7 Ways to Keep Your Brain Cells Working

1. Play complex puzzles and games, such as Scrabble or Chess.

2. Learn a foreign language.

3. Study music.

4. Solve math problems without using a calculator.

5. Write letters or poetry.

6. Engage in thought-provoking discussions.

7. Study and memorize scripture.

Top Ten Tuesday - Health Appointments

I was going to write a more personal post about some events that have occurred recently but I am not ready to do that apparently, so here is a boring post about all the various doctors my family has seen in the past 12 months.

1. My PCP for fibromyalgia, IBS, polyneuropathy, and transient global amnesia.
2. Pediatrician for infections, potty training (foster daughter doesn't use bathroom properly), annual physicals, immunizations, etc.
3. Pediatric Dentist for regular dental care and check-ups.
4. Cardiologist for baseline checkup but found out Renee has ASD due to her mother drinking -- cough syrup -- during the pregnancy.
5. Neurologist for baseline check up because Renee has some strange behaviors -- starring, tremors, petting, purpling of feet, brushing off things that aren't thee. We found out that Renee has Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (which I already knew).
6. Orthopedic Doctor since Cassandra had broken her wrist after falling off her bike last summer. Cassandra has a crush on the P.A. Jason. Its so cute how she gets all "tongue-tied" when he enters the room. : )
7. Mobile Therapist for Cameron and Renee. The nice thing is they both come to the house to provide their therapeutic services for the kids.
8. Otolaryngologist due to Renee having chronic strep throat -- 5 infections in eight months. Her tonsils and adenoids were remove in December 2008.
9. Psychiatrist for Cameron and Renee so they can get the medications they need to live a "normal" and happy life as best they can.
10. Psychiatrist for me so I can get medication for my bipolar, depression, and anxiety so that I can "be available" as a parent for my children.

To see better Top Ten lists about various subjects go to Oh Amanda.

My Favorites

Favorite Food:
My mother's pot roast and mashed potatoes, my friend Jonel's potato salad.

Favorite Drink:
My all time favorite is Mt Dew. My favorite alcoholic drink is a Strawberry Daiquiri which I only have like once a year. In the winter, I love my hot chocolate.

Favorite Chocolate/Candy:
Dove chocolate, peanut butter meltaways.

Favorite Season:
Autumn and Spring.

Favorite TV Program:
CSI, CSI: Miami, Criminal Minds, Grey's Anatomy.

Favorite Movie:
American President, Pretty Woman, Santa Clause, Santa Clause II, Santa Clause III.

Favorite Song:
I Can Only Imagine by Mercy Me, Mary, Did You Know? by Mark Lowry.

Favorite Color:
Blue, then red.

Favorite Holiday Destination:
My family room.

Favorite Hobby:
Scrapbooking, Christmas decorating.

Favorite Day of the Week:
Monday.

Favorite Animal:
Chihuahua, penguin, and platypus.

Favorite Actor:
Nicholas Cage, John Travolta.

Favorite Actress:
N/A.


Share your favorites on your blog then come back and share the link below via Mr. Linky.

Thursday Thirteen #12

Thirteen Things That I Treasure (in no particular order):

1. My son, Cameron.
2. My daughter, Cassandra.
3. My eldest son, who I gave up for adoption 23 years ago.
4. My Chihuahua, Baby.
5. My real-life friends, who are there for me when I need them.
6. The Internet so I can keep in touch with my online friends and look up information at 2 AM when I cannot sleep.
7. My cherished followers of All Things Cherished.
8. My time as a volunteer at my kids' school.
9. My online friends.
10. The telephone so I can stay in touch with my friends and make the 100s of doctor appointments needed for myself and my family.
11. Blogging.
12. My home that brings comfort to me.
13. My bed so I can rest, nap, and sleep.

To see others' list of fun or crazy or important or relevant lists of thirteen, go to Thursday Thirteen.

Favorite TV Show

Since I listed ten shows (below) for Top Ten Tuesday that I favor, I couldn't leave out my other most favorite show . . .

11. In Plain Sight.

100 Things To Do

I am constantly amazed when I hear people, adults and children alike, say they are bored. Who has time to be bored? There is always things to do, some fun things, some mundane things, but things to do. Jokingly and to just to prove my point, I said I could come with a list of 100 things to do . . .

