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Just to put into perspective how big Texas is and why it's able to have such a big variety of land and weather.


I still live in a house without central heating and have spend many, many days wrapped in (electric) blankets in front of the hearth because its just too cold to bother doing anything else. Or, I just go stay with my parents for a couple of days ^,^
Yep! It's a big place. I live in the area that's close to where Rotterdam is on this map of Texas and I can drive down to Galveston (It's a beach town we go to almost every summer) which is about where Austria is on this map and it's a good 9 hour drive. It always blows my mind that all the European countries are so close together and yet so diverse. I guess I never thought of it from that point of view about us all speaking the same language haha.
Do you at least have a fire place? I feel like that would be so cold but at the same time I guess you're relatively used to it. Humans can acclimate so well. It's always nice to be in a cozy warm house when your own is cold and dreary haha
Do you at least have a fire place? I feel like that would be so cold but at the same time I guess you're relatively used to it. Humans can acclimate so well. It's always nice to be in a cozy warm house when your own is cold and dreary haha

Jenny wrote: "I've got something called a vedspis in the kitchen and an normal fireplace in the living room. And yeah, I got used to it being cold. There are only a month or two a year that I really can't keep i..."
Oh man that's no fun! I hate waking up and having to get out of a warm bed to go do stuff in a cold house. I'm thankful we have central heating but to save money, we put the temperature down at night and when we are away so I understand the coming home to a cold house and waking up to a cold house but I am positive it's not as cold as your place! That makes me cold just thinking about it haha.
Oh man that's no fun! I hate waking up and having to get out of a warm bed to go do stuff in a cold house. I'm thankful we have central heating but to save money, we put the temperature down at night and when we are away so I understand the coming home to a cold house and waking up to a cold house but I am positive it's not as cold as your place! That makes me cold just thinking about it haha.
Wow I didn't know you were a fellow Texan! We go to Fort Worth very often because that is where my husband's parents live there and we visit often. They live out in Haslet. Yeah, I live in Lubbock which is about 2 hours away from Amarillo and we got a lot of really bad weather up here. My husband and I were stuck in our house for 3 days. Then on top of that he got Step Throat and Tonsillitis with an ear infection and I ended up having to go out and walk to the store for some medication. It's all finally starting to melt off though thank goodness. I don't mind the snow, it's the getting out in it that I don't like haha.

Geez that's cold Jenny!! And yes, it is scary when there's ice under snow. That's what happened with this storm we got. Starting at like 9 pm that night it rained for a little and it was so cold that it pretty much froze over instantly and then the snow came at like 3 or 4 in the morning. It was crazy! But thankfully I was already off work for the holidays haha. It was nice getting to stay in for a few days! Thankfully I thought ahead and stocked up on groceries before hand! Nothing is worse than falling on your ass in the snow. Ice always wins over tailbone haha.

Lucky you had enough food to stay inside! Those storms sound really scary. Here we get an actual storm each 5 years or so. Winters here are harsh but they usually come and go with some decorum and grace. :p
I agree! I love spring! It's my favorite season and my birthday is in May so it's doubly awesome! I always get giddy and happy when all the trees start to bloom and the grass turns green and you can smell Mother Nature waking back up and stretching out her limbs.
We don't really get too many storms but where I live in Texas we get a lot of wind and lighting storms in the summer. This past summer we did have a lot of rain storms though which was nice for me because I love a good summer rain. And I learned my lesson about 2 years ago. We had a really bad storm and couldn't get out but we were out of food and then our water pipes froze and we didn't have water for almost 4 days. We ended up having to walk to a hotel that was nearby to use their amenities. After that, I always get a little overly cautious when they say we're going to get a lot of snow and/or ice.
We don't really get too many storms but where I live in Texas we get a lot of wind and lighting storms in the summer. This past summer we did have a lot of rain storms though which was nice for me because I love a good summer rain. And I learned my lesson about 2 years ago. We had a really bad storm and couldn't get out but we were out of food and then our water pipes froze and we didn't have water for almost 4 days. We ended up having to walk to a hotel that was nearby to use their amenities. After that, I always get a little overly cautious when they say we're going to get a lot of snow and/or ice.

Do you guys get tornadoes?
Oh God yes and they terrify the poo out of me! When I was...6 I think? Possibly 7, we had a tornado touch down about a half mile from our house and it was the most terrifying thing I have seen. We lived on a farm and the tornado just went through a field so no one got hurt thank goodness but I will never forget the way the air felt that day or that deep loud rumbling sucking sound it made. I thought for sure we were goners but it went off the other direction. We actually live in what's called 'Tornado Alley' which is the part of the country that sees the most tornadoes. I have been completely terrified of them since then and now every time we get a tornado warning (which happens a lot in spring and summer) I start freaking out and running around like a chicken with my head cut off. Too stressful!!



