Never frown... even when you're sad you never know when someone is falling in love with your smile.

Unknown Author

"Addicted To Sidetracks"

This morning in church we had a guest pastor who had a lot of energy. One of my favorite things that he said was, "I am totally addicted to sidetracks so raise your hand if I miss the point and tell me to get there, ok?" I loved that because if you know me well..."digress" is my middle name! "Addicted to sidetracks" I thought was brilliant!

Halloween Dance

Shea went to her first middle school dance tonight! Hayley & Shea got ready together and were so excited to go. Shea was a butterfly & Hayley was a spider. I baked chocolate chip cookies for the kids and did the drop off/pick up routine. No more being a part of their social engagements! Amy, Joy & I went to dinner and had such a fun time. We went to a Japanese type fast food place that was so yummy! I love that Amy makes me try new things! I still won't do sushi but I loved what I got. When we first got to the restaurant, the air conditioner was blowing full blast and they were both cold. I told them that I thought it felt great! The restaurant also had granite table tops so I also told them, "I would love to lay naked on the top of this table!" Hey, it would be cold but I know I would like it! They both told me to at least wait until we were done eating! I love my friends!

Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.

Lao-Tzu

"Beowulf"

Every time I see a billboard for this movie I have to laugh! Awhile back I went out with a guy who was a high school English teacher. He was a very intelligent man but I never felt he really appreciated my silly sense of humor. One night he was grading his students papers and I asked him what topic that they had written on. He just said, "Beowulf" and when I asked him to repeat it, I heard it the same as the first time. When I went and peeked over his shoulder and read the paper and saw that it said, "Beowulf" I said to him, "Oh, Beowulf...I kept thinking you were saying "BayWolf" and I thought it was a spinoff of "Baywatch!" I knew when he gave me a courtesy laugh that I probably shouldn't see him again!

As the ocean is never full of water, so is the heart never full of love.

Unknown Author

God gave women intuition and femininity. Used properly, the combination easily jumbles the brain of any man I've ever met.

Farrah Fawcett

"Why Did I Get Married?"

It is not very often these days where I see a movie in the theatre and go back and see it again. Tyler Perry has become one of my favorite actors. He is a brilliant movie maker, writer, director, etc..."Diary Of A Mad Black Woman" was such a great movie that I had to buy it on DVD. I have watched it many times and I love it more and more each time that I watch it. The cast in "Why Did I Get Married?" was so easy to fall in love with! I've said it many times before...Give me a handsome, black, muscle clad man and you may as well call it a day! Geez, between the unbelievably gorgeous Tyler Perry himself, all 5 of the men are beautiful to look at! I am in love with Lamman Rucker! In my eyes, he's truly the hero in the movie and what a complete HOTTIE! He so reminds me of a young Luther Vandross! It don't get much better than that for me y'all! In one scene, Michael Jai White walks into the room with just his briefs on and all I could mutter was, "Yummy!" All the women were awesome and Tasha Smith truly made me laugh from start to finish! Janet Jackson & Jill Scott played the quiet, sensitive rolls and my heart was drawn in to both of them. Proudly, I admit that I have seen this movie now a total of 4 times and I bet I will go back a couple more times before it is out on DVD! When was the last time you could say that your money was well spent on a movie? GO SEE IT!!!

Tyler Perry's 'Why Did I Get Married?' Tyler Perry wears many faces: actor, comedian, TV producer (you may have heard of a little show called "Tyler Perry's House of Payne"), and filmmaker. Watch video clips from Perry's latest movie, "Why Did I Get Married?," about a group of married couples who go on a trip--and must face some difficult revelations--and read an interview with him... Watch: Clips from 'Why Did I Get Married?'Read: Interview with Perry on Faith and FamilyMore: Complete Features on "Tyler Perry's House of Payne"

Windy Days & Keith

Today Keith said to me, " You know what these winds make me want to do?" to which I replied, "Yes...I do! Get naked and run through those winds!" We were both cracking up. (No pun intended!) It's funny to both of us because on my first day of work a few years back he said the same thing to me! At that time he didn't even know me! He didn't yet know my sick & twisted sense of humor! Keith also received a personal card in our company's mail today and a few hours later when I asked what it was for he said he didn't know and that he hadn't even opened it yet. What is with "guys" in general? What is it that makes them able to wait on things like that??? As a woman, I would have had that card opened before you could say, "Boo!" Later on in the day, Keith handed me the card to read...usually, I'm not so curious but I did read it. All I keep thinking about are two phrases: "Run Forrest Run" and "Run like the wind Bullseye!" I told Keith that very first day that if he went naked, I would be right behind him! The difference now is that he knows I mean what I say and say what I mean! Please pray for my buddy, Keith, as he is having surgery tomorrow for a tumor on his chest bone. I tried to feel it today but couldn't but I did ask if he wanted to feel my chest bone. Hey, gotta make a guy laugh and blush sometimes!

