I used to love Fall. It was always my favorite season. This year though? Not so much! Fall and I are no longer seeing eye-to-eye. The past few weeks have pretty much sucked. I normally don't complain about the weather (HA! I couldn't even type that without cracking up) but this is what's been happening. I'm sure you've heard about it all on your local news..
Hurricane Sandy came and went, taking out power with it. Long Island and the shore in NJ got hit the hardest. They called the storm "Long Island's Katrina". It took 5 days for the power to get turned back on. We lost a section of fence, but it is fixable. It keeps making me think of the people who were affected by Hurricane Irene last year (we lost power 4 days that time) and were still waiting on money from FEMA to be able to rebuild. I am grateful we only had the little damage we did and I pray for those who have to start from nothing and rebuild now.
As for my family, my daughter pretty much spent the week at my parents house. They were more than happy to have her and I was happy that she at least had a warm bed and shower. I toughed it out in the cold because of my dogs. They slept in their jackets each night and ran around to keep warm during the day. The rabbit couldn't have cared less. He was his usual self.
Then the Nor'easter Blizzard hit. Literally, the first day back at school. By the time I got Mini off the bus, it was snowing pretty hard and it was FREEZING! I guess our district was determined not to use any more days because we ended up with a 2-hour delay. We didn't lose power during that storm. I thank all that's holy for that one because LIPA (Long Island Power Authority) had announced that if you lost power during the blizzard, your power wouldn't be turned back on until after the Sandy victims had their power. In case you haven't heard, this is requiring building inspectors and a LIPA rep to go door-to-door, business-to-business to make sure each house or building is sound enough to handle having power back. It's pain-staking and there have been protests across Long Island with residents asking LIPA to work faster. It has been pretty crazy.
This weekend, the weather was in the 60's. I'm not even kidding. Yesterday, my truck said "63" and today it said "65". So we go from a Hurricane to Blizzard to 60's all within two weeks. At this point, I think Mother Nature is just screwing with us!
One of the best things to come out of all the turmoil is the sights and sounds of people reaching out and helping. The outpouring of love and support from all over is truly heart-warming. I'm not talking about celebrities. They have to help so they look like they care. I'm talking about Long Islanders helping out their fellow LI-ers, NY-ers helping out their fellow NY-ers.
It gives me hope for humanity.
It makes me smile.
Monday, November 12, 2012
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Love the Fall. Hate the Sick.
Before this school year started, I rarely got sick. I mean it. It never mattered who was sick around me, I never got anything. My family would jokingly cough on me. Nothing. Mini and her father would come home sick. Nothing.
All that changed this school year. I've been sick twice already! It certainly doesn't help that the weather has been insane. It's 45 one day and 70 the next. At night, we have already hit the 30s. I'm freezing when I go to bed, but boiling when I wake up. All this is a perfect storm for getting sick.
The biggest thing that is bothering me at the moment is that I have yet to go pumpkin or apple picking yet. I'm so incredibly disappointed! The first two weeks of school I was dealing with something emotionally that led to my lack of sleep. The next two weeks, I was sick. By the time my cold was gone, I had sprouted a new wisdom tooth. However, this new tooth came in both impacted and infected. Let me tell you how much fun that was! After being in ridiculous pain for a week (the pain spread to the side of my head and was causing migraines and facial swelling), I went to the dentist and begged him to pull it. After that, I was on meds for the pain and the infection plus a soft-food-try-to-have-mostly-liquids diet. When I was done with the meds and my gums had healed, I got sick again.
In short, I have gotten NOTHING accomplished since school started. Still.
I have always loved the Fall. I love the changing leaves, the excuse to bust out my extensive sweatshirt collection, more reasons to drink coffee during the day, pumpkin bread/muffins/cake/cupcakes, football and basketball starts... You get the idea. This Fall, however, has not been my friend. I hope things will start to look up in the coming weeks. I hate being sick!
How is YOUR Fall going?
All that changed this school year. I've been sick twice already! It certainly doesn't help that the weather has been insane. It's 45 one day and 70 the next. At night, we have already hit the 30s. I'm freezing when I go to bed, but boiling when I wake up. All this is a perfect storm for getting sick.
The biggest thing that is bothering me at the moment is that I have yet to go pumpkin or apple picking yet. I'm so incredibly disappointed! The first two weeks of school I was dealing with something emotionally that led to my lack of sleep. The next two weeks, I was sick. By the time my cold was gone, I had sprouted a new wisdom tooth. However, this new tooth came in both impacted and infected. Let me tell you how much fun that was! After being in ridiculous pain for a week (the pain spread to the side of my head and was causing migraines and facial swelling), I went to the dentist and begged him to pull it. After that, I was on meds for the pain and the infection plus a soft-food-try-to-have-mostly-liquids diet. When I was done with the meds and my gums had healed, I got sick again.
