Showing posts with label Blessed. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Blessed. Show all posts
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Thursday, November 04, 2010
Thankful Thursday
Got this idea from the Gabbin' Girls (Nan & Erin... http://gabbinwiththegirls.com). Every Thursday in November, post something that you are thankful for.
It's hard to find just one thing that stands out. But I do like the idea of being forced to focus on the positive. Too often I only see the bad. I tend to be cynical and negative. I always dread the worst. A cryptic email will often set me off before I've even had a chance to figure things out and realize that it isn't so bad after all.
Today, I am thankful for my family. They put up with my moody and often negative ass. And I'm moody and cranky and negative more often than not. More than I should be considering the life I'm blessed to live and the people I'm blessed to have in it. They deserve a better me most days. I'm going to focus on giving them that.
It's hard to find just one thing that stands out. But I do like the idea of being forced to focus on the positive. Too often I only see the bad. I tend to be cynical and negative. I always dread the worst. A cryptic email will often set me off before I've even had a chance to figure things out and realize that it isn't so bad after all.
Today, I am thankful for my family. They put up with my moody and often negative ass. And I'm moody and cranky and negative more often than not. More than I should be considering the life I'm blessed to live and the people I'm blessed to have in it. They deserve a better me most days. I'm going to focus on giving them that.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
A Visual Interpretation of My Current Feelings
As days go, this one has been a decent one. The morning went well, the sky was a little overcast, but signs pointed toward just a blue, partly cloudy sky. The school drop off was the least-eventful of the year so far. We were early and encountered no rude parents.It was a relatively slow morning at work, too. Easy. So easy, in fact, that I spent a good deal of time working on my annual letter to Boy Pop. It's not quite ready to publish, but I have a great start.
I left at lunchtime to go order Boy Pop's birthday cake and cupcakes for his party. That done, I headed to the party supply store to stock up on massive amounts of Sponge Bob decor. It was absolutely gorgeous outside, too. Perfect weather for the first day of fall... Partly cloudy, not too hot, nice breeze.
Sometime between the bakery and the party store, I got a text from my mother asking about the dates of spring break.
She texted from Houston. From a prominent neurological movement disorder doctor's office.
Swimming in the back of my mind, being firmly pushed there, was the fact that today was the day. After two months of waiting, today was the day my dad either got a diagnosis or didn't. He was either sick or he was getting older. Possibly both. But I didn't want to think about that until the last possible moment. So I answered my mom's text, picked up Chinese food through a drive through, and came back to the office. Where I saw this email from my mother:
Early stage parkinson's. He is going to be a part of a study that is funded byI don't know what to think. I should be so thankful, so grateful! So relieved that he has this and not something else. Happy that it's early days. And I promise, I will be. I have a lot of reading to do now.
michael j fox fondation. If he were already on med he couldn't be part of study
But all I keep coming back to is this... On October 30, 1995, I lost my beloved grandfather. It was five days after his 55th wedding anniversary. He had Parkinson's. That isn't what got him, but it was a contributing factor.
And today, two months and five days before my own parents' 45th wedding anniversay, my DADDY, my HERO, my wonderful, extremely active, unbelievably creative father just received some devastating news.
So today? I'm heartbroken. I went outside just now, and saw the clouds coming in. They felt appropriate.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
This Is When the "Second Shift" Gets Exhausting
All week long, I've been thinking that there's an extra week between now and Thanksgiving. Um, no there isn't. I've been doing the math and as of today:
- There are 6 days until the parent/teacher conference at my son's school
- There are 7 days until I have to take a mandatory offsite training class that I do not want to take
- There are 10 days until I get a week-long vacation from work
- There are 12 days until the "Butter Ball" benefitting Coats for Kids, an event for which I have nothing to wear
- There are 13 days until I get my permanent crown on my back tooth
- There are also 13 days until my parents come to town again
- There are 14 days until Thanksgiving
- There are 14 days until the UT/A&M football game and tailgate
- There are 14 days until my parents' 43rd wedding anniversary
- There are 26 days until I get a root touch-up
- There are 30 days until we go to Colorado for a week
- There are 40 days until my brother's birthday
- There are 42 days until Christmas
ACK!
I need to get on the ball here! To date, I've done no Christmas shopping, no grocery shopping for Thanksgiving, I haven't finished prepping for the ski-trip (still need socks for myself and Dr Pop and mittens for Boy Pop). I need to buy an outfit for this party (yay! new clothes!!!). My house is a disorganized mess. Boy Pop and I need to sort through his toys and choose what he will give to charity this year. I have a pile of clothes to take to the children's consignment shop and another pile of clothes for Goodwill and The Salvation Army.
We also need to put out some Thanksgiving decorations, decide on the Christmas lights, hang the Christmas lights, mail Christmas cards, and organize the closet under the stairs for the 4th time this year.
On top of that, I really, really, really, really want to reorganize every cabinet in my kitchen, clean out my office once and for all, go through Boy Pop's artwork and make collages for his room and for his grandparents, make my Christmas Card and gift lists, win the lottery, make some holiday crafts with Boy Pop, bake up a storm, and read some of the books that have been piling up on my bedside table.
And then there's t-ball. We have two games left (this Saturday and the next) and a team party following the last game.
