I found this pin on Pinterest that listed 21 Suggestions for Success.  As I read through them I realized that so many are ones I will have to work on….either now or further on down the road. 

1. Marry the right person.  This one decision will determine 90% of your happiness…or misery. 
I think I’ve got this one taken care of.  I mean, there’s no ring, but I plan to spend the rest of my life with My Guy if he will have me.  I would totally appreciate it if people would STOP asking me when we are getting married.  I mean, seriously, don’t you think if I knew I would let you know?!?!  I guess we are at that age and point in our lives which we are expected to walk down the aisle and then reproduce.  Sucks getting old.

2. Work at something you enjoy and that’s worthy of your time and talent.
I definitely enjoy the little ones at my job.  There is something about the paperwork and other peeps that can make me stressed, but the real reason I went into that gig was for the little cherubs.  It’s absolutely worth my time and talent because I’m shaping our future.  Does that make you nervous knowing I have that much control?  Muahaha. (evil laugh)

3. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully. 
I try to do the above, but I could definitely use some work in this department.  Sometimes I can be a bit selfish.  And, sometimes, when I do give I don’t always do it cheerfully.  Definitey one to work on.

4. Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.
You don’t haev to tell me.  I know.  I need major work in this department. 

5. Be forgiving of yourself and others. 
I’m my own worst critic.  I have major issues letting things go.  I tend to say too much.  All.  The.  Time.  I have forgiven many people in my life that have hurt me, but not always in the blink of an eye.  Sometimes it takes me a while.

6. Be generous.
I’d like to think I’ve got an A in this subject.  But as with anything, there’s always room for improvement.

7. Have a grateful heart.
Now more than ever I have realized how I am so FORTUNATE in so many areas of my life.  I think Mike probably changed that in me. 

8. Persistence, persistence, persistence.
I wouldn’t say that I give up easily, but I definitely lack patience.  BIG TIME.  Just ask Mike.  He can tell you all about that little problem I have. 

9. Discipline yourself to save money, on even the most smallest of salaries.
I would like to think I have a nice amount set back for emergencies, but I don’t necessarily save.  I know I need to.  If I could just tackle some debt I have then I would be good to go on the savings part.  If I could make a difference in anyones lives it’s probably giving seminars at colleges about NOT getting credit cards.  Big.  Mistake. 

10. Treat everyone you meet like you want to be treated.
All day long at my job I try and remember that being there might be the best part of their day because who knows what it’s like when they get home.  In that aspect I try and treat them just the way they want to be treated.  It’s not always easy, of course.  When I see homeless people I give them change.  When I see an elderly person struggling I make sure I hold the door for them or offer to help in any way I can.  My momma instilled in me that it’s very simple to make someone’s day and she also taught me how great it feels when you do just that. 

11. Commit yourself to constant improvement.
I feel like my life is non-stop at times and I’m hoping that’s because I want to improve.  Once a week (preferably Sunday’s) we like to lay around and be lazy and rest.  That’s about the only time I would consider myself not improving.  That and the times I like to have a glass of wine 🙂  Even then, I’m helping my heart.  Right?

12. Commit yourself to quality.
Working on it. 

13. Understand that happiness is not based on possessions, power, prestige, but on relationships with people you love and respect. 
Absolutely.  I was taught this at a very young age.  I love how my friend Heidi said in a recent blog post to her munchkin at According to HM that being rich has nothing to do with possessions but instead on love and relationships.  So very true. 

14. Be loyal.
Yup. 

15. Be honest.
Oh yes. 

16.  Be a self-starter.
Absolutely.  In fact I annoy people with this because I want to start everything.  It’s that whole lack of patience thing. 

17. Be decisive even if it means sometimes you’ll be wrong.
Oh lordy I am TERRIBLE at this.  Just ask Mike again.  Whenever he asks where I want to go eat I ask him for three choices.  Even then I can’t decide.  Major decisions….haven’t been too many in my life but when they come along I’m probably in big trouble. 

18. Stop blaming others.  Take responsibility for every area of your life.
This is way easier said than done but H. Jackson Brown, Jr. is probably right!

