I've known you for 17 of your 31 birthdays!
I love that.
Mostly, I love you.
Happy Birthday, Candee.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
You say Potato, I say Potahto. You say foolish, I say I needed it.
I had my hernia surgery 12 days ago.
Yesterday, at day 11, I went for a bike ride.
And I did the really foolish thing and posted it to Facebook. I think my posting that to Facebook was more foolish than the ride itself.
Yeesh.
Sunday night, Christmas, I was in so much pain. From laughter. I was laughing harder than I've laughed in a long time. Long time. I never realized how much of your stomach you use to laugh til that night. I was crying from laughter but also from the pain it was causing. My BIL was killing me. At least it felt that way. The laughter felt great but my insides...oh my insides.
The next day Megan and I were to do the crazy shop after Christmas deal. The way I was feeling Sunday when they left I wasn't sure I was going to be up for it. But, I took a coupla Tylenol PMs and got a good 5 hours of sleep. (stupid Hunger Games book kept me reading til early morning) And I felt amazing. We shopped all day, walking all over the place and I couldn't believe how I felt. Almost like new. I told Josh I wanted to go for a bike ride the next day on his lunch break. He checked my bike over, aired my tires.
Tuesday I woke up and felt awesome again. He called me around 11 asking if I was still in the mood for my ride. It was warm outside, and even though I'd been doing some housework, my tummy and back felt fine.
I told him I was going to go for the ride.
In my head I had planned about a 15 mile ride. I figured that'd be about as far as I could go in the amount of time I had. Normally 15 miles wouldn't take me an hour but it's been a month since I've ridden and I was 11 days post-surgery. I thought it was a good plan.
I always start out too fast. Always.
Yesterday was no different. I was cruising my road at 18 mph, feeling great. And then I hit a wall just a couple miles in. I turned back much sooner than I planned. I could tell my body wasn't too thrilled with me. While I felt great in my legs, arms and chest, my stomach was hurting.
At 5.5 miles and just one mile from home I very nearly called Josh to come get me. But I knew I had another mile left in me. I was in a lot of pain when I walked in the door. Josh had to take my shoes off me because I couldn't bend over to do it. He helped me out of my jersey and got me a glass of water with some Ibuprofen.
I rested for a couple of hours and then resumed my daily household activities of dinner, dishes, family.
While a bike ride 11 days post-surgery may seem foolish, it was what I needed. I needed that fresh air. I needed to prove to myself that I'm still strong enough to get on my bike, that I'm not going to let these random, freakish, ridiculous ailments get me down. Not only physically but emotionally.
I'm tired of sitting. Tired of being waited on. That's not how I roll.
I wondered how I'd feel today, if I'd be regretting what I did. I don't. Not even a little. I woke up this morning feeling refreshed, renewed. I won't get on my bike today.
But soon. Very, very soon.
Yesterday, at day 11, I went for a bike ride.
And I did the really foolish thing and posted it to Facebook. I think my posting that to Facebook was more foolish than the ride itself.
Yeesh.
Sunday night, Christmas, I was in so much pain. From laughter. I was laughing harder than I've laughed in a long time. Long time. I never realized how much of your stomach you use to laugh til that night. I was crying from laughter but also from the pain it was causing. My BIL was killing me. At least it felt that way. The laughter felt great but my insides...oh my insides.
The next day Megan and I were to do the crazy shop after Christmas deal. The way I was feeling Sunday when they left I wasn't sure I was going to be up for it. But, I took a coupla Tylenol PMs and got a good 5 hours of sleep. (stupid Hunger Games book kept me reading til early morning) And I felt amazing. We shopped all day, walking all over the place and I couldn't believe how I felt. Almost like new. I told Josh I wanted to go for a bike ride the next day on his lunch break. He checked my bike over, aired my tires.
Tuesday I woke up and felt awesome again. He called me around 11 asking if I was still in the mood for my ride. It was warm outside, and even though I'd been doing some housework, my tummy and back felt fine.
I told him I was going to go for the ride.
In my head I had planned about a 15 mile ride. I figured that'd be about as far as I could go in the amount of time I had. Normally 15 miles wouldn't take me an hour but it's been a month since I've ridden and I was 11 days post-surgery. I thought it was a good plan.
I always start out too fast. Always.
Yesterday was no different. I was cruising my road at 18 mph, feeling great. And then I hit a wall just a couple miles in. I turned back much sooner than I planned. I could tell my body wasn't too thrilled with me. While I felt great in my legs, arms and chest, my stomach was hurting.
At 5.5 miles and just one mile from home I very nearly called Josh to come get me. But I knew I had another mile left in me. I was in a lot of pain when I walked in the door. Josh had to take my shoes off me because I couldn't bend over to do it. He helped me out of my jersey and got me a glass of water with some Ibuprofen.
I rested for a couple of hours and then resumed my daily household activities of dinner, dishes, family.
While a bike ride 11 days post-surgery may seem foolish, it was what I needed. I needed that fresh air. I needed to prove to myself that I'm still strong enough to get on my bike, that I'm not going to let these random, freakish, ridiculous ailments get me down. Not only physically but emotionally.
I'm tired of sitting. Tired of being waited on. That's not how I roll.
I wondered how I'd feel today, if I'd be regretting what I did. I don't. Not even a little. I woke up this morning feeling refreshed, renewed. I won't get on my bike today.
But soon. Very, very soon.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Nose Sting
{You know, when you're about to cry but don't wanna and your eyes well up and your nose burns?} Yeah. Nose Sting.
Spice came down the stairs yesterday morning in tears. When I asked her why she was crying, her response broke my heart.
"I miss *sob* Maugiieee."
Maugie is my mom.
The crying stopped as soon as I asked if she wanted to call her. Her eyes lit up and she sniffed but smiled the smile only Spice can give.
She and my mom talked for a bit and that was enough to calm my sweet babe.
Later in the day my mom sent a text saying the box I'd sent her had made it. Inside was a gift I'd left unwrapped. Something I knew she'd love more than anything else she'll open in that box.
