time. to. get. real.

{this post is coming straight from my heart & head - it is what is on my mind today}

{disclaimer:  there may derogatory statements and plenty of negativity in this post - i do not usually include this in my posts, but today is all about being real, not full of fluff}

*time. to. get. real.*

the tears won't stop flowing

it's like a river is exploding

i can't keep my thoughts away

they keep causing me disarray

i wish i could turn off my brain

i'm going to go insane

i'm in so much pain

and i can't stop the rain

when is enough, enough

time is up for the fluff

the pain won't wash away

can't wait for a better day

when will i smile again

please lend me a helping hand

everyone is so full of hate

i guess you can't change your own fate

what do you do when no one cares about you

what do you do when no one notices how much you do

i'm getting so sick of this

i need to make a wish

i want to disappear

get as far as i can away from here

start a brand new life

without all the stress and the strife

i'm ready to end it all

the chips are about to fall

i need the tables to turn

when will i ever learn

i have to make my own way

there will be a brighter day

time to do my own thing

i'm going dancing in this rain

{if you actually read through all of that, thank you for taking the time to listen to my rant - i appreciate all of my readers and followers, and i will get back to posting as usual as soon as i can}

Football :)

The official start to the NFL season is tonight!

YAY!

I cannot wait to start watching the football games.

I especially love that football is here because it means that fall is soon coming!

So, tonight I will be watching the Saints at Packers, enjoying every minute of it!

For all my fellow NFL lovers - you can find the complete NFL season schedule here!

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Oh, and I cannot wait to try this when I have some friends over to watch football!

What I'm Loving Wednesday!

Today, I am linking up with Jamie, @ This Kind of Love, for What I'm Loving Wednesday!

I'm loving...

...the cooler weather & 70 degree temperatures!

...that I can drive with the windows down now (& not sweat like a crazed person)!

...that I have one week left in this class, and I get to start a new one.

...that fall is right around the corner - yay!

...that my birthday is in less than a month!

...that it is Wednesday already - halfway through the week!

What are you loving today?

My Camera Broke! :(

My. Camera. Broke.

It sucks!  Well, it is not actually broken.

It will take pictures, if I can get the batteries to stay in it!

Ha ha!

So, I pulled my camera out of my purse, and then took it out of it's carrying case, only to have the batteries fall out of it.

Yea, the door that holds the batteries in decided to break!  So, now I will need to tape it up or use a rubberband or something. :(

And, I need to buy batteries, too! :)

On better notes, I have read two more books, just have to write my posts about them now.  And, I only have one week left in this class, and I start a new one! Yay!

It's OK Thursday!

Today, I am linking up with Amber, from Brunch with Amber.

It's OK....

.....that I went to my brother's grave today to wish him a happy birthday.

....that even though my brother is gone, I miss him like crazy and still cry every now and then when I think of him.

....that I am so not feeling school right now (I love the information, just can't get into the classes for some reason).

....that I have not worked out in forever and I eat my weight in food (slight exaggeration, but I haven't gained any weight, so yay!).

....that I cannot wait for fall because it is too hot.

....that I am enjoying my free time right now (even though I am unemployed and really need a job)!

....that I want to please everybody & I have a really hard time saying "NO".

....that I want more readers & followers!

What is OK with you?



Happy Birthday James!

September 1, 1983

A beautiful baby boy was born!

He was perfect.

He still is perfect.

His name is James Bradley Yow!

He is my brother.

Today is his 28th birthday.

Or, it would be.

But, he is no longer living on Earth.

He is now living in Heaven.

Even though he is no longer with us on Earth,

I still wanted to wish him a Happy Birthday!

*I do not have a pic on my computer of my brother as of this moment, so I will be adding it later, or it will be added to the post on September 18, 2011 about the 15th anniversary of his death.  Or, both!*

Top Ten Tuesday - 10 reasons I love fall!

So, I was going to write a post today about this cooler weather and how it is making me anticipate fall's arrival, and I still kinda am!

