~ t u r q u o i s e ~

I like September

2010-09-05T21:41:00.000-07:00

Wow so its been a long time since I blogged! I guess it took me getting sick and alot of stuff crossed off my list to finally sit down and say, Hmm what do I want to do? I love that. That never happens seems like. But I do enjoy it when I have/make time. So I apologize for the lapse and will try to do better. Some of you all are so good at it. Plus there are so many cute things to do to blogs now. I just hope I can keep up! Here's the latest with me:

My youngest sister Aftan has come to stay with me for a little while. This will be a good thing for both of us! I'm really excited and thankful she chose to come and hang out with me. I know we will help each other alot. And of course my parents are tickled to death. They're probly sick of seeing me all the time! Just kidding. The goal is to get them to move down here too, to Lafayette since my Dad works down here alot and would decrease his driving time. My poor lil ole Daddy still works hard and ... well, it just about makes me bawl. Anyway, Aftan is going to find a job and maybe a class or two to take. I'm sure she misses Utah but She will love Lafayette.

I am still working at the old workplace. I've been there a year now. I still thoroughly enjoy my job and my life over here in Lafayette. I'm excited to get out and go do some more things like travel and see friends and some family. Sheesh, it woulda been nice to go sit on the beach at Gulf Shores AL this weekend read like I did last summer. But I went ahead and got sick. It seems like a little stomach bugg which also kinda feels like an ulcer. Ow! So, I've been downing Pepto.

Now that I'm talking about it my tummy has started hurting again and I'm getting sleepy so I will sign off for now. Take care all, and goodnight ;)

cool pictures ; it was cold.

2010-01-26T19:53:00.000-08:00

great winterfresh gum smile!

2010-01-26T19:51:00.000-08:00

crazy kids, aftan taking picture

2010-01-26T19:50:00.000-08:00

Christmas eve SLC Temple

2010-01-26T19:49:00.000-08:00

amber and dad

2010-01-26T19:44:00.000-08:00

my beautiful mother

2010-01-26T19:33:00.000-08:00

now, with hair down :)

2010-01-26T19:32:00.000-08:00

Dinner w/ Daniel and Family

2010-01-26T19:31:00.000-08:00

Dad and Daniel (Robert Downey and Rocky's Coach)

2010-01-26T19:30:00.000-08:00

Pictures

2010-01-26T19:29:00.000-08:00

youtube action

2009-09-30T19:46:00.000-07:00

anybody remember this song? oldy but a goody

Pride can stand a thousand trials
the strong will never fall
but watching stars without you, my soul cries...
heaving heart is full of pain
oh........the aching
cause I'm kissing you, oh
touch me deep
pure and true
gift to me
forever
cause I'm
Kissing you...
I'm kissing you, oh.
where are you now....
cause I'm kissing you
I'm kissing you oh

Kitchen Color

2009-09-07T11:10:00.000-07:00

I am taking ideas and suggestions on how to accent my kitchen. It has grey and black granite countertops, black and stainless appliances and warm walnut colored cabinents and floor. SO. Here's what I'm thinkin.

Lime/Pear or chartreuse accents...with black and grey appliances.... and white dishes....

~ I like these pictures ~

Not quite like this but you get the picture of the "color" for a dishtowel or throw rug or something...

I would also like to begin a collection of WHITE DISHES for my kitchen. I already have one pretty bowl and thats it. This is another wish list item :)

So here's the dilemma...I have alot of cobalt, tomato red, yellow and teal in my kitchen - sorta going for the look below (which I love....a good ole Mexican kitchen)

I love this cobalt blue goblet - I would love to set my table with them. So dramatic! I just about love cobalt blue anything...There's nuthin better than drinking ice cold water out of a deep cobalt blue glass. This one makes my Wish List....

Anew Life

2009-09-06T08:51:00.000-07:00

Hello All my Dears and Hello September... Its been about a month since I've blogged. My Life has been so full. Full of new things, and of course, it takes me a little while to adapt--but I've adapted well.

Here are some Fun and new things in my life:

New Job
New Apartment
New City
New Car
New Car smell
Fall is coming
New Friends
Old Friends
Family here and Family there
New habits
New projects
New bills (ha ha)

It just all puts a Fresh New Spin on things for me. I look back and I was in Such A Rut for a long time. A wise old friend said to me, sometimes people like us get so focused in life that we back ourselves up into a little corner and it takes Big things to force us out so we can keep on moving. I'm so glad to be back to my Louisiana 'native' roots. And also be back in a city/civilization. I was living under a rock Literally before this. It had its good things like, I loved Hattiesburg, I had my little house and privacy and no loud neighbors and a place for my dog. I made some dear dear friends there, Kat and Cheri especially. And Of course Brad lived not too far away and I enjoyed being with him and his family. (Picking watermelons out of the garden, washing cars, finding quaint restaurants, looking at beautiful scenery, watching football, helping people) But I am looking forward to doing all those things and more in this new place.

