A Tribute to my BFF's Through the Years!!!!!

As I reflect back on my life I enjoy thinking about the many people who have influenced my life and believe me there are many. These people range in titles from Mother, Grandmother, sister, aunt, sisters in religion, neighbor, sister-in-law...and the list goes on. These individuals have been with me through hard times, good times, have seen me grow, learn, struggle and this list could go on as well.

One thing I have learned through the years is that women are interesting characters. We can be insecure and confident within a 5 minute time frame, cry and laugh in the same sentence or change our mind about the same topic 10 times within a 24 hour period. I like to think this is all just being part of being a woman. But how in the world could we make it through all of these ups and downs without special people around us to assist us? The answer is we couldn't, that is why through all walks of life we develop relationships/friendships to rely on, individuals who have had similar situations, those who may be stronger than we are, those who are more intelligent in different areas than we are or even those who we rely on to tell us like it is, for lack of a better phrase. I have been lucky enough to have all of this in my life, and my journey has been filled with learning and growing because of all of these special people, they are my BFF's.

Through the years my BFF list has grown and while you may not continue to have the experiences you once had with these individuals, your fond memories will always be there, along with the many lessons you learned from them.

As a child we begin our life with our Mother being our BFF. I have been very blessed in this department. My Mother has taught me well and given me great advice throughout the years. Your BFF list begins to grow as you add on sisters you may have. As sibling BFF's you play together, eat together and even at times share the same bed. I have two sisters and I have learned many things from them ranging from patience to kindness. Most importantly, I have learned that during my times of greatest need, I learned just how much they care and how far they will go to make me feel better. Below is a photo of my mother, my two sisters and me.

Now no female's life is complete without Grandmothers. I even understand this better now that I am a Grandmother. I had two very different, special Grandmothers in my life. I lived next door to one and the other was only a few miles a way. Through the years they were always my greatest advocates and my life would have not been complete without these two "BFF's." I don't have a photo of my Mom's Mother, she passed away several years ago, but she taught me all about hard work and even physical fitness as she walked to the post office which was at least a mile from her home two times a day.

My Grandmother on my Dad's side of the family lived next door. She is currently 97 years old. She taught me many things, such as compassion, love, cooking and things of a spiritual nature. Below is a photo of this wonderful lady. She is featured with my beautiful Granddaughter Brooklyn.

Once school begins your BFF list grows and grows with individuals going through many of the same experiences you are; however, during these most trying days you develop a list of a few individuals who stick around. I will never forget my childhood friend, Mitzi Bowling. She lived not far from my home and we played together most days. We went through much together in school. I still keep in touch with her and once a year when I attend the PGA Show in Orlando, Florida we have dinner just to play catch up. Below is a picture of my childhood BFF taken a couple of years ago at my parent's home. The picture shows a 2003 date but I am positive this is incorrect.

Once you graduate high school and move into life you begin to develop other friendships. I had several along the way, but one for sure I will mention and that is my friend Sue Muse. Sue and I shared religion, children of the same age, husbands in the same profession and we were both "prissy" if you will. We have been BFF's for years and we may go several years without seeing each other but when the reunion occurs it is like nothing ever changed. Below is a photo of us that was taken in Washington, DC many, many years ago. I love it!

Life continued on and at this point in my life I moved from my hometown of Pikeville, Kentucky to Fort Thomas, Kentucky. I developed wonderful friends in this area, most of which I share a religious faith. I will first start with my friend Judy Shuley. Judy and I have shared so many wonderful experiences and also so many experiences of hardship. Our friendship has been sealed to never be removed. She is one of dearest friends. I took this photo on Sunday, she plays the piano for the children's meetings at church.

I have one dear "BFF" that I can rely on to "tell me like it is." Her name is Judy Nelson. Judy can say anything to me and I will listen. Sometimes in life we get off base a little and Judy is the BFF that pulls you back on base. She is really good at it too! I recommend her to everyone! I never get upset with her for doing this but always appreciate it. I always say everybody needs a Judy! Below is a photo of Judy and I with her new Granddaughter.

I also have a BFF that I like to discuss physical fitness with. We also have children of the same age. Her name is Kathy Tipton. I love to take walks with her and just chit chat. We use to take a walk every Sunday morning, where we would walk about 7 miles. Kathy is quite physically fit and it was a quite an effort for me to keep up with her! Kathy is just one of those kind people you feel comfortable with all the time and she is always willing to help! Below is her photo.

