Drama.... It's Everywhere

People gravitate towards drama. We had an interesting discussion in one of my classes about how violence on TV affects one’s perspective. I believe it affects people because they become fearful of murders, being robbed, or some other vicious act. Gerber, the man behind the Cultivation Theory, made an interesting point when he said that the media becomes the social storyteller. In other words, they tell people what to think or believe. He also said that people start to believe what they see on TV is the reality in real life. No wonder this happens. People become desensitized to violence because it’s on several TV shows.

I’ve thought about another avenue that drama has crept in—blogs. Twists and turns are a part of life, which means it’s inevitable. What I’ve found interesting is people’s reactions to drama compared to everyday life. Think about it. There’s no denying that people get more comments and views per posts when there’s drama involved. Yes, I've often wondered why people feel compelled to read about certain bad things. It's like they love the drama of it all and everything else fades into the background. If people didn't love drama and be curious to see what happens next, there wouldn't be countless dramas flooding our TVs each night. Like Kelly's Korner (_______ insert blogger name here). Not many people read before Harper was born, and now her blog has exploded.

I think we as humans thrive on excitement and unusual things. Some people don’t want every aspect of life to be predictable. I think there’s just something about the unknown that draws people in because their emotions get involved, then they’re hooked. They need to know what happens next.

I don’t know about you, but when you’ve experience just how quick life can go from peaceful and calm to distress and utter confusion in mere seconds, you appreciate predictability. You crave “normalcy”. I put normal in quotes because what is normal? Who is normal? While you may not have a physical disability, you might have a crooked nose or be a bit discouraged by your appearance. The point is no one is normal. Growing up being a little different caused me to see things differently, which led me to question things. I’ve come to understand that each one of us defines what is normal. You might have a family of six with a dog. That’s normal. A cousin might have glasses. That’s normal. You might love being an artist and loathe sitting behind a desk. That’s OK. It’s normal. We’re all created with different desires and likes/dislikes, but at the end of the day, we all have one thing in common. We’re human. We could see a musician, a nurse, and an executive in the street thinking they have absolutely nothing in common, but they do. We all feel the heartbeat of America each day. Whether it’s the slow whir of a mixer or the soft hum of jazz music in the background, these things work together to create a diverse and beautiful culture that is filled with things that drive our passions each day.

*I just think people need to realize that pain is real and behind every blog is a human person with feelings, problems. I also know that some people read because they're genuinely concerned*.


What are your thoughts? Do you think Americans thrive on drama?

A Different Kind of Christmas

I just finished Christmas Eve with my Dad's side of the family. I went to my Granny and Papa's Christmas Eve breakfast and rested in between.

Christmas is different when you get older. No more Santa to anticipate. I guess I'm having a hard time adjusting. Opening gifts becomes somewhat familiar. Don't get me wrong, Christmas is still special, it's just special in a different way. It's a time with family instead of a mound of gifts. It's the smiles of cousins when their faces light up instead of a toy making a noise. Toddlers laughing and running around is replaced by jokes and countless pictures.


Grandmothers getting out the video camera is replaced by a favorite TV show. Change isn't a bad thing, it just takes a little getting used to. Mama said that this feeling is normal. She said things would change when I have my own kids. I'm laughing to myself just thinking about that one. Oh, the fun times ahead.


I got lots of fun gifts. I may post pictures soon. I'm incredibly blessed. I guess I'm just mourning what Christmas used to mean. But, instead of that, I should be embracing the new Christmas. I have to say I was elated watching my cousins find pleasure in opening their gifts from me. I love to give things to others. I love picking out just the right gift for my cousins and family.


I know one thing that will never ever change. God's love and sacrifice will be forever etched in my memory. He gave the ultimate gift, not some $20 cookie cutter gift from Wal-M@rt. He, too, took great care and thought in his gift. He didn't make a hasty decision or expect anything in return. As today's society rushes around standing in long lines to find a gift, phones constantly buzzing. That buzz can overshadow Christmas if we let it. That buzz symbolizes a barrier between the meaningful things and the things that couldn't matter less if we really stop and think about it. That business call that could wait until Saturday. That pesky telemarketer...

