Let's just get things out in the open real quick, okay?
I love sweets. And when I say love sweets, I mean that, well... yes, I could "marry them" as Bekah would say.
So, Saturday, I had an Econ final down at IUPUI. I only missed 3 on my mid-term, so when I went to my study session the week before, I was feeling pretty confident that I would be alright on the final.
Until the instructor told us that the class average was about 52%.
Fudge.
So, I studied and studied. For the most part, Economics makes sense to me and I enjoy learning about it. Surely, I can pass the final.
I'd done pretty well in the class with homeworks and such, so even if I bombed the final, I knew I could still pass the class, however "just passing" isn't good enough for me, I want an A.
I left the final study session feeling a bit inspired, but not completely because time ran out and our prof wasn't able to give us the last 4 chapters of study information for the final. Ugh. But I went ahead and reviewed the info all week and decided that if I wasn't prepared by Friday, there's nothing more I would learn, so I took Friday off from Studying and enjoyed an evening with my guy for his birthday.
Saturday morning, I planned to meet a couple of my classmates on campus early to study. On the way there, I had some extra time and was feeling very nervous.
What better to ease my worries than sweets.
I should probably preface by making a couple of side points here:
1.)I am not a worrier over my weight. Sure, I'd love to be the 130 that my driver's license says I am. But I'm not. After I went on the Breast-feeding diet in 2004 and ended up at a not-so-healthy 118 pounds by the time she was 1, I decided that there is just no reason to stress about weight. If my weight is what makes me happy, then I need to find another hobby. Now... on the flip side, I do enjoy doing Zumba and jogging the neighborhood in the summer because it makes me feel good. But not to lose weight. If the pounds go away, great. If not, that's fine too. I am me, and if you don't like me because I have a few stretch-marks, saggy tummy skin from having 2 babies and hips that don't lie... then go find a new friend out of a magazine cuz this girl ain't her. Got it?
2.) I'm not the type of person to run out and "lose a bunch of weight before (fill in the blank). I'm just not. Why starve myself or change my routine just to "look better" for whatever event is coming up. Again, if you don't like how i look, don't come see me!
Ok, so anyway - back to the sweets and stress.
As I was driving down I-69 to IUPUI, you will not believe it...
My car literally directed itself off the exit ramp at Exit 10 and turned left toward Olio Road. Before I knew it, I was pulling into Pat-A-Cakes and Cookies too!
And since I was there.... I went ahead and ordered 4 mini cupcakes and 2 cake-ball-bon-bons.
Yes I did.
And on the way to my final, Christmas confetti, extra icing and all, were landing all over my lap and the floor of my car. There was simply no graceful way to eat the cupcakes, but I had to. I simply had to.
Now, in my defense, I was beginning to feel a bit of a sugar coma after 2 of the cupcakes and 1 bon-bon, so I stopped. Well, and I started to feel a bit guilty about having to purchase a new wardrobe if I continued this eating pattern.
But whatever.
I got to school, got some studying done and took the dreaded final.
All I have to say is this...
I did as crappy as I feared that I would, but I still passed the class and got the credits. I cannot make myself sick over the grade, I can only accept what it is and move on to the next semester ready to roll.
On that note, I think I'll eat another cupcake :)
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Monday, December 19, 2011
My Thoughts on Christmas
With Christmas just a week away, I couldn't help but reflect on some of the different views on Christmas and the Traditions that many families have regarding this Religious Holiday. I will warn you, this post could end up going a variety of paths similiar to the thought process of an individual with A.D.D.
...you've been warned.
Please buckle up and keep all arms and legs inside the moving vehicle for the duration of the ride.
You adventure is about to begin.
So, Christmas. The day that is celebrated that Jesus was born. Some may argue with evidence that Jesus was not born on December 25th, but rather a different time of the year. Regardless of when He was born, December 25th is the day that we CELEBRATE his birth. Nothing else. Just the gift of his birth. Now, I'm not clear on how Santa Claus got involved, but I'm pretty sure he wasn't in the Manger when Jesus was born. However, on the controversial topic of Santa, in our house, we believe.
Chas is 11 and Bek is 7; and they both still believe. I can contribute that to a number of things, perhaps naivity, my creativity with keeping the spirit alive, or just some of the traditions we've done at my house to keep them from questioning the 'reality' of Santa. I think believing in Santa can be good and bad, especially for those gung-ho Christians who believe that the Commercializing of Christmas is too much.
I read an article my friend Lindsey sent a few weeks ago that summed up the reason "we believe" in my house; it's not so much about believing in Santa as it is believing in something that you cannot see.
I believe in God, but I cannot see Him.
I believe in Love, but I cannot touch it.
I believe in Prayer, but I cannot hand it to you.
I believe in Happiness, but I cannot taste it.
and...
We believe in Santa, though we cannot see him.
I will tell you, things in my house get a little crazy around the holidays. Much to my desire to keep the "Magic of Christmas" alive for my children for as long as humanly possible. Several years ago, I thought my son might be 'on to' the situation with Santa, so I searched high and low for the little Red Elf that travels to the North Pole each night to tell Santa how everyone has been acting. Low and Behold, one day "Elfis" showed up at our tiny apartment and has been creating the sweetest memories for my children ever since.
I can't help it. I just think about, say 20 years from now, when my children are parents, the stories they will tell my grandchildren about that crazy little Elf that used to hide and do naughty things in our house. The same little Elf that will continue to make his fun little holiday appearance at "Grandma's House" in the future. What joy that will bring me to hear them re-tell stories about a little stuffed Elf that delivered an abundance of happiness and excitement as children.
"How does he get to the North Pole, Mommy?" ... I don't know, you just have to believe....
"How did he get into that small space, Mommy?" ... I don't know, you just have to believe...
You just have to believe.
In life, you just have to believe.
You have to believe that in the hard times, you'll make it through.
You have to believe that everything, good and bad happens for a reason, whether you know it or not.
You have to believe that there is more to life than what is lying right in front of you...
...you just have to believe.
So, that's why I encourage my children to believe in Santa. And maybe too, because I enjoy it also!
Santa has his own wrapping paper that is stored in the attic in a hidden spot an the kids never see it. I think this has helped (me) to keep the spirit alive.
