Because I Was Tagged...

Yep, I got tagged by Ann.
So I'm gonna answer a few of her random questions.

If you could buy one object, no matter the cost, what would it be?
3. Because It's a good round number.
Again, this is if money was no object sooo no, it won't be happening.
Sorry, Mimi.

What is your favorite food?
Cheese dip. More specifically, queso from chili's.
Ohhh or Zaxby's chicken salads! I could eat those things every day!

How many cousins do you have?
MAN, there's ALOT of us!
Hold on, i gotta count...
There's 13 on my side
and, if I'm counting right, 23 on Josh's side.

Who was your first celebrity crush?
Leo DiCaprio. fo shizzle! I'm talking Growing Pains days here.

If you could interview any celebrity, who would it be and why?
Definitely Dave Matthews.
No question about it.
He's got an amazing backstory, being from South Africa and all.
PLUS, he does tons of humanitarian work.
AND he's an awesome, with a capitol AWE, singer/song writer/guitar player

What was the first concert that you went to?
Beach Boys.
My mom super hearted them.
It was at Starwood with the fam.
And we got to toss the beach ball around in the crowd.
Man, I miss Starwood.

Share your most embarrassing moment.
Probably when I spilled chocolate milk all over my white jeans in the 8th grade.

Finding Sleep

Some nights it's very hard for me to find sleep.

It doesn't happen alot

but when it does,

MAN my brain is on overload!

WELL

Last night was one of those nights.

Ofcourse I think about things that are stressing me out

But, I also write blog posts in my head.

I do this ALOT

and they never get written.

So today I decided to write a small list of posts I wrote in my head

This way, I'll HAVE to write them!

At least before the end of the year.

Here Goes:

9/11

(this would be thanks to the movie Remember Me that I just watched)

My Super Awesome Amazing Friends

He's Not So Little Anymore

The Sleep N*zi

(Don't want to use that term loosely but that's what my friends call me)

The Tales of a Two Year Old Toddler

Soooooo That's 5 right there.

I know I can do it!

*UPDATED*

I went to see what the kids were into and Logan informed me he HAD to build this castle from Lego's. He'd laid awake thinking about it and designing it and it had to be built!

WOW we are so alike it's scary sometimes.

The End of an Era

I can still remember the first time I saw it on TV. The ever-so-close-up of the eye opening. The tall swaying trees that were mirrored there. The sheer chaos that Jack sees when he first stumbles onto the beach. A mangled plane, the ear piercing whirring sound, grief-stricken screams, an explosion. I didn't know where the show would take me or what exactly was in store for the characters but I did know I was 100%, without a doubt, hooked.

If you don't know by now, I'm talking about LOST.

It has taken me a few days since the finale aired to write about. I needed time to process what I learned, how I felt & whether or not I was satisfied with the outcome. Now that I've seen LOST in it's entirety, would I recommend it to a friend? Can I even try to sum up what it was about?

The writers of LOST wove a story so intricately that people will still be talking about it 50 years from now. I don't think you will be able to talk about television without mentioning the show. It was nothing like anyone had ever seen.

I feel that, at it's core, it was a character study. The paths people choose and those that are there with them. What will we remember the most on down the line about our lives? The people. There are many details that remain a mystery but, I think it's because it wasn't really that important to begin with. The answers may not have been put right in front of our faces but, they're there. People tend to get so completely wrapped up in details that sometimes you miss the big picture.

It was a show that mixed theology with physics with the ever-elusive time/space continuum. It introduced you to different books and made references to certain things or people in history. LOST made you think and read and research things you probably wouldn't have otherwise. It made you dig deeper and broaden your horizons. Constatnly pushing itself and, intern, made you do the same.

Was I happy with the finale? YES! Did I cry throughout? YES! And did I sob the can't catch your breath sob for the last 10 minutes? YES! If you haven't seen it...Do So! You won't regret it. Promise.

LOST you will be missed.

We had a great 6 seasons together & I wouldn't change a thing.

Thank you for making me think just a little harder each week.

Age Ain't Nothin But A Number

And I truly believe that.

The BIG one has come and gone.

I don't feel a day over 25.

Probably never will.

Being thirty doesn't bother me in the least.

I kinda feel like I was made to be a 30 year old.

That being said,

I've never been one to make a big deal about my birthday plans.

I'm more like, "Here's what I'm doing."

"Can you come?"

"GREAT!"

"Can't make it?"

"Maybe next year."

