It is a fact that I am a busy person. I like to be busy. Having nothing to do drives me crazy. I've had as many as 5 jobs at one time, two of which were full time. Right now, I am working one full time job, going to school half time and working at the tax office approximately 20 to 30 hours a week. On top of laundry, cooking, cleaning and my husband and 2 dogs.
My daily schedule looks something like this:
Get up at 5:30 am. Be to job # 1 by 7 am.
Either go to second job or school by 4 pm.
Work till sometime after 9 pm. Get home by 10 pm.
Homework and supper.
Bed around midnight.
Do it all again.
I fit homework and studying in when I do laundry and for meals, I rely on my crock pot a lot, and my sainted mother in law, who feeds my husband and sends home care packages for her tired daughter in law. Grocery shopping oftern takes place in the middle of the night or early Sunday morning. Somehow, I am able to make it work.
It drives me insane when I hear other people say "I just don't have the time". I just want to say Really? Come hang with me for a day and I'll show you what not having time is all about.
When I get a day off I want to make the most of it. I have to fit is as much as I can in a few short hours.
My husband can swear in a court of law that I get extremely cranky when I'm tired and stressed out so I try to make sure that I take a little time to unwind. Sometimes that may be a bubble bath with some candles at 11 pm, or a quiet cup of coffee at 6 in the morning on my day off.
Tell me, what do you do to unwind when you are busy and stressed out?
Monday, January 24, 2011
Monday, December 27, 2010
Pieces of Me
No, not the Ashley Simpson song, but rather bits of truth about myself. As if you didn't get enough of that in 30 days of Truth. This post will be quite random and it may make you question your sanity as well as mine.
I love sour things, especially lemons and pickles. The more sour, the better. And I can't get enough of them.
I don't like things with cherries in them, especially cherry pie becaue the consistency of the cherries reminds me too much of blood clots.
I used to be a good speller. Not so much anymore. Internet and text messaging has changed that. So much for spell check!
I still miss my husband Mark terribly and I wish he was here. I understand that things are the way they are for a reason and that I can't change any of it.
I love my husband Shawn deeply and am glad he is part of my life.
Some of my former interns are closer to me than my own family members. I still secretly cheer for them and hope they do well.
I wish I could help every single person I come across. It breaks my heart when I can't.
I suck at sports. All sports. Even spectator sports.
I am at a point in my life where I should know what I'm doing or where I'm going but the truth is I've never been more lost or out of place.
I like people who are just on the verge of being really famous. I miss them when they get "too big" to still talk to thier fans they've met along the way.
I hate Christmas. Not the reason for the season, but the over commercialized, materialistic merchant madness mass marketed thing it has become.
I spelled at least 23 words incorrectly in this post and had to go back and fix them.
I love sour things, especially lemons and pickles. The more sour, the better. And I can't get enough of them.
I don't like things with cherries in them, especially cherry pie becaue the consistency of the cherries reminds me too much of blood clots.
I used to be a good speller. Not so much anymore. Internet and text messaging has changed that. So much for spell check!
I still miss my husband Mark terribly and I wish he was here. I understand that things are the way they are for a reason and that I can't change any of it.
I love my husband Shawn deeply and am glad he is part of my life.
Some of my former interns are closer to me than my own family members. I still secretly cheer for them and hope they do well.
I wish I could help every single person I come across. It breaks my heart when I can't.
I suck at sports. All sports. Even spectator sports.
I am at a point in my life where I should know what I'm doing or where I'm going but the truth is I've never been more lost or out of place.
I like people who are just on the verge of being really famous. I miss them when they get "too big" to still talk to thier fans they've met along the way.
I hate Christmas. Not the reason for the season, but the over commercialized, materialistic merchant madness mass marketed thing it has become.
I spelled at least 23 words incorrectly in this post and had to go back and fix them.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
30 days of Truth, the last bits
Day 26 → Have you ever thought about giving up on life? If so, when and why?
I’ve attempted suicide many times. Thank the Lord I wasn’t successful but even the failure leaves you feeling hopeless and depressed. The first time I was 12 and I took a bottle of aspirin. I tried to slit both wrists when I was 17. I took several handfuls of pills when I was 19. When I was 27 or 28 I took a bottle of Zanax with half a bottle of bourbon. I considered it but didn’t act on it when my husband died. The last time I tried again to slit my wrist. Every time I see the scar I reminds me that I have so much to live for. The reasons why are many and varied. Mental illness, depression, addiction, inability to cope, feeling unloved, unwanted and neglected, being abused, wanting your mind to stop turning, not wanting to hear the voices in your head anymore. But behind every single time was just not wanting to go throough the pain I was feeling anymore. I just couldn’t face it and there seemed to be no way out. Some people say that failed suicide attempts are just a cry for attention. Maybe so but I can promise you that mine never were. I mean, what do you really say to someone who has decided that their best alternative for life is to end it?
Day 27 → What’s the best thing going for you right now?
I have a wonderful family, a fantastic husband and a great life. Our bills are paid, we have money in the bank, we have a plan for the future and my retirement is 12 years away. I’d say we’ve got it pretty good.
Day 28 → What if you were pregnant or got someone pregnant, what would you do?
I’d cry tears of joy. I want to be pregnant and have a child so badly that I can’t stand it. But, m husband had a vasectomy and I’m pushing hard on 39 so it won’t happen.
Day 29 → Something you hope to change about yourself. And why.
I hope to change my weight. I am unhealthy and I hate the way I look.
Day 30 → A letter to yourself, tell yourself EVERYTHING you love about yourself
Wow. This is hard for me. I’m the girl who doesn’t look in the mirror.
Dear Self,
You are a strong capable woman. You have a generous heart. You are good at what you do and you worked hard to get there. You are smart and funny. You are a great cook.
I’ve attempted suicide many times. Thank the Lord I wasn’t successful but even the failure leaves you feeling hopeless and depressed. The first time I was 12 and I took a bottle of aspirin. I tried to slit both wrists when I was 17. I took several handfuls of pills when I was 19. When I was 27 or 28 I took a bottle of Zanax with half a bottle of bourbon. I considered it but didn’t act on it when my husband died. The last time I tried again to slit my wrist. Every time I see the scar I reminds me that I have so much to live for. The reasons why are many and varied. Mental illness, depression, addiction, inability to cope, feeling unloved, unwanted and neglected, being abused, wanting your mind to stop turning, not wanting to hear the voices in your head anymore. But behind every single time was just not wanting to go throough the pain I was feeling anymore. I just couldn’t face it and there seemed to be no way out. Some people say that failed suicide attempts are just a cry for attention. Maybe so but I can promise you that mine never were. I mean, what do you really say to someone who has decided that their best alternative for life is to end it?
Day 27 → What’s the best thing going for you right now?
I have a wonderful family, a fantastic husband and a great life. Our bills are paid, we have money in the bank, we have a plan for the future and my retirement is 12 years away. I’d say we’ve got it pretty good.
Day 28 → What if you were pregnant or got someone pregnant, what would you do?
I’d cry tears of joy. I want to be pregnant and have a child so badly that I can’t stand it. But, m husband had a vasectomy and I’m pushing hard on 39 so it won’t happen.
Day 29 → Something you hope to change about yourself. And why.
I hope to change my weight. I am unhealthy and I hate the way I look.
Day 30 → A letter to yourself, tell yourself EVERYTHING you love about yourself
Wow. This is hard for me. I’m the girl who doesn’t look in the mirror.
Dear Self,
You are a strong capable woman. You have a generous heart. You are good at what you do and you worked hard to get there. You are smart and funny. You are a great cook.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
30 Days of Truth, day 16 thru 20
Day 16 → Someone or something you definitely could live without.
Having to deal with my husband’s 2 ex’s. I absolutely can not stand having to put up with their crap. There is no good reason for it at all.
Day 17 → A book you’ve read that changed your views on something.
Day 18 → Your views on gay marriage.
I think it shouldn’t matter what I think, or what anyone else thinks. I don’t think that there should be a law or a rule that discriminates against any one particular group of people for any reason. I believe that opens the door to other means of discrimination. A law would not prevent me from being with the person I love. The few gay couples I know have got it right, though. They seem to value their relationships more than straight people do. They seem to know the cost of it better.
Day 19 → What do you think of religion? Or what do you think of politics?
I hate both. There is no room in my world for a single view on anything, and I do not agree that there is only one right way to consider an issue. For all of the “hot button” issues like abortion, gay marriage, prayer in schools, etc. I say just let it be. Its no one elses business. You do what you want, I’ll do what I want and everyone is happy.
Day 20 → Your views on drugs and alcohol.
Hmmm…this is a trick question for me. I am positive that my answers will shock, and even offend many of my friends who may read this.
I am the wife of an alcoholic. Out of respect for my husband, I don’t drink either. Seldom do I ever drink around him, and when I do I ask him if he minds. We try to avoid places where alcohol is being served. Alcohol has cost us thousands of dollars and burned bridges that can’t ever be repaired. It is a daily struggle and I can see the burden that it places on each of us to be in a sober household. Sometimes I wonder if it is more difficult to stay sober, or to drink. I see the balance beam he walks on, the watchful eyes he endures. It is a great amount of pressure to live up to everyone else’s expectations, especially when you would give your last drop of blood to have a beer.
My mother was a narcotic addict. It changed our family. I often wonder what my life might have been like if that had never happened.
I used to take massive quantities of pills, and after my 2nd husband died I drank, a lot, like it was my job. I like to drink. I like the way it makes me feel. I sleep good when I’ve had a couple of glasses of wine. There have been days when I have cried tears because I wanted to drink.
So, I can totally understand how a person would turn to drugs and alcohol to cope with things. It may be the only way, or the best way they have found to get through what ever it is.
Having to deal with my husband’s 2 ex’s. I absolutely can not stand having to put up with their crap. There is no good reason for it at all.
Day 17 → A book you’ve read that changed your views on something.
Day 18 → Your views on gay marriage.
I think it shouldn’t matter what I think, or what anyone else thinks. I don’t think that there should be a law or a rule that discriminates against any one particular group of people for any reason. I believe that opens the door to other means of discrimination. A law would not prevent me from being with the person I love. The few gay couples I know have got it right, though. They seem to value their relationships more than straight people do. They seem to know the cost of it better.
Day 19 → What do you think of religion? Or what do you think of politics?
I hate both. There is no room in my world for a single view on anything, and I do not agree that there is only one right way to consider an issue. For all of the “hot button” issues like abortion, gay marriage, prayer in schools, etc. I say just let it be. Its no one elses business. You do what you want, I’ll do what I want and everyone is happy.
Day 20 → Your views on drugs and alcohol.
Hmmm…this is a trick question for me. I am positive that my answers will shock, and even offend many of my friends who may read this.
I am the wife of an alcoholic. Out of respect for my husband, I don’t drink either. Seldom do I ever drink around him, and when I do I ask him if he minds. We try to avoid places where alcohol is being served. Alcohol has cost us thousands of dollars and burned bridges that can’t ever be repaired. It is a daily struggle and I can see the burden that it places on each of us to be in a sober household. Sometimes I wonder if it is more difficult to stay sober, or to drink. I see the balance beam he walks on, the watchful eyes he endures. It is a great amount of pressure to live up to everyone else’s expectations, especially when you would give your last drop of blood to have a beer.
My mother was a narcotic addict. It changed our family. I often wonder what my life might have been like if that had never happened.
I used to take massive quantities of pills, and after my 2nd husband died I drank, a lot, like it was my job. I like to drink. I like the way it makes me feel. I sleep good when I’ve had a couple of glasses of wine. There have been days when I have cried tears because I wanted to drink.
