Gephyrophobia

“Fear of bridges: An abnormal and persistent fear of bridges, especially crossing bridges. Sufferers of this phobia experience undue anxiety even though they realize their fear is irrational. Their fear may result partly from the fear of enclosure (claustrophobia) or the fear of heights (acrophobia). Phobic drivers may worry about being in an accident in busy traffic or losing control of their vehicles. High bridges over waterways and gorges can be especially intimidating, as can be very long or very narrow bridges.
Fear of bridges is a relatively common phobia although most people with it do not know they have something called “gephyrophobia.” However, the derivation of the word “gephyrophobia” is perfectly straightforward (if you know Greek); it is derived from the Greek words “gephyra” (bridge) and “phobos” (fear).”

I got this definition online from www.medterms.com

This is me. Why? It’s a silly and insane fear that I have. It’s not over all bridges. Just the big ones. Like the one going to Nawlins. Like the one pictured above. Incase you don’t know it, it’s called the James River Bridge in Virginia. I think looking back, I’ve always had a “slight” fear of bridges but then there was an “event” that is going to trigger a bigger fear-naturally right? Right.

My dad had his first heart attack when he was working at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, repairing one of the air craft carriers that were in for service. They rushed him to the Naval Hospital and that’s where he stayed till he came home a couple of weeks later. Now in the mean time, my uncle Hollis, cousins Deloris and Gilmer took me to see him one Sunday after church. I was young. Maybe 9 or 10 at the time. When we were traveling across this monster of a bridge (it’s like 4 miles long if I remember right and insanely high up because of the ships) my cousin Gilmer threatens to stop the car on the way back and throw me off the bridge. I knew he was kidding and so I never thought anything about it. Well on the way back, we get to the highest part and my Uncle slows down and Gilmer starts to act like he’s going to get out. At the time, it scared me to death!!! And from that moment on I could never go across that bridge without being scared of it. Why it triggered something, I don’t know. But I know to this day, I still have a nagging, insane fear of long bridges.

While I know it’s not rational, my heart still speeds up and I feel like I’m short of breath. So I try to distract myself from thinking about it, talking, listening to the radio, something. And then when I think about it at times like this, I get mad. There is no way an adult should do that to a child. It’s one thing to joke, but it’s another to do what he did on the way back.

Honestly would you have done that to a child? So however much, I know that it’s silly and irrational, it’s still there. Crazy huh?

Deep Thoughts (or not so deep)

So I tried to make the Chocolate Smores Bread Pudding this weekend and failed miserably! Oh well- if at first you don’t succeed, try another recipe! I’ve got one for a smores Icebox pie and we’ll see how that goes.

But I did make the peach lemonade and it turned out great. So we’ll see.

My dress should be coming in either today or tomorrow and I’m excited.

I am going to do a “crash” metabolic diet. That is I’m going to go on the metabolic diet starting tomorrow from then until we leave for the wedding. Why? Because I need to lose some weight.

I finished another book- guess I’m slowing down on my reading. With everything else going on.

I started my scrapbook for my 101- and then I realized I didn’t have some stuff after the fact. Guess I gotta start thinking about that stuff.

Speaking of my “things” I need to open a savings account and put my $30 bucks in there.

Man I need to get to work

Wabbly Wednesday

So I’m having a day today. It’s taking an effort to get through the day. Why I’m not sure. I had a great night last night. Lisa, my friend I met on myspace, text messaged me and we went walking last night. You know, I started to turn her down but then I remembered one of my “things”. I’m not to turn down an invite unless I have a genuine conflict. Sitting my rear watching tv in the air conditioning is NOT a genuine conflict. So I went, and had fun. This morning was an effort. I dislike men who think that just because I have boobs, they can talk down to me. I had that lovely experience with a company rep. Hey buddy, get used to it, down here it’s a female dominated service. So the boss called, talked to him and everything is fine, which makes me that much more p.o.’d. I hate when men do that.

So I’m trying to organize things and get ready for our trip, and trying to get my brain in gear and a right “mind set” for my project. I’m not looking at it like I should. Sure I have all the recipes picked out but you know, I need to plan this stuff, well some of it. I need to get more organized. Maybe I should change one of those to “get organized”. I really want to change two of them because I’m hoping that I won’t be on the UltraglycemX for the entire time I’ve got to do this list. What are the rules to that I wonder? Guess I’ll go look and see. Oh well.

Two weeks until we go see Momma! I’m excited. I’m really excited about the possibility of going and getting this fine looking dress for the wedding to wear with these fine shoes I got this weekend! We’ll see though.

Oh well~ off for now.

The Top 10’s

Okay so number 82 on my list is Make a top 10 list of favorite songs, movies and books of all time. This one was sort of hard for me, because I’m so indecisive. This is an effort for me to make a firm decesion and stand on it. That’s what a lot of things on this list are for, truth be told. I need to do this. So I sat down last night, worked on my 20 recipes and my top 10 lists. And here is what I have.

