This & That...My Silly Life

I have been absent for the past few days...my apologies, but seriously I haven't had the time to even turn on my computer!!!

Let me start with Saturday :)

Chilly day...sure do miss those 80's we had the week before :( Anyway, I started my day off at 6:45. Two words...SUPER DOUBLES at Harris Teeter!!!! Had to be sure to get there before everyone rushed out to clear the shelves. So I got everything I wanted which rarely happens during coupon events. I was ecstatic, to say the least.

Spent $31.88, Saved $109.46 or 78% WooHoo!

I had to come home and do some re-arranging in the freezers because I am out of space. Really 3 full deep freezers is ludicrous. I have had to slow down on my coupon shopping recently because I am out of room (so sad).

Then onto the next event of the day... Softball with some friends at the park. Yes, a real actual 6 inning game Oh MY! It was so chilly outside, but I LOVE LOVE LOVE any type of sport so it was well worth it! Except from the soreness the next day from where I was sliding around on the field and maybe a few bruises, I took it way to serious I guess :) I also learned that since I haven't played softball in like 8 years I need to work on my batting skills...they are just a little rusty!

After the game I needed a short nap. Grocery shopping at 6:45 am and almost 3 hours of softball really wore me out! After my nap off to a lovely dinner, which was SUPER delicious, and I didn't have to cook!!!!

It doesn't take much to make me happy. Saturday was the best day :) Grocery shopping, sports, relaxation and dinner...the keys to my heart...LOL

On Another Note:

You will probably think I am MIA this week, but I have a lot going on :( We are super short handed at work and the stress is wearing my down FAST! We have Amanda out on maternity leave and another lady has had to be with her mother who is sick in the hospital so the work load is pretty much inconceivable, and making me a very irritable person :( Friday PLEASE hurry!!!!

Also I am working really hard to get my work outs in, and it is tough...I need some extra hours in the day for my personal life!!!! I have been back in the gym for almost three weeks now. I am going during lunch and getting my weight lifting in, and now I have to work hard to get my cardio in at night and it is not easy between cooking dinner, cleaning, packing lunch and trying to squeeze in some down time for myself. It NEVER ends :(

Anyway, that's what has been going on in my little life. I will finish the blog challenge stuff too...as I have the time. If you don't see post for a few days just know I am plugging along with "life" stuff...yuck! Why can't everything just be fun and games?

A picture of something that has made a huge impact in your life recently...

The gym/working out...

As a child, teenager, and young adult I always played sports and got tons of exercise. I also have Asthma, but have always pushed my body to it's limit...I HATE to lose! There aren't many sports that I haven't been involved in over my life, I always really enjoyed playing sports. Later in life after school, I spent a lot of time in the gym (and I mean A LOT) I would spend hours a day there just working out.

Then a few years passed and in my mid 20's I lost my way....stopped going to the gym and pretty much stopped exercising. I gained some weight, not a ton but I got up to about 152 lbs one day I woke up and realized that I had to get my body back in shape!!! Really 152 lbs is an average weight for someone of my height, but I have always been a healthy fit person and when I started seeing that a size 8 wouldn't fit I knew I had to do a little work!

I know most people HATE to exercise, and I hate the "idea" of exercising, but when I do it I always feel so good :) In our busy lives it's hard to find the time to get that daily workout in, but it really is worth making the time. About a year ago, I made a promise to myself to really try hard to exercise each day, and for the most part I have done really well. I would say maybe I have skipped a month worth of exercising and 2 weeks of that was when I was recently sick with the flu. I was down to 137 lbs, but I am now at 140 lbs, and I am working hard to get to 135!

So I recently got myself back into the gym. Cardio is great and we need it, but we all know muscle burns more calories so I am back to weight lifting. It is KILLING me, and my body has been hurting so bad but I am pushing myself because I know "no pain, no gain"!

The gym and working out has a huge impact on my life because it's something I need to do! Getting older means lower metabolism so I gotta work if I want to stay this size. Working out is good for my Asthma, and having a healthy fit body is good for my well being. I hope I can continue to stay on track for years to come!!!

A picture of something you want to do before you die...


Become and expert at using a sewing machine :)

Actually I would like to learn to do all things crafty and nifty! I have no "crafty" skills, but I hope that one day with a little time and patience I can learn how to do neat things like sewing.

I got a sewing machine for my birthday last year, and I have yet to make anything with it :( On a good note...I did learn how to thread it and get it started, I just lack the know how on the actual sewing part. Maybe I should take a class! I attempted a pillow case and a apron, neither were worthy of use. I just need some trial and error to get going. One day I will make something cute but that day has not yet arrived!!!

A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without...

My sweet Hubby Mark :)

I can't explain the love I have for my husband! He is so perfect for me. For all the things I lack he has them, and he accepts my many flaws and deals with my neurotic ways with out saying a word (for the most part). I couldn't ask for a better partner in life.

