"One Thing You're Excited For"
MY NEXT VACATION!
It's funny that this is the subject of the last leg of the 30-Day Challenge. End on a positive note, I guess.Well, for once, there is something I am looking forward to.. and it's a very much-needed vacation! We are still in the early stages of planning a vacation next March. As of right now, it's not panning out the way I want it to. There is so much up in the air. I have faith it will happen though.
My last vacation was 4 years ago right after my daughter's first birthday. The in-laws flew the family down to Florida for the FIL's 60th birthday. Being that I spent a week with the in-laws, it can't really be considered a vacation now can it?
Anyways, this trip was my idea. When I was at my adopted parent's house one night, we got word that my Grandma (my adopted Dad's Mother) needs a heart stent but the doctors won't operate because of her age. We aren't sure if she will have many years left and we thought it would be a good idea to visit since it is hard for them to fly now. Our first plan fell apart comically quick. So now, it is just a matter of figuring out a different plan. I have been doing some research because I really want this to go through.
I NEED A VACATION BADLY!
What are you looking forward to?
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Monday, July 30, 2012
Blog Challenge: Day 29
"Five Weird Things You Like"
If you ask some of my friends, they will tell you I do weird stuff all the time. I guess I'm a bit of an oddball to some. Oh well. I thought about the things people comment on the most. My siblings thought my peanut-butter-and-tuna sandwiches were disgusting.. until they tried it. One of my sisters still eats it that way. The trick is to not overdo it on the mayo and the pb has to be a very thin layer as well.
That being said, here is my list:
1. I like using Twizzlers as straws. I bet you didn't even know you could do that, did you? Well, you can. Just bite off either end, make sure the Twizzler is mostly straight (twisted won't work), put it juice or a can of soda and sip away! There. You learned something weirdly new.
2. I like analyzing my dreams. It seems a little weird to some, but I have the trippiest dreams. I started really obsessing when I started having this recurring nightmare. It started when I was a kid and continued through adulthood. Once I started to understand it, I realized it was more of a cautionary warning than a nightmare.
3. I like touching people's hair. I usually reserve this for my friends and family, but I have been known to ask a random stranger if I can touch their hair. It's not a fetish and I don't get any pleasure out of it, but spiked hair especially is interesting to me. I'm curious what they use to get it that way. Years ago, I asked some random dude about his spiked hair and he told me he used 'hair glue'. I was intrigued and bought a bottle. I can use it when my hair is wet and a style will stay in place even in torrential rain, which I found out the hard way :(
4. I like chips with frosting. I'm told 'normal' people like dip. That's fine. I do like a plain chip with some sour cream and onion.. However, when the Dipsy Doodles come out, so does the vanilla frosting! No, it's not a PMS thing either. I eat it whenever I feel like it. Sometimes I'm in the mood for a snack that's out of the ordinary.
5. I like finding things with my name on it. People shrug this off all the time, but "Tina" is hard to find! Apparently, my name is 'half a name' so it actually makes me happy when I find something with my name on it. Usually, when I see it, I buy it. I collect pens and I only have 2 with my name on it. One had to be special ordered (my people love me!). It's the little things in life..
What do you like that people consider "weird"?
"Beautiful In My Eyes"
After posting, I realized this is post #47 on my blog. My Mother was 47 when she lost her battle with MS in 2000. I didn't plan that but that's crazy it happened that way...
I am a certified PINhead. That's right. My favorite addiction is Pinterest. Tonight, I realized I was up to Pin #1000. It may sound a little pathetic, but I wanted to post something meaningful. Blech, I know. I polled my friends and since I love music so much, a few suggested a video (although not before ribbing me for caring so much about something so trivial). I went through my Spotify lists and found one that means a ton to me. The last visit I had with my Mother (who passed February 2000) was in January 2000. My brother had taken me to her nursing home with him. While there, he went on the hunt for the soda and snack machines. While he was gone, I sang for my Mother. It was the first time I had ever done so seriously and evidently, the last time I had the chance to. I was grateful for those few minutes alone with her. She had tears in her eyes when I finished and hugged her. It was a moment I will never forget the rest of my life.
Here it is. Grab your favorite hankie and cry with me...
Joshua Kadison - "Beautiful In My Eyes"
Do you have a song that reminds you of a loved one that has passed on?
I am a certified PINhead. That's right. My favorite addiction is Pinterest. Tonight, I realized I was up to Pin #1000. It may sound a little pathetic, but I wanted to post something meaningful. Blech, I know. I polled my friends and since I love music so much, a few suggested a video (although not before ribbing me for caring so much about something so trivial). I went through my Spotify lists and found one that means a ton to me. The last visit I had with my Mother (who passed February 2000) was in January 2000. My brother had taken me to her nursing home with him. While there, he went on the hunt for the soda and snack machines. While he was gone, I sang for my Mother. It was the first time I had ever done so seriously and evidently, the last time I had the chance to. I was grateful for those few minutes alone with her. She had tears in her eyes when I finished and hugged her. It was a moment I will never forget the rest of my life.
Here it is. Grab your favorite hankie and cry with me...
Joshua Kadison - "Beautiful In My Eyes"
Do you have a song that reminds you of a loved one that has passed on?
Well SOMEBODY Wants Attention Now, Don't You?
I am taking a little break from doing the blog challenge (my other post will be later) to write about something that is a little confusing to me:
Why do people insist on announcing they need a break from people?
I see it on Facebook, Twitter, etc almost every day. I will give some examples..
"Hi Guys!! Love you all but am taking a break from Facebook!! Leave me a message for when I return!" Um no thanks.
"Wow I am on Twitter waayyy too much. I need a break! I will be back tomorrow!" I await your return, shaking like a fiend until I see your next tweet.
"Taking a 36-38 hour break from FB. See you all when I return."
My question is WHY? Why do you feel you have to notify people you are taking a break? Do people stalk you so much that you feel their worlds will crumble if you don't update your status or post a pic for a measly 36 hours?
On the same topic.. My husband removed his birthday from his FB page. He claims it is because he doesn't want anyone to make a fuss about or even bother to wish him a Happy Birthday. However, I recall his birthday a few years ago when his parents didn't call him.. He was crushed. He claimed he didn't care, but he seriously wouldn't shut up about it. He "hates" when his family calls and wants to take him to dinner. He insists it's making too big of a fuss. He doesn't have any immediate family in the area and he has had two friends his entire life: One lives a few states away and the other is in jail..
Thou doth protest too much!
It all leads me to believe that all these people are attention seekers. By repeatedly insisting they don't want attention, they are clamoring for it. Everyone knows it. It's like the people who 'insist' they hate drama. They are usually the ones who create drama where there is none and make a mountain out of a molehill. The more someone insists they hate drama, the more I'm inclined to stay away from them. "I hate drama so I stay away from it" is one thing.. "I hate that all females get jealous and hate me for being beautiful/driving a nice car/wanting to be with my boyfriend" and the ones that insist they have "haters" are the red flags. They obviously need attention and I honestly feel bad for them.
Do you know any "drama queens" or do you do your best to steer clear?
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Blog Challenge: Day 28
"Somewhere You Would Like To Move Or Visit"
I know it sounds crazy, but I was born and raised on Long Island and I can (honestly!) say I don't ever see myself living anywhere else. I love it here. Aside from the fact that the majority of my family and friends are here, I'm about an hour away from New York City, one of the greatest cities in the world and there are beaches everywhere. No matter where you live on LI, there is probably one within a half-hour drive. Some are nicer than others, but if you only want a beach to lay out on, what does it matter? I live in a pretty lively town so there is a ton to see, do and eat. Let's be honest. New York has the best bagels and pizza (trust it's the water) anywhere. Even chain restaurants elsewhere aren't the same. I sound like a tourist brochure. "Come visit awesome Long Island".. Okay moving on...
Dublin, Ireland.
We went there for our honeymoon and it was just awesome! There was so much to do that I wish we had more time to sight-see and do things. I have a list of places to see if I ever make it back there again. This was a small park outside the hotel we stayed in. Beautiful, peaceful, amazing.
Boston, Massachusetts.
Go ahead and laugh at me. I've never been to Boston. I want to go to see a Celtics game (I root for them). I am a loyal Mets fan, but I want to see a BoSox game at Fenway. Maybe I can go when they play the Mets. Hmm.. I would like to head to Braintree to see the HQ for my old job so I can flip them off. I want to walk The Freedom Trail. I want to find every tree on the list in the Public Garden. I have a list of sites I want to see if/when I make it there.
Portofino, Italy.
It really doesn't matter where I stay. I just want to be there. Check out the Google image search I did. All the pictures are just breathtaking. I'd love to see it for myself. The more I search about it, the more I want to go.
Las Vegas.
Who doesn't want to go to Vegas? There is just so much to do. Everywhere you turn, there is something else to try. Going to Vegas is on my Bucket List.
Where do you want to visit? Is there a place on your Bucket List?
I know it sounds crazy, but I was born and raised on Long Island and I can (honestly!) say I don't ever see myself living anywhere else. I love it here. Aside from the fact that the majority of my family and friends are here, I'm about an hour away from New York City, one of the greatest cities in the world and there are beaches everywhere. No matter where you live on LI, there is probably one within a half-hour drive. Some are nicer than others, but if you only want a beach to lay out on, what does it matter? I live in a pretty lively town so there is a ton to see, do and eat. Let's be honest. New York has the best bagels and pizza (trust it's the water) anywhere. Even chain restaurants elsewhere aren't the same. I sound like a tourist brochure. "Come visit awesome Long Island".. Okay moving on...
A few places I want to visit:
Dublin, Ireland.
We went there for our honeymoon and it was just awesome! There was so much to do that I wish we had more time to sight-see and do things. I have a list of places to see if I ever make it back there again. This was a small park outside the hotel we stayed in. Beautiful, peaceful, amazing.
Boston, Massachusetts.
Go ahead and laugh at me. I've never been to Boston. I want to go to see a Celtics game (I root for them). I am a loyal Mets fan, but I want to see a BoSox game at Fenway. Maybe I can go when they play the Mets. Hmm.. I would like to head to Braintree to see the HQ for my old job so I can flip them off. I want to walk The Freedom Trail. I want to find every tree on the list in the Public Garden. I have a list of sites I want to see if/when I make it there.
Portofino, Italy.
It really doesn't matter where I stay. I just want to be there. Check out the Google image search I did. All the pictures are just breathtaking. I'd love to see it for myself. The more I search about it, the more I want to go.
Las Vegas.
Who doesn't want to go to Vegas? There is just so much to do. Everywhere you turn, there is something else to try. Going to Vegas is on my Bucket List.
Where do you want to visit? Is there a place on your Bucket List?
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Blog Challenge: Day 27
"A Quote You Try To Live By"
We choose our own paths in life. Your choices in life have led you to where you are today. Yes, things happen that are out of our control. Each trial brings a lesson. Figuring out the lessons and actually learning from them is all a part of growing up.
If you wish for something and you need to work hard to get there, think about the end result. Most importantly, never give up!
What motto do you live by? Do you have a mantra?
"Don't complain about the mud if you prayed for rain."
I do my best to remember this daily. If I feel down about my situation or if I am literally complaining about all the rain (seriously give it a rest Mother Nature!), I close my eyes and repeat this phrase.We choose our own paths in life. Your choices in life have led you to where you are today. Yes, things happen that are out of our control. Each trial brings a lesson. Figuring out the lessons and actually learning from them is all a part of growing up.