Finally, I have to somehow fit in a Defensive Driving course between now and December 18th. Hooray for speeding tickets! That I got today! On my way back from the dentist!
I love the holiday season, I really do! Writing it all down like this makes me feel better about the upcoming 6 weeks. There will be time with family and friends, two vacations, and lots of memory-making with my husband and son. I just cannot believe that once again, time has gotten away from me.
Breathe in, breathe out.
And I have no idea what to get the man who has everything... My husband.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Not a "Baby" Anymore...
Dear Joey,
Tomorrow, at 9:13AM, you will officially turn five. No matter how much I try with my mind, I cannot make you stay young. Your mommy's been having a bit of a tough time dealing with the fact that you are not a baby anymore. Not even a little bit. In the past year, you have blown past all your toddler ways and have turned into a boy. I often reflect over the past five years, looking back at your chubby little cheeks and sweet little toes with a sense of awe, pride, joy, and some regret. Awe that you are you. Pride because you are a part of me. All the joy that you bring to our home. Regret because I cannot look back at the past five years without agonizing over all the little things I could have done better.
You are the smartest kid I know. The other day, I was helping you clean your room (okay, I was putting away the mess that I wished I could blame on a hurricane that was your playroom) and you told me to "STOP! Those books are for my bookstore!" Later, you told me I couldn't put away the Lego's, either, because they were for the "game" you were making.
This year, we had a big decision to make with your education. You see, you missed the age cut off for kindergarten, but we had the option to place you in a private kindergarten class. From the time you were born until this past August, we thought we had your education all figured out. In fact, we were excited that you'd be one of the oldest in your class! "Just think!" we said, "Joey will have such an advantage athletically and emotionally with that extra year." And then, damn it all, you were SMART! You had these really high test scores and can already read and write your letters and numbers and add and subtract and thus we were faced with a dilemma. What class would you be in this year? After much discussion and agonizing, we decided to go with the original plan and we still hope we did the right thing. The last thing we want to do is stifle you. But then again, you are only a kid once and we want another year without the responsibility of school work for you.
This past year has been full of new experiences for all of us. Namely, we joined the realm of "team sports" families. You are just now starting your second tee ball season and have made it through a soccer season as well. You did not take to the soccer team the way I'd hoped you would, but I understand why. During your first game, you were getting after it, being aggressive, scoring goals and collided with another child and ended up with a huge shiner. Shortly thereafter, a child pushed you into a wooden table at school and your lip was cut open so badly that it took seven stitches to sew it back together. After that, you didn't want to get in there with the other kids and I couldn't blame you! By the time soccer camp rolled around this past summer, however, you'd forgotten about the black eye and the cut lip and were back to your old self.
The evening we spent at the hospital ER for your lip was quite possibly the longest of my life. This was your third trip to the hospital in your short life. I somehow don't think it will be your last, as adventurous as you are. I'm trying to prepare myself for the inevitable, but I don't think I can. I think I just have to accept that you are a boy's boy and you are going to fall down and get hurt! And I have to let you.
You have really grown out of your shell this year, too. Your friends are numerous, but right now your best bud is our neighbor, Trevor. You and he went to Mother's Day Out together as toddlers, but his mother and I lost touch. Well, she and I reconnected and you and Trevor have become fast friends. You guys swam like fish together at the neighborhood pool all summer and when you were done, you pretended you were UFC fighters and boxers. And you guys played rough! You didn't know your own strength. I think you do now. He kicked you and you socked him in the mouth! His mother and I watched from a distance while your daddies soothed you both, dried your tears, and gave you both popsicles when all I wanted to do was scoop you up and rock you in my arms.
This year you've been to Great Wolf Lodge and Six Flags. You've been to the carnival and to the zoo. You've ridden rides, swam like a fish, learned to throw a spiral with your Nerf football, and hit the ball out of the park over and over again. You've been cut, scraped, bruised, and banged up. You've learned how to ride a bike and a scooter. You've toured a cavern under the earth and looked at fossils. You only speak "Transformer" and are obsessed with all things Autobot (and Decepticon, and Constructicon, etc.) You outgrew Thomas the Tank Engine and I think it was to make room for Optimus Prime. We have done crafts and baked cookies. There have been enough tears shed to fill the Grand Canyon and enough laughter to echo through to the heavens. We took you to the circus and you spent nights with all your grandparents (and great-grandmother). You've eaten in the finest restaurants in town and amazed the wait staff with your manners. You rock out to Eminem and AC/DC. You've learned to play your parents against each other (too bad we know better!) and you've grabbed your, um, private area and said, "Look at my balls!" You've shocked all of us with your language (sometimes good, sometimes bad) and you are a constant reminder that your Daddy and I have to be role models.
I don't normally put your name on my blog. I'm pretty careful about not posting too much personal, identifiable information here. But I have to explain your name to you. Do you know that you are a "Junior?" You are named for your father. Your name is strong and full of elegance and dignity. But there is another reason why we call you "Joey." It is physically impossible to say your name without smiling. It's like saying "cheese" for the camera. A smile automatically happens. I want people to smile when they think of you. I know I do.
