View From the Fish Bowl

Migration...

noreply@blogger.com (Ariel) — Sun, 01 May 2011 14:18:00 +0000

As you may have noticed, I haven't been posting here. I may one day come back to this blog but for now I've migrated to Plans for Motherhood. Come join me!

Why Shouldn't I?

noreply@blogger.com (Ariel) — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 16:27:00 +0000

I continue to struggle with my feelings of anger and animosity towards Driver A. I know deep down, this was an accident. He didn't mean for it to happen. He wasn't trying, or even planning,to hurt me. It just happened.

As a result, my life has been changed. I drove for the first time today. It's been three weeks. Daniel had a 7:00 am meeting at work so we were up at 5:30 so he could help me get ready. Needless to say, I went back to sleep after he left. I had my first physical therapy visit today. My in-laws, who have been helping with transportation, were unavailable and Daniel was at work. My options were to walk the 4 miles round trip or drive it. I'm lazy and drove.

I struggle with bitterness for this driver that has changed how I live. I am broken and struggling with normal everyday tasks. As a Christian, I am working hard to forgive.

Jesus was beaten. Criticized. Spat upon. He bled and suffered far more than I ever have or ever will. He was tormented by people that hated him. Betrayed by people that just a week before were singing his praises. Battered and bruised he was forced to carry the instrument of his death through a hostile crowd. He had a crown of thorns thrust into his head. His wrists suffered far greater trauma than mine as the nails were pounded into them to bear the full weight of his body as he hung on the cross to die.

He suffered all of this. Why? For love. To give us the opportunity to be with him forever. As he hung there, after suffering through so much, he said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."

This flawless, perfect man took the sins of the entire world on himself for love. He suffered atrociously at the hands of people that hated him. And yet, he forgave them, took care of their punishment, and died for them.

If he can forgive such horrendous things, why shouldn't I forgive Driver A? My "suffering" pales in comparison.

I can't claim to be flawless or perfect but I am loved. I am forgiven. And as a follower of Christ I am to love as he loves, forgive as he does.

Driver A? I know you're not reading this and may never even know this, but I forgive you. It would be my prayer that you are well and find Jesus this Easter season.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Life with one hand...

noreply@blogger.com (Ariel) — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 02:34:00 +0000

So it's been two weeks since my accident. Two weeks since I've washed, dried, and styled my own hair. Two weeks since I've opened a package or completely dressed myself by myself. Two weeks of pain and putting others out with things I can't do. Two weeks since I've driven a car. Six days of lost wages and 14 nights of waking up every two to four hours for pain meds. Currently 11 days since surgery and did I mention that the driver that hit me was apparently uninsured?

Two weeks of lessons about patience. 14 days of being reminded that God has plans for me. 336 hours of releasing my control freak nature. 20,160 seconds of being thankful that I'm alive.

A lot has happened since the accident. I had surgery, we bought a new car, I went back to work, and we hired a lawyer. It's incredibly frustrating not to be able to do the things that you normally did with no problems. It's irritating to alway have to ask someone else to do something for you when you've always done it for yourself. But ya know? Everyone's been incredible!

My husband? He has done so many things for me. He washes my hair and holds the blow dryer so I can style it. Every. Morning. He helps me get dressed, carries my things, and doesn't complain. He handles this whole process in stride. He's my hero. Without him? I'm really not sure what I would've done. I don't even want to think about it!

I still have worries. Such as my knee that was seemingly hit by something in the wreck. It's yet to heal and still hurts quite a bit. I've been on pain meds for two weeks so I have no idea about the damage my back and neck have received. I have no idea what the lawyers are going to find out about the other driver. Whether he has insurance or not, whether or not I'll have to basically sue myself for my insurance money to pay for my medical bills... But ya know? One thing is constant.

I am thankful to be alive. If I didn't have my seatbelt on, I don't think I would've walked away. If I didn't wear a seatbelt and didn't have an air bag? I don't think I'd be here to tell you about the wreck at all. I'm thankful. Thankful that I'm okay with only a broken wrist and a bruised knee. Thankful that everyone else involved is also well. Thankful that I have people that care about me and are willing to step up and take care of the slack. Thankful my insurance company is handling things and we are already in a new vehicle. Thankful.

I apologize if it seems like I'm complaining. It's been a little rough. But God has plans for us. Lessons have been learned that wouldn't have been otherwise. I've been reminded to learn, love, and forgive. Do I wish it hadn't happened? You bet I do! But I'm okay.