So, I can totally understand how a person would turn to drugs and alcohol to cope with things. It may be the only way, or the best way they have found to get through what ever it is.
30 Days of Truth, part 4
Day 21 →Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got into a fight an hour before. What do you do? Take my sorry ass to the hospital and apologize.
Day 22 → Something you wish you hadn’t done in your life.
I don’t have a good answer for this one. I know that if I had done one thing differently that I wouldn’t be where I am today.
Day 23 → Something you wish you had done in your life.
I wish I had gotten my bachelors degree. But, just like the question above, if I had done anything differently I wouldn’t have the life I’ve got now.
Day 24 → Make a playlist to someone, and explain why you chose all the songs. (Just post the titles and artists and letter)
Patience by Guns and Roses
This song takes me back to a specific time and place and reminds me that things just take time and if you let them, they will work themselves out
Want To by Sugarland
The lyrics “never waste another day wondering what you threw away” made me rethink some things in my life and changed everything for the better.
November by the Avetts Brothers
The month of November 2009 was a very difficult one for me.
I’m Alive by Kenny Chesney and Dave Matthews
Because I might not be if it weren’t for you
500 miles by The Proclaimers
Its fun and upbeat and the words are true
Day 25 → The reason you believe you’re still alive today.
Because my job isn’t done, I guess. I ask myself this a lot. My daily prayers is “Lord, let me be a blessing to someone” I keep thinking that is why I’m still here.
Day 22 → Something you wish you hadn’t done in your life.
I don’t have a good answer for this one. I know that if I had done one thing differently that I wouldn’t be where I am today.
Day 23 → Something you wish you had done in your life.
I wish I had gotten my bachelors degree. But, just like the question above, if I had done anything differently I wouldn’t have the life I’ve got now.
Day 24 → Make a playlist to someone, and explain why you chose all the songs. (Just post the titles and artists and letter)
Patience by Guns and Roses
This song takes me back to a specific time and place and reminds me that things just take time and if you let them, they will work themselves out
Want To by Sugarland
The lyrics “never waste another day wondering what you threw away” made me rethink some things in my life and changed everything for the better.
November by the Avetts Brothers
The month of November 2009 was a very difficult one for me.
I’m Alive by Kenny Chesney and Dave Matthews
Because I might not be if it weren’t for you
500 miles by The Proclaimers
Its fun and upbeat and the words are true
Day 25 → The reason you believe you’re still alive today.
Because my job isn’t done, I guess. I ask myself this a lot. My daily prayers is “Lord, let me be a blessing to someone” I keep thinking that is why I’m still here.
Monday, August 23, 2010
30 days of Truth, part 3
Day 11 → Something people seem to compliment you the most on.
My cooking. I love to cook. Its how I show people that I care about them.
Day 12 → Something you never get compliments on.
My accomplishments. I have worked hard professionally and personally to achieve goals. I put myself through college and paid every single dime of my student loans myself. I have a wall full of awards and plaques. I have bought and paid for 2 brand new vehicles, several used vehicles, and a home by myself, with no one else’s help. I am working on my second college degree right now. As a woman working in a predominately male field, I think the things I have done go completely unnoticed and appreciated.
Day 13 → A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough ass days.
Christina Aguilera is my go to girl, especially her “Stripped” album. The song “Fighter” really speaks to my soul. I used to listen to it on my way to work every morning just to psych myself up for the day. When I look back at terrible things that have happened to me, or people who have wronged me I can say “makes me work a little bit harder, it makes me that much stronger, makes me that much wiser” When I started dating my husband I liked to listen to “Aint No Other Man” and “Candy Man” from the Back to Basics album. I made sure those two songs were played at our wedding reception. When I need a little pick me up, that’s what I pop in the CD player in the car- LOUD.
Day 14 → A hero that has let you down.
I’ve never had a hero, ever, so I can’t really answer this one.
Day 15 → Something or someone you couldn’t live without, because you’ve tried living without it.
Coffee. I had to give it up for a while and it was miserable. I’d rather be sick than go without coffee.
My cooking. I love to cook. Its how I show people that I care about them.
Day 12 → Something you never get compliments on.
My accomplishments. I have worked hard professionally and personally to achieve goals. I put myself through college and paid every single dime of my student loans myself. I have a wall full of awards and plaques. I have bought and paid for 2 brand new vehicles, several used vehicles, and a home by myself, with no one else’s help. I am working on my second college degree right now. As a woman working in a predominately male field, I think the things I have done go completely unnoticed and appreciated.
Day 13 → A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough ass days.
Christina Aguilera is my go to girl, especially her “Stripped” album. The song “Fighter” really speaks to my soul. I used to listen to it on my way to work every morning just to psych myself up for the day. When I look back at terrible things that have happened to me, or people who have wronged me I can say “makes me work a little bit harder, it makes me that much stronger, makes me that much wiser” When I started dating my husband I liked to listen to “Aint No Other Man” and “Candy Man” from the Back to Basics album. I made sure those two songs were played at our wedding reception. When I need a little pick me up, that’s what I pop in the CD player in the car- LOUD.
Day 14 → A hero that has let you down.
I’ve never had a hero, ever, so I can’t really answer this one.
Day 15 → Something or someone you couldn’t live without, because you’ve tried living without it.
Coffee. I had to give it up for a while and it was miserable. I’d rather be sick than go without coffee.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
30 Days of Truth, part 2
Day 06 → Something you hope you never have to do.
I hope I never have to bury another husband. It was the hardest thing I have ever had to do in my life. I would eat glass to never have to do it again. Making "those calls" is a horrible, gut wrenching thing to be forced to do.
Day 07 → Someone who has made your life worth living for.