All my kids gifts are swiftly placed in the attic, and wrapped in the special paper when my kids are gone, this allows for no chance that they will wake up and hear me wrapping, see the gifts hidden in my closet, etc. Santa also buys a few gifts for Mommy.... if Mommy acts surprised on Christmas morning by the new waffle maker, who else would've brought it but Santa?
When we lived in a house that didn't have a fireplace, we left a Pewter Santa Key on our front door so he could get into our house... allowing very little opportunity for their imaginations to take them somewhere that I didn't have an answer.
I grew up with Christmases like no other. I was raised an only child, and was so, so blessed on Christmas morning; more than necessary. And i've always tried to do the same for my children. I'm not sure whether that is good or bad, but the thrill of waking up Christmas morning to a plethora of gifts that Santa had dropped off was such a rush.
Best memories ever.
Many people are going to the 3 gift theory for the holidays, which I strongly support, especially after adding up receipts for my purchases throughout the season. 3 gifts just like Jesus received. Novel Concept.
I read another family that does, "Something you WANT, something you NEED, something you can WEAR, and something to READ." That's another fabulous idea too.
And I was a bit jealous this weekend as i was making out my list of things I'd bought the kids, to make sure their lists were equal gift numbers... it would be so much easier if I adopted the 3 or 4 gift rule.
My kids are so lucky. So, so lucky.
Or Spoiled.
Whichever you prefer.
And to be honest, with the exception of the 'feeling' and 'excitement' i had as a child on Christmas morning, I don't even really remember the gifts.
It's not about the gifts though.
Some of the best 'gifts' in life aren't about the things our parents bought for us.
It's about the experiences.
The traditions.
The goodtimes... and some of the bad times too.
The way we felt loved.
I alternate Christmas Morning every other year; and my children go with their dad. Is it tough to be alone on Christmas morning? Absolutely. But I don't think I'm any better than their dad to 'steal' that experience from him.
On the years that I have my kids on Christmas morning, the three of us bake goodies during the evening on Christmas Eve and then drive the stuff to the State Police Post and Paid Fire Stations in Anderson to let those on duty know that we are thinking about them and appreciate what they do.
Chas and Bek remember this every.single.year.
They have never said to me, "remember last year when you got me that super cool ________ (fill in the blank)."
Never.
They always remember baking a Jesus Birthday Cake, dropping off goodies at the Police Station and saying Goodbye to Elfis.
Sweet, sweet traditions.
If there was to be a Mom of the Year award, I would certainly not win it. This post omitted the many, many times that I have yelled... cried.... been so frustrated I could've just walked away from it all.
But if there was anyone, that has tried so hard to make her kids' lives rich with memories, and live beyond the circumstances that I have given them, it would be me.
So yes, we believe in the Magic of Christmas. My kids are reminded through myself and Church services about the true meaning of Christmas too.
...you've been warned.
Please buckle up and keep all arms and legs inside the moving vehicle for the duration of the ride.
You adventure is about to begin.
So, Christmas. The day that is celebrated that Jesus was born. Some may argue with evidence that Jesus was not born on December 25th, but rather a different time of the year. Regardless of when He was born, December 25th is the day that we CELEBRATE his birth. Nothing else. Just the gift of his birth. Now, I'm not clear on how Santa Claus got involved, but I'm pretty sure he wasn't in the Manger when Jesus was born. However, on the controversial topic of Santa, in our house, we believe.
Chas is 11 and Bek is 7; and they both still believe. I can contribute that to a number of things, perhaps naivity, my creativity with keeping the spirit alive, or just some of the traditions we've done at my house to keep them from questioning the 'reality' of Santa. I think believing in Santa can be good and bad, especially for those gung-ho Christians who believe that the Commercializing of Christmas is too much.
I read an article my friend Lindsey sent a few weeks ago that summed up the reason "we believe" in my house; it's not so much about believing in Santa as it is believing in something that you cannot see.
I believe in God, but I cannot see Him.
I believe in Love, but I cannot touch it.
I believe in Prayer, but I cannot hand it to you.
I believe in Happiness, but I cannot taste it.
and...
We believe in Santa, though we cannot see him.
I will tell you, things in my house get a little crazy around the holidays. Much to my desire to keep the "Magic of Christmas" alive for my children for as long as humanly possible. Several years ago, I thought my son might be 'on to' the situation with Santa, so I searched high and low for the little Red Elf that travels to the North Pole each night to tell Santa how everyone has been acting. Low and Behold, one day "Elfis" showed up at our tiny apartment and has been creating the sweetest memories for my children ever since.
I can't help it. I just think about, say 20 years from now, when my children are parents, the stories they will tell my grandchildren about that crazy little Elf that used to hide and do naughty things in our house. The same little Elf that will continue to make his fun little holiday appearance at "Grandma's House" in the future. What joy that will bring me to hear them re-tell stories about a little stuffed Elf that delivered an abundance of happiness and excitement as children.
"How does he get to the North Pole, Mommy?" ... I don't know, you just have to believe....
"How did he get into that small space, Mommy?" ... I don't know, you just have to believe...
You just have to believe.
In life, you just have to believe.
You have to believe that in the hard times, you'll make it through.
You have to believe that everything, good and bad happens for a reason, whether you know it or not.
You have to believe that there is more to life than what is lying right in front of you...
...you just have to believe.
So, that's why I encourage my children to believe in Santa. And maybe too, because I enjoy it also!
Santa has his own wrapping paper that is stored in the attic in a hidden spot an the kids never see it. I think this has helped (me) to keep the spirit alive.
All my kids gifts are swiftly placed in the attic, and wrapped in the special paper when my kids are gone, this allows for no chance that they will wake up and hear me wrapping, see the gifts hidden in my closet, etc. Santa also buys a few gifts for Mommy.... if Mommy acts surprised on Christmas morning by the new waffle maker, who else would've brought it but Santa?
When we lived in a house that didn't have a fireplace, we left a Pewter Santa Key on our front door so he could get into our house... allowing very little opportunity for their imaginations to take them somewhere that I didn't have an answer.
I grew up with Christmases like no other. I was raised an only child, and was so, so blessed on Christmas morning; more than necessary. And i've always tried to do the same for my children. I'm not sure whether that is good or bad, but the thrill of waking up Christmas morning to a plethora of gifts that Santa had dropped off was such a rush.