I'm okay. I can live with that.

My interesting, albeit painful, week...

noreply@blogger.com (Ariel) — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 14:45:00 +0000

I do apologize for the delay on this post. Read to the end and it will make sense.

I started at a new job on Wednesday, March 11th. It's in my town about 2 1/2 miles away and takes me about five minutes to get there. Let's just say I'm thrilled with this new drive time! It's much better than the 45 minutes one-way that I was driving. It's a busy medical office that has had an interesting time itself lately. More on that later... I'm enjoying it but I do tend to leave late every day.

This rang true Thursday the 19th as I dropped off my wedding rings at the jewelers to be re-rhodium-ed, if that's the official term. The same was also true on Friday the 20th. Except today, we were running low on gowns for the office. So according to our contract with a local dry cleaners, I bagged them up and threw them into my car to drop them off and pick up some more. I left the office at approximately 5:40.

As I drove to the shopping center housing the cleaners, I pulled into the left turning lane and stopped at the light. As I patiently waited my turn for the green light, I noticed that the car headed in the opposite direction was trying to speed up to make his left turn before his light turned red. Or at least that's what I thought was happening. "Oh crap, this is going to hurt," was my last thought before he plowed into me head-on going approximately 45-50 mph.

He struck me hard enough to push me into the Blazer behind me but also hard enough to turn me slightly and push me onto the median. My final resting place was at least 20 feet back and facing three o'clock instead of twelve with my rear bumper slightly in on-coming traffic.

My car, a Saturn ION, held up wonderfully. The airbags deployed and played a major role in my safety. My engine crumpled without coming at me. None of my glass was broken. My trunk was squished but again didn't fold up into my back seat. My little plastic car did a good job. I walked away.

I wasn't unharmed but it could've been so much worse. Because I saw the car coming, I did something I knew better than to do. I braced myself against the steering wheel with my left hand. You know, one of those things they always tell you not to do? Yeah, I did it. I had about 10 seconds to recognize what was going to happen and respond. Oh well. That resulted in a broken wrist, in two places. However, that was the extent of my major injuries. I have a pretty amazing bruise directly under my left knee. I mean, it's amazing. Huge and multi-colored. Other than that, I have bruises from my lovely seat belt that saved my life.

I went to the hospital afterwards where they x-rayed my wrist and knee to make sure everything was okay. My wrist, as I said, was broken. My knee was just bruised. They splinted my wrist and gave me the name for an orthopaedic doctor. I went into Dr. O's office on Monday thinking I'd get a cast and would heal in 6-8 weeks. He had something entirely different in mind.

I left Dr. O's office on Monday with a surgery time for Tuesday. Yeah, not exactly what I was prepared for... Basically, I chip fractured my ulna but broke the radius to the joint. Dr O said he could set it manually but the pain would be excruciating and it most likely wouldn't stay there. That would cause future problems as I got older. The solution? A titanium plate screwed into the bone to set it and keep it there.

Sounded ~~good~~ okay to me. And it was, until Tuesday night when my nerve block wore off... The excruciating pain he mentioned? Well, it wasn't avoided. The block wore off about five hours before they estimated it would. I didn't have enough medicine in my system to keep it from going into shock. Let's just say that I hope that's the last time I ever reach a 9 or 10 on the pain scale.

Since then, things have been fairly smooth sailing health-wise. I did, however, find out that the driver that hit me doesn't seem to have insurance right now. Which will be... interesting. Did I mention he was born in 1930? That he doesn't remember the collision? He left in an ambulance with a neck brace on as did the passenger from the Blazer. I think they're okay though. Just the standard annoyingly painful whiplash.

As we fight with this whole mess, we still have to worry about replacing my totalled car. It's been an interesting week. I've gone through several emotions varying from pain to anger to contentment to overwhelmed. Thankfully, I have one more story that proves God loves us. Proves He takes care of us. I could've been much more severely injured but I walked away with only a broken wrist that was essentially my fault. He even cares about the small things and nudged me to drop of my rings so they wouldn't have to be cut off!

Can I say that I'm thankful that this happened as I stand on the verge of possibly suing someone? As I deal with the frustrations of typing and living with one hand? As I worry about being off work for a week from a job that I've only been there a week and a half? No, I'd be lying if I did. I am however, very aware of His hands at work as things are resolving and as our needs are being met. It was better me, who has a support system, a means of being okay, and age on my side for healing than someone else that may not have been in the best of health, without good insurance, or that didn't routinely wear a seatbelt. I'm not happy about it but I know He has a reason and I'm okay with that.

