tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84420982024-03-07T00:58:48.251-08:00Sarahenity NOW!sarahsmile3http://www.blogger.com/profile/15772449778118143716noreply@blogger.comBlogger832125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8442098.post-63478111445175004092014-10-01T16:47:00.001-07:002014-10-01T16:47:44.881-07:00Fat PicsQuite often, I take pictures of my self (full body) to confirm my suspicion that I am, in fact, a fatty.<br />
<div>
With the exception of this blog post, I don't publish these shots to my social media. Nope. They are for the sole purpose of fat shaming myself. </div>
<div>
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/October%202014/fatty1_zps2fe400b9.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo fatty1_zps2fe400b9.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/October%202014/fatty1_zps2fe400b9.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<div>
In this one, I'm saying to myself "ugh...you are gross. Why do you eat so much candy?"</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/October%202014/fatty2_zps0a53d8cd.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo fatty2_zps0a53d8cd.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/October%202014/fatty2_zps0a53d8cd.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<div>
In this one I'm saying "Smiling burns more calories than just standing there looking like a fat worm."</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Look for my book coming out some time in the near never.</div>
<div>
"Fat Pics: The Self Shaming Diet You Control!"</div>
sarahsmile3http://www.blogger.com/profile/15772449778118143716noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8442098.post-24402199040363052922014-09-30T15:35:00.004-07:002014-09-30T15:36:21.765-07:00Idle HandThis week has been a doozy when it comes to pain. The pain is so severe, it feels like there is a force pulling my body down towards the ground. It's not at a level 10 (more like a 7-8) so I continue to go to work even though my body is screaming at me. I figure that it can scream at me at home or at work, either way it's going to scream and I need to get paid.<br />
<br />
So, I spend some time every day laying on the thereputic half foam roll in my office. See:<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/September%202014/hand6_zpsdde04d78.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo hand6_zpsdde04d78.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/September%202014/hand6_zpsdde04d78.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
As I laid there on the foam roll, I got a little bored. That's when I noticed my bag of fingers:<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/September%202014/hand1_zps0e451918.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo hand1_zps0e451918.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/September%202014/hand1_zps0e451918.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
And then the fun began:<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/September%202014/hand5_zps4b6eac7d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo hand5_zps4b6eac7d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/September%202014/hand5_zps4b6eac7d.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/September%202014/hand4_zpsc3c663d5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo hand4_zpsc3c663d5.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/September%202014/hand4_zpsc3c663d5.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/September%202014/hand3_zps93c3251b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo hand3_zps93c3251b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/September%202014/hand3_zps93c3251b.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/September%202014/hand2_zpsf2a86b25.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo hand2_zpsf2a86b25.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/September%202014/hand2_zpsf2a86b25.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
That was fun while it lasted.sarahsmile3http://www.blogger.com/profile/15772449778118143716noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8442098.post-25055674435453135842014-09-28T07:18:00.001-07:002014-09-28T07:18:43.864-07:00Tiny Man Baby Piano King: Haunter of my Dreams<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/aug%202014/faust8_zps8a08b0c0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo faust8_zps8a08b0c0.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/aug%202014/faust8_zps8a08b0c0.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/aug%202014/faust10_zps16709fc6.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo faust10_zps16709fc6.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/aug%202014/faust10_zps16709fc6.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/aug%202014/faust9_zpsfad3d3a8.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo faust9_zpsfad3d3a8.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/aug%202014/faust9_zpsfad3d3a8.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
This creepy ass painting is brought to you by the lobby of the Historic Faust Hotel in New Braunfels, Tx.sarahsmile3http://www.blogger.com/profile/15772449778118143716noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8442098.post-48154664005754095332014-09-27T15:09:00.001-07:002014-09-27T15:12:20.208-07:00New Doctor, New DiagnosesThe other day, I was driving home from work and I had a sudden pain in my eye. It felt like something was in between my eye and eyelid. Something gritty, like sand. I got home and plucked my contacts out. When I looked closely at my eye, I noticed it looked irritated and there was a little "crud" gathering at the corner. I pulled the "crud out" and it turned out to be an inch long, thick strand of eye mucus.<br />
So gross.<br />
<br />
The next morning, I woke up and my eyelids were just about glued together thanks to the eye gunk. <br />
The sclera of my eye was hot pink and I could see the tiny blood vessels crossing my eye and reaching out in all directions. I figured I had the contagious type of pink eye (discharge = contagious) so I called in sick (I work with special needs children) and made an appointment with my eye doctor.<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/IMG_0023_zps34cbd146.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0023_zps34cbd146.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/IMG_0023_zps34cbd146.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/IMG_0005_zps78f6caa5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0005_zps78f6caa5.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/IMG_0005_zps78f6caa5.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
After careful examination, my eye doctor told me that I didn't have pink eye. I had "extreme dry eye" and that my body was treating the inflammation as if it were infection. I told her I had been experiencing dry eyes frequently, but not something this bad. She said, "you get dry eyes frequently? well we need to do something about that." I said, "yeah, I get dry eyes and dry mouth. I even had to have a salivary gland removed because it was gettin' all crazy." She gave me a serious look. I said, "So are you thinking I have Sjogren's?"<br />
I knew all about Sjogren's syndrome ever since my first co-worker was diagnosed with it a few years ago. I had another co-worker diagnosed with Sjogren's shortly thereafter. <br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><i>"Sjögren's </i></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><i>syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disease in which a person’s white blood cells attack their moisture-producing glands. Today, as many as 4 million Americans are living with this disease."</i>- </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Sjögren's Syndrome Foundation. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Lucida Sans, Arial, sans-serif;"><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/IMG_0179_zps670dac28.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0179_zps670dac28.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/IMG_0179_zps670dac28.jpg" height="320" width="242" /></a></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Lucida Sans, Arial, sans-serif;"><i>I had to wear glasses for a week, so I took this cheesy "eye-commercialesque" selfie </i></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
My eye doctor told me to get myself to a Rheumatologist to confirm a Sjogren's diagnosis and to see if I had Rheumatoid Arthritis, which can co-occur with Sjogren's.<br />
<br />
<br />
But, before I could make that appointment, I had to visit a new back doctor guy. My general practitioner set me up with this new guy. After questioning and examining me, new guy dropped a bomb on me, ya'll! He said, "I don't think all of this pain is from your neck. I believe it's from your left shoulder. Let's get an MRI and a nerve conduction study to be sure."<br />
<br />
I'm treading lightly here, not wanting to fall through the thin ice of false hope and into the frigid waters of disappointment. But, I can't help but think "what if it is my shoulder and they can fix it and then I become pain free?" Immediately after thinking such thoughts I try to stifle them. I shove them deep down as far back into my mind as they will go.<br />
<br />
I've had my high hopes trampled on before, you see.<br />
<br />
So now I wait for the MRI people to call me for an appointment. Ugh.,. I am also waiting for the Nerve Conduction people to call me. I am NOT looking forward to that. I've had that done before and it was torture.<br />
<br />
So, that's where I am right now.<br />
Possible autoimmune disorder<br />
Possible shoulder problems<br />
<br />
How crazy is it that three co-workers, who spend a lot of time together, have the same autoimmune disorder? The 4th co-worker had thyroid problems (another autoimmune issue). We all drink the same, bottled water from the water cooler.<br />
<br />
Somebody call Erin Brockovich.sarahsmile3http://www.blogger.com/profile/15772449778118143716noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8442098.post-68056093450097473652014-08-12T11:04:00.000-07:002014-08-12T11:05:31.947-07:00Dwight Dale and I recently purchased a 2011 Cadillac CTS. I know, it's pretty fancy. Yes, it's materialistic but I love that dang car. Every time I see it I smile. I love driving her and I love just looking at her. She is a beauty, let me tell you. Shiny black paint, black leather interior, all the bells and whistles. The best part is that it came with some preprogramed music in it's hard-drive. You see, you can add music to the hard-drive from a CD or USB thumb drive. The previous owner added a variety of artists, such as: the Scissor Sisters, Harry Nilsson, Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, and Dwight Yoakam.<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/aug%202014/PSdwight1_zps6b5cc99d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo PSdwight1_zps6b5cc99d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/aug%202014/PSdwight1_zps6b5cc99d.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
I grew up listening to Dwight, falling in love with originals like <i>Ain't that Lonely Yet</i>, <i> Long White Cadillac</i>, and <i>Please, Please Baby</i>. I adored his covers of S<i>uspicious Minds, Little Sister, </i>and <i>I</i> <i>Want You to Want Me</i>. Having his music available in my car reignited the flame that once burned for Mr. Yoakam. After listening to his music while driving around, I ended up going deep down into a Dwight Yoakam worm hole. I found and purchased his highly acclaimed album <i>Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc., Etc</i>. on vinyl. I watched <i>Panic Room, Sling Blade, and The Last Rights of Ransom Pride</i>. I watched several youtube videos of his live performances. I was deep into the Dwightness.<br />
<br />
Then, one day I thought "hmm, I wonder if Dwight is playing Austin any time soon?" I googled "Dwight Yoakam 2014 tour" and wouldn't you know that, at the time I searched, the man would be playing in New Braunfels (which is only a little over an hour away from Austin) in just a few weeks?<br />
<br />
It was fate.<br />
<br />
I immediately purchased tickets and marked the date on my calendar. Don't you just love having a good show to look forward to attending?<br />
<br />
The show was set to end around midnight which would put us back in Austin around 1:30; prime time for drunk drivers. Instead of dealing with that mess, I decided to book a room at The Faust Hotel, a very old historic hotel in downtown New Braunfels. Some say it is haunted....muahahaha!<br />
<br />
Hang on, I got off track. Back to Dwight (more on The Faust in my next post).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/aug%202014/faust34_zps8c81922d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo faust34_zps8c81922d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/aug%202014/faust34_zps8c81922d.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>\<br />
<i>Dale and I at the show</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
The concert was at The Whitewater Amphitheater, an outdoor venue integrated into the river landscape. The setup was nice. You could see the stage from almost any angle. Bars were set up everywhere so you were only a few feet away from your next beer. People were pretty nice, especially when the contents of my purse dumped out (including the car keys and a tampon) without me knowing. <i>"Is this bottle of eyedrops yours"? asked one young lady.</i><br />
<br />
I ran into my friend Rob at the show. Rob and I have been friends since highschool. He is one of the funniest dudes I know. He traveled from Lubbock to New Braunfels to see Mr. Yoakam. It was so good to hang out with Rob during the show! He made me laugh, dance, and drink a whiskey shot (pssst....I only took two sips and gave the rest to Dale).<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/aug%202014/faust33_zps32293007.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo faust33_zps32293007.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/aug%202014/faust33_zps32293007.jpg" height="248" width="320" /></a><br />
<i>Good ol' Robert</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
What's that? What about Dwight? How was the show?<br />
FAN-FRICKEN-TASTIC!<br />
<br />
He sounds better live than on his recordings. His voice is just amazing and his band is tiiiiiiiight! They played all the hits and some new tunes which were killer. The show was entertaining and invigorating from the first to the last chord. Oh, and yes.....his jeans were very tight. Very.<br />
<br />
The man is getting close to 60 and he can still rock it out. This makes me very happy.<br />
<br />
Moral of the story, sometimes it is good to go down a wormhole. You might find a surprise in there somewhere. Follow your instincts.<br />
<br />sarahsmile3http://www.blogger.com/profile/15772449778118143716noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8442098.post-91402644182839293112014-07-18T08:30:00.000-07:002014-07-18T08:31:37.000-07:00Woodland Creatures: Part 2We made it into the "magical forest" and I, the photographer, have befriended these beautiful woodland creatures.<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/july%202014/sunlight17_zps278d8ca5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo sunlight17_zps278d8ca5.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/july%202014/sunlight17_zps278d8ca5.jpg" height="229" width="320" /></a><br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/july%202014/sunlight18_zpsf5c584fa.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo sunlight18_zpsf5c584fa.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/july%202014/sunlight18_zpsf5c584fa.jpg" height="228" width="320" /></a><br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/july%202014/wc21_zpse710b18d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo wc21_zpse710b18d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/july%202014/wc21_zpse710b18d.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a><br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/july%202014/wc11_zps7f737217.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo wc11_zps7f737217.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/july%202014/wc11_zps7f737217.jpg" height="400" width="286" /></a><br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/july%202014/wc2_zps79607e06.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo wc2_zps79607e06.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/july%202014/wc2_zps79607e06.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a><br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/july%202014/wc_zpsb320a47d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo wc_zpsb320a47d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/july%202014/wc_zpsb320a47d.jpg" height="228" width="320" /></a><br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/july%202014/wc1_zps08f91618.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo wc1_zps08f91618.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/july%202014/wc1_zps08f91618.jpg" height="320" width="216" /></a><br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/july%202014/wc12_zps94333918.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo wc12_zps94333918.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/july%202014/wc12_zps94333918.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a><br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/july%202014/wc22_zps76510220.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo wc22_zps76510220.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/july%202014/wc22_zps76510220.jpg" height="320" width="228" /></a><br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/july%202014/wc3_zpsf00413fb.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo wc3_zpsf00413fb.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/july%202014/wc3_zpsf00413fb.jpg" height="268" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/july%202014/wc31_zps2832a363.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo wc31_zps2832a363.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/july%202014/wc31_zps2832a363.jpg" height="400" width="268" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Awesome girls, big imagination, some crazy makeup, and a beautiful setting made this an unforgettable afternoon.sarahsmile3http://www.blogger.com/profile/15772449778118143716noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8442098.post-22780483487722903822014-07-16T13:30:00.004-07:002014-07-16T13:35:03.748-07:00Woodland Creatures: Part 1Back in 2012, I gave 2 of my nieces a glam rock makeover.<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/july%202014/rock11_zps2c79da63.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo rock11_zps2c79da63.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/july%202014/rock11_zps2c79da63.jpg" /></a><br />
<i>Zoe 2012- age 7</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/july%202014/rock21-1_zps90bf05ac.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo rock21-1_zps90bf05ac.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/july%202014/rock21-1_zps90bf05ac.jpg" /></a></i><br />
<i>Lily 2012- age 5</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/july%202014/rock6_zps41d1c529.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo rock6_zps41d1c529.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/july%202014/rock6_zps41d1c529.jpg" /></a></i><br />
<i>Band name- "My Metal Pony"</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i></i><br />
<i><br /></i>
The girls came to visit me, again, this summer. They are now 7 and 9. Here we all are with an American flag and a giant spider:<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/july%202014/spoder_zps4743cf59.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo spoder_zps4743cf59.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/july%202014/spoder_zps4743cf59.jpg" height="216" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
This year, we threw around a few ideas for a photoshoot. Ghosts, Fairies/Woodland Creatures, aliens, mermaids, etc. We settled on Woodland Creatures as we had been going on multiple hikes during their time with me in Austin. The setting of flowers, rocks, trees, creeks, and dirt inspired thier looks.<br />
<br />
Here are a few beauty shots. I'll post the pics of them in the "magical forest" next.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/july%202014/sunlight1_zps9a6f77f0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo sunlight1_zps9a6f77f0.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/july%202014/sunlight1_zps9a6f77f0.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a><br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/july%202014/sunlight2_zps78285dba.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo sunlight2_zps78285dba.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/july%202014/sunlight2_zps78285dba.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a><br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/july%202014/sunlight3_zps126206cd.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo sunlight3_zps126206cd.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/july%202014/sunlight3_zps126206cd.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a><br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/july%202014/sunlight4_zps4474f18c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo sunlight4_zps4474f18c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/july%202014/sunlight4_zps4474f18c.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/july%202014/sunlight5_zpsf15156df.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo sunlight5_zpsf15156df.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/july%202014/sunlight5_zpsf15156df.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a><br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/july%202014/sunlight7_zpsa2f9b3d1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo sunlight7_zpsa2f9b3d1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/july%202014/sunlight7_zpsa2f9b3d1.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a><br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/july%202014/sunlight8_zpsc33e1247.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo sunlight8_zpsc33e1247.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/july%202014/sunlight8_zpsc33e1247.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a><br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/july%202014/sunlight10_zps8fea827c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo sunlight10_zps8fea827c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/july%202014/sunlight10_zps8fea827c.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a><br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/july%202014/sunlight9_zpsb86d0ef3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo sunlight9_zpsb86d0ef3.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/july%202014/sunlight9_zpsb86d0ef3.jpg" height="228" width="320" /></a><br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/july%202014/sunlight11_zps0553a6ca.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo sunlight11_zps0553a6ca.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/july%202014/sunlight11_zps0553a6ca.jpg" height="320" width="228" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/july%202014/sunlight13_zps141bddcf.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo sunlight13_zps141bddcf.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/july%202014/sunlight13_zps141bddcf.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a>sarahsmile3http://www.blogger.com/profile/15772449778118143716noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8442098.post-53680617920832199162014-07-12T11:13:00.001-07:002014-07-12T11:13:48.695-07:00Honey WineWe went to the Cedar Park Farmer's Market held in the parking lot of Lakeline Mall this morning. We had burgers, bought a bunch of produce and products, and got a refill of honeywine mead in our growler. <a href="http://meridianhive.com/">Meridian Hive Meadery</a> makes an excellent product. Go to their website to find where you can purchase their goods.<br />
<br />
Like I said, the farmer's market is in the parking lot of a mall. I was all out of my moisturizing sunscreen, so I talked Dale into running into Dillard's with me to hit the Lancome counter. (bonus, Lancome is running their special event right now so you get all sorts of goodies if you spend $35 bucks).<br />
<br />
As we approached Dillard's, I realized I was not finished with my honeywine. Yes I got a to-go cup when I had my growler filled. Do you think I am some kind of amateur?<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/honeywine1_zpsbd973a27.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo honeywine1_zpsbd973a27.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/honeywine1_zpsbd973a27.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
I was not about to gulp my drink down. No way. I wanted to enjoy every sip. So, I took that solo into Dillard's and placed it on the Lancome counter as I did my shopping. The Lancome lady almost knocked it over as she was handing over my free baguette. Yes, you read that correctly. For some reason, Lancome is giving away bread today.<br />
<br />
After I completed my purchase, we made our way back through the bags and shoes and exited the building.<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/honeywine2_zpsf41a487f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo honeywine2_zpsf41a487f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/honeywine2_zpsf41a487f.jpg" height="320" width="242" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/honeywine3_zps8b1ea9f8.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo honeywine3_zps8b1ea9f8.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/honeywine3_zps8b1ea9f8.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
And that is how you do Saturday morning.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />sarahsmile3http://www.blogger.com/profile/15772449778118143716noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8442098.post-90604041122365183102014-06-17T06:07:00.003-07:002014-06-17T08:01:54.324-07:00Sunset<div><br></div><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/june%202104/rolling1_zps1678e09a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo rolling1_zps1678e09a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/june%202104/rolling1_zps1678e09a.jpg" height="320" width="240"></a><br>
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/june%202104/rolling2_zps693c235f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo rolling2_zps693c235f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/june%202104/rolling2_zps693c235f.jpg" height="320" width="240"></a><br>
<br>
I don't really know what to say about these pictures. I just know that I wanted to share them with you. The dogs really enjoy walking early in the morning, and at dusk. The temps are cooler and the critters (frogs, worms, etc) come out at dusk. At dawn, Charlie enjoys finding frogs that are dead and flat (I assume they were run over) and eating them. It's pretty terrifying. Cooper prefers dead, dried worms he finds on the sidewalk. In <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">these pics, the dogs are rolling around in the grass. Well, Charlie is in the grass. It looks like Cooper is in a patch of dirt and dead leaves. Remind me to bathe those mongrels.</span><div>
<br>
These pictures were taken as the sun was setting.<br>
<br>
See:<br>
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/june%202104/sun_zps3cd29d32.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo sun_zps3cd29d32.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/june%202104/sun_zps3cd29d32.jpg" height="150" width="200"></a><br>
<br>
<i>Why yes, that is a walking stick. I bought that beauty at a little shop in Wimberly, Tx that sold everything from Kendra Scott earrings to boot scrapers. </i><br>
<br>
We were in the field by my house, which was great because we don't always have the opportunity to frolic in that area as it is often occupied by other dogs and their owners. Off leash dogs. Charlie does not play well with others so unless the lot is empty, we have to move on.<br>
<br>
The lot is really beautiful, especially at sunset<br>
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/june%202104/sun1_zps1b47a7f6.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo sun1_zps1b47a7f6.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/june%202104/sun1_zps1b47a7f6.jpg" height="240" width="320"></a><br>
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/june%202104/sun2_zps56db7f0e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo sun2_zps56db7f0e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/june%202104/sun2_zps56db7f0e.jpg" height="241" width="320"></a><br>
There are patches of wildflowers growing here and there. Each year, there seems to be a different variety.<br>
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/june%202104/flowers1_zps5e8d793f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo flowers1_zps5e8d793f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/june%202104/flowers1_zps5e8d793f.jpg" height="200" width="150"></a><br>
<br>
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/june%202104/flowers2_zpsa39bde45.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo flowers2_zpsa39bde45.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/june%202104/flowers2_zpsa39bde45.jpg" height="200" width="169"></a><br>
<i>Saving these for the next dead animal I find.</i><br>
<i><br></i>
I need to time our walks to where we are always in the field to watch the sunset. You can never see enough sunsets.<br>
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/june%202104/set1_zpsc2816b8f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo set1_zpsc2816b8f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/june%202104/set1_zpsc2816b8f.jpg" height="268" width="400"></a><br>
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/june%202104/set_zps51941db9.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo set_zps51941db9.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/june%202104/set_zps51941db9.jpg" height="300" width="400"></a><br>
That is all.<br>
<br>
<b><br></b>
</div>sarahsmile3http://www.blogger.com/profile/15772449778118143716noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8442098.post-51439954802114756202014-06-14T15:57:00.002-07:002014-06-14T15:58:23.604-07:00More Dead ThingsTwo days after I posted about the dead squirrel and Emma Kisiel's photography, I came upon another dead creature. I was on my afternoon walk and everything was beautiful and BOOM! Dead little bird on my path.<br />
<br />
So little.<br />
So fragile.<br />
So covered in ants.<br />
So dead.<br />
<br />
I plucked some blossoms off a nearby bush and made a memorial.<br />
<br />
Can you imagine what people think when they find this?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/june%202104/bird_zps269a93fe.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo bird_zps269a93fe.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/june%202104/bird_zps269a93fe.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a>sarahsmile3http://www.blogger.com/profile/15772449778118143716noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8442098.post-85369403374816984552014-06-12T16:58:00.000-07:002014-06-12T16:58:40.529-07:00Dead ThingsI was walking down a street in my neighborhood when I came upon a dead squirrel. It's body was laid out in a way to which half of it (bottom half) was on the sidewalk and the half on the ground. No blood, no guts, no smell. This squirrel had recently passed.<br />
<br />
I stood there looking down at it for a while. The squirrels' eyes were halfway closed as if it were sleepy. One hand (paw?) was palm down on the ground and the other was tucked under it's chest. The squirrel's tail was long and spread out on the pavement...the fur moving with the breeze.<br />
<br />
I remembered coming across a series of photographs by Emma Kisiel called <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8442098#editor/target=post;postID=8536940337481698455">At Rest</a> in which she creates and photographs a serene memorial by encircling roadkill with rocks and flowers.<br />
Here is one of her creations:<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/june%202104/roadkill1_mini_zpsf5cdf790.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo roadkill1_mini_zpsf5cdf790.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/june%202104/roadkill1_mini_zpsf5cdf790.jpg" height="256" width="320" /></a><br />
<a href="http://emmakisiel.com/project/at-rest">Emma Kisiel (Source)</a><br />
<br />
I looked around and saw a bunch of wildflowers in the open lot adjacent to where I was standing. Quickly, I picked a few of each color available. I went back to the squirrel and basically just tossed the flowers here and there. I didn't take the time to pull the blossoms from the stems and arrange them in a beautiful circle with little rocks. This is because I was afraid somebody would see me if I didn't hurry up and think I was the neighborhood weirdo (if they don't already). Also, I was a little afraid of getting too close to Mr. Squirrel. Not because of germs and diseases but because I had the irrational thought that he might come back to life and attack me.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/june%202104/f0aafa50-46a1-4e65-bccb-90b9f0e32552_zpsf155f452.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo f0aafa50-46a1-4e65-bccb-90b9f0e32552_zpsf155f452.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/june%202104/f0aafa50-46a1-4e65-bccb-90b9f0e32552_zpsf155f452.jpg" height="320" width="288" /></a><br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/june%202104/squirrel2_zps7bb11b61.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo squirrel2_zps7bb11b61.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/june%202104/squirrel2_zps7bb11b61.jpg" height="320" width="312" /></a><br />
<br />
This happened yesterday. This morning, I went back to the death spot to see if the squirrel was still there. No squirrel, no flowers, no nothing.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />sarahsmile3http://www.blogger.com/profile/15772449778118143716noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8442098.post-4437141486665850902014-06-10T14:48:00.000-07:002014-06-12T06:24:19.305-07:000.7 MilesI've been using my fitbit for 2 months now and I'm still in love. It really works for me! A while back, I tweaked my lower back a little. Not enough to keep me in bed all day, but I knew I had to take it easy for a day or two so that my back wouldn't go all the way out. I pretty much just hung around the house, watched tv, did a little bit of light housework, etc. Activity wise, It was close to how a typical Saturday might look like before the fitbit. Here is what my fitbit tracked for that day:<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/june%202104/June1_zps83658f76.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo June1_zps83658f76.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/june%202104/June1_zps83658f76.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a><br />
Pretty pathetic.<br />
<br />
<br />
Now, this is a screenshot of an average day since I have been using my fitbit:<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/june%202104/June2_zps12c83153.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo June2_zps12c83153.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/june%202104/June2_zps12c83153.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a><br />
<br />
Big difference. HUGE.<br />
This really made me see how inactive I used to be. All of my "activities" involved me just sitting there ( reading, playing around online, playing guitar, watching tv, taking long baths, taking a short naps, and eating).<br />
I've lost weight, I feel stronger, and I have less neck/back pain. : )<br />
<br />
My fitbit experience isn't all positive. I feel like the band is a shackle sometimes and that I have no choice but to meet my steps goal. One time, I walked around the neighborhood after drinking a few (*cough* three *cough*) glasses of wine because I had to meet the damn goal!<br />
I drunk walked two miles!<br />
I've found out what a "deep blister is" from personal experience and my two fitbit walking buddies both had ankle problems from walking too much in the wrong footwear. Flats are not your friends. I love my Toms but they offer zero arch support.<br />
<br />
In other news:<br />
I got the best new Betsy Johnson Sunglasses.<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/june%202104/June_zpsdc66a5e5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo June_zpsdc66a5e5.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/june%202104/June_zpsdc66a5e5.jpg" height="320" width="249" /></a><br />
That is all.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />sarahsmile3http://www.blogger.com/profile/15772449778118143716noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8442098.post-50579101209788838112014-05-21T15:26:00.001-07:002014-05-25T07:20:29.339-07:00More Gruene, Because I Can. <a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/May%202014/gt40_zps31dbf827.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo gt40_zps31dbf827.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/May%202014/gt40_zps31dbf827.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
<i>Hi</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
The Gruene River Inn is just down the road from the Red Brick Inn and they are under the same ownership. In fact, if you book a room at the Red Brick Inn you check in and out at the Gruene River Inn and breakfast is served there throughout the week. The Gruene River Inn does not have a great front porch for people watching, but each room has a balcony overlooking the river. It's also a newer hotel so if that appeals to you, you might want to stay there.<br />
<br />
My favorite things about the hotel were the little reading nooks.<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/May%202014/gt44_zpse4c46a97.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo gt44_zpse4c46a97.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/May%202014/gt44_zpse4c46a97.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
There were a bunch of these on every floor! A book lover's dream, I tell you!<br />
<br />
Or, you could use them to snuggle with your honey:<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/May%202014/gt43_zps217cbe84.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo gt43_zps217cbe84.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/May%202014/gt43_zps217cbe84.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/May%202014/gt51_zps19aafda6.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo gt51_zps19aafda6.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/May%202014/gt51_zps19aafda6.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/May%202014/gt49_zpsc330b67a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo gt49_zpsc330b67a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/May%202014/gt49_zpsc330b67a.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/May%202014/gt47_zps0f5a3436.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo gt47_zps0f5a3436.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/May%202014/gt47_zps0f5a3436.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
We went down to the river for a morning walk. It was glorious!<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/May%202014/gt82_zps7dfc49f3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo gt82_zps7dfc49f3.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/May%202014/gt82_zps7dfc49f3.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a><br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/May%202014/gt84_zpsdfeaf477.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo gt84_zpsdfeaf477.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/May%202014/gt84_zpsdfeaf477.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
This is when Dale was about to choke me for taking a selfie:<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/May%202014/gt79_zpsed27df2f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo gt79_zpsed27df2f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/May%202014/gt79_zpsed27df2f.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><br />
<i>Ok, not really.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Oh, water:<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/May%202014/gt85_zps3e14d5c3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo gt85_zps3e14d5c3.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/May%202014/gt85_zps3e14d5c3.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
Let's get trippy:<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/May%202014/gt74_zps833a3f10.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo gt74_zps833a3f10.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/May%202014/gt74_zps833a3f10.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a><br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/May%202014/gt81_zpsb70866e9.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo gt81_zpsb70866e9.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/May%202014/gt81_zpsb70866e9.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a><br />
<br />
I'm going to say it again, if you are going to Gruene, bring your boots.<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/May%202014/gt76_zps380130d6.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo gt76_zps380130d6.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/May%202014/gt76_zps380130d6.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><br />
<i>Unless it is 100 degrees outside. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
This is the part where I pretend to model for some catalog catering to the 30somethings:<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/May%202014/gt71_zps4b99177b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo gt71_zps4b99177b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/May%202014/gt71_zps4b99177b.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/May%202014/gt58_zps909c16eb.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo gt58_zps909c16eb.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/May%202014/gt58_zps909c16eb.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
This is Dale thinking of the best way to make my death look like an "accident."<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/May%202014/gt60_zpsa2f67293.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo gt60_zpsa2f67293.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/May%202014/gt60_zpsa2f67293.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
Us.<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/May%202014/gt53_zps405586cb.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo gt53_zps405586cb.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/May%202014/gt53_zps405586cb.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
: )sarahsmile3http://www.blogger.com/profile/15772449778118143716noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8442098.post-1358071293765814332014-05-20T18:24:00.003-07:002014-05-21T15:37:49.112-07:00Red Brick I<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/May%202014/gt38_zpsdc52a711.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo gt38_zpsdc52a711.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/May%202014/gt38_zpsdc52a711.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
<i>Us in front of the Red Brick Inn. Dale needs some sun glasses. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/May%202014/gt36_zps7167beac.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo gt36_zps7167beac.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/May%202014/gt36_zps7167beac.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
The Red Brick Inn houses 6 guest rooms, a main lobby, and a fantastic porch complete with rocking chairs for the best people watching. <br />
<br />
In the lobby, you will find this little snack tray filled with sweet and salty snacks (free to all guests). I made fun of the snack tray when I first saw it, but was singing it's praises later that evening. Who knew a little debbie white snack cake was the best post concert snack?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/May%202014/gt14_zps39f8af7a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo gt14_zps39f8af7a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/May%202014/gt14_zps39f8af7a.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
<i>Main lobby couch</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
This is me sitting on the front porch underneath the Vacancy sign. My reflection looks haunted, right? Creeeeeeepy.<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/May%202014/gt8_zpsfb3bcf86.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo gt8_zpsfb3bcf86.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/May%202014/gt8_zpsfb3bcf86.jpg" height="376" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
The hotel is filled with religious pictures, bibles, and what not.<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/May%202014/gt2_zps366afae2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo gt2_zps366afae2.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/May%202014/gt2_zps366afae2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/May%202014/gt11_zpsb9e271c0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo gt11_zpsb9e271c0.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/May%202014/gt11_zpsb9e271c0.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
<i>Which is probably good since Dale needs to brush up on his Bible study. Also, the place is clearly haunted so the pictures of Jesus can't hurt...right?</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
The Inn has two stories, our room was on the first floor. We went ahead and explored the second floor. I pretended like I was a madame at a whore house in small town, Texas. Yes I was a fan of the movie "The Best Little Whore House in Texas." It was a childhood favorite. That Dom DeLuise was one funny guy.<br />
<i><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/May%202014/gt15_zps778eff39.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo gt15_zps778eff39.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/May%202014/gt15_zps778eff39.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></i><br />
