Silver Lining?

*disclaimer: if you are in a good and happy mood, please just skip this one...I'd rather not take that from you*

Today is one of those days...

one of those days where I'm ready to quit my job and move to Africa, or someplace crazy with no responsibly!

In all seriousness, I feel like I'm drowning...like there has to be more to life than just showing up to work so I can get a paycheck. I'm literally living for the weekends...they have become my silver linings of life that get me from week to week. I think I'm just bored. I miss the creative side of Lisa that barely exists anymore and I truly can't imagine feeling like this forever...I want to love my job since it takes up so much of my life, but I don't really know where to start of what that would look like. Today it just happens that all the emotion is bubbling over.

MAN, I wish we could win the lottery! What I could do with that money!

I feel like I never have enough time or money.

Am I always going to feel like this!? Never really knowing what to do with my life!? I also feel like the lack of confidence in myself holds me back big time. I like the comfort of the familiar. Branching out..looking for another job or tying something you aren't sure you will be good at scares me to death. It scares me enough to not try. pathetic? yes.

so I guess I never have enough time, money or confidence.

Why do we focus on all the awesome, bright & sunny parts of other peoples lives & fail to see what good is going on in our own? You may be saying, "speak for yourself, Lisa" and you may be right. I can really only speak for myself. I can see the potential that other people have so clearly. If I had this or my situation was that then I could achieve all the wonderful dreams rolling around in my head, keeping me up at night. Isn't it funny how even in knowing that life is what you make out of it, with your abilities and your situation, I still seem to find sulking a better pass time than doing anything about it. It's like I've reached a new low.

I'll smack myself in the face for you & shake my head & say, "Lisa Michelle stop having a pity party & be thankful for your job & suck it up & find a creative hobby & shut your yappin!"

I'll say it all right...but I'm not a very good listener.

Autumn turns 30!!!

Saturday night we went to the Mountain City Club to help celebrate Autumn's birthday! Her actual birthday is next weekend, but since it's on Easter, J.R. decided to throw her off with a surprise party the weekend before!

She was truly surprised when she walked into the room to see lots of family & friends. The food was great & the fellowship was wonderful. I'm glad we could be there to help you celebrate, Autumn.

piled in the cars at the last minute to make it there on time!

Keeping Emory quite for the surprise!

We missed ya, Katie!

SURPRISE!!! This was right before Autumn shirked, "J. RRRRRRRR!!!"

"I'm not happy till I get my booty slapped"

There are countless photos of John & Steve with Emory looking like they recently adopted her together. This is just one..with the Birthday girl

Happy Birthday dear Autumn....

Punjammies

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booooo....

My dogs are still sick...

and costing me a lot of money...

and making me cancel my trip to Atlanta TWICE...

Please pray I don't pull my hair out. I don't think that would be a pretty sight. The most interesting part in this whole thing is that the vet doesn't know what is wrong & why her treatment isn't working. She is now going to consult a specialist. It never makes you feel good when the person that should know something, doesn't.

Did I mention I am bummed out about Atlanta. :( like..really really really bummed.

bedbug pooch

I read a similar article last year, but found this one in the NY Times this month. More and more dogs are being trained to deal with bedbug infestations! I learned all about these little guys when I encountered them at the Gaylord Texan in 2007. Yeah, it was a 5 star hotel, but they didn't seem to care.


Check out the article here it's very interesting!

Thursday's Thought

Whoever decided breaks throughout the year should be given out from grade school until college had it all wrong.
Childhood and college itself is a perk.
Spring Break needs to start after you graduate & are in the adult world! Does that not make more sense!?

007

One of the doctors I call on in my territory is Dr. James Bond Jr. and it makes me laugh every time I come across his name.

Not only did his parents have a twisted sense of humor, but you can't ignore the "jr." part.

This can only mean one thing...it's not the first time...

The poor guy had no other option than to go to med school & become a highly paid doctor to face his high school reunions.

Whatever motivates your kids to be successful right!?

Discouraged

Today I'm discouraged.