I do not mean for this so sound cliché, but my honest to goodness answer is the man I am married to. He re-entered my life at a very dark and difficult time and I can truthfully say that he saved my life and made me a better person. I will never be able to find a way to thank him for that as long as I live. We have been together for 2 years and have known each other since we were just kids but he still gives me the butterflies, I still like to watch him, and I hate being separated from him for any length of time.
Day 08 → Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like shit.
There was someone who literally terrorized me to the point of having a nervous breakdown. I was on valium and zanax, and in mass quantities for nearly a year. I couldn’t sleep, my hair fell out and I was a nervous wreck. Because I still have ties to this person I will not name names or give any more details.
Day 09 → Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted.
My best friend Chris. We lived together for a while. After I moved into my own house we sort of just had separate lives. I miss her but I don’t often get the chance to just hang out with her the way we used to.
Day 10 → Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know.
I know a lot of toxic people, the clingers and hangers on. The people who literally drain the energy from you just by being around you. I wish I didn’t know them.
I hope I never have to bury another husband. It was the hardest thing I have ever had to do in my life. I would eat glass to never have to do it again. Making "those calls" is a horrible, gut wrenching thing to be forced to do.
Day 07 → Someone who has made your life worth living for.
I do not mean for this so sound cliché, but my honest to goodness answer is the man I am married to. He re-entered my life at a very dark and difficult time and I can truthfully say that he saved my life and made me a better person. I will never be able to find a way to thank him for that as long as I live. We have been together for 2 years and have known each other since we were just kids but he still gives me the butterflies, I still like to watch him, and I hate being separated from him for any length of time.
Day 08 → Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like shit.
There was someone who literally terrorized me to the point of having a nervous breakdown. I was on valium and zanax, and in mass quantities for nearly a year. I couldn’t sleep, my hair fell out and I was a nervous wreck. Because I still have ties to this person I will not name names or give any more details.
Day 09 → Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted.
My best friend Chris. We lived together for a while. After I moved into my own house we sort of just had separate lives. I miss her but I don’t often get the chance to just hang out with her the way we used to.
Day 10 → Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know.
I know a lot of toxic people, the clingers and hangers on. The people who literally drain the energy from you just by being around you. I wish I didn’t know them.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
An Impatient 30 days of truth...
I saw this on another blog and thought it was interesting. The idea is to answer honest questions about yourself over thirty days.But, being the impatient person that I am I'm going to do it 5 days at a time.
Here goes:
Day 01 → Something you hate about yourself.
I hate my weight. It is an honest to goodness struggle. I refuse to even look in the mirror most days because of it. I hate it so much that I would spend $10,000 on liposuction if I had it. I wouldn't even care that its major surgery or the amount of pain it would cause.
Day 02 → Something you love about yourself.
I love my eyes. I have always thought they were the prettiest color of blue. I love how they change depending on my mood or if I'm tired of if Iv'e had some wine.
Day 03 → Something you have to forgive yourself for.
For being hateful to my husband right before he died. I was pissed that he wouldn't answer his cell phone and I left a nasty message. I found out later he was on the floor dead when I left the message. When I had to go through his account later I felt awful when I heard what I sounded like.
Day 04 → Something you have to forgive someone for.
I need to forgive a lot of people for a lot of things. I carry a grudge like no body's business. I'm sure that I would be a much happier person if I could find a way to just let go of things.
Day 05 → Something you hope to do in your life.
Gosh, this is a hard question for me to answer because I want to do so many things. My bucket list is WAY long. For now, I guess I have to say Id love to go to Italy. Ask me again tomorrow my answer will probably be different.
Here goes:
Day 01 → Something you hate about yourself.
I hate my weight. It is an honest to goodness struggle. I refuse to even look in the mirror most days because of it. I hate it so much that I would spend $10,000 on liposuction if I had it. I wouldn't even care that its major surgery or the amount of pain it would cause.
Day 02 → Something you love about yourself.
I love my eyes. I have always thought they were the prettiest color of blue. I love how they change depending on my mood or if I'm tired of if Iv'e had some wine.
Day 03 → Something you have to forgive yourself for.
For being hateful to my husband right before he died. I was pissed that he wouldn't answer his cell phone and I left a nasty message. I found out later he was on the floor dead when I left the message. When I had to go through his account later I felt awful when I heard what I sounded like.
Day 04 → Something you have to forgive someone for.
I need to forgive a lot of people for a lot of things. I carry a grudge like no body's business. I'm sure that I would be a much happier person if I could find a way to just let go of things.
Day 05 → Something you hope to do in your life.
Gosh, this is a hard question for me to answer because I want to do so many things. My bucket list is WAY long. For now, I guess I have to say Id love to go to Italy. Ask me again tomorrow my answer will probably be different.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Well Butter My Biscuit!
I think in a former life I must have been a southern woman. I say y'all, I like moon pies, I LOVE LOVE LOVE grits, and it is a major life goal to make down right delicious, take back stuff you never stole, mile high biscuits. I've used many recipes, but most of the time I just use the hope and pray method of measuring by throwing stuff into a bowl, ading some Crisco and praying that it turns into soemthing edible. This recipe is my next adventure in biscuit making. It's from Mark Bittman's book. He has great recipes and cooking methods. Its a good bet that they will be topped with lots of butter and either strawberry jam or black raspberry preserves. I'll let ya know how it turns out.
Bittman's Yogurt or Buttermilk Biscuits
Makes about 10 biscuits
2 cups all-purpose or cake flour, plus more as needed (I have regular old AP flour, so thats what I'm gonna use)
1 scant teaspoon salt
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
2-5 tablespoons cold butter (mo butter, mo betta!)
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons yogurt or buttermilk
Heat the oven to 450 (yes, that HOT!) degrees. Mix the dry ingredients together in a food processor. Cut the butter into bits and pulse it in the food processor until thoroughly blended.