Top 10 Songs-
1. Amazing Grace- It’s not really about who sings it, it’s about the song. Brian sang it at my father’s funeral for me and it was the most beautiful thing I ever heard. I’ve had a soft spot for since then.
2. Angel-Sarah McLachlan- Just a beautiful song
3. Taking You Home-Don Henley-I walked down the aisle to this, how could it not make my list?
4. Beautiful Day-U2- we walked back the aisle to this after we were married.
5. Amarillo by Morning-George Strait
6. Typical Situation-Dave Matthews Band
7. Drops of Jupiter-Train
8. Anna Begins-Counting Crows
9. Lost in You- Rod Stewart
10. Meet Virginia-Train

Top 10 Movies-

Now this-I had to really think about. Because for me, just like with books, it’s all about 1 character or storyline. What draws me to want to see the movie or read the book?

1. The Rock-It wasn’t Nicholas Cage or Sean Connery, It was Ed Harris’ General Francis X. Hummel- wow
2. What Dreams May Come-Definately Robin Williams
3. Heaven’s Prisoner’s-This one was different-Because of this movie, Rachel got me hooked on James Lee Burke-Love the story and the movie!
4. That Touch of Mink- My first Cary Grant movie-
5. Tombstone-Val Kilmer playing Doc Holiday-
6. Open Range-Yeah, I’m a sucker for Kevin Costner- What can I say?
7. Second Hand Lions-The Uncles were the draw for me on this one.
8. The Last Samauri-Nope not Tom Cruise- Ken Wantanabe. It was a beautiful story and I loved his character.
9. The Specialist-now this one has sentimental value- It was the first movie Rachel and I saw in the theater- Remember “The CIA list?” Comment Rach?
10. Sweet Home Alabama-Josh Lucas playing Jake- not to mention that sort of reminds me of home HAHA

Top 10 Books-
This one was a little bit harder for me. I had to really think what drew me and made a book readable every time.

1. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte- Just the story itself drew me.
2. All the Queen’s Men by Linda Howard-John Medina-CIA Legend and my favorite book character of all time.
3. Christy by Catherine Marshall-The story of the girl and the guy she gets in the end. If you haven’t read it, do so, it’s just beautiful!
4. Star by Danielle Steel- Okay normally, I don’t like her books but I saw the movie first and had to read the book and loved it.
5. Oh the Places You’ll Go by Dr. Suess. K so you knew I’d have to throw that one in right? I love Dr. Suess.
6. McKettericks Heart by Linda Lael Miller-for me, it was the character, Keegan McKetterick.
7. Big Bad Wolf by James Patterson- ok so I messed up the order of reading on this one. But this one, it hooked me on Patterson, for life!!!
8. Renegade by Diana Palmer- Again it’s the character-Cash Grier who hooked me. Maybe I should have listed Lawless where we were first truely given a glimpse of him. That one had me hooked. Okay so it’s both Lawless and Renegade.
9. Harry Potter and the Sorceror’s Stone by J. K. Rowling-The first in the Harry Series- It just hooks you in.
10. The Broker by John Grisham-K this one is by far my favorite of his. The other’s I struggled through but this one, I couldn’t put down.

So there you have it folks. My top 10’s and another thing accomplished!

Things Completed

Okay, as required by my list. I am blogging about the things I have completed. I had 57 done, “make someone laugh till they cry” but the longer I thought about this, the more I realized I couldn’t count it. I called Jennifer on Saturday on my way home from JoAnn’s housewarming and had her laughing so hard but I couldn’t document it. So I can’t count it. Oh well. That brings me to
#61-Give a suprise gift to someone for no reason at all. I did this by giving mom a bottle of wine that’s called Pinot Evil. It’s got the 3 monkeys on it. I hope she liked it.
#65- Make my own 12 rules. I have that done and check out my sidebar to the right, they are listed there. And just so you know, #4 is not what you would think- if you want to know what it is, ask me, I’ll be happy to share!
#74-Share my blog with everyone. Well I’ve emailed and posted it on my space. I think everyone pretty much knows it by now LOL
then at Bunco, I got the accessories and purse for #99, followed up by the shoes on Sunday. I’m excited about that!

So I’m definately on my way. Guess that’s all for now. I need to do some work…..

101 Things in 1001 Days

The Mission:Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.
The Criteria:Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part). Why 1001 Days? Many people have created lists in the past – frequently simple goals such as New Year’s resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organising and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.
Some common goal setting tips:
1. Be decisive. Know exactly what you want, why you want it, and how you plan to achieve it.
2. Stay Focussed. Any goal requires sustained focus from beginning to end. Constantly evaluate your progress.
3. Welcome Failure. Frequently, very little is learned from a venture that did not experience failure in some form. Failure presents the opportunity to learn and makes the success more worthy.
4. Write down your goals. It clarifies your thinking and reinforces your commitment.
5. Keep your goals in sight. Review them frequently, and ensure that they are always at the forefront of your thinking.

