Moments of Introspection: September 2018

Sunday Stealing: Identity Ask

1: Favorite style of clothing: Causal

2: Do I ever get “good morning” or “good night ” texts? My son use to always send me these types of text. I really miss those texts.

3: Have I ever kissed the last person I texted? I have kissed the last person that texted me (my husband).

4: When did I last hold hands? I don't remember the last time I held hands with anyone.

5: How long does it take me to get ready in the morning? 15 minutes

6: Have I shaved my legs in the past three days? I shaved my legs 5 days ago.

7: Where am I right now? At home, sitting at my desk, trying to relax.

8: Do I have someone of the opposite sex I can tell everything to? No.

9: How often do I wear a fake smile? Every day.

10: When was the last time I hugged someone? Last Friday

11: Is there anyone I trust even though I should not? Yes.

12: What is something I disliked about today? It had to work.

13: If I could meet anyone on this earth, who would it be? No one I can think of.

14: What do I think about most? Not wanting to die...ever.

15: Do I prefer to be behind the camera or in front of it? I prefer to be the one taking the photos.

16: Do I prefer talking on the phone or video chatting online? Neither! But if forced to choose, I would rather talk on the phone.

17: Do I believe in ghosts? How about aliens? Yes and yes.

18: Do I believe in magic? Sometimes

19: Do I believe in luck? Sometimes

20: What's the weather like right now? A little chilly and partly cloudy.

21: What was the last book I've read? Humorous History by A.G. Morgan

22: Do I like the smell of gasoline? I do not really like the smell of gasoline.

23: What was the worst injury I've ever had? Emotional, mental and spiritual injury - Losing my son. Physical injury - a hysterectomy.

24: Do I spend money or save it? I spend some and I save some.

25: Can I touch my nose with my tongue? I cannot touch my nose with my tongue.

Happy National Coffee Day!!!

Pain....Last Time....Shattered Heart

Any time can be the last time.

You never know when that last time with be the last time!

The day my son died, my world turned black.

I am still trying to find my way out of the blackness.

I am still learning how to live with the pain.

Remember Me Thursday - Light For Pets

Remember Me Thursday is a global awareness campaign uniting individuals and pet adoption organizations around the world as an unstoppable, integrated voice for orphan pets to live in forever homes, not die waiting for them.

Today, September 27, 2018, the entire world will share the importance of pet adoption, and shine a light on all orphan pets waiting in shelters and rescues.

Orphan pets should live in forever homes, not die waiting for them. Get everyone you know on social media to talk about pet adoption, so the world can shine a light on all orphan pets waiting in shelters and rescues right now.

Remember Me Thursday® aims to unite individuals and pet adoption organizations around the world to be an unstoppable, integrated voice for orphan pets in need of forever homes.

“Millions of beautiful, adoptable pets will lose their lives in 2018,” states Mike Arms, President and CEO of Helen Woodward Animal Center. “We all come from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds, but together, we can raise our voices and share one life-saving message and literally save millions of pets on this one day.”

Visit the Remember Me Thursday's candle gallery at: https://remembermethursday.org/gallery/.

eCard of the Week #264: No Limits to What You Can Accomplish....

There are no limits to what you can accomplish when

you are supposed to be doing something else.

Snuggle With Blanket During the Game

Last Sunday, while watching football (Green Bay Packers),

Shelby decided to sit in her chair and snuggle with her blanket.

Of course, I just had to take some photos!

Fall Tag and Graphic By Me

Just a few cute fall themed things I put together last weekend:

Scrap Kit by http://angelkkreationz-kits.blogspot.com/

The word "FALL" was done following a tutorial by http://montispixelplayground.blogspot.com

"Thanksgiving Blessings" Scrap kit by Designz By Shelly

Sunday Stealing: Thought Provoking Questions

1. When was the last time you tried something new? Last week I tried a new snack, Honey Pecan Drizzle Granola. It is delicious and is my new addiction.

2. Who do you sometimes compare yourself to? Nearly everyone. I have to tell myself to stop it because I am fine just the way I am.

3. What’s the most sensible thing you’ve ever heard someone say? I have heard a lot of things through the years. Some things make sense depending on the situation and some things make sense depending on the person.

4. What gets you excited about life? Seeing my dog when I come home from a long day at work.

5. What life lesson did you learn the hard way? Loving someone with all your heart does not stop them from dying.

6. What do you wish you spent more time doing five years ago? I wish I had spent a lot more time with my son.

7. Do you ask enough questions or do you settle for what you know? It depends on the situation and who I am speaking to/what I am speaking out.

8. Who do you love and what are you doing about it? I love my husband and I show him through taking care of him, putting a roof over our heads and putting food on the table.

9. What’s a belief that you hold with which many people disagree? My thoughts regarding God.

10. What can you do today that you were not capable of a year ago? I do not cry as much each day as I did a year ago.

11. Do you think crying is a sign of weakness or strength? I think it is a sign of strength.

12. What would you do differently if you knew nobody would judge you? I would wear my pajamas to work.

13. Do you celebrate the things you do have? Yes.

14. What is the difference between living and existing? Living to me means enjoying life and the people and things around you. Existing is just going through the motions of each day, kind of in a daze.