So much has happened this year and each time I think that we have done it all, you come up with something new and my heart just stretches further. With every question I have for myself and every doubt on the inside that we are doing something wrong (Have I given you a good start to life? Were your first five years perfect? Did I do enough for you? Will you remember this time with joy or will you be sitting in a therapist's office years from now, lamenting over the fact that Mommy didn't play that game you made up that time?), my answers get stronger... I hope you will look back one day and realize that your childhood was one full of love. That we have taught you it is okay to make a mistake because we've all fallen down and made mistakes and gotten hurt, besides, perfection is boring.
And sometimes? A popsicle really does cure everything.
Love,
Mommy
Tomorrow, at 9:13AM, you will officially turn five. No matter how much I try with my mind, I cannot make you stay young. Your mommy's been having a bit of a tough time dealing with the fact that you are not a baby anymore. Not even a little bit. In the past year, you have blown past all your toddler ways and have turned into a boy. I often reflect over the past five years, looking back at your chubby little cheeks and sweet little toes with a sense of awe, pride, joy, and some regret. Awe that you are you. Pride because you are a part of me. All the joy that you bring to our home. Regret because I cannot look back at the past five years without agonizing over all the little things I could have done better.
You are the smartest kid I know. The other day, I was helping you clean your room (okay, I was putting away the mess that I wished I could blame on a hurricane that was your playroom) and you told me to "STOP! Those books are for my bookstore!" Later, you told me I couldn't put away the Lego's, either, because they were for the "game" you were making.
This year, we had a big decision to make with your education. You see, you missed the age cut off for kindergarten, but we had the option to place you in a private kindergarten class. From the time you were born until this past August, we thought we had your education all figured out. In fact, we were excited that you'd be one of the oldest in your class! "Just think!" we said, "Joey will have such an advantage athletically and emotionally with that extra year." And then, damn it all, you were SMART! You had these really high test scores and can already read and write your letters and numbers and add and subtract and thus we were faced with a dilemma. What class would you be in this year? After much discussion and agonizing, we decided to go with the original plan and we still hope we did the right thing. The last thing we want to do is stifle you. But then again, you are only a kid once and we want another year without the responsibility of school work for you.
This past year has been full of new experiences for all of us. Namely, we joined the realm of "team sports" families. You are just now starting your second tee ball season and have made it through a soccer season as well. You did not take to the soccer team the way I'd hoped you would, but I understand why. During your first game, you were getting after it, being aggressive, scoring goals and collided with another child and ended up with a huge shiner. Shortly thereafter, a child pushed you into a wooden table at school and your lip was cut open so badly that it took seven stitches to sew it back together. After that, you didn't want to get in there with the other kids and I couldn't blame you! By the time soccer camp rolled around this past summer, however, you'd forgotten about the black eye and the cut lip and were back to your old self.
The evening we spent at the hospital ER for your lip was quite possibly the longest of my life. This was your third trip to the hospital in your short life. I somehow don't think it will be your last, as adventurous as you are. I'm trying to prepare myself for the inevitable, but I don't think I can. I think I just have to accept that you are a boy's boy and you are going to fall down and get hurt! And I have to let you.
You have really grown out of your shell this year, too. Your friends are numerous, but right now your best bud is our neighbor, Trevor. You and he went to Mother's Day Out together as toddlers, but his mother and I lost touch. Well, she and I reconnected and you and Trevor have become fast friends. You guys swam like fish together at the neighborhood pool all summer and when you were done, you pretended you were UFC fighters and boxers. And you guys played rough! You didn't know your own strength. I think you do now. He kicked you and you socked him in the mouth! His mother and I watched from a distance while your daddies soothed you both, dried your tears, and gave you both popsicles when all I wanted to do was scoop you up and rock you in my arms.
This year you've been to Great Wolf Lodge and Six Flags. You've been to the carnival and to the zoo. You've ridden rides, swam like a fish, learned to throw a spiral with your Nerf football, and hit the ball out of the park over and over again. You've been cut, scraped, bruised, and banged up. You've learned how to ride a bike and a scooter. You've toured a cavern under the earth and looked at fossils. You only speak "Transformer" and are obsessed with all things Autobot (and Decepticon, and Constructicon, etc.) You outgrew Thomas the Tank Engine and I think it was to make room for Optimus Prime. We have done crafts and baked cookies. There have been enough tears shed to fill the Grand Canyon and enough laughter to echo through to the heavens. We took you to the circus and you spent nights with all your grandparents (and great-grandmother). You've eaten in the finest restaurants in town and amazed the wait staff with your manners. You rock out to Eminem and AC/DC. You've learned to play your parents against each other (too bad we know better!) and you've grabbed your, um, private area and said, "Look at my balls!" You've shocked all of us with your language (sometimes good, sometimes bad) and you are a constant reminder that your Daddy and I have to be role models.
I don't normally put your name on my blog. I'm pretty careful about not posting too much personal, identifiable information here. But I have to explain your name to you. Do you know that you are a "Junior?" You are named for your father. Your name is strong and full of elegance and dignity. But there is another reason why we call you "Joey." It is physically impossible to say your name without smiling. It's like saying "cheese" for the camera. A smile automatically happens. I want people to smile when they think of you. I know I do.
