Friday, December 19, 2008

A Christmas Survey!! Oh what fun it is to write...

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? depends on the shape of the present..if it's too odd to try and wrap, in a bag it goes.

2. Real tree or Artificial? I love love love real trees but I have to admit I like my pre-lit fake one :-) so easy peasey

3. When do you put up the tree? Usually the weekend after Thanksgiving

4. When do you take the tree down? Usually after new years but my hubby and son's birthday is on the 13th and 14th and have asked to leave at least the tree up until their birthdays are over.

5. Do you like eggnog? um you have gazed at my nice plump self in the pic over there right?

6. Favorite gift received as a child? I would have to say my Donny & Marie stuff (I think I got that for Christmas...my birthday is a week before so it's hard to remember)

8. Easiest person to buy for? My daughter.

9. Do You have a nativity scene? yes it's on my mantle.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? I'm horrible, I don't do Christmas cards anymore. Used to be a fanatic about it. Maybe I'll be able to do one of those picture cards for next year that seem so popular now.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? some lotion that didn't smell so great.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? The Grinch & Polar Express

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I try in October, it doesn't always work that way though.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? um yeah. LOL

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? oh good gravy there is too many things to even list.

16. Lights on the tree? um yeah..hence my PRE LIT tree

17. Favorite Christmas song? Christmas in Sarvejo by Trans Siberian Orchestra..LOOOVE IT!!!

18. Travel for Christmas or stay home? we have been traveling to Tampa

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers? um I think so......

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Neither I have a spire with a bow on the bottom of the spire (pointy) I also have a snowflake but it's so heavy that the treetop falls over...

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas morning

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? How people get so rude and mean. (I agree with Heather's answer)

23. Favorite ornament theme or color? I have a snow theme right now but it may change for next year depending on what I find in after Christmas sales..LOL!!

24. Favorite Christmas dinner? my dad's family is Cuban...so pork and black beans and rice. my mom's family is down home southern food...so chicken & rice, collard greens, broccoli casserole, etc. I have the best of both worlds!! If we stay home...I make a roast in my crock pot.

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? For all of my family to be together but it won't happen this year...that's ok. :-)

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Don't really feel like it...

trying hard to fight back a pity party right now.

My 40th birthday will not be what I thought it should be.

But I have to put my faith in God and know that it will be what He wants it to be. And THAT should be good enough for me.

Lord, give me strength to not be a big fat whiney baby...

*get the feeling I'm gonna get a big THONK on the head*

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

It's the most wonderful time....

Ah yes! Sliding into the holiday swing of things. And my calendar is getting full again. :-)

It's all good. It's really nice to be busy around this time of the year. But not too busy that you forget what it's truly all about. I know that tends to happen sometimes. Especially when you are jockeying for that position in line to check out. Or just waiting to be waited on by an overworked retail person. Just remember your fellow humans this holiday season...kindness really does go a long way.

*climbs down and puts away soapbox*

My son was in a car accident last week. He's ok as well as the friends he was with. We did have to go to the ER being that his friends said that Ry passed out for several minutes after the impact. So we waited for 6.5 hours to get a scan done of his head to make sure nothing was wrong. During the time we waited, he got a headache and started feeling sick to his stomach. I informed the triage nurse of this but it didn't seem to speed up the urgency for anyone to see him. When we decided to announce that we were leaving the ER because we had been there for SIX AND A HALF HOURS, all of a sudden his name was called to go into the actual ER. Imagine that! Still took an hour to get tests done, read, reported and discharged. *sighs* Now we wait for what the insurance companies will say for all of this. Little does my son know that whatever monies he recieves will go to get him registered for college. Momma's tired of her slacker!!!!

My daughter turned 17 on Monday (24th). We took her and her friends out to eat. It was what she asked for. No major celebration or party. It was her and 3 of her friends. We all had such a good time. She says she had a good time because she knew she was surrounded by people that cared, truly cared about her. Teenagers are very very fake nowadays (save this subject for another blog post..LOL!) Her best friend that she's known since they were 5 or 6 showed up at our house close to Midnight on Sunday with a small birthday cake so that she could surprise Jessa and be the first one to say Happy Birthday to her. As for momma, it's hard to believe my baby is now 17. It's so crazy how the years fly by.

I am off to my cousin's house tomorrow for Thanksgiving. I am looking forward to playing with their small children. OH! and eating delicious food, of course. I will be fixing a seven layer salad, mashed potatoes, gravy & cranberry sauce. MMMM, sounds good so far huh??

