Thursday 13 - the Finale! ... Open Doors - Day 4... Happy Birthday to ME! & stuff...
If anyone out there has a criminal law or criminal psychology or philosophy background, my daughter has a question posed on her blog this morning that she would like some feedback on -- please visit Krysti! Thanks!
Thursday Thirteen
(the final chapter)
in which we learn
13
things
about Melli
(and their scrabble point value!)
(without bonus squares)
1. Zany (16) - Do I really need to explain?
2. Zealous (16) - I am zealous about many things in life! I like to live my life with zeal ... if I can't be passionate about things, what's the point?
3. ZOOM! (15) - Yea... I sorta like to drive fast... however... while hubby and other adults berate me for going to fast, my KIDS tease me for driving like a grandma! Sometimes ya can't win!
4. Zinger (16) - You know I love CAKE, right? And while I really love gOOd cake, these little chocolate coated, cream filled, chocolate cakes will certainly do in a pinch! I haven't had one since forever - but I know they're out there if I need one!
5. Zucchini (24) - Okay! So to even out the cake, I like zucchini to! (i especially like it if it's in zucchini bread which is a lot like cake!)
6. Zip Code (0) - You're not allowed to use two word phrases! We ALL have a zip code. I WISH mine was 78597... but it's not!
7. Zest (13) - Zest has all good definitions and they all fit me! I like zesty food, zesty friends, zesty fun! I also like to be "Zestfully clean"!!!
8. Zero (13) - You may not know this, but Zero was once my HERO! Back when my Derek was just a little guy -- and I mean a LITTLE guy - Mathew got into wrestling. Well... my boys were always "together" back then. What one did the other wanted to do. I thought suuuuurely Derek was too little for this sport, but NO! They WANTED him on the team! You see... he was a "Zero" class. No one else in our district had a "zero" -- that meant that every meet that Derek attended, they got an automatic WIN for him! He didn't actually wrestle, except at practice where he would wrestle a "1"... and occasionally at a meet he might scrimmage a "1" from the other team... But he was the hero - cuz he always won!!! LOL!
9. Zit (12) - Please tell me where it is written that 51 year old women still get zits? I protest!
10. Zinc (15) - Lifeguards love it. I hate it! My nose got sO sunburnt the summer I was 9, that the doctor told my mother I should NEVER go out in the sun AGAIN without zinc oxide on my nose. UGH! She believed him! Fortunately she was not a follow through kinda person... she only MADE me wear it at the pool and the beach. And only for a year or two... LOL! Amazingly my nose is still here and I haven't even had skin cancer... yet. (don't yell at me Maribeth!)
11. Zinnias (16) - Some more of those beautiful flowers that I love to plant and kill.
12. Zoo (12) - Zippidy doo dah! I LOVE the zoo! And that's where I'll be today! Enjoying a Birthday Zoobilation with Amanda & wee Luz!!! YAY!
13. Zebra (16) - My favorite animal at the zoo! But they are much more fun at the drive through zoofari!!! (just for the record though, when I was little my favorite animal was the anteater... but you NEVER see them anymore! I'd love to have one for a pet! An outdoor pet...)
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Jientje is hosting this challenge.
3 Days Left... you still have time to play!
Day 4
When Jientje first announced her door challenge I thought where can I go to get some really fabulous doors? And then as I was driving to the lawyers office last week, heading down 495 on the outer corridor of the beltway, I saw in the distance the towering golden spires of the Mormon Temple. I had never actually been to the Mormon Temple, but it has always held a fascination to me... and I was just POSTIVE I would get there and find GOLDEN doors - to match those lovely golden spires! Boy was I wrong! What I got was a hard core sell to convert and a big disappointment over the doors. (I should have expected the sell though - I did "come to them", after all! And I learned a lot! I don't agree with it all - but I learned it!) And I still thought the pictures worth sharing! I did find it interesting though that at the Mormon Temple, the doors are open - but you are not allowed inside UNLESS you are a member! However - it's not a "church" inside... not even close! It's just a bunch of small living room type spaces. Services are not held there. Only certain rituals like baptism and weddings. Other than that it's for private worship and meditation only. That took away some of the desire to get inside. (although I would LOVE to see that baptismal font up close!) Non-members are welcome to walk around the outside and take pictures though. And so I did. Back to the doors...
Labels: Doors, TT
Thursday 13 - Y not? ... Bridgin' the Gap - Day 5...
Thursday 13
In which we learn Y Melli is like she is...
or something like that!
1. Young! - Yes, Melli is YOUNG! 51 years young next week! Y? Because I said so! You can be old... or you can be young! I am YOUNG! Thank you! When I am eighty-nine I will still be young! (I HOPE I will be eighty-nine!)
2. Yam! - I yam what I yam! I love yams! If I were a vegetable I would certainly BE a yam... Y? Because they are orange -- and when I was a kid they always called me "carrot-top" -- but that was because they didn't KNOW I'm a yam!!!
3. Yesterday - I LIKE yesterday! Y? Let me tell ya something... yesterday gets a bad rap! They always say "forget about yesterday, don't worry about tomorrow, LIVE for today" ... well... that is ALMOST good advice! But I think we need to REMEMBER yesterday. Jot it down on paper - or in your blog. Go back and look at it from time to time... compare it to another yesterday ... learn a little something from it. But mostly REMEMBER it. Cuz I'm livin' with somebody who doesn't remember it... and I'm casting MY vote - forgetting sucks! I'm just sayin...