A little wooden thing I got from Hobby Lobby that has Snoopy and Charlie Brown on it. My mom, she loves Peanuts. As soon as I saw it, I knew I'd have Sugar color it for my mom.
My mom loved it, of course.
I knew that she would.
Her text was full of emotion.
And I steeled myself not to cry.
But that nose sting was there.
In my busying of "stuff to get done before my surgery" I had it in my head that I needed to get our spare room ready for my mom to come stay for Christmas Eve as she has the last coupla years. I was thinking of ways to make the room special for her. Thinking about what dishes I was going to make that I'd need to make sure I kept the onions out of. I was thinking about how I'd be neglected during any conversation because her and Josh talk so much. And that we needed to bring the rocking chair downstairs so she had a place to rock. Because my mom, she needs to have a chair that rocks.
And then as quickly as all those thoughts ran through my head I realized something that hurt my heart and made my nose sting again.
She won't be here for Christmas this year.
But yesterday it dawned on me. It's not just hard on me. Or just hard on my kids.
It's hard on her, too.
I'm going to miss her something fierce tomorrow night when we're opening up our jammies around the tree with Christmas music playing softly in the background. Kids exhausted but wild with excitement.
But I know she'll be missing us.
I bet it makes her nose sting just a little too.
Spice came down the stairs yesterday morning in tears. When I asked her why she was crying, her response broke my heart.
"I miss *sob* Maugiieee."
Maugie is my mom.
The crying stopped as soon as I asked if she wanted to call her. Her eyes lit up and she sniffed but smiled the smile only Spice can give.
She and my mom talked for a bit and that was enough to calm my sweet babe.
Later in the day my mom sent a text saying the box I'd sent her had made it. Inside was a gift I'd left unwrapped. Something I knew she'd love more than anything else she'll open in that box.
A little wooden thing I got from Hobby Lobby that has Snoopy and Charlie Brown on it. My mom, she loves Peanuts. As soon as I saw it, I knew I'd have Sugar color it for my mom.
My mom loved it, of course.
I knew that she would.
Her text was full of emotion.
And I steeled myself not to cry.
But that nose sting was there.
In my busying of "stuff to get done before my surgery" I had it in my head that I needed to get our spare room ready for my mom to come stay for Christmas Eve as she has the last coupla years. I was thinking of ways to make the room special for her. Thinking about what dishes I was going to make that I'd need to make sure I kept the onions out of. I was thinking about how I'd be neglected during any conversation because her and Josh talk so much. And that we needed to bring the rocking chair downstairs so she had a place to rock. Because my mom, she needs to have a chair that rocks.
And then as quickly as all those thoughts ran through my head I realized something that hurt my heart and made my nose sting again.
She won't be here for Christmas this year.
But yesterday it dawned on me. It's not just hard on me. Or just hard on my kids.
It's hard on her, too.
I'm going to miss her something fierce tomorrow night when we're opening up our jammies around the tree with Christmas music playing softly in the background. Kids exhausted but wild with excitement.
But I know she'll be missing us.
I bet it makes her nose sting just a little too.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
No Title...'cause what can you title something like this?
Yesterday I tweeted that I wanted to scream, punch and kick at God. And then I quickly deleted it.
I mean, am I allowed to say that?
I kinda don't care if I'm allowed to say that or not.
It's how I feel.
I've started to write some ugly words. And I've backspaced them all.
Praying is the last thing I feel like doing. But I'll do it. I'm asking you to do the same. If you're so inclined.
The words of my friend, Laura:
Josiah Courage Sims
I mean, am I allowed to say that?
I kinda don't care if I'm allowed to say that or not.
It's how I feel.
I've started to write some ugly words. And I've backspaced them all.
Praying is the last thing I feel like doing. But I'll do it. I'm asking you to do the same. If you're so inclined.
The words of my friend, Laura:
Josiah Courage Sims
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Traditions
December 21st: Traditions
What are your traditions of Christmas? Is there any one thing that spans generations or your family or just in your life?
"It's tradition!" {name that movie}
{my sisters will}
There aren't any traditions from childhood that I've kept going with my children. Mostly because I'm horrible at keeping with stuff like that. My friend, Kristie, she rocks making traditions with her sweet family.
Two years ago I did start a simple tradition that I'll be able to keep going and that is to buy my girls matching jammies that they open on Christmas Eve.
I do this so that pictures on Christmas morning are of them looking cute, instead of just in their undies and/or diaper or with them in a white trashy t-shirt dirtied from yesterday's breakfast, lunch and dinner.
I know they won't always love having matching jammies and when they don't, I'll just get them coordinating ones.
I also get Josh jammie pants.
Last year my kids and my sister's kids went to my mom's to decorate Christmas cookies. I was hoping that would start to be a tradition but the jackwagon (my mom) moved to Vegas.
What?
Bitter still?
Only slightly.
I'll get over it.
(I first wrote that sentence, "I'll get it over." And I wonder why I shouldn't mix wine with Percocet.)
This year my sister, BIL and niece and nephew will come over in the early evening to open gifts. My mom sent gifts to us and I was going to give them to Megan to have at her house but I knew she'd open them so I kept them. She'll hafta wait til Christmas.
I'd love for that to be a new tradition.
Mostly, on Christmas, I just want to not have to leave my house. I want as many people that want to come over - come over. But there's so much hustle and bustle in the days leading up, I just want to be in my own home, with my snuggly babes and their new presents and my sweet little Percocet.
I wanna love it and hug it and call it George.
What are your traditions of Christmas? Is there any one thing that spans generations or your family or just in your life?
"It's tradition!" {name that movie}
{my sisters will}
There aren't any traditions from childhood that I've kept going with my children. Mostly because I'm horrible at keeping with stuff like that. My friend, Kristie, she rocks making traditions with her sweet family.
Two years ago I did start a simple tradition that I'll be able to keep going and that is to buy my girls matching jammies that they open on Christmas Eve.
I do this so that pictures on Christmas morning are of them looking cute, instead of just in their undies and/or diaper or with them in a white trashy t-shirt dirtied from yesterday's breakfast, lunch and dinner.
