Randomness at best....

Ugh! Not loving the time change

2011-11-28T16:49:00.001-06:00

I'm not sure why this year is any different than before. I am so fired so early. I would hate to think its age so I'm blaming time change.
I'm ready to nap now!!!!

Yes you gave me a mountain!

2011-08-18T18:38:00.000-05:00

2011-08-16T08:40:00.002-05:00

Stella & Dot

2011-08-15T13:11:00.004-05:00

Occasionally I need to promote this site. They have excellent jewelry and the quality is outstanding.

http://stelladot.com/sites/vikki89/productcatalog/

2011-08-02T10:01:00.002-05:00

Photo Book

2011-07-26T18:50:00.001-05:00

Click here to view this photo book larger

Empowered Music

2011-07-22T15:31:00.001-05:00

It's not a mystery that I like music. Of that the words from songs can inspire me. One of my FABULOUS Friends wrote a blog and I ran with it.
Take a read!
http://fabulously40.com/blog/id/inspired-by-eva-playlist-20962

Beds

2011-06-23T21:32:00.000-05:00

So we bought a new Sealy mattress set less than 2 yrs ago. We didn't buy the most expensive. But we also didn't buy the cheapest. Well the mattress started to sag and when you look at it it has 2 valleys and 3 hills. And lordy help you if you get stuck in one of the valleys. Trying to roll over one of those hills to get out is a chore. Yes a CHORE! So instead of waking up refreshed, repaired and ready for another day we were waking up cranky, sore and tired.
So we decided to file a claim with Sealy. Apparently 1 1/4 inch sag is not enough for them to honor their warranty. Nope! It has to be 1.5 inches of sag. And of course you have to strip your bed, use a lightweight level and take pictures. You also have to take the mattress off the box springs and take some more pictures. Once you have done that then of course you have to take the box springs off and take a picture of the bed frame.
Well we did all this and then waited. Waited. Waiting.... and waited some more. So after a month of waiting I contacted them to find out if they had reached a decision.
"Oh we are sorry we didn't contact you Mrs Hall" was their response "but NO we are not going to consider this a valid claim". What???? Not valid!!!! WTH!!!!
So we bought a new set. Suppose to help our backs since they were out of whack from the invalid claim.

We bought a Temperpedic. We get 100 nights to decide if we love it. And if not they will help us find a suitable solution. We are only into our first week of sleeping. I am hoping.....

Lyrics....

2011-04-20T08:46:00.000-05:00

I love listening to music. And sometimes the words themselves are so much more enjoyable than the tunes. But when they both come together it can be inspiring in so many ways. I typically like lyrics that are positive and uplifting but sometimes I love the ones that wake up memories good and bad. Right now I have this song from Tesla stuck in my head. Thankfully it's a good song with a positive message. However I always think of little Justin Biebers song "Baby Baby" whenever I have a song or thought stuck in my head. Don't need little Bieber with this one tho.

First Time by Tesla

Another night, Another day
Another minute slips away
and wonder why you're here at all
Ambitions fade, times get tough
you tried so hard but its not enough
and now your backs against the wall
just remember who you are, you can be a lucky star

be everything you wanna be, you're extraordinary
dont waste your time with memories, you're extraordinary
take your chances while you can
take your own life in your hands
and you can start it all again
like its the first time

you reminisce, static haze
you're thinking back to better days
its time to put it all behind
the futures now, forget the past
your life is rushing by to fast
its time to open up your mind
just remember who you are
you can be a lucky star

be everything you wanna be, you're extraordinary
dont waste your time with memories, you're extraordinary
take your chances while you can
take your own life in your hands
and you can start it all again

be everything you wanna be, you're extraordinary
dont waste your time with memories, you're extraordinary
take your chances while you can
take your own life in your hands
and you can start it all again

be everything you wanna be, you're extraordinary
dont waste your time with memories, you're extraordinary
take your chances while you can
take your own life in your hands
and you can start it all again
you're extraordinary

Ramblings on my mind....

2010-12-27T10:41:00.001-06:00

So here we are again..... the end of another year...........2010 to be exact! Where did it go? And what did I do?????

