attitude of gratitude

Today I am grateful for.....

My beautiful children, so full of love and life.

My dedicated husband who always takes such amazing care of me.

Our happy home that we are building daily with loving care.

My cherished friends who shower me daily with love and provide a source of constant laughter and smiles.


I am truly a blessed woman, every day.

2007 round up

In January I wrote a post with the questions below about 2006. I did the survey again without rereading last year's answers. Should be interesting!

What books and/or magazines did I read this year?
I'll tell you what I DIDN'T read.... The 7th Harry Potter. This drives people nuts. I reread the series, but haven't yet read the last book. It is a minor miracle it hasn't been spoiled for me yet. I'l try to get to it, but who knows when that will happen with the way my upcoming schedule looks. I know, I know - I'm a freak. But I don't finish things. It says so right in my profile!

What movies and/or tv shows did I watch this year?
Let's see - On tv I like Gray's, Heroes, House, Desperate Housewives, and Brothers and Sisters. New shows I like are Private Practice, which makes me cry more than it should, and Gossip Girl. Love LOVE Gossip Girl. I netflixed the first season of Weeds and enjoyed that. And of course, as always, all things reality tv. I haven't been to the movies much, but I did see Superbad which was rude, crass, and immature - but I loved it anyway. Laughed hysterically!

What special days did I celebrate and how?
I went to the Cape for my anniversary. It was a great trip. We went to the Cape when we were first together ten years ago, so it was pretty special for us.

What gifts did I give and/or receive?
I would have to say this was a fairly big gift giving year for me. I haven't talked about it here before, but I was a gestational surrogate for my best friends this year. I had the baby over Labor Day weekend. I can confidently say that this was the biggest gift I've ever given anyone. And it was completely my pleasure to do so.

What illnesses or health concerns did I have?
I was extremely sick during the first trimester. It was awful. DD1 had the worst flu of her life this year. Other than those, nothing really stands out.

What fun things did I do with my friends and/or family?
I went to the Bronx Zoo with my family, and we had a great time, very fun. Anything I do with Steven or Bridget is fun, and usually leaves me laughing until my sides hurt.

What new foods, recipes or restaurants did I try this year?
I went to Shady Glen for the first time. People who grew up here can't believe it. Apparently it is a tradition. Who knew?

What special or unusual purchases did I make?
I bought my first house!! I am very proud of it. It took some time, but now that we are shaping it and making it our own I am loving it even more.

What were this year's disappointments?
I didn't take very many pictures. Compared to past years photos, it is almost like this year didn't even happen.

What were my accomplishments this year?
This is always a hard question for me. I don't tend see my own accomplishments as others do. Large scale I will have to go with the house and the surrogacy. Professionally, I was dumped into a huge project that nobody knew how to handle. I had to completely recreate a job description and procedures along with training and documentation. I think I did a great job with what I was given. Personally, I have started speaking up about what I want more, and not caving in. People who know me may think this is ridiculous because I tend to be outspoken and brusque. This is often misconstrued as getting my way. I realized that it really just means that I complain loudly when I DON'T get what I want. I have stuck up for myself more than ever lately, and although difficult, it is necessary and will hopefully be rewarding.

Anything else noteworthy to record?
This has been a pretty crazy year. There has been lots of huge events going on all at once. With all the good and the bad, I know that my strength has grown. I can't wait to see what the next year brings!

a partridge in a big pear tree

now bring us some piggy pudding

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper. I love when things are all wrapped up pretty and perfect with ribbons and bows. I can't wrap that way, but I like it.

2. Real tree or Artificial? Real. It is a tradition for us to go to our local tree farm and cut our own. It is one of my favorite Christmas moments!

3. When do you put up the tree? Sometime between "when we get a chance" and "when the weather allows." This year we lucked out and were free last weekend. We got the tree in before the frost and snow hit the area. Let me tell you, there is nothing like having to wait for your tree to thaw before you can decorate it!

4. When do you take the tree down? As soon as it is dropping more needles than it is holding. We got it early this year, so I don't expect it to be up much after Christmas.

5. Do you like egg nog? With a nice shot of rum, buttershots, or both thankyouverymuch. (Which may explain my bad gift wrapping?)