California On Fire

Boy oh boy...there are fires everywhere! A few weeks ago, we went to our fire station and attended a pancake breakfast as a fundraiser. Brian showed us all around the station and explained all that they do. It was very interesting and I spoke with a friend from elementary school. John is the one dangling from the helicopter when they rescue from a river, etc...Yikes! Please pray for my close friends who are firefighters out there, Brian Lee & Keith Crownover. I have known both these sweeties for almost my whole life! I always say an extra prayer for those brave ones out there doing what I would never even get close to. I always say a man in uniform looks hot but c'mon now!

My Vice President

A couple if weeks ago Shea came in and announced that she was going to run for student body vice president. (Only 8th graders can run for president) I was so excited for her and told her of my stories when I was in student council. I was student body president in 9th grade and I have some really cool memories from it. She made some creative posters with such cute tag lines and used photos of her that she printed off the computer. Well, SHE WON! Being that this is her first year at this new school, I had told her to try and not be too disappointed if she didn't win because she was running against students who have been there since pre-school. I was so happy when she told me that she won. She did get somewhat annoyed when Hayley said it was a popularity contest. She got even more annoyed when I told her that I agreed with Hayley but to be proud that people liked her enough to vote for her. She still insists that it is because of what she wants to do for the school. Be that as it may, I love that she is popular like her mommy!!!!

"Wild Woman"

The winds have been a blowin' and a blowin' HARD! This morning when I "blew" into work through the side door, I said "hi" to Tony and asked him (as a joke) if my hair looked ok. He was so funny and answered, "You look like a wild woman!" To which I replied, "Well then, I got the effect I was going for!"

Playing My CD's

My car is never without music. As soon as I get in, I will pop a CD in or crank up the radio. I finally realized that the only way to listen to a CD completely is by reversing the order of the songs so you start with the last song first and move your way down. Otherwise, you are always listening to the first, second & third songs over and over again as they start each time you get in the car. I did it this morning on my new Rascal Flatts CD and found that I was able to listen to the last two songs before I got into work. It might be confusing for me, but I'm going to keep on doing it that way for awhile...or start taking more long drives to listen to the whole CD in it's entirety!

The Games People Play

What a weekend for the sports world! Tons of football, Sox won their game and are now in the world series with the Rockies, but my favorite to watch were my Clipper boys! Clips played the Lakers last night and won! It was a good game and my boys did great. They made some hot shots and looked darn good! Lakers kind of sucked if you ask me...but then again, I am a Clipper girl at heart! They have some new players and dang they were awesome! Shea & I have a whole bunch of nicknames for the old players: Corey Maggette= "Muscles" Sam Cassell= "Chops" Sean Livingston (My favorite player-on DL from knee surgery in Feb)= "Cutestuff" Elton Brand= "Sweetie" Cuttino Mobley= "Crybaby" Chris Kaman= "Hair" A few of the new ones got nicknames as well: Paul Davis (my maiden name was Davis)= "Bro" Al Thorton= "Fro" Dan Dickau= "Lil' Dick" I will give the new players some love, they were quick and played hard! You all know that I love my men to play hard!

The Leaves Are A Changin'

When I was younger, I loved summer. I mean really, what was there not to love? No school, swimming all day long, going to the beach, being able to stay up late, etc...As I've grown older (& wiser I'd like to think) I absolutely love fall! Today as I was driving down a tree lined street I couldn't help but notice how beautiful the colors of fall are. It gets me every year and I just thank God for all the beauty that He puts in my life. It almost takes my breath away!

Murphy's Law...Really?

What a morning! Whew! It was going way too well and then "KABOOM!" The plumber (Carine's older brother, Mike, whom I have known 30 plus years and I call him my lumberjack) was coming to fix my leaking bathtub faucet and had to cancel at the last minute. No problem and he's coming tomorrow morning. I had already called Amy to come and pick Shea up but then decided to take her myself because I had to get to the grocery store for our family dinner tonight. So much for trying to be productive and efficient!!! I had a bag of trash to throw out and my worst nightmare (not really my worst...but it sucked anyway!) happened. As I flung the trash into the large dumpster...I also flung my keys in as well! I am always so careful to never come close to doing that but...not today! It's true that I just had surgery and was not about to go climbing into a dirty dumpster (not that I could even get my butt into it anyway) and even though Shea was willing to try, there was no way she could get in without a stepstool or chair! I'll just go get one from inside the house I think...wait...NO FLIPPIN KEYS! Duh! And so went my second, panicked call to Amy to at least come and pick Shea up so she isn't late for school. Then I saw him...God sent down an angel to save us!!!! I had never seen him, met him, heard his name, but I owe Andre-Unit #25 BIG TIME! He saved us! Thank God Andre is an agile, willing, sweet guy! As he jumped up and over, he did mutter & laugh, "You owe me" to which I replied, "I know...I totally owe you! I am so sorry." As he jumped out, with my keys, I smiled and told him that he had done his good deed for the day! See...there are some good guys left out there! I couldn't help but sing that song, "Looking For Love In All The Wrong Places"...I have to go, I am making Andre some cookies as a Thank You!