It's just one of those days where everything catches up to you & "discouraged" seems to be the best fitting word. Let's just say that the cold, rainy weather outside matches my mood.

John makes chocolate chip cookies....from scratch. It's kinda his specialty. I just informed him that he is going to have to make them for me tonight.

What does it mean that I drown my sorrows in food!?!? The best part is that I even know I am doing it...and do.not.care.

ahhh, blissful melted chocolate surrounded by a buttery, sugary dough...you will make my world right again.

New Recipe!

Sometimes new recipes work...

and sometimes they DON'T...

Last night was the prefect example of the latter category. My friend, Beka, gave me an amazing recipe for red pepper soup. It's delicious! After making it, I realized it's also like trying to tame a wild horse! Ok..so I've not done that, but you get the picture.

I sauteed 4 large peppers with onion and garlic...all was good. It was the "puree until smooth" part that didn't go quite as planned.


I was frantically trying different ways to keep the liquid contained, but it insisted on going everywhere...even inside the cabinets My solution was to prop the food processor up & use a bowl even bigger over roaster to catch whatever came flying out. This, of course, was my sad attempt to control the mess....hum...kinda made it bigger!

My next little challenge was the "strain" part. Seriously!? It's already chopped up as fine as it can get...now I'm gonna strain it? Since I didn't have a strainer, I improvised....with a grease splatter catcher (that is it's official name)...Word to the wise...skip anything that says "stain."

Everything I touched got red pepper juice all over it and I ended up having to wash pots that I didn't even use & counter top space I didn't even know I had.
Wonder what John's face looked like when he walked in and saw this mess instead of a nice meal ready & waiting on the table....

The soup actually tasted great so it wasn't a total failure. But, I only got 2 bowls out of it after spilling & splattering the rest in my cabinets and on the walls. Who needs leftovers right?

Beka & I chatted afterward and she gave me some great tips for next time...if there is a next time!

Thursday's Thought

"You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work where you know that you won't do another productive thing for the rest of that day."

Applebrook Animal Hospital

This won't be a post to knock your socks off, but I figured I'd share anyway.

Raleigh has been pretty sick this week. Let's just say she has a bacterial infection that produces some pretty nasty side effects. She's been pretty miserable & more lethargic than normal.

I went to the vet Monday instead of letting this "run it's course" and I'm glad I did. Dr. Primm didn't think she could fight this off alone so she has the help of 4 medications. One requires me to melt the pill in water & shoot it down her throat with a syringe...three times a day! I'd say that is her least favorite, mine too.

I was stressed trying to find a vet with no recommendations from anyone. Those places can be like a car garage & overcharge you for pointless tests...they know you have no clue. I chose Applebrook Animal Hospital by ruling out others in the area that got some bad reviews online. This was the first time I've ever taken one of our dogs to the vet for something other than routine shots. Well...there was that time Jax ran through a barbed wire fence & required stitches...anyway...

Dr. Primm emailed me while I was still there so I'd have her email address on file. I'm glad she did because I used it Monday night when Raleigh started bleeding and got a prompt response. She told me sometimes the bacterial imbalance becomes a disease called HGE, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis & HGE can be an emergency situation. She gave me the emergency vet's number in case it came down to that. Praise God it didn't..that would have been one pretty penny!

Dr. Primm has continued to follow up via email and phone. She really exceeded my expectations! I would highly recommend her to anyone in the area looking for veterinary care.

Raleigh's little spell has postponed our trip to Atlanta this weekend, but hopefully we'll go next weekend.

I hate to see her not feeling well so lets hope we're near the end of it all!

Let It Out!

Sometimes you just need to do something creative. I used to be way more creative then I currently am. I would make little scrapbooks, paint or unwind in the dark room. Life should never be too busy to do the things you enjoy.

Wanna know an ugly truth about me?
I have little confidence in my abilities. When I find someone that is better at something than I am, I slowly start to not do that thing anymore. And guess what--there is always someone better! I sound crazy, I know. It's almost like I tell myself "what's the point? X is better at it..leave it to the pros."

