A "Friend"ly Post...Thank You For Being a Friend!

I suffer from depression and sporadic anxiety/panic attacks.  Just within the last few years have I accepted that I have these and sought out help from my doctor.  She subsequently put me on medicine and gave me some ideas about how to keep these things "in check".
Some days are better than others with my ability to keep my depression and anxiety under control.

I know that people reading this might find this hard to believe, because I try to be happy all of the time and am quite good at masking or covering up that I am depressed.

Whether they know it or not, some of my friends have been a tremendous help and blessing to me lately as I have been in a  "funk".  That is the best way that I know how to describe it. The last few days, maybe even a week now, have been REALLY hard on me for reasons I don't exactly know.  Well, that's not entirely true...it's a bunch of different things and situations.  I won't bore you readers with the reasons, but let's just say I've been thrown some crazy curve balls by life lately.   I wouldn't have been able to cope as well as I have without the help of my friends and/or family...most of which I keep in contact with on Facebook.

Facebook has allowed me to make and meet many friends over the years that I've been a part of the "Facebook craze".

Some friends I know in real life, some I know through my eBay days where I sold vintage postcards, some I've met through other friends, some friends are family or people that I consider my family, some I've met through the many many groups that I belong to where we share a common ground (i.e. reading books, our love of Disney, or something else).  Some of the friends that I didn't know in real life when we met on Facebook, I have since met or have talked with on the phone, sent text messages back and forth, and even video chatted (either via Skype or by Face Time).  I have also sent things like cards or small tokens of my appreciation to a few people that I have met through Facebook. Facebook has allowed me to reconnect with friends from my school days, my days when I was still working, and even people from my childhood.  I am so grateful for Facebook.  There are still quite a few people that I know through Facebook or other social media outlets for that matter, that I hope one day to meet in person.

Earlier tonight, I was sitting here all depressed when I received a sweet message privately from a person that I know through another friend.  This person sent me just a picture of a person being hugged with the words, "Thought of you with this".  This person barely knows me and we've only chatted a handful of times, but somehow, they sensed that I could use a little "pick-me-up".  Upon seeing the message (and even right now), I teared up at this person's thoughtfulness.  They took the time to send me a message and while it made me cry because I was so touched, it also made me realize that when I think that I am alone, I'm really not.  This is not the only time that someone has reached out to me and made me feel wanted, but I felt the need to night to share this.


I just want to tell everyone reading this, "Thank You".  Thank you for reaching out to me.  I might not express it very well, but I really do appreciate messages of encouragement or really messages of any kind.  It makes me feel special.  I only hope that I am able to do the same to some people at some point.

I'm going to close with this recording that I did a few years ago.  It sums up pretty well how I feel about all of my friends and family.

And That's What Sarah Says!!!

Doing the 100 Days of Happiness Challenge....AGAIN? Plus Some More Stuff!!

Once again, I have gone for a long period of time without doing a blog post.  I would like to say that I've been busy in real life, but that's not 100% true.

In my last post, I talked about doing a "100 Days of Happiness" challenge.  If you're not familiar with this challenge, you can read about it here.  I would like to say that I was able to post for 100 days, but for some reason, I was unable to.  I think that I made it to day #85, though.

Well, I have decided to give it another go, because one of my good friends is also starting it again and has asked me to do it along with him.

So far, I am on day #7, and I think the way he figured it, we will post our day #100 on New Year's Eve.  That's kind of cool, I think.  It will be neat to "close out" the year with 100 days of happy.  At least I think so.

If you're interested in taking part in this challenge, here's what you do:


1)  Go here and sign the pledge.
2)  Choose your platform for submitting your pictures.  Here you can decide yourself on the privacy of your participation & happy moments.
3)  Submit your pictures via Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter. Don't forget to use the hashtag #100HappyDays !


****Your #100HappyDays picture can be anything from a meet-up with a friend to a very tasty cake in the nearby coffee place, from a feeling of being at home after a hard day to a favor you did to a stranger.

#100happyday challenge is for you - not for anyone else.

 

It is not a happiness competition or a showing off contest. If you try to please / make others jealous via your pictures - you lose without even starting. Same goes for cheating.****  


To see what makes me happy or what I am happy for, you can follow me on Instagram where I go by "SuperSillySarah" (without the quotes, though) or on Facebook, I can be found by clicking here.  What I share on Instagram automatically gets posted to Facebook.


