I've been on Christmas vacation the past week, which constitutes lots of lying around the house doing absolutely, positively nothing. Seriously, nothing, and it rocks! My best friend, Val, got me this amazing blanket for Christmas that's half sheep on one side and half wool on the other. Wait, isn't that the same thing? Anyway, I don't know exactly what it is, but I love it. It's become attached to me these past few days. Sitting on my couch in the same pj's, no make-up, my hair in a bun, with remote in hand! It's been relaxing and educational.
I've watched 47 1/2 movies, 62 shows and 17 documentaries. Netflix rules. My favorite movies are the "Indie" ones. They aren't as full of the Hollywood b.s., I mean hype, that you find at the box office or that "let me insult your intelligence" crap on other networks. They're just full of real people, in real situations dealing with real life stuff. One was incredibly disturbing and a true story, "The Girl Next Door". You'll just have to watch, but viewer discretion is advised. Another favorite that was fantastic is "Punching the Clown." I laughed out loud more times than I can count. But, once again, use caution if children are around.
I've seen my share of cable too. Take "Strange Addictions" for instance. Have you seen this? It's about people admitting to strange addictions, hence the name. Like this lady who lives with 47 hairless rats, a guy who gets off by pulling hair out of shower drains (gross), or the 27 year old who likes to eat drywall! She says, "I've been eating drywall for 7 years now. I think I have a problem and need help." You think? I had to ask myself, how does it take 7 years to figure that out? Seriously, I'd hope that after the first time I had the urge to rip drywall from my kitchen wall (instead of making a ham sandwich) place it in my mouth, followed by chewing it up, swallowing it and going back for seconds, I'd be picking up the phone calling 911.
This chick is literally eating her own house! I'm not trying to make fun, ok. I have some bad addictions too. I religiously record "The Real Housewives" and I bite my nails too much, but eating drywall, living with rats (although I admit I was married to one once), or playing with wet, slimy hair from a drain? This stuff is disgusting, frustrating and makes my skin crawl. My DVR is already set up to record next week's episode!
Yes, it's been an interesting couple of days. Well, gotta go, "Cheaters" is about to start!
Happy New Year.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Wishes of the Past
How many people do you think you've hurt in your life? Seriously and unfortunately, I don't think I could count the number of people I've hurt. Ask me how many have hurt me and I could probably tell you an exact number. That seems much easier, doesn't it?
My mother is 67 years old. Divorced now for over 20 years, she lives alone with her thoughts and loneliness. She makes me sad. I've heard her comment many times that her mind often wanders to her past. Daydreaming about the mother she failed to be, the wife she longed to be, her regrets and so on and so on. I've tried my best to help her move forward, but she's just stuck. Sure, she made choices as a mother that I don't agree with and my brother, sisters and I paid a price for those decision. But, who am I to judge? Who among us is free from that kind of guilt?
I've royally screwed up throughout my 47 years. Royally. Each day, I'm doing my best to be better than the day before. Sometimes I succeed and sometimes I dont. I want to make right choices, even though some are rather difficult. Like my mother, I daydream too. I find myself remembering times from my past that were good and satisfying and long to relive those experiences again. Some more than once.
But, I can't. The past is gone. It's over. It never comes back. I suppose that's a blessing, isn't it? Some parts belong in the past. They're better to be left there because of the pain. It's the good memories that are the hardest to forget. The longing for that part of our past that was happy and so satisfying. I could live those all over again if I could. I do sometimes when I'm sleeping through my dreams.
Life is so hard. I don't understand it all the time. Sometimes it makes me cry. I miss the innocence of being a child. I think about those I've loved before that I can no longer see or talk to. So many people in my life that I miss so much. I miss friendships that I treasured. But, this is now and that was then. Doesn't seem fair if you ask me.
I guess I get it. My mom, that is and why she sits in her lonely house all alone dwelling. I get it, but I don't want that for me. If the only chance I have of not thinking about past regrets in my old age is avoiding them, I'm out of luck. I'll make more tomorrow and the next day after that. Just another hurdle to accept in our old age.
