tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-128190982012-01-01T12:16:16.008-06:00(is back!)Tiffany F. Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07779595272291288585noreply@blogger.comBlogger181100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12819098.post-79253286462123565482011-12-31T17:08:00.001-06:002012-01-01T08:52:32.514-06:00What a whirlwind year this has been.<br /><br /><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>My Uncle David married a wonderful lady, Jacque and through their marriage we gained a new cousin, Colt. The wedding was so romantic and beautiful that we were inspired to decide to get married&nbsp; a month and nine days later. </li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nk1k2RN8zk0/Tv-DpTeCvZI/AAAAAAAABzk/koqZXGoicRM/s1600/david+and+jacque.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nk1k2RN8zk0/Tv-DpTeCvZI/AAAAAAAABzk/koqZXGoicRM/s320/david+and+jacque.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>We chose to have a small ceremony on May 25th, 2011. We had unsuccessfully tried to plan a wedding numerous times. I knew I never wanted a big wedding and my closest friends and I had promised never to ask each other to be in a wedding party. I am not much of a romantic, probably because I am too pragmatic for my own good. Some of my friends questioned my choice to not only have a small wedding, but also why I would want to get married on a Wednesday. My explanation: I have been a near lifelong fan of Oprah and I wanted to see her last episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show as it aired. I realize that some people think that this is ridiculous and kooky. I see it like this; That Brandon would agree on this date, and know the reasoning behind it, agree to a mid-morning ceremony so that I could be home and on my couch with tissues by four o'clock is a testament to the man I married. He was willing to share his day with a woman that he doesn't really like, because it was a big deal to me. He is the most unselfish, loving, intelligent, adorable man I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Our anniversary is exactly six months, to the day, from my birthday. I relish the thought of our future together. It only gets better after the first four years we shared together. We worked really hard to get here and I can truthfully say that it has been very much worth it.</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MbpgTCMOuqA/Tv-HfUTH0BI/AAAAAAAABz8/bfSYUqTbBws/s1600/Copy+of+Wedding_039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MbpgTCMOuqA/Tv-HfUTH0BI/AAAAAAAABz8/bfSYUqTbBws/s320/Copy+of+Wedding_039.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><br /><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>On June 22 we had to say goodbye to my Grandfather. My mom, Uncle David, Aunt Lori and Mimaw were there to help him transition from life to death. It was probably the hardest, yet most rewarding thing I have ever done. I prayed so fervently that night and my prayer was answered. I told him that I loved him. I told him we would miss him but that it was okay to leave. I wanted so desperately for him to not struggle or be in pain for any longer. It has been hard to watch those around me in their grief. He is missed. I had a habit of gifting him books that I thought he would like for Christmas. I asked that I could have those books back. I wanted to read them and try to enjoy them as he had. One was titled: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/No-Angel-Harrowing-Undercover-Journey/dp/0307405869/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1325369884&amp;sr=1-1">No Angel by James Dobyn</a> &nbsp; and when he had unwrapped it, he asked me what I was trying to say. He had a sharp humor about him the whole time I knew him. I like to believe that he is in a better place now. </li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n9E-cUpeH7k/Tv-MaM2kHUI/AAAAAAAAB0I/mHyl4GXv35k/s1600/papa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n9E-cUpeH7k/Tv-MaM2kHUI/AAAAAAAAB0I/mHyl4GXv35k/s320/papa.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><ul><li><div style="text-align: justify;">Brandon and I were able to prove that we could survive 948 miles with a four year old and teenager. Granted, we kind of cheated by only making our trips at night. I really enjoyed the time we spent in Brandon's home town. His Mamaw is such a hoot and I really enjoy her spirit. I hope that we will be able to make more trips, more often, in the future. I am also hoping that his family will be able to spend some time with us, here in Texas, one day.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QdsP7ZVzTp4/Tv-PUZAyPDI/AAAAAAAAB0U/BEUDmO3zeqg/s1600/mamaw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QdsP7ZVzTp4/Tv-PUZAyPDI/AAAAAAAAB0U/BEUDmO3zeqg/s320/mamaw.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></li></ul><br /><br /><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>In early August we took off to Ft. Worth for the 2011 Scentsy convention and boy, was that an experience. We had a "quirky" hotel that had little, to no, air conditioning during a record breaking heat wave. We managed to get through all the chaos and heat and were never so happy to arrive home. We did have a good time though.</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUckLZ9ChOY/Tv-Q0XEXwPI/AAAAAAAAB0g/9nKOIvZfDCM/s1600/ft+worth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUckLZ9ChOY/Tv-Q0XEXwPI/AAAAAAAAB0g/9nKOIvZfDCM/s320/ft+worth.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br /><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Later that same month I managed to wreck our car. It was rainy and a girl hydroplaned into me. Luckily, I wasn't badly injured and neither was the other driver. The car was totaled and I was so sad over that. <span style="font-size: x-small;">C'est la vie</span>.&nbsp;</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wt-PBKx2v4Q/Tv-TLv83FDI/AAAAAAAAB04/pnMuWB5bhM8/s1600/magnum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wt-PBKx2v4Q/Tv-TLv83FDI/AAAAAAAAB04/pnMuWB5bhM8/s320/magnum.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>We added to our family in October. We were blessed to adopt our perfect puppy, Lexie from her first parents. For me, it was love at first sight. She can make me laugh like no other and no one is ever more happy to see me than her. I never knew a dog would make me as happy as she has. I guess that is why I love her so.</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mSm4GR8qHIU/Tv-USyiPYJI/AAAAAAAAB1E/IWwnwyHSUCU/s1600/red+sweater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mSm4GR8qHIU/Tv-USyiPYJI/AAAAAAAAB1E/IWwnwyHSUCU/s320/red+sweater.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">2011 was the year I turned 30. It was a year that I made new friends. People that I care a great deal for. At times this year has been hectic, hard or great all at different times and so randomly. Our world is so chaotic, but there have been moments that I look deep down into my soul and wonder how did I get so lucky. What did I do to deserve such moments of happiness, joy and contentment?&nbsp; Ten years ago, I never would have thought of this as a life for myself. I couldn't have imagined that it would be so good. Sitting down and looking back on it all makes me appreciate it even more.&nbsp;</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Happy New Year! May it be all that you wish for.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><table style="font-family: serif; color: black; font-size: 12pt;" width="350" align=center border="0" cellspacing="8" cellpadding="5"> <tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#FF99CC"> <h3 style="margin: 0; border: 0;">The Keys to Your Heart</h3> </td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FF9FD2"> You are attracted to good manners and elegance.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFA6D9"> In love, you feel the most alive when your lover is creative and never lets you feel bored.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFACDF"> You'd like to your lover to think you are optimistic and happy.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFB3E6"> You would be forced to break up with someone who was emotional, moody, and difficult to please.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFB9EC"> Your ideal relationship is lasting. You want a relationship that looks to the future... one you can grow with.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFBFF2"> Your risk of cheating is 100%. You are not suited for a monogamous relationship.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFC6F9"> You think of marriage as something precious. You'll treasure marriage and treat it as sacred.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFCCFF"> In this moment, you think of love as commitment. Love only works when both people are totally devoted.</td></tr> </table> <div align="center"> <a href="http://www.blogthings.com/keystoyourheartquiz/">What Are The Keys To Your Heart?</a> </div> <img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/12819098-7925328646212356548?l=trivialtiffairs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Tiffany F. Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07779595272291288585noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12819098.post-70422539792882716742011-11-21T13:37:00.001-06:002011-11-21T14:29:23.008-06:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;"><b>I am weird because...</b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;">I feel that if my sunshades are on, that makes me invisible.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;">Watching Hoarders </span>on A&amp;E both fascinates and horrifies me.<br />I love ketchup more than anyone, not counting my Uncle David.<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;">I could never live a life without dental floss.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;">&nbsp;</span>If I run out of Creme Brulee liquid creamer the world. might. just. END. I will not drink my coffee any other way and my way is better than any $7 cup from Starbucks.<br />I love giving more than receiving.<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;"><b>I am a bad friend because...</b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;">I can be forgetful.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;">I am not good at keeping secrets.</span><br />Patience isn't my strong suit.<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;">Sometimes I accidentally double book.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;">&nbsp;</span>Jealousy hits me hard sometimes if I feel forgotten or left out.<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;"><b>I am a good friend because...</b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;">My friend's joy is my joy.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;">I am a good cheerleader, I think. </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;">I like to be helpful.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;">I love deeply, if I love you.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;">I am honest. Lying is not my a strong suit of mine. I suck at it.