Just keep walking.

In the voice of Dory from Finding Nemo - Just keep walking, just keep walking, just keep walking, walking, walking.

In 2011, I walked 333 miles.

This may seem like a lot, but really, it isn't. 

In 2009, I walked 518 miles.

BUT, it is improvement because in 2010 I only walked 291 miles.

When I look at the variances in miles walked, I know that in 2009 I had a walking partner for the majority of the year. A good friend of mine was unemployed at that time, and we used to walk a 3 mile lake near her apartments almost daily. That added up quick. Also, friends and I were hiking (not the hilly rugged type, just hours of exploring) a lot in 2009 and sometimes we'd walk local parks for hours at a time.

Different Hiking Trips

I pretty much slacked in 2010 with no excuse really. Granted, my friend got a job (yay) so I didn't have her to walk with as often, but still, I should have kept myself motivated. Also, I literally did not walk the entire month of July 2010 as no joke, I was sick from July 1st - the 31st. It was insane! 

I am happy to see that 2011 brought improvement from 2010, however, I want to go even further. I want to get back to the distances I was walking in 2009.

It's hard to find time to hit the gym and work out, but this really isn't an option to me. I have to stay active due to my back condition. If I go just one day without doing a workout of some type (even simply walking) I stiffen up ridiculously. I admit, I need to find a trainer that could train me specifically with my back issue, however, for the most part, I stick to walking. But that's okay, at least I am walking.

Sometimes when I am walking, and I really don't want to be, and my upper thighs are going numb, or I am having other issues thanks to Spondylolisthesis, I just have to remind myself, 'just keep walking', and soon, once we got our pool all cleaned up and tested properly, I will be able to sing just like Dory 'just keep swimming'. And I think swimming will help my back as well. I can't wait. I am excited to try this theory out!

Walking is SO beneficial. It's not just a means of being active, it's a way to clear your mind, to be still. Walking is when I have some of my best talks with God. When you take time to walk, you pass beauty that you may otherwise have missed. It's amazing what a simple walk can do for you.

views from hiking

More Views

and some Donkey's we've met along the way

Today I encourage you, if you don't walk already, give it a try. You may be surprised. Start slow. Build up to a mile. It's so worth it. If you could take the time to walk a few times a week, I think you'd be surprised at the change you will start feeling, almost immediately.

Flashback Friday... my x-rays.

Today I am participating (for the first time) in Flashback Friday over at the Chasing Joy blog.






It's pretty easy. Flashback Friday is basically where you flash back to an older blog post and link up. Easy peasy, eh? Today I am flashing back to one of my more popular (aka, most read) posts. It happens to be titled -- Your x-rays are really scary. And yes, it is about my x-rays of my back. It's a  pretty scary place, according to my doctor. You see, I suffer from spondylolisthesis as well as severe scoliosis. No fun at all!

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Your x-rays are really scary. 9-9-11

I had an appointment with a back specialist yesterday. It was the 2nd time that I have seen him. My husband (who I had just started dating back when I first saw this doctor) & I were not very big fans of the doctor as he was very blunt. I remember that first visit he just kept saying "and what is really scary about your back is...." He's not a bad doctor by far, he just tells it how it is, and we just weren't ready for the harshness of it. I mean, I KNOW my back is very scary. It didn't bother me as much as it did my husband. With that being the first appointment he had attended with me, I don't think he realized how severe my condition was/is. Anyways, yesterday I went back to that same doctor. I still want to get some more opinions as I absolutely adored my pediatric ortho doctor and I'd love to find someone that I trusted as much as I did him. BUT, for now, we went back as it's been 2 years and I figure it's about time to check back in and make sure my slippage isn't worsening.

Well, what do you think the first thing he says is (after hand shaking and intro's of course)? Yup. You guessed it. "man, your x-rays are really scary, your spine is falling right off your pelvis"

Oh well, we expected it this time, and I know that as a fact, so we just went right a long with it.

Here's the deal though. My spondylolisthesis appears to have worsened a bit. From 1999ish-2005 it measured anywhere between 20 degrees and as high as 28 degrees at one point, but for the most part, the average was 20 degrees slip. My pediatric ortho had said I was stabilized at 20 degrees which would be so amazing if it wouldn't move and I didn't experience any annoying symptoms. In 2009 when I first saw this doctor (FOUR years after my last visit with my pediatric ortho) I measured a 20 degree slip again. YAY! It appeared no real change which was a true blessing. Yesterday I measured at 24 degrees. BOO. It looks as if it's progressing again. And I do feel more symptoms. I am stiff most of the time. Lower back, neck, the works. I think I may have aided in the progression on a water ride at atlantis on my honeymoon. I shouldn't have done any rides, but I rode one where all I did was sit on an inner tube, and you are supposed to hold your butt up, and I thought I was, but not high enough I guess, because at one point we hit a bump and OUCH!! I felt a quick jolt and then it was fine. BUT, with my severe lower back issues, that was enough to do damage and I have been worse since, so I believe that may have done something. I'll never know though.

