tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12309032256698961712024-03-12T18:16:51.612-07:00Tina's Tid-BitsRandom Bits of Info From A Random PersonTinaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13413025814032740901noreply@blogger.comBlogger67125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230903225669896171.post-92121266059992736392013-05-03T10:07:00.002-07:002013-05-03T10:07:32.029-07:00New Site!I'm very excited to announce I purchased a domain and am trying to transition my blog to a new address. It is taking me forever to decide how to proceed and which plug-ins to use. Whenever I choose something, I don't like it.<br />
PICKY PICKY ME!<br />
The new address is<br />
<a href="http://tinabsworld.com/">Tina B's World</a><br />
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I am slowly working on it but I plan to add a blog post there later today.<br />
I hope you will all start following me over there.<br />
Happy Reading!TinaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13413025814032740901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230903225669896171.post-1897434591032476582013-03-31T20:18:00.001-07:002013-03-31T20:18:42.210-07:00Sounds of SpringFINALLY!<br />
Mother Nature did right by us this weekend. It's currently raining and chilly so she maintains her fickle status, but at least Saturday was beautiful!<br />
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Saturday was 54 degrees. A sunny, clear 54. It felt warmer, although anything above 50 feels 'warm' now. it was an open-the-windows-to-get-rid-of-winter-germs kinda day.<br />
Aah the sounds of spring..<br />
Birds chirping..<br />
Lawn mowers going..<br />
Neighbor kids laughing and yelling..<br />
Neighbor kids hurling threats to kill each other over basketball..<br />
Teenage girls complaining and gossiping..<br />
I need to keep my office window closed!<br />
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It was a great Spring day so we took full advantage. On a whim, the husband decided to finally put a paving stone walkway on the side yard leading to the back. He went to the store, came home then looked at me.<br />
Here is the difference between us: MY parents used to take "spring cleaning" to heart and rearrange the yard, plant new stuff, clean cabinets and stuff inside, you get the idea. It was always an "all hands on deck" series of projects, every single year. HIS parents, on the other hand, never forced him to do much yard work, save for mowing the lawn once in a while. He never did any landscaping or anything so he had no idea how to proceed.<br />
I knew doing the project together would probably end with him on the ground with my hands around his throat, so I gave him instructions then demonstrated on one and left him to his lonesome. I didn't really care what it looked like when it was done. I knew I could futz around with it later, but it didn't come out half-bad.<br />
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Winter certainly did a number on our yard (and our fencing) so I'm hoping we can turn it around by Mini's birthday party in June. Here's hoping!</div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;"><b>Happy Easter to all who celebrate. Happy Candy Day for those who don't :)</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;"><b>How was your weekend? </b></span></div>
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<br />TinaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13413025814032740901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230903225669896171.post-29453798543450324192013-03-15T20:21:00.001-07:002013-03-15T20:21:07.717-07:00An Accident and The FixAfter 2 weeks of waiting and wondering, my 07 Equinox is back in my driveway and I couldn't be happier!<div>
A couple of weeks ago, it was snowing really bad. My husband had taken my truck to work and had gotten into an accident. Thankfully, it wasn't his fault and there was little damage to my car (or so we thought). The front bumper had a sizeable dent in it and I could see a small piece of the grill had cracked. We debated on whether we should even bother fixing it. <div>
I had noticed it drove a little differently, but of course I was told it was all in my head (typical dude response). My husband asked me if I felt the need to have it fixed being that there was "barely any damage". I said yes for cosmetic purposes (I'm strangely protective of my car) and because my gut said I should. </div>
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Good thing I listened to myself!</div>
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The body shop had my truck for about a week before the new bumper came in. I was driving a rental car which I absolutely hated. I had no elbow room. The sideview mirrors were so so so tiny. The rearview mirror was smaller. There was no rear wiper. I missed my truck something fierce! Mini enjoyed the rental (hello sunroof!) and I was grateful to have it, but I was miserable driving it. Let's not forget my knee problems and the fact that it was causing me pain getting in and out of the car. So anyways, the new bumper came in and they took off the old one. </div>
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Bad news.</div>
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There was more damage behind the bumper than they originally thought. I almost had a breakdown when my husband called me. I thought I was going to have to end up getting a new car. I was afraid it wouldn't drive the same. "Once you start screwing with the underbelly of a car, it's never the same" is what everyone told me. After another week of worrying, I got my truck back. It feels a little different, but I think that might be due to me getting used to the other car. </div>
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I hope so. </div>
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I love my Silver Bullet (If you've ever seen me drive, you'll know why I named her this). </div>
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I'm not ready to give her up!</div>
