7 Reasons I'm Looking Forward to Spring

I don't know about you, but I am so looking forward to Spring! February 2, the ground hog did not see his shadow. I have no idea what a ground hog in Pennsylvania has to do with the weather in Arkansas but, hey (shrugs shoulders). The geese are returning, and that screams SPRING IS JUST AROUND THE BEND!!!

Every year around this time, I have a need for spring and warmer weather. Following is a list of 7 reasons I'm looking forward to spring season.

1. Flip-Flops! - As soon as the cool weather breaks, and there is ANY warmth I kicking off my shoes and wearing flip-flops. At the end of last summer two of my favorites flipped their last flop, leaving me with only one pair. It's safe to say I'm on the hunt for at least three pair, maybe more!

2. Longer days - I love being outside. The more light there is... the longer I will stay outside, and find reasons to be outside.

3. Blooming color - The naked trees and dry grass of winter has almost given me the blues. I love watching everything turn from gray to bright and pretty colors. Soon my neighborhood will be the prettiest place in the world!

4. My Birthday - Need I say more?

5. Fruit - I am looking forward to seasonal, and local grown fruit and vegetables. One of my favorites is fried green tomatoes! 

6. Happy Hour - Although Sonic Drive-In's Happy Hour is all year long, it's not until  warmer weather that my family makes regular visits. My favorite is cranberry tea with sprite. So refreshing!

7. Frogs and Crickets - Bayou Bartholomew runs near my house, and after a spring rain the frogs and crickets are so very loud... And I love it! It reminds me of being at my grandparents house in the country. I could sit outside, and listen to it for HOURS!

Are you looking forward to spring? Why or why not? 

You Only Live Once



I'm trying my best not to make New Years Resolutions, but I can't help thinking about places I'd like to go, or see, and things I'd like to do. Some this year, and others this lifetime, but do plan to do them all!

1. Visit The Redwood Forest. Watching The Rise of The Planet Apes, Caesar was taken to play and climb amongst the red woods. It reminded me of a song we sang when I was young... "This land is your land, this land is my land, from the Redwood Forest to the gulf stream waters..." Why the red woods? Why not.

2. Camp at Petit Jean Mountain's Cedar Falls. This State park is in my back yard. Not actually, but I can get there inside of two hours. Last year I tossed around the idea of going, but I missed going before it got warm, and the water fall dried up for the summer. THIS YEAR, I'm making definite plans to go! My family has never been camping, and it's time... in the cabins of course!

3. Wade in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. I've never been to California, and when I went to Virginia, I could see the Atlantic Ocean. We never got close enough where I could put my feet in. I have a strong urge to see both. I have been to the Gulf of Mexico, in Galveston, and played in the Caribbean Sea in Montego Bay, Jamaica (pictured above). The water was... I don't have words.

4. See a Broadway show. In 1991, I was in New York, my friend and I stood in line to get tickets to a show in the freezing cold. By the time we got to the window the show we wanted to see was all sold out. My middle daughter went to New York, two years ago with a group, and they saw The Lion King, and loved it. I made up my mind, seeing a Broadway show was going on my list.

5. Zip line. Although I am afraid of heights, I've wanted to take a zip line tour for a while. Sounds crazy, but it excites me just thinking about it. And guess what... there are zip line tours in my state!

6. Visit San Antonio's River Walk. My mother, and my husband have both talked about how beautiful the River Walk is, and it's a must see for me!

7. Join Pintrest! I've seen so many cool pictures and pinups (I think that's what it's called) on Twitter, and Facebook, until I'm really intrigued! Pintrest is defiantly a THIS YEAR "to do."

8. Update my wardrobe. Because I've gained weight, and need to lose 15 lbs. NOTHING fits! I'm not a fashionista, and I'd really like to be that fashion foward hot mama! After I lose the weight, THIS YEAR, I'd love to start working on a whole new wardrobe, especially clothes for work! I'm going to need help, a stylist, or maybe even a coach!

What are things you've been thinking about, pondering, or just considering? Come on... let's make it happen. You Only Live Once #YOLO!

Things I Like Very Much

I didn't want to write about the topic scheduled on my editorial calendar, and started going through my Google Reader, I came across Tobi Fairley's "Things She Loves." I thought that was a great idea. So today's post is a list of Things I Like very much.

I made a conscious effort a couple years ago, not to say I "love," things/stuff, just like it very much. So here goes...

1. Social  Media: Twitter, YouTube, Foursquare, Facebook and not necessarily in that order. I'm fascinated with social media, and the power and influence it has. I also like the fact that it has opened up opportunities like never before.

My students laugh when I tell them I'm into social media, and how they can reach me. The truth is I'm more social media savvy than most of them... put together!

