Numbers...

Numbers are all around us. Time is composed of many numbers, going either too slowly or too fast. These numbers amount to moments, minutes, hours, days, and years. It seems like all of these are flying by. I have reflected on many numbers as of late.

-I have been working on my AA for 9 years now, and will finally receive it at the end of this semester. (As long as all goes according to my plan!)

-My favorite little man is now 9. I can still remember playing video games, with my feet pressed together in front of me, his head resting where the arches of my feet were spaced and my heels supporting his neck where they met. While I played, he watched the ceiling fan above.

-My favorite little duo are turning 6. I can still remember singing to little man in the NICU at my sister's request, and watching her hold him and mouth the words. I can also remember holding little miss while she was sleeping, and having my dad stop in the doorway and say that I had my grandfather's nose.

-I have been married for almost 5 years, together for almost 7. I can still remember the thrill of our very first kiss, the thrill of our first engaged kiss, the thrill of our first married kiss, and the thrills of many other special kisses between and since. I look forward to many more.

-I have been friends with my Best Friend for almost 14 years. We have seen each other through thick and thin (literally!), good times and bad. I am still amazed at the things we have shared, and await the things to come.



With so many reflections, I try to concentrate on the positive ones. I cannot number them, as the stream is continous, with a strong current pushing them through my mind too quick to count. I choose not to reflect on the negative in this post, as they would only cause me tears. I reflect on the good and bad each day, and try to stay focused on the good to make it through the day. The bad still follow me around, whispering in my ear in my quiet moments. Like a fly or mosquito, I shoo them , only to hear the buzzing again a few moments later. Life is made up of many moments. Moments too numerous to count. We choose the moments that make us count.
But, life is not measured my numbers or counting, now is it? One of my favourite quotes expresses it all to well:

"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."

I try to live in those moments, recapturing my breath as I go.

Hello 25.....

Hard to believe I have hit the quarter century mark. Those 25 years are filled with many memories. Some bad, many good, and a share of bittersweet. I have had many people come in and go out of my life. All have left their mark. I am a better person because of all of them. Thank you.
So here's to 25 years of family, friends, pets, military, moving, sharing, giving, taking, loving, laughing, living, being..........

Here's to the Beatles.....Here's to an awesome song......Here's to you.......All of you......


There are places I'll remember

All my life, though some have changed

Some forever, not for better

Some have gone and some remain

All these places had their moments

With lovers and friends, I still can recall

Some are dead and some are living

In my life, I've loved them all

But of all these friends and lovers

There is no one compares with you

And these memories lose their meaning

When I think of love as something new

Though I know I'll never lose affection

For people and things that went before

I know I'll often stop and think about them

In my life, I'll love you more

Though I know I'll never lose affection

For people and things that went before

I know I'll often stop and think about them

In my life, I'll love you more

It has been a busy month!!! Justin and I have been working like crazy, both on the job and at home. We celebrated our 4 year wedding anniversary on the 4th. It was so nice to be able to take a few days and just focus on us for a bit. Justin was going through a few boxes the other day, and came across a note I wrote him before we got married. I had just watched Quest for Camelot with the kids, and wrote this song down for him.

"Looking Through Your Eyes"

Look at the sky
Tell me what do you see
Just close your eyes
And describe it to me
The heavens are sparkling
With starlight tonight
That's what I see
Through your eyes


I see the heavens
Each time that you smile
I hear your heartbeat
Just go on for miles
And suddenly I know
My life is worth while
That's what I see
Through your eyes


[Chorus:]
Here in the night
I see the sun
Here in the dark
Our two hearts are one
It's out of our hands
We can't stop what we have begun
And love just took me by surprise

Looking through your eyes


I look at myself
And instead I see us
Whoever I am now
It feels like enough
And I see a girl
Who is learning to trust
That's who I see through your eyes


[Chorus]
Here in the night
I see the sun
Here in the dark
Our two hearts are one
It's out of our hands
We can't stop what we have begun
And love just took me by surprise
Looking through your eyes


And there are some things we don't know
Sometimes a heart just needs to go
And there is so much I'll remember
Underneath the open sky with you forever


[Chorus]
Here in the night
I see the sun
Here in the dark
Our two hearts are one
It's out of our hands
We can't stop what we have begun
And love just took me by surprise
Looking through your eyes

We also have a new set of paws running around our house. Chloe is a 6-month old black lab. She is still a little hyper, and a lot destructive, but getting along great with Buddy and Keeley. We are working hard, loving much, and laughing often. Ain't life grand???

