Saturday Morning Post, 2017 Edition

I haven't done one of these posts in years. But, here I am on the edge of my gray couch. Coffee to my right, next to my journal and the 6-week Bible Study I've been doing since November. Classical music playing, Michael still sleeping and Brokaw content with his blankie.

Saturday Morning Posts are where I take a deep breath, the tips of my fingers hit the keyboard, and we just see what happens. In the words of a Presidential tweet, "Enjoy!"

I can see the Pentagon from this perch. Isn't that unreal? Michael and I just have to pinch ourselves sometimes. Last night we ate out and walked home. We love living in this neighborhood so much.

I love my new job. Yes, it's overwhelming. It always is in the beginning. Like Hope Floats says, "Beginnings are scary, endings are usually sad, but it's what's in the middle that counts. So when you find yourselves at the beginning, just give hope a chance to float up. And it will."

I had a tough week, emotionally. Well - I guess it was the last two weeks, really. The Facebook pregnancy announcements are killing me! I mean, there is even a giraffe having a baby! I hate that it stings. I am happy for my friends that they have achieved the gold medal. That they have new life on the way. I promise, I am happy for them.

It's just, at the same time, it makes my emptiness feel so urgent. Like when you don't think your'e hungry but then you see an IHOP commercial and then you're like "oh dang I am starving and I need a giant stack of pancakes right now." Except it's not pancakes, it's this life changing opportunity to love like you never have before and this giant responsibility you feel like for some reason you haven't been trusted for. You haven't been picked for the team and it hurts, hurts, hurts. 

I think it was the Facebook announcements. But maybe it's because I wrote the check this week to continue paying off the IVF attempts that didn't work for us. Or maybe it's because I started my period, which every month seems like a cruel reminder of emptiness.

Whatever it was, I want it to go away. I want to be free from this. I want to be free to just be happy for people without thinking of myself. I'm praying for that. God, change the desire of my heart. Help me defer my hope.

I do believe God has a plan for us and our family. I do believe I am right where I am supposed to be right now. I'm so thankful for this new opportunity professionally. I want to use the talents and gifts He has given me for His purposes. I love that Michael and I have more time as "just us," and I want to soak up this season for every moment and memory we can.

I will continue to snuggle my baby dog, Brokaw.  I'll continue hoping. I won't stop dreaming. But it would be great if the emotional part of it could just work with me.

Saturday Morning Post: Black Coffee

It's 3:20 a.m, Saturday.
I'm alone in the living room of a cabin at Shenandoah Crossing. I'm surrounded by beautiful woodwork, and a rug that reminds me of the Reagan Ranch. Michael is going to be sleeping for the next 40 minutes, so this is my time.

I have a nice, big mug of black Breakfast Blend, hot. I'm so glad they don't have those small hotel-mugs. I need a real cup of coffee. And, since I've started eating mainly Paleo a few months ago, and now I drink my coffee black - all the time - I wonder how and why I ever didn't.

Black coffee is so real, so pure, so exactly perfect.

I'm so glad we are here at this cabin. It's going to rain today, which means no excursions to local wineries or hiking in the National Park or shopping (without money shopping is no fun anyway) in Downtown Charlottesville.

I'm glad it's going to rain.
Because I just want to wear yoga pants all day and drink black coffee, and write.

There is SO much in my head, in my heart, that I'm a spaz at home. I don't have much time for exhaling, and when I do, it's like there is so much built up, an hour of time like this can go by, and I have nothing actually written to show for it.

I have several freelance writing opportunities there for the taking, waiting for me to have/make time. I have two pages of blog post ideas, but nothing to show for it.

Writing is such an exercise for me.
I must warm up.
Then work out.
Then, I like to cool down.
Then, I feel amazing.

It's emotional. It's raw. I have to strip away all 47 of my to do lists and close all my social media, and quiet my mind, then the words pour out.
And there's no greater feeling than the words pouring out.

Because when I have to make the words up, it isn't good. It isn't real, it feels forced, and fake and like coffee with Splenda and skim milk. Which used to be good, but now it's not good.

I'd rather have it black, thank you very much.

