Food, Fun and Fotos

Pin-it Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Adena (aka cre82learn)) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:17:00 +0000

A blog party dedicated to my Pinterest addiction?? Oh yea!!

There is simply no way to share all of my faves but here's some of the top few:

This is from an Etsy store, less than $15!!

This tutorial on how to make a lined paper t-shirt was shared on U Create. I love to write and also I am a homeschool mom...thinking of making these for our new school uniforms. :D

This amazing April Fool's Day idea is to bake cupcakes in real egg shells. Read the details at the Cupcake Project.

And the last one I want to share is a recipe I cannot wait to try, Pineapple Fried Quinoa by Healthy Happy Life, btw, this blog is amazing and a new one that I stumbled upon. I hope she doesn't mind that I plan to stalk her....I need some more new healthy recipes and hers all look delish!

If you want to always be update on my latest Pinterest finds, follow me on Pinterest here.

Five Question Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Adena (aka cre82learn)) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 17:20:00 +0000

1. What's your favorite way to spend down time (alone or with a significant other)?

I'm really not picky. If we have time, I like to drive over to the beach or to Orlando and go to Ikea and maybe Saks comedy club. I've never done the comedy club by myself though.

2. Are you the kind of person that wants things more as soon as you know you can't have it?

Not really. And seeing that my word of the year is contentment, I better not be. :D

3. If you were given $1000 to spend on yourself, what would you buy?

Hmmm, that would be hard. I would check the cost of laser hair removal. I've recently been thinking about that. Something about once you hit 40, seems like you have to shave all the time. Ugh. Or I would travel somewhere. Or buy some new furniture. Gee, why would you ask this right after the question above...my contentment is fading away now.

4. Do you ever go out to eat by yourself?

Yup. Something about having five kids, you never get to sit down and enjoy a meal without interruptions.

5. What company would you want to do a blog review for?

One for homeschool curriculum I think. Or for health. Hmmm, anything for photography or electronics would be really cool too but I don't think I am very qualified for that. I am currently obsessing about changing language arts curriculum and really want to try out the All About Spelling and also the one for Reading.

Thankful Thursday

noreply@blogger.com (Adena (aka cre82learn)) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 23:11:00 +0000

First and foremost,

I AM THANKFUL MY DAUGHTER IS HOME!! She flew to NC to visit my family and be with a friend who just had a baby. While she was gone, I subbed her job and it KILLED me. Almost. I am exhausted and sooooo glad it's over now.
I am thankful that my other kids pitched in and helped me work.
I am thankful that my friend is finally getting some pain relief after her car accident last month through acupuncture.
I am thankful that my husband's work is getting more streamlined so that he will be able to be home quicker.
I am thankful that God is answering some prayers and giving my kids direction for their lives.

Another Reason to Love Starbucks....

noreply@blogger.com (Adena (aka cre82learn)) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 22:48:00 +0000

I am not sure if this is something new Starbucks is doing. Or it is only this location. But I am loving it!!!

I got two bags!! Last year when I was preparing my garden, I had a friend whose daughter worked at Starbucks. I would have her get me some fresh grinds. But not that she no longer works there, I lost my connection and we simply just do not drink that much coffee. I am hoping this is a permanent thing they are doing and it will soon be nationwide. This Starbucks was near the airport and I would hate to have to drive almost 2 hrs just for grinds.

Check out your local Starbucks. If they are not doing this yet, ask them too. This is a great way to recycle the leftover grounds, great for your garden and less waste.

This post was shared on

Frugal Friday hosted by

Come With Me to a Favorite Place

noreply@blogger.com (Adena (aka cre82learn)) — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 04:16:00 +0000

Do you know where one of my most favorite places is??

It's a place where you can be whatever you want to be. Go where ever you want to go. It's a place to meet the most interesting people.

And it's all in a book. At your local library. For free. Unless, you course, you rack up late charges.

I am an avid book reader and still don't get to read as much as I would like. I am one of those that can read several books at the same time. Right now, other than my two textbooks for school, I am reading three other books. That's pretty good for it being during a school semester and all.

I have two kids that love the library as much as me. Actually, I think Jeremiah might still be loving it mainly for the puzzles, but he does enjoy books and I hope that continues.

