Who's Bed Have Your Boots Been Under?

Karaoke.  For some, the word makes them cringe.  For others, it makes them smile.  I actually admire those people that can get up there and make a fool out of themselves and not care one bit.  Even more, I admire those folks that can get up there and really belt it out -- and sound good.  For me, I love to karaoke... in the privacy of my own home.  I have spent hours in front of my video on demand screen singing song after song.  I realize this probably makes me sound like a dork, but hey, the truth is the truth!!  I've also sang while cleaning the house.  The only trouble is after one song is done, you have to choose your next song.  But, it provides a nice break during the cleaning.
Anyway, the whole point of this is to say...  The other day Travis and I went to a relative's 57th Wedding Anniversary.  Wow!!  What a feat!!!  I was amazed already, but when I arrived at this shindig -- these folks really knew how to party.  The couple being celebrated were 73 and 75 years old.  And, they both cut a rug all night long.  The lady, especially, danced to nearly every single song.  I was out of breath after just one!!  In fact, she dragged Travis out on the floor for two songs.  Travy is not much of a dancer, and you could tell he was un-com-fort-a-ble.  However, after all of the dancing festivities were through, they dragged out the ole' karaoke machine to sing a few...  I am sure you can see where this is going.  One of the ladies dragged me to front of the room to sing - you guessed it - Shania Twain's "Who's Bed Have Your Boots Been Under."  Verdict: Not half bad.  I might do it again sometime.  But, I much prefer my living room where I can belt it out without even having to think twice. 

Life List...

It only took me a few weeks to finally settle on this Life List -- things to do in my lifetime...  Did I ever tell you I was a little indecisive?  It is a little small, so just click on it to see full-size...  Anyway, here it is, finally...

The Countdown Begins

So, midway through developing my Life List (which will be up soon enough), I realized I really wanted to go on vacation soon.  The last one was a very impromptu trip to St. Simon's Island.  Now, don't get me wrong, it was tons of fun.  Beautiful.  Enjoyable.  Overall, just lovely.  But...  It only lasted three days.  I have included several pics here from that trip.

 I digress.  Part way through creating that Life List -- I realized it was once again time for a vacation.  A wonderful, relaxing, unforgettable vacation.  And, since Travis and I are beach people, we chose a beach destination -- Turks and Caicos.  Ohhh, I am soooo excited.  We have booked the plane tickets and the resort.  No turning back now.

I would be lying if I said that I didn't have a little bit of buyer's remorse.  And, I would be lying if I said "little."  Ok, I have a lot of buyer's remorse.  But, at the same time, I am really excited.  Yeah!  Of course, I have no photos of Turks and Caicos.  But, I will -- come June 18th.  So, I've included a beautiful picture per the internet (Thanks Google!)... 

Could it possibly be this beautiful?!?!?!  I hope so.

I am so excited!  *squeals*

Life List In Progress

I have been inspired by some fellow bloggers...  I have decided to create a "Life List" -- things I must do during my life time.  I feel like this is especially important for me because I tend to get caught up in every day "stuff" and forget the big picture.  This world and this life is so boundless, yet I often feel like it's tough to get from day to day.  I think reading this list will remind me of the big picture.  I hope that it will remind of all wonderful things that God has in store for me.  Things he wants me to do.  Places he wants me to see.  Love the beauty that He has given us.  And, just enjoy my life. 

As I mentioned earlier, I was inspired by the girls at www.bouched.com Definitely check out the Life List for these two girls - whom I stole the idea from...  But, also take a look at their inspiration...  http://mightygirl.com/mighty-life-list

Ok, well, hopefully in a few days, I will have a "Life List" here for all to read...  Wish me luck!!

(If you are viewing from facebook, visit my blog at www.jennydpoole.blogspot.com )

Daddy's Girl...

     Some days I miss my dad so bad that it hurts... It has been tough these past few days.  Been thinking of him a lot.  But, I have been left with sooo many wonderful memories and blessings from him.  One of those blessings was the on the day I got married - the happiest day of my life so far.  And, my father was such an integral role in that day and making it happen.  He amazed me so much on that day -- his strength, his calm and his love...

Even now, it is so hard to look at these pictures and think, "Is he really gone?  That can't be true."  But, it is.  It just seems unfathomable that you could lose someone you love that much.  I know that I may have just had him for 30 years, but every moment was so very blessed.  I received more love in my thirty years than some people get to experience in their whole lives...  And, I am so happy for that.  He truly was the best daddy any girl could have...

I love you and miss you so much.

Here I Go Again...

Here I go again...  Talking about my pets...  But, as I mentioned a week or so ago, they really do bring me some small amount of joy in this world.  And, I have got more pictures, but first a little background...  A few weeks ago, when we cleaned out Travis truck, a little argument ensued.  I found a nasty green plastic cup in his backseat of his truck.  It obviously needed a good scrubbing and a go-round in the dishwasher.  But, Travis said - no, that's Jack's cup, he needs it to drink his water.  Ok, I understand, but it also needs to be cleaned once a millenium...  Back and forth, back and forth we went.  But, as usual, I prevailed.  The cup went inside to wait for its turn in the dishwasher. Well, I knew it would happen, but that cup stayed in the house for at least week because I forgot to take it back out to Travis' truck.  And, of course, he couldn't remember to take it with him in the morning.  So, Travis sent me the following "pictorial" and captions about one very sad, very forlorn little pup...  Enjoy!  (Sorry for picture quality, most of these are taken with our phones...)

have you seen my cup?  it's short and green a little durty, but it's mine...  i don't have much in this world so if you see it please bring it back - i'm offering a five dog biscuit reward found full or empty.

my daddy found this coffee cup in a dumpster... it'll do until I can find mine...

tired of searching look more tommorrow if I have the energy...

Have you ever seen anything sadder than a pup who has lost his only worldly possession?  Thanks, Trav.  Way to make mommy feel guilty...  Needless to say, he does have his cup back now.

Why I Love My Pets...

So, pets are a huge hassle sometimes...  They will get under your feet when you come home from a long day at work.  They will meow repetitively at 6 o'clock in the morning until you get up and feed them.  They will cry like you've beat them when you try to scoot them (ever so gently) out of YOUR spot on the couch.  But...  Along with that they bring a lot of joy.  I often talk about my pets, as though they are my children.  (Of course, this probably makes some people want to puke.)  But, pets, like children, have one thing in common -- they inject little bits of joy into each day...  And, innocently enjoy all that the world offers them.  Below are some pics of one such moment...  Enjoy!!

 

  

Once A Year...

     Well, yesterday was a big day for the world of cleaning.  The adventure began around noon yesterday, as we began cleaning Travis' truck.  I do not know how long it has been since he cleaned his truck...  He has had it for 3 1/2 years now, and it looks like it was NEVER cleaned.  But, I know this is not the truth because I have helped him clean it before.  In fact, I remember scrubbing the backside of the backseats where caramel apples had been spilled.  Of course, that mess sat for several weeks, maybe months, before being cleaned up.  And, in fact, I had long since forgotten about the caramel apples...  But, I digress...



We vacuumed, threw away trash, organized, washed the truck at the self-service car wash, then went to a drive-thru car wash...  During the process, his boss called.  Travis told him, "Well, we're just washing my truck."  His response: "Once a year, whether it needs it or not, right???"  Wow!  Even in the short time that Travis has known his boss, he has apparently been able to get a pretty good feel for his 'messiness.' 



We drove the truck home -- I cleaned and "armor all-ed" the dash while Travis changed the oil...  Lucky him...  Anyway, I don't know how long this spotless truck will last, but we do have proof that it HAS been done.  Notice in the picture below -- what is missing???

No -- Travis is NOT the answer...  And, it is not the best QUALITY pic...  But, that is me vacuuming and there are no seats.  Travis had no problem taking this pic, but in no way contributed to the actual vacumming.  But, he did quickly send this picture to a couple of his best friends.  The quick reply from one of them, "Either she REALLY loves you, or she's getting ready to take it away from you."  Lucky for Travis, the answer is the former...  Not taking it away, not yet anyway!  :)

Two-Sided Coin

Ok, so I am totally learning to appreciate the little things in life...  Stumbled upon this poem (completely by accident) the other day.  I really liked it, and I thought I would share.

