Sunday, January 30, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
Practically Perfect in Every Way
I recently had some inspiration where my career is concerned.
A little girl I work with goes to a daycare that treats her very poorly. She has Angelman's Syndrome - she is non-verbal and spends most of her day in a wheelchair. Except at her daycare - there she is put into a 6 by 6 pen. The thought of this sweet (and yes, occasionally challenging) little girl in a pen breaks my heart. I literally well up with tears every time I talk about it.
It turns out that daycare for kids with special needs are in short supply. In fact, most daycares in the area will not even accept a child diagnosed with Autism or Intellectual Disability .
My idea is to create a daycare facility that caters to children with special needs. A place where no child, no matter what their challenges, would be put into a pen. A place where employees would be trained in positive reinforcement, basic behavior intervention and prevention strategies, and communication with verbal and non verbal clients. We would provide a place for clients to work with their private agencies if necessary.
I think it's a really great idea. I think there's a need for it, and I think I could probably be good at running that sort of business. I think we'd probably be successful pretty quickly... Now I just have to figure out how to get started!
Ugh just thinking about it makes my head hurt! But I think it's too good of an idea just to let go because I don't know how to get started. There are books for everything - I just have to find some to help me!
Oh by the way - I'm going to call my daycare "Practically Perfect in Every Way! A special place for special people"
A little girl I work with goes to a daycare that treats her very poorly. She has Angelman's Syndrome - she is non-verbal and spends most of her day in a wheelchair. Except at her daycare - there she is put into a 6 by 6 pen. The thought of this sweet (and yes, occasionally challenging) little girl in a pen breaks my heart. I literally well up with tears every time I talk about it.
It turns out that daycare for kids with special needs are in short supply. In fact, most daycares in the area will not even accept a child diagnosed with Autism or Intellectual Disability .
My idea is to create a daycare facility that caters to children with special needs. A place where no child, no matter what their challenges, would be put into a pen. A place where employees would be trained in positive reinforcement, basic behavior intervention and prevention strategies, and communication with verbal and non verbal clients. We would provide a place for clients to work with their private agencies if necessary.
I think it's a really great idea. I think there's a need for it, and I think I could probably be good at running that sort of business. I think we'd probably be successful pretty quickly... Now I just have to figure out how to get started!
Ugh just thinking about it makes my head hurt! But I think it's too good of an idea just to let go because I don't know how to get started. There are books for everything - I just have to find some to help me!
Oh by the way - I'm going to call my daycare "Practically Perfect in Every Way! A special place for special people"
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Bat$#@! crazy!!
Okay I just really love these little guys! My pseudo-Dad used to call me "Batgirl". :-)
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Running; my arch nemesis
So for as long as I can remember I've had asthma. When I was younger it put me in the hospital a few times. It kept me home from school and often out of sports and other activities. In my adult life it will seemingly go away, and then come back with a vengeance.
Recently I made a decision to get healthy. I started eating better (again), and started exercising with purpose. I started with an elliptical, a stationary bike... anything but that dreaded treadmill. For some reason running has always been my serious nemesis (in that it has always been an asthma trigger). But ya know what? I don't think that I'm going to let asthma beat me. My body is getting in better shape, and I don't want to be left out of all the fun anymore! 5k's and fun runs and (gulp!) half marathons!
I've started running on the treadmill. It really slows me down with my cardio workout, and it's a little embarrassing how little I can run before I have to stop (about 3 minutes) ... But every journey starts with a single step, right? Actually this journey has started with several steps. I've got some new asthma medication. And I've done a bunch of research on running WITH asthma.
I've found some encouraging stuff in my research. People always say running is majorly mental, and there was always a secret little whisper in the back of my mind that told me I just wasn't trying hard enough - that I was probably just a big wimp. But it turns out running really is a major trigger for asthma. It's related to the temperature and moisture in the air that you suck down when you run. So I'm not just a wimp - I've actually been battling REAL problems when I try to run. Knowing that seriously helps me with some of my mental roadblocks about running.
So here's the bottom line; IT CAN BE DONE. It's just a little tougher (which really, is just another reason to do it... and feel like a bad ass about it later).
It'll probably take me longer (and be harder) than I'd like... I still feel a little left out when my studly friends go running and I know that I'm just not there yet. But I also know that I can probably get there. And I'm pretty sure my gal pals will be happy to run with me, whenever I'm ready. Until then I head to the gym - for half an hour of elliptical warm up, and then 10-15 mins of the best treadmill action I can muster!
Sunday, December 26, 2010
The countdown...
So now that Christmas has come and gone, the wedding day ticker has begun in my head. 136 days until I get to stand on a dock in Cozumel and join my life to Bobby's forever.
This morning I started looking over checklists and trying to figure out what's left to do (and what money is left to spend)! All through the Christmas season people at parties would ask me how the wedding planning was going. My standard replay was, "I have my groom, my dress, and my plane tickets... That's all I really need, right?" HA! There's still so much left to do!
Let's see... I'm putting off getting my dress altered until REALLY close to the wedding because I've been losing weight and I don't intend to stop losing anytime soon. I've also got to find shoes and accessories.
We need to get my girls into the shop and get their dresses ordered.We need to get Bobby and his best man (if he would hurry up and ASK him to be his best man) into a Men's Warehouse or somewhere like that to pick out something nice (but not a tux!) for them to wear.
