New Years Resolutions

With the New Year just around the corner, I figured we could take about resolutions. Do you normally make a New Years Resolution? If so, please share yours.

Mine are:
1. Spend way less money (don't go out as much, eat home more, etc)
2. Save more money (hoping to buy a house within the next 18 months - 2 years)
3. Learn more about my Faith
4. Get more active in the Church
5. Volunteer more

Just a little survey

1. Where is your cell phone? on the dsk

2. Birth order? 2nd

3. Last thing you ate? chips and queso

4. Your mother? best friend

5. Your father? too far away

6. Your favorite? my nephew

7. Your dream last night? sad

8. Your favorite drink? Dr Pepper

9. Your dream/goal? to be a nurse

10. What room you are in? bedroom

11. Your hobby? don't really have one

12. Your fear? falling, emotionally or physically

13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? happy

14. Where were you last night? Flips in Ft Worth

15. Something that you aren't? content

16. Muffins? blueberry

17. Wish list item? peace

18. Where you grew up? Glasgow, then Farmers Branch, then Irving

19. Last thing you did? check a text message

20. What are you wearing? a towel, lol, just got out of the shower

21. Your TV? MTV

22. Your pets? non-existant

23. Friends? around

24. Your life? it's ok right now

25. Your mood? here

26. Missing someone? greatly

27. Car? 2 years old today

28. Something you're not wearing? clothes

29. Your favorite store? Gap

30. Your favorite color? blue, green, purple

33. When is the last time you laughed? earlier at a text from Jason. lol.

34. Last time you cried? earlier at a damn TV show

35. Who will resend this? None

36. One place that I go to over and over? home

Thanksgiving Day

Happy Thanksgiving. I hope everyone has safe travels and gets really full tummies with family and friends. Go UT!

Today I am thankful for:

My family, that understands me.
My friends, that make me laugh.
Food to cook some yumminess.
a roof over my head.
car to drive.
people to love.

Day before Thanksgiving.

The holidays will be hard this year. At the beginning of this year, I would have never guessed that this year would end without my Grandpa. So today I would like to give my thanks for him.

I am thankful that I was able to spend 31 years with Grandpa.
I am thankful that he moved back to TX in May.
I am thankful that he and I were able to form a bond again.
I am thankful for the time we spent together while he was in chemo.
I am thankful that I was one of his rocks during that time.
I am thankful that I got to spend time with him at home just days before his stroke.
I am thankful that I saw God in his life with a singing of "Amazing Grace".
I am thankful that I was present to see him passing into God's arms.

I am thankful for my Grandpa.

I miss you everyday Grandpa. RIP.

todays thanks

Today I am thankful for:
~Good times with friends last night
~my health
~my Faith

Monday's thanks

I am thankful for:

~The great feeling I got from helping at the church all day yesterday.
~My mom listening to me vent and taking it as just that.
~Nicole for helping me see some light on things on Friday night.
~Having some really good co-workers.
~Great bosses.
~My health
~My family
~My friends

Sundays Thanks

I can't believe that Thanksgiving is only 4 days away! Where has this year gone?

Today I am thankful for:

~The Church for letting me help with the Thanksgiving baskets. It's been a tiring day, but I got to talk to lots of great people and I feel like I made a slight difference.
~My mom for letting me gripe to her and knowing that I am just venting and letting things go, and for her not judging me.
~My great girl friends for knowing just how to make me laugh.
~My dad for calling me several times a week just to let me know he cares even though he is 12-13 hours away.
~Running into old great family friends at Church.
~Knowing that I get to go see Aaron in a few weeks. (Finally meet Shannon and the kids)
~All the luxuries that I have in my life that many in this world don't.

Saturdays Thanks

Today I am thankful for:

great friends and even better family.
that Nicki C is physically ok after her accident.
for the Dallas Stars.
for a chance to help at the church tomorrow.
for food in my pantry, gas in my car, roof over my head.

TGIF Thanks

Today I am thankful for:
Having dinner and spending time with my family last night.
Having a job.
Having a roof over my head.
Having a new school pic of Declin on my desk.
Food in my tummy.
An understanding boyfriend.
Funny bosses.
Being healthy.
Inspiring blogs.
Great friends.
Wonderful family.

wow.....