Today, I took Tara and Jeremiah to the library. Tara goes off on her own to find books. I love the variety of books that she chooses, a mix of non-fiction and fiction. She has been checking out books on period clothing so she will have a reference for her drawing. Maybe I can sneak into her sketch book and share something soon. I think she is pretty amazing.

Jeremiah and I head to the children's department. Of course, he goes straight to the puzzles and even though we have completed every one several times, we do it all again. Pretty soon, all the children in the area come over to help us. I think Jeremiah gets a little jealous when I let other kids help out but pretty soon their parents gather them back and it's just us again.

After playing for so long, Jeremiah got tired and was ready to go home.

On the way out, I saw a display that is the most creative idea I have ever seen to try to encourage people to read. The library took advantage of the recent Valentine's Day holiday and had a "Blind Date with a Book" display.

Some of the books I could guess by the description but most I couldn't. I wanted to get them all but refrained because I have soooo much to do over the next week or so. Tara did get one about a paranormal investigator.

Oh, if you have a teen that like futuristic books, Tara picked up a book, Ready Player One by Ernest Cline. I think I am going to read it after her; there's alot of 80s pop culture references. She hasn't put it down yet.

And guess what??? I had planned on only getting books for the kids' homeschool studies this next week but on the "New" cart, I saw it!!!!

The Pioneer Woman Black Heels to Tractor Wheels. YES!!! I've been wanting to read that for a long time.

P52: True Love

noreply@blogger.com (Adena (aka cre82learn)) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:43:00 +0000

This theme was hard for me. I love so many things. Of course, with this being Valentine's Day week and all, I immediately thought I should take some pics of me and hubs together. Or of any or all of my kids. Even That Cat.

I was trying to decide and thought maybe I would go for a walk around my favorite lake and take some photos around there. First, I had to take my daughter for an eye exam and then she wanted Chick-Fil-A. I LOVE Chick-Fil-A (missed it sooo bad for the few years we lived in Michigan!) But I can actually say "no" to it.

But then outside, I saw it. Right there outside of the fast food chicken place - a Girl Scout Cookie Booth.

First, yes, I ADORE the cookies. But it's so much more than that. I have soooo many great memories tied to Girl Scouts. I was a Brownie. Both of my daughters were in Girl Scouts right from the beginning until we moved to Florida and couldn't find any troops nearby us. (We were all devastated, especially since my oldest was working on her Silver Project). I served as Cookie Mom for a few years. Great memories. Even the memory of my son (then 2 1/2 yrs old) opening up boxes and boxes of cookies, only to eat maybe one out of each box. I guess he thought they were all ours. I ended up buying over 30 boxes that year.

Anyway, I can't say no to a Girl Scout. I ended up buying 5 boxes, which gave me an entry to winning 52 boxes. If I win that, I promise a big giveaway here!!!

Five Question Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Adena (aka cre82learn)) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 04:11:00 +0000

1. What do you do when you are really upset to calm yourself down?

Well, if I get extremely mad, I just might've thrown something. Usually our cordless phone. But to calm down I have to get by myself. I usually go on a drive.

2. Do you go all out for V-day or is it just another day?

It's just another day. My husband is usually gone to work. But I am trying to make new traditions and this year I gave each of my kids a gift bag.

3. Are you more or less productive when Hubs is away?

Depends. About 90% of the time, I am more productive when he is away. But sometimes when he is home, if he is very productive, well, that's just contagious.

4. What is your favorite time of day and why?

Although I never thought I would say this, now it is early mornings. Only if I've had enough sleep :D. I've been doing a #hellomornings challenge - waking up early to have "me" time - Bible reading, devotions/prayer, and some day...exercise. I look forward to gathering my wits and planning my day before the kids all wake up and life gets hectic.

5. What is your go to karaoke song?

I've never done karaoke but with Wii games, I would either choose Kiss Me or Hit Me With Your Best Shot.

There's a Homeschool Swap!!

noreply@blogger.com (Adena (aka cre82learn)) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 23:43:00 +0000

In case of you readers out there are homeschooling mamas, and you like to get fun things in the mail, there's a Homeschool Swap getting ready to happen.

Join up here.

Seriously, I know I am not the only way that loves to get surprises in the mail. I enjoy almost anything that doesn't come in a picture envelope - I know those are always the bills.