In short, I have gotten NOTHING accomplished since school started. Still.
I have always loved the Fall. I love the changing leaves, the excuse to bust out my extensive sweatshirt collection, more reasons to drink coffee during the day, pumpkin bread/muffins/cake/cupcakes, football and basketball starts... You get the idea. This Fall, however, has not been my friend. I hope things will start to look up in the coming weeks. I hate being sick!
How is YOUR Fall going?
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Liebster Blog Award..
Yay! I was nominated for a Liebster Blog Award.
Wait. What's that?
Glad you asked :)
It means someone thinks I'm a noteworthy blogger. Liebsters are given by bloggers to other bloggers with less than 200 followers that they feel could use some recognition. I have always loved to write. It's a passion of mine and I try to keep my writing as real as possible, so it's nice to be recognized for that. Back in high school, I received the Journalism award for being on the school paper for two years. I have the plaque hanging on my office wall. My first blog was started about 7 years ago now, around the time I got engaged. I blogged about wedding planning and what was happening every step of the way. My next blog was about my daughter. I wish I had kept up with that one.
Thanks so much and lots of hugs to Ashly from Epiphanies of Ashly for the nomination! She is one of my favorite bloggers because she is real and funny. Her posts have just the right amount of sarcasm and hilarity to keep a reader entertained.
Here are the rules:
1. You have to list 11 things about yourself.
2. Answer the 11 questions sent to you be the person who nominated you.
3. Choose UP TO 11 bloggers that have less than 200 followers.
4. Go to your nominees page and inform them of their award.
5. You CAN NOT tag back.
Without further ado, 11 things about me...
1. I have 12 siblings.
2. When I took the 11th grade writing test, my teacher informed me that whoever graded my exam said I was the first student in years to get all the spelling and vocabulary right. It made me both proud and sad.
3. I'm mad you can only find Bailey's chocolates in stores around Christmas.
4. My favorite saying lately is "It is what it is".
5. I shrank 2.5 inches in the past eight years thanks to a car accident that compressed my spine and a pregnancy that did further damage.
6. I have a mini binder that I absolutely love. I've named it Booklyn. (Don't judge me!)
7. Shel Silverstein is my favorite poet.
8. If I hit the lottery, I would call all my family and friends. If you answer, you can have some money. If you don't, you can kick rocks.
9. Whole wheat Ritz crackers were a genius idea!
10. I don't like eating Cheerios without milk and a banana cut up and dumped in.
11. When I was younger, I thought the people on the front of magazines and newspapers could see me. I would hide them if I was using the bathroom. I'm cracking up as I type this.
Now onto Ashly's questions:
1. How long have you been blogging and what made you start?
About 7 years ago, I started a blog when I got engaged. It answered mundane questions about our wedding and stuff.
2. Coke or Pepsi?
Pepsi.
3. What is your dream job?
Getting paid for doing nothing.
4. What city do you live in?
I'm an hour west of New York City out on Long Island. I'm also an hour away from the Hamptons.
5. What was your high school mascot?
Musketeer.
6. Would you rather be a bird or a fish and why?
Whichever was endangered so I wouldn't be shot or hunted.
7. What is the greatest award you've ever received?
Probably the Journalism Award I got in high school.
8. IPhone or Droid?
I love my Blackberry, but I have a soft spot for my iPhone as well.
9. Do you have pets? If so, how many and what are they?
I have 3. Two pugs and a rabbit. 4 if you count my husband when he's being a slob.
10. What do you want to be for Halloween this year?
A corpse, so I could sleep and be left alone.
11. Top 3 favorite movies?
Wedding Crashers, the Great Muppet Caper, Mrs Doubtfire
Now that I have answered the questions, it's my turn to tag a few people and ask them some questions. These are blogs that I read as often as I can. I don't always get the chance to comment, but I always make it a point to check them out..
I nominate:
1. The Bad & Ugly of Retro Food
2. Eight Are We: The Pursuit of Blendedly Blissful
3. Nanny to Mommy
4. Hot Shot Blogger
5. Adventures From Beyond the Crib
6. The Pink Momma
7. Stone Soup Tales
8. Wedded Bliss & Blooming Baby
Here are the questions I have for you..