As for yesterday's visit, the end result? We talked about surgery (which I don't want to have done) in the future  because if I DO continue to progress and this starts effecting my nerves or my hamstrings lock up, surgery won't be an option anymore, it'll become a necessity. SO, I asked a lot of questions:

Q: What exactly do they do during surgery?
A: Okay, this answer was too long for me to verbally repeat. I remember something about a fusion, a rod, and adding stability to my spine. I should have wrote it down. Just like I should have taken pictures of my x-rays. Oops.

Q: How long does the surgery usually last?

A: 2.5 hours

Q: How long would I be in the hospital?

A: usually 3 nights, and 3 weeks of recovery

Q: Would I be in a body cast? 

A: No. As long as you can ensure that you will not be bending, they won't send you home with anything. Sometimes people are sent home with braces to remind them NOT to do any bending motions.

He also said that in his 16 years he's only seen two people who had their spine slip completely off their pelvis. Of course, I asked what that meant because me, being the freak-o, hypochondriac that I am, can only assume I'd just be walking one day, and then BAM I slip completely and it's paralysis or I die. Thankfully he reassured me that wouldn't be how it'd go.

Though we aren't planning anytime soon, I also asked, what this would mean if I ever became pregnant. He told me it shouldn't effect it too much beyond more back pain and the fact that I'd most likely have to have a c-section. I worry about if I'd ever be able to bear children, and this gave me a bit of relief. 

I am aiming to start some physical therapy that his assistant said should help a ton. The exercises will help strengthen my muscles that need it, as well as hopefully prevent more progression. AND, they said after I do a few sessions they might be able to order some of the traction stuff for me to have at home. In 2009 they gave me a referral for physical therapy 3x a week for 12 weeks I want to say. My insurance didn't help much and it was going to cost me $150 a week, $600 a month and I just couldn't do it. This time, she hooked me up with a place that works with people who have high co pays so I am really excited about it. I will call today to find out more info.

I really wish I'd taken a picture of the x-ray's he'd written on yesterday, so I could better explain what it means. If you are familiar with Spondy, which I know many aren't, you will know. Here's a few pics I've found online:

.photo credit.

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.photo credit.

.photo credit.

But, you know what?

Our God is greater, our God is stronger

God You are higher than any other

Our God is Healer, awesome in power

Our God

I always say prayers are appreciated and I really do appreciate them. The fact of the matter is OUR GOD IS HEALER! And if it's his will, one day I will wake up with no more spondylolisthesis on this side of Heaven. <3

I am not sure how much time I will have to blog this weekend, so if I'm not back on here, I hope each and every one of you have a safe and blessed weekend. Please don't forget to take time and remember on September 11th. It's hard to believe it has been 10 years. Be sure to lift all of those involved up in prayer. Prayer works my friends.

Accepting February Sponsors

Happy Friday! :)

Just a quick reminder that I am still accepting sponsors for the month of February.

$10 for the month. 

You help me, and I help you. It's win, win.

February is going to be a super fun month. I have an entire week of guest posters scheduled. I can't wait to share their stories, but, this will also benefit any sponsors I have, because as people make their way over from their other favorite blogs to see their guest posts, they will see YOUR button as well. Yay! I hope to have you a long for the ride!

All proceeds I make from sponsorships go towards my savings fund for getting my dream off the ground and running? Want more info? Click on the sponsor button above.

Email me @ browneyedbellblog at yahoo dot com for more info. You have until the end of the day on the 31st to get me your info. I need your button (of course), $10 deposited via paypal, a blurb about you and your blog, and a photo you'd like included. 

Reminder of the link up that is coming up ON Valentines Day! After reading all the guest posts leading up to Valentines Day, I hope you will be inspired to link up YOUR love story. I can't wait to read everyone's. Feel free to go ahead and take the button now and share on your page, let people know you plan to participate ahead of time, so they will know about the link up before Valentines Day and have time to get their story read if they choose to link up! :)

Thankful Thursday V5.4

As usual, the week has flown by and it's time for a Thankful Thursday post! Yay! They are my favorite!

This week I am thankful for:

♥ more hours at work. I work in market research so as you can assume with it being an election year, hours are definitely picking up. My schedule was actually changed effective last week, and an extra day was tacked on. I will say I was a little upset at first because Thursdays were my me day! There was a lot of stuff I could get done on a Thursday while everyone else was at work, and now I will be at work too. BUT, I can't complain. I am employed and that in itself is a blessing!

