Tonight's "Special"

Dear Friend,

Friday night I went to babysit my darling "little sisters", the Canning girls. On my way, I stopped by Dunkin Donuts to pick Bill up his Christmas present--150 donuts--ahaha--just kidding--I got him a gift card....and decided that I would buy some Munchkins for me and the girls to snack on while I was there. This is how my Dunkin Donuts (and one of the nicest moments of my life) went down:

Me: "Hi! Can you tell me how the munchkins come? I've never ordered them before, so do I order by the dozen or how does this work??"
Nice Young Man Working at Dunkin Donuts: "Oh well we have boxes that hold up to 50 at a time--we can give you 20, 50, however many you like."
Me: (slightly shocked at 50) "Oh, no, no--I don't need 50 (haha)..."
Nice Young Man Working at Dunkin Donuts: "Oh, well you can have however many you want...10, 15, 20..."
Me: "I think 15 sounds good"
Nice Young Man Working at Dunkin Donuts: "Alrighty, 15 it is. What kind would you like?"
Me: "Uhhh...I'll have glazed and chocolate glazed please."
Nice Young Man Working at Dunkin Donuts: "Alrighty is that all?"
Me: "And can I please have $10 put on this gift card?"
Nice Young Man Working at Dunkin Donuts: "Sure! (he puts the card into a sleeve--which I appreciated since I was trying to find some cash in my purse and had no idea how much munchkins were since they weren't up on the menu--I like to be prepared and I was a little distrought when the menu did not include muchkin pricing!) Alrighty so your total is $10.80"
Me: dumbfounded, a little confused "Oh well I'm going to pay for the giftcard and the munchkins at the same time.."
Nice Young Man Working at Dunkin Donuts: "Oh I know they are included in the price."
Me: (I like to make sure I always pay for everything..like at Publix they had only scanned 2 of my basil packages when I had 3 and I told them that I had 3 and they had undercharged me...I don't want to feel like I'm stealing anything!!) "All those Munchkins are only 80 cents?!?! How is that possible?!?!" like just totally shocked and dumbfounded.
Nice Young Man Working at Dunkin Donuts: (smiles) "Oh, it's tonight's special.."
Me: "Huh...wow, thank you so much. That is so nice!!"

...He had charged me for only 4 munchkins...I feel kind of guilty, but I tried to correct him--it was a lovely gift though! I was so flattered and just so...I don't know...grateful and..in shock of that. Needless to say, it is something I will never (hopefully) forget..it was such a wonderful act of kindness. It wasn't even weird because he wasn't hitting on me or uncomfortable to be around so that made the experience perfect. It was just..incredible. And so were those munchkins! We ate all of them while we watched the Pixar Short Films :)....but before we played with "little people" in the big bath tub (photos to come! haha)

Well, tomorrow spring semester picks up and I'm preparing myself to say "adios" to sleeping in til the ripe old hour of 8am...gone are those days!! 6am is going to get here fast and I still have some things to put together...like: my first day of school outfit, my folder/binder and notebook..some pens..some extra paper...my laptop...etc. (sigh) and I have to get to bed soon because Honey Bear is tired and she won't go to bed until I do :) (she's actually sleeping at my feet, but every 5 minutes she huffs and puffs so I'll know it's past her bedtime and she's annoyed haha!).

Goodnight, dear Friend, I hope you have sweet dreams and my challenge to you is this: find ways to show acts of pure kindness to others (even strangers)--it is a rare occurrance in places like South Florida--and we definitely could benefit from a little more kindness! :)

Lotsa Love,
Linds.

P.S. this post is not being edited due to time constraints--so please do not critique too heavily--spelling was never easy for me! :)

Fragrance Guru?

*Picture: the wreath and spray I made for my friend! Her initials are in jingle bells at the bottom! It turned out awesome!! Yay!! :)

Dear Friend,

Last time we spoke, I was trying to figure out "What I was"...and how to answer that question in more than one language. Today I bring you a new language--the language of fragrance...