I have always thought that some people find Mark and me are an odd couple, we are very different people...but I think our differences are what makes our life together work so effortlessly. To be honest we never really argue, and we respect the others likes and dislikes. I don't know why, but we just mesh...and that's how I knew he was the one I was suppose to share my life with. I know it's not always easy living with me, I am a very independent person. Mark lets me do things the way I want to, and he lets me deal with the important things, but he always knows when I need him to step up and lend a helping hand. I can't imagine one day of my life without him. We have dealt with many hard situations and been through some rough times, but we always see them through and always find a way to make the best of even the worst circumstances. In my heart I believe together we can survive anything life throws at us! July will be our 3rd Wedding anniversary and our 6 year anniversary from when we started dating...I can't believe it has been so long!!! I never doubt that my husband loves me, he doesn't have to say it...I see it when he looks at me and I know for sure if he didn't he would have been gone a long time ago...LOL Oh and my Momma says all men are stupid besides Mark (ha ha) My response to that... She loves Mark because he takes care of her too :) Cuts the grass, changes her oil, and does things with Winston. Yep, that's my Mark! Can't wait to see what other things are to come in our wonderful little life.

Love him sooooo much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A picture of your favorite artist or band...



Matchbox Twenty :)

Maybe not so popular now, but the best CD I ever owned was their "Yourself or someone like you" album. I still listen to it today :) I am surprised it still works being that I have had it since 1997!!! This CD was my road trip favorite, I could pop it in roll the windows down and sing my heart out. It always made me feel better on bad days, or made me feel free on good days. Love Love Love that CD so much. How many CD's are actually still worthy of listening to after 14 years? I can't think of very many.

A picture of something you love...

Can you guess???

Coupons!!!!

I LOVE coupons :) They save me a ton of money, and make shopping a challenge which I like. Every week I get excited to go grocery shopping, but my love for coupons doesn't end with the Sunday paper. As many of my friends will tell you, I always have a coupon no matter where I go...restaurants, the mall, the grocery store...I always have a coupon for most of what I buy. I wish I had a way to see how much money I have saved with every coupon I have used.

Yes, I am a total loser, but it's ok I will take every dollar I save right to the bank ;)

Ok...so I lied! I am going to go ahead and catch up on my challenge days :)

Day # 10
A picture of the person you do the most crazy stuff with...

Amanda & Me
So I don't do too much crazy stuff these days...I am more of the responsible type. Back in my early 20's Amanda and I were like peas & carrots :) We did EVERYTHING together! This picture is a few years old and was taken at work on Christmas Eve if you are wondering about my green and red attire...LOL
In our 20's we did so many crazy things... We use to take Amanda's moms car and stalk people (facebook would have been useful back then), we used her car so no one would recognize us (ha ha) We would go anywhere at the drop of a dime, and all those trips lead to some crazy times that we still laugh about today. We went to the clubs, we went to parties, the beach, amusement parks...if it was fun we were there!!! We spent nights gossiping, laughing and eating Ruffles and Deans Dip...we cried together, and always had each others back no matter what! I am so thankful that I have been friends with Amanda for the past 10 years! We have been through a lot together and I don't know what I would have done without her :) She was the person who MADE me get on a roller coaster even though I was scared to death...and guess what? After that I loved them!!! Ahhhh...all the memories! We sure were knew how to have a good time, back in the day!

Day # 11

Something you hate!

LAUNDRY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I hate laundry soooo much :( I always do laundry on Thursday night which leaves me up until about 12:30 at night...ugh! Why do I hate it so much?

1~ you have to separate it, if you have a husband like mine you probably have to pull shirts apart (he wears 2 and just takes them off together)
2~ take it to the laundry room and put it in the washer
3~ wait for it to finish washing then load it in the dryer (or hang dry for some items) and then start washing the next load (this over and over until all loads are finished)
4~ take it out and fold everything (for socks you have to match them up which I HATE the most!!!!) or put clothes on hangers
5~ put all the clothes away

It doesn't sound like a lot of work but everyone knows laundry sucks!!! If they ever make a washer and dryer that can transfer laundry from one to the other and fold it for me I would buy it in a heart beat!!!!

Laundry gets two thumbs down from me :)

Man, this weekend has been busy! I find it hard to regroup when the weekend has been hectic, but I am trying my best to prepare myself for the work week ahead. If you are wondering about the 30 day blog challenge I will get back to that later. I haven't had a regular post in awhile and feel the need to do some updating :)

Rough week at work, we were really short handed toward the end of the week and that just made everything really stressful. I made it through, only to start a busy busy weekend.