So much has happened this year and each time I think that we have done it all, you come up with something new and my heart just stretches further. With every question I have for myself and every doubt on the inside that we are doing something wrong (Have I given you a good start to life? Were your first five years perfect? Did I do enough for you? Will you remember this time with joy or will you be sitting in a therapist's office years from now, lamenting over the fact that Mommy didn't play that game you made up that time?), my answers get stronger... I hope you will look back one day and realize that your childhood was one full of love. That we have taught you it is okay to make a mistake because we've all fallen down and made mistakes and gotten hurt, besides, perfection is boring. And sometimes? A popsicle really does cure everything.Love,
Mommy
Saturday, March 01, 2008
5
my heart is full. I spent an incredible day with my husband, shopping, eating, and enjoying each other's company. Dr Pop couldn't resist and got an iphone too. ;)
I got pretty shoes.
We ate crab where we had our first date.
We got dessert to go.
We got home in time to watch boxing and UFC.
Five years later and all is very right with my world.
I love you, Dr Pop!
I got pretty shoes.
We ate crab where we had our first date.
We got dessert to go.
We got home in time to watch boxing and UFC.
Five years later and all is very right with my world.
I love you, Dr Pop!
Friday, January 04, 2008
Resolved
Last year, I wrote a laundry list of New Year's Resolutions. You can see them here, but only if you're bored.
How did I do? Well, some things were good and some were not. Most of my resolutions were immesurable. I started some off with a venegance, but sadly dropped the good habits I'd started. So this year I'm going to do something a little bit different.
Resolutions are things you do not like about yourself, right? Well all-in-all, there are things I wish I did better, but I'm pretty happy with who I am. So this year, I want to improve on the things I'm doing well and drop the things that hold me completely back.
2008 will be the best year of my life as a wife, mother, daughter, sister, granddaughter, neice, friend, and person.
This year, I will take care of my family, be more cognizant of how I treat the environment, and give back. Caring about the world around me and actually doing for others is my goal. I want to reconnect with the church and with God and live the life He wants me to live. I will not be held back by the negativity of my thoughts. I will flush out the bad so that there is room for good.
And to quote Jen, "I resolve to be self-aware enough to spot potential problems within myself and to begin to work on them immediately, without a making a public announcement or waiting to start the improvements on an entirely arbitrary date."
Here's to a great 2008!
How did I do? Well, some things were good and some were not. Most of my resolutions were immesurable. I started some off with a venegance, but sadly dropped the good habits I'd started. So this year I'm going to do something a little bit different.
Resolutions are things you do not like about yourself, right? Well all-in-all, there are things I wish I did better, but I'm pretty happy with who I am. So this year, I want to improve on the things I'm doing well and drop the things that hold me completely back.
2008 will be the best year of my life as a wife, mother, daughter, sister, granddaughter, neice, friend, and person.
This year, I will take care of my family, be more cognizant of how I treat the environment, and give back. Caring about the world around me and actually doing for others is my goal. I want to reconnect with the church and with God and live the life He wants me to live. I will not be held back by the negativity of my thoughts. I will flush out the bad so that there is room for good.
And to quote Jen, "I resolve to be self-aware enough to spot potential problems within myself and to begin to work on them immediately, without a making a public announcement or waiting to start the improvements on an entirely arbitrary date."
Here's to a great 2008!
Monday, December 31, 2007
Christmas. A Recap.
Oh y'all. I'm wiped out by all the holiday cheer and such. Well, that and working all but Christmas Day last week. And the shopping. And worrying.
Mema came home from the hospital on Christmas Eve. While she's not 100% better (and there's a chance she might never be back at 100%), just having her home and with us all was Christmas enough for me and the rest of my family.
This was the most fun Christmas morning and Christmas season with Boy Pop. He really "got" it this year and listening to him sing his loud, off-key, slightly garbled renditions of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Jingle Bells, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, etc. was one of my favorite parts of the entire month of December. 
We had Christmas Eve and Christmas Morning through lunch at my grandmother's house. After lunch, Dr Pop, Boy Pop, and I headed back home to have our own private celebration. Boy Pop was nervous that Santa might not visit both places, but we left him a note at our house. Santa made both trips. Dr Pop got new wheels for his car and a Dallas Cowboy's NFC East Champions t-shirt. Boy Pop got some giant dinosaurs, about one million transformers, magnetix, a new TV, some DVDs, and various and asundry other things, including a Wiggle Racer that somehow got left behind at my grandmother's house.
My gift from Dr Pop was out of stock and impossible to find, so he got me a placeholder. It was a Toy Watch and it was adorable! I was really surprised. But when we were out shopping this past weekend, we found my gift... It's sort of like the picture below, but instead of multi-colored stones, it just has pink sapphires and diamonds. It's a lot bigger than what I'm used to wearing, but I already miss it when it is not on my wrist. Dr Pop did VERY good this year. And hell, I must have been a really good girl to get this. ;-)
I have a million stories to tell, but I cannot seem to pull them from my brain to my fingertips in any coherent fashion. Perhaps this week, which I have off, I can find them. But this was definitely our best Christmas yet. And today, the last day of 2007, I wish all of you a safe, happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year.
All my best,
Mrs. Pop
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Quick Update
I got my Christmas wish. Mema came home on Christmas Eve.
Santa was also generous with the gifts.
I am one very lucky girl.
Santa was also generous with the gifts.
I am one very lucky girl.