I know I started out the year planning on being successful in my medical health future. I exercised and got strong! I got freaked out by a Dr's concern. Thankfully it was nothing and it confirmed I was pretty healthy. Can't do anything about the hereditary things. They just are :) So this year I just plan on having fun with my workouts. I plan on trying different things and I also plan on having fun while doing it. This will not be negotiable!!!!!! This past year I attempted to eat better and less of the bad and more of the good. I also tried being meatless and gluten free. It was easier being meatless than gluten free. So maybe this year I will just focus on trying to eat a bit cleaner.

I also challenged myself with some 21 day challenges which also included paying it forward. By far that was the easiest 21 days to complete. The hardest part of that challenge was trying to find opportunites to male someone elses day..... especially in this day when people are so untrusting. I will not give up and will continue to look for ways to pay it forward.

I took classes in real estate with every intention of following through. However old habits are hard to break and I easily fell in with an opportunity that was within my comfort zone. So this year (very soon too) I need to follow through on that real estate license. Property management sounds interesting..... but then again so does helping people find "their home". I signed on with Stella & Dot because I love their jewelry and hope I can turn it into something that will support my jewelry addiction. And I also want to challenge my mind and am contemplating classes in art appreciation. Could be fun but most definitely will be interesting. Definitely the upcoming year is full of possibilities. Of which I am only limited by ME!

I have traveled to a few places this year..... Various towns in Arkansas, Vicksburg and other towns in MS, Nashville, Knoxville and Clarksville TN, let's not forget that cruise either, met a FABULOUS friend in New Jersey, Amarillo, Kansas City and of course my home in Michigan. This year I want to continue to explore places around Memphis. After all there is so much to see and do. And I'm not really an extravagent person where I have to only visit resorts. However I wouldn't mind that either:)

I attempted gardening this past year. Flowers and a little pizza garden. I was successful until the heat, bugs, birds and chipmunks decided to declare war. THEY WON!!!! But this year I will attempt it again and will find a way to win. I've got plans for my yards-front and back.

Seen Eric Clapton and Jamey Johnson (not together), experienced the tornados while attempting the Memphis Music Festival during Memphis in May, and of course the music of Beale St. We already have started the new year off right with tickets to Kid Rock and Buddy Guy(sadly not together because that would be fun!) and that's just for starters!!!!!

There's been holidays, birthdays, births, deaths, good times and bad. There will be my anniversary too on New Years Eve. 17 years with Dave good and bad but worth it!

I experienced my 1st Memphis winter, car shopping, technology (hello myfax.com), plantations, demolition driving (on the streets of this town), suduko, iPad, and using a bathroom that was smaller than my stand up shower.

I guess I've been busy........

It's been a great year and I look forwards to 2011 being even better!

--
Vikki
Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Wear Red Day

2010-08-29T09:07:00.000-05:00

Wear Red Day

Vikki

2010-07-26T19:01:00.000-05:00

Vikki: "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. - Ralph Waldo Emerson"

Love is Energy.... Pass it forward !

2010-06-28T14:40:00.000-05:00

My cat cracks me up!

2010-06-21T15:09:00.000-05:00

Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

Vikki

2010-06-15T10:10:00.000-05:00

Vikki: "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. - Ralph Waldo Emerson"

To have a cat's life!

2010-06-05T11:07:00.000-05:00

What would it be like to have a cats life? No worries about anything apparently. Probably don't even know the definition of worry either.
A momma cat has her babies, feeds and protects them while kittens and then sends them off. Again with no worries!
Cats don't have to clean house or feed the family. When they travel their grooming kit comes built in.
Now I'm not sure that I would rather be a cat but I do know that I would love to have the laid back worry free life of one.
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

More Garden!

2010-06-04T18:54:00.000-05:00

And here is a tiny little yellow pepper. I don't think my raspberries are ever going to bear fruit!
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

Ha! My garden :)

2010-06-04T18:51:00.000-05:00

Here are my little cherry tomatoes. Only 2 on the vine!
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

Memorial weekend ;)

2010-05-29T09:18:00.001-05:00

I hope you have a safe and happy Memorial Weekend. Don't forget to honor all of those that have and still are fighting and defending our freedoms.
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

My trip to Vicksburg, MS.... and oh what fun!

