Thursday 13 #3 Personality traits

Thirteen Things about my personality This is going to be a post about my personality traits...some that I am praised for and others...well...let's just say they are not well received by myself or others. ;) But these are what make me...me! 1. Sarcasm - I've got it in truck loads! This is both good and bad depending on how literally my conversation is taken. I can NOT use sarcasm with my mother. She takes things personally and I have learned that with her. 2. Wit - It kind of goes hand in hand with sarcasm to me, but my friends insist it is different. I can come up with snappy one liners to any situation...whether to lighten the mood or to imply insult. As you can probably see, this is a double edged sword. It's handy at the time, but can cause hurt feelings if my emotions run faster than my head. 3. Perky- There's just no other way to describe it. I love to laugh and have others laughing. I see it has my purpose to cheer others up that are down around me. Because of this, I'm fortunately rarely down myself and when I am it doesn't take much to lift me out of it. How can you make others laugh when you are all pouty? 4. Attention-seeker- I never know if this is a positive thing or not??? I am a HAM! I don't think I do it to take attention off others, I just thrive being in the middle of a circle of people. I'm the one the family relies on speeches at family functions. I'm the one that goes up to the newcomer and welcomes them. I'm the one that will make conversation with anyone within a 20 ft radius of me in public. Oh yeah...and I'm a camera hog too! :) 5. Dare-devil- This is the trait both my mother and husband like least about me! But I love it. I'm a thrill seeker...always looking for an adrenline rush that tops the previous one. From simple things like amusement park rides to sky diving. I want to try it all once. 6. Curious- Curiousity may have killed the cat, but it's only made me more curious! I love to learn new things about anything (religion, biology, psychology, books, family traditions...). I love questions, both answering and asking. This may be why I love to do surveys on myspace too... I just think you can never learn too much. 7. Family-oriented- You never realize how much you love them until you leave them...and then you realize you didn't appreciate them fully until you have your own family. Now that I am a mother and wife, I fully understand the range of feelings and emotions that overwhelm you. And how nice it is to have family nearby to make memories and share occasions with. 8. Competitive- I hope this comes across in the good sense...since that is mainly how I do intend for it to! Though...I have been know to get a little poopy if I am losing in a family board game. I like to be successful whether in class, family or trival pursuit! I am not boastful when I do win, I'm all about the "good game" play. But I have been known to be a sore loser, and that is something I've been working on. 9. Moody- There's just no easy way to put this one down. Depending on my hormones I can go from laughing to yelling in two seconds flat...much to the bewilderment of my husband! He's used to me now, and knows it is short lived...caused by my "womanly issues". But don't be surprised to hear me rave about how sweet and charming he is, only to want to rip his arms off for not putting his dirty dishes in the dishwasher instead of the sink. 10. Impatient- Another one I'm working on...and getting loads better with during this pregnancy. I'm learning to take things one day at a time and just being thankful for what I am given here and now. Why wish your life away? This was a hard lesson to learn and I definitely don't wish the way I learned it on anyone...but it was a lesson I desperately needed. 11. Independent- This is another of those that can be seen as bad by some. I know that Ian and I are one in every decision we make and have become one unit working together through our marriage. But if the unthinkable were to happen...I could carry on for our children. When we were first married, I only saw my husband 4 months out of 12 due to his responsibilities to in the coast guard. It helped me to appreciate our time together even more, but realize that I was my own person that could handle being in hot water while my husband was underway. 12. Easily amused- I laugh out loud for no reason...sheerly because something tickled me internally. I rarely allow myself to be bored...even on bedrest, because I can always find something to hold my attention. And with being so easily amused...I amuse others easily as well. It's win/win for all. :) 13. Worrier- Hey, I'm a wife and mother after all. I worry when Ian has to drive down to Savannah for his reserve duty. I worry when William wakes up with a fever. I worry about Matthew almost daily! But now I've learned to talk over my worries. There's no need to worry by myself, and just talking it out with my hubby, mother or the Father...I feel so much better. Easy to worry, but again...easy to distract. My mind wanders quite frequently, so luckily this has never been a big issue...but it is still part of me.