1. Name something you can't go a day without doing.
2. If you were given the keys to a time machine, where would you go and why?
3. Do you prefer blue or black ink?
4. What's the last thing you regretted buying?
5. Who is your favorite cartoon character?
6. Would you break the law to save a loved one?
7. What's #1 on your Bucket List?
8. Name the first song that comes to mind.
9. If you could trade lives with anyone, who would it be?
10. What's your favorite game show?
11. Do you own more books than movies?
Well, there it is. Happy Nominations everyone!
Thanks again, Ashly. You're the best!
Wait. What's that?
Glad you asked :)
It means someone thinks I'm a noteworthy blogger. Liebsters are given by bloggers to other bloggers with less than 200 followers that they feel could use some recognition. I have always loved to write. It's a passion of mine and I try to keep my writing as real as possible, so it's nice to be recognized for that. Back in high school, I received the Journalism award for being on the school paper for two years. I have the plaque hanging on my office wall. My first blog was started about 7 years ago now, around the time I got engaged. I blogged about wedding planning and what was happening every step of the way. My next blog was about my daughter. I wish I had kept up with that one.
Thanks so much and lots of hugs to Ashly from Epiphanies of Ashly for the nomination! She is one of my favorite bloggers because she is real and funny. Her posts have just the right amount of sarcasm and hilarity to keep a reader entertained.
Here are the rules:
1. You have to list 11 things about yourself.
2. Answer the 11 questions sent to you be the person who nominated you.
3. Choose UP TO 11 bloggers that have less than 200 followers.
4. Go to your nominees page and inform them of their award.
5. You CAN NOT tag back.
Without further ado, 11 things about me...
1. I have 12 siblings.
2. When I took the 11th grade writing test, my teacher informed me that whoever graded my exam said I was the first student in years to get all the spelling and vocabulary right. It made me both proud and sad.
3. I'm mad you can only find Bailey's chocolates in stores around Christmas.
4. My favorite saying lately is "It is what it is".
5. I shrank 2.5 inches in the past eight years thanks to a car accident that compressed my spine and a pregnancy that did further damage.
6. I have a mini binder that I absolutely love. I've named it Booklyn. (Don't judge me!)
7. Shel Silverstein is my favorite poet.
8. If I hit the lottery, I would call all my family and friends. If you answer, you can have some money. If you don't, you can kick rocks.
9. Whole wheat Ritz crackers were a genius idea!
10. I don't like eating Cheerios without milk and a banana cut up and dumped in.
11. When I was younger, I thought the people on the front of magazines and newspapers could see me. I would hide them if I was using the bathroom. I'm cracking up as I type this.
Now onto Ashly's questions:
1. How long have you been blogging and what made you start?
About 7 years ago, I started a blog when I got engaged. It answered mundane questions about our wedding and stuff.
2. Coke or Pepsi?
Pepsi.
3. What is your dream job?
Getting paid for doing nothing.
4. What city do you live in?
I'm an hour west of New York City out on Long Island. I'm also an hour away from the Hamptons.
5. What was your high school mascot?
Musketeer.
6. Would you rather be a bird or a fish and why?
Whichever was endangered so I wouldn't be shot or hunted.
7. What is the greatest award you've ever received?
Probably the Journalism Award I got in high school.
8. IPhone or Droid?
I love my Blackberry, but I have a soft spot for my iPhone as well.
9. Do you have pets? If so, how many and what are they?
I have 3. Two pugs and a rabbit. 4 if you count my husband when he's being a slob.
10. What do you want to be for Halloween this year?
A corpse, so I could sleep and be left alone.
11. Top 3 favorite movies?
Wedding Crashers, the Great Muppet Caper, Mrs Doubtfire
Now that I have answered the questions, it's my turn to tag a few people and ask them some questions. These are blogs that I read as often as I can. I don't always get the chance to comment, but I always make it a point to check them out..
I nominate:
1. The Bad & Ugly of Retro Food
2. Eight Are We: The Pursuit of Blendedly Blissful
3. Nanny to Mommy
4. Hot Shot Blogger
5. Adventures From Beyond the Crib
6. The Pink Momma
7. Stone Soup Tales
8. Wedded Bliss & Blooming Baby
Here are the questions I have for you..
1. Name something you can't go a day without doing.
2. If you were given the keys to a time machine, where would you go and why?
3. Do you prefer blue or black ink?
4. What's the last thing you regretted buying?
5. Who is your favorite cartoon character?
6. Would you break the law to save a loved one?
7. What's #1 on your Bucket List?
8. Name the first song that comes to mind.
9. If you could trade lives with anyone, who would it be?
10. What's your favorite game show?
11. Do you own more books than movies?
Well, there it is. Happy Nominations everyone!
