Sleep
It never seems like I get enough. I generally do not stay up too late during the week. The Little One normally sleeps through the night. However, I still find myself wanting to stay in bed and sleep for longer in the morning.
So, I am curious how long I would actually sleep if I was in my own bed, the room stays dark, no interruptions from the Hubby, Little One or ambient outdoor noises. Would I naturally wake up after 8 hours? I would like to think I would sleep into the afternoon…but that’s not really a realistic thought.
Champagne
The other night, I caught the pilot show of Pan Am. I enjoyed the show… which is beside the point. At one part of the movie, the novice stewardess asked one of her fellow stewardess if she gives the honeymooners a bottle of champagne. That brief scene reminded me of my own honeymoon. The Hubby and I were flying to Anchorage, Alaska to start off our honeymoon on United Airlines. The stewardess on our flight gave us a bottle of champagne. It was a delightful surprise for the Hubby and me. I still remember fondly of that flight eleven years later. Do airlines still take these little steps? All you hear about is the taxes and fuel surcharges going up and up… or people getting kicked off flights for what seems like stupid reasons.
Fall
I love the fall. This season speaks to me and my soul… the crispness in the air, the leaves changing clothes, the neighborhood kids starting up another school year, pumpkins, apples, wine, Halloween, and Thanksgiving. It’s this season that makes me thankful to be living in the northeast. (Please remind me of this when I start bitching about the snow and cold weather in a few months.)
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Commercials
Commercials are everywhere. I don’t mean just on TV or the internet. I listen to commercials now when I’m in the grocery section of my local Wal-Mart. If I don’t use commercials a break to hit the bathroom or grab a snack, I try to tune them out. I sometimes wish that my daughter could learn that skill so we are not asked for items such as Squinkies. But that is neither here or there…
I believe that the makers of commercials recognize that this often the case with today’s viewers so they use different techniques to try to grab your attention. Otherwise what is the point…?
You know this… I know this… No one is fooling anyone here. However, I must admit that although it grabs my attention when they use a popular song from the past … a small part of my musical heart breaks.
Examples that just immediately sticks out in my mind…
Twisted Sister’s “We’re not gonna take it” being used for YAZ.
A-ha’s “Take On Me” being used for Geico
Or the countless companies that use “What I like about you” by The Romantics
Is nothing sacred anymore?
I believe that the makers of commercials recognize that this often the case with today’s viewers so they use different techniques to try to grab your attention. Otherwise what is the point…?
You know this… I know this… No one is fooling anyone here. However, I must admit that although it grabs my attention when they use a popular song from the past … a small part of my musical heart breaks.
Examples that just immediately sticks out in my mind…
Twisted Sister’s “We’re not gonna take it” being used for YAZ.
A-ha’s “Take On Me” being used for Geico
Or the countless companies that use “What I like about you” by The Romantics
Is nothing sacred anymore?
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Ramblings...
Meddz
I am extremely annoyed with their “Pick up the phone” song. Honestly, it sounds like an extended version of a personalized phone ring. I can’t believe that this song is being played on the radio. I also can’t imagine anyone rocking away and shouting “This is my jam!”.
Pool Ownership
Having a pool is not all that it’s cracked up to be. Yes, of course, I like having it to help cool off during those hot summer days. I also enjoy the social aspect of friends and family popping by the house to take a dip in the pool. However, the work and the amount of money that goes into a pool… it’s just too much sometimes. I’ve found myself a few times (especially recently) wondering if it is even worth having it. I keep telling me that the Little One will enjoy it tremendously with her friends as she gets older. I fondly remember going to a nearby pool with my BFF when I was growing up. We didn’t have a pool of our own and I grew up all right (for the most part). The pool is going to be closed down for the winter season soon. Perhaps I will have a better attitude about it come spring time.
First week
I just completed my first week of being “on track” with eating healthy. I definitely liked the result when I hopped onto the scale. My work pants are feeling a little more comfortable too. I am feeling pretty good about my resolve and will power as I head into week 2.
Britney Spears & VMAs
I missed the VMAs when they were first broadcasted. I simply forgot that it was on. I was generally okay with that until I started hearing about the great performances. So, The Hubby arranged it so we could watch it. Generally, I was entertained. I was working on a crochet project so I wasn’t completely bored watching it either. It basically had my attention whenever the performances came on. So, I didn’t miss that they didn’t have a Host / Hostess. The house band was a bit annoying but luckily it was cut short since they were only showed before / after commercials. There is one particular that that kind of annoyed me. I am happy that Britney Spears was honored with the Michael Jackson Vanguard award. They made a decent tribute to her with the special dance routine. However, I am extremely disappointed that she literally only got to say “Thank you” and then started announcing for Beyonce’s performance. That’s all! Heck, we had longer speeches during the regular Moon Man winners. This Vanguard award is supposed to be a big deal on the VMAs and that was all she got to say. For Shame!
I am extremely annoyed with their “Pick up the phone” song. Honestly, it sounds like an extended version of a personalized phone ring. I can’t believe that this song is being played on the radio. I also can’t imagine anyone rocking away and shouting “This is my jam!”.
Pool Ownership
Having a pool is not all that it’s cracked up to be. Yes, of course, I like having it to help cool off during those hot summer days. I also enjoy the social aspect of friends and family popping by the house to take a dip in the pool. However, the work and the amount of money that goes into a pool… it’s just too much sometimes. I’ve found myself a few times (especially recently) wondering if it is even worth having it. I keep telling me that the Little One will enjoy it tremendously with her friends as she gets older. I fondly remember going to a nearby pool with my BFF when I was growing up. We didn’t have a pool of our own and I grew up all right (for the most part). The pool is going to be closed down for the winter season soon. Perhaps I will have a better attitude about it come spring time.
First week
I just completed my first week of being “on track” with eating healthy. I definitely liked the result when I hopped onto the scale. My work pants are feeling a little more comfortable too. I am feeling pretty good about my resolve and will power as I head into week 2.
Britney Spears & VMAs
I missed the VMAs when they were first broadcasted. I simply forgot that it was on. I was generally okay with that until I started hearing about the great performances. So, The Hubby arranged it so we could watch it. Generally, I was entertained. I was working on a crochet project so I wasn’t completely bored watching it either. It basically had my attention whenever the performances came on. So, I didn’t miss that they didn’t have a Host / Hostess. The house band was a bit annoying but luckily it was cut short since they were only showed before / after commercials. There is one particular that that kind of annoyed me. I am happy that Britney Spears was honored with the Michael Jackson Vanguard award. They made a decent tribute to her with the special dance routine. However, I am extremely disappointed that she literally only got to say “Thank you” and then started announcing for Beyonce’s performance. That’s all! Heck, we had longer speeches during the regular Moon Man winners. This Vanguard award is supposed to be a big deal on the VMAs and that was all she got to say. For Shame!
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Please call me crazy
No, seriously! A friend of mine just recently gave me a generous thank you gift. Too generous in my opinion but she threatened my life if I didn’t take it. Seeing how she is 9 months pregnant … I think she might have gone through with it. Just saying…
Anyways, this gift came with kind of a stipulation to be used on something for me. So, I am trying to keep that in mind. Even though, I’ve already thought about using to buy something for my daughter, for the house, etc. Okay, this is not the part that you should call me crazy. That’s coming up.
I need clothes. Hmm… let me rephrase that. I NEED CLOTHES!!! Especially work appropriate clothes.
Here is the part that you can call me crazy. I have clothes… I just can’t fit in them. They are a size too small. I would go from having 3 pairs of dress pants to like having 8 pairs of dress pants that fit me if I lose one pant size. Yet, I haven’t been keeping an eye on my weight or try to get it back down (until now). We are still dealing with The Hubby and his previous job situation so we do not have extra cash. So, I refuse to spend money on clothes for I know that I’ve a closet full of clothes that is just one size down. (Okay, closet full of clothes is a bit of an exaggeration. After living on such a small sampling of clothes for a while now, it seems like that much.)
Need clothes … refuse to buy new clothes… need to lose weight to access already purchased clothes… stuffing my face with all sorts of yummies... Therefore preventing me even more from wearing said clothes.
See? Crazy?
Alas, if you read yesterday’s post, I am getting things back together. I WILL wear those clothes again… and soon. As for the gift, I’m not sure yet…. Perhaps a new hair style … new shoes… who knows!
Anyways, this gift came with kind of a stipulation to be used on something for me. So, I am trying to keep that in mind. Even though, I’ve already thought about using to buy something for my daughter, for the house, etc. Okay, this is not the part that you should call me crazy. That’s coming up.
I need clothes. Hmm… let me rephrase that. I NEED CLOTHES!!! Especially work appropriate clothes.
Here is the part that you can call me crazy. I have clothes… I just can’t fit in them. They are a size too small. I would go from having 3 pairs of dress pants to like having 8 pairs of dress pants that fit me if I lose one pant size. Yet, I haven’t been keeping an eye on my weight or try to get it back down (until now). We are still dealing with The Hubby and his previous job situation so we do not have extra cash. So, I refuse to spend money on clothes for I know that I’ve a closet full of clothes that is just one size down. (Okay, closet full of clothes is a bit of an exaggeration. After living on such a small sampling of clothes for a while now, it seems like that much.)
Need clothes … refuse to buy new clothes… need to lose weight to access already purchased clothes… stuffing my face with all sorts of yummies... Therefore preventing me even more from wearing said clothes.
See? Crazy?
Alas, if you read yesterday’s post, I am getting things back together. I WILL wear those clothes again… and soon. As for the gift, I’m not sure yet…. Perhaps a new hair style … new shoes… who knows!
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Holding grudges…
I do not consider myself the type of person that holds grudges. Generally, I, for the most part, forgive and move on. From witnessing friends and family, I generally do not think grudges are worth the time and energy that people tend to give them.
Granted, if someone has hurt me greatly, I may forgive them but I am a bit more cautious with that individual. I don’t sit and dwell on how that person done me wrong, etc.
That is… until this week… when discovered that I am a person that holds grudges… I just didn’t realize it.
Facebook is an amazing social tool. I love the fact that I can keep touch with family and friends or re-connect with long lost friends. I am not one of those Facebook users that just simply add people so I can boast that I have “X” amount of friends … “Y” more than you. I can go through everyone on my friend list and tell you who they are.