2010-05-19T10:53:00.000-05:00

We have been planning on taking a little getaway. Our original plan was to jump in the car and drive to the coast. Well as you know the Gulf coast is under a little distress now so we had to rethink. Then we were going to run off to Hot Springs, Arkansas. So instead of just running off and heading in that direction we decided to check the weather. Well storms were scheduled!
ARGH!!!!!!!
So I started looking thru a vacation get away guide that is in the weekend paper. I had been hanging onto a few of them just in case. As I was checking out the places listed I seen an ad for Vicksburg, Mississippi. Well living in Memphis and seeing what little bit of MS that I had I didn't have high hopes. But hey I have been to places that were supposed to be great and they were not so what the heck. Let's go and check out a piece of history.
So I googled Vicksburg and came up with this link http://www.vicksburgcvb.org/ . Well of course that link was very helpful and informative. After checking out the site I then clicked on the link for B&B's. We have never stayed at one before so I was really excited to get the opportunity. As I read thru them all they sounded wonderful. I ended up chosing this one http://www.anchuca.com/ because of it's proximity to the downtown. When I called to check prices and availability I was informed that while I could afford the price they didn't have accommodations for 2 nights. Not their fault as I was calling very last minute! Thanks to technology and caller ID they called me back as I was getting ready to look at other B&B's. They did have an opening for the 2 nights....YEAH!!!!!! We took it and started to get ready to leave.
According to Ms British Garmin and her intelligence she suggested (rather pushy too) we take Hwy 61 from Memphis all the way to Vicksburg. Ok fine Ms Pushy Garmin we will follow your lead!
So if you seen my Twitter of FB status then you know there is absolutely nothing to see on Hwy 61 southbound. We ran into a lot of dust as we passed thru Tunica. Kind of reminded me of the sand storms in Vegas. However in Tunica the casino's are spaced out and not close together like Vegas.
As we continued south on Hwy 61 we kept seeing the little markers that said Mississippi Blues Trail site. We had no idea what they were and we tried to find one but had no luck. Well as soon as I got home I googled it and it led me to this site http://www.msbluestrail.org/. Apparently there are tons all over MS with events happening at them. And of course while traveling thru we talked about looking for "The Crossroads". You know the ones where Robert Johnson traded his soul? Well we found it and was not super impressed since city living took over. I'm not sure what I was expecting but oh well I can say I went and I saw! Here's the story on that http://www.houstonculture.org/terra/delta.html
Ok enough about Hwy 61.....
We made our way into town and let me tell you it's pretty cute and quaint! You can tell there is major attempts to keep the town clean and current while preserving the past. It sits up on a hill overlooking the Yazoo and Mississippi Rivers. Very cool looking and picturesque!
We made our way to the B&B we were staying at..... VERY IMMPRESSIVE! We went in to check in and was given a very warm and friendly greeting. They were just beginning the dinner hour there so we went and checked out our room in the carriage house. CUTE CUTE CUTE! Well we were starving so we decided to eat there and then check out the house and gardens afterwards. We had the most wonderful meal that night. I am still having flashbacks to that meal. It was called Black and Bleu Salad. It was a salad with the most tender tenderloins, a rice pasta pilaf server over a bed of lettuce and fruit with an island vinagerette and homemade croutons. AMAZING and DELISH! The house itself was pretty cool and the host/co owner made us feel very welcomed to look around. I probably could have spent hours looking at every detail. The grounds itself was pretty nice too and gave me some ideas for my own backyard. My poor hubz..... We also took a walk thru the surrounding neighborhood and enjoyed the brick pavered streets as we looked at all the homes
Saturday we started out with breakfast served at the B&B....not your usual continental breakfast for sure. But one that was so good and so filling it was hours before I could eat again. We also went to the downtown area and walked the streets checking out all the stores. We did go into the Coco Cola museum ( had to since I'm a coke fan). Very interesting stuff in there and how it began. We also checked out another B&B called Cedar Grove Mansion http://www.cedargroveinn.com/. Very cool and beautiful house. The grounds and the history was pretty interesting too.
We were going to go to the National Cemetary there but decided to take a drive out in the area instead. We found a few places off the beaten path. Rosswood Plantation http://www.rosswood.net/history.html, the site of a fort on the river, Windsor Plantation ruins http://www.yoyita.com/Windsor_Ruins_Mississippi.php, nuclear plant, homes on stilts, natchez trail parkway, and just some beautiful landscape.
We then headed back to the B&B to freshen up and decide our next move. We decided to have dinner again at Anchuca which was once again very impressive. Then we were going to go hang out in a sports bar to watch the Red Wings vs Sharks. They lost sadly but enjoyed listening to the band that played while we watched the game.
Sunday morning came and we went in for breakfast..... did I mention how good their coffee is? I think I could have sat there forever drinking coffee and just enjoying the gardens. I did buy their cookbook. It is loaded with the rich history of the house and recipes. And it is sitting on my ottoman in the living room since I am constantly looking through it.
We strolled thru the house and gardens one more time before taking off. My stay here has made me decide that B&B's are the only way to go. I just hope they all live up to the standard that Anchuca has set for us. And we are thinking of going back for our anniversary on New Years Eve.