Yes, life is so hard. But, God is still good.
My mother is 67 years old. Divorced now for over 20 years, she lives alone with her thoughts and loneliness. She makes me sad. I've heard her comment many times that her mind often wanders to her past. Daydreaming about the mother she failed to be, the wife she longed to be, her regrets and so on and so on. I've tried my best to help her move forward, but she's just stuck. Sure, she made choices as a mother that I don't agree with and my brother, sisters and I paid a price for those decision. But, who am I to judge? Who among us is free from that kind of guilt?
I've royally screwed up throughout my 47 years. Royally. Each day, I'm doing my best to be better than the day before. Sometimes I succeed and sometimes I dont. I want to make right choices, even though some are rather difficult. Like my mother, I daydream too. I find myself remembering times from my past that were good and satisfying and long to relive those experiences again. Some more than once.
But, I can't. The past is gone. It's over. It never comes back. I suppose that's a blessing, isn't it? Some parts belong in the past. They're better to be left there because of the pain. It's the good memories that are the hardest to forget. The longing for that part of our past that was happy and so satisfying. I could live those all over again if I could. I do sometimes when I'm sleeping through my dreams.
Life is so hard. I don't understand it all the time. Sometimes it makes me cry. I miss the innocence of being a child. I think about those I've loved before that I can no longer see or talk to. So many people in my life that I miss so much. I miss friendships that I treasured. But, this is now and that was then. Doesn't seem fair if you ask me.
I guess I get it. My mom, that is and why she sits in her lonely house all alone dwelling. I get it, but I don't want that for me. If the only chance I have of not thinking about past regrets in my old age is avoiding them, I'm out of luck. I'll make more tomorrow and the next day after that. Just another hurdle to accept in our old age.
Yes, life is so hard. But, God is still good.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Thanksgiving
Mine was great, how was yours? This year, we decided to rent a cabin in Pigeon Forge for Thanksgiving. It turned out to be a great decision. What a blast!
The cabin was beautiful, scenery spectacular and the company was second to none. I don't think it matters to me where I am as long as I'm with my family. Nothing in the world makes me feel content like having all four of my daughters and now granddaughter with me. Salem loved the hot tub, the trail walk and the food. She pulled out every game in the place and we were still searching for game pieces the morning we left.
Family. Nothing like it in the world. I am so in love with mine. I wonder if it's unusual this closeness I share and love that I have for all my girls. It's like I'm obsessed.
On the morning of our departure, Salem couldn't stop crying. She said, "I don't want to leave the cabin and go back to Nashville! I want to stay with my family." I told her, "Don't worry, baby, you'll always have us."
Life is good.
The cabin was beautiful, scenery spectacular and the company was second to none. I don't think it matters to me where I am as long as I'm with my family. Nothing in the world makes me feel content like having all four of my daughters and now granddaughter with me. Salem loved the hot tub, the trail walk and the food. She pulled out every game in the place and we were still searching for game pieces the morning we left.
Family. Nothing like it in the world. I am so in love with mine. I wonder if it's unusual this closeness I share and love that I have for all my girls. It's like I'm obsessed.
On the morning of our departure, Salem couldn't stop crying. She said, "I don't want to leave the cabin and go back to Nashville! I want to stay with my family." I told her, "Don't worry, baby, you'll always have us."
Life is good.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Busy, Busy, Busy
My first two radio shows have been great! So great that the station owner is already changing me from my 6-7pm time slot to prime time at 4-5:00 pm central time! He and I are excited about "Real Talk" and believe the time change is going to be great for the show.
I already have guests booked into February and so many more to invite. I am having a blast! Today, I spoke to the Kiwanis group. I thought it went well, with one exception. I was so conscious of the time that I forgot to ask for financial support for the center! And during these economic times, we are in desperate need of help.
