That's Life

hmmmm...

2011-02-14T15:12:00.002-06:00

Well, I don't quite know what to say... It has been so long... I think I might be closing up shop. Just the blog! Not all together! (Haha!) I really would like to incorperate this blog/type of blogging into my new venture at www.spinningspinderella.com So, we shall see. I am so excited about the new site and the new blog ~ Adventures with Spinderella... My wheels are already turning and this time I am going to try not to spin in place! I have miles to go and stories to tell! I hope you will join me!

Leslie Cooper & Spinning Spinderella

another quiz...

2010-10-29T10:15:00.004-05:00

I write like
David Foster Wallace

I Write Like by Mémoires, journal software. Analyze your writing!

I am now quite intrigued to read some of his books. He apparently struggled for many years with depression (just as I have). But his life ended in a way I could never imagine. He made the wrong choice. He ended his life. I, on the other hand am trying some new medication and extra therapy sessions. I am going to beat this... or at least live with it. And maybe one day I will write a book on it!

If you are interested in finding out more about David Foster Wallace check this link. When I get a chance to read something of his I will write a review.

Love!
LC

A fun quiz...

2010-10-18T09:31:00.004-05:00

I am a
Snapdragon

What Flower
Are You?

"Mischief is your middle name, but your first is friend. You are quite the prankster that loves to make other people laugh."

To find out what flower you are go here... What flower are you?

i heart faces

2010-08-10T09:52:00.007-05:00

A new website I found has weekly photography contests. Most weeks will involve faces... hence the name... iheartfaces. I take ALL these pictures so I thought I would give it a shot. Doubt I will ever win but it will be a fun way for me to filter out some photos to share with you. This weeks theme... Surprise!
Water brings out the kid in you. I loved watching the surprise in the faces of my niece and mother as they played and splashed in this fountain at the Arboretum. Click on the link below to see more entries!

My return trip...

2010-07-17T08:03:00.023-05:00

... to visit my friend Joseph in North Carolina had it's ups and downs...

I had a fabulous time at Camp Pluckyfluff with (my yarn idol) Lexi Boeger and my friend Esther of JazzTurtle!

I was harassed by my friend Joseph's cat!

Joseph took me AND Spinderella for a nice drive... in his fancy 1966 Marlin!

I got trapped in the bathroom by the psycho flippin cat! Seriously!

But, in the end I learned some new techniques...

I had some fun with Joseph...
Gerten was a sweet kitty! So cute!

And... Lexi signed my wheel!!!Oh, and I saw a bunny!
For more yarny Camp info check out my other blog.

Have a hoppy day!
LC

New phone keeps me up at night...

2010-07-07T06:20:00.007-05:00

I got a new phone yesterday. It is the first new phone I have had in a loooooong time. Anyway, it is a new iPhone 3G S. I say new because my last few phones have been hand-me-downs... But it isn't one of the "new" iPhones. It does just about anything a person could want! And because of this our first night together was filled with ups and downs. I would wake up and check to see if there was anything new going on (and maybe text a little to unsuspecting sleepers) and lay back down and try to sleep. I am even writing this blog ON MY PHONE waiting for my alarm to go off! Crazy!

Just wanted to share a little me with you. :-)

LC

Ps. My alarm just went off... time to get ready for the day.

Pss. Sorry to anyone I woke in the middle of the night texting!

Manifesto...

2010-06-29T10:26:00.005-05:00

I have never really thought of having a manifesto before now. I have made resolutions and plans and promises to myself (which I have rarely kept). But, never have I thought of having an actual manifesto until now. I got the idea from a classmate, Suzy, in my Inside Out e-course. She found this very inspiring and pertinent manifesto for the month of June on a lovely blog which I will now follow. I made a little change to mine (marked through June) because I think I will use this all year. And who knows... maybe at the end of the year I will mark through 2010 and keep it a little while longer. :)

By the way... don't you just love the word manifesto???

LC

OMG!!!

2010-06-28T15:52:00.008-05:00

My high school class whose slogan was, "Nothing else to say, we are just out of here!" is thinking of having a 15 year reunion! What, I thought we had nothing else to say??? Well, of course I will go if it really comes to fruition. That is unless I am still a FATSO! But, I have been working out with my mother and I am down 15 lbs. Which is like NOTHING! And, I am sure I have lost some of that weight before but I am not even going to look back at previous blog posts and find out... Here is our senior picture (in pieces)... I am in the third one... (actually kinda smiling :) )

Well, dinner with my parents tonight and then off to my friend Lizzy's house to help her set up a blog. Oh, and I am off white stuff this week. Which includes potatoes, potato chips, french fries, and well, other white stuff that isn't made of potatoes.

Lots of love!
LC

Another shot at self-discovery...