2. The sound of crickets and frogs after a summer rain: Mr. husband says I'm a country girl at heart. My grand parents had a farm, with acres and acres of land. At night in the summer, the crickets and frogs singing was THE BEST!

3. Coca-Cola: My family teases, and say that I'm addicted, but I don't care! I don't drink a six pack a day, or even close. I have a 20 oz., or two at the most! I don't drink liquor, smoke... I'm entitled to my Coke!

4. Chessmen Cookies: If you've never had Chessmen cookies, you're missing out! I'm not a huge cookie, and cake kind of person, but I like these cookies VERY MUCH!

5. Notebooks, stationary, paper: I had to get to a place where I was comfortable with composing anything straight to the computer. I used to always have to write it down in a cute little notebook first. When I find a notebook with a different design, and really cute... I have to have a few! I always keep an extra two, or three tucked away in a drawer.

6. Cooking: I always liked to be in the kitchen watching my grandmothers sprinkle a little of this, or add a pinch of that. I enjoy taking ingredients and making it into something my family likes, or not.

7. My Blackberry: Finally, after wanting a Blackberry cell phone for YEARS, I got one last May. It was my birthday gift to myself. I am #TeamBlackberry all the way! I have social media in the palm of my hands, and access to all of my email accounts. It's like a little brain. And I like it VERY much.

8. Flip Video Camera: My flip, runs a close second to my Blackberry. I visited it at Wal-Mart, several times. Okay, more than several, but I'm NOT saying! Mr. husband surprised me with it as a birthday gift last year. I danced around like I had just won the lottery. Initially I told him that's what I wanted. He put on a good show... "I don't know anything about a Flip. What about another brand, Kodak, Sony..." He fooled, and I was so happy.

I record and make videos of the kids sporting events, and school programs. I also use my Flip to vlog, and make other videos for my blog. It's in my purse at all times, I never know what I'll need to record!

What things do you like very much?

Christmas Wishlist

Dear Santa:

Please accept this letter as my official Christmas "Wish List." I've been especially good this year, *ahem* GREAT even! Because I've been so good, the monetary value of my list has increased considerably.

Don't be alarmed at the number of items on the list. I was merely thinking of you, and providing enough options and ideas... just in case. *wink*

1. iPad: I know I've not been much into iPad's, or Apple products in the past but... @Brantc said among other things, it can cook! This baby is a must have!

2. Laptop: I know you're thinking an iPad, and a laptop. Let me explain. The kids are always on my desktop, and I can't watch the Target Lady on Youtube when I need to. If we had an additional computer, along with an iPad, every one could get their work done.

3. Trip to St. Lucia: Recently @HauteTravels Tweeted about great vacay's to St. Lucia. My imagination painted a B-E-A-utiful picture, and I'd like to go there. Please.

4. Ticket to Blissdom11: Seeing how I missed the trip to Blogalicious10, and Blissdom11 is in a neighboring state... You see where I'm going with that! And don't forget about room, AND travel expenses!

5. Korto Momolu's new silver necklace: Page 48, in the December, issue of Essence Magazine, is a picture of the necklace. This item is only $28! You remember her from Project Runway, and we live in the same state.

I know you're thinking, the list isn't so bad. But this is a work in progress. As I find more exciting, and much needed items, I will email, Tweet, or Facebook you. Thank you for your time, and patience.

What I love about summer

I love summer, and all that it has to offer! There are somethings I look forward to more than others. And I thought I'd share them with you!

1. The kids are out of school! If you've read previous posts, you'd know how much I've looked forward to not having to get the kids up for school!

2. Adventures galore! I want to explore things in our backyard, not literally, that we've never done, or seen. There is so much in my own state, I've missed, and the kids don't even have a clue.

3. Lighting bugs. Some people call them fireflies, but down south, their lighting bugs! I can stand out side for as long as their out, and just watch their show. Yes, and occassionally, I still catch a few, but I let them go.

4. Fried green tomatoes. OMG, fried green tomatoes are as much summer to me as watermelon, and our family reunion. My grandmother used to make them for me, and now, I make them with my baby girl.

5. Watermelons. Mmmm, just thinking about the taste and smell of watermelon makes my mouth water. Yes, you can get watermelon all year long. Somewhere, someone is growing them, but it's not like an Arkansas watermelon! Have you ever had a Hope watermelon?! Hope, Arkansas, you know the place where Bill Clinton was born.

6. Frogs & Crickets. Yes, frogs and crickets! And no I don't catch them! My grandparents lived in the country. At night I'd lay in bed with the windows up, and listen to the frogs and crickets. That's music to my ears! During the summer, after a rain, the frogs in a nearby bayou cut up! Mr. Husband won't let me sleep with the windows up.

Okay, that's all I have time for. I could go on, and on and on. But, I must get ready for work! What do you like about summer?