If you wish for something and you need to work hard to get there, think about the end result. Most importantly, never give up!
pic taken from http://loldailyfun.com/6811/
Blog Challenge: Day 26
"Things You Dislike/Like About Yourself"
I have detailed a few things already that I dislike about myself... My weight.. My crippling fear of rejection... My inability to adapt to change.. I will add a few things to that list.
My temper. PMS-ing doesn't count. Yes, being a female gives me a free pass to lose my cool once a month so get over it! I'm talking about things that make me see red. While I do have patience, I can NOT tolerate stupidity. I. Just. Can't! I could blame it on my split Irish and German personality (yup the stereotypically drunk AND angry) or genetics (my family is full of bitches) but I know it's just something I have to work on.
I can be a pushover. I give until I can't give anything anymore. I don't expect anything back because I realize some people are selfish, won't change and just expect me to do things for them so they don't feel they owe me anything. I will keep doing things for someone even without so much as a "thanks" because I see a need and I feel I can help. I eventually had to stop. I was being taken advantage of. It hurt me to have to tell someone 'no' but I have to protect myself and my family. I will no longer do anything that will upset my child. It's not my fault all your other friends flaked on you. You trust the wrong people.
I always try to see the good in people, even if they don't deserve it. It's like handing someone a bullet because they missed the first time and ties into being taken advantage of. I always want to believe people are good. Even though they have proved time and time again that they can't be trusted, I still believe there is good somewhere.
Now that I have aired my grievances about myself, there are a few things I actually like. Seriously!
I'm a good Mother. I'm reminded of this daily in the way my daughter acts. Due to past bonding issues, my pregnancy was a time to reflect and a decision to break the cycle rather than let history repeat itself. I used Motherhood to help myself refuse to follow my given path, rejecting people who loved me because I was afraid of rejection myself. My past was NOT going to define me! I have been complimented by several people (not just family members so there!) on how my daughter acts. It has helped me see that I have overcome what I thought was 'just me'.
I'm an awesome cook. Give me some time and a few random ingredients and I can make a kick-asserole that would make a professional chef proud. I am good at what I do. When I'm not sure, I either improvise or take inspiration from a random site online.
I'm creative. Sometimes, when I browse through Pinterest, I laugh at some of the blog posts touting a "new idea". I think "I've been doing that for years!" It makes me feel a little less crazy about the idea too which is always a good thing :)
I'm funny. I have learned the cardinal rule of story-telling.. "It's all about the delivery." Think about it. Would you rather see/hear Ben Stein tell a joke or see/hear Robin Williams go through his spiel to deliver a punchline? It's not what you say. It's how you say it.
I always try to see the good in people, even if they don't deserve it. This is both a like and dislike. It can be good because it means I give people a second chance. Some people actually deserve the benefit of the doubt. I've been pleasantly surprised by a few.
What do you like/dislike about yourself?
Where's My "Dislike" Button?
My temper. PMS-ing doesn't count. Yes, being a female gives me a free pass to lose my cool once a month so get over it! I'm talking about things that make me see red. While I do have patience, I can NOT tolerate stupidity. I. Just. Can't! I could blame it on my split Irish and German personality (yup the stereotypically drunk AND angry) or genetics (my family is full of bitches) but I know it's just something I have to work on.
I can be a pushover. I give until I can't give anything anymore. I don't expect anything back because I realize some people are selfish, won't change and just expect me to do things for them so they don't feel they owe me anything. I will keep doing things for someone even without so much as a "thanks" because I see a need and I feel I can help. I eventually had to stop. I was being taken advantage of. It hurt me to have to tell someone 'no' but I have to protect myself and my family. I will no longer do anything that will upset my child. It's not my fault all your other friends flaked on you. You trust the wrong people.
I always try to see the good in people, even if they don't deserve it. It's like handing someone a bullet because they missed the first time and ties into being taken advantage of. I always want to believe people are good. Even though they have proved time and time again that they can't be trusted, I still believe there is good somewhere.
A Whole Lotta "Like"
Now that I have aired my grievances about myself, there are a few things I actually like. Seriously!
I'm a good Mother. I'm reminded of this daily in the way my daughter acts. Due to past bonding issues, my pregnancy was a time to reflect and a decision to break the cycle rather than let history repeat itself. I used Motherhood to help myself refuse to follow my given path, rejecting people who loved me because I was afraid of rejection myself. My past was NOT going to define me! I have been complimented by several people (not just family members so there!) on how my daughter acts. It has helped me see that I have overcome what I thought was 'just me'.
I'm an awesome cook. Give me some time and a few random ingredients and I can make a kick-asserole that would make a professional chef proud. I am good at what I do. When I'm not sure, I either improvise or take inspiration from a random site online.
I'm creative. Sometimes, when I browse through Pinterest, I laugh at some of the blog posts touting a "new idea". I think "I've been doing that for years!" It makes me feel a little less crazy about the idea too which is always a good thing :)
I'm funny. I have learned the cardinal rule of story-telling.. "It's all about the delivery." Think about it. Would you rather see/hear Ben Stein tell a joke or see/hear Robin Williams go through his spiel to deliver a punchline? It's not what you say. It's how you say it.
I always try to see the good in people, even if they don't deserve it. This is both a like and dislike. It can be good because it means I give people a second chance. Some people actually deserve the benefit of the doubt. I've been pleasantly surprised by a few.
What do you like/dislike about yourself?
Blog Challenge: Day 25
"Something You're Currently Worried About"
My biggest worry at the moment is my Mini starting Kindergarten in September. It's not so much "I can't believe she is so big" or her (therefore I am) getting older that is bothering me...
It's the going full time that is getting me the most.
Being a stay-at-home Mom means I have been responsible for her 24/7 since birth. She went to Pre-K for two and a half hours Monday through Friday, but I picked her up and dropped her off. I was pretty much controlling her every move. Due to her late registration, there were only two Pre-K classes in the school she was in.
Now she is going on to K and it is gut-wrenching for me. I am not a helicopter parent by any means. I try to get Mini to be independent and figure things out on her own, which she does for the most part. I have done my best to make sure she knows I love her and I am here if she needs me and she understands that. She is a pretty go-with-the-flow type of kid, which I am eternally grateful for. I hope she never loses that ability to adapt.
That being said, she is also painfully shy. It takes her a long time to warm up to someone and that's when I'm right there, encouraging her. She is used to having me around for whatever she needs and I don't know how she will cope with being away from me all day. I signed her up for a vacation bible school at a local church (at my Baptist parent's suggestion) and the only reason I could leave her is because one of my sisters was with her. She asked me to stay for the opening and wouldn't let me leave until they dismissed to classrooms.
I just honestly don't know how she will react. She has been pretty adaptable but the only major change she has experienced is us moving from an apartment to a house and she handled that like a champ. I think she was just so excited to finally have her own room and area that she forgot it was a major switch.
As I am seeing it, I am putting her on a bus in the morning (with a stranger) and sending her off to school (with more strangers) for them to put her on the bus home (with the same stranger as the morning) and then she will be home to me. That is a 7 hour day. It will take some getting used to for both of us. I don't want to start looking for work until I see what her schedule is and what she will need from me each day (homework!) and how the full day will start to affect her.
It's just what's stressing me out right now. At times, I have to close my eyes, tilt my head back and breathe, just forgetting about it for the time being because the thought is too much.
What are you worrying about right now?
My biggest worry at the moment is my Mini starting Kindergarten in September. It's not so much "I can't believe she is so big" or her (therefore I am) getting older that is bothering me...
It's the going full time that is getting me the most.
Being a stay-at-home Mom means I have been responsible for her 24/7 since birth. She went to Pre-K for two and a half hours Monday through Friday, but I picked her up and dropped her off. I was pretty much controlling her every move. Due to her late registration, there were only two Pre-K classes in the school she was in.
Now she is going on to K and it is gut-wrenching for me. I am not a helicopter parent by any means. I try to get Mini to be independent and figure things out on her own, which she does for the most part. I have done my best to make sure she knows I love her and I am here if she needs me and she understands that. She is a pretty go-with-the-flow type of kid, which I am eternally grateful for. I hope she never loses that ability to adapt.
That being said, she is also painfully shy. It takes her a long time to warm up to someone and that's when I'm right there, encouraging her. She is used to having me around for whatever she needs and I don't know how she will cope with being away from me all day. I signed her up for a vacation bible school at a local church (at my Baptist parent's suggestion) and the only reason I could leave her is because one of my sisters was with her. She asked me to stay for the opening and wouldn't let me leave until they dismissed to classrooms.
I just honestly don't know how she will react. She has been pretty adaptable but the only major change she has experienced is us moving from an apartment to a house and she handled that like a champ. I think she was just so excited to finally have her own room and area that she forgot it was a major switch.
As I am seeing it, I am putting her on a bus in the morning (with a stranger) and sending her off to school (with more strangers) for them to put her on the bus home (with the same stranger as the morning) and then she will be home to me. That is a 7 hour day. It will take some getting used to for both of us. I don't want to start looking for work until I see what her schedule is and what she will need from me each day (homework!) and how the full day will start to affect her.
It's just what's stressing me out right now. At times, I have to close my eyes, tilt my head back and breathe, just forgetting about it for the time being because the thought is too much.
What are you worrying about right now?
Blog Challenge: Day 24
"Something That You Miss"
If you have read any of my previous blog posts, you will note that one thing I really miss is my Mother. Since that is pretty well-known, I will discuss something else I miss. I long for the life I used to lead before I had to deal with arthritis.
I never had numbness, pain, stiffness or back issues despite my penchant for lifting heavy things. I worked in a home improvement place and if there was no one available, I had to trek back to the receiving department and lift the door, window or whatever myself. The customer never accepted the "no one is available to go back there to get it" argument, so it was up to me. I knew how to lift and while I was sore some days, it was nothing a low-grade pain pill (like Advil) couldn't fix.
I used to be able to hang out with my friends all night, go home to shower, go to a 6am-Sunday meeting, return home to eat and get dressed for work then work a 10-hour shift. Now, I'll be out and it will get to around midnight and there I am, in the corner, fighting off sleep and chugging coffee to keep myself up on the drive home. Yikes!
What do you miss?
If you have read any of my previous blog posts, you will note that one thing I really miss is my Mother. Since that is pretty well-known, I will discuss something else I miss. I long for the life I used to lead before I had to deal with arthritis.
I never had numbness, pain, stiffness or back issues despite my penchant for lifting heavy things. I worked in a home improvement place and if there was no one available, I had to trek back to the receiving department and lift the door, window or whatever myself. The customer never accepted the "no one is available to go back there to get it" argument, so it was up to me. I knew how to lift and while I was sore some days, it was nothing a low-grade pain pill (like Advil) couldn't fix.
I used to be able to hang out with my friends all night, go home to shower, go to a 6am-Sunday meeting, return home to eat and get dressed for work then work a 10-hour shift. Now, I'll be out and it will get to around midnight and there I am, in the corner, fighting off sleep and chugging coffee to keep myself up on the drive home. Yikes!
What do you miss?
Blog Challenge: Day 23
"Five Words/Phrases That Make You Laugh"
1. "I Keel You." Thank you, Jeff Dunham, for giving us Achmed. Way to stick it to the terrorists!
