Randomness....

Monday night, I was bending over to put something under the sink and felt my femur come out of my hip socket and then go back in.  It was disgusting!  Didn't really hurt, but it totally freaked me out.

Why is the abbreviation for pounds "lbs."?  That makes no sense.   {Just looked it up, apparently it has something to do with the latin word for pound.}

I love sleeping with the windows open when it starts to get cold in the night.  Snuggling under the blanket is the best.

If I had the time, I'd make these for halloween decorations for the yard.

                                                          Source: ww3.gardenpicture.com via jennifer on Pinterest

Maybe someday.

I want to do this to my nails.  {I have all kinds of glitter polish.}

       Source: makesmeblush.blogspot.com via jennifer on Pinterest

The bonfire is scheduled! Wheeeee! Can't wait.

Also, the annual pilgrimage to the pumpkin patch is this Sunday!  I'm super excited.  Cannot wait to hunt some pumpkins.  Take that, autumn to-do list!  :)

***

I'd love to hear something random from your week.  Do tell.  Also, what's going on this weekend?  Anything fall-ish?  

Oh, and if you haven't already, make sure you get your name in the hat for the Fabric & Handle giveaway !  I'm seriously super jealous of you guys.  These bags are fan-freakin-tastic.  Love them.  Winner will be announced Tuesday.  

Sketchbooks...

These sketchbooks make me want to up the ante on my own journaling.  Aren't they cool!?

Source: flickr.com via jennifer on Pinterest

Source: webdesignerdepot.com via jennifer on Pinterest

Source: pamgarrison.typepad.com via jennifer on Pinterest

Do you journal? If so, do you doodle, or write, or both? What are your favorite materials to use?

 I've started a couple new journals lately, and have a few sketchbooks I use for different things, but I really want to get in the habit of doodling. It's so much fun, and can bring out such great ideas!

How blessed I am...

               Source: spiritualinspiration.tumblr.com via jennifer on Pinterest

Yesterday afternoon I was feeling sort of sorry for myself.  My wheel started spinning and all I could see for a while is the things that aren't how I'd like them to be in my life.  The things I don't have were overshadowing the things I do.  Sometimes it seems that everyone else breezes through life getting all their little hearts desire and enjoying every minute.  {Especially in this blog world.}  I couldn't help but feel like somehow I was being slighted.

I knew as I was having these feelings that it wasn't true.  But, I still felt them.

Then, I had a conversation with someone who brought me back down to reality.  Yes, we have had {and do have} our fair share of struggles, but I am so very blessed.

• I have a God who loves me and who has a plan for me.  I may not know the plan, but he does.  {This is something I struggle with constantly.  I am a bit of a control freak, and I really need a plan.   Not having a plan makes me crabby.  Learning to trust in God's plan has been challenging to say the least.}  
• I have a husband who is my biggest fan.  He has always believed in me, even when I haven't.  {Not to mention, I have a husband.  He freakin' survived cancer.  He's my hero.}
• We have family who love us, and they're all here to love.
• We have the best friends in the entire world.  {There was a time when good friends were scarce, and I'm so grateful that is no longer the case.  God has blessed us beyond measure in the friend department.}
• We have a beautiful home that we love.  We've worked hard for it, and the sacrifices we've made have taught us just how much we can accomplish together.  
• We have the sweetest kitties in the world.  I love them.
• I get to go pick pumpkins this weekend!  You know it's one of my favorite things in the world.
• I get to paint things for people to treasure.  It makes me so happy.
• I have hope in tomorrow.  

I'm sure I've posted very similar things in the past.  Sometimes I just have to remind myself.  

Do you ever find yourself thinking this way, feeling sorry for yourself?  How do you cope with those feelings?

Now that I've written this post, it feels sort of ridiculous that I was even feeling that way.  I'm embarrassed that I could ever forget, even for a second how blessed I am.  

A few fun finds...

First of all, before I forget, go enter this week's giveaway !  One lucky reader will win one of Fabric & Handle's brand new Tote Bags!  Lucky!

Now, on to the good stuff....

Favorite recipe of the week:  Pioneer Woman's Italian Chicken Soup

                             Source: thepioneerwoman.com via jennifer on Pinterest

This recipe makes enough to feed an army {seriously, we were centimeters away from a big mess....make sure you have a BIG stockpot.}, and it's perfect for the colder months.  Good old fashioned comfort food.