Thankful Thursday

noreply@blogger.com (Adena (aka cre82learn)) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 19:50:00 +0000

This week, I am thankful for:

hubby had a long weekend home (even though he had to go back out on Valentine's Day)

last Friday night, I had a quiet house. Just me and Jeremiah. The girls went to a girl's night out where they played games and had a speaker on the importance of virtuous relationships and saving your heart for the right one. Hubs got to take the older boys to a Joshua conference at our church, trains them to be Godly young men.
so thankful for a church that knows the importance of properly training the next generation.
Sweet Tomatoes (a healthy restaurant we both enjoy)
hubby got to spend some one on one time with our oldest son teaching him life skills (and checking off things on my honey-do list) like fixing wheelbarrows, preparing our raised garden bed from last year and setting up another one, cleaning the exterior of our home

daughter made a safe flight to NC to be able to help out a friend in need and will be able to spend some time with her grandparents, aunt and cousins.
daily prayer is showing its effects in my family - praying daily for peace, love, joy and unity. Maybe most families don't have to pray hard for this but hubs and I are both very strong willed so my poor kids got a double dose; just trying to keep it under control and steered in the right direction.
finally found Jeremiah a "real" basketball goal, his size.

starting a book today, Passionate Housewives Desperate for God. I've actually tried this book several times but it was too 'real' at that time and I WAS the lady the first chapter was about. I had to come to a better place in my life to read past the first chapter. You know, it's very hard to read through tears but I know God has put this book in my life.

audio books which will hopefully keep me awake working 3rd shift for the next week.

Sweet Shot Tuesday

noreply@blogger.com (Adena (aka cre82learn)) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:22:00 +0000

This has got to be one of my favorite shots. Not because it's perfectly composed. It's not. Or because it is perfectly in focus. It's not. But I got Jeremiah's "game face" which only lasts a split second when he is concentrating really hard to make a basket.

And just because I know you are wondering if all that concentration paid off, here's the victory dance,

My Date Night Plans...With My Five Year Old

noreply@blogger.com (Adena (aka cre82learn)) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 23:12:00 +0000

Jeremiah, my five year old, just realized that we will be alone tonight. The girls are going to a girls night out and hubs is with the older boys at a boys conference at our church. I have to miss my Bible study because its a "no kids" and there is no one else to watch Jeremiah.

Jeremiah: "So it's just you and me, mommy?"

Me: "Yes"

Jeremiah: "We can do all kinds of fun things together. Like hugging and kissing (my favorite things to do with him - I know he's sucking up now, so I gotta watch out). Play games. And go fishing."

Uh, what??

Me: "Well, I don't know about the fishing."

Jeremiah: "It will be okay. I don't want to go where there are sharks. Or whales. Or squid. Just fishes. OHH!!! Maybe we can go see dolphins!!!"

This is going to be an interesting night.

Five Question Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Adena (aka cre82learn)) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:24:00 +0000

Can't believe it is FINALLY Friday!! I've been one day ahead all week. I put my garbage out a day early. Even RSVP'd that "I'll be there tonight" for a Bible study a day early! Not sure how my brain got reprogrammed but I need to fix it.

1. How often do you shave your legs in the winter? Usually every other day or every third day. I live in Florida and wear skirts so I can't ignore it too long.

2. Valentine's Day cards for your spouse: funny or romantic? Um, we don't really exchange cards. Or anything for that matter. Depressing, huh? We started stopping (can you call it that?) when money was real tight and I would have rather spent the money on other things. Then I guess we kind of got in a rut. I don't get cards for anything - receive or send much. I kill everything so flowers are wasted on me. But a date night is great. And hubs does write sweet nothings about me on his facebook account alot. Here's my favorite from this past week:

"Every day I wake up I'm blessed to be married to you Adena. It gives me another day to love you."

3. What are you most looking forward to about spring? Actually, I like right where I am right now. It's the perfect weather. Spring here usually means running the A/C some and since our A/C needs to be replaced....not exactly looking forward to spring yet.

4. What's your favorite way to pamper yourself? Curling up with a good book somewhere quiet. I can easily find a book, the quiet part is hard.

5. Does your tax return go into savings or do you spend it instantly? It's always earmarked for a big expense. Like this year, it will go towards the A/C unit being replaced. Praying we get a big return!!!