Recently, I received a friend request from a person that I didn’t recognize the name. The person did not have a photo put up as their avatar. Normally, I would just be quick to click “no thanks” but I realize that both my sister and my brother had this person as a friend. This made me wonder who it was. Other than family, there are very few people that cross over in each of our lives. So, I visited the profile to see if I can determine who it was before answering the request. The person’s public profile was of no help. So, I sent a message to my siblings to find out who this person was.
It turns out that the person is an ex-girlfriend of our father. He was dating her about 15 or so years ago. I couldn’t believe that she sent me a friend request … more so; I couldn’t believe that this is someone that my siblings said yes to being friends on Facebook. This is the person who was one of the main reasons why I moved out of my father’s house way back when. This is the person that made our lives miserable. I couldn’t click “no thanks” fast enough. I do not need to have this drama filled person have a window back in my life. Hell no.
So, apparently, I do hold grudges.
Granted, if someone has hurt me greatly, I may forgive them but I am a bit more cautious with that individual. I don’t sit and dwell on how that person done me wrong, etc.
That is… until this week… when discovered that I am a person that holds grudges… I just didn’t realize it.
Facebook is an amazing social tool. I love the fact that I can keep touch with family and friends or re-connect with long lost friends. I am not one of those Facebook users that just simply add people so I can boast that I have “X” amount of friends … “Y” more than you. I can go through everyone on my friend list and tell you who they are.
Recently, I received a friend request from a person that I didn’t recognize the name. The person did not have a photo put up as their avatar. Normally, I would just be quick to click “no thanks” but I realize that both my sister and my brother had this person as a friend. This made me wonder who it was. Other than family, there are very few people that cross over in each of our lives. So, I visited the profile to see if I can determine who it was before answering the request. The person’s public profile was of no help. So, I sent a message to my siblings to find out who this person was.
It turns out that the person is an ex-girlfriend of our father. He was dating her about 15 or so years ago. I couldn’t believe that she sent me a friend request … more so; I couldn’t believe that this is someone that my siblings said yes to being friends on Facebook. This is the person who was one of the main reasons why I moved out of my father’s house way back when. This is the person that made our lives miserable. I couldn’t click “no thanks” fast enough. I do not need to have this drama filled person have a window back in my life. Hell no.
So, apparently, I do hold grudges.
Snapping out of it
As you may have noticed, I have been absent on here. I didn’t realize how long it has been until I noticed that I didn’t even finish the 30 Days of Me. That’s quite pathetic. I couldn’t even finish the 30 day challenge.
It seems overall I’ve been not really “on the ball” with myself. Although I’ve had a good summer with some great memories, I realize that I am not really taking care of myself. I am finding that a bit pathetic too. It’s the little things like not giving me enough time in the morning to pull myself together … to be the best that I can be that day. The goal towards weight loss? Ha! *smirks* Nothing going on in that corner of my world either.
Basically, I feel like I’ve been letting myself slip on a personal level. I know it has been slipping for quite some time. It is so easy to get caught up in making sure that everything is being covered in the household, family, and friends. I think I simple stopped caring about myself as an individual. That’s not really smart. Honestly, I don’t think it is really fair to my family and friends either. It is one thing to notice it ... it's quite another to actually try to change it.
Now, I am going to force myself to snap out of it. I got to get things back into a “working order”. It’s only right to do so … for me … for my family... and for my friends.
So, I am using the calendar start of September to get things progressing. Wish me luck! I'm going to need it.
It seems overall I’ve been not really “on the ball” with myself. Although I’ve had a good summer with some great memories, I realize that I am not really taking care of myself. I am finding that a bit pathetic too. It’s the little things like not giving me enough time in the morning to pull myself together … to be the best that I can be that day. The goal towards weight loss? Ha! *smirks* Nothing going on in that corner of my world either.
Basically, I feel like I’ve been letting myself slip on a personal level. I know it has been slipping for quite some time. It is so easy to get caught up in making sure that everything is being covered in the household, family, and friends. I think I simple stopped caring about myself as an individual. That’s not really smart. Honestly, I don’t think it is really fair to my family and friends either. It is one thing to notice it ... it's quite another to actually try to change it.
Now, I am going to force myself to snap out of it. I got to get things back into a “working order”. It’s only right to do so … for me … for my family... and for my friends.
So, I am using the calendar start of September to get things progressing. Wish me luck! I'm going to need it.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
The 30 Days Project: Day 27
What is "The 30 Days Project"? You might want to read this brief posting first.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge
That is a good question. I like having a blog. I like the fact that I have a place that I can put my thoughts down. Sometimes though, I feel like I neglect my blog. However, I wasn't sure what more I could bring to it.
When CuteElla posted that she was undertaking this challenge, I thought it was a perfect opportunity to do a little more with my blog. So, I stepped up to the challenge.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge
That is a good question. I like having a blog. I like the fact that I have a place that I can put my thoughts down. Sometimes though, I feel like I neglect my blog. However, I wasn't sure what more I could bring to it.
When CuteElla posted that she was undertaking this challenge, I thought it was a perfect opportunity to do a little more with my blog. So, I stepped up to the challenge.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
The 30 Days Project: Day 26
What is "The 30 Days Project"? You might want to read this brief posting first.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Day 26- What you think about your friends
It is simple.
My friends are everything.
Friends may have come and gone over the years. I have been extremely lucky to surround myself and my family with people who are just simply amazing. They are strong, supportive, friendly, and funny people who will be there to get my back whenever I need them. I sincerely hope that they think similar of me... otherwise, I will feel that I've let them down and seriously owe them a debt that I couldn't possibility pay back.
I also hope that my daughter (and any future children that come into my life) will learn the power of love that one gets from having a good set of great friends in her life.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Day 26- What you think about your friends
It is simple.
My friends are everything.
Friends may have come and gone over the years. I have been extremely lucky to surround myself and my family with people who are just simply amazing. They are strong, supportive, friendly, and funny people who will be there to get my back whenever I need them. I sincerely hope that they think similar of me... otherwise, I will feel that I've let them down and seriously owe them a debt that I couldn't possibility pay back.
I also hope that my daughter (and any future children that come into my life) will learn the power of love that one gets from having a good set of great friends in her life.
Monday, April 25, 2011
The 30 Days Project: Day 25
What is "The 30 Days Project"? You might want to read this brief posting first.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Day 25- What I would find in your bag
You would find:
wallet
new Adele's cd
picture of Little One and me from my Easter basket
gift certificate to a local community center
small notebook
a pocket sudoku book
paperback - Book 10 of the Wheel of Time series
cell phone
gift certificate to Bed, Bath & Beyond (from Christmas)
sunglasses in their case
Little One's gift certificate to Toys R Us (from her birthday party)
keys
miscellaneous stuff such as feminine projects, gum, floss, extra contact case, eye drops
oh and probably some lint.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Day 25- What I would find in your bag
You would find:
wallet
new Adele's cd
picture of Little One and me from my Easter basket
gift certificate to a local community center
small notebook
a pocket sudoku book
paperback - Book 10 of the Wheel of Time series
cell phone
gift certificate to Bed, Bath & Beyond (from Christmas)
sunglasses in their case
Little One's gift certificate to Toys R Us (from her birthday party)
keys
miscellaneous stuff such as feminine projects, gum, floss, extra contact case, eye drops
oh and probably some lint.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
The 30 Days Project: Day 24
What is "The 30 Days Project"? You might want to read this brief posting first.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Day 24- A letter to your parents
Dear Parents,
Now that I'm adult, I recognize that things are not always sunshine and roses. I know that we have had a lot of challenges between us through the years. I can tell you that it was difficult to be one of those kids that their parents separated (and later divorced) while everyone around us had their families intact. Despite all the things we have been though and the adjusments that we had to make, I realize now that you were doing what you thought was best and what you could handle personally. I also realize that you guys couldn't stay together as a happily married couple.
It is through you that I know the life I want... the marriage that I want... and the family that I want. Thank you for that. I also hope that I've had led a life that you could be proud of and I also hope that you will continue as I live the rest of my life.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Day 24- A letter to your parents
Dear Parents,
Now that I'm adult, I recognize that things are not always sunshine and roses. I know that we have had a lot of challenges between us through the years. I can tell you that it was difficult to be one of those kids that their parents separated (and later divorced) while everyone around us had their families intact. Despite all the things we have been though and the adjusments that we had to make, I realize now that you were doing what you thought was best and what you could handle personally. I also realize that you guys couldn't stay together as a happily married couple.
It is through you that I know the life I want... the marriage that I want... and the family that I want. Thank you for that. I also hope that I've had led a life that you could be proud of and I also hope that you will continue as I live the rest of my life.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
The 30 Days Project: Day 23
What is "The 30 Days Project"? You might want to read this brief posting first.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Day 23- Something you crave for a lot
Baked goods! I love the sweets! Cakes... cupcakes... muffins... pies... you name it. I crave it!
Needless to say, I keep these things at my house at a minimum. For one, they wouldn't last long.. and two, I'm trying to lose (or at least not gain) weight.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Day 23- Something you crave for a lot
Baked goods! I love the sweets! Cakes... cupcakes... muffins... pies... you name it. I crave it!
Needless to say, I keep these things at my house at a minimum. For one, they wouldn't last long.. and two, I'm trying to lose (or at least not gain) weight.
Friday, April 22, 2011
The 30 Days Project: Day 22
What is "The 30 Days Project"? You might want to read this brief posting first.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else
I rock!
Phew.. that was an easy post. ;)
Okay.. okay... just joking. I'm really not that conceited. Hmm.. what makes me different from everyone else?
I like to plan things out so that all my bases are covered... however, I do like a good surprise... like an unexpected visitor or going out to dinner or just receiving an unexpected hello from an old friend.
I do not like to exercise but I do like to be active. For instance, you can catch me walking from one end of a craft fair to the other end ... but you will not catch me at the gym.
Other than a few shows that I like, I rather just have the radio on instead of the television... or sometimes I rather just have the house quiet.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else
I rock!
Phew.. that was an easy post. ;)
Okay.. okay... just joking. I'm really not that conceited. Hmm.. what makes me different from everyone else?
I like to plan things out so that all my bases are covered... however, I do like a good surprise... like an unexpected visitor or going out to dinner or just receiving an unexpected hello from an old friend.
I do not like to exercise but I do like to be active. For instance, you can catch me walking from one end of a craft fair to the other end ... but you will not catch me at the gym.
