Two Truths and a Lie Tuesday

Is it Tuesday already?  I missed last week (I was still pretty much in a funk, and just didn't feel like posting).  In case this is your first time reading a "typical Tuesday post," I have chosen to include a game that I play with my fifth graders sometimes on the first day of school to get to know each other.  I will reveal three things about myself--two of which are the truth, and one that is made up.  I've been told I make these too hard to figure out, so I'll try to go easy on you all this week.  Here are today's "facts":

1. I am a published author (other than this blog, of course).

2.  At age 5, I had a song on the radio.

3.  I once chased the pot of gold at the end of a rainbow.

There you have it...two truths and a lie. Which one is untrue? You decide!

Hugs and baby dust,

Merry Monday!

Okay, so maybe those of you who read my blog regularly have noticed that sometimes I have this thing with alliteration.  I'm sorry.  In my defense, I did grow up in an English teacher's house.  Ironically, an English teacher who did NOT like to read, nor was she an avid writer.  I, on the other hand, did both of those things.  For fun.  Regularly.  And yes, I am aware that these are not complete sentences.  Nor should you begin a sentence with a conjunction.  And you should never use a preposition to end a sentence with.  Yeah, yeah, yeah.  I have heard all the rules, and most of the time, I observe them.  Well, at least the ones that appeal to me.  *grin* 

In high school, my senior English teacher made me incredibly angry when I questioned the use of conjunctions to begin sentences in pieces we were reading.  She informed me that it was "okay" for those authors to disregard those "rules" because they "knew what they were doing."  I informed her that I knew what I was doing.   Ah, well.  I suppose that when I write my own book, I can use whatever rules I want, right? 

So, not only do I have this strange obsession with alphabetizing things, using literary devices in ordinary conversation/writings (such as alliteration, etc.), and observing obscure details (especially in television shows and movies--I'd love to be the one to preview scenes for continuity), but I also count things.  Most things.  The number of steps between points A and B, the number of stairs I'm climbing, the number of cars in a passing train; you name it, I count it. 

Strange?  Maybe.  But that's who I am.  So I'll leave you today with a few numbers to crunch.

* Number of cycles spent TTC: 30

* Number of BFPs: 0
* Number of cars on the train yesterday: 98
* Number of days left in the school year: 24 (school days counted only)
* Number of days left until we cruise to the Bahamas: 40  (I can't wait!!!)


Hugs and baby dust,

Wow....50 already?

Even though my blog is not quite a year old, you might find it hard to believe I am "celebrating" my 50th post. To some, that may not seem like an accomplishment, but you have to keep in mind that from the time I began my blog (May 2009) until the end of the year, I only made 11 posts. Then, between January 1, 2010 and March 21 (my first evern ICLW), I had five additional posts. So, in the grand scheme of things, I have made 34 blog posts in a little over a month, which is slightly more than the other 9 months of my blog combined. I have really made an effort to be a better blogger, and so far I have succeeded with half of this mission. I have been a more regular poster. Now, if I could just get better at commenting...

It's not that I don't enjoy reading about others lives, and I DO mean to offer them my support. I just get caught up in reading and then fail to comment most of the time. So, if you read my blog and I have ever commented on yours (or if you just see me as a follower), please do not be offended if I don't comment regularly. I'm still reading, and I think about you all often. I wonder how you are doing if you haven't posted in a while, and I even repeat some of your funny stories, as if we are old friends and you have shared them with me.

So, my next goal is sort of my own personal ICLW-type goal. While it is not logical for me to expect to leave five or six comments every single day, I would like to leave at least one comment on every blog I follow every week. I don't think that's too terribly unreasonable.

I'll leave you with this picture. Here is my Sunda's Sketch for today. I the last few hours of the weekend are kind to you.

DISCLAIMER: I am fully aware that "Your" should be "You're," but I thought this picture was too cute not to share.  Please pardon the grammar.

Hugs and baby dust,

Finally Friday!

Hallelujah!  It's been a wild ride on the emotional roller coaster this week.  I don't really know what was different, but if it was an emotion, I felt it this week.  After two meltdowns yesterday (one in the Dol.lar Gen.eral store while just walking by the Mother's Day cards display, and the other while DH and I were walking), I am SO ready for the weekend.  Maybe I can forget my troubles, even if just for a few hours.  (By the way, I know we all experience these "wild rides" on occasion.  I hope your DH is as wonderful as mine is during them.)

