Lights Out

(Sorry this is a little long, but I need to rant!):

Well it seems of late that the weather haven't quite been getting along.


This morning a bad dream woke me up (another story) and I heard a funny noise. I thought "oh, yeah, I think we're supposed to have bad weather this morning, guess I better check the local news." So I get up, turn the TV on, change the channel from Disney to Fox4 :-), just in time to see the weather guy say: "There is rotation in this area in South Ft. Worth, if you're in the path of this storm take cover now." Which of course, I WAS!!! So I go to put my contacts in, have the first contact on my finger and BAM, electricity goes out!

I manage to put both contacts in with NO light at all - luckily I didn't lose them. Then I think: "I guess I better listen and take cover. It's kind of weird that that's all I heard in the 10 seconds I could see the TV." So I take blankets and pillows to the Blue bathroom, put clothes and shoes on, get a flashlight and camp out for a while in the bathroom. Nothing happened! (but thank goodness!) Finally decide to try and go back to sleep. Oversleep. Get up and get dressed in the dark.

Then the fun begins: How do I get my car out of the garage??

I go unlock the door, open it up, pull my car out, go back in and shut the door, get a chair, knock Frosty over and watch his head roll across the garage floor (with just a little light from the flashlight), put Frosty back together again, get on the chair, try to figure out how to lock the garage door, finally figure it out....

Then...go out the front door, slip in the mud, get rained on, unlock the combination lock on my gate to the back yard, slip in the mud, continuing to get rained on, go back in the house, notice mud all over my shoes, wipe it on the front mat, which now I'll have to clean, lock the front door (I have to do this because I don't have a key to the front door ~ Dad changed the doorknob out and I have no idea where the key is), and then finally go out the back door.

Took about 15 minutes to get out of the house!!!!!!!


I call my neighbor at about 1pm ~ still no power. I sure hope it's on when I get home. Once when Jeremy was visiting, the power went off for three days. Oh, I sure hope that doesn't happen again!!!

Thanks for listening.... I feel better now (or at least until I get home :-o)

P.S. The picture of the down power lines isn't at my house, but doesn't it look like it could be????

My Trip Through Madisonville

On my way home yesterday from Kenny's I ran into some pretty nasty weather. I had just reached Madisonville when it began raining pretty heavily. The rain wasn't really that bad, but the wind was making it really difficult to see. I followed the lead of the other cars around me and pretty much came to a stand-still with my flashers on.


As we crept along (both lanes of traffic and the shoulder were jammed packed of cars), I called Sandy (at Kenny's house) to check out the Weather Channel. She said there was one small storm near Bryan and it should be over quickly. Well, in all honesty, it was over quickly, but that didn't make me feel any better. When I was on the phone with Sandy, the wind was blowing the rain from right to left on the road AND THEN all of a sudden it was going from left to rain. SCARED THE YOU-KNOW-WHAT out of me!!! I said to Sandy: Don't tornadoes do that????

I started seeing trees down, signs down, leaves all over the road. Then the hail came, along with who knows what. I'm was praying my windows weren't going to break. I didn't think the hail would break them, but I was concerned about the tree limbs that were flying all over the place.

As soon as I reached the other side of Madisonville (it's only a town of about 2 to 3 exits), I saw power lines down on the frontage road of southbound I-45 (luckily I was going north). Then I noticed that three utility poles had been snapped in two, an 18-wheeler was on it's side, a truck carrying a horse trailer was also on its side with a small car plowed into it (not bad). One lone horse was standing in the road (he looked okay).

So that was my experience. I'm very grateful that nothing worse happened to me and I pray that all the people there are okay. I felt so vunerable. There's really not much you can do when you're out in the open like that. One thing I did learn from the 18-wheeler though: When winds are heavy, don't let an a big vehicle get between you and the wind if you don't want to be squashed!

Here's a video and article from a nearby TV station that shows some of the damage.