Thankful Thursday

noreply@blogger.com (Adena (aka cre82learn)) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:20:00 +0000

This week, I am thankful for:

That God allowed me to find my devotional when I needed it. I found it right before February. If I had found it before January, I would not still be reading January's devotions now and right now they are speaking to me exactly what I need to be reading right now.
Knowing God still heals and I have several friends and family that is in desperate need right now and it is reassuring to know that He is in complete control.
My team is getting on board with my business and the enthusiasm in contagious. I love helping people get healthier, lose weight and I have met my financial goals for last year. Time to raise the stakes.
My hubs came home and immediately spent time with the kids. I am extremely thankful that he is keeping some traditions with them that he started a long time ago.
Time with friends. Looking forward to brunch tomorrow with a friend I haven't gotten a chance to hang out with in a long time.
Having a daughter that is so creative in the kitchen. Her going to culinary school certainly has been paying off; I've eaten very well this week. And somehow, still managed to lose 2+ lbs.
Great weather. Our heat/air unit went out last fall; extremely thankful that I have been able to just open windows and run fans and the weather hasn't been too hot or too cold.

P52: Drink Up and a Recipe!!

noreply@blogger.com (Adena (aka cre82learn)) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:56:00 +0000

This week's theme is "Drink Up" and I thought, "Gee, now I have to make my drink look pretty too??". Then when I was making my protein shake this morning, I realized how yummy it was and that I should really share it. And to do that, I need to take a photo. And there you have it, a good reason to take a photo of a drink! Well, other than it being the theme and all.

This was made with my chocolate Pro-Fit, 8 oz. almond milk, drop of coconut extract and half of an avocado. It was deliciously smooth and creamy.

25 Things

noreply@blogger.com (Adena (aka cre82learn)) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:27:00 +0000

Yea! I found a fun meme. Or blog hop. What are the called now?
This one is to list 25 random things.
And I love randomness!!!
I love to make buttons and I didn't see one for this, maybe I'll make one later. At least for my blog posts here.
I actually have a weekly list of blog hops I like to participate in regularly.
I think it would help more if I actually remembered to look at the list.
I am thinking of adding "Blog Parties I <3" as a new page.
I am not sure that would help. I don't regularly look at my Bucket List.
I am having a very hard time multi-tasking today.
I can't talk on the phone and type at the same time.
I slept wrong and pulled a muscle or something in my left side of my neck/shoulder. I can't shrug it up now.
I usually sit at the table in my breakfast nook to blog.
Or my desk in my bedroom.
I am sitting on the couch today enjoying the sun pouring in the window.
I would be enjoying it more except there is a funky smell.
I think my little guy might've had a nap accident on the couch while I was at school the other day and someone didn't clean it properly.
There is a faint smell of pee.
What's the best way to get that smell out of upholstery?
I wish you could just throw furniture in the washing machine.
Maybe I will heavily spot clean the cushions and lay them outside to dry thoroughly.
But what if That Cat then decides to lay on them and get cat hair everywhere.
My daughter is allergic to cat hair.
Oh no, what if the cat pees on the cushion to mark her territory? Or because she is just plain evil?
What's worse faint smell of human pee or cat pee?
When I started this, I didn't expect to talk about pee so much. Yuck. Promise next time will be better.

25 Things Linky Party hosted by

Sweet Shot Tuesday

noreply@blogger.com (Adena (aka cre82learn)) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:54:00 +0000

The bees were all over this tree but flying around so fast and they barely would land before taking off again. And I guess they were camera shy because despite me walking around the tree, they always seemed to be on the back side of it.

Freaky Fate?

noreply@blogger.com (Adena (aka cre82learn)) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:33:00 +0000

Okay, I am thinking this is just a little odd. Starting to happen too much to be coincidence. Not sure what to think of it. And I am pretty sure that I don't like it.

Last Saturday all the kids and I went to a town about 30 minutes away and on the way home, we came upon a car that had flipped into the middle of the intersection right after it happened. We didn't actually see it flip, but saw the dirt cloud and all the cars trying to avoid it.

Then the next day, my daughter was just a few cars behind another accident. This time she saw twisted metal flying thru the air. At first, she thought it was a refrigerator that someone was hauling on the back of a truck. Then she saw the wheels on it and realized it was a motorcycle. She saw the motorcyclist trying to get up and there were already several cars parked and people running over to him.