Friday night we just relaxed at home because Mark and I were both just wore out, and we needed some rest and relaxation. Saturday I woke up really early to do some shopping. It was a really good coupon week for me and I had to hit Harris Teeter, Kroger, Lowes Foods and Walgreens for coupon shopping. As always with coupons things don't work out, but for the most part it was pretty good. I also had to stop at Target to pick a few things up. After all the grocery shopping I had to stop by a local shop that carries super cute gifts. I wanted to pick up something special for Amanda since she had Kayleigh Friday. I ended up getting her a Davinci bracelet with a few charms and beads...it was so cute! I figured it would be something that she could always treasure and add other charms later :)

Saturday evening we were off to Megan's birthday party. We had a wonderful time, a yummy dinner, dancing and spending time with good friends. I was exhausted by the end of the night...my age is starting to tell on me (LOL) I was surprised I could walk this morning when I woke up, but my legs weren't too sore :) I hope Megan had the best birthday week, turning 21 is a BIG milestone and I hope she enjoyed every minute of it!!!

Today I was excited to go out to the hospital to see Amanda and baby Kayleigh. I have been waiting all weekend to go see her and the new addition to the Rutledge family.

...and here she is sweet beautiful baby Kayleigh!!!

I stayed at the hospital for about 3 1/2 hours. Chatting, holding baby Kayleigh and watching all her little faces. She is so precious! I am so happy for them, and can't wait to watch Kayleigh grow :) I am not quiet ready for babies yet, but I can't wait for the day Mark and I can bring home our little bundle of joy. Ahh, yes we are growing up. From running the road, clubs and late nights we have progressed to marriage, mortgages and babies (at least for Amanda). I can't believe how much our lives have changed over the past 5 years...it is unbelievable!!!

Well that's it for now... I have to enjoy my last few minutes of the weekend :) Hope everyone has a great week!

A person who has gotten you through the most...



My Momma :) My #1 fan, my cheerleader, and my best friend! This wonderful women has been there for me since the day I was born, and she has never left my side. My grandparents use to call me Velcro because I was always stuck to her, and I still am today :) We are so much a like, and I just love everything about her. She is a fighter and one of the hardest working people I know. I can always talk to her and she is always willing to let me use her for shopping trips (coupons). I LOVE my Momma more than anything in this world, and without her I wouldn't be here today. Thank you for always taking care of me and giving me so much love throughout my life!!! Your the best Mom ever :)

A picture that makes you laugh...

Well actually it will be two pictures, but let me tell the story first. Last year we took a trip to our friends beach house. It was Megan, Matt, Mark, Jamie, Davis, and myself. Every year they have a big party where a lot of the neighborhood people get together. Usually this happens out on a sandbar, but last year the tide was too low so we had to go to the beach. Everyone cooks, drinks, plays games and just has a really good time...but last year was quiet interesting :)

one of the games...one person has a plunger between their legs and the other a paint roller, the object is to get the plunger into the paint roller. It's very funny!!!

Now the boys were mostly playing corn hole, and drinking. May I add that drinking out on the beach seems to make people drink more than usual, I am not sure why...

This is Matt, notice his sunglasses, he had just bought them...it's very important to the rest of my story :)

So the boys are feeling good, they are pretending to run down the beach and stupid stuff like that, and us girls are just sitting back laughing at them. Somehow Matt ends up in the ocean and falls over and guess what? His NEW sunglasses get washed away by the waves (LOL) So we see Matt frailing around in the water and I think he is going to drown himself so I go out there to get him back to land. He is yelling "I bought them today, I bought them today...but I bought them today" talking about his glasses!!! I am dying laughing and can't hardly stand up, and he will not come out of the water, he really thought he was going to find those glasses! By the way they cost $20.00 so we thought it was funny that he was having a fit over his cheap glasses...poor Matt! I actually think he was crying at one point :) Anyway, we finally got him out of the ocean, but he kept trying to go back...it was so funny! These pictures make me laugh because I just think of how much fun we all had together that day and how funny Matt was rolling around in the water screaming for his lost glasses. Matt was a trip that day...another funny story happened later but I wont get into that one, but for all of us who were there this was definitely one of the most memorable weekends ever!

A picture of your most cherished item....

Don't laugh! I know this may seem strange, but my most cherished item is something I have had for 8 years. I have laughed in it, cried in it, took awesome memorable trips in it, yes I have good and bad memories in it....MY CAR!

All I will say is go two weeks without your car and then you will understand where I am coming from!!! Most people probably wouldn't even think of a car as their most cherished item, but if you sit back and think of all the places your car as been with you then maybe you would understand.

