Boot Scootin' Benefit

We attended the Boot Scootin' Benefit for Mountain Grove Non-Profit Charitable Organizations last night. Over $16,000 was raised and donated to local charitable organizations. They had a chuck wagon-style dinner with appetizers, wine, steak, baked potatoes, rolls and refreshments. I was a little humbled by the whole affair. The Downtown Association, which is one of the groups I'm a part of received a check for 1,000. from the group who did the fundraising for the affair. You'll have to forgive my ignorance, but I am terrible with names. One of the other recipients who received a 2000.00 donation was trying to give her speech and started crying, I was taken back a little by how much the donation meant for her organization. It was rather touching to say the least. She donates her own time, money, and dedication , plus opens her heart to unfortunate residents -mostly children to teach them how to play music. In turn, the people she offers free music lessons to, do charity work to help other unfortunate individuals with cleaning drains, doing yard work, etc for those who can no longer complete these tasks themselves. I had not heard of her efforts until last night, but definitely would like to help in her effort because I believe it is a good community program. I would like to help do some fundraising for her organization next year.  We listened to some pretty incredible music from her group last night, the age range was 3 to 65. Violins, cellos, clarinets, flutes, drums, you name it- they were excellent. This girl writes her own music so all of the people at any stage, from beginner to advanced, can play in the concerts. I will tell you, it was a humbling display of what charity is all about! While most people know I'm not a very social person and avoid many public events like the plague, I must say last night, I felt rather fortunate and privileged to be part of the occasion. It definitely renewed my faith in the goodness of mankind and inspired me to try to get more involved with other organizations and their efforts. So I guess my plea to readers today would be to get involved in your community and see what you can do to help others. Do you have a talent or knowledge that could help one of your local organizations to help people in your community? If so, why not get involved and do as the Good Lord intended, get involved in the bigger picture and mingle in your community a little. You never know whose lives you may touch, whose hearts you may open, or who you may inspire along the way.

Seat Belts Save Lives

Well son was in an accident last night. As a parent I believe that is one of your greatest fears, that a police officer will show up on your doorstep or you will get a call. I don't think anything really prepares you for that panic, fear, and shock that rushes through you when it does actually happen. You are on the verge of freaking out and falling apart, but you pray for help holding it together long enough to get there and be by their side. Actually,you spend a lot of time praying in the time it takes to get to that hospital. I spend a lot of time praying anyways for God to watch over them and make sure they are okay and that they are safe. I am just so relieved and thankful he is still here and okay. He was wearing his seat belt, so glad I always harped about how important it is to wear one. But even more glad and thankful God was looking out for him. Here is a link to the pictures of the wrecked car.
 http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2603819061330.151418.1430480379&type=1

Don't want anymore of those calls. I remember twenty years ago when DJ and I were together and his son Andy was in a wreck at 19- he was not wearing a seat belt and it was a very different outcome. Andy died  in a matter of a few hours. He was brain dead. In a few precious moments everything changed. Part of me felt like I was re-living the horror of that night all over again- very emotional. I am just so thankful my son is still here.
I know many people but don't like to wear seat belts, but they can really save a life. In this case, one saved my son,   so please stress the importance of wearing one to your own kids because tomorrow one could save your son or daughter.

Random Thoughts

My Mom had good health reports today! Hard to believe a doctor's visit could make one person so happy! But I was absolutely elated when I heard she was doing well and she was cancer-free! In January four years will have passed since she was first diagnosed with lung-cancer. She lost an entire lung, but since then she has had no other signs of cancer! She even gained three pounds since her last visit! This was the best news all year!  Losing Dad earlier this year to abdominal cancer has been tough on all of us, but I know he would have been so happy if he'd been there to hear she is still okay.
Aside from that happy news, I have lost nearly twenty pounds on Weight Watchers so far. I really like the Weight Watchers program because it is so easy to follow and I can still have all of the foods I enjoy. I just have to make sure I stay within my point range every week. I am learning most of the things I ate were actually not all that bad for me, I just needed to watch my portions a little more closely.
If anyone has a good recipe to pass along- please post and share with everyone! Or tell me how your diet program is working! What do you do for exercise? Do you have a fun way to exercise that makes it seem like it is not exercise? Share it here! We can all use pointers and fun tips!

