The first man in my life

Who doesn't love a great story of triumph?  I love hearing about people that faced some sort of adversity and found their way out and went on to either be an advocate against it or live as opposite a life as possible.  Sadly you mostly only hear those stories in the movies. Most of those in reality are that people go on to perpetuate that "thing" in their life. "Oh did you hear about so-in-so?  You know he's into drugs really bad.  Well you know his mom was a drug addict so you could really only expect that for him since she was his example."  Stuff like that.
Well I can't mention my dad without acknowledging what an amazing triumph his life has been.  And his story is his story and not mine to tell but I will say a few things that, for those that know him, is common knowledge. 
My dad was born and raised in Arkansas.  His parents divorced and his mom remarried.  He was a bad man.  Life at home wasn't good.  I never had the opportunity to meet my grandmother but from what I have been told, she was a very special woman.  And she loved my dad very much.  I can only think that she did her best to provide what she thought was going to be the best life for her kids.  My dad and his brother.  She endured things that no one should ever have to and so did the kids. 
When she was only in her late 30's, she was stricken with a very agressive form of breast cancer.  I really cannot imagine what that sort of news must have been like for my dad.  So young. 
He moved to Houston for work in the mid-70's.  He needed to make money so that he could help the family.  Meanwhile back at home, she was dying. She lost her battle at only 41 years of age. 
I was 6 weeks in my mother's stomach when she passed.  My parents really wanted her to be able to have a grandchild before she passed.  Oh how I can only imagine, as a parent now, how much he wanted me to know her and her to know me.  And later in life, my sister. 
I am so thankful for my relationship with the Lord.  Because of that, He has spoken to my heart about her at times and given me, in small doses, glimpses into my dad's heart for her and for us to know her.  I actually think of her often.  I am excited for the day when I get to meet her in Heaven.  My dad tells me how much she loved the Lord.  So we will meet! 
I say all of that to build a picture of what my dad's life had been in his short 21/22 years on this Earth. Abuse, heartache, abandonment, etc.  He didn't have the dream childhood.  At times, I am sure it was more like a nightmare. 
A life like that can make you a very bitter and jaded person.  It's so much easier to follow in the footsteps of your example than it is to rise above it and say "No - I'm not going to live my life like that."  And that's what my dad did.
My sister and I, when we talk about our childhood, realize now that we are both parents, that we had about as close to a perfect childhood as you can get.  We had the perfect balance of structure, discipline, love and fun. 
My dad was never "not there."  He was present at anything that we ever did.  He got involved and was interested in our lives.   He has always provided and protected us.  I don't ever remember having a care or worry in the world when I was little because my dad could do anything and would take care of anything that might come up.  He could build anything, fix anything, create anything, he was my hero. 
I can remember on several occassions when he wore something quite embarrasing because I asked him to.  I always loved my friends.  He would play basketball outside with them and take them fishing.  Some of them to this day see him as a second father.  He taught Sunday School at our church to the youth and I can remember watching him at home in the Word preparing for his lessons.  He treated it as such a responsibility and honor to lead those young people.
I can remember times when he had to protect us.  Whether it be jumping in front of us when someone was coming to hurt us or loading us up and taking us out of town because a hurricane was coming.  As long as dad was in charge, I knew we would be ok. 
He never let the example of his childhood dictate who he was going to be as a father.  He was such an amazing dad, and still is. 
I'm so thankful that God chose him to be my dad.  I think about my relationship with the Lord and how special that is and I know that so much of that ease and comfort comes from the example of my Earthly father. 
My prayer is that on this Father's Day, my dad knows just how special he is and just how thankful I am for him.  That his life is a great story of adversity and triumph over that adversity. Dad, you are the best!  And I love you so much!

 

He has open arms!