15. If not now, then when? After I retire.

16. Have you done anything lately worth remembering? Not really.

17. What does your joy look like today? Watching football.

18. Is it possible to lie without saying a word? Yes.

19. If you had a friend who spoke to you in the same way that you sometimes speak to yourself, how long would you allow this person to be your friend? Not very long at all.

20. Which activities make you lose track of time? Online gaming.

21. If you had to teach something, what would you teach? How to be kind to others.

22. What would you regret not fully doing, being or having in your life? I regret not being with my son when it died. This regret eats at me every day and cause a lot of pain and anxiety.

23. Are you holding onto something that you need to let go of? Yes.

24. When you are 80-years-old, what will matter to you the most? Family

25. When is it time to stop calculating risk and rewards and just do what you know is right? Doing the right thing should always come first.

Happy Fall 2018 - Autumnal Equinox

The Autumnal equinox—also called the September equinox—is the astronomical start of fall in the Northern Hemisphere and spring in the Southern Hemisphere.

The word equinox comes from the Latin aequus (equal) and nox (night).

During the equinox, the Sun crosses what we call the “celestial equator” (just imagine the line that marks the equator on Earth extending up into the sky) from north to south.

Earth’s two hemispheres are receiving the Sun’s rays about equally. The Sun is overhead at noon as seen from the equator. At this point, the amount of nighttime and daytime (sunlight) are roughly equal to each other.

Another definition of fall is nights of below-freezing temperatures combined with days of temperatures below 70 degrees Fahrenheit. From here on out, the temperatures begin to drop and the days start to get shorter than the nights.

Source: www.almanac.com/content/first-day-fall-autumnal-equinox

International Day of Peace 2018 Theme: “The Right to Peace - The Universal Declaration of Human Rights at 70”

The following information is from the International Day of Peace web site....

"Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September. The General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples.

The theme for 2018 is “The Right to Peace - The Universal Declaration of Human Rights at 70”

The theme celebrates the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Happy Talk Like a Pirate Day 2018

Check out the official "Talk Like A Pirate: web site: http://www.talklikeapirate.com/

How to talk like a Pirate: http://www.yarr.org.uk/talk/

eCard of the Week #263: When You Lose A Child

When you lose a child,

you lose an entire lifetime

of dreams, hopes, wishes and plans.

Happy Dog Loves Being At Grandma's House

Shelby loves visiting her grandma. Nearly all of the windows at

her grandma's house are low enough for Shelby to see out of.

So, Shelby stares at (and barks at) everyone in the neighborhood!

Yesterday, was Shelby's grandpa's birthday. We had family dinner

and sat around and chatted for a few hours afterwards. Fun times!

Sunday Stealing: 65 Questions part 1

1. Do you ever doubt the existence of others than you? I think other people exist. I don't imagine them.

2. On a scale of 1-5, how afraid of the dark are you? A very strong 4, leaning heavy into a 5 at times. I have been scared of the dark all my life.

3. The person you would never want to meet? A zombie!

4. What is your favorite word? "Indeed"

5. If you were a type of tree, what would you be? A mighty oak!

6. When you looked in the mirror this morning what was the first thing you thought? I look like crap!

7. What shirt are you wearing? A blue tee-shirt.

8. What do you label yourself as? Kind, understanding, open minded.

9. Bright room or dark room? Bright room.

10. What were you doing at midnight last night? Tossing and turning in bed

11. Favorite age you’ve been so far? 30

12. Who told you they loved you last? My husband.

13. Your worst enemy? Death

14. What is your current desktop picture? This one....

15. Do you like someone? I like many people. But if this question actually means do I like like (love) then the answers is yes...my husband.

16. The last song you listened to? Drew Barrymore by Bryce Vine

17. You can press a button that will make any one person explode. Who would you blow up? Oh my goodness! That is just terrible. I cannot think of anyone.

18. Who would you really like to just punch in the face? My ex-husband.

19. If anyone could be your slave for a day, who would it be and what would they have to do? I do not want to be a slave to anyone. So I will take a pass on this.

20. What is your best physical attribute? My eyes

21. If you were the opposite sex for one day, what would you look like and what would you do? I would look pretty much the way I do now, just without boobs. LOL I would hide in the house all day.

22. Do you have a secret talent? If yes, what is it? I do not have a secret talent.

23. What is one unique thing you’re afraid of? My biggest fear is death, but I am not sure that is unique.

24. You can only have one kind of sandwich. Every sandwich ingredient known to humankind is at your disposal. Peanut butter and Jelly!

25. You just found $100! How are you going to spend it? I will put gas in my Jeep, then go see a movie.

26. You just got a free plane ticket to anywhere in the world, but you have to leave immediately. Where are you going to go? Ireland please.

27. An angel appears out of Heaven and offers you a lifetime supply of the alcoholic beverage of your choice. “Be brand-specific” it says. I don't drink so I will have to say no thank you. Unless I can exchange it for a lifetime supply of Pure Leaf tea.

28. You discover a beautiful island upon which you may build your own society. You make the rules. What is the first rule you put into place? Everyone must be kind!

