Discussion....

My last post raised an interesting point I think we should discuss.  I want to say that discussion in the blog is always encouraged.  I love to hear different points of view...maybe I will agree, maybe I won't.  I will always respect your views and you opinions and ask that you respect mine.  OK My good friend/cousin Holli left this comment on Monday's post....

Oh, definitely needed to hear this one. I'll admit to being one really screwy, really rebellious teen. I won't ever forget that part of my past because of the beauty that grew out of those cracks in my enamel. I'm STILL not perfect. But, here's my question for the panel... Is it EVER okay to judge? Not in a "you're going to hell, ha ha" kinda way but in a "I don't want you to be a part of my life because you don't make healthy choices" kinda way ???? Ah, I don't know... Tough call.

By the way, Kim, is one of your "little" mistakes a reference to inspiring me drink that nail polish remover when I was prob. 3? Because I've totally forgiven you for that! :) Lol, JK. But, do you remember that? The thought made me laugh!

March 1, 2010 7:56 PM

We can talk about that last paragraph another time...Thank you for your forgiveness Holli!  I do think about that time...often, actually! 

Back on track people!  What I want to discuss is this...

"But, here's my question for the panel... Is it EVER okay to judge? Not in a "you're going to hell, ha ha" kinda way but in a "I don't want you to be a part of my life because you don't make healthy choices" kinda way ???? Ah, I don't know... Tough call." 

 I totally get what you are sayin' here.  I don't consider this to be judgment. This you making a choice to surround yourself with people that have similar standards as you.  I know someone that is pretty "perfect"...by their standards anyway.  Said person can't lower their standards to associate with people with a "past"...When I say past I need you to hear it as if were Dolly saying it in Steel Magnolias. Anyway, this is what I have a problem with.  Because I am weak I try to surround myself with the strong to help me keep on track.  People’s bad behavior can still influence us in a negative way...just as if we were young and rebellious teens again.  You shouldn't wave a cigarette in front of a new non-smoker...so also if we have an issue with something we should steer clear of those things and that includes people that do those things.  This isn't you passing judgment.  It is you being smart.

Let's face it...there are people in this world that we just don't like.  Candy, my wise mother, would say "Bless their heart" and move on.  We are not commanded to get along with everyone or agree with everyone...thank goodness.  I think the key is having an understanding heart and not being hypocritical.  I believe that is where the difference lies. 

Was this at all coherent??  What do you think???  When you comment click "email follow up comments” if you want to see what others say...

Owning it...

Do ever feel like you just need to say something...


This may not make sense. In fact, you are probably confused already. Am I right?? I just think I need this. Work with me, k.


I know that our sins are forgiven once we have repented. When we change our lives and start living with a purpose, things get better. Our lives are blessed and we get to grow in a way that the bindings of sins prevent.


I say this to say that...I don't like fake. I don't like pretend. I like real. I like honest. There was a time in my life that I wasn't honest, that I made mistakes. Little ones and big ones.


I learned from this time in my life and with the help, love, and patience of my wonderful family and friends...I started making better choices. These better choices made me happier. They helped me have a better relationship with my family and My Heavenly Father. All of this brought me to finding the love of my life.


Will has enriched my life in ways that I could have never dreamed of!


I guess my point is that I didn't arrive here without struggle. I haven't forgotten where I came from and I don't intend to. I need those experiences to keep me grounded and to remind me that we are flawed...all of us and that because of this that we don't hold the power to judge others.


I think that sometimes we want to save face. We want to forget the mistakes that we have made or pretend that we never made them. I think that this is because we fear judgment. I know that I feel this way sometimes. I think that is it better to just own it...I would rather not pretend that I am perfect. I like being the vase that was broken and carefully put back together.


I guess what I am trying to say is that you shouldn't have to worry about your past. No one is perfect. As long as you have learned from your mistakes...there is no need to hang your head about them. This is mostly for me. Maybe it will help someone else who knows??

Fill In The Blank Friday!

First thinks first...look just to your right...do you see it? The poll in my side bar? OK good. Now vote! Thank you in advance! ;-P

Now on to the good stuff!!

I am swiping this idea from Lauren...but that is OK cause she encourages it! Please visit her here to learn more about Fill in the Blank Friday!!! Also, I have been reading her blog and I LOVE it!!! She is super cute and very interesting!