4. Yoyo - Melli is a LOT like a yoyo! Y? Up 'n down, uP 'n DoWn, ... emotionally... physically... my weight... LOTS of yoyoin' goin' on here! YUP!
5. Yogurt - I love yogurt! I wish they made YAM yogurt - but have ya ever tried mixin' pumpkin with vanilla yogurt? Add a touch of cinnamon? YUM! It's almost as good as I'm sUre Yam Yogurt WOULD be - if they ever thought of it!
6. Yacht - *Deep Sigh* ... Y? ohhhhhh ever since I was a wee little girl (yes I was wee little once upon a time!) I have dreeeamed of owning a yacht. And I don't dream little... Ya know? MY idea of a yacht is one step shy of Carnival Cruise Lines! But that's just my dreeeeeeam! I would settle for a pedal boat or a jet ski! Actually... I have recently made some discoveries about myself and boats and the yachter's and the boat people... I'm going to "blog this" one day... soon.
7. Yankee Doodle Dandy - Nope ... not the song. Believe it or not... the MOVIE! Y? This is one of my favorite movies OF ALL TIME! Yankee Doodle Dandy - The George M. Cohen Story... Waaaay back when (when we only had 4 channels) they used to play this movie EVERY 4th of July. And it was MY 4th of July ritual to watch it! I waited for this one the way most people waited for The Wizard of Oz. They usually played it in the morning, and I would watch it, and then get my butt out to a parade somewhere, and then of course, the fireworks!
8. Yolk - It's my favorite part of the egg! It is amazing that my cholesterol isn't SKY HIGH - Y? When I was kid at Easter and all the other kids would GAG on their yolks I had my hand out! Gimme! I loved 'em! And when MY kids started gaggin' on 'em, I was right there then too! That's a weird thing too... cuz my kids grew UP on yolks - I mean they were raised in the days when we added a raw egg yolk to their baby cereal and mixed it up with hot water... (back then they told us that was ALL the cookin' it needed!) And they lived too! But they LOVED their yolky cereal -- which moved on to smooshed up hard boiled egg yolks... so it was really surprising when they suddenly didn't like them! An acquired distaste?
9. Yogi Bear - *smile*... I do love that pic-a-nic basket snatchin' bear! I think I was in 2nd grade - maybe 3rd ... when the teacher started teaching us about Yellowstone Park. I kept correcting her! Y? You mean JELLYstone Park! It took me a long time to remember that it was REALLY Yellowstone!!!
10. Yoga - I am missing Yoga sooooooo much in my life! This is one thing I am SO going to get back into. As soon as I get back from the beach I'm going to find a class! Y? It's bad enough that I'm not getting regular exercise - but I'm not stretching like I should either - and THAT is really wreaking havoc! And how many times, when I was working at Curves, did I TELL people, If you don't do ANYTHING else - STRETCH! NOTHING is more important! ... whew! BOY do I need to listen to myself! Y? Stretching is ALL about the mobility. No stretchy... NO mobility! Period!
11. Yarn - Y? Well... I think I used to like yarn BETTER before I started learning to knit... but I do like yarny projects... and... I've been known to spin a yarn or two! (no... not on a wheel... Mercy!)
12. Yak - Yakkity Yak! Don't talk back! (yea right!) Okay... Yaks are pretty cool animals. But I suppose you wanna know Y I am LIKE one! Right? Well... partly because even though they are called YAKs, they really aren't terribly vocal... they're rather quiet animals... which I AM unless I'm partying with family or friends! But the other reason I'm like a Yak is... well... did you know that both male AND female yaks have HORNS? Well they do! So... when you see my horns - remember... I'm NOT a devil! I YAM A YAK!!!
13. YAY!!! - Oh c'mon! Don't even ask! Is YAY not one of my favorite words? YAY! I'm only ONE letter away from finishing this alphabet!!!+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I did go out Bridge Hunting again yesterday... but to no avail...
thus, another bridge from the archives!
Alice at Born2cree8 is hosting this one!It runs this week 8/24 - 8/30.If you want to play, sign her linky!
This is a shot of the Francis Scott Key Bridge
as seen from the Chesapeake Bay, entering
into the Baltimore Harbor!
This was taken last September when Dennis & I went out
on his friend, Bob's boat. We were actually 4 couples from
his office, and we all had a great time! We docked in
Baltimore and had dinner and then roamed around in the
Inner Harbor - it was just a beautiful day!
This was just another shot of it right
as we were getting ready to go under.
You know... *snap, snap*... what am I
EVER gonna need THAT shot for???
*shrug*
Now we know!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
TODAY we are supposed to get some rain! 70% chance of it! We sure need it! If we do indeed get some, I am staying home, medicating mom, and I'm READING A BOOK!!! (please don't look at me like that... sometimes ya just gotta!) If it doesn't rain, we'll go bridge hunting! :-)
Labels: Bridges, TT
Thursday 13 - The X Factor.... Reflect This - Day 5... and schtuff....
Thursday 13
The one I have been putting off 4-Ever!
In which Melli tries to use 13 X-words
in some semi-meaningful way...
but let's get this straight...
Spelling does NOT count!
