i love speed

No…not the drug…but I bet it got your attention. However, I do love to drive fast. Always have, and probably always will. Quite frankly, I blame my parents, cuz it’s easier that way, but unfortunately they don’t pay for the tickets. The only way they could get me to sleep as a baby was driving me around in a car…and every family vacation has consisted of road trips, and getting there quickly. Beating our time was very important. So much so, my sister and I had cups thrown at us in the backseat to take care of business…thankfully my mom had mercy on us and Dad was forced to stop. However, I’ve had my fair share of shady truck stops. Because of this “need to speed” and to beat time, I now do my best to make as few stops as possible any time I go on a road trip.

I like to categorize myself as a good bad driver. Yeah, think about that for a minute. Wait for it…wait for it…got it? This basically means I drive somewhat over the speed limit, I have been known to tail a few people in my time and I most definitely like to weave in and out of lanes getting ahead. But, I’m good at it, so I’m not reckless to those around me—although that’s a personal opinion. My friends have learned to trust me—they don’t usually say anything—they know I can handle an SUV like a race car. But when I start weaving a little too much, and they start to go stiff and grab the handle above the door, that’s when I know I’m pushing it a little too much. I think I might have been a good race car driver. Makes sense, it runs in my genes—my mom used to drag race. If you know my mom at all, and didn’t know that little unknown fact, that would come as quite a shocker. She’s a cute little petite classy woman—but man…put her in a stick shift…Danika ain’t got nothin’ on her!

This past weekend the roomies and I headed to Beaumont for a wedding…so it was road trip time. I for one was VERY impressed with not only our mad navigating skillz but the time we made. I kept saying all weekend, “I am SO proud of us.” I don’t think Ally and Britt were as enthused, they were just grateful we reached land.

At one point, because of the crazy construction taking place around 45S/75S and the curvy roads, I took quite a sharp turn on an exit for Farm Road 150S. At this point, Britt grabbed the handle up above her, and just started praying out loud. I’m immune to how quickly I go, but when she goes stiff and starts grabbing things around her to remain upright, that’s when I know I should slow it down. She blamed me for her abs being sore from trying to stay upright for 5.5 hours there and back (actually, 5 hours, because I beat my time. I digress). So at this particular time, Britt says, “Thank you Jesus for your safety on the road, and I pray that you would continue to watch over us and keep us safe,” and right at that point, I took this curve and this HUGE, ginormous statue of Jesus was right in front of us. We all gasped, and I screamed out loud, “HE HEARD YOU!” We just died laughing and almost had to make an unplanned pit stop. Down below is “Jesus.” We snapped the pic on the way back, so it loses some of the bampow in the dark. Enjoy…and if you ever take 150S…know Jesus will be there. Happy Trails!

“she’s a pretty girl” on the road

i'm from texas

Last weekend I went to Durant, Oklahoma for my cousin’s graduation (proud of you Pookie!!!)...home of the Choctaw Casino (ahhhh yeah Baby!). That thing is quite mammoth…not that I would personally know.

After arriving in Durant Friday night and grabbing a quick dinner with the fam, we decide to drive into Sherman, TX to see Robin Hood…another great movie by the way! Sherman is the closest and nicest theater to Durant…about 30 minutes away. I've been told the one in Durant has been there since 1865, well probably not that long, but smells like it.

Now, let me forewarn and say I was completely exhausted…not that I think that will help my cause much, but maybe. We get to Sherman and the 9:15pm showing is sold out, and the next available one isn’t until 10:50pm. After talking my aunt into caffeining her up and making the 10:50pm, we head over to Books-A-Million where they have a little coffee shop inside. Every coffee shop has its own version and knock-off of the exact same thing as Starbucks, it’s just deciphering what it is on the menu. After staring at the menu for about 5 minutes, I decide on their version of a Carmel Macchiatto.

