Thirsty Thursday

Well obviously the weather is starting to change some and I can tell because when I wake up in the morning my throat is scratchy and I have to blow my nose for 5 minutes. I know...gross...but it's true...and I'm thirsty when I wake up. I don't know why I do this everytime the seasons change. I haven't done anything different inside the house...the air conditioner still kicks on from time to time but since it's cooled down at night it doesn't kick on as often. I haven't opened the windows or anything like that. We change our filter every month as well.

It's Thursday before a long holiday weekend. We are off Friday through Monday...Yippie! I can't wait to lay around and sleep late...I think Brian and I are going to go out one night on the lake, weather permitting. I think I'll round up some buddies this weekend and do something fun and maybe cookout too...Lord knows we have enough hamburger and stuff since we bought that cow...my freezers are still filled completely up. Sometimes you will open the door and frozen hamburger will jump out and fall to the ground...you have to jump back really quick and hope that it doesn't hit your toes and smash them. LOL. The downstairs freezer is full of pork from the hog that we bought. I also have plenty of canned and frozen veggies so we are ready for the winter months. The garden is starting to die out which is good in a way. I can't handle anymore veggies although I'm going to really miss those garden tomatoes...they're just so much better than what you buy at the store.

It has rained here for the last 2 days and I am in a lazy mood...I guess when the weather is nice outside it really keeps me going and I go home do house chores and then go outside to enjoy it. I love the summer. Now though it seems it's turning into fall all of a sudden and I just feel wiped out and have no desire to do anything except rest and take it easy inside.

Ryan seems to have made a change for the better this week...he had a real awakening at a church function on Sunday night and he says he really got a good feeling from it...like the Lord was speaking to him. It seems to be reflected in his actions lately too. I hope he will stay on the right track and continue to improve.

I hope everyone has a safe long Labor Day Weekend!

It's Bristol race time!!

I'll add some pics later but we had a blast in Brian's company's suite on Wednesday night at Bristol Motor Speedway. Lots of friends, food, drinks, and fun were had by all. I think we're going to skip the other races this weekend and spend all our time on the lake. The weather is perfect and I can tell we don't have much longer before it's going to start cooling off and we won't be able to spend as much time out there...so...Boone Lake here we come!

Still having teenager troubles at our house. Ryan's been in school 2 weeks and got ISS for leaving class without permission. We didn't let him attend the first homecoming game and dance last night and he just couldn't understand that. I went through his room and found some things I shouldn't have. Oh the joys of parenting!

I heard this today and I love it so I thought I'd share:

Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we're here we should dance!

I think that's my new motto.

Oh I almost forgot...I left work yesterday and went by Pit Row Liquor store and met Junior Johnson and got him to autograph some bottles of his very own Midnight Moon Moonshine. I was thrilled! I bet those will be worth something someday.

Two Wolves

I love this message and thought I'd share it in today's post:


One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.

He said, 'My son, the battle is between two 'wolves' inside us all.

One is Evil. - It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.

The other is Good. - It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.'

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: 'Which wolf wins?'

The old Cherokee simply replied, 'The one you feed.'

Bipolar Disorder

After talking with a friend last night I felt compelled to write this blog today about Bipolar Disorder...mainly because I have a family memeber who is bipolar and was diagnosed as bipolar several years ago after a suicide attempt. I also have a friend who I now believe suffers from this same condition but has not been diagnosed.

Over the years I have researched and learned more about bipolar disorder than any human being should ever know about it. It is extremely painful and difficult to cope with if you are a loved one of someone who is affected by this disorder. I have dealt with it for years and what most people don't realize is that the people who tend to suffer most from this are the loved ones and family members who are close to a person with this disorder.

Most people affected by Bipolar Disorder deny that they have a problem, even if a doctor has diagnosed them with this, most believe it was a mistake, or don't think that they have this condition at all. A majority of bipolar sufferers who are on medication go off of their medication at times believing they are cured or no longer need to be treated for their condition. Often times sufferers turn to drugs or alcohol to self medicate.

Here is an overview of Bipolar Disorder from an online article that I found. If you know someone with these symptoms please encourage them to seek help.

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a type of mood disorder. Bipolar disorder was called manic depression in the past, and that term is still used by some people. It is a psychiatric illness that causes major disruptions in lifestyle and health.