1. Xeroses -- Dry skin! I have it! My children say my skin is like an alligator. This probably makes me VALUABLE on some level!2. Xyster -- Since X's are kisses and O's are hugs, this is sort of like kissing an Oyster! (this is definitely from the dictionary of Mellisms ... if you want the REAL definition you'll have to look it up yourself ... but mine is better!)3. XEBEC -- defined as a "small, 3 masted, Mediterranean vessel" - I'm thinking that means SAILBOAT! I'll take one! If they're really small I'll take TWO! (do masts have another purpose?)4. Xenon -- A colorless odorless gas... I wish this is what hubby was passing! (but it's not!)5. Xorbitant -- the price of gas! (NOT the kind hubby was passing)6. Xenial -- When company comes to my house, I like to be xenial! Baba was very xenial when the Blogger Babes visited her home the first time! (look it up! I don't have to explain everything!)7. Xplain -- That which I don't have to do!!! Figure it out!8. Xerox -- the brand that MY copier is NOT!9. Xpress -- I would RATHER xpress myself without X-words, thank you!10. Xtinct -- I really really wish that dragons and unicorns were not ALMOST xtinct!11. Xamine -- What I should have done to my head for getting involved in this alphabet 13!!!12. Xperience -- Coming up with a solution to this letter was quite an Xperience.13. Xhausted -- What I am after entertaining all these stupid X-words!And now I'm done! Ha ha ha ha ha ha! And Y and Z are a piece o' cake!!! Yahoooooo! I'm almost through the alphabet!###############
REFLECT THIS
Day 5
Two MORE planes reflected in the shiny black nose
of this one!
*nods*
#############
Yea... Mom & I went down to St. Mary's county yesterday. We went to lunch at a place called Cheeseburger In Paradise -- it was really CUTE! Jimmy Buffet playin' on the stereo, Tiki Bar-ish decor, you could sit outside if you wanted to -- but all you got for a view was Route 235! I wasn't into that! We stayed inside and pretended we were at the beach! I had a not very good buffalo chicken salad (which is my new obsession - well, I prefer GOOD ones - but - you know) and Mom had a really GREAT cheeseburger that I will get next time! It had swiss cheese, red & yellow peppers and Asiago sauce - on a whole wheat bun! I almost stole it from her! After that we headed down to Point Lookout which I had never been to before and wanted to find out what was down there. Turned out not much. A little campground, a swimmin' beach with a playground, a fishin' pier... that was about it! More of the same stuff we have near home - but not quite as nice... Guess I'll pass on takin' Luz down there! On the way back we stopped at the Patuxent Naval Air Station MUSEUM. That is where today's reflection photo came from. It's a very small museum - but it had a couple of neat things in it. It's free - so it was worth stopping at! It took up time and kept us out on a beautiful day! (AND scored me a good reflection!) That's about all I ask anymore! LOL! Life has gotten sO simple...
Labels: Reflections, TT
Jussssst Thursday 13... (that's all. really.)
Thursday Thirteen
In which YOU learn 13 things about ME
that begin with letter...
1. Ruby Tuesday's -- IF you don't already know that lunch out with friends is my favoritest activity in the world, then you are learning it now! And Ruby Tuesday's is NOT my favorite restaurant in the world -- but it IS my favorite Salad Bar! In my house, Ruby's is considered fast food! It's as fast as we EVER want food to be!
2. Rain -- You regulars know this already too. I loooooooove rain! Someday I will visit Belgium to enjoy their rainy weather! Of course, Gattina will be the icing on that cake trip!
3. Roller coasters -- Me! Me! Me! I wanna ride! One of the biggest rewards I got from losing my weight was that I was able to ride the roller coasters without a lap belt extender. (and in some cases, just being able to FIT in the seat!) I hope I haven't gained too much back for this! Roller coaster season IS upon us!!!
4. Rummy -- I love to play games -- and especially cards! Rummy rates amongst my favorites! The kids and I like to play a version (i forget what it's called) that requires certain "sets" for each round - and they grow increasingly harder with each round too. You have to "buy" cards and all sorts of nonsense! It's great fun!!!
5. Redhead -- If you don't know THIS about me, you should!!! It's THE most important thing you'll ever need to know about me! I am like Charlie Brown's little girlfriend - the one with "Naturally Curly Red Hair"... *nods*... though we've all noticed a LOT more gray creeping in recently! (no wonder Mom thinks I'm her mother...) *grin*
6. Reliable -- I definitely AM reliable! I don't think I've ever had a boss that would disagree. If given a task, I see that it's done -- to 150% of my best ability!
7. RICH -- LOL! You laugh??? I AM rich! I am rich in God's love; blessed with a wonderful family, and many many good and caring friends! What MORE do I need???
8. Rebel -- Oh yes I am! I was ALWAYS accused of being a rebel when I was young. And I don't think I've gotten over it yet! If there is "something" going on that I disagree with in principal or in fact, I will FIGHT it! And I don't think I'm wrong to do it! If I believe something is "unjust" and that I can make a difference in changing it -- I'm ALL IN on that! This is one of those things that earned me the title of "hard headed". I am that too!
9. Real -- Yea... I think y'all know ... what you read is what you get!
10. Roamer -- Rambler? Well... I'm not a house. I looooove to roam! If I'm in the car (especially away from home) and I'm not in a hurry to BE someplace, I love to see a sign or just see a road - and follow it! Let's SEE what's down here?! Some of my best explores have come about this way! Oh... I don't worry about getting "lost" either. Lost is SUCH a state of mind! No matter how "away" you are from where you want to be... there's always a way to get back!
11. Reader -- Yes! This is me! I loooove to read! As a matter of fact, I can't fall asleep at night without reading! That is bad! There are times when it is very inconvenient to need to read a few pages!
12. Resilient -- This is a good word for me. I am really pretty good at "bouncing back". I'm not always "up" the way some folks think I am. But when I get down (and I get down pretty deep when I get) I bounce back pretty quick! It's more like being on a trampoline than trying to dig myself out of a hole. (good thing - I'm not that great with a shovel!)
