Europe - a country?

I sincerely hope she's acting.

Diet Pepsi

I hate anything with the word diet or sugar-free attached to it. It's always so gross. All of the sodas have always given my headaches because of the aspartame in it.....BUT....Shawn came home with a case of DIET Pepsi Max the other day and it's so good! I can't even taste all the Splenda crap they usually put in it. I'm hesitant to start ordering or buying regular diet stuff when I go out, but maybe since I'm 20 now I may like it.
(KIDDING ABOUT THE WHOLE 20 YRO THING :: ROLLS EYES AT THOSE WHO BELIEVED ME::)

Go buy some!

"N"

This post has completely no point and is solely for my amusement (as a lot of my post are) Begin:

I want to make a list of things that start with the letter "N". Shawn had homework this afternoon and one sheet was to draw lines to pictures of things beginning with the letter "N" and then to draw something else. He brings it to me to check and he has drawn two little sticks with circles on top that are supposed to be nails. I wasn't sure if we could really hand that in so him and I start trying to come up with things that are drawable(is that a word)by a 6 year old and start with "N". We were both drawing complete blanks as was his father (who I commissioned to help through Gmail Chat) so we decided to stick with nails but wrote the word in the space so his teacher would know we weren't being lazy.

So now I'm going to make a list of all the non-drawable things that start with "N" that I can think of.


Native American
Nitrogen
Newspaper
Needle
Nail clipper
Nail gun
Nail glue
Nail polish
Nice (as in the city)

......

Ok well :-) That's all I can think of....Phew that was hard!!!! I'm off to make French Onion Soup mmmmmmm

Two Graves To Dig

When you begin a journey of revenge, start by digging two graves: one for your enemy, and one for yourself.- Chinese Proverb

Isn't that how revenge happens? I love quotes. It's one of my favorite things, see my list below. In fact when mobile texting and mobile groups became hip I joined a group that sent out daily quotes. I love them. When I find one (or when I even become inspired to write one) I love to post it here or write in a notebook or mark it down other various places.

The latest one came from the book I'm reading 19 Minutes, By Jodi Picoult. It's about a kid who's bullied in all throughout his schooling "career" and goes on a shooting rampage at the high school. It's very good and also very unnerving. I find myself wanting to stop whatever I'm doing after horrific bullying incidents are recounted and find my brothers and give them a stern talking to about bullying. However, I'm finding myself having sympathy for the shooter. I feel awful, but I can't help it. I hear myself saying "Well now I know why he killed them."

Anyway I saw this quote at the start of chapter 2 and it made me smile(not a full out smile, kind of a lopsided grin thing) because that's exactly how revenge is. I've plotted numerous revenge scenarios in my head against people but I certainly don't have the guts to do it. When I read the Proverb I remembered the story I heard a few years back about the father who found out his 2 year old child was being molested by the neighbor and he went and killed him, only to find out later, the mother made it up. I was so sad when I heard that story. I couldn't possibly imagine being in that mans shoes and the agony he must have faced.

So the moral of the story? Those out there who are thinking of caring out a revenge plot...Don't do it! You'll regret it for certain!

In case you forgot:

When you begin a journey of revenge, start by digging 2 graves: one for your enemy, and one for yourself.- Chinese Proverb

If you walk in 5" heels

If you walk in 5" heels
Originally uploaded by ClockworkGrue

Wounded by a friend? That's crazy talk!

I was on MySpace today looking at a friend's profile. On this particular friend's Friend List I noticed one of their friends (I've totally said the word friend 4 times in 2 sentences, actually make that 5) names and it said "Better are the wounds of a friend..." That struck my slightly odd so I Googled it to see who had said it. I was shocked-and a bit embarrassed seeing as I was a bible school student way back when and should have known this-to see that it was a scripture in Proverbs (27:6) Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But deceitful are the kisses of an enemyand then I looked up a different translation and came up with this, Wounds made by a friend are intended to help, but an enemy's kisses are too much to bear.