2. My Favorite Joke: Two muffins are chillin in an oven. The first turns to the second and says "Gee it's hot in here." The second turns to the first and says "Oh crap! A talking muffin!"
3. "Ha Ha Funny Cause It's True!" or "It's Funny Cause It's Not Funny!" I use both all the time. When I say something sarcastic, I follow it up with this. I heard it on Family Guy. It's actually a great way to explain sarcasm to anyone who doesn't understand :)
4. "Righty Tighty Lefty Loosey, Not Lefty Tighty Mess It Up Cause You're A Loser!" I know people who get their lefts and rights mixed up. Yes, even as adults, hey hold up both hands in an l-shape to see which is which. Even sadder? They drive like that! This clip is from Regular Show. You only have to watch the first 20 seconds. This guy can barely hold the camera still..
5. "Take A Pill And Cook The Vegetables." I use this when people insist I eat raw veggies. I do like raw spinach and green beans, but everything else has to be cooked..The comedian in this clip has very valid points. I love his stand-up. The video is old but it's still relevant and funny..
What makes you laugh?
1. "I Keel You." Thank you, Jeff Dunham, for giving us Achmed. Way to stick it to the terrorists!
2. My Favorite Joke: Two muffins are chillin in an oven. The first turns to the second and says "Gee it's hot in here." The second turns to the first and says "Oh crap! A talking muffin!"
3. "Ha Ha Funny Cause It's True!" or "It's Funny Cause It's Not Funny!" I use both all the time. When I say something sarcastic, I follow it up with this. I heard it on Family Guy. It's actually a great way to explain sarcasm to anyone who doesn't understand :)
4. "Righty Tighty Lefty Loosey, Not Lefty Tighty Mess It Up Cause You're A Loser!" I know people who get their lefts and rights mixed up. Yes, even as adults, hey hold up both hands in an l-shape to see which is which. Even sadder? They drive like that! This clip is from Regular Show. You only have to watch the first 20 seconds. This guy can barely hold the camera still..
5. "Take A Pill And Cook The Vegetables." I use this when people insist I eat raw veggies. I do like raw spinach and green beans, but everything else has to be cooked..The comedian in this clip has very valid points. I love his stand-up. The video is old but it's still relevant and funny..
What makes you laugh?
Blog Challenge: Day 22
"Your Academics"
Well, I finished high school. That sounds bad but I'm actually proud of that. So much happened in life that could have caused me to just give up and stop trying. Failing grades, a stint in the nuthouse, a huge blowout with my parents, me moving out of my parent's house, my biological Mother's death... That was all in 13 months. It happened all from January 1999 to February 2000. If it wasn't for my English Teacher, I don't know if I would have ever gotten out of high school at all. I probably would have dropped out.
That being said, I loved my writing classes. Computer Journalism was to write for the school paper. Creative Writing was just awesome. My classmates and I spent hours creating hilariously dirty stories that I think I even have one somewhere. Our teacher would come over as we cracked up and ask what we were doing and we would all scramble to hide the papers. Ha!
I hated Science. I wanted to be a Veterinarian so bad until I got to biology. I was pretty much like "Screw this!" I hated the fact that we had to do swimming for gym class. Ugh! Twenty females fighting over 6 hair dryers is NOT fun! Let's not forget putting those wet clothes in a plastic bag to rot in your locker until you went home. UGH! Math was tolerable for me. I wasn't exceptionally good at it but I wasn't bad either.
I took five years of French. I could probably find my way around Paris (a dream come true!) but couldn't converse with the locals. How sad is that?
A few years ago, I did an online course but things kept happening and now the certificate is two years old. Everyone seems to want someone with experience anyways. Job hunting has not been fun for me. I ended up giving up. I will try again when Mini starts school full time in the fall.
Even though my friends branded me a 'nerd' at times, I really wasn't one. I just had a ridiculous memory capacity for useless info. In fact, I still do :)
What were you like in high school? College?
Well, I finished high school. That sounds bad but I'm actually proud of that. So much happened in life that could have caused me to just give up and stop trying. Failing grades, a stint in the nuthouse, a huge blowout with my parents, me moving out of my parent's house, my biological Mother's death... That was all in 13 months. It happened all from January 1999 to February 2000. If it wasn't for my English Teacher, I don't know if I would have ever gotten out of high school at all. I probably would have dropped out.
That being said, I loved my writing classes. Computer Journalism was to write for the school paper. Creative Writing was just awesome. My classmates and I spent hours creating hilariously dirty stories that I think I even have one somewhere. Our teacher would come over as we cracked up and ask what we were doing and we would all scramble to hide the papers. Ha!
I hated Science. I wanted to be a Veterinarian so bad until I got to biology. I was pretty much like "Screw this!" I hated the fact that we had to do swimming for gym class. Ugh! Twenty females fighting over 6 hair dryers is NOT fun! Let's not forget putting those wet clothes in a plastic bag to rot in your locker until you went home. UGH! Math was tolerable for me. I wasn't exceptionally good at it but I wasn't bad either.
I took five years of French. I could probably find my way around Paris (a dream come true!) but couldn't converse with the locals. How sad is that?
A few years ago, I did an online course but things kept happening and now the certificate is two years old. Everyone seems to want someone with experience anyways. Job hunting has not been fun for me. I ended up giving up. I will try again when Mini starts school full time in the fall.
Even though my friends branded me a 'nerd' at times, I really wasn't one. I just had a ridiculous memory capacity for useless info. In fact, I still do :)
What were you like in high school? College?
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Blog Challenge: Day 21
"What Are Your Hopes For Your Own Future?"
I have a lot of hope for my future, despite what seems to be happening to the world.
I hope my daughter grows into a sane, functioning adult. I hope I haven't screwed her up too much by the time she is on her own. I hope she doesn't hate me for not staying with her Father. Some people just aren't meant to be together.
I hope I age like my Grandma. She is 90 and still going. She works part time and mostly has her wits about her. At times, we will have the same conversation a bunch of times in a row so I know she is losing it but at least she still remembers things 80% of the time. She is doing better than most her age. She is both fun to be around and funny.
I hope gas prices go down. I hope this happens in the very near future. :)
I hope the economy bounces back. I hate that we are handing down a financial mess to the next generation. They need the government to look out for them, not their own selfish needs. I'm pretty sure that hope is the equivalent to grasping at straws, but I still have hope.
I hope I have a job and career I love one day. I'm grateful to have been a stay-at-home Mom and I don't judge others for saying it's their dream, but it is not for me. Before I had my daughter, I worked to survive and I worked to live. I want to find a job that fits me.
I hope one day I can get everything organized the way I want it. I have the materials and the know-how, but there is so much to do. It's a little hard to get motivated, as I have stated before.
What hopes do you have for the future?
I have a lot of hope for my future, despite what seems to be happening to the world.
I hope my daughter grows into a sane, functioning adult. I hope I haven't screwed her up too much by the time she is on her own. I hope she doesn't hate me for not staying with her Father. Some people just aren't meant to be together.
I hope I age like my Grandma. She is 90 and still going. She works part time and mostly has her wits about her. At times, we will have the same conversation a bunch of times in a row so I know she is losing it but at least she still remembers things 80% of the time. She is doing better than most her age. She is both fun to be around and funny.
I hope gas prices go down. I hope this happens in the very near future. :)
I hope the economy bounces back. I hate that we are handing down a financial mess to the next generation. They need the government to look out for them, not their own selfish needs. I'm pretty sure that hope is the equivalent to grasping at straws, but I still have hope.
I hope I have a job and career I love one day. I'm grateful to have been a stay-at-home Mom and I don't judge others for saying it's their dream, but it is not for me. Before I had my daughter, I worked to survive and I worked to live. I want to find a job that fits me.
I hope one day I can get everything organized the way I want it. I have the materials and the know-how, but there is so much to do. It's a little hard to get motivated, as I have stated before.
What hopes do you have for the future?
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Blog Challenge: Day 20
"Your Fears"
I think it is always strange when people ask you what your fears are. It's almost like they are trying to find out your vulnerabilities up front. Like so many people I know, I'm terrified of anything with more than 4 legs or less than two, if you know what I mean..
Other than that, my two biggest fears are: 1 - Rejection and 2 - Change.
Both of these things have crippled me at times in one way or another. I don't cope well with change. It's not easy for me at all. Rejection comes in many forms. Whether it's not getting a job I wanted or finding out a friend is only a friend when they need you for something and you get tossed like a piece of garbage when they are done using you. I don't go for things I know I can handle for fear of rejection. The same way I discussed getting motivated being rough, change does not come easy either.
Along with making myself a person I want to be around, I am working on overcoming these two fears as well.
What are you afraid of?
I think it is always strange when people ask you what your fears are. It's almost like they are trying to find out your vulnerabilities up front. Like so many people I know, I'm terrified of anything with more than 4 legs or less than two, if you know what I mean..
Other than that, my two biggest fears are: 1 - Rejection and 2 - Change.
Both of these things have crippled me at times in one way or another. I don't cope well with change. It's not easy for me at all. Rejection comes in many forms. Whether it's not getting a job I wanted or finding out a friend is only a friend when they need you for something and you get tossed like a piece of garbage when they are done using you. I don't go for things I know I can handle for fear of rejection. The same way I discussed getting motivated being rough, change does not come easy either.
Along with making myself a person I want to be around, I am working on overcoming these two fears as well.
What are you afraid of?
Friday, July 20, 2012
Blog Challenge: Day 19
"Five Items You Lust After"
1. 2012 Chevy Camaro. I love the new ones with the convertible tops. I am tempted to go test driving all the time, but I know it's not in my budget. Check this photo out, downloaded from Chevrolet.com:
2. 2012 Chevy Traverse. I love convertibles, but I am an SUV girl. I currently drive an Equinox that is almost paid off (thank heavens), but I would love to upgrade to this. Here is a photo, downloaded from Chevrolet.com:
3. A computer with a touch screen monitor. I have a touch screen tablet and touch screen phone. I would like my computer to follow suit. I was browsing around Best Buy one day and started drooling over THIS.
4. A backyard paradise complete with pool, patio, waterslide and waterfalls. I love looking through magazines for design inspiration, but my yard is just too small. What I want wouldn't even fit. I saw THIS ONE on the HGTV website and I clicked through the pictures about 10x before I stopped. Here is one of the pics: (breathtaking, isn't it?)
5. A ridiculous obnoxiously big closet. I don't have many clothes (although my husband will say differently) but I would love to be able to have that level of organization. My stuff is just all over the place, a few things here, a few there. Storage is wherever I can find room and it's annoying at times. I found THIS on the Closet Factory's blog and I'm in love. I like the color and the storage. The bench in the middle where you can throw outfits together seals the deal for me.
Well that's my dream wish list. What do you lust after or wish for?
1. 2012 Chevy Camaro. I love the new ones with the convertible tops. I am tempted to go test driving all the time, but I know it's not in my budget. Check this photo out, downloaded from Chevrolet.com:
2. 2012 Chevy Traverse. I love convertibles, but I am an SUV girl. I currently drive an Equinox that is almost paid off (thank heavens), but I would love to upgrade to this. Here is a photo, downloaded from Chevrolet.com:
4. A backyard paradise complete with pool, patio, waterslide and waterfalls. I love looking through magazines for design inspiration, but my yard is just too small. What I want wouldn't even fit. I saw THIS ONE on the HGTV website and I clicked through the pictures about 10x before I stopped. Here is one of the pics: (breathtaking, isn't it?)