Best memories ever.
Many people are going to the 3 gift theory for the holidays, which I strongly support, especially after adding up receipts for my purchases throughout the season. 3 gifts just like Jesus received. Novel Concept.
I read another family that does, "Something you WANT, something you NEED, something you can WEAR, and something to READ." That's another fabulous idea too.
And I was a bit jealous this weekend as i was making out my list of things I'd bought the kids, to make sure their lists were equal gift numbers... it would be so much easier if I adopted the 3 or 4 gift rule.
My kids are so lucky. So, so lucky.
Or Spoiled.
Whichever you prefer.
And to be honest, with the exception of the 'feeling' and 'excitement' i had as a child on Christmas morning, I don't even really remember the gifts.
It's not about the gifts though.
Some of the best 'gifts' in life aren't about the things our parents bought for us.
It's about the experiences.
The traditions.
The goodtimes... and some of the bad times too.
The way we felt loved.
I alternate Christmas Morning every other year; and my children go with their dad. Is it tough to be alone on Christmas morning? Absolutely. But I don't think I'm any better than their dad to 'steal' that experience from him.
On the years that I have my kids on Christmas morning, the three of us bake goodies during the evening on Christmas Eve and then drive the stuff to the State Police Post and Paid Fire Stations in Anderson to let those on duty know that we are thinking about them and appreciate what they do.
Chas and Bek remember this every.single.year.
They have never said to me, "remember last year when you got me that super cool ________ (fill in the blank)."
Never.
They always remember baking a Jesus Birthday Cake, dropping off goodies at the Police Station and saying Goodbye to Elfis.
Sweet, sweet traditions.
If there was to be a Mom of the Year award, I would certainly not win it. This post omitted the many, many times that I have yelled... cried.... been so frustrated I could've just walked away from it all.
But if there was anyone, that has tried so hard to make her kids' lives rich with memories, and live beyond the circumstances that I have given them, it would be me.
So yes, we believe in the Magic of Christmas. My kids are reminded through myself and Church services about the true meaning of Christmas too.
Friday, December 9, 2011
Holiday Insanity
Tis the Season, right?
In the spirit of Christmas insanity, I'd like to share a few of my ... "issues".
By issues, I mean rather insignificant things that may or may not cause others to think I am a bit insane, crazy, unstable or just generally obnoxious.
We all have them, right? (please say yes!) ... those ridiculous triggers that cause us to have an increased pulse rate and blood pressure.
So here goes...
1.) If I have too many thoughts to organize in an email, I have to number them. If I've ever emailed you about more than 3 topics, chances are... I've numbered my thoughts. Rest assured, it's not only for your benefit, but mine as well. There is some weird thing in my head that causes me to do that. I believe it's because, in normal writing, you separate your thoughts by paragraphs. When I'm writing an email that has EXTREMELY varying topics, I cannot write appropriate lead and ending sentences to guide my paragraphs to flow smoothly. With that being said, I now feel challenged to do so. If you'd like to receive what will inevitably turn out to be an amusing email with transition and segway sentences that are forced and uncomfortable, shoot me a personal email on a variety of subjects and I'll respond. Or, just wait for me to email you someday about random things and i'll try to remember. Either way, I have issues with writing and thought organization.
2.) When it comes to wrapping gifts, whether it be Christmas, Birthday, Mother's Day, etc... I prefer to wrap gifts in boxes instead of gift bags. Gift bags are far easier, but I think a lot of people deep down really want to open wrapping paper presents. So, I try to accomodate. My issues come in to play with the way I wrap gifts. So, my boxed gifts cannot have seams in the paper anywhere but the ends. There is a certain method to wrapping gifts where there is no seam and the paper meets perfectly at the edge of the box. It will drive me literally insane to even try to wrap a gift without following the specified method. And the sad thing, literally no one notices my wrapping except me. No one cares!!
3.) Color Coordination. My Christmas trees have been color coordinated for as long as I can remember. Nothing against people who have meaningful ornaments that make their tree special, honestly - i love those kinds of trees. But my trees, have to match from top to bottom. It is stupid!! And the wrapping paper under each tree also has to match. The front living room tree has gifts for people that are not our family. They are wrapped in red/white/black to match that tree. The Family Room tree is for gifts for my immediate family and they are wrapped in more teals, pinks, blues, purples, etc to match the tree in that room. I cannot even begin to process how I would feel if a red gift showed up under the back room tree. I get nervous even thinking about it.
4.) Personal Space. There is about a 5 foot invisible circle that surrounds me at all times. I cannot stand when people invade my personal space for more than a few seconds (hug, kiss, etc) unless I initiate that contact. Talking right in my face? OMG. BONKERS. Standing too close, or trying to stand in that bubble? No. Step Back 'foo. Breathing on me, over me, or too close to me? AHHHHH! I cannot handle it! No idea why, but there is a bubble and y'all better not pop it!
5.) Food and Clothing Textures. Corduroy and Velvet... YUCK. I cannot .... literally cannot handle touching it. I have no idea why, but it gives me the shivers. Eww. No. As far as food textures, I don't like anything slimy. Not a huge fan of Yogurt, Escargot, etc - because they are too slimy. Squid Jerky? Yea, not for me. I'm sure there are a myriad of other things that i cannot handle, but those are the first that come to mind.
And I think that's it for now. If i think of some more issues that I have, I'll be sure to let you know. I think it's only fair that as my dearest friends and blog readers, you should be warned.
...'tis the Season, eh?
In the spirit of Christmas insanity, I'd like to share a few of my ... "issues".
By issues, I mean rather insignificant things that may or may not cause others to think I am a bit insane, crazy, unstable or just generally obnoxious.
We all have them, right? (please say yes!) ... those ridiculous triggers that cause us to have an increased pulse rate and blood pressure.
So here goes...
1.) If I have too many thoughts to organize in an email, I have to number them. If I've ever emailed you about more than 3 topics, chances are... I've numbered my thoughts. Rest assured, it's not only for your benefit, but mine as well. There is some weird thing in my head that causes me to do that. I believe it's because, in normal writing, you separate your thoughts by paragraphs. When I'm writing an email that has EXTREMELY varying topics, I cannot write appropriate lead and ending sentences to guide my paragraphs to flow smoothly. With that being said, I now feel challenged to do so. If you'd like to receive what will inevitably turn out to be an amusing email with transition and segway sentences that are forced and uncomfortable, shoot me a personal email on a variety of subjects and I'll respond. Or, just wait for me to email you someday about random things and i'll try to remember. Either way, I have issues with writing and thought organization.