19. Be bold and courageous.  When you look back on your life, you’ll regret the things you didn’t do more than the ones you did.
I’ve always been pretty bold.  That’s not to say that I don’t have some regrets.  Sometimes being bold can lead to mistakes being made.  Hopefully I can always have the courage to get through it. 

20. Take good care of those you love. 
Amen.  This brings the most joy to my heart.  I love showing those I love how much I love them.  I hope they all know it. 

21. Don’t do anything that wouldn’t make your mom proud.
Every day.  All day.  Whenever someone tells me “Your mom would be proud of you” I secretly go home and cry.  It’s one of the best things I could ever hear.  I miss her telling me that every day.

H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

I remember it very well. All of us huddled into a waiting room at St. V’s for the announcement that the beginning of our next generation was here. The time came and tears were flowing. CW was here and my Bub’s face was glowing like the morning sun in July. If nothing else came from that day it was probably the most rewarding to see him so incredibly proud.  I have an old picture of a long lasting gaze at his first born that I so wish I could find.  It was before snapfish and this here laptop so I’d have to scan it in.  Maybe someday…. It’s definitely a picture that speaks a thousand words.

In 8 little years CW and I have made some pretty incredible memories together. My first nephew. My first chance to be an aunt. He will always hold this spot in my heart filled with Steak n Shake milkshakes, trips to the Harley Store, exploring at the Children’s Museum, slumber parties, movies all night long, Build a Bear trips, Oreo dunking, ice cream truck chasing, and bike riding goodness.

But I’m not going to lie. His birthday means he’s one year closer to becoming a teenager and one year closer to not having any time for me. Frankly that sucks. I wish he could be little and be mine forever. But that’s just not how this crap works. They grow up. Things change. Such is life.

Still doesn’t mean I have to like it.

I want him to be able to look back and read this and recall some of my favorite memories. So here goes:

The time I picked you up from my bub and you had this list of things you wanted us to do. I was overwhelmed but joyed that the thought of us spending time together got you so excited you wanted to plan every single minute. You are a pretty cool kid.

Trips to Children’s Museum sparks a ton. We went a lot. Probably my favorite was our trip with just the two of us. Pretty special. Lots of laughs.

Being asked if you were mine at a gas station and you telling the old guy there was no way because I wasn’t old enough. Then you told me that when I did get married I should have kids because I would be a cool mom. I was driving and cried a bit. You went on to talk about Legos… or Transformers. Subjects change quick with you.

Having you for the fair so you can be a part of that special time that me, your dad, and Aunt K had when we were kids.  4-H was a part of our lives and we want it to be a part of yours too.

I choose to distance myself from people who make me think less of myself or people who suck the life out of me with their negativity.

I choose to surround myself with people I love and people who love me for me.

There are days I don’t have much of a choice but when that comes along I choose to make the best out of it. Unfortunately there are still people that could find a grain of salt in a bucket filled with sweet delicious icing. And for them I choose to smother them with icing so much it hurts.

Momma always said to “Kill em with kindness.”

If that’s the case then I’ve been murdering lately and I must admit, I’m exhausted.

Reasons I know it’s spring (and not because I have a calendar):

1. Dinner alone.
2. I’m on dish duty again. Major bummer.
3. The sound of the dryer keeping me company.
4. Shiloh’s barking randomly because she misses her dad.
5. Making my own coffee each night.
6. Reading, a lot.
7. Grading papers to pass time.
8. All the TV’s and lights on so no one tries to mess with me.
9. Phone conversations just so we can hear each others voices once a day.
10. Waiting for the sound of a diesel truck so I can finally fall asleep knowing he’s safe at home.

More to come on being a farmer’s girl. Stay tuned. They’re just getting started.

Photo courtesy of JB 🙂

I’ve decided I’m replacing the go to color of pink in my life with turquoise. Everything turquoise.

I have several jewelry pieces, a purse, and a few tops. Now I just need to slowly weed out the every day pink items with things I can find in turquoise.

I plan to get most of my inspiration from one of my favorite bloggers.
http://crystalcattle.blogspot.com/2012/03/turquoise-thursday-j-crew-imitation.html?m=1

Every Thursday she has more wonderful ideas.

Turquoise will consume me. I’m okay with that. Really it makes my eyes pop. And when has that ever been a bad thing?

Today I met someone I admire obviously more than words could ever describe, Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman.