Workin' it out...

noreply@blogger.com (Ariel) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 14:23:00 +0000

God's pretty amazing. Did you know that? Has anyone else experienced that lately? I wrote yesterday all about the trials that consist of my life lately. Today, I'm writing with some solutions, some progress. Happy thoughts! Lessons learned and shared.

Yesterday, I was given a job offer, which I accepted. I currently drive 45 minutes to work, one way. This new job? About 5 minutes. Vast improvement! I'll be doing the same thing I'm currently doing but instead of pediatric surgery, I'll be working for a pain management doctor. Dr. T seems nice. I know things won't be as laid back in his office as they are with Dr. B but I'm looking forward to it all the same. It's a very very bittersweet move. I'm truly going to miss all that I have here. The camaraderie with Dr. B and Ms. E is not something that I'm going to be able to replace. They're much more than just employers, they're my friends. I have to tell them today that I'm going to be leaving them and that's going to be hard. I'll probably cry. Ms. E will probably cry. It's going to be a rough two weeks but busy as I try to get everything together for my last day on March 10th.

Daniel had a job interview last night at Best Buy. Things went well and we're encouraged. We were told that someone would contact him for the third interview soon and would be able to hire him on the spot then. We have a little bit of an inside pull in the fact that another coworker knows people in management at Best Buy. The same coworker has also applied and has been led to believe that they (he and my husband) will get the job. Personally, I think they'd be crazy not to hire them. Both are home audio fanatics and both are well educated in what they do. They would be an assest and require very little training. Who knows! Time will tell!

My great great aunt is still on schedule to move to the rehab hospital today! This is fabulous news! She went into the hospital after falling on February 4th and discovering that she had a bowel obstruction. Through various turns and twists, she is finally doing better and will continue to heal at the rehab hospital for approx. 20 days. Did I mention that she's 88? And the sweetest little thing you've ever met? When she got off of the ventilator after surgery, she was whispering her concerns for everyone else! She cares deeply about those around her and prays continuously for them. Love that little lady to pieces! Please keep her in your prayers!

I have a hole in my sock and my shoe keeps sticking to my foot...

noreply@blogger.com (Ariel) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 20:28:00 +0000

My life has been hurrying right past without waiting for me. This morning is yet another example. In my haste to get out the door on time, I grabbed a sock with a hole in the bottom of it. Sad part is that I didn't even realize it until I was already at work going through my normal opening business routine. Most irritating as my Dansko clogs keep sticking to the heel of my foot.

Life seems to be like that lately. There's a hole in the heel of the sock we call life. We keep getting things situated just right and think everything's going to be okay. Then the sock shifts and we're back tripping over a sticky shoe.

As I've mentioned before, my husband works for Circuit City. Unless you've been living in a cave for the last couple of months, you probably know they're closing their doors. Everyone that currently works there will be out of a job, including my husband. A couple of weeks after this announcement, our state had a massive, disabling ice storm. During this, we discovered that the rim on Daniel's car was broken and had to be replaced. A week later, the arms of his windshield wipers broke and also had to be replaced. The following week, I was told that I could possibly be out of a job soon. Added to these facts, my father lost his job of 33 years, my 88 year old great great aunt has been in the hospital for the last month, and Daniel and I have had some major personal disappointments. It's been a stressful last couple of months.

I'll be honest. I've cried more recently then I think I have in years! I've worried and I've stressed. I've griped and I've complained. I've been frustrated and snappy. In the same token, I know that as a result of these hardships, I've learned lessons that I wouldn't have otherwise learned. I've grown, mentally and spiritually. I have come to realize that it doesn't matter what happens or doesn't happen, God's not going anywhere. He's going to be there, through thick and thin.

He has provided for us through all of this. My aunt is going to be released into a rehabilitation hospital tomorrow after a month in the hospital, 2 1/2 weeks spent in ICU. Daniel's car issues have been solved without straining our bank account because we were prepared with an emergency fund. We both have had good, promising job opportunities present themselves in the last week. My father is working towards becoming a certified computer technician (if that's the correct term), which has been a passion of his for years.