I have another BFF named Barb Ilg who has literally seen me through some of the roughest moments in my life! I am forever grateful to her. I also very much enjoy her husband Dan. Dan is quite a unique individual and Barb and I enjoy laughing and talking about some of our funniest moments with Dan. They make a wonderful couple! Below is her photo.

When I got divorced from my husband I decided that I did not have to divorce his family. After all, they always treated me wonderfully and made me feel special. I will never forget that. I have remained friends with his sister, Debbie Salvato. We have been through many, many things together including the death of her husband three years ago. Below is Debbie's photo.

I have one BFF that moved to Utah a few years ago. I miss her on a daily basis! Prior to her departure we spent hours and hours together. Her daughters are the same age as my two children, we got divorced around the same time and share some very similar experiences. Even though she lives very far away we still talk on the phone like teenagers every week to play catch up. Her name is Stevie Howard. We are alike in so many ways and very different in others, I mean come on she is from NJ and I am the Appalachian Mountains! I didn't have a picture of us together for the blog so I am just going to post a picture of her! We even share the same hair color. She is featured with her beautiful Grandson Tate.

I want to end with one final BFF, one in which I thought a few years ago I would never add to the list and that is my daughter Bethany. Beth and I have loved each other, hated each other, cried for each other, laughed with each other, screamed at each other, well anyway you get the picture. I am very grateful to have added her to my BFF list. Below is our photo.

I want to finish my blog with thanking all the wonderful women who have made a difference in my life. They have made life interesting, exciting, spiritual, happy and at times bearable. Thank you! I feel very fortunate!

If you are reading this blog and you don't have BFF's in your life, then I strongly recommend you find at least one. They are worth it and necessary!

I WILL, WILL, PROTECT THIS HOUSE!

Well, most people that know me know that I love physical fitness and I spend a ton of my time at the gym. I may not be the most trim person in the world...but I sure keep working at it! Anyway, last night I watched a video for Under Armour Women which features Olympic Gold Medalist Lindsey Vonn working out and some of the workout moves were a little extreme...but very motivating!

I realize Lindsey is a professional athlete and most of us will never reach the level of physical fitness that she has; however, somewhere in the depths of our universe...we all wonder if on some small scale we can reach a level...that our bodies have never reached before!!! This video not only motivated me to work harder to accomplish this but to also check our Under Armour for women. I went straight to their website! Whoever in the Marketing Department of this company created these ads is a genius! In reality it was most likely a team of people; nonetheless, they are to be applauded!

Below is a link to watch the video. I even posted the video on my Facebook as well as my Twitter, I was so impressed. You can check out the video on Under Armour's Facebook page at:

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=148294495193152

I strongly encourage you to check out Under Armour apparel at http://www.underarmour.com. I did...lots of cool items to purchase in my future! I will...I will....I will...protect this house!

The Miracle called "Skype"

I grew up in a very small town in southeastern Kentucky. My life was simple and I am grateful for that. Check out the picture of a small portion of my beautiful family.

During my childhood, and yes this ages me, there were no cell phones, no computers in school or at home, no internet, no Facebook, no Twitter and certainly no iPods. We did have a game where you could play ping-pong on the television...but I don't even remember the name of the game.

My favorite part of my childhood was the fact that I grew up really knowing my family. On my Dad's side of the family all of my aunts and uncles and cousins lived next door. We went to the same school and for the most part played together most days. My Grandmother lived among us as well...and this was great to say the least!!! When I reflect back on this I have such fond memories of running in and out of her house, especially during the summer, and on top of that she was a fantastic cook!!!

My Mom's side of the family was a little more scattered but many of them, including me and my siblings, would meet at my Mom's Mothers on Sunday, we called her "Mamaw Dorton," for dinner. Nothing better than Sunday family dinners and Mamaw Dorton's cooking!

However, in today's world it seems like families are becoming more and more spread out. I moved away from my hometown 20 years ago. That was difficult for me in the beginning but as time passed I found ways to deal with the absence of family. Now my son has followed suit and left the nest...only his new home is a couple of thousand miles away...in Idaho Falls, Idaho. He has blessed me with a beautiful granddaughter and I am expecting my second one in February. Thanks Matty! Of course I have to include a picture....check it out.

Learning to make the most of life and family, while not experiencing the next door family has been and continues to be a challenge for me. I try to do all that I can to stay in touch, especially with my little princess granddaughter, but this has not been easy. But thank goodness times are progressing and there are miracles among us!