5. A ridiculous obnoxiously big closet. I don't have many clothes (although my husband will say differently) but I would love to be able to have that level of organization. My stuff is just all over the place, a few things here, a few there. Storage is wherever I can find room and it's annoying at times. I found THIS on the Closet Factory's blog and I'm in love. I like the color and the storage. The bench in the middle where you can throw outfits together seals the deal for me.
Well that's my dream wish list. What do you lust after or wish for?
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Blog Challenge: Day 18
"A Problem That You Have Had"
Getting motivated is extremely hard for me. My "get up and go" usually gets up and goes without me. I have all these ideas in my head but it's rare any of them will come to fruition. I get very discouraged very easily. If one silly trivial thing goes wrong, I have a habit of scrapping an entire project.
It's a problem I am faced with and work on constantly. The older I get, the more childish it seems that I do that. I have been taking steps towards establishing habits.
I took the bait and started a 30-Day Blog Challenge. It has been helping me to become more confident in my writing. I haven't felt that for years.
I started a major overhaul of Mini's room. We moved into our house almost a year ago. She has been asking for us to repaint and get rid of some toys. It is finally happening. We are doing a little at a time right now, but it is coming along. She is thrilled with everything done so far and that's what makes it worth while.
Two projects for now is all I can handle. Summer has been super busy so far.
Do you have an issue getting motivated to do something? What does it take to get you motivated?
Getting motivated is extremely hard for me. My "get up and go" usually gets up and goes without me. I have all these ideas in my head but it's rare any of them will come to fruition. I get very discouraged very easily. If one silly trivial thing goes wrong, I have a habit of scrapping an entire project.
It's a problem I am faced with and work on constantly. The older I get, the more childish it seems that I do that. I have been taking steps towards establishing habits.
I took the bait and started a 30-Day Blog Challenge. It has been helping me to become more confident in my writing. I haven't felt that for years.
I started a major overhaul of Mini's room. We moved into our house almost a year ago. She has been asking for us to repaint and get rid of some toys. It is finally happening. We are doing a little at a time right now, but it is coming along. She is thrilled with everything done so far and that's what makes it worth while.
Two projects for now is all I can handle. Summer has been super busy so far.
Do you have an issue getting motivated to do something? What does it take to get you motivated?
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Blog Challenge: Day 17
"Something You're Proud Of"
I am extremely proud of my daughter and how she is growing up. Honestly, I didn't think I would be any good at being a Mom, as I have probably stated before. She is 5 now and starting Kindergarten in the fall and I couldn't be more pleased with who she is turning into.
She copes with change a lot better than I do. When we moved out of our apartment into a house less than a year ago, she transitioned pretty easily. I'm sure the fact that she finally got her own room was a huge factor in that though :)
She is pretty well-behaved. She, like any other child, has her moments where I question if she is an evil minion in disguise but she listens if I correct her.
Events in my life have caused me to be leery of people in general and I was really concerned when I was pregnant. I wondered if I was going to be able to attach to a child. She respects me enough to listen even if I have to raise my voice. Even when she really drives me crazy, she reminds me somehow that we are still connected and have an incredible bond.
At times, I feel like my heart will burst with love for her. Some moments, the heart bursting feels more like a heart attack. Things happen, but I think her and I will be okay.
I'm proud of myself for being able to overcome my past and forge ahead in the Mommy journey.
What are you proud of?
I am extremely proud of my daughter and how she is growing up. Honestly, I didn't think I would be any good at being a Mom, as I have probably stated before. She is 5 now and starting Kindergarten in the fall and I couldn't be more pleased with who she is turning into.
She copes with change a lot better than I do. When we moved out of our apartment into a house less than a year ago, she transitioned pretty easily. I'm sure the fact that she finally got her own room was a huge factor in that though :)
She is pretty well-behaved. She, like any other child, has her moments where I question if she is an evil minion in disguise but she listens if I correct her.
Events in my life have caused me to be leery of people in general and I was really concerned when I was pregnant. I wondered if I was going to be able to attach to a child. She respects me enough to listen even if I have to raise my voice. Even when she really drives me crazy, she reminds me somehow that we are still connected and have an incredible bond.
At times, I feel like my heart will burst with love for her. Some moments, the heart bursting feels more like a heart attack. Things happen, but I think her and I will be okay.
I'm proud of myself for being able to overcome my past and forge ahead in the Mommy journey.
What are you proud of?
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Blog Challenge: Day 16
"Something You Always Think 'What If' About"
After everything I have been through, I would have to say my biggest 'what if' goes back to my car accident a little over eight years ago. It compressed my spine, causing it to bend in two places and I will have back problems the rest of my life. It couldn't have come at a worse time either.
I was going through a major life change, on my own and starting to get back into dating after being screwed over one too many times. I met a guy and we had decided to hang out. We were on our way to a former friend's job to meet up when it happened.
The light turned green.
He hesitated a second and then tapped the gas.
I saw the car out of my left eye. It came flying over the hill and wasn't stopping.
I yelled "Oh shit!" as the car slammed into the back end of the car I was in, sending it spinning. We jumped a curb and landed between a dumpster and a light pole. Seriously, if we went even a foot in either direction you would not be reading this. My life flashed before my eyes, all 22 years of it. I felt like someone was pushing on my chest and I couldn't breathe. We landed and for a minute, I was incredibly dizzy. I shook my head and looked around. Yup that had just happened. I took a deep breath and just sat there, dazed.
I could feel tears start to form in my eyes, but for some reason, I couldn't cry. Someone came to my car door and I just stared at her. The flood of questions and yelling around me followed.
"Are you okay?"
"Can you move?"
"What's your name?"
Out in the distance, I could hear people discussing who saw what and who was talking to police.
"Is someone calling 9-1-1?"
"You! You called the ambulance right?"
"Who is staying to speak to the cops?"
The lady came back to my door asked me my name again. "Tina" I whispered quietly, still in a fog. She asked if I could move, then rubbed my shoulder. OW! My seatbelt had bore into my shoulder and it hurt tremendously. Someone was near the driver's side talking to him. He said he was okay but I could tell he was shaken up.
A cop poked his head around my window. "Hi. Can I ask you a few questions?"
"Sure. I'm not going anywhere." Umm exactly how was I supposed to answer that?
The next half an hour was full of police, EMTs and firefighters. The driver's side door had to be sawed off because it wouldn't open. An EMT opened my door, snipped my seatbelt and asked if anything hurt. I said my shoulder definitely but everything else appeared okay. Obviously I was in shock. They braced my neck and lifted me out of the car. They strapped me in a stretcher and rolled me over to the ambulance, an officer trailing behind. When I was in the ambulance, they locked the stretcher in and started feeling for bruises. My left leg hurt really bad. An EMT asked another for a pair of scissors. I immediately freaked out.
"Not my pants! They're new! Can you just slide them off or something? Look I can unbutton them!"
I didn't get laughed at. The guy just took a deep breath and explained they couldn't risk lifting my hips in case I was injured. I felt the cold scissors near my ankle. "Deep breath now." he said and began to cut.
I felt tears streaming down my face. WHAAATTTT?!?! I had just gotten into an accident, could possibly be seriously injured and I'm crying over my pants? That was probably my most girly moment ever. The clipboards came out then and they took down my info. I was calmly talking to them and answered everything. I was happy that I never lost consciousness or blacked out.
It took months to realize all the damage done. The center console of the car had shifted into me, causing the lower part of my spine to shift right. My top half had been thrown by the spin, causing the upper part of my spine to shift to the left. It has set off a host of other problems.
My point in telling all this?
My biggest what if is "What if I had never gotten into that accident?"
When I think about it, a host of other questions come flooding into my mind. Would I have ever started dating my husband? Would I still be with the other guy? How different would my life be right now? Where would I be living? What would I be doing?
Mostly, I try my best not to think about that 'what if' parts of life. I feel that dwelling on the past is pointless. I did get into the accident. I'm still dealing with the physical after-effects. I have a beautiful daughter now that I wouldn't trade for anything. That is pretty okay with me :)
Do you ever think 'what if'?
After everything I have been through, I would have to say my biggest 'what if' goes back to my car accident a little over eight years ago. It compressed my spine, causing it to bend in two places and I will have back problems the rest of my life. It couldn't have come at a worse time either.
I was going through a major life change, on my own and starting to get back into dating after being screwed over one too many times. I met a guy and we had decided to hang out. We were on our way to a former friend's job to meet up when it happened.
The light turned green.
He hesitated a second and then tapped the gas.
I saw the car out of my left eye. It came flying over the hill and wasn't stopping.
I yelled "Oh shit!" as the car slammed into the back end of the car I was in, sending it spinning. We jumped a curb and landed between a dumpster and a light pole. Seriously, if we went even a foot in either direction you would not be reading this. My life flashed before my eyes, all 22 years of it. I felt like someone was pushing on my chest and I couldn't breathe. We landed and for a minute, I was incredibly dizzy. I shook my head and looked around. Yup that had just happened. I took a deep breath and just sat there, dazed.
I could feel tears start to form in my eyes, but for some reason, I couldn't cry. Someone came to my car door and I just stared at her. The flood of questions and yelling around me followed.
"Are you okay?"
"Can you move?"
"What's your name?"
Out in the distance, I could hear people discussing who saw what and who was talking to police.
"Is someone calling 9-1-1?"
"You! You called the ambulance right?"
"Who is staying to speak to the cops?"
The lady came back to my door asked me my name again. "Tina" I whispered quietly, still in a fog. She asked if I could move, then rubbed my shoulder. OW! My seatbelt had bore into my shoulder and it hurt tremendously. Someone was near the driver's side talking to him. He said he was okay but I could tell he was shaken up.
A cop poked his head around my window. "Hi. Can I ask you a few questions?"
"Sure. I'm not going anywhere." Umm exactly how was I supposed to answer that?
The next half an hour was full of police, EMTs and firefighters. The driver's side door had to be sawed off because it wouldn't open. An EMT opened my door, snipped my seatbelt and asked if anything hurt. I said my shoulder definitely but everything else appeared okay. Obviously I was in shock. They braced my neck and lifted me out of the car. They strapped me in a stretcher and rolled me over to the ambulance, an officer trailing behind. When I was in the ambulance, they locked the stretcher in and started feeling for bruises. My left leg hurt really bad. An EMT asked another for a pair of scissors. I immediately freaked out.
"Not my pants! They're new! Can you just slide them off or something? Look I can unbutton them!"
I didn't get laughed at. The guy just took a deep breath and explained they couldn't risk lifting my hips in case I was injured. I felt the cold scissors near my ankle. "Deep breath now." he said and began to cut.
I felt tears streaming down my face. WHAAATTTT?!?! I had just gotten into an accident, could possibly be seriously injured and I'm crying over my pants? That was probably my most girly moment ever. The clipboards came out then and they took down my info. I was calmly talking to them and answered everything. I was happy that I never lost consciousness or blacked out.
It took months to realize all the damage done. The center console of the car had shifted into me, causing the lower part of my spine to shift right. My top half had been thrown by the spin, causing the upper part of my spine to shift to the left. It has set off a host of other problems.
My point in telling all this?
My biggest what if is "What if I had never gotten into that accident?"
When I think about it, a host of other questions come flooding into my mind. Would I have ever started dating my husband? Would I still be with the other guy? How different would my life be right now? Where would I be living? What would I be doing?