So, how has Christmas changed for you over the years?

Writer's Alcove: Off Camera with Trish Van Pilsum

As you get ready to celebrate Christmas this morning and maybe even shake the snow flurries from your coat, grab a cup of hot chocolate as we learn more about Trish from Off Camera with Trish Van Pilsum. She's a reporter by day but mom is the title that tops them all. She is a person that has managed to find a balance between work and family, which is no easy feat, dear readers.

1. If you had to write a book about me what would it be about?

If I were really going to decide what to include in a book about you I would spend time getting to know you and, of course, do lots of research as any good investigative reporter would. But since we are on a tight deadline I will just come up with an angle based on what I can glean from your blog.

This is the story line:
Our protagonist (that’s you) is on a campaign is preserve the fine art of writing. What’s great about this is that she is defying the direction the rest of her generation is going what with texting an all abbreviated forms of communication. There’s great irony in that our protagonist uses digital technology...the blogosphere...to spread her campaign far and wide. She has these really interesting and strong relationships in her life, a twin, a brother, a grandmother. I could see the book taking the shape of a series of letters to the people with whom she has relationships. This time honored form of communication allows the richness of reflection (you get to think about what you’re going to say before you say it) and preservation (you can save the letters forever).

2. Given the chance to write a book about your life what would the title be?



If I wrote a book about my life today I would title it “Standing Comfortably with God.” Not that I am standing in that place now, but that’s what I’m seeking to do. I’m trying to discern what it is that God wants me to be doing. I want God to know my whole heart and be happy with what he sees. Anyway, the phrase, “standing comfortably with God,” comes from John Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion. I blogged about it a couple of weeks ago.

3.

What books do you read for pleasure?

I read novels for pleasure, usually character studies. I’ve been rereading some of the classics. Some of my favorite books include: Tracks by Louise Erdrich, Beloved by Toni Morrison, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck, A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving, Crossing to Safety by Wallace Stegner, gosh, I know I’m forgetting some.

4. What is one memory that will be forever etched in your mind?



I will never for get the moment I heard my first baby’s heart beat for the first time.
Bmbmbmbmbmbmbmbmbmbmbmbmbmbmbmbmbmbmbmbm.
Rapid. Steady. Sure. Alive. A miracle. Such a miracle.
I started to giggle and I couldn't stop.
“Am I tickling you?” the ultra sound tech asked.
“No. It’s just this is so fun. Oh, my god, this is so fun. I have never been so happy. This is the happiest moment of my life. I’m sorry,” I gasped. “I just can’t stop laughing.”

You see, I had always wanted to be a mom. More than I wanted the great stories. More than I wanted the prestigious awards. More than I wanted big scoops. I wanted to be a mom. And in that moment I knew I was.

5.

Do you approach life with a glass half full approach?

I’m working on being more of a glass half full person. I think my job has trained me to be a glass half empty person. That is, as an investigative reporter I’m trained to be skeptical. To see the story behind the story. To have doubts and to be critical. I’m afraid that sometimes that bleeds into my everyday life. And, to be honest, that is a hard way to go through life. It’s hard on the people around you, too. I recently took a fabulous class at the University of Minnesota called, “Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction.” It was basically a meditation class. I learned how to be present. To focus on the beauty of each moment. This had a huge impact on me. I think I’m doing better letting go a those glass have empty thoughts. I’m amazed at how my entire outlook has changed.

6. Given the chance to be locked in a bakery for a night, what dessert would be your first choice?

Locked in a bakery, I would go immediately for the chocolate. I prefer an old fashioned chocolate cake...the kind with three layers and butter cream frosting...to the dense flourless kind. Most bakeries don’t carry this kind of cake anymore so, if I HAD to I could settle for, oh, a chocolate éclair or chocolate donut or chocolate cupcake or chocolate croissant or chocolate...you get the idea.

7.

Describe yourself in one sentence.

