AS GOOD AS IT GETS
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Ornaments
Just a few fun ornaments!!! I was thinking the other day how much sentimental value all of my mom's ornaments have. Each one has a story and we usually remember it!! So I kind of felt bad that none of mine had that same feeling. Well one does.....At one of our doctoral ornament exchanges, Shelley brought a Mexican Santa and I ended up with him. So see....there is a story. Besides that, Shelley and I used to eat Mexican every week in Auburn, so that ornament reminds me of those times. As for the other ornaments....they will always be my "first" ornaments. And, maybe one day when I have kids I'll remember, "Wow...that ornament was from my single days!"
Christmas
Just a few glimpses of my holiday decor. This is actually the first time I have decorated my own place. I lived with mom when I first graduated from college so I did her decorating (she missed me this year), and then when I was in school these past three years, my Christmas break began the first week of December, so I didn't bother decorating in Auburn.
The Christmas Tree!!! I had really BIG plans. I wanted to get a flocked tree, put on colored lights, and all of my new ornaments (purchased after Christmas last year).....but, the funds just weren't there!! I couldn't justify spending money on a tree!!! SOOO....my great friend Holley let me borrow this tree she was going to use in her classroom. It turned out great!!! I need some red bows, but for now I'm happy!!!
The stockings and little trees!! Four stockings....HHHMMMM!!! Silly people, I wasn't just going to get one for myself...so the other three will be used as necessary!
The "non-traditional"Christmas colors!! I was just drawn to the blues, pinks, and greens....so these are my chic decorations.
The Christmas Tree!!! I had really BIG plans. I wanted to get a flocked tree, put on colored lights, and all of my new ornaments (purchased after Christmas last year).....but, the funds just weren't there!! I couldn't justify spending money on a tree!!! SOOO....my great friend Holley let me borrow this tree she was going to use in her classroom. It turned out great!!! I need some red bows, but for now I'm happy!!!
The stockings and little trees!! Four stockings....HHHMMMM!!! Silly people, I wasn't just going to get one for myself...so the other three will be used as necessary!
The "non-traditional"Christmas colors!! I was just drawn to the blues, pinks, and greens....so these are my chic decorations.
Finding Nemo
More Live Shows!!! On Saturday, Anna, Me, Hiram, and Hudson went to see Finding Nemo on Ice!!! It was spectacular. I loved it and so did the boys. Here are a few pictures!! Notice that in the last one, Hiram looks a little sad! He almost cried when the show was over.....it was just that good. I mentioned to him that maybe Cars on Ice would come to town and we could go see that one....note to self.....5 year old's do not forget! First thing he told his daddy when he got home was that he is going to see Cars on Ice!!!! I better start searching!!!
This is me wearing the Nemo hat that came with the $10.00 pack of cotton candy!! Anna said the boys are enjoying it in the bathtub....at least it's getting some use! Also, please note that I did not dress like Nemo.....it never crossed my mind when I put on the orange and white....but I definitely looked the part!
Little People
Gotta love me some family. These little people make me smile!! They are technically my second cousins, but I pretend they are nieces and nephews. Of the 30 some first cousins I have, three of us girls were all born the same year within a few months of each other. My cousin Anna has two boys, Hiram and Hudson, and my cousin Taylor has two girls, Caroline and Anna Cooper...and this little piggy has none!!! But someday hopefully I will and maybe I can have one of each!
Hudson enjoying him some cake. There are no pictures of Hiram...he was too busy playing.
Anna Cooper is proudly posing for her picture......but then.......
Here are Hudson and Caroline playing. Actually it looks like Hudson is singing to Caroline and she is listening.
Hudson enjoying him some cake. There are no pictures of Hiram...he was too busy playing.
Anna Cooper is proudly posing for her picture......but then.......
She Crashed!!! This is my Aunt Tricia taking her turn, with that sack of potatoes!
Monday, December 7, 2009
Not Me Monday!!
