Last Day

Today is my last day at my current job. I'm not sure how to feel about it. On one hand, I am very excited because I am ready to move on to my next job. One which I am already familiar with, to a point, and one with people I know and love and miss. On the other hand, I'm sad to leave. I like this place and the people here too. I will miss everyone (mostly)...

Perfect Balance

Taken from Weigh-in Wednesday - a weekly feel good from the Eating Disorders Coalition of TN

Perfect balance. Balanced perfection. Can either of these be reality?

The truth of the matter is that balance is not perfection. I think of a balance beam or standing on one foot—balance is knowing when and how to shift the focus.

Did you ever think of perfection as a form of limiting yourself? It really is a close-minded way of living. When you focus on achieving “perfection”, you close yourself off from what would be, which is possibly better than you think!

So here’s this week’s challenge: look for ways to shift your focus. Don’t limit yourself. Sometimes less really is more, and sometimes more is accomplished when you ease up on yourself. Take life as it comes instead of forcing your way through.

Instead of striving for perfection, we can strive for balance.

Whitney Hassell lives and works in Washington D.C. and is a member and volunteer of the EDCT and a contributor to Weigh-in Wednesday.

Apparently I am too happy. ..

Is that possible, really? I never thought, not in a million years, that someone would say that to me. That my positivity, optimism, and me giving everyone the benefit of the doubt is outright annoying.

Well, it's happened.

I feel the need to explain myself though.

I've never been known for my sunny outlook on life. No matter how I tried, I just couldn't believe in the good of the world and the people in it. I couldn't believe that people were here to help you. I couldn't believe that when things didn't go my way, there was a reason, a legitimate reason. Nope, that just wasn't me.

Then I changed. I know, that sounds silly. People can't just change like that. Sure, I can pretend to be different, but on the inside, I've got to be that same, dare I say, pessimistic, person I always was before. But no, that's not the case. I really am a new person.

"Adversity" affects everyone differently

To some, normally happy and outgoing people, going through adverse situations would make them always assume the worst. Something bad will happen, someone is going to screw you over. But not me. Just the opposite happened. I got tired of expecting the worst out of everyone. Yes, if you have low expectations in others, oftentimes you will be surprised by what people will do. That would make most people happy. But that's just not how I work. Through the years, I got tired of the fighting, the wasting time and energy on everything and everyone, I got tired of the stress and I realized this was not helping me! It's just my energy that's wasted, just me who is disappointed...

just me who is let down...

I should be a cynic - But I try and assume you are telling the truth, no matter how outlandish or coincidental your story may be. I fight for the underdog. I help others see the positive in situations, to a fault.

Yes. I know this is annoying. I know it seems silly or fake. But, come on, it's who I am. It makes me happy.

I know I will, and do, get let down. I understand that I will be, and am disappointed - sometimes often. But I also know that letting these things rule my life and bring me down isn't helping anyone and is hurting me. I am trying to go with the flow on and hoping that I won't get screwed in the end.

Six Word Saturday

What a beautiful day...I'm working....

Happy Birthday to Me

Yesterday was my birthday, I had so many great friends wish me a happy birthday, making my day again and again!

Thank you

As another year in my life comes to an end, or starts anew, whatever the case may be, I think of things for which I am thankful. There are so many things. Too many to list, really. When I look back to one year ago, I think of all the things that are different now. Things are good.

Life is good.

I just want to say Thank You to my friends. I appreciate you so much. I love that you love me, no matter who I am. I am so glad that you knew me at my worst and know me at my best and have stuck by my side and supported me through everything.

I love you.

My Something!

After what seemed like forever, our Something has arrived! John, as promised, brought it to work for me to open! He just got a baby and a new car, I think he just wanted an excuse to leave the house...

He handed me the package and everyone wanted to know WHAT on earth we were doing! "It's Something" That's all we could say. Then we explained what we'd done. I was so excited! Who was going to want it? Would we fight over it's contents? The suspense was killing me!

I opened the package.

This is what it was:

Yep. A microphone...

What am I going to do with that?

I can't wait to get another Something! That was too much fun!!

Save Paste

If you're not familiar with Paste Magazine, you should be! Paste has music and movie reviews, artists you need to know, and everything else that is good in the world. ...or something like that. They also have podcasts and offer sampler CDs with each magazine. Paste is pretty much amazing.

Now Paste needs your help! The economy has taken it's toll on Paste and they need your help to continue bringing this excellent magazine to our doorsteps and inboxes! If you donate now, Paste will give you over 100 free downloads from their download vault. I have embedded songs from the vault at the bottom of this blog. Check it out and get to donating!