Using a large spoon, stir in the yogurt until mixture just forms a ball. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it 10 times; no more. If it is sticky, add a little flour, but very little; it should still stick slightly to your hands.
Press the dough into a 3/4 inch thick rectangle and cut into 2-inch rounds. (I'm gonna cut mine into squares- I'm a rebel like that!) Put on ungreased baking sheet. Gently reshape the leftover dough and cut again.(no need to do this if you cut squares) Bake for 7 - 9 minutes or until the biscuits are a beautiful golden brown. Serve within 15 minutes for them to be at their best.
Bittman's Yogurt or Buttermilk Biscuits
Makes about 10 biscuits
2 cups all-purpose or cake flour, plus more as needed (I have regular old AP flour, so thats what I'm gonna use)
1 scant teaspoon salt
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
2-5 tablespoons cold butter (mo butter, mo betta!)
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons yogurt or buttermilk
Heat the oven to 450 (yes, that HOT!) degrees. Mix the dry ingredients together in a food processor. Cut the butter into bits and pulse it in the food processor until thoroughly blended.
Using a large spoon, stir in the yogurt until mixture just forms a ball. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it 10 times; no more. If it is sticky, add a little flour, but very little; it should still stick slightly to your hands.
Press the dough into a 3/4 inch thick rectangle and cut into 2-inch rounds. (I'm gonna cut mine into squares- I'm a rebel like that!) Put on ungreased baking sheet. Gently reshape the leftover dough and cut again.(no need to do this if you cut squares) Bake for 7 - 9 minutes or until the biscuits are a beautiful golden brown. Serve within 15 minutes for them to be at their best.
Friday, May 21, 2010
I wish I may, I wish I might...
I copied this from www.sweetandsavoryfood.com. I know, I'm so unoriginal. Sorry. I'm tired, its raining and I got up late. but, she has a great blog and some fabulous recipes. Go check it out.
I saw this Wish List idea on another blog the other day and it made me laugh out loud reading some of the responses. It's simple, list 5 things you need/want and explain why. They can be simple, extravagant, or much needed.
This is my wish list:
1. I wish for a new camera. I want to go from point and shoot to SLR with all th fancy lenses. I don't really have a reason, other than I want one.
2. I wish for photography lessons to learn how to use the camera and fancy lenses in with #1. I don't understand the whole F stop, aperature business, so I think lessons would greatly improve my ability to take fantastic pictures.
3. I wish for a real honest to goodness vacation with my husband. It's been an exceptionally trying first year of marriage for us, for many many reasons and we just need to get away.
4. I wish I could lose weight faster. Why? Because I'm a fat ass and I'm tired of wearing fat clothes all the time.
5. Finally, I wish it was the end of the day so I could go home and have a great weekend filled with doing nothing.
What is your wish list?
I saw this Wish List idea on another blog the other day and it made me laugh out loud reading some of the responses. It's simple, list 5 things you need/want and explain why. They can be simple, extravagant, or much needed.
This is my wish list:
1. I wish for a new camera. I want to go from point and shoot to SLR with all th fancy lenses. I don't really have a reason, other than I want one.
2. I wish for photography lessons to learn how to use the camera and fancy lenses in with #1. I don't understand the whole F stop, aperature business, so I think lessons would greatly improve my ability to take fantastic pictures.
3. I wish for a real honest to goodness vacation with my husband. It's been an exceptionally trying first year of marriage for us, for many many reasons and we just need to get away.
4. I wish I could lose weight faster. Why? Because I'm a fat ass and I'm tired of wearing fat clothes all the time.
5. Finally, I wish it was the end of the day so I could go home and have a great weekend filled with doing nothing.
What is your wish list?
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
The long lost blogger is back
...and I'm doing a Random Dozen, from 2nd cup of Coffee's blog.
1. What is one really fast, know-by-heart "go-to" meal to fix in a pinch?
Spaghetti is my real "in a hurry" meal.
2. What is one item you won't leave home without. (Purse and license do not count.)
BlackBerry, aka CrackBerry.
3. Where is one place you never tire of visiting?
My in laws house. I love them.
4. Share one factoid of your family's history.
My mother was born in the upstairs of the bar where I had my wedding reception.
5. Complete this sentence: "Once upon a time I ...."
Thought I had it all figured out.
6. If you could win a one year's supply of anything, what would it be?
Something useful, like coffee or laundry detergent.
7. "One quirky thing you may not know about me is ...."
I like to drink Coke and Orange Jucie mixed together. It looks like liver bile in a glass but I love it.
8. You have one dollar in your pocket. What will you buy?
A bottle of Diet Coke.
9. "One thing that always makes me laugh is ...."
My step son mason's giggle.
10. What is one thing you could do today to help yourself reach a personal goal?
Get off my fat ass and exercise. This 50 lbs isn't going to take its self off.
11. What is one thing you could do today to bless someone else?
Pray for them.
12. What is one thing you're looking forward to soon?
Immediately, the weekend. A little farther down the line, my 20 yr class reunion in June.
1. What is one really fast, know-by-heart "go-to" meal to fix in a pinch?
Spaghetti is my real "in a hurry" meal.
2. What is one item you won't leave home without. (Purse and license do not count.)
BlackBerry, aka CrackBerry.
3. Where is one place you never tire of visiting?
My in laws house. I love them.
4. Share one factoid of your family's history.
My mother was born in the upstairs of the bar where I had my wedding reception.
5. Complete this sentence: "Once upon a time I ...."
Thought I had it all figured out.
6. If you could win a one year's supply of anything, what would it be?
Something useful, like coffee or laundry detergent.
7. "One quirky thing you may not know about me is ...."
I like to drink Coke and Orange Jucie mixed together. It looks like liver bile in a glass but I love it.
8. You have one dollar in your pocket. What will you buy?
A bottle of Diet Coke.
9. "One thing that always makes me laugh is ...."
My step son mason's giggle.
