The Small Things in Life

I'm going to share with y'all how easily excitable I am. (I'm laughing at the thoughts I'm sure will be running through Tom's mind as he reads that last statement...clean it up, Tom!!)

I volunteer at our church during the second service in the book store. This was a huge step for me because I'm so shy, which is one reason I needed to do it. The very first Sunday I tried it, I loved it. The people volunteering are great. I get to meet other people on staff and people who attend or visit our church. I love it. It's the first time I've ever used a register, and it still amazes me that I've not totally destroyed their system...but in all fairness, I'm new, so give it some time. :)

I'm off track. What got me so excited is that last Sunday...I got my first name tag! Seriously. I've never in my life had a name tag and for some reason, this just thrilled me. It's gold with black engraved lettering, and they even spelled my name correctly, which rarely happens. It's got a magnetic backing so I don't have to put holes in my clothes, which sort of worried me when they first gave it to me and I was wearing a silk blouse.

Casey came into the book store to visit me and the first thing I did was show him my name tag. Everyone working there keeps teasing me about how easy it is to excite me...and it's true. I do get all excited and happy with the little things in life. The simple things, like a name tag. Hey, my name being spelled right is just a bonus! I was going to take a picture of it to put up here, but I forgot because I was running late for the class Casey and I take.

Yup, I really am that easy. Simple pleasures are my life's treasures.

Friends, Gifts and Lot's of Love

Settle down, I know how excited y'all get when I have pictures. Yeah, I'm kidding. But, regardless, that's what I've got for y'all today.

First, I have a picture of my guys with Abi. Y'all see her comments and I've talked about her before with a few pictures. She and her brothers grew up with my kids and they were always around playing ball of some sort in my front yard. I have to laugh at that, because back then, I couldn't grow any sort of grass in my front yard for all the ball playing. Now, I've got a great front lawn, but truth be told, I miss the kids. Oh, wipe the tears and look at how cute Abi is.

We couldn't get Casey to stop 'cutting up'. Isn't Abi adorable? There was a time when she was bigger than my boys.

After church, Casey said he was going to run an errand and would see me at home later. When he got home, I was on the phone and he put a sack next to me. I opened it up and there was this card that brought me to tears. After that, there was a beautifully framed cross. Pictures? Absolutely. :)

I am so blessed with these kids I have. I love them so much!

Funny Stuff

I got this from Wes, he graciously allowed me to use it. My kind of guy; looks, brains and a great sense of humor.

One the biggest and most overused buzzwords in today's business world is "marketing". Since I work in the business, women often ask me for a simple explanation of the term. I think I can explain it to them best by briefly going through the different types of marketing. Here goes:

1. You're a woman and you see a handsome guy at a party. You go up to him and say, "I'm fantastic in bed."

That's Direct Marketing.

2. You're at a party with a bunch of friends and see a handsome guy. One of your friends goes up to him and, pointing at you, says, "She's fantastic in bed."

That's Advertising.

3. You see a handsome guy at a party. You go up to him and get his telephone number. The next day you call and say, "Hi, I'm fantastic in bed."

That's Telemarketing.

4. You see a guy at a party; you straighten your dress. You walk up to him and pour him a drink. You say, "May I?" and reach up to straighten his tie, brushing your breast lightly against his arm, and then say, "By the way, I'm fantastic in bed."

That's Public Relations.

5. You're at a party and see a handsome guy. He walks up to you and says, "I hear you're fantastic in bed."

That's Brand Recognition.

6. You're at a party and see a handsome guy. He fancies you, but you talk him into going home with your friend.

That's a Sales Rep.

7. Your friend can't satisfy him so he calls you.

That's Tech Support.

8. You're on your way to a party when you realize that there could be handsome men in all these houses you're passing, so you climb onto the roof of one situated towards the center and shout at the top of your lungs, "I'm fantastic in bed!"

That's Junk Mail.

9. You are at a party; this well-built man walks up to you and grabs your ass.

That's the Governor of California.

10. You like it, but twenty years later your attorney decides you were offended.

That's America.