2.) When it comes to wrapping gifts, whether it be Christmas, Birthday, Mother's Day, etc... I prefer to wrap gifts in boxes instead of gift bags. Gift bags are far easier, but I think a lot of people deep down really want to open wrapping paper presents. So, I try to accomodate. My issues come in to play with the way I wrap gifts. So, my boxed gifts cannot have seams in the paper anywhere but the ends. There is a certain method to wrapping gifts where there is no seam and the paper meets perfectly at the edge of the box. It will drive me literally insane to even try to wrap a gift without following the specified method. And the sad thing, literally no one notices my wrapping except me. No one cares!!
3.) Color Coordination. My Christmas trees have been color coordinated for as long as I can remember. Nothing against people who have meaningful ornaments that make their tree special, honestly - i love those kinds of trees. But my trees, have to match from top to bottom. It is stupid!! And the wrapping paper under each tree also has to match. The front living room tree has gifts for people that are not our family. They are wrapped in red/white/black to match that tree. The Family Room tree is for gifts for my immediate family and they are wrapped in more teals, pinks, blues, purples, etc to match the tree in that room. I cannot even begin to process how I would feel if a red gift showed up under the back room tree. I get nervous even thinking about it.
4.) Personal Space. There is about a 5 foot invisible circle that surrounds me at all times. I cannot stand when people invade my personal space for more than a few seconds (hug, kiss, etc) unless I initiate that contact. Talking right in my face? OMG. BONKERS. Standing too close, or trying to stand in that bubble? No. Step Back 'foo. Breathing on me, over me, or too close to me? AHHHHH! I cannot handle it! No idea why, but there is a bubble and y'all better not pop it!
5.) Food and Clothing Textures. Corduroy and Velvet... YUCK. I cannot .... literally cannot handle touching it. I have no idea why, but it gives me the shivers. Eww. No. As far as food textures, I don't like anything slimy. Not a huge fan of Yogurt, Escargot, etc - because they are too slimy. Squid Jerky? Yea, not for me. I'm sure there are a myriad of other things that i cannot handle, but those are the first that come to mind.
And I think that's it for now. If i think of some more issues that I have, I'll be sure to let you know. I think it's only fair that as my dearest friends and blog readers, you should be warned.
...'tis the Season, eh?
Monday, December 5, 2011
Nashville
The last few days have been so nice to be away from home and enjoying time with my honey. A while ago, he asked me if I wanted to go to his Christmas party in Nashville, Tennessee. I was so excited because it happened to be on a weekend when I actually had no kids and no other plans. BONUS!
We found out a couple of weeks ago, that he had a meeting at his Nashville office on Thursday, and would have to drive down on Wednesday. Since I didn't want to have to make arrangements for that many days away from my kids, I went ahead and found a one-way ticket to Nashville for less than $100. It probably would've cost more in gas and then had to drive two cars back, so for about $80, I booked the flight!
He picked me up from the airport at about 4:30 and we headed to dinner together. We decided on a restaurant called 'Cheddars', since there are none in our area, but quickly learned that "Cheddars" had nothing on the menu relating to Cheddar Cheese, as we'd suspected.
Fear not, dinner was good despite the lack of Cheddar and the company was fantastic after being on a plane and in airports for almost 6 hours!
Friday we both worked for a few hours in the morning and then headed out to take a walking tour of downtown Nashville. We ate at Jack's BBQ, which was right on the "strip" and walked it off around downtown, checking out the fun stores, looking in the windows of some of the famous bars and walking down "Printer's Alley", stopping along the way to take random and fun photographs!
On our way home, we took the scenic route and enjoyed the Tenneessee country roads and 'nice' homes in the area. We also looked diligently for a nice Chevette that might be for sale, in order to fufill my dreams of ownng a 'vette.
I was intrigued by the cotton fields and felt it necessary to ask Joe to pull the car over on the side of the road so I could steal a cotton plant right out of the field.
don't worry - i'm not going to become a cotton Gin (hahah!) ... and start making my own clothes, just intrigued by the plant.
Unfortunately, our search for Super Famous Stars in Nashville and Rockin' Chevettes in the country was unsuccessful for the two of us, so we returned to our hotel to get ready for the Christmas Party.
That night we attended Joe's company Christmas party downstairs at our hotel and had a really good time! I was able to meet several of the people that he works with and after a few drinks, he had the courage to hit the dance floor for a couple of songs.
Saturday we got up early, ate breakfast at the hotel and headed towards Indiana. All was well until I decided I should go ahead and make a fool out of myself by vomiting in the car on the ride home.
Lucky for my driver... i had a plastic bag available to catch the .... well.... puke... so there was minimal clean up in the car.
Let me tell you... he handled it like a champ.
Pulled the car over at the nearest Classy Truck Stop Trashcan so I could finish puking like I was getting paid to do it. Then, into the truck stop I went to clean myself up and brush my teeth.
God love him. I know it was just nasty. But he was so good about it.
And i mean, what's hotter than a chick puking for no reason while you're driving 5 hours home.
...ok, don't answer that :)
Saturday evening, I hung out with he and his little boy and we had a good time. Sunday, I laid in bed sick all day and got my kiddos back that evening.
Outside of my Gastroentestinal track's decision to act like a fool for the past 2 days, my weekend was great!!
It was so nice to get away from home and enjoy time with my guy!
We found out a couple of weeks ago, that he had a meeting at his Nashville office on Thursday, and would have to drive down on Wednesday. Since I didn't want to have to make arrangements for that many days away from my kids, I went ahead and found a one-way ticket to Nashville for less than $100. It probably would've cost more in gas and then had to drive two cars back, so for about $80, I booked the flight!
He picked me up from the airport at about 4:30 and we headed to dinner together. We decided on a restaurant called 'Cheddars', since there are none in our area, but quickly learned that "Cheddars" had nothing on the menu relating to Cheddar Cheese, as we'd suspected.
Fear not, dinner was good despite the lack of Cheddar and the company was fantastic after being on a plane and in airports for almost 6 hours!