10. What is one thing you could do today to help yourself reach a personal goal?
Get off my fat ass and exercise. This 50 lbs isn't going to take its self off.
11. What is one thing you could do today to bless someone else?
Pray for them.
12. What is one thing you're looking forward to soon?
Immediately, the weekend. A little farther down the line, my 20 yr class reunion in June.
Monday, December 21, 2009
DaughtryOfficial.com Life After You | DaughtryOfficial.com
DaughtryOfficial.com Life After You | DaughtryOfficial.com: "Ten miles from town and I just broke down
Spittin' out smoke on the side of the road
I'm out here alone just tryin' to get home
To tell you I was wrong but you already know
Believe me I won't stop at nothin'
To see you so I've started runnin'
All that I'm after is a life full of laughter
As long as I'm laughing with you
I'm thinkin' that all that still matters is love ever after
After the life we've been through
'Cause I know there's no life after you"
Spittin' out smoke on the side of the road
I'm out here alone just tryin' to get home
To tell you I was wrong but you already know
Believe me I won't stop at nothin'
To see you so I've started runnin'
All that I'm after is a life full of laughter
As long as I'm laughing with you
I'm thinkin' that all that still matters is love ever after
After the life we've been through
'Cause I know there's no life after you"
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Monday, November 2, 2009
Tomorrow is my 1 yr. blogaversary
1 year ago tomorrow I started my blog. Wow. It doesn't seem like it's been that long ago. A lot has changed since then.
Guess you'll have to check back tomorrow to see what I have to say on my blogaversary.
Happy Monday!
Guess you'll have to check back tomorrow to see what I have to say on my blogaversary.
Happy Monday!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Baseball makes me cry
It is that time of year. The leaves are changing color, the air is crisp, apples are being harvested and the WORLD SERIES is about to start. Have I told you that baseball makes me cry? It does, and I don't know why. Even baseball movies make me cry. "There is no crying in baseball!"- name that movie. There is something about the green grass and fresh dirt with he crisp white base lines and the singing of the National Anthem that chokes me up. Every game I have gone to, major or minor league, evokes this emotion. I love sitting in the bleachers (or box seats, how ever it may be) eating a dog, drinking an overpriced beer and singing "Take Me Out to the Ball Game". Some of my fondest memories involve being at a ball park somewhere.
I am a Yankees Fan and I am shameless about it. I have been since I was 11 years old, but not because I loved baseball. There was this boy. It's always about a boy, isn't it? I had the biggest crush on this boy. He had dark hair and blue eyes and he loved the Yankees (and the Dallas Cowboys, but that didn't stick with me) Since he loved the Pinstripe Boys, I did too. We grew up, I grew out of the crush, but my love of the Yankees stuck. I have since friended this "boy" on Face Book (love me some FB, y'all!) and told him this story. He said the only reason he like the Yankees is because his Dad did. Go figure!
In June of 2001 I was in New York to attend a Yankees-Indians game. I was on cloud 9! It had been a life long dream of mine to go to The House that Ruth Built. Only thing was, I was with a large group of Indians fans. I remember the day clearly. I had on a Yankee jersey, a Yankee hat and my fingernails were painted with the NY skyline. On the way to the stadium I stopped and asked NYPD traffic cop for directions. He gave them to me, looked at how I was dressed and said with a heavy NY accent: "God loves a Yankee Fan" and winked his sparkling blue eye.
At the stadium a very large group of very large and rowdy NY Firefighters were having a tailgate party. As our group walked by the firefighters began showing true NY hospitality by telling all the Indians fans to "Go Back to Cleveland- Indians Suck!" All of a sudden, one fire fighter noticed that I was bedecked and bedazzled in all my pinstripe glory and literally snatched me up and took me to their party. I was hugged and kissed and cheered by this group of drunken men. They all wanted to know what I was doing with "that bunch of losers" and decided they wanted to keep me. My poor sister who was on the trip with me didn't know what to do! Eventually they turned me loose because they didn't want me to miss the opening pitch and this was their parting words: "Sweetheart, you're an honorary new Yorker today. Come back anytime!"
We went to the game, I spent an obscene amount of money in the gift shop and the Yankees won. All was right with the world.
Then 9-11 happened. As I watched history unfold on the TV, my thoughts turned to that cop and those fire fighters and I cried real tears as I realized they could be dead. It still breaks my heart.
And so, with the 2009 World Series about to begin, I wonder if those FDNY guys and that cop are gonna be watching down on the game tonight, and cheering on their boys. Cuz you know, God Loves a Yankee Fan.
I am a Yankees Fan and I am shameless about it. I have been since I was 11 years old, but not because I loved baseball. There was this boy. It's always about a boy, isn't it? I had the biggest crush on this boy. He had dark hair and blue eyes and he loved the Yankees (and the Dallas Cowboys, but that didn't stick with me) Since he loved the Pinstripe Boys, I did too. We grew up, I grew out of the crush, but my love of the Yankees stuck. I have since friended this "boy" on Face Book (love me some FB, y'all!) and told him this story. He said the only reason he like the Yankees is because his Dad did. Go figure!
In June of 2001 I was in New York to attend a Yankees-Indians game. I was on cloud 9! It had been a life long dream of mine to go to The House that Ruth Built. Only thing was, I was with a large group of Indians fans. I remember the day clearly. I had on a Yankee jersey, a Yankee hat and my fingernails were painted with the NY skyline. On the way to the stadium I stopped and asked NYPD traffic cop for directions. He gave them to me, looked at how I was dressed and said with a heavy NY accent: "God loves a Yankee Fan" and winked his sparkling blue eye.
