Day 31 of 31 - Done

Topic is: Done


31 days of blogging

I did it. I'm done. I did it. I'm done.

I set a goal for myself and I accomplished it. This was a huge commitment for me and even a bigger challenge. I got thru it - all 31 days.

Man, this patting myself on the back is giving me an arm cramp.

Here's to a Happy Halloween and a much needed blogging break.

I did it. I'm done. I did it. I'm done.

Day 30 of 31 - World Series

Topic is: World Series

So, have you been watching the World Series? I like baseball but I haven't been watching all the games from start to finish. Honestly, when I do watch, it's to see if I have won. Yes, me.

I contributed $5.00 to be in a pool and possibly win some money. I've played football pools before, but never baseball. It's kind of weird. My numbers are 8 for St Louis and 4 for the Red Sox. With these numbers, the chances of me winning are very slim. As a matter of fact, probably not at all. These have been some low scoring games people.

Here's how this pool is set up: the first three games paid out $100 to each of those winners. The final game (which could be tonight) pays out $200.00. Oh gosh how I could use that money.

So this is what needs to happen. The Cardinals need to win tonight so it forces game 7. Then, the Cardinals need to win tomorrow 8-4. There we go, done deal.

I'm really hoping St Louis can pull this off!
Go Cardinals!

Day 29 of 31 - Cartwheels

Topic is: Cartwheels

If I didn't think I would break my neck, or for sure pull a muscle, I would do a cartwheel on Thursday. Know why? Because it's the last day of the month and my "blog a day" challenge will be over. Yep, O-V-E-R! Got that? In all caps, O-V-E-R.

To say I can't wait is an understatement. This has seemed like the longest month ever.

However;, with that being said, I've realized just how boring my life is. I must get more active and find more hobbies. Period.

There you have it. Yet another post. Short and sweet; but true. I can't wait til Thursday.

Day 28 of 31 - November

Topic is: November

I know, I know, I know....October isn't even finished so why am I thinking about November. Well, the first half of the month is going to be crazy busy and I'm overwhelmed just thinking about it.

Want to know what I have planned? Here's my schedule as of today. I'm sure it will get busier, but this is what I've got going on so far:

November 1st - Maybe breakfast with my friend, Susan
November 4th - Annual doctor appointment - the OB kind
November 8th and 9th - Annual shopping trip to Gurnee Mills and IKEA
November 12th (morning) - Neurology appointment
November 12th (evening) - Leave for business trip
November 13th and 14th - Business trip
November 15th - Return from trip
November 16th (evening) - Get together with my husband's band members

Of course, my regular work and family schedules are mixed in with all this too.

The first 5 months of the year were crazy since we were planning my step-daughter's wedding. The summer slowed down (thank goodness). And now, the fall is seeming to be just as busy as the first part of the year. With Thanksgiving approaching and then Christmas, this year will be over before I know it.

I'm asking for time to slow down even if just for a little bit. Please?

Day 27 of 31 - Sunday Mornings

Topic is: Sunday Mornings

My favorite morning of the week is Sunday. I love waking up to a quiet house. I love being the only one awake for hours. I love sipping my coffee and gawking through the sale ads.

While it's so peaceful, I enjoy doing a little pick-up of things that got left out after I went to bed the night before. I enjoy doing a load of laundry if needed. I love, love, love my Sunday mornings.

I have a routine of waking up, feeding the cat, starting the coffee, getting my newspaper, sorting my newspaper of sale ads and sections I don't need, opening blinds for natural light and a few other misc things as needed. Once these few things are done, I doctor up my coffee and sit. Sit and listen to TV while I browse the sale ads wondering what I need since it's on sale. I make a list of the stores I'd like to go to and what I'd like to buy from that store. Whether or not I get the stuff on the list is another thing. Oh well, it's just part of a routine.

Sweet Sunday you are here once again!

Day 26 of 31 - Atlanta

Topic is: Atlanta

I'm going to Atlanta. It's a business trip, but I'm going to Atlanta. I love to fly and I love to travel. I don't even mind traveling for work. I leave in a few weeks and will be gone for 3 nights. I'm really looking forward to it.

Although this is a business trip, I'm going to mix business with pleasure. I can't wait! You see, one of my sister-in-laws lives about 3 hours from Atlanta is going to come visit me while I semi close to her. I'm actually going early to Atlanta just so we can hang out. How fun does that sound?