Other than a few shows that I like, I rather just have the radio on instead of the television... or sometimes I rather just have the house quiet.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
The 30 Days Project: Day 21
What is "The 30 Days Project"? You might want to read this brief posting first.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy
Seeing this on my work computer! Day is done!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy
Seeing this on my work computer! Day is done!
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
The 30 Days Project: Day 20
What is "The 30 Days Project"? You might want to read this brief posting first.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future
If you are a regular reader of my blog, then you know that I am already married to The Hubby. Although he can be quite the stubborn and an offensive pain in the ass, I am glad that he is in my life. I am fully committed to him and to our family with no regrets.
Despite both of us coming from divorced families, I think it helped us to understand what we wanted out of marriage so we did not take that step blindly. We got married over 10 years ago after a long courtship through college and law school. I can not imagine my life without him ... well, no longer than a weekend without him. ;)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future
If you are a regular reader of my blog, then you know that I am already married to The Hubby. Although he can be quite the stubborn and an offensive pain in the ass, I am glad that he is in my life. I am fully committed to him and to our family with no regrets.
Despite both of us coming from divorced families, I think it helped us to understand what we wanted out of marriage so we did not take that step blindly. We got married over 10 years ago after a long courtship through college and law school. I can not imagine my life without him ... well, no longer than a weekend without him. ;)
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
The 30 Days Project: Day 19
What is "The 30 Days Project"? You might want to read this brief posting first.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them
I really don't have too many nicknames... unless of course my friends are using them behind my back. :) You will have to ask them. (Or perhaps they will be nice enough to comment them!)
Mostly, people just call me "Kel" which is a shorter version of my first name.
Why? I haven't a clue ... It's efficient? (*chuckles*)
Sorry to disappoint you in this posting!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them
I really don't have too many nicknames... unless of course my friends are using them behind my back. :) You will have to ask them. (Or perhaps they will be nice enough to comment them!)
Mostly, people just call me "Kel" which is a shorter version of my first name.
Why? I haven't a clue ... It's efficient? (*chuckles*)
Sorry to disappoint you in this posting!
Monday, April 18, 2011
The 30 Days Project: Day 18
What is "The 30 Days Project"? You might want to read this brief posting first.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have
My ultimate goal is to get my family's financial back under control by getting rid of this debt that is hanging over our heads while still enjoying life. I've taken steps to help accomplish such as signing up for credit card debit help. We pretty much pared down our home life to what we find to be the essentials to help us get through these rough years. Now, we just need to work on overall saving goals so that we can do the stuff that we would love to have or do... such as owning a second car (not necessarily new but definitely reliable) or going on a vacation (of sorts).
I am planning to do some minor upgrades around the house. Other than the Little One's room, I haven't done any painting or decorative steps in our house since we moved in. I plan to paint our living room and take down the ugly curtains that were leftover from the previous owners. I also hope to hang up new blinds as well as curtains that match what I am trying to achieve. The replacement of the carpet will need to wait until more money available... also the Little One (and perhaps The Hubby) be a little more careful in the living room with food & drinks.
Not to mention working on my "year of small changes"...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have
My ultimate goal is to get my family's financial back under control by getting rid of this debt that is hanging over our heads while still enjoying life. I've taken steps to help accomplish such as signing up for credit card debit help. We pretty much pared down our home life to what we find to be the essentials to help us get through these rough years. Now, we just need to work on overall saving goals so that we can do the stuff that we would love to have or do... such as owning a second car (not necessarily new but definitely reliable) or going on a vacation (of sorts).
I am planning to do some minor upgrades around the house. Other than the Little One's room, I haven't done any painting or decorative steps in our house since we moved in. I plan to paint our living room and take down the ugly curtains that were leftover from the previous owners. I also hope to hang up new blinds as well as curtains that match what I am trying to achieve. The replacement of the carpet will need to wait until more money available... also the Little One (and perhaps The Hubby) be a little more careful in the living room with food & drinks.
Not to mention working on my "year of small changes"...
Sunday, April 17, 2011
The 30 Days Project: Day 17
What is "The 30 Days Project"? You might want to read this brief posting first.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Day 17- Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why
At first, I was trying to think of some celebrity or famous person to pick. However, it didn't quite seem right... like I was forcing myself to pick one of those for that is what you would have expected.
Then, I thought I would like to switch with an idea of a person... not that I know of a person that matches that criteria. For instance, a person that works for the joy of working and not necessarily for the money. However, that person would have enough money to pay all their bills and fulfill their needs/desires. Yet, that didn't seem to fit what this blog post is suppose to be about.
It then came to me. I would like to switch places with my daughter for one day... a day where she is experiencing the ultimate kid kind of day... whether it is the zoo or aquarium for the first time... or as simple as playing on a new playground or blowing bubbles. I know I can see her experience those moments for the first time. She looks so happy and full of wonder. I would like to feel that again .. and not have to worry how much it costs or what bills are going on or some other boring adult thoughts going through my mind.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Day 17- Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why
At first, I was trying to think of some celebrity or famous person to pick. However, it didn't quite seem right... like I was forcing myself to pick one of those for that is what you would have expected.
Then, I thought I would like to switch with an idea of a person... not that I know of a person that matches that criteria. For instance, a person that works for the joy of working and not necessarily for the money. However, that person would have enough money to pay all their bills and fulfill their needs/desires. Yet, that didn't seem to fit what this blog post is suppose to be about.
It then came to me. I would like to switch places with my daughter for one day... a day where she is experiencing the ultimate kid kind of day... whether it is the zoo or aquarium for the first time... or as simple as playing on a new playground or blowing bubbles. I know I can see her experience those moments for the first time. She looks so happy and full of wonder. I would like to feel that again .. and not have to worry how much it costs or what bills are going on or some other boring adult thoughts going through my mind.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
The 30 Days Project: Day 16
What is "The 30 Days Project"? You might want to read this brief posting first.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Day 16- Another picture of yourself
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Day 16- Another picture of yourself
Please forgive the picture! I'm home on a Saturday night! I'm in my pjs and have my glasses on! :)
Friday, April 15, 2011
The 30 Days Project: Day 15
What is "The 30 Days Project"? You might want to read this brief posting first.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play
10. Hellogoodbye - Here (In Your Arms)
9. Billy Joel - Keeping the Faith
8. Schwayze f/ Cisco Adler - Buzzin'
7. Violent Femmes - Blister in the Sun
6. Midnight Oil - Beds are Burning
5. Stevie Nicks - Stand Back
4. Men at Work - Down Under
3. The Darkness - I believe in a thing called love
2. Aly & AJ - Potential Breakup Song
1. Chris Daughtry - Over You
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play
10. Hellogoodbye - Here (In Your Arms)
9. Billy Joel - Keeping the Faith
8. Schwayze f/ Cisco Adler - Buzzin'
7. Violent Femmes - Blister in the Sun
6. Midnight Oil - Beds are Burning
5. Stevie Nicks - Stand Back
4. Men at Work - Down Under
3. The Darkness - I believe in a thing called love
2. Aly & AJ - Potential Breakup Song
1. Chris Daughtry - Over You
Thursday, April 14, 2011
The 30 Days Project: Day 14
What is "The 30 Days Project"? You might want to read this brief posting first.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Day 14- A picture of you and your family
** Not bad for an after-work self portrait!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Day 14- A picture of you and your family
** Not bad for an after-work self portrait!
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
The 30 Days Project: Day 13
What is "The 30 Days Project"? You might want to read this brief posting first.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Day 13- A letter to someone who has hurt you recently
It has been some time since you’ve contacted me. I was taken aback by the sudden contact… for it was completely coming out of no where. I must admit that I became even slightly… cautiously… happy that you reached out to me. I thought I finally will have something more to share with the Little One about her late grandmother.
Even after all that time, you were always a part of me. In fact, I hate to admit that you are still are despite the fact that I haven’t heard from you in MONTHS!
Now, I just want to know why.
Why did you feel like you needed to contact me at all? What was the point? Was it to see if you still have an effect on me or my siblings? Well you did… a painful one.
I wholeheartedly regret letting my sister and brother know that you contacted me. Luckily, they have stopped asking me on our phone calls whether I’ve heard from you again. However, I still feel that unspoken question every time I talk to them.
I guess it’s true in what “they” say: Hindsight is always 20/20.
You had mentioned once that you’ve read my blog. I hope that you still do… for I want you to know what you’ve caused.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Day 13- A letter to someone who has hurt you recently
It has been some time since you’ve contacted me. I was taken aback by the sudden contact… for it was completely coming out of no where. I must admit that I became even slightly… cautiously… happy that you reached out to me. I thought I finally will have something more to share with the Little One about her late grandmother.
Even after all that time, you were always a part of me. In fact, I hate to admit that you are still are despite the fact that I haven’t heard from you in MONTHS!
Now, I just want to know why.
Why did you feel like you needed to contact me at all? What was the point? Was it to see if you still have an effect on me or my siblings? Well you did… a painful one.
I wholeheartedly regret letting my sister and brother know that you contacted me. Luckily, they have stopped asking me on our phone calls whether I’ve heard from you again. However, I still feel that unspoken question every time I talk to them.
I guess it’s true in what “they” say: Hindsight is always 20/20.
You had mentioned once that you’ve read my blog. I hope that you still do… for I want you to know what you’ve caused.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
The 30 Days Project: Day 12
What is "The 30 Days Project"? You might want to read this brief posting first.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Day 12- How you found out about Blogger and why you made one
I found out about Blogger a couple of years ago through friends that have online blogs. It seemed relatively easy to use.
As for why I made one? To be honest, I still am not sure. I like the way that blogging seems to provide an outlet for the writer about their thoughts... or themselves in general. That is not normally something that I provide for myself. However, I felt (still feel) that it is something that I need in my life. So, I decided to figure up the ol' computer and give it a try. It's still going on.. perhaps as not as strong and certainly not as popular as some of the other blogs that are out there. However, I am happy with what I've created. Now, I just need to keep on it.... to keep that outlet in my life.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Day 12- How you found out about Blogger and why you made one
I found out about Blogger a couple of years ago through friends that have online blogs. It seemed relatively easy to use.
As for why I made one? To be honest, I still am not sure. I like the way that blogging seems to provide an outlet for the writer about their thoughts... or themselves in general. That is not normally something that I provide for myself. However, I felt (still feel) that it is something that I need in my life. So, I decided to figure up the ol' computer and give it a try. It's still going on.. perhaps as not as strong and certainly not as popular as some of the other blogs that are out there. However, I am happy with what I've created. Now, I just need to keep on it.... to keep that outlet in my life.
