Our Laughs...

In Four

2009-05-20T19:09:00.008-06:00

A couple weekends ago we actually had a clear calendar and took full advantage of it. After finishing some chores at home we went to the park. It was such a beautiful day.

Best of all...I grabbed my camera and left my phone in the car! We spent over 4 hours at the park exploring, finding a baby bird nest (more on that later), swinging, playing catch and just hanging out.

When I downloaded the pictures later I was cracking up.

Here are four photos that pretty much sum up my kids' relationship. For the most part they get along fantastically but at times I just want to strangle them!

Here's Kaleb at the top seeing Bella struggling a bit and offering to help her up. But wait...

It's only so he can torture her!! Check out his face...so funny! I can't tell you how many times I've had to say "that's just what big brothers do" or "it's in the little sister hand book".

But here he is once again helping her out. They're a great team. When they put their mind to something they work great together getting it done.
And at the end of the day they're best buds and share a ton of laughs...shhhh don't tell them I told you!

You Know How That Happens, Right?

2009-04-16T21:01:00.003-06:00

My second best surprise was my baby girl Bella.

Once again I was surprised to learn that I was pregnant. I tell ya-God certainly knows what He wants!

The fact that I was pregnant wasn't so much the biggest or best part of it. Although that time around I was in a lot better place.

The best part came when I found out she was a girl.

You see, I didn't think I wanted a daughter for various reasons. But now I see that the biggest reasons for not wanting one are the best reasons to have one.

Bella is my sweet sweet girl.

She is loving and giving.

She is compassionate and has more creativity in her little pinky than I do throughout my whole body.

She is the free spirit I always wanted to be.

Her laugh is one that will make anyone smile.

Her eyes sparkle when she smiles and I swear you can see her heart spill out with every tear she sheds.

She is stubborn-but that serves its purpose when needed.

Her imagination amazes me every day.

She loves Jesus and it shines through her.

Her fingers are magic on my bare back. They make me forget all the day's troubles.

All her stuffed animals are named and have their own stories. Don't dare tell her they aren't real!

She has a personality that draws you in...it's mesmerizing.

She's the kindest soul I have ever known.

She makes me want to be a better example of what a mom should be.

One of my favorites...

Bella, Joey and Fred

This one cracks me up!She loves to read...Jared and Bella being sillyAt The Cottage
With Harry Potter in Michigan
Bella and BlakeIn Florida...another fav
Lucy and BellaMy beautiful Bella

Life...Really

2009-04-16T14:40:00.004-06:00

Sometimes I wonder what I'm doing here and sometimes I know exactly what I'm supposed to be doing, where I'm supposed to be going, what I'm supposed to be wearing and how long it's going to take to get there. Anyone else feel like that?
Most of the time, though, I'm just here for the bumpy ride.
My patience has been tried lately. My tolerance has been tried. My acceptance of grace has been tried. My heart, my soul, my body and my mind have all been tried.
Mostly I get frustrated with where I am, where I'm not and if I have the drive to get to where I need to be. Then I read something like this that my sister sent me:
'To get something you never had, you have to do something you never did.' When God takes something from your grasp, He's not punishing you, but merely opening your hands to receive something better.
And this:
'The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you.'
All of a sudden I have the will, drive, ambition and incredible love I need to do something I never did.
I tell you what...my hands, heart and mind are wide open to receive something better.
So whenever your ready God...but can you make it soon please 'cause I haven't quite mastered the patience thing?

Surprise!!

2009-02-08T15:30:00.030-07:00

Just about everyone who knows me knows that I love surprises. I create little ways to surprise myself each day.

I don't know when exactly I became aware of this fact.

I know that I didn't, unlike my sister, sneak into wrapped gifts. I know that when people told me they had a surprise for me I wouldn't beg to know what it was.