I won't have a car since I'm flying, but she will so we won't be stuck at the hotel doing a bunch of nothing. We plan to do some shopping, talking, eating, talking, shopping, talking, eating, etc. You get the picture! Together we will have from Tuesday evening until she leaves on Thursday morning to enjoy each others company.

Oh, I just can't wait!

Day 25 of 31 - An Evening Out

Topic is: An Evening Out

Tonight I'm going out on the town. Well, not exactly, but close. My oldest step-son's band is playing a gig tonight and we're going to listen/watch. The cool thing is that it's an all age venue so we can take our daughter who happens to L-O-V-E music. Our daughter is taking a friend, because, you know, it's not cool to hang out with your parents on a Friday night.

The event starts at 7 and goes til 11. I'm not quite sure how long we'll stay, but I'm sure we'll have a good time. It's not very often we get to do something like this as a family. I'm looking forward to it.

I figured I better get this post done before we left, cause I know I'll be ready for bed the second we walk in the door tonight.

Cheers to a night out!
Bottoms up; well, with diet coke that is!

Day 24 of 31 - Friendship

Topic is: Friendship

Tonight a couple of my friends met at the funeral home for our classmate that passed away. When we were finished there, we went and grabbed a bite to eat at a local restaurant.

The girlfriends I was with tonight have been my friends for many, many years. One of them since grade school, the other since high school. Another of our "group" wasn't able to make it, but I've known her since grade school as well. True friendship.

Together we have helped each other with boyfriends, school, kids, marriage, work, illness, etc. Each of our lives is so different, yet we have so much in common. For example, each of the other 3 friends is either divorced or going thru a divorce. One is re-married. We all have kids ranging in age from 27 down to 12. Oh and 2 of us have grandkids. We all still live in the general area about 20 minutes one way or another from each other.

Getting together with the girls is like a breath of fresh air. No matter what trials or tribulations one or more of us is going through, there's nothing like a fun time of reminiscing and laughter. Oh and is there ever laughter. Deep.down.loud.laughter.

There are big ships and small ships. But the best ship of all is friendship-Author Unknown

Day 23 of 31 - Too soon

Topic is: Too soon

A classmate of mine passed away on Monday.
Too soon; way too soon. She was sick. She had cancer.

Tomorrow night some fellow classmates and I will be attending the viewing and paying our respects. Unfortunately, just 2 years ago we did the same for another classmate. This means another candle will be burning at our next class reunion. Way too many candles for those that have passed away way too soon. 

Deb's obituary was very nicely written and well thought out. She was quite active and involved in many organizations. Here's a portion of her obituary:

Debra was employed by the University of Notre Dame as an Administrative Assistant and was a volunteer for the Southwest Central Fire Territory. She was a volunteer and coach at Southeast Little League, Troop leader of Girl Scouts #393, member of Indiana Volunteer Firefighters Association, 4H Club of Greene Township, former president of Kennedy Primary Academy PTO, active with American Red Cross and South Bend Parks and Recreation Department, former member of Indiana River Rescue School, former Vice President of Young Democrats of St. Joseph County, and a parishioner of St. Stanislaus Bishop & Martyr. Debra was involved with the educational outreach for the Joint Institute for Nuclear Astrophysics (JINA), Founder of the Art 2 Science Camp at Notre Dame and the organizer of the JINA art gallery at the South Bend Regional Airport.

RIP Deb: July 11, 1967- October 21, 2013
Ever Onward!

Day 22 of 31 - Haircut

Topic is: Haircut

See, told you I come back today with a post about my daughter's haircut! Boom!

Olivia has beautiful hair, but when it's not properly trimmed and is flat ironed every day, it gets looking kind of straggly and burned out. It was definitely time for more than a trim. She needed a haircut. If I had to guess, I would think that at least 4, if not 5, inches of dead hair was chopped.

Thanks to the internet and social media, she found a style that she thought she would like to have. With her cell phone in hand, she showed Kim what she wanted. Kim did just what she wanted.

It's super cute and Olivia loves it. So do I.
Want to see a picture? Here you go.......

Love, love, love!