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TinaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13413025814032740901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230903225669896171.post-25696818100343236712013-02-24T19:52:00.001-08:002013-02-24T19:52:37.003-08:00Siblings: Rivalry or Revelry?I have a lot of siblings, as I have mentioned before. If this is the first post of mine you're reading, I have 12 siblings total. I need a flowchart to explain so just take it as fact :)<br />
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My sister T4 and I went into foster care and were adopted together. She was the only sibling I had that was there the "whole time". We are just under 3 years apart and she turned 29 today. (Don't bother with the math. I'll be 32 in September). We love each other madly but tortured the hell out of each other as well growing up. We were each other's biggest cheerleaders and harshest critics. We had 3 of those 36-gallon totes of Barbie stuff that includes 4 vehicles, 23 dolls, random playsets (pool and dune buggy) and hoards of clothes. That never stopped us from clawing each other's eyes out over a stupid dress though. Seriously, we were a smudge disturbed. We would happily tie ribbons around the dolls and swing them around. Disturbed? Okay, more like we were insane..<br />
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We had the best times playing together and honestly, my worst fights with anyone were with her. It still happens from time to time. We fight, scream, curse, hit below the belt and stop talking for months. It's funny that no matter how much older we get, we revert right back into kid-mode when it comes to our families.<br />
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There is a pecking order in most families (not necessarily in AGE order) and let's face it, some people just bring certain parts of our personalities to light. I saw it with my husband's family as well. Months ago, both of his older brothers were in town. They had not been in the same place (all 3 of them) for years. I watched as his oldest brother ragged onto the middle brother with my husband piggy-backing on the oldest one's quips. I was both shocked and amused by the whole scene.<br />
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I see it with aunts and uncles and even cousins as well. People who you only see at weddings and funerals all revert back to their old selves when around certain people. It's fascinating to watch.<br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><b>So, what is your family like? Do you have the same problems?</b></span>TinaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13413025814032740901noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230903225669896171.post-10306261193617528282013-02-17T20:15:00.002-08:002013-02-17T20:15:26.050-08:00Yup. Sick.. Again!I wrote about how sick I got right before Christmas already. All throughout January, my daughter and husband tag-teamed me. When one was feeling better, the other would be sick. What does lack of sleep and crazy cold temps bring me?<br />
Yup. Asthmatic bronchitis once again.<br />
I really hate being sick. Coughing takes a lot out of you. I am just exhausted. Finally feeling better and able to get some stuff done this weekend has been a good thing. I missed a family dinner Saturday and my friend's daughter's birthday party today. Truth is, even though I'm feeling somewhat better, I'm afraid to go outside.<br />
Doc wants me to see an asthma specialist to see if there is a more effective way to control this in the winter. I feel like a prisoner in my own house! If the sick wasn't bad enough, we got slammed with snow. One night was 32" followed by an inch a few days later. This week it snowed twice, adding another few inches. You know not enough to cause a scene, but enough to be obnoxious..<br />
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Being that I was on the mend and had cancelled plans, I finally went through Mini's room this weekend. We made a donation pile of things to donate to her Grandma's home daycare. We got rid of useless toys she no longer uses and we got the boxes to organize. Her room pretty much looked like a tornado went through then an explosion hit. She likes to take advantage of me being sick :)<br />
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I am not a fan of Valentine's Day (as I've mentioned before <a href="http://tinastid-bits.blogspot.com/2012/02/i-hate-valentines-day-seriously.html">HERE</a>) and it was a pain to have to help Mini do all the valentines for her class. We had to decorate a box and everything. Well, THAT part I enjoyed. I busted out some decorative duct tape and went to town. Also, I decided that even though I hate the day itself, I shouldn't try and push my view onto my child. Let her decide when she's older how sick VDay makes her (HA!). I discussed it with her father and we decided to surprise her with flowers, a card, balloon and brownies. She was excited about the day and tore into all the candy she received the second she got in the door. I was too sick to really fight her plus she's quick!<br />
I hope to be able to get back into the swing of things this week. I guess I shouldn't jinx myself though. I DID say that after my holiday sickness. :)<br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><b>How is YOUR February going?</b></span>TinaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13413025814032740901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230903225669896171.post-79974163570720534482013-01-22T21:39:00.001-08:002013-01-22T21:39:21.897-08:00Wait. Aren't You...A friend suggested I tell a story. This particular story cracks up my family, but gives us chills at the same time. We just shake our heads and say "Wow".<br />
I have a half-brother I didn't meet until I was about 23 or 24. On the day I met him, I recognized someone who came in with him... his wife! Unknowingly, I had met my own sister-in-law a few years before we even knew we were related.<br />
