Friday, February 2, 2024
Is anyone still here?
Good morning! If anyone still subscribes to this old blog, I am back and blogging again!!! Please come find me at
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Overcoming the Obstacles
This time last year my husband had just moved out. I was broke and broken. Unsure of how I was going to pay the bills and eat at the same time, I set out with a mission to start a new chapter. Understandably, I suffered from depression and anxiety but I was (and still am) determined to make a better life.
In May, I went back to school. I took an insane schedule and did very well. I have worked my tail off and am on my way to my first degree. I will be applying to the RN program in December and have been invited to join the international honor society, Phi Theta Kappa.
I hadn't been in a classroom in 20 years and I am excelling. If I can do it so can you!
In May, I went back to school. I took an insane schedule and did very well. I have worked my tail off and am on my way to my first degree. I will be applying to the RN program in December and have been invited to join the international honor society, Phi Theta Kappa.
I hadn't been in a classroom in 20 years and I am excelling. If I can do it so can you!
Saturday, August 8, 2015
Here I Am
Hi friends. Here I am. I apologize for not keeping up with this page the way I should. You see, sometimes, regardless of what we want, life just gets in the way. This last year has been crazy for me. A year ago this month, I had to set a boundary for myself and I told my husband that we needed to get counseling or he had to leave. That was one of the hardest things I've ever done. A month later, he moved out. Last month, our divorce was final.I remember when I had these pictures taken, my best friend told me what a badass I was. I had to find that inner badass again after the pain that this divorce caused. I had to step out of my comfort zone, reach deep inside and fight my way back onto my feet. I even had to leave the ground to do it.
A couple of weeks ago, my kids and I went to Group Dynamics in Carrolton, TX and I traversed the most difficult obstacle they had. I faced my fears, I did "hard" and I made it. I took my kids to a camp that created a great bond between us. It was the most amazing thing we have ever done together.
Not only that, but I have been going back to school. Full time. I am still working. Full time. This is insanely crazy. I am doing things that I never thought I could do and I am kicking fear's butt. That's pretty awesome.
I promise to spend more time back here with you guys. I promise to get to the range and take time for me.
Sunday, March 29, 2015
My Daughter Beat Me
I enjoy karate so much and what makes it twice as good is that my thirteen year old daughter goes with me. This weekend, my daughter and I had our second karate tournament. I walked away with two second places and one first place. My daughter got one second and two firsts...one of those, against me and several others.
My daughter beat me. In our final event, she got first and I got second. I couldn't be happier. It was a great lesson for her. She got to see her mother graciously and gratefully applaud for her achieving an accomplishment and honor greater than me. I am so much more proud of her first places than my own. She works very hard and has learned a focus and determination that did not exist before karate. She has attained more self-confidence in this last year than ever before. Most of all, she knows that she can protect herself.
I am going to bed one proud momma tonight. My Texas Girl isn't a little girl anymore. She a strong, beautiful young woman who is learning that she has the right and the ability to protect herself. What do you do to teach this to the young women in your life?
My daughter beat me. In our final event, she got first and I got second. I couldn't be happier. It was a great lesson for her. She got to see her mother graciously and gratefully applaud for her achieving an accomplishment and honor greater than me. I am so much more proud of her first places than my own. She works very hard and has learned a focus and determination that did not exist before karate. She has attained more self-confidence in this last year than ever before. Most of all, she knows that she can protect herself.
I am going to bed one proud momma tonight. My Texas Girl isn't a little girl anymore. She a strong, beautiful young woman who is learning that she has the right and the ability to protect herself. What do you do to teach this to the young women in your life?
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Holster Review: Dene Adams Corset Holster
So many of my readers have asked about the Dene Adams corset holster that I just HAD to try one out for myself. I received the Slim Naked holster to test and review. The folks at Dene Adams have many gorgeous holsters for you to choose from and right now are holding their semi annual event with many corsets at discounted prices. If that's not good enough, the owner and creator of Dene Adams is offering my readers a 10% discount with the coupon code LOVETEXAS! (the exclamation point is part of the code).
For a little background on the company, this information is straight from their website:
And now, with no further ado, the review
Construction: Five out of five stars: The holster is sturdily made with quality lycra, breathable (a must for this Texas girl), and the closure is strong and solid. As far as a corset, the garment is well built and appears that it will stand up to repeated wear and use.
