Challenge - Day 16

Post a picture of someone who inspires you.

Hmm. This is a toughy. Am I not inspired? Am I not EASILY inspired? You know, this is kind of tough to admit, but I don't think I'm really inspired by anyone. That's not to say I'm negative or that I see the world in a negative way. I think I'm just independent. My motivation and enthusiasm seems to come from within.

As my husband just said, in helping me with this post, I did get inspired by Hillary Clinton's run for presidency. Not necessarily because of her politics, but because of her position as a female. First woman "could be" president.

I'm not inspired by humanitarian efforts. Sorry, Angelina. My dear hubby inspires me, but I'm trying to limit his appearance in this photo challenge. I am inspired by my friends (and acquaintances) who seem to have it all together.

But I think I'll go with that initial, potential female president vibe. Especially since it moved me at the time. (And sorry, Geraldine & Sarah, "could be" VEEP just doesn't cut it for me. I guess I'm a political, feminist snob. :))

Oh, and I met Hillary back in 1991. I just dug out that picture. (All Arkansas high school valedictorian's were invited to the governor's mansion and had their picture taken with Bill (& Hillary). No making fun of my hair, understand!!! It was Arkansas in the early 90s, and I was growing it out. :)

Challenge - Day 15 (part 2)

Post a picture of something ELSE you want to do before you die.

I couldn't resist this picture.

Here's something else I want to do before I die. I want to grow old, and I want to have grandchildren. I have images of me on the front porch COVERED IN GRANDBABIES (think Steel Magnolias southern drawl there). (And, no, I will not be churning butter like this lady.)

Challenge - Day 15

Post a picture of something you want to do before you die.

If you've seen Couples Retreat, first, I'm sorry. Second, did you check out the view and hotel accomodations? I want to go to the South Pacific before I die. Yes, it's a 100-hour flight ... each way. (OK, I'm exaggerating.) But it's still a hell of a long ways away. But the idea of that clear water; the villa directly over the water; the glass floorboards to watch the fish swim by. Ah, paradise.

Challenge - Day 14

Post a picture of someone you could never imagine your life without.

I should post a picture of Ben, but most of you would guess him as the obvious answer to this question, and he's already made an appearance in this photo challenge. Instead, I'm putting up a picture of me and my beautiful mom. It was taken the weekend celebrating her 60th birthday in Las Vegas.

I love you, Mom.

Challenge – Day 13

Post a picture of your favorite band or artist.

This was fairly easy to decide on, but I’m still thinking if I chose the RIGHT one. I am, however, stuck in the early 90s, musically speaking.

My favorite band: Red Hot Chili Peppers. This is their album Blood Sugar Sex Magik. It was released in 1991, my freshman year at UT.

Challenge - Day 12

Post a picture of your favorite memory.

I don't have the exact picture I wanted to post. But this one is close enough. My favorite memory is high school graduation. (And this was our senior t-shirt.)

Yes, I've graduated from college. I've gotten married. I've birthed babies. I've travelled internationally. But my favorite memory continues to be high school graduation.

I'm not sure exactly why that memory was never overtaken by my wedding or the arrival of each of my 3 boys. But it hasn't. It's just the memory that I have of being the happiest.

Don't get me wrong. It's not that I wasn't happy during the other occasions, but I think the nerves during those times pushed aside some of their joy. Or maybe it was because graduation was a culmination without any stress. After all, I'd already been accepted to college. After college graduation, I had the stress of an upcoming wedding, a still-a-student fiance, his graduation, and the probability of moving, out of state nonetheless. Whereas after our wedding, life on our own and it's pressures were attached to it. Then with each baby came the fear that I was responsible for a human being's life, every day, rain or shine.

So as is classic to many movies, those carefree high school days that seemed so BIG at the time were really easy and fun in retrospect. And graduation was the ultimate goal. At least that's what I think. (I think.)

Challenge - Day 11

Post a picture of something you hate.

Well, now, that just sounds negative. Especially in light of all the personal stuff I've opened up about lately. But I do have one thing that gives me the heebie jeebies.

From grass snakes to copperheads, snakes freak me out. I mean, I won't even go through the reptile house at the zoo. To quote a movie that I'm sure you can all guess: "Snakes. Why'd it have to be snakes?"