We're having friends over for lunch today, and I'm very much looking forward to that. But I want to spend the rest of this time clearing out my mind, so that I am back at that place where I have something to write, something to give.

Saturday Morning Post

Well.
Hello there, 6:30 a.m. Saturday.
I was wondering if you'd ever come back to me.

But, here you are in all your glory.
Your peace and quiet.
Your only sounds are the wind chime dancing in the back yard, and the Puggle crunching his Beneful.
Your taste is of Starbucks Tribute Blend.

Aaaahh.
Here you are.
My empty computer screen, and my full mind and my no-alarm-clock, sleeping-husband, everything-has-been-cleared-off-the-day-Saturday.
Let's hang out.
All day.

I've slept 13 hours, and Brokaw peed on that white chair up there, but I don't care.
I'll wash it. Later.

Let's do nothing.
Which we both know is actually a lot.
Three lists, actually.
Home.
Work.
Blog.

Let's tackle those lists and try to remember to rest and to eat and to drink more water.
Let's do this.

P.s. More on my thoughts of being on a reality show, coming soon. I promise. But now, coffee and an e-Book bundle that you really do need to check out.

I Wish I Had More Time

It’s 8:55 a.m. I wish I had more time.

Story of my life, right?

I want to write so much.

I want to write about how I finished Joni & Ken’s book at 5:00 a.m., with the moonlight streaming in through the big window over our living room, and all I could hear was Brokaw snoring, and the air purifier in the bedroom as Michael slept.

I want to write about how after I finished it, I snuggled up on my favorite shoulder in the world, shed a few tears, then fell back asleep.

I want to write about the nightmares I had. One was about giving a pair of cute mint Chuck Taylors found on sale, up to someone else, and having immense regret about it. Another was about how I was spending weekend time at home, until my boss called me to YELL at me about how the news was a mess and I needed to come to work immediately. And for some reason, I kept not going in, and yet at the same time, not getting anything done at home.

I have very real dreams.

I want to write about how I’m surprised by how much I miss being at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner this weekend, but share about how the pain of not being there but having been there before is not quite as bad as the pain of wanting to go and wondering if I will ever get there was.

I want to write about TV news, and Boston, and Marvell Edmonson and how now that I’m a little older, I think it all affects me a little differently. And about that guy who cursed on the air and ended up on the Today Show.

I want to write about seeing our friends Steve and Christy and how special they are and how life and God are crazy good sometimes, if you just pay attention. 

I want to put together the Origami Owl giveaway for a blog reader.

But, alas.

Life goes on.

I’m out of time.

Maybe, maybe at some point, I will re-open this computer, expand my thoughts, and experience that deep exhale I feel when I write. I miss that feeling so much.

For now, another inhale.

Another day.

Yes, it’s a gift.

But this party is going by too fast.

See y’all later. It’s 9:04 a.m., and I've got to go.

Good morning from my spot on the couch!
It's been a while.

I really miss blogging. I wish I had more time to do it, but unfortunately there are lots of super fun adult things I need to do like vacuum out my SUV, taxes, and chop vegetables.

I should go to the gym today, but I don't know if I will. Someone, please - make me! Recently, my sister and I bought Cross Fit Groupons, but I feel like I need to go to the gym a few times before going there to try it. You know, kind of like how you have to clean your house before the cleaning lady comes?

There is a little brown dog beside me who won't get more than 6 inches away from me. I think he seriously thought we were never coming home.

The washer and dryer are humming, catching up on all that vacation laundry.

I hope to finish Joni & Ken's book today. It was released the other day. It hits home so hard, I've had to put it down a couple of times and walk away.

Oh, and remember my eBook? Yeah... well, I still have some giveaways to do to promote it. Kind of dropped the ball on those. Hopefully you'll see them on here soon - or maybe I'll just keep teasing it and never actually doing anything.

Eeek.
Cheers.
Happy Saturday!

On Going Back to *THE* Church

Well.
Look at that.
It's Saturday, again.

These weeks are just flying by!
Working 10 hour days doesn't leave much time for blogging, and I really miss it.

But, I'm here now.

