It's Tradition

Tonight I went over to my Dad's house for the annual lighting of the Wiggins family Christmas tree! :) Every year my Dad and I pick a night to decorate the tree and house for the holidays. My Dad is really big on tradition. We usually have to have the Christmas music playing and the sugar cookies in the oven before the night is complete.

As we were decorating the tree this year, I smiled to myself as I realized how routine it is for us. It's always just my Dad and I - which I love! We get to catch up on our lives and talk about the upcoming holiday plans. This year I was also reminded of how much my Dad pays attention to detail... it takes him forever to decorate a tree! First of all, after we string the lights on the tree we always have to step back and squint our eyes to make sure there are no gaps in the lighting. I'm not sure what difference it makes, but he has to adjust the lights at least twice. lol. I used to get annoyed at this, but tonight was different. On to the ornaments... It's like he wants to place each ornament in the best place possible! Each ornament has to hang the right way and be in the right spot. Finally, we hang the star - well in our case its a little craft that I made when I was in pre-school. We laughed tonight as we looked at the date on it. That craft is officially 20 years old! My dad said that he treated that thing like gold over the years, making sure that it never got damaged or torn. Who knew he would love my little craft so much! :)

(BTW - A funny story just because this is my blog and I can insert funny stories where I please - One year, my Dad thought it would be a good idea for us to go pick a REAL tree out of the woods. Well, not only did we get lost, but we ended up coming home with a Charlie Brown Christmas Tree look alike. It was so tiny. Also when we tried to decorate it we got poked and stabbed by its needles. Not the best idea, but a funny memory!)

This Christmas is different for me. It will be the first Christmas that I am away from my family. Although I know I will be having a great time in Utah, I know that I will miss MY family traditions. My dad got me a little choked up tonight as we savored our little routine. He gave me a giant hug as I left and commented on how this might have been the last time for us to decorate the tree, just me and him. Shot to the heart.... Family means so much to me! I'm glad I have great traditions to expand and share when I get a little family of my own! :)

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

This summer there was an event where a soldier's funeral was protested by a specific religious group. In fact, there were several instances in which this happened. I didn't understand it then and I don't understand it now.
Another religious group is now threatening to protest at Elizabeth Edwards funeral. The interesting part is that their reason for protesting has nothing to do with Elizabeth Edwards - just like the reasons for protesting at the soldiers funerals had nothing to do with that individual soldier.
I understand the idea of freedom of speech, but at what point is it taken to an extreme. Personally, I feel that protesting came be used in a beneficial way. HOWEVER, protesting at some one's funeral is totally inappropriate. I feel as though it is a classless act that contains zero respect. A funeral is a place for remembrance and the celebration of a life lost - NOT FOR A POLITICAL STANCE! It is extremely disrespectful, not only to the lost life, but to the family and friends in attendance. I will never understand the act of protesting at a funeral, and heaven help me if I attend one where this takes place!

Believe

Last night I went to my first Trans-Siberian Orchestra concert. I say the first because I know it will not be the last. It was an amazing show. I am one of those people who are truly moved by music, and this show honestly moved me.
The Carol of the Bells was of course played with the electric guitars, fire spurting out on stage, laser lights beaming, and 80's looking rockers swinging their long hair. I couldn't help but laugh at the 'rock on' hand signs being made. There was even a woman in front of us that was trying to film the performance on her phone - yet she was dancing so much she didn't really get the best footage. It didn't matter to her though, she was having the time of her life! Then there were the simple and quite Christmas songs, sung by the rarest voices with a single spotlight on them. They even played my favorite Christmas song! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cP26ndrmtg
Hearing all of that Christmas music really put me in the Christmas Spirit. Something about Christmas always seems magical. It is a time in which people renew their kindness and love for life and each other. Even though there is the hustle and bustle of shopping and traveling, there seems to be a reverence for something more. This year there is one word that I think of - BELIEVE.
Believe in happiness. Believe in kindness. Believe in love. Believe in faith. Believe in friendship. And most importantly, believe in Christmas miracles - not only that you might have one for yourself, but that you might make one happen for someone else too.