Sunday morning started really early.  Kayley was dancing with the NOIZE in the early service so we were on the road by about 6:20am.  Awesome.  I'm not really a morning person.  I really prefer not to speak before about 8:30 and if I'm really being honest, not before about 10am.  But this was our reality so I put on my "just blessed and happy to be alive" face and we headed in.  No - I'm kidding.  I was actually excited about the day.  We had a full day planned, driving up to the Woodlands after church to dance up at their Market Street Shops.  So it was going to be a good day.
I sang with the choir, which I always love.  It's an honor to be on the worship team but there is just nothing like singing in the choir.  The worship experience is just like nothing else.
Before we went out, we did some rehearsing of a song that we will be doing in a few weeks and it was amazing.  God totally showed up and it was just an awesome pre-worship worship experience. 
The day was starting off just perfectly.
We go out and get in the loft and get ready to help create an atmosphere in our service. 
I had no idea what was ahout to happen.  But when, really, does God give you a heads up? 

We were singing this song called God is Able by Hillsong United. 
It's such an amazing song really focusing on how big our God is.  There is a line in the song that says, "God is for us, He has open arms, He will never fail us.  He will never fail us."  I noticed when I was singing that part, I had lifted my arms high , extending them to Him.  But not in my normal way.  Up over my head, like I was waiting for someone to pick me up. 
Right then, I had one of those experiences where God would just begin to minister to me in such a private and intimate way.  He began to give me all of these scenarios and memories of conversations that I had had in the past. 
I have a friend, one of my best friends actually, that was raised in the church and loves the Lord.  But doesn't quite get why I raise my hands when I worship and give praise to God.  I've tried to eloquently explain it, pulling out all of my amazing School of Worship teachings but none of that really clicked with him.  It just seemed "extreme" and "oogie boogie" to him.
We've talked about it a number of times and I have always been frustrated when we got off the phone because I felt like I didn't paint the right picture for him. 
See for me, I can't contain myself when I am singing to the Lord.  I've gotta move around, I've got to raise my hands, I've got to clap.  I want every part of me honoring and praising the One who is worthy of it. 
So as I am standing there, He gives me those words that I haven't been able to find on my own.  I am going to tell you in my words what He spoke to my heart.
"Ashley - look how you are holding your hands up.  Like a child waiting to be picked up by their parents.  Wanting to be held.  Wanting to be comforted and safe in the arms of someone that they trusted.  That's how you look at Me.  I am here to hold you.  I have open arms ready to receive you whenever you need me.  I never leave you.  You trust me.  I can comfort you when you need arms wrapped around you in comfort and security.  That's why you raise your hands to me.  Because I am ready to reach down to you." 
I was so overwhelmed at that moment.  I couldn't sing any longer.  I actually am tearing up as I type this.

I felt so secure and loved and special.  Right there in that Worship Center, I was having my own moment with the Lord.  He thought about me, little insignificant me, at that moment.  And I wondered, how many other people in this room are having one of these moments. Right about then one of our leaders stopped the song and said that he felt on his heart that there were people in the room that God was speaking to regarding that very line in the song. 
How great is God?!?!?  I mean really!!!

So from now on, that's what I will say when people think it's weird and different that I raise my hands when I worship and jump around in joy for who my God is.  I do it because He thinks of me.  I do it because He saved me and made a way when I couldn't see a way for myself.  I do it because He created me in His own image and no matter what anyone says about me, I'm perfect and beautiful in His eyes.  I do it because He took me in all of my junk and yuckiness and He washed me white as snow.  I do it because when He looks at me, He doesn't see my crud and my hypocrisy and my judgemental spirit and my critical heart...He sees the blood of His Son who died for me.  I do it because when I have no strength, His strength is made perfect in my weakness.   I do it because He is the Alpha and the Omega.  I do it because when I have a bad day, He will hold me in His arms and remind me that He never leaves me.  I do it because He loves me.  With all of my imperfections, He loves me!

What's in my purse

So let me explain what this is.  I have a number of bloggers that I follow regularly.  I love them.  But funny enough, their blogs are completely different than mine.  Which is weird to me because their blogs really inspired me to start one. 

 Anyhooooo - one of my favorites did this deal a few weeks ago where she had all of these guest bloggers on and they showed you what was in their purse and how they organized it.  OMG!  I was OBSESSED!  So I had this thought - I love to read these but I never do anything like that on mine.  Sooooo - this is where I find myself.
This is strictly just a "for fun" post.  If you are looking for depth, you aren't going to find it here.

