Mail Call

"Welcome: You've Got Mail!" We all remember hearing those words after signing into AOL. When I was a teen those words made me happy as ever. They meant I had mail from friends and I couldn't wait to read it and send something back. Now, I do good to get any email worth reading. I have to admit, I miss email. I still think it is a great tool for communication - but as with all things technology has evolved into texting and social media networks.

Checking my mailbox at home is usually not even close to exciting. It's bills and junk mail. Who wants that? But, every time I order something offline via Amazon or something of the sort I get excited just like I did logging into AOL. 

This week I ordered a case for my phone. I have been looking for a case for some time because my poor phone is beginning to look kind of beat up from dropping it and this bugs me. After searching for what seemed like forever on Amazon I finally found something I liked. It's not an OtterBox [They don't make them for Samsung Galaxy Mini's]. Shame I know!

I paid $5.25 for this gem with free shipping and received it by weeks end. I love it. It seems like it is going to be very durable and it also makes the phone easier for me to hold. That's a plus! All the dings and bangs on my phone are covered so its like getting a brand new phone, at least to me it is!

What has been one of your favorite online purchases? Do you miss communicating with people via e-mail?

Just Roll With It - JoJo

I was reading through some comments on Facebook a while ago - yes, I know that it is after 4 a.m. but I had to write! Anyway, I was reading through some comments and my dear friend Jo Jo said "I love how you just roll with the punches." That reminded me of this song by Steve Winwood. It has long been a favorite of mine, thanks to my Mom. It is kind of my life motto. I just roll with it and make the best of everything that comes my way.

I messaged Jo Jo a few days ago cause I was just having one of those days as we all do sometimes. He didn't reply. I didn't think anything of it because I know he has been really busy getting ready for some things. Tonight, I messaged him again and simply said, ignore the last message, all is well now. He replied and said he didn't respond to the previous message because he knew that I would push through it. Which brings me to this... Have you ever had someone not respond to you when you really wanted them to? Times when hearing from them would make you feel better? Sometimes, there is a reason for the silence just like in this situation. Silence really is golden in more ways than the normal "having peace and quiet". It can give you the push you need to pick yourself up, do what you need to do, and continue to roll with it!

Has there been a time in your life when someone's silence has helped you?

What is your life motto?

Picnic in Reliance

Last Tuesday, the family loaded up and we headed to Reliance to have a picnic, hang out, and let Kaylee and her friend play in the water. It was a whole lot of fun. We enjoyed a picnic lunch of sandwiches and chips before letting the girls play in the water. The water was really cold, but they loved it. I sat by the water in my chair until it started coming in. Boy was that an adventure - getting me back up on the sidewalk before the water came in too far, haha! 

After the water came in the girls enjoyed tubing down the river just a little with the current. Dad and Sis endured the water and caught them.

Later in the afternoon just before we left, a man came down to the river with his dog. He had a tennis ball with him and the dog would catch it if you threw it in the water. It was really fun to watch and the kids loved it. Every kid there got a chance to throw the ball for the dog.

Can't wait to go again! Here are a few pictures:

 

What activities have you done this summer?

These Wheels Were Made for Dancin'

"These wheels were made for dancin', and that's just what they'll do..."

Yep, that's right; adapted straight from a country song! As you already know and have read, I have a huge love for music. Live local shows are one of my favorite weekend activities when the opportunity arises. Not only do I enjoy the loud music, I also love dancing! I get out on the dance floor just like everyone else and just enjoy scootin' around and having a great time. When I am dancing I don't worry about anything. All the worries in my world fade away and I truly truly enjoy myself. It is freeing just like the music is. 

What do you do to free your mind and/or de-stress?

Pampering Should be Relaxing

Let's face it, most all females like to be pampered once in a while. This usually consists of some shopping and most likely a manicure and/or pedicure. I am one of those girls. I do not have painted nails often because it is not something I do well on my own. [Trust me I've tried] So, ever great once in a while I have girl time with my sister and a friend and have my nails painted.

I am always satisfied with the way my nails turn out and it makes me feel girly as it should.

However, the process of having my nails done has never been a truly relaxing experience for me. You may be thinking, "Well, why not? I love going to have my nails done!"

This is why:

• I cannot roll completely under the manicure table.
• The manicurist usually seems frustrated with me because I cannot completely relax my hand.
• I have to lean way over the table which causes my back to hurt.

If I were able to roll completely under the table I think my experience in such a salon would be different. I would be able to sit more comfortably and not have to lean way over, nor would they have to pull at my arm all the time. And the manicurist would not seem as frustrated.

Thoughts ladies?

A Peaceful Sunday

Yesterday was a very peaceful day for me. It was quiet and relaxing. I spent a lot of time outside. I enjoy the outdoors when the sun is shining bright! My lilies finally bloomed. I love it when they do!

Later in the afternoon I enjoyed a Nestle Drumstick on the porch. The first ice cream I've had this summer. It was delicious! :) 

I also prepared dinner last night, it's the least I can do for my sister and all the hard work she does. I am so glad we have been blessed with an awesome relationship. I made BBQ Chicken in my crock pot!

I ended the night with my favorite little person my sunshine. I love having her around! :)

The Gift of Time

All of us are given the gift of time to use in whatever way we choose. Sometimes we are wise about it and sometimes not.

After finishing school at Cleveland State I was sure that I would have a job working from home doing medical transcription, which would make for a lot of time spent productively. Unfortunately, life did not pan out that way. I settled into just tending to the house. Billls were paid, I didn't need to worry.

However, at times I would worry about what others thought of me because I had gone to school and didn't have anything to show for it besides the degree hanging on my living room wall. It bothered me that I had achieved this goal and was not even putting it to use. In short, at times I have felt like a bum. I have often times begged the question, "Why did I do that if I was not going to use it?" I know many of us ask that question after finishing school. But, we should be proud of ourselves for achieving that goal which we set for ourselves. I know I am.

I have learned to see this personal struggle I've had in a different light. Having "too much time on my hands" has afforded me many wonderful opportunities. I am able to give my time to those who need it most - my family.

My sister does not have to worry about finding a sitter while she works. I am available anytime I need to be.

I am able to be part of all activities Kaylee has in school because I am not working around a schedule.

I am able to spend a lot of one-on-one time with Kaylee also.

I am thankful for this opportunity. I may not ever have kids of my own, but having time allows me to play a big role in my nieces life and that is one of the most important jobs I could have in this life. I get paid with lots of love and girly giggles!