Bless Your Heart

Anyone from the south (OK, lets be honest - anyone that is aware of southern stereotypes in general) knows the saying 'bless your heart'. It is a common saying, heard from mostly older women, when speaking about another person. I guess I am showing signs of early aging because I have been caught saying it a lot -I blame my mom and grandmothers. I thought it was funny that people thought me saying 'bless your heart' was funny. To me it is just normal. However, I guess the use of this southern coin phrase can be somewhat interesting to 'outsiders'.

Warning: Be careful before using 'bless your heart' because its meaning is two fold.
1. There is the basic 'Aww....Well bless your [little] heart.' This type is used for sympathetic purposes. For instance, when one is sick or has just undergone something tough or tragic. We use it as a form of relation to the person we are talking to. It is often used with a very caring and concerned tone. Its basic translation would be - 'That is awful! Wish there was something I could do to help!'
2. The nasty side of southern women can also use 'bless your heart' as a snide remark. In the words of Miranda Lambert, "I don't have to be hateful, I can just say, 'Bless your heart.'" This type is used for a powerful stand-your-ground purpose. We use this when we think someone is ignorant or is simply crazy (mostly when talking about other southern women). It is often used in a mocking and sarcastic tone. Its basic translation would be - "You can go shove it!" Also see - "Screw you!" and "I hope for your sake you get some help."

So, there is my little explanation of the very simple, yet deep, phrase 'Bless your heart.' Next time a southern woman says it to you, you better think twice about what she thinks of you. ;)

In the Spirit of Gratitude...

Around this time of year, I always think back to when I was a teenager. I like to think that I was an angel; however, my mom might have a few more adjectives to describe me. At that time she liked the words "selfish and ungrateful". I remember one time when she got really fed up with me- She told me that I was not thankful for anything, SO I had to write in a gratitude journal for a month (write all the things I was thankful for). Well, 'snotty me' thought 'How bad can this be?!?!'. After about 15 days I started to struggle to come up with things that I was thankful for....

I guess the words 'grateful' and 'thankful' just trigger that memory. Ever since then, I have tried to be a little more aware of all the things that are given to me. I usually don't have a problem coming up with more than 15 things now.

During Thanksgiving, it is usually customary for people to express gratitude. I am not going to create a long list (like in my gratitude journal), but I would like to take a second to acknowledge the wonderful things in my life. This past year has been a fantastic year. I am SO lucky to have my family still by my side and supporting me through my endeavors. I am also grateful for all the people that have entered my life this past year. My life has changed because of them (especially one named Ryan :)). I am always grateful for my faith and the lessons that I learn from life constantly. I have grown in a million different ways in the past year and I am grateful for every experience that has been a part of it. I can only hope that this list and my experiences will continue to grow.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving! Don't forget to add something to your gratitude list (even if it is just a list you make in your mind...)

Carolina Born and Bred

I am proud to say that I am Carolina born and bred. My family has always been huge UNC fans. In fact, I was born a Carolina fan. In case you have been living under a rock, the mascot for UNC is the tarheel, in reference to the history of North Carolina. Well, I was born with my birthmark on the hill of my right foot - resembling a tarheel. Although my birthmark has now moved to the middle of my foot, the spirit of the tarheel has not moved at all. Usually I watch UNC football and basketball games in the comfort of my own home (or friend's); however, this year I have been lucky enough to attend 2 football games with my little sister. We have had ridiculous amounts of fun!!! I have a feeling that no matter where I go in life - I will ALWAYS be a Carolina girl at heart! :)

You can keep that hour!!!!

My mom says that Daylight Savings has always been a challenge for me....she is right! I am one of the people that is truly effected by the time change. I get messed up for days! I usually can't sleep or either I sleep too much. Right when it gets dark (at 5:30!) I feel like it's time to go to sleep. Then I can't sleep the whole night.
Not to mention, the morning after DST, I always have to call my mom and ask her what time it is. Not knowing if my clocks change on their own, I get confused of if that's the knew time or old time. Such an ordeal....

