Has this ever happened to you?

Funny Pictures and Myspace Layouts at pYzam.com

The Perfect Summer Week

Wow what a week...you couldn't have asked for better weather. Brian celebrated his 37th birthday. He really enjoyed it. His mom and dad came down and his buddy Daniel and Whitney. He got everything he wanted...a new fishing pole, traction bars for his truck, money and a Bass Pro Shop gift card.

We attended the Struttin' in the Ruts Mud Bog on Saturday night...it was a blast! I think Brian was foaming at the mouth the whole time...he plans to take his big truck next weekend weather permitting. That should be interesting. After the mud bog we saw the Funfest Fireworks...they were great!

Sunday we loaded up early and headed to the lake. We cruised around forever and really enjoyed the scenery. Then we parked at my brother's house and settled in for awhile. We swam, rode jet skis, fished, and I drank too much beer! I really enjoyed spending time with the kids.

A good read

I just finished reading the book by the late Tim Russert called..."Big Russ and Me"...I just wanted to let everybody know that this was a very good read. I loved the stories he told about the people who taught him most in life. If you get a chance check it out. I haven't decided yet what to read next...I have a book on Barack Obama or a book called Vital Friendships. I'll let you know about the next one.

Well it's Friday!!! I am looking forward to spending time on the lake this weekend. Have a safe and fun summer weekend.

What is wrong with people these days?

I don't have a clue what has happened to people these days... How can people live without caring about how their actions affect others? Why do people think that they shouldn't be held accountable for their actions when they do something wrong? Whatever they want to do or say to you is ok...it's like they don't give a second thought about how their actions OR words are going to affect someone else. I mean come on people...when you screw up...OWN UP!

Accountablity...one day we are all going to be held accountable for our actions...what then? Are we going to blame our actions on someone else?

I am just about to the point of giving up on people all together because it seems like there aren't any out there that give a crap if they cause other people pain. Too many people these days are all about "me, me, me...I, I ,I" all the time. What has happened to people who care about each other, who look out for each other? Who have each other's back through thick and thin, who tell each other exactly how they feel, the truth, and are admired for doing so.

Trustworthy...now there's another problem...are there any people left that you can tell something to and they can keep it to themselves? Whatever happened to that...can you really trust anyone these days? I am starting to doubt it more and more.

Apologizing...now there's another good word...when you hurt someone...and you know you've hurt them...or you've done something wrong...be accountable for what you've done and say three simple words..."I am SORRY"...It isn't a difficult thing to do. Don't go trashing the person you've done something wrong to in order to take the focus off of your screw up. Say I'm sorry and mean it.

Also if people apologize to you for something they've done...and you know they truly mean it...accept it and move on. Put whatever it was in the past don't throw it up to them everytime you get upset with something, this happens too often, between spouses, friends, coworkers, etc. If you work it out with someone don't constantly bring up the past issue. If they say they're sorry don't dwell on it. It's over.

Stress...there's another problem facing people today...yes people are more and more stressed all of the time...we live in stressful times. But don't use the stress you are under as an excuse to justify your mistakes or behavior.

I could go on and on with this one. I am really disappointed in people right now as you can tell. I mean I try to be a better person everyday but you don't have a snowballs chance in hell if everyone else isn't taking a good hard look at themselves and tring to do the same.

Let me add that if I have offended anyone by my rantings I am TRULY SORRY...I am not about hurting or offending people. I know there is goodness out there in everyone...but sometimes we need to be reminded that we can always do better. Also if there's anyone out there who I have done any of the above things to I am TRULY SORRY...and I hope that will be enough a sincere apology.

I love my hubby!

Look...he caught another good bass while fishing Friday night. He's really gettin' good at this! I love my husband.

4th of July Fun!!!

Fourth of July weekend was a hoot! I really enjoyed Christy, Whitney and Daniel on Thursday night, oh and don't forget Doug and Jimmy...oh and I think I remember Dustin and a girl, and Lauren and GW being around too. Too bad Brian had to go out fishing and miss our drunken spactacular fireworks display...ha ha...it was crazy! Amber and Ed came by early on the 4th for Mesquite Grilled Chicken and veggies...it was yummy!!! We had to go buy more fireworks on Friday after the always fabulous Blountville Parade. I had to stand in line for an hour to check out with my 2nd load of fireworks, but we had to put on another show Friday night so it was all good. At least on Friday night we had 2 sober people to help us (Brian and Ryan). Actually Daniel helped to with close supervision while Whitney and I cheered them on...but we were far from sober. I will try to add pics to this post later. Saturday we had the picnic at Mike and Susans...their new house is lovely. I had sworn by Saturday that I wouldn't drink any beer but somehow Mike pulled and twisted on my arm so...well...you know:) Sunday was spent laying around by the pool to recooperate from the festivities. Another awesome 4th of July in Blountvegas!

Camping in Pigeon Forge

We arrived at the campsite yesterday around 5pm...everything was set up and ready. The guys decided to go fishing down by the river almost as soon as we got here...well after Ryan checked his myspace on the new macbook laptop. They had several good hits but couldn't get anything in. Several large mouth bass and turtles were seen but the coolest thing was the raccoons over on the opposite side of the river...they came out from a rock and went all along the bank trying to catch fish for dinner. The campground is very nice. It's called River Plantation.