I just read this on a friend's blog and it hit me to the core.....

On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is shifting sand...

Thursdays Thanks

I am thankful for my friends that make me laugh until I cry, like last night.
Whataburger taquitos.
Waking up healthy and with so many luxuries that many other people in this world don’t have.
For a mom that I talked to for over an hour last night about anything and everything.
For a mom that wants to make me my favorite soup tonight and hang out.
For my family…..most of them anyway ;).

Baby Jonah

Please see that I have added a new prayer button/pic to the right side of my page. Baby Jonah and his family are in need of some major prayers right now.

It breaks my heart to see babies hurting.

Wednesdays Thanks

Today I am thankful for:

a decent nights sleep.
food in my pantry.
roof over my head.
air to breathe.
people to lean on.
car to drive.
job that I don't mind.
DVR (lol).
The Sarah Palin book being shipped yesterday because I pre-ordered it over a month ago.
Texas Roadhouse.

Today I am thankful for:
Big Red.
A good morning so far.
A Dallas detective doing her job.
Family.
Friends.
Laughter.
My health.

I missed posting over the weekend.....

I totally forgot to post on Saturday and Sunday. Eek!

Today I am thankful for:

a roof over my head.
wonderful job.
loving family.
my parents flight landing safely last night, even though there was a medical emergency and the flight was met at the gate by paramedics.
all the luxuries in my life.
the Church I have been attending, that completely fills my heart.

Thankful

Today I am thankful for:
feeling a little bit better.
The eye appt I have today.
Having a job to come back to.
My friends, family, and boyfriend.

Today I am thankful for......

Today I am thankful for....

the Dallas Police Dept being so helpful and calling me back so quickly.
the wonderful boyfriend that I have and for him trying so hard.
my family and friends.
That Baby Stellan is recovering and SVT free. www.mycharmingkids.net

What are you thankful for?

With so much negativity around the world lately, I have decided that I would like to start each morning with listing what I am thankful for. I am going to try my hardest to do this each morning.......

Today, I am extremely thankful to the church we have been attending for opening their arms to us.
I am also thankful that for the family and friends that are in my life.
I am thankful to have a job when so many don’t.
And I am thankful for my health.


What are you thankful for?

Putting yourself out there….

Do you ever get to a point in life where you feel like no matter what, it hurts to put yourself out there?

Lately, I have felt the hurt with love, friends, family, etc. I am to a point where I don’t want to trust anyone or put my faith in anyone.

I have learned a lot in 2009 about people. People that aren’t supposed to hurt you (ie: your family) are the ones that can break your heart the most at times. People who are friends that you would think never would betray you, do. Putting your heart out there seems to never be safe anymore.

I am almost afraid to get to close to anyone now. For fear of losing them or being betrayed by them. I have VERY FEW people in my life that I trust…..and even then, I am not sure I trust them 100%.

Why is that?

Survey

Since I've been in a blogging slump lately I thought I would do a survey.....