2010-06-23T16:40:00.008-05:00

Yes, I am giving journaling another shot! I signed up for this e-course... Inside Out ~ A Creative Adventure of Self-Discovery. A few years ago when I was going through some pretty intensive therapy I was introduced to Art Therapy. I was very resistant at first because I have always felt self conscious about being "artsy". Almost all of my friends are considered "artsy" and I am considered "quirky" or "whimsical"... never artsy. Anyway, I ended up really getting into expressing feelings and learning about myself through art I created! Then, as usual, as soon as I was back in the real world I quit using art as an outlet.

Last year when I started knitting and spinning yarn I felt as though I had finally found my niche in the art world. I could create something from what some people would consider trash! The feeling is exhilarating!

Twitter got me started on this last adventure and because of this social networking has a special place in my heart. And... guess where I found out about this latest adventure??? I met Shannon Kinney-Duh on Twitter. And after a short look through her blog I decided it was time for a new adventure!

This is a picture of my "creative space". I think it will get better with age. :) I will spend approximately one hour a day working at my desk on my art journaling. So far... I have made an intro/title page... Get this! I am having trouble getting started!!! I know it will come if I sit here long enough. I just have to focus... or maybe not focus... oh well, I will get it sooner or later. Even though I am frustrated with my lack of progress at this point, I am still VERY excited about the outcome of this course and what it will give me to use in the future! And maybe, just maybe, it will give me something to blog about besides well... nothing.

LC

Earth Day

2010-04-22T16:43:00.004-05:00

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

fun with family...

2010-03-26T12:32:00.005-05:00

I had a precious visitor at the office this week! On Tuesday my sister brought little Leah by to say hi!!!
Um... could she BE any cuter???
Peek-a-boo!
I love my family! And for those of you who wonder why I am the way I am... here is a preview of the show I got last night... my mom got a hold of one of my fiber braids (used to spin yarn). She thought it looked like hair and was prancing around her room with it on her head and then attached to her ponytail! She is so crazy!
Crazy good!

Happy day!
Leslie

Happy Birthday to ME!

2010-03-12T15:43:00.006-06:00

So, yesterday I turned the big 32! I know... who could believe it? Actually, I got this card from a friend I work with that says "You'll never be old as long as your mind is young and innocent, and your heart is pure." Then you open it up and it says... "You are SO screwed!" Ha ha! She knows me pretty well!

I got to have a wonderful dinner with the family last night and forgot to take pictures... we had Caesar salad and crab cakes first then on to a delicious filet with sweet potatoes and green and white beans! And right before I was about to bust we had a lovely pineapple pound cake with cool whip on top! YUM!

And then I woke up this morning with a migraine and a giant zit! What?!?!? When does this zit thing stop? And the migraine thing... come on! I have suffered long enough! But my new medicine really does work if you can catch it before it gets really bad.

Anyway, I am feeling better this afternoon. And... I think this 32 years old thing is going to be okay. I have a few big decisions to make in the near future and a LOT of little ones... but I am positive about the whole thing. I will be fine. And I will look back on this year as a great one!

Have a great weekend friends!

Leslie

ps. the remaining frog, Maude, is looking for a new home... Anyone interested PLEASE let me know!

long time no see...

2010-03-09T16:08:00.021-06:00

No excuse!

But on that subject... I recently visited a bff (best friend forever), Joseph, who I hadn't seen in over 3 years! We had a blast! I actually went to celebrate his birthday but ended up feeling more like it was mine.

Joseph took me touring the mountains near Asheville, North Carolina.

We spent hours in front of these microphones playing and singing song after song.

And some time just relaxing spinning or knitting (well, just me).

Joseph was feeling overwhelmed by all of the girly crafting and thought doing a manly household project would balance it out...

There was quite a bit of eating...
...and LOTS of laughing!

Here are some random Joseph pics...

...random "nice" kitty pics...

... and the only cat in the world that doesn't like me!
Random nature pics...

I am telling you it was one of my favorite vacations! I am planning at least one more trip this year to Asheville for Camp Pluckyfluff in July!!! Could it get any better than that???

I guess I have some catching up to do... so I will see you soon!

ps. thanks for the lovely time Joseph!

one year in tweets...

2010-02-02T16:04:00.002-06:00

9 lbs down...

2009-11-17T16:37:00.004-06:00

... and totally motivated! having fun with a diet for the first time. i can finally see the prize!

LC

Daily Rituals

2009-10-28T09:26:00.003-05:00

This time of year is so fun for me! I love pumpkins and pumpkin related items! But just seeing all of the different varieties and colors and shapes of this beautiful fruit has become a Daily Ritual for me this year. I just wish I had the space and money to grab them all up and take them home! Maybe I will grow some one day!

LC

Daily Rituals

2009-10-21T05:50:00.003-05:00

I wish these precious feet were a Daily Ritual of mine... but I will take it when I can get it!

Love you little Leah!

Auntie Leslie

All I can think about...

