My Weekend in Photo

I spent the entire weekend organizing my house and rearranging the furniture in my bedroom.  Good times!!  Below is a doorway view of the "new" bedroom.



Griffin

Wednesday I had the opportunity to hang out with my nephew Griffen.  He is a total crack up!!  He is 21 months old and I have never met a kid so full of life.  He is also quite the poser.  Enjoy the photos!

The sofa fort.  Where do they learn these things??

I was doing something in the kitchen and wanted something to distract him.  I put Barney on he just was transfixed.  Thank you Barney! 

Come on, how cute is that face?!?!

He thought he was big.  He stole my soda and instead of in his mouth it ended up all over him.  He thought he was hilarious!

Mom and Dad finally got home with baby Emma and G thought it was his personal duty to feed her.

He's gonna be such a good big brother!

As much as I would love to have kids of my own I love being an aunt.  I have the cutest nieces and nephews!! Plus, at the end of the day I get to leave them with their parents.  Win-Win!!

Saturday's Songs-Cindy's Hot 100

CINDY’S HOT 100

***songs that I play over and over**

1. Hot in Herre-Nelly
2. True Companion-Marc Cohn
3. Tied Together with a Smile-Taylor Smith
4. Need You Now-Lady Antebellum
5. Love Don’t Live Here-Lady A
6. Crazy Ex-Girlfriend-Miranda Lambert
7. I’m Not That Girl-Idina Menzel
8. Suds in the Bucket-Sarah Evans
9. Ride Wit Me-Nelly
10. Chicken Fried-Zac Brown Band
11. Lost in This Moment-Big and Rich
12. I Gotta Feeling-Black Eyed Peas
13. When You Say Nothing at All-Alison Krauss
14. Sk8er Boi-Avril Lavigne
15. Goodbye Says It All-Blackhawk
16. Almost a Memory Now-Blackhawk
17. Postmarked Birmingham-Blackhawk
18. Whiskey Lullaby-Brad Paisley & Alison Krauss
19. Last Name-Carrie Underwood
20. Mama’s Song-Carrie Underwood
21. Cowboy Casanova-Carrie Underwood
22. Love Me-Colin Raye
23. Finding a Good Man-Danielle Peck
24. Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It-Darius Rucker
25. History In the Making-Darius Rucker
26. Alright-Darius Rucker
27. This-Darius Rucker
28. Someone To Watch Over Me-Ella Fitzgerald
29. We’re Going to be Friends-Jack Johnson
30. I Walk the Line-Johnny Cash
31. Ring of Fire-Johnny Cash
32. Your Man-Josh Turner
33. You’ll Think of Me-Keith Urban
34. Picture-Kid Rock & Cheryl Crowe
35. I Run to You-Lady A
36. I Wanna Fall in Love-Lila McCann
37. Almost Over You-Lila McCann
38. Hangin’ Tough-New Kids on the Block
39. We are the Champions-Queen
40. Bless the Broken Road-Rascal Flatts
41. Why Don’t You and I-Santana & Alex Band
42. Something More-Sugarland
43. Fifteen-Taylor Swift
44. You Belong with Me-Taylor Swift
45. Back to December-Taylor Swift
46. Leave the Pieces-The Wreckers
47. Highway 20 Ride-Zac Brown Band
48. Whatever It Is-Zac Brown Band
49. Loser-3 Doors Down
50. Fergalicious-Fergie
51. The Sign-Ace of Base
52. All I want Is You-Barry Louis Polisar
53. Anyone Else But You-The Moldy Peaches
54. The Way You Look Tonight-Tony Bennett
55. If You Wanna be Happy-Jimmy Say
56. Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow-Willie Nelson & Carol King
57. The 3 R’s-Jack Johnson
58. No Good Deed-Idina Menzel
59. For Good-Idina Menzel & Kristin Chenoweth
60. Home-Michael Buble
61. Little White Church-Little Big Town
62. Colder Weather-Zac Brown Band
63. What Do You Want-Jerrod Niemann
64. Forget You-Ceelo Green
65. Little Bit Stronger-Sarah Evans
66. Someone Else Calling You Baby-Luke Bryan
67. Bubbly-Colbie Caillat
68. Lover Lover-Jerrod Niemann
69. You Lie-The Band Perry
70. If I Die Young-The Band Perry
71. Where Do I Go From You-Clay Walker
72. Don’t You Wanna Stay-Jason Aldean & Kelly Clarkson
73. Let Me Down Easy-Billy Currington
74. Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not-Thompson Square
75. The House that Built Me-Miranda Lambert
76. White Liar-Miranda Lambert
77. God Bless the USA-Lee Greenwood
78. Free-Zac Brown Band
79. Hello World-Lady A
80. The Time (Dirty Bit)-Black Eyed Peas
81. Girls Just Wanna Have Fun-Cyndi Lauper
82. The Way You Look Tonight-Frank Sinatra
83. What A Wonderful World-Louis Armstrong
84. I Will Survive-Gloria Gaynor
85. California Gurls-Katy Perry
86. Teenage Dream-Katy Perry
87. I Do-Colbie Caillat
88. How Sweet It Is-James Taylor
89. I Need a Hero-Bonnie Tyler
90. Losing My Religion-R.E.M.
91. November Rain-Guns N’ Roses
92. Every Rose Has Its Thorn-Poison
93. Respect-Aretha Franklin
94. Free Fallin-Tom Petty
95. Last Kiss-Pearl Jam
96. Light My Fire-The Doors
97. Pretty Woman-Roy Orbison
98. Sweet Home Alabama-Lynyrd Skynyrd
99. Ocean Avenue-Yellowcard
And Finally…Number 100
Never There-Cake