Here is the purse.  My dad asked me this weekend if it was luggage.  Rude!  Clearly he doesn't know how important I am and all of the important things that I have to carry.  I set him straight so...he knows now. 


This is just a cheap Forever 21 purse.  It will more than likely rip apart soon.  I pack so much junk in there, purses don't stand a chance.  Which is why I stopped buying expensive ones.  It isn't worth it.

This is a view with all of my stuff in it.  The older I get, I am better about keeping my purses junk free.  You know - trash and stuff.  I think it's the old lady in me.  I am beginning to be all about function.  I draw the line at the fanny pack though. 

                       Here are the contents. 



Now you see why I need a luggage-sized purse. 

1.  My planner
2.  My make-up bag
3.  My joural/notepad
4. My "hold that thought" sticky arrows
5. Kayley's glasses that I use because I wear hand me downs of my 13 year old
6.  Kenra hairspray (or hair crack.  Whatever you want to refer to it as.)
7.  Lens cleaner wipes for my glasses
8.  Vera Bradley zippy for my business cards
9.  Container of office supplies
10.  Tissues
11.  Wet wipes
12.  iPhone - my everything
13.  My wallet
14.  My peppermints
15.  My in-ears for church

As I was typing these...right about #7, I could hear my husband's voice in my head calling me a dork.  It's actually probably true but I will be the dork on time with my crap together.  You "cool kids" can stroll in late unprepared.  And I'm not letting you borrow a pen!

Here it is broken into sections so I can explain.  Some of these I think might need explanation.



My planner goes everywhere with me.  Here is a shot of this week so far....


Needless to say....there have been a few things going on.  If I didn't have this, there would be no way for be to be able to get everything done.  I am so thankful for it. 

My "Hold That Thought" stickers are my fav!  I found these years ago at Barnes and Noble and use them for my Bible.  Then I started using them for everything.  So now I purchase them whenever I see them because I am afraid they are going to stop being made.  Sort of like my bobby pin obsession.  What if they run out??   Actually - I shouldn't even share that with you because I don't want competition out there.  So forget all of that.  They're awful.

I have that plastic container or post-its and tabbies and paperclips and binder clips.  Ok - I know that's SUPER nerdy but I don't want that junk floating all around my purse.  My binder clips came in that container and it was the perfect size for that stuff.  So I look at it as my way of helping the environment.  I'm recycling something. 



Ok - I am sooooo embarrassed that I carry a Liz Claiborne wallet.  Not to mention it's patent leather....and hot pink.  But it holds everything!!!  UGH!  You can make fun of me.  I have it coming.   

The Vera Bradley tiny wallet thingy is used to hold my business cards.  I desperately needed something to hold them and this worked perfectly. 

And yes - those are Kayley's glasses that I wear.  I am so rough on things and would never purchase nice ones.  So her hand-me-downs will just have to do. 

The little black bag houses my in-ears for church.  They are sort of crappy and I need some new ones.  But those will do for now.  I'm thankful they came with that little bag.  They would have already been distroyed if they were just roaming around my purse all day. 


I have already in previous blog posts discussed my obsession with peppermints.  Well right at the moment, I am not putting them in a plastic baggy.  My purse has a zipper section that holds them.  But if I change purses, the granny bag will come back out. 

Klennex - I seriously cry a lot.  I like to think of it as the Holy Spirit in me seeing things through Christ's eyes.  Not the fact that I am a hormonal basket case. 

Lens wipes - I use a lot of hairspray.  That should be explanation enough.

Wet Wipes - I started carrying these when I became a mother and have never stopped.  Everything out in the public is filthy.  These are a neccessity.

 

That is everything inside my make-up bag minus the hairspray.  I am not married to any one make-up brand.  I use a little of everything.  And of course...bobby pins. 
You should always have chapstick.  Especially if you are married.  My husband always needs chapstick. 
I always carry concealer because as stated in previous posts, I have hobo bags under my eyes and its not cute. 
Smashbox makes a really great nude lip gloss.  Highly recommend it. 
Kenra hairspray.  Oh my!  This stuff is amazing.  Now - it's expensive.  That little traveler is $6. A regular container is $30.  But I promise, it's amazing! 

