Its Hodge Podge Wednesday Time

1. What makes you stand up and cheer?

My favorite football team Pittsburgh Steelers! can make me stand up and cheer. Nascar races can make me stand up and cheer.

2. What's your favorite patriotic song?
I love Gob Bless the USA by Lee Greenberg. I also love to sing the National Anthem. Both of them can make me cry. At the Nascar races they have a fly over by the air force at the end of the National Anthem. That is awesome!

3. Do you believe opposites attract? If you have a significant other are you opposites?
I do believe opposites attract. My husband and I are opposite in a bunch of ways. he is an out doors man, hunter loves the woods and all that stuff. I would rather sit in the house and read or watch TV. I do like sitting in the yard or porch when there is a nice breeze blowing; he can not sit still for long.

4. You're going to get a behind the scenes look some place.....where would you like that to be?
I've thought about this one since I saw the question. maybe a movie set but I would like to be there with certain actors who interact with the fans like John Travolta...(I LOVE HIM!)

5. How far would you have to travel to ride a carousel? (merry-go-round)
Probably to 6Flags over Atlanta because there are none here that I know of or Carrowinds which ever is closer.

6. When was the last time you saw fireworks? What was the occasion? Do you enjoy fireworks?
I think the last time I say them was last year on the fourth. Of course down here there are stands around everywhere and people set off their own displays for other holidays such as New Years. But as for professional fire works it was the fourth of July last year. Yes I enjoy them.

7. Of all the beauty products you own, what item do you consider to be the most over priced?
Hmmm! I don't really have many beauty products but I would have to say face creams are ridiculously over priced.

8. Random thought here....
Waiting to hear back from job in Ohio so I can go there with my hubby. I am here in SC he is there in Ohio. I hate it!

Busy Busy Busy!!

Well, I am home now. last week was a bit of a blur! I left SC with my 12 year old dog to go to Ohio to meet my hubby in Ohio. We left after work on Tuesday so the dog and I stayed in a motel in Virginia on Tuesday night. it was ok got a good nights sleep and we moved on to the next leg of our journey. We got to Pittsburgh PA about 2pm in the afternoon (my home town) wanted to visit my 97 year old grandmother. It was wonderful seeing her she was so excited to see me and she loved seeing the dog too! I took her outside to see the dog she told me she had not been outside in a while. My grandmother lived her life on her front porch now it breaks my heart that she has to get someone to take her outside. Any how moving on, the visit was wonderful! I then went to my dad's for dinner and to pick up my sister and niece. They were coming on the rest of my trip with me and coming back to SC for some needed time away. We had a great visit and dinner with dad and step mom. The dog did not want to get out of the car! So I opened the doors and windows and she just laid in the car enjoying the breeze only got out to pee before we left for the second leg of the trip. We headed to Ohio got in around midnight to the hotel. Settled in and fell asleep. Although I woke up around 2am my niece was still watching Nickelodeon! Next morning my sister woke up with a bad stomach. I had to take a test drive to the hospital before my interview the next day to know where I was going so my sister stayed at the hotel and niece came with me. Since I had told them the weather here in SC was in the 90s to 100s they did not pack any long sleeves or jackets. It was a bit cold in Ohio so after we went past the hospital I took my niece to Old Navy to get a sweatshirt. She wanted to get her mom a present to help her feel better so we also went Target. She found a BEAUTIFUL!! (according to her) diamond (cut glass) ring for $5.00! She had to have it for her mom because her mom would LOOOOVEE IT! She was so cute I had to let her get it. We stopped at Starbucks and headed back to the hotel. My sister at that time was feeling worse; my husband came over after working his new job. We wanted to take my niece to dinner with us she refused to leave her mom. After dinner I stopped to by essentials like ginger ale, chicken soup and crackers. After I had a talk with my mom and brought the stuff back to the hotel I had a long talk with my sister to let her know she was on vacation and had no worries until we got her home. We all got up the next morning feeling better. I went to my interview, it went good! (Keep praying for that please I loved the place!!) We took the dog all went to the park minus dh because he was working. we had a GREAT DAY! That night we were able to get into our new apartment in Ohio which will be our temporary home until we sell our house here. Spent the next day at the apartment just vegging and relaxing, cause Sunday the LONG drive back home to SC. Got in at 11:30 last night and here I am at the end of my work day on Monday!
Hopefully I will be able to move to Ohio permanently mid July!!

Hodge Podge Wednesday

I know it is only Tuesday but I have a busy evening and day ahead of me tomorrow with no computer. I am driving to PA/Ohio to meet hubby, pick up my sister and job interview....So I will be busy for a few days and did not want to miss will check in on y'all later in the week when I get to a computer.