1. Read emails.
2. Reply to emails.
3. Write new emails.
4. Create a new blog.
5. Write a blog entry for current blog(s).
6. Go blog hopping.
7. Call friends.
8. Call family.
9. Play Solitaire.
10. Do puzzle books.
11. Play card games with kids.
12. Play board games with kids.
13. Read a magazine.
14. Read a book.
15. Read a book with kids.
16. Do flashcards (math facts) with kids.
17. Clean bathroom.
18. Clean kitchen.
19. Clean laundry area.
20. Clean living/family room.
21. Clean bedroom.
22. Clean second bedroom.
23. Clean third bedroom.
24. Clean basement.
25. Sweep front porch.
26. Sweep back porch.
27. Clean out garage.
28. Wash laundry.
29. Dry laundry.
30. Fold laundry.
31. Put laundry away.
32. Scrub walls.
33. Vacuum.
34. Clean out refrigerator.
35. Go for a walk.
36. Go for a walk with kids.
37. Do stretches (from OT and PT).
38. Exercise.
39. Ride a bike.
40. Go bicycling with kids.
41. Go bowling.
42. Write a letter.
43. Write a poem.
44. Write a list of things to do.
45. Write goals.
46. Write up a budget.
47. Learn something new.
48. Attend local community class on topic of your choice.
49. Create cards.
50. Create scrapbook pages.
51. Create ATCs (artist trading cards(.
52. Send RAK (random acts of kindness).
53. Organize scrapbook supplies.
54. Scan cards, scrapbooks pages, and other art.
55. Upload art and photographs to online site.
56. Scrapbook with kids
57. Draw or do other art.
58. Draw or do other art with kids.
59. Read a newspaper.
60. Listen to the radio.
61. Watch TV.
62. Watch TV with kids.
63. Watch a movie.
64. Watch a movie with kids.
65. Record new outgoing message for cell phone.
66. Record new outgoing message for house phone.
67. Surf the Internet.
68. Play games on the Internet.
69. Read mail at groups.
70. Find Internet groups to join.
71. Bake cookies, brownies, etc.
72. Bake with kids.
73. Cook.
74. Cook with kids.
75. Go grocery shopping.
76. Go to the local park.
77. Go to school playground.
78. Go to the store, any store.
79. Go to the post office.
80. Take pictures.
81. Upload pictures to computer.
82. Make phone calls for appointments.
83. Write in journal.
84. Write in kids' daily activity notebook.
85. Pray.
86. Pray with kids.
87. Do meditation.
88. Do meditation with kids.
89. Do research to find a new church home.
90. Read the Bible.
91. Read the Bible with kids.
92. Update kids' chore charts.
93. Organize papers.
94. Find new clients/customers for Usborne Books and Memory Works.
95. Find new clients for advocacy work.
96. Volunteer.
97. Clean windows.
98. Wash the dishes.
99. Dry the dishes.
100. Put the dishes away.
101. Send a text message.
102. Plant a garden.
103. Go on a nature hike with kids.
104. Go on a scavenger hunt with kids.
105. Go on a picture scavenger hunt with kids.
106. Give kids a hug.
107. Give kids a kiss.
108. Snuggle with kids.
109. Take a shower.
110. Take a bath.

I was pretty proud of myself for being able to come up with over 100 things to do in less than 5 minutes. Now write your own list of 100 things to do so next time someone says, there is nothing to do, you can tell them to read your list.

101 Things

I just discovered that another friend has a blog and, of course, I had to go check it out, so this was snagged from Welcome to Michael Land .

After you read this, copy and paste to your blog. Then bold the things you have done.

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets, or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Seen Mount Rushmore in person
101. Learned to play an instrument

There are some items I wish to do, especially the traveling, and some I wouldn't bother with. I would love to see your list.

Blog Tag

4 jobs I've had in my life:
1. Cryptanalyst and Personnel Administrative Specialist for the Army
2. Owner and Director of a daycare center
3. Teacher and Counselor
4. Mom

4 movies I could watch over and over:
1. Pretty Woman
2. Independance Day
3. Any and all of the Harry Potter movies
4. American President

4 places I've lived:
1. Erie, PA
2. Louisville, KY
3. Ft. Dix, NJ
4. Butler, PA

4 TV shows I love to watch:
1. CSI: Miami
2. Desperate Housewives
3. (reruns of) Murder, She Wrote
4. Grey's Anatomy
There are many more but only four for today.

