1 - Woke up in the hotel and realized the only thing I forgot was a hairbrush.
2 - Ate IHOP for breakfast and was excited when they had peanut butter for my pancakes.
3 - Met up with some of my favorite people at Raider Ally and got ready for the game...bought me a hat to hide hair.
4 - Witnessed my first Military Flyover...then witnessed a public spanking!
5 - soothed my hurt feelers with Italian Food and Frozen Custard.
6 - Saw some of my favorite Hobbson's, Brandon McClintick & Crew, at "Dave's Toy Store" (aka Best Buy).
7 - spent a stupid amount of money on PET CLOTHS of all things.
8 - passed out in car on the way home and was thankful for Dave for about the 100th time during the day.
9 - Got home & saw that the new neighbors are moved in across the street and look forward to seeing if they have kids I get to nick-name tomorrow!
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Tupperware Party
All of my life my cooking has been an integral part of my upbringing. I waited anxiously for the day I could help out in creating the happiness that was prepared in the kitchens of not only my Mother but my Grandmothers and Great-Grandmothers. My Mother had a rule as her mother before her: you had to be tall enough to reach the bottom of her arm when she stretched out her arms to her sides. Why? I don't know, maybe because a taller person won't spill things on the counter. Dishes were prepared lovingly, carefully with much love and humor. Each dish with a long history or a new challenge filled with trepidation when there was a new recipe. There are family favorites that for some reason are prepared and served in certain bowls or dishes. There's the guacamole bowl, the dish the cranberry sauce is served in each Thanksgiving, many more and then there is the green Tupperware bowl.
This bowl has been in the family for well, longer than me. My Grandmother, Momma Kay, made popcorn balls in it for her children. Upon my parents wedding, it was gifted to my Mother. As a child, I watched my own Mother mix and knead bread and place the dough in the green bowl to raise, waiting for it to be big enough to pop the now long lost lid, because that's when you knew it was ready. Mom bought another Tupperware bowl that was the same size and the green bowl faded over the years, got stuffed into the back of the cabinet and was almost thrown out a time or two, but Mom just couldn't do it, it had history.
This year when I bought a bushel of green chilies, I asked my Mom if she wanted to split it with me, of course she was glad to and we were thrilled to receive them and split the bushel. We opened the bag and smelled the amazing aroma of the chilies, and Mom began placing my half in the green bowl. I should have brought it right back.
I peeled my peppers and froze them. Time passed and I kept forgetting to take the bowl back. I cleaned it and had it sitting out to take on the next trip to Mom's. Then Dave made popcorn in it, then it was washed and cleaned again, then I made popcorn in it and set it on the stove. The next day we were getting ready to cook supper and I asked David to preheat the oven. I then smelled the unmistakable smell of burnt plastic! I forgot to tell him to take off the bowl, Dave being a guy, didn't know to remove it...didn't know that without that type of oven would get hot on the top too. He didn't know the history of the green bowl. He didn't know that it has a special place in our family kitchen. It was just a bowl. It was an accident! It was both our faults!Mom was going to be upset..I was upset!
How was I going to tell her? She was gonna KILL ME/US! It took a minute but Dave thought about e-bay. So we looked, and don't you know we found an exact replica of the bowl! So we joked about buying it and not telling Mom, but our bowl was special, Mom would know. We bought the bowl and decided we would fess up when it came in. (then found it for cheaper like 10 seconds later!) Well, it came in today. So, we told the kids to load up in the truck because "it's time to eat crow", which they thought was gross until we explained what it meant. Ha! As we drove to her house we hummed the Funeral March...fearing the worst.
Mom, started calling David, "Dynamite Dave" a while back, because well, he's pretty stinking awesome! So, he handed her the box with both bowls in it and told her "I'm afraid I'm about to lose my Dynamite status". Mom gave him a blank look, because of course she didn't have a CLUE what he was talking about. She opened the box to see the new bowl on top and then lifted it, it seemed to take forever and Dave and I were anxiously waiting! She sees the old bowl, and looks through the hole in the bottom...and laughingly asked what happened. So, we explained the demise of the old bowl, and she opened and closed the lid to the new one. Dave joked that he had to have a Tupperware Party to get the new 'old' bowl. Mom spoke about how the old bowl had it's memories too and now it's got an even better history behind it! She's a great sport, and I know it still probably hurt a bit inside, but she told Dave he still kept his "Dynamite" status.
Here's to happy cooking in the new green bowl, and the history of the green bowl that is now legend!
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Do It Anyway
Every once in a while something speaks out to me. Sometimes it's song lyrics that feel like the writer is singing my heart. Other times it's a book that has a character that I can relate to, and other times it can be a little snip-it of a quote, but today while shopping for Christmas ideas I came across a poem that spoke to me. After you read it you may see why.
You know, I do get asked a lot why I am a happy person, why or how I overcame the things that I have, "do you every not smile or joke?" and you know...after I read this...I know what it really is, it's because without knowing it, I was DOING IT ANYWAY. I don't waste my time on things that I can't control, I CAN control how I react to things and I truly try to live by that. Weather it works or not is up to those around me, and I hope that I do a good job.
"Do it Anyway"
People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway.
What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, will often be forgotten. Do good anyway.
Give the best you have, and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway.
In the final analysis, it is between you and God.
It was never between you and them anyway.
- Mother Teresa
You know, I do get asked a lot why I am a happy person, why or how I overcame the things that I have, "do you every not smile or joke?" and you know...after I read this...I know what it really is, it's because without knowing it, I was DOING IT ANYWAY. I don't waste my time on things that I can't control, I CAN control how I react to things and I truly try to live by that. Weather it works or not is up to those around me, and I hope that I do a good job.
"Do it Anyway"
People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway.
What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, will often be forgotten. Do good anyway.
Give the best you have, and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway.
In the final analysis, it is between you and God.
It was never between you and them anyway.
- Mother Teresa
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Ten Years ago today...
Kainan,
Ten years ago today I wrote a letter to you and placed it in your baby book. Ten years later you can actually READ that letter! I want to update you on some events that have happened since that day. It will be just a summery because as you can imagine, it's a lot of information and there are lots of theories about what happened. As the dust settled from the events of that day, many people from across the country came together in efforts to try and rescue survivors and to clean up the destruction that was caused by all four planes crashing.
We found out that people on the fourth plane, Flight 93, did what they could to stop the hijackers from causing more destruction. They have their lives to assure that others were safe. When they got ready to take on the hijackers they said "let's roll..." Their spirit of a united front defines what true heroes are.
There was a total of 2,996 people that died that day, 19 of those were hijackers. Of that total 411 of those people were emergency workers who responded to the scene and died as they tried to rescue people and fight fires. The people that passed away that day created, through their deaths, a new way of life for people across the world. Some of that way of life involves the loss of other American lives to achieve not only freedom for others but also to hold those accountable that helped plan the terrorist acts.
Many people have differing opinions of weather things were handled the way they should have been or not, but I truly believe that our leaders did the best they could with what they has to work with at the time. Our Nation has been at war with terrorists for the last 10 years, your whole life. Also, in that 10 years, President Bush's successor President Obama has continued the fight on terrorism ans on May 1st of this year our US Troops finally found Osama bin Laden, and brought him to justice.
The people that committed these acts were religious fanatics that believed they were serving God through what they were doing. To me it's no different that a cult who tries to achieve power or reward through the destruction of others. Acts like these are not what God wants, and that's why it's so very important to learn and research not only your religion but also others as well. It's important to learn the history of these events so we can keep things like this from happening again. That's why I wrote to you that day 10 years ago. I left my fears out of that letter thinking it best to just leave the facts, but I can tell you now, I am no longer afraid. We live in the greatest Nation on Earth, while not perfect, we are founded on the ideals that freedom is for all who live here and that is what the terrorists were actually fighting. Now THEIR nations are more free, they DIDN'T break America's spirit, but strengthened us.
"Our enemies have made the mistake that America’s enemies always make. They saw liberty & thought they saw weakness. And, now, they see defeat." - George W. Bush
I know I left much out, I know I am not the best spokesperson for the event but I felt it necessary to share my point of view for you while you were so small. God Bless the United States of America!
Love,
Mom
Ten years ago today I wrote a letter to you and placed it in your baby book. Ten years later you can actually READ that letter! I want to update you on some events that have happened since that day. It will be just a summery because as you can imagine, it's a lot of information and there are lots of theories about what happened. As the dust settled from the events of that day, many people from across the country came together in efforts to try and rescue survivors and to clean up the destruction that was caused by all four planes crashing.
We found out that people on the fourth plane, Flight 93, did what they could to stop the hijackers from causing more destruction. They have their lives to assure that others were safe. When they got ready to take on the hijackers they said "let's roll..." Their spirit of a united front defines what true heroes are.
There was a total of 2,996 people that died that day, 19 of those were hijackers. Of that total 411 of those people were emergency workers who responded to the scene and died as they tried to rescue people and fight fires. The people that passed away that day created, through their deaths, a new way of life for people across the world. Some of that way of life involves the loss of other American lives to achieve not only freedom for others but also to hold those accountable that helped plan the terrorist acts.
Many people have differing opinions of weather things were handled the way they should have been or not, but I truly believe that our leaders did the best they could with what they has to work with at the time. Our Nation has been at war with terrorists for the last 10 years, your whole life. Also, in that 10 years, President Bush's successor President Obama has continued the fight on terrorism ans on May 1st of this year our US Troops finally found Osama bin Laden, and brought him to justice.
The people that committed these acts were religious fanatics that believed they were serving God through what they were doing. To me it's no different that a cult who tries to achieve power or reward through the destruction of others. Acts like these are not what God wants, and that's why it's so very important to learn and research not only your religion but also others as well. It's important to learn the history of these events so we can keep things like this from happening again. That's why I wrote to you that day 10 years ago. I left my fears out of that letter thinking it best to just leave the facts, but I can tell you now, I am no longer afraid. We live in the greatest Nation on Earth, while not perfect, we are founded on the ideals that freedom is for all who live here and that is what the terrorists were actually fighting. Now THEIR nations are more free, they DIDN'T break America's spirit, but strengthened us.
"Our enemies have made the mistake that America’s enemies always make. They saw liberty & thought they saw weakness. And, now, they see defeat." - George W. Bush
I know I left much out, I know I am not the best spokesperson for the event but I felt it necessary to share my point of view for you while you were so small. God Bless the United States of America!
