My Single Mom Adventure

Music/Movie Monday: Jon Bon Jovi

2011-12-19T21:53:00.003-06:00

Once again, another post about a good lookin' celebrity man...

I (as many of you I'm sure) saw a post similar to this earlier today:

International Rockstar Legend Jon Bon Jovi dead at 49

My first reaction is utter shock

And sadness

Because this good lookin' hunk of a man is just too young to leave this earth

Because he still has good music to make

Come to find out it's all a hoax

Jon Bon Jovi is very much alive

And, looking mighty good for 49 years old

So, Jon, I am very happy you're still here to make awesome music for a while longer

Because your music has touched generations

For example, my friend's five year old daughter who used to sing this a couple of years ago while playing Guitar Hero:

"Oh, livin' on a prayer

take my hand

and we'll make a square"

See...generations

Will You Marry Me?

2011-12-14T18:22:00.003-06:00

Writing Prompt: If you HAD to marry a celebrity…

who would you choose and why?

Check out weekly writing prompts at Mama's Losin' It!

I had to think long and hard about this decision. I mean, I've already expressed my want to marry Michael Buble. Why stop at one though? I shouldn't have all my eggs in one basket. I would hate for all my hopes to be on Michael and then he ups and deceives me by finding another honey.

So, if I HAD to marry a celebrity who would I marry?

Who would it be?

Thinking...

Still thinking...

Apparently, I watch too many reality t.v. shows...

GOT IT!

I would marry Bruce Willis

Yes, Bruce Willis

Why, you ask?

Well, here's why:

The man played the voice of Mickey in Look Who's Talking. Ever since I saw that movie, I wanted my future child(ren) to be just like Mickey

He guest starred on Friends and that will forever be one of my all time most favorite shows

He saved the world in Armageddon

THE MAN CAN ACT (and looks good doing it)

These are horrible and shallow reasons to want to marry someone, but oh well

Call me crazy (and some of you will) but the man keeps getting better looking as he gets older

So there you go

Watch out Michael Buble and Bruce Willis

Music/Movie Monday: My New Crush

2011-12-12T22:40:00.003-06:00

Hearing this man's voice makes my toes curl

I want to marry him

Seriously

Thankful For What?

2011-11-24T22:07:00.010-06:00

Dinner has been devoured

The pies have been attacked

And now we are all vegging out watching Lady Gaga

(don't judge)

It's been a good Thanksgiving :)

I've been debating on a good Thanksgiving post all day. I wanted to do something different than just listing all the things I'm thankful for...family, friends, etc. etc.

So I've decided to post the "unthankful" things I'm thankful for in my life.

Being a Single Mom
Being a single mom is not easy (duh). I've been blessed these past eleven years of single parenting. My frustrations and tears are many, but the accomplishments and joys far outweigh the hard times. Of course this is not the way I wanted to raise my child, but that's ok. We've made the best of it.

The Absence of Family Close By

The closest family I have is about 300 miles away. My mom and step-dad, siblings, and niece live in South Carolina (which is where I am for Thanksgiving). It has been seven years since they moved to South Carolina. I have become more independent and also value family relationships so much more. And, I love being an aunt!

The Not-So-Smart Decisions I Have Made This Past Year

I think this year has topped any other year in dumb decisions. This year has been full of heartbreaks and lots of set backs, but they were all part of a growing process. Thirty-one has brought a new sense of purpose and goals. Thirty-one has brought a little more knowledge and understanding of what I'm looking for in my career, relationships, and personal goals.

So, this year I'm especially thankful for all the "unthankful" parts of my life...the challenges, the disappointments, and the set backs - because they make the speical parts of my life more meaningful.

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving full of memories, laughter, and thankfulness.

You Spin Me Right 'Round, Baby

2011-11-17T23:45:00.010-06:00

Writing Prompt: Write a love letter to an inanimate object
Check out weekly writing prompts at Mama's Losin' It!

My Dearest Spin Bike,

I am so happy that we've been together the past six months. Seeing you twice a week gives me a sense of accomplishment and hope. I know some days are more tough than others and I don't always show how appreciative I am of you. But, the truth is, I love you. I know this is the first time I've expressed those deep feelings, but it's true. You are supportive and dependable. You don't complain when you're stressed. And, even on the days when I openly show my frustrations toward you, you are still there waiting for me with your beautiful pedals and resistance button. I enjoy our time together (well kind of). You have helped to make me a better person and I will forever be grateful. I know there's other people in your life, but I hope our love affair will continue.