Just as I will change my sock tonight, I'm learning to change my attitude and my outlook. I'm learning to have faith. I'm learning to lean on God. I've always known that God will provide a way but I have never had that faith tested. I've never had dreams dashed before they even had a chance to be realized. But because of these things, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God loves me. He wants what's best for me (Jeremiah 29:11). Everything that He does has a purpose. Hard times are just that, hard. But thankfully, we have them. It's through the hard times that we can grow, that we realize what we're made of and can improve on it.

Wow... A month? Seriously?

noreply@blogger.com (Ariel) — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 15:52:00 +0000

I've missed you guys! Sorry it's been a month since I've posted. It's been a little crazy around here. I've been ~~slaving~~ working away with all the necessary evils of life.

In the last month I have:

Had four photo shoots which means TONS of pictures to sort through and edit.

Hosted an Election party

Written and given a speech for my CPA graduation

Celebrated my brother's 25th and my niece's 1st birthdays

Had a massive gallbladder attack resulting in a doctor's visit where I was told I needed surgery.

Had gallbladder surgery.

Participated in three Thanksgiving dinners.

Finished Christmas shopping.

Filled out and addressed Christmas cards and ordered stamps.

Decorated for Christmas.

Shopping for a friend's wedding on Saturday.

::deep breathe::

I think that's about it... I've been busy. Sorry I haven't posted. When I'm not at work, I'm typically working on photos. You know, gotta work before you can play? You've received the short straw but I'm going to do better. Forgive me?

Redbox Code - November 3rd

noreply@blogger.com (Ariel) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 14:27:00 +0000

It's that time of the week again!! Hope everyone had a great weekend!

67JFP8

This code is good for a free rental from any Redbox kiosk. Keep in mind that it will expire at midnight tonight! Feel free to get more than one movie with this code but be prepared and have more than one credit card with you! Enjoy!

Redbox Code - October 27th

noreply@blogger.com (Ariel) — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 15:42:00 +0000

It's that time of the week again!! Hope everyone had a great weekend!

93NCA5

Oh, Gravity...

noreply@blogger.com (Ariel) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 20:56:00 +0000

Gravity is doing its job. I haven't falled off the face of the earth. It has just been one crazy hectic two weeks. My goodness! I'll spare you all the nitty gritty details unless you'd really like to know. Let's suffice it to say that good things are happening with my photography! I've been on Cloud Nine for about two weeks now.

The 'short' version:

I helped shoot a wedding with a fabulous photography, Shaun Ring, back in late September. Last week, I met with him to go over the shots and 'talk shop.' Left greatly encouraged and through a turn of events will be assisting him in the 2009 wedding season! Needless to say, I'm thrilled because his work is really really good! I can't wait! Check his site out here, and his blog here. Let him know that I sent you!

I also got a new camera which I was shooting with for the first time on Friday night, with some willing models, when I received a call for someone desperate for a wedding photographer. So I shot my first wedding Saturday. Since then, I've been busy living, working, and editing photos. It's been a learning experience! I'm excited about how some of them turned out! They aren't finished yet but when I get them completed, I'll post some on my other blog.

In other news, one of my very dear friends, Lindsey, is celebrating a birthday today! Happy birthday Linds! We're celebrating with dinner and a rousing game of laser tag!! We've known each other for over 10 years! Craziness.

As I go into the weekend, I'm reminded that I still have craziness waiting for me on the other side. I have the shoot from last Friday to edit and I have two more to do tomorrow. I best get cracking but I didn't want anyone to think I'd wandered off and got lost somewhere! I'm here... just very busy! My apologies that this post is so much about photography but well, it's what my life has consisted of for the past two weeks! I'll catch up soon and possibly even write about something you find more entertaining than photos! Have a great weekend people!

Redbox Code - October 20th

noreply@blogger.com (Ariel) — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 14:23:00 +0000

It's that time of the week again!! Hope everyone had a great weekend!

PK66H8

The Bee Family

noreply@blogger.com (Ariel) — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 18:08:00 +0000

Just posted a new shoot over on my photography blog! Check it out!

The Twitter Song

noreply@blogger.com (Ariel) — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 17:28:00 +0000

My friend, Joanna, over at keepingfeet, recently posted this song. Too funny!! Just had to share!

http://joannal.blogspot.com/

She's doing well...

noreply@blogger.com (Ariel) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 19:27:00 +0000

I have not spoken with her myself but I hear Becky is doing well. She was discharged from the hospital on Monday night after her surgery. Thought that was a tad unusual but she's doing well. Please continue to keep her and Craig in your prayers as she will now be trying to recover with an almost 11 month old. Thanks for your prayers! I know she appreciates them.