Favorite new cocktail:  Caipirinha

Our neighbor makes these, and they are the best!  Anything with limes and rum {in this case Cachaca} is alright with me.  I'd never heard of a caipirinha until they moved in, but apparently it's the national cocktail of Brazil.  


...


Okay, I know it says "a few" fun finds...but I think that's all I've got!  I mean, I've been searching around for something else to share, but that kinda defeats the purpose right?  I mean, if I'm just posting something to be posting it, what good is that?  


In other news, Jon and I went for a run last night....together.  I don't think that's ever happened before.  It was kinda sad too.  For being a former marathoner and a former half-marathoner, we were sucking wind pretty bad.  But hey, at least we were fighting through the misery together, and without getting in a fight!  We're  I'm notorious for picking a fight during exercise.  Poor Jon.

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I am linking up to Yes, Teacher's Tickle me Tuesday post. Hop over and check out the other great finds!

Fabric & Handle Tote Bag Giveaway...

Boy, do I have a treat for you all this morning!   How would you like a chance at winning one of these gorgeous new tote bags by Fabric & Handle?  

I'm sure you've seen this great brand around, but in case you haven't, I can attest to the quality you'll find from Fabric & Handle.  I own one of the shopping bags....the Delmare .   It is so great!  Even though it was designed as a shopping bag, I use mine as a purse.   I'm super jealous that one of you is taking home one of the brand new tote bags!  {Although, I don't envy your having to decide on one!  They're all so fabulous....oh, who am I kidding?  Of course I envy that, too.}   

Let's keep this super simple and cut to the chase.  How do you get your name in the hat?  Well, simple....

Become a follower of jdavissquared, then hop over to Fabric & Handle's website , and tell me your favorite bag.  

Easy-peasy.

For additional entries, you can do the following...{please leave separate comments for each.}

• "Like" Fabric & Handle on Facebook .  {BONUS!  This will automatically give you a 10% off code for your next order!}
• "Like" jdavissquared on Facebook .
  
• Follow jdavissquared on Twitter.
  
• Tweet about this giveaway.  {be sure to mention @jdavissquared for tracking purposes!}   

Feel free to copy and paste this tweet:

I just entered to win one of Fabric & Handle's awesome new totes on @jdavissquared  http://tinyurl.com/625fz3m

Giveaway is open to all followers, and will run through Monday October 3rd.  Winner will be announced on Tuesday, October 4th.  Good luck!  

Randomness...

Jon might just kill me for this, but here you go....

Do you think I live with a cover hog?  Yes, that is the entire king sized comforter wrapped snugly around his neck and off his side of the bed.  He must be cold....er....but his legs are out from knee down.  Ha!  I love my husband!  Honey, this is proof that you do in fact hog the covers, despite what you might think.  :)

We watched Bridesmaids on Tuesday, but we accidently watched the rated version, so now we have to watch it again to see what we missed on the unrated version.  Darn!

Trader Joe's Reduced Guilt Fat Free brownies are actually pretty good!  Nice and spongy and so easy to make!  You just add 2/3 cup of vanilla yogurt and bake.

Honeycrips have arrived!  Let the apple festival in my mouth begin!

Funniest video from the week {warning, make sure your volume isn't up too loud}:

 

And,

The song of the week {I'm not a huge fan of the video, but can't get enough of the song}: 

 

Besides working on orders, I'm determined to do some fall decorating this weekend, perhaps get to that DIY , and maybe head down to the Cider Mill for some donuts.  We're having apps and drinks with some neighbor-friends tonight, which will be fun.  It seems like forever since our lazy summer nights on the porch.

What's on your agenda for the weekend?  And, of course, share your randomness!  


Oh, and don't forget to send your scary stories to me !  Ghosts, UFO's, bumps in the night....I'll take 'em all!

Making things makes me happy....

I am seriously jonesin' for some craft time.  I want  need to make something!  {that isn't a piggy bank.}  I've been trying to think of something that would be a good fall project, and I've pretty much decided that I need a Fall wreath.  I have some things at home that I could piece together....maybe even a wreath form.  Anyway, we'll see if I can get to that this weekend!

I've been looking through Pinterest for ideas, and while I may not like everything about all of these, there's something in each of them that gets my creative juices flowing!  I'm sort of in love with a big fluffy neutral colored wreaths for fall.  Our front door is orange, so I want something that will pop!

Clockwise from top left:  1. Colorful Corn Wreath, 2. Coffee Filter Wreath, 3. Corn Husk Wreath, 4. Burlap Wreath 

Have any DIY projects planned for the weekend?  When was the last time you made something for yourself?  