Forever Yours,

Jennifer

September in a Nutshell

2011-11-11T23:49:00.002-06:00

I've been busy. A good busy really. I'm tired. I don't sleep enough. But, I'm happy. Life is good.

Alright, I'm done with the kindergarten three word sentences.

So, here's what I was up to in September:

On Labor Day weekend, I did the hardest hike I have ever done. I mean like 'lose your lunch because you're so exhausted' kind of hikes. There was a lot of crawling going on (I might or might not have been doing the crawling). But, since I was the only girl in this five person group, I was determined to finish the hike. And I did!

Doing some rock climbing

Looking up at the mountain we will be climbing

Proud of all my war wounds!

I was also able to help friends raise money for their adoption expenses by volunteering at an event called the Warrior Dash. I had never heard of the Warrior Dash before, but I definitely want to participate sometime in the future! It's a 5K obstacle coarse with lots of mud, barbed wire, and fire.

September also marked fair week in our town. It was muddy this year!

September ended with a trip to beautiful Bastian, Virgina. A friend of mine is in the process of developing a campground facility named (ironically enough) 'Fort Bastian.' Now, when I say a campground facility, I don't mean just a puny campground. Once everything is done, there will be an education center, camping, backpacking, hiking, trails, lodge, Adirondack shelters, log fort, zip lines, archery, pistol range, mountain biking, amphitheater, picnic shelters, and much more!

I helped make that brush pile. Just call me Hee-woman :)

Check out Fort Bastian's Facebook Page and website

While in Virgina, I also set foot for the first time on the Appalachain Trail! I still can't cross it off my Project 52 list since I really didn't hike, but I was still excited to finally step foot on the trail!

Stay tuned for October in a Nutshell! I know you'll be waiting on the edge of your seat...

My First Blog Award!

2011-08-17T17:00:00.005-05:00

I received this award from my good friend Michele more than a month ago. She is one of my bestest friends and a great writer. I'm thinking one day she will be able to quit her job and write for a living ;)

Now, let me proudly show my first blog award:

Yes, I'm pretty darn proud of that

Now, I get to pay it forward and share some of my favorite blogs:

http://www.apeekatkarensworld.com/

This is one of the first blogs I began following and still one of my favorites.

http://singleinfertilefemale.blogspot.com/

This blog follows the journey of a single woman who has endometriosis.

http://laurenandlincoln.blogspot.com/

Lauren is a friend of a friend. And, I love her blog!

http://heknowshername.blogspot.com/

My pastor and his wife are in the process of adopting from India. This blog follows their journey.

http://www.singlemominthesouth.com/

I can't finish this list without showing some love to fellow single mom!

I Have Finally Caught My Break

2011-08-16T09:01:00.001-05:00

Just when I think that things are not going exactly the way I had planned, I get a surprise email:

Hello, After our searching for a family of a CLIENT who died in a boat crash five year ago, I found out that he has same last name with you. In view of this, I ask for your permission to help claim the sum of US$13.8M being funds left behind in a deposit account. If you are interested in this proposal, forward to me your name, address, phone, cell\fax and your nationality for confirmation and more details. Thanks Vin West

No time for idle chit chat...I must email this person my information ASAP!

Vin West, you are my hero.

Music/Movie Monday: Five Random Songs on My MP3 Player

2011-08-15T20:56:00.002-05:00

I love my cheapo MP3 player. I've had this thing for at least four years and it has been my companion on many trips and hours of exercising (to which I am slowly seeing the results).

I have a wide range of music genres represented in my playlist. Here are five random songs that keep me company as I pound the pavement every morning:

**please note** these songs are listed in no particular order

Beyonce - Irreplaceable

See, I told you it was a wide music genre...

Jeremy Camp - Restored

Matchbox Twenty - These Hard Times

Owl City- Fireflies

Switchfoot - Dare You to Move

Writing Challenge Update

2011-08-14T22:30:00.001-05:00

Well, I'm pretty much halfway through the August writing challenge. Even though I haven't posted on here, my personal journal has been getting a workout since August 1. There are just some of my thoughts and feelings that the world is not ready for - so I keep them to myself. I've been going through a life shift lately. Even though this life shift is necessary, I have been fighting tooth and nail...and my journal has been getting the brunt of my frustrations. So, this afternoon I went back and counted all of the words in my entries so that I could count them towards my writing challenge total.

Drum roll please...

5,510 words since August 1st

Yes, I typed that number correctly. My hand is tired. My brain is tired. But, I think I'm finally ready to give up fighting and hand over my struggles to The One who can deal with them much better than I can.

