Uncle Jake...Guardian Ghost

For the last month or so, I've been watching this show on TV with my husband. It's called Ghost Hunters. Some of the places they visit to do their investigations are quite fascinating. I have to say that I grew up believing in ghosts. I remember hearing bumps in the night quite frequently as a child and when I asked my dad about them, he always told me that the noises were "Jake". Who's Jake? My dad described him as our guardian ghost. He lived in the attic of the house and from time to time would move about. I guess Jake was actually an uncle of my dad's that owned the house before. From what I was told, he died in that house. So... could it be? Were all those bangs and bumps in the night actually Uncle Jake moving about? I have no reason to doubt it I guess. To this day, my dad still says Uncle Jake lives in the attic. Since watching the show Ghost Hunters, there's a small part of me that would be interested in having them investigate the house my dad lives in. But, then there's the part of me that says "just leave him be". He's been no harm to anyone. He watches over the house. The guardian ghost Uncle Jake...

So...I'm curious...do you believe in ghosts?

A Success!

The other day I mentioned that I was on a mission to find an easy recipe for a cherry pie because that's what my dad liked so I wanted to make him one for his birthday. His birthday is on the 30th (he'll be 58). But we celebrated on Sunday. We gathered at my sister's house as she lives closer to him. She and her hubby made burritos and I made the cherry pie. We went in together for his gift (an MP3 player). He's been wanting one I guess. I don't see or talk to him much so I didn't even know that. Anyway, the day went very well. My dad never teased me about anything and as a matter of fact complimented me on how good the cherry pie looked. Can you say stunned? I was actually both stunned and excited. Compliments from my dad are pretty much unheard of - so when those words came from his mouth, I probably could've cried. Because this was the first cherry pie I'd ever made.. I of course took a picture of it. So here it is... my first ever cherry pie. Isn't it prettiful! :)

Something to Ponder

I haven't done one of these in a few days so I picked one from a few days back. (By the way, I get these from Vic's site at Cariboo Ponderer).

The Jan. 23 entry states: Physical exercise has value but spiritual exercise is more important. Do you think this is true?

I happen to think this is VERY true. I have struggled with my weight for years..ever since I graduated highschool. The weight creeped up on me year after year. But in looking back... it didn't come alone. Most of my gain was a result of some sort of emotional trauma. I was an emotional eater. For some reason, I thought food could make me feel better. I think I got that from my mom. She too ate a lot. Every weekend we'd go to dinner somewhere that had a buffet. Her reasoning... she's put in a long week at work and deserved that reward. I was a young teenager then. But I had no willpower. So, whatever the family did, I went along with it. No self-esteem whatsoever either. I pretty much hated everything about myself. I was too fat, my hair was horrible, my clothes were ugly, I had freckles which were ugly.. Rarely did I ever find anything nice to say about myself. At that age, I never had anything nice to say about myself. I was way too busy comparing myself to others. Years later...several counseling sessions...I began to improve a little. But I think what REALLY made me see myself in a different light is when I began to go to church and learn about God. I found my spirituality. And the more I exercised it, the more I felt better about myself. Good enough in fact to start physically exercising. Now that both types of exercise are in motion, I know I'll continue to feel better and better about myself and to that I say AMEN! I'm on my road to an improved me! I just love the thought of that.

Peace and love,
Dottie

Thank You!

Just a quick thank you to all of you for all the wonderful comments on my first Friday Sky Watch entry. Since I joined this, which was only 2 days ago now... I've been finding myself paying a lot closer attention to the sky. Hmmm.. I've even started carrying my camera with me everywhere I go. I HAVE to be prepared you know :).

Sky Watch Friday

I've decided to give this meme a whirl. I enjoy taking photos and maybe this will help me improve. I'll also get the chance to see lots of other fabulous photos that other bloggers have taken. Want to join the fun? Visit Strolling through Georgia and get hooked.

Here's my very first entry. Now keep in mind, I am not a professional...barely an amateur.

How do I do that?

My dad's birthday is coming up and i've learned that he likes cherry pie. I'd love to surprise him with one...just one problem - "How do I do that?" I have never made a cherry pie before. So I am now on the quest for a good and somewhat simple recipe for a cherry pie. Wish me luck!