I can think of beautiful days with the windows down and radio up just riding around the country taking in the scenery. I can think of every trip I have ever been on, and it gets me from point A to B every day. I can remember stressful times in my life where I would just go sit in my car and listen to the radio to be by myself. Through the good and the bad my little Honda has been there...and when it was bad it helped me escape right on down the road. I can still remember the vacation Mark and I took to see my family at the beach...it was the weekend we rescued Mom and Winston from the craziness! My little Honda was loaded down with so much stuff none of us could even move...Me, Mark, Mom, Winston and Ozzy (Mom's dog). The Honda has been with me through it all :) When the day comes where I can buy a new car, I don't think I will be able to part with my Honda. So many memories...it would be hard to let it go!

So there it is, I can't live without my Honda! I think if my car could talk it would write a book on the best seller list! It might not be new or the nicest thing in the world, but it has always taken care of me in my times of need :)

A person you would want to trade places with for a day..



This is Bethenny Frankle :) Yes, she has a reality TV show. She was on The Real Housewives of New York, but now she has her on show called Bethenny Ever After. I think she has a crazy but amazing life! She has a margarita line, she once was a chef, she is an author and not to mention that she is a mother and wife! I love her show because she doesn't make life out to be a piece of cake...she has real issues and puts them out there for the world to see and I think that is commendable. Did I mention she says whatever is on her mind and the things she says are hilarious? Her sense of humor is priceless!!! Not to mention she is 40 years old and looks absolutely beautiful :) So I think it would be cool to live a day in her hectic, silly, and emotional life...it would be a full day for sure!

A picture of your favorite memory...

My favorite memory is the day Mark and I got married :) I might have to explain the picture situation just a little bit... Mark and I decided not to have a "Wedding", at first we were but the year we got married was just very hectic. We had just bought our new house, Marks Grand-daddy had recently passed away (miss him), and we wanted to get married around our anniversary which left no time to plan a wedding. We were married in our house with only our very immediate family (parents, grandparents, and siblings) and my little brother took the pictures...and he didn't do a very good job! It's ok though because Mark's brother video taped for us :)


Mark and I cutting the cake...Winston cut his head out (good job)



Mark's face in this picture is priceless

I love my husband so much! He not only takes care of me but my whole family :) I know I picked a good one. We have been through so much in our 6 years of being together and he has always been there to pick me up when I am down and laugh at my silliness. He has been a wonderful male role model to my brother and always tries to make time to do things with him. He is has been a lot of things to my family that he didn't have to be, but he has! I know there are probably times when he thinks "what did I get myself into?", but I know he loves me unconditionally. I am so lucky to have him, and the day I married him is my favorite memory because I know that day he promised me forever!

A picture from your favorite night...








If there is on thing I have learned about this challenge it is that I have NO pictures!!! I need a camera and I need to start taking pictures...LOL

These pictures are from Christmas Eve 2009. This is my favorite night because my family was all together. Usually my sister always works on Christmas Eve. We had such a blast! We had some food, drinks, opened presents and made a video of us dancing around the island in the kitchen to the song "Ready to go right now". The video was so funny and we all laughed watching it :) It was just a great night with the people I love the most :) Holidays are always interesting with us...we celebrate in strange ways, but it's always entertaining!!

And...

HAPPY 21st BIRTHDAY TO MY DEAR FRIEND MEGAN!!!!!!!!!!!


LOVE YA!

Not so much... I always dread Sunday because it means the weekend is coming to an end and the work week is right around the corner...boo! It has been a beautiful weekend here in North Carolina, warm and sunny. Too bad I have been stuck inside all weekend watching the ACC tournament. I am looking outside right now and it is so nice, but my butt is planted to the couch for the Carolina v/s Duke game...which in the first few minutes is not looking good for my tarheels :(

I feel like I have been watching basketball or running all weekend. I hate to feel like I have accomplished nothing, but that's really how I feel. After this game I have to get my butt in gear!! I have a few cleaning chores to catch up on, dinner to prepare, bills and I would like to get outside for a jog but I doubt it will happen.

This is week 3 with no exercise. Would you believe in 3 weeks I have managed to gain 4-5 lbs. Geezzz! I am blaming a lot on the medicine. To be honest I still feel really tired and weak from being sick with the flu and other mess for two weeks. I have had a really hard time getting my energy back. Three days last week I came home from work and feel asleep on the couch for a few hours...which is why I am behind on chores! I hope to do better this week. I have set a goal :) I must get in 3 days of exercise this week, and keep up with all my house duties. We will see how that goes!

It's been a quiet weekend for us... Friday night we stayed home, and I went to Mom's for a little while. Saturday I had to run errands, and me and Mom got a haircut and oil for her car. Then I got home sat on the couch and ate potato chips and watched basketball. After the games were over we went to Katie's for some yummy ribs and girl time :) Got up this morning went to Mom's for a few (tried to fix the back door) and chatted for a minute. Now basketball game, and a whole lot of stuff to do once that is over....LETS GO TAR HEELS!!!!!!

A picture of the cast of your favorite TV Show...


One Tree Hill!!!!