I'm sorry but I do know the Bible is a very truthful thing. All though at times I don't abide by everything in it doesn't mean I don't believe. But this particular verse I just can't cosign for. I mean I have been wounded by a "friend" (in quotations for obvious reasons) and I have also been kissed by the enemy and I'll tell you I certainly prefer the enemies kisses any day. Now I'll stop you right there before you leave me a comment (whomever "you" maybe) to tell me the "enemy" is the Devil. For 1. I looked it up in my Thompson Chain Reference Bible and saw no cross referencing to Satan himself. and 2. If it does mean the devil then certainly I don't want kisses from him...But let's just say for a minute that's it's a human enemy. You know the kind. The guy at work who makes his snides remarks when you walk by. The cashier at your supermarket who bangs your groceries up or how about just that nasty kid that always makes fun of your new shoes in the hallway. Those are enemies and you know they are. Their behavior shouldn't shock you, it's a daily thing with enemies, so let them kiss you because you know it's just a lie. But what about them friends. You know the kind. The coworker that talks to you every Friday about that Grey's Anatomy shocker or forwards you Perez Hilton stories but reports back to your boss that your always late or online surfing the net. Then there's that "friend" that neighborly friend that comes over to gossip with you (Desperate Housewives style of course) only to broadcast your marital problems or financial problems as soon as she goes over to Mrs. Hubers house for tea and crumpets. The list could go on and on of various types of frenemies.

Why would anyone every prefer to be wounded by a friend? It's borderline craziness. Are you a masochist? Do you like the pain and anguish a friends wounds put you through???

But yeah I just think it's a pretty weird scripture. Maybe one not to be taking literally, kinda like the one that tells you to remove your own body parts if it offends you.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy (completely and utterly late) Thanksgiving. I hope this blog finds all my readers happy, well fed and thankful. This Thanksgiving for me was a big surprise. This year Shawn and I had decided to spend Thanksgiving at our apartment for various reason. I went shopping and purchased a 12 lb turkey and all the Thanksgiving "accessories". Then Thanksgiving morning I get a call from my mom inviting us over to my parents house for Thanksgiving dinner. I was really excited to go because I hadn't seen my little sister or brothers for a little while, but I was annoyed that I had just spent all this money on Thanksgiving stuff. Plus I had printed out handy little turkey tips and had already opened the turkey so we could have "crispy skin". So anyway we went to my parents and had a very lovely time seeing my uncles and grandparents and so forth. The day after Thanksgiving has always been our tradition to go see a movie so we went and saw "Fred Claus" and spent the rest of the evening at my Pop-pop and Gannie's to celebrate my uncle's birthday and my sister Arianna's birthday. Saturday I cooked the 12 lb turkey and it was very, very good. I'm pleased to say that I am pretty good cook. But we'll be eating off that thing for the rest of the week I'm sure!

Thanksgiving this year meant much more for me in previous years. Previously I'd run down my list of your standard things "I'm thankful for my health, my family, etc" But this year all of these things were true times 10. I had a lot to be thankful for this year! Now I'm looking forward to Christmas!

New music stuff

Last Sunday Shawn got GREAT GREAT GREAT news about his music. One of his songs was picked up for the soundtrack (and possibly the movie) for Step It Up 2. The really great news is that it's for Missy Elliott! They want to put it on her new album as well....AND it's a very strong contender to be a the first single. Missy Elliott herself is lobbying for it to be first. If you know anything about the music industry you know that having a single is the best possible solution and that it opens all sorts of doors for you. Plus it also helps that it's Missy Elliott, everything she touches turns to gold! Things happened so quickly which is very unusual in music. Shawn is so excited about everything. He keeps waking me up in the middle of the night to tell me how excited he is. Of course in his industry nothing is written in stone until the album is actually released but the heads at Atlantic and Missy herself are all really liking the song. They've already recorded it and mixed it last week and looking for it to hit radio by December or so! Will keep you posted!!!

Happy Birthday to Me

Happy Birthday to ME! My 20th birthday was on Saturday. Shawn got me a massage-which was MUCH needed, I've always had the worst back and neck pains-tickets to see Colbie Caillat in November and he also found me a dog that I really wanted but that fell through an hour before we were supposed to pick him up. We had been looking for a Maltipoo or Cockapoo for the last few months now. We wanted one that was a bit older so that it could already be house trained. So after searching for a few months we finally found one. I spoke with the lady on Friday and she said we could come pick him up. I was so excited! Then when we came home from being out all day Saturday there was an email in my inbox from the woman telling me that her daughter begged her not to sell him so they changed their minds! I was pissed and kind of sad. So now we are going to try and find another older one, but if we can't we will just get a puppy and have to go through the whole "potty training" thing which I did NOT want to do.

Feeling 20 (so far) feels no different at all. I hate that question of "So how does being (insert age here) feel?!" I think it's the lamest birthday question ever! The only positive thing about being 20, is that word "teen" is no longer attached to me. Saying "teen" feels so awkward!

