Time alone

I've been off work since Friday at 6 p.m. Two whole days in a row, an actual weekend. I'd not had a day off in 7 days, so I was happy to have it! Also, Charlie left Friday evening to go with his dad to an air show in west Texas and got home tonight (Sunday) around 9 p.m. I started missing Charlie on Saturday, but my being happy for him to get away and hoping he was having fun outweighed my missing him.

As much as I love being alone, I don't like being lonely. By the time Charlie got home tonight, I was lonely. I have two more years with Charlie before he graduates and I hope they go by very, very slowly.

I'm not sure I know who I'll be yet when I don't have a child at home anymore.

See what I'm lookin' at

Rosemarie tagged me to do a 'Desktop View Tag'. It gives you a view of what is on my desktop. I have a picture I took of my lab, Porter, as my background. My icons are self explanatory.

I'm suppose to tag five, but don't hold your breath...y'all know I don't tag. If you should decide to do it, however, please, let me know.

What's in a name?

This woman has tagged me again. :) Since I adore her, I'm doing it...though the very basis of it irritates me. My middle name.

The rule is to describe yourself with each letter of your middle name. Dang, Dabich...and you wouldn't even use your real middle name.

F ~ friendly. Yeah, it's a bigger surprise to me than it is to you. My best buddy, Katy, is probably gasping for air here. Sorry Sweetie, put your head between your knees and breathe deeply. I would never have described myself as friendly, ever. Others (including Katy) have told me that I am, and yet I've never believed them. However, with my job at the clothing store, I've learned that I honestly enjoy being friendly. I have met some great people, staff and customers, that I've become friends with and a couple of people I work with that I hope to become good friends with. I'm having a great time working around people, and if it didn't pay so little, I'd probably be content to stay there. Anyway...so F would stand for friendly. And for the record, that means that: The times they are a-changin'.

R ~ responsible. That's me. Who'd have thought? I've grown up a lot in the last year or so, and having to become a single parent in a matter of seconds, well...it was like diving into the deep end of responsibility. Going from having someone to bounce ideas off of, to having to make all decisions (every single one) by yourself...huge. And, sort of like the job thing, I found out that I'm good at it.

A ~ authentic. One hundred percent. Okay, I color my hair, so make that 99.99%, thank you very much for bringing that up!

N ~ nurturer. Hey, I'm a mom, a good mom at that, and getting better all the time!

C ~ CHRISTIAN. You bet'cha, and it's what defines me most.

I ~ imperfect. Sometimes all I can do is laugh at how imperfect I am, even when it isn't funny because crying never makes things better.

S ~ saved!! Since 1982 and never ever goin' back!

A Front Row Seat

Charlie downloaded the tabs yesterday to Tell Me Baby by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. I've loved listening to him learn it. I've become a huge fan of Red Hot Chili Peppers since Charlie has begun playing them...I'm an even bigger fan of Charlies. :) Love this kid. Anyway, he let me record him practicing it.

Trusting Myself

Normally, I have a pretty sensitive gut...instinct, and I've learned over the years to listen to it, pay attention to that little nagging feeling I get. I had an encounter last week with a 'poser' and though my initial reaction was to listen, nod my head and walk away, which eventually I did, I second guessed myself. The truth came out, and I KNEW it, down deep, I knew the truth, and yet I was surprised by it because I'd let myself be blinded by a kind action. Kindness is easy to fake, for a time... I'd actually felt guilt for having doubted this person, because their kindness blinded me to that initial gut reaction to them. But, a lie always reveals itself, given time, because it can not exist in the Light of day. When truth was revealed, I rebuked myself, not them (for they are who they are) but myself. I should have known better, I should have trusted my inner man (my spirit that resides in this heap of flesh).

I learned from it, so it wasn't' a complete waste. I learned that there is ingrained in us all an awareness, a natural instinct of right and wrong. We all need to learn to be sensitive to it, listen to it, trust it. It's as important a sense to us as our taste, our sight...and once developed, it rarely lets us down.

So, I was duped. Not because I was unaware, but because I doubted my instincts. Shame on me. Fortunately, it cost me nothing; and in actuality, it reinforced what I already knew and yet had taken for granted. Wake up, the world will take advantage of you if you let it. I'll not let it happen again, at least not for a very long time. And by then, it'll probably be time for me to learn it again.