Hello...I have been watching this show for 8 years! This picture only shows the main characters right now, but over the years there have been a lot more. I am kinda sad because the rumour is this will be the last year for One Tree Hill. I really hope not :( When you watch a show for 8 years you become emotional invested, and you hate to see it gone forever. Anyway, I feel like all my favorite shows have disappeared over the past year to make way for shows I can't STAND!!! PLEASE PLEASE CW bring One Tree Hill back next year!!!! I feel like I have grown right on up beside these characters.

One Tree Hill....makes me laugh, makes my cry, keeps in on the edge of my seat and warms my heart. This is the type of show that reminds you what it's like to have the people you care about in your life and how friendships grow and stand test of time. Love this show!!!!

PS: Watching this Carolina game is stressful....I don't know why they have to keep getting behind and doing the comeback thing. We are playing Clemson right now and have pretty much been down 10 points the whole game. Currently the score is Clemson 55 UNC 53 with 10:05 to go. Come on TAR HEELS!!!!! Fingers crossed for a WIN :) ACC Championship is nerve racking =:0

A picture of yourself with the person you are closest with :)


My Mommy!!!! Although my second fav is trying to be funny in the background (Mark)

There is no one in the world who I could ever love like I love my Mommy! The is the strongest women I have ever known. Although she is the "Mom" I really just think of her as my #1 best friend...she is the coolest Mom ever! I love in the summer when we can relax by the pool reading magazines and maybe sipping on a "adult" beverage :) Of all the people in this world no one understands me better than her. She always listens to my complaints, always helps me when I need an extra coupon shopper, and she has never let me down a day in my life. I sure didn't win in the Dad department but I could care less...my Mommy is all I need. I can't begin to explain the things we have been through in life (craziness) she has always been there for me and I will always be there for her.

Some people may think we have a strange relationship. I can sometimes be mistaken for "mom" these days...ha ha I take care of my Mommy! Lucky for me, my Mom lives right behind me so I can see her whenever I want :) I love the days when we jog around the loop together. There are so many things that make me thankful to have her. Seriously, she is AWESOME! I don't know many people who have a relationship with their Mom like I do...it kinda makes me sad. I wish everyone could be blessed enough to have someone just like her! Mommy, I LOVE you so much, and I don't know where I would be if I didn't have you!!!

Oh and when you are 27 years old and married and decided to ride 4 wheelers to a friends house...get there and have a little **too much** to drink (something that rarely happens to me, I am not really a drinker) and my husbands decides I have had to much to get home on my 4 wheeler...and it's 2:30 in the morning who do you call??? YES he calls my MOMMA to come pick me up...ha ha! Just in case you are wondering she was there in 15 minutes...and what does she do? She just laughs and says I never thought I would have to pick you up as a grown married women like this :)

Another funny story to show how cool my Mom is... I am not quiet sure why these stories all involve drinking but... One night we had a cook out at the house, and one of our friends (male) decided to get almost naked, he runs to my Mom's house...knocks on the door (she opens it) runs in the house...sits on the recliner and asks "what's for dinner?" Yes my poor Momma...she just laughed! She is a good sport to say the least!

Cheers Mom!!! I can't wait to see what type of unconventional memories we will make in years to come. LOVE LOVE LOVE YOU!!!

Sorry Megan...I am stealing your challenge :) I think this will be fun, so here we go!

Day 1: A picture of yourself and 10 facts

FYI, I have no pictures of myself (weird) Well this is me and some butts (LOL)

#1~ I am a Wife, and I LOVE every day of being married. Being a wife has its challenges, but being married to the right person makes life so much better!

#2~ I secretly love my job even when it sucks

#3~ My family will always be my #1 priority! I would go to the end of the world and back for them

#4~ Nothing makes me happier than a STACK of COUPONS...if you have some I will take them :)

#5~ I like things simple...I don't need or want much and if it isn't simple it isn't for me

#6~ I don't like girly girls...sorry but I am a jeans and shirt kinda girl. I dislike people who are all polished and put together and often wonder why they spend so much time on their appearance, Vanity is not something to strive for (just saying)

#7~ I can shoot a bow, shotgun, handgun or rifle...probably not a good idea to break in my house! I love hunting, nothing like sitting in the woods (peace and quiet) and waiting for your next dinner to arrive. That's right...I can put food on my table without grocery shopping.

#8~ OCD...ugh! I clean all the time, but my OCD is much deeper than that. I worry constantly, check on things constantly and for me OCD makes me crazy...I am always doing something over and over.

#9~ I watch Nightline every night, because I like to know what is going on in the world

#10~ I am ALWAYS RIGHT!!! Don't roll your eyes (ha ha) I am never wrong...if I am wrong I will twist and turn the facts until I am right. I know everything and don't fight with me, because you will not win...it just won't happen.