I know they won't always love having matching jammies and when they don't, I'll just get them coordinating ones.
I also get Josh jammie pants.
Last year my kids and my sister's kids went to my mom's to decorate Christmas cookies. I was hoping that would start to be a tradition but the jackwagon (my mom) moved to Vegas.
What?
Bitter still?
Only slightly.
I'll get over it.
(I first wrote that sentence, "I'll get it over." And I wonder why I shouldn't mix wine with Percocet.)
This year my sister, BIL and niece and nephew will come over in the early evening to open gifts. My mom sent gifts to us and I was going to give them to Megan to have at her house but I knew she'd open them so I kept them. She'll hafta wait til Christmas.
I'd love for that to be a new tradition.
Mostly, on Christmas, I just want to not have to leave my house. I want as many people that want to come over - come over. But there's so much hustle and bustle in the days leading up, I just want to be in my own home, with my snuggly babes and their new presents and my sweet little Percocet.
I wanna love it and hug it and call it George.
A prompt about lists? {swoon}
December 20th: Lists
Do you make lists? Do you like to cross them off physically or do you put them in your iPhone or Blackberry? Do they work?
Do I make lists? bahahahaha.
Of course I make lists. I make lists to make lists.
Here's how making a grocery list goes at my house:
Throughout the week I scratch down on a piece of paper things that I need.
On shopping day I look at that list and rewrite it plus add more to it.
Then I rewrite that list again.
And lastly I rewrite it again but in order of the layout of whatever store I'm shopping at. If my final draft has one screw up or one item placed in the wrong spot, I will rewrite it.
Ask my husband.
Or my sister. I was late to her house a couple of weeks ago for our shopping trip because I needed to make a final draft of my list.
The only list I have going right now is actually on my phone. Which is odd. I rarely do that. The times I do are usually to remember the name of an author or a book. Or a license plate (but I can usually just memorize those). Or funny quotes from Amber or my sister.
My list right now is our Christmas day menu:
Breakfast:
Mini Pecan Rolls
Sausage crescent roll casserole
Mimosas
Snacks throughout the day:
Baked Brie bites
Bacon wrapped pineapple bites
Christmas mojitos
Cheese and crackers
Peanut butter ball {possibly}
Dinner:
Prime rib
Potatoes gratin w/Gruyere
Roasted Brussels sprouts
Roasted peppers w/mozzarella and red onion salad.
Red wine - have to decide what to buy
My next list needs to be the grocery list for the ingredients for everything. I can't fathom the idea of walking around the grocery store right now (did I mention I brought home my catheter) so we may end eating out of our freezer. Which, thankfully is stocked.
Do you make lists? Do you like to cross them off physically or do you put them in your iPhone or Blackberry? Do they work?
Do I make lists? bahahahaha.
Of course I make lists. I make lists to make lists.
Here's how making a grocery list goes at my house:
Throughout the week I scratch down on a piece of paper things that I need.
On shopping day I look at that list and rewrite it plus add more to it.
Then I rewrite that list again.
And lastly I rewrite it again but in order of the layout of whatever store I'm shopping at. If my final draft has one screw up or one item placed in the wrong spot, I will rewrite it.
Ask my husband.
Or my sister. I was late to her house a couple of weeks ago for our shopping trip because I needed to make a final draft of my list.
The only list I have going right now is actually on my phone. Which is odd. I rarely do that. The times I do are usually to remember the name of an author or a book. Or a license plate (but I can usually just memorize those). Or funny quotes from Amber or my sister.
My list right now is our Christmas day menu:
Breakfast:
Mini Pecan Rolls
Sausage crescent roll casserole
Mimosas
Snacks throughout the day:
Baked Brie bites
Bacon wrapped pineapple bites
Christmas mojitos
Cheese and crackers
Peanut butter ball {possibly}
Dinner:
Prime rib
Potatoes gratin w/Gruyere
Roasted Brussels sprouts
Roasted peppers w/mozzarella and red onion salad.
Red wine - have to decide what to buy
My next list needs to be the grocery list for the ingredients for everything. I can't fathom the idea of walking around the grocery store right now (did I mention I brought home my catheter) so we may end eating out of our freezer. Which, thankfully is stocked.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Frustration
December 19th: Frustration
What was one of the biggest frustrations you had this year? What will you do to deal with it in 2012? Or, will you even have to?
Definitely my ankle saga. I was at the peak of my fitness when I hurt my ankle and wasn't able to ride my bike for 5 weeks. I could barely walk. I missed a few weeks of yoga. I was pissed. I cried more out of frustration than pain, even though there was a lot of that.
I was frustrated that I had been busting my ass for months and then all I could do was sit on it.
It's better now. Not completely. I'm not sure if I can run yet. I try jogging to my mailbox every once in awhile. Then it aches for the rest of the day. Every once in awhile I'll move wrong and I'll cry out in pain. It's embarrassing.
The next frustrating thing...just as my ankle is healing and I can get back to working out, I find out I have a hernia along my incision from my cancer/colon surgery.
I haven't gotten my thank you cards out to those who helped out during that the ankle deal by bringing meals or taking my kids or cleaning my house and now this.
So, Friday as in 3 days ago I had surgery to put in a piece of mesh and repair it. My surgeon (same one who did my appendectomy and hemi colectomy) said that it'd be three, maybe four incisions and I'd most likely be in and out the same day.
Awesome. I can do that, no prob.
Well, my 3 incisions turned into 9. My in and out procedure turned into an overnight stay.
I'm pissed. It's a week before Christmas and I can hardly move. I can hardly get off my couch to walk. I'm not allowed to work out for several weeks. I can't pick up my kids. I can't cook or clean for them. It may sound like a vacation but when you can't do the things you're so used to doing, you realize just how much you enjoy doing those things.
I even tried to clean the toilet today but couldn't bend down. I wasn't supposed to try but I noticed it was dirty and wanted to make it not dirty. Then I tried to wrap presents and that was the dumbest thing I did for the month.
