My friend, Elaine forwarded this to me in an email. I really needed to read this. I should probably hang it up somewhere where I will see it constantly. Thought I'd share....
A Great Recipe
1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.
2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Talk to God about what is going on in your life. Buy a lock if you have to.
3. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My purpose is to__________ today. I am thankful for______________'
4. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
5. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli , almonds & walnuts.
6. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
7. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
8. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.
9. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
10. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
11. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
12. You are not so important that you have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
13. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
14. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
15. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
16. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'
17. Forgive everyone for everything.
18. What other people think of you is none of your business.
19. GOD heals everything - but you have to ask Him.
20. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
21. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch!!!
22. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
23. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I am thankful for__________. Today I accomplished_________.
24. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.
25. When you are feeling down, start listing your many blessings. You'll be smiling before you know it.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
25 things about me.....
So, I got tagged on facebook to do this, so I thought I'd take the time to do it while the boys were napping and playing. I decided it was time to blog about something other than identity theft. *sigh*
1. I hate germs. Really. Bad. I'm obsessive compulsive about it. It's not fun.
2. I freak out about everything.
3. I miss South Jackson the way it used to be. I work in S. Jackson and I get depressed every time I see how bad it has become.
4. My faith in God has become very important to me just in the past few months. I've always believed, but I've never been tested and had faith until recently. My mistakes are history.
5. I like sushi. But not the raw stuff. I haven't had the desire to get that acquainted with raw fish. #6 will tell you why.
6. I do not like the texture of undercooked meat. I do not like my steak rare, nor do I like my tuna seared. It's not the taste, but the texture. Shiver....
7. I like to watch the news. It's how I get my fix late at night.
8. I failed Chemistry in high school.
9. I ran a marathon. Don't ask me why. I still have yet to figure out what made me do it.
10. There is no friend on earth I feel as comfortable around as I do Christi King. I remember the first time I met her. She was 10, I was 8. We stared at each other for like, 5 minutes. Since then we've been close, and we've lost touch a couple of times, but when we are together it feels like we've never been out of touch. I can tell her ANYTHING. And I have.
11. I like to drink a good glass of wine after a long day. But beacause I'm Baptist, my own religion judges me for that. But, as far as I'm concerned there's only one judge.
12. I hate math. HATE math. my brain shuts down when I see an algebraic equation.
13. Even though I hate math, I can add and subtract in my head faster and better than my husband, who is a C.P.A.
14. My husband is really good to me. And I admit, I deserve it less than anyone.
15. I am a drama queen. Which I guess goes back to #2. But you should see me when I'm sick...
16. I am obsessed-- OBSESSED-- with lipstick. If there is nothing else on my face, I better have the lips painted. I haven't quite figured out if that's a self-esteem issue....
17. The first thing I notice about people are their teeth and their smile.
18. I must shower twice a day. There is no exception to this rule.
19. I am obsessed with brushing my teeth. I do it between 4 and 7 times a day. But, I can't quite get into the habit of flossing.
20. Christmas is my favorite time of the year. There's nothing like the memories made with family during that time.
21. I have a wonderful grandfather. He is a Baptist preacher and he rocks. If you know him, you know, enough said....
22. Laughing is good for the soul. But only a good deep laugh. The kind you have to use your whole body for.
23. I like to blog. I find it to be good therapy.
24. I have a strong desire to be a nurse, but my math skills might hold me back.
25. God is good, and I find that even at my worst, I still have peace. I have learned about the power of prayer. It really is powerful. Really.
1. I hate germs. Really. Bad. I'm obsessive compulsive about it. It's not fun.
2. I freak out about everything.
3. I miss South Jackson the way it used to be. I work in S. Jackson and I get depressed every time I see how bad it has become.
4. My faith in God has become very important to me just in the past few months. I've always believed, but I've never been tested and had faith until recently. My mistakes are history.
5. I like sushi. But not the raw stuff. I haven't had the desire to get that acquainted with raw fish. #6 will tell you why.
6. I do not like the texture of undercooked meat. I do not like my steak rare, nor do I like my tuna seared. It's not the taste, but the texture. Shiver....
7. I like to watch the news. It's how I get my fix late at night.
8. I failed Chemistry in high school.
9. I ran a marathon. Don't ask me why. I still have yet to figure out what made me do it.
10. There is no friend on earth I feel as comfortable around as I do Christi King. I remember the first time I met her. She was 10, I was 8. We stared at each other for like, 5 minutes. Since then we've been close, and we've lost touch a couple of times, but when we are together it feels like we've never been out of touch. I can tell her ANYTHING. And I have.
11. I like to drink a good glass of wine after a long day. But beacause I'm Baptist, my own religion judges me for that. But, as far as I'm concerned there's only one judge.
12. I hate math. HATE math. my brain shuts down when I see an algebraic equation.
13. Even though I hate math, I can add and subtract in my head faster and better than my husband, who is a C.P.A.
14. My husband is really good to me. And I admit, I deserve it less than anyone.
15. I am a drama queen. Which I guess goes back to #2. But you should see me when I'm sick...
16. I am obsessed-- OBSESSED-- with lipstick. If there is nothing else on my face, I better have the lips painted. I haven't quite figured out if that's a self-esteem issue....
