Random Thoughts

I am sitting here watching American Idol and am just in awe wonder at some of the people who come out for their “five minutes”. But that is not why I am writing. I am writing simply because I feel like it. I have nothing really very exciting or meaningful to share, but I just felt like writing something. I have alot of things rolling around in my head to write about, but lately I just cannot create a cohesive set of sentences together to save my life. I did begin a new Bible Study this evening, you can actually check it out here. So far I think it’s awesome, and I think it will be hard to be disciplined and follow all the steps and everything, but I am committed to it. The first step is to put $1,000 in the bank for savings!! Wow! I will let you know how it goes, keep you in the loop! On another note, I really need to start going to the gym, for serious. The thing is, Monday morning, I bent over to get something out of my dryer…and my back went out! I couldn’t get back up. I was in tears the pain was so bad. I finally (after about 30 minutes) was able to pull myself together and get to work, and my boss made me call the Chiropractor. So I went in later that afternoon. It’s better now, but if I turn the wrong way or something it hurts and is still a tad bit tender, but it’s all good. So, back to going to the gym. I joined (got a terrific deal too) back in October and have not darkened the doors. My plan is to go on Saturday. Sunday is church, then after church…Super Bowl baby!! I have been invited over to the Crawfords for a Super Bowl Partayy!! I am so excited…GO CARDINALS!! It’s late and this is getting so random, it’s not even funny. Till next time…

Undecided Themes

If you are a regular in reading my little blog here, you may notice I change the theme often. It’s because I am looking for the one that makes me go “yeah, this is it…this makes me feel good”…I have found some that are really cool and I have found some that are just OK. I have thought about having a custom one made, but I don’t want to spend money on one just yet. I just need that perfect theme…so, what do you think about this one? It’s kinda earthy and totally environmentally friendly, right? Plus it is “Twitter” enabled… OK…that’s it for now…love ya!

This Made Me Cry...

I will just post this video…I believe that it fully speaks for itself.

Oath ~ Take 2??

Yes, in what is being called an “abundance of caution”, Chief Justice Roberts has re-administered the Oath to President Obama, in a second attempt to “get it right”. And this time he did not have a Bible or even Lincoln’s Bible, but it is apparently still OK and legally binding. Hmmm…well here is a photo to document the occasion. Ughhh….

President Oath II in the Map Room

Historical Inaguration!

I had to post about this very historical day, even though I didn’t really want to, but I couldn’t let it pass without doing so. I was home today and was able to watch the Inauguration and several of the other events. It seems this is a special day for the whole world, and I won’t get into it today, but if you want to know my thoughts go
here. Even though I did not vote for Barack Obama, I will support the President and his cabinet in prayer!

God Bless America!!

Those Boys Are Just Too Much!

I ran across this video…it’s funny…but shouldn’t all Dad’s be this way??

Yes…Yes they should…my dad was…look:

My daddy showing me how to brush my Farrah dollhead's hair. He even cut it for me (He was a hairdresser), and showed me how to french braid it...I love my daddy.

Monday Night TV Viewing Dilemma

I am torn. There are four shows that I love to watch all pretty much at the same time. First I have my new most favorite, The Big Bang Theory on CBS at 8PM, this show is hilarious to say the least, if you have not seen it, I totally recommend that you do. Then on ABC we have The Bachelor also at 8PM. You would think, what is your problem, just record one and watch the other. Well, that would be all well and good, except…then we have House and 24 both on FOX, starting at 8PM…what am I ever going to do?? How do I decide?