Thanks again, Ashly. You're the best!
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Thirty-Something
My birthday is September 11th. Yes, you read that right. I bet you couldn't read it without reacting a little bit, huh? I'm used to it by now. Everyone has a reaction. Even if they don't say anything, it's written all over their face. Some examples:
-Years ago, I was on a date. He asked when my birthday was. Since he was a police officer, I hesitated then told him. He got up, walked out and I never heard from him again.
-A little over 8 years ago, I was in a car accident. Several people stood around with clipboards asking for my info. When I gave my birthday, all of them stopped and looked up. I just said "No comments, please. Not in the mood."
-A few years ago, a few friends and I went out for my birthday. Someone at the next table actually yelled at us for celebrating. He told me the day wasn't worth celebrating. I told him it was my birthday. He rolled his eyes and said "Don't lie to me." I showed him my driver's license and told him where he could put his own drink.
Yup. I've gotten used to the weird looks and ridiculous comments. I'm sure Ludacris, Harry Connick Jr, Taraji Henson, Moby, Virginia Madsen, Ed Reed, Lola Falana, Mickey Hart & Tommy Shaw (to name a few) all get the same reactions. Google it. They all share my birthday. To answer your question: I was home enjoying a day off when my sister called my brother to tell him to turn on the news. It was my 20th birthday.
ANYWAYS..
For me, my birthday is a time to reflect on the year and make goals for the next one. So, how did my year go? Meh not so good. I set goals for myself last year and got nothing done. This year, I'm more determined than ever...
*My treadmill and I will remain friends. My knee and I? Not so much. My knee pretty much screams every time the treadmill and I are hanging out. I shut my knee up with some meds because my treadmill has helped me lose 15 lbs so far. Sorry, knee, but I'm sticking with the treadmill.
*My desk WILL be organized. It's coming along nicely already. Most of the stuff is in place and I'm unearthing all the piles of stuff my husband has buried and am going through each thing. I leave no paper unturned.
*I will not be put in the middle anymore. My family does it and sometimes my friends do it. I'm tired of being thrown in the middle of some dramatic standoff. I'm Switzerland. Get used to it.
*I will not only trust my gut, I will listen to it. I always get a feeling about a situation, but I always let my heart win out. I feel sorry and help people who don't deserve it, only for them to take advantage. I'm over doing that.
*I'm going to make more time for my hobbies... and actually finish something!
That's what has been on my mind all week. Here's to being 31 and loving it!
Do you reflect and set goals on your birthday?
-Years ago, I was on a date. He asked when my birthday was. Since he was a police officer, I hesitated then told him. He got up, walked out and I never heard from him again.
-A little over 8 years ago, I was in a car accident. Several people stood around with clipboards asking for my info. When I gave my birthday, all of them stopped and looked up. I just said "No comments, please. Not in the mood."
-A few years ago, a few friends and I went out for my birthday. Someone at the next table actually yelled at us for celebrating. He told me the day wasn't worth celebrating. I told him it was my birthday. He rolled his eyes and said "Don't lie to me." I showed him my driver's license and told him where he could put his own drink.
Yup. I've gotten used to the weird looks and ridiculous comments. I'm sure Ludacris, Harry Connick Jr, Taraji Henson, Moby, Virginia Madsen, Ed Reed, Lola Falana, Mickey Hart & Tommy Shaw (to name a few) all get the same reactions. Google it. They all share my birthday. To answer your question: I was home enjoying a day off when my sister called my brother to tell him to turn on the news. It was my 20th birthday.
ANYWAYS..
For me, my birthday is a time to reflect on the year and make goals for the next one. So, how did my year go? Meh not so good. I set goals for myself last year and got nothing done. This year, I'm more determined than ever...
*My treadmill and I will remain friends. My knee and I? Not so much. My knee pretty much screams every time the treadmill and I are hanging out. I shut my knee up with some meds because my treadmill has helped me lose 15 lbs so far. Sorry, knee, but I'm sticking with the treadmill.
*My desk WILL be organized. It's coming along nicely already. Most of the stuff is in place and I'm unearthing all the piles of stuff my husband has buried and am going through each thing. I leave no paper unturned.
*I will not be put in the middle anymore. My family does it and sometimes my friends do it. I'm tired of being thrown in the middle of some dramatic standoff. I'm Switzerland. Get used to it.
*I will not only trust my gut, I will listen to it. I always get a feeling about a situation, but I always let my heart win out. I feel sorry and help people who don't deserve it, only for them to take advantage. I'm over doing that.