13. Regular -- TMI? Should I have stopped at 12 this week? Well... I'm just sayin'...
Labels: TT
Alphabet Challenge - Letter "V" ... AND Thursday 13... "Q" is for Quirky!
I TOLD you there would be mOre than ONE picture for letter "V"!
And it may l00k like all they're doing is volunteering to eat lunch...
But I promise you... before and after my church group delivered lunch...
That these fine young Men & Women ...
Were working HARD...
To build this Habitat For Humanity home.
As someone who has been involved in volunteer work of one type or another all my adult life (and some of my childhood too) I have great admiration and respect for all people who give generously of their time and energy to make someone else's life a little bit better. My hat is off to these people! It was an honor to ME to prepare & serve them lunch!!! God bless them all!
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Thursday 13
In which Melli makes up tells a little story
involving 13 "Q" words...
Soooo, I received a phone call this morning from the Queen... she is throwing a "tea" this afternoon at Quarter past 3. Of course I'm invited and she inQuired as to whether I would Quibble were she to serve a sausage and bacon Quiche. I felt I was being Quizzed, and never one to be Quiescent, I Quickly reminded Her Majesty that I do not "do" meat Quiche. I did however offer to bring my own Quiche if it would help! The Queen grew very Quiet and insinuated that I was behaving in a Quirky manner. She reQuested that I Quit. I replied that there was no way I was being Quirky as I had already achieved my Quota for Quirks this month -- but that I might be a bit Qualmy as I'm lacking in Qualms! Her Majesty rolled her eyes ( I could hear it through the phone! ) and said never mind as she has decided to serve Quail instead!
There ya go! FIFTEEN "Q" words -- in case the two with "Q" in the middle don't count! Now... I must go dress for the Queen! Ta ta!
Labels: Alphabet Challenge, TT
Thursday 13 - Letter "P"... and Alphabet Challenge - Letter "O"
THURSDAY 13
Thirteen Things That Speak About Melli
Beginning With Letter
1. Ponder. - Funny that I found this Pooh letter for "P" - because Pooh likes to Ponder things... and I do too! Really I am a great ponderer! I wish I had more "silent" time so that I could do more pondering.
2. Pudgy! - Remember last week we discussed this on "O" ... for obese? Well... I haven't lost any weight this week ... so I'm still pudgy! (or PLUMP if you prefer!)
3. Playful. - Amanda gave me this and it is definitely me! I loooove to play! I don't like to work... nope! I like to PLAY! All day! I'm really quite BAD about this!
4. Punctual. - I am actually punctual to a fault! I drive my kids craaaazy with how punctual I am! I can not stand to be late! I was taught in school that employers like employees to be ON TIME, and boy I took that piece of advice to heart! And I carry it over to appointments, parties, lunch... doesn't matter what! Mom has slowed me down a bit and made me late a few times and I really FREAK OUT over it!
5. Pleasant. -- (honey gave me this one) He says I am pleasant! I do try to be. I don't like being grouchy or glum. I really do prefer to be pleasant as much as possible!
6. Perfect. -- LOL! - I don't think so! But I had to use it! Dennis and Mathew BOTH gave it to me! Soooooooo... it's nice to know that sOMebody THINKS I'm perfect! (but trust me - I just caught them in good moods! they don't always think i'm perfect!!!)
7. Patient. -- Oh dear! I do think God would beg to disagree with this one! But Mathew gave me this one too, and so I'm using it! Since "patience" is a matter of comparative study, I might agree that comparatively speaking I am more patient than some. And I could just possibly be less patient than others! (and I'm not a very good patient either...)
8. Polite. -- I try. Sometimes when my "patience" is being tested, I am not so polite.
9. Photographer. -- Not a professional by any stretch of the imagination! But I never go anywhere without my camera - and so therefore I AM a photographer. I LOVE my camera!
10. Pickle. -- LoL! Sometimes when Luz is being ... contrary... I tell her she's a PICKLE! So... lately if I don't give her her way, she tells me I'M a pickle! And I guess sometimes I am!
11. Procrastinator. -- Oh help me! Yes... this IS me! I will put it off and put it off and put it off! And if I can get OUT of doing it altogether, all the better! This is one of those things that I'm in trouble with God about all the time!!! (even when it's not something HE told me to do!) Sheesh!
(this one sorta goes along with #3....)
12. Passionate. -- There are sOMe out there in Blogland that might hang me if I failed to include this little tidbit. Yes... I am a wee bit passionate about certain things. Some might say I am uncontrollably passionate about some things! I'm sure comments will be heard from the peanut gallery!
13. Proud. Amanda gave me this one too -- and I had to check with her to make sure if she meant this as a "good" kind of proud - or a sinful kind of proud. She assured me she meant the good way! I am very proud of my children, and on occasion when I behave, I'm proud of myself too! However, since hAved is something I have a problem being I'm not often proud that way!
"O" is for... Orange
Through the hOLe!
LOL!
This was taken at Applebee's yesterday
while Mom & I were having lunch.
I noticed the hole in the chair and thought
that's an "O"... and then I noticed the
back of the menu.
Works for me!
Labels: Alphabet Challenge, TT
Alphabet Challenge ... and Thursday 13
So today begins Quilly's Alphabet Challenge!
26 days of photo's ... in alphabetical order!
I do believe the challenge hasn't actually begun
as I post this... well, on account of Quilly
lives in Hawaii and is about 5 hours behind us
on the eastern most coast of the rest of the states.