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;"> I am grateful for the friends that I have. There have been times when I felt like I had none.</span><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;"><b>I am sad because...</b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;">Some people never change and even if you love them, you have to let them go.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;">It seems like our country is not going to see signs of relief for&nbsp; a long time. (no matter how hard I try to ignore that fact.)</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;">There are people out there that choose victims that can not defend themselves. They choose an "easy" target.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;">Because everyone is supposed to have theses inalienable rights: Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. Everyone.</span><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;"><b>I am happy because...</b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;"><br /></span>I am about to turn 30 and I feel like my life has only just begun.<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;">After kissing a lot frogs I found my prince.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;">I have much to be thankful for. I am so blessed.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;">I have the love of my friends and family. And friends that are my family.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;">After we had decided to wait to get a puppy, our puppy came to us. Lexie can always make me smile and laugh!</span><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;"><b>I am excited for...</b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;"><br /></span>Thanksgiving Dinner. (My favorite holiday.)<br />My Birthday which will be the day after my favorite holiday this year.<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;">Christmas decorating &amp; festivities.</span><br />All the great&nbsp; things that are going to take place in 2012 that I don't even know about yet!<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;"></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><table style="font-family: serif; color: black; font-size: 12pt;" width="350" align=center border="0" cellspacing="8" cellpadding="5"> <tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#FF99CC"> <h3 style="margin: 0; border: 0;">The Keys to Your Heart</h3> </td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FF9FD2"> You are attracted to good manners and elegance.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFA6D9"> In love, you feel the most alive when your lover is creative and never lets you feel bored.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFACDF"> You'd like to your lover to think you are optimistic and happy.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFB3E6"> You would be forced to break up with someone who was emotional, moody, and difficult to please.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFB9EC"> Your ideal relationship is lasting. You want a relationship that looks to the future... one you can grow with.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFBFF2"> Your risk of cheating is 100%. You are not suited for a monogamous relationship.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFC6F9"> You think of marriage as something precious. You'll treasure marriage and treat it as sacred.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFCCFF"> In this moment, you think of love as commitment. Love only works when both people are totally devoted.</td></tr> </table> <div align="center"> <a href="http://www.blogthings.com/keystoyourheartquiz/">What Are The Keys To Your Heart?</a> </div> <img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/12819098-7042253979288271674?l=trivialtiffairs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Tiffany F. Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07779595272291288585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12819098.post-77665204331617993842011-10-07T09:05:00.000-05:002011-10-07T09:05:26.381-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VLHsvToQGuE/To8GVo8bG0I/AAAAAAAABCc/oZ6spEdrYBM/s1600/wexie%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VLHsvToQGuE/To8GVo8bG0I/AAAAAAAABCc/oZ6spEdrYBM/s1600/wexie%2521.jpg" /></a></div>This is the apple of my eye! We were introduced yesterday and it was lurve at first sight! I never knew this little nugget could make me laugh so much! I just want to gobble her up! We have had Lexie in our life for 24 hours now and I am so happy to have her! She is such a little love bug and the best, cutest, sweetest puppy ever!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><table style="font-family: serif; color: black; font-size: 12pt;" width="350" align=center border="0" cellspacing="8" cellpadding="5"> <tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#FF99CC"> <h3 style="margin: 0; border: 0;">The Keys to Your Heart</h3> </td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FF9FD2"> You are attracted to good manners and elegance.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFA6D9"> In love, you feel the most alive when your lover is creative and never lets you feel bored.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFACDF"> You'd like to your lover to think you are optimistic and happy.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFB3E6"> You would be forced to break up with someone who was emotional, moody, and difficult to please.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFB9EC"> Your ideal relationship is lasting. You want a relationship that looks to the future... one you can grow with.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFBFF2"> Your risk of cheating is 100%. You are not suited for a monogamous relationship.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFC6F9"> You think of marriage as something precious. You'll treasure marriage and treat it as sacred.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFCCFF"> In this moment, you think of love as commitment. Love only works when both people are totally devoted.</td></tr> </table> <div align="center"> <a href="http://www.blogthings.com/keystoyourheartquiz/">What Are The Keys To Your Heart?</a> </div> <img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/12819098-7766520433161799384?l=trivialtiffairs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Tiffany F. Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07779595272291288585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12819098.post-76325956819537919702011-08-26T18:34:00.000-05:002011-09-10T10:19:00.204-05:00It's been ten years. I can't believe that it has been ten years. I know so many people are thinking about it. I have read a few excerpts from <a href="http://www.tuesdayschildren.org/press/the-legacy-letters">The Legacy Letters</a> from a few different magazines and they are so heart wrenching. I believe that the lives of most people were affected that day whether they knew someone involved or not. It was almost like an imaginary safety bubble that protected us on American soil had popped. We were no longer indestructible. The level of fear created that day was so palpable. Everyone likes to talk about "where were you when..." I never thought that I would come to a point that I could share my story with the internet, but after ten years I am finally comfortable taking that leap.<br /><br />About ten days prior to September 11, 2001 I had been admitted to <a href="http://www.cypresscreekhospital.com/">Cypress Creek Hospital.</a> The week leading up to my admittance was terrifying to myself and everyone that had contact with me. I was plagued with the most intense paranoia I have ever experienced. I felt that people were following me, my apartment was wire tapped, people were moving my personal belongings. I barely slept or ate. My conversations made no sense to anyone but me. I was so easily irate and frustrated and my family nor myself had no idea what was wrong with me. After a trip to the Emergency Room we were told that I need treatment from Cypress Creek because the hospital wasn't equipped to help me with my problems.<br /><br />I went the next day. It was awful. I was behind doors that I couldn't walk out of. I wasn't confined to a room with padded walls, but I had to be accounted for at all times. The days were filled with medications, group therapy, therapy with a doctor, therapy with a nurse, art therapy, talking to other patients that could be down right scary, tons of cigarette smoking, a few phone calls here and there and so many countless tears. The day I was admitted and watched my mom walk out the door, knowing that I could not leave on my own accord, the gravity of the situation hit me like a piano had fallen from ten stories up. I felt like I could die from the weight of it all. <br /><br />Looking back on my life, I could say that there were signs that my life was going to lead me to this place. I had been through a lot. A lot of the choices that I had made in my life were the types of choices many people with the same diagnosis had made. I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. The diagnosis was a real slam to me. I felt ashamed and defective. Because of the medications I was administered I partially felt like a zombie. Somewhere in all this I seemed to lose the essence of my self. I had no idea anymore. I couldn't be sure what was real, what was true or even if life was worth living anymore. I was defeated and dejected. This was the worst. I was at my bottom. How could anything ever be worse?<br /><br />In 1997 I had been fortunate enough to take a short but very full trip to New York City. I had stayed near Time's Square and veritably enjoyed the Double Decker Bus Tour of the City. At the time my mom was pregnant with my twin brothers, so needless to say I was over come to take a ridiculous amount of photos of the Twin Towers. I felt an immense affinity towards those two buildings because of the twins that were about to become a huge part of my life. As I sat eagerly awaiting my mother to fetch me from the mental hospital, I watched the news. There was nothing else to do. I sat in silent terror as I witnessed the footage of the attacks on those very Twin Towers I had fallen in love with. I saw the airplanes make contact and the smoke. I&nbsp; had only thought that things could never get worse than they had been. I was wrong. I was so wiped out that the tears silently streamed down my placid face.<br />&nbsp; <br />I thought I would be so happy to have the freedom to get in my mom's car and head home. Wrong again. We heard that there were fears that Houston could be attacked as well. We took I-45 home that day and possibly saw three other cars on our 45 minute drive home. That was the creepiest thing. It was so eerily quiet.