We have to find a photographer that is willing to work for free, or for the trade of a cheap place to stay in Coz.
We have to finalize the food and cake preparations.
We have to figure out the beauty situation. Go to a fancy salon at one of the resorts? Go to a local salon?
Bobby has promised to put together a music list for the wedding and reception. I've gotta check in with him about that. Oh, we also need to take a dance lesson or two.
I have to write some vows that are both meaningful and fun.
Ummmm.... What else? Am I forgetting anything?
Along with the wedding prep, I also find myself daydreaming (and planning) about babies. Uh oh. ;)
This morning I started looking over checklists and trying to figure out what's left to do (and what money is left to spend)! All through the Christmas season people at parties would ask me how the wedding planning was going. My standard replay was, "I have my groom, my dress, and my plane tickets... That's all I really need, right?" HA! There's still so much left to do!
Let's see... I'm putting off getting my dress altered until REALLY close to the wedding because I've been losing weight and I don't intend to stop losing anytime soon. I've also got to find shoes and accessories.
We need to get my girls into the shop and get their dresses ordered.We need to get Bobby and his best man (if he would hurry up and ASK him to be his best man) into a Men's Warehouse or somewhere like that to pick out something nice (but not a tux!) for them to wear.
We have to find a photographer that is willing to work for free, or for the trade of a cheap place to stay in Coz.
We have to finalize the food and cake preparations.
We have to figure out the beauty situation. Go to a fancy salon at one of the resorts? Go to a local salon?
Bobby has promised to put together a music list for the wedding and reception. I've gotta check in with him about that. Oh, we also need to take a dance lesson or two.
I have to write some vows that are both meaningful and fun.
Ummmm.... What else? Am I forgetting anything?
Along with the wedding prep, I also find myself daydreaming (and planning) about babies. Uh oh. ;)
Monday, December 6, 2010
Two! Count em, TWO!!
This Friday I have a wedding to go to. I'm excited about the wedding but I've been freaking out because I have NOTHING nice enough to wear to an evening wedding. I borrowed a few dresses from my mom, one I was pretty sure would fit (snuggly) and one that I thought was going to depress me. But guess what!?!? Not only did it not depress me, it looked GOOD on me! It is TWO dress sizes smaller than I was when I started working out!
So I headed over to Macy's and rewarded myself with some sexy shoes to go with the dress!
As a side note, I put on some slacks on my way to Macy's because I needed to wash all of my blue jeans... I think their sizing must be some quirk of their brand - but they are size NINES and that made me feel super awesome!
So I headed over to Macy's and rewarded myself with some sexy shoes to go with the dress!
As a side note, I put on some slacks on my way to Macy's because I needed to wash all of my blue jeans... I think their sizing must be some quirk of their brand - but they are size NINES and that made me feel super awesome!
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Size matters
I know this girl (let's call her Sherry)... As long as I've known her she has been my size or bigger. But she carries herself completely differently than I do. With an amazing confidence that I can't match on my best days. Admittedly she is an above-average looking girl (in fact a plus size model at one point) - but I just don't understand it! I see pictures of her and I think, "She's way bigger than me!" and then I think, "She still looks so pretty!". (I have to say that Sherry and I have not been what I'd call "friends" for several years, so the first thought is always a little smug, and the second is a bit begrudging.)
I've been on the hefty side of healthy my entire adult life. At times I've just given up and let myself go. At other times (like now) I've put a lot of effort towards slimming myself down.
Either way I always sort of end up feeling like the "fat friend", or I talk myself out of a cute little outfit because I feel like a silly fat girl just fooling herself. That's not to say I completely lack confidence. I feel at least a little cute a lot of the time. But... I want to know how a girl like Sherry (who is probably 5 or 6 sizes bigger than me at this point) can still walk around like she expects to be the prettiest girl in the room. And how I can still feel envious of her when I look at her (because of her confidence).
Lately I am working my butt off (hopefully literally) at the gym. Partly this is to slim myself down, and partly it is because it makes me feel healthy and good. As a side effect it seems to give me a boost in confidence (even when I haven't seen any actual physical changes). I guess I will never be that uber-confident girl that walks around waiting for doors to be opened for her and drinks to be bought... But I am hoping to be the healthy girl that feels good about herself - and can buy that cute little outfit and go out feeling confident and sexy!
I've been on the hefty side of healthy my entire adult life. At times I've just given up and let myself go. At other times (like now) I've put a lot of effort towards slimming myself down.
Either way I always sort of end up feeling like the "fat friend", or I talk myself out of a cute little outfit because I feel like a silly fat girl just fooling herself. That's not to say I completely lack confidence. I feel at least a little cute a lot of the time. But... I want to know how a girl like Sherry (who is probably 5 or 6 sizes bigger than me at this point) can still walk around like she expects to be the prettiest girl in the room. And how I can still feel envious of her when I look at her (because of her confidence).
Lately I am working my butt off (hopefully literally) at the gym. Partly this is to slim myself down, and partly it is because it makes me feel healthy and good. As a side effect it seems to give me a boost in confidence (even when I haven't seen any actual physical changes). I guess I will never be that uber-confident girl that walks around waiting for doors to be opened for her and drinks to be bought... But I am hoping to be the healthy girl that feels good about herself - and can buy that cute little outfit and go out feeling confident and sexy!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
A bittersweet goodbye
I know I've posted about our doggy woes before.
