My sister tagged me to list 10 things that make me happy so here it goes...
1. Having the day off on a rainy, gloomy day. I love cuddling up on the couch and listening to a thunderstorm.
2. A clean house. A clean house makes me feel comfortable and cozy. Although it's rare because my dogs drool and shed constantly. I would literally have to vaccum, mop, and dust every day to really feel like my house is clean.
3. Seeing results after I finish a project. I'm a very visual person. I love to clean, organize, and decorate because of the feeling it gives me when I'm done and I get to step back and look at the finished product.
4. Spending time with my family. Living so far away from all of them is hard on me. Time together is cherished.
5. Getting a compliment from a complete stranger. It's not something that happens often and it's not something that they owe me so I know it's sincere.
6. Laughing. The best medicine ever!
7. Singing. If I need to be up-lifted all I have to do is put in one of my favorite CD's and sing away.
8. Sleeping. I have never been a morning person and sleeping-in is my favorite thing to do. I used to let people make me feel bad about it. They would tell me that I've "slept the day away" or "I'll have plenty of time to sleep when I'm dead" but now I don't let it get to me. I'm ok with loving sleep so they should be too.
9. My dogs. I've never not had a dog. I just love animals and my dogs are like my children. It's such a good feeling to come home to such a loving being. No matter what, they're always happy to see me and they always put a smile on my face.
10. My husband. Even after 10 years I still can't wait to see him walk through the door.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Thursday, January 7, 2010
New Beginnings
I'm already very grateful for 2010. I know I shouldn't jump the gun but, I have a good feeling.
My year started off at a friends house where a bunch of us got together in our pajamas and played games while welcoming the new year. Just after midnight we played a game called Left, Right, Center that involves betting and the pot grew to $72. I won!!! Talk about a good start to the new year!
We spent the next day with friends eating left-overs and watching movies (I don't recommend "All About Steve" with Sandra Bullock....what was she thinking?!!). Very relaxing.
The following day my girlfriends and I went to look at a new women's shelter that is opening in our home town. The home is for pregnant women that have no where to go and no one to turn to. They house these women for their full pregnancy and the 3 months following while educating them and helping them to get on their feet. The goal is to help them become self sufficient so they can support themselves and become productive members of society without either going back into a bad environment or drawing welfare forever. My girls and I are sponsoring a room. We get full reign on decorating and stocking the main bathroom that will be shared by 3 women. It was very inspirational to go in and see the home and talk with the woman who is heading up the project. Some people amaze me! Anyway, this was a great day because we get to give back by setting these women up for success....it's a good feeling.
Then, 2 days later, I started my new job. This has been quite a feat for me. Last year left me doubting myself and my abilities. After I closed my business I had no idea what I wanted to do. My husband asked me continuously what I wanted to do next and for months I couldn't answer him. I realize now it's because I was in mourning. It's hard to replace something like that. Especially if you've dedicated 4 years of your life to it.
But, I did it and I really think I'm gonna enjoy it. It's only been two days and I have A LOT more training to do but it's different and new and fresh. Just what I needed in 2010!
So, as I sit here on my new laptop (the new job was a great excuse to get one!) excited about my new opportunities I'm thinking this is the year of new beginnings. Bring it on!!!
My year started off at a friends house where a bunch of us got together in our pajamas and played games while welcoming the new year. Just after midnight we played a game called Left, Right, Center that involves betting and the pot grew to $72. I won!!! Talk about a good start to the new year!
We spent the next day with friends eating left-overs and watching movies (I don't recommend "All About Steve" with Sandra Bullock....what was she thinking?!!). Very relaxing.
The following day my girlfriends and I went to look at a new women's shelter that is opening in our home town. The home is for pregnant women that have no where to go and no one to turn to. They house these women for their full pregnancy and the 3 months following while educating them and helping them to get on their feet. The goal is to help them become self sufficient so they can support themselves and become productive members of society without either going back into a bad environment or drawing welfare forever. My girls and I are sponsoring a room. We get full reign on decorating and stocking the main bathroom that will be shared by 3 women. It was very inspirational to go in and see the home and talk with the woman who is heading up the project. Some people amaze me! Anyway, this was a great day because we get to give back by setting these women up for success....it's a good feeling.