Last Sunday, we went to church.
It was great, being back in church again.

This wasn't just any church. It was the church where I was first born as a little bitty, baby Christian.
I was 16, and I wore nothing but Old Navy, and I drove a 1982 Red Pontiac Firebird.

Jesus changed my life, and fueled everything in between then and now.
Now.
Now I'm back.
Not as a 16 year old blonde in a hot car.
But as a 33 year old married blonde (minus my current root situation) in a minivan.
Oy.

It's a strange feeling - going back to a place that was so monumental in making you who you are today, but being older, wiser (?), and married and mid-career.

I felt old.
But, I'm glad I'm back.

Even with my forehead wrinkles.
And my minivan.
Especially with my husband.

There's no place like home.

iBloom Book Winner & Saturday Morning Post

Last weekend, I challenged you guys to enter a giveaway by commenting. The winner is getting a copy of the iBloom book, and the winner is CINDY NOEL PEJSA.

Cindy, I sent you a message so we can work out getting the book to you. Yay!

If anyone else wants to jump in on this journey with us, please do. I'm looking forward to a year of choosing to love my life!

Now, Saturday Morning Post time...

Yesterday was my last day at work at CBN News in DC.
You guys - I was blessed and overwhelmed with love and flowers and video tributes, and Georgetown Cupcakes and gifts and people saying crazy nice things about me!

The night before, we were blessed to get together with friends at Busboys and Poets, and it was the most interesting mix of people we love from all areas of our life - work, former co-workers, blog friends, a softball teammate, members of the White House Press Corps. It was so much fun. Even two people I hadn't met in person before!

I had lunch Thursday with David (my correspondent/work BFF/brain mate) at the same restaurant where I had lunch during my job interview to come to DC in the first place - another freaky full-circle moment.

We are leaving DC with a rush and a push of love and encouragement. I feel so loved and favored and blessed.

The state of this apartment makes me sick to my stomach! I can't wait to get settled in our new home in Virginia Beach, unpack, organize, and hang pictures! I love order! It feels like our apartment threw up all over itself.

Last night, Michael told me the clutter is even making him anxious and driving him nuts.
Good to know I'm not alone, and you have no idea how proud I am of him for saying that! :)

I'd like to give my mother-in-law a major shout-out for all of the help she gave us last week. She cleaned and packed and took care of Michael's morning care for four days. It was so nice!

I feel good about where we are. We have three days until we roll out. We are on track, though! And I'm so happy to not feel completely overwhelmed.

Now, to make a list...

Saturday Morning Post

Hello and Happy Saturday.
It's cold outside, but I don't care.
Because I'm inside. And there is warm Thanksgiving Blend and moist homemade pumpkin bread, and life is good.

This is it! The last Saturday before the election.
I leave tomorrow for Boston, to cover the Romney campaign in the final stretch of the race.
It's been an incredible two years covering this presidential race. I wish I would have kept track of all of the places I've been. I wish now I would have been collecting those Starbucks mugs from different cities and states.

But, then again, we live in an apartment with limited cabinet space. So, maybe I made the right call on that, after all.

I love looking back at my pictures from the campaign trail over the last two years. They bring back so many fun memories. I guess I'm getting a little bit sentimental as I count down these final days.

I love being on the campaign trail.
But I also love quiet Saturday mornings where I can wake up slowly, not to an alarm or to the sound of "Housekeeping!" - but in my own bed, to the sound of lots of breathing, my husband breathing beside me, and Brokaw breathing snoring at my feet. I love going in and out of consciousness, the only thing waking me is the feeling of four little feet walking in a circle and laying back down, and the occasional muscle spasm from the other side that ripples over to my side like a light, slow thunder.

I know it's time to get up, but it's not an emergency. I flip back and forth a few times, then I finally give in to the day. Rested. Relaxed. Ready for coffee.

Good morning.

Saturday Morning Post: My Birthday

Good morning everyone!
I am waking up older today.
I'm 33.

Whoa.
That happened when I wasn't looking!
Ouch.
33 feels kind of older, like really an adult age.
Maybe because Jesus lived to be 33.