But she'll catch up and begin soon. I'm just
jumping on ahead of the train - that's all.
You know me... I'm like that!
I dO hope I do better on the other 25! 
"A" is for... AccidentThis LOOKS a lot worse than it could have been.The kid that was driving was flown out in a helicopter...but his fingers and toes were wiggling!God is good!(and I thank Him it wasn't one of mine!)~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thursday 13...
In which we discuss 13 things about Melli beginning with the letter
1. Nana *most importantly* -- Yes! I AM the Nana. When I asked my kids to give me 3 words describing me that began with N, 4 out of 4 said "Nana". I'm thinking that's relevant!
2. Nice -- I was AmAzed that 3 of my children also said NICE! The other one said (k)nucklehead - but since that really starts with "K" it doesn't count! By the way... I dO TRY to be nice... but sometimes I'm just NOT!
3. Nuts! -- Yes... Only ONE of my kids came up with this one -- I thought it would be first on everyone's list... it surprised me! But it WAS first on MY list -- because not only am I nuts, but I also LOVE to eat them... back when I had REAL teeth. (which reminds me... Carol said "No teeth" -- but I didn't count IT because it's really two words and I need teeth for my "T" list!)
4. Nap -- My probably favorite "N" thing - besides being a Nana. I LOVE an afternoon NAP - and I haven't had many of them since December... *sigh*
5. Nutcrackers -- You know... the soldier kind. I collect them! I have about 20 of them I suppose... maybe more. I guess I'll count them when I get them out for Christmas again...
6. Nike -- I do like their shoes... and yea... my latest pair is Nikes... but MOSTLY I like their slogan. Just DO it! God says this to me all the time! But Lord, I don't waaaaant to.... Oh Melli! Just DO it! *nods* (how can you refuse that???)
7. Naughty -- (raised eyebrows) ... did this come from... my husband??? NO! It came from eldest daughter! SHE says I am naughty - when I spend too much money! But at the same time she sweet talked me by telling me I'm NICE to all my kids - even when they are naughty!!! LOL!
8. Nails -- I LOVE my acrylic nails! I get them done every 2-3 weeks and I wish I could stop but I'm sO used to having nice long strong nails now... I just don't know HOW I'd dO it! I keep sayin' I'm gonna give it a try... see if my real ones might be strong enough now... but... I'm skeeered! One of these days though!
9. Natural -- LOL! Having told ya about my nails... now I'm gonna tell ya that aside from my nails (and a little lipstick sometimes) I AM completely natural! What you see is what you get! I yam what I yam!!!
10. Night -- I love night! I love day too! But that doesn't mean I can't love night! In night the stars come out, and if there's a storm you can see the lightening really WELL, and ... sleep happens at night... sometimes.
11. Numb -- My hands go numb a lot. This is one of the reasons that I need to re-lose the weight I've gained. I've had diagnosed, but UNtreated carpal tunnel for about 22 years now. The funny thing is, when I lost my weight, it pretty much went away! It's AMAZING how many things are weight related that you would NEVER think are! So anyway... it's back. And I really NEED to lose the 30 pounds so that my hands will stop being numb again!
12. New -- I really do like new. Not so much new "things" - although I dO like new things too ... but I'm thinking more about new surroundings... new places... new restaurants... new ideas... new thoughts... new seasons... new like in FRESH! Not same ol' hum drum.
13. Noisy -- When people first meet me they think I'm very quiet. And I DO looooove my quiet time! When I'm by myself I relish in quiet. I don't have any background noise at all! But put me together with family or a group of friends, and I am generally anything BUT quiet! Noisy is me!
Now... before y'all comment there are a couple of "n" words that definitely do NOT describe me. I am NOT neighborly. As a matter of fact I stay as far away from my neighbors as possible! I am also NOT "nurturing"... not even as a Mom! Not EVEN as a Nana! For real...
Labels: Alphabet Challenge, TT
Project Green ... & Thursday 13....
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
13 Things about Melli That Begin With...
1. Mathew -- Number One Son! My "dear boy" who melts my heart just by sayin' "Mama"... I'm putty in his hands! (it's okay... he's 21 now and has another woman who keeps him in line!)
2. Matt Redman -- My "other" favorite Matt! And my favorite singer of PRAISE music!
3. Maggie Mae -- My favorite SONG of alllllllll time! Don't ask me WHY - I have NO idea. But this song just brings a smile to my face every time I hear it! I LOVE Rod Stewart's raspy voice, and I just love this song!!!
4. Mom -- that's me! I'm the mom! Except when we're talking about Mom - my mother-in-law - then she's Mom -- but mostly I AM MOM! Just ask my kids!
5. Maniac -- I stand accused! For real... there are those "people" who honestly believe I am a maniac. I don't know where they get these silly notions...
6. MEXICO! -- No... I've never been to the country. I don't need to. Mexico is my favorite Mexican restaurant! I go through spells where I would LIKE to eat there every day!
7. Messy -- *whips head around* ... WHO said that??? Moi? Messy? Hehehe... In MY blog land I'm neat as a pin!
8. M & M's -- Awwww ya gotta admit they are the best little calorie around!
9. Museums -- Yes indeed! I do LOVE to go to museums! And I'm not really picky about what kind! I usually find something to love in all of them. (but I am partial to ART museums!)
10. Marshmallows -- Toasted. Over an open fire. On a stick. With leftover hot dog grease on it. Added to a graham cracker. And a chocolate bar. And squooshed. Mmmmm...
