Editor

I need a good photo editor! Im starting to get fed up now..grr. I have tried all the "free" programs and they are a nightmare. Im not sure what I used to use, but I obviously dont have it now or I wouldnt be complaining! Help!! This is something I have been kind of putting off for a few weeks now and I was thinking today, "Hey if were supposed to have a major winter storm and im going to be stuck at the house this would be something to motivate me for more pictures"...gosh I was being naive!! Anyways, I came across some pictures I took of my best friend and her man and thought I would play around with em' some and try to find a good program. Not much luck yet though. I did love the pictures on the railroad and will def. have to go back with others to get some fun shots in! Hope you enjoy this one =)

Ashley & Nick

“We are so often caught up in our destination that we forget to appreciate the journey, especially the goodness of the people we meet on the way. Appreciation is a wonderful feeling, don't overlook it.”

Faith

I dont have much to really say after all the events of the past three days. Its been hectic. I am back in Arkansas with friends and family. Fortunately. It was a sudden and much needed move. Im happy to be back and so thankful that the second I arrived I had friends right by my side and people who love and respect me. I have faith that things will continue to look as long as some people can move on with their lives and act like adults about all of this. I have faith that the truth will come out and things will straighten out. And...I have faith in God that he will continue to be my back bone and support through everything even those who have brought this on. There are so many things I could say right now, but I realize that its not going to matter a week from now. So, like I have said all along "one DAY at a TIME." Keep checking back for new pictures...there will be many taken soon!!

Soon to be that time...

Im such a sucker for salsa. I LOVE it! I love summer time just as much because that means Mom plants and plays...and whatever else you do in the garden, like making yummy home-made salsa! Usually I dont get real worked up about the actual garden part (just not my thing) but this year seems to be different. I really am excited to get the chance of helping out and seeing what all goes into, plus what comes out-salsa =) I didnt have any other pictures tonight that put as much of a smile on face as this one. So even though summer isn't quite here, im still getting geared up for it and all the precious time that will be spent with family and friends.

As far as any new "news" goes... Im heart broken over the tragedy and chaos of what is happening in Haiti. I woke up today hearing of ANOTHER earth quake there. Can these people not catch a break?? I really can say that I felt SO incredibly guilty waking up with a roof over my head, a place to sleep safely & comfortably, plenty of food in the fridge, and all the water I could need right out of the faucet. Many Haitians are fighting for their lives because they cant even get water right now. Makes you stop and take a real good look at we do have. Just doesn't seem right getting to enjoy all these things while there are people so much more deserving. Keep praying for them. Its going to be a long recovery for Haiti and everyone there.

More news... While Jay went to Arkansas this morning, I got ready for work. Little did I know that while I planned on having a nice relaxing quiet night, I would actually end up taking cover with others in our local Wal-Mart around the dressing rooms. Gotta love the weather. I didnt even know that we were expecting bad weather. No clue! Once I heard all the siruns and tornado reports (all moving to my area) I realized it wasn't good. I was driving down the road trying to get time sheets dropped off when more siruns went off and the rain came down harder. I'll admit I kind of panicked! Usually I love storms, but not when im completely by myself and that my "house" is an upstairs apartment. So just like everyone else I stopped off at the closest Wal-Mart and booked it inside just as they were locking the doors and telling all of us to take cover. Long story short..Im back home now and safe! Hopefully no more tornados though while im sleeping.

Last but not least... Im so BLESSED to have the wonderful family and  true friends that are in my life!

That sums it all up =)

Solution

Do you think this is a good solution??

I found the answer today. The answer to what you ask. Well, if you read my previous post then you know what im talking about! Ah yes...im still trying to put pieces together as to getting to Haiti. (So the air balloon is my solution!) I have been in contact with a woman who runs an organization near the Port and has turned the orphanage into a "clinic" for the wounded children. She desperatley needs help. Medical assistance to aid her in helping all of these children who are coming in. Its so hard knowing that although I can speak to this woman via e-mail there isn't much else I can do at the second. I could fly down there to help her since she is affliated with Missionary Flights International, but first they have to get the ground clearance and support. She isnt sure how long this is going to take-hours, days, weeks...who knows. So we are waiting right now, meanwhile still communicating on everything that IS taking place though. Keep praying for her and all the other Haitians as well as myself in hopes that I can help at least this organization, and soon.