I found a website that listed 10 reasons to keep a journal:

1. Improve your health

2. Reduce stress

3. Stronger relationships

4. Better organizational skills

5. Better focus

6. Better solutions for your problems

7. Know yourself better

8. Personal growth

9. Enhances intuition and creativity

10. Captures "life's story"

Personally, my reason to journal is so that I don't end up in jail, the looney bin, or on a Lifetime movie.

Writing Challenge

2011-07-30T17:12:00.001-05:00

I received a challenge this past week. Like a fool, I decided to take the challenge. For the month of August, I've been challenged to write at least 20,000 words, and lucky for you I will be meeting that challenge by writing blog posts. I promise not to blabber on and on (like I do in many homework assignments) to meet those 20,000 words...because I know all my blog posts are full of insightful information (like my basketball experiment) and I don't want to give you useless information just to meet the challenge.

If you by chance would like to join me in being a fool, sign up for the challenge here

Blackberry Cobbler

2011-07-16T23:45:00.003-05:00

Single ladies - I suggest you think about making this dish if you're wanting to attract a man. Apparently it's fool proof, because I was even able to make it. I wish I had taken a picture, but I didn't so we'll just have to settle with the 'pretty lookin' picture that comes with the recipe.

Ingredients

1 cup butter or margarine, divided
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
1 1/2 cups self-rising flour* (*If self-rising flour is not available, use 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour plus 1/4 teaspoon salt and 2-1/4 teaspoons baking powder.)
1/3 cup milk, room temperature
2 cups fresh or frozen blackberries
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons sugar

In a 10-in. round or oval baking dish, melt 1/2 cup butter; set aside. In a saucepan, heat sugar and water until sugar melts; set aside. Place flour in a mixing bowl; cut in remaining butter until fine crumbs form. Add milk, stirring with a fork until dough leaves sides of bowl. Turn out onto a floured surface; knead three or four times. Roll out to an 11-in. x 9-in. rectangle 1/4 in. thick. Spread berries over dough; sprinkle with cinnamon. Roll up, jelly-roll style. Cut into 1/4-in. thick slices. Carefully lay slices in baking dish over butter. Pour sugar syrup around slices (syrup will be absorbed). Bake at 350 degrees F for 45 minutes. Sprinkle sugar over top and bake 15 minutes more. Serve warm or cold.

I haven't attracted a man yet, but I'm pretty sure that if I walk around carrying this cobbler a couple more times, I'll get a bite (ha!).

Casey Anthony Trial

2011-07-06T22:43:00.002-05:00

Alright, I'm jumping on the Casey Anthony trial bandwagon for just a moment.

I have not followed the whole trial. I've watched bits and pieces, but mostly received updates by watching the news. It is absolutely horrible what happened to little Caylee. She lived a short life on this earth and I'm sure was a precious light to everyone she came in contact.

I know what I'm about to say might offend some people. But, I feel like I just need to speak my mind. This blog is my "public" journal and this is just the topic that keeps coming to mind. I guess I'm mainly talking to my Christian friends today since it's our behavior that's shocking to me.

There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you--who are you to judge your neighbor? ~ James 4:12

It really hurts my heart to see how we are bashing Casey, her family, the jury, and everyone involved in this case. By no means do I think Casey's involvement in this crime is innocent. Her behavior after Caylee went missing is unacceptable. However, the decision of the jury is fair. We live in a country where people are innocent until proven guilty. There just was not enough evidence to convict Casey of the crime. The jury did the right thing and based their decision on facts rather than emotion.

Justice will be done. Whoever was involved in this horrific crime will have to answer in the end. God knows the hearts of Casey and her family.

In the meantime, I have to remind myself of these things:

I am thankful that I live in a country where we as citizens have numerous freedoms, including the freedom to receive a fair trial.

I am thankful for those jurors who sat through hours of emotional testimonies and in the end made the decision they felt was fair and just...whether I agree with their decision or not

As a Christian, I am not to judge anyone in this case - Casey, her family, or the jury. It is my duty to pray for this family - to pray that hearts will be convicted, questions will be answered, and that reconciliation will happen.

Caylee left this earth way too early, but she's going to be ok. She is in the arms of the One who created her in the first place.

People of Walmart

2011-07-02T22:26:00.000-05:00

I greatly detest going to Walmart. I only grace those automatic doors and greet the greeter about once a month.

A couple of weeks ago, a friend of mine showed me this hilarious Walmart video.

Today, when I graced those automatic doors and greeted the greeter, all I could think of was this video.

I dare you not to think of this video next time you hit the big "W."

Thank You, Twitter

2011-06-29T23:16:00.001-05:00

I received this error code on Twitter today: