5.31.06 Wacky Wednesday

I didn't have time this morning to find a personal Wacky Wednesday picture; so, I thought I would share this book by Dr. Seuss that is 100% dedicated to one of my favorite days. If you played along, please leave your link below.

5.29.06 What Flavor Are You?

You Are Strawberry Ice Cream

Sweet. Romantic. Genuine.

What Flavor Ice Cream Are You?

5.28.06 Kira Kai's Debut

Here she is...Miss Kira Kai. She is a little unsure of her new surroundings; but, she is doing fine. In this picture she is a little dirty because she got into the fireplace and covered herself with soot. She is still just as cute as she can be though. We are staying at my brother's house for the weekend; so, I won't be posting any more pictures until we get home. I just had to post this one so you all could see my new baby. She has already won me over...now we have to work on her daddy. I don't think it will be too hard...Who could not love a face like this?

5.28.06 She's Almost Here

In 45 minutes, I will leave to go pick up my new kitten. I have to drive an hour to get her because I am adopting her from a co-worker that lives an hour away. I am so excited!!! Pictures will follow very soon so stayed tuned! Yea, Kira is coming home today!!!

5.27.06 Red, White and Blue

5.26.06 Friday Favorite

This was one of my favorite small quilts in the Dallas Quilt Celebration 2006. Isn't it beautiful? Someday, I plan to do a more "free form" quilt; however, right now I need to concentrate on learning the basics. If you get a chance, hop over to Tórtola Threads and you can see what I am working on.

5.25.06 HNT "Side by Side"

Today is our four year anniversary and we are celebrating the day we promised to forever be Side by Side. Happy Anniversary, Baby!

Make sure you visit Osbasso and the other HNT fanatics.

5.25.06 Thursday 13

Thirteen Blogs Haleigh Anne Likes To Visit 1. Peace of My Mind 2. Arctic Circle 3. Regular Jo 4. Ken is a Verb 5. Cheaper Than Therapy 6. Does She or Doesn't She 7. Life As I Know It 8. Are We There Yet 9. Dandelion Wishes 10. Visions of Crimson 11. Useless Advise From Useless Men 12. A Penny For Them 13. Adventures in Everyday Life BONUS 14. My Life in the Kid Zoo

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!


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The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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5.24.06 Wacky Wednesday

Since I love to be silly, I am going to start posting silly and crazy pictures of me and my family every Wednesday. I am not very good at Wordless Wednesday because it is so hard for me to be wordless...ask anyone who knows me...I think I will be better at Wacky Wednesday.

This picture is of the girls or Ya-Yas in my immediate family. Anyone who has read The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood knows what I am talking about. If you have not read the book, I HIGHLY suggest it and its companion Little Alters Everywhere. We all have tiaras, Ya-Ya glasses (as you can see) and Ya-Ya names. On the left, my mom aka Queen Little Red Hen. In the center, me aka Queen of Everything. On the right, my sister aka Pricess Sweet Pea. Of course, there are stories behind the names; but, that will have to be another post.

We wear these sunglasses every time we take a trip somewhere; and, yes, we wear them the whole trip. We get lots of looks and some compliments. I love taking Ya-Ya trips and being with my Ya-Ya sisters!

5.23.06 Not In The Bloggin' Mood

I have tried 3 times to finish my Monday Madness from yesterday and I just can't. When I read over what I have written, I think it is too sappy or silly or meaningless. It's just not the feeling I am going for here. So, I am abandoning yesterday's Monday Madness and my promise to post it. Sorry...call me the Wicked Witch of Broken Promises if you must.



I found the link below on Regula Jo's site and think it is funny. Watch and get a good laugh.

There's No Place Like Home

5.22.06 Monday Madness and Other Frustrations

How many simple things have you learned to appreciate more, for one reason or another? Please list them and feel free to elaborate on each.

Above is today's Monday Madness. I love the topic. Actually, it is one of my favorite topics to reflect upon and write about. I am super busy at work (as always) and don't have the time this morning to spend on the subject like I would like to. Therefore, I will post my Monday Madness this evening when I get home.

