tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24145944653924308212024-03-19T04:50:27.447-04:00Cuppa TeeSnapshots Into The Mind Of An Extraordinarily Ordinary GirlTinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151611650027731927noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2414594465392430821.post-46850036976403460082012-08-16T21:06:00.000-04:002012-08-16T21:14:33.149-04:00ElvisToday is the 35th anniversary of the death of Elvis Presley. I was only 4 years old when Elvis died. I was too young to realize who he was before and during the time of his death. When I was 6 years old my Daddy bought 2 Elvis albums and gave them to me - Elvis Sings Hits From His Movies, Volumes 1 and 2.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0iwvfxoLbtCgBf_G18HQnnoTlw17oJY9XQ5kvDYCCaW4zPT4N4RP55ArPTXSjlg8aRFdp_eZwOtji8GlxYguntLnjq0siQhmf9VJ4rvvj0P7jIzkLWbpgJj1Ybsd4J8IaYaX9_FZj1Zk/s1600/220px-Elvis_Presley_-_Burning_Love_and_Hits_From_His_Movies,_Volume_2_Coverart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0iwvfxoLbtCgBf_G18HQnnoTlw17oJY9XQ5kvDYCCaW4zPT4N4RP55ArPTXSjlg8aRFdp_eZwOtji8GlxYguntLnjq0siQhmf9VJ4rvvj0P7jIzkLWbpgJj1Ybsd4J8IaYaX9_FZj1Zk/s1600/220px-Elvis_Presley_-_Burning_Love_and_Hits_From_His_Movies,_Volume_2_Coverart.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrWVvaZRjIcea_7AWz0dsc-h2uJdmmuy2obyorcdkwhmkiPmlEfBrk6tjtGAE6nuVopsCmDNvpITc_e-7EgPp56z9q5z61v5e0NQ-NQ6M0EaQcZBrAphoeBlPs5yd8XAwID11q9uu0PO8/s1600/3407880.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrWVvaZRjIcea_7AWz0dsc-h2uJdmmuy2obyorcdkwhmkiPmlEfBrk6tjtGAE6nuVopsCmDNvpITc_e-7EgPp56z9q5z61v5e0NQ-NQ6M0EaQcZBrAphoeBlPs5yd8XAwID11q9uu0PO8/s1600/3407880.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I knew nothing of this man. All I knew was that from the moments I put those albums on my little record player, I was mesmerized. My first taste of music came from going to church with my Grandparents, and then after my Grandmother passed away when I was five, with my Granddaddy. I don't remember much about the sermons, but I loved the music. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Then came Elvis Presley. His voice was pure magic, velvety, beautiful, soulful, and spiritual, and I played those albums over and over again. I learned every song by heart and would spend hours upon hours in my little bedroom singing along, and even acting out the songs. I would pretend that Elvis was singing to me, and then he would pull me on stage and we would perform together, for my dolls and stuffed animals, as well as the thousands of imaginary fans. These are some of my most treasured and favorite childhood memories.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One of the items on my bucket list is to go to Graceland one day and pay my respects to the man that lit my heart on fire for music and singing at such a young age. Although I couldn't be there last night for the candlelight vigil, I was and always am there in spirit. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Throughout the years, many singers and performers have thrilled, delighted, entertained, and moved me, but I can honestly say that Elvis was the first to truly capture my heart and soul, and for that I will eternally be grateful. Looking back on that time in my life, I truly feel like he was a guardian angel to me, and still is to this day.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thank you Elvis Aaron Presley.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I will love you for eternity. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
xoxo Tina </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Tinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151611650027731927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2414594465392430821.post-54035140631525281362012-01-31T19:34:00.001-05:002012-01-31T21:04:36.283-05:00He Found Me"Meoww....meoww...meowwww".<br />
<br />
I'm sitting home alone on my day off. It's a week day. I'm in my recliner watching some sort of mindless entertainment on television, all the while thinking that I should probably be doing something a lot more productive.<br />
<br />
"Meowwww...meowwwwww...meowww", I hear coming from somewhere outside.<br />
<br />
"What in the..." I thought, as I turned down the television to make sure I wasn't hearing things.<br />
<br />
"Meowww...MEOWWWWWWWW!!!" <br />
<br />
I got up and walked out on the front porch, looking to see where the noise was coming from. I didn't see anything. <br />
<br />
Then I heard it again, coming from underneath my car. I walked to the car and got down on my knees, peering underneath, expecting to see a large, possibly wounded cat. Instead, looking back at me was a tiny, grey tabby ball of fluff. I stuck my hand out, and called for him to come to me. After a minute or so of gentle coaxing, he finally came towards my outstretched hand, and I picked him up. He immediately began purring. "Oh you poor thing, where did you come from?" I asked, greeted by grateful purrs.<br />
<br />
I hesitantly took him inside. At the time, we (my ex husband and I) had a full grown female short haired Tabby named Kyra.<br />
<br />
She was the queen of the house, and did not take well to strangers. Hell, she barely tolerated us. <br />
<br />
As soon as I walked in the door, she started hissing and growling. I put the kitten down and quickly gathered her up, put her in the bathroom, and closed the door. The kitten wasted no time finding her food bowl and began ravenously eating, like he hadn't eaten in days, or EVER.<br />
<br />
He ate, and ate, and ate, for probably close to an hour. I started getting worried he would make himself sick, so I took up the food.<br />
<br />