Ok - that's all.  Happy purse organizing!  :)

Oh yeah...well my mom's cooler than your mom!

I'll never forget that moment when I held Kayley for the first time.  There was so much anticipation.  I had to have an emergency c-section with her so they whisked her away and it was a little while before I actually got the opportunity to hold her.
I remember looking at her and thinking that I had never loved anything to that capacity and yet, I was really just meeting her for the first time.  As I held her and studied everything about her, my mind immediately went to my mother.  It was interesting and I was caught a little off guard.  Lord, why am I thinking about my mom right now? 
But I began to realize that the way that I looked at Kayley and the immediate love that I had for her that was completely overwhelming every part of who I was, was the same way that my mom felt about me so many years ago.  From that moment on, I really looked at my mom in a completely different light.
I think we have this tendency as children to look at our parents as not really being human.  They're parents.  But that day, I saw my mom as a real mom, having her own feelings.  I realized that day how much she must really love me.  I always have felt loved.  I had an amazing childhood.  But I mean, really knew how much I was loved.  Because I had no gauge before.  I had never felt that kind of love for someone so I didn't even know it existed. 
I changed that day.  I look at my mom now and I see the way she looks at me differently.  I see love in her eyes that I never knew to even see before.  I get her.  Like I never got her before.
So I want to dedicate this blog post to her.  To the amazing woman that she is. 
I had a thought about this the other day.  What could I say to my mom on Mother's Day to let her know all the things that I think about her?  And then I thought - "I'll blog all the things about her (that I can think of on the spot) that I am thankful for. 
So here we go...

I am thankful most of all that my mom chose life.  I am here because of her and am so thankful to her for that. 

I am thankful that my mom (and dad but this isn't Father's Day so he is going to be left out of this post) saw fit that I have my own relationship with the Lord and set that foundation at an early age. 

I am thankful that my mom loved the things that I loved and was involved in the things I was involved in.  I model how I raise Kayley by that example.

I am thankful that my mom is so much fun.  That woman is the life of the party.  And she coincidentally is always the one throwing them. 

I am thankful that my mom has such a servant heart.  I have never seen someone so compassionate and giving of themselves. 

I am thankful that my mom loves my family as much as she does.  She truly loves Jarrod like he was her own.  And she adores Kayley so much.  She will call in the mornings just to hear her voice sometimes. 

I am thankful that my mom is funny.  One of my favorite things to do is watch my husband laugh at my mom's humor.  It brings such joy to my heart.  If I am being real - her timing can be off at times in joke telling.  She isn't the best joke teller.  But she is naturally funny.  When she isn't trying, she is naturally so witty.

I am thankful that my mom has a heart for the things that God has a heart for.  I blesses me when I tell her a story about someone going through hard times that she doesn't even maybe know that well and she will burst into tears asking if there is anything she can do. 

I am thankful that my mom will cut a check in a moment's notice so a kid can go to camp that couldn't otherwise afford to go.

I am thankful that my mom insists that Kayley has a new outfit for special events in her life and will take her or go with us.  She did that with us girls growing up too.  It isn't about the material aspect of it.  It's about the fact that she always knows how to make special things and events special. 

I am thankful that my mom looked at me the day that I stood in front of my parents to tell them I was pregnant and said, "A baby is a blessing from God and we aren't going to be sad about this." 

I am thankful that my mom has always made family so important.  She has showed us how to truly honor and respect your parents and how important making time for family is.

I am thankful that my mom always made our house a safe and fun place for me and my friends when I was growing up.  She would make us food and hang out with us.  She cared about my friends and had a place in their lives also.  And still does. 

I am thankful that my mom will call my husband out of the blue to check on him or offer to cook him his favorite dinner.  (he doesn't get a lot of that at home...)

I am thankful that my mom has such a great work ethic.  She has always worked hard our entire lives and set that example for us. 

I am thankful that my mom has truly learned to lean on the Lord.  Losing my grandfather was so hard...and still is.  But she finds her strength from the Lord.  It's inspiring.