Love,
Mom
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Dear Kainan, September 11, 2001
The Following is a letter that I wrote to my son, word for word, the day of September 2001. Nothing has been changed, and as you can imagine there was much we DIDN'T know:
Kainan,
Today I awoke to the news that a hijacked airplane crashed into one of the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. Then 18 minutes later another plane crashed into the other tower. Both towers burned from huge holes in their sides. We thought the first plane was an accident. When the second plane crashed everyone knew it had to be a terrorist attack. A third plane crashed into the Pentagon a short time later. Then the building that the second plane crashed into, collapsed to the ground. Many people were crushed because they were near the buildings, escaping, or trying to rescue victims. None of them expected the buildings to fall. A few minutes later the first injured building crashed to the ground. The Twin Towers of the World Trade Center were no more. As this is going on a fourth hijacked plane is crashed in Penn. President Bush said early in the day: "Freedom itself was attacked this morning..." and later: "We will hunt down and punish the people who committed this horrible act." It has been popular belief that supporters of a known terrorist Osama Bin Laden were behind this destruction. A huge investigation is taking place. As these events unfold I will keep record of this for you Kainan. The world is changing before my eyes and I want you to know what was happening as you life was just beginning. God Bless the rescuers and victims; and God Bless us as things are so confusing and difficult right now.
Mom
I wrote three more letters after that and I put them in his baby book. I distinctly remember the shock of the events and the horrible thought of "what kind of world did I just bring my baby into?". I remember rewriting the letter, taking out most of the emotion I was feeling, I thought it best to leave it as "just the facts". I left off the fact that I woke up that morning and laid my 2 month old, Kainan, on a blanket on the floor right in front of the tv, just like every other morning before that one. I left off, that as the tv came into focus after turning it on, I watched the 2nd plane hit on live tv. I left off, that I sat on the couch with a perfect stranger (the air conditioner repair guy) and prayed for our country. I wonder if that guy remembers me as vividly as I do him. I couldn't get past the thought that I brought a child into such a messed up world for a very long time...I have to say though, as the days and years passed, I think that the people in charge of this country did the very best they could with what they had to work with.
I am a Proud American. God Bless the USA!
Kainan,
Today I awoke to the news that a hijacked airplane crashed into one of the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. Then 18 minutes later another plane crashed into the other tower. Both towers burned from huge holes in their sides. We thought the first plane was an accident. When the second plane crashed everyone knew it had to be a terrorist attack. A third plane crashed into the Pentagon a short time later. Then the building that the second plane crashed into, collapsed to the ground. Many people were crushed because they were near the buildings, escaping, or trying to rescue victims. None of them expected the buildings to fall. A few minutes later the first injured building crashed to the ground. The Twin Towers of the World Trade Center were no more. As this is going on a fourth hijacked plane is crashed in Penn. President Bush said early in the day: "Freedom itself was attacked this morning..." and later: "We will hunt down and punish the people who committed this horrible act." It has been popular belief that supporters of a known terrorist Osama Bin Laden were behind this destruction. A huge investigation is taking place. As these events unfold I will keep record of this for you Kainan. The world is changing before my eyes and I want you to know what was happening as you life was just beginning. God Bless the rescuers and victims; and God Bless us as things are so confusing and difficult right now.
Mom
I wrote three more letters after that and I put them in his baby book. I distinctly remember the shock of the events and the horrible thought of "what kind of world did I just bring my baby into?". I remember rewriting the letter, taking out most of the emotion I was feeling, I thought it best to leave it as "just the facts". I left off the fact that I woke up that morning and laid my 2 month old, Kainan, on a blanket on the floor right in front of the tv, just like every other morning before that one. I left off, that as the tv came into focus after turning it on, I watched the 2nd plane hit on live tv. I left off, that I sat on the couch with a perfect stranger (the air conditioner repair guy) and prayed for our country. I wonder if that guy remembers me as vividly as I do him. I couldn't get past the thought that I brought a child into such a messed up world for a very long time...I have to say though, as the days and years passed, I think that the people in charge of this country did the very best they could with what they had to work with.
I am a Proud American. God Bless the USA!
Monday, September 5, 2011
Labor Day Weekend
I started off my Labor Day Weekend by taking Friday afternoon off to go get my feet pampered. I went to this place called Elite Nails and man, after the food scrub, hot rock massage and wax treatment, I was in heaven! My toes and heels feel great, and it's really been a challenge to keep them healthy. It's been a constant battle ever since Kainan was born, I don't know if there is a connection with that or not, but it's something I am going to start doing for myself to try and keep them healthy.
Saturday, was laundry war 2011. I cleaned and cleaned and folded and folded, and it's a never ending battle! The more cloths I washed and put away the more I found myself thinking that I wished it were socially acceptable to let my kids run around in loin cloths or something...ANYTHING but more cloths! After lunch they were picked up by their father, who just showed up out of the blue...of course the boys just flipped out they were so excited. He told them that they were going to a movie and that left David and I to watching movies and doing a whole lot of nothing. Until our football games started! It's great to have football back on the tube!
Sunday, was the absolute BEST weather day that we've had all YEAR!!! We slept late because it was so dark due to the rainy weather. I was VERY surprised to find out that it was after 8:30 am! I walked into the living room and opened the front door to let Carmen in to eat breakfast...it smelled like rain, it was glorious! It started to rain, and I opened the windows and turned the Air Conditioner off and just enjoyed the quiet splatter of the drops landing on the pavement and window pane. It was the most enjoyable morning that I have had in quite some time. It was the promise of fall that we have been waiting for. It's been such a miserable year, and we haven't had ONE cold break like this since February! I almost busted out all my fall decorations, but I restrained myself...I'll do it in a couple of weekends...
Around lunch time David got called out to a rig that was just outside of Lubbock, so we fueled up the truck and headed out. Dave bought a few lotto tickets and we were super excited when we won $80! We went and ate at Abuelo's and went to the mall, we were looking for jeans to fit Dave, which was impossible. The good news was I found my favorite fall scent at Bath & Bodyworks, it's called Fireside...and when you don't have a fireplace, it smells just like it. So I stocked up because you can't find it after the season is over. We came back to town and decided to go to the movies, and it was ok...we watched Conan the Barbarian...it was real gory and not really like the old one, but it was entertaining. OH! I almost forgot! I got my payment of roasted green chilies! So, after the movie I peeled them and stored them for future use. We picked the boys up and they were upset that they had to come back, how do you explain to a kid that their DAD called and wanted them to leave? Sigh...THEN they told us that they didn't go to the movie...I wish he could learn not to get their hopes up, because it ALWAYS leaves ME picking up the pieces!
This morning the boys slept in until just at 8 am and it was pretty awesome! We rearranged their room a bit to fit a rug that I bought. I spent some time watching movies and cleaning the house a bit. David gave Kainan a mowing lesson and he decided to pay him in legos. They bought a Star Wars one and then super glued it...lol I made a batch of green chili stew and it was SO HOT I had to add sugar to bring it back down so we could eat it! After that it was delicious! I'm looking forward to using my stash of roasted green chilies! '
It's been a really enjoyable weekend at the house, and I can already feel myself dragging my feet about having to return tomorrow...something I don't usually do...but man, after a weekend of that, who needs work?
Saturday, was laundry war 2011. I cleaned and cleaned and folded and folded, and it's a never ending battle! The more cloths I washed and put away the more I found myself thinking that I wished it were socially acceptable to let my kids run around in loin cloths or something...ANYTHING but more cloths! After lunch they were picked up by their father, who just showed up out of the blue...of course the boys just flipped out they were so excited. He told them that they were going to a movie and that left David and I to watching movies and doing a whole lot of nothing. Until our football games started! It's great to have football back on the tube!
Sunday, was the absolute BEST weather day that we've had all YEAR!!! We slept late because it was so dark due to the rainy weather. I was VERY surprised to find out that it was after 8:30 am! I walked into the living room and opened the front door to let Carmen in to eat breakfast...it smelled like rain, it was glorious! It started to rain, and I opened the windows and turned the Air Conditioner off and just enjoyed the quiet splatter of the drops landing on the pavement and window pane. It was the most enjoyable morning that I have had in quite some time. It was the promise of fall that we have been waiting for. It's been such a miserable year, and we haven't had ONE cold break like this since February! I almost busted out all my fall decorations, but I restrained myself...I'll do it in a couple of weekends...
Around lunch time David got called out to a rig that was just outside of Lubbock, so we fueled up the truck and headed out. Dave bought a few lotto tickets and we were super excited when we won $80! We went and ate at Abuelo's and went to the mall, we were looking for jeans to fit Dave, which was impossible. The good news was I found my favorite fall scent at Bath & Bodyworks, it's called Fireside...and when you don't have a fireplace, it smells just like it. So I stocked up because you can't find it after the season is over. We came back to town and decided to go to the movies, and it was ok...we watched Conan the Barbarian...it was real gory and not really like the old one, but it was entertaining. OH! I almost forgot! I got my payment of roasted green chilies! So, after the movie I peeled them and stored them for future use. We picked the boys up and they were upset that they had to come back, how do you explain to a kid that their DAD called and wanted them to leave? Sigh...THEN they told us that they didn't go to the movie...I wish he could learn not to get their hopes up, because it ALWAYS leaves ME picking up the pieces!
This morning the boys slept in until just at 8 am and it was pretty awesome! We rearranged their room a bit to fit a rug that I bought. I spent some time watching movies and cleaning the house a bit. David gave Kainan a mowing lesson and he decided to pay him in legos. They bought a Star Wars one and then super glued it...lol I made a batch of green chili stew and it was SO HOT I had to add sugar to bring it back down so we could eat it! After that it was delicious! I'm looking forward to using my stash of roasted green chilies! '
It's been a really enjoyable weekend at the house, and I can already feel myself dragging my feet about having to return tomorrow...something I don't usually do...but man, after a weekend of that, who needs work?
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Diet Day 1
Ok, today is the day. I am 250.8 lbs as of this morning...10 of that gained in my last week splurging on all the things I was gonna miss! LOL I've signed on to peddle this stuff, but I am NOT going to push anything until I see where my experience as a consumer takes me.
My Parents are on their 2nd week and they are feeling great! I am excited for them, and doubly so because they are doing it as a team. Dad has lost 17 lbs as of Friday, and Mom has lost 10. I don't anticipate a miracle but this seems to be a good decision with the combination of the meal management with the luxury of getting to still have a meal with my family each evening. Which was one of the drawbacks of the last attempt I made.
Wish me luck and a strong will...
My Parents are on their 2nd week and they are feeling great! I am excited for them, and doubly so because they are doing it as a team. Dad has lost 17 lbs as of Friday, and Mom has lost 10. I don't anticipate a miracle but this seems to be a good decision with the combination of the meal management with the luxury of getting to still have a meal with my family each evening. Which was one of the drawbacks of the last attempt I made.
Wish me luck and a strong will...
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Bully
*prepare for a rant...and not one based on my own kids but a show I watched about bullying, the more I thought about it, the madder I got.
I want to talk about what I am seeing as the "latest thing" in childcare/school, the anti-bullying movement. To be clear, I applaud the efforts of parents, teachers and kids themselves for taking the time to step back and actually PAY attention to something that has been going on since...oh, the beginning of time! There are those that take it to the extreme and are so mean to others (I think the people that this happens to are definitely victims and often have other underlying issues.), usually because they are using it to fulfill some void within themselves, that it drives a person...well crazy. Crazy to the point where they do something extreme, either to themselves or to others.