We decided to take I-55 back home hoping there would be markers along the way for us to check out. Nothing! Oh well... we still had the best weekend and really enjoyed ourselves.

Regina Brett's 45 life lessons and 5 to grow on

2010-05-14T09:25:00.000-05:00

Regina Brett's 45 life lessons and 5 to grow on
By Regina Brett, The Plain Dealer
September 20, 2007, 2:03PM

Originally published in The Plain Dealer on Sunday, May 28, 2006

To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me.

It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolls over to 50 this week, so here's an update:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.

17. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.

18. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Overprepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years, will this matter?"

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

36. Growing old beats the alternative - dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.

38. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

41. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

42. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

43. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

44. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

45. The best is yet to come.

46. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

47. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

48. If you don't ask, you don't get.

49. Yield.

50. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

The road and my diet.

2010-05-07T14:21:00.000-05:00

We are on our way to Vicksburg, MS for a little weekend getaway!. Yeah!!!!
But I realize that the moment I get into the car and on the road that will take more than an hour I get a craving.
A craving for peanut mm's, coke and licorice. No wonder I gained weight when I worked!
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IMG00309.jpg

2010-04-25T16:02:00.000-05:00

My sad little orchid! Outside getting some sunshine. Does anyone have a clue how to keep it alive?
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IMG00302.jpg

2010-04-21T14:48:00.000-05:00

My little salsa garden!
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Social Sites

2010-04-13T10:07:00.002-05:00

It seems to me that so many people belong to social sites these days. There are too many too keep up with so I tend to follow my favorites. And even tho they are my favorites and I enjoy the people I have met there I still struggle to stay on top of it all along with the things I do enjoy doing. After reading all the articles, blogs, questions, profiles, etc it seems I have little time to get thru a magazine, book or TV program. Is it just me and am I mismanaging my time? I don't know!
So let me tell you a bit about my favorite sites and what they do/mean to me.

Fab40-http://fabulously40.com/explore

It's a great place to talk about things that relate to women over 40. However it's also great for women of all ages it just relates more to things we are going thru. There are many experts with great articles that make you think or give you more insight or knowledge. We swap recipes, memories, problems and laughter. It's a great place to have a debate...politics, cheating spouses! There are contests on cutest babies, cuties pets, best dressed dining table and my favorite (cuz I won) how to make Valentines Day special for my beloved. There are product reviews on anything and everything. There are women entreprenuers that have some awesome items.... candles, chocolates, jewelry, and everything in between.
I feel like I could travel to any part of the country and I would be able to look up one of these FABULOUS women and already have a friend in town.

Facebook-http://www.facebook.com/vikki89

This was my first introduction into social sites and one that I carefully and hesitantly made my way around. That is until I found Fab40 and they made me feel better about the whole social site thing. However while I have made new friends on here that I may or may not ever meet in person. I have reconnected with old friends and stay in touch with my family too. There is always a new and funny group popping up. I am never short on hugs, smiles or other greetings. Yes of course there are those addicting games too. Thank ghoodness for my ipod touch so I can Bejeweled my way anywhere and anytime without being connected to an outlet. I even play while on the treadmill at the gym. I have also posted any funny and random things while out and about. Sure enough someone has been there and can add to the comments.