Everyone has occasional highs and lows in their moods. But people with bipolar disorder have extreme mood swings. They can go from feeling very sad, despairing, helpless, worthless, and hopeless (depression) to feeling as if they are on top of the world, hyperactive, creative, and grandiose (mania). This disease is called bipolar disorder because the mood of a person with bipolar disorder can alternate between two completely opposite poles, euphoric happiness and extreme sadness.

Symptoms of both mania and depression sometimes occur together, in what is called "mixed state."

The extremes of mood usually occur in cycles. In between these mood swings, people with bipolar disorder are able to function normally, hold a job, and have a normal family life. The episodes of mood swings tend to become closer together with age.

When a person is in the grip of this disease, chaos can occur. Bipolar disorder can cause major disruption of family and finances, loss of job, and marital problems.

Severe depression can be life-threatening. It may be associated with thoughts of suicide, actual acts of suicide, and even acts of homicide in some cases.

Extreme mania can lead to aggressive behavior, potentially dangerous risk-taking behaviors, and homicidal acts.

A number of people with bipolar disorder may turn to drugs and alcohol to "self-treat" their emotional disorder, resulting in substance abuse and dependence.
Most people start showing signs of bipolar disorder in their late teens (the average age of onset is 21 years). These signs may be dismissed as "growing pains" or normal teenage behavior. On occasion, some people have their first symptoms during childhood, but the condition can often be misdiagnosed at this age and improperly labeled as a behavioral problem. Bipolar disorder may not be properly diagnosed until the sufferer is 25-40 years old, at which time the pattern of symptoms may become clearer.

Bipolar disorder occurs in both men and women. About 5.7 million people in the United States have the disorder. There is no racial group that is more afflicted by this disease.

Because of the extreme and risky behavior that goes with bipolar disorder, it is very important that the disorder be identified. With proper and early diagnosis, this mental condition can be treated. Bipolar disorder is a long-term illness that will require proper management for the duration of a person's life.

Another fun weekend

Well we had another fun summer weekend. Brian's and Daniel's boss Rick got married and had a beautiful wedding in Johnson City and the reception following at the King's Ballroom was a blast. We (Me, Brian, Ryan, John, Kerri, Whitney, Daniel, Jimmy and wife, and Dale) all enjoyed ourselves. I even managed to get Ryan to dance with his momma.

As usual Sunday morning Brian and I hit the lake early and the water was like glass. We went to a beautiful spot on the lake (which is now my favorite spot) and he and I both had several good bites...but we didn't manage to get anything in the boat...at one point we were approached by the game warden who chatted for a bit...he gave us some pointers on what people were catching fish on that morning. He was also conducting a survey and asked us several questions about our day on the lake. He was a very nice guy...not what you'd expect a game warden to be like. Anyway...

Brian managed to get my last new storm door up and the new doors look sooooooooo much better than the old ones from the 70's did. Slowly but surely we are getting our little old house fixed up.

This week is race week in Bristol. Should be an interesting one. Whitney and I are planning on going to Food City race night and trying to get a chance to meet Casey Kahne. I hope we get in line early enough.

New Baby!!!

Just wanted to say congratulations to Pat and Kim Kendrick on their new baby boy born Aug. 13, 2008. Welcome to the world Emory Tate Kendrick!!!!

And another one!!!

Well we had yet another perfect summer weekend! This makes like 3 in a row or more. My cousin Pete came down from WVa he had never visited this area before and he loves Harley Davidson Motorcycles! The first night he and Paul were here they got to hang out with us at the house and meet Daniel, Whitney, (see pic)and GW...we had a blast...and a few beers. We laughed a lot. The next morning we got up and met Pete and took him to the All Harley Drags(see pic)...it was a really good time! Brian even found some new motorcycle helmets (see pic) that was a hoot! Then we took them to the Elizabethton Saturday Night Car Show...there seemed to be more cars than usual there this time...musta had something to do with the perfect temperatures this past weekend. Anywho...we wanted to hang out and listen to some music, eat and have a beer or two so we took them to Bridge's Cafe on the Wautauga river...we sat outside and I have to say the service there was outstanding this time...it can be a little slow from our prior experience but not this time...the entertainment was great too! Sunday morning Brian and I took our usual treck to the lake and cruised around and fished some...Pete was headed back to the mountains of West Va by that time. Needless to say by Sunday evening I was worn slap out but it was all worth it. I loved the weekend!