Country Strong

Well if you haven't seen Country Strong with Gwyneth Paltrow, Tim McGraw, Garrett Hedlund, and Leighton Meester, then you are missing out. While the movie may not have received rave reviews from critics,  I'm  always game when it comes to hearing a good story! So, as you can imagine, I really didn't agree with most of the reviews I read about the movie.  To be honest, at first I found difficulty trying to imagine Gwyneth Paltrow in a country singer role, but to my surprise she didn't do half bad. She brought an interesting mix to the character and her struggles. She had to give her character a bit of a bad-girl/ party girl twist, but with Gwyneth, and her quiet, shy demeanor, she brought a natural elegance, charm, wisdom, and grace -reminiscent of Loretta Lynn and Emmy Lou to her character. Okay, so not when she was drunkenly romping in the sack with one of her financial investors, or when she was having her extramarital fling with rising-star Bo, but as with most problem drinkers and drug addicts, her character wasn't too concerned with morality issues while under the influence. She was drinking to forget, to cope and deal with the shit-life she was living. And well- let's face it, the oldies , but goodies like Loretta Lynn, and Tammy Wynette, are no strangers to the hardships and struggles in life. Tim McGraw, by the way, did an outstanding job playing the role of her supportive, yet blindly naive husband. His character stayed true to real life and how we sometime throw ourselves into work to over compensate those areas that are too painful to deal with. I also found his character believable because while a spouse can be supportive, he or she can fail to hear what the other person is trying to tell them. I am not sure if people do this to avoid uncertainty and truth or because many  are clinging to the false hope that tomorrow will bring a brighter and better day.  Bo, played by Garrett Hedlund, was also a very believable character. He offered salt-of-the-earth, down home charm and gave the audience a bit of stability necessary in any bad situation. He was a vision of strength and the best friend we all crave when things go wrong. And Leighton Meester's character as the wide-eyed, innocent yearning for fame and stardom, struck a chord in every little girl's heart who ever had a dream that she could taste so badly her stomach hurt. While this cast of character were an unlike group of individuals that I would have ever imagined in a film together, they added an interesting blend of heart and soulful appeal that worked quite well in this particular drama. So, simply ignore the critics, and take out some time to watch Country Strong. You'll enjoy it. Frankly speaking, when a critic gives a movie like Country Strong a bad review, I think it tells a little more about the critic and what values they place on mainstream popularity than taking the time out to stop and think about all of the hidden truths that lie inside the actions and script- you know- the bigger picture that tells a not so glorified story of human nature, of weakness and strength, of rejoice and regret and staying true to oneself. I hope you will give the movie a chance. Watch it more than once if you have to, but give it the time and attention it so richly deserves.
You can check out one of the movie trailers here if you like or

find Country Strong  on Amazon today!
While you're at it, hunt ole' Tim McGraw up on Amazon too! And just or the record- I think Garrett Hedlund did an awesome job on his vocals and to be honest I'm going to purchase the soundtrack or well- CD. But until then, I'll enjoy some of the small videos with Garrett Hedlund here!

Mexican Chicken Casserole Weight Watcher Point Friendly

Mexican Chicken Casserole

	2 breast(s) uncooked boneless skinless chicken breast, boil and shred
	2 tsp Taco Bell Home Originals Taco Seasoning Mix, add to chicken
	1 small raw onion, chopped fine
	2 cup(s) shredded fat-free cheddar cheese
	2 cup(s) canned tomatoes with green chilis
	2 cup(s) canned low-fat cream of mushroom soup, made with low-fat milk
	2 cup(s) Bush's Red Beans, rinsed and drained
	48 piece(s) Doritos Taco flavored tortilla chips, crushed

Instructions

In skillet, braise chicken, then shred, return shredded meat to skillet, add chopped onion and taco seasoning. Braise with a little water or chicken broth until onion is tender. Crush Doritos in 13x9pan, drain red beans and rinse, layer over dorito chips, add chicken mixture, mix 1 can of Rotel tomatoes with green chilies and Campbellls 98% fat free mushroom soup together, pour over top, top with cheese. Bake at 375 for 30 minutes. Let cool for 3-5 minutes. Cut in whatever portion size you might enjoy- I cut in 6 pieces which comes out to almost 10 points per serving Cut in 8 portions and enjoy a 7 point meal.  The entire recipe has 57 points, so divide by portions and enjoy!

Weight Watchers Works

Well, I've lost twelve pounds in fourteen days...guess Weight Watchers really does work! I am over forty and I feel great! The Points Plus plan is easy to follow and easy to keep track of! I purchased a cookbook today also. I like Weight Watchers because it is easier for me to stay on track and I can enjoy all of the foods I did before, just prepared a little differently and in smaller portions. If you want to lose weight and feel good again, give it a try- don't keep putting it off until tomorrow! Take control of your life today!
If you are on weight watchers and would like to share your stories- post a reply and inspire others! Have recipes to share? Share them here to help others stay on track!
I will be blogging more on the subject! So check back for more information and tips and tricks. Let's lose weight together!

Mumford and Sons - Thistles & Weeds