Twitter-http://twitter.com/vikki89

I love Twitter! I can catch up and get the latest news and weather in a flash. I know it's suppose to be a micro blog tyope thing but what the heck does that mean? Those of us who don't blog professionally or well...I don't know. What I do know is I get some great info from this site. In a Flash. I think if Elvis was alive today he would be a Twitter fool! After all the meaning of his symbol (TCB with a lightening bolt) meant Taking Care of Business in a Flash.

And my newest...
Sparkpeople- http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage.asp

This site is great if you want to lose weight or socialize with like minded people. I got here here because of Fab40 and a group of us were interested in being more accountable for weightloss and our health journey. So we created a team on here http://www.sparkpeople.com/myspark/groups_individual.asp?gid=36822
We have had other women join this team that were not associated with Fab40 and a couple of those women have even joined Fab40. I love the food and exercise trackers and all the support and inspiration I get from here. There are recipes to help you with your goals. There is goal setting on here too.
All in all just a great place to be if your health has any meaning to you!

And the one that I have recently been listening to more often- http://www.realliferadionetwork.com/profile/VictoriaHall

This one I also came thru Fab40 and a great member there Laure. There is many interesting topics with some of the most interesting people. I don't always get to listen live but I will listen to the rebroadcasts. It's a blog but live, one you listen to vs read, one you can call in and comment on or chat in the chat room or make comments on after the show.

Of course there are others!
LinkedIN.com
Foursquare.com
Mixingbowl.com

I could go on and on but I won't!

And of course in this world of internet socializing there is the blog world too. So many interesting stories about people, places or things.

This is when I long for a LONG winter because then I have more time to spend online. But once the warm weather moves in I have to move out. Outside that is. And even tho I am sitting on my deck right now while typing this my battery will only last so long (23% remaining) and I will be forced to go in or put it down.

So I am off......

The Padded Room - Unlocked and Unplugged

2010-04-01T13:54:00.000-05:00

The Padded Room - Unlocked and Unplugged

Wear Red Day

2010-02-03T15:19:00.001-06:00

Wear Red Day

Posted using ShareThis

2009-12-10T17:07:00.000-06:00

Sent from my iPod

Just a few thoughts

2009-12-08T10:04:00.001-06:00

I guess Tiger is back in the news again. This is sad really! Not so much that he is in the news but that we focus more on that than other things that are important in this country.
My daughter came home from a visit in MI. And she was telling me about how big the newspaper section on fore closed homes was. Maybe I'm wrong but it seems like that is a bigger issue than Tiger Woods. It also seems that our economy, health reform, and unemployment rate would be things to focus on instead. I imagine we would be closer to resolving the issues if we gave these things as much thought as we do Tiger or any other celeb. I'm not saying I'm not interested in the gossip I'm just saying let's put a little more energy into fixing our country too. Now this doesn't mean having debates with people with differing opinions. That doesn't really accomplish anything other than some hurt feelings. I say start with writing a letter to your states people letting them know you care and what you care about. If that doesn't seem like much then volunteer or donate clothes, food, money, etc to shelters in your area. And most definitely go out and shop. You know you're gonna buy stuff so support your local merchants first. Fill your needs that way 1st then get the rest where you can. Also don't forget the power of a smile and/or a kind word. Those go a long way. Stop focusing on the wrongs of others and focus on the rights you can do. After all fulfilling our individual destiny is up to no one but ourselves.
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Today's Success - Fabulously40.com

2009-10-29T11:22:00.000-05:00

Today's Success - Fabulously40.com

http://www.flickr.com/photos/31797114@N02/4037164607/in/pool-13378274@N00

2009-10-23T13:31:00.000-05:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/31797114@N02/4037164607/in/pool-13378274@N00

Playing With Chocolate

2009-10-22T07:53:00.000-05:00

Playing With Chocolate

Wear Red Day

2009-10-15T14:30:00.001-05:00

Wear Red Day

Posted using ShareThis

2009-10-11T19:01:00.000-05:00

2009-09-30T11:08:00.001-05:00

Life on the road!

2009-09-19T12:32:00.000-05:00

I'm trying to go to a garage sale. Who knew it would be THIS hot?
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The color Test

2009-09-18T10:22:00.001-05:00

Vikki Hall took the free ColorQuiz.com personality test!