Day 21 of 31 - 10 Days

Topic is: 10 Days

Oh my gosh, I'm super excited. We're down to the last 10 days of October. No, that's not why I'm excited. Trust me, I am not quite ready for the upcoming cold temps. What I am excited about is the fact that 10 more days of the month means I'm so close to my 31 day blog challenge.

I was getting ready to sign off my computer and head up to bed for the night when I remembered I hadn't posted anything today. Shucks.

So, just to keep up with my commitment, I figured I would just get on and type a little something before hitting the hay.

I knew going into this that it would be a tough assignment. As a matter of fact, some of the blogs I read on a daily basis were supposed to participate but haven't done nearly as good as me. Yes, I'm patting myself on the back!!

By this time tomorrow we'll be in single digits of finishing the month and my excitement, I'm sure, will be even more than it is now. I just hope I remember to post something before I think I'm done for the night. My daughter gets her haircut tomorrow, so maybe I'll post on that. Yeah, I think I've got a plan.

Did you hear that? I've got a plan.

Day 20 of 31 - Rain On My Parade

Topic is: Rain On My Parade

Why, why, why does it always rain on my parade? You know, the day picked to do all the outside fall lawn stuff? You know, like putting away garden statues, pulling up dead tomato plants, dead heading spring/summer flowers. Like that; that's what my husband and I had planned for today.

The local weather channel DID NOT show rain in the forecast for today. It was supposed to be mostly sunny and 58 degrees. Perfect for doing outside fall clean up.

Guess what? Right before we were getting started on trimming, edging and mowing Mother Nature decided to cry. The lawn mower was already filled with gas, the extension cords were just about ready to be plugged in. But no, not going to happen now.

My fingers are crossed that this little bit of rain doesn't last long and get the grass too wet to start. Regardless, I put everything away so it didn't get wet. Ugh. Bummer. Ugh.

On the plus side (I guess if there is one), we did get all the garden statues, bird baths and benches put away for the season. If that's all that gets accomplished today, I guess there's not much I can do.

I'm motivated and ready to be production so I hope it doesn't rain on my parade much longer.

(side note: we were able to get all the yard work done after all - yay us!)

Day 19 of 31 - Tailgating

Topic is: Tailgating

6 home games
4 down...2 to go

It's football season and that means tailgating! Notre Dame is playing USC this weekend and that means campus is filled with activities.

Enjoying a Saturday afternoon on the beautiful campus of Notre Dame is like no other. It's a beautiful place to be; football season or not.

Today I enjoyed time with my daughter, mom, aunt and extended cousins and their families. What's not to love about spending time with family!?! The weather was a bit "iffy" but all in all it was just fine. We got to enjoy good food and conversation. Some consumed alcohol, but that's not me, so I just stuck to diet coke. The loud music playing, the crowds of fans wearing blue and gold, the excitement, etc. It's just a great place to be on game day.

The campus has so much going on, it's hard to do all there is. It's so fun to watch the players make their way into the stadium. It's so fun to see the band play and watch them march thru the crowd making their way into the stadium. It's so fun walking around the bookstore looking at all the overpriced merchandise that people buy because they are taking in the experience. It's just fun.

It's so hard to believe that tailgating season is now more than 1/2 over. I've been to campus on every home game so far this year. There are only 2 home games left and I'm hoping the weather cooperates to be able to enjoy them as much as I have the first 4.

Go Irish.

Day 18 of 31 - Second Guessing

Topic is: Second Guessing

Remember my day 17 post from yesterday? You know, the one where I bragged about doing a stencil on my bathroom wall? Well, I wasn't able to get started today as I expected. My head decided to continue on with it's head cold and have a migraine on top of it all. I slept a lot longer than I planned and didn't want to get started on such a project knowing I could jog that migraine right back into my pretty little head.

Also, I talked to my beyond crafty sister-in-law who has done quite a bit of stenciling to get some pointers to help me out. Holy Heck Batman! After talking with her I'm second guessing (hence the name of this post) on whether or not I even want to tackle the what I thought was going to be a simple project, project. Seriously, I might not even start.

I'll be honest, I will be super disappointed if it comes to that. I really, really wanted this to work out. I will see how I feel tomorrow and Sunday and maybe, just maybe, get started. If not, I guess I'll bite the bullet and spend the money for wallpaper.

I feel like such a failure and I haven't even failed yet. How's that for confidence? Bummer.