I was working at a bakery at the time. I was hired to replace a woman who went out on maternity leave. One day after her son was born, she came in to visit with the bosses. They introduced her to me and we chatted a bit. She gave me a tip on writing on cakes (how to hold the writer so it went faster). She gave me other helpful hints as well. I was happy to have met her and all her advice made my job easier.<br />
Fast-forward a few years. My half-bro decides it's time to meet us all. I walk into my cousin's backyard and we're introduced (WOW he looks like our shared Father!). He turns to introduce me to his wife. I reach out my hand and blink several times.<br />
My mouth drops open and my throat dries immediately.<br />
She has almost the same reaction, "Wait. Aren't you...?"<br />
I nod and we start to laugh.<br />
Everyone turns around and is pretty much saying "What the..."<br />
Still in a little shock, I tell everyone: "We met three years ago when I worked at the bakery!"<br />
If you tell my younger sister this story, you can see the goosebumps on her arms. I have them as I type this. It's a small world and getting smaller by the day.<br />
Moral of the story? Be careful what you say to people and be mindful of other people's first impressions of you... You never know who knows who :)TinaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13413025814032740901noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230903225669896171.post-18732821637601561432013-01-21T20:27:00.000-08:002013-01-21T20:27:58.901-08:00Oh Great. It's Snowing Now...I really need a sarcasm font.<br />
I'm not a fan of snow. When you're a kid, it's all sledding and hot cocoa. As an adult (or more specifically, a parent), it's all shoveling and making the hot cocoa, only to hear your kid scream "IT'S TOO HOT! I BURNED MY TONGUE!" after you repeatedly tell them to wait to drink it. It's below freezing out right now and it's only going to be in the 20s tomorrow.<br />
Ugh! So after venting a bit, I tried to find some good in this day and I have. Fellow baseball fans, rejoice with me: SPRING TRAINING IS A MERE THREE WEEKS AWAY! Since New York's football season is over (grumble grumble gripe gripe), I'm eagerly awaiting the start of baseball season. I have my jerseys and t-shirts pressed and ready! Well, they're ready. I don't iron. Ever.<br />
My goal for this week is to straighten out my den/office. I started over the weekend, giving it a major overhaul. Even though there is stuff everywhere, it just<i> looks</i> better. I'm not into feng shui (is that how you even spell it?) or anything, but this is already helping me relax and find inspiration. I feel like all I do is move the junk and papers from place to place with no real organization. That has to change and it will this week. I'm determined to do it.<br />
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Being that it is Martin Luther King Jr Day, I feel compelled to share one of my fave quotes from him.<br />
<b><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">"Darkness cannot drive out darkness. Only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate. Only love can do that."</span></b>TinaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13413025814032740901noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230903225669896171.post-17175429535059324512013-01-17T21:26:00.005-08:002013-01-17T21:26:45.756-08:00Yeah. So That Happened...I'm not making any resolutions this year. Sorry to bust some bubbles, but I'm not. Last year, I made a resolution to keep from getting sick. I spent most of December sick. Not just sick, but SIIIICK. I was bed-ridden for two weeks. Good ole asthmatic bronchitis struck again. I've gotten it every year since I was about 16, but never like this. When I'm out in the cold too long, my lungs have an allergic reaction. Basically, I'm allergic to cold weather.<br />
I try to avoid doctors for the most part. I couldn't stop coughing in the beginning of December though. It was affecting my sleep (I wasn't getting any) and my food intake (I would get nauseous after a coughing fit and toss my cookies every time I ate). The doctor prescribed medications and sent me on my way. I went home, medicated and passed out. That didn't last long as Mini's school nurse called and said she needed to get picked up. Oh great.<br />
The next few days were a blur, but I wasn't getting any better. I call the doc again. He prescribes me two meds. Tassaslon (a cough suppressant) and Levaquin. For those of you who don't know, Levaquin is what they give to people with anthrax. I'm not joking. It was right there in black and white on the script sheet. I started to cry. "I thought he said it was just asthmatic bronchitis. What the hell does he think I have?"<br />
One of the side effects of Levaquin is tendon tenderness. NOT. FUN. Mini touched my arm and it felt like she stabbed me. I could barely lift a cup to drink out of. It was horrible.<br />
A few days later, I started to feel a little better. I had forgotten to take the Levaquin for 2 days. In my head, I thought "Hm. If I take the med now I should feel better faster.' Umm, no. By the next morning, I was worse. Then, I was just mad. I called my doc yet again and managed to choke out a piece of my mind between coughing fits. I go into the office and see the PA. I leave the office with a better cough suppressant (YAY SLEEP!) and after a nebulizer treatment.<br />
It was the Saturday before Christmas Eve that I started really feeling better. The problem? I was hosting CE dinner! I almost made myself sick again running around trying to get 3 weeks worth of errands and work into about 3 days. I did it though.<br />
Since we had family in town after Christmas, the whole week was a blur of get-togethers and fun.<br />
When the new year hit, I was determined to get back to a routine. Well, I ended up running myself ragged and into the ground. I was resting during the day while Mini was at school because my strength levels were down and I had only a limited time to get things done. Blogging took a back seat to life.<br />
I'm back now and feeling better than I did beforehand.<br />
I don't <i>resolve</i> to keep up with my blogging...<br />