New Places, New Faces.......

The doctors have given me a clean bill of health since the accident in February. I am back to my old self, goofing off as usual! They simply said I know my body, and if I start feeling bad to back off and calm down. I have even gotten back on a horse again! Not the same one, as a friend of mine was riding him, but another horse named Barney. He has actively tried to throw me before, right after he backed his stupid self into an electric fence! At least I know falling off Lenny was a true accident, no harm intended.

Justin and I are in Maine visiting family this weekend. They have a Christening tomorrow and a college grad on Sunday. They were gracious enough to show us a few of the sights today. We went through York and Kittery today, with a stop at the Nubble Lighthouse. The above shot is us on the rocks next to the lighthouse. It is nice to get away for a little bit, be able to relax away from the city. We flew into Manchester very very late Thursday night/ very early Friday morning. I had not been on a plane since I came back over the pond from England about 15 years ago! It was fun, but I was a little anxious, too. once we got into the air, I was fine. We will be back home Tuesday, with both of us returning to work that afternoon.

So, until we meet again, Adios, Arevoir, Auf Wiedersehen. Good Night!!

Cooped up & Recuperating

Sorry so long since I have written, life has been a whirlwind swirling around me!!! To ease a few minds, and reassure others, we will start with my most recent bout of adventure.

As many of those close to me already know, Feb. 16 marked quite a day for me. I can no longer say I have never broken a bone.....I went horseback riding with my mom and a family friend that day. Mom headed back early, as Barney had his hooves trimmed, and was tender footed. Jess on Dude, and me on Lenny stayed out a little longer. We did not run much, and decided to try a little canter on the home stretch. Mistake #1. Lenny took his head, and refused to listen to me. Jess stopped Dude, but Lenny still would not listen. He knew the barn was coming up around the bend. Mistake #2. Despite my yelling, and persistent pulling on the reins, he continued on. By this point, I had lost my footing, and my feet were no longer in the stirrups. I was holding on by just the reins and saddle horn. When Lenny took the final turn to the barn, my ride was over. I have heard his take on the turn compared to a rider sliding into home. The last thing I remember, was flying into the air.

Mom says when she got to me, I had stood up and was leaning against the fence. Blood was coming from my head, I was nauseous, and my head hurt. I have flickers of rescue, an ambulance, then a hospital. I have numerous abrasions and bruises, aches and pains. The blood was from a cut in my scalp, closed later with 3 staples.

X-ray and CT scans showed a fracture in the occipital bone. I have officially broken my first bone!!! I spent 24 hrs in the Neuro ICU, then 24 hrs in the regular hospital before being discharged Feb. 18 to my mom's house.

I am doing much better. The first few days were baby steps, but the past few have been by leaps and bounds. I have stayed with mom, to ensure 24 hour assistance. Justin visits when he gets off work, and I will be back home Wednesday. I still get headaches, and too much light or sound still stings. I am getting around on my own, and eating better too. I will be back at work Thursday, and have an appointment to check the staples and how I am doing that same day. I have been getting out a little the past couple of days, and it has helped me as well. I am beginning to feel human again!!! My joke has been that this is the first time in 12 years I have ever been thrown/fallen off a horse. Of course, I never do anything on a small scale! Go Big or Go Home!!!

Many thanks and much heartfelt love to everyone out there who helped me and my family through this time. Sorry to anyone I worried!!! I assure you I should be back to me in a short time!!!

Other than that, it has been mostly work, family, and spring cleaning!!! The holidays have come and gone, as well as a few birthdays. Hello, and see you later!! I'll try not to wait too long to write again!!!

Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes......