The last project I made for myself was this bad boy .  Still love it!  

Call for Ghost Stories...

       Source: None via jennifer on Pinterest

I'm a big chicken.  I can admit it.  I hide behind blankets during scary scenes in movies, and I may or may not make Jon go everywhere with me, including to the bathroom for hours after one is over.  He learned a long time ago not to try to scare me when I'm freaked out....thank goodness.  That being said, I've always loved hearing other people's ghost stories.  Let me be clear...I have NO INTEREST in having a run in with a ghost.  {Do you hear me spirit world?  No interest!}  But, I love hearing about other people's experiences.

I had a dentist as a child that would tell me ghost stories while he checked my teeth.  He lived in a big mansion here in Kansas City and had all kinds of creepy stories.  I remember my parents telling me about a mysterious light down in the country that would be seen walking through a field.  I can't remember the details, but I do remember being completely freaked out by the thought of it.

I've never seen anything myself, but I have had experiences of feeling something.  Whether or not it was my imagination, I guess we don't know for sure.  For instance, there was one bedroom in my great aunt's house that made my hair stand on end.  It was, of course, the room that I was supposed to stay in when we visited.  I would sometimes sleep in there, but there was always a sense of being watched...a heaviness.  The bathroom was right beside this room, and during the day when we were all at the front of the house, I would hold it, not wanting to go back to the bathroom, until I had to go and then I would run as fast as I could and lock the door.  Once I was in the bathroom, I was fine, but it was always terrifying getting there and back.  I would often opt to sleep on the floor in the other room with my parents.  They never understood why, and I only recently told my mom about the creepy feeling.  I honestly can't remember if I always felt that way, or if it set in after my great uncle passed away.  It seems to me it was always that way.

I've had some other feelings, but I'll share those later.

The whole point of this post is to find out if you guys are as fascinated with this as I am.  It's getting to be that time of year, and I was thinking about posting some fun, spooky stuff in October.  Do any of you have any experiences you'd be willing to share with the readers of jdavissquared?  If you have a story, or ideas of fun spooky stuff to share, email me , or leave a comment with a way to contact you, and we'll chat.  Even if you don't have a story, let me know if you think this would be fun!

p.s. This is how big of a chicken I am...I'm all freaked out just from searching for "ghost" on Pinterest.  Lame!

Oh, and on a side note...I'm one follower away from 500!  That blows my mind, guys.  You rock!  Thanks for making me feel so loved.  

A few fun finds...

Today's fun finds is going to be a little different again. It's not that I don't love Etsy anymore, but I'm just in a different mood these days.  I'm going to share with you some of my personal faves as of late, cool?

 

First up...Guess what comes out on DVD today! Bridesmaids! Have you guys seen it? We saw it on Girl's Weekend, and it was for reals the funniest movie I've seen in I don't know how long!  Funny in a fresh and new kind of way. You know?

Anyway, I'll be buying it today at lunch. On sale at Target $15.99.

Next up, Bath and Body Works fall scent, Leaves.  I got mine in the form of a wallflower, but the candle picture was so much prettier!  You might be wondering "what exactly does that smell like?"  Well, this is how BBW describes it: 

Autumnal notes of golden nectar, juicy mandarin and red delicious apple are paired with toasted cinnamon stick, mulled cider spices and freshly harvested red berries.

 

Translation:  It smells like everything good about fall.  

Last, but certainly not least, these Pumpkin Nutella Muffins.  OMG.  {Photo borrowed from Real Mom Kitchen.} There's pumpkin and Nutella in those.  What's not to like?  I made a half batch on Saturday, cause I knew a full batch would be dangerous.  Mine didn't turn out so pretty, but man, were they tasty! 

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I am linking up to Yes, Teacher's Tickle me Tuesday post. Hop over and check out the other great finds!

 

Oh, and also, I know I promised you guys another giveaway yesterday.  Here's the thing, I'm trying to confirm what exactly the prize is going to be....so, stay tuned!  Sorry for the confusion.  

Hip-T Winner...

Happy Monday morning, friends! Ugh. I know...Monday. Maybe I can lessen the blow for you? Well, one of you at least! The handy-dandy Random Number Generator has chosen:

Isn't that crazy? I've never seen it chose the last number! I guess it really is random.  So, who was the last to enter? 