The best I can pinpoint it is to 1998. That's the year I got one of my best surprises~my sweet boy Kaleb. Kaleb Dylan. He is the answer to so many of my prayers.
When I found out I was pregnant I with him I was certainly not in an ideal situation.

I wasn't married. I didn't have a career. I had no goals and I certainly didn't know how to be a mom.

Over the years I have accomplished most of those things. I'm still working on what I want to be when I grow up but at least now I have a career in mind :)

Kaleb is a special boy.
He is amazingly smart-sometimes too smart for his own good!

He is becoming a master at sarcasm.

He has the sweetest heart.

He is an awesome cook.

He still holds my hand when we walk places and isn't embarrassed about it.

He adores his grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.

He loves animals almost as much as I do.

At ten years old he still thinks I'm pretty cool.
He has always been incredibly observant.

He is kind and courteous.

I love when he sneaks into my bed at night and searches for my hand first thing. Then he doesn't let go all night no matter how much we shift.

He has a gift on the football field.

He makes me laugh constantly-It's saved his little behind numerous times!

He is learning to be a gentleman.

He loves hanging out with his friends.

His hands are magic on my neck after a stressful day.

He's more than I would have ever dreamt I deserve.

A few of my favorite Kaleb moments over the last few years...

Kaleb and Bella at the Boise Zoo

First year of Babe Ruth baseball

First year of flag football

One of my all time favorite photos of Kaleb

Elvis Halloween 2007...

He's a huge Elvis fan!

Florida November 2007

Kaleb and Lucy

Strikin' a pose!

Oregon Coast March 2008

Kaleb and cousin Blake in Alaska July 2008

Kaleb and Christian

Heroin Anyone?

2009-01-25T17:20:00.002-07:00

WARNING:

The following post is very long. It's from the black corners of my heart. It's not pretty. It's not funny. So please...when you're done reading go do something that makes you laugh. That's what I did after I wrote it :)

I never understood addiction. I never knew why people couldn't just stop doing what they know is harmful to them. You know it's not good for you so stop, right?

Wrong.

So wrong.

I am an addict. I didn't know it until this last week but I have been for probably at least 15 years...could be more. It started out innocent, a little bit here and there. What's it gonna hurt?

Like some addicts I gave it up now and then depending on my life's current path. But one way or another it would always find it's way back in.

At one point in my life it had completely consumed me. I was at risk of losing everything.

I knew that I had to beat it for good so I did-I thought.

Have you ever read the book 'Beautiful Boy'? It's about a man's struggle with his son's meth addiction. At one point the boy is clean for 3+ years and starts using again. I was flabbergasted! How could he throw out all his hard work?! He knew it could kill him. How could he be so weak to use again?!

I've been "clean" for quite a while now. Over the years I had so many emotions about my "drug".

At first it was Denial- "It's not as bad as what other people do." Then Anger-"I hate it! Why did it have to destroy me?!" Next was Shame-"How did I let that happen to me?" Guilt-"I'll do whatever it takes to fix the messes I made." Righteousness-"I'm past that. It will never affect me again." And finally where I am now...Longing-I think about it in one way or another everyday. I have started dreaming about it. I use the memories to comfort me.

Instead of fixing the problem I fixed the symptoms. I had forced every thought, emotion, memory and feeling so far out of my consciousness that I thought I had it beat. I removed every physical thing that reminded me of it. I'm still pissed about some really good cd's I threw out! And in one day it came screaming back into my life so hard and fast that I had no idea how to handle myself. I did the only thing I could think of...

I prayed.

I am still praying.

I am trying to figure out why all my raw, ugly thoughts and emotions have been thrown back in my face.

Through prayer I think I have found part of the reason. I'm working on the rest of it but for today this is what I've got...

Understanding addiction. I have never ever had compassion for addicts. I thought they were stupid, reckless and selfish.

'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.' Yikes...I think I might be going through a lesson here.

I thank God that my addiction is not chemical or physical...so for those of you planning my intervention PUT THE PHONE DOWN!