I know it has been over 3 months since my last post. Sorry! But, as in the name of this post, there have been alot of changes!!! Those who have known me a long time, know how much I love my long hair. You should also know I have always talked about Locks of Love. Well......my third anniversary present to myself was to cut 11 1/2 inches off my hair!!! I felt really good about it. Had a little weepy moment, but it was more over something someone said to me... My best friend was with me, and she cut 8 inches off hers. As we sat, waiting for the stylist to get to our trims to shape the hair, she kind of looked at me funny. She started to say something, but stopped. I argued it out of her, only by promising not to cry. She said with my hair the way it was, I looked even more like Kie. Of course, I broke my promise, but only a little. It just made the haircut even more right.....
Less than a week later, I made another change, one that surprised even me. I am not usually a spontaneous person. I stew over things for a while before acting. Well, on June 9th, of all days, I got another tattoo. This one was strictly for me. It is on my opposite shoulder, and expresses me more. It stands for the peace I constantly strive for. It also is opposite my sissy & me tattoo. In this way it balances out my grief.
Also, as a side note....For my birthday, I spent the day with my mom. Oh yeah, and I tried out for American Idol!!! It was so much fun!! No, I did not meet RJ, P, or S. However, I did see Ryan Seacrest!! No, I did not make it, but I did have a blast trying out!!!! It was definitely worth it!! At least I tried!!!
There are so many other changes going on around me, I cannot even begin to explain. But, here is a little song I like about changes. Fittingly enough, the singer is named Butterfly!!!

"Changes"

by Butterfly Boucher

Oh yeah

Mm

Still don’t know what I was lookin for

And my time was running wild

A million dead-end streets

Every time I thought I’d got it made

It seemed the taste was not so sweet S

o I turned myself to face me

But I’ve never caught a glimpse

Of how the others must see the faker

I’m much too fast to take that test

Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes

(Turn and face the strange)

Ch-ch-changes

Don’t want to be a richer one

Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes

(Turn and face the strange)

Ch-ch-changes

Just gonna have to be a different one

Time may change me

But I can’t trace time

I watch the ripples change their size

But never leave the stream

Of warm impermanence

So the days float through my eyes

But still the days seem the same

And these children that you spit on

As they try to change their worlds

They're immune to your consultations

They’re quite aware of what they’re going through

Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes

(Turn and face the strange)

Ch-ch-changes

Don’t tell them to grow up and out of it

Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes

(Turn and face the strange)

Ch-ch-changes

Where’s your shame

You’ve left us up to our necks in it

Time may change me

But you can’t trace time

Strange fascination, fascinating me

Ah changes are taking the pace I’m going through

Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes

(Turn and face the strange)

Ch-ch-changes

Oh, look out you rock ’n rollers

Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes

(Turn and face the strange)

Ch-ch-changes

Pretty soon now you’re gonna get a little older

Time may change me

But I can’t trace time

I said that time may change me

But I can’t trace time

Three Years.....

Wow! I just had my third wedding anniversary. It amazes me how much can happen in 3 years....births, deaths, friendships binding, friendships ending, birthdays, marriages, divorces......and so many other things, I just can't even imagine! Seasons change, days go by, turning into weeks and months. It all flies by so fast, before we can even grasp it. All I can say is this: be grateful for the time you have, no matter how fast it flies. Anything can happen in a moment. Those moments can last a lifetime though. Thank you to everyone who has ever passed into my life, no matter how brief the moment. Everyone makes their mark.....just ask yourself, was it a good or bad moment? Next time you meet someone, smile. It can mean the world, and a moment can make a difference. Know what the longest word in the world is??????
SMILES!!!! Because there is a MILE between each S!!!!! Enjoy your day, and try to catch a few moments.....and a few smiles!!!! They are contagious you know!!!!

Taking time to Reflect......

Reflections....there are different types. There is what we see, in the mirror, ourselves, or even others. There is also reflections, or reflecting, on the past. The former can be a quick glance, even just a glimpse, of something, whether we want to see it or not. The latter requires more time, more thought even, than its companion. I find myself doing both lately. I find myself taking stock of what I try to reflect to others, and trying to examine others reflections more closely. I am also reflecting on the events of the past few years, and taking more stock in myself, instead of worrying so much about everything around me. I tend to give 150% of myself to everything and everyone I am involved with. This can be good sometimes, but not when it drains you......I am trying to figure out my own reflection, and decide how happy I am with myself, and the person I want to be. I want people to like what they see, but not at my own expense. Then again, are we ever truly happy with what we see??????? Be it in ourselves, others, and the world around us. It all changes, some slower, some faster than others. We can try to change with it, or we can choose to remain true to ourselves.........