♥ Double Dates. Last Friday Ryan and I joined up with my friend Em & her BF for a double date at a local Tex Mex restaurant.  It was delish!

♥ Finding new recipes online. I tried this one last week! Thanks Laura!

notice the beggers?

♥ Massages. This isn't so much of a luxury for me, as it is a necessity due to my back problems. Sometimes the massage will actually be more painful than it is enjoyable, but that's when my lower back is really jarred up, and it needs to be done to relieve the pressure. For the most part though, it's enjoyable and I try to go every other week. It really loosens me up, for that day. Sadly, it wears off pretty quickly and I stiffen right back up. Oh, the joys of Spondylolisthesis. 

♥ My new hairstylist. I've been to her about 4x now and left happy each time. While I adore my former stylist, my new one is closer to home and that's always a bonus. Last week I had the red removed from my hair and replaced with a honey/caramel blonde. 

not the best pics!

♥ I snapped a pic of Buddy the cow :D He comes to visit me when I walk! This was taken yesterday!

Those are a few of the things I am thankful for this week. How about you? Grab a button and link up!

<center><a title="Brown Eyed Bell(e)" href="http://browneyedbell.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i632.photobucket.com/albums/uu46/HeatherLC02/thankfulthursday3.jpg"/></a></center>

Week of Valentines Day Blog Plans

I am so excited to be hosting a week long event of amazing guest posters in February. The week leading up to Valentines Day I will have seven bloggers sharing their love stories here on Brown Eyed Bell. These guest posts will run from Tuesday February 7th through Monday February 13th. On Tuesday February 14th (Valentines Day) I will have a link up for anyone to join and share their love story with us.

<a href="http://browneyedbell.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i632.photobucket.com/albums/uu46/HeatherLC02/ValentinesButton.jpg" alt="http://browneyedbell.blogspot.com/" width="125" height="125" /></a>

You see, I am a self proclaimed hopeless romantic :D When I am checking out a new blog, if the blogger is in a relationship, one of the first parts I read is the "Our Story" section. Total sap right here. I've read some amazingly beautiful stories, and I can't wait to read (and share) more. I am attaching the button for the Valentines Day link up to today's post. Feel free to take it and start spreading the word so people can link up on Valentines Day!


On a side note, I'd really appreciate some extra prayers this week. My lower back has been bothering me thanks to the Spondylolisthesis and I also have a return visit to an ENT on Friday about a lump I keep feeling in the collar bone area. 


Also, thank you to everyone for your sweet comments on yesterday's Kidney for Kristy post. The internet is a powerful resource, and thanks to yesterday, we are $10 closer to our goal. Keep spreading the word! There are people out there that can help, and would want to, we just have to reach them.

Kidney 4 Kristy Deadline

If you've been following my blog for awhile, you are likely aware that I have been spearheading a campaign to raise money that my cousin needs to get on the waiting list for a kidney transplant. Yup, that's right. Before she can even get put on the transplant list (that she may be on for years) she has to come up with a $5000 financial deposit. I personally find that a bit ridiculous, BUT, it is what it is, and it needs to be done.

Shands has officially given her a deadline of February 29th to have the funds raised. She is only about $1200 away BUT this is still very scary to us. Why? Because we have been raising since May 2011. And now we have an official deadline. And it's coming up quick. What I don't know yet is if on that date they need that money IN HAND. Or just proof that we have it, like looking at the Giveforward page. There's a big difference. If they need it in hand, I'd need to shut down the giveforward page so they'd have two weeks to cut the check and mail it.

My friends, you can help. How? The internet is a powerful, powerful resource. I am reaching out to each and every one of you to see if you might be able to help. There are a few ways that I can think of:

1) tweet the link to her Giveforward page. You could tweet something a long the lines of @HeatherLC02's cousin is in need of a kidney and YOU can help. http://www.giveforward.com/kidneyforkristy #K4K #kidneyforkristy

2) Donate a few dollars yourself if you are able. Do you normally get a coffee once a week or more? Maybe give up your coffee funds for the week?

3) Blog about it. Even if you personally can't give, you never know which of your followers may have a heart for this type of need. Maybe a relative, or even themselves have been through something similar.

4) Share the http://www.giveforward.com/kidneyforkristy link on your facebook or any other social network site you may use

5) Email the story to your friends and family

6) Host a fundraiser. There's a few weekends left until the deadline. Check into hosting a car wash, yardsale, bake sale, or raffle. Set up a Change 4 Change Jar at your place of employment. Everyone's spare change truly does add up. You'd be surprised.