2009-09-24T09:56:00.002-05:00

My sister, Abby, and I both started the South Beach Diet (AGAIN) this past Monday. I need to loose 100 pounds! I weighed at the doctor on Tuesday when I went in to check up on my new blood pressure medicine. Yes, I said blood pressure medicine! I believe that the illnesses I was diagnosed with this summer are a result of my weight gain along with my high cholesterol, high blood pressure, fatigue, and maybe this latest bout with depression. So, I am doing this diet one day at a time... Plus a dear friend of mine is getting married in the Spring and I have to be skinny in the pictures! Another day, another diet... that is what you are thinking... But, the 100 lb mark was pretty shocking and besides my health I have a goal. An important date (that I can't change) that I have to be ready for. I know I can't loose the entire amount by the wedding but at least half.

So back to the top... all I can think about... I was talking to my sister this morning about how gross we used to eat. And how much we don't even want that crap we used to eat! And now ALL I can think about... is a Whataburger with cheese and crispy bacon and pickles and french fries on top!!!!!!!!!!!!

Fake out!

2009-09-22T16:47:00.002-05:00

This morning I went to a doctors appointment that is scheduled for NEXT month on the 22nd! The receptionist and I laughed and laughed... but I was crying on the inside. Just kidding! I didn't really care becuase I was early for my next appointment and I had my knitting.

Hope everyone is having a great week!!!

LC

check out my other blog...

2009-08-23T21:41:00.004-05:00

Spinning Spinderella
... for info on my health!

Love to all!

LC

Home of the Fighting Farmers!

2009-06-07T14:51:00.019-05:00

This morning Billy and I took a trip to visit the family farm in Farmersville, Texas. We had a delightful time.
Tried our hand at a little fishin'. ..

Took a walk on the wild side... and hunted wild flowers!

We also discovered some very crafty wildlife!
Some spiders use these (cow) hoof prints like little trap doors... a little bug is just walkin' along when BAM it falls in the trap with the lion at the bottom... well, I guess it isn't quite big enough for a lion, but those spiders can suck some guts!

Eye spy something brown... no kidding... but can you see the living, breathing little guy in that mud?

We also stumbled upon this big pink bush (in the middle of nowhere).

Could this be a wild rose bush? It has thorns like one!

Well, after all the sun and fun we could take it was time to head home... look at the craftmenship shown in the making of this fence. Crazy Cooper's!

Hope you all have a lovely Sunday!

LC

Daily Rituals...

2009-06-03T08:21:00.005-05:00

Here is my first entry in the Daily Rituals ritual I have begun.

Take time to stop and smell the cactus flower... I am in Texas after all.

Have a happy Wednesday!

LC

Don't fret! I am still here!

2009-05-20T12:07:00.004-05:00

I decided to try a new challenge called Daily Rituals created by Curious Bird, found through While Tangerine Dreams. I am not going to restrict myself with rules this time. I will just try to stop, collaborate and listen... Just kidding. Well, here is what I wrote on the group board:

If I was to describe my life (right now) in one word it would be HAPLESS. I take full responsibility too! Time to smell the roses doesn't come around often in my *always running late* day. This challenge will help me to enjoy time rather than curse it. Since taking pictures is one of the things that makes my world go 'round this will be an extra special time!

Thanks!
LC

So... we will see what I see...

Have a great day!

ps. I know my other stuff hasn't always gone as planned. I haven't given up on any of it. I am just struggling a bit these days with my health (mentally and physically). My journey is ongoing! I will prevail!

Yes! I realize I haven't posted anything!

2009-04-13T16:29:00.003-05:00

Just wanted to let everybody know that I haven't given up on my quest to journal (or whatever you wanna call it) on the blog. I have just been busy 'busying' myself with other things in order to avoid it!

Thought you needed an explanation though. Hope to have some heart wrenching stuff out soon!

LC

Big changes ahead!!!

2009-04-02T20:48:00.008-05:00

The name of my blog is That's Life... and I have been purposely avoiding anything that pertains to my actual life. I chose the name because my boyfriend was laid off from his job and was at the cigar shoppe talking to a lovely old man who started quoting a Frank Sinatra song. I obviously found out the song and immediately bought the CD for him. (Because I am that good!) Once I heard the song I started to cry. Life happens whether you want it to or not. That's Life. I have been all of these things, plus some. But I will start with these...

I've been a...
puppet-- I have lived my life pretending to be whatever my various puppeteers decide I should be.
pauper-- have had my own "economic stimulus plan" with regards to my finances.
pirate-- I have been convicted of a crime... DWI 2001... thought I could get away with it so I blew anyway...
poet-- I wrote a poem about a pink African Violet my sister gave me.
I love the way you sparkle.
I love the way you shine.
I love the way you're oooh so pink...
just like my behind!
pawn-- to most men I had met...
king-- let's change this to princess... I am Daddy's little princess and I was once Mommy's too (until the age of 14).