Well, it is Friday, and that means it's time for some Fun Facts. 

1.  My favorite movie of all time is Ste.el Mag.nolias.  I even portrayed the role of Annelle twice in the stage version.  I think I watched it every Saturday between the ages of 16 and 21 (and can quote just about every "major" line).

2.  I love kid's movies.  After all, I do teach fifth graders 177 days out of the year, and I do have two nieces and a nephew.  When DH and I got married, he made fun of my movie collection.  I actually enjoy them, too!  Hood.winked and Find.ing Ne.mo are among my favorites.

3.  I would ride roller coasters all day long if I could.  I'm just a big kid, I guess!  Whenever my family and I go on vacation, my grandmother always tells my brother not to ride those "wild rides."  She didn't used to tell me the same (I guess because she thought I wouldn't want to), but one time when we returned she asked him if he rode them anyway.  He told her that I wanted to ride them and he knew she wouldn't want me to ride them alone, so he rode with me.  Since then, we both get "the speech."  We ride them anyway, though (when we vacation together).

I hope everyone has a wonderful Friday and a fabulous weekend.  Thanks so much for all the hugs this week.  I needed them. 

Hugs and baby dust,

Thoughtful Thursday

In yesterday's post, I mentioned a childhood wish to be a horse jockey despite certain--ahem--stumbling blocks. I might also mention that throughout the course of my growing up years, I also wanted to be an astronaut, a photographer, a teacher (in between each "career change"), an actress (Broadway, not film), and I'm sure about a dozen other things. (Lest we forget my multi-year stint as "Barb.ara Mand.rell!") However, no matter what my current career plans were, they always included being a mom. That was just a given. Even when I was planning my Tony award-winning stage career, I had a plan in place to have my children taken care of while I was performing.

Isn't that something? Now here I am, teaching other people's children with as much care and compassion as I possibly can, and all the while wanting nothing more than to cuddle with my own. I feel terrible every time I lose my patience with them, raise my voice, or find myself silently thinking, "If that were my child..."   But, I digress.

Here's my quote for the day.  It seems to fit my mood this week.  I hope your Thursday is fabulous!

"It's easier to go down a hill than up it but the view is much better at the top."
--Henry Ward Beecher

Hugs and baby dust,

Welcome, ICLW!

Welcome to my blog! This is my second month of trying ICLW. Last month, I had a lot of fun and "met" a lot of new people. If you're a regular reader or you've been here before, welcome back. If you're new here, well, I'll do everything I can to make you feel welcome. Feel free to check out my old posts (there's less than 50 of them). If you're interested in my TTC history, check out this post. I am currently trying to take things a day at a time. This month has hit me particularly hard (though I'm not sure why), but I'm slowly coming out of the dazed stupor I've been in for the past few days (I hope).

Happy reading!

Wednesday's Wishes

Today, I'm going with a "retro-wish." (That is, a wish from days long gone.) When I was little, my career plans changed almost weekly. However, after visiting the horse park in Lexington, KY, I decided that I wanted to be the first female jockey to win the KY Derby...despite the fact that I didn't own a horse, I had never ridden a horse that wasn't being led by an adult (and still haven't), nor did I even know anybody who owned a horse. (What can I say--I dream big!)


What did you want to be when you grew up?



Hugs and baby dust,

Sunday's Sketches

Throughout the years, my family and I have taken many vacations together.  We always try to capture the funny moments with our cameras, when possible.  You never know what you're going to see when you're with us.  We've encountered some pretty strange sights.  Here are some animal pictures we've taken over the last couple of years.

A bear eating an orange

Doesn't this national symbol just look proud?

This sea lion tossed a 2-liter bottle.

That's the strangest duck I've ever seen!

In case you can't read this, it's a picture of a sign that talks about the need for birth control in the "big cat" family.  Often, these animals are paired up, much like humans mate, to make sure they only reproduce with those chosen for them.  Then, they are sometimes given the same types and brands or birth control that humans are.  Hmm...I guess they can't just get "frisky" whenever they want, huh?  (I hope they didn't choose condoms!)