Mostly, I try my best not to think about that 'what if' parts of life. I feel that dwelling on the past is pointless. I did get into the accident. I'm still dealing with the physical after-effects. I have a beautiful daughter now that I wouldn't trade for anything. That is pretty okay with me :)
Do you ever think 'what if'?
Monday, July 16, 2012
Blog Challenge: Day 15
"Your Zodiac Sign & If You Think It Fits Your Personality"
According to Huffington Post's Horoscope section (HERE):
According to Huffington Post's Horoscope section (HERE):
Your Biggest Strength: Your ability to focus your attention
Your Potential Weakness: Need for perfection gets in the way of enjoyment
Yeah I get that.. I can focus on anything and I don't usually enjoy my daughter's birthday parties because I am so busy making sure everyone has what they need when they need it that I neglect to stop and take a minute to drink it all in. That is spot on.
According to VirgoPersonality.Org, Virgo personality traits are as follows:
Virgo Personality Traits
- They are often called flicker minded person.
- They have a good reputation for civility and mannerism.
- They have the precision and detail which is required for projects on the professional front.
- They are perfectionist
- They are known to have high patience level
- They are creative and skilled.
- They are inwardly reflective
- They are introvert
- They are associated with dissemination of energy.
- They are renowned for their social graces and courteousness.
- They signify duality in life, adaptable nature and can easily switch from one thing to another.
- They are known to be very courageous.
- They are loyal and warm towards the relations.
- They love being independent, free from any shackles of life.
- They also possess little pride and are materialistic.
Okay, let's get into this. I don't consider myself 'flicker-minded' per se. I try my best to stay on the task at hand, but when I am feeling rushed or under the gun, I am all over the place, flitting from one task to the next and eventually finishing them all.
If by civil, they mean I try to not get involved in other people's arguments, then that is totally me. I always try to stay out of things and if I am dragged in, I make it a point to express my distaste for being put in the middle.
There is a thin line between having an eye for precision and detail and being a perfectionist. I do expect things to go a certain way. I plan things down to the letter. I brainstorm until I have everything figured out and try to leave no stone unturned, as they say.
If you have ever met my in-laws, you will be able to confirm that my patience level is ridiculously high. It is amazing what those two say and do. They drive me to my breaking point a lot. My patience level has increased tremendously since knowing them.
Creative and skilled. Hmm. Yup. Not to toot my own horn, but I'm awesome! Some of the things I come up with leave people scratching their heads then applauding.
Inwardly reflective and an introvert. True story! I would rather stew over my own problems, suss it out with my, myself and I than burden someone else with trivial matters. My "me" time is few and far far between but I do enjoy it when it comes.
Do I spread energy? I guess in a way I do. Love, light and all that jazz. I try to keep things positive whether I feel that way or not.
I can show grace under pressure and am always courteous to those who don't deserve it.
I don't adapt well and my coping skills, while pretty good, are off most days. I don't like change. I deal with it, but I hate it.
If you know everything I've been through, I guess you could say I have the courage to keep going. Life always tries to find some way to knock me down, but I just keep forging on.
I am loyal to a fault. My family and friends mean everything to me. It is hard for me to turn my back on anyone, no matter how badly they treat me. I always try to see the good in people, what little there sometimes is.
I love being independent. It bothers me greatly that I am not as free-spirited as I used to be. I would rather have people be dependent on me than me depending on others.
I am not materialistic. If I want a nice bag, I am not above going to a flea market or other retailer. I don't have to have brand name things. To say I have little pride is a lie. I'm a proud person and stubborn as a mule. I don't like to ask for help. I would rather just do it myself.
So I guess, according to these two sources, YES. The Virgo traits are indeed my own.
What's your sign? Do you believe it says who you are?
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Blog Challenge: Day 14
"What You Wore Today"
Anyone who knows me knows that I am not a 'trendy' person, My staples are jeans and t-shirts. Granted, i have many tees in all different colors, some with a few logos (ahem.. Mets, Guinness, Mr Rogers) and others with a funny saying (I'm right 97% of the time. Who cares about the other 4%?), but all in all, I don't buy usually buy into fads or anything.
That being said, it was near 90 degrees today, super muggy (read: ridiculously high humidity) and just blech outside. I wore loose-fitting navy capris and a white t-shirt. I wore my black flip flops when I left the house. Like I said, I'm a boring dresser, but summer is not the time to try and be trendy. It's too hot to dress 'cute'.
My make-up? Moisturizer, foundation and chapstick. I can't wear sunscreen on my face so I opt for a high spf moisturizer instead. If I am going somewhere, I opt for a colored lip gloss and maybe some mascara (if it's out because I'm not hunting for it) then call it 'my full make-up'. This irritates my sister who does false eyelashes, blush, eyeliner, the whole nine on a daily basis. She is the make-up maven. I am not. *shrug*
Anyone who knows me knows that I am not a 'trendy' person, My staples are jeans and t-shirts. Granted, i have many tees in all different colors, some with a few logos (ahem.. Mets, Guinness, Mr Rogers) and others with a funny saying (I'm right 97% of the time. Who cares about the other 4%?), but all in all, I don't buy usually buy into fads or anything.
That being said, it was near 90 degrees today, super muggy (read: ridiculously high humidity) and just blech outside. I wore loose-fitting navy capris and a white t-shirt. I wore my black flip flops when I left the house. Like I said, I'm a boring dresser, but summer is not the time to try and be trendy. It's too hot to dress 'cute'.
My make-up? Moisturizer, foundation and chapstick. I can't wear sunscreen on my face so I opt for a high spf moisturizer instead. If I am going somewhere, I opt for a colored lip gloss and maybe some mascara (if it's out because I'm not hunting for it) then call it 'my full make-up'. This irritates my sister who does false eyelashes, blush, eyeliner, the whole nine on a daily basis. She is the make-up maven. I am not. *shrug*
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Blog Challenge: Day 13
"Your Opinion Of Your Body & How You Feel About It"
How do I feel about my body? The word UGH comes to mind.
I am working on a weight loss regimen and I hope to be comfortable enough in the near future to post pics. For now, I am truly unhappy with how I look. It's sad and liberating to admit that.
That being said, there are a few things I like.
My eyes are an awesome blue. They change shade to mimic what I'm wearing. When I wear dark colors, they go navy blue. When I wear white, they are a clear blue. I'm so glad my daughter got them!
My feet are a little on the small side but I have never had a problem finding shoes :) I get called "tiny feet" but I like them.
I like being short. Sure, it's annoying I can't reach the top shelf, but that's why step-stools were invented. I get made fun of by some people I know (meanies!) but I could really care less.
Everyone has their hang-ups about their bodies. I am no different.
What do you love/hate about your body?
How do I feel about my body? The word UGH comes to mind.
I am working on a weight loss regimen and I hope to be comfortable enough in the near future to post pics. For now, I am truly unhappy with how I look. It's sad and liberating to admit that.
That being said, there are a few things I like.
My eyes are an awesome blue. They change shade to mimic what I'm wearing. When I wear dark colors, they go navy blue. When I wear white, they are a clear blue. I'm so glad my daughter got them!
My feet are a little on the small side but I have never had a problem finding shoes :) I get called "tiny feet" but I like them.
I like being short. Sure, it's annoying I can't reach the top shelf, but that's why step-stools were invented. I get made fun of by some people I know (meanies!) but I could really care less.
Everyone has their hang-ups about their bodies. I am no different.
What do you love/hate about your body?
Friday, July 13, 2012
Blog Challenge: Day 12
"Five Guys Whom You Find Attractive"
This is different than celebrity crushes, I guess. My crush list is long, but this is a list of celebrity men I happen to think are attractive..
This is different than celebrity crushes, I guess. My crush list is long, but this is a list of celebrity men I happen to think are attractive..
- New Kids on the Block + Backstreet Boys. Yup the whole group. Yeah, this is cheating because there are nine of them but oh well! They have all aged impressively well. A friend of mine took me to the NKOTBSB concert as my 30th birthday present last year.. The pic above was one I took. We were 2nd row center.
- Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Badass + Tats + Gorgeous Face + Ripped Body + Wait what was I talking about?? This man was the reason why I got hooked on wrestling in the first place. When he did the people's eyebrow, I got goosebumps! Take a look though his pics on his IMDB page..
- Matt Bomer. If you don't know who this man is, I feel sorry for you! Currently, he stars on the USA show "White Collar" and a little movie you might have heard of, "Magic Mike". He has these crazy beautiful eyes that are this wild shade of blue. I love it! My fave pic of Matt can be found HERE.
- David Wright. It could be the Mets fan in me, but DAMN this man is fine! Athletic and charitable too? SCORE! You can't deny that smile either.. His official MLB Stats are HERE and if that isn't enough, check out a few images on the Google Search I did..
- LL Cool J. I don't care how old this man gets, he will always be sexy! He is pretty much the only man on the planet that can do a simple lip-lick and not have it look like he is searching his face for crumbs from the last meal.. Feast your eyes on THIS!
Well that's my list. Who do you find attractive?
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Blog Challenge: Day 11
"Describe Your Family"
Anyone who knows my family is chuckling to themselves right now. My family is complicated. My father had children with three women and I'm adopted too. I have two family trees and both are full of nuts! I will try and do this the best I can without confusion. I will break this into two parts, Biological and Adopted. I hope I can make this easy enough to follow along.
Personally, I have a husband, a child, 2 dogs and a rabbit. Easy peasy.
Tally for those keeping score: 2 brothers (one is a half), 3 sisters (one step), 1 niece and 2 nephews.
5 siblings. 3 cousins for Mini.
Tally: 3 brothers, 4 sisters (not counting the bio sis), 2 nieces.
7 siblings. 2 cousins for Mini.
Grand total: 12 siblings. 5 cousins for Mini.
I decided to leave out my aunts and uncles because I would seriously need a calculator! My oldest living relative is my biological paternal Grandmother. She was the one who turned 90 this month..
My husband has 2 brothers, both older. One has a wife and 2 kids. His parents are still married..
Tally: 2 brothers. 2 cousins for Mini.
After reading about all my siblings, his fam is kinda, well... BORING! :)
SO.. How many siblings do YOU have? Are any of you adopted or do you have adopted children?
Anyone who knows my family is chuckling to themselves right now. My family is complicated. My father had children with three women and I'm adopted too. I have two family trees and both are full of nuts! I will try and do this the best I can without confusion. I will break this into two parts, Biological and Adopted. I hope I can make this easy enough to follow along.
Personally, I have a husband, a child, 2 dogs and a rabbit. Easy peasy.
BIOLOGICAL
As I stated before, my father had children with three women. The first woman had a son, my half brother. He has a wife and two kids. The second woman was my mother. They got married, had my older sister and brother, then me, then my younger sister. They divorced after my sister and I were sent into foster care. My Mother passed away in 2000 and had no other children besides the four of us. My father eventually remarried. My stepmom already had an adult child, my stepsister. She has a husband and a child.Tally for those keeping score: 2 brothers (one is a half), 3 sisters (one step), 1 niece and 2 nephews.
5 siblings. 3 cousins for Mini.
ADOPTED
My foster/adopted parents already had 2 older sons. Both are married now with a child each. Next in age order is me and my biological younger sister. Since we already counted her, I'll move on. The next is my sister from another country. After that is a sibling set of four, 3 girls and a boy. Yup, my adopted parents raised 9 children.Tally: 3 brothers, 4 sisters (not counting the bio sis), 2 nieces.