What a coinkydink!

It is such a small world. I got news yesterday that Ryan met the first of my family members (Clint- my brother-in-law) in Afghanistan. Ryan is finishing up his deployment and Clint's battalion is replacing them. During an overlapping time, Clint searched out Ryan and they were able to meet and exchange a small conversation. I just think that is the neatest story! Out of all the places they could have been (and even though it is NOT a good place at all), it makes me smile to think that my two favorite soldiers were together - even for just a short time. Love those Sky Soldiers!!!

Patriotism and Pumpkins

Every year it is a tradition for my dad and I to carve a pumpkin. We have a little competition to see if we can out do ourselves from the year before. I will have to admit, my dad is the pro at this activity. He has this weird innate art skill that gives him the ability to draw anything he wants. Then I add the excellent seed scooping skills and attention to minor detail. We really should enter a contest. Haha...
In past years we have done generic Halloween objects (like black cats, haunted houses, etc.). We also tend to get creative some years and do random objects of interest, such as an awesome 'Whispering Wind" guy. Personally I think that was our best one up to this point.
This year my mind has been pretty set on the Army, especially this month! Clint, my brother-in-law left for Afghanistan last week and Ryan will be coming home (aka Italy) very soon. Both of them are Airborne Infantry Soldiers, so I decided to do the Airborne logo. Just to clarify - my dad really is the one who did the logo. The idea was simply mine. :) Overall I think it turned out to be pretty cool! Just a good combination or patriotism and pumpkins!

Techno Treasures

Due to my awful spelling (yes, English teachers are chronic misspellers too!) I went on an adventure to get spell check for my Internet. Apparently, for those other seekers, Mozilla Firefox spell checks EVERYTHING! Thank you, Mozilla creators!
Of course, this in itself would not satisfy me. When I downloaded Mozilla, I noticed that it was rather...how should I say this... blah. It looked so plain and old fashion. I am not sure if it's normal to be bothered by this, but I was. So, I went in search for a solution to this problem. Come to find out, Mozilla will let you 'decorate' or personalize your web window. I decided to pick a lovely light blue/modern flower design/ thingy that frames all of my web windows. It makes my eyes very happy, not to mention brightens my mood.
Let's just say, there are so many little technological little treasures that I am stumbling on. So fun!

My Sister's Keeper

This weekend I am spending the WHOLE weekend with my little sister, Taylor (aka - my little, herma, and pumba). In case I haven't said it before, I LOVE SISTER TIME!! So far, we have become TV junkies, because I am pressuring her into watching Friday Night Lights. I am pretty sure she is getting addicted, which means my evil plan is working. Hehehe. However, we tend to disagree when it comes to whose turn it is to change the DVD. We actually had a stubborn stand off for 30 minutes. I lost....

We also went to the mall and spent way too much money. I love having her around to talk me into buying things, not that I need much convincing. :) We topped of the day with some yummy Mexican food. We both share the same love of food, which can be dangerous at times. When we were little my mom would make us share a plate all the time. We would have a competition to see who could eat the most and the fastest. Again, I always lost...

I can honestly say there is no one else it the world that I love to goof off more with. We are so close and I love that girl more than anything! She is gorgeous (and taller than me), talented, and so funny - she gets it from me. :) Sisters are such a special thing. I am lucky enough to have two! :)

Hourglass...and we aren't talking about my figure!

I am starting to feel as though my life is one giant countdown! Every day I am counting down to something...numbers are always running through my head. In the morning I wake up counting down how many days left until the weekend. In the middle of the day I find myself glancing at the calendar to see when the next holiday or vacation is. When I get home I count down the hours until I get to sleep...and wish that I could sleep for much longer than possible. Then pretty much every other waking moment I am counting down the days until I get to see my amazing boyfriend and soldier again. :) To be honest..I don't know what will happen when I don't have anything to count down. Haha. I'm just thankful that up to this point, time has been on my side!

WFR Homecoming!