1. I did not enjoy Finding Nemo on Ice as much, if not more than, my Godson and his brother! The children love live events like that one (me too)!!
2. I did not brag about my abilities to cook and then cook my augratin potatoes on the wrong temperature! (They turned out okay...just took a little longer).
3. I definitely did not choose hot Krispie Kreme donuts instead of ice cream for dessert!! I do not eat dessert...ever!
4. I did not buy two new pairs of shoes with the intention of taking one pair back after I realized which ones I liked better. NOR...did I throw away both shoe boxes so that I would just say, "I can't take them back now!"
5. Finally, because my new mission is to "Live in the moment" without thinking/planning my future everyday, I did not for one minute imagine my life (very detailed) a few years from now. I don't do that sort of thing....I'm happy with this moment and not concerned about the next.
5. Finally, because my new mission is to "Live in the moment" without thinking/planning my future everyday, I did not for one minute imagine my life (very detailed) a few years from now. I don't do that sort of thing....I'm happy with this moment and not concerned about the next.
Preoccupied??
I guess it's time to admit (without revealing too many details) that I'm sort of "preoccupied." Blogging for me is usually an escape from work since I sit at a computer for eight hours at a time. I spent hours reading what other folks had written so I decided to join in. On the weekends I would upload pictures of my "almost famous, not too involved life." But now.....my free time is not just mine...I'm (gladly) sharing it!!! So hopefully as time moves forward, I can share more of those details and entertain you with my "very satisfied, table for 3" life! God does have a plan for me and once I decided (focused my prayer) to let him reveal it to me, he did! I still am amazed!
Sunday, November 22, 2009
It's All in the Name
Well....it's finally here. My new personalized Auburn tag. I really struggled with trying to decide what to put on it. I wanted to remain somewhat humble, but I am very proud of my accomplishments. So I choose my first and last initials with my 3 very important letters. Some folks will recognize exactly what it represents and others will try to sound it out...Good Luck with that.....my baby brother came up with "Sudafed." Pretty funny I thought!!!
Friday, November 20, 2009
SHOW US YOUR PETS
Show Us Your Life...PETS
Let me say....like everyone else who has posted something about their pet....I LOVE this dog. We both met up when we needed each other.
I had been taking care of my brother's White Shepard (80lbs, all white) Ruger, for a few years and he ended up having behavioral issues that I could not help (the dog not my brother). I tried everything including training school, medication, shock collar....all of it. Nothing worked. He would attack my mom and my brother. I know....why did we keep him for two years? You see, my major is special education and we are big believers in behavior modification. But nothing worked. So one day (after he turned on me) mom and I took him to get "his shots" but decided to leave him there to be put to sleep. That day tops the list as one of my hardest days ever!!! Mom rushed home and put all of his toys away to help keep me from being so sad. After a few days it got a little easier. I still have his collar.
BUT THEN ONE DAY....when I was teaching, a lady brought in this little shaved dog with the dirtiest eyes I had ever seen. But he was immediately interested in me. I sat on the floor in her classroom and he just came right to me and stayed. He had been to several families and just never clicked with any of them. Soooo....I brought him home. I was living with my mom at the time and she thought I was crazy. I was so sad because she didn't even seem interested in him. She said, "It's not that I don't like him, I just don't know him." Needless to say....he has become on of the greatest pets ever. Oh how I love him!! When I got him his name was "Gabby" so to avoid making him feel like a girl, we renamed him Gabriel and we call him "Gabe." He has been my angel.
I moved away to Auburn for 3.5 years to earn my doctorate degree...and look who wanted to go!
And yes I feed him table food. He usually waits patiently for his prize. On this day....yogurt!!!
Let me say....like everyone else who has posted something about their pet....I LOVE this dog. We both met up when we needed each other.