I know that this post was kind of a repeat of my previous post, but don't worry, I have some great posts coming soon!! You don't want to miss them!! 


How about some teasers of what's to come in the near future?  

• I have found an awesome piece of exercise equipment for people that are wheelchair bound or bed bound because of injury, disease, etc.

• I'm going to do a blog post about our trip to Schaumburg, Illinois earlier this year for the Abilities Expo.  

• My views on a few things in the news.

• And even more fun stuff!!!   

And That's What Sarah Says!!!

100 Days of Happy -- Can YOU Do It?!?!?

After a few days of seeing some friends of mine post pictures with the hashtag #100HappyDays in the description, my interest was piqued.  I like to think of myself as a person that is "is in the know" about things like this, but I wasn't this time.

After I typed "100 Happy Days" into Google, I found quite a few articles about it and was further interested.  To read the official page/information about this challenge, you can go here, but in a nutshell, it's a daily challenge to document things that make you happy.  It's a pretty easy challenge, huh?  I think so!

I'm only on day #2, but so far, I am loving this challenge.  Check with me toward the end of the 100 days when I'm having trouble being thankful for things that I haven't already posted.

Please join me in this challenge!

Here's how:

1)  Go here and sign the pledge.
2)  Choose your platform for submitting your pictures.  Here you can decide yourself on the privacy of your participation & happy moments.
3)  Submit your pictures via Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter. Don't forget to use the hashtag #100HappyDays !

That's all you have to do!

So, now you're probably thinking to yourself, "Why would I want to take part in this challenge?"  To this I say, "What have you got to lose?  Everyone needs to be reminded that there are things all around to make us happy.  Below are just a few reasons:

Still not on board?

How about some musical inspiration!  "Happy" by Pharrell Williams has been quite popular over the last several weeks, and after listening to it, I can definitely see why.  Just try to listen to it and not smile or tap your feet.  It's quite hard if not impossible to do!

I was trying to find the video of another song to motivate you called "Happy", but it's by a Christian artist, Carolyn Arends.  I couldn't find the video (maybe there isn't one for this particular song), but I DID find the lyrics:

Do I annoy you with my optimism?
Am I an insult to your realism?
I got hope and just a little bit of passion

And I know both those things have gone right out of fashion
So call me a rebel, you can call me a fool
I won't give up the fight, I just refuse

And I will dare to dream
I will dare to believe in something, baby
And I will dare to be happy
And I will dare to be happy

Does it offend you that I've made that decision?
Does it betray your sense of fatalism?
Please forgive me but I don't believe it's treason

For me to live my life like it's mine for a reason
So call me Pollyanna, you can call me a child
But I will not lie down, that's not my style

And I will dare to dream
I will dare to believe in something, baby
And I will dare to be happy
And I will dare to be happy

Do I annoy you with my stubborn insistence?
That love can save us and I've seen its existence
I got Jesus and a little bit of passion

And I know both those things have gone right out of fashion
So you can call me crazy 'cause here's what
I'm gonna do, I'm gonna dare to pray the same for you

And I will dare to dream
I will dare to believe in something, baby
And I will dare to be happy
And I will dare to be happy

I will dare to dream
I will dare to believe in something, baby
And I will dare to be happy
And I will dare to be happy
Yeah, I will dare to be happy

Are you worried that things that make you happy aren't worthy of sharing?  Pssh!  Don't be that way!  For my Day 1 "happy picture", I shared a picture of my iPad Air!  It makes me happy because it keeps me entertained whether it be playing games, checking out other cool apps, or even reading books on it. Shh! Don't tell my Kindle!  There are really no rules to this challenge other than to post and share things that make YOU happy!

****Your #100HappyDays picture can be anything from a meet-up with a friend to a very tasty cake in the nearby coffee place, from a feeling of being at home after a hard day to a favor you did to a stranger.

#100happyday challenge is for you - not for anyone else.