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He answered!

Wow! Ask and you shall receive...even if it seems impossible. One of the things I do find most annoying about spring in North GA is that it takes its time making up its mind about which season it wants to stick with when winter rolls into spring. You never know when a cold front will swoop down and force you to take the jacket out of the closet once more. This weekend was wonderful...sunny, warm (80's) and just beautiful for William and his grandparents to hang out on their huge back deck. Grandma got out the sand table and William had a ball. I even was able to sit out on the patio swing and enjoy some outside time for the first time in awhile...which I later regretted that night with the increased soreness I felt from sitting upright!
But even with such a picture perfect weekend that is seen so often in the Georgia moutains, I heard a cold front was on its way for Sunday evening. It got down to about 41 last night and a high only in the 50's is predicted for this afternoon. Not cold enough for snow...but I thought I would put in a request anyway. As I have written before whenever I find myself starting to doubt all that me and Matthew are going through...God has given us snow. Both last night and this morning I asked God for a few snow flurries. I said I didn't care how much or when it happened...but I just needed some reassurance that my baby wasn't going to be born so early at 24 weeks. And you know what...He answered me!
The thermometer says it is 43 degrees out there at the moment, but just 10 minutes ago...we had a rain/snow shower mix. I could see the pure white snow flakes drifting in lazy patterns amongst the cleansing rain drops. I smiled and thanked God for looking after us. "Our God is an awesome God, He "rains" from Heaven above." And yes, I spelt reigns wrong on purpose. I'm off for our 4th surgery in just one hour, gotta pack my overnight bag. I'm feeling very encouraged now. :)