I get to be closer to my parents which is really nice - they are such an evolving couple - and so much to learn from their example. They are my best friends. They love and care so much for thier family and they work so hard. It is humbling to see it up close.

The church people here have been so warm and welcoming - its almost unreal. I already have a friend, Sharon who's from Tupelo, MS and cute, a home and a visiting teacher (this is important!) and I had about 7 guys show up to help me unload the moving truck. The did it in less than 2 hours. (thats to say, i had a lot of stuff) Suffice it to say, I've improved myself and my life already. I'm happy about my job, I have a great boss (improved my salary), out with the old car (which was starting to wear and needed $ to help keep it up) and in with the New Black Camry 2010 Black w/ Tinted windows (yeah! 0% for 60 months), A beautiful place to live (gotta get used to apartment living), new places to go and quaint places to see, people to meet, etc, etc.

I've mentioned to my parents recently, I almost dont' feel worthy to recieve it. Everything (from the moment I was laid off, through the tortuous job search and then accepting a job in Lafayette) has had such a smooth transition or "falling into place". I know it is only because Heavenly Father is the author of it, thats the only way it could be that smooth. It is nothing I've done. Mom says its because I've made do for so long that its time. Of course all this ain't free. Its taken alot of tears and patience and faith. And of course, if I want a nice place to live and a new car to drive, I gotta actually pay for it! Hee hee. Life will still be hard and sacrifices will still need to be made. But I am thankful and I always need to make sure I'm being grateful. Cause "now", I really do feel that I am and have been, in the palm of His hand. I may not have felt that way in the past when I was in a Heap but I now know that I always was being taken care of and being prepared for what is to come.

So there ya go. Thas what I've been up to Sha - for the last month. I miss my dear friends and hope to catch up with you soon. Love You~ Be Sweet and Sassy~And of course always greatful.

Hello Acadiana

2009-08-03T18:45:00.000-07:00

Lafayette ( I pronounce it "Laugh-fee-ette") will be my new home as I make my way there this weekend and say goodbye to old Hattiesburg Mississippi. I recently accepted a job offer and am pretty excited to make the change. It will be bittersweet to leave Hattiesburg though. I know I was meant to come here to Hattiesburg and meet the people that I met and I also feel really good about this new job and this change. It feels good to feel like you might be on the right track.

Lafayette is in the heart of what is known as Acadiana. The University of Louisiana at Lafayette, home of the Ragin' Cajuns, is there. They have the Cajun Dome and is a booming Big/Little city right now. There is alot of industry or what my Dad says is "Oil Money" there. The healthcare industry there is heating up too.

I can't say enough about how nice and hospitable people have been so far. Its like they would give you the shirt off their backs if you asked for it. But I know they (often called coon-ass's) can be hot-heads too. So yeah, I'm gonna be a cajun...coonie...it will be good to get back to my roots. I beleive my Great great grandmother was French Acadian and was from the Marksville, La area a little north of Lafayette and Opelousas. Lafayette is only an hour south of where my parents live so they are super excited that I will be so close. It is also an hour west of Baton Rouge.

I'm excited about my new apartment; its more "in the city" than where I was living here (out in the country). But I will miss my old home I"m sure. I'd like to invite all my friends and family to come and visit me in Lafayette! You are welcome anytime.

By the way, I found this cute blog, parisbreakfasts.blogspot.com :) which is where I found Miss Lady Lafayette here...

See ya later Cher (pronounced "Sha"...cajun french meaning "dear one")

Ode to the Parents

2009-07-28T18:48:00.000-07:00

I knew I had posted these pictures earlier, of my parents for a reason. Well here they are again, the wonderful Hershel and Susan Walker of 36 years on July 27th (so cute!)! They are such wonderful parents to us four children and we love them so much!
Here we are, the proud children:

Here are Mom and Dad in Utah last year. My dad is my hero and my mother is the most beautiful woman in the world (to moi).

Here we are as a happy Eternal family. (Well, happy most of the time)

Thanks Parents, so much, for hanging in there and for being such good examples.

Happy 36th Anniversary to Hershel and Susan!

Italian Love Cake with Ricotta cheese

2009-07-20T11:26:00.000-07:00

Oh my gosh I so want to make this...
What if I used a dark chocolate mix...
Seems heavenly...

ITALIAN LOVE CAKE

1 pkg. chocolate cake mix
2 lbs. Ricotta cheese
3 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla extract
3/4 c. sugar

TOPPING:

1 (4 oz.) pkg. chocolate instant pudding
1 c. cold milk
1 container whipped dessert topping

Prepare cake mix as directed and pour into greased 9 x 13 inch glass baking dish. Mix cheese, eggs, vanilla and sugar; pour on top of cake batter. DO NOT MIX INTO BATTER! Bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour, checking closely. Cool and refrigerate; best overnight. Mix all topping ingredients together and frost cooled cake.

Holy Italy doesn't that look amazing?!