11. Melon -- Melon is one of my favorite fruits! I love when it's in season - whether watermelon, canteloupe, mushmelon... it's ALL good!
12. Mancala -- This is such an addictive little game! Honestly - this was one of our family favorites. The kids and I would play it for hours on end! I'm gonna give Luz about a year - and then I'm gonna teach her!
13. ME! -- Yes, ME! I am ME! I am also Melli! Sometimes I'm Mary... but usually I'm Melli. And we already discussed that I'm Mom. ME, MOM, Melli, Mary... (Hey You!) ... that's ME!
Labels: Projects, TT
Thursday 13... Lovely....
13 Things About Melli
Beginning with Letter
1. Luz Estrella... The most darlingest grandbaby in alllllllll the world! Yes... MINE!
2. Loving... Krysti gave me this one -- so it must be true! Actually... I know it IS true - especially where my family is concerned!
3. Lively... "Some people" have described me as being a "lively" character. *shrug*
4. Luxury... Oh yeaaaaa! This girl is ABOUT luxury! Hey! I used to go camping. I did. And now I'm done with that! I like HOT showers and soft sheets (really soft!) -- and roomy cars!
5. Listen... "Some people" say that I'm a good listener. "Some people" say that I'm not. One thing is sure... I like to "listen" to music!!!
6. Life... I do LOVE Life! (and not just the cereal!) I want a looooooong one please! And then eternity, thank you!
7. Leader... "Some people" say that I am a Leader. I have never felt like a leader. I've always thought of myself as a follower. But "some people" see qualities in me that I do not see in myself. *sigh*
8. Lazy... I definitely see myself as lazy. *deeeeep sigh*
9. Laughter... I love to laugh! And I laugh often!
10. Lexapro... THANKS to Lexapro I am able to laugh as often as I want!
11. Lunch... Absolutely! Besides being one of my 3 favorite meals, it is also one of my absolute FAVORITE activities to do with friends... or daughters... or sons... or family!
12. Loyal... Krysti gave me this one too. I had forgotten it - but she remembered! I am loyal. Most of the time.
13. Loud... Krysti says this one describes our whole family! Well... YEA! When you put all of us together it DOES get pretty loud. And I'm surely included in that mix!!! (I'm perfectly quiet when I'm by myself though... unless I'm singing at the top of my lungs... hehehe...)Labels: TT
Thursday 13.... Kickin' Up Dust!
Thirteen things that might have something to do with Melli ...
beginning with letter...
1. Krysti. Youngest daughter... oldest twin. A lot of people think that Krysti is my "favorite" (or "some people" think she should be!) -- she and I share a lot of interests, including music and theater -- and morally speaking, she is a hair closer to my way of thinking than my others. Krysti and I can do many things together and genuinely enjoy each other's company. (But I can honestly say that I do NOT have a favorite child. They each bring something different to the table - and I admire who each of them is. )
2. Key Lime Pie. If it's ON the menu, I'm HAVIN' dessert!
3. Koi. I would desperately LOVE to have a pond in my front yard with a waterfall and koi in it.
4. Kitty. Our oldest cat. He knows he should have been named Killer or Hercules or Bruiser... some BIG strong MASCULINE name befitting the amazing mouser that he is ... anything but ... "Kitty". The fact is that his "real" given name is Mr. Krisp (or Krispy) ... so named by a six year old upon receiving him for her birthday. But he never ever has been CALLED Mr. Krisp. The only name he has ever known is ... *deep sigh*... Kitty. We love him. But deep down inside, I know his name is TANK!
5. Kenny Rogers. Mmmm! I do love to hear that man sing! I saw him in concert only ONE time - but it was with Dolly Parton - and honestly, they were fabulous! And I think... of course, you don't knOw... but from interviews I have seen and heard with him, I really do think he is just a gOOd man. I really do.
6. Kites. I just bought Luz not one, but two kites! One for her house and one for mine... I didn't knOw she already HAD a kite at home. Oh well. For 3 days now we've been hoping for a day that was dry enough, sunny enough, warm enough AND windy enough to fly it. Soon. I'm sure our day will come!
7. Krispy Kreme's. I just had my very first EVVA hot out of the oven Krispy Kreme while I was in Savannah for the Blogger Babes Bash back in October. I haven't had another one since... but the memory lingers. FORTUNATELY for me, the nearest KK bakery is about 45 miles away!
8. Kitchen. THE room in the house where everyone gathers when everyone's around! And I still can't figure out WHY... cuz I'm NOT a cook.
9. Keyboard. I am rather attached to mine! I do sO wish there was a way to keep dirt and crumbs from falling down in the keys!
10. Kiwi. I Love this little furry green fruit! They say you can eat the furry skin -- I've never tried it though!
11. Knees. I'm sO thankful I have two good working ones! Waaaaaaaay back when - I had an injury to one of them, while wrestling around with a boyfriend, and for YEARS my kneecap would "slip" out of place. EXTREMELY painful! I was just positive I was going to eventually have to have surgery for it -- but low and behold one day I realized that it just hadn't happened in ... a long looooooong time! AMEN!
12. KODAK! The picture people! My camera is a KODAK Easy Share C875 -- and I LOVE it! It goes everywhere with me!!! I also have a slightly larger Kodak Easy Share Z710 which is equally fabulous but not quite as portable! The portable one is only a 5x zoom though - and the bigger one is 10x zoom. I actually bought it specifically for concerts and things of THAT nature where I am stuck too far away from that which I want good pictures of! LOL! I got tired of sitting behind people who were zooming up on Toby Keith's nose hairs while I was getting blurry shots of the strobe lights! Oy.
