*2011 in Review*

~I have been filling out this little "year in review survey" for at least half a decade now...on LJ, blogs, MySpace, Facebook, etc. I decided to go ahead and do it again this year. :-) ENJOY! 

1. What did you do in 2011 that you'd never done before? 

There are a crazy number of things I could put here, but either for personal reasons (or simply because I don't want to), I will only list one thing. I went to my first All-Star Race at Charlotte...and got to see CARL EDWARDS win it! :)

2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year? 

I don't usually make resolutions. I usually just reflect on negatives in the previous year and work on turning them into positives...but, I don't put any expectations on myself. 

3. Did anyone close to you give birth? 

Yes. :) Alicia and Christy, especially...among other friends. :) I'm surrounded by beautiful babies!

4. Did anyone close to you die? 

I lost quite a few friends this year...lifelong church friends; a FB friend I never got the chance to meet, the father of one of my closest friends, and a few more people. :(

5. What countries did you visit? 

USA. (Sad that, as of 2005, I have still only been to USA and Mexico)

6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011? 

A job! More specifically, a job I love! And a place of my own again!

7. What date from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? 

July 19...just because. (I know why and that's all that matters) Also, April 29...it was a beautiful day that I was enamored with for so long! :)

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

I gained more confidence in myself in so many situations and put myself out there, with some positive results! AND, I finally realized, accepted, and embraced my beauty. :)

9. What was your biggest failure?  

Not finding a job. Losing something I cherished. Not being the daughter I want to be. Not getting my diabetes under better control. :(

10. Did you suffer illness or injury? 

I battled stomach illnesses, still battle back problems, and have fought with my diabetes all year...so, unfortunately, yes. 

11. What was the best thing you bought? 

This is going to sound silly to you...but gasoline. Despite not having a job, I was able to travel to Pigeon Forge at the beginning of the year, Asheville/Charlotte around my birthday, and the Richmond area a couple of times later in the year...and each trip was special to me for different reasons.  SO...gas for my car. :) (A close second was probably the Coach wallet I purchased at the beginning of the year at a Coach store in Pigeon Forge. hehe)

12. Whose behavior merited celebration? 

I am thinking I always say this, but my friends and close family for dealing with me on a daily basis. I know I can be a handful, but I also know I am loved. 

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?  

A few family members...and someone I thought was my best friend. Also, someone I admired who showed her true colors in a very ugly way.  

14. Where did most of your money go?

Well, I really didn't have much...but I suppose what I did have went to trips!

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? 

The spring Bristol race...the All-Star race weekend...my trips...the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton (it's the truth!)...and meeting someone for the first time. 

16. What song will always remind you of 2011?

"Don't You Wanna Stay" by Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson. Or "Give Me Everything" by Ne-Yo, featuring Pitbull. Oh, and I can't leave out "Grenade" by Bruno Mars! lol

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

i. happier or sadder? Eh...sadder right now, but the year itself contained more happiness

ii. thinner or fatter? thinner

iii. richer or poorer? poorer...definitely poorer. :-*(

18. What do you wish you'd done more of? 

Enjoyed every wonderful moment and not taken advantage of a second of it. Prayed more. 

19. What do you wish you'd done less of? 

Worry less. Not get so frustrated over the job search. Cry less. 

20. How did you spend Christmas? 

 I spent Christmas Eve at my church, acting in a play I LOVED! Then, I went to my Aunt's to celebrate with family. Christmas Day was spent having a wonderful breakfast with my Marmie, opening gifts with her, watching "A Christmas Story", going to the "Clarkston Christmas Gathering" and having a wonderful supper with my Mom and my 2nd family, and finally going to see Camp Bethel In Lights with Bobbie later that night (and riding around, crying!) Despite the "end" to the day...it was a wonderful Christmas. :)

21. What was the most embarrassing thing that happened to you in 2011? 

Uhm...probably the "shorts incident" at the All-Star race. :)

22. Did you fall in love in 2011? 

I fall in love every day. It all depends on your definition of the term. 

23. How many one-night stands?

A grand total of zero. :-)

24. What was your favorite TV program? 

I have some favorites that I have had for years, but my new discoveries this year were: The Big Bang Theory, Modern Family, Criminal Minds, Two Broke Girls, American Pickers, and I am sure I am leaving some out!