My Tweets

After the weekend I had, it's a wonder I can think AT ALL! So instead of a "real" blog post, I thought I'd give you a glimpse into my Twitter activity. These are a few of my resent favorites. Okay, my life isn't very eventful, but it's mine!

It's Time to do it all over again, Merry Monday.

I found the answer to losing your car at the grocery store... Always park on the same isle.

Yeah!!! I successfully sent my first MailChimp email campaign. I feel like I'm doing something.

Checking out webcam for Skyping. Why didn't I think of that before?

About to get out in the rain, without an umbrella!

I just drove around the culdesac, past my neighbor's mailbox. I was WAY out in the street. Not going to hit it today!

Okay, back to the basics. Keep it simple stupid!

The weather lady said rain this afternoon. It looks like rain any minute.

I think I just put too many towels in the washer! *looking stupid*

Someone shrunk my Spring/Summer pants. I'll try holding my breath! Putting down the cookies.

My Baby-Girl is playing around in Oldest daughter's things. She just put concealer on her lips for lipstick. Too funny!

My Very First Award!!!

Behold! (Trumpet fanfare, fireworks, balloons)

I have received my very first award! Last week, Sherri at Adventures of a Middle Aged Drama Queen thought enough of me , and I am so very honored. I shared the news with my family, and they looked at me like I'd just been released from the loony bin. Thank you Sherri.

Now, I must tell you 7 things about myself, and pass it along to 7 other bloggers.

About Me...

1. I loooove Reality Shows! If you have a reality show, I'll watch it at least once. If it's not totally disgusting, I'll watch it twice. If it's really good, I'm DVR-ing it, Twittering, and Facebooking about it.

2. I love to grocery shop! I know it sounds crazy, but I do. I like trying to see how much money I can save by ad matching, and using coupons. Who am I kidding, I love it, even when I' m not saving money. My FAVORITE place to shop is Wal-Mart! When I'm done, I love to see my cabinets, and refrigerator full. The most money I've spent in the grocery store is $350.

3. Coca-Cola is my beverage of choice. If I was stranded on an island, and could have one food item, it would be a Coke. I know, it's not a food. It's all I would need to survive!

4. I love the sounds of crickets and frogs. I live near a pond, and a bayou. On a summer night, especially after a rain, the crickets and frogs sing, and I love it! It reminds me of being at my grandparents house in the country.

5. I would love to have a nose ring. If I wasn't 41, with 5 children, (four of them think it's crazy), married to a Deacon, and a college instructor... I'd do it! While in my 20s, I never would have pierced my nose, and was probably totally against it. Now, I think it's way cool. Not a big one, just a little-bitty one.

6. I am obsessed with the smell of clean clothes! I use softener in the washer, and several dryer sheets in the dryer. When I use a towel, I want to inhale, and smile. Mr. Husband's work clothes can not smell like work, after I wash them. They have to be fresh and clean!

7. I've had all the football I can stand and can't stands no more! (That is untill the Super Bowl, and my son's games in the Fall.) We have ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN Classic, ESPNU, and other channels that show high school football, college football, professional football ALL.THE.TIME!

My winners for the Beautiful Blogger Award goes to: Drum roll please...

1. Krystal Grant's Guide to Life
2. Cafe Chic
3. Ask Wifey
4. Cardio Girl
5. Chronicles of A Quater Life Crisis
6. Hanging With Mrs. Cooper
7. Hurstburst

The Best Of 2009

The Best Of...

I ran across another blogger's post, The Best of 2009 Challenge, and I'm sorry, I don't remember who it was. Although I don't want to do 'the challenge,' I thought it was a good idea, and wanted to use some of the prompts.

Best...


1. Trip - Spring Break, we took the kids to Dallas, and had a ball. The high light of the trip was the Dallas Aquarium. You do know I'm looking forward to Spring Break 2010, right? Eleven weeks and counting!

2. Website - UAPB-Ning site and Face book. Through both sites, I have reconnected with old college, and high school friends, and people I passed by in the halls. It has been really great!

3. Television show - Real Housewives of Atlanta, hands down! Don't be tardy for the party! About a month ago, I did a little flip thing with my hair, and Mr. Husband, along with a few others said I looked like Kandi. Wow, was that an ego boost!

4. Song - I've Got A Feeling, by the Black Eyed Peas! They opened Oprah's block party with that song, and a flash mob dance. That song is my Theme Song for 2010...

I've got a feeling, that 20-10's gonna be a good year, that 20-10's gonna be a good year, that 20-10's gonna be a good, good year. Twenty-ten's the year, so live it up, I've got my money let's spend it up. Go out and smash it, like OMG, jump off that sofa let's get, get off! ...

5. Game find - Wii! If I had known we was THIS MUCH FUN, I would have bought one long time ago. No one fully explained just how much fun it could be!