I am thankful that my mom has cooked with Kayley since she was a little girl.  Kayley's love for cooking and desire to go to culinary school is because of her and that influence.

I am thankful that my mom created a room at her home for Kayley so that she would feel that she had her own place there. 

I am thankful that my mom has such a dynamic personality.  People are drawn to her.  She is so full of life.  Vibrant.

I am thankful that my mom has always told me how special I am to her.  Not to boost my ego but because I have always felt loved and accepted.

I am so thankful to God that He chose her for me.  And me for her.  I am a better person because of her influence in my life.  I see that in choices that I make sometimes that may not come natural to me but I can remember similar choices she made and the impact it had on people.  That's how you change the world.  My mom is a world changer.  And I am honored to be her daughter!
  I love you, Mom! 

Even my dog has issues

I'll never forget my vet saying to me on Tux's very first visit when he was only a few weeks old, "he is the most self-conscious dog I have ever seen before."  Of course he is.  Only someone in my family would have a dog that's neurotic and going to have anxiety over whether someone likes him or not.  Awesome!

I promise you guys, this dog is out to destroy me.  He is without question on assignment from the devil to make my life miserable until he or I end our time here on Earth.  I say he or I because I am not actually sure if this dog is ever going to die so I am not about to make the assumption that he will go first.

Jarrod and I have spent time researching on the Internet how long our breed of dog typically lives.  As luck would have it.....it's FOREVER.  Not to mention, in my infinite wisdom, I made sure I got an AKC Certified dog that was pedigreed.  Amazing! 

Now - it probably sounds like I am being harsh. 
Here's the truth...
He's cute as all get out.  He's protective and loves us to death. 
He doesn't lick you or hump your leg.  Actually I have trained him to be asexual.  He's like a monk.
It's really awesome.  Because that makes me sick to my stomach. 

The reason I dislike him, he urinates everywhere.  He has like a back-up bladder ready for combat at any moment. I will take him out, he comes back in, and runs off and goes somewhere in the house.  Then I get to explore and see what his special spot is today.  When I tell you that I have cried "why God?!?!  Why me?!?!?" a thousand times, I'm not kidding.  It's visions of Scarlett on the hill at Tara. 
But we love (hate) him and we are making it work. 

Here's my actual reason for blogging about him.
I picked him up from the groomer the other day and was trying to take his picture on our way home. (which let me interject here and just mention that this DOG gets his hair done more than I do and my sister is a hair stylist.  WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE!!!) He looks so cute and I wanted to try to get a good one of him.  The problem is, he's scared of me when I take pictures of him.  I used to think it was the noise that the camera on my phone made but I started silencing it and he still gets scared. 
He won't look directly at me.  But he wants me at least in eye-shot.  You know - because he's paranoid.  So he will sort of peek at me. 
I have to surprise him if I want a shot of him actually looking at me. 
Here is what I am talking about......

At one point I think he lost his mind for a minute and actually look at me and as you can see below, his face is saying, "why do you keep tormenting me so?"

I'll never forget, years ago, I had a cleaning lady and she was vacuuming in the living room.  I was in my bedroom doing something and all of this sudden, the vacuum turned off and she yells "oh no puppy."  I run in as fast as I can and he is pooping right next to where she is standing.  I look over and notice that the vacuum is no longer plugged into the wall.  I asked her what happened and she said, "I guess he doesn't like the vacuum so he ran to the cord and pulled it out of the wall with his teeth and then ran over to my feet and started pooping."  Ummmmm - I'm sorry....what did you just say?

Our cat, God rest her soul, (she didn't pee) loved to torment him.  She would stand in front of his food bowl so he couldn't eat.  He was too scared of her to do anything about it.  It was hilarious.  She actually got him to go into the laundry room once and then nudged the door closed and stood in front of it.  I watched the whole thing play out from my living room.  He started barking and she didn't move a muscle.  Man we miss you Tizz!  

