quirky me

A few other bloggers have shared interesting, funny things about themselves that others may or may not know.  I thought it would be fun to join in.

• I like to cook.  And normally have no trouble cooking.  Following recipes and planning a meal comes easy for me.  However, the one meal I have trouble cooking is PANCAKES.  I follow the directions ON THE BOX every time and it is a "hit or miss."  Sometimes they are delicious, fluffy, and perfect.  And other times, it's a total flop - they are thin, uncooked, etc.  And I can't figure it out for the life of me ... temperature, too much/too little oil in pan, too thick or too thin batter, etc?  It is really a mystery to me.
• I can tell you how to sew something (even without a pattern).  I can figure yardage necessary to sew said item.  But, I haven't touched a sewing machine in years ... like 8 or 10 years. 
• I put ice in my glass of milk.  The colder, the better.
• I do not like to check voice mail messages.  (if I don't answer, please just hang up and send me a text)  Most of the time, I just return the call without listening to the message.  Honestly, I only check messages to clear the little icon off my screen.  And sometimes I even ask Chris to check them for me.  AND, I do not leave voice mails, emails, or text messages sitting in my inbox ... I read/listen, save and/or, delete.  It's clutter to me.  Um, I don't leave mail in my physical mailbox.  LOL

• I have the worst luck going through a drive-thru.  (even if I am a passenger)  In the last week, on 3 different occasions ... a drink has been left out, food order messed up, straws/spoons forgotten, and waited 10+ minutes. 
• I absolutely hate going to the dentist office.  Having my teeth cleaned with that rubber rotating tool and gritty paste makes my skin crawl.  And of course, having a shot of Novocain to fix a cavity makes me light-headed, dizzy, and nearly faint.  And x-rays are painful; because, no joke, the hygienist said I have a small mouth.  Honestly, I'd rather visit the OBGYN.
• I "like" Chinese food ... but only 5 or 6 bites, then I'm finished.
• Very rarely, do I take self-portraits or post them on Facebook.  And the "bathroom pictures" absolutely crack me up. So for the last laugh ... here is the ONE bathroom, self-portrait on my phone.  I sent it to Chris to ask him if he liked my hair-do.  LOL

Today ...

>I ate Ramen noodles for the first time in my life. I'm 30 years old and continuing to experience "firsts."
>I ordered Angie Smith's soon-to-be-released book "What Women Fear" at the steal-of-a-deal for today only.
>I completely embarrassed myself when I attempted to turn away a church member by telling him "sorry, the office is closed." (he was coming to pick up his wife, the nursery worker's, paycheck) Yep, I've been there over a year and I still do not know everyone.
>I was secretly happy to see 97 degrees on the car thermometer. The hot temperatures keep the pool water warmer, so I can enjoy it longer.
>I've had my Facebook account deactivated for a week. This is the first time I've ever done so. I thought I'd miss it more than I do. Actually, I think it has freed up my mind to think of other things of more importance.

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who me? 30?

No way!
I'm just 29 .... plus one. ;-)


I've been blessed today more than I imagined. I truly appreciate the wonderful gift of precious friends in my life. The many, many thoughtful gifts, text messages, blog posts, phone calls, cards, and Facebook messages overwhelmed me beyond words. These kind acts overshadowed the dread I had for this day. Maybe 30 isn't so bad. After all, it's only a number. And as someone reminded me today ... "I'll be young forever - - You're as old as you act!" ((But then my mom says "Act your age.")) Oh, well, I'm gonna do my best to stay young.

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Dear Prednisone

Dear Prednisone,

In all the yard work I accomplished over the past few days, I unknowingly encountered some sort of poison (oak, ivy, or sumac). I have a horrible itchy blistered oozing rash to prove it.

And oh the places it has infected:
right wrist - 2 patches
left forearm - 5 different spots
left knee
right calf
forehead
left eyelid
right ear

I am a sight to behold.

So, I paid a visit to my doc yesterday.
I knew the diagnosis - yet, she still charged me. Imagine that.
I basically paid her to call in a prescription of you.
I quickly hurried to Wal-Mart and promptly paid for you in a bottle.
Twenty little 20 mg tablets
I took a dose of you yesterday.
And a dose today.
There is no noticeable difference in my rash.
Although, my cheeks are rosy, my stomach feels weird, and I'm feeling fidgety.

Prednisone, please get on the ball and do your job.
I do not want to be miserable all weekend.
It is Memorial Day weekend, you know.