Monday, December 24, 2007
Dear Santa,
Forget my entire list this year, please. I only want one thing for Christmas. I want my Mema to be released from the stroke unit in Houston and sent home today.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Is It Time for Santa Yet?
Dr Pop walked in on Boy Pop looking for Santa this morning. Luckily, the camera was handy.FYI, it isn't too late to make someone's Christmas a bit brighter and make yourself feel good to boot... The Christmas Bureau of Austin is still in need of people to sponsor families. You can donate money to a family, to the organization, or choose a family and do all of the shopping and deliver the goods yourself. If you're in Austin, go to http://www.cbofaustin.org/. I'm sure that there are plenty of organizations that still need help wherever you may be, though.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Last One for NaBloPoMo
I was going to talk about my experience last night, watching the Cowboy/Packer game. I was planning another rant about the NFL Network and crazy drivers.
But I'm not.
A fellow blogger, who I read daily, has gone through a devastating experience. I'd link to it, but I would prefer her permission first. Needless to say, my heart aches for this woman I've never met except via the blog and a few emailed conversations.
I used to be big into this Texas Longhorn online bulletin board. I'd have these random conversations with complete strangers posted on the internet. I did come to meet a lot of these people in person, gathered through a common interest at Longhorn tailgates. I consider these people friends and acquaintances now, even though they started out strangers and we met in an unconventional way.
In a lot of ways, blogging is like those old message boards. We stumble upon someone's site, decide whether or not we like it, leave a comment or two, then BAM! All of a sudden there are these people in far away places you want in your life (either as friends or random acquaintances, both can be fun). They are people you just know would be totally cool to hang out with, drink some wine with, and get silly. They are people for whom you wish the best and offer comfort and advice to when things are not going so well. From the links at the right, I have a handful of those that fit that description:
The Adventures of Action Girl
Emily
Moments of a Blonde
Sue Doe Nim
Chitlins and Camembert
Older But Not Wiser
Sticky Feathers
Jennsylvania
I'm thankful for the far-flung worlds that I get to peek into on a daily basis. There is not one on that list who is within a 500 mile radius of my home, (two are overseas!) but should they ever make it down here, I'd totally want to hang out.
So today, on the last day of NaBloPoMo, I'd just like to say that while I am extremely thankful for my friends in "real" life, I'm equally thankful for those who I've greeted over the past several years via this thing called a blog.
But I'm not.
A fellow blogger, who I read daily, has gone through a devastating experience. I'd link to it, but I would prefer her permission first. Needless to say, my heart aches for this woman I've never met except via the blog and a few emailed conversations.
I used to be big into this Texas Longhorn online bulletin board. I'd have these random conversations with complete strangers posted on the internet. I did come to meet a lot of these people in person, gathered through a common interest at Longhorn tailgates. I consider these people friends and acquaintances now, even though they started out strangers and we met in an unconventional way.
In a lot of ways, blogging is like those old message boards. We stumble upon someone's site, decide whether or not we like it, leave a comment or two, then BAM! All of a sudden there are these people in far away places you want in your life (either as friends or random acquaintances, both can be fun). They are people you just know would be totally cool to hang out with, drink some wine with, and get silly. They are people for whom you wish the best and offer comfort and advice to when things are not going so well. From the links at the right, I have a handful of those that fit that description:
The Adventures of Action Girl
Emily
Moments of a Blonde
Sue Doe Nim
Chitlins and Camembert
Older But Not Wiser
Sticky Feathers
Jennsylvania
I'm thankful for the far-flung worlds that I get to peek into on a daily basis. There is not one on that list who is within a 500 mile radius of my home, (two are overseas!) but should they ever make it down here, I'd totally want to hang out.
So today, on the last day of NaBloPoMo, I'd just like to say that while I am extremely thankful for my friends in "real" life, I'm equally thankful for those who I've greeted over the past several years via this thing called a blog.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Whoops!
Y'all, today has been so completely and insanely busy. Ugh! I had to cancel the maid for tomorrow (she was supposed to come today) because, hello? We make the hours, not the other way around and I really hate getting a call two hours prior to when I expect you, telling me you'll be there the next day when we accommodated your schedule specifically to change days, and, well, I'm the boss. Oh well. We have so much Christmas stuff all over the place and still in boxes that it's practically impossible to move around the place anyway.
I'm still annoyed at the NFL network. You guys suck. Your network sucks. Your greed, well, sucks. I absolutely and flat-out refuse to go with the sucky satellite providers just to get a couple of football games.
I got a bluebird today (figuratively) but there are issues with it, so it isn't showing up in my system. I need it to show up!!!
I really wanted to post some long, meaningful post about life, love, and kittens, but instead I've been supremely busy and have had zero time to breathe. Hence the late-in-the-day post.
My face is peeling off since I started Obagi again... 1% Retin-A plus a glyclolic acid? Peeling face. I'm powering through it, though. Aren't y'all proud? At any rate, it's supremely better than injecting poison into my face, potentially atrophying the muscles, thus causing more and permanent damage to my skin.
I'm totally loving The Real Housewives of Orange County this season. Those ladies, all of those ladies, serve as a big warning of how NOT to parent. Seriously. They are horrible mothers! But I'm addicted to the show.