7 siblings. 2 cousins for Mini.
Grand total: 12 siblings. 5 cousins for Mini.
I decided to leave out my aunts and uncles because I would seriously need a calculator! My oldest living relative is my biological paternal Grandmother. She was the one who turned 90 this month..
My husband has 2 brothers, both older. One has a wife and 2 kids. His parents are still married..
Tally: 2 brothers. 2 cousins for Mini.
After reading about all my siblings, his fam is kinda, well... BORING! :)
SO.. How many siblings do YOU have? Are any of you adopted or do you have adopted children?
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Blog Challenge: Day 10
"Put MP3 Player On Shuffle. List First 10 Songs That Play"
Hold onto your hats. This will be fun!
Hold onto your hats. This will be fun!
- Def Leppard - "Where Does Love Go When It Dies?" I LOVE everything about this song. The words speak to me and the music blows me away!
- Elton John - "I Don't Wanna Go On With You Like That" I have a lot of Elton in my player, but I remember listening to this song as a kid. I can't sit still and I have to sing along every single time I hear it.
- Billy Joel - "My Life" Yup. The theme song to the show "Bosom Buddies". My Mother used to love that show and I fell in love with this song because of it. I remembered Holland Taylor and Telma Hopkins were in that show before they went on to "Two and a Half Men" and "Family Matters".
- Young the Giant - "Cough Syrup" Dark, moody depressing. "Life's too short to even care at all..." It's an awesome song for when you're depressed.
- NKOTBSB (New Kids on the Block + Backstreet Boys - "All In My Head" Two groups that can harmonize like crazy, harmonizing with each other. Awesome!
- Mr. President - "Coco Jamboo" Always a song that makes me get up and dance. Go ahead and start singing. You know you know all the words!
- Linkin Park - "Crawling" I remember listening to this song when I went through a super-angry stage. I was mad at the world and listening to rock helped translate my feelings into a song. In a word? Cathartic.
- Danny Wood - "Don't Settle For Less" I love me some New Kids! I think I have all their solo projects. I love this song and his voice is amazing!
- Michael Jackson - "Who Is It?" One of my fave songs of his and one I kick as at on the MJ Experience Wii game.
- Jay-Z - "Can I Get A..." Anyone who thinks this song is offensive is obviously who he is referring to in the song. I don't need someone with a lot of money, but I don't want someone who's broke either.
I was considering adding youtube links to all these songs, but with my luck, the links wouldn't work if someone tried to view them. You will have to look them up yourself :)
What song gets a lot of mileage in your mp3 player?
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Blog Challenge: Day 9
"How Important You Think Education Is"
Oh geez. I used to think education was super important. I did well in school and had planned on going to college. Life got in the way of my plans. I went to work right out of high school, sometimes working two jobs to get by. Most of my friends had gone off to college and I felt like I was missing out. When everyone started graduating and getting jobs, I realized something: I worked retail and they had a 4-year degree, but we were making the same amount of money.
I stopped to think about it. Did I actually want to try and further my education?
Nowadays, people seem to be finding their own paths in life and making money with no college education. It's all over the news as a big debate: Is college 'worth it'? Some argue that college students end up making more money than those with who only graduated high school. Others argue that the job market right now is so bad that people are graduating, not getting jobs in their fields and ending up in serious debt, barely making payments back on their student loans and therefore college is not worth the money.
A growing trend (that grates on my nerves) is people getting schooled by life and majoring in Stupid. Have you ever watched a reality show? People are actually PAID to be complete idiots! A scientist could possible bank a respectable 6-figure salary, but an idiot with a sex tape who is famous for being famous banks millions. I'm pretty sure she didn't go to college. Of course not, there are no cameras there.
It's plain and simple.
There has to be a reason why they are overloading children with work in the first few primary grades, then dumbing down the curriculum by the time they hit high school. Don't even get me started on this "no child left behind" movement. Children are suffering from educational burnout as early as the third or fourth grade!
While I do think it's very important to finish at least high school, I feel that college for some is becoming more of an accessory over a necessity. But, as always, to each his own.
How do you feel about education?
Oh geez. I used to think education was super important. I did well in school and had planned on going to college. Life got in the way of my plans. I went to work right out of high school, sometimes working two jobs to get by. Most of my friends had gone off to college and I felt like I was missing out. When everyone started graduating and getting jobs, I realized something: I worked retail and they had a 4-year degree, but we were making the same amount of money.
I stopped to think about it. Did I actually want to try and further my education?
Nowadays, people seem to be finding their own paths in life and making money with no college education. It's all over the news as a big debate: Is college 'worth it'? Some argue that college students end up making more money than those with who only graduated high school. Others argue that the job market right now is so bad that people are graduating, not getting jobs in their fields and ending up in serious debt, barely making payments back on their student loans and therefore college is not worth the money.
A growing trend (that grates on my nerves) is people getting schooled by life and majoring in Stupid. Have you ever watched a reality show? People are actually PAID to be complete idiots! A scientist could possible bank a respectable 6-figure salary, but an idiot with a sex tape who is famous for being famous banks millions. I'm pretty sure she didn't go to college. Of course not, there are no cameras there.
It's plain and simple.
STUPID MAKES MONEY!
While I do think it's very important to finish at least high school, I feel that college for some is becoming more of an accessory over a necessity. But, as always, to each his own.
How do you feel about education?
Monday, July 9, 2012
Blog Challenge: Day 8
"What You Ate Today"
Wow. First off, let me state: Please don't judge me! I don't have the greatest diet. It's not the worst, but it could definitely be better. I'm working on it. Baby steps, as you will see.
Breakfast
Bowl of Cinnamon Chex with 1% milk
A pop tart (yup!)
Lunch
2 Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches
Mandarin Orange Propel Zero
Pepsi (I was tired and too lazy to make coffee plus it was hot)
Snack #1
Protein bar (MetRx chocolate chip cookie dough.. I have GOT to figure out how to make cookies out of these. I'm sure it's possible!)
More MO Propel Zero
Snack #2 (at daughter's request since we were having a later dinner waiting for her father to get home)
Apple Strudel Pop Tart (Toasted it... Mmmm warm apple pie!)
Dinner
Dredged chicken (if you haven't had it this way, you should totally try it!)
Pasta with garlic and herb spice (came out better than I thought)
Other than that, I took my supplements. Like I said.. Not my best nutritional day, but not my worst either.
Wow. First off, let me state: Please don't judge me! I don't have the greatest diet. It's not the worst, but it could definitely be better. I'm working on it. Baby steps, as you will see.
Breakfast
Bowl of Cinnamon Chex with 1% milk
A pop tart (yup!)
Lunch
2 Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches
Mandarin Orange Propel Zero
Pepsi (I was tired and too lazy to make coffee plus it was hot)
Snack #1
Protein bar (MetRx chocolate chip cookie dough.. I have GOT to figure out how to make cookies out of these. I'm sure it's possible!)
More MO Propel Zero
Snack #2 (at daughter's request since we were having a later dinner waiting for her father to get home)
Apple Strudel Pop Tart (Toasted it... Mmmm warm apple pie!)
Dinner
Dredged chicken (if you haven't had it this way, you should totally try it!)
Pasta with garlic and herb spice (came out better than I thought)
Other than that, I took my supplements. Like I said.. Not my best nutritional day, but not my worst either.
Sunday, July 8, 2012
30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 7
"Five Pet Peeves"
To be honest, there are a lot of things people do that irritate me. That sounds horrible, but the older I get, the lower my tolerance for BS. That being said, I have chose five of the worse things I think people can do..
1. Laziness.
Whether leaving crumbs in the butter (YUCK!), not closing cabinets, leaving dishes laying around or doing a project and walking away to leave a mess, it bothers me to no end! You're old enough to know better. What kind of role model do you want to be?
2. Unsolicited Advice from "Know-It-Alls".
This should have been #1. Seriously, if you don't know my ENTIRE story, keep it zipped. There are a few people in my life that I am stuck with who are always trying to offer me 'helpful hints'. I will politely tell you to shove off a few times, but then be prepared for a good tongue lashing if you persist.
3. Drama Queens.
The second you say "I hate drama and I stay away from it", I know you will bring the drama any way you can. You obviously have a need for attention and low self esteem so you feed off other people's misery because it makes you feel better about yourself. Move it along.
4. Lying.
I have touched on my hatred of liars in previous posts. Feel free to peruse at your leisure :)
5. Captain Obvious.
If you think my response to your statement will be "DUH!" it may be best not to say it. When it is 98 degrees out and the humidity is around 60% which is normal for around here, do NOT update me in a text telling me how hot it is, especially if you live in the area. If I am outside and caught in a downpour, don't yell in my face "It's raining!" Things like that just set me off.
I feel like a moody bitch saying these things. The fact is, I deal with all these things on a daily basis. They may be pet peeves, but they don't bother me as much as they did when I was younger. Well lookie there I have reached some level of maturity.
To anyone who reads this, what are some of your pet peeves?
To be honest, there are a lot of things people do that irritate me. That sounds horrible, but the older I get, the lower my tolerance for BS. That being said, I have chose five of the worse things I think people can do..
1. Laziness.
Whether leaving crumbs in the butter (YUCK!), not closing cabinets, leaving dishes laying around or doing a project and walking away to leave a mess, it bothers me to no end! You're old enough to know better. What kind of role model do you want to be?
2. Unsolicited Advice from "Know-It-Alls".
This should have been #1. Seriously, if you don't know my ENTIRE story, keep it zipped. There are a few people in my life that I am stuck with who are always trying to offer me 'helpful hints'. I will politely tell you to shove off a few times, but then be prepared for a good tongue lashing if you persist.
3. Drama Queens.
The second you say "I hate drama and I stay away from it", I know you will bring the drama any way you can. You obviously have a need for attention and low self esteem so you feed off other people's misery because it makes you feel better about yourself. Move it along.
4. Lying.
I have touched on my hatred of liars in previous posts. Feel free to peruse at your leisure :)
5. Captain Obvious.
If you think my response to your statement will be "DUH!" it may be best not to say it. When it is 98 degrees out and the humidity is around 60% which is normal for around here, do NOT update me in a text telling me how hot it is, especially if you live in the area. If I am outside and caught in a downpour, don't yell in my face "It's raining!" Things like that just set me off.
I feel like a moody bitch saying these things. The fact is, I deal with all these things on a daily basis. They may be pet peeves, but they don't bother me as much as they did when I was younger. Well lookie there I have reached some level of maturity.
To anyone who reads this, what are some of your pet peeves?
Saturday, July 7, 2012
30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 6
"Your Views On Mainstream Music"
Oh wow. Where do I begin on this one?
Every time you turn around, there is a "new artist" coming out. It seems like everyone wants to be a music star. Social media has made it possible to gain a fan base before a deal is even signed, but that's not breaking news. Before social media, artists were just that.. artists. They perfected their craft. They worked on actually producing a quality project. Some artists took a year or two to finish an album. Nowadays, artists re-release an album with 4-6 new songs and give it a fancy name. "My Album Plus Some New Stuff" or in other words, "I've Been Too Bust Promoting The Last Album To Make A New One But I Have Done Some New Songs So Here Ya Go". It's irritating. You pay for an album then have to purchase the new one if you happen to like the newer songs.
