Peachy Keen Spring Afghan

I've been feeling a bit overwhelmed, as of late. There is so much going on. With life in general. Then you add in, all these new babies. Weeks away from making their "Grand Entrance." And I'm behind. Way behind!!!

So I've been crocheting. Every possible, free second that I have, I'm crocheting. In the car. During my breaks. While I watch TV. When I'm reading blogs. Heck, when I'm talking on the phone. And I'm feeling "burnt out."

Tired of all the "regular" patterns. And the pastel colors. Heck, with blue and pink. But I'm trying not to "lose faith" here. I'm looking for new things. Making up baby blanket patterns. Opting for brighter colors of yarn. And searching out a few new patterns. Like this one.

I don't remember how I first found this pattern. But immediately, I wanted to make it. And as crazy as it sounds, I'm thinking "outside the box." I have a few skeins of chocolate brown yarn. And I'm thinking that would be a nice little present. Something that a new dad, won't mind carrying around.

Maybe after a random project like this, I'll be back to the pretty pastels. Because this peach really is pretty. Or maybe that blue-ish green color. Something slightly different. But still fitting for a new baby, and Spring. ♥  

Movie Date Night

Since we got the good news yesterday, we've been going 100 MPH!!! Lots of things, that had been previously, "Put on the Back Burner," well have to get done. ASAP!!! So we're are busy again. I know. Life really never does stop.

My Guy, worked for a few hours today. Getting back "Into the Groove of Things." You know, until we start traveling tomorrow. I've been running around. Picking up things that we need, heading to the store, just making sure we'll have everything that we could possibly need.

But tonight, we decided to take it easy. Head to the "Lake House." Order in some food, from our favorite Japanese resturant. And watch a few good movies. Starting with The Help. One of my favorites. And surprisingly, one of My Guy's favorites too! Just don't tell anyone. ;)

We also watched The Secret Life of Bees. I'd never seen it. Neither had he. But we'd had it, in our collection, for a few years now. I'm a little embarrassed to admit this, but it was still sealed! I know...

Honestly, it was such a good movie. Super cute. Dakota Fanning, and Queen Latifah make the entire movie! How come I don't remember this movie? Like I never remember hearing about it. But somehow, we had it. :) Now I want to read the book. The books are always better, than the movies. Don't you think?

I don't know if this man shared my same love. Of this movie. He did fall asleep. But I'm thinking, that had more to do with him going back to work. It's been over 2 weeks, since he'd worked. So I'm OK with his napping. In fact, I finished 2 presents I was making. :) A crochet blanket. And a baby set. I even got about halfway, with a scarf and hat set.

We ended our movie watching with Cast Away. And I even got some packing down. As this guy, and our fur babies are now, fast asleep. We really enjoyed this quiet night at home. Very unusual for us. But something that we both, enjoyed so much! I think we need to do this more. You know, without one of us being hurt or sick. Just make a new "Movie Date Night." ♥

Quick Blog Update

My Guy is currently working. I'm trying to stay awake. The weather in "Wine Country," is a bit different than usual. Maybe because yesterday, we were suffering through 105 degrees! But that's the desert for you.

Anyway, I thought it was time for an update. I owe my readers that much. I don't know if you've noticed this, but my blog has been going nuts! I write up a post, and post it. Rarely, if ever, do I go back and read my blog. I do read the blog posts that this guy writes for me. They usually come once a month. When he "hijacks" my blog. :) I'll notice them in the "Edit Posts" tab. Then I go and read.

But if you hadn't noticed, this month has been very hectic for me. Lots of things going on. And I've sorta "cheated" a bit. Once a week, I've sat down, and written 5 or 6 posts. Set them to post on a specific day. Then only return to post 2 or 3 "real time" posts. It's the only way, I could keep up right now.



Well, when this guy posted something almost 2 weeks ago, I couldn't read it. I could see it in the "Edit Posts" tab, but not on my blog. Then I began to notice, tons of my posts were missing. So I contacted Blogger. And it's taken a while for them to get back to me. Now I understand My Bestie's aggravation toward Blogger.