6. Embarrassing moment - Finishing the Capital City Classic 10k, DEAD LAST! Read Finishing The Race.

7. Accomplishment - Coloring (actually bleaching) my hair, jacking it up, and it still having a head full to comb, and style. It's a miracle I'm not wearing a wig TODAY. Read DIY Hair Color: Not A Good Idea.

What I'm looking forward to in 2010

1. Redemption - I'm going back to that 10K, and I'm going to beat Thelma & Louise, as well as the staggering walking man. I would like to do a half marathon, but before I can do that, I MUST face the dragon!

2. Blogalicious 2010 - I missed it in 2009, and I plan to be there in October!

3. Finally reaching my goal weight! My goal date is my birthday, May 16. I have five months to successfully lose 14 lbs. That's doable!

I'm sure I'm missing some really good best, as well as awesome things I have to look forward to. One thing is for sure, I'll blog about them along the way!

Christmas Wish List

Christmas is right around the corner, and I made list for the children, so that I know what to buy for them. I even started another list of what to get Mr. Husband, my parents, as well as G-G. Hey, there is no list for me!

The thoughtful person that I am, I took the liberty to make my Christmas Wish List. If any of you know Mr. Husband, or The Five Degrees, (my children) pass it on.

1. Permissions Slips (book) by Sherri Shepard

I took a peek while in the book store. It is FUNNY!

2. EA Sports for Wii

This game/workout is AWESOME! This should actually be number one on my list! I bought a Wii for the kids, last month. And they don't have a clue! Middle daughter and I were in Wal-Mart a few days ago, when she asked them how many Wii's were in stock. She came running to me, "Mama. They're all out of Wii's." She had the most pitiful look on her face. OMG, I wanted to laugh, but I contained myself.

3. MP3 player

4. Pedicure

I haven't had one since Mother's Day. Mama's in need!

5. Ralph Lauren Warm (perfume)

My daughter has Cool, and I use it all the time. If I had Warm, we could share.

Okay, that's the short list in a nutshell. And if I get none of these things, I'm good. I have so much to be thankful for. Remember, Jesus is the reason for the season!

Five Question Friday

Browsing around, reading blogs from my blog roll, Keely post today is Five Question Firday. And not having a clue about today's post, I jumped on the band wagon. If you'd like to join in click on through, and join in the fun.

Five Question Friday

1. What is your dream job?

I'd love to be someones Social Media Networking Specialist! How cool would it be to, write a blog, Facebook, Tweet... (stuff I'm doing any way, and loving it), and get paid to do it.

2. What song could you play over and over?

The Black Eyed Peas, "I've Got A Feeling." Since they appeared on Oprah, for her kick-off party, I'm so loving that song!

3. Do you prefer to talk on the phone or text (or email)?

Talk, for sure. There's just something about hearing the others person's voice on the other end. When Texting or emailing, I miss the pause in a voice or the obvious smile, (yeah you can hear a smile), the inflection, or the excitement in a person's voice. I love real communication.

4. What is your must have beauty product?

Eye liner for sure! I don't have to have my powder, or even lip gloss, but I have to have my eyes lined.

5. What is your favorite Michael Jackson song?

Hmmmmm. Today, it's 'The Way You Make Me Feel.'

Top Ten: Mama I Can't Find...

In my 20 years of being a mother, I've heard Mama, I can't find this, or that more times than I can remember. Following are my top ten.

Mama, I can't find. . .

1. The answer to that question. It's not in THIS book.

2. My shoes. No, I didn't look under the bed, because I put them in the closet.

3. My glasses. They were on my face when I went to bed.

4. My socks. She put them on. Make her take off her shoes, and let me see.

5. That street. Yes, I followed your directions. Oh... I was supposed to turn there.

6. My jacket with the hood. I didn't leave it at school. It came home with me. I think!

7. My cell phone. Call my number, so I can listen for it.

8. That screw driver. You said look in what drawer again? What's a phillips head?

9. Your box. I'm in the closet, and I'm looking down, yes my hand is out. But there is no... Oh, that blue box.

10. My wallet. I don't remember the last time I saw it. Yes, I had money in it, $50.

Top 10 Indicators You Are Considered "Older"

1. Your kids refer to your childhood as, "Back in the day."

2. The music your kids listen to gives you a head ache.

3. You no longer consider 60 as old.

4. Your children are embarrassed when you dance. And those dances were HOT back in the day!

5. To you, skinny jeans (Straight legs), aren't knew... It's a revival.

6. You know all the words, and the dance to Michael Jackson's Thriller.

7. You remember the theme songs from The Love Boat, Gilligan's Island, Happy Days, and every other sit-com.

8. You used to collect baseball cards from Wonder Bread.

9. You speak and your parents voice comes out of your mouth.

10. Once upon a time, in a time long ago, you've had the experience of getting up, walking across the room, and turning the channel on a television, by hand.