I had been taking care of my brother's White Shepard (80lbs, all white) Ruger, for a few years and he ended up having behavioral issues that I could not help (the dog not my brother). I tried everything including training school, medication, shock collar....all of it. Nothing worked. He would attack my mom and my brother. I know....why did we keep him for two years? You see, my major is special education and we are big believers in behavior modification. But nothing worked. So one day (after he turned on me) mom and I took him to get "his shots" but decided to leave him there to be put to sleep. That day tops the list as one of my hardest days ever!!! Mom rushed home and put all of his toys away to help keep me from being so sad. After a few days it got a little easier. I still have his collar.
BUT THEN ONE DAY....when I was teaching, a lady brought in this little shaved dog with the dirtiest eyes I had ever seen. But he was immediately interested in me. I sat on the floor in her classroom and he just came right to me and stayed. He had been to several families and just never clicked with any of them. Soooo....I brought him home. I was living with my mom at the time and she thought I was crazy. I was so sad because she didn't even seem interested in him. She said, "It's not that I don't like him, I just don't know him." Needless to say....he has become on of the greatest pets ever. Oh how I love him!! When I got him his name was "Gabby" so to avoid making him feel like a girl, we renamed him Gabriel and we call him "Gabe." He has been my angel.
I moved away to Auburn for 3.5 years to earn my doctorate degree...and look who wanted to go!
And yes I feed him table food. He usually waits patiently for his prize. On this day....yogurt!!!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
25 Random Things About ME
1. The two reasons I got my PhD...1) of course to make a difference in the lives of kids with disabilities and 2) because I can do ANYTHING I want...kind of proving that to myself.
2. I love MILK (fat free of course) love it love it love it!
3. I am a real scaredy cat. I check under my bed and in my closets every night before I go to bed.
4. I have one student who made a real impression on my life...if he had a good day he asked me to print him off some medical facts about random diseases. My mom even bought books for him at the thrift store. One day he asked me for a file box...when I asked him why, he said because if his family ever has to leave fast, he wants to have all of his medical stuff. Derek :) Yes...I gave him a file box.
5. I have a ton of anxiety...but fortunately control it without medication!! Thanks friends.
6. I do not like confrontation. I don't enjoy telling others they did something wrong or being told that myself.
7. I turn off the commercial of the white Ceaser dog waking up his mom because my dog lives with my mom, not me, so it makes me sad. Ex. I am not going to ever watch Marley and Me...no sense in feeling that sad.
8. Me and my brothers would do anything for each other....though it usually never appears that way when we are together.
9. My refrigerator is covered with photos and despite my attempts to clear it off I fear someone's feelings will be hurt when they are no longer represented.
10. I LOVE when I get a text message!
11. I think I can sing and always brag about my ability to tap dance...one day my friends will demand.
12. I know tanning is really bad for me....so I limit it to major events.
13. I always cover my cookie sheets with foil...no need to have extra cleaning to do.
14. Though I always ask for others' opinions, I do what I want.
15. I do not want to be rushed. If you tell me we are leaving at 8:00...that's when I'll be ready.
16. I will always give you the benefit of the doubt. I may get scr##ed in the end but that way I have no "what ifs."
17. I do not use a calendar!! I may have to eventually but I still have the ability to remember things. Watch me ginks myself. Occasionally I will put a reminder in my phone.
18. I am very good at forgiving and Forgetting. Gosh...if I couldn't forget some things I would be miserable.
19. I want to run away to get married. It only needs to be me and him. Not into all that planning. I will completely surprise everyone. Of course there will be a party when I get back.
20. I hope to have multiples when I have babies....best way to catch up!!
21. I have recently discovered that my good deeds on earth are not getting me into Heaven. God had Jesus take care of that for me! But I plan to keep doing good deeds.
22. I believe that the way you feel when you are first in love should never go away.
23. I have learned that there is only a need for a handful of true friends.
24. Full House was my favorite TV series on the original TGIF. I even own the first season on DVD.
25. I am not a very formal person. Suits make me nervous...though if the job calls for it I could handle it. Hate to change for a job though!! If you're good, you can get your message across just by being yourself.