The picture of the hot air balloon was taken outside on my balcony, here in Longview! There were two other ones also. I was lucky to get the two pictures that I did take. They were getting farther and farther away. Maybe they are going to Haiti as well. One could only wish. So I will keep wishing until I hear anything else!

Haiti Relief Effort

No pictures today. Sorry! I have been online for quite some time now (within the last few days) trying desperately to find out who is sending medical personnel to Haiti. Its so hard to see all the pictures through the media of what these people are going through right now. Its just as hard to be sitting here knowing that I have the experience and knowledge that could be assisting those who are injured or anything else, yet I cant seem to be there. Dont think im not applying like crazy though with all different types of organizations along with making millions of calls. I have applied with the NDMS, IMC, MFI, and American Jet's Air Ambulance's. Just to name a few...the last is quite long, and im sure it will only continue to grow for me as Haiti continues through this tragic event. So, not only am I trying to apply with these different organizations who are sending qualified volunteers, but also looking at the lists of affliated members. They are so many and so many ways to go about this, but for me its finding the ones that are actually sending the volunteers right now. With the way things are in Port Au Prince it has been a little difficult to land so they are having to find alternate means. Which really isn't much of problem considering everything else, but its just another factor that has some "airlines" afraid to fly at all. Understandably so. I will say though, that the most luck I have had as far as finding a flight was out of Florida. One of the organizations I looked at and had placed a call too is taking any nurses willing to volunteer. Sounded to simple when I first talked to the guy. What they are doing though is actually flying to Haiti picking up the injured and bringing them to the U.S. and while they are making these trips they are taking two to three volunteers at a time with them. He explained to me that as a volunteer, if I were to fly down with him I could stay a few days or longer to help. Then fly back to Florida. I was extremely anxious as he was telling me this because so far its the closest I have gotten to finding a flight and it not being this long ol' process. Its imediate. On the other hand though, he really wanted me to try and find someone or group doing the same here in Texas so that I wouldnt have to drive all the way to Florida. And I have been looking...and looking.........and looking some more. Unfortunately... it doesnt look like Texas is doing much of anything as far as sending volunteers. Its been like trying to find a needle in huge hay stack. I feel very helpless. But...im not giving up...not even close to it. I checked on passports because I knew that would also present a huge hold-up. And to my surprise, I may be able to get one as earlier as two weeks from now. The process would be a little difficult and include me scheduling an appointment in a Dallas office because of the "rush." Thats what these people are there for and set up appoinments for though, in a emergency situation or disaster situation. I think Haiti falls into this category. I encourage everyone to do what they can whether it is donating your time or making a monetary donation. These people need it way more than we could possibly imagine or even need it ourselves right now. If you would like to make monetary donations please do so at these safe & secure sights:

http://www.redcross.org/

http://www.americares.org/

http://www.care.org/

http://www.savethechildren.org/

http://www.haitianministries.org/

 

Thank You & God Bless

Kicked Back

So what do you write about when you dont have anything to really write about? Socks, of course! Just hear me out... Other than the fact that I love my camera and was extremely bored this morning...I really like these socks! If your anything like me, you know what its like to get new socks. A big ol' package of nice, new comfy socks! haha. I have been waiting forever to buy new socks and finally found the ones I used to get, except they now come with cuter colors for the trim, oh and "No nonsense" across the toes...score! Haha.  Thats about it for my excitement & picture of the day! Hope ya enjoyed =)

“True love is like a pair of socks: you gotta have two and they've gotta match.”

Some Day-Thats Right

This was another picture in Bossier City that I took. Some day, yes some day, I will be able to get on that boat and give them all my money! The few times I have been into casinos it didnt play out into my favor, but none the less, it was still fun! Apparently, all the casinos in LA have that "Project 21" mess. Yes, a mess. Ha. I just want to be able to go in and spend some money, drinks aside! Too bad though looks like I will be waiting for a little while longer.

