20 Dreams For The Future - Pictures

20 things? now its 20 dreams.

1. 

to have a cute small (under 2000 square feet) home in the city of Atlanta. Preferably one made of brick or stone, those are stronger, prettier and both our faves! Apparently rich often agree, since most rich houses are made of stucco, brick, rock, etc, in muted neutral tones (well, other tones as well, but the muted neutrals are the most breathtaking.)

2. 

perfectly manacured well cared for healthy lawn ... oh and as this lawn shows the beauty of, tall fescue. jacob says he wants to be like hank hill from king of the hill.

3.

a gazeebo. Jacob really wants one in our yard if we can, he says it will be romantic. :)

4. 

a red front door. i always loved the way it looks, so warm and welcoming. its like your being called or pulled to it. 

5.

A bright white warm (warmer than most white kitchens) inviting perfect organized chefs dream kitchen complete with a GAS RANGE, copper cookware, wall ovens, organisation options, nice pantry and maybe even the hidden fridge like the last pic. old world style, chefs dream with top of the line everything. either wolf range or the pretty ones from williams sonoma. and sub zero fridge maybe too. copper farm sink like last pic sounds fabu. def want farm sink. bright lights, hate dark kitchens. bathrooms and kitchens should be bright!

6.

to be both sexy and sophisticated, all the while maintaining the magic that is Elena. (me)

7.

to eventually have my fall beach sunset "enchanted evening" cozy little dream wedding. since we never had a wedding, but are married already, mine will be a vow renewal. the above 6 pictures best describe my plan. basically. jewel toned colors, champagne/pale gold dress for me, jewel tones for maids, neutral bouquet for them, jewel toned for me, at dusk will be wedding, not dark not light, reception follows same location. 20 ppl limit, 3 maids. sparklers instead of rice or bubbles. and fireworks at reception. will want a reception dress too. candle lit (see above) area and tables. and chocolate butter cream cake, no fondant, fresh flowers. invitations will be enchanting messages in bottles. will have acoustic guitar musician. grooms cake will be fancy cheesecake. i'm snipping the pizza and beer, that was before when we were thinking "quickie". now i am rethinking food. less likely to be sit down dinner though.

8.

atlanta police. jacob wishes to be a k-9 unit in the future. 

9.

to work at a cute lil' bakery in town part time. (most my time goes to hubby and wifey stuff)

10.

to own a full breed pembroke welsh corgi with the red coat and proper leg height/ear spacing.

11.

 to travel. everywhere.

12.

motor scooter. for town travel.

13.

won't stop till i got the body of a hottie. i got the potential, but do i got the discipline? hmm, unsure. we'll see when things aren't so tight and tense. 

14.

http://pinterest.com/chipmunk/my-style/

a fabu closet with super fantastical clothing. 

15.

fantastic painting (and sculpting) skills. hobby stuff. all the creative things. 

WHEW.... ONLY FIVE MORE TO GO. bathroom break. 

--- INTERMISSION --

Okay, I'm back. I had to eat dinner as well. Lets get back to the rest. 

16.

to have EXTRA long beautiful hair. hopefully i can dye it again eventully, but i guess hubbys dying ban is helping keep my hair healthy enough to grow out nice. :) stop at waist though, any longer would look bad on me. small head and long torso, so it would be weird. 

17.

swim with dolphins, see the whales. scuba with turtles. all that mess. yes yes.

18.

to own a beach home. for either vacation, or at least maybe eventually retire to the beach. since the likelihood of us being able to afford two homes at once is poor. lol. retiring there would be fabulous! if we are old, and jacob gets bald, he can no longer complain about the effects of salty sea air on his hair. lol. GOD I LOVE BEACHES! THEY MAKE YOU FEEL LIKE YOUR TRAPPED IN YOUR MOST PLEASANT DREAM EVER. THEY ARE MADE OF PURE CONCENTRATED HAPPY.

19.

to own an in ground pool. preferably one like either of the last two. not if we retire to beach though. separate from beach. you don't need both. jacob prefers ones like the last one. or kidney he has mentioned. def going with pacers or stones around not concrete or wood.

20.

pooks and i grow old together happily in deep love. soul mates forever. still as passionate as day one. :)

the best life ever is the one you spent in love. 

ok, well those are my twenty dream things. ENJOY!

LD

I Recommend!

Pinterest! Suggested to me by my lil' sister Monkey, off her bff Marie.


