places I love

I've found a few new places that I just love to shop....all online! Who'da thunk it??

I was thinking the other day that the first time I really heard about online shopping was about 14 years ago while living in Shelbyville, TN. I can clearly remember.....using my superduper DIAL UP internet (AOL anyone?) and perusing a few said shops. I don't when the first Christmas was that online shopping became the thing to do, but I remember saying, "I don't like shopping online. I don't trust it. What if your stuff never arrives?" Truly, all valid concerns.

However, I've grown up! I love it, and I love finding new places to visit without changing out of my blue comfy robe!!

Of course, one of my all-time favorite window shopping places is Etsy. I do buy from there occasionally because I love handmade things and I like to support those who are willing to do the work for me.

For shoes, and I do sooooo LOVE me some shoes....I like 6pm. They have awesome sales and good customer service. They also sell clothing and accessories, but I have only used them for shoes. I mean, seriously, when I can get a cute pair of Naturalizers for $15 that had been $60, what's not to love??


For the online shopping that I do, I try to use Mr. Rebate. If you shop through them, you earn cash rebates. I have already earned like $35!

I also adore Coldwater Creek's outlet. I only shop from the outlet and then only when they are having an outlet sale. I have gotten some great deals.

Now, if you have a little money that can splurge on something simply for yourself......try Missus Smarty Pants. For $30 a year, you get shopping tips for your body style for each week. I like it because she features a store each week, and shows you what to go and buy. This week was Target, and I plan to go there (it's tax free weekend here, after all!) and get this:

So, I've definitely gotten on the online shopping bandwagon. One other place of interest that I have only begun to delve into.... pinterest. 


Let's check this one out together. Tell me what you see that you like, and feel free to add you favorites in the comments below!

awww...happiness!

We had a back to school bash at the church tonight. This, to me, is what "church" is all about. Serving our community and showing God's love to those who are lost. Here's a few pictures.....

is the medicine worse than the disease?

So, I have a horrible infection in my leg. Hurts like the dickens and is not very attractive. I went to Urgent Care on Sunday, and then to my already scheduled rheumy appointment today. I have been placed on an antibiotic so let's hope that cures it up. However.....

My rheumy told me to stop taking my Imuran (which is the drug I take to manage my lupus symptoms) for a week, and once that week was over to reduce the amount I am taking to 100mg instead of 150mg. Now, let me tell you a few things about Imuran:

1. It is an immunosuppressant....as though I am already no immuno-compromised enough with my low white blood cell count and positive ANA.
2. It's an anti-rejection drug...which I guess is good since my body is fighting itself.
3. "Patients receiving immunosuppressants, including Imuran, are at increased risk of developing lymphoma and other malignancies, particularly of the skin. Physicians should inform patients of the risk of malignancy with Imuran. As usual for patients with increased risk for skin cancer, exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet light should be limited by wearing protective clothing and using a sunscreen with a high protection factor." ummmm...need I say more than the FDA?
4. "Severe leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemias including macrocytic anemia, and/or pancytopenia may occur in patients being treated with Imuran." FDA     Hello??? I already have two of these!!

So, I guess my question is.....is the medicine worse than the disease? Did taking Imuran cause, in some part, my leg to look like I have leprosy and feel even worse? I'm not sure, but I'm going to keep asking!
 
 
 

how do you make others feel?

I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.
Maya Angelou

I love this quote. It's one I strive to live by, and wished that I'd learned earlier in life to make others feel better about themselves. I've always been a giver --something people really don't understand, I think because it makes them nervous--but giving of yourself is only one part of the equation. I want others to be feel better after being around me.

I want to make them laugh, feel secure within themselves, and know that they are genuinely cared about. 

in a nutshell

I can't believe the summer vacation is almost over. We've had a great time as a family just enjoying being together! Last week, we got to keep the nephews and we LOVE that, but boy does it tire us out. We aren't use to little ones anymore....I don't think I got a nap all week.

We've had a little heartache that I can't discuss, and it has taken me a few hours to remember that God is in control and He knows the truth about all situations. It's hard to sit back and watch those you love be persecuted (because as the PW--you can't just talk to people about things!), but I believe that Steve is strong enough to shoulder the burden. Goodness knows, I love that man!

Thankfully, I don't start back to work until Aug. 11, but tomorrow is registration; next week is stuff-the-bus at Wal-Mart; Luke starts band camp next Monday; and then the time is done! I hope to be starting back to school at GA Southern next semester. I am going to get my EdS in Instructional Technology, and then....I am DONE! I don't intend to do school ever again! I also have to go through South Carolina's evaluation process this year which is pretty intense from what I've heard. Not looking forward to it, but it must be done and I do feel better about it since talking to my fellow librarian, Mikki......Thanking God for her!

So, I know you've been sitting on pins and needles waiting for my rambling update, and in a nutshell there it is!

summer

The summer break is going by too fast! It seems like there is something to do all the time. This coming week we are going to see the Braves vs. Rockies in Atlanta. Pretty pumped about that because we haven't been to a Braves game in several years.

The rest of the month is filled with VBS and then another trip to Atlanta to keep the nephews while their parents go to Hawaii. All I can say about that is Must.Be.Nice. Maybe one day I'll get there!

The last week it will be time for school registration. Can you believe it?

Luke will have band camp, we assume, because we are getting a new band director. A move that I think is best for everyone who was involved with the band this past year. Hopefully, we can have a drama-free year for the band kids and their parents!

So, I plan to enjoy every moment of this last month of break. What are you plans?