*I'm going to make more time for my hobbies... and actually finish something!
That's what has been on my mind all week. Here's to being 31 and loving it!
Do you reflect and set goals on your birthday?
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Nap = Panacea?
Mini started school this week. I had no idea it would be so hard for me. It's not so much that "my baby's growing up *sniff sniff*", it's more "I'm too paranoid to trust these strangers to keep her safe". I knew my paranoia was going to bite me in the tuckus though..
I have done my best to keep busy, but to no avail. It pains me to admit I was so depressed, I ended up napping all afternoon all three days. That's how crappy my coping skills are. Sleep is my remedy for anything. Sleeping helps pass the time. My phone is near me, in case the school calls, but I have chosen to ignore life. The crappy weather hasn't been helping my mood much either. My body and my emotions are in full-on rebellion mode!
Yesterday, as I cleaned and got my house ready for company, I did a lot of thinking. I can't do this to myself anymore. Yes, napping always makes me feel better.. It's my go-to stress reliever.. But the avoidance isn't healthy. Sleeping all afternoon is just not helping at all.
I have made a list of things I need to do this week and I am determined to figure out how to deal with this in a sane way plus my birthday is this week which will help a little with a distraction. I now have time to finish all those projects that I want to, but don't want Mini in my hair while I'm doing them, so I'm doing my best to look on the bright side of things:
*I can finally set up my "office". I got a brand new, obnoxiously big desk (LOVE IT though) and my stuff is just kind of thrown on there. I can finally bring some order to the chaos.
*I can Pinterest my way through my crafting supplies. I found the tutorial on how to turn an old t-shirt into a scarf. My sisters and adopted Mom liked them so much, they requested some for Christmas! I can get them done early..
*I can scrapbook! The second I pull out the scissors and glue sticks, Mini wants in. She loves making projects. I like subway art and found a ton of printables for Fall, my favorite season. I want to collage them all and now I can on my own!
*I want to make the protein powder I just bought my bitch. I can Google and Pinterest til my heart's content for recipes and actually MAKE THEM without someone clamoring for a taste then complaining about it.
*I can rearrange Mini's room. Little by little, we worked all summer to transform Mini's room. There are a few different storage ideas I have for her stuff though. She balks at any idea I have, but when I just do it, she loves it. I now have the time to do that!
*My house will stay 50% cleaner! Mini wakes up, dresses, has breakfast then gets on the bus. When she gets home, she has a snack and this week, will have homework. By the time we are done with dinner, she is one tired kid, yet seems to have an insane amount of energy still. However, with her gone from 8:45 to 4 everyday, there will be no mess made during those hours!
I hope this next week will be a little easier than last week. My brain just always fears the worst and that's just something I need to work on, but at least I can acknowledge that. The first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem, right?
I have done my best to keep busy, but to no avail. It pains me to admit I was so depressed, I ended up napping all afternoon all three days. That's how crappy my coping skills are. Sleep is my remedy for anything. Sleeping helps pass the time. My phone is near me, in case the school calls, but I have chosen to ignore life. The crappy weather hasn't been helping my mood much either. My body and my emotions are in full-on rebellion mode!
Yesterday, as I cleaned and got my house ready for company, I did a lot of thinking. I can't do this to myself anymore. Yes, napping always makes me feel better.. It's my go-to stress reliever.. But the avoidance isn't healthy. Sleeping all afternoon is just not helping at all.
I have made a list of things I need to do this week and I am determined to figure out how to deal with this in a sane way plus my birthday is this week which will help a little with a distraction. I now have time to finish all those projects that I want to, but don't want Mini in my hair while I'm doing them, so I'm doing my best to look on the bright side of things:
*I can finally set up my "office". I got a brand new, obnoxiously big desk (LOVE IT though) and my stuff is just kind of thrown on there. I can finally bring some order to the chaos.
*I can Pinterest my way through my crafting supplies. I found the tutorial on how to turn an old t-shirt into a scarf. My sisters and adopted Mom liked them so much, they requested some for Christmas! I can get them done early..
*I can scrapbook! The second I pull out the scissors and glue sticks, Mini wants in. She loves making projects. I like subway art and found a ton of printables for Fall, my favorite season. I want to collage them all and now I can on my own!
*I want to make the protein powder I just bought my bitch. I can Google and Pinterest til my heart's content for recipes and actually MAKE THEM without someone clamoring for a taste then complaining about it.