At about 4:00 this afternoon I was pretty sure that my day could not get any worse. I had an awful day at work - just feeling like things kept getting dumped on me. I had already made plans with Taylor to go to the WFR homecoming game tonight (the school where I work at). I REALLY did not want to go, based off the day I had. The school was the last place I wanted to be. However, I already told her I would, so I couldn't back out.

In the end, it ended up being one of the best nights! When we got to the game I was attacked with "Hey Ms. Wiggins!!". All of my favorite students from last year came and found me. They even sat and watched the game with Taylor and I. It made me feel like a million bucks that my old students thought I was 'cool' enough to hang out with. It honestly gave me that warm fuzzy feeling inside that my job is more than just teaching English. Maybe I do make an impact of these kids lives! :) Sometimes I get caught up in the paperwork and nonsense things of my job...but the important things are those kids! It makes my job all worth it! Love love love them!

sweet and simple

This morning I woke up to a nice chilly October morning. I stayed in bed for about 2 hours and even ate my breakfast in bed. What a great morning!! I actually had time to enjoy all of those little sweet and simple things. Hence, a list of the sweet and simple that I love:

• Sweatshirts!!!
• Watching Friday Night Lights (currently on season 3!)
• Hot Chocolate
• Snuggling
• Being in love (he leaves Afghanistan this month!)
• Skype dates
• Football season
• Leaves changing colors
• Roxie :)
• Cool weather
• Songs that make you smile
• Sugar cookies
• Reading
• Yummy smelling candles
• Homecoming week at WFR
• Deep Conditioning for my hair (FABULOUS!)
• Great chats with friends
• Stars shining on a clear night

Trust the Plan.

Recently I have been thinking a lot. Sometimes its about things I have said (like did I say something wrong...), how I feel about situations, and what is going to happen next. Now, before I go any further - let me warn you that my thoughts have been known to be somewhat exhausting. Often my thought topics or questions don't have an answer, or if they do there are too many answers! Basically its a fancy way for saying 'sometimes I just don't get life!'
When I get to the point where I have either stressed myself out or worried myself to death I usually stop and realize...I can't control this, so why am I thinking so much about it?! The point of this whole blog is to say - you aren't supposed to control everything! There is a plan for all of us and we just have to learn to trust that plan sometimes. There will be moments when we don't understand why something is happening to us or what we did to deserve this...but we just have to trust the plan!!
I know it's easier said than done. However, if we learn to trust it, then we can sit back and focus on the things that we can control! I was laughing with a friend of mine saying, "You know, when you think about it we can't really control that much in our lives...basically the only thing we can control is how we react to and deal with the things we can't control!" So...trust the plan! :)

Facebook: Friend or Enemy?

Ok, I am going out on a limb here..totally understanding that this might vex some people off. But, I am starting to question the use of facebook these days. I sometimes think that it is being used more for drama than for it's original purpose - to keep in touch with friends/family.
I myself have been included in facebook drama before - I'm not gonna lie- and I have quickly realized how stupid it is. I have also known friends to get so fed up with the improper use of facebook, along with the addiction, and have stopped using facebook all together. I have seriously thought about taking a big break from facebook for these reasons as well.
I mean is facebook our friend or our enemy? Is it making our lives better by enhancing communication or are we turning into gossip obsessed people? My verdict is still out...

Falling in love!

Happy first day of Fall!!!!
I do believe that Fall has become my favorite season. It is so beautiful to see the leaves falling and feel the cooler weather. Of course I am a person that walks out of my way to step on a leaf and hear it crunch :) Fall brings along the excitement of football season. It is the only season where there is that fun loving competition between friends, families are divided by rivalries, and team spirit rises to an extreme. Then, naturally, the Fall wouldn't be Fall without the NC State Fair. Where else would people gather together to cheer on the tractor pull and pig races??!?! Finally, the Fall ushers in the holiday season....and who doesn't love that?
This year I am particularly excited for the holiday season. For some reason when I think about what is ahead of me it almost seems like a dream- to perfect to be true. I am excited, nervous, and maybe a little worried that my dream will be just that- a dream. However, I am trying very hard to stay in the present and enjoy my season!

