Just so you know, my family is known for our impromptu excursions. We've never had a problem pulling our kids from school for the sake of an educational road trip. And if it's spontaneous there are no expectations and more importantly, no disappointed kids should it not work out.
You can check out our Search For Sun Adventure and our Impromptu Pre-Spring Break Escape for a better taste of our crazy fun trips. Everyone must do at least one of these in their lifetime.
FYI: I've never been a fan of the make-up snow days. My kids can watch plenty of movies in the car. So, hmm... school or road trip?
And if there was ever an unspoken kid rule that should be in the mysterious master manual it would read: Never tell children anything unless you are 100% sure it will happen. If you have even the slightest hesitation, for your own sanity and the love of goodness and harmony do NOT under ANY circumstances share this information with your children. They will hold it over your head eternally and you will never cease to regret it.
So, yesterday we FINALLY decided we were definitely going to do this trip and we FINALLY told our children to pack. (We never divulged our destination.) One hour later we were on the road. We arrived about 2AM this morning with groggy kids in tow. Any guesses?
Here are a few clues:
We are 700.4 miles from home.
We are in a "fast town"
It's known as the gateway city of the hills.
If you follow me on twitter or facebook you have an advantage.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Week 21 {365} Cousins
This is our week in photos, only all of this actually happened in just one day.
If you knew anything about my family you wouldn't think twice, cause it's a Barnes thing. Why stay 5 days when you can pack it all in with just one? Besides, less chance to get sick of each other that way. And let's not forget that Iowa is never a destination, merely a passing through point to crash for the night.
My kids have been counting down the seconds until their cousin's arrival. They arrived late last night, just in time to hit the hay. Today was jam-packed full, it's like the never ending day... only my eyes are telling me otherwise so I must hurry. No fancy collages tonight. Just raw pics.
We spent most of the day in Burlington, IA for Uncle Dave's bike race. (About 1 1/2 hours away)
We had to be creative. The girls were hot, BORED, and hungry... the entire time.
Dave is front and center in this photo and this is Snake Alley, fittingly named for it's crazy steep winding bends and turns.
The boys went fishing with Uncle Haldan. I have yet to get the full report.
The afternoon was filled with water fun. It doesn't take much to make kids happy on a hot afternoon. Plus our chemically burned sod needed a little H2O.
I think this might be outfit number 4 for the girls, but they sure had fun together.
After our BBQ we walked over to the kid's school for some soccer. This is TEAM Little Man. He looks mad in this photo because I accidentally kicked him in the shin and I may have even nudged him in the face. Ok, so I'm not the best soccer player. I told him to man up. He got me back good. But luckily I was quick on the draw and my face fared ok.
That cute girl in the sunflower shirt would be me attempting to play some soccer. Don't judge. You should give it a go and see how winded you are after a half dozen times up and down the field.
We ended the night with smores. Besides the bugs it was perfect. This was Gracie's last one before she professed to being tired. All children were out within 30 minutes of this photo. They crashed hard. It was a LONG, fun-filled day.
That's a wrap.
How did you spend your Saturday?
By the way, if you haven't heard from me for a while know that I am ok. I'm so behind I may never dig my way out, but I'm ok. There are a few reasons for this:
1. My internet was down for 6 days off and on, mostly off. I managed to post using a patchy wi-fi signal from my neighbor's house. Don't tell.
2. My husband is in the middle of an 8 day break and he's been demanding my attention and time. It turns out he actually likes me.
3. Google has been giving me fits.
4. My sister and her family are here visiting and you just heard what we've been up to. And now my bed is calling my name....
If you would like me to read a recent post please leave me the link. I'll eventually make it through the sea of posts in my google reader, but it may be a while. If you leave the link it may ensure a more prompt visit. I hope you are all well out there in blogland. Wishing you a fun and safe Memorial Day weekend with family and friends.
Lish signing off.
If you knew anything about my family you wouldn't think twice, cause it's a Barnes thing. Why stay 5 days when you can pack it all in with just one? Besides, less chance to get sick of each other that way. And let's not forget that Iowa is never a destination, merely a passing through point to crash for the night.
My kids have been counting down the seconds until their cousin's arrival. They arrived late last night, just in time to hit the hay. Today was jam-packed full, it's like the never ending day... only my eyes are telling me otherwise so I must hurry. No fancy collages tonight. Just raw pics.
We spent most of the day in Burlington, IA for Uncle Dave's bike race. (About 1 1/2 hours away)
We had to be creative. The girls were hot, BORED, and hungry... the entire time.
Dave is front and center in this photo and this is Snake Alley, fittingly named for it's crazy steep winding bends and turns.
The boys went fishing with Uncle Haldan. I have yet to get the full report.
The afternoon was filled with water fun. It doesn't take much to make kids happy on a hot afternoon. Plus our chemically burned sod needed a little H2O.
I think this might be outfit number 4 for the girls, but they sure had fun together.
After our BBQ we walked over to the kid's school for some soccer. This is TEAM Little Man. He looks mad in this photo because I accidentally kicked him in the shin and I may have even nudged him in the face. Ok, so I'm not the best soccer player. I told him to man up. He got me back good. But luckily I was quick on the draw and my face fared ok.
That cute girl in the sunflower shirt would be me attempting to play some soccer. Don't judge. You should give it a go and see how winded you are after a half dozen times up and down the field.
We ended the night with smores. Besides the bugs it was perfect. This was Gracie's last one before she professed to being tired. All children were out within 30 minutes of this photo. They crashed hard. It was a LONG, fun-filled day.
That's a wrap.
How did you spend your Saturday?
By the way, if you haven't heard from me for a while know that I am ok. I'm so behind I may never dig my way out, but I'm ok. There are a few reasons for this:
1. My internet was down for 6 days off and on, mostly off. I managed to post using a patchy wi-fi signal from my neighbor's house. Don't tell.
2. My husband is in the middle of an 8 day break and he's been demanding my attention and time. It turns out he actually likes me.
3. Google has been giving me fits.
4. My sister and her family are here visiting and you just heard what we've been up to. And now my bed is calling my name....
If you would like me to read a recent post please leave me the link. I'll eventually make it through the sea of posts in my google reader, but it may be a while. If you leave the link it may ensure a more prompt visit. I hope you are all well out there in blogland. Wishing you a fun and safe Memorial Day weekend with family and friends.
Lish signing off.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Friday Flip-Offs Blog Hop, 5/28 edition
This is Friday-Flip Offs, the place to rid yourself of all that random annoying crap that seems to worm it's way into your life and fester like a boil just below the surface waiting to explode.Gigi at Kludgymom is the brains behind this brilliant idea. Please stop by and give her some love. She's got some great FFOs to read. No one does it quite like her.
So, without further ado, let's begin this VIRTUAL DETOX. Ahem...
To those pesky weeds that think they have taken up permanent residence in our yard… we have purchased a giant tub of weed kryptonite and you had better start packing your bags now… Oh, and Flip off!
To TruGreen lawn care… we pay you too much money to kill our yard. You had better fix this crap job and fast ‘cause it ain’t getting any prettier. Oh, and should it all die you are SOOO replacing this sod. Flip off!
To the guy in the bank that always gives me the stare down every single time I stop by… why don’t you get to work and keep your eyes where they belong. You know who you are. Flip Off.
To this dang humidity that is doing a number on my hair causing my locks to look less than stellar… Flip off!
To that giant nasty spider that has given me nightmares several times this week… know that the exterminator is on his way and you had better not even think twice about stepping within 3 feet of our home's perimeters for you shall surely see an awful fate. Flip Off!
To our tenants that have stopped making their meager payments and walked from our short sale contract… you may think that you can get away with living as freeloaders but if you thought that you have another thing coming. Don’t mess with me you dirt bags. Flip Off!
And lastly,
To our newly assigned underwriter that has asked us yet AGAIN to send the exact same information we’ve already sent 3 times. How many underwriters does it take to screw in a light bulb? I think by now you have enough personal data to write my biography. Quadruple Flips!! (One for every time we’ve had to send this ridiculously outlandish duplicated thick stack of crap. Learn to read why don’t ya.)
Wow. That never ceases to feel amazing. My husband thinks I'm getting more mean with each FFO, but I think he needs to be happy I'm getting it all out here and not taking it out on him.
Now it's YOUR turn. What is bugging you these days? If you are in need of a great vent, try Friday Flip-Offs. It's free and so therapeutic and you won't be sorry!
Make sure to visit Gigi at Kludgymom and Mis at Miel et Lait. And then join in our bloghop below. Let the fun begin!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Spring Purging; Good-bye old friend.
Not just cleaning or decluttering, but trip to the dump, can’t see out the back window PURGING going on around here.
If you need to have more energy or wanna feel lighter or just be able to breathe deeper, set aside one day to PURGE! Really Purge.
Spouse and I delve into the unfinished portion of the basement today, aka the kid’s playroom. Or so that’s what it used to be. It had become a dumping ground of sorts for all the misfits and the outdated things that didn’t seem to belong anywhere else in our home.
And one of the many items that made its way in the car on that bumpy ride to the dump was our 19 inch television that was a wedding gift from 1992. It is THE LAST item that we own from those first days together. It has seen better days. Its knobs are worn away and the buttons are stuck in “on” mode. It dates long pre-digital days and it’s had more universal remotes than I can count. The original one died prematurely. It has a burn mark on its right side from getting overheated in the moving truck to SC. It has been through 5 moves, 2 children, umpteen cable companies, and almost 18 years of marriage.
As Spouse lugged it over his shoulder and was about to throw it into that giant dumpster I found myself feeling emotional.
“Pull it together girl. You don’t get attached to STUFF.”
But despite what that inner voice tried to tell me my emotions won.
I peered over the side of that giant dumpster to give it another peek. There she lied at the very bottom of that dumpster. You’ve served us well old girl. I pulled out my camera to snap one last photo.
I reminded spouse that it was the last “thing” that we still had from our first days together.
But he corrected me.
“We still have each other.”
What could I say? He was right.
When it comes down to it televisions are just THINGS. Material possessions that we will not be taking with us when our days here end.
What really matters are our relationships with those whom we love. And the kind of person we are.
So, although it may be good-bye to our old television today, it is a hello kind of wake-up call to me. She may be gone physically, but our TV’s mission is not complete. It serves as a reminder of what is truly important in this life. It serves as a sweet reminder of priorities and enduring relationships.
And each time I look at the empty spot where she once sat I will smile. Good-bye old friend.
If you need to have more energy or wanna feel lighter or just be able to breathe deeper, set aside one day to PURGE! Really Purge.
Spouse and I delve into the unfinished portion of the basement today, aka the kid’s playroom. Or so that’s what it used to be. It had become a dumping ground of sorts for all the misfits and the outdated things that didn’t seem to belong anywhere else in our home.