2. I love MILK (fat free of course) love it love it love it!
3. I am a real scaredy cat. I check under my bed and in my closets every night before I go to bed.
4. I have one student who made a real impression on my life...if he had a good day he asked me to print him off some medical facts about random diseases. My mom even bought books for him at the thrift store. One day he asked me for a file box...when I asked him why, he said because if his family ever has to leave fast, he wants to have all of his medical stuff. Derek :) Yes...I gave him a file box.
5. I have a ton of anxiety...but fortunately control it without medication!! Thanks friends.
6. I do not like confrontation. I don't enjoy telling others they did something wrong or being told that myself.
7. I turn off the commercial of the white Ceaser dog waking up his mom because my dog lives with my mom, not me, so it makes me sad. Ex. I am not going to ever watch Marley and Me...no sense in feeling that sad.
8. Me and my brothers would do anything for each other....though it usually never appears that way when we are together.
9. My refrigerator is covered with photos and despite my attempts to clear it off I fear someone's feelings will be hurt when they are no longer represented.
10. I LOVE when I get a text message!
11. I think I can sing and always brag about my ability to tap dance...one day my friends will demand.
12. I know tanning is really bad for me....so I limit it to major events.
13. I always cover my cookie sheets with foil...no need to have extra cleaning to do.
14. Though I always ask for others' opinions, I do what I want.
15. I do not want to be rushed. If you tell me we are leaving at 8:00...that's when I'll be ready.
16. I will always give you the benefit of the doubt. I may get scr##ed in the end but that way I have no "what ifs."
17. I do not use a calendar!! I may have to eventually but I still have the ability to remember things. Watch me ginks myself. Occasionally I will put a reminder in my phone.
18. I am very good at forgiving and Forgetting. Gosh...if I couldn't forget some things I would be miserable.
19. I want to run away to get married. It only needs to be me and him. Not into all that planning. I will completely surprise everyone. Of course there will be a party when I get back.
20. I hope to have multiples when I have babies....best way to catch up!!
21. I have recently discovered that my good deeds on earth are not getting me into Heaven. God had Jesus take care of that for me! But I plan to keep doing good deeds.
22. I believe that the way you feel when you are first in love should never go away.
23. I have learned that there is only a need for a handful of true friends.
24. Full House was my favorite TV series on the original TGIF. I even own the first season on DVD.
25. I am not a very formal person. Suits make me nervous...though if the job calls for it I could handle it. Hate to change for a job though!! If you're good, you can get your message across just by being yourself.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Reading Again
What a joy to read for pleasure!
So I talked about a book I started reading a few months ago and felt immediately impacted by its message. "Calm My Anxious Heart" has helped me to be satisfied with my circumstances, primarily my desire to want a husband and a family. It has helped me to realize that in "God's time" He will show me what He has planned for me. So as I've been working hard to accept this another book has entered my life (Yes, I still have to pray every night to NOT worry about my future. A little aside...when letting go completely....funny things happen...further development to be discussed another time). This one by way of my friend Ashley. Every time she said the title of the book I never connected to the fact that 4:8 was in fact a bible verse. Yes, I'm new to this quoting bible verses, but still, it never clicked until I bought the book the other day.
The 4:8 Principle is based on Philippians 4:8, "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." This book is about thinking like GOD!! Fortunately for me, though far from thinking like God, I tend to be a positive thinker by nature. I am usually hopeful. So as I work my way through this book, I will be interested to see how much more conscious I become of my own thinking. I am a bit of a day dreamer, wonder if that will be helped??
The funny thing too about Philippians 4:8, is that I have this verse on a sign over the bed in my guest room. OOOO chill bumps huh!!!
Thanks Ashley and more importantly Thank God for putting you in my life.