On the other hand, there is what I view as a sort of "healthy" bully. Someone who might keep us on our toes, teaches us to overcome conflict, stand up for themselves, inspiring self-reliance and eventually confidence after the conflict is resolved. Children are honest, brutally honest. I got the fact that I had super thick ugly glasses pointed out to me on a daily basis as a kid. How did I resolve that? Well, for a while, it bothered me but as I got older I quipped "nice observation", shutting down the comments.
What I am really concerned about is people can't seem to tell the difference anymore. The people in charge are taking everything to such extremes that a simple comment can cause the speaker to be in serious trouble, and the witness or 'victim' to never have to learn how to actually handle a situation on their own. Is that what we really want out of our children? To always come running to us to save them at every single incident? Of course the momma bear in me says YES! I will do anything for my children, anything to keep them safe from hurt and harm, but I know I have to draw the line and let them learn on their own. It can't be good for society to have a bunch of mamby-pambies running the place. We hear all the time about complaints about Generation X Y Z from the Baby-boomers...well, news flash YOU created this mess! Now the question is? Can it be fixed?
I think so, I try my hardest to have my kids NOT be the bully, to treat others the way they want to be treated. Take a stand when there is someone they see getting picked on. If everyone did it with their kids and made it a constant conversation in their homes, one side of it would be solved. Childhood is a tough learning experience, so if we have a combination of letting kids be kids, along with looking out for the other guy...a balance can be achieved.
I want to talk about what I am seeing as the "latest thing" in childcare/school, the anti-bullying movement. To be clear, I applaud the efforts of parents, teachers and kids themselves for taking the time to step back and actually PAY attention to something that has been going on since...oh, the beginning of time! There are those that take it to the extreme and are so mean to others (I think the people that this happens to are definitely victims and often have other underlying issues.), usually because they are using it to fulfill some void within themselves, that it drives a person...well crazy. Crazy to the point where they do something extreme, either to themselves or to others.
On the other hand, there is what I view as a sort of "healthy" bully. Someone who might keep us on our toes, teaches us to overcome conflict, stand up for themselves, inspiring self-reliance and eventually confidence after the conflict is resolved. Children are honest, brutally honest. I got the fact that I had super thick ugly glasses pointed out to me on a daily basis as a kid. How did I resolve that? Well, for a while, it bothered me but as I got older I quipped "nice observation", shutting down the comments.
What I am really concerned about is people can't seem to tell the difference anymore. The people in charge are taking everything to such extremes that a simple comment can cause the speaker to be in serious trouble, and the witness or 'victim' to never have to learn how to actually handle a situation on their own. Is that what we really want out of our children? To always come running to us to save them at every single incident? Of course the momma bear in me says YES! I will do anything for my children, anything to keep them safe from hurt and harm, but I know I have to draw the line and let them learn on their own. It can't be good for society to have a bunch of mamby-pambies running the place. We hear all the time about complaints about Generation X Y Z from the Baby-boomers...well, news flash YOU created this mess! Now the question is? Can it be fixed?
I think so, I try my hardest to have my kids NOT be the bully, to treat others the way they want to be treated. Take a stand when there is someone they see getting picked on. If everyone did it with their kids and made it a constant conversation in their homes, one side of it would be solved. Childhood is a tough learning experience, so if we have a combination of letting kids be kids, along with looking out for the other guy...a balance can be achieved.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Scars
Last night Dave and I had a "Scar off". What's that you might ask?
Well, we were watching Pawn Stars, and they were looking at the stitching on a straight jacket that was owned by Harry Houdini. Dave said something about having stitches and it turned into a pop quiz with each other about our childhood injuries! LOL It really was a lesson in how much we have paid attention to each other over the years.
Anyway, It was pretty funny, because both of us are really on it. Dave's had stitches because of a big rock incident, racing for nachos and busting his knee. I had the tragic pool chlorine floaty incident and my appendix...but we didn't count the kids...we just didn't go there! When I talked about his busted knee he said "YEA but what leg is it on?" It led to quizzing about other funny stories that we have told each other. Good times!
Well, we were watching Pawn Stars, and they were looking at the stitching on a straight jacket that was owned by Harry Houdini. Dave said something about having stitches and it turned into a pop quiz with each other about our childhood injuries! LOL It really was a lesson in how much we have paid attention to each other over the years.
Anyway, It was pretty funny, because both of us are really on it. Dave's had stitches because of a big rock incident, racing for nachos and busting his knee. I had the tragic pool chlorine floaty incident and my appendix...but we didn't count the kids...we just didn't go there! When I talked about his busted knee he said "YEA but what leg is it on?" It led to quizzing about other funny stories that we have told each other. Good times!
Monday, August 22, 2011
Falling in Love
I am sitting here on the couch. David, Gavin and Angus are on the other end of it, practicing vocabulary words. Dave is being so very patient with Gavin, who is reading them aloud and for the most part is just guessing at the words he is reading. Angus, well Angus, is too good for these guys and is chewing on his little stuff lamb that he has been dedicated to destroying since the Easter Bunny brought it this past Easter.
I wish I could tape this, because it's adorable. Dave has his arm around Gavin and they are sounding out the words, talking about the meaning of the words. It just makes me fall in love with him all over. I couldn't ask for better than that for my wee ones, and for myself I guess, because if you can keep falling in love with the one you are with, you (in my opinion) are a winner. I just hope through all the times that he gives me this certain look I always get and that laugh, like he can't believe I just said that, maybe that's him falling for me all over again a little bit each day too...
I wish I could tape this, because it's adorable. Dave has his arm around Gavin and they are sounding out the words, talking about the meaning of the words. It just makes me fall in love with him all over. I couldn't ask for better than that for my wee ones, and for myself I guess, because if you can keep falling in love with the one you are with, you (in my opinion) are a winner. I just hope through all the times that he gives me this certain look I always get and that laugh, like he can't believe I just said that, maybe that's him falling for me all over again a little bit each day too...
Thursday, August 18, 2011
not forgotten...
Today, I went to a funeral for a sweet, loving, ornery Christian woman. A person who has lived her life the best she could and using all she had to keep moving forward at all times. A person who reminds me of my own sweet great-grandmothers. I can't help but reflect...
I really love old people. I define someone as old as being at least 72, by the way because that was the age Granny Who was when I had the thought "man, she's old".
My Granny Buna would have been 101 years old this year, and we did the same thing that Ma's family did...we figured she would live forever because she already HAD! Live, something she did and well. Not because she had money, but she had rich memories and rich family love. Granny Buna contracted Polo when she was 2 years old, which left her without full use of her legs, always left behind by her siblings, she learned how to walk on her hands so she could do something 'they' couldn't do. I never knew a time where she didn't use a cart to get around. Though I do remember her able to stand with crutches to cook. Granny was never supposed to have children because her doctor didn't think it was safe. Well, she had 5 boys, and named one after that Dr. I love that. She knew incredible, unspeakable heart ache...especially with the outliving of all but one of her boys. She remembered everything and always sought to create something, weather it was food, paintings or other crafts or even music. She became the neighborhood Granny, and was friends with everyone, she loved connecting with people and loved God in a way that you saw it on her face. She wrote all of her memory's and published a book, it's fun to read, and now when I read it I cry because I miss her and I can hear her voice telling me all of those stories as she had in person.
Granny Who was always a little more stern. She was a beautician. She ALWAYS and I mean ALWAYS had to look her best. She had a cellar at her house which was always the result of adventures by us kids. She also had a drawer full of scarves and we always used them to do a fashion show every time we visited. She was an amazing cook and is the source of many of the family favorites...including Momma Kay's bread, the all important mac'n'cheese. She also was creative. She hand crafted quilts. That's HAND CRAFTED...as in NO sewing machine, EVER! Her quilts are some of the most beautiful I have ever seen. She always said that someone could have one if they named their daughter "Pansy" which was her real name. I haven't had the chance to name a girl...but hey, who knows maybe someday...
My Granny Johnson was the last to pass. She was a poet and made all sorts of things all the time. She knitted and I will always regret that I didn't get to learn that from her. She was such a bright positive person and always had a funny song and fun story to tell. She loved to sing and loved God so very much!
I was born at just the right time to have my great-grandmother's as part of my life. How I got so lucky I will never know but I CAN say I can't WAIT to be a Granny!
I really love old people. I define someone as old as being at least 72, by the way because that was the age Granny Who was when I had the thought "man, she's old".
My Granny Buna would have been 101 years old this year, and we did the same thing that Ma's family did...we figured she would live forever because she already HAD! Live, something she did and well. Not because she had money, but she had rich memories and rich family love. Granny Buna contracted Polo when she was 2 years old, which left her without full use of her legs, always left behind by her siblings, she learned how to walk on her hands so she could do something 'they' couldn't do. I never knew a time where she didn't use a cart to get around. Though I do remember her able to stand with crutches to cook. Granny was never supposed to have children because her doctor didn't think it was safe. Well, she had 5 boys, and named one after that Dr. I love that. She knew incredible, unspeakable heart ache...especially with the outliving of all but one of her boys. She remembered everything and always sought to create something, weather it was food, paintings or other crafts or even music. She became the neighborhood Granny, and was friends with everyone, she loved connecting with people and loved God in a way that you saw it on her face. She wrote all of her memory's and published a book, it's fun to read, and now when I read it I cry because I miss her and I can hear her voice telling me all of those stories as she had in person.
Granny Who was always a little more stern. She was a beautician. She ALWAYS and I mean ALWAYS had to look her best. She had a cellar at her house which was always the result of adventures by us kids. She also had a drawer full of scarves and we always used them to do a fashion show every time we visited. She was an amazing cook and is the source of many of the family favorites...including Momma Kay's bread, the all important mac'n'cheese. She also was creative. She hand crafted quilts. That's HAND CRAFTED...as in NO sewing machine, EVER! Her quilts are some of the most beautiful I have ever seen. She always said that someone could have one if they named their daughter "Pansy" which was her real name. I haven't had the chance to name a girl...but hey, who knows maybe someday...
My Granny Johnson was the last to pass. She was a poet and made all sorts of things all the time. She knitted and I will always regret that I didn't get to learn that from her. She was such a bright positive person and always had a funny song and fun story to tell. She loved to sing and loved God so very much!
I was born at just the right time to have my great-grandmother's as part of my life. How I got so lucky I will never know but I CAN say I can't WAIT to be a Granny!
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Back to the Grind
In the morning school is back in session in Hobbs. With that the moans of many children can be heard across the land, and the secret joyful glee of the parents underlying it! I am ready to have some order back into our lives, even though I am a person that thrives in disorder most of the time. It's a fact kids need order of some sort and mine are no exception.
Gavin can't wait for school to start, Kainan would rather never ever have to go back... They picked out their cloths this evening, did a last check on their school supplies, bathed and completely crashed out! I have a 4th grader and a 2nd grader on my hands and before bed, we had the back to school pep-talk. We discussed being good friends, the boys leaving each other alone (Kainan has had a bit of 'mother hen' syndrome this summer), getting their work done AT school with the threat that their entire electronic lives will come to a halt if they don't. I am Mom, that's my job.