Friday we both worked for a few hours in the morning and then headed out to take a walking tour of downtown Nashville. We ate at Jack's BBQ, which was right on the "strip" and walked it off around downtown, checking out the fun stores, looking in the windows of some of the famous bars and walking down "Printer's Alley", stopping along the way to take random and fun photographs!
On our way home, we took the scenic route and enjoyed the Tenneessee country roads and 'nice' homes in the area. We also looked diligently for a nice Chevette that might be for sale, in order to fufill my dreams of ownng a 'vette.
I was intrigued by the cotton fields and felt it necessary to ask Joe to pull the car over on the side of the road so I could steal a cotton plant right out of the field.
don't worry - i'm not going to become a cotton Gin (hahah!) ... and start making my own clothes, just intrigued by the plant.
Unfortunately, our search for Super Famous Stars in Nashville and Rockin' Chevettes in the country was unsuccessful for the two of us, so we returned to our hotel to get ready for the Christmas Party.
That night we attended Joe's company Christmas party downstairs at our hotel and had a really good time! I was able to meet several of the people that he works with and after a few drinks, he had the courage to hit the dance floor for a couple of songs.
Saturday we got up early, ate breakfast at the hotel and headed towards Indiana. All was well until I decided I should go ahead and make a fool out of myself by vomiting in the car on the ride home.
Lucky for my driver... i had a plastic bag available to catch the .... well.... puke... so there was minimal clean up in the car.
Let me tell you... he handled it like a champ.
Pulled the car over at the nearest Classy Truck Stop Trashcan so I could finish puking like I was getting paid to do it. Then, into the truck stop I went to clean myself up and brush my teeth.
God love him. I know it was just nasty. But he was so good about it.
And i mean, what's hotter than a chick puking for no reason while you're driving 5 hours home.
...ok, don't answer that :)
Saturday evening, I hung out with he and his little boy and we had a good time. Sunday, I laid in bed sick all day and got my kiddos back that evening.
Outside of my Gastroentestinal track's decision to act like a fool for the past 2 days, my weekend was great!!
It was so nice to get away from home and enjoy time with my guy!
Friday, November 25, 2011
Thanksgiving
Overall, Thanksgiving was good this year. Thursday morning, both Joe and I were sans children and had tried to sign up to volunteer, but everywhere was full and turned me away when I called, so we ended up going to breakfast, laughing at their "special" menu and then heading to the casino so he could pass some time until we each parted ways and got our children.
It was nice to spend an otherwise lonely day with someone fun.
Thursday evening, I got my kids back and we headed over to Chas' other Grandma's house for a quick dinner. We didn't stay long, but stayed long enough for Chas and his cousin Benji to get their annual Lego Advent calendars and then headed home.
Chas was really wanting to go Black Friday shopping (he'd never been before) and I knew that I couldn't guarantee that I'd wake up early enough to go shopping with all the crazies, so I did what any other good mother would do.
I told him we'd stay up late and hit the Midnight-Opening stores.
I didn't really NEED anything, as most of my shopping has been done, however there were a few items at Kohl's that were a good deal and would finish some loose ends of shopping I had to do.
So away we went, out to the general public at 11:15 at night.
I had to do a quick and dirty education to my novice black Friday shoppers before we went in. Go through the doors, cut through the Juniors department and grab a cart... and QUICK. My son executed flawlessly as we received one of the last 3 carts in the store. SCORE!
The Kohl's line was long getting in, but I had a plan, I knew what I wanted and we were in and out before the checkout lanes got too long. I even had a receipt from the week before that they adjusted the price down on, so all-in-all, was a pretty successful trip to Kohl's with the kids.
We got home at about 2:30 a.m., after hitting a couple of other stores, and of course then I had my second wind and was up wrapping gifts until about 3:20 when I headed to bed. My mom arrived bright and early at just after 7 am to begin helping me cook our family's Thanksgiving Dinner for today.
We got everything cooked and were sitting down to eat by 1 o'clock. It was so nice to have my Grandpa over, despite the difficulty of missing Grandma, it was very nice to visit with him and try to keep him happy.
After lunch, the kids and I headed to the cemetary to visit Grandma, ran some errands and ended up kicking off the Christmas season by driving to look at Christmas lights for a little while.
Tomorrow (Saturday) I have a girls lunch at Olive Garden with Bekah, Jenny, Ashley and Crystal before we attend a fellow 80's Lady's daughter's 1st Birthday event! I'm so excited to see the beautiful Miss Rachel at her Birthday festivities.
I filled out my December calendar on my refridgerator this evening and was so excited to see all of the holiday festivities/exchanges/etc coming up! Have I mentioned that I LOVE the holidays!? I love looking under the tree and seeing all the fun gifts I get to bless people with. I know that Christmas isn't about the gifts but it IS about giving and I love to spend time with others and give. It's hard to believe that one month from today is Christmas and then, New Years and.... well...
2012!! I cannot wait to see what 2012 brings for my family. Whether good or bad, I'm ready for a new year.
It was nice to spend an otherwise lonely day with someone fun.
Thursday evening, I got my kids back and we headed over to Chas' other Grandma's house for a quick dinner. We didn't stay long, but stayed long enough for Chas and his cousin Benji to get their annual Lego Advent calendars and then headed home.
Chas was really wanting to go Black Friday shopping (he'd never been before) and I knew that I couldn't guarantee that I'd wake up early enough to go shopping with all the crazies, so I did what any other good mother would do.
I told him we'd stay up late and hit the Midnight-Opening stores.
I didn't really NEED anything, as most of my shopping has been done, however there were a few items at Kohl's that were a good deal and would finish some loose ends of shopping I had to do.
So away we went, out to the general public at 11:15 at night.
I had to do a quick and dirty education to my novice black Friday shoppers before we went in. Go through the doors, cut through the Juniors department and grab a cart... and QUICK. My son executed flawlessly as we received one of the last 3 carts in the store. SCORE!
The Kohl's line was long getting in, but I had a plan, I knew what I wanted and we were in and out before the checkout lanes got too long. I even had a receipt from the week before that they adjusted the price down on, so all-in-all, was a pretty successful trip to Kohl's with the kids.