To top it all off, I have been having major problems with my cable set top box. First, the DVR quit working, so I took it to the “Cable Store” and exchanged it…easy peasy..right? Wrong. Hooked it up, and not only would the DVR not work, there was no sound. This time I called TW and went through technical support, which yielded another :we will either have to schedule a technician to come out or you can go back to the store and exchange the box. So I opted to exchange the box, I mean let’s be serious…American Idol Premiere was coming on that night, and I wasn’t going to miss it. So I got back home and hooked it up and this time the only thing that wasn’t working was the guide. But I could go to TVguide.com. So we were set for now, I would worry about the guide later. Mind you I did this all while sporting a nasty nasty sinus infection/cold-hell-like symptoms, and after sitting at Urgent Care for hours. But I would watch American Idol dangit! And watch it I did. So Saturday, still sick as a dawg, I trudged back to the cable store to exchange it yet again. They happily did so. I get it home, and it won’t even power on!!! NOT kidding. So I took it back, and they said that they would exchange it, but that they want to send a technician out to check to make sure everything is OK, and asked “when will someone be home on Wednesday?” I was like, “well, I will but not till after 6pm”…to which she gave me a dirty look. So the “repairman” is coming out on Saturday between 10 and 12. On the new box, the guide and pay-per-view doesn’t work. The DVR works, but you have to be on the channel to record, you can switch channels, but you cannot pre-set any recordings. Bummer.

So back to my dilemma. What do I record? Do I just forget about the 30 minute wonder that is Big Bang? Or do I sacrifice my Bachelor or House for that half an hour? Which means I would have to be remembering to switch channels and everything. I think it’s too much for my brain at this moment. My head is still foggy from being so sick, and my head is still hurting. I think Big Bang will have to wait, they will show re-runs…right??

I am planning on blogging about American Idol…but when it gets to real competition. Right now I am liking “Anoop Dawg”, Asa - the Band Director, and the guy whose wife had just passed away, and the girl that went on last. I am really liking the new dynamics of the judges. Keep watching, I am sure Ryan will top this:

Ryan - High-fiveing the blind contestant… nuff said...

Hugs,

Pet Peeves and Nicknames

Pet Peeves...Face it, we all have one or two hundred fifty-seven. They are the things that others do that bug us, or just plain gets under our skin! I have a few, but it seems that I can never remember what they are until they are right in my face, I am just that way I guess.

I have one for you, and it isn’t a huge one with me, but one that was “in my face” recently, and I have thinking on it recently. Nicknames. We have all had people call us by something other than our given name from time to time and I am sure that we also have called others by a nickname, even when they might not have been exactly endearing ones. Usually not a big deal, right? I have had my fair share of nicknames, and for those of you who know my last name, understand why! Most of the nicknames I can take with a grain of salt, and they don’t bother me. Usually because they were from someone I know and care about. But what I noticed is, that whenever someone I am not close to, or do not at least have some type of established relationship with, calls me something other than my name, it kinda bothers me! And I am thinking…who are they to call me that, they aren’t supposed to do that!!

I’ll admit that I have special names for some sisters and brothers and Christ, but it took time. It took building a relationship first. Then in time, comfort and depth were established…the name flowed naturally…either out of something that they said or did that was funny, and it just stuck, or it was something they had been called all their lives, but even so, I go back to the given name in important moments.

So you might wonder where I am going with this whole nickname pet peeve business. Well, have you ever wondered why your real name is important? Well let me tell you…That is what the Lord whispers to your heart in the moments you are quiet enough to hear Him. I’m cool with being called, TR Cheek, TC, T, Teeny Weeny, Cheeks…etc, I have even been called Tammy (by a well meaning customer)…but when you REALLY want to get my attention…look me in the eye and call me Tina.

Prayers from the heart can be so incredible…

Name Above All Names...

Master, Savior, Lamb of God, Prince of Peace, Alpha and Omega, Messiah, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Son of God, Jehovah, Yeshua, Son of Man, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Bright and Morning Star, Emmanuel, Light of the World, Rose of Sharon, Lily of the Valley, Ancient of Days…

This list goes on and on and each name that flows from your heart reveals intimacy, but eventually, it always come back to the name…

Jesus

Jesus

Jesus

Kings and Kingdom’s will all pass away…but there’s something about that name.

~Happy Birthday Trina!!!

Enhanced Lost?