That would be none other than Tinamarie R.!  Sneaking into the competition at 11:13 last night!  Congrats, Tinamarie!  I'll email you shortly. 

Thanks to everyone for playing!  I'll be back later today with another {yummy} giveaway!  ;)

Randomness...

{First and foremost, make sure you go enter to win a Hip-T.  You will love it, I promise!  Entry is fast and easy.}

I'm going to try something new this week.  Instead of a pretty bicycle picture, I'm going to share a random picture from the week, and some other found things.  Next week, I'm gonna focus on capturing more randomness to share with you.  Cause I love randomness, and I think you do to.

Last night, after an evening of shopping, my mom and I stopped at Taco Bueno to grab some food.  At one point I looked down at my MexiDips and Chips and saw this little guy staring back:

This is the song stuck in my head this week:



This video also had me cracking up.  I originally saw it on Pinterest, and then Facebook.  Too funny!



I really want to make this.  I need more cardigans now that fall weather is upon us! 

Oh, and I know what I'm going to be for Halloween! I don't think I've ever had it figured out this early. Now I just have to pull all the pieces together.

Hope you all have a fabulous weekend! I have tons of orders from this week to paint, and I'm hoping to get some fall decorations up...it's time!

What is one random thing from your week?

Kansas Sunrise....

I got home this morning from boot camp, just as the sun started to rise.  I got some coffee going and went upstairs to check my email before jumping in the shower and looked out the window to see this.  That's straight from the camera, no color correcting.  Simply beautiful.

Isn't our world amazing?

Autumn-y things {and my list for 2011}....

{If you haven't entered to win a Hip-T, what are you waiting for?  I mean, seriously, ladies, you want one...I promise!  I even gave you a super easy entry form to fill out....no need to leave a gazillion comments.} 

photo by Jennifer Davis

Fall is officially here.  Well, not really, that doesn't happen until the 23rd.  But, it might as well be.  I've been in denial about this until just this last week.  I love summer so much, that I just didn't want to let it go.  However, I know how short fall is, at least around here.  Before we know it we'll be snowed in and baking Christmas cookies.  Sigh. 

So, because fall always goes way too fast, I thought I'd take a moment and make a list of the things I want to be sure to experience this year. 

{**freaky side note....as I'm typing this I thought, "I think I did this last year."  Just did a search and lo and behold, I did....on Sept. 15th last year...um, freaky, right?}

So, here we go for fall 2011...

• use up leftover pumpkin spice syrup from last year.  {do you think it's still good?...is that gross?}
• take my yearly pilgrimage to the pumpkin patch.  See: 2010 2009.
• Visit the Louisburg Cider Mill with Jon and eat fresh cider donuts.
• Enjoy a bonfire.  {I believe there's one planned at the farm...wheee!}
• Go for a bike ride on the trail with my mama and enjoy the foliage.
• And, of course, bake pumpkin cakes.

What am I missing?  What's your favorite autumn-y thing to do?

A few fun finds...

Today's finds post is totally random...no theme, just awesome things. 

First up, this Red Fabric Book Necklace by Sahabo on Etsy.  I've recently started making an effort to write in my journals more.  I'm trying to document more of my dreams, hopes, frustrations and ideas.  Maybe if my journal was tied around my neck, I'd have no more excuses!  Also, how cute would this be to give someone as a gift filled with words of wisdom or encouragement? 

Next up, the Statement Tie Fleece Knit Jacket by Erin Alexandra Klym on Etsy.  Found this one pinned on Pinterest.  Someday, I'm going to have a cool jacket like this....mark my words.  And, I'll wear it every day and look fabulous.


This last one's a little different for a "fun find", but I can't resist sharing.  We've sang this song the last few weeks in church, and I really love it.  It was especially poignant this last week as we remembered 9/11.  The lyrics were on the screen over a picture of the WTC towers.  About halfway through the song the picture switched to the skyline with the beams of light where the towers once stood.  Holy cow....goose bump moment.    Anyway, I can't stop singing this song.

Found anything amazing on Etsy this week?  I'd love it if you shared.
What about a favorite worship song?  I'm thinking I want to add some to my iTunes.

Oh, and make sure you've entered this week's giveaway!  One lucky reader is gonna take home a Hip-T!  

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I am linking up to Yes, Teacher's Tickle me Tuesday post. Hop over and check out the other great finds!

Hip-T Review and Giveaway...

The ladies over at Hip-T recently sent me over one of their brilliant accessories to try.  I have always been a layering kind of girl, wearing camisoles underneath everything, so naturally, I was intrigued.