Day 17 of 31 - Start to Finish

Topic is: Start to Finish

Guess what? I have something to blog about tonight. It's my never-fail start a project and never finish it side of me. About 2 years ago I started working on re-decorating my main bathroom. It's upstairs and is really only used by me and my daughter. Thanks to a half bath on the main level, my bathroom doesn't see much activity. Therefore, I've never really finished what I started.

Don't get me wrong. We have a working bathtub, toilet, vanity, sink, etc. But what never got finished is the re-decorating of the walls. I did paint 3 out of 4 walls. That's not where I failed. Where I failed is the big wall that has obvious defects from the original home owners not properly preparing the walls when wallpapering 30 years ago.

For quite some time I thought I would buy zebra print wallpaper for the unfinished wall, but man, it's expensive; even just for one silly wall. Funds weren't available for something so unnecessary so there the wall sits - unfinished. Until tomorrow.

I put my foot down and reminded myself the other day that there are other options besides wallpaper. I've decided to stencil the wall with zebra stripes. A store bought stencil, not hand cut. Today I went to Hobby Lobby and got what I'll need for the project.

I've already started prepping the bathroom for me to be able to start first thing in the morning. I've never done this kind of a project, so hard telling how it will work out. My fingers are crossed that it will be smooth sailing once I get started.

Here's to hoping I have a once and for all completed bathroom after this weekend. Go me!

Day 16 of 31 - Heat or Blankets

Topic is: Heat or Blankets

Wow guys, once again I'm really struggling to pick a topic to post about. I'm realizing half way thru the month that my life is pretty simple. I use simple instead of boring cause it sounds better. LOL.

Now that the weather here in Northern Indiana is turning colder it's time to make a decision. Do we turn on the heat or add a few extra blankets to the bed.

You see, we have older windows in the house and unless the storm glass is closed, it is pointless to turn on the heat. Guess what? The storm glass isn't closed yet. With that being said, let's add another blanket to the bed!

I'm one that doesn't like to close up all the windows too soon, because you just never know when the temps will change and you want just a little more fresh air.

Don't get me wrong, I don't freeze us out of the house! I'm not opposed to turning on the heat, I just don't want to turn it on before it's really time. And really, the gas bill goes up the second that switch is flipped.

With that being said, our storm glass will be shut within the next few days because temps are only supposed to be a high of 52ish with lows around 38. Yes, down to almost freezing!

Stay warm and stay turned for tomorrow's post!

Day 15 of 31 - "OR"

Topic is: "OR"

I know, this is a strange topic but I'm grasping at straws trying to come up with a post for today. I'm just going to do some random personal choices, like this:

Spring or Summer - Summer
Winter or Fall - Fall
Fruits or Veggies - Fruits
Long hair or short hair - Short hair
Painted nails or unpainted nails - Unpainted
Pedicure or Manicure - Pedicure
Peppermint or Butterscotch - Butterscotch
Car or SUV - Car
Football or Baseball - Baseball
Sweaters or Tank Top - Sweater
Bath or Shower - Shower
City or Country - City
Dog or Cat - Cat
Museum or Shopping - Shopping
Bus or Train - Train
Vacation or Staycation - Vacation
Fishing or Boating - Boating
Paint or Wallpaper - Paint

I know, random but it's all I got for tonight. Hopefully tomorrow is better.

Day 14 of 31 - Cats

Topic is: Cats

I am a cat person. Simply, a cat person. I grew up with cats and still have cats. Well, one cat right now.

When I was young, my cat's name was Meow. That's right. The only cat that could say it's own name. That's what my mom would always say.

After Meow, we had a stray find us around Christmas time. We named her Crissy.

When I moved into my own house, I got my own cat and named him Sarge. Sarge got his name because of the stripes on his tail. My dad thought it reminded him of a Sargent in the Army.

Once Sarge passed away I was done with furry friends for a while. I was heart broken and didn't want to start over. Also, we had our house on the market and I didn't want to mess with moving a cat from one house to another.

Soon after we got settled into our new home, a co-worker of my husband's was looking for a new home for her cat. Yeah, of course, we decided to take her. She was named Shadow. Low and behold, Shadow was pregnant and we didn't know it. Guess what? She had 7 kittens. Yep, 7! We were able to find homes for all of them. Unfortunately, we found a new home for Shadow as well because she thought my living room was a litter box. Nope, I don't do poop in the living room.