Anyway, my therapist has told me to write a journal. I just can't. My hands cramp because I put too much pressure on the pen/pencil. And I hate it when you run out of book and your hand has no place to rest. Also when you are writing on the back side of the page and you are right handed... it just doesn't work!

So, in order to appease my therapist and not freak my mom out I am going to go for a happy medium. I read three blogs this week(one, two, three) that all touched me in some way... I now want to share a section of my life that may touch you in some way. I have had a blessed life! I have also struggled with depression for most of it. I have seen things that should pull me right out of it and done things that will drag me back into it. I hope to learn from myself through this and maybe help someone along the way.

Please stick with me through this journey. I am scared! I don't know what will come of this... but I hope it is a ton!

Thank you!
LC

P.S. and Billy... you heard him about July... you better get on it!

Leah's 1st photo shoot with Aunt Leslie!

2009-03-28T18:57:00.004-05:00

Today I got the pleasure to do a photo shoot with little Miss Leah Caroline Curley! My sister wanted to have some black and white pictures for her birth announcements. It was a delight! Leah is absolutely perfect! How could I take a bad picture of her? Here are a few of my favorites...

And here is one of Leah's big sister, Beans... can't leave out the big sister! (I know!)

to Art or not to Art... that is the question...

2009-03-27T16:25:00.019-05:00

I have a really big decision to make in the next couple of months.

I have had a lifelong interest in photography. Because of my Dad, I grew up with a camera always in my face! He took pictures of his three girls (Mom, Abby and me) all the time! It has been said that there was even a darkroom in the house at one point. I think mix of chemicals and toddlers was the reason it didn't survive. But... back to my point... because of my fathers love for the camera and the product of the camera (photos) I have a beautifully documented childhood.

Watching my dad and seeing things through his perspective showed me how differently each person sees the world. Things that he might take note of or catch in a brief moment I might never have had the chance to see. And so goes my passion for taking photographs. I hope that just once I can show someone something they may never have seen with their own eyes. Whether it be a beautiful Angolan child, a cicada emerging from its shell, a baby's first smile or a couple of moths mating... I take pride in knowing I can catch the moment and have the opportunity to share it with other people.

Again... back to my point... I have been looking into attending The Art Institute of Dallas. I know how to point and shoot. I know how to watch my four corners. I even know when I took a crap shot! I don't know the actual mechanics of the camera, lighting or really anything about digital photography. I also could use some schooling in different types of photography like portraiture, architectural, wedding, etc. If I decide to go to school I would also hope to learn some techniques to improve my skills at my current job.

So, it all sounds great right? Everything besides the cost of the school... which I CANNOT afford! I will have to get school loans. At the ripe old age of 31 I never thought about having any sort of (large) debt aside from a home. This will obviously postpone the procurement of a home... and the mass-production of children I was hoping for. But, I will have a marketable skill! Wowzer!

I will now ask for your prayers and advice... I love to shoot! Should I make it my living?

LC

through my eyes... scene V

2009-03-24T16:41:00.005-05:00

Just hangin' out...

It's funny cause it's true!

2009-03-20T08:38:00.004-05:00

I was wondering if I could copy my tweets and give them to my therapist... maybe then I wouldn't have to talk so much. Plus, she is always trying to get me to journal! It's the same right?

through my eyes... scene IV

2009-03-19T11:22:00.013-05:00

Things people do in Luanda Angola...
Fishing...

home improvement...

School...

Selling... fruit and nuts...

...handmade brooms...

...shoes...

...air fresheners... or anything they can find. We saw someone selling toilet paper on the street too!

Soccer games go on all over the place!

Singing...

...dancing...

... and going to Church are also some of the things these beautiful people do.

Update on next trip to Angola:

I received an email from our team leader earlier this week! We are going to try and schedule a trip for maybe June 3rd or 4th through June 15th to go into the Interior to hand out Nets in the Villages or fly to Cunene/Ungiva (?) to hand out Nets to the Refugee camps. There has been a lot of flooding and so they have these Refugee camps that have no help.

That is all I know for now... things could change or fall through if we can't get the funding needed or if we aren't able to purchase enough nets. Please pray for our team and the people who's lives could be touched.

Thank you!
LC

Do Something Funny For Money!

2009-03-13T10:07:00.007-05:00

Today is Red Nose Day in the UK. I love the idea and think it is another great opportunity for us to help the people of Africa.

Have a fun filled day!

LC

Happy birthday to me!!!

2009-03-11T16:24:00.007-05:00

Thank you to all of you who made my birthday extra special... It all started Saturday night when Billy made me dinner and a red velvet cake! Yum! And Sunday my mom and dad hosted a brunch at their house with my favorite... muffins and mimosas! Then I got the best Sunday afternoon nap! Today my office mates greeted me with a cake... chocolate with butter cream icing AND ice cream!