4 websites I visit daily:
1. 12 Months of Christmas
2. Blogger.com
3. Christmas to the Max
4. My Yahoo

4 of my favorite foods:
1. French bread pizza
2. Chocolate
3. My mother's pot roast, shoepeg corn, mashed potatoes & gravy... yummo!
4. My friend Jonel's potato salad

4 places I'd rather be right now:
1. In bed (sleeping)
2. New York City
3. Cuddling with my children
4. Getting a massage

Now your it! Please share your answers or a link to your blog.

Reprint from 3/18/07.

40 Tips for a Better Life in 2008

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.
2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Buy a lock if you have to.
3. Buy a DVR and tape your late night shows and get more sleep.
4. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My purpose is to _____ today.'
5. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.
6. Play more games and read more books than you did in 2007.
7. Make time to practice meditation and prayer. They provide us with daily fuel for our busy lives. (Meditation can mean a variety of things to different people.)
8. Spend time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6.
9. Dream more while you are awake.
10. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
11. Drink green tea and plenty of water.
12. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
13. Clear clutter from your house, your car, and your desk. This will let new and flowing energy into your life.
14. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, issues of the past, negative thoughts, or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive, present moment.
15. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
16. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed-out charge card.
17. Smile and laugh more. It will keep the energy vampires away.
18. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
20. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
21. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
22. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
23. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
24. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'
26. Forgive everyone for everything.
27. What other people think of you is none of your business.
28. God heals almost everything.
29. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
30. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
31. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful, or joyful.
32. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
33. The best is yet to come.
34. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, and show up.
35. Do the right thing!
36. Call your family often. (Or email them to death!)
37. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: 'I am thankful for _____. Today I accomplished _____.'
38. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.
39. Enjoy the ride. Remember this is not Disney World and you certainly don't want a fast pass. You only have one ride through life so make the most of it and enjoy the ride.
40. Prayer works!
    

This list was adapted from a list my friend, Teresa, shared with me.

Basic Guidelines for Bloggers

The following tips are a good place to start for kids interested in blogging, although by no means comprehensive. It's a good idea for parents to add more guidelines to suit their family's particular needs. Start by telling kids that they should:

(1.) Never offer any personal information including your last name, contact information, home address, phone numbers, school's name, e-mail address, last names of friends or relatives, instant messaging names, age, or birth date.

(2.) Never post provocative pictures of yourself or anyone else, and be sure any images you provide do not reveal any of the previously mentioned information. Always remember to look at the background of a picture too.

(3.) Assume what you publish on the Web is permanent. Anyone on the Internet can easily print out a blog or save it to a computer.

(4.) Use blogging provider sites with clearly stated terms of use, and make sure they can protect the actual blogs, not just the user accounts, with password protection. (Even so, it's better to assume anyone can see it.)

(5.) Avoid trying to "outdo" or compete with other bloggers.

(6.) Keep blogs positive and don't use them for slander or to attack others.

ABCs of Me - 2

A - Age: The Big 4-0!

B - Book(s) you enjoy: Mysteries and Christmas are the type of books I enjoy the most.

C - Can't live without: My family and friends, the Internet.

D - Dessert you'll spoil your dinner for: Anything chocolate. Yes, I'm a chocoholic!

E - Essential start to your day: Waking up.

F - Favorite genre of music: I don't have one favorite. I love Christian, Christmas, Country, 80s, oldies.

G - Greatest vacation you've taken: When my mother took me to Nashville, Tennessee, for my graduation from boot camp gift.

H - Hope you have for the future: To watch my children grow up and have children of their own.

I - Incredible sight you'll never forget: Looking into my children's eyes for the first time after their respective births.

J - Job title you currently hold: Educational Advocate and Consultant, Mom.

K - Kids in your family:
My siblings consist of 3 older brothers, 1 younger sister.

L - Last movie you watched:
I don't remember.

