Recommittal

I've debated just doing away with this blog and not even worrying about it. I mean, when I first started, I was really excited and had every intention on keeping this updated as much as possible. Now...five months after my most recent post...well, you get the picture.

But, no. I am not going to quit. That would just be too easy. Glutton for punishment, I know.

Okay, so something that has been a matter of discussion around the house lately is the possibility of moving. Whether it's to another part of the county, another part of the state, or even across the country...it's just an idea we're tossing around. Maybe it's fun to think about, and maybe with the economy the way it is (i.e. job losses), perhaps it's smart to keep your options open...

I've lived in the South (GA and FL) my entire life, most often in small, rural towns. I love most things about the South -- a genuine sense of kindness from most people; the fact that we are raised to use our manners (upon fear of painful bodily harm!); strangers smile and say "Thank You" when holding open a door; a coworker notices that a tire on my car is low and shows up with a compressor in the parking lot, with all tires checked before lunch (this actually happened to me once when my husband was on an extended business trip)...The list goes on.

You know, I kinda like where we live. I think we may just take up traveling a little more often.

The Beach...

I know. I've been away for a while. I had to take care of some things.

Have you ever taken the time to sit back and consider the impact different people have on your life, whether positive or negative? I've had the opportunity to do that recently and I find myself truly astounded at how lucky I am to be surrounded by family, friends and loved ones of such incredible caliber.
...You all know who you are, so that's all I'll say for now. (o;

I've also come to the rather long overdue, though generally obvious, realization that if you don't take your life by the reins and direct it where YOU want to go, then it will pass you by.
I guess some of us just take a little longer than others...

I just returned from spending some time at the beach...I've been told it can cause you to wax philosophical...yes, very dangerous! (=

There are sooo many lame clichés that would fit my life right now, but I think I'll spare us all. (Try to keep the cheering down to a minimum, eh?)

I wonder...

Have you ever wondered what your life would be like if you had said 'yes' instead of 'no' at a critical moment?
Have you ever wondered if you've had as much of an impact on someone else's life as they've had on yours?
Have you ever wondered if there really is such a thing as fate or destiny?

...just wondering.

A huge milestone

Today is my birthday!
It was absolutely fabulous...I was surprised at work with a sinfully chocolate cake, candles and a chorus of 'Happy Birthday'. Yeah, I had to work (and it was a BUSY day), but I work with some great people, so I did the mature thing and sucked it up. (heehee!)
My husband surprised me with my favorite meal for dinner - Salmon steak and wasabi mashed potatoes, on a bed of sauteed greens, with butter and lime sauce. ...sigh.
I got phone calls and emails from best friends and family...
My son 'gave' me his favorite rock from his collection as a present...
My daughter sent me a 'Happy Birthday' text in the middle of the day...
Nah...Turning 35 really wasn't so bad.

About Me...

Some friends on Facebook have started a "25 Random Things About Me" going around. I thought I'd put it on here as well. It was more difficult that I thought it would be, to come up with 25 items that I thought would be in anyway interesting.
This is one of those instances where everyone else always seems to have lived such fuller, more thrilling lives. LOL!
But when I started to come up with my list, I realized that my life isn't so boring...

1. I married my high school sweetheart and we just celebrated our 14th year of marriage.
2. I just earned my 1st degree black belt in Taekwondo, in December of '08, after 2 ½ years of training. I'm currently working on my 2nd degree and in training to become an instructor.
3. I am the GA 2007 Taekwondo State Champ. (I NEVER thought I'd be doing this – I started classes on a dare!!)
4. I had a bleed in my brain in '07, which scared the hell out of me and made me reprioritize my life and appreciate the small, daily miracles.
5. I've just finished writing a book (which I am now marketing for an agent) and I have two more in the works.
6. Growing up, I was always the one in our group who wanted to wait at least 8 – 10 years before having kids...and I was the first one to have them. Now, I wouldn't give them up for the world.
7. I flew to Germany 8 days after 9-11...and saw first hand how the tragedy of the twin towers affected not only us, but the entire world.
8. I've worked for the power company (at a power plant) for 11 years. No. Sorry, I can't do anything about your bill. --- No. I don't get my electricity for free. (=
9. My mother-in-law and I absolutely adore each other. (had to include that one, because it still freaks me out a little!)
10. My new year's resolution is to visit Scotland for a 2-week vacation by the end of 2009.
11. I have been best friends with the same person for almost 22 years...and she hasn't gotten tired of me yet!
12. I'm an Army brat...the longest I ever lived in one place before moving to Jesup was 16 months.
13. My mom and dad are my best friends.
14. I am addicted to Rock Band. ...my 13 year old is teaching me how to play the drums. But she won't let me sing. (??)
15. I am incredibly introverted...I have to take a day off of work every now and then just so I can have some time to myself to 'recharge'.
16. I love it when my kids walk up to me and out of the blue, tell me that I'm the coolest mom in the world.
17. My favorite food is fried chicken livers – and I've gotten really good at making them!
18. I have an incredibly sarcastic sense of humor...which sometimes gets me into trouble. (=
19. It wasn't until I was in my late 20's that I realized it was OK not to give a damn what other people thought about me...and I really have to admit that life is so much more fun because of it!
20. I know every word to every song of Phantom of the Opera...but I can't stand any other musical.
21. My dad's older brother, my older sister and I all share the same birthday. (My son was born stubborn...he missed it by one day!)
22. I once dressed up like a Crash Test Dummy at some event at Altamaha Tech, as a favor for my best friend's mother...can't remember if I was Vince or Larry, though. (early '90's)
23. I. Do. Not. Like. Cats.
24. I love scary movies – the more I find myself burying my face in a pillow, the better!
25. I think that, no matter how old Sean Connery gets, he will still be the hottest James Bond.

Obama-mania

Okay, I'll admit I didn't vote for him. But I can honestly say that I have also never voted for a Democrat. Just personal preference.

I'm usually at odds with what I read in the press, but I enjoyed this editorial that was in our local newspaper yesterday. I thought it was written very well.

From The Savannah Morning News (1/22/09):
Americans and others around the world watched Tuesday as history - in more ways than one - was made as Barack Obama took the presidential oath of office, not only as the nation's 44th president but also as its first president of African descent.
As he spoke the words "So help me God," a resounding and collective cheer went up all across the world for those who believe in Obama's promise of restoring America's prosperity and global prominence.
Much has been made of the fact America has its first black leader. While that is of high notable importance - especially considering black Americans' struggle in this country - let not that fact be the domineering image attached to his presidency.
Mr. Obama's spirit and hope for this country - and the world's spirit of and hope in him - should leave a legacy above that of just the color of his skin.
Parallels have been drawn between Obama and many throughout history who have paved the way to his presidency, including Abraham Lincoln, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and John F. Kennedy - tough shoes to fill, to be sure, and even tougher legacies to which to live up.
In sharing a varied background of ethnicity, religion and country, President Obama can stake his claim among the feats of these great leaders by helping to restore confidence in America's greatest qualities of its democracy - life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness - around the world.
With Obama's pledge to unite Americans for a better America, we should let that which once divided us now bring us together into one people, while never forgetting how it twice brought our nation to its knees.
We all share in President Obama's hope for our future, and we pray his vision for our country and its place among world powers will be restored to a new glory.

I've done way better things with my time...

I'm sitting here watching The Most Extreme on Animal Planet...they're talking about a guy whose belches are louder than a jet engine. Not necessarily something I would want to be known for, much less be seen doing on national television. I hope his mom is proud.