Then for lunch we all met at my ALL TIME FAVORITE... LUBY's!!! I was so very excited! Here are some pictures of the lunch bunch and my favorite guest, Leah!

I got tons of fun gifts but my favorite would have to be from my very clever sister... in fact she had to explain it to me a little bit... A Blackjack but the phone isn't ready yet so she gave me this. She really is clever.

Leah and I were both exhausted after lunch and I wished I could just snuggle up with her under the blanket!

And because he is sooooo cute I wanted to put up a picture of Billy! Love him!

Also, I can't forget all the well wishers on Facebook, Myspace, and Twitter... thank you for taking the time to wish me a happy birthday!

Love to all!
LC

Fun with flowers!

2009-03-10T13:22:00.004-05:00

Make your own flowers here! I made two... orange julius and lovey.

through my eyes... scene III

2009-03-09T16:53:00.006-05:00

through my eyes... scene II

2009-02-27T14:33:00.002-06:00

Favorite Faces

through my eyes... scene I

2009-02-26T11:07:00.002-06:00

I need Africa...

2009-02-24T14:33:00.001-06:00

I saw this video posted on a friends blog today. Boy does God know when I need a kick in the rear!

I have been moping around for the past couple of weeks because MY life isn't going the way I wanted it to go! I have been subconsciously yet fervently looking for something to "obsess" about (a little game I play to avoid depression... hence the frogs... and the earrings... and food... and sleep).

Anyway, I had almost forgotten the opportunity I was given. I need Africa more than Africa needs me!

I need to remember the joy in the face of the child with nothing. I need to remember the excitement in the eyes of the man hearing the Gospel the first time. I need to remember the woman graciously receiving a gift from a stranger. So many beautiful memories I was given on my trip to Angola.

How could I have become so jaded in such a short time? They have so little and I have so much! How could I forget how blessed I am?

I am ashamed at my lack of faith! I know that MY God has a plan for me and I need to relax and follow Him.

In the following weeks I am going to post some of my favorite photos of my trip to Luanda, Angola. I hope they give you a glimmer of the hope they gave me.

The Survivors Club...

2009-02-23T15:30:00.001-06:00

Take the test and post your results!

LC
ps. here is the book.

Favorite Music Video

2009-02-23T12:10:00.000-06:00

My Wish List

LC

ps. I like anything that sparkles!

Happy Valentines Day!!!

2009-02-16T21:35:00.000-06:00

To my handsome grandpa... who turned 93 on the lovely day...

His cake was so cute! Billy wanted to know where the okra was though...

And to Leah Caroline Curley who is one week old today!
Here she is in her daddy's arms...

In her new bed...

And blowing me kisses on her first Valentine's Day!

Talk about love... I never knew how much I could love a little girl... she is wonderful! And... they say she looks like me! How fun is that?

LC

It's a girl!!!

2009-02-09T16:14:00.001-06:00

Well we knew that part already... but we didn't know how beautiful she would be! Leah Caroline Curley is 7 pounds and 19 inches of pure cuteness!

And here is a picture of the proud mother. My sister! Can you tell I am a proud aunt?

Well, that is all for now... I have to go back to the hospital and visit...

Have a wonderful day!

LC

My weekend project...

2009-02-04T10:12:00.000-06:00

Harold and Maude (D. auratus "bronze") have not been happy campers at the office. So, I decided to make them a little bigger and quieter place to live. Hence the new vivarium for them.

I started with an empty tank. I siliconed the background on and placed my beautiful rose quartz in the tank first. (Thanks for the rock Billy!)

Next I added the rocks for the water feature in the front of the tank. Then comes the hydroponic clay balls. They help with drainage. I decided to put small white rocks all along the sides too, just for the sake of appearance.

Here is a picture of the tank from the front.

And I get so excited at this point that I always forget to take a picture with only soil and wood in place. So, this is the (almost) finished viv. for my bronze beauties! I will add a little more ricca grass and maybe another Creeping Fig. Anyway...

... Harold and Maude were absolutely ecstatic! They have been jumping around the whole thing. They are looking for new hiding spaces and things to climb on.

Maude is still a little camera shy.

Here she was hunting for food before she saw the camera flash.

Harold, on the other hand, is always ready for a picture.

Have a hoppy day!
LC

ps. I will be Aunt Leslie in just 5 days... if not before...

Seven days till I am Aunt Leslie!

2009-02-02T11:37:00.000-06:00

So... I have been hard at work on my vivariums. Creating my own little spots that I can watch grow and flourish! And my little ones are very happy!

My Christmas present from Billy is coming along very well...

... in about nine or ten months (he he) the plants will have grown in beautifully!

Rainy and Beau have really been enjoying the new and bigger home. This one even has a waterfall!

I love watching them check out every nook and cranny!

