Complaining--Give Me a Break!!!

Complain---Me??  Well here are my complaints:

1. I can't seem to leave comments.  Everytime I try to leave a comment I am sent back to my sign in page.  Come on--give me a break here!! Is anyone else having this problem????  If so how did you fix it??? 

2. Okay here goes-it is getting hot!!!  The weather has been in the high 80's and it is not even summer yet!! This warm weather doesn't help my hot flashes!!!!!!  Now I am not wishing for cooler weather by no means but---give me a break!!

Speaking of weather all we are having is severe thunderstorms or tornado warnings/watches!!! I can't remember having so much rain either---I think I am going to rust!!!!

3. I love having my daughters in but daughter #2 has taken over with all her college "stuff" and I repeat "stuff."  I keep saying this is not your college room, but I have learned to shut my mouth and close my eyes---give me a break!!!

4. Everytime I try to get ahead...well, you know what happens?  Ten other things pop up--give me a break!!!

Looking forward to a long weekend--I will get a break!!

Untill then...Enjoy Life

               Tammy

http://joyce-fromthissideofthepond.blogspot.com/"



1. What is something about living in this country that you value? 'This country' is whatever country you call home.


Freedom-Even though prayer is no longer allowed in school, I can still bow my head and pray before I eat lunch without being killed.  Freedom to give my opinion on a subject without fear.  I think freedom is something we all take for granted and as citizens we don't realize the freedoms we have in America.



2. What is a favorite something you own that is red, white, and/or blue?

American Flag and a shirt I wear to school on holidays.



3. Do you fly a flag at your house on patriotic holidays?

The house we purchased has a flagpole memorial.  The lady built the memorial in honor of her brother who served in the Korean War.  It lights up at night.

4. What ingredients do you think should be included in a great picnic basket?

Chicken, drinks (you chose), cheese, crackers, and fruit.  A great sunny day with a cool breeze would be great!!



5. What is one interesting piece of trivia you know? Interesting is of course a relative term.

I guess you might call this trivia--but since I have a daughter in pharmacy school I have learned something I didn't know before.  She has informed me if Nate (who is 2 yrs.old) was to drink antifreeze or something that was poison-to not give him milk, but beer--yep she said beer-this would flush his kidneys out quicker and then get to the doctor as soon as possible.  For some reason, I always thought milk, so a person would throw up-guess I have been wrong.
But I have heard the average chocolate bar has insect legs in it.  Has anyone else heard this???????



6. Wednesday, May 24th is National Escargot day...have you ever tried them? Eww or ooh?

Well, I had to look up the word--are you kidding me????  No never tried and I don't think I ever will.



7. What is one thing you know for sure?

People keeps asking how I have gotten through so much "stuff" in my life.  My response is God does not put more on you than you can handle--I know this for sure!!!!  Of course, I kept repeating this to myself as I faced many trials.



8. Insert your own random thought here.

My husband got a good report from his oncologist today.  He doesn't have to go back until August.  Praise The Lord!!!!!!

Moving--Your're Kidding Right???

Why do college kids think they have to move every year.  Daughter #2 is moving AGAIN!!!!!  Her freshmen year in college she lived in a dorm.  Thankful for all the college football players that helped her move in her first year.  Her second year she lived in an apartment on campus-this was okay.  Last year she and her roommate rented a trailer.  So thankful for boyfriends who helped with the move.  Now her senior year she informed us she was moving to a condo-needed to be out by May 25th.  What????  Your're kidding right?????

You guessed it--right?  We went yesterday to begin the dreaded packing boxes.  Now, why all earth do they (daughter and roommate) have a George Forman Grill, 3 coffee pots, crock pot, toaster oven, hot chocolate maker, and a pot or whatever you call it for boiling water.  You would think they were setting up housekeeping!!! Not to mention whenever I would  talk to my daughter she was going or had went to Sonic, McDoanlad's, Pals, or some other place to eat!!!  So I began packing!!! and the durn things weren't clean--so I went off!!!!!!!  I began yelling and saying a few choice words to who--myself of course.  Daughter was in her bedroom packing and her roommate is still in Virginia Beach!!!!  But afterwards I felt better!!!!! 

I couldn't wait to get home and hit the shower!!!  Then I heard the comment, "Mom is hateful."  I didn't respond just let in go in one ear and out the other.  Yep, I had every right to be hateful!!!  I had packed boxes and cleaned-plus on top of all of this-I have a terrible cold and my eye infection is back!! So I wasn't feeling the best of worlds and then a 2 yr. old to bathe-So sometimes Mom does get tired and irritable!!!!