1. Summer's here-whoohoo! What's your favorite sight, sound, AND smell associated with summer?

My favorite site of the summer is children playing in the surf of the ocean waves...sound the frogs and crickets around my house....smell the smell of a summer rain on the hot pavement....

2. Fireflies or lightning bugs...what are they called in your neck of the woods?

I haven't seen any here in the south. At home in PA it was lightening bugs. I love the way a field looks at night as they sparkle in the night with their light show.

3. What is something from the past week that reminded you of your childhood?

Eating a summer peach as the juice trickled down my chin reminded me of sitting on my grandmother's porch after swimming in the city pool watching all the kids walk up the street from the pool.

4. Define 'the good life'.

Anywhere with my family around me



5. Tell us what we'd see if you took a snapshot of your desk/work space?

My computer is in the middle of my desk to either side are pictures of my grand kids. On the cubicle walls lists and schedules of doctors and nurses I work with. My fan of course and a few trinkets on my desk along with the phone.

6. Peaches or watermelon...yes, you have to choose.

Peaches never really was a watermelon girl.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Hoping I get outta here early today to get done and on the road!

Thanking God for my many blessings

After my last post of total frustration I felt bad so today I am going to thank God for the many blessings in my life.

1. First and foremost for my salvation along with my husband, son, and daughter in law. I know in my heart the rest of the family will come too.
2. I want to thank you for my wonderful husband. He was sent to me from you I know in my heart and he is my best friend, my protector and lover. But you know that already, thank you.
3. I thank you for my children and their spouses. You know my children so well you sent them spouses that would be perfect for them. My daughter and son in law are so funny because my daughter doesn't want anyone to think she can not take care of herself, but her husband knows exactly who she is inside and he loves her. I thank you for that! My daughter in law is the perfect match for my son they are so cute and funny together their faith is a gift to me. Thank you Lord for them.
4. My grandson all four of them. They are perfect human beings with distinct personalities, and being a grand parent is the best thing in this world.
5. My parents, my mom, dad and step mom. All are Christians and I know they will all be in heaven with me some day. I love them all and am so thankful that You are letting me move closer.
6. My wonderful grandmother, she is 97 years old now, but You know that. She is the example of a grandmother to me I love her dearly and can not wait to see her next week.
7. A roof over our heads, You gave us this house we now live in. I know You will help us sell i and until we do You let Nucor provide us with a furnished apartment to live in in Ohio until we can buy another house to live in.
8. Thank you for my husbands promotion. It was/is a great boost to his self esteem and allows us to move closer to home.
9. Thank you for leading me to be a nurse. It has lead me to my calling. I truly do love taking care of patients. I once thought if I could help one person in their struggle with cancer I would be happy but You, Lord had much bigger plans for me and 14 years later I am still caring for cancer patients.
10. I could go on and on and on because the blessings You have given me are many I will from time to time because You deserve my Praise and Glory. Praise You Lord of All!
    

trying to get a better attitude

Hello all. I am trying so hard to get a better attitude. I actually am really OK with all the moving stuff. Our house has not sold yet; in fact no one has even come to look at it but I know God is in control and I am not worried about that. Besides it gives me a place to store all my stuff until we actually find a permanent place in Ohio. Right now we will be living in a furnished apartment the company is paying for lease right now is 3 months. I can't buy another house or even pay rent somewhere until I sell the house here. I am ok with all that. At least I think I am I feel fine, really I do but then I check my blood sugar and it is HIGH!! WAY TO HIGH!! I could see if I was eating bad things but I am not! (well most of the time, I have this awful habit of eating chocolate when I am depressed, angry, sad, happy, o well pretty much when ever! But I have been curbing that by eating a chocolate protein bar or low sugar snack). My extended family, 2 of my sisters, 1 of my step sisters and my brother are all having crazy in sane Jerry Springer drama that they try to drag me into. I have been good about staying away. Then last night my mom (I love her but she the the QUEEN of drama so much so one year for Mother's Day I bought her a tiara) called last night to inform me of drama of youngest sister and brother. My youngest sister had a very large brain aneurysm a few years ago. She was not expected to live through it but Praise The Lord she did and has become a Christian through the experience! Well now she has she is handicapped, not severely mind you but she does have some coordination problems, her IQ has gotten much lower than it was. She used to be an accountant now she can't even do simple math with her youngest daughter. (When I go up to Ohio for my interview next week her and her daughter are coming home with me till I move up there, a vacation for them) Anyhow with all that being said. My mom talks to my sister last night, my sister vents all her problems and worries to mom, mom texts me, one of the problems is she forgot to pay her phone bill. Well I need her to have her phone so I can arrange our meeting and getting together to bring her here. I tell mom I will pay the bill but want to do it anonymously. Mom calls sister to get information for phone bill tells her she found money she will pay it. I get very angry at this the reason I wanted to do it anonymously is my sister is a new Christian who has all of her life has been the baby of the family every one took care of. Well now that she is trusting God with her life I want to help her pray about her cares and concerns give them to God and let Him help her. An anonymous gift of her phone being paid may teach her not to depend on me but on God, ya know. SO mom tells her she is going to pay it. I know it wasn't the best thing to do and did apologize to mom later for loosing it with her but I got very angry and mom and I got into a huge argument, which is never a good thing with my mom because she is always the Eeyore in the bunch, the victim if you know what I mean. Some how it ended up being an argument about the way my mom parents her older children, (not my intention by the way mom lead it there, I hung up on her at that time.) After all this I got ready for bed checked my blood sugar and it WAS EXTREMELY HIGH. Had to take 15 units of insulin which is A LOT!!!