When we moved into our new home, we adopted another dog. A very sweet boy named Ledger. For a month or so everything was perfect - the boys got along wonderfully and the house was coming along really well. Then one day out of the blue the dogs started fighting. I mean REALLY fighting. It was scary and awful.
The next few weeks were really hard. We separated the dogs completely, and spent a TON of money on fixing the situation. After the first ($700) thing didn't work, we met with a trainer and after lots of hard work, got things back on track. Or so we thought.
This past weekend my mom and I discussed the idea of her adopting a dog. She has room in her life for one, and we thought it would be nice for her to have a great companion. (I am starting to think everyone should have some doggy love in their lives!) While we were talking about it we said several times that Mom needed a dog like Ledger, sweet and snuggly, and super eager to please.
Without rehashing my entire horrible day yesterday, I will just say that the dogs started fighting again. I called my mom sobbing and she wondered aloud if she should adopt Ledger.
I thought on it (and cried on it) pretty much all day. I picked my best girl's brain and got the answer I sort of expected. Ledger IS the perfect dog for my mom. PERFECT. Maybe he came into our lives because my mom needed him.
It was hard for me to wrap my brain around because I love Ledger, and really felt like he was my dog.
I waited until Bobby got home to talk to him about it - assuming that even suggesting that my mom take Ledger would start a huge fight.
When Bobby came home he brought Hurley with him. As soon as they walked in the door Ledger started trembling. It really broke my heart, and it was the last sign I needed to make up my mind - it would not be fair to keep Ledger in a home where he was afraid. I tentatively broached the subject with Bobby (through tears and hiccups) and Bobby was immediately on board. He felt the same way I did - Ledger deserves better than to keep getting hurt and live in fear. And "Miz" would be great for him.
Bobby wanted to pull the band-aid off quickly, so we gathered Ledgie's things and took him to my Mom's.
My mom is an amazing parent (I should know) and she's going to be so good for Ledger. This transition is difficult for all of us, but I know in my heart that it was the best decision.
Although I am sad and missing him terribly, I have this great picture in my head of my mom coming home to this sweet little ray of sunshine everyday, and I can imagine how much better her life will be for having him in it.
When we moved into our new home, we adopted another dog. A very sweet boy named Ledger. For a month or so everything was perfect - the boys got along wonderfully and the house was coming along really well. Then one day out of the blue the dogs started fighting. I mean REALLY fighting. It was scary and awful.
The next few weeks were really hard. We separated the dogs completely, and spent a TON of money on fixing the situation. After the first ($700) thing didn't work, we met with a trainer and after lots of hard work, got things back on track. Or so we thought.
This past weekend my mom and I discussed the idea of her adopting a dog. She has room in her life for one, and we thought it would be nice for her to have a great companion. (I am starting to think everyone should have some doggy love in their lives!) While we were talking about it we said several times that Mom needed a dog like Ledger, sweet and snuggly, and super eager to please.
Without rehashing my entire horrible day yesterday, I will just say that the dogs started fighting again. I called my mom sobbing and she wondered aloud if she should adopt Ledger.
I thought on it (and cried on it) pretty much all day. I picked my best girl's brain and got the answer I sort of expected. Ledger IS the perfect dog for my mom. PERFECT. Maybe he came into our lives because my mom needed him.
It was hard for me to wrap my brain around because I love Ledger, and really felt like he was my dog.
I waited until Bobby got home to talk to him about it - assuming that even suggesting that my mom take Ledger would start a huge fight.
When Bobby came home he brought Hurley with him. As soon as they walked in the door Ledger started trembling. It really broke my heart, and it was the last sign I needed to make up my mind - it would not be fair to keep Ledger in a home where he was afraid. I tentatively broached the subject with Bobby (through tears and hiccups) and Bobby was immediately on board. He felt the same way I did - Ledger deserves better than to keep getting hurt and live in fear. And "Miz" would be great for him.
Bobby wanted to pull the band-aid off quickly, so we gathered Ledgie's things and took him to my Mom's.
My mom is an amazing parent (I should know) and she's going to be so good for Ledger. This transition is difficult for all of us, but I know in my heart that it was the best decision.
Although I am sad and missing him terribly, I have this great picture in my head of my mom coming home to this sweet little ray of sunshine everyday, and I can imagine how much better her life will be for having him in it.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
My first 5 k!
Yesterday I did my first ever 5k! It was the Change of Pace Foundation's Oktobrewfest 5k run/walk. I didn't go very fast, but dangit I finished! :-D
This is me crossing the finish line! I won't post my time, but I will say that the next time I do this, I intend to beat it!
This is me right after I finished. I was pretty happy to be done!
And this is me enjoying my free beer in my commemorative glass! Knowing this was waiting for me at the finish line helped a lot!
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Another 48
For lack of bloggish inspiration lately - I've decided to post one of these fun little survey doo-dahs. I never know who's reading my blog so I won't call anybody out on doing it too... But you should! It's fun! :)
1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? My middle name Damascus, was the heroine in a trashy romance novel my mom was reading when she was pregnant
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? This afternoon - it's been a rough week!