Heres Mine!
http://pinterest.com/chipmunk/

go make one and image-on away!

Source: appleday.tumblr.com via Lani on Pinterest

See the idea is find things you love, and pin them to a board. You create the theme name you want and can collect images online. Which is better than what i do, which is overload my comp with them!

Source: aoisos.com via Lani on Pinterest

You can do home stuff foods, workout pics, craft ideas. ANYTHING!

Source: norskeinteriorblogger.blogspot.com via Lani on Pinterest

You can follow others, like, re-pin and comment. Go have a blast!

MORE THAN "LOVE"

*I WROTE THIS A BIT AGO IN REGARDS TO MY FEELINGS FOR JACOB, STILL STANDS TRUE FOR MY DEAREST LOVE, MY HEAVEN. NOW, IT GETS INTO DEPTHS OF MY FEELINGS ABOUT OUR LOVE, SO IF YOU CAN'T HANDLE COUPLE STUFF THEN YOU MIGHT NOT WANT TO READ. MY MOTHER FOUND IT PRINTED OFF ONCE, READ IT...AND ADORED IT.*

MORE THAN "LOVE"

This is unfamiliar territory in my life. I’m at a point of absolute devotion and infatuation and just such saturating emotions in my relationship that I find the word “love” doesn’t cover it. I think that the word is over used, commercial, popular, often over stated, dramatized, and usually a jumped to conclusion that fades away.

My situation, part of me feels like it’s completely unique to us. Another part, however, thinks “how truly sad would it be if no one loved as much as we”. I am realistic and I understand that such strong emotions carry a pleasantly but perplexing toxin that vexes ones straight and forward logical understanding of life in comparison. Simply bewitching sweet thick perfume that can wrap you up in the feeling that you own, all of them, even the more deeply felt ones. Wrap you up tight and hugging you warmly in a magical sunrise moment of sheer emotions.

This exceptional ecstasy of thoughts and feeling that create such a deep dark purple hue of seriously concentrated love is flowing like a wild dancing river deep inside me every time I so much as see his face.  When He holds me he quiets the rushing rapids to a tranquil peaceful and elegant shade of summer sky blue. Sparkling and simply dazzling like the ocean that moves in each iris of his passionate caring eyes. Eyes one could more than “get lost in”. Simply a glance is felt through my spine, my flesh, my heart, my soul. A deep stare creates a rabbit hole like wonderland, and I become Alice, forever tumbling in a world of emotions like a strange high that I cannot understand. It’s simply a beautiful madness. But, madness I’d gladly build my home, and forever live gaily in.

His strong tender arms present a comfort, warm and soft like a thick velour blanket I could fall asleep in. Yet strong and very much of a man, liked to those substantial beams of wood that hold up and support the whole house. These arms “build” a beautiful caring strong structured home. One I feel truly safe in.

His heart is like a slow cooked stew. A rich broth of honest devout emotions. A hearty mix of meat and potatoes that can satisfy even the most starved heart, leaving you simply “stuffed” with true love. On top of this, a good for you blend of veggies and herbs, each one representing his good intentions and his need to fix anything that ails you. Like sitting at your bedside and holding you when you cry or no reason. This soup is almost fattening if you add in this incurable desire to spoil and serve me for no reason.

Making love to him, always reaching a higher cloud each time we embrace each other. Helping me to realize the sky is truly endless, as is the perfect heaven I feel, heart pounding, sweat dripping, kissing deeper, when we are one. The lack of words to describe the absolutely awesome moment of  our simultaneous sparkling finish as we rest and smile together blooming, blushing, panting from the sheer magnificence of our accomplishment.

Dreams of him painted on every day, as well the vivid ones that enchant me through the night. Dreams of our plans, our future. Dreams of us growing old together. Dying in each others arms, and then soaring through the cosmos as one for the remainder of our eternity. Dreams of him, dreaming of me.

Oh how sweetly he sleeps. Many moments I have spent watching him sleep. Even photographing it, as though it might be the last time I get to see it.

How does one thank somebody for this? How would I show appreciation for giving me this extensive, eternal, deep, perfect gift of love, and beyond? For giving me beautiful sunrises and sunsets in my future? Celebrations with families’ together, embracing, arm in arm, simple meals, lavish romantic dinners, moments, dates, nights cuddled togthers, mornings waking up tangled together, or just arms to fall into? How I ask shall I thank him?

All I can do, I suppose, is spend eternity giving all this back to him within my ability. Nay, beyond, for he deserves no less than (more than) perfection.

~ Forever HIS~

Elena Diane Wright

(Lani D.)

Blanketing The Fog

What is the truth?

Is it possible that maybe the movie "The Matrix" was on the right track? Could our world be a blanket of thick fog set before our eyes to distract us, to limit what we see, what we know?

The other night, I had a dream of which I can find no image to assist in illustrating. Well, less a dream as a vivid flash of a vision blindside me while shutting my eyes to try to relax and fall asleep. It was quick, with no rem nits after my eyes open, nor upon re-shutting them. 

A veil or dark sheet being pulled over my eyes. Almost like I closed my eyes in time to just catch the end of the act, just in time to see the pale hand and blackish purple covering. Like a creepy night. Though the vision was fleeting, the eery feeling and questions were not. 

I am rational enough to realize that the likliehood the actual vision means anything is not great. What IF we were being controled, or mislead. What if our reality is NOT what the world is around us. Is our whole understanding of life wrong or false? 

Is it feasible that an event like we are always "waiting on" has already happened and the destruction or defeat has already taken place? Could we be being controlled in order to obtain some specific goal? Contain rioting, anarchy, or something else? Or even less along the lines of the "Matrix" movie, is it more suddle? Are we simply being lied to on a grander scale in our own reality? With the distractions of technology and stress of modern day life, how could anyone have time to notice any of this?

But, at some point, the lies must come falling down. At some point the truth will be revealed. And the shock to our society will be massive! as the world they thought they knew, its history, stories, idols, wars, all crumble in their hands. 

While I must warn you, I am prone to conspiracy theories on occasion. I am NOT a nut job with them, believing ANY crack pot theory thrown in my face. I am not sure I believe the one surrounding Obama. (video below) I do believe there is something going on behind the scenes with our government, something has been for so many years now. And I have a feeling its probably NOT GOOD. Less fantastic than they might try to convince us all it is. 

I would not be shocked if there was a "one world government" as prophesied, in the works. It be fitting to a few other things popping up lately. Its not uncommon, in fact its often, that LIES will hide themselves within TRUTH.

Like this show, "Ancient Aliens". Lets examine that briefly. Quite a few people would readily dismiss all as lies, giving no credence to anything that comes from the mouth of the "Ancient Astronaut Theorist". I however see that there is LIKELY to be a sweet and sour mix of both truth and lies. Truth is a Lie's best disguise. With its own face, It would get no where. 

I think that that is how EVERYTHING should be thought of, PART TRUTH, PART FICTION. Why? Because HUMAN INTERACTION with everything you "hear" or "learn". Humans LIE, and puff up the truth. After years of humans spreading the same information, shouldn't you expect that.....the water might be dirty since everyone's bathed in it? I THINK SO! 

I think that there are big pieces to our puzzle missing. Ones we might not get back, and others that will be so numerous, we might be crushed upon the receiving of them. I think that everyones searches for the truth, wants it so badly. Its in our nature to. But what if this truth screwed up your whole life, messed with your whole reality. Maybe even your loved ones, your house, food, EVERYTHING. 

Ask yourself, which pill would you take?

Would you allow your eyes to be opened to reality, which could be devastating. Or would you rather wrap yourself up in your warm comfortable blanket of lies and hide from the truth?

I, myself, have trouble saying "yes" to possible crippling devastation and mental anguish! Simple point, its bad, negative, ICKY. So why thrust yourself into it? Knowledge. Its the "knowing", the need to know the truth. They say truth sets us free, and it may feel that way. But it is possible the truth could reveal that we are not at all free, that we are doomed to be slaves or worse. It could be a nightmare waiting for you. A dream devouring nightmare world. But still, how do you say "no" to THE TRUTH?

Just a few thoughts. Take them as you will. Or don't take them at all. The choice is yours. In your mind, you are always free. In your mind, you can seek out truth, and fight back.

LD

I Married Three Men

The 3 men of which I speak? Their names are all "Jacob". 

Explain? OF COARSE!

When you marry, there is a few lines in there summing up the whole "through various goods and bads". Well, this includes the many, or lack of, faces of who ever you are wedding yourself to. 

My husband has three. I'll go through them quickly. Then explain.

- Adult Jacob

- Grandpa Jacob

- Baby Jacob

All three swirl into one man. Only one making an appearance at a time. 

ADULT JACOB

This would be about as close to a "middle ground" as you get with my hubby. I more often see this side when he has on his "serious pants" or is around his family or certain people. When there is some form of "effort" involved, this Jacob shows up to get the work done. Neither grumpy or happy, just there to do the deed.

next is......

GRANDPA JACOB

"Mister grumpy britches", side of my husband. He turns into a grumpy irritable, sometimes less rational, version of my hubby. Ready to get in peoples faces or throw rocks at children if things get in his way or piss him off. Breaking things, yelling, and bird fingers accompany this Jacob in more extreme situations. 

He told me today when grocery shopping (always brings out grandpa in him) "You better live my whole life, because your the only one who keeps me sane enough to not maul over all these people with my cart!" Due to us being at the lesser of the two wally worlds in our area, and people there move slower than snails, rudely blocking isles and bumping into you while there children run a muck.

This Jacob is appears less and less this past year. He seems to be going into retirement lately, which I'm perfectly okay with. I think its my learning to adapt and work with Jacobs moods that helps him get over his frustrations. His grandpa side in stressful situations is being replaced with "Adult Jacob" swooping in and handling them instead. I'm very proud. 

lastly, my fave!


BABY JACOB

My "cute lil' stinker" husband. Twisted as it may sound, this is the best fitting, and most preferred pairing. I go into "mother" mode, and Jacob is a big ol' adorable sweet cute and naughty lil' imp. Sneaking up to scare me any chance he gets, purposing going out of his way to throw things on the floor all the while giggling under the covers while I clean the same mess three times over (he will keep it up a few times). Knowing that all he has to do is go "but wane-uh..." and pout his lip and look at me with his big eyes and all is forgiven. At most he gets a spanking. Oh yes, I spank my hubby. I punch his butt sometimes because spanking do nothing, even that he giggles over though. Its all kinda a big "game". 

My cutie pie has some desire to be both "wifed" and "mothered". He needs it, and I work with him to give him whatever he needs. Teaching him life lessons and society rules he has not yet learned. Even simple ones like saying "bless you" after a person sneezes. He has gotten so use to that one, now he gets upset if he is not blessed. There are still lessons for him to learn, and all the time in the world for me to spoil him rotten. Oh yes, ROTTEN! MY HUSBAND IS A UBER BRAT, by my own hand. I've created a monster, but his powers of cute outway any reasoning of mine. Besides, lets be honest, I LOVE IT!

This is my cuddley lil' stinker husband. Who snuggles with me for hours, sings me cute songs, and talks me into all sorts of things via his cutie pie-ness. This is one of my favorite of the three. 

But all three combine to make my sweet, loving, bestest buddy, and lover, loyal, caring, strong, sexy, and unique hubby! who is irreplaceable! 

LOVE THAT MAN! 

As well as his many sides. He is kinda like the seven dwarves, but more. Playful, funny, angry, lazy, stinker, loving, cuddly, hyper, social, talkative, grumpy, sleepy, giving, bratty, sexy, strong, and happy.

Life's Lil' Push

Well, honestly sometimes its not so little or gentle. Nonetheless, life finds its ways of MOTIVATING you. Pushing you into the direction you need to go. 

Example, you have big dreams.... but little means. 

You decide you wish to take steps to better yourself, or change your lifes coarse. but the first steps are not always the easy ones. First steps can be less appealing things like taking a ground level position or lower ranking job to wiggle your way, often slowly, to your ultimate goal. 

But that road can get bumpy, it can get tiring, monotonous. Things go wrongs, roads you thought went straight are all wacky and turn ways you never expected. Life doesn't always warn you that your choice will be difficult, or trying. Or that it is miles and miles to your next metaphoric rest stop.

But one thing life is good at doing is bumping you here or there like a dogs nose to her pup to try to keep you on track. Life is like a mother duck, often hastily swimming around not watching you, then turns around and quacks at you to keep you headed the way you need to be.

Sometimes we need reminding why we are on that path, why we put up with it all, or where it was that we were headed to begin with! Sometimes we grow to complacent, and put up with where we are because things are "not bad" or "okay". So we lose our drive to cross the finish line. 

But usually there is something that will inevitably happen to jog your memory as to what you wanted. To the place or point that you were trying to reach. And usually it is this thing that happens, and support from loved ones, that gives you your drive back. To pursue, to forge onward and upward! Telling you that I can and WILL do this!

I always suggest keeping you ultimate objective in mind. Be it by written reminder, or photographic. Or whatever may work. Picture your dream, or the place you want to be, use the hunger you have to achieve this to drive you JUST insane enough to move those feet in the right direction and not an ounce crazier than that! 

Strive! And make sure you realize, that no one is perfect, and there is (usually) no rush. Things will ultimately turn out as they were intended whether or not this one thing succeeds. So, while not getting to complacent, try also to not over stress or work yourself. Take it all one day at a time!

Loves!

LD 

Movie Star Magic?

Celebrities, we all want to look like them. But what does that really involve?

-plastic surgery

-photoshop/airbrushed

- professional makeup/hair

- fake lashes, contacts, and hair

- capping teeth

- rigorous workout routines

- various fad diets, pills, etc

Really they started out looking rather normal.....

megan fox H.S pic

and without the make up, hair, lashes... they still look normal-ish!

Without the photo-shopping, there bodies aren't perfect either!!!!!!!

I thought Brittany's butt looked better than mine, but here it looks just like mine! (before crazy pic i think)

eva they had to add arm fat, boobs and curves to

and shes kidding if she thinks I believe those curves are real

SEE! There are a wealth of photographic proof, look up about any star and you can find a normal looking, or awful pic of them. THEY ARE NORMAL, AND HUMAN! 

Who knew??

So Just think what we could look like if we had the cash, and time that they have! Like "movie stars"

He Loves Me!

Whats my siren song that lures my hubby into my arms???????

"B A Bay, B E Bee, B I Bickie Bye, B O Bo, Bickie Bye Bo B U Boo Bickie Bye Bo Boo Boo..."

also...

"Hut-Sut Rawlson on the Rillerah, and a so and and so on"

Yup, those too songs are two songs I'm known for singing that Jacob just LOVES! Not kidding at all! He says he thinks its ADORABLE. Also are included the little owl song, "I love to singa, about the moona and the june-a and the springa, I love to singa, about a sky of blue, or a tea for two, anythinga with a swinga to an I love you... I love-a to, I love-a to sing!"

I was informed of this just the other night. Also he told me that someone in his unit said " I just love listening to her talk". (I had been on speaker phone with him once while he was at drill) And they tell him he is lucky and call me "the cool wife" Or say "your wife rocks".

I'm feeling like a pretty lucky lady that my sweet hubby cannot keep his hands off of me still and that he still is so attracted to me. Esp the more in shape I get. Every time I wear my short shorts around him now he has his hands all over me. :) love that! esp since I'm 7 yrs older. 

He thinks I'm smart, and is always talking to people about me. He can def be himself around me, it took him a bit to open up but now that he is his unique adorable sweet entertaining self he use to hide from the world is my fav part of who he is! He is instantly respected by all who meet him, I think his aura emits an honest integrity and a since of morality. He is just a good boy by nature. Respectable, loyal, trusting, optimistic, friendly, witty, smart. I love my hubby. 

I love how much we love each other. That he loves to play romantic music and snuggle with me for a while before he goes to work. That he likes to snuggle with me before bed. He loves holding me! I love holding him, and just being in his arms is heaven. 

I love spoiling that boy rotten! I playfully complain, smiling and giggling at times, but he knows I love it. He knows a cute look and "But Lana" will get him anything, even if I just said no. He is def treated like king of the castle with me! And has the good character enough to not take advantage of the fact he could get me to wade on him like a servant. 

We are a team. Best friends, and soul mates. e adore one another and consider the other person the TOP PRIORITY in our life. Like he said "Its you, then the army, then my job" to me yesterday, and with me its him before all else. Thats the way a husband and wife should be.

"Love is composed of one single soul inhabiting two bodies"


Sometimes having a hot hubby can be stressful, because your NOT the only one who finds him so fantastic. But thankfully mine has enough of the good insidey stuff that it doesn't matter :)

He likes to say things to make me react (just as he loves getting in trouble and also loves to scare me any chance he gets). But knows that at least 80% of what he loves about me is on the inside and no one else has it. He knows my personality and who I am is irreplaceable. One of a kind sorta thing. And that stuff is his fav part!

Its kinda like, if you take our fav candy bar.. NUTRAGEOUS.... and took out all the inside fillings (nuts, pb, caramel, etc) and were left with an empty hollow chocolate shell. Ya sure chocolate is good, but its Jacob and my inerds that make us delicious!

Ok, I'll end there. Just remember... its not all about the outside! There is tons of chocolate out there, find the chocolate with the yummiest fillings!  thats the kind that you can truelly enjoy! Find the one that is meant to be part of you. "Your other half"


xoxo LD

Stress Kills!

According to many Universities and research lab studies, STRESS IS A KILLER. On every single part of your body. It can cause severe damage to your heart, body, and even mind. Literally! It can cause damage to your brain! (read more here on emediahealth.com) 

It can cause heart damage, it can effect blood pressure, and more! 

(Mayoclinic.com)

--------read more -------

When the natural stress response goes haywire

The body's stress-response system is usually self-regulating. It decreases hormone levels and enables your body to return to normal once a perceived threat has passed. As adrenaline and cortisol levels drop, your heart rate and blood pressure return to baseline levels, and other systems resume their regular activities.

But when the stressors of your life are always present, leaving you constantly feeling stressed, tense, nervous or on edge, that fight-or-flight reaction stays turned on. The less control you have over potentially stress-inducing events and the more uncertainty they create, the more likely you are to feel stressed. Even the typical day-to-day demands of living can contribute to your body's stress response.

The long-term activation of the stress-response system — and the subsequent overexposure to cortisol and other stress hormones — can disrupt almost all your body's processes. This puts you at increased risk of numerous health problems, including:

• Heart disease
• Sleep problems
• Digestive problems
• Depression
• Obesity
• Memory impairment
• Worsening of skin conditions, such as eczema

That's why it's so important to learn healthy ways to cope with the stressors in your life.

--------------------- from mayoclinic--------------

It can even cause miscarrage! (webmd.com)

"New research suggests that CRH and other stress hormones may also be released elsewhere in the body, where it specifically targets localized mast cells -- those best known for causing allergic reactions. Mast cells are abundant in the uterus. During stress, the local release of CRH causes these mast cells to secrete substances that can cause miscarriages." - webmd




And everyone has seen the commercials on tv "stress produces cortisol, cortisol creates belly fat..." Because you store fat when over stressed.


They say, according to the show "The Dr's" That some everyday stresses are good for you, like a new workout routine or taking tests. Keeps your mind sharp. But mostly they said stress is bad. Many say stress is worse on you than smoking, drinking, etc.


In america, we got a bad case of chronic stress!
"The survey of 1,000 men and women, ages 18 and older, revealed that 47 percent of respondents currently feel more stress than they did six months ago." (read more)


also ... rodale.com "americas stress prompts public health warning"
and ... USAToday "East to West, americans are feeling greater stress!"


usatoday.com - "Overall, housing costs worry 51% of the 1,848 adults polled last month by Harris Interactive for the APA. Housing is a "very significant or somewhat significant" source of stress for 61% of residents in the West and 55% of those in the East, compared with 47% in the Midwest and 43% in the South.


About one-third (32%) of those responding to the online survey report regularly experiencing extreme levels of stress."

(50 most stressed cities)

ITS insane!!!!!!!!

What can you do? Only change things you can control both within yourself, and what you can effect around you. Keep calm, positive. Learn to let things go. To not think about them unless needed. Over obsessing about something cannot change the outcome. Though I don't reccomend some ppls response of "chopping off offending limbs" completely. I learned that earlier, teen years, but some ppl still must learn that its not a fully successful way of handling problems. Though it can be very tempting. 

I think some ppl just lock down. Their brains tell them its too much to take and they just lock down. I do this with some things like death or disasters. There are plently of websites and prof drs who can help you learn how to properly manage your stress.

from web md "Managing Stress" - The body's autonomic nervous system has a built-in stress response that causes physiological changes to allow the body to combat stressful situations. This stress response, also known as the "fight or flight response," is activated in case of an emergency. However, this response can become chronically activated during prolonged periods of stress, which can cause wear and tear on the body -- both physical and emotional.

Stress that continues without relief can lead to a condition called distress -- a negative stress reaction. Distress can disturb the body's internal balance or equilibrium, leading to physical symptoms such as headaches, an upset stomach, elevated blood pressure, chest pain, sexual dysfunction, and problems sleeping. Emotional problems can also result from distress. These problems includedepression, panic attacks, or other forms of anxiety and worry. Research suggests that stress also can bring on or worsen certain symptoms or diseases. Stress is linked to six of the leading causes of death: heart disease, cancer, lung ailments, accidents, cirrhosis of the liver, and suicide.