I am a high energy, hard working, disorganized, relentlessly curious person who loves kids, chocolate, literature, shopping local, pretty wrapping paper and prefers to give rather than receive.

8.

At home, would you rather be in front of the camera or behind it?

At home I would definitely rather be behind the camera. My children and my husband are my life. There are so many beautiful moments I desperately want to capture. If I could shoot it all and store it permanently in my memory banks I would. My children have changed so dramatically. And not just their appearances. Their voices, their gestures, even their attitudes transform right before my eyes. Capturing those nuances isn’t easy. It would take a much more skilled photojournalist than me.

9.

What’s the best thing about your job?

The best thing about my job, without a doubt, is that I meet the most incredible people.
People let me into their lives at times of great joy and deep despair. This is a privilege that I do not take lightly. They trust me with their stories. To tell those stories well is, to me, an almost sacred responsibility. The people whose stories I have told have inspired me with their strength and resilience. They have taught me more about grace and forgiveness than I ever would have imagined.

10. Tell us about one of the most memorable stories that you’ve had the privilege to cover?

“Mary Kay Sanders said she wanted to put a face to cancer. What a face it is.” I still remember the final line of a series of stories I did more than 10 years ago about mother of four with breast cancer. She won the Mrs. Minnesota competition not long after first being diagnosed and undergoing treatment. She won the international title after a reoccurrence. Mary Kay was one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever known because of the spirit that radiated from her. This disease, though is would claim her life, could not conquer that spirit.
It was a privilege to have shared her final months with her. Her story touched many, many lives.

The other most memorable story was called “Room to Live.” The goal of this story was to show the importance of wearing seatbelts. I asked police all over the state to call me every time there was a fatal crash in which the people were ejected from the car because they weren’t wearing their seatbelt. I then climbed into the front seat, which was usually completely intact, to show that if the drivers had stayed safely buckled in the car, they likely would have lived. This story was so dramatic and impactful it’s now being used in driver safety classes all over the world.

Memories Rewind: Fake Winter Wonderland

Probably everyone has heard the saying, "It doesn't take much to satisfy a child." For my brother and I, that was put to the test one windy day years ago. Mama knew we needed to burn off some energy for the day, but she had thought of all the obvious things already. She wanted something fun, something different. In a moment of genius, an idea came to her. We loved playing in the log house that Santa brought us, but why not "decorate" it, she thought?

She found a can of shaving cream and was ready to unveil her plan. "Come here, kids. I've got something you'll love. "My brother's eyes light up at the sight of the shiny white spray can with the red letters. Ever the one to follow the rules, I waited for Mama's ok. My brother was hanging on her every word.

"You can make a mess with the shaving cream on the house...but...." Oh boy! We get to make a mess! Our heads were spinning with ideas. Should we make Santa beards on each other? Should we write our names in shaving cream? We didn't know how to choose, so we did a little of all of it. Our dreams of a winter wonderland were downsized when Mama said we had to clean up the mess.

Armed with a spray can for each of us, we made a plan. I positioned myself on one side, my brother on the other. We weren't stupid-we didn't want the other one to mess up our design. That would be a disaster! I had a spray and smear method. Before long, I had smeared it on my clothes and the grass. My brother and I quickly decided it would be more fun if we worked together.

An hour later, our brown play house was unrecognizable. It was covered in a mound of fluffy white cream. We thought it looked fabulous. Hey, the ground looked prettier sprinkled with white! I thought. "Hiss" was the sound that I heard from the can. It had stopped dispensing that magical cream that made everything better. I exchanged a knowing glance with my brother signaling the fun was over.

Mama had let us have our fun. Now, we had to clean up. We spotted the hose and made a run for it. E turned the water on. I started washing away the fun. The yellow shutters peaked through the "snow". The red door was back in tip top shape. Before we left, our playhouse was spotless as clean as it could be with a couple of kids.

Christmas Answers

Thanks for all of the questions everyone!


Jillian said: What is your favorite thing about Christmas?

My favorite thing would have to be spending time with family. The atmosphere is quite magical, too. Kids are full of hope and in awe of everything.