Isn't that interesting? Jesus died on the cross and rose again when He was 33.
Maybe something big will happen this year.

33 is an age where you know who you are, what you want, but you still make mistakes. You're old enough to appreciate good intentions, real love, good food, quality clothing, and not having a car payment.  But you're still young enough to buy a pair of boots that you don't technically need, because they're HOT and it's your birthday, and you happen to have a well-exercized justification muscle.

A special thank you to my sister, who answered my frantic, "emergency: should I do this?" text message!

I had a really great birthday yesterday.
It was full of things I love.

Prizes!
Actually, I got to open my gifts a couple of days early, because I'm a brat.
Michael made me wait to open my card, but he gave me a wonderful bag full of goodies that included an iTunes gift card, the new Maroon 5 CD, an adorable shirt with birds on it (he knows me!) and the cushiest slippers in the world!

Before you think I'm an old lady for receiving slippers for a birthday present, and you think he's an old man for giving them to me, remember our floors.  They are linoleum tiles on concrete - great for a wheelchair - not so great for someone who has back problems, and walks on a really hard surface all day! The fact that he thought of this, and found the cushiest slippers on the planet and even asked me, "Does it feel like you're walking on carpet?" made me smile.  This man is so thoughtful.

While I was in New York, Michael texted me that a HUGE box came for me.  I thought my mom was buying me black Uggs for my birthday (um... I took care of that, didn't I, haha!), but inside this really big box was THIS BABY:

This is a large, lightweight, super cool, rolls-all-ways Roxy suitcase, people!! My suitcase is just about dead, and I've been looking for another one, but couldn't find anything I LOVED, and you know - a suitcase is such a commitment, I didn't want to get something I didn't love, and apparently the only luggage I love is Roxy luggage. Because, you know, there are some parts of me that are still 17.  This was a big surprise and I love it soooo much. Thank you Mom!

I didn't work yesterday.  I was going to work from home, but I didn't even do that. I needed a break. Everything and everyone work-related is getting on my nerves. When that happens it means you either need an attitude adjustment, or a break. I had already adjusted my attitude, so I knew I needed a break.

Friday is a bathroom morning for Michael, so his home health aide came, and I went out to run errands.  He had her come at 8:00am, so we slept in a little. I went to Starbucks, where I inquired about my free birthday drink, because I didn't get my coupon in the mail this year (they used to send you a postcard for a free drink for your birthday). I pulled up my Starbucks app on my iPhone, and much to my delight:

Insert annual free birthday Pumpkin Spice Latte here.
And, I was off to Target for a couponing mission!
I stocked up on pet food, trash bags, coffee and body wash, and saved like $43.00. I also cashed in a Target Prescription Rewards 5% off card, and the cashier was impressed with my couponing skills, so she gave me an extra $5.00 off AND used a coupon that printed with my receipt to give me $1.25 back in cash. She said it was my lucky day. I told her it was my birthday, and she gave me a hug!

Then, I dropped some stuff off at Goodwill, then went through the Burger King drive-thru where the guy informed me that I was their last customer for breakfast.  He offered to give me free hash browns, but I declined, because of my current largeness.

Then I went to TJ Maxx, and fell in love with those boots! Score again for the birthday girl!

When I got home, Michael was just about to head out the door to work. He gave me a kiss, and I opened my birthday card from him.  Then, I had the house to myself all day!! That is a gift in and of itself! I continued a cleaning out/organizing project I started last weekend, putting some new bins and drawer organizers in the kitchen, bathed the stinky dogs and changed the slipcovers in the living room.

I did all of this to the scent of my new Fall Yankee Candle.

The mailman, Carl, came and wished me a Happy Birthday and gave me a package of Bath and Body Works goodness from my in-laws! Score again.  Thanks, Buddy and LaDonna. And a card from my Granny Nora, with a picture of her with her neighbor's dog, and her flowers she planted. She is precious, and I miss her so much, it makes me sick. I hate that she lives all the way in California.

I was going to cook dinner in the crockpot - but I got carried away organizing the kitchen cabinets and drawers and my couponing stockpile, so we ended up just eating a bunch of frozen things from Trader Joe's - which is actually a delicious, quick way to do dinner.  After we ate, I snuggled up next to Michael in the chair and we watched TV while he massaged my shoulders and I won't go into details, but the entire evening was GREAT.