**Just a note...My favorites are ALWAYS changing but these are the ones that are currently getting a lot of play.  Let me know if there are any that you love that I didn't include.  I am always looking for good music!

Freedom Friday!- A Little Bit Stronger

I heard this song today and it felt as if the lyrics came straight from my heart.  Today is dedicated to anyone who has ever had their heart broken and had to pick up the pieces.

What kind of woman am I?

I have been thinking about the answer to this question a lot lately.  What kind of woman am I and more importantly, am I the kind of woman that I want to be?  I want to be a kind, compassionate woman who embraces life to the fullest.  I aim to live in the moment and not plan the next step at the expense of the here and now.  Am I that kind of woman?  Not quite.  I do think I am kind and I certainly do have a great capacity for compassion.  Ironically, I am an extremely emotional woman but find myself lacking the ability to handle the emotions of others.  I am a rule follow who is trying to find her way out of the role she has been cast in since childhood.  I am a people pleaser who is often taken advantage of and I am slowly learning to stand up for myself.  I am proud of the woman I am becoming and am excited to see what the future holds for me.  The best part of being human is our ability to create whatever we want out of our life and I for one want to be the woman I first described.  I want to be remembered as a kind woman who wasn't afraid to take a chance.

In that vein, March 1st I will reveal my list of 101 goals to be accomplished in 1001 days.  These goals are aimed at molding me into the kind of woman I want to be.

*** There are still a few spots open on my goal list so if you have any suggestions please feel free to pass them along.  Those of you who know me are probably more aware than I am of some of my shortcomings and could certainly offer some valuable advice in becoming a better person. 

Gratitude

Those who know me personally are well aware that I am seldom without words but today something is different.  There are so many things roaming around in my brain right now that I am finding it extremely difficult to form one complete thought.  That being said today post is one of simple gratitude.  I often complain about my life but I really am truly blessed.  I am surrounded by loving family and friends and my health is steadily improving..  Life is good!!

Tuesday's 10 Guilty Pleasures

Please do not think less of me...

1. General Hospital

2.  The Bachelor

3.  Romance Novels

4.  Glamour Magazine

5.  Masterpiece Classic and BBC

6.  Coke Zero

7.  Going to the movies

8.  Popcorn

9.  Texting instead of talking

10.  90210

Baby Emma Grames

Baby Emma was born this morning at 7:53am.  She weighed in at 7lbs 12oz and is 21 inches long.  She has gorgeous black hair and long fingers and toes.  She is beautiful!!



Music Monday



This song is dedicated to my sister-in-law Abbey who is giving birth to my new niece Emma today. I can't wait to meet her and watch her grown up!!

And finally...Day 31!!

A PICTURE OF YOURSELF 

Beautiful Bridget and myself in Mount Kisco, NY.  I was her nanny when she was 8.  She is a growing into a gorgeous young woman.  Makes me feel old!!

Me on the Central Park Merry-Go-Round.  One of my favorite things to do in NYC.

