Values/Not So Much

Bo over at http://blinksnwinksfrombrown-eyes.blogspot.com/ gave me this pretty little award, by way of Lisa at http://frenchkilt.blogspot.com/, and has asked me to post the 6 Things I Value & the 6 Things I Don't Value.

Then, I'm going to ask a few bloggers to do the same. Here's the rules: Mention the blog that gave you the reward and comment on their blog to let them know that you have posted their award. You also have to list 6 things you VALUE and 6 things you Don't VALUE. Lastly, you have to pass the award onto 6 other friends! So here it goes...

The 6 Things I Value Most are:

1) My faith in God

I think that without this, we don't have much of a moral compass; therefore, fewer values. Several years ago today, I was lying in the hospital in my 40+ hour of labor. Because I sat up to put my contacts in (vanity issues....I wanted to look good in those after-birth photos with the new baby), my baby's blood pressure dropped. I was rushed into the OR for an emergency c-section....terrified, because I just knew I wouldn't be in the 20% of the population that had one of those, so I never read-up on it. I had had an epidural because she was facing the wrong way, and I had back labor. The doctor highlighted where she was going to cut, and I could feel it, so they gave me a spinal block too. I began to feel like my lungs were 100 pound boulders. I couldn't speak because I was dehydrated from not having liquids for 2 days. I thought I was going to die and never be able to raise my child. Apparently, my blood pressure shot up, and the last thing I remember was them saying it was a girl. They "knocked me out", and I woke up in about 3 hours. While I was pregnant, I prayed for three things....1) a healthy child 2) for her to have blonde hair & 3) long eyelashes like her daddy. Guess what, I got all three of my prayers answered....so I know prayer works. So, if you're down, have faith and say a little prayer.

2) Family

I am blessed with a child that loves me to death...even when I don't deserve it. The top 3 songs on my playlist today are in honor of her. The 1st song makes me kind of sad because I am painfully aware that I only have her for a little while. The 2nd song is my wish for her. The 3rd is a song she loves to dance with her daddy to as it plays.

I am blessed with a loving husband. He has been my best friend for almost half my life. He puts up with my moods, which at times can widely vary. But most of all, he loves me and is very good to me, and is faithful to me...I can't say enough about that these days!

My parents. As I age and watch them age, I am painfully aware that I don't have a lot longer with them. Over the last 5 years, we have lost my husband's grandmother, father, and my great aunt. The holidays change with each death, so while they're my favorite time of year....it's always bittersweet. You realize even more how precious life is, and we're not guaranteed another day.

3) Friends

I'm currently assisting with the planning of my 25th class reunion. Looking back, I've had some of my friends since 1st grade. Others I picked up in high school, and along the way, but there will hopefully always be those faithful few true friends.

4) Health

As I get older, I see that things on my body aren't quite like they use to be (an understatement!). I've got a dear friend with a brain tumor. Another who lost his battle with lung cancer in his early 40s a few years back....and he didn't smoke. The Tim McGraw song is my tribute to him....So, I value my health.

5) Freedom

I value the right to pretty much do what I want. I'm thankful for the material things we are able to have because of our freedom...such as a house, car, food. I'm thankful for running water and an inside toilet. I'm thankful that I can buy my clothes and not have to sew them. I am thankful that I can stay in a hotel, and no longer have to camp. :O)

6) A Good Education

My husband and I grew up poor. We both started working before we were 15 years old to save money for college, and helped pay our way through college. We have worked for what we have gotten. I can see how difficult life is without an education, so I realize it's value. However, I also appreciate the value of perseverance!


Things I Don't Value:


1) Laziness I don't believe in a "free ride". I remember our family living on $5 a week. We didn't have a lot of money, but we had love....it doesn't matter how much money you have if you don't have that. I will always try to help someone that needs help, but believe you should always try to earn your keep.

2) Lying I don't care for dishonesty, disception, cheating or broken promises. If you can't tell the truth...then stay silent...and just don't bother.


3) Abuse...whether it be verbal (including bullying), physical or sexual.

I believe abuse of all types damages our soul....our core.

4) Ungratefulness We have so many blessings....just how can we not be thankful?!

5) Envy Because my husband and I DID grow up poor, I have felt that along the way, some of our "friends" have not been truly happy for us as we achieved a better life, whether it be career-wise or financially. So, then I wonder if they're truly my friends. But, then I understand because it's like when you have a friend that loses 10 pounds, and you wish you had done so also. It's not that you're not happy for your friend, you just want what they have too...

6) Conflict I like "happy place". I just wish we could all get along and play nice.

I'm sorry, I have edited this to add #7 (kind of sorry for not following the rules):

7) Slow Drivers!!! At least just go the speed limit - PLEASE...FOR ME!!!

So, I'm tagging the following blogs with the Kreativ Blogger Award so you can tell us what you value & value not so much.

The following bloggers are tagged:

http://santamakersjourney.blogspot.com/

http://angelicaccents.blogspot.com/

http://backyardneighbor.typepad.com/

http://gracioussouthernliving.blogspot.com/

http://thestylesisters.blogspot.com/

http://steintranquility.blogspot.com/

As Paula says...."have fun, ya'll!"