And one of the many items that made its way in the car on that bumpy ride to the dump was our 19 inch television that was a wedding gift from 1992. It is THE LAST item that we own from those first days together. It has seen better days. Its knobs are worn away and the buttons are stuck in “on” mode. It dates long pre-digital days and it’s had more universal remotes than I can count. The original one died prematurely. It has a burn mark on its right side from getting overheated in the moving truck to SC. It has been through 5 moves, 2 children, umpteen cable companies, and almost 18 years of marriage.
As Spouse lugged it over his shoulder and was about to throw it into that giant dumpster I found myself feeling emotional.
“Pull it together girl. You don’t get attached to STUFF.”
But despite what that inner voice tried to tell me my emotions won.
I peered over the side of that giant dumpster to give it another peek. There she lied at the very bottom of that dumpster. You’ve served us well old girl. I pulled out my camera to snap one last photo.
I reminded spouse that it was the last “thing” that we still had from our first days together.
But he corrected me.
“We still have each other.”
What could I say? He was right.
When it comes down to it televisions are just THINGS. Material possessions that we will not be taking with us when our days here end.
What really matters are our relationships with those whom we love. And the kind of person we are.
So, although it may be good-bye to our old television today, it is a hello kind of wake-up call to me. She may be gone physically, but our TV’s mission is not complete. It serves as a reminder of what is truly important in this life. It serves as a sweet reminder of priorities and enduring relationships.
And each time I look at the empty spot where she once sat I will smile. Good-bye old friend.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Wordless Wednesday: Meet Little Man
My bug catchin, soccer kickin, tree climbin, problem solvin, lego lovin, ripstik ridin, shower hatin Little MAN.
I'm joining forces with the rest of the Wordless Wednesday community. Link your Wordless Wednesday posts up in the linky below and head over to
From there you can link up to other Wordless Wednesdays. Can't wait to see what you come up with. See my other Wordless Wednesdays here.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Tasty Tuesdays: Summer Smoothies
Today was in the 90s and super muggy. I LOVE IT! (Sorry to all you westerners who got snow today. Snicker, Snicker.)
We're not quite re-acclimated to these temps. I heard about the walk home from school for a while. The kids walked through the front door dripping wet and wanted a drink ASAP. I had already gotten all the ingredients out for smoothies. What perfect timing if I do say so myself. Cool and refreshing on a hot afternoon. Success!
Do you have these ingredients on hand?
If so, you're all ready for a tasty treat. And healthy to boot. Little Man had 4 glasses.
This recipe comes from the kitchen of my sister, Rena Redmon. I think my family has got to be some of the healthiest people I know. They are always cutting foods out of their diet and looking for healthier alternatives. If it's green and pungent and looks like it could walk away I tend to shy away. But this one is a winner. Chalk full of the good stuff. You could add a variety of other fruits instead or in addition to. It's a versatile recipe.
And in case you forgot how it works around here or are new to my neck of the blogosphere, let me explain my Tasty Tuesdays:
1. I do not profess to be a gourmet chef of any kind. Nor do I want to be. Period.
2. I try to spend as little time in the kitchen as possible. Unless Family Feud is on.
3. All recipes I post are tried and true.
4. I am on a mission to find as many easy, yummy, kid friendly recipes as humanly possible.
5. All recipe cards are formatted as a 4x6 card for you to save and print 'cause I'm nice that way. (I enlarged it here for viewing. Let me know if there is a problem printing it as a 4x6 card.)
6. I'm not a fan of frilly frou-frou anything, especially recipe cards. I'm all about LESS is MORE. It's my prerogative.
7. I may miss a Tuesday every now and again when life happens or I'm feeling uninspired. Don't judge.
If you missed my pulled pork sandwiches with slaw or oriental salad click here.
We're not quite re-acclimated to these temps. I heard about the walk home from school for a while. The kids walked through the front door dripping wet and wanted a drink ASAP. I had already gotten all the ingredients out for smoothies. What perfect timing if I do say so myself. Cool and refreshing on a hot afternoon. Success!
Do you have these ingredients on hand?
If so, you're all ready for a tasty treat. And healthy to boot. Little Man had 4 glasses.
This recipe comes from the kitchen of my sister, Rena Redmon. I think my family has got to be some of the healthiest people I know. They are always cutting foods out of their diet and looking for healthier alternatives. If it's green and pungent and looks like it could walk away I tend to shy away. But this one is a winner. Chalk full of the good stuff. You could add a variety of other fruits instead or in addition to. It's a versatile recipe.
And in case you forgot how it works around here or are new to my neck of the blogosphere, let me explain my Tasty Tuesdays:
1. I do not profess to be a gourmet chef of any kind. Nor do I want to be. Period.
2. I try to spend as little time in the kitchen as possible. Unless Family Feud is on.
3. All recipes I post are tried and true.
4. I am on a mission to find as many easy, yummy, kid friendly recipes as humanly possible.
5. All recipe cards are formatted as a 4x6 card for you to save and print 'cause I'm nice that way. (I enlarged it here for viewing. Let me know if there is a problem printing it as a 4x6 card.)
6. I'm not a fan of frilly frou-frou anything, especially recipe cards. I'm all about LESS is MORE. It's my prerogative.
7. I may miss a Tuesday every now and again when life happens or I'm feeling uninspired. Don't judge.
If you missed my pulled pork sandwiches with slaw or oriental salad click here.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
HEELLLLLLOOOOOOO....
Today got up to 89 degrees, with 70% humidity. Hello Summer. Lovely to make your aquaintance once again.
I for one prefer heat over cold any old day. It's just the way I was wired. Now I must train my children to not open windows or turn on the fireplace when the air is running.
I was relishing in the joy of this momentous occasion...
when I opened the garage door...
to find this critter.
EEK!
EEEWWW.
Yuck.
I think it's furry.
And staring at me.
Dear Lord.
Why oh why do these 8 legged creatures have to exist?
Is it related to the tarantula family?
Disgusting.
(Chills up my spine.)
Yes, I'm a wimp.
And going to have nightmares for sure.
We need an exterminator.
I love summer, I love summer, I love summer...
Those are just a few of the thoughts that came to mind in the first 30 seconds I saw this guy.
What thoughts pop into your head?
Oh, btw...Little Man came to my rescue and saved this hairy thing from a vicious murder.
I for one prefer heat over cold any old day. It's just the way I was wired. Now I must train my children to not open windows or turn on the fireplace when the air is running.
I was relishing in the joy of this momentous occasion...
when I opened the garage door...
to find this critter.
EEK!
EEEWWW.
Yuck.
I think it's furry.
And staring at me.
Dear Lord.
Why oh why do these 8 legged creatures have to exist?
Is it related to the tarantula family?
Disgusting.
(Chills up my spine.)
Yes, I'm a wimp.
And going to have nightmares for sure.
We need an exterminator.
I love summer, I love summer, I love summer...
Those are just a few of the thoughts that came to mind in the first 30 seconds I saw this guy.
What thoughts pop into your head?
Oh, btw...Little Man came to my rescue and saved this hairy thing from a vicious murder.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Week 20 {365} Wifely Efforts with Hubs
Some couples seem to be a match made in heaven. Nothing ever goes wrong. They get along swimmingly and life together seems to be all sparkles and rainbows EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. Almost reminiscent of disney’s happily ever after fictional endings.
Well, unfortunately this is not the case for spouse and I. We are not smiling 24/7. Marriage is work. Hard work. Compromise. And his schedule isn’t doing us any favors. You’d think after 17+ years we’d have it figured out, but I think it only gets harder as we become more set in our ways and sure of who we are. There is no room for complacency.
This week we have both made more conscious efforts for the other, for the sake of our matrimonial vows.
Spouse spends time away from his regularly scheduled ESPN programs to go shopping with me and I take a day off from my normal routine of cleaning and blogging to spend an afternoon fishing.
Friday we had such a day planned. I got up early and prepared for the day.
Spouse ribbed me. “Are you dressed for a fashion show or a day out fishing?”
I knew we were taking the boat out and I wouldn’t be doing much hiking, so I thought carefully about my shoe choice and thought it was the perfect selection. Warm and practical. A hat for added protection and old jeans I could get dirty.
I reminded spouse that I’m a girl. He backed off.
What do you wear fishing?
I also packed my camera, a jacket, snacks, some band-aids (just in case), and wet wipes. Spouse laughed.
Hey, I’m a mom. Need I say more?
It was cool and overcast. Fish weren’t biting with our lures. And to you facebook people who have no confidence in my abilities, the next photo is for you.
I bet you thought you'd never see me do that.
I’m growing. Expanding my horizons. But don’t get any wild ideas.
Spouse seems to have some secret plot to train me up to be his next bass pro-fishing companion. Not sure that is going to happen in this lifetime. But thanks for thinking of me, hun.
We managed to get more snags than fish. I lost 2 of his favorite lures on the bottom of the lake. Oops. But we did get 2 striper and I got to reel them both in.
I think fishing is way more fun when you aren’t just sitting, but then I think of those poor fish who have just been hooked. They were just going about their day when out of the blue their world was rocked upside down by a shiny, sharp deadly object. It seems wrong on so many levels.
I was enjoying myself just fine until the gnats started swarming me. I despise those little varmints. They actually made the Friday Flip Off list this week. Unfortunately I didn’t plan my fishing excursion carefully enough thanks to hubs distracting me. I forgot the bug spray. Several of those pests got down my shirt. Don’t ask me how. I had several layers on. Spouse says they were “man gnats” trying to get lucky. Well, they sure did. Took a couple good bites out of my boob. Today I’m left with a couple welts and dang do they itch. Grr. They may be tiny but they can sure do some damage.
Oh, don’t worry. I’m planning my next move. You gnats better watch out! Alicia will be armed and ready next time!
Luckily I rounded up some sting relief pad in spouse’s first aid kit and it helped a bit.
But after the gnats I’m left wondering if I’m really man enough to do these adventure trips spouse has been begging me to do. Hmm… gonna have to think LONG and HARD on that one.
I’d love to have bonding experiences and all, but at what price?
Well, unfortunately this is not the case for spouse and I. We are not smiling 24/7. Marriage is work. Hard work. Compromise. And his schedule isn’t doing us any favors. You’d think after 17+ years we’d have it figured out, but I think it only gets harder as we become more set in our ways and sure of who we are. There is no room for complacency.
This week we have both made more conscious efforts for the other, for the sake of our matrimonial vows.
Spouse spends time away from his regularly scheduled ESPN programs to go shopping with me and I take a day off from my normal routine of cleaning and blogging to spend an afternoon fishing.
