Post Secret-FINALLY!!

No, I'm not awake this early so that I could check out the new secrets that are posted every Sunday. I just tend to suffer from insomnia when home alone... However, I almost jumped up and down and screamed when I read it. One of the MANY secrets I've sent in has been posted online! No, I won't be pointing out which one; it is a secret after all...but being all alone at home and it being 7 something on a Sunday morning I couldn't really tell anyone in person, so I'm telling you, all of cyberspace! If you do know me personally, and send me an e-mail with the correct guess; I might tell you...but I might not.

Who knew???

I had no idea that a couple of hours at the batting cage, and the driving range could have such a big impact on some of my rarely noticed muscles. We went to the Family Rec Park in Boonsboro yesterday. It was as hot as I imagine it would be if you stood on the sun, but it was still a lot of fun; driving back in the Jeep with only the bikini top helped to cool us down, and is fun in it's own right, in my opinion. We got 7 tokens for the batting cages for $12 and equalled 140 balls to swing at between the 2 of us, and then $6.50 for my medium basket of golf balls, and $8.00 for C's large basket and those baskets really do hold a lot. I'm guessing we spent at least an hour at the range. So, for under $30.00, we got some exercise, sun and fresh air, had fun, and spent some very needed time together that didn't involve talking about our relationship, and wasn't spent cooped up inside our house. All in all, a great decision even if I'm very sore, and am having real difficulty typing this all out since my forearm muscles are so tight...

WOW

I love this house:

http://www.lostrivermodern.com/about.aspx

I will be adding this to my list of places to go. It's in West Virginia so it's practically next door!

Election/Candidate Info

Google has a new Elections Gadget that you can add to your iGoogle home page; for up to date news, blogs, maps, videos, photos, and more on all of the 2008 election candidates.
I know in the past, one of my biggest complaints/issue about election time was finding general information about each candidate, where they stood on issues that were important to me, and knowing if the info we did find was from a reliable source. Having this all compiled in one place is very helpful, and I wish someone had thought of this a long time ago (maybe they had but I didn't know about it). I have voted in every election since my 18th year, and I consider it a right, a duty, and a privilege to live in a country where I have a voice and a hand in electing our political leaders. I don't really think a lot of Americans, especially younger people, and women, fully appreciate how lucky we are to have this right, and as a result; power. By just the random genetic lottery I was born in this country, but there are many places in this world where this right isn't made available for everyone, and where it's definitely not as simple as walking in, giving your name, and selecting your choices without fear, intimidation, or even risk of bodily harm. While I am not and have never been the type who eats, breaths, and lives politics, I do try to keep myself informed. Some years, I read and learn more than others, but again the fact that how involved I do or do not become is totally and 100% my choice; and is something I am extremely thankful for. Just something to think about, and a neat and convenient tool you might want to check out.
I can hear the conspiracy theorists already squirming around... Wondering who I or Google are linked with, and in whose special interest we're providing this info for... ;0)

My daily advice from the "Higher Powers"

I REALLY only read these things for entertainment, and while I'm not so arrogant that I can say with absolute certainty that things like, psychics, ghosts, God, etc...don't exist but I'm pretty certain that the daily horoscopes and tarot card readings that you can sign up for online, and pop up in your e-mail are the most reliable source for this type of info. That being said, lately I've been very surprised at how accurate some of the topics and specific messages have been in relation the things that are happening in my life....

Here is your Chinese Daily Rabbit Horoscope for Wednesday, July 16:
"Focus on your home life today, and you will be rewarded. This is a day of new beginnings. It could be a birth or marriage in your family. Embrace it today and feel the positive energy flow through you. Try to spend as much time as possible with this new family member, and you'll be surprised at how rewarding it will be for you."

-AND-

Dear Michelle,Here is your couple's love horoscope for Wednesday, July 16: "A misunderstanding with your sweetheart today could have comic results. Try to be extra clear when you're speaking to them, or prepare yourself for the makings of a hilarious anecdote you'll be repeating for years."

While my sweetheart and I most definitely had a few misunderstandings in the past 24 hours, they were absolutely NOT comical. Thankfully, I think we were able to get those misunderstandings cleared up. I do still worry a little about the whole misunderstanding thing and assumptions. I really wonder how many times my words or actions have been totally misunderstood but never brought to my attention? I have a tendency to get flustered and have a hard time verbally expressing myself, especially when it's about something emotional, or upsetting. I also have a fairly odd sense of humor that can be very dry and sarcastic. I know people who said that when they first met me they thought I was a bitch because of it. With most people (mainly the ones who aren't in my very close circle) I try to pay more attention to what and how I say certain things. With the people who I'm very close to, I don't monitor myself as much. Due to some recent events and things that I've been made aware of, it really worries me that the most important person in my life, has quite possibly misunderstood a LOT of things over a very long time period, and I didn't really have a clue. I can only imagine if that's true, that over time they probably assumed that I had many more negative feelings and thoughts towards them than I actually do, and over time they have formed some negative feelings towards me and about my personality that I was oblivious to, and didn't have much control over. Add that to the frequent often incorrect assumptions about my views and expected reactions to certain things, people, events, and values just makes me totally ill.

If our relationship becomes permanently harmed because of something that I really had no control over, and from inaccurate assumptions and wrong interpretations that would quite possibly be one of the most tragic things I could ever imagine. I wonder what this person really thinks in regards to how I feel about them? If they thought I was frequently being bitchy, and pissed off at them all of the time then they are totally wrong. Maybe this will help them and me to understand why I've been so confused lately, and so caught off guard by recent events. Truth be told, it was VERY RARE that this person ever made me angry, or did/said things that pissed me off. I always enjoyed their company, talking to them, basically doing everything with them. That wouldn't have been the case if I was pissed all of the time. This does explain a little bit though, why this person always said that we argued and didn't get along, a LOT and on a frequent cycle. I've always disagreed with that assessment, and was baffled at the frequency in which they said this occurred. I wonder how many times I was just totally blind and under the impression that everything was just peachy keen, while they were angry/hurt and just privately stewing and not saying anything in order to avoid further confrontation? Oy, all of this is making me head spin, and I pray that this person will see how many things have been misunderstood and interpreted and assumed incorrectly... I'm just going to have to say an extra prayer today and hope we can learn to communicate our feelings and thoughts to each other accurately, and before any permanent damage is done.

Ugghhh...

My 33rd birthday is in 11 days and I typically get excited about my birthday, but this year I'm dreading it. I only want 1 thing and I'm pretty sure I won't be getting it so I'm already bummed. Oy, this sucks.

I'm SORRY!!!

That I haven't written anything for a while... I'm going to make a conscience effort to write something every day, even if it's just a link.

This link is to a blog that I read almost daily. She is celebrating 31 years of marriage and has written a really good piece on how to stay happily married. I agree with virtually every thing she wrote, but I have 1 more thing to add to her list.
#11 Every day will not be like your honeymoon. All relationships, (yes even marriages) have their ups and downs. Typically those ups and downs are only for a day or two, but they can last longer; weeks, months, etc... as long as the couple is committed to their commitment ;0) they can work through anything. You just have to remember that marriage isn't a Disney production, but it can be totally rewarding and fulfilling when 2 people connect, love and respect one another and are working towards the same goal(s) together as a team.

http://voodoonotes.blogspot.com/2008/06/how-to-stay-happily-married.html

That's all for now, folks.