I was told, that Blogger is going to "relaunch" my blog. Essentially, since I have well over 1000 posts, since I began in 2009, it's going to take a while. Randomly, I've noticed that posts are beginning to show up again. Sorry if your readers are getting filled up.

It was this, or I could manually post each and every blog post. Not something I wanted to tackle. Plus, I'd lose all of your wonderful comments. So now my blog is in Blogger's hands. It was so weird. A few nights ago, I had 6 posts showing up. In less than 30 minutes, I had 400. They're not coming in order. Just randomly being reposted. Again, sorry if it's clogging up your reader. I'm told, it should be completed by the beginning of July... Between, I want to make these colorful jars! ♥

Since I Met You Baby....

It's been a tough month. Tough couple of months, for ya Doll Face. It pains me, that I can't fix these things for ya. As much as ya do for me. I wish I could do more for ya. Take some of the pain away for ya.

There's something that I do know. Since I met ya, my life has been better. For many reasons. Mostly cause ya love me. Nothing more. Just cause ya love me.



I know that ya work hard to provide us with a comfortable home. A welcoming home. Full of love. Making my life easier. It hasn't gone unnoticed. Believe me. This month is one full of traveling for both of us. But know this, whenever we are apart, you are all that is on my mind. When we are together, I can't get enough of ya. Love ya Doll Face! You are my entire world. I wouldn't want it any other way. Your Guy

Soft Taco Casserole

The last few weeks, have just been nuts! I'm exhausted. But grateful. And so happy, that my Mr. was able to come out here, for a few days. With that, we've just been taking life, a little slower. At least yesterday and today.

With that, I don't really feel like cooking. Not the big meals, that this guy has gotten used to. So I went to Gooseberry Patch for some ideas. And this week's Recipe of the Week, is just what I was looking for. A tasty, but easy, casserole.



Soft Taco Casserole

1 lb. ground beef, browned and drained
10-3/4 oz. can tomato soup
1 c. salsa
1/2 c. milk
8-1/2 oz. can peas & carrots, drained
7 6-inch corn tortillas, cut into 1-inch squares
1-1/2 t. chili powder
1 c. shredded Cheddar cheese, divided

Combine all ingredients except 1/2 cup cheese; spread in a 2-quart casserole dish sprayed with non-stick vegetable spray. Cover and bake at 400 degrees for 30 minutes, or until hot. Sprinkle with remaining cheese; let stand until cheese melts. Makes 4 servings.



It's funny. When I was little, my Auntie and Grandma, both made tacos with mixed veggies. It's not something you see a lot. But it is tasty! This recipe, just reminded me of their tacos. Yum! Maybe I might try whipping up a batch of those, next week.

Right now, we have our casserole in the oven. I've also made a salad. And this guy, is in charge of dessert. It has been one emotional week. And I'm so grateful, for this time to just sit and relax. I know, we tend to forget to do that. And you know what, it's really important. It helps to re-energize a person. Making life a whole lot happier! ♥

Outdoor Inspiration

I ALWAYS travel with this guy. But let me tell you, this week has been so unexpected. Right out of "left field." It's floored me. Last Saturday, I was in my friends' wedding. Sunday, I "officially" became a Godmother, to 3 beautiful little girls. Monday, I lost my sister-in-law...

It's been emotional. Yesterday, were the services. And I still feel numb. Instead of a somber day, I was supposed to be celebrating Sofia. With this guy. Instead, I was in shock. That my young sister-in-law, is no longer with us. Today, I have to pull it together. It's Dawn's Bridal Shower. And I'm trying to stay happy and positive.

To get me in the mood, I've been on Pinterest. Looking for some inspiration. For our yard. We enjoy being outside. And with a new home, we have a new yard. That NEEDS to feel like home. So here we go...



How about some pretty flowers? In a cute little wooden barrel. I actually have 3 of these. And I sorta hate them. Because flowers are never tall enough, to be seen. But with these modifications, this could work. And it doesn't look too hard!