The good news is that Ken, (who introduced me) invited me to return as his guest to make a plea for financial help. So, I'll be visiting again soon. Ken was a great host. He knew so much about me. He said reading my blog gave him great insight as to who I was and what I was about, especially my "Bucket List" blog. My daughter, Tawni, came with me and she couldn't stop talking about how delightful Ken was. I'd have to agree. I know you'll read this Ken, so thanks again. You are precious! This Sunday, I will be preaching at a Methodist Church and here's what I'll say about that.
I hope they're ready for me.
I already have guests booked into February and so many more to invite. I am having a blast! Today, I spoke to the Kiwanis group. I thought it went well, with one exception. I was so conscious of the time that I forgot to ask for financial support for the center! And during these economic times, we are in desperate need of help.
The good news is that Ken, (who introduced me) invited me to return as his guest to make a plea for financial help. So, I'll be visiting again soon. Ken was a great host. He knew so much about me. He said reading my blog gave him great insight as to who I was and what I was about, especially my "Bucket List" blog. My daughter, Tawni, came with me and she couldn't stop talking about how delightful Ken was. I'd have to agree. I know you'll read this Ken, so thanks again. You are precious! This Sunday, I will be preaching at a Methodist Church and here's what I'll say about that.
I hope they're ready for me.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Takin' It To The Airwaves!
Well, He's done it again. God has opened yet another door and I'm so excited to walk through it. I will be hosting a new radio show called "Real Talk" with Victoria.
Later this afternoon, I'll be taping the first two shows and we go live November 11th. I can't help but remember a friend of mine, Cathy Thomas, who many years ago said to me, "Victoria, God is going to use your bold personality and that outspoken mouth of yours for His good."
And He has. He's given me many opportunities to speak around the country for over 15 years now. Kathy's prophetic word has come to pass many times and I can't help but believe that this is another of more to come. He knows I'm not perfect, but I'm in love with Him and willing to allow Him to use me in any way He chooses.
The concept of the show is this. I'll basically talk about anything and everything on people's minds. And what's allowable! I'll cover topics from teen, parenting and relationship issues to what's going on in and around the world and the community we live in. I'll invite interesting guests, as well as, take questions from listeners.
And let's just hope this outspoken, opinionated, big mouth of mine doesn't get me into any trouble. Scratch that :)
Later this afternoon, I'll be taping the first two shows and we go live November 11th. I can't help but remember a friend of mine, Cathy Thomas, who many years ago said to me, "Victoria, God is going to use your bold personality and that outspoken mouth of yours for His good."
And He has. He's given me many opportunities to speak around the country for over 15 years now. Kathy's prophetic word has come to pass many times and I can't help but believe that this is another of more to come. He knows I'm not perfect, but I'm in love with Him and willing to allow Him to use me in any way He chooses.
The concept of the show is this. I'll basically talk about anything and everything on people's minds. And what's allowable! I'll cover topics from teen, parenting and relationship issues to what's going on in and around the world and the community we live in. I'll invite interesting guests, as well as, take questions from listeners.
And let's just hope this outspoken, opinionated, big mouth of mine doesn't get me into any trouble. Scratch that :)
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Give Me A Break!!
As you know, I speak around the country about delicate and controversial issues such as abortion and teen sex.
Recently, I was asked to speak for 10 minutes to a group of pastors and laymen about the pregnancy center, our needs and the happenings going on here. I've said this many times before, but it bears repeating. I am convinced that God has called me to antagonize religious people. I have a bold personality, very little intimidates me and I have strong opionions that I'm not afraid to share. And so, I spoke about the great things we are doing and how frustrating it is to me that I continually feel that I'm "begging" for financial support from those who should willingly give it.
The next day after this event, a sweet pastor asked if he could speak frankly to me. He proceeded to tell me that until someone knows me a little better, I may want to tone down my passion a little bit. He said this would help me not offend anyone. He said people don't like to be "told" what they should or shouldn't do.