Ready, Set, GO!!

1. When I'm nervous I my heart races and beads of sweat appear on my forehead....gross .

2. My favorite item in my closet is my new slouchy cowgirl boots...they remind me Texas .

3. Snuggling with Will is my favorite thing to do when I need to relax.

4. My favorite childhood memory is anytime spent with my Grandpa Franklin. We had lots of adventures. I miss that part of being little .

5. Something you may not know about me is I have space issues in a BIG BIG way. Sometimes when people get to close to me I start to panic...no idea why.

6. A true friend is ok with the hard stuff. They can handle you when you are crazy. They know that they can tell you that you are being crazy AND vise-versa .

7. Something I hope people think of when they think of me is "She is so darn funny" .

OK...I filled in my blanks! Now its your turn and don't forget to link back to Lauren here!

Have a great weekend everyone!!

I really want...

to be creative.

I want to sew, knit, paint and decorate. Not for money. For ME. For our home. What stirred this desire?? I'm SO glad you asked!

Blank Walls...

Yep. That's all it took.

Will and I went shopping (his most favorite activity) for some new home decor and some stuff to assist in organizing the mess that is our lives! I kept looking at wall art and thinking..."No way! I can totally do this my self!" Please picture me standing in Bed, Bath and Beyond with a little thought bubble over my head. Got it? Ok. Now in the bubble- Me, canvas, easel, paint over-sized button down, skinny jeans, worn flats, sloppy pony-tail and paint brushes!!! I know, right?

I am going to paint! OK...I am gonna try.

Project #1

Something on the wall above the T.V.

Colors in the living are tan, black, and red (deep...like a rose NOT like a crayon)

I'm thinking 3 rectangle canvases...we shall see.

Project #2

Guest Bathroom

Green, brown, tan

No Idea...

Project #3

Lets not get to far ahead of ourselves, kay?

Anyway, this may take a while. I have NEVER painted...sooooo, I gots lots to learn!

I will let you know how it goes. However, if this should turn out to be an epic fail I will delete this post and never will we ever speak of this again.

Night Y'all!

Monday

A yawn and a stretch
Snuggling deeper in the covers
Alarm sounds...not yet
I snooze for 10 more minutes of dreaming
...of being embraced by my love
The Sun is wiggling through the blinds and warming my face
Telling me its time
Why is this so hard
To just throw back the covers
To leap out of bed and begin the day
Oh, Right...because its Monday
Two days I have been free
Two days to hide in the blankets as long as I'd like
Two days that the clock hands seem to go double time
Must. Get. UP.
The Sun, the Alarm...they know its time
I suppose I should listen...

Have a Great Monday!!

Um. Hi.

Yeah we are alive.

I know you might have thought we were face down in a ditch some where.

Not the case at all.

We are well (sorta) and happy.

Let me give you a quick update...

I enjoyed life as a veggie only eater.

Will got home and messed up my routine but that's OK cause I missed his face.

I started neglecting my twitter, TV, blog and FB. To smooch the afore mentioned face.

I turned 27 and Will took me on a fabulous mini vaca and bought me some really sweet gifts...he basically wins at life.

During said mini vaca I decided to eat a FULL rack of the tastiest ribs ever...Um. Hi. If you haven't had meat in like a month that is a VERY VERY BAD idea. I pretty much suck at life.

I spent the b-day eve in the ER. Giant cyst ruptured...ain't no thang!

I got lots of love and prezzies on the B-Day! Thank you everyone!

There will be a B-Day funness post. Don't you worry!

Will hurt his back/neck at work.

I scheduled my eye surgery!!!! April 2nd 2010!!!! AHHHHHHH I am SO EXCITED!

We had a nice Day before V-Day celebration...more one this later.

We have been very productive in the apartment...cleaning, organizing and buying some new decor. Fun for me. Will, yeah, not so much.

I am training for the Breast Cancer 3 Day in Boston!

OK. Take a breath already, Kim.

That is all...for now.

Veggie Tales!

Well, as some of you know I am testing the waters of a vegetarian lifestyle. Feelings thus far:

Yummy

Happy

GAG

Excited

Gross

Mostly, I'm loving this. I have had so really great food and I have had things that will NEVER set foot in this apartment again.