An update...

noreply@blogger.com (Ariel) — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 23:44:00 +0000

Becky went into surgery about 7:00. Haven't heard anything just yet but will Twitter when I do... you can catch me there. Thanks for your prayers!

Sending prayers heavenward...

noreply@blogger.com (Ariel) — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 17:37:00 +0000

Please say a prayer for my sister-in-law Becky today. She's on her way to the hospital now to have her appendix removed. Prayers for her family and the doctor's hands are also appreciated! I'll keep you updated!

Redbox Code - October 13th

noreply@blogger.com (Ariel) — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 14:50:00 +0000

It's that time of the week again!! Hope everyone had a great weekend!

7CB23W

100 Things about Ariel

noreply@blogger.com (Ariel) — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 15:58:00 +0000

In honor of my blogoversary today, I've decided to post the much delayed 100 Things. I'll be posting something a little more 'honoring' later but enjoy until then!

1. My name is Ariel. Figured I’d start this off right! Not after the Little Mermaid…
2. My husband’s name is Daniel. We have been married a little over two years. Our anniversary is May 27th.
3. My husband is still school with plans to graduate either December 2009 or May 2010 with his second degree, this time in Business.
4. My husband is an only child whereas I come from a family with six kids. Yes, it’s an adjustment for both of us.
5. I have two nieces and two nephews, three sisters, and two brothers.
6. I am the youngest girl with only William being younger than me.
7. We once had nine animals in our house with eight people. 2 cats, birds, hermit crabs, hamsters, and a dog.
8. My favorite color when I was young was pink until we started helping a gentleman collect cans. Scored a jackpot on someone’s Rosie and decided my favorite color was then blue.
9. My favorite color is now orange.
10. The house I spent most of my growing years in was an older home with originally only one bedroom.
11. With the addition of another living room and kitchen, the old living room and dining room were converted into bedrooms.
12. I shared the very large former living room with my youngest brother and my three step-sisters.
13. We once thought it would be wise to play ‘football’ on our knees in my room. It resulted in my big toe being broken. We never did it again.
14. My older brother, Craig, and I once hid from our babysitter in the attic with the drop-down staircase. Shame on us…
15. Some of my fondest childhood memories where riding our bikes in the surrounding neighborhood.
16. We moved from that house when I was 13 and in the new house, I had my own room in the garage-converted-into-a-bedroom, complete with a window seat! I loved that room.
17. We got our first computer when I was six and because I was a geeky little kid, I taught myself to type at age eight.
18. I moved out on my 19th birthday and into my own apartment.
19. Up until I moved out, I was only allergic to dust. Now, even having been raised in a home with cats and have eaten peanut butter my whole life, I’m allergic to both.
20. I have 13 first cousins not including any spouses.
21. I love Mexican food but I’m picky about what. My favorite would be beef enchiladas done the right way!
22. I love hush puppies but couldn’t care less about cornbread.
23. I like the smell of cucumbers but not the taste.
24. I ABHOR pickles in any way, shape, or form. They make me gag. If there was a pickle on my food, I’m done. Can’t eat any more. If there's one in the vicinity, I can smell it.
25. I hate circus peanuts and coconut!
26. I have a strong preference for pulp-free orange juice but will drink the ‘nasty’ stuff if that’s all that is available.
27. I won’t eat tomatoes whole or in chunks but I thoroughly enjoy tomato products. Can we say ‘texture issue’?
28. I prefer dark chocolate over milk or white but I’ll eat it all!!
29. I will drink Pepsi before I will drink Coke and I prefer them to be diet. However, I prefer light colored over dark; just make my Mt. Dew or Sprite fully leaded.
30. My favorite candy bars were Snickers and Butterfinger, neither of which I can have now. So 3 Musketeers or Milky Way Dark, please!
31. I love Skittles and Starbursts!
32. I learned to drive in a mini-van.
33. I got my permit the day after my 16th birthday but let it expire and didn’t get my license until three weeks after my 17th birthday.
34. I cannot, to this day, drive a manual transmission. My husband has tried to teach me… I seem to lack the coordination necessary.
35. I pray my life is never based on the ability to back up. I can’t seem to do it very well. Parking spaces, I can handle… more than that, I’m toast!
36. I have only been pulled over once so far and let off with a warning. I hope for it never to happen again.
37. I was eight in the last auto collision I was in. I hope to keep it that way.
38. Two of my biggest driving pet peeves are when people do not signal or when they drive the wrong way in a directional parking lot.
39. I love a good foot rub but don't touch my toes while I’m trying to sleep.
40. I love to color in coloring books. At 23, I still buy crayons and coloring books.
41. I love a little coffee with my sugar and cream. I'll pass on the coffee ice cream though.
42. I'm mostly ambidextrous. Having hand injuries in the past tends to make you that way.
43. I'm not a big meat eater. Not a vegetarian but not a big fan of meat.
44. I despise scary movies. I hate being scared! I refuse to watch them and will ~~hide~~ go to our bedroom while my husband and his friends watch them.
45. I won't pet animals that are wet. I can't stand it!
46. I enjoy fishing as long as I don’t have to touch slimy bait or the fish.