Your miserable friend,
Livy

P.S. And instead of causing swelling or any of that sort, I could use a little more muscle.

Gaither crazy

I have a crazy issue.I'm completely crazy about Gaither music.

Especially this guy:I'm probably one of David Phelps' most dedicated fans. :)

Saturday, April 16th, we along with our parents and other family
went to the Gaither Homecoming concert in Greenville.
It was early Mother's Day and Father's Day gifts
from us to our parents.We had a great time.
An hour long ride together.
Cookout for dinner. (and of course, milkshakes)
A wonderful evening listening to uplifting music
sung by super-talented artists.
Screaming our heads off for our favorites.
Randomly, visiting with several friends that also attended.And lastly, as we were leaving I did some entertaining myself ...
by tripping over a speed bump in the parking lot,
(trying hard to to catch myself and avoid it)
but, rather going down in slow-motion style,
landing flat on the ground,
receiving a skinned-up bleeding elbow,
scuffed-up burning hands, and hurt pride. :)

All in all, it was still an awesome evening, even with my fall.

new glasses and contacts

We recently had eye appointments.
And Monday, I picked up my new glasses
and Chris picked up his contacts.
Afterward, we headed to the local Mexican restaurant.
We had the best afternoon talking and laughing together.
Sitting close together on one side of the booth.

reading

I'm not into reading as much as I have been.
In my younger days, when I had more free time,
I read lots and lots of fiction - particularly Christian Romance.

This is my current book stack.

To read. And to finish reading.
As you can tell, these days,
I enjoy reading about 'real' people.
And I like 'help' books.
And, yes, I've started a few of these,
... reading more than one book at a time.

I guess our reading style and habits changes with age, as well.

Do you have any 'good reads' to suggest?
What have you been reading or planning to read?

crazy confessions

• I confess -- I'm struggling and becoming frustrated with learning how to use my new cell phone. I'm not-so tech savvy. I often send blank test messages. And do not log off of Facebook, therefore, I am 'on' FB chat 24/7.
• However, I have completed the Angry Birds game app. I am 'addicted', I confess.
• I am extremely clumsy and klutzy. Saturday evening, I confess, I ran into the corner of an open kitchen cabinet door - got smacked in the forehead - I now have a bruise and bump.
• I confess - I took a 2-hour nap with my sleeping 3rd shift husband yesterday afternoon. Probably, because, after a weekend of beautiful weather, I have a serious case of the 'blahs.'
• And lastly, I confess, although I am 'caught up' on washing many, many loads of laundry (6 to be exact) - it all remains unfolded, piled high on my kitchen table. I did cook dinner last night, nevertheless, we didn't eat at the table. lol.

prayers lately

Lately, I've been praying about a lot of things.
Praying about Chris' job situation and it's direction.
Praying that I would find a job.
Praying for a health issue or two.
Praying for this circumstance
and praying for that problem.
You know, bombarding the Lord,
with my list of important things.

Then, I felt Him say ... "be patient,
for I am working on you
and issues that have lasting, eternal effects.
I'm using these very trials that you're agonizing over
to make a difference in you eternally."

So, I changed my prayers.
"I trust you, Lord.
I know that You will take care of me.
May my life bring You glory and honor.
And yes, Lord, teach me and change me to be more like you."

and the birthday surprise guests were ...

2 Flowers ... friends.

(not pictured: Casey's brother, Alan)
Late night fun. River trips. Just hanging out.
Thanks for the "too cute" wooden magnet and flip calendar.
And Casey provided pizza bagel bites and chicken nuggets. (thx!)Stephenses Crew ... friends.

Talented folks. Loads of laughter. Newly-converted river rats.
And thanks Mary for the BUNCH of flowers!Sunshine ... my friend.
(not pictured: her husband and children)

Such an encourager and constant friend.
Thanks for the cute girly magnet.Miranda ... my cousin.
She decorated while everyone was at church.
She became the 'impromptu' party photographer.
(she took all the pictures you are looking at)
We like to go on trips together - enjoy bluegrass - and shopping!
Thanks for the candy (you know me too well) and frame.

Heather ... my sister-in-law.
(not pictured: Swain (B-I-L) and Audrey (baby girl)
She's tons of fun. Always makes me laugh.
There is NEVER a dull moment as long as she's around.
Thanks for my skirt and shampoos!!

And Cheyenne ... my sweet niece.
She's adorable. I love her to pieces.