This morning a nice breeze is blowing and I am ready to go shopping and then come back for lunch and start reading a book. I think I'll read Big Russ and Me by the late Tim Russert. I'll post a review when I finish it.

That's all for now from Pigeon Forge.

What a Weekend!

What a weekend! Had an awesome time Saturday at the Blountvegas Tractor Pull. It was a really good time but man was it hot! Sunday Brian and I headed out to the lake with our little dog Rascal. Brian caught a really good fish and I caught some rays...then we went and hung out with Pat K. at his house with the craziest bunch of people I know. I worked on the garden for a little bit when we first got home last night. Anyway...I had fun this weekend.

Very interesting

I hope everyone is planning on getting out and voting in the next presidential election...I found this story interesting for those who are still trying to decide who to vote for go to this website and read this article.

whhttp://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1024927/The-wife-John-McCain-callously-left-behind.htmlo

Had a Blast at Daytona Beach

Just got back from Daytona Beach, FL...man did we have a blast. It was a much needed and over due vacation. A great time was had by all.

Headin' out.

Yay!!! I am heading out to Daytona Beach for a week...I'll update the blog as soon as I get back.

Garden is Planted & Pool is OPEN

I spent most of the afternoon yesterday laying by the pool trying to soak up some sun. In less than 3 weeks I'll be headed to the beach...Can't wait for that. After I lounged for awhile I decided to put the rest of my plants in the garden. I've got cabbage, onions, lettuce, loads of tomatoes, hot peppers, cucumbers, zucchini and squash...I can't wait for the veggies to grow! It looks kinda pitiful right now but in a month it will look alot different. I took a couple of pics of my flowers too. I love this weather. At the end of the day I took off to Robin's for a bit and we just chilled and hung out for awhile.

A nice Weekend!

Well we all had a nice weekend. It started off with Ed's 50th birthday party at the Carter at Main restaurant. We were set up outside on the gazebo and the weather was perfect for it. Several people came and Ed had a nice time.

Friday Brian and I laid out of work and went to the lake. It was a beautiful sunny day and we had the whole lake to ourselves. We didn't catch any fish but we did catch some major rays from the sun.

Saturday night we went to Amber's after going through town to see the car show, we spent some time playing with Noah and his new birthday present from Grandma Dee...the lookout treehouse. He had a blast playing on that. Then we went for a sunset walk along the Wautauga river. It was beautiful!

Sunday we worked around the house...finished up some little things on the kitchen, then opened the pool for the summer. Yay!!!! I am ready for pool time!

Today is Noah's actual birthday...2 years old today! Happy Birthday Noah!!!!

I have also included a photo or two from Robin's big Bday bash! A Great time was had by all.

Happy Birthday Ed

I just wanted to give a shout out to my brother-in-law James Edward Holsclaw "ED" who is turning 50 years young today!!! Happy Birthday Ed!!!

Kitchen Renovation Complete!!!!

Ok...after 2 weeks of non-stop work by Brian, myself, Junior, Daniel, John and Joe the floor guy we finally completed the overhaul of the kitchen. This was a wonderful birthday present for me because I always hated the way my kitchen looked and the old appliances. This was no easy task because as most of you know when redoing anything in an old house...nothing is square and you always run into something unexpected...but we did it! Just a few finishing touches and we're done! We installed a new overhead light, painted the ceiling, installed lights under the cabinets and over the sink, got a new sink, ripped up the old floors and put new down, cut bead board and installed it behind the new countertops for a backsplash and ran it all the way around the room half way up the wall, painted, painted and painted, then installed all new appliances...cut the cabinets for the dishwasher (yes!!! I now have a dishwasher), also cut the cabinets above the refrigerator because the new one is taller, new microwave and stove, new trim and crown moulding all around. I love it! What a difference it made in my kitchen! Thanks to my friends who helped and thanks to a lot of Budweiser.

Back on the Lake! Whoohoo!

It was a gorgeous day at the lake today! Its boating time again and I love it! There is nothing more peaceful than a quiet early spring day when the sun is shining and the ducks are swimming and the boat is running good. Thank you Lord for this day.

The only big news around here this week so far is that Ryan is on Spring Break from school, and Brian plowed up our garden area yesterday...Check out Farmer Brian...We are ready for spring now. I guess it's time for me to start reading the online edition of the Farmer's Alamanac again to find out what are the best days for certain activities. I also managed to get a picture of the neighbors fruit trees in bloom...I love this picture. The weather is warm today with a slight breeze...Brian wants to take the boat to the lake and try to fish after work so maybe I will have some pictures from the lake to share again.

It was fun!

We had a little gathering at the house yesterday after work to help Robin celebrate her Bday...even though her big party is scheduled for April 5th we couldn't let the day go by without slamming back a few in her honor. Those in attendance were, Pat, Junior, Brian, Ryan, Daniel, Whitney, and Me. Robin introduced me to Yingling Light Lager beer...I highly recommend it. Very good beer!

Brian and I also made a trip to the local Dick's Sporting Goods Store and Brian racked up on fishing equipment. I hope it pays off. Hopefully he will win some tournaments and we can recoup some of that money we spent yesterday. Keep your fingers crossed. Good luck Brian!

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Kiss me I'm Irish!