Oh, and don't forget a dog with sunglasses!

Happy Sunday, everybody!  I hope your week is off to a peaceful start.

Hugs and baby dust,

 

Only One Word?

You.

Can.
Only.
Type.
One.
Word.
No.
Explanations.

Here goes....
1. Yourself: funny
2. Your boyfriend/girlfriend husband: Incredible
3. Your hair: curly
4. Your mother/stepmother: short-fused
5. Your dog: nonexistent
6. Your favorite item: iPod
7. Your dream last night: heartbreaking
8. Your favorite drink: water
9. Your dream car: fuel-efficient
10. The room you are in: Living
12. Your fear: childless
13. What you want to be in 10 years: mother
14. Who you hung out with last night: hubby
15. What you’re not: tall
16. Muffin: blueberry
17: One of your wish list items: fertility
18: Time: morning
19. The last thing you did: read
20. What you are wearing: pajamas
21. Your favorite weather: warm
22. Your favorite book: Bible
23. The last thing you ate: breakfast
24. Your life: satisfying
25. Your mood: gloomy
26. Your best friend(S): away
27. What are you thinking about right now? packing
28. Your car: Honda
29. What are you doing at the moment?: blogging
30. Your summer: short
31. Your relationship status: Married :D
32. What is on your TV?: reflection
33. What is the weather like?: cloudy
34. When is the last time you laughed?: yesterday

Okay, so I veered from my "Saturday" scheduled post, but I thought this was something different. (And I didn't figure anyone would miss my "reviews.") This is harder than it seems. Some of these answers need explanation! Try it--you might like it!

Hugs and baby dust,

Fun Facts Friday!

Happy Friday, everybody! Are you as glad it's Friday as I am?

Here are today's facts. I'm wracking my brain here, trying to come up with tidbits of information that won't make me sounds too strange. Here's what I came up with for today:

1. When I was little, I went around telling everybody I was Barb.ara Man.drell. I have no idea why I chose that singer to "be," but that's who I told everyone I was.

2. The first movie I remember seeing in a theater was E.T.  I had this little stuffed E.T. figure that I took with me.  My mom says that at the end of the movie, when E.T. went home, all the little kids in the theater cheered...except me.  I was bawling.  When my mom asked me what was wrong, I sobbed, "He's never going to see that little boy again!"  (Always been an emotional wreck, I guess!)

3. I played the flute in the school band for a few years, and with that instrument breath control is very important. To this, I attribute my ability to hold my Shhh.... for a very long time.  It amazes my students (and often helps in getting their attention).

So, maybe you won't think I'm too boring or too weird.  Happy weekend!

Hugs and baby dust,

Thoughtful Thursday

I'll keep things short and sweet today.  I needed some inspiration today.  I hope this helps you, too.

"Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time."

--Thomas A. Edison
 
 
Hugs & baby dust,

Wednesday's Wishes...

Today, I wish that...everyone else's DH was as wonderful as mine. He did everything he could to make my birthday special. He gave me a beautiful ring (along with some clothes that fit) to commemorate the big 3-0.

Next, he brought dinner home so I didn't have to cook, and he also brought some lovely flowers. (I will update with this picture later...it's on his camera, and I don't know where the cable is.)


After our evening walk, he did his workout, showered, and then ordered me to stay in the living room because he had one more "birthday surprise." He made me strawberry shortcake!  (Picture to come later...see above.)



And, possibly most importantly, he held me while I cried when *spot* showed up right before bedtime. I guess it's on to cycle 30.

Thanks for the birthday wishes. I guess 30 isn't so bad...so far. (Wow, a whole 24 hours!) As for yesterday's "lie," it was statement number 1. Sorry, but Bush, Sr. did not call me on my birthday. I did, however, get my mom's old car AND fall off the shuttle bus on my college campus. (Still flares up every now and then...my old bus injury.)

Hope you're having a wonderful week!

Hugs and baby dust,

Two Truths and a Lie Tuesday…

It’s that time again! I will now reveal three statements about myself—two of them are truths, one of them completely made up in my head. So, which two are the truth, and which is fabricated? You be the judge. Since today’s my *gulp* 30th birthday, I’ll stick with a birthday theme today.