It's a weird feeling to feel like you can't even walk. I have to hold my belly. The staples freak me out. I'm afraid they're going to catch on something.
I handle pain well. I go nearly twice as long between pain meds than I'm supposed to. What I don't handle well is immobility. I don't handle being out of control of my household well. It makes me mad.
Also I've not been allowed to eat. I'm a girl who likes to eat. A lot. Add that to my list of frustrations.
My list of IOUs for my friends is looong. Here's a public thank you to those who brought meals last time, this time. Who cleaned my house last time or took my babes. And who've done that this time. I truly do not deserve friends and family like you. But I'm so grateful for you. You'll have your thank you card. I promise. I just suck at getting them in the mailbox.
Okay, I'm done venting about my stupid ailments. I know I could have it so much worse.
What was one of the biggest frustrations you had this year? What will you do to deal with it in 2012? Or, will you even have to?
Definitely my ankle saga. I was at the peak of my fitness when I hurt my ankle and wasn't able to ride my bike for 5 weeks. I could barely walk. I missed a few weeks of yoga. I was pissed. I cried more out of frustration than pain, even though there was a lot of that.
I was frustrated that I had been busting my ass for months and then all I could do was sit on it.
It's better now. Not completely. I'm not sure if I can run yet. I try jogging to my mailbox every once in awhile. Then it aches for the rest of the day. Every once in awhile I'll move wrong and I'll cry out in pain. It's embarrassing.
The next frustrating thing...just as my ankle is healing and I can get back to working out, I find out I have a hernia along my incision from my cancer/colon surgery.
I haven't gotten my thank you cards out to those who helped out during that the ankle deal by bringing meals or taking my kids or cleaning my house and now this.
So, Friday as in 3 days ago I had surgery to put in a piece of mesh and repair it. My surgeon (same one who did my appendectomy and hemi colectomy) said that it'd be three, maybe four incisions and I'd most likely be in and out the same day.
Awesome. I can do that, no prob.
Well, my 3 incisions turned into 9. My in and out procedure turned into an overnight stay.
I'm pissed. It's a week before Christmas and I can hardly move. I can hardly get off my couch to walk. I'm not allowed to work out for several weeks. I can't pick up my kids. I can't cook or clean for them. It may sound like a vacation but when you can't do the things you're so used to doing, you realize just how much you enjoy doing those things.
I even tried to clean the toilet today but couldn't bend down. I wasn't supposed to try but I noticed it was dirty and wanted to make it not dirty. Then I tried to wrap presents and that was the dumbest thing I did for the month.
It's a weird feeling to feel like you can't even walk. I have to hold my belly. The staples freak me out. I'm afraid they're going to catch on something.
I handle pain well. I go nearly twice as long between pain meds than I'm supposed to. What I don't handle well is immobility. I don't handle being out of control of my household well. It makes me mad.
Also I've not been allowed to eat. I'm a girl who likes to eat. A lot. Add that to my list of frustrations.
My list of IOUs for my friends is looong. Here's a public thank you to those who brought meals last time, this time. Who cleaned my house last time or took my babes. And who've done that this time. I truly do not deserve friends and family like you. But I'm so grateful for you. You'll have your thank you card. I promise. I just suck at getting them in the mailbox.
Okay, I'm done venting about my stupid ailments. I know I could have it so much worse.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Prompt catch up
December 16th: Volunteer
Did you volunteer anywhere this year? Did you learn something in the process? Would you volunteer in 2012?
I can only think of the time we spend in the nursery at church. Every other month or so we have the entire month in the nursery. I've learned that no one wants to work in the nursery. One of the reasons we're in there every other month instead of every third month. Not many volunteer for the babies. It's understandable. Babies cry. When one starts, the other 4, 5, 6, or 7 follow suit. Almost all the babies have a thing for Josh. One baby only wanted him. Some of them we just want to take home with us, they're so fantastic.
We'll volunteer in 2012 even though I'd rather not. I know, that sounds terrible but we've been in the nursery for the last 6.5 years. I'm kinda ready to do something else at church. Preach maybe? Kidding.
December 17th: Ordinary Joy
How have you experienced ordinary joy this year?
Teaching. This school year has been going pretty well. I find joy in watching Sugar learn. And Spice is learning right along with her.
Clean laundry basket. I've done so much better with my laundry duties this year. I find joy in an empty laundry basket.
Cooking. I love, love, love to be in my kitchen.
My bike. She makes my heart happy.
Any moment spent with Amber is full of joy. We can just be sitting on the couch, not even talking to each other, staring at our phones or the tv and I just enjoy being with her. Being able to sit in comfortable silence with someone is a big deal.
December 18th: Time
Did time move quickly or slow for you this year? Was there ever a moment where you felt you blinked and the year was half over?
This year flew. I know that it can't go any faster or slower than the 24/7/365 but it just seemed to go so quickly. We were busy. The gym. House projects. Travels. Just life in general. It's been good.
Whew. Caught up.
Did you volunteer anywhere this year? Did you learn something in the process? Would you volunteer in 2012?
I can only think of the time we spend in the nursery at church. Every other month or so we have the entire month in the nursery. I've learned that no one wants to work in the nursery. One of the reasons we're in there every other month instead of every third month. Not many volunteer for the babies. It's understandable. Babies cry. When one starts, the other 4, 5, 6, or 7 follow suit. Almost all the babies have a thing for Josh. One baby only wanted him. Some of them we just want to take home with us, they're so fantastic.
We'll volunteer in 2012 even though I'd rather not. I know, that sounds terrible but we've been in the nursery for the last 6.5 years. I'm kinda ready to do something else at church. Preach maybe? Kidding.
December 17th: Ordinary Joy
How have you experienced ordinary joy this year?
Teaching. This school year has been going pretty well. I find joy in watching Sugar learn. And Spice is learning right along with her.
Clean laundry basket. I've done so much better with my laundry duties this year. I find joy in an empty laundry basket.
Cooking. I love, love, love to be in my kitchen.
My bike. She makes my heart happy.