Other frustrations...My apartment is messy. I am very distracted today. I need to balance my checkbook. I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of my new kitten. We are moving at the end of July and I have to start thinking about that. It's a possibility we might not get the apartment we want. Why can't we have a house with a yard? I know the answer to that question. I am ready for my husband to start back to school. He is, too. I want my sewing days back. My car needs an oil change and needs to be cleaned. Yesterday, the dials in the car wouldn't work. There are other things wrong with my car. My car is only 2 years old and I take car of it. I don't like car dealerships; but, it looks like I will be making a trip to one soon. I keep hitting the "A" key when I mean to hit the "Shift" key. When I blog at work, I feel like Chandler in the episode of Friends when he starts smoking again and is smoking at his desk at work and is trying to hide it. I need to get back to work.

5.20.06 Flowers

5.19.06 Friday Favorite

My favorite piece of advice for the day...I have two massage therapists. One is named Robin who comes to my office every other Friday and gives chair massages to anyone who signs up for one. I see Robin once a month. The other is a French-man named Ben. Ah, Ben. Ben is the owner of a wonderful spa downtown that I visit every two weeks so that I can get a pedicure. I see Ben once a month for a full body massage. Let me say again...Ahhhhh, Ben. He's very cute...but, I digress.

I saw Robin today; and, thank goodness because I was feeling very stressed and a little anxious (for no apparent reason). Robin reminded me to breathe, gave me a wonderful massage, gave me a few tips on meditation at the work place and gave me my favorite piece of advice for the day. She told me to take my shoes off (YEA!! I love barefeet!) and wiggle my toes for a full 60 seconds. It is a relaxer...she says. How fun is that?!!!? So, when I am leaning back in my chair with my legs straight out wiggling my bare piggies, I will be relaxed and happy. Despite the odd looks I may get from co-workers and my boss. I'll just tell them (with a very straight and serious face), "Leave me alone. I am finding my happy place."

5.18.06 Thursday 13

Thirteen Things I, Haleigh Anne, Would Like To Accomplish This Summer 1. Move to a new apartment! We are moving from 600 sq. feet to 874 sq. feet! For a while, it will feel like we have so much room! The new one is on the 1st floor...no more 3rd story walk ups!! 2. Start the Creating Wellness Program. 3. Visit our friends in Willmington, North Carolina. 4. Update my website...Stilwell Pictures...especially, the family page. 5. Look into and enroll in some photography classes. 6. Visit my dad in San Antonio. 7. Work on my quilting which you can see at Tórtola Threads. 8. Go through 101 Nights of Grrreat Romance by Laura Corn. (Don't tell but I got the other book, too...hehe.) 9. Make a list of all the books I own and publish it on my blog. This might take all summer. 10. Read and finish some of those books from the list. 11. Take a weekend trip with just my sister. JB, where do you want to go? 12. See my sister's new "ghetto fabulous" apartment. 13. Find some great plants and pretty flower pots for my new and bigger (1st floor!!!) apartment patio.

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

5.18.06 HNT Anniversary

Happy Anniversary HNT!! Today, HNT is celebrating its one year anniversary. For the celebration, I decided to take a look over the past year and post my favorites. What do you think? Make sure you visit Osbasso and the rest of the HNTers. Have a wonderful HNT!!!

5.17.06 Happy Dance

::Happy Dance::Happy Dance::Happy Dance:: I have my OWN computer at home now!!! I can not tell you how excited I am! In December, I switched jobs. My previous employer had bought me a computer so that I could work from home. When I left that company in December, I had to give the computer back. Luckily two years ago, (for me...not my husband...you'll see why in a minute), I had purchased an AWESOME computer for my husband; so, we were not completely computerless. I am a computer hog and I spent most of our evening time on THE computer. My husband was frustrated most nights; but, being the sweetie that he is, he never said anything. He usually waited until I was finished (no matter what time it was) before he took his turn.