My recent technique for staying in touch is Skype. I absolutely love it! I Skype with Brooklyn a couple of times a week for a few minutes. Brooklyn, even at 2 years old, knows what Skype is. For those out there who may not know about Skype...you should know that it is absolutely free and when downloaded onto your computer allows you to speak with someone, as well as, see them visually on the computer. You can get your free download at http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/home. Completely free!

As Brooklyn has grown and gotten to the point that she speaks clearly Skype has become more and more fun. Recently we had a great conversation about her toes. She kept saying Grandma, Grandma look at my toes. Of course the high chair tray was in her way and she said Dad move the tray, move the tray. She then proceeded to remove her shoes and socks to show me her nicely painted toe nails...they were purple! She told me about her Aunt Emily painting her toes. This was great for me to be able to hear her story about her toe painting experience.

There have been many other such times along the way with Brooklyn and Skype. She blows me kisses, makes funny faces, giggles, sometimes cries, makes a mess and cleans between her toes...sometimes all during one Skype conversation! Below is a picture of Brooklyn in her high chair talking to me on Skype...check out the cute smile! I took this photo utilizing Skype during one of our conversations.

For anyone out there who longs for their family give Skype a try! It is definitely worth it! You may miss out on the physical touches of your loved ones...but you can stay in touch and be part of their life. Nothing warms your heart more than to turn on the computer, utilize Skype and hear a sweet voice say, "Hi Grandma." :-) Life is good!

A Gym Rat??? For Real?

I love going to the gym to work out. Even on days when I feel tired and overly stressed I can quickly be made to feel better when I think of the gym. It brings a smile to my face and joy to my heart.

Sometimes I have to stop and ask myself...why such an obsession? Is it because my family was very involved in sports as a child? Or maybe because it relieves stress? Perhaps because it makes me feel so happy??

Or because I don't want to grow old and not be able to do things I enjoy because of my fitness level? All of these questions could be true somewhere in the depths of my mind...but I think the simple answer is it feels good and right for me. Perhaps gyms aren't for everyone.

During a week's time I take three urban iron classes (body pump), a spin class (going to add a second next week), a yoga class and a mat pilates class. I also do 2 short runs and one long run...so as you can see, I spend a lot of time at the gym. The cool thing is....I never resent any of my time there.

While in my classes or during a run it is fun to look around just to see who is there, people watch if you will. I love the fact that people of all ages attend the gym. I see people from 14 or 15 years old to 80 years old. One elderly lady attends two of my urban iron classes a week, and she is at least 70. She is quite the weight lifter! I also see people of different races, different gender, different sizes, different hair colors, different fitness levels, different heights, different body shapes....and I like to think that each of them has their very own personal reason for being there.

In my urban iron class, which meets at 5:45 am. we have actually become a big weight lifting family. We rarely have new people...the same group shows up most of the time. It is a very big class...ranging in attendance from 30 to 45 people. The instructor is awesome and she makes us feel good about what we are doing and nicely corrects our form and small ignorances along the way. It is fun to show up and see what everyone else has been doing during the week. Even though I don't spend time with these folks outside the gym they still seem important to me...just like the gym is important to me.

I guess in reality I have officially become a gym rat...or that's what the folks at the gym refer to those who attend the gym often...like myself. I guess I have a new title...to add to the long list. At least it is a positive one!

For those who don't attend a gym...come on down and join me at Bellevue Urban Active! You won't be sorry!

I joined Urban Active after I graduated from college in December. They were having a special and I decided to take the leap and just do it. It was the best decision I have made in a very long time, I feel good about myself and my forever increasing fitness level!

Are you Kidding Me?

I decided this year to watch Dancing with the Stars (DWTS). I really like Chad Johnson of the Bengals, enjoy his sense of humor and thought he was a great addition to the show. I follow Chad on Twitter and there are times when I find myself laughing hysterically. For instance, when he went shopping the day after Thanksgiving at Target and found Snuggy's for $5.00. He posted a picture of himself posing in the Snuggy on Twitter. It was one of the funniest things I have ever seen. Chad does a great job of marketing himself! Anyway, I decided to follow Chad through this dancing crazines. He is doing a great job in my personal opinion. He is certainly getting my vote each week...and that of my family! Go Chad!

I watched last night's episode and was quite dismayed that Kate Gosselin remained on the show one more week! What a joke...and I mean that literally. If you haven't seen her dance just check it out on YouTube...you will get your daily dose of laughter. Now, I am by no means a dancer but I feel comfortable in saying that I could do a better job than Kate has done on this show. The judges consistently tell her she is not a performer...and it is very obvious that she is not. Aren't you a nurse Kate?