Any moment spent with Amber is full of joy. We can just be sitting on the couch, not even talking to each other, staring at our phones or the tv and I just enjoy being with her. Being able to sit in comfortable silence with someone is a big deal.
December 18th: Time
Did time move quickly or slow for you this year? Was there ever a moment where you felt you blinked and the year was half over?
This year flew. I know that it can't go any faster or slower than the 24/7/365 but it just seemed to go so quickly. We were busy. The gym. House projects. Travels. Just life in general. It's been good.
Whew. Caught up.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Stuff I like
December 15th: Things
Many people believe that things are not important, so whether things or something more grand, what are three most important things in your life right now?
Sweet. An excuse to actually list materialistic crap without feeling guilt for it.
Three important things in my life right now, in random order:
My rig. I have a 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan. She has heated seats. Cup holders. And the reliability factor. I like to drive and I do a lot of it so I'm thankful for my van. Yeah, she's a "mom" rig and that totally loses the fun-ness that I love in a vehicle (oh, the days of my sporty looking red Lancer) but I love that I have room for 6 passengers or that I can pull the seats out and have room for a ton of groceries, tile flooring or my yoga mat..
Yep, love my van.
My gym membership. I know I could have gotten in shape and lost weight without it but it was definitely a great motivator for me. I haven't made any friends there, really. I try to. But Amber is the only one there who thinks (knows) I'm funny. I think the guys there just think (know) I'm a total moron. I smile. I wave. I say hello. They'll have none of it. Their loss, man. Their loss.
I'm thankful Josh works with the owner of the gym and I get a sweet discount. I'm thankful for the instructors that have helped me get to the healthiest place in my life that I've ever been. I'm thankful for their patience with Amber and me and our ridiculous inappropriateness that we try so hard to keep to ourselves but often fail at.
Lastly, and this is probably the most materialistic of all. My cell phone. I keep in touch with my friends, my family, Twitter, Facebook with that thing. The ability to text with my friends and family is hugely important to me. I've been without a cell phone, I know it's possible to be. I just don't want to ever be again. :)
And you? What are your three important material things?
{notice how I didn't list my bike? she's not a material possession to me. she's my love.}
Many people believe that things are not important, so whether things or something more grand, what are three most important things in your life right now?
Sweet. An excuse to actually list materialistic crap without feeling guilt for it.
Three important things in my life right now, in random order:
My rig. I have a 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan. She has heated seats. Cup holders. And the reliability factor. I like to drive and I do a lot of it so I'm thankful for my van. Yeah, she's a "mom" rig and that totally loses the fun-ness that I love in a vehicle (oh, the days of my sporty looking red Lancer) but I love that I have room for 6 passengers or that I can pull the seats out and have room for a ton of groceries, tile flooring or my yoga mat..
Yep, love my van.
My gym membership. I know I could have gotten in shape and lost weight without it but it was definitely a great motivator for me. I haven't made any friends there, really. I try to. But Amber is the only one there who thinks (knows) I'm funny. I think the guys there just think (know) I'm a total moron. I smile. I wave. I say hello. They'll have none of it. Their loss, man. Their loss.
I'm thankful Josh works with the owner of the gym and I get a sweet discount. I'm thankful for the instructors that have helped me get to the healthiest place in my life that I've ever been. I'm thankful for their patience with Amber and me and our ridiculous inappropriateness that we try so hard to keep to ourselves but often fail at.
Lastly, and this is probably the most materialistic of all. My cell phone. I keep in touch with my friends, my family, Twitter, Facebook with that thing. The ability to text with my friends and family is hugely important to me. I've been without a cell phone, I know it's possible to be. I just don't want to ever be again. :)
And you? What are your three important material things?
{notice how I didn't list my bike? she's not a material possession to me. she's my love.}
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
A real job...I gots one.
December 14: Jobs
Did you change jobs in 2011? What did you do? Did you change careers? If you didn't, did you do something that made you proud in your work? Do you plan to make a change in 2012?
I suppose you could say I went from being a Kindergarten teacher to a first grade teacher. I know that seems lame since I'm not an actual certified teacher or anything but this school year has been a pretty big deal around here.
Probably because we're actually schooling. :)
Last year was mostly me just banging my head against a wall and keeping myself from gouging out my wrists with spoons.
This year we're learning. We're playing. We're reading. Adding, subtracting. And laughing at Spice all along the way. Oh the joy and disruption that three year old makes to our days.
Back in April (I think) there was a tweet from a restaurant that was changing locations. They were hiring. They wanted a resume. They wanted you to come dressed for an interview. It took everything I had to not go and apply for a job. My friend, Megan worked there, enjoyed her job and got out of the house a few hours a week. It sounded fantastic. But at that point I was 6.5 yrs from having had a "real" job. I haven't worked outside the home since late 2004. My resume would have been a joke. My interview attire would have been spandex. And I probably wouldn't have been able to find the front door.
(remember, I have issues with those)
Obviously I didn't go.
Which turned out to be a good thing because they just closed up shop a few weeks ago.
I can imagine doing other jobs besides the one I'm doing now. I'm not going to lie. I loved my days at Pier 1. I loved my days as a barista. If I could have any job right now it'd probably be coffee. I absolutely love making coffee and serving coffee. It makes people happy. I like to make people happy.
The only change I plan to make in 2012 is to give myself credit for the job I actually have, whether I'm given a paycheck or not. I'm a teacher. I'm a mama. I'm a wife.
These are my jobs and I'm blessed to have them.
Did you change jobs in 2011? What did you do? Did you change careers? If you didn't, did you do something that made you proud in your work? Do you plan to make a change in 2012?
I suppose you could say I went from being a Kindergarten teacher to a first grade teacher. I know that seems lame since I'm not an actual certified teacher or anything but this school year has been a pretty big deal around here.
Probably because we're actually schooling. :)
Last year was mostly me just banging my head against a wall and keeping myself from gouging out my wrists with spoons.
This year we're learning. We're playing. We're reading. Adding, subtracting. And laughing at Spice all along the way. Oh the joy and disruption that three year old makes to our days.
