The Voice Within

"The Voice Within" Christina Aguilera

I'm glad I waited until this afternoon to start writing. As last night, I was about to type quite the "Debbie Downer" post. I was frustrated with the stream of emotions that didn't want to seem to let up on me. I was upset at Steve's choice of words when I asked why he didn't call me back after the phone cut out on his way home from work.
His response (in a smartypants, short kinda way) - "Because, Maria. I know all I'm going to hear is, you're miserable. And obviously I know anything I say isn't helping. I'm watching the Yankees game."

This is where Maria chooses to go either the weepy, "How can you say that?! You're so insensitive" route.
Yea, this route is usually taken only 14% of the time.

This is the route I'm more famous for taking, those other 86%. And this is the one I took last night.

But then I clear my head after a few moments of rage. And I know that Steve is just as frustrated as I am. He might have chosen some pretty dumb words and an unflattering tone of voice. And he might take a while to say he is sorry. But, he does. He says it without saying it. Being sorry is a topic I have a strong opinion on. To me, being sorry isn't just saying, "I'm sorry"...

Saying, "I'm sorry", to me, almost means nothing in my book. You gotta prove it. You gotta earn it. Does anyone agree with me? It takes milliseconds to say those two little words but sometimes, a lifetime to prove you mean them.

Last night Steve said, "I'm sorry" by bringing me a hot compress (ok, it was lukewarm, but it's the thought that counts) for my raging headache. By bringing me a large fountain diet coke (my favorite). And a hug. The kind that lasts for minutes where we don't say a word. We don't have to. And all is forgotten.

So, in an effort to start my afternoon on a positive note, I'm not going to write about lots of emotions today. I've got plenty of them in store for future posts. I will let the lyrics do the talking. I chose this song today, because it reminded me of a time in my life that also, wasn't so easy. I used to listen to this song many years ago and it brought me comfort. It reminds me of some of my friends, who could use a little cheering up at the moment.

"Young girl don't cry
I'll be right here when your world starts to fall
Young girl it's alright
Your tears will dry, you'll soon be free to fly


When you're safe inside your room you tend to dream
Of a place where nothing's harder than it seems
No one ever wants or bothers to explain
Of the heartache life can bring and what it means


When there's no one else, look inside yourself
Like your oldest friend just trust the voice within
Then you'll find the strength that will guide your way
You'll learn to begin to trust the voice within"

Now let's get to all these pictures I have from the past week and a half, just begging to finally be added.


Last Monday.
Ahh, last Monday I had the pleasure of babysitting Addison and Chloe. We had way too much fun. And seriously, how can your Monday be a bad one, when it starts out with these two girls?!

Addison and Chloe

While Addison napped, Chloe and I got into some trouble.

Wasn't me, Promise ya, Chlo-Chlo!!

Addison and I colored up some masterpieces.
*Kelly, wait til I finally get around to updating my photos on FB, I have a few hundred for you ;)

After, Addison asked if we could play hairdresser. I can never say no. Is it weird that I actually think her brushing beating my head with her mini brush and getting it tangled in my rat's nest, feels good? Because I do. I was laughing hysterically before she even started. She asked me to take my hair out of my ponytail ball of knots. I warned her Mimi had not done a thing to her hair and it was extremely scary.

Her expression was priceless. She looked at me like, "Whoa, do you own a brush?"
Her words were, "Uh, Mimi...you don't look pretty anymore!" Through my uncontrollable laughter, I asked, "Why not?" She replied, "Because your hair is yucky!"
I have to agree with her 100%.
HAHAHAHA
What do you guys think?

Maybe I should invest in conditioner that costs more than 77 cents?!

Just look at poor Addison trying to make something of my mane.

Me and Addison. :) After we decided my hair just needed to return to its tied back mess.


Monday ended with meeting my Mom for a walk on the new high school track.  It is beautiful.  She had already ran a measily 7 miles.  7!!  

I was lucky enough to end my week with the two lil' chickies above, and their Mama. We went to Olive Garden for our "old lady lunch" and afterwards found some new shoes for this happy munchkin.

Cool shades, Chloe!




Mouse Shoes. Can't.Stand.It. Photo courtesy of Addison.

She liked em' so much, she left with em on her lil' footies.

The girls, giddy over shoes!

Self Pic by the beautiful Miss Addison.

Saturday, Impending Hurricane Irene didn't stop us from having Jen's shower. Thankfully, it was a success!

The beautiful bride to be.

Me and Jen




Bridesmaids

She took the shoe right off of her cake.

the adorable cake. minus the minor boo boo in the front.


And if you don't know how the rest of the weekend and Monday went, refer to THIS post.

Tuesday was a good day. It was a thankful day. I was greeted with bright n' cheery flowers, a sweet card and sugary treats. Kim came over for coffee and breakfast and made my day!
We talked for hours and laughed so much. The kitties even entertained us with a game of hide n' seek.

Where could Twinkie be? LOL

Kim and I :)

I visited with my friend, Kerry and her daughter, Veronica.

Kerry and Veronica, all smiles!

I can't wait to see these girls again!

 So far, Thursday has been good to me. No complaints here. I didn't necessarily wake up to the sun shining through the windows and birds chirping. I literally woke up to the sound of Twinkie coughin' up a monstrous hairball.

Eh, you know what, I'll take it.


No matter what emotions come in the next few days, I know I have a lot to look forward to and a lot to love.  And I have to be so thankful for that.

I'm going to take each day as it comes.  I'm going to be grateful for all that is good.  I'm going to pray for the good and the trying.  And always have hope.

I'm starting off the month right...
With a Girl's Night, while Steve has a Boy's night.
Friday is almost here.

"Life is a journey
It can take you anywhere you choose to go
As long as you're learning
You'll find all you'll ever need to know"

I thank you all, so incredibly much for all the support.  Infinite positive thoughts and prayers to  many of you.
"When you're lost outside, look inside to your soul"
<3<3<3
Happy 1st of the Month Lovin'