Reflection by Christina Aguilera

for the Disney movie Mulan

Look at me

You may think you see

Who I really am

But you'll never know me

Every day, is as if I play a part

Now I see

If I wear a mask

I can fool the world

But I can not fool

My heart

Who is that girl I see
Staring straight back at me?

When will my reflection show

Who I am inside?

I am now
In a world where I have to

Hide my heart

And what I believe in

But somehow

I will show the world

What's inside my heart

And be loved for who I am

Who is that girl I see

Staring straight back at me?

Why is my reflection

Someone I don't know?

Must I pretend that I'm

Someone else for all time?

When will my reflection show

Who I am inside?

There's a heart that must
Be free to fly

That burns with a need

To know the reason why

Why must we all conceal

What we think

How we feel

Must there be a secret me

I'm forced to hide?

I won't pretend that I'm

Someone else

For all time

When will my reflections show

Who I am inside?

When will my reflections show

Who I am inside?

The Loss of a Real Good Friend......

"Kahlua" Chaser

Beloved Chow, Chip Eater, & Rodent Catcher

08/10/1995-02/05/2008

I lost one of my best friends today. He was 87 1/2 years old. (in dog years)

The vet says he had either a stroke or a heart attack. Neither very surprising despite his age. He lived a good life. He had many friends, both canine and human. He loved tennis balls in his younger days, a good nap in his latter. He was good at keeping mice, snakes, and lizards away. He did a little puppy dance when he knew he was getting fed, down to his last meal. He was there through everything in Jacksonville, the good and bad. He is greatly missed.

Time keeps on slipping.......

It has been really flying lately! Is it a new year already? Oh my goodness! It seems there is never enough time to do all the things we need or want to. There is never enough time to spend with everyone we love. So I try, I make dates with friend when I can, even with my husband if I have a chance! I try to take an opportunity when it arises. For example: I had a date with one of my best friends, Brenda, back in October, we did dinner, a movie, and coffee. When I saw her again on Hunter's birthday, we made dinner, then played Uno til all hours!! But it was a blast! So, last night when Justin had to work, my best friend Manda and I went to dinner and a movie. The funny coincidence? Tim Burton! I saw the Nightmare before Christmas in 3-D with Brenda, then Sweeney Todd with Manda! I think that is pretty cool!
The holidays have come and gone, with memories of their own as well. Can I just say, that I am very proud of Chad! He was off his computer, AND out of his room, for a solid 5 hours on Christmas day! He did the whole Christmas morning thing, hung out, and even played with his toys! It was really cool. He can be fun to hang out with, when he wants! New Years was cool too. The 30th we all went to Auntie Greta's. Afterwards, we took the kids to see The Waterhorse Legend of the Deep. We as in there were about 10 of us! 5 kids, and 5 adults! Later, Chad, Terri Moore and I went to National Treasure Book of Secrets. The next day, New Year's Eve (Terri Moore's b-day!!!), we went to Alvin and the Chipmunks. It's been a pretty good movie week! Justin and I went to dinner, but I fell asleep when we got home. I had him wake me up at midnight! I said "Happy New Year!" in time! (then went right back to sleep)
Needless to say, It is a New Year that I am trying to prepare for. i know it will be another roller coaster of a year.....ups and downs, good and bad, happy and sad. We can make it through it all! We will survive!!!!