But, seriously?! By a show of hands, how many of you think I'm ever going to tone down my passion? And with all due respect, I think it's time to offend, to a degree. I believe God is sick of people "playing" church and is ready for us to "be the church" and do what He's called us to do! I don't know what Bible you're reading, but the one I read teaches that we are to help those less fortunate than we are. Trust me, our clients are much less fortunate than most of us.
So, forgive me in advance if you're one of the people who can't handle my personality. If you think it's bold now, you should have met me 10 years ago! I truly don't seek to offend anyone, but I am passionate about my work and get quite frustrated with those who do nothing to help our cause. We are saving babies, for gosh sakes! We are saving women from making decisions that will cost them much more than they'd want to pay. We supply free diapers, baby food, formula, clothing, counseling and parenting classes, yet I can't get people to pledge a mere $10.00 a month!
When you're on the front lines of the work we do at the center and witness the pain, heartache and hopelessness of so many, then you've earned the right to tell me to calm down. Until then,
Give me a break!
Recently, I was asked to speak for 10 minutes to a group of pastors and laymen about the pregnancy center, our needs and the happenings going on here. I've said this many times before, but it bears repeating. I am convinced that God has called me to antagonize religious people. I have a bold personality, very little intimidates me and I have strong opionions that I'm not afraid to share. And so, I spoke about the great things we are doing and how frustrating it is to me that I continually feel that I'm "begging" for financial support from those who should willingly give it.
The next day after this event, a sweet pastor asked if he could speak frankly to me. He proceeded to tell me that until someone knows me a little better, I may want to tone down my passion a little bit. He said this would help me not offend anyone. He said people don't like to be "told" what they should or shouldn't do.
But, seriously?! By a show of hands, how many of you think I'm ever going to tone down my passion? And with all due respect, I think it's time to offend, to a degree. I believe God is sick of people "playing" church and is ready for us to "be the church" and do what He's called us to do! I don't know what Bible you're reading, but the one I read teaches that we are to help those less fortunate than we are. Trust me, our clients are much less fortunate than most of us.
So, forgive me in advance if you're one of the people who can't handle my personality. If you think it's bold now, you should have met me 10 years ago! I truly don't seek to offend anyone, but I am passionate about my work and get quite frustrated with those who do nothing to help our cause. We are saving babies, for gosh sakes! We are saving women from making decisions that will cost them much more than they'd want to pay. We supply free diapers, baby food, formula, clothing, counseling and parenting classes, yet I can't get people to pledge a mere $10.00 a month!
When you're on the front lines of the work we do at the center and witness the pain, heartache and hopelessness of so many, then you've earned the right to tell me to calm down. Until then,
Give me a break!
Sunday, October 16, 2011
WHAT DID SHE SAY??
I had to put on paper some of the shocking, yet hilarious things she said to us. Here goes:
Mimi: "Where did Mommy buy you that beautiful dress?" Salem: "E-Bay."
"Mimi, Where's my IPad? Is it charged? I need to watch my mooovie."
"Salem, how do you turn this thing off?" Salem: "Gimme Mimi, I show you." (and she did!)
"Papa Ghee, I need the IPod! I wanna listen to moosic and dance!"
"Mimi, can we go to Target? I LOVE Target!"
"Mimi, can you turn my CD on when we get in the car? I want to hear #17, the Hickory Hickory Dick Song."
"Hey, I likea put my sound machine on moosic to do ballet. Let me show you! No, Mimi and Papa Ghee, dat's NOT HOW YOU DO IT!"
"Mimi, I needa watch the Booty Pageant. Papa Ghee, you CANT watch it! Just me and Mimi! Can you buy me a blue dress so I can be in da booty pageant?"
"Oh, Mimi and Papa Ghee, I just LOVE your new big TV!" (we finally hung our 52 inch HD plasma)
"Mimi, we can watch Yo Gabba Gabba." Mimi: "I don't know if I have any recorded, baby." Salem: "It's On Demand."
To be continued :)
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