Two-Sided Coin
I see heads;
You see tails.
And neither of us
will admit that
we could both be
looking at
the same coin.
I won't come over
to see things from your side;
I'd lose my head.
You won't check out
my vantage point;
You'd lose your tail.
And so we argue:


"That's George Washington,
are you blind?"
-- "It's an eagle, plain as day!"
Stubborn stalemate.
Someone ought to
give that quarter a spin.
--  Lori Fiechter

Domestic Bliss...

I am really not domestically inclined.  So, I made salmon over the weekend and it turned out really good.  Travis really liked it too.  Hence, I decided to share this little jewel...  Mmmm, mmm...

I Remember When...

Ever since the passing of my dad, I have thought a lot about our relationship. I am sure that every person feels that their relationship with their loved one is special and unique -- and that is exactly how I feel. I have always been a daddy's girl. Growing up, he has been my rock -- solid and strong. But, also, a soft place to fall. He has been the quiet in the storm. I miss him terribly. I could recall story after story of how he has been there for me... And, time after time, I have wanted to call him up and just tell him about my day... Just to have that sickening sensation in the pit of my stomach return. That is no longer the reality. Somehow when I call someone else, they just don't seem to measure up.

Long nights in college, when I was up until all hours of the night studying. I called my dad. Discussions about God. I called my dad. Arguments with Travis (sorry Trav). I called my dad. Work issues. Dad. Building my house. Dad. Questions about money. Dad. Dad, dad, dad. And, that's just this week...

I don't mean to sound like a downer. I just miss him so much. But, I am not blind. Not spiritually. Not physically. Not emotionally. I know all the blessings that have been bestowed on myself and my family. Those blessings are not diminished by this one horrible tragedy. Some of those blessings have actually become clearer because of this. And sure, for us it is a tragedy -- for my dad -- freedom, love, grace.

This story is one of those blessings that have just become clearer. Sometimes, I just smile when I think of it. Sometimes, I smile through tears. But, I always smile. When I was in 3rd or 4th grade, I decided that I wanted to ride my bicycle to school. At this time, we lived in a neighborhood in Marietta -- just 2 blocks from my elementary school. I really hold this time in my life dear... Just two blocks from school and two blocks from my best friend. It was very unlike my parents to let me do something like this -- ride two blocks, completely unattended by an adult in elementary school. But, surprisingly, they agreed to let it happen. I remember there was this big hill that stood between me and East Side Elementary. The first few days of riding my bike, I could not even make it half-way up the hill. No matter how much speed I gained. But, day after day, I would make it a little further, until finally one day, I rode all the way up... Ahh, it was glorious success. Anyway, this continued all year, riding to school in the morning, riding home in the afternoon. Sometimes, with a pit-stop at my best friend's house. Whenever I would end up at Toni's house (best friend since I was five), I was supposed to call my parent's right away. However, being a child, sometimes I would forget. Ooooh, my parents would be so mad! Telling me how worried they were. They have always been a "little" overprotective (note: sarcasm). This was the norm for a while. Time rocked on. Later on in my life, I would recall this story and how I learned to conquer that hill. A true lesson for real life -- just keep at it and you can accomplish anything. But, I would find later, there was another lesson there...

I can't even remember when it was... But, I was definitely an adult when I found out. All those days that I rode to school -- thinking I was such a big girl, conquering that hill -- my dad was there. I had no clue! He followed me to school every day, just to make sure I arrived OK. He never told me this as a child, maybe he figured it would make me feel that he didn't trust me. But, as an adult, I realized the depth of love that it displayed. I couldn't believe he had been there all that time, watching me struggle with that hill. He said he had just wanted to come rescue me and push me up that hill himself. But, he knew it was better for me accomplish that on my own. That's my father, wonderful beyond words, loving beyond measure.

And, besides this lesson in love from my dad... I have since realized the parallel between a father's love for their child and the Father's love for His children. He is always there watching; ready to protect and rescue. But, allowing us the room to grow into who we are...

Good Intentions

OK, so apparently I haven't been so great at this blogging thing... I always have such good intentions, but you know, my life just isn't that interesting. Every now and then, I have a story or something I would like to share, but feel kind of crazy posting it in my blog -- since NOTHING else is there! I have decided though that I will just throw caution to the wind and give it one more try...