17. The first thing I notice about people are their teeth and their smile.
18. I must shower twice a day. There is no exception to this rule.
19. I am obsessed with brushing my teeth. I do it between 4 and 7 times a day. But, I can't quite get into the habit of flossing.
20. Christmas is my favorite time of the year. There's nothing like the memories made with family during that time.
21. I have a wonderful grandfather. He is a Baptist preacher and he rocks. If you know him, you know, enough said....
22. Laughing is good for the soul. But only a good deep laugh. The kind you have to use your whole body for.
23. I like to blog. I find it to be good therapy.
24. I have a strong desire to be a nurse, but my math skills might hold me back.
25. God is good, and I find that even at my worst, I still have peace. I have learned about the power of prayer. It really is powerful. Really.
My theory
My dining room table has turned into "Identity Theft 'R Us". There are stacks and stacks of papers. Everything from copies of my driver's license, to affidavits, to the FTC information on reporting identity theft, copies of my police reports, the list goes on and on. And I haven't even received the paperwork from Victoria's Secret or AT&T. My mind is always on this thing, my hair is falling out. It's awful. I have a personality that worries anyway. I worry about my everyday life. Now I have this to deal with. It's awful. Until my name is clear, which could take months to years, I will not rest in peace. Even after my name is clear, my life will be separated into two parts: My life before my identity was stolen, and my life after.
I have a theory, though. And as soon as I figure out how to write my local Congressman DIRECTLY, I will be writing him to discuss my theory. And my theory is this: If there were a law put into place to catch these criminals IN ACTION, there would be a lot less lives damaged by identity theft. This is the law I want put into action: When a victim of identity theft flags their credit report for fraud alert, and the person doing said crime comes in to apply for credit to buy something, then the employer pulling this report should be able to call the authorities, and the suspect should not be able to leave until the police arrive. And when police arrive, they should call the number that has been posted on the flagged report (which would be mine) and start the process of charging this person with identity theft. Wouldn't that make sense? I mean, really. Doesn't it? Why don't we have a law that enforces something like that? Maybe because it makes TOO much sense and would be TOO easy?
I also plan on going to see a lawyer. I want to file a suit with Harley Davidson. This person applied for credit using my maiden name. Not only did she do that, but she used 3 wrong spellings: DUNCUN, DANCAN, and DUNCKEN. Any idiot can see that not only are those inconsistent spellings, but they don't match up with my NOW MIDDLE name!!!!! Hello? Does anyone have common sense anymore?!
I have a theory, though. And as soon as I figure out how to write my local Congressman DIRECTLY, I will be writing him to discuss my theory. And my theory is this: If there were a law put into place to catch these criminals IN ACTION, there would be a lot less lives damaged by identity theft. This is the law I want put into action: When a victim of identity theft flags their credit report for fraud alert, and the person doing said crime comes in to apply for credit to buy something, then the employer pulling this report should be able to call the authorities, and the suspect should not be able to leave until the police arrive. And when police arrive, they should call the number that has been posted on the flagged report (which would be mine) and start the process of charging this person with identity theft. Wouldn't that make sense? I mean, really. Doesn't it? Why don't we have a law that enforces something like that? Maybe because it makes TOO much sense and would be TOO easy?
I also plan on going to see a lawyer. I want to file a suit with Harley Davidson. This person applied for credit using my maiden name. Not only did she do that, but she used 3 wrong spellings: DUNCUN, DANCAN, and DUNCKEN. Any idiot can see that not only are those inconsistent spellings, but they don't match up with my NOW MIDDLE name!!!!! Hello? Does anyone have common sense anymore?!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Drained...
I feel like I am 100 years old. There are so many things that I need to be doing today but I can't quite find the energy. I need to wash, and clean, and study, and follow up online with this whole fraud thing. Here I am online, and I can't make myself do it. Maybe it's a subconscious thing-- if I ignore it, it doesn't exist. But I know that's not reality. I am starting to sink into a depression over the identity theft. As if I didn't have enough to worry about with school, and the ACT, and two kids, and my REAL bills to pay, now I have to deal with this situation one affidavit at a time. And there are many to be filled out. I've tried to have a positive attitude and pray and give it over to God, but this is going to consume my life every time I see a credit card offer, a credit report commercial, and every time I have to give my social security number to someone. I can't sleep. I've had nightmares. I could be making a big deal out of this, more than I should, but until someone has been in this situation to this extent, it's hard to say how anyone could feel. Now that I'm in this situation it's awful. Chad and I worked so hard to keep our credit report close to perfect. We don't live outside our means, we pay all our bills on time, we've never had a late payment on ANYTHING, and now I have to clear my name for something I didn't do. And it depresses me because it's not as simple as going to the police and saying I didn't do this, go arrest her, and clear my credit report. I don't know who "her" is. I don't know how she got my information. Fortunately Chad and I will not be needing access to my credit report for any purchases anytime soon, but if this takes a long time, it could end up affecting us. One day we'll need a new car. I am in deep prayer over this and I can feel God's peace at work in me because I know He is much bigger than this situation and the person who did this to me. And I know that even if she is never caught, eventually her actions will be judged by the Highest Authority of all. I just want to shake the sadness and anger that is lingering in my heart. I will get through this, and I am still amazed, utterly amazed, at how I even found out about this when I did. It was nothing but the power of God at work, and I can't be thankful enough for that blessing.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
so it continues....