2009-06-30T16:16:00.000-07:00

Decisions

2009-06-30T15:48:00.000-07:00

A very wise and beautiful southern lady once said: (my Mom)

You either need to open your eyes and face the facts
or
jump in and take a chance.

Facts or Balance...
which outweighs the other? (make a list of good points and bad points). Now, which carries the most weight or which will benefit you the most?

Remember:
Straddling the Fence never gets anything solved ;)

2009-06-30T09:30:00.000-07:00

This is a little childrens book that I had when I was a little bitty girl that is all old and torn up now but has the most beautiful illustrations and poems/verses by Robert Louis Stevenson. I hope to be sharing one or a few with you when possible. Hope you enjoy as much as I have...

 
The Swing
How do you like to go up in a swing,
 Up in the air so blue?
 Oh, I do think it the pleasantest thing
 Ever a child can do!
 
 Up in the air and over the wall,
 Till I can see so wide,
 Rivers and trees and cattle and all
 Over the countryside—
 
 Till I look down on the garden green,
 Down on the roof so brown—
 Up in the air I go flying again,
 Up in the air and down!

Those born on the 18th

2009-06-16T13:05:00.000-07:00

Here is something that I found, about people born in the Eighteenth of the Month (My Birthday is March 18!) I thought it was pretty good. What do you think!?

"Your powerful leadership inspires those who admire how you have chosen to live your life; acting on your ideals and principles. Honesty and ethics are of foremost importance to you. There is, in you, a melding of ambition, leadership and spirituality, giving you the desire for impact on a global scale. You have a tremendous capacity to connect with those in positions of power, enabling you to make a difference and have access to prosperity. Selfless service to others and commitment to your integrity are keys to your success.

Although you may appear to be unemotional or aloof, you are highly emotional, lusty and passionate...with a sparkling sense of humor. Your intuitive, compassionate nature is soothing, making you an oasis in the middle of a desert of modern living. Surprisingly, there may be a bit of a loner in you at times, retreating to solitude in order to replenish the nurturing "fresh drink of water" you offer so freely. This down time gives you a chance to commune with your spirit and ambitions, free of the pressures incumbent to those in leadership roles.

CAREER: Management, lawyer, judge, philosopher, nonfiction writer, editor, or athlete.

CHALLENGES: You are so comfortable with being in charge that it may be difficult for you to let someone else be at the helm. Relax and enjoy the ride because when crises arise, guess who they will turn to?

You are inituitive, perceptive, and have a quick analytical mind. Tap into your wellspring of creativity which conjures up valuable ideas and solutions to intricate problems."

Cool new Bill-fold (as Mimi would call it)

2009-06-02T21:55:00.000-07:00

I found this cute bill-fold at Walmart of all places for ten dolla. It is very vintage looking (shimmery dark aqua) and I just had to show it off.

It kind of goes with my bone-colored purse.

Oh yeah I almost forgot! The table cloth in the picture was my Mimi's (Hallie Pearl Kimball). I love it! Its so bright and cheery! And the little candle holder palette was my dear friend Kat's - it goes perfectly w/ my taste and decor and it reminds me of her constantly ;)

Today was rough but at least its pretty much over (its now past 12 am). Looking forward to tomorrow to get some stuff done, yeah! Good night kisses to all the little fairies out there~~~~

Purple Royalty

2009-06-02T20:51:00.001-07:00

Purple
Its a happy fun color isn't it!?

Its one of the colors of my favoriate team LSU (Geaux Tigers!)

and that big goofy dinosaur (Barney)

Its the color of my new couch. Or shall I say, "deep eggplant". L o v e it!

Its the color of these beautiful Louisiana Irises... The Atachafalya Iris

Louisiana Native Iris

Louisiana Irises

These beautiful irises belong to my old boss, Pat, at his website: http://www.zydecoirises.com/index.htm

He hybridizes Louisiana Irises and has traveled to the far East to talk about his Irises!

2009-04-23T17:00:00.000-07:00

I drove up and over to Chattanooga Tennessee last week for work. It was a beautiful drive. I took these pictures from the road as you can tell. Gotta love windshield pictures. HA!

I got a little bit of a break from working and drove up Lookout mountain in the rental car (skinny roads, yikes!). As I drove back to Mississippi, I took these pictures:

Getting flatter...but still pretty'

In Meridian (cursed place), I thought this was a cool mint green state vehicle. I used to drive my grandaddy's mint green ford to high school and it was this same color! Ok the reason Meridian is cursed is b/c I broke down one time on my way back to Atlanta right outside of Meridian. Had to have a new engine in my little Mercury tracer and everything! Then my sister Aftan broke down in the same spot on her way to Atlanta not to long ago and my parents had to drive there (again) to rescue her! I've talked to other people that have broken down there too. Weird!

So - I'm packing to go to Destin Florida this weekend so I'm sure I"ll have alot to post about that trip. I'd just like to say thank you to my dear sweet visiting teacher who fed my dog Danie-girl while I was gone last week!