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I found a link-up for Top Ten Tuesday on Amanda's blog, Oh Amanda, so my post will be the Top Ten Reasons why I love fall!

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1. Cooler weather - I love summer, swimming, tanning, and all, but fall is my season.  I believe the weather is perfect, with the sun shining and a breeze blowing.

2. Cuter clothes - I don't know about you, but I love me some fall clothes.  And the accessories you can pair with them!  From scarves to hats to coats to purses to shoes & boots to jewelry, I love it all! <3

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3. Leaves change colors - I love watching the leaves change colors, falling off the trees, raking them up, then jumping in them!  I believe nature is never as beautiful as it is in the fall.

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4. My birthday - I am a fall baby & maybe that is the reason I love it so much - who knows?  Anywho, my birthday is October 6, so it is right in the middle fall and perfect weather!



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5. Halloween - While this is not one of my favorite holidays, I still like it.  I think it is fun getting dressed up in costumes & going to a party at my cousin's house.  I also like decorating, handing out candy, and taking the children trick-or-treating!

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6. Thanksgiving - Yes, technically Thanksgiving is in the fall, although it may feel like wintertime already!  I love this holiday, but it is not my fave (Christmas is!).  I enjoy cooking (& eating, too), decorating, going to see family, and being thankful for all that I have.



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7. Hayrides, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and haunted trails - Need I say more?!  I love going out and experience nature, while also enjoying all that fall has to offer!  This handy-dandy link is a website just for this kind of thing.  Scroll to the bottom & click your state.

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8. Festivals and fairs - All Most of the festivals around here are in the fall.  I love going to these and walking around, looking at all the goodies.  I also like going to the fair to ride all the crazy rides, play kids games, and eat that fattening, heart attack food!

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9. Time change - Many people hate when the time changes, but I love it!  I like when it gets darker earlier.  On clear nights, it is so nice to lay around looking up at the stars!

10.  Preparing for winter - I know, this is about fall, but around Thanksgiving, I start preparing for winter.  I go shopping (for new clothes & Christmas presents), stock up on books to read, and put up Christmas decorations the day after Thanksgiving.

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What do you all love about fall?

Great Giveaway over @TheShineProject!

If you have never checked out Ashley's blog, The Shine Project, you are missing out!

She is hosting a giveaway for a "shine" pillow!

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Isn't it so freaking cute?!

The link for her giveaway can be found here.

Besides hosting this giveaway, Ashley is absolutely beautiful & she is always inspiring others to make a difference in the world.

She is an inspiration to me, and if you go check out her page, I am sure she will become an inspiration to you too!

Confessions of a Book Lover: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

Overall, this was a good read. 

At first, I really could not get into this book, but I promised myself I was going to read it all the way through, no matter what.

I am sure glad I did.  It turned out to be a good book, with a very interesting story line about books, reading, and a book society or club.  If you do decide to read it, just don't give up on it.  Keep reading it until the end - it will be worth it!

It sparked my interest, mainly because I am a book lover and always have been!

And, as stated in my blog about inspirational notes, I am leaving notes in all the books I read now.  So, here is the note that I left in this one!

I've been so bad....

Sorry I haven't posted in a while - I have been enjoying time with my niece :)

She took her first real steps by herself the other night - yay! - and we have been trying to get her to walk by herself since then

But, she is too smart for that, so she just plops down on her butt & laughs :)

Over the past couple of days, I have lost 3.8 lbs b/c of her (you know - playing, running around, nerves)

In addition, I have failed to complete any kind of homework assignment or anything else b/c everytime I get on my computer she wants to jump in my lap to play on it with me!

So, now you know where I have been, but I promise I will be back, soon!

*I am still completing items from my "101 in 1001" list.  I am having so much fun doing this list.  I am really excited about all of it, and I am reading one of the books on my list. So, I will have some detailed posts coming up, including a book review or two!*



My 101 in 1001 (#20)

#20

{Leave an inspirational note inside a book for someone to find}

I have the note in the book, now I need to get the book back to the library.  I plan on doing this on Monday so that I can pick up more books to read!