Storm Rips Roof in Madisonville

Shared via AddThis


***Then when I got home: The rain started right as I pulled into the garage. Lost power three times for long moments at a time. Had to use candles. It was hot from my AC not being on all weekend. I just laid there for about an hour until everything got back to normal.

We're supposed to have storms all this week. While I LOVE the rain (and the storms, too), I truly hope they're not bad storms. Now that I can't utilize my hand-held TV because of the STUPID DTV thing, I won't know if a bad storm is on top of me if my DirecTV goes out ~ which always does during a bad rain storm!!!! Figures!!!!

And no, these pictures aren't from my storm ~ not even close ~ but they're cool, huh?

S A N T A F E B O U N D

SantaFeBound 4FunInTheSun ThisWeekend! PostAgainMon

Deep Thoughts ~ By Jack Handy

1. “When you go in for a job interview, I think a good thing to ask is if they ever press charges.”

2. “When I was a kid my favorite relative was Uncle Caveman. After school we'd all go play in his cave, and every once in a while he would eat one of us. It wasn't until later that I found out that Uncle Caveman was a bear.”

3. “It's true that every time you hear a bell, an angel gets its wings. But what they don't tell you is that every time you hear a mouse trap snap, an angel gets set on fire.”

4. “We tend to scoff at the beliefs of the ancients. But we can't scoff at them personally, to their faces, and this is what annoys me.”

5. “Somebody told me it was frightening how much topsoil we are losing each year, but I told that story around the campfire and nobody got scared”

6. “I hope that someday we will be able to put away our fears and prejudices and just laugh at people.”

7. “My young son asked me what happens after we die. I told him we get buried under a bunch of dirt and worms eat our bodies. I guess I should have told him the truth - that most of us go to Hell and burn eternally - but I didn't want to upset him.”

8. “It takes a big man to cry, but it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man.”

9. “I hope some animal never bores a hole in my head and lays its eggs in my brain, because later you might think you're having a good idea but it's just eggs hatching.”

10. “To me, it's a good idea to always carry two sacks of something when you walk around. That way, if anybody says, Hey, can you give me a hand? You can say, Sorry, got these sacks.

11. “You know what would make a good story? Something about a clown who make people happy, but inside he's real sad. Also, he has severe diarrhea.”

12. “Laurie got offended that I used the word "puke." But to me, that's what her dinner tasted like.”

Cool Clouds Over Dallas

I found this picture on weather.com. It's from yesterday mornings storms in Dallas. Pretty cool, huh? I just wish the clouds and rain had stayed over my house longer!! We definitely need more rain, but I'm grateful for the little bit we've been getting the past few days. Sure beats the heat of last week ~ OUCH!!! I'm scared to look at my electricity bill............

The Time Traveler's Wife

Here's the preview I told some of you about. I definitely want to see this. And again, lesson learned: I'm going to see the movie first, then go and get the book. I heard it's an awesome book. And after seeing this preview, it looks like an awesome movie!

**Amended: 3 I've been thinking ~ scary, I know ~ but maybe if I saw the movie first it would ruin the book?? I'd know too much of what happened. So what's more important to me: the book or the movie??? The book, of course. So maybe reading first is better. X Maybe I should just try not to get too excited over the movie because I KNOW it can't compare, so I shouldn't even try to compare them 4. (I'm just thinking out loud.)

Harry Potter Review

All I'm going to say is: Watch the movie first, then read the book!

I think that's the key. I loved all the other Harry Potter movies, but then I hadn't read the books yet. This movie didn't seem to flow right. Didn't really make sense to me. But of course, that's because I knew the whole story that they couldn't tell. I'm sure if I hadn't read the book that I would have loved this movie just as much as the others.

So, that being said, I am NOT going to read New Moon right before the movie comes out ~ hopefully I will have forgotten some of it. I'll watch the movie, then read the book again.

My Primary Kids

I teach the CTR 7&8 class in my ward. The things they say not only crack me up but make my week. Not having children of my own, I really enjoy spending Sunday mornings with these kids (well, in all honesty, I should say "most of the time". Sometimes they're little buggers!)