Chasing ZZZZZ's

I've not been sleeping well. No biggie there, nothing new. I did have one good solid night sleep last week, after medicating myself, but that was one in a month or so. Anyway, I know I need more sleep when I can't figure out why my shampoo isn't 'sudsing', but my conditioner is...or why my dogs are not eating, but just looking at me funny after I've fed them and I see my kitten running by me with a huge piece of dog food in her mouth. Had to chase that cat under the bed to get that away from her, she thought she'd struck gold, lol.
So, with the correct animal food in the right bowls now, and my hair a bit sticky...I'm off to work.

Hope y'all enjoy your day.

Kid's 'Got Game' and Mom's Got Tears

So, Casey and I are outside playing basketball yesterday afternoon (actually we're playing 'horse' and if you don't know what that is, just ask) and there are some girls that keep walking up and down the sidewalk. Then Charlie comes home from school, and he joins us. First, WOW, I had no idea Charlie was so good at basketball. He just isn't into sports much, so it really surprised me how the kid can shoot, seriously the kid has some powerful skills. Anyway, wasn't 10 minutes and we have girls from the neighborhood joining our game. About this time, I'm feeling really out of place... A few minutes later, more girls. A few minutes later, I go inside with a sore shoulder. Yes, it was sore...sort of. What bothered me most was after I'd shoot, I was constantly having to pull my shirt down; trust me, no one wants to see what I'm showing. The girls...yeah, no pulling down there. Plus, watching the transformation in Casey's personality, very cute. He's such a cut up anyway, but suddenly he's not only a cut up...but a very aloof cut up. He gets this 'coolness' thing going, the girls get this giggling and flirting thing going, and I just get going inside. Charlie joined me, which left Casey just where he wanted to be, I'm sure. Kid was in his element.

Charlie spends time with his dad on Sundays, after church. This Sunday, Mark took Charlie to see his new home that he'll be moving into soon. This will let y'all see the small and petty side of me. Charlie came home ranting and raving about how cool his dad's new home was. How the kitchen is 5x the size of mine, the bathrooms are soooo cool, the garage is huge and can he start having his band practices over there... This is about the time that tears started flowing without asking my permission. I felt awful about Charlie seeing this terrible display I was putting on. Poor baby, he didn't know what to do. He thought it was his fault, God love my sweet darlin'. Nope, all my fault. I told him it was that part of me that was selfish and petty escaping and that I was so sorry. That somewhere deep down (okay, maybe not all that far deep down, lol) that there was a part of me that would like to see his dad living in a run down trailer, down by the railroad tracks in the worst part of Dallas...or maybe in one of those $10 a day 'hotel' rooms that vagrant and wino's rent, again, in the worst part of Dallas.
This has opened my eyes, though, to part of me that is still hostile, and honestly, it doesn't do anyone any good. Apparently I have a wound that isn't completely healed, and it's scab got scraped when Charlie was telling me about his room at his dad's house. So, I've been doing a lot of praying for forgiveness and praying for Mark, that he does well. I believe in praying blessings even for our enemies, and Mark is not my enemy. It was tough coming into this realization, and having to explain it in a way that a 16 year old could understand, that this had nothing to do with him, or even his dad...it was all about me and something I needed to deal with. I honestly want Charlie to enjoy every minute he spends with Mark, and it's great that he'll have somewhere to go that he feels safe, and is safe. I hope someday that Casey will want to visit with his dad, too. Not for me, and definitely not for Mark, but for himself.

Hey, sweet Leesa is putting on her own contest for bloggers. Just a fun thing and it would be great if y'all took a couple of minutes to visit her.

Family Picture Time

Charlie playing some 'White Zombie' on his new bass guitar, cuddled next to our lab, Porter, and Butchie. She's gotten bigger, huh?

I Can Imagine

God loves you, and so do I. :)

Have a good weekend y'all.

Love To You All

Happy Valentine's Day

Sweet Leesa did a post on Valentine's Day memories, and at the time, I couldn't remember any that stood out. Yeah, I know, that's sad. But apparently I've had that sort of life, and either I've never kept the 'good guys' or the 'good guys' have never kept me...dunno.
However, my good buddy, Tom, has given me a lot of great ideas of what can be and what I should be looking for in a mate. I'm not looking for a mate, because it will be hard for me to ever trust anyone again...but I'm putting that into God's hands and let Him deal with my heart because, again, appparently I'm just not very good at it.
Here are some of the things that Tom has asked me, or told me lately. They're appropriate for Valentine's Day. (And just to remind you, Tom has a very smart assed sense of humor, one of the reasons he's a good friend...I appreciate that quality in a person.)