Mountains are gonna fall...

This may start out a little slow for some, but when it hits it's high (and you'll know when it does)...that's the way I feel each day, excited .

As for Nicole Mullen, I'm posting more from her soon. Amazing.

Awwww, why wait. :)

My Day Of Rest

I had such a great day off today. Charlie and I stayed up late watching movies last night, so we slept in this morning. I fixed french toast and cheese omelets for breakfast, and then we went for a drive to take pictures. My camera isn't working well, mostly the flash isn't charging, but no flash is needed for the outdoors! It was such a gorgeous day.

Charlie and I both like to take pictures in old graveyards and we found one today that we've driven by many times and didn't realize it was there. I let Charlie drive in the cemetery (shhhhh, don't tell) and he's such a careful driver. As soon as we can afford it, he'll be in driving school and on his way to getting his license.


After taking some pictures, we just drove. I love our drives...windows down and music up. Today we found ourselves at a lake. Being the gorgeous day that it was, we went to pick up a friend of Charlies and drove back to the lake. The boys went swimming while I found a covered picnic table and read while I listened to their laughter. There were a few people in the area, but no one close by. There were boats and jet skis in the water, but there was a designated safe swimming area so they didn't come close to the boys.

After we got home, I fixed dinner while Charlie showered. After dinner we watched the Emmy's and it wasn't long before Charlie had laid down, his head in my lap while I scratched his head and soon he was sound asleep.

It was a great day off.

Part Two

Epsilonicus ~ This guy is in his senior year at Mercyhurst College in Erie, PA. He's an RA, and has a pretty good head on his shoulders. He's not a saint, he's real and I love this kid. He's not a kid, but he's a kid to me and I'd be proud to call him my kid.

The Real Kidd ~ Kidd has a real life going on, full time job outside the home, kids, husband, and all the normal problems life gives all of us. I love the way she shares it with us and the way she lets us into the life of her family. She and her sister are close in a way that makes me envious. She's what I'd call 'a little bit country and a little bit rock~n~roll'. She tells it straight, and y'all know that's something I appreciate.

Rose ~ Rose is a 'real life' author, wife and mother. She and I have the 'kid in college' thing in common. Rose has some great stories, and she brings current stories and issues to our attention. Rose has an opinion and she's not afraid to use it. :) Notice how I tend to be drawn to this type of person?

Rosemarie ~ Rosemarie is another lady with an opinion! She's also got such a heart to help and lift up others. This lady shares her love for God in her blog, and you know I appreciate that, as well as sharing where to find the best bargains and household tips. She also loves to recognize others, and I appreciate that too. You reap what you sow, so I have no doubt this woman will be blessed.

Seven ~ I would like to claim nearly every post this guy writes as my own. I've referred to this guy several times in my blog, steering y'all to read him. His stories are amazing. He's brought tears from this hard heart of mine, especially with this one: Amber Waves of Grain. His personal life, he's a runner and is currently running in a World Championship track meet in Italy. Yeah, he's sooooo boring, lol. He's got a great wife and two great (adult) kids that I love hearing about...he's one proud dad, and rightfully so.

Shannon ~ Shannon is a relative new blogger to me. She's a woman that has a lot going on in her life and is pulled in many directions. We can all relate to that at one time or another. Shannon also has four kids, works full time with a 90 minute commute each way and is married. I don't know how she does it, honestly, I'm in awe of that even being a possibility of happening.
I also love her honesty about how hard it is with out it being whiny. Trust me, I'd whine. I'd whine day and night and triple whine on weekends.

3 Carnations ~ 3 c's tells it exactly as it is. She's the working mom of a brilliant toddler (honestly, he has better conversing skills than I do), and she challenges people to do the right thing...or challenges those who don't. She has made me smile more times than I can count and I always appreciate the comments she leaves on the blogs of others as much as I do the writing on her own blog.