13. Kit-Kat Chocolate Bar. *whew* ... didn't think I was gonna FIND a 13th thing! I've been sweatin' it! But Kit Kats will do! I do indeed like them! Have been known to devour a few on a Halloween night or two... YAY! (K was harrrrrd!)
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Oh! Yea!
There is also NEW Luz News today
... if anyone is interested!
Labels: TT
Thursday 13 ... Joyous Jems! (i know... i know)
Thirteen Things About Melli
Brought To You THIS Week by the Letter...
1. The "J" Team! This is what my children refer to themselves as -- the collective 4 -- because all of their middle names begin with J. Joy, Jordan, Jillian & Jeremiah. This really was not a planned event -- it just happened that I reallllly LOVE "J" names and hubby never liked them for FIRST names!
2. Jewl. My favorite furry friend! Jewl is our 8 year old (recently declared geriatric) black lab! She has started developing some arthritis in her rear legs and hips... *sigh*
3. Jammies. I absolutely LOVE jammies and given ANY chance at all, I will gladly stay in them from sun up to sun down! (and beyond!) There is nothin' better than a lazy ol' jammy day!
4. Jury. I have always wanted to sit on a jury! The only time I ever got called for Jury Duty the responsibility was withdrawn from me because I would no longer live in that county by the time my date came up. I was devastated!!! I am a licensed driver and a registered voter - and always have been! And still... after 21 years in this county, I have NEVER been called for Jury duty!!! And I know, it's all because I WANT to be!
5. Justice. Maybe my desire to sit on a jury is because I have a very strong sense of justice. I sometimes wonder if it isn't a bit "too strong" - because I think sometimes it causes me to "judge" when it is NOT my job to do so! But I really do not like to see anyone treated unfairly... and sadly... this is NOT a fair world.
6. Jellybean. I love the black ones! But they are not the reason this is here! It's here because I AM the Jellybean! My youngest brother gave me that title when I was just a weeeeeeeee little bit! And he continued to call me Jellybean up until the day he died. And HE is the ONLY one in my family that ever did! I was HIS Jellybean! *cuz I'm just that sweet!*
7. Jazz. I'm a huge fan of music -- I listen to almost anything! (not crazy about Gregorian Chants...) I DO like Jazz! OLD stuff! Duke Ellington - Count Basie - Louie Armstrong! Yea!
8. Jigsaw Puzzles. These have become a grand source of "family entertainment" since Mom moved in with us! Actually - I used to love them when I was a kid... and I just forgot that until she came around. Funny thing is, we bought them to keep HER busy when she told us that she likes to do them... and before we discovered that she meant she LIKED to do them 40 years ago! When she remembered HOW! LOL! But we are enjoying them now - and she enjoys sitting with us and "helping".
9. Johnny Appleseed. When Mathew was in 1st grade I was invited in to read the story of Johnny Appleseed to the students during a certain lesson they were having. Never being one to do things in a small way, I arrived barefoot with rolled up britches, a sack of apples at my side and a pot on my head! I don't believe I "read" the story as much as I "told" it. The kids and the teacher LOVED it -- and to this day I still have students who remember me doing this!!! It cracks me up to hear a voice in the grocery store say "Mrs. Lantz! I remember when YOU came into my classroom dressed up like Johnny Appleseed!" ROFL! The THINGS kids remember!
10. Jacques Cousteau. Back in my television days, this man was one of my ultimate favorites to watch on the boob tube! He and Dr. Seuss should have teamed up because OH! The Places We'd GO with ol' Jacques Cousteau!!! I loved that man! May he rest in peace...
11. Jacuzzi. No... I don't HAVE one -- but boy I sure WISH I did! I absolutely love to sink down into a deep hot bath with the jets turned HIGH and just soak all my cares away!
12. Jasper's. My most recent favorite restaurant. A little pricey (not exorbitant) - but the food is fabulous - and the atmosphere is fun! And Derek works there!13. Jesus. (you knew it) My JOY and my salvation! (sort of like a Jacuzzi - without water!)Labels: TT
Thursday 13 ... Aye Yi Yi Yi Yiiiiiiii......
In which we speak of 13 things about Melli...
All beginning with letter
1. Imagination. "Some people" say I have an incredible imagination! I sort of tend to agree because many times if you don't know what's going on in my head, you don't "get" what's going on outside of my head! :)
2. Industrious. "Some people" also say I'm industrious. I tend to NOT agree with this one on account of I am lazy... and lazy and industrious are sort of opposed to each other. However... I do know how "some people" got this idea... because if I am challenged to do something that I have a great deal of interest in doing, then "some people" could be mislead into "believing" that I am something I am not!
3. Intense! YES! I am definitely an intense personality. I bet none of you could guess that though!
4. Impossible. "Some people" say I am impossible to live with! But "other people" say that I am possible to live with - only impossible to "get along with". Personally I think they are all impossible to get along with and I am very easy to both get along with AND live with! :)
5. In-Law. Yep... I am an in-law! A daughter-in-law (which may yet cause me to be an out-law), a mother-in-law, a sister-in-law ... and I guess that's it!
6. Irish. I AM Irish! It's not JUST my red hair! I come from a long line of Kearns and Carroll's! I'm definitely Irish! And I like Irish coffee too!