Yes I knew about 'Terrible Tuesday' growing up. My mom remembers it and would tell me about it once in a while. It is definitely stressful. While I do love spring I do hate the fact that a tornado might decide to rip through your town at any given time. Count yourself lucky Jenny! Sometimes being an American is a tough gig haha.
I remember doing Tornado drills too Diane. They would make us get in the hall and put our heads between our legs with our arms wrapped around our heads to try and protect our selves as much as possible. It always scared me thinking about all those huge bricks in our walls flying around at us. I used to sit in class and think 'There's no way crouching on the floor is going to save us from all these flying bricks!'
I remember doing Tornado drills too Diane. They would make us get in the hall and put our heads between our legs with our arms wrapped around our heads to try and protect our selves as much as possible. It always scared me thinking about all those huge bricks in our walls flying around at us. I used to sit in class and think 'There's no way crouching on the floor is going to save us from all these flying bricks!'
Diane wrote: "Lisa wrote: "Yes I knew about 'Terrible Tuesday' growing up. My mom remembers it and would tell me about it once in a while. It is definitely stressful. While I do love spring I do hate the fact th..."
Good grief! I think they'd have to send me to a mental ward if that happened to me. I'm fairly certain I'd just have a heart attack and die from that instead of some crazy injury. Thank goodness she survived!!
Good grief! I think they'd have to send me to a mental ward if that happened to me. I'm fairly certain I'd just have a heart attack and die from that instead of some crazy injury. Thank goodness she survived!!


Doesn't seem as funny here in print, but trust me, it was. ;)
I'm sorry your mom lost her home but that does sound funny. I do usually laugh at myself when I've been in a stressful situation and then I think back to the silly things I said haha. And thank goodness she was OK poor lady. That would have been absolutely horrendous to go through.
Jenny, this first video is a tornado that touched town near Dallas and just shows how it can toss semi trucks around like toys. Scary!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WABqw...
This second video is just good footage of a tornado out in field and shows how it forms and everything. As terrifying as these things are, I have to admit they do have a certain beauty to them sometimes. You still would never catch me near one if I could help it!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jWOq...
Jenny, this first video is a tornado that touched town near Dallas and just shows how it can toss semi trucks around like toys. Scary!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WABqw...
This second video is just good footage of a tornado out in field and shows how it forms and everything. As terrifying as these things are, I have to admit they do have a certain beauty to them sometimes. You still would never catch me near one if I could help it!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jWOq...

Jenny wrote: "They look really cool and those guys in that field are crazy for waiting so long before getting into their cars."
I never understood how they were so brave/crazy haha. It's way too scary for me!!
So how is everyone's new year going so far?
I never understood how they were so brave/crazy haha. It's way too scary for me!!
So how is everyone's new year going so far?
Yesterday I called in sick to work because I was not feeling well. I read a lot but I also watched a lot of TV. Sometimes when I've got a headache I just can't focus on the words in a book as well as I'd like too. I feel a lot better today but still not 100% but I'll survive! I definitely want to get better by this weekend though because my parents are taking our daughter for the weekend and my Hubby and I are going to go on a date. I'm super excited about it! How are all of you wonderful people doing?

When I am sick I tend to watch more tv than read as well. I can't focus, or it gives me a headache, whatever. Also, tv is a bit mindless and reading is not! I hope you feel better.
Good luck on your date. My husband and I had an impromptu date last night! I got home and he said, "Leave on your shoes. I'm taking you for a late birthday dinner." We went to my favorite Italian restaurant and gorged! I think I enjoyed it more because it was unexpected and unusual for us to have time without our children or other responsibilities.
Kandice wrote: "Lisa wrote: "Yesterday I called in sick to work because I was not feeling well. I read a lot but I also watched a lot of TV. Sometimes when I've got a headache I just can't focus on the words in a ..."
Aww! How sweet! I wish my hubby would do stuff like that haha. We always end up doing the 'what do you want? 'I don't care, what do you want?' 'Whatever you want.' I hate that! Happy belated birthday as well! I love me some Italian food! I'm glad you were able to get out like that!
Aww! How sweet! I wish my hubby would do stuff like that haha. We always end up doing the 'what do you want? 'I don't care, what do you want?' 'Whatever you want.' I hate that! Happy belated birthday as well! I love me some Italian food! I'm glad you were able to get out like that!