M - Month you love the most:
September because its Autumn and the children go back to school.

N - Newest piece of clothing you own:
A shirt bought for $6.99 at Kmart.

O - Opposed to:
Child abusers and molesters.

P - Phobia you wish you could conquer
Heights.

Q - Quote you love:
"Today is a gift. That's why we call it the Present."

R - Right or left-handed:
Ambidextrous.

S - Scent that reminds you of childhood:
No particular scent reminds me of childhood.

T - Time of day you love most:
8:30 PM because all the children are in bed.

U - Unique talent you possess:
Being organized.

V - Veggie you love:
I love corn on the cob.

W - Want to accomplish: Getting my Master's degree.

X - Extra fun hobby you have:
Scrapbooking.

Y - Yummy food you make:
Cornflake Chicken.

Z - Zoo animal you are most like:
Platypus because I'm all mixed up constantly trying to multi-task and because I'm unique.

Getting To Know Me Better

Thanks, Jessica, for tagging me. Welcome to the 2008 edition of "Getting To Know You Better."

1. What time did you get up this morning?
I woke up around 7 AM. I got out of bed at 8 AM.

2. Diamonds or Pearls?
I don't have any pearls but I do have some diamonds. Thanks, Mom. I like diamonds because "they are a girl's best friend" and because they are Cameron's birthstone.

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema?
The Bee Movie. Cute, funny. The kids enjoyed it.

4. What is your favorite TV show?
Grey's Anatomy, CSI: Miami, Desperate Housewives, Lost, Dancing with the Stars, Criminal Minds, NCIS. Too many, I know.

5. What did you have for breakfast?
Scrambled eggs and toasted doughnuts.

6. What is your middle name?
Storm.

7. What is your favorite cuisine?
Italian, American mexican, chicken.

8. What foods do you dislike?
Seafood (except fish)... it totally freaks me out! Spinach, radishes, turnips, squash, brussel sprouts, asparagus, ham. Too numerous to list.

9. Your favorite Potato chip?
Herr's kettle chips, Lay's Classic potato chips, Snyder's Hawaiian Sweet Onion Kettle Chips.

10. What CD is in your car stereo at the moment?
My car is so old there is not CD player in it.

11. What kind of car do you drive?
Old, beat up, rusted, "gets me from point A to point B," white Ford Tempo.

12. What characteristics do you despise?
Liars, bullies, snobs, and just plain mean people.

13. Favorite item of clothing?
Anything that fits.

14. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go?
Since I cannot afford a vacation down the road let alone to another country, I cannot fathom where I would go.

15. What color is your bathroom?
White with blue and burgundy accents.

16. Favorite brand of clothing?
Anything that fits.

17. Where would you want to retire to?
The Carolinas... beach on one side, mountains on the other. Best of both worlds.

18. Favorite time of day?
About 8:30 PM... all the kids are in bed. Peace, quiet... stop and breath... relax... ME time!

19. Where were you born?
In a hospital. Lol. Altoona, PA.

20. Favorite Sports to watch?
I don't watch sports anymore.

21. What laundry detergent do you use?
Tide and Borax.

22. Are you a morning person or night owl?
Night owl. Though, lately I have my doubts about that. Lol.

23. What size shoe do you wear?
10... look out big foot, here i come. Dress shoes are smaller, depending on the style.

24. Favorite animal?
Penguins, platypus.

25. What did you want to be when you were little?
A teacher and a housewife with 6 kids.

26. Favorite candy bar?
Reese's mini peanut butter cups (not the big, regular size ones), Dove chocolate, 3 Musketeers Mint, dark chocolate.

27. What are your favorite childhood memories?
I have much of my childhood blocked out of my memory for good reasons. Camping with the whole family -- both sets of grandparents, friends, lots of cousins at Kinzoo Dam.

28. What are the different jobs you have had in your life? Nanny, babysitting, administration, preschool teacher, elementary school teacher, TSS, BSC, counselor, therapist, adult teacher, sales, and advocate.

29. Nicknames?
Storm.

30. Any Piercings?
3 in each year.

31. Eye color?
Blue. They change color from hazel to more intense blue to a little green depending on my mood and what colors I am wearing.