It was a day full of all of the things I love: saving money, freebies, checks in the mail, organizing, puppy time, hubby time, and all done wearing yoga pants.

This morning, I'm having my coffee. And there is pumpkin butter in my fridge.

And in a bit, I'll get Michael up and dressed and we are going to spend the day at a FARM! Yay! We're going to pick pumpkins and apples and maybe get a couple of mums (I'm torn about that - I want to Fallify our porch, but our Summer flowers are still living!) and we're going to take Brokaw! This farm lets you bring your dog, and they can dig up potatoes and peanuts! I hope he finds some.

33 is off to a rock-solid awesome start.

Saturday Morning Post

Oh hey, Saturday morning.
I have missed you.

I woke up a little bit ago, but just laid in the bed with the noise machine still on.
I prayed a little bit, and thanked God that life is so good right now.
I even thanked Him that we don't have kids yet and things like quiet Saturday mornings that don't start until after 9:00 still existed in my life.

Then, I got up.

And I found, not in this order - poop, pee, and puke.
And the cat was screaming at me, and eating some of Michael's paperwork that was left within her range on the dining room table.
I cleaned up the aforementioned three p's.
Made coffee.
Picked up the mess I left around the apartment last night, then I realized that Brokaw thought it would be a good morning to pee on my shower curtain.

Great. Bonus.
So, I cleaned some more, took the dogs out in the cold, fed them and the cat, gave Michael his pills and the bed controller so he can sit up in bed with his computer and some coffee for a little bit.

And, here I am.
Watching the Saturday morning local news, nestled on the edge of my couch, drinking coffee that's unfortunately not all that hot - out of my University of Denver Presidential Debate mug.

I'm about to read the booklets that came with my P90X DVDs I got in the mail when I got home from Kentucky yesterday.

I'm equal parts excited and scared.

And Brokaw really needs to stop barking at the air outside.
I love him, but he is driving me crazy.

Happy weekend, y'all!

Saturday Morning Post

Well.
Good. Morning!

Oh, how sweet it is to spend an early Saturday morning on my corner of the couch, assuming the blogging position.

I feel like I haven't done this in forever.
I have SO much to tell y'all about.

Life is crazy busy right now.
In a good way. It's a good busy. But it's still busy.

And I'm just living life one day at a time right now. I think this is a good thing, because it's forcing me to live in the moment - something I've never done well on a consistent basis.

My coffee is brewed, Brokaw is snuggled beside me, Michael is still sleeping in the other room, and it's just us for an hour or so - before I get to work around here.

Cheers to Saturday Morning!

Praying for Colorado

My heart joins with everyone else in mourning over this tragic shooting in Colorado.
It's hard to process what has happened. I'm praying for all of the victims and their families, the survivors, the shooter and their families, and the community of Aurora. Prayers for comfort, peace, and healing. Such deep sadness.

Saturday Morning Post: After the Storm

Good Saturday morning, everyone.
I am so thankful that we have power this morning.
Some crazy thunderstorms rolled through the area overnight.

We have a big window in our bedroom.  When I noticed the lightning flashing, I opened the blinds, pulled them all the way up, and snuggled up next to my Michael. We watched the lightning flash, and the trees sway, and the rain pound the window.  Probably not the safest thing in the world, but it was romantic. I love a good storm.

Our power flashed a few times overnight but it is on this morning and the A/C is blasting. Thank God.  I went outside to check on our SUV and our plants, and everything is fine.  There was a tree branch right BESIDE our car, but thankfully not on it.  And the only casualty from our porch was the American flag I got yesterday at the Dollar Tree for July 4th.  It was on the ground, still in one piece.  I picked it back up.

I'm sure our plants loved the storm.  It has been very hot lately, and they can't seem to get enough to drink.  I feel bad for them.  Oh, check this out:

I found this wrought iron hanging plant thing near a dumpster.  I have always wanted one of these! Score!  So, yesterday, I bought a hanging basket from my favorite local produce stand which also happens to sell plants and flowers. 