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? I think my handwriting is atrocious, but it's all I've got so what are you gonna do?
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? bacon
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? No kids yet, but two very spoiled dogs.
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Actually I usually get along best with people who are (ALSO) bossy know-it-alls who talk a lot... So yeah, I would probably get a long swimmingly with myself!
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM? Maybe sometimes
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yup
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Eh... I don't see the point of jumping off of a perfectly good bridge.
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? I'm super fond of multi-grain cheerios lately
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? If it were socially acceptable I would never even wear shoes. Laces are for chumps
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? vanilla with chocolate or caramel topping
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? their presence
16. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? the creeping crud currently covering my body! (eeew)
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? Lately I have been thinking a lot about (and missing) my pseudo-Dad, Troy.
18. WHAT'S SOMETHING ABOUT YOU MOST PEOPLE DON'T KNOW? I loathe listening to recorded "live" versions of songs
19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? gray sweats and no shoes
20. FAVORITE SOUNDS: waves, children laughing (especially if the laughter was inspired by me), my fiance singing to one of his favorite songs when he thinks I'm not listening, the strange almost silent sound of being underwater
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Interpol
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Screamin' Green (it's a real color!)
23. FAVORITE SMELLS? The ocean, clean laundry, cooking food, lilies, lavender, a man right out of the shower
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? My mom
25. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE TV SHOW? There's only one show I watch weekly ON tv and that's Glee. But 30 Rock is probably my FAVORITE... I think I laugh out loud more watching that show than any other media-type comedy I've ever watched!
26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? I'm not crazy about watching sports at all but I can watch a soccer game and occasionally hockey
27. HAIR COLOR? browny
28. EYE COLOR? brown
29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? no
30. FAVORITE FOOD? Right now I'm craving Mongolian BBQ every single day!
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? happy
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Eagle Eye - and I was not incredibly impressed
33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Blue with white letters
34. SUMMER OR WINTER? Summer. I would have summer all year long if I could
35. HUGS OR KISSES? Yes please
37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? I think these questions are for people making this into a chain letter deal.... Maybe Stacie will do it, too?
38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? People who don't have a public blog? :)
39. BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? "Living Dead in Dallas", from the book series that inspired "True Blood". It's a girly-smutty kind of book and I like it! :)
40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? no mouse pad
41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? Nada - involved in the good books!
42. FAVORITE SONG(S): This changes every single day. Sometimes two or three times. Right now I'm going to say "Nosebleed Section" by Hilltop Hoods
43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Beatles
44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? I've never actually measured. Probably Okinawa though
45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? I don't know about "talent" but my superhero power is finding the "bright side" of everything
46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Redding, california
47. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK? Anyone who does it
48. HOW DID YOU MEET YOUR SPOUSE/SIGNIFICANT OTHER? Kheri introduced us over the interwebs
1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? My middle name Damascus, was the heroine in a trashy romance novel my mom was reading when she was pregnant
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? This afternoon - it's been a rough week!
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? I think my handwriting is atrocious, but it's all I've got so what are you gonna do?
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? bacon
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? No kids yet, but two very spoiled dogs.
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Actually I usually get along best with people who are (ALSO) bossy know-it-alls who talk a lot... So yeah, I would probably get a long swimmingly with myself!
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM? Maybe sometimes
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yup
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Eh... I don't see the point of jumping off of a perfectly good bridge.
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? I'm super fond of multi-grain cheerios lately
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? If it were socially acceptable I would never even wear shoes. Laces are for chumps
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? vanilla with chocolate or caramel topping
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? their presence
16. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? the creeping crud currently covering my body! (eeew)
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? Lately I have been thinking a lot about (and missing) my pseudo-Dad, Troy.
18. WHAT'S SOMETHING ABOUT YOU MOST PEOPLE DON'T KNOW? I loathe listening to recorded "live" versions of songs
19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? gray sweats and no shoes
20. FAVORITE SOUNDS: waves, children laughing (especially if the laughter was inspired by me), my fiance singing to one of his favorite songs when he thinks I'm not listening, the strange almost silent sound of being underwater
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Interpol
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Screamin' Green (it's a real color!)
23. FAVORITE SMELLS? The ocean, clean laundry, cooking food, lilies, lavender, a man right out of the shower
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? My mom
25. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE TV SHOW? There's only one show I watch weekly ON tv and that's Glee. But 30 Rock is probably my FAVORITE... I think I laugh out loud more watching that show than any other media-type comedy I've ever watched!
26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? I'm not crazy about watching sports at all but I can watch a soccer game and occasionally hockey
27. HAIR COLOR? browny
28. EYE COLOR? brown
29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? no
30. FAVORITE FOOD? Right now I'm craving Mongolian BBQ every single day!
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? happy
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Eagle Eye - and I was not incredibly impressed
33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Blue with white letters
34. SUMMER OR WINTER? Summer. I would have summer all year long if I could
35. HUGS OR KISSES? Yes please
37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? I think these questions are for people making this into a chain letter deal.... Maybe Stacie will do it, too?