""Is very goal oriented and driven, and does not al..."

Click here to read the rest of the results.

Random acts of Kindness

2009-09-12T11:01:00.001-05:00

I just went to the post office to mail off something. The same one I complained about before. Well anyways as I was waiting in line one of the workers seemed to attract the customers who didn't speak/understand english. I watched her smile her way thru working with one gentleman with the utmost patience. She sent him on his way with a smile and a good day. Up came the next customer. A woman who spoke Polish....seemed strange in the middle of Memphis but anyways....
The worker tried to help her thru words and actions. The worker continued to be patient and smile but couldn't get anywhere. A lady waiting in line went up and tried to help interpret thru actions. Success! She was able to help and the worker said thank you all the while still smiling.
I just love being witness to these random acts of kindness. Reminds me of why I have eternal faith and hope in the kindness of people.
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IMG00156.jpg

2009-09-11T19:01:00.000-05:00

My little kitty loves
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My sight seeing with family around Memphis

2009-09-11T12:40:00.002-05:00

My in laws and sister came to visit us last weekend. And of course since I live in Memphis we have to Memphian things like Eat BBQ, go to Graceland, hang out on Beale St and visit the Civil Rights museum.
Well we did all these plus shopped a bit and ate a whole lot of food. Check out the attached link to view the pics.

Elvis.....Baby and others

Discrimination

2009-08-28T09:52:00.001-05:00

Discrimination comes in many forms. I know we have discussed this before. But I am curious as to why we discriminate. Is it because we don’t know the all the facts? Is it because we view the world with blinders on? Or is it because of how we were raised?
I can’t claim that I NEVER discriminate. I do! I am after all human. But my reasons for discriminating usually fall under 1 of 2 catagories.... lack of knowledge or lack of patience.
I am living in a city where the former mayor had an unwritten rule that was publicly well known and spoken of (even during the mayoral debates) about not hiring white people. Is this ok? Is it fair? Or was he really trying to give a hand up? I don’t know however I feel that I have been discriminated against. I know most of you have heard my tale of the car inspection and being denied. Well since I was denied because my windshield was cracked (passenger side) I have been paying attention to the other cars on the road, other cars that were in line at the vehicle inspection place. I seen cars with cracked windshields, mirrors taped on, donuts vs tires and all other kinds of things. How did they pass? And why didn’t I?
Well I’m not a dweller usually and can I really blame the former mayor for his being a product of his upbringing?
No I can’t! But it truly saddens me.
So what can we all do to help lessen discrimination? Not just racial or ethnic but all forms of discrimination? Do you believe that you as one person can have an impact?

Sitting...

2009-08-27T12:21:00.001-05:00

Here I am sitting once again in the inspection line waiting... I think TN doesn't take state taxes out cuz you spend more in gas burning while sitting, spend more time off work so you can spend time sitting. After this I then have to go to another place (if I pass that is!) To get my tags. And rumor has it that I will be sitting there too. Is this a southern thing? Is it worth writing my council person about? Is it I am just impatient and I hate sitting?
I have been in line now for about 45 minutes and I still have about 18 cars in front of me. This certainly is a peace and contentment stealer.
I have read a magazine, clipped coupons, responded to emails and caught up with a friend on the phone all while sitting.
Well I guess this gives me more time to plot how I'm gonna do my version of Julie/Julia with the best of MemphisMost!
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

My drive to Mi

2009-08-21T00:18:00.001-05:00

Here I am at my sisters house. I should be sleeping after my 709 mile drive but I can't seem to turn the wheels off. So here I lay thinking about the things I seen while I was driving.
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

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2009-08-15T15:15:00.000-05:00

Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

2009-08-10T13:58:00.001-05:00

I am sitting in a really long line just waiting to get my car inspected in a 3 phase deal. Yikes!

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2009-08-05T20:11:00.001-05:00

My phone man!
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

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2009-08-05T17:47:00.000-05:00

Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

2009-08-05T17:43:00.001-05:00

Yeah!!!

2009-08-05T17:24:00.000-05:00

IMG00068.jpg

2009-08-05T17:21:00.000-05:00

Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

book I am readin

2009-07-20T08:10:00.001-05:00

Painting the Invisible Man by Rita Schiano

I heard about this book on blogtalkradio and was intrigued by the authors story. So far the book is very interesting.