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year? 

I honestly don't HATE anyone...but there are a number of people who have either hurt/betrayed me or those close to me who no longer have a place in my life. 

26. What was the best book you read?

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

27. What was your greatest musical discovery? 

Zac Brown Band!!

28. What did you want and get? 

A feeling unlike any other I had felt before and that is all the elaboration I will give. 

29. What did you want and not get?  

A JOB! lol

30. What was your favorite film of this year? 

Hmm...I REALLY loved "Bridesmaids", but I also genuinely loved "Crazy Stupid Love". AND the new Muppets movie, of course!

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I turned 32 on my birthday. On the actual birthday, I was surprised with a Cook-Out at my cousins' house with my Mom, Aunt, and my cousins (Shelley, Amy, and Patrick). This also included an amazing Carl Edwards cake! There is a pic of me clapping like a little girl when it was brought out! lol (I also remember we all also watched my fave episode of "The Office". Random, I know!) The weekend before, I was treated to supper at Machiavelli's and a movie trip to see "Bridesmaids" with Freak, Jess, Darian, Gav, Val, and Travis. SO much fun! :)

32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? 

A job I loved...a place of my own...and for something I took advantage of to not have slipped through my fingers. 

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011? 

Used. LOL I bought very few clothes! It's sad, but true! Most of the new clothes I have were bought by someone else (who I think pitied me! lol)

34. What kept you sane? 

My Momma, my faith, my best friend, someone special, my Lucy cat, Greyson cat, and like I always joke...my crazy pills. ;-) lol

35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Carl Edwards and Shemar Moore. Sorry...I can't pick just one. lol And, of course, the beautifully classy Ms. Kate Middleton, as she was previously known!

36. What political issue stirred you the most? 

I honestly can't think of one in particular and that bothers me!

37. Who did you miss? 

My Daddy, every day. <3

38. Who was the best new person you met? 

I was SO lucky to actually get to meet so many internet friends this year! I count Whit R. and Jennifer C.G. as two of the best, but count Paul H. as the best. :-)

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011.   

Life goes on. I think I have to learn that every year.  AND, I learned that you have to dig deep and trust little until you find who your real friends are. 

40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year. 

(this actually fits more than one situation...so no assumptions, please! lol)

You say you gotta go and find yourself
You say that you're becoming someone else
Don't recognize the face in the mirror looking back at you

You say you're leaving as you look away
I know there's really nothing left to say
Just know I'm here whenever you need me I'll wait for you

AND...for now, I will say this: I am SO glad that 2011 is over, despite having some of the most amazing days ever during the year. Bring on 2012 and all the joy it is bound to bring! :)

Just a little more about the Southern Sweetie....

Saw this over on ClassyNTrashy's blog...The Trashy side (who is a super sweet friend of mine) posted this and I thought I would do the same. :)


I'm weird because...
-Most people would probably see me as lazy, but the term that actually applies is scared. After so many failures in the past (or "life lessons" for you eternally optimistic people), I am scared to put myself out there. It makes me look lazy to the naked eye, though. 
-Even numbers freak me out. Which, in turn, makes each year odd. On an odd numbered year, I am an even numbered age. When I turned 32, I assumed it would be a HORRIBLE year. There HAVE been some bad moments, but I was also happier, in one sense, than I ever was before. Was it because it was an odd numbered year, or are even numbered birth ages actually good luck? See...I'm weird! ha
-I can watch someone vomit, give blood, see odd medical experiments on TV, etc...but if I see a maggot on TV (or GOD FORBID, in person...which has only happened once), I get sick immediately. 
-I am a Ford girl all the way, but out of the 4 cars I've owned in my life, two have been Chevy's. Also...they were the ones that gave me the worst problems, I might add! ;)
-I paid a LOT of money for a NOOKcolor when they were new, but find it weird to read a book on a computer screen, so I primarily use it for a tablet device or to read magazines. In fact, I have purchased one book on my NOOK and am just now getting around to reading it. 