Friday we had such a day planned. I got up early and prepared for the day.
Spouse ribbed me. “Are you dressed for a fashion show or a day out fishing?”
I knew we were taking the boat out and I wouldn’t be doing much hiking, so I thought carefully about my shoe choice and thought it was the perfect selection. Warm and practical. A hat for added protection and old jeans I could get dirty.
I reminded spouse that I’m a girl. He backed off.
What do you wear fishing?
I also packed my camera, a jacket, snacks, some band-aids (just in case), and wet wipes. Spouse laughed.
Hey, I’m a mom. Need I say more?
It was cool and overcast. Fish weren’t biting with our lures. And to you facebook people who have no confidence in my abilities, the next photo is for you.
I bet you thought you'd never see me do that.
I’m growing. Expanding my horizons. But don’t get any wild ideas.
Spouse seems to have some secret plot to train me up to be his next bass pro-fishing companion. Not sure that is going to happen in this lifetime. But thanks for thinking of me, hun.
We managed to get more snags than fish. I lost 2 of his favorite lures on the bottom of the lake. Oops. But we did get 2 striper and I got to reel them both in.
I think fishing is way more fun when you aren’t just sitting, but then I think of those poor fish who have just been hooked. They were just going about their day when out of the blue their world was rocked upside down by a shiny, sharp deadly object. It seems wrong on so many levels.
I was enjoying myself just fine until the gnats started swarming me. I despise those little varmints. They actually made the Friday Flip Off list this week. Unfortunately I didn’t plan my fishing excursion carefully enough thanks to hubs distracting me. I forgot the bug spray. Several of those pests got down my shirt. Don’t ask me how. I had several layers on. Spouse says they were “man gnats” trying to get lucky. Well, they sure did. Took a couple good bites out of my boob. Today I’m left with a couple welts and dang do they itch. Grr. They may be tiny but they can sure do some damage.
Oh, don’t worry. I’m planning my next move. You gnats better watch out! Alicia will be armed and ready next time!
Luckily I rounded up some sting relief pad in spouse’s first aid kit and it helped a bit.
But after the gnats I’m left wondering if I’m really man enough to do these adventure trips spouse has been begging me to do. Hmm… gonna have to think LONG and HARD on that one.
I’d love to have bonding experiences and all, but at what price?
Friday, May 21, 2010
Dear blog readers,
I have a few items of business on the agenda for today.
First of all, thank you all SO much for the support and encouragement that you have shown me over the last few weeks as my blog has grown. I had no idea there was such an amazing network in the blogosphere. It's been very eye opening to say the very least.
Secondly, I apologize to any of you who haven’t heard from me in the last few days. Not to worry, I'm still alive and kickin.
Wednesday my cable company was down taking my internet and emails with it. That day I received about 120 linkups with my Wordless Wednesday and 90 some comments.
Thursday I had to work, but later tried to send thank-yous and return comments. That night most of my emails were returned, as Mediacom was still not adequately functioning. I have no way now of knowing who did and didn’t receive comments. For that, I apologize.
Today (Friday) was spent giving hubs some much needed attention he has been craving on his day off.
Tomorrow (Saturday) I’ll be trying to play catch up between soccer games and errands and whatever else may present it's surprise face. As I scroll through the 25,832 items in my google reader (that may or may not be exaggerated) and the endless emails I realize that it may in fact NOT be possible, as I am only human. I admit it- NO superpowers. Spouse is on 12 hour day shifts this weekend and my children are too young to ignore. Not to mention that they have activities that require my attention. I'm a mom first and foremost.
So, know that my absence is not because I don’t care or have forgotten you… my life has been nuts over here. Please bare with me. Just tryin to stay afloat.
Thirdly, I have received three awards that I have yet to share. I truly feel humbled and honored each and every time someone thinks of me as their award recipient. Seriously.
I have added them to my trophy case. You are welcome to peruse at your leisure. And make sure to check out these beautiful blogs.
First of all, thank you all SO much for the support and encouragement that you have shown me over the last few weeks as my blog has grown. I had no idea there was such an amazing network in the blogosphere. It's been very eye opening to say the very least.
Secondly, I apologize to any of you who haven’t heard from me in the last few days. Not to worry, I'm still alive and kickin.
Wednesday my cable company was down taking my internet and emails with it. That day I received about 120 linkups with my Wordless Wednesday and 90 some comments.
Thursday I had to work, but later tried to send thank-yous and return comments. That night most of my emails were returned, as Mediacom was still not adequately functioning. I have no way now of knowing who did and didn’t receive comments. For that, I apologize.
Today (Friday) was spent giving hubs some much needed attention he has been craving on his day off.
Tomorrow (Saturday) I’ll be trying to play catch up between soccer games and errands and whatever else may present it's surprise face. As I scroll through the 25,832 items in my google reader (that may or may not be exaggerated) and the endless emails I realize that it may in fact NOT be possible, as I am only human. I admit it- NO superpowers. Spouse is on 12 hour day shifts this weekend and my children are too young to ignore. Not to mention that they have activities that require my attention. I'm a mom first and foremost.
So, know that my absence is not because I don’t care or have forgotten you… my life has been nuts over here. Please bare with me. Just tryin to stay afloat.
Thirdly, I have received three awards that I have yet to share. I truly feel humbled and honored each and every time someone thinks of me as their award recipient. Seriously.
I have added them to my trophy case. You are welcome to peruse at your leisure. And make sure to check out these beautiful blogs.
The Sunshine Award from Parenting A Child With Autism
The Sunshine Award from Punk Rock Momma
You're Going Places, Baby Award from Webbisodes
I'd also love to hear what you are listening to these days. I am always changing up my music; I have a very eclectic mix. I love all kinds. I'd love to share some of your favs too to make your visit more enjoyable. So, what's in your itunes?
Well, my family beckons. Thanks for all you do!
Sincerely, Alicia (aka Lish)
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Friday Flip Offs
Welcome! If you haven’t stopped by before this is Friday Flip Offs.You know, the place to get rid of “weekday angst and frustration before heading into the weekend. I virtually flip off whoever is on my last nerve. It’s very cathartic.”
Thanks to Gigi of kludgymom who is the brains behind this ingenious idea. The greatest VIRTUAL DETOX ever!
This week has presented me with plenty of material for this momentous occasion. So, without further ado…
To Aurora Loan Services who are inexplicably and undeniably the worst short sale processors in the US of A. You may be incompetent, dishonest, and out to ruin my life, but my credit score will bounce back and I’ll brush you off like a fleck of dust and move on. As promised, QUADRUPLE flip offs.
To the people who hide behind anonymous names. Flip Off.
To the one and only, lousy no good Mediacom, just in case you didn’t quite catch it two weeks ago, you SUCK. When you decided to be down for no apparent reason ALL DAY LONG you took our tv, phone, internet, and emails with you. You lousy piece of crap company. Oh, and FYI: You sure do make the decision to switch to another cable company a no-brainer. Flip Off!
To those little pesky gnats that seem to have taken up residence in our yard. Bugger off you little annoying varmints. And know that I am now armed with powerful bug toxins that will destroy you next time you decide to ruin my leisurely outdoor fun. You better think twice. Btw, Flip Off.
And last but certainly not least...
To the makers of that spiral curling iron that caught fire while in my hair. Way to get me hooked on a styling tool only to wipe it off the face of the earth to never be found again. Double Flip Off. One for the fire and one for just being idiots.
Ah, so much better.
What are your Friday Flip Offs? Come on, go ahead. Get it ALL off your chest.
Join in the bloghop below! Let the fun begin!!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
My Sweet Pokey.
Do you have a person that you just don’t get as hard as you try?
Well, Pokey is definitely that person for me. Currently 8 ½ years old.
Her name is Pokey because she is the slowest person on planet earth, literally.
…always in her own little world and oblivious to those around her. I wait for her to get out of the car for approximately 3.8 minutes EVERYWHERE. WE. GO! Old grannies are out of their cars faster than she can unbuckle her seatbelt.
Yep.
She is also the most stubborn child I’ve ever known. Hands down. (And I can only hope that one day this trait will be to her advantage, as right now it just makes me nuts.)
There is no making this child do ANYTHING. If it's not her idea, forget it. Have one of those?
She refused to take a bottle despite the fact that she couldn’t nurse. I tried every nipple known to mankind and after exhausting all options we had to starve her over 30 hours before she’d take a dropper of breast milk all while hiding her face. At 4 months old she didn't want to admit defeat.
This is also the kid that refused to potty train at 3 ½.
“Don’t you want to wear panties like a big girl?”
“Nope, I want to wear diapers like a baby.” (The fact that a child can speak those words should be a red flag that they are too old to NOT be potty trained.)
We played her game. "You wanna be a baby?" Well, alright then. You can be a baby.
We set up the porta crib, fed her formula in a bottle and jars of smashed beans for dinner. When she refused to eat, we told her babies sleep a lot and it was time for bed. She cried half the night. We stopped in periodically to ask her if she was ready to be a big girl yet.
Between sobs she muttered, “No.”
We continued the process repeatedly and finally after I thought for sure she was never going to give in, she finally broke. She was finally ready to be a big girl. Once she made that decision she was potty trained almost instantly. But SHE had to make the decision.
Well, her new thing is math. She hates math. Wants nothing to do with it.
And there is no making her like it. We sit for hours trying to extract correct answers. But she doesn’t care. And refuses to try. Our efforts are futile.
“Pokey, what’s 3+2?”
“4.” (less than .08 seconds later)
I know that she knows the answers. She’s proved it over and over, but hates it so much that she won’t take the time to think through it long enough to spew correct answers. Or maybe she is trying to give wrong numbers on purpose. I'm not sure.
Last year we couldn’t get her into summer school because she scored too high on the test. This year she qualifies. I think she purposefully did poorly on the test so she COULD go to summer school. And I'm onto her!
We were sitting at dinner discussing this specific test.
Pokey: “The class all gets a special reward for doing so well. Well, everyone except me. “
Me: “Ah, you didn’t do well?”
Pokey: “Yeah, I think I got the lowest score.” (very matter of fact)
Me: “You got the lowest score?” (concerned)
Pokey: “Well, I don’t know that for sure.” (shrugging shoulders)
She could have cared less. She went right back to eating. Didn’t miss a beat. Didn’t bat an eyelash.
She has told us how excited she is for summer school several times now.
I wrote the check for $175 and couldn’t help but feel annoyed.
As much as I want to scold her, I don’t want to say anything to make her less excited to go. And I secretly hope that this is the thing she needs to get pumped about math.
I struggle to understand my sweet Pokey. I don't get her as hard as I try. I always tried so hard in school and was absolutely devastated with anything less than As. How can you help a child who genuinely doesn't care? Who is fine with mediocre? Who won't try because they don't want to?