I believe I am going to do this for every one of the 20 books that I read on my "101 in 1001" list.

Confessions of a Book Lover: Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo

This book is one of my faves so far.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.

I read it within a day (about 8 hours, with breaks)!

It is an amazing story for believers and non-believers of Christ.

I took extra pics of the back cover (enlarged), so that you can possibly read the details about the book.

If you read it, let me know what you think.

*This is my 1st book of 20 as suggested by friends.  It is part of my "101 in 1001" list!*



*Fill in the blank* Friday

It's that time again!

I'm linking up with Lauren @ The Little Things We Do!

1. My idea of pure perfection would be {spending all my time with family & friends traveling the world}.

2. {Love} makes the world go 'round.

3. If it weren't for {God}, I'd {be lost, useless, homeless, broke, or dead}.

4. Bloggers are {absolutely great.  They inspire, encourage, and motivate me}.

5. If I had {millions of dollars}, I'd buy you {anything you wanted}!

6. I'm glad it's Friday because {I get to sleep in tomorrow & Sunday}.

7. Something I'm excited about is {passing my Praxis I Exam on the first try, getting progression items completed for my Bachelor's Degree, and my "101 in 1001" list and completing items on it}.

20 friends = 20 books

Ok my lovelies - since I consider any of my followers/readers my friends, I am trusting you to help me out here.

One of my goals for my "101 in 1001" is to ask 20 friends to suggest one book each for me to read.

So, can some of you please suggest some interesting reads for me?  I enjoy plenty of books, and I love to read.  I am actually interested in a couple of books already, but since this is up to my friends, you have free reign, and I will read what you suggest.

Please post your suggestions in the comments.

And, thank you so much my *beautiful* friends!

*Thank you everyone who has suggested a book so far*

Here is my list so far:
1. Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo (suggested by Jessica)
2. The Help by Kathryn Stockett (suggested by Alisha W.)
3. The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows (suggested by Brunette & Blessed)
4. Under the Dome by Stephen King (suggested by Woody)
5. My Hand Came Away Red by Lisa McKay (suggested by Kasi)
6. Captivating and Wild at Heart by John Eldredge (suggested by Josh H.) (I know it's two {2} books, but I am reading them both & counting it as one!)
7. Life of Pi by Yann Martel (suggested by TaurMe)
8. The Pearl by John Steinbeck (suggested by RooPlusTwo)
9. One Day by David Nicholls (suggested by Laura)
10. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini (suggested by Amanda)
11. The Perks of being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky (suggested by Sasha)
12. Wobbly Legs on a Firm Foundation by Nia Stivers (suggested by Eli)
13. Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen (suggested by Ashley)
14. The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven by Kevin Malarkey (suggested by Sherrie S.)
15. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (suggested by Melissa)
16.  The House of Night Series by P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast (suggested by Melissa C.)


I still need four {4} book suggestions, so if you are reading this and you have not suggested a book for me to read, please do so! :)

Commenting on Blogs

So, for the past couple of weeks I have been trying to comment on blogs and show some love <3 (If you are reading this, I probably tried to comment on your posts, and it wouldn't let me!)

But, stupid technology would not let me!

Well, I finally got sick and tired of it, so I took some extra time tonight to research on Google what the problem was.

Wow!  It was so simple, but so stupid why I could not comment.

I always leave the "stay signed in" box checked b/c I log out when I am through and get off my computer.

But, if I left this box checked, it would not let me comment, and kept giving me a message that said something like, "you do not have the authority to comment from this account."

What kind of ish is that?

Anyway, I read that if I unchecked the box, it would let me comment, and guess what?  IT DID!

Yay!  Back to leaving love on your blogs.  Hope you guys are ready! :)

S/N:  Is anyone else having this problem?  If you figured this out w/o having to research it, feel free to laugh hysterically at me!