Monday, April 11, 2011
The 30 Days Project: Day 11
What is "The 30 Days Project"? You might want to read this brief postingfirst.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Day 11- Another picture of you and your friends
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Day 11- Another picture of you and your friends
Annual Wine Tasting Tour - October 2010
The 30 Days Project: Day 10
What is "The 30 Days Project"? You might want to read this brief posting first.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sorry! I completely forgot to post this yesterday!
Day 10- Songs you listen to when you are Happy, Sad, Bored, Hyped, Mad
I don't really split the music up based on my current mood.
If I need to stay awake in the car, I pick radio stations/cds that plays songs that I know the words to. Then, I promptly start singing out loud to keep my mind alert. Luckily The Hubby can sleep through anything so I don't have to worry about being off key or missing the actual words.
If I'm in the mood for mellow music, I will listen to more bluesy - easy listening music such as from Adele, Norah Jones, etc.
I'm also happy to have little dance parties when songs from 80's are on.... such as "Walking on Sunshine" or "Blister in the Sun".
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sorry! I completely forgot to post this yesterday!
Day 10- Songs you listen to when you are Happy, Sad, Bored, Hyped, Mad
I don't really split the music up based on my current mood.
If I need to stay awake in the car, I pick radio stations/cds that plays songs that I know the words to. Then, I promptly start singing out loud to keep my mind alert. Luckily The Hubby can sleep through anything so I don't have to worry about being off key or missing the actual words.
If I'm in the mood for mellow music, I will listen to more bluesy - easy listening music such as from Adele, Norah Jones, etc.
I'm also happy to have little dance parties when songs from 80's are on.... such as "Walking on Sunshine" or "Blister in the Sun".
Saturday, April 9, 2011
The 30 Days Project: Day 9
What is "The 30 Days Project"? You might want to read this brief posting first.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hmm... This took a little more reflection that I had originally thought. It seems the last few days was mostly me trying to get over this illness that I have. My head currently feels like it is filled with lead. However, I didn't just want to put down the fact that I am proud that I managed to survive life in general over the past few days. It seems a bit cheap to do so.
I definitely am proud of The Hubby and the Little One.
I'm proud of my Hubby in his efforts to continue at his current place of employment despite the fact that he despises his job. It is not easy getting up each morning and knowing that you're going to have a crappy day as you work at a job that you don't like. There is small comfort that he loves the company that he works for. If only another position would open up so he can transfer into it. He does all of this for the love of our family and the life that we worked hard in establishing.
I'm proud of my daughter and the steps that she has taken to become the person she is and the person she will be. I don't necessarily mean the improved skill sets such as being potty trained ... or recognizing letters as more than just shapes. Although I am proud of her and these accomplishments, I am also proud of her in general. I love the fact she loves books, movies, cooking and crafts just like her parents.
I know that it is very easy to get distracted / involved with the day to day tasks. I'm glad that I was forced to sit back and think on a bigger scale. It's not often that we take the time to do so.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Day 09- Something you’re proud of in the past few days
Hmm... This took a little more reflection that I had originally thought. It seems the last few days was mostly me trying to get over this illness that I have. My head currently feels like it is filled with lead. However, I didn't just want to put down the fact that I am proud that I managed to survive life in general over the past few days. It seems a bit cheap to do so.
I definitely am proud of The Hubby and the Little One.
I'm proud of my Hubby in his efforts to continue at his current place of employment despite the fact that he despises his job. It is not easy getting up each morning and knowing that you're going to have a crappy day as you work at a job that you don't like. There is small comfort that he loves the company that he works for. If only another position would open up so he can transfer into it. He does all of this for the love of our family and the life that we worked hard in establishing.
I'm proud of my daughter and the steps that she has taken to become the person she is and the person she will be. I don't necessarily mean the improved skill sets such as being potty trained ... or recognizing letters as more than just shapes. Although I am proud of her and these accomplishments, I am also proud of her in general. I love the fact she loves books, movies, cooking and crafts just like her parents.
I know that it is very easy to get distracted / involved with the day to day tasks. I'm glad that I was forced to sit back and think on a bigger scale. It's not often that we take the time to do so.
Friday, April 8, 2011
The 30 Days Project: Day 8
What is "The 30 Days Project"? You might want to read this brief posting first.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Day 08- Short term goals for this month and why
Spring is here! Finally! This winter was particularly grueling with all the above-average snow fall and frigid weather. I am ready for the warmer weather (and I don’t really mean summer type hotness … just the subtle warming of spring time!).
Of course, the warmer weather also means some chores around the house (both inside and out). So, my short term goals for this month are tackling these chores!
I always wanted my own house… and I still do. (Thank goodness since I have one and all.) However, I was completely naïve in the work that having a house entails.
Here are some of my goals:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Day 08- Short term goals for this month and why
Spring is here! Finally! This winter was particularly grueling with all the above-average snow fall and frigid weather. I am ready for the warmer weather (and I don’t really mean summer type hotness … just the subtle warming of spring time!).
Of course, the warmer weather also means some chores around the house (both inside and out). So, my short term goals for this month are tackling these chores!
I always wanted my own house… and I still do. (Thank goodness since I have one and all.) However, I was completely naïve in the work that having a house entails.
Here are some of my goals:
- Rake the lawn to remove the dead grass and leaves from last season.
- Stack up the fallen branches and twigs to be used for kindle
- Hang up the swings and wash off the slides on the swing set – This one the Little One is particularly interested in.
- Take down the plastic sheeting & storm windows from the windows.
I would like to re-iterate with a slight touch of sarcasm … Yea! Spring is here! :)
Thursday, April 7, 2011
The 30 Days Project: Day 7
What is "The 30 Days Project"? You might want to read this brief posting first.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Day 07- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Day 07- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you
My darling Little One
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
The 30 Days Project: Day 6
What is "The 30 Days Project"? You might want to read this brief posting first.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Day 06- Favorite super hero and why
Buffy, the Vampire Slayer
Buffy was a teenager that inherited a gift from “fate” to help the world survive against the supernatural “bad guys”. She comes from a long line of young women who has been chosen in similar fashion over the centuries. You can read more about the series here.
The reason that I picked this particular heroine is that I admire Buffy in the strength she showed as she not only navigated through the rollercoaster that is high school (and after) but also a champion of good for the beings around her. I loved the fact that she made mistakes… her heart was broken, etc. as any normal person would encounter in his/her life. Buffy would also admit at times that this life of her sucks and that it was not all sunshine & rainbows. However, she continued forth in tackling evil. I also love the fact that she surrounded herself with a great group of loyal friends / allies to help her tackle these incredible situations that were thrown her way.
Joss Whedon created a wonderful TV series based on this character and the world that she existed in. Even though it has been off the air for some time, I still miss this “world”… and secretly hope that it will come back once again.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Day 06- Favorite super hero and why
Buffy, the Vampire Slayer
Buffy was a teenager that inherited a gift from “fate” to help the world survive against the supernatural “bad guys”. She comes from a long line of young women who has been chosen in similar fashion over the centuries. You can read more about the series here.
The reason that I picked this particular heroine is that I admire Buffy in the strength she showed as she not only navigated through the rollercoaster that is high school (and after) but also a champion of good for the beings around her. I loved the fact that she made mistakes… her heart was broken, etc. as any normal person would encounter in his/her life. Buffy would also admit at times that this life of her sucks and that it was not all sunshine & rainbows. However, she continued forth in tackling evil. I also love the fact that she surrounded herself with a great group of loyal friends / allies to help her tackle these incredible situations that were thrown her way.
Joss Whedon created a wonderful TV series based on this character and the world that she existed in. Even though it has been off the air for some time, I still miss this “world”… and secretly hope that it will come back once again.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
The 30 Days Project: Day 5
What is "The 30 Days Project"? You might want to read this brief posting first.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Day 05- A picture of somewhere you’ve been to
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Day 05- A picture of somewhere you’ve been to
Kylemore Abbey, Kylemore, Connemara, Co Galway, Ireland.
Monday, April 4, 2011
The 30 Days Project: Day 4
What is "The 30 Days Project"? You might want to read this brief posting first.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Day 04- A habit that you wish you didn't have
I was going to put down procrastination… however, I think I would be more accurate if I put down laziness. It is because of this inherent lazy habit of mine that I fall victim to distraction, procrastination and the dreaded snooze button.
It is too easy to just get the bare minimum done each day … whether it is chores at home or what tasks I’ve to accomplish at work. Sometimes, I don’t even realize that I have done it until it is time to reflect upon on day (a.ka. leaving work… or going to bed) and realize that I didn’t really accomplish much.
Don’t get me wrong. Once in a while, I do kick myself in the ass and keep up with stuff while it is happening… such as folding and putting away laundry when it comes out of the dryer instead of waiting a couple of days to a week later when the Little One runs out of clean underwear in her dresser. Often times, I will "trick" myself into accomplishing something by putting a “deadline” to accomplish it. Sometimes it works, that is why I am on book 8 of the Wheel of Time series… and sometimes it does not, which is why my weight keeps fluctuating.
However, it is a habit that keeps creeping back.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Day 04- A habit that you wish you didn't have
I was going to put down procrastination… however, I think I would be more accurate if I put down laziness. It is because of this inherent lazy habit of mine that I fall victim to distraction, procrastination and the dreaded snooze button.
It is too easy to just get the bare minimum done each day … whether it is chores at home or what tasks I’ve to accomplish at work. Sometimes, I don’t even realize that I have done it until it is time to reflect upon on day (a.ka. leaving work… or going to bed) and realize that I didn’t really accomplish much.
Don’t get me wrong. Once in a while, I do kick myself in the ass and keep up with stuff while it is happening… such as folding and putting away laundry when it comes out of the dryer instead of waiting a couple of days to a week later when the Little One runs out of clean underwear in her dresser. Often times, I will "trick" myself into accomplishing something by putting a “deadline” to accomplish it. Sometimes it works, that is why I am on book 8 of the Wheel of Time series… and sometimes it does not, which is why my weight keeps fluctuating.