I won't even start in on her lack of cleanliness. But I will say that her room is so messy sometimes that I worry it might come to life. And she could care less. She seems to thrive in chaos.
She's definitely a one of a kind, one that I'm working everyday to understand better.
Ah, motherhood. SIGH. She is so completely opposite of me. Is she even my kid?
But she is a beautiful person, inside and out. And I can't imagine life without her. (Photos were inserted as a reminder of just how beautiful a person she is AND to keep my blood pressure in check.)
Now if I can just get through the next 10 years with my sanity intact. Heaven help me.
Well, Pokey is definitely that person for me. Currently 8 ½ years old.
Her name is Pokey because she is the slowest person on planet earth, literally.
…always in her own little world and oblivious to those around her. I wait for her to get out of the car for approximately 3.8 minutes EVERYWHERE. WE. GO! Old grannies are out of their cars faster than she can unbuckle her seatbelt.
Yep.
She is also the most stubborn child I’ve ever known. Hands down. (And I can only hope that one day this trait will be to her advantage, as right now it just makes me nuts.)
There is no making this child do ANYTHING. If it's not her idea, forget it. Have one of those?
She refused to take a bottle despite the fact that she couldn’t nurse. I tried every nipple known to mankind and after exhausting all options we had to starve her over 30 hours before she’d take a dropper of breast milk all while hiding her face. At 4 months old she didn't want to admit defeat.
This is also the kid that refused to potty train at 3 ½.
“Don’t you want to wear panties like a big girl?”
“Nope, I want to wear diapers like a baby.” (The fact that a child can speak those words should be a red flag that they are too old to NOT be potty trained.)
We played her game. "You wanna be a baby?" Well, alright then. You can be a baby.
We set up the porta crib, fed her formula in a bottle and jars of smashed beans for dinner. When she refused to eat, we told her babies sleep a lot and it was time for bed. She cried half the night. We stopped in periodically to ask her if she was ready to be a big girl yet.
Between sobs she muttered, “No.”
We continued the process repeatedly and finally after I thought for sure she was never going to give in, she finally broke. She was finally ready to be a big girl. Once she made that decision she was potty trained almost instantly. But SHE had to make the decision.
Well, her new thing is math. She hates math. Wants nothing to do with it.
And there is no making her like it. We sit for hours trying to extract correct answers. But she doesn’t care. And refuses to try. Our efforts are futile.
“Pokey, what’s 3+2?”
“4.” (less than .08 seconds later)
I know that she knows the answers. She’s proved it over and over, but hates it so much that she won’t take the time to think through it long enough to spew correct answers. Or maybe she is trying to give wrong numbers on purpose. I'm not sure.
Last year we couldn’t get her into summer school because she scored too high on the test. This year she qualifies. I think she purposefully did poorly on the test so she COULD go to summer school. And I'm onto her!
We were sitting at dinner discussing this specific test.
Pokey: “The class all gets a special reward for doing so well. Well, everyone except me. “
Me: “Ah, you didn’t do well?”
Pokey: “Yeah, I think I got the lowest score.” (very matter of fact)
Me: “You got the lowest score?” (concerned)
Pokey: “Well, I don’t know that for sure.” (shrugging shoulders)
She could have cared less. She went right back to eating. Didn’t miss a beat. Didn’t bat an eyelash.
She has told us how excited she is for summer school several times now.
I wrote the check for $175 and couldn’t help but feel annoyed.
As much as I want to scold her, I don’t want to say anything to make her less excited to go. And I secretly hope that this is the thing she needs to get pumped about math.
I struggle to understand my sweet Pokey. I don't get her as hard as I try. I always tried so hard in school and was absolutely devastated with anything less than As. How can you help a child who genuinely doesn't care? Who is fine with mediocre? Who won't try because they don't want to?
I won't even start in on her lack of cleanliness. But I will say that her room is so messy sometimes that I worry it might come to life. And she could care less. She seems to thrive in chaos.
She's definitely a one of a kind, one that I'm working everyday to understand better.
Ah, motherhood. SIGH. She is so completely opposite of me. Is she even my kid?
But she is a beautiful person, inside and out. And I can't imagine life without her. (Photos were inserted as a reminder of just how beautiful a person she is AND to keep my blood pressure in check.)
Now if I can just get through the next 10 years with my sanity intact. Heaven help me.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Wordless Wednesday (with Linky)
I'm joining forces with the rest of the Wordless Wednesday community. Link your Wordless Wednesday posts up in the linky below and head over to
From there you can link up to other Wordless Wednesdays. Can't wait to see what you come up with. See my other Wordless Wednesdays here.
Monday, May 17, 2010
"You are not becoming."
In light of recent developments in my life I'm forgoing Tasty Tuesdays yet again to bring you the latest sad saga... Because let's be real, who can eat at a time like this? Well, you know "real food" anyways. I only want to cram my face with comfort foods at the moment, preferably the ones that say Little Debbie on the label.
BE FOREWARNED: It's been a day. A less than perfect day in my less than perfect world. And if you are looking for peaches and cream, you've barked up the wrong blog.
Otherwise proceed with caution and feel free to skim. It's a LONG doozy.
So, according to my husband I am "unbecoming" due to a swear word or two that may or may not have slipped out in a moment of extreme anger and frustration today.
Long story short, our short sale really is never ending. As in, FOREVER, infinite, no end in sight…
It was scheduled to be done the 14th of May, which was LAST Friday. And in case you haven’t been following this nightmarish ordeal… this is the second time around. The first one started the end of Aug 2009. Due to incompetent, dishonest people and lots of other things I’d rather not drag up -our last short sale was cancelled. (If ya want some late night reading on short sales, you can go here and read more, mostly venting.)
We started again Mar 14 after the 30 days it took them to get all their ducks in a row (or whatever the heck they were doing). Friday marked the 60 day mark, the amount of time clearly specified for short sale duration by this lender. But alas, it has been extended yet another 30 days because the last underwriter was too “swamped” and now the new one needs an extension.
I’m starting to have deja vu back to the last 6 month run and wondering if at the end of these next 30 days if it will THEN go to the investor, who will most likely STILL have a special 120 day clause and STILL call the packet of material expired.
There are no words to express this situation. And I have lost all confidence in Aurora's ability to complete this task.
We are by definition conservative. You know, the people who have college funds and a 401K, pay all our bills on time, have a 800+ credit score, who never take risks, and by all means don’t buy a house as an investment.
But we did. We took a risk for once in our lives. And never in our wildest dreams would we have foreseen all of this. Hindsight, right? Due to a series of bad decisions by politicians and bankers our economy is in a recession, hanging on by a thread. If you think it is getting better, go tell that to the appraisers in Utah. In the last 9 months we have waited for this short sale to be processed our home has decreased in value another 10%.
Today our buyers walked. There are better homes at better prices right down the road.
So, yes. I may have cursed. Who wouldn’t? These are expressive words that need to be used at times to properly and adequately convey our emotions. Who wants to keep all that bottled up inside anyways? Well, I for one don’t. And I don’t appreciate being judged. So, I'm "unbecoming" today. There are worse things.
I would love nothing more than to be rid of this weight that has been burdening me for way too long. This has been going on for several years now... everything from trying to sell out of state, to lease option flops, to renting nightmares, to refi attempts, to loan modification rejections, to a never ending short sale. And it is not over yet.
Oh no, the fun has just begun. IF Aurora can get their crap together and IF we get the green light THEN and only then can the buyers (and that's another big question mark since ours just walked) start the loan process. This could seriously be another 6 months to a year.
Oh, and we received 6 certified letters in the mail today saying that our home is in default. Not one, but 6. Three were in my name, three in my husband's name. My assumption is that by sending the same letter six times there's no refuting that that was in fact what we signed for. And yes, another big no-no. Don't under ANY circumstances put both you and your spouse's name on mortgage papers because should something go awry there are dire consequences to not one, but BOTH of you.
Oh, and our lender also mentioned that the foreclosure date is set for June 12th. After this agonizing hell they've put us through, I'm all for it. Let's do this thing. If you are tortured long enough, you eventually get to the point that your tear ducts dry up and you are willing to do just about anything to put yourself out of the misery- including ruining your credit. Because by now who cares.
Unfortunately, that is not in our best interest YET. It would be best for both us and the bank to stick this short sale out and they are prepared to postpone the foreclosure as many times as necessary. Heaven knows they are more than capable of pushing dates out further. We've witnessed it first hand. But that is about all they are actually capable of, at least that I've seen.
The only thing that gives me peace is the knowledge that I know in my heart that we have tried to do the responsible thing at every turn. We paid dual mortgages as long as we possibly could until we finally were just out of funds and realized we were too upside down on this house to continue. It was a bottomless money pit. And we would never see a penny of it in return. We have lost so much money now that it literally makes me sick to my stomach. Geez, I could have my dream SUV and then some for what we’ve lost. Or a great college fund for the kids. Or lots of things. Sigh.
Instead we have needless stress and less money in the bank and after today, a good sized headache. But life isn't easy street for everyone. I've decided it really is just one big crap shoot. If we'd have bought our home one year sooner we'd be rolling in the dough. If we'd have picked more reliable tenants maybe things would have gone differently. If we could have found a job and been able to relocate... But woulda, coulda, shoulda. We can't go back and change the decisions we made in our past, however crappy they may seem now.
We can only move forward, extracting the good from them in an attempt to make better, hopefully more informed and less painful ones in the future.
If you made it through this lengthy, extremely depressing post.... thank you. That brightens my day just knowing you care.
And FYI: AURORA LOAN SERVICES suck!! Please do me a favor and tell everyone you know how horrible they are. They have earned quadruple flip offs in my book, but I'm saving that up for my Friday Flip Offs. If you haven't yet experienced them yet, stop back Friday. You should totally join. Nothing like a virtual detox.
BE FOREWARNED: It's been a day. A less than perfect day in my less than perfect world. And if you are looking for peaches and cream, you've barked up the wrong blog.
Otherwise proceed with caution and feel free to skim. It's a LONG doozy.
So, according to my husband I am "unbecoming" due to a swear word or two that may or may not have slipped out in a moment of extreme anger and frustration today.
Long story short, our short sale really is never ending. As in, FOREVER, infinite, no end in sight…
It was scheduled to be done the 14th of May, which was LAST Friday. And in case you haven’t been following this nightmarish ordeal… this is the second time around. The first one started the end of Aug 2009. Due to incompetent, dishonest people and lots of other things I’d rather not drag up -our last short sale was cancelled. (If ya want some late night reading on short sales, you can go here and read more, mostly venting.)