We got home at about 2:30 a.m., after hitting a couple of other stores, and of course then I had my second wind and was up wrapping gifts until about 3:20 when I headed to bed. My mom arrived bright and early at just after 7 am to begin helping me cook our family's Thanksgiving Dinner for today.
We got everything cooked and were sitting down to eat by 1 o'clock. It was so nice to have my Grandpa over, despite the difficulty of missing Grandma, it was very nice to visit with him and try to keep him happy.
After lunch, the kids and I headed to the cemetary to visit Grandma, ran some errands and ended up kicking off the Christmas season by driving to look at Christmas lights for a little while.
Tomorrow (Saturday) I have a girls lunch at Olive Garden with Bekah, Jenny, Ashley and Crystal before we attend a fellow 80's Lady's daughter's 1st Birthday event! I'm so excited to see the beautiful Miss Rachel at her Birthday festivities.
I filled out my December calendar on my refridgerator this evening and was so excited to see all of the holiday festivities/exchanges/etc coming up! Have I mentioned that I LOVE the holidays!? I love looking under the tree and seeing all the fun gifts I get to bless people with. I know that Christmas isn't about the gifts but it IS about giving and I love to spend time with others and give. It's hard to believe that one month from today is Christmas and then, New Years and.... well...
2012!! I cannot wait to see what 2012 brings for my family. Whether good or bad, I'm ready for a new year.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Tabloids and Newspaper Articles
When I was younger and beginning to think about my future career, I tossed around several ideas - Psychologist, Manager, Nurse, Mediator, Journalist, etc.
I vividly remember wishing someday that I could be the editor of a major magazine. The name at the top of the list when you open the first few pages. I'd write a monthly column/article from The Editor and it would be so much fun.
Thankfully, that never came to fruition. I don't think I could be a writer 24/7 - or anything more than a hobby to be exact.
..but let me tell you right now - I can write a KILLER Tabloid for you.
Kinda odd, huh?
Let me explain.
Several years ago, I attended a Seminar at work with a guest speaker who spoke of leadership, efficiency, and motivation. I would pay a great deal of money to go hear her speak again. She presented the idea of the "Newspaper Article" verses the "Tabloid" - and it stuck with me like glue.
So, a Newspaper article is typically written with factual information (hang in there with me, some may oppose) - but for the most part - Newspaper articles are written with the basis of factual information. No extra bulk, just the facts.
A Tabloid, is a very, very lonnnnnnnnnnnnnng stretch of a truth to the point where sometimes, it carries so much circumstantial evidence that it is ALMOST believable.
Let me tell you, as much as I LOVE the theory of, "Is it a newspaper article or a tabloid?"... I am guilty as charged for not practicing what I preach to myself. I typically only find this to be a real issue in my life when it comes to relationships. And I don't necessarily mean just romantic relationships; I mean all kinds of relationships with friends, family, lovers, etc.
I can write a meannnnnn tabloid.
I'm going to go ahead and tattle on myself a little here (not airing dirty laundry, but hopefully you can relate a little bit and at the very least laugh at how STUPID this is.)
So, last night My Better Half came over and we fell asleep on the couch. About 1:30 in the morning, I heard my daughter yell for me, so I went to lay with her so she'd go back to sleep. A couple of minutes later, I heard footsteps to my front door, it shut and he had left. I texted him "I'm sorry." And never heard back.
(I know, sad sad story. Anyone need a tissue yet?) ha!
So, simple and innocent story.
I was literally sitting... well laying in bed thinking about this for NO LESS than 30 minutes.... writing a friggen tabloid.
Here was the tabloid that I was writing:
"Oh my gosh, I can't believe he just left! I was only in here for like 8 minutes. I was getting ready to go back out there. Surely he doesn't expect me to choose him OVER my kids! I mean, I am very understanding when it comes to his little boy. Seriously? He left!!! And now, he's not texting me back. Great, he's probably driving home thinking about how we can never work out because my daughter is so needy. But I swear, she'll out grow it. I mean, she has to, right? Well, you know what- if he doesn't care about me enough to get through this little spell with her, then I guess I don't need him around. But then i'll be sad if he's not around :(. Because we really have fun together! And if we do work out, sure we'll always have kids, but they won't live with us forever! The majority of our lives will be left with eachother, not with 3 kids running around. I wonder if he's ever thought of this? I can't believe he's not texting me back!!! He probably won't call in the morning on his way to work. If he doesn't, then I'll just "know" that he can't handle my family and I guess i will have to accept that I may never find someone to be with because of my kids...."
Stupid, huh?
And even if he was feeling that way, I had no way to prove it, so why stress about it at 2 a.m.
So, i started coaching myself through the Newspaper Article process....
Me to Self: What are the facts that you know and can prove about this situation?
Self: Well, i was laying with him on the couch. Bek yelled for me. I layed with her for about 8 minutes. He left. I texted.
Me to Self: Ok, so did he say that he was mad?
Self: Well, no.
Me to Self: Did he say that he did not want to be with you?
Self: Well, no.
Me to Self: Is there anything you can do about it if he decides this relationship isn't right for him?
Self: Actually, no. I guess not! I would want him to be happy, no matter what.
Me to Self: Ok, then what in the HECK is your problem, woman!?
Self: Well, I don't know.
Me to Self: Alright, then go to sleep.
And so that was the end of it. I went to sleep, I got up this morning, he called like normal. Assured me he wasn't mad (maybe he's fibbing!? - there goes the Tabloid again!) and life went on as normal.
I write tabloids ALL THE TIME.
..about the dumbest things! I find myself often having to stop and rewind the conversation to only the facts and then determine if I need to puruse getting additional facts, or just letting it be.
Surely I'm not the only person with a PhD in Tabloid Jounalism?!
I vividly remember wishing someday that I could be the editor of a major magazine. The name at the top of the list when you open the first few pages. I'd write a monthly column/article from The Editor and it would be so much fun.
Thankfully, that never came to fruition. I don't think I could be a writer 24/7 - or anything more than a hobby to be exact.
..but let me tell you right now - I can write a KILLER Tabloid for you.
Kinda odd, huh?
Let me explain.
Several years ago, I attended a Seminar at work with a guest speaker who spoke of leadership, efficiency, and motivation. I would pay a great deal of money to go hear her speak again. She presented the idea of the "Newspaper Article" verses the "Tabloid" - and it stuck with me like glue.