Happy Thanksgiving, Y'all!!!

Monday, November 17, 2008

Ok so I'm nervous....

The church I attend puts together an annual Christmas musical production. This is complete with an originally written script, actors, stagehands, backstage managers, lighting people, sound & video techs, directors, soloists and a 60 member choir, a bomb-diggity church assistant that pays attention to every detail, costumers, hair & make-up people, and a green room with a food spread to die for @ each night's performance. I know I am probably missing a group of people and I apologize if I am.

But in all honesty, our church's sanctuary is not big enough for this type of production. Only through the grace of God do we manage to get it done.

This is our sixth year doing it. My fourth in being involved in some form or another. I have been a part of the writing team for the last three and got a small acting part several years ago. Since that time, I haven't managed to get another acting part due to the main director not wanting to lose me as a backstage manager. This year, however, I've been given a speaking part and it's alittle bigger than before (i.e. way more lines to memorize!!!). Although not as big as some others. I am also still helping direct and be a backstage manager. Don't ask me how I'm doing it...cause I don't know. LOL!!

My main point in this post is...

I am trying very hard to get over my fear of acting. Isnt' that funny!?? I love cold reading the script when we're writing and tweaking it. All who hear me say that I have a great reading voice and get into character. But it is way different when you are reciting lines and aware that if you don't say them correctly you can mess up someone's cue line as well as worry if someone is going to mess up your cue line. We have some FANTASTIC people in our church that can memorize lines very quickly and in turn act them out on stage with flair. They make it seem very easy. So WHY IN THE WORLD AM I HAVING SUCH A PROBLEM??? AARRRRGGHHHHH!! I know that I can do this because I can be a complete ham and can daydream/imagine like nobody's business!!

With that being said, we have roughly two weeks to go before opening night. I still have lines to memorize. *big grin* It will happen!! Only through Him, will it happen!! I will maintain focus.

Courage is not the lack of fear. It is acting in spite of it. ~ Mark Twain

If you live in the Atlanta area and would like to come check out the play. Let me know!

An Evening in December - Ephesus Baptis Church
A Story of Light
December 6th, 7th & 8th @ 7pm.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Life with Teenagers

Yes, I know I'm not the only one who blogs about having teenagers, the problems with teenagers, how to get rid of teenagers. Ok, the last one I jest. A little.

I just read this blogpost from Shannon, aka Rocks In My Dryer. http://rocksinmydryer.typepad.com/shannon/2008/11/what-we-remembe.html

and obviously it got my thinkbox to roaming aimlessly through the marvelous theatrical trailer of "the life & times of Misha". It also made me think of what memories my teenagers may have of their childhood and what the hubs and I have contributed to their mental movie reel of cherished memories.

I have to say that I am completely different from Shannon in remembering good vs. bad memories. I recall mostly bad memories. Not that my life was horrific but I've had things that have happened to me that weren't exactly idyllic. As I think back right at this very moment, most of my good memories involve my grandmother more than my mom. My mom was a YOUNG single mother of the late 60's, 'nuff said. My grandmother stepped in to help in parenting me for the first 4 years of my life. My mom eventually got married to a man that adopted me. But he had been married before and already had a son. Coupled with his ex-wife and his own family background, it made for a lot of drama in our household. My memories consist of alot of arguing and yelling and fighting. Between mom & kids, dad & kids, mom & dad. Wasn't uncommon to settle a problem with someone screaming in your face and/or a belt beating.

I vowed, with my own kids, to not repeat the history. I failed miserably. I have had my children ask me several times to not yell at them when they do something wrong. I think that I have gotten better as the years have rolled on. There are times I still slide back into the old screaming, nagging, whiny mom. The difference now is I catch myself. Either in midflow or even before it starts. Do I say this to glorify myself for recognizing the pattern and stopping it? No. I say it to show that the Lord has given me strength and the knowledge to do so. Of recognizing that it is not easy to change a habit that had been ingrained into you for years and you cannot do it by yourself. That He revealed to me that you can talk to your kids about problems and issues and they will listen. Really, they will listen more when you are not yelling at them. They may not act on your advice or understand what you are saying the first (hundred) times. But it sticks.....eventually.

It's also important to create those fun times with them. To do fun and crazy things with them (such as an impromptu food fight, in your own home of course) or sitting in the living room talking with the TV off and sharing jokes and laughing.