A short while later, when my husband came home, I was standing in the living room, with both hands behind my back. When he walked in the door he looked at me kind of strangely and asked, "What do you have?" <br />
<br />
I brought my hands in front of me, the kitten in one hand and said the famous last words that make me laugh until this day.<br />
<br />
"Don't get attached, because we're NOT keeping him!" <br />
<br />
That was about 13 years ago. <br />
<br />
I half heartedly tried to find a home for him, all the while growing more and more attached every day. He quickly became a part of our little family. We couldn't agree on a name for him, and kept calling him The Boy, since we had a female cat already. Pretty soon that got shortened to Boy, and it stuck. <br />
<br />
He had the exact opposite temperament of Kyra. While she was bitchy and skittish and ran and hid whenever there was a visitor or a storm, Boy was always the center of attention. He was laid back, and personable, and he worshiped the ground that Kyra's four paws walked on. Almost every time he would get near her she would hiss and growl and bat her claw-less paws at him. He would just sit there and take it, never flinching, and would just look at her with little hearts in his eyes. <br />
<br />
A lot has changed since then. I moved to Beaufort when my marriage ended in 2003. When I came down here I moved in with my Daddy while I was trying to get back on my feet and start over again. He told me the only way I could bring either cat was if they stayed outside. He was vehemently against animals in the house because of a little shedding white fluffy dog he had for a <i>very</i> short time. And since both of my cats were raised indoors, I had to leave them behind. <br />
<br />
About 7 months after Daddy passed away in 2005, I decided I wanted to bring my Boy to Beaufort. My ex moved and couldn't take the cats with him. And sadly, Kyra got spooked during the move, got loose and was never found. I would like to think that some nice family with no other cats or kids that loved bitchy claw-less cats took her in and gave her a good home, but I'll never really know for sure. <br />
<br />
When it came time to get the Boy, I met the ex in Santee, which is about half way between Beaufort and Patrick, the town I had moved from. I was a little worried that he (the cat, not the ex) wouldn't remember me and would have trouble adjusting to a new home. After all, it had been a year and a half since he'd seen me. But all those fears were put to rest when I got him home. It was like no time had passed between us. We were both happy to be together again. Not long after I brought him to Beaufort, a friend of mine commented that he looked kind of like a big furry sumo wrestler, because he was so fat. That nickname stuck and I began calling him Sumo Kitty. It seemed fitting, and it was a new name to go with a new start and home.<br />
<br />
Over the next 6 years he was by my side, in my lap, or at least within 6 feet of me at any given time while I was home, especially if there was food involved. He kept me company, made me laugh, and brought more comfort and joy than I could ever give thanks for.<br />
<br />
Around the first part of May last year, he began acting like he didn't feel good. He was moping around a lot. He stopped sleeping with me, which he had always done, and he wasn't eating as much, which <i>really</i> worried me. He had always been a healthy eater. Healthy as in, that cat loved to eat more than he loved me, and that was a<i> </i>HELL of a lot.<br />
<br />
The last week in May I took him to the vet and they ran tests over the next few days and treated him for what they thought was just severe constipation and dehydration. But the day before I was scheduled to bring him home, they noticed fluid in his abdomen after they gave him a hair cut. I agreed to let them do exploratory surgery the following morning to find out what was causing it. I went to visit him before the surgery and got to hold him, love him and spend time with him. I am so glad that I did. <br />
<br />
The vet called me during surgery and said his stomach and some other organs were full of hundreds of tiny tumors, they were cancerous, and that even if I decided to bring in an oncologist and tried to do treatments, he would probably only live a few more weeks at most. So while he was still under anesthesia, I made the unimaginable and gut wrenching decision to not wake him up. The vet agreed that it was the kindest thing to do, and that if it were her animal, she would have done the same. I loved him way too much to let him suffer any more than he already had. <br />
<br />
That was May 27, 2011. <br />
<br />
When people would ask me where I got him or where I found him, I would tell them the story of how he somehow wandered into my yard and under my car. And that day, he also wandered into my heart and will live there forever. And looking back at all of the years he was a part of my life, I firmly believe that me finding him wasn't an accident, because I didn't find <i>him. He </i>found <i>me.</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMrRqeTJLtLdgwS93iVNiLbbGUxy6a9e49fVw9TW8r8Up-sEXOmJqwdZ7nDURjJGTRh4xxndqQXYCYGaO9uprv62nocESkAXspqU3sQfY-3xfxiEN5RfzTOHcBWU1Gj4hi4WQffBmETzA/s1600/sumo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMrRqeTJLtLdgwS93iVNiLbbGUxy6a9e49fVw9TW8r8Up-sEXOmJqwdZ7nDURjJGTRh4xxndqQXYCYGaO9uprv62nocESkAXspqU3sQfY-3xfxiEN5RfzTOHcBWU1Gj4hi4WQffBmETzA/s320/sumo.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><i><br />
</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
It has taken me 6 months to decide I was ready to get another animal. I don't think one truly ever gets over losing a loved one, be it a friend or family member or a four legged package of unconditional love who happens to be both, but I do know that I am ready to open my heart and home to another. And yesterday, I brought home a new baby, a tiny 7 week old Dachshund. <br />
