Friday Confessions

I confess I have worn my hair down everyday this week, not because I'm trying to look nice, but rather to hide a huge mountain of a zit that is forming on the back of my neck. How embarrassing.

I confess as much as I complain about having to work late, I kind of enjoy it because it's so quiet.

I confess school this semester is going to be a little easier than I first thought. My second day of Ceramics I was what I was learning in my summer art classes 14 years ago.

I confess I am SO sad that Kat Von D is no longer going to be doing LA Ink. I love that show! I guess I'm just going to have to move to LA and get a job from her so we can hang out. (I wish!)

I confess I watched Paradise Lost I and II last night and it made me sick to my stomach. I couldn't imagine going through what those parents went through.


I confess I have been ready for it to be Friday since last Sunday. I'm glad this week is over with. I'm ready for the weekend. I get so anxious for the first day of school then once I get it over with I get back into the swing of things.

Hello World

Just wanted to let you know I'm still around and I'm still alive. Even after working some horrible shifts I'm still here. I've had my plate quite full this week but I feel like my days are flying by (which is sometimes nice). I hope everyone is having a wonderful week so far. It's half way over! YAY!

I just wanted to remind everyone also that SEMO Bloggers Meeting is right around the corner.

On Sept 5th we will be having another meeting and I am going to be speaking about the basics of blog/web design.

Even if you do not blog but would like to know more about blogging we encourage you to come and join us!
If you have any questions please feel free to head over to our SEMO Bloggers Blog HERE.

Friday Confessions

I confess when I'm mad at Derek and we are riding in the car I purposely listen to music he doesn't like just to spite him.

I confess I cried like a baby at work today when I found out the WM3 were released from prison. I have been following them for 4 years now reading every detail of their case.

I confess when I'm by myself I talk to myself in the car on windy roads to keep from getting car sick. I think it's a distraction.

I confess I have worn the same jeans at least 6 times without washing them. I'm trying to go green.

I confess I came home to the kitty litter box tipped over and poop on Derek's leather chair. So, I went Macgyver on it and now it won't tip over due to the hair ties and peg hooks holding it down.

I confess I will probably make fun of you if you don't know who Macgyver is. If you don't know what Macgyver means stop what you are doing right now and google it. 

I confess I cut all my nails off the other day because I couldn't stand how long they were. I didn't bite them though. I neatly cut them with fingernail clippers then filed them down.

I confess I love helping people but I hate when I get tired and my brain turns into mush. I go into auto pilot and wind up hating what I make.

This is the best thing that I have seen in the news in a long long time.

 This is now what is on the wm3.org website. How wonderful is this!

 Jason Baldwin giving his statement with his wife/girlfriend next to him.

 All three men finally free.

 Damien and Jason. Damien was thanking Jason for taking the plea bargain that led all three of them to their freedom. 

 Damien with his wife. She has worked on this case for many years and now has her husband next to her as a free man!

Damien Echols. Finally a free man after being in jail for 18 years!


Thank you Lord for the freedom of these wrongly accused men.

Free The West Memphis Three

I don't know if some of you know this about me but I have been passionate about the case that revolves around three men that were wrongly accused of the killing of three little boys back in 1993.

via

Shortly after three eight-year-old boys were found mutilated and murdered in West Memphis, Arkansas, local newspapers stated the killers had been caught. The police assured the public that the three teenagers in custody were definitely responsible for these horrible crimes. Evidence?

The same police officers coerced an error-filled "confession" from Jessie Misskelley Jr., who is mentally handicapped. They subjected him to hours of questioning without counsel or parental consent, audio-taping only two fragments totaling 46 minutes. Jessie recanted it that evening, but it was too late, Misskelley, Jason Baldwin and Damien Echols were all arrested on June 3, 1993, and convicted of murder in early 1994.

Although there was no physical evidence, murder weapon, motive, or connection to the victims, the prosecution pathetically resorted to presenting black hair and clothing, heavy metal t-shirts, and Stephen King novels as proof that the boys were sacrificed in a satanic cult ritual. Unfathomably, Echols was sentenced to death, Baldwin received life without parole, and Misskelley got life plus 40.

In the years since the convictions of Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin and Jessie Misskelley for a crime they did not commit, their cause has gained support from all over the world, and these men have become known as the West Memphis Three. The story of the injustice they have endured at the hands of the state of Arkansas has never lost momentum, and in recent months, the evidence in their favor has grown to the point where it's nearly impossible to view this case as anything other than a miscarriage of justice.

Teenagers at the time of their arrest in 1993, these young men were considered suspects in the gruesome triple child homicide and arrested without any evidence tying them to the crime. The police and the state managed to convince the media and the juries that "devil worshippers" were responsible, and that Damien, Jason and Jessie somehow fit that description. It was publicly stated by law enforcement officials and the media that the murders had been a part of a satanic ritual; a human sacrifice in the wooded areas of West Memphis, Arkansas. It seems unlikely that this would be accepted as motive by a contemporary jury, but once the police had a young, mentally challenged boy in their custody, they managed to coerce him into providing what was seen as a "confession" despite huge logic holes, discrepancies and the fact that he later recanted and refused

Today is their day! Today is the day that these three men will have the chance to feel the sun on their face again as free men.  They were told to pack all their belongings up today to head to court. Rumor has it that they will not be returning to their cells again. Please please please pray for these men today as they are needing all the help they can get. Justice must be served and keeping these three men behind bars would be the biggest injustice. 