However, it is a habit that keeps creeping back.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
The 30 Days Project: Day 3
What is "The 30 Days Project"? You might want to read this brief posting first.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Day 03- A picture of you and your friends
Annual Wine Tasting Tour - October 2008 - Cobblestone Farm Winery
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Day 03- A picture of you and your friends
Annual Wine Tasting Tour - October 2008 - Cobblestone Farm Winery
Saturday, April 2, 2011
The 30 Days Project: Day 2
What is "The 30 Days Project"? You might want to read this brief posting first.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Day 02- The meaning behind your Blog name
Sometimes a goal or life in general can be a bit overwhelming... whether it is dealing with a death in the family or figuring how out to pay the next month's mortgage or how to lose those remaining stubborn pounds. To help cope with those overwhelming moments, it helps to break it down to "smaller chunks". "One day at a time..." is something that I tell myself when I am confronted with one of those moments.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Day 02- The meaning behind your Blog name
Sometimes a goal or life in general can be a bit overwhelming... whether it is dealing with a death in the family or figuring how out to pay the next month's mortgage or how to lose those remaining stubborn pounds. To help cope with those overwhelming moments, it helps to break it down to "smaller chunks". "One day at a time..." is something that I tell myself when I am confronted with one of those moments.
Friday, April 1, 2011
The 30 Days Project: Day 1
Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself
1. I enjoy reading books… mostly in the fantasy / sci-fi genre. I’m currently trying to tackle “The Wheel of Time” series by Robert Jordan. I am currently on book 7 out of the 13.
2. I have a BS in Mathematics.
3. I love working on crafts… such crocheting and cross-stitching. I hope to re-learn how to knit this year.
4. Outside going on two Caribbean cruises, I’ve visited four countries: Israel, Russia, Ireland, and Canada.
5. I once took the Greyhound bus from Watertown, NY to Seattle, WA. (Side note: I will never do that again if I can help it.)
6. My first car was a beat-up navy blue Dodge Aries named “Betsy”. Betsy was a gift from my mom & step-father that cost $300. The car lasted me from sophomore year of college to after graduation.
7. I almost didn’t make it college. The financial aid package was not enough and I didn’t find out until the week prior to my supposed arrival date. So, on day of when the freshmen were to report, I made a trip to said college and met with the financial aid peeps. They helped me renegotiate my financial aid package so that I could go to college after all without much help from my parents.
8. I used to play and help run a MUD (multi-user dungeon – computer based game). I would like to dedicate my fast typing speed skill to that. There is nothing like yelling at a player in real time via text about a game component.
9. I do like to play computer games. However, my current PC is a very outdated piece of machinery. I haven’t had the funds or the time to upgrade since having the Little One. I do miss playing.
10. My all time favorite movie: The Princess Bride. I remember the first time watching it with a friend of mine in Fulton, NY. (Side note: You could smell the scent of chocolate in the air due to the Nestle factory in town. This was awesome for the first day or two of the trip… not so good by the end of the trip.)
11. I helped found a co-ed social society during college. It is still carrying on to this day and every year we make a trip to our alma mater to celebrate its conception.
12. I am the oldest of me and my siblings. Yet, I am the shortest.
13. I’m an office supplies junkie…. Unique pens, post-its, binder clips? Yes please!
14. Fall is my favorite season of the year. It is for this reason that I love to live in the northeast region of the USA.... and it is well worth dealing with all the winter blues to stay here.
15. I never actually learned how to swim… despite owning a pool.
It was a lot harder to come up with 15 "interesting" facts about myself than I had originally thought. Good thing that the "interesting" is defined by the author and not the reader in this scenario. ;)
** This picture is of me this morning when I realize that the snow forecast wasn't an elaborate April Fool's joke.
1. I enjoy reading books… mostly in the fantasy / sci-fi genre. I’m currently trying to tackle “The Wheel of Time” series by Robert Jordan. I am currently on book 7 out of the 13.
2. I have a BS in Mathematics.
3. I love working on crafts… such crocheting and cross-stitching. I hope to re-learn how to knit this year.
4. Outside going on two Caribbean cruises, I’ve visited four countries: Israel, Russia, Ireland, and Canada.
5. I once took the Greyhound bus from Watertown, NY to Seattle, WA. (Side note: I will never do that again if I can help it.)
6. My first car was a beat-up navy blue Dodge Aries named “Betsy”. Betsy was a gift from my mom & step-father that cost $300. The car lasted me from sophomore year of college to after graduation.
7. I almost didn’t make it college. The financial aid package was not enough and I didn’t find out until the week prior to my supposed arrival date. So, on day of when the freshmen were to report, I made a trip to said college and met with the financial aid peeps. They helped me renegotiate my financial aid package so that I could go to college after all without much help from my parents.
8. I used to play and help run a MUD (multi-user dungeon – computer based game). I would like to dedicate my fast typing speed skill to that. There is nothing like yelling at a player in real time via text about a game component.
9. I do like to play computer games. However, my current PC is a very outdated piece of machinery. I haven’t had the funds or the time to upgrade since having the Little One. I do miss playing.
10. My all time favorite movie: The Princess Bride. I remember the first time watching it with a friend of mine in Fulton, NY. (Side note: You could smell the scent of chocolate in the air due to the Nestle factory in town. This was awesome for the first day or two of the trip… not so good by the end of the trip.)
11. I helped found a co-ed social society during college. It is still carrying on to this day and every year we make a trip to our alma mater to celebrate its conception.
12. I am the oldest of me and my siblings. Yet, I am the shortest.
13. I’m an office supplies junkie…. Unique pens, post-its, binder clips? Yes please!
14. Fall is my favorite season of the year. It is for this reason that I love to live in the northeast region of the USA.... and it is well worth dealing with all the winter blues to stay here.
15. I never actually learned how to swim… despite owning a pool.
It was a lot harder to come up with 15 "interesting" facts about myself than I had originally thought. Good thing that the "interesting" is defined by the author and not the reader in this scenario. ;)
Thursday, March 31, 2011
The 30 Days Project
A good friend of mine had recently blogged about starting this 30 Day Project. It is not normally something that I would do. However, I am quite intrigued by it. So, I decided to follow her awesome footsteps and attempt the project myself.
The 30 Days Project
Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself
Day 02- The meaning behind your Blog name
Day 03- A picture of you and your friends
Day 04- A habit that you wish you didn’t have
Day 05- A picture of somewhere you’ve been to
Day 06- Favorite super hero and why
Day 07- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you
Day 08- Short term goals for this month and why
Day 09- Something you’re proud of in the past few days
Day 10- Songs you listen to when you are Happy, Sad, Bored, Hyped, Mad
Day 11- Another picture of you and your friends
Day 12- How you found out about Blogger and why you made one
Day 13- A letter to someone who has hurt you recently
Day 14- A picture of you and your family
Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play
Day 16- Another picture of yourself
Day 17- Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why
Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have
Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them
Day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future
Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else
Day 23- Something you crave for a lot
Day 24- A letter to your parents
Day 25- What I would find in your bag
Day 26- What you think about your friends
Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge
Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?
Day 29- In this past month, what have you learned
Day 30- Your favorite song.
The 30 Days Project
Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself
Day 02- The meaning behind your Blog name
Day 03- A picture of you and your friends
Day 04- A habit that you wish you didn’t have
Day 05- A picture of somewhere you’ve been to
Day 06- Favorite super hero and why
Day 07- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you
Day 08- Short term goals for this month and why
Day 09- Something you’re proud of in the past few days
Day 10- Songs you listen to when you are Happy, Sad, Bored, Hyped, Mad
Day 11- Another picture of you and your friends
Day 12- How you found out about Blogger and why you made one
Day 13- A letter to someone who has hurt you recently
Day 14- A picture of you and your family
Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play
Day 16- Another picture of yourself
Day 17- Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why
Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have
Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them
Day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future
Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else
Day 23- Something you crave for a lot
Day 24- A letter to your parents
Day 25- What I would find in your bag
Day 26- What you think about your friends
Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge
Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?
Day 29- In this past month, what have you learned
Day 30- Your favorite song.
The house is still standing...
Our Little One officially turned 3 years old this week. Her birthday party was held last Saturday. I like to think it was a hit with my daughter and her friends. And our house is still standing!!!
I tried to keep the party on the level of a 3 year old on all aspects... activities, decorations, background music, and food. I've heard various compliments about the party so I thought I would share with you on what I did.
The Hubby was the person in charge for establishing the background music. We did not go with just jungle themed music. We wanted to make sure that the music was one... not really annoying to the adults of the party as well as provide a recognizable / danceable mix for the young ones. We mainly stuck to the Imagination Movers music as well as music from various Disney movies.
For the food, the two parties that the Little One went to had pizza for the main food. So, I definitely wanted to do something different. So, I kept the food to be finger food type: pretzels, cheese, grapes, strawberries, chips n' salsa, veggie tray with ranch dressing, sandwich cookies, and animal crackers. For drinks, I had juice boxes for the youngsters and lemonade & soda for the adults. Of course, we had an awesomely delicious jungle themed cake from Coccadott's. I made sure the cake was large enough for adults and kids alike! (Sorry for the lack of pictures... they are still on The Hubby's digital camera.)
We kept the decorations pretty simple. We were expecting close to 30 people (kids & adults) so we didn't want to waste too much room with decorations. Our dining room table is pretty high so it wasn't feasible for the kids to use that for eating and activities. So, I laid down a dark green blanket on the living room floor. "Cinnamon" and I (with slight help from the Little One) made pillows for the kids to sit on out of animal print material the weekend prior. This was a great idea for the kids. It didn't quite work out with the food for the some of the kids wanted to use Little One's Tinkerbell table. That table wasn't large enough for all the kids so some of the kids did sit on the floor like a picnic. I had helium-filled balloons in various points of the main two rooms of the party. We had jungle animal cutouts taped to the wall (SN: We have been lazy. The animals are still taped on our walls.) The lion pinata hung from the ceiling. For favors, I handed out a small 8" stuffed jungle animal to each kid at the end.