Thirteen Things about Atlanta restaurants. This is a list of restaurants that I love to visit in the Atlanta area. Some are just found here and others are chains that I love to eat at...but haven't seen in too many places. 1. Houston's Steakhouse. Located just inside the Atlanta perimeter a few miles from the Governor's mansion...SO yummy! We go hear for all of our big family functions like graduations and work promotions. 2. Melting Pot. Now I know this restaurant is in many states, but having gone so long not being near one...I had to post it. It's a fondue restaurant...THE fondue restaurant. Ian gave me my promise ring here and we always go to it on our "dating" anniversary in October. 3. The Varsity. Again, most college towns have a varsity...but they don't have THE Varsity. The Varsity is just steps away from the GA Tech campus in the heart of downtown. You don't come for healthy options or even friendly service...you come for the history and the fellowship of your gameday friends. Nothing beats an ESPN Thursday night game in downtown Atlanta, eating at The Varsity before kickoff. 4. The Swan House. Again, just inside the perimeter and located at the Atlanta History Center. This house is brings back a time of southern belles and gentleman strolling arm and arm through the magnolias...while their chaperone strolled a few steps behind. I went for the first time at the brides maid luncheon of my cousin. 5. Marietta Conference Center. Specifically Hamilton's restaurant located in the resort section. This little (big) gem is located about 10 miles north of Atlanta in Cobb County. Weddings and proms are standard fixtures on the abundant grounds. I had my bridesmaid luncheon here. And they are known for their spectacular Sunday brunches. 6. Bugaboo Creek. This I know for sure is NOT an Atlanta only chain...but it's only location in the entire south is in Atlanta. Well, Kennesaw...about 15 miles north of Atlanta. It is primarily a northern eastern steakhouse with a heavy Canadian influence and just so yummy. But my favorite reason for going is the atmosphere. The dishes are a casual upscale setting, but the place is so family friendly. At timed intervals, all the "critters" on the walls and hanging from the ceiling come alive. A squirrel dangles from a lantern, a skunk pops up from a basket and a bear and moose take turns telling jokes and listing the specials on the menu. William loves it here! 7. Ray's on the River. This is the place to get authentic seafood in Atlanta. It is right inside the 75/285 junction just on the outskirts of the city. Note I did say authentic...not necessarily fresh...who am I kidding in a land locked city! ;) But it is SO good and so beautiful. Located right on the Chattahoochee River. Big floor to ceiling windows give every table a good view, and there is an outside dining area for the whole two months of the year Georgians aren't dripping from the humidity. Luckily...it's right near the hospital I'll probably be delivering at...they do have take out...hum... 8. Fogo de Chao. A Brazilian restuarant again located in the swanky area near the Governor's mansion. But it's worth the swank and price tag! It is an all you can eat semi-buffet. The vegetables, fruit, salad and desserts are located for you to get at your wish. The meat comes around via the servers and they slice you off sections of lamb, fillet mignon and pork tenderloin. The choices far exceed just those, but I listed those just to show you some of the diversity. It's place to go to when you don't have plans for afterwards...just want to enjoy time out with family and/or friends. My little family of four would sit there for 2 hours sometimes just talking and nibbling. 9. Copeland's. I prefer the one in Kennesaw because of its proximity to my house, but there a couple in metro Atlanta. This is a jazz/cajun restaurant. I'm not usually into cajun food of gumbo or crawdads...but I love their penthouse salad and crabcakes. Oh...I'm feeling the craving now. The atmosphere feels like one you need to dress up for...it's in old south, bayou elegance you could say...but jeans are welcome thankfully. You can tell the wait staff the amount of "punch" you want in your entree...from mild to wild. They aim to please 10. Ippolito's. An Italian jewel that surprisingly has made it 2 plus years right next to an Olive Garden! You KNOW it's good if it can withstand that competition. Of course, I go to the one in Kennesaw...but there are one or two others in and out of the metro area to choose from. The Garlic break knots are too die for! Olive Garden's bread as NOTHING on these!! The portions are just a tad bit smaller, but taste more authentic to me. Not like it came out of a jar and some 30 year old "chef" sprinkled oregano on it. It tastes like an Italian grandmother is lovingly preparing each dish. You don't need a box to go...even if you are full...you can't help but finish. 11. Kani House. Got to have at least one Japanese steakhouse on the list. I've been to several ones and this is by far my favorite. I don't know if it is just for sentimental reasons or what with all the dates Ian and I went to here, but it just tastes good. And the service is outstanding. They act like they want to interact with you...not like they have too. And it's just a few minutes from my parents house in Woodstock. Can't beat that! 12. Sonny's Real Pit BBQ. Now I know this little guy is all over the southeast, but I had to post it. It's good southern food, cooked slow and served fast. Ian will sometimes just stop by whenever he is out to get some homemade cornbread or banana pudding. It's great for those on a budget too. Just look for BOGO free coupons and the entire family can eat for less than $15 bucks! I love the choices of sauces too...smokey, sweet, spicy or savory...they have it covered. 13. Shakespeare's Tavern. Now most people that are coming here are coming for the play productions and not the food...but get there a half hour earlier and enjoy some great English staples. OK...so it's not all about the food...though it is tasty. This is the spot where Ian and I had our first date together and later where he took me on my 23rd birthday and proposed. So, this does have a special place in my heart. It is located just down from the Fox Theater in downtown. Look them up to see what shows they have going on and get tickets...and some good English food too!

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All things green

With the onset of spring comes all things that are green...ha...that kind of rhymes. Oh, the little things that amuse me...anyway...back on topic now. Green is one of my favorite colors. It is hard to pick JUST one, so I say one of my favorites. I'm really into sunny yellows, dramatic reds, all shades of blue, calming silver, earthy browns, and royal purples. The only color I repeatedly do NOT like is pink...I guess it's the tomboy in me. Just don't care for it.

But why does green stand out to me? My birthstone is the peridot; my favorite jewel is the emerald. I'm a lover of trees more than flowers (allergies). I'm a lover of the mountains more than the beach. I eat green salads EVERY day...sometimes twice. Heck, I'm part Irish! OK...still doesn't tell me much!

So, I looked up the meaning of green. First off it said that green was favored by well balanced people. HA! That made me laugh...and move on to another website. The next one said that green symbolizes fertility, life renewed and nature. Now that is more like me! I'm the nature girl that gets her energy from the sun. In winter, I notice I become as dull as the grey grass...but I'm ALIVE at Christmas with all the green garland, trees and wrapping paper. Life renewing ...changing...growing...fresh starts. How rejuvenating! Who doesn't like second chances and clean slates? Fertility...life's greatest mystery and miracle...the coming together of two to make one. Even as a science nut that "knows all" I don't know the half of what God's hands do to form a new life inside a woman. But I'm in complete awe of it.