At the stadium a very large group of very large and rowdy NY Firefighters were having a tailgate party. As our group walked by the firefighters began showing true NY hospitality by telling all the Indians fans to "Go Back to Cleveland- Indians Suck!" All of a sudden, one fire fighter noticed that I was bedecked and bedazzled in all my pinstripe glory and literally snatched me up and took me to their party. I was hugged and kissed and cheered by this group of drunken men. They all wanted to know what I was doing with "that bunch of losers" and decided they wanted to keep me. My poor sister who was on the trip with me didn't know what to do! Eventually they turned me loose because they didn't want me to miss the opening pitch and this was their parting words: "Sweetheart, you're an honorary new Yorker today. Come back anytime!"
We went to the game, I spent an obscene amount of money in the gift shop and the Yankees won. All was right with the world.
Then 9-11 happened. As I watched history unfold on the TV, my thoughts turned to that cop and those fire fighters and I cried real tears as I realized they could be dead. It still breaks my heart.
And so, with the 2009 World Series about to begin, I wonder if those FDNY guys and that cop are gonna be watching down on the game tonight, and cheering on their boys. Cuz you know, God Loves a Yankee Fan.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
A Change in My Life
There have been a lot of changes going on in my life here lately. I'm not sure where my mind is on a lot of them, but I'm sure that it's all going to work out in the end. I just read a quote lately that I loved. It said "It all works out in the end. If it hasn't worked out, then it's not the end."
I guess the biggest change is that I got married again last week. I love being a wife again. It was someting I missed when I became a widow. "Mrs." just fits me. And I'm head over heels, stupid in love with my Mr., just in case you were wondering. And in becoming a Mrs again, I became a step mama again, to three wonderful children. I'm in love with them, too.
My niece moved in with us. She is going to be going to college starting next week. Hopefully we have the new room addition completed before she graduates so she can have a bedroom of her own. It's been a long long time since it was more than 2 people living in my household, so that's been something different.
I'm having bi lateral breast reduction in 2 weeks. That will be a MAJOR change. I don't know how it will be not haing these giant bowling balls on the front of me. someone might actually see what color my eyes are!
What changes have you had lately and how do you feel about it?
I guess the biggest change is that I got married again last week. I love being a wife again. It was someting I missed when I became a widow. "Mrs." just fits me. And I'm head over heels, stupid in love with my Mr., just in case you were wondering. And in becoming a Mrs again, I became a step mama again, to three wonderful children. I'm in love with them, too.
My niece moved in with us. She is going to be going to college starting next week. Hopefully we have the new room addition completed before she graduates so she can have a bedroom of her own. It's been a long long time since it was more than 2 people living in my household, so that's been something different.
I'm having bi lateral breast reduction in 2 weeks. That will be a MAJOR change. I don't know how it will be not haing these giant bowling balls on the front of me. someone might actually see what color my eyes are!
What changes have you had lately and how do you feel about it?
Monday, September 14, 2009
This is how it works
Oh My! What a whirlwind of events that it has been since my last post over a month ago. Eventually I'll get around to telling all of it but for right now, this poem is what I want to share. (I blog lifted it from CarrotSpeak, who is a Blog of Note right now. Check her out!)
This is how it works
You're young until you're not
You love until you don't
you try until you can't
You laugh until you cry
You cry until you laugh
And everyone must breathe
until their dying breath
No, this is how iat works
You peer inside yourself
You take the things you like
and try to love the things you took
& then you take that love you made
and stick it into someone else's heart
Pumping someone else's blood
and walking arm in arm
You hope it don't get harmed
But even if it does
You'll just do it all again
~Regina Spektor
This is how it works
You're young until you're not
You love until you don't
you try until you can't
You laugh until you cry
You cry until you laugh
And everyone must breathe
until their dying breath
No, this is how iat works
You peer inside yourself
You take the things you like
and try to love the things you took
& then you take that love you made
and stick it into someone else's heart
Pumping someone else's blood
and walking arm in arm
You hope it don't get harmed
But even if it does
You'll just do it all again
~Regina Spektor
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
I've been a bad bad blogger
I've been careless with a delicate man. Oh sorry, I was channeling Fiona Apple for a second.
My life has been so hectic that I've neglected my blog. Internet, you have my sincerest apologies. Please, take me back.
Lets see, where to start? Begin at the beginning!
I've lost 15 lbs. Woo Hoo! I'm still in weight denial and am afraid to try on my wedding dress. I'm hoping and praying that it does.
Sweetie now has his driver's permit and is taking his test this very afternoon. Niece has hers, and so does Sweetie's son. So y'all better watch out on the roads! Just kidding. they are all good drivers.
Sweeties's mama had surgery to remove melanoma. She is doing just fine now.
The room additions are coming along. We bought drywall and flooring.
I started tax class again. I'm rusty!
Woodpeckers destroyed my porch beams. I'll try to remember to post a picture of the damage soon.
We had to change the location of our wedding reception due to concerns of being too crowded.
Kids are done with summer ball and waiting for school to start.
I think that about sums it up.
So tell me, what's going on with you?
My life has been so hectic that I've neglected my blog. Internet, you have my sincerest apologies. Please, take me back.
Lets see, where to start? Begin at the beginning!
I've lost 15 lbs. Woo Hoo! I'm still in weight denial and am afraid to try on my wedding dress. I'm hoping and praying that it does.
Sweetie now has his driver's permit and is taking his test this very afternoon. Niece has hers, and so does Sweetie's son. So y'all better watch out on the roads! Just kidding. they are all good drivers.
Sweeties's mama had surgery to remove melanoma. She is doing just fine now.
The room additions are coming along. We bought drywall and flooring.
I started tax class again. I'm rusty!
Woodpeckers destroyed my porch beams. I'll try to remember to post a picture of the damage soon.
We had to change the location of our wedding reception due to concerns of being too crowded.
Kids are done with summer ball and waiting for school to start.
I think that about sums it up.
So tell me, what's going on with you?