38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? People who don't have a public blog? :)
39. BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? "Living Dead in Dallas", from the book series that inspired "True Blood". It's a girly-smutty kind of book and I like it! :)
40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? no mouse pad
41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? Nada - involved in the good books!
42. FAVORITE SONG(S): This changes every single day. Sometimes two or three times. Right now I'm going to say "Nosebleed Section" by Hilltop Hoods
43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Beatles
44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? I've never actually measured. Probably Okinawa though
45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? I don't know about "talent" but my superhero power is finding the "bright side" of everything
46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Redding, california
47. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK? Anyone who does it
48. HOW DID YOU MEET YOUR SPOUSE/SIGNIFICANT OTHER? Kheri introduced us over the interwebs
Saturday, September 25, 2010
A bad romance?
I have been thinking a little about the word romance. I think it means different things to different people. Of course most (if not all) women spend at least some of their lives wishing for romance. Usually what we sit around wishing for is of the, rose petals on the bed, climbing up trellaces and remembering our anniversary "chick flick" variety. I will admit that I have definitely sat around wishing that my life was a little more like a chick flick! Who wouldn't love to be whisked away for a romantic weekend on their anniversary? Or come home to a sweet home cooked meal complete with candles and Marvin Gaye in the background?
But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that I've got romance... it's just not exactly the kind I've been looking for! A few examples of this? How about going to my Mom's house on his day off to fix stuff around the house for her, because he knows how important my mom is to me. Or! How about selling tires and rims he's had for awhile, and instead of buying stuff for his boat (as I expected him to) buying me a new car stereo because mine has been on the fritz for a few months. And then getting up early before work so he can install it! Seriously - it's like a new kind of chick flick right here in my driveway!
I guess admitting this on a public forum means I will have to stop whining about the "other" kind of romance. Ya know, the rose petals and jewelry kind. Or maybe not... :)
But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that I've got romance... it's just not exactly the kind I've been looking for! A few examples of this? How about going to my Mom's house on his day off to fix stuff around the house for her, because he knows how important my mom is to me. Or! How about selling tires and rims he's had for awhile, and instead of buying stuff for his boat (as I expected him to) buying me a new car stereo because mine has been on the fritz for a few months. And then getting up early before work so he can install it! Seriously - it's like a new kind of chick flick right here in my driveway!
I guess admitting this on a public forum means I will have to stop whining about the "other" kind of romance. Ya know, the rose petals and jewelry kind. Or maybe not... :)
Monday, September 13, 2010
Micro-brewery tastes on a Pabst budget...
So this weekend the wedding plans sort of came to a screeching halt. (Don't worry - I'm still madly in love with Bobby and we are doing fine!) It turns out I sort of have expensive taste - even when I'm trying to be "reasonable". I sat down and actually wrote out our budget, and it turns out that while I was estimating all of this stuff we could afford... I forgot to factor in that I suck at math!!
I'm not really sure what I was thinking... But after the plane tickets and the rooms in Cozumel - I don't have nearly as much left over as I was thinking I would!
This surely doesn't mean that we're changing the plans completely. It just means that I have to tweak a few things, completely change a few things, and probably let a few things go. The first on the "to go" list will probably be my $900 dress. Back to the drawing board on that!
Oh well, the dress is important but not nearly as important as a few other things... Like the groom for instance! At least I still get to marry Bobby. And the people I love most will be there. (In fact, it seems like there are going to be LOTS of people we love coming!) Plus we still get to spend a week in paradise. Life could be a lot worse, eh? :-)
I'm not really sure what I was thinking... But after the plane tickets and the rooms in Cozumel - I don't have nearly as much left over as I was thinking I would!
This surely doesn't mean that we're changing the plans completely. It just means that I have to tweak a few things, completely change a few things, and probably let a few things go. The first on the "to go" list will probably be my $900 dress. Back to the drawing board on that!
Oh well, the dress is important but not nearly as important as a few other things... Like the groom for instance! At least I still get to marry Bobby. And the people I love most will be there. (In fact, it seems like there are going to be LOTS of people we love coming!) Plus we still get to spend a week in paradise. Life could be a lot worse, eh? :-)
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Speaking of inspiration....
The pictures from this wonderful weekend are awesome - all the ones of my sweet nephews. The ones of me, not so much! I'm off to the gym with my chubby self!!! :-)
Monday, September 6, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
Inspiration
I seem to have inspiration all around me lately.
Yesterday my friend (and future sister-in-law) Kheri ran in a triathlon! She has been running and biking and working out with a kettlebell. She looks amazing and seems to be really happy with it. Every time I see her I am inspired to get off my butt and DO SOMETHING. (Now if only I could find the SOMETHING that I could stick with for more than a few days I will be golden - more on that later).
While Kheri "swim bike run"ed... I got to hang out with my nephew all morning and some of the afternoon (because I volunteered to keep him so she could rest after the race). Talk about inspiration! This kid never fails to amaze me. He requires lots of attention and supervision but it never feels like work. He is smart and adorable and so sweet. (I wuvyoubye!) I know our children will LOOK nothing like this toeheaded nephew of mine, but I can certainly hope they will be as cute/fun/smart as him!
I am even feeling so inspired lately, I feel like being artistic! Yesterday I found a picture I drew a couple of years ago that was pretty cool. Now, I'm not a great artist. I took a drawing class and became maybe mediocre at best. But the picture was cool and I'd like to buy some oil pastels and continue with the idea!