32. Ever been to Africa?
No.

33. Ever loved someone so much it made you cry?
Yes, definitely.

34. Ever been in a car accident?
Yes.

35. Favorite restaurant?
King's, Olive Garden (though, I haven't been to one in 15 years).

36. Favorite ice cream?
Chocolate, chocolate with peanut butter.

37. Favorite flower?
Lilacs, daises.

38. Disney or Warner Brothers?
Both.

39. Favorite fast food restaurant?
Wendy's, KFC, Taco Bell.

40. What color is your bedroom carpet?
Dirty tan.

41. How many times did you take your drivers test?
Once.

42. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card?
Credit card? What is that? Lol. Wal-Mart so I can buy the necessities I need for my family.

43. What do you do most often when you are bored?
Who has time to be bored?!?!?!

44. Bedtime?
Sometime after 8:30 PM. SOme nights it's early and sometimes its late. Usually around 12 AM.

45. What are you listening to right now?
Still the One in my playlist.

46. What is your favorite color?
Blue.

47. How many tattoos do you have?
Now I have 0.

48. Which came first, the chicken or the egg?
The chicken since God created the animals.

49. What materialistic thing would you ask for if you had one wish to make?
A new house that is totally furnished and with a pre-lanscaped yard.

50. If you had to pick your wedding party, who would be in it?
I don't believe I will be getting married again.

51. What is your favorite song?
I have many. Check out the playlist at the bottom of the page.

52. What would you name a son if you had one?
I cannot have any more children. My son's name is Cameron.

53. What would you name a daughter if you had one?
I cannot have any more children. My daughter's name is Cassandra.

54. What are you doing tomorrow?
Spending time with my children, doing Easter crafts, doing chores around the house, blogging,...

55. What are 5 things that made you smile today?
(1.) Jessica's sharing stories about Ivory and Ivory's pet fish, Melma. (2.) The kids decorating Easter eggs. (3.) That I woke up this morning. (4.) Champ standing on his hind legs trying to look out the kitchen window (he could barely reach the window sill). (5.) The lame blonde joke a friend told me.

4 Things

1. Four places I go over and over.

Bed, school (drop off and pick up kids), Wal-Mart (to buy groceries and all the other every day things I can't afford), my office.

2. Four of my favorite places to eat.

My kitchen (can't afford to go out much), anyplace someone else will pay for, King's, Wendy's.

3. Four places I would rather be right now.

Sleeping, reading, vacation (anywhere), ???

4. Four TV shows I could watch over and over.

CSI: Miami, Grey's Anatomy, Boston Legal, CSI

Now it's your turn. I want to get to know my reader's better, so, please, share your answers in the comments section. Or share the link to your blog so I can read your post with your answers.

100 Things - My 100th Post

In honor of my 100th post, I completed another list of 100 things all about me.