That being said, I remember 4th grade and 2nd grade so well! In 2nd grade, I had Mrs. Estrada and she had a Curious George doll that we got to all take care of. I remember it taking FOREVER for it to be my turn! We also learned cursive and I wanted so badly to be good at it, I remember practicing with a sick in the sandbox, with my friend Betty who was better at it than me, but helped me practice.
In 4th grade I had Mrs. Manes and she was awesome! She read to us after lunch every day. We read "Tales of a 4th grade Nothing", "James and the Giant Peach", "Where the Red Fern Grows" and "Summer of the Monkeys". I loved learning about New Mexico history and I still make those paper flowers that I learned how to do for our program that we did.
I am excited about the upcoming school year and I appreciate the efforts of those who teach our kiddos. They do an awful lot and sacrifice a lot to teach our kids. I just pray that Gavin's doesn't succumb to his charms...
Gavin can't wait for school to start, Kainan would rather never ever have to go back... They picked out their cloths this evening, did a last check on their school supplies, bathed and completely crashed out! I have a 4th grader and a 2nd grader on my hands and before bed, we had the back to school pep-talk. We discussed being good friends, the boys leaving each other alone (Kainan has had a bit of 'mother hen' syndrome this summer), getting their work done AT school with the threat that their entire electronic lives will come to a halt if they don't. I am Mom, that's my job.
That being said, I remember 4th grade and 2nd grade so well! In 2nd grade, I had Mrs. Estrada and she had a Curious George doll that we got to all take care of. I remember it taking FOREVER for it to be my turn! We also learned cursive and I wanted so badly to be good at it, I remember practicing with a sick in the sandbox, with my friend Betty who was better at it than me, but helped me practice.
In 4th grade I had Mrs. Manes and she was awesome! She read to us after lunch every day. We read "Tales of a 4th grade Nothing", "James and the Giant Peach", "Where the Red Fern Grows" and "Summer of the Monkeys". I loved learning about New Mexico history and I still make those paper flowers that I learned how to do for our program that we did.
I am excited about the upcoming school year and I appreciate the efforts of those who teach our kiddos. They do an awful lot and sacrifice a lot to teach our kids. I just pray that Gavin's doesn't succumb to his charms...
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Housing Developments
Well for the first time in a YEAR it has finally rained in Hobbs! With the refreshing new weather, it brought refreshing changes to the family. I am going to list them...why? I dunno...lol
#1 I have written about David's interest in getting a home. He submitted all his info for pre-approval on a loan, but we are waiting to hear back on what he is approved for. It's exciting and nerve wracking at the same time! I am trying not to get my hopes up, but the desire for more square footage AND another bathroom...is sucking me in! The next big decision, if we find something, what to do about MY house? (more to come on that later)
#2 Interestingly enough, I have also sold my car! To David's brother and sister-in-law of all people. Having that wee bit extra couldn't come at a better time since who knows what added costs can add up with the purchase of a new home.
#3 My siblings BOTH got JOBS!!! I am a firm believer that Amanda getting a job helped it rain the other day! LOL She's going to have FULL time employment at a bank and my brother got a job at UPS and is moving up quickly! He has his driving test this upcoming week! Maybe one of them can rent my house?
#4 My parents are going on the Monavie weight loss program. It's one of those programs that if you sign up three people to it with you, you get your product for free...so of course they want me to jump on board, but then, who would be MY people? It's a great money making opportunity, and some of our family friends are making over $900 a week on the program!
#5 (and my personal favorite) School starts this Wednesday! LOL
#1 I have written about David's interest in getting a home. He submitted all his info for pre-approval on a loan, but we are waiting to hear back on what he is approved for. It's exciting and nerve wracking at the same time! I am trying not to get my hopes up, but the desire for more square footage AND another bathroom...is sucking me in! The next big decision, if we find something, what to do about MY house? (more to come on that later)
#2 Interestingly enough, I have also sold my car! To David's brother and sister-in-law of all people. Having that wee bit extra couldn't come at a better time since who knows what added costs can add up with the purchase of a new home.
#3 My siblings BOTH got JOBS!!! I am a firm believer that Amanda getting a job helped it rain the other day! LOL She's going to have FULL time employment at a bank and my brother got a job at UPS and is moving up quickly! He has his driving test this upcoming week! Maybe one of them can rent my house?
#4 My parents are going on the Monavie weight loss program. It's one of those programs that if you sign up three people to it with you, you get your product for free...so of course they want me to jump on board, but then, who would be MY people? It's a great money making opportunity, and some of our family friends are making over $900 a week on the program!
#5 (and my personal favorite) School starts this Wednesday! LOL
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Ten Years...and no longer a "wee one",,,
Ten years ago, I became a parent, specifically a mother. I was 18 with nothing but hope and pride to provide for my young child, and yet, they let me leave the hospital with him! God handed me a miracle that day, and it's been such an adventure ever since.
When you have your first child, everyone is full of advice, and a new mother walks a fine line between listening and figuring things out for herself...blundering or struggling though it until a system is achieved. Everything was amazing every facial movement and detail caused awe, each cry...didn't create panic, but a sense of discovery.
Two months or so after Kainan was born, the events of September 11th rocked my parental world. That morning, I had put him on a blanket on the floor near the T.V. then turned it on. Just as the picture came into focus, the 2nd plane hit. I was struck at the irony of the images I was witnessing. There is my son, an innocent, and right behind him on the screen the result of pure evil. I couldn't help but wonder what on EARTH I had brought this poor baby into. The future seemed even MORE uncertain than usual...and it was the moment that I snapped out of my parental bliss and got to business always trying my best to provide the best I could for my family.
I now, 10 years later, have full conversations with my boy, who is capable of so many wondrous things. He's funny, smart and has the biggest of hearts! So, today, I no longer can use my usual term of endearment for my oldest boy...he's no longer a "wee one". He's a young man! It's been especially emotional for me to have a kid in the double digits and now I get why my mother cried at all those moments that as a kid I didn't understand. Now I do, it's your heart pouring over...
When you have your first child, everyone is full of advice, and a new mother walks a fine line between listening and figuring things out for herself...blundering or struggling though it until a system is achieved. Everything was amazing every facial movement and detail caused awe, each cry...didn't create panic, but a sense of discovery.
Two months or so after Kainan was born, the events of September 11th rocked my parental world. That morning, I had put him on a blanket on the floor near the T.V. then turned it on. Just as the picture came into focus, the 2nd plane hit. I was struck at the irony of the images I was witnessing. There is my son, an innocent, and right behind him on the screen the result of pure evil. I couldn't help but wonder what on EARTH I had brought this poor baby into. The future seemed even MORE uncertain than usual...and it was the moment that I snapped out of my parental bliss and got to business always trying my best to provide the best I could for my family.
I now, 10 years later, have full conversations with my boy, who is capable of so many wondrous things. He's funny, smart and has the biggest of hearts! So, today, I no longer can use my usual term of endearment for my oldest boy...he's no longer a "wee one". He's a young man! It's been especially emotional for me to have a kid in the double digits and now I get why my mother cried at all those moments that as a kid I didn't understand. Now I do, it's your heart pouring over...
Monday, July 18, 2011
Ode to Friendship
From day one of our interesting friendship Ash and I have had laughter, tears, joy and unmeasurable sadness. We started off a little inconsistent until our music, faith and sense of fun were just too alike to avoid! From the early days of spending the night and driving around with our toothpick umbrella situated juuuust so, so the radio would work in Ol' Rusty, to the mad dash through Brown County to Ash's finial wedding, we have seen it all!
I have never had much time for most other chicks...why? Well, girls are stupid. Petty and generally so competitive that they are a waste of time in my opinion. The thing that I value the absolute most is the unconditional love and support that I share with my best friend. I know, that no matter what I can call on her to bring me back around, give an opinion or solution without judgement. My biggest hope is that I provide the same for her. It's been extremely hard on me to have her gone, I struggle about that because it's selfish, but I have yet to find a person here that has the qualities of character that I am looking for in a friend...does that sound lame?
I have given it a good couple of shots and every time I find someone remotely promising, I either scare them off with my weirdness or they move away due to them getting amazing opportunities. It's all just a waste of time. There's only one Aiiishal. I hope that my boys will have the opportunity to have friends that are this close, to build memories that they can hold close and dear...memories that help build them into the adults they will become.
I have never had much time for most other chicks...why? Well, girls are stupid. Petty and generally so competitive that they are a waste of time in my opinion. The thing that I value the absolute most is the unconditional love and support that I share with my best friend. I know, that no matter what I can call on her to bring me back around, give an opinion or solution without judgement. My biggest hope is that I provide the same for her. It's been extremely hard on me to have her gone, I struggle about that because it's selfish, but I have yet to find a person here that has the qualities of character that I am looking for in a friend...does that sound lame?
I have given it a good couple of shots and every time I find someone remotely promising, I either scare them off with my weirdness or they move away due to them getting amazing opportunities. It's all just a waste of time. There's only one Aiiishal. I hope that my boys will have the opportunity to have friends that are this close, to build memories that they can hold close and dear...memories that help build them into the adults they will become.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
long time no blog...
OK, so I haven't written in a while. Let's see what I can fill ya in about...hmmm.
* Summer Work - Well, the best part of the summer (for me) is fast approaching, THE END OF IT! It's been pretty successful this year with minimal complaints or problems as far as Summer Recess goes. July 4th was a very very busy day, with not enough time with my little birthday boy, but it turned out really really well! The turn out was great, the concert was great, the fireworks were great AND we didn't catch anything on fire! haa haa!
* Bedroom Bliss - The Saturday before July 4th...I needed a project to keep me from worrying about the event. I had been getting more and more fed up with my room, and I also had been looking for a new bed for a while. Well, I found it, but I JUST couldn't put it in my shabby room with it's awful wallpaper! So down it went and up went fresh paint & bed. I have committed to NOT allowing my room to be the 'laundry hub' that it once was and so far it's been working. Not only that but I found all my missing flip flops! I have been spending more time in there and it's a place of rest now rather than a place to work and sleep. I almost feel like I am in a hotel.
* MLB Baseball - Dave and I have been talking about taking the boys to a professional baseball game for a while now. We were discussing about how that was a big memory from our childhoods that we would like to share with them. Originally we were going to try and hit up the Houston Astros and then travel down the coast, but we just couldn't find the time to do it justice. So, when an unexpected opportunity came up we jumped at the chance to head to the ballpark for the weekend! Dave's nephew Zach is down for the summer visiting from Florida, so we met his parents and Zach in Arlington for some good clean American fun. Little did we know that before we left tragedy had struck a family from Brownwood, TX when a father reached too far over a railing to catch a ball tossed by a player from the Texas Rangers, Josh Hamilton. The man fell 20 feet and left the park with EMS alive and talking about security looking after his 6 year old son...unfortunately he passed away shortly thereafter. There are just no words for something like that.
