50s

As already stated - Matt and I were born during the wrong time period. We love the 50s and the oldies music. Anyway - here are a few pictures of our eat in kitchen - THE DINER! Enjoy.

December 12th

Happy birthday to Jeffrey Straight... He must turn 26 today - he is getting old too, just like me!
Sad to say - I do not own the book Waking the Dead but I definitely will be purchasing it. I have nothing to say really so .... here are a few of a million good quotes that I wrote down...

"After a while, the accumulation of event after event that we do not like and do not understand, erodes our confidence that we are part of something grand and good and reduces us to a survivalist mind-set..."

"Life is brutal. day after day it hammers us, till we lose sight of what God intends toward us, and we haven't the foggiest idea why the things that are happening to us are happening to us...we need eyes to see... Jesus, take away the fog and the clouds and the veil, and help me to see...give me eyes to really see."

"We are at war...the world in which we live is a combat zone, a violent clash of kingdoms, a bitter struggle unto death. Until we come to terms with war as the context of our days we will not understand life."

"A war against your heart... and you are going to need your whole heart for what's coming next. I don't mean what's coming next in the story...I mean what's coming next in the life you're living!"

Have a great day!

Wonderful Wednesday

Good Morning All! How are you? Things are fine here. Seems like things are starting to pick up. Busy Busy Busy! I guess I don't really have too much news here. We are still working on the kitchen. Our dishwasher is working! Yeah! Matt textured the ceiling yesterday and working on lights under the counter. Things are coming along.

"If you can't eat all your chocolate, it will keep in the freezer. But if you can't eat all your chocolate, what's wrong with you?" ha ha ha.

P.S. I am reading the most amazing book.... I would highly recommend Waking the Dead by John Eldridge.

Saturday Morning

Hello everyone!! I can hardly believe that it is December 2nd. My my. Time flies. I don't really have much to post about - but I wanted to keep everyone happy. :-) I have done most of my shopping. I know it's hard to believe... I just didn't want to be "rushed" at the last minute. :-)

If not for chocolate, there would be no need for control-top pantyhose. An entire garment industry would be devasted. ~Anonymous~

I'm thankful for....

Well, I got my thankful list up to 75 things. That's pretty good. I could go on... and on.... depending on how specific I would be. We will be leaving for Oklahoma on Wednesday. Big McCasland Reunion and his grandparents 65th wedding anniversary. (That is a LOOOONG time.) This is my last post before Turkey Day. I hope your is a good one. Take time to count blessing... in your life, family, and country.

75. Kickboxing
74. Rapelling
73. Camping
72. Skiing
71. Hiking
70. My great Aunt Marilyn because she is a wonderful spiritual example - AND she is my most faithful "blog" reader.... :-)
69. My many fun and funny aunts and uncles and cousins
68. Money to pay our bills and then some
67. Jobs for Matt & I
66. Victory lady Fitness to keep me in shape
65. Nature
64. hoodies & fleeces
63. a good laugh that makes my stomach hurt
62. Many brothers and sister in laws...(I'm not sure if my sister in law's husband is considered my brother in law too.... so I didn't try to count).
61. My crazy sister
60. My insane brother
59. My wonderful and amazing and beautiful mother
58. 5 nieces, 3 nephews
57. Lowes/Home Depot (my favorite - haha)
56. department stores
55. grocery stores
54. dishwashers
53. coffee makers
52. microwaves
51. irons
50. dryers
49. washing machines
48. DVDs
47. Cds
46. instruments
45. Music
44. Ipods
43. phones/cell phones
42. printers
41. computers
40. an excellent education
39. ability to write
38. ability to read
37. good books
36. a healthy body
35. a sound mind
34. 2 legs and feet
33. 2 arms and hands
32. 2 ears
31. 2 eyes

I'm thankful for...

30. Starbucks :-)
29. Coffee, Coffee, Coffee!
28. Sunrises and sunsets
27. Waterfalls
26. Roses
25. Rainbows
24. The innocence of children
23. The laughter of children
22. Chocolate!!!
21. Ice cream

I'm thankful for...

20. The foreknowledge of God... that who would choose to create Adam and Even knowing the choices they would make to sin.... knowing that He would have to sacrifice His son to redeem His fallen creation.... He did all of this for the purpose of being able to have a relationship with me - that I would freely choose to love Him and serve Him.
19. A wonderful husband who works hard for us
18. The love of family and friends
17. Salvation through Jesus Christ
16. A Christian family heritage
15. A S.S. teacher who engages my mind
14. A Pastor passionate about God's word
13. The Bible to guide our lives
12. The body of Christ
11. Electricity

I'm thankful for...

10. A stove - so I don't have to cook over a fire
9. Plenty of blankets to pile on top during cold nights
8. A nice soft bed to sleep in
7. Many pairs of shoes
6. A closet full of clothes
5. A refridgerator & cabinets full of food
4. A furnace to keep my house warm
3. Indoor plumbing
2. A car to drive places
1. A house


Okay, So, I decided to post my I'm thankful for list.... as I think of things. I'll post about ten things at a time. More to come ... stay tuned. What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving season?

Monday Morning

Hello,

I don't really have much exciting to report. Matt took me on a date this weekend. We had dinner at J.Alexander's. Then, we did letterboxing. It's sort of like treasure hunting. Except at the end you find a stamp and keep like a journal of all the letterboxes you've found. Anyway. Check it out. www.letterboxing.org So, we got our first stamp. yeah.

I did some Christmas shopping this past week. It actually isn't as great as it sounds. It is for Thanksgiving. (Matt's family). So, I'm not really "ahead." Well, nothing much new here. Busy working and paying bills. Isn't that thrilling?

"If you've got melted chocolate all over your hands, you're eating it too slowly" ~Anonymous~

camping

This is a picture of us taken while camping at Red River Gorge. Aren't we cute?

Our House

Okay everybody. Well, here are a few pictures. This is the eat in area... and the following two are our new and improved kitchen. Enjoy these pictures.

Mom & Debi visit CINCINNATI!!! You are next... come visit.

This is our evening at the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. How fun......

Here are are at the Krohn Conservatory.