I'm a bad friend because...
-the "only child" in me carries a selfish gene, it seems. 
-I love having multiple good friends, but can only seem to devote my time to a couple of them
-I love going out, but also love just staying in, so I'm not always up for big plans out
-I have no money, so can never afford random trips and adventures like I used to love
-I have a hard time with forgiveness and accepting that no one (especially not me!) is "perfect"
-I am single and hate being a "third wheel"


I'm a good friend because...
-I am devoted to my friends
-I often care about others more than myself
-I find ways to be happy, even when jealous
-I have a hard time saying "no"
-I am trustworthy


I'm sad because...
-my heart was hurt this past week
-I am having to take a good, hard look at myself
-I had a vision that another didn't share
-I don't live in Charlotte, NC
-I don't have a job
-this Christmas season isn't anywhere near the way I expected it to be
-I can't change what is
-I want the tears to stop
-it is winter and I hate snow


I'm happy because...
-I have been forced to be selfish and focus on myself
-I learned this week that my friends are even more amazing than I realized
-I have a Mom who is there for me 24/7
-I think 2012 has the possibility to be an amazing year
-I refuse to give up
-I believe God has spoken to me about a situation and I am leaning on His words
-being without a job so long has taught me to be frugal, which will affect my life in a positive way in the future 
-I am genuinely hopeful I haven't lost a best friend in all that has happened lately


I'm excited for...
-the job or freelance work that I believe is on its way
-possibly going to Bristol Motor Speedway's "Speedway in Lights" this season
-the Christmas season, despite some negative factors
-moving out or away in the near future. I love my Mom more than words, but my life has to begin
-the promise God spoke to me recently
-the spirit of family and friends I feel at Christmas
-2012, even if it IS an even numbered year
-giving you, my readers, more blogs in 2012...I PROMISE!

This Southern Sweetie has a love of traditions. :)

I love having "traditions" in my life. I am not sure if I have always been this way, but I do know that the need for that form of stability + joy in my life has grown quite important over the past decade or so. 


Perhaps a sign of getting old? haha ;)


I am also not sure where I get this desire from. Marmie has always been a spontaneous person, and my Daddy was the same way. Don't get me wrong...I do have a spontaneous streak in me, but it's not quite as prominent as it can/could be seen in Marmie and Daddy. 


The following are just a few of those traditions I hold near and dear to my heart:


EXHIBIT A:
"The Christmastime Trip to Asheville with the Teacher"
The Teacher and I started this tradition in 2009. This year will only be our third year, but I certainly think that is long enough to be considered something permament! :)


What is this trip, you ask? Well, the Teacher and I (plus Marmie, some years) go to the Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC every December. From Thanksgiving until early January (I believe!), The Grove Park holds their annual National Gingerbread Display and Contest. It's a fairly big deal. It has been featured on the Food Network a few times, and the winners of the contest are always on Good Morning America the morning of December 24. (That being said, if you go...go at least a week before Christmas Eve, so the grand prize winners are still there and not on their journey to NYC! We learned that the hard way Year One!) There are amazing gingerbread houses (Check out the photo albums from years past on my Facebook for some pics!)


After we leisurely walk through the hotel, viewing ALL of the gingerbread creations AND stopping for our annual picture on the reindeer driven sleigh in the Great Hall, we peruse the gift shops for neat Christmas ornaments (I usually get a wine/spirits related ornament each year) and stop for a cider or cappuccino. It is beyond relaxing and is the perfect way to "get in the Christmas spirit"! 


From there, we go to lunch and do any necessary Christmas shopping at one of our favorite  malls, the Asheville Mall. :)


It is a simple trip, but one I cherish so dearly! We always have an amazing day, with amazing conversations on our journey. Plus, it's so nice to oooh and aaah over the gingerbread displays like little kids for a while. :)


EXHIBIT B
"The Annual Mother-Daughter trip to Home Craft Days with the New Mom and our Moms"
I honestly could not tell you how long this tradition has been going on! I do know it did NOT used to be a "Mother-Daughter" trip, but merely a "Best Friends" trip for a number of years. I think it was just in the last few years that the New Mom and I began to cherish our Moms more and want them with us. :)


The New Mom and I are alike in the fact that we love the rustic/cabin feel crafts...and love to make fun of those crafts that are just downright weird or creepy. Granted, these people are exhibiting more creative genes and talent than we have yet, and we really should not laugh behind their backs...but we do. I'm just being honest. haha. 


We also love good "homecooked" and "fall-like" foods!


