in unison, and yes, that insanely adorable baby is none other than yours truly.  I was my Grandma and PaPa's little princess and the apple of my parents' eyes, for I was the first born child and the first born grandchild on my Mom's side of the family.  I also happened to be the first girl grandchild on my Dad's side of the family, but who's really keeping score of how awesome I am?

The subject of this post makes me revert back to those days in certain ways because when you're just a young-un as I was in the photo above, everything is a new experience and you have so much to learn about everything!  You're vulnerable and you need guidance and protection from harm.  So, what exactly are we talking about here that would send me back to baby-dom in all its terrifying glory?

COUPONING.  Yes, folks, I said it.  My name is Chicken Wing and I am a baby couponer.

The photo I chose for this post is actually quite fitting as I actually first learned of couponing from my maternal Grandma who was married to the wonderful man holding me up in that picture (my beloved PaPa).  For this post, we'll call her Grandma-the-Great.  If there is one constant that has always been associated with my Grandma in my life, it's that she is a lean, mean, couponing machine!  (And she can cook some amazing Southern staples, let me tell you - she is a Jedi in the kitchen).

Anywho, Grandma-the-Great has oft preached about the values of couponing.  "Chicken Wing, it's like they are giving you money to shop with," she would exclaim.  I oftentimes would scoff at her outbursts or would just brush them off with a nod and a, "You're right, Grandma."

Fast forward quite a bit more than a decade, and yours truly was a twenty-something trying to make it in this big ole world (fairly unsuccessfully if you're looking at the world through monetary-measuring glasses).  I was actually contacted by my part-time job boss while we were in the midst of planning one of our biggest events - the Women's Show!  She had been bogged down by a ton of tasks that were running over in time, and she would no longer be able to take our special celebrity guest of the show on her errands.  Who was this guest, you ask?

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The COUPON QUEENY, I answer!!!  Hello, people, she has received SO MUCH PRESS for her amazing couponing efforts!  Not buying what I'm selling you?  Check out her website here.

So, little-ole-me got to take famous-ole-her out shopping for hours and I quickly came to realize that I had found another couponing sensei to teach this little grasshoppa how to save money with coupons.  This was so awesome, I have changed the name of these little magic pieces of paper to cool-pons.  I'm sure this will catch on.  (When the terminology sweeps the nation, make sure you let people know that Chicken Wing started the revolution.)

We shopped at Kroger, Food Lion, and Dollar General, and what a day it was.  At Kroger, I believe we got $300 worth of groceries for $100. At Food Lion, we stocked up on free toilet paper.  At Dollar General, we got a handful of items, and the store ended up owing us so much money, we had to each buy a bottled soda and a candy bar, just so we could break even (apparently, you can't leave the store with them owing you money, and DG can't pay you overage in cash.  Overage, I learned, is when a store owes you money because you saved so much.  Wal-Mart will actually pay you cash!) Are you finding this to be a tall tale?

I know, right!  Source.

Check out the photographic evidence that this day of shopping did, in fact, happen.

Yes, this is my PT job boss, my biz partner, the Coupon Queeny, yours truly, & my three PT job colleagues holding the longest receipt ever - OURS!

Thus began my own personal cool-poning journey.  I'm not making any more money (thank you, Econo Me McSuckerson), so every penny counts these days.  Financially, it has been an exceptionally stressful couple of years, and I've decided to make the most of my hard-earned cash.  Sure, I could join the "in-crowd" and not work, have ten kids out of wedlock, and be way richer than I am right now by living off the government (I may have pondered it once or twice after witnessing so many people who are living large and not working for a cent of their income).  But, I was raised better than that and I will just make do with what I've been given (because I'm sure there are plenty of folks who would kill to walk in my shoes).

If you'd like to know more about my journey, what methods and resources I'm using, and how it's going so far, stay tuned!

Until next time,

Another Song of Sunday

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First can I say that you know I adore that picture! Chickens singing? Sign me up! Here is another beautiful song to bring a message of hope to your week.  Beautiful voice all around and I absolutely love the note she hits at the end! Talk about getting chills and an amazing message at the same time!