Or just some beautiful flowers. You see, I have 2 HUGE trees, in front of my home. My front yard NEVER gets any sun. This would be a nice change. A HUGE path of beautiful blooms. :)



How about a little shade. I have a HUGE backyard. With no shade! A nice little porch. But no place to entertain. I'm sorta in love with this entire arrangement. And the fact that it still feels fresh and airy!



At our new home, we have a big 'ol deck. We did buy some great outdoor furniture. But how cool, would these bench seats be? And they are so simple to make! This might just be, our next project. :)



And a beautiful dining area. I just LOVE to eat outside, during these warm months. Who wouldn't want to share a meal, in a beautiful area like this?

Now that I read through this post, I realize that the top 3 ideas, are for my home. The bottom 2, our for our new home. Can you tell that I'm going in a million directions? Oh well. I NEED lots of ideas right now. And Pinterest just happens to be the place, we're I'm drawing some inspiration. Now, we just need to tackle a few of these projects. While the weather is still warm. ♥

Roasted Walnut & Pear Salad

I don't even know where to begin. Life has been so crazy! And I'm just ready, to stop. But the month of June, is just nuts for me! The "Bridal Tea" that was planned earlier this week, was moved. And the Baptismo, this weekend, was changed. I'm still feeling a total sense of loss. And very unmotivated.

But I must power through. I know. It's hard to move forward. Especially this soon after, a great loss. But I'm moving. And I'm trying to get plans together, for Dawn's party. Tomorrow. Everything I had previously planned, went out the window Monday. Sorry Dawn!

Instead, I've decided on an afternoon get together. Just us gals still. But days later. With much simpler food. To compensate, we're going to have a "jewelry making" afternoon. This guy, just amazes me! He bought us tons and tons of stuff, from Tori Spellings new line. :)

And I've been putting together lots of easy, but tasty recipes. Essentially, I'm going to have about 2 hours, to get it together. :) This week's Gooseberry Patch Recipe of the Week, just seems so perfect! Light, easy, and tasty.



Roasted Walnut & Pear Salad

1 head romaine lettuce, torn
2 c. pears, thinly sliced
2 Roma tomatoes, chopped
1 c. walnuts
2 T. butter
1/4 c. brown sugar, packed
4-oz. pkg. crumbled blue cheese
8-oz. bottle raspberry white wine vinegar salad dressing

Place lettuce in a large serving bowl; lay pears on top and add tomatoes. In a medium skillet, roast walnuts in butter until golden; add brown sugar and stir over low heat until walnuts are hardened with glaze. Add walnuts to salads, sprinkle on blue cheese and toss with vinegar dressing. Makes 6 to 8 servings.



Doesn't this sound AMAZING? Honestly, I'm looking forward to hanging out with my gal pals. I NEED to just relax. And enjoy life a little. Today was such a tough one. I can't even describe to you, the crazy amount of emotions, that were going on. Saying goodbye to my SIL, was like saying goodbye to my sister. ♥

I've Learned...

One of the things that I've come to realize, about living in the South is...ice tea is like water. Everyone drinks it. Everyone expects it. And everyone has their own twist on it. Around these parts, Sweet Tea is KING! For the love of God, you better have a fresh pitcher, in your fridge at all times!

Me? I'm a little partial to the Sun Tea myself. No sweetener. Just a few slices of lemon. Of course, it should be in a good 'ol Mason Jar. With tons of ice...and a straw. But that's how I like it.

And with your tea, should come, "long sits on your porch." Taking in the beauty of the South. Catching up with loved ones. Reading a good book. Writing in your journal. Or doing a little craft. We're lucky. We've got a "Wrap Around Porch." Goes all the way around our home. In the front, we've got 6 beautiful rockers. On the side, a fun swing. In the back, the most comfy furniture you can imagine!