One day left of NaBloPoMo... Tomorrow's post, the last hurrah, should be good. I hope.
GO COWBOYS!
I'm still annoyed at the NFL network. You guys suck. Your network sucks. Your greed, well, sucks. I absolutely and flat-out refuse to go with the sucky satellite providers just to get a couple of football games.
I got a bluebird today (figuratively) but there are issues with it, so it isn't showing up in my system. I need it to show up!!!
I really wanted to post some long, meaningful post about life, love, and kittens, but instead I've been supremely busy and have had zero time to breathe. Hence the late-in-the-day post.
My face is peeling off since I started Obagi again... 1% Retin-A plus a glyclolic acid? Peeling face. I'm powering through it, though. Aren't y'all proud? At any rate, it's supremely better than injecting poison into my face, potentially atrophying the muscles, thus causing more and permanent damage to my skin.
I'm totally loving The Real Housewives of Orange County this season. Those ladies, all of those ladies, serve as a big warning of how NOT to parent. Seriously. They are horrible mothers! But I'm addicted to the show.
One day left of NaBloPoMo... Tomorrow's post, the last hurrah, should be good. I hope.
GO COWBOYS!
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Memories
My best girlfriend and college roommate and I used to get really silly together. One of our "things" was making up moves to go with some of our favorite songs. Then, when driving around town (or jumping around in our dorm room), we'd act out the dances. I still smile when I hear some of the songs as they became the soundtrack for the first time either of us had ever experienced freedom.
Here are some of my favorites from our personal soundtrack:
Dancing Queen -- ABBA
SOS -- ABBA
YMCA -- The Village People
One Through Four -- Tripping Daisy
Baby Got Back -- Sir Mix-a-lot
And then, of course...
Footloose -- Kenny Loggins
I overslept this morning, waking up about half an hour late. I hadn't gotten the coffee ready yet, so I blearily got it ready, poured the water into the well, and turned the coffee pot on. Unfortunately, I had placed the actual pot on the counter NEXT to the coffee maker and not where it belonged. You know, where it catches the brewed coffee... I caught it in time so that there was minimal damage, but still! Ugh.
Since returning from my vacation, I've been staying up late, waking too early, and have been counting down the days until I get some additional time off. In other words, I've been in a bit of a funk. Then, while flipping through the stations on my way to work, I heard the familiar intro beats and guitar strums... It built up in me slowly at first, but continued to grow and build into a massive crescendo. Then, all of a sudden, I was flailing my arms, kicking my non-driving foot, and singing at the top of my lungs.
I been working so hard
Keep punching my card
Eight hours, for what?
Oh, tell me what I got
I get this feeling
That time's just holding me down
I'll hit the ceiling
Or else I'll tear up this town
Tonight I gotta cut
(Chorus)
Loose, footloose
Kick off your Sunday shoes
Please, Louise
Pull me offa my knees
Jack, get back
C'mon before we crack
Lose your blues
Everybody cut footloose
You're playing so cool
Obeying every rule
Dig way down in your heart
You're yearning, burning for some
Somebody to tell you
That life ain't passing you by
I'm trying to tell you
It will if you don't even try
You can fly if you'd only cut
(Chorus)
Loose, footloose
Kick off your Sunday shoes
Oowhee, Marie
Shake it, shake it for me
Whoa, Milo
C'mon, c'mon let go
Lose your blues
Everybody cut footloose
FIRST - we got to turn you around
SECOND - You put your feet on the ground
THIRD - Now take a hold of your soul
FOUR - Whooooooooa, I'm turning it
Loose, FOOTLOOSE
(Chorus)
Thanks XM. I needed that this morning!
Here are some of my favorites from our personal soundtrack:
Dancing Queen -- ABBA
SOS -- ABBA
YMCA -- The Village People
One Through Four -- Tripping Daisy
Baby Got Back -- Sir Mix-a-lot
And then, of course...
Footloose -- Kenny Loggins
I overslept this morning, waking up about half an hour late. I hadn't gotten the coffee ready yet, so I blearily got it ready, poured the water into the well, and turned the coffee pot on. Unfortunately, I had placed the actual pot on the counter NEXT to the coffee maker and not where it belonged. You know, where it catches the brewed coffee... I caught it in time so that there was minimal damage, but still! Ugh.
Since returning from my vacation, I've been staying up late, waking too early, and have been counting down the days until I get some additional time off. In other words, I've been in a bit of a funk. Then, while flipping through the stations on my way to work, I heard the familiar intro beats and guitar strums... It built up in me slowly at first, but continued to grow and build into a massive crescendo. Then, all of a sudden, I was flailing my arms, kicking my non-driving foot, and singing at the top of my lungs.
I been working so hard
Keep punching my card
Eight hours, for what?
Oh, tell me what I got
I get this feeling
That time's just holding me down
I'll hit the ceiling
Or else I'll tear up this town
Tonight I gotta cut
(Chorus)
Loose, footloose
Kick off your Sunday shoes
Please, Louise
Pull me offa my knees
Jack, get back
C'mon before we crack
Lose your blues
Everybody cut footloose
You're playing so cool
Obeying every rule
Dig way down in your heart
You're yearning, burning for some
Somebody to tell you
That life ain't passing you by
I'm trying to tell you
It will if you don't even try
You can fly if you'd only cut
(Chorus)
Loose, footloose
Kick off your Sunday shoes
Oowhee, Marie
Shake it, shake it for me
Whoa, Milo
C'mon, c'mon let go
Lose your blues
Everybody cut footloose
FIRST - we got to turn you around
SECOND - You put your feet on the ground
THIRD - Now take a hold of your soul
FOUR - Whooooooooa, I'm turning it
Loose, FOOTLOOSE
(Chorus)
Thanks XM. I needed that this morning!