<i><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/May%202014/gt16_zps504bdf98.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo gt16_zps504bdf98.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/May%202014/gt16_zps504bdf98.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></i><br />
<i><br /></i>
We had a claw footed bathtub in our room. Problem is, I'm not trying to take a bath in a hotel tub. I don't know who used that thing before me. There was a "handheld" shower wand but that was awkward to use as well. This was me taking an imaginary bath:<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/May%202014/gt34_zps7c316076.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo gt34_zps7c316076.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/May%202014/gt34_zps7c316076.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
I leave you with Dale and I making funny faces:<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/May%202014/gt29_zpsb961622c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo gt29_zpsb961622c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/May%202014/gt29_zpsb961622c.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/May%202014/gt19_zps733bcd16.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo gt19_zps733bcd16.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/May%202014/gt19_zps733bcd16.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/May%202014/gt27_zps407f4e0a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo gt27_zps407f4e0a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/May%202014/gt27_zps407f4e0a.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/May%202014/gt28_zpsdb7aac2c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo gt28_zpsdb7aac2c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/May%202014/gt28_zpsdb7aac2c.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/May%202014/gt21_zpsa048bdb6.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo gt21_zpsa048bdb6.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/May%202014/gt21_zpsa048bdb6.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
Oh, we will both agree that we would love to stay at this little hotel again. It would be fun to bring a few friends and rent the joint out!<br />
<br />
<br />sarahsmile3http://www.blogger.com/profile/15772449778118143716noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8442098.post-55280507500172483942014-05-18T07:24:00.000-07:002014-05-18T07:24:46.845-07:00GrueneI saw my first show at Gruene Hall, y'all!<br />
Gruene Hall was established in 1878 and is Texas' oldest dance hall. I've been to Gruene, Tx and have stood outside of Gruene Hall but I didn't experience a show there until this recent weekend. Dale and I are celebrating our TEN YEAR ANNIVERSARY MONTH so when I found out that Patty Griffin (one of our favorite singer songwritters) was playing Gruene Hall, I knew the stars were aligned and it was time to boogie.<br />
<br />
I booked us a room at the Red Brick Inn, which is two doors down from the venue. I think we might have been the only guests staying there that night. The hotel was once a home and is old, creepy, filled with antique furniture and strange vibes. It was perfect.<br />
Here is the bathroom:<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/May%202014/gruene7_zps3a5a888f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo gruene7_zps3a5a888f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/May%202014/gruene7_zps3a5a888f.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/May%202014/gruene5_zps21f56938.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo gruene5_zps21f56938.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/May%202014/gruene5_zps21f56938.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
We didn't have much time to explore the hotel before the show. That was cool, though because I enjoyed the anticipation of unwrapping that package.<br />
<br />
So, Gruene hall. What can I say? When they sent us our tickets in the mail, it came with a letter explaining that the hall was "standing room only." But when we entered the building, I was saddened to find that the floor was full of people sitting in metal folding chairs. Those left standing were doing so around the perimeter of the building. Dale and I found a spot that gave us a perfect view of stage right. The sound was not as good as if we were right in the middle of the floor (the sweet spot), but it was good enough.<br />
<br />
I wore boots to Gurene hall and that was a wise choice. The wooden floor was made for boots. It was made for stomping and sliding around. We were right in front of a giant fan so we had a cool breeze behind us, Patty in front of us, and friendly people on each side.<br />
<br />
Then came the "Delta Bravo's". Some call them "Dude Bros". Some just use the vulgar but accurate term "Douche Bag" to describe the fellas that invaded our space. I may or may not have instigated a bit of an argument that nearly resulted in fisticuffs between the friendly folks beside me and the Dude Bros in front of me. It was entertaining, to say the least. I'll tell you about it in person some time.<br />
<br />
Anyway, here is the crowd:<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/May%202014/gruene2_zps05875bb9.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo gruene2_zps05875bb9.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/May%202014/gruene2_zps05875bb9.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
And here is Patty:<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/May%202014/gruene1_zpsb6c25df0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo gruene1_zpsb6c25df0.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/May%202014/gruene1_zpsb6c25df0.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
She was AMAZING! A true master. All hail Patty Griffin!<br />
There I was, holding a Miller Lite with one hand and my husband's hand with the other. The breeze was on my back and I was stompin' my boots and swaying with the music. Patty's voice filled the room and I was happy. I was present. I was there.<br />
<br />
<br />
More on the hotel and Gruene, TX in the next post.<br />
<br />sarahsmile3http://www.blogger.com/profile/15772449778118143716noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8442098.post-28613198924179829032014-05-12T17:26:00.001-07:002014-05-12T17:27:59.598-07:00Re-Spect WALK (are you talking to me?)No way punk!<br />
Sorry...I had a bit of a Pantera moment there.<br />
<br />
Ahhh, memories.<br />
<br />
Now back to the photos:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/May%202014/walkabout26_zps5e13a105.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo walkabout26_zps5e13a105.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/May%202014/walkabout26_zps5e13a105.jpg" height="317" width="320" /></a><br />
Dry brush<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/May%202014/walkabout17_zpscca39b62.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo walkabout17_zpscca39b62.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/May%202014/walkabout17_zpscca39b62.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
A fence along my way.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/May%202014/walkabout18_zps176ce8b5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo walkabout18_zps176ce8b5.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/May%202014/walkabout18_zps176ce8b5.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/May%202014/walkabout19_zps4ddc31a5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo walkabout19_zps4ddc31a5.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/May%202014/walkabout19_zps4ddc31a5.jpg" height="287" width="320" /></a><br />
Prints<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/May%202014/walkabout22_zpsda055296.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo walkabout22_zpsda055296.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/May%202014/walkabout22_zpsda055296.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/May%202014/walkabout23_zps085b7077.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo walkabout23_zps085b7077.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/May%202014/walkabout23_zps085b7077.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/May%202014/walkabout24_zpsd07de77d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo walkabout24_zpsd07de77d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/May%202014/walkabout24_zpsd07de77d.jpg" height="330" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/May%202014/walkabout25_zps1f0856e8.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo walkabout25_zps1f0856e8.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/May%202014/walkabout25_zps1f0856e8.jpg" height="400" width="380" /></a><br />
Bug.<br />
<br />
My head sweats like a fountain. The top of my head and my face just pour sweat when I am all worked up from exercise (or heat, or both). My pits stay bone dry. It's ridiculous. Therefore, I carry a lil' sweat rag to mop my brow (and my sweat mustache).<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/May%202014/walkabout20_zpsbcd78c85.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo walkabout20_zpsbcd78c85.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/May%202014/walkabout20_zpsbcd78c85.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/May%202014/walkabout21_zps5e4507c3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo walkabout21_zps5e4507c3.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/May%202014/walkabout21_zps5e4507c3.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/May%202014/walkabout2_zps75c37074.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo walkabout2_zps75c37074.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/May%202014/walkabout2_zps75c37074.jpg" height="320" width="295" /></a><br />
<br />
The end.<br />
p.s., Today I have logged 17,217 steps (7.75 miles).<br />
I plan on going on an after dinner walk and hope to log another mile or so. I'm feeling groovy like a damn Brady from the Bunch, yall!sarahsmile3http://www.blogger.com/profile/15772449778118143716noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8442098.post-52586650592409627212014-05-11T20:38:00.000-07:002014-05-11T20:40:49.857-07:00I'm a Walkin', Yes Indeed!Guess what? The other day I walked a total of 10 miles! Then I did it again the next day, and the next! I don't hit 10 miles every day, but I hit it a few times a week and it excites me. My feet have had a few blisters and my legs are sometime sore but it's all good. I really enjoy getting out there and exploring my neighborhood. I tool several pictures today that I would like to share with you. I'll have to split this up into a few posts. Let's get started, shall we?<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I took two walks today. The first one was with the dogs and I only took a few shots. Here they are at the entrance to the trail. The LOVE the trail! </div>
<div>
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/May%202014/walkabout32_zps348d16cc.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo walkabout32_zps348d16cc.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/May%202014/walkabout32_zps348d16cc.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div>
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/May%202014/walkabout31_zpsae70d617.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo walkabout31_zpsae70d617.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/May%202014/walkabout31_zpsae70d617.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