The whole premise of their product is "covering your assets".  Ha!  We've all seen those poor girls who sit down or bend over only to expose their unmentionables to everyone.  I know that's never happened to any of you, right?  Yeah, me neither.  It's also helpful to anyone suffering from muffin top.  Again, I'm sure none of you can relate.

Just to be on the safe side, I tried it.  Turns out, I loved it!  Especially during some of those scorching hot August days we had.  It was so refreshing to have all the "assets" covered without the extra bulk and fabric.  I seriously found myself wearing my Hip-T just about every day.  It was really nice to know that my assets were covered! 

They sent me basic black, so it went with the majority of my closet.  {I seriously think I need a white one too one of every color.}

Now for the really fun part....The ladies at Hip-T have offered up a Hip-T for giveaway here on jdavissquared!  Hooray!  One lucky winner will get to pick one Hip-T of their choice from any style in stock.


**This giveaway is now closed....see who won here!

Remembering 9/11...

          Source: urbanpeek.com via jennifer on Pinterest

I've been watching the memorial footage on tv ever since I got home from church this morning.  It's hard to believe that 10 years have past, and that the events of 9/11 still stir such great emotions within me.  I'm certain that will never change.

Alot has changed since that day.  Around the world, and within my own life.  I was just a college student at the time, skipping printmaking class to get my Spanish lab done.  I could hear the tv from the other room broadcasting the footage, but it never occurred to me that it was live.  In my mind, it was a class watching old footage from the big earthquake in California.  I'll never forget walking out of that building, and turning on my phone to 14 missed calls from Jon.  I called him back and he's the one who filled me in on what was happening.  As I stood stunned in the courtyard, I looked around and no one was moving.  It seemed we were all on the phone and many of us were gazing up at that beautiful blue September sky that was eerily void of jet streams.  The world changed that day.

The magnitude of 9/11 is obvious, you don't need me to convince you.  I am however, struck by how much changes in one's life in a decade.  This anniversary has afforded me an opportunity to look back on the last ten years of my own life.  The trials I've faced.  The successes I've had.  In those ten years, I can clearly see God's hand in my life.  He's blessed me tremendously, and continues to do so.  I am so thankful.

Remembering today, those that lost their lives 10 years ago, and all those who have lost their lives since in the name of freedom.  I am proud to be an American today, and always.  I will never forget!

Tell me, where were you on 9/11?

Testing, testing, 123....

I'm working on getting jdavissquared linked to Facebook.  Come like us to stay updated!  I'll be adding more content to the Facebook page that won't be seen here on the blog soon.

A pretty bicycle picture and random thoughts from the week....

                 Source: designworklife.com via jennifer on Pinterest

I feel sorry for people who don't know Miles.  He's the coolest.

Our neighbor across the street leaves every night at 9:00 and returns at 9:30.  We started noticing this last winter, and I saw that his truck was gone last night again.  Is it bad that I kinda want to follow him to see what he does?  So strange.

They're installing new cable lines in our neighborhood this week.  A couple nights ago, one of the workers left his radio on.  There were faint sounds of a mexican fiesta wafting through the air that night.  ha!  It was awesome.

Is there anything better than sleeping with the windows open on crisp almost-autumn nights, snuggled in under a down comforter?  I think not.

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It's Friday, friends!

What's on your agenda this weekend?  I have some orders to paint, and some hanging with friends and eating pizza to do.

I'm sad that I have to work an entire day today....no more half day Fridays.  :(  But, I'm sure happy to have had them during summer.  It's just hard to believe summer is already over!

So, tell me:  Where you live, are your neighbors friendly?  Do you know their names?  Do you hang out with them?  Talk over the fence?  Have some drinks on their porch? 

We do all of the above.  Our old neighborhood was nothing like this.  I have to say, I absolutely love where we live.  I'm never leaving.  :)

Dr. Who?

Remember a few weeks ago when I did a giveaway for a mini piggy bank?  Well, Ashley from Life is Beautiful was the winner.  {yay!}  I thought it would be fun to share with you guys what she ended up choosing.
Ashley asked me if I could do a "Doctor Who" bank.  I said I was sure I could, but I have never seen it, so she'd have to guide me a little.  She sent me a picture of the Tardis, this police box thing, and said she wanted it to say "Allons-y" and have stars and planets all around....That all seemed like a foreign language, but I gave it a go!

