What's the past tense of "When Pigs Fly"

The answer: Swine Flu

It's got everyone in a tizzy....but what is the real danger? I'm sure I'm not taking the necessary precautions but I'm just not that worried about getting the pig flu.

I love pigs - pork that is! And the thought of them taking pork off the shelves has me worried!! We had yummy BLT's for dinner last night and we are doing just fine!

Pork is the other white meat and today, in honor of our current situation I think I'll cook a pork product for dinner!

YUM YUM!!

Answered Prayers

Thank you to all of our friends and family who have been praying for Brett's grandmother for the last week. Her open-heart surgery was a success and she is out of the hospital! She got to go home yesterday and I know she was ready to be back home! It is a HUGE answer to prayer. Please continue to keep praying for her speedy recovery as well. We love you Grandma!

Two weekends ago Brett & I attended a friends wedding - congrats to the Midkiffs! - in Midland. It was so nice to be home even if just for the weekend. We got to go see my granddad and aunt & uncle in Andrews on Saturday. It was good to see everyone! Hopefully we will be back in West Texas sooner rather than later!

These pictures are from the wedding.....

In other news, I would like to let everyone know that I will be creating a spin-off blog in the near future. I haven't finalized the details but I can tell you that you will definitely want to read it! I plan to have my own blog for random (surprise, surprise) topics, ranting about politics and sharing my personal thoughts. So stay tuned. Once I have it created, I'll let you know where to find it!

And fear not, this blog, B+M, isn't going anywhere. We will still be posting things here to keep you updated on Brett & I. Oh - and feel free to add a comment to our posts or add yourself as a "follower" so I know that someone out there is reading what I write! I'd hate for all my wise words to go un-read!

Give us pictures!

The public wants pictures.....so pictures I will post. This is the only one I have for now. But, there will be more to come! Aren't we a cute couple?!?! I think so! : )

Deep thoughts...

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What if they made Fabreze for people? I may sound crazy but go with me here - I just might be on to something good! Instead of spraying it on your clothing and furniture, you sprayed it on your skin and hair. Not sure you would use it, here are some examples when it would come in handy:

-Went to a smokey place last night and don't want people to know about it the next day - Just Fabreze it!

-Were you outside for a period of time and now smell like outside? - Fabreze it!

-Did you wake up late and run out of time for a shower? - Fabreze it!

-Did you forget to wash your hair? - Fabreze it!

The great thing about my invention would be that it wouldn't necessarily have a smell. It would just eliminate any unwanted smells. It wouldn't be overwhelming like perfume or body fantasy. Nothing is worse than riding the elevator with "that person" who either has bathed in some sort of flowery Eu De Perfume crap or smells so bad that you wish they had!

I sat outside to read for an hour on my lunch break and came back in smelling a little musty! The combo of dirt + sweat = you need fabreze for the skin!

What a handy invention I've come up with!! Now, I just need to think of a unique product name. How about....Skinbreze, Epibreze? I dunno if that has the ring I was looking for. I'll keep brainstorming! Please let me know if you have input or suggestions - or if you want to tell me how BRILLIANT I AM!

Give it some time before it hits the shelves of grocery stores everywhere - but I think I'm on to something!

On another note: Happy Administrative Professionals Day to those lucky people out there that get to make people's coffee and copies at work each day! Technically, I'm not an admin but I did get a Starbucks from my former boss today, so I'll go with it!

Crown of Thorns

Instead of wearing a crown of jewels for the next year, it looks like beauty pageant contestant, Miss California Carrie Prejean will be wearing a crown of thorns. She is being criticized for being honest, giving her opinion, and opposing gay marriage. Oh the horror!!!!

I say, "You Go Girl!"

My respect for her has nothing to do with the fact that I personally agree with her, wait, ok maybe it does have a little to do with that. But more importantly, I support her, because she has convictions, and in front of the world and the most well-known flaming homosexual (Perez Hilton) of our time, she stuck to her guns. In a day and age where everyone thinks everything has to be P.C. - she took a risk and spoke her mind. How rare that is!

Had she supported gay marriage - nobody would have batted an eyelash. Outraged Christians, who follow the word of the Bible, would have been silenced. This story would have never made the news. Interesting isn't it?

We live in an America dominated by liberals. They say we should have the "right to choose." They want "equal rights" and they claim to believe in "free speech." Sounds fair, but don't be confused, what they really mean is that it's only ok if you believe what they believe. If you don't, they will make sure to make you pay!

Don't agree with me? Ok, let's find another example: John Ziegler, creator of the film, "Media Malpractice" was arrested yesterday at USC for standing outside of the building where Katie Couric was receiving an honor for "journalism excellence" for her Sarah Palin interview. John wasn't loudly protesting or being violent but he was arrested just the same. Why is that? Because he doesn't buy in to the liberal hoopla. He has a problem with the way the media was allowed to destroy Sarah Palin and worship Obama throughout the election. He thinks there should have been equal praise and criticism for both sides. He doesn't agree with how things played out. And quite frankly, neither do I!!