What a massive struggle it is just to have an emotional addiction.

For those of you struggling with your own; whether it be chemical, physical, emotional or otherwise please keep fighting. It will be worth it!

And for those who have beat it Congratulations!! But remember the fight will never end. When you are the most comfortable it will rear it's ugly head-be ready.

I will be praying for all of you. Can you please do the same for me? I'm still fighting this episode and could use the help.

Thanks,

rikki

I Can't Believe I'm Saying This...

2009-01-22T21:58:00.002-07:00

...but I think I'm homesick.

I left Pendleton almost 5 years ago and haven't looked back.

I left behind judgement, questions, familiarity, family, criticism and friends.

After a bit of settling in Idaho I found....Me.

When you grow up in a small town unintentional labels are put on you. Some deserved and fitting. Some not.

I was always the sister of so-and-so, the friend of so-and-so, the girl who did such-and-such and didn't do this-and-that. I never had a chance to show who or what I really was. This isn't so much the fault of a small town. I accept my role in the labeling. But when people make assumptions it's hard to break that barrier. Even as recently as a month ago I was spoken about as the girl I used to be. The girl I really really wanted to be forgotten.

I'm not sure why I'm home sick now. Maybe because I am finally happy with me. Maybe because my nephew and nieces are growing faster than I can keep up with. Maybe because a few special people have chosen to forget that other girl. Maybe because I think somebody there may need me for once.

Whatever the reason, it's here. I'm officially homesick and I can't wait to make a visit next month!

Here are a few possible reasons for my new illness:

Bella, Kaleb and Gaga at the Green Bridge

My nephew Blake and Kaleb

Acres and acres of hills to explore

At my brother's place with the beautiful Blue Mountains in the back

My brother Daryl and sister in law Nicole

View from Cabbage Hill

Bella and I taking a break

Bella, Kaleb and Bapa

Bella, my niece Tanna and Kaleb

The Blues

Kaleb and his Uncle Daryl having guy time

My niece Charlie Mae and sister Donna

Small Tokens and Big Blessings

2009-01-21T12:39:00.003-07:00

I think every once in a while we all should take a moment to list what we are thankful for from the huge obvious blessings to the token items that sometimes go without mention.
I started this list as a small journal entry and found the more I thought about it the more and more I have to be thankful for.
So here is what I'm thankful for...in no particular order :)

Having a job
My physical health (mental is still questionable at times:)
The ability to pay my bills
A body with curves
Amazing, lovable and loving kids
Wine
An electric blanket-hey, it gets cold in Idaho!
Faithful friends
A soul that works every day to be pure
Wine
A brain that still wants to learn
A heart that still wants to love
A body that still wants to grow
Wine
The trials in my life that have let me appreciate every second
The chance to understand the "other side of the fence"
Wine
An appreciation of my country
People who believe in me when no one else does
Music, rhythm and dance
The time when I was crazy so I can savor being sane
Wine
New friends who feel like old
Old friends who feel like new
Wine
Dismissed cases
Hugs
Boys and Girls Club
Friends who never gave up on me even when they had every reason to
A year of hell to plan for a lifetime of cohesiveness
Wine
Dave Ramsey
A fair mind
Ham and grits, pizza and diet coke
Friends who don't believe in "prior claims"
Wine
When my friends faces light up when they see me
Pencils and erasers
Wine
Football
Fat Babies
Digital cameras

"Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving." W.T. Purkiser

"However many blessings we expect from God, His infinite liberality will always exceed all our wishes and our thoughts." John Calvin

"The grass is not, in fact, always greener on the other side of the fence. Fences have nothing to do with it. The grass is greenest where it is watered. When crossing over fences, carry water with you and tend the grass wherever you may be." Robert Fulghum

Recreating A Masterpiece

2009-01-03T22:51:00.006-07:00

I stumbled on these photos tonight as I was cussing at my computer because for the umpeenth time it WON'T RECOGNIZE MY FRICKIN' CAMERA so I haven't been able to download photos from Christmas.