Meg said: What's the favorite gift you've ever given?

This is kind of a hard one. If I had to pick a favorite gift that I've given, I would have to say the bag full of my Papa's favorite candies because I love helping my mom pick out things that I know he will love. A close second would be when I went in with my mom to get my brother one of those things that detects when the law is close. He really wanted that and I wanted to be a part of that. He wasn't expecting that at all.

The Blonde Duck said: What's your favorite thing to eat?

Without a doubt, it is my Memaw's fudge. So yummy!

Q, La, and Gooner said: What is your favorite Christmas Carol?

I can't pick just one on this one because there's too many good ones. Silent Night is so beautiful. It's not a song that is overpowered by loud drums or clanging bells, it's just a simple melody. I guess that's one reason that I like it. On the other end of the spectrum would be Winter Wonderland because it's associated with fun. I imagine kids frockling in the snow, bundled up in coats and mittens going to sing carols.

Edit: My Grown Up Christmas List is another one.

I wasn't sure anyone would participate in this, so I came up with some questions. LOL. I didn't want to disappoint ya'll.

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What's my favorite Christmas memory?

I can't pick just one. I loved decorating the tree. I also loved riding around looking at Christmas lights.


What's something that my family does to make Christmas unique?

My grandparents host a Christmas breakfast every year on Christmas Eve morning. Lots of people come and it's a good time to catch up with old friends. Be prepared to laugh a lot....and maybe sing a carol or two!


What was my favorite Christmas gift?

One year I remember vividly asking Santa to bring me a toy cash register with a buggy and food of course. You can't be a cashier without something to ring up, right? There will be a Memories Rewind post to come on that story. Stay tuned!

If you have any more Christmas questions, ask away! I had a blast answering them!

A Christmas Twist

My pick for Friday's Writer's Alcove has had some computer trouble. I promise to post it as soon as I have her answers in my possession.

In the meantime, I'm going to do an About me Christmas Style. Fun, huh? I don't want to do a standard Christmas survery that dictates what questions should be answered. So get your questions related about all things Christmas, and I will answer them on Monday! You can also email me your questions if you want.

I'm looking forward to seeing what you all come up with! Yes, even you who never comment. :)

Stories

My brain is tired. I'm finally done with finals. In an effort to make sure my readers get their dose of all things Making my Mark as well as make things easier on myself, here are some thoughts that I put together last week.

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I had someone say something that took me by surprise awhile back: "I wish I had your testimony." I pondered as to why they would want my testimony. They responded by saying that "God had done a miracle in my life, which was cool". They didn't think their story measured up to mine evidently. I told them that everyone has a story to tell whether they realize it or not. Their frown turned into a smile at the thought that they had something to say that actually mattered.

We were given an assignment in a class to write a story after looking at a picture. I will share mine.

As my teacher went around the room inquiring about everyone's stories, I began to see how different they all were. Stories remind me of handprints; we all have them but they're all unique. Everyone loves to hear how God did a miracle for me, but they fail to know the hardships that I've endured. My story is full of twists and turns, betrayal, overwhelming joy, hard work, love, great friends and a few scars. No story is in a beautiful book with glossy white pages, but that doesn't make it any less beautiful.


I also have hope that I am the author of my future. The pen is in my hand. The choices that I make will determine what the next chapter in my book will look like. Will you have another chapter in your book that is the same as the last one or will you make an effort to be spontaneous and live a little?


What's your story(you can be brief)?

Memories Rewind: Wisps turn into Whispers in the Wind

Every yard used to have them. They were a nuisance to the ones that were in charge of cutting the grass. I'm talking about dandelions.

One day, a family member showed me something that I've never forgotten. They picked a dandelion from the yard. "Now watch", they said. They blew on it, and I watched with wonder as the white wisps scattered everywhere.

