I'm Back!

I was in a little Blogger slump. Between vacation and school I just didn't keep up with it. Those days are now officially over. I hope everyone is getting ready for the holiday season. I have been thinking of my Christmas wishlist. I never know what it is that I want. I have seen a few cute things over the past few weeks. I think I will post my Christmas list on my Blog...does anybody need my address! LOL!

A little Fall fun in the Rain

I went rafting on the New River during a Leadership Retreat. The group of us went to Ace in West Virginia. It rained....the entire trip! I mean I don't think there was ever a moment that I wasn't trying to stay dry. Well, I guess I wasn't once we got on our wetsuits. Then I could care less if it was pouring!

Here are some photos from the trip!! We were able to enjoy some class V rapids and even some little ones that we actually got to jump out of the raft and swim through which was the blast. We finished at the New River Gorge Bridge which is the bridge on the back of the West Virginia quarter and is also the tallest bridge in the United States and the second highest in the World with a height of 876 feet!

September 11, 2001

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September is Childhood Cancer Awarness

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. I was trying to think what I could do help in the fight against childhood cancer. Here are some facts about childhood cancer:

One in every 330 Americans develops cancer before the age of twenty.
On the average, 36 children and adolescents are diagnosed with cancer everyday in the United States.
On the average, one in every four elementary schools has a child with cancer. The average high school has two students who are current or former cancer patients.
Cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in children under the age of 15 in the United States.
Childhood cancers affect more potential patient-years of life than any other cancer except breast and lung cancer.
The causes of most childhood cancers are unknown. At present, childhood cancer cannot be prevented.
Childhood cancer occurs regularly, randomly and spares no ethnic group, socioeconomic class, or geographic region. In the United States, the incidence of cancer among adolescents and young adults is increasing at a greater rate than any other age group, except those over 65 years.
Despite these facts, childhood cancer research is vastly and consistently underfunded

For every comment I get on this post. I will make a donation to an Organization for Childhood Cancer.

Where did the summer go???

It is hard to believe it is already September. Summer is coming to a close and I feel like it didn't even get started. The month of June was soggy and cool. July proved to be a little warmer and the August heat never arrived!! Now the days are warm and the evenings cool. I guess those of you up there in the Pacific Northwest decided it was your turn for the warm weather. Leaving us down here with just a little humidity to let us know that it is summer.

While I do love winter. I would have enjoyed a "real" summer!

Swap Central

One of the first things I did as a blogger was jump on the idea of a swap. The first one I looked into was a summer fun swap and the other was a earring swap. I had such a blast going out shopping and learning about my swap buddies. Apparently, my first one never arrived and even more oddly enough neither did mine! Lesson learned! The next time I was smart enough to put at least delivery confirmation when I gave it a second try. I gave the swap world another try with an earring swap. That too was a blast! While this time around my package arrived safely mine to my swap buddy, my mailbox remained empty.

Sadly enough I have given up the idea of joining in on other people's swaps. I mean I'm 2/2 on not getting anything and the enthusiasm is gone! I try to give people the benefit of the doubt but honestly at this point I am wondering if my faith in others is a little higher than it should be. BUT......

This is the problem. I loved the idea of swapping! It is nice to interact with others and fun to make a little package for someone. So........

I thought I would do a personal swap with someone. So, for anyone interested this is my proposal! If anyone would like to do a swap with me let me know. You won't be paired up with a total stranger but just me. I'm looking for three swap buddies. I am going to list 3 categories below and looking for a swap buddy for each one. If you aren't interested but know someone who is a swap junkie pass this on to them. Here are the categories:

~ Candy - I love candy. Plus anything that will fuel my sweettooth is always welcome....

~ Stationary - Sometimes, I see the cutest stationary and thought this would be a fun one....

~ Earring- I really had fun with this one when I had the unsuccessful one. I would like to give this one a try again.

So, if you are interested in swapping with me let me know. I haven't put price caps or anything like that we can talk about that amongst each other. I don't care if it is as little as $5.00. I just really like the whole concept of it all! If you want in then just leave me a comment and let me know which one from above you would like to do.

Woohoo.....I was a lucky wiener...I mean winner!

April over at Dot...Dot...Dot... recently held a pretty awesome giveaway! I found out early this morning that I was a lucky blogger. I was even fortunate that it was one of my favorite giveaways she had hosted last week. I am the lucky winner of this adorable little necklace from Sweet & Simple.

How totally awesome is that???

Thanks so much April for being not only a fantastic giveaway host but an amazing blogger as well! Be sure to go check out April's blog and visit the Etsy store where this necklace is coming from.