She’s the reason I started this here blog. I became obsessed with hers years ago when my sister led me to http://www.thepioneerwoman.com

When I found out she was doing a book signing near me I knew I had to take time off work, stand in line for as long as they would allow me, and meet her face to face. I had so many things to tell her and wanted so badly to have her signature in all her books that I own. I would have even let her sign my forehead if she wanted. She’s that cool. Like, I want to be her. Not in a freaky creepy way. In a best friend kind of way.

We were about 60 people deep, in line for close to 3 hours, and I became a speechless fool. I was shaking. I grinned ear to ear probably looking like such a moron.

All I can think about is all the things I wish I had said to her. So, if we meet again Ree….these are the things I plan to discuss with you:

1. First off, thank you for being so warm and fuzzy and sweet and kind.

2. Thank you for inspiring me through your blog to wait for the perfect romance. One that would, and has, transformed my life from meaningless to nothing less than perfect. Because of you I found my own little Marlboro man of the Midwest. Boy am I glad I didn’t settle before and waited for him.

3. So far my favorite recipe to cook is chicken scaloppine. I mean I love everything of yours but it’s by far my go to meal. It was the first meal I cooked for my Marlboro Man. That’s when he fell in love with me, and my cooking.

4. My MM couldn’t be here today but I’m sure he would want me to tell you thank you. He loves your recipes just as much as I do, if not more.

5. The butterflies all throughout your book make me tear with joy. You see my cousin Pam was also a fan of yours. She left this life way too soon to join my own angel mother. At her funeral they released butterflies. Since then I’ve seen them everywhere. They appear in all you do and to me it’s just a little reminder that if Pam and my momma were still on earth today I know they would have been standing in line with us too. I’m so glad I has the chance to meet you today with her beautiful daughter Jordan who makes us proud over and over and over again.

I think that covers it.

Oh, and can I stay at the lodge with you for just a bit over the summer? I’m great with kids, promise. I can ride a horse and help you ranch.

I can even keep Marlboro Man company if you need me to. I mean, you don’t like those early mornings so maybe I could fill in for you?

Think about it and get back to me.

If not, no big deal. Just thought I would throw it out there!

Living, Laughing, & Loving,
Fortunate Gal

Look at him looking at me…..

Either he
a) thinks I’m crazy
b) wants me to quiet down
c) is madly in love and can’t help but stare

I’m going with c.  This was from our adventure to Nashville recently.  We had a blast as you can tell.  We danced and we laughed all weekend long.  It was good for both of us to get away, but especially for M.  He’s been working nonstop without weekends off and every once in a while I just think it’s good for him to escape from home.  I get to see a different side of him when we get away and play.  A side I love and a side of him I know he needs.  Vacations are good for people.  They are healthy for the mind and soul. 

This picture reminded me of all the times I catch him staring at me.  At first it annoyed me.  Kinda freaked me out really.  I would ask, “What?”  He would say, “Nothing.  Can’t I just enjoy how beautiful you are?”  What a charmer this guy.  Cheesy, but a charmer. 

You see I’ve never really had someone want to stare at me before.  Never had someone tell me I look good in everything, even when I probably don’t.  I’ve never had someone want to spend all their free time with me even if it does mean attending my nephew’s basketball game or my best friend’s granny’s funeral.  I’ve just never had a love like this before.  It is pretty awesome!

And I love him just as much back.  Even though he’s sitting next to me snoring so loudly that I can barely concentrate and type this.  God love him. 

There’s something precious and sweet about seeing new lambs in the barn. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been told the stories of my great grandpa calling “Lambie Lambie Lambie” while feeding the little ones with a Pepsi bottle with a nipple attached.

There’s this feeling that I get when I enter the barn. Like he’s there.

A man I don’t recall memories of but have enough to fill my someday children’s ears with. A man who meant so much to so many. A man who taught so many life lessons to family members who made me who I am today. A man who loved and nurtured my grandfather who then did the same to my mother.

A man I wish I could sit down with for just a bit and get to know. I have so many questions I’m sure he would have the perfect answer for.

But, until we meet again, I’ll keep visiting the lambies and pretend I can hear his voice exactly how he would say it. I’m sure I can if I listen hard enough.