Will the real Amanda please stand up? So, I filed a police report. Chad pulled up a more detailed credit report and the girl not only bought a Harley, but she tried to buy a brand new BMW. For some reason she obviously wasn't able to make that purchase. She also opened up a Victoria's Secret credit card and charged $2,000 worth of underwear. In one month. Why in the hell would anybody want $2,000 worth of underwear. Oh right, I forgot, it was ME footing the bill.
I am SO stressed right now I can't even function. On top of dealing with this and being on the phone with creditors and filing a police report, I had to take Ethan to the doctor in the midst of it all. He's so pitiful and is running fever, and is crying all the time. This is a baby who never, ever cries. He has an ear infection. Again. Not to mention my house looks like a tornado hit it and I seem to be the only person that cares.
I told Chad I feel like I have aged 15 years in the past 24 hours. Identity theft is massive. And to clear my name it will take months. Then there are forms after forms after forms I have to fill out and fax and mail, and then I have to make a gazillion copies of the police report to go with it. It's frightening to think that my social security number is out there floating around.
It makes me so mad. I've always gotten mad at the concept of people taking other peoples things. It's not right. People work hard for what they have. At least the people I know do. I told Chad I would've been less angry if someone would've come into my house and taken my things. Instead they've taken MY identity. My name, my social security number. The number I was given at birth and the number I will die with. They've taken years of perfect credit and smeared it in the mud. There's a lot of cruel people in this world and people who don't give a damn. I don't understand the lack of respect and morals, basic morals, in this world. I can pray for peace and guidance in this situation, and know that "this too shall pass", but I sure would like to come face to face with this heifer.....(I'd like to use something else, but instead I'm going to think it.)
I am SO stressed right now I can't even function. On top of dealing with this and being on the phone with creditors and filing a police report, I had to take Ethan to the doctor in the midst of it all. He's so pitiful and is running fever, and is crying all the time. This is a baby who never, ever cries. He has an ear infection. Again. Not to mention my house looks like a tornado hit it and I seem to be the only person that cares.
I told Chad I feel like I have aged 15 years in the past 24 hours. Identity theft is massive. And to clear my name it will take months. Then there are forms after forms after forms I have to fill out and fax and mail, and then I have to make a gazillion copies of the police report to go with it. It's frightening to think that my social security number is out there floating around.
It makes me so mad. I've always gotten mad at the concept of people taking other peoples things. It's not right. People work hard for what they have. At least the people I know do. I told Chad I would've been less angry if someone would've come into my house and taken my things. Instead they've taken MY identity. My name, my social security number. The number I was given at birth and the number I will die with. They've taken years of perfect credit and smeared it in the mud. There's a lot of cruel people in this world and people who don't give a damn. I don't understand the lack of respect and morals, basic morals, in this world. I can pray for peace and guidance in this situation, and know that "this too shall pass", but I sure would like to come face to face with this heifer.....(I'd like to use something else, but instead I'm going to think it.)
Monday, January 26, 2009
It's official....
I have become a victim. You know those really cheesy, yet funny credit commercials where the guy is always singing about how he should've checked his credit, but he didn't so now he has to work at a restaurant selling seafood to tourists in t-shirts? Take those commercials seriously. Very.
I called AT&T today to find out the origin of the two letters I received this weekend. They were legit letters. In November, three accounts had been opened in my maiden name with my social security number. Of course, I find this out as I'm about to walk into my 5 hour Monday night class where we will be discussing the basics of Organic Chemistry-- something I don't understand even when I'm paying attention. Well, I couldn't concentrate. I was fighting back tears. I tried with all my might to push it to the back of my mind. On the way home I was overcome with emotions. I've heard horror stories about identity theft. It can ruin someone forever. Chad and I have near perfect credit. Well, when I got home, Chad had some more bad news waiting for me that he didn't want to tell me until I got home. He pulled our credit report to check any unusual activity.
This person used my social security number and name to buy something to the tune of $30,000.00 Yep. THIRTY. THOUSAND. DOLLARS. Guess what they bought? A Harley Davidson. Yep. A. HARLEY. DAVIDSON. Here we are wondering how long our cars are going to last and some female went and bought a !@#$%^*&&^ motorcycle for more than I would EVER pay for a car. EVER.
So right now if you were to ask me how I'm feeling, I'm not quite sure how I would answer that. I'm angry. ANGRY. ANGRY comes to mind before any other emotion. Just plain MAD. I'm also still in shock. It's always something I thought COULD happen to me, but more than likely wouldn't, so I put it in the back of my head. But, it did, and now I have to start the long process of clearing my name.
Through it all, God is good. ONLY, and ONLY by the grace of God, did I ever open the first envelope from AT&T. I never, ever open anything like that if I know it's not a bill. I always think it's something they're offering or a promotion or whatever. I automatically throw it in the trash. For no reason, FOR NO REASON, I opened that first envelope. Didn't know what it meant, asked Chad about it when he got home, and he told me to call them ASAP. The next day I got another envelope. Fortunately, because of that "God-thing" (phrase I like to use when there is no other explanation BUT the power of God at work) we hope we caught it before it was too late. All this just recently happened. I know it will be a long process, but I have some peace about it. I just don't understand how anyone could ever be so cruel and have NO morals.
I have wracked my brain trying to figure out how anyone from Texas or California (the two states activities were reported in) could get my info. In my maiden name. I've even gone back to past employers. I am careful with my info and don't give it out to just anyone. I'm not stupid. And I've been married for almost seven years. My maiden name is no longer my legal name. I would like to know who this person is and how many other people they have done this to. First thing in the morning I'm going to the Florence Police Department and starting there and working my way up. I'm also calling Harley Davidson and demanding a physical address that this person used, among other things. I've already called and put a fraud alert on my credit report. I'm just a little in shock right now........
I called AT&T today to find out the origin of the two letters I received this weekend. They were legit letters. In November, three accounts had been opened in my maiden name with my social security number. Of course, I find this out as I'm about to walk into my 5 hour Monday night class where we will be discussing the basics of Organic Chemistry-- something I don't understand even when I'm paying attention. Well, I couldn't concentrate. I was fighting back tears. I tried with all my might to push it to the back of my mind. On the way home I was overcome with emotions. I've heard horror stories about identity theft. It can ruin someone forever. Chad and I have near perfect credit. Well, when I got home, Chad had some more bad news waiting for me that he didn't want to tell me until I got home. He pulled our credit report to check any unusual activity.
This person used my social security number and name to buy something to the tune of $30,000.00 Yep. THIRTY. THOUSAND. DOLLARS. Guess what they bought? A Harley Davidson. Yep. A. HARLEY. DAVIDSON. Here we are wondering how long our cars are going to last and some female went and bought a !@#$%^*&&^ motorcycle for more than I would EVER pay for a car. EVER.
So right now if you were to ask me how I'm feeling, I'm not quite sure how I would answer that. I'm angry. ANGRY. ANGRY comes to mind before any other emotion. Just plain MAD. I'm also still in shock. It's always something I thought COULD happen to me, but more than likely wouldn't, so I put it in the back of my head. But, it did, and now I have to start the long process of clearing my name.
Through it all, God is good. ONLY, and ONLY by the grace of God, did I ever open the first envelope from AT&T. I never, ever open anything like that if I know it's not a bill. I always think it's something they're offering or a promotion or whatever. I automatically throw it in the trash. For no reason, FOR NO REASON, I opened that first envelope. Didn't know what it meant, asked Chad about it when he got home, and he told me to call them ASAP. The next day I got another envelope. Fortunately, because of that "God-thing" (phrase I like to use when there is no other explanation BUT the power of God at work) we hope we caught it before it was too late. All this just recently happened. I know it will be a long process, but I have some peace about it. I just don't understand how anyone could ever be so cruel and have NO morals.
I have wracked my brain trying to figure out how anyone from Texas or California (the two states activities were reported in) could get my info. In my maiden name. I've even gone back to past employers. I am careful with my info and don't give it out to just anyone. I'm not stupid. And I've been married for almost seven years. My maiden name is no longer my legal name. I would like to know who this person is and how many other people they have done this to. First thing in the morning I'm going to the Florence Police Department and starting there and working my way up. I'm also calling Harley Davidson and demanding a physical address that this person used, among other things. I've already called and put a fraud alert on my credit report. I'm just a little in shock right now........
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Sunday, a day of rest?
Lately I feel like I can't quite keep up with myself. I thought after the holidays things would slow down a bit, but I haven't been convinced that things have changed. In place of the holiday parties other events are happening. I wanted to spend some time relaxing this weekend, but this is the first time I've stopped since the weekend began on Friday. On top of that I'm a little stressed. Not only am I worried about the math when I take my ACT (in two weeks), but yesterday and Friday I got two letters from AT&T saying that two new accounts have been opened in my maiden name. When I tried to call, they were closed for the weekend. I'm not sure if these are legit letters from AT&T or if someone is wanting to see if I'm stupid enough to call and verify personal information. I've tried not to worry, but with all the identity theft that happens these days, I am a little uneasy about it.....
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Monday, January 19, 2009
The power of prayer...
Okay, we all know I'm not perfect. I've made some SERIOUS mistakes along the way. Mistakes that have had profound consequences. Mistakes that continuously rear their ugly little heads from time to time just to get a reaction. Well, in my life journey, I am starting to learn a little about the true power of prayer. As much as I have messed up along the way and questioned my faith and even questioned the power of God and God Himself, I am learning little by little just what an awesome God I serve.
So, Chad and I were sitting at the dinner table catching up on thoughts and, well, eating dinner. (It's an unspoken rule at our house that at least 6 out of 7 nights a week we eat dinner as a family. No excuses.) We were talking about prayer. I have been trying to encourage Chad to spend a little more time with God than just the rushed prayer while driving to work. While there is nothing wrong with talking to God while driving, I am convinced that it shouldn't be the only time spent in prayer. Everyone should devote some sort of time with God and give him undivided attention AT LEAST once a day. While I encourage Chad to do this, I want him to encourage me because that is something I am working on myself. Anyway, long story short.....
We're eating dinner, discussing prayer, which ultimately leads back to...wait for it....FINANCIAL concerns. As we are discussing this, my phone rings. It's my mom. She is calling to tell me that my grandmother has decided to help me pay for school since I have made up my mind to do this. Therefore I will not have to take out any additional student loans at this point. How incredible is that? So I tell Chad the news and he said he had just prayed over that situation on the way home. I don't have to take out student loans right now!!!! My grandmother said to name an amount for what I needed and she would take care of it. God really is good.....
So, Chad and I were sitting at the dinner table catching up on thoughts and, well, eating dinner. (It's an unspoken rule at our house that at least 6 out of 7 nights a week we eat dinner as a family. No excuses.) We were talking about prayer. I have been trying to encourage Chad to spend a little more time with God than just the rushed prayer while driving to work. While there is nothing wrong with talking to God while driving, I am convinced that it shouldn't be the only time spent in prayer. Everyone should devote some sort of time with God and give him undivided attention AT LEAST once a day. While I encourage Chad to do this, I want him to encourage me because that is something I am working on myself. Anyway, long story short.....
We're eating dinner, discussing prayer, which ultimately leads back to...wait for it....FINANCIAL concerns. As we are discussing this, my phone rings. It's my mom. She is calling to tell me that my grandmother has decided to help me pay for school since I have made up my mind to do this. Therefore I will not have to take out any additional student loans at this point. How incredible is that? So I tell Chad the news and he said he had just prayed over that situation on the way home. I don't have to take out student loans right now!!!! My grandmother said to name an amount for what I needed and she would take care of it. God really is good.....
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Saturday = FUN
Just got through with a day of ACT review courses! (Can you tell the enthusiasm I'm feeling right now?!) Today was the English and Reading review. No sweat. English has always been easy to me. (Even though my English is never polished to perfection on my blog.) However, we DID do one small sheet of math questions. You know, basic algebra, conversions, etc. Only five questions. Well, my mind totally went blank. Ask me how I did. Okay, don't. I only got ONE answer right and that was an educated guess. A LUCKY, educated guess. And math is the whole reason I have to take the ACT over again after ten years. So next week I get to sit through a whole practice exam of math questions and I'm going to have no idea what is going on. The good news is that I am married to a math whiz. The bad news is that we might end up in divorce court if he becomes my tutor.
But I did have on my Adidas today. My SPECIAL Adidas. What's so SPECIAL about those Adidas, you ask? Glad you asked. They are the running shoes I had on when I crossed the finish line in Chicago. Also the shoes I was wearing when I finished a half-marathon last year. So I kept looking down at my shoes telling myself I could get through this. As insignificant as those shoes may seem to others, they are my reminder that I can overcome whatever I am determined enough to do. Once a marathoner, always a marathoner. It doesn't really matter that my only physical activity in the recent weeks has been picking up a 16 pound baby. It matters that I put myself through something that I never thought I could physically do. So now, every time I put those shoes on I know I can. I can do anything. Even challenge my brain....
But I did have on my Adidas today. My SPECIAL Adidas. What's so SPECIAL about those Adidas, you ask? Glad you asked. They are the running shoes I had on when I crossed the finish line in Chicago. Also the shoes I was wearing when I finished a half-marathon last year. So I kept looking down at my shoes telling myself I could get through this. As insignificant as those shoes may seem to others, they are my reminder that I can overcome whatever I am determined enough to do. Once a marathoner, always a marathoner. It doesn't really matter that my only physical activity in the recent weeks has been picking up a 16 pound baby. It matters that I put myself through something that I never thought I could physically do. So now, every time I put those shoes on I know I can. I can do anything. Even challenge my brain....
Friday, January 16, 2009
So tomorrow is one of the dreaded days. One of a few. But, one of a few I will be glad to get over with-- sooner rather than later. I get to sit through two ACT review courses at Mississippi College. From 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Well, with an hour for lunch in between. Yes, just where I want to spend my Saturday. But, hey, I have to do what I have to do, right? Better to get it over with on a miserably cold winter day than a beautiful, warm spring day.
Anyway, enough of that. Here is what I really came here to blog about: Bush's farewell speech last night and his last few days in office. Well, I know that his "approval rating" is down, (where do they come up with those numbers anyway, I don't remember anyone asking for my approval or disapproval) but I think that eventually Bush will be remembered for the man that he truly is. No, I don't think President Bush is the most well-spoken man, nor do I think he always comes across as the most intelligent man, but I do think he's a whole lot smarter than people give him credit for. I think he has been the most HONEST and DECENT president that this country has had in a long time. I think he is a very Christian man and he's never been ashamed to admit that. He has always stood his ground that every decision he has made has been made through prayer. He's made it no secret that he reads his Bible everyday. He makes no apologies for who he is and things he's done. No, there were no weapons of mass destruction, but, I think he made decisions to go to war based on things that he knew more of than the American public did. He has been briefed everyday since 9/11 on the latest terror threats and things that are never made public. No, I don't like that we are at war. My brother is a Marine, and I don't like that he will eventually have to go overseas and more than likely, be a part of that war. But, ask any soldier and they will tell you that there is a reason we are over there. We have done a lot more good than what the media will let us believe. I have known several soldiers who have been deployed and not one has said that we should NOT be over there.
President Bush will be greatly missed by me and my family. I don't think any president will ever be perfect or make every decision according to how America thinks he (or she) should make those decisions. But, Bush has helped thousands upon thousands over the past eight years through faith based organizations and better education. I admire him for the person he doesn't apologize to be. I have great respect for him and I admire him for his standards and his walk with God. When interviewed recently he was asked how he felt about his approval rating. He just smiled and told the person interviewing him that his popularity is a lot less important than his conscience. He felt good about the decisions he made and he would rather have peace with his conscience rather than worry about leaving the White House with a certain popularity rating. I'm glad that we've had the privilege of having George W. Bush lead this country for the past eight years. We should all be proud of him.
Anyway, enough of that. Here is what I really came here to blog about: Bush's farewell speech last night and his last few days in office. Well, I know that his "approval rating" is down, (where do they come up with those numbers anyway, I don't remember anyone asking for my approval or disapproval) but I think that eventually Bush will be remembered for the man that he truly is. No, I don't think President Bush is the most well-spoken man, nor do I think he always comes across as the most intelligent man, but I do think he's a whole lot smarter than people give him credit for. I think he has been the most HONEST and DECENT president that this country has had in a long time. I think he is a very Christian man and he's never been ashamed to admit that. He has always stood his ground that every decision he has made has been made through prayer. He's made it no secret that he reads his Bible everyday. He makes no apologies for who he is and things he's done. No, there were no weapons of mass destruction, but, I think he made decisions to go to war based on things that he knew more of than the American public did. He has been briefed everyday since 9/11 on the latest terror threats and things that are never made public. No, I don't like that we are at war. My brother is a Marine, and I don't like that he will eventually have to go overseas and more than likely, be a part of that war. But, ask any soldier and they will tell you that there is a reason we are over there. We have done a lot more good than what the media will let us believe. I have known several soldiers who have been deployed and not one has said that we should NOT be over there.
President Bush will be greatly missed by me and my family. I don't think any president will ever be perfect or make every decision according to how America thinks he (or she) should make those decisions. But, Bush has helped thousands upon thousands over the past eight years through faith based organizations and better education. I admire him for the person he doesn't apologize to be. I have great respect for him and I admire him for his standards and his walk with God. When interviewed recently he was asked how he felt about his approval rating. He just smiled and told the person interviewing him that his popularity is a lot less important than his conscience. He felt good about the decisions he made and he would rather have peace with his conscience rather than worry about leaving the White House with a certain popularity rating. I'm glad that we've had the privilege of having George W. Bush lead this country for the past eight years. We should all be proud of him.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
My first class...
Well, I was overcome with nerves, but I went through with it: I went to my first class in eight years last night. I did fine all day, until about 3:30 when I started realizing it was getting close to time. Anyway, I got to class about 20 minutes early so I wouldn't have to walk into a class full of people. I sat towards the front and I noticed everyone around me already had their A&P books and lab manuals. I started worrying prematurely that I had missed some sort of memo that everyone else had obviously gotten. Well, fortunately I was one of the "smarter" people, because while all these other people had paid close to $200 just for their textbooks, and almost $100 for the lab manuals, our teacher told us about a website we could order from and it would only cost about $30 for a textbook. Boy, was I relieved.
So, as the night went on we had to take turns telling about ourselves (there's a whopping 26 of us) I started to realize I wasn't the only one afraid and intimidated. A lot of these people were close to my age with children and full-time jobs. Some hadn't been to school for a longer amount of time than me. Then there were several girls and a couple of boys fresh out of high school. Some knew what they wanted to do and others were just "playing the field" as one girl put it. It's an intimidating class for someone who hasn't been to school in years. As anyone who has ever had to take A&P before knows, there is a lot of memorization and studying involved. I'm going to do my best and try not to get overwhelmed.
In lab we dissected celery. Yes, celery. It was more of an exercise to test how we knew our planes and sections. Fortunately, dentistry has helped me a little with that. We had to memorize all that way back in dental assisting school, so some of it was starting to come back from the cobwebs of my brain. It was fun. If dissecting celery can be that fun.
We have a great teacher. And she's so cute. She has her hair cut in the same style mine was a few months ago and now I want to get mine cut again instead of growing it back out. She's also as big around as a beanpole. I can tell just from the way she carries herself that she is a runner. She also had on a runner's watch. Maybe she'll inspire me along the way. Who knows? Like I have time in my schedule for anything else.
So tonight I start Sociology. I have to drive all the way to Raymond for that one. I'm not sure I'll be doing that for long. I don't trust either of our cars late at night all the way on the other side of town. It's a long way from Florence. So, I might see about transferring to another class. But, so far so good. I have one night behind me and I'm feeling okay. A little overwhelmed, but okay.
So, as the night went on we had to take turns telling about ourselves (there's a whopping 26 of us) I started to realize I wasn't the only one afraid and intimidated. A lot of these people were close to my age with children and full-time jobs. Some hadn't been to school for a longer amount of time than me. Then there were several girls and a couple of boys fresh out of high school. Some knew what they wanted to do and others were just "playing the field" as one girl put it. It's an intimidating class for someone who hasn't been to school in years. As anyone who has ever had to take A&P before knows, there is a lot of memorization and studying involved. I'm going to do my best and try not to get overwhelmed.
In lab we dissected celery. Yes, celery. It was more of an exercise to test how we knew our planes and sections. Fortunately, dentistry has helped me a little with that. We had to memorize all that way back in dental assisting school, so some of it was starting to come back from the cobwebs of my brain. It was fun. If dissecting celery can be that fun.
We have a great teacher. And she's so cute. She has her hair cut in the same style mine was a few months ago and now I want to get mine cut again instead of growing it back out. She's also as big around as a beanpole. I can tell just from the way she carries herself that she is a runner. She also had on a runner's watch. Maybe she'll inspire me along the way. Who knows? Like I have time in my schedule for anything else.