A parents love.....

I don't have any words to express the video below. Let me just give you a fair warning....it will leave your face tear soaked and a feeling in your heart that is not explainable....

My sister....

I have a sister! We are 4 years apart and the only thing we have in common is her children. We never had that sister relationship that I admire in others. I often wonder if it is something we will develop in time. I often go to the store and see little trinkets or jewelry for sisters. If I got her something like that she would think I was insane. I have tried to take the initiative to develop that relationship but I seem to hit a roadblock in any of my attempts. Just last week I sent her a text asking her to go to dinner with me....no response!

I am sure as the little sister I was a brat. I can remember fights we had as children. I am surprised we even made it through those years. Yet, while they may have been moments of bratty sisters we still created memories that can give me chuckles even today. I just hope before too long we can create memories that will keep us going into the future.

Go Check It Out!

April is once again hosting an amazing giveaway! Go on over to dot...dot...dot and check it out. If you decide this is the giveaway for you follow her blog (which is def. a good read) and leave her a comment and you might just be the big winner. While you are tell her I sent you!

Lots of Luck!

Postcard Exchange

I know most likely that I don't have to say again how much I LOVE to travel. A few years ago I started a new concept when I find myself away from home. I buy postcards from wherever it is I find myself. While I am there I write a little bit about what I did that day and mail it to myself. Often the postcards arrive after I return or I find a few awaiting in my mailbox for when I return. It is a unique and fun way to write about some of the most memorable parts of my trips. I will have to share some here one day.


Well, a few weeks ago I came across a blogger who was doing a postcard thing for her readers. I tried to find that blog again but failed to do so. With that said and done I thought I would go ahead and set up one. Doesn't that sound like fun...

Here is how this will work.....

You can leave a comment here letting me know you are interested with your email address. If you would rather email me directly then shoot me an email at brainbroadcast@gmail.com. Let me know either way how many people you would be willing to swap emails with. There is a no limit option as well. See it is that simple!

Feel free to tell people about this and I have no problem with anyone sharing my email for anyone to get involved. I think postcards can be great little treats from places we have never seen or at least not that often. Don't you agree??

In late 2004 while doing aerobics I felt faint. They told me it was asthma but when they did a chest x-ray they discovered my heart was enlarged. I pretty much was told to do very little and no cardio what so ever. At the time I was enjoying my daily workouts with my girlfriends and was crushed to get benched.


It took a few months for them to give me a diagnosis of Primary Pulmonary Hypertension. Which pretty much means the blood flow between my heart and lungs are higher than what they should be. Which can cause the heart to enlarge...yadda...yadda. It is a pretty serious illness but unless I tell you I have it then there is no way you could tell.

However, back in September of 2008 I decided it was time to lose weight. With the limitations of my cardio workouts I know meal proportions are the key to my weight loss. So, in a little less than 12 months I have lost about 50 pounds and I continue to lose. Well, my weight loss has made me push the idea of my illness out of my mind for a little while. I decided I would try out for the college I go to basketball team.

Last night we had a open gym for prospective players. Not only was I reminded that I have an elevated blood pressure between my heart and lungs. It has been flashing strobe lights letting me know that I am 30 years old and haven't so much as ran down a flight of stairs in nearly 4 years.

I have to think hard if I am way out of my league wanting to keep up with these fresh out of high school ballplayers. I went ahead and made an appointment with my doctor to see what her take is on me ballin' it on the court. However, regardless of my heart and lungs, my knees and hamstrings ache beyond words. I guess that is what I get for taking my out of shape butt out on the court for 2 hours....

Fall School Schedule

I love learning. I could spend my life taking new classes. I think education is one of the most important things we do in life. I am constantly finding new ways both inside and outside the classroom to fuel my brain. School starts in a little over a week and I thought for some odd reason I would post my classes on here.

I dropped on class a few minutes ago. It isn't a class I was all that interested in taking and when the book for the class cost $220.00 I'd much rather spend that on something more than a textbook for the Principals of Marketing. What I do still have for the Fall Semester is:

• Math for Liberal Arts I - have I ever mentioned how much I HATE math. Well, I just did! I am so not looking forward to this class. I would rather scratch my eyeballs then take any type of math class whatsoever! However, I need this one!! (Tue. & Thurs. 2:00-3:15)


• Photo Careers- This class will help me finish up a program in Nature and Wildlife Photography. The professor I have had for 3 other courses and I will very much enjoy this one! (Wed. 5:00-7:00)


• Survey of Physical and Cultural Anthropology- I have a huge interest in other cultures. I wanted to explore this interest and thought this was the class to start with it. However, it makes for a very long Wednesday. (Wed. 7:00-10:00)


• Principles of Sociology- This is my one and only online class this semester. I love online classes but I tend to wait to the last minute to meet deadlines!