To read more or support them please visit wm3.org 

Dear Friends and Family

Hey everyone! I don't know if you all remember me doing this each year but Stratton, my Grandma Marge, my Grandpa John, my Mom, my Sister and I have been doing the Jingle Bell Run for the last 2 years! This year will be our 3rd year! If you would like to help us out by donating it would be very much appreciated! OR you can come out and cheer us on our 1 mile run. We stick to the 1 mile because it's easier for Stratton to be able to run it.

Thank you in advance for all your help not only monetarily but morally also.

Dear Friends and Family, The holiday season is all about giving. I am doing my part by tying jingle bells to my shoelaces and raising funds for the Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis. Did you know that arthritis is the leading cause of disability? It affects more than 50 million Americans including over 300,000 children – yes, kids get arthritis too. Arthritis is much more than just aches and pains. For many, it significantly impacts their ability to complete simple tasks like dressing themselves or even walking.

Here are some pictures from the last two years you can read about the 2010 Run Here and the 2009 Run Here. Enjoy!

 2009 Look how little Stratton was!

2010 2nd run with 4 Generations Me, Stratton, my Mom, Grandma Marge, and Casey

It's been one of those days...

I'm stressed.
I'm PMSing.
I'm moody.
I made a big mistake at work.
I have a lot of work to do.
I'm short on $ this week.
I'm working my butt off to keep my head above water.
...and it's not working.

I made a big mistake at work that is causing a lot of stress to a lot of people. I took full blame for it and have tried my hardest not to show what I'm actually feeling inside. On the outside I'm being strong and taking the blame for the mistake I made but on the inside I seriously want to break down and bawl my eyes out.

I'm trying my hardest to save money by not buying the "stuff" that I want. The shopping fast has definitely helped me think about what I buy before I buy it but I feel like no matter what we still go negative in our bank account every week. I'm so incredibly tired right now. I can hardly keep my eyes open. I'm trying to make extra money on the side to help with the finances but it's just a drop in the hat compared to the whole picture. I feel so incredibly helpless right now.

I know the job I'm at isn't right for me. But it's a job none the less. I feel like I spin my wheels but I'm only spinning in the mud and sinking. I want to help people. I want to provide graphics and artwork to people that will make them happy. I want to do what makes me happy....which is making other people happy.

My entire life I have striven to make people happy by doing everything I can with what God has given me. I don't feel like my calling is where I work now. But, I don't have a choice as of right now. I don't make enough with my graphics to quit my job and I don't have good enough benefits through school to quit my job. I have been praying relentlessly for God to give me an opportunity to do what I love but it's not been given yet. God has a plan for everything and I'm trusting in him to help me though this.

He sent a little ray of sunshine my way just when my day was starting to overwhelm me. There is nothing better than holding a sleeping baby in your arms and that's just what he sent me. It was instant stress relief for me to hold the sweet baby girl that one of my co-workers had 6 weeks ago. She was so adorable and it made me so thankful to have those short minuets with her. It helped calm me down and let me get a break from the stress from work.

I know there are people out there that would kill for a job with benefits but right now to me it's not worth it. I stress out, my heart starts acting up, I get so tired I go to bed super early, and I don't get to spend quality time with Stratton. I just want change for the better. Not something that is going to kill me because I'm so stressed.

Monday Confessions

I confess I bought a new pair of shoes on Saturday. For good reason though. 

I confess I can't decide if I'm scared or excited about next semester yet. All I know is I have been having the worst time trying to sleep through the entire night.

I confess I have been addicted to hand sanitizer and chap stick this week. I will probably be addicted to both for the next 6 months. 

I confess I have a lot on my plate that I have to get done in the next week and I'm nervous about getting everything finished.

I confess I have given up on having Groucho potty trained. He peed on everything because he was mad about the Citikitty. We're back to the litter box again. :(

I confess I got a slip n' slide for Stratton this weekend and I wound up going down it just as much as he did.

I confess I gambled this weekend for the 2nd time ever! I actually came out ahead this time! Woo Hoo!

I confess I actually made something really cool this weekend and I didn't even take a picture of it before I gave it away!! I'll have to just make another one so I can take cool pictures.

I confess it was pretty nice to get out of the house this weekend and have a little weekend get away with Derek. It was much needed. 

I confess I couldn't wait to see Stratton Sunday once we came home. 

I confess I will be slacking on my blog in there near future because of school and ungodly hours at work.

I confess I will try my best to keep you all updated though.

Picture Dump

The best tea ever. I love that they have Grannyism's on the inside of the cap.

 I got my nails painted last Sunday. The color should have been Dorothy's Shoes. It was SO sparkly.

 I love sun burst photos.

 Stratton loves him some Price is Right.