Also remember to hug them and kiss them and love on them. They need your touch. They may not say it but they do. More so than you could ever know.

I say all of this because a very recent memory popped into my own head while reading Shannon's post.

Last night my 18 year old son slid onto the couch where I was sitting and leaned up against me for a bit then slid down to the opposite side and put his feet on my legs. My 16 year old daughter greeted me at the door last week wanting a hug.

When I was a teenager, it was very rare that my mom and I hugged or showed any type of affection at all.

So maybe I'm doing ok at this mom thing after all.......

but only by the Grace of God.

Friday, October 31, 2008

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

A boost in the right direction???

I think I just signed up for something that might help me blog more often. Stay tuned for more information.

Hoping to write a post on Friday....so much has happened since July.

I know, I am such a bad blogger!! :-(

Friday, July 11, 2008

ahh, what to bring to the wonderful world of blog today

Again, not really good with this blog thing. Trying to find time, content, attitude and what not to write about is harder than it looks. But I will try to get better, I promise. Pray for me.

Exciting news...well for me at least anyway. I won a radio contest yesterday. First time ever in my *cough, cough* almost 40 years of living!!! And wouldn't ya know it..one of the prizes is for a concert with two very popular 80's group/singer. Foreigner and Bryan Adams. If you don't know who they are (don't tell me because that would mean you are younger than me and I don't want to have to smack you!!)...it's called google..use it! I also got passes to see the new Batman movie when it comes out. I am excited about the concert. Plus two weeks after that one, the hubster and I will be seeing Journey, Heart & Cheap Trick (again, Google...it's a beautiful 21st Century kinda thing). It will be awesome to listen to the soundtrack of my teenage years...LIVE!! What's that saying?? If it's too loud, you're too old!?? whatev...ROCK ON!!!

Well, tomorrow I meet my mom in South Georgia to hand over my kids to her for a week or so. Hubby and I always enjoy this time of not having the kids around so that we can do things as a couple and not get a barage of questions. Yes they still do this at the teenage level. And I don't mind seeing my mom...just don't like the long drive and with the gas prices as they are..doesn't make it any more enjoyable!!

This past week I have enjoyed the company of some new found friendship. It's really been wonderful basking in this. It is a great feeling of being around people that you have a great time bonding and talking with. Stay tuned.....

Getting ready to storm here....Georgia needs the rain, just not the tornados. LOL!!

You have a great weekend ok????

Love,
Mamma Mish

Tuesday, July 1, 2008


DeeperStill - Atlanta from Rich Kalonick on Vimeo.

Ok so this is where I was this weekend. I am still trying to sort everything out! WOWOWOWOWOWOW!!!!!!!!

Friday, June 27, 2008

Going even Deeper Still

I will be at the Phillips arena tonight and all day tomorrow with THOUSANDS of women (and probably some men..LOL) listening intently to Beth Moore, Kay Arthur and Priscilla Shirer bring the Word of God to us. Listening to Travis, his praise team and Mandisa help us sing praises to Him.

Ok can ya tell I'm excited!!!????


WELL I AM JUMPING OUT OF MY SKIN IN ANTICIPATION!!!!!!!!!

will post hopefully on Sunday...:-)

I hope you have a FANTASTIC weekend!!!

Mama Mish

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

do ya want a little cheese with that WHINE!!!!????

Really nothing to write about today. Currently it is storming outside. So I sit here and wonder if the electricity will go off any second. LOL!!

I will say this. The last couple of weeks I've been really down about certain things and wondering why I wasn't getting any answers to prayers. Just the whole "please God talk to me thing". I sometimes feel like I am stupid or just really not in tune with Him to hear what He might be telling me. Well yesterday I received in my email, a daily devotional that had a message directed right at me!! You cannot even imagine how excited and emotional I got. And I had to praise Him and thank Him for it. He was telling me to wait and be patient. That He has things planned for me but I have to stop whining. (but I like to whhiiiinnnnneee). While this was something I really already knew, the message just seemed like it was directed at me and it was His way of talking to me and answering my prayers. So what I am saying is...open your eyes, pay attention to all that is around you because He really really really does speak to you! Maybe it's just that you've been too busy whining to "hear" Him. LOL!!!

Friday, June 6, 2008

so it's friday....

It's been awhile since I've been on this thing. But lots goings on....