I wanted this year to be different.

To be surrounded by my friends.

Don't get me wrong,

I had a fabulous family night.

But I really wanted my friends night

(this completely excludes my dear friend who's 9 months preggers &

Ann who I COMPLETELY forgot to add to my evite list!!! I'm so stinkin sorry)

It was stressing me out completely.

I just wanted someone to help me because I was lost.

Basically it ended with a friend coming to the rescue a week and a half before

And, with that short of notice on TOP of the flooding, only a handful of people could come.

Changing the date wasn't even an option.

I had already asked off for that weekend

and everyones calendars are filling up fast!

I am so thankful to those that did come.

Even after their worn out days of work and endless responsibilities.

It means more than you'll ever know.

I mean, 30 only happens

once right!?

Sometimes I feel like maybe I was expecting too much.

I guess everyone has grandiose ideas about such a BIG milestone.

I had a blast with those that came.

I mean, We DID have our own private concert

at a beautiful cabin inspired joint.

And hilarity ensued when games were played.

But I can't seem to help but feel down.

I may not come to everybody's everything

But I make sure I'm there when it really matters.

Even if it's hard on me for a day.

I can't say it was the best birthday ever.

I wish I could.

I wanted sooooo bad for it to be.

There's always next year right.

Can You Guess...

Her Age?

Well right here she's probably about 1.

Born on 5-6 at 6:05

This probably explains her weird obsession with numbers

but that's a completely separate post.

By this time she had been walking for about 5 months already

and had potty trained herself.

That's right, don't feel bad.

She's just that smart!

Seriously.

She's lived in the same town her whole life

and wouldn't change a thing.

Family is tops in her book!

Her town went from a small & sleepy to one of the fastest growing in the nation.

Probably thanks to this little gal right here.

*i kid i kid*

Rarely got in trouble until she drew a hopscotch board on the harwood

just like on Sesame Street.

Or squeezed an entire tube of toothpaste in the sink

just like Ramona Quimby.

Organized a BabySitters Club

but never got business.

Spent summers at Center Hill lake with her Mema for weeks at a time

Kingsport for the Hot Air Balloon races

Myrtle Beach or Clearwater for vaca

And once a year to ATL to visit family friends

I'm told, as a child, she never met a stranger

and was constantly smiling.

Had here Voltron collection next to her massive Barbie collection

(that her daughter will one day inherit and she better be hapy about it).

Joined the Swim Team in HS

But would have rather joined Track.

She loves, loves, loves music and wishes she could draw.

Playing piano helps her relax.

Regrets not joining the School Newspaper or Photography Club.

Had a few semi-serious boyfriends but none compared to Him.

She got a little lost somewhere around here

but found her way.

Remember, she is

Just That Smart

Graduated college with a degree in PR.

And had some of the best times of her life!

(none of which will compare to what's ahead)

Is now on her way to growing her very own

Photography Business.

She married her highschool sweetheart

And has the closest of friends all from right here in the Middle TN area.

That and Two of the Most Beautiful Children EVER

Complete Her Life

That's right.

It's Me

And Now I am 30.

*ps i totally backdated this post*

What Can Water Do?

Well, it's great for drinking!

Keeps me hydrated throughout the day.

I also like to shower using it.

Washes dirt & grime away nicely.

Also helps with the brushing of teeth.

And let's not forget swimming!

Swimming pools are a staple of summer around here!

BUT

Water can do more...

Much MUCH more.

You know that awesome new pool you got?

The one you couldn't wait to use?

Yea, no need for it really.

Not now that there's a lake in your yard.

What's that?

You wanted to catch some pre-season practice at LP Field?

Not today.

A nice cruise down the Cumberland at sunset on the General Jackson?

Something tells me it'll be a while.
OH you're hungry!
For cheese dip.
You mean that awesome little Mexican Restaurant
I think they're already closed.

Well, we were supposed to go to your game tonight but

All Games Have Been Cancelled

The water that has dumped on the Middle Tennessee area

the past few days was/is

No Joke.

So many people have had so much heartache

Rescue searches are still being conducted

People are still stranded

Some refusing to leave their homes!

I didn't think our area could take it again!

The image below is supposed to be our interstate.

A main vessel in and out of Nashville

One I've taken many many times.
Can you even imagine the sheer terror these people felt?

My heart aches for them.
The images are saddening.

People have lost loved ones

Cars have been destroyed

Their homes, their place of safety

The place you wanna go to when you've had the worst day ever

Is un-inhabitable.