We started again Mar 14 after the 30 days it took them to get all their ducks in a row (or whatever the heck they were doing). Friday marked the 60 day mark, the amount of time clearly specified for short sale duration by this lender. But alas, it has been extended yet another 30 days because the last underwriter was too “swamped” and now the new one needs an extension.
I’m starting to have deja vu back to the last 6 month run and wondering if at the end of these next 30 days if it will THEN go to the investor, who will most likely STILL have a special 120 day clause and STILL call the packet of material expired.
There are no words to express this situation. And I have lost all confidence in Aurora's ability to complete this task.
We are by definition conservative. You know, the people who have college funds and a 401K, pay all our bills on time, have a 800+ credit score, who never take risks, and by all means don’t buy a house as an investment.
But we did. We took a risk for once in our lives. And never in our wildest dreams would we have foreseen all of this. Hindsight, right? Due to a series of bad decisions by politicians and bankers our economy is in a recession, hanging on by a thread. If you think it is getting better, go tell that to the appraisers in Utah. In the last 9 months we have waited for this short sale to be processed our home has decreased in value another 10%.
Today our buyers walked. There are better homes at better prices right down the road.
So, yes. I may have cursed. Who wouldn’t? These are expressive words that need to be used at times to properly and adequately convey our emotions. Who wants to keep all that bottled up inside anyways? Well, I for one don’t. And I don’t appreciate being judged. So, I'm "unbecoming" today. There are worse things.
I would love nothing more than to be rid of this weight that has been burdening me for way too long. This has been going on for several years now... everything from trying to sell out of state, to lease option flops, to renting nightmares, to refi attempts, to loan modification rejections, to a never ending short sale. And it is not over yet.
Oh no, the fun has just begun. IF Aurora can get their crap together and IF we get the green light THEN and only then can the buyers (and that's another big question mark since ours just walked) start the loan process. This could seriously be another 6 months to a year.
Oh, and we received 6 certified letters in the mail today saying that our home is in default. Not one, but 6. Three were in my name, three in my husband's name. My assumption is that by sending the same letter six times there's no refuting that that was in fact what we signed for. And yes, another big no-no. Don't under ANY circumstances put both you and your spouse's name on mortgage papers because should something go awry there are dire consequences to not one, but BOTH of you.
Oh, and our lender also mentioned that the foreclosure date is set for June 12th. After this agonizing hell they've put us through, I'm all for it. Let's do this thing. If you are tortured long enough, you eventually get to the point that your tear ducts dry up and you are willing to do just about anything to put yourself out of the misery- including ruining your credit. Because by now who cares.
Unfortunately, that is not in our best interest YET. It would be best for both us and the bank to stick this short sale out and they are prepared to postpone the foreclosure as many times as necessary. Heaven knows they are more than capable of pushing dates out further. We've witnessed it first hand. But that is about all they are actually capable of, at least that I've seen.
The only thing that gives me peace is the knowledge that I know in my heart that we have tried to do the responsible thing at every turn. We paid dual mortgages as long as we possibly could until we finally were just out of funds and realized we were too upside down on this house to continue. It was a bottomless money pit. And we would never see a penny of it in return. We have lost so much money now that it literally makes me sick to my stomach. Geez, I could have my dream SUV and then some for what we’ve lost. Or a great college fund for the kids. Or lots of things. Sigh.
Instead we have needless stress and less money in the bank and after today, a good sized headache. But life isn't easy street for everyone. I've decided it really is just one big crap shoot. If we'd have bought our home one year sooner we'd be rolling in the dough. If we'd have picked more reliable tenants maybe things would have gone differently. If we could have found a job and been able to relocate... But woulda, coulda, shoulda. We can't go back and change the decisions we made in our past, however crappy they may seem now.
We can only move forward, extracting the good from them in an attempt to make better, hopefully more informed and less painful ones in the future.
If you made it through this lengthy, extremely depressing post.... thank you. That brightens my day just knowing you care.
And FYI: AURORA LOAN SERVICES suck!! Please do me a favor and tell everyone you know how horrible they are. They have earned quadruple flip offs in my book, but I'm saving that up for my Friday Flip Offs. If you haven't yet experienced them yet, stop back Friday. You should totally join. Nothing like a virtual detox.
I Threw it on the Ground
This is my family's new favorite phrase. The first couple times I heard it- I admit, it was funny.
The next gazillion times my kids said it, not so much.
Thanks honey, owe ya one. (Teeth clenched, nose scrunched in true Alicia form...)
Happy Monday. Enjoy.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Double the Love.
"You're Great." What more does a girl need to hear?
Feeling on top of the world thanks to Sarah of Confessions of a Tenured Teacher. Teachers have a special place in my heart. Her blog has opened my eyes to all sorts of politics that I was oblivious to, plus she's funny to boot.
And the Trendy Blog Award. I like the sounds of this one. It comes from Take Two, a website started by twin sisters. They do reviews and giveaways and I just started following them.
If you haven't already noticed I tend to do things my own way around here. Staying true to character I thought I'd showcase a few of my favorite blogs and bloggy friends.
1. Gigi Of kludgymom is the brains behind Friday Flip Offs. Her blog makes me laugh and cry. Plus she shares great recipes! Her last post was touching.
2. Melissa of Love Me: Daily has an eclectic mix of charm, humor, and wit; a style all her own. She is a definite trip!
3. Miel Abielle (aka Mis) of Bon Vivants is a writer, bibliophile, and artist. She's working towards being published.
Truth is, I love these gals. All of them. I have them all on my blogroll so I am first to see when they post fresh reads. They spice up my otherwise dull life. I have other favorites on my blogroll as well. I mentioned Kristi of Live and Love out Loud last week. Feel free to check them all out. Add them all to your google reader. You won't be sorry.
Week 19 {365} Out of Hibernation
Get up off your couch you lazy people!
This week was chalk full of all forms of cardio.. the kid's school walkathon, a 5K, riding bikes, scootering, etc.
It is almost summer and I for one am tired of hibernating. Not to mention that I'm going to have to showcase this body in a bathing suit very shortly. Cringe.
And just incase you've been procrastinating any form of excercise until it got closer to summer... this is a reminder that your time is up. Tick, tick...
My body tried to keep me down this week with all sorts of CRUD, but I persevered.
I WIN. Take that!
Don't ya just love that feeling you get when you want to be doing nothing but sitting in front of the tv feeding your face with a bag of doritos and some twinkies... but instead you get your butt off the couch?
You make a conscious decision to NOT be a lazy butt.
I think it is by far one of the greatest, if not THE greatest feelings you can have.
Then when you actually DO something...
Complete and utter ecstasy, as if you just climbed your Mount Everest... Yes, that good.
And just in case you could possibly be mumbling something under your breath, I must tell you... I am NOT a runner. Just check out the numbers on that clock. It doesn't lie.
I might have run some in high school, but it's been at least a couple decades since this body and I have hit the pavement. (Except for that 4K last year, but not sure that counts.)
This week I was down and out. Sick as a dog. So sick on Friday I broke down.
After a big bowl of pasta, some good drugs, and a full night's sleep...
I did it. I got up off my sick kiester and made my way to that race.
I kept my expectations low. My only goal was to not walk or die.
It was hard and exhilarating all the same.
I did it.
And YOU can too.
This week was chalk full of all forms of cardio.. the kid's school walkathon, a 5K, riding bikes, scootering, etc.
It is almost summer and I for one am tired of hibernating. Not to mention that I'm going to have to showcase this body in a bathing suit very shortly. Cringe.
And just incase you've been procrastinating any form of excercise until it got closer to summer... this is a reminder that your time is up. Tick, tick...
My body tried to keep me down this week with all sorts of CRUD, but I persevered.
I WIN. Take that!
Don't ya just love that feeling you get when you want to be doing nothing but sitting in front of the tv feeding your face with a bag of doritos and some twinkies... but instead you get your butt off the couch?
You make a conscious decision to NOT be a lazy butt.
I think it is by far one of the greatest, if not THE greatest feelings you can have.
Then when you actually DO something...
Complete and utter ecstasy, as if you just climbed your Mount Everest... Yes, that good.
And just in case you could possibly be mumbling something under your breath, I must tell you... I am NOT a runner. Just check out the numbers on that clock. It doesn't lie.
I might have run some in high school, but it's been at least a couple decades since this body and I have hit the pavement. (Except for that 4K last year, but not sure that counts.)
This week I was down and out. Sick as a dog. So sick on Friday I broke down.
After a big bowl of pasta, some good drugs, and a full night's sleep...
I did it. I got up off my sick kiester and made my way to that race.
I kept my expectations low. My only goal was to not walk or die.
It was hard and exhilarating all the same.
I did it.
And YOU can too.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Friday Flip Offs!
How in the heck could I have almost forgotten what day it is… the day we all look forward to all week. You know, Friday Flip Offs of course. I’m so ready to rid myself of all this crap that has been festering all.week.long. It starts small and then one thing builds upon another and so on and so forth, until you seriously can NOT take it for even another second!
Are you ready? It’s time to do this thing!
Gigi, thanks for being the mastermind behind this VIRTUAL DETOX!!
To my laptop that will not let me view anything in peace. You may be able to make my life a living hell at times, but just remember that I own you and can do anything I want to you, including smashing you into a million pieces with my bare hands…FLIP OFF.
To my realtor that has sat back with his thumb up his rear end and done absolutely nothing to speed up this agonizing short sale. We hired you with the understanding that you were some kind of expert, but I could have got my own realtor’s license and sold a dozen homes in the time this has taken you… FLIP OFF.
To this dark rain cloud that seems to have taken up residence in my life. You may cause momentary feelings of complete and utter worthlessness, but YOU SUCK and I refuse to succumb to your powers. FLIP OFF!
To all those fake people on facebook that work overtime to make others feel inadequate about their own lives. Um, yeah. We all know who you are and that you are full of crap. And that you are only saying those things because your real life actually blows. We see right through your shallowness… FLIP OFF.
To this lingering sinus infection that couldn’t be more annoying if it tried. I don’t know what you are trying to prove here, but life goes on with or without you so you might as well just give it up already. Oh and by the way, FLIP OFF!!
And to the never ending piles of laundry that seem to magically multiply and then play hide and seek with me at the most inopportune of times… FLIP OFF.
Ah… DEEP SIGH... so therapeutic. Maybe just maybe I can get through this 5K and have a good weekend after all.
If you would like to participate go get the badge from KludgyMom and link up! You won’t regret it.
Read last week's edition of Friday Flip Offs here.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Preppy Mafia?
I wasn’t quite sure how to respond to this award. Was this meant as a compliment or an insult?
It comes from Dawn Michelle at The Way I See Things. And since it’s coming from such a sweet girl and is an AWARD, I decided to approach it as a compliment.