Then, 2 days later, I started my new job. This has been quite a feat for me. Last year left me doubting myself and my abilities. After I closed my business I had no idea what I wanted to do. My husband asked me continuously what I wanted to do next and for months I couldn't answer him. I realize now it's because I was in mourning. It's hard to replace something like that. Especially if you've dedicated 4 years of your life to it.
But, I did it and I really think I'm gonna enjoy it. It's only been two days and I have A LOT more training to do but it's different and new and fresh. Just what I needed in 2010!
So, as I sit here on my new laptop (the new job was a great excuse to get one!) excited about my new opportunities I'm thinking this is the year of new beginnings. Bring it on!!!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Hopeful for a Happy Tomorrow
Alright, enough already! I've officially had it with the year 2009. Enough bad news, enough sadness. My family and friends have suffered plenty. I don't want to go into everything or elaborate on how many things have gone wrong I just want to SCREAM....THAT'S ENOUGH!!!!
I'm actually scared that there's still 23 days left.
I'm actually scared that there's still 23 days left.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Attack of the Christmas Tree
I LOVE CHRISTMAS!! In my opinion it's the best time of the year. People are happier, families come together (and I get to go home), and I get to do one of my favorite things....shop! I was a very lucky child. I grew up in a very loving household. My parents really did Christmas big and made it special for my sister and I. Therefore, today this time of year makes me feel all cozy inside.
Another one of my favorite things to do is decorate. I redecorate my house for every season and every holiday. Got that from my Mom. My husband and I built a house last year that was way too big for the two of us so this Christmas it's taken me 3 days to get everything done. Wreaths and garland are hanging, tabletops are overflowing with shiny, glittering nic nacs, and stockings are hanging from the mantel. As of Wednesday everything was done but the tree. Unfortunately, my tree has to sit up on some boxes to keep the branches from dragging the floor. This stinking tree is going in the garage sale next year....it's time for a new one. Anyway, I can't lift the huge thing and my husband was out of town for a few days so there it sat. No ornaments, no lights, no ribbon. Waiting for my husband to come home and lift it onto the boxes.
If you know me, you know I don't like to wait around for other people to get things done. I'm a no nonsense girl. A sense of urgency is key for me. Make a decision and move on! That's my motto. Anyway, I couldn't wait any longer. Surely I could lift the tree. Who needs a man??!!
....so if I just tilt the tree a little and slide the first box under, then I can lift and tilt the other way to slide the other box under. Easy, peasy....
Not so much. Just as I tilted the tree I heard some rustling and looked up. I forgot that I had left the star on the top and now it was tumbling toward my face. Please notice the multi-pointed star in the picture. One point hit directly below my eye and cut my face. I am so lucky to still have my right eye!! The other points hit my head and left me bleeding under my hair. At least no one can't see those injuries.
I guess that's what I get for being impatient. At least now it's done....but not without a little pain and suffering.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Hold on tight, you're in for a bumpy ride!
So, I have to tell you about my Thanksgiving. My husband and I recapped the whole thing with our friends the other day and realized how crazy we sounded. It's almost as if we're making the whole thing up. Unfortunately, we're not.
Because I'm aware that some of the family may possibly read this blog and would be upset if I aired their dirty laundry, I'll try to use discretion. I said try....can't make any promises.
My wonderful (and thankfully NORMAL) husband and I go to his Mother's house every year for Thanksgiving. We agreed when we got married that Thanksgiving would be with his family and Christmas would be with mine. I don't compromise on Christmas. It's mine. Anyway, that's beside the point.....back to Thanksgiving.
My husband comes from a VERY large family so it's always an eventful holiday. He has 5 brothers and sisters, 13 Aunts and Uncles, and 40 first cousins. There's never a dull moment.
This year in particular was one for the books.
Let's start with Aunt D. Apparently, she has died 3 times since we saw her last. We were not aware of this fact. Only that she has had heart problems. Luckily, my husband, sporting a sweat suit, along with 2 others were there to revive her and bring her back to life.....according to her....while she was being revived from over medication....during her hallucination. Enough said.
Moving on to Aunt M. Fresh out of the clink hanging with the family at Thanksgiving. Asking around for Xanax. I'm gonna stop there.
