"One Thing You're Excited For"
MY NEXT VACATION!
It's funny that this is the subject of the last leg of the 30-Day Challenge. End on a positive note, I guess.Well, for once, there is something I am looking forward to.. and it's a very much-needed vacation! We are still in the early stages of planning a vacation next March. As of right now, it's not panning out the way I want it to. There is so much up in the air. I have faith it will happen though.
My last vacation was 4 years ago right after my daughter's first birthday. The in-laws flew the family down to Florida for the FIL's 60th birthday. Being that I spent a week with the in-laws, it can't really be considered a vacation now can it?
Anyways, this trip was my idea. When I was at my adopted parent's house one night, we got word that my Grandma (my adopted Dad's Mother) needs a heart stent but the doctors won't operate because of her age. We aren't sure if she will have many years left and we thought it would be a good idea to visit since it is hard for them to fly now. Our first plan fell apart comically quick. So now, it is just a matter of figuring out a different plan. I have been doing some research because I really want this to go through.
I NEED A VACATION BADLY!
What are you looking forward to?
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Monday, July 30, 2012
Blog Challenge: Day 29
"Five Weird Things You Like"
If you ask some of my friends, they will tell you I do weird stuff all the time. I guess I'm a bit of an oddball to some. Oh well. I thought about the things people comment on the most. My siblings thought my peanut-butter-and-tuna sandwiches were disgusting.. until they tried it. One of my sisters still eats it that way. The trick is to not overdo it on the mayo and the pb has to be a very thin layer as well.
That being said, here is my list:
1. I like using Twizzlers as straws. I bet you didn't even know you could do that, did you? Well, you can. Just bite off either end, make sure the Twizzler is mostly straight (twisted won't work), put it juice or a can of soda and sip away! There. You learned something weirdly new.
2. I like analyzing my dreams. It seems a little weird to some, but I have the trippiest dreams. I started really obsessing when I started having this recurring nightmare. It started when I was a kid and continued through adulthood. Once I started to understand it, I realized it was more of a cautionary warning than a nightmare.
3. I like touching people's hair. I usually reserve this for my friends and family, but I have been known to ask a random stranger if I can touch their hair. It's not a fetish and I don't get any pleasure out of it, but spiked hair especially is interesting to me. I'm curious what they use to get it that way. Years ago, I asked some random dude about his spiked hair and he told me he used 'hair glue'. I was intrigued and bought a bottle. I can use it when my hair is wet and a style will stay in place even in torrential rain, which I found out the hard way :(
4. I like chips with frosting. I'm told 'normal' people like dip. That's fine. I do like a plain chip with some sour cream and onion.. However, when the Dipsy Doodles come out, so does the vanilla frosting! No, it's not a PMS thing either. I eat it whenever I feel like it. Sometimes I'm in the mood for a snack that's out of the ordinary.
5. I like finding things with my name on it. People shrug this off all the time, but "Tina" is hard to find! Apparently, my name is 'half a name' so it actually makes me happy when I find something with my name on it. Usually, when I see it, I buy it. I collect pens and I only have 2 with my name on it. One had to be special ordered (my people love me!). It's the little things in life..
What do you like that people consider "weird"?
"Beautiful In My Eyes"
After posting, I realized this is post #47 on my blog. My Mother was 47 when she lost her battle with MS in 2000. I didn't plan that but that's crazy it happened that way...
I am a certified PINhead. That's right. My favorite addiction is Pinterest. Tonight, I realized I was up to Pin #1000. It may sound a little pathetic, but I wanted to post something meaningful. Blech, I know. I polled my friends and since I love music so much, a few suggested a video (although not before ribbing me for caring so much about something so trivial). I went through my Spotify lists and found one that means a ton to me. The last visit I had with my Mother (who passed February 2000) was in January 2000. My brother had taken me to her nursing home with him. While there, he went on the hunt for the soda and snack machines. While he was gone, I sang for my Mother. It was the first time I had ever done so seriously and evidently, the last time I had the chance to. I was grateful for those few minutes alone with her. She had tears in her eyes when I finished and hugged her. It was a moment I will never forget the rest of my life.
Here it is. Grab your favorite hankie and cry with me...
Joshua Kadison - "Beautiful In My Eyes"
Do you have a song that reminds you of a loved one that has passed on?