I WILL keep up with my blogging. :)<br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><b>HAPPY NEW YEAR, ALL!!</b></span>TinaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13413025814032740901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230903225669896171.post-42194186484938103402012-11-12T22:05:00.001-08:002012-11-12T22:05:20.451-08:00Is It Winter Yet?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..<br />
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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.<br />
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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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!<br />
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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.<br />
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It gives me hope for humanity.<br />
It makes me smile.TinaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13413025814032740901noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230903225669896171.post-64146902539324943112012-10-20T22:04:00.001-07:002012-10-20T22:04:19.480-07:00Love 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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
In short, I have gotten NOTHING accomplished since school started. Still.<br />
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!<br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><b>How is YOUR Fall going?</b></span>TinaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13413025814032740901noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230903225669896171.post-73506817815056819632012-10-14T23:18:00.000-07:002012-11-18T01:59:54.715-08:00Liebster Blog Award..Yay! I was nominated for a Liebster Blog Award.<br />
Wait. What's that?<br />
Glad you asked :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirkgS-3Avuv1Q0rwLiXraXt8HWyrD9aNxIlOz4dKvC5fwI3O1C1mu2AUR7GlxEq7OU5ZsOLpXmpsc25q-6rF7cAPX_Kz1bQZoUq6c-8gUmHK4a0s3Yep3TmFMD8tGhT0PSP6PvJUQ9v7M/s1600/Liebster-Award.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirkgS-3Avuv1Q0rwLiXraXt8HWyrD9aNxIlOz4dKvC5fwI3O1C1mu2AUR7GlxEq7OU5ZsOLpXmpsc25q-6rF7cAPX_Kz1bQZoUq6c-8gUmHK4a0s3Yep3TmFMD8tGhT0PSP6PvJUQ9v7M/s320/Liebster-Award.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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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.<br />
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Thanks so much and lots of hugs to Ashly from <a href="http://www.epiphaniesofashly.com/" target="_blank">Epiphanies of Ashly</a> 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.<br />
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Here are the rules:<br />
1. You have to list 11 things about yourself.<br />
2. Answer the 11 questions sent to you be the person who nominated you.<br />
3. Choose UP TO 11 bloggers that have less than 200 followers.<br />
4. Go to your nominees page and inform them of their award.<br />
5. You CAN NOT tag back.<br />
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Without further ado, 11 things about me...<br />
1. I have 12 siblings.<br />
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.<br />
3. I'm mad you can only find Bailey's chocolates in stores around Christmas.<br />
4. My favorite saying lately is "It is what it is".<br />
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.<br />
6. I have a mini binder that I absolutely love. I've named it Booklyn. (Don't judge me!)<br />
7. Shel Silverstein is my favorite poet.<br />
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.<br />
9. Whole wheat Ritz crackers were a genius idea!<br />
10. I don't like eating Cheerios without milk and a banana cut up and dumped in.<br />
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.<br />
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Now onto Ashly's questions:<br />
1. How long have you been blogging and what made you start?<br />
About 7 years ago, I started a blog when I got engaged. It answered mundane questions about our wedding and stuff.<br />
2. Coke or Pepsi?<br />
Pepsi.<br />
3. What is your dream job?<br />
Getting paid for doing nothing.<br />
4. What city do you live in?<br />
I'm an hour west of New York City out on Long Island. I'm also an hour away from the Hamptons.<br />
5. What was your high school mascot?<br />
Musketeer.<br />
6. Would you rather be a bird or a fish and why?<br />
Whichever was endangered so I wouldn't be shot or hunted.<br />
7. What is the greatest award you've ever received?<br />
Probably the Journalism Award I got in high school.<br />
8. IPhone or Droid?<br />
I love my Blackberry, but I have a soft spot for my iPhone as well.<br />
9. Do you have pets? If so, how many and what are they?<br />
I have 3. Two pugs and a rabbit. 4 if you count my husband when he's being a slob.<br />
10. What do you want to be for Halloween this year?<br />
A corpse, so I could sleep and be left alone.<br />
11. Top 3 favorite movies?<br />
Wedding Crashers, the Great Muppet Caper, Mrs Doubtfire<br />
<br />
<br />
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..<br />
I nominate:<br />
1. <a href="http://www.badanduglyofretrofood.com/" target="_blank">The Bad & Ugly of Retro Food</a><br />
2. <a href="http://eightarewe.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Eight Are We: The Pursuit of Blendedly Blissful</a><br />
3. <a href="http://mrsdchastain.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Nanny to Mommy</a><br />
4. <a href="http://hotshotblogger.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Hot Shot Blogger</a><br />
5. <a href="http://adventuresbeyondthecrib.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Adventures From Beyond the Crib</a><br />
6. <a href="http://iamannekehn.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Pink Momma</a><br />
7. <a href="http://redearthsafari.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Stone Soup Tales</a><br />