And today, I've been feeling a little down. My Love, is out working. In Georgia. He asked me to go with him, but we still had guests. And I haven't been feeling 100%. My friends, well I just said my goodbyes. As they make their way home. They will be missed!

So I took to our porch. Ice tea, good book, and fur babies in tow. We've tried to relax, and enjoy ourselves. But something is eating at me. Making this a tough day. A little praying has helped to calm me a bit...

But I'm positive, I need to go tackle a project. A cleaning project. I'm thinking the kitchen could use another good scrub. And I still have a few cabinets to weed through. Am I the only person, that deals with stress like this? I have to clean and organize something. And minimizing our things, always puts me at ease. ♥

Polka Dot Fun!

I've been in this funny mood lately. On one hand, I want to get our homes in order. The decorating complete. Make it feel, just like our home should feel. On the other hand, I don't want to shop. Or spend money. Even if, I have everything planned out.

It's my crazy personality taking over. I just know it!!! I get into these funky moods! When I've spent weeks making a plan. Researching so many products, ideas, and stores. Then, I just don't want to spend money. Lately, I haven't wanted to spend money on anything!!!

In fact, we've eaten our way, through our freezer, and pantry. There's really, no groceries left. We've had some interesting meals. Literally, unless this man needs something, I've stayed very far away, from any store!!!

With that said, I've had this picture, saved on my computer. For almost a year!!! I've searched high and low, for these chairs. With no luck.



If I could find these chairs, I just might get out of this funk. I might dive head first, into making our houses, homes. Why in the world, do I have to decorate 3 homes at once? When I don't want to do anything, but take long baths, read good books, and nap out on the back porch. I know, I just need to get through this semester. Then life will be more like these polka dots...fun and cheerful! ♥

To the Sound of Our Heartbeats

We've been here since Thursday. Soaking up all the sun. Even with jam packed work schedules. And since Thursday, My Guy has been singing this song!



We didn't drive. I sorta wanted to. Call me crazy! But it's not that far, from my home state. We'd only be driving through a handful of states. But we flew. Which in the end, was a good idea. Because it gave us more time, to just enjoy our surroundings. And each other.

Today, My Guy is working. I'm hanging out with My Bestie. And Baby C. It should be a nice day. Of fun. And of course some sun! Well, if the rain stays away. :) Anyway that you spin it, we're going to have a good day.

This week, has been such a busy one. One that sorta stressed me out. Even with my birthday, I haven't had much down time. Oh yeah, I'm looking forward to a little down time this week. It's just been so crazy!

Most of all, I've just enjoyed being out here. Spending time with friends. Enjoying this beautiful state. Everything that nature has to offer. With all the traveling that we do, we honestly don't get out to the West Coast much. So I'm definitely going to enjoy today! ♥

A Lesson Learned in Life...

This week, we're in a beautiful place. The hills of the "Big Bend State." Oh yes, it's beautiful! We spent lots of time, just enjoying the area. Amazing vintage shopping! My Bestie and I, took a long stroll, with Baby C. Just enjoying the beauty, of this space. This my friends, is one of my favorite places to visit!

But now, it's work time, for My Guy. And honestly, I'm pretty excited. I myself, will be studying. But it's not so bad! I have a HUGE exam tomorrow. And a lot on schedule this week. Medical Conferences, Clinicals, and did I mention the traveling?

So I'm going to leave you with a song, that this Mr. is currently grooving on. He's having some issues, with a friend or two. I think this song, just tells it, like he feels it. "Be yourself, by yourself, stay away from me."



In the meantime, I'm going to grab some lunch. And my favorite pillow. Probably change into a comfy sweatsuit. And crack open the books. It feels good, to get to study, such life changing things.

Have a great week friends! Most of my posts this week, will be scheduled. But I will "pop in" from time to time. Happy Sunday! ♥

Like a Playground

That is what Sin City is like. A "Playground" for adults. Don't you think? We were in Sin City, for almost a week. The LBs and I performed. The BBs and I performed. Manders and I, got a lot of time, to catch up. I enjoyed my time with Cole, and her little fashionista! My Bestie, was dealing with some stuff. But I'm positive, that this trip helped her. To move forward. And my favorite time, was spent, with all my Goddaughters!