1. My name is DawnLyn, the English female version (Dawn) of my father’s name so I can say I am named after my father. His name was Donald.
2. My first name when I was born was Dawn.
3. My middle name when I was born was Lynne.
4. My family has always called me Dawn Lynne.
5. I hated explaining to teachers, doctors, friends, co-workers, etc., that they should call me Dawn Lynne. They couldn't understand that I preferred being called Dawn Lynne instead of Dawn.
6. When I turned 18, I got my name legally changed on my birth certificate.
7. My birth certificate now says my first name is DawnLyn.
8. I prefer the spelling DawnLyn (one name) over Dawn Lynne (two names).
9. In honor of my 30th birthday, I added the middle name of Storm.
10. I am single.
11. I am a mother.
12. My oldest child, a boy, was given up for adoption.
13. My oldest child is now 20 years old.
14. I wish I could find my son and tell him that I loved/love him dearly.
15. My youngest child was/is a twin.
16. I lost the twin during my pregnancy.
17. My "now" oldest son was planned down to the day I conceived him.
18. I dislike most vegetables, especially turnips, radishes, spinach, onions, peppers, squash... need I go on?
19. I was always embarrassed of my toes... I have webbed feet.
20. Because I was embarrassed of my toes I didn't wear sandals until I as 35.
21. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and Psychology.
22. The radio is always on in the car or in the house.
23. I hate complete silence.
24. I was once bald.
25. Now I have long salt-n-pepper hair.
26. Thanks to Clairol my hair is usually the dark brown (with auburn highlights) that used to be my natural hair.
27. I've always wanted to have auburn hair.
28. I get nervous talking in front of a group.
29. I have spoken in front of large groups (Head Start conventions, classes, local politicians, etc.) many times.
30. I'm a huge Harry Potter fan (both books and movies).
31. I had a tattoo.
32. I had the tattoo removed.
33. My ears are pierced 3 times in both ears.
34. The first ear piercing was a gift from Grandma when I was five years old.
35. The second ear piercing was done at church camp when I was a tween using an ice cube, heated needle, and an orange.
36. The third ear piercing was first done on just one ear because that was the cool look in the 80s.
37. A few years later I got the other ear pierced for the third time so everything would be matched and even.
38. I am very tickelish.
39. I prefer big plastic hangers to the wire variety.
40. I love getting snail mail.
41. I will sign up for freebies just to get mail in the mailbox.
42. Lilacs and daisies are my favorite flowers.
43. I hate to sweat.
44. I love my Mt. Dew.
45. I drink 4-6 cans (12 oz.) Mt. Dews a day.
46. My doctor told me to not stop drinking Mt Dew, though, I can cut back, because my body would go into shock.
47. I have been drinking Mt Dew as my main drink for over 15 years.
48. I love to read.
49. I read a lot... magazines, books, blogs, brochures, manuals.
50. Some of my closest friends (online friends) I have never met face-to-face.
51. I also studied business in college.
52. I also studied encryption and administration in the military.
53. My first job didn't last more than one day.
54. My first job was working in a dry cleaners.
55. I am a Christmas fanatic.
56. This past year I had over 30 trees in my home.
57. Each tree had its own theme.
58. I think my nose is too big.
59. I think my belly is too big.
60. I think my thighs are too big.
61. I have three brothers.
62. I have one sister.
63. None of my grandparents are still alive.
64. I don't really like to cook (since I have such picky children).
65. I like doing dishes even less.
66. I use paper plates a lot.
67. I don't really like reality shows.
68. I really like office supplies.
69. I hate being late.
70. I was taught by my father to always be 10-15 minutes early for any appointment.
71. In all other ways, I'm a procrastinator. Why clean today if I clean it tomorrow?
72. I love the color blue.
73. My second favorite colors are red and purple.
74. I am very organized.
75. My friends make fun of me because I am so organized.
76. When I was younger I could tell when my nosy brother was in my room because things would not be put back the "right" way.
77. Even the trunk of my car is organized.
78. I am not very good with names. I have a hard time matching the name with the face. I have to repeat the name in my head over and over.
79. If my daughter had been a boy, his name would of been Noah.
80. If her twin had survived and had been a boy, his name would of been Stephen.
81. My daughter's middle name is the middle name of her twin. I switched middle names when my daughter was born.
82. I wanted to give my daughter (and her twin) a name with the same initials as her big brother.
83. Both children have the initials C. S. L.
84. When I sneeze, I always sneeze twice.
85. I am ambidextrous.
86. I write with my right hand.
87. I cut with scissors using my right hand.
88. I cut with a knife using my left hand.
89. I bat, shoot a gun, etc., with my left hand.
90. I love all kinds of music. Check out My Playlist at the bottom of the blog to see my eclectic (Christmas, Christian, country, oldies, rock, 80s, etc.) mix.
91. I believe in the power of prayer.
92. I believe in God.
93. I believe in the Holy Spirit.
94. I believe in baptism.
95. I am the owner of a Chihuahua named Champ.
96. I decorate for most every holiday.
97. I decorate a Christmas tree for every major holiday (Valentine's Day, Easter, 4th of July, Fall, and, of course, Christmas).
98. I leave, at least, one Christmas tree up all year. This year one of the trees still decorated is the scrapbooking tree .
99. My favorite past time (besides blogging) is reading.
100. My second favorite past time is scrapbooking.

February Roundup

Thanks to The Mommy Project blog -- http://themommyproject.blogspot.com/ -- for the reminder to do a monthly roundup.

For some time I have done a very detailed roundup based on the roundup Katie The Scrapbook Lady (click on the title to go to Katie's round up) does.