We arrived at the ballpark and their flags were at half mast in honor of the man and his family. The boys were decked out in their Ranger finest, and were super excited! We got through the gates and the sights, sounds and smells were amazing and definitely added to the excitement! Gavin was really concerned about the "excavators"...he had never rode an escalator that tall before! Once we made it to the seats we got the boys hooked up with some cotton candy, drinks and little bats. We even made it onto the Jumbotron thanks to the 7 guys behind us with Rangers spelled out on all their chests! They were all in High School and were really good about watching what they said about things around our boys, but they were flippin' funny! For example, after a call that shoulda been a strike: "why don't you flip the plate over and read the instructions, Blue!?!" LOL
After a lot of back and forth during the game the A's get ahead by one run at the top of the 8th inning...it's crunch time and the pressure is on! The A's get shut down at their turn at bat, then the Rangers get a single, then the next two guys get out. Then up comes Josh Hamilton. He gets two strikes. Then SMASHES a two run homer winning the game! It was amazing and the atmosphere to be in! People were hugging and cheering and high-fiving all the way down the escalators...it was an amazing way to introduce the boys into baseball! :o) We then drove all the way home the next day, to have the boys want to go to their dad's within five minutes of arriving, so they could play video games. Go figure.
* Summer Work - Well, the best part of the summer (for me) is fast approaching, THE END OF IT! It's been pretty successful this year with minimal complaints or problems as far as Summer Recess goes. July 4th was a very very busy day, with not enough time with my little birthday boy, but it turned out really really well! The turn out was great, the concert was great, the fireworks were great AND we didn't catch anything on fire! haa haa!
* Bedroom Bliss - The Saturday before July 4th...I needed a project to keep me from worrying about the event. I had been getting more and more fed up with my room, and I also had been looking for a new bed for a while. Well, I found it, but I JUST couldn't put it in my shabby room with it's awful wallpaper! So down it went and up went fresh paint & bed. I have committed to NOT allowing my room to be the 'laundry hub' that it once was and so far it's been working. Not only that but I found all my missing flip flops! I have been spending more time in there and it's a place of rest now rather than a place to work and sleep. I almost feel like I am in a hotel.
* MLB Baseball - Dave and I have been talking about taking the boys to a professional baseball game for a while now. We were discussing about how that was a big memory from our childhoods that we would like to share with them. Originally we were going to try and hit up the Houston Astros and then travel down the coast, but we just couldn't find the time to do it justice. So, when an unexpected opportunity came up we jumped at the chance to head to the ballpark for the weekend! Dave's nephew Zach is down for the summer visiting from Florida, so we met his parents and Zach in Arlington for some good clean American fun. Little did we know that before we left tragedy had struck a family from Brownwood, TX when a father reached too far over a railing to catch a ball tossed by a player from the Texas Rangers, Josh Hamilton. The man fell 20 feet and left the park with EMS alive and talking about security looking after his 6 year old son...unfortunately he passed away shortly thereafter. There are just no words for something like that.
We arrived at the ballpark and their flags were at half mast in honor of the man and his family. The boys were decked out in their Ranger finest, and were super excited! We got through the gates and the sights, sounds and smells were amazing and definitely added to the excitement! Gavin was really concerned about the "excavators"...he had never rode an escalator that tall before! Once we made it to the seats we got the boys hooked up with some cotton candy, drinks and little bats. We even made it onto the Jumbotron thanks to the 7 guys behind us with Rangers spelled out on all their chests! They were all in High School and were really good about watching what they said about things around our boys, but they were flippin' funny! For example, after a call that shoulda been a strike: "why don't you flip the plate over and read the instructions, Blue!?!" LOL
After a lot of back and forth during the game the A's get ahead by one run at the top of the 8th inning...it's crunch time and the pressure is on! The A's get shut down at their turn at bat, then the Rangers get a single, then the next two guys get out. Then up comes Josh Hamilton. He gets two strikes. Then SMASHES a two run homer winning the game! It was amazing and the atmosphere to be in! People were hugging and cheering and high-fiving all the way down the escalators...it was an amazing way to introduce the boys into baseball! :o) We then drove all the way home the next day, to have the boys want to go to their dad's within five minutes of arriving, so they could play video games. Go figure.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
scubb-a-dub
Well, I finally did it! Ever since I bought my house I have had this monstrosity in my bedroom. It's floral, shiny and pastel 1980's wallpaper...and I decided IT HAD TO GO! After a lot of looking I found me a bed that I liked, and oddly enough at a weird place, Big Lots. I got it on Friday night, which got me to thinking about how this nice bed in ugly surroundings. So, down it went...it put up quite the fight and by the time we got the bed assembled it was 11 pm. It looks great! I am so glad I did it...it's kinda one of those 'women' things that we do...putting off our stuff for last. I was so busy taking care of the rest of the house, I was allowing MY room to always be the hub for laundry and it's never been a welcoming place for me because of that...it was always a place of work and then when I was finally worn out, sleep.
Now it's an oasis of rest for me. I'm not gonna let it be the extended laundry room anymore! :o) I am going on a search for new curtains today, and then hanging up all the pictures that have been leaning against the wall of the bedroom for the last few years. Who knows I may even leave the door open when I have company from now on! LOL It's nice not being embarrassed of the room any longer!
Now it's an oasis of rest for me. I'm not gonna let it be the extended laundry room anymore! :o) I am going on a search for new curtains today, and then hanging up all the pictures that have been leaning against the wall of the bedroom for the last few years. Who knows I may even leave the door open when I have company from now on! LOL It's nice not being embarrassed of the room any longer!
Monday, June 27, 2011
hunky-dory
Tonight I got home from my Gus Macker Meeting, and I got waved down by Safety Vest Kid and he tells me that my dogs are out! I see Annie in his yard running through his sprinkler! I get her in the car and then as I get closer to the house I notice that my next door neighbor was having people work on her yard. I think they were, I dunno, attacking them or trying to see them? Either way SVK got Jett back in the yard.
Angus was just outside the gate barking his little head off at the mower guy and both were soaked! They had ALL THREE run through not only my sprinkler but every one of them at each house on the way to Safety Vest Kid's house! Silly pooches! Although it freaks me out that they got the gate open, it's good to know that they would rather play than run across town...so all is hunky-dory!
Angus was just outside the gate barking his little head off at the mower guy and both were soaked! They had ALL THREE run through not only my sprinkler but every one of them at each house on the way to Safety Vest Kid's house! Silly pooches! Although it freaks me out that they got the gate open, it's good to know that they would rather play than run across town...so all is hunky-dory!
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Is buying me a phone...comitment?
OK, So THANK GOODNESS we are halfway through summer! I dread summer, it's such a busy busy time for me and this summer is even more than usual! Add that with no rain since September of last year and going on 20+ days of over 100 degree weather...it takes away one of my top two summer loves...(the other being summer food)
Anyway, Dave tells me that he wants to get me a new phone. I don't CARE about my phone doing awesome tricks or anything, I just want it to ring! Anyway, turns out, after he and I talked about making our bills more balanced...he comes up with this. Our cell bills have been separate because his gets paid for by his work...so with adding a line, it was gonna cost him a whopping $9 with the uhhh "family plan". Getting rid of my $80 bill. So we are in line at AT&T and the lady asks us what we wanted to do and I totally cashed in on the opportunity to get a couple relationship sucker-punches in.
She asked "who is taking responsibility for this number?" and he said "I do" LOL so I said are you suuuure you are ready for this commitment? It was pretty funny!
So, now I have a Smartypants phone, one less bill, and an addiction to Angry Chickens. With this knew phone though, maybe I can organize my work stuff a little better to have it on the go for me. So, that's a bonus!
Anyway, I have a HUGE busy week coming up...getting ready for July 4th, my youngest turns 7 years old and balancing it all is gonna be a challenge, but the rest from this weekend along with the relief from finally getting to clean my casa, I think I am up for the challenge!
Anyway, Dave tells me that he wants to get me a new phone. I don't CARE about my phone doing awesome tricks or anything, I just want it to ring! Anyway, turns out, after he and I talked about making our bills more balanced...he comes up with this. Our cell bills have been separate because his gets paid for by his work...so with adding a line, it was gonna cost him a whopping $9 with the uhhh "family plan". Getting rid of my $80 bill. So we are in line at AT&T and the lady asks us what we wanted to do and I totally cashed in on the opportunity to get a couple relationship sucker-punches in.
She asked "who is taking responsibility for this number?" and he said "I do" LOL so I said are you suuuure you are ready for this commitment? It was pretty funny!
So, now I have a Smartypants phone, one less bill, and an addiction to Angry Chickens. With this knew phone though, maybe I can organize my work stuff a little better to have it on the go for me. So, that's a bonus!
Anyway, I have a HUGE busy week coming up...getting ready for July 4th, my youngest turns 7 years old and balancing it all is gonna be a challenge, but the rest from this weekend along with the relief from finally getting to clean my casa, I think I am up for the challenge!
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
FINALLY!
WHOO HOO! I finally got the check for the Lee Greenwood concert, so now it HAS to happen! LOL
Anyway, after some thought, I think it might be worth looking into to write about working vs. domestic goddess's in the book that Ash, Kellie and I want to write. I think we can still use our "freakmoster/a**hole" angle...but I think it might provide the angle we might need for success! This came to mind today when chatting with Ash on Facebook and we were talking about having the exact same issue with our men while at home...it was a uniting moment I thought. It doesn't matter how you parent, we all live and fight the same battles. What do you think?
I have a funny outline that we came up with for the chapters...I really DO think that we have something here! I am going to start outlining the stories I have in mind for each one (for my angle) and see what you guys think about how to layer them.
Anyway, after some thought, I think it might be worth looking into to write about working vs. domestic goddess's in the book that Ash, Kellie and I want to write. I think we can still use our "freakmoster/a**hole" angle...but I think it might provide the angle we might need for success! This came to mind today when chatting with Ash on Facebook and we were talking about having the exact same issue with our men while at home...it was a uniting moment I thought. It doesn't matter how you parent, we all live and fight the same battles. What do you think?
I have a funny outline that we came up with for the chapters...I really DO think that we have something here! I am going to start outlining the stories I have in mind for each one (for my angle) and see what you guys think about how to layer them.
Monday, June 20, 2011
All for Fall
OK, it's Monday, so we have a fresh week to bend to our will. I plan on getting out there and attacking it early on, ya know...like a ninja, and before you know it the week will be OVER! This weekend was so busy for me, and I won't have one off until the week after July 4th...sigh...Summer and time is going so fast!
I can't wait for Fall when I can rest a bit, and feel more in control of my home life. When I am so busy at work the whole domestic life suffers. My house looks like a whirlwind hit it! I plan on taking some of my comp-time this afternoon and tomorrow to get things straight again...it makes me a little crazy when my house isn't clean. I by no means am obsessive about it, I kinda wish I was in a way, but when things are in line you just FEEL better!