This brings us to Cousin J. Who just stole $10,000 from Uncle K. And is now MIA.
Next, came the first trip to the ER. It involved my niece who, thankfully ended up being ok, but got quite the show in the ER watching a woman projectile vomit all over the floor. This threw my sister-in-law into a tizzy because she hates hospitals. She was frazzled all night. Then came the second trip to the ER. This involved my other sister-in-law who was having pains from her appendectomy surgery the week before. Come to find out that she's about 4 weeks pregnant....not the best way to find out.
Now let's talk about the arm wrestling incident. This is my favorite. Unfortunately, I instigated the whole thing but it was pretty darn funny! I always have fun watching my husband and his 3 brothers compete. They always have to out-do each other. Therefore, when I suggested an arm wrestling tournament I knew they'd jump all over it. It would consist of 4 rounds starting with the youngest....he always gets screwed. Who knew the antique table they were wrestling on wouldn't hold?? Got through 2 rounds before we heard the crack.....their Dad was not happy. I've never seen so much finger-pointing in my life!
The last two stories are too delicate to discuss. One involves an affair and the other involves the third and final trip to the ER. My sister-in-law went back in for more pain and unfortunately is still there 4 days later. We pray that they can help her without harming the baby. Only time will tell.
I'm glad I was able to share my family's insanity. Like I said, there's never a dull moment. But since I'm the one that actually has to live it I get the movie rights....don't even think about stealing it!
Because I'm aware that some of the family may possibly read this blog and would be upset if I aired their dirty laundry, I'll try to use discretion. I said try....can't make any promises.
My wonderful (and thankfully NORMAL) husband and I go to his Mother's house every year for Thanksgiving. We agreed when we got married that Thanksgiving would be with his family and Christmas would be with mine. I don't compromise on Christmas. It's mine. Anyway, that's beside the point.....back to Thanksgiving.
My husband comes from a VERY large family so it's always an eventful holiday. He has 5 brothers and sisters, 13 Aunts and Uncles, and 40 first cousins. There's never a dull moment.
This year in particular was one for the books.
Let's start with Aunt D. Apparently, she has died 3 times since we saw her last. We were not aware of this fact. Only that she has had heart problems. Luckily, my husband, sporting a sweat suit, along with 2 others were there to revive her and bring her back to life.....according to her....while she was being revived from over medication....during her hallucination. Enough said.
Moving on to Aunt M. Fresh out of the clink hanging with the family at Thanksgiving. Asking around for Xanax. I'm gonna stop there.
This brings us to Cousin J. Who just stole $10,000 from Uncle K. And is now MIA.
Next, came the first trip to the ER. It involved my niece who, thankfully ended up being ok, but got quite the show in the ER watching a woman projectile vomit all over the floor. This threw my sister-in-law into a tizzy because she hates hospitals. She was frazzled all night. Then came the second trip to the ER. This involved my other sister-in-law who was having pains from her appendectomy surgery the week before. Come to find out that she's about 4 weeks pregnant....not the best way to find out.
Now let's talk about the arm wrestling incident. This is my favorite. Unfortunately, I instigated the whole thing but it was pretty darn funny! I always have fun watching my husband and his 3 brothers compete. They always have to out-do each other. Therefore, when I suggested an arm wrestling tournament I knew they'd jump all over it. It would consist of 4 rounds starting with the youngest....he always gets screwed. Who knew the antique table they were wrestling on wouldn't hold?? Got through 2 rounds before we heard the crack.....their Dad was not happy. I've never seen so much finger-pointing in my life!
The last two stories are too delicate to discuss. One involves an affair and the other involves the third and final trip to the ER. My sister-in-law went back in for more pain and unfortunately is still there 4 days later. We pray that they can help her without harming the baby. Only time will tell.
I'm glad I was able to share my family's insanity. Like I said, there's never a dull moment. But since I'm the one that actually has to live it I get the movie rights....don't even think about stealing it!
Sunday, November 22, 2009
A Reason to Write
Well, I guess it's time. Time to start writing again. I haven't posted anything in a few months because I just haven't had much to say. I could tell you about my day but my day's don't really consist of anything exciting. I no longer have a job, I have no kids, and I'm still not quite sure what I want to do with myself. This leaves me at a place of frustration and uncertainty. I know I'll figure it out eventually so in the meantime I'll just vent to those who are willing to read about it.