All this explains why some acts are able to come out of the 80's and 90's and still be making music today, but others that came out in prepackaged fashion last decade (2000-2010) are nowhere to be found. Some dropped away from the music scene to pursue other projects but are back together (HELLO NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK! YAY!) making music, selling records and touring as if it never stopped.
But aside from all that..
Mainstream music is all over the map right now! I never thought I would so many different styles represented on the charts. There is some country, classical, jazz, pop, rap, hip hop, r&b, you name it, there is probably a song or two on there. It makes me happy to see that kind of diversity in music. There is truly something for everybody.
Personally, I do prefer the music from the 80's or 90's. I would rather have a mix cd (YUP I still make those!) of all my old cd's than an mp3 player full of new stuff. I guess my musical tastes are broader than most. My brother used to give me crap for listening to pop until I caught him humming a New Kids on the Block song. Hush, bro. You love it too!
Oh wow. Where do I begin on this one?
Every time you turn around, there is a "new artist" coming out. It seems like everyone wants to be a music star. Social media has made it possible to gain a fan base before a deal is even signed, but that's not breaking news. Before social media, artists were just that.. artists. They perfected their craft. They worked on actually producing a quality project. Some artists took a year or two to finish an album. Nowadays, artists re-release an album with 4-6 new songs and give it a fancy name. "My Album Plus Some New Stuff" or in other words, "I've Been Too Bust Promoting The Last Album To Make A New One But I Have Done Some New Songs So Here Ya Go". It's irritating. You pay for an album then have to purchase the new one if you happen to like the newer songs.
All this explains why some acts are able to come out of the 80's and 90's and still be making music today, but others that came out in prepackaged fashion last decade (2000-2010) are nowhere to be found. Some dropped away from the music scene to pursue other projects but are back together (HELLO NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK! YAY!) making music, selling records and touring as if it never stopped.
But aside from all that..
Mainstream music is all over the map right now! I never thought I would so many different styles represented on the charts. There is some country, classical, jazz, pop, rap, hip hop, r&b, you name it, there is probably a song or two on there. It makes me happy to see that kind of diversity in music. There is truly something for everybody.
Personally, I do prefer the music from the 80's or 90's. I would rather have a mix cd (YUP I still make those!) of all my old cd's than an mp3 player full of new stuff. I guess my musical tastes are broader than most. My brother used to give me crap for listening to pop until I caught him humming a New Kids on the Block song. Hush, bro. You love it too!
Friday, July 6, 2012
30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 5
"Things You Want To Say To An Ex"
HA!
That's the first thing that came to mind. My exes are tools, but they made me into who I am today. I won't say how many of them there were, but it was more than one. Everyone in your life is there to teach you something. Maybe I should thank my exes for the lessons they taught to me..
Thank you Exes
Thank you for teaching me patience, perseverance and how much I loved being single.
Thank you for pointing out what I DON'T want in a life partner.
Thank you for taking the hint and stopping the late-night calls.
Thank you for sleeping with my friend. That meant so much to me.
Thank you for teaching me how to live with a broken heart.
Thank you for making fun of me. It showed just how pathetic you were.
Thank you for being controlling and possessive. You're right. I should never back down to anyone.
Thank you for showing me how to love and more importantly, how to hate.
Thank you for giving me something to remember and something I would rather forget.
Thank you for letting your dog slobber on my shirt and hump my leg. Guess he learned from you, huh?
Thank you for cheating on me. You're right. I should have had higher standards.
Thank you for proposing to me. It showed you were completely batshit and unworthy of a second date.
Thank you for choosing someone other than me. After your messy break-up with her, I realized it was a blessing she ended up with you.
Thank you for listening to me and repeating everything I did NOT say back to me.
Thank you for picking a fight over nothing.
Thank you for hitting me with a bottle while you were high.
Thank you for slapping my sunburn. You totally deserved being burnt with a cigarette.
Thank you for showing me the beauty of just letting go and moving on.
My dating life has been a roller coaster. To all the exes: thanks for the panic and fear.
At least I now know how to breathe when I feel like my heart will stop :)
HA!
That's the first thing that came to mind. My exes are tools, but they made me into who I am today. I won't say how many of them there were, but it was more than one. Everyone in your life is there to teach you something. Maybe I should thank my exes for the lessons they taught to me..
Thank you Exes
Thank you for teaching me patience, perseverance and how much I loved being single.
Thank you for pointing out what I DON'T want in a life partner.
Thank you for taking the hint and stopping the late-night calls.
Thank you for sleeping with my friend. That meant so much to me.
Thank you for teaching me how to live with a broken heart.
Thank you for making fun of me. It showed just how pathetic you were.
Thank you for being controlling and possessive. You're right. I should never back down to anyone.
Thank you for showing me how to love and more importantly, how to hate.
Thank you for giving me something to remember and something I would rather forget.
Thank you for letting your dog slobber on my shirt and hump my leg. Guess he learned from you, huh?
Thank you for cheating on me. You're right. I should have had higher standards.
Thank you for proposing to me. It showed you were completely batshit and unworthy of a second date.
Thank you for choosing someone other than me. After your messy break-up with her, I realized it was a blessing she ended up with you.
Thank you for listening to me and repeating everything I did NOT say back to me.
Thank you for picking a fight over nothing.
Thank you for hitting me with a bottle while you were high.
Thank you for slapping my sunburn. You totally deserved being burnt with a cigarette.
Thank you for showing me the beauty of just letting go and moving on.
My dating life has been a roller coaster. To all the exes: thanks for the panic and fear.
At least I now know how to breathe when I feel like my heart will stop :)
Thursday, July 5, 2012
30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 4
"Bullet Your Whole Day"
- Wake Up. Check to see if Mini is still asleep or awake doing bad things.
- Potty (Yup, I'm human!)
- Breakfast. Today was Cheerios and milk. No bananas :(
- Check phone. Answer emails, texts and voicemails.
- Wake Mini up. It may be summer but I'm tired of late nights.
- Argue with Mini about whether she should have breakfast or not.
- Give into Mini's request to skip breakfast. The fighting is giving me a headache anyways and it's almost lunch time at this point.
- Turn on Nick Jr.
- Lunch time! Peanut butter and jelly. Yum!
- Conversate with Mini at the lunch table.
- Demand she eat her crust and stop wasting bread.
- Continue eating as Mini pouts, but reluctantly finishes upon promise of a cupcake.
- Give Mini a cupcake.
- Clean frosting off Mini's thighs. Yup that happened.
- Head upstairs so I can possibly get some work done.
- Turn on tv to a music station.
- Put together some toys so Mini can play with them. One is a Polly Pocket car with a hot tub in the back.
- Turn on computer.
- Dust as computer loads.
- Sign onto computer.
- Break up fight between the two dogs over a piece of dust (seriously!)
- Dump water on myself as I try to fix car door on the toy I just assembled for Mini.
- Ask Mini what happened. "It's a tub Mommy. I filled it with water."
- Dump the rest of the water on Mini. Not my finest hour of parenting, but we both got a laugh out of it at least.
- Set up fan to blow into the room. It's hot in the den!
- Break up second tiff between the dogs over a toy that's not even theirs.
- Send dogs to different couches to lay down.
- Potty time again. (TMI I know, but this is funny..)
- Discover Mini used toilet water.
- Realize I threw toilet water onto my child earlier.
- Ask Mini "You used toilet water?" "Yes. It was just sitting there." Well played, child.
- Discuss a snack with Mini. She wants Twizzlers. Fine whatever. Have them.
- Check Twitter. Apparently, Jason Kidd is coming to the NY Knicks.
- Call husband and spoil his sports radio commute home by telling him the breaking news. (HA!)
- Tell Mini to put her markers back in the bin. There is no need to hide them all over the den.
- Read Mini a story.
- Take call from husband who is on his way home. Dinner is pizza. Everything else is frozen.
- Discuss Mini using foot bath later.
- Discuss Mini actually taking a shower. No, she wants to go to sleep dirty. *SHUDDER* I guess tomorrow I throw her in the tub first thing and change her sheets.
- Dinner time. Pizza is here.
- Go through mail and daily paper.
- Take rabbit out of cage and brush him.
- Choke on rabbit hair.
- Make two new rabbits with all the hair I just brushed off the rabbit. Seriously, he's shedding like crazy!
- VERY carefully remove clothes covered in hair.
- Shower time.
- Sit down at computer.
- Check Facebook.
- Check other social networks.
- Clean out Mini's ears.
- Go to Blogger site.
- Turn on music.
- Attempt to do daily blog post.
- Discuss Mini using my foot spa.
- Tell husband to set her up in her chair.
- Check Twitter. METS WIN!!! YAY!!!
- Tweet about the Mets win over Philly.
- Text pics of Mini's room painted to sister and friends.
- Attempt #2 to do daily blog post.
- Shake my head as nightly tests are flooding in. Everyone checking in and seeing what's up for the weekend. Wait, what day is it?? Answer all texts.
- Attempt #3 to do post.
- Type title and what the post is about.
- Say good night to Mini and make sure dogs are downstairs.
- Start typing out post.
- Drink root beer float husband has brought as a peace offering (it's ALWAYS a peace offering!)
- Finally finish blog post.
- I will be heading to bed soon, hopefully uneventfully. I will brush my teeth, swipe my face with witch hazel, lotion up my feet, check the humidifier, check on Mini, then hopefully fall asleep before I start to think about the weekend.
Guess it was a slow day today :)
SO. How was YOUR day?
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 3
"A Book You Love"
I love to read! I really do. I have read so many good books, it's hard to pick just one. I have more of a "favorites list" than only one. One book that stands out in my mind (and prominently on my shelf as a matter of fact) is Shel Silverstein's "The Giving Tree".
Yes, I am well aware it is technically a kid's book, but the message is for everyone;
LOVE KNOWS NO BOUNDS!
There is nothing the tree would not do for the boy. She gave and gave until she thought she had nothing left. When she was but a stump, she offered herself as a chair. When I first read the book, I got a little agitated with the boy. Every single time I read the book, I would think "What a selfish ass! He just uses the tree and doesn't even bother to visit or anything when he doesn't need anything."
The older I got, the more I identified with the tree. The boy's happiness was always temporary and he always returned to the tree, whom he knew he could trust. Sometimes, we give and give and receive nothing in return. It's in my nature to help people. Sometimes, it comes at a price (whether monetary or a bit of sanity at the moment) but I am always willing to give helping out a shot. At times, I feel like a tree full of apples and there is plenty for everyone. Other times, I feel like a stump. I re-read this story all the time and realize that some people are like the boy and some are like the tree: the givers of this world and the takers.
I prefer being a tree, thank you very much :)
I love to read! I really do. I have read so many good books, it's hard to pick just one. I have more of a "favorites list" than only one. One book that stands out in my mind (and prominently on my shelf as a matter of fact) is Shel Silverstein's "The Giving Tree".
Yes, I am well aware it is technically a kid's book, but the message is for everyone;
LOVE KNOWS NO BOUNDS!
There is nothing the tree would not do for the boy. She gave and gave until she thought she had nothing left. When she was but a stump, she offered herself as a chair. When I first read the book, I got a little agitated with the boy. Every single time I read the book, I would think "What a selfish ass! He just uses the tree and doesn't even bother to visit or anything when he doesn't need anything."