Please Pray For My Friend

It has been a rough and emotional couple of months for me, between my surgery and another very personal matter. Without going into detail, please pray for one of my best friends. I have grown up with him and have had him in my life for as long as I can remember. We currently still share the single most important thing in life together. He has struggled for years with being addicted to drugs and has finally entered rehabilitation last Saturday night. It is what I have been praying for almost as long as I have known him. It appears that his family and his wife are finally aware of what a serious illness he has. (somewhat validating me for what was before discarded with denial) Even though I have been removed from the obligation of marriage, the wounds that were left have become raw and painful knowing what they all are going through. In the deepest place of my heart, I want him to get better, to love life and live it in the ways that he will be healthy. I have always wanted that for him. I truly believe that God is the only one who can make the transformation and make him the man and father that he deserves to be. Once I love someone, I will love them forever. Please pray for him and lift him up to the Lord to keep His hands cradling him when things get tough to handle.

Thanks!

Titus 2:12
"Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and wordly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age."

Philippians 4:13
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Romans 8:28
"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."

Romans 14:13
"Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother's way."

Subtle Versus Settle

Once again, my Sweetiepuss, Shea Elisa, had me in hysterics last night! We were coming up the elevator and I mentioned that we had nail appointments today. The day before she had told me that she was doing "hot pink" because she has had a french tip for the past two weeks and wanted something different. Last night she tells me that she changed her mind and is going to do a lighter pink like what I usually pick out...something more "settle." I corrected her and said, "you mean subtle." She insisted she meant "settle!" I started to explain the difference (verb vs adjective) and stopped myself to listen to her explanation. She went on to tell me that when her and Hayley are getting too wild, I always say to "settle down" and it means to mellow or calm down. She wanted to get a more "settle" color of nail polish! It took me awhile to stop giggling- how stinkin' cute is that? The look on her face was priceless when I told her how to actually spell "subtle." It all brought back memories of when we went to dinner at Claim Jumper. After the waitress left to put in our order, Shea looked at me with a strange look and said, "Did she just say baked potato?" I said, "Yes, why did you want mashed?" She replied, "I always though it was BIG potato!" None of us will ever know it all, huh?

Advice From Keith's Dad

I love pieces of advice, wise ol' sayings, and just hearing old stories from geriatric people! I have to say that it is one of the things I miss most about not working at Dr. Felt's office. The saying, "Older & Wiser" holds true so often these days. Keith is going through the worst part of his divorce, dealing with the hurt of adultry (not on his part), having two young kids, and all the financial crap that makes life miserable while you are going through it. Yesterday, he told me what his dad used to tell him all the time and I loved it:

"I can't make you do anything...but I can sure make you wish you did!"

True, so very true!

"What comes around goes around"
I still believe and hold tightly to that!

Back To Work

I've been back to work now for a couple of weeks (went back October 1st after being off for 2 months recovering from my surgery) and am finally getting all caught up! I truly missed being here and am so happy that I am working with the great group of people that I am. On my first day back, Min & Cherie were taking bets if I would be able to wait until Wednesday before I filled up the soap dispenser...I filled it up on Monday afternoon (my first day back- can we say OCD?) because it bothered me all day! It's another Wednesday and I just filled it for this week and I am content! Even though I am doing accounting and not medical right now (other than working with the children's hospitals) I love my job so much! Suzi baked me a yummy cake on the day that I returned. We had a lucheon last Wednesday to see Brian's photos from his trip to Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It was an honor for him to be invited to go and see the launch and it was interesting to see him point out the different parts that we have helped to make! Even though the luncheon was for all of us, I (of course) joked that it was in my honor and in celebration that I was back to work! Keith has already made me laugh several times. He has been waiting for UPS to get here every day because he ordered new sheets & towels for his home. (He recently got divorced and his wife took all the linens!) Min & I pulled the Pottery Barn patterns up online and tried to guess which ones he had bought. Of course they had to be the ones that I said, "He better not have bought those or I'll scream!" They were floral, girly sheets! He tried to redeem himself by saying that he bought the baby blue ones but I think I would have trouble sleeping in my man's bed with floral sheets! Maybe not, but I think I would prefer him to have a nice 400 thread count solid color. I know...I'm just weird about stuff like that! I missed my Suzi so much! Every morning when I come in she gets her "AD hug" as she calls it and just a minute ago she came and gave me another one and said she needed an "AD fix"- hey good friends are fun & you know how I love to hug!!! Suzi is getting ready to go on vacation for 3 weeks! I am going to miss her so but she keeps reminding me that "paybacks are a %&*$" and that I was gone for 2 months. Cherie & I just ate a microwave coffee cake that was much better than it sounds. I just love being back to work. I walked in this morning after saying "Good Morning" to my boss, Al and was getting settled when Al walked outside and said, "What did we do to deserve such a beautiful day?" How very true that is, huh? My cup runneth over and so does the soap dispenser!