Oloh

2009-04-11T21:50:00.001-07:00

Spent last weekend in Oloh, Mississippi; Here are few shots of "green pastures" and some old stuff.

2009-04-11T21:27:00.000-07:00

Today was like THE most gorgeous day ever. I opened all my doors/windows. I mainly stayed outside--washed my car, walked Danie, cleaned up the patio. The wind was cool the sun was perfect. I also had a nice visit from my visiting teacher. We had a big time. Then I decided to "go into town"..... I love saying that... I mean - I don't LOVE that I live so far out of town - I just thing its a funny hick thing to say - cause I'm a hick I guess. (?) ANYWAY... I found some really cute stuff. There's just never enough time, money or strength for the shopping. My feet are killing me and I think I forgot to eat supper.

Anywho, does anyone know how to make the text of my posts Centered in the page between borders? Just curious.

Oh yeah I found a lizard in my room today YIKES! and put it outside for Danie to do whatever it is she does to them. It was just as scared as I was.

Happy Easter Everyone

Some pretty pictures

2009-03-29T20:56:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to post something and of course I don't have any other pictures that I wanted to put up at the moment so I thought I would put up some ones I liked. I guess if I had children I'd be posting those up but seein as I don't have any, these will have to do. I think this is Grace Kelly. I love her beautiful white chiffon dress. I think this is what I would like to look like on my wedding day if that ever happens. I guess it would in the millenium.
Mr Rhett Butla and Miss Sca-let. These two....what I can I say about them! Its a love-hate relationship, more love than hate but sometimes theres such a fine line between the two. Very fine. Isn't that the truth!?

One of my favorite movies is Ladyhawke with Mathew Broderick and Michelle Pfieffer and that blond guy...whats his name. Anyway, Michelle is so pretty in this movie, she really does look like a hawk at times. I cry at the end every single time I watch this movie and that is pretty rare.

And of course I had to put Elvis in here. Marilyn as well. Such Icons.

Just another day at the Beach!

2009-03-22T19:10:00.000-07:00

Danie and I got up Sat am and took off to Gulf Shores, AL. Its only 2 1/2 hrs away. It was such a beautiful day driving (also, so many garage sales, fruit stands and vintage stores along the way).

We got to the beach about 11am and found a good parking spot; walked across the hwy and set up shop. It was a good spot. The Gulf breeze was very strong and constant. The water and beach were so beautiful! (You can click on the picture to see a bigger picture)The sky was clear and the sun was atop the sky. I took Danie for a walk and we played in the water. One time I got real brave and took her off her leash and just let her run full out along the beach. She loved it! It was good to see her free. But then of course, I got nervous. As soon as she would see a seagul she perked those ears up and acted like she was a rottweiler. I staked her down while I sat in my easy beach chair (thank you Wal Mart $15) and just enjoyed the day. I brought a lunch and snacks. (fresh washed Louisiana strawberries yum!) Like I said, there was a constant, persistent gulf 'breeze' and sand was everywhere but...hey, I needed some good grit. Each grain of sand sparkled in that Sun. The ocean sang to me. It hissed and crackled and called to me to "Come In". Of course I did, I couldn't help it. I love to body surf! It was COLD! But at the same time, it felt great!. For a while there in my beach chair (about 1:30 - 2pm) I actually had to cover up w/ my wrap and towel to get cozy from the 'cool' temp. I could start to feel my arms and cheeks get a little "warm" around 2:30 - 3p. So I put my clothes back on and my cowboy hat. We packed up and left the beach around 3ish and made our way back. What a good day at the beach! I passed Nursery's left and right so I had to stop and get something beautiful and living as a souvenier for my day trip. I got a beautful bouganvilla (red). The watering lady said she had had her eye on that one all day! ;) That made me happy. Got home around 7 - I would have been home much sooner but of course I stopped a few times (Great shopping in Foley and Daphne/Spanish Fort plus a little traffic coming into Mobile). So I was home before dark! What a day. I vow to go back and do this again Often! Thanks Danie for being such a great companion and my silent and gentle friend :)

St. Patrick's Day with My Dad

2009-03-22T17:08:00.000-07:00

This is me and my Dad in front of this cute little restaurant in downtown Collins Mississippi (about 25 miles north of Hattiesburg). I love this picture! I was so excited when he asked me to go to dinner with him for my birthday (a day early). He was going to be working in Flowood MS. We walked into Morgan's and they sat is in the "perfect" room all by ourselves. Elvis on one wall. Scarlett on the other...

This is my standing by our table and of course, by Elvis. This is the other wall (below) with Scarlett from Gone with the Wind.
We always have good talks. We talk about my work, his work, dealing with people, the economy, family, back in the olden days, and the Gospel. I couldn't have asked for a better Father. And of course behind every good man is a great woman (love you Mom). I enjoyed my date with my Dad so much. It will be a cherished memory.