<br />
This is the first dog that I have owned in my entire adult life, so I have a lot to learn. But with a lot love and patience, I know that we will be OK and we'll learn together as we go. I'm ready for the challenge and looking forward to this new chapter in my life.<br />
<br />
World, meet Presley.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv-IwWpVBI39U8DFAPOZ_MQba2tlAHr1PwTqUAoaXiX8RQnliLHazIP-ZwuY9_YQf41hb7gT1NTcbNQJ2W433tb1cMFXIeumGAHu4hsehXeQ140xcvRLVPdOYYoU6_62zXUB9mgKPZFWM/s1600/pres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv-IwWpVBI39U8DFAPOZ_MQba2tlAHr1PwTqUAoaXiX8RQnliLHazIP-ZwuY9_YQf41hb7gT1NTcbNQJ2W433tb1cMFXIeumGAHu4hsehXeQ140xcvRLVPdOYYoU6_62zXUB9mgKPZFWM/s320/pres.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Tinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151611650027731927noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2414594465392430821.post-27398219943515950402012-01-02T20:35:00.003-05:002012-01-02T20:41:11.016-05:00HopeSome of you may have noticed and a few of you have commented on my post asking where I could take a concealed weapons class and also a self defense class around the Beaufort area. No, I haven't been watching Rambo, nor do I have a <strike>death wish</strike> grudge against anyone (at least nothing serious enough to require firearms). However, I have recently had my eyes opened by a very tragic event. I think having my eyes opened is a very mild way of saying I have had the ever loving shit scared out of me, and <span style="background-color: white; color: red;"><b><a href="http://www.wistv.com/story/16407832/victims-final-minutes-caught-on-store-surveillance">this is the reason why.</a> </b></span><br />
<br />
No, I didn't know this woman, but I know people who did. She worked right beside where I went to high school. She lived near where I grew up. So I, as well as many people I know, take this very personally. It's totally incomprehensible that this could happen in broad daylight, or any time of day or night for that matter, in my old neighborhood, my hometown area. Isn't this the kind of thing that we only see on CNN, or Nancy Grace, or on 48 Hours, that happens <i>somewhere else</i>? No, sadly it's not. It's happening in our own back yards, in small towns where everyone knows everyone by name, <i>IN MY HOME TOWN</i>. I can't begin to imagine the terror and fear she endured, nor can I imagine the heartache this is causing her family and the people who knew and loved her. It's absolutely heartbreaking, and terrifying at the same time.<br />
<br />
This could have been me, or my sister, or your sister, or best friend, or YOU. This woman just stopped to buy gas, probably somewhere she's stopped many times, and was only 2 miles away from her Grand Mother's house, where she was headed. Did it ever cross your mind that some random person that you passed in a familiar place would want to cause harm to you? No, neither did I, and neither did she. But sadly, this is the kind of thing that has caused quite a few people I know to take up arms in self defense. And I am going to be one of them. No, I haven't been living under a rock and I know violence and crime is all around, but it's just hitting too close to home.<br />
<br />
So in honor of Hope Melton, I and many other women I know, are taking steps to keep ourselves safe, so that hopefully, we or our families won't have to endure what she went through and what her family and friends are going through. For you Hope. May you rest in peace, and know that what happened to you will not be in vain.Tinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151611650027731927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2414594465392430821.post-30674112870024427292011-07-04T23:15:00.000-04:002011-07-04T23:15:11.553-04:00Happy Birthday America & Almost To MeIt's July 4th and Independence Day for our nation. The day and night will be celebrated with cookouts, parades, picnics and fireworks with friends and family. <br />
<br />
My Daddy, who proudly served in the Navy, was a very patriotic American. According to legend, or at least to my Daddy, I was intentionally meant to be born on the fourth of July. But in true form, I was late, exactly one week late. I've had trouble being on time ever since.<br />
<br />
No matter how you celebrated this holiday, don't forget to stop and thank a soldier. As cliche as it sounds, it is true that freedom is not free. <br />
<br />
Happy birthday America! You don't look a day over 234.Tinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151611650027731927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2414594465392430821.post-54551535414589188202010-12-09T00:18:00.001-05:002010-12-09T00:19:47.999-05:00Exercising My Writing Muscles...or, a blog about nothing. It sounds kind of Seinfeldish, but I realized I haven't really written anything in a long time. I usually don't write unless I get inspired by something or have something to get off my mind. I've started more blog posts than I've published, only to run out of inspiration after the first sentence or two. I'm not sure if it's a form of writer's block or laziness. Maybe it's a little of both. I read somewhere that in order to be a better writer, it takes practice to keep your writing muscles developed. So, here I am after midnight, babbling through my fingertips, trying to muster the equivalent of a brain bench press. And, just like attempting to physically exercise after long periods of laziness, I'm ready to give up after 5 minutes and take a nap. So, with that, I am heading off to sleep. Sweet dreams, cyberspace.Tinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151611650027731927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2414594465392430821.post-62379139669835079832010-11-02T15:07:00.003-04:002010-11-02T22:32:01.884-04:00For the People, By the PeopleToday is election day. The right to vote is one of our most special and sacred rights that should not be taken lightly or for granted. Remember this, our politicians work for us. We hire them. We have the right to fire them. Our votes are our voice.<br />