Today I feel much better and it is a beautiful sunshiny, warm day!

I have come to this conclusion: life is full of transitions!!





Wednesday's Hodgepodge


joyce-fromthissideofthepond.blogspot.com
 1. What reveals more about a woman-her refrigerator or her purse?

To me, a purse reveals style.  When a purse matches a woman's outfit, I automatically think--Now that is style-and this lady is "put together."  I love purses and shoes---too many to count.  If one was to look inside my purse, it is hard to tell what one will find.....
A refrigerator tells more about a person.  Some examples would be- the type of food she likes, the type of drink she likes, is the person organized, or is the person completely OCD when it comes to organizing a refrigerator, is the person a vegetarian, etc....So by looking in a refrigerator I could tell more about a person.







2. When was the last time you went to the zoo? Where? What's your favorite zoo animal?
In 2009, my hub and I went to the zoo in Washington, D.C.  Daughter #2 was playing basketball in D.C. so we went to the zoo.  I enjoyed watching the gorilla care for her young.  But my favorite animal, would have to be the panda.  I just think they are adorable.

3. What social issue fires you up?
There are many issues right now--homeless, FEMA (refused to help area close by), latch key children, but I am going to say....Health Care/Insurance.  Health insurance is constantly increasing and benefits are decreasing.  If it wasn't for health insurance, I don't know what I would have done.  In 1988, daughter #1 had open heart surgery in Charlottesville, Virginia and then in 1989 she had to have another open heart surgery in Boston, Massachusetts. Nothing I ever wanted to use insurance for, but was glad for it.  T hen in 2010, my husband was diagnosed with colon cancer and his treatments have been expensive.  So health insurance has helped.  I know many people complain about the cost and brag about never having to use it, and what a waste of money it is.  I would love to brag about never having to use health insurance!!!!!  So when people complain about the cost of health insurance this does fire me up.  I know we are paying more now than ever  but.....it comes in handy when you least expect it.




4. Are you a coupon clipper? If so, are you extreme?
After having friends tell me so many wonderful stories, I had to find out for myself about coupons.  One Friday night, and friend and I went to a coupon workshop (yep, workshop on coupons).  I sat there amazed!!!!  So, let's just say I am a beginner coupon clipper who carries her notebook to the stores!!!!

5. What is one of your favorite souvenirs brought back from your travels?

Since I don't get to travel much, the only souvenir I can think of is sand!!!  LOL!



6. Lemon meringue or key lime?
I would have to go with Key Lime Pie!!!

Kenny Chesney's lyrics:

Not too tart, not too sweet

My baby loves to watch me eat

Her key lime pie

Her key lime pie

7. What is the most beautiful word you know in any language?

Words are so powerful.  The most beautiful word I can think of is GRACE.   Grace is a gift from God and it always expresses love.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

We had a little get together for my brother's daughter, who graduated from Radford last week.  The weather was a little chilly, but a nice Sunday afternoon.

We started our state testing today. My first test was World Geography and Friday will be Physical Science.

My husband goes back to his oncologist next Tuesday for his check-up.  Asking prayers for a great check-up.  I get nervous and anxious when the time for his check-up approaches.  Have a good day!!!

Tammy

Amy......

Yesterday I took my step-grandson to my cousins's (Dawson) birthday party.  Dawson's mother is my aunt's daughter.  My aunt is only one year older than me, so I have not really considered her an aunt, more like a sister.  Her daughter's name is Amy.  Amy mentioned to me she reads my blog but has not read anything I have written about her.  So....this is to you Amy.

Amy would babysit my daughters when they were younger.  She loved to play in the sandbox with them.  However, there was one time when she accidentally let daughter #2 fall off of a car.  Remember that, Amy? I only found this out recenty....hum wonder why?  Now that my daughters are older she still does little favors for them.......One time she decided to play match maker for daughter #1---that was a disaster!!!!  Whew---Daughter #1 was the drum major for her high school band and Amy was there cheering her on.  Her and hubs drove 3 hrs. to watch daughter #2 play basketball and she even made identical shirts for her and hubs to wear!!!!!  True supporters for my daughters!!!!!


Amy has grown into a fine woman.  She is married and has two well-mannered young boys. Her oldest son is in the first grade and her second son just turned two. 

Nick and Dawson

Amy is a third grade teacher and was selected as Teacher of the Year!!!!  Yea!!!!!

Her students are the apple of her eye!!!! 

Amy with Dawson.

Amy with my daughters!!!!