This semester will be a fun one with a little bit of curiosity, love, and hate all combined in a variety of courses.

Blog Award

Ashley over at Everything Happens for a Reason was nice enough to give me my 1st blog award. In accepting this I have to pass this along to some of my fellow bloggers. I am going to pass this along to 5 of my favorite blogs which I think are very lovely!!

Thanks again Ashley!!!





~ Angela over at Sweet Tea Diaries. Trust me this is one blog you should definitely have to check out. It is a MUST read!



~ April over at Dot...Dot...Dot. April's blog is my favorite daily read with cute stories, great tips, and filled with exciting adventures.



~ Jaci over at Ravings of a Mad Housewife. I really enjoy this blog as well and find myself reading each line with pure enthusiasm.

~Allie over at Screwed up Texan. I haven't been reading for long over here but I have quickly enjoyed each new post.

~ E over at Drifts Into Randomness. She is new to the bloggin' scene and doing a great jump at it!

My $95.00/month Obssession

With the economy the way it is I am very careful before splurging on luxuries. However, I have a new obsession that I just can't seem to say no too. Tanning!! I started out with a 3 month commitment for a whopping $65.00/month with a 3 month commitment. The 3 month contract makes it 50% off. Yes, I know insane prices for a few minutes in a tanning bed. Well, I know I said $95. but I agreed to $65. so what happened.....I tried another bed for an additional $5.00 single session. That was a mistake...well not really...but for my wallet it was. I've upgraded for an additional 30 bucks! I loved it. Maybe it is the aqua mist and aroma or maybe it was the air conditioning. Whatever, it may be I'm sold!!

Here is a photo of my little addiction the Ergoline 1100. Oh, and did I mention it talks to you too!

A Must: OpenTable

A few years ago I was watching the evening news and saw a special report on a restaurant reservation service. OpenTable is fast, free, and rewarding. They have like 11,000 restaurants in many major cities and tourist destinations. So, what's the catch? NONE!

This is pretty much how it works. Restaurant's pay to put their establishment on Open Table. It doesn't cost us anything to join. You then go on to the website make a reservation and for most places you get 100 points per fulfilled reservation. Some places offer 1000 points at select times. You show up and say you have an OpenTable reservation. If you are a frequent dinner like me then you can get special perks as a VIP.

Once you get your points then you can cash them in for dining rewards. If you have 2000 points you can get a $20.00 cheque for any OpenTable restaurant. 5000 points gets you a $50.00 cheque and $100.00 for 1000 points. Sounds like a lot but a few 1000 point reservations and you can get a nice little perk.

I use this often when I travel some areas have tons of restaurants. You can search via location, cost, cuisine. I can even look at things like best ambiance, most romantic, most booked, outdoor dining, hot spot, neighborhood gem, etc...

Trust me I always check out what is on Open Table before ever venturing out to find great food! Plus you can do it on your mobile phone as well. Just check it out....I'm sure you won't be disappointed!!

Wednesday's Words

It amazes me at times what words people don't know. I wonder how some children actually make it through high school. Here are this week's words!

• Inane: Without contents; empty; void of sense or intelligence; purposeless; pointless; useless.


• Reticent: Inclined to keep quiet.


• Equivocate: To be deliberately ambiguous or unclear.


• Vilify: To make vicious and defamatory statements about.


• Indolent: Avoiding labor and exertion; lazy.

Dream Cake!

I am not even engaged! However, I have found my dream wedding cake! I was watching Battle of the Brides one night on the Food Network and was impressed by one of the bakers. I googled her and found her website over at Pink Cake Box!

I am always intrigued by the talent of cake decorators. Ann has some of the most amazing cake creations I have ever seen.

I have a Wiener...ummm I mean Winner

I enjoyed hosting my first giveaway. Now you are wondering who the lucky person is. Well, it is Lindsay from over at Frugal and Fabulous!!! Congrats, my friend!!!!!!

I look forward to hosting my next giveaway in the coming weeks! Also, stay tuned because I am thinking of hosting my first swap very soon as well! Thank you all again for helping me make my first giveaway a complete success!

Hurry and enter...it ends tonight!

Thanks to April over at Dot...Dot...Dot I was able to catch this amazing giveaway that is ending tonight. Audrey over at Barking Mad is giving away one of the best Giveaway's I have come across since my short time here on blogger. So hurry on over and there are tons of ways to get bonus entries. Be quick...because it ends tonight

Blu-Ray...No Thanks!