<br />
I always get a little emotional when I go vote. I always think about people in some other countries who don't have this right. I also think about the brave men and women in the military, both past and present, who have risked and lost their lives fighting for, and protecting this very freedom.<br />
<br />
It also makes me think of my Daddy, a proud and very patriotic American, who proudly served in the Navy. I remember when I first moved here to Beaufort 7 years ago, and was staying with him until I could get on my feet. I had filled out a voter registration form at a church bazaar a couple of weeks before. So, on election day, I excitedly and dutifully headed to the polls, only to be told that I wasn't on the list. Apparently, my registration never made it to the court house. I was devastated. I went home and was in tears. Daddy asked me what was wrong. I told him, through sobs, that I wasn't able to vote. "I have to vote!!" I choked out. I was so upset. He said, "I'll be right back." So, about half an hour later he comes home with his "I Voted" sticker, and sticks it on the storm door. "There you go," he said. "If it makes you feel any better, I voted your way." <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3WGiKOwix30sJ4dwrzQfVfukcXikW8S3z2M3_F2Wffy1ce5Cp4lklfnHCDLfh6PcjwjOkQDAE4BBfJO5MCm1av23Qd5UQXQjtya9HxZBVEz5NH9LH_XQeE_2ELvVRxIM2BvmBpaugxBc/s1600/I+voted.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3WGiKOwix30sJ4dwrzQfVfukcXikW8S3z2M3_F2Wffy1ce5Cp4lklfnHCDLfh6PcjwjOkQDAE4BBfJO5MCm1av23Qd5UQXQjtya9HxZBVEz5NH9LH_XQeE_2ELvVRxIM2BvmBpaugxBc/s1600/I+voted.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
Actually, I'm so glad that election day is finally here and almost over. Goodbye nasty ads, at least until the next round of elections are approaching. Dear candidates, those of you who think it's o.k. to sling mud and demean your opponents do not impress me, nor will you get my vote. There may be some people who believe or are swayed by such B.S., but I'm not one of them. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6nNALdVrILZrCkKfsIdxFGFp7YYPWGq3O23RvlEhsH7EohshC0FUZVcQckYz0_-bsAsN9YCcORiUGg__1TXYEnbgsKhyphenhyphenL6bYeEgA1wT6FlTawg20o2gM5tmiAKxh0Hjdf_8GXbBl-aE/s1600/left+or+right.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6nNALdVrILZrCkKfsIdxFGFp7YYPWGq3O23RvlEhsH7EohshC0FUZVcQckYz0_-bsAsN9YCcORiUGg__1TXYEnbgsKhyphenhyphenL6bYeEgA1wT6FlTawg20o2gM5tmiAKxh0Hjdf_8GXbBl-aE/s1600/left+or+right.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
So, dear voters, get out and vote, but be informed before you head out to the polls today. Research your candidates. Vote for the ones who stand for, share and support YOUR goals, principles, and values, <i>despite</i> their party affiliation. Don't vote for someone just because your parents or friends like them. As Andy Griffith said, "Use your smarts." I'm heading out to vote in just a bit. I hope you do too!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH8uIoau0QiMcQ3xW5MY6Ui0D7sGffu7a97Qelv6F6ENd4VZzNcoHpcNLiWnpj2Mc14rv-fVextjbZdqVotcQNvEv6BFQcJu3q5uHqLbjzIHrYEyRDtJAolCvUUEiIEiGVjM7euobz5Bs/s1600/vote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH8uIoau0QiMcQ3xW5MY6Ui0D7sGffu7a97Qelv6F6ENd4VZzNcoHpcNLiWnpj2Mc14rv-fVextjbZdqVotcQNvEv6BFQcJu3q5uHqLbjzIHrYEyRDtJAolCvUUEiIEiGVjM7euobz5Bs/s320/vote.jpg" width="236" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Tinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151611650027731927noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2414594465392430821.post-58193196775505375762010-09-22T19:00:00.005-04:002010-11-02T15:08:52.667-04:00First Do No Harm<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhda62t_ust8hOf2JCzrbI4Xk6u6xfHsDcNYCwPN5Z7G0sShavuKtrKNjE1L9H0U8mSEg1wQgJ1nH1wlihAnJXkZV0FKjIyaiWNsPeGPK3RWlPbrKrEFg5T4fptsxddrTsZM_gg5Uc_HN4/s1600/harmacy.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519877030073800450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhda62t_ust8hOf2JCzrbI4Xk6u6xfHsDcNYCwPN5Z7G0sShavuKtrKNjE1L9H0U8mSEg1wQgJ1nH1wlihAnJXkZV0FKjIyaiWNsPeGPK3RWlPbrKrEFg5T4fptsxddrTsZM_gg5Uc_HN4/s320/harmacy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /></a><br />
Beware of the harmacy...I guess K-Mart didn't get the memo.Tinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151611650027731927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2414594465392430821.post-64093302909439585712010-09-15T23:25:00.017-04:002010-11-05T23:23:35.777-04:00The Drop On The Pearl<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOZGXwnHrqq8ksD5f1n2LrNHTWG3V6fLPG-eQ66xojVOoTUQ-EIQG5Kf4a07l-Pnk_Pb-nOxDSA3flCq81xOSk9z9Hsy5AM-XqxvEyTCckB6JTI306DN8AEmmQB9UWpXRqrx-IhsB1g7Q/s1600/spider_web.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519469078942796962" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOZGXwnHrqq8ksD5f1n2LrNHTWG3V6fLPG-eQ66xojVOoTUQ-EIQG5Kf4a07l-Pnk_Pb-nOxDSA3flCq81xOSk9z9Hsy5AM-XqxvEyTCckB6JTI306DN8AEmmQB9UWpXRqrx-IhsB1g7Q/s320/spider_web.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 216px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The drop on the pearl<br />
<br />
The shine on the girl<br />
<br />
The smile so nice<br />
<br />
Will not disguise<br />
<br />
the eyes<br />
<br />
the eyes<br />
<br />
The frame of the soul<br />
<br />
The dark of the hole<br />
<br />
The grip so tight<br />
<br />
Darkened the light<br />