Clayton had the boys for this weekend and he called yesterday to see if he could keep them an extra couple of days. Odd, but sure I guess, he's not working still...so I guess he might as well do SOMETHING. (I won't get into that)
Let's talk about rain. Does it still exist? It hasn't rained in Hobbs (measurable rain) since September last year. We are going on day 14 of 100+ degree weather...I miss it. I miss it the sound, the cool, the moisture, the sight and most of all the smell. It just AIN'T NORMAL! When you know you are facing 106 degree weather for the day and you look at the 10 day forecast and there is NO change in sight...it's just disheartening.
I can't wait for Fall when I can rest a bit, and feel more in control of my home life. When I am so busy at work the whole domestic life suffers. My house looks like a whirlwind hit it! I plan on taking some of my comp-time this afternoon and tomorrow to get things straight again...it makes me a little crazy when my house isn't clean. I by no means am obsessive about it, I kinda wish I was in a way, but when things are in line you just FEEL better!
Clayton had the boys for this weekend and he called yesterday to see if he could keep them an extra couple of days. Odd, but sure I guess, he's not working still...so I guess he might as well do SOMETHING. (I won't get into that)
Let's talk about rain. Does it still exist? It hasn't rained in Hobbs (measurable rain) since September last year. We are going on day 14 of 100+ degree weather...I miss it. I miss it the sound, the cool, the moisture, the sight and most of all the smell. It just AIN'T NORMAL! When you know you are facing 106 degree weather for the day and you look at the 10 day forecast and there is NO change in sight...it's just disheartening.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
That's Insane!
Insanity Workout Day 15 : Fit Test - the fact that I wasn't sick sure helped!
Here's the results: All were done in a Minute each.
Fit test 1 Fit test 2
Switch Kicks 55 67
Power Jacks 40 53
Power Knees 77 86
Power Jumps 18 30
Globe Jumps 0 (this is where I died) 6
Suicide Jumps 0 (burpees) 12
Push Up Jacks 19 (did reg. p-ups/others hurt) 23
Low Plank Oblique 33 50
Here's Dave's Results:
Switch Kicks 64 66
Power Jacks 54 46
Power Knees 66 80
Power Jumps 20 26
Globe Jumps 6 8
Suicide Jumps 6 12
Push Up Jacks 14 25
Low Plank Oblique 16 42
Anyway, we have 7 weeks left! I am going back on the wagon with the diet...bleh.
Here's the results: All were done in a Minute each.
Fit test 1 Fit test 2
Switch Kicks 55 67
Power Jacks 40 53
Power Knees 77 86
Power Jumps 18 30
Globe Jumps 0 (this is where I died) 6
Suicide Jumps 0 (burpees) 12
Push Up Jacks 19 (did reg. p-ups/others hurt) 23
Low Plank Oblique 33 50
Here's Dave's Results:
Switch Kicks 64 66
Power Jacks 54 46
Power Knees 66 80
Power Jumps 20 26
Globe Jumps 6 8
Suicide Jumps 6 12
Push Up Jacks 14 25
Low Plank Oblique 16 42
Anyway, we have 7 weeks left! I am going back on the wagon with the diet...bleh.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Flag Day...and other things
"The flag of the United States has not been created by rhetorical sentences in declarations of independence and in bills of rights. It has been created by the experience of a great people, and nothing is written upon it that has not been written by their life. It is the embodiment, not of a sentiment, but of a history."
~Woodrow Wilson
Today is Flag Day, which also is/was my grandfather's birthday (the one who went to college) ... He was a very patriotic person, and today I received a form of freedom from my bosses...not the same that our flag has grown to represent, but I will take what I can get!
* The City "Manager" approved the Concert...which frees me to advertise the July 4th festivities that I would have already have had completed in normal circumstances. I was SO relieved when I got the news that I could have cried! So, I am going to work my tush off to make this happen as smooth as possible. I am excited about all the festivities and I expect a large turnout because we are one of the only counties in NM & TX that will be allowed to have a fireworks display.
* Summer Recess has been going well for the most part. We have had a HUGE amount of kids sign up and we have about 270 or so show up a day. It's gone pretty smooth but the inevitable petty bickering has started...so hopefully I will get that nipped in the bud this week.
* Clayton still doesn't have any sort of employment...though he has expressed interest in having the boys for Father's Day...honestly I am surprised he even knew it was this weekend. He told me that he is going to Dairy Fest in Stephenville, TX...he said that you could buy a wristband and get all the grilled cheese, milk, cheeseburgers and cottage cheese you can handle! SOUNDS LIKE A FLIPPIN' NIGHTMARE if you ask me! LOL
* David and I have been doing well with our Insanity workouts...today, though it is a rest day, is our 14th day. So, after two weeks...I can't say that I have lost a pound, but I feel good. I said in the beginning that I would start back on Nutrisystem two weeks in, so I am back on the wagon for that tomorrow. bleh. I just love food, and I stinkin' love to cook...sigh... I can do it though!
~Woodrow Wilson
Today is Flag Day, which also is/was my grandfather's birthday (the one who went to college) ... He was a very patriotic person, and today I received a form of freedom from my bosses...not the same that our flag has grown to represent, but I will take what I can get!
* The City "Manager" approved the Concert...which frees me to advertise the July 4th festivities that I would have already have had completed in normal circumstances. I was SO relieved when I got the news that I could have cried! So, I am going to work my tush off to make this happen as smooth as possible. I am excited about all the festivities and I expect a large turnout because we are one of the only counties in NM & TX that will be allowed to have a fireworks display.
* Summer Recess has been going well for the most part. We have had a HUGE amount of kids sign up and we have about 270 or so show up a day. It's gone pretty smooth but the inevitable petty bickering has started...so hopefully I will get that nipped in the bud this week.
* Clayton still doesn't have any sort of employment...though he has expressed interest in having the boys for Father's Day...honestly I am surprised he even knew it was this weekend. He told me that he is going to Dairy Fest in Stephenville, TX...he said that you could buy a wristband and get all the grilled cheese, milk, cheeseburgers and cottage cheese you can handle! SOUNDS LIKE A FLIPPIN' NIGHTMARE if you ask me! LOL
* David and I have been doing well with our Insanity workouts...today, though it is a rest day, is our 14th day. So, after two weeks...I can't say that I have lost a pound, but I feel good. I said in the beginning that I would start back on Nutrisystem two weeks in, so I am back on the wagon for that tomorrow. bleh. I just love food, and I stinkin' love to cook...sigh... I can do it though!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
My hands are tied...
Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day is the rest we take between two deep breaths. ~Etty Hillesum
The political drama continues at work. The burden of this event is extremely hard to carry. I am trying to wait out the storm but the necessity/urgency of needing to take care of this myself is very difficult to curb. I can't stand that one little person can ruin something that will be so amazing for thousands. It's a hard lesson in tolerance(for stupidity...).
Some of the best advice my mom has ever given me was not to worry 'because most things you worry about don't happen anyway'. The thing is, I am not a person that has ever worried about my reputation, but now my professional reputation is at risk. It's something I have worked hard on, and I am good, damn good...to have someone get into a pissing match with my boss (who won't stand up for me) is almost more than I can take.
I joke all the time that I get to play for a living. I love my job because when you love it, it doesn't feel like work. That's not saying it's not hard, many people can't do what I do or wouldn't want to because it's very random, fly by the seat of your pants, very public, high octane stuff. It's challenging and I usually handle it on a case by case basis, with much success, but this time...I have worked myself to the bone sacrificing everything including my own health, for the greater good, and it may not matter because of one little man with a pen. The risks could black-ball my name across the country when it comes to booking acts. sigh...
I am trying to go in with a fresh outlook every day, but my guard is up, so I feel like I have to arm myself for battle while still hoping for the best. I don't know what else to do.
The political drama continues at work. The burden of this event is extremely hard to carry. I am trying to wait out the storm but the necessity/urgency of needing to take care of this myself is very difficult to curb. I can't stand that one little person can ruin something that will be so amazing for thousands. It's a hard lesson in tolerance(for stupidity...).
Some of the best advice my mom has ever given me was not to worry 'because most things you worry about don't happen anyway'. The thing is, I am not a person that has ever worried about my reputation, but now my professional reputation is at risk. It's something I have worked hard on, and I am good, damn good...to have someone get into a pissing match with my boss (who won't stand up for me) is almost more than I can take.
I joke all the time that I get to play for a living. I love my job because when you love it, it doesn't feel like work. That's not saying it's not hard, many people can't do what I do or wouldn't want to because it's very random, fly by the seat of your pants, very public, high octane stuff. It's challenging and I usually handle it on a case by case basis, with much success, but this time...I have worked myself to the bone sacrificing everything including my own health, for the greater good, and it may not matter because of one little man with a pen. The risks could black-ball my name across the country when it comes to booking acts. sigh...
I am trying to go in with a fresh outlook every day, but my guard is up, so I feel like I have to arm myself for battle while still hoping for the best. I don't know what else to do.
Monday, June 6, 2011
I made it through Monday!
After, months and months of planning, weeks of sickness and unrelenting struggles. I made it to my goal: MONDAY, June 6th! My program got started, ran smoothly and all I can say is:
WHEW!
WHEW!
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Back to Normal
I got the boys back after a week with their father. They got out of school, and I didn't have anywhere for them to be...he wasn't doing anything, so there we go. I tried to put out of my mind that they have absolutely NO business at this man's home...it's a nightmare...he and his wifey have NO common sense when it comes to daily life, let alone raising children. I swallowed my fears based out of need and hoped for the best.
As far as I know there were only a few incidents: one being that step-mom took the kids to the pool when she herself doesn't even know how to swim...then when my oldest wanted to get out because he was really cold...she GROUNDED him! The second - They don't supervise the kiddos on their trampoline...some sort of fight broke out and Gavin had the HUGEST bruise on the left side of his forehead...by the time I saw it, it was in the super nasty/green stage. Third, since she works late at sonic, they think it's ok for the kids to have the same schedule as her. As in, they don't give them breakfast until noon, lunch is supper and they feed them dinner at 9 or 10! OMG!!! SO, not happening again. My kids get up early and shouldn't have to sit for half the day while they sleep in...it's the MOST ridiculous thing I have ever heard of!
They don't engage the kids, they plug in the xbox (that they bought instead of paying child support) and let them pretty much do whatever. Needless to say, they were ready to be home. We didn't even go through the usual "daddy detox".
Poor Kainan has been suffering the same sinus issues that I have! He spent today snoozing and it's just not normal for him to not want to run, play and EAT! Hopefully tomorrow we will find our sense of normal again.
As far as I know there were only a few incidents: one being that step-mom took the kids to the pool when she herself doesn't even know how to swim...then when my oldest wanted to get out because he was really cold...she GROUNDED him! The second - They don't supervise the kiddos on their trampoline...some sort of fight broke out and Gavin had the HUGEST bruise on the left side of his forehead...by the time I saw it, it was in the super nasty/green stage. Third, since she works late at sonic, they think it's ok for the kids to have the same schedule as her. As in, they don't give them breakfast until noon, lunch is supper and they feed them dinner at 9 or 10! OMG!!! SO, not happening again. My kids get up early and shouldn't have to sit for half the day while they sleep in...it's the MOST ridiculous thing I have ever heard of!