**Of course, I took pictures of myself today and conveniently forgot my camera in my parent's car.  Nice!! This challenge was a lot of fun but I would be lying if I said I was sad it was ending.  I am looking forward to something new!!  Tune in tomorrow and see what new adventure is around the corner.

Grammy Awards 2011 Cee Lo Green G.Paltrow Forget You

This song makes me want to get up and dance. I was just playing it for Sophia and she told me "This song is NOT for me." She cracks me up!!

I may be biased....

But come on, how cute is this baby?!?!?!



Day 30

A picture of someone you miss

For this one I picked two people.  We lost my Grandpa and Grandma Jensen in early 2006.  I love them both very much and miss being able to pick up the phone and talk to Grandma or finding one of her great letters in my mailbox.  I can't wait to see them again!!

Day 29

A picture that can always make you smile

So this is a new photo but come on, how cute is this baby??  You have to smile at that face!!

Day 28

A picture of something you're afraid of

I am terrified of making decisions!!

Also, this movie scares me to death and it is only rated G. 

Day 27

A picture of yourself and a family member

February 1977.  This is me at a couple days old being held by my cousin Jeffrey who was 4 months old.

Day 26

A picture of something that means a lot to you

My family circa 1984.  I am the adorable 7 year old in the cute blue dress!!

Lady Antebellum - Need You Now

Not very romantic but it seems perfect for my Valentine's Day! I love Lady A!!! Glad they did so well at the Grammy's last night. They deserve all the success in the world PLUS they were dressed like normal people.

Day 25

A picture of your day

I am spending my afternoon hanging with my niece Sophia.  She has Pink Eye and she is not a happy camper!!

Day 24

A picture of something you wish you could change

Maybe not what they meant by something I'd like to change but I seriously would love to be able to change a flat tire and any number of other car maintenance issues.

Day 23

A picture of your favorite book

Birthday Wishes for my Fantastic Father and Stupendous Sister!!!

                           May you always be ready for your photo op!!

Hope you have a beachy keen day!!!

We love you both very much!!



Day 22

A picture of something you wish you were better at

There are quite a few things that I wish I was better at but cake decorating is definately high on the list.  My beautiful sister (check out her blog) and I decorated this cake for my brother's wedding.  It was our first attempt at a wedding cake and it turned out pretty darn good if I do say so myself but it could totally be better.  New life goal...be a more proficient, confident cake decorator!!

Day 21

A picture of something you wish you could forget

**I think I am getting closer!!

Friendship-Applications being taken



I read a book last night by Steve Harvey entitled Straight Talk, No Chaser.  Yes, I have become a reader of the self help book.  It is past time for me to put the pride aside and admit I need help.  Reading this book made me realize that my friendship standard is super low.  I am definitely a giver and I now know that some of the people whom I have considered "good friends" have been nothing more than takers.  Looking back I am amazed that I have been so willingly taken advantage of.  The biggest thing I am taking away from this revelation is that I don't have to apologize for expecting equality in friendship.So...what am I going to do to change this behavior???  I am looking for new friends. 

Let me tell you a little bit about myself as a friend to see if maybe we are compatible.  I am a a FANTASTIC friend!!  I am willing to do anything for a friend and am looking for friends who will be there for ME.  Now that being said, I am not a needy person in general.  Sure, I do have my needy moments but I am pretty sure we all do and I don't want to be involved with people who can't acknowledge that fact.  I am a homebody by nature and love to hang out with friends in small groups rather than in large crowds.  Truth be told I am a great friend!!  Be warned though, I am no longer a pushover.   I am not lookng for friends who only have time for me when they are in need and throw me over when I am the one who could use the support. 

This is not a joke.  I really am looking for new friends.  Please contact me and lets get to know each other!!

Day 20

A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel

Edinburgh, Scotland

I have been to Scotland before but it truly is one of my most favorite places on earth.  Next time I go I would really like to take a boy with me.  It is a very romantic county

Day 19

I'm kinda digging the facial hair

A picture and a letter

I am so tempted to just take a picture of a letter in the alphabet and call it good.  That seems like such an easier task than deciding what kind of letter to write and to whom I should address it? I have been thinking about this one for a couple of days and believe me the topics have gone from the serious to the insane but after reading my Glamour magazine today the perfect addressee became clear.  So...