<br />
she cries<br />
<br />
she cries<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">let it out<br />
let it flow<br />
let it out<br />
then let it go<br />
<br />
<br />
</span>The heat of the flow<br />
<br />
Releases the woe<br />
<br />
The clouds file away<br />
<br />
They're done for this day<span style="font-style: italic;"><br />
<br />
</span>now fly<br />
<br />
now fly<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />
<br />
<br />
</span></span></span>The shine on the pearl<br />
<br />
The strength of the girl<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />
<br />
</span></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">The grace in her eyes</div><br />
Now steels the reprise<br />
<br />
to rise<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">to rise<br />
<br />
She tries<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">she tries</span></div><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI_eUYYlT9alFG9ox6W7gN0_l2udQiw97A_0FSPI3O45Nf4_0phKU7Kwor3z8lN49GD0FKrL5Jff10LAkF8AdlaplgzLzC1BAkavT8ROUR7GQBRRwZ64PzHrtfmGsB9glCvY5u11GCxes/s1600/spider_web.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br />
</a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 78%;">written by: tina louise griggs</span><br />
<br />
</span></span></span><br />
</span></div>Tinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151611650027731927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2414594465392430821.post-38494695370284688612010-08-02T18:24:00.003-04:002010-08-02T18:27:34.174-04:00Funniest (but true) Thing Heard On TV So Far This Week.."If you're having problems with your woman, don't go out looking for another one...because then, you have TWO problems." Frank Barone- "Everybody Loves Raymond"<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQNmaeD8bbiyElC-0hyphenhyphenw-gGMr1I3Q0PRgiuG9T3TC_JR30spAE5x5LqliT4RlePKJyK4OfzB7sERyP390DWG_MXHXmB9pFHCdAu6n_mRBsmQsNG6BPBIY4EP9xukH3wgvvuQApRpbvsMs/s1600/Peter_Boyle.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQNmaeD8bbiyElC-0hyphenhyphenw-gGMr1I3Q0PRgiuG9T3TC_JR30spAE5x5LqliT4RlePKJyK4OfzB7sERyP390DWG_MXHXmB9pFHCdAu6n_mRBsmQsNG6BPBIY4EP9xukH3wgvvuQApRpbvsMs/s200/Peter_Boyle.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500942560313380994" /></a>Tinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151611650027731927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2414594465392430821.post-72506708888457186482010-01-15T20:59:00.001-05:002010-09-28T16:01:46.525-04:00I AmI Am<br /><br /><br /><br />I am one small star in a great big sky<br /><br />But I shine as brightly<br /><br />As any other.<br /><br /><br /><br />I am one little voice in the chorus of the universe<br /><br />But I sing just as loudly<br /><br />As all the others.<br /><br /><br /><br />I am one small heartbeat in the chest of this planet<br /><br />But I beat just as vitally<br /><br />As the rest.<br /><br /><br /><br />I am me.<br /><br />I am we.<br /><br />We are connected.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:78%;" >written by: tina louise griggs</span>Tinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151611650027731927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2414594465392430821.post-21842820127467837072010-01-15T20:54:00.002-05:002010-01-15T20:54:49.250-05:00Note to self:Buy razors before you start looking like the cave men in the Geico commercials.Tinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151611650027731927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2414594465392430821.post-61804143306158109672010-01-05T15:14:00.002-05:002010-01-05T15:19:28.050-05:00Funniest thing I heard on TV so far this week:"I ran out of clean underwear so I'm wearing my bathing suit." Lucy on <span style="font-style:italic;">Scrubs</span><br /><br />I will never admit to having done this, once or possibly twice.Tinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151611650027731927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2414594465392430821.post-72257502947586993112009-12-28T20:56:00.005-05:002009-12-28T22:25:34.821-05:00Best TV quote of the night:Two and a Half Men<br /><br />Charlie: "What are you doing?"<br />Jake: "Well, I'm trying to research cars but you wouldn't believe what comes up when I type in Hummer."<br />Charlie: "Actually, I would."Tinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151611650027731927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2414594465392430821.post-21420470156494206292009-12-24T09:40:00.022-05:002009-12-24T14:02:09.376-05:00Dear Santa,I have been thinking long and hard about what I want this year for Christmas. At first, I had a list of lots of things that I thought I really, really wanted.<br /><br />The first draft of my list went a little something like this:<br /><br />A shiny new Mercedes<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZaSrgQOXXNfThPBRQiISlGOwihfNl9OxFrMx1r3tvb3frqAcv7PbcvJdcWfQEWYTloKLvQUpUC3dagso85C6PYy_25CxACX3F080d5Z7NqLJB8lxn_DLwV6V6buXm8EJJ9Rb3jvJsc8M/s1600-h/mercedes.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418815711595574898" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 95px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZaSrgQOXXNfThPBRQiISlGOwihfNl9OxFrMx1r3tvb3frqAcv7PbcvJdcWfQEWYTloKLvQUpUC3dagso85C6PYy_25CxACX3F080d5Z7NqLJB8lxn_DLwV6V6buXm8EJJ9Rb3jvJsc8M/s320/mercedes.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />A trip around the world<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilrQp-118cq9OYht_zv8kkOMksLjl4tLYwQB1F5M-RbPR9UVRfK3IKCIQNb78pyQvMohFoRzD-L-NOjeSWbonUEZ0kdaY-LmBgqfxqq7QtczTlBTqtilFFFWHxl7toXbPq2zt6alY08BI/s1600-h/globe.