 I have the most spoiled cat in the entire world.

 ...again. He's so spoiled.

 This is why I can never get anything done. If I sit at the kitchen table he has to sit on my shoulders.

 The meatloaf that again didn't turn out well. It was mushy again. Maybe the 3rd time is a charm.

 Can you tell we're potty training?

 The mushy meat loaf.

 Our tickets came in for the Down concert.

 We celebrated my grandmothers birthday last weekend as well. She makes the BEST Angel Food Cake EVER!!!

 The healthy breakfast I chose to eat yesterday. Ale 8-1 was from my parents, M&M's were from the HR lady, and the popcorn was some that I already had. Price: $0 SCORE!

I'm thankful this week that I bought a new pallet of eye makeup before my fast. I am learning to put my make up on better each day. Don't laugh but I actually looked up how to put makeup on like a drag queen! They're makeup is flawless!!!

 Everyone should be SO proud of me. Among not spending any money. I have officially not bit my nails since last Sunday as well! Go me!

Shopping Fast Update

UH! I never knew how hard it was to not spend on a whim. I have seriously had to bite my fingers so I wouldn't buy the "stuff" I don't need. I have been SO temped to just get "something small" but those small somethings really add up.

Here is my list to date of all the things I have wanted but resisted buying.

Thursday, August 4th
-Roger Alan Wade iTunes album - $9.99
-Lunch @ El Torrero - usually around  $15 (with tip)

Friday, August 5th
- Kat Von D Adora foil Lipstick online - $25 (with shipping)
-Tumbler Cup with Lid - $25 (with shipping)

Saturday, August 6th
-Keen winter boots on sale at Marcy's - $60 (before tax)

Sunday, August 7th
-Red glitter nail polish - $8.50 (before tax)
-Clear top coat nail polish - $7.50 (before tax)
-Dinner at Skip's - $15 (guessing)

Monday, August 8th
-Smoothie from Smoothie King - $7.69 (before tax)

Tuesday, August 9th
-eBook "The Help" - $9.99
-Vera Bradley 100 Handbag (on sale) - $37.00 (with shipping)
-buttons on etsy - $8.35 (with shipping)

Total Saving from not Spending: $229.02

WHOA! Yes, that is a lot of money. BUT, I didn't realize how much all the "stuff" I was buying was racking up. Most items that I buy are $25 or less but it really does add up. I will say I spent $33 and some change to finally purchase the pictures we had taken by Ashley Lancaster. I think it was well worth it because I got to finally use my $25 gift certificate on the order. Not to mention I got a 20x30 for free and my coupon expires tomorrow. Derek is even getting in on the saving train and we both decided to not stay the night in St Louis for his friends wedding in order to save money.

This is really helping me not only save money but it has helped me look to God for strength. Every time I feel the urge to buy something I ask God to give me strength not to spend. It has defintiely helped.

I hope everyone is having a great Tuesday!

Weekend Events

So, this weekend we celebrated a friends birthday. Our friend Todd turned the big 3-0 so we celebrated by doing what we Missourians do best: Eating Mexican, shooting each other with guns, and playing in the water.

Saturday we went to El Alcopolco for dinner then immediately took him to Blogett for paintball. It was SO much fun but SO painful and HOT!!! He had no idea where we were going so it was a great surprise for him. Being from Iowa, he likes guns and shooting stuff too. Paintballing was a huge hit with him.No pun intended.

Kelly and Teresa laughed because I had such pretty eyes and I looked like I was out for blood. Haha. Like I said on my Friday confessions, I've been wearing makeup and doing my hair everyday.

Totally inappropriate but I couldn't help laughing because this lady kept talking about paint balls but kept shortening it to balls.   "Don't pick up dirty balls."  "If your balls get stuck, shake the gun and they will come out." Those were just a few.

 The jumper was only $5 and SO worth it because it helped me blend it a little better.

 It was a one size fits "most."

  This is what Derek has to look forward to in the future.

 Marcus looking studly in the tall white socks.

 Our group looked pretty awesome. Not gonna lie.

  From left to right: Travis (Terea's brother), me, Ryan (friend), Emilie (wife of Travis), Todd (birthday boy), Josh (friend), Teresa (wife of birthday boy, Dalton (friend) Kelly (friend) and Marcus (my sister's boyfriend)

 I got shot twice. One on the inside of my thigh and once in the face.

 

  I don't think you could have taken a better shot.

 Here is the bruise from when Josh shot me. This was the morning after.

 This was the afternoon after.

This is today.

Still hurts to cross my legs.


Sunday we headed to Clearwater Lake in Peidmont, Mo. It was beautiful and SO nice. The temp was around 97* but the water was cool enough that it wasn't too bad. Teresa rented a pontoon boat that we all got to rid eon. We had food, drinks, and good music. It was the perfect way to end the weekend.

 Sisters! She makes me look SO pale. Haha

 Josh observing Marcus passed out on the turtle floaty.

 Todd and Teresa loving on each other.

 Josh's photo bomb. Thank you Josh.

Overall it was a great weekend and I'm glad I have such great friends to spend this quality time with. :)