I always think, it's so strange. We go to Sin City to work. We perform. Put on BIG shows. We mingle with VIPs. Get paid to gamble. This guy, has to work. All weekend! Literally, all we do, is WORK!

But so many people, go to Sin City, to have fun. To play. To somewhat become "kids" again. A far cry, from our reasons. But we're all there, to entertain, have fun, and enjoy the city!

Sunday night, we celebrated this guy. Really "Lit Up the Town!" I think, for most of us, it's been crazy. We've been so busy. And stressed out. Life has been so emotional. The burdens were getting so tough. But this celebration, just helped calm everything. Even for, just one night!

I know that sounds weird. But it's the truth. And I'm glad, that I have the group of friends, that I have. I'm so happy, for the job I have. And for this guy. There was once a time, when all I thought about, was work and school. Life wasn't really "Worth Living," at that time.

I'm learning, that sometimes, you just need to enjoy yourself. To "Live in the Moment." Enjoy your blessings. I mean, seriously, how many people get paid to travel? And perform? Hangout with friends? Not many. And I need to be grateful for that. "Live in the Moment."

This was a fast trip. Almost completely, scheduled with work. But we did enjoy ourselves. In fact, this guy and I, want to come back. You know, when we're not working. And really enjoy the "City of Sin!" The way it was meant to be enjoyed. Now we just need to schedule that in! :) Oh, can you tell...we work too much! ♥

Tina's Crusty Cornbread

From what I hear, there was a time, when this guy and his grandma, used to have weekly dinners. She'd cook up a feast. Just for him. Then they'd make an evening out of catching up, and eating. I'm not sure when it stopped. Or why. I just think, it was such a nice tradition!

For almost 4 years now, My Guy and I have been dating. We don't have the weekly dinners, with Grandma. :( But we do try, and see his Grandma, at least a few times a month. If you are a regular reader, then you know, we travel a lot. A LOT! And our plate is always full! But we carve out the time.

Grandma and I rotate the cooking. If she really wants some Mexican food, I cook. If I'm dying for fried chicken, she cooks. We swap recipes. Cookbooks. And of course, food! I'll even admit it here. Sometimes when My Guy is working, I go to his Grandma's house. To have dinner. While he works! :)

A couple of weeks ago, Grandma called me. She was making a feast. And wanted me to go over. Someone was working. So I went alone. And it was such a fun night! We just caught up on things. Nothing fancy. Just 2 chattin' ladies. Oh, and I got a present. This cookbook! Which I've been putting to great use!

Fast forward to this week. We've decided to stay in the SW. Between all this work. I'm performing Thursday-Sunday. In Sin City. My Guy is also working here this weekend. But we did have a day or so, to just run off and get lost.

We did just that. At my house. It was a little funny. We "roughed" it a bit. As there is no hot water. And we can't use the kitchen sinks, or washer. But we did have 1 running bathroom. And a kitchen. So I cooked a yummy meal. A hardy beef stew. And made cornbread. From this week's Gooseberry Patch Free Recipe of the Week. Which is also from this cookbook!



Tina's Crusty Cornbread

1/4 c. butter
1 c. plain yellow cornmeal
1/2 c. stone-ground yellow cornmeal
2 t. baking powder
1 t. salt
1/2 t. pepper
8-oz. container sour cream
3/4 c. sour milk or buttermilk
2 eggs, beaten
1 c. finely shredded Cheddar cheese

Add butter to an 8"x8" baking pan or a 9" cast-iron skillet. Place in a 425-degree oven 5 to 6 minutes, rotating pan to coat the sides with butter. In a large bowl, combine remaining ingredients; stir until well combined and glossy. Pour batter into pan. Bake at 425 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes, or until top is golden. Cut into squares or wedges; serve warm. Makes 8 servings


I wasn't sure what to think. My Guy is from the South. And there are certain things, that you just don't mess with. Like fried chicken. And cornbread. But I was feeling adventurous. And I made this recipe.