I like the brief version The Mommy Project suggested(when I get too busy or just plain forget to do Katie's roundup).

This month I am into...

The Thing I've Been Working on Most:
Going through my Favorites folder on the computer, updating, deleting, and adding favorites to this long list. I now have over 100 folders that are now all organized. The other big project for February was getting the remainder of the Christmas decorations packed up and put into the basement. Big job when you are a Christmas fanatic like me.

TV Show I Used To Love But Now Hate and Refuse To Watch Ever Again:
I cannot think of answer to this.

TV Show I Sometimes Hate But Really Like This Year:
Again, I don't have a show that fits into that category. I won't waste my time watching a show that I don't like.

The CD I Can't Stop Listening To:
I Can Only Imagine, 2 CD set, Christian music by various artists.

My Favorite Blog Entry This Month:
It has not been posted yet. But I am working on a new 100 list -- 100 Facts about Me in honor of my 100th post.

Blog I am Always Visiting:
5 Minutes for Mom at http://www.5minutesformom.com/ and
Absolutely Bananas at http://www.absolutelybananas.com/.

What I am Looking Forward to Next Month: Spring if it ever decides to show it's beauty.

Tagged - 5

Five snacks you enjoy:
1. Chocolate... dark chocolate, milk chocolate, hot chocolate, chocolate ice cream, Hershey's, Dove.
2. Lay's Classic Potato Chips with Helluva French Onion Dip.
3. Mountain Dew... not a snack but cannot live without it.
4. Extra Cool Watermelon Gum.
5. Bananas and apples. I'm not a total junkie.

Five songs that you know all the lyrics to:
1. Man, I Feel Like a Woman by Shania Twain. It's my son's favorite song. :)
2. Most of the old Billy Joel songs.
3. I Can Only Imagine by Mercy Me.
4. Mary, Did You Know? by Mark Lower.
5. Awesome God by Rich Mullins.

Five things you would do if you were a millionaire:
1. Pay for this house.
2. Finish the basement, add security fence, and landscaping to this house.
3. Buy a new SUV.
4. Donate to some of my favorite charities.
5. Take a vacation with my kids and then a vacation without my kids.

Five bad habits:
1. Snacking at night.
2. Spending too much time on the computer.
3. Yelling at my children.
4. Procrastinating.
5. Not exercising enough... lately not exercising at all.

Five things you like doing:
1. Reading... mysteries, crafting magazines, women magazines, blogs, the Holy Bible, parenting books.
2. Spending time with my children.
3. Spending time with my Chihuahua, Champ.
4. Going out to eat. It rarely happens and I truly having someone else cook for me.
5. Scrapbooking and taking photos.

Five things you would never wear again:
1. Stirrup pants.
2. Leg warmers.
3. Sleeveless tops in public.
4. Anything that is "just" the right size. All of my comfortable clothes are a little loose which is why they are more comfortable.
5. Big round, 80s glasses.

Five favorite toys:
1. Computer and internet.
2. Telephone.
3. Cameras... both 35mm and digital.
4. Any board games or card games my children enjoy when they include me (read: allow me) to play.
5. Television.

100 Things I Love

The rule is you are not supposed to list people. Despite that rule, the first two are my children. Other than my children being the first two great loves of my life, these items are not in any particular order:

