Wordless Wednesday

The love of my life....
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Mel's Braces Are On!!

I'm not sure I have the energy for this post. I'm exhausted. Mel and I were picked up this morning for his 900am apt for braces. We got there early (can you believe it?!) and had to wait 30 mins for the place to open. They took him back about 915am and we were done by 945am.

Here comes the problem. We then have to call for a return ride; so I did. We were not picked up until 12pm. Please understand, the waiting room for this orthodontist has about 15 seats. Very small. This office is always packed. Mel and I waited OUTSIDE in 90 degree weather for alittle over 2 hours. For anyone who does NOT know, we live in TEXAS. It's HOT.

Then the driver has the nerve to get mad at ME cause he gets lost trying to get us home. WHATEVER!! I ate half of a polish sausage and am still wanting something to eat!! I'm tired and my feet hurt!! I made Mel some soup..his teeth started hurting and he said he couldn't really chew anything. He's ok though.

When we got in there they showed him the colors he had to choose from. They had navy, baby blue, red, tan, clear, grey, black, green, orange and yellow. Guess what color he chose? RED people!!! But you know what? I like them. They're really nice looking. He's going to be in them for 26 months, so I thought it only fair to let him pick his own color!!lol

We have an appt to get them tightened on August 25th. Thank you Jesus...

My Story

I've had a few people ask me about my classwork and how long I've been going to school. I originally started taking classes back in Nashville in 2004; studying web design. I was just about done in April of 2006 (had 3 more classes left) when our apartment building caught fire. One of the ladies there had an ex who lived in our building and she took me him, me and Mel to her house. The building was still burning when we left.

We stayed with her and her ex for 3 days. The red cross gave us vouchers for clothes and bedding and after the 3 days, Mel and I moved into a one bedroom apt. At that time, I still had my car. That was in April of 2006. From May to Oct, I worked data entry for a company I really liked. The pay was only $9/hr and I had to drive 20+miles to work one way. I did this from May to October when one day my transmission went out for the 2nd time. I knew I wouldn't be able to get it fixed. Mel and I were already getting help from a local food bank while I was trying to get the things we needed for the apt.

By the time the car broke down, I knew it was the end. It was clear that God was telling me we had to leave Nashville. I couldn't stay there without a car. No buses. I couldn't work without a vehicle. Before the week was out I sold my car (with the faulty transmission) to a junk yard for $150. It broke my heart. I still tear up when I think about it. I loved that car. Her name was Vanyce and I had had her since 1996. 10 years! I knew it was just a matter of time though...

Mel and I sold everything in our new apt that we'd acquired in those 6 mths and moved to Texas. My sister and niece took us in. We took a 13 hour Greyhound bus ride from Nashville to Dallas with 2 bags of our belonging. I don't really know how to explain this, but I was able to salvage my computer from the burnt building...all I can say is God Is! I shipped the computer.

We arrived here and moved in with my sister and niece and my new great nephew. He was 3 mths old. We had our own room and Mel and I stayed together. My sister bought us a bunk bed set (for Mel's future room). I slept on the bottom and he on the top; for one year. They were coming up on the end of their lease and were moving in July of 2007. I was on a waiting list for a subsidized apt, but that ended up falling through. Mel and I had to spend one month in a Studio 6 motel until we could find this place we're in now. I took it because I didn't have a choice. God WILL move us out of here.

While living with my sister, I enrolled in school here and have been studying web design online since January 2007. None of my credits transferred over. NONE. I had to start over. That was VERY disappointing. I prayed and cried and dealt with it. I started over; and now it's July 2008--4 years after starting school for an AAS and I must say, I'm tired.

I know that God is in control and He has better for me. Mel and I have been through alot and trust me, I've grown through all of it! God is changing me and preparing me for my glorious future! I will wait on Him. I'm trying to stay positive and just keep my eyes on Him.

Well, that's my story. I know that God is with us. He's kept us safe in this apt complex for one year now; and I know He's not gonna stop. I'm listening for His voice. I feel like another change is coming...

Chicken, Braces and Joel Osteen

Chicken
I made the chicken yesterday with the new McCormick seasoning and it was great! It cooked from 1045am til about 2pm. Great meal! The meat was so tender and juicy! I cooked it covered the whole time and it came out great.

Braces
Mel gets his braces tomorrow! He's still excited. We looked up braces online to get some general info and I even emailed a fellow blogger whose son just got some last week. Mel's aware of the pain afterwards, the soreness. We even went out and got some more liquid Ibuprofen for him. I also got some soup and canned fruit for him in case he can't eat normal at first. We're ready! Mel told me yesterday that he doesn't want me in the room with him when they put them on! He wants to surprise me! I told him as long as it's ok with the orthodontist, it's ok with me...but you know I wanna be in there right?