Yes, I shared my addiction with my mother. It's her first Starbuck's visit. Yeah!!!

Traffic, News, and Weather

What a wonderful wednesday!! :-) I am doing laundry and things before I have to go to work this morning. I heard some tragic news. BOB BARKER is retiring from the price is right. What a shame! ha ha.

Trying to tie up loose ends to go to PA this weekend. Nothing much to say here. Have a great day! Thanks for checking in.

Monday and I have a headache

Good Morning,

Well, I guess it has been awhile since I posted to my blog. We have our counter and a working sink in our kitchen. Yeah. This weekend - we sorted out of Kitchen boxes and put that stuff away. It's strange that it's been a year since I used some of that stuff. I guess that I am going to have to start cooking. No more excuses. :-) It is nice to be rid of a few more boxes. There are still alot of small details to do in the kitchen. STAY TUNED!! I am going to try to post some pixs either at a friend's house or this weekend at Tony's.

So, I was thinking about Halloween since all the stuff is out in the stores. I tried to remember things that I dressed up as: nurse, clown, princess, Queen Esther, punk rocker, - that's all I could remember. I remember Uncle Randy and Uncle Jeff were usually our trick or treat chaperones. Strangely enough in NY - your halloween costume had to fit over your winter coat. I do remember snow one year.

Our senses are interesting. I remember that the hallway in high school where I took my typing class - always triggered a memory. Now, I can't exactly remember what it was but the smell would make me think of something.???? I am too old to remember. Anyway - the back stairwell at the nursing has a certain smell. It is hard to describe - maybe a little musty and .... but it is always makes me think of Grandma and Grandpa's camper trailer. I guess I remember the trailers being a little musty smelling or something.... Anyway. Everytime I take those stairs it triggers a good memory. :)

Have a great day!!!

85th post

Well, this is my 85th post. Is that something to be proud of? Hmmm... Well, I found my chocolate calendar so here are some "sweet" quotes for your enjoyment.

Exercise is a dirty word... everytime I hear it, I wash my mouth out with chocolate.

Life without chocolate is like a beach without water.

Nuts just take up space where chocolate ought to be.

If life is like a box of chocolates, then it's time for me to buy another box, I seem to have already devoured all the good ones.

The 12 step chocoholics program: Never be more than 12 steps away from chocolate.

I have this theory that chocolate slows down the aging process... It may not be true, but do I dare take the chance?

** Hershey's makes approximately 20 to 25 million of their legendary kisses every day.

Mom Visits

Well, my mother arrived Saturday afternoon around 2:00 pm. The day before they drove through Buffalo - with at least banks of snow on the side of the roads about a foot high. I guess it was a little slushy in spots - but not too bad. We had a great time... relaxing and fun.

The weekend agenda in a nutshell is as follows:.......Saturday - we went to hear the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and we had dinner at P.F. Chang's. (DELICIOUS CHINESE FOOD!!!!) Sunday - we had delicious steaks on the grill. Monday - we had lunch at Olive Garden, visited Krohn Conservatory. Tuesday - we watched Open Season in the 3-D IMAX, ordered Pizza for supper, and played games. I guess one of the funniest things - happened when I was out of the room. Matt was eating a buffalo wing and it decided to fly away. It landed on the window sill. ???? That's Matt for ya. ha ha.

Anyway. Still working on the kitchen. Have to wait for the counter and sink that we ordered. :-)

Left Handed

I just heard an interesting statistic: (though not exactly verified)
2500 left handed people die a year by using tools created for right handed people!

Statistics show left-handed people are more likely to be schizophrenic, alcoholic, delinquent, dyslexic, and have Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, as well as mental disabilities. They're also more likely to die young and get into accidents. So if evolutionary theory dictates survival of the fittest, why do lefties still exist? I am a scientific phenomenon!!

August 13th is CELEBRATE LEFT HANDEDNESS!!! We are people too! We demand our rights. Equal opportunity! More to come... on being left handed. ha ha.

Camping

Well, we returned in one piece. (or two pieces actually) ha ha. We had a great weekend camping at Red River Gorge at the Daniel Boone National Park in Kentucky. We spent most of the weekend eating and we did some hiking. Unfortunately, we didn't get to rapelling. But, we are going to work on another trip just to rapell. The leaves were beautiful down there. It was relaxing and fun. Maybe I'll attempt to post a few pictures this week.

I guess some stranger is coming to visit me in a few days. She thinks she is my mom. I'm not sure?! ha ha. We will have a good time anyway. :)

It's almost Friday!

Hello Everyone! This has been a good week. We have the kitchen partially painted and a few cabinets up. It is coming along. My children that I babysit have been pretty good lately. Maybe they are getting used to "mean Tara". :-) Just kidding. I brought them lots of balloons the other day and we played with them. I am nice. I really am. I am just too stubborn to let a three year old get the best of me. YOU WANT A BATTLE OF WILLS.... I WILL WIN!!! ha ha ha ha ha. (I need to get out more.)

This weekend we are going primitive camping at Red River Gorge. There will be toilets 1/4 of a mile away. And you just warm up water on the fire-toss it in a bucket- and it's just like the "bird baths" Mom used to give us or take herself.:-) Hopefully, we will do a little rappelling maybe 30 - 70 feet that's all. I mean - there is a place where we could rapel 300 feet but I don't think we are going to do that this weekend. BY THE WAY - for those with vivid imaginations (namely LINDA) - I don't plan on wearing my new rollerblades at the same time that I wear my new harness. Sounds a bit precarious. ha ha.

We are working on plans to go to Tony's for Mom's birthday. I am attempted to get off by 11:00 on Friday. Yeah. I know this is a boring post compared to nearly being killed. I NEED MORE DRAMA IN MY LIFE.

I am alive. Wow!