They don't engage the kids, they plug in the xbox (that they bought instead of paying child support) and let them pretty much do whatever. Needless to say, they were ready to be home. We didn't even go through the usual "daddy detox".
Poor Kainan has been suffering the same sinus issues that I have! He spent today snoozing and it's just not normal for him to not want to run, play and EAT! Hopefully tomorrow we will find our sense of normal again.
Friday, June 3, 2011
The latest greatest
Man, this time of year really wears me out. not only do I run around like a chicken with my head cut off, it also is taking it's toll on me physically too. I have NEVER had so many sinus issues in my entire life! I simply CAN'T stop everything to get better...which is probably making it worse on me. I keep telling myself that if I can juuuuust make it through Monday...(my program starts that day)
I have spent the last week without the wee ones, which is odd. I have really enjoyed my solo time with Dave, we have been doing all sorts of things together from movies, little side trips, new work out regiments...the best thing about them being gone is being able to come and go to and from work very very quickly!
I miss them, the daily in and out of their funny selves. Last night Gavin had a game so I went and got them so I could get them ready for the game. Their father didn't even want to go to the game, and wouldn't have if I hadn't have browbeaten him. While we were getting ready. Kainan came out of the kitchen shaking out a trash bag. I asked him what he was doing with it, and he told me that he noticed the trash was full and he took it out to the polly-cart and was putting in a new bag! I was SO surprised! I've never really told him to do it as a chore, Dave always does that. I asked him if he does that at his dad's house, to which he replied "they don't let me help." I was so proud of my young MAN. I mean really, I guess I have been babying him...he's gonna be 10. Maybe I should step it up on the chores with him, because if I think about it, 4th grade was when my mom really gave me my own set of chores other than my room.
I remember it like it was YESTERDAY:
I had to do the dishes. (to this day I hate them) My mom told me if I wanted to learn to cook I had to do all that came with it. She had me clean up....YUCK...paminto cheese that was stuck on the inside of a crock-pot. Now, you guys know my aversion to cheese. I remember distinctly gagging the entire time, and wondering why my mother was subjecting me to this child abuse!
Anyway, I asked A**hole about the trash thing and he was just as surprised as I was about it, and agreed that Kainan hadn't done that at his house. We shared a "proud parent moment"!
I guess it's just proof that no matter how much we worry about good vs. bad decisions with raising our kids that inner character comes through and makes itself heard no matter what. :o)
Tomorrow I will be picking them up, and taking them to a surprise picnic with Jamey and Kellie! I am so excited! We plan on breaking in the new playground equipment at Green Meadows Lake and then go swimming! I am ready to get my tan on! hee hee!
Sorry for another rambling blog...I can't seem so keep my thoughts in order...probably something to do with all these weird meds....lol
I have spent the last week without the wee ones, which is odd. I have really enjoyed my solo time with Dave, we have been doing all sorts of things together from movies, little side trips, new work out regiments...the best thing about them being gone is being able to come and go to and from work very very quickly!
I miss them, the daily in and out of their funny selves. Last night Gavin had a game so I went and got them so I could get them ready for the game. Their father didn't even want to go to the game, and wouldn't have if I hadn't have browbeaten him. While we were getting ready. Kainan came out of the kitchen shaking out a trash bag. I asked him what he was doing with it, and he told me that he noticed the trash was full and he took it out to the polly-cart and was putting in a new bag! I was SO surprised! I've never really told him to do it as a chore, Dave always does that. I asked him if he does that at his dad's house, to which he replied "they don't let me help." I was so proud of my young MAN. I mean really, I guess I have been babying him...he's gonna be 10. Maybe I should step it up on the chores with him, because if I think about it, 4th grade was when my mom really gave me my own set of chores other than my room.
I remember it like it was YESTERDAY:
I had to do the dishes. (to this day I hate them) My mom told me if I wanted to learn to cook I had to do all that came with it. She had me clean up....YUCK...paminto cheese that was stuck on the inside of a crock-pot. Now, you guys know my aversion to cheese. I remember distinctly gagging the entire time, and wondering why my mother was subjecting me to this child abuse!
Anyway, I asked A**hole about the trash thing and he was just as surprised as I was about it, and agreed that Kainan hadn't done that at his house. We shared a "proud parent moment"!
I guess it's just proof that no matter how much we worry about good vs. bad decisions with raising our kids that inner character comes through and makes itself heard no matter what. :o)
Tomorrow I will be picking them up, and taking them to a surprise picnic with Jamey and Kellie! I am so excited! We plan on breaking in the new playground equipment at Green Meadows Lake and then go swimming! I am ready to get my tan on! hee hee!
Sorry for another rambling blog...I can't seem so keep my thoughts in order...probably something to do with all these weird meds....lol
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
I hafff a pain in my shesst and I can't breef!
OK, so David and I got our Insanity workout program in the mail today. Day one starts out as a 25 minute fit test...and I am pretty sure that I shouldn't be working out with this chest congestion that I have going on...I did what I could, and I think that Dave was surprised about how tough I am. Working out is something he's never seen me do. I think this will be good for us. :o)
Anyway, after we worked out we got the grill going and lighted the tiki torches on the back porch. We had steak, roasted corn and broccoli...I had brussel sprouts. It was such a nice evening and it was our first meal since I bought the patio furniture. :o) The fury children behaved while we ate until I said to David "have you ever seen a dog eat a corn on the cob?" It led to us giving them one and it was so funny! We then tried the broccoli and the brussel sprouts I swear Jett went and stashed his sprout behind the tree!
I could usually take or leave summer, with the heat and all but man, I do love to grill and enjoy all the bounty that summer offers!
Anyway, after we worked out we got the grill going and lighted the tiki torches on the back porch. We had steak, roasted corn and broccoli...I had brussel sprouts. It was such a nice evening and it was our first meal since I bought the patio furniture. :o) The fury children behaved while we ate until I said to David "have you ever seen a dog eat a corn on the cob?" It led to us giving them one and it was so funny! We then tried the broccoli and the brussel sprouts I swear Jett went and stashed his sprout behind the tree!
I could usually take or leave summer, with the heat and all but man, I do love to grill and enjoy all the bounty that summer offers!
Sunday, May 29, 2011
My sister came down for the weekend...
I was pretty worried how it would turn out. She has been out of her 90 day rehab for two weeks now. One of the biggest issues is keeping her away from Hobbs, and the people in it that help trigger and encourage using. I know that their are various opinions about drug use and addiction out there but...I can tell you...what this crap has done to our family is absolutely the most terrible thing I have ever been through.
Someday I will tell the whole story, for now, I am still waiting for the "final chapter" to pan out. I will say though, she's doing better...maybe not as well as we had hoped, but she has gotten a job and is living in McKinney, TX. She came home to get her cloths and to buy more because she has to wear professional cloths to work. You know the whole hose, closed toe shoes, skirts, pant and blazer combos (ewww) lol
She drove all the way in her car with no air conditioning and when she got home she pretty much crashed from heat exhaustion...and slept for hours. It ain't healthy do do that in 105 degree weather. So, I decided to let her borrow my car, until they can fix hers. Yea, I will probably regret it...I DID give her two rules #1 don't f'ing crash it, #2 not to smoke in it. We spent the whole day washing and cleaning it, Dave fixed the little pump that moves the windshield wiper fluid...it all took forever..THEN a friggin' EGG falls out the tree in lands on the hood. We had to laugh about that one, but we got her all set up and ready to head back tomorrow. Not only will she look like a pro, but she won't be in a death trap! She starts work on Tues. and we are praying that she continues to move forward and be able to be completely on her own soon. A little prayer back-up would be much appreciated!
Someday I will tell the whole story, for now, I am still waiting for the "final chapter" to pan out. I will say though, she's doing better...maybe not as well as we had hoped, but she has gotten a job and is living in McKinney, TX. She came home to get her cloths and to buy more because she has to wear professional cloths to work. You know the whole hose, closed toe shoes, skirts, pant and blazer combos (ewww) lol
She drove all the way in her car with no air conditioning and when she got home she pretty much crashed from heat exhaustion...and slept for hours. It ain't healthy do do that in 105 degree weather. So, I decided to let her borrow my car, until they can fix hers. Yea, I will probably regret it...I DID give her two rules #1 don't f'ing crash it, #2 not to smoke in it. We spent the whole day washing and cleaning it, Dave fixed the little pump that moves the windshield wiper fluid...it all took forever..THEN a friggin' EGG falls out the tree in lands on the hood. We had to laugh about that one, but we got her all set up and ready to head back tomorrow. Not only will she look like a pro, but she won't be in a death trap! She starts work on Tues. and we are praying that she continues to move forward and be able to be completely on her own soon. A little prayer back-up would be much appreciated!
Friday, May 27, 2011
it's all fun & games until someone cancels the fireworks!
Lawdy, what I week I had ladies!
I really DID do two weeks worth of work in one...and one of those weeks happened JUST this afternoon!
I have this Summer Recess Program that we do in the summer. We serve about 300 kids a day. To do this I need employees. So I asked for more. Then the Human Resources dept. stepped in...or like I like to call them INHUMANE Resources. It was a pure battle of wills and wits to which they pitifully came unarmed. I had to march up there and have a "come to Jesus" meeting with this poor girl who: JUST. WASN'T. GETTING. IT. I was frustrated, gave her the what for and then went down stairs and thought to myself, "I could have handled that better, not as beeochy". So I e-mail her and she tells me that even as I was getting onto her she had the thought that "man, even when she is frustrated she's nice". LOL Good to know. (I think)
Anyway, I got my way. Then I have to figure out this firework situation. The Casino, who usually pays for the brunt of the bang...doesn't want to. If you guys haven't noticed, July is JUST around the corner! There is NO WAY IN GOD'S green EARTH that Hobbs can't have a July 4th celebration. We are the biggest City in the county...all the other towns do theirs the day before so they can come see ours...
That being said. If I have to pick up this event, I have give up my end of summer concert, it screws up my budget, is a logistical nightmare to move and to TOP IT ALL OFF makes me miss my son's BIRTHDAY! SOOOO after preforming nothing short of a miracle in the making ("rush a miracle get rotten miracles" - Miracle Max, The Princess Bride) We are well on our way to having an AMAZING July 4th Celebration this year in Hobbs. I am talkin' Free Games for the kiddos, awesome food, Diaper Derby, Bike Parade, tribute to the Veterans by the NMJC band and choir, declaration from Steve Pearce, a FLY over from some sort of aircraft...AND if all goes well, a concert right before the concert by the one and only Lee Greenwood(Proud to be an American guy)!
I had a huge "to do list" for next week and many of the things that I needed to do, either contacted me or fell in my lap after lunch today...odd.