Earworms

I meant to post this about 2 weeks ago, but got really busy...Sorry


I am one of those people who can't go a single day without some song jumping in my head. Someone recently told me this is called an earworm. I have no idea why!!! This is just what it is!!! Most times, that song makes me think of a movie. Today, it was a well loved song, at least for me. Indulge me for a moment....
You see, in my mom's house, we do not even mention Christmas movies until Thanksgiving is over. It became a tradition to watch the first Christmas movie of the year right after Thanksgiving dinner. For as long as I can remember, that movie has always been Scrooged with Bill Murray. Most of us can quote many, many, MANY parts of this movie! This is a tradition we have set aside for the past few years, for personal reasons. With everyone over for Thanksgiving, my uncle wanted to watch it this year. It was bittersweet, remembering Thanksgivings past.....But we all came through like champs. Anyways, the main song from the movie is "Put a Little Love in Your Heart". This is sung at the very end, and Bill Murray carries it over into the credits. If you have not seen this movie ever, or just in a long time, I suggest you watch it this holiday season!!

Put A Little Love In Your HeartAnnie Lennox & Al Green

Think of your fellow man
Lend him a helping hand
Put a little love in your heart
You see it's getting late
Oh please don't hesitate
Put a little love in your heart

And the world will be a better place
And the world will be a better place
For you and me
You just wait and see

Another day goes by
And still the children cry
Put a little love in you heart
If you want the world to know
We won't let hatred grow
Put a little love in your heart

And the world will be a better place
And the world will be a better place
For you and me
You just wait and see
Wait and see

Take a good look around
And if you're lookin'
a little love in your heart
I hope when you decide
Kindness will be your guide
Put a little love in your heart

And the world will be a better place
And the world will be a better place
For you and me
You just wait and see
Put a little love in your heart
Put a little love in your
Love in your heart

Trying to fly again..

Has it really been 2 years since we lost you, Kie? It seems like just yesterday sometimes...I was determined this year. I went to work, made it through the first half of the day, figured it was all down hill from there...Boy was I wrong! I tried to be strong for you Kie, I try everyday. Some days it is still too hard. I still long for the one-on-ones with you, just chatting and laughing...We went through so much...From barely liking each other, to going to each other for everything, to arguing constantly. What a carousel we rode! I still wonder sometimes, why was it your turn to get off? I may never know, but will always want you there, for all the events life has yet to bring, both big and small. Not just for my own selfishness, but also for Alexa and Tristan, and all the rest of us you left behind.I thought of this song today, and remembered Britney was always a favorite of yours. Some of it fits, some doesn't. But here's to missing you, babe.....

Everytime by Britney Spears

Notice me
Take my hand
Why are we
Strangers when
Our love is strong
Why carry on without me?

Everytime I try to fly
I fall without my wings
I feel so smallI guess
I need you baby

And everytime
I see you in my dreams
I see your face, it's haunting me
I guess I need you baby

I make believe
That you are here
It's the only wayI see clear
What have I done
You seem to move on easy

And everytime I try to fly
I fall without my wings
I feel so small
I guess I need you baby

And everytime
I see you in my dreams
I see your face, you're haunting me
I guess I need you baby

I may have made it rain
Please forgive me
My weakness caused you pain
And this song is my sorry
Ohhhh
At night I pray
That soon your face
Will fade away

And everytime
I try to fly
I fall without my wings
I feel so small
I guess I need you baby

And everytime
I see you in my dreams
I see your face, you're haunting me
I guess I need you baby

Catching Up..

has it really been 2 months since I last posted? Good night!!!! Well, how about we play a little game of catch up, shall we?

September
-worked
-had a party at moms house for g-ma and g-pa Blomgren
-got to hang out w/ the kids 2 weekends in a row
-went to St Pete w/ the fam for g-ma Shore's birthday

October
-worked some more
-went to a movie w/ Chad
-went to a Fall Festival at church
-went to a movie and Starbucks w/ Brenda
-dressed as a Geek for Halloween(big stretch!)
-went trick-or-treating with the kids, mom, and dad

November (so far...)
-went to the ranch and a cabin in GA w/ mom and Terri(thanks ladies!!!)
-went to a teaching conference for work
-went to Auntie Greta's for her birthday
-made it thru the 2 year mark

So, there you have it ladies and gentleman, 2 1-2 months in 2 min or less!!!

There's A Light........

In the velvet darkness of the blackest night
Burning bright, there's a guiding star
No matter what or who you are.

There's a light over at the Frankenstein Place
There's a light burning in the fireplace
There's a light, light in the darkness of everybody's life.