So this is Amy--the one and only.  Thanks for all you do for our family!!!!

Tammy

Quiet Moments

Not much going on right now.  Daughters are home from college...well Daughter #1 is doing a rotation at a mental institution and she really doesn't like it, but I told her it won't last forever. She has also been on a drug ward and this has scared her to some extent.

Took my step-grandson to a birthday party today.  Gosh I tthought I had a few years to rest before starting this phase of life again. Now thinking -about taking him-grandson to see Thomas the Train-What am I thinking?????

Still have 5 weeks left of school and our dreaded state testing starts next week.  Ugh!!!!  The paperwork keeps piling up and I keep looking at it.  It is now time for me to quit waiting on a magic wand and do it but I keep putting it off!!!!

Weather is killing me---It has been in the low 80's this week and next week will struggle to reach the 60's. No wonder we all have the sniffles and feel so blah.

I kinda of enjoy some quiet moments---step-grandson is asleep and now hear my husband snoring!!!!!!! Earlier I told him to listen and he said listen to what?  I kept saying  listen-- he replied "I don't hear anything."  Which I replied, "Exactly."  Kinda nice for a change huh?  Then he fell asleep.

Proud!

Yesterday was my niece's college graduation.  I am so proud of her.  Her mother walked out on her and my brother when she was in the 7th grade; a time when daughters really need their mothers.  She never gave up her dream of being a nurse!!!  She had a rough road and made it through.  Just because you grow up on the wrong side of the tracks doesn't mean you have to stay there. 

My brother and I with Josie

My husband was teary eyed.  I don't know if I have written about this or not but......My husband's son (Todd) was not married and had a child (son--Nathan).  Last year Nathan's mom lost custody of Nathan.  My husband and I really, really, really help Todd with Nathan and he is a joy to have around. I didn't realize my husband was crying, but he said he thought of how Nathan's mom never comes around to see him. Well, she hasn't seen Nathan since December.  Now Nathan is only 2 years old and I can't imagine what he thinks, but as for me there is no way I couldn't see my child!!!!  I tried explaining that maybe one day Nathan's mom will wake up and realize what she has given up. And if not, just like how Josie has made it with support.


My husband (Charlie) and Josie

 It was an exciting and wonderful day!!!!


Dauhter #2 and Josie

After graduation we headed out to Red Lobster and back to her apartment.  She is a little stressed out-going to study for the state boards and has to move by the end of this week.  She will be living in Johnson City and has a job at Johnson City Hospital!!!!!  So Proud!!!!!

Later that night, we decided to build a fire in our fireplace out back and fix smores. It was a perfect cool night for this.





Yum!!  Yum!!

I had a great Mother's Day!!!  I got jewelry (charms for my Pandora Bracelet) necklace and earrings, and flowers from Nathan. 

My husband grilled out chicken and corn-no problem!!!  He loves to cook and this was perfect!!
Hope everyone has a great week!!!
Until next time......Enjoy Life!!!!!



Hello---Weekend!!!

Glad the week is over---well almost. 

I had the SCA elections at school this morning.  The students did a fabulous job.  They were nervous and so sweet as they spoke to the student body as why the students should choose them. 

After elections, our school hosted the Special Games Day!!  It you want to feel real courage and the feeling of victory then don't ever miss a special games day.  These people have so many obstacles, but are happy and loving people.  The joy of winning is es tactic!!!  Tears in my eyes just remembering this day. It was a cool day but sunshine peeked through their smiles. 

After school went grocery shopping-Daughter #2 is home!!!!  Luckily not many people at the store so I was able to zoom through the aisles and back home.

Tomorrow is my niece's graduation from college.  Where does the time go??  I can remember her being at my house for sleepovers and now graduating from college with a degree in nursing.  I am so proud of this young woman-who has not had an easy road!!! I wish her the best in all she chooses to do.

Ready for the weekend!!!!!!!!  Come on warm weather!!!!!!

http://joyce-fromthissideofthepond.blogspot.com/

1. Have you ever been served breakfast in bed? Do you enjoy that? If someone were serving you breakfast in bed this coming weekend what would you hope to see on the tray?

Only if you consider when I was in the hospital after giving birth to my daughters!!  Otherwise, NO!!!  Now I would like to be served breakfast in bed-hmm..isn't Mother's Day coming up?  If  someone was to serve me breakfast, I would ask for fresh fruit-all kinds- toast, bacon, coffee, and orange juice.  Now this isn't too much to ask for.