On top of that, Anna has created a "pretty" holster. My grandmother once told me that it is important to wear pretty "underthings" because they make you feel pretty, even if no one sees them. This holster does just that. Made for a woman, by a woman, it meets the need to feel pretty. It's definitely not a man's holster redesigned to fit a woman. Not only is it a comfortable holster, but it is slimming as well.
It is also ambidextrous and features an extra pocket on the other side for a back up gun, knife, magazine, phone, whatever your pretty little heart can imagine. Genius design feature there. You can keep your cash, i.d., and cards out of pockets and in a safe place when at a club or crowded event.
Comfort: Five out of five stars: As a corset wearer, I wasn't sure what to expect. Steel ribbing and difficult closures can make a corset seem too difficult for daily wear. Not his one. It has gentle, plastic ribbing and simple but sturdy hook and eye closures (like a bra) to make it flexible and comfortable.
Gun Ride: Four out of five stars: The gun is located on the front of the abdomen just to the right or left of midline. How far up or down on the body depends on your build. The woman in the picture is fairly long bodied, which would probably make for more options.
I am fairly short bodied, and tried the holster with several firearms. My LCP rode just fine, with no issues upon sitting or bending over, but the LC9 felt too long for comfort. The LC9 is only 6" long and the holster will fit 6.5" according to the website, but (like with any holster) you have to find what is right for your body size and style. I simply will not be carrying the LC9 in this holster,
Concealability: The concealability in this holster is a 4 out of 5 for me. It conceals super well in anything not tightly fitted. As I don't regularly wear fitted garments right now, that's not a problem for me, but in the summer with my tanks and girl-cut T's, this won't be my go-to holster. Blouses and button downs, this will work just fine.
Retention: Five out of five stars: I was concerned when I saw a video stating that this holster had no retention at all. I'm guessing that the video was made before they added the Velcro strap to the design. With the velcro strap securely fastened, leaning over and picking something up off the floor did not result in my gun tumbling to the carpet.
Draw: I'm going to give this a five out of five for now, and will post an update after some range time: In the videos on DeneAdams.com, the draw looks fairly simple. For me, however, it took a little work. Remember, I am short bodied woman and I wear a full C cup. So the process of lifting the shirt to reveal the weapon and drawing without hitting myself in the breast took some work.
Drawing out of a new holster always requires some practice so I am simply going to chalk up my difficulty up to needing to learn and say that a quick draw is absolutely possible, but is going to take some range time to get nailed down.
Trigger Guard: No stars: Unfortunately, this holster fails in the trigger guard department in my book. There is nothing but a thin layer of padding and lycra in between the world and the trigger of my gun. That is not going to stop an accidental discharge. In my job I lean over quite a bit. If I am leaning over, holding my clip board and grabbing a patient chart, it is possible (unlikely, but possible) in this holster that the corner of my clipboard could depress the trigger and I get a bullet to the belly, not to mention an unlawful discharge case.
I'm not saying that this is a deal breaker, that's for you to decide. For me, it will prevent me from wearing this holster in several situations: working, holding a baby or toddler (those toes go everywhere), yard work, and exercise (yes, I wear my gun while exercising - do you know me, have you read my blog?).
Price: Five out of five stars: If you have ever priced a corset, they can range upwards of $300, and we all know that holsters can cost a pretty penny as well. At around $120 for most models, I find this to be a very affordable concealed carry option.
Ordering/Customer Service: Five star Sevice!!! Absolutely amazing. Not only do they take care of their customers at Dene Adams, but they also look out for others. A portion of each sale goes to help end human trafficking in the United States. You can read more about their partnership with the One By One Project here.
All in all, this holster receives 38 out of 45 stars. A product that I would absolutely purchase, but not use every day. More of a special occasion item in my book, great for a crowded place because you can conceal more than just your gun. You have to decide for yourself, it may be your new fave!!
If you're looking for a corset holster, this one is a very pretty option and don't forget the 10% discount just for you with the coupon code LOVETEXAS! (the exclamation point is part of the code).