Last minute shopping is always interesting, and is a sure way to have interesting things happen to you. Tonight I was buying my mom and dad's presents with my sister, Christy, at Sephora. We really wanted to get perfume for our mom, and cologne for our dad so they could smell really good. Christy is more into fragrance than I am--she knows all about what scents are new, how to be age appropriate, and what a fragrance says about you. I pick up a bottle, smell the top (you know, where you can't even really smell it), or spray it on my arm (which I learned tonight taints the smell because fragrance smells differently on everyone) and if I like the scent--I'll probably buy the tiniest bottle available like 4 years later.

We were trying to pick out a scent for the pops, and a sales rep comes up to us and was asking us what we were looking for, blah, blah, blah. I let Christy handle this kind of stuff because she's into it--which means I enter Lindsey's La-La Land and end up sniffing all the tops on all the perfumes and colognes available and eventually make my way to Christy once the decision has been narrowed down to two choices and then my two cents get put in. This woman, Shelly, was ALL about fragrance. She could tell us everything there is about them--how they are made, what technology was used for the different brands, the key "notes" in the scents--I was super impressed. She was INTENSE. ...and we loved it! She was so helpful and helped us (mostly Christy--I mean--come on--I was sniffing all the tops!) and I'm pretty sure I'm gonna have some awesome smelling folks come Christmas night! (not that they smell bad now!! haha!)

Them we went to Petsmart...I really wanted to buy Honey Bear a Christmas present :) One day while playing frisbee with her--I threw the frisbee too high and it soared beautifully into our neighbors yard...and may it rest in peace. It's a great frisbee--it's the Kong frisbee and they can chew on it and stuff and it doesn't crack and pieces don't come off and it's soft so it won't hurt their teeth/mouth. I also bought her a harness--which I'm most certain is going to make her feel how we humans feel when we get underwear/socks for Christmas--it's practical and we appreciate it, but we were hoping for the new hot pink Barbie car/ bright yellow Tonka truck :)

I also had to get a replacement phone this morning--to which I was sure if I had been in the store 5 minutes longer, the man behind the counter (being super helpful and kind to me) was going to ask me out to lunch. It was a little awkward, but he was a nice guy and I'm sure he'll find a lucky lady soon (he likes little dogs...and all I will say to that is: Saint Bernard--I've always wanted a Saint Bernard...heehe).

I took a trip to the doctors office today to figure out why there was something sticking out of my wrist. My left wrist has been hurting for a couple weeks now. I have small wrists and sometimes if I overwork them, they get weak and sore, so I have to wear a brace or take it easy and within a couple days I'll be better. Well the pain has been escalating and not getting better at all! So today I finally took a second to look at it and nearly passed out because it looks like a bone is sticking out. Turns out I have a cyst that will most likely need to be sucked out. I don't like needles at all--so all I can say is "Dear Cyst causing lots of pain in my wrist: Please go away...it will be easier for both of us!!!!..You have two weeks to die before you get sucked out...make the right decision!!!!!" :)

I also delivered my dear friend's, Lindsay Wikoff's, Christmas present to her today! I made my first wreath!! She asked for me to make her a gift..and she has her own apartment so I made a wreath (Beachy/Christmas themed) with a matching spray that can stay up all year round! I will include pictures of it!!! I am sooo excited that I am expanding my crafting capabilities!!!

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve...and I have lots more to do!!! Tomorrow is baking day and finish wrapping presents day...I can't wait!!! I LOVE Christmas!!! It's such a beautiful holiday!!! So as I'm sitting my the beautiful Christmas tree in my living room, and all through the house--no one is stirring, not even a puppy--I wish you, dearest Friend, a wonderful goodnight--and a very Merry Christmas Eve :)

Lotsa Love,
Linds

What Are You??