I couldn't wait to do myself. Unlike the person who was with me, I took my time selecting just the right one. I close my eyes, and made a wish. Then, I blew with all my might. The sun was beating down on my back as I squinted to follow the wisps with my eyes. I strained until the last fiber dropped to the ground. The little wisps got carried away by the wind. I was as carefree as the seeds as a child, getting to play "school" whenever I wished with nap time schedule in between. I remember wishing for frivolous things back then. As I watched the dandelion go from a flower to just a green stem, I always believed that my wishes would come true.

I wanted everyone to see my new trick. I bet I picked at least ten dandelions that day. I couldn't help it. I was fascinated with how the delicate little white fibers could be so unusual yet so bad. I'd never seen a flower that would disintegrate in mere seconds with one breath. Rose petals had a bit more substance. It was work to pick those petals off.

Now that I'm older I can' t help but wonder who's yard ended up with several hundred dandelions in their yard all because of me.

Every time I see a white dandelion, I'm reminded of innocence and to never stop dreaming.

What's something that seemed magical to you when you were a child?

Sidenote: I won't be posting as much this week because I'm preparing for finals. I'm prepared for Writer's Alcove this Friday, but I'm waiting on that person to email me.

Thanking Him when you don't feel Thankful

I was thinking about things after I read an article. As a result, I started thinking about all that has happened in my life.

We always say thank you when someone holds the door for us.

We say thank you when we' re given a compliment.

The doctor was shocked that I thanked him after he'd injected me with three different medicines. Most people don't know that kind of thanks. The kind of thanks that flows from your lips because you're grateful he took a risk even when others wouldn't. The kind of thanks that means your thankful for relief even though you can't feel it yet.

Most of us don't thank God for our trials even though it says it in the Word(James 1:2-3). You should be thankful for the trials of life not because of the pain they bring but because of the change they bring. Mama asked me after a sermon from a few years ago if I had thanked God for the trials that I had been through. I said no. I didn't understand what that meant and why it was important for me to do it.

Now more wiser, I'm beginning to understand what she meant. If I hadn't been through a surgery at nine years old, I wouldn't know how to ignore mean comments and gestures from kids in elementary school.

If I hadn't gone through a few more surgeries, I wouldn't know how to press on even when it seems like I can't go anymore.

If my back hadn't started giving me trouble and ended up with a broken vertebrate that even an MRI couldn't see, I wouldn't have learned patience.

If I hadn't had to endure a freak accident with my hip that required a battery of tests, I would never have experienced God's grace on a whole new level (and a continued learning experience with patience).

I can honestly say that I'm thankful for every trial, every storm, being in the valley because everything has shaped me to be the person that I am. All of these events have taught me more about life than sitting by a fire being comfortable ever would have.

What's something that your thankful for?

Not your Ordinary Giveaway

I don't usually post on Sunday, but this is an exception. My friend Louise, from Louise Franks Designs is having a giveaway. She's giving away a favicon. A favicon is one of those super cool totally custom little buttons that you see in the address bar beside people's URL. It's a way to make your blog stand out in the sea of favorites, browser tab, and address(aka browser) bar. Usually you just see Blogger's logo, but not if you won this.

So, how do you enter?

To enter:

1. Please check her giveaway terms and conditions
2. Make sure that you are a follower of her blog
3. Tell her what you'd like for your favicon
4. If you choose to enter some additional entries, please leave each entry in a separate comment
5. Giveaway closes at 8am GMT on 27th December. Prize will be made in the new year
Please make sure your email address is visible on your profile or leave it in a comment

For additional entries:

1. Follow her on Twitter - my link is in the sidebar. Leave your Twitter username in a comment.
2. Tweet about her giveaway. Leave your tweet link in a comment
3. Blog about her giveaway. Leave your blog post URL in a comment.
4. Put her Countdown to Christmas link in your sidebar. Leave your blog URL in a comment
5. Put her regular link button in your sidebar. Leave your blog URL in a comment.
6. Follow her shop
7. Suggest a theme (or more) in which you'd like her to produce a digital scrapbooking kit or pre-made template. Leave your suggestion in a separate comment

Writer's Alcove: Four Sisters Farm

Today we have Four Sisters Farm with us. You'll love their stories about chasing dogs, getting baby chicks, and might even see a superhero or two in the posts. Sit back as we learn about life on a farm! My comment is in italics.