Then today, she came to a four way stop and there was a man laying in the road. He had been riding his bicycle on the way home from the grocery store and someone hit him. The tires were still spinning on the bike and the groceries were rolling across the road.

So glad I've been doing the #hellochallenge and waking up early for focused prayer and Bible reading every day. One of my daily prayers is for protection of my family. Especially those on the road that day (hubs is a truck driver). All of these close calls make me a little nervous.

P52: Shadow

noreply@blogger.com (Adena (aka cre82learn)) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 03:33:00 +0000

You would think I would have plenty of opportunity to take pictures with shadows living in the Sunshine State and all. But nope, this would be the week of overcast clouds.

But on the last day of the week, we were visiting the Florida National Cemetery. The day had mostly been cloudy but as we all piled out of the van, Jeremiah started dancing around. I looked over and realized he was playing with his shadow.

Wait!! What??!!! Finally, the sun came out enough to make a shadow. YES!!!

Five Question Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Adena (aka cre82learn)) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:28:00 +0000

Yippee!!! It's Friday. I originally had plans to go to a Medieval Faire today but realized it is school day and they are expecting 7000 school-age children. Don't get me wrong, kids are okay but they tend to get out of control with there's 30 to 1 ratio. Maybe we can squeeze it in this weekend. Although I do have plans to attend my first Edible Plant seminar. Can't wait to learn something new and interesting.

1. What have you done recently that you are proud of? Well, if you read my last post, Thankful Thursday, you would know that I made a 100% on my last accounting exam. I was sure I wouldn't get above an 80 and even that might would be wishful thinking.

2. What is your favorite way to work out? Or if you don't workout, what are you wanting to try? I love Zumba. I do have some DVDs where I can do it at home but sometimes it is just more fun to look like an idiot with a bunch of other people. I would like to do kickboxing. I've done a little with a P90X and it makes me feel powerful. Like I could go out and beat someone up. ....at least defend myself if I need to.

3. If you knew you best friend was cheating on spouse would you tell? Emotionally or physically. I think you can emotionally cheat on your spouse when you share feelings with someone else. You know, something great happens, who is the first person you call? Or if you have a problem? EVEN if that problem is with your spouse. Emotionally - I would speak to the person doing the cheating. Physically, I wouldn't want to be the person to be blamed but I think I would arrange a way to make sure the innocent one found out about it. I couldn't just ignore it. If nothing else, I would confront the cheater and give them the chance to come clean and if they didn't, then tell.

4. If you could afford a live-in maid or nanny, would you have one? No. Never a nanny. That's MY mommy job!!! I have seen kids call their nanny "mommy" first and I couldn't live with that. Now, a maid?? Ummm, if I had a separate guest house further back so we would still have privacy, maybe. I think I would prefer them to just come once or twice a week.

5. Do you stress out about birthdays (specifically the age) or do you enjoy them? Absolutely not. I think it's silly. After all, would you rather be a year older or the alternative. I like life and each year holds a new adventure. Having said that, I don't really celebrate my birthday much anyway. I just don't care too much for a big hoopla and I am definitely not going to plan my own party. Maybe for the "big" ones. Like every decade- 30, 40, 50 etc.

And, a bonus question from Scott, that I wasn't brave enough to put in as a regular question...answer at your own risk, or not at all! (Or something...)

Bonus: Lights off or on? For what?? Doesn't matter. I do prefer cooking with the lights on though. Fear of getting burned. Oh, and thanks to scary movies - shower with lights on most definitely. ;)

Thankful Thursday

noreply@blogger.com (Adena (aka cre82learn)) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:49:00 +0000