1. What Color Is Your Toothbrush? White with green

2. Name One Person That Made You Smile Today: talking to my dad about Declin

3. What Were You Doing At 8 Am This Morning? sleeping

4. What Were You Doing 45 Minutes Ago? watching TV

5. What Is Your Favorite Candy? caramel

6. Have You Ever Been To A Strip Club? yes, many times

7. What's the last thing you said out loud? "yeah"

8. What Is The Best Ice Cream Flavor? cheesecake with blueberries from Marble Slab

9. What Was The Last Thing You Had To Drink? Dr Pepper

10. What Is The Longest You Have Gone Without Sleeping? couple of days

11. Have You Ever Made a Promise You'd Die to Keep? yes

13. The Last Sporting Event You Watched? football

14. What Is Your Favorite Flavor Of Popcorn? caramel

15. Who Is The Last Person You Sent an email to? my mom probably

16. Ever go camping? yes, not in a long time though

17. Do You Take Vitamins Daily? No, but I should

18. Do You Go To Church Every Sunday? no, but I should

21. Do You Drink Your Soda With A Straw? sometimes

22. What Did Your Last Text Message say? "so an address....."

24. Where Is Your Dad? at the airport, leaving DFW to go back home :(

25. Look To Your Left, What Do you see? bed, clothes

26. What Color Is Your Watch? Don't wear a watch.

28. What did you do yesterday? cleaned my apt, went to Ben's for Declin, Nick, and Garrett's birthdays

29. Do You Go In At A Fast Food Place Or Just Hit The Drive Thru? Depends

30. What Is Your Favorite Number? 24

31. Who's The Last Person You Talked To On The Phone? my mom

2. Any Plans Today? watch the season premieres of some shows

34. Biggest Annoyance In Your Life Right Now? stress

35. Last Song Listened To? No idea

36. Can You Say The Alphabet Backwards? yes

38. Favorite Pair of Shoes You Wear All The Time? flip flops

39. Are You Jealous Of Anyone? not that I can think of

40. Is Anyone Jealous Of you? Not that I know of

41. Do You Love Anyone? yes

43. What Do You Usually Do During The Day? during the week, I work. On weekends, it varies

44. Do You Hate Anyone That You Know Right Now? no

45. Do You Use The Word 'hello' daily? yes

46. Meaning of life? living, loving

47. Do You Like Cats? yes

48. Have You Ever Been To Six Flags? yes

49. How Did You Get Your Worst Scar? the one on my knee, I got from falling as a kid, then developing staph infection in it

50. Last big talk? Friday

51. Last Cd Played? no idea

52. Last Bubble Bath? yesterday

54. Last Meal? eggs and toast this morning

55. Have You Ever Dated Someone Twice? yes

56. Have You Ever Fallen In Love? yes

57. Have You Ever Lost Someone? yes

58. Have You Ever Slept Until 1pm? yes

59. Have You Met A Famous Person? yes, yes I have

60. List Four People You Can Tell Pretty Much Anything To? Nicki, Bo, my mom, my Dad

61. List Three Favorite Colors/shades: blue, purple, green

62. Laughed Until You Cried? yes

63. Went Behind Your Parents Back? who hasn't is the better question

64. Who Posted This Before You? not sure

65. Opinion on Abortion? It's not a form of birth control

66. Lowering The Drinking Age? no

67. Who Are The Best Huggers That You Know? Declin!

68. Do You Believe In Love At First Sight? not sure

69. Is There Something You Want To Tell Someone? yes, but I just keep my mouth shut.

70. Something that makes you go "hmmmm?" lots of things

71. Would You Kiss Someone you just met? have before

72. How Many Kids Do You Want To Have? 3

73. Do You Want To Change Your Name? it's really a pain. lol

74. Last Time You Saw Your Father? last night

75. What Time Did You Wake Up Today? 9am

76. How Old Are You? 31

77. What Were You Doing At Midnight Last Night? sleeping

78. What Is Your Favorite Thing In Your Room? my bed

79. Where is your bff? one is at the Ranger Game. Not sure on the others.

80. What can you not live without besides food and water? My family and my friends.

so much going on, so little that I care to share lately.

Today is one month since Grandpa passed away. This month has by far been the hardest month of my life. It's not over yet either, we still have tons of firsts that he will miss. :(

In this month, I have learned a lot about myself and the people around me. I have learned who will be there for me. And I mean REALLY be there for me. Not just the type that say they will, but the ones that prove it time and time again.

I have learned that several people in my life are not at all what or who I thought they were. People disappoint me. Maybe I trust/place people to high on a pedestal, but I get tired of people continually disappointing. It's sad.

So, anyway that was my not so joyous update/blog. I promise to blog soon.

I miss you Grandpa. I think about you all the time. I love you. RIP.

Chet Bass

August 22, 2009 at 11:15pm, Chet Bass passed into Eternal Life. He is now with all of his family and friends, and his beloved wife. Memorial services will be held at a later date in Louisiana.

Grandpa needs your prayers.....