Six Word Saturday

Beach is Great

Love it Here

Something Store fun

My partner in crime, John, at work and I are ordering something from the Something Store. I blogged about this some time ago here. I am SO EXCITED about this... our something should arrive in approximately 10 days. He's going to bring it to work so we can open it - then we will fight over who gets to keep it.

It's going to be awesome!

Brace yourselves for THIS awesomeness

So I have a list, at home, of blogs I need to write. A lot has happened in the past few weeks but I haven't had the time and/or the energy to write. ...let's face it, sometimes it's easier for me to write while I'm at work...

I had to skip past my list and touch on this.

A guy at work and I like to share tidbits - various obscurities and other noteworthy items - we find while purusing the internet. He sent me this today and well, I couldn't resist. There are so many points I could touch on but you need to read for yourself...this is, for lack of a better word, awful. So awful, in fact, that the original poster felt it was necessary to scan the actual book she was reading....

Please enjoy:

So, let's pretend it's pretty late and you're doing a little light reading before bed, as you sometimes do. This book is one that you bought used probably fifteen years ago and it has sat on your shelf since then. Now, you've decided to read it and within the first page you realize it's one of those fantasy novels, written by a man who wants to idolize his fantasy princess dream woman. But after he gets past describing her in chapter one you think, okay. Maybe there's a good story in this book anyway. Anyway, it's only 200 pages, so even if it's awful it'll be quick.So it's late. You're about halfway finished with the book. The princess has met the faerie king and he's brought her to the faerie court! She's met the faerie wives! And you turn the page and come across this:

(I'm aware you can't really read this...PLEASE click here for a non-blurry version)

And then he rapes her. :D

(ETA: the rest of the chapter is now available here)

There was no way to simply say, "I read a really bad description in this book last night." I had to scan it and share it for you to understand just how bad it truly, truly was. It is the sort of bad that causes pain and must be shared with other people so you can feel better.

I really wish I could crosspost this to fanficrants. Alas, it is somehow a published work. I mean, one or two of those descriptions are vaguely interesting to put emphasis on some particular body part. Two pages worth, however, is absurd and ridiculous, especially as much of it makes no sense at all, and made me wonder if I'd fallen asleep while reading it and dreamed it up it was so bad.

Really, all I could think was, "I have got to scan this tomorrow because no one will believe how awful it is." It's so awful it's gone back around to being good again--but for all the wrong reasons. It's just hilarious. It is unbelivable such a thing got published. I'm so amazed!

Title & Author of the book is "Silk and Steel" by Ron Miller. (My copy was published in 1992 by "Ace Fantasy" but it appears it was later reissued by Timberwolf Press, which is "publish on demand" (and may be a vanity press(, which is the version the Amazon link goes to. I don't know if it's been editted.) (Oh, hey, only now do I realize it's actually a sequel to another book I've never read. Well, I'm not going to now, that's for sure.)

And now I feel satisfied that you have all shared in my pain with me. I am still intending to read the rest of the book, too. Pity me. Pity me.

My actual favorite part was not the excerpt but the pictures people submitted with their idea of what this creature...errrr beautiful person looked like...

http://entropy-house.livejournal.com/922918.html

and then there's this rendition: (Brace yourself for this awesomeness!)

http://vandonovan.livejournal.com/1088311.html?thread=11352887#t11352887

and that, my friends, is what makes me happy on this Wednesday afternoon...

Oh those kids

Children can be so funny, the best is when they don't even know they are being funny. At church on Sunday, all the kids were gathered in the front of the sanctuary for Moments with the Children. The pastor was explaining God's love and how it's so enormous we can't even measure it!

First the pastor pulls out a glass measuring cup and says, 'I really like to cook. When I cook I use this'. He then holds up the cup and asks what it is. One sweet little boy raises his hand high and and proud and says 'Oh! It's a measuring cup!' The pastor replies, 'That is right, but the Bible says that we can't measure God's love like this because our cup runneth over...there's too much love for the cup, and it would spill out'.

The kids nod their heads...

Next he pulls out a measuring tape and says 'I really like to build things. When I work in the house I use this'. He pulls out the measuring tape and asks what it is. A few kids raise their hands and tell him it's a measuring tape. The pastor goes on to say that we can't measure God's love with a measuring tape because the Bible says God's love reaches higher than the Heavens and that his measuring tape certainly couldn't reach that high.

The kids really seem to be following....

Finally the pastor points to his wrist. He shows them his watch and says 'what do we measure with a watch?'. The first kid raises his hand again and shouts [are you ready for this?]

"LOVE!"

See? They really were listening! The lesson was all about measuring God's love...