Car Wash we hosted for K4K

Do you see all the simple ways you can help? Even if you can't give personally, which I totally understand, there ARE ways you can help for completely free. It'd just take a few minutes out of your day.

You'd be surprised how many people are willing to help, sometimes you just have to ask. 

That's what I encourage you to do today. Ask someone to help you. Help you help a stranger. 


Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under any compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound with every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:7-8 NIV


Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing, some have unwittingly entertained angels. Hebrews 13:2 NKJV


Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. 2 Corinthians 8:13-14 NIV

On a side note, if anyone has a Wells Fargo bank near them, she also has an account set up there. You can deposit donations into account # 1010321164300


If you happen to share this story in anyways, please let me know so I can personally Thank You!! :)

Linking up with Call Me Blessed and A Pause on the Path today.

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It happened at a call center

In my almost 10 years (yes, you read that right) of call center work, I've never witnessed anything happen like what happened today. 

A little background.... While I work at a call center, I am not directly on the phone myself. I work behind the scenes, with sample and quota manipulation. 

Anyways, a member from the QA staff came back to inform me that she had to take over a call that one of our employees was on. It was a very elderly woman, who claimed she had fallen down and could not get up. 

Immediately my QA person knew to get as much information as possible. We wanted to be able to get her help, as soon as possible. As I mentioned, the respondent was very very old. She was able to tell our QA employee the name of the place she stayed (which we assumed to be a nursing home or apartment complex) and she provided an address. 

Since the study we were working on was calling Michigan, we had that to go with as well, which proved to be very helpful as she was only able to recite back part of her address. The project we were working on was also a name on list study, so we had her name right there with her phone number. 

The QA department assured her that we'd get some help to her. Once they relayed to me what had happened, the employee I happened to be training said she'd call the respondent back and keep her on the phone and alert until help arrived. She called her back while the QA staff and I googled any info we had to help us locate this precious elderly woman. We were able to trace the info she gave us back to a nursing home. 

My coworkers explained what happened, and the nursing home immediately recognized the name "Oh! She's in room 9!" As my other employee kept the elderly lady on the line, she could hear the nursing room staff walk into the room. The elderly lady said "oh! there they are, I will let you go now" to which my employee said "No! I want to talk to them" she wanted to ensure all was well.... The staff member picked up the phone and explained the elderly lady suffers from dementia and had indeed fallen about two months ago and it caused her to have hip surgery but as for today? She was doing just fine, sitting upright on her cough, watching TV and chatting on the phone with us. 

Yup, she was just living in a memory at that moment.... a memory that sure gave us a scare. Meanwhile, my QA employee was on another line with the local police department for that area. Hey, we wanted to ensure someone got help to this lady who we had thought had fallen, as soon as possible! We did our part :) Quite a interesting day at work indeed. I am home and ready to relax now! Have a great night friends! I just had to share this story with you!

Five Question Fri...er, Saturday.

See that girl above? That's my high school best friend since about 10th grade, and she is on her way over to join me in making some biscuits and gravy, pancakes, bacon and eggs for breakfast. Mmm.... Then we are off to the new house to continue to working on it. I am so thankful for all my friends! <3


While breakfast is cooking I figured I'd stop in for a little Five Question Friday on a Saturday!

1. Where do you hide the reeeally good snacks? I don't really hide snacks anywhere. They are just hanging around the kitchen. If there is some Ghiradheli brownies that I don't want ate, I will stash them in my room. Those are my weakness.

2. Do u keep your vehicle clean or am I the only one who has things falling out of their van? Let's just say don't look in my car. I am embarrassed. There is random trash all over the passenger floor board. It's not nasty stuff, mostly paper stuff... If food or anything that would smell I make sure to trash it! Husbands vehicle? Much cleaner.

3. Have you ever been to Vegas? I have been to a lot of major cities, but no Vegas... yet. One day?

4. Warm room light blankets or cold room warm snuggly blanket? freeeeezin' room and snuggly blankets! I can not stand to be warm and I get hot very easy! The thermo is usually at least 70 degrees and I don't turn on the heat often, and when I do, it's usually for the doggies. They are like my kids. Gotta keep them warm and healthy.

5. What is the worst airplane/flying experience you've ever had? I could be wrong on the exact flight, but I believe it was to Kansas for my sisters wedding. I had never experienced sinus pressure before and I did on that flight. And it was so severe I thought I was dying. Seriously, I was praying in my head that there'd be a doctor on board in case my head blew up. I didn't know what was happening. And I'd flown many times before that, including a long flight to Europe. Now, I am always afraid getting on a plane. I make sure to take a decongestant. For the most part, I've flown maybe 2-3x since then and haven't had any more major issues.