<br /><br />Part II<br /><br />I guess you could say that I am lucky because I did not know anyone that was injured or killed during the attacks that took place on 9/11. I didn't feel lucky then and I don't now. I think most people, whether directly affected or not, went through a great heartbreak that day. It's like we had been so naive and assured that we would never face an attack on our own soil. To me that was the day our little safety bubble popped. I know that I have never felt as confident in our safety since that day. There have been times in my life, post 9/11, that I can fully visualize what would happen if a suicide bomber were in the building. It happened to me a few times and it caused the worst panic attacks. I felt hot and sick and had to learn to mentally talk myself out of it. I really do not know why anyone would use planes as their weapons. I don't understand what taking the lives of so many innocent people accomplished. There is so much about these tragedies that I can not wrap my brain around. I can't imagine having lost a loved one in such a manner. I believe that the survivors have walked down a long hard path to deal with a lost sister, father, mother, brother, friend. I surely hope that as a nation we are stronger as individuals. I am not sure if our nation as a whole is stronger after this. From where I sit right now I would have to say it doesn't seem that we are. I don't know the answer. I absolutely do not know what could drive such a deep hatred to make someone pull off such a heinous act. It's been ten years and there is still so much that probably still will not make sense to me in 20 years.&nbsp; <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><table style="font-family: serif; color: black; font-size: 12pt;" width="350" align=center border="0" cellspacing="8" cellpadding="5"> <tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#FF99CC"> <h3 style="margin: 0; border: 0;">The Keys to Your Heart</h3> </td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FF9FD2"> You are attracted to good manners and elegance.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFA6D9"> In love, you feel the most alive when your lover is creative and never lets you feel bored.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFACDF"> You'd like to your lover to think you are optimistic and happy.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFB3E6"> You would be forced to break up with someone who was emotional, moody, and difficult to please.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFB9EC"> Your ideal relationship is lasting. You want a relationship that looks to the future... one you can grow with.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFBFF2"> Your risk of cheating is 100%. You are not suited for a monogamous relationship.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFC6F9"> You think of marriage as something precious. You'll treasure marriage and treat it as sacred.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFCCFF"> In this moment, you think of love as commitment. Love only works when both people are totally devoted.</td></tr> </table> <div align="center"> <a href="http://www.blogthings.com/keystoyourheartquiz/">What Are The Keys To Your Heart?</a> </div> <img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/12819098-7632595681953791970?l=trivialtiffairs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Tiffany F. Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07779595272291288585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12819098.post-3433333523865723932011-05-27T16:36:00.000-05:002011-05-27T16:36:20.229-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QGjyJGMWcuI/TeAZR1oGhyI/AAAAAAAAAJw/NcXNZsBON-Y/s1600/IMG_8309.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QGjyJGMWcuI/TeAZR1oGhyI/AAAAAAAAAJw/NcXNZsBON-Y/s320/IMG_8309.jpeg" width="213" /></a></div>Take a look at the link and please show some comment love!<span id="goog_629366792"></span><span id="goog_629366793"></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><table style="font-family: serif; color: black; font-size: 12pt;" width="350" align=center border="0" cellspacing="8" cellpadding="5"> <tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#FF99CC"> <h3 style="margin: 0; border: 0;">The Keys to Your Heart</h3> </td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FF9FD2"> You are attracted to good manners and elegance.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFA6D9"> In love, you feel the most alive when your lover is creative and never lets you feel bored.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFACDF"> You'd like to your lover to think you are optimistic and happy.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFB3E6"> You would be forced to break up with someone who was emotional, moody, and difficult to please.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFB9EC"> Your ideal relationship is lasting. You want a relationship that looks to the future... one you can grow with.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFBFF2"> Your risk of cheating is 100%. You are not suited for a monogamous relationship.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFC6F9"> You think of marriage as something precious. You'll treasure marriage and treat it as sacred.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFCCFF"> In this moment, you think of love as commitment. Love only works when both people are totally devoted.</td></tr> </table> <div align="center"> <a href="http://www.blogthings.com/keystoyourheartquiz/">What Are The Keys To Your Heart?</a> </div> <img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/12819098-343333352386572393?l=trivialtiffairs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Tiffany F. Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07779595272291288585noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12819098.post-23629306348683687602010-12-25T10:40:00.000-06:002010-12-25T10:40:38.421-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hNokNL2_aM4/TRYQYp7gj0I/AAAAAAAAAJQ/p2Q88pmlrPc/s1600/Christmas+Eve+%252710+024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hNokNL2_aM4/TRYQYp7gj0I/AAAAAAAAAJQ/p2Q88pmlrPc/s320/Christmas+Eve+%252710+024.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br />The Holiday season is usually a time that we reflect on the past year and I have to say that 2010 has been a great year that is really going out with a bang!<br /><br />Yesterday was an amazing day. My family went to a candle light service that was awe inspiring. It was really incredible and a great way to kick off our Christmas celebrations. We had a wonderful time there together with so many strangers that wanted to keep the reason for Christmas at the focus. I hope that this will be a family tradition for many years to come.<br /><br />After church we went to see Little Fockers and had some laughs together. My mom loves all the movies in this series so she was so happy to get to see this one. Afterwards we headed to Grandma Mary Anne's&nbsp; to open gifts, play Fact or Crap and of course to stuff our faces. We had so much fun and so many laughs together. We always have a great time when Grandma Mary Anne hosts a party. She really knows how to throw a party! I am so very happy that Grandma Mary Anne Has move to Texas from Kentucky and I feel that our family is much more rich because she is here with us. She is a blessing!<br /><br />I am so happy to have been able to spend time with my family on such a special occasion. I feel fortunate that we have our health and happiness with each other. I am so excited about 2011. I have a new job, a home closer to my closest friends and family,&nbsp; I will have more opportunities to spend with them this year as well because of my new job. I can not believe the good fortune that has been spilling over in my life. I am incredibly grateful for all the blessings in my life and am so excited about the year to come!<br /><br />I hope everyone will have a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><table style="font-family: serif; color: black; font-size: 12pt;" width="350" align=center border="0" cellspacing="8" cellpadding="5"> <tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#FF99CC"> <h3 style="margin: 0; border: 0;">The Keys to Your Heart</h3> </td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FF9FD2"> You are attracted to good manners and elegance.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFA6D9"> In love, you feel the most alive when your lover is creative and never lets you feel bored.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFACDF"> You'd like to your lover to think you are optimistic and happy.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFB3E6"> You would be forced to break up with someone who was emotional, moody, and difficult to please.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFB9EC"> Your ideal relationship is lasting. You want a relationship that looks to the future... one you can grow with.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFBFF2"> Your risk of cheating is 100%. You are not suited for a monogamous relationship.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFC6F9"> You think of marriage as something precious. You'll treasure marriage and treat it as sacred.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFCCFF"> In this moment, you think of love as commitment. Love only works when both people are totally devoted.</td></tr> </table> <div align="center"> <a href="http://www.blogthings.com/keystoyourheartquiz/">What Are The Keys To Your Heart?</a> </div> <img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/12819098-2362930634868368760?l=trivialtiffairs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Tiffany F. Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07779595272291288585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12819098.post-6497358673526555772010-11-23T08:09:00.000-06:002010-11-23T08:09:34.509-06:00Here we are again right up on the Holiday season. This Thursday we will celebrate Thanksgiving and I will also be celebrating my 29th birthday. In the spirit of both I write this. A lot of families have a tradition of going round the table so everyone can say what they are thankful for.<br /><br />&nbsp;I am so thankful to have a family that loves me and never gave up on me. In September of 2011 it will be 10 years since I was hospitalized and diagnosed with bipolar disorder. I know there are countless people in the world that have suffered from mental illness and consequently suffered alone without the support of family or friends. I feel so lucky to have had my family alongside me to fight this even when I did not have the wherewithal to fight it myself. I had friends that gave up on me, but my family never did. I don't think they ever will.<br /><br />I'm thankful for everyday I have had in this 10 year period. My life might not be the life I expected but if I had my way in the early, dark days of my diagnosis I probably wouldn't be here right now. All the days between then and now were not full of rainbows and unicorns, but they got me here. Oddly, 10 years ago I thought my life was over. Now 10 years later I feel like it is just beginning. I have learned how to live with this disease and I don't let it railroad me. I am so Thankful for that.