So...we always start off eating, then take our time looking at all the crafts. Normally we leave with more purchases than we ever intended to go home with, of course!


This past weekend was Home Craft Days. It ended up just being the New Mom, her Mom, the Niece, and myself. Unfortunately, with Marmie having her knee replaced in the recent past, she knew she would not be able to walk around without dealing with repercussions later. It wasn't the same without Marmie, at all!


We still had a great time. It was the Niece's first time, and she did great, overall. Towards the end of the trip, she had enough and got whiny/sleepy, but that is to be expected from an 8 month old. She sure seemed to have fun while she was awake, though. The little stinker was all flopped back in her stroller, one foot propped up on the food tray on the stroller, making her "fish face" at all the people we passed. It was beyond adorable!


The food was great, of course...as always. I had AMAZING barbecue and equally amazing strawberry lemonade. S-C-O-R-E! The crafts, however, were just not as enticing this year. Granted, we did see some really good work and crafts, but...for the first time ever, I believe...we ALL left without buying a single purchase that wasn't food-related. SO disappointing. :/


That being said, I am already looking forward to mid-October next year...when the New Mom, our Moms, and the toddler version of the Niece, head back to Mountain Empire Community College, as tradition dictates us to do so! :)


EXHIBIT C:
"The Christmas Eve and Day traditions"
Granted, most families do have traditions on Christmas...so, I know this one isn't anything TOO different. :)


Christmas Day has changed, tradition-wise, for Marmie and myself since Daddy passed away in early 2009. We both felt like we needed to handle the day differently, as a coping mechanism for the loss of the patriarch of the family.  We do some things the same...such as eating breakfast, then opening presents. Now, however, we have a nice spaghetti supper instead of the whole ham meal deal. Yeah, maybe it's weird...but we like it. :)


Christmas Eve consists of going to my church for the Christmas Eve service, where for the last 11 years, I have sang the same song. It is a song I adore and it is always requested by church members, so I love singing it. (It is "Breath of Heaven" by Amy Grant, by the way.) 


From there, we usually go for a family get-together at my Aunt's house, then I drive around looking at Christmas lights on houses (one of my FAVORITE aspects of Christmas!) before heading home to watch "A Christmas Story" before bed. :)


SO much fun!




There are so many more traditions...Marmie and I have a "Black Friday schedule/tradition. The Registrar and I all but HAVE to go to the drive-in at least once a year...and she is the one I have to see Twilight movies with! haha The BigSis and I had traditions growing up that I do believe we would keep going if we didn't live almost 3 hours apart now. The Boyfriend and I have a few things we do that feel like traditions. 


I suppose I am a creature of habit. Like I said before, I DO love spontaneity from time to time...but I also adore the simple joy and love that is found in tradition. 


What about you all? Are you like this Southern Sweetie and have traditions you couldn't live without? 

Family...I suppose my definition is not the norm!

I love the quote at the beginning of this blog. It, and another quote I heard on TV this morning, are the inspirations for this entry. 


The quote I heard on TV was actually from Frank Fritz on the History Channel show, "American Pickers" (which is one of my favorite shows, by the way!). Frank said that "Family, health, and friends" are what matters in life. I immediately thought to myself: change family to faith and I will agree, Frank. But, the negative side of me just kinda melted away for a minute and I realized that I could add faith to the beginning of that, without removing family. (And, I could add relationships, but that's a different blog altogether. lol) 


It's no surprise or breaking news to most of you that I have had some struggles with my family over the years.When saying this, I am not referring to my immediate family, but most family outside of my parents. No, I am not going into details on here about it, because a public blog is not the place to air the "dirty family laundry". Also, I must say that I am not implying that I have problems with all my family. I have some amazing family members whom I love dearly and would not trade for all the riches in the world. 


That being said, when I think of family...aside from The Marmie and a few cousins, I don't think of my blood relatives. There are other people in my life who come to mind when the word family is mentioned to me. 