Hello People. I just wanted to share the most bizarre and scary thing that has happened to me recently. Yesterday, I had to work on the nursing home until 6:30. I was on my way home on the interstate 75 south. I was driving along listening to the radio and I see this car facing me up ahead. I first thought that this white car had been in an accicent and spun around the wrong way. Then, I looked and NO! The car is rapidly speeding toward me at 80 some miles per hour. So, I quickly get over a lane and thankfully - there wasn't a car there because I am sure I didn't take time to look. And the car sped past me the wrong way. Everyone slowed down ... and up ahead there was a car that this maniac had already hit. I am not sure if he hit the car and was getting away. Or if he had already been driving the wrong way and then, hit the car. INSANE!!! Is all I have to say. So, the best part of my story is that... then, I tried to call 911 regarding the man driving the wrong way..... and I was ON HOLD!!!!! Hmmmm.... that doesn't seem like a good system to me. My only comfort was maybe ... everyone else on the interstate had the same idea of calling the police. So, the lines were jammed.

HELP! GET ME OUT OF THE CONCRETE JUNGLE!!! ha ha.

Brrrrr!!!!!!!!!! B-day cont.

Well, there is nothing like waking up to 40 degree weather. I need my thermals. ha ha. My only cosolation is coffee. (Maybe I'll blog about coffee someday.)

I have had a crazy cold now for about a week. Now - I am only in the hacking and coughing stage. So, the end is in sight.

Matt brought a Starbucks (my addiction) home for me on my birthday. And then he made me breakfast -my favorite (ham, egg, cheese, on an english muffin). He had balloons and lavender roses (my favorite) on the table. He bought me a GBS hoodie... which is significant. I said quite a while ago that it would be nice it have one. So, he remembered which is quite impressive. He did well. Anyway. He wanted to take me on the Purple People Bridge Climb - but it was closed. So, instead he took me shopping for new rollerblades and/or a harness for rapelling. We ended up finding both for pretty good prices AND they both are gray with light purple. So, I will look so cute while I am rapelling and blading. :-) I also picked up a few other things. It was fun. I wasn't feeling the best that day with my cold and all so I needed a low key day. Later, we walked down around the corner to a restaurant in Newtown that we haven't tried yet, The Iron Skillet. It was really nice. After which, we tried out my new blades on the rails to trails by our house. :-)

It's my party and I'll be crazy if I want to....

Good Morning! Today is my BIRTHDAY!!!!! YEAH. Matthew bought be a Starbucks this morning and made me breakfast (sort of in bed). I just get up too early for him. :P I'm weird like that - just ask my mother.

Anyway. I thought I would put a quick post about my weekend with Tiff. Let's see Friday morning we went out for breakfast at The National Exemplar Restaurant - right around the corner. It was really nice. Then, we went to a few stores. After which, Tiffany and I went to the gym. We did the treadmill, swam in the pool, then - soaked in the hot tub. That was lots of fun. In the evening we met up with Rachael, Kevin, Dorie, and Kristen at Dave & Busters. It was awesome. We ate supper there and then, the rest of hte place is like arcade. We played air hockey, race car games, basketball shooting...fun fun fun! Oh and I tried a virtual reality boxing - WOW!!! I was sore the next day. I did good though. :-)

Saturday was lazier day. We slept in....went to the mall.... ate at Bufffalo Wild Wings....watched a movie at home.... Then, we took Tiff to the Hibachi Grill. It was fun, too. Sunday - Tiff beat me in a game of scrabble. After church we had a fire in our backyard and roasted GLAZIER DOGS that Tiffany brought here. :-) YUM YUM! Please visit http:/abutterfly-life.blogspot.com for pictures. Unfortunately - I do not have the patience to upload pix with....my ancient internet connection.

Well, that's all folks. Have a great day!!

Hodge Podge

Well, yesterday I attended the viewing of a 9 year old boy who passed away from cancer. He attended our school last year - he was in and out all school year. It was very sad. His mom is VERY young - like my age and she was pitiful. I guess it reminded me that life is a precious gift. Not to be wasted. Appreciate each breath you breathe. Each morning you wake up and another sunrise - use each minute as if it were your last. Invest your life and energies in things that truly matter. No one is promised tomorrow.

Also, on the political side. We had a huge discussion around our campfire this past weekend concerning politics. Basically - I would have to agree with much of the discussion. People feel the republican party is the lesser of two evils. But, now a days the lines are so fine - It hardly makes a different. People believe that republicans will stand up for traditional values but it is primarily "lip service" soon to be swayed by lobbyists. For example - the governor of California (I dare not butcher the spelling of his name) - is republican and he is now probably going to vote for a law to be passed the requires all public schools to have the gay flag in the classrooms. Is this what republicans are all about? I say both the democrat and republicans are fairly corrupt. Anyway. Feel free to comment if you dare. :)

How do you catch a unique rabbit? ........ Unique up on him. ha ha.

Also, my golden birthday is coming up. I will turn 26 on the 26th. I am getting so old. Oh- woe is me!!!!

Newtown, Ohio

Well, here is our little town's claim to fame. Dr. John Lambert Redmond performed the first caesarean section in Newtown, Ohio on April 22, 1827. Wow. Isn't that exciting.

It was very nice to hear from the McCallus family on my blog. Uncle Jeff said he used to check often but I was wondering what happened to them. :-)

We went camping this weekend. We had a really great time. Volleyball and football. S'mores!!!! (Oh -yeah Tiff!) It was really fun. A great group. And my Target sleeping back is just so wonderful. It is soooooo warm. I think it goes down to like freezing. (In case I feel like camping in the winter...) Miss you all. E-mail or call or comment!!!

Contagious Cell Phones

Well, Tiffany caught a flu bug while she was up in NY. Several times I talked to her on my cell phone. AND NO JOKE - I think I caught the flu from her. ha ha ha. Watch out - cell phones can transmit the flu. ha ha. So, I felt pretty raunchy the last couple of days. But, I am coming out of it now. :-)

Matt is working on the sheet rock in the kitchen. I do have a nice floor down in the kitchen. Yeah.

Thought for the day:

Why do people always say they slept like a baby when babies wake up every two hours??

Where were you?

I was sitting in class at GBS. I think it was Educational Psychology. Kristen - being the ADD person that she is - left to go to her room. Returning to class, I will never forget her expression and look on her face. She was pale and out of breath. (But, she is very much a "talk radio person" and get all worked up about politics etc. anyway). She told me that the Twin Tower had been hit by plane and then, a second plane. I don't remember immediate emotion. I needed more informaton. Later I realized the seriousness of these events. Later, I had to work downtown and was a little afraid. Dr. Allan Brown read to all of us a prayer from Daniel about how to pray for the sins of a nation. Not sure of the chapter. I have it marked in my other Bible.