Rorer's Produce is a quaint, locally owned business on Route 1.  It's been family owned for like 30 years.  I love places like this. Buy local, shop small businesses and do your part to bring our economy back!!

When I first started writing this, Brokaw was begging me for a rawhide chew.  Now he is snoring.  I love it when I win. 

I need to get going. I have to get Michael up and ready, and take the dogs to the groomer (Princess is getting a total doggie makeover and B is getting his nails did).  We are planning to go to a concert at Kings Fest at King's Dominion tonight, but I'm kind of concerned about the storms.  

Have a great day, everyone!

Saturday Morning Post: Guilt, It's What's For Dinner

Did I really not post anything to this little blog this week?
I swear I did, in my head.

Well, hello there friends.
It's Saturday morning and it's EARLY Saturday morning, which is even better - because the earlier I get up, the more of this I get to soak in.

I love the morning sunlight.

Things are so good right now.  Michael is working and growing and learning so much, and I'm so proud of him.  I'm adjusting to not being the only big deal around here, but I'm happy to do that. :)

Work was complete crazypants this week. My correspondent's book is about to come out later this week, so I am working triple-time to prepare extra shows for when we are traveling.  It is crazy busy.  Good busy. I am blessed. 

I feel so stretched. Professionally, as I said, I was working triple time this week.  So, at home, I felt like a failure. Last night (Friday), I finally cooked the dinner I had planned... for Tuesday. 

I am not the biggest fan of plans not panning out as I want them to, but I can handle it. 

What I hate is that feeling of caving in under everything.  I don't know about y'all, but when I don't "do it all," I feel guilty.  Tuesday night we had leftovers, which didn't feel that bad. Wednesday, I ordered Papa John's. Thursday, I ate leftover pizza, but M had already eaten his leftover pizza for lunch (a.k.a. I didn't make him a lunch that morning) so he threw together some other leftovers and frozen veggies, and ate that, while I fell asleep on the couch at 7:30pm.

Sigh.  So. I was a heck of a television news producer this week... and a terrible cook.  I suppose there are worse things.

I know how to use a crock pot and cook freezer meals, but at the point I was at by Thursday night, I hadn't done all of that, and I was just stuck because of my poor planning.  Meanwhile, Michael was, of course, happy as a peach to eat frozen vegetables in Papa John's sauce for dinner.

Sometimes Mr. Contentment makes me sick.  But sometimes, that never-ending grace is exactly what I need.

Saturday Morning Post

Happy Saturday, y'all!

How sweet it is.

It feels like it has been FOREVER since we had a real Saturday morning.

Because last Saturday morning -- we were driving back from vacation.

The Saturday before that, was our BIG interview with Mitt Romney at Liberty University.

The Saturday before that, Michael was at a mens' retreat, and I spent the day cleaning and organizing.

And the Saturday before that, was the White House Correspondents' Dinner. (I know, I'm horrible and haven't blogged about the dinner - it's on my list - I just feel so FAR behind on this blog and life in general, it's a little overwhelming...)

So... yeah... we've been a LITTLE busy.

It's nice to be back to a nice, quiet, "normal" Saturday morning.

M is actually up. He's awake in the bedroom, the bed is sitting up, and he's reading a book for work.

I won't gush on how proud of him, because if I did, this blog could become entirely about that. I'm really proud.  Okay. I'll stop.

Brokaw is snuggled up next to me, and Princess is asleep too. I had Angel Food Cake for breakfast.  

My hopes for this long weekend are to catch you up on our lives over the last month or so on the blog, to make strawberry jam and homemade ice cream, to have friends over to grill out, and to spend some serious time at the pool.  Oh, and I guess I should go grocery shopping. 

I better get on it.

Cheers to Saturday! What are your plans for this weekend?