If you follow me on Facebook or Twitter (you should if you don't!), you have probably heard me mention my "2nd family", especially on Sundays and holidays. My "2nd family" is actually The Registrar and The Minister's family. Their parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc...have truly become my family over the years. It is incredibly special to me that they consider me family, as well. The Minister's parents call me their daughter, without hesitation. My heart smiles every time. The Marmie and my precious late Daddy will forever be my beloved parents, of course...but, it is nice to have a 2nd set of parents.  :)


The same can be said for The BigSis. For over 25 years now, her parents have been like parents to me and her brother has always been my big brother. And, again, I can say the same for The New Mom's family, as well as The Teacher's parents. They consider me family and have for so long. 


Yes, in reality, I suppose you could say that all of these people are just special friends. I just can't seem to agree with that, though. I think family can be defined differently for every person. And, I am just lucky enough to have friends who may not have the same blood as me coursing through their veins, but our hearts are connected and that's where it counts to me. 


I must say, so there is no confusion, that I will always, and I mean ALWAYS, love my real "blood" family, even if I choose not to be around them or vice verse. In the near future, I am hoping to restore some relationships with family I haven't spoken to in some time. So, even through the anger, hurt, and frustration, I fully intend to do the very best I can to forgive, forget, apologize, and restore with a few family members I miss. 


Through all this rambling, I suppose I am just trying to say to Frank Fritz: You are somewhat correct. Family, health, and friends are important. But, add faith and relationships to that and I will be on the same page as you...as long as I can have a disclaimer at the bottom with my own definition of family. :)

~Southern Sweetie's Cast of Characters~

So, it is time to introduce you to my "CAST OF CHARACTERS" for my blog. :)


First, I must explain the lack of real names. I was recently remembering way back on LiveJournal when a few of us referred to people in our lives by either their occupation or a nickname. (I once dated a man called "The Football Coach" and I am pretty sure I still have friends who have no clue what his name really was.) It is not that I am "embarrassed" by my friends; I would rather prefer to keep their real names out of my blog. It isn't necessarily my place to name them and share ALL the details of their lives on my personal blog. Yes, I have shared their pictures on the blog, but that is the only major detail in that respect that I will share. :)


That being said, Here We Go!


THE MARMIE: This lady is my wonderfully amazing Momma. I affectionately call her Marmie, due to my love of Little Women growing up. My Mom is one of my best friends. We have always been close. However, when my sweet Daddy passed away suddenly in February of 2009, it caused Marmie and I to become a "team". This aspect of life definitely brought us closer to each other. Sure, sometimes we fight like sisters and we have a tendency to drive each other crazy, but I would be so lost without her. :)


THE BOYFRIEND: I am SO blessed to have such an amazing man in my life. We've "known" each other since late March, but have only been together since mid-July. I can't help but know that God had His hand in us becoming a couple, due to the circumstances in which we met. From the first time we talked on the phone (literally all night...discovering how much we have in common) to the first time we met (when I was genuinely blown away by how incredibly handsome he is!), to our visits, I have felt like the luckiest girl in the world. Yes, we are a long distance couple and it can be hard at times, but he is definitely the only man I have ever met who is truly worth the long distance aspect! He is so supportive, caring, hilarious, and such an important person to me. :)


THE REGISTRAR: She and I have been friends for over 17 years now. We initially met through my high school best friend (aka, "The Campus Minister", who I will later mention), who is her cousin. Over the years, she has become one of my best girlfriends. I can always depend on her; she is an incredible witness to my life; we always laugh together; she's my "riding around, talking about/crying over/laughing over life" buddy; and so much more. I simply call her The Registrar b/c I am so proud of her for becoming the Registrar of a college at the young age of 30! :)


THE BIGSIS: We met in 1st grade. She became my best friend in 2nd grade when we became neighbors for a few years. Now, over 25 years later, she is still one of my best friends. We have definitely had our ups and downs, including some MAJOR ups and some MAJOR downs, but our friendship was strong and prevailed. She understands me; she is such a major part of my past; and she supports me through anything I go through. Her husband is like a brother to me. She has a sweet daughter, D, who is my "niece"...and I am even Auntie Southern Sweetie to her sweet dog, Murphy. :) I simply call her my BigSis b/c she will always be a few months older than me. ;) haha


THE NEW MOM: According to our families, The New Mom and I hung out at softball games when she was just a baby and I was a year old. Our fathers played softball together and were good friends from grade school on. We grew up together in Girl Scouts and at church. I can't remember a time in my life where she wasn't a part of it. We are so much alike sometimes...our major difference is that she is married with a sweet little girl, The Niece, and two step-daughters. She's a wonderful Mom and best girlfriend!