1. The President called me on my 12th birthday to wish me a happy birthday.
2.  When I turned 16, my mom got a new car and I got her old one.
3. I fell off the shuttle bus in a college parking lot on my 20th birthday.


Hugs and baby dust all around.

Always,

Merry Monday Musings...take 2

Once upon a time, there lived a Prince named Ashton 

and a Princess named Abbey

 who visited their aunt and uncle almost every weekend (so their parents could run around and act like teenagers, but, I digress..).  They loved their aunt and uncle so much, and always loved going for a visit.

One day, while they were visiting, they had LOTS of fun.  They played on the piano before church (because silly Aunt Angie forgot to put it "to sleep" before they got here (that is, close the lid).

And after, they played LOTS of fun games.  Aunt Angie gave horsie rides...

Uncle Jeremie played the W.i.i. with them, and they even played their favorite games--"Cand.y L.and" and "Ch.utes & Lad.ders."

When it was time to start calming down before bedtime, Prince Ashton and Princess Abbey decided to curl up in the chair with Aunt Angie to watch a bit of Nog.gin and have their favorite pre-bedtime treat: chocolate milk!

At first, Prince Ashton was enjoying some cuddle time with his aunt, while Princess Abbey held her ears.  (Who knows why?)

Soon, though, Princess Abbey decided to join them.  Looks like this princess is getting sleepy.

However,

Prince Ashton decided he did not want Princess Abbey to sit on the royal throne with him, and decided to push her from her spot.

Now, you might already be aware, but Princesses have a tendency to be a bit temperamental.  This particular princess is no different.  Since she had apparently been banished from her throne, she decided to take up residence in the middle of the coffee table. 

She then commenced to pout.

 

And because no princess likes to be ignored, she looked back to make sure we saw she was pouting.  She then resumed her original position.

At long last, Aunt Angie decided it was time to go to bed.  She kissed the princess and tucked her in tight, then left her to her slumber while the Prince tarried on the couch (until the Princess fell asleep because the princess talks to the prince and keeps him up if they go to bed at the same time...).  And they all still love each other and have a marvelous time together.

I hope your week is off to a marvelous start!  Have a blessed day!

Hugs and baby dust,

Sunday's Sketches

Here are some random photos. Just a reminder that we're not in control....we just think it sometimes.

the Great Smoky Mountains

(July 2007)

The sunset from my front yard...

These are pine trees...after an ice storm.

Have a blessed day.

Always,

Super Saturday Review

Since I could decipher words, I have always been an avid reader. I'd read anything I could find--cereal boxes, movie blurbs, the placemat at Piz.za Hu.t--you name it, I read it. Of course, my favorite thing to read was books. Growing up, I read every single book in the Babysi.tters Club series. When I got a bit older, I fell in love with the classics. I loved Poe, Dickens, Bronte, and most other authors' works I could get my hands on. I read the Greek drama Antigone and Arth.ur Mil.ler's The Crucible in the 8th grade for fun. (Yeah, I'm a dork.) Nevertheless, after all that *fun* reading I did in college, I decided that it was time my once favorite pasttime became fun again.

Thus, I discovered the world of chiclit. More specifically, the novels of Sop.hie Kins.ella. It began with Can You Keep a Secret and quickly blossomed to included the Shop.aholic series. (Be forewarned...a couple of those books include mention/birth of b-a-b-i-e-s.) There are a few more, and they are all fabulously funny. Most recently, I read Twen.ties Gi.rl.

This book has proven to be just as amusing as the others. I won't spoil it in case you decide to read it, but here's a brief synopsis. A young woman is haunted by the ghost of her 105-year-old great-aunt, who insists she help her locate her most prized possession--a necklace. No one can see great-aunt Sadie except Lara, but Sadie can influence people's thoughts by "screaming" into their ears. She leads Lara on quite an adventure in search of this necklace, taking control of her wardrobe a few times, and attempts to live vicariously through Lara (on a date with a gentleman Sadie picked out) until it's time to "go."

There is a bit of language in all of these books that I could do without, but if you can look past that, these are very fun reads. If nothing else, I was able to escape for a few hours and let my brain have some fun.

Hope your Saturday is Super!

Hugs and baby dust,

T.G.I.F!!!