Peace,
Dottie

I'm So Sad

Today's breaking news... Heath Ledger found dead in a Manhattan apartment. He was only 28. This really saddens me because he was one of my favorite actors. My fondness for Heath began when I saw the movie "10 Things I Hate About You". He starred opposite Julia Stiles in that movie. My favorite part of the movie is when he sang to her from the bleachers during her soccer practice. "You're just too good to be true; can't take my eyes off of you. You'd be like heaven to touch; I wanna hold you so much. At long last love has arrived; I thank God I'm alive. You're just too good to be true; can't take my eyes off of you." Cue the band!! Here's a YouTube video clip you can view. I really love that part. It was this scene that made me want to know who that actor was. "He's soooo cute!"

Another favorite movie of mine is A Knight's Tale. He starred in that movie as well.

He's done other movies as well - "Brokeback Mountain" Honestly, haven't seen that one yet. He also plays the Joker in the upcoming Batman movie.

Heath Ledger - 28 years old - much too young. He will be missed. My heart aches for his family and loved ones.

Linky Love 2008

I have been tagged by My Dogs Keep Me Sane for this Linky Love. I've not been involved with anything like this before but it seems to be important so I will do my part.

*Start Copying Here*

I selected 2 of my blogger friends to be tagged and I hope that you will similarly publish this post in your blog. You will have to tag 5 other bloggers and just keep adding on to the list. (Do not replace, just keep on adding! Yes we hope it will be a long list!)It’s real easy! Tag others and see your Technorati Authority increase exponentially! The benefits of Viral Linking:- One of the fastest ways to see your technorati authority explode!- Increase your Google PageRank fast- Attract large volume of new traffic to your site- Build your community- Make new friends!

The Strategist Notebook
Link Addiction
Ardour of the Heart
When Life Becomes a Book
The Malaysian Life
Yogatta.com
What goes under the sun
Roshidan’s Cyber Station
Sasha says
Arts of Physics
And the legend lives
My View, My Life
A Simple Life
Juliana RW
Mom Knows Everything
What Women REALLY Think
Not Much More Than This
Jayedee
Jenn
Beth
Christie
Marla Cailin
Simone
FlipFlopMom
Katrina
Gill's Jottings
Work of the Poet
Wakela
Modern Day Goddess
Livin With Me
Are We There Yet??
My Dogs Keep Me Sane
Dottie's Place

*Stop Copying*

I tag:

Down River Drivel
The BiPolar Diaries

That's about it...I don't know enough blogger buddies yet.

Paid to Blog???

In my browsing of blogs, I've noticed that many have Pay to Post or other things that Pay you to blog. I think I might be interested in that? Does it work well for you? I'd like to hear what your thoughts are on it. I could always use some additional monies.. Your thoughts??

Thanks!

Something to Ponder

Today's Ponder as taken from Vic at Cariboo Ponderer states "Hard times show us who we really are. It reveals our strengths and weaknesses. How do you feel about how you handled yourself the last time you were tested?"

Wow... some of these can be pretty intense to think about. I've been through many challenges throughout life that is for sure. I remember in my late teens and early twenties, I would get really upset and complain about how unfair everything seemed. Why did this crap always happen to me. How come my brother, who I used to refer to as a loser, always had things handed to him on a silver platter? It drove me absolutely nuts! My brother is just a couple years younger than me. I could go on and on with regard to challenges I've had to deal with and overcome. Maybe someday, I'll write about them...I could create a book maybe :)

The most recent hard time I have had to deal with is when I learned that my brother and his wife had another baby. His wife has birthed 8 kids, but they only have 3 of them at home. The first one is not my brothers and is being raised by her mom. The next two (Stephanie and Brandon) were placed in foster care and then later adopted by a nice couple here in Michigan that were never able to have kids.

It was when Brandon was approximately 2 that my brother and his wife had to be investigated by social services due to charges of neglect. They were ordered to do counseling and other stuff. Well...they didn't follow through with orders and the children were placed for adoption. My brother and sister in law never showed remorse/no emotion...nothing. I had no respect for them. Not long after, Cindy was pregnant again! That baby was taken at the hospital and put up for adoption. Same for the one after that. Then 4 years ago, they got pregnant again and were able to keep her. Had another girl 2 years ago and just had baby #8 (a girl) this past October. For every pregnancy, I remember getting so angry! Here I was a good person, always wanted more children and was never able to have any more. Then there's my brother and his wife who don't take care of the ones they're given and are given more and more! I hated it! I don't know if its just that I've matured more or if I've come closer to God or a combination of those two, but when I found out about the most recent baby, I did not have the fits I once did. I was a little upset, but not angry. I simply emailed my brother and said "Congratulations on their new gift from God. It feels good to have come so far in the way I react to certain things. I know that I have a truly wonderful life to be proud of and I am very blessed to have what I have. All I can do is pray that my brother and his wife continue to make improved decisions so they don't lose anymore children.