OMG! It was delicious! I don't know, what exactly makes this different. But there was something different about it. It was so good! I will admit it. I ate one bowl of stew. And almost all the corn bread! By myself. Yes, I did share with this guy. And he liked it too! ♥

Let It Be

Recently, I feel like many of my posts, have been "heavy." My heart has been heavy. Broken. My soul, has been in need of repair. I've been carrying so much! And need to just breathe.

Much of it, has been because of my brother. Who just makes me feel so uneasy. He rubs me, the wrong way. I can't trust him. He's just so sly. Doing the worst things, under the radar. And no one else, really seems to bring it up. But it bothers me. So much!

In so many ways, he's destroyed our family. He's still doing it. Making life miserable, for so many! And I'm not sure, what I should do. But it bothers me. It bothers me, that he steals from everyone. That he lies. That he makes a fool, out of people. Then hides from it. Doesn't own up, to the things that he does.

It bothers me, that he hurts the people that I love, so much! That he makes up excuses for it. That he brings his problems, to the rest of us. Expecting us, to make them go away. He's just evil. And I don't know what to do about it. I hate to bring it up here. But it's been on my mind. And it needs to get out!

And then, I've been missing so many people. That have gone before me. To meet our Maker. Really missing our time together. The things we shared. Time that we shared. Just being together. I've been so emotional lately!

Also, I've been so worried about my Dad. Hoping that his health improves. That things get easier for him. And my Mom. I just worry a lot, about the 2 of them. I wish that I could do more for them. Carry more of the burdens. Make things better, and easier, for them.



But I know, that I can't really, do much more. I do a lot already. I ALWAYS put my family first. I've sacrificed so much for them. But at some point, we all need to carry our own burdens. We all have our crosses to bare. The hardships, that we need to deal with. On our own. I know this. But it's still hard!

I know, that I can't change things. That I can't make everyone's pain go away. Even if I try. I know that sometimes, you just need to "Let It Be." God knows the "Master Plan." He knows why we must "suffer." Why we have certain crosses to bare. Why some people "get away with it," while others have to "face" their problems!

Sometimes, we have to go though "rough" patches. To value the good times. I know this. In my brain, I know this. But in my heart, I wish I could make all those tough things, go away. Sometimes, we just need to learn that we need to "Let It Be."

Because there is no changing life. Sometimes things, just need to work themselves out. And sometimes, we need to let go of certain things. And certain people. That can be the hardest. But I'm learning how to do it.

"Let It Be." If it was meant to be, it will work itself out. But we can't sit here, and stress ourselves out, about everything. I know this. But I need to start really believing it! Sometimes, we just can't fix things. Sometimes people don't want to change. And sometimes, we just need to go live our lives. Without worrying about the world. I'm learning how to just "Let It Be." ♥

Rain, Rain, Go Away!

The weather in the Sunshine State is always, and I mean ALWAYS, changing. And pretty quickly. It actually reminds me a lot, of my home state. But, the rain pretty much moved in yesterday. And won't leave! We're ready for a little sunshine. OK, A LOT of sunshine!

The last few days have been a little crazy. My Guy was supposed to work yesterday. But the rain has delayed that. And as of this morning, things are not looking good right now. As much as I LOVE this beautiful state, we're ready to head home. PLEASE RAIN...STOP!!!



Like I said, it rained all afternoon and evening yesterday. And we needed something to fill up our time. We called a couple of friends. But this guy, had already decided to take My Bestie out to dinner. And Brother B, was going to watch Baby C.

What did that leave for My Guy and me to do? Eat an entire pot of food! I made "The Lady & Sons Beef Vegetable Soup." I also baked a big 'ol loaf of crusty bread. We might have also enjoyed some homemade carmel corn, a little cobbler, and some ice cream. Watched 8 hours of Clint Eastwood movies. :) Oh ya! Baby it was a great night. Just a little something we like to do.