Moral of this story, I guess, I am not stressed by moving but my extended family stresses me out. Thank goodness I will be a few hours away from them!

Thank you for letting me get all that off my chest!

I want to hand my diabetes over to God. I want to keep better control of my disease and my eating. That is my prayer request and my prayer for myself. If I could only loose some weight that would help tremendously. That is my goal!

I started this post with the title trying to get a better attitude. How am I going to do that I am going to hand each day to the Lord and not talk to my mom about my siblings!

Wednesday Hodge Podge

Sorry I am late busy day at work had to chill a while when I got home.....Anyway here goes.

1. What is one thing on your bucket list? If you don't have one let's pretend you do.

I would like to learn a different language. Italian is my dream, probably because my grandmother's family came from there. But Spanish is more practical. My son tells me if I learn Spanish I should get Italian too because both are romantic languages.

2. What makes a good dad?

I think a good dad is there for his family. He follows God's example of the Father. He is always there for his family. He provides for his family. He loves his family and protects them.

3. Are you afraid of insects? Which ones?

YES I AM!!! Does it make a difference??? I don't like any of them except maybe lady bugs and butterflies....

4. We're barbecuing...what's on the grill at your house?

My hubby has a Big Green Egg. It is a ceramic cooker, this week he cooked pork chops on it they were terrific. Tonight was inside cooking spaghetti.

5.. Do you believe playing is more important than winning?

I do believe playing is important. Winning is also important it helps build the person gives them successes in their lives. But, I also think loosing is important. People do not always win in life this helps the player and lets them know they will have successes and failures in life.

6.Do you tan? Use self tanners? Visit tanning salons? See your dermatologist at least once a year?

I burn. I am light haired and light skinned with that being said I do love the sun. I now use sun screen (I am a cancer nurse) but not as often as I should I admit.

7. Five years ago I would never imagine that today I would...

I would never have thought I would have my bachelor's degree in nursing and working on a nurse practitioner's license in women's health. I was happy just being a nurse working with my cancer patients.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Hopefully this whole moving process will be over soon. The what ifs are what is the most mind boggling. But the crazy part is I am confident that God is working this situation. This is a new feeling for me I am a worry wart. I am the one who had panic attacks the last time we even thought this may happen. But now I am calm, confident and trusting in God that He has us right in the palm of His hand!

DRAMA....

Does every family have drama or is it just mine? I just got done watching the New Jersey Housewives on Bravo TV (yes I admit I like it maybe because I can so relate with the drama). It seems to never end there is always drama somewhere. Just give the family run down...my mom and dad had four girls of which I am the oldest, then comes Norma, Pam and Kellie...my mom and dad divorced and my dad remarried a wonderful lady I love to death and she has two daughters one older than me one younger than me but a month older than my sister Norma. So now the order is Patty, me, Ann, Norma, Pam Kellie. Got it so far? Ok, then my mom remarried and had two boys with her husband they are John and Tom. They tag onto the end because they truly are the babies (although my brother John thinks he is the big brother to all his sisters its adorable to see him stick up for us...) My step dad died when my brothers were in their teens; I was married with children. SO that makes 8 of us and at any given time there is always drama somewhere. Some have more drama than others. I try to live my life drama free;but, I am the nice one, the peace maker, so when ever ANYBODY has drama they call me except for my big/little brother John who does not want give anybody stress.
I once got a call when on vacation in Oregon visiting my daughter at 5am (Oregon time) because my sister Norma yelled at my brother Tom and sister Kellie. Now you get the picture how they all call me. I just wanna know does every family have this drama???