Aside from Sam's Town, looks like I will be heading to Arkansas in February for some much needed "camera-time!" I cant wait =) I have been saying, for quite some time, that you have to spend some to get some. And guess what? It holds true! I knew that if I didnt invest in a camera soon I would be missing out on lots of opportunities. So I got a new camera and here came the opportunities rather quickly! Worth every penny. I told my Mom earlier today "its amazing what a little bit of confidence can do for a person" (along with forkin' out some money ha), but its true. I have been hesitant to really throw myself out there as far as photography goes. Maybe something to do with the thought of failure or just plain ol' disappointment in myself. Either way I have went for alot more in the past few months with photography than I ever have. Im still scared of course...who isnt? Even the best photographers have fears at some point in time im sure! I made a vow though that I would give this whole blogging thing a shot for three months before taking my next step. So far so good!! Plus I accomplished getting a new camera! Someone repeatedly told me that I needed to start focusing on what I wanted to do with this and take baby steps. The funny thing about that was the fact that anyone who knows me, also knows im extremely impatient. It gets me into messes quite often especially when trying to make something of myself with my photo's.  However, after the trillionth time of hearing this I realized that if I ever want to get anywhere thats what its gonna take and with baby steps. Im trying my hardest and along with having more confidence in myself and planning things are going MUCH better! Enjoy & thanks for following! On that note here is the quote for today =)

"Aim for success, not perfection. Never give up your right to be wrong, becuase then you will lose the ability to learn new things and move forward wtih life. Remeber that fear always lurks behind perfectionism. Confronting your fears and allowing yourself the right to be human can paradoxically make yourself a happier and more productive person!"

Mm Mmm Good

This cheesecake was HUGE! I think it was the size of my face for sure. The 1/3 of it that I did it definately felt like much more in my stomach! It was so good though and way worth it. We went to Bossier City, LA today for some pictures, since its only an hour from where we live. I had been told about the Boardwalk and seen pictures of it...looked like a nice place. Leave it to me to find the nicest thing about the it though-Cheesecake!

"The Constitution only guarantees the American people the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself."

(I think I caught my happiness today!)

Quote of the Day

I took this picture earlier for a few reasons: 1-My Mother wanted to see pictures I had hung. 2-I was playing around with my new camera. And 3-This is a picture of a picture yes, but more importantly the photo hanging up is one I took. This is the first one I have blown up and hung in my own place! So exciting!

“Our frustration is greater when we have much and want more than when we have nothing and want some. We are less dissatisfied when we lack many things than when we seem to lack but one thing.”

Yee-Haw!

I GOT IT!!! I finally got the camera...yes the camera I have been wanting forever! We have been to Best Buy probably seven times now trying to get the camera, by the way, its a Canon 50D. I have spent much of the afternoon reading up on it, registering, and playing around the house with it. Im so excited to get out and see what its really got =)

2010

Wow! Can ya believe its already 2010? A new year and a new decade! Im pretty excited to see what this year will bring =)

We attended a new church this morning and it was nice. The regular preacher is still on vaca so I think we may go back and see how we like it with the regular one, when he returns. It fealt great to start the new year off in church! It was also really nice to even feel like getting out ( I have been sick for the past week). Yesterday we went out too...not sure if it was smart being outside all day sick, but it was alot of fun! We went to "First Monday" in Canton, Texas. It was an hour drive from where we live. 100 acres of shopping...what could be better, right?! It really was a blast and they do it every month!!! Oh and after we got back from Canton last night I decided to finally make some yummy spinach and artichoke dip! Now, I was a lil disappointed with it because of course I expected it to taste like the restraunts dip, but it didnt =( Oh well though, I will keep trying! So, now we have a butt load of spinach dip...healthy way to start the new year off right?! The only other fun thing that took place this weekend was renting the movie "UP," its a kids movie, but so cute! I loved it!

Aside from the weekend...I have thought alot about this "new" year. We all are guilty of making those new year's resolutions and never sticking to them, right? I thought so. Im very guilty of that! This year just seems like a real new start. Maybe its the fact I started it off some where completely new or that its a new decade or just the fact that I know I have changed. Whatever it is though im super excited and ready to make this year count, for sure. I recieved a fwd email from my Sister and I wanted to share it on here...points out some good things for "new years resolutions." Hope you enjoy it!

2010 - HANDBOOK For A Good Life
Health:

1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy
5. Make time to pray.
6. Play more games
7. Read more books than you did in 2009 .
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day
9. Sleep for 7 hours.
10. Take a 10-30 minutes walk daily. And while you walk, smile.
Personality:

11. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive
present moment.
13. Don't over do. Keep your limits.
14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
16. Dream more while you are awake
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need..
18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with His/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin
your present happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that
appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and laugh more.
24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree...

Society:

25. Call your family often.
26. Each day give something good to others.
27. Forgive everyone for everything.
28. Spend time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30. What other people think of you is none of your business.
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

Life:

32. Do the right thing!
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
34. GOD heals everything.
35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change..
36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
37. The best is yet to come..
38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.
39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.

My personal "theme/goal" for the year: Faith

“Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe.”