Quote of the day: "Character is who you are when no one else is watching"

I Can Cry If I Want To!!

I have gotten in the bad habit of trying to be strong ALL of the time. I guess recently, in doing so, some things have built up inside of me. I have pushed down some things about work and some things about my personal life. Also, not to mention just taking on every day life is challenging in itself (which we can all admit has its ugly days!). Well, today I finally reached my breaking point! It just so happened to come at 7:13 am - only about 30 minutes before my first class of 30 teenagers arrived in my classroom. Yikes!! I'm not going to lie....I cried, and cried hard! Thankfully one of my favorite coworkers listened, let me get it out, and then gave me a big hug along with encouraging words. Yes, I was somewhat embarrassed by my actions, however, I noticed that I felt a lot better. That just proves that sometimes you just HAVE to let out a good cry! Nothing is wrong with that AND you feel a heck of a lot better when you have gotten it out of your system! :) So, never be afraid to say, "I am having a bad day and I can cry if I want to!!"

Days Go By...

Not too long ago I complained that the months leading up to December were going to go by so slow.... boy was I wrong! So far September has gone by extremely fast. It has also been packed with excitement, not only for myself but for others close to me as well.
I am going to be an aunt!!! My brother and his wife are pregnant with their first baby. I have friends that are still just getting started in their marriages. One friend is even experiencing motherhood for the first time...and I love seeing what a great one she is! Other friends are exploring the world (with me living vicariously through them of course!). My little sister is turning 15 and getting her permit. Last but not least, I am experiencing the greatest love story! :)
I love to see the exciting adventures that we all have a head of us. There are so many different roads laid out. Of course all of them will be challenging and maybe a little scary at times. However, for the most part it just looks like the best times of our lives! :) I can't wait to see how everything turns out!
"It's something unpredictable, but in the end is right. I hope you have the time of your life!"

"Wake Me Up When September Ends"

In the great words of Green Day, 'Wake me up when September ends."

I just bought mine and Ryan's plane tickets to go to Utah for Christmas and New Years. There will be so many exciting things happening in December. I cant wait!!! Now, since I can't snap my fingers and make time go faster, I am just going to have to try to be patient. :)

Until December I will just enjoy the small things. This weekend Rika and I spent our time at the baseball field, cheering for the Durham Bulls. I wish I could say that we acted like sensible adults, but that would be a lie. Instead we had a great time being nothing but silly! :)

Food for Thought

Something to think about...
Are you running your life or is it running you? :)

Power Struggle

Don't worry about things that you can't control. The end. :)

Dusting Off the Books

Well, it's that time of year...time to store away the beach gear and dust off the books. My kids (big teenagers) come back to the classroom on Wednesday.
I am very excited for a new year to start. It's something about new school supplies, new students, and school spirit that fosters a fresh feeling. Now, as nerdy as this may be, it is always a tradition for me to watch Freedom Writers the night before school starts - just to get motivated! :)

Slow Learner

I am not sure at what age you are supposed to learn the "common sense" rules of life, but I must be a slow learner. At the age of 24, I have just learned two of the most important lessons in life.

The first lesson learned: 'Silence is Golden'. It is amazing how much you can learn about yourself and others if you simply just SHUT UP! I have learned so much about others as I have just sat back and watched or listened. It has also put me in a good position to help people out when I am somewhat on the outside of a situation - instead of right there in the middle of the gossip.

The second lesson learned: 'Actions Speak Louder Than Words'. I recently learned several things about a person that I am very close to - except I didn't learn it from them. I learned it from others that are around this person. For example, I heard that this person has always been a trustworthy and honest person....and that this person has done a very powerful silent act of kindness for another family. I had no idea!!! When I approached this person about these new found actions, the response was, "Yeah, I don't really like to boast or brag about things I do." Right then my heart melted. When I think about what I do for others I draw a blank...because I do a whole lot of nothing. It made me think about what others say about me when asked about my personality. Do they say that I do service or that I am a good friend? Or do they say that I am just focused on myself?