He's all bark too.  He sounds like a ferocious dog when someone comes to the door.  He would never hurt anyone but it sounds like he would, which as the wife of a shift worker, I actually appreciate.  But Jarrod likes to open the door to random delivery people when Tux has been viciously peering at them through the window and say "get 'em Tux."  Now - I know that sounds sort of mean-spirited but we know he isn't going to do anything.  He weighs 12 lbs dripping wet.  But the looks on the people's faces are priceless.  I don't know.  I don't do it.  Jarrod will have to answer for that, not me.  ;) 

So for all of you that love your animals and take them to dog parks and put them in your family pictures..........Tux is abused and needs rescuing stat!  :) 

Office Do's and Don'ts

Earlier today a co-worker came up to me and gave me a suggestion for a post.  I have to give her a shout out because she had been emailing me ideas all day.  She calls them pet peeves.  I am much nicer than her so I will call them "Do's and Don'ts.  ;) 

This really is a funny topic though.  When you work full time, you spend more time with your co-workers than you do your own family.  So things are bound to get on your nerves.  Thankfully I work somewhere where we all love each other so we can joke about it.

And of course there are great things too about working in an office.  So we have to include the good with the "constructive."  And most of this stuff is just being commented on because its funny.

So here we go and these are in no particular order...

1.  DO NOT reply to all.  People!  You do realize that when you reply to all, we must continue to receive these emails.  We were excited about the news too!  We just emailed the person directly so that everyone else didn't have to see.  Especially when all you have to say is "YAY!!!!"  Love you all!

2.  DO be kind to your front desk.  We are so blessed to have the most amazing people at our front desk.  They have such a heart for people.  Dealing with the public face-to-face is not easy.  So make sure you let them know how much you appreciate them! 




3.  DO NOT park like a maniac.  We too would like to park in our parking lot but if everyone parked like this, we would have to park somewhere else.  Those line are to park inside of.  :)   Love ya!


   
4.  DO bake delicious cookies for people that come into your place of business.  Your office smells amazing and no one will turn down a warm cookie! 



5.  DO NOT drive in on two wheels because you had to get breakfast on your way in and it made you late to work.  You're going to kill someone.  Another late person.  Super!

6.  DO eat a peppermint before talking with someone in a small room.  Because your breath is stank. Kisses!



7.  DO NOT leave your cell phone on your desk and go into a meeting.  As much as we love "I'm Sexy and I Know It" we do not want to hear it 9 times while your stalker calls you.  You rock!

8.  DO wipe down the counter after you wash your hands.  It takes 2 seconds folks.  There is no reason it should look like a public pool in there.  You're the best!

9.  DO NOT be afraid to dress like your co-workers.  We do it a scary amount of times here at my work.  I guess the more time we spend with each other, we start to look alike.  These are sincere.  No one planned any of these...

  

  

 

Even when my kid comes up, she matches!

10.  DO celebrate big events together.  Make sure you lift each other up and let them know you care.
When they lose a loved one, make them a dinner.  When they get pregnant or married, throw a shower.  When they are honored publicly, be there to celebrate.  When they have a big birthday, eat a piece of cake.  Be there. 

    

   




11.  DO NOT be afraid to save a birds life.  When it flies into your super clean front door, it's you turn to act.  :)



12.  DO only bring 1-2 Lean Cuisine's to work at a time.  9 is a bit much for a fridge that holds 30 people's things.  Love you!

13.  DO NOT forget to honor those in authority in your life.  I am so thankful for those placed in authority in my life.  And I have learned that as I honor, God blesses me.  Such an important principle to learn! 

 

 

Second thought....maybe I WILL take those knuckles....

Geez!  Where have you guys been?!?!?

Just kidding. 

I was going to get on here and tell you guys that I hadn't blogged because I've been fasting with my church but that would actually be a lie.  Not good.

Blogs aren't restricted in the Daniel fast, which is what I did.

Dang it. 

So I don't have an excuse.  I just couldn't think of anything interesting to write about. 
What's interesting about me?

Then I woke up Sunday morning to get ready for service and it hit me. 

 

I don't remember if I have shared this on my blog before but for anyone who doesn't know me or doesn't know this about me, I do not have knuckles on 6 of my 10 fingers and a few of my toes. 

It's hereditary.