I think I blogged last week about my new Blu-ray player. Well, I took it back. I couldn't tell the difference. I mean the sound was better but I watched two movies and the picture wasn't anything worth the difference in cost. Then again one of my friends told me that it isn't 3D. I don't know maybe that is what I wanted. I wanted the characters to be so real I felt the need to hide my popcorn. I have always been a gadget junkie and wanting the newest tech item on the market. However, the Blu-ray player can find a place somewhere else besides in my living room.

If any of you are planning to buy one, I would say there are other ways to waste your money. For me it just wasn't worth all the hype.

Wednesday's Words

With my adventures last week I didn't post words for last week. I will make up for it this week.

Lugubrious- Mournful, dismal, or gloomy, especially to an exaggerated or ludicrous degree.

Abstemious- Eating and drinking in moderation.

Vacuous- Devoid of matter; empty.

Quotidian- Recurring daily, common place

Deleterious- Having a harmful effect; injurious:

If you have a word that is your favorite let me know and I can add it to a weekly word list!

Check out this Giveaway!!!

Jules over at Chick & Pink is hosting an awesome giveaway! You all know how much I love givewaways. This one is no different than any other!!

Lots of blessings!!!

A Week In A Review

This week was an interesting week. I was able to met Jon. I met Jon awhile back ago online and we were finally able to see each other in person. It was fantastic and I had a wonderful time. He was everything I imagined he would be. I look forward to the next time we are able to see each other.

While Jon was off working I ventured out to the Inner Harbor at Baltimore and was able to visit a friend in Washington, DC. I have never been to the Inner Harbor and will surely plan a trip in the future. I will add a photo to this blog tomorrow from the Inner Harbor but I haven't uploaded them yet.

This week will surely be one to remember.....

Monday on Main

Well, I have a recent Main Street living story. Tuesday night was filled with annoyance but with a dash of fun. Living on Main can seriously be a lot of fun however there are times it can be a bit too much. Tuesday was a good example of being a little over the top. All because of one thing....HARRY POTTER. Nope, I don't like him, never saw one full movie and could care less about the books. However, I live very very very close to the movie theater. They had a special midnight showing and for at least 90 minutes people were awaiting for the doors to open. The noise....well I am sure you could imagine.

All of a sudden an idea popped into my head. I grab my spray bottle from the bathroom and planted myself at the window. Yep!!! You better believe it. I started giving a little mist to the Potter Fans down below. While my fun was a very small amount of fun in the 90 minute of noise it was surely the highlight of my evening.

Until next week!!!

Error Code: NextTimeBuyAMac

I bought a new laptop in May. I was so anxious to have it arrive. I was so excited that the first time I got the email saying it was backordered, I didn't even care. Then I started to get a little frustrated when I got the second and then the third. Before I knew it a month had past and I finally got my laptop. I actually charged it the full time it said and anxiously turned it on.

I thought for a moment, then I called Dell! Why did I call because my screen was flickering. Not like a normal flicker but like it was moving upstream. It was one of the most irritating things. This was only Tuesday morning!! Wednesday I called because Windows wasn't loading and they had me reinstall Windows. Thursday morning the Dell tech came out and said he thinks the flicker was interference from something in the house. Okay, I am a gadget junkie I have 2 laptops and a desktop and none of those have any sort of interference. He couldn't get Windows to load again told me to try that then take it someplace else to see if my little flicker disappears. It didn't...I called Dell.

Pretty much told them that I was done playing games and to please send me another to replace my lemon. They said three to four days. Umm... maybe the people in Dell have some sort of different calendar than I have. I called once about 2 weeks ago and they said it was still not in production. Finally today I got answers. Mainly because I was unable to get the lemon to work and was calling for tech support. I thought while I was waiting for it to run through the test for the millionth time in its short little life I would ask about the status.

So it seems it is in production but nobody has any idea as to when it will be shipped. As for my current problem I was told I should just wait until the replacement arrives whenever that may be.

I knew there was more than one reason why I really wanted to buy a Mac! Maybe next time......

Giveaway Update

I am hosting my first giveaway where the lucky winner will get a candle from Skyline Candle Company. The contest will end on August 1st! Become a follower and leave me a comment so that I can easily enter your vote saying you became one. Check out Skyline Candle Company for your favorite and if you when you get to pick which one you want.