Green is good, refreshing, naturalistic. I think I will now start saying that this IS my favorite color. It fits me! And it goes with everything too...red, yellow, blue, purple...like me! :)

Because my willpower is too low for these. ;)

1. The rules of the game get posted at the beginning.
2. Each player answers the questions about themselves
3. At the end of the post the player than tags 5 people and posts their names, than goes to their blogs and leaves a comment, letting them know they done got tagged and to ask them to play and read your blog.

Randi got me! I think she knew I would play along. ;)

What was I doing 10 years ago? (March 1998)
1. I was a freshman nursing student at Kennesaw State University.
2. I thought I was "so mature" because I was 18 and dating someone that was 26...I now realize I was just gullible!
3. I would have just renewed my season's pass to Six Flags over GA. I've had a season's pass every years since I was in 4th grade. I'm a roller coaster junkie!
4. I was finally finding my groove at my new job at Kennestone Hospital.
5. My parents were putting their house on the market...it sold in April.

5 things on my to-do list today?
1. Put the finishing touches on my pasta salad before we head out.
2. Celebrate Easter with Ian's grandparents, parents and cousins.
3. Finishing loading William's birthday pictures on to Shutterfly and send them out.
4. Make up William's Easter bunny basket after he's in bed.
5. Spend quality time with hubby at the end of the day. :)

Snacks I enjoy?
* it would have been easier to just list the few things I don't enjoy...but here are the ones I've been eating most recently*
1. Rosemary triscuits and cream cheese.
2. Frozen waffles with butter and syrup as a sweet snack at night before bed.
3. Mickey Mouse shaped cheddar cheese slices...we got those for William, but I think I've eaten more than he has. :P
4. Salads...I have at least two a day. I love salad!
5. Peanut butter crackers. I'm not much of a breakfast eater in the mornings...so I snack at that time.

Things I would do if I were a billionaire?
1. By a private plane/jet to get me through Atlanta traffic and to my weekly doctor's appointments!
2. Open up no kill animal shelters throughout the country and provide vet care and obidience training.
3. Adopt two girls to compliment my two boys. Then provide financial assistance to others that wanted to adopt but couldn't afford it.
4. Travel the world at leisure...stopping on every continent.
5. Take care of our families' and friends' debts!

5 bad habits?
1. I'm a worrier!
2. Sometimes my "friendly competition" turns a little sour if I start to loose at a game.
3. I'm a procrastinator.
4. I don't fold my laundry straight from the dryer...I've learned to be a little wrinkled!
5. I've been known to double dip at family functions...but it is never intentional. I just go back in and then catch myself doing it.

5 places I have lived?
1. Columbus, GA (born on Fort Benning)
2. Woodstock, GA (most of my life was here...from 2 yrs to 24 yrs)
3. Canton, GA ( where Ian and I had our first place when we got married)
4. Leland, NC (where Ian and I bought our first home and had our first son)
5. White, GA (a small town 25 miles north of Atlanta that if you mention it people will look at you with a tilted head and say "where?")

5 jobs I've had?
1. The hostess with the mostess and server at Folks (originally called Po Folks - small southern cooking restaurant)
2. Nutritician Tech at Kennestone Hospial. I was responsible for matching the patients meals with their diagnosis/condition and surveying for food allergies.
3. Student Assistant at KSU. I worked in the Teacher Resource and Activity Center. Helped faculty, staff and students prepare lesson plans, activities and keep up to date on current curriculum standards.
4. High School Science teacher. Worked at Cherokee High school. Go Warriors! Taught biology and physical science. That school was my family!
5. Library clerk at Myrtle Grove Library in Wilmington NC. I took this job after turning down a science position for Chemistry when I found out I was pregnant.

- of course, my most recent job is mom to William and incubator to Matthew. This is the most challenging yet most rewarding I think of all jobs out there!