The Time Travelers Wife

I have to recommend to everyone who likes to read to go and get "The Time Traveler's Wife" by Audrey Niffenegger. I'm only on page 54 (Just started a little bit ago) and it's one of the best books I've read this year!

Oh and if you like to read look me up on Goodreads so we can swap book list!

Art show pictures

Sunday my Pop-pop was apart of Baltimore's Free Fall events. Below are a couple pictures of some of his work and of me and my sisters.

I needs me a hobby

Sometimes people just get bored with things. I've gotten a little bored lately with two things. 1. My "look" so now I'm debating if a hair color change will fix that or a totally different haircut/style-Victoria Beckham anyone? Nah, don't think so. 2. I want a hobby of sorts. I used to write short stories, but I don't feel inspired to do that anymore. Blogging is sort of an outlet, but still not satisfying my creative urges. I thought about photography, but isn't that kind of an expensive hobby? I mean if I suck at it, I've spent all this money on camera equipment and stuff. I want to make something, something that would also satisfy my fashion design thirst but I can't sew (I never tried, but I can't even put on a button). When I was about 12 I used to "sketch" designs but according to my mom I wasn't very good. So I stopped that. So I thought and I thought. I watched Martha Stewart for ideas and finally decided on jewelry making. It sounds pretty easy and who knows if I'm good enough I could even try and sell it on Etsy and turn a profit. Anyway, I'm not sure where to start. Are there books to read? What kind of tools do I need? Where do I get supplies? Should I take a class?? Is there anyone out there who reads my little blog who does this? If so point a clueless girl in the right direction! I'll be forever grateful!

Quote

I have Gmail for my email and Google puts select quotes for me on my inbox page and the following quote just popped up and I really liked it so I wanted to post it.

Vittorio Alfieri - "First thoughts are not always the best."

I am just...

I was listening to one of those music channels on TV while I was cleaning the kitchen. And my favorite by Building429 came on. I love this song. My favorite Christian songs are the ones highlighting who God is. I mean...He's God. My favorite line is You are God and I am man. So I’ll leave it in Your hands. I am so extremely guilty of doing this life thing in my own strength, with my own mind. Surprise, surprise, I can't ever seem to figure it out. Why? Because it's not up to me to figure out. Trusting God in all aspects of my life has always been so hard but when I hear songs like these I realize that He is there for me and all the weight and burdens I've been carrying on my shoulders He wants to take them for me.

No one else knows-Building429


My world is closing in
On the inside
But I’m not showing it
When all I am is crying out
I hold it in and fake a smile
Still I’m broken
I’m broken
Only one can understand
And only one can hold the hand
Of the broken
Of the broken

When no one else knows how I feel
Your love for me is proven real
When no one else cares where I’ve been
You run to me with outstretched hands
And You hold me in your arms
Again

I need no explanation of why me
I just need confirmation
Only You could understand the
emptiness inside my head
I am falling
I am falling
I’m falling down upon my knees
To find the one who gives me peace
I am flying
Lord I am flying

When no one else knows how I feel
Your love for me is proven real
When no one else cares where I’ve been
You run to me with outstretched hands
And You hold me in Your arms
Again

I have come to you in search of faith
Cause I can’t see beyond this place
Oh You are God and I am man
So I’ll leave it in Your hands

Where do babies come from?

Ok I have to make another update about babies and Shawn. He was in his room watching MeerkKat Manor and comes out and starts talking about babies again. So I was asking if he was going to be nice, and let the baby play with his toys, etc. Then he starts telling me I have to go to the hospital and there will be lots of blood. And I said "Well where do babies come from?" want to know what he says? "There's a big circle and the babies wiggly and they go in and they change to a baby!!!"

Have you ever seen Look Who's Talking? He described the scene where the sperm fights its way in. Shawn said he used to watch that movie all the time!

I was rolling on the floor laughing because I did not expect that!

Oh and P.S. We aren't talking about babies because I'm pregnant. It just happenes to be little Shawn's favorite thing to bring up.