What happened to honest, unbiased reporting? What happened to neutral journalists that reported the facts, and didn't use slanted language and wouldn't dream of giving their personal opinion in a report? Those days are long gone. I graduated only 3 years ago and already, the ideals I was taught in my News writing class have been lost by the media. It really is a shame!

You can read more about John Ziegler's arrest here: http://bighollywood.breitbart.com/jziegler/2009/04/20/the-truth-about-my-arrest-at-usc/

Don't even get me started on society today! I am so frustrated with the media and the way they have brainwashed America. We've lost our values as a country and in my opinion, a country with no morals cannot be strong! The ole US of A needs to find their moral compass and get back on track!

I've lost a lot of respect for those in the media. Not just the reporters, but everyone on TV that feels it is their duty to promote their personal agenda. David Letterman - my parents were right! Every joke you make is still about Bush. Heaven forbid you mock the current president. Why aren't the rules the same now that Obama is president? What a double standard!

To those out there who stand up for what they believe in - whether I agree with you or not - I tip my hat! For those of you I do agree with - I double tip my hat! If we all keep doing what is right, not what is popular, maybe we can make a difference. I sure hope so!

Go Rangers!!

A little over two weeks ago, Brett & I attended Opening Day of the Rangers and had a blast! We both took the day off of work and went out to tailgate before the game started at 1. It was just the two of us, but we still managed to have a good time, roasting hotdogs on our mini bbq grill, and trying to stay out of the cold wind! Our seats were great but in the shade so after 3 innings of shivering, we moved down to some open seats in the sun. It was a great day for baseball!

The Rangers had a great first game. We must have been good luck! However, since then our Rangers have not been doing so hot. They finally broke a 5 game losing streak last night! I'm still trying to decide who my favorite player is. I started out thinking it would be Josh Hamilton (since I've read his book and think very highly of him) but now I'm not so sure. Last night, Ian Kinsler hit for the cycle! What a stud!!

For those who don't know what hitting for the cycle means, click here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hitting_for_the_cycle

I really hope the Rangers can keep winning and put that losing streak far far behind them!

If you think you're weird..

Just in case you think YOU'RE weird, trust me you aren't....unless of course you are like the 40 other "Objective Sexuals" in the world that claim to be in love with inanimate objects. That's right, I'm talking about the lady who married, yes MARRIED, the Eiffel Tower. Her name....wait for it....is none other than: Erika La Tour Eiffel.

I mean are these people serious?!?! Sadly, they are. And because our media loves to give attention to any freak willing to share their story, these weirdos are getting attention for being completely INSANE! You can read about Erika here: http://digg.com/d1SpGe

This is from Topix.com on the subject of Objective Sexuals

Objective Sexuals - A new kind of sexual orientation? "They feel an innate connection to objects. It comes perfectly normal to them to connect on various levels, emotional, spiritual and also physical for some."? We all see beauty objects, such as the symmetry and sleekness of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, or the the powerful history in the once-standing Berlin Wall.

We all see beauty objects, such as the symmetry and sleekness of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, or the the powerful history in the once-standing Berlin Wall.
Erika Eiffel during her commitment ceremony with the Eiffel Tower two years ago. She is attracted to inanimate objects and changed her name to reflect her bond with the Paris landmark.

For one woman, the intense feeling that inanimate objects can inspire goes much deeper and becomes something more like true love.

"The Berlin Wall is a masterpiece. I can feel how much he yearns to be loved," Erika Eiffel said.
Her love of the Eiffel Tower is somewhat recent, and two years ago the San Francisco woman had a commitment ceremony and changed her name to reflect the bond.

"I thought everyone had a connection to objects in one way or the other. It really wasn't until I saw that they were dating each other and I was dating a bridge, that I was different. I just went to school and pretended I was like everybody else," Eiffel said. Her obsession has also led to ridicule by peers, abandonment by her family and a discharge from the Air Force. But she said she is fulfilled by her unusual love. "I will tell you that I know love is being reciprocated," Eiffel said. "I'm happy, I'm not hurting anyone, I'm not hurting myself, I'm not being held back. I love my life."

This guy here (also weird) has a thing for the Empire State Building....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFeFX5ptseA

They say most of these "objective sexuals" have Asperger's syndrome which is characterized as a disorder that affects a person's social, emotional and communication skills. So when they can't get a date with another human, they turn to objects??!?! REALLY???? I just don't get it!

I trust I haven't offended anyone out there reading this. But if I have, please seek help. If you love something that cannot talk or produce thoughts of any kind, then you might have a problem. Nope, I take that back, you DO have a problem!

Just when you think it can't get any weirder out there in the world, you hear about people like this! It would be funny if it weren't so sad!

p.s. I didn't just stumble upon this topic. They were discussing it today on the "Ticket" - a sports talk radio station that Brett and I listen to.

Write now, not later

"I want to write, but more than that, I want to bring out all kinds of things that lie buried deep in my heart."