You would think that would have been the icing on the cake. Well, listen to this. In October of 2003, a friend of mine asked if I could do her a HUGE favor. The mother cat of 4 kittens had just been hit by a car and she was leaving on vacation for a week. Knowing I had just had kittens in my house earlier that year, she thought I would be the perfect person to care for these 2-1/2 week old kittens. Know what? They needed to be bottle fed just like a new born about every 2-3 hours. Guess who said yes? ME! I did it without asking my husband...oops!

So, my friend brings these cutest ever kittens over. They were super tiny and all fit in one wicker basket. After a week, I just couldn't give them up. I was attached. My family decided to keep two of them, my brother took one and the last one went back to the farm. We named our cats Bear and Squeaky. Bear was named because he looked like a black bear cub. Squeaky got his name because he was so squeaky as a kitten.

Bear is still with us and is thriving. Unfortunately, 2 months ago we had to put Squeaky to sleep because of some health issues but he lived a great 10 years.

I tell my family that when something does ever happen to Bear,  I want to be pet free. My daughter is not having any of that. Hopefully that fight won't come anytime too soon.

Cats are purr-fect to me!

Day 13 of 31 - Vacations/Travel

Topic is: Vacations/Travel

I have taken quite a few vacations. I've taken vacations as a kid and I've taken vacations as an adult. Boy they sure are different.

I know I won't be able to remember all the vacations I've taken, but I'm going to try and touch on a few of my most memorable or favorite. These are not in any order, just as I happen to remember them.

Places I've been

• I've been to Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York,  Massachusetts, Wisconsin
• I've been to Michigan, Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, Tennessee, Virginia, Ohio
• I've been to Washington, California, Arizona, Nevada, Minnesota, Missouri, Alabama
• I've been to Canada
• I've been to Freeport, Bahamas
• I've been to Germany
• I've been to France

Vacations I've taken

• I've been to Disney World in Florida at least 4 or 5 times. I've been as a kid, as an adult and as an adult with a child. All times were different. This is a vacation that makes me happy every single time I go
• I've been to Gulf Shores, AL for a family vacation. This is hands down, my FAVORITE vacation as of yet. It was so relaxing and beautiful.
• I've been to Desitn, FL for a family vacation. Super fun and super awesome.
• I've taken camping trips out east.
• I've been to Freeport, Bahamas quite a few times since my mom has a time share there
• I've taken long weekend trips to Gurnee, IL and French Lick, IN and quite a few other places that are slipping my mind as of now

When I type it out, it seems like I've been everywhere and I'm sure I'm forgetting quite a bit. I love to travel but it costs money which I don't always have for such pleasure. Someday, I hope to be able to do so without the concern of money or having to work for a living.

Safe travels!

Day 12 of 31 - TV Shows

Topic is: TV Shows

I don't watch much on TV these days, because, let's be honest...there is NOTHING on TV these days. I am not even sure why we have cable in our house. It seems that anything on now is reality shows or just plain stupid shows.

A few shows I do enjoy watching are:

• American Idol
• Friends
• X-Factor
• The Voice
• The Brady Bunch

Some of these are obviously only re-runs, and some are reality shows. I do enjoy watching other shows, but it really just depends on what mood I'm in or how long the show is on. It seems that I don't watch long shows unless I know there is nothing else needing my attention. I feel guilty sitting and watching 2 hour shows or movies knowing that dishes need to be done or laundry needs to be put away.

I do have to admit, my go-to channel is LMN (Lifetime Movie Network) to see what's on. Lately, however, they seem to be playing stupid shows like Killer Kids or I Killed my BFF. Really? What part of MOVIE NETWORK don't they understand? I have a lot of favorites on this channel so when they do play movies, I always like to see if it's one I've seen a million times before. Those are the ones I'm the most interested in. Those are the ones I love the most.

Movies? Reality? Sitcom? Whatever your favorite is, I hope you can find it on TV.

Day 11 of 31 - Seasons

Topic is: Seasons

(I know this is a day late; however, I wasn't feeling the best yesterday. I decided sleep was more necessary than blogging. 13 hours later, I woke up.)

Here are the 4 seasons ranked #4 to #1 for me

Season #4 - Winter: My least favorite season. Living in Midwest, we get a lot of snow and lake effect snow. Sometimes we are paralyzed due to the weather. I'm not a big fan of wearing lots of outerwear just to stay warm. This season is beautiful to look at, but not live in.