Natalie Grant - Your Great Name

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Until next time,

Happy Weekend (& Uber Cute Video)!

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Here's a short post to start your weekend off right!  I hope you all experience at least one memory this weekend that makes you smile and I hope we all can make at least one friend as loyal and helpful as this next guy.

This video makes me smile real big because my Aunt J's Jack Russell is also named Jesse, and he's been a part of the family for as long as I can remember.  Granted, Aunt J's Jesse might get a complex from watching this video, but we love our little people food tester just the same!

Enjoy everyone, and if the maker of this video, "Jesse's person," would like to come and train my little fur monsters, I would totally be down with that!


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Until next time,

Chicken Wing "New Song Obsession"

I LOVE THIS SONG!

...and it's a Christian song, to boot!  I was flipping through the radio channels in my car the other day, and the background music of this song came on.  I started bopping the head a little bit and thought to myself, "This is quite catchy."

Then, I listened to the lyrics and immediately the song resonated with me!  We all get caught up in the hassles and messes of life, and we sometimes forget to remember just how blessed we are.  This song came at the perfect time for me - if you read my last post, you already know why. If you haven't had a chance to read it, go check it out.

I hope you all enjoy "This Is The Stuff," by Francesca Battistelli.


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Until next time,

Okay, I'll Play - Blogger ABCs!

I heart blogs.  A lot.  Clearly, you're reading the one I heart the very most right now.  But I also heart other people's blogs.  I read a lot of them, and for many different reasons. 

Some are to make me laugh because the authors are hilarious.  Some are to make me feel better, because it's nice to know that someone else is going through the same situations you are (that relatability factor is HUGE in blogging).  Some are to glean inspiration and motivation (I am not even joking when I say that some of the bloggers I follow are the craftiest people ever born).

Every now and again, something will grace the pages of multiple blogs and I love reading the responses.  One that I've seen floating around for awhile now is the Blogger ABCs, in which you get to learn more about the blogger.  I've literally seen like 5 of my favorite bloggers participate THIS WEEK.  So, to the peer pressure I say, "Okay, I'll play!"

Here goes nothing:

A-Age:  26


B-Bed Size:  Queen


C-Chore You Hate:  Vacumming and dusting!


D-Dogs?  Um, heck to the yes!  Have you seen my adorable furry monsters?!?!  If not, you're severely missing out and need to click the "Meet the Furbabies" link above!


E-Essential Start To Your Day:  Taking the dogs outside.  You know, unless I'd like to clean up pee or the alternative.  (The answer is always 'no thanks' there).  As far as my day, though, it's either an ice cold Dr. Pepper or a hot cup of coffee from my Keurig.  (Just so you know, Keurig = love).


F-Favorite Color:  Fuschia, fo sho!


G-Gold Or Silver:  Both!!!!


H-Height:  5’6.5″


I-Instruments You Play:  The triangle or the tamborine.  Juuust kidding.  I usually prefer my God-given instrument.  When I sing, I have the voice of an angel. It's like a combination of Fergie and Jesus.  (Really kidding now. I've won multiple Grammys while alone in my car though, and that's on the real).


J-Job Title:  Research & Promotions Coordinator / Second Shooter Photographer / Event Planner / Blogger (Soooo, yeah.  I work.  A lot.)


K-Kids:  Not yet, but maybe someday.


L-Live:  Virginia, y'all!


M-Mom’s Name:  Dee (While most of you know me, a lot of you don't and I try to protect the innocent around here.  That's her nickname, and we'll just leave it at that!)


N-Nickname:  Oh geez, I've got nicknames for days.  Does that mean that people hate my real name?  Hmm, must ponder that.  Here we go:  Chicken Wing (duh!), Speedy, TV Barbie, Las Rapidas, KK (even though there are no "k's" in my name, Cate, Catie, Sugar, Shoog, Blondie, Cookie, Kitty, Kitten, Little One...that's all I can think of right now, but for crying out loud, that's a lot!


O-Overnight Hospital Stays:  I'm assuming I stayed overnight when I was born, but other than that, I've been really lucky! 