One night, my husband (who I need to give a cute little nickname so I can quit saying "my husband...my husband") said, "Tomorrow night I get the computer. You don't touch it, look at it, think about it. I have a new game that I haven't even played yet." (OK..he said the first and last lines...I added the other for effect.) I felt bad...I really did. So, I bought me a computer. It was really a great deal. My current employer replaces our computers every three years and gives us the option to buy our old ones. My old computer is a nice computer complete with keyboard, mouse, speakers and a 20'' UltraSharp monitor (which my husband is jealous of). The price? $210. Not bad. The coolest part of the whole deal is...instead of paying my company for the computer, I made a donation to the American Cancer Society for $210 and I got the computer for "free".

My company gets rid of a computer they don't want. The American Cancer Society gets a donation. The donation is tax deductible. I don't have to feel guilty for spending time on MY NEW COMPUTER!

Yes...I'm a nerd...but, I am a nerd with a new computer. Can you tell I am excited?

5.16.06 Haleigh Anne Cocktail

How to make a Haleigh

Ingredients: 5 parts competetiveness 3 parts courage 5 parts joy

Method: Add to a cocktail shaker and mix vigorously. Serve with a slice of curiosity and a pinch of salt. Yum!

Username:

Personality cocktail
From Go-Quiz.com

5.15.06 Monday Madness

Fill in the blanks...

1. If I could change ONE thing from this past weekend, it would be that I saw my grandparent for a longer time.
2. One of my favoriet recipes includes pork tenderloins covered with dijon mustard and orange maralade and green onions.
3. If things don't go as originally planned, I tend to get anxious.
4. My daily routine is very boring and mundane.
5. The one television show I will probably miss, since the season is coming to an end, is...the season is ending? I didn't know. I don't have TV (by choice).
6. I have a calendar hanging/sitting on my work desk wall and without it I am lost; therefore, most evenings and weekends, I am lost.
7. I'm really good about changing the calendar when the day/month changes. I ALWAYS change it the first work day of a new month.

5.13.06 Celebration of Spring

Odd picture for celebration, huh? The way I see it is this is nature's way of celebrating that it is finally Spring again. The green grass is exploding for freedom and shunshine.

5.12.06 Friday Favorite - Mother's Day Card

5.11.06 Thursday 13

Thirteen Brushes Haleigh Anne Has Had With Fame 1. I was on the set when John Travolta was filming Michael. I got to meet John Travolta! 2. I went to Jerry Jeff Walker's book signing. 3. I scored a golf game for Mike Modano. 4. I have met Billy Sims. 5. My last job was in the same building as Emmitt Smith's personal office. 6. I literally bumped into Roger Staubach when I was getting out of an elevator. He also has an office in the same building. 7. I have been to a private party at Dale Hansen's house. 8. Jake Gyllenhaal sits at my desk daily. 9. Van Cliburn played the piano for my great aunt's wedding. 10. Megan Carter is my cousin. (She is not famous yet...but, she will be.) 11. I went to school with Hal Ketchum's son, Graham. 12. I am a decendent of the Lewis family from Lewis & Clark. 13. Ok...this line is for a confession. Jake doesn't exactly sit at my desk every day. His picture sits at my desk every day. The rest I swear are true. Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

5.11.06 HNT "Husband Series #2"

He is slowly getting used to me posting HNT pictures of him. I have a great picture of his cute little hiney; but, he won't let me post it. I don't blame though...my mom does look at the blog from time to time. We should send him much encouragement and congratulations for letting me post this VERY nice one of him.

Want to know why my very handsome and sexy husband is Half-Nekkid? Visit Osbasso and the other HNTers and they will tell you all about it.

5.10.06 My Nephew Gus

Name: Augustus "Gus" Minor

Year: Senior

Major: Microbiology

Hobbies: Eating beef jerky and "loving" guests

This is my nephew, Gus. He lives in Wichita Falls, TX with my sister, Jody. Gus is the best nephew an aunt could have. He is so laid back and cuddly. As you can see, he lets his mom dress him in cute little outfits. This picture is what Gus' mom calls his "Harvard" picture. Gus will be visiting this summer and we hope that Miss Kira will pick up some of his habits and personality.

