Why Bother With A Blog Friend When I Could Be Shopping?!

I was gonna post about my new gig at a fun new digi shop (oops, just did!) then I went over to Dawn's blog to shout at her. Not shout shout, but to say 'hey, thanks for your cheers on my digi blog' (oops, another digi spillover!). And come to find out, she's entered in a contest, y'all can read about it at Dawn's place. She had to pick two moms she liked and post about them.

Well, Dawn picked me, and that was humbling enough. But what she said in the post, not sure I can begin to thank her for what she said about me. I didn't know she thought so much of me, honestly, and now that I do, I'm honored. Dawn has been a wonderful friend to me as well. I think we met through another blog, I'm not sure either, Dawn Girl. I think so, though. You probably said something witty and I had to run over and see who said it!

It only hits home what I already believe. I believe in friendships. I have friends here in Lee's Summit, I have friends in my hometown, Savannah (and St. Joseph) and I have friends on the blogosphere. Honestly, the blog friends are every bit as important to me as any other. What I think truly draws me to blogging friends is this:

Shove aside physical attributes, monetary status, bad habits, stinky feet, inability to speak without saying something dumb (me, me, me) and the need to keep up with their 'stuff''. Blog friends are real, blog friends lift me when I need it, they share their wealth of information, they share their opinions (oh yeah, some of them def do this), they share their joys, their achievements, and their broken selves. All those things. More. I love my blog friends, and I have room for more. Lots more.

If you have time, I'm not sure what will get Dawn the prize, but if shouting out to her helps, go over and say hey. She's got room for more friends too, right Dawn Girl?

A Bumper Sticker I Could Use....

Thank you Jami, for letting me lift this from your site. It needs no words, just sorry ahead of time if you were sipping your soda while you read.

Speaking of just devouring all things political, I received a call from Dawn's mom awhile ago. Dawn is out of surgery and in recovery now. It was a long surgery, but from what her mom said, it sounds like a very successful one. ((((Hugs)))) and special prayers sent your way, Dawn. xoxo

My Friend Needs Prayer

I got an email from my dear friend Dawn at Coming To A Nursery Near You. She wanted me to talk to say a prayer for her little sister, 13 weeks pregnant and experiencing bleeding and cramping. I did that but it just doesn't seem enough, so I asked for and received her permission to post here as well.


I hear this all the time, but I don't for the life of me know where it came from, but I hear that Jesus assures us "where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I". If, when you read this, you'd pray for Dawn, for her sister, for that entire family, I am certain this will help her. Just knowing God wraps His arms around us when we're in crisis is the best knowing we can have sometimes. And a visit to Dawn would be the next best thing in this time of fear.

On Desktops and Blog Friends

I keep seeing this on my Technorati page and I don't remember doing this! If I had to guess, I think Dawn tagged me, but I'm not certain. I'm supposed to copy my screen as it is right at this moment and post it online. I'm already on the list, so I'm not going to post that, but I missed out on the fun part! My desktop changes from week to week, and this week, my favorite person, John, my adopted father/grandfather I visit at the nursing home. His face is amongst my favorite faces. I love him and what's even better--he loves me back!
Before I get going with the home school day, I wanted to share this from Eileen, my friend at A Life Of Triggers:

Eileen and I have a few things in common, not the least of which being we have lost our beautiful sisters far too early. Eileen is a social worker, so was Jamee. I think reading her posts reminds me of the stories Jamee would tell in her early years with the DFS...the frustrations, the victories. It takes a very strong woman to do what Jamee did, and I believe Eileen is strong enough. She passed this onto all her friends, and I'm going to do the same, this is for all of you, my friends, and this is what it means:

• "They color my life with the beautiful hues of friendship. Although we come from different backgrounds and cultures we share the same spirit of friendship."

Over the months since I started my first blog, it's evolved greatly. It started because I wanted to make friends with other sewing enthusiasts and thrist store lovers like myself. And I quickly surprised myself when I found I was drawn into the lives behind the words more so than the crafting. From that realization, I've learned that I can have relationships that reach from one end of the world to the other and they're as real as the friends I visit with each day in person. I've met a few of you in person and I have hopes of meeting even more.