Dear Friend,

As I was doing some speed Christmas shopping yesterday--something funny happened that I thought you would enjoy :)

Background Info: When the famous Uncle Jo came into town a week or so ago (he is the Uncle of "the girls" I babysit/big sister-ify) we (Angie and I) were trying to describe my natural hair because it was straightened when he met me. I described it as half black hair, and my argument for that was because I get asked, often by African Americans, if I am half because of my hair. Angie couldn't believe anyone would think I could be anything but white. Well, dear Ang--here we go!

I was in Bath and Body Works buying some wonderfully good smelling things, and the cashier lady (I think Haitian because she knew French and Creole) said "Oh I love the curls at the ends of your hair" (my hair was straight and I had curled the ends with a curling iron earlier).
"Aw, thank you! I actually have super curly hair, but it's straight right now--so I wanted to curl the ends and make it look really pretty for today"
Cashier Lady, "I was trying to figure out what you were!! So you half, right?"
..."No, I'm white...(??)"
"No you ain't girl, you just don't know."...(a look of "I have no idea what to say to that" is plastered on my face)
"There is no way both your parents are white" (at this point I'm trying to determine why she thinks I'm half black--I don't even have my crazy curly hair!!!!....maybe it's my nose???)
"Yes, both of my parents are white!" (I'm practically pleading now)
"Well...then you just don't know"....(I'm at a loss for words again....so I go with the only thing I can think): "Well...I have a lot of French in me...I think curly hair is french..?!?!"

...she starts speaking French to me. I'm not even kidding.

I somehow understood what she meant (Good evening, how are you? Do you understand French?), but I couldn't reply in a language I don't know!!!!!

Man, I left there totally STUNNED haha. I MUST be half black--I just "don't know"...and it's apparently very obvious my ethnicity isn't white--even without curly hair!!

I texted Angie right when I got out of the store to let her know I had straight hair and was still asked if I was "half".

I was so shocked that someone would actually say, "What are you?"....I felt like I should have had blue skin with bright pink polka dots for that moment in time so I could say "I'm different!"...and also I feel that if a white person were to ask me that, and I were half--I would get all offended and start yelling...?? lol

So Friend, when out there doing last minute shopping--be prepared to answer the question, "What are you?"...in two languages ;)

Good night and sweet dreams!
*Linds*

A Short Message

Dear Friend,

I apologize for not writing last night, I was thinking of what I wanted to share when my mind went blank and a few minutes later was having a seizure.

I have been fortunate enough to not have a seizure since September, but they are never welcomed experiences! So, for obvious reasons I didn't post last night haha!

Well, unfortunately today has been pretty uneventful because I've either been studying for my final on the couch, or sleeping in my mom's bed!

So I'm going to just share a quick thought with you tonight, and then go back to sleep.

My next door neighbors are renting the house. They are an interesting bunch to say the least. Their house is always very decorated for the holidays, and this doesn't usually bother me until Christmas time. I'm one of those people who would cover ever square inch of their house in Christmas lights if I was able...and I would have like some type of scene in my front yard, heehee. So anyway, I take it personally when their yard is all decorated and out shines my house so much...it seems uncalled for. Last year I thought it was a seasonal trend and wouldn't carry over through the years. Well, they are even lighting up their side of the hedge separating our yards--I feel like I'm being challenged!!!

Well, I don't have time this year, but for next year--watch out. Full-blown manger scene, home made, and fenced in our yard will be up. I cannot wait. I also requested that my father give me permission to put lights on the roof this year even though our roof needs to get cleaned....and I'm going to try and talk my mom into buying the lights on a net that go on the bushes...

Also on the topic of Christmas...Christmas pictures. Honey Bear is a total diva--she hates having her picture taken and acts like we are the paparazzi--she turns her head, does these weird expressions, and flat out will not allow her picture to be taken. Maximus, however, allows us to basically do whatever we want as long as he can give us kisses :)...I'm looking forward to having two dogs in our Christmas picture for the first time ever :D

Speaking of Christmas--I'm gonna go get in my jammies and crosstitch for an hour or so...still trying to get mom's present done. I have so many gifts to make, and I just don't know how I'm gonna get them all made! Well friend, goodnight...I hope yesterday and today have been wonderful days for you and you have been able to enjoy good health and smiles :)

Lotsa Love,
Linds

Rotten Avocadoes Taste So Much Better than...Not-Rotten Avocadoes.