Just for fun a survey.

Start with your name:
Ashley, Ash, Mom, Babe, just a few names that I go by.


How did you wake up this morning?
My alarm went off and I hit sleep instead of snooze so I overslept and woke up in a panic...still made it on time though!


Do you believe everything you hear?
I don't believe anything unless I see it with my own eyes.


What is the next big decision you have to make in your life?
What to eat for lunch...lol.


What are you wearing right now?
khakis and a shirt


What were you doing at 12:00 PM yesterday?
I was working.


Is it easy for others to make you feel awkward?
No I don't think so.


Are you taller than 5'3?
Yep! Barely


What time did you go to bed last night?
around 10:30pm


Does anyone like you?
I think so...if not they do a good job of pretending to but if they don't who cares.


What will you do Friday?
Go shopping for something to wear to Rick's wedding on Saturday.


What are your initials?
AAK


Is there anyone you really can't stop thinking about?
Yep...my honey!

How do you feel?
Happy, loved, lucky, busy


Do you trust all of your friends?
My closest ones only


Did you like anyone last summer?
Just my husband


What are you doing tomorrow?
Going to work, then lunch with Cheryl at Pepper Jack's then I dunno after that.


Where were you last night at midnight?
In my bedroom sleeping


Are you married?
I sure am

Do you wish at 11:11?
No...didn't even know people did that

Have you told anyone a secret in the past week?
I don't really have any secrets...I'm an open book

Could you date someone taller than you?
I wouldn't be dating anyone cuz I'm married but my hubby is taller than me.

How is your heart lately?
It is all a flutter...LOL


Is the last person you kissed mad at you?
Nope


How many hours did you sleep last night?
About 6


Is something bothering you?
No worries


Are you sarcastic?
Oh no, not at all.... yep!


In the past week have you felt stupid?
Stupid is as stupid does...LOL..I probably have for some reason or another.

In the past week have you gotten your hair cut?
Actually, no it was the week before that.



In the past week have you felt sad?
No

Has someone disappointed you lately?
Yep, that is a MAJOR understatment! Actually 2 people have but karma will catch up with them one day.


Do you feel comfortable with answering personal questions?
I have no problem with it at all.



Have you ever had your heart broken?
Oh yes

Just pics from around the garden

Just thought I'd share some pics from the garden that I took the other day. We have really been blessed with a good garden this year. We have been overloaded with tomatoes, zucchini, squash, cucumbers, onions, lettuce, peppers, beans, etc, etc...I have canned, and vaccum sealed everything I can now I'm just tired of all of that and giving away the goods to anyone who needs them. I love it though!

Just got off the phone with crazy Pat K. his wife Kim's due date has now come and gone and he tells me they will take the baby next Wed the 13th if she doesn't have little Emory Tate by then. Can't wait for the baby to get here!

Also yesterday was a successful day...Gigi had a border collie puppy dropped off at her house about a week ago...it was soooooooooo cute. She couldn't keep it because she already had 2 boxers so after several days of looking we found it a really good home with a guy I work with and his family. I always love it when an animal can be saved from going to the pound.

Politics

Just thought I'd share that I am reading another book...this one is a look at the life of Barack Obama written by a reporter who has followed him around for some years. This guy got to have exclusive interviews with Obama's teachers, family, classmates, as well as Michelle Obama...it is very eye opening. It gives you a look at Obamas life other than what he himself has written. So far it's been an easy read and very informative. If you get time check it out.

Another Perfect Summer Weekend!

Well we had yet another perfect summer weekend! Friday night Whitney and I plugged our first watermelon. I had never attempted this before...neither had she. We used a perfect seedless watermelon and watermelon flavored vodka. We decided it would go perfect with Ribeye steaks, fried potatoes and onions and pasta salad...so Whitney decided to have a cookout at her place Saturday night...to give the watermelon time to sit. The food was yummy! For desert we had jello shooters.

After dinner and hanging out at their place we all loaded up into the Xterra and went for a drive...we ended up at Pat's house and had a big time there. Saturday night was a blast!