As for activities, some prep work was needed. I made some binoculars out of toilet paper rolls, construction paper, yarn, and green-colored cellophane. I made each set a different color so the kids can easily pick theirs out. I also cut out the pieces from construction paper so that the kids can make a lion face mask. The kids decorated their binoculars with a variety of stickers. After they were done, I sent them around the house for them to find various animals by looking through their binoculars. I also gave each kid an animal visor to wear as they were going around the rooms to find the animals. The kids then tackled the craft project of making the lion faces. This required a little more hands on with the adults than I realized. Luckily, each parent helped their child out. The Hubby even got on the floor to help our Little One so I could help out all the kids. The projects and "hunting" basically took up the majority of the time. After snacks, we did try to have the kids to break open a pinata. I would say that was the most disappointing part (on my behalf). The kids enjoyed hitting the "lion" with the stick. However, the stupid thing wouldn't break open! A couple of the adults took a swing at it too with no avail. We ended up having to break it open for the kids. The candy still fell and the kids still scrambled for the goodies. The kids were happy but it would have been nice though if the pinata "worked" properly. After the cake, we did have the Little One open gifts. There was only ten minutes left from the two hour window that the invitation stated. So, we had the Little One open the gifts from her little friends first for we figure if anyone left first, it would be them. That seemed to work out pretty well. And, they were the ones to leave early (for I'm sure it was time for the kids to get home for a nap).
Overall, we all had a wonderful time. Our house was filled with lots of people in all aspects of our (and our daughter's) lives. It was filled with laughter (both adults & kids) and smiles! It was nice to actually see first hand those that care about her. I am extremely grateful that we have surrounded ourselves with such amazing individuals!
Thank you to everyone who came to the party ... and for those few that helped with the preparations beforehand. *hugs*
I tried to keep the party on the level of a 3 year old on all aspects... activities, decorations, background music, and food. I've heard various compliments about the party so I thought I would share with you on what I did.
The Hubby was the person in charge for establishing the background music. We did not go with just jungle themed music. We wanted to make sure that the music was one... not really annoying to the adults of the party as well as provide a recognizable / danceable mix for the young ones. We mainly stuck to the Imagination Movers music as well as music from various Disney movies.
For the food, the two parties that the Little One went to had pizza for the main food. So, I definitely wanted to do something different. So, I kept the food to be finger food type: pretzels, cheese, grapes, strawberries, chips n' salsa, veggie tray with ranch dressing, sandwich cookies, and animal crackers. For drinks, I had juice boxes for the youngsters and lemonade & soda for the adults. Of course, we had an awesomely delicious jungle themed cake from Coccadott's. I made sure the cake was large enough for adults and kids alike! (Sorry for the lack of pictures... they are still on The Hubby's digital camera.)
We kept the decorations pretty simple. We were expecting close to 30 people (kids & adults) so we didn't want to waste too much room with decorations. Our dining room table is pretty high so it wasn't feasible for the kids to use that for eating and activities. So, I laid down a dark green blanket on the living room floor. "Cinnamon" and I (with slight help from the Little One) made pillows for the kids to sit on out of animal print material the weekend prior. This was a great idea for the kids. It didn't quite work out with the food for the some of the kids wanted to use Little One's Tinkerbell table. That table wasn't large enough for all the kids so some of the kids did sit on the floor like a picnic. I had helium-filled balloons in various points of the main two rooms of the party. We had jungle animal cutouts taped to the wall (SN: We have been lazy. The animals are still taped on our walls.) The lion pinata hung from the ceiling. For favors, I handed out a small 8" stuffed jungle animal to each kid at the end.
As for activities, some prep work was needed. I made some binoculars out of toilet paper rolls, construction paper, yarn, and green-colored cellophane. I made each set a different color so the kids can easily pick theirs out. I also cut out the pieces from construction paper so that the kids can make a lion face mask. The kids decorated their binoculars with a variety of stickers. After they were done, I sent them around the house for them to find various animals by looking through their binoculars. I also gave each kid an animal visor to wear as they were going around the rooms to find the animals. The kids then tackled the craft project of making the lion faces. This required a little more hands on with the adults than I realized. Luckily, each parent helped their child out. The Hubby even got on the floor to help our Little One so I could help out all the kids. The projects and "hunting" basically took up the majority of the time. After snacks, we did try to have the kids to break open a pinata. I would say that was the most disappointing part (on my behalf). The kids enjoyed hitting the "lion" with the stick. However, the stupid thing wouldn't break open! A couple of the adults took a swing at it too with no avail. We ended up having to break it open for the kids. The candy still fell and the kids still scrambled for the goodies. The kids were happy but it would have been nice though if the pinata "worked" properly. After the cake, we did have the Little One open gifts. There was only ten minutes left from the two hour window that the invitation stated. So, we had the Little One open the gifts from her little friends first for we figure if anyone left first, it would be them. That seemed to work out pretty well. And, they were the ones to leave early (for I'm sure it was time for the kids to get home for a nap).
Overall, we all had a wonderful time. Our house was filled with lots of people in all aspects of our (and our daughter's) lives. It was filled with laughter (both adults & kids) and smiles! It was nice to actually see first hand those that care about her. I am extremely grateful that we have surrounded ourselves with such amazing individuals!
Thank you to everyone who came to the party ... and for those few that helped with the preparations beforehand. *hugs*
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
It is quite possible that I have lost my mind.
Little One’s birthday is coming up. I can’t believe that she is going to be 3!! I had wondered often (much to The Hubby’s dismay) on whether I should invite her friends from daycare. She talks about them all the time and each person is described as her “favorite” friend at one point another during any given week. I was a bit hesitant to take that next step in birthday party-dom. So, I had originally planned on keeping it with family & friends.
Recently, the Little One received a couple of birthday party invites from her daycare peeps. Woot! I’m actually looking forward to experiencing this with her. Crazy I know… and it’s quite obvious that I am a first time mom.
I decided that this was a sign that I can extend her party invites to her daycare friends too for her party! I’m pretty excited about this… I am also pretty nervous about it. After doing some research, I decided to hold the party at home rather going to some place such as Jeepers, Chuck E. Cheese, etc. Main reason? Money! Those places can be quite expensive and she is still quite young. It seems those places are better for kids that are older.
However, that leaves me the task of planning a birthday party to the nth degree so that my 3 year old and her friends do not get bored and start tearing down the house. I’m rather attached to my house. I hope that I’m up to the task!
So, if you have experienced this part of party planning and/or have some ideas, please leave me a comment! I would love to hear it.
I’m going with a Jungle animal theme for the party. The Little One has been really into the Lion King lately and I thought it would be a nice theme for boys and girls.
Recently, the Little One received a couple of birthday party invites from her daycare peeps. Woot! I’m actually looking forward to experiencing this with her. Crazy I know… and it’s quite obvious that I am a first time mom.
I decided that this was a sign that I can extend her party invites to her daycare friends too for her party! I’m pretty excited about this… I am also pretty nervous about it. After doing some research, I decided to hold the party at home rather going to some place such as Jeepers, Chuck E. Cheese, etc. Main reason? Money! Those places can be quite expensive and she is still quite young. It seems those places are better for kids that are older.
However, that leaves me the task of planning a birthday party to the nth degree so that my 3 year old and her friends do not get bored and start tearing down the house. I’m rather attached to my house. I hope that I’m up to the task!
So, if you have experienced this part of party planning and/or have some ideas, please leave me a comment! I would love to hear it.
I’m going with a Jungle animal theme for the party. The Little One has been really into the Lion King lately and I thought it would be a nice theme for boys and girls.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Dear reader(s),
I would like to offer my apologies for my absence. It has been quite a couple of weeks for me. I’m finding it a bit difficult in getting back into the swing of things.
The Hubby and I were on our way to our annual trek to Potsdam, NY when I received the dreaded phone call that my grandfather has passed away. It was strange at first. I really didn’t seem to have much of a reaction. I called my sister to make sure that she knew. I even called my brother to make sure that he knew and whether he had a place for us to crash. We continue to drive north on our way to "Cinnamon’s" house. The Little One was still singing and enthusiastically reminding us that she was on her way to a slumber part at "Cinnamon’s" house. I finally broke down into silent tears in the car. It seems silly now but I didn’t want to upset my daughter’shappy ecstatic mood. She was literally skipping through her daycare when we went to pick her up for her weekend excursion.
I knew that the days ahead were going to be hard. I guess in an effort to postpone it more I decided that we will continue on our trip and let the Little One stay the weekend with "Cinnamon". During the weekend activities, I tried to keep it to myself for I didn’t want a bunch of sympathy well wishes. I also didn’t want to dampen the weekend for anyone. As you can imagine, I wasn’t quite myself. I either kept quiet to myself or try to overcompensate with joking around/talking.
We picked up the Little One on Sunday, stopped at the house to repack our clothes and made the trek back to my hometown. It was good to see everyone. It is a real shame that I do not get to see a lot of people unless it is for a funeral, wedding, or Thanksgiving. (I really need to make an effort to make more trips back in hopes that my daughter gets to know my family and vice versa.) My cousins helped me out by filling in the names with the somewhat familiar visitors during viewing hours. It is amazing how much a person can change. The Little One actually helped some people to recognize me for she looks a lot like how I used to look at her age. In fact she noticed the similarities, for at one point, she pointed out that I looked like her but with brown glasses while looking at some of the old photos they had posted around the funeral home.
As I described in the post on February 4th, I really wanted to remember grandpa as the man he was. It was a bit hard for they did have an open casket. I couldn’t make myself to go up to it. The Hubby as well as some of my other relatives offered to go up with me… but I just couldn’t. Unfortunately, I still have an image in my head for I couldn’t avoid looking at him even at a distance.
Needless to say, we are back home. This is the first full week of “normalcy” around the household. Although, I miss my family dearly, I am glad to be back home.
The Hubby and I were on our way to our annual trek to Potsdam, NY when I received the dreaded phone call that my grandfather has passed away. It was strange at first. I really didn’t seem to have much of a reaction. I called my sister to make sure that she knew. I even called my brother to make sure that he knew and whether he had a place for us to crash. We continue to drive north on our way to "Cinnamon’s" house. The Little One was still singing and enthusiastically reminding us that she was on her way to a slumber part at "Cinnamon’s" house. I finally broke down into silent tears in the car. It seems silly now but I didn’t want to upset my daughter’s
I knew that the days ahead were going to be hard. I guess in an effort to postpone it more I decided that we will continue on our trip and let the Little One stay the weekend with "Cinnamon". During the weekend activities, I tried to keep it to myself for I didn’t want a bunch of sympathy well wishes. I also didn’t want to dampen the weekend for anyone. As you can imagine, I wasn’t quite myself. I either kept quiet to myself or try to overcompensate with joking around/talking.