My immediate family, my husband, daughter, son and me have no more drama. O my daughter did have her teenage drama and literally drove me crazy. ( I did not think we would ever have a relationship but God is good and now my daughter and I are very close.) But now we do not Kevin and I get along great we have things going on in our lives but we talk about it and we are good. My kids are good, they have great spouses and their kids are all adorable! No drama here...So that is why I am wondering does every family have this?
Just my thoughts for tonight I had to vent.............

Important Peole

My husband Kevin, is very important to me. He is a fairly new Christian and his faith and dependability on God inspire me to be a better person. Kevin is my human rock. He is always there for me. He catches me when I fall; and laughs of course. But he is the one who has been there for me since August 1, 1978. That is the day I met him. We laugh together and have fun together. We have tender moments and can talk about anything. He always has my back. He is a very personable person. His talks to everyone he meets. he has friends everywhere. He is strong and supportive and only wants the best for his family.

I love him dearly and I thank God for bringing him into my life.!

1. Do you and your family enjoy camping? What do you enjoy most/like the least when it comes to family camping? When was the last time you camped?

We went camping all the time when the kids were little. It was a great and cheap family vacation. I enjoy the peace and quiet of camping. Waking up in the morning to birds singing...The last time we camped was Myrtle Beach I think last year or the year before when I parents were staying there.

2. Did you attend a summer camp when you were a kid? Is that a happy or not so happy memory?

I remember going to camp once I think as a girl scout. I actually have not thought about that time until this question, but it is a happy memory.

3. Over the course of your life, what have you probably spent more time pondering than anything else?

I think I spent most of my time pondering on the future. What will it bring? Where will I be when? How will my kids be?

4. Which of the seven natural wonders of the world would you most like to see? There are many lists of 'wonders' but this is the standard natural wonder list-Mount Everest, The Great Barrier Reef, The Grand Canyon, Victoria Falls, The Harbor of Rio de Janerio, Paricutan Volcano and The Northern Lights.

I would love to see The Northern Lights. I just think it would be a humbling experience. Great beauty in nature always makes me think of the power of God and how He loves us to give us this beauty.

5. What was your first real job?

My first job was in 6th grade I worked for a friend of my great aunt he was a shoe maker and i did odd things around the store for a few dollars a week. But my first real job was at Ponderosa Steak house. I cleaned the tables, then moved up to salad bar.

6. Lemonade or Sweet tea...which do you prefer on a hot summer day?

I love lemonade and drink a bunch of it...but...I do live in the south (at the moment) and I drink actually un-sweet tea because I am a diabetic the sweet stuff is WAY TOO sweet for me.

7. What is something that always brings a smile to your face?

My grandsons always bring a smile to my face. I can hear a story of them, look at a picture, hear their voices or look into their sweet faces. It always makes me smile.

8. Insert random thought here.

I should be at work today. i just could not go this morning. I know that sounds bad but I really just needed a day all to my self to settle my head. Spend time with God. Spend time with me. Just a me day and to rest my brain.

Simple Woman's Day Book Entry

Outside my window the sun is shining it is a beautiful Sunday morning!

I am thinking will we get a call today that someone wants to look at the house and where do we go if they do. Kinda hot today will be in high 90s. We will need to go somewhere old dog friendly.

I am thankful for my Lord and Savior working this plan for us. Everything is in His hands and I know it will be ok.

From the kitchen I can still smell the bacon Kevin cooked this morning. He is my breakfast maker and he does a great job.

I am wearing my night gown just got out of the shower a little bit ago will be getting ready for church when I am done here.

I am studying well I should be studying for my certification test in August. I do off and on but not nearly enough need to get my butt in gear with that.

I am going to church today and then possibly to beach. Don't have very many beach days left gotta go while I can before we move away.

I am reading Flight to heaven by Capt Dale Black; in between studying for certification and reading Study Guide for Core Curriculum for Oncology Nursing. Listening to Unspoken by Karen Kingsbuy on my I-Pod.

I am hoping Someone will come into our home in the next week or two fall in love with it and have to have it.

I am hearing Fox New Sunday Morning show.

Around the house all is clean and quite waiting for someone to come look.

One of my favorite things the sound of the waves on the ocean shore. It can have such a calming effect.