So I talked about a book I started reading a few months ago and felt immediately impacted by its message. "Calm My Anxious Heart" has helped me to be satisfied with my circumstances, primarily my desire to want a husband and a family. It has helped me to realize that in "God's time" He will show me what He has planned for me. So as I've been working hard to accept this another book has entered my life (Yes, I still have to pray every night to NOT worry about my future. A little aside...when letting go completely....funny things happen...further development to be discussed another time). This one by way of my friend Ashley. Every time she said the title of the book I never connected to the fact that 4:8 was in fact a bible verse. Yes, I'm new to this quoting bible verses, but still, it never clicked until I bought the book the other day.
The 4:8 Principle is based on Philippians 4:8, "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." This book is about thinking like GOD!! Fortunately for me, though far from thinking like God, I tend to be a positive thinker by nature. I am usually hopeful. So as I work my way through this book, I will be interested to see how much more conscious I become of my own thinking. I am a bit of a day dreamer, wonder if that will be helped??The funny thing too about Philippians 4:8, is that I have this verse on a sign over the bed in my guest room. OOOO chill bumps huh!!!
Thanks Ashley and more importantly Thank God for putting you in my life.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Not Me...No Way!!
Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week. 
1. I did not start making my Christmas list during a 14 hour meeting on the same topic last week....I would never not pay attention to every detail of an important meeting. Nor did I begin my grocery list either.
2. I did not buy an $80 dress this weekend, after I have been trying to stick to a budget..Heck no...that would defeat the purpose of a budget! Now I need shoes!
3. When attempting to clean out my "research" closet (all my office and school stuff from Auburn), I did not just rearrange boxes and things and then consider it done.
4. During a Mardi Gras dance this weekend, I did not go sit in my car to listen to the Auburn game. I would never be that inconsiderate! Unfortunately, they lost.
5. This Monday morning, I did not spend the first two hours at working chatting with my friends and updating this blog. I have things to do!!
It feels so wonderful to be so perfect....yea right!!
1. I did not start making my Christmas list during a 14 hour meeting on the same topic last week....I would never not pay attention to every detail of an important meeting. Nor did I begin my grocery list either.
2. I did not buy an $80 dress this weekend, after I have been trying to stick to a budget..Heck no...that would defeat the purpose of a budget! Now I need shoes!
3. When attempting to clean out my "research" closet (all my office and school stuff from Auburn), I did not just rearrange boxes and things and then consider it done.
4. During a Mardi Gras dance this weekend, I did not go sit in my car to listen to the Auburn game. I would never be that inconsiderate! Unfortunately, they lost.
5. This Monday morning, I did not spend the first two hours at working chatting with my friends and updating this blog. I have things to do!!
It feels so wonderful to be so perfect....yea right!!
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Put It In Writing
Literally, I still cannot hardly believe "it"...even to see "it" in writing!! This week has been so busy with meetings and dinners. I didn't think that just because "it" became official I would suddenly have so many more things to do!! Ohhh..to be so important!!
Monday, November 9, 2009
Relaxing,Tailgating, and Football
Thanks to the Baileys for letting us stay at the lake. What a great place to relax and unwind. The Baileys are Shelley and Jim's family whom I have come to know and love since I came back to Auburn. Friday afternoon, Shelley and I headed back to the lake to "celebrate." I was more or less letting my mind relax. Saturday morning we woke up early and headed to Auburn for the game. We tailgated at our car for just a little while (the game started at 12:30) and then we headed to the stadium. What a great bunch of people.....besides my family....they are my most favorite people. Thanks for making the weekend so special.
Me and Shelley unwinding after the big day!
The Tailgating Crew!!!
Gotta get a picture with Aubie!!!
Even the Baileys!!!
Gotta get a picture with Aubie!!!
Even the Baileys!!!
"D"-DAY
It is so hard to believe that the big day has come and gone...Dissertation Defense Date...that is. This day for me was like planning my wedding or my family....it took 3.5 years. So forgive me now if I tend to celebrate too much!! This is the journey my life has taken me on....and I could not be any happier....what an accomplishment!!! I told myself I could do it by the time I was 30....AND I'm still 30.