Boudreaux Joke for the Day

2009-03-12T17:36:00.000-07:00

boudreaux joke: marie and boudreaux were getting ready to have their 50th anniversary and marie says, "may boudreaux, for our anniversary present, i want one of dem milk bats like the stars take to make der skin soft." boudreaux says, "marie, tomorrow i'll ax the milk man if he can help". the next day, the milk man comes over and boudreaux tells him that marie wants one of dem milk bats like the stars take to make her skin soft. the milk man says, "may, i can fill dat tub up wit milk if she want and she can soak in it." boudreaux tells him thats a great idea and the milk man says, " does she want dat pasturized or unpasturized." boudreaux says, "just put it past her hip. if she wants it past her eyes she can splash it up."

LSU Lakes

2009-02-12T20:29:00.000-08:00

Those are geese or pelicans or some kind of crane...

While I was in Baton Rouge, I did one of my favorite things and wallked around the LSU Lakes. I just happened to have my trusty old camera on my phone. It was such a beautifyl day I had to take pictures to savor it! This is my therapy! I wish there was something like that here!

Z Bebe' Shower

2009-02-09T17:33:00.000-08:00

Nicole's baby shower was this past Friday in Baton Rouge at La Madeleine's. Her colors were black and white with a little bit of pink. There were lots of people there which must have meant they recieved their "wonderful" invitations. Nicole looked great of course and Burgundy, Wendy and I were the hostesses. Regretfully her mom wasn't there for most of it because her dad (Nicole's Paw) was dying in the hospital. But as someone said at the shower, the new little one will have part of her Paw Paw's spirit and as one great soul leaves this earth, another new one comes in. So, it was a bitter sweet night for Nicole and her family. Nicole got lots of great gifts, some duplicates that I'm sure Nicole has already taken back to the store to exchange for new"stuff". She didn't get any of the necessities like diapers, bottles. It was strictly clothes, blankets and pillows! Nicole wanted her cake to be black white and a little bit of pink so this is what Janell made. Isn't it grand?

Of course it killed me to walk in and there be no tablecloth on that table but I was able to let it go.

Nicole -bless her heart- brought and made her own punch for the shower. i was too rushed to be able to do it. but that punch was better than the one I would've made.

One of the girls who was helping us hostesses asked me if she should start getting the pen and paper ready to record the baby gifts to send thank you notes. Amidst all the action and in complete sincerity and earnestness, I said, Jenn, do you really think Nicole's gonna send baby thank you notes? As Nicole Co Co Chanel would say, its good to have freinds who know me so well.

These little ladies cracked me up! They were like little bity's all huddled there waiting for thier (many) pieces of cake!

Nicole and the hostesses, April, Wendy and Burgundy. Nicole gave us such pretty hostess gifts.

If only there was more time in the day! and night...

2009-01-26T20:06:00.000-08:00

For the last few Sunday nights I have not slept at wink. Literally, I think I toss and turn until 3:30a sometimes 4a and have to wake up at 6:30-7ish. So - Mondaysare pretty draggy. It might be b/c I took a nap on Sunday afternoons ( not too terribly long) or if I'm anxious in anticipation of the work day/week or if I am just unsettled b/c I didn't get everything done that I wanted to that weekend. Who knows. Today was bad b/c I had a headache too on top of all the grogginess. So I took 2 excedrin which made my tummy hurt. Please! This day is almost to an end and hopefully will have a good nights rest and day tomorrow. I had a nice quiet weekend. I did get some things accomplished. Of course there's always more to do but I try to take time out to do the things that are meaningful and not just routine. especially when its for other people. Uh oh - I just heard some big booms...it must be next door over at Camp Shelby. They must be practicing to blow up stuff or preparing to send some more troops to afghanistan. I'll just turn my ocean waves up a notch as I try to go to sleep. I would love to be at the beach right now with a warm quilt and the bright stars and the sound of the waves. I could go to sleep like that. It would be better to have someone with me though so I don't have to be all by myself on that dark beach. I think I may drive down and do that one day...go sit on the beach with a book and blanket for a day. Sounds awesome.

Invitations

2009-01-22T19:56:00.000-08:00

I just finished making and mailing approx 100 invitations to my best friend's baby shower. I found out about it last Friday and have been in 'craft' mode all week. I'm exhausted. Alll that creating is very tiresome but enjoyable and rewarding at the same time. I would post a picture of them but I"m so tired of looking at them that I don't feel like it. But I can say they're all unique, all 91 of them and each handmade by yours truly. They are black, white, and ballet pink. Think Dancing school - ballet class. I got so strung out trying to figure out what my hairdresser best friend wanted - which is contemporary, modern trendy designs (black and white only w/ maybe a little pink) - that I just went with what I liked. Oh well! I learned that I tend to make things really unnecessarily complicatedl, which is what took me so long to finally make the decision and make them [invitations]. I always knew in the back of my mind that they would turn out great but to get it going and keep it going was exhausting. And so it is with life... But they all came out great and I pulled through in the end. My laundry and house and health suffered but - hey it was such short notice!Thanks Amber for all your great ideas and support! Yeah, like the one you gave me about making my own envelopes! Ha-eh, that was a good one! I was lucky to lick the envelope! Maybe next time. Definitely.