And next month I get to do a "guest post" on my friend Stacie's blog. My first instinct was to write about sharks, but I will be kind and find a more appropriate topic. :)
Yesterday my friend (and future sister-in-law) Kheri ran in a triathlon! She has been running and biking and working out with a kettlebell. She looks amazing and seems to be really happy with it. Every time I see her I am inspired to get off my butt and DO SOMETHING. (Now if only I could find the SOMETHING that I could stick with for more than a few days I will be golden - more on that later).
While Kheri "swim bike run"ed... I got to hang out with my nephew all morning and some of the afternoon (because I volunteered to keep him so she could rest after the race). Talk about inspiration! This kid never fails to amaze me. He requires lots of attention and supervision but it never feels like work. He is smart and adorable and so sweet. (I wuvyoubye!) I know our children will LOOK nothing like this toeheaded nephew of mine, but I can certainly hope they will be as cute/fun/smart as him!
I am even feeling so inspired lately, I feel like being artistic! Yesterday I found a picture I drew a couple of years ago that was pretty cool. Now, I'm not a great artist. I took a drawing class and became maybe mediocre at best. But the picture was cool and I'd like to buy some oil pastels and continue with the idea!
And next month I get to do a "guest post" on my friend Stacie's blog. My first instinct was to write about sharks, but I will be kind and find a more appropriate topic. :)
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Missing Hot Dog
I wasn't feeling like doing much when I got home last night, so I made us a hodgepodge for dinner. Left over mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, hot dogs, and I threw in a few fish sticks for Bobby in case the rest wasn't enough.
When I called Bobby in to eat "dinner" he was busy out in the garage with his motorcycle, so I just left his plate sitting on the counter and sat down to eat myself.
After we were done eating he looked at my plate and said, "Hey! You had bread? I didn't get bread!" I looked at him like he was a MORON and said, "Yeah you did. With your hotdog". He told me he didn't remember having a hotdog and I assured him that he had,and that he must have just snarfed it down so fast he didn't remember. We joked about him huffing too much paint in the garage and losing brain cells.
Right before I went to bed Bobby comes walking into our room with a soggy but uneaten hotdog bun in his hands! Where was it? Under the counter! One of our mangy mutts very delicately stole the hotdog off his plate (without disturbing anything else)!! And then I had the poor guy convinced he was just forgetful!!
Good thing he has a good sense of humor (and lots of other stuff to eat for dinner!)
When I called Bobby in to eat "dinner" he was busy out in the garage with his motorcycle, so I just left his plate sitting on the counter and sat down to eat myself.
After we were done eating he looked at my plate and said, "Hey! You had bread? I didn't get bread!" I looked at him like he was a MORON and said, "Yeah you did. With your hotdog". He told me he didn't remember having a hotdog and I assured him that he had,and that he must have just snarfed it down so fast he didn't remember. We joked about him huffing too much paint in the garage and losing brain cells.
Right before I went to bed Bobby comes walking into our room with a soggy but uneaten hotdog bun in his hands! Where was it? Under the counter! One of our mangy mutts very delicately stole the hotdog off his plate (without disturbing anything else)!! And then I had the poor guy convinced he was just forgetful!!
Good thing he has a good sense of humor (and lots of other stuff to eat for dinner!)
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Hamburger pie
I've been feeling pretty uncreative about food lately. In fact this week we've eaten out like 3 times, which is A LOT for us.
So today instead of making my good ole standby; tacos... I dug through my cookbooks looking for something different. I saw "hamburger pie", which looked pretty awesome in theory... But WHOA! when you look at the ingredients it's a little scary! Ground beef, mashed potatoes with butter and milk, canned everything, cheese... Just a little more than I could handle.
So I took the basic premise and reworked the recipe to suit me. It's got about 1/4 of the fat, 1/8 of the salt, and I even added a little nutritional value. I'm still going to call it "hamburger pie" even though it's pretty much completely different!
Ingredients:
1 lb lean ground turkey
6-8 medium sized gold potatoes (I used more and have leftover)
1/2 an onion (i used red, although I think any onion would work)
a few cloves of garlic
fresh peas, green beans, tomatoes.... anything else that sounds yummy to toss in
canned corn (i suppose you could use fresh corn too, but that sounds like a lot of work)
1/2 can cambell's tomato soup (i used the low sodium kind)
1 cup corn meal
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup wheat flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
dash salt
1 egg
1 cup milk (i used non fat)
Start with boiling the potatoes. While those boil, dice the onion and a clove or two of garlic -brown the turkey with it. When it's cooked add the 1/2 can of tomato soup and whatever veggies you're tossing in. (I also added some hot sauce at this point but don't think it's necessary) Set this mixture aside.
When the potatoes are soft drain them and put them into a bowl. Press a few fresh cloves of garlic into the hot potatoes then mash them a few times with a fork or a pastry blender (leave them pretty lumpy).
What I did next was mix the meat and potatoes together. But you could also layer them into a casserole dish; meat mixture on the bottom, then a layer of potatoes. I think it's just a question of style. :)
On top of my meat/potato mixture I sprinkled a teency bit of grated cheddar cheese.