I can see the flag fly, I can see the rain
Just the same, there has got to be
Something better here for you and me.

There's a light over at the Frankenstein Place
There's a light burning in the fireplace
There's a light, light in the darkness of everybody's life.

The darkness must go down the river of nights dreaming
Flow morphia slow, let the sun and light come streaming
Into my life, into my life.

There's a light over at the Frankenstein Place
There's a light burning in the fireplace
There's a light, light in the darkness of everybody's life.



I know this looks weird. Allow me to explain....

I am very much a movie buff. So, when I got a little ray of sunshine over my cloudy day, this was honestly the first song to pop in my head, straight from the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Needless to say, it has not left since. I thought it kind of funny! Of all the songs running around my lyrical mind, this was the first to jump out. Not a hymn, or another church song I know, but this. I could even picture Janet and Brad standing out in the rain, singing as they walk up to the old Frankenstein place.
So, needless to say, things are starting to look up. It is a slow process, but progress none the less. Thank you to everyone who commented, leaving me words of encouragement. They literally brought tears to my eyes!!! I love you all, and you mean more to me than words could ever express!!!!

Broken.....

"Broken" by Lindsey Haun, Toby Keith
from the movie Broken Bridges

Wake up to a sunny day, not a cloud up in the sky
Then it starts to rain, my defenses hit the ground
And they shatter all around, so open and exposed
I found strength in the struggle
Face to face with my trouble

When you're broken in a million little pieces
And you're trying but you can't hold on anymore
Every tear falls down for a reason
Don't you stop believing in yourself
When you're broken

Little girl don't be so blue
I know what you're going through
Don't let it beat you up
Heaven knows that getting scars
Only makes you who you are
Only makes you who you are
No matter how much your heart is aching
There is beauty in the breaking
Yeah

When you're broken in a million little pieces
And you're trying but you can't hold on anymore
Every tear falls down for a reason
Don't you stop believing in yourself
When you're broken

Better days are gonna find you once again
Every piece will find its place

When you're broken, when you're broken

When you're broken in a million little pieces
And you're trying but you can't hold on anymore
Every tear falls down for a reason
Don't you stop believing in yourself
When you're broken
Oh, when you're broken
When you're broken
When you're broken

This is kind of how I have felt this week. It seems like every time I feel like we are finally moving in the right direction , a wall springs up, knocking us flat on our backs. Whether it is work, money, or emotions, it just all crashes with us. I feel like I am fighting a losing battle, and my attitude shows it. I have tried the whole upbeat thing, but the mask shatters once I walk through my front door. In the past few years, I have started pushing people away. People I have known since I got to Florida. Events happened, people changed, and slowly the relationship faded into the background. I find myself trying to regain my ground, rebuild my path, wherever it may lead, and rebuilding these relationships. Will it ever be the same, in life or in love? Who knows? Only time will tell....
So, I wake up each day, put on my battle armor, and do what I can to make it through each day. Hopefully, the days turn into weeks, maybe eventually into months. A day is all I can ask for right now. A day where I can walk with my head high, my shoulders back, my pride intact. I find myself singing to myself throughout the day. Songs of inspiration, of hope, of peace...all of which I am striving for. Praying, for strength, wisdom, peace that passes all understanding.....I am so thankful for family, friends, people who somehow know what to say to me, whether I want to hear it or not. It makes me think, be grateful for what I do have, for who I am, and that I am still here, desperately fighting to hold onto it all......

This is me, pouring out my heart and soul, riding along on the rollercoaster that is Brianne's Crazy Life........

Birthdays, Buble, Best Friends, and...... CALL BOX!!!

Out of the tree of life,

I just picked me a plum

You came along

and everything started to hum

Still its a real good bet,

the best is yet to come



The best is yet to come,

and baby won't it be fine

You think you've seen the sun,

but you aint seen it shine........