*I can rearrange Mini's room. Little by little, we worked all summer to transform Mini's room. There are a few different storage ideas I have for her stuff though. She balks at any idea I have, but when I just do it, she loves it. I now have the time to do that!
*My house will stay 50% cleaner! Mini wakes up, dresses, has breakfast then gets on the bus. When she gets home, she has a snack and this week, will have homework. By the time we are done with dinner, she is one tired kid, yet seems to have an insane amount of energy still. However, with her gone from 8:45 to 4 everyday, there will be no mess made during those hours!
I hope this next week will be a little easier than last week. My brain just always fears the worst and that's just something I need to work on, but at least I can acknowledge that. The first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem, right?
Thursday, August 30, 2012
"Happy" 60th..
If my Mother was still alive, she would have turned 60 today. In my recent reflections, a song kept coming to mind. It haunted me, in fact. Every moment I wasn't occupied with something else, it would pop back in. I heard it in the background of my dreams, no matter what was happening.
It was a song my Mother used to play when I was a child (and still living with her). Usually, when a song consumes me like this, it means/meant something to me. There is no doubt my Mother loved music. She introduced me to Rick Astley (I actually LIKE being "Rick-rolled"), Taylor Dayne ("Honey I'll beeee your shelt-ah...") and the Beach Boys ("Kokomo"!!!) to name a few... but there was obviously a frame in my memory attached to this song that I wasn't connecting the dots on.
I'm the type of person that can do something (whether it be wash dishes, play a game, hear a song, etc) and I can tell you what I was thinking the last time I did that. This has been both good and bad for me, as you can imagine. I had to listen to this song probably a dozen times before it came to me..
When I was about 5 or so, my parents had a typically crazy fight. If I was awake, I sat there just wishing it would stop and praying it would be over soon. My Father left afterwards. He always did. I would venture to the living room to check on my Mother. This particular time, she had switched on the record player (shows how old I am, huh?) and put this song on.
She was just sitting there, staring off into space while I stood there watching her. Finally, her eyes settled on me. I froze. Most times, she would tell me to go back to bed, yelling until my stubborn ass moved. That didn't happen this time. Instead, she took a breath- and burst into tears. It wasn't the first time I had seen her cry and it certainly wasn't the last breakdown I witnessed, but somehow the look in her eyes got me. This woman was so strong in my eyes, but there are times when even the strongest people you know need to cry it out. I sat there next to her, not knowing what to do, until she finally wiped her eyes, hugged me, told me she would be okay and sent me back to bed. This song was on virtual repeat the entire time.
For you, Mother, as you are celebrating your birthday with the angels.
I love you and miss you more every day.
Happy 60th Birthday, Mama.
It was a song my Mother used to play when I was a child (and still living with her). Usually, when a song consumes me like this, it means/meant something to me. There is no doubt my Mother loved music. She introduced me to Rick Astley (I actually LIKE being "Rick-rolled"), Taylor Dayne ("Honey I'll beeee your shelt-ah...") and the Beach Boys ("Kokomo"!!!) to name a few... but there was obviously a frame in my memory attached to this song that I wasn't connecting the dots on.
I'm the type of person that can do something (whether it be wash dishes, play a game, hear a song, etc) and I can tell you what I was thinking the last time I did that. This has been both good and bad for me, as you can imagine. I had to listen to this song probably a dozen times before it came to me..
When I was about 5 or so, my parents had a typically crazy fight. If I was awake, I sat there just wishing it would stop and praying it would be over soon. My Father left afterwards. He always did. I would venture to the living room to check on my Mother. This particular time, she had switched on the record player (shows how old I am, huh?) and put this song on.
She was just sitting there, staring off into space while I stood there watching her. Finally, her eyes settled on me. I froze. Most times, she would tell me to go back to bed, yelling until my stubborn ass moved. That didn't happen this time. Instead, she took a breath- and burst into tears. It wasn't the first time I had seen her cry and it certainly wasn't the last breakdown I witnessed, but somehow the look in her eyes got me. This woman was so strong in my eyes, but there are times when even the strongest people you know need to cry it out. I sat there next to her, not knowing what to do, until she finally wiped her eyes, hugged me, told me she would be okay and sent me back to bed. This song was on virtual repeat the entire time.
For you, Mother, as you are celebrating your birthday with the angels.
I love you and miss you more every day.
Happy 60th Birthday, Mama.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Grow Up Already! -Rant-
I have been friends with C since high school. Well, if you want to call it that.