People I'm going to tag?
whoever comes across this and out of sheer boredom decides to do one on their own.
No names (haven't really been around often enough to find blogs I frequently go to yet). I'll start searching for some soon.
Happy Easter to all!

Easter goodies

Of course we has a family celebrate the true reason and meaning of Easter in our home and among our families...but we also take part in the lighter/funner aspects as well. The Easter bunny is a staple in our house, primarily because mom and dad both love those reese's peanut butter eggs! ;) I have never seen anything wrong with egg hunts or chocolate bunnies, but I guess you have to have someone out there that just have to complain about something (Rosie O'donnell anyone?). Now, some of these are the people who rightly focus on the sacrifice of our Savior and see anything else that has commercialized the holiday to be trival. It is trival...but it's also good clean fun! I don't think God is opposed to fun or He never would have let Walt Disney walk the earth!
Actually, the people that bother me most are the so called "strict and conservative" Christians that won't let you do anything with a bunny, but will gobble down a chocolate cross with a candy rose on it. I think that is more sacrilegious than nibbling a bunny's ears. To take symbol of Christ's pain and suffering for us so lightly...and they dare say egg hunts are the devil's work? Give me a break...and a basket...I'm hunting eggs!

Snow fall

Yesterday morning we woke up to a beautiful scene...snow flurries in March. For metro Atlanta...this is unheard of sometimes even in January, so we appreciate it whenever we can get it. As a child I would stay up late when the weatherman predicted so much as a dusting...in hopes that schools would be closed. I would wake up in my bed every hour and peer out the curtains to see if the "magic show" had started. Most of the time I woke up tired and in a very grumpy manner...made my way out to the bus stop. But sometimes, my wishes came true and I woke up to a winter wonderland (at least in the eyes of a southerner where 2 inches was beyond our wildest dreams!). Snow always brought out the child in people...including my parents...and the innocence that comes with being young at heart.

On this "snow day" (it never actually stuck to the ground - just dusted our deck and roof) I was able to enjoy it with my son and husband. I saw my little boy spin like a spiraling snowflake in avid delight. When a gust of wind would take the flurries high over his head, he would squeal and clap as if he were in the front row of the most sought after play in New York. I can't wait to see what he would do if it actually accumulated enough to make a snowman!

It has amazingly enough snowed twice in two weeks, the morning of my son's birthday and then again yesterday morning. I am now viewing snow in a different way...a cleansing way. As if God decides he needs to purify our lives from the hardships of being adults sometimes. Whenever I have felt myself over the past two weeks start to come undone with stress or pressure...God has given me snow! On my son's birthday morning, I was up at the crack of dawn heading to a prenatal specialist appointment for my other son that is on his way. We had done a procedure the previous afternoon and I was nervous that we were not going to have favorable results...but we did and I relaxed and enjoyed my son's birthday as I had prayed I would be able to. We were scheduled to have our little baby's surgery to help him out on Friday afternoon, but were unable to do so when the doctor called saying he was too short of staff and needed a room full to monitor both the baby and myself. I was very frustrated at even having to wait another 48hours, but at the sight of snow Saturday morning...I knew all things would be alright. God was giving me a wonderful opportunity to create memories with my son that is here with me now before I am restricted to bedrest. And I greatly appreciate the chance!

Back in high school, I was part of the church choir. This morning while in the shower I was reminded of verse of one of the songs we used to sing (we even made a cd to sale for a fundraiser for the church!). It said "by Your blood, I am made whiter than snow". Thank you God for wiping away my most stubborn doubts with a delicate snowflake.