What have I been loving:

Fresh EVERYTHING (Berries Mostly)

Greek Yogurt

HONEY

Strawberries on my Salads

Edamame Hummus

Carrot juice

Naan bread

Mushrooms...I knew this but I have a new appreciation for them now

Leeks...more than just an onion

Butternut Squash

Not so much:

Soy Milk...No thank you. I can only drink whole milk. End of discussion.

fresh Tomatoes...I am getting better with them if they are cooked but raw tomatoes make me wanna throw up in my mouth a little bit.

Tofu on its own...like cooking it in a skillet as if it were chicken. I can do it in something like stir fry or soup.

Eggplant. Not sure what to say. I didn't hate it...But I didn't love it.

hmmm...that's it.

Living this way has caused me to branch out and try SO many new things. Using veggies as the focal point instead of typical meats is challenging. Making it satisfying and enjoyable is REALLY challenging. I think for the most part I have been doing pretty darn good. Here is a little breakdown:

Breakfasts:

Greek yogurt w/ Grape Nuts, Honey & Banana

Fresh Berries & banana

Toast w/Nutella

Oatmeal

Cereal & a banana(I get crazy bad leg cramps...like crazy cause my foot will actually draw inward...gross I know. So I have to get lots of potassium everyday)

I always have a Boost right when I first get up. Its a good source of protein and helps me get going!

Snacks:

Kashi Bar

Berries w/ Greek yogurt

Greek yogurt & Honey

Veggies & Ranch

Edamame Hummus & Pita chips

Naan bread w/melted mozzarella

Lunchs:

Veggie Sandwiches

Salads...loaded with lots of goodies

Frozen dinners

Leftovers from previous dinners

Dinners:

Portobello & Leek Soup...SO GOOD!

Portobello Burgers...Tasty

Eggplant Parm...Good

Butternut Stew...Yummy

Stir fry w/ Tofu...Great way to use tofu as a protein

Cheese Ravioli....Who doesn't love ravioli

Spinach Ravioli in a Butternut sauce...YUM

With most of my dinners I had a salad or a veggie side and some fruit for dessert. I usually had some type of bread to.

So that's what I have been eating for a little over a week now. I did cave and have some sweet. Only to save my sanity, of course, and I didn't go over board or anything. I didn't exercise like I wanted to either...whats new about that. But all and all I think I did OK. My main goal was to not eat meat and I haven't! The End.

PS. I want a BIG JUICY STEAK!!! Maybe for my birthday...which is in 10 days!

Going Veggie!

As most of you know, Will is away, and that means I must have something to obsess over to keep me occupied. The last time he was away I had lots to do to prepare for our Disney Vaca. This time I am working on compiling new recipes and changing the way we eat and live. This will be easier to do while Will is gone...I can get into a routine, experiment with new recipes and he will fall right in to what I have been doing. Will is easy to cook for...feed him when he is hungry and not a minute later and he is happy. Content not important. There are some things that he loves- the occasional steak, sushi, stuffed bell peppers, pizza, chili and a few others. As long as I throw these things out there I am pretty much free to cook how and what I want and he will happily eat. it. up. Anyway, for the next several days I am going to channel my energy and culinary talents into being something of a vegetarian. Pork and beef, while I love them, sometimes they upset my tummy. I have also done some research on eating for your blood type and As should be vegetarians. My plan is to eat NO MEAT for the next several days. I will still eat eggs and fish. I am also trying to cut out the sweets...this will probably kill me...miss me when I am gone. So, I am open to recipe suggestions. I started today by sleeping in (I have the day off work) and then making a tasty brunch. I found this idea on Lauren's blog. She is also cutting out the sugar and eating veggie also. My version is a bit different...only slightly. OK. Here is Brunch!

1. Naan bread topped with slices of fresh mozzarella

2. Add thinly sliced roma tomatoes...yes I said tomatoes. I know this is as shocking as a Republican Senator in Massachusetts but its true!

3. Lightly drizzle with olive oil and season to taste

4. Toast till cheese is bubbly

5. While the naan bread is getting toasty, the cheese is getting melty, tomatoes roasty...scramble up some eggs

6. Slice an avocado

7. Plate your tasty, roasty, melty, naan bread

8. Top it all off with the sliced avocado

Ta-da!!