The sweet little girl behind the counter starts to ring me up and asks me in her best country twang if I have a Books-A-Million discount card. I kindly reply back with, “Oh no, I’m from out of town, sorry.” “Oh really, where ya from?” I immediately respond, “Texas.” This little girl just gives me the blankest stare…and the next thing I know, my aunt, sister and cousin are hysterically laughing from behind me…can’t even make full sentences they are laughing so hard—and start walking away out of embarrassment. I finally realize what I’ve done—we were IN Texas…even though 30 minutes PRIOR I had just been in Oklahoma. Didn’t count. I think that poor girl was just as confused as me…she had this look on her face that said, “I AM in Texas, right?!?”

Ahhh…yes…exhaustion and traveling back and forth between two states in less than 30 minutes…not good companions.

“she’s a pretty girl”

turning lemons into lemonade

So, from my previous blog last week, you already know I have had a dead furnace on my front porch. Why I didn’t think to take a picture of it all this time is beyond me. I guess I was hoping to keep some of my pride in tack.

Last week my parents came in town for Mother’s Day and we celebrated at our house. As you know, we already bought a grill. Now this isn’t a mammoth size grill, this is one of those girly size grills—that once lit, the flames don’t have the ability to reach your eyebrows, just your arm hair. Once my dad got it set up, we were looking around our house for something to set it up on, to make it more easily usable rather than squatting down on the ground. My dad started rummaging around in our garage, couldn’t find anything, then in a moment of brilliance, I shouted out, “THE FURNACE!”

This thing is ginormous, so much so it’s been impossible for us to move out to the curb in hopes that the trash man would pick it up. My dad and I go out to the front porch to have a look at it, and he says it’s perfect since it’s solid metal. We grab a dolly and start moving that thing to the back porch (all while in heels I might add)—and it works perfectly, as you can see down below. Please notice the bungee cords holding it in place…I’m tellin’ ya…we bring class to trash.

Ladies and Gentlemen…that’s how you turn lemons into really good steak.

“she’s a pretty girl” at the grill

stiletto in the...head

This particular instance happened on Mother’s Day. We had just spent an amazing day with my parents, celebrating my mom. They came in town and we took my mom shopping, then they came over to our house and we grilled out—we bought our first grill (I feel so grown up now!). I’ve also decided my parents need to come over more often so I can have a cleaner house on a regular basis. Either that, or hire a maid. Haven’t decided which.

Anyways…after my dad put the grill together for us (hey, I said I FEEL so grown up), we enjoyed a nice dinner then decided to head to see Robert Downey Jr., I mean, Iron Man 2. Great movie by the way. We got there 30 minutes before and picked out great seats. Now, one of my greatest pet peeves is people who show up late and then come and sit near or around us and talk loudly—oh, and people who bring their loud whiny children. Good news, both happened in the same theater. Now, let me give you a little bit of background on my family and movie theaters. Not sure what it is, but these types of situations always, always seem to happen to us and threats of, “Let’s take this outside,” seem to make an appearance as well. All we wanted to do was go see a movie…is that so bad?!?! (PS by the way, there will be a post coming soon of my involvement in a particular theater exchange not so long ago…I’ve had to build up to it).

So this particular instance, we’d been there sitting, waiting, laughing and enjoying ourselves. The previews finally start, and we put our feet up on the seat in front of us because the theater is HUGE and hardly anyone is there. Next thing I know, this kid jumps from our row, over the seats in front of us and yells at his buddies that these seats are better and plows down in the seat in front of me. And I mean, PLOWS. I’ve never seen someone sit down so hard and fast before. Only problem is, I don’t think he saw my foot there (and I didn’t have time to move it) and my stiletto NAILED him in the back of the head. Guy jumps up in pain and starts throwing a little bit of a fit and then my dad has to step in and defend my honor, and then the guy leaves rubbing the back of his head not knowing what hit him. In the mean time, my sister has her face covered and has made a vow to never go to another movie with her family again—whilst my mom and I couldn’t stop laughing and my dad’s blood pressure has risen to a dangerous level. Ahh…good times…good times. So hey, who wants to go to a movie tonight?!?! Any takers?