Then I happened on http://www.thepreppymafia.com, the obvious originators of this award. Their slogan, “Preppy-fying the World, One Monogram at a Time.”
I perused for a minute and got a kick out of their “fun preppy lists”. If you are named Blair, have a membership to the yacht club, play tennis, and like Pretty in Pink- by their definition you are preppy.
But what does preppy mafia even mean? It sounds like an oxymoron.
Preppy= A classy girl who who prefers Lilly Pulitzer to Hollister and Abercrombie. She has more refined tastes than tight tops and jeans. Impeccably groomed. Well-mannered, and upper middle class to upper class. Hair is straight, clean, and natural. Does not succumb to trends.
Mafia= gangster; criminal masterminds (and 56 other definitions in urban dictionary).
Hmm… at a loss here.
In the furthest stretches of my wildest imagination I would never be a preppy gangster.
Is this monogram intended to magically transform me into a bad ass super classy chick?
At the risk of being incredibly lame and being banned from the preppy mafia blog eternally, I am going to respectfully decline the questions that accompany this award.
I am going to instead be true to myself and tell you who I actually am. I know you are all just dying to know more. Like you haven’t learned enough from my other self indulgent Alicia lists.
I’m just a 5 foot tall mother and housewife living in the boring state of Iowa trying to forge my way through this messy so-called life, hence the name A beautiful Mess: Project Alicia.
Blogging has opened my eyes to a peculiar, fascinating world and I am so thrilled to be involved with it. My favorite part of blogging is connecting with amazing, talented women who inspire me to be better. I have met so many wonderful people. And I hope you know who you are.
In true rebel form, I’m going to forgo all rules and present this award to just one person.
Kristi of Live and Love… Out Loud is a busy mother of 4 and yet somehow finds time to keep a beautifully manicured and hilarious blog and answer every question I have at all hours of the day and night. She rocks.
I’m just a 5 foot tall mother and housewife living in the boring state of Iowa trying to forge my way through this messy so-called life, hence the name A beautiful Mess: Project Alicia.
Blogging has opened my eyes to a peculiar, fascinating world and I am so thrilled to be involved with it. My favorite part of blogging is connecting with amazing, talented women who inspire me to be better. I have met so many wonderful people. And I hope you know who you are.
In true rebel form, I’m going to forgo all rules and present this award to just one person.
Kristi of Live and Love… Out Loud is a busy mother of 4 and yet somehow finds time to keep a beautifully manicured and hilarious blog and answer every question I have at all hours of the day and night. She rocks.
Tech UNsavvy
When I think of someone who is technologically UNSAVVY… I picture MY face. It’s true.
At the risk of making myself sound old I need to mention that when I was in high school they didn’t have computers. In college I had a laptop that was more like a data processor (which sporadically ate term papers at will) and google wasn’t even invented yet. Do you remember those days? However did we survive?
The world seems to be advancing faster than I can even keep up. It took me like 7 years to learn Photoshop Elements 2. Now it’s too old for my new computer. And my new computer discriminates against almost everything I own, including 2 of my 3 printers. But, out with the old and in with the new.
So, two days ago I received an email from Kristi over at Live and Love out Loud. She asked me where my email feedburner was because she couldn’t find it. Um, yeah. That’s because I didn’t have one. And I had to google it to figure out what it even was.
I feel like a pioneer, only there are plenty that have paved the way for me… I just can’t keep up with their pace. So, I continue to plug away on this technological journey. It seems I catch my breath and then the latest and greatest is unveiled. I am perpetually 3 steps behind.
Tweets, Widgets, Linkies, Buttons (and no, not the sewing kind), Buzz, Digg… Ahhh! It is an entirely new language all its own.
Well, are you sitting down?
Brace yourselves… today I joined TWITTER.
Yes, girls. I’m a quick study and after a little encouragement and tons of google cliff notes… I’ve joined the tweeting twits in the twitter world. Better late than never, right?
My name is projectalicia.
You can even click on the twitter “follow me” icon on the right. Yes, it works. And yes, I did that all by myself.
Tonight I took the plunge and downloaded tweetie to my iphone, which by the way, is the best thing EVER invented in the history of time. I'm talking about my iphone, of course.
Willis Party of 6 wrote a funny blurb on her blog about just this. I had a good laugh.
Thinking, thinking…
Nope, can’t think of anything it can’t do. I have become an iphone addict. (See photo above.) There is an app for absolutely everything... the world at your fingertips. Literally.
Who would have ever thought just a few years ago that I could be riding down the road in a car tweeting, googling and texting AND all at the same time? Not while driving of course.
It’s a crazy time we live in and although I’m in a little over my head at times, I’d rather fail trying than never try at all.
Besides, I wouldn't want my kids to surpass me. How else am I going to protect them? So, think of that the next time you feel guilty about sitting at your computer to blog or chat on fb.
Oh, and look out world. Alicia is open for tweets.
At the risk of making myself sound old I need to mention that when I was in high school they didn’t have computers. In college I had a laptop that was more like a data processor (which sporadically ate term papers at will) and google wasn’t even invented yet. Do you remember those days? However did we survive?
The world seems to be advancing faster than I can even keep up. It took me like 7 years to learn Photoshop Elements 2. Now it’s too old for my new computer. And my new computer discriminates against almost everything I own, including 2 of my 3 printers. But, out with the old and in with the new.
So, two days ago I received an email from Kristi over at Live and Love out Loud. She asked me where my email feedburner was because she couldn’t find it. Um, yeah. That’s because I didn’t have one. And I had to google it to figure out what it even was.
I feel like a pioneer, only there are plenty that have paved the way for me… I just can’t keep up with their pace. So, I continue to plug away on this technological journey. It seems I catch my breath and then the latest and greatest is unveiled. I am perpetually 3 steps behind.
Tweets, Widgets, Linkies, Buttons (and no, not the sewing kind), Buzz, Digg… Ahhh! It is an entirely new language all its own.
Well, are you sitting down?
Brace yourselves… today I joined TWITTER.
Yes, girls. I’m a quick study and after a little encouragement and tons of google cliff notes… I’ve joined the tweeting twits in the twitter world. Better late than never, right?
My name is projectalicia.
You can even click on the twitter “follow me” icon on the right. Yes, it works. And yes, I did that all by myself.
Tonight I took the plunge and downloaded tweetie to my iphone, which by the way, is the best thing EVER invented in the history of time. I'm talking about my iphone, of course.
Willis Party of 6 wrote a funny blurb on her blog about just this. I had a good laugh.
Thinking, thinking…
Nope, can’t think of anything it can’t do. I have become an iphone addict. (See photo above.) There is an app for absolutely everything... the world at your fingertips. Literally.
Who would have ever thought just a few years ago that I could be riding down the road in a car tweeting, googling and texting AND all at the same time? Not while driving of course.
It’s a crazy time we live in and although I’m in a little over my head at times, I’d rather fail trying than never try at all.
Besides, I wouldn't want my kids to surpass me. How else am I going to protect them? So, think of that the next time you feel guilty about sitting at your computer to blog or chat on fb.
Oh, and look out world. Alicia is open for tweets.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Wordless Wednesday: It's Great to Be a Kid.
I'm joining forces with the rest of the Wordless Wednesday community. Link your Wordless Wednesday posts up in the linky below and head over to Wordless Wednesday, Live and Love... Out Loud, and 5 minutes for mom. From there you can link up to other Wordless Wednesdays. Can't wait to see what you come up with.
See my other Wordless Wednesdays here.
Monday, May 10, 2010
TMI
So, I was going to start working on my Tasty Tuesday recipe, but then I thought, “Who am I kidding?” Nothing sounds tasty right now and I’m pretty sure that food and this stuff that’s been coming out of me should NOT go together in any capacity. Right now just the thought of food makes me queasy. So, if it's all the same to you I think I'll forgo the recipe post for today.
I’ve been bedridden for the better part of the day. (Thank goodness spouse was home.) I can’t decide if I’m more like Peggy Ann McKay in Shel Silverstein’s “Sick” or the chick in that NyQuil commercial, but I feel like freaking CRAP. I think it must be a sinus infection, but does achiness accompany that? Then some bug decided to wreak havoc in my gut at the very same time and I spent the last 8 hours or so with a bowl just inches away for fear of not making it to my bathroom 10 feet from my bed. And my monthly visitor is still here to boot. NO other visitor causes such angst in my life like this one. And is it a coincidence that the last several times I’ve been sick have ALL been during this visitor? I think NOT. Hey, I gave fair warning with the title.
Anyhow, I wanted to thank my fellow bloggers who have given me such great comment love over in the blogfrog community tonight. It was welcome words on such a lousy day. You girls ROCK!!
Join in the discussion. http://theblogfrog.com/757946/forum/26163/am-i-alone.html
Hopefully I'll be back to my regular old self soon. Cause being sick BLOWS!
I’ve been bedridden for the better part of the day. (Thank goodness spouse was home.) I can’t decide if I’m more like Peggy Ann McKay in Shel Silverstein’s “Sick” or the chick in that NyQuil commercial, but I feel like freaking CRAP. I think it must be a sinus infection, but does achiness accompany that? Then some bug decided to wreak havoc in my gut at the very same time and I spent the last 8 hours or so with a bowl just inches away for fear of not making it to my bathroom 10 feet from my bed. And my monthly visitor is still here to boot. NO other visitor causes such angst in my life like this one. And is it a coincidence that the last several times I’ve been sick have ALL been during this visitor? I think NOT. Hey, I gave fair warning with the title.
Anyhow, I wanted to thank my fellow bloggers who have given me such great comment love over in the blogfrog community tonight. It was welcome words on such a lousy day. You girls ROCK!!
Join in the discussion. http://theblogfrog.com/757946/forum/26163/am-i-alone.html
Hopefully I'll be back to my regular old self soon. Cause being sick BLOWS!
To low expectations...
The day started just as any other day, except with a possible sinus infection in the making.
Pokey woke me up early to share her homemade storybook she made at school. She was so proud of it. She had drawn a picture of me taking pictures on the first page. Hmm...
There would be no other gifts this year, as we recently had to replace our dying computer. Understood.
All I really wanted for Mother’s Day (besides maybe a nap) was my husband to take some photos of my children and me frolicking in a field of flowers. Unfortunately there were no fields of flowers to frolic in. We found a freshly planted field of corn and a field of weeds. (possibly ragweeds?) That would have to do.
My husband had to leave for work in the late afternoon.
I had to concoct something edible for dinner.
It was just an ordinary day.
I did a couple loads of laundry. And I tidied the kitchen.
As I was wiping down the counter I found an envelope with my name on it.