29. What is your favorite expletive? "For Shit Sake" or "For Fuck Sake"

30. Your house is on fire. You have just enough time to run in there and grab ONE inanimate object. Don’t worry, your loved ones and pets have already made it out safely. So what’s the one thing you’re going to save from that blazing inferno? I am going to assume that since my family and pets are already safe, that my son's ashes and my other dog's ashes are also safe. With that said, I would then go in and grab my purse since it has the keys to my vehicles, ID's and etc in it.

Camera Critters: Morning Vs Evening

4:45AM being a silly girl.

Rolling around in her chair on her back.

Late evening. Begging for a bite of summer sausage

while listening to a football game.

This post is linked to Camera Critters

and to Saturday Critters.

September is Leukemia Awareness Month: In Memory of Richard Colt Hazlett

On March 10, 2016 at 2:40AM, my son...

my handsome, loving, kind, caring and wonderful son, passed away.

Acute Myeloid Leukemia ripped him from this world at the age of 23.

Very first photo of Colt in 1992.

I really did think Colt would beat cancer and that he would be here for many more years. But no, cancer decided it wanted to win...and it won in 31 days.

Colt died only 31 days after being diagnosed.

31 DAYS!

All the medical technology and medicine and treatments could not save him.

I feel the doctors gave us false hope and that makes me angry.

Very last photo of Colt, 9 March 2016

I knew that leukemia would kill him, someday but not 31 days after being diagnosed.

I miss Colt so much.

The pain of losing him is so deeper than anything I have ever felt. There are no words to even begin to describe how I feel. A large piece of my heart and soul died in Dallas when Colt passed. I am so very sorry I did not get there in time to say good bye...regret and guilt eat me alive some days.

Every day life is hard without Colt. I miss his wonderful smile and his laugh. I miss hearing him say "Hi Mama". I miss talking to him and I miss hearing his voice. I miss hearing "I love Mama!". I miss the "good morning", "good night" and "I miss you Mama", text.

Hell I miss everything about my precious son.

Most days, I feel like a robot, just going through the motions of each day.

I do my best stay busy to keep the overwhelming emotions from taking me over.

My heart and soul ache to the core.

Colt is now home with me.

eCard of the Week #262: The World Will Be A Better Place If....

Oh, the world will be a better place

if you kick an asshole in the face!

http://www.bluntcard.com/

National Video Game Day 2018

Spend your day gaming!
It’s National Video Game Day!

September 11, 2001 - We Remember

“If we learn nothing else from this tragedy,
we learn that life is short and there is no time for hate.”
—Sandy Dahl, wife of Flight 93 pilot Jason Dahl

“Time is passing. Yet, for the United States of America,

there will be no forgetting September the 11th.

We will remember every rescuer who died in honor.

We will remember every family that lives in grief.

We will remember the fire and ash, the last phone calls, the funerals of the children.”

—former President George W. Bush

World Suicide Prevention Day 2018

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1-800-273-8255

We can all help prevent suicide.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers
that provides free and confidential emotional support to people
in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Sunday Stealing: Food Again

1. Ever had ramen noodles? How do you fix yours? Do you add anything to them? I have had ramen noodles before and still eat them every now and them. I make them according to the instructions on the package and I do not add anything to them.

2. Do you like spicy foods? No.

3. Crispy or grilled chicken on your salad? I like grilled chicken on my salad.

4. Do you like corn on the cob? I do like corn on the cob.

5. Pumpkin or apple pie? Depends on the time of year. I like apple pie most of the time but like pumpkin pie during the holidays.

6. Dinner rolls or crescent rolls? Dinner rolls

7. How do you like your eggs? Scrambled or boiled

8. Most expensive meal you have ever eaten? The most I have ever spent on a meal just for me was $80.00. Edit due to comments received - the meal was morel mushrooms for the appetizer, sea bass for the entree and Creme Brulee for dessert.

9. Do you like stir fry? Sometime.

10. What kind of pots and pans do you use? Whatever I found at Walmart for a somewhat decent price.

11. Do you like Brussel sprouts? No.

12. Canned or fresh tomatoes? Fresh tomatoes

13. BBQ Chicken or Ribs? Ribs

14. Do you like coffee? I love coffee.

15. Cupcakes or ice cream cake? Cupcakes

16. Hot dogs or polish sausage? Hot dogs

17. Do you like cinnamon toast? Yes.

18. Do you eat dinner at the table or in front of the TV? In front of the TV.

19. Do you like to BBQ? I do not like to BBQ but I do like to eat BBQ.

20. Do you like cold cuts? Yes...turkey, ham, bologna and roast beef.

21. Do you like rice? Yes.

22. Macaroni and cheese? Yes.

23. Key Lime Pie? Every now and then.

24. Favorite Fair/Carnival Food? Funnel cake and lemon shake ups.

25. What kind of gravy do you like? Country gravy (sausage gravy)

26. Jalapeno Poppers? I do not like them. Too spicy for me.

27. Broccoli/Chicken Alfredo? Yes.

28. Do you like cottage cheese? Yes.

29. Do you like lasagna? Yes.

30. Do you like hard boiled eggs? Yes.