So tonight I start Sociology. I have to drive all the way to Raymond for that one. I'm not sure I'll be doing that for long. I don't trust either of our cars late at night all the way on the other side of town. It's a long way from Florence. So, I might see about transferring to another class. But, so far so good. I have one night behind me and I'm feeling okay. A little overwhelmed, but okay.
Friday, January 9, 2009
So, I think it may turn out to where I like this Facebook thing. I think it has a lot of potential. So far I've been reunited with one of my long-lost childhood friends who now lives in Houston and several classmates from high school. My friend from Houston is actually coming to Jackson TODAY and wants us to get together. I haven't seen her or talked to her since '03. I'm really excited I may get to see her!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
I never thought I'd become ONE OF THEM....
I've joined Facebook. Not quite sure why.... Seems there's a lot of hype about it. Kinda like MySpace. I guess it'll be fun once I get the hang of it.....
The cheeseburger of guilt....
So bribery comes back to haunt me. It all started when I decided to bribe Brennan with a Happy Meal from the wonderful place of the golden arches. I was bribing him because we were on our way to his first visit to the dentist. And not only that, but it's where I work, so I really wanted him to be on his best behavior (yeah, right). Well, for the most part his behavior passed the acceptable mark and then we were on our way to get a haircut for him. Again, more bribery. Well, my head was starting to hurt. (For real, that's not just mommy language for "I was getting really stressed out".) I was starving and my head was hurting, so at this point you could have waved anything in front of my face and I would've accepted it. I decided to go with the cheapest thing on the menu: a double cheeseburger meal. Complete with a Coke. Yikes. By the time we got home with it I felt famished. I mean, really, who can resist the smell of fries on the way home? I think I ate the cheeseburger in two bites. I didn't even read the nutrition label on the wrapper. It wouldn't have done me any good. I already know what it says: "If you're reading this, you shouldn't be eating it." After all, if it takes nine days to burn off one doughnut, how long do you suppose it takes to burn off one greasy double cheeseburger from McDonald's? Probably somewhere close to nine WEEKS. After my hunger was satisfied and I looked down at the empty wrapper with not a crumb left, only then did I realize what I had done. Double yikes. I felt ashamed and dirty. Put a scarlet letter on me. I deserve it. As hungry as I was, and as good as it tasted it wasn't worth the shame I felt. And you want to know the worst part? I still wanted something sweet to finish it off. Like, the chocolate chip cookies Chad bought the other night. They were sitting on the counter taunting me. I'm so ashamed.......
Monday, January 5, 2009
2009
Alright, Kayra. I'll take a turn now.....
1) What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?
Nursed a baby. (MY baby, of course.)
2) Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I laugh at New Years resolutions. Does anyone ever keep them when they make them?!
3) Did anyone close to you give birth?
I gave birth. So did about 10 other girls that attend church with me.
4) Did anyone close to you die?
No.
5) What countries did you visit?
None. I really wanted to go to Nicaragua, but was pregnant so I couldn't go.
6) What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
A little more self-confidence and maybe a new car. :-)
7) What date(s) from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
September 11-- I gave birth to my second son.
8) What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I enrolled in school.
9) What was your biggest failure?
No failures.
10) Did you suffer illness or injury?
Does morning sickness count as an illness?
11) What was the best thing you bought?
I didn't really buy anything remarkable in 2008.
12) Whose behaviour merited celebration?
Brennan's, when he didn't become overly jealous of the new addition.
13) Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?
Someone who was very, VERY one-sided about the election and will no longer speak to me anymore because she values her opinion so much more than friendship.
14) Where did most of your money go?
House note, student loans, and hospital/doctor bills.
15) What did you get really, really, really excited about?
My pregnancy, and enrolling in school.
16) What song will always remind you of 2008?
Jingle Bells, because that is all Brennan has been singing since Thanksgiving, and will probably still be singing until Easter.
17) Compared to this time last year, are you:- happier or sadder? thinner or fatter? richer or poorer? Happier (MUCH), fatter (and WIDER), financially, the same, but richer in the things that truly count.
18) What do you wish you'd done more of?
Exercise
19) What do you wish you'd done less of?
Eat.
20) Did you fall in love in 2008?
over and over again
21) What was your favorite TV program?
Intervention, and The Office.
22) Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
I don't hate anyone. I may dislike some people, but I don't hate anyone.
23) What was the best book you read?
Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult. Actually, I read several of her books this year, and they were all great.
24) What was your greatest musical discovery?
Kutless
25) What did you want and get?
a sweet little baby
26) What did you want and not get?
Chad's student loans payed off
27) What was your favorite film of this year?
Fireproof
28) What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I worked, left for vacation after work. 27
29) How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
What fashion concept?!!!
30) What kept you sane?
my husband
31) Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
George Bush. Seriously.
32) What political issue stirred you the most?
People voting in the presidential election just because of race. And just the whole election in general.
33) Who did you miss?
I have everyone I need right here.
34) Who was the best new person you met?
I had this great nurse when I had Ethan named Shirley. She has totally inspired me. I wish I could tell her that.
35) Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008:
Don't take life too seriously. Everything ALWAYS works out in the end. Even if you can't always see the light at the end of the tunnel. God is bigger then EVERYTHING, even mistakes you've made along the way.
36) Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
“Suuunny days, sweeping the cloouuuds away..... OOOON MY WAY to where the air is SWEEEEEEET.....Cooome and play, everything is a-ok!......."