Grandma's birthday dinner

So, today is my Gma's bday.  She is a great woman and grandmother.  I love her with all my heart.

We had a family dinner to celebrate her day.

The Shine Project giveaway

I just entered a fantabulous giveaway over @ Ashley's blog, The Shine Project.  Go check out her blog and the other blogs listed, and look at all those cute items she's posted about.  Most of these items can be found on etsy.com.  They are just tooooooo adorable!

P.S. - To my loyal followers and readers, I will be hosting my own giveaway soon, so stick around for the details!

Have a Terrific Tuesday!

My 101 in 1001 (#98)

So, I have completed another task (#98) on My 101 in 1001 list.

I just sent myself an e-mail to be delivered on October 6, 2011, which is my 25th birthday.  It was nothing spectacular, but it will be special to me when I open it on my bday!  I forgot to copy the e-mail so I could post it on here, but I will do that when I receive it in just a few short weeks!

Is anyone else doing the 101 in 1001 Day Zero Project?

Day Zero

Check out my Day Zero tab at the top of the page.  I have created my list of 101 things I want to complete in 1001 days.

And, I have completed one of my goals (#16) already, which is to post about the Day Zero Project.

Day Zero is an awesome website that allows you to create a list of what you want to do.  It is almost like creating a bucket list or a New Year's resolution.  Anywho, the website will give you ideas and the Top 101, and you can search through tags for tasks you want to complete.

Please check it out, and go create your own list.

Supersized Saturday

America is all about everything being supersized.

Well, here is my list of things I love/want SUPERSIZED!

(These are not listed in any kind of order whatsoever!)

1. Pillows - Who doesn't love huge, soft, and comfy pillows?  Oh, and not only do I want them supersized, but I want millions of them (well, maybe not millions, but at least 10).

2. Jewelry - Over the past year, I have fallen in love with huge jewelry.  Necklaces, earrings, rings, bracelets - everything!

3. Heels - The taller the better!  Not really, but I do like them tall!

4. Time - With my family, especially my nieces & nephews (they grow up way to fast)!

What do you want SUPERSIZED?

*Fill in the Blank* Friday

So, today I found a link up on Sarah's blog, and I figured I would participate.  The original link up in on Lauren's blog, though!

Happy Birthday, Lauren!

*My most favorite birthday was my 18th birthday.  I got my tongue pierced, a tattoo started in memory of my brother and papa, and had a very nice party/celebration with my family.  We had a cookout, and my dad made me barbecued venison.

*My worst birthday was my 21st birthday.  I only had a couple of drinks, my boyfriend at the time got pissed off at me, and we argued almost the whole night.

*My favorite birthday memory is from my 18th birthday.  I enjoy spending time with family and friends, so this was the best.

*The best birthday present I've ever received was most of the ones I have gotten.  Anything given to me out of love is perfect in my eyes!  So, any gift from friends or family (even just spending time together) is great!

*The best birthday present I've ever given was I don't know.  Most of my gifts are homemade (broke, college girl here - he he), so I would like to think that they are appreciated.  I can say my most expensive gift, though, was a grill I bought for an ex.

*Birthdays are amazing!  I believe that birthdays are a time to celebrate each person individually.  It is great to show someone how much you love and care for them.

*My favorite age so far has been 24, which is my age now!  I believe I am at my best at this age.  I have learned so much over the past few years, and I have grown into my individualism.  I am happy with who I am today (which is more than I can say for when I was younger).

Such a sucky day...

Quick, short post.

Today has been an epic fail.

I haven't felt good, it's that time of the month, and while I was eating supper, I knocked my whole plate in the floor with all the food on it.

F.A.I.L.

And, that was my first meal of the day.

It sucks!

Today has sucked, and I can't wait til tomorrow.

It will be better.

What I'm Loving Wednesday!

So, I found this link up on Elizabeth's blog and decided to join in.

Here is my very first "What I'm Loving Wednesday" post.