The weekend was, in a word, AWESOME!!!!! Mom surprised me with a cake for my birthday at lunch on the ranch. It was really sweet!! Totally surprised me!!!! We got to do an evening ride that night too. It was so coll to see the fireflies out! We even heard a coyote howl y'all!! It was way cool! Tuesday, we went into town after the morning ride. Manda got her horse into a canter for the first time. All you heard was a hearty "Wooo-hooo!" when her horse, Crunch went into full speed ahead!!! The shops were pretty cool, and we got to hang out with our new Canadian friend Jody. We all had a blast. Then, it was back to the hotel to get all sexy-fied for Michael Buble. We all put on our little black dresses for the concert. I think I can safely say we all looked pretty hot!!

Michael Buble puts on an awesome concert guys, and girls! He had everybody laughing, and even chatted to the guys for a little bit. He is so cool! I even got my first ever t-shirt from a concert!(refrain from laughing, please!!!) I have only ever been to a handful of concerts, and never got a shirt. Thanks Manda!!!

Wednesday was our last ride, and I got to ride Stella. She did awesome!!! She even got into a canter for me!! Go Stella! Manda had a blast, and we broke her into the ranch. She is hooked!!! She is already to plan when she can go again!

On the way home, we started playing the call box game. Pretty much, once you hit the Florida line, you watch out for the call boxes on your side of the road, and see who calls it first. WE got so into it, mom missed her exit for I-10 back to Jax! What makes it even funnier, was she had called the call box right before the exit!!! Love you mom!!!

All in all, it was an awesome 4 days away. Thanks girls! We had some fun, made some new friends, and had loads of laughs. Definitely in the running for best birthday ever!!!!

Anticipation......

Anticipation, Anticipation
is making me late
is keeping me waiting......




The wait is killing me!!!! Oh wait, you probably want to know what I am waiting on, huh??? Well, for my birthday, my amazing mommy, (with help from daddy too!!!), is taking me to a little concert in Atlanta, Ga. Just a little known singer, does some older stuff. Oh, his name??? Well, since you asked.....



Yes, ladies and gentleman, I am going to see his handsomeness, Michael Buble!!! Can you just feel his hotness emanating from the screen???No? Okay, just me then,(sighs, waits for hot flash to pass....) Continuing on!!!


Talk about an awesome birthday present!!!!! I am so excited, I can hardly stand it!!!! We will be going to the ranch as well. Buble AND horseback riding!!! OMG!!!!! Can I faint now????? We leave Sunday, and the concert is on Tuesday night.

I'm so excited!
and I just can't hide it!
I'm about to lose control!
and I think I like it!
I'm so excited!
and I just can't hide it!
And I know I know I know I know I know I want you!



OMG!!! Only 2 more days until we leave, and only 4 more days til we see him LIVE in PERSON!!!!!!!! Kudos to mom for the good seats!!! I will try to send greetings from blogland while we are on the trip, if I do not end up with a concussion from fainting!!!!!

For now, Adios Amigos!!!!

(Try not to be too jealous, green does not suit you too well!!! Seeing green is even worse, especially at traffic lights!!!)

To live is so startling it leaves little time for anything else.

--quote by Emily Dickinson

My, how life comes along and changes everything. Work has been hectic, to say the least. I have been so busy, so stressed, I feel like I lose touch with everyone around me, including myself sometimes. That said, it was nice to escape for myself for a little while. We had a family reunion for Justin's mom's side of the family a week and a half ago. It was cool to see everyone again, and I did end up making the most of the afternoon. However.....I have noticed more and more lately, that I have been catching the blahs. I feel like I am not myself, and could not even tell you why I feel this way. I get sort of lead footed, not in the driving sense either. Just kind of lethargic. I feel like breaking down in tears, and do not want to be around people, not even Justin. I laid down for a little bit, trying to feel better, but still felt weird. After I got up, there was food, of course. Then the guys decided to swing off a rope into the pond, red from the Georgia clay it was formed from. I was talked into joining. The first few tries were a flop, but I finally got air on the third try. The highlight of the day??? The guys taking the front loader and raising the bucket to jump off of, with the aid of the rope. Definitely in Georgia folks!!!
Once the reunion broke off, we headed to the horse ranch to spend some time with mom and dad. That definitely cured my blahs!!! Dad and I usually wound up trailing behind, telling jokes, singing silly songs, and of course quoting our favorite movies!!! I don't think mom and Justin could handle the coolness emanating from us, because they kept riding ahead!!! Justin did say it was the best vacation we have been on so far!!! There was one rough spot, but even that wasn't too bad. Mom let me ride Barney so she could ride a new Percheron, Lola. Yeah, I guess Barney didn't get the memo.... We had to wait because dad needed a new girth for his saddle/horse, so he started to get antsy. Then he started prancing, which means he is getting ticked. He started trying to swipe me into the electric fence the little brat!!! He ended up backing his own butt onto it instead. That was fun!!! He realized it a full two seconds AFTER contact. Then the bucking began!! I lost a rein at one point, but was able to recover pretty quick. Mom ended up getting off Lola and switching for Barney. He finally listened to her...AFTER almost dumping himself in the pond!! Did I mention he hates water??? Dad and I decided to give him a theme song...The Electric Slide!!! You gotta feel it, It's electric! Boogie Woogie Woogie!!
All in all, it was a pretty cool trip. Can hardly wait to do it again!!!!!