Dear Dan (I am referring to Dan Abrams here but it seems too formal to include your last name when I generally only write letters to those whom I am familiar),

Because this is the first letter I have ever written to you I should warn you that I have a hard time getting to the point quickly and as a result can run on for quite sometime.  That being said, I happen to think that I have some worthwhile things to say so I hope you take the time to wade through the muck.

I have always been intrigued by the man who appears on NBC as their legal analyst.  You are a smart, articulate man who is good at his job but I have always been a little confused as to why an intelligent person would rather appear on TV than put his education to use in seemingly "more important" ways . (I am also kind of opinionated but can be swayed under the right conditions)  I decided to write you this letter after reading an article you wrote in the March 2011 issue of Glamour and subsequently watching an episode of The Bachelor.  I find it reassuring to know that there are still a few intelligent single men left in this country and no, I am not talking about Brad "The Bachelor."  Certainly, the subject matter was attractive to me as a woman but it really is more than that.  I realized after reading the short bio at the end of the article and checking out some of your online bios that you are actually a man of substance.  You are more than just the "On Air Talent."  Go you!!  I find it a little shocking that you are still single but then I don't really know you, do I?  You could be the world's biggest jerk for all I know but I give you credit for projecting the image of someone I would like to have a conversation with.

Now, don't worry, I am not a stalker and I am fully aware that we have not actually met nor are you likely to actually READ this letter. I simply found you intriguing today and you seemed like a good person to write a letter too.  Best of luck on your continued career path.  You truly seem to deserve all the good fortune that comes your way.

Cindy



First Day

Today is my first day back in the work place after nearly 2 years and I am starting to get a little nervous.  I know I can do the job with no problems but I am a bit worried that my brain has atrophied after all that time.  Wish me luck!!

Day 18

A picture of your biggest insecurity

It is not so much the idea of never getting married that brings about the feelings of insecurity.  It is the fear of growing old alone and having others feel obligated to care for me.

Day 17

A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently

Sadly, the most important decisions I have made recently have been via the cell phone, more specifically the text function of my cell phone.

Cake Crystals Giveaway!!!!

Head on over to my sisters blog and enter to win these super nifty Cake Crystals.  Annie and Sophia made me some beautiful cupcakes for my birthday and topped them off with these edible gems.  Thanks girls!!!



The giveaway ends next Wednesday February 9th so head over now!!

Day 16

 A picture of someone who inspires you

**Wow, this is a really hard one.  I could probably pretty much put a picture of anyone who crosses my path here.  I find inspiration in so many different places.  So, since I couldn't decide on just one person I put a few of my top favorites.  I probably have left someone important off this list so I will apologize right now. :)  Enjoy!!

 

Jesus Christ

 

Joseph Smith





Sophia




Cinderella



                                       



Griffin



My Mother

  

Mindy





My fantastic sister!!





Gregory (I love this picture!!)





Day 15

A picture of something you want to do before you die

 

I didn't know quite how to put into pictures this desire but before I die I want to visit every MLB park.

Shout out to the Danish!! (People not the breakfast pastry!)

I was just checking out my blog stats and it would seem that I have a few loyal readers in Denmark.  Awesome!  My ancestors are originally from Denmark.  It is one of the few European countries that I haven't been to that I would love to visit.  If you are one of my Danish readers I would love to hear from you.  Send me an email!!

***truthfully I love chatting with all my readers so feel free to drop me a line and let me know what you are thinking.

DAY 14

A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without

If there is anything I have learned in the past week or so it is that the only person I really can't live without is myself.  Losing certain people is painful and at times can make life seem not worth living but ultimately we have to pick ourselves up and live again.  The key is to be thankful that we had them in our life for whatever amount of time we were allotted and live our life acknowledging the impact they had upon it.

In that vein I would like to share with you a song from one of my favorite Broadway shows.  This song is entitled "For Good" and talks about the impact we can have on each others lives.  I know I have shared a lot of music lately but I find I can often express my emotions far better through song.  Thank you for indulging me.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!

It's my birthday!!  Happy 34th to me!!

February 2, 1977

Cindy 1977

Age 3 1/2

Age 8 and the beginning of the awkward ages

Age 3

In 2009 hiking to the top of Notre Dame



Life is good!!  I am happy to be turning 34.  I am confident that good things are coming my way.  I am the only one standing in my way!!