The major thing that has happened is....My son graduated high school last Friday!! My baby boy..the one that made me a mom is heading into adulthood. Most of the time arguing and screaming about it but nonetheless he is doing it. His plans are to go to college and art school. I am praying that God allows us to help him see this plan through. I was not supported when I was graduating...I was told to figure it out on my own and do what you gotta do. Not seeing that I was completely scared out of my wits about not being in school anymore. I mean here you are..you've had a routine for 12 years. School, breaks, summer vacation, school, breaks, summer vacations and so on and so forth. So while you look at graduation as..Hot Friggin Dog I am finally done!! and then you step back and go...now what?? For most, it's an automatic given that they are going to college. They've kept the grades up, started applying to colleges the summer before their senior year even. With my son, it was a fight to the finish. LOL!! Thus his graduation party theme...The tassel's worth the hassle!! He has ADD and it's been a struggle since he was in elementary school. So with that being said..this is why I cry tears of joy when I picture my son in his cap and gown because there was a time we didn't think it was going to happen. At least not without possibly being on the six year plan...LOL!!

I am so proud of you, my son!!! I love you with all of my heart!!!

Thursday, May 22, 2008

My Crush on the man from Blue Springs, MO

david cook">So yes I am blogging about American Idol. Yes I like to watch the show. No you don't have to read this...there are other blogs. *smiles sweetly*. So anyway, I have picked this guy to win since the very beginning. I don't think I've done that with any of the other AI shows. Usually I pick a couple of favorites and just wait to see what happens. But this guy here...this guy...*sighs*...won me over during hollywood week. There was something about his presence and his voice that just made me...wow!! Even on his off times he still impressed me, go figure. Yeah Yeah so I am *cough cough* older and married and have a son that is 8 years younger than him. so what??? I can look and appreciate talent when I see and hear it, right?? Right???!! oh go away...:-P

Not to say that the other David isn't good. He is..I liked his voice too. Just didn't think he was versatile enough for anyone to want to buy his music. He's all ballad, that's it. But there is no denying that Archuleta is a powerhouse!!! Good luck to him...he'll get a contract because he's now gotten the AI exposure.

Side note: That Amanda chick looked like she was soooo unhappy to be there. How she made it to the final 12 is beyond me. Alexandrea Lushington should have been. *wink wink* to the hometown girl.....

Thursday, May 8, 2008

stuffed to the gills

late lunch of a huge Jersey Mike's roast beef sub due to boss taking his lunch first, waiting in line for gas, waiting in line for stamps...thank God there was no line for the sandwich.

So I frequent this particular post office on a regular basis being that it's near my work and that's mainly why I go in. This place is always always very busy but yet every time you go in there is only one or two people working. It is on rare occasion that three people have a window open. What irks me is hearing people complaining while standing in line about why it takes so long. Unfortunately I have complained myself but to my boss in our office...NOT loudly while standing in line for the postal workers to hear. What these "customers" do not understand is that these people working the front line have no control over how many people work the front line...it's management that makes these people stand there for almost 12 hours straight and work, dealing with these people that want to complain. I don't know what they are paid but it's probably not enough. Anyone in customer service will probably sound out with an AMEN on that one. Matter of fact a gentleman said in line today that customer service should be paid on a numerical based system...such as you served x number of people today then you get paid x number of dollars per person and that he believed that that is what would make things more efficient and speedy. I looked at him and said no you wouldn't want to do that. Because then customer service would go right out the window...those working that format would bust a hump with no care at all as to your issue or relevancy. shove shove shove let's go let's go I gotta quota to attain here!!!

But see the bad thing about customer service now a days...is..noone cares anymore. On either side of the counter!! get me???

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

My cautious baby step into the world of blogging

well here I go.....ooop oooop...I think I can do it. It's alittle wobbly. Maybe I need something to hold on to? Hopefully eventually some other experienced bloggers will come see me, come put their hands in mine and lead me for alittle while. who knows?

I read blogs all the time. Well, I read three specific ones every day.

www.maigh.com
www.ragamuffinsoul.com
www.stuffchristianslike.net

Occasionally I will read others, if I am really really really bored at work (yes this topic will be broached in another blog REAL soon).

It's actually inspiring to read these blogs for the most part. To look inside another person's world and see that they have the same issues, wishes, cares, hopes, troubles, rants, pet peeves, loves....as you do.

Hopefully with my baby steps and as the time grows long, I too will be able to inspire. but baby steps people...baby steps.