"Do you think you will find another that has meaning, that will allow you to coast into old age, (it's a short hill for you baby, lol) snuggled in a blanket of love and security that is second to God, but just barely?"
I loved this. It gives me something to hope for, because frankly, I don't think I've ever known anyone who has made me feel this way, loved and secure. Both of my marriages were with men who were not good at showing love and definitely never made me feel secure; emotionally, financially or physically. So, this has given me something to look for in a man and something to put into my prayers to God.

"Do you know that you are a vibrant, exciting woman? Have you any idea that you have an entire life ahead of you, that will always involve your sons...but not in the manner you are accustomed to? That there are many guys out there that would give the left side of their anatomy to get to share their lives with you? That there are wholesome, christian, and well adjusted men that are looking for you, not just someone like you. I'm not saying any of this because I want to be that guy, in fact I am saying it because I cannot be that guy. I live too far away, and I know we are too much of pals for anything like that. Always the bridesmaid, lol. I want you to be happy, in love, and know what it's like for someone to cherish your every heartbeat. You not only deserve it, so does the guy that finds you. I mention these things because I think you have forgotten, as a long marriage to someone that cannot show love will do to a person, what qualities you possess. Yes, you are a great mom. Yes, you are a great friend. Yes, you are a good christian (personally I liked the sister christian better than good christian, but I am partial to 80's rock.) You have a lot of life left to live. Anyone that gets to be touched by that life, spiritually/physically or both will be better for it. I am blessed that I get to be a small part of your life. Love ya. Happy V.D. "
Okay, this almost made me cry, because I've never had anyone be so encouraging to me. This made a huge impact on me. I'd hardened my heart towards the thought of ever trusting another man with my future again. But, maybe there is someone out there that can be these things to me. I do believe that God has someone for everyone, and never intended for us to be alone. It's okay to be alone, but not alone.
Tom's email was probably one of the best Valentine's gifts I've ever received, because it touched me where I needed to be touched. In my heart, my mind and my spirit.
I wish this for you all for Valentine's Day. Not just today, but for tomorrow and all your tomorrows. I wish you love, hope, laughter and smiles...and I wish for you someone to share these things with daily.
Thanks Tom, you're a great friend and have given me a great gift...hope.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Much love to all,
kathi

Trader's Village

My sister-in-law, Gail, that gave me the cross and the scripture/name plates for Christmas will be selling some of her creations at Trader's Village near Grand Prairie this Saturday and Sunday in Booth 1505. If you're out anywhere near her this weekend, stop by and tell her hello and look at all the beautiful things she creates, plus, she's just a real blessing to meet. :)

Good Medicine

Sometimes I think I may be the most blessed person on the planet. Lot's of reasons, the typical ones like my kids and all. But I'm talking about my friends today. Do we ever give our friends enough credit for the influence they have on our lives? I don't think I do.
My friends are always there for me. They hurt with me, they get angry for me, they listen to me and, my favorite, they make me laugh. I'm the kind of person that has absolutely zero hesitation in making fun of myself, and I think this is one of the biggest common denominators between my friends and I, we all enjoy laughing at me. C'mon, I'm kidding there, slightly. We all enjoy laughing at ourselves. If I had a friend that was offended easily or took themselves too seriously, well, let's just say there is a reason I don't have any friends that are like this. I do have a few acquaintances that are serious in nature, but truth be told, I seldom answer the phone when they call...caller i.d.? You bet. Please, don't tell me you don't ever use caller i.d.

Anyway, talking about my friends. I can't imagine having gone through a lot of the things I've gone through in my life without my friends. When I'm taking my life too seriously, I've got 3 friends that will always put it into prospective, KJ, TA and LB. Always. If there isn't much to laugh about in my life, they'll tell me about theirs, and the old saying 'laughter is the best medicine' is true.
Kids, when they're younger, get a kick out of their family laughing at them, they're all clowns. The older they get, it's like they take it personally if you laugh at them, unless they are actually trying to get you to laugh. I try very hard not to instill this in my kids. May not always succeed, but you know teenage hormones...so unpredictable. Completely unlike a woman's, lol. But I have let my kids see me make fun of myself, like when I fall, I always get up laughing. Yeah, I know, it does seem to happen a lot and as I get older it may seriously be a problem.
I think it may be one reason we've not had a lot of the normal problems with our kids as you have with most teenagers. They simply don't take life too seriously, they're not afraid to laugh. One of my all time favorite things in the world is Charlie's laugh. I should record it sometime, it's the best laugh. It's that contagious sort of laugh.