My blogroll continues to evolve as well....some of my friends have stopped blogging, some have just stopped coming over. But the truth behind those blogs for me is this: I'm invested in some way, whether large or small, and I am grateful God put you into my path. Or vice versa! I hope you grab this Friendship button and know you're special to me. And as real as any friend could be--non-bloggers don't understand. I keep working on them!

Did I Win? Or Didn't I Win?.......

I was getting worried....I was feeling sad...I was down down down this weekend. I hadn't won a darn thing. I'm hearing all about the wins my friends had, I'm happy for everyone....but still the little girl in me is saying "What about me? It Isn't Fair. I've Had Enough Now I Want My Share!". All those click and comment drunken days that left me worn out, tired and excited like a little kid at Christmas! And nothing. (Alright, I didn't really say that, but it sounds very cool, like I'm all worn out, hair whipping in the wind, a whisp of myself, driven to despair.) Until.....yesterday. That's when SarahJensSister announced the winner of the big one! I even REMEMBER thinking 'gosh this would be so cool...need that'!

Here's what I win (If you didn't win and you like hair product, don't look, it'll hurt far too much):

1 6.8 fl. oz. extrabody Paul Mitchell Thicken Up Styling Liquid
1 4.2 fl. oz. Vavoom Gold Heat Blow-In Volume Protective Lotion
1 5.1 fl. oz. JOICO Silk Result Thermal Smoother
1 8 fl. oz. designline Wave Catcher Beach Spray
1 8 fl. oz. Kenra Root Lifting Spray

I'll post the photos of my hair before and after, did you even think I wouldn't?! And Sarah, thanks, this is a very generous giveaway. And because of that, I found another fun blog, I'll be over later. GiGi, if you're reading, you can borrow my product when you're here visiting. And don't take it personally if I need to search your carry-on when you leave. Cat, you too--no big purses when you, Gigi and I are doing our hair for our Plaza tour next month. You're still going to dance for us, right? And lip-sync? And Dawn, when you do get down here in your brand new RV, I'll share with you too. And I know you won't take mine because you're wealthy now--you're the lucky!!!! You can bring us all more! Go Dawn..Go Dawn...It's Your Birthday....

My Workspace Video & Got Some More Little Blue Drinks.....

Dawn showed a video of her workspace on her blog...it was reeeeal organized. And I thought it was cool enough to steal and put one on my blog. She thinks I'm techno-challenged and I am the girl who will jump over the bridge when dared--so I made the video. I hate my voice on videos quite a lot but it's fun to hear different accents. I've heard Jane's in Rhode Island and now Dawn's in New Hampshire--and they're too cute! I contend the midwest is the voice of the world--you don't hear accent here, we sound like the people on TV sound! So that's my criteria--my voice sounds most like the General Hospital crew. Gotta warn you, my voice is loud on this dumb thing, so turn your volume down (sorry!).

Memarie Lane (Marie) handed me about the cutest award out there! If you clicked on the video, you know who I gave it to. Thanks, my new blogfriend, Marie, you are a hoot, by the way! If you really wanna know what she thinks about in the movie theater, head over! Alright, I'm off to another dive meet. Then home. Then dinner. Then typing and HOPEfully I will get to watch Monk and Psych. No, scratch that--I WILL make time for that because it's been far too long! Marie, I think you might like those shows! Hope your weekend brings you happiness!

I'm Not Home!

I'm over visiting at Dawn's Blog today, so come by and say hello there!

Double Duty Letter..

I received an email from my highschool friend today and in the midst of replying I'm thinking "I still haven't updated my blog and I'm running out of time!" So I figured two birds, one stone--ten fingers, one keyboard, idk. I have so much going through my mind I want to share, I believe I need to sit down this evening and just make up a few posts in advance. Oh, which brings me to Friday. Friday I have been given the honour (that's for you Coffee Mom, kind of a French flair) of guest blogging on Dawn's (Coming to a Nursery) blog. I love that concept--I just may try it soon. I tried to get GiGi to do that once, but she never accepted. I'll try her again later.