<br /><br />I am very grateful to have found a mate that loves me for me, flaws and all. We have had many ups and downs in the four years (in February) that we have been together. I am so Thankful that we made a choice to work through the hard stuff and not give up when things got tough. Now I am with someone that not only loves me, but really knows me in a way that shocks me sometimes. He my boyfriend/fiancee, but he is also one of the best friends I have ever known. He cares about me in a way that no one ever has before, excluding family. I tried but failed to scare him off in the beginning and now I am so glad that he stuck around for the long haul.<br /><br />You know, as I have grown older I have less and less friends. Oddly though it's not something that bothers me. There are three friends that I do have that I feel so lucky to turn to. I am so Thankful that Danna, Colleen and Kristin are a part of my life. They are treasures in my heart. I love them all and know that life would be so dreary with out them. They make having 3 friends, true friends, very rewarding. I wouldn't trade them for the world.<br /><br />One last thing that I want to give thanks for is the fact that we moved to Conroe. I always said it would NEVER happen. I had so much anxiety surrounding the town I grew up in that it was awful to even think about.&nbsp; Well, we have been here since July and now I wonder why we didn't do it sooner. I love living closer to my family and friends. I am thankful that I pushed myself out of my comfort zone! &nbsp;<div class="blogger-post-footer"><table style="font-family: serif; color: black; font-size: 12pt;" width="350" align=center border="0" cellspacing="8" cellpadding="5"> <tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#FF99CC"> <h3 style="margin: 0; border: 0;">The Keys to Your Heart</h3> </td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FF9FD2"> You are attracted to good manners and elegance.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFA6D9"> In love, you feel the most alive when your lover is creative and never lets you feel bored.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFACDF"> You'd like to your lover to think you are optimistic and happy.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFB3E6"> You would be forced to break up with someone who was emotional, moody, and difficult to please.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFB9EC"> Your ideal relationship is lasting. You want a relationship that looks to the future... one you can grow with.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFBFF2"> Your risk of cheating is 100%. You are not suited for a monogamous relationship.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFC6F9"> You think of marriage as something precious. You'll treasure marriage and treat it as sacred.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFCCFF"> In this moment, you think of love as commitment. Love only works when both people are totally devoted.</td></tr> </table> <div align="center"> <a href="http://www.blogthings.com/keystoyourheartquiz/">What Are The Keys To Your Heart?</a> </div> <img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/12819098-649735867352655577?l=trivialtiffairs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Tiffany F. Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07779595272291288585noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12819098.post-7281762960859975112010-07-14T10:04:00.001-05:002010-07-14T10:08:28.822-05:00Way, way back in November of 1981 my mom originally wanted to name me Natasha. I think that would have suited me, but the name was not approved by other family members and thus I became Tiffany Marie Fairbanks.<br /><br /><b>Tiffany</b><br /><br />Growing up, all throughout my school years there were quite a bit of Tiffany's running around. I would say about 10 or more each year. Apparently this was a popular name. There are several ways to spell it I learned. A lot of them make no sense to me, but I guess everyone wants to be different.<br /><br />Over the years I have come to learn that people that are 30 years or more older than me just adore the name Tiffany. I guess they think it is exotic, which blows my mind. Sometimes people tell me, "Oh! I just love that name. I have a poodle at home that I named Tiffany." I want to laugh. I have heard that numerous times. Of course people like to tell me if they chose the name for their daughter or they have a grandchild with the name and it's sweet.<br /><br />At about 14 the song "Breakfast at Tiffany's" came out. I got serenaded a lot that year. I spent the summer with my Uncle in Panama City and every time I went down to the pool 3 guys would sing this to me. Recently my 12 year old brother Caleb told me he had heard the song. The gift keeps on giving! I would be lying if I said I don't love the movie of the same title and I might have a promotional poster (or two) featuring Holly Golightly.<br /><br /><b></b><br /><b>Marie</b><br /><br /><b> </b><br />Marie seems like a go-to middle name. So many people share my middle name. My mom chose it because her mother and my father's mother both have Mary as a first name and Marie is a pretty good spin-off of Mary. The thing I love the most about my middle name is a memory it created between my Papaw and me. He always called me Tiffany Anne. Eventually I asked why he called me this when it wasn't my middle name. He told me he was calling me Tiffany Anne because of Marie Antoinette. At such a young age I had no idea who this person was. He explained that she had been royalty and that her husband had ordered her beheading. That made me take pause. I'm still confused by this, but it cracks me up nonetheless.<br /><br /><b>Fairbanks</b><br /><br />All I know about my last name is a story that I heard that has neither been confirmed or denied. Apparently I had a great-great-great grandfather somewhere along the lines that was some kind of outlaw. His wife was English and in order to evade the law he took her name.<br /><br />I am pretty fond of my last name. I like the ring of my first and last name together to the point that I don't know if I ever want to change it. I know keeping your maiden name makes things difficult if you have kids and other adult things that I have yet to do but I guess I am selfish for wanting to keep Fairbanks.<br /><br />My favorite thing about my last name???? When customer service reps ask: "How do you spell that?" Really? But then again I have also been asked how to spell Tomball. Maybe conjunctions baffle people.<b>&nbsp;</b><div class="blogger-post-footer"><table style="font-family: serif; color: black; font-size: 12pt;" width="350" align=center border="0" cellspacing="8" cellpadding="5"> <tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#FF99CC"> <h3 style="margin: 0; border: 0;">The Keys to Your Heart</h3> </td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FF9FD2"> You are attracted to good manners and elegance.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFA6D9"> In love, you feel the most alive when your lover is creative and never lets you feel bored.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFACDF"> You'd like to your lover to think you are optimistic and happy.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFB3E6"> You would be forced to break up with someone who was emotional, moody, and difficult to please.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFB9EC"> Your ideal relationship is lasting. You want a relationship that looks to the future... one you can grow with.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFBFF2"> Your risk of cheating is 100%. You are not suited for a monogamous relationship.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFC6F9"> You think of marriage as something precious. You'll treasure marriage and treat it as sacred.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFCCFF"> In this moment, you think of love as commitment. Love only works when both people are totally devoted.</td></tr> </table> <div align="center"> <a href="http://www.blogthings.com/keystoyourheartquiz/">What Are The Keys To Your Heart?</a> </div> <img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/12819098-728176296085997511?l=trivialtiffairs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Tiffany F. Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07779595272291288585noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12819098.post-44324987484157679842010-05-09T07:49:00.000-05:002010-05-09T07:49:38.263-05:00Tammy Fairbanks first became a mother at the age of 17. I have tried and tried to imagine what that would be like and have never fully been able to.&nbsp; Mom never led me to believe that she regretted having me so young. I was never made to feel like a burden. I actually had the impression that I was exactly what she had always wanted. A daughter. I still feel that way. I have three brothers and I know my mom loves us all, but I think we all know that mom and I are more than mother and child. We are best friends.<br /><br />It's hard not to be best friends with someone that knows you better than anyone else ever will. (Most likely.) Sure, it can be infuriating at times. All moms can drive their kids crazy and vice versa. It's pretty challenging not to scream when she says "I told you so." because Mom's "always" right. But I know that I am blessed. I have a mom and best friend.<br /><br />She is the only person that has been by my side through all the ups and downs. She has been my advocate when I had no ability in that area. She has pushed me; out of bad habits and situations and into improvement. There were times in my life&nbsp; that my mom worked three jobs in order to pay the bills and feed us. We were never hungry and we never went without having not only what we needed but also a lot of what we wanted.<br /><br />I know that most mothers say they aren't prepared for the guilt. I also know that my mom is not immune. I just have to keep telling her that she did the best she could with what she knew at the time. Was my brother and and I the best kids in the world? No. Is that something that can rest solely on my mother's shoulders? Absolutely not. I don't think anyone else in the exact same position could have done it any better.<br /><br />Right before her 33rd birthday, my mom became a mother for the last time. She had the two most perfect little boys I ever had the pleasure of knowing. I was 15 and so close to the age when she had given birth to me. It's amazing what you can learn about parenting in 15 years. I believe my brother and I put her through her masters in parenting because she had a handle on those boys from day one. I am so proud of the twins, but I am even prouder of my mom. I believe their successes have a lot to do with her.<br /><br />They know exactly what I knew growing up. Mom is their biggest fan. She knows what they are capable of, most likely, even when they don't. They know she loves them and will do anything for them. She is the same mom I had, but more finely tuned. She knows what lies ahead in the teenage years, she has the upper hand.<br /><br />And I'm glad. I'm rooting for her this time around. Because I'm her fan too.&nbsp; <br /><br />Happy Mother's Day, Mom!<br /><br />I love you!