"she's a pretty girl" in stilettos

happy mother's day

I know…I know…two serious blogs within two weeks of each other. Allow me this one thing. So today I’m honoring the most important woman in my life…my mother… my hero…Dana Miller.

1. She has stared breast cancer in the face and kicked it in the butt—all while remaining stylish. February 24 we celebrated 1 year! She’s the only person I’ll wear pink for.
   
2. She is adventurous and daring…and I love having a partner in crime! We have a goal of one day participating in The Amazing Race.
   
3. She is a mighty, mighty prayer warrior! If this woman is praying for you…fire falls down! In fact, every single one of my friends over the years has been prayed for by her on a daily basis. I have heard numerous times, “Ok, I’m adding them to my prayer list.”
   
4. She has this eerie sixth sense. Discernment doesn’t even begin to describe it! Used to drive me CRAZY as a kid because I couldn’t get away with anything—but now as an adult—she calls at the right time and knows when she’s needed. It doesn’t matter how old you are…moms just know what to say at the right moment.
   
5. She is the epitome of beauty, grace, class and style.
   
6. I love fashion, shoes and shopping because of her—“Beauty is pain, baby” started at a very young age. She is still hands down my favorite shopping partner. It’s amazing all that you can accomplish in 8 hours in one mall with an Orange Julius.
   
7. She is not just my mother, she is my best friend. A day very rarely goes by that we don’t check in with each other.
   
8. She is wise, she is beautiful, she is strength. She is Proverbs 31.
   
9. The way she loves, supports and respects my dad is such an incredible example to me—it has shown me what a godly wife is all about—I have some big shoes to fill one day.
   
10. When my friends haven’t known a godly mom—she stepped in and “adopted” them as her own. I love that my friends call and text her and want her wisdom and advice. In fact, they’ve learned when I’m telling them about a situation or circumstance and I’m unclear of what to do, they always say, “What did your mom say?”
    
11. Her text messages make me laugh. You have to know short hand in order to read them. But it doesn’t matter…if I see, “n Js nm amn” (in Jesus name amen)—that means I’m being prayed for.
    
12. She is oh so very strong! She is a rock! She has endured and endured and continues to come out of the fire radiant.
    
13. I love that she is firey, independent AND godly! She taught my sister and me at a very young age not to get caught up in girl drama and to not be afraid to be ourselves. It hasn’t been easy…but she was so right! And my favorite thing is there isn’t anything my dad would change about her…he LOVES that she is strong. I love to watch my parents interact. They may drive each other crazy with both of their quirks…but they are still as in love with each today as the day they were married…if not more!
    
14. She saw my love for music at a young age and embraced it. We would sing and sing and sing together—and she went out of her way and sacrificed so I could be in piano and voice lessons. I’m sure she lost several pairs of shoes over that. ;)
    
15. She began praying for me when I was in her womb…and knew even then the calling God had placed on my life and began fanning that into flame. In fact, I have a letter from her the day I was born (down below).
    
16. I realized just 2 years ago what life might look without her…and it scared me. I needed her, I wanted her, I had so much to still learn from her! I am thankful to God for that wake-up call and that He has healed her and she will experience many, many more years on this earth passing on her wisdom not only as a mother, but a grandmother! I have learned…don’t sweat the small stuff!
    
17. She has been my hair dresser for 30 years. No one else has touched my hair, and it shall remain that way. Thanks for putting up with me! :)
    
18. She is amazingly creative. What she can do with paint, a sewing machine and a pair of scissors is beyond me. She made most of my wardrobe growing up and most never knew. It looked better than store bought.
    
19. She is a mighty warrior. Do NOT cross her man or her baby cubs…Lawd have mercy! But she never enabled me. If I was wrong in an area…I was called out, corrected yet loved.
    
20. She is an amazing teacher, pastor’s wife, event coordinator, planner and the woman knows the Word of God! Beth Moore ain’t got nothin’ on her!
    