Not the way, we had planned our night. But what can you do? Mother Nature has sent us rain. And essentially told us, it's time to slow down. Even for just one night. Honestly, I couldn't think of a better way, to spend my Sunday night. With the man I LOVE. Cuddling, and enjoying some of our favorite treats. ♥

Winter Snow Storm

The snow magically started to fall, late Sunday night. Quietly, but quickly. I sat watching it. Blanketing the earth. Bringing a calm with it. For a very long time, I've enjoyed watching snow fall. At night. When all the world seems so calm and peaceful.



Monday turned into one of those days. When everything stays closed. Hardly anyone takes to the roads. My Guy and I decide to stay in bed, order some breakfast, and watch a stack of movies. It was a fun day. When nothing got done. Except a lot of cuddling!

I was pretty sure, that life would return to normal, on Tuesday. There were still lots of delays. Almost every road, leading out of town, was closed. My parents were back to work. We were scheduled to look at homes. This whole staying in a hotel, every time we come to my hometown, is getting a little old. I miss cooking. My Guy misses his own space.

We ended up getting almost nothing done, Tuesday or Wednesday. The main highway, to my home, was closed. Little by little, it was opening up. But in the southern part of my home state, they're just not prepared for big storms. So the roads were at the mercy of "Mother Nature." I figured, things would be "A OK" by today...

I was supposed to meet a friend today. And it just didn't happen. The roads were open for the first 80 miles. And the last 50. But everything in between, was closed. Boo! And my cellphone coverage, is almost non-existent. What is up with that?

After talking to My Guy, we decided not to chance it. We didn't want to get stuck in some small town, with no hotel room. Or stuck on the side of the highway. Or get in an accident. And all I could think about, was that dear couple, who got stuck in the snow, last weekend. Ultimately, it was a tragic story. One that we didn't want to repeat.

Although, I LOVE the snow. It really has put a damper on my plans. Our Realtor wouldn't venture out, until today. I didn't get to meet with my friend. Heck, I still haven't talked to her! We haven't made it to the cabin yet. But on the bright side, we got a lot of Christmas shopping done! Some decorations made. And I've spent lots of time, cuddling with my Love! ♥

Back to Reality

Yes, we're really back to reality. Full force. This Mr. is back at work. I'm swimming in e-mails. And the dogs are begging me, to go for a walk. Yes, we are back to life. Constantly ringing cellphones and all!

But it's nice. There is always something good, about digging into a busy life. Getting knee deep in things, that need to be done immediately. Making sure the Mr. gets breakfast and lunch, between his crazy schedule. Trying to figure out what we're having for dinner. The same dinner, that we invited 30 co-workers to. And trying, so hard, to include a little bit of exercise in there. Somewhere. Anywhere in my day.

People just look at me, with a completely blank stare, when I tell them about our days. All the things we have to cram into 24 hours. How we manage this schedule. What the Mr. does for a living. How I manage to be a full time Med student, with this insane internship. Oh, all while battling the Big C.

I'll be the first to admit it. It's not always easy. But it's a good life. The life I chose to share with this man. And at the end of the day, when I crawl into bed, to tell him all about my day, I'm glad he's there to cuddle with. We talk about crazy patients, dumb papers, publicity stuff, cars, new business ideas, silly pets, and our dreams for our future. It's the best way to end any day. Wrapped in his arms, dreaming about our life together!

As we look at a solid 4 months of "Being on the Go," I'm OK with it. Because I have this man at my side. Ready to catch me when I fall. Excited to walk this path with me. And even when dinner doesn't come out, just the way that I had imagined, he's OK with it. Because together, we laugh at the silliness of our lives. Even if it leaves us eating PB&J at midnight. While trying to figure out where our luggage is. Yes, we're back to reality! ♥

Bad Habits

Do you have a bad habit? One that you are desperately trying to break? Ya, you know the one. This Mr. was a smoker, years ago. He really enjoyed it. And as I hear, it was a semi-long affair. But he kicked that bad boy habit right in the butt. Me? It's more of an addiction to this sweet nectar...