Then mix the corn meal, flour, baking powder, salt, egg, and milk together and spoon in over the top of the casserole
Bake at 375 until the "crust" is golden brown (about 20-30 mins).
I just ate it for dinner and it's pretty darn tasty. I'm willing to bet my version is just as good (if not better!) than betty crocker's ridiculously unhealthy version!
So today instead of making my good ole standby; tacos... I dug through my cookbooks looking for something different. I saw "hamburger pie", which looked pretty awesome in theory... But WHOA! when you look at the ingredients it's a little scary! Ground beef, mashed potatoes with butter and milk, canned everything, cheese... Just a little more than I could handle.
So I took the basic premise and reworked the recipe to suit me. It's got about 1/4 of the fat, 1/8 of the salt, and I even added a little nutritional value. I'm still going to call it "hamburger pie" even though it's pretty much completely different!
Ingredients:
1 lb lean ground turkey
6-8 medium sized gold potatoes (I used more and have leftover)
1/2 an onion (i used red, although I think any onion would work)
a few cloves of garlic
fresh peas, green beans, tomatoes.... anything else that sounds yummy to toss in
canned corn (i suppose you could use fresh corn too, but that sounds like a lot of work)
1/2 can cambell's tomato soup (i used the low sodium kind)
1 cup corn meal
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup wheat flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
dash salt
1 egg
1 cup milk (i used non fat)
Start with boiling the potatoes. While those boil, dice the onion and a clove or two of garlic -brown the turkey with it. When it's cooked add the 1/2 can of tomato soup and whatever veggies you're tossing in. (I also added some hot sauce at this point but don't think it's necessary) Set this mixture aside.
When the potatoes are soft drain them and put them into a bowl. Press a few fresh cloves of garlic into the hot potatoes then mash them a few times with a fork or a pastry blender (leave them pretty lumpy).
What I did next was mix the meat and potatoes together. But you could also layer them into a casserole dish; meat mixture on the bottom, then a layer of potatoes. I think it's just a question of style. :)
On top of my meat/potato mixture I sprinkled a teency bit of grated cheddar cheese.
Then mix the corn meal, flour, baking powder, salt, egg, and milk together and spoon in over the top of the casserole
Bake at 375 until the "crust" is golden brown (about 20-30 mins).
I just ate it for dinner and it's pretty darn tasty. I'm willing to bet my version is just as good (if not better!) than betty crocker's ridiculously unhealthy version!
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Va-voom!
Yesterday I finally had the wedding dress shopping experience I've been hoping for. I actually had great customer service. Nobody called me fat. AND, I found the dress of my dreams... in my price range! What more could a girl ask for?!?
My friend (and one of the bridesmaids) Stacie took me to a place she'd been to in Lodi called Casa Gonzales. It's a teeny little shop owned by a mother and daughter. The daughter Sandra helped us out. She was pretty amazing. There were TONS of gowns for me to choose from (that fit me!), and after talking to me for only a short time she had a pretty excellent idea of what I might like and what would look good on me. She also stayed within my budget (which is pretty amazing from what I've heard about bridal shops).
I tried on 5 or 6 dresses and found two that I was really fond of. Then she put a dress in front of me and I said, "Hey, did I pick this one out?" and she laughed and said it wasn't one that I had picked out, it was one she thought I'd like. I put the dress on and stepped out in front of the mirror....
WHAM! I felt like a cross between Cinderella and Jessica Rabbit! Va-voom! I still can't believe it. I couldn't stop touching the bead work, or smoothing the dress down my curves! It is so perfect - it's completely unique, it's billowy and princessy, it's sexy, it's PERFECT!
I didn't have even the slightest desire to try any other dresses on. It's within the budget I set for myself (just barely) and it is SO my dress.
When I was finally able to tear my eyes away from the mirror and bring myself to take my dress off, I talked to Sandra about bridesmaid dresses and Stacie tried on a cute little number that goes beautifully with my dress and comes in the perfect colors! Now I just have to get my mom (when she's back from Hawaii) and Kheri (my other bridesmaid) to go out to Lodi with me (SOON) to see my gorgeous dress, and possibly our bridesmaids dresses!
My friend (and one of the bridesmaids) Stacie took me to a place she'd been to in Lodi called Casa Gonzales. It's a teeny little shop owned by a mother and daughter. The daughter Sandra helped us out. She was pretty amazing. There were TONS of gowns for me to choose from (that fit me!), and after talking to me for only a short time she had a pretty excellent idea of what I might like and what would look good on me. She also stayed within my budget (which is pretty amazing from what I've heard about bridal shops).
I tried on 5 or 6 dresses and found two that I was really fond of. Then she put a dress in front of me and I said, "Hey, did I pick this one out?" and she laughed and said it wasn't one that I had picked out, it was one she thought I'd like. I put the dress on and stepped out in front of the mirror....
WHAM! I felt like a cross between Cinderella and Jessica Rabbit! Va-voom! I still can't believe it. I couldn't stop touching the bead work, or smoothing the dress down my curves! It is so perfect - it's completely unique, it's billowy and princessy, it's sexy, it's PERFECT!
I didn't have even the slightest desire to try any other dresses on. It's within the budget I set for myself (just barely) and it is SO my dress.