 

It is not a happiness competition or a showing off contest. If you try to please / make others jealous via your pictures - you lose without even starting. Same goes for cheating.**** 

To see what makes ME happy, you can follow me on Instagram where I go by "SuperSillySarah" (without the quotes, though) or on Facebook, I can be found by clicking here.  What I share on Instagram automatically gets posted to Facebook.

If you decide to take part in this challenge (even if you don't make it the whole 100 days), please let me know!! I wanna see what makes YOU happy!!

Please join me on this "road to happiness", won't you? 

And That's What Sarah Says!!!!

In Memoriam of Howard L. Pentecost....My Grandpa, My Hero, My Friend!!

On October 17th, 1921, the world changed forever when my grandpa, Howard Pentecost, was born.

He was a great brother, husband, father, uncle, cousin, grandfather, and friend. He and I had a nickname for each other and I'm not sure anymore how/when it originated. That nickname is "Fat Baby".

He was in the army when he was younger and loved to tell stories about his time in the service.

He and my grandma, Geneva were able to share just over fifty years of wedded bliss together before she left this world. I only hope that Brett and I can have the kind of love that they had.

My brothers, cousins, and I learned many things from my grandpa (some things our parents probably wish that he never taught us) and loved us all so much.

He loved to make us laugh any chance that he got and loved to sing silly songs. Some were made up on the spot, some were tweaked by him, and some were legit songs. He loved to sing, "Barney Google, with the goo-goo-goo-ga-ly eyes", but he had his own lyrics for it.

He even did his own "dance" called "The Mighty Mouse". If you would ask him to do it, he would act like he didn't want to do it, but in reality, he did and would.

He loved his animals (dogs and cats). They were ALL his babies and he treated them like they were humans. He had a shed for his St. Bernard dogs that had heaters in the winter and more than one fan during the summer months. Some days, he could even be seen napping in the pen with them.

Just over two years ago, we said "See ya later" to him after his earthly battle ended. We knew that the day was coming, but that didn't make it any easier.

I can't wait until the day that I can see him, my grandma, and other family members that have gone on. Until then, I will remember the good times that we had.


I obtained some pictures of my grandpa (and even a couple of him with my grandma) so that I could show just what a great guy he was! 

The Pentecost Clan

 Below, are some pictures from his Army days:

I'm Gonna Guess That He Sent This to My Grandma

In Uniform

 

My Grandpa (in the middle) & Members of His Gun Crew

Another Picture of My Grandpa and His Gun Crew

My Grandpa (left) and His Brother, Carl in Germany

My Grandma, Geneva and Grandpa Howard When They Were Dating

Years Later...Still In Love!!

Fishing...A Favorite Hobby of His!

Doing "The Mighty Mouse" at the 50th Anniversary Party For Him and My Grandma (That's his brother, Carl, next to him)

My Grandpa "Resting His Eyes" as He Called It

And now, a video that I uploaded to YouTube of my grandpa reciting a poem that he learned as a youngster and never forgot it.

This Makes Me Giggle/Smile Every Time That I Watch It!

As you can see, my grandpa was quite a character.  I think about him, my grandma, and my other relatives that have gone on before me every day and love to reminisce about the good times that we had and just wanted to share some memories of my grandpa with you, my dear readers.  I hope that you enjoyed this "journey" down memory lane as I pay tribute to my grandpa.

When he passed away on August 24, 2011, I made the following picture as my profile picture on Facebook in honor of him.

And That's What Sarah Says!!!

BOOK REVIEW: Rent A Husband: A Romantic Comedy by Sally Mason

As a member of "Amazon Prime", I am allowed one book per month from Amazon's library.  For the month of August, I chose "Rent A Husband:  A Romantic Comedy" by Sarah Mason

This book was kind of slow getting off the literary ground, but I decided to stick with it and am glad that I did.

The main characters are Darcy Pringle, who was dumped by her husband of 20 years for his secretary and Forrest Forbes, a playboy who is down on his luck after his family's fortune is lost.

Add to the mix, Carlotta "Lottie", the town gossip, the town klutz, Billy "William" Bigelow, and a newcomer to the town, Bronte, who quickly takes a liking to Billy, but he's got a crush on Darcy. Oh, and there's also Eric, Darcy's gay neighbor/friend, who is a TV producer or something like that and Forrest's friend's sister, an Indian (the country, not the kind of Indian that has tribes) princess.