The trail is full of critters and creatures. The dogs love sniffing around and exploring.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Later in the afternoon, I went out by myself. Here are some of the sights I found entertaining. I hope you like them as well. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This is the big field by my house. This is where kids play frisbee and dogs run around off leash. </div>
<div>
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/May%202014/walkabout3_zps4d0ccde2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo walkabout3_zps4d0ccde2.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/May%202014/walkabout3_zps4d0ccde2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A random orange on the ground.</div>
<div>
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/May%202014/walkabout6_zpsa85ef6cf.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo walkabout6_zpsa85ef6cf.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/May%202014/walkabout6_zpsa85ef6cf.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/May%202014/walkabout5_zps6d84b713.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo walkabout5_zps6d84b713.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/May%202014/walkabout5_zps6d84b713.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I love these little guys</div>
<div>
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/May%202014/walkabout7_zpsf67f0d5c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo walkabout7_zpsf67f0d5c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/May%202014/walkabout7_zpsf67f0d5c.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/May%202014/walkabout8_zps6af369bb.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo walkabout8_zps6af369bb.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/May%202014/walkabout8_zps6af369bb.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div>
The neighborhood association has done a fabulous job of landscaping.</div>
<div>
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/May%202014/walkabout9_zps612f6468.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo walkabout9_zps612f6468.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/May%202014/walkabout9_zps612f6468.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What kind of tree it this? Juniper? It smells really good, that's all I know for sure.</div>
<div>
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/May%202014/walkabout10_zpsca54bb11.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo walkabout10_zpsca54bb11.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/May%202014/walkabout10_zpsca54bb11.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Where did the rest of this tree go?</div>
<div>
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/May%202014/walkabout11_zpscc985e8f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo walkabout11_zpscc985e8f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/May%202014/walkabout11_zpscc985e8f.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
zeroscaping done right.</div>
<div>
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/May%202014/walkabout12_zps3c61bcef.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo walkabout12_zps3c61bcef.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/May%202014/walkabout12_zps3c61bcef.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
lovely</div>
<div>
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/May%202014/walkabout13_zpsaf011213.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo walkabout13_zpsaf011213.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/May%202014/walkabout13_zpsaf011213.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Do you see the face in this tree?</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/May%202014/walkabout14_zps92c95d87.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo walkabout14_zps92c95d87.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/May%202014/walkabout14_zps92c95d87.jpg" height="400" width="326" /></a></div>
<div>
Ok, that's it for now. More tomorrow.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
(Today, I logged 16,034 steps. 7.21 miles.)</div>
sarahsmile3http://www.blogger.com/profile/15772449778118143716noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8442098.post-29456439183431903692014-05-04T21:33:00.000-07:002014-06-12T06:27:11.222-07:00VeinteA little over a month ago, I slammed my finger in a door. Ouchimamma! My finger hurt like hell when I tried to bend it so I went to the doc for an x-ray. For some silly reason, the nurse felt it necessary to weigh me. Why? I hurt my finger not my appetite. I have not weighed myself in two years. I'm serious. I read some article about how weighing yourself can make you feel like shit (duh) and that you should not base your self worth on a number. I took that as an open invitation to ditch my scale and just try and evaluate my fitness based on how my clothes fit.<br />
<br />
Bad idea, bub.<br />
<br />
Normally, when I step on a doctor's scale I avert my eyes so I don't have to see the number. I tell the nurse I don't want to know how much I weigh. This time, I decided to look. Holy guacamole! I was 20 pounds heavier than I had estimated my weight to be. TWENTY POUNDS<br />
<br />
I knew I had to take action so I bought a fitbit. The fitbit is a little device you wear around your wrist that measures steps, calories, and sleep. It has five tiny little led lights that indicate how close you are to hitting your goal for the day. The fitbit synchs to your computer and phone via bluetooth. There is an app that goes along with it which does a number of things. It charts your progress, connects you to friends, connects you to a variety of other fitness apps, etc. I love the app and find it highly motivating.<br />
I also bought a new scale (aria by Fitbit) that not only weighs you, but also measures body fat. The scale synchs to your fitbit app and your weight is charted and tracked.<br />
<br />
I am happy to say thatI have been walking every day for a month. I walk anywhere from five to nine miles a day!!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/april%202014/walk41_zpsb9df6567.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo walk41_zpsb9df6567.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/april%202014/walk41_zpsb9df6567.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
How do I squeeze in all those miles? Well, I try and knock two miles out in the morning before work. I usually get to work early and walk the track.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/april%202014/walk32_zpsb722b03e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo walk32_zpsb722b03e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/april%202014/walk32_zpsb722b03e.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><br />
Then, I walk a few more miles around lunch time. I walk a lot at work going from class to class, building to building so I normally hit my goal of 10,000 steps before I leave for the day.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/april%202014/walk22_zps04ca55a3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo walk22_zps04ca55a3.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/april%202014/walk22_zps04ca55a3.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><br />
When I get home, I walk the dogs.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/april%202014/walk12_zps787e7c6a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo walk12_zps787e7c6a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/april%202014/walk12_zps787e7c6a.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><br />
And then I walk them again in the evening.<br />
<br />
It's a little bit harder to meet my goal on the weekends. I have to make sure I get up and get a long walk in during the morning. Dale showed me a trail near the house I didn't know about:<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/april%202014/walk4_zps6928f95e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo walk4_zps6928f95e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/april%202014/walk4_zps6928f95e.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
We have lived in this neighborhood for 7 years and I did not know about this trail until a few weeks a go. What in the hell?<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/april%202014/walk31_zps7936ed0c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo walk31_zps7936ed0c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/april%202014/walk31_zps7936ed0c.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
Dale has been walking with me in the evenings and weekends. It's really nice to get out with the Duke and just talk as we explore different neighborhoods.<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/april%202014/walk21_zps4bcb7695.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo walk21_zps4bcb7695.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/april%202014/walk21_zps4bcb7695.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/april%202014/walk11_zps4d88677e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo walk11_zps4d88677e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/april%202014/walk11_zps4d88677e.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
I've also been watching what I eat. That and the walking is paying off. I am losing weight and toning up. My legs were starting to feel a little flabtastic but now they are solid like a rock, jack! I'm sleeping better, my lower back is not causing me any problems, and my dogs are super happy that they get an extra walk in at night. Two of my friends have also bought the fitbit and we are connected through the app for support.<br />
<br />
So if you are feeling a bit sluggish and need motivation to move, I highly suggest the fitbit.<br />
<br />
<i>B-T-Dubbs, the x-ray indicated that my finger was not broken. </i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />sarahsmile3http://www.blogger.com/profile/15772449778118143716noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8442098.post-46811528113795402492014-04-19T09:27:00.001-07:002014-04-19T09:27:37.257-07:00An ApologyI recently wrote about why I deactivated my Facebook account. I listed several reasons, including my feelings when I see a pregnancy announcement. I just re-read that post and realized that I might have hurt someones feelings. I posted an update on that blog post, and I will post it here too.<br />
This is the update-<br />
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />
***UPDATE I want to say that I am always happy for friends when they announce that they are pregnant. I did not make that clear when I first wrote this post. I did not take the time to think about how this could possibly hurt someones feelings and for that, I apologize. People who announce their pregnancy on FB should be able to do so without worrying about people feeling sorry for themselves. I don't take back the "recipes posted on my feed so you can find it later?" statement and the inference that that is annoying. I stand by that one. It is annoying. ; ) But that is not your problem (if you are someone who does that). It's my problem. Plus, I think I posted a green smoothie recipe once, so look who's bloggin'!*****<br />
<br />