I LOVED this!! Even the tomatoes! I will definitely be making this again. Thanks Lauren.

Sometimes I think I'm Weird

...because I can not eat fruit loops. If you love Fruit Loops STOP READING RIGHT NOW! If you have a weak tummy STOP READING RIGHT NOW! If you already think I'm crazy...proceed...this will validate what you already know to be true. Moving on. The smell makes me GAG. For real. For the longest I couldn't figure out why the smell repulsed me so. I mean...Its Fruit Loops. How can they smell bad??? Anyway, Will and I were in Target (only one of my FAVORITE places ever in the history of the world) when it occurred to me that I needed to potty. Occurred to me as in "I didn't need to pee and now I am 'bout to wet myself"...I lack the early warning system that most of you lucky people take for granted. ANYWAY, I head to the potty and upon opening the door I remember the ONE thing that I dislike about Target....the bathrooms are ALWAYS GROSS!! AnYWaY, I gotta go and there is nothing I can do about so proceed to enter and take care of biznass. You are concerned that I may never get to the point...What does this have to do with Fruit Loops. I'm gettin' there. OK. You know how most public restrooms have those overwhelming air fresheners?? So you walk in and smell bodily fluids + Hawaiian Breeze which = Urine Breeze with a touch of Coconut. Well, to me, the overwhelming air freshener of choice at Target smells EXACTLY like Fruit Loops. So when I smell Fruit Loops I really smell Urine doused Fruit Loops. The End.

PS. Please still be my friend.

Peeing on a Stick...

You can stop right there if you want. I won't blame you. Really. Oh? You are brave. Going to stick around to see how this turns out, eh??

Will and I want a baby. This is not a secret but also not something we talk about to much. Well..."We" like "He and I" talk about it all the time. Just not too much with other people. Anyway, I am impatient and that is no way to be when baby making is involved. When we first started "trying" (I say like "this" because if you are doing the deed then, technically, you are trying) I got a bit crazy. You see, even though I knew that it wasn't going to be easy for us to get pregnant, I secretly hoped that a few months would do it. I have some conditions that I fear will make this a long hard road. This will be our trial. Our life together thus far has been so easy. We have the ideal story...

Boy meets Girl.

Boy and Girl date, then Boy proposes and Girl says YES!

Boy and Girl get married!

Boy and Girl get along very well and are able to peacefully

(for the most part) merge their 2 lives together.

Now Boy and Girl want some little boys and girls....

Insert Road Block Here.

Ok. I know what some of you are thinking. "Is she being serious? It took us years to have kids." or "Wow. They haven't even been married that long." maybe even "Get a life, sweetheart."

I won't be addressing any of those thoughts. One of the reasons that write this blog is to put my feelings out there. To share what I am feeling right now. Right now I am a bit frustrated. I am starting to feel kinda pathetically loserish too. You know why??

Who pees on a stick if they are 5 minutes late? Me

Who will again pee on a stick the very next day? oh that would still be Me

Who can pretty much convince themselves that they have ALL the early signs of pregnancy? Me, myself and I

Who stays up till all hours of the night googling, "I am 6 days late and HPT is negative. Could I still be pregnant?"? (head hung down in shame) Me...wow that one was hard to admit.

See. Now you are thinking that I am pretty lame too. I know that good things come to those who wait. I know that the Lord has a plan for each of us. I know that I need to learn to have more faith and patience. I know, oh I know. I am working on it. Will keeps me grounded. It is a full time job for him. Poor guy. Anyway, I'm not depressed or anything. I just kinda, sorta thought I was and I am not. I do wanna say that I love our life together. I love that it is just us and that we get to do so many things together. I love that there are no bed times, no schedules, and a life full of spontaneity. We just know that we are ready to share our love with a little one... Ok. Thanks for listening.

Love, Hugs & Kisses,

Kimberly

You've got Mail!

I haven't done this in a while. I sorta forgot that I love doing these. I think letters in my head all the time...sometimes I tweet/facebook them, if it is appropriate. If you would like to read previous letter-posts please click here and here.....oh and here.

Dear Dishes,

Do yourselves. Seriously. I know that Will usually takes care of you and I love him for it…but he isn’t here and I just don’t wanna. If you could put yourselves away too, I would love you forever.
Love,

Mrs. Lazy

Dear Laundry,

Why don’t you just go on and join Dishes.