21. I am the woman I am today because of her godly example and influence.
    
22. She is an amazing wife and mother.
    
23. She taught me to be comfortable in my own skin and to laugh at myself.
    
24. She doesn’t think she’s funny—but she really is. But better yet…if you can get her to laugh…then you REALLY know it’s funny.
    
25. She can still take me down. Yes, literally. One swift move and my feet are out from underneath me and I’m lying on my back wondering what in the world just happened. It’s usually due to certain words not allowed in her house.
    
26. Even in my worst season of life—she loved me unconditionally and never walked away from me. She likes to say, “I always loved you…but I didn’t really like you during that time.”
    
27. She has made every special occasion in my life a big deal. She is my biggest fan and supports me 100%. She is the best cheerleader! You still have those high school moves Momma!
    
28. She is a giver and continually sacrifices for those around her. She has never once competed, complained or wanted to live vicariously…but only wanted to celebrate other’s successes.
    
29. She is the picture of forgiveness, grace and patience. I have so much to learn from her.
    
30. She began praying for my salvation, my calling and my husband while I was in her womb. We’ve seen two out of the three…C’mon Momma…keep praying down fire for number 3! :)

"Ashley, our first little girl was born in December. The day after she was born they woke us up about 7:30 in the morning with Christmas songs playing over the intercom. The hospital was all decorated and the spirit of Christmas, plus a new life was overwhelming.

As I held her in my arms, I realized really for the first time how much God must love us. He sent Jesus a little baby to grow up and die for me. How much love He must have for us.

Then, I thought of Mary. How she must have felt knowing Jesus was Holy, the Son of God. What was going to happen to this little life who had come from her body? "She pondered on these things." He would never really be hers. She would have to let go. He belonged to everyone, but mostly to God. OH! The responsibility that lay ahead for her.

But then, I realized Ashley isn't ours either. God has just entrusted this little baby to us for a while. WOW! The responsibility.

Dear God, sweet God in heaven,
How much you love me I'm not sure, but it has to be more than I can comprehend. You have loaned this little person to me for a short while. She has no knowledge of You, or of anything yet. She is my little mission field. May I write across her mind what you desire.

Show us how to discipline and train her. May she grow into the young lady you desire and died for her to become. May she see you in me. Show me how to be the Godly Mother she deserves and You desire. I want to always walk with You and be sensitive to her. Show me her strong points and how to build her confidence and make them stronger. Open my eyes to her weak points and to have the wisdom to show her how to accept and overcome them through Your time and changing.

Father, I pray for her Salvation. Please let her ask You into her heart just as soon as she is ready and understands. And Lord, if it is Your Will for her to marry, I lift up that husband to be, wherever he is right now. Grow him into a Godly husband and Spiritual leader. Prepare each of them for the other even now Lord.

Thank you again for this new little life you've entrusted and loaned to us. But thank you most of all for Jesus, who was perfect and never deserved what He went through for us. Amen"

Happy Mother’s Day to the most amazing woman in the whole world! You are my hero! I am so very grateful for you and I love you so much!

“Her children arise and call her blessed;” Proverbs 31:28

I hope each of you have an amazing mother’s day!

“she’s a pretty girl”

two pumpkins, a dead poinsettia and a furnace

Hey...good news! I had another meeting yesterday and I didn’t spill anything on myself or the client…miracles still happen! Anyways...

About 6 months ago I moved into a rental house after living in an apartment for 5 years. I was super excited…NO MORE LOUD NEIGHBORS! Problem is, I didn’t realize there are actually more responsibilities that come with a rental house. Thank goodness they do the yard, but I didn’t quite consider all the other maintenance things. I was so used to calling the maintenance guy at the apartment anytime something broke or needed replacing, and they would be there within 24 hours. I knew him on a first name basis. Poor Derek, he had to leave a movie once to come help me. I can already hear you mumbling “high maintenance”…