Ok, now that that is cleared up, here pretty picture of bluebonnets. I found these while I was out on a walk. Gotta love spring in Austin!<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/april%202014/BB_zps722aef8e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo BB_zps722aef8e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/april%202014/BB_zps722aef8e.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a>sarahsmile3http://www.blogger.com/profile/15772449778118143716noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8442098.post-31440711496283575602014-04-18T20:48:00.001-07:002014-04-19T09:13:30.993-07:00A Brand New MeIt arrived on my doorstep in trapezoidal box.<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/april%202014/newspine12_zpsf08b4ee3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo newspine12_zpsf08b4ee3.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/april%202014/newspine12_zpsf08b4ee3.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><br />
I had forgotten that I ordered it on Amazon (the day after I received my MRI results) so when I saw the box, I was confused at first.<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/april%202014/newspine11_zps60b1bdf5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo newspine11_zps60b1bdf5.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/april%202014/newspine11_zps60b1bdf5.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/april%202014/newspine10_zps018650f1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo newspine10_zps018650f1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/april%202014/newspine10_zps018650f1.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/april%202014/newspine9_zps041744ff.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo newspine9_zps041744ff.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/april%202014/newspine9_zps041744ff.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
But I quickly recovered the memory of searching online for the right one...<br />
<br />
I was nervous that what I ordered might have been damaged during the shipping process. What would I do with another one that was damaged?<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/april%202014/newspine8_zpsa1a4cc68.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo newspine8_zpsa1a4cc68.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/april%202014/newspine8_zpsa1a4cc68.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/april%202014/newspine7_zps27f56601.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo newspine7_zps27f56601.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/april%202014/newspine7_zps27f56601.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><br />
<br />
Upon first glance, everything looked fine...<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/april%202014/newspine6_zpse68e6e7b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo newspine6_zpse68e6e7b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/april%202014/newspine6_zpse68e6e7b.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><br />
<br />
I pulled it out of the box for further inspection.<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/april%202014/newspine5_zps3d60e6a2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo newspine5_zps3d60e6a2.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/april%202014/newspine5_zps3d60e6a2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/april%202014/newspine4_zpsc4e049cf.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo newspine4_zpsc4e049cf.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/april%202014/newspine4_zpsc4e049cf.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><br />
<br />
My new spine was intact! Hooray!<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/april%202014/newspine2_zpsd8fa73a5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo newspine2_zpsd8fa73a5.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/april%202014/newspine2_zpsd8fa73a5.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/april%202014/newspine3_zps85ad8385.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo newspine3_zps85ad8385.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/april%202014/newspine3_zps85ad8385.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
In all seriousness, I purchased this model spine to help Dale and myself visualize and better understand my spine problems. My recent MRI showed three slipped discs in my cervical spine (neck), one narrowed disc in my cervical spine, no curvature in my cervical spine, and an asymmetric left facet overgrowth (between the last cervical vertebra and first thoracic vertebra) that is most likely pressing on a nerve root.<br />
Three slipped discs in my neck? There are only 6 discs in the neck, so half of mine are messed up. That's just great. I guess I could be positive and say that half of the discs in my neck are terrific!<br />
<br />
Everyone's spine degenerates with age. The difference with my spine and a normal spine is that mine started to degenerate in my early twenties instead of in my sixties.<br />
I'm wondering what my spine will look like in 10 years? It's a little scary to think about. There is no cure for this early degeneration. Surgery might relieve the pain, but it might also cause more pain. I am going to ask my doctor for a referral to a few different specialists to see if something else is going on...some kind of autoimmune disorder or perhaps a voodoo curse?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/april%202014/newspine1_zps92a0e897.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo newspine1_zps92a0e897.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/april%202014/newspine1_zps92a0e897.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
That is allsarahsmile3http://www.blogger.com/profile/15772449778118143716noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8442098.post-70974161264502231402014-04-13T12:34:00.000-07:002014-04-13T12:34:45.945-07:00Parking Lot Carnival I've seen the little fly by night carnivals pop up in parking lots all over the place. This one was in Kerrville, TX. Dale and I were out that way visiting a friend. While the three of us were having lunch, we noticed the pop up carnival across the street. After lunch, we decided to walk over to the "carnival" to check it out.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/March%202014/fair1_zps3c85eeef.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo fair1_zps3c85eeef.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/March%202014/fair1_zps3c85eeef.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
I knew I was not going to risk my neck on one of those rides. Every single ride they had was one that spins. Some spun fast, some slow. All were shady. The ferris wheel was on the back of a flatbed, for the love of Pete! How safe can that be? These rides are assembled and disassembled from town to town, over and over again. Listen, it's not that I don't want to pay to be sick, it's just that I prefer to initiate my vertigo on something more permanent. I'm looking for something that you didn't lose a bolt somewhere between Waco and Mesquite. Ya feel me?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/March%202014/fair_zps8246fec1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo fair_zps8246fec1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/March%202014/fair_zps8246fec1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
But Danny? Danny is a risk taker. With a belly full of sliced ham and mashed potatoes, he walked right up to the ticket booth and purchased a ride on The Orbiter.<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/March%202014/fair4_zpsdfc589c5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo fair4_zpsdfc589c5.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/March%202014/fair4_zpsdfc589c5.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
The Carney operating the ride took a bite out of his Whataburger, pointed his pudgy fingers black with grease in the general direction of the ride and told Danny he could pick any seat he wanted.<br />
He was, after all, the only one getting on the ride. Danny went for the golden glitter seat and the Carney said "Except that one, you can't sit there. Safety bar is messed up."<br />
See, that would have been more than enough to make me walk away and never look back. Danny, however, put himself into the purple seat, pulled the safety bar down, and went on with the show.<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/March%202014/fair5_zpsa3d5206e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo fair5_zpsa3d5206e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/March%202014/fair5_zpsa3d5206e.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
He spun around and around and around and around.<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/March%202014/fair6_zpsa6ee3d4d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo fair6_zpsa6ee3d4d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/March%202014/fair6_zpsa6ee3d4d.jpg" height="232" width="320" /></a><br />
And around.<br />
<br />
When the ride was finished, we walked around a bit to check out the rest of the carnival.<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/March%202014/fair3_zpsc61b0cdc.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo fair3_zpsc61b0cdc.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/March%202014/fair3_zpsc61b0cdc.jpg" height="261" width="320" /></a><br />
<i>Remember the Himalaya? When I was a kid, the carney would blast Guns and Roses and ask you to "SCREEEEEAAAAM" in response to our screaming he would say "I CAN'T HEAR YOU" and we would scream louder. Then, he would go backwards and repeat the same routine. I remember hitting this ride right after I had a soft serve ice cream cone. The ice cream never had a chance. It ended up next to the trash can just past the Himilaya's exit ramp.</i><br />
<br />
Now that I am an adult with neck problems, I don't see myself getting on any of these rides. I'm over the "spin until you puke scene".<br />
<br />
That is all.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />sarahsmile3http://www.blogger.com/profile/15772449778118143716noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8442098.post-81128515745069676312014-04-07T08:38:00.001-07:002014-04-19T09:20:52.839-07:00Deactivate *with update<br />
***UPDATE I want to say that I am always happy for friends when they announce that they are pregnant. I did not make that clear when I first wrote this post. I did not take the time to think about how this could possibly hurt someones feelings and for that, I apologize. People who announce their pregnancy on FB should be able to do so without worrying about people feeling sorry for themselves. I don't take back the "recipes posted on my feed so you can find it later?" statement and the inference that that is annoying. I stand by that one. It is annoying. ; ) But that is not your problem (if you are someone who does that). It's my problem. Plus, I think I posted a green smoothie recipe once, so look who's bloggin'!*****<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/url_zpsf25afa47.jpeg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo url_zpsf25afa47.jpeg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/url_zpsf25afa47.jpeg" /></a><br />
<br />
I've deactivated my Facebook account. I'm going to give myself some time away and, if I like how it feels, I'm going to delete the entire thing all together.<br />
<br />
Reasons for doing so are many. Mostly, it's a huge time suck. I don't blog as much or read as much because I'm always checking FB. And what am I checking it for? To see how many likes my latest selfie accrued? To see who didn't wish me a happy birthday? To see the recipes posted on my feed so you can find it later?<br />
<br />
It's all just so much nonsense....most of the time.<br />
<br />
But then my sister will post a picture of her kids and I am filled with happiness. Someone will share good news about getting a promotion, moving to a new city, or getting engaged, or whatever. That makes me happy.<br />