I opened it to find a note from my husband. It read,
“Alicia, Don’t sell yourself short. You are a good mother to your children, an irreplaceable portion of their lives. You do more for them than they understand but someday they will get it. Your hard work will pay off. Love, Haldan.”
Tears streamed down my face as I read those sweet words. Then I found some money tucked away and it read, “Use this money for something you’ve been wanting to do.”
But it doesn’t end there. My son saved the best for last. He handed me his card. Inside was a coupon for 25 free pictures. He said, “Dad told me to think of something heartfelt. I wanted to get you hand sanitizer but I thought you’d like this more.” He went on to explain that he would even smile for the photos. If you knew how much he detests getting his photo taken, you would have melted too.
It was a sweet ending to my ordinary day.
Ladies, I guess it pays to keep your expectations low.
If you don’t have TOO high of expectations, then you are pleasantly surprised with just about anything, my new motto for life.
Pokey woke me up early to share her homemade storybook she made at school. She was so proud of it. She had drawn a picture of me taking pictures on the first page. Hmm...
There would be no other gifts this year, as we recently had to replace our dying computer. Understood.
All I really wanted for Mother’s Day (besides maybe a nap) was my husband to take some photos of my children and me frolicking in a field of flowers. Unfortunately there were no fields of flowers to frolic in. We found a freshly planted field of corn and a field of weeds. (possibly ragweeds?) That would have to do.
My husband had to leave for work in the late afternoon.
I had to concoct something edible for dinner.
It was just an ordinary day.
I did a couple loads of laundry. And I tidied the kitchen.
As I was wiping down the counter I found an envelope with my name on it.
I opened it to find a note from my husband. It read,
“Alicia, Don’t sell yourself short. You are a good mother to your children, an irreplaceable portion of their lives. You do more for them than they understand but someday they will get it. Your hard work will pay off. Love, Haldan.”
Tears streamed down my face as I read those sweet words. Then I found some money tucked away and it read, “Use this money for something you’ve been wanting to do.”
But it doesn’t end there. My son saved the best for last. He handed me his card. Inside was a coupon for 25 free pictures. He said, “Dad told me to think of something heartfelt. I wanted to get you hand sanitizer but I thought you’d like this more.” He went on to explain that he would even smile for the photos. If you knew how much he detests getting his photo taken, you would have melted too.
It was a sweet ending to my ordinary day.
Ladies, I guess it pays to keep your expectations low.
If you don’t have TOO high of expectations, then you are pleasantly surprised with just about anything, my new motto for life.
Sunday, May 09, 2010
Tickled Pink.
I am tickled pink to be selected for such a fine award. Really, I am. Thanks to Maureen of Tatter Scoops and Miel Abiel of Bon Vivants for this honor. If it's all the same to you, I think I'll just combine them. It is an honor to be in your company.
Having said that, I must be frank. I don't do chain letters. I'm not that fascinating and have little to offer.
However, the blog world is a strange phenomenon. It has a way of sucking you in and making you do things that you might not otherwise consider. I have yet to decline one of these "awards", if it even fits that description.
Google to the rescue.
award n. something awarded, such as a prize or medal.
This is not the gold plated hang on your wall or display on your mantel sort of thing, but it is a recognition and I would not want to seem ungracious.
So, without further ado, I present…
Now you get to hear 7 more fascinating facts about me...
Having said that, I must be frank. I don't do chain letters. I'm not that fascinating and have little to offer.
However, the blog world is a strange phenomenon. It has a way of sucking you in and making you do things that you might not otherwise consider. I have yet to decline one of these "awards", if it even fits that description.
Google to the rescue.
award n. something awarded, such as a prize or medal.
This is not the gold plated hang on your wall or display on your mantel sort of thing, but it is a recognition and I would not want to seem ungracious.
So, without further ado, I present…
Now you get to hear 7 more fascinating facts about me...
Really people, I'm not that exciting. And my list of little known facts is dwindling by the day. But here goes...
1. My nickname is Lish or Lisha depending on how lazy people are feeling. They drop the A on the front or the A on the back or both. 98% of my friends and family call me Lish. I’m dealing.
2. Have a retarded tongue. Can’t even roll it. And when I was in grade school I had to see a speech pathologist because I couldn’t say my Rs. Now I just overcompensate and sound like a freak.
3. I worked as a pharmacy technician for 9 years until I gave birth to my first child. I know a thing or two about legalized drugs.
4. Strange Food Quirk: I love the smell of dill pickles, but not the taste. I said it was strange.
5. I never had migraines until I was pregnant with my 2nd child. Just saying…
6. Sunshine and chocolate both make me sneeze. I’ve been known to sneeze a half dozen times in a row, which is in fact a great ab workout in case you've never experienced it.
7. I need to change my blog URL to match my name but 1. I’m afraid and 2. I don’t know how. I only originally picked weloveiowa for my address because “stuckiniowa” was already taken. I don't actually love iowa. Quite the opposite. But that may be TMI.
I did it! Now I get the privilege of passing this "award" on.
The Rules:
1. Thank the person who gave you this award. Check.
2. Share 7 things about yourself. Check.
3. Pass the award along to 15 bloggers who you have recently discovered and who you think are fantastic! Yeah, about that. I don't think I know 15 new bloggers.
4. Contact the bloggers you've picked and let them know about the award. Check.
After some consideration I would like to pass the Versatile Blogger Award on to:
There are certain writers that inspire you and move you and these are a few new bloggers that I have recently connected with that have done just this for me, so thank you.
And Happy Blogging.
Saturday, May 08, 2010
Mother's Day Raincheck
I hate holidays that are commercialized and hyped up by society…
I have a theory. It may sound a bit pessimistic, but hear me out. If you don’t have TOO high of expectations, then you are pleasantly surprised with just about anything. Am I wrong?
Just two days ago I decided one day is just not sufficient enough to adequately celebrate mother’s day. Then I stopped by Live and Love… out Loud . She expressed her desire for a weekend long party.
Then I realized I actually think a week might be more appropriate.
An entire week dedicated to being pampered and cherished.
An entire week to give spouse a chance to fully appreciate all I do.
An entire week to bask in the beauty of motherhood. (You know, the thing forgotten the second that little one made his way home from the hospital when sleep deprivation and postpartum set in.)
A week for the sole purpose of helping your loved ones never want to take you for granted again.
Can they really gain a realistic perspective from just one day? I think not.
For these reasons I say it should be a WEEK long celebration at the bare minimum. But my sanity does not allow me to entertain such notions- I do realize that this is nothing more than a pipe dream.
So, I would settle for one day. One complete 24 hour day. No responsibilities. No worries. No children. Just pure and simple bliss for twenty-four hours.
Unfortunately in my reality that is also not a realistic option either, as my husband left at 3AM this morning for an all day fishing tournament and will spend the better part of tomorrow at work. So, I told him I want a raincheck; that it doesn’t count if it can’t be a complete 24 hours. He returned a smile that seemed to say, “Uh huh. You’re nuts.”
So, I go back to my original thought. If you don’t have TOO high of expectations, then you are pleasantly surprised with just about anything.
So, this will be my most favorite mother’s day EVER.
It will be like any other day, only better.
I will bask in my role as a mother and wife and rise above the occasion.
I will get up early so my partner can get plenty of sleep for his long night shift ahead.
I will cook my heart out in the kitchen and prepare 3 square meals and a yummy dessert to boot.
I will scrub the toilets and mop the floors while I whistle my favorite tune.
I will listen to fighting, screaming children with a smile and like it.
I will fold underwear and match up socks, right after I turn them all right side out cause I’m nice that way.
I will remember how much I love each child, especially when they are talking back to me.
I will treasure each and every homemade gift offered with a loving heart as only a mother has.
To lowering our expectations...
(Artwork by Pokey.)
I have a theory. It may sound a bit pessimistic, but hear me out. If you don’t have TOO high of expectations, then you are pleasantly surprised with just about anything. Am I wrong?
Just two days ago I decided one day is just not sufficient enough to adequately celebrate mother’s day. Then I stopped by Live and Love… out Loud . She expressed her desire for a weekend long party.
Then I realized I actually think a week might be more appropriate.
An entire week dedicated to being pampered and cherished.
An entire week to give spouse a chance to fully appreciate all I do.
An entire week to bask in the beauty of motherhood. (You know, the thing forgotten the second that little one made his way home from the hospital when sleep deprivation and postpartum set in.)
A week for the sole purpose of helping your loved ones never want to take you for granted again.
Can they really gain a realistic perspective from just one day? I think not.
For these reasons I say it should be a WEEK long celebration at the bare minimum. But my sanity does not allow me to entertain such notions- I do realize that this is nothing more than a pipe dream.
So, I would settle for one day. One complete 24 hour day. No responsibilities. No worries. No children. Just pure and simple bliss for twenty-four hours.
Unfortunately in my reality that is also not a realistic option either, as my husband left at 3AM this morning for an all day fishing tournament and will spend the better part of tomorrow at work. So, I told him I want a raincheck; that it doesn’t count if it can’t be a complete 24 hours. He returned a smile that seemed to say, “Uh huh. You’re nuts.”
So, I go back to my original thought. If you don’t have TOO high of expectations, then you are pleasantly surprised with just about anything.
So, this will be my most favorite mother’s day EVER.
It will be like any other day, only better.
I will bask in my role as a mother and wife and rise above the occasion.
I will get up early so my partner can get plenty of sleep for his long night shift ahead.
I will cook my heart out in the kitchen and prepare 3 square meals and a yummy dessert to boot.
I will scrub the toilets and mop the floors while I whistle my favorite tune.
I will listen to fighting, screaming children with a smile and like it.
I will fold underwear and match up socks, right after I turn them all right side out cause I’m nice that way.
I will remember how much I love each child, especially when they are talking back to me.
I will treasure each and every homemade gift offered with a loving heart as only a mother has.
To lowering our expectations...
(Artwork by Pokey.)
Week 18 {365} Everyday Life Moments
This week I was inspired by the work of Ali Edwards. She does a beautiful job of capturing everyday moments as only she can. She has a signature style all her own. I will never capture it quite like her, but I am a HUGE fan of this idea.
Last year I documented one picture every single day for one year, PROJECT 365. I never missed a day. Some nights I had to find a wifi signal at a truck stop or a cafe in a remote location to complete the task. There were nights that I felt too tired or sick. But I never missed a day. It was hard and it challenged me. But I did it and it will be a book that I will treasure for years to come.
This year I loosened the reigns and am no longer documenting daily, nor am I photographing daily. Instead, I am doing project 365 in weekly chunks. I never start the week with a plan. I snap photos here and there and then as the week unveils itself I figure out a theme. Sometimes I don't know what it will be until I download my photos for the week. You can see all of them here.