1. What is a favorite memory you have at the farm?


We have only been out here for 1 1/2 years. Our adventure has been short but amazingly wild! I have so many sweet memories already. In particular, I will always treasure helping Pop and my "save the old barn." We needed to stabilize one of the walls. Neglect and weather contributed to it's condition. We had to literally lift the barn roof up with jacks and replace the wall. We weren't strong enough to move the wall into place by ourselves so we had to enlist the help of our trusty "Fordy" tractor. Stabilizing the old barn was a priority to Pop. The barn is special to him. He has a vision for what it will look like when it has been totally restored. We all held our breath as we released the jacks and allowed the weight of the roof to settle onto the wall. The barn made a sound I've never really heard before. Pop said, "and the old barn sighs in relief." We have yet to restore the barn. There are more pressing repairs on the property right now. We know that it's time will come. In the meantime, the barn looks pretty spiffy at night with the bright Christmas lights shinning from the roof line as well as illuminating a giant wreath that hangs right under her hay loft window.

2. What got you interested in blogging?


My main motivation had to do with keeping Pop and Grammy updated. They were still living in another state when they purchased Four Sister's Farm. We wanted to document the process of making the farm our own. It was a great way to share pictures and stories with them. It also helped keep us connected across all those miles.


3. What’s something that you do that could be considered creative?


I find cooking to be a creative outlet. I have also learned to do a little sewing in the last couple of years. I guess if I can't come up with a very creative answer that means I'm not very creative. Hee Hee. Now, if my oldest sister, DW, was answering this question the possibilities would be endless. She is always coming up with some martha stewarty project. Her home is darling and she is always dressed super cute. Not that the other women in my life aren't fantastic as well. I just think DW got an extra portion of the creative blessing.


4. If you had a magic wand, what’s one thing you would change? The sky’s the limit!


Oh my. That is a loaded question. I can think of many things I would change that would be superficial. I don't spend a lot of time wishing things were different. I try to enjoy each day that God brings my way. I recognize that even the difficult parts of life have helped me grow closer to Him. There are things I wish I could change for others. I hate to watch other people hurt. When a friend or family member is going through hardship, I want to fix it for them.

(I sure wouldn't mind a magic wand being waved over my body...you know the kind of wand that could make 50 pounds disappear. Then I could stop this ridiculously irritating diet. Ha!)


5. If you could be one movie character who would you be and why?


I've got nothing...I sure can't think of a movie character I would want to be. I just like this life.


6. Were you a rough and tumble tomboy growing up or a girly girl?


I was a healthy mix of both. I loved girly stuff but I also played softball for most of my growing up years. I'm kind of a sweet and salty sort of girl. I have a big heart but I also have a lot of fight when I need to.


7. If money were no object, where would you go and what would you do?


I would build a huge house and adopt more children! I would give tons of money to help all the orphaned and neglected children in our world. I would find loving families who have the desire to adopt but don't have the funds. I would give them the money and then require that they name their children after me. Ha! Just kidding! In reality, I would rejoice in helping to create stable loving families for little ones who need them.


8. What are some things that you do with your kids that they still talk about?


Bubba just reminded me that last year he saw a clown at the pumpkin patch and that scared him. Apparently all the fun we had that day was ruined by one stinkin' clown. What was a clown doing at the pumpkin patch anyway. I should have knocked him out for scaring my baby.


9. If your life was a TV show, who would you want to play you?

Bonnie Hunt. I loved her performance in cheaper by the dozen. She is just so lovable. (I liked her in that movie too!)

10. Favorite quote?

Hmmm...I have a lot of scriptures that come to mind. However, as far as funny quotes go..."You're killin' me smalls" from the Sandlot.