Welp, that's all for today friends! I hope you all have a beautifully blessed weekend. I am off to grub on some breakfast and head to the new house to work.

XOXO

Thankful Thursday V5.3

Happy Thursday Friends. I hope you will grab a button and link up! I absolutely love checking out your blogs and seeing what awesome things you have going on in your life that you are thankful for. Also, a reminder for those linking up, or if you have never participated in a link up before: when you are participating in a link up, don't forget to link BACK to the page of the link up. For instance, if you decide to link up today, on YOUR Thankful post be sure to either copy and paste my Thankful Thursday button code OR just do a HTML link up such as "Today I am linking up with Heather from Brown Eyed Bell(e)"

Let's get to it! This week I am so thankful for:

♥ My sister and the beautiful flowers she sent me on Monday. What a surprise and a wonderful way to start the week! 

♥  The beautiful horse(s) that's right across the street from our new house. There's actually two horses in this particular pasture, but if you walk along our quite little street you will see other pastures with cows and or horses. It's beautiful. I was struck by the size of this white horse, it's one of the biggest, and most beautiful I've ever seen. I've also made friend with a younger cow down the street as well. Every time I walk he comes up to see me. Today he ran to see me. Totally made my day. I call him Buddy the cow... I call most random animals I find Buddy... I've had a Buddy the toad and Buddy the cow now. They are all my buddies :) 

♥ Friendly drivers who warn of impending cops. As I was driving yesterday during daylight a truck flashed it's lights at me. I automatically thought "hmm, there must be a cop up ahead" and sure enough, I turned the corner, and there was one just sitting. I tend to have a lead foot, so this warning was nice, and I was able to call my husband who was about to leave for a meeting and warn him as well. 

♥ Snail Mail. I receive so much junk mail, as I am sure you do too, that it totally makes my day when I receive a hand written letter and card. Recently I received two in ONE day. Talk about a big smile on my face. A cousin wrote me a letter as well as Erin wrote me a letter on beautiful stationary. PS, Erin's birthday was yesterday, you should swing by and show her some love. She's a sweetheart. Also, I know I am not the only one who loves snail mail, Danielle blogged about it this week and issued a challenge to get some more people writing letters. I'm in. Are you?! 

♥ For the donors and donations that have came in for Kidney For Kristy this week. Shands hospital has given Kristy the official deadline of February 29th to have the $5000 raised. She still needs about $1200 more. My cousin has been able to meet the majority of the needs with the exception of the financial deposit. She completes her final stress test today and then her only hold up is money. Please spread her giveforward page that's linked about and help her get a Kidney. Also, if you'd like to read more about her situation, you can click the Kidney for Kristy tab at the top of my blog.

♥ My immune system. Usually it's pretty bad and I get sick fairly easy but it's been awesome as of late. My husband was super sick last week and missed two days of work. He was in bed from Sunday night through Wednesday noon. Totally not like him. Somehow, my body fought it off. I have not got sick yet (knocking on some wood right now). Praise God!

♥ Being able to attend Winter Jam this past Saturday with my husband and friends. I attended last year and this year and it was amazing both times. A Christian concert featuring 10 bands for $10. You can't beat that. Lives are changed. Every night of the tour. One person spoke about a young man that came to Winter Jam unsaved. He left a saved man. He went right home and woke his parents up. It was late, so when he told his parents "I HAVE TO TELL YOU WHAT I'VE DONE!!" they were worried and thought "oh no, what on earth could he have done?!" instead, he proceeded to tell them how he went to this concert, and he accepted Christ as his Savior. He apologized for the years that he did not act like the son they deserved and promised that would all change now. And it did. For two weeks. They saw an amazing change in their son. In his spirit. And then, he was in a freak accident in which he suffered injuries he could not recover from, and just like that, their baby boy was gone. BUT, you know what? Winter Jam gave them an amazing gift. Their son became saved when he attended the concert, and now, they have peace knowing where he is at and that they will see him again. They said before the concert, they couldn't say that. Souls are being saved. You never know who will get touched. That story gave me goosebumps. I am so thankful that young boys parents now have the gift of peace and knowing that their son knows Christ. What a blessing. The song below was one of the groups that performed. I had never heard them before, but I really, really like this song. It's so catchy. "All I know is I'm not home yet, this is not where I belong. Take this world and give me Jesus, this is not where I belong."

Those are a few of the things I am thankful for this week. What about you? Link up below!

A Humpty Dumpty Whatever Wednesday

If you are wondering what on earth a Humpty Dumpty Whatever Wednesday is... well, I am participating in four link ups today. Fun! 

Humpty Dumpty is basically a photo dump on Wednesday's aka Hump Day. Clever, eh?

