My Life as an Adam Sandler Movie

So, today, when telling one of my friend's a story about something that just happened, she made the comment that it was like something out of a bad soap opera or an Adam Sandler film.

This got me thinking about a couple of things: 1) Is my life really that crazy? (YES!), and 2) Which Adam Sandler film would best describe my life at this time?

Well, in my wildest dreams, I'd have 50 First Dates which would eventually lead to me hiring The Wedding Singer. Unfortunately, I seem to be stuck with The Waterboy, Little Nicky, or Airheads, all of whom test my Anger Management skills. I'd be so happy with a Big Daddy or a Mr. Deeds, but finding such a man is like trying to find the one peanut in a bowl of Mixed Nuts. And trying to communicate is like speaking Spanglish to a deaf man. I know it may sound like I'm Going Overboard, but, I promise, I don't let this Reign Over Me. There are just days when I wish I could Click the channel and skip at least Eight Crazy Nights. But, if I can't do that, I'll make sure my friends are Funny People and put myself to sleep with some happy Bedtime Stories.

"It's hard to soar with the eagles when you're surrounded by turkeys."

                                       ~ Longfellow Deeds
                                         (Adam Sandler in Mr. Deeds)

Passionate

I love reading my textbooks. There. I admitted it. What does this make me? "A nerd." you say.  Well, yes. But I prefer to think of myself as passionate.

Passion seems to have made a second appearance in my life. My work and classes are exciting to me. My friendships are fulfilling. My discussions surrounding religion and politics can become heated, but in a good way. My children and their development continue to surprise and amaze me.

So, I will gladly accept the label of "nerd" as long as I'm allowed to add the adjective "passionate" in front of it. Because, at this point in my life, that is the adjective that best describes me and my experiences.

“If I were to wish for anything, I should not wish for wealth and power, but for the passionate sense of potential -- for the eye which, ever young and ardent, sees the possible. Pleasure disappoints; possibility never.”



                                      ~Soren Kierkegaard

Toilet Paper Dresses

(Thanks Hannah for the inspiration for this post!)

My friend, Hannah, has a quirky sense of humor. Since I do too, this works out well. Tonight, she had some fun teasing me about my couponing. She sent me an email about these women who made dresses out of toilet paper. Some used coupons to purchase the toilet paper to make the dresses.

Now, I'm all about the coupons, and I'm certainly all about dresses. I'm rather fond of toilet paper, too, since I use it on a daily basis. BUT, I do not see me ever using a coupon to purchase toilet paper out of which I would make a dress. Call me crazy, but I feel that my time may be better spent elsewhere. (I will say, in defense of the toilet paper making individuals, it was for some sort of contest.)

If you want to peruse some pictures of the dresses, check out this link:

http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/sex/toilet-paper-wedding-dress-contest-winners-12-bridal-gowns-you-could-buy-with-a-coupon-2508828/#photoViewer=1



A dress makes no sense unless it inspires men to take it off of you.



                                        ~Francoise Sagan

Having a Grinch Moment

I've been having some Grinch moments lately. Not the bad kind where I want to steal the Who's Christmas and sit miserably on a mountain with my poor dog. The good kind, where my heart grows 3 sizes bigger.

Life is full of ups and downs. I've had my share of downs within the last year, and they've been hard. BUT (and here's a major "but"), I can say with complete confidence that living through the downs has made me so much more appreciative of my current "up."

My life remains hectic. Actually, I think it keeps speeding up on a daily basis. The good news is, everything that makes my life hectic is also what makes it so good. Family, friends, work--they all in one way or another equal love. And love makes my heart grow and makes me stronger. Just like the Grinch.

And what happened, then? Well, in Whoville they say - that the Grinch's small heart grew three sizes that day. And then - the true meaning of Christmas came through, and the Grinch found the strength of ten Grinches, plus two!


            ~ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1968)

Tick Tock Goes the Clock

I swear, some days I feel like the clock is set to fast forward. I celebrate on New Year's Day, go to bed, and wake up the next day in June.

I guess part of this feeling of lost time comes from not having a spare weekend for the last five weekends in a row. Not that the weekends were filled with root canals and SAT exams. They were just filled with no time to get the "normal" stuff done like laundry and housework and just lounging for a few minutes.

This past weekend was all about my little girl turning 8. We had a birthday party at my mom and dad's house with family and family friends. It was a great party with the kids playing blocks and chasing each other and the adults laughing and talking. But, wow!, afterwards I was tired.

So, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this weekend will be free. Nothing to do but housework and laundry and maybe, just maybe, a little lounging.

I'm late! I'm late! For a very important date! No time to say hello or goodbye! I'm late! I'm late! I'm late!

          ~ The Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland

The Reason for My Leave of Absence

I haven't been posting for the last few days, but I've been busy with a project. The wedding cake for my young neighbor. Totally worth the effort for her!

“I love the art of cake decorating. Wedding cakes are my favorite. I like the feeling when you finally get it on the table and walk away. You know you did something for someone's special day. It's very rewarding.”



                                     ~Tina Hainey

Updates

Well, Blogger was down for a day or so. I didn't realize how much I liked this little blog until I wasn't able to get to it. As we say in the counseling world--insight.

So, let me just update all on a few developments. First, I'm finally having my fence repaired. Whoohoo! My puppies will be able to be off the runners again. This is good. They aren't used to being chained up.

Second, Robin and I decided to move our walk to New York in October. This will give both of us time to volunteer here in Tuscaloosa and, later, fund raise.

Third, I decided to stay in town for the weekend instead of heading to the beach. Not that I didn't want to go and spend time with Hannah. I just figured I needed to deal with dogs, cats, hamster, turtle, fence, and, if I had time, house. Oh! And I need some clothes for the cruise, so I decided I could, maybe, do some shopping.

Wow! My stay-cationis starting to look more like a workaction!

“No man needs a vacation so much as the man who has just had one.”



                                          ~Elbert Hubbard

What's Really Important

This past week has been a roller coaster of emotions for me, and it has certainly brought life into sharp focus.

First, we had the tornado. THE tornado. I haven't heard the latest information, but it looks like the monster that hit Tuscaloosa will be rated an EF4 or EF5. Alabama has already had another tornado rated as an EF5, and these two were only one of many that hit our state this past Wednesday. Too many people died. Hundreds more remain missing. Rumor has it that the death toll in Tuscaloosa will reach 1,000 before everything is said and done.

BUT...my family was spared. My friends are alive, although many suffered property loss. My work kiddos and foster parents are all accounted for and unharmed. And, some very happy news, I was told last night my missing friend is unharmed. (May I just state that I LOVE Facebook! If you send enough emails to random friends of a friend, someone will eventually answer you.) This tragedy has helped me to appreciate even more the life my Lord has given me, and all of the wonderful people that make my life so wonderful.

So, with the tornado's tragedy as a backdrop,  I traveled across state to participate in my baby brother's wedding. As happy of an event as this was, it also came with the normal wedding stressors. But all stress was worth it when I watched my new sister walk down the aisle and seeing my brother's face light up. Spending time with my new family members (Yep! I've adopted my sister-in-laws entire family. They are too wonderful not too!) and watching my babies perform their wedding duties with grace and ease, it made me practically burst with happiness. Being able to see my wonderful baby brother marry his love made me appreciate all the love I have in my own life.

Then, today, my children proved to me, yet again, how truly amazing they are. My son asked me several times if he could volunteer with the tornado clean up. So, after striking out at the first place where we attempted to volunteer (I love it when I'm turned away because a place has too many volunteers.), we ended up at a local charity where we helped sort through the toys which were being donated. Other volunteers were sorting clothes, home items, baby items, food, etc. To see the amount of items in this large warehouse, and the number of cars lining up to drop off items, made me very proud of my community. I felt even more pride when, after asking my children if they were ready to go after two hours, my daughter looked at me and said, "Please mom, can we stay longer?" At that moment, I appreciated the fact my children were able to witness and experience compassion.

Life, love and compassion. That's what's really important.

“I have been asked on hundreds of times in my life why God allows tragedy and suffering. I have to confess that I really do not know the answer totally, even to my own satisfaction. I have to accept, by faith, that God is sovereign, and He is a God of love and mercy and compassion in the midst of suffering.”



                                          ~Billy Graham

I'm So Excited! And I Just Can't Hide It!

I will admit here in my blog that I am currently VERY excited about an upcoming date. Granted, it's not MY date, but I'm excited none-the-less.

If there are any important updates, I will be happy to reveal them (upon clearance from the person I'm living vicariously through at this time.)

I CAN'T STOP GRINNING!

True friendship is seen through the heart not through the eyes.