There are other blogs that I LOVE, and other bloggers that I admire greatly. The ones I've listed are, for one reason or another, those that draw me to them and I try to get to them as often as possible. They are 'PG-13' blogs that I wouldn't mind my kids reading, and that's another reason for me to post them here. I do have blog friends that I love, that are a strong R, and I read...but wouldn't be crazy about my kids reading...so that limits my putting them on my list here as well, and the fact that some are rarely able to blog. I do greatly miss Tom's and Shawn's blog. They've both 'retired' their blogs and as much as I wish them well, I miss them very much.

Someday soon I'll do a list on some of my favorite blogs that have passed away. It really is like losing a friend. Until then, I'm thankful to have all the blogs listed in my life. I'm richer for them.

Let Me Introduce...

Rosemarie was generous enough to give me this and I am to pass it on.

“This award is for those bloggers who are nice people; good blog friends and those who inspire good feelings and inspiration. Also for those who are a positive influence on our blogging world. Once you’ve been awarded please pass it on to 7 others who you feel are deserving of this award.”


1. The Cabana ~ Y'all know I adore Wes. He's smart, funny, successful and one great looking man. He entertains, educates and advises. He's got such a great heart and, again, I simply adore him.

2. Dabich ~ Geeze, I love this woman. She makes me feel comfortable to be myself on her blog. I relate to her on many levels. Her blog is humane, having the ability to speak her mind and yet have a respect for other people's views. Plus, her wit is second to none.

3. Leesa ~ Leesa is another woman that speaks her mind, and someone else that I easily relate to. She's 100% human and doesn't make any excuses. I also appreciate how she tries to spotlight other blogs, turning us on to the talent of others. Thanks girl.

4. Deb ~ One of my very first blogging buddies. She's made me laugh so hard I've lost bodily fluids. Deb has one of the sweetest hearts of anyone I've met in blogland. She's honest, caring, sincere, and forgiving; living and sharing her love for God with anyone who'll give her a minute or two. I love you with all my heart hon.

5. Lovelladro ~ She, and my next buddy, are also my sister's in Christ. This sweet lady is blessed with carrying her first child and with having one sweet husband. I love reading about their lives. They have the kind of friends that I've only seen on t.v. or in the movies. I'm blessed to be able to share her world, even if it is only for a few minutes a day.

6. Michelle ~ This is one 'hot' mama. Seriously, take a look at this woman. She's got FOUR kids and she looks like she's a 19 year old film star. Really, go look. Regardless, she has the kindest spirit and a great love for God. She's real, down to earth, and genuinely kind. I will forever be thankful for the words she wrote to Casey for his graduation. It's the only card he kept, I'll always be grateful for the way she reached out and touched my son when he was hurting. She made a difference in his life and I know God will reward her. I love you.

7. Nancy ~ Nancy is one of the most talented writers I've come across. Her words will be read by millions someday, I have no doubt about this. She is the mother of a wonderful son named Erik, who has Williams syndrome. I'd never heard of Williams syndrome before Nancy. I believe God has given her an amazing talent of putting her heart into words that not only touch, but educate, anyone who reads them.

Okay, that got me though a bit of my blog favorites. I'm going to do the rest in my next post. I know I'm only suppose to do 7...but get real. To pick 7 out of all the greats in my fav list would be unfair to me, to them and to you. You know what? I'm really blessed to have made so many blog friends. Seriously, I've made great friends. Lisa is one of my closest friends in real life (though she's got really lazy about blogging!), and I can't imagine having gotten through the last few months...the last year actually, without her humor to make me laugh in spite of the tears that threatened me. People say internet...on-line relationships aren't real. I feel sorry for them. There is a whole world of great people that they'll never meet...but I have.

More answers to more questions

Got this from my good buddy, Dale. Those of you that have gotten this as an email, you should skip reading it and visit some of my buddies blogs from my fav's. Those of you who didn't get it as an email, I need your addy's. :)