Yesterday I was in a room full of ladies that can scrapbook better than I can, but was reminded you don't have to be the best at something to still enjoy it. Why do I feel like I should have learned that in pre-school!?

We ate, had some great fellowship and released or creative juices for awhile. It felt great. I've missed that! I have a feeling it won't be long before this happens again!

Eclipse

Is it weird to anyone else that the 3rd twilight saga movie "eclipse" is released on a Wednesday? Interesting...

Thursday's Thought

Is it possible to be bored at work while you are actually working? If so, I've done it. I've been in the middle of working (not just sitting at my desk) and been bored. The people that love their job are truly blessed! (big sigh)

Miami continued...

Luckily the rest of the weekend wasn't nearly as dramatic as the first day. We didn't get down to the beach or sight see like we did last year in San Francisco, but I really can't complain since I woke up every morning to this.



It was great to see my co-workers & catch up with Erica & Nadia. I miss seeing them on a daily basis!
Eating was prob. our favorite part of the conference...it was mine anyway! :) We had some GREAT food...
...and some not so great food! I'm covering my fish with some rice so the waitress won't see how much I didn't eat...it was horrible, but the sushi, spring rolls & chicken were good.

Overall we worked hard & had a great time! I can't wait until next year...

bienvenido a miami!

I'm in here in Miami for the annual AAD conference. I figured since I had a minute I would give you a little run down of my first night.

3:30pm- arrive at my hotel after a 30 minute cab ride with my cabbie lecturing me on being married almost 4 years and not having kids yet. He came from a family of 6. He talked my ears off.

4:30pm- Meet up with my boss Brian and Erica to check the booth & set up everything for the conference.

5:30pm- we get a call from co-worker 1 that co-worker 2 got totally smashed in first class where the drinks were flowin' free & she is taking a separate cab to the hotel now! Gotta love office drama!

6:00pm- head to Talulas to entertain 15-20 residents. Small talk topics included:

• doing a rotation in Brazil
• weather this winter
• places to eat in Miami
• the newest vanicream products
• different talks given at the conference

blah blah blah...you get the picture

8:00pm- the wine & spirits have been flowing freely & they enjoy the free price tag that comes along with it so the topic of conversation consists more of topics like this:

• resident X who is dating resident Y & the scandal behind it
• my accent who reminded resident D of his ex-boyfriend & their past sex life
• resident J and her recent new boyfriend and their current sex life
• resident H got in a verbal fight with resident B's date for the evening

10:00pm- We finally hop in a cap and exchanges stories of the night with one another...and oh what stories we had!

11:00pm- I CRASH from a day travel & entertainment

4:30am- I fumble through the dark to use the restroom & confidently make my way back until I slam right into the wall & wake up Erica

6:30am- wake up to do it all over again!

More to come :)

Cereal

I hate it.

Ok...HATE is a strong word.

I really don't like it.

The truth is, I really don't like it when it's my only option, which is pretty much every weekday morning.

You wouldn't know it looking in our pantry since there are several boxes, but the truth is I have to have a variety of cereal to make it through the week.

If only I had a real problem...

30% off gap jeans!

Check out Jessica's post about how to get 30% off Gap jeans and help save the environment!

Sweet deal!

recipes

At your request! This was much easier than retyping everything. You should be alb to click on the picture to enlarge it. Enjoy!!

the miracle of adoption!

I'm as close to the Dipastena family as one can get without actually being blood related. See this post if you need to understand our friendship a little more.

When I was in high school, I basically lived at their house. During that time they had an amazing opportunity to adopt a baby girl, Alyssa. I had the unique opportunity to be with them throughout the entire process of finding out they had been chosen by Michelle to raise her baby girl. We would go to Knoxville and take Michelle to the movies, out to dinner or whatever to just spend time with her and get to know who she was. Once Alyssa arrived I realized that she didn't have to be inside Marbi to be her daughter. I was blown away at the intricate relationship between this now family of 3 & blown away at the process I got to witness first hand. I've been mesmerized at adoption ever since & hopefully one day I'll get that opportunity too.