Whatever Wednesday is kind of self explanatory, link up about whatever you want! Oh! And Savannah just announced her pregnancy yesterday so go congratulate her :)

I Heart Tattoos a link up featuring wonderful tattoos
What I Wednesday... Erin hosts a "What I Wednesday.." every week!

So, first things first. Photo dump time! 

L: My horribly faded hair    R: My friends new hair cut looking fresh!

1. laptop @ work        2. inspiration for our Chives room

3. a card that made me think of Kaelah    4. @ the car wash

1. STARBUCKS!    2. Roofdog! really!    3. Getting oil changed

1. intent look     2. laughing or crying?

3. comfy sweaters     4. copy cats... er, dogs.

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I also wanted to blog a bit about my tattoos today. I currently have two, and would love more. I love tattoos. My problem is I am ridiculously indecisive. SO, it takes a long time to make a decision on something so permanent. I got my first tattoo in December 2008. Oddly enough, I was broken hearted at that time, as I'd been freshly dumped, I think I went through a mini crisis and it finally gave me the guts to just do it. I'd wanted this particular tattoo for years, since high school, and never had the guts to get one, until then. I got my 1st tattoo on Christmas Eve 2008. It was a bigger star with 3 smaller stars around it. I absolutely love stars and originally I had wanted one big black star in the center with three colored ones around it, a yellow, blue, and green one to symbolize me, my mom and dad's favorite colors. However, drawn out, it was too rainbow-y and I did not like it as much, SO, I went with one big pink (my favorite color) star surrounded by three smaller black ones. This tattoo is located a bit lower than my belly button, on the right side.

Sorry for the bad picture quality!

I got my 2nd tattoo on September 3rd last year (2011). It was impromptu. I knew I wanted a Jesus fish on my foot, I'd googled many a pictures for ideas. My best friend since HS had wanted to get her 1st tattoo and I went with... and decided to get one as well! Every time I look down at my foot, I smile inside. I absolutely adore this tattoo. And if you are wondering, YES! foot tattoos hurt! So thankful this took less than ten minutes.

What are YOU up to this Wednesday? 

Shine Giveaway Winner

Happy Sunday Friends! 

I hope you have a beautiful day!

I'm here quickly to announce the winner of the Shine shirt giveaway, though I hope to have time (later) to blog some of the stuff that has been on my mind lately.

Anyways, the winner of the shine shirt giveaway is comment #58, HisHandmaiden.

CONGRATULATIONS!!

Please contact Ashley from The Shine Project

at Ashley.TheShineProject@gmail.com

to give her your shirt choice and size.

Thankful Thursday V5.2

Hello, hello! I find it necessary to share with you that as I sit in bed typing this up on my HP Laptop (that I am not a fan of) I keep trying to touch the screen. I am spoiled by my iPad. Goodness! Anyways, it's Thursday, YAY! Time for a Thankful Thursday link up.

reminder: The 14th is the last day to enter to win a SHINE SHIRT. Come on, let's help support and promote The Shine Project

This week I am thankful for:

♥ My husband is feeling better. From the time he came home Sunday after working at the new house all weekend, through Wednesday at noon, he did not get out of bed. He was feverish and just not feeling well at all. Today he appears much better. Praise God! <3

♥ Perfect timing moments. We had one of these at the new home on Saturday. We had all gathered for a "cleaning + painting + pizza party" and had just been chatting about an oak tree that would be needing trimmed up soon as one of the branches is directly over our house. You know, living in Florida, hurricane season is a pretty big deal and we need it trimmed sooner rather than later. I had just mentioned how it'd be some time before we could get it done as tree work is pretty pricey. Then, someone said "Who is walking up the drive way?" I said "I am not sure, maybe another neighbor stopping to say hello..." NOPE. It was a lady soliciting none other than... yup, you guessed it. Tree Service. SO WEIRD. I was able to get a free price quote then and there. I don't know if we will go with them or not, as my former neighbor actually has his own tree service as well, BUT, it was so cool how that perfect timing worked out.

♥ Every single one of our amazing friends and family. We had SO many people swing by and help out with the cleaning and painting last weekend and this weekend. It truly is amazing and we feel so incredibly blessed and loved. If you have helped at the new house, THANK YOU! YOU are helping our house become a home.