Yours Truly,
Mrs. Slacker

Dear Oreo,

This is getting ridiculous. We can’t keep seeing each other. Our time together was magical. I know we have been together for awhile so this is going to be a hard break-up. I have decided to ease my pain by seeing your brother…please don’t be angry. Reduced Fat is just better for me right now. He isn’t as good as you and I will always be thinking of you when we are together. You will always have a place in my heart and someday you and I may be able to get together with Whole Milk again. Please try to understand that this is what I need right now.

Please still love me,
Mrs. Trying to be healthy

Dear Lady that passed gas walking by me in CVS,

Look. You are at a pharmacy. I get that you might not feel well. What I don't get ...Is why you walked pass me. The place was empty. You had plenty of other options. Next time...find an empty isle to crop dust. Please and thank you.

The Chick that nearly passed out because of the smell of your flatulence

Dear Yellow Purse that I bought at Kohls,

I love you. I love that you were 70% off...so basically, FREE!

Love,

Very Happy Shopper

Dear People that have been reading and commenting on this blog,

You make me feel awesome. Like I am kinda cool or something. Thank you for that. Also, thank you for clicking the FOLLOW button. This too makes me feel validated. They love me. They really love me...all 10 of them!!

Love,

Your Internet BFF

That is all for now. Don't you worry your pretty little head...there will be more.

Thankful.

Wow. I am the luckiest lady. I just wanted to say how thankful I am for all of my beautiful friends and family.

The Ones I Don't See Anymore (not by choice, Obviously!)

The New Ones That I Have Made

The Bloggy/Twitter Ones(Some of you fall in to the afore mentioned categories)

You are all so supportive. I appreciate all of your comments/texts/phone calls/tweets/facebook messages...wow that was a mouthful. Seriously, though it feels good to know that so many of you care. Will appreciates it too. He even left you all a little message...

Will said...

I know you’re courageous Kim, its you’re courage that gives me strength to leave when I don’t want to. I can’t imagine being able to even step out the door if you weren’t so strong and loving. I'm thankful for the Lord providing you with such wonderful friends that can help you through this. @ Kim’s friends, Thank you so much for supporting her while I’m away, It makes it easier for me to do my job when I know that Kim is cared when I’m not there. God Bless!

January 10, 2010 4:44 PM

See...he loves y'all too!

Also, I noticed that I have a few new followers. I started this blog when we got married and moved so that our families could see what we were doing and to give updates. I never thought this blog would be so personal. It is like a journal. I also didn't intend on reading so many other blogs...I have sorta become obsessed. I follow tons of blogs now and have met some really fabulous people. Go on over to my side bar and check who I have been reading. Here are a few of my favey faves:

Heather- She is one BFFs from high school and she is hilarious...she has the best kid stories EVER and she totally tells it like it is!

Amy- is the sister-in-law to a high school BFF! She probably has no idea who I am but I totally stalk her blog. It is all about desserts!!

http://turleybenson.blogspot.com/- She is one of my new BFFs. If this were an ceremony...she would win...drum roll please...Best All Around! She is funny but she is very real.

Lynn- I have recently started following her blog. She is beautiful and so talented! If we can get back to Texas I will be begging her to take my picture for sure. I you are in the Dallas area you should check her out!

Alexandria- She is funny, fabulous, friendly and basically wins at life. I am not even kidding. Her courage and honesty make me LOVE her. She as so has a craft blog. You will die. Seriously.

http://trainstutusandtwizzlers.wordpress.com/- she is a new BFF that I made through BFF Ashlee. Her words move...sometimes to tears. She is also wildly funny!

There are tons more but some of them are private and my not want a ton of attention drawn to their blog.

This might make me a weirdo...but blogging and reading others is very therapeutic. I enjoy all of your funny stories, pictures of where you go, pictures and funny stories about your kiddos, and I can relate to you when you struggle. I love that if I write about something that bothers me I have all of these people that validate my feelings...even when I am being crazy! Validation...isn't that all we women want anyway?? There is no judgement in the blog world. Please don't take this to mean that I love my real life friends less, this all directed at you guys too. I love all of you! Anyway, that is all. I just wanted to thank y'all for being so flippin cool.