Back in April (I think) there was a tweet from a restaurant that was changing locations. They were hiring. They wanted a resume. They wanted you to come dressed for an interview. It took everything I had to not go and apply for a job. My friend, Megan worked there, enjoyed her job and got out of the house a few hours a week. It sounded fantastic. But at that point I was 6.5 yrs from having had a "real" job. I haven't worked outside the home since late 2004. My resume would have been a joke. My interview attire would have been spandex. And I probably wouldn't have been able to find the front door.
(remember, I have issues with those)
Obviously I didn't go.
Which turned out to be a good thing because they just closed up shop a few weeks ago.
I can imagine doing other jobs besides the one I'm doing now. I'm not going to lie. I loved my days at Pier 1. I loved my days as a barista. If I could have any job right now it'd probably be coffee. I absolutely love making coffee and serving coffee. It makes people happy. I like to make people happy.
The only change I plan to make in 2012 is to give myself credit for the job I actually have, whether I'm given a paycheck or not. I'm a teacher. I'm a mama. I'm a wife.
These are my jobs and I'm blessed to have them.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Splurge
December 13th: Splurge
Did you splurge on something this year? Did the troubled economy prompt you to hold back or did you just give it all for something?
In May I bought a pair of running shoes. I felt like the hundred dollars I spent was splurging but it was the best thing I did for my shins. Then, in August I bought my bike and that was spending a whole lot more. Buying that bike gave me something I didn't know I had in me.
Passion.
I have things I enjoy. I enjoy reading or writing. I enjoy eating and cooking. I enjoy running or yoga.
But cycling?
I don't have the vocabulary to adequately say how I feel when I'm on my bike. Had I read a post like this a year ago I would have thought the writer to be an idiot. Who would be so crazy about bike riding that they'd call it a passion?!
But now I'm that crazy person.
There's a freedom on my bike like I've not experienced before it. When I'm on my bike (I've named her Tennessee btw) it's like that feeling you got when you first rode on two wheels at age 5 or 6. That first sense of freedom is how I feel every time I clip into my pedals.
So yeah, I've splurged well over a thousand dollars on sporting goods this year but I wouldn't return either item. And usually when I fork out a chunk of change I immediately have buyer's remorse. Not this time (even though I see my bike is on sale now).
Then a couple of weeks ago we bought new flooring and new kitchen cabinets. Huge expense. But one that will increase the value of our house and will also just make our house better all around.
I keep checking the status of those freaking cupboards, I'm so excited! It's going to be a huge job when they get here (they aren't finished) but it will so be worth it in the end.
Did you splurge on something this year? Did the troubled economy prompt you to hold back or did you just give it all for something?
In May I bought a pair of running shoes. I felt like the hundred dollars I spent was splurging but it was the best thing I did for my shins. Then, in August I bought my bike and that was spending a whole lot more. Buying that bike gave me something I didn't know I had in me.
Passion.
I have things I enjoy. I enjoy reading or writing. I enjoy eating and cooking. I enjoy running or yoga.
But cycling?
I don't have the vocabulary to adequately say how I feel when I'm on my bike. Had I read a post like this a year ago I would have thought the writer to be an idiot. Who would be so crazy about bike riding that they'd call it a passion?!
But now I'm that crazy person.
There's a freedom on my bike like I've not experienced before it. When I'm on my bike (I've named her Tennessee btw) it's like that feeling you got when you first rode on two wheels at age 5 or 6. That first sense of freedom is how I feel every time I clip into my pedals.
So yeah, I've splurged well over a thousand dollars on sporting goods this year but I wouldn't return either item. And usually when I fork out a chunk of change I immediately have buyer's remorse. Not this time (even though I see my bike is on sale now).
Then a couple of weeks ago we bought new flooring and new kitchen cabinets. Huge expense. But one that will increase the value of our house and will also just make our house better all around.
I keep checking the status of those freaking cupboards, I'm so excited! It's going to be a huge job when they get here (they aren't finished) but it will so be worth it in the end.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Hopping on the Resonating Reflections Train
Since I've been a sucky blogger lately I've taken cue from Wendy and decided to use prompts from Resonate 11. Whatever that is.
Basically I'll get a prompt per day that will help me decide what to write about. I'm excited for it since I've been in a writing funk.
I'm several days behind so this is going to be a really long post to get myself caught up. There will be a quiz at the end so you should read all the way through. Okay, no quiz at the end but I hope you're not completely bored outta yer mind.
December 1: Memory
What's the first thing you remember about 2011? What stands out in your head?
The first thing I remember of the year is offering Papa John's delivery to a friend. I know, random.
Besides that though would have to be choosing to take my physical health seriously. When I decided to join the gym I had no idea what I'd be doing for myself. For once I actually took my decision seriously. I made a decision to get healthy, to lose weight, to run a 5K. Soon I was addicted to my bicycle and yoga. And in the process lost 33 lbs. I feel so much better. So. Much. Better.
December 2: Make
This is a two pronged prompt! What did you enjoy making this year? Did you "make the Dean's list"? Or maybe you made a really good wine, or maybe you made some furniture. And, what do you look forward to making during the holidays? Cookies? Homemade gifts?
Hmm. I'm not much for making anything except a fool of myself. I'm amazing at that. And I didn't make the Dean's list but my sister, Erica, did! Man, I'm trying to think of what I've made and I don't think there's anything worth noting. I made some good decisions. I made some poor decisions. I'm learning from both. And what do I look forward to making during the holidays? Nothing. I enjoy consuming what others have made. So, get to baking, please. I'm hungry.
December 3: Book
What was your favorite book you read this year? Was it for school or work? Or, was it for fun? And how did you read it? On your Nook or your Kindle? Or, do you still enjoy reading on an actual, physical book? Why did you like it?
Um. I know I've read something. A lot of somethings. I'm just terrible with remembering what I've read. I think right now the book I'm loving most is Sugar's History book. I'm learning right along with her and it's absolutely fabulous. I've read some Nicholas Sparks book too. I know, fluff. I just finished The Other Boleyn Girl which is a fiction account of Anne Boleyn. It was long but good. Also, I'm an actual book holder. Props to all you with your Nooks and Kindles but I'm okay with cutting and killing trees. Give me paper and pages. Give me the experience. Not the technological device.