Rescue Me!!

Rescue Me by Diana Ross



Rescue Me
or take me in your arms
Rescue me
I want your tender charms
'Coz I'm lonely and I'm blue
I need you and your love too

Come on and rescue me
Come on baby and rescue me
Come on baby and rescue me
'Coz I need you by my side
Can't you see that I'm lonely
Rescue me

Come on and take my heart
Take your love and conquer every part
'Coz I'm lonely and I'm blue
I need you and your love too

Come on and rescue me
Come on baby and rescue me
Come on baby and rescue me
'Coz I need you by my side
Can't you see that I'm lonely
Rescue me

Rescue me
Or take me in your arms
Rescue me
I want your tender charms
'Coz I'm lonely and I'm blue
I need you and your love too
Come on and rescue me
Come on baby, Take me baby
Hold me baby, Love me baby
Cant you see that i need you baby
Can't you see that I'm lonely
Rescue Me

Come on and take my hand,
Come on baby and be my (wo)man.
Cause i love you, cause i want you.
Cant you see that I'm lonely.
Mmhmm, mmhmm.
Take me baby, love me baby
Need me baby, mmhmm
Cant you see that I'm lonely,
Rescue me, Rescue me.
Mmhmm.

This is Keeley's theme song. Who is Keeley you say?? Well, if you have been directed here by mom's blog, you already know, if not I will gladly tell you!!!

Keeley is a 2-3 yr old Golden Lab that mom helped me save from a small Humane Society in Jones County Georgia!!! She is very sweet, house trained, spayed, up to date on shots, been around people, and been around other dogs. This was her second time there, and she had already been there 10 days. It was not looking good...I had been thinking about another dog, seeing as how Chaser is getting up in years. She has a limp, due to a GSW to her back left leg that still bothers her. She has fit in nicely with our little family. Chaser likes her, too! Justin was not too happy about another dog at first. He ignored her the first couple of minutes. Now? He loves her! He always wanted a lab, and he is trying to claim her for his own. I do not think so buddy!!! She is an awesome dog, and we are happy to have as a new addition to our family!!!
****computer down, will add pics when I can!! go to mom's link for pics!!

Welcome Home Keeley!!!!

The Feeling of Freedom....

No, this is not a patriotic post, so turn away now if you are disappointed. This is physical, emotional spiritual freedom. You know how sometimes it feels like you cannot turn your mind off?? You constantly plan, worry, cover bills in your mind, review the next few weeks in your head. You get headaches, its hot, you feel grody, you ache. Even riding on the back of a horse, on a back trail, in the middle of Georgia, I COULD NOT STOP THINKING!!! It was driving me crazy! Then mom said to get up front and go ahead and run a little. The feeling of true freedom?? Sitting back in the saddle, giving Haley, the horse, a little nudge, and just flying. Falling into such a smooth lope, the only way to see how fast you are running is if you look to the side, and see the blur of trees. The only thoughts are peaceful. The breeze blowing past you, the pounding of hooves on the dirt trail, the cloud of dusty Georgia clay billowing up behind you, the feel of the horse gliding you along. This is the feeling of freedom. Freedom from thought, from feeling, from pain, from life. Just being...