So to stop me from ripping out and stomping on the guts of my computer I've decided to lighten my mood by posting and remembering the waaay funny trip to Sun Valley Donna, Daryl and I had.

Wait a minute...here I go again. This is where I would typically insert a link to something I've previously posted about but since I acci-frickin-dentally deleted my old blog I won't be able to do that. No worries. Composing myself now.

So to catch you up the three of us (siblings) escaped to Sun Valley without any kids or spouses. Never before have we done this. We are all ones who use humor any way we can in any situation possible, appropriate or not, to express ourselves. So the entire weekend was spent "outlaughing" eachother.

Thank God my kids seem to have picked up on this gene. It definitely makes our days much more enjoyable.

So with out futher delay...

The Recreation-ish:

The Masterpiece :)

Donna after seeing the photo...

New Year, New Me?

2009-01-02T19:21:00.017-07:00

Ummm...I hope so!
This last year has been so chaotic I pray to God that 2009 is different and hopefully better!
I really wish I had something deep and meaningful to write here...but I don't.
This is what I've got:
The people you need in life are the ones who need you in theirs.
Does it get more simple than that?
I need people who love me for me.
Who may not understand my quirkiness but smile with me anyway.
Who love to banter in my native language~sarcasm.
Who I may not hear from everyday or week but are at my doorstep when I need them to be.
Who know to be at my doorstep when I try not to need them.
Who know that sharing with me their imperfections makes me love them even more.
Who laugh more than they complain.
Who search for beauty in things most consider ugly.
Who bring me back down to earth when I've lost control.
Who hold me tight when I get knocked around but let me loose when I need to dance.
Who look at situations through another's eyes before passing judgement.
Who know that everyday is filled with choices and that if it's a crappy day...well, it was your choice after all.
Some of the people in my life are many of these things wrapped up into one beautiful person. But some are equally beautiful containing just one of these traits.
I had so much fun "ringing in" the New Year with Charee. I can't believe what started out as mocking a girl in crazy jeans with crazier hair close to 20 years ago has turned into such a deep trust and respect. We have been through a whole lotta crap together and (I'm pretty sure she'll agree) hope that '09 is better to us.
Happy New Year to you all!
rikki

Stepping Aside

2008-12-23T13:12:00.005-07:00

I was reading a blog today (Yeah, things are a little slow at work!) and was really hit by these words that I want to share.
Granted I was also hit by the fact that they were written by John Mayer...YUMMY! But apart from that I think he has said very well something I've been trying to teach my kids and practice myself.
Just this morning my daughter was complaining about something and I said something trying to make her laugh. She was trying so hard not to smile. I told her to just let it out. If you feel like smiling SMILE! If you feel like laughing LAUGH! Which she did start doing but it quickly became crying because she has a cold. You know how you get that pain that's not in your throat but not in your lungs...it's right in between and you sound like a cross between an Ooompa-Loompa and a seal when you talk or cough? Yeah, she has that. So what started out as a great life lesson quickly turned into child abuse...oopsie.
Anyway, blog. John Mayer. Yummy. Great read. Hope you get as much out of it as I did.
"...What I'm about to write isn't about fame or success or celebrity or the media. That's my business.
This is about us all.
This is about a level of self consciousness so high in my generation, that it's actually toxic.
This is about the girl in her bedroom who poses in front of the camera she's awkwardly holding in her outstretched hand. She'll take a hundred photos until coming up with one she's happy with, which inevitably looks nothing like her, and after she's done pouring over images of herself, will post one on her MySpace page and then write something like 'I don't give a f*ck what you think about me.'
This is about the person trying out for American Idol, who while going off about how confident they are that they were born ready to sing in front of the world, are trembling so badly they can hardly breathe.
This is about me, the guy who walks through a throng of photographers into a restaurant like he's Paul Newman, but who leaves a "reject" pile of clothes in his closet so high that his cleaning lady can't figure out how one man can step into so many pairs of pants in a week.
This is about a young guy who maintains a celebrity blog that subsists on tearing other people down but who has wrestled with a lifelong battle for acceptance as a gay man.
This is about us all. Every one of us. Who all seem to know deep down that it's incredibly hard to be alive and interact with the world around us but will try and cover it up at any cost. For as bad ass and unaffected as we try to come off, we're all just one sentence away from being brought to the edge of tears, if only it was worded right. And I don't want to act immune to that anymore. I took the biggest detour from myself over the past year, since I decided that I wasn't going to care about what people thought about me. I got to the point where I had so much padding on that, sure, I couldn't feel the negativity, but that's because I couldn't feel much of anything. And I think I'm done with that.
I'm not the first person to admit we're all self conscious, Kanye was. But what I want to do is to shed a little light on why we're all in the same boat, no matter the shape of the life we lead: because every one of us were told since birth that we were special. We were spoken to by name through a television. We were promised we could be anything that we wanted to be, if only we believed it and then, faster than we saw coming, we were set loose into the world to shake hands with the millions of other people who were told the exact same thing.
And really? Really? It turns out we're just not all that special, when you break it down. Beautifully unspectacular, actually. And that truth is going to catch up with us whether we want to run from it or not...It's just a matter of how old you are once you embrace that fact. And for me, 30 sounds about right.
What now, then? I can only really say for myself: Enjoy who I am, the talents and the liabilities. Stop acting careless. In fact, care more. Be vulnerable but stay away from where it hurts. Read. See more shows. Of any kind. Rock shows, art shows, boat shows. Create more art. Wear hoodies to dinner. Carry a notebook and hand it to people when they passionately recommend something and ask them to write it down for me.
Root for others.
Give more and expect the same in return, but over time.
Act nervous when I'm nervous, puzzled when I don't know what the hell to do, and smile when it all goes my way. And never in any other order than that."

The Smith Family Goes to Michigan

2008-12-18T14:29:00.035-07:00

I've written before about our family vacations (still trying to recover that deleted blog!) that we have been blessed to receive from my Grandparents but I thought I'd talk about one of my favorites.

My family is from Michigan so, being on the West Coast since I was not even a year old, we didn't get back to see them very often .

The last time I was in Michigan I was in high school...many, many years ago! So this trip in July of 2007 was so meaningful for me.

Most of our time was spent at the awesome Double JJ Resort but we did visit other parts of the area.

I don't share a lot of the memories with my cousins about Gamy and Gampy growing up but I distinctly remember The Cottage. What I remember most is the lilies and lily pads, the beautiful lake and the quaintness of The Cottage.

While The Cottage was not the main part of the trip it was definitely the highlight for me. I've told my kids about it not knowing when or if they would be able to enjoy it. I was so excited that they were able to be there not only with me but with the rest of my family as well.

(click on photos to enlarge...)

Bella and Charlie chilling out waiting for the plane...or not.

We got "bumped" and ended up driving from Chicago to Michigan.

Kaleb, Donna and Charlie hanging out at the pool at the Double JJ.

Bella got to celebrate her 7th birthday with the whole

Smith family...at a ranch...a dream come true for her!

Three of the cutest kids Michigan has ever seen!

My favorite boy bring me flowers :)

Bella, Alexa and Kaleb saddled up waiting for ice cream.

Right where we belong...

Alexa, Bella, Tanna and Charlie

The Cottage

Bella catching turtles, Kaleb catching...lily pads :)

Charlie Mae and Daryl on the dock at The Cottage along with my favorite part...the lilies and pads.

Strike Three

2008-11-29T17:33:00.012-07:00

Oh...we look so innocent (she says with an evil laugh)Since I've already hit my high school peers and my coworkers it's only fair that I post about those that have stuck with me through thick and thin, right?

Don't worry ladies (you know who you are!)...I'm not posting those pictures! :)

The date: October 5th, 2007. The location: My home. The occasion: My 31st birthday. The occurences: Well, depends on who you talk to.

There were two groups of people at my party that night-those who left "in time" and those who didn't. The first group remembers the party as a fun night sharing drinks and laughs with friends and loved ones. The second group doesn't talk about the rest of the party...I'm going to tell the story from the first group point of view. It was my party I can choose to remember it how I want, right?

Actually the party was a blast. It was a fantastic combination of all my favorite people. My closest friends, my sister's family, Margaret and Bruce. I was drunk on love and happiness...I said it's my story I can tell it how I want! If I want to rename Russian vodka and triple spiked drinks (thanks Donna!) love and happiness I can.

Now back to the story....drunk on love and happiness. I have the best friends in the world. They have proven that to me over and over again. They always come through for me when I need it most. And sometimes when I don't even realize I need it.

Wait a minute...I just remembered that I told you in the last post that I don't drink often. I don't! I swear! But I forgot to tell you that when I do I really really do. And remember that whole part about three drinks and dancing? Well that night was no exception...

No one was in any condition for driving so we busted out the ipod and old cd's and moved the furniture. What happened next was a cluster of the dancers (full of love and happiness) persuading the non dancers to shake their thang. Most everyone danc...er moved in one fashion or another. Then...came...the...microphone. Never ever ever bring a microphone to an already loving and happy party. I've seen the video...it ain't pretty.

Well, it took a few days for some to make eye contact but in the end when I look at these pictures...wow! We sure know how to have fun!

Heather and Katy riding Peg

Dana, Donna and I "before"
Charee and I "during"...
This is where it starts to take a turn...damn Russians! Yep...we're that funny!

One cannot even begin to explain this...

Since We're Here...

2008-11-25T21:02:00.026-07:00

Looks like fun doesn't it? IT WAS!
So I figured since I publicly humiliated some of my high school peers that I would now move on to my work friends :) But I think that since I include very unflattering pictures of myself it kind of balances out, right? Well...maybe not but here goes anyway!
I work for the Nampa School District in the Administration offices. Now think with me for a minute...do you remember the administrators from when you were in school? Yeah, I know! Certainly they didn't ever have any fun...they were...OLD!
After working there for a while I have to completely rethink what I thought principals and teachers were like outside of school. All they did was think of ways to torture us, right?

The April night in question was an absolute alignment of stars, moons, planets, wheat fields, boots, beer and martinis. It had to have been 'cause it was a blast that can never be recreated.
I had gone back to work for the District permanently in January after mostly staying home with my kids for about 9 years. I had done some subbing in the classroom (big mistake!) and worked in HR here and there for about 3 years but now I am official. Now I get invited to..."Happy Hour".
So the "alignment" comes in because I was going through a really really crappy time in my life. I was a girl that needed a drink and a dance partner. They had no idea what they were doing when they extended the invitation and then offered me a third drink.
To clarify~I rarely drink. I got that all out of my system when I was...ohhh...a sophomore in high school. Doesn't do much for me these days. Anyway, knowing myself as I do I knew that if I had a third drink I would have to dance and they would have to go with me. ANOTHER MARTINI PLEASE!
We had a couple more drinks and decided to walk down the Boulevard to Cowgirls. Gwen and I were sure it was just a block or two. No problem! Ummm more like a mile or two...RIDE PLEASE!
We eventually make it to Cowgirls. Heather and I get tangled up and fall on our faces right out of the shoot...Ma'am I swear I am NOT DRUNK just very clumsy. Now can I have another drink please? Sucker...
We made a friend right away. She came over and asked if she could dance with us because she just got new boots.
Now before I go further with the "boots" story let me clarify...I like boys. A lot. I have always liked boys. A lot. I always will like boys. A lot. I can just hear it now..."Ohhh, rikki likes girls. That explains a lot...". Well, you're going to have to find other ways to explain this lot...I LIKE BOYS. A LOT.
Anyway, my sister had recently told me that if I get ever a chance I need to feel fake boobs. Do you see where this is going??
So when she said she had new boots I thought she said new boobs. At the same time I was reaching out I was asking "oh, can I feel them?", she said while reaching out "only if I get to feel yours". I replied "well, you can feel them but they're not new" to which she said "neither are mine. I said boots!" Mass hysteria as I'm sure you can imagine. Luckily she had a good sense of humor...
The night continued...Gwen showing her fine dancing skills (we still love you Gwen!), dancing on the bar, creepy girl that liked me (I told you I like BOYS!), table toppled over, unexpected Jitterbug flip (that's a fun one when your...well, you know), and free drinks baby!
So to wrap up...thanks girls! I can't tell you enough how much I loved that night and the stories that go with it. Unfortunately some of you will never be allowed out again (he said I looked like a librarian-I had to show him what I was made of :) but now we have an accurate-ish account of the nights activities to reflect on.
Wishing you all a wonderful day with friends and family tomorrow as we all remember what we are thankful for.
Safe travels and Happy Thanksgiving!
Until next time...
rikki