December 4: Miracle
Do you feel you experienced or witnessed miracle this year? How so?
I ran a 5K, to me that was a miracle. Sitting on my arse for several years and being in terrible shape, it was a big deal to me to run that. Also, riding my bike 90 miles in 7 hours was pretty good too. Did I ever blog about that? I'm not seeing a post about it in my archives. Anyway, that seemed miraculous to me that I didn't die or kill my husband in the process. We did the ride for our 13th anniversary (my idea) and it was amazing and excruciating and I can't wait to do it again on my new bike.
December 5: Songs
By now many radio stations are playing Christmas and other holiday songs. What is one of your favorite holiday songs?
Mary Did You Know and Baby, It's Cold Outside
December 6: People
Who did you meet in 2011? Who do you want to meet in 2012?
I met seven of my Twitter friends. They all live about 45 minutes from me and ended up meeting them for a Scentsy party, a bowling night and a karaoke night. So much fun to read their tweets, learn a little about them in 140 characters or less and then hang out with them in person. Good, good people. Freaking funny, too. Even Curtis. :)
Who do I want to meet in 2012? More Twitter friends. More bloggy friends.
December 7: Quit
Did you quit something this year?
I quit biting my fingernails for four months and then I had a minor (but what felt like a major) catastrophe happen and I started back up. I need to get back to quitting that. I loved my hands and that's a first. I've always, always hated my hands.
December 8: Goodbye
Did you have to say goodbye to someone in 2011? Did they move away or did you lose them unexpectedly? How did you react? What would you say to them now if they could hear you or read your message?
My mom moved away. Unexpectedly. I suppose I reacted well outwardly. Inwardly I was a wreck. Well, and my tweets probably reflected my negative feelings toward it too. It's hard to feel parent-less. Honestly, I felt a sense of abandonment. I know that seems lame and like I should grow up but I am lame and I don't feel like being a grown up. If my mom could read my words and I know she will: *waving* Hi, Ma. Can't wait to see you next month! I promise to say goodbye when you have to leave this time instead of being a jackwagon and just walking out the door like last time.
December 9: Travel
Where did you travel in 2011? Who did you travel with? What did you learn while you were there? Where do you hope to visit in 2012?
We went on the family vacation from hell. I traveled with my small family and our idiot Beagle. I learned that I do not like to camp and I'm sorry that I'm such a wuss but seriously, I just don't like it. And my husband has agreed I don't ever have to go again but he'll continue to take our kids. Next summer I will have weekends of mini vacations and I've told myself that I will not feel bad about it. I'm a good mom and wife in other areas (not sure what they are but there has to be something) so if I don't camp with them it's not the end of the world. Where do I hope to visit in 2012? Hmm. I'm hoping for a grand vacation. Like a real one where I have to go on a plane. I'd love to go to San Diego to visit Melissa. There's a bike ride in Utah that Josh and I want to go on, so we're getting that planned. Amazingly, we already have people who have offered to keep our kids so we can go. I'd also love to go to Mexico this year.
December 10th: Television
Which television shows, series, program or otherwise did you discover this year? What resonated with you? Did you finally start watching "Modern Family"? Or, maybe you followed Oprah to her new network? Whatever it is you stumbled across, tell us about it.
You all know we aren't big television watchers around these parts but we do have two shows we watch regularly now. 2 Broke Girls and Parenthood.
Seriously, 2 Broke Girls KILLS ME. It's hilarious. Josh and I sit and laugh so hard. Sometimes I have tears running down my face. And I'll randomly tweet the one-liners so as not to forget them. So freaking funny.
Parenthood. It makes me laugh and cry. They put the fun in dysfunction. A family that is madly in love with each other...I love it. Thankful for that recommendation.
December 11: Without
What can you do without in 2012? What did you feel was holding you down this year? Was it a job? A relationship? Or, could it be something really simple - like an outfit that just went out of style.
I want to skip this question so badly. So I'm going to.
December 12: Fear
What were you afraid of in 2011? How did you let fear control you? What will you do to confront it in 2012?
I was afraid of failing the gym deal. Josh didn't even think I'd stick with it. I did, though. So, I guess I didn't let fear control me. For once I worked through it. I have other stuff to confront in 2012 but I'll deal with that when 2012 gets here.
Okay. I'm caught up. Yay me.
Basically I'll get a prompt per day that will help me decide what to write about. I'm excited for it since I've been in a writing funk.
I'm several days behind so this is going to be a really long post to get myself caught up. There will be a quiz at the end so you should read all the way through. Okay, no quiz at the end but I hope you're not completely bored outta yer mind.
December 1: Memory
What's the first thing you remember about 2011? What stands out in your head?
The first thing I remember of the year is offering Papa John's delivery to a friend. I know, random.
Besides that though would have to be choosing to take my physical health seriously. When I decided to join the gym I had no idea what I'd be doing for myself. For once I actually took my decision seriously. I made a decision to get healthy, to lose weight, to run a 5K. Soon I was addicted to my bicycle and yoga. And in the process lost 33 lbs. I feel so much better. So. Much. Better.
December 2: Make
This is a two pronged prompt! What did you enjoy making this year? Did you "make the Dean's list"? Or maybe you made a really good wine, or maybe you made some furniture. And, what do you look forward to making during the holidays? Cookies? Homemade gifts?
Hmm. I'm not much for making anything except a fool of myself. I'm amazing at that. And I didn't make the Dean's list but my sister, Erica, did! Man, I'm trying to think of what I've made and I don't think there's anything worth noting. I made some good decisions. I made some poor decisions. I'm learning from both. And what do I look forward to making during the holidays? Nothing. I enjoy consuming what others have made. So, get to baking, please. I'm hungry.
December 3: Book
What was your favorite book you read this year? Was it for school or work? Or, was it for fun? And how did you read it? On your Nook or your Kindle? Or, do you still enjoy reading on an actual, physical book? Why did you like it?