I did find some Dr. Who episodes online and actually watched the first one. You know, research. Honestly, I couldn't quite figure it out! Ashley wrote a really sweet post when she got her piggy bank in the mail. Made me blush! She's a total sweetheart.

I still don't know anything about Dr. Who, but Ashley seems to be pleased, and that's all that matters!  I love making people smile...it's my favorite!

Do you guys watch Dr. Who?  Can anyone explain it to me?

So much better...

                                       Source: showandtellgallery.com via jennifer on Pinterest

 

I had intentions of writing lots of wonderful posts for you over the weekend.  Would you like to guess if that happened? 

I do have some amazing giveaways coming up for you guys.  Seriously, I'm super jealous!  You guys are gonna LOVE them.  For reals.  :) 

I thouroughly enjoyed every single minute of my 4 1/2 day weekend.  It was just what I needed. 

• I got completely caught up on orders....and then got another one!  :)
• We took a nap during a thunderstorm and then cuddled and talked about the future.  {sorry, are you gagging?}
• I enjoyed a couple brewskis.
• We spent some much needed time with family and enjoyed the amazing weather we've been having.
• I think I've seen every episode of Keeping up with the Kardashians now.  Why do I get sucked into that show?  
• We met both my little sisters' boyfriends.  Seriously, makes me feel so old!  How is it possible that they're old enough to have boyfriends that are not only taller than me, but perhaps taller than Jon?
• My dad's boat sank.  Yep, it sank!  No worries, it was in the slip with no one on board, and they got it out.  Apparently it is fixable, and will be up and running again next year.
• We made joyful s'mores....more on this later.  Let me just say, HEAVEN.
• We threw open the windows and soaked in the cool breeze.  
• We put on sweatshirts and long pants for the first time this season.
• And mostly, we just loved on each other a lot.  I cannot tell you how much I adore my husband.  He's pretty awesome.  

I feel so much better.  I was a ball of stress last week, and I once again feel like a normal human being.  Sometimes you just gotta slow down, drink some beers, love on some family and watch some reality tv, am I right?

What have you guys been up to?  I've missed you!  

p.s. I'm in love with that painting above.  I love the bright neon colors and the structure of the pattern.  I never thought I'd be drawn to neons again, since I totally o.d.'d  on them in the 80's, but I have to say, I kinda like!  You?

Long, long weekend...

                Source: thegirlwhoworeyellow.tumblr.com via jennifer on Pinterest

You might have noticed I didn't post yesterday. 

Yesterday was a stressful one.  Actually, this week has been kind of stressful.  I went to Boot Camp yesterday morning in an attempt to expel the stress from my body.  I got in a great workout, and then....I got swiped by a semi truck on the way to work.

Yes, SWIPED BY A SEMI.

No worries, I'm perfectly fine!  I was on city street, not the highway, going about 35-40 mph.  The truck decided to change lanes and I was in it's path.  Absolutely terrifying.

Oh, and did I mention he didn't stop?  I had to chase him about 5 blocks before he pulled over.  He claimed he didn't even know he'd hit me.  {sort of disturbing}  He was a nice guy, and very apologetic.

The only damage to my car was a broken side mirror and missing hubcap. I still can't figure out how more damage wasn't done.  I'm just really thankful I didn't end up under the trailer.  Things could have been much worse.  I don't want to be a drama queen at all...it really wasn't a big deal, but it certainly made me stop and count my blessings...which are much, much more than I deserve. 

I've never liked driving next to semis.  Now I really don't like it.

So, that's part of why you didn't hear from me yesterday.  There were other reasons too, but none as big as that.

Thankfully, today is a half day of work and then I'm off until next Wednesday!  {You may or may not hear from me before then.}  After yesterday morning, I decided to cash in a vacation day and take Tuesday off after the holiday.  I am in serious need of some relaxation.  I cannot wait for this long, long weekend!

I think we'll head out to the lake one day to spend some time with the fam.  Other than that, I have lots of painting to catch up on, and lots of calming the f down to do.  I've been operating on way too high of a stress level as of late.  Time to take it down a notch. 

I hope you all have great plans for this weekend!  Be safe, relax and have fun!

What are your holiday weekend plans?  Have you ever been in a wreck?  

This is the first time I've been in a real "wreck", and it seriously was not that bad, but it certainly shook me up!  I cannot imagine how terrifying it must be to be in a bad one.  I pray that's something none of us ever has to experience.  For reals, friends....be extra safe.