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418816844728261666" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 146px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 146px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilrQp-118cq9OYht_zv8kkOMksLjl4tLYwQB1F5M-RbPR9UVRfK3IKCIQNb78pyQvMohFoRzD-L-NOjeSWbonUEZ0kdaY-LmBgqfxqq7QtczTlBTqtilFFFWHxl7toXbPq2zt6alY08BI/s320/globe.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />This guy<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX-Ngxnzy6uW0d-Fi_6r0pLmNZHah4Uw9BUCDVKAqJ1ywCiaYVAiNsv4LNPJEpISIeVjv8aub6TUfusuAkoWMm7FQhKc072Sw2Su5zy4sc1_Ex1uyopaGQAR3dBCIVPhJXz7OHwN8d6i0/s1600-h/gilles.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418819635858848610" style="WIDTH: 142px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 201px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX-Ngxnzy6uW0d-Fi_6r0pLmNZHah4Uw9BUCDVKAqJ1ywCiaYVAiNsv4LNPJEpISIeVjv8aub6TUfusuAkoWMm7FQhKc072Sw2Su5zy4sc1_Ex1uyopaGQAR3dBCIVPhJXz7OHwN8d6i0/s200/gilles.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />and this one<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfFLxfBiIZcMoNyXzw0Nji2NmE_xzTImpLJd2Cw-YmMZ8Cs3GFHM_CJqIIpmPDhc4Lm96ZEHgg3zlfk-fT6Yf_lqRCyiJ564_-iRrIQzln_Hdua7HxZG-4wNIKB3JRyY_rLpsZc_ktp9M/s1600-h/george.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418820785055203906" style="WIDTH: 139px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 124px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfFLxfBiIZcMoNyXzw0Nji2NmE_xzTImpLJd2Cw-YmMZ8Cs3GFHM_CJqIIpmPDhc4Lm96ZEHgg3zlfk-fT6Yf_lqRCyiJ564_-iRrIQzln_Hdua7HxZG-4wNIKB3JRyY_rLpsZc_ktp9M/s200/george.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />A nice house with a pool and hot tub<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDmOYhzeKGfYnE7dVSSRKbdkb4vi4cWoA9XWVKnsWvSJKMQF318D8B8PSbg4ZsCxdD200a428q_b93ssOB5_xHsJpFNdbpchRuBfY-cD_srpMn7MLxAVbbjHFTGMYxY5ACbwYiPza9Ip8/s1600-h/pool.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418823971891343458" style="WIDTH: 152px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 115px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDmOYhzeKGfYnE7dVSSRKbdkb4vi4cWoA9XWVKnsWvSJKMQF318D8B8PSbg4ZsCxdD200a428q_b93ssOB5_xHsJpFNdbpchRuBfY-cD_srpMn7MLxAVbbjHFTGMYxY5ACbwYiPza9Ip8/s200/pool.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />One of these (no, not Al Roker...a <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Snuggie</span>)<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQFx6aVy6JNYqHfDRWPtePS9HFosciarZ97EyA4ET8ZKvyG0u05JADhvGsPWi2105vPGDUcF2c7j1XrIm80v_4tIVMS9we02HLLVRYVTJ-1NUK42EOLtizPKThuB4X9xqE1REO3zKDnA/s1600-h/snuggie.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418850899004782018" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQFx6aVy6JNYqHfDRWPtePS9HFosciarZ97EyA4ET8ZKvyG0u05JADhvGsPWi2105vPGDUcF2c7j1XrIm80v_4tIVMS9we02HLLVRYVTJ-1NUK42EOLtizPKThuB4X9xqE1REO3zKDnA/s200/snuggie.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And, a pony<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIWNywPXYHGeFzltINrz3fvg-3vbLeVQxfc8LHGwRs_YLE2zuWhhZbVLzAPMgrwK49aiyAL5Rvc0uMGQQ5MPQYuMcRWvlqvogaITBFpzHSxCRtPeQPTJqOBm_xeIZ_mhZgUNI12SRVRZI/s1600-h/pony.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418837891378481426" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 148px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIWNywPXYHGeFzltINrz3fvg-3vbLeVQxfc8LHGwRs_YLE2zuWhhZbVLzAPMgrwK49aiyAL5Rvc0uMGQQ5MPQYuMcRWvlqvogaITBFpzHSxCRtPeQPTJqOBm_xeIZ_mhZgUNI12SRVRZI/s200/pony.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />But then I really thought about it, and I realized none of these are things that I really need (except maybe the 3rd and 4th ones, hubbahubba). I already have everything that I need and many things that so many people in the world or even in this country don't have.<br /><br />I have a home and a warm bed to sleep in every night. I have a job. I have my health. I have family and friends that love and care about me. I have plenty of food to eat. Please Santa, don't let me ever take these things for granted. EVER.<br /><br />So, I have revised my list and these are the things that I really want.<br /><br />I'd love to see peace on Earth, which includes no war and no violence (especially the domestic kind).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3-M1tD6mcGxywCLaqYBxibbw_daF7iGlERb_PGZ12gS-5WLmkXQoiL1wXqTjSgQcXqTtpJqdaDw6uolPmVGOjRAFELmV94iTR7GklmtD9-G2tLvL96apMaIrYWSNhIWXOqdhydD33PRw/s1600-h/peace-on-earth.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418827799719256722" style="WIDTH: 165px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 124px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3-M1tD6mcGxywCLaqYBxibbw_daF7iGlERb_PGZ12gS-5WLmkXQoiL1wXqTjSgQcXqTtpJqdaDw6uolPmVGOjRAFELmV94iTR7GklmtD9-G2tLvL96apMaIrYWSNhIWXOqdhydD33PRw/s200/peace-on-earth.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Equality for everyone<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx7fe3YOhSAbKzPRoYQaVY7g8Kegbk2nektUs_Hfq7DIGLiRXOd201jDnU9A2BQ8BsbbxmMC13VRzAUnLFyMnJWjqei-4FkFkQfNEV5DBsmpC0M6pxqTWRs1ytJbnBbs0Xu8o3wcyk41U/s1600-h/love+unites.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418831171790674418" style="WIDTH: 67px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 102px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx7fe3YOhSAbKzPRoYQaVY7g8Kegbk2nektUs_Hfq7DIGLiRXOd201jDnU9A2BQ8BsbbxmMC13VRzAUnLFyMnJWjqei-4FkFkQfNEV5DBsmpC0M6pxqTWRs1ytJbnBbs0Xu8o3wcyk41U/s200/love+unites.bmp" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1697qGNznySWpSe7K-HYU2fCU7uZXuMWg0XyN-THnMW1BxCi51YvncOtD70iHHSntasVIBhoRTrkAICTC2iFngaQXt42HvnbodX4lRqI0J5VgoWzTwHSDiRvDumX2GGNRTdtL65fWO88/s1600-h/equality.