Sunday morning Brian and I decided to head out to the lake. It was awesome...the water was gleaming and so calm. It seemed as if we were the only boat and had the whole lake to ourselves. We went to our favorite spot where Brian fished and I laid out and soaked up the summer sun. Rascal enjoyed himself too.

It's hard to believe that Ryan started back to school this week. I know we still have the month of August but I will be sad to see summer come to an end.

A Must Read!!!!

I don't know who the author of this is but I thought it was important enough a message to post...please take the time out to read this one:

Author Unknown

I Believe...
That just because two people argue,
it doesn't mean they don't love each other.
And just because they don't argue,
it doesn't mean they do love each other.

I Believe...
That we don't have to change friends if
we understand that friends change.

I Believe...
That no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt
you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.

I Believe...
That true friendship continues to grow, even over
the longest distance. Same goes for true love.

I Believe...
That you can do something in an instant
that will give you heartache for life.

I Believe...
That it's taking me a long time
to become the person I want to be.

I Believe...
That you should always leave loved ones with
loving words. It may be the last time you see them.

I Believe...
That you can keep going long after you think you can't.(AMEN!)

I Believe...
That we are responsible for what
we do, no matter how we feel.

I Believe...
That either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I Believe...
That heroes are the people who do what has to be done
when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.

I Believe...
That money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I Believe...
That my best friend and I, can do anything, or nothing and have the best time.

I Believe...
That sometimes the people you expect to kick you
when you're down, will be the ones to help you get back up.

I Believe...
That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry,
but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

I Believe...
That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had
and what you've learned from them and less to do
with how many birthdays you've celebrated.

I Believe...
That it isn't always enough, to be forgiven by others.
sometimes, you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I Believe...
That no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I Believe...
That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are,
but, we are responsible for who we become.

I Believe...
That you shouldn't be so eager to find
out a secret. It could change your life Forever.

I Believe...
Two people can look at the exact same
thing and see something totally different.

I Believe...
That your life can be changed in a matter of
hours by people who don't even know you.

I Believe...
That even when you think you have no more to give, when
a friend cries out to you - you will find the strength to help.

I Believe...
That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.

I Believe...
That the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.

I Believe...
The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything;
they just make the most of everything.

New Voice Mail Message

I just had to share this...someone special who always understands sent this to me and I am seriously considering changing my voice mail message to say exactly this...because it so fits for me right now:

I dialed a number and got the following recording:

'I am not available right now, but
Thank you for caring enough to call .
I am making some changes in my life .
Please leave a message after the
Beep. If I do not return your call,
You are one of the changes. '~

Brian Wins 1st Place in Mud Bog!!!!

Yay!!! What a fun weekend. Friday night everyone came by and helped Brian get his truck finely tuned and ready for the mud bog on Saturday. They even shined the wheels. Have you all ever heard of shining up the wheels for a mud bog. But anyway...they were looking good...for a little while.

Saturday we headed down to Surgoinsville/Mt. Carmel area for the Struttin' in the Ruts Mud Bog. It was the perfect temperature...not too hot...not too cool. We watched all of the 4 wheelers race and Brian went and signed up for the BIG PIT!  He got to go through it 3 times along with the other drivers. Ryan rode with him twice while I cheered them on. It was great! At the end of the night Brian took home the 1st place money!!! Way to go baby!

Awesome Pie Recipe!

You have to try this to believe it...I have been bombarded with zucchini this year from my garden. A friend of mine (Melissa...Whitey's momma) turned me onto this recipe and I have to say it is unbelieveable that zucchini can taste just like apples. Here's how to make zucchini "apple" pie.

Use big zucchinis. Peel and cut in quarters lengthwise, remove the seeds and slice crosswise.

Toss together:
4 cups sliced zucchini, cooked until tender crisp
2 tablespoons lemon juice
dash of salt
Mix in a bowl:
1 1/4 cups sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar
dash of nutmeg
3 tablespoons flour

Add the zucchini and mix well. It will be runny, but that's ok. Dump the filling into a 9-inch crust and dot with butter. Add the top crust and bake at 400 degrees or until golden brown.

I'm tellin' you...no one will be able to tell that this is not just regular apple pie!

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.