We have all been at the hospital day and night. Grandpa is in a little pain, but they are keeping him comfortable. They are keeping him asleep all of the time now. At this point, the doctors are giving 1 day to several days left. He will soon be with Grandma and all of his loved ones again. If you would like to call for updates, to say your good-byes (the doctors and nurses have advised us that deep in the sub-conscience he can hear us, he just won't respond), and to even just chat with mom so she isn't alone during the day.....please call 817-960-1310. If it is busy, please keep re-trying. You may also call my cell phone.

Update on Grandpa

Grandpa had a stroke on Tuesday. He was moved yesterday to Hospice care within the hospital. The stroke has affected his speech center and he is very confused with short moments of making sense. The Doctors believe that the small tumors have appeared in the head, which is adding to his confusion. He is having hallucinations, a lot of fear, and confusion. He has very little short term memory, however, his long term memory (military days etc) seems to be working just fine. lol.

They are keeping him really medicated right now, trying to let him get some deep sleep. Someone will be in the room with him almost 100% of the time. Please call and please pray.

We need prayers!!!!!!

We need your prayers. Grandpa has had a stroke. He is currently in the hospital being observed. He is very very confused/disoriented. We will hopefully have more updates tomorrow. If you need to reach us, please call my cell phone. Please pray.

Update on Grandpa.......Aug 7, 2009

Hi, ya'all! Dad and I went back to the oncologist on Monday. Dad did a lot of learning about cancer, chemo, radiation, and probabilities; and a lot of thinking. We learned that he had some shrinkage of the tumor with the 1st round of chemotherapy, with some side effects, but not severe. But he has stage 4 throat cancer with metastation into the lymph node, and probably a small spot on both the liver and in the chest area. He has decided that he doesn't want to continue with chemotherapy nor radiation options. He watched his siblings and other loved ones go thru similar treatments, only to die sick and frail. He would like to spend his remaining days while he is feeling good visiting with his family, and smoking and drinking as he has always enjoyed. Right now, the tumor is smaller in this neck, and may stay "at bay" for a while. He feels good, and is getting strength back every day from the chemo last month. He could have 6 months, or 12 months or who the heck knows? He is really enjoying the phone calls from all of you all, and would love to see everyone. Let me know when you all want to come down here to see him, and I will do all I can to help make it a good visit. xoxo Rhonda

Update on Grandpa from 7/29/09

Just a note to say that Dad is doing really well this week. He has regained strength and energy a little bit, and is able to enjoy his food and beer again. Also, the tumor has noticably shrunken. It is at least 1/3 smaller than 3 weeks ago. Praise the Lord! We go back to the oncologist on Monday 8/3 to see what he thinks should be the next course of action. I will update more then. Dad is enjoying talking to all of you all when you call. Thanks so much! Rhon

Grandpa update - 19Jul09 10:13pm

Grandpa slept from 7pm Friday night until 8am this morning. The doctor said that the chemo is starting to exhaust him and bring on the side effects, as well as, making his white blood cell count drop. He is starting to get sores in his mouth and have lots of pain in the tumor area on his neck. I stayed with him on Friday and Saturday night, but he is alone tonight. please call him when you can. Please keep him in your prayers!!!

Today's updates on Grandpa

from Amber at 9:00am

Well, I spent all of yesterday afternoon and evening with Grandpa. His withdraws (from nicotine and alcohol) were pretty bad yesterday, but they gave him something last night to help with that and he seemed OK. I will call him shortly to check on him this morning. I know that Mom has talked to both him and the nurses this morning, so she will give a quick update when she can.

Please feel free to call him. 817-960-3218. It makes him happy to have someone to talk to and to know that everyone is thinking/praying for him.
Keep Praying!!!!


From Rhonda (mom) at 9:50am

I talked to Dad this morning. He had a kinda rough night, with pain in the tumor site, and with an IV issue. The nurses were able to knock the pain down with pain meds, and then they had to move his IV from the left to the right arm. He said he is more comfortable now. The nurses were all busy every time that I called, so I am gonna just wait and talk to them when I get to the hospital about 1 this afternoon. He so totally enjoys the visits and calls, please keep them coming! xox Rhon

Update on Grandpa

Just talked with mom (Rhonda), Grandpa (Chet) is in the hospital room now. They are doing blood work and then they are going to start the chemo since it is a 5 day drip. Keep him in your prayers please!