Thirteen Things about YOUR NAME I got this idea from my friend Randi's page...she knows I love surveys, so she should have known I would have jumped on this! :) My Thrusday Thirteen #1 - 13 places I want to travel to someday. 1. Just to make this list a bit more simple, I list this as one place - I want to go to all of the Disney theme parks world wide. I'm such a Disney nut! 2. Greece - for the food, friendly people and a beautiful architecture. 3. Vatican City - I would love to see the art work of some the "greats" like Michelangelo and Raphael among many others. I'm sure they are breathtaking. 4. Colorado - I'm not a ski bunny at all, but I would love to spend a long weekend at a ski resort, sipping hot chocolate and trying not to break my leg on the bunny slopes. 5. Argentina- one of my college professors was from the coast of this beautiful country. She shared many pictures of her homeland. I would love to explore it. 6. Germany - both of my parents were raised there for a short time, my dad being born there, because of being Army brats. I would love to see what the towns look like now compared to the old black and white photos we have. 7. The British Isles- both Ian and I have many roots in the British, Irish and Scottish lands. It would be nice to go back and explore our history together. 8. Alaska - we did have the chance to live there for two years through the coast guard, but I thought two years would be 23 months too long for me. I need sun and warmth, but I'd love to go adventuring in the summer months...cruise anyone? 9. Japan - REAL teryaki and beautiful landscapes...need I say more? 10. Galapagos Islands - this is for the science teacher in me...always be itching to go there! 11. Jerusalem - to see the Dead Sea Scrolls, where the Last Supper took place and to lift my voice in praise and thanksgiving at the site of the crucifixion. 12. Egypt- I was fascinated in Egyptian lifestyle as a teenager. I would love to see everything from books become real before my eyes in person. Their science and technology for back then was amazing! 13. Heaven - this should be on EVERYONE'S list I would hope! ;)

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Chick fil a

I am a meat eater - NO doubt! I love steak, burgers, pork, roast, fish, and in small doses...lamb. But I LOVE me some chicken!! Now I love it even more! Every Tuesday, Chick fil a celebrates "family night". For every adult meal, you get a free kid's meal. That's not exactly why I love it...but it does help out the pocket book...and that's always welcome! The reason I love it is that now "family night" has truly taken on that meaning.

We met up with my husband's grandparents, aunts and all of his cousins on Tuesday night for a true Family Night together. Our son William was immediately swarmed by great-grandparents, great-aunts and second cousins. Everyone wrote their order down on a piece of paper and Grandaddy ran up to place it and pay for all of us...which there were quite a few of us! We took up an entire corner of the restaurant!!

While we were waiting on the order, William's cousins took him to the playground to work up and appetite while the rest of us "adults" relaxed and chatted at the table together. William was also able to spin the wheel of prizes and won a free milkshake...which daddy decided he needed more than William! Don't worry...William got an icecream cone after dinner!

This would have been a family night regardless if people were coming and going, eating at different times, talking on cell phones...but no one did those things. When the food got to the table, we all bowed our heads in prayer and sat together with three tables bunched up. No one got up until everyone had finished their meal...and then it was only for dessert orders! What can I say...we all have good appetites!

It was nice and very heart warming. It reminded me and Ian of why we did want to come home. We want our son(s) to grow up with memories of family around the dinner table...whether it's the one at home, or the one at Chick fil a.

A little about our new place.

You would never know we lived within a 30 minute drive to the biggest city in the southeast. We were so fortunate to find a retreat away from the hustle and bustle of "city" life, yet we are still just a 5 minute drive to I-75 and all the "good stuff" (like restaurants and shopping!). Our little secluded neighborhood is on the county line of Bartow and Cherokee counties in north Ga. As we drive the 4 miles from the interstate to our home, we are surrounded by huge Georgia pine trees, winding creeks and streams that diverge from the Etowah River Valley and even a small farm (complete with goats, emus and llamas!). Our son loves to pass by the farm!

When you crest the hill to go into our subdivision you are blessed with the awe inspiring view of the foothills of the majestic Appalachian Mountains. And if you look to your right, you are brought back into time by a quaint log cabin, complete with green tin roof. It is so beautiful. I can't believe I was away from it all as long as I have been. We have just moved back here from the picturesque town of Wilmington NC. Though I do appreciate the beach and the beauty of the ocean...my heart longs for mountains and trees. I need rolling hills and magnolias taller than houses. I need deer, fox and wild turkey to run through the yard or across the road. I need to see the moonlight through the pines (thanks Ray Charles!)

If you ever make you way to GA and find yourself traveling north of Atlanta (either on I-75 or I-85), make sure you have your camera ready. God's handprints are all over this place!