Thank God for freedom. Thank God for His mercy and protection on our nation thus far because we certainly (as a whole) are not worthy or deserving of it.

So, where were you when you heard the news on September 11th? What were your initial reactions/emotions/thoughts?

Freedom isn't FREE!

Meet Me in the Stairwell

You say you will never forget where you were when you heard the news on September 11, 2001. Neither will I.

I was on the 110th floor in a smoke filled room with a man who called his wife to say "Goodbye." I held his fingers steady as he dialed. I gave him the peace to say, "Honey, I am not going to make it, but it is OK ... I am ready to go." I was with his wife when he called as she fed breakfast to their children. I held her up as she tried to understand his words and as she realized he wasn't coming home that night.

I was in the stairwell of the 23rd floor when a woman cried out to Me for help. "I have been knocking on the door of your heart for 50 years!" I said. "Of course I will show you the way home - only believe on Me now."

I was at the base of the building with the Priest ministering to the injured and devastated souls. I took him home to tend to his Flock in Heaven. He heard my voice and answered.

I was with the Firefighters, the Police Officers, the Emergency Workers. I was there, watching each brave step they took.

I was on all four of those planes, in every seat, with every prayer. I was with the crew as they were overtaken. I was in the very hearts of the believers there, comforting and assuring them that their faith has saved them.

I was in Texas, Kansas, London. I was standing next to you when you heard the terrible news. Did you sense Me?

I want you to know that I saw every face. I knew every name - though not all know Me. Some met Me for the first time on the 86th floor. Some sought Me with their last breath. Some couldn't hear Me calling to them through the smoke and flames; "Come to Me...this way...take My hand." Some chose, for the final time, to ignore Me. But, I was there.

I did not place you in the Tower that day. You may not know why, but I do. However, if you were there in that explosive moment in time, would you have reached for Me?

September 11, 2001 was not the end of the journey for you. But someday your journey will end. And I will be there for you as well.

Seek Me now while I may be found. Then, at any moment, you know you are "ready to go." I will be in the stairwell of your final moments.

God the Father.


Written by: Stacey Randall

Thankful in Everything

Here is a really good quote I came across. Matthew Henry, a well known Bible Commentator, was robbed one day and he wrote this in his diary that evening:

"Let me be thankful-
first, because I was never robbed before
second, because although they took my wallet they did not take my life
third, because although they took my all it was not much
fourth, because it was I who was robbed, not I whop robbed."


Also, on a side note.... we haven't been too sore. And Aunt Wendy we definitely do eat our share of pizza. ha ha. Great comment though. It made me laugh.

TGIF

Morning everyone! How are you? Things are good here. I know it's hard to believe but once again - yesterday - I did some sewing. Hemming and that kind of stuff. I'm just amazing. ha ha. I really like my sewing machine.

The only other exciting thing that has happening since I last posted.....is..... Well, yesterday afternoon Matt and I decided to go biking on the bike trail. We usually do 5/6 miles and turn around for a total of 10 miles or so. The weather was so nice yesterday - we didn't feel hot and sweaty so we kept riding (at a brisk pace) I might add. Then, we decided to try to make it to Loveland (another town). So, finally we made it to Loveland - after 70 minutes and 13 miles. I happened to realize what time it was and we were going to have to book it to make it back for me to get to work. So on the way back we picked up the pace?? We are out of our minds. Crazy. So, we did a total of 26 miles yesterday in 2.25 hours. That is good preparation though because we want to bike from Dayton to Cincinnati.

I am not too sore yet. We shall have to see. Make it a grrrrreat day!

Wednesday

Hello Cyberworld.

Well, I am getting used to my little GEO as it putts down the road. :-) I got pictures developed from Lake Titus. I am just not sure how I will scrap book about 100 pictures or so... hmmmmm.

Yeah so. I have purchased and returned two coffee pots in the last two weeks. I guess I am kind of picky. The first one... I didn't really like it where the coffee filters went etc. Then, the second one... was VERY loud while brewing coffee. It also let out a lot of steam. I don't think my other one did that. Anyway... so the search for the perfect coffee pot continues. I actually saw an under the counter coffee pot and I am seriously considering that one. We will probably buy it - try it out ....... and eventually return it. ha ha ha. Just kidding. My very nice coffeepot from Debi lasted a good 4 years and then it bit the dust. :-(

Nothing too exciting here. I am getting ready for Tiffany to visit. Trying to think of lots of fun things to do here. :-)

Tuesday

Hey. Hey. Nothing too much happening here today. Running some errands and working at the Nursing Home this evening. Unfortunately, I have no inspiring stories to tell you. Here is something funny. It did not originate with me.... I saw it on Cyres Tyler's blog.

English Phrase / Chinese Translation.
"That's not right"............... Sum Ting Wong.
"Are you harboring a fugitive?".. Hu Yu Hai Ding.
"See me ASAP".................... Kum Hia Nao.
"There goes Stupid Man".......... Dum Dum Wa King.
"Small Horse".................... Tai Ni Po Ni.
"Did you go to the beach?"....... Wai Yu So Tan.
"I bumped into a coffee table"... Ai Bang Mai Ni.
"I think you need a face lift"... Chin Tu Fat.
"It's very dark in here"......... Wao So Dim.
"I thought you were on a diet".. Wai Yu Mun Ching.
"This is a tow away zone"....... No Pah King.
"Our meeting is next week"...... Wai Yu Kum Nao.
"Staying out of sight!"......... Lei Ying Lo.
"He's cleaning his automobile".. Wa Shing Ka.
"Your body odor is offensive"... Yu Stin Ki Pu.
"Great"......................... Su Pah

Overwhelming Response

Wow! I got amazing response on my car post.... 3 comments in one day. I nearly fell out of my chair. I guess I need to step up the humor and appeal in my posts to maintain my cyber audience.