Work
I was talking to a friend of mine yesterday about school and how I'm really not happy about it anymore. I realized that school has been great and I've really enjoyed it, but I feel like that time has passed. But I don't wanna go to work! Now hear me: I know that no one wants to work...I got that; but I REALLY don't wanna go back to work. When I think about it, I feel awful. I want better. I don't feel like struggling to make a few bucks just to put gas in the car to get to work another day. I'm not gonna say too much more about this cause I have SO many feelings that they'll just get all jumbled and misunderstood. I know that work is a necessity. I don't mind working, I mind going to work. Can anyone understand that?

Joel Osteen
He's coming to Dallas on October 12. So far the tickets are only $15. I'm definitely gonna try to go. I don't only have to pay the $15. I also have to be sure I have rental car money. I'm SO sick of not having a car. God you know.

Trying out the New McCormick on chicken!!

I get way too excited about food, don't I? This is being worked on as we speak. Okay, I put my chicken in the oven around 1045am. I know that may be alittle early for some of yall, but I like to let my meats cook slowly. That way they retain thier juices and come out so tender!

I seasoned the chicken with Mrs.Dash original blend (don't cook with salt anymore), garlic powder (I use it for everything), cayenne pepper and my new Worcestershire Pepper blend. I also cut up some yellow peppers and onions and put them inside the chicken for extra flavor. I have the chicken covered up (holes poked in the foil) and the oven set to 275. Yes, it's gonna take forever. That's what I'm going for. It'll take about 4 hours this way, atleast.

I have no idea what we're eating WITH the chicken. I try not to do starches anymore. It'll probably just be veggies. I have enough of those to last a lifetime! I'll let you all know how the chicken comes out...probably on Twitter! Follow me!

New McCormick Seasoning

I've never been one to review products on my blog, but for the last few days I've really been wanting to tell someone (anyone) about this new seasoning I've started using. My sister and I were in the market a few weeks ago and I asked her to pick me out a new spice. I get bored cooking with the same ones all the time. She came across this new one my McCormick called Worcestershire Ground Black Pepper Blend.

My sister is familiar with Worcestershire sauce, I'm not. Never tasted it. She thought this would be a good blend. The first thing I tried it on was ground turkey for spaghetti. The other seasonings I used were Italian seasoning and garlic. I also had onions and bell peppers like always. It was amazing!! I only put a little. You really don't need much! When Mel tasted the spaghetti, he asked me what did I put in it? I asked if he liked it, he said yes. We both LOVED it in the spaghetti.

The next thing I tried on was baked pork chops. The only other seasoning on the chops was Italian seasoning (love it, can't you tell?). Again: out of this world. I love this new blend! I'm kind of afraid to try it on chicken. On the container it says "Shake on steak, burgers, chicken, pork chops or potatoes before or after cooking." For some reason, I just don't think I'd like it on chicken.

If you're into trying new and interesting seasonings, check this one out. It's a good one!

I've Been Interviewed!!

I'm honored! 5 Minutes For Mom was one of the very first blogs I subscribed to. I've also found alot of other interesting blogs by visiting them! Thanx 5 Minutes For Moms!!

Braces!!

Mel doesn't know it yet, but the orthodontist called and he can get his braces put on on Tuesday!! He's gonna be so excited!!! I can't wait to tell him!

Look Great Feel Great by Joyce Meyer

I'm still reading this book and I am up to Key 4. I'm trying to read the book slowly so I can let everything sink in. I'm trying to really apply all of the keys in the book. Here are the keys I've covered so far:
1.Let God do the Heavy Lifting
2. Learning To Love Your Body
3. Mastering Metabolism
4. Exercise

At the end of each key Joyce asks what action we're going to take to incorporate the key into your life? For me, key 2 was the most interesting. She talks about how your body is a separate entity(body, mind, spirit), and how some people really don't like themselves. It got me to thinking. I've spent most of my life not liking myself, so I began to single out my body and think of the reasons why I didn't like IT.

I wrote my body a letter. At this moment it's on my refrigerator. When I began the letter, I felt alittle stupid, but as I continued writing, the words came really easy. I've hated my body for as long as I can remember, even when I was thin. I had to apologize for neglecting and abusing it. How can I abuse my body for 30+ years and now be upset cause it doesn't look like I want it to look? I never took care of it! I put any and everything in it for years and now I'm upset cause my metabolism is slow and run down!

I asked my body to forgive me. I asked it to hold on and give me another chance. I want to do right by my body for once and I know I can't turn everything around in one day, but it starts today. My body is now my friend; not my enemy. My body is going to work with me to help me achieve my goals. If my body can't keep up with what I want it to do, then I have to slow down and do what I CAN do. As long as my body is moving, it's happy. My body will see that I meant the words I said and it'll know that I really am trying to do better. My body WILL work with me. I just have to change ME...

The next 4 keys are:
5. Balanced Eating
6. Water Your Life
7. Mindful Eating
8. Curb Your Spiritual Hunger

I'm really excited about the things I'm learning in this book. It may take some time, but I know I'm on the right track for a healthy life. I thank God for the insight this book is giving into myself.

Wordless Wednesday

I wasn't even going to post for Wordless Wednesday until I looked into the kitchen and saw my son about to wash dishes WHILE SITTING ON A STOOL!!

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