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
FORE! Watch out for my new addiction
There is a Sheetz gas station and convenience store just over the hill from where I work. I visit there often. They are my friends and they know me well. They supply me with what I need to fill my latest addiction. It's THIS:
Arnold Palmer Half &Half Iced Tea Pomegranate Lemonade. Yum o. I can't get enough of this stuff. I like tea, I like lemonade and I'm over the moon about pomegranate these days.
An Arnold Palmer is half tea, half lemonade; a drink made famous by Arnold himself after completing some famous round of golf.
And the thoughtful folks at Arizona Tea put this on the bottle:
"AriZona uses new amber bottles to protect the natural antioxidant properties of our beverages from the light. Here's to your health"
Thank you for being so concerned, AriZona Tea. It's so kind of you. Especially when I'm shelling out $1.49 every single day for the crack in a bottle shaped like a golf ball.
If you don't have a local dealer, I mean a Sheetz station near you, visit the AriZona Website. You can get 12- 20 oz. bottles for $9.99 and shipping.(Shipping to me is $13.21) It comes in regular half and half, and a green tea version or you can buy mix stix that are only 5 calories.
http://www.drinkarizona.com/ProductCart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=313&idcategory=2
Monday, June 15, 2009
Roller Coasters
I am taking a road trip this weekend with my niece Jes, her brother Andy and Andy's lovely wife, Robyn. (It was their wedding I was in last July.) We are going to Cedar Point, an amusement park on Lake Erie. This is going to be an interesting trip. It's always an interesting trip. Here's a backstory....
The last time I was there, a lady of middle eastern descent shang haied me on a ride and force me to sit with her child, who spoke little to no English. I tried to refuse but she stuck him in the seat and walked away. I couldn't make the child understand how to fasten the seatbelt and I was not about to fasten it for him and have some crazed parent scream that I was molesting him. When the ride was over, the little boy didn't know where to go and his mother was no where to be found. I turned him over to the person in charge of the ride and skedaddled right on out of there.
Here are some reasons why this trip is going to be interesting.
#1. Sweetie and I are not huge fans of roller coasters. I'm afraid of heights and he'd much rather stay on the ground.
#2. Part of this trip is to the water park part of the park. Sweetie and I will not be participating in this little jaunt because we are not huge fans of water parks. He doesn't even own swim trunks and we won't even discuss putting my size 16 behind in lycra and spandex.
#3. A brother, a sister and a wife all together in one car, for a four hour drive.
#4. I got online this morning to get driving directions to our hotel. (The hotel was picked by Andy and Robyn) I made the mistake of reading the "guest reviews" on a hotel reservation website. Holy Smokes were they ever bad! There were approx. 50 reviews and they were all terrible. They were so bad that it made me want to stay there just to see if it really is THAT bad. What made it so funny is that they all sounded the same. Dirty, cockroaches, poor location, inattentive staff, soiled linens...you get the idea.
These were some of my favorite comments:
"Run as far and as fast as you can away from this hotel"
"I've traveled and stayed in hotels for more than 25 years and this is by far the wors I have ever seen."
"There was something dead floating in the pool"
"There was a dead thing in the pool and it stunk!"
"There was a white stain on the chair and I'm pretty sure I don't want to know what it was"
"My bed linens had blood on them. Not stains, real actual BLOOD."
"When I asked to see the hotel manager he came out wearing sweatpants that had obviously been slept in. It was also obvious that he didn't feel the need to launder anything."
And this was my very favorite:
"The pimps and the ho's were fighting in the parking lot all night long. We piled a dresser and a table against the door to keep them out of our room!"
So, come Monday, I'm sure to have some entertaining stories about my trip to Cedar Point. Don't worry, though, I cancelled my reservation and Club Dread and booked at Hotel Breakers. It's well worth the extra cost!
The last time I was there, a lady of middle eastern descent shang haied me on a ride and force me to sit with her child, who spoke little to no English. I tried to refuse but she stuck him in the seat and walked away. I couldn't make the child understand how to fasten the seatbelt and I was not about to fasten it for him and have some crazed parent scream that I was molesting him. When the ride was over, the little boy didn't know where to go and his mother was no where to be found. I turned him over to the person in charge of the ride and skedaddled right on out of there.
Here are some reasons why this trip is going to be interesting.
#1. Sweetie and I are not huge fans of roller coasters. I'm afraid of heights and he'd much rather stay on the ground.
#2. Part of this trip is to the water park part of the park. Sweetie and I will not be participating in this little jaunt because we are not huge fans of water parks. He doesn't even own swim trunks and we won't even discuss putting my size 16 behind in lycra and spandex.
#3. A brother, a sister and a wife all together in one car, for a four hour drive.
#4. I got online this morning to get driving directions to our hotel. (The hotel was picked by Andy and Robyn) I made the mistake of reading the "guest reviews" on a hotel reservation website. Holy Smokes were they ever bad! There were approx. 50 reviews and they were all terrible. They were so bad that it made me want to stay there just to see if it really is THAT bad. What made it so funny is that they all sounded the same. Dirty, cockroaches, poor location, inattentive staff, soiled linens...you get the idea.
These were some of my favorite comments:
"Run as far and as fast as you can away from this hotel"
"I've traveled and stayed in hotels for more than 25 years and this is by far the wors I have ever seen."
"There was something dead floating in the pool"
"There was a dead thing in the pool and it stunk!"
"There was a white stain on the chair and I'm pretty sure I don't want to know what it was"
"My bed linens had blood on them. Not stains, real actual BLOOD."
"When I asked to see the hotel manager he came out wearing sweatpants that had obviously been slept in. It was also obvious that he didn't feel the need to launder anything."
And this was my very favorite:
"The pimps and the ho's were fighting in the parking lot all night long. We piled a dresser and a table against the door to keep them out of our room!"
So, come Monday, I'm sure to have some entertaining stories about my trip to Cedar Point. Don't worry, though, I cancelled my reservation and Club Dread and booked at Hotel Breakers. It's well worth the extra cost!
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