Um. I know I've read something. A lot of somethings. I'm just terrible with remembering what I've read. I think right now the book I'm loving most is Sugar's History book. I'm learning right along with her and it's absolutely fabulous. I've read some Nicholas Sparks book too. I know, fluff. I just finished The Other Boleyn Girl which is a fiction account of Anne Boleyn. It was long but good. Also, I'm an actual book holder. Props to all you with your Nooks and Kindles but I'm okay with cutting and killing trees. Give me paper and pages. Give me the experience. Not the technological device.
December 4: Miracle
Do you feel you experienced or witnessed miracle this year? How so?
I ran a 5K, to me that was a miracle. Sitting on my arse for several years and being in terrible shape, it was a big deal to me to run that. Also, riding my bike 90 miles in 7 hours was pretty good too. Did I ever blog about that? I'm not seeing a post about it in my archives. Anyway, that seemed miraculous to me that I didn't die or kill my husband in the process. We did the ride for our 13th anniversary (my idea) and it was amazing and excruciating and I can't wait to do it again on my new bike.
December 5: Songs
By now many radio stations are playing Christmas and other holiday songs. What is one of your favorite holiday songs?
Mary Did You Know and Baby, It's Cold Outside
December 6: People
Who did you meet in 2011? Who do you want to meet in 2012?
I met seven of my Twitter friends. They all live about 45 minutes from me and ended up meeting them for a Scentsy party, a bowling night and a karaoke night. So much fun to read their tweets, learn a little about them in 140 characters or less and then hang out with them in person. Good, good people. Freaking funny, too. Even Curtis. :)
Who do I want to meet in 2012? More Twitter friends. More bloggy friends.
December 7: Quit
Did you quit something this year?
I quit biting my fingernails for four months and then I had a minor (but what felt like a major) catastrophe happen and I started back up. I need to get back to quitting that. I loved my hands and that's a first. I've always, always hated my hands.
December 8: Goodbye
Did you have to say goodbye to someone in 2011? Did they move away or did you lose them unexpectedly? How did you react? What would you say to them now if they could hear you or read your message?
My mom moved away. Unexpectedly. I suppose I reacted well outwardly. Inwardly I was a wreck. Well, and my tweets probably reflected my negative feelings toward it too. It's hard to feel parent-less. Honestly, I felt a sense of abandonment. I know that seems lame and like I should grow up but I am lame and I don't feel like being a grown up. If my mom could read my words and I know she will: *waving* Hi, Ma. Can't wait to see you next month! I promise to say goodbye when you have to leave this time instead of being a jackwagon and just walking out the door like last time.
December 9: Travel
Where did you travel in 2011? Who did you travel with? What did you learn while you were there? Where do you hope to visit in 2012?
We went on the family vacation from hell. I traveled with my small family and our idiot Beagle. I learned that I do not like to camp and I'm sorry that I'm such a wuss but seriously, I just don't like it. And my husband has agreed I don't ever have to go again but he'll continue to take our kids. Next summer I will have weekends of mini vacations and I've told myself that I will not feel bad about it. I'm a good mom and wife in other areas (not sure what they are but there has to be something) so if I don't camp with them it's not the end of the world. Where do I hope to visit in 2012? Hmm. I'm hoping for a grand vacation. Like a real one where I have to go on a plane. I'd love to go to San Diego to visit Melissa. There's a bike ride in Utah that Josh and I want to go on, so we're getting that planned. Amazingly, we already have people who have offered to keep our kids so we can go. I'd also love to go to Mexico this year.
December 10th: Television
Which television shows, series, program or otherwise did you discover this year? What resonated with you? Did you finally start watching "Modern Family"? Or, maybe you followed Oprah to her new network? Whatever it is you stumbled across, tell us about it.
You all know we aren't big television watchers around these parts but we do have two shows we watch regularly now. 2 Broke Girls and Parenthood.
Seriously, 2 Broke Girls KILLS ME. It's hilarious. Josh and I sit and laugh so hard. Sometimes I have tears running down my face. And I'll randomly tweet the one-liners so as not to forget them. So freaking funny.
Parenthood. It makes me laugh and cry. They put the fun in dysfunction. A family that is madly in love with each other...I love it. Thankful for that recommendation.
December 11: Without
What can you do without in 2012? What did you feel was holding you down this year? Was it a job? A relationship? Or, could it be something really simple - like an outfit that just went out of style.
I want to skip this question so badly. So I'm going to.
December 12: Fear
What were you afraid of in 2011? How did you let fear control you? What will you do to confront it in 2012?
I was afraid of failing the gym deal. Josh didn't even think I'd stick with it. I did, though. So, I guess I didn't let fear control me. For once I worked through it. I have other stuff to confront in 2012 but I'll deal with that when 2012 gets here.
Okay. I'm caught up. Yay me.
Monday, December 05, 2011
Obligatory Post
I've gotten emails and texts about my lack of blogging.
I suppose it's not very nice to leave a post up about my dead dad and the dumb missing him for weeks on end, huh?
So.
Here's a new post. But I've really got nothing to say at the moment.
Other than there was a spider crawling on my bed near my leg a few minutes ago and I nearly used my laptop to smash him.
Instead he got the slipper.
One other thing, the Christmas tree is going up tonight. I know. A Christmas miracle. The lady at the lot says, "isn't it a little early for you, hon?" She knows I hate the thing. How she remembers is beyond me. Anyway. Tree is going up tonight.
Sanity is going down.
I suppose it's not very nice to leave a post up about my dead dad and the dumb missing him for weeks on end, huh?
So.
Here's a new post. But I've really got nothing to say at the moment.
Other than there was a spider crawling on my bed near my leg a few minutes ago and I nearly used my laptop to smash him.
Instead he got the slipper.
One other thing, the Christmas tree is going up tonight. I know. A Christmas miracle. The lady at the lot says, "isn't it a little early for you, hon?" She knows I hate the thing. How she remembers is beyond me. Anyway. Tree is going up tonight.
Sanity is going down.
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