I am a certified PINhead. That's right. My favorite addiction is Pinterest. Tonight, I realized I was up to Pin #1000. It may sound a little pathetic, but I wanted to post something meaningful. Blech, I know. I polled my friends and since I love music so much, a few suggested a video (although not before ribbing me for caring so much about something so trivial). I went through my Spotify lists and found one that means a ton to me. The last visit I had with my Mother (who passed February 2000) was in January 2000. My brother had taken me to her nursing home with him. While there, he went on the hunt for the soda and snack machines. While he was gone, I sang for my Mother. It was the first time I had ever done so seriously and evidently, the last time I had the chance to. I was grateful for those few minutes alone with her. She had tears in her eyes when I finished and hugged her. It was a moment I will never forget the rest of my life.
Here it is. Grab your favorite hankie and cry with me...
Joshua Kadison - "Beautiful In My Eyes"
Do you have a song that reminds you of a loved one that has passed on?
Well SOMEBODY Wants Attention Now, Don't You?
I am taking a little break from doing the blog challenge (my other post will be later) to write about something that is a little confusing to me:
Why do people insist on announcing they need a break from people?
I see it on Facebook, Twitter, etc almost every day. I will give some examples..
"Hi Guys!! Love you all but am taking a break from Facebook!! Leave me a message for when I return!" Um no thanks.
"Wow I am on Twitter waayyy too much. I need a break! I will be back tomorrow!" I await your return, shaking like a fiend until I see your next tweet.
"Taking a 36-38 hour break from FB. See you all when I return."
My question is WHY? Why do you feel you have to notify people you are taking a break? Do people stalk you so much that you feel their worlds will crumble if you don't update your status or post a pic for a measly 36 hours?
On the same topic.. My husband removed his birthday from his FB page. He claims it is because he doesn't want anyone to make a fuss about or even bother to wish him a Happy Birthday. However, I recall his birthday a few years ago when his parents didn't call him.. He was crushed. He claimed he didn't care, but he seriously wouldn't shut up about it. He "hates" when his family calls and wants to take him to dinner. He insists it's making too big of a fuss. He doesn't have any immediate family in the area and he has had two friends his entire life: One lives a few states away and the other is in jail..
Thou doth protest too much!
It all leads me to believe that all these people are attention seekers. By repeatedly insisting they don't want attention, they are clamoring for it. Everyone knows it. It's like the people who 'insist' they hate drama. They are usually the ones who create drama where there is none and make a mountain out of a molehill. The more someone insists they hate drama, the more I'm inclined to stay away from them. "I hate drama so I stay away from it" is one thing.. "I hate that all females get jealous and hate me for being beautiful/driving a nice car/wanting to be with my boyfriend" and the ones that insist they have "haters" are the red flags. They obviously need attention and I honestly feel bad for them.
Do you know any "drama queens" or do you do your best to steer clear?
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Blog Challenge: Day 28
"Somewhere You Would Like To Move Or Visit"
I know it sounds crazy, but I was born and raised on Long Island and I can (honestly!) say I don't ever see myself living anywhere else. I love it here. Aside from the fact that the majority of my family and friends are here, I'm about an hour away from New York City, one of the greatest cities in the world and there are beaches everywhere. No matter where you live on LI, there is probably one within a half-hour drive. Some are nicer than others, but if you only want a beach to lay out on, what does it matter? I live in a pretty lively town so there is a ton to see, do and eat. Let's be honest. New York has the best bagels and pizza (trust it's the water) anywhere. Even chain restaurants elsewhere aren't the same. I sound like a tourist brochure. "Come visit awesome Long Island".. Okay moving on...
Dublin, Ireland.
We went there for our honeymoon and it was just awesome! There was so much to do that I wish we had more time to sight-see and do things. I have a list of places to see if I ever make it back there again. This was a small park outside the hotel we stayed in. Beautiful, peaceful, amazing.
Boston, Massachusetts.
Go ahead and laugh at me. I've never been to Boston. I want to go to see a Celtics game (I root for them). I am a loyal Mets fan, but I want to see a BoSox game at Fenway. Maybe I can go when they play the Mets. Hmm.. I would like to head to Braintree to see the HQ for my old job so I can flip them off. I want to walk The Freedom Trail. I want to find every tree on the list in the Public Garden. I have a list of sites I want to see if/when I make it there.