So, a Newspaper article is typically written with factual information (hang in there with me, some may oppose) - but for the most part - Newspaper articles are written with the basis of factual information. No extra bulk, just the facts.
A Tabloid, is a very, very lonnnnnnnnnnnnnng stretch of a truth to the point where sometimes, it carries so much circumstantial evidence that it is ALMOST believable.
Let me tell you, as much as I LOVE the theory of, "Is it a newspaper article or a tabloid?"... I am guilty as charged for not practicing what I preach to myself. I typically only find this to be a real issue in my life when it comes to relationships. And I don't necessarily mean just romantic relationships; I mean all kinds of relationships with friends, family, lovers, etc.
I can write a meannnnnn tabloid.
I'm going to go ahead and tattle on myself a little here (not airing dirty laundry, but hopefully you can relate a little bit and at the very least laugh at how STUPID this is.)
So, last night My Better Half came over and we fell asleep on the couch. About 1:30 in the morning, I heard my daughter yell for me, so I went to lay with her so she'd go back to sleep. A couple of minutes later, I heard footsteps to my front door, it shut and he had left. I texted him "I'm sorry." And never heard back.
(I know, sad sad story. Anyone need a tissue yet?) ha!
So, simple and innocent story.
I was literally sitting... well laying in bed thinking about this for NO LESS than 30 minutes.... writing a friggen tabloid.
Here was the tabloid that I was writing:
"Oh my gosh, I can't believe he just left! I was only in here for like 8 minutes. I was getting ready to go back out there. Surely he doesn't expect me to choose him OVER my kids! I mean, I am very understanding when it comes to his little boy. Seriously? He left!!! And now, he's not texting me back. Great, he's probably driving home thinking about how we can never work out because my daughter is so needy. But I swear, she'll out grow it. I mean, she has to, right? Well, you know what- if he doesn't care about me enough to get through this little spell with her, then I guess I don't need him around. But then i'll be sad if he's not around :(. Because we really have fun together! And if we do work out, sure we'll always have kids, but they won't live with us forever! The majority of our lives will be left with eachother, not with 3 kids running around. I wonder if he's ever thought of this? I can't believe he's not texting me back!!! He probably won't call in the morning on his way to work. If he doesn't, then I'll just "know" that he can't handle my family and I guess i will have to accept that I may never find someone to be with because of my kids...."
Stupid, huh?
And even if he was feeling that way, I had no way to prove it, so why stress about it at 2 a.m.
So, i started coaching myself through the Newspaper Article process....
Me to Self: What are the facts that you know and can prove about this situation?
Self: Well, i was laying with him on the couch. Bek yelled for me. I layed with her for about 8 minutes. He left. I texted.
Me to Self: Ok, so did he say that he was mad?
Self: Well, no.
Me to Self: Did he say that he did not want to be with you?
Self: Well, no.
Me to Self: Is there anything you can do about it if he decides this relationship isn't right for him?
Self: Actually, no. I guess not! I would want him to be happy, no matter what.
Me to Self: Ok, then what in the HECK is your problem, woman!?
Self: Well, I don't know.
Me to Self: Alright, then go to sleep.
And so that was the end of it. I went to sleep, I got up this morning, he called like normal. Assured me he wasn't mad (maybe he's fibbing!? - there goes the Tabloid again!) and life went on as normal.
I write tabloids ALL THE TIME.
..about the dumbest things! I find myself often having to stop and rewind the conversation to only the facts and then determine if I need to puruse getting additional facts, or just letting it be.
Surely I'm not the only person with a PhD in Tabloid Jounalism?!
Monday, November 21, 2011
The Lucky One
12 Years ago this Christmas break is when I got terribly sick, went to the Med Check, received a Prescription for an antibiotic (Biaxin) and went along my Merry little way; happy that another semester of College classes were over and ready to relax with my friends and family over the holidays.
Ever heard of the "gift" that keeps on giving?
In all my infinite 19 year old wisdom, I was not aware that antibiotics cancel out birth control pills.
And so the story of my sweet son was written over that Christmas break. Mid-January I found out that I was going to be a mom and by September 11th... the Thief of My Heart was placed into my arms and well....
...that's certainly the gift that keeps on giving!
Not one Christmas goes by that I don't think of that situation, how the plans for my future came to a screeching halt when I saw a (+) sign. Gone were the days of College Calculus where (+) signs meant something significant in a mathematical equation.
(+) meant baby. And that meant I had a great deal of growing up to do.... and FAST.
It wasn't the end of the world, in fact it was the beginning of a different world that dug deep into my core and taught me way more about "life" in the 11 years that have followed than I ever would've learned from a textbook and a pre-planned-trouble-free life that I had hoped for myself at that point.
***
I always wanted a big family. 3 or 4 kids... a nice home... good job... (never really was the stay-at-home-mom type) and a husband that loved me.
A few years ago, after having some female issues, I decided that I wasn't quite ready to do anything permanent to prevent future children.
I was open to the possibility of getting married someday, and if my husband wanted children, as a woman, I'd provide.
But I knew that I didn't want to wait too long, because my kids would be getting older as well and I didn't want to start over with a new baby when my older children were almost grown.
So, I chose the 5-year plan for Birth Control. It helped solve my female issues without doing anything permanently and I knew if I didn't have another baby within 5 years, I wasn't interested.
Finally about 18 months ago, I decided that I was at peace with the fact that I was not having any more children. Admittedly, it was a bit tough to swallow (not that i'm not thankful for the 2 I have)... but I absolutely love the way it feels to be pregnant, bonding with a sweet human being that you created.
And I'll never have that again.
I decided that if I were to ever have any more kids, they'd already have been born; meaning that I'd be very open to loving 'bonus' children (i don't like the word 'step'), but there would be no more children coming from this momma!
Since making that decision, I've had such an immense amount of joy watching some of my dearest friends become mothers.
Whenever I need a baby-fix, I simply call up one of my friends that has a baby, head to her house, feed the baby a bottle, change a few diapers, take a few pictures maybe buy it something fun and baby-like and then...
(this is the best part)....
I get to go home!!!!!
Yes, that sweet place called home... sans baby.
And watching my friends morph from women to mothers....?
Priceless.