When I was finally able to tear my eyes away from the mirror and bring myself to take my dress off, I talked to Sandra about bridesmaid dresses and Stacie tried on a cute little number that goes beautifully with my dress and comes in the perfect colors! Now I just have to get my mom (when she's back from Hawaii) and Kheri (my other bridesmaid) to go out to Lodi with me (SOON) to see my gorgeous dress, and possibly our bridesmaids dresses!
Saturday, August 7, 2010
House of... what?
I went to the House of Fashion outlet today. The lady I talked to was rude and insulting. I will definitely be going somewhere else to get my dream dress. :) Here's the yelp review I left for the house of jerks....
My experience at the House of Fashion Outlet was not good. I walked in without an appointment - totally understanding that I probably wasn't going to get a lot of attention from the employees there. What I did not expect was to be treated rudely, and insulted!
I followed the "come on up!" sign and walked upstairs and started browsing. A woman came out and asked me about my wedding date, and my dress size. When I told her that I was a 14 she wrinkled her nose, and said, "I don't have many in THAT size". She waved her hand at a small rack and informed me those were the only 16-18's that she had. I told her that I was a 14 in WEDDING dresses, and that I did not intend to get any bigger, laughing and sort of making a joke out of my discomfort. Then she made a comment about keeping at the diet and exercise and walked out of the room.
OKAY - I am aware that I am a big girl. But I do not expect to be treated poorly because of that... especially by a sales person in a store where I was intending to spend a few hundred dollars!!!
I went home and ate a salad. And tomorrow I will be taking my (and my bridesmaids... which will probably add up to over $1000 worth of business!) elsewhere!
My experience at the House of Fashion Outlet was not good. I walked in without an appointment - totally understanding that I probably wasn't going to get a lot of attention from the employees there. What I did not expect was to be treated rudely, and insulted!
I followed the "come on up!" sign and walked upstairs and started browsing. A woman came out and asked me about my wedding date, and my dress size. When I told her that I was a 14 she wrinkled her nose, and said, "I don't have many in THAT size". She waved her hand at a small rack and informed me those were the only 16-18's that she had. I told her that I was a 14 in WEDDING dresses, and that I did not intend to get any bigger, laughing and sort of making a joke out of my discomfort. Then she made a comment about keeping at the diet and exercise and walked out of the room.
OKAY - I am aware that I am a big girl. But I do not expect to be treated poorly because of that... especially by a sales person in a store where I was intending to spend a few hundred dollars!!!
I went home and ate a salad. And tomorrow I will be taking my (and my bridesmaids... which will probably add up to over $1000 worth of business!) elsewhere!
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Lean on Me
Did you know that the song "Lean on Me" by Bill Withers makes me cry every single time I hear it? It's true.
I was thinking about songs that matter to me. (Okay I'll admit it - it's because I was watching Glee... So what?!) Anyway "Lean on Me" is one of the big one. First off, it's one of the songs I remember my mom playing when I was a kid. Then when I was in Basic Training a girl named Hart... she had a heart-achingly beautiful voice (i commented once and she said, "Of course I can sing, Scott... Didn't yer mama tell you all black people can sing?" hehe then she laughed at me...) on really rough days, a few of us would sit in the "latrine" together at night and cry, and talk, and Hart would sing to us. She sang this song often.
It still means a lot to me. If I had a beautiful voice, it would be my signature ballad. I would sing it to the people I love. Well I don't have what you (or probably anyone, haha!) would call a beautiful voice, but the sentiment is still there.
Sometimes in our lives we all have pain
We all have sorrow
But if we are wise
We know that there's always tomorrow
Lean on me, when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
'Til I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on
Please swallow your pride
If I have things you need to borrow
For no one can fill those of your needs
That you don't let show
Lean on me, when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
'Til I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on
If there is a load you have to bear
That you can't carry
I'm right up the road
I'll share your load
If you just call me
So just call on me brother, when you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a problem that you'd understand
We all need somebody to lean on
Lean on me when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
Till I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on
Lean on me...
I was thinking about songs that matter to me. (Okay I'll admit it - it's because I was watching Glee... So what?!) Anyway "Lean on Me" is one of the big one. First off, it's one of the songs I remember my mom playing when I was a kid. Then when I was in Basic Training a girl named Hart... she had a heart-achingly beautiful voice (i commented once and she said, "Of course I can sing, Scott... Didn't yer mama tell you all black people can sing?" hehe then she laughed at me...) on really rough days, a few of us would sit in the "latrine" together at night and cry, and talk, and Hart would sing to us. She sang this song often.
It still means a lot to me. If I had a beautiful voice, it would be my signature ballad. I would sing it to the people I love. Well I don't have what you (or probably anyone, haha!) would call a beautiful voice, but the sentiment is still there.
Sometimes in our lives we all have pain
We all have sorrow
But if we are wise
We know that there's always tomorrow
Lean on me, when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
'Til I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on
Please swallow your pride
If I have things you need to borrow
For no one can fill those of your needs
That you don't let show
Lean on me, when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
'Til I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on
If there is a load you have to bear
That you can't carry
I'm right up the road
I'll share your load
If you just call me
So just call on me brother, when you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a problem that you'd understand
We all need somebody to lean on
Lean on me when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
Till I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on
Lean on me...
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