THE CAMPUS MINISTER:  Friends since she and her family moved to my hometown in 1994, the Campus Minister is one of my high school best friends who has continued to be a best friend over the years. Now a Campus Minister at the local 4-year college (and a great one, at that!), she stays busy and we rarely get to see each other....but when we do, we just pick up right where we left off. :) Her family is my "2nd family" and I love them all (and her husband and his family) very much!


THE LITTLE SISTER: Okay, technically, I am an only child. But, The Little Sister is truly my "sister". Sometimes I forget we really aren't related! I met her almost 3 years ago and we just get closer each year. I trust her with my life, know I can depend on her, laugh with her so much, love how blunt we are with each other, and miss her dearly when she's not around! No matter how much time in life passes, I know she will always be my little sister and I am SO grateful for that. :)


THE TEACHER: It was definitely in God's plan for The Teacher and I to meet. We met online over a decade ago...while she was still in high school and I was in my Junior year at Radford University, because she had a simple question about a college I had attended for a semester my freshman year of college. From that one interaction, she became one of my best friends and my prayer partner for over a decade. We love sharing the story of how we met and we love to talk about ALL the adventures we've been on over the years, especially our trips to Richmond in the past. Oh, the stories we'll have forever! :)


THE NIECE:  Little R can't be left out. I am so blessed to be this beautiful little girl's Aunt and I can't wait to watch her grow up. The last 8 months have been filled with so much joy because of this sweet little girl. When she smiles at me....or reaches out for me to hold her, I feel like life is perfect, if just for a little while. I hope she always knows how much her Aunt Southern Sweetie loves her and will always be there for her! :)


And there you go....the major cast of characters in my life. Those aren't the only people I will talk about. I also have The Oregon Cousin; The Bristol Cousins; The Wesley folks; the Charlotte friends; and more. However, the aforementioned group of people are those I talk to most and spend the majority of my time with. 


So, if you are ever confused as to who someone is....this blog entry will always be here for a quick reminder. 


And now....with these last two blogs out of the way....let the writings of my simply blessed life soon begin! :)

Welcome to my Simply Blessed Life!

Bonjour and welcome to my newest blog. My name is Brianne, but from now on you can just call me the Southern Sweetie. ;)

This is, by far, not my "first rodeo". I have been blogging since the early days of LiveJournal...and even as far back as the days of building a webpage through AngelFire. (Anyone else remember Angelfire? Websites are so much easier now! haha)  This is actually my 3rd Blogger/Blogspot address, as well!

Why a new blog, you may ask? Because I believe there are times in our lives when we just need a fresh start. I love reading my previous journals, but I am ready for that time in my life to settle comfortably into the past. I have learned from those relationships, jobs, health issues, friendships, etc and am now ready to start fresh with my current relationships,  freelance work, currently health issues, friends, etc.... :)

Life has been interesting for me during 2011. I have completely lost a number of friendships. Yes, I went through a time of mourning for those friendships, but in losing those people, I have been able to "weed through the mess"' and find/realize what friendships I have that are real. I have battled back and forth with my Mom this year (we scream like sisters sometimes), but I still love her more than words could say. I dated a few guys earlier in the year who were recognizably wrong for me, only to finally find the one that is right for me in mid-July. :) I have been unemployed for the entire year, but this time off has allowed me to assess what is important to me and work towards career goals that make me happy and feel fulfilled. 

So....despite all the bad, 2011 will be a year I look back on as a great year, I think. It is sure looking that way so far. :) Therefore, my simply blessed life (as reflected in the title of my blog!) deserves its own blog and new blog address!

Shew...that took too long to say! However, here's your forewarning. I like to talk. Some blog entries will be long; some blog entries will be super short. ;) You never can tell with me!

Look for another entry very soon (possibly even tonight at some point) that will introduce you to my "Cast of Characters", AKA the most important people in my life and those I surround myself with most often. If you glance over to the right of my page, you will see pictures of those people. Soon, I will share with you about them...and why they all have nicknames. 

But, for now....WELCOME to my blog. Share it, subscribe to it, read it, comment to me, and just do me a favor. Always love life even when you don't feel like it loves you! :)