All joking aside... this time next week I will have a beautiful niece named Leah! I can't wait to share her with you too!

Merry Christmas!

2009-01-30T09:57:00.000-06:00

Just a little reminder to myself of how wonderful this past Christmas was!

The pups got new collars...

Billy got a helicopter...

I got a new tank...

...that I am building...

...for my little ones, Rainy and Beau.

And in 10 days I will be an Aunt!

Don't forget the good times!

I should change the name of my blog!

2009-01-30T09:34:00.000-06:00

That's Death!

So long to Fancy!

2009 proved to be to much for my little friend...

2009-01-02T12:54:00.001-06:00

Frank the Tank...
Frank was quite a trooper. He survived his first night at my home under the refrigerator... While being a spur of the moment purchace Frank fit right in. He cleaned up real nice! He soon met his three new vivarium mates. Although Frank was always the smallest the others seemed to know this was really his house. Frank the Tank will be missed by all...

...3...2...1...

2009-01-01T02:01:00.000-06:00

Bye Bye 2008...

2008-12-31T12:25:00.000-06:00

Things I said good bye to in 2008...

1. Penny, Lowly, and Fiona

2. My cousin, Jimmy Border

3. Smoking

4. Sleeping in on Monday-Friday

5. Chocolate Cake (at least for a while)

6. My 20's

7. Migraine headaches!

Things I said Hello! to in 2008...

1. Billy, my cute boyfriend! (and Rowdy)

2. a gaggle of Frogs

3. the Gym (not as bad as I thought it would be!)

4. the scale (worse than I thought it would be!)

5. Germany... a beautiful country

6. a gaggle of earrings

7. BLOGGING!

This was quite a year... Can't wait to see what the next one has in store...

Hope everyone has a Happy New Year!!!

Love to all,
LC

Shot in the head four times...

2008-12-18T12:25:00.000-06:00

AND IT IS WORKING!!!

Actually I had four Occipital Nerve Blocks... this procedure consists of superficial injections of a local anesthetic with corticosteroids at the level of the superior nuchal line to develop a wall of anesthetic surrounding the posterior occipital artery. Occipital blocks offer immediate and sometimes long term palliative benefit to patients suffering from migraine, tension and/or cluster headaches! Blah blah blog... but, like I said, it is working! I got the injections yesterday and my migraine just washed away! Today the injection sites are sore but some Advil took care of that. I am feeling FANTABULOUS!

UPDATE: still a non-smoker, working out and eating better than ever!

Fatty fatty 2 by 4...

2008-12-02T13:23:00.000-06:00

Now that I am a few weeks into my new life goals I thought I would throw in another one...

I am publicly vowing to lose weight and get in shape!

I thought I would share this with family and friends so there would be less chance of me giving up again!

As most of you know, I love food and relaxing! These things used to work for me… they work no longer.

At almost 5 weeks as a non-smoker and a couple of weeks going to the gym... today starts the eating Light & Right diet. (My own little diddy I've come up with.) It's pretty self explanatory.

So, with the promise of shame and embarrassment if I do not accomplish my goal... I will begin.

Gobble Gobble!

2008-11-26T14:15:00.000-06:00

Which reminds me... this wouldn't happen if the guy had a Guide Dog.

Many of you know my parents work with the Guide Dog Foundation. They are "puppy walkers". Currently they are working with Laurel, their third puppy. Alley, the first pup, is now working in New York with a lovely lady named Grace. This pic is from our visit with Grace and her sister in May of 2008. Emerald, the second pup is back at home with Mom and Dad. And sweet sweet Laurel has been in training with my parents since September 2008.This picture was taken during Bring a Vet to School Day at the elementary school in Killeen which serves about 95% children of soldiers.

Anyway, thanks to Mom and Dad for the time, money, energy, etc. spent to help someone you have never met. Thank you for teaching me how to do the same.

Have a happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Thanks to you!

2008-11-20T12:05:00.000-06:00

Three weeks and counting... (regarding previous blog) ... on my smoke free life! I wanna shout out to all my family and friends! And thank one person in particular, Julie, who sent a fabulous array of gum for me to chew on!

On a side note... I am on day two of my new workout regime 5 @ 5. AM that is... Monday through Friday that is...

I will keep you posted!

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T15:48:00.001-05:00

Potty humor has always been one of my favs!

Smokin' update...

It has been exactly 40 hours since my last cigarette! I am thinking about it all the time but haven't caved in! I also have a lot of sniffers around me these days. Smellin' me up and down to see if I have a hint of the stuff on me. So far so good!

Thank you for your prayers!

Love to all!
LC

ps. mom says I am not even grumpy!

Smokin'

2008-10-29T13:57:00.000-05:00

There is a song that says, "Last cigarette, last cigarette, one before I go to bed!" That is the song I will be singing tonight.