Season #3 - Spring: I do like this season; however, it doesn't rank up there for me. Our spring is sometimes still chilly. If I have to be honest, it's often we go straight from winter to summer where I live. Seeing the leaves coming out on the trees and the flowers blooming is awesome though. Hearing the birds singing while I drink my morning coffee is inspiring. If anything, I know there are warmer temps coming soon.

Season #2 - Summer: I love me some beach time and tan lines. I love warmer temps and I love to see the sun shining most of the time. My biggest complaint about summer is the humidity. Unfortunately, there are many days during the summer when the temps are "normal" but because of humidity it feels 20 degrees warmer than it really is. I am not a fan of walking outside and dripping with sweat within minutes. It was tough to decide between my #1 and #2 seasons.

Season #1 - Fall: I LOVE fall. This is the season I value my eyesight the most for. I love the changing color of leaves. I love the crunchy sound of leaves under foot.  I love the sunshine and cooler temps. I love tailagating at Notre Dame. I love sweatshirts, jeans and boots. Yes, this is definitely my favorite.

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall - which is your favorite of all?

Day 10 of 31 - Jobs

Topic is: Jobs

Today's topic for my 31 day challenge is jobs that I've had. Honestly, I am fortunate to have only had a handful of jobs in my short 46 years. Here they are listed in date (or close to it) order.

Job #1 - Mid 1980's: I worked the front counter at a dry cleaners

Job #2 - Mid 1980's: I worked in the office area in the service department of a local car dealership.

Job #3 - 1986-2001:  I worked for a janitorial supply company. I started in Customer Service and worked my way to Customer Service Manager over 5 years.

Job #4 - 2001-Present:  I am the Credit Manager for a distributor. When I started, the owner of the company created a position for me just to get me in the door. I worked my way from that position, to Customer Service, then to Customer Service Manager and then to Credit Manager. I'm fortunate to be considered full time at 32 hours. I work Monday thru Thursday.

In today's economy I am so thankful to have a job. I'm even more thankful to have a job that I love.

Day 9 of 31 - Struggles

Topic is: Struggles

There are many things I struggle with or about. Some things are daily, some weekly, some just every so often. Regardless though, they are struggles. Here are some that come to mind as I type this day 9 post:

• I struggle with making sure I'm a good mom
• I struggle with trying not to pick my cuticles
• I struggle with my lack of motivation to exercise
• I struggle with making ends meet some times
• I struggle with being compassionate
• I struggle with gossiping too much
• I struggle with being selfish
• I struggle with procrastination
• I struggle with driving at night
• I struggle with keeping my house clean
• I struggle with coming up with things I struggle with

I haven't struggled yet for topics for the daily blogging challenge. If I do; however, I'll come back and add one more to the list above.

Day 8 of 31 - Music

Topic is: Music

Let me just tell you that REO Speedwagon is my all-time favorite band. I have seen them at least 8 times in concert. The most recent was quite a few years ago, but nevertheless, I love them every time I see them. Know what my favorite album is? High Infidelity. That album ROCKS!

I love music from the 70's - you know, the disco era. Yeah, that's what I like!!
Songs such as:  Le Freak, Disco Inferno,  Funky Town, YMCA, Hot Stuff, Night Fever, The Hustle. Oh, I could go on and on.

I like music from the 80's, but not nearly as much. Some bands that I enjoy from this era are:
Journey, Air Supply, Culture Club, Queen and AC/DC.

I can honestly say I really don't like much from the 90's. I did a google search to see what I could maybe mention and I came up empty. Sorry.

I am not a fan of today's music and don't even get me started on rap. To me, rap is nothing but noise.

ROCK ON!

Day 7 of 31 - Favorite Foods

Topic is: Favorite Foods

Yesterday I talked about my favorite drinks, today it's food. This is going to be tough.Why is it going to be tough? Well, I love to eat and not quite sure I can pin-point an absolute favorite. I love so many things.

Picking my go-to, first choice is french toast from Cracker Barrel. I know, it sounds crazy, but I LOVE it. The closest Cracker Barrel is about 30 minutes away so I really don't get it very often. However, when I go, I don't even need a menu. I always get french toast, a side of hash brown casserole and coffee. No and-ifs-or-buts about it.