C is one of those people that will call you incessantly if she needs a shoulder to cry on or an ear to listen. If she is in crisis, everyone has to rally around her. If you need her? She's nowhere to be found. You text and get no response. You call and no call back. You do whatever you can to help make her life easier but heaven forbid she go out of her way to help you. she won't even call you for your birthday, but she will get upset if you don't want to drive the 4 hours to visit her for hers. Everyone says, "Well that's her." Well then, she is a selfish ass that I don't need to be bothered with anymore.
Now onto my sister. She barely acknowledged my 30th birthday last year. She said it was no big deal because no one got to celebrate their birthdays. Ummm... You made a huge deal when your friends turned 30. Everyone gets a party but me? For the record, she is already planning her 30th, which is another 3 years away. When I complain, what am I told? "She's the baby." ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! She is 27 years old! It's time to grow up already.
The most ridiculous part about all this is these two are the ones who are always telling me how to live my life! Both seem to have this idea in their heads that I need 'help' and they are the ones qualified to give it to me. They always give me relationship advice (which, if you knew these two, is a joke!), parenting advice (neither has kids nor is even close to it), the list goes on..
WHAT?!
I don't talk to my sister often anymore because I'm tired of her stupid opinions. It's sad because we used to be close. I have given up on C because I'm weeks away from 31 and it's time to rid myself of excess baggage. It's time to shake off the people who aren't worth having around anymore.
Have you ever had to limit contact with someone? Why?
C is one of those people that will call you incessantly if she needs a shoulder to cry on or an ear to listen. If she is in crisis, everyone has to rally around her. If you need her? She's nowhere to be found. You text and get no response. You call and no call back. You do whatever you can to help make her life easier but heaven forbid she go out of her way to help you. she won't even call you for your birthday, but she will get upset if you don't want to drive the 4 hours to visit her for hers. Everyone says, "Well that's her." Well then, she is a selfish ass that I don't need to be bothered with anymore.
Now onto my sister. She barely acknowledged my 30th birthday last year. She said it was no big deal because no one got to celebrate their birthdays. Ummm... You made a huge deal when your friends turned 30. Everyone gets a party but me? For the record, she is already planning her 30th, which is another 3 years away. When I complain, what am I told? "She's the baby." ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! She is 27 years old! It's time to grow up already.
The most ridiculous part about all this is these two are the ones who are always telling me how to live my life! Both seem to have this idea in their heads that I need 'help' and they are the ones qualified to give it to me. They always give me relationship advice (which, if you knew these two, is a joke!), parenting advice (neither has kids nor is even close to it), the list goes on..
WHAT?!
I don't talk to my sister often anymore because I'm tired of her stupid opinions. It's sad because we used to be close. I have given up on C because I'm weeks away from 31 and it's time to rid myself of excess baggage. It's time to shake off the people who aren't worth having around anymore.
Have you ever had to limit contact with someone? Why?
Thursday, August 16, 2012
I Think This Is The Beginning...
..Of a beautiful friendship.
It's time to buckle down and get to improving myself. I've waited to bring this baby home for eons! I had to wait for both money and time to put it together..
Meet my new baby:
I haven't picked out a name yet (or a gender for that matter), but my new workout buddy and I had a great 30-minute session today. It's about time I got my butt in gear! My knee (holy arthritis pain batman!) is pretty pissed off right now. It gave out on me and I almost tumbled down the stairs, but hopefully it will get used to it. Now, I have no excuses. I don't have to drive to a gym and deal with a thousand (okay maybe 20 or so) stares as I huff and puff through my mile.. I can do so in the privacy of my own home with only Mini trying to use it as well.
Here's to starting on the journey to the new me!
It's time to buckle down and get to improving myself. I've waited to bring this baby home for eons! I had to wait for both money and time to put it together..
Meet my new baby:
Pic Courtesy of Dick's Sporting Goods
Here's to starting on the journey to the new me!
Friday, August 10, 2012
A Time To Be...
This week, I was at two family events: a christening and a funeral. That has never happened to me before and it struck me as a little odd, but very "that's life". Here is my friend's son, 3-month-old A with endless potential just starting his life and there was my Great Uncle F, an 89-year-old Army Veteran who served in World War 2 and was playing online chess with his own son just over a week ago.
Last Sunday, I held A as he giggled, cooed and cried. He is a happy baby, doing his best to hold his head up and start standing. He is so ready to just be mobile and get going. I thought about how much potential I was holding in my arms at that moment. It's the same feeling I get whenever I hold a baby, including when I held my own. This child might be a doctor and find the cure for Multiple Sclerosis (fingers crossed!) or he might be a firefighter and save a life. He might be a tax agent or an office bigwig. For now, his limit is the crib but soon it will be the sky. I hope the world is kind to him and he gets everything he wants out of it. I was snapped out of my thoughts by a phone call.