Yes, we ALWAYS have Diet Cherry Pepsi in the house. In the last few months, I've grown to enjoy a tall glass, with lots of crushed ice, as I work in the afternoons. OK, sometimes, it turns into 2 or 3 glasses. But I know, that it's not good for me. Or something that should be a regular habit. It's only slightly better than regular soda. I need to kick this habit. Oh, just thinking about it, makes me nervous! ♥

Blah!

See those balloons. I feel just like them. Yes, that's exactly how I feel. It has to do with a friend. I keep trying to meet her. And it just doesn't work out. A year and a half! People, I just don't know what else to do. I try and try. And it just doesn't work out.

The worst part is, I seem to be the only one trying. Making the effort to call her. To e-mail, text, anything. It's me doing it. She doesn't reach out. Rather, I feel like she tries to guilt me, when I haven't called. I know that I'm sporadic with my communications, but at least I'm making an effort.

I was talking to this guy earlier this morning. Telling him, that I think it's just time for me to give up on this friendship. To just walk away. It's funny. I really felt like she was a good friend. But obviously, that's not how she really feels.

The crazy thing is, I've always been the "breaker upper" in relationships. Whether it was easy or not, when I knew it was over, I'd end it. But with friendships, even the really bad ones, I have trouble ending them. I don't know what it is. It's like I want to save whatever remains, however bad it is, I want to save the friendship.

But I'm beginning to think, it's just time to end this thing. To walk away. And not even pretend. I'm tired off putting everything out there. Of getting nothing back in return. Any type of relationship is about give and take. Friendships are no different.

I've gone through this for a long time. With this particular friend. Even are conversations are pretty one sided. When I've needed a friend the most, like when my Dad was hospitalized, she wanted to talk about beauty products, organizational skills, and shopping. What? Yes, she was not the kind of friend that stopped to realize, I was going through hell. I needed a friend.

Maybe I've been avoiding conflict. Or trying to make up for what happened with Little G. Way back in the day. But I can't keep avoiding this. I completely reworked my schedule to meet her for lunch. Then nothing. Not a call. Nothing. I'm just tired. I'm tired of making the effort. Sometimes, coming to an end, is the only possible decision to be made. ♥

Inspiration

I feel like I'm lacking in inspiration lately. Inspiration for everything. Crafting, blogging, just life in general. I'm not sure what it is. Maybe I'm on overload. There has been so much going on lately. I'm really just exhausted! So much has gone on, and changed, in the last few months. And now, I NEED to step back, and take care of me.

That's probably one of the hardest things for me to do. I'm not wired to just stop, and take care of me. But I'm learning, the hard way, that you need to do just that. You need to take care of yourself first. It's the only way that you are really about to take care of others.

So I'm going to take a deep breath. And look for a little bit of inspiration. You know, work on a project for me. I'm not sure if that means tackling a garden, adding beautiful flowers outside, or maybe getting my Craft Room/Office just the way I want it.

Heck, I might just venture out. Start a fun sewing project. Or actually crochet something for me. Yes, that's right. I've never made myself anything! It's weird. Even I know that. But it's the truth. And that's what I'm getting at. I need to start taking care of me.

You can only go so long, giving yourself to others. Making sure they're a OK. And then you start to lose yourself. That's pretty much where I'm at. I need to take a page from My Guy's book. Every once in a while, he just takes a day to chill. To do something he really enjoys. I've always supported that. Because he works hard, and he needs the down time.

So I'm being inspired. Inspired to be a better person. To take time for myself. To make myself a better person. It means a lot. I've been through a lot. And sometimes, you just need to stop and do something for yourself.

I think I'm going to start this adventure with a trip to Hobby Lobby. Or maybe Target. And just buy something, that I've wanted for a while. I'm also going to sign up for some kind of class. There are so many things that I want to learn, and try out. This is the time. I'm going to use the world, as my inspiration. ♥