Peace and Love,
Dottie

Random Stuff

More Comments at pYzam.com

I was messing around with my blogger profile and I discovered that this blog has been active since January of 2007. So I've had a blog for one year, but I guess I really don't see it that way because I took some pretty big breaks in that time frame. Nonetheless, Happy Blogger Birthday to me! :) Oh and I even added a cute little picture of my adorable self (ha ha ha).

FYI - If you look in the middle column, you'll see I added a link to some photos that I've taken. I figured since I have said much about photography being a hobby of mine, maybe I should put some pictures out there for you all to enjoy! The camera I have is an Olympus SP-550UZ. It's not an SLR which is what I would like to get, but it's good for now. It's got a pretty good zoom.

It's been snowing quite a bit here so maybe tomorrow I can get some good snow pictures to share. We'll see.

My First Blogging Award!!

This is so exciting for me. Misty Dawn at Mistys Musings has presented me with a You Cheer Me Up Award



Isn't this incredibly cool? I always love watching I Love Lucy too.

I am so new to the blogging arena that I don't have too many online friends to pass it on too. But those I do know are deserving.

1. Misty DawnThe feelings are mutual.
2. Vic - Cariboo Ponderer
3. Down River Drivel
4. BiPolar Diaries

Clicking on the award image above wil take you to the site where the award originated so you can copy the code to place the award on your blogs.

Thanks so much.

Peace and Love,
Dottie

Say Hello to my Pets!

I've been sharing some things about myself lately and thought that I would now introduce all my animal children to you. I'm going to list them in the order that we got them.









1. Teddy Bear - he's our 1st. Black/Tan pomeranian. Because we never had any human sons, he is regarded as our first son! He's a good boy

2. This is Sophie (Pomeranian) all dolled up in her sweater. She actually doesn't like the sweater and has taken it off on her own a few times. I think she's adorable in it!

3. This is Sampson - male Pomeranian. This isn't the greatest picture of him. He is a very beautiful boy - dark reddish color coat.

4. Peaches - Pomeranian - She's actually the smallest of our pet crew...weighing between 4 and 5 pounds. She recently had puppies so her poor coat has thinned out a lot. She'll grow it back though.

5. Zoey!! - Jack Russell Terrier She is my baby. She was born in June of 2005. She was the one good thing about that summer. She cuddled with me and helped me through those difficult times when my husband wasn't around. She is my dog..

6. Dusty - Chow Mix. We took him in because my sister in law moved into a place that only allowed small dogs. He's older and is blind in one eye. We couldn't stand the thought of seeing him go to some stranger's house so we kept him. He's a good boy.

7. Last but not least, our cat. His name is Gizmo; though most of the time I find myself calling him kitty kitty.

And, there you have it... my extended family!

Daily Ponder - Gifts to Offer

The daily ponder from Vic at Cariboo Ponderer states: You have something to offer that no one else has. Your fingerprints are distinctly yours and so is everything else about you. You are a gift for others to enjoy. How are you giving yourself to the people in your life?

For a person who has grown up with such low self-esteem, I never thought I had anything to offer. I thought so lowly of myself, how could anyone else see something different? It took many years and lots of counseling to realize that I do have things to offer.

To begin... I am a great wife and mother. My two daughters do great in school and really are great kids. Even being teenagers... they don't give me the trouble that I hear so often in other families. As their mother, I had a lot to do with how wonderful they've turned out. And my husband would most definitely not be who he is and where he is without my help :).

My job - I currently work in the Information Technology department of a large retailer. I support our email program and our company portal. Email is obviously a very important part of everyone's daily communication so I offer my knowledge of the systems to ensure everything works.

In keeping this blog, I'm giving to others by sharing my thoughts, feelings and experiences on several topics.

I'm a very compassionate and carrying person. I'm so glad that I can see that in myself and realize the importance of it...not only in my life, but in the lives of those who are touched by my kindnesses.

Band Meme

I saw this over at My Dogs Keep Me Sane. I thought it looked like fun so I decided to give it a try.

Here's how it works - You are about to have your own band's CD cover. Follow these directions to the letter.

Go to......

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Random
The first article title on the page is the name of your band.

2. http://www.quotationspage.com/random.php3
The last four words of the very last quote is the title of your album.