Wednesday's Words

I was sitting here thinking it was Tuesday. Then when it finally hit me that it was in fact not Tuesday but Wednesday, I knew I needed to figure out this weeks words. So, here they are:

Halcyon: Peaceful, undisturbed, and happy.

Equivocate: To be deliberately ambiguous or unclear.

Nefarious: Wicked in the extreme

Puerile: Displaying a lack of maturity.

Yep, just 4 this week. Enjoy learning this weeks words! I always have a blast doing these. I usually make up sentences with them. ENJOY!

Monday on Main!

You all know what happens when you take a child to a store. No matter if it is a candy bar, ice cream, or the latest new toy they want it. Just imagine what it is like to have a candy store across the street and the movies downstairs. My darling niece Jessica knows exactly what that means to have a candy store across the street.

I tend to keep her from time to time and when I do it is all about the Candy Store. No matter what time she wakes up sometimes even before the sun comes up she is ready to go pick out her gummy bears and Swedish fish. Green of course that is her favorite color!! She will run over to the front window and say, "nope, not open yet". What she is doing is checking to see if the lights are on. She does this until 10 am when it finally lights up. Then there is no stopping her from demanding the much awaited trip.

Weekly Wrapup

I grew this week. I expanded my grey matter and became a little more cultured within the world. It was a pleasure having a Nico as a house guest. I not only learned to appreciate his 17,000 mile bicycles ride but was always able to discuss other cultures and politics. We enjoyed dinner at Fridays, lunch at Cracker Barrel, and I was able to cook some Pork Chops for him. I also learned that people in Belgium like to dip their applesauce in their mashed potatoes! It was interesting talking about American Politics and History and if only half of America could have an in depth discussion on the Civil War.





Nico left yesterday morning and for the most part was my only excitement for this week. Besides my attempt to go Kayaking today. No more than I got out of the car a storm pushed through. Hopefully, I will be able to go again soon. Hmmm...wonder what the weather report is for tomorrow.





Here are some photos of Nico that I took when he was leaving yesterday.

I Just Gotta Giveaway!

Okay, I find myself always checking out giveaways! I mean seriously who wouldn't take the time to go check out one! Well, I finally won one and that made me want to finally have my own giveaway! Not that I already couldn't wait for some milestone to make it a special thing. Thing is regardless of which big "blog hurdle" I do it will still be fun and special!

I have already started my Monday on Main issue to the blog and one of the benefits of living in the heart of town is everything takes place here. Each Thursday and Saturday the Farmer's Market is just a hop away. Last Thursday was the first time I actually ventured down to it and while I was there I found a cute little stand.

Skyline Candle Company which makes handmade candles right here in town has a large selection to candles to choose from. So, this is your chance to get yourself one of this darling little candles. However, it will take a little more than a comment to get your entry.

* Become one of my dear followers. As you

can see I don't have many so I am going to

take this opportunity to network more

with all of you.

* Check out Skyline Candle Company and

let me know which candle you would want

if you are selected as the wiener...I mean winner!

* You don't have to post this on your blog

however if you do I will give you an extra

entry and you will give me a great

big smile. Just let me know if take me

up on this extra offer!

That's it. Not too hard was it?? Thanks for supporting me on my first giveaway! I look forward to many more. If for some reason you haven't started up your own blog and aren't a follower you can still leave me comment and let me know just that! You just won't be able to get the extra for reposting. So sorry!

Just when I thought a ride around the block was a workout!

I told you all earlier in the week that this week was going to be interesting. Okay so let me tell you a little bit about my house guest tonight. No, its not a icky little bug like last time. This time it is Nico. Nico is from Belgium and has been in the United States for a little over a year. Nico has gone places I would love to go. In the heart of Alaska,Hawaii, enjoyed part of the winter in the High Sierras of California, hiked the Grand Canyon, and the list only goes on. What amazes me the most is that Nico has done all of this on his bike. The other day he surpassed 17,500 miles and just today he biked a tad over 50 miles.

His stories are entertaining and his determination is inspirational. Take the time to read some of Nico's stories.

So, I am sure you are all wondering how on Earth I came across Nico. I have been a member of Couch Surfing for some time. I had a nice little message from Nico earlier in the week and I was more than willing to let such a determined man stay with me.

Wednesday's Words

As I ponder what words I wanted to do this week. I use to do this with a very good friend of mine named Kelly back in 2000. Each week we would create a word list of words we could use in conversation to improve our vocabulary. That is where I got my very favorite word which is amiable. Amiable pretty much means to be friendly and easily liked. I use it whenever I met someone who is or isn't amiable. My second favorite word comes form this exercise as well which is incongruous. That pretty much means how it just doesn't fit having a snack machine filled with sugar and soda in a place like a gym.