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this holster free from the manufacturer. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
For a little background on the company, this information is straight from their website:
Dene Adams was founded on the legacy and principles of Anna's grandfather. Dene Adams was a man of strong American tradition, Christian values and was an advocate for common sense. Grandpa Dene believed that "There is no such thing as a gun accident. Guns should be respected and not feared & when treated with respect, guns can be an integral part of our daily life."
It was this passion in Dene Adams that led to the creation of the compression concealed carry holster for women. The innovation and design efforts of our compression holster's allow women to carry without a change in wardrobe.
Construction: Five out of five stars: The holster is sturdily made with quality lycra, breathable (a must for this Texas girl), and the closure is strong and solid. As far as a corset, the garment is well built and appears that it will stand up to repeated wear and use.
On top of that, Anna has created a "pretty" holster. My grandmother once told me that it is important to wear pretty "underthings" because they make you feel pretty, even if no one sees them. This holster does just that. Made for a woman, by a woman, it meets the need to feel pretty. It's definitely not a man's holster redesigned to fit a woman. Not only is it a comfortable holster, but it is slimming as well.
It is also ambidextrous and features an extra pocket on the other side for a back up gun, knife, magazine, phone, whatever your pretty little heart can imagine. Genius design feature there. You can keep your cash, i.d., and cards out of pockets and in a safe place when at a club or crowded event.
Comfort: Five out of five stars: As a corset wearer, I wasn't sure what to expect. Steel ribbing and difficult closures can make a corset seem too difficult for daily wear. Not his one. It has gentle, plastic ribbing and simple but sturdy hook and eye closures (like a bra) to make it flexible and comfortable.
Gun Ride: Four out of five stars: The gun is located on the front of the abdomen just to the right or left of midline. How far up or down on the body depends on your build. The woman in the picture is fairly long bodied, which would probably make for more options.
I am fairly short bodied, and tried the holster with several firearms. My LCP rode just fine, with no issues upon sitting or bending over, but the LC9 felt too long for comfort. The LC9 is only 6" long and the holster will fit 6.5" according to the website, but (like with any holster) you have to find what is right for your body size and style. I simply will not be carrying the LC9 in this holster,
Concealability: The concealability in this holster is a 4 out of 5 for me. It conceals super well in anything not tightly fitted. As I don't regularly wear fitted garments right now, that's not a problem for me, but in the summer with my tanks and girl-cut T's, this won't be my go-to holster. Blouses and button downs, this will work just fine.
Retention: Five out of five stars: I was concerned when I saw a video stating that this holster had no retention at all. I'm guessing that the video was made before they added the Velcro strap to the design. With the velcro strap securely fastened, leaning over and picking something up off the floor did not result in my gun tumbling to the carpet.
Draw: I'm going to give this a five out of five for now, and will post an update after some range time: In the videos on DeneAdams.com, the draw looks fairly simple. For me, however, it took a little work. Remember, I am short bodied woman and I wear a full C cup. So the process of lifting the shirt to reveal the weapon and drawing without hitting myself in the breast took some work.
Drawing out of a new holster always requires some practice so I am simply going to chalk up my difficulty up to needing to learn and say that a quick draw is absolutely possible, but is going to take some range time to get nailed down.
Trigger Guard: No stars: Unfortunately, this holster fails in the trigger guard department in my book. There is nothing but a thin layer of padding and lycra in between the world and the trigger of my gun. That is not going to stop an accidental discharge. In my job I lean over quite a bit. If I am leaning over, holding my clip board and grabbing a patient chart, it is possible (unlikely, but possible) in this holster that the corner of my clipboard could depress the trigger and I get a bullet to the belly, not to mention an unlawful discharge case.
I'm not saying that this is a deal breaker, that's for you to decide. For me, it will prevent me from wearing this holster in several situations: working, holding a baby or toddler (those toes go everywhere), yard work, and exercise (yes, I wear my gun while exercising - do you know me, have you read my blog?).
Price: Five out of five stars: If you have ever priced a corset, they can range upwards of $300, and we all know that holsters can cost a pretty penny as well. At around $120 for most models, I find this to be a very affordable concealed carry option.
Ordering/Customer Service: Five star Sevice!!! Absolutely amazing. Not only do they take care of their customers at Dene Adams, but they also look out for others. A portion of each sale goes to help end human trafficking in the United States. You can read more about their partnership with the One By One Project here.