2009-01-16T21:25:00.001-08:00

Heres' a little song I like

"Gravity" by Sara Bareilles

Somethin always brings me back to you,
it never takes too long.
no matter what I say or do,
I still feel you here,
till the moment I"m gone.
You hold me, without touch.
Keep me without chains.
Never wanted anything so much,
than to drown in your love,
and not feel your rain.
set me free.
leave me be.
i don't wanna fall another moment into your gravity.
here i am
and i stand, so tall,
just the way i'm supposed to be.
but you're on to me,
and all over me.

oh, you loved me cause i'm fragile--
But I thought that I was strong.
But you touch me for a little while and
all my fragile strength is gone.

Set me free, leave me be.
i don't wanna fall another moment into your grav-i-ty.
here i am and i stand, so tall,
just the way i'm supposed to be.
but youre on to me, and all over me...

i live here on my knees as I
try to make you see that you're
everything I think i need, here on the ground
but you're neither friend nor foe though I
can't seem to let you go.
the one thing that I still know is that you're
keeping me, down------

Keeping me Down, yeah yeh yeh yeh
Youre on to me, on to me and all
over.

Something always, brings me back to you
It nev-ver takes too long...

Danie's night

2009-01-13T20:02:00.000-08:00

Tonight was Danie-girls night. She's been out in the cold and she was hungry (poor sang baby) as mom would say and so I decided this would be her night. So I put on her pink jacket cause its cold and we went to.....petsmart. We got some dogfood and a toy. She got a treat even though she peed the floor at the store. I sware I never thought i'd clean up pea from A dog in a store. Needless to say she felt bad about it and we left and came home and played some more, and gave her a fine meal. So she's sittin pretty tonight. Here is a picture of when my mom was here one time and her playing with Danie-girl. Look at the one paw on mom's arm. She's so pret-ty. She's not a dog, she's a friend. :) LOL

I got her in December of 2002 I beleive. Daniel my brother was in Iraq. Hence the name Danie short for "danielle". I always thought Danny was cute for a girl anyway. My brother is not a Dan or Danny to me -- he is Daniel. So I didn't think he would mind. Should be flattered, cause she's so good and loveable. She was six weeks old, so that makes her, in her late thirties or early forties in dog years? So she and I are both women in the prime of our lives basically. She's got allergies and sneezes alot. Its fun to watch her perk up her ears and act like she's about to get somethin. And she raises her left paw (points) its so funny/cute. I don't knw if I have a picture of that yet.

My friend Cheri

2009-01-12T17:55:00.000-08:00

I thought I would just post these beautiful pictures of my beautiful friend Cheri. Shes even more pretty on the inside as she is on the outside. She's my "Miss" "Hospitality" "Mississippi" girlfriend. A true southern belle just like me, my mama and my sistas. Heavenly Father already gave me two wonderful sisters and my beautiful mother as freinds on this earth. But He definitely provided a dear friend for me while I live here in Hattiesburg. I met Cheri when she worked with me at Horne, llp. We joke and say "Horn-y llp". One time I wanted her to try these yummy caramel chews. And she called me from her office and said, Ah, April, I was eating one of these delicious caramels you gave me and, mmm, its so good... but, I think my tooth just came out. I felt so bad! but she was so calm and cool. Thinking back on it now - I"m practically rolling on the floor laughing!

This is a picture of us and our Mom's eating at Bianchi's Pizza in downtown Hattiesburg. That was a great night. We all hit it off. THen for the last 30 minutes we all started talking in our long, drawn out, sweet southern drawl and people sitting around us were mezmerized. It was great!

Cheri is 25 (?) I think she just turned in January. She just threw an awesome jewelry party on Saturday with awesome treats - I thought I was at a really nice bridal shower. Now, she works at a different accounting firm so we dont' get to work together anymore. She's been a married woman for a little over a year and got married down in St. Lucia. (pretty pictures and video). I know my sisters Amber and Aftan would love her and her mom Ellie! Ellie started cracking up when she was telling us at the jewelry party, Cheri was making these peanut butter fudge brownies and the sides were getting really done but the middle was still gooey. So Cheri took it out and cut out the middle in a nice rectangle and put it back in the oven to finish "firmin up". And then she put it back in the brownie frame to cut into squares. funny ;)

Always Marry an April girl

2009-01-11T20:34:00.000-08:00

I found this cool picture with a cool title and poem that went with it! Click on this link to see the picture!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lejson/124135965/

Praise the spells and bless the charms,

found April in my arms. April golden, April cloudy,

Gracious, cruel, tender, rowdy; April soft in

flowered languor, April cold with sudden anger,

Ever changing, ever true -- I love April, I love you.