I won't tell what all happens, but I thought that I had the ending all figured out, but was happily wrong for the most part.

The characters are likeable and believable and I found myself not wanting to stop reading just to see what would happen next.

I could see this being a movie.  Maybe not for the big screen, but definitely a TV movie.

I give this book four out of five stars!

And That's What Sarah Says!!!

BOOK REVIEW: Hollywood Stories: Short, Entertaining Anecdotes about the Stars and Legends of the Movies! by Stephen Schochet

I chose to borrow this book from Amazon as my "free lend of the month"...back in June.  It is now almost September, and am just now finishing this book because it is THAT long!

I didn't think that I would ever finish this book.  Not that that is a bad thing.

This book is full of interesting stories about every actor/actress that you can think of.

From The Three Stooges, to Walt Disney, to John Wayne, and tons more, this book has a story on just about anyone that you can imagine!

Some stories I had heard before, but most I hadn't.

This book gives a "behind the scenes" look at many Hollywood celebrities.  Some stories were funnier than others, but they were all entertaining, nonetheless.

If you like Hollywood gossip or like reading about celebrities, I highly recommend this book!

I will probably end up buying this book, so that I can reread it over and over again, because I am sure there is something that I missed!

Click here for the link to the book on Amazon!

And That's What Sarah Says!!!

Let's Talk About Paula Deen, Shall We?

You won't see me giving an opinion very often, but today, I wanted to talk about one of my favorite "Southern Women", Paula Deen. 

The "Southern Belle"

Unless you have been living under a rock or something like that, you probably know that Paula Deen has been the topic of many a news story lately.

Lisa Jackson, a former employee of restaurants owned by Deen and her brother, Earl "Bubba" Hiers, filed a lawsuit alleging racial and sexual discrimination. In her deposition for the suit, Deen stated that she has used the "N-word" at times, saying "Yes, of course. But that's just not a word that we use as time has gone on. Things have changed since the '60s in the south."

Because of this, Deen's contract with Food Network will not be renewed at the end of this month.  As of yesterday, Smithfield Foods dropped her as a spokesperson.

And now, my thoughts (in no certain order):

•  Haven't we all said something before that we might regret now?  I know that I have!

•  At least Paula isn't denying that she said the word. 

• I have a feeling that Food Network will regret dropping Paula, and rightfully so.  She's one of the biggest stars/moneymakers for that network!

• As for Smithfield Foods, it is rumored that they're in talks to be bought out by a Chinese company, so if I were Paula, I wouldn't sweat that one!

•  Because of Paula's background story (overcoming Agoraphobia), she has inspired many people. I know one of my good friends is inspired by her because of this.

•  I (along with many of my Facebook friends) have joined a few of the support pages that have been created in support of "Miss Paula". Here is one titled, "We support Paula Deen".

• Sure, she hid the fact that she had Diabetes from the public, but I don't go announcing to the world every single ailment or disease that I have.  

•  I understand that she was being somewhat of a hypocrite by cooking foods that weren't very "Diabetes Friendly", but again, we all make mistakes.  At least she finally admitted that she had Diabetes.

• It seems to me that there is a double standard going on here.  What about all of the so-called rap artists and movie producers that use that kind of language every single day? Do we ever hear anybody condemning them for any of their language use?  Not like this, we don't!

• A word only has "power to hurt" if we let it.  Remember the sayings "Sticks & stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me" or  "I'm rubber, you're glue, everything bounces off me and sticks to you."  My favorite is best said by Mr. Pee Wee Herman, "I know you are, but what am I!?!?"

• We need to stop giving words like the "N-word", "cracker", and "honky" power to be hurtful. 

These are only my opinions/thoughts on this whole situation.  You may or may not agree with me.  It's like one of my best friend's dad always told us when we were growing up, "Opinions are like butt holes...everyone has one!"  

Don't we have bigger things to worry about than to worry about a person's past words.  Paula has already apologized. What else can she do?  The racial slur was said in the past and she regrets it!  

Let's move on!

P.S. I welcome anyone's opinion on this topic, so feel free to comment below!

Yes, She Does!!

Even "Grumpy Cat" Supports Paula!!

And That's What Sarah Says!!!