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><table style="font-family: serif; color: black; font-size: 12pt;" width="350" align=center border="0" cellspacing="8" cellpadding="5"> <tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#FF99CC"> <h3 style="margin: 0; border: 0;">The Keys to Your Heart</h3> </td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FF9FD2"> You are attracted to good manners and elegance.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFA6D9"> In love, you feel the most alive when your lover is creative and never lets you feel bored.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFACDF"> You'd like to your lover to think you are optimistic and happy.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFB3E6"> You would be forced to break up with someone who was emotional, moody, and difficult to please.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFB9EC"> Your ideal relationship is lasting. You want a relationship that looks to the future... one you can grow with.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFBFF2"> Your risk of cheating is 100%. You are not suited for a monogamous relationship.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFC6F9"> You think of marriage as something precious. You'll treasure marriage and treat it as sacred.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFCCFF"> In this moment, you think of love as commitment. Love only works when both people are totally devoted.</td></tr> </table> <div align="center"> <a href="http://www.blogthings.com/keystoyourheartquiz/">What Are The Keys To Your Heart?</a> </div> <img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/12819098-4432498748415767984?l=trivialtiffairs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Tiffany F. Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07779595272291288585noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12819098.post-22642827014791109382010-03-14T09:11:00.000-05:002010-03-14T09:11:22.489-05:00Hey Guys!<br /><br />I am writing today to tell you about an upcoming event that I am participating in that is both very important and very exciting to me. &nbsp;It is NAMIWalks for the Mind of America, NAMI’s signature walkathon event that is being held in Houston, TX at Sam Houston Park/Allen Parkway on May 1, 2010.<br /><br />Mental illness is something that I care very deeply about. I have personally been affected through my diagnosis of bipolar disorder in 2001 and there are people that I have met throughout my life that have been affected too. Too many people in our country are suffering with mental illness. While I really hope to raise money&nbsp; my number one motivation in being involved is to truly&nbsp; stomp out stigma. I know how it feels to be judged unfairly due to my diagnosis. I wish that when I was first told of my affliction with this disease I had known of the support that NAMI offers. This organization is truly a blessing.<br /><br />I would like to ask you to come and walk with me or to donate to support my participation in this great event. Visit my personal walker page to sign up: <a href="http://www.nami.org/namiwalks10/HOU/stompingoutstigmatx" target="_blank">http://www.nami.org/<wbr></wbr>namiwalks10/HOU/<wbr></wbr>stompingoutstigmatx</a>. It features a link to my team's page where you can see who else is walking with me. There is also a link so you can donate directly to me online. Donating online is fast and secure, and I'll get immediate notification via e-mail of your donation.<br /><br />NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the largest education, support and advocacy organization that serves the needs of all those whose lives are touched by these illnesses. &nbsp;This includes persons with mental illness, their families, friends, employers, the law enforcement community and policy makers. &nbsp;The NAMI organization is composed of approximately 1100 local affiliates, 50 state offices and a national office.<br /><br />The goals of the NAMIWalks program are: to fight the stigma that surrounds mental illness, to build awareness of the fact that the mental health system in this country needs to be improved, and to raise funds for NAMI so that they can continue their mission.<br /><br />NAMI is a 501(c)3 charity and any donation you make to support my participation in this event is tax deductible. &nbsp;NAMI has been rated by Worth magazine as among the top 100 charities "most likely to save the world" and has been given an "A" rating by The American Institute of Philanthropy for efficient and effective use of charitable dollars.<br /><br />Thank you in advance for your support.<br /><br />Sincerely,<br />Tiffany Fairbanks<div class="blogger-post-footer"><table style="font-family: serif; color: black; font-size: 12pt;" width="350" align=center border="0" cellspacing="8" cellpadding="5"> <tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#FF99CC"> <h3 style="margin: 0; border: 0;">The Keys to Your Heart</h3> </td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FF9FD2"> You are attracted to good manners and elegance.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFA6D9"> In love, you feel the most alive when your lover is creative and never lets you feel bored.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFACDF"> You'd like to your lover to think you are optimistic and happy.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFB3E6"> You would be forced to break up with someone who was emotional, moody, and difficult to please.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFB9EC"> Your ideal relationship is lasting. You want a relationship that looks to the future... one you can grow with.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFBFF2"> Your risk of cheating is 100%. You are not suited for a monogamous relationship.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFC6F9"> You think of marriage as something precious. You'll treasure marriage and treat it as sacred.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFCCFF"> In this moment, you think of love as commitment. Love only works when both people are totally devoted.</td></tr> </table> <div align="center"> <a href="http://www.blogthings.com/keystoyourheartquiz/">What Are The Keys To Your Heart?</a> </div> <img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/12819098-2264282701479110938?l=trivialtiffairs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Tiffany F. Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07779595272291288585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12819098.post-69132558994850221162010-03-07T15:14:00.000-06:002010-03-07T15:14:01.379-06:00I am a total geek when it comes to awards shows. I get so caught up in the excitement of the winners and sometimes I get really pissed if my pick doesn't win. I don't really choose my preferred winner by performance most of the time I choose who I root for based on my own personal opinion. For the first time I am going to post a list of who I hope take home the awards tonight. The Oscars are far and away my favorite awards show. I love the fashion, emotions and the long, long ceremony. I love the pre-show and the footage on E! afterward. I have no shame. This is my Super Bowl. I have not seen all of the movies up for nomination and probably will never see all of them because I have learned over time that Oscar nom does not equal a movie I will enjoy. That said here is my list of preferred winners.<br /><br /><b>BEST PICTURE</b> <br /><i>The Hurt Locker</i><br /><br />I loved the perspective of an American soldier that this movie left me with. I really appreciate that the movie was not predictable. The cinematography was outstanding<i> </i>and I want Bigelow to beat out Cameron. Also, I have a history of hoping for the underdog to win.<br /><br /><b>ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE</b><br />Jeremy Renner<br /><b><i>The Hurt Locker</i></b><b>&nbsp;</b><br /><br />This year there are so many people that we would have never guessed (and possibly never heard of)<b> </b>would be nominated. After the nominations came out&nbsp; I have learned more about where I had seen Renner. The whole time I watched the movie I kept thinking, "Where have I seen this guy?" He's been acting a while, but mostly in supporting roles. I hope he wins. <br /><br /><b>ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE</b><br />Stanley Tucci<br /><b><i>The Lovely Bones&nbsp;</i></b><br /><br />I'm used to my Tucci funny. He is so transformed in <i>The Lovely Bones</i>.<b><i> </i></b><br /><br /><b>ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE</b><br />Meryl Streep<br /><b><i>Julie &amp; Julia&nbsp;</i></b><br /><br />I love Meryl Streep. I also love that she was able to pull off Julia Child. I was enchanted while watching <i>Julie &amp; Julia</i>. I know Streep has so many awards and it would be nice to see other people win, since they haven't before, but I don't care on this one. Meryl Streep is amazing and when someone has that much talent they can take all the awards in the world for all I care.<b><i> </i></b><br /><br /><b>ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE</b><br />Mo'Nique<br /><i><b>Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire</b> </i><br /><br /><b>ANIMATED FEATURE FILM</b><br /><b><i>Up&nbsp;</i></b><br />Pete Docter&nbsp; <i></i><br />I absolutely adore this movie. Pixar can't make a bad movie to save a life.<i><br /></i><br /><b><br /></b><br /><b>ART DIRECTION</b><br /><b><i>Avatar </i></b><br />Rick Carter and Robert Stromberg (Art Direction); Kim Sinclair (Set Decoration)<br /><br /><b>CINEMATOGRAPHY</b><br /><b><i>The Hurt Locker</i></b><br />Barry Ackroyd <i></i><br /><i><br /></i><br />Amazing!<i><br /></i><br /><br /><b>COSTUME DESIGN</b><br /><b><i>Nine</i></b><br />Colleen Atwood <i><br /></i><br /><br /><b>DIRECTING</b><br /><b><i>The Hurt Locker</i></b><b> </b><br />Katheryn Bigelow<br /><br />(Maybe it's the feminist in me?) <br /><br /><br /><b></b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><b>DOCUMENTARY FEATURE</b><br /><i><b>Food, Inc.</b></i><br />Robert Kenner and Elise Pearlstein<br /><br /><b>FILM EDITING</b><br /><b><i>The Hurt Locker</i></b><br />Bob Murawski and Chris Innis<br /><br /><b>MUSIC (ORIGINAL SCORE)</b><br /><b><i>Up</i></b><br />Michael Giacchino <b></b><br /><br /><b>VISUAL EFFECTS</b><br /><i><b>Avatar</b></i><br />Joe Letteri, Stephen Rosenbaum, Richard Baneham and Andrew R. Jones<i><b>&nbsp;</b></i><br /><br /><b>WRITING (ADAPTED SCREENPLAY) </b><i><b><br /></b></i><br /><b><i>&nbsp;An Education</i></b> <br /><div> Screenplay by Nick Hornby&nbsp;</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>Love Nick Hornby. </div><div>&nbsp;</div><div><b>WRITING (ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY)</b></div><div> <div class="nomineeImage"> <i><b>Inglourious Basterds</b></i></div><div class="nomineeImage"> Written by Quentin Tarantino&nbsp;</div><div class="nomineeImage">&nbsp;</div><div class="nomineeImage">If you noticed any missing awards, that's because I skipped them. See you at the show. </div>&nbsp;</div><div> </div><div> </div><i><b>&nbsp;</b> </i><br /><br /><i>&nbsp;</i><b> </b><div class="blogger-post-footer"><table style="font-family: serif; color: black; font-size: 12pt;" width="350" align=center border="0" cellspacing="8" cellpadding="5"> <tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#FF99CC"> <h3 style="margin: 0; border: 0;">The Keys to Your Heart</h3> </td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FF9FD2"> You are attracted to good manners and elegance.