Well, HERE IS A GOOD STORY! My question is: Does my husband really have a brain in his head? This story proves otherwise. Apparently, while working at the house remodelling - Matt doesn't wear shoes. It's too hot? I don't know exactly. He also works 11pm - 7 am. I guess the other day he left the house and drove to work in the car - without any shoes. So, he gets to work and has NO SHOES on. Luckily - it was just the job where he takes care of a guy who has/is MRDD. Anyway.... I thought that was so bizarre. Who wouldn't notice that you were pushing the pedals in the car without shoes???? So, he came home and proudly proclaimed the next morning that he had gone to work without shoes. I died laughing.

** The only disclaimer I can put on this story is that out west - from the stories I've heard - they didn't wear shoes very often. **

Cars

Variety is the spice of life... right? I figured since I am not able to post pictures too often... I'll try different font stuff. Aren't you excited??

Well, here is my rant and rave for the day. WHO in the world created 4 cylinder(sp?) engines... I mean come on. Due to rising gas prices, we down-sized to save gas $$$$. I am driving a Geo Metro. The cute little car can't even get out of its own way. Seriously, on the interstate - it's like I am going to be trampled. At traffic lights - it does 0 - 60 in like 15 minutes. ha ha ha ha. Oh, and going up a hill (cause Cincinnati has many hills) - I turn off the A/C and the radio and start pedaling. ha ha ha. Well, it's not quite that bad. I actually am getting used to it. I guess - a different car just doesn't feel right immediately. On the flip side - we get like 35 miles per gallon. That's what I'm talkin' about.

Speaking of cars..... Since Matt and I have been married - here are all the cars we've had/have ... this list is not exhaustive. Uncle Don's 98 Olds, a cutlass sierra, a ford escort, a geo prizm, chevy blazer, geo metro...... and currently we may be a Saab for Matt to drive right now. Along with those vehicles we have had a Cadillac, Honda Accord, and another Ford Escort - that Matt sold or did some wheeling -n- dealing with them. We go through cars like candy. There is a logical explaination for this list of cars which I won't get into now. I'll just wet your appetite for this exciting story about cars. Come back and read it on my blog.

"I told my my doctor that I broke my leg in two places. He told me to stop going to those places." -Anonymous

Camp Dee in Lake Titus, NY

Well, we had a great vacation. Here are just a few snapshots. I am too lazy to explain any pictures so take them at face value. :-)

Everyday is a winding road....

Greetings to all of my cyberspace fanclub. For a low and reasonable price of 500 dollars you can recieve your personalized fanmail membership packet in the mail. Hurry. Sign up today. There are a limited number of memberships. So get yours TODAY! Don't DELAY! ;-)

Oh - there is a new little one in our family. NO NOT ME!! Susanna Redcay had her baby. His name is Caleb Joel. He was born Sunday morning at 2:55 am. He weighed 7 lbs 7 oz and is 20 inches.

Well, I am sort of moved into the study. We are still sorting stuff and whatnot.. but things are coming along.

I'll see the Yanks soon. :-)

It's nearly been another week.

Well, tomorrow is my sister's birthday. I just watned to give a little recognition to her on my blog. She is my favorite sister. Even though she is my only sister. She is full of charisma and lights up a room when she enters it. She is a great people person. She has a hysterical sense of humor. Well, and now she is these beautiful perfectly straight teeth since she just got her braces off. (I'm alittle jealous!) I will never stop thanking God for his miraculous touch on her life after the accident - March 02. I shutter ot think of what my life would be like without her. Thank God for sparing her life. Well, even if she does have a little dain bramage left over - ha ha ha - I love her oodles and noodles. Tiff, I love you. Happy 24th birthday!

It takes me a week.

Well, it has been about a week since I posted anything. Let's see. Nothing too exciting is going on here. I have been working at Rachael's shower. OH -yeah. And Matt and I went out driving. I was driving. His car. Yeah. Um... his car is a stick shift. I did really great though. So, let me know if you want to go driving with me. I'll provide the neck brace. Aunt Mern R - Are you interested??? Hee hee.

Nothing much else here. Just biding my time until our VACATION!!! It's still too many weeks away.

Matt and I consumed more than our share of ice cream this week again. Well, it's the crazy humidity and the fact that we have one little air conditioner in our bedroom. The rest of the time - we sweat. We are suffering for Jesus right here in Cincinnati.

Monday is here again.

Well, let's see. Not too much news here. Umm... the other night we updated our Family Collages. Phew!!! Fitting NINE brothers/sisters and families into the frame was quite a feat. But, it is great. We used some of the pictures we received at Christmas time. You are all so cute. And my family - I only updated a few pictures.

Also, one night we had an ice cream craving. So, Matt went to the corner store and bought two pints (two different flavors). Just for the record - we sat and polished them off in one setting. I am sure that I only ate about 1/2 of it and then, he finished mine off. I KNOW that I didn't eat all of mine. Like a few 100 more calories would have made a difference on top of the other 100's. ha ha ha.

Well, I recently had two great memories. First, Mom didn't you used to let us ride on the back of the wagon and we held onto the top of the car. It seems like maybe just in the driveway when you were coming or going.

Also, I had a funny memory. I had an uncle who was having a foreign guest stay at his house. Well, I happened to be there - was I cleaning or something?? and he called and was speaking FRENCH to me. Then, broken english. Crazy. He got me good anyway. Family. What can you do with them?????? ha ha ha.

Happy Monday!

Car Trouble

Hey. Our 4th sort of turned out different than we had planned. Matt and I were driving separately to Lora's party but on the way our 93 Geo Prizm broke down on the side of 275. I was driving and it was making a funny noise. So I pulled over and as I did the car stalled. Anyway - we got it towed with our AAA but umm... it did cost us some - I guess we have limited miles with our service. Matt thinks it might be something serious so not sure what we will do. Well, it has been a pretty good car. And we don't owe any money on it.

Not too much news. Our study/office is coming along fairly well. We bought a used (small) desk today for 22 dollars. It was what we needed anyway. I don't think that I can post any pictures with my SLLLLOOOOOW connection. Sorry.

Happy 4th of July

Happy 4th to everyone. Not too many plans here. We are going to a picnic this afternoon. Then, I have to go to the home tonight... at the end of my shift we are serving watermelon and lighting sparklers for the residents. awwwwh. how cute.