I'm loving college and learning about everything I will need to know to become a teacher.

I'm loving that I took my Praxis I Exam yesterday, and I passed the reading and mathematics portions with flying colors.

I'm loving the tv show, Keeping up with the Kardashians, and honestly, any show that has them in it.

I'm loving big, off-the-shoulder shirts and boyfriend pants.

I'm loving all these link ups, new followers, new blogs to read, and comments! :)

Happy Wednesday Everybody!

Praxis I Exam

I was so nervous going into this exam, and for what reasons I do not know.

I studied for it, I knew what it was about, and I knew that I had the information needed to pass it.

So, I tried not to stress too much.

It only took me 2 hours, and they give you 4.5 hours to take this exam.

Oh no, I finished way to soon.  I know I didn't do good.

W.R.O.N.G.  I passed the reading and mathematics with flying colors, and I just have to wait for my essay to be graded.

I should know within 10 days if I passed the writing too.

Glad to have this finished, so that I can progress through my degree, and hopefully, I will be teaching soon. :)

girls just wanna have fun....

So, Saturday night was spent @ McPherson's Bar & Grill.

Krissy, Tammy, Renee, Sarah, Kay, Melissa, Linda, Kayla

A going away party for a dear friend, Renee, who is moving to Tennessee.

Renee

We sang karaoke, drink, and danced the night away.

We even adored our bartender and karaoke dj.

Taylor = Bartender = Hottie :)

karaoke dj

:) you could say we had a great time (:

Confessions of a Food Lover: sweet Frog

A couple of weeks ago my cousin and I were shopping, and it was so h.o.t.

As we were getting ready to leave to come home, I saw this store that said sweetFrog.

I said to my cousin, "oooo, sweetFrog, that sounds yummy!"

And, she says, "yea, it does, let's try it."

Now, why I would ever think sweetFrog sounded yummy, I haven't a clue, but we did go check it out to see what they served.

And, the results were a.m.a.z.i.n.g.

So, it is a self-serve frozen yogurt shop.  They have several different kinds of frozen yogurt, along with a topping bar.  The topping bar included fresh fruit & dry items, such as nuts and chocolate chips. 

Anyhow, it was delicious, and I am now in love with this place.  Anytime we go shopping near there again, we will be stopping to get some frozen yogurt!

I have to say this was one of my best ideas in a long time - ha ha!



True Life: I'm a *General* Blogger!

I am Kayla, and I am a general blogger.

I was born and raised in North Carolina.  I am an army brat, born in Womack Army Hospital, in Fort Bragg, NC.  I am a Christian.  I love God, and I owe my life to the Lord.  If not for the blessings I have received from God, I would not be here today!

I am a country girl, through and through, but I also like to get dressed up and go out on the town.  I enjoy most outdoor activities, including camping, fishing, hunting, four-wheeling, mudding, hiking, and biking.

I love to take pictures, and most of the time, you will not catch me without my camera.  In my spare time, I enjoy blogging, reading, arts and crafts, scrapbooking, and puzzles (sudoko, kakuro, crosswords, word searches, and many others).  I love exercising now, *because I used to hate it* :), and I am *actively* trying to lose weight and become healthier!

 

I love to bake and cook.  I try to make healthy recipes for food that I love, that way I can still enjoy what I am eating without sabotaging my health and weight loss efforts.  I have always loved fruits and vegetables, so I try to incorporate these into every meal!

 

I am a full-time college student.  I just finished my Associate's Degree in Elementary Education in May of 2011, and I was able to walk in July.  After finishing my classes with my Associate's Degree, I immediately started my Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education.  I am excited to be at this point in my life, and I cannot wait until I will finish with my Bachelor's Degree and can start teaching on my own.

I hope you enjoy finding out about me, and I appreciate you stopping by.  Have a blessed day!

*Kayla*

*Some of my pictures and words have links with them.  If you click the links, it will take you to other blog posts containing more information about each individual topic*