You can view them by weeks below.
Week 1 Baby It's Cold Outside
Week 2 Ooh and Ugh
Week 3 Finding Fun in the Funk
Week 4 Busy Nothing and a Birthday
Week 5 Overcoming Obstacles
Week 6 Cupcakes, Candy, and Cupids
Week 7 For the Love of Family
Week 8 Riding the Waves
Week 9 Impromptu Spring Pre-Break Escape
Week 10 More Florida 1 and More Florida 2
Week 11 Mug Shots 1 and Mug Shots 2
Week 12 Spring Break Surprises
Week 13 Easter Traditions Old and New
Week 14 New York City
Week 15 Spring Has Sprung
Week 16 The Evolution of Motherhood
Week 17 Finally Free of Flat Stanley
As I reflect on my project so far, it has made me realize the every day moments that we take for granted are fleeting. I recently wrote a post entitled "I've had a few wet dreams..." Don't let the title distract you. At the end of the post I shared a video from Katrina Kenison entitled, "The Gift of An Ordinary Day". It is a touching video that serves as a wonderful reminder to cherish the every day moments- even the tedious, screaming babies, poopy blowout, I wanna pull my hair out, hectic days- because before you know it they will be gone and you won't be able to get them back. If you have a minute you should click on the link and watch this video.
Last year I documented one picture every single day for one year, PROJECT 365. I never missed a day. Some nights I had to find a wifi signal at a truck stop or a cafe in a remote location to complete the task. There were nights that I felt too tired or sick. But I never missed a day. It was hard and it challenged me. But I did it and it will be a book that I will treasure for years to come.
This year I loosened the reigns and am no longer documenting daily, nor am I photographing daily. Instead, I am doing project 365 in weekly chunks. I never start the week with a plan. I snap photos here and there and then as the week unveils itself I figure out a theme. Sometimes I don't know what it will be until I download my photos for the week. You can see all of them here.
You can view them by weeks below.
Week 1 Baby It's Cold Outside
Week 2 Ooh and Ugh
Week 3 Finding Fun in the Funk
Week 4 Busy Nothing and a Birthday
Week 5 Overcoming Obstacles
Week 6 Cupcakes, Candy, and Cupids
Week 7 For the Love of Family
Week 8 Riding the Waves
Week 9 Impromptu Spring Pre-Break Escape
Week 10 More Florida 1 and More Florida 2
Week 11 Mug Shots 1 and Mug Shots 2
Week 12 Spring Break Surprises
Week 13 Easter Traditions Old and New
Week 14 New York City
Week 15 Spring Has Sprung
Week 16 The Evolution of Motherhood
Week 17 Finally Free of Flat Stanley
As I reflect on my project so far, it has made me realize the every day moments that we take for granted are fleeting. I recently wrote a post entitled "I've had a few wet dreams..." Don't let the title distract you. At the end of the post I shared a video from Katrina Kenison entitled, "The Gift of An Ordinary Day". It is a touching video that serves as a wonderful reminder to cherish the every day moments- even the tedious, screaming babies, poopy blowout, I wanna pull my hair out, hectic days- because before you know it they will be gone and you won't be able to get them back. If you have a minute you should click on the link and watch this video.
Friday, May 07, 2010
Fridays Flip-Offs.
Gigi, my new found blog friend, created Friday Flip-Offs and I think it is the most brilliant idea since sliced bread.A way to release all that built up hostility before the weekend. You know, all those little annoying and infuriating things that manage to worm their way under your skin and fester until you want to pull all your hair our and scream at the top of your lungs. A virtual detox if you will.
If you would like to participate in this novel idea go over to kludgymom and grab her badge to add to your post.
Now to begin. Ahem....
To the doctor who was condescending and patronizing... you may have been through more school than myself, but I am not a child and do not appreciate being treated as one. You can take that worthless piece of paper hanging on your wall and shove it where the sun doesn't shine... FLIP OFF!
To the despicable, exasperating, maddening, piece of crap, lousy, no good, lying banker who caused our short sale to be cancelled and undue stress in my life... TRIPLE FLIP OFF.
To mediacom who has to have the worst service on this side of the pacific ocean... FLIP OFF.
To the old lady at the grocery check-out with the attitude and the nasty 6 inch long hair on her upper lip... FLIP OFF. Grow a sense of humor and invest in a razor why don't ya.
To those pesky allergens that seem to be wreaking havoc in my sinus cavities causing my throat to swell up and my eyes to itch nonstop... FLIP OFF. (One day I'm going to conquer you yet!)
And last but certainly not least...
To whomever was the brains behind the 3rd grade projects this year... You and I both know that no 8 or 9 year old can do that work by themselves. For the torturous hours spent trying to finish that timeline causing me to lose precious sleep and a well earned work-out... FLIP OFF.
Ahhh... That is so incredibly therapeutic! Now it's YOUR turn. Yes you. Feel free to leave your flip-offs here or you can start it up over at your neck of the blogosphere. Let me know so I can link you up.
HAPPY FRIDAY y'all! Now go have yourselves a swankin fun weekend!
Thursday, May 06, 2010
2 Thumbs DOWN.
OK, so I admit it. I'm a eensy weensy bit overly dramatic at times...
Rewind.
My husband picked up a few snacks at the grocery the other day.
I came home from work feeling ravenous (I know, so out of character. FOCUS.) and grabbed the first thing that I could find...
I don't know if it was because I was expecting something else, but these wheatables never made it down. My brain said, "YUCK" and my mouth shot it out and into the garbage faster than I could have even said it.
Turns out they are TOASTED PECAN wheatables.
I gave it a second try once I learned this information. You know, just to make sure. Same flavor. Same smell. Same response.
YUCK! Gross, EEW, DISGUSTING. [Feel free to insert your own adjective of choice here for effect.]
2 GIANT thumbs DOWN!!
Resist the urge. Take my word on this one.
And you're welcome.
Rewind.
My husband picked up a few snacks at the grocery the other day.
I came home from work feeling ravenous (I know, so out of character. FOCUS.) and grabbed the first thing that I could find...
I don't know if it was because I was expecting something else, but these wheatables never made it down. My brain said, "YUCK" and my mouth shot it out and into the garbage faster than I could have even said it.
Turns out they are TOASTED PECAN wheatables.
I gave it a second try once I learned this information. You know, just to make sure. Same flavor. Same smell. Same response.
YUCK! Gross, EEW, DISGUSTING. [Feel free to insert your own adjective of choice here for effect.]
2 GIANT thumbs DOWN!!
Resist the urge. Take my word on this one.
And you're welcome.
Tender Mercies.
Two weeks ago I had a scheduled appointment to have a couple more suspicious looking moles removed. Feeling slightly uneasy to the point of nausea… I sat on the table half naked waiting for the doctor to appear. Those few moments felt like an eternity as I imagined them filleting me open like a fish and leaving my body marred. I had already had to have a couple pre-cancerous ones removed. One of which took at least a year to heal. They took a large chunk of flesh and, although the mark is finally fading, it is still a reminder of what was cut out of me. I was dreading the inevitable.
Then a second doctor arrived.
Then something miraculous happened…
I didn’t have to have them cut.
It was the general consensus amongst the doctors that my moles looked fine. Better. Improved.
Really?
Can this happen?
I wasn’t arguing.
I was ecstatic. Maybe I wasn’t such damaged goods after all.
This was cause to celebrate.
I bought new underwear and ate a giant burger and spent a lazy day with my husband, free of pain and holes.
Was this a miracle? A freak phenomenon? A coincidence? A tender mercy?
I’m not sure, but my mind has been preoccupied with the notion of “tender mercies” lately.
Maybe it’s because I want so desperately to believe in something greater than myself, that there is a divine being in charge up there.
I've been in a strange place lately questioning things that I once believed. I can no longer rely on others. I want to know these things for myself. I want signs.
I remember listening to a talk by David Bednar in which he defined tender mercies…. “ very personal and individualized blessings, strength, protection, assurances, guidance, loving-kindnesses, consolation, support, and spiritual gifts which we receive from and because of and through the Lord Jesus Christ.”
I think so often in life we are granted these sweet tender mercies, yet fail to recognize or acknowledge them. We go about our days and focus on the mishaps and the frustrations and don’t stop to really reflect on the blessings. Would we notice them more if they were life altering?
I believe that we are all granted tender mercies… in small, subtle ways every single day.
the unexpected smile from a stranger on a trying day
a note from a long lost friend
a beautiful sunset
selfless acts of service among siblings
beautiful days at the park with loved ones
a kind email or fb “how are you?”
anonymous goodies left on your front porch
I challenge you to take a look around. Don’t let the tender mercies in your life go unnoticed.
Then a second doctor arrived.
Then something miraculous happened…
I didn’t have to have them cut.
It was the general consensus amongst the doctors that my moles looked fine. Better. Improved.
Really?
Can this happen?
I wasn’t arguing.
I was ecstatic. Maybe I wasn’t such damaged goods after all.
This was cause to celebrate.
I bought new underwear and ate a giant burger and spent a lazy day with my husband, free of pain and holes.
Was this a miracle? A freak phenomenon? A coincidence? A tender mercy?
I’m not sure, but my mind has been preoccupied with the notion of “tender mercies” lately.
Maybe it’s because I want so desperately to believe in something greater than myself, that there is a divine being in charge up there.
I've been in a strange place lately questioning things that I once believed. I can no longer rely on others. I want to know these things for myself. I want signs.
I remember listening to a talk by David Bednar in which he defined tender mercies…. “ very personal and individualized blessings, strength, protection, assurances, guidance, loving-kindnesses, consolation, support, and spiritual gifts which we receive from and because of and through the Lord Jesus Christ.”
I think so often in life we are granted these sweet tender mercies, yet fail to recognize or acknowledge them. We go about our days and focus on the mishaps and the frustrations and don’t stop to really reflect on the blessings. Would we notice them more if they were life altering?
I believe that we are all granted tender mercies… in small, subtle ways every single day.
the unexpected smile from a stranger on a trying day
a note from a long lost friend
a beautiful sunset
selfless acts of service among siblings
beautiful days at the park with loved ones
a kind email or fb “how are you?”
anonymous goodies left on your front porch
I challenge you to take a look around. Don’t let the tender mercies in your life go unnoticed.
Tuesday, May 04, 2010
Wordless Wednesday: A Beautiful Day
I'm joining forces with the rest of the Wordless Wednesday community. Link your Wordless Wednesday posts up in the linky below and head over to Wordless Wednesday, Live and Love... Out Loud, and 5 minutes for mom. From there you can link up to other Wordless Wednesdays. Can't wait to see what you come up with.
See my other Wordless Wednesdays here.
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