Nonetheless, I became so upset last night when she was not voted off...that I decided to stop watching the show. Anyone in their right mind knows that Kate is the worst dancer to ever be on Dancing with the Stars. I believe the show is fixed, setup, staged....are they keeping her because they think she will bring better ratings? I also started a campaign in my office today to stop viewing the show and take a who cares attitude. So far I have recruited several people. Just stop voting, stop participating, watch something else! Don't give Kate any more press...just stop. So that is my goal of the day.

I wrote this today...and will say nothing else about it...but just ban the show!

Just Sayin'.....

Well, it has been a while since I posted. Since that time much has changed in my life. I graduated from Northern Kentucky University in December 2009 with a degree in Business Administration! YAHOO!!! It was a great day that included all of my children, my beautiful little granddaughter and some of my most loved friends and family!!! Check out the photo above!

Since graduation I have spent some time relaxing, no class at night...I LOVE IT! My evening time has been returned to me. One might ask with all that free time what are you doing? Well, I am not the type to sit idly by...I don't enjoy being idle at all! Therefore, I have chosen to pursue things that I do enjoy, for the first time literally in years!!!

One of my first loves is physical activity. Over the last 7 years I have been a power walker and I have taken some yoga classes, which I also enjoy. However, I did this with a crazy school and work schedule leaving me little time to really pursue all the physical activity I would enjoy.

In January I joined Urban Active in Bellevue, Kentucky. Urban Active is located on the Kentucky side of the Ohio River overlooking the City of Cincinnati. They offer classes such as yoga, kick-boxing, weight lifting (utilizing barbells), zumba, pilates, etc. I had a hard time deciding which classes I wanted to attend so I attended most of them at least once to get a feel for what I wanted to do. I have chosen to do an hour of yoga a week, an hour of Pilates and two hours of weight lifting...plus I run 2 short runs/walks a week (1.4 miles) and I do 2 long runs/walks (about 3 miles). My goal is this year (sometime between end of May and first of August) to run a 5K. If I keep pushing myself...I just might make it!

I do recommend Urban Active for all those individuals looking for a gym. Hopefully, you will not become addicted like I have. Check it out at
http://www.urbanactive.com/trainerfinder/websites/60092/home/index.html

I also recommend for those individuals looking to run a 5K the Couch Potato to 5K running method. You can check it out at http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml It is working for me!

I am also pursuing other employment...specifically employment with greater benefits and income! I am looking particularly in the medical field pursuing account management or a sales rep position. Wish me luck! I have been employed in sales for over 3 years now and have had a lot of success.

Life is starting to look up for me...just sayin'......

Star Trek

The above photo, if you haven't figurued it out, features the Old Kirk and Spock from the original Star Trek series as well as the new Kirk and Spock from the latest Star Trek movie. Having pointed that out, I have to say I never thought I would be doing a blog on Star Trek. Over the years I don't think I sat through an entire episode of Star Trek. Actually, I had never seen one of the Star Trek movies. I just really had no interest...unil May of this year. Thinking about it...Star Trek was filmed in the 60's, at the least the original Star Trek, and I was born in the 60's...this could be part of the problem.

This past May a new Star Trek movie, a reboot as it has been referred to, was released starring "Chris Pine" as Captain Kirk and "Zachary Qunito" as Spock. I was told by a close friend that I had to see the movie...that is was fantastic. Of course, this friend was a major Star Trek fan so I wondered if her opinion was somewhat prejudice. Nonetheless, I took the time to see the movie and she was right. The new Star Trek movie was the best movie I have seen all year! It was funny, it was exciting, it was action packed...and the new cast was amazing...not to mention beutiful! Please know that this in no way takes away from "William Shatner (The Shat as I like to call him)" or "Leonard Nimoy!"

Zachary Quinto, who played the young Spock in the movie also plays Sylar in Heroes...for those of you who enjoy Sci-Fi. He does a nice job on that show as well. Most of the cast was unknowns for the most...well maybe not completely unknown but by no means superstars.

Once I watched the movie...somthing happened to me. I became a Trekkie or Trekkor...I am not good with the Trek terminology. Anyway, I have seen all of the original movies and the original series. What's up with that? This is definitely not my style.

Anyway, if you haven't seen the movie...it will arrive in stores in the middle of November via DVD. Rent it, buy it...but just make sure you see it! It will be the best two hours of movie time you have had in a long time! Just a pitch to purchase the DVD!

This is for you Zach!