- Anne Frank

I found this quote last night in a book about journaling. Although I don't know how much I truly have "buried deep in my heart," I do have a lot to say and occasionaly a deep thought will arise. Thus, my reason for blogging. I can't help but wonder: If Anne Frank were alive today, would she have a blog? Hmmm.....see, I told you I have deep thoughts!

Last night Aubrey and I held our first official writing club (insert cool name we come up with for our club here) at Borders. We both enjoy writing and want to become more disciplined by developing a routine for writing and completing excercises. We are both really excited to see where this leads! Before we left our gathering, we gave ourselves homework and set a goal for ourselves.

Our homework topic: Secrets

The excercise: Write 3 different monolouges or paragraphs where each character reveals a secret. Write from three different age perspectives: a young child, an adult, and an elderly person. Try to capture the voice of the character through realistic dialog.

Perhaps I'll post our work when we've completed this excercise. I'll keep you posted on our progress!!

I started reading a new book this week, My Sister's Keeper, by Jodi Picoult. I would highly reccommend it to anyone looking for a great read! Her writing has been inspirational for me. She is extremely talented at creating lovable characters, challenging situations, and tugging at the heartstrings. It's a true page turner! I'm already on page 200 (which is good for me since I'm notorious for starting a book and leaving it half-read) and hope to finish it by the end of this coming weekend! While looking on the author's website, I just saw that they are turning the book into a movie! Of course I have mixed emotions about this. I love when they turn really good books into movies but then I hate it when the movie turns out to be complete RUBBISH! (HA, am I suddenly English now?)

Let's look at some examples:

In Her Shoes - Great book...not so great movie

Secret Life of Bees - Amazing book....but the movie left something to be desired

Devil Wears Prada - Good book and equally good movie

The Notebook - Both made me cry like a baby!

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (don't laugh) - I loved both of those!

So you see, it's so hit or miss with books turned into movies. Naturally, I'm nervous that they will ruin what could be a great movie. Cameron Diaz is set to play the mother in the movie. Although she is not what I envisioned in my head, I think she has the talent to pull it off. But will she? The movie comes out in June......so we just have to wait until then!

C is for Count Your Blessings not your Problems

Yesterday marked the first day of April, better known to some as "April Fool's Day." For a few weeks now I had suspected Brett would have something up his sleeve for me. So yesterday, I woke up on "high alert" and went into the day prepared for a prank....a prank that never came.

Instead came the news that Brett's work had another round of layoffs. In addition, those who survived the layoff, Brett included, would be taking an immediate pay-cut. Of course I thought this was part of Brett's master plan to trick me, so I went through the day hoping and praying that it was all a joke. Afterall, yesterday was the day we planned to make a decision about a house we had been interested in. Yesterday was the day all our dreams were going to come true! Or so I thought....

I later confirmed that Brett had planned no joke. It had all been orchistrated in my head. (That happens alot with me. I have a vivid imagination. My mind creates quite a bit of imaginary drama. A good imagination works well in some situations....but not this one.)

It's funny how God has a way of putting us right in our place when we need it most. Sometimes the most important lessons in life are very hard to swallow. I had everything so perfectly worked out in my head....until God threw a kink in my plan. How rude! Why did he ruin my plan?

And then I slowed down long enough to think: Hmmm.....What if my plan isn't God's plan? Perhaps he has a better plan! Could it be????

Well of course I know that that is the case!! Obviously, this house, at this time, is not right for us. Does it make my disappointment go away magically? Well no, it doesn't. But do I know that there is a reason for everything that happens? Yes, I do! And I fully believe that if we give it to God, he will make sure that we are blessed far beyond our imagination!

In the mean time should we sit around in wallow in our disappointment? Of course not! I was about to lick the stamps on the invitations to my pity party when Brett gave me quite the wakeup call. I respect him more than ever now because of it - he is very wise! He told me that we can't let this situation get us down. Being upset won't do any good. And he is ABSOLUTELY right.

Character is developed by our reactions to situations in our life. I am proud of Brett's character and how he has dealt with his disappointment. I'm not so proud of my own behavior. I have some work to do. But, I'm lucky to have such a wonderful teacher, who can show me the error of my ways.

I love a good quote - here's two:

“Being happy doesn't mean that everything is perfect. It means that you've decided to look beyond the imperfections.”

“We have no right to ask when a sorrow comes, 'Why did this happen to me?' unless we ask the same question for every joy that comes our way.”

So after a hard day, Brett and I went running and then indulged in a Molten Chocolate Cake - grateful that we have legs to run on and grateful that we have enough money to buy ourselves a treat!

Looking to the future we plan to wait to buy a house, continue to save, and pray for patience. We need to slow down enough to enjoy the life we have now, the things we have now, the people in our lives now. We are truly blessed and we can't lose sight of that! So instead of numberng my problems I will be counting my blessings. I'm not saying it's always easy but I encourage everyone to do it! It could always be worse!