All in all, this holster receives 38 out of 45 stars. A product that I would absolutely purchase, but not use every day. More of a special occasion item in my book, great for a crowded place because you can conceal more than just your gun. You have to decide for yourself, it may be your new fave!!
If you're looking for a corset holster, this one is a very pretty option and don't forget the 10% discount just for you with the coupon code LOVETEXAS! (the exclamation point is part of the code).
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this holster free from the manufacturer. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
A Birthday Blessing
Today is my birthday. Not a huge birthday, only 38. The year before my last birthday. Ever. I am not the least bit thrilled about turning 40 in a couple of years. It's very strange for me. As I sit and watch Gilmore Girls with my daughter, I could easily be back in high school watching the same episodes with my bestie. Sigh, instead I text her about my daughter's love for our favorite show.
But last night I got some amazing gifts. A birdcage full of yellow daisies (any Gilmore Girl fan will understand the symbolism there) and a nice picture frame and some ribbon from my son. The most awesome so far, though, was a phone call from an old friend. My friend "K" and I have been friends for about 10 years. We shared a common thread as mothers when we met so long ago and I have been praying for her every day since then.
She sent an email asking me to call her as she has done many times in the past. I rush to my phone and dial the numbers. Finally, after all of this time, a blessed prayer was answered. Not only that, but she chose to share it with me. It was a wonderful, beautiful, amazing gift she gave me. I know she reads my blog so, my dear friend: I love you and I am so very happy for you!
No matter what your situations, moms, pray for your babies. It's the best thing we can do for them.
One more thing. A St. Patrick's Day public service announcement from my friends at Grammarly.com:
But last night I got some amazing gifts. A birdcage full of yellow daisies (any Gilmore Girl fan will understand the symbolism there) and a nice picture frame and some ribbon from my son. The most awesome so far, though, was a phone call from an old friend. My friend "K" and I have been friends for about 10 years. We shared a common thread as mothers when we met so long ago and I have been praying for her every day since then.
She sent an email asking me to call her as she has done many times in the past. I rush to my phone and dial the numbers. Finally, after all of this time, a blessed prayer was answered. Not only that, but she chose to share it with me. It was a wonderful, beautiful, amazing gift she gave me. I know she reads my blog so, my dear friend: I love you and I am so very happy for you!
No matter what your situations, moms, pray for your babies. It's the best thing we can do for them.
One more thing. A St. Patrick's Day public service announcement from my friends at Grammarly.com:
That is all. Except: Have a wonderful St. Paddy's Day, friends. I'm so glad you're here!
Monday, March 16, 2015
Sometimes You Just Have to Get Back Up
Sometimes life doesn't go the way we want it to, or thought it should. Sometimes you plan a day with your family, you want to head out to the range and throw a few hundred rounds at some metal targets and hear the gratifying plink, plink, plink as the lead hits its mark. Sometimes it rains, or snows...
It looks like the sky is finally rubbing its eyes and waking up to Spring here in DFW. Birds are singing and the sun is out. Whether we like it or not, it's time to sweep out the dust and get moving. I have a karate tournament next week and I have wonderful news of a new archery and gun range opening up nearby. Wonderful blessings in my world.
No more dwelling on what didn't happen, or how poorly this winter treated you. Get up. Get moving. Let's go!
Tomorrow is my birthday and the blog got a facelift. To celebrate, I'm giving away a Remora holster gift certificate. All you have to do is like my Facebook page and comment here to be entered in the drawing.
Happy St Patrick's Day!
It looks like the sky is finally rubbing its eyes and waking up to Spring here in DFW. Birds are singing and the sun is out. Whether we like it or not, it's time to sweep out the dust and get moving. I have a karate tournament next week and I have wonderful news of a new archery and gun range opening up nearby. Wonderful blessings in my world.
No more dwelling on what didn't happen, or how poorly this winter treated you. Get up. Get moving. Let's go!
Tomorrow is my birthday and the blog got a facelift. To celebrate, I'm giving away a Remora holster gift certificate. All you have to do is like my Facebook page and comment here to be entered in the drawing.
Happy St Patrick's Day!
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