WWTK - Olympic Edition

Come join me in linking up with Mamarazzi  and Crazymama for We Want to Know Wednesday.

It's the olympics in London! Let's talk about it.

(1) What was your favorite part of the Opening Ceremonies?
I thought the whole thing was well done.  I enjoyed the teams coming in, the music by Paul McCartney, and the fireworks best.

(2) Which country are you rooting for? ( I realize we aren't all Americans)
USA, of course!  I like to see Canada win, too.  And my favorite basketball player is playing for Argentina.

(3) Which is your favorite event to watch and why?
That's easy... women's gymnastics.  I used to do a bit of gymnastics when I was young, even competing on my high school's team in 9th grade on floor exercise and beam.  I never had the skills these girls have, though!  They amaze me!  It just takes such talent and a great combination of grace, strength, and skill.

(4) Have you found a new sport that is surprisingly delightful?
No, but I have been watching more basketball this year than usual.  I think the synchronized diving is pretty cool, too.

(5) Have you always been a fan of the Olympics? What is your earliest Olympic Memory?
Yes, I always have.  I remember Dorothy Hammill winning the Ladies Singles Figure Skating in 1976 (dating myself'; I know).  That is back when the winter and summer Olympics were held in the same year every four years instead of how they do it now.  I also remember Nadia Comaneci winning the first perfect 10 ever on her bars routine in 1976.  She scored several perfect 10's in that same year (scoring is also done differently now).  Nadia won gold on all around, uneven bars, and beam. I guess 1976 when I was age 10-11 is when I first started watching the Olympics.

Before I go, I'm going to share this adorable photo with you!

Image Credit

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Distance

This was written for Sunday Scribblings where the prompt is "Distance."

Though there is distance,
You are so close.
I know you are there,
Watching and waiting.

A lifetime of memories
Seem like yesterday,
Your image still clear
In my mind’s eye.

The warmth of your love
Wraps round me like a gentle hug.
Your voice whispers in my ear,
Encouraging and endearing.

If only you were sitting
Right here beside me.
But in spite of the distance that separates us,
You are so close in my heart.

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Aloha Friday

Welcome to this week’s edition of Aloha Friday. In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that they take it easy and look forward to the weekend. Therefore, I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer in a comment. If you’d like to participate, just post your own question on your blog and leave your Aloha Friday post link at An Island Life.

My question this week...

If you had to give up one "luxury" in order to save money each month, what would it be?

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Friday Confessional

It's Friday again and time to link up with Mamarazzi and share our confessions.

I confess...
I have been moody lately.  It's a combination of things, but I feel like I can't control it.  I don't like not feeling in control.

I confess...
I shot video of my husband's cousins who are visiting here from England just so I could listen to their cool accents!  Plus, they are lovely people!

I confess...
I am lucky to be blessed with wonderful in-laws.  Most people complain about their mother and/or father-in-law, but not me!

I confess...
I am worried about the results I will get in ten days from the procedure I had Monday.  My husband said the doctor seemed like everything was routine, but when you have to have pathology results, it's kinda scary!

And I confess...
If they would let me bring home some Versed (Midazolam), from the hospital, I would be a happy camper!  It is given prior to surgery "to cause drowsiness, relieve anxiety, and [to] prevent any memory of the event."  Love that stuff!  Although the nurses and my husband did say I asked them the same question over and over.  Oh, well.  It certainly did its job!

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Share the Memories

Have you had a chance to check out the Share the Memories website I have recommended in the past?  If not, check it out now.  It's completely new.  And they also have a wide variety of personalized photo gifts available now.

Don't forget - you can get a great deal ($10 off software and another $10 off extras) by using this coupon code: STMMMS85884.

This post was written by me as an affiliate of Share the Memories.  I personally use the software and would not recommend it if I didn't stand by it 100%.

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Wish me Luck!

I'm having my diagnostic procedure today... finally! I have been trying to schedule it and pay for it since Febraury.  Anyway, I'm a little nervous about the general anesthesia, but on the other hand, I think all will go well.    Wish me luck!  I'll be back later.