But............today I had some entertainment!
My nieces and nephew came to stay with my husband and I for a night on their way to Arkansas for Thanksgiving. We are a good halfway point between Ohio and Arkansas so they, with their other Aunt (my sister-in-law), stopped here in St. Louis and stayed with us last night. The three girls are 6, 8, and 14 and my nephew is also 14.
I always have so much fun when I see them but after wards I'm completely exhausted! This time not only was I exhausted but so were my dogs. Neeman, my Lab, is getting older and has arthritis. He loved having the kids in the house but it was hard on him. He got all the hugging, petting, tail tugging, and treats he could possibly need for a lifetime. He goes by Norman now as well....the kids renamed him. Currently, he is in the corner asleep where I'm sure he'll be until tomorrow. Lucy, my Rat Terrier, has officially been traumatized. From the moment they got here yesterday until the moment they left today Lucy has been either chased or held constantly by one of the children. The look on her face when they would pick her up was priceless! Oh, the terror!
It's quite an experience to suddenly have 4 children thrust upon you. So much energy and creativity! They weren't here an hour before my walk-in pantry became a "General Store". We have a dish of change on the nearby table and that became the currency needed to buy food from the "General Store." My Nephew was the clerk and the girls had a blast paying him (my money) to buy snacks (my food) from the store (my pantry) that even I wasn't allowed to enter. Hmmm...what's wrong with this picture? It was very entertaining for an E-N-T-I-R-E 2 D-A-Y-S....a neverending game.
Knock, knock..."Mister store clerk. I'm hungry. I'd like to re-buy those Pringles I bought at the grocery store the other day. Thanks."
It's also interesting what goes through your mind when you discover one of them has been missing for a while. Huh...."have you guys seen your sister in the last 15 minutes?" Oh goodness. Where is she????!!! "Oh nevermind....I found her in the kitchen cabinet. Did you guys know she thinks your still playing hide-n-seek?"
The other times I would find them in my master bathroom using MY toilet. What is that? Why must they all poop in ONLY my bathroom??!!
We had a blast. It went by way too fast but we get to see them again in a few days for Thanksgiving. Until then, I better rest up!
But............today I had some entertainment!
My nieces and nephew came to stay with my husband and I for a night on their way to Arkansas for Thanksgiving. We are a good halfway point between Ohio and Arkansas so they, with their other Aunt (my sister-in-law), stopped here in St. Louis and stayed with us last night. The three girls are 6, 8, and 14 and my nephew is also 14.
I always have so much fun when I see them but after wards I'm completely exhausted! This time not only was I exhausted but so were my dogs. Neeman, my Lab, is getting older and has arthritis. He loved having the kids in the house but it was hard on him. He got all the hugging, petting, tail tugging, and treats he could possibly need for a lifetime. He goes by Norman now as well....the kids renamed him. Currently, he is in the corner asleep where I'm sure he'll be until tomorrow. Lucy, my Rat Terrier, has officially been traumatized. From the moment they got here yesterday until the moment they left today Lucy has been either chased or held constantly by one of the children. The look on her face when they would pick her up was priceless! Oh, the terror!
It's quite an experience to suddenly have 4 children thrust upon you. So much energy and creativity! They weren't here an hour before my walk-in pantry became a "General Store". We have a dish of change on the nearby table and that became the currency needed to buy food from the "General Store." My Nephew was the clerk and the girls had a blast paying him (my money) to buy snacks (my food) from the store (my pantry) that even I wasn't allowed to enter. Hmmm...what's wrong with this picture? It was very entertaining for an E-N-T-I-R-E 2 D-A-Y-S....a neverending game.
Knock, knock..."Mister store clerk. I'm hungry. I'd like to re-buy those Pringles I bought at the grocery store the other day. Thanks."
It's also interesting what goes through your mind when you discover one of them has been missing for a while. Huh...."have you guys seen your sister in the last 15 minutes?" Oh goodness. Where is she????!!! "Oh nevermind....I found her in the kitchen cabinet. Did you guys know she thinks your still playing hide-n-seek?"
The other times I would find them in my master bathroom using MY toilet. What is that? Why must they all poop in ONLY my bathroom??!!