Jenny wrote: "I have a teensy tiny cold, the rest of my family is dying of the same thing but much, much worse. I'm so happy to have a good immune system. I missed a bus and had to walk home at night with -20 la..."
That is a great way to use the sniffle excuse haha. I'm getting over mine finally. I'm in the 'I feel better but I sound gross' stage. yuck. I usually don't get very sick but sometimes I'll get something that just sticks with me for a few days. Glad you're doing ok and didn't get taken out by the big bad cold haha
That is a great way to use the sniffle excuse haha. I'm getting over mine finally. I'm in the 'I feel better but I sound gross' stage. yuck. I usually don't get very sick but sometimes I'll get something that just sticks with me for a few days. Glad you're doing ok and didn't get taken out by the big bad cold haha

Glad you are feeling better Lisa. I am pretty much over what I had, but still sound icky, like you. I'm also still waaaay more tired than I have a right to be. This is probably TMI, but when I was at the Dr. for the virus, they did blood work and I have begun menopause very, very early so some of what I am experiencing is that. Oh joy!

Is the menopause a yay or a nay? Not having the mensies every month sounds nice but if you wanted another child it might suck I suppose.

I remember when my mom went through menopause and she hated it. I used to feel so bad for her. I'm sorry you have to start that part of your life but it's just another journey all of us ladies must take. I do however thank the Lord that I was born in this day and age where there are feminine products galore, medicines to take, air conditioners to combat hot flashes and the lovely internet to connect us to other women who just need someone to complain to!



I'm not high maintenance by any means, but I'm not used to doing nothing other than wash and go.
I'm kind of in between you guys. As much as I love the super short buzzcut look, it would look horrible on me. Plus my husband would hate it haha. I am super low maintenance but I force myself to throw on at least a little eyeliner in the mornings. My hair is thick long and very unruly. I usually just wash it and that's that. It turns out looking like 'hippie hair' as my friend calls it. If I do take the time to blow dry (which is kind of rare because it takes 15 minutes and makes my arms tired) it looks pretty good. Being a female is hard sometimes

My husband hates me in short hair. I've had it twice in the 28 years we've been together and last time he made me promise not to do it again.

I feel like I haven't been communicating with you guys at all lately! I usually post and get on GR when I am at work and have down time but they recently got a little stricter with how much we can be on. I am thankful I can get on at all but it makes me feel like I get out of the loop so easily haha. I am almost never on my computer when I am at home because I am almost always busy with housework and cooking and keeping up with all the beasts in my house! How is everyone doing? I've been working out and trying to get fit and have dropped a few pounds already and I am super proud of myself! Do any of y'all have Valentine's day plans? My husband and I are debating on whether or not we want to see Deadpool or The Princess Bride. One of the theaters here is doing a special showing of The Princess Bride and I thought it would be perfect to see after reading the book but my comic book loving side really wants to see Deadpool too haha. I just don't know what to do! Hope you are all doing well!

Lisa, I think I'd see The Princess Bride only because Deadpool will be in theaters for a while, but I don't think you get too many chances to see PB in theaters nowadays.
We don't have plans yet, but the next day is my son's birthday, so VD usually takes a back seat to that.

Kandice, I think I have decided to not go see The Princess Bride simply because, after reading more about the event, it's going to be a family quote along party which means there will be lots of screaming children running around with blow up swords WHILE the movie is playing. I'd much rather enjoy it on our TV at home in my pajamas with popcorn and silence.
Jenny, I can understand. After almost 7 years of marriage I often wish I would have stayed single and childless a lot longer haha
Diane, I'm very sorry about you mother. I sincerely hope things get better for her and for you. You're in my thoughts!!
Jenny, I can understand. After almost 7 years of marriage I often wish I would have stayed single and childless a lot longer haha
Diane, I'm very sorry about you mother. I sincerely hope things get better for her and for you. You're in my thoughts!!


But happy? :)"
Nooooo T.T I got my first proper cold in 5 years and feel miserable. I cant decide if I'm hot or cold any my head feels too heavy to read and I have still so much homework to do T.T
Aw Jenny, I'm sorry you're not feeling well. My daughter is just on the tail end of Strep Throat and it feels like that time of year when everyone is sick. blah. I hope you get better quick!
Diane, I hope your mom is still on the mend. I love going back and watching older shows but I definitely don't get enough time to!
Diane, I hope your mom is still on the mend. I love going back and watching older shows but I definitely don't get enough time to!

Lisa, I almost exclusively watch them when not feeling well. Even then, it's only when I can be by myself at home which is easier now that my children are almost all adults, but still, by no means, a regular occurrence.
Yeah, going back to watch older stuff usually happens during down time from my current shows like Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead stuff like that or when it's late and I've got cleaning to do and I'm just in the mood for it!
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That sounds too cold for me! I mean I guess as long as there's not a lot of wind and I was super bundled up I would be alright but at the same time I don't think I've ever felt cold that deep for an extended period of time. I would probably find a small place with a fireplace and cope with the cold by sitting in front of the fire wrapped in multiple blankets drinking tea and reading. I would not want to go out at all!
One day I'll get to see those lights!!