<br />
But sometimes, when seeing pregnancy posts, I'm faced with "Oh, so and so is pregnant. Jeeze....I never thought I would NEVER have a kid."<br />
<br />
I know it could still happen, but I don't think it would be the smartest thing possible. Bringing a baby into my chronic pain world.<br />
<br />
Back to the time suck...I really miss reading books all the time instead of my feed. I miss reading blogs. I miss writing letters to my friends. The older I get, the faster time seems to slip. I want to slow it waaaaay down. Facebook seems to speed it up.<br />
<br />sarahsmile3http://www.blogger.com/profile/15772449778118143716noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8442098.post-52676953120800140572014-03-17T15:06:00.000-07:002014-03-17T15:06:36.219-07:00We Can Do It<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/9c2d25dd-aa8d-41be-9fdb-535ef12592bc_zps45cb523e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 9c2d25dd-aa8d-41be-9fdb-535ef12592bc_zps45cb523e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/9c2d25dd-aa8d-41be-9fdb-535ef12592bc_zps45cb523e.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a><br />
<div>
This pic was taken of me by a co-worker who said I looked like Rosie the Riveter. Afterwards, she and I decided to start a project in which we would take pictures of all the teachers and support staff in our department in the Rosie the Riveter style. Each individual would be holding something that was related to the work they do. I am holding communication pages that our special needs students use to assist in communication. Our audiologist will hold an otoscope, a teacher might hold an iPad, the behavior specialist could hold a behavior contract, etc. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Any-hoo, fast forward to yesterday when my little sister posted this picture of her daughter (my niece) on Facebook:</div>
<div>
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/e91fa6a7-d5ba-44ae-95c5-b92dac248208_zps37bcd496.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo e91fa6a7-d5ba-44ae-95c5-b92dac248208_zps37bcd496.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/e91fa6a7-d5ba-44ae-95c5-b92dac248208_zps37bcd496.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
<i>I added a color wash and the text.</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
Yup...we are totally related. </div>
<div>
I think my niece did a better job of posing than I did. She is fearless!!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
sarahsmile3http://www.blogger.com/profile/15772449778118143716noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8442098.post-34184889913050946722014-03-10T15:23:00.002-07:002014-03-10T15:24:32.887-07:00Sympathy, Empathy, and MemoryMy little brother, Joshua, died of Leukemia when he was 2 years old. I was 4 and a half. When I tell people about my brother dying, they always ask how old he was and how old I was. Then, they ask if I remember. They look into my eyes and I can tell that they want me to say that I don't really remember much about the painful ordeal.<br />
<br />
I remember a lot.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/March%202014/josh4_zps5342e6ce.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo josh4_zps5342e6ce.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/March%202014/josh4_zps5342e6ce.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a><br />
<i>Joey, Stephanie, Joshua, Sarah *Susan was not born at the time of this photo</i><br />
<br />
<br />
I remember before he got sick, how we would always be close to one another. If he was on the floor, I was next to him. If he was on the couch, so was I. He was the closest in age to me out of all my siblings and he was my playmate.<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/March%202014/josh3_zpsacc3426a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo josh3_zpsacc3426a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/March%202014/josh3_zpsacc3426a.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/March%202014/josh2_zpsd712445b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo josh2_zpsd712445b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/March%202014/josh2_zpsd712445b.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/March%202014/josh1_zpsda68e250.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo josh1_zpsda68e250.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/March%202014/josh1_zpsda68e250.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
I remember when he got sick. We ended up going to the hospital in Dallas and staying with some friends of the family. We also spent time at the Ronald McDonald house...if I remember correctly.<br />
<br />
I remember when he died. <br />
It was a few days after my older brother's 7th birthday. My parent's called us into a room at their friends' house. We stood in a circle as my dad told us that Joshua had died. I didn't cry. I didn't know what that meant....death. I did not know anyone who had died before. I'd never been to a funeral. My older sister was about 12 at the time and she knew exactly what death meant. She let out a wail so sorrowful, so filled with pain that it shook me to my core. Channels in my brain were activated and I could feel her pain vividly and terribly. I experienced sympathy, maybe for the first time. I remember holding her hand and using my tiny thumb to trace circles on her skin. I was trying to somehow take some of the pain away from her. My heart was breaking for her....my four year old heart.<br />
<br />
I remember the funeral. It was December and the sky was grey. I couldn't find my church shoes. This was not unusual (losing my shoes) and my mom, like so many moms, would normally track them down after asking the standard questions like "did you look under your bed?" and "are you sure you looked under your bed." This morning, she just looked down at my feet only covered by tights and said "put your slippers on and get in the car."<br />
<br />
Joshua's funeral was a closed casket funeral. That was for the best. My mom later told me that the cancer had raveged his body and he no longer looked like my brother. She did not want us to remember him that way...all swollen, skinny, and hairless. "what is in the casket is not your brother"<br />
<br />
After the funeral, I rode with my younger sister to my grandparent's house in Witchita Falls. The two of us were to stay with them for a while. I don't know where my other siblings stayed. My grandmother asked me if I knew what it meant for Joshua to be dead. I told her I did not. She explained that I would never see him again....not in this life. She said I would one day see him in heaven....but that was as strange as a concept to me as death so it didn't really make me feel any better. I wanted my brother back so I could play with him. So I could hide behind the couch and eat cookie dough with him. So we could steal my older brother's kite and try to fly it only to break it and then hide it in the dumpster.<br />
I wanted him back so my mom would no longer be so sad. So my older sister would not be in pain. So my younger sister could know him. So my brother could have a brother. So my father could do it all over again with a better result.<br />
<br />
So we could hang our family pictures back on the wall.<br />
So we could be a complete family, again.<br />
<br />
For years after his death I felt Joshua around me. I felt him like a guardian angel and I felt the ghost of his death in many things. It's still there...the ghost of his death. His spirit is also there...I just have to ask for a visit...pull up a memory. I think about what he would be doing now. What kind of man would he be?<br />
<br />
Over the years my family remained stamped with sadness, but we learned to laugh at the pain because that meant survival. We could not give in completely. We came close, but we could not give in all the way.<br />
<br />
We all developed a sense of empathy. No longer could we allow a single person to experience emotional pain in our presence without us trying to intervene. We had all been there and knew what it was like for people to be in a dark place. Once you know that place and that feeling, it is almost impossible to not stop and render aid in some form or fashion. For example, each and every one of us kids all of us stood up for others in the face of a bully. Some armed with words, others with fists, and others with a shotgun (am I right, Stephanie?)<br />
<br />
Death is something we will all go through and, if we are lucky, we can prepare for our own deaths.<br />
But I still don't know how you prepare for the death of a loved one.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />sarahsmile3http://www.blogger.com/profile/15772449778118143716noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8442098.post-84820593653679310302014-03-08T09:53:00.000-08:002014-03-08T15:09:43.101-08:00Survival *Now with update*I've been trying to get my doctor to call me back. I left a message on the on call line and the nurses' line but so far ain't nobody called me back!!<br />
<div>
Last night, things got bad. Really bad. I'm talking my pain was at a level 10. Now, if you remember in a previous post I wrote about how I take myself off of pain pills for 1-2 weeks at a time to clear my system. This is one of those weeks. I let my prescription run out knowing I have an appointment on Thursday. No big deal, I do it all the time. It's a risky move, because I will for sure experience some pain during my week(s) off, but I just bare down and get through it knowing I will have meds later. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well, I was not planning on this type of an episode. I really think either a disc is pressing on my nerve or the bone growth I had removed has grown back 10 fold. Won't be sure until I have another MRI....which is why I am trying to get in touch with my doc. I would rather do the MRI before my appointment on Thursday so we know what we are dealing with. I should have known better. This past month, my pain has been getting worse. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'm also going to request a visit to a rheumatologist and a neurologist for further testing. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Any-hoo, last night I could barely stand the pain. I took a giant ibuprofen but that was like spitting on a fire. I kept thinking "go to the ER and they will help you. They will give you an MRI" but then I was like "SCREW THIS! I HAVE A PAIN DOCTOR THAT SHOULD BE MANAGING THIS CRAP! HE NEEDS TO ORDER AN MRI! I AM NOT PAYING ER PRICES!" </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So I rocked back and forth and cried until I passed out.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I feel a little better this morning, actually. Still very painful (Level 7-8) but not ER trip painful. Swelling must have gone down.</div>
<div>
Let's hope it stays that way. </div>
<div>
<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/sarahsmile3/media/Photoon2014-03-08at1139_zps538b0702.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Photoon2014-03-08at1139_zps538b0702.jpg" border="0" src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sarahsmile3/Photoon2014-03-08at1139_zps538b0702.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
*UPDATE* At around 4:00 today, the day after I thought I would go to the ER, I am feeling pretty dang good. Some discomfort, but no pain. I GIVE UP TRYING TO UNDERSTAND THIS BUSINESS! I am very, very, grateful<br />
for the break. </div>
sarahsmile3http://www.blogger.com/profile/15772449778118143716noreply@blogger.com1