The older I got, the more I identified with the tree. The boy's happiness was always temporary and he always returned to the tree, whom he knew he could trust. Sometimes, we give and give and receive nothing in return. It's in my nature to help people. Sometimes, it comes at a price (whether monetary or a bit of sanity at the moment) but I am always willing to give helping out a shot. At times, I feel like a tree full of apples and there is plenty for everyone. Other times, I feel like a stump. I re-read this story all the time and realize that some people are like the boy and some are like the tree: the givers of this world and the takers.
I prefer being a tree, thank you very much :)
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 2
"Something You Feel Strongly About"
Wow. There are a lot of topics I can discuss forever, but I have to pick one. Since it came up in conversation today, I'm going to pick "Motorcycles".
No I don't want to discuss the specs and logistics. I want to discuss motorcycle riders. Now don't get me wrong. I love motorcycles. I think people who ride them are fascinating. One thing stands out in my mind though.. Death. It seems to be happening more and more that motorcyclists are dying on the roads. A lot of articles pin the blame on whoever was driving the car that hit the motorcycle.
But is it always the car-driver's fault?
A few weeks ago, I was on my way to a chiropractor appointment. I saw a motorcycle behind me, riding my tail. I was all the way over in the left lane on the expressway. Since he was traveling so close, I became nervous. If I had to stop short for any reason, he would face plant against my back window. There was a car to the right of me so I was going to pull ahead of that car then into the right lane so the motorcycle guy could pass me. I started to do just that. At the same time, the guy sped up and was coming up in between the two cars, mine and the one to the right. I screamed and jerked my truck back into the left lane.
My heart was pounding. I could have killed him!
He flipped me off as he drove past and I got mad. How dare he! I was going to let him pass, but instead he goes and does something stupid, then flips ME off? Yup.
This was not the first and not even the last time I have witnessed this type of behavior with motorcyclists. Yes, we should be looking in our mirrors to check for motorcycles, but in turn, the people riding them need to be responsible enough to stop doing anything stupid.
Responsible driving is EVERY driver's concern, no matter what vehicle they are operating!
Wow. There are a lot of topics I can discuss forever, but I have to pick one. Since it came up in conversation today, I'm going to pick "Motorcycles".
No I don't want to discuss the specs and logistics. I want to discuss motorcycle riders. Now don't get me wrong. I love motorcycles. I think people who ride them are fascinating. One thing stands out in my mind though.. Death. It seems to be happening more and more that motorcyclists are dying on the roads. A lot of articles pin the blame on whoever was driving the car that hit the motorcycle.
But is it always the car-driver's fault?
A few weeks ago, I was on my way to a chiropractor appointment. I saw a motorcycle behind me, riding my tail. I was all the way over in the left lane on the expressway. Since he was traveling so close, I became nervous. If I had to stop short for any reason, he would face plant against my back window. There was a car to the right of me so I was going to pull ahead of that car then into the right lane so the motorcycle guy could pass me. I started to do just that. At the same time, the guy sped up and was coming up in between the two cars, mine and the one to the right. I screamed and jerked my truck back into the left lane.
My heart was pounding. I could have killed him!
He flipped me off as he drove past and I got mad. How dare he! I was going to let him pass, but instead he goes and does something stupid, then flips ME off? Yup.
This was not the first and not even the last time I have witnessed this type of behavior with motorcyclists. Yes, we should be looking in our mirrors to check for motorcycles, but in turn, the people riding them need to be responsible enough to stop doing anything stupid.
Responsible driving is EVERY driver's concern, no matter what vehicle they are operating!
Monday, July 2, 2012
Happy 90th, Nanny!
Here is my extra post for this month. Tomorrow I resume the 30 Day Challenge..
Everyone has someone who has influenced and/or inspired them in some way. I have a few and one of them is my Grandmother. She turns 90 today, July 2nd, 2012. "Nanny" (as we've always called her) still drives and still works. She is a Senior Companion. Go figure! Ask her what she does and she will tell you "I take little old ladies shopping". The kicker is these women are 10-20 years YOUNGER than Nan.
Last Saturday was her official party. It was amazing having four generations in one place. Nanny, My Father, Me and Mini (my 5yo daughter). The last major birthday party we had for Nanny was her 85th. In one picture, she was holding my then 3-week-old daughter. It is truly incredible watching them together now. Mini is almost 4 feet tall and Nanny has shrunk down to 4'11".
Since Mini will never meet her one Grandma, it thrills me to no end that these two have bonded. They have some pretty interesting conversations. They usually involve a lot of "what?" and "huh?" but are always entertaining.
Nanny and I both have arthritis. On particularly humid or even rainy days, we call each other and discuss what joint hurts and what we have or haven't taken for it. She says, "You know you're old when you start discussing arthritis with your GRANDchildren!" She might be onto something there :)
When you start having kids and growing up, the birthday cards become few and far between. Nanny never misses. I get a card from her every year. I have requested she stop putting money in them, but if she insists, I take her out to dinner and slip it back into her purse. I'm sure she knows I do this, but she doesn't say anything. On my first wedding anniversary, Nanny was in the hospital after having a heart attack. The woman actually apologized because my card would be late. I cracked up! "Nan you can't be serious! Oh goodness. I don't need a card. Just knowing you're going to be okay is enough for me." I did get my card. It was a week late with "Sorry" written all over the back of the envelope. Yup that's my Nanny!
The fact that Nanny can do what she does and get around like she does is truly an inspiration! She has stated that when she passes, she is donating her body to science. Science will be lucky to have her :)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY NANNY!! I know you don't read anything like this, but you already know you inspire me. I just wanted to share that. LOVE YOU MUCHLY!
Everyone has someone who has influenced and/or inspired them in some way. I have a few and one of them is my Grandmother. She turns 90 today, July 2nd, 2012. "Nanny" (as we've always called her) still drives and still works. She is a Senior Companion. Go figure! Ask her what she does and she will tell you "I take little old ladies shopping". The kicker is these women are 10-20 years YOUNGER than Nan.
Last Saturday was her official party. It was amazing having four generations in one place. Nanny, My Father, Me and Mini (my 5yo daughter). The last major birthday party we had for Nanny was her 85th. In one picture, she was holding my then 3-week-old daughter. It is truly incredible watching them together now. Mini is almost 4 feet tall and Nanny has shrunk down to 4'11".
Since Mini will never meet her one Grandma, it thrills me to no end that these two have bonded. They have some pretty interesting conversations. They usually involve a lot of "what?" and "huh?" but are always entertaining.
Nanny and I both have arthritis. On particularly humid or even rainy days, we call each other and discuss what joint hurts and what we have or haven't taken for it. She says, "You know you're old when you start discussing arthritis with your GRANDchildren!" She might be onto something there :)
When you start having kids and growing up, the birthday cards become few and far between. Nanny never misses. I get a card from her every year. I have requested she stop putting money in them, but if she insists, I take her out to dinner and slip it back into her purse. I'm sure she knows I do this, but she doesn't say anything. On my first wedding anniversary, Nanny was in the hospital after having a heart attack. The woman actually apologized because my card would be late. I cracked up! "Nan you can't be serious! Oh goodness. I don't need a card. Just knowing you're going to be okay is enough for me." I did get my card. It was a week late with "Sorry" written all over the back of the envelope. Yup that's my Nanny!
The fact that Nanny can do what she does and get around like she does is truly an inspiration! She has stated that when she passes, she is donating her body to science. Science will be lucky to have her :)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY NANNY!! I know you don't read anything like this, but you already know you inspire me. I just wanted to share that. LOVE YOU MUCHLY!
Sunday, July 1, 2012
30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 1
"Five Ways To Win Your Heart"
1. BE HONEST!
As I have previously posted, nothing is more annoying than dishonesty. Even if the truth hurts, I will respect you for telling it. If you promise to be honest, I promise to go easy on the "loaded" questions.
2. UNDERSTAND MY FAMILY IS COMPLICATED.
My family is complicated. I'm adopted so there is the adopteds and the biologicals. I need a piece of paper and a flowchart to explain it all. Some of my friends have known me over a decade and still have to ask "Which sibling is that?" You have to win over both my families to score big points with me.
3. DON'T TRY TO FIX MY PROBLEMS!
I hold stress in all the time. I don't like to burden people with my problems so when I vent, it's just that. I'm spilling what's on my mind. I don't want your solutions, unless I ask, which is highly unlikely. In turn, I will let you vent about whatever you need to and will not give 'helpful hints' unless asked.
4. PAY ATTENTION.
If you can make a mental note every time the words "I love that" or "I hate that" come out of my mouth, we'll be just fine. Don't assume I am like every other person you've known. I would rather you ask me what flowers I like (blue carnations please!) than waste your money on red roses (I prefer peach anyways). Actually, if you really got to know me, you would know I kill plants (I don't know how it happens but they just die in my care) and I would rather you get me something else. Pay attention to subtle hints.
5. TALK TO ME!
This is huge. Communication is a two-way street. It's very important for both people to share their likes, dislikes, life stories, funny anecdotes or other things that make you laugh. It makes me feel like you are opening up your world to me, wanting me to be a part of it.
There you have it. Five ways to win me over. I could go on but the challenge said 5 :)
1. BE HONEST!
As I have previously posted, nothing is more annoying than dishonesty. Even if the truth hurts, I will respect you for telling it. If you promise to be honest, I promise to go easy on the "loaded" questions.
2. UNDERSTAND MY FAMILY IS COMPLICATED.
My family is complicated. I'm adopted so there is the adopteds and the biologicals. I need a piece of paper and a flowchart to explain it all. Some of my friends have known me over a decade and still have to ask "Which sibling is that?" You have to win over both my families to score big points with me.
3. DON'T TRY TO FIX MY PROBLEMS!
I hold stress in all the time. I don't like to burden people with my problems so when I vent, it's just that. I'm spilling what's on my mind. I don't want your solutions, unless I ask, which is highly unlikely. In turn, I will let you vent about whatever you need to and will not give 'helpful hints' unless asked.
4. PAY ATTENTION.
If you can make a mental note every time the words "I love that" or "I hate that" come out of my mouth, we'll be just fine. Don't assume I am like every other person you've known. I would rather you ask me what flowers I like (blue carnations please!) than waste your money on red roses (I prefer peach anyways). Actually, if you really got to know me, you would know I kill plants (I don't know how it happens but they just die in my care) and I would rather you get me something else. Pay attention to subtle hints.
5. TALK TO ME!
This is huge. Communication is a two-way street. It's very important for both people to share their likes, dislikes, life stories, funny anecdotes or other things that make you laugh. It makes me feel like you are opening up your world to me, wanting me to be a part of it.
There you have it. Five ways to win me over. I could go on but the challenge said 5 :)
30 Day Blog Challenge: Here I Go!
I have decided to go for it and try out a blog challenge. This will get me back into the swing of writing every day and with a purpose. Yes, I realize July has 31 days, but July 2nd is my Grandmother's 90th birthday so I am dedicating that post to her.
I googled '30 Day Blog Challenge' and there are many different challenges out there. Everyone has a different version and I really wished I had bookmarked where I found the one I decided to use. Sorry to the original poster. That's a fail on my part :(
Happy Reading!
I googled '30 Day Blog Challenge' and there are many different challenges out there. Everyone has a different version and I really wished I had bookmarked where I found the one I decided to use. Sorry to the original poster. That's a fail on my part :(
Happy Reading!