Perception and Thankfulness

Is the glass half full or half empty?

It all has to do with perception.

I'm learning that how I look at things can make a big difference in my level of happiness. Does that mean that I'm aging? Like a fine wine, I hope!!

I'm thankful I have to pay taxes.

It means I have a job.

I'm thankful I have to get up at 5:45 am Monday through Friday.

It means I have a job and can provide insurance for my family.

I'm thankful I have to fight my grey hair and color it every 6 weeks.

It means my hair isn't falling out.

I'm thankful I have to worry about my bank account.

It means that my daughter is going to college and continuing her education.

I'm thankful for my over $300 electricity bill in August.

It means we were able to stay cool during the weeks of 100+ degree weather in Texas.

I'm thankful for the mounds of laundry I have to do each week.

It means I have plenty of choices to clothe myself.

I'm thankful for muddy paw prints in my house on a rainy day.

It means I have my sweet scottie, Pippen, to make me smile every day.

Is a dandelion a weed or a flower? It's all in your perception.

Finding time to quiet my mind and center my thoughts this week was priceless. Even if the only quiet time is driving home from work, it's made a difference in how I get through some pretty stressful days. I've already had to suspend a second grader and we've only been in school for 4 weeks. The long hours aren't helping either. Just have to put it into the proper perspective.......half full? half empty?
~Allie

23 years ago today..........

I married my soul mate, my one true love. Happy Anniversary, Patrick. Here's to many more wonderful years together.

Hopefully we'll be as blessed as my mom and dad who've been together for more than 50 years.

I love this picture of me and my dad. That penny in my shoe has brought us good luck so far!

I love you, Patrick.

~Allison

Things that make me smile............

No school for 3 days......time to play on the computer!

Hope you're enjoying your Labor Day weekend, too!

~Allie

Question..........

How does one go about living a creative life in the chaos of every day life?
~Allie

And it starts again....................

The beginning of another school year starts tomorrow. We had Howdy Night this past Friday night, cooking hot dog dinners for everyone who joined PTA (even though it was over 100 degrees!), teachers meeting their students, school supplies being purchased and brought to the classroom, laughing, and just trying to enjoy the fact that school starts on Monday. I feel just like one of the kids.....have my first day of school outfit picked out, ironed, and hanging on the back of the closet door. Hopefully I'll sleep tonight! Do you remember those back-to-school jitters?

~Allie

(and no.....that's not me in the dancing dolphin get-up. It's one of my teachers who has more energy than the energizer bunny!!!)

The tastes of summer..........

It may be the 3rd week for me to be back at school, but I can still drift off into "memory land" and taste all of the flavors of our New Orleans summer vacation...........

Boiled crawfish and shrimp.
The best shrimp po-boys ever!

A bowl of gumbo. The roux is the perfect carmel brown color.

Don't forget the hot sauce, cher!!

And a little piece of fudge to end the day!

It don't get any betta' than this, y'all!!

~Allie

The Dog Days of Summer

Summer in Texas is always HOT! This year is no exception with 100+ degrees hitting the thermometer every day. And poor Prince Pippen just loves being outside, even with all that fur!

While at my parents house at the lake, we are outside alot and Pippen kept trying to "swim" in his water bowl. We didn't have a doggie pool for him so the next closest thing we could find for him was a roasting pan. He LOVED it!!

He became our summer "roasting turkey". He was SO happy with his "pool" that on a a return visit this summer, he knew exactly what to do when he got hot. Momma's got to buy him a swimming pool next year.

You just gotta love him!!

~Allie