Update:  I'm home now.  It's just before 10AM.  I have preliminary results but will get more details later.  No reactions to the anesthesia so far.  Boy, I wish they could give me some of that Versed to bring home with me!  (The stuff they give you before they actually put you to sleep that makes you a little goofy... a lot goofy!)

Friday Confessions

You're in for a real "treat" today because I'm going to confess about my freaky dreams today!  Come on and link up with Mamarazzi and share your confessions, too.

I confess...
I have the weirdest dreams.  And I often remember them, sometimes letting if affect my whole day, and sometimes, like today, wondering what is wrong with me!

I confess...
I dreamed about a treadmill last night (probably since I've used the treadmill a couple of times this week).  But it was no ordinary treadmill.  Yes, you walked on it this treadmill, and the belt moved beneath you, but this one also went up and down, like several feet up.  And if your treadmill isn't positioned correctly, you'll get slapped by tree branches as it goes up.  Then you'll have to get off and move the treadmill.
I confess...
I dreamed that there was a flood.  It's been raining a lot lately in real life.  My friends and I were getting things in order for a lady at church, who has lots of kids, whose high-rise apartment (no this isnt real) was going to flood.  Then it didn't flood, and she was missing!  When I woke up in the dream, realizing it wasn't flooded, I looked out the window, and there were dinosaurs swimming in the water below the building.

I confess...
I dreamed I saw some girls sitting on a park bench petting... snakes.  I hate snakes.  The snakes seemed to be enjoying it and were causing no danger to the girls.

I confess...
I dreamed I was travelling and had to keep going back home because I forgot things.  As I was travelling, on a bicycle (???), I stopped in people's homes to read.  One of the people really freaked me out, can't remember why now, so I decided I needed a guide to get to the airport so I could travel more quicly.  We got lost and stopped again to look at a map, and my guide went to sleep!

And I confess...
This is just a part of what I dreamed.  I bet you're feeling more normal now!

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Aloha Friday

Friday is a day to take it easy in Hawaii where the lovely host of Aloha Friday lives.  So, I will ask a question, one that doesn't require a lengthy response, and ask you to post your answer in comments.  If you'd like to participate, link up at An Island Life.

Since I'm off in the summer, I get to indulge in some of the things I love.  For instance, I've been doing a lot of fun reading lately.  Love to read!

I also love Ben & Jerry's Peanut Butter Cup ice cream, but to my surprise, I've found another that is just as good!  Dreyer's Grand Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup!  Seeing a trend here?  LOL

I've been doing a little crafting... painting some signs and ornaments. I haven't indulged in that creative side of myself in a long time.

Lately, I've been watching a lot of Say Yes to the Dress and Randy to the Rescue.  I just love looking at all the pretty bridal gowns!

I've also been taking a lot of naps this summer.  I don't get near as many naps during the school year because I'm at work all day, and there are too many obligations.

So, my question is...

What is your guilty pleasure?

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SAVE! Visit San Antonio

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of SAVE for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

The last two spring breaks, my family has gone to San Antonio.  What a great city!  Full of history, rich culture, great food, shopping, and amazing attractions!  There is so much to do!

When taking a family of five, as we do, money is always a concern, although San Antonio is one of the most affordable cities in which to vacation.  SAVE – San Antonio Vacation Experience  makes it easy to score deals on hotels, attractions, and more!

My family usually likes to stay in a hotel that offers suites since there are five of us.  SAVE has a great deal on the Comfort Inn and Suites located right on the riverwalk!  And, you can take care of reservations online from any computer.  We will save between $50-$90 per night using the SAVE deal.

One of the many attractions we enjoy in San Antonio is the zoo.  Using our SAVE deal, we get $2 off each ticket to the zoo, a savings of $10.  I plan to spend an entire day at the zoo.

On our second day, we will probably go to the Alamo and walk the downtown area.  I've always wanted to go into Ripley's Believe it or Not and Louis Tussauds Wax Works, and SAVE offers a dollar discount on each ticket.

