If you like the new layout on my blog then check out Matie Kay's spot! (www.matiekay.blogspot.com) She has good stuff!
Thanks Brandi! I found her though you!!

I had to run some errands on my lunch today. On my way back I was driving on Alafaya and came to the light at Colonial. I saw a woman I have seen many times before standing on the median. She always has the same sign: "Will Work for Food". A while ago someone gave me the great idea of carrying Nutra Grain bars in my car for just such an occasion. This way you don't have to feel guilty about enabeling some habit and can show a Christ like attititude by helping a person in need. Recently we were talking about helping the needy in my LIFE Group. Someone mentioned that hey had heard of purchasing Burger King Coupons with the same idea in mind of helping but not enabeling.
I know I don't have much but I do have more than these people. It is amazing how much it blesses me when I am able to help them. I wanted to share this story to encourage you. We have a very large homeless community here in Central Florida. It just takes a few moments to help someone like them out.

Please Note:
To those who placed a request to be linked on my blog...please note the right hand side of your screen. Ahem...CINDY!

Seriously now, I have a lot of cool friend who blog. Take some time to check some them out. You may get addicted.

David Archuleta- Imagine (American Idol) High Quality

I could listen to this kid sing all day! He is just amazing. Just turned 17 and already has this powerful voice!

I got this forwarded to me in an email and it was too good not not to share!

This is an actual letter from an Austin woman sent to American company Proctor and Gamble regarding their feminine products. She
really gets rolling after the first paragraph. It's PC Magazine's 2007
editors' choice for best webmail-award-winning letter.
Dear Mr. Thatcher,

I have been a loyal user of your 'Always' maxi pads for over 20
years and I appreciate many of their features. Why, without the
LeakGuard Core or Dri-Weave absorbency, I'd probably never go horseback riding or
salsa dancing, and I'd certainly steer clear of running up and down
the beach in tight, white shorts. But my favorite feature has to be your
revolutionary Flexi-Wings. Kudos on being the only company smart
enough to realize how crucial it is that maxi pads be aerodynamic. I
can't tell you how safe and secure I feel each month knowing there's a
little F-16 in my pants.

Have you ever had a menstrual period, Mr. Thatcher? Ever
suffered from the curse'? I'm guessing you haven't. Well, my time of the month
is starting right now. As I type, I can already feel hormonal forces
violently surging through my body. Just a few minutes from now,
my body will adjust and I'll be transformed into what my husband likes
to call 'an inbred hillbilly with knife skills.' Isn't the human body
amazing? As Brand Manager in the Feminine-Hygiene Division, you've no
doubt seen quite a bit of research on what exactly happens during your
customers monthly visits from 'Aunt Flo'. Therefore, you must know about
the bloating, puffiness and cramping we endure, and about our
intense mood swings, crying, jags, and out-of-control behavior. You surely
realize it's a tough time for most women. In fact, only last week, my
friend Jennifer fought the violent urge to shove her boyfriend's
testicles into a George Foreman Grill just because he told her he thought
Grey's Anatomy was written by a bunch of drunken chimps; Crazy!

The point is, sir, you of all people must realize that America
is just crawling with homicidal maniacs in Capri pants... Which brings
me to the reason for my letter. Last month, while in the throes of
cramping so painful I wanted to reach inside my body and yank out my uterus,
I oopened an Always maxi-pad, and there, printed on the adhesive
backing, were these words: 'Have a Happy Period.'

Are you ****ing kidding me? What I mean is, does any part of
your tiny middle-manager brain really think happiness - actual smiling,
laughing happiness is possible during a menstrual period? Did anything
mentioned above sound the least bit pleasurable? Well, did it, James? FYI,
unless you're some kind of sick S&M freak girl, there will never
be anything 'happy' about a day in which you have to jack yourself up on
Motrin And Kahlua and lock yourself in your house just so you don't
march down to the local Walgreen's armed with a hunting riflle and a sketchy
plan to end your life in a blaze of glory.

For the love of God, pull your head out, man! If you just have
to slap a moronic message on a maxi pad, wouldn't it make more
sense to say something that's actually pertinent, like 'Put down the Hammer or
Vehicular Manslaughter is Wrong', or are you just picking on us?
Sir, please inform your Accounting Department that, effective
immediately, there will be an $8 drop in monthly profits, for I
have chosen to take my maxi-pad business elsewhere. And though I will certainly
miss your Flex-Wings,I will not for one minute miss your brand of
condescending bull***t.

And that's a promise I will keep. Always.
Best,
Wendi Aarons
Austin , TX

I have secretly been converted to American Idol. My roomie is a fan and so I have been watching with her in efforts to get to know her better. I'll admit the show sucks you in. My favorite right now is this 17 year old David. He is AMAZING!