We will start this week off with a pretty random word list:

1. Pernicious - Deadly
2. Loquacious - Very talkative/ Excessive talking
3. Arcane - Understood by few
4. Ephemeral - Lasting a very short time
5. decry - to criticize openly

I hope you enjoy your word list this week and I look forward to next weeks word list. I am sure that we can all think of a few people to use these words with. Don't you just feel the need to tell your children, husband, or co-worker to stop with the loquaciousness *grins*

Jewerly Swap!

Holly informed me of a cute little swap over at Kristen's Palace. It is a jewerly swap which I am sure will be a blast. Go check it out and start thinking of ideas. By the way....I love the whole swapping thing :) !

My not so successful 1st Swap.

I had came across a cute summer swap over at Sweet Tea Diaries weeks ago. I had the honor of being paired with Janna from Texas. It was my first blog swap and while it didn't end the way I wanted it too it was fun going out and shopping for her. I have to sadly report that apparently my package did not arrive in her mailbox and neither did hers. It will not stop me from doing another swap although this time I won't be as trusting to just send priority without at least delivery confirmation. I did take photos of all my goodies before shipping them down to the Lone Star State.

I will share with you what should have arrived but didn't.

~ M&M Fan with Candies (I thought this was so cute)

~ Locally made WhiteHouse Applesauce

~ Backpack Cooler

~Fruit Chillers

~ Kool-Aid

~Beach Ball

~ T-Shirt from Virginia

~ Whale Ice Cream Scoop

~ Hawaiian Bottle Cover thingie :)

It is a shame that Janna didn't get my package. However, I hope who ever has gotten it by mistake enjoyed the little gifts. I just hope its not lost somewhere in MailLand.

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Monday on Main!

I didn't realize a year ago when I moved onto Historic Main Street, just what it would be like. I can open my front windows and take in the sounds of tourist and locals alike. Within 50 yards of my front door I can take in 4 different types of resturants, take in a movie, enjoy an art gallery, browse antiques, cash a check at the bank, and choose between an ice cream cone or goodies from the candy shop. No day is the same living here. While I miss out on the smells of cut grass, I can hear kids laughing, couples fighting, and tourist trying to figure out just where they should eat.

Here is my first story to share about living on Main Street. One day I walked just a little ways down the street and grabbed an ice cream cone. I usually get a Swirl on a cake cone! One the way back while fighting a hole in the bottom of my cone I watched two kids. One was a little girl maybe around 11 years old and a little guy around 7 open up a manhole and start climbing down. I didn't just keep walking nor did I call any local authorities. I just stopped and watched these two in the middle of Main Street climb down the manhole. I don't know if I was just curious as to what took them on their own little adventure or to be close if one of them decided to not come back up. However, about 4 minutes watching this all play out the little boy finally came back. I couldn't see anything in his hand that he may have lost in the nearby storm drain. It appeared the two of them may have just wanted to climb down the hole. I waited for them to successfully put the cover back on then I continued down the street attempting to salvage my melting cone.

Footprints and Footsteps

Let me sum up last week and then give you a sneak peak into what is to come. I made a few new friends and I am sure one of you is reading this *grins*. I celebrated my happy ending, to my not-so-welcomed wildflower class. 4th of July brought nice weather and a pretty quiet day around my place.

This week has already started....I photographed a small little wedding for a nice young couple today. I woke up to an interesting email that will bring some new excitement to the end of the week, which for now I will keep a secret. There is a board meeting with the Educational Foundation on Thursday. I will wrap the week up with a Butterfly Photography workshop on Saturday.

Looking forward to a fun=filled week!

12 Rounds - Go get it!!

I haven't had much success renting movies lately until the other day. 12 Rounds is one movie that is worth watching...maybe even adding to your collection. However, despite my enjoyment of the movie is no WAR, A Man Apart, or The Guardian. It is however one of the better movies I have watched recently. Had they gotten Jason Stathman to be the main actor instead of newly to the big screen John Cena it would have been a much better movie.

The Road Ahead

I have struggled a little about what to write about. After much thought I decided I would start my own series of weekly writing. I will have set little weekly blogs on their respective days. So far this is what I have come up with (subject to change):

• Monday on Main - I happen to live on historic Main St. and that is an adventure in itself. Each Monday I will share a little about what life is like here on Main. I may even flashback to stories untold from time to time.
  
• Wednesday's Words - I always found learning new words a fun little thing to do. Each Wednesday I will a few words for the week. Just a little exercise I do to improve my vocabulary.
• Weekly Rewind - Most likely this will take place on Saturday. The title says it all!