                                              ~Unknown

Laughter Really Is the Best Medicine

There are days when I just feel blah. Today was one of those days.

Not completely well, the sky a light gray, having a schedule that wasn't quite working out, and not feeling that I was accomplishing as much as I wanted, it just wasn't turning out to be my kind of day. Now, the only bright spot in this gloomy day was listening to Robin's even gloomier day.

Before you think me an evil witch, let me explain. Robin is one of the funniest people I have ever met. Even when she is having a miserable day, she can describe it in a way where I'm rolling and crying with laughter. And, as I laugh, she begins laughing. And then, most of the time, we both end up laughing, talking, venting and laughing some more.

Tonight was just such a night. With both of us having somewhat icky days, supper at Applebee's sounded amazing! And, with good food and a great friend, it really was!


“The person who can bring the spirit of laughter into a room is indeed blessed.”



                                                     ~Bennett Cerf

“The most wasted of all days is one without laughter.”



                                                     ~E. E. Cummings

My Invisable Tatoo

I have determined I must have an invisable tatoo. I must have "IDIOT" stamped across my forehead in big bold letters, and I just can't see it in the mirror. This is the only explanation I can come up with as to why people would attempt to "pull a fast one" on me.

Please, just so we are all on the same page, let me explain a few facts:

1) If you are going to try and fish information out of me, please at least think up an intelligent story. And, please, please, please get on the same page as any "accomplices" as too many coincidences tend to make the fishing even more obvious.

2) If you really want me to believe your sincerity regarding a subject, if you could at least keep with your story longer than 30 seconds, that would be great!

3) If you feel the need to try and "pit" me against another individual in order to gain some sort of advantage, at least pick someone with whom I do not have a decent relationship, as I tend to double check facts.

Excuse my bit of self-indulgence here. I just didn't feel I could get this all in a Facebook post. (A little inside joke there.)

“No man has a good enough memory to make a successful liar.”



                                   ~Abraham Lincoln

Fallen

Tribute To A Fallen Soldier
by James E Martin
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Rated "G" by the Author.
A poem of reflection on some of America's best

 

A SOLDIER GAVE HIS LIFE TODAY,
AWAY FROM HOME, SO FAR AWAY.
HE HAD OFTEN WONDERED HOW IT WOULD END
AS HE, HIS ENERGY DID ALL EXPEND.
 
BACK AT HOME HIS FAMILY CANNOT BELIEVE
THOSE HORRID WORDS THEY HAD JUST RECEIVED.
SO YOUNG WAS HE, YET HOW HE HAD AGED
IN THOSE MANY MONTHS THE WAR HAD RAGED.
 
HE DIED KNOWING HE HAD DONE HIS BEST.
NOW HIS BODY WILL BE LAID TO REST.
WILL THE PRICE HE PAID BE REMEMBERED WELL?
WHAT WORDS WILL THEY HIS LOVED ONES TELL?
 
WILL A NATION’S GRATITUDE HIS FAMILY KNOW?
FOR THE DEVOTION TO DUTY HE DID SO BRAVELY SHOW.
HIS MEMORY WILL LIVE ON THOUGH HE BE GONE,
MAY HONOR AND RESPECT BE PROPERLY SHOWN.
 
 
Copyrighted 2007 by Dr. James E. Martin
 

Day 1 of Beach Trip

We all made it to the beach alive. Granted, it was touch and go a few times as the kids were contemplating beginning their lives as only children.

After making it to Hannah's house, we went to the Fairhope pier. Let me just say, as soon as I become a multi-millionaire, I'll be moving down to Fairhope. Michaela has already stated she likes this plan.

"You never know how many friends you have until you rent a house on the beach."

(Or buy a house close by. Thanks Hannah and Mark for putting me and my motley crew up for a few days.)

Bonus Blog--Wisdom of Facebook Part II

Okay, Robin posted this as her status; and, since it SO fit my life at times, I just needed to acknowledge the wisdom of the statement.

"I wonder why we are expected to manage our anger when the people that make us mad are not expected to manage their stupidity."

Mardi Gras 2011

As promised--PICTURES!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2112932&id=1320433359&l=c2daa8acd3

 

Did I mention I had a blast?

 

It is one of the blessings of old friends that you can afford to be stupid with them. 

                                ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

She is a friend of mind. She gather me, man. The pieces I am, she gather them and give them back to me in all the right order. It's good, you know, when you got a woman who is a friend of your mind.                       