Why women have babies

Since the summer time little Shawn has been obsessed with us wanting to have a baby! Every time he sees a pregnant woman he's like "Oh mom, want a baby?" So today we are watching an old Friends episode where Rachel is pregnant and he gets up and starts talking about how I need to have a circle belly and he starts poking his stomach out and saying I need to get really fat. So we start talking about him being a big brother I asked what he wanted more a brother or a sister. So he says a sister, so I asked what he wanted to name the baby and first he said Sally and I was like "Uh no!" So he said "Oh after you mom. We can name the baby Alasierra!" (Alasierra-Alexandria). But the funny part was when he sits down in between Shawn and I and I said "Hey how about Dad has the baby!" and he was like "No mom he can't! He's a human boy! Plus he's smart!!!" Big Shawn was like "We're raising Archie Bunker!"

So there you have it according to our 6 year old boy women have babies because they aren't smart!

Nope-doesn't have a speech problem

Ok so in my post earlier today I was talking about little Shawn (aka The Kid) and how Shawn and I felt he had a speech problem. Well now I feel the need to correct my earlier statement and say he does not have one. After doing the book challenge with him we sent him to bed and I came out and was reading the speech book. While I'm reading it I'm like "He can say all of these words clearly" So I started reading the words to Shawn and we are both like he says those words, so we called him out to the living room. I knew he wasn't asleep yet, he goes to bed at 8, but doesn't fall asleep until like 9:30. Anyway we start quizzing him on some words that he should be able to say clearly. Run, Bring, Sun, Mother, Bath, and some others. And he says them all just fine. There was one things we noticed that he has problems with the \T/ sound. Like hurt, is hurk, after, mother, and father, he replaces the th with a d and so on. But we realized the biggest thing was the speed in which he said things. I said to him "Say 'Lets go to the beach'" He said 'Lets go to the bea" really fast but when we stopped him and told him to say each individual word he said it pretty clear. We were both relieved to find out it was just a speed and a slight fluency issue instead of something bigger. When Shawn first got custody of him at age 4 he said all he did was babble and mumble. Even when I met him in December he did the same thing. It's amazing the progress he has made since moving here in February. So now I need to make another trip to the library. We seriously go like everyday!

Now I gotta go because Private Practice is starting!! Woo-Hoo I'm so glad TV season is back. (I'm a TV addict!)

Learning to read

Last night was Shawn's first try at reading. The elementary has a 100 book challenge and so every night they bring home books to read. Last night Shawn brought home "Z". So after dinner all three of us settled in Shawn's room. The book itself only had four words in it. Zigzag, Zipper, Zero, and Zebra. We started out really good, the first word was Zebra. He got that one right away because it was accompanied by a picture. The next one after that was Zigzag. That one was a little bit harder but he sounded out all the letters and was able to read it (partially) he said Sigsag instead of Zigzag he has a bit of trouble was certain letters so today I went and got a book from the library about helping your child with his speech problems. Sometimes he's hard to understand, and because reading is starting it's important we start working on that now. But anyway when he got the word zigzag right me and his dad were screaming and tickling him and telling him how good he did. Then we got to zipper and he read it and we were like "Oh good job" and he was like "You have to scream and say 'Great job Shawn'!!!" Then the second time around he wanted to teach us how to do it. We were so proud of him to hear him read. We also got a big bike for him yesterday. We put it n his room until we can get training wheels and he laid in front of it all night while watching Animal Planet.

Go buy it!

Today everyone needs to go to Amazon.com and order Che'nelle's new CD Things happen for a reason The Arkitects (Shawn) have a song on the album. Number 3, Teach Me How To Dance. You may have also heard the song in the movie Take the lead

So do me a favor and go buy it!!!

Here's a review from an amazon.com user:
On her way!, September 7, 2007
By SexyBrownLioness "Lady Feline" (Linden, NJ USA) - See all my reviews

I happened to hear a promo cd and I liked it. I had to listen to it 2x to get the full appreciation of her voice. I like ALL OF THE SLOW TRACKS and more slower tracks could have been incorporated into the cd. A lot of the faster tracks sound the same. For some reason, "Teach Me How To Dance" is very inviting. Of all the songs on the cd, "Summer Jam" was my least favorite. Overall, I believe this young lady is very talented and it is refreshing to hear some new talent!

Be Unto Your Name

We are a moment, You are forever
Lord of the Ages, God before time
We are a vapor, You are eternal
Love everlasting, reigning on high

Chorus:
Holy, holy, Lord God Almighty
Worthy is the Lamb Who was slain
Highest praises, honor and glory
Be unto Your name, be unto Your name

We are the broken, You are the healer
Jesus, Redeemer, mighty to save
You are the love song we'll sing forever
Bowing before You, blessing Your name
~Lynn DeShazo & Gary Sadler