Was it something I said...?

Gwen and Jennifer

Heather and Gwen

Only in Idaho...Beer in a martini glass with a straw.

The "Walk"

Jitterbug Flip Dude

The "Boots" Girl and her date

Um...yeah...I have no idea!

Again...no idea but it sure was funny!

Goin' Way Back...

2008-11-24T22:48:00.014-07:00

So, are you familiar with Facebook and MySpace? I wasn't either until about 6 months ago or so.
I had heard all the horrible things about it and wanted no part of it. One of the most horrifying things I "knew" about it before I joined was about the girls who recorded the beating of another girl and posted it on their MySpace pages. They somehow lured her into a house, locked her in and beat her while others, including two boys, recorded it. If I remember right it was about a boy-big suprise!
How vicious! When I was in high school girls were mean, unrelenting, vindictive and just plain ridiculous but I don't remember them being that vicious. Believe me I would know. I was one of the mean, vindictive and ridiculous girls but we weren't vicious. So from what I knew MySpace was BAD.
And then my sister lured me into her Space and my cousins into theirs. Before MySpace I would talk to my cousins about once a year during our family trips. Now I can "talk" to them every day. I can see how their day has been, what their weekend plans are and their latest pictures.
I have also been able to reconnect with friends I didn't think I'd ever see again or didn't know I wanted to see again.
So a few of my girlfriends that I tried to lure into my Space would have nothing to do with it and then BAM all three of them hit me up to join Facebook within days of eachother. I protested. I complained. I drug my feet. I didn't want to cheat on my MySpace friends. I looked. I found more friends. I...fell...in...love...with...Facebook. I haven't left MySpace. I'll always have a spot in my heart for MySpace. It still has it's purposes but it doesn't make me feel the way Facebook does. I don't have to dress up my page for Facebook. I don't have to fill out surveys all day. Facebook just wants my story. And it includes me in everyone else's.
At first when I was reading my friends stories on Facebook I couldn't believe who was "friends" with who. I was thinking "I know what you said about that person 15 years ago and now you want to be friends with them?!" But then the more mature (a-hem!) part of me thought "wow, this is awesome! I'm glad you can finally talk to them or they can joke with you. I'm one of them. I know I said some things about people I am not proud of and am so thankful that they now want me as their "friend".

So in honor of that...here are some photos I have posted on MySpace and Facebook. I feel like such a teenager again reading what everyone is saying about the other! And, for the record, friends, the photos of me are not very flattering either so please be gentle on your revenge!

Back to regularly scheduled posting from...oh...about January...soon!

Thanks for stopping by and hanging on through the end of this...you made it all this way so why don't you show me some love and let me know you were here :)