Tiff came out this weekend. We had a great time. We went swimming, golfing, and to the Reds Game. Also, we ate at Cici's and visited Cold Stone Creamery. We were VERY healthy. Check out Tiff's blog for pictures. http://abutterfly-life.blogspot.com

I rarely have anything profound to say but thanks for checking in anyway. :-)

Hmmmmm.....

It's another Friday in Cincinnati. TIFF"S COMING! TIFF"S COMING TO SEE ME THIS WEEKEND!!! yah. Not sure what we will do. Something fun hopefully. Been busy working on scrapbook. I have an adorable picture of Jayden at Christmas. Let's see. Jayden would be me first cousin once removed. My children and Jeffy/Jayden will be second cousins. That's right, isn't it? It is just tooooo cute. Yep - I am now at Christmas of 2005. That's not too bad. Soon I'll be in 2006. I'm nearly caught up.

Job stuff is still up in the air. Not sure about that. Oh and the french is probably incorrect. I'm sure mon Oncle Kendall will correct me. :-) I also couldn't or didn't bother to figure out how to put any accents on the words.

Otherwise. Same old. Same old. The back room should be finished by next week. Then, on to the Kitchen. Maybe there is hope of a normal life in a year or so. ha ha ha.

Chat wich ya later!

Billboards

Well, I find the new advertising gimmick very interesting. They are called "teaser billboards." It makes you curious enough to find out what it is all about. I saw an orange billboard with the words "debunkify" on it. I googled that and found www.debunkify.com . There is a countdown to July 10th??? More to come - I guess.

The second one is a totally reddish board maybe with two eyes (can't quite remember) with the words "Look. I have a meat beard." Apparently this quote is from Cartoon Network and the show Camp Lazlo... a misbehaving monkey.

I heard the Cincy Pops last night for Free. Concert on the Green. Dorie and I went - we had really nice time. Perfect weather. :-) My job is turning into a disaster. So, I may resign before the school year starts. Their building project didn't go through so they will be using some sunday school classrooms and a modular home. No. I don't think so. I left a school that has issues. AND - the rest of my life is in an upheaval (with our house and all) so I don't think I can deal with that.

On our way out to NY - we might try to hit three more states we haven't been to... DE, RI, and CT.

Have a great day.

Random Thoughts

Well, I figured for a change that I would post some serious comments. Once in a while normal thoughts do go through my brain.

Tomorrow is Father's Day. Though not strange at all, I have no feelings toward this day. I am rather neutral and often forget that this day is approaching. But, hat's off to those who uphold the Biblical standards of being a father/husband.

Once in a while in life, we learn lessons too late in life. It seems then we have nothing in our hands but regret. While working here at Judson Care, I often think of when my grandma was in a nursing home. I realize now more of what it is like.... to be isolated in a room. The staff helps. The nurses are cheerful. But, I often wonder where are the families. Yet, the lesson that I learned too late was that I should have spent more time visiting my grandma when she was in this place in life. I was young. But, that is no excuse. I was busy with high school classes and working at Hannaford... but just excuses. I am sorry that I didn't learn more from her about what her life was like growing up. I regret that I did not make time for her when she had always made time for me as a child. She was never to busy to sew something for me. She was never top busy to make me a fried egg. She was never too busy to buy a SUZY Q (they were to DIE FOR!). But, I was too busy for her. In my youthful ignorance - I didn't know any better and the treasure of my grandma slipped through my fingers.

So, what lessons can I learn from this. Slow down. Take time to breath. Take time for people. Stuff. Deadlines. Paperwork. That can all wait. Savor relationships with family. Celebrate the lives of friends. Tear down the walls we build to be safe and cultivate connections that span from one heart to another.

Finally

Hey everybody! Sorry it's been soooo long. Well, I am now out of school. I took a CPR, First Aid, and AED class last week. So, if you are with me .... you will be SOOOOO safe. :-) ha ha.

Nothing much to say. I used my new sewing machine yesterday. Mom - are you okay? Did you faint? ha ha. I actually hemmed something all by myself. :-) That doesn't mean I won't ever use your services though. ha ha.

There probably will not be any pictures posted this summer. My connection is too SLOW to post pictures. :( I was always posting them at school. Well, I hope you have a terrific tuesday. Nice sunny day here. Are you happy now Tiff?

Memorial Day Weekend

Well, Congratulations to Jeff and Tandy. We went to PVBI to celebrate their graduation. I'll try to post a few pix this week. Had a great time. Nice to see everyone.

I have a new job. This is the school's website. www.christiancenteracademy.com 20 students and a 1/2 day aide. :-) Oh-boy.

Not too much news here. I have a lot of cleaning and sorting to do in my classroom this week. I have to get BUSY BUSY BUSY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Read a great book yesterday by Karen Kingsbury "Even Now." Interesting comments at the end regarding peace. I will post it on my blog for your enjoyment. Have a great day everybody!

Tuesday

Hello everyone. I had another interview yesterday. I think I like this possibility more than any other option for the fall. Will have to wait and see....... Here are pix of the bedroom. Not much to see.

This is the closet. Thrilling huh? Interestingly enough. We measured and figured for this closet forever. Matt's bar is actually seven feet up. That's pretty high. ha ha ha. Hopefully- short people like me don't buy the house after us.
















This is our very nice and new comforter set. Sage green. We are going to use that and black. Obviously our headboard needs to be adjusted.













This is our door right now. The green and yellow sheet (Must be Matt's) gives the room such a retro feeling. ha ha. Pretty nasty. :-)

Weekend

Hey. The weekend went by way too fast. Saturday night Matt and I went to Playhouse in the Park. We saw Witness for the Prosecution. It is an Agatha Christie murder mystery. It was so great. The last 10 minutes threw in such twists - I was talking about it all the way home. Sad to say - I hadn't read the novel.

I was all ready to post pictures of our bedroom but I grabbed the wrong memory card. So, all I have are pictures from my classroom. Check back tomorrow - I'll see what I can do. ;-)

Happy Day after Mother's day to the best mom in the world - Esther Laura Star Straight. :-P

map post

I'll leave the map post up for a week but it makes my blog really weird. I'll try to work on that or I'll delete that post after all my adoring fans have seen my world wide travels. :-)

a day.