As my spring break comes to a close, I can hardly believe how fast this school year has flown. In just 7 short (okay, probably long) weeks, my kiddos will move on to sixth grade and a new group of fifth graders will fill their seats. My very first class is graduating this year (talk about feeling old!).

Here are this week's Fun Facts. I hope you don't think I'm TOO strange!

1. I like to put things in alphabetical order (hence, the baseball card collection). I can rattle off my class roster in alphabetical order without hesitation. Even my CD's were alphabetized (and sorted by genre).

2. I guess this sort of goes somewhat with number 1--I like to sort things. If I eat something with multiple colors--such as Skittles, M&Ms, or jelly beans--I like to sort them by color. Then I save my favorites for last.

3. I am an early shopper. As a matter of fact, the first gifts I bought for Christmas 2010 were purchased on December 26, 2009. Hey, if I find a bargain on something I think someone on my list would like, you'd better believe I'll go ahead and get it!

Have a fabulous Friday and a wonderful weekend, everyone! Hugs and baby dust all around!

Always,

Thoughtful Thursday #2

Happy Thursday, everyone! This day officially puts me in the 1ww. I've managed to stay pretty calm thus far. Tonight, special J asked me if I'm pregnant (something he does nearly every month). I told him maybe (like I do every month). I try to stay optimistic, but it's hard. I can't even remember the last time I tested--since I've never seen two lines, and I wasted so many tests in the beginning, I guess I just want to be fairly certain it will be positive before I even try it. Still, Saturday is special J's birthday and mine is next Tuesday. I'm afraid I'll be tempted...but I'll try to be strong. I guess we'll see how things go...

Here's my quote for the day. Enjoy!

"Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there semed to be no hope at all.""
-- Dale Carnegie

Wednesday's Wishes

Happy Wednesday, all!  I guess it's time for another post of wishes. 

Even as a child, I was kind of on the plump side.  When I was younger, I used to wish witha ll my might that I'd magically wake up skinny.  Now that I'm all grown up, I still wish it...but I know it's not going to happen!

As for yesterday's two truths and a lie...numbers 1 and 2 were truths.  Number 3 was the lie.  (That baseball card collection is still in my parents attic, I think.)  While I was the hind-catcher, I was NOT very good at all.  The only reason I held that position was because I was so short, all the other positions had been given away by the time the coach realized I was in the huddle.  His favorite story to tell about me came from one of our first games.  Someone made a strike, but my uncoordinated 5-year-old self didn't catch it, either.  As I bent over to pick up the ball, my front foot kicked it out of my reach.  Apparently, this process continued and I chased the softball all the way to first base before being able to pick it up.  I vaguely remember the incident, and I think it has been embellished on just a bit over the last 25 years, but nevertheless--definitely not all-star material, here!

Hugs and baby dust all around!

Always,

Uh, oh...what happened to yesterday?

Okay, so I know I only have a few regular readers (that I know about), but I'm sorry I didn't get to post yesterday.  But I suppose, in the grand scheme of things, I've done a pretty good job of posting regularly--especially considering my "posting history" prior to the March ICLW.  So, if you missed me yesterday, I'm sorry.  I just got busy and  lost track of time.  If you didn't notice I was missing, well, then, I guess it didn't matter anyway.

So, here's the second installment of Two Truths and a Lie Tuesday.  In honor of the beginning of baseball season yesterday, I'll stick with a baseball/softball theme.

1.  I absolutely LOVE baseball!  (Go Card.inals!) 
2.  When I was younger, I had quite a collection of baseball cards--organized by league, then by team, then alphabetically. 
3.  I was an all-star hind-catcher when I played little league as a child.

There you have it...two of these slugger statements are the truth, and one of them not-so-true.  Which one?

I hope the weather is as nice where you are as it is here.  Have a wonderful day!

Always,

Sunday Sketch

Quote of the day...

"All I really need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt!"

--Lucy Van Pelt in Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz

Happy Easter, everybody. While I understand the serenity and seriousness of this most sacred holiday as celebrated in Christianity, I couldn't resist sharing this picture I came across today. Please do not think I am in any way undermining the true meaning of this occasion. I hope every one had a blessed day.

That being said, enjoy this cartoon to start off your week.