We picked up the Little One on Sunday, stopped at the house to repack our clothes and made the trek back to my hometown. It was good to see everyone. It is a real shame that I do not get to see a lot of people unless it is for a funeral, wedding, or Thanksgiving. (I really need to make an effort to make more trips back in hopes that my daughter gets to know my family and vice versa.) My cousins helped me out by filling in the names with the somewhat familiar visitors during viewing hours. It is amazing how much a person can change. The Little One actually helped some people to recognize me for she looks a lot like how I used to look at her age. In fact she noticed the similarities, for at one point, she pointed out that I looked like her but with brown glasses while looking at some of the old photos they had posted around the funeral home.
As I described in the post on February 4th, I really wanted to remember grandpa as the man he was. It was a bit hard for they did have an open casket. I couldn’t make myself to go up to it. The Hubby as well as some of my other relatives offered to go up with me… but I just couldn’t. Unfortunately, I still have an image in my head for I couldn’t avoid looking at him even at a distance.
Needless to say, we are back home. This is the first full week of “normalcy” around the household. Although, I miss my family dearly, I am glad to be back home.
Monday, February 7, 2011
I think I am in trouble…
...when the Little One hits her teenage years.
Lately, I have been finding it difficult to keep frustration / anger in check when it comes with the Little One. Trust me! I know that I’ve been absolutely blessed with a wonderful daughter. It still amazes me that The Hubby and I created such a great child!
As all two year olds (soon to be 3 year olds) tend to do, she has really been testing our/her limits. In my head, I understand this. I do! However, at certain moments, I tend to ignore this intellectually…. It is as if I turned a were-mom for a brief moment… and question why the Little One is just not getting it!?!?! After all, she is such a brilliant child, right? (insert some grumbling … perhaps minor cursing… and minor hand shaking in the air)
Of course, I do catch myself… and take a mental step back before I go ape-shit crazy. After all, I don’t want my daughter (or any future children) to grow up in an abusive house. (So, please go ahead and put the phone down before you call child services. Thank you!)
I’m just not sure what I am going to do when the Little One is going on 13 rather than 3!
Lately, I have been finding it difficult to keep frustration / anger in check when it comes with the Little One. Trust me! I know that I’ve been absolutely blessed with a wonderful daughter. It still amazes me that The Hubby and I created such a great child!
As all two year olds (soon to be 3 year olds) tend to do, she has really been testing our/her limits. In my head, I understand this. I do! However, at certain moments, I tend to ignore this intellectually…. It is as if I turned a were-mom for a brief moment… and question why the Little One is just not getting it!?!?! After all, she is such a brilliant child, right? (insert some grumbling … perhaps minor cursing… and minor hand shaking in the air)
Of course, I do catch myself… and take a mental step back before I go ape-shit crazy. After all, I don’t want my daughter (or any future children) to grow up in an abusive house. (So, please go ahead and put the phone down before you call child services. Thank you!)
I’m just not sure what I am going to do when the Little One is going on 13 rather than 3!
Friday, February 4, 2011
Remembering the man that he was…
Not the man that he is today.
I made a difficult … and selfish… decision this week.
My grandfather is not doing well at all. You see he was admitted into the hospital about a week or so ago due to dementia. It just became too much for my grandma to handle by herself. The medication was not working anymore. Unfortunately, during that week, things turned for the worse physically for him. On this past Monday, I had learned that my grandfather was given only a couple of days to live.
He was a strong, hard-working man. He owned his own business for a number of years. Although, he was rather close-minded on some aspects of my life (such as marrying a man of another race), he kept most of his opinions to himself so that we would still have a connection.
I remember going on camping trips with my grandparents. I remember going to farm shows with my dad and grandpa. I remember riding my big wheels and/or my bicycle up and down his driveway. I also remember him purposely moving his dentures around in his mouth to gross out us kids but claim innocence when we approached our dad or grandma about it. He was always there while I was growing up for my siblings and me.
I live a little bit away from my hometown so I guess I was fortunate that I did not have to see the day to day decline of my grandfather. It was easy to ignore the fact it was happening.
Due to the “Snow-polocypse”(aka “SnOMG”), I wasn’t able to immediately leave to return home. With the help of “Cinnamon”, I secured a hotel room in the hometown to visit this weekend.
I cancelled it this morning. I can’t seem grandpa this way. He is not himself anymore. I can not see him sick in a hospital bed. I do not want to be left with those images and memories in my head. It is a completely selfish decision but I just can’t bring myself to do it.
Someone mentions that those memories fade… but they don’t. They just get mixed in with the others. I know this for I experience it with my mom’s death… for I still see the images of the pictures of her open casket funeral in my mind. I know that my step-father’s family meant well in sending me pictures of a funeral that I couldn’t personal be at (she was cremated and her remains were sent north to me.) So, I am not mad at them for sending them because of their good intentions… but every time those images flash into my mind… I wish I didn’t open that unmarked envelope.
I don’t want to have to do that for my grandfather. I cannot willingly tarnish the memories that I have in this way.
I made a difficult … and selfish… decision this week.
My grandfather is not doing well at all. You see he was admitted into the hospital about a week or so ago due to dementia. It just became too much for my grandma to handle by herself. The medication was not working anymore. Unfortunately, during that week, things turned for the worse physically for him. On this past Monday, I had learned that my grandfather was given only a couple of days to live.
He was a strong, hard-working man. He owned his own business for a number of years. Although, he was rather close-minded on some aspects of my life (such as marrying a man of another race), he kept most of his opinions to himself so that we would still have a connection.
I remember going on camping trips with my grandparents. I remember going to farm shows with my dad and grandpa. I remember riding my big wheels and/or my bicycle up and down his driveway. I also remember him purposely moving his dentures around in his mouth to gross out us kids but claim innocence when we approached our dad or grandma about it. He was always there while I was growing up for my siblings and me.
I live a little bit away from my hometown so I guess I was fortunate that I did not have to see the day to day decline of my grandfather. It was easy to ignore the fact it was happening.
Due to the “Snow-polocypse”(aka “SnOMG”), I wasn’t able to immediately leave to return home. With the help of “Cinnamon”, I secured a hotel room in the hometown to visit this weekend.
I cancelled it this morning. I can’t seem grandpa this way. He is not himself anymore. I can not see him sick in a hospital bed. I do not want to be left with those images and memories in my head. It is a completely selfish decision but I just can’t bring myself to do it.
Someone mentions that those memories fade… but they don’t. They just get mixed in with the others. I know this for I experience it with my mom’s death… for I still see the images of the pictures of her open casket funeral in my mind. I know that my step-father’s family meant well in sending me pictures of a funeral that I couldn’t personal be at (she was cremated and her remains were sent north to me.) So, I am not mad at them for sending them because of their good intentions… but every time those images flash into my mind… I wish I didn’t open that unmarked envelope.
I don’t want to have to do that for my grandfather. I cannot willingly tarnish the memories that I have in this way.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Should I? Am I crazy?
I’m sure that I’ve mentioned before… I am not the most athletic person… nor do I relish in actual exercise.
I sincerely believe that runners are pulling a fast one on us when they rave about something called a “runner’s high”. Unless you are talking about the feeling of nausea and your legs revolting after the run... then we need to talk for we are definitely not on the same page.
I received an email today from CuteEllaIsBold asking me if I would like to join her and “D’Lovely” on the upcoming 5K run/walk. I am actually thinking of participating in this event (aka torture). Why? NOT A CLUE!!! Maybe it is finally a definitive sign that I am losing my mind.
Hmmm… definitely something to think about…
Anywho… my tummy is doing flips and somersaults about this. Is it something that I can do? I definitely need to incorporate more exercise in my life (seeing how it is at 0% right now) in order to reach my weight goal. The goal of attending this event and not make a complete ass of myself would give me the extra pressure/push me to keep to a regimen.
The run/walk is on April 9th. That gives me roughly 2 months to get my butt into gear. It is doable from what I’ve heard and read. I think I am going to check out the “Couch to 5K” training. After all, I do have a treadmill gathering dust down in the finished basement.
I’m not completely sold yet though… I also asked CuteEllaIsBold if there are going to be other unfit peeps joining our little group for this. After all, perhaps we can lean on each other with our red puffy faces as welimp walk across the finish line in last place.
I sincerely believe that runners are pulling a fast one on us when they rave about something called a “runner’s high”. Unless you are talking about the feeling of nausea and your legs revolting after the run... then we need to talk for we are definitely not on the same page.
I received an email today from CuteEllaIsBold asking me if I would like to join her and “D’Lovely” on the upcoming 5K run/walk. I am actually thinking of participating in this event (aka torture). Why? NOT A CLUE!!! Maybe it is finally a definitive sign that I am losing my mind.
Hmmm… definitely something to think about…
Anywho… my tummy is doing flips and somersaults about this. Is it something that I can do? I definitely need to incorporate more exercise in my life (seeing how it is at 0% right now) in order to reach my weight goal. The goal of attending this event and not make a complete ass of myself would give me the extra pressure/push me to keep to a regimen.
The run/walk is on April 9th. That gives me roughly 2 months to get my butt into gear. It is doable from what I’ve heard and read. I think I am going to check out the “Couch to 5K” training. After all, I do have a treadmill gathering dust down in the finished basement.
I’m not completely sold yet though… I also asked CuteEllaIsBold if there are going to be other unfit peeps joining our little group for this. After all, perhaps we can lean on each other with our red puffy faces as we
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Line dances!
Cupid Shuffle
Macarena
Electric Slide
Cha-Cha Slide
Did you start picturing the steps in your head? Bringing back memories?
I know these dances do for me…. Baseball games, high school dances, and nightclubs. Good times and good memories…
Did you know that there are many more line dances that exist? Personally, I didn’t realize it was this many.
I wonder what the next big line dance that will take over the dance floors of America… Or am I too old to know such things? :)
Macarena
Electric Slide
Cha-Cha Slide
Did you start picturing the steps in your head? Bringing back memories?
I know these dances do for me…. Baseball games, high school dances, and nightclubs. Good times and good memories…
Did you know that there are many more line dances that exist? Personally, I didn’t realize it was this many.
I wonder what the next big line dance that will take over the dance floors of America… Or am I too old to know such things? :)
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
My letter …
Dear Post Office worker,
I do realize that it is a pain the ass in trying to deliver the mail to the individual homes when the shoveling is not done. Because of this, I do my sincere best to make sure that our mailbox is shoveled out so that you can drive up in your little mail truck. No need to get out. After all, it is winter and it is freakin’ cold out there. Besides, we can’t really afford to have late fees on the bills that we receive because you withheld it. Money is way too tight for that.
