The Mean Kitty Song - Thanks, BC!

Check this out. I love this. You will too. Thanks for the video SPM Films and thanks for sharing, BC!

Happy New Year

We had a great 2010... so many wonderful memories with some sad ones inbetween. We have grown and have truly enjoyed life. We have seen and experienced life lessons that we would never have been the same without. 2010 rocked out!

Welcome 2011! It's been a great start. Good times with good friends. That's what it's all about, right?

Right after countdown! Welcome to 2011!!!

Drinks at the Driskill. Gotta love 2011!

Little Bro and I say, make it a great 2011!

My ALL TIME Favorite People

If you haven't already seen or heard about the "Rapist in Lincoln Park", you need to! This was a real attack where the victim's brother rushed in and saved her. I love the guy, Antoine Dodson for all he did and for the video afterwards. He saved his sister's life and then threatened the attacker on the news video; while a very serious topic, the footage of his interview is awesomely hilarious. Rock on, Antoine, rock on!

He is AWESOME and I LOVE him. I also can't get enough of the dudes that made the follow up remix version as a song; Auto-Tune the News made the song and video and it is AMAZING. The profits go to both Antoine Dodson and Auto-Tune the News, so check them out! They are an absolutely amazing compilation. The videos are shown below. I HIGHLY recommend watching the first one first; it is the original news footage from the attack. Watch it first so you can see the awesomeness that is the actual footage and will then truly understand the awesomeness that is the remix version.

Original News Footage


The Auto-Tune the News version

More Selfish with Age?

As a child and growing adult, you believe things will change as you get older; you think you will be more wise and grateful for life. You think you will make better decisions and react with more dignity. You believe that you will be a better person; more kind and caring and less abrupt and selfish.

I wished this for my own life and hoped that as I aged I would grow to become the best person I can be. I think we are who we are but we continually learn how to interact with friends, family and society in general; we learn how to live in our world. We grow and learn every day of our life...

I hoped I would grow and lose some of the selfish qualities I had acquired over the years. However, I feel like I am still in a place that I wished I would be far from now. I am not sure how I feel about this and as I come to a new stage in my life, I worry how I will react to the inevitable changes and curves that life will throw my way.

Of course I still have a lot to learn and will never be finished growing as an individual but I know I have evolved and truly like who I am as an individual and as a wife. While I feel like I have finally arrived to a new level of life and should be able to continue on, there is still something holding me back. I feel like I am holding on to some selfish aspects but unfortunately cannot let them go... and I don't know if this is going to stunt my growth or if it will help me grow and learn.

I know I have come to another fork in my road; where one way will take me to the best place for this period of my life, and where the other way will take me to a place that may be harder but where I will learn a lot more about myself. Either way, I know that I have to stand up for what I believe in and even though it may be selfish, I think it is what I need to do at this point in my life.

I think...

Our First Stray

We spent a wonderful week with the sweetest little stray kitty. We've never taken in a stray, mainly because they never let you get anywhere near them. I have always tried to help but have never been able to.

Last week, I saw this little sweetie when I was decorating for Christmas; I called her and she came right up to me and started meowing. She was so precious that I had to call the boys out to look at her. She just didn't seem like a stray; she was so friendly and seemed pretty clean. We were pretty sure she was someones and had just gotten lost. It was going to freeze the next night and we just couldn't bare the thought of her staying out there in the cold. So, we took her in and made posters to find her owner.

One week later, we had a good home lined up for her but not with her owners... we think they just abandoned her because they would have seen the signs if they had been looking... how anyone could abandon this little sweetheart is beyond me! She uses the litter box better than any of our cats and will sit in your lap and purr for hours!

Anyway... a very nice woman called the very frst day and said she would be interested in adopting the kitty if we didn't find her owners. I thought it was meant to be because she was a very kind woman with a older cat that needed a friend. She had actually seen the kitty and had wanted to adopt her then. I met her and she was very sweet and seemed like she would provide an amazing home. So, we gave her the kitty and she had a vet visit scheduled for the next day. I am going to check in with her sometime soon to see how the kitties are adjusting. =)

YAY! A happy ending right before Christmas!

Miracle for Christmas... Light Saver!

It's almost Christmas time and you know what that means! It's time for Christmas lights! HOORAY! I really got into this tradition last Christmas and went all out for the first time as an adult. I always string up a couple of sets and we did put some up outside in 2008, but nothing like I did last year. Jon was proud. ;)

Anyway... this year, I got everything done even quicker and even more efficiently; I was quite proud as well. When I was finished, I loved the decorations but for some reason, one side of the snowflake lights had gone out. We hung additional snowflakes on the ceiling and they glitter in the lights; without that half of snowflake lights, one side of the porch was less sparkly. And because there are around 10 little bulbs on each of these snowflakes, I was a bit bummed at the thought of having to check every single one of them.

