Me With My Head Buried In This Hobby

Scott and Trish: I have just begun with all the great images I got of the kids.. so check out my photo blog for more, and more to come.

http://tonelocandcompany2.blogspot.com/

The Ignorant

The ignorant isn't implied as a bad term... it is meant for the things that we intentionally or unintentionally chose to ignore. Ignorant is does not mean stupid. It just means not aware of or have not learned. The more I learn the more I realize how ignorant I am. Isn't it frustrating how much we just don't know or are ignorant of? We are a product of our environment mixed with our own personal experiences so doesn't it make you wonder what life would be like in a different environment. It also makes me wonder how much of who I am and what I do I chose or how much is just programmed in me. Obviously this is a debate concerning the society and values we live in now.. hence the "brainwashing." Which I think in a lot of cases is justifiable. Being ignorant is unavoidable about a lot of subjects.. because we can't know everything, but I just want to be educated and experienced so that I can choose who, what and where I am on my own and know that I am me because I have researched and learned about life.. not just because I ended up where I am due to my upbringing, pressures, and examples around me. Think, think, think. Learn, wonder, ponder, ask questions.

Something To Think About

My brother showed me this from one of his friends' blogs, smoothharold.com.
I think it is so true and so wonderfully put. Thanks to my honies out there whom I don't feel any one of these pertain to, whatsoever. And for that I thank my lucky stars for. Miss you guys.



1. Avoid people who “size you up.” Likewise, don’t size up others (i.e. “Do you rent or own?” is a useless question, unless of course you’re a loan officer). Sincere friendship is built on fellowship, not comparison.
2. Surround yourself with people who are kind to strangers, especially waiters and cab drivers. (I used to be good at this, but could definitely do better).
3. If a “friend” pauses, becomes physically jealous, or feigns excitement when you share some genuinely exciting news, kindly show them the door and wish them well. A true friend will always be excited with your achievements.
4. Avoid people who brag about how busy or tired they are — it’s a cheap way of saying they’re more important than you, and you don’t want to be around people like that for extended periods of time.
5. Avoid “one-uppers,” or at least let them know that you’ll only continue the relationship so long as they stop one-upping.
6. Surround yourself with good company that will fight over the restaurant tab with you. Avoid those who pretend like mom and dad are around to pay for everything.
7. Avoid people who feel entitled to something from you or who constantly seek favors without return. This is good indication that said person is selfish, not to mention rife with ulterior motives.
8. Avoid people who brag about materialism or how often they travel. Not only are they likely to be up to their eyeballs in debt, hating their chosen profession, or miserably alone, they’re bad friends.
9. If you have “friends” that make you feel uncomfortable in any way, drop ‘em like a bag a dirt. Set the expectation early with douche bags that you’re no longer interested in pursuing the relationship. You can tactfully accomplish this by not reaching out and/or declining further requests to hang out. They’ll get the message.

Interests may come and go, but authentic friends are constant. Have the courage to find and maintain the keepers in life while exiling the duds. You’ll be much happier for it.

"When we walk to the edge of all the light we have and take the step into the darkness of the unknown, we must believe that one of two things will happen. There will be something solid for us to stand on or we will be taught to fly."

-- Patrick Overton

Thanks Lindsay for this.. Thought I'd emphasize it because I like it so.

My Favorite Kids

Check out my favorite kids, my own and Kris', on my photo blog. My brother and I managed all four of them ourselves. It was hard.

http://tonelocandcompany2.blogspot.com/

Leaps And Turns.

Ok so dance class was priceless. A bunch of little girls thinking they are ballerinas. They could barely stop staring at themselves in the mirror long enough to even notice they had a teacher. It was pretty comical. But Piper seemed to love it. I got a gigantic kick out it. It may even deserve to be called a GINORMOUS kick out of it. Beckett, well he was slightly bored. Us mothers just laughed our heads off at our kids through the window. Her teacher is this gorgeous ballerina that they all thought was holier than anything. LOL good times.

It’s all about the learning process in this thing called life. One foot in front of the other. {Breathe} Getting up and trying again. {Breathe} The joy of discovery. And all the glorious possibilities tomorrow may hold…

I think we are programmed in this society to fear getting old. I do not fear getting old. I look at who I have become and I know this 26 year old me was just waiting for that 20 year old to find this person. Just patiently waiting, whispering.. just be patient you'll get here, it will all be worth it. I also know there is an older wiser 35 year old, 50 year old, etc. waiting for me to reach that marvelous destination. In striving constantly to find balance inside and within my life during this chaotic stage I am in with young children I know that there is an older wiser me that I am becoming that is waiting for this messy, crazy, spastic young mother to find her. She is sitting there meditating, looking out the window in her beautiful space with no thoughts and no stress. Just being. Because she has learned through the years how to do this. The unbalanced life with young children helped her to learn how to find peace and enjoy it. Now when her grandchildren come over she relics in the dishevelment and life they bring into her home. So in our strive for balance and a center in life.. let us get up, keep trying, breathe, and relish in the wonderfulness of today and tomorrow. And don't be afraid to get old. It will insult the older better you waiting to meet you.

Everyday matters.