8. <a href="http://marriedandexpecting.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Wedded Bliss & Blooming Baby</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Here are the questions I have for you..<br />
1. Name something you can't go a day without doing.<br />
2. If you were given the keys to a time machine, where would you go and why?<br />
3. Do you prefer blue or black ink?<br />
4. What's the last thing you regretted buying?<br />
5. Who is your favorite cartoon character?<br />
6. Would you break the law to save a loved one?<br />
7. What's #1 on your Bucket List?<br />
8. Name the first song that comes to mind.<br />
9. If you could trade lives with anyone, who would it be?<br />
10. What's your favorite game show?<br />
11. Do you own more books than movies?<br />
<br />
Well, there it is. Happy Nominations everyone!<br />
Thanks again, Ashly. You're the best!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />TinaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13413025814032740901noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230903225669896171.post-13385916561984827332012-09-15T21:12:00.002-07:002012-09-15T21:12:23.022-07:00Thirty-SomethingMy 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 <i>say</i> anything, it's written all over their face. Some examples:<br />
-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.<br />
-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."<br />
-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.<br />
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.<br />
<br />
ANYWAYS..<br />
<br />
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...<br />
*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.<br />
*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.<br />
*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.<br />
*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.<br />
*I'm going to make more time for my hobbies... and actually finish something!<br />
<br />
That's what has been on my mind all week. Here's to being 31 and loving it!<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">Do you reflect and set goals on your birthday?</span></b>TinaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13413025814032740901noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230903225669896171.post-61463557719353659272012-09-09T23:15:00.001-07:002012-09-09T23:15:09.200-07:00Nap = 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..<br />
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!<br />
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.<br />
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:<br />
*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.<br />
*I can <a href="http://pinterest.com/lichevymetsgrrl/">Pinterest</a> 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..<br />
*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 <a href="http://pinterest.com/lichevymetsgrrl/printable-stuffs/" target="_blank">printables</a> for Fall, my favorite season. I want to collage them all and now I can on my own!<br />
*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.<br />
*I can rearrange Mini's room. Little by little, we worked all summer to <a href="http://lichevymetsgrrl.wordpress.com/2012/07/03/pink-and-purple-and-black-oh-my/" target="_blank">transform Mini's room</a>. 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!<br />
*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!<br />
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?TinaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13413025814032740901noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230903225669896171.post-29494147520142699722012-08-30T15:46:00.000-07:002012-08-30T15:46:33.995-07:00"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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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..<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
For you, Mother, as you are celebrating your birthday with the angels.<br />
I love you and miss you more every day.<br />
Happy 60th Birthday, Mama.<br />
<br />
<span id="goog_2142345130"></span><br />
<br />
<object width="640" height="360"><param name="movie" value="https://www.youtube.com/v/rxyLAcJEHow?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="https://www.youtube.com/v/rxyLAcJEHow?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="360" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>TinaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13413025814032740901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230903225669896171.post-69344188973247053562012-08-23T23:06:00.004-07:002012-08-23T23:06:39.085-07:00Grow Up Already! -Rant-I have been friends with C since high school. Well, if you want to call it that.<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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..<br />
<br />
WHAT?!<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><b>Have you ever had to limit contact with someone? Why?</b></span>TinaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13413025814032740901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230903225669896171.post-1075005310495353862012-08-16T21:07:00.002-07:002012-08-16T21:07:28.167-07:00I Think This Is The Beginning.....Of a beautiful friendship.<br />
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.. <br />
<br />
Meet my new baby:<br />
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Pic Courtesy of <a href="http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4307982&lmdn=Brand&cp=4413986.4417717#" target="_blank">Dick's Sporting Goods</a></div>
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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.<br />
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Here's to starting on the journey to the new me!TinaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13413025814032740901noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230903225669896171.post-52187998237919742062012-08-10T15:46:00.002-07:002012-08-10T15:46:37.720-07:00A 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.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #0c343d;">A Time To Be Born and A Time To Die</span></b></div>