So I've decided to start sharing. Be sure and check out my new sidebar: "The Funny Things They Say". Obviously they won't be as funny to you as they are to me, since you kind-of-had-to-be-there, but I hope you'll be able to see how they help keep me smiling!!

Easter Background

You guys MUST have thought I was an idiot!!!!

At work I can't see the background picture of my blog (the background is blocked for some reason). I can see it at home, but I rarely look at home (takes forever to boot up ~ one of the reasons why you hardly see me on Facebook (which, of course, is blocked at work, too).

So apparently I've had my Easter background up for, what, four months now???? No, I haven't lost my mind ~ and I'm not a crazy bunny lady. If it ever happens again, please somebody tell me so I don't look like I've totally lost my mind. (I thought I had the green background still up...jeez) :-)

And I've got to say, even though I'm not a crazy bunny lady, those are some mighty sweet little bunnies in the picture I posted. Aren't they cute?

(And remember: If you know anything about me, you know bunnies taste like chicken! But don't worry, I wouldn't touch these bunnies, they're TOO cute!)

A Little Redneck Humor

A Redneck passed away and left his entire estate to his beloved widow, but she can't touch it 'til she's 14.

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Redneck Weenie Roast

**Personally, I think this guy is a genius! That sure would come in handy at the beach!!!!

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How do you know when you're staying in a Redneck motel? When you call the front desk and say, I gotta leak in my sink, and the clerk replies, 'Go ahead'.

Cindy's Giveaway! - (One Comment Per Post)

I've decided to have a contest/giveaway! From now through midnight August 30th, whoever comments on my blog the most will receive a copy of Catching Fire, the sequel to The Hunger Games.

So are you excited??? I am ~ I love to give gifts. And right now, I can't think of a better one!


I will be posting more often...so obviously you'll have something to comment on and about ~ Beware: Could be some really stupid stuff, who knows???? I'll try to make it fun and interesting..... :-)

One comment per post, which will probably result in a tie....but maybe not. In case of a tie(s), names will be placed in a drawing. I will announce the winner on August 31st and will ship your copy to you on Sept 1st (once I go pick it up, along with MY copy, of course!!) And since I don't have many viewers to my blog, your chances of winning are EXCELLENT!!!

Good luck!!

Just to make you laugh! I know I did!!!!

I heard this on the radio this morning and just busted up!!! All I have to say is: What goes around, comes around. It's an Obama/Forrest Gump pronunciation showdown. On Obama's clip, go to 5:45 and on Forrest's clip, go to :40. **Clarification: You're listening for the reference to Bayou La Batre, AL. It's a few seconds in from the start point I gave you. Obama can't get it right, but Forrest has no problem at all. Enjoy!!!

The Hunger Games

Yes, the Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is my latest and greatest addiction! Though this may come as a shock to you, I'm thinking I like this book better than Twilight ~ yes, yes, I know, you're thinking that's impossible, but it's NOT. I love this book!!!! There are two more to come so I guess I can't truly decide yet whether or not I like it better than Twilight, but so far......it's yummy!!! The second book in the series, Catching Fire, comes out Sept. 1st ~ CAN'T WAIT!!!

Here's a brief summary of the book. I'm not giving anything away because the book actually starts from this point. It's great for guys & girls ~ it's got it all! I know you'll read the summary and go "euhhh", but didn't everybody say that about vampires as well????

The Hunger Games takes place in an unidentified future time period after the destruction of North America, in a nation known as Panem. Panem consists of a rich Capitol and twelve surrounding, poorer districts. As punishment for a previous rebellion against the Capitol, every year one boy and one girl from each district is forced to participate in "The Hunger Games", a televised event whereby the participants, or "tributes", must fight to the death in an outdoor arena until only one remains.

Thank a Soldier!

Bumper sticker of the year:
'If you can read this, thank a teacher - and, since it's in English, thank a soldier'

Percy Jackson and the Olympians

FINISHED ~ And I love them!!!! A definite must read!!