I drove up to Auburn on Thursday, November 5 to prepare for my presentation. First I stopped to get my hair done of course. I have the BEST hair stylist ever...I have no plans on changing any time soon. Anyways, I met with my professor, Dr. Rabren, on Thursday afternoon. We edited my presentation and did a practice run-through. All this time I was there, so was Shelley. She was scheduled to present at 8:30 am on Nov. 6 and then I was scheduled at 10:00 am. We finally left the infamous Haley Center at 7:00 pm on Thursday to head for the lake. We had a quick dinner at Niffer's and then hurried to get our refreshments made and get some sleep.
So Friday morning was the big day. I slept pretty well, only had a small fight with my pantyhose, and was feeling pretty confident. Everything went as planned. After my presentation, my committee (the 5 below) asked me to leave the room. A few minutes later, they asked me to come back in and said "Congratulations Dr. Zito!!" AND of course I burst into tears. My mom has always said that I was one of those girls who holds up well during the stress, but when it's over....I let loose.
I drove up to Auburn on Thursday, November 5 to prepare for my presentation. First I stopped to get my hair done of course. I have the BEST hair stylist ever...I have no plans on changing any time soon. Anyways, I met with my professor, Dr. Rabren, on Thursday afternoon. We edited my presentation and did a practice run-through. All this time I was there, so was Shelley. She was scheduled to present at 8:30 am on Nov. 6 and then I was scheduled at 10:00 am. We finally left the infamous Haley Center at 7:00 pm on Thursday to head for the lake. We had a quick dinner at Niffer's and then hurried to get our refreshments made and get some sleep.
So Friday morning was the big day. I slept pretty well, only had a small fight with my pantyhose, and was feeling pretty confident. Everything went as planned. After my presentation, my committee (the 5 below) asked me to leave the room. A few minutes later, they asked me to come back in and said "Congratulations Dr. Zito!!" AND of course I burst into tears. My mom has always said that I was one of those girls who holds up well during the stress, but when it's over....I let loose.
My Major Professor and Advisor, Dr. Rabren
My Doctoral Committee
Me...Laughing....NO...nothing was this funny...But I guess I had a good time.
Me...Laughing....NO...nothing was this funny...But I guess I had a good time.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Saturday, October 31, 2009
My Little Spider Web
I have this one completely amazing guy in my life. He loves me unconditionally and we couldn't imagine our lives without each other. Meet Gabe!!! There's just something about him that I LOVE!!! He is wearing his Glow-In The Dark Spider Web PJs!!! He looks very proud....even when mom put on the spider from her kindergarten Halloween party!
Halloween: Family Edition
So since I don't have any babies to take to the local pumpkin patch, pose on a beautiful pile of hay, and capture the perfect holiday picture....I decided I should take my own. Okay....so it's no real pumpkin patch, just the local produce mart (with very few pumpkins left)!! I just couldn't resist.
Then, on Friday night I joined in on some family pumpkin carving time. I must admit...carving pumpkins brings back such memories and rules we had to establish when I was young.
1. Each child gets a turn to reach in a pull out a pile of "gooey stuff."
2. One picks the eyes design, the other picks the nose design, and then the mouth.
3. Homework had to be done and dinner eaten and cleaned.
Gosh...I thought pumpkin carving day was the greatest. This year did bring back those memories. I went over to Brad and Mary's to help Papa, GiGi, Bradley, and McKenzie with their pumpkin adventures. It was so much fun!!
Then, on Friday night I joined in on some family pumpkin carving time. I must admit...carving pumpkins brings back such memories and rules we had to establish when I was young.1. Each child gets a turn to reach in a pull out a pile of "gooey stuff."
2. One picks the eyes design, the other picks the nose design, and then the mouth.
3. Homework had to be done and dinner eaten and cleaned.
Gosh...I thought pumpkin carving day was the greatest. This year did bring back those memories. I went over to Brad and Mary's to help Papa, GiGi, Bradley, and McKenzie with their pumpkin adventures. It was so much fun!!
McKenzie, Giant Pumpkin, Bradley
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