What a week it has been. Today was no fun. I went to work this morning planning on a normal day, but that was not the case. Once again...lay offs (ugh) I watched 5 people walk out the door today. 5 people who left work today unemployed and it SUCKS!!! It gets to the point where everytime you see someone go in the office and the door closes your heart just drops, oh I hate days like today.

Thankfully, Mark and me still have our jobs. Thank you Lord! I pray about this every day and I know he is providing for us. Mark is having to take on some other things at work and now he will probably not be able to take lunch with me any more. We do a lot of stuff on our lunch break, and this means more to do when we get home but it will be ok. I have my fingers crossed that we will soon get our 40 hours back because being cut back has been really hard on us.

Speaking of...tomorrow is payday and of course there was a pile of bills in the mail box today. I wonder if they know when pay day is? I open our Direct TV bill to find they have given us a $8.00 increase. SO not cool! I am going to have to do some work and research on this because something has to give. Our money is tight and it seems like every time I open a bill we are paying more for something.

I do find some comfort in days like today... I came home and cooked Mexican Lasgna. Nothing like one of your favorite foods on a bad day :) I got all my chores done, besides the laundry I am currently waiting on. The house is clean! I helped my friend Megan with getting a new background on her blog (Love you Meg), and I chated with Meg and Katie, and our friend Dusty (Katie's boyfriend) stopped by for a few minutes. Oh I haven't excerised lately...I am going to get back on track next week. >>>PROMISE<<< It has been a crazy week, and I am just glad tomorrow is Friday. After 4:30 tomorrow I will be on the couch relaxing for the evening :)

Oh and I will be putting up another post in just a minute...Megan is doing a 30 day blog challenge and it looks fun so I am fixing to post that :)

Oh how I LOVE my Blog...I always feel a weight lifted off my shoulders when I hit the "Publish Post" button!!!!

Tonight is Niki's wake. I am sure that place is packed with all the people who knew and loved Niki and wanted to say their final good byes. I still can't believe this has happened to such a wonderful girl. I am sitting here at home listening to the rain and it just seems so somber...it's strange how the weather can fit your mood.

I wish I could have been there tonight, but truth is I have a phobia over death. I know no one likes to deal with these situations, but for me it's different. I don't know how to explain it without sounding like a complete basket case! Basically, I don't do wake's nor funerals unless it is family and maybe my dearest friends and even that is hard for me. When things like this happen to someone I know I feel overwhelmed with anxiety. I often don't sleep well for days and I am scared that they will pop up and try to talk to me. Ok, I know how crazy this sounds but seriously this is what I go through. I have bad dreams when stuff like this happens, random dreams that at times I have woken up and thought they were real or even been crying in my sleep. I am 28 years old and I can count the number of funerals and wake's I have been to on one hand.

When I pass there will be no wake. I have already told Mark it is something I don't want. I know how I feel about things like that and I don't want anyone I care about to have to feel the need to come see me like that. I don't want people to see me after I pass. I just want to be put to rest and everyone to go on with their life.

Everyone has things that scare them. I am not scared to die, I know the Lord will take care of me. I am just scared of death...as strange and crazy as my little phobia is I hope people understand. I feel like the bad person who doesn't show up when things like this happen. In my heart I feel like Niki knew how much I thought of her and how sad I am that I will never see her again here on earth. There will be many times in the future when I will think of her or times we shared with her and I hope I can smile instead of being sad. For now it is still just sadness, but in all the sadness I know she lived while she was here. I know she was a person who had a big heart and always made people smile. Most of all I know she will be missed dearly by everyone in our community. Tomorrow she will laid in her final resting place. Please continue the prayers for her family.

Rest in peace Niki!

Here is Winston's first truck! Everything has been taking care of, and it was quiet a pain but it is finally done :)

Monday was my day off work since our hours have been cut back, so it was the perfect opportunity to get this taken care of. So my day starts off leaving the house about 10:30 heading out to the license plate agency. I have the title notarized and everything is in order. We get there, of course there's a problem. Since the truck is titled to me and Mom I needed a copy of her drivers license, and had to have another paper signed. Oh and the truck had to be inspected...great! So now I leave there go 30 minutes to Mom's work to get a copy of her license and get this other paper signed. Get that done, and who knew it would be so tough to get an inspection done. One place too busy, the next place we had to wait for over an hour. Back to the licence plate office which was packed, but this time everything was done. Then it cost $256.00 which I am sure is some type of money pit from the state...that is crazy! Well everything was finished and I got home at like 3:30...yes it took ALL DAY LONG! I had several things I needed to do yesterday, but unfortunately it just didn't happen, but at least Winston has a truck and we don't have to worry about that any longer...sigh (of relief)

Friday I got my Honda back. I was so happy :-) I have missed my car so much, and it seems to be running great so I am satisfied. Today we got a phone call with our total repair bill...brace yourself....yes $1,000.00!!! It is a LOT of money, but what can you do? I have to drive, I need my car and we just didn't have any choice but to fix it. I can't complain about the cost, our friend really helped us out on the cost, the parts alone were over $700.00 and I know they didn't make much if any money off of fixing it. The motor had to be taken out and tore down and that is a great deal labor so I am thankful. The Honda dealership quoted us $1,100.00 just to do the timing belt, so if I was to had the work done at Honda I probably would have paid almost $3,000.00. I hope my Honda will last another 148,000 miles now!