I am blessed and have a lot to be thankful for, this week, I am thankful:

for a daughter that knows how to cook well. This week she has already made me Lettuce Wraps (with chicken) and Asian-inspired Fish Tacos. Both were amazing.
even though Jeremiah ran a fever for two days, it is over now and he never got sick on his stomach.
and....crossing fingers, no one else has gotten sick
I have finally found a protein shake that is smooth and I love. I've lost 1.5 lbs so far this week and the shake is the only change I've made. Can't wait to see what happens when I get my lazy rear in gear and start working out!
I think God is leading me to a new curriculum. I hate to change but my son still struggles with spelling and reading. I just discovered All About Spelling and All About Reading. So far it gets really good reviews, especially with kids with learning disabilities. Also, instead of Abeka Science, thinking of doing the Apologia Botany for starters.
I am very thankful that I got a 100% on my Managerial Accounting quiz. This has been the hardest chapter for me so far and I didn't expect that. And I finished building my ecosystem for my Environmental Science class.
I am thankful that God is giving me peace about possibly quitting school after this semester. At least for awhile. This season in my life, I need to focus on other things and trust that He will provide.
I am thankful that I have discovered a new devotional. I have been torn between a few and knew I needed to decide on only one. I have chosen Confident Woman by Joyce Meyer. I think it is perfect for this season of my life. I need more confidence in homeschooling a difficult learning and I need more confidence to help build my business and team.

P52: Self Portrait

noreply@blogger.com (Adena (aka cre82learn)) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 01:00:00 +0000

This will probably be the most difficult assignment for me.

I. Hate. Self-Portraits.

I am always the one taking the photos, not the one in them! I even almost skipped this week. But this is a Project 52 and I can't do week 5 if I skipped week 4. Then, I kinda forgot about it.

I was driving home from my son's birthday party today and got stuck in traffic. I looked in my rearview mirror adn thought of all those pics that you see on Facebook. You know all the self-portraits of people in their cars, complete with the pouty lips?

Just so happens, I had my camera, remember I'm coming home from the party? So here goes. Didn't have time to adjust settings because the traffic started moving again. And sorry, just couldn't bring myself to do the pouty lips.

Magnetic Chore Buttons

noreply@blogger.com (Adena (aka cre82learn)) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 07:21:00 +0000

I have decided that my kids need chores. They've been asking for a way to make money and with my busy schedule, I could definitely use the extra help. Besides, I keep finding myself surrounded by kids that need just a little money for this or that.

I took magnetic paper and printed off various chores and how much I am willing to pay for each chore. Then I cut them all into little squares and placed them on the freezer door.

I figured within a week, my house would be spic and span and the kids would feel proud of their accomplishments with their little pockets bulging. Okay, not bulging, but at least not empty.

This is a great idea in concept. And I promise to show pics and how I made the chores magnets but I don't want to influence your vote.

That's right, your vote. I. Need. You.

My kids have decided that I priced the jobs too low. Now, from a mom's point of view, I am thinking if I raise the prices to their standards, I am also going to charge them room and board and for meals.

I am sure the price of chores is a battle as old as dirt but this is the first time it's been battled in my family. And I want to be fair. I really do. But I need some unbiased opinions to help me out. Please take a minute and click on my Chores Survey page at the top and help a poor mom out. Feel free to add any comments or put your own price in there.

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Adena (aka cre82learn)) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:47:00 +0000

I love the architect around the walkway in Tampa. And of course, everything looks better near the water.

Click link to see other Wordless Wednesdays participants.

P52: I Dreamed A Dream

noreply@blogger.com (Adena (aka cre82learn)) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 20:52:00 +0000

This past several days have been crazy. So busy. My parents came down to visit and I went to Freedom Conference for It Works Global (I am an independent distributor).

I got inspired, not only for growing my business (we will be featured in the Success at Home magazine March/April!!!) but also personally. They just came out with a protein shake and for the past eight weeks, there was an Ultimate Makeover Challenge. Oh. My. Goodness. Before and after pictures and actually speaking to these people encouraged me to get started on another challenge. Remember, the weight I lost this time last year on a weight loss challenge?? I remembered my dream to get and keep fit, both financially and physically.

This might not be how most people interpret the the theme this week but it's how I do:

That's my real dream. But it was a photograph taken in a dark crowded room of a screen at the front of the conference room and me sitting in the back. So...
Here's another picture. It's of the sunset over the Gulf on my way home. Every time I drive over this long bridge surrounded by gorgeous water, I am flooded with feelings of well-being and peace. I have mentioned this to others that ride with me, it seems I am the only one that makes this connection but I love it. This picture represents my dream of contentment and fulfillment. Even surrounded by the hustle and bustle of others, I am at peace and can take time to find the beauty in life.