 The above photo(s) were taken this past weekend as we had some goof off time while painting and cleaning as well :)

♥ Random things that remind you of something you need to do. I experienced this on Sunday at work. I had a ridiculous migraine that had me actually sick at work. I tried to knock it out with dark chocolate and a soda (hey, it works! sometimes) and as I was leaving I had laid my soda bottle on a cubicle on the main call center floor. Another sup had reminded me to grab it, BUT, I forgot. I came back to work to check something and as I was closing up, an employee came speeding up asking to please use our vending machine for a cold soda as she really wanted one. Just that simple act of her coming back and buying a soda totally reminded me of the soda I had left on the floor. Funny how things work :)

♥ Bible in a year. I am excited to be on day 12 now. I have the NLT Bible in a year version that I bought for a few dollars at a yardsale recently as well as my church is also reading through the Bible in a year, so each week I grab the bulletin that tells what parts they are reading for that week. I have been comparing it with the Bible in a year book I have been reading, and they both are matching up and on the same schedule so that makes me happy!

♥ The blogging community. I don't know if I tell you guys enough, but I absolutely adore and appreciate each and every one of you that takes the time to swing by this lil place of mine in the big world wide web. I know their are millions of blogs out there (did you know 88,000 new blogs were created in the last 24 hours?! credit: the nielson company) and the very fact that you have taken the time to care about mine makes me smile. Thank you sweet friends. Also, if you follow me on twitter, please introduce yourselves. A user name is not always self explanatory. After all, my twitter user ID is HeatherLC02. Would you automatically associate that with the BrownEyedBell(e) blog if you didn't know?

Those are just a few of the things I am thankful for this past week. What about you? Please grab a button and link up! Also, a reminder for those linking up, or if you have never participated in a link up before: when you are participating in a link up, don't forget to link BACK to the page of the link up. For instance, if you decide to link up today, on YOUR Thankful post be sure to either copy and paste my Thankful Thursday button code OR just do a HTML link up such as "Today I am linking up with Heather from Brown Eyed Bell(e)"

<center><a title="Brown Eyed Bell(e)" href="http://browneyedbell.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i632.photobucket.com/albums/uu46/HeatherLC02/thankfulthursday3.jpg"/></a></center>

Whatever Wednesday

I feel like I have not been able to post all the wonderful things I want to share with you guys lately as I have been busy with work, the new house, and a sick husband. SO, my apologies. An update on the house coming soon, as well as I WILL finish quarter 4 of my 2011 year in review. It may be late, but better late then never, eh?

Anyways, for today, I am linking up with Savannah for Whatever Wednesday

I find it pretty entertaining reading some of the ways people have found my blog via search engines. Oh, the things that lead people to my blog...

just from THIS week...

being a mother is the best pretty funny since I am not even a mother!

amazing that your simple smile can brighten someones day this is true!

people with spondylolisthesis this doesn't surprise me since I frequently blog about my back issues

Jesus fish tattoo on foot I love my Jesus fish tattoo! I hope it inspires someone!

Zoe Gibbs She is the sister of a friend of mine. I've blogged about her a few times as she was in a jet ski accident last Easter that left her without part of one of her legs. She was in the hospital for months battling an infection from the lake as well as multiple surgeries. She is an inspiration.

and, past searches that have led to my blog...

Brown Eyed Bell Blog this one doesn't surprise me :)

Beautiful Brown Eyed Woman well, I am honored! <3

Button Art I experimented with button art for a baby shower last year

Have you ever checked your stats to see where your audience is coming from? If not, do it! It will likely bring a smile to your face. Or leaving you saying "Huh?!"

I will leave you with a picture of Bullseye from yesterday. I was outside trying to enjoy some sunshine while doing my daily Bible study (yes, I am on day 11 of reading the Bible in a year) and Bullseye felt the need to chew his toy ON my lap since I wouldn't stop reading the play with him :D

Happy Wednesday Ya'll :)

Say Hello to my January Sponsors!

Oh my! Where does time go? I had wanted to post this on the 1st, and here we are on the 9th already! Eek! Before we know it, it will be February! My only excuse is the new house has had me consumed and yesterday I had planned to get this posted, but, a migraine took over. Today is a better day! And, I figured what better way to start the week off than by checking out some wonderful ladies that are near and dear to me, BUT, may be new (and potentially near and dear) to you?

SO, here we go. I'd like to introduce you to my January sponsors <3 We have:

 Erin from Captivated By Grace

Hello beautiful ladies! My name is Erin and I blog over at Captivated By Grace. I'm a twenty-something Christ follower with a passion for life, love, and above all else, my faith in the Lord. I love to share the joys and beauty that can be found in this world, as well as the times that are not as beautiful and can be a bit more challenging. Let's face it...life is full of ups and downs. I began blogging to reflect on the things I am learning in my life, and hope to bring a touch of happiness, a dash of encouragement, and a pinch of love to whoever is in need of it. I have been captivated by God's grace. Come get captivated with me!  2012 is going to be a year of change and trust for me. I want to build a stronger faith, trust God with my life and my future, and share of His amazing grace with as many people as I can!