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
We Don't Need No Stinkin' Babysitter!
Photo from the wine dinner. NaBloPoMo is almost over. And so is November. I cannot believe how quickly this year has gone by. We have not yet put up our tree. In fact, the only decorations are the lights outside and the wreath. Dr Pop is concerned that there's less than a month until Christmas and we have no tree up! I am, too, when I come to think of it. My problem this year is with tree placement. We really have nowhere to put it as there is a roll-top desk where we placed it last year.
Today is my parent's 42nd wedding anniversary. It seems unreal to me that they've been married for so long... Not that they don't have a strong marriage, just that length of time! They are too young to have been married so long. Good for them, though. They aren't perfect, but they are proof that love can endure, change, and grow over time. They set the bar very high.
As I said yesterday, I am back at work, but really ready to not be again. I think I want to go back to being a stay at home mom again. Hmm... I really need to make that happen.
Oh, and a great big THANK YOU to the NFL and the NFL network and to Time Warner Cable (NOT) for the elitist network that only a few people in America can watch. THANK YOU for forcing me to find a babysitter for a school night. THANK YOU for really sticking it to football fans. No seriously. Thank you. Because watching a football game in a crowded bar is exactly how we enjoy watching the games. It's ideal.
So yeah. I guess I do need a stinkin' sitter.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Back to the Grind
This is probably my favorite picture of Boy Pop. He's taking a practice swing here.
Here, he's getting ready for his final at-bat of the season. He hit the ball all the way to the outfield!
All the kids got participation medals at McDonald's. I don't know which part was better for him... Getting the medal or playing on the playscape.The 17th was our last tee-ball game of the season. It was a great day and a great finish to the season. Boy Pop has really taken to the sport. Next up is probably winter soccer, but we are debating this since the games will be on cold January mornings. We might wait until spring.
I'm back at work and really wishing for a re-do of last week. We had such a lovely time during my days off and I'm not ready to be back in the land of working people. I have created a new countdown timer for the holidays. There are 28 days until Christmas Eve, people! Yikes!
As NaBloPoMo winds down, I realize that I haven't said or written nearly as much as I wanted to. That's the way it always goes, though. I didn't even list what I'm thankful for this year yet. And this whole "blessed" thing didn't work out quite the way I'd intended, either. Oh well.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Last Day
Dr Pop and I went out last night. Oh my, we really went out... I spent most of today's daylight hours battling a massive hangover. In fact, I just now feel better. What sucks is that Boy Pop came home today from spending the weekend at my Mema's house. I haven't been able to hug on him as much as I would like.
I've spent my last day of vacation in bed, lying on the couch, and now I'm washing dirty dishes and laundry that have been neglected over the past couple of days.
All in all, this Thanksgiving turned out really nice, the food was incredible, the time spent with family was not as stressful as it has been in past years, and the only complaints I have are that my football team lost to its in-state rival on Friday, I had two really bad hangovers, and I didn't quite get my list of things I wanted to get done completed.
I am so very thankful for my life and everything in it.
Now tomorrow, it's back to the grind and Christmas preparations.
I've spent my last day of vacation in bed, lying on the couch, and now I'm washing dirty dishes and laundry that have been neglected over the past couple of days.
All in all, this Thanksgiving turned out really nice, the food was incredible, the time spent with family was not as stressful as it has been in past years, and the only complaints I have are that my football team lost to its in-state rival on Friday, I had two really bad hangovers, and I didn't quite get my list of things I wanted to get done completed.
I am so very thankful for my life and everything in it.
Now tomorrow, it's back to the grind and Christmas preparations.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
I Tried
I really, really tried to spend money today. Dr Pop and I ventured out this morning, err afternoon for breakfast and shopping and all we managed to get was an anniversary card for my parents.
Then I went out alone. I had a couple of returns to make and, as always, I was on the hunt for some cute tops. I ended up with two rings and a candle for my mother. Oh, and a white t-shirt to replace the one Boy Pop ruined when we had a light saber fight.
It was cold, rainy, and crowded. I really wanted some new clothes on sale. And Optimus Prime. Oh well. I have money in my wallet and store credit. I suppose that's better.
I have one last day of vacation left. Tomorrow will be cold and rainy as well. Probably crowded, too. I'm debating a trip to the outlet mall or even the real mall for a couple of hours tomorrow afternoon...
Then I went out alone. I had a couple of returns to make and, as always, I was on the hunt for some cute tops. I ended up with two rings and a candle for my mother. Oh, and a white t-shirt to replace the one Boy Pop ruined when we had a light saber fight.
It was cold, rainy, and crowded. I really wanted some new clothes on sale. And Optimus Prime. Oh well. I have money in my wallet and store credit. I suppose that's better.