3. http://www.flickr.com/explore/interesting/7days/
The third picture, no matter what it is, will be your album cover.

So, here it is - my band's debut CD!!

What? Me... Worry

The Daily Ponder for Jan.12 from Cariboo Ponderer

Sometimes people don’t understand however hard you try to explain. Sometimes people can’t do anything about what is worrying you. Some encourage us to give our worries over to God, how easy is that for you to do?

It's easier now than it ever has been. Why? I didn't grow up knowing religion. The family never went to church. I knew of a God, but never learned about him. I met my husband who was raised Catholic, but was not practicing. Lack of church continued well into our marriage. It even continued after we had our kids. Although, I was taking my own steps to learn more. I went to a few bible studies; I had my kids go to vacation bible school, etc. But, it wasn't until the summer of 2005 that I really understood that there was a God and that he was powerful. That's the year my husband decided to have an affair with someone. I was devastated and hated what he did. We separated for a while and he would take the kids for visits. Those were the most gut-wrenching and difficult times. Whenever he left with the kids, I felt as those part of me died... I cried and cried. I had no intention of wanting divorce. Rather, I hoped things would work out. I kept a journal and I prayed. I prayed that my husband would discover the grass was not greener on the other side. I prayed for the girl that he affaired with even though I really hated her at the time. At the same time, my mom was dealing with lots of medical issues and pretty much lived in the hospital.

The mere thought of losing two loved ones at the same time just seemed unbearable to think of. I was definitely depressed. It was definitely a time of worry too. I remember my prayers so vividly. I especially remember telling God that I was not prepared to lose these two loved ones at once. I understood that things were in his hands, but I pleaded to not take both as well as somehow give me some strength. It was Halloween night of 2005. The girls and I went trick-or-treating up town with some other friends. I think that's when God intervened in my husband's life because that's the night my husband cried. By Nov. 5th, he was back at home and I was ecstatic. Some may have the belief - once a cheater, always a cheater. But I don't. What would Jesus do? He forgives our sins when we repent. My husband asked forgiveness and I forgave. I have not forgotten and neither has he. He has admitted on several occasions how stupid he was and how sorry he is. I have to say that our relationship is actually much stronger as a result of that bump in our road. Not long after all that, my mom passed away. Did God listen and answer my prayers. I have to believe with all my heart that he did.

So, do I worry? Yes, of course I do. But, I do pray harder during those times and it is comforting.

Peace and Love,
Dottie

I'm So Proud of Myself!

I have been to the YMCA twice this week to exercise! Yes, you read that right. That awful word that I've always hated has become a part of my life this week. Although I have to start small and keep to the bike, treadmill and swimming - I think I'm doing a great job. I'm very sore, but it's worth it.

I've dealt with weight issues for years and have always wanted to lose the weight, but something always held me back. I lacked the motivation and desire. Or if I found a little bit, I would get going and something would interfere and I'd get depressed, quit and throw my hands up with a "why bother" attitude.

I know I've written this before, but I'm going to write it again. My mom passed away in February of 2006. She was only 56...very young. Too young in my opinion. I was of course saddened. Holidays and other special occasions that year came and went. Christmas of 2006 was a little difficult, but not as bad as I anticipated it would be. However... this past Christmas/07 was so much worse. I had an even more difficult time. I cried alot and prayed of course. I was sad, but I got through. New Years was better, we spent the evening with my half sister and her kids as well as my dad/step mom. Somewhere between the sadness of missing my mom and spending that time with my dad, I found some passion to want to put my best effort into getting healthier.

Wanna see a picture of young me?


This is a picture of me with my great-grandma Laug. She's now deceased. I miss her and my great-grandpa so much!

Something to Ponder-Jan 8

Vic at Cariboo Ponderer has Something to Ponder everyday on her blog. These are questions paraphrased from a Daily Planner that she received at Christmas. The Jan. 8 question No one has said good things about you lately. You wonder if anyone notices. Why do we need praise and recognition if we know we are doing our best? Isn’t that enough?

My thoughts on this...
Even though I might realize I'm doing my best on something, I really feel better about the time I spent if someone says thank you. Aside from saying Thank You being the courteous thing to do, they are two very powerful words. In my case, if someone doesn't say thank you, I tend to wonder if my time was wasted or if they didn't like what I did. Of course, I do have lower self-esteem so that could be a factor in all of it. That aside, I always say thank you! With that...thank you Vic for sharing these thoughts to ponder.