Okay, my new addiction is Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan (from San Antonio). Yes, I only started reading the first book last night (I'm almost finished with it) and I'm already addicted. It's very Harry Potter-ish, but in a Greek mythology setting ~ and Percy is actually quite funny. Stephenie Meyer recommended these books so how could I not read them?....lol.

When I complete the series, five books in all (I predict to be done by this weekend, the books aren't that big and they're very easy reading), I'll give you my review. So far, I'm thinking you and your children (over 10) will really enjoy these books!!

The first movie is coming out in February 2010, directed by Chris Columbus and starring Rosario Dawson, Pierce Brosnan, Uma Thurman and Logan Lerman as Percy Jackson.

Video from the JoBros

I put this video on here so you can see how big the TV is. Pretty awesome!!

**Side note: This isn't my video. It's from one of my co-workers. (For those of you who attended with me, you can see it's much higher and to the left than where we were.) So the singing....well, it's my co-worker :-) and yes, it's not too good....poor thing.

Biggest Loser Contest

Yesterday my office started our Biggest Loser contest. We'll be going for three months. I'm so pumped! You know how competitive I am, so I'm really hoping that this will help me to get some pounds off at least ~ but of course, you know I definitely want to win!!

I just want to give a shout out to Tara for winning her work's Biggest Loser contest. Great job Tara! You're the reason my office is doing it, so thank you, thank you, thank you! You look great, by the way!

Wish me luck!

Gone With the Wind

Yes, I've been busy reading again....or should I say still, so I've been slacking on my "blog" duties. Not sure how long this reading kick will last, but I'm sure enjoying it for the moment. As many of you know, Gone With the Wind has ALWAYS been my favorite movie since I was a young'un. My Mom bought me the book when I was a teenager, but I never read it until a few weeks ago. Like the movie, it's now my favorite book!!! I also read "Scarlett" which is the "official" sequel to GWTW, even though it wasn't written by the same person ~ the original author, Margaret Mitchell, was hit by a car and killed before she could make a sequel. Scarlett is great, too ~ I may even like it better than the GWTW!

I've attached a music video to give you the general feel of the movie, if you've never seen it, which I find hard to believe..... I'm so in love with Rhett!!

When I was younger, I saw Carol Burnett do a skit of GWTW. I've attached that as well for your entertainment. (Unfortunately, it's bad quality). Carol Burnett is so funny. It's in two videos about 9 minutes each, but if you have any idea what the movie is about, you'll think it's hiliarious. Enjoy!!

"The Motions" - Matthew West

I know I haven't posted in a while, oops, but I just wanted to share this really awesome music video with you. Inspiring.....

How Can I Find Happiness?

I hope this video touches your heart and helps you find the "true" happiness you've always been searching for!

Happy Easter!

Click here for a little Easter surprise!

Cindy's Family Visit

A few weeks ago, Cindy's Mom & Dad came to visit along with Jeremy, Chrystina and the boys and Jamie & Chad. Cindy, her Mom & Dad and Jeremy & family went to the Ft. Worth Zoo and apparently had a really great time. I, unfortunately, didn't get to go to the zoo with them because of my eating habits ~ it would just be too difficult for me. Instead I waited for them to come home for our BBQ. Jamie and Chad showed up later and it was really great getting to know them. Here are just a few pictures of us hangin' that night.....

Chrystina is hot, but it's a good thing she doesn't smell like Bella because she was getting just a little too close for comfort ~ couldn't keep her hands off me.
Chatting with Jamie. Apparently she thinks I'm funny...or maybe I just dazzle her????
Me and Jeremy outside grilling. I admit, Jeremy had to do most of the cooking because it's just a bit difficult for me when the meat is first put on the grill (if you know what I mean....)

Flat Edward

Just Thought This Was Awesome!

And we think we're all that and a bag of chips!

This Month's Visiting Teaching Lesson

Too Cute!!! Even though this isn't really the lesson, you know there are women out there who wish it was ~ me being one of them! :-)

Thanks for the link, Holly!