Mother nature has had her way with us

and she doesn't mess around.

Lives will continue

There may always be a hole but

Hearts will heal

Houses will be re-built

Things will be re-bought

Cars will be replaced

Streets will be repaved

And businesses will eventually carry on *hopefully*

Our area will be OK

And we'll all still be here til the

Cows Come Home

*all images via WSMV news site/FLICKR*

Dear Blog,

I'm Oh So Sorry I've been neglecting you!

I haven't been just loungin' around twiddlin' my thumbs though.

Promise.

I wouldn't do that to you!

I've been

Working

Taking Care of nephews PLUS my own 2

Spring Breakin' it

Plannin' an UBER-Cute baby shower that I'll show you all the details from soon

Plannin' a 9 Year Old's Birthday Party

Attempting (unsuccessfully) to plan my OWN brithday soiree...

Dirty 30's here I come

But

Most importantly

I've been workin'

HARD

on my very own

PHOTOGRAPHY WEBSITE!!

That's right!

You heard it here first.

Well, maybe not really first but whatevs

Wanna see it?

You knoooooow you do!

OK! OK! Calm down! Here it is

Just click the image below with that beautiful little girl:

Me & My Boobs

There. I said it.

Boobs.

We go everywhere together.

Like 2 Peas in a Pod.

I've become quite found of them and them of me. It's part of what makes me a girl.

What if, one day, they were gone!?

Replaced by fake chicken cutlet thingys!

Smooshy, little, gel-like thingys.

Oh the Horror!

Even worse, what if Just One was gone!?

Then there'd be the one real and the one fake.

Always one feeling inferior to the other.

How strange would THAT be!

It's a reality I'd rather not face but, one I'm destined to deal with.

The fact is, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer at around 36!

HOLY COW!!!

That's just a few short years from now!

Logan would be 14 *gasp* & Brynn would be 8!

And Josh 39. Just on the cusp of 40.

So many years ahead of them that they'll need me for.

They may not admit it but they'll need me.

I'll have words of wisdom and inspiration for them and I'll always be their biggest fan!

There through the good and the bad and I Want It All!

Every Stinkin' Minute Of It!

So I'm taking steps.

Precautionary measures to find tell-tale sings that might signal a problem.

When I first mentioned something to my GYNO about wanting to get started with mammograms she sent me to a Dr. Woman.

Upon first meeting she was shocked at my age. Said they'd never had someone as young as me come in. Then she used the word HIGH-RISK over & over again.

I kinda wore the title like a badge of honor while in her care. We questioned whether or not insurance would cover certain things and she'd say,

"Well I really think it's important and I'll appeal it if they don't. I'll write off your office visits if you're not covered cause I wanna follow you."

In some weird way, that kinda made me feel special.

Her first recommendation was BRCA (sounded out like Braca).

A genteic test that shows if I carry a gene for Breat Cancer.

But would I really want to know this? Yeah, I think so. If it came back positive I can take steps to reduce my chances of getting it by 50%.

So yeah, I think I'd rather know and be able to care for it early than turn a blind eye.

If insurance does NOT cover BRCA I am still scheduled for yearly mammograms with every other year doing the Breast Ultrasound.

Dr. Woman feels that having both of these gives you the best overall image of the area.

At the age of 28 I had my first mammogram.

At the age of 29, my first Breat Ultrasound.

Wish Me Luck On My Journey.

The Day I Learned Alot

Last Sunday was going swimmingly. I was attending my first ever Photography Convention at Opryland Hotel and I was pumped! About mid-way through I noticed I had just missed a call. As a matter of fact, I missed eight calls from a number I didn't recognize.

This can't be good.

While my phone was still in my hand investigating the missed calls it rang again. Same number.

"Lindsay, this is Cory(racking my brains for Cory's that would call me)....Your Cousin.

Michelle passed away this morning."

Michelle is my Aunt Patty's wife.

Or at least, they had a Commitment Ceremony many moons ago.

Honestly, I didn't know Michelle as well in recent years but my heart ached for my Aunt Patty.

She has buried her father, mother, uncle, sister (my mom) and now her wife.

She hasn't even hit the Ripe Ole Age of 50 yet! I pray that she finds some kind of inner peace cause I know exactly what she's thinking right now.