(<--Maximus)

Dear Friend,

I have to tell you about my backyard adventure with Maximus, "the Determined", today.

I had just been in the bathroom for about 25 minutes doing my hair, changing from pajamas to school-appropriate clothes, putting on my makeup and singing along with the radio (of course). So I was all ready for school--I was packing up my books and getting ready to head out the door, when I noticed Max was watching me...so I figured I'd let him out before I left. So I walked him around in the front yard, and he did his business. Then Honey Bear was whining when I came inside, so I let her out in the back.

--Now, my backyard is fenced, and it isn't the largest backyard in the world, but still--it's a fairly well sized bit of yard! So Max was whining and I knew he wanted to run around with Honey Bear, so I felt a little guilty having him on the leash. So I freed him so he could run around with Honey Bear. Then I heard some intense fluttering in the corner of the screen. A butterfly was trapped. Our pool net is no longer on a pole (thanks to Honey Bear attacking it last time Christy tried to save a butterfly, heehee)..so it was difficult for me to try and reach the butterfly because I'm not terribly tall. So I was captivated by this scared butterfly and trying my hardest to save the little fellow, when I realized it was very quiet in the backyard. I looked into the backyard and Honey Bear is standing over Max, watching him eat a rotting avocado.

..I keep a bag of treats with me when I take them into the back yard, because I want to make sure that, if need be, I can get their attention quick. So...I shook the treat bag, called them, did everything--Honey Bear came and sat by my side immediately (she loves treats ha!)...meanwhile Max is ignoring my existence. I tried EVERYTHING...finally I tried to catch him. Man is that little booger fast!!! Twenty minutes later, covered in dirt and sweat (Maximus AND ME)...I had him somewhat cornered in the backyard and finally thought to tell him to sit. I told him to sit as my last gitch effort--and wouldn't you know it--HE SAT!!!! And then he sat there--with ears up--with this expression saying, "Is the fun game over now Auntie Linds???"...oh the fun game was OVER!!! I was so irritated and I was late for my class! It was terrible. I left the house--sweaty, hot, and dirty!! But he was safe--in his pen, covered in dirt and beggars lice. When I came home tonight he was perfectly clean and excited to see me :)

So I have come to the conclusion that rotten avocados must taste so much better than normal ones, because Max always goes for the squirrel half-eat and rotting ones...I don't approve...and I try to stop him...but I'm beginning to think his middle name is Determination. Even the vet has told us we have one very determined puppy...a good, and not so good thing depending on the situation! :) ...and no, I did not end up saving the butterfly. If he's still trapped tomorrow morning I'll go in for round two...he'll be more exhausted and more willing to be saved.

Side Note #1: Honestly, I don't know how he always stays so clean..it's amazing!! I wish Honey Bear had that gift!

Side Note #2: This time change is really messing with my mind..it's only 8:50pm and it feels like midnight!!! ...I think I need some coffee. :)

Until next time, Friend, I hope you had yourself a wonderful day and I hope you have a great night! Sweet dreams!

Lotsa Love,
Linds

Back in the Saddle

Dear Friend,

My, it has been much too long since we last spoke! Here is a list of reasons why I have been so distant the past few months:

#1: School....it's been INSANE.
#2: I sort of forgot my login name...and password...and the email associated with account HAHA!

..those seem like pretty good/verifiable reasons to me!