Noelani from Our Beautiful Little Journey

Hi there! My name is Noelani and I blog over at Our Beautiful Little Journey. A place where you will find things relating to - marriage, parenting, Faith, as well as the Military life. Something I plan to accomplish in 2012 is to simply embrace every moment - both big and little. Feel free to head on over and introduce yourself! I love "meeting" new people! :)

Casey Leigh from The Wiegands

I am Casey Wiegand. A stay at home mama, freelance artist. Married to an incredible man. I sell the majority of my work through local galleries and my website. I am a jury award winner and have participated in numerous art shows. I love doing commissions and love to share my life through my blog. If you stop by you can expect pieces of my perspective on life, faith, kids, marriage...with touches of art, creative inspiration, projects and things I love along the way. My gift to you, my art....and our story.

 DaisyJo from Daisy Petals

I am a 20-something Christian girl living in central Florida. Photography, art, music, and creativity are my passions and I find inspiration everywhere. Currently I work part-time at a bookstore, part-time babysitting 4 children, and part-time as a freelance photographer-all while taking spanish classes. On my blog you'll find photos, stories, and style and other random goodies. In 2012 I hope to have more photography opportunities. I want to really pursue this passion of mine, learn more, book more shoots. It takes effort, but I want to make it happen. I would also LOVE to travel. I went to Nicaragua last summer, and I would love to go out of the country again. Or even just to see more of the US! We'll just have to see what's in store for me this year. I hope you'll come along for the ride with me!

***

I am so grateful to all of the above ladies. They are all wonderful! If you swing by to say hello, please be sure to let them know I sent you! 

If you'd like to sponsor in February, please contact me at browneyedbellblog at yahoo dot com You can read more about why I've decided to take on sponsors by clicking here. <3 All proceeds go directly towards my savings for the A Charitable Community website.

Being my best self.

I am linking up today with Ashley @ The Shine Project.

On Sunday, she prompted us to link up today about being our best self. Her prompt? 

"If I could change one thing in the world, what would it be?"

Write down the first thing that comes to mind.

Then make a list of ways that YOU can help make that change.

Surprisingly, this was ridiculously hard for me. Why? Because there are SO many things I want to change.

Be the change you wish to see in the world - Gandhi

I am passionate about numerous causes, as you know if you've followed my blog for awhile. I participate annually in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. You can check out my fundraising page by clicking HERE. My team is the Cancer Knockouts and we are ready to KNOCK OUT cancer! The back of our shirts have orange boxing gloves and say FIGHT LIKE A GIRL! Win like Tina & Ashley. Tina and Ashley are two of my best friends who are in remission from Leukemia. God is SO good.

Overnight Relay for Life -- 2008

The boys figured their bodies would bring in more customers...

Relay for Life 2010 -- Putt Putt was our groups way of raising money

Animals are also a huge passion of mine, and I participate yearly in my local SPCA's Pet's on Parade. They don't have all the info available for the April event, but, you can bet as soon as they do, I will be signed up.

Pets on Parade 2010

Since May 2011 I have been spearheading the Kidney for Kristy campaign to help my cousin Kristy raise the $5000 she needs (among other qualifications) to get her on the Kidney transplant list. Between what we have raised online ($1947) and the donations she has received in the Wells Fargo account, she currently needs less than $1000 to meet her goal, SO, *insert shameless plug*, if you might have anything you could spare, please please consider donating securely online via link I posted for Kidney for Kristy. She is SO close.

Beyond those 3 main causes that I am active with, I keep myself busy with various other causes including but not limited to:

Church events

Sponsoring kids and/or families for the holidays

Various events such as Heather's Hope, Light the Night, & Great Strides 

Coordinating a monthly visit between the young adults ministry at my church and the children at Florida Baptist Children's home. We visit those sweet kids once a month and they make sure a difference in our lives.

Leading efforts to help those in need (for instance, last year I found out a friend and former coworker of mine was struggling getting supplies and clothing needed for back to school for her 3 children. My friend and her husband had both been laid off and were really struggling at that time. I recruited some help and was able to get clothing, book bags, and the supplies that family needed).

As you can see, non profit and helping others is a big part of my life. It brings me such joy. Indescribable joy. Helping others is what makes my heart swell.

As for being my best self in 2012? It is my goal to get my project, A Charitable Community off and running. I've registered the domain name, I just need a designer to help me get the site up and running (know anyone?). This project is part of the reason I am now accepting sponsors for a small fee. All proceeds go to helping me get this site running. I want to help connect those who want to help with those in need of help. I want to help us all become more charitable. 

Who is with me? We can make this world a better place. One person, one change at a time.

.photo credit.

Don't forget if you haven't entered yet to win a SHINE shirt

you still have time. CLICK HERE.