1. What time is it? 12:32 a.m.

2. What is your full name? kitty kat (that's short for Katheryn Francis)

3. What are you most afraid of: Letting someone get to know me

4. Place of birth? Washington, Indiana

5. Favourite food? Spicy Mexican Seafood, muy bueno!

6. Your natural hair colour? dark brown

7. Have you travelled? quite a bit

8. Do you scrunch or fold (toilet paper)? scrunch

9. Love someone so much it made you cry? once

10. Been in a car accident? yes

11. Mercedes or BMW? jeep

12. Favourite day of the week? whatever my 'off day' is

13. Favourite Restaurant? P.F. Changs

14. Favourite Flower? purple iris

15.Favorite sport to watch? extreme skateboard or snowboarding

17. Favourite ice cream? Ben and Jerry's New York Super Fudge Chunk

18. Disney or Warner Brothers? I honestly don't know the difference

19. Favourite fast food restaurant? Pei Wei

20. What colour is your bedroom carpet? beige

21. How many times you failed your driver's test? none

22. Before this one, from whom did you get your last email? Lance

23. What do you do most often when you are bored? watch my recordings of Judge Judy

24. Bedtime? between 1 and 2 a.m.

25. Who will respond to this e-mail the quickest? no clue

26. Who is the person least likely to respond? Abi

27. Whose answers are you are most curious to see? mmmmmm, everyones!

28. What means the most to you? God's sacrifice

29. Favourite TV shows? Burn Notice, The Closer, House, Boston Legal

30. Males or Females ? for?

31. Tall or short ? again, for?

32. What is your favourite colour? black

33. How many pets do you have? 7 (4 cats and 3 dogs)

34. Age: Above or below 28? above

35. What would you like to accomplish/do before you die? see my kid's dreams come true

36. how many people are you sending this e-mail to? dunno, a dozen...maybe more

37. What is your star Sign? Leo

32 Questions

1. The phone rings. Who do you want it to be? I wouldn't care who it was, I'd just wish it'd stop ringing. Who turned the ringer on anyway??

2. When shopping at the grocery store, do you return your cart? Every single time.

3. In a social setting, are you more of a talker or a listener? I'm more likely looking for a way out of the social setting.

4. If abandoned alone in the wilderness, would you survive? Absolutely.

5. Do you like to ride horses? I LOVE to ride.

6. Did you ever go to camp as a kid? Yup...I don't remember going to them, but I know I did.

7. What was your favorite board game as a kid? Never played board games as a kid.

8. If a sexy person was pursuing you, but you knew he/she was taken what would you do? Just how taken? :) Nah, just kidding...I'd probably wonder if they needed glasses.

9. Are you judgemental? Not in the slightest.

10. Do you know how to shoot a gun? Accurately? Yes, and it's been awhile, but I use to be extremely accurate. I'd love to join a gun club and just target shoot for fun.

11. If your house was on fire, what’s the first thing you’d grab? Charlie.

12. How often do you read books? I use to read all the time, now...rarely.

13. Do you think more about the past, present or future? The present takes all my time.

14. What is your favorite children’s book? Franky the Fuzzy Goat. Yeah, see if you can find that one in your local library. :)

15. How tall are you? 5'4"...but I act much taller.

16. What are the keys on your key chain for? House, cars and the safe.

17. What did you do last night? Worked till nearly 10, came home and listened to Charlie play the guitar while I ate dinner and then I watched some t.v. in bed.

18. What movie do you want to see right now? The new Jodie Foster film that isn't out yet.

19. What will you do for New Year’s? I have no idea...hope it's one to remember though.

20. Do you own a camera phone? Yup

21. What’s the first letter of your middle name? F

22. How many hours of sleep do you get at night? Four on a good night.

23. What do you sleep in? Just what God gave me.

24. Anything big ever happen in your hometown? I got my first kiss behind the library...oh, and James Whitcomb Riley was born there.

25. Is your tongue pierced? Does the term 'a cold day in hell' give you a clue?

26. Who is the funniest person you know? Charlie.

27. Do you like funny or serious people better? Funny...intelligent, sarcastic 'funny'.

28. Did you eat a cookie today? Geeze, I'd have to answer that question today...yes, yes I did.

29. Do you use cuss words in other languages? I don't even use them in english, lol.

30. Do you steal or pay for your music downloads? I pay for my kid's downloads.

31. Is your cell phone usually on Vibrate or ring? I have mine set to both, don't know why.

32. Do you need a boyfriend/girlfriend? Lol, I've pretty much learned that I don't need anything.

Thanks, dabich, for the questions!