It's been an okay week. I've been picking up evening hours at the nursing home which makes my schedule a tad hectic. We moved into the real bedroom last week. I'll try to get some pictures posted. Great closet space!!! :-)

I stumbled across a website that I have been fighting with to get a link to my page. It maps all the states visited. I've been to 32 states which is 62%.

create your own visited states map



Have a great day!!!

Back in Cincy - YUCK!!!

Here are the rest of our pictures. Well, the highlights anyway. :-)

We drove to Gatlinburg and camped there one night. Yes, we camped in Tennessee the night that many tornadoes came through. They were in the west and we were in the east - thankfully. We just slept through a lot of RAIN!!! This is outside Ripley's Believe it or not - downtown Gatlinburg.

This was a cool place. Black light mini golf. Very fun. Everything was glowing.
Our helicopter ride over the Smokey Mountains.
This is an airboat - we rode in it through the everglades. This little fellow was right beside our boat.

Our Florida Trip

Well, I have a few more pictures but I am not able to upload them right now. I am trying to put them in order. So, I have some pictures from Gatlinburg to put on my blog. Check back in later.

Florida trip

This picture is on Rt 1 heading to Key Largo. The water is this close on both sides of the road. It's kind of freaky. I guess there is a 7 mile bridge if you drive far enough in the Keys - but we didn't make it that far!!

Enjoying the Florida Sun!! This is one of two 50s diners we found on our vacation. I think we were born in the wrong era! This is blowing rocks preserve in Hobe Sound, FL. The water has worn holes in the rocks and at high tide the water come in the holes and shoots straight up. Very cool. (Uncle Kendall's place is VERY NICE!!) Right on the water. I'm a little jealous.

We saw about 4 man o' war washed up on the beach. I really wanted to touch it. I think it should have been okay because it stings with the tentacles that hang of the "bubble" thing. What do you think?
I don't think I need to say much here. Our last meal in Florida at Chili's. Jude and Lois.....awww, aren't they cute?

My post for the week....

Hey everyone. Well, the weekend certainly flew by. Matt and I spent hours working on our taxes. We did use Turbotax and it filed the schedule C thing for Primerica. I would highly recommend Turbotax. I am sure we will use it next year also! So, after we finished our taxes - we went to Cici's Pizza - and gorged ourselves at a pizza buffet.

We are leaving Cincinnati on Friday. We will camp Friday in Gatlinburg, TN. Then, we are driving to Valdosta, GA and camping there as well. Sunday we will drive the rest of the way to Lois's house. (Matt's sister) We will spend the week down there - she lives relatively close to West Palm Beach. Needless to say - this will be a hectic week of packing, cleaning, and getting ready for the trip.

This may be my only post for a couple of weeks. Can you all survive that long without a new post? Just wanted to give a shout out to my FAVORITE relatives - Uncle Don and Aunt Wendy!! The rest of you have alot of brown nosing to do to catch up. ha ha.

Walk-a-thon

It is that time of year again. WALK-A-THON. I am not really going to push it this year. But, here is my "little" effort. If you would like to sponsor me for the Norwood Christian Academy Walk-a-thon, please e-mail me at tarajoyce@juno.com and state the amount. This is a tax deductible gift. :-)

If you have to choose - I think I would rather receive a graduation gift than have you sponsor me for walk-a-thon. ha ha ha ha. That's the spirit, eh?

Oh- I have more coming on my favorite aunt and uncle comments .... so stay tuned. Just don't have time this AM. Love you all.

Tara

Walk-a-thon

It is that time of year again. WALK-A-THON. I am not really going to push it this year. But, here is my "little" effort. If you would like to sponsor me for the Norwood Christian Academy Walk-a-thon, please e-mail me at tarajoyce@juno.com and state the amount. This is a tax deductible gift. :-)

If you have to choose - I think I would rather receive a graduation gift than have you sponsor me for walk-a-thon. ha ha ha ha. That's the spirit, eh?

Oh- I have more coming on my favorite aunt and uncle comments .... so stay tuned. Just don't have time this AM. Love you all.

Tara

Uh-oh! I have favorites!

Hey everybody! I must say the highlight of my weekend was being suprised by Uncle Don and Aunt Wendy. Every time I think about it - I can't believe it. I was so surprised that they showed up on my front porch!!!!! It was very cool. We had a really nice breakfast at IHOP and they helped out with the food for the party! So, anyway. I told EVERYONE that came to my party about their sacrificial weekend trip. But, I wanted to also tell everyone in cyberspace. They definitely earned "brownie" points above my other aunts & uncles. Oh- don't be offended. But, they have rightfully earned it. We have even discussed created pillows/shirts/etc. that state, "Tara likes us best!" ha ha ha ha ha. Thanks to them for the great graduation surprise. My party of nice. But, that was awesome!!!!! I'll try to get a few pictures from graduation party pix posted soon!! Thanks again to Uncle Don & Aunt Wendy!!!

SNOW DAY!!!!!

YEAAHH!!! Today we had a snow day. I guess Cincinnati got 2-4 inches of snow. But, it doesn't stop a Yankee. I was out early this morning in the worst of the storm getting my groceries. :-)

I'll try to get pictures of the bedroom. It's just going to be a wall of sheetrock but.... I'll do my best.

Thursday

Not too much news to share today. I have a good chocolate quote from my calendar.

Chocolate for the day:
"An eighteenth-century recipe called for mixing mercury with hot chocolate, though the author cautioned against this exotic beverage because he felt that chocolate was too dangerous."

"Eat a square meal a day, a box of chocolate."

Not sure of the problem...

Hey - Sorry about the problem with my blog. I am sure most of you didn't notice that it was having issues. Not much news here. Matt made a flying trip to PA to pick up some windows for our house. I guess they were cheaper than here in Cincinnati. So, we have a new window in our bedroom along with insulation. I'll work on a picture but no guarantees. Matt and I attended Weekend to Remember - a marriage conference. Look for it in your area. It's a great conference!!!