Hope you enjoyed getting to know these ladies better! Do you know of a blog that should be featured? Email me! *Lest you think I'm superwoman, I did this post ahead of time. I would really appreciate your prayers. Being praying that I will rest good and that each day I'm less sore.*

An Unusual Birthday Present

I just got back from my doctor's appointment. It was a long day to say the least. We got there and the order for Botox was not approved even though my doctor had sent an urgent request in. They told us this as I was getting my blood pressure taken. Ha! I looked a the young girl and said, "That was a very bad time for them to tell me that. I know you'll have to take it again." The doctor came in and said, "I'm not going to let you leave empty handed. We'll discuss other things that can be done to help you." That was a huge relief because I have been sent away with nothing being done to help me. He said that he would prepare things as usual in hopes that it would be approved.

One of my doctors said that Botox wouldn't help, but after two months of trying other things in physical therapy, we at least had to try. Since the illiotibial band is a fibrous tendon, Botox won't help. We decided that cortisone and a patch would be the next best option. He asked me where it hurt the most, brought a picture in and marked the spots. I was given the choice of a hospital gown or shorts. I chose shorts. Little did I know, these weren't your normal shorts. They were huge! Dr. V said that he would put some on to make me feel better. The nurse took a picture of him that had us rolling in laughter.

This is where patience came in. This clinic is normally a children's clinic, so they don't normally do cortisone injections. He had to put in an order at the nearby hospital. We waited. An hour came and gone. He poked his head in the door saying it was taking longer than expected. We turned the TV on and got comfortable(well, as much as possible). Another hour. He apologized again, saying that the residents on call were taking awhile since it was something they weren't used to doing. You could tell he was becoming a little agitated. The shots finally arrived a little after lunch time. We were relived and Dr. V came in singing the Hallelujah chorus(literally).

He was kind enough to numb the areas beforehand. (I have had to endure eight shots with no numbing medicine). I won't lie. They didn't feel good going in, but I knew they had the right area when I felt pain.

When I left, I thanked him. He was taken aback, but I meant every word. I needed some relief and was grateful to him for being willing to do something about it! The day didn't go exactly as planned, but I don't know of any time that ever has. :)
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I'm another year older today. I guess time flies when you're having fun. :) It has been quite an adventure having a twin. I've always had a playmate, someone to goof off with, and share my life with. We started kindergarten together and graduated high school together. As we grow older, life will take us down different paths, but we will always have each other.


We celebrated early with my mom's side of the family since my brother is going to be out of town the rest of the week.






Yummy Hummingbird Cake





Blowing out the candles


Here's to 20 more birthdays together, buddy!

Scavenger Hunt Answers!

Did any of you participate in the Scavenger Hunt this time? How much did you know about me? Let's find out!

• What Christmas gift did I loathe so much that I made it stop talking?

The doll that I got from my mom that came with its own microchip that annoyed me to no end.

• What is a game that my brother and I played as children?

Superman and the Couch. That wasn't the game's officiaila name. We just played. My brother insisted on being superman though. :)

• What unusual place did my brother and I sometimes play in outside?

The soybean mill.

• Name the band that I loved as a preteen.

It was undoubtedly the Backstreet Boys. You can read the post I wrote about it here if you wish.

• What did I chew on at a friend's sleepover?

A glow in the dark stick. Read all about the dramatic tale of a girl who thought her life was over then and there.

• A female Kohl's sales associate didn't know what this is. What is it?

It was a camisole. Yes, my dear readers, a camisole. I was shocked that someone in retail didn't know that.

• What did I dress up for Halloween as a child?

A princess.

• What did I give my grandparents for their anniversary?

A poem. You can read it here. Just click on the button to enlarge the picture for easier reading.

• What did my brother and I do to my dad's former girlfriend's daughter one afternoon?

We got dust in her eyes in a race that ended in silence. Read it for yourself here.

• What kind of AFOs (braces) was I wearing when my brother was wearing these:

My braces had butterflies on them. I figured if I had to wear them, they might as well look pretty. Don't you agree?

Stay tuned this week! I have a hilarious post coming up that involves a song, me, and a whole lotta laughs. You don't want to miss it! You'll never know what I might come up with next!

Sidenote: My birthday is Wednesday and I have a doctor's appointment. It will be a long day, but it will be worth it if I get what I need.,