Still working on that fear .... redemption cometh :)

I don't have a clever title or way to transition this post.  I'm sitting here looking at pictures on my computer instead of doing all the things I need to.  And I noticed several pictures I had forgotten about. 

So, let's hear it for another random post :)

1)  Are any of you as absent-minded as me?

I think I'm doing a little better these past fews weeks.  Well, compared to before Christmas when I felt like I couldn't remember my name - ha!

My family doesn't have any faith in me, though.  Eric's co-worker left his car parked in our driveway while they were on a business trip.  My girls (and Eric) were SO afraid I would back into it.  Remember this ...

Emma made me make this note and post it beside my speedometer so I would see it everytime I got in the van.

As if that isn't enough, Olivia announces (loudly) every single time we get in "Watch out for Jim's car, Mama!!!"

It worked, though :)
2) Last week my oldest niece turned 13! Ahhhhhhhh !!!

We went to a Surprise Party for her and she was shocked :)  I love this girl to pieces!! Don't we look alike?

3) I feel like I could maintain some weight loss or atleast keep up a good running endurance if I would lay off the sweets.  But, I can't!!!! I have to bake something all the time and I can't be stopped - haha. 

The girls and I baked another giant cupcake Saturday. 

And it was a little too good.  Yet, apparently it's not enough because there is a Chocolate Chess Pie and a loaf of Cinnamon Bread sitting beside it. 

Ugh! I can't be stopped.

4) To make room for our Christmas tree, I moved this floor lamp beside the bench in our foyer. 

I loved it but had to move it back where it belonged after the decorations came down.  So, now I'm on the hunt for a new (old) CHEAP one.  And maybe a little smaller.  Any ideas?

5)  I have a post sitting in my drafts of my kitchen remodel, as well as some things I changed in my dining room a few months ago (my friend made me some beautiful window treatments!).  I get an email a day asking when I'm going to post it. 

Apparently, I'm a big chicken.  There are just bigger issues and problems people have to deal with so the fear of people thinking I don't recognize that keeps those posts sittting there, waiting to be published.  One day.

And, while we're talking about that, I realized it was an issue of fear when I read this by Travis Cottrell.  Boy, it's easy to let others put us in that place of fear.  I'm not proud of that fact, actually I despise it, but it's true.  I'm working on it.  Patience ....

Until I get there, I can unleash my Mom and my friend, Cathy.  I got an ugly comment yesterday (I get many actually) and I decided to publish it, though I normally don't.  Within a few hours I had comments sitting in my inbox from both my Mom and Cathy and let's just say, I could NEVER post them.  I got a good laugh out of them, but I'm here to tell you, I have every confidence they will FIGHT for me :) Cracks me up.

It's possible those posts may never see the light of day.  But, you know, I do love this blog.  I do love the outlet it is for me and though I have felt somewhat restrained lately, I know I'll bounce back.  My skin just hasn't been as thick as it once was for whatever reason.

Until then, I'll continue to say it's a choice whether you read or not.  Seriously, if I offend you or make you sick or keep you scratching your head wondering what in the world I'm talking about ... know that I do that to my own self :)

Choose something different. 

I'm fine with that.

And that way, I won't have to send my friends and family by your house in a black limo.

Oh, I kid. ;)