Portofino, Italy.
It really doesn't matter where I stay. I just want to be there. Check out the Google image search I did. All the pictures are just breathtaking. I'd love to see it for myself. The more I search about it, the more I want to go.
Las Vegas.
Who doesn't want to go to Vegas? There is just so much to do. Everywhere you turn, there is something else to try. Going to Vegas is on my Bucket List.
Where do you want to visit? Is there a place on your Bucket List?
I know it sounds crazy, but I was born and raised on Long Island and I can (honestly!) say I don't ever see myself living anywhere else. I love it here. Aside from the fact that the majority of my family and friends are here, I'm about an hour away from New York City, one of the greatest cities in the world and there are beaches everywhere. No matter where you live on LI, there is probably one within a half-hour drive. Some are nicer than others, but if you only want a beach to lay out on, what does it matter? I live in a pretty lively town so there is a ton to see, do and eat. Let's be honest. New York has the best bagels and pizza (trust it's the water) anywhere. Even chain restaurants elsewhere aren't the same. I sound like a tourist brochure. "Come visit awesome Long Island".. Okay moving on...
A few places I want to visit:
Dublin, Ireland.
We went there for our honeymoon and it was just awesome! There was so much to do that I wish we had more time to sight-see and do things. I have a list of places to see if I ever make it back there again. This was a small park outside the hotel we stayed in. Beautiful, peaceful, amazing.
Boston, Massachusetts.
Go ahead and laugh at me. I've never been to Boston. I want to go to see a Celtics game (I root for them). I am a loyal Mets fan, but I want to see a BoSox game at Fenway. Maybe I can go when they play the Mets. Hmm.. I would like to head to Braintree to see the HQ for my old job so I can flip them off. I want to walk The Freedom Trail. I want to find every tree on the list in the Public Garden. I have a list of sites I want to see if/when I make it there.
Portofino, Italy.
It really doesn't matter where I stay. I just want to be there. Check out the Google image search I did. All the pictures are just breathtaking. I'd love to see it for myself. The more I search about it, the more I want to go.
Las Vegas.
Who doesn't want to go to Vegas? There is just so much to do. Everywhere you turn, there is something else to try. Going to Vegas is on my Bucket List.
Where do you want to visit? Is there a place on your Bucket List?
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Blog Challenge: Day 27
"A Quote You Try To Live By"
We choose our own paths in life. Your choices in life have led you to where you are today. Yes, things happen that are out of our control. Each trial brings a lesson. Figuring out the lessons and actually learning from them is all a part of growing up.
If you wish for something and you need to work hard to get there, think about the end result. Most importantly, never give up!
What motto do you live by? Do you have a mantra?
"Don't complain about the mud if you prayed for rain."
I do my best to remember this daily. If I feel down about my situation or if I am literally complaining about all the rain (seriously give it a rest Mother Nature!), I close my eyes and repeat this phrase.We choose our own paths in life. Your choices in life have led you to where you are today. Yes, things happen that are out of our control. Each trial brings a lesson. Figuring out the lessons and actually learning from them is all a part of growing up.
If you wish for something and you need to work hard to get there, think about the end result. Most importantly, never give up!
pic taken from http://loldailyfun.com/6811/
Blog Challenge: Day 26
"Things You Dislike/Like About Yourself"
I have detailed a few things already that I dislike about myself... My weight.. My crippling fear of rejection... My inability to adapt to change.. I will add a few things to that list.
My temper. PMS-ing doesn't count. Yes, being a female gives me a free pass to lose my cool once a month so get over it! I'm talking about things that make me see red. While I do have patience, I can NOT tolerate stupidity. I. Just. Can't! I could blame it on my split Irish and German personality (yup the stereotypically drunk AND angry) or genetics (my family is full of bitches) but I know it's just something I have to work on.
I can be a pushover. I give until I can't give anything anymore. I don't expect anything back because I realize some people are selfish, won't change and just expect me to do things for them so they don't feel they owe me anything. I will keep doing things for someone even without so much as a "thanks" because I see a need and I feel I can help. I eventually had to stop. I was being taken advantage of. It hurt me to have to tell someone 'no' but I have to protect myself and my family. I will no longer do anything that will upset my child. It's not my fault all your other friends flaked on you. You trust the wrong people.