Still sad over the loss of Niki, it has been on my mind constantly. Please continue to keep her family in your prayers. There is power in prayer and I hope with everyone thinking and praying for them they will find comfort and begin the process of healing. I know there are tough days ahead of them so please just continue to pray!

We live in a small town. Living in a small town is hard for most to understand, but everyone know's everybody and has a vested intrest in the people of our community. Today has been a tough day here in our small town. A dear friend and a member of the community Niki Edwards passed away today. My last post was a prayer request and I want to thank everyone who prayed for Niki. She was only here for 21 short years, but she was loved by many people and we are all hurting over this tragic loss.

I have known Niki for several years. We weren't close friends, but she was a person I thought very highly of and had the pleasure of knowing while she was here with us on earth. The memory that sticks in my head the most was a little over a year ago. Niki was taking some tax classes at school and had a project that covered like 10 chapters and she asked me if I could help her. Of course I was more than glad to help and we sat here at the house for a few hours and worked on the project. Niki was the type of person who always made you smile. She loved the country, she always had a smile on her face and you just felt happy when you were around her. She was a strong girl, she had suffered the loss of her boyfriend in a car accident almost a year ago and the strenth she had was remarkable. She worked hard and was really a young lady who had expeirenced a lot of things in her life despite her age. There are so many nice things I could say about Niki, she was just that type of person. I can't believe that she is gone, it is truely devestaing to everyone in our town.

With all the sadness I feel, I know Niki has gone to a better place. I believe that God has a plan for every person. I believe our lives to some extent are already planned for us. While it is hard for me to understand why this tragidy happened, I know God had a plan for Niki and he needed her to come home. I won't question his reasons, I am thankful for the time we had to spend with Niki. I know she is in a better place where there is no pain or suffering and that brings comfort to me. I can't imagine what her family is going through at this time. I am sure like everyone they wonder why this had to happen to such a wonderful girl. I hope they can find strength and comfort in knowing that she is hevean and will always live in thier hearts. I would like to ask you to continue to pray for her family, friends and our community as everyone trys to deal with these terrible circumstances.

I am terrible with things like this... I never know the right words or how to deal. I know throughout life we have to deal with death, but I just have a hard time with it. It just makes me extreemly uncomfortable. My heart goes out to Niki's family. I will miss Niki, but I know she is watching over us!!! Rest in peace sweet girl, you will never be forgotten!

I would like to ask everyone to pray for Niki. She was in a terrible 4 wheeler accident last night and is in the fight of her life. I know there is power in prayer and would appreciate your prayers. Niki is one of the sweetest girls, and it breaks my heart for something like this to happen.

Here in our small town this news has been devastating to everyone. It can be difficult to understand why this happened to such a great person. Please pray for Niki and her family as they go through this scary situation. May God bring healing to her body, watch over her and give her the strength to fight. Please ask everyone to say a prayer for this wonderful young lady!!!!

Friday is one of the most rewarding days of the week. You wake up and go to work knowing that if you make it through the day you will get to the WEEKEND! We are shorthanded on Fridays and Mondays due to cut backs and that can make the day stressful, but I survived this Friday and had a nice evening.

Great Friday NEWS : Honda is BACK!!! We got to pick my car up after work today, and I have never been so happy to see my car :) As I feared my gas tank was empty, but I was so happy I could care less about the $46.00 I spent filling her back up. I still don't know what my total repair bill is... They owner wasn't in today and since the guy who worked on my car knows us he just told us to come pick it up and they are going to call with the total Monday. I am thinking it is going to be between $900-$1,100 dollars. Our friend said he thought the parts alone were around $500....geezzz My sweet Honda has been upgraded with a new timing chain, water pump, tensioners, pulleys, camshaft sensor, some spark plug sensors, and a oil change...and maybe something else that I forgot. Poor baby just decided it was time for an overhaul I guess. As much as I would like to complain I have had this car for 8 years and 148,200 miles later this is really the first thing I have had to come out of pocket on besides oil changes. The only other things I have replaced is the windshield wiper motor and a oxygen sensor...so I guess I can live with the repairs as long as they last another 148,00 miles!!!!!

After getting my car I drove it to my favorite spot...the grocery store :) We just had a new Harris Teeter store open up and we had some coupons to use! Mom and I bought them out of chicken tonight...LOL!!!