I am really looking forward to all of the returning shows beginning this month: 24, American Idol, LOST among them. Tonight is the “enhanced” version of the season finale from last season, I guess need to watch it, to get my mind focused for the premiere! 24 is GREAT…I am so happy that it has returned, and it is better than ever. American Idol is back…and despite all the buzz about it not being the same as last year, I thought it was great, Kara is a fabulous addition!! And Ryan trying to high five a blind guy…that was priceless!! I think I will blog about American Idol this year.

There is a lot going on in and around my life and I have so many things I want to write about that I am having a difficult time sorting through all of the thoughts and events in effort to write down a cohesive blog post. Besides that, I have been feeling cruddy the past few days, so that really has not helped any whatsoever, my mind is mud! So I didn’t go to work today again, and decided that I was going to create a list of things I wanted to write about as a starting point. So that is where I am right now. The list.

Mosaic Monday!

I stumbled upon this blog, and I really like her idea of Mosaic Mondays…so I thought I would play along, and encourage you too as well. It will be a great opportunity for us to get to know one another in a way we might not otherwise, how cool is that? Very cool…

This weeks Mosaic is about YOU. Here is a list of what you need to find to make yours:

#1 (the center): A photo of YOU. Unedited, or fooled-around with. Cartoonish, if you wish. Just as long as it’s YOUR beautiful mug!

#2: MUSIC An album cover, a photo of your favorite singer, group, etc.

#3: FOOD A symbol for your favorite restaurant, a photo of your favorite food, etc.

#4: READING A book/magazine cover, photo of favorite author, etc.

#5: TRAVEL Someplace you’ve been, or where you long to go..

#6: MOVIE Scene from a favorite flick, photo of a favorite actor/actress, etc.

#7: HOBBY Show us what you love to do in your free time

#8: COLOR Get creative with this one

#9: CLOTHING What are you most comfortable in, or what makes you feel like a million bucks?

#10: GOTTA HAVE IT What’s the one item that you always carry with you, wherever you go?

#11: WEBSITE Favorite site to read, shop,browse etc.

#12: TELEVISION A current favorite, or maybe one you miss from childhood, or guilty pleasure

#13: FREE SQUARE Use square #13 to tell us one more thing about yourself..make it interesting!

So, here are the instructions:

So…without further adieu…here is mine:

1. Me…this was me just playing around with my camera…I do that on occassion!!!

2. Jeremy Camp…he is my FAVORITE Christian Artist, actually my favorite of all music I like…he is awesome!!!

3. I think this one pretty much speaks for itself!

4. Crazy Love, by Francis Chan, is a MUST READ…seriously!!

5. This is a beautiful photo of Carmel, CA….I have not been there, but I want to really bad

6. The Ultimate Gift, is a wonderful movie that is worth watching. I have seen it many many times, and will see it many more!!!!

7. My favorite thing to do is to read, the Bible, books, blogs…etc…

8. Red…my favorite color…and isn’t this photo beautiful?? It’s a gerber daisy.

9. My favorite shoes, they are SO unbelievabley comfortable…try them…you won’t want to take them off!

10. My BlackBerry… Must. Have. It.

11. This is the one website I usually spend the most time on during the day, keeping up with friends, sharing thoughts, photos and more…i

12. This is a photo that actually says alot about me. It is the flag of the place of my birth, TEXAS, and it’s state flower. It will always be “home” to me…and the flower, I remember we used to go and take photos in the bluebonnets. They are everywhere in the spring in Texas…

Let’s see yours…if you don’t have a blog…do you’re mosaic anyway and send it to me, and Iwill post it right here!!!

2008 ~ A Quick Review!

I know it’s been a while since I updated, but I have been so busy!! I hope that everyone had a wonderful and blessed Holidays. I thought I would start my first post of 2009 with a meme, and my first one to boot!!! I who knows, I might make a tradition! I think I have to now! Well, here goes ~

1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?
Well, I am sure I did a few things that I have never done before, but the one thing is that I went sailing for the first time. On the ocean and everything. ;-)) It was so much fun. I would love to do it all the time, but some of us have day jobs. I also went to American Idol, which was a total blast, especially if you like to stand on your feet for 8 hours straight…yeah…I am not kidding. Good Times!! And I started this blog!!