5.9.06 The Letter B

Saw this over at Views From the Back Row and wanted to play. He gave me the letter “B”. Why not a cool letter like “H” or “M”?? Anyway…

This is how it works: Comment on this entry and I will give you a letter. Write ten words beginning with that letter in your journal, including an explanation of what the word means to you and why, and then pass out letters to those who want to play along.

Bare – I love bare feet. If I didn’t have to wear shoes, I wouldn’t most of the time.

Bear – I call the people closest to me Bear. My daughter, husband and dog are the only ones I have ever called Bear.

Baby – This word can be a tough one for me. My husband and I had a baby 3 ½ years ago; however, she only lived for 9 days. I miss her terribly and living with a “ghost” title like Mom is hard for me sometimes.

Bolt – Here is one definition: “A large roll of cloth of a definite length, especially as it comes from the loom.” Since I quilt, I look at many bolts of fabric. It is a dream of mine to have a closet like my aunt Glenda. She has an 8 X 9 closet full (from floor to ceiling) with bolts of fabric.

Back – I could have a back massage EVERY day for the rest of my life.

Blank – I don’t know if I really understand the meaning of this word. I never have a blank mind; it is constantly going. Blank paper…I write or draw on it. Blank space in my 600 sq. foot apartment? Are you kidding?

Book – I am a bibliophile. I LOVE books and always have. A book is one of the best material gifts a person can give me.

Bored – I get bored easily and focusing on one thing is hard for me. I have never been diagnosed with ADD and don’t think I have it; however, my mom has seen and mentioned that I have the tendencies. We have also decided that they (whoever “they” are) have mis-named ADD. It is not an attention problem…it is a focus problem. People with ADD pay attention to every little thing; and, therefore, can not focus. Am I rambling or what? Too bad “tangents” doesn’t start with “B”.

Brother – I am still very close to my brother. He was my best friend growing up. My husband has a twin brother and is VERY close to him. I tell everyone that when you marry a twin you marry the other one too.

Breeze – Every day when I get home, I open the windows and sliding doors in my apartment so I can feel the summer breeze brush against my skin as I read a book in my bed covered by my blue comforter.

That is enough Bs for me! What to play? Let me know and I’ll send you a letter.

5.9.06 Scott Adams - Dilbert Blog

The post below is from the Dilbert Blog. As I mentioned in my 100 list, I read the Dilbert Blog by Scott Adams EVERY day. I love this guy!

My Parenting Skills

The other day my future step kids, ages 6 and 8, were playing with my recumbent exercise bike. Their tiny butts both fit on the seat and they each controlled one pedal. I was watching TV nearby and overheard this conversation:

Justin (age 6): “Don’t pedal backwards!”

Savannah (age 8): “Why not?”

Justin: “When you pedal backwards, it makes you weaker!”

Savannah: “No it doesn’t.”

Justin: “It does! Scott told me. Ask him yourself!”

Savannah: “Scott, did you tell Justin that pedaling backwards makes you weaker?”

Me: “Um…I might have.”

It was then that I realized I probably ought to undo some other things I had told them, before they mention those things in school and get put in some sort of slow learner program. So the
next time I was with Justin alone in the car I decided to come clean.

Me: “Justin, you know that medical device I used to determine that you were healthy?”

Justin: “Yes. Where is that thing? I want to see if I’m still healthy.”

Me: “Um…actually, that was just a y-connector for headphones. The reason it never beeped when I touched it to your forehead is that it doesn’t do that. It’s not really a medical device at all.”

Justin: “WHAT??? YOU MEAN I’M NOT HEALTHY???!!!”

Me: “No, no. You are perfectly healthy.”

Justin: “How can you tell?”

Me: “Um…by looking at you. You look healthy to me.”

(Long pause that seemed to say, “You are full of crap.”)

Justin: “Why did you say that thing can tell if I’m healthy?”

Me: “Um…I thought it was…funny.”

(long pause)

Justin: “It’s not funny.”