Bryon and Keith (my cousin) ... the tough guys.
I was trying to be tough too. :)

Ashley and Wesley ... my cousins ... on both sides. :)
Ashley is a great friend and 'sister.'
She and I are David Phelps Phans ALL THE WAY!
And thanks to Ash, we're headed to see GVB TONIGHT!!
And Wesley ... sings great under-the-influence of helium. lol
Alicia ... my friend.
(not pictured: her brother, Adam)
We've known each other a long time.
God's done great things in her life.
And she writes the best FB statuses on a daily basis!Christy ... my friend.
(not pictured: her husband, Roby)
We've shared so much. She's a great listener.
We enjoy eating together, going to church, and playing games.
Thanks for the willow tree figurine and smelly candle.

The Woods (minus Stephen) ... friends.
I love her kiddos ... Kolben calls me "Lily"
She is a sweet friend - who keeps a check on me.
And was the first to wish me "Happy Birthday!"

Thanks to all you friends,
who make my life much more fun, interesting, and such a joy!
I love you all.
You are the GREATEST!
Thank YOU for helping celebrate the beginning of #29!

birthday surprise

Chris pulled off a really big surprise.

He and I both had to work on Wednesday.
I didn't cook dinner
and we 'planned' to grab something with friends after church.
Soooo, after church,
Chris had a 15-minute meeting regarding Sunday School,
everyone left, except for the few wives of men in the meeting.
When Chris finally came out of meeting,
I was very hungry and ready to eat,
but Chris insisted that we take a ladder to my mom's first
that she needed for painting her porch.
I was upset, because after the meeting and driving to mom's,
all our friends would nearly be finished
by the time we arrived to the restaurant.
However, we when arrived at Mom's,
all our friends were THERE on the front porch
and yelled, "SURPRISE"I was so shocked.
And even more shocked when I found out
that Chris planned it all by himself.Ice Cream Cake from Dairy Queen.Sweet gifts from friends."Thanks to mom for hosting the party.
Chris appreciates it and so do I.""Thanks, babe, you are the BEST!
You definitely helped make 29 'not so bad.'"

29 years ago

I entered this world.Today, I thank God for the healthy, happy life He has given me.

I feel blessed beyond measure, definitely more than I deserve.

a little playful competition

This little board hangs in our laundry room.
I wrote a message first.
And then someone came along and wrote his message.

Irregardless of what you see here,

fact is,
I love Chris MOST!
(to infinity and beyond!!) lol.

today in bullet points

• I did de-clutter and straighten our messy house.
• I admired my beautiful flowers in bloom. And watered them.
• The birdies have obviously learned to fly. The nest is empty.
• But, I discovered a new nest in fern #2.
• In true "redneck-fashion," I hung a large beach towel over a window, in attempt to make our bedroom even darker for my sleeping 3rd shifter husband.
  
• We took Thumpy along for our errands today.
  
• Thumpy barked at a passing vehicle ... scared me to pieces.
• Chris drove all over the curb in the bank parking lot.
• I had a grilled cheese & fries for lunch. Skipped dinner.
• Chris' lunch was free, with a certificate He received for winning a contest on a local radio station.
• I had an orange Tootsie Roll Pop ... only to discover there was no Tootsie Roll in the middle. I was so disappointed that I stopped eating it.
• We saw a snake in the road. Chris made sure to run over it. The only good snake is a dead one, according to me.
  
• Chris and I together trimmed Little Man's hair (our dog/"loaned" to mom.)
• I accidentally snipped his leg. He didn't yelp or cry. And the spot barely bled.
  
• I, on the other hand, nearly fainted. (no joke!) ...lost color, felt the tingling sensation, had to lie down, etc.
  
• I listened as Chris played a tune with "Lucy," his old Gibson Dobro.
• Chris had to be at work at 9 PM. It was daylight when he left.
  
• And I finished the day chatting with my closest friend.
• Weekend pictures will resume tomorrow. (promise)

How was your day?

what makes me happy

Kelly at Kelly's Korner hosts a blog carnival

each Friday titled 'Show Us Your Life.'
Today's post is about What Makes You Happy.
I thought I'd participate this week.

I like to believe that it doesn't take much to make me happy.
I 'try' to be happy and focus on even the tiniest to find happiness.
True happiness doesn't come from 'things' ...
since, you know, 'things' are really just temporal.
True happiness and joy comes from above.

First, I'd have to say, my happiest times on earth
are those times spent with my husband.
Just the two of us.Me and him.
On vacation.
Sitting in our living room.
Working together in our garden.
Just being together is a wonderful place to be.