View all my reviews >>

Gmail - Positive Quote of the Day - vhall89@gmail.com

2009-07-15T10:16:00.000-05:00

"The vision that you glorify in your mind, the ideal that you enthrone
in your heart - this you will build your life by, and this you will
become.

-- James Lane Allen (1849-1925) American Author"

4 Boy friends - Fabulously40.com

2009-06-05T11:11:00.000-05:00

4 Boy friends - Fabulously40.com: "4 Boy friends*

Once upon a time, there was this girl who had four

boyfriends.

She loved the 4th boyfriend the most and adored him with

rich robes and treated him to the finest of delicacies. She gave him nothing but the best.

She also loved the 3rd boyfriend very much and was always

showing him

off to neighboring kingdoms. However, she feared that one

day he would

leave her for another.

She also loved her 2nd boyfriend. He was her confidant and

was always

kind, considerate and patient with her. Whenever this girl

faced a

problem, she could confide in him, and he would help her

get through the

difficult times.

The girls 1st boyfriend was a very loyal partner and had

made great

contributions in maintaining her wealth and kingdom.

However, she did

not love the first boyfriend. Although he loved her deeply,

she hardly

took notice of him.

One day, the girl fell ill and she knew her time was short.

She thought

of her luxurious life and wondered, I now have four

boyfriends with me,

but when I die, I’ll be all alone..’

Thus, she asked the 4th boyfriend, I loved you the mo"

Drs....

2009-04-17T23:29:00.001-05:00

I went to the drs today for the yearly exam. Oh what great fun it was.
And of course my weight became a topic since my blood pressure was up a little (could it be the anticipation of the poking and prodding?).
As we reviewed my eating/exercising habits and I told her how many calories per day and how long it’s taking to shed weight.
Her response to me was....... I guess this was your checkup to confirm you‘re getting old!!!!!!!!!! YIKES! No wonder it feels like I’m taking 3 steps back for every 2 going forwards.
I guess I am back on the WW bandwagon.....

Rooming with the ’Rents: Rules for Moving Home as an Adult

2009-04-10T11:40:00.001-05:00

I love my family; they’re the greatest. And what I love most about them is that we no longer live together. It’s easy to get...

View >>

A Quiz

2009-04-09T10:09:00.001-05:00

1. What is the one thing you’d like to be doing right now?
Be on a beach being a bum with my husband
2. If you had an extra $100.00 what would you spend it on?
A peddy and a mani
3. If you had a choice to have a full body massage done who would you like to give it?
Hmmmm.... trick question here! A properly trained professional that specializes in relieving tension.
4. What is your altime favorite book to read?
Anything by Nicolas Sparks
5. Do you wash your car or let someone else do it?
Isn’t that what my husband is for?
6. What is your favorite pastel color?
Pink since it’s the softer version of red
7. If you had to choose someone to play a leading role as you in a movie who would you choose?
Kyra Sedgewick or Julia Roberts
8. Who would you choose to be the actor, palying the role of your husband?
Clive Owen
9. If you had the chance to start life over again would you?
Nope! Love the one I have
10. Do you like birds and if so what is your favorite bird?
I like birds but no fav
11. What is your color choice of nail polish?
Toes-RED, Fingers- natural or Ballet Slippers by Essie
12. What is your drink of choice?
Coffee in the AM, water thru out day and Petron for alcohol
13. What is your favorite dessert?
cheezcake
14. How many pillows do you sleep with?
6 while hubby is gone, 1 while he’s home
15. Do you currently have a crush on someone?
besides my hub.... Clive, Brad, Matthew, George (not Bush)
16. What was the most important thing your mom taught you?
To love unconditionally
17. Can you swim?
Yes
18. Are you a neat freak or a slob?
A happy medium
19. If someone asked you to swap partners for a night would you?
Nope! I got this one trained perfectly.
20. What is your all-time #1 pet peeve?
Indecisiveness

Vikki
Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

2009-04-07T00:17:00.000-05:00

Spring!