7. IMPULSIVE??? Who? Me?????? Okay... maybe every now and then! *crosses fingers behind back*
8. Impatient. I bet you couldn't guess this one either. Yes... I am probably the mOst impatient person I know! And even though I prayed, and asked God to grant me some patience when he gave me that in-law to take care of, SO FAR it hasn't stuck! Occassionally I master it for ohhhhhhhh I think I might be up to a whopping 15 seconds in a row by now -- but that's about it!!! Great... now I'll probably get more practice... *sigh*
9. ICE. Yes... ICE. Ice cream... Ice Storms... Ice tea... Icing... I liiiiiiiike ICE!!! Yup!
10. Inny. My belly button is an inny! I wouldn't have it any other way! And I'm very VERY protective of it. NO ONE (and I mean "NO ONE") is allowed to touch it ... except me!
11. IKEA. Yes, I DO like to shop at IKEA! I wish I didn't have to drive sooooooooo darn FAR to get to one!!! It's not fair! But... it's probably for my own good! Everytime I have gone in that store to get "something I need" I end up coming out with $200 worth of additional things I DON'T need! Very dangerous, that store!
12. Inquisitive. I never really think of myself as BEing inquisitive anymore... because really truly and honestly I am not neeeeeearly as inquisitive now as I was when I was much younger! My questions have settled waaaaaaay down! Maybe because I got a lot of answers and so I don't need to wonder so much anymore... I dunno! But... I'm adding it to the list because apparently a certain Pastor that I know and love, who keeps a running list of unanswerable questions that he's going to ask God when he gets to Heaven, says I have about doubled the length of his list in one short year. Hmmmmmm.
13. INSANE! Of course! Insanity Prevails!!! And I'm in charge of ALL the lunatics... so I must be insane!
Labels: TT
Thurs. 13 ... In Alphabetical Order
I haven't played Thursday Thirteen for a loooooooong time... but now that a few other's have finished up the ABC's of things, I've decided to get started on it! LOL! That's me... if I'm a follower I'm waaaaaaaay behind! (otherwise I'm the leader!) Sooooooooo... here is my first of 26 Thursday Thirteens.... beginning with letter "A". Thirteen "A" words that are important to Melli...
(note... they don't "define" me... they're just important to me.)
1. Amanda. The list would have to start with her -- my first born child who I love more than cheesey crab dip with homemade bread!
2. Alzheimers. This disease has poked it's evil little head into my life once again. My mother had it and I was totally and completely intolerant of it with her. Now that mother-in-law has it, apparently I'm being given a second chance to learn what is important and what is not. God is gOOd like that! I'm NOT so good at getting the lesson... *sigh*
3. Apple. I am hoping that at some point within the next 6 months I will be able to bite into one of these and enjoy it's sweet/tart juicy flavor once again!
4. Avacado. Probably my favorite forbidden fruit! I LOVE them sooooo much... and they are sO darned fattening!!! HOW can a fruit be fattening??? (honestly... I could eat them by the bushel basket!)
5. Adventure. I LOVE to go on adventures! Anytime, anywhere. You going somewhere? I'm UP for the trip! Just holler! And sometimes... when life gets a little too dull... I just have to create my own adventure!
6. Automobile. Yes - it IS important to me! Without my auto I would feel like a prisoner in my own home! It is my freedom to roam the neighborhood -- and sometimes OUT of the neighborhood. It is also necessary for things like grocery shopping and doctors appointments -- but mostly it is a luxury that has become very important to me.
7. Architecture. I get great enjoyment from architecture. I love to walk through a big city and notice all the different styles because invariably there is a fabulous mixture of old & new, antique and ultra modern. I also enjoy the architecture in the "country" -- different home styles - and even the barns.
8. Art. I also enjoy art! Almost ALL art! (lots of "a" words there!) I love the Impressionist stuff, Renaissance stuff, modern stuff (although sometimes I do wonder about the modern stuff!)... folk art, natural art ... and KID art!!! I just LOVE it! I collect stamps because they are little teeny tiny pieces of affordable art!!! LOL!
9. Air conditioning. Again... like the auto... it's a luxury - but it's an important one to ME! I am almost always hot, and I absolutely hate to sweat! I LOVE my air conditioning! I know it's winter and we're not using it right now... but come Spring and Summer, I'm going to be plenty happy that I HAVE it!!!
10. Aveeno. My daily moisturizing lotion. It keeps my skin from looking like another "a" word -- alligator!
11. AMERICA. Where I live. Where I am PROUD to live. The land of the free, the home of the brave! Nope, we're not perfect... but neither is ANYwhere. A LOT of people criticize America and Americans... but I've noticed that there are an awful LOT of foreigners trying to get IN to America ... and then want us to conform to THEIR ways. Seems to me if they wanted to come here so badly, then they should accept our ways.
12. Abba. God... Father... Reedemer... Love. He whom I live my life for. He whom I WISH I could obey allllllllllll the time. He who has forgiven me for all the times I can't.
13. Amen. Meaning "Let it be so". Abba... Thy will be done. Amen!
Labels: TT
things
Jientje is hosting this challenge. 
NOT golden by any means!
NOT golden by any means!
Gattina sent me this lovely cross and postcard... with a lovely note! The cross was actually given to HER by a girl in Egypt but Gattina doesn't wear crosses and she knew it belonged with ME! So... we are never ... *shakes head* ... never EVER gonna tell that Egyptian girl that Gattina re-gifted!!! 
And inside it says...
Gattina sent me this lovely cross and postcard... with a lovely note! The cross was actually given to HER by a girl in Egypt but Gattina doesn't wear crosses and she knew it belonged with ME! So... we are never ... *shakes head* ... never EVER gonna tell that Egyptian girl that Gattina re-gifted!!! 
And inside it says...