1. Blog about each task
2. Write at least 1 meaningful blog entry each month
3. Get someone else to do 101 things
4. Lose down to 180 and stay at that or lower for the rest of the project
5. Get a massage
6. Begin either the ARM or CRM designation
7. Read 101 Books
8. Make a shadowbox for the bedroom
9. Don’t turn down invites just because I don’t want to go. Only say no if I have a genuine conflict
10. Get pregnant and have a child
11. Learn 20 new recipes and be able to cook them well
12. Participate in give me your stuff. (http://gimmeyourstuff.blogspot.com) 13. Watch 100 movies and Blog about them
14. Go to a live sporting event
15. Throw someone a surprise party
16. Throw a holiday party
17. Send a care package to a solider in Iraq
18. Do a girls only road trip
19. Go whale watching
20. Submit a photo to Jones Soda
21. Go to at least one lighthouse
22. Visit Lori in Austin at least 3 times
23. Identity 100 things that make me happy
24. Eat vegan for 1 week
25. Send cards for birthdays by snail mail
26. Send the Mom’s a care package once a year.
27. Send and receive a postcard via postcrossing.com
28. Walk or run in the Susan Komen Race for the Cure at least once
29. Keep on top of the washing and ironing
30. Go see a play
31. Contribute 100,000 grains of rice to freerice.com
32. Grow a plant from a seed and keep it alive
33. Grown my hair long and donate it to locks of love
34. Watch a sunrise with Dirk and take pictures
35. Watch a sunset with Dirk and take pictures
36. Cook Sunday dinner at least once every 2 months for the family
37. Give blood at least 5 times a year
38. Tell all the parents I love you every time I talk to them or email them
39. Give up and stay off caffeine
40. Send a message in a bottle
41. Go back to Oklahoma City
42. Be more outgoing and let people see the real me
43. Find a church and get involved
44. Start running and be able to run 5 miles
45. Go to a state I’ve never been to
46. Add $10 to my piggy bank for each thing I don’t complete and give it to charity.
47. Get New living room furniture
48. Establish a holiday tradition
49. Find a signature fragrance
50. See an exhibition at an art museum
51. Discover a new favorite food
52. Don’t eat fast food for 30 days
53. Update my wardrobe and have a closet full of clothes that I love
54. Take 101 meaningful/beautiful pictures
55. Write that letter to my father
56. Go to Las Vegas and stay at least 1 night
57. Make someone laugh till they cry
58. Learn to play tennis
59. Buy a new digital camera and docking station
60. Finish all my “out there” projects (Wedding scrapbook project 365 &book)
61. Give a surprise gift to someone for no reason at all
62. Read The Harry Potter series to a child
63. Develop a signature dish
64. Learn to play chess
65. Make my own 12 rules (http://www.happiness-project.com)
66. Kiss my husband underneath the mistletoe
67. Complete 5 Mid Lib books with Mom
68. Drink Pink Champagne
69. Get something published (poem (s), short story, book)
70. Throw a dinner party for 6 people and have each of them pick an ingredient and make a dish featuring that ingredient
71. Visit Powell’s in Portland
72. Learn something new about 5 different cultures and teach someone else 73. Move completely out of my comfort zone and find a new one
74. Share my blog with everyone
75. Establish a routine for myself and stick with it.
76. Go to a Zoo
77. Make a quilt
78. Do the 26 Things Project (Take a picture of 1 thing for each letter of the alphabet) and make a photo book of it
79. Find my “perfect jeans”
80.Do a Family Tree like Gram had
81. Go to an Aquarium (always wanted to do this.)
82. Make a top 10 list of favorite songs, movies, books of all time
83. Start a hope chest for the baby
84. Find the “perfect” purse
85. Own 15 pairs of shoes in different colors
86. Color an entire coloring book in crayon
87. Be completely comfortable with my body
88. See Train in concert once
89. Have my charkas balanced
90. Sand, repaint and finish the entertainment center
91. Get daddy’s stone mounted
92. Call Aunt Margie at least once a week
93. Have date night every week with my husband
94. Get patio furniture
95. Make a scrapbook for my 101
96. Swim in the Atlantic, Pacific or Gulf of Mexico
97. Find out what the Powell Story Poles are in Anacortes and document them
98. Conquer my fear of boats and ride in one at least twice
99. Find the perfect little black dress, shoes, purse and accessories
100. Throw a party for completing my 101
101. Make a new list of 101 things!

List start date July 18, 2008
Finish date April 15, 2011

Pardon the Construction/Progress

Okay, so I’ve totally changed this up. I’ve given it a new back ground and am still searching for that “perfect” background. I’m going to let my live journal go after the paid status goes in September and use this one. I’ve found a wonderful project that I am going to do and it encompasses everything. So yes, I’m still doing project 365. I’m excited about this one though. So it gets it’s own post and maybe even it’s own side bar when I’m done.