2009-04-03T13:35:00.000-05:00

I can't wait for Spring to fully bloom. It's my favorite time of year (besides Fall). Everything is being renewed and is fresh. It makes me feel like I have been renewed and refreshed.
My computer faces my yard and as I sit here I can see the birds, the buds on the trees, the flowers waiting to bloom. It's sunny and beautiful.

Have a great weekend!

Awesome quote

2009-03-31T09:01:00.001-05:00

You have to start by changing the story you tell yourself about getting older...The minute you say to yourself, 'Time is everything, and I'm going to make sure that time is used the way I dream it should be used,' then you've got a whole different story.

—Diane Sawyer

Hair

2009-03-30T23:56:00.000-05:00

I need to get my haircut and I just hate going. You would think that since I am from this area of industry it wouldn't be a big deal. But it is! I am willing to pay for a good stylist as long as they come with a good cut. They don't always. You can go to a budget salon sometimes and get a cut that is good as a high end salon. It all depends on the stylist, their communication skills, and their listening skills.
Somehow during my last cut my stylist was so caught up in being behind he didn't really pay attention to what I said. I asked for my hair to be layered all around and lots of texturizing. I also said that I wear it full and either curled or tosseled but never straight or smooth. I have tons of hair but it's fine so any excess weight will make it flat. I also explained that I blow dry and use an iron on it, what products I use. How could he go wrong?
Well the cut was not all that horrible but it wasn't fantastic either. I do believe in giving 2nd chances. I mean come on he didn't hack it up it just wasn't cut properly for me. So I go back for another try.
How do people that are not professionally trained in hair cope with the indifference, superiority and lack of listening skills?
He didn't do any better on the 2nd cut so I won't be going back. I did give him a chance to get it right and explained in more detail. Maybe that's where I am going wrong. I should just shut up and put up while I defer to his superiority.
Nah!
I will continue on this journey of discovering what most people are up against. It may inspire me to pick up my scissors again.

Houses

2009-03-30T20:19:00.000-05:00

Why is house shopping/selling so stressful? Our offer we put in was countered. We expected this so it was no surprise. But the seller's realtor is over the top. Of course we countered the counter and now we wait to see what happens. There is so much inventory in Memphis that we could just walk away and find another house. I think realtors must play on our emotions. I mean I want THAT house otherwise I wouldn't have put in an offer. So we will wait......

It's been a long week!

2009-03-29T22:37:00.000-05:00

It has been one of the longest weeks of my life. We met with a realtor on Monday. Took care of some business on Tuesday. Drove to Memphis on Wednesday. Met with Dave's new boss, toured around downtown and surrounding areas a bit. Had a great time together doing that. I really enjoy my time with my husband. We laugh, listen to good music and just relax with each other. Thursday we met the realtor in Memphis and toured about 30 some homes. Wow! Busy busy busy! After we toured all those homes got a call that Dave had been moved to a different garage in Memphis. Oh man! Just after we looked at all those homes. Friday met with realtor to take 2nd looks. We fell in love with a house so we put in an offer. Now the waiting begins...... We went to meet Dave's 2nd new boss. While he was completing some paperwork they received a call from a higher up. He requested that Dave, 2nd new boss and some other guy get on speaker phone. They wanted to move Dave again and left it up to him. The other guy there would have been bumped if Dave wouldn't have moved to 3rd location in Memphis. We got home very late Friday night. Spent Sat and Sun around house.......

Memphis

2009-03-21T08:32:00.000-05:00

We have been waiting for ATT to decide what they are going to do. They announced awhile back some layoffs and the gov’t requested that they don’t lay off as many as planned. Well fortunately my husband is NOT getting laid off but transferred instead. To Memphis!
Now is Memphis as pretty as Chattanooga? Does it have the same laid back atmosphere? Is it clean? I have lots of questions.
But hey I’m gonna roll with it. After all what choice do I have right now?
So I need to ready my house (that I just bought in 7/08) to put on the market. Look for a new house while I am still here. Find someplace for my hubby to live there until we get a house. More than likely his job will start a week from Monday. How do you find a place to live in that amount of time? Fortunately again ATT will help with the move so all is not lost.

Did I mention ATT is laying off 12000 employees only to turn around and hire (vs offering to lay offs) 3000 cell sales employees?

I’ve got lots to do so if I don’t appear to be on it’s because of this......