I have one last day of vacation left. Tomorrow will be cold and rainy as well. Probably crowded, too. I'm debating a trip to the outlet mall or even the real mall for a couple of hours tomorrow afternoon...
Thursday, November 22, 2007
In a Food Coma
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
I hope your families didn't drive you nuts and your turkey was moist.
Now get ready to hit the sales tomorrow!!!
I hope your families didn't drive you nuts and your turkey was moist.
Now get ready to hit the sales tomorrow!!!
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Haphazard? Yes.
Getting done anyway? Yes.
I'm making headway in all my grandiose plans for this glorious time off of work...
Here's a progress report:
We have done a lot of the Christmas shopping. Just a few items to order online and/or pick up here and there. Some gift cards are left as well.
I've cleaned out three cabinets in my kitchen and reorganized my pantry.
I've cleaned out my linen closet and all my old makeup and cosmetics.
I mailed a gift to Sue (Hi Sue!).
In a couple of inspired and random fits of energy, I pulled out clothes and shoes of mine that have been stuffed in random closets for over four years, and put them in big bags to take to Goodwill.
Also, I've taken some of Boy Pop's old toys, eating utensils, sippy cups, bottles, clothes, shoes, bedding, and one of our humidifiers and also bagged it all up for Goodwill.
We've donated all of Boy Pop's old jackets and coats to "Coats for Kids."
I, like a possessed woman, started to clear some room in our guest closet for my parents tomorrow and managed to organize all the gift bags and bag up a huge bag of garbage (too late for today's pickup, unfortunately).
I found a stash of old purses, toys, etc. in the office closet and also bagged them up for Goodwill.
Dr Pop and I made a stop to Goodwill this morning and I just got back from another run.
I'm nowhere near finished in the clearing of all my clutter, but a lot of stuff is gone and it feels wonderful! I'm going to enlist my mother tomorrow afternoon in helping me with the rest of my clothes and Boy Pop's clothes. She's a really good sounding board for all of that. Plus there are sure to be some things she'll want.
Yesterday, Dr Pop and I put the lights on our house (see yesterday's post). Today we hope to get the fence line done.
All that's left to do for Thanksgiving prep is to buy the rib roast, assemble the casseroles, and bake my chocolate harvest cake.
Oh yeah, I have some dusting, vacuuming, and laundry to do, too.
I think I'm driving Dr Pop bonkers because he thinks I should be relaxing and I cannot seem to sit still. Thankfully, he's playing golf right now. I have so much more to do! Scratch that. I have so much more that I WANT to do. That's what frustrates me. I so rarely have days that I can just dig in and clean out stuff. I want to take advantage of it while I can while still relaxing and enjoying this time and being lazy, too.
ARGH! I hate all this junk that's everywhere!!! Sometimes the blessing of having enough becomes the burden of abundance. I'm just glad that I can do some good with it. I thought about saving it all up for a garage sale in the spring, but I think this is better. It feels so good to give.
I'm making headway in all my grandiose plans for this glorious time off of work...
Here's a progress report:
We have done a lot of the Christmas shopping. Just a few items to order online and/or pick up here and there. Some gift cards are left as well.
I've cleaned out three cabinets in my kitchen and reorganized my pantry.
I've cleaned out my linen closet and all my old makeup and cosmetics.
I mailed a gift to Sue (Hi Sue!).
In a couple of inspired and random fits of energy, I pulled out clothes and shoes of mine that have been stuffed in random closets for over four years, and put them in big bags to take to Goodwill.
Also, I've taken some of Boy Pop's old toys, eating utensils, sippy cups, bottles, clothes, shoes, bedding, and one of our humidifiers and also bagged it all up for Goodwill.
We've donated all of Boy Pop's old jackets and coats to "Coats for Kids."
I, like a possessed woman, started to clear some room in our guest closet for my parents tomorrow and managed to organize all the gift bags and bag up a huge bag of garbage (too late for today's pickup, unfortunately).
I found a stash of old purses, toys, etc. in the office closet and also bagged them up for Goodwill.
Dr Pop and I made a stop to Goodwill this morning and I just got back from another run.
I'm nowhere near finished in the clearing of all my clutter, but a lot of stuff is gone and it feels wonderful! I'm going to enlist my mother tomorrow afternoon in helping me with the rest of my clothes and Boy Pop's clothes. She's a really good sounding board for all of that. Plus there are sure to be some things she'll want.
Yesterday, Dr Pop and I put the lights on our house (see yesterday's post). Today we hope to get the fence line done.
All that's left to do for Thanksgiving prep is to buy the rib roast, assemble the casseroles, and bake my chocolate harvest cake.
Oh yeah, I have some dusting, vacuuming, and laundry to do, too.
I think I'm driving Dr Pop bonkers because he thinks I should be relaxing and I cannot seem to sit still. Thankfully, he's playing golf right now. I have so much more to do! Scratch that. I have so much more that I WANT to do. That's what frustrates me. I so rarely have days that I can just dig in and clean out stuff. I want to take advantage of it while I can while still relaxing and enjoying this time and being lazy, too.
ARGH! I hate all this junk that's everywhere!!! Sometimes the blessing of having enough becomes the burden of abundance. I'm just glad that I can do some good with it. I thought about saving it all up for a garage sale in the spring, but I think this is better. It feels so good to give.
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