In an effort to update my blog more often...

First off, congratulations are in order - to me! I have been on this diet for 1 month and 4 days and as of yesterday I have lost a total of :

26.4 pounds

I still have plenty to go but that is pretty darn exciting so it needs to be documented...

Other than that, the news of the week is I will be having surgery sometime soon, probably next week. I will know what day Monday when I meet with the surgeon. I'm having a lap chole (removing my gallbladder). I know this is an "easy" surgery but I made the mistake of watching this video. Yeah...it's that scary - well maybe not scary but it's certainly gross but I did think that the liver looked pretty neat. I had no idea!

There's good news and bad news to this. The best news is this should alleviate my pain I've been having for the past almost 2 weeks. I spoke to my MD and I will have to go off my diet for "a little while" once I have the surgery. The good news is I'll be able to eat out at the beach without feeling too guilty! The bad news...I'm afraid it will be hard to start back. Keep your fingers crossed for that!

What a time!!

This was the most exciting weekend in a while!

I love my girls more than anything but I love when I get to see people I never see! This weekend so many wonderful friends came to town and I am so glad I was able to spend time with them!!

Friday some of my greatest friends Will and Bradley came into town for a show! I hadn't seen them in 10,000 years - probably since their wedding. Unfortunately I didn't have tickets to the show they were going to but we were able to catch up some before they left. Since I had plans on Friday night too, I was actually out about 30 minutes or so longer than they were, but when I got home we spent hours playing and laughing and talking! My throat was sore the next day!! I had such a great time with them, it was like no time had passed at all. I hate that they had to leave on Saturday, I was sad to see them go!! I am certain that this time there won't be near as much time in between visits.

On Saturday literally as Will and Bradley were leaving my cousin Landon and his friend Michael drove up. They had gone to Atlanta for a few days and stopped by to see me on their way home. We had lunch at one of my favorite places and then went to a local, natural store to get some random things for Landon (I did my shopping there a few weeks ago). They didn't stay too long as they had another 3 1/2 hours before their trip was over, but it was a nice visit! I hadn't seen Landon in a few months and really enjoyed his visit - even if it was short.

Luckily, I had enough time for a quick nap between Landon and Michael leaving and when I was meeting Lauren and Daniel. They were in town for a minute, supposed to be going to the mountains, but changed their plans after driving over 700 miles with their 14 month old - James. I was so glad to finally meet James!! I hadn't seen the Duffy's since Lauren was pregnant with James. He is too cute! I felt like I knew him already from seeing all the pictures and reading all about him in her blog, but I love him! It was so wonderful to catch up and laugh with everyone! It was just like old times.

I was supposed to meet Jack, Jessica and The Dude's new arrival, last week but had to cancel because of what may be a gallbladder problem. So Friday I talked with Chris and discussed coming by after work on Sunday. Since I actually got off "on time" (1230), I came straight over. Oh that Jack! He is precious! He is tiny!! Today should be his birthday but he will be one month old on Wednesday. I loved just holding him in my arms - he still has that new baby smell! (Seriously) Lauren, Daniel, and James came over while I was there which was even better because we were able to hang out even more and I got to play with James who just made me laugh and laugh! I can't wait to see them all again!!

The only bad thing about this weekend is that my good camera is gone and my other is broken....I have no pictures of any of this exciting weekend!

It's been so long

It was pointed out to me this weekend that I have basically fallen off the grid the past few weeks/months. I'm sorry. I could give all the excuses in the world, most of which are true: I've been working, A LOT. Overtime during the week, on call on the weekends, plus I work Sundays. That leaves me with little extra time, which I don't want to spend in front of the computer. I've also been on a diet, which has meant A LOT of time quality in the kitchen. (At least it's paid off so far. I've lost over 20lbs this month!) Like I said, I could go on and on....

So that's what's been going on in my life since my absence. Work, work, work, cooking, and a little time left for sleep and play. I've been spending a lot of time on me and it's been great! My OT ends at the end of this month - I have 6 days left (of course it's spread out over 3 weeks)!!

April will be VERY busy! I will be going to the beach for a much needed vacation one weekend, to see Styx the next, in the middle of the month my grandfather will be inducted into the Alabama Road Builders Association Hall of Fame, and at the end of the month I will be on the 12th row at Ray Lamontagne!

...and that's just what's already on the schedule...

Why has 2nd day air delivery become 5 day delivery?

Don't get me wrong, I am glad my package will allegedly arrive today but WHY must one pay for 2nd day air shipping when it will take from Thursday to Monday to arrive? It is more than irritating.

Congratulations!

Congratulations Chris and Jessica - baby Jack is here!

