Muffin Monday

Today it's another hot and steamy Monday... So keep cool with a glimpse of the coolest cat around, MUFFIN! 

In case you were wondering, she swiped me right after this picture was taken.  I think she's tired of the camera. But she's so cute I can't resist!

Y'all have a great week and stay cool!

Reflection on Appreciation

I woke up at 4am this morning with several things on my mind. One of which was the fact that 2011 is halfway gone.

I had several goals for 2011 and I needed to reflect on how I had done on implementing these "life additions." The most important being Appreciation, I believe.

In 2010, I wrote 18 entries in my thankful journal. So far this year, I have written 36. I seems like I'd done more than that! Ok so I didn't count July because that would be the second half of the year... So 36 entries in about 180 days.

But it's ok. I do feel like I recognize the blessings in life much more now. I try to say thank you more often to the people who deserve it...and funny thing is most people do! So the Appreciation focus it's being successful, I believe.

As for some of the other life additions, like photography, well... I may need to work on those. I did good in the spring, but haven't done much this summer in the way of taking pics to appreciate and notice everyday beauty around me. Lots of family and friends pics, though and they are beautiful! :)

So, this entry is pretty much for my benefit only. :)   Something to keep me on target. 

Treadmill woes.

It is very sad when the most action your treadmill sees is from the overweight cat sleeping on it.

Sad.

So...about those dreams...

If you will recall, I believe I said something about just because you believe it, try for it, really want it, blah blah doesn't mean you will get it. Well, there you go.

But, if you will recall, I also said that I believe it meant God has another plan and I would be ok with that, too.

Don't you love a good test?

But it's truly ok. I'm ok. I'm feeling good about where I am right now and honestly I'm pretty content in life. Lots of blessings, some of which were revealed through this experience. Lots of happiness.

So many friends were praying for me, I had cheerleaders all the way. As the news spread, some gave words of encouragement that warmed my heart and touched my emotions in a fierce way. To each of you, thank you. I am blessed.

Others, I'll admit surprised me, but I had to realize we all have our own drama and the world doesn't stop for me. Thats ok, too.

So, I head to bed confident that God is in control and wants what is best for me. What a great feeling to have.

Sleepy Muffin Monday

Poor kitten could barely keep her head up she was so tired.  I know how she feels. I took a power nap between classes on my lunch break! Only about 10 minutes, then it's back to teaching classes!

Kittens have all the luck... Let me sleep and eat all day! :)

Darling Princess.

Her crown princess, Ellie

I have had the honor of spending time in presence of the most DARLING PRINCESS, Ellie! What a cutie and what a trip. She's at the stage where everything is a question. Why? and What...? (What kind of raccoon, Why do I have to sit down, etc) - these are the questions from Ellie Bellie. But some of the stuff she comes up with is HILARIOUS. Like yesterday, we all piled in to the car to go to a downtown festival - with plans to enjoy cotton candy and rides. When I got there, they were packing everything up! All the rides were broken down, the street completely clear of vendors. Oops. 

Sister Beth (Ellie's mom) asked her,
"Ellie, do you have a plan B?"

Of course Ellie answers, "Yes, I have a plan B."   

"Oh you do? What is your plan B."
"I have a plan B but there's nothing in it!"

HAHAHAHAHA! She has a plan B, but there's nothing in it. Too cute. So we ended up at Chuck E. Cheese. My first Chuck E. Cheese experience. Interesting place. I can't say I wouldn't go back, because it was more fun than I expected. Ellie is old enough now (age 3) to play some of the games and enjoy the rides.  And pick out her own skee ball ticket items, which included a bag of cotton candy, Nerds, and an activity book. She's a big spender!

Pic 1 - Ellie completely fascinated by the lights. We ended up ditching this game because you didn't get enough tickets for the effort. 

Pic 2 - From the day at the Schiele Museum. Ellie giving Aunt Donna a kiss. Is that not the sweetest thing you have ever seen? I thought so. Just adorable.  Aunt Donna doesn't know this yet, but using an app on my Droid, I have turned this into a postcard and it's hopefully on the way to her house! :)

Watching her grow up is a total delight. Seeing the changes, the development, her personality - I'm so blessed to have this opportunity! :)

Interesting.

Ahhhhh...started my morning with a trip to the gyno. Every girl's dream. I dearly despise these visits as I am a very private person. But, it is a necessary evil. So, I go.

Imagine my surprise to see this on the car parked beside me. Very interesting. I had to stop and take a picture to share. A new type of awareness/support ribbon. What's next?

I guess it takes all kinds in this world...