Hugs,

Super Saturday Review

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Wil.son athletic equipment company for providing my family with a tremendous source of entertainment. Yesterday afternoon, my husband, brother, mother and I hit the tennis court for a round of exercise. Please keep in mind that DH and I had never played before, my mom hadn't played in 25 years, and my brother only took up the game a year or two ago (and is not really, well, good.)

While we spent most of the time chasing the tennis ball (hence, the exercise), we laughed a lot and wished many times we'd brought the camera. We're not quite ready for the pro tour just yet, but we sure had fun.


Happy Easter, everyone! May God bless each and every one of you.

Always,

It's Finally Friday!

I didn't think this week would EVER end!  Not that I am wishing my life away, but my students have been especially WILD this week.  It sure makes for some long days.  They need a break from each other...it's a good thing next week is spring break. 

Well, in keeping with my new "blog outline," it's time for some fun facts about yours truly!  My plan is to just list some little-known random facts about some aspect of me or my personality.  Yeah, I know I'm a dork, but this is the real me!

* I like to read the newspaper backwards.  I don't know why.  My theory is that all the happiest news is in the front (wedding announcements, birth announcements--which I hope to have one someday, etc.), so I want to save the "best" news for last?  I have noticed that my grandmother does this, too.  My husband just thinks it's weird.

* My all-time favorite pizza was Pizza Hut's insider (the one with a layer of cheese between two very thin crusts, then topped as  normal) with mushrooms, banana peppers, and green bell peppers.  I ate it in layers.  Everyone I know says that is weird, but I like to eat things in layers.  (String cheese was made just for me!) 

* I collect snow globes, but I'm usually too cheap to buy them.  So I guess I should revise that statement to say I collect cheap snow globes.  I'm partial to the Christmas ones, and I'm usually willing to spend a bit more on those, but I also have them from several cities I've visited (or other people have visited and brought me as a souvenir). 

I guess that's it for today.  Can't give away all of my quirks on the first week!  In other news, I had some pretty strong O pains yesterday afternoon, on CD 14.  What's up with that?  My body's not supposed to do things normally!  Our timing was pretty good this month, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Baby dust to all!

Always,

Thoughtful Thursday #1

I came across this poem yesterday as I was searching for something and thought it quite fitting for my first "Thoughtful Thursday."  If you're reading this and you know the author, please let me know and I will give them credit.  All sources I found mentioning this cited the author as unknown.

Thoughts on Becoming a Mother

There are women that become mothers without effort,
without thought, without patience or loss
and though they are good mothers and love their children,
I know that I will be better.
I will be better not because of genetics,
or money or that I have read more books,
but because I have struggled and toiled for this child.
I have longed and waited.
I have cried and prayed.
I have endured and planned over and over again.
Like most things in life, the people who truly have appreciation
are those who have struggled to attain their dreams.
I will notice everything about my child.
I will take time to watch my child sleep,
explore and discover.
I will marvel at this miracle every day
for the rest of my life.
I will be happy when I wake in the middle of the night
to the sound of my child, knowing that I can comfort,
hold and feed him and that I am not waking
to take another temperature, pop another pill,
take another shot or cry tears of a broken dream.
My dream will be crying for me.
I count myself lucky in this sense;
that God has given me this insight,
this special vision with which I will look upon my child
that my friends will not see.
Whether I parent a child I actually give birth to
or a child that God leads me to,
I will not be careless with my love.
I will be a better mother for all that I have endured.
I am a better wife, a better aunt,
a better daughter, neighbor,
friend and sister because I have known pain.
I know disillusionment
as I have been betrayed by my own body,
I have been tried by fire and hell many never face,
yet given time, I stood tall.
I have prevailed.
I have succeeded.
I have won.
So now, when others hurt around me,
I do not run from their pain in order to save myself discomfort.
I see it, mourn it, and join them in theirs.
I listen.
And even though I cannot make it better,
I can make it less lonely.
I have learned the immerse power
of another hand holding tight to mine,
of other eyes that moisten
as they learn to accept the harsh truth
and when life is beyond hard.
I have learned a compassion
that only comes with walking in those shoes.
I have learned to appreciate life.
Yes I will be a wonderful mother.

--Author unknown

Until next time,

__________________