Best Day E-V-E-R!

Today, the best day ever, had to be shared, even if it's only with 3 of you...

I chose to wake up just a few minutes later than usual today. I was so sleepy this morning even though I went to bed a little early last night.... I think the past few weeks are catching up with me.

That part was good, great even.

It was once I got out of bed that the fun really began...

First I went to the DMV. I had to stand in not one, but two lines. I had to get a license (pictures yay!) then I had to get a tag. Know what's fun about getting a tag? Besides nothing? Well, I brought my title, like they told me to, but that wasn't good enough because the State of Mississippi sent me a "Duplicate Title" and sent the original to my lien holder. I then had to retrieve the original title from my lien holder (lucky for me that was an option). Once I got the title I had to go back to the DMV and stand in line again. 2.5 hours and about $100.00 later I was gone. Until August...

After the DMV... I had a root canal!

I've heard it said that people would rather get a root canal than go to the DMV. While they are both painful, the DMV only hurts while you're there.

...At least I got to wear jeans

I am connected

Guess what!? I have a computer.... in my house. And not only do I have a computer... in my house, I also have the internet. If it sounds like I've been living under a rock, have no fear, I've just been technologically impaired for the past 4 months or so... and now that I have one again, I feel unstoppable! (okay, maybe not, but I at least feel as if I belong in this century, which is pretty excellent in and of itself)

Yesterday was a fabulous day when everything finally worked out and I was able to connect. I don't have a desk and I haven't really figured out the optimum place for my computer but it works and I can use it and it's mine and that's all that really matters. (The best run on sentence ever by the way)

The ironic thing, I am blogging from work.

43 Things

I'm probably a little behind, but maybe not. I've been reading up on 43 things. It's a place (a social networking group) where you can identify your goals (in a public manner) and track your progress on these (realistic) goals. Apparently they sell a book about doing this too. From what I understand if you write down your goals you will have a better understanding of what you want to accomplish and maybe you'll do it if it's staring you in the face. Along with the book (and the people using the website) they have a personality quiz which is supposed to help you get started(??). I, being a sucker for quizzes, took it. I thought it would be more like a Myers-Briggs personality test but went ahead...

However exciting (and scientific) that is, I find it pretty interesting to see that I am organized. I am most certainly an extrovert and I am constantly reinventing myself but who knew I was so organized?? I love it! And the best part is it says 0% of the 53079 people who have taken that quiz are like me.... now that I believe!

I took the 43 Things Personality Quiz and found out I'm an Extroverted Organized Reinventer

Welcome 2009

2008 has come and gone and I can't help but to reminisce on the year that was... so much happened in 2008. A lot I shared, and so much more I did not.

2008 started unlike any year before. I was broke, unemployed, and living with family. Just a few months before, I had my own place, my own car, and a great (although low-paying) job that I loved. Who knew that it would have been the best thing that ever happened to me?

I've comprised a list; things I loved, things I learned, and mostly what I am thankful for in 2008.

1) I'm thankful I don't have to eat Reba's cooking - but appreciate that I had food to eat, and someone to cook for me.
2) I love being closer to my sisters and friends I had lost touch with - I'm glad to get to know my sisters better. We haven't spent too much time together in, I don't know, the past 10 years or so. They have grown into really beautiful and very very cool girls. I'm glad to know them and love them a lot!
3) I am thankful for the time I spent with my family in Memphis - I loved spending time with them (most of the time) and loved learning about the kids and getting to know them.
4) I am thankful that now I can visit the kids... I appreciate them much more that way (and they appreciate me too).
5) I am glad I made new friends and can't wait to see them again - I miss that Tammy Sue and Dave and Joy and Zap and Sam too. I appreciate the opportunity that FFC gave me, even though I hated smelling like gas every day.
6) I am thankful for a good job with good people and the opportunity to learn and to excel - I am very curious and interested in learning about various diseases and illnesses people present to the hospital with. I am definitely planning on nursing school now (when I didn't start this Fall, it was kind of in the air).
7) I am thankful that I have reconnected with my father's side of the family - it was all by chance and I was a little taken back but I am so glad to know about them and talk to them through letters and email. The internet is definitely a wondrous thing!
8) I love learning more about myself and learning how to be on my own again - this has definitely been one of the best things to ever happen to me. It may have sucked when it was happening (the unknown always does), but I sure celebrated in April - and haven't stopped since!

There are certainly many many more things about 2008 I could write about. It was definitely a different year. All in all it was pretty darn great, and although my New Year's Eve was very low key, my year ended a total 360 from how it began. I am thankful and am looking forward to 2009 and what it will bring.