At home I seem to cook a lot of chicken. It's probably my favorite meat. I like it pretty much fixed any which way; although baked is probably my first choice. The dish here, is one I found on Pinterest and have made it a whole lot of times. It's so, so delicious!

Gosh, let's see....I also like Italian dishes (spaghetti, lasagna, linguini), I love cereal (my favorite is Lucky Charms), I like tacos and burritos. I like chili and soup too.  I feel like I could go on and on but I think you understand now that I just love food.

Something tells me that after I publish this post, I'll think of so many other foods I should have mentioned. I love to eat.

Chow!

Day 6 of 31 - Favorite Drinks

Topic is: Favorite Drinks

This post probably won't be very long but I still wanted to do it.

By far, my favorite drink is Diet Coke. Fountain diet coke to be precise. Fountain diet coke from McDonald's to be down right honest is my favorite drink. If they ever do away with their $1.00 any size drinks, I'm not sure what I'll do. A large diet coke with extra ice, please!

Don't get me wrong, I do like other drinks, such as milk, coffee, bottled water and most juices. It pretty much depends on the time of day as to what my go-to drink is.

I'm not one to consume alcoholic beverages,  however, if I am on vacation in a tropical setting I might order a Miami Vice. They are delicious. In case you don't know what it is, a Miami Vice is half strawberry daiquiri, half pina colada. Normally the two flavors are stacked in the glass or put side by side in the glass and then can be mixed together. Oh, it's so good. Try one if you never have.

Cheers!

Day 5 of 31 - Favorite Hobbies

Topic is: Favorite Hobbies

Today I thought I would let you all know what my favorite hobbies are.

At the top of my list is shopping. It can be window shopping, outlet shopping, thrift store shopping, holiday shopping, etc. You name it, I LOVE to shop. My budget does not allow me to free spend like I'd like to, but I am a really, really good bargain shopper so I know I'm always getting the best deal regardless of what I'm buying. Lately I'm really into seeing what kind of great deals I can get from thrift stores such as Goodwill, Salvation Army and  St Vincent DePaul. 

I would say my best deal in a long time just happened a few weeks ago. Goodwill was having a 50% off sale and I found a pair of jean capris that I fell in love with AND they fit. Boom. I got them. Not knowing much about the brand, I googled it. Much to my surprise the capris I had just paid $2.50 for retail for anywhere from $89.00 to $125.00 depending on the store. WHAT? Yep, I got them for $2.50. Pretty darn good, huh?

Another hobby I enjoy is crafting. Unfortunately, I don't spend nearly enough time doing this hobby. I have so many crafting supplies at home that I get overwhelmed on what project I should begin. You see, a problem I have is starting a project and not having time to finish it. That bothers me so sometimes I just find something else to occupy my time.

A very time consuming hobby I indulge in, is spending time on the computer. I love to read blogs, Facebook or look at things on Craigslist. Honestly, I spend way to much time on this stupid thing. I have put household chores on the back burner because of doing things online. It's pretty bad.

Oh yeah, I also love to travel. Although I can't take time off work like I wish I could, I still love to get away whenever I can.  I plan to do a separate post on places I've been so I'm not going to touch too much on this hobby. But, at least I wanted to mention it.

There are other things I enjoy doing, don't get me wrong, but these are probably my most favorite hobbies.

Yay for doing things that make me happy!

Day 4 of 31 - My Health

Topic is: My Health

Well, I really wasn't sure what my topic of the day would be....until I woke up with a migraine. So, what better day to talk about health issues.

I am a migraine sufferer and have been for more than 30 years. I started getting migraines in my teens. Many thought it was the weight of my hair since it was very, very long and very, very thick. Actually, that wasn't/isn't the cause but I could see why some would think that. I believe my migraines are hormonal and also occur when I am under stress.

To help prevent migraines, I take a daily pill. This I've been on for maybe 18-20 years. Thank goodness there are no long term effects from being on it so long because I do believe it helps. I've often wondered if I stopped taking it, would my migraines become more frequent. I'm not going to take the chance so I will continue with my daily meds.

When I have a migraine, I take a different pill. It's to be taken upon the onset of a migraine. If I take the pill soon enough, I can get relief within 30 minutes to 1 hour. If I wait too long to take a pill, it takes longer for the full effect of the medicine to work thru my body. Regardless of when I take the pill, it works. The downfall of taking the migraine pill is that it makes me tired, very tired.