Shocked?!?!?! I know that those of you who didn't know are probably shocked to find that I have been a smoker (off and on) since I was 14 years old. Those of you who did know are probably shocked to see that I am telling the world... since I have been pretty embarrassed and secretive about the habit for many years.

I have been taking with my doctor for several months about Chantix. It is a nicotine inhibitor rather than a constant supply of nicotine like all of the other ways I have tried to quit. So last Thursday I started the medicine with the goal of quitting on the 30th (per the instructions on the box).

Tomorrow is the 30th! I am ready! I have many supporters! And I have the hope of a healthier and better smelling life!

I hope I haven't disappointed anyone. I feel like I am standing here naked. But, I also feel like quitting has to be something I do in public since I have kept the other so private. Please don't judge me. Pray for streingth and faith that I can do it!

Thank you,
Leslie Cooper

Back to Africa!!!

2008-10-15T16:52:00.006-05:00

Yes... that is right! I am going back to Africa!

For those of you that don't know I went to Luanda, Angola a year ago this week.

I went with a group from my church FBC Garland for a non-profit group called His Nets.

Our goal there was to distribute mosquito nets (mosquiteros) to the people and throw in a little Jesus where we could. It turned out there were a lot of places to do both!

Color-synthesizing scanning electron microscope image by David Scharf.

I had the time of my life and just found out that I get to go back in June of 2009! I don't have much information on where in the country we will go or what we will be focusing on next time. But... I will let you know when I find out. I have been studying Portuguese since we got back in hopes that we would return.

I am soooooo exctied!

A beautiful rose for a beautiful rose...

2008-10-15T16:04:00.000-05:00

JUST KIDDING! I just wanted to brag about the single long-stem red rose Billy brought to me on Saturday afternoon.

Now I am done!

Have a great week everybody!!!

LC

Lovely Lake Life...

2008-10-04T21:25:00.000-05:00

the lake...

all I can say is it is nice...

Billy had an idea to cook out and take the dogs to the lake...

Well, things didn't work out the way Billy wanted them too. Willy stepped on the BBQ sause he got specially from one of our favorite resturaunts. He also demolished the fish and by the time we got there BBQ sause was all over the back of Billy's new truck. Also... he (Billy) didn't quite know where we were going...

So we get there... the dogs are very happy. Rowdy is playing in the lake and Mister Willy is being a poonanny. All he wants to do is eat the ice out of the ice box. Anyway. Billy couldn't get the fire started (so he thought) and he was quite upset.

Well, after a few minutes of pouting... we looked to the left and there was a fire in the grill!!! The lake ... our best friends... dinner and a little wine... and the sunset on the lake...

I was in heaven!

Here are a few pictures from the evening...

I think I have "Baby Envy"!

2008-09-29T09:48:00.000-05:00

Or maybe it is just a frog problem...

This past weekend I drug Billy to my very first Reptile Expo! I wanted to see what kind of folks show up at these things. Well, there were a lot of young pimple faced boys with their allowance (from SEVERAL months) stuffed in their pockets. We also saw the occasional tattooed and pierced reptile/herp. fan. And of coarse there were a few MAD science teachers in the group. This is when I realized I should have been a middle school science teacher and my animal and bug "love" wouldn't be frowned upon. It could be all in the name of science! Oh well... I am used to being frowned upon... or at least looked at funny.

I guess I should just get down to the point.

I got two more frogs.

Two of the dendrobate imitator "Tarapoto". They are also called thumbnails. At adulthood they are less than half an inch long. Itty bitty! And the coloring on these really little beauties is like a rainbow!

So... now I am proud to introduce Rainy and Beau!!!

And I thought I would throw in a cute picture of the boys napping on my couch. (Billy, Willie and Rowdy)

Quirk OFF... ok Abby!

2008-09-23T10:43:00.000-05:00

I have been challenged to a quirk off. And against quirk off rules (I am sure!) my sister gave me a head start. Which I must say was a little exaggerated! So, I will start with a few adjustments to my so called quirks.

1. Abby quoted me as saying "I just don't think I am that quirky..." Not true! I just was having a hard time determining between the normal and the quirky.

2. When my snake died (after 20 years of pet hood) my boyfriend bought me a Red Eyed Tree Frog. While at the pet store buying crickets for Fiona I saw and fell in love with Frank the Tank. He is a Poison Dart Frog (although they are not poisonous in captivity). Fiona didn't make it and Frank was lonely so I ordered him three friends from Ohio (he is less than half an inch long and was all alone in a 45 gallon tank!) These little buggers are so fun! So... I made a little home for a couple of PDF's on my desk at my office. I think this is all reasonable!

3. Yes. I do order three drinks every time I am at Sonic. I get a Diet Coke for the caffeine. A Diet Sprite for the flavor. And... a water for sustenance. Totally makes sense to me.