Saturday Morning Post: Yard Sale Memories

Good morning and Happy Saturday, y'all.  This is a perfect Saturday morning here in Northern Virginia.  The grass is wet but crisp.  Birds are chirping, and the sun is bright.  Bright, warm, dewey Saturday mornings like this make me remember one of my favorite things about Saturday mornings growing up - going to yard sales with my Granny Nora.  I loved it.  It was like a weekly treasure hunt. Stopping at McDonalds or Hardees for a biscuit first, of course, then going down the list of yard sales Granny had circled in the classified section of the newspaper. Yes, the newspaper, remember those?

When I was a kid, Papa Tom would drive.  As soon as I turned 16, I would drive, and Granny and I would go yard saling, just the two of us, which was fun because my Papa Tom was a talker if you know what I mean, and he would see some old lawn mower or something and strike up a conversation and Granny I would be ready to move on, and he would be standing there, talking.

Granny loved to buy things for the house. She was constantly decorating and re-decorating.  Her favorite things to score at yard sales were sheets and bedding. She would change that stuff every week if she found something she loved.  I always went straight for the books, and my collection of Baby Sitters Club books was quite extensive thanks to yard sale and thrift store finds.

Mornings like this make me remember those times of digging through items placed on top of turned-over brown cardboard boxes, laid on the edge of an oil stained driveway, along the edge of wet grass.  I can smell the yard sales.

I realize now how much I learned from all of those Saturdays with my Granny.  I am still an ultimate bargain hunter.  Pretty much everything in our apartment is from Craigslist.  It's very rare that I buy anything for our home "brand new."  I would love to change things around more, and if I could, I would.  I think there is great beauty in taking something that someone has already used, and making it your own, and also beauty in passing it on to the next person.

Now, my Granny lives in California, and I haven't seen her since right after my wedding. I miss her so much.  I would love to go get in my car, swing by her house, pick her up, hit the drive-thru and go yard sale hunting. 

Saturday Morning Post

Good morning and Happy Saturday!
You want to know what my first Google search of the day was?
"Rage in dreams"

Sometimes I have the craziest rage-filled dreams.  I seriously get mean in my dreams!
One time, I dreamed I was so mad, I threw two red ceramic coffee mugs across the kitchen, and the smashed up against the wall in the laundry room.  Last night, I dreamed I was so mad that I pulled the wall between our bedroom and our living room down.

What in the world?  What am I so mad at? It's so strange, because in real life, when I'm mad, I usually just get quiet, or cry.  I am not violent. But in my dreams, you better watch out!

*update: I learned from my Google search that it could mean I have control issues. Ya think?

Phew!
Anyway.
I woke up kind of tired since I demolished part of the structure of this apartment last night.

It's going to be a beautiful day!  My softball team is practicing today, but my hands are all flared up (I have a skin condition on my hands - not contagious - triggered by stress), so I don't really want to get ball field dirt in my hands, so I'm not going.

I feel like one time I heard about an accessible hiking trail in Great Falls? I'm going to Google that in a sec, and maybe we will have to do that today. I feel like being outside.

And/or... I want to go to the garden/nursery store and use my Groupon.  Construction is finally finished on the exterior of our apartment building - so we can have our porch back! I can't wait to plant flowers and herbs and get back to grilling out!

Oh, and after an extensive two day search that ALMOST led me to hate my body, I have finally decided on a dress for this year's White House Correspondents' Dinner.

I chose to go with the black one.  I took a poll on Facebook/Twitter/Instagram and it was really fun hearing from my friends on their input.  In the end, though, I went with my mom's suggestion.  Because she is never wrong. I really like both dresses, though. And if I had the money, I would get them both.  Not sure yet if I need two formal dresses this year, or not.

Saturday Morning Post

Good morning and happy Saturday, y'all!  After some time on the road for work, I'm home again.  I celebrated by sitting on the couch and watching about 15 episodes of Army Wives.

Have you seen this show? I admit, it's Lifetimey, it's Soap Operaey, but I like it.  I couldn't watch it when my brother was in Afghanistan, but over the last 5 weeks, I've blown through about 5 seasons.

Did I mention I love Netflix and I don't miss cable?

This morning Brokaw is barking way too much.  I kind of want to open the door to the porch and let him out.  But, he's kind of the center of my world, so maybe I won't do that.  Maybe he'll go back into the bedroom with M, curl up, and go back to sleep.  I hope.