Other than my migraines, I am pretty darn healthy. And for that I'm thankful.

Day 3 of 31 - My Daily Routine

Topic is: My daily routine

My weekday mornings begin at 5:30; sometimes 5:45. This works best for me because I'm able to get into the bathroom (that Olivia and I share) before I wake her up at 6:00.

First, I shower and/or freshen up. After that, I put on my make up. Usually it's then time to wake up Olivia. While Olivia is eating breakfast, I blow dry and straighten my hair. I then get dressed and brush my teeth.

It's been working out each morning for me to help Olivia with her hair. It's gotten long and is much easier for me to straighten it for her. Once my morning routine is done, I can help Olivia.

By 7:10 I am ready to leave the house for work. It takes me about 20 minutes to get to work so I can start my work day around 7:30.  Most days I work until 4:00 or so.

Evenings are very quiet and simple at our house. Most nights we are home either watching TV or playing on our iphones, computers, etc. I try to call it a day around 10:30; sometimes it's 11:00.

Pretty much that sums up Monday thru Thursday. I'm fortunate to not work on Friday's so that has it's own routine (or lack of) just like the weekends do.

That's it. My day in a short blog post.

Day 2 of 31 - My Family

Yesterday when I started the daily blogging challenge for October, I basically just gave you back ground information on me. Simple, right?  It really was. Today's topic is going to be my family.

Topic is: My Family

I come from a very close knit family. Here, let me introduce you to them:

My husband of 17 years





















My biological daughter





















My step-son, step daughter-in-law and step-grandson
















My middle step-son






















My step-daughter and step son-in-law





















My dad and his lady friend. They do plan on getting married, but haven't set a date yet

My mom and her husband. They have been married for 10 years now

My older brother, sister-in-law and niece and nephew



















My younger brother, sister-in-law and niece





















My brother-in-law, sister-in-law, nephews and niece (from my husband's side of the family)

Well, there you have it. This is my immediate family. I certainly have a much larger extended family but this post would never ever end if I included everyone. They are loved all the same though.

Stay tuned for day 3 tomorrow.

Day 1 of 31 - Introducing Myself

So, you've probably all seen other bloggers talk about the 31 days of October challenge and picking a topic to discuss each day of the month. I'm not a great blogger; or even a good blogger. However, I'm going to give it a shot. Not sure it will work, but you never know. If I don't get on every day, I'll try to at least keep up by posting every few days or once a week. I'm nervous just thinking about this commitment!

Each day I will discuss a topic about myself. Interesting? Probably not, but who better to write about me, then ME!

Let's begin day 1 of 31
Topic is: Introducing myself and a little background

I was born in Northern Indiana in July of 1967 (yes, that makes me 46 years old). I was the second child born to my parents. I am 2 years younger than my older brother and 8 years older than my younger brother. Technically I'm the middle child, but because there are so many years between me and my little brother, my parents never considered me the middle. Nope, no middle child syndrome for this girl.

In my younger days I had red hair and lots of freckles. My hair has darkened (and grayed a little) with age; however, my freckles are still a part of my complexion. I struggled as a kid with these features, but have grown to embrace them the older I get.

I attended public school for grades K thru 12. My elementary school was grades K-8 and my high school was grades 9-12.  Both schools were neighborhood schools so I walked each day with other neighborhood kids. Those were the days!

So far, in my short 46 years, I have only lived in 3 houses. Yes, I said 3. All have been in the same city. The first move was from my parents house to my very first - paid for by myself - house when I was 25. It was only 7 houses away from where I grew up. Down the street 5 houses and around the corner 2. Yep, that's pretty darn close! Granted, I didn't have too much stuff since it was my first move-out, so the move was pretty simple. My second move was to the house I'm currently in. I've lived at this address for almost 11 years.

I'm happily married and have been for over 17 years. I have 3 step-children and 1 biological daughter. I also have a 2 year old step-grandson. Heck, talking about the family can be a post all in itself. I think I'll leave the details for another day this month.

Reading what I've typed so far makes me realize I could type forever. There's a lot to talk about. Hmmm, maybe I can do this challenge.

Possible day 2 topics are already invading my brain. I can't wait to see what's next.