Five Question Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Adena (aka cre82learn)) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 06:02:00 +0000

Friday!!! Technically, I am posting this on Friday because it is after midnight but I doubt I will get it linked up until much later. Unless I keep my computer on and maybe will be reminded before I leave in the morning.

I have to get up early because I have an hour and half drive to a Freedom Conference!! And I have to get up extra early to get my quiet time in and check in with my #hellomornings group. And my parents and nephew are down for the weekend. Busy. Busy. Busy. And hubs is coming home.

I took a quick peek ahead and saw #5 so I need to get started quickly; this is going to be a long post.

1. Where do you hide the reeeally good snacks?

In the cabinet, top shelf, far back. No one else can reach it and they can't see it either. Unless it's a reallly good snack, then it's hidden in my cd box on my computer desk. That's where my Lara bars are.

2. Do u keep your vehicle clean or am I the only one who has things falling out of their van?

Some weeks it seems like we live in our van, so yes, there might be things falling out at times. I do clean it out at least once a week. Not deep cleaning like vacuuming but a good pick up.

3. Have you ever been to Vegas?

Not yet. But hubs has been and keeps saying he is going to take me. He is a truck driver and now drives a route Florida to California and back. I've never been west of Mississippi so I am hoping to actually go along with him sometime. If and when I do, we are making a detour.

4. Warm room light blankets or cold room warm snuggly blanket?

Cool room, warm blankets. I don't like the room really cold though. And a slight breeze. Even if the room is hot, I have to at least have a sheet on me - I need to feel the weight of something.

5. What is the worst airplane/flying experience you've ever had?

Oh. My. Word. Do you really want to me to relive this? Okay, here goes. I will try to make this short. I am 21 and flying back from Detroit with a six month old. It is Christmas Day and the only reason I am leaving my in-laws early is because I had started a job with a bank a few months before and their policy was anyone that didn't show up after the holiday was fired. I flew back with the baby because I didn't want hubs to drive 12 hrs back home alone with her.

So we are on this itty, bitty commuter plane that only seats like fourteen (I get claustrophobic easily so this was Warning Sign #1) and we are running at least 30 minutes late because the wings keep freezing up and the runway guys have to keep coming out and spraying them down to unfreeze them. Warning sign #2. Finally, we take off. A severe snowstorm was coming and we hit EVERY air pocket and with a little plane, you feel it. I remember clutching Megan's car carrier and praying with my eyes closed that if God allowed me to live through that flight I would not ever get back on a plane. (btw, I actually kept that promise for a very long time and when I did fly next, it was a last resort) I remember a stewardess asked me if I was okay and I nodded without opening my eyes. We finally arrived in Cleveland. Or was it Cincinnati? Where ever it was, it was COLD. The plane was almost an hour late and we missed our connecting flight.

The airline at least put us up in a motel and then the shuttle was to bring us back early the next morning to get another flight out. Which would be okay, except remember I was flying with a baby? I only had one diaper left, and one bottle left. And I wore contacts that needed to be taken out nightly and everything I needed was in my luggage which the airline kept in baggage claim. But it was late and I was exhausted. I remember a nice lady gave me a diaper, way too big for Megan but I made it work. Thankfully, she was a great baby and must've realized somehow that if she started cry, I would too. And I am sure I could've out-cried her because on top of everything going wrong, I was worried I would lose my job. This is before cell phones and I had no way of calling my employer. I did call my parents (collect) because they were supposed to be picking me up on the other end and my mom was going to call into work for me the next morning.

We finally get settled into the motel. It was a little after midnight and we had to catch the shuttle back at 5 am. We just fell on the bed, and immediately fell asleep. Then about 1:30 am I heard loud banging in the hallway. Geesh. Then I heard yelling. I opened up the door. Employees were running up and down the hallway evacuating the hotel. The kitchen had caught on fire and we all had to get out. They got the fire under so we weren't in terrible danger but still, I only had less than two hours of sleep. The shuttle came on and picked us up and we got to sleep in the airport on those uncomfortable chairs. At least the did upgrade my ticket to first class but all I remember about flying first class was getting a pillow and sleeping the whole flight back home.

Oh, and I didn't lose my job at least. In fact, I was told that since a snow storm was coming into Detroit, I would've have been excused anyway and could've just rode back home with hubs. GRRR.