Combining the two lessons - I guess I need to start letting my actions speak instead of my constant words. Take some time to try to apply these two very basic lessons to your life and see how it effects your relationships with others. Always remember- it's you are never too old to learn! :)

Words of Wisdom

"At this point there are 6,470,818,671 people in the world. Some are running scared. Some are coming home. Some tell lies to make it through the day. Others are just not facing the truth. Some are evil men, at war with good. And some are good, struggling with evil. Six billion people in the world, six billion souls. And sometimes...all you need is one."
- Peyton Sawyer (One Tree Hill)

My "S" List

Everyone should have an "S" list. This is a list of things that you hate (or dislike strongly). The top 3 things on my "S" list are:

1) Getting woken up for stupid reasons. I absolutely hate waking up in general, but I get seriously mad when I am woken up for a dumb reason. So, don't wake me up unless its an emergency or you are my boyfriend calling from across the world. Thanks!
2) Drama. I HATE drama. I don't like contention. I don't care about it. I don't want to be involved in it. People close to me know that I don't put up with it and I don't stick around long when there is drama.
3) Gossip. Nothing good ever comes from gossip. I feel like quoting Gone With the Wind and saying, "Frankly me dear, I don't give a damn." I only care about my life and the life of those close to me. So, don't bring your gossip my way.

Live Life to the Fullest!

This picture is a perfect example of happiness...the water, great friends, and simply having fun! Ryan's mom and sister's came to visit and, of course, we went to the beach! :) The ocean means a lot to me. I have amazing memories there. The open waters make me feel like there is nothing but opportunities out there for me...nothing but open spaces!! The girls and I spent our day jumping in the waves, laughing about silly things, walking piers, and getting burnt! So, I can honestly say that we lived life to the fullest on our beach trip. :) The only thing missing was Ryan... but we took a picture for him, saying we missed him. He will make the next trip!

Let the Games Begin...

Ok, I am usually a dedicated college sports fan; however, this football season I will be making an exception for the NFL, only because Armanti Edwards is playing. For those of you who have been living under a rock for the past 4 years...he has been THE carrying force for my college football team, Appalachian State University. Can't wait to watch him DO WORK for the Carolina Panthers!
http://www.catscratchreader.com/2010/7/11/1563947/panthers-paw-prints-armanti

Lower the Water Line

I was watching a TV show, If You Really Knew Me, that compared most people to an iceberg. An iceberg has a tip that sticks out of the water; however, most of it's body is underneath the water. Similarly to an iceberg, most people only show 10% of themselves (also called their "image"). The majority of the person (or the REAL person) is the 90% that stays hidden. In this TV show, high school students were encouraged to 'lower their water line' and show people their REAL self and their real feelings. As I watched these teens dig deep down inside to share their inner most opinions, feelings, and personalities, it was like a burden had been lifted. They were just being themselves and not caring who noticed.
I think we can all apply this lesson in our lives. Age does not make you grow out of the iceberg effect. Many people only show 10% because it is the safe way to be. It's the way to get along with everyone. Often times I am comfortable with only showing my 10% because it is the 'nice' thing to do. I try to get along with everyone and make everyone happy. However, I am cheating that other 90% of myself. I am who I am, and there is no need to hide that.
So, I am going to try to 'lower the water line' and embrace my individuality a little more every day. Of course there will be people who will disagree with me, but there will also be people that will love me even more. Of course I will make some people mad, but I will also bond with some. Of course I will be open and judged, but at the same time I will be confident because I will be REAL.
Will you 'lower your water line' too?

Feng Shui Your Life

Feng Shui: A Chinese art in which you balance or position objects based on the patterns of yin and yang, in order to have the flow of chi and positive and negative effects.

Many people feng shui their apartment or work place in order to create a balanced environment. Ideally it allows for the release of negative energy and the embrace of positive energy.