I always try to see the good in people, even if they don't deserve it. It's like handing someone a bullet because they missed the first time and ties into being taken advantage of. I always want to believe people are good. Even though they have proved time and time again that they can't be trusted, I still believe there is good somewhere.
Now that I have aired my grievances about myself, there are a few things I actually like. Seriously!
I'm a good Mother. I'm reminded of this daily in the way my daughter acts. Due to past bonding issues, my pregnancy was a time to reflect and a decision to break the cycle rather than let history repeat itself. I used Motherhood to help myself refuse to follow my given path, rejecting people who loved me because I was afraid of rejection myself. My past was NOT going to define me! I have been complimented by several people (not just family members so there!) on how my daughter acts. It has helped me see that I have overcome what I thought was 'just me'.
I'm an awesome cook. Give me some time and a few random ingredients and I can make a kick-asserole that would make a professional chef proud. I am good at what I do. When I'm not sure, I either improvise or take inspiration from a random site online.
I'm creative. Sometimes, when I browse through Pinterest, I laugh at some of the blog posts touting a "new idea". I think "I've been doing that for years!" It makes me feel a little less crazy about the idea too which is always a good thing :)
I'm funny. I have learned the cardinal rule of story-telling.. "It's all about the delivery." Think about it. Would you rather see/hear Ben Stein tell a joke or see/hear Robin Williams go through his spiel to deliver a punchline? It's not what you say. It's how you say it.
I always try to see the good in people, even if they don't deserve it. This is both a like and dislike. It can be good because it means I give people a second chance. Some people actually deserve the benefit of the doubt. I've been pleasantly surprised by a few.
What do you like/dislike about yourself?
Where's My "Dislike" Button?
My temper. PMS-ing doesn't count. Yes, being a female gives me a free pass to lose my cool once a month so get over it! I'm talking about things that make me see red. While I do have patience, I can NOT tolerate stupidity. I. Just. Can't! I could blame it on my split Irish and German personality (yup the stereotypically drunk AND angry) or genetics (my family is full of bitches) but I know it's just something I have to work on.
I can be a pushover. I give until I can't give anything anymore. I don't expect anything back because I realize some people are selfish, won't change and just expect me to do things for them so they don't feel they owe me anything. I will keep doing things for someone even without so much as a "thanks" because I see a need and I feel I can help. I eventually had to stop. I was being taken advantage of. It hurt me to have to tell someone 'no' but I have to protect myself and my family. I will no longer do anything that will upset my child. It's not my fault all your other friends flaked on you. You trust the wrong people.
I always try to see the good in people, even if they don't deserve it. It's like handing someone a bullet because they missed the first time and ties into being taken advantage of. I always want to believe people are good. Even though they have proved time and time again that they can't be trusted, I still believe there is good somewhere.
A Whole Lotta "Like"
Now that I have aired my grievances about myself, there are a few things I actually like. Seriously!
I'm a good Mother. I'm reminded of this daily in the way my daughter acts. Due to past bonding issues, my pregnancy was a time to reflect and a decision to break the cycle rather than let history repeat itself. I used Motherhood to help myself refuse to follow my given path, rejecting people who loved me because I was afraid of rejection myself. My past was NOT going to define me! I have been complimented by several people (not just family members so there!) on how my daughter acts. It has helped me see that I have overcome what I thought was 'just me'.
I'm an awesome cook. Give me some time and a few random ingredients and I can make a kick-asserole that would make a professional chef proud. I am good at what I do. When I'm not sure, I either improvise or take inspiration from a random site online.
I'm creative. Sometimes, when I browse through Pinterest, I laugh at some of the blog posts touting a "new idea". I think "I've been doing that for years!" It makes me feel a little less crazy about the idea too which is always a good thing :)
I'm funny. I have learned the cardinal rule of story-telling.. "It's all about the delivery." Think about it. Would you rather see/hear Ben Stein tell a joke or see/hear Robin Williams go through his spiel to deliver a punchline? It's not what you say. It's how you say it.
I always try to see the good in people, even if they don't deserve it. This is both a like and dislike. It can be good because it means I give people a second chance. Some people actually deserve the benefit of the doubt. I've been pleasantly surprised by a few.
What do you like/dislike about yourself?
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