As I passed A off to his Mother, I answer a call from my adopted Mom. Great Uncle F passed away that morning. I remember visiting him when I was a kid. He was always so happy to see us, laughing and joking, offering us food.. It was a 2-hour drive to see him, Aunt A and Aunt M, but it was always worth it. We used to get Pizza Hut then there would be some bakery dessert. As a kid, that's food heaven. Here I was at a christening, receiving funeral arrangements. Immediately, I wanted to go. I knew it would be a 2-hour drive there to be there for 2 hours then the drive home, but I didn't care. I wanted to be there. I wanted to see Uncle F and offer my condolences to Aunt M.
Uncle F's obituary was available online and as I read it, I was reminded of all he will be reunited with in the afterlife.. Grandpa (his brother) and his other brothers, Great Grandma, his sister and even his daughter. I decided not to be sad because he is being reunited with his family right now. Pictures of A's christening remind me that when one life ends, another one begins. It's been quite a week. Life is precious. Hug your loved ones.
How is your week going?
A Time To Be Born and A Time To Die
Last Sunday, I held A as he giggled, cooed and cried. He is a happy baby, doing his best to hold his head up and start standing. He is so ready to just be mobile and get going. I thought about how much potential I was holding in my arms at that moment. It's the same feeling I get whenever I hold a baby, including when I held my own. This child might be a doctor and find the cure for Multiple Sclerosis (fingers crossed!) or he might be a firefighter and save a life. He might be a tax agent or an office bigwig. For now, his limit is the crib but soon it will be the sky. I hope the world is kind to him and he gets everything he wants out of it. I was snapped out of my thoughts by a phone call.
As I passed A off to his Mother, I answer a call from my adopted Mom. Great Uncle F passed away that morning. I remember visiting him when I was a kid. He was always so happy to see us, laughing and joking, offering us food.. It was a 2-hour drive to see him, Aunt A and Aunt M, but it was always worth it. We used to get Pizza Hut then there would be some bakery dessert. As a kid, that's food heaven. Here I was at a christening, receiving funeral arrangements. Immediately, I wanted to go. I knew it would be a 2-hour drive there to be there for 2 hours then the drive home, but I didn't care. I wanted to be there. I wanted to see Uncle F and offer my condolences to Aunt M.
Uncle F's obituary was available online and as I read it, I was reminded of all he will be reunited with in the afterlife.. Grandpa (his brother) and his other brothers, Great Grandma, his sister and even his daughter. I decided not to be sad because he is being reunited with his family right now. Pictures of A's christening remind me that when one life ends, another one begins. It's been quite a week. Life is precious. Hug your loved ones.
How is your week going?
Thursday, August 2, 2012
This Is Me... Dying of Embarrassment
Once in a while, I like to take Mini out to dinner. It's not usually anywhere fancy being that she's five and all, but we do go out. Last night, I decided to take her to the Smoothie Cafe. If you have never been there, I highly recommend it. They are awesome and it's one of our favorite places to eat.
We had done some shopping and were getting a little tired, so Mini suggested the Smoothie Cafe and I shrugged and said, "Sure why not?" Excitedly, Mini skips through the parking lot. I tell her I would like to take the food to go this time and ask if she minds. "Nah. We can go home." YES!
She orders, I order and we wait. We have been watching a few Olympic sports at home so she runs over to the flat screen near the opposite counter. Men's Diving is on.
"Mommy is that the Olympics?"
"Yup. It's diving."
"They have a pool, Mommy. That's called swimming."
I explain the difference and she keeps watching. *BING* Our smoothies are done and we are just waiting on our food.
She is watching intently. "Mommy..."
"Yeah?"
She points to the screen at a swimmer who is a little more *ahem* "equipped" than his teammate and says rather loudly, "Mommy, that man has something on his vagina!"
My jaw drops. I think to myself 'yup that just happened'. I just say "I have no idea how to answer you right now."
The man behind us starts to laugh, then buries his face in his phone, typing furiously. He was probably sharing my daughter's observation with his nearest and dearest. Red-faced, I try and ignore what Mini said and ask her what kind of chair she wants in her room to read her books on. She wants the saucer chair we saw but didn't get.
*BING*
OH THANK ALL THAT IS HOLY THE FOOD IS DONE! I take the bag and hightail it out of there. Out of the mouths of babes... comes red-faced embarrassment for the parents. That's how the saying goes right?
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Blog Challenge: Day 30
"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?
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?
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.