I think that instead of using feng shui in our homes and offices, we should feng shui our lives! The root of many people's problems come from an unbalanced life, not misplaced furniture. People usually put too much into one place or another, whether it be work, school, a relationship, etc. If we are a little top heavy in one area, that means we are neglecting other areas and causing stress, strain, or unhappiness. Therefore, we need some feng shui action!!!

This make take some time, so be patient. Also, everyone is different. So, find what is unbalanced and try to focus your energy on the areas you have been neglecting. For me, I think I am in just a clutter filled mess. Sometimes I realize that I need to remove some things from my life in order to focus on balancing the important things. Often times I get caught up in minor details, emotions, and stress. This of course tosses everything else off balance. If I focus on work, home, service, and genuine relationships, my life might be a little less claustrophobic.

So, my challenge to myself and you, feng shui your life!! Figure out what phase you are in and work towards a more balanced lifestyle...and then enjoy the happiness! :)

Rebel Without a Cause

This weekend my sisters and I put my mom on the spot. We asked her the following question: "If you got a call from jail and they said that one of your children had been arrested, which child would you assume that it was?" She said it would be me! HAHAHA.
I really don't think my mom would be surprised if I did get arrested. Often before I go on a trip with friends she jokingly tells me to call her if I need bail. That's me...a rebel without a cause. I guess that is what I get for being pretty sassy, outspoken, and one who lives life to the fullest (only somewhat testing the limits).
This has become somewhat of a family joke and hopefully, I will never have to use the all-so-famous one phone call to get a hold of my mother. In fact, she has warned me that if that ever does happen, she would leave me in there for the night. YIKES! :)

Addicted to technology

Hi, my name is Sarah and I am addicted to technology, specifically in the forms of Facebook and my Blackberry.
At what point in our lives have we been consumed by these technological dependencies? I will admit, I began using Facebook and my Blackberry in order to keep up with friends and family members. Great idea, right? However, gradually my keeping up with old friends and family turned into Facebook stalking and spending endless hours waiting for the newest gossip. My Blackberry, for convenience, turned into keeping it with me at all times and sleeping with it by my head. I am honestly not sure that I could go a whole day without these things. Um.... anyone seeing the problem yet?!?!
The sad reality is that I know I am not alone. I know that there are loads of people in the same boat with me..all up the creek without a paddle! While we are all sucked into our socially driven guilty pleasures, we are missing the sweet simple things called life. When is the last time you have taken a nice little walk outside, or sat down and had a face to face conversation with a favorite friend? When is the last time you sat in silence and just took in the moment? When is the last time that you read a book for an hour or two? Well, if you are like me, a big question mark is flashing in your head right now because I can't remember the last time I did these things. I am ashamed at that!!
So, as Eminem would say, I am on the road to recovery! I know some people who have completely deleted Facebook and downgraded to a basic phone because of their addiction. I will not be taking those extreme measures; however, I will be removing my face from the computer and phone more often. My inner self is yelling, GET A LIFE!! Yes ma'am! :)
If you are in this boat with me, let's go back to the basics!!! Laugh with people. Fall in love with something simple. Look for the little things. Learn something new. LIVE LIFE!

You know you are in the south during the winter when....

• the rumor of snow causes schools to close
• there is a shortage of milk and bread at the grocery stores
• roads get salted when the temperature gets below 30 degrees
• people shrill over the site of a snowflake
• getting 'snowed in' consists of a dusting on the ground
• half the kids have never seen snow!
• and... you can never make a dang snowman!!!

First snow (and probably the only one) of the year 1/29/10!

Hello 2010

Hello 2010!!! I think everyone is happy to say,"buh-bye" to 2009 and "hello" to 2010! I was listening to the radio and they mentioned a theory about even and odd years. Basically a person is either in favor (meaning they have good luck) of even years or odd years. It is one or the other!

I started to think about 1) is this true? and 2) which do I favor? I quickly came to realize that it is true and I am totally a fan of even years. I can make a whole list of good things that have happened to me on even years and bad things that have happened to me on odd years (don't worry, I won't list them all for you!) So, now knowing this theory, I am super excited for 2010 and I have faith that it is going to bring some pretty awesome things!!! Happy New Years!