What Are the Warning Signs of Stress?

Chronic stress can wear down the body's natural defenses, leading to a variety of physical symptoms, including:

• Dizziness or a general feeling of "being out of it"
• General aches and pains
• Grinding teeth, clenched jaw
• Headaches
• Indigestion or acid reflux symptoms
• Increase in or loss of appetite
• Muscle tension in neck, face or shoulders
• Problems sleeping
• Racing heart
• Cold and sweaty palms
• Tiredness, exhaustion
• Trembling/shaking
• Weight gain or loss
• Upset stomach, diarrhea
• Sexual difficulties

Tips for Reducing Stress

People can learn to manage stress and lead happier, healthier lives. Here are some tips to help you keep stress at bay.

• Keep a positive attitude.
• Accept that there are events that you cannot control.
• Be assertive instead of aggressive. Assert your feelings, opinions, or beliefs instead of becoming angry, defensive, or passive.
• Learn and practice relaxation techniques; try meditation, yoga, or tai-chi.
• Exercise regularly. Your body can fight stress better when it is fit.
• Eat healthy, well-balanced meals.
• Learn to manage your time more effectively.
• Set limits appropriately and say no to requests that would create excessive stress in your life.
• Make time for hobbies and interests.
• Get enough rest and sleep. Your body needs time to recover from stressful events.
• Don't rely on alcohol, drugs, or compulsive behaviors to reduce stress.
• Seek out social support. Spend enough time with those you love.
• Seek treatment with a psychologist or other mental health professional trained in stress management or biofeedback techniques to learn more healthy ways of dealing with the stress in your life.

So! I hope that this was helpful in opening your eyes to the real problem stress can be on your body. Why you must learn to limit your stress as much as possible and try to live as worry free and happy as you can manage! You'll live longer.

Quote from Brock on Reba: Let it bounce of you like beebees on a Buick. "ping, pang, ping"

Herro Everybody!

This is just an update, I'm sick currently, but have not forgotten about my blogging. Just busy and ill.

I am still loosing weight, at a snail race kinda rate for the moment. Thats the "under 150' rule. I'm still trying to convince hubs to let me dye my hair and get teal or green contacts. Still have to get an eye appt.

He is still working on police app, its long and needs detailed info. Very strict about what you put in and all so we are being careful and thinking out each step. August is chalk full off fairs for apd. They need guys and pooks wants in. 

Very happy I'm gonna be finally giving up my current number. At this point Angelfood has become a spam caller on my cell. As well a few others. And looking into new cars too. Well, used, but new to us. 

Fall is approaching, or "Autumn". We are planning on going to FRIGHTFEST this year. EXCITED! Like to go to callaway in fall also. And want to go to Whitewater before summer ends! I wonder if they have a Vetrens deal???

Did some testing, lots of testing...three days of coarses and exams. Such boring stuff. But those coarses let me know, I could handle college if I ever wished to go back. Jacob said that they were way more boring and hard than most his college classes!

Still DAYDREAMING about if i ever get to have a REAL WEDDING/vow renewel, what it will be like. Still wanting "Beach at sunset, in the fall, jewel tones and glow of fire on the beach type thing. Small party, not alot of ppl, 20ish, maybe with sparklers or fireworks. The pizza and beer thing I'm rethinking though. This is all assuming we ever get one. We are techn married by court and papers, by law. But without a wedding it feeling like we skipped a part. Jacob has his mind on year ten, I'd like it to be year 5, but that is fast approaching.

BALLS! Heard tell about a place that has them freq. By Jacob, but I forgot the details. I'll have to reask, but he sounded eager to go to a real ball after the disappointment we experianced with the MP ball. I love being dolled up, so I won't complain! I never got pictures or my slowdance so I say YES SIR!

Hopefully I get better soon. I drink water, but should "rest" more. Today we slept in late, had to rush him off to work. Alarm went off, but we laid in bed snuggling each other until we turned and realized it was two hours later. OOPS! My baby loves snuggles! I love my baby!

ok. My ranting update is done. No new details that are exciting. Still no kids (ty lord), my job situation is still moreso on pause helping him, and we are still working on moving fwd. 

have a blessed day. hugs.

LD