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFA6D9"> In love, you feel the most alive when your lover is creative and never lets you feel bored.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFACDF"> You'd like to your lover to think you are optimistic and happy.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFB3E6"> You would be forced to break up with someone who was emotional, moody, and difficult to please.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFB9EC"> Your ideal relationship is lasting. You want a relationship that looks to the future... one you can grow with.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFBFF2"> Your risk of cheating is 100%. You are not suited for a monogamous relationship.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFC6F9"> You think of marriage as something precious. You'll treasure marriage and treat it as sacred.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFCCFF"> In this moment, you think of love as commitment. Love only works when both people are totally devoted.</td></tr> </table> <div align="center"> <a href="http://www.blogthings.com/keystoyourheartquiz/">What Are The Keys To Your Heart?</a> </div> <img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/12819098-6913255899485022116?l=trivialtiffairs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Tiffany F. Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07779595272291288585noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12819098.post-59887852142866472192010-02-02T00:11:00.000-06:002010-02-02T00:11:03.663-06:00Sunday night Brandon took me to see a movie and he even let me pick it out. (Who says chivalry is dead?) Actually the way it went down was I told him I would only see The Lovely Bones and if he didn't want to see that then he could go to the theater all by himself. Hence we saw The Lovely Bones. <br /><br />All in all I really enjoyed the movie. I liked the fact that it wasn't predictable, which is sometimes a little too much to ask for these days. Visually, some of the scenes were amazing and I really like the fact that the movie pushes the perception of the afterlife. Personally I'm one of those on the fence types who thinks anything is possible. We will never have a definitive answer, right? <br /><br />Typically, when I watch a TV show or movie there is one quote that takes root in my head and won't get out and a lot of times just sets my emotions upside down. This was the case with The Lovely Bones. Without giving too much away, a character says that people never really know the moment you are gone. They know when you die, they just never know that moment&nbsp;when you really leave them. <br /><br />There have been times in a little over a year that I can see a certain body type with the exact same hair style as my Aunt Patsy and still feel a little hope. I can hear a laugh so similiar, but not as distinct as hers was, and I will ache. I never felt more mortified as when I caught the tail end of Elf and started crying at the very end when everyone sings "Santa Clause is Coming to Town." In that moment I remembered her singing it. I was never so glad Brandon was asleep. I wouldn't have to explain to him why I was crying real tears and not stupid chick flick tears. <br /><br />Of course I know she is gone. It just doesn't get easier. My blame doesn't go away. I'm still so mad at myself for not saying goodbye to her. For barely seeing her in the last years of her life. I had no idea they would be her last or that she would leave us so quickly. There are so many things I would have said to her, thanked her for. One more hug.<br /><br />It sneaks up on me every now and then and it's so hard for me to talk to anyone about it. I guess sometimes we can be so afraid to show the emotions that aren't easy and then we become afraid to bring it up and make everybody else sad about it. So we bottle it up until late at night where we can cry in private. In secret.<br /><br />Until a movie, or a laugh or a song or a smell brings it all back out into the light again.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><table style="font-family: serif; color: black; font-size: 12pt;" width="350" align=center border="0" cellspacing="8" cellpadding="5"> <tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#FF99CC"> <h3 style="margin: 0; border: 0;">The Keys to Your Heart</h3> </td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FF9FD2"> You are attracted to good manners and elegance.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFA6D9"> In love, you feel the most alive when your lover is creative and never lets you feel bored.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFACDF"> You'd like to your lover to think you are optimistic and happy.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFB3E6"> You would be forced to break up with someone who was emotional, moody, and difficult to please.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFB9EC"> Your ideal relationship is lasting. You want a relationship that looks to the future... one you can grow with.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFBFF2"> Your risk of cheating is 100%. You are not suited for a monogamous relationship.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFC6F9"> You think of marriage as something precious. You'll treasure marriage and treat it as sacred.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFCCFF"> In this moment, you think of love as commitment. Love only works when both people are totally devoted.</td></tr> </table> <div align="center"> <a href="http://www.blogthings.com/keystoyourheartquiz/">What Are The Keys To Your Heart?</a> </div> <img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/12819098-5988785214286647219?l=trivialtiffairs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Tiffany F. Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07779595272291288585noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12819098.post-13086826948057126392010-01-24T09:02:00.002-06:002010-01-24T09:06:52.093-06:00For quite a while I have felt a presence while I was out on my patio. I told Brandon my suspicions but he reacted as if I was a loon. I never could prove that I was not alone out there. That is until last night. I saw a blur from the corner of my eye and got that creepy feeling. I continued to read my book. Then, I really laid eyes on something scampering across my patio. My eyes darted to where the form had stopped and after a moment or two a tiny little head with beady little eyes poked out from under the siding. I was so scared that I moved my foot and shouted, "STOP IT!" The head disappeared. But only for about five minutes. My stomach was in knots. <br /><br />A memory played over in my mind. My Mimaw lived in a very small town while I was growing up. When I visited her I had all the freedom in the world to roam on my bike and have the type of adventures that I loved in solitude. I would take in nature, buy a blue raspberry blowpop every now and then and visit the nursing home. One day I was&nbsp;walking and there was a lot that had some over grown grass and I was so intune with my surroundings that I heard a tiny noise that didn't belong. I&nbsp;had to find the source. It was&nbsp;the smallest, baby mouse I had ever seen. He must have been scared to cry like that. I picked him up and stroked his fur and eventually put him down to join his family. Not a fear in the world had entered my mind. No thought of bubonic plague or rabies. All that was on my mind was comforting this poor little animal. I didn't think of him gaining a&nbsp;pound or two and gaining a very long, scaly tail, morphing into a rat. No, those are the thoughts that entered my sophisticated 28 year old mind.<br /><br />This was a moment where I had a lecture with my self. I asked, What are you so afraid of? Why now and not then? What has changed since then? I came inside and told Brandon about the&nbsp;not so new guest of our ground floor patio. He laughed at me. He didn't gripe when I swiped one of his fancy pieces of cheese and broke it up in pieces and &nbsp;took them to the patio to leave for the mouse. &nbsp;&nbsp;This morning when I woke up&nbsp;all the&nbsp;&nbsp;cheese was&nbsp;gone. I was pleased.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/funny-pictures-mouse-has-cheese.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" mt="true" src="http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/funny-pictures-mouse-has-cheese.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><table style="font-family: serif; color: black; font-size: 12pt;" width="350" align=center border="0" cellspacing="8" cellpadding="5"> <tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#FF99CC"> <h3 style="margin: 0; border: 0;">The Keys to Your Heart</h3> </td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FF9FD2"> You are attracted to good manners and elegance.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFA6D9"> In love, you feel the most alive when your lover is creative and never lets you feel bored.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFACDF"> You'd like to your lover to think you are optimistic and happy.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFB3E6"> You would be forced to break up with someone who was emotional, moody, and difficult to please.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFB9EC"> Your ideal relationship is lasting. You want a relationship that looks to the future... one you can grow with.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFBFF2"> Your risk of cheating is 100%. You are not suited for a monogamous relationship.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFC6F9"> You think of marriage as something precious. You'll treasure marriage and treat it as sacred.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFCCFF"> In this moment, you think of love as commitment. Love only works when both people are totally devoted.</td></tr> </table> <div align="center"> <a href="http://www.blogthings.com/keystoyourheartquiz/">What Are The Keys To Your Heart?</a> </div> <img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/12819098-1308682694805712639?l=trivialtiffairs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Tiffany F. Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07779595272291288585noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12819098.post-91594249476343488072010-01-13T21:09:00.001-06:002010-01-13T21:26:11.410-06:00This past Sunday Brandon and I had to fly out to Alabama to attend his great-grandmother's funeral. I am&nbsp; regretful that I was never able to meet <a href="http://obits.al.com/obituaries/mobile/obituary.aspx?n=nadine-granade-elmore-clements&amp;pid=138430568">Nadine Clements</a>. She lived a very long life and seem to make many friends all along her journey. There were many people that loved her dearly and she seems to have touched many lives through her love and compassion. <br /><br />It was nice to finally meet some of Brandon's extended family and especially his Mamaw! I have never met a guy that seems to be as close with his grandmother as Brandon. When he would talk on the phone with her I would laugh silently because her accent is so cute. Before I ever saw a picture of her, I imagined she would look like my Grandma Karm had. Short, pleasantly plump and white haired. I was way off. Brandon's Mamaw is petite,thin but shapely and pretty stylish with brown hair. She is a beauty. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hNokNL2_aM4/S06KUjFHVOI/AAAAAAAAAHo/yIMQHI4_XJs/s1600-h/flight+054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hNokNL2_aM4/S06KUjFHVOI/AAAAAAAAAHo/yIMQHI4_XJs/s320/flight+054.JPG" /></a><br /></div><br />I wish that I could have made my first trip to Alabama under better circumstances, but the experience was overall pretty good. I will say that my New Year's resolution was very tested through the short trip, but I tried to get out of my self imposed box and go with the flow. It was tough, but at least I tried!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hNokNL2_aM4/S06KVLvsjbI/AAAAAAAAAHw/BJSHLFjBHdo/s1600-h/ggma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hNokNL2_aM4/S06KVLvsjbI/AAAAAAAAAHw/BJSHLFjBHdo/s320/ggma.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Nadine Granade Elmore Clements<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">October 3, 1906 - January 8, 2010<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><table style="font-family: serif; color: black; font-size: 12pt;" width="350" align=center border="0" cellspacing="8" cellpadding="5"> <tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#FF99CC"> <h3 style="margin: 0; border: 0;">The Keys to Your Heart</h3> </td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FF9FD2"> You are attracted to good manners and elegance.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFA6D9"> In love, you feel the most alive when your lover is creative and never lets you feel bored.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFACDF"> You'd like to your lover to think you are optimistic and happy.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFB3E6"> You would be forced to break up with someone who was emotional, moody, and difficult to please.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFB9EC"> Your ideal relationship is lasting. You want a relationship that looks to the future... one you can grow with.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFBFF2"> Your risk of cheating is 100%. You are not suited for a monogamous relationship.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFC6F9"> You think of marriage as something precious. You'll treasure marriage and treat it as sacred.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFCCFF"> In this moment, you think of love as commitment. Love only works when both people are totally devoted.</td></tr> </table> <div align="center"> <a href="http://www.blogthings.com/keystoyourheartquiz/">What Are The Keys To Your Heart?</a> </div> <img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/12819098-9159424947634348807?l=trivialtiffairs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Tiffany F. Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07779595272291288585noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12819098.post-32499240593585612922010-01-03T20:03:00.001-06:002010-01-03T20:03:37.541-06:00<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hNokNL2_aM4/S0FK3DHSusI/AAAAAAAAAGw/HcdxdWwz1Fg/s1600-h/peanut+butter+krispies+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hNokNL2_aM4/S0FK3DHSusI/AAAAAAAAAGw/HcdxdWwz1Fg/s320/peanut+butter+krispies+002.JPG" /></a>Over the holidays my mom made these treats because she knew they are yummy and easy to make. Before leaving my Mimaw's house on Christmas day I packed a few bags of cookies along with these treats. Brandon gobbled up most of those and then asked about the "peanut butter things." I hadn't tried them yet and he said he would like the recipe. My mom had left for Vegas so I called up my Grandma Virginia. (Mom had gotten the recipe from her.) I'm glad I did. The ingredients cost less than $10 and making these yummy morsels is a snap!<br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">1C sugar<br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">1/2 C white Karo syrup<br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">1/4 C honey<br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Stir in a pot and bring to a boil. Remove from heat immediately.<br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Stir in 16oz crunchy peanut butter.<br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Mix together with 4 large cups of Cocoa Krispies. (Might be best to have those measured and on stand-by before you begin.)<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hNokNL2_aM4/S0FLDpOvsnI/AAAAAAAAAG4/wfV4W2EI4-M/s1600-h/peanut+butter+krispies+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hNokNL2_aM4/S0FLDpOvsnI/AAAAAAAAAG4/wfV4W2EI4-M/s200/peanut+butter+krispies+003.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Drop by spoonful to form balls on cookie sheet and let cool.<br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hNokNL2_aM4/S0FLRVwwNGI/AAAAAAAAAHA/bZS_v8WBdO4/s1600-h/peanut+butter+krispies+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hNokNL2_aM4/S0FLRVwwNGI/AAAAAAAAAHA/bZS_v8WBdO4/s200/peanut+butter+krispies+007.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><table style="font-family: serif; color: black; font-size: 12pt;" width="350" align=center border="0" cellspacing="8" cellpadding="5"> <tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#FF99CC"> <h3 style="margin: 0; border: 0;">The Keys to Your Heart</h3> </td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FF9FD2"> You are attracted to good manners and elegance.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFA6D9"> In love, you feel the most alive when your lover is creative and never lets you feel bored.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFACDF"> You'd like to your lover to think you are optimistic and happy.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFB3E6"> You would be forced to break up with someone who was emotional, moody, and difficult to please.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFB9EC"> Your ideal relationship is lasting. You want a relationship that looks to the future... one you can grow with.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFBFF2"> Your risk of cheating is 100%. You are not suited for a monogamous relationship.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFC6F9"> You think of marriage as something precious. You'll treasure marriage and treat it as sacred.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFCCFF"> In this moment, you think of love as commitment. Love only works when both people are totally devoted.</td></tr> </table> <div align="center"> <a href="http://www.blogthings.com/keystoyourheartquiz/">What Are The Keys To Your Heart?</a> </div> <img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/12819098-3249924059358561292?l=trivialtiffairs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Tiffany F. Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07779595272291288585noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12819098.post-11897166868158721212009-12-30T20:37:00.000-06:002009-12-30T20:37:38.366-06:00<div style="text-align: justify;">Well, well, well. Here are again. Another year is ending. I've been lurking around the internet and scoping out everyone's year end/new years postings and of course I thought about what I would write. <br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A few nights ago Brandon and I were in bed and he was flipping through&nbsp;channels and I insisted that he stop on the channel playing "The Family Stone". I saw some parallels from the movie, to my life. Most shockingly so&nbsp; in the scene where Meredith (Sarah Jessica Parker ) and Ben Stone (Luke Wilson) are at the local bar. There's this point where Ben tells Meredith something along the lines of,&nbsp; "You are wound so tight and eventually you are going to blow your top. You have to relax and let your freak flag fly."<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Well, there you have it. My resolve is to try and relax and let my freak flag fly. I mean, my freak flag flies, but not in the direction I want it to. I want to go back to being that carefree girl that doesn't sweat the small stuff. (Not the one that must. have. things. done. HER WAY ONLY. When did I become so anal?) <br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I do need to learn how to relax. I mean, I know how to relax when I am hanging out with my family and friends, perhaps with a beer in hand, but what I am talking about is in those everyday life situations. When I'm driving or at work or during unsolicited conversations. I want to see every encounter with other human beings as a blessing. There are times when you least expect it, that someone will say something that takes your breath away. In a good way. But if I'm not open to that because I am in a hurry or having a bad day, what might I be missing from our interaction? It's a really bad habit to always be running as fast as you can from one thing to the next. I want to quit living my life this way.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So not only do we start a new year, it's also a new decade. I pray very solemnly that this war will be over by the time I am able to celebrate 2020. That is what I most hope for in our new decade. I am very happy with the past decade. Honestly, it wasn't all daisies and rainbows, but damn if I didn't learn a lot and grow in ways I never knew would be necessary. My mom knows exactly where I was 10 years ago. I never thought that I would live through a lot of the experiences I encountered in these past ten years, but I did and as a result I am a much wiser and stronger person. <br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">All I could really hope for, on a personal level for the next ten years are my health, my happiness and love. Maybe I will also gather my courage to really go after my dreams.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I hope that everyone who reads this will have a happy new year and much&nbsp;success and happiness in the next ten years as well.<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><table style="font-family: serif; color: black; font-size: 12pt;" width="350" align=center border="0" cellspacing="8" cellpadding="5"> <tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#FF99CC"> <h3 style="margin: 0; border: 0;">The Keys to Your Heart</h3> </td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FF9FD2"> You are attracted to good manners and elegance.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFA6D9"> In love, you feel the most alive when your lover is creative and never lets you feel bored.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFACDF"> You'd like to your lover to think you are optimistic and happy.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFB3E6"> You would be forced to break up with someone who was emotional, moody, and difficult to please.