Finally home... Marks Mom came to pick up her Pilot which I am sure she has missed over the past two weeks. They dropped off Winston's truck and ran before my car had a chance to break down again...ha ha! We had plans with friends tonight to cook on the grill and just chill out. Katie, Meg and me sat around and talked and made a plan for lunch tomorrow. Oh and I am kidnapping them to use for my coupon shopping so I don't have to make a trip out on Sunday. They are awesome because they were like sure :) Hope they don't have any plans for the day....just kidding!!!

I actually just got finished getting my list together so I am ready, hope it goes like I have it planned. Also tomorrow I am probably going to drop by and see Amanda, who got married today (YAY!!!) I am so happy for her and Russ, and excited for them to start their family. LOVE IT!

Life is good!!! Now I must go to sleep!

Don't you know that love makes the world go round? Oh yes it does...today has been the best day just because my husband has made this a perfect day for me! Sometimes when i just feel like I am at the end of my rope somehow Mark always comes through and makes me the happiest wife. He knows just when I need his help and I don't even have to ask for it.

Mark left me a sweet note, and it made me smile :)

So this morning we get ready to walk out the door for work and Mark has made not only my coffee but a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. This medicine I am taking has made me eat like crazy and I guess he knew I would be hungry. So my day started off lovely. Anyway if you don't know Mark and I work together so I usually see him a few times during the day but I hadn't seen him this morning and he sent me a message and said "I just wanted to say I love you"....awww how sweet! He knows I have been stressing lately and especially with getting everything ready to get Winston's truck taken care of Monday. I have been rushing on that whole situation. So we get home from work and he tells me he is going to take the title for his trailer to get it filled out and pick up the title from his parents so we can fill out our part on that. Off he goes...he had been gone for awhile and I was wondering what was taking so long. He gets home and everything is DONE...I barely had to do anything other than add the insurance information on the titles. My husband is the GREATEST! Here I am going crazy and he just took care of everything...ahhh I couldn't be happier :)

I can say that we might not have a lot of money or the nicest and newest things, but at the end of the day I could care less. My husband is the greatest man, and even though at times he drives me a little crazy he knows when I need his help and is always there for me. When I look around I know what we have together is worth more than anything money can buy!!!

Titles that are ready to be filed thanks to my sweetie!

So I am still feeling the stress over my car (no news), money, not exercising, not sleeping, and not getting much done at home tonight because of my level of exhaustion...but I am letting it roll right off my shoulder for today. My husband took care of me today. I had a great day and all the other stuff will still be looming tomorrow.

Love the little things that make life worth living!!!!

This week is creeping by... Today was pretty busy for me once I got home. I had to help a friend with their taxes and then off to Mom's get my hair colored. I didn't get back home until almost 10:00 so I have missed my down time today. Not that it matters because I am sure I will spend all night tossing and turning.

I have been trying to get everything together for Winston's truck today. Mom called the insurance company and I have to try to get all the money and title stuff done by Friday so I can get everything switched Monday while I am off work....I am pushing it! Then we also need to get the title switched on a trailer we bought from Marks brother last year. That slack is on Mark, he just hasn't messed with it, but something that has to be done and since we already have to go might as well knock two birds out with one stone. However, Mark doesn't care to deal with all this stuff(LOL) I was talking to him about the trailer title and he was like "gosh I will take care of it" so funny! I wonder how men managed to go through life before being married....oh yeah they had Moms!!!

Speaking of...funny story I was at Mom's tonight and Winston was on the computer and went to go into another room and said "Mom, get my computer charger and bring it in here", he was walking away and could have gotten the charger himself!!! When Mom came back I was like really you are just making him lazy for some poor women to deal with later in life! LOL Why do Mom's baby the boys? I am not saying men are helpless, but I am just saying for the most part I think they are use to being taken care of by a women. They have become accustomed to it, and who wouldn't sit in a recliner and watch TV while someone else cleans, cooks, and takes care of all the important stuff?

By no means am I complaining about my darling husband. I am a control freak and just the thought of him taking care of the fiances or doing the laundry would probably put me in a shear panic. Even if I do complain about it, I really don't mean it because it would drive me crazy not to be the decider of stuff...LOL Mark has his things that he controls like working on the vehicles, his hunting dogs and his man room (except for the 1 day a week when I clean it), and I am sure some other stuff that I can't think of at the moment. I guess us ladies can't complain about the stuff we do for the men/boys in our life since we are the ones who create the whole situation. Besides, I like to feel like I am needed ;) Maybe I am just lucky that I have a husband who lets me be an independent women who doesn't wine and cry and need him to do everything for me! I am quite thankful that he can put up with my insanity. Yep, he loves me!!!

Oh well, I am going to keep pushing along this week....at least my hair looks better.