1. Link the person(s) who tagged you.
2. Mention the rules on your blog.
3. Tell about five unspectacular quirks of yours.
4. Tag five bloggers by linking them.
5. Leave a comment on their blogs to let them know they've been tagged.

I was tagged by myself after seeing this on Jessikuh's blog.

So, five quirks about me...

1. I can't stand to leave the house without wearing earrings. It really throws off my whole day.
2. I am a devoted Chevrolet fan (because growing up my dad said they were the best trucks) to the point that even if there was a Ford more affordable than a Chevy I might have a semi-nervous breakdown trying to decide which vehicle to purchase.
3. I have conversations with myself, out loud, where I get to say clever things that will impress others.
4. I still dream of meeting Paul McCartney.
5. I would only get a tattoo for my sisters.

I tag Kari, Britta, Sue, Colt and/or Maggie, and Charlotte!

Thanks to Skype my family in Utah was able to make a video call to my sister, brother-in-law, and niece in Pennsylvania. The video quality was very nice and with a great Internet connection it was almost like being in the same room. Thank you Skype for making this Christmas special!

My top five podcast choices, and why I listen:

How Much Do We Love
~Positive, random, humor, Sara Davis, and Rob Lindley

Too Beautiful To Live
~Luke Burbank




Wait, Wait...Don't Tell Me
~Paula Poundstone, random news

This American Life
~Random stories that show the connections in life

Stuff You Missed In History Class
~Truth and history class have an intervention

The Plug is worth a visit if you enjoy a bit of humor. Here are two sections I enjoy:

Signs of Boredom: A Journal To Learn From

Stranger Photos Have Happened

As I sit and type these words I realize more and more how pieces of life are un-seemingly connected. I have found this truth in people every day. Now I find it in a logical location, but one that caught me off guard.

I came to the library today in search of knowledge, tools, and skills to add to my life. I believe I have these in some form yet to my detriment I am often too stubborn to act. I have been to enough therapy that I can give a new therapist a detailed overview of my issues. The one thing I lack again and again is action.

Last night I saw myself parenting in a way I was saddened to see. I realized I was enabling many of the issues with my four-year old daughter. My failure to act until issues have escalated has rewarded me with much frustration.

Upon entering the library I searched the digital catalog for resumes, organization, and parenting. (Side Note - Sometimes I miss the feel and sound of the card catalog in those slender drawers.) The call numbers were 650 Resumes, 640 Organization, and 649 Parenting. Who would have thought that business writing, organization, and parenting would be categorized so closely together. Yet it makes sense when you look for the connections; structure, routine, and attitude.

I also found the books I picked up to be telling. I am very obviously drawn to titles. Here is the list in the order I found them:

The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Managing Your Time
The Single Mother’s Book
The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Decluttering
Scream Free Parenting
Landing On The Right Side Of Your Ass: A Survival Guide For The Recently Unemployed
Dancing Naked: Breaking Through the Emotional Limits that Keep You from the Job You Want

I have yet to open any of the books. However, I am open to the possibilities of what I can learn. Then I act. Inside I want a nap though.

It's my mom's birthday today! However, she is having fun, fun, fun with Britta and family in Pennsylvania. I am in Utah. I am in her house right now. I am taking care of her garden.

I miss my mom, but how can I feel jealous of a sister who has never moved further than 20 minutes from home. I appreciate my mom more and more as I struggle and succeed and struggle as a mom myself. Thank you mom for so many things I plan to tell you when you come back.

My friend, Jill, sent me the following e-mail and I pass it on just in case others would benefit:

Law of the Garbage Truck

One day I hopped in a taxi and we took off for the airport. We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches! The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us. My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. He was really friendly.

So I asked, 'Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!' This is when my taxi driver taught me what I now call, 'The Law of the Garbage Truck.'

He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it and sometimes they'll dump it on you. Don't take it personally. Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. Don't take their garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home, or on the streets.

The bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take over their day. Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so...Love the people who treat you right. Pray for the ones who don't.

Life is ten percent what you make it and ninety percent how you take it!

My sister, Britta, turns 30 today. Britta is amazing, and if you want proof read her blog. She truly inspires me to believe in myself and to never settle. Love you, Britt!

Don't Buy Stuff You Cannot Afford

Alternative method of harnessing power...gone too far?

Thank you, Jordan, for reminding me that even admist the darkness one candle can give hope.

Today, I am thankful for:

Lucia
Sisters
Family
Water
Cell phones
Keys
Beds
Washing machines and dryers
Plants
Fly swatters
People who remind me of hope - Jordan -
Nieces and nephews
Pink
LOL cats
Summer squash
Therapy
True friends
Showers
Soap
Being someone's momma
Being a woman
The slinky of life