Poem By OGDEN NASH (1902 - 1971)

More pics for my mom ;)

2009-01-10T09:57:00.001-08:00

This is the "gallery" of my uncle's paintings in the guest room.

also in the guest room, are some heirloom hats, aprons, etc.

my chabby chic bathroom.

the old dresser furniture in my bedroom.

a small bookshelf in the living room. My big bookshelf that I got for Chrismtas is STILL in the box! I'm trying to hunt for someone who will put it together for me.

some mo

2009-01-10T09:24:00.001-08:00

my favorate chair. yeah, i 've got to get new drapes. the black toile and leapord aren't hittin together.

a little vinette; just a chair (more seating room) and an old trucnk (antique)

More pics of my house

2009-01-10T09:09:00.000-08:00

this is little table is in the guest room

this is my bedroom; that bed frame was my papa's when he was a little boy

this is the couch in the living room. i finally broke down and bought a couch cover (stretchy brown) and new pillos and a new area rug. Now I just need some end tables and a coffee table. my mom was shocked at the new pillows. why? maybe she doesn't think I'm an animal print person.

i CAN'T believe its 2009!!!

2009-01-08T20:20:00.000-08:00

Well, I guess I have to beleive it don't I. Yeah so still working it here in good ol Hattiesburg out in the country with all the pinetrees and red dirt. Warm weather, rain, green, same ol same ol. I've really gotta get back into this blog thing. It might be kinda fun. Well...I took a 5mg melatonin about an hour ago and its really starting to kick in. I'm getting very sleeeeee---py. Check ya'll later.

Home Picks - A Southern Living Extraordinaire

2009-01-08T19:53:00.000-08:00

My parents came to my house for Christmas. I was so excited to prepare the house and menu for the grand festivities. Brad came for Christmas eve and we had seafood gumbo and watched Christmas movies. On Christmas day, we went for a walk, and of course, shopped for the next few days. My mom insisted that I take some pictures of my house. I don't quite know why, I think she was just caught up in the moment. So here are some. If you'll notice the placemats in the table setting are huge cabbage leaves Brad brought from his garden.

Back at it

2008-09-21T10:08:00.000-07:00

Well, I decided to dig up the old blog and try and post something. I'm at home today getting a bunch of stuff done. I don't know if I do well w/ blogs b/c I usually don't know what to say - I could just talk about myself but there's really nothting to talk about. I guess sometimes there is. So I live in Hattiesburg Mississippi now and have worked for a consulting firm for about a year now. My siblings have moved to SLC Utah and my parents are still in Louisiana. Most of my time is spent at work. I have a dog named Danie-girl. She stays in the backyard and is probably pretty bored. But sometimes I let her come inside and get a treat. Hah hah hah

She's dirty from digging cuase she's so bored.

2007-07-27T11:28:00.000-07:00

working here at USM has been very "many things". for one, i hate this keyboard. i work in the IT dept so you would think i'd have a laptop or a good keyboard and some speakers but i don't. its an interesting position i have. run reports, enter data in spreadsheet, make sure they update in the charts, perfect the slides and then submit to the directors every week.

I'm baack

2007-07-20T07:18:00.000-07:00

This is the first post in a long time....thought I would get back to doing this. I have since moved and changed jobs. I am now working at another university setting. I had a really stressful job for about a year which really took a toll on my mental and physical health. I had to have a nodule removed from my thyroid. I am so bored here at my new job but I'm glad its not the other way around.

Rose Down

2005-11-19T21:35:00.000-08:00

Today we went to Rosedown Plantation in St. Francisville. It was a really beautiful old mansion w/ beautiful gardens. The familes that owned it did a really good job. We had almost 20 people go today from Relief Society! That is a great turnout! Wow, I'm really glad, thankful, humbled. It was a great girls day out for all of us and we needed and deserved it! We don't usually have a very cohesive bunch in our RS but I'm feeling it more now. We provided lunch in the gardens. We had chicken salad on crossaints w/ red leaf lettuce, green been salad, grapes, mini-cheescakes, and fresh raspberry lemondade. And after dinner mints. (kind of funny).

My friend Rachel is a plantation home expert. She doesn't play. She led us there and really made the whole trip easy for me and enjoyable for everyone. Of course my dream job is to be a tour guide. I'm always giving people tidbits -- all it is, is storytelling and history which I love.

Love my new laptop. Its name is BA-HEGA. Don't ask me why.

Baheega

2005-11-17T20:21:00.000-08:00

I just got my new laptop today...I have been waiting so patiently! Its so cool! Now that its here I feel like I can get on w/ my life and get things going. I really needed one for the whole job search thing, plus I needed a computer in the house period! And I don't feel comfortable using the one at work where I feel like they monitor my every move. Of course I went into debt to get this but its an investment.