Which brings me to my 10 Year High School Reunion. (the local version) It got dumped on me. I spent toO much mula and if people don't show I am gonna cry and have waaaay too many burgers on my hands! LOL
In closing, mainly because I choose to spare you guys more grueling details, although I have been unsettled because I have all of this responsibility, when it comes to crunch time...things take care of themselves.
I really DID do two weeks worth of work in one...and one of those weeks happened JUST this afternoon!
I have this Summer Recess Program that we do in the summer. We serve about 300 kids a day. To do this I need employees. So I asked for more. Then the Human Resources dept. stepped in...or like I like to call them INHUMANE Resources. It was a pure battle of wills and wits to which they pitifully came unarmed. I had to march up there and have a "come to Jesus" meeting with this poor girl who: JUST. WASN'T. GETTING. IT. I was frustrated, gave her the what for and then went down stairs and thought to myself, "I could have handled that better, not as beeochy". So I e-mail her and she tells me that even as I was getting onto her she had the thought that "man, even when she is frustrated she's nice". LOL Good to know. (I think)
Anyway, I got my way. Then I have to figure out this firework situation. The Casino, who usually pays for the brunt of the bang...doesn't want to. If you guys haven't noticed, July is JUST around the corner! There is NO WAY IN GOD'S green EARTH that Hobbs can't have a July 4th celebration. We are the biggest City in the county...all the other towns do theirs the day before so they can come see ours...
That being said. If I have to pick up this event, I have give up my end of summer concert, it screws up my budget, is a logistical nightmare to move and to TOP IT ALL OFF makes me miss my son's BIRTHDAY! SOOOO after preforming nothing short of a miracle in the making ("rush a miracle get rotten miracles" - Miracle Max, The Princess Bride) We are well on our way to having an AMAZING July 4th Celebration this year in Hobbs. I am talkin' Free Games for the kiddos, awesome food, Diaper Derby, Bike Parade, tribute to the Veterans by the NMJC band and choir, declaration from Steve Pearce, a FLY over from some sort of aircraft...AND if all goes well, a concert right before the concert by the one and only Lee Greenwood(Proud to be an American guy)!
I had a huge "to do list" for next week and many of the things that I needed to do, either contacted me or fell in my lap after lunch today...odd.
Which brings me to my 10 Year High School Reunion. (the local version) It got dumped on me. I spent toO much mula and if people don't show I am gonna cry and have waaaay too many burgers on my hands! LOL
In closing, mainly because I choose to spare you guys more grueling details, although I have been unsettled because I have all of this responsibility, when it comes to crunch time...things take care of themselves.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
...I'm thinking
You get ideas from daydreaming. You get ideas from being bored. You get ideas all the time. The only difference between writers and other people is we notice when we're doing it. ~Neil Gaiman
I have so many ideas that I don't know what to do with them. I have ideas for businesses, books, paintings, work that I want to do at the house. Ideas for events to bring joy to people in the community. I come up with ideas in my sleep...dreaming of ways of making things better: more fun, more beautiful, more interesting and more exciting. What does it matter that I have them if I don't start putting them into action? I want to put these into action, I want to watch them grow and succeed into something more than just a simple passing thought.
Sometimes, I just don't know how.
Sometime the want to is more than the how.
...yea...and none of this made sense.
I have so many ideas that I don't know what to do with them. I have ideas for businesses, books, paintings, work that I want to do at the house. Ideas for events to bring joy to people in the community. I come up with ideas in my sleep...dreaming of ways of making things better: more fun, more beautiful, more interesting and more exciting. What does it matter that I have them if I don't start putting them into action? I want to put these into action, I want to watch them grow and succeed into something more than just a simple passing thought.
Sometimes, I just don't know how.
Sometime the want to is more than the how.
...yea...and none of this made sense.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Ready for commitment?
So, Dave and I are ready to take our relationship to the next level! Yes, That's right, we bought a work-out program! We are going basically because Dave made a bet with a co-worker. It has the added benefit that we can do this together, and not have to pay a gym membership! We are going to do the "Insanity" 60 day program and I am going to go back on my Nutrisystem as well. I am sick of being outta shape and let's be honest if we ARE gonna ever take our relationship to the next level of commitment, I sure don't want to do outta shape! :o)
Monday, May 23, 2011
"I got my Flippy Floppies"
Fashion Report: I have 4 pairs of black flip flops and I can ONLY find the LEFT shoe out of all four pairs...I think there is a conspiracy going on!
Where did they go? Why are they missing? Who is the person responsible for these strange events?
The world may never know....
Where did they go? Why are they missing? Who is the person responsible for these strange events?
The world may never know....
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Ten Years ago today, I graduated high school....
As I watched the Commencement Ceremony for the class of 2011 I couldn't help but flash back to the day that I graduated High School. Ironically someone got some press saying that the end of the world would be today, so sitting there listening about their futures and the impending doom upon us, just struck me as interesting...
I distinctly remember sitting there next to my classmates 10 years ago thinking: "it will never be the same" (not that I wanted it to). The thought had more to do with not seeing my classmates anymore. I remember the thoughts of "who will move away?", "who will have the most kids", "who will be a total Fat A**" (that one turned out to be me). I could look at my classmates and tell you some of their destinies just by looking at them...the trouble makers that would end up in jail, the beauties that would continue to shine, the losers, the jocks, the winners and the unique who so misunderstood during high school would probably be the most successful of them all.
I also remember the pressure of people asking what I was going to DO with the rest of my life. Having being knocked up my senior year (a whole other blog entirely) that thought was then more than ever, unclear to me. I didn't KNOW what I wanted, I didn't care.
I was 18, preggers, and newly married and the weight of that seemed much more oppressive than anything school related. I can't say that I did things the "right" way, and I can't say that I didn't. I do know that had I not made the choices I did back then, I wouldn't be the women I am today.
I had to fight.
I had to fight against people judging me. I had to fight with myself over my parents being embarrassed. I had to fight when everyone else was right about being married so young. I had to fight when I found another was on the way. I fought with myself most of all. It turns out that my real education didn't come from school at all. It came from life, from struggle and overcoming it, despite it all.
You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.
You're on your own.
And you know what you know.
You are the guy who'll decide where to go.
~Dr. Seuss
Friday, May 20, 2011
RIP Macho Man
My heart is broken! A fun part of my childhood has passed away...I know that when he got to Heaven God said: "Hey aren't you..." and Mocho Man said "Ohhhhh Yeaaaaa!"
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/post/Report-Randy-8216-Macho-Man-8217-Savage-die?urn=top-wp98
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Ready for Summer!
This afternoon I took Gavin to the Dentist and it ONLY cost me $6! So in celebration, we went to Wal-Mart and got some new summer gear for the table, some bubbles, a slip & slide, a watermelon and all the fixin's for hamburgers! Dave's grilling the kids are playing and I am blissfully waiting for my sinus meds to kick in!(..it's never ever been as rough as this year on my sinuses!)
sighs of frustration and relief...
This time of year is the absolutely most stressful time of the year for me. I would take the pressures of Christmas Shopping and cooking for the entire clan, over spring any day!
My summer programming starts on June 6th. I have 4 movies under the Stars for the summer, one each month. I had the SCARE of the century this week when at one point I was about to be tasked with having to do the fireworks by myself for the City/County with TWO months notice! On top of it all I have been hiring teen-agers, fighting for raises for my returning staff, spring cleaning my office...I just feel so stinking UNSETTLED.
Which brings me to my personal life. (Which is full of contradictions) Things have been going so well now that Dave has moved in with us. It's been amazing to be a team, to share our lives on a daily basis, to give my children honest to goodness FAMILY for the first time in their lives...
soooo let's randomly flashback: (think wayne's world dodoolallooo)
On April 15th Dave and I celebrated 6 years together, in Vegas, and we fought several times over the trip...it was the classic: "man not asking for directions" type stuff...literally. I have a strange since of direction. I go somewhere and for the most part I can remember every detail about how to get back there. Yea, I ain't the "I told you so" type but there were points that I was stinking about to LOSE it. LOL It was so bad, because he couldn't admit that he was wrong, that I told him I wished I had stayed home. I was very disappointed because we usually do so well together, home or away. We DID win $600 bucks right off the bat and we agreed to use that money to play with, it was a blast...to take pictures, explore, shop AND WIN! :o) I was secretly hoping that Dave would make a move toward commitment during the trip, but alas, it wasn't meant to be.
On May 12th, the Anniversary of my 1st marriage I was reflecting a bit and I know that it was on the forefront of both mine and David's minds...we were sitting on the couch and I facebooked him a little message:
10 years ago today...I made a HUGE mistake and married Clayton "Asshole" Brumley...
I have to say, honestly say, that I am SOOOO glad that it didn't work out! I appreciate you more and more any more every day and even though I bust your chops all the time about marriage. I would much rather be happily unmarried to you than unhappily married to him.
You mean the world to me, and I need YOU to know that. I should do better to show you that every day, but it's there, in the forefront of my mind each and every day even if I am not the best at showing it.
I love you.
My summer programming starts on June 6th. I have 4 movies under the Stars for the summer, one each month. I had the SCARE of the century this week when at one point I was about to be tasked with having to do the fireworks by myself for the City/County with TWO months notice! On top of it all I have been hiring teen-agers, fighting for raises for my returning staff, spring cleaning my office...I just feel so stinking UNSETTLED.
Which brings me to my personal life. (Which is full of contradictions) Things have been going so well now that Dave has moved in with us. It's been amazing to be a team, to share our lives on a daily basis, to give my children honest to goodness FAMILY for the first time in their lives...
soooo let's randomly flashback: (think wayne's world dodoolallooo)
On April 15th Dave and I celebrated 6 years together, in Vegas, and we fought several times over the trip...it was the classic: "man not asking for directions" type stuff...literally. I have a strange since of direction. I go somewhere and for the most part I can remember every detail about how to get back there. Yea, I ain't the "I told you so" type but there were points that I was stinking about to LOSE it. LOL It was so bad, because he couldn't admit that he was wrong, that I told him I wished I had stayed home. I was very disappointed because we usually do so well together, home or away. We DID win $600 bucks right off the bat and we agreed to use that money to play with, it was a blast...to take pictures, explore, shop AND WIN! :o) I was secretly hoping that Dave would make a move toward commitment during the trip, but alas, it wasn't meant to be.
On May 12th, the Anniversary of my 1st marriage I was reflecting a bit and I know that it was on the forefront of both mine and David's minds...we were sitting on the couch and I facebooked him a little message:
10 years ago today...I made a HUGE mistake and married Clayton "Asshole" Brumley...
I have to say, honestly say, that I am SOOOO glad that it didn't work out! I appreciate you more and more any more every day and even though I bust your chops all the time about marriage. I would much rather be happily unmarried to you than unhappily married to him.
You mean the world to me, and I need YOU to know that. I should do better to show you that every day, but it's there, in the forefront of my mind each and every day even if I am not the best at showing it.
I love you.
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