However, I really do not appreciate the little “letter” that you left with my mail yesterday stating that I need to make sure that 30 feet surrounding my mailbox needs to be shoveled out. EXCUSE ME!? 30 feet?? You don’t even drive a full size vehicle! You are driving a little mail truck. MY OWN CAR can drive up to the mailbox and exit with no problems. I drive a freakin’ Mercury Tracer!
30 feet my ass!?! I value my back and arms too much to do this.
How about this… why don’t you call the city plow trucks and tell them to please plow the road in front of my house closer than 5 feet from the beginning of my driveway. That way, my remaining strength is not completely used up by shoveling the actual road but being used to make sure the appropriate space around my mailbox. While you’re at it, why don’t you tell them that when they are plowing the road that intersects my road in front of my house, they can dump the snow a little further down so I’m not left shoveling that too in front of my mailbox and driveway.
You scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours.
Sincerely,
Me
I do realize that it is a pain the ass in trying to deliver the mail to the individual homes when the shoveling is not done. Because of this, I do my sincere best to make sure that our mailbox is shoveled out so that you can drive up in your little mail truck. No need to get out. After all, it is winter and it is freakin’ cold out there. Besides, we can’t really afford to have late fees on the bills that we receive because you withheld it. Money is way too tight for that.
However, I really do not appreciate the little “letter” that you left with my mail yesterday stating that I need to make sure that 30 feet surrounding my mailbox needs to be shoveled out. EXCUSE ME!? 30 feet?? You don’t even drive a full size vehicle! You are driving a little mail truck. MY OWN CAR can drive up to the mailbox and exit with no problems. I drive a freakin’ Mercury Tracer!
30 feet my ass!?! I value my back and arms too much to do this.
How about this… why don’t you call the city plow trucks and tell them to please plow the road in front of my house closer than 5 feet from the beginning of my driveway. That way, my remaining strength is not completely used up by shoveling the actual road but being used to make sure the appropriate space around my mailbox. While you’re at it, why don’t you tell them that when they are plowing the road that intersects my road in front of my house, they can dump the snow a little further down so I’m not left shoveling that too in front of my mailbox and driveway.
You scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours.
Sincerely,
Me
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Traveling
I miss it. It’s just that simple.
Because of finances and having a little one (especially finances), the opportunities are simply not there. I didn’t realize how much I missed it until I recently found out about a work trip that is taking place without me.
Although I am slightly jealous of the people going on the work trip, it doesn’t make logical sense to take me. So, I am not slighted or offended. I just know that I have really don’t have a lot on the horizon for traveling.
Normally, I would be heading up on annual trip to my college alma mater next month. However, that doesn’t appear to be happening for me. The Hubby is still going though. It doesn’t make sense for both of having to stay home. Let’s face it… it’s more of a party weekend and he is more of the party type than I. I don’t think the folks at the college will appreciate me coming and not him. *shrugs* Sucks but its true. (Between you and I, I think there is a small part of The Hubby that likes traveling on this weekend on his own.)
There are a couple of weddings coming up later this year which will require a little bit of travel. They are both taking place in another part of our home state. I’m looking forward and honored to share their special day with them.
However, it is not exactly calming the travel itch that I am experiencing.
Not sure what to do … other than hope that things will lighten up on the financial front so that something can be planned for the future.
Is that hope going to be enough to quell things?
Because of finances and having a little one (especially finances), the opportunities are simply not there. I didn’t realize how much I missed it until I recently found out about a work trip that is taking place without me.
Although I am slightly jealous of the people going on the work trip, it doesn’t make logical sense to take me. So, I am not slighted or offended. I just know that I have really don’t have a lot on the horizon for traveling.
Normally, I would be heading up on annual trip to my college alma mater next month. However, that doesn’t appear to be happening for me. The Hubby is still going though. It doesn’t make sense for both of having to stay home. Let’s face it… it’s more of a party weekend and he is more of the party type than I. I don’t think the folks at the college will appreciate me coming and not him. *shrugs* Sucks but its true. (Between you and I, I think there is a small part of The Hubby that likes traveling on this weekend on his own.)
There are a couple of weddings coming up later this year which will require a little bit of travel. They are both taking place in another part of our home state. I’m looking forward and honored to share their special day with them.
However, it is not exactly calming the travel itch that I am experiencing.
Not sure what to do … other than hope that things will lighten up on the financial front so that something can be planned for the future.
Is that hope going to be enough to quell things?
Thursday, January 13, 2011
What do I look for in a blog?
Lately, I find myself annoyed by some of the blogs that I have been reading. Annoyance is not something that I want to feel consistently when I am done reading a blog.
It did get me thinking of what I do like in some of my favorite blogs. I think I've narrowed it down to genuine personality. I like the blog writer to post something personal ... it could be anything ranging from what is happening in their life at this moment ... to what they think about a particular topic. It doesn't matter that I do not like the topic or that I do not agree with them. I like to think that they would post this information even if there is no one out there reading their blog. Basically, a snapshot into their lives.
What I do not like... blogs that blantantly panders to get readers. A good example of this is giving out "give-aways" without establishing a basic core of readers. Or, completely exaggerate about how awesome or how un-awesome something is in order to get people "fired up" about something.
I do think it is really easy to fall into the trap of having a blog that is not true to you as the writer. It is nice to hear feedback or thoughts from those reader(s) out there. I know that personally there has been times that I wished that more people read my blog. I would be dishonest if I said that didn't happen. It is at these times that I take a moment to think what I want out of this.... and it is simple ... all I want is an outlet.
So needless to say ... I think I might have to go through my google reader list and do some weeding out.
It did get me thinking of what I do like in some of my favorite blogs. I think I've narrowed it down to genuine personality. I like the blog writer to post something personal ... it could be anything ranging from what is happening in their life at this moment ... to what they think about a particular topic. It doesn't matter that I do not like the topic or that I do not agree with them. I like to think that they would post this information even if there is no one out there reading their blog. Basically, a snapshot into their lives.
What I do not like... blogs that blantantly panders to get readers. A good example of this is giving out "give-aways" without establishing a basic core of readers. Or, completely exaggerate about how awesome or how un-awesome something is in order to get people "fired up" about something.
I do think it is really easy to fall into the trap of having a blog that is not true to you as the writer. It is nice to hear feedback or thoughts from those reader(s) out there. I know that personally there has been times that I wished that more people read my blog. I would be dishonest if I said that didn't happen. It is at these times that I take a moment to think what I want out of this.... and it is simple ... all I want is an outlet.
So needless to say ... I think I might have to go through my google reader list and do some weeding out.
Reminiscing musically
During the work day, I listen to the radio to help the day move forward. Lately, I’ve been listening to 105.7 The Crush for it just recently changed formats to “90’s and more”.
Bonus? It is commercial free until “Super Sunday” which I assume is Superbowl Sunday. *shrugs* I never realized that the date of the Superbowl is called “Super Sunday”. I guess I am a little behind in the times. And, I think I am okay with that. The Hubby says that it is commercial free because they have no paid advertisements yet. I’m okay with that too. Commercials are annoying. Anyways, I digress…
The music is basically covers my life from last two years of high school through college through first few years as an “adult”. So, you can imagine that there have been a lot of memories that have been popping up as I listen to the music.
Overall, I’ve been enjoying the ride. The memories have been delightful (for the most part) reality breaks during the work day. For instance, I got to hear our wedding song play the other day. It was a pleasant surprise and definitely put a smile on my face.
I’m not sure if I am going to continue to listen to the radio station through at work after “Super Sunday” though. The music is great … but I think the reason it has been great is because I haven’t heard a lot of these songs in a long time. And, although I am enjoying the memories… I’m sure they will lose their “specialness” if I listen to this music all the time.
In the meantime… I will just rock my head back and forth as I listen to “Enter Sandman” by Metallica.
Bonus? It is commercial free until “Super Sunday” which I assume is Superbowl Sunday. *shrugs* I never realized that the date of the Superbowl is called “Super Sunday”. I guess I am a little behind in the times. And, I think I am okay with that. The Hubby says that it is commercial free because they have no paid advertisements yet. I’m okay with that too. Commercials are annoying. Anyways, I digress…
The music is basically covers my life from last two years of high school through college through first few years as an “adult”. So, you can imagine that there have been a lot of memories that have been popping up as I listen to the music.
Overall, I’ve been enjoying the ride. The memories have been delightful (for the most part) reality breaks during the work day. For instance, I got to hear our wedding song play the other day. It was a pleasant surprise and definitely put a smile on my face.
I’m not sure if I am going to continue to listen to the radio station through at work after “Super Sunday” though. The music is great … but I think the reason it has been great is because I haven’t heard a lot of these songs in a long time. And, although I am enjoying the memories… I’m sure they will lose their “specialness” if I listen to this music all the time.
In the meantime… I will just rock my head back and forth as I listen to “Enter Sandman” by Metallica.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Year of small changes
Normally, I am not one to be successful with New Year’s resolutions. From what I’ve read, I am not the only one. In fact, some might say that you already have doomed the change by calling it a resolution. *shrugs* Perhaps that is true…
There are some things that I would like to accomplish this year. However, I am not making them resolutions… just merely goals.
My personal yearly goals?
There are some things that I would like to accomplish this year. However, I am not making them resolutions… just merely goals.
- Get down to my goal weight
- Learn how to knit
- Read the whole Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series (currently 13 books).
I also decided to do something a bit different for 2011. I am making it the year of small changes. I plan to make small adjustments/changes to help make my life more satisfying and/or easier.
To start it off, I decided that I am wasting so much time on the games on Facebook. I’ve been annoyed with the ones I’ve been playing for a while. I didn’t like how I had to basically hound my friends and family to play in order to move ahead in the game. However, I still found myself logging in most everyday to take care of something on the games. I also found that because of this daily Facebook time… I wasn’t making time to do the other stuff that I love to do such as reading or crafts. So, as my first change in 2011, I blocked/removed the games I was playing on Facebook. I really don’t miss playing them. I guess that tells me that I should have done this some time ago. I also noticed that I don’t get nearly as many junk emails… although; it also means that I am not as active on Facebook. I will need to work a little harder in keeping in touch with peeps and what is going on in their lives.
What about you? Do you have something that you would like to change for yourself this week/this month/this year?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)