Another Fun Giveaway......

I came across another pretty nifty giveaway. Go to this blog and leave a comment for your chance to win. I am sure you will have fun over there as well! Hmmm...maybe I need to think about what I will do for my first giveaway!

Michael Jackson

Let me just say it the way it is: I did not like Michael Jackson. I did not like his music and I don't really care about what he did or didn't do in life. I can only recall a few things I do know and remember about Michael Jackson.

• 'Thriller'


• Break Dancing


• My sister's Michael Jackson Doll


• Parachute Pants


• Neverland Ranch


• Plastic Surgery


• Child Molestation


• Berlin Hotel Baby Dangling - Only because I went to Berlin and someone had said that is the hotel that blah..blah...blah!

While some do see him as the King of Pop and compare him to Elvis. I just hope that Michael doesn't bring us "Sightings", Sky-diving Impersonators, and Commemerative Plates on Grandma's Shelves.

I declare....ONE HELL OF A GIVEAWAY!

I mentioned a few days ago that one of my daily reads is having her 1 year Blogging Giveaway. Well, this AM she posted what she will be having up for grabs. By far one of the best giveaways I have come across. So, awesome in fact I don't even want to post this. However, I won't let my own greed and determination to win to keep everyone else away. If you have time go check out her blog and enter for your chance to..WIN WIN WIN!!!

McRevelation

I love Sweet Tea and ever since McDonald's put it on their menu, I find myself in the Drive-thru there a lot. Today, I had to wait a little longer than usual and I started looking at the menu. I eat out often but seldom find myself eating fast food. I was rather amazed...shocked...actually of the cost of a value menu. Why would anyone pay over $6 for a value meal. I am starting to wonder where the "value" is. I mean you can go and sit down in a restaurant for that cost. I was just a little dumbfounded I suppose. How long has McDonald's being charging such insane prices for a piece of grease??

Anyhow, I thought I would share my drive-thru discovery!

Blog Giveway

One of my daily reads is having a giveaway. If I were you I would go check out April's blog and just maybe you will be the big winner! Plus it's one of the cutest blogs I read!

Hamburger.....Cake.....Yummy!

I usually always go for making a cookie and then decorating it with icing. Then again the last few times I kept my niece we have dabbled in cupcakes. However, nothing was as much fun as the Hamburger. My eldest niece Emily thought it was really nifty. The only complaint was the didn't think of taking of the real sesame seeds before diving in! My nephew suggested that next time there should be cake french fries. However, regardless of what we didn't have we surely enjoyed what we did!

Happy Father's Day!

I doubt I will ever find a man who is half the man my father is. My father is an amazing man who puts his family first. He has always came to my rescue. Whatever, my request is he is always there. Frantic calls about the mouse caught in the trap, keys locked in the car, or the times I tell him he should go test drive my car while the tank is empty. That way it comes back filled!

My dad is irreplaceable and simply amazing. There are no words to describe the man he is and the impact he has and will always have on my life.

'Gran Torino' - Been there done that!

After all the hype about 'Gran Torino' I had to make my way to the Redbox and pick it up. However, after watching it I wasn't all that impressed. What made this movie is that Clint Eastwood was the star actor. Had anyone else played the role then good chance I would have said the movie was just so-so! So, while the movie had lots of reviews, this is one I am glad I only paid a $1.00 for! It won't be finding its way into my personal collection.

Not so Wild about Wildflowers.

Okay, anyone that knows me know that I have an undying passion for photography. I've been on a program called Wildlife and Nature Photography. I have to take so many courses in photography and then a few field courses in biology. I decided to take a course entitled, "Wildflowers of Virginia". However, this class is driving me insane.

For the most part we met 3 nights a week from 5-9. The only thing that keeps me going is that it is almost over. June 30th will be the last class and at 9:01pm the party will begin. I was really looking forward to this class. I thought this will be great pretty pictures of wildflowers. I guess I needed to do some research on wildflowers before making assumptions that these so called little things would in fact be "pretty". I think we have walked miles down muddy trails to look at a little green things that looks like weeds one might pull from their lawn.

Yesterday, we walked a good 20 minutes searching for a flower that in reality I could care less about. Finally the professor decided that he wasn't sure if we would find it and we turned around and hiked back to our parked cars. I guess I did realize that I really do like taking pictures of strange little bugs. Often while he is talking on and on and on about the some very green flower I start searching for a little bug to capture with my camera.