6. Favorite gift received as a child? I don't remember being particularly excited about any certain gift, but I don't remember being disappointed by one either. My goodness - have I blocked out my childhood???

7. Do you have a nativity scene? I do. I haven't put it out yet. This weekend I'll get to it. Funny story though - when DD1 was about three or so, DH was taking out the nativity piece by piece and telling her the Christmas story. When he pulled out Joseph, his head came off! It was the most traumatic telling of the Christmas story I've ever heard! ("Um, honey? I don't quite remember the part about Joseph being beheaded, do you???") So, now we have a new set.

8. Hardest person to buy for? Any of my in-laws. I'll just say they are picky, and leave it at that. (insert eye-rolling smiley here)

9. Easiest person to buy for? My niece. I always have to cut myself off and/or return some things because I go way too overboard. Now I've added a nephew to that list. I'm in trouble.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail. I have been making them the past several years, but I am completely stumped this year because I didn't take many photos. Can you even imagine?

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Nothing comes to mind. I am usually not very picky.

12 . Favorite Christmas movie? It's a Wonderful Life. Isn't it though? :)

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I shop all year round. I have a bin that I keep gifts in. It is always funny to open the box around now and see the treasures I have stashed away.

14 . Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Not that I recall.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Cookies. I have been dreaming of sugar cookies, and mom passed the secret family recipe to me. I have never tasted another sugar cookie recipe that is as good.

16 . Clear lights or colored on the tree? We've been doing white lights for years, but I don't think I really care one way or the other these days.

17. Favorite Christmas song? Oh Holy Night.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? I like to stay home if I can help it. Come visit if you like, but I prefer to lounge around at home if I can help it.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers? Sure!

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? This year it is a star. But we have an angel too. Depends on my mood at the time.

21 . Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas morning. If you open them all on Christmas Eve, what do you do all day on Christmas?

22 . Most annoying thing about this time of year? I love everything about it. I am a Christmas dork.

23. Favorite Christmas ornament? I'm going to have to go with the "Piggy Pudding." (Yes, I know it's figgy pudding, but for some reason that's just what we call it.) It is figgy pudding on a plate and you can put a light inside it so that it lights up. It cracks us up every year and always inspires singing.

24. Favorite thing for Christmas dinner? Anything NOT ham. Roast, turkey, sandwiches, I don't really care. There's going to be chocolate and cookies, right? That's all that matters.

new and improved! now with yummy photo goodness!

Let me tell you about my new baby.......


I love her. I really do. But I'm not gonna lie. I'm a bit intimidated. Alright, she scares me to death. I am in way over my head. You see, I am going from a cheapo, dinosaur era, sometimes works/ sometimes doesn't, film camera that wasn't even close to being in the same league. They weren't even playing the same sport!

I am working on learning more about how to handle and finesse this new little gadget, and hopefully will be able to improve my techniques a bit more every day.

In the meantime, while I am experimenting, enjoy some quick pics of my little lovies.....

looks like we made it

What rock have I been living under?

Exactly how did I miss THIS?






She was oh so serious before she became G-L-A-M-O-R-OU-S.






But now she's D-to the E-to the L-I-C-I-O-U-S.






You might even say she's T-to the A-to the STEY, girl, she's TASTY!

nonfat psa

There is no such thing as a nonfat eggnog latte.

And I don't care.

Have you had your first red cup of the season yet?

stylin' flashback

This has been going around email, and when I read it I just about peed my pants. At the risk that there may be some of you out there who haven't seen this yet, I am going to repost it here. It is just too funny not to share.

=====================================

Last weekend I put an exhaust fan in the ceiling for my wife's grandfather. While my wife's brother and I were fitting the fan in between the joists, we found something under the insulation. What we found was this:



A JC Penney catalog from 1977. It's not often blog fodder just falls in my lap, but holy hell this was two solid inches of it, right there for the taking. I thumbed through it quickly and found my next dining room set, which is apparently made by adding upholstery to old barrels:



Also, I am totally getting this for my bathroom:



There's plenty more home furnishings where those came from, however I'm not going to bore you with that. Instead, I'm going to bore you with something else. The clothes. The clothes are fantastic.


