Day 26 — Talk about the last "random act of kindness" you encountered.

I left my diaper bag at pizza hut Thursday at lunch. I went to pay and when I finished up, Mikka had Mattie in her arms and Caden and Javen were tagging right behind. I knew something was off, but there were both of my children and my billfold was in my hand. I just dismissed it. Yesterday, I was getting us ready for yet another visit to the pediatrician I couldn't find my diaper bag. LSS, I went to Pizza Hut on our way out and sure enough they had my bag. So, whoever turned it without taking anything was very kind.

Day 25 — If you have tattoos, show them. If not, talk about the tattoos you want
or why you don't think they are right for you.

I don't have a single tattoo. Twice when I was 19-20, I pierced my tongue. I wanted to do something rebellious and wild, but not permanent. It's amazing how quickly your tongue heals up. I have only pictures to prove that I was crazy when I was 19.

Truth be told, I've only once seriously considered getting a tattoo. My cousins have celtic knots in memory of their brother, Matt. I had plans to get it for a long time. Then I finally decided it was probably a bond the siblings should get to share and in the meantime I've learned how to carry Matt in my heart. 

I don't really have any tattoo designs that mean enough to me to wear on my body for life. My husband has a tribal band on his arm, pretty much the standard tat for guys his age with tattoos. He has mentioned that he doesn't want me to get a tattoo. I guess if I ever decide that I just have to have one, then I'll get it. But it in the meantime, I've got no problem complying with his wish.

Day 24 — Reveal your most guilty pleasure.

Gambling:

Betting on horses. Playing blackjack at casinos. Playing Texas Hold 'Em at house games for money. I do not really play slots, but once a man gave me money to play because it was my birthday and I won more at that slot machine than I've ever won on ponies or cards. I really like the mental challenge that goes with betting the horses and cards. I enjoy Saturday simulcast and Sunday afternoon poker. It's certainly my most guilty pleasure.

Day 22 — Your deepest fear. 

Anything awful happening to my children. Failing my children. Losing loved ones.

Day 21 —A recipe

This is the recipe that is printed on my first apron. I got it when I was 10 on a trip through the French Quarter. Funny thing is, I can't recall ever using this particular Jambalaya recipe. I don't have the good one in my recipe book. - Mom, I really need our Chicken Jambalaya recipe! - Maybe, if we're lucky my Mom (shellisland) will post it on her Day 21.

Day 20 — A hobby of yours.

I have several hobbies. I like to read, ride 4-wheelers, travel, and all sorts of stuff. However, the only hobby I've actually been able to enjoy the past few years is cake decorating. I make time for it because it's the only hobby that I actually get paid for! I really enjoy everything about baking and decorating cake...well, everything but the clean-up. Let me just tell you that all of the cake decorating shows you may watch on t.v. don't do decorators like myself any justice. They don't show you the time consuming things like baking, mixing icing, making fondant, coloring icing. They don't really show the clean-up either. They make it look so simple, easy, and FAST! It is not a FAST process. I often spend 20+ hours on a single cake. I used to really undercharge for my cakes. I would make about $2.00 an hour, if not less. My prices have gone up, but Wal-Mart pricing is for the birds! BUT, I'm far below Charm City Cake's $500 minimum!

This is the most recent cake:

These are two of my favorites:

Day 19— A talent of yours.

I can back both a bumper pull trailer and gooseneck trailer. If you've ever tried it, you know this is a talent.

I do accents and impersonations. I used to pick an accent and use it in public settings with random strangers.

I'm also really good with foreign languages. I should be fluent in Spanish, but I'm not. It's due partly to lack of effort when I was younger and lack of time now that I'm older.

Day 18 — Tell us about your best friend.

I reeeeaaally despise this question. For me it's simply impossible to nail down just ONE best friend. I've had lots of best friends. I still do! I think it's a good thing, too. I've got an incredible support system, because all of my besties are different. Those that I'm closest to and visit with regularly are my husband, my mom, and my brother. They are probably my closest best friends. My oldest bestie is Heather, she has been a BFF for 15 years. We've lived hundreds of miles away from one another for 7 or 8 years, now. But we've always managed to keep up with one another. My newest is Mikka. She's been a BFF for 6 years but with all we've gone through the relationship has the quality of a friendship 3 times as long.

And then I've got best friends that I just don't keep in touch with like I should. Maybe you could call them once-upon-a-time BFFs. I wouldn't say they are my best friends at the moment, but when we get together, we don't miss a beat. We let our guards down and joys, heartaches, fears, secrets, you name it flow from our mouths.

I would be remiss if I neglected to mention some of my very special cousins. When we get together we behave like long lost best friends, but we share an even deeper level of love. How lovely it is to have built-in besties. Seriously, I don't know what I would do with out them.

So, there it is. I don't have A best friend, I have many. I'm lucky that way. I truly, sincerely, and unconditionally love them all.

Day 17 — An art piece (painting, drawing, sculpture, etc.) that is your favorite.

I do have a favorite painting. I don't know the name of it. But, it hangs in the Little Valley Club in Dexter, NM. I used to have to work in Dexter every now and then, and I would always frequent LVC because I love their steaks! Anyhow, it's an old place and this painting of a woman is hanging in there. I used to think about asking the owner if they would ever consider selling it. However, I would say "next time" and continue to enjoy my steak. It's been over 4 years since I've been back. But I haven't forgotten that painting and I still want it really bad. I sure hope they don't redecorate before I get a chance to return.