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418830762495966722" style="WIDTH: 147px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 103px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1697qGNznySWpSe7K-HYU2fCU7uZXuMWg0XyN-THnMW1BxCi51YvncOtD70iHHSntasVIBhoRTrkAICTC2iFngaQXt42HvnbodX4lRqI0J5VgoWzTwHSDiRvDumX2GGNRTdtL65fWO88/s200/equality.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />How about an end to hunger, starvation, and homelessness?<br />There are way too many resources available in this world for these things to still be an issue. Seriously.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwL5MfJAM4grUAzjuLSDVziFOSvQoMRAwRh8lsG6kgg9ScXaCwAiXy7rwHJZkFiUeyDzH0JMU-gY0ZGXklVUXI6vNlDt96IbDx4gbw6arjAFlpiK-cgQqy8vVRrhTO3HmQa-axSw3aqcA/s1600-h/hunger.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418832722591522130" style="WIDTH: 155px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 117px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwL5MfJAM4grUAzjuLSDVziFOSvQoMRAwRh8lsG6kgg9ScXaCwAiXy7rwHJZkFiUeyDzH0JMU-gY0ZGXklVUXI6vNlDt96IbDx4gbw6arjAFlpiK-cgQqy8vVRrhTO3HmQa-axSw3aqcA/s200/hunger.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />The Cure<br /><br />no, not <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">these </span>guys...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_qL0Hp_yq_cvbGyyCnINg4n246iSHa8AVFDVX4g2I_7uSuN0-Xf04yLn3RcRM7f1wLTpAnvSX7lQyhRZF7MGjmeNI6JUpf4MOrIUHCG2J4a3ulRFX73Bm_D2JFRq00tHfJ28bSQ4wlWs/s1600-h/cure.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418833815942138178" style="WIDTH: 167px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 122px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_qL0Hp_yq_cvbGyyCnINg4n246iSHa8AVFDVX4g2I_7uSuN0-Xf04yLn3RcRM7f1wLTpAnvSX7lQyhRZF7MGjmeNI6JUpf4MOrIUHCG2J4a3ulRFX73Bm_D2JFRq00tHfJ28bSQ4wlWs/s200/cure.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><br />BUT: The Cure for diseases....ALL of them, (cancer, AIDS, diabetes, Alzheimer's, malaria, mental illness, depression, addictions.....I could keep going, but you get the point) 'cos diseases aren't cool.<br /><br />Santa, I know that this is a very tall order. However, I don't think it's a totally impossible one. I've already had a little talk with your boss, the <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">other </span>big guy, and he said to stay positive and just do what part I can to help out, even if it's just a little bit. I think if everyone does this, then a lot of little bits can add up to lots of GREAT things. So, just pass it on, mmkay? OK....moving on..<br /><br />Please watch over our brave, <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">BRAVE</span> men and women who are protecting our country. Many of them won't be home for the holidays because they are selflessly fighting for and protecting our rights and freedom to be able to celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and any other cultural festivities that we so choose. So, to them I say THANK YOU. Stay safe and come home soon.<br /><br />Also, what I really, really want this year are health and happiness for me, my family and friends, nearby and all over the world. Please watch over them and keep them all safe.<br /><br />That about does it. Have a safe flight. You know where to find the milk and cookies. Although this year you're gonna have to settle for soy milk and allergy free cookies. If this is a problem, you'll have to take it up with my allergist.<br /><br />And I <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic"><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic"><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">really</span> </span></span>won't <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic"><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic"></span></span>complain one bit if you leave George Clooney under my tree<span style="FONT-STYLE: italic"></span>..just sayin'.<br /><br />Love always,<br /><br />Tina :)<br /><br />Happy holidays to all of you. Even if you don't get everything that you want, I hope that you always have everything that you need. xoxox :)Tinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151611650027731927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2414594465392430821.post-13266409775627537652009-12-21T20:12:00.002-05:002009-12-21T20:20:11.521-05:00Things that amuse me..I don't understand the people who pull up to a red light, and can NOT sit still and just wait for the light to change to green. They...keep...inching....forward, as if the extra 6 inches they manage to scoot up helps them get to Wal Mart any faster once the light goes green. I know that there are certain circumstances where 6 inches may make a big difference, but it's definitely not at a traffic light.Tinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151611650027731927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2414594465392430821.post-50160154385540742412009-12-14T17:37:00.002-05:002009-12-21T20:28:13.485-05:00Things I learned on the Dr Oz show today:The #1 thing that dogs choke on is women's underwear. #'s 2 & 3 were toys and food. I'm not <em>even </em>kidding.<br /><br />I'm sure there are men everywhere rejoicing because they now have an excuse to throw out their woman's granny panties.<br /><br />I'm so glad I have a cat.Tinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151611650027731927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2414594465392430821.post-7480119562173105842009-12-11T23:30:00.004-05:002009-12-12T00:07:23.018-05:00So I was watching "Top Gun"...again......because for some reason I <span style="font-style: italic;">still </span>really love this movie. <br /><br />...because I loved this movie long before Tom Cruise went crazy and started jumping on people's couches in a half crazed crazycultinduced proclamation of love for his soon-to-be-child bride.