I just might make a Lemon cake today!  I saw it in a cooking magazine I got at Wal-Mart yesterday, and it's been a while since I've had time to try something new in the kitchen.  So, I just might do that.  But, I'll probably need to go buy some lemon extract.  Which could de-rail the entire project because my desire to a) leave the house today and b) wear anything but black yoga pants is seriously deficient.

I had a banana/nutella toast sandwich this morning.  Diet killer alert.  Oops! I'm pretty sure it was worth it.  I would love to swim in Nutella.

Of course.  Now it's 9:00am, time for me to go get M up and dressed... and NOW Brokaw is going to sleep on the basket of clean laundry.

Wonder if I will ever really be ready for a kid? I like sleep and quiet a whole lot.  Day three of my 5 day weekend.... yippee!! I'll let you know what happens with that lemon cake.

Happy Saturday!

Saturday Morning Post: Am I Boring Now?

Happy Saturday to all of you out there!
It's nice and quiet in our little apartment, even though it's technically not really that early any more.  I have been sleeping in later and later - I think it's because I'm exercising, and sleeping better.

Do you feel like this blog has been a little boring lately?  Because, honestly, I do.  I feel like the real connections are made over the posts where we are pouring our broken hearts out, or lifting the veil and showing what this "life with a disability" or "having a paralyzed husband" is like.

And you know what?
It's been just fine lately.
No major drama.
And that's a GOOD thing.

But, I feel a little boring.  So, thanks for hanging here with us, I do NOT hope for drama, but I am praying for creative ways to tell our story without having/creating it.

::Note: Brokaw just grabbed one of Michael's shoes off the floor.  Better go get that. ::

Okay, I'm back.

More about my life lately: I am not reading the Hunger Games, or seeing the movie, and I did not buy a lottery ticket.  I'm so not cool.

I've just been cooking...

Driving in horrible DC traffic...

Working... (okay, so interviews with Presidential candidates are NOT boring for ME, but they might be for you!)

Also NOT boring for me, but probably to you... we got a new kitchen floor this week and I LOVE it.

So, there you go. I'm feeling very not cool and boring, but very, very HAPPY.  Life is good.

Even if it is boring.

Saturday Morning Post

Good morning, and Happy Saturday, y'all.  I woke up at 7:30 this morning.  It's kind of early, but I might just write this, enjoy my cinnamon toast and my fresh coffee (we are still rocking the Christmas Blend here at the Ritter house), and snuggle back up to Mr. Wonderful and go back to sleep.

Because I can.
And I know that it won't always be that way.

I've been reading "Jesus Calling," in the mornings.  This week, I found out there is an app for it!  I don't need the app, because I have the book on my Kindle app, but you need to get it.  Seriously, the entries will take you like 3 minutes to read, and it is 3 minutes so well spent!

Speaking of apps, I heard of another app this week that I tried called "Sleep Cycle."
It's pretty neat.  You turn it on, plug your iPhone in, and lay it glass-down on your bed as you sleep.  Then, it wakes you up close to your alarm time (never after) when you are not in a deep sleep cycle.  It also analyzes your sleep for the night.  I've used it for 5 nights now and I have come to two conclusions.

1. I suck at sleeping.
2. I don't sleep long enough.

But, I already knew both of those.

At different times over the past week, our washer, then our dryer, broke.
They're fixed now.
And there's a mountain of clean clothes and towels and sheets on the chair that is approaching my height of 5 feet tall.
Mr. Wonderful is going to have his work cut out for him today.

What do you guys think of the new blog design?  I've been playing with it this week, using Picnik.  Picnik is going to shut down soon, so I'm trying to get as much out of it as I can before that happens.  I also made the buttons over to the right.  We're not watching as much TV in the evenings (nothing other than news) so I've had time to play around with it.

No deep thoughts streaming from me on this Saturday Morning Post. I hope that's okay.
I'm looking forward to a restful day today, cooking meatloaf and mashed potatoes for my favorite Wounded Warrior, and possibly making strawberry muffins.  We'll see on that last one.

Ugh. I have to go check on that washer. It's beating itself up again.