Well when we moved into our rental house, I don’t think we quite realized what we were getting ourselves into…not to mention our house was built in 1993 and is…well…special. Let’s just say we keep pliers near our washer/dryer, a screw driver on the bathtub and our pantry door doesn’t have a handle. Needless to say, I’ve become quite handy with tools and made friends at Lowe’s. And did you know you can Google just about anything maintenance related and a video will pop up of how to fix it? True story. Try it. “We don’t need no stinkin’ man!” (joke)

In fact, it got so bad, about 2 months after moving in, our furnace decided to become a little finicky. And by finicky, I mean quit working. And by quit working, I mean no heat on one of the coldest nights of the year. And not just on one of the coldest nights of the year…but TWO of the coldest nights. I missed the first one because I was out of town (believe me I heard all about it from two very upset roomies), but I experienced the second one. It got down to 50 degrees…in our HOUSE! Did you know you can sleep in 3 sweatshirts, 2 pairs of pants, 2 pairs of socks, slippers, ear muffs and a beanie with two pillows over your head and survive? All I know is I felt like I was on Survivor, but I didn’t see any film crews and didn’t remember filling out the application.

In the mean time, we had also decorated our porch for Fall, which by then had moved in to the Christmas season. Finally our landlord came and didn’t just “fix” the furnace, but replaced the furnace. They’ve been so nice to leave it on our front porch for 6 months. Isn’t that sweet? So at one point (because we reached the “I don’t care stage”) we had 2 pumpkins, a dead poinsettia and a furnace on our front porch. I didn’t realize how easy it would be to make the transition to white trash. It’s been pretty much a smooth transition.

I miss Derek.

“she’s a pretty girl”

bathrooms & break-ups

Have you ever had a horrific break-up or falling out with someone? Most people go straight for the hard stuff -chocolate or ice cream - over something like that. Some even go hit the gym extra hard, just to prove to the world, especially to the ex…“Oh yeah, I still got it…eat your heart out!” Not that I would know…

Well, several years ago, during one of the most stressful seasons of my life, I had a break-up. And even though this was done by my choosing…there were still repercussions. Instead of going for the tub of ice cream, the gym or beating the crud out of someone’s car Carrie Underwood style…I chose the bathroom. I already hear you saying, “I’m sorry, WHAT?!?!” Yes, I chose at that moment in time to do some retail therapy by remodeling my bathroom. It was very cathartic. Only problem, I didn’t think this thing through. I got my sister in the car with me (FYI…it’s good to always have a buddy during seasons like this…they keep you somewhat tame/sane) and at that moment in time I said, “I want to remodel my bathroom.” I can still hear her saying in her calming, don’t alarm voice, “Okkkkk????” This means…I have no idea what you are about to do…but I support you, mainly because I don’t want to anger the beast.

We drive to Bed, Bath and Beyond at 8:45pm, keep in mind they close at 9pm. At that moment in time I start getting an idea of what I want to do and I just start throwing items in my basket. Shower curtain, check. Matching accessories, check. THEN…I saw the towels. Apparently they were having a massive sale on towels, and man alive, did I have a hay day. I just started picking out colors, feeling the texture, rubbing them against my face, having my sister touch them, then throwing them in my basket. Allyson is freaking out at this point because they’ve already given the 5-minute warning over the intercom and apparently she’s seen the real price of the towels. She starts taking them out of the basket…and I scream…“NOOOOOO!”

Again, not wanting to anger the beast…she just decides to go along for the ride, no more interjections…and we go up to the counter to check out. By this time, it’s after 9pm and the workers are none too happy. The lady starts ringing things up and I look at the register and I start to get a little flushed. Allyson just starts shaking her head in the, “I told you so” kind of way. Knowing I can’t anger the clerk anymore than she already is…I just grin and bear it. Final price: $375.00. Yeah, those towels SO weren’t on sale…and apparently they were made of friggin silk or something.

After taking it all home and surveying the damage…my sanity comes back to me and I realize what I had done. Wow oh wow. Needless to say, I had quite a big return the next day. Retail therapy fail. If I’m gonna spend THAT kinda money…better be showing off a completely different set of assets…like… I don’t know…SHOES!

“she’s a pretty girl”