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFB9EC"> Your ideal relationship is lasting. You want a relationship that looks to the future... one you can grow with.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFBFF2"> Your risk of cheating is 100%. You are not suited for a monogamous relationship.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFC6F9"> You think of marriage as something precious. You'll treasure marriage and treat it as sacred.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFCCFF"> In this moment, you think of love as commitment. Love only works when both people are totally devoted.</td></tr> </table> <div align="center"> <a href="http://www.blogthings.com/keystoyourheartquiz/">What Are The Keys To Your Heart?</a> </div> <img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/12819098-1189716686815872121?l=trivialtiffairs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Tiffany F. Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07779595272291288585noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12819098.post-9973889465027789822009-12-24T22:52:00.003-06:002009-12-24T23:04:16.889-06:00<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hNokNL2_aM4/SzRC5fHVccI/AAAAAAAAAFc/PBfNivK_9eY/s1600-h/christmas+goodies+019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hNokNL2_aM4/SzRC5fHVccI/AAAAAAAAAFc/PBfNivK_9eY/s320/christmas+goodies+019.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Brandon's most favorite cookies are called Texas Ranger Cookies.&nbsp; His grandmother, who lives in Alabama, used to make these for him as a child. After about a year of hearing about these cookies I went on a mission to track down the recipe. Boy am I glad I did. After giving some cookies to a man at work, he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. (Despite the fact that he is about 30 years my senior and already happily married.) People have tried these and said, "Coconut? I hate coconut, but I love these cookies!" or "The perfect mix of salty and sweet!" <br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hNokNL2_aM4/SzRDTBk46tI/AAAAAAAAAFs/u68MCRSbCpY/s1600-h/christmas+goodies+021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hNokNL2_aM4/SzRDTBk46tI/AAAAAAAAAFs/u68MCRSbCpY/s320/christmas+goodies+021.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">These cookies will never let you down, as long as you put in the effort, prepare for the mess and have the time to invest in making them. I think a better name might be "Breakfast Cookies" based on all the breakfasty ingredients or "Kitchen Sink Cookies" due to the vast array of ingredients. <br /></div><br />This time around I broke out of my shell and tried the food proccessor for some of the prep. It rocked my world. I was so used to doing things the hard way. No more! Thankfully Brandon had experience with this type of contraption and was able to break it down for me.<br /><br />I believe most people really love these cookies, or they are fantastic liars. If you feel tempted to make these there are quite a few recipes on the internet, but I will share the one passed on from Brandon's grandmother.<br /><br /><strong>Texas Ranger Cookies</strong><br /><br />2 c. flour<br />3/4 tsp. baking powder<br />3/4 tsp. baking soda<br />1/2 tsp. salt (generous)<br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hNokNL2_aM4/SzRDF1-ncqI/AAAAAAAAAFk/l_rH2iBSeCc/s1600-h/christmas+goodies+020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hNokNL2_aM4/SzRDF1-ncqI/AAAAAAAAAFk/l_rH2iBSeCc/s320/christmas+goodies+020.JPG" /></a>2/3 c. unsalted butter (soft) [1 stick &amp; 2/3 tbsp.]<br /></div>1/2 c. white vegetable shortening<br />1 1/3 c. packed brown sugar<br />2/3 c. sugar<br />2 large eggs<br />2 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract<br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">2 c. old fashioned rolled oats<br /></div>2 c. crushed corn flakes<br />1 1/4 c. chopped pecans<br />1 1/4 shredded or flake sweetened coconut<br /><br />Set oven to 375<br /><br />Use cookie sheet.<br /><br />In a medium bowl mix flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt then set aside.<br /><br />With a mixer (And it should be a good one, because I burned up the motor of a cheap one on these cookies.) mix butter and shortening until fluffy. Add brown sugar and white sugar. Beat until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla and beat until mixed well. (And fluffy.)<br /><br />Add flour mixture. ( A deep bowl is best as is adding the flour in increments if you don't want a cloud of flour dust to settle over every surface in your kitchen.) Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well. Let mixture set for 5-10 minutes to firm up. Shape to golf ball size and place on cookie sheet 3" apart. Flatten balls to about 1/3" thick.<br /><br />Bake 8-10 minutes or until they are a perfect golden brown. Be careful not to overcook. (I prefer them crispy and crunchy but Brandon likes them chewy, so I guess it depends on what you prefer.)<br /><br />Let cool 3 minutes.<br /><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Enjoy!~<br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hNokNL2_aM4/SzRDfLLlgoI/AAAAAAAAAF0/Ktbec2oB0VQ/s1600-h/christmas+goodies+024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hNokNL2_aM4/SzRDfLLlgoI/AAAAAAAAAF0/Ktbec2oB0VQ/s320/christmas+goodies+024.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><table style="font-family: serif; color: black; font-size: 12pt;" width="350" align=center border="0" cellspacing="8" cellpadding="5"> <tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#FF99CC"> <h3 style="margin: 0; border: 0;">The Keys to Your Heart</h3> </td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FF9FD2"> You are attracted to good manners and elegance.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFA6D9"> In love, you feel the most alive when your lover is creative and never lets you feel bored.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFACDF"> You'd like to your lover to think you are optimistic and happy.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFB3E6"> You would be forced to break up with someone who was emotional, moody, and difficult to please.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFB9EC"> Your ideal relationship is lasting. You want a relationship that looks to the future... one you can grow with.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFBFF2"> Your risk of cheating is 100%. You are not suited for a monogamous relationship.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFC6F9"> You think of marriage as something precious. You'll treasure marriage and treat it as sacred.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFCCFF"> In this moment, you think of love as commitment. Love only works when both people are totally devoted.</td></tr> </table> <div align="center"> <a href="http://www.blogthings.com/keystoyourheartquiz/">What Are The Keys To Your Heart?</a> </div> <img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/12819098-997388946502778982?l=trivialtiffairs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Tiffany F. Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07779595272291288585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12819098.post-45085681672815156732009-12-19T19:20:00.005-06:002009-12-20T09:50:13.723-06:00<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hNokNL2_aM4/Sy1zk7rU16I/AAAAAAAAAEM/L1WqFDt8hw0/s1600-h/christmas+goodies+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hNokNL2_aM4/Sy1zk7rU16I/AAAAAAAAAEM/L1WqFDt8hw0/s320/christmas+goodies+002.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;">Every year I make sweet treats for those that are near and dear to me. My go to recipe for years has been <a href="http://www.kraftfoods.com/kf/recipes/fantasy-fudge-51833.aspx">Fantasy Fudge</a>. What's really awesome about this recipe? Well, for one, if you forget where you placed your chicken scratched, college rule copy you begged off your mom, you can always find it on Kraft Jet Puffed Marshmallow Creme. (The key ingredient.) My first step is to always measure everything out first, because once the molten sugar/butter/evaporated milk concoction hits that rolling boil, you better bust a move! <br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hNokNL2_aM4/Sy10Xmk6IeI/AAAAAAAAAEc/TnigI0XMc28/s1600-h/christmas+goodies+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hNokNL2_aM4/Sy10Xmk6IeI/AAAAAAAAAEc/TnigI0XMc28/s200/christmas+goodies+010.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;">I used to think that the candy thermometer was not really necessary, until one year my fudge&nbsp;came out grainy. Nothing could be more mortifying so I splurged about $2.50 on one and ever since that my fudge has come out silky smooth.<br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Be careful if you make this though, it's sweet enough to hurt the teeth.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hNokNL2_aM4/Sy16H310NtI/AAAAAAAAAEk/IHavdqTPlqo/s1600-h/christmas+goodies+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hNokNL2_aM4/Sy16H310NtI/AAAAAAAAAEk/IHavdqTPlqo/s320/christmas+goodies+012.JPG" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hNokNL2_aM4/Sy17ANjj5YI/AAAAAAAAAEs/Fk-DjEBpJUk/s1600-h/christmas+goodies+017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hNokNL2_aM4/Sy17ANjj5YI/AAAAAAAAAEs/Fk-DjEBpJUk/s320/christmas+goodies+017.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><table style="font-family: serif; color: black; font-size: 12pt;" width="350" align=center border="0" cellspacing="8" cellpadding="5"> <tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#FF99CC"> <h3 style="margin: 0; border: 0;">The Keys to Your Heart</h3> </td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FF9FD2"> You are attracted to good manners and elegance.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFA6D9"> In love, you feel the most alive when your lover is creative and never lets you feel bored.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFACDF"> You'd like to your lover to think you are optimistic and happy.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFB3E6"> You would be forced to break up with someone who was emotional, moody, and difficult to please.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFB9EC"> Your ideal relationship is lasting. You want a relationship that looks to the future... one you can grow with.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFBFF2"> Your risk of cheating is 100%. You are not suited for a monogamous relationship.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFC6F9"> You think of marriage as something precious. You'll treasure marriage and treat it as sacred.</td></tr> <tr><td bgcolor="#FFCCFF"> In this moment, you think of love as commitment. Love only works when both people are totally devoted.</td></tr> </table> <div align="center"> <a href="http://www.blogthings.com/keystoyourheartquiz/">What Are The Keys To Your Heart?</a> </div> <img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/12819098-4508568167281515673?l=trivialtiffairs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Tiffany F. Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07779595272291288585noreply@blogger.com0