Random thought as you may know my nephew graduated last night. I am gushing with pride for him. I love him to death and know God has a plan for his young life. It warms my heart when I hear when visiting my sister "where did Frankie go?" My sister walks to the door of his room. "O he is in there reading his Bible." What a strong testimony for an 18 year old man when there are so many other things to distract him.

Special Day

Today is a special day because my nephew and god-son is graduating today. I can't believe he is already graduating from high school. I remember when he was born and holding him in my arms telling God and the rest of the church that I would be there for him and look after him. Today this boy warms my heart I know he loves the lord because he shows it in his life and his passions. He even tells the world on his face book page that his passion is loving his Lord Jesus Christ who died for his and all sin! I can' put into words how much it means that this young man, I wanted to say child but I guess he is not a child any more he is a young man, has a relationship with Jesus! I know in my heart the Lord has big plans for him. He is so talented! and he is a cutir pie if I do say so my self.I know you can not see much of his face from this picture but trust me he is a cutie pie! Frankie I love you. The first day I held you in my arms you bore into my heart and you will always be there! I am so proud of you on this graduation day!

He is going to Charleston Southern University for a music minster major with an art minor.

When I am afraid

I am scared with everything going on in my life right now. I am not panicking that's a good thing I've been there done that. I just get so caught up in all that has to be done in my head. Keep the house clean so people will fall in love with it like we did. Go to work. Study for oncology certification in August. Pack, the dog, the grocery shopping, paying the bills, everyday things that come up. I get to the point where I get my brain so overwhelmed I give up and shut off in front of the TV with one of my guilty pleasures like real housewives (Yes, I like the New Jersey and New York housewives) or an investigation show. I really do not have time to do that but sometimes I just can't do one more thing. I read something in my devotion yesterday, and a friends blog today (http://rocksinthewasher.blogspot.com/2011/06/out-of-focus.html) that remind me God is in control of ALL of this.I, of course need to do what I need to do like pack, clean and study but everything is in God's hands. (I wish I could get my husband to calm and see this too. He is so preoccupied with everything that needs to get done he is making himself a stressful mess. Not about the job, about the house. He keeps seeing more and more that needs to get done and he tears it up! Please pray for him!)
I know in my heart that this is the plan the Lord has made for us. It is time for us to move closer to home. I do not know why, but I know HE is in control! SO when I get scared I will set my eyes upon the Lord and remind myself that this is God's Plan and He will make it ALL work.

Hodge Podge Wednesday

1. Have you ever been to the US capitol- Washington DC? If so what's your favorite site? If not what would you most like to see on a visit to that city someday in the future? Is it even on your list of places to visit?
Yes I have been to the capitol. It was a good/bad experience for me. My daughter's band was selected to be one of the bands in 2000 millennium celebration of the states. My mom, my son and I drove up to follow her around and watch her concerts. We got LOST everywhere we went. I could get no where! Then someone told us to take the metro (train, subway). We did it was nicer but not all that great to get to the Lincoln memorial where they played we had to go to Arlington cemetery cross a major highway then we got there for the concert and had to go back the same way to get back. it took us forever to find the White House. There are two Pennsylvania Ave's. Any how it was an experience. We did see the Lincoln Memorial which was great. Arlington Cemetery which I think was the best place we went, because we got to see the changing of the guards at the tomb of the unknown, and the eternal flame at President Kennedy's grave. We saw the Jefferson memorial, that we found when we were lost it was like OH look there is a memorial lets stop here.

2. When did you last attend a wedding? Are there any weddings in your summer calendar? Were you a summer bride?
I think the last wedding I went to was a few years ago. My friends daughter got married. No I was not a summer bride I got married in September. It will be 29 years this year.

3. What's your favorite way to eat strawberries?
I absolutely LOVE strawberries I love to eat them any way actually; but my most favorite is covered in chocolate. HMMM!!

4. What's one thing you are especially looking forward to this summer?
Well, I have a ton going on this summer with moving and all but I have to say I am looking forward to spending time with my grandson. I am going to go get him a week or two before my daughter comes for a visit. I can't wait!!

5. Do you use/like the self checker at the grocery store?
Yes I do like it and I do use it from time to time. Mostly when I do not want to wait in line.

6. Share a favorite piece of common sense advice?
If you are nice to people many of them will be nice to you. (Couldn't really think of anything right now.)

7. Barefoot, flip flops, tennis shoes, sassy sandals-your favorite choice for summertime?
I LOVE my flip flops!!

8. Insert random thought here.

http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/1102-Ansel-Dr_Moncks-Corner_SC_29461_M60281-94750?source=web

Our house is now up for sale and hopefully will sell soon so we can move on to the bigger and better things the Lord has planned for us.