Well, I never knew if there was something that could check light stands but I was determined to find out. I told Jon that if there wasn't something, we were going to invent it! Well, there was and it is the most amazing creation and the frikin' best $20 I have ever spent!!!

I got the Light Keeper Pro. It can be found here or at Walgreens. I TOTALLY recommend it! Not only will it restart a burnt out set (if the problem is found in the bulbs) but it will also check the entire light strand and individual bulbs!

The first option is the best and coolest thing ever! You pull out the first light that is out in the strand, then put the light-less bulb socket into the Light Keeper Pro, and click the button until the lights come on! You put the original bulb back in and the lights come on again and the burnt bulb can be identified.

Mine came on the first time. It does say to move onto the other options if the lights do not come back on after 20 clicks. I am telling you... AMAZING!

I will never have to stress over those pesky burnt out lights again! Merry Christmas everyone!

Peaches,the Munchkin

We are pretty sure that our little Peaches is some sort of interesting cat breed because she is still soooooooo tiny! Winslow is only a little over 7 months old and is already bigger than Peaches who turned 2 years old about 4 months ago! We looked up some breeds and think she may actually be a Munchkin! It is an actual type of cat and she looks pretty close... we're going to continue to research but in the meantime, Munchkin seems to be a fitting nickname. =)

Isn't she beautiful!?!

Round 2! I'm Gonna Get Cha!

Hyperthyroidism won the 1st Round unfortunately, but I am coming back to kick its ass in Round 2!!! I spent a year getting my thyroid levels up to par and was finally able to get off medication. I was off them for about 4 months but had to begin the process again because the Hyperthyroidism symptoms creeped up again. Grrr.

Currently, it is going well and my symptoms are definitely less than this time last year. So, hooray! We'll see how it goes; I am staying strong and positive. =)

New information on this crazy disease, coming soon!

Thankful for it all!

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

I have had the best year of my life; it just keeps getting better and better. While there have been some hard times, there is always good waiting after the bad and I am so thankful for each and every day I have on this earth. We are so lucky to have time with friends and family and it is so easy to forget. But don't forget! Always remember why we are here; we are NOT here to work, we are NOT here to worry about money, and we are NOT here to be angry and sad...

Enjoy your life, each and every day. Remember that we are blessed. And remember to have some fun! Happy Thanksgiving! Make sure to take time each and every day to thank those you love... every day should be Thanksgiving. =)

There's the Frikin' Light!

Ohhhhhh, yes! We can actually see the light at the end of our very loooong Master's tunnel!

We have 3 classes left! That's it and we are free and on our way! ;)

Yippee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jonathan, the Rock Star

I just wanted to take a moment to thank my incredible husband. Jonathan is an absolutely amazing and hardworking man; he never gives up and does whatever he needs to do, no matter what.

He has taken on 2 jobs, just started back to school, and is doing wonderful! He temps during the day and works as a restaurant server and manager in the evenings. The temp agency loves him and he has had some great opportunities; he has already gained so much experience and even more confidence that he can do this. He will have a full time job, doing what he wants, very soon!

I am so proud of him and am very thankful that I am his wife. Way to go, Jonathan! Good luck and I love you!

A Guy's REAL Love...

Yep... no matter how we'd like to think we are his first love... we are not.

© 2010 Amy Yeilding

My First Must Be Repeated!!

My first Gin and Tonic!

It is one of Jon's favorites (besides good ole beer) but I never had once until this past New Year's. =) And I haven't had one since... so, here's to me having another one reeeeeeal soon!

It was delish!

Zona, the Frikin' Trooper!

My fish is bad ass. I got Zona to celebrate being hired permanently. That was 2 1/2 years ago. He is a blue Beta and has always been really cool. It's like we have similar personalities because he is a bit spastic too. =)

I am not sure how long fish live but I love this little guy and will be sad to see the day...

Happy 2 1/2 years, Zona! Love you!

Tree Frogs Galore!

I am not sure if Tree Frogs are native to this particular area but I had never seen them before just recently. I grew up loving nature and as a kiddo always had a special love for lizards and frogs of all kinds. In fact, a friend and I boxed over 30 tree frogs one time when I was 10 and we let them loose in her bedroom. We enjoyed them for a while and eventually caught them and set them all free. It was awesome!

1st sighting of the tree froggies

I have seen all kinds of toads and frogs who, in the past, have taken over our garden area with their underground cubbies. But I have never seen a tree frog around here until I brought 10 potted plants back from my father's house (where I caught the 30 tree frogs as a child.)

2nd sighting of the tree froggies

Now, we keep seeing these little guys every now and then; I think they are the same little frogs and think they were chillin' on some of the plants I brought from Dad's. I am happy to have them here but really hope I didn't take them away from their family. :(

Here's to the frogs! I hope they make a happy home here. :)

October is Fantastically Full!

I love this month! It just keeps going and going... We feel slightly overwhelmed but are having the time of our lives!