1. Cameron
2. Cassandra
3. Mountain Dew
4. The laughter and giggle of my children.
5. Hearing the chirping of birds to start the day.
6. Reading before I fall asleep every night.
7. Photography -- all aspects, taking pictures, especially the unexpected and candid pictures; seeing the outcome or different views/perspectives; having photographs all over the house.
8. Cassandra’s curly hair.
9. Scooby-Doo because he works for Scooby snacks.
10. My blue eyes.
11. The “color” of fall.
12. Old Bugs Bunny/Tweety Bird/Road Runner cartoons.
13. Headsets for phones so I can be hands-free.
14. Rubies because they are red and my birthstone.
15. My king-size bed because my whole family can fit in it.
16. Cassandra’s dimples.
17. The smell of lilacs.
18. Remote controls.
19. Air conditioning.
20. Snuggling.
21. Being able to read and write.
22. My ring collection -- each ring is unique and has special meaning.
23. Snyder Hawaiian Sweet Onion kettle potato chips.
24. Scrapbooking and scrapbooks.
25. Being a mom.
26. Cameron’s smile.
27. Hearing, “I love you, Mommy!”
28. Dark chocolate… yummm!
29. The beauty of sunsets.
30. Friendship.
31. Disposable diapers.
32. My collection of milk bottles (the old-fashioned glass bottles).
33. My friends that are my family.
34. Thumb sucking because it comforts me when I’m tired or sick.
35. Sleep.
36. Electricity.
37. All shades of blue.
38. The waddle of penguins.
39. Asthma medicine so Cassandra can breathe.
40. Salt.
41. Comfortable clothes.
42. Chunky potato soup.
43. Avon cosmetics.
44. My calendar/organizer/planner to keep me organized.
45. Cameron’s nicknames: Cool Dude, Pickle.
46. Internet communities.
47. Hair color to cover the grey.
48. Telephone.
49. Celebrating the “small” things, such as half birthdays, first day of school, etc.
50. Cards for all occasions.
51. My German heritage.
52. My American pride and the ‘Red, White, and Blue.’
53. Old Steven Segal movies.
54. Tylenol.
55. Big old trees.
56. Email.
57. Music -- classic country, today’s country, 80s, Christian, oldies, Christmas, more.
58. Jesus.
59. Kids sleeping.
60. Dreaming.
61. Being a woman.
62. Towels warm/”fresh” from the dryer.
63. Knowing how to drive.
64. “Puppy” love.
65. Sunny days.
66. Springtime -- new, fresh, baby animals, the right temperature, clean slate, Easter, Jesus rises from the cross.
67. Comedy movies.
68. Deodorant.
69. Mystery novels.
70. Disposable contacts.
71. My nickname, Storm, which has now become my middle name.
72. Hope.
73. My Mom’s roast beef, mashed potatoes w/gravy and shoepeg corn dinner.
74. Yankee candles.
75. Daddy’s Bible, including his preaching notes.
76. Grandma’s wedding band that I wear every day.
77. Being organized.
78. Candles burning.
79. Bug spray to protect from getting bitten.
80. Being an advocate for children, children’s rights, and mental health issues.
81. Photographs and photo frames -- one of my many collections, each frame is unique.
82. Taking walks.
83. Cocker spaniels, especially Princess and Willie.
84. Night lights.
85. Free stuff.
86. Leak-proof sippy cups.
87. Febreeze.
88. Scented shower gels.
89. Going to a restaurant for dinner.
90. Prayer.
91. Surprising others with small gifts.
92. Journal writing.
93. Not being homeless.
94. Laughter.
95. Bag clips to keep foods fresh.
96. Stickers.
97. The awe and wonder of toddlers.
98. Wearing red shirts (because I get lots of compliments).
99. My mom shirt -- “This mom is extra special because she’s the dad too!”
100. That I challenged myself to complete this list.

This list was originally written in 2002.

ABCs of Me

A -- Army; Altoona (PA); advocate
B -- blue eyes; blogs and blogging; bubble baths; bachelor degree
C -- children; Christmas; celebrations; chubby
D -- daughter; demanding; designer; disciplinarian
E -- email; exercise hater
F -- friend; freedom
G --generous; Girl Scout Leader
H -- hungry; horny; hormones; Harry Potter fan; Home Sweet Home
I -- intuition; independent; irises
J -- jewelry
K -- keeper of the keys; kiss; knowledgeable
L -- laughter; library; listener; lilacs
M -- mom; mystery; moody; music; motivator
N -- neat freak; Noah’s Ark collector
O -- organized
P -- photographer; “Princess of Quite a Lot;” platypus
Q -- “Queen of Everything;” quotes
R -- reader; RAKs
S -- sleep; scrapbooking; shopping; Storm; slippers; sensitive; sassy
T -- television (background noise); teacher
U -- unique
V -- volunteer
W -- www.
X -- (e)xtra short
Y -- yes
Z -- Zzzzz (love my naps)


This list is in preparation for my A2Z Challenge. View some of the pages in my A2Z album at http://www.scrapbook.com/blogs/81740/view/18795.html.

Won't you join me?