I know the feeling... the feeling only a mom has when she looks at her child that is just absolutely the definition of near-perfection.
Been there. Done that.
I'm not sure what age that changes, but I will tell you that my 11 year old son stinks, is rude and makes noises out of his body that no one should.
He is no longer near-perfection.
(So... enjoy while you can ladies) haha.
Thank Goodness for Unconditional Love.... that boy better be thankful!
I love watching my mom-friends get excited at first words, first steps, first this, first that.... it's so sweet. And thankfully, my kids are over their monumental firsts, so I'm not busy worrying about my own kids' firsts... i get to experience those fun things with everyone else's babies.
Can it get any better?
This weekend, I found out from one of my sweetest friends that has been battling infertility for almost 2 years that...
they are expecting.
Not to sound obsessed ... but I almost was in tears because of the overflowing happiness I had for this sweet family.
Thank Goodness I have not experienced infertility, but I know from being on the journey with her over the last 2 years that it is heart wrenching. I felt her pain so many times and wished so much that I could just give her another baby to love.
And now....
prayers answered.
She goes today for her ultrasound to confirm that everything is ok and i'm pretty sure I feel like I'm the mom waiting to see my baby! I am just so over-the-moon excited for her.
Yet another baby to love.
Being a mom so young was definitely not the way that I had my life planned, but I am so, so thankful that I have the opportunity to share in the joy of my friends who are having their children now.
So, this Thanksgiving week, I'm especially thankful for my own sweet Children who didn't arrive in the package I had "planned" in my head, but arrived packaged straight from God's plan and right into my life. What a priviledge it is, to be their mother.
I'm thankful for my sweet guy and his little boy who absolutely melts my heart when he wants me to cuddle with him. What more could a 'mom' ask for than acceptance from a child that doesn't have to?
...and all of my dear friends who have (or are going to have very soon...) the cutest little babies that will let me feed them, change their diaper, love on them, tell them how perfect they are and then run like the wind when they start crying :)
I'm the lucky one.
Ever heard of the "gift" that keeps on giving?
In all my infinite 19 year old wisdom, I was not aware that antibiotics cancel out birth control pills.
And so the story of my sweet son was written over that Christmas break. Mid-January I found out that I was going to be a mom and by September 11th... the Thief of My Heart was placed into my arms and well....
...that's certainly the gift that keeps on giving!
Not one Christmas goes by that I don't think of that situation, how the plans for my future came to a screeching halt when I saw a (+) sign. Gone were the days of College Calculus where (+) signs meant something significant in a mathematical equation.
(+) meant baby. And that meant I had a great deal of growing up to do.... and FAST.
It wasn't the end of the world, in fact it was the beginning of a different world that dug deep into my core and taught me way more about "life" in the 11 years that have followed than I ever would've learned from a textbook and a pre-planned-trouble-free life that I had hoped for myself at that point.
***
I always wanted a big family. 3 or 4 kids... a nice home... good job... (never really was the stay-at-home-mom type) and a husband that loved me.
A few years ago, after having some female issues, I decided that I wasn't quite ready to do anything permanent to prevent future children.
I was open to the possibility of getting married someday, and if my husband wanted children, as a woman, I'd provide.
But I knew that I didn't want to wait too long, because my kids would be getting older as well and I didn't want to start over with a new baby when my older children were almost grown.
So, I chose the 5-year plan for Birth Control. It helped solve my female issues without doing anything permanently and I knew if I didn't have another baby within 5 years, I wasn't interested.
Finally about 18 months ago, I decided that I was at peace with the fact that I was not having any more children. Admittedly, it was a bit tough to swallow (not that i'm not thankful for the 2 I have)... but I absolutely love the way it feels to be pregnant, bonding with a sweet human being that you created.
And I'll never have that again.
I decided that if I were to ever have any more kids, they'd already have been born; meaning that I'd be very open to loving 'bonus' children (i don't like the word 'step'), but there would be no more children coming from this momma!
Since making that decision, I've had such an immense amount of joy watching some of my dearest friends become mothers.
Whenever I need a baby-fix, I simply call up one of my friends that has a baby, head to her house, feed the baby a bottle, change a few diapers, take a few pictures maybe buy it something fun and baby-like and then...
(this is the best part)....
I get to go home!!!!!
Yes, that sweet place called home... sans baby.
And watching my friends morph from women to mothers....?
Priceless.
I know the feeling... the feeling only a mom has when she looks at her child that is just absolutely the definition of near-perfection.
Been there. Done that.
I'm not sure what age that changes, but I will tell you that my 11 year old son stinks, is rude and makes noises out of his body that no one should.
He is no longer near-perfection.
(So... enjoy while you can ladies) haha.
Thank Goodness for Unconditional Love.... that boy better be thankful!
I love watching my mom-friends get excited at first words, first steps, first this, first that.... it's so sweet. And thankfully, my kids are over their monumental firsts, so I'm not busy worrying about my own kids' firsts... i get to experience those fun things with everyone else's babies.
Can it get any better?
This weekend, I found out from one of my sweetest friends that has been battling infertility for almost 2 years that...
they are expecting.
Not to sound obsessed ... but I almost was in tears because of the overflowing happiness I had for this sweet family.
Thank Goodness I have not experienced infertility, but I know from being on the journey with her over the last 2 years that it is heart wrenching. I felt her pain so many times and wished so much that I could just give her another baby to love.
And now....
prayers answered.
She goes today for her ultrasound to confirm that everything is ok and i'm pretty sure I feel like I'm the mom waiting to see my baby! I am just so over-the-moon excited for her.
Yet another baby to love.
Being a mom so young was definitely not the way that I had my life planned, but I am so, so thankful that I have the opportunity to share in the joy of my friends who are having their children now.
So, this Thanksgiving week, I'm especially thankful for my own sweet Children who didn't arrive in the package I had "planned" in my head, but arrived packaged straight from God's plan and right into my life. What a priviledge it is, to be their mother.
I'm thankful for my sweet guy and his little boy who absolutely melts my heart when he wants me to cuddle with him. What more could a 'mom' ask for than acceptance from a child that doesn't have to?
...and all of my dear friends who have (or are going to have very soon...) the cutest little babies that will let me feed them, change their diaper, love on them, tell them how perfect they are and then run like the wind when they start crying :)
I'm the lucky one.
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