I have learned one thing about this class...wildflowers aren't all that fantastic as I once imagined.

I'm going to post a few clips of some of the shots I got during class.

Unwelcomed House Guest.......

I was enjoying some late night t.v. and browsing the net when my little friend decided to make an appearance. I remember these too many legged creatures as a child and was happy to live them in my childhood. The sad thing about this little guy is he is just too dang big to smash! I mean who wants bug guts sheltered all over the house...not me!

So for now he has full run of the house until I can get some some much needed bug spray. For tonight this little fella is safe....

Bone Marrow Donor

Each day someone, somewhere searches the bone marrow registry in hopes of saving the life of someone who is in need of a bone marrow transplant. It takes a simple swab to find out if you could be that someone. You could be someones last chance....save a life..become a bone marrow donor.

A Day at the Track

I was asked by my aunt if I wanted to go to the racetrack yesterday. I have never placed a bet on horses and was up for the new adventure. We met two "grandpa's" who offered us seats at their table in the crowded smoke filled room. The one was an owner of five horses and the other was this man who just couldn't seem to stop talking.

My aunt and I had already placed our bets earlier in the afternoon. I had spent about $45.00 at this point and for the most part was filling confident in my selections. However, after talking with these two guys I learned so much more and went back for one more $6.00 bet.

After waiting a good long time for Race 11 of the Belmont Stakes to come around I was ready for some luck. I have to be honest watching horse races is somewhat like watching hockey. I have no idea who is winning until someone tells me who won. After the race was over I realized that my last $6.00 bet was my only winner.

My first time betting on the horses scored me a nice $147.50.

Palm Springs 2009

Last Thanksgiving I had an amazing time out in Palm Springs. I took 2 day trips to Joshua Tree National Park and was able to enjoy the trails on the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation. So when planning my next big adventure I know I wanted to enjoy these sites once again. However, it wouldn't be just a overnight hotel stay. This time I would take up my friends offer and borrow his travel agent.

I was always a Priceline's Name Your Own Price junkie. I always believed I had gotten a great deal with my stays through them. Until now....in October I will be staying at the Marriott's Shadow Ridge Resort in Palm Desert, California for 7 nights. The room we have is a 2 bedroom, 2 bath Villa that if booked through the Marriott with a $2,324.97 price tag. However, thanks do our dear friend sharing his inside information made our 7 night, 8 day price tag an amazing $675.00.

If any of you would be interested in the way we booked this then let me know. I have know problem giving anyone an amazing vacation at a spectacular price.

Memorial Day 2009

Memorial Day is the time to remember those men and women who have given their lives to serve this country. We can easily forget the true meaning of the holiday with the festivities. If it wasn't for the dedication and commitment of those soldiers, sailors, and airmen then we would not have the same security in this country that makes us feel "safe".

So when you finish your hot dog, hamburgers, and spending time with friends. Take a few brief seconds and remember those who gave the greatest sacrifice for the well being of this nation.

Happy Memorial Day.

Not just ice cream...Ben & Jerry's

Ben & Jerry's AmeriCone Dream

Stephen Colbert's AmeriCone Dream is a decadent melting pot of vanilla ice cream with fudge-covered waffle cone pieces and a caramel swirl.

Do I really need to say more. This tasty little ice cream is my latest craving. When I couldn't find any Snyder Chocolate Covered Pretzel Ice Cream by Turkey Hill I found this! I learned that if you nuke it in the microwave for about 10 seconds it is even better. The Carmel swirl is yummy and while I am thinking about it. Let me go get some....

Not just a lint roller....

I am more than willing to try new and improved methods of cleaning. Having carpets on my hardwood floors I was very happy to find my new best friend...my giant lint roller. I use to sit on the floor with the little clothing one trying to pick up anything the vacuum missed. This lint roller is worth the few bucks to try out. I found mine at Target for about $12.00. Trust me you will enjoy it!

Hi There...

For some strange reason you have found yourself on my blog. Wow! If you are actually reading this you must be really bored. I mean seriously, there has to be something else you would much rather be doing. I am curious how you found my page. Was it by chance? Did I send you a message saying check this out? For those of you I may have offered you some sort of prize we just ran out? One of those situations where you get that ad in the mail for the car for a mere $5000.00, I just gave away the last prize! Please tell me you are so not still reading this. I mean I am just here rambling on and you keep on. I don't get it. I thought by now I would have already sent everyone clicking to browse some other much more awesome site like the IRS. If you made it this far kudo's to you. I hope you weren't too bored with this entry because I will go ahead and forewarn you....THEY DON"T GET ANY BETTER!