B-C-G

This is how I've been feeling the past couple of days, for several different reasons. I've been eating better and walking for health. I have several wonderful friends who continue to keep in touch, even when I'm not that good at it, as well as amaze me with their writing skills. As always, I've continued to be uplifted by a dear friend (constantly - thank you for your patience and support, my friend). Also, I seem to be particularly smiley after talking to a certain someone lately. I'm just enjoying the moment...ahhhh.....

Handsome Prince

Speaking of doll-face babies. This is my great-nephew, Kaleb. What a cutie-pie. He was all proud to show off his T-ball uniform. I got this close up shot of his face, but he MADE me take a picture of him so you could see the whole uniform! I just love 6-year olds.

As much as I love you, buddy....this is MY blog...and I like this shot better. Ha!

How Could Any Mom Refuse This Face???

This is her latest "Pretty, pretty please?" face. Is that not just the ultimate?

Anti-Social Being

I'm not sure if you know this about me or not, but I don't really like to talk on the telephone much. Now, this has absolutely nothing to do with using a telephone for OTHER types of communication....say TEXTING, for example. See, I am the Queen of Text. Ask anyone who spends any amount of time around me...they'll tell you. But they might also add...BUT DON'T CALL HER. See, I even complain about people calling me...to their face (er, rather, to their ear). I don't LIKE it when people call me. Wait. Let me re-phrase that...I'm an attention whore, so I LOVE it when people call me, I just don't want to actually TALK to them. I'm not sure why. I think I've gotten a tad anti-social in my older age. However, that's really not true either. So, I'm not sure what it is about talking on the phone that bugs me most.

Anyway, to get to my point....

After not actually TALKING to Brian for several days (although being in constant contact with him, as always, via other methods), I was very surprised at how happy he sounded when I actually spoke to him. I couldn't tell, via these other methods of communication, just how good of a mood he was in. And, that, my friends, is priceless.

Stalker Update

Haven't heard from the Seattle Stalker in awhile. Heeee's baaaack. And, I promised you guys I'd keep you updated. So, here you go.

I was in the great habit of NOT answering unidentified calls on my home and/or cell phone. However, I've been making exceptions, recently, for a new friend. So, since this new friend was one of the last people I talked to before leaving town, I thought maybe, just maybe, that when an unidentified call came through on my cell phone on Saturday mid-morning, it might be him...the new friend. No such luck.

Have you heard the term, got caught slippin'? Yeah, well, this is exactly what it means. I was letting the rules slide just a little...and I got caught. Dang it. The conversation wasn't all that bad, actually. He was being friendly and nice. I'm okay. It's all good.

Trip to Seaside, Oregon

Oh, the almighty Sand Dollar. Aren't they beautiful? I think so too.

I had a GREAT time in Seaside, this past weekend. I relaxed, played, had fun, laughed, and ate. Boy, did I eat.

One of the highlights of the weekend was playing a slighted version of The Amazing Race in downtown Seaside. We got to ride the carousel! My first comment after boarding, "There's GOT to be a weight limit on this thing!" Another task was to find the Christmas section of one of the little shops in The Carousel Mall, and sing a Christmas carol. Check. Find Elvis and get a group picture with one person kissing him (but obey the DO NOT TOUCH rule). Whoa! Anyway, check. Run around this designated area and collect as many business cards as you can in 7 minutes. Only ONE person from your team can actually collect the cards; however, you all may solicit them. Check. The best part of that portion of the game was talking to the people who were driving down the street. I bet they were wishing traffic was flowing a bit faster. :-) I love talking to strangers. Can you tell we had a really good time?

Did I mention how much we ate? Oh, man. We had a lovely dinner at the Shilo Inn, which was far too expensive, but they were very accommodating. That was nice too.

A great time was had by all, indeed.

You can find more pictures here.

Beach Bum

I'm having a couple of beach weekends coming up. Yay! This weekend (actually, starting Thursday) I get to go to Seaside, Oregon. Next weekend, I get to go to Lincoln City, Oregon. Both great cities along the Oregon Coast. I'm anxiously awaiting Wednesday at 5 p.m.

POO ROCKS!

I've been meaning to work out for awhile now. I was really good about walking LAST SUMMER. But since then...not so much. Anyhow, I recently purchased a new treadmill. Woo-hoo!

Now, I can walk whenever I feel like it. Or, whenever I'm home. Which, are pretty much on an equal playing field, at this point. But I am determined to feel better, and to get fit. I will get there...eventually.

Yesterday, I walked on the treadmill for the very first time. For 15 minutes. Yes, that's all. But it's a start, right? Brian asked me if I felt "pride of ownership." And, my response to him at the time, which I still believe, was, "I THINK I DO!"

Yes, indeed, PoO does ROCK!

We're the same...yet different...

Christians
by Maya Angelou

When I say... "I am a Christian,"
I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin'."

I'm whispering "I was lost.
Now I'm found and forgiven."

When I say... "I am a Christian,"
I don't speak of this with pride.

I'm confessing that I stumble,
And need Christ to be my guide.

When I say... "I am a Christian,"
I'm not trying to be strong.

I'm professing that I'm weak,
And need His strength to carry on.

When I say... "I am a Christian,"
I'm not bragging of success.

I'm admitting I have failed,
And need God to clean my mess.

When I say... "I am a Christian,"
I'm not claiming to be perfect.

My flaws are far too visible,
But God believes I am worth it.

When I say... "I am a Christian,"
I still feel the sting of pain.

I have my share of heartaches,
So, I call upon His name.

When I say... "I am a Christian,"
I'm not holier than thou,

I'm just a simple sinner
Who received God's good grace somehow!

Lessons Learned

In an on-going dispute with American Debt Foundation, I finally reached some peace a couple of days ago. In reaching that peace, it doesn't mean that I didn't lose any money. Nor, does it mean that I'm happy with their service. Because I did. And, I'm not. However, it does mean that, as of today, I'm glad the dispute is over. And in acquiring this peace, it also means that I can get on with my financial life...one baby step, and one day at a time.

Please take my advice, from learning the hard way: do not ever pay someone to dispute and/or negotiate your debt for you.

Are You a Rider?

I attended a gospel concert last night at Lancaster Assembly of God church in Salem, Oregon. The Circuit Riders were in the house! The sound was wonderful, their spirit contagious, and there was even humor to boot! If you like Southern Gospel music...they're the best in the NW!

Braggin'

Just a quick update to talk about something I'm proud of. Mostly because I can't think of anything else to write about.

I love to stamp, and I sell stamping and scrapbooking supplies for Close To My Heart. You can see some of my artwork here. And, you can buy online from me here. Enjoy!

That's "FRESH"!

For those of you that keep up on my blog, this is a public apology for not entertaining you since FRIDAY OF LAST WEEK! Holy Toledo...it's almost Thursday! And, I know some people get cranky when we don't update our blogs daily.

And, at least I'm not afraid to publicly apologize. Unlike some people's former bosses.