There is actually a knuckle there but there is cartilage in and around the actual knuckle that prevents it from moving.  So I don't even have the extra skin and ridges on those fingers. 

Please don't make fun of my fat, old lady hands but here is a picture for those of you that are visual....

Here's is me as a kid with my tiny no knuckle fingers.  It was cuter back then.

It has actually never bothered me.  Many people would never notice and I have always liked the thought of being different.  People have said to me before, "Awe - I'm sorry!" 

I'm not sure that reaction is needed but whatever.  :)

But the truth of it is, there have been times over the years where knuckles actually would have come in pretty handy. (ha!  Get it - HANDY.)

  And I find that the older I get, the more aware I am.

Sooooooo - I thought I would share them with you so you could understand just how thankful you should be for your fully operating joints.

Remember when we were growing up and we had to do those fitness tests?  Remember the pull up bars?  Not great when you can't grip the bar.  It hurt so bad and I am not sure that at that young an age that I really explained myself well.  So I still had to do them and obviously never did well.  Not that I was destined to be some amazing athlete or anything.  HA!  That makes me laugh just writing it.

Chop Sticks.  Thank goodness I don't like Chinese food because that would be an issue.  I'm sure I would figure out a way to hold them but it certainly would not look right.

Say So.  We have this song that we sing in church called "Say So."  And when you say it, you do this Jersey Shore-type fist pump.  Well one of my friends one day lovingly pointed out that I look ridiculous doing it.  So now every time we sing that song, I giggle a little and just point.  Points for Jesus.  :) 

The reason that I look ridiculous doing it is because I cannot make a fist.  Below is a picture of my fist from all angles.  Warning:  It's a little (lot) disturbing.

Speaking of Jersey - I could never live there because I wouldn't be able to fist pump.

Carrying things.  I am THA WORST at carrying things.  Ice chests are probably the worst because the handles are so thin.  When we decorate outside for Christmas and I help Jarrod get the boxes out of the garage, I always have to stop and re-grip.  Jarrod thinks its because I'm a wimp (which is partly true) but my grip really does slip!  See - I truly wasn't created for manual labor!  It's not my fault.  :)

Singing into a microphone.  I am on the worship team at my church and so I regularly sing with a mic.  Me holding a mic, not a super cute look.  Now - do I think anyone in the congregation is paying attention....of course not!  Does it really actually bother me....not in the least.  But it's funny looking.  So because it's funny I'm sharing.  Here is a picture of what it looks like...

And lastly, interviewing.  I work in staffing so I spend a lot of time in an interview room with people looking for work.  I sit with a clip board holding their application and I take notes about their skills.  Therefore, much time is spent staring at me writing.  I will say, in the 17 years I have worked in this industry, MANY people have noticed my shortage of knuckles and asked me about it.  I guess because I hold my pen strangely, it sort of sticks out. 

This is the view from the applicant's interview chair....

Feel sorry for me yet? 

Well don't.  I have always loved being weird.  And I have weirdo relatives that look just like me! 

I do wonder sometimes though.....I wonder if I could talk someone into giving me a handicap hanger for my car.  Just saying.  It technically IS a handicap. 

Jewels...

WARNING!!!  This blog post has no depth................

I have a slight love for jewelry.  Not jewelry that's worth anything.  Gaudy costume jewelry. 

I have said before, I'm a boring dresser.  I wear plain clothes so that I can wear over the top jewelry. 

I went through everything this weekend to weed out what I didn't wear anymore and to better organize everything.
I have a nice stand that my parents bought me for a birthday a few years ago but I'm convinced that those things are for nice jewelry.  All of my junk doesn't fit in it.

Here is the damage below....

Here is the overflow that I keep in tackle boxes. 

And here of course is jewelry that I have in clumps around the house.  The clumps will eventually turn into mounds of tangled mess and then I will have to put them away.  

I also went through a period where I was obsessed with flowers.  I usually keep stuff like this because things always come back in style I get tired of repurchasing everything. 

 The worst of it is that my daughter doesn't like to wear any of it!  :( 
It's just not her thing yet.  I just knew for sure that I would raise a girly girl.  But she hasn't reach that stage yet.  I'm still holding out.