Her family is gone and it sucks! And she's right! But, I'm here. And it's apparent from today's Celebration of Life Service for Michelle that so are ALOT of other people. People who were, in some way or another, touched by Michelle. They loved her dearly. Just because someone's not related to you by blood doesn't mean they can't be your family. Seeing the sea of faces today made me realize,

"Maybe Patty will be ok. Maybe she can be happy again!"

God that is all I want for her.

Being at this service made me think about my own arrangements. Morbid. I know.

But it was the most beautiful, harmonious, full-of-life service I've ever been to that was held because of someone's passing.

We walked in and were greeted by those she knew and loved. It gave a nice peek inside her life. Inside their life. There was a food table that was 4 rectangle tables long. Because, what else do people do when they don't really know what to do but, want to do something? COOK! The musice wafted down the long narrow foyer as we made our way back to see my Aunt.

Not just any music. Live music! The best kind!

Bongo Drums, Harmonicas & Acoustic Guitars paired with soft melodic voices.

The preacher spoke some very appropriate verses and had kind words to say.

Do Not Stand at my Grave and Weep.

I am not there. I do not sleep.

Now, I'm sure I've heard this before but it really resonated with me today.

Michelle's Poetry was read and original songs were written and sung just for her.

It was truly beautiful. It was a Celebration. Of course people mourned and cried at times but, people also laughed and ate and drank and shared stories and tapped their foot to the beat of the drum. People enjoyed themselves and the comradery the day brought.

This is what I hope for myself. I don't want people sitting around all mopy when I die. Ok, well a few tears of sadness will be ok but, for the most part, I want my family & friends to enjoy themselves! Revel in the time we had together and the things we learned from each other.

Play music! LIVE music!

Dance

Eat

Be Merry

Cry when you need to but, don't be afraid to laugh!

I've also come to the conclusion (well almost) that I too want to be cremated. I mean, taking up space here is, well, a waste of space.

Do Not Stand at my Grave and Weep.

I am not here. I do not sleep.

My organs should be donated to maybe, possibly (fingers crossed) save someone. Really, they are doing nothing for me anymore! And my ashes should be scattered.

I'm not sure where yet but, hopefully I got a while to think on it.

I won't need the body anymore cause I'm with God and I'll be perfect up there with him!

And so is Michelle.

New year, New header

What do you think? I'm sure I'll get bored with it soon enough but for now I like the new header. And the fact that my background is white. Makes everything kinda PoP, dontcha think!?

So here we are.

2010

WOW! Am I really gonna be the Big 3-0?

Surely not.

Welp, I'll make it the best year of my life so far!

But what else am I gonna do this year you ask? you did ask right?

1. I'm gonna be more outdoorsy. I love love love the outdoors and the many wonder it has to offer. There's a whole plethora of stuff that can be done outside. I've always wanted to be that girl. You know the one, hiker/mountain climber/health food lover/regular indie concert goer/yoga instructor/I'mskinnywithoutexcercisingcauseIgetsomuchfromallmyoutdooractivities Girl. Yep, It may take some getting used to but I am kinda on my way there.
2. I'm gonna further my realtionship with The Big Guy. I think we may have found the perfect church for us. One both Josh and I feel like we are actually getting something from the services. Not one where we just go because that's what you're supposed to do on Sundays and we end up at one neither of us are really into anymore. One day I'd like to work with the youth group. I know how much my leaders were there for me (and still would be today if I called on them) and I want to return the favor.
3. I'm gonna expand my photography knowledge/business. I know this kinda thing takes time & patience and I'm a pretty patient person. This holiday season went really well for me so I'm gonna continue reading and studying and practicing. I'd also like to dabble more in the graphic desing part. I get really inspired by some of the work that's out there and love sitting at the computer, no idea what to do and it just starts flowing.
4. I'm gonna eventually learn to sew (had to keep with the whole "I'm gonna" theme). This may take more like 3 or 4 years but, by golly I'm gonna do it eventually!
5. I'm gonna go back to Bonnaroo. Wether it be with a free pass by working a shift or two at CenterRoo or by a pleasant surprise for my birthday or maybe even by generous anonymous donations no pressure. The girls and I had such an amazing time when we went that it's a MUST I return! I mean it's right down the street for pete's sake!
6. I'm gonna look H-A-W-T on my 30th. Or at least try really hard to. How? See number 1.

That about sums up the personal goals I have for myself this year. I never set these kinda goals in stone cause, well, the stone usually gets smashed to smithereens. But I'm giving it a go this year. What have I got to loose? I'm gonna be 30 ya'll!