This past semester has been pure insanity. I have never had to pull so many all-nighters throughout ONE semester before. It was the craziness of finals week or the last couple weeks when everything is due--but EVERYDAY!!! When you start threatening to quit school on day 8 of attendance..it's not really a good sign. :/

Well, the semester is wrapping up, which means Lindsey will be on the loose again! Creating crafts and joy wherever she goes! I have a list of things I need to create...and destroy, unfortunately...which made me think sharing my winter break with you would be oh-so fun! I enjoy writing and amusing others :)

I do have my first final of the fall semester in 2 hours, and have yet to look over any of the material (my toes desperately needed to be painted...and I had to figure out my gmail and blogger account info!! It was a mystery that needed to be put to rest already!)...so I must go and prepare for my science final.

I am soooo thrilled to be back in the saddle and able to write again! Oh how I've missed it! I already have so many funny things/quirks of mine to share! heehee..but until next time, Friend--have a wonderful, beautiful and bright day! :)

Lotsa Love,
Linds

CrAzY tOwN

Pictures: (Top) Going down the driveway (walking Trip, the cute Border Collie who's my buddy); (Bottom) A Shell gas station near work--FULL SERVICE..if you'll notice, some guy is checking all the fluids in the car and pumping their gas for them! I havent' seen full service at a gas station in a really long time!!! :)


Dear Friend,

Today was a very productive day work wise. I've decided it's time to spill the beans about my trip already!

So I am in Nashville for a job I got through my friend, Kaitlin. I'm staying up here the month of June to help with the summer institute, or conference, for a company called Math Recovery. Basically it's like a continuing ed. or professional course to help teachers with strategies for teaching math. Really cool stuff, and I'm only beginning to learn all about it now, so it's sort of like an internship because I'm learning all about the stuff, and then I get to help with the actual conferences and things so it's going to be quite fun and interesting!!

I have now completed my second day of work. Things went smoothly today, I did get lost a couple of times on my way back to the office from running errands to Home Depot and Wal-Mart, but thankfully I found my way!

It started raining last night and didn't finish until this evening. The road we are living off of is very steep and so the wet ground makes it a little tricky! Kaitlin did slip this morning, but she was okay. There is the "main road" and then you turn up that main road and go up about 4 hills then go up a super steep hill, and the house we are staying at is up there. We can't drive any further than the "main road" because a landslide occurred during the flood and half the road is missing to make it to the hill the house is on. So everyone parks on the side of the mountain down at the "main road" and then we walk. It's exhausting, but I think my legs will be in great shape by the end of this month--so that's a def. plus!!

I have a funny story to share about our walk home after work yesterday. We were a couple minutes into it and i heard a bug fly into my hair near my forehead on the left side, and I started screaming and over reacted and next thing I knew I had smacked my head silly--but instead of the soft part o my hand hitting my head--my knuckle hit my forehead a little too vigorously, and I didn't know whether to cry from the pain or laugh at my utter ridiculousness..so I laughed. LOL..now I have a lump on my forehead, and will soon have a lovely green/blue bruise popping up soon. It hurts so stinkin bad!!! Haha!!!

People are so nice here...I can't get over it!!!! I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! People just smile or wave to be nice!!! Today at Publix, I thought the jumbo bags of KitKats were buy one, get one free..and when the guy rang them up they didn't ring up that way, so I told him that I just wanted one bag if they weren't BOGO...and he was like "oh okay, well maybe there was some mistake, I'll just take one off" so he voided out one of the bags--but still gave it to me!!!! Amazing...

Tomorrow I am going to work, and then after work we are going to the CMA Music Fest!!!! I think we are seeing Jason Aldean, Alan Jackson, Tim McGraw, Carrie Underwood...and someone else I believe, but I don't have the schedule memorized. We are going opening night, and then closing night (Sunday)!!!! Soooooo exciting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well Friend, I hope you had a lovely day, and found a little piece of sunshine that made you smile :) I will hopefully be able to share my stories of the road trip to Nashville soon. Maybe I'll write about it during my lunch break tomorrow since I will be taking my lunch to work with me! :) Goodnight dear Friend, I hope you sleep very peacefully. :)

Lotsa Love,
Linds

"Crazy Town" by: Jason Aldean...listen to it, love it, think of me--because that's where I am!! In this crazy town full of neon dreams!! :)