You Communicate Like a Woman

You empathize, talk things out, and express your emotions freely. You're a good listener, and you're non-judgmental with your advice. Communication is how you connect with people. You're always up for a long talk, no matter how difficult the subject matter is.

Do You Communicate Like a Man or a Woman?

I was talking with my Mom the other day about relationships. How it is intesting to see the ebb and flow of them. Over the past few years I have had a lot of change in the friendship area. I have learned to deal with it but it doesn't mean that I don't mourn the loss of how things were. Not that I have had any friendships end badly or anything. There has just been change. For example...3 years ago I was inseperable with 2 girls. We did everything together. Then one of them moved. Still the one that lived here and I stayed close and did everything together. Then she got married and moved about an hour away. These 2 girls were my closest friends at the time and now I hardly ever see them or talk to them. Does this make me sad? Yes. Am I angry about it? No. It is just how things work. I love both of them dearly but realize that things change. I can't expect things to always stay the same. I still talk to them occasionally and hope that they will always be a part of my life.

It is interesting to me though how people can come in and out of your life at different times. I am thankful I have been blessed with so many friends and hope to continue to develop relationships with the new ones in my life.

You Act Like You Are 28 Years Old

You are a twentysomething at heart. You feel like an adult, and you're optimistic about life. You feel excited about what's to come... love, work, and new experiences. You're still figuring out your place in the world and how you want your life to shape up. The world is full of possibilities, and you can't wait to explore many of them.

What Age Do You Act?

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

What Lindsey Means

You are relaxed, chill, and very likely to go with the flow. You are light hearted and accepting. You don't get worked up easily. Well adjusted and incredibly happy, many people wonder what your secret to life is. You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing. You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long. You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start. You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people. You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts. You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals. You are balanced, orderly, and organized. You like your ducks in a row. You are powerful and competent, especially in the workplace. People can see you as stubborn and headstrong. You definitely have a dominant personality. You are the total package - suave, sexy, smart, and strong. You have the whole world under your spell, and you can influence almost everyone you know. You don't always resist your urges to crush the weak. Just remember, they don't have as much going for them as you do. You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone. You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together. At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together. You are a free spirit, and you resent anyone who tries to fence you in. You are unpredictable, adventurous, and always a little surprising. You may miss out by not settling down, but you're too busy having fun to care.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

Over Christmas some of my cousins were in town and stayed at my house. I have decided that to feel super good about my self and have other people think i'm really funny I need to hang out with them more. I have friends, Karin most notably, who are very witty. I would not consider myself in this category. But when these kids are here everything I say is riotous. I get to use all of my "best stuff", which is not much, on them. Note the following...

10:30 p.m. on a work night after having just seen a movie...

Rachel & Will: "Are you gonna come over and watch Harry Potter with us?"
Me: "Probably not."
R & W: "Why not?" (said in fake whiny voices)
Me: "I have to get up at the butt crack of dawn!"
R & W: laughter... "but crack of dawn! that's awesome!"

a few moments later...

Aunt Donna: "Lindz, are you gonna come over and watch Harry Potter"
Rachel: "No, she has to get up at the butt crack of dawn"
Aunt Donna: EXCUSE ME? (with a very motherly look)
Me: Ummmm....ya I just said that to them...I'm SO sorry!

Note to self: know the age of your audience when saying "funny stuff".

Thanks Karin...

You Should Be a Social Worker

You are deeply caring and empathetic. You are able to take on other people's problems as if they were your own.Sensitive and intuitive, you understand human emotions well.Helping others gives you the most joy in life. You feel like it's your purpose in life. You do best when you: - Have a lot of responsibility- Greatly impact someone's life with your work You would also be a good philanthropist or stay at home parent.

http://www.blogthings.com/whatshouldyoubewhenyougrowupquiz/">What Should You Be When You Grow Up?

There has been a black cloud hanging over my family this past week. It has been a little crazy but all true...

Monday: My Dad went in the hospital for scheduled hip replacement surgery. He was supposed to get out on Thursday. After several complications he was released 8 days after surgery.

Thursday: My Uncle was taken by ambulance to the ER with pancreatitus. He is still in the hospital with impending gual bladder surgery.

Friday:

1. During the middle of the night my cousin's apartment building caught on fire. Their apartment was the only one that didn't burn. Praise the Lord! But, the whole building has been condemed.