47. Some of my favorite memories as a child were the camping trips we went on as a family.
48. My favorite sounds are also focused on those memories, rain falling on the tarp while you play cards at the picnic table and waking up in a tent with someone walking around in the gravel outside.
49. I love nature. The serenity, the complexity, the awesomeness of it….
50. I thoroughly enjoy trying to capture nature with my camera. Or people… whichever is readily available.
51. I love clouds and stars.
52. Oftentimes, I would rather read than watch TV.
53. I would rather type than write 80% of the time.
54. I cannot make myself lick an envelope. I will go get a wet paper towel before I will. Disgusting!
55. I am a blogaholic. I am subscribed to 207 blogs in my Google Reader. 73 of which are photography blogs.
56. Fall is my favorite season. I love the colors and the cool down from summer.
57. I hate being cold because it happens so easily. Once I’m cold, I stay cold for a long time.
58. Ideal temperature for me is somewhere in the range of 65-80 degrees.
59. I love to wear sweaters and long sleeve shirts.
60. I live in my jeans and t-shirts. I’m a casual kinda girl.
61. I have a paralyzing fear of stairs that you can see through. Throws me all out of whack and I’d rather take the elevator, or not go.
62. Because of this fact, and the fact that our washer and dryer are in the basement, my wonderful fabulous husband does the laundry. Love him!!
63. I run into walls and fall off of stools with wheels. It’s really quite embarrassing.
64. I have never had a land line phone in my name. Just seems silly to pay the extra for a land line when I’m never home to use when everyone already calls my cell phone.
65. I have known my best friend, Sarah, for more years of my life than I haven’t, 12 years to be exact.
66. I really don’t care a whole lot for leftovers. Unless it’s sweet… Just something about it not tasting as good the second time around. I’m honestly not sure. I do love leftover pizza though!
67. I doodle while I talk on the phone. Or, if I’m not sitting down, I pace. And I can’t seem to carry on a conversation in the room with someone else, even if they’re quiet.
68. I hate Times New Roman font. With a passion.
69. I bought my first gaming system when I was 21. It is a pink Nintendo DS and I love it!
70. I’m very easily amused as well as easily entertained. Sometimes, it’s embarrassing.
71. I must hit the snooze button at least twice before I can get up. It’s necessary. I wake up and feel so much better than when I jump out of bed the minute it goes off.
72. I have a weak stomach when it comes to blood and gore but I can handle vomit without a problem. Go figure.
73. I have fabulous in-laws. I’m very blessed with a great relationship with my mother-in-law.
74. I’m not athletic though I played soccer for my high school my freshman. And I did manage to score…. Once.
75. I started playing piano when I was eight years old and stopped taking lessons when I was 15. I can still play (a little) but haven’t played much since I moved out at 19. It’s kinda sad.
76. I almost went to a middle school specializing in music and arts. I was second on the waiting list and decided to be homeschooled again.
77. I was homeschooled 8 of my 12 school years but not consecutively. I graduated through home school. And I was not deprived socially.
78. I got my first job when I was 15. I was doing secretarial work for a friend of the family. His office was very messy when I started but in perfect order when they let me go for money reasons.
79. I have worked in retail every year since January 2002. I’m sick but I love working the Christmas season. Something about the chaos appeals to me.
80. I love customer service. I enjoy being able to help the person either find the item they’re looking for or give them ideas for gifts. I like to help.
81. I’m very much so a people person.
82. I have had two boyfriends in my life. One of which is my husband.
83. Daniel is the only man I have ever kissed, something I have never regretted.
84. My cat (who lives with my parents now) was named by my nephew. Her name is Pikachu!
85. I tend to name inanimate objects such as my car who is Dazi Ann.
86. I am a Republican not because my parents are but because that is what I believe.
87. I was blessed to grow up in a Christian home and was saved at the age of 4.
88. I tend to bottle things up and just explode when I can’t keep it in any more. I’m working on that because let’s be honest, it scares my husband when I start babbling about stuff that happened three months ago.
89. I love to read. My husband thinks I’m weird. I prefer Christian romance but Dee Henderson’s my favorite.
90. I love to take pictures and would love to get a photography job off the ground.
91. I’m kind of a computer geek. I enjoy knowing how to use programs to their fullest.
92. I like to know why things work the way they do. I’m a visual learner.
93. I want four children and would like to adopt two. Again, my husband thinks I’m crazy but we’re working on that. He only wants one or two and on some days I can get him to agree with three.
94. I despise rude people. Okay… that’s mean. I strongly disagree with their attitudes. Is that better?
95. I love to window shop. I can pick up a million things on the walk through the store but when it comes time to check out, I’ve put it all back. Unless of course you have me in a grocery store.
96. I have a massive sweet tooth. I’m a junk food lover. I often times prefer that to ‘real food’.
97. My left leg is slightly longer than my right same as my left foot is also slightly bigger than my right.
98. I physically cannot blow up a balloon myself. Must have something to do with my asthma….
99. I’m a Facebook addict.
100. I love to type.