My other 'happies' include, but are not limited to the following:

• being with our family - immediate and extended family! (and especially those sweet nieces)
• spending time with our awesome friends.
• cookies and milk, cherry limeades, and banana splits
• hearing Chris' truck turn in the drive (or actually before he makes the turn). And Thumpy typically hears it before I do. Yea, he's got a 'redneck-loud' truck
• the smell of rain - and the sound of rain (but no thunder or lightning)
• experiencing God. in His Word. in church. in music. in events of my life
• a clean house
• listening to Chris yell and scream at a concert (he even yells for DP!)
• flowers blooming in my yard
• seeing Thumpy excited that we've returned home to her
• being at the beach - sand beneath my feet and the sound of waves in my ear
• shopping (with at least a little $$) - I'm not a window shopper! :)
• and sweet surprises ... snail mail, a handful of wildflowers, catch-up emails/texts from friends, for-no-reason gifts, random phone calls, or a handful of candy 'just because' ... those are the best!

I have much to be happy about!
God sends these little 'happies' my way often.
I am blessed tremendously!

do nothing

How beautiful it is to do nothingand then to rest afterward.
-a Spanish proverb

made my day

This afternoon, I walked into the kitchen and found this:

And it made my day.

In my biased opinion, 'mine' is the BEST!

more on worry

And another recent true story to further prove my problem:

(little background: Chris has a not-so-good driving record.
Only 4 points remaining on his license.
One failure to stop at a stop sign could mean "no license")

On with the story ...

A few weeks ago, Chris had just headed out to work.
I called him. (We always chat on his drive to work.)
Soon after answering he said,
"Let me call you right back, I'm being pulled over."
After 5 minutes, I texted him, "Are you okay?"
No reply.
8 minutes.
I texted him again, "Are you okay?"
After 10 minutes, still no response.

All the while, I am envisioning him,
hand-cuffed against the patrol car.

So, what do I do?
Grab my keys. Jump in my car.
Drive up the road until I spot the blue lights.
Slow down. Pass by.
Make sure he's okay and not being arrested.
Turn around. Drive slowly by again.
And return home.

I don't know what I would have done had he been arrested.
But, one thing is for certain, I made sure he was okay.
Calmed my imagination. And ceased my worries.

Yep, I know. I've got it BAD.
Worry Wart. That's me.
I realize it changes nothing.

And I'm not fully trusting God.

But, I can't seem to control it.

what a beautiful day

I slept in today (only until 8:30 AM),
since I've not been feeling so well.
Showered. And headed out to run a few errands.

On the way, I heard a strange "knocking" noise
coming from the front of my car.
Of course, I panicked and called Chris ...
"Something is wrong with my car."
And I worried all the way to my appointment.
I checked it out upon arrival and find it was only my fog light dangling
Just needs to be popped back in place.
Anyways, so that was a good discovery:
a simple problem with a simple fix and no gigantic repair bill.
Then I had a wonderful meeting with someone
regarding carrying out a New Yearresolution of mine.
Ill share more details soon.
Then I stopped in at Belk.
(side note: Yesterday, I went to Belk for the first time this YEAR!
I had to pick up something for Chris and I noticed
an awesome sale of 50% off already clearanced items.
I didn't have time to shop for myself yesterday;
so Chris told me to go back today without him.)
Today, I found super deals -- purchased 5 pieces for $25.92.

Most of all, I have thoroughly enjoyed the weather today.
I parked at back of the parking lot,
just so I could enjoy a nice long walk.
As I walked, I thanked God for the gorgeous day
... blue sky, white clouds, sunshine, warm temperature, and a gentle breeze.
Simply beautiful.

I hope you had a great day, as well.

diagnosis: chronic worrier

It's one thing I'd love to change about myself.

I ruin perfectly good days

worrying over issues beyond my control.

It's a waste of my thoughts.

Stressing over things that may not even happen.

I need to let go. Or think more positive.

Find peace. Or something.

I blame it on my imagination.

It's BIG and it runs wild.

It is the culprit.

I worry.

Just ask my husband.

He bears the brunt of the load.

He is often the subject of my worry.

When he doesn't answer his phone,

after the 5th time of my repeated calling,

I imagine him dead in a ditch some where

and I'm planning his funeral.

{seriously}

Go ahead and laugh.

There's more to come on this subject.

And you're sure to laugh more.