P-Pet Peeve:  Putting dirty dishes in the sink when the dishwasher is RIGHT THERE.  I also get majorly annoyed with people who interrupt you and talk over you in conversation.  Oh, and people who are mean just to be mean.  Get over yourselves and talk to Jesus.


Q-Quote From A Movie:  “You better check yourself before you wreck yourself.”  Awesome!  (Go see "Due Date" for some inappropriate fun!)  Also, "You know why!" (Please see my last post if you missed it - hilarious!)


R-Right Or Left-Handed?  Right!


S-Siblings:  One younger sister, and then one brother, who is the baby of the family


T-Time You Wake Up:  The alarm is set for 6:45am.  When I actually get up, the snooze button has been hit numerous times, and it's usually 7:00am or 7:10am.  Whoops.


U-Underwear:  I have to admit that I have yet to understand this question, but I can officially say:  Yes, I wear them.


V-Vegetable You Dislike:  Not a fan of beets, brussel sprouts, or squash (even though it's better than the other two).


W-What Makes You Run Late?  Haha, my DNA!  Seriously, a better question would be what doesn't make me run late?


X-X-Rays You’ve Had Done:  Dental X-Rays, of course, and then I also had X-Rays done on my back when I had a pretty bad cheerleading injury in high school.  Other than that, I've been exceptionally lucky!


Y-Yummy Food You Make:  I make a pretty good meatloaf, but I think my specialties are my homemade macaroni and cheese, spinach and artichoke dip, buffalo chicken dip, and cream cheese dip!  I get requests for those four!  I'm good with baking and with pasta!  LOL!


Z-Zoo, Favorite animal:  I would have to say the otters.  Those things are SO.DARN.CUTE.  If the zoo in question also has a water situation (like Sea World), I would also throw in dolphins and beluga whales!


I would LOVE to hear your answers to some of these, so comment me in some form!


Until next time,

Just For Giggles!

I've shared this with you all before but I just couldn't resist the urge to share it again!  It never fails to make me laugh hysterically, between the action itself and the followup commentary!  Word of advice (especially to those of the male persuasion):  Don't make me mad, or you'll get the "YKW" treatment from me!


Source

Happy Hump Day, Peeps (unless you're the guy in the video)!  :)

Until next time,

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Top o' the mornin' to you, Peeps!  Happy Green Day, aka Happy St. Patrick's Day!  I hope that everyone is having a fantastic morning and that you haven't been pinched too many times today.  Someone in my office has upgraded to, "If you're not wearing green, I will punch you in the face."

Really?  R e a l l y ? 

Either way, that is equal parts hilarious and scary, so I decided that I needed to take drastic measures since I 1) forgot to wear green and 2) have to protect the goods. 

True Life:  I Like My Face.

Green chip clip that I happened to have at my desk?  That'll do. Yes, I will be rocking this bad boy for the rest of the day. Face, you are welcome.

I know so many people who LURVE them some St. Patty's Day, so I wanted to deliver some goodness for those particular Peeps.  You can download some awesome FREE printables by clicking here, here, oh, and here.  SO cute for a St. Patrick's Day soiree!

I also have resolved this year to revel in every moment that I can make someone feel special.  For Comanche and his family, that meant homemade St. Patty's Day cards!  I've already mailed the ones to his family, so I can't show you those, but I can show you the cute little card that I made for my man last night.

Front.  I know you're jealous of my mad stapling skills.  (What?  I thought men liked handy women.)

Pardon the blur - I can't let you read the sweet part!

(Is it messed up that you all are seeing this before he has? Probably, but you should now know how much I love you.)  Oh, and I mean what I said in my card to him on the real - because I loooooove me some Lucky Charms!  Need photo evidence of this love affair?  I thought you might:

Cereal for dinner?  That miiiight have just happened.

Anyways, I hope you all relish in the memories of green beers gone by and maybe go experience that fantastic part of this great holiday again!  I hope you count your blessings - I know I'm feeling extra lucky this year!  Happy Day to you all, and here's to us all finding our treasure at the end of the rainbow!

Until next time,