We began the month with Austin City Limits and the best line-up I have ever seen; it was the single greatest musical experience of my entire life. We also celebrated our first wedding anniversary and had a beautiful day together; we spent the day together and ended it with a trip to our college town and the bar where we had our first beer and conversation.

This past weekend, we attended Renaissance festival and actually didn't get rained out! We normally go in November and usually meet rain and way-too-cold weather. This time, the weather was great and the nights were wonderful for camping! We spent all weekend playing music and enjoying time with friends. We had such a great time! Hooray for Ren fest!

We will conclude the month with a weekend with friends, a celebration of our first date and 5 years together, and our 3rd Annual Halloween Partay! Helllllz yeah! What a month! I love you October!

Run Over by a Truck: ACL After Effects

This song is an excellent representation of how Jon and I feel after 2 days of ACL awesomeness. Weezer says it perfectly and took the words right out of my mouth! Hehe. We got to see some of my ALL TIME favorite bands and I have to say, we experienced 2 days of pure joy. More to come on ACL soon! Pictures and details of our most favorite weekend ever! Not only did we get to experience the best ACL lineup (in our opinion) but it was our Anniversary weekend! One year as husband and wife! We had a beautiful weekend and it is one we will never forget! =)

Video: Weezer - Posted on YouTube by: SinkFloridaSink

Krystal... Oh, how I am torn!!!

I haven't called yet... but I will! I like to use my feelings to my benefit but in this case, it was a much better idea to wait a week or two. Ha! I cannot even begin to explain how majorly disappointed and EXTREMELY PISSED I was last Friday afternoon. Oh my...

My mother-in-law got all of us tickets to see Chelsea Handler!!! So, Jon and I rushed from work and I mean, I was downtown by 5:10 pm which is EXCEPTIONAL and we were on our way. It took us 2 hours to get half an hour away from our destination after the sickening traffic we had known would be our demise; however, we planned for this and dinner while also fulfilling a special request. Hehe. Oh yeah.

I have been waiting for a Krystal hamburger for years. I had my last one when they finally came to my home town and Dad treated me their awesomeness. Unfortunately, there are no locations anywhere near me but to my excitement, we were going to pass one on our way to see the show! I was SO frikin' excited because it was the perfect solution to our extremely tight schedule, need for dinner, and end to my Krystal's attack! The show stared at 8pm but Jon didn't get off until 5pm. What could we do? Well, we could get us some good ole Krystal hamburgers to eat on the way to the show! Mmmm mmmmm!

Things started to go sour at this point... we get there and are about to drool all over the place but can't find the Krystal building. We drove around and then again until we realized that there is a building with the iconic red and yellow, just no signage what-so-ever. Yep... they were closed. Every sign was gone and they were boarded up. I could even see the sun markings from where the name sign had been plastered. OMG. It was not a pretty sight and I was pissed.

Unfortunately, we couldn't drive to the other location on the other side of the city because we had to get to the show. Uggg! I had to forfeit my beloved Krystal Hamburgers and will never forgive myself. Also, however, I am not sure when I will forgive Krystal. Oh, how I want to though! But geeeez, have they ever heard of updating a website? HELLO!!!

None the less, I will be expressing my concern to their management team and it will not be a pleasant experience unless they bend over backwards to make it one. Utterly ridiculous. These frikin' restaurants are in the most random places and when someone has to drive more than 2 hours, there better be a Krystal where their corporate website said there would be!



I am still so pissed...

Cool Green Product!

I have ALWAYS tried to find ways around wasting plastic baggies. I reuse them, wash-n-use them, recycle them... but I have never been able to totally get around the waste, except to actually stop using them; which... I should have but didn't.

Thanks to a lovely coworker, I now have a replacement that has totally come to my rescue! Check this out! The Wrap-N-Mat is like a sandwich bag but with so many more awesome features. First, it is a baggie which also opens up to make an awesome little mat (to eat on). And second, this little piece of awesomeness is totally washable and reusable!

The Wrap-N-Mat is really neat because it allows you to save baggies and stop wasting money while it also gives you a clean eating place and a way to say that you are doing your part! Check out the Wrap-N-Mat and stop wasting money and resources today!

Great Timing - Great God

I just had the most beautiful moment. As I was out in my garden trimming and watering, I called my husband after his first day at a new job. =) He was very excited for this position and I couldn't be more proud of him; he was asked to come in over others based on some of his Publisher work and was also asked to come back on Monday and Tuesday after today's work. What is REALLY interesting is that this job is one of the first places I started working when I was with this same company. So neat!

But it kept getting cooler because when I hung up from the awesome conversation with my husband, I looked up to see a beautiful rainbow between white fluffy clouds with what could have been blue birds flying over it. It was amazing and such an inspiring moment. I love the Lord and the gorgeous world He created for us and I love the opportunities that come when they are needed the most.

Thank you Lord and thank you all! Let's live in peace on this incredible gift we have been given.