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;"><b>How is your week going?</b></span>TinaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13413025814032740901noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230903225669896171.post-32632691328842152762012-08-02T23:13:00.003-07:002012-08-02T23:13:47.002-07:00This Is Me... Dying of EmbarrassmentOnce 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 <a href="http://tropicalsmoothiecafe.com/" target="_blank">Smoothie Cafe</a>. If you have never been there, I highly recommend it. They are awesome and it's one of our favorite places to eat. <div>
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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!</div>
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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. </div>
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"Mommy is that the Olympics?"</div>
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"Yup. It's diving."</div>
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"They have a pool, Mommy. That's called swimming."</div>
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I explain the difference and she keeps watching. *BING* Our smoothies are done and we are just waiting on our food. </div>
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She is watching intently. "Mommy..." </div>
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"Yeah?"</div>
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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!"</div>
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My jaw drops. I think to myself 'yup that just happened'. I just say "I have no idea how to answer you right now."</div>
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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. </div>
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<br /></div>
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*BING* </div>
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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?</div>
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<br /></div>TinaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13413025814032740901noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230903225669896171.post-54112870077877795122012-07-31T23:42:00.000-07:002012-07-31T23:42:21.264-07:00Blog Challenge: Day 30<b><i>"One Thing You're Excited For"</i></b><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #073763;">MY NEXT VACATION!</span></b><br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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 <i>vacation</i> now can it?<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
I NEED A VACATION BADLY!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;"><b>What are you looking forward to?</b></span>TinaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13413025814032740901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230903225669896171.post-83557495419858144022012-07-30T23:33:00.002-07:002012-07-30T23:33:34.403-07:00Blog Challenge: Day 29<b><i>"Five Weird Things You Like"</i></b><div>
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<div>
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. </div>
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<br /></div>
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That being said, here is my list:</div>
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<b><span style="color: #073763;">1. I like using Twizzlers as straws</span></b>. 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.</div>
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<b><span style="color: #073763;">2. I like analyzing my dreams</span></b>. 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. </div>
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<b><span style="color: #073763;">3. I like touching people's hair</span></b>. 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 :(</div>
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<b><span style="color: #073763;">4. I like chips with frosting</span></b>. 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.</div>
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<b><span style="color: #073763;">5. I like finding things with my name on it</span></b>. 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..</div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;"><b>What do you like that people consider "weird"?</b></span></div>TinaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13413025814032740901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230903225669896171.post-57853635379494396532012-07-30T21:47:00.004-07:002012-07-31T23:19:07.263-07:00"Beautiful In My Eyes"<b><span style="color: #0c343d;">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...</span></b><br />
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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.<br />
Here it is. Grab your favorite hankie and cry with me...<br />
Joshua Kadison - "Beautiful In My Eyes"<br />
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<b><span style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;">Do you have a song that reminds you of a loved one that has passed on?</span></b>TinaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13413025814032740901noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230903225669896171.post-70416911482500323532012-07-30T16:03:00.000-07:002012-07-30T16:03:03.609-07:00Well 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: <div>
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<b><span style="color: #0c343d;">Why do people insist on announcing they need a break from people?</span></b></div>
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I see it on Facebook, Twitter, etc almost every day. I will give some examples..</div>