More chocolate comments

Wet rainy days here. Not too much to say. This weekend - Matt & I are attending Weekend to Remember here in Cincinnati. It's a marriage convention thingy. Maybe it will help us to like each other. ha ha. Just kidding. Well, I have had such positive response to the chocolate comments - I'll continue. ha ha. (This is for Uncle Don!!)

Quotes for today:
Chocolate causes certain endocrine glands to secrete hormones that make you happy... you maintain a youthful disposition, both physically and mentally. So, eat lots of chocolate! -Elaine Sherman

Liquidum non frangit jejunum. (Chocolate liquids...do not constitude a break in fasting.) That is good to know.......
- Cardinal Francis Maria Brancaccio of the Vatican in 1662

Good News

I guess my portfolio passed and my electives transferred from Miami University. My advisor wrote that I may truly be called a MASTER TEACHER!!! ha ha. Master Tara will do though. ha.

QUOTE OF THE DAY:

I could give up chocolate but I'm not a quitter.... anonymous.

Eat a square meal a day, a box of chocolates... anonymous.

It's another day.

Morning. I am very sleepy. But, here are a few more pictures. Not much to look at. But, I do have a good quote for today.

Forget love.... I'd rather fall in chocolate! - anonymous

This is my closet!

This is our bedroom wall. Exciting, huh?

This is our bathroom decorated. It's hard to really get a good picture because it's a rather small room. But, if you look at the top you can see the trim.

Quote of the Day

"If it ain't chocolate, it ain't breakfast."

-Anonymous

Valentine's Pix

Here are some pictures we took on Valentine's day. I was quite inspired for these pictures. Maybe I should be a photographer. ha ha. If you look close in the shadow picture - you can see the tripod. oops. I am going to try to get some updated pictures of our house. So you can see the progress. It's easier to just post pictures of ME. Stay tuned - I'll try to post some this week. Have a great day!

Demanding Audience

Well, my audience is once again getting pushy... demanding pictures again. And so on! ha ha. I will try to get some pictures posted next week.

Valentine's day was great. Matt brought two dozen roses to school with balloons. We dressed up... I mean tux and floor length dress. We went by a park and took some pictures. I'll post some of those maybe. :-) Then, we went to a Hibachi gril called SOHO Japanese Bistro (in West Chester for you Cincinnatians!)l. It was SOOOO much fun. What a great place. I would strongly encourage you to save your $$ and stop by. They cook the food in front of you - toss their utensils around - and they try to throw food in your mouth. It was great fun. The grill master at the next area was nearly drunk - I think. He kept chucking food all over - even to people at our "grill space." It was crazy. The food was really delicious and it was fun to watch them. The big huge flame and stuff. He made the rice heart shaped with an arrow going through it - then, used is spatula underneath to make the heart beat. It entertaining, delicious, and fun. A great place.

I have lots to do to go away tonight. Can't wait to go to PA!

Monday

Oh Gawwwsshh! What a day! I woke up at 6:40 - when I need to leave my house by 6:45. No coffee. No breakfast. Didn't have a lunch packed. Yuck. What a morning.

This little comment is for Andrea. You must post a comment if you read my blog. ha ha ha. It's okay. Don't be shy.

Happy Valentine's day tomorrow. Love is in the air. I'll be sure to post about all the wonderful things Matt does tomorrow.

Don't fall over in a dead faint!

Hello to Cyberspace!

Well, Matt is busy working on the bedroom. He has the walls ripped out so next would be insulation & sheet rock. Progress comes slowly but surely.

I turned in my portfolio last week. I started my LAST CLASS!! I have four saturdays left. THEN - I control my Saturdays again. Actually - I am pretty sure I'll be visiting Tiff over Presidents' Day weekend. Yah.

I joined Anderson Community Band. It's pretty intense music. Much more like the music I played in High School than GBS. Sounds strange but we played pretty advanced pieces in Wind Ensemble. (Go Public School - ha ha!) So, this is a bit of a stretch for me musically but I think that I am going to enjoy it. We will see as time progresses. ACB meets on Monday evenings for 1 1/2 hours.

Well, I don't have a lot to say about the house so I figured I'd fill up the space with other worthless information. Two weeks ago we went with a group of friends out to dinner at Don Pablos and to the Rodeo. We were so close I could feel the bulls' breath. ha ha ha. It did give the rodeo a "YOU ARE THERE" feeling. This weekend Matt and I are going to the Motocross. It's like dirt bikes that do all the stunts and stuff. (I am going to have ear plugs with me. haha.)

Take care. Drop me a comment here and it will be sent to my e-mail address. I love e-mail. Even though I rarely write a response. ha ha. Have a great day.

Snow

Well, it seems we finally have winter here in Cincinnati. (At least for today.) The rest of the week is in the 40s and 50s. This may be my only post until February 4th. That is when my huge cummulative project is due for my Masters Program. We finished our bathroom. All decorated. It's nice - I must admit. I'll get pictures on in a month or so. ha ha.

Matt may be able to switch his schedule around and work more at the house. He would work Sunday night to Monday day shift. Monday night to Tuesday day shift. Tuesday night. Then, he will be able to work on the house Wednesday - Friday. I really hope this works out. It just seems like Matt hasn't been able to work uninterrupted due to his and our schedules.

Hope you are all doing well. Beautiful snow is falling here. Enjoy the beauty of God's creation.

2006!!

Welcome to a new year. A fresh start. And hopefully lots of work accomplished at 3628 Church St. Matt is doing the finishing touches on our bathroom this week. Then, we will put our wall stuff and decorations up - and the rest will be history. Our next project is the bedroom. The goal is to move in to a newly renovated room by the end of January. This is mostly sheetrocking the ceiling (due to former leak) and outside wall to add insulation. Then, we need to work on the closet. We have a sage and beige plaid comforter we are going to use. So we may do the walls a pale sage or beige.... ?? We will see.

I am down to the wire in my Master's program. Wow. Lots of stuff to work on in the next Month. Hopefully I won't have a nervous breakdown. ha ha. Have a great day. Posts will probably be scarce over the next month. But, stay tuned.... more news to come.