Ahh! I've been tagged!

noreply@blogger.com (Ariel) — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 17:47:00 +0000

Well, it seems I've been tagged. As it's my first, I figured I'd better follow through! Check out Kelly's answers over at Close To Home. Kelly, thanks for tagging me! Be forewarned that most of these are taken from my 100 Things that I'm working on for my Blogoversary tomorrow!

7 Weird/Random Facts About Me

1. I love a good foot rub but don't touch my toes while I'm trying to sleep.
2. I love to color in coloring books. At 23, I still buy crayons and coloring books.
3. I love a little coffee with my sugar and cream. I'll pass on the coffee ice cream though. (Thanks for the suggestion, Kelly!)
4. I'm mostly ambidextrous. Having hand injuries in the past tends to make you that way.

5. I'm not a big meat eater. Not a vegetarian but not a big fan of meat.
6. I despise scary movies. I hate being scared! I refuse to watch them and will ~~hide~~ go to our bedroom while my husband and his friends watch them.
7. I won't pet wet animals. I can't stand it!

Yes, I know I'm odd and thanks for loving me anyway! Now share the love as I tag seven others!
1. Moma @ Aclaypot4him
2. Mrs. Who @ Mrs. Who's Open Book

3. Jen @ Optimistically Waiting
4. Liz @ Moose on the Loose

5. Lucy's Mom @ Life in the Land of Labs

6. Sarah @ Bio-Girl

7. Marilyn @ Slackermama

Redbox Code - October 6th

noreply@blogger.com (Ariel) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 14:30:00 +0000

It's that time of the week again!! Hope everyone had a great weekend!

DGM314

Recipe Swap - Brownies

noreply@blogger.com (Ariel) — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 13:36:00 +0000

Let's just let it be said that my favorite part of cooking anything is baking. I would rather make something sweet than cook a meal. Even with this being true, I have never made homemade brownies before. I'm more a cookie kinda girl. However, I've been craving brownies lately.

The VP debate was last night so we invited five of Daniel's closest friends over to enjoy it with us. As the guys were enjoying Iron Man, I was in the kitchen ~~slaving away~~ making brownies. Let me just tell ya, they were a hit! The pan was cleaned in no time. And I know at least one person had four!! How he stomached that much sweet, gooey, yumminess, I'm not sure but maybe that's just my sensitive stomach talking. Absolutely amazing though! Delightful! Will DEFINITELY make them again! Only next time, I'll double the recipe and making a larger dish.

MMMMMM... Brownies!

1/2 cup white sugar
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons water
1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease an 8x8 inch square pan.
In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, butter and water. Cook over medium heat until boiling. Remove from heat and stir in chocolate chips until melted and smooth. Mix in the eggs and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; stir into the chocolate mixture. Spread evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven, until brownies set up. Do not over-bake! Cool in pan and cut into squares.