2. My Aunt & Uncle had to go to the emergancy vet with their dog and because of issues had to put her to sleep.

My Dad has 5 brothers and sisters and each of these stories is from different families. It was a very hectic Christmas season. Even though it was crazy busy I feel blessed to have such a wonderful family and such a wonderful Lord to serve. He has been faithful throughout all of this.

At the request of my dear friend Brandi I am blogging about something serious...

It is an interesting thing to have a parent go through serious health issues. At the age of 37 my Dad had a heart attack. I remember waking up in the morning to find my grandparents at the house and hearing the info that my Dad was at the hospital. It is a life changing experience to learn that your father could have died.

This past Monday my Dad went in to the hospital for hip replacement surgery. Every time someone goes under the knife it is a risk. It is even more for my Dad because of his heart history. So it is a trust thing for me every time this happens. I experience an emotional battle with the Lord and me being willing to trust that he has the best in mind.

I can say that the surgery went well. There were a few complications but we are hoping that he will come home tomorrow. The Lord has again shown me how much more I need to rely on Him. I am so thankful for the blessing of a wonderful family and a great relationship with my parents.

Thanks for reading what has been on my heart...

One more thing I am thankful for...






Mr. Boots doggie name tag that says his name and my phone #

I am house sitting for my Aunt and Uncle. I dropped Mr. Boots off at their place this morning and put him out in the back yard with the big dogs. We have done this several times and he has been fine. Well at about 2:00 p.m. today I got a phone call...


Lady: Hi...ummm...I have Mr. Boots
Me: WHAT?
Lady: I have a small dog named Mr. Boots. Is he yours?
Me: Yes! I am staying at my Aunt and Uncles and he must have gotten out of the yard.
Lady: Can you come get him.
Me: I'm on my way!

I drive the 10 minute drive in total panic that not only has something happened to my dog but my family's dogs. Come to find out that they are all fine. Katie and Cooper (golden retrievers) were in the back yard. Mr. Boots had somehow squeezed through a tiny space at the bottom of the fence wanting his freedom from the yard. I'm so thankful that he only made it to the next door neighbors before someone found him.

Things that make me happy during the Christmas season...

1. shopping - I have all mine done!
2. Christmas music - I stream it all day at work!
3. peppermint hot chocolate from Starbucks
4. parties - I have already been to 3 and it's only Dec. 13
5. Christmas lights - especially driving around and looking at them (or mocking them) with friends
6. family - pretty much ALL of my extended family is coming to visit this year
7. my tree - it is humble but it makes my house look pretty
8. cookies - these make me happy all year round but I especially like Christmas cookies
9. friends - every year some friends from highschool get together and it is a great time
10. holiday pay - I like having time off work and getting paid for it!

It has been a good holiday season so far. Even though I have basically no voice right now it is still good!

I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas - Music Video

My Aunt June shared this video with me when I was in Tallahassee. It makes me laugh!!

This Friday I am going with my good friend from college, Christina, to Tallahassee. My Uncle Grady and Aunt June live there and I am gonna stay with them for the weekend. On Friday night they are taking me to see Dracula. I am pretty pumped about it. This is what Wikipedia had to say about it...

Dracula is a 1924 stage play adapted by Hamilton Deane from the novel of the same name by Bram Stoker, and subsequently revised by John L. Balderston. It was the first adaptation of the novel authorised by Stoker's widow, and has influenced many subsequent adaptations.
The original production starred Raymond Huntley as Dracula; Deane had originally intended to play the title role himself, but in the event opted for the role of Van Helsing. This production toured England for three years before settling in London.
In 1927 the play was brought to Broadway by Horace Liveright, who hired John L. Balderston to revise the script for American audiences. The American production starred Béla Lugosi in his first major English-speaking role, with Edward Van Sloan as Van Helsing; both actors reprised their roles in the 1931 film version, which drew on the Deane-Balderston play.
In addition to radically compressing the plot, the play reduced the number of significant characters, combining Lucy Westenra and Mina Murray into a single character, making John Seward this Lucy's father, and disposing of Quincey Morris and Arthur Holmwood.

I want this...

I happened upon the movie i'm reed fish last night. I was searching through all of the movies on demand titles and saw that this movie starred Alexis Bledel. I have enjoyed the stuff she is in so I decided to check it out. It is such a cute movie. The story is very suprising. You are about 1/2 way through when things take a twist. I like that. Jay Baruchel, the lead guy, is so funny. I love his facial expressions. I definitly reccomend it as a good chick flic.




P.S. - check out the singer/actress Schuyler Fisk in the movie. She has an amazing voice. Come to find out she is the daughter of Sissy Spacek. You can check out her music on myspace. She is touring with one of my fave's Josh Radin. While you're at it check him out too!!