Anyway, here is my reply to my friend...one of the high school friends I met for lunch wayy back in March (I'll attach the pic below the letter). He's a basketball coach for one of our universities now (this is why I call him Coach). He is a slow responder to updates I send him--hence Loser--his words, not mine, but I concur.

Coach Loser,

Very nice surprise to hear from you. I am fine. Very worn out (who isn't?) but fine. My days have become very hurried with the addition of homeschool teacher to Alexander (Alex). I hit the ground running, finish up any unfinished typing if it's a deadline day (today and Friday's), then get a shower. Then get Alex up and showered and fed. Then start school. Try to check emails at lunch/while he's working on something. Never try to work at this point because I'll be interrupted.

After school, Niki and Cody arrive. I hear Niki's drama of the day, beg Cody to please take a snack and drink to dive practice as he drops his bag, grabs the keys and heads back out (he's 16 now!). I'm doing housework in between but I try not to go upstairs--I'll only be deflated at how the kids keep their spaces. This is when I do doctor, dental, ortho appointments or go to a meet (today, Liberty). Come home, dinner, then work. Blog--I hate that my blog is suffering! Then bed. Get up, do it all over again.

*Sigh* Coach, I fear I am no longer the Queen of LS. I am relegated to Cinderella status with no hope in the near future of slowing this ride down. We had roofers here for a week and today while finishing up, one rang the doorbell. I'm so beyond caring I opened the door--no makeup, ponytail, pj bottoms and tank top. THAT's how bad it is now. I didn't care at all. After that, I sat at my desk to catch a few emails before Alex needed to be awakened--noticed John forgot trash day. So....trudged out there in my PJs, ponytail and naked face to take the trash out my darned self. (it's okay, he rarely forgets--and he's teaching until 10 most nights, so hard to blame him either).

Am considering selling the nice suburban home in a few years--seeking out something quaint and small and not worrying about so much! After Cody graduates, of course. Maybe even move north, idk. I chew on this from time to time, then I remember we bought the house because it had a giant back yard--perfect for the pool we can't afford until the kids leave. Will they ever leave??

Niki is doing well in school this year..so far. Her senior pics are on my blog and on her Facebook--most of them anyway. She is indeed a senior, and has returned to North for her last year. A good decision. She is no longer allowed to date another guy from West, not even allowed to LOOK at one! (can you tell she's met a few bad decisions at West?). Actually, we have expanded that to all of West & anyone from Greenwood of late--we had a graduated straggler boy/loser lurking around for a few weeks. There. I think that covers it. Cody is a sophomore--quite a fantabulistic little diver. I'm living vicariously through him now--I dove in Savannah for the city team, but NEVER like this boy can dive. And smarter than I ever hoped to be--top 10%. (not bragging, though, Coach, you know I wouldn't brag!)

I am definitely due for some Dunkin Donuts--I was up there about three weeks ago and got my dozen. I took Alex to the St Joseph Museum--we're doing American Indians right now. I posted a blog about it--hang on....here's the link to that post:
http://jameeforever.blogspot.com/2007/08/im-cooled-off-im-reminiscing-and-lovin.html/ I didn't visit anyone, but next time I aim to visit Kelly for my birthday (yeah yeah, I know I'm the first 40) and meet her new boyfriend. I'll wave as I drive by the university, Coach. Planning on maybe going to Nova's for a bonfire--us, Kelly, Tracy--I'll inform you and maybe you will grace us with your presence. It would be grand indeed to see you and meet Mrs. Coach Loser.

~Ex Queen of LS (turning 40 and really feeling the part lately)

Hugs Are The New Black

I found this at Dawn's blog, thought I'd share the link. Dawn has decided to make up "hugs" in blogland that we can send others when they need one. She has three different ones, the butterfly is my favorite:



She's got codes for you to copy and paste, or you can just copy the pic. Dawn, I think these hugs are a great invention...thanks for doing that! Now I'm off to hug someone I know needs one. Who knows, maybe I'll get a hug or two or all three designs when I come back? This is a blatant cry for hugs, btw.