Grandpa, part 2

Grandpa has been diagnosed with Stage 4 throat cancer with METS. He has decided to undergo 1 round of "3 cocktail" chemo to see if he can handle it. He will be hospitalized during this time. Please please keep him and our entire family in your prayers.

Grandpa

Looking back through childhood and the life that I have lived, a majority of my greatest moments involve one man who has been a constant, a father figure, a supporter, someone who loved me unconditionally, and treated me with the greatest respect……my grandfather. He has always been the toughest/strongest man I know, both emotionally and physically. He has always been the one to help anyone that needed it….whether friend, family, or total stranger. He would literally give the shirt off his back or his last dime if someone needed it.

Grandpa has always been the man that was looked up to in our family. Sure he had his faults, but who doesn’t? He was/is a devout Catholic man. He loved my grandmother unconditionally. He has always loved every family member no matter what done or become.

Thinking back, I have no idea how different my life could have been had grandpa not decided that we were moving to Texas in 1982. He introduced us to the wonderful lives we have now. He made us strong and taught us the value of friends and family, the support that we have to give each other to survive this harsh world.
My life has always involved this man and it breaks my heart like no other to see him possibly hurting or hiding things or just wanting to “go to our Heavenly Father”. My heart is saddened. My heart is heavy. My heart is hurting.

PRAYERS!!!!!!

If you could please send a few prayers up for my good friend, Malinda Hicks, I would really appreciate it. She is going through some serious life threatening stuff at this time and she needs all the prayers she can get. Please keep her family in your prayers as well.

Urgent Prayers needed

Please say some prayers for my long time friend, Gary Fuller. Gary lost his wife very unexpectantly last night. Please pray for Gary and their little girl at this time.

Baby Stellan

Baby Stellan and family can use your prayers right now!!!





www.mycharmingkids.net

Thinking

I have had some things lying heavily on my mind this week. I am confused. I am sad. I am ok. I am mad. I am pissed. Lots of emotions lately. Some things have been going on in my personal life lately that have surprised the hell out of me. I guess that is supposed to happen sometimes, but it isn't a good feeling when those tricks (surprises) are played on the heart.

Did I turn niave when I fell in love? Did I open myself up to being hurt? Did I open myself up to lies, unfaithfulness, heartache? It sucks. Especially when you think you know someone so well and gave them so many chances, only to be let down.

I guess it is better to love and get hurt, then to never love at all.

disrespect

I have noticed lately that people seem to be getting more rude, disrespectful, not caring about anyone but themselves, etc. Has anyone else noticed this?

Ben is married!

My brother never ceases to surprise me. LOL. He was married on Friday to Mandy. These pics aren't that great, but it's what I have right now. I have a new sister in law. Wow. Please help our family in wishing them luck in their new marriage and in welcoming Mandy!!!!!

Congrats Ben and Mandy!

I NEED SOME HELP PLEASE

Please contact me (682-556-9230 or ambersimmons24@yahoo.com) if you would like to attend the following or if you are able to make a donation. Also, please send some prayers up for Shaun and Monica!


Speed Zone Fundraiser - Shaun Toombs

I wanted to take a moment and share with you that one of our friends is not in the greatest health condition. His name is Shaun Toombs, aka Z4 Performance.
In February 2008, Shaun was diagnosed with a particular brain tumor. He has been through several rounds of chemo and radiation treatments. Because of those treatments, he does get sick and does not get to come out much.The type of Brain tumor that he has is a Stage 4 GBM, glioblastoma multiform. It is inoperable because it is in the most important part of his brain where his entire nervous system comes together, and it would kill him if they even tried. The tumor has shrunk in size, however it does have strands attached to the tumor, like tentacles, that have attached themselves to nerves that controls his motor skills. We are trying to raise money for him to be admitted to MD Anderson located in Houston to have the best treatment that he can get. If there is a way to kill those tentacles, we could prove science wrong. There is not a cure for this kind of cancer/tumor.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glioblastoma_multiforme