I think I may have taken things more seriously when I was younger, but with my mom dying in her sleep a couple of months after turning 53...well, if it had any influence on me whatsoever, it was that tomorrow isn't guaranteed. The idea of spending my last day or my last hour alive depressed, in tears of sorrow or consumed in self pity, just seems like such a waste of life.

At the beginning of the year, our church started a three week fast of fruit, vegetables and unprocessed foods. Casey lost 20 pounds in three weeks. Me, I put on 2 pounds. I don't know how, that's not my point anyway. They encouraged us to start journaling. I've always kept a journal, but I started a new one. A joy journal. I'm keeping things in it that make me smile, things that make me laugh. I wrote down a story a friend who told me about how her hubby had tried on her undies. We laughed till we cried. I wrote down another friends story about her dad living with a rat without knowing it because he was losing his eyesight, and how she and her brother got rid of it, this story was hysterical. Another entry was a story about a friend who is trying the 'dating' scene through the personals and recently had a date with someone who'd had a part of their face re-attached earlier in life from a dog attack, and even though they didn't see anything wrong with the persons face, they were afraid to look directly at them through the entire date, because they were afraid it'd seem like they were staring (and that maybe they actually would be staring without realizing it). One I need to put in that I just remembered is when my neighbor was using the bathroom, she heard splashing underneath her that had nothing to do with her, and when she stood up, a squirrel came swimming up out of the toilet.

Life is so full of things that could be taken several ways. There is the 'woe is me' and the friends that enjoy keeping you there, whether they realize it or not. I have a friend that no matter how many times I try to turn the conversation towards laughter tries to bring it back to anger. Seriously, caller i.d. is worth every penny.

Anyway, I'm thankful for my buddies that share my outlook on what is important in life. Life without joy, without smiles and without laughter...what's the point? KJ, TA and LB...love you much.

Colt's Got Game!

What a great game, and yes, of course I'm talking about the Super Bowl! I'm from Indianapolis, so I was backing the Colts, but I'm also a Bears fan, so either way I'd been happy. I've got to say that it was such a great night of first's. Tony Dungy not only being the first black coach to win a Super Bowl, but third coach to win the Super Bowl who'd also been a player on a winning Super Bowl Team. First time in a Super Bowl where both team coaches were black...and they both being Christians made me appreciate them all the more. Yeah, I really am that predictable. :)
The game itself, wow. Hester running the first kickoff back for a touchdown for the Bears was amazing, c'mon, what a way to start off the game! I can't believe the rain they had, never let up. But all the fumbles, interceptions...just never got boring. Loved it.
Casey had gone to a Super Bowl party, and it had never occurred to me that he'd mind the Colts winning over the Bears. I knew he loved the Bears, but I thought he felt the same way I did about the Colts, he having spent so much time in Indy and all. But he was a tad bummed when he got home and didn't think the game was nearly as good as I did.
Charlie and I both enjoyed Prince at the half time show. Charlie was wanting to see him play the guitar because he'd heard he was good. He's downloaded the tabs for Purple Rain and has it down. Proud of him, true, but he's gotten so gooood (Charlie, not Prince :) ).
I was disappointed at the commercials. However, I enjoyed the Blockbuster commercial where the bunny and guinea pig were trying to get on-line by using the mouse...that made me laugh. And the Sierra Mist commercials were funny, the beard comb over...and short shorts, LOL. The first Chevy commercial was pretty cool. Other than that, not so much.

Yeah, I know, not my usual post.

Several Voices To Choose From

I have several voices sounding in my head lately. Some from outside sources, some from with-in. I've been taken down a few notches from the person I was a year ago. Having a rug (or your life) pulled out from under you will do that to you.

But God said in His Word, "Do not fear" 365 times. 365 times. Is it a coincidence that there are 365 days in the year and he told us not to fear 365 times? I don't think so. What helps me when the severity of life starts to shout in my head, is that I am told 'not to fear'. Not today, not tomorrow, not ever.

I hope you play the video.