4. I used to have a problem with opening a gift-wrapped box. I was always taught not to rip paper. In second grade I got in big trouble when I ripped my school paper out of my teachers hands! And some of the paper is so pretty! I did have a problem with keeping some of the paper because I didn't feel right about throwing it away. But... I have rid myself of all that mess since the sale of my house. (I think... there are a couple of boxes I haven't tried to conquer yet.)

5. I totally admit to keeping my chewed up gum on note cards with the details of the day on it. It was sorta like my diary.

6. I am an animal lover! Okay? I was driving (with Penny the cat in tow) to visit my sister in College Station once. It was late... there was a baby cow in the road in the middle of nowhere. I called 911 but they wanted to know where I was. I had no idea. So, in order to save the baby and maybe a life or two I got out of the car and ran towards the cow till it trotted off the road and then I went to the neighbors houses to see if they were missing a cow. Nobody was home. I still wonder if she ever made it home...

7. I don't always steal the rocks. Sometimes I will throw a quarter in the fountain nearby. Or my main man, Billy, will bring one home to me! And, now they serve as a rock garden for the ceramic frog Billy got me for my doorstep. So cute!

8. I like real honey with with my Chick-fil-a nuggets. I only need 4 though. And by the way... I only like catsup in packets. I hate cold catsup!

9. And now I will through my own favorite quirk... I have a plethera of costume and costume like clothing. I love thrift stores and I love fun old stuff. I like wigs and funny hats. I am also known to have more make-up than a make-up company. Though I rarly wear any.

10. Last but not least... I think it is funny to say "my butt" before or after almost anything. I know... I'm 30. But, I think "my butt is funny". See! It works!

Now... how is that for quirky?

You are welcome to add any you have seen or heard. I am proud to be a little different!

The Frog Blog

2008-09-23T10:18:00.001-05:00

Well... as most of you well know... when I like something I really like it! So, after the passing of my many pets I developed an affection for the fabulous Poison Dart Frog (which are NOT poisonus in captivity). Anyway, the only way to keep these little beauties is in a vivarium.

A vivarium (Latin, literally for "place of life;" plural: vivaria or vivariums) is an area, usually enclosed, for keeping and raising animals or plants for observation or research.

My first vivarium is above. It includes a water feature (waterfall and pond) and several hiding places for my tiny friends.

Now to introduce you to my little friends...
My first PDF was Frank "The Tank". He has been very happy since his move to the new place with his new buddies.

Frank is of the species D. leucomelas. Also called the Bumble Bee Dart Frog. He has tons of personality!

Chubs looks very similar but is camera shy...

Fancy is of the species d. azureus. Also called Blue Dart Frog. She loves the waterfall!

Fancy's friend, Jeramiah, is also very camera shy...

Here is my office vivarium! And my two lovely D. auratus "bronze".

This is Harold... he is a little bit greener with a smaller bronze spot on his back. He is also a little smaller than his partner in crime.

And now meet Maude... she is a beautiful turquoise color with a more oval bronze spot on her back. They love to climb the walls and hide in their cocohut!

Have a hoppy day!!!

Farwell to Penny, Lowly and Fiona...

2008-08-11T12:59:00.001-05:00

I just wanted to take a moment to say goodby to a couple of my friends...

Last month my cat, Penny Puss, passed.

She was not always known to be a friendly kitty but everyone thought she was cute! She was living her last days in the lap of luxury at Mom and Dad's house on the creek. (because of a slight problem with urination in the apartment.) Anyway, we believe she was happier than she had ever been and we pray that she went quickly.

Bye bye Penny Puss. I love you!

Last week my snake (since 6th grade) passed of old age... almost 20 years. They are only supposed to live 12 years in captivity. Lowly or Lolita, as I liked to call her after we found out she was a girl, was a cold blooded animal with a warm heart. Almost everyone who met her loved her! And she ran off a few of the "bad" guys too!

What a lovely lady!

P.S. Fiona the Frog's days were numbered... even after a trip to the vet and oral antibiotics she didn't last more than a few weeks. It was nice to know you Fiona. Rest in Peace.

Dirty Words!

2008-08-06T09:29:00.000-05:00

I have to admit my mind has always been about half way in the gutter but there are a few (so called) everyday words that make me cringe! Can I get an AMEN? So, I will show you mine if you show me yours...

britches-- sounds crusty
crusty-- self explanatory
wound-- gross!
hole-- plus it just looks weird
sack-- think about it
pants-- especially my mom's (just kidding nice lady)
heinie, buttocks and last but definitly NOT least... fanny

Now it is your turn.

If Abby jumped off a cliff I would too...

2008-08-05T16:55:00.000-05:00

My first blog...

My sister, Abby (and Kevin), are having a baby!!! So began my sister's first blog... and so began mine.

Well, time has gotten away from me today. I must depart. Can't wait to see you next time! This is going to be fun!

LC