Here's how to get your ass kicked in elementary school:

Just look at that belt. It's like a boob-job for your pants. He probably needed help just to lift it into place. The belt loops have to be three inches long. And way to pull them up to your armpits, grandpa.


Here's how to get your ass kicked in high school:

This kid looks like he's pretending to be David Soul, who is pretending to be a cop who is pretending to be a pimp that everyone knows is really an undercover cop. Who is pretending to be 15.


Here's how to get your ass kicked on the golf course:

This "all purpose jumpsuit" is, according to the description, equally appropriate for playing golf or simply relaxing around the house. Personally, I can't see wearing this unless you happen to be relaxing around your cell in D-block. Even then, the only reason you should put this thing on is because the warden made you, and as a one-piece, it's slightly more effective as a deterrent against ass-rapery.


Here's how to get your ass kicked pretty much anywhere:

If you look at that picture quickly, it looks like Mr. Bob "No-pants" Saget has his hand in the other guy's pocket. In this case, he doesn't, although you can tell just by looking at them that it's happened - or if it hasn't happened it will. Oh yes. It will. As soon as he puts down his matching coffee cup.


Here's how to get your ass kicked at the beach:

He looks like he's reaching for a gun, but you know it's probably just a bottle of suntan lotion in a holster.


How to get your ass kicked in a meeting:

If you wear this suit and don't sell used cars for a living, I believe you can be fined and face serious repercussions, up to and including termination. Or imprisonment, in which case you'd be forced to wear that orange jumpsuit.


How to get your ass kicked on every day up to and including St. Patrick's Day

Dear God in heaven, I don't believe that color exists in nature. There is NO excuse for wearing either of these ensembles unless you're working as a body guard for the Lucky Charms leprechaun.


In this next one, Your Search For VALUE Ends at Penneys.

As does your search for chest hair.


And this -- Seriously. No words.

Oh wait, it turns out that there are words after all. Those words are What. The. H***. I'm guessing the snap front gives you quick access to the chest hair. The little tie must be the pull tab.

Also, judging by the sheer amount of matching his/hers outfits, I'm guessing that in 1977 it was considered pretty stylish for couples to dress alike. These couples look happy, don't they?





I am especially fond of this one, which I have entitled "Cowboy Chachi Loves You Best."




And nothing showcases your everlasting love more than the commitment of matching bathing suits. That, and a blonde girl with a look on her face that says "I love the way your junk fights against that fabric."




Then, after the lovin', you can relax in your one-piece matching terry cloth jumpsuits:




I could go on, but I'm tired, and my eyes hurt from this trip back in time. I think it's the colors.

That said, I will leave you with these tasteful little numbers:


Man, that's sexy.

seven deadly sins

Seven Deadly Sins Survey

Wrath
Who did you last get angry with? Some stupid customer.
What is your weapon of choice? My sharp tongue. Words are my best weapon.
Would you hit a member of the opposite sex? If they have it coming, I guess. But I think it would take an extreme circumstance.
How about the same sex? There are a few of them I have to hold myself back from slapping on a daily basis.

Who was the last person who got really angry at you? Hard to say. I think people spend more time being angry than they should. It's not worth it.

What is your pet peeve? lying, excuses
Do you keep grudges, or can you let them go easily? I can forgive, but I rarely forget.

Sloth
What is one thing you're suppose to do daily that you haven't? balance my checkbook
What is the latest you've ever woken up? I would sleep all day if I could. Too bad I have responsibilities that prevent this kind of behavior.

Name a person you've been meaning to contact, but haven't? Oh gosh - the list is long.

What is the last lame excuse that you made? "It's not my fault people are stupid."

Have you ever watched an infomercial all the way through? I am sadly drawn to these things at 2 in the morning, but I think I fall asleep before watching one all the way to the end.

How many times did you hit the snooze button on your alarm clock this morning? I think two. Ok, maybe three.

Gluttony
What is your overpriced yuppie beverage of choice? Venti, No Whip, Non-fat, 5-Pump, Toffee Nut Latte
Are you a meat eater? I love me a nice steak.
What is the greatest amount of alcohol you've had in one sitting/outing/event? I've only ever had two blackouts in my life. I couldn't tell you what I drank either time, but I do know that both involved many shots and too much mixing. And the Hitchcock's. I blame them! (ha ha!)
Are you comfortable with your drinking and eating habits? I love both. What's wrong with that? (Oh yeah - my waistline.)

Do you enjoy candy and sweets? I'm not a big candy person, but I love sweets.

Which do you prefer: sweets, salty foods or spicy foods? mostly sweets, but I love my spice too.
Have you ever looked at a small house pet or child and thought, "lunch!"? Wow. Eww.

Greed
How many credit cards do you own? Just one that I pay in full each month. I learned the hard way.
If you had a million dollars, what would you do with it? Buy a bigger house in town, new cars, a summer home on the Cape, college funds for the kids, and invest the rest.
Would you rather be rich or famous? Rich. Fame actually scares me a little.

Would you accept a boring job if it meant that you would make megabucks? Sure I would. I have a boring job now, and it pays peanuts.

Pride
What's one thing that you have done that you're most proud of? I am never proud of myself. It is one of my flaws.
What is one thing that you have done that your parents are most proud of? Probably that I turned my financial situation around and got a house. I had to get laser intense to do it, and I think it showed.
What thing would you like to accomplish late in your life? To become financially independent and travel the world.
Do you get annoyed by coming in second place? Yes, I do. Second place means you just missed out on winning, which sucks.
Have you ever entered a contest of skill, knowing you were of much higher skill than all the other competitors? I take sick pleasure in beating punky teenage boys at Whac-A-Mole.
Have you ever cheated to get a better score? Oh my - we had quite a system going in Ms. Shugrue's freshman Latin class. But that's all I'm going to say about that.
What did you do today that you're proud of? I sent my kids out into the world with words of love. It is important to start your day feeling good about things.

Lust
How many people have you seen naked (not counting movies, family, strippers, locker rooms)? I really don't know? I've thought about it and can't come up with a number.
How many people have seen you naked (not counting physicians, doctors, family, locker rooms, or when you were a young child)? Probably not many. I'm not much of an exhibitionist.
Have you ever caught yourself staring at the chest/crotch of a person of your chosen sex during a normal conversation? Well that would be pretty blatant, now wouldn't it? But I for sure have had many a person look me straight in the chest while talking to me!

What is your favorite body part of a person of your gender choice? I love eyes, full lips, and hands.

Have you ever had sexual encounters (including kissing/making out) with multiple persons?at the same time? Does Truth or Dare count?
Have you ever been propositioned by a prostitute? I guess I just don't hang out in the same circles as prostitutes these days.

Envy
What item of your friends would you most want to have for your own? I love Jenn's ring. She gets a lot of things in little blue boxes.
Who would you want to go on "Trading Spaces" with? Steven and Dean. For so many reasons.
If you could be anyone who existed in the world, who would you be? I don't know. Someone who is living the life they've always dreamed of I guess.
Have you ever been cheated on? Apparently you can't be friends with me until you've kissed my boyfriend. I'm glad those days are over. What a dirtbag he was!
Have you ever wished you had a physical feature different from your own? I wish I was many sizes smaller all over - waistline, bra size, shoe size, the works!
What inborn trait do you see in others that you wish you had for yourself? Natural creativity - musical talent, singing ability, artistic, etc.

what is normal?

Wahoo! Life has sure settled down and things are back to normal. Whatever that means. It feels so good to back in the old groove. I have some truly great people around me too. I really do. Now I am ready to blow off some steam. Good thing too because I have some good times coming my way. I can't wait!!

cat whisperer

Why is it that house pets always seem to stick closest to the person that cares the least about them?

It has become quite obvious lately that the cats of the house have taken to following me around. Now Tigger, the cat we have had for years, has always been "my cat." By this I mean that he only listens to me, only comes out when I am around, and is never less than five feet from me at all times. If I am not home he goes into deep hiding. However, he pops out again as soon as I enter the house. In our house, to the feline population, I am clearly the Alpha Male.

If you remember back to last year, we clearly had it out for Tigger enough to bring him home a cuddly new enemy. Since moving into our new house, they have worked out the territory situation enough to become quasi-friends. Now don't get me wrong, you'll never see them entwined together taking a nap. But they will tolerate each other's presence in the same room, and can even be found eating out of the same dish at the same time once in awhile.

Unfortunately for me, this newfound friendship means that I now have TWO shadows following me around the house. They are always there. ALWAYS! I have sadly become neutral territory where they are both free to visit. We have a den where they are not allowed to be, so if I am in there they sit in the hallway outside the room. I woke up the other morning and they were both sitting on the bed staring at me. It was creepy.

The thing is, I don't often pay them much mind. I rarely pet them or play with them. They usually get on my nerves. I can't stand the shedding. I don't like them sleeping in my chair. But there they are. ALL THE TIME. The rest of the family would gladly give them all the attention they desire, but they don't care. They would rather tail me all day long. No wonder my family has taken to calling me "The Cat Whisperer."

floating beneath the surface

Have you ever lost your way? Forgotten who you are?

I have been so blocked and unable to put my thoughts into words. Sometimes putting things down makes them too permanent for me, and I have always been scared of that. Once it's out there you have to face it and own it and deal with it. I guess that is probably what I need to do, I just don't always want to do it.

This weekend I am missing a scrapbook weekend and I am truly sad to not have gone. There are some crazy, amazing people there! I can only imagine that the fun and laughter I would have had would have done me a world of good right now. For some reason I was just not able to make it happen this time. I will definitely be committing myself to the spring weekend.

I think I am ready to get out there and have some fun now. Please, for the love of sanity, come and drag me out. I am sure that will be the only way.

you know you're having a crappy day when.....

You KNOW You're Having a Crappy Day When.....


Stepping in cat puke is not even remotely the worst thing that happened to you all day.


'Nuff said.

just two things

JUST TWO THINGS

Two names you go by:

1. Tosin
2. Miriam

Two things you are wearing right now:

1. pink shirt
2. sparkly flip flops

Two things you would want (or have) in a relationship:

1. comfort
2. laughter

Two things you like to do:

1. scrapbook
2. learn

Two things you want very badly at the moment:

1. lunch
2. a transfer at work

Two things you did last night:

1. cooked up a storm
2. watched Big Brother

Two things you ate today:

I haven't eaten yet, so.....
1. milk
2. water

Two people you last talked to:

1. Molly
2. Les

Two things you're doing tomorrow:

1. going to work
2. ballet class

Two longest car rides:

1. Oklahoma to Massachusetts
2. Connecticut to Cincinnati and back

Two favorite holidays:

1. Christmas
2. Halloween

Two favorite beverages:

1. water
2. wine

Two things about me that you may not have known:

1. I always mean well, but it doesn't always translate.
2. I hate socks.

Two jobs I have had in my life:

1. Customer Service
2. Mom

Two Movies I would watch over and over:

1. Coming to America
2. Princess Bride

Places I have lived:

1. Here
2. There

Two of my favorite foods:

1. rice
2. steak

tales of the bobblehead

When you are a smart@ss, it seems inevitable that you are going to raise smart@ss kids.

Throughout football season, Burger King was giving out bobble head dolls of the Burger King in various football poses. My lovely children, much to my dismay, had acquired several of these creepy King replicas. They, of course, thought the commercials with this over the top peeping Tom to be oh so hilarious. I personally don't like the King. I just don't understand why this guy is breaking into people's homes to bring them breakfast sandwiches. It's just not normal.

I guess I shouldn't have been surprised when I woke up one morning with one of those little bobbling King dolls resting peacefully on my pillow, staring me straight in the face. After I stop screaming I hear giggling from outside the door. Followed by the question, "What's the matter Mama? Did you "Wake up with the King?"

Ah well. At least they have a good sense of humor.

faux hawks and crying girls

So, just when I thought it would NEVER be safe to go back in the pool.....




I was starting to worry there for a second that the producers were just going to sit by and let it happen. I mean, come on! I think we all know that judges and votes are arbitrary on these types of shows. The whole thing is just meant to be entertainment, and of course to sell Coke and Cingular phones, isn't it?

The sad part is, I had actually developed such a complacent attitude about the whole thing that I was starting not to care who went home anymore. I mean, what difference did it really make? I was actually laughing at the idea that Lakisha was going to go home this week. And then there she was in the bottom two. I mean, seriously. This whole season has been such a joke.

And I think that's the problem. It's all fun and games and cutesy at first. It gets people talking. Every year I wait for the fluke, overrated, under-talented kid to go home. Every year. (John Stevens, anyone?) But this year was starting to make no sense. Short shorts, and pretty faces, and big eyes, and faux hawks were winning out over talent. We all know that this show is about a lot more than just singing ability, but I truly think that their reputation and integrity were starting to come into question more and more each week.

So I was not too surprised to hear the announcement at the end of the show that he was finally going home. (And no, I doubt that votes were likely the only deciding factor.) Who cares? Ding, dong... the freak is dead. And then he cried like a little girl (you know... like the one from the audience when he sang "You Really Got Me.")




What can I say? I may secretly miss him a little. I had already written this season off with all its wackiness anyways. And besides, the kid's got guts. After all, not just anyone can pull of all of this.....

notes from under the bus

I have been blessed in my life to meet some wonderful people.
I was fortunate enough to spend this past weekend with some of those beautiful spirits.

So here's to them.

To those of you who made me laugh, laughed with me, or even put up with my laugh - I thank you.
You were just what I needed when I needed it.

You are all talented, kind, funny, AMAZING.
I love you all.

Thank you.

~*Anon-Amy*~

counting down

10 FAVORITES
Color: blue or green
Food: rice or Tex Mex
Month: July
Song: I never really had just one
Movie: Sound of Music
Sport: basketball and football
Season: fall
Day of the Week: Saturday
Ice Cream Flavor: butter crunch
Time of Day: nighttime

9 CURRENTS
Mood: melencholy
Clothes: comfortable
Taste: mellow
Desktop: computer? beautiful children actual? it was messy, but I cleaned it today
Toenail Color: natural
Time: dark-thirty
Surroundings: calm and quiet
Thoughts: slightly dreary
Wonderings: Does anyone even care?

8 FIRSTS
Best Friend: Ian
Kiss: silly and childish
Screen Name: ???
Pet: Daisy
Piercing: ears when I was a baby
Crush: probably Matt
Computer: an old school Apple IIe
Home Location: home is where the heart is

7 LASTS
Cigarette: with Molly, who is great company
Drink: New Year’s – and I’m sure it involved rum
Kiss: yummy!
Movie seen at the theater: Pursuit of Happyness
Phone Call: Jodi
CD played: BNL
Gift received: a valentine

6 HAVE YOU EVERS
Dated One Of Your Best Friends: He still is.
Broken the Law: No comment.
Been Arrested: No - I'm too slick to get caught, ha ha!
Been Skinny Dipping: Yes
Been on TV: Yes
Kissed Someone You Didn't Know: Yes

5 THINGS
You've Eaten Today: cereal, a pb&j sandwich, yummy burritos, that's it
You've Done Today: organized, gossiped, made a sandwich, studied, blogged
You Can Hear Right Now: radio in the distance, whir of the computer, nighttime quiet
You Can't Live Without: sleep, laughing, water , lotion, and internet
You Do When You're Bored: sleep, read, write, fidget, doodle

4 PLACES YOU'VE BEEN TODAY
I am supposed to go four places today? Karen’s, work, home. That’s it for me today.

3 PEOPLE YOU CAN TELL ANYTHING TO
DH, Mom, God

2 CHOICES
1. Black or White: I don’t think I should have to choose.
2. Hot or Cold: Neither

1 THING YOU WANNA DO BEFORE YOU DIE
Live a life I am proud of.

scattered

Today was a very challenging day. I have been given quite a bit of responsibility with very few resources to accomplish these goals. I guess I will have to do my best.

I am just so tired.

I am also really disappointed. Some people make commitments and can't keep them.

Sometimes the best way to help someone is not to OFFER to do something, but to DO something.

Alas, tomorrow is another day.

new song

I updated the song ================>

For those of you who DIDN'T get the joke.
(Shame on you!)

*grin*

luka

How to spot your fellow 90's dorks......

Make a joke about Luka.
(You know, she lives on the second floor.)

If they get the joke, you've found one!

BWAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!

paint and repaint

So we are in the throes of painting.
Heaven help us all.

Four rooms were painted.
I hated two of them.

Made DH repaint one.
The other is too big and too much of a project to get repainted this week.
But it is driving me nuts!

We are having new carpet installed on Thursday, so we thought it would be a good idea to paint those rooms before we move and before we have new carpet to contend with. But this concept has just made me panicky and crazy. I should have just left well enough alone.

Besides, we have bigger fish to fry right now. Like 103 degree fevers all around. The nurse let me know today that yes, that "fever thing" is going around. I told her, "Really? Well can we move that to next week, cause that "fever thing" is just not really convenient right now."
But they can't help it, so we got out the blankies, and vaporizors, and tylenol, and juice. Poor bubbies.

As for the kitties, they are not impressed with the disruption going on. Our Old Timer has seen this before and keeps giving me That Look every time a box is taped. He knows what is coming, and he doesn't like it. Little does he know that he will be getting deluxe accomodations this time around.

The weather keeps dipping, which works against us. There seems to be no end in sight. I hope our moving team loves us as much as they say they do, because we seem to be asking a lot considering. We'll see how many come up with some urgent last minute plans to be somewhere else (warm).

So there you have it. Week one of homeownership. And I don't even live there yet.
Can't wait to see what the next week brings.
*sigh*

roots

Tomorrow, God willin' and the creek don't rise, DH and I will become bona fide homeowners.

I thought this day would never come.

All of the sacrifices we have made over the past two years (and before!) have been leading up to this moment. It is a bit surreal actually. I'm not sure that I will believe it until the keys are in my hot little hands. Maybe not even then.

I am so excited and happy and proud. I feel like this is where my family belongs. I feel like we can plant our memories and watch them grow roots. I can finally allow myself to feel s e t t l e d.

It has been no easy feat.
But it will all be worth it.

dear old navy

Dear Old Navy,

I appreciate a good sale as much as the next guy. Really, I do. And to be truthful, my favorite time of year to shop is in January and June when the seasons change and the big "Semi-Annual" sales are going on all over the place. I soak it up, I plan ahead, and I take full advantage. I love a deal!

But enough's enough, Old Navy. I just can't take this clearance sale anymore. I'm getting boots for $7. Tees and tanks for $1.50. Sweaters for $3. Down winter coats for $7. I am finding stuff for the whole family!

It's enough already! Why is your inventory not running out? Why do you have so many stores all over? When is this sale going to end???

My credit card is tired, Old Navy, it really is. I can't do this anymore.
We are through.

Signed,
Desperately Shopping.

good fortune

Sometimes in life you are given the rare opportunity to give something back. To throw all of the good fortune you have received back into the universe.
I thank God for giving me that opportunity.

madness

OMG, I am TOTALLY overwhelmed.

I have so much going on right now!!!
I am swimming in a sea of neglected to-do lists.

HELP ME!!!!!!

But mostly, this is all good stuff and worth the madness.
Right???

sway

Today's Little Happiness.......

One of "our songs" came on the radio, so DH and I decided to drop what we were doing and dance.
Silly, slow, high school sway kind of dancing.

DD thought we were goofy and started laughing.

Then she cut in.
But I wouldn't let her.
We all had to dance together.
Like we did when she was little.

Laughing, twirling, swaying.

I love the magic little moments that life brings.

2006 round-up

What books and/or magazines did I read this year?
I've been reading more of US Weekly than what is necessary.
I read The Lovely Bones, which made me wish I was in a book club just so I could discuss it with somebody. Instead, I made Mom read it and discussed with her.

What movies and/or tv shows did I watch this year?
Of course, I kept up with an unhealthy amount of reality tv. I got into The Office. Discovered and LOVE Heroes so much that it may fill the void that Alias left. Got Tivo, which has added a whole slew of new crap options for me to peruse.
I just recently saw "The Pursuit of Happyness" with lots of people who make ME happy. (Even if one of them has a foul mouth - you know who you are...) "Little Miss Sunshine" made me laugh so hard my sides hurt. It's on DVD now, check it out.

What special days did I celebrate and how?
Me and a good chunk of my friends celebrated milestone birthdays - mostly by pretending we were much younger than we really are (and were usually reminded of this fact the next day - ouch!).
I had a much needed, relaxing, romantic, FUN weekend getaway with my sweet DH for our anniversary.
Actually, we had a lot of special days to celebrate this year.... I won't list them all out here.

What gifts did I give and/or receive?
I was given the gift of love and friendship, and am trying to give the same in return.
As for material things, I got a beautiful pair of diamond stud earrings for Christmas. And I hear Santa brought my niece a Nintendo DS and a Nintendo Wii for my kids, but I'm sure I know nothing about that. *wink*

What illnesses or health concerns did I have?
Most of the concerns I had this year were regarding the health of others.
As for my own, any concerns that I had were unfounded. Nothing like being all worked up over nothing.

What fun things did I do with my friends and/or family?
So many things. The one that sticks out the most is our amazing camping trip this summer. We have a big, dynamic, crazy group that seems to come together for the kind of fun that money can't buy.
My Christmas trip home this year was one that can't be adequately described with words. Memorable for so many reasons.

What new foods, recipes or restaurants did I try this year?
I had a bit of an addiction to Moe's Southwest Grill there for awhile.
(Ok, I still do.)

What special or unusual purchases did I make?
Did I ever tell you about the time that Santa camped outside of a Target in the dead of winter for a stupid video game console? Totally worth it, but never again.

What were this year's disappointments?
There were some major tragedies, but as for disappointments I would have to say that seeing the true nature of others turned out to be a disappointment in many cases. I was also disappointed at the direction that I thought life was going, but was pleasantly surprised to have things turn out differently than I was expecting. Stay the course.

What were my accomplishments this year?
I made better decisions.
I tried to be a better friend, wife, mother, sister, and daughter.
I tried to make a more positive contribution.
I tried to be happier and chose not to let others steal my joy.

Anything else noteworthy to record?
2006 was an extremely challenging year for so many around me. I am fortunate and blessed to have so many blessings showered down upon me, and I hope that things can start turning around for those who were not as fortunate this year. I was given a clean slate and tried to take every bit of advantage of that. My entire life has come together as a result, and I couldn't be happier.

Happy 2007 to you all. May all your dreams be fulfilled in the new year.

the night owl vs. the early bird

Can a leopard change its spots?

I am and have always been a complete night owl. The later the better, I say.

Back in my day at around 10pm I would just be getting out of the shower and getting all dolled up for a late night out. My friends and I would hang out all night, grab breakfast at 2am when bars closed, drive around and cause trouble for a bit, watch the sun come up, and head home in time to grab the morning's paper off the driveway on our way in the door.
Ahhhh.... the "good ol' days."

These days I enjoy the calm, quiet time I have alone at night. It is peaceful and still and I love it. This is when I can take the time to breathe, take in the day, and enjoy my thoughts. Nobody needs anything from me then, and I can spend my time as my own. This is when I can stop and "listen" to the quiet around me. Pure bliss.

The thing is, now that I have conformed more to a traditional schedule I am feeling that it would be more beneficial to my life to forsake my late night tendencies for an earlier start to my day. Days when I manage to drag my sorry bones out of bed sooner than normal are the days that I am most productive. These are the days with less rush, less chaos.

I need to stop feeling two steps behind myself, and I think that a few extra minutes in my morning would really help.

I just don't understand it though. I mean, who are these people sipping on coffee, reading the paper, and taking in the Today Show, all while putting the kids on the bus, and still mange to make it into work ten minutes early?
How do they do it?

If you have some suggestions please let me know, because I think it is time for this night owl to become an early bird.
Heaven help me.

blessed

I am so blessed.

I have had one good thing after another after another happen to me over the past month. It's been absolute mania. My coworkers keep trying to rub me for luck and are trying to coerce me into a trip to the casino.
It has truly been an outrageous month.

I love feeling the relief of having all the pieces fall into place.
Walking on air.
Flitting and floating along.

This is the part I like to call "happyness."