<br /><br />...even though it has some of the cheesiest lines EVER and I will never ever admit to saying either of the following phrases out loud: "I feel the need...the need for speed!!" or "HEY GOOSE YOU BIG STUD!! TAKE ME TO BED OR LOSE ME FOREVER". <br /><br />....and I will never admit to owning and still listening to the soundtrack, ON A CASSETTE TAPE. For the youngins who don't know what cassettes are, click <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compact_Cassette">here</a>.<br /><br />Other pre-batcrapcrazy Tom Cruise movies I love: "Rain Man", "Interview With A Vampire" and "Jerry Maguire"Tinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151611650027731927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2414594465392430821.post-9373436558609984912009-12-11T11:20:00.003-05:002009-12-11T11:23:35.986-05:00Never underestimate......the value of a good night's sleep. For example, today I don't feel the urge to staple things to my head and the sound of certain voices aren't making me want to stab myself in the eye with sharp objects. That, my friends, is definite progress from yesterday.Tinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151611650027731927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2414594465392430821.post-76441313084625260262009-12-10T13:18:00.004-05:002009-12-10T13:21:13.073-05:00I wonder......how long it would take for someone to notice that I've stapled all of the post-its on my desk to my forehead in an effort to wake myself up. I'm really beginning to think it was a bad idea to take a double dose of supersleepyinducing allergy medicine at 2 am.Tinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151611650027731927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2414594465392430821.post-80431757004777042212009-11-30T14:08:00.000-05:002009-11-30T16:54:51.130-05:00DietSchmiet aka How I've Lost 20 Pounds....so far..I've been getting lots of compliments on my recent weight loss (thank you!!) and lots of questions as to how I did it. I've lost about 20 pounds in the last 3 months (yay!!) and am feeling better than I have in a very long time, thanks to a few interesting discoveries along the way.<br /><br />I started out doing a low carb diet, since I managed to have success on this diet about 10 years ago. The last time I did it, I managed to lose about 30 pounds. This wasn't from dieting alone, as no diet should be. I was also exercising pretty regularly. The thing is, I didn't stick to it and managed to gain it all back plus about 10 extra pounds on top of it. Yikes!!<br /><br />There were also a LOT of life changing and very stressful situations that happened between then and now. I won't go into details on those right now, but let's just say that these situations did not do <em>any</em> favors to my weight <em>or</em> waistline. I know people who lose weight when they are depressed or stressed out. I, however, was quite the opposite. I ate. I ate bad food. And I ate a lot of it.<br /><br />So here I was, 40 pounds heavier than I was the last time I thought I "successfully" dieted. I made up my mind to try to do something about it (for about the 500th time...haha). But this time, I've managed to stay strong enough to stick with it for more than just a few days.<br /><br />Soooo, as I was saying, it started off as a low carb diet. Only <em>this</em> time I wanted to do it healthier. I was eating more veggies and leaner meats....not just meat and cheese and eggs. The first week was rough. I was still craving the foods I had given up and I was feeling very tired and run down. I thought it was just my body getting adjusted to having to learn to burn off my stored fat for energy instead of carbs. I remembered feeling kind of tired the last time I did the diet 10 years ago, so I decided to stick with it. I was starting to lose weight, plus I was exercising. However, I still wasn't feeling any better. In fact, I was feeling worse.<br /><br />On top of all of that and totally unrelated (<em>or so I thought)</em>, I had also been dealing with some sort of skin condition off and on for about 5 years where I would just randomly start itching in different places on my body, usually arms or legs, but I wouldn't break out (yeah...I know...weird AND frustrating). This was also happening more frequently. So, after suffering with this for too long and fed up with having to keep Benadryl always on hand, I finally decided to make an appointment to see an allergist about 3 weeks ago. And, guess what...I found out I was allergic to eggs <em>and</em> dairy products (What The Fruitloops??!!). I was basically told to go on a 'cave man' diet for 6 weeks and then come back and be re-tested. NO eggs, NO dairy, and NO processed foods with the exception of Thanksgiving day, where I did cheat, (Come on, I was NOT about to pass up pumpkin pie AND homemade macaroni and cheese...nuh uh) BUT... I didn't beat myself up about it and I got back on track the very next day.<br /><br />So now, basically all I'm eating now are lean, unprocessed meats, lots of veggies, LOTS of water, and some fruits and nuts. And in the last 3 months, I've lost 20 pounds and I feel a lot better than I have in a verrrrrrrrry long time. If you really think about it, this is a very healthy way of eating. Also, on top of walking and rebounding, I'm also trying to incorporate strength and flexibility exercises such as weights and yoga, back into my fitness regimen.<br /><br />So there you have it. That's the verrry long story of how I've been losing weight...haha. I still have a long way to go. I would like to lose about 40-50 more, but 20 is definitely a very nice start and I'm very proud of myself!<br /><br />Th...th...th...that's all for now, folks!<br />Take care and be nice to yourself and others. :) xoxTinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151611650027731927noreply@blogger.com0