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"Hi Guys!! Love you all but am taking a break from Facebook!! Leave me a message for when I return!" Um no thanks.</div>
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"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.</div>
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"Taking a 36-38 hour break from FB. See you all when I return." </div>
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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? </div>
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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..</div>
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<i><b><span style="color: #0c343d;">Thou doth protest too much!</span></b></i></div>
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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.</div>
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<b><span style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;">Do you know any "drama queens" or do you do your best to steer clear?</span></b></div>TinaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13413025814032740901noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230903225669896171.post-28214530570895933002012-07-29T23:09:00.002-07:002012-07-29T23:09:24.137-07:00Blog Challenge: Day 28<b><i>"Somewhere You Would Like To Move Or Visit"</i></b><br />
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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...<br />
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<b><span style="color: #4c1130;">A few places I want to visit:</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #073763;">Dublin, Ireland</span></b>.<br />
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.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #073763;">Boston, Massachusetts.</span></b><br />
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 <a href="http://www.cityofboston.gov/freedomtrail/" target="_blank">The Freedom Trail</a>. I want to find every tree on the list in the <a href="http://www.cityofboston.gov/Images_Documents/Public%20Garden%20Map_tcm3-30692.pdf" target="_blank">Public Garden</a>. I have a list of sites I want to see if/when I make it there.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #073763;">Portofino, Italy</span></b>.<br />
It really doesn't matter where I stay. I just want to be there. Check out the <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=portofino+italy&hl=en&tbo=u&biw=1366&bih=600&prmd=imvns&tbm=isch&source=univ&sa=X&ei=qiEWUOiOEI_G0AHr5IHQCA&sqi=2&ved=0CHsQsAQ" target="_blank">Google image search</a> 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.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #073763;">Las Vegas</span></b>.<br />
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.<br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;"><b>Where do you want to visit? Is there a place on your Bucket List?</b></span><br />
<br />TinaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13413025814032740901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230903225669896171.post-24386856537398633362012-07-28T21:12:00.005-07:002012-07-28T21:12:50.635-07:00Blog Challenge: Day 27<b><i>"A Quote You Try To Live By"</i></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #0c343d;">"Don't complain about the mud if you prayed for rain." </span></b></div>
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.<br />
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.<br />
If you wish for something and you need to work hard to get there, think about the end result. Most importantly, never give up!<br />
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pic taken from <a href="http://loldailyfun.com/6811/">http://loldailyfun.com/6811/</a></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><b>What motto do you live by? Do you have a mantra?</b></span>TinaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13413025814032740901noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230903225669896171.post-2637068072186317932012-07-28T19:11:00.002-07:002012-07-28T19:11:57.079-07:00Blog Challenge: Day 26<b><i>"Things You Dislike/Like About Yourself"</i></b><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;"><b>Where's My "Dislike" Button?</b></span></div>
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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.<br />
<b><span style="color: #073763;">My temper</span></b>. 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.<br />
<b><span style="color: #073763;">I can be a pushover</span></b>. 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.<br />
<b><span style="color: #073763;">I always try to see the good in people, even if they don't deserve it</span></b>. 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.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #0c343d;">A Whole Lotta "Like"</span></b></div>
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Now that I have aired my grievances about myself, there are a few things I actually like. Seriously!<br />
<b><span style="color: #073763;">I'm a good Mother</span></b>. 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'.<br />
<b><span style="color: #073763;">I'm an awesome cook</span></b>. 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.<br />
<b><span style="color: #073763;">I'm creative</span></b>. Sometimes, when I browse through <a href="http://pinterest.com/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, 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 :)<br />
<b><span style="color: #073763;">I'm funny</span></b>. 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? <i>It's not what you say. It's how you say it.</i><br />
<b><span style="color: #073763;">I always try to see the good in people, even if they don't deserve it</span></b>. 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.<br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;"><b>What do you like/dislike about yourself?</b></span><br />
<br />TinaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13413025814032740901noreply@blogger.com0