People ask me my political views and I'm happy to say I'm pro-choice.....but prob. not in the way you're thinking. I absolutely believe that you have the choice to keep your child or not. Not everyone can afford a child, what about a rape victim that got pregnant or what if the mother is only 12 years old. There are numerous reasons why someone just can't keep a child...and they shouldn't have to. That is why there is adoption and what a glorious option it is! You get to choose if you want to keep and raise your child or if you want to let someone else. Abortion is not an option.

After adopting Alyssa I've seen the DiPastenas try and try again to adopt another baby. Once they even received the first few sonograms but, for various reasons, the outcome left them with disappointment instead of a baby. It made me realize even more what a miracle Alyssa is. The Lord has always known that Andrew has the desire to raise a son. He wants to raise up a Godly man that can serve Jesus & his family with all his heart. Finally, as of yesterday Andrew & Marbi will get that chance.

I'm so happy to announce the birth of Caleb Andrew DiPastena that was born March 3, 2010 at 4:09 pm. He is a healthy 6lbs. 10 oz and 19 inches long.

Welcome to this world baby Caleb. You were born into one of the best families I know & I can't wait to watch you grow up!

To learn more about adopting visit here or here

Thursday's Thought

"My mood is very much controlled by the weather! If it's a sunny, bright day, I'll instantly be happier.The down side is nasty, cold weather can often smother out my good mood. I love rainy, cloudy days as long as I don't have to get out in it or be productive in any way (ha-like that ever happens).
I would do well in Arizona or Colorado"

Birthday Bash

ok...so it wasn't so much of a bash as it was a fun dinner, but it was still a great time with friends! I need to apologize now for my picture taking. Apparently I just don't do it anymore. I get so wrapped up in visiting that I forget to document. I took pictures of the food while I was cooking because I was home alone and not distracted. Once John & the Thompson family arrived I pretty much didn't pick up the camera again....except to take a shot of the "blow out" Emory Jaye blessed us with in her diaper. I'll spare you that image, but take my word that it's incredible!

First let me give a little shout out to the cook of the night & the newest member of our family...Gary.

gotta love those tax returns!

I didn't take a pic. of the "smashed garlic" potato recipe I tried, but it wasn't worth the picture...it didn't turn out so great. No doubt it was my error. I also didn't take a picture of the corn dip that I made especially for Steven. That seriously could have been dinner & he would have been pleased.

These green beans have become a staple.

I'd like to be a vegetarian...it sounds healthy & clean, but I'm just not...

The new stuffed zucchini recipe that was a hit. I highly recommend this one...

I have a picture of the birthday cake and not the birthday boy. I shouldn't even make a post out of these pictures they are so pitiful.
I figured I should show the only Thompson photographed before you all start to wonder if this b-day dinner even happened!
We ended the evening with a little Modern Family, which you must watch if you haven't. It's hysterical. Yes, it's the show where a gay couple adopts a child and no, I'm not going to hell for supporting their ratings, but maybe that is a different post. :)

Happy Birthday, Steven! We're so happy to have you ya'll as friends & celebrate special days together.

we'll take what we can get...

I know all you MN peeps will laugh at this and think "did she not learn anything about what qualifies as a snow worthy picture." To that I must reiterate my title...we'll take what we can get around here!

I love you snow. Please don't stop falling.

what can I say, it's an office with a view :)

Clergy

Last week Arhmin, Steve, Abby & I got to hear Mr. Michael Paul DelBonis speak the word of God! hallelujer! Steve got Saved.

In all seriousness Michael did a fantastic job. He has a unique way of keeping the kids attention while really speaking truth from the word. He brings a story to life. If those kids don't already know it, they will look back and realize what a blessing it was to have Michael and Katie in their lives. Not everyone is cut out for ministry, but these two make an unstoppable team.

You did a fantastic job, Michael! Keep up the good work!