Written from Monica herself:
……Here's the whole story...We were 4 wheeling one Sunday, at the beginning of February last year, and when we got back, Shaun was feeling real weird. Like dizzy and his right arm was going numb. So I kept thinking he pinched a nerve or something in his neck or was having a stroke maybe, so he went to the doctor, and the doctor said he didn't see anything, and just to be safe, go get an MRI. Well, he and I both brushed it off thinking it was no big deal... Of course, I went to the drug store and got all kinds of stuff, Advil, Icy Hot, all kinds of stuff, convinced it was something from 4 wheeling. But as the week went on, he started slurring his speech, had double vision, couldn't even walk. So we got him to the emergency room to get an MRI done, and the entire day they were telling him they thought it was a herniated disc, which at the time, we thought was just horrible but made sense to me... until they got the MRI results back, and told him he had this tumor in his brain stem, and the doctor said there was nothing he could do for him. So he was transferred from Baylor to Parkland, and they gave him steroids, which took away almost all of his symptoms. He was there for a week, the most horrible week of both our lives...Since then, he's been through radiation and has had 4 different types of chemo treatments. Everything about him was just as usual except he has never gotten rid of the numbness on his right side, like you could split him in half, and he was numb on the right side of that line all the way from face to toe. And he hasn't been able to work since his diagnosis because of the treatments. Back in September, we got SO excited because his tumor was shrinking, and things were going great... They were going to stop chemo finally in a couple months, and just keep an eye on the tumor. But he never got to stop treatment because in December, he started having double vision, and started going numb in his left arm as well. Until then, he could do almost anything just as normal. He was driving, 4 wheeling, everything... But he has now lost a lot of his functions, like walking, cannot hear anymore, and has double vision a lot of the time. The doctors cannot see that the tumor is growing, so some think what is happening is a result of the radiation, a condition called radiation necrosis, where the radiation kills a lot of good brain cells, but the treatments they gave him for that didn't help at all, which makes them and me think that the cancer is webbing out from the tumor.The doctors at Parkland have no more options for Shaun, and the only thing we know to do is try to get him into MD Anderson, but it's so expensive, and they want $12,500 just to get started if they think they can help him. So that is where we're at now...

Robin and Dax Lindley are putting together a benefit for Shaun to help him get the best treatment possible. He does not have medical insurance and we are trying to raise money for him to be admitted to one of the best hospitals in TX that can help him with this tumor, MD Anderson, which is located in Houston.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Un...n_Cancer_Center


This benefit will be held at:
Speed zone in Dallas
11130 Malibu Drive
Dallas TX 75229
972-247-RACE x7100
www.speedzone.com
Date: April 12th 2009*
Time: 11:00 am.

Another good friend of Shaun’s has contacted Speed zone and they are willing to help us. We will have a parking lot to ourselves where everyone can park. If you could, please drive your vehicle if you can. Shaun would love to see all the cars and trucks. I will have Speed Zone pass cards for sale for $42.00. Twenty two dollars covers the price of the card, the other $20 will go straight to Shaun's benefit for MD Anderson. The Speed zone card would be for 3 hours of all you can race, roller coaster ride, games (excludes games that give you tickets) and miniature golf. You do not have to be there at 11 am. Your card will be activated once you go inside and activate it. I wanted to do this at 11am because this is a not so busy time for Speed zone.

Please RSVP by Wednesday April 8th 2009 with how many cards you would like to purchase. ALL the tracks will be open!

*If this is a bad weather day, it will be moved to April 18th 2009 at 11am

There will be a silent auction for a 4 hour All You Can Race, Ride, Play pass, whoever donates the most amount of money will receive this pass that you can use at a later date.

**If you cannot make this event, but would like to donate, I do have a PayPal account. If you are interested, please email me and use the Subject line as PayPal Account**

Thank you for helping out. Monica and Shaun GREATLY appreciate all your help and prayers!-Robin

Contact Info: Robin Lindley 972.904.9841
robin_lindley@adp.com

Some quick updates!!!!