One can't miss attraction in San Antonio is Fiesta Texas.  This is a full day (or two) of excitement, rides, shows, and thrills! SAVE has several deals available for Six Flags Fiesta Texas.  Some of the offers include a free child's ticket, adults pay kids' price, and second day free.  These offers will save us approximately $40 each.

Before we head home, we need to do some shopping.  North Star Mall and SAVE offers a free premier passport.  There are hundreds of shops and great restaurants such as The Cheesecake Factory, one of my favorites.

On the way home, we might stop at Natural Bridge Caverns.  I haven't been there since I was a little girl.  We can score $2 off each ticket using SAVE deals.  Another $10 in savings!  And who doesn't need to save?

Check out SAVE in SA's Limited Time Offers before you book your vacation.  This is where you can get some super deals.

You can also follow @SAVEinSA on Twitter to keep up with current deals.

San Antonio is one of my favorite vacation destinations, and I can't wait to use these deals on my next trip!

Happy List

Amidst all the chaos and difficulties of the past couple of weeks, I NEED to take time out to count my blessings, no matter how big or small so I'm linking up with Mamarazzi today.

Right now I am happy that today is Tuesday because I thought it was Wednesday.  All day yesterday, I thought it was Tuesday.  I get an extra day back!

I'm happy that I am finally going to have my diagnostic procedure next Monday.  The sugery center was going to charge me $1,030.00 to use their facility.  I said no way! The hospital where my step-son and daughter-in-law both work is only charging me $80.  Yes, $80.  I am happy!

I bought my daughter a new bed, and making her happy makes me happy.  Now I need to get a car or truck for my son and make him happy!  Does making your kids happy make you happy? 

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Aloha Friday

Friday is the day to take it easy in Hawaii, which is where our "Aloha Host" Kailani resides.  Go over to An Island Life and link up if you want to participate.  I'll ask a question, one that doesn't require too much thought, and you can post your answer in the comments if you'd like.  I'd love to hear what you have to say!

Since I have the summers off, I've been getting some reading done (one of my favorite past-times).  I've read books by several of my favorite authors - Taken (Robert Crais), Wicked Business (Janet Evanovich), 11th Hour (James Patterson), Heat Rises (Richard Castle, pseudonym), and I'm currently reading Lost Light (Michael Connelly).  My next book will be Cause of Death (Patricia Cornwell).  Sure wish I got paid to promote their books!  I also enjoy books by John Grisham, Jodi Piccoult, Stephen White, Andrew Gross, and Nicholas Sparks.

So, what books (titles or authors) are on your summer reading list?

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We Want to Know Wednesday

Mamarazzi, is asking the questions this week...with a little help from 2 of our WWTK friends.  Link up with her if you want to play! (WWTK is also hosted by Crazymomma.

{one} What is your go to spice/seasoning when cooking?
Mine is freshly pressed garlic.  Real garlic makes everything taste better!

{two} What room in your house best represents your personality? (brownie points for a pic)
My craft room.  It also serves as our extra bedroom, but it's me.  It has a white comforter, and white curtains with pink flowers and scallopped edges.  The walls are done with things that are important to me such as a puzzle my mom did that has been glued together and framed, pictures of the kids, and handmade ceramic items made by my kids and me.  I also have some special scrapbooking cards on the walls.  And of course, my craft table and scrapbooking supplies.  It is definitely ME!

{three} On a scale of 1-5, 5 being VERY, how organized are you?
I would say 4.  Sometimes you can't tell because things do get messy occasionally, but I blame my family for that!  I function better when things are organized.

And two from YOU!!
Amanda wants to know:
{four}What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Probably that I shouldn't offer my advice unless I am specifically asked for it.

Scriptor wants to know:
{five} Do you keep any little (harmless) secrets from your significant other?
Nah.  It's not worth it.  I am all about honesty and openness.  I wouldn't want him to keep things from me, either.  The only thing I might tell him is just when I am venting and he won't listen.  Then, I might talk to a family member.  I can't keep things inside, but he always has the opportunity to hear it!

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