2. What is one piece of advice you would give a new mother?

When you get angry and you will at your children, count to ten or twenty whatever it takes and walk away then come back and deal with the situation.  Never deal with the situation while you are angry.  Watch what you say to your children.  Words are daggers in the heart and no matter how much you apologize words are never forgotten.  Also, take break--sometimes you may need a little 'me' time.  Take a bubble bath or a stroll just to get a few minutes to yourself.  Remember your little one or ones grow up and cherish the moments you spend with them.  This is more than one piece of advice, right?

3. When was the last time you wanted to scream? Explain.

TODAY!!!! as a matter of fact.  There is too much going on in personal life and school life.  Like I have mentioned before I am caring for my 2 yr. old grandson while my step-son is recovering from back surgery-boy this is tiresome after teaching 8th graders all day.  Even though we still have six weeks of school left, the push has begun for administrators that is.  The Standards of Learning Tests begin in two weeks and then exams.  I arrived at school at 7:30 today and got home at 6:00 PLUS school work to do later on after I put 2 yr. old to bed.  WHEW!!!  SCREAM!!! Example on Friday, we have the Student Council Elections-yep I am sponsor so I have to get all this organized and ready for voting, new student arrived today, behavioral student returned to school and had meeting with mental health workers (during my planning) classes to teach physicals to get ready for since students will enter high school next year and papers to grade 146 writing papers!!!!

4. Can you hula hoop?

Yes.  I also hula hoop on the Wii Fit Plus that I have.

5. What is something people do in traffic that really bothers you?

I would have to say-when I glance at someone and see that person pick his/her nose!!!  Come on give me a break.  Where are your manners?

6. What do you do when people don't admit they're wrong?

Absolutely nothing if it is a manner situation. I figure that person will have to answer for that.  However, if it is a major situation I confront that person and tell him/her they are wrong and state the reasons why.  What I am saying is I have proof they are wrong before confronting them.

7. What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word 'fun'?

Party--relaxing atmosphere-just let go. 

8. Insert your own random thought here

Asking everyone to remember the people who lost their lives in the tornado that touched down last week Wed. to be exact and only 5 miles away from my house to remember those people in their prayers.  Such a tragic thing that happened and very rare, since we live in the mountains it had been since 1929 when the last tornado hit.  I am also glad about the capture of Osama Bin Laden, but at the same time a little fearful.

Have a great day yall!!

I will Praise You in the Storm

How can I help those who need it the most?  This was the question that I pondered last night.  After the tornado hit, which is very, very rare in our area-so rare the last time something like this happened was in 1929 or so the newscaster reports. 

As I was getting ready for church, I suddenly thought of my grandson (2yr.old) and said do the little ones have the necessities-diapers, wipes, formulas, etc.  I knew the Red Cross was bringing food-but what about the little ones? 

I bet you guessed it--After church (which was an amazing service) I went to Wal-Mart and purchased diapers and wipes.  My daughters , 2 yr. old grandson and I headed down the interstate toward the college and kept saying on my look how slow the northbound lane is going-at least 10-15 miles backed up.  I said don't worry Mom knows the back roads and no big deal.  We went inside the college and found out we needed to go in the opposite direction.  Again, don't worry Mom can get us there.  I obtained a permit to go the back roads-which was I thought no big deal.  I had seen the destruction from the interstate-so we can make it.  Traveling down the back roads, not only did I see the destruction of buildings, homes, but PEOPLE!!  Oh my I didn't expect this.  Such sadness, and yet some were laughing-from tiredness I don't know.  But I also saw college students (yep exam week this week) and they were sawing down tree limbs, picking up debris, hugging people, hauling out furniture, putting on roofs-etc. my youngest daughter replied-they have exams and look-and I replied back--"Yep-Please Look."  Such amazing people-who says young people aren't compassionate these days.  It would only take a few people to see this and Wow-you would change your mind.


We made it to our destination and the volunteers,who were working,were thrilled with our items.  Of course I make my 2 yr. old help-he could carry in baby toothbrushes!!!  It is never too early to learn-to help people in times of devastation.

I know what I did was only a drop in a bucket-but I feel better about trying to help.

So on our way back home-questions were firing at me from daughters-Why did this happen?  How did the tornado miss us? How long will it take the people to get their life back?  Questions that went through my mind and I have no answer. 

The tornado came like a thief in the night just like God said he would.  With lives lost, I hope and pray all was ready to meet Christ.

I leave you with this thought:
We have no right to ask when sorrow comes, "Why did this happen to me?" unless we ask the same question for every moment of happiness that comes our way. ~Author Unknown

Enjoy your Monday and life!!!!!