It's been a while since I have done a real post on here. Things have been up and down over the last few months. I have had some really big highs and some really big lows. Most know that I was laid off in the middle of January. Scary!!!! Well, last week, I started a new job. It's with a mortgage company (thanks Lydia!). So far, I really really like it. It's lots of busy work, but it makes the days fly by. Everyone there seems to be really nice. I am looking forward to working there.

My dad was also laid off last week. After almost 33 years with the company. Sad, and extremely scary. Please keep him in your prayers. He made a huge decision with this.

I have been going through some personal stuff lately. Things I am not comfortable posting on the internet for the world to know. lol. But things look like they may be shaping up for the better. "If He brings you to it, He will bring you through it." I tell myself that daily.

I had a wonderful wonderful weekend. I had no plans set. I went out with Jeannie, Maggie, and Chris on Friday night. Saturday, I went shopping at Grapevine Mills with Ben and Steve. Then we did a whole lot of nothing on Saturday night. Sunday, woke up and we had breakfast with Nicki, went grocery shopping, then to Jeannie's to see little sick Declin (please say some prayers for him, his fever has been REALLY high), then we went over to Ben's to watch the NASCAR race.

There have been a lot of changes and challenges in my life recently. Some I can deal with and some that I have had a really hard time dealing with. I truly believe that everything happens for a reason; however, lately I have had a hard time trying to figure out the reasons.

I am being patient and waiting for what I hope will work out and be a wonderful life. Right now though, I have learned to take the hits and keep going.

Hope that everyone has a wonderful week! I will post again soon, promise!

Eight is enough.

Eight Things I Did Yesterday
1. Went to lunch with Ben and Steve
2. went to 2 different dart stores in Lewisville (1 of which is no longer open)
3. went to Mansfield for Steve's haircut (which didn't happen)
4. went to Steve's brother's house
5. went to my mom's house
6. went to Ben's house
7. went to Sherlocks Addison
8. went to IHOP

Eight TV Shows I Watch
1. The Bachelor
2. Intervention
3. The First 48
4. Manhunters
5. Grey's Anatomy
6. Private Practice
7. Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives
8. Man VS Food

Eight Things on my Wish List
1. a job
2. good health
3. a degree
4. a great man that is perfect for me
5. to someday have children
6. world peace
7. a job
8. oh and a job

Eight Things I Look Forward To
1. getting a new job (see the pattern here?)
2. seeing Declin again
3. hanging out with my favorite girls....Jeannie, Maggie, and Nicki
4. clean sheets (mine are in the wash)
5. summer time
6. wildflowers in the spring (bluebonnets)
7. spending time with my Dad in June.
8. spending time with my Grandpa in April (I think???)

Eight Favorite Restaurants
1. Razzoos
2. Joe's Crab Shack
3. Texas Roadhouse
4. Macaroni Grill
5. Olive Garden
6. Outback
7. Arbys (I know, I know....it's not a restaurant)
8. Trail Dust

So it occurs to me.....

I just went in to take Deb Koplen off my prayer list, because, well, she was laid to rest today. (RIP Deb, you will be missed by many, we love you) And it occured to me, do we stop praying for the ones that are no longer with us? Her memory is still here. She still holds a place in all of our hearts. Hmmmm?

So then I start pondering about what Deb is up to now that she has entered the gates of Heaven. Is she up there "being nice" or is she up there causing her normal funny Deb trouble? Is she with her loved ones that have already passed? Can she tell my Grandmother that I love her and miss her more each day (even after 11 years)? Can she deliver messages for all of us?

These things just pop in my head occasionally and I get myself all worked up thinking about them. So, what do you think?

Funeral Services for Deb Koplen

Final arrangements have been made for Deb's services.
There will be a viewing/visitation at Bean Massey Birge, which is located at 733 Dalworth St., Grand Prairie TX 75050 on Monday evening from 6 to 8 pm.
The funeral services will be on Tuesday, January 27 at 10:30 a.m. at St John Lutheran Church, 509 NE 4th St., Grand Prairie, TX 75050.