You have to make these brownies! Your taste buds will thank you!

Do you have a great recipe? Join the Recipe Swap!

Brighter Days

noreply@blogger.com (Ariel) — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 13:57:00 +0000

I was talking to my sister on iGoogle's version of Google Talk the other day. When she asked how I was doing, I responded with my usual, "I'm good." Her response made me think... "You're always good." And ya know what? I am. I really can't complain. I have been very blessed. Life has its ups and downs, I certainly won't deny that, but for the most part it's pretty even kilt. I'm certainly one to complain when things aren't good but the majority of the time, I can't complain too much because things are... well... good.

I am a genuinely happy person. A glass-half-full type of girl... And for the most part, (sometimes to a fault), I'm a "water-off-a-duck's back" type of person. "Smile-at-you-as-we-pass-in-the-hallway", I'll hold the door for you, thank you for holding the door for me, help you pick up your fallen papers. I guess I've just heard the verse, "Do unto others as you would have them do to you.", and applied it to my life. Life just seems easier when it's served with a side of sunshine.

Those of you who know me, know that I have my bad days and my bad attitudes. I have those times where people make me mad and I fuss and fume and yell. But honestly? What's the point? Does yelling make it different? Does being upset to the point of tears change the situation?

I learned another lesson Tuesday night. As I've mentioned before, I've been going through our city's Citizen's Police Academy on Tuesdays. Well, this week, as I'm one of the last few to leave, I noticed that the older gentleman parked beside me was having problems with his car. As we're calling AAA and trying to solve this problem, he turns to me and says, "I'm not even upset. It just doesn't matter. I could stomp my feet and fuss but it wouldn't change anything. Maybe when I was younger I would've but I've learned as I've grown up." This 80-some-odd year old man spoke the truth. Fussing and carrying on and getting worked up wouldn't change the fact that his battery needed to be replaced.

So what's the point? What am I trying to say? What point am I trying to prove? Well, I guess nothing. I know about my ability to respond poorly to tense or difficult situations. I also know that while I cannot control what is happening, I can make a difference in the outcome with my attitude. I can help make the situation more bearable, or I can make it worse. As a Christian, I'm called to live my life in such a way to shine Christ's light. One way I can do that is to serve everything up with a side of sunshine.

Things that make me wish I had a scratch-n-sniff monitor

noreply@blogger.com (Ariel) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 17:56:00 +0000

Yankee Candles, particularly: (and these are just from their "Returning Treasures" collection)

Bath and Body Works, particularly:

All Recipes, particularly:

Starbucks, particularly:

Campfires, fresh rain, roses, and babies... to name a few more. Would be nice to have a scratch-n-sniff monitor to be able to enjoy these even when they aren't available.

Try-It-Tuesday - Camelbak

noreply@blogger.com (Ariel) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 15:19:00 +0000

We have previously established that I enjoy water but in a picky manner. In my previous post, I had discovered the lovely Deer Park 3-l bottle. I have since switched to Highbridge Springs gallon jug for a whoopping $.99!! Because I'm not buying individual bottles, I have lost the luxury of just going to the fridge and grabbing and bottle and quenching my thirst. But I have found a solution!!

Camelbak has created a "Better Bottle". It's BPA free and spill-proof so it's safe for work. The bottle I purchased is the size of a standard bottle of water, 16.9 ounces. It uses a straw so you aren't having to worry about tipping it up and spilling it. Which isn't a concern anyway because it's spill-proof! All you have to to and lift, bite, and sip.

I love my Camelbak! I have been drinking so much more water lately! I'm averaging about 64 oz while I'm at work. For some reason, because it's a straw, it's easier to drink. We all need plenty of water, right??

It's a bit of an investment at about $11 a pop. Think of it this way though, you'll ultimately be saving money and you'll be healthier because you're drinking more water. Well, that is, if you put water in it.

You can check out the Camelbak website for store locations near you. I bought mine at Dick's Sporting Goods. I'm tellin' ya... I tried it, and I love it!!

What are you trying lately? Let us know over at Mrs. Who's Open Book!

Redbox Code - September 29th

noreply@blogger.com (Ariel) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:41:00 +0000

It's that time of the week again!! Hope everyone had a great weekend!

LA45W7

This code is good for a free rental from any Redbox kiosk. Keep in mind that it will expire at midnight though! Feel free to get more than one movie with this code but be prepared and have more than one credit card with you! Enjoy!!