Me and my friend Amy joined weight watchers this week. So far I suck at it! I think I've blown all my points for this week and next! Oh well. I'll keep on trying I guess. Need to get moving though. My goal is to lose 20 pounds. I just need to concentrate on the day by day right now.

I'm tired. I want to stay up and keep playing on my new toy but theres still so much I need to do before I go to bed.

Tonight I made sweet potato souffle' and it was delicious. Of course, I 'm not Martha Stewart b/c when I put the dish in the oven to brown the marshmellows on top, I left them there to long and they caught fire. I screamed when I opened the oven door - there were FLAMES 6 inches high on the top of my souffle! Thank goodness I could blow them all out like a birthday wish from hell. My sister and I gently scooped off the burnt marshmellows and just spread cool whip across the top instead. Well, that idea crashed too b/c that melted too. Needless to say, they were still some darn good sweet potatoes.

Goodnight!

Raining Cats and Cats

2005-08-25T11:24:00.000-07:00

That should tell you alot right there about what kind of HEAT I've been dealing with lately...down here in south Louisiana. We have like, a really bad rain storm with thunder/lightning/downpour almost every week or every other day. School just started back for alot of people. Me on the other hand, I'm still in the same dead end job. Trying to get my butt to workout in this heat. The latest drama that I can conjure up is that for the month of July and August, me and my brother and sister who all live together were sick with cat fungus flue. Heres the story -

My brother brought home a stray kitten. He used to breed persians so he's an animal/cat lover. Me, I'm not a real big cat fan, but they're okay. So all of a sudden my sister who has a really low immune system starts breaking out in this horrid rash all over her face and body. Poor thing. Then my brother starts getting the bumps and has a really bad one on his leg. I think it was a form of staph. Then they both start having upper respiratory problems like sore throat, swollen glands, etc. In meantime I'm really freaking out b/c I live in the house too and I'm gonna get this. I never really played or touched the kitty but lived around it, sat on the couch where it had been ,etc. So I fought it off for about a week and then I noticed a few bumps too. Mine were different looking though and total, I only had about 7 bumps the whole time. So my dr. said mine was cat fungus (ringworm). I had the sore throat and stuff too. Great. But poor brother and sister had it the worst. I had to get pretty firm w/ my roomies helping getting the house up to par, cleaning wise, and getting the source (kitty) out of there or get it treated. I dont' know if theirs was cat fungus or a bacterial infection like Staph from a cat. My brother seems to think its some rare monkey pox or something.

Needless to say, the cat is gone, all our bumps have started going away although it takes months to get it out of your system. Its highly contagious too. Like, my boyfriend got one on his arm and neck. So did my sisters make out partner and brother's ho. Sorry, that was mean. Thats not true at all!

But man! I learned alot I guess about handling trials. Why does this happen to me sorta thing. I learned you should still handle things w/ grace and humility. Not throw more than one fit.

Quick ketchup

2005-06-02T08:04:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I started this blog and haven't even given a post since, so I better provide a quick catch-up! Yesterday I took off half a day b/c I'd been feeling crampy and sinus-ey. I hate to admit this but I also had not been taking care of myself like finding time to even take a shower. I know-that's pretty sad. I'm thinking, who takes time off so they can go home and take a shower, shave thier legs, condition thier hair? I don't know...That just tells me I am in some form of self-neglect. Then while at home yesterday afternoon, I ran my toe into some glass that I had standing up next to the door to be taken out, so I didn't see it and sliced off about a centimeter of my right 3rd little toe. It bled good. Dad says thats a good sign that it'll be okay. Its the ones that don't bleed ya have to worry about. So I've been limping around since. I'm back at work today feeling ~pretty good minus a really bad tension headache that is radiating to my jaw joints/muscles, neck and shoulders. Some shoulder rolls and stretching, that's what I'll do after I blog. :)

This is my first Yap

2005-05-04T02:20:00.000-07:00

I guess "proper says" I must introduce myself since this will be my first post. I am a 30 year old woman living in the deep south of the United States. I am the oldest of four children and have wonderful, surprisingly-still-together, parents. I live with my sister and brother - yah, we'll have some more to come on that. My other sister is married and lives nearby.

I work in a professional environment as an internal consultant for a large healthcare organization. I really am thankful for this position. I guess I'm most thankful for it b/c it doesn't put alot of stress on me. I've focused so much on education and my career in getting two masters degrees that I rarely put emphasis on developing relationships. So this job was supposedly going to give me that opportunity - to focus on my "relational" side. Ha. We'll see how far I've gotten with that.

This blog is mainly for my own personal expression in that I need to keep a journal or record of some sort and more importantly, as a way for me to get things out and express how I am feeling at the time. Basically, my good friend has a really interesting and successful blog http://celibateinthecity.blogspot.com and thought it was so great that I wanted to do one too! I don't really know all about Html and stuff like that but I'll give it a whirl. So there ya have it...hopefully I'll get better at this as I go along. Enjoy and thanks for stopping by to listen to My Yap!