                                ~Toni Morrison, Beloved

Fat Tuesday + My Birthday = A Blast

Whoo hoo! It's my birthday and Fat Tuesday! I'm in Mobile with my best friend and her family, which means I've gotten myself some beads, eaten some funnel cake and a huge sausage dog, and walked my four miles around downtown. (I'm counting that as training.)

Pictures have been taken and will be posted tomorrow. I'm now off for round two of my birthday celebration!

“The secret to staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age.”



                                                 ~Lucille Ball


“And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years.”



                                               ~Abraham Lincoln

“Old age is not so bad when you consider the alternatives.”



                                               ~Maurice Chevalier

Whoo Hoo!

I believe this month would be considered an overall success in the training department.

Robin added up her monthly walking total: 57 miles!
My total: 68 miles!

Now, I'm hoping both of our totals will be higher next month, but, I'm not going to jinx us and say they will be.  After both of us suffered through various forms of ick, spent time caring for others with the ick, and traveling an unreal number of miles during the month (me for wedding celebrations, Robin with crazy work schedule), I will not predict anything going smoothly in March.

In other success news, Robin is now officially signed up for the Avon Walk. She has her T-shirt and everything! Now we just need to book flights and a hotel room, and we are good to go!

"It must be borne in mind that the tragedy of life does not lie in not reaching your goal. The tragedy of life lies in having no goal to reach.”



                                               ~Benjamin E. Mays



 

Long Hard Day...

This post is dedicated to Robin, one of the hardest working--and best--social workers EVER!

 Well, Robin didn't get her four mile walk in today. I would say, "Shame on you." (okay, no I wouldn't), but for the fact that Robin had one of those days we all dread.

First, she was up and out at 8:00 a.m. to see a kid and to run work related errands. Then she had to complete a ridiculously long report, which, when going back into her computer to make a correction, was found to be MIA. Next she had to take a child to Anniston. This trip included travel delays due to road work and accidents, wrong turns and an anxious child.  She finally walked in her door after 8:00 p.m. 

You would think that she would take the morning off, but, no, she will need to see another child--an ADHD child--at 8:30.

So, I figure that Robin has worked hard enough today that she earns a pass for the four miles. A pass and a recognition of how fantastic she truly is at what she does!

"I've developed a new philosophy... I only dread one day at a time." ~Charles Schultz



"God put me on this Earth to accomplish a certain number of things. Right now, I am so far behind I will never die." ~Anonymous

The Wisdom of Facebook (Learning to Love Yourself)

I bet you were wondering how I was going to tie Facebook with love. Never doubt the master at this stuff!

Some of the most inspirational quotes are posted on Facebook every day. And if you are feeling down about your situation or yourself, you can usually find at least one post which makes you feel at least a little better. Here are two that some good friends have recently sent me.

LIFE IS TOO SHORT

to wake up in the morning

with regrets. So, love the

people who treat you right,

forgive the ones who don't

and believe that everything

happens for a reason.

If you get a chance, take it,

If it changes your life, let it.

Nobody said it'd be easy,

they just promised

IT WOULD BE WORTH IT

                                                    (Thanks Linda!)

Don't be a woman who needs a man...

Be the woman a man needs...

Because every woman is worth fighting for...

But not every man is worth you!

                                                           (Thanks Hannah!)

Righting Your World

Everyone needs someone that can right their world.  When you feel you have been turned upside down and backwards, that person that can make everything normal again--or at least manageable--is a blessing.

If we're lucky, the first "righters" are our parents. Through bad grades, lost friendships and broken hearts, our moms and dads help us to believe that it will all be okay.

Then we have our friends. These are the people that will either ask you if you are okay and then never say another word about it (This appears to me to be the man version of support.); or the people that will offer to inflict bodily harm, help devise evil plans, or provide chocolate and caffeine as needed (Definitely the female version of support.)

And then you have your lovers. These are the ones that can say, "It's gonna be okay." and you have full confidence in their words. Or just a strong hug and a kiss from them makes you take a deep breath and helps you to think clearly again. And, for those who are super lucky, you will have that someone where, upon hearing his or her voice, life becomes better.

Thank you to all those that right my world!

"You make me feel right when all is wrong. You make my heart grow just like the Grinch's. You aren't perfect, but you're perfect to me."