1) What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?
Nursed a baby. (MY baby, of course.)
2) Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I laugh at New Years resolutions. Does anyone ever keep them when they make them?!
3) Did anyone close to you give birth?
I gave birth. So did about 10 other girls that attend church with me.
4) Did anyone close to you die?
No.
5) What countries did you visit?
None. I really wanted to go to Nicaragua, but was pregnant so I couldn't go.
6) What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
A little more self-confidence and maybe a new car. :-)
7) What date(s) from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
September 11-- I gave birth to my second son.
8) What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I enrolled in school.
9) What was your biggest failure?
No failures.
10) Did you suffer illness or injury?
Does morning sickness count as an illness?
11) What was the best thing you bought?
I didn't really buy anything remarkable in 2008.
12) Whose behaviour merited celebration?
Brennan's, when he didn't become overly jealous of the new addition.
13) Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?
Someone who was very, VERY one-sided about the election and will no longer speak to me anymore because she values her opinion so much more than friendship.
14) Where did most of your money go?
House note, student loans, and hospital/doctor bills.
15) What did you get really, really, really excited about?
My pregnancy, and enrolling in school.
16) What song will always remind you of 2008?
Jingle Bells, because that is all Brennan has been singing since Thanksgiving, and will probably still be singing until Easter.
17) Compared to this time last year, are you:- happier or sadder? thinner or fatter? richer or poorer? Happier (MUCH), fatter (and WIDER), financially, the same, but richer in the things that truly count.
18) What do you wish you'd done more of?
Exercise
19) What do you wish you'd done less of?
Eat.
20) Did you fall in love in 2008?
over and over again
21) What was your favorite TV program?
Intervention, and The Office.
22) Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
I don't hate anyone. I may dislike some people, but I don't hate anyone.
23) What was the best book you read?
Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult. Actually, I read several of her books this year, and they were all great.
24) What was your greatest musical discovery?
Kutless
25) What did you want and get?
a sweet little baby
26) What did you want and not get?
Chad's student loans payed off
27) What was your favorite film of this year?
Fireproof
28) What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I worked, left for vacation after work. 27
29) How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
What fashion concept?!!!
30) What kept you sane?
my husband
31) Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
George Bush. Seriously.
32) What political issue stirred you the most?
People voting in the presidential election just because of race. And just the whole election in general.
33) Who did you miss?
I have everyone I need right here.
34) Who was the best new person you met?
I had this great nurse when I had Ethan named Shirley. She has totally inspired me. I wish I could tell her that.
35) Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008:
Don't take life too seriously. Everything ALWAYS works out in the end. Even if you can't always see the light at the end of the tunnel. God is bigger then EVERYTHING, even mistakes you've made along the way.
36) Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
“Suuunny days, sweeping the cloouuuds away..... OOOON MY WAY to where the air is SWEEEEEEET.....Cooome and play, everything is a-ok!......."
Saturday, January 3, 2009
The elevator is broken....
It's done. I've done it. Don't ask me what I'm thinking right now. The only word and emotion I can come up with is SCARED. I applied for my FAFSA (student loans) and I have signed up to take four Saturday classes to get me prepared for the ACT, AND I've signed up to take the ACT. February 7. And that won't be the only day I will be taking it, I feel confident. If at all possible I will be taking it every month from February until September 30, which is the deadline to apply to nursing school for the January 2010 class. Just thinking about it right now my entire body breaks out into a sweat and my legs turn to jello. I think it doesn't help to know that I am putting us farther into student loan debt by doing this, and if something doesn't work out we'll just owe that much MORE money. I have the added pressure of dollar bill signs hanging over my head.
Yesterday I came across this really good quote. It says: "The elevator to success is broken. You must take the stairs. One step at a time." I thought that was very fitting for me. I get very overwhelmed thinking about everything that I am having to do to get something I really want in life. I question if it's really worth it. Is it going to be THAT rewarding when and IF I get through everything? Am I going to be disappointed in myself? I've never finished much in my life. Short of a high school diploma and a marathon, I don't have much else under my belt. I worry about raising two kids, paying bills, and going to school all at once. What if I get accepted into nursing school and I fail? What if.....?
I have to tell myself that I will never know what I'm capable of until I do it. Just jump in and take it one step, one day at a time. I don't think anything will take away the fear though. I haven't been a student in eight years. It's going to be a big adjustment, but I feel like I can do it. But the closer the first day of school gets, the more afraid I become. Am I doing the right thing?
Yesterday I came across this really good quote. It says: "The elevator to success is broken. You must take the stairs. One step at a time." I thought that was very fitting for me. I get very overwhelmed thinking about everything that I am having to do to get something I really want in life. I question if it's really worth it. Is it going to be THAT rewarding when and IF I get through everything? Am I going to be disappointed in myself? I've never finished much in my life. Short of a high school diploma and a marathon, I don't have much else under my belt. I worry about raising two kids, paying bills, and going to school all at once. What if I get accepted into nursing school and I fail? What if.....?
I have to tell myself that I will never know what I'm capable of until I do it. Just jump in and take it one step, one day at a time. I don't think anything will take away the fear though. I haven't been a student in eight years. It's going to be a big adjustment, but I feel like I can do it. But the closer the first day of school gets, the more afraid I become. Am I doing the right thing?
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