5.8.06 Monday Madness

1. List three words that describe YOU. Smart, sweet, happy

2. List three words that describe YOUR HOME. Small, crowded, 3rd story

3. List three words that describe YOUR TOWN. Concrete, wide spread

4. List three words that describe YOUR STATE. Huge, southern, home

1. Represent :: I call think about is rap music


2. Mumbling :: Stutter


3. Meetup :: Friend


4. Tantalizing :: Want


5. Fake :: Real


6. Dale :: Farmer


7. Deny :: Lie


8. Calories :: 100


9. Roll :: Over


10. 44 :: 10

5.6.06 Open Range

This picture was taken on my grandparents ranch near Ennis, TX. The ranch is called the Valley Farm and it is one of my favorite places in the world to be.

5.5.06 Friday Favorite

I LOVE Turtles!! I collect little turtle figurines from the places that I visit. There is no telling how many I have. I should count them someday. I have been begging my husband to get me a real one...but, he really won't go for that. He says they stink. :o( I think they are cute. When we get a house, I plan to build a small pond in the back yard and fill it with a few turtles.

This picture was taken by my friend Regular Jo when she was in San Antonio, TX. Give her a visit and tell her what a great picture she took!!

5.5.06 May Quote of the Month

I told you I was a bad blogger. I forgot to post my quote of the month. I sent the email to everyone on the list and thought I was done. Anyway, here it is.

Every survival kit should include a sense of humor. ~Author Unknown

Hello, fellow quoters. I hope April treated you well and I hope May treats you even better! If not, maybe this quote will help you to remember to keep your sense of humor even during the rain. It is OK to laugh during the storms…sometimes that is the only way to get some sunshine. Next month, I promise to send a funny one! Cheers! Have a GREAT May!

5.5.06 Thursday 13 - Later is Better Than Never

Thirteen Reasons Haleigh Anne Is A Bad Blogger 1. I am SO busy at work 2. I am tired when I get home 3. I am finding too many blogs that I like and I get overwhelmed 4. It's bill paying time 5. We are trying to get financing for pilot school and a lot of computer time goes to researching loans - YUCK 6. We only have one computer at home...but, not for long! 7. I go in cycels...really interested...not interested...really interested 8. I am a perfectionist (not a great speller) and I want to make the blog look perfect instead of writing for it 9. I have other hobbies that take up my time - quilting, reading, photography 10. I get lost in the details 11. There are not enough hours in the day 12. I am also busy at home 13. I am crazy and started a new blog with some friends...go and see Tórtola Threads

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

5.4.06 HNT "In the Eye of the Beholder"

I think my husband has the prettiest eyes. I love the "smile" lines that are there even when he is not smiling. Want to know why he is Half-Nekkid? Visit Os and the rest of the HNTers to find out. Happy HNT to everyone!!

5.3.06 We've got a Name

I have decided on a name for my new kitten. The name was suggested by Mandy; so, I will be sending her a "thank you" prize for a name that I fell in love with. If the kitten is a girl (which is what we are hoping for), her full name will be Kira-Kira Kai. In a round about way, it means "sparkling sea". For short, we will call her Kira (pronouced Key-rah). If we get a boy (because that is all that is left), we will name him Ezra Jericho.

Yes, I give my pets names like I would name a baby because they are my babies. They all have first, middle and last names. Actually, the name of this site is my dog's name...Haleigh Anne. My real name is Mindy; however, I think it is fun using an alias.

Thank you all for suggesting names...they were all great names!

I can't wait for little Miss Kira to arrive!!! 3 more weeks to go!!

5.2.06 My Inner Child

Your Inner Child Is Happy

You see life as simple, and simple is a very good thing. You're cheerful and upbeat, taking everything as it comes. And you decide not to worry, even when things look bad. You figure there's just so many great things to look forward to.

How Is Your Inner Child?

5.1.06 Monday Madness

Good Monday to you all! Let's fill in the blanks this week!

1. Sleeping in for me means sleeping until noon to 2 PM. (Yikes! Huh?Obviously...no kids, yet.)
2. Staying up late means I don't go to bed until 2 AM to 6AM. (See above comment.)
3. I probably spend more time sleeping than I would like. (I go in cycles...no sleep, too much sleep.)
4. And I don't spend nearly enough time on my hobbies and visiting my grandparents.
5. I have zero tolerance for loud noises.
6. I have a lot of patience when it comes to my own mess.