Deb Koplen

I am going to copy/paste the blog from The Chrystie's blog page: www.greetingsfromAustinstreet.blogspot.com

Please pray for everyone involved and everyone's life that Deb touched.

"Update on our friend, Deb Koplen. Greetings from this side of heaven.The strife is over. The battle won. Alleluia!!She went to be with her Master this morning at a few minutes to 8am after a short, hard battle with her cancer. In the end, it had gone too far too fast for her to be able to battle it effectively, even with today's drugs. Arrangements are pending. We will keep you updated when the details are sorted out. Thank you for your prayers. Praise God for his love and mercy. Bruce"

Declin ..... yes, again, lol

I got to spend some of the day with my nephew, Declin. He will be 16 months old on Saturday. He is getting so big. Day Care is teaching him sign language, and he is learning TONS of words.
Here is a pic of him from today, he is trying to ride a scooter. Cute little baby!

A friend of mine named Brandon posted this on his myspace, I feel similar and thought I should post it:

"This isn’t the Olympics people. I don’t have to support a radical left socialist agenda just because it’s in the pool with a USA cap."

Jobs.....I need one.

No easy way to say this, so here goes: I got laid off today.

So, I am looking for a job and some PRAYERS. Please if you know of any job openings, please let me know.

NEED SOME MAJOR PRAYERS

Our family friend, Deb Koplen, was sent home on Saturday to be "comfortable" with her Cancer. All of her counts have crashed today and 911 was called. She needs major prayers right now.

The Prayer List

I have decided to start a prayer list on the right hand side of my blog. Check it out. Let me know if you want me to add someone.

Year in Review Survey

Year in Review Survey

What did you do in 2008 that you’ve never done before? I was completely debt free and paid cash for everything in my apt.

Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I didn't make one last year

Did anyone close to you give birth? not that I recall

Did anyone close to you die? This year, several people passed away. It was definately a bad year for that.

What countries did you visit? none other than our very own.....USA!

What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008? I would like to spend more time with family and friends, but I don't think that I was really lacking anything.

What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? There are a few actually.

What’s your biggest achievement of the year? being debt free and moving on my own again.

What was your biggest failure? I am going to have to go with saving money. I suck at it.

Did you suffer illness or injury? nothing TOO serious, I guess.

What’s the best thing you bought? Everything I got in my apt.

Whose behavior merited celebration? Lots of peoples. I am very proud of the people I chose to keep around me.

Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? one person that I thought was my friend and she turned out to be the total opposite.

Where did most of your money go? Bills, drinking (I had to be honest there), food, furniture.

What did you get really, really excited about? moving!!!!

What song will always remind you of 2008? not sure there is one particular song that sticks out for me on that.

Compared to this time last year, are you happier or sadder? Richer or poorer? Thinner or fatter? I am happier, more poor, and a little heavier.

What do you wish you’d done more of? I wish I had spent more time with the people that I care most about.

What do you wish you’d done less of? drinking.

Did you fall in love in 2008? I absolutely did.

What was your favorite TV program? anything on A&E channel.

Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? I don't hate anyone. Hate is a way strong word.

What was the best book you read? I read a lot of books in 2008, there isn't one that really stands out though.

What was your greatest musical discovery? I can't pick just one. Music is my life.

What did you want and get? I got the apt I wanted and everything that is in it.

What did you want and not get? self confidence. I am working on that though.

What was your favorite film of this year? hmmm. Pride and Glory was really good. I am sure there are a few others.

What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I turned 30. Ugh. Jeannie and Maggie threw a huge party for me. I love my girls.

What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Not sure. I am pretty content with where I am.

How would you describe your personal fashion concept for 2008? Mine pretty much stayed the same.

What kept you sane? Jeannie. And my mom. Pretty much all of my girls.

What celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? Not sure.

Who did you miss? I miss some of the people in my life that meant more to me than they will ever know. I guess people walk in and out for a reason though.

Who was the best new person you met? I would definately have to say Maggie. She moved her in December of 2007, I didn't meet her until 2008. She is a wonderful person and she has amazed me daily with the friendship that we have. I love you Maggie and I am glad that you are here.