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don’t usually make them, so that way when I don’t do them, I am not letting myself down. Haha.. But I am going to start going to the gym more…tomorrow…

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Well, my very good friend Deborah had a baby…so yeah.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
Yes, a very dear and close friend of our family suddenly passed away just before Christmas.

5. What countries did you visit?
I stayed right here in the good ol’ US of A

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
An even closer relationship with my Lord and Savior, more money/ less debt, give more love than I receive, to watch my daughter mature and grow in the Lord

7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
hmmmm, I don’t really know, I cannot think of any particular or specific date, my birthday was interesting to say the least, but I would remember that day anyway.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Actually going to church every week..ok …MOST every week

9. What was your biggest failure?
hmmm, well, I really can’t answer that question, I have had a pretty good year, nothing major happened (Praise God!)

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Nope, still trying to figure all that out, something is up and until I know what it is, I guess I can’t say it’s an illness.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
hmmmm…I didn’t really buy much this year, other than things I needed.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Wow, I have no clue.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
There is a certain persons behavior that I could have done without, but it didn’t depress me

14. Where did most of your money go?
Heck if I know…bills I guess…but I know it’s gone…lol

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
I got pretty darned excited about going to American Idol, going sailing, going to Texas for the Holidays

16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
I am really not one of those people whom apply song lyrics to my life, there are songs that I love, however, Slow Fade really touched my heart this year

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? Happier.
b) thinner or fatter? The same
c) richer or poorer? Richer in spirit and poorer in the bank

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Exercise

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Procrastinating

20. How did you spend Christmas?
In Texas with my family and some friends

21. Did you fall in love in 2008?
No, but I did let go…and give it to God!!!!

22. What was your favorite TV program?
I have a few: American Idol, House, LOST, 24 (yay it’s back), and my new most favorite is The Big Bang Theory – HI – LAR – I – OUS!!!!

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
No, hate is a horrible emotion, and a waste of time and energy.

24. What was the best book you read?
Hmm, besides the Bible, I would say, Crazy Love, and even though I was against it at first, I got sucked in to the Twilight frenzy…and I have to say that what I have read thus far is not that bad, although I am not a huge fan of her writing style.

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Austin’s Bridge, Toby Mac (who I knew of , I just didn’t listen until now), Travis Cottrell

27. What did you want and not get?
Loads of things, but I am really not very materialistic, but I would love to have a kitchen full of Pampered Chef “stuff” and new silverware and new furniture, new car too…;-))

28. What was your favorite film of this year?
Wow…there were several good films this year, here are a few that I enjoyed: Fireproof, The Dark Knight, WALL-E, Valkyrie, Iron Man, Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, Body of Lies, Mamma Mia.

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
This was my 40^th birthday, and I went to San Diego and had dinner with Pete and other than him making me wait for over an hour and thus draining the battery in my car, I surprisingly had an enjoyable time, and then we went to see Dark Knight.

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Living more in the Spirit and to not have to live check to check , like that will ever happen, hey, a girl can dream.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Personal fashion concept? Do you even know me? Haha…I’m a casual dresser unless necessary to dress otherwise….so, whatever is comfy. I love my UGGS.

32. What kept you sane?
Knowing Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
As always, Matthew McConnaughey

34. What political issue stirred you the most?
The Presidential Race, Global Warming…because it is a myth, a scam…bunch of balonie

35. Who did you miss?
All my friends and family in Texas, and Pete...yeah, I admit it!

36. Who was the best new person you met?
Lynda Kachic, and more recently, my new friend Michelle seems totally awesome too!!!!

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
My time and attention are the greatest gifts I can give my daughter

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
The journey from your mind to your hands
Is shorter than you’re thinking
Be careful if you think you stand
You just might be sinking

Casting Crowns - Slow Fade

~Love ya!