Homesick

I'm having the most horrible day. It's one of those days where everything I do or say seems to make the people surrounding me upset, and that makes me upset. It's one of those days that makes me wish to be back in Oklahoma so very badly. 

I want to be able to see my mom, or my nana. I wish I could be closer to them. I hate that if I want to see them I have to drive 6+ hours just to get there. I could really use a hug from my Papa... even if he doesn't know why... he always makes me feel better with a hug from him. 

I love that Honey-do is happy here. I love that his job makes me happy. I love our house. I love being with him. But, I miss my family. I miss his family. 

Honey-do's mother has been sick for a week or so and I wish I could make her some soup. Or go over and make his father dinner so she doesn't have to worry about it. Not to mention, I know how badly she is missing her son right now and wants to be able to see him, too. 

Maybe I'm just being a big baby. I guess I am. But is it wrong to be so homesick? 

Thank You, Mr. President

Now, I am not a very political person. At all. But I can sincerely say that I was moved by President Obama's inaugural address. He such an eloquent public speaker. I was very proud to be an American today. On this day we have experienced a bit of American history that can never be taken away from us. A black man has stepped into the highest elected position: Barack Obama is the leader of the Free World. 

If you aren't the least bit proud by this day, you aren't a true American.

Rambling

I've always been a decent writer. I mean, I was in magazine publication. I am still, sorta. But, writing has never been something I have ever been really fond of. Especially forced writing. (Yes, forced writing is what I mean. Forced writing: when you HAVE to do it.)

Remember back to your high school English class where your teacher told you that you were to write a 1,500 word essay on Shakespeare. That is where my loathe — scratch that... loathe is too strong a word — STRONG HATRED of forced writing began. 

I went to college for communications. Not necessarily writing. However, our senior capstone class was producing a magazine. Each student researched a wrote a story for the magazine. Then followed it through production laying out the text and graphics. That was the fun part for me. Arranging the words on the page, but not necessarily writing them. 

Now, don't get me wrong. I like writing ... sometimes. I enjoy it when it is my idea. I did well with my Cowboy Journal story for college because it was my story idea and about something I cared about. 

But, I learned while working for the large cattle breed magazine I was an assistant editor, that you can't always choose the stories you want. And that made me realize that I wasn't in the right job for me. 

So, now. I am working from home. (Still writing for the magazine.) But, I am trying to spread my wings and figure out what it is that I really want to be when I grow up, so to speak. 

As of now, I am really leaning towards photography. I sincerely hope this dream of mine works out. I am photographing a couple weddings this year and am looking forward to getting a whole slew (is that the correct spelling?) of clients. 

So keep me in your thoughts and prayers. Because, as you can see ... I have a lot of issues to work out these days.

On a lighter note ... Honey-do and I joined a gym!!! The real diet and exercise program begins now!!!

My deepest apology...

I know I have been absent for far to long now. I apologize. I ensure you, I will return full fledged with lots of new updates! 

I am finally a stay-at-home wifey! It's wonderful! This is my first full week as a freelancer... and so far, so good. I'm really glad this is my first week home too, because it has already snowed and you know I don't like to drive in the snow! 

Although, honey-do made me go to the grocery store all by myself and it was scary. Just kidding. it went fine. And I do have to admit I kinda liked being able to take my time as I went through the grocery story... I wasn't rushed like I normally am, and I think I remembered everything! 

I don't know that Sadie (our Jack Russell Terrier) likes me being home. It really has changed her daily routine. Not to mention, when I get bored and start singing at the top of my lungs to the holiday commercials on TV, she kinda gets angry. And she looks at me like I am crazy sometimes. But, I guess it would be just like having a teenager! haha

Well, its getting late... I should probably get some shut-eye... you know, busy day tomorrow! :)

Become a soldier's pen pal

Here's an awesome opportunity to help the soldiers in Iraq!

One of my friends received this e-mail from a corporal whose squad will be leaving for Iraq at the end of November. He's asking for pen pals for people in his squad. The soldiers would love to receive letters, care packages, etc. This would be a great chance to keep their spirits up — especially with the holidays just around the corner. 

Contact Cpl. Roger "Roddy" Keene at roddawg10@yahoo.com and he'll send you the mailing address of somebody in his squad. There's no additional cost for postage — all APO addresses are priced the same as domestic mail, so you can just slap on a stamp and send it out. 

NEWS FLASH

I have officially announced my "retirement," if you will, from the current workplace. 

I love my job here as an assistant editor. But my drive back and forth, as well as the unstable work hours, well, basically drove me crazy. So, Honey-do and I decided it was time to consider leaving the workplace and start working from home. 

I will be freelance writing for the same magazine I am at now, as well as branching out to a few new magazines around this area. I am looking forward to some downtime though!! 

My hopes, prayers and goal is to get my stress levels in check and begin a great daily diet and exercise routine! We will see how that goes! :)

I sure hope you have voted!!

Voting is a privilege and your natural born right. I sure hope and pray you have voted... I did! :) 

But, I can't tell you who I voted for. Let's just say it was a hard decision, not an easy one. But I did it for the first time on my own accord. 

I took the time to review my sample ballot and research each candidate (not only the presidential nominees, but also Senate and House Reps)  and their plans for office. I made a decision to vote for the man I think will do the best job to his ability. 

And I am now praying for our nation at this time of new leadership.