We had a blast. It went by way too fast but we get to see them again in a few days for Thanksgiving. Until then, I better rest up!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Home
I've mentioned before that I was born and raised in Arkansas. This is home to me. Even though I've lived in Illinois for almost 8 years now, Arkansas will always be home. My entire family is still there and I just know that someday, my future will be there too.
I get to go home tomorrow. I always look forward to these times. When the trip back to the South nears and I have to rush around getting ready for the 6 hour trek. I don't even mind the drive because I know my destination will make me smile.
This time I don't only want to be there but I need to be there. My family has fallen on some hard times lately and I need to help them through it. I hate not being there the minute something happens...not being able to rush to their side when bad news smacks them across the face. It's a guilt I've carried with me for 8 years that I can do nothing about. At least not right now.
Just to name a few problems my Mom just found out she has diabetes and now has to change her way of life. Eat differently, prick her finger regularly, and exercise (something no one in my family is a fan of). This is just after she's come off of a not-so-nice surgery that kept her in pain for quite a while. Another thing I wasn't able to be there for. My sister is a whole other story. Her hard times have come in droves. I won't even bother to name the smaller issues they've confronted this summer because soon after the big shit hit the fan. A few weeks after my sister's husband lost his job she found out she was pregnant. Another couple of weeks later, on her birthday, she lost the baby.
My sister has always been my best friend. Even though she's older I've always felt the need to protect her. Maybe it's just a sister thing. Knowing she's going through pain absolutely kills me. Burns me to the core. There's nothing I can do but at least being there would help. This is why I need to go home.
The year 2009 has been a rough one for my whole family, including me. It seems to be shaping up to be another 1997.....BAD year for us! That year my lung collapsed and I had to have major surgery, my parents got divorced after we found out my Dad was having an affair, my Grandmothers house burned down, and on the very last day of the year my Great-Grandmother passed away. It was almost like God was saying, "Don't celebrate yet, there's still a few more hours left for things to go badly. There ya go....deal with that!" Bad year!
So I'm headed home tomorrow. To see my sweet Nephew, Max, and celebrate his first birthday, to be a shoulder my sister can cry on, and to help my Mom stick to her new diet and work-out regimen. No matter what goes wrong there's just nothing as wonderful as being with family!
I get to go home tomorrow. I always look forward to these times. When the trip back to the South nears and I have to rush around getting ready for the 6 hour trek. I don't even mind the drive because I know my destination will make me smile.
This time I don't only want to be there but I need to be there. My family has fallen on some hard times lately and I need to help them through it. I hate not being there the minute something happens...not being able to rush to their side when bad news smacks them across the face. It's a guilt I've carried with me for 8 years that I can do nothing about. At least not right now.
Just to name a few problems my Mom just found out she has diabetes and now has to change her way of life. Eat differently, prick her finger regularly, and exercise (something no one in my family is a fan of). This is just after she's come off of a not-so-nice surgery that kept her in pain for quite a while. Another thing I wasn't able to be there for. My sister is a whole other story. Her hard times have come in droves. I won't even bother to name the smaller issues they've confronted this summer because soon after the big shit hit the fan. A few weeks after my sister's husband lost his job she found out she was pregnant. Another couple of weeks later, on her birthday, she lost the baby.
My sister has always been my best friend. Even though she's older I've always felt the need to protect her. Maybe it's just a sister thing. Knowing she's going through pain absolutely kills me. Burns me to the core. There's nothing I can do but at least being there would help. This is why I need to go home.
The year 2009 has been a rough one for my whole family, including me. It seems to be shaping up to be another 1997.....BAD year for us! That year my lung collapsed and I had to have major surgery, my parents got divorced after we found out my Dad was having an affair, my Grandmothers house burned down, and on the very last day of the year my Great-Grandmother passed away. It was almost like God was saying, "Don't celebrate yet, there's still a few more hours left for things to go badly. There ya go....deal with that!" Bad year!
